Forget the Drought

I have only lived in this city 2 and half years. In that short time I can remember not too long along when people were praying for rain desperately. There were all kinds of water restrictions in the city and the fear we could run out of water if it didn't rain.

Now it is completely different. We are in our 3rd week straight of consistant rain. Specifically, starting this weekend the rain became heavier and seemed to last forever (or atleast thru Monday night). The storms Sunday night going into Monday were the loudest I think I have ever heard. I normally love sleeping to the sound of storms and rain, but these storms were disturbing. Monday we were able to see just how devastating the damage to this city. Trees down everywhere, streets and neighborhoods transformed into lakes, and houses going under water.

I have watched the news in the past on other floods, fires, hurricanes, etc around the country but to see and experience it in your own city is unbelieveable. The places you drive and houses you see everyday to be completely destroyed. Yes, these people affected by the floods have (for the most part) only lost earthly possessions, and it could have been something much worse, but it is still so sad. Their lives have been changed forever. Many have nothing and will be starting over. Many will not have insurance and won't be able to afford rebuilding their homes.

I feel terrible that many times I have overlooked these tragedies because I don't know anyone affected. I don't know why as humans we believe we are invincible for tragedy like this to ever happen to us or those we love. The last 24 hours have really opened my eyes in a new way. I love this city I live in and the people here.

(The pictures above are from John's sister house and his aunt and uncle's house. Thankfully, everyone is okay).

At Last

14 weeks away ,13 hours to Philly, 12 round trip flights, traveling thru 9 states, but a great internship and summer...

So thankful he is finally HOME!

Mr. & Mrs. Lee Nalley

Off to St. John

Mary Brantley and Lee were married this weekend and it was a blast! Their ceremony was so God honoring and the reception was so fun. Beautiful does not even describe how incredible MB looked Saturday and the whole weekend, really. The rehearsal dinner was my favorite. It was amazing to hear all the stories of how Lee and MB have already touched so many people's lives. I cannot imagine how much more of an impact they will have now being married. I am so thrilled for them both and cannot wait to see them when they return next week!

While waiting to take lots of pictures, we just took more pictures.

Right before the ceremony

Laura (far left, above) made the whole cake. Yes, I have extremely talented friends.

It was delicious!

They are adorable!

Incase you didn't know, we love to take pictures together. :)

Erin enjoyed the left over cake!

I love wedding weekends!

Happy Anniversary

Christian and Linsey! These two got married two years ago today. Hope you guys have a great date night to celebrate!

All Grown Up!

I loved my prediatrician as a kid. Dr. Cortopassi - he was the best! In fact, my brothers and I liked him so much, my mom finally asked him one day, "How long can my children come to you before we need to go to a grown up doctor?" He said, "They can come until they have babies, and then one of them has to go!" No, we don't really still see our prediatrician (although we might if we lived in B'ham).

From now until October, during most of my free time, this is what I will be doing:

-finding a pediatrician

-updating life insurance

-making a will

-working out details of my maternity leave from work

-cleaning our guestroom and taking the baby stuff, organizing, etc to make a nursery

-thank you notes to wonderful friends and family

-going to prenatal classes at the hospital

-reading some recommended books

-and just learning anything I can about babies because I know nothing!

Aside from all that though, I have been thinking about what Dr. Cortopassi said alot lately. I definitely felt more grown up once I married and graduated from college, but I am feeling it even more so now. You cannot be the "child" when you have a child. Of course, we are always children of the Lord and growing in him. However, it is quickly becoming a reality to continue to walk with the Lord, not just for me, but because I will have a little one to take care of and teach. The Lord is entrusting this child to me and John on this earth and just like anything else, we cannot do it alone or on our own strength. So, more than any of the things listed above, the Lord is preparing my heart for this baby and I am humbled by this amazing blessing!

The Ham

Last week I headed to Birmingham for a few days. I had not been since May and I am trying to do little trips like this while a). John is gone and b). I can still travel. It was a great trip! Actually, made me miss Birmingham in several ways. Not that Birmingham is a small town by any means, but there are so many great things about it that make it seem smaller and more personal than living in the city here. Or maybe you just always feel that way about your home?

My sweet grandmother

Always love seeing Barb and Anna - we missed Lindsey!

A B'ham favorite - I actually went twice for lunch in 3 days. Terrible, I know, but it was glorious!

Dinner with some college and high school friends

My mom has been working hard to clean all me, Matt, and Christian's baby clothes from when we were little. I am really excited about using them soon! She sent me back with both the boy's stuff and mine.

Thanks for letting me come stay for a few days, Mom!

It's Coming

While it may still be 95 degrees outside, believe it or not, that time of year is coming and Jordan Hare will look like this in just a month.

Fall is not necessarily one of my favorite seasons for the cool weather or beautiful changing leaves, but for the FOOTBALL!