Conversation with G

Heidi & Daniel (mommy's brother)

G: "Do you like Heidi?"

Mommy: "Yes, I do like Heidi. Do you?"

G: "Yes," as he smiles and nods his head cockeyed to the left, "I like Daniel too."

Mommy: "Oh, yes, I like Daniel also. What do you like about Daniel?"

G: "He works. He likes tookies (cookies)."

Mommy: "Really?"

G: "Yes, I like cookies too," smiling.

These little conversations come out of nowhere most of the time and I love them! Oh, how G surprises me and makes me smile. I hope that you too smiled!

Happy, Sad

We love to watch Eme react to Garrett. We have definitely noticed that she can "hold her own." She adores her big brother, but she also lets him know when enough is enough. We like to use the words, "no thank-you." Yana is amused by the irony. What?

Scootin' Along

The Monday after G's birthday was an exceptionally warm day so we ventured to the park for some scooter fun and soccer practice...yes, that's right, folks - I DID say soccer! I promise it was G's suggestion - he asked to take his scooter AND his soccer ball....and his daddy! So, we loaded up after naps and picked up Chris from baseball practice.

G had a blast riding his scooter and is so quick is scares me!! Then, he humored daddy with his soccer skills. Ah, yes!!! he is able to run and kick a soccer ball all the way down the field with BOTH feet and without stopping...that's my boy!! I promise I DO like baseball but I really like soccer. Only the future can tell which sport, if either, that G will decide to play! For now, we'll have fun teaching him every sport we can teach him!

New Teeth!

BEFORE & AFTER

G had oral surgery this past Friday to repair his front four teeth and first year molars. We aren't sure of the cause of this rapid deterioration, but the experts highly recommended repairing these teeth asap so that he can enjoy the few years left with his "baby teeth." Limiting sugar (which most of you know is an understatement in this household) and consistent brushing just wasn't helping. In fact, the rate at which his teeth were rotting was so fast that in just a few months the diagnosis changed to include two more teeth be repaired! Ahh!

So, Friday, we found ourselves (mommy, daddy, and G) at our local hospital. We arrived around 7:45 am at the Admitting Desk. After standing there for a few minutes without so much as a glance from the two busy ladies, the patient standing behind me asked if we were waiting to be admitted. With my reply of "yes," one of workers with a frown announced, "Can I help you?" Discouraged by this repeat experience (I had pre-registered G 3 days prior), I began to wonder, "Is this what our day is going to look like?"

We waited patiently until called to the next holding area. Here we saw the sweet lady who had pre-registered us and also the receptionist of another department whom we had seen a few days earlier. Both waved, smiled, and winked at Garrett. Things were looking up! Once in a room in the Pediatric Ward, G was awake and alive. We had fun getting acquainted with the staff and looking at the colorful ceiling tiles painted by former patients. In our room, the corner tiles were painted with Batman and Elmo (both recent obsessions by G; although, we have NO IDEA from where his exposure to Batman came).

About 45 min. later, we found ourselves in the Pre-0p area awaiting the introduction of our anesthesiologist. This room was filled with colorful ceiling tiles too as well as a TV and a red & yellow car! G entertained the lounging staff of nursed, doctors, and techs. Our anesthiologist was hysterically quirky with horrible bedside manor. I couldn't believe that he would be assigned to children. He nonchalantly told us G would be given "sleepy juice" in this room and then taken about 20 min. later to the OR to receive gas to be put to sleep. I'm not sure if he is just used to dealing with folks who are ill-informed about medicine or who simply just don't care to know what type of meds are being given, but I had to pull the type of drugs out of him that would be administered. Which reminds me, I felt as if I had basically signed over consent to this hospital to do anything they wanted with my little G. What very little information was given to us about the procedure I had to pry out of my doctor and still, they would not give me specifics of drugs and procedures before D day. This was frustrating. I guess this is how it all works....not good for us A type folks who want to know everything ahead of time so that we can do our research and feel at peace with what is about to be done.

As G became drousy from the "sleepy juice," Chris and I stood on either side of the bed where he lay snuggled with his new "doctor bear" and "doggy general" (both of which he is completely attached - this comes with trauma). He, painlessly, watched not 20 min., but an 1 1/2 hrs. of TV - a MAJOR treat as we purposely do not have cable in our home and limit his exposure by allowing hi to watch the occassional Signing Times video or Sesame Street on the computer. He enjoyed Clifford the Big Red Dog, Sesame Street and the beginning of Word World. As we waited, we talked with G a little, but mostly watched him sleepily enjoy his cartoons and smiled as he slurred his words while talking to Elmo.

