Saturday, April 30, 2011

17/52 Princess for a Day

Uprooted

Once again, I deviated from this week's theme, "Princess for a Day."  Number one, we don't have any "princesses" around our house; and number two, our week was dominated by news of tornados.  It seemed only appropriate that my photo this week represent that part of our lives.  I took this photo not far from my brother's house where an EF-2 tornado came through.  The town he lives in was devasted by this storm.  As we drove the backroads, we saw tree after tree uprooted from the ground.  Uprooted much like the lives of so many of our neighbors who have lost their homes due to these storms.   

Friday, April 29, 2011

The Goodies

Clayton was showered with gifts at the Make-A-Wish party.  Gifts from the MAW team, the sponsoring family/business, and from the Gaithers themselves:

-2 photo frames
-photo album
-Razorback hat
-Razorback shirt
-"Find It" game
-stickers
-backpack
-etch-a-sketch
-2 movies
-Bill Gaither's book
-NIKON COOL PIX w/case
-iPod TOUCH with case and charger
-Best Buy gift card
-5 Gaither Homecoming CDs
-8 Gaither Homecoming DVDs

I don't know about you, but I call that hitting the jackpot!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Party Pics!

I had an ulterior motive when I asked our Pastor if we could have Clayton's party at the church . . . our ladies know how to throw a party!  Brenda Sharp headed up a team of decorators and bakers, and they delivered the best of the best as they always do!
The cake was donated by a shop in town and Clayton instantly dubbed it the "cake-bus."  (Oh, and he also wanted to ride on it of course!)

The decorations:

(Clayton's table definitely had to be the one with the John Deere on it). 



The food:
  

Loved the garden tools as utensils!



Arriving:


Holding on tight because he now realizes there is a room full of people:

Ms. Jamie telling Clayton there is a special guest for him:

He was so nervous, he nearly pulled the tablecloth off the table!


His classic "OH, MY!" pose:






He even got an iPod Touch!

The family that sponsored his wish:

The Make-A-Wish team:

Clayton and Taylor:

She had to park him by the door to watch as people left:

My parents and brother:

Can't forget Jackson!

And definitely can't forget Granny!
A huge thanks to Lindsay K Photography for these great photos!!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter!

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.  Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.  Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Matthew 28:1-10


Saturday, April 23, 2011

16/52 Furry Friend

Katie

This week has been crazy to say the least, so I kept it simple with this week's theme--no creativity involved!  Katie is now eleven years old and even though her status changed the moment Shawn and Clayton were born, she is still a faithful companion and guard dog!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

15/52 What Do People Think of Me?

Yikes.  This week's theme was a bit scary to tackle.  Perhaps I really don't want to know what people think of me!  However, I decided to go for the real deal and asked my friends.  Many mentioned strength, and a couple mentioned me being a "steel" magnolia. 
Steel Magnolia

From my friend Kelli:  "I say you take a photo of that Magnolia Terry is speaking of :) It exemplifies optimism, strength, it's a friendly tree, and the flowers are beautiful (which you are too), it's creative. Just a thought. :)"

There were several other responses that warmed my heart and gave me many ideas for photos, but . . . I had to go with what I could actually find! 

I'm so tempted to go into all the reasons why I'm not near as strong as many people think I am, but I will just say this:  my strength only comes from the Lord.  I can only pray that His strength is what people see!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

That Darn Phone Again!

It's hard to get any gardening done when you get as many phone calls as Jackson does.

Friday, April 15, 2011

2011 Garden

Brian has spent the last two days planting this year's garden. 
It's what you do when you're a descendant of Wilma.
Clayton helped him early with the tilling and preparation of the rows.  (I wasn't around with my camera then, but Brian got some pictures I may share later).  Jackson came in for the finishing touches.
Perfect excuse for a little boy to get good and dirty!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Can't Be Two Places at Once

One wants to make camp out front so he can keep up with the neighborhood happenings:
 The other wants to stay out back so he can explore with the dog:
Where does that put me, you ask?  Well . . . I'm either trying to keep Jackson out of the street (not very successfully) or I'm consoling a very uncontent Clayton on the back porch.  Who knew outside playtime could be so complicated?

Monday, April 11, 2011

It's Baseball Season!

This past Saturday was Opening Day for Miracle League 2011 and Clayton enjoyed himself just as much as he did during last year's games.  He was a little disappointed that Momma forgot his glove, but it didn't stop him from fielding the ball!
But by far, batting is probably his favorite part since he gets to "run" afterwards.  (That was the first thing he said after I told him we were going to his ballgame--"I going to run?")  Yes, dear child, you will RUN!
Brian and I have decided that if we ever start feeling sorry for ourselves or Clayton, these games are the place to go.  His problems could be much worse. Moreover, it is an absolute blessing to see these kids and families choosing happiness and choosing LIFE despite their circumstances. Such an awesome program to be a part of!

Saturday, April 09, 2011

14/52 Fusion

Fusion

This week's theme was easy for me since our youth program at church is called "Fusion."  I headed over to their worship service on Wednesday night and this was my favorite of the photos I captured.

Friday, April 08, 2011

Sharing Issues

While taking Clayton's picture the other day, I was desperate to keep Jackson from running off into the wild blue yonder.  I decided to give him my phone in the hopes of keeping him close by.  The inevitable happened, as Clayton decided it was necessary for him to make a call as well. 
Jackson was kind enough to let Clayton take a listen, but never would fully hand over the phone. 
Clayton tried with his little bit of strength to get the phone for himself, but it never did happen.
And when Clayton realized his hopes were dashed, he was completely DONE with Jackson. 
It wasn't pretty!

To make up for not helping him out (and instead snapping pictures!), I did let Clayton play with my phone on the way home.  He was a happy camper since Jackson was fastened tightly in his car seat and couldn't interfere with his fun!