Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Dreams

2012-01-31T22:52:00.004-06:00

So we have this little piece of land that we have been dreaming about for several years now...dreaming of someday raising our kiddos on it with all the trees watching them grow. There is a perfect little creek that runs right on the front side of it, a beautiful hill on the backside that grows green, green grass in the spring and summer...it backs up to someone else's country little barn and lake...complete with an old horse that's probably been there for years. We can see him from our treehouse. We bought the land before there was a Shaelyn Jade or a Jude in the world, but honestly, we knew that someday they would run its hills and wade its waters and climb its trees. I remember when we bought it, we walked through the trees and said that "someday" we'd build a cool treehouse on it. Before the treehouse, Rich and I would drive his truck out there and lay in the back with pillows and blankets and look at the stars...and dream our dreams. Then a Jadeybug was born...

...and even though she was too young to enjoy a treehouse yet, her Daddy knew that "someday" was coming quick, so he built our treehouse for her first birthday. Lots of love hammered into it he says. And it is cool. So we started going there, to our treehouse- our family of 3, and laying down blankets and pillows and looking up through the tall, tall trees that have been there hundreds of years longer than the old horse...and dreaming more dreams together. Of living there on that land. Of more children, a house, a dog...maybe even a horse of our own. And then there was a Judeboy...

(driving that same ole truck)
... And a family of 4. And more love than I have ever even dreamed. And "someday" is here. And we have this land, this treehouse, these children...and more dreams. So we spent another dreamy day there Saturday, our family of 4...doing the things we are doing on these "somedays" lately...

Swinging...

Pulling up like a big boy...

Making music (this crew loves a good sing along!)...

Soaking up every minute we can get with Daddy...

And I told Rich as I sat atop those trees in my little house that I have to be the happiest girl in the world. God has blessed me beyond my WILDEST DREAMS- with these two little people...

...And this handsome man...

And someday, I hope we can spend every day right there in the middle of those green fields, but until then...our dream days in the treehouse are enough.

"Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue...And the dreams that you dare to dream REALLY DO come true!"

Dream...BIG!

2012 so far...

2012-01-27T23:00:00.006-06:00

Well here I am already at the end of January and can't figure out where it's gone...must have been busy. Yes. Very busy. Between Rich's parents moving here, his birthday, and the 4 teeth growing in Jude boy's mouth that keep us all up at night...I have simply lost a few weeks in time! But it has been good. All good. We are so excited that Rich's Mum and Dad and little sis, Hosanna, arrived safely with no troubles at all on their 3000 mile journey. They arrived one day early on Rich's actual birthday- such a nice surprise, and we celebrated him and them with cake and ice cream in their empty house. Now it is already full of all their things and already "smells" like their home, I realized today...which made me smile. As I have mentioned before, their homes are always so "homey"...as I hope mine is. Hosanna starts school on Monday- 8th grade, which I know is both daunting and exciting for her...say a prayer for her if you think of it Monday morning. She is working over and over again on the "perfect outfit" to wear...big decisions, indeed! And I am so happy to have her here---to get to know her better, for real...and love on her. So fun to have a "teen" around to keep us in the swing of things. And Shae Jade just adores her. Hosanna "this" and Hosanna "that" all day long, now...and when she first gets around her, she is shy. So cute. Just tonight after we had dinner with them and Sweet Cece's we said our goodbyes and it was weird- us AND them both going to our homes here in lil' ole Spring Hill. Just crazy how it all happened so fast---we have prayed for them to be closer for so long...and it seems like all of a sudden, they are HERE. We are excited for all of you to get to know them...they are as GREAT as Rich!!!! :) :)

A few of our favorite moments from these first few weeks of 2012...

My BFF, Kathryne, and her hubby Jon and baby Charlotte came over for dinner one night and look who we found holding hands!!!! :) Charlotte is our pick for Jude's marriage arrangement someday...

Jude boy hammin' it up for Kathryne...

And Jadeybug feels like such a big girl around all these "babies"...made sure she got some good Charlotte snuggles that night!

Rich's best buds all showed up to surprise him at Cheesecake Factory...

These three pics are in order--- Rocky sneakily sharing a plan with Drason...

Me getting my pic of the handsome birthday boy... Say "Cheese...CAKE!"

Plan carried out. Nice Rocky.

My real gift for Rich was his first good night's sleep in about a year...so I took him a schnazzy room with a big, comfy bed...and honestly---a solid night of sleep is weird when it's been that long! WEIRDLY WONDERFUL!!!! :)

Our view from the top floor of the Renaissance Hotel...not something you see every day!

And while the cat's away...these little mice played at Nonni's! This was my first night away from my little man and I felt so good knowing he was with my Mom...Thanks Non for making Rich's birthday surprise happen!

This was Rich eating his real birthday cake the he made a wish on once his parents arrived...in their NEW HOUSE! :)

And as Rich said, this was is BEST birthday gift...his Dad, HOME AT LAST, in TENNESSEE!!!!

Highlights from the end of 2011

2012-01-04T16:29:00.009-06:00

Instead of a post about a list of resolutions that should have (but actually do not) this year...I wanted to end my 2011 blogs with a post about how we ended it! Here are some of our highlights...

This was, perhaps, the BEST gift of 2012...seeing sweet Tiff with her baby girl at last. This little lady was long awaited and SO, SO loved!!

Here is our crazy crew after our long plane rides across America...but we made it to San Francisco!