To my surprise and delight, Dr. Hutchison was working today. He is an anesthesiologist and the father of my greatest friends and running buddy, Tricia Coble. He was so polite to check on us and to make sure that we understood exactly what drugs G would be given and how this would all take place. He also took some time to talk with G and to make sure he was ok. It was good to be reassured and given a few more details from someone we trust. This helped calm my nerves a little; although, I was definitely the most unnerved one of us three. When the nurse in scrubs came in the room to prepare G for his departure to the OR, she looked familiar but I couldn't place her. After ruling out our aquaintance at church or the gym, she asked if I did anything with Northside (meaning Northside High School). I answered, "Yes, Chris coaches...." She jumped about a mile high and nearly knocked Chris down as she side hugged him and said, "I'm Josh's mom." Whew! What a joy to have yet another person that we know with G during the operation. Josh Andrews is a player who has been under Chris' leadershi p for the past 3 years and we adore him....so does G!!! Jeff, the nurse anesthetist, was a very nice man who came in the room with such a reassuring, calm prescence that G hardly noticed him until he said he had a 2 yr. old son named Jack. PRAISE YOU LORD!!! What a joy to see how the Lord is orchestrating each person to minister to G. As they wheeled G away from us and told us they'd give us a call shortly to let us know how G received the anesthesia, he calmly said, "Bye" and talked their ears off telling stories. And from what we were told, he was amazing in the OR and in the Recovery Room. He never cried. Not so for mommy - I cried as I watched him being wheeled away and any time I thought about the trauma he might face without me being there to console him or at the thought of loosing my G. He is such a joy to us! This was definitely one of the hardest days of my life trusting others completely with my boy! The next couple of hours were a time of waiting and thinking. Chris and I were able to spend some quiet time together. As we lay in room 3255, I prayed constantly over G. What a day to remind me that Garrett is a gift from heaven to us. God created him for a purpose and has a plan for his life. WE do not own him nor will we always be there for him. This day has allowed me to view my son in light of God's creation, God's redemption, and God's providence in all things. I am so grateful for the doctors and nurses who helped him - for their wisdom, expertise, and compassion.

Dr. Williams called to let us know how well surgery went and that G would be in recovery for the next 30 min. He said they may or may not call one of us to come to recovery...I was hoping they would!! But, as it would happen, Dr. Williams knocked on the door and not 30 seconds behind him was sleepy G being wheeled in the room. The recovery nurse said that he did great and that he had just been given morphine.

The next several hours were filled with daddy holding G as he awoke for brief moments to chat & eat, mommy journaling, going home to check on Eme & to get some food and G delighting in the newly found favorite - an orange POP-SICLE!!!! ...oh, yes, complete with all artificial ingredients including dyes! Oh, but he liked it and even asked for another one when he awoke a 2nd time and realized it had melted! Our sweet nurse, Martha Stepp, gladly fulfilled his request and asked us again if we needed anything. As it turns out, she, too, new me from singing on stage at our church and is great friends with the parents of one of my good friends from college. What a small world and what a Mighty God who leads the way in all walks! Thank you, Lord, for blessing our day in the hospital.

We arrived home around 5:20 pm where dinner was waiting on the stove. My sweet mom, affectionately called Yana, generously took a day off work to keep Eme for us. We enjoyed a good southern comfort meal complete with Granddaddy's purple hull peas & green beans, yummy sweet potatoes, and home-made cornbread. G was so drousy that he slept through dinner but around 8 pm, he awoke and decided that he, too, needed to partake of some food. Upon offering him applesauce, he declined. Instead, he sat with Yana (still in his hospital gown over his pjs- he insisted he wear his "gown" home) enjoying cornbread and peas!!! What?!!! Yes, you read correctly, G ate food not even 8 hours after oral surgery!

G has amazed us with his recovery and only complained briefly Sat. night that his teeth hurt. One dose of Tylenol before bed cured this ache.

We are grateful for this experience although we wish it upon no one.

G's new teeth suit him well and he is so proud of them! Just ask to see his teeth and he'll open up real wide!

