May Happenings

So the rest of our month was pretty steady. You'll see highlights from our neighborhood picnic. We have such great neighbors! They look out for you and get to know you and enjoy each other! There are 2 families who have lived in their homes since they were built in 1965. This neighborhood started when the phone company hired lots of folks and housing boomed. Salt of the earth folks living here! You'll also note photos of Claire at the Children's Hospital ER (Most are changing to ED now - emergency dept)...Long story very short, she had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin that she was taking for an ear infection and broke out in rash that was not improving through the night. She has recovered and so have we. Like her mama, she is allergic to all penicillin drugs unless otherwise notified! You'll also see some fun times with Big Daddy. He was in town for the SEC Baseball tourney at Regions Park. Let's take a moment to all ring our cowbells to this years SEC Champs - THE MSU BULLDOGS!! He was sure to make time for Claire on many occasions but a special one to go to the zoo! Big fun! Lastly you'll meet Selah, Claire's friend from down the street. She was down to play for a while. Selah has a 2 week old little sister now. She has also shared many of her cute clothes with Claire since she's 7 months older. How great is that!!! It was fun to watch them interact and play and work through the "MINE!" and the sharing of toys etc...Toddlerdom is amazing! We are having fun and growing and learning daily. Here comes summer! Ready or not!

Mother's Day

Mother...what a loaded word! Brings lots of thoughts and emotions as I have my 2nd Mother's Day. Incredible, challenging and most rewarding and anticipation of the years to come watching Claire be all God has for her to be...all with the backdrop of what a great husband and father Jeff is to make this motherhood thing so much fun! We celebrated in Baton Rouge with Jeff's family. Enjoyed lots of downtime/playtime (who is defining that?), some time on the carousel since the Louisiana heat has already come full bloom, and always good Louisiana cuisine! I was treated to TIME - time for nap, time to jog, and time to shop! TIME - what a precious gift! Claire knew just what to give me...she and I enjoy watering the flowers together most everyday so I got a new watering can AND since she has taken over the tupperware, I got some new of my own! Yea! To wrap up Mother's Day celebrations we also enjoyed time with my mom after we returned. Mother's Day is a time to give thanks for our own mothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers, mothers of the faith, and those who are giving in their all to do their best to prepare children for what is coming in this world! OH MY GOODNESS! As Claire said to me and I say to all mothers, "Cheers" and as Paul says, "Press on!" Oh God, help me nurture and train Claire to be all you have called her to be!

My brother and I have it made...

...we both have the most beautiful nieces in the whole world! Wouldn't you agree, Rah (my shorter name for him!)? We enjoyed a trip to Memphis recently to partake in the festivities of celebrating Ellie's 1st day. Her real bday is May 16. She is a doll and adored by so many! Robert and Andrea have a gazillion friends who have supported them and cheered them on in this first year and it was evidenced by all who came to watch Ellie smear the cake! Claire and Brodie ran laps together and had tons of fun as always! It is a true joy to watch these kids together. We love you Ellie and look forward to watching you grow to be all God has created you to be! Well done, Rah and Andrea and what a great big brother you are, Brodie!