Welcome cousin Corban Michael Clark

Todd & Janna Clark along with Chloe and Caden welcomed Corban Michael into their arms Dec. 8, 2009 weighing 9 lbs 1 oz. and measuring 21 inches. Eme didn't stay the baby long on either side of the family...just 3 months on mommy's side and 7 months on daddy's side! Corban is the 9th grandchild on the Clark side! We like babies!!!!

We are so excited and can't wait to meet you, Corban!!!!!

Green Juice....aahhhhhhh!

"What is green juice?" you may be asking. Let me tell you about it.
I was first introduced to green juice and began regularly juicing it last summer after I read the most wonderful book, The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose. Her recipe titled, Green Lemonade, instructs us to juice the following ingredients in a juicer (we use a Jack Lallane):
1 head romain lettuce or celery
5 - 6 stalks kale
1-2 apples
1 whole organic lemon
1-2 tbsp. fresh ginger
It has a wonderful taste and I feel highly innergized when I drink it. Chris even took it to class with him last summer several mornings. Let's just say it was a hot topic among those who brought the usual coffee and soda pick-me-ups/ let-me-downs. I'm so proud of my healthy husband! He will be the first to tell you how making healthier choices has given him much more energy, an incredible immune system, and allows him to fully enjoy the foods that God DID design for us to eat.
Recently, one of my best friends, Tiffany Finney, let me in on a secret "green juice" that she developed! I can't give you her secret recipe, but I can tell you how I've been making my own, thanks to her wonderful advice! We blend it in a regular blender, which means that anyone with a blender can make this!! An added bonus it that you will get the fiber with it, not just the healthy juices. What a great way to start your day with healthy calories, fiber, fat and protein ! It tastes absolutely delicious and is jammed packed full of vitamins and minerals! Make sure to make it your own by adding flavors you enjoy.

Jill's Green Juice Recipe:
1/2 fresh, ripe avocad0
1/2 apple, (gala)
handful fresh spinach
2-3 stalks of romaine lettuce
8 0z. coconut water (mango or pineapple flavored add zest!) O.N.E brand
1 0z. Amazon Acai (for flavor)- we don't always add this.
6-8 cubes of ice
1 tbsp. flax oil, organic & nonrefined - enriched w/ lignans
handful of fresh, unsweetened & unsulphured coconut
2 tblsp. of soy protein (optional - a product from the line that Jill sells)

This super easy recipe takes just a few minutes to make and provided a healthy detox and pick-me-up after a long night's sleep...or short night, depending on how often your children awaken! ;)
enjoy!

Congratulations to the Dossmans!

Oliver & Rachel Dossman welcomed sweet baby girl, Liana Kate, into their arms November 30, 2009. She weighed 6 lbs. 8 0z. and is 18 inches. Here a sneak peak at their precious little princess. Big brothers, Alexander & Zachary, are excited to meet her!

Still following?

Wow! If we still have any followers, I am highly thankful! Consistency is not my strength...esp. when it comes to updating this blog! So, THANKS, for still following us!

The last several weeks have been filled with lots and lots of fun with family and friends!


We enjoyed visiting Chris' family over fall break in Indiana. We even got to go to one of cousin Ben's soccer games after enjoying Nana's traditional soups (chili, vegetable beef, and potato). yummy! Jill and Chris both continued training for their marathons, which has taken up a lot of time, but has been enjoyed with running buddies!
After Chris' marathon in Chickamauga, we went to TX with Yana to visit Kenneth, Jennie, and Mallorie. We stayed with Uncle Hugh & Aunt Donna, Max, and Barrett, who were the most gracious hosts! We arrived in Tupelo from TX last Wed. night and celebrated Thanksgiving dinner with Jill's family at noon. Yes, Yana is amazing cooking ALL of the food, except for Mimi's dinner rolls, green beans, and pumpkin rolls. Wow! ....did I tell you that she went to TX with us? She is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! And here we are now - home in Jackson preparing for G's third bday party, which is next week!

Be on the look out for some back logging...gotta get some pics up and let me you know about Chris' 2nd marathon!

Bedtime....or NOT

At bedtime, do you ever think, "The kids are sooooo tired; they'll be asleep in minutes!" only to find out that your little one(s) have other plans! Well, that was just what happened tonight. One side note: G had no nap which meant one of two things: either he'd crash at 6:00 pm OR he'd be up later than expected! You guessed it: the latter happened tonight. And I am happy to say that I DID find joy in it too!....so did Eme! In fact, our little angel is the one who awakened mr. sleepyhead just as he was trying to get to sleep. I thought for sure that she was going back to sleep and then POUNCE! She leaped right over me and onto Garrett squealing with delight that she'd found her brother in the darkness. All I heard from that point on was giggles, giggles and more giggles from both parties! What does a momma do? Giggle too....and run for the camera! I took a few videos of the happenings; unfortunately I did not get Eme initiating this dance.

After playing a while; they did go to sleep.....still an hour after their "usual" time.

Hope you enjoy!

Good night to all.

did you say "smile?"

my little G loves to make faces and to be silly and my little E loves to join in the fun!

scooter bound

What a wonderful time we had in Sewanee again this summer. One of G's favorite things to do was to "visit friends," which we did quite often. Katie is one of three precious Patterson kids that we love and adore. She is a fun, nature loving, compassionate, smiley gal who is so great with little ones! Here she is with G letting him try out her scooter (not sure that's the proper lingo for it today). Standing from the doorway looking out at him, G suddenly looked so grown up to me....holding a 7 week old added to the effect.

NANA is loved!!!

What to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon? Well, SKYPE, of course, with Nana!! Here is a little video clip of our conversation in song today. We really like skype because it is in real time - a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. Plus, IT'S FREE!!

Thanks for a great call, Nana. It was wonderful to "see" you and chat for a while! We love you and miss you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

What do YOU see?

THIS IS A TEST.
LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING GROUP OF PHOTOS AND TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE.
ANSWERS BELOW


Answers.......

a. the top photo may look a Chi Hairstyling Iron but according to G, it is in fact.... an ALLIGATOR!!! Watch out....this alligator eats hair!

b. the bottom left photo does appear to be Chris' socks; however, if you look closely, you may just be able to see that these are really "houses for my puppets."

c. the bottom right photo may just be a bamboo paper towel holder, but in G's eyes, it IS a baseball bat.

I am continously amazed by our little 2 1/2 year old's mind. Oh, to have his imagination and also to truly perceive that what he sees IS reality. I catch myself saying to him:
"Oh, that does LOOK like a bat."
To which G replies, "No, Mommy, it IS a bat."
I willingly comply, "Oh, I see."

*Can't argue with a 2 year old.

E loves her daddy too!!!

And, apparently, is just as amused with him as she is with G!! These are the memories that I cherish. Thank you, Lord, for these sweet moments and for allowing us the opportunity to be loved by these precious ones. We are grateful.

Sleepytown calls....

As most of you know and so graciously keep your unapproval quiet, I have nurtured this child to sleep with loving mommy milk most of the days of G's life. I could count on one hand the times he has fallen asleep without it. And in those times, he has awoken at least once to partake of this cherished drink or in my absence, cried on the shoulder of the willing comforter (daddy.) With that said, I stumbled upon this today and was completely surprised! This is the FIRST time he has fallen asleep on the floor. What you don't see, is that moments earlier Eme was beside him on this blanket trying to "eat" his hair and hands AND he was awake playing gently with her! I took her back to their room to change her diaper and came back minutes later to find that he had fallen asleep to the sounds of Baby Explorer, a musical favorite of his when he was Eme's age. Wow - guess all the playing we've done outside the past few days has worn him down!

All Giggles

Eme can't get enough of her brother! These little monkeys just keep rolling....no bumped nogans yet!

Yana is loved!

Friday night on the way home from eating dinner, G said, "I want to see Yana." Not wanting to get his hopes up (since he has no concept of time), I replied with, "Well, maybe we will see her soon."

Sat. morning after I returned home from the gym, Yana's car was in our driveway! I was informed that he jumped for joy with excitement when she walked into the house. I love that he gets excited about seeing family!

Thank you, mom, for loving on us. I wish you were closer but am so thankful that you come to visit us! We appreciate you sacrificing your time!!!!!! Love you!!!!!

Trains!

(the top train is mommy's creation and the bottom is daddy's)

G has had an affinity for trains ever since we brought them back from our cousins' home in Texas. One year later, he is still being creative with these fascinating locomotives. He has no trouble in getting either me (Jill) or Chris to help him "repair" the tracks and create new circuits. In fact, we often get trapped trying to figure out how to make the best new track. As of late, we've figured out several new ways and I must say that Chris gets the "most creative" award by using other toys to hold up his bridge and by using double connecting pieces in areas that I, Jill, would never entertain...I'm the logical one...that double piece can ONLY fit if it has another piece with which to connect....am I right?! Check out our tracks and G's message to family!

BTW, Nana, he really enjoys his "C'ductor hat" you bought him this summer at the real train station. We can't wait for you to visit Jackson again so we can take you with us to visit Jackson's Train Depot! It has a huge model train set...and the sweet man working there even let G get in the driver seat. I didn't have my camera that day...just my phone that I lost 2 wks ago! :(

More babies!!!

I'm not joking when I tell you that our friends are all having lots and lots of babies right now and we are so excited! There were 10 new babies born this summer and these 6 recent babies! Eme has lots of girls to meet!

CONGRATULATIONS TO STEPHEN & KRISTIN KIRKLAND who welcomed baby girl Katelyn Sept. 23, 2009 weighing 6 lbs. 15 0z. and measuring 20 inches.


CONGRATULATIONS TO MATT & JEN GURNEY & big brothers Noah & Tucker who welcomed baby girl, Taylor Giles Hardin Sept. 17, 2009 weighing 9 lbs. 4 oz & was 20 inches (they call her their petite Gurney baby b/c she is the smallest newborn of their three.)

CONGRATULATIONS TO JONATHAN & SHANNON STEWART & big sister Carlee Hayse ON THE BIRTH OF THEIR TWIN GIRLS, Stella Kate 6 lbs. 5 oz., 18 1/2 inches and Adelaide (Addie) Mae 6 lbs. 11 oz., 19/2 inches.


CONGRATULATIONS TO STEVE MATUSZAK & MARDY BAKER on the birth of baby girl, Eva Marie Matuszak, 6 lbs 4 oz., 17 inches




CONGRATULATIONS TO DAN & WHITNEY SIKES & big brother, Cooper who welcomed baby girl, Reese Dianne "Reese Ann" 7 lbs. 8 0z. 18.5 inches

CONGRATULATIONS TO BEN & KATHY DAVIS & big sister Macey Kate & big brother Stone on the arrival of baby girl Rayne Elli who was born August 21st. She weighed 6lbs and was 19 1/4 inches long.

ABC's

Note:

The real version says, "T V U" for all of you that have been singing it the wrong way.

Big Brother to the Rescue

Eme has her first runny nose and isn't feeling the best. She wasn't exactly thrilled about me getting her dressed this morning and was ready for her morning nap when she started crying. Big G came to the rescue with his ever faithful prescence and singing! "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is his favorite song" to sing to her and I must say that most of the time she loves it too! She just can't get enough of her big brother.

Here's a demo for you to enjoy....although the volume in his voice is a little louder than usual:

Sweet Cousins

Thanks to Nana, we now have our camera back! We had such a wonderful time visiting the Clark side while in town at the end of July. Here is a collage of our precious neices and nephews. There is one more on the way due in Dec. Eme and Garrett will have 7 cousins on the Clark side and 4 cousins on the Garrett side. Wow!!!

*updates later on our visit to Indiana!

Eme is 4 months!

I can't believe it...Eme is already 4 months! Wow! Time definitely seems to pass more quickly with our second child. We are so blessed to parent these two beautiful children. As I type, I hear Eme waking on the monitor, "talking" - more like squealing! I just love each step along the way. Her development never ceases to amaze me, as does Garrett's.

When this picture was taken a couple of weeks ago while in Tupelo, Eme (3 1/2 months then) had just learned the week before how to roll from her stomach to back...or rather WE had just witnessed her rolling. We don't put her down enough to notice advancements. We believe in holding babies as often as we can...nurture, nurture, nurture. One added benefit for her being held so often since birth is that she has been given the oppurtunity earlier than most American babies to develop trunk control. Most of you noticed how well she held herself up and controlled her head the first few months of life and now here she is taking off again. Let's just hope she doesn't crawl soon. Since that time in Tupelo, we have also watched her roll from back to front and scoot herself all over the bed and play mat. It is really fun to witness her developmental milestones.

Her personality at this point seems to be pretty laid-back. She likes people and loves to suck her thumb and watch people, whether in the sling on mommy, in the bouncy seat, or in her car seat. People gravitate towards her. Yes, I realize most people adore babies, but Eme seems to have an internal sense that pulls people to her - maybe she has the gift of compassion like her father.

She absolutely ADORES her brother as he adores her back. What a joy and blessing that they love each other so much. We pray this bond continues to grow throughout their lifetimes.

Home!

For those of you who have been praying for baby Sean, thank you! He was able to come home Wednesday afternoon and is doing well. We are so thankful for God's healing on his little body and for all the staff at Vanderbilt who aided in Sean's surgery and recovery. Continue to pray for Jeremy & Angie as they take care of Sean and big brother Kaden.

"I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! " Deuteronomy 32:3

Kelso is One!

Happy Birthday, Kelso!!! We still can't believe that you are a one year old!!! ...already!

Congratulation to Yana for welcoming not one, not two, but THREE new grand children in less than 12 months! +

AK'S DESIGNS....SHE IS HIRED FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE TO PLAN PARTIES FOR US!!

AK made these for each child who attended the party.

Kelso's monkey cake...just Kelso's size, made by none other than AK.

Adorable photos of Kelso and family adorned the house from his first year.Kelso's special party hat AK made just for him!

We had such a great time in Tupelo this weekend seeing family, celebrating Kelso and our 4 years of marriage (thanks for watching the kids, Yana!!). As always, we delayed leaving Tupelo as long as possible bc mom (Yana) takes such good care of us providing a very peaceful place to stay, lots of yummy food, freedom from all daily chores, and the most tender love & care to us and to our children. We are so grateful to be loved by her.







It was also fun to see our cousins Melissa, Louie & their son, Felix as well as Trey, Katie & Beau, Uncle Butch, Joy & Meagan, Aunt Linda, Uncle Tom, Mimi and Granddaddy. What a joy to be able to see each other every now and then. Family is God's blessing.
Ak, Jay, Caitlyn & Kelso

Updates.

Garrett, Eme and I had the privilege of spending time with the Young clan again this past Friday. What a joy these precious children are to us and what a blessing their parents are too! As I heard Amy talk of her yearning to hold her little Kolpin close to her chest and to nurture him only the way a mother can, I begged of God to send him home!! Amy and Mike were gone to the hospital most of the morning. The kids and I had a good time playing outside, drawing, eating, and hanging out together. Around 1pm, as we were sitting around the living room playing with toys, in walked Mike, Amy.....AND Kolpin!! What a great surprise. I am so grateful to have experienced this joy with their family. Praise God that he is home and that he is healthy. The next few weeks will be crucial to Amy and Mike bonding with their new addition. Please pray that we will still be attentive to their needs with the children and with meals. Please rejoice with them! To God be the Glory!!!



On the other hand, baby Sean is still in the hospital at Vanderbilt. It has been one week since his surgery and he is doing better. However, Jeremy and Angie are growing weary as Sean is beginning to vocalize his struggle in this traumatic event and they were sure to go home tomorrow, but it looks as though they won't. Please pray with me tonight/today for our God of peace to surround this little one, his parents, and his brother, Kaden , with only the peace he can give. Sean is getting stronger, yet needs to heal more! Pray that Jeremy and Angie would receive God's wisdom and comfort in order to care for Sean as he processes his trauma.
Praise God for this beautiful life and for the healing that He continues to bring. To God be the Glory!

Baby Sean

As we shared congratulations with Angie and Jeremy Burke this week on their baby boy, Sean, we also have spent much time in prayer over them.

Baby Sean is recovering from open heart surgery. You can read their blog to find out how to pray specifically for them.

The Youngs are doing well too. Baby Kolpin is making progress and is expected to return home soon. Please pray that he will eat, eat, eat!!!!

Again, we are amazed by God's presence, His mercy, and His grace. If you don't know Christ, please open your hearts to see Him through all of our stories.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Welcome Mallorie Faye Garrett

My brother, Kenneth, and his lovely wife, Jennie, welcomed baby Mallorie Faye into their arms today! She weighed 6 lbs. 12.8 oz. and is 17.72 inches.

We can't wait to meet this precious child!!!

Congratulations, Kenneth & Jennie. We praise the Lord with you for the safe delivery of your baby girl. Be present in every moment as it will pass so quickly.
Give Jennie our love!!

Welcome baby Kolpin Young!!

We are so excited to welcome yet another one of Eme's new friends, born last night at 9:08pm to our dear friends Mike & Amy Young. Eme and Kolpin have a special bond in that they were both born at home with the same midwife, Lynda Hoskins. Please keep Kolpin in your prayers as he was transferred to the NICU for evaluation of his "sticky lungs." You can see a pic and read more at the Youngs blog.

Children are a blessing from the Lord!!! Praise God Almighty for watching over Kolpin. Birth is truly a miracle.
"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

"They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed." Psalm 37:26
this verse completely sums up the Young family!!!!

Finally, a turtle!

After treking through Sewanee for 7 weeks, we FINALLY saw a turtle during our morning walk today. In fact, a very nice and conscientous man stopped his pick-up truck to rescue the turtle from the not-so-busy street to safety off road. We crossed the street to see this wonderful creature who was still in his shell heeding safety.

Here is our wonderful find:

Mmmmmm Good!!

In our quest to honor God with our bodies, we are making more of an effort to ingest those things which He designed as food. Reading Hope Egan's book Holy Cow, this summer, I have been more AND more convicted that my food decisions should not only reflect my desire to live a healthier lifestyle or just to honor God with my body, but also to honor His Word - the ultimate Truth. He designed these laws, the Pentateuch, many years ago in order to aid His people in becoming healthy people. And He asks us to make the same decisions concerning health today not just to be healthy but also that we may be in a right relationship with Him. I am so thankful for our God's grace, mercy, and love to provide for His creation!

His Word is perfect and timeless.

Click on the link above to read the first part of Hope's book. I'm sure you'll be hooked!!

Therefore, in an attempt to create a healthy, raw snack for us, I made some granola bars today. Here is the recipe if you'd like to create your own:

be warned these do fall apart at room temp. so if you'd like to cook them to set them, try baking them for 5-8 min. on 350 F.
I just did not cook any of these ingredients in order to preserve the nutrients and get the most benefits from the food.

Mix the wet ingredients together in a medium size bowl with beaters:
1/2 cup Almond Butter, pref. raw & organic, Maranatha (Kroger or online is cheaper)
1/2 cup + 1/8 cup Coconut oil, pref. raw & organic Nutiva (Whole Foods or online)
1/3 cup Brown Rice Syrup, organic Lundberg, (Kroger)
1/3 cup honey, raw w/ the honey comb if you can find it; I only had a "pure" local honey.

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients (feel free to pick & choose your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit...oh, and be sure to add a little carob or chocolate chips!
2 cups rolled oats, pref. organic & whole (Bob's Red Mill has this or get it at Whole Foods); please not Quaker's Oats.
2 cups Bob's Red Mill Muesli (Kroger)
1 cup rolled barley (get these from Whole Foods) if you don't have this; just use the oats.
1/2 c. ground flaxmeal Bob's Red Mill (Kroger)
1/4 c. sunflower seeds, raw (Whole Foods)
1/4 c. almond slices, raw
1/2 c. coconut, raw & unsweetened (Whole Foods)
1/2 c. chopped pecans, again pref. raw
1/4 c. chopped wal-nuts, pref. raw
a handful of carob chips or chocolate chips for half the batch.
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture mixing well with a wooden spoon and your hands (make sure to put a little coconut oil on your hands). Then spread on a 9 x 11 pan and freeze for an hour. Cut and enjoy!!! These freeze well; so stock your freezer and you'll have a healthy snack whenever you get a craving for something sweet and crunchy!
You'll not only get plenty of fiber from these but also lots of carbs and healthy fat! Enjoy!!

Mouse or Cap?

As I am preparing breakfast this morning, I look over to see my 2 month old daughter wearing a ______? I think to myself, what is that? As I approach the table, G points to Eme and say, "Yook, mommy, Eme is wearing a baseball cap!" I reply, "Oh, I see; she is wearing a cap."

Thanks, Uncle Scott for the "cap"....and thanks to AT&T for the "mouse pad."

Eme is 2 months!!!

I can hardly believe how quickly time is passing - Eme is already 2 months!! It seems like yesterday that G was still a baby and he is quickly approaching 3 years!!! The transition from one to two children can be trying at times, but for the most part, it is extremely enjoyable. And I love the way G takes care of his little sister. He is so in tune with her. At the moment he hears her cry, he is saying, "Mommy, mommy - go get Eme" (when she's not sleeping on me). I'm thankful to know that he is attaching to her in much the same way that he is attached to us. How amazing and unhindered love is acted out when we allow ourselves to respond appropriately and without delay. I love to see these God-given intuitions play out; it reminds me how He is in control of our lives and that He loves us so much more than any of us can ever imagine or even express to one another. I'm so thankful that God responds without delay - even when our timing is not His timing.

THANKS, DANANE, FOR THE OUTFIT!!

Hands

Eme has found her hands and is taking great delight in studying them.