On one of those long plane rides, Jadey girl had some fun "holding" her little brother and helping him look out the window. Let's just say he was less than thrilled... :)

The city of San Francisco is so huge! Here seen from the Golden Gate bridge...

Alcatraz also from the bridge...

We had never walked across the bridge on any of our visits before, so we did it this last time!

We also took our favorite hike up in the moutains behind Nanma and Grampy's house...it is quite exhausting on those steep hills, but the view makes it all worth while!

My Christmas girl in her homeade reindeer shirt from school that she was so proud of...and her Christmas hairbows. I hope I never forget how she looked this day!!!

Snuggle bugs that slept most of the nights with us in Emily's bed (thanks for giving us your room, Em!!!)

Grampy and Jude had fun getting to know each other better...Jude loved all of his animals!

And Daddy and Jude boy also spent lots of time together...so nice having Daddy with us every day all day long!!!

Jude had to get ear tubes early the next morning after we arrived home from Cali...he was a sleepy boy as he waited for them to come get him!

And we spent New Year's Eve with some of our fave friends having a slumber party with all of our new baby "Boys Of Summer" (Bayo wasn't here yet when this pic was snapped!). The attire for our party was undecided- whether fancy or sleepwear...so Jude did both- bowtie with pjs...Cash was dressed to party!!!

At midnight, we cooked a big breakfast to kick off the new year...here are the chefs!

And here are the non-chefs...sleepy boys awaiting their meal! (PS...Bayo tried to hang, and outlasted the others...but finally crashed right there in the middle of the action!)

Finally feasting...we hope to make this a New Year's tradition!

And last, but CERTAINLY not least...me and my man ringing in 2012 the right way! They say whatever you're doing at midnight you will do all year, right???? :)

Certainly the best New Year's Eve yet...a wonderful end to a wonderful year. We are so THANKFUL to God for all of the many blessings he bestowed on us in 2011 and look forward to seeking Him even more in 2012! That is our only resolution. What a MIGHTY GOD we serve!

Christmas in Cali...

2011-12-28T00:25:00.005-06:00

This year I surprised even myself when Rich asked me about spending Christmas away from home....and I agreed. You see, I have always sworn I would keep my kids at our house for Christmas morning. We woke up at our own house every Christmas morning of my life, and I liked it that way. But this year has been a bit different for our family- the Andrews clan, I mean. God has been "a' movin'" and it's been pretty amazing to watch Him. And with all of the changes, we are THRILLED that Rich's parents and little sis, Hosanna, will be o-fficial Tennesseans as of January. So this year, we wanted to be here, in San Francisco, one last time with them. Plus, our kids won't really ever remember this Christmas away from home! So me and my crazy husband who loves to travel just about as much as I do packed up our two children 2 and under :) and made the 2 plane, 3000 mile trek across the US last Thursday. We made it just in time for a couple of crazy last minute shopping days right here in the heart of San Francisco (quite the experience!) and then such a wonderful, different, peaceful Christmas day. It was truly my favorite Christmas yet, I think. Anyone who has met my in-laws know that they really are super-duper people...but there is no way to explain JUST HOW super duper!!! Super kind, super giving, super loving...and no matter where they move on this earth, their houses are ALWAYS so home-y! I love that about them. Anyways, we have had a wonderful week...and today we decided we better make that long walk across the Golden Gate bridge if we're ever gonna...so we did it...just to do it! It was loud and windy...but oh so beautiful! Vast mountains and water on one side, vast city and buildings on the other. Lots of people and bikers doing the same. And as we were almost across, I realized I am living my own dream. If the lonely girl I was 10 years ago could have seen a snapshot of today---I would have known then, as I certainly do now, that my wildest dreams WOULD come true. I have a wonderful husband, a super duper extended family, two beautiful children (who fell FAST asleep during the walk across)...and God's amazing creation to look at...all on a random December 27, 2011. Wow. I love thoughts like that.

So a few snapshots for YOU...so you can share my dreams. Please pray for my sweet, sweet Andrews family. Like I said- God, He is a' movin'! :)

These rare snuggles with Nanma are about to be a common treat in Tennessee!!

My sweet little lady getting excited for Santa!

The grand Golden Gate bridge is truly an awe-inspiring structure!

Andrews pre-bridge...all eager for the hike ahead!

Andrews post-bridge...two peaceful sleepers, two aching backs...but 4 happy hearts still!

She's BACK!!!!!

2011-12-13T21:55:00.004-06:00

Well it has been a LONG break from the blog world...but I am happy to be BACK! I have had such a wonderful few months, finally feeling totally settled into my life with 2 little souls to look after. There is much to catch up on so that my days are not forgotten, but rather recorded here...but for now, I will start with one picture of the person who has MOST changed since my last post.

I love this face. He is the happiest little boy all the time. He loves his mama and his daddy but he LOVES his sissy! He keeps his eye on her at all times and lights up when she even looks his way. It has been the sweetest part of my day every day to watch this sweet relationship grow between my children.

Shaelyn Jade is such a good big sister- always wanting to help me with "Judey-boy"...and I am loving watching them take in the wonders of this Christmas season together!

I am back to blogging! See you soon...

She

2011-12-13T21:55:00.001-06:00

New Sis!!!

2011-09-20T22:48:00.006-05:00

Do you remember when I posted THIS BLOG...or how about THIS GIRL (keep reading to the bottom)???

Well, if you can believe it, folks...she IS "the one"...for my sweet brother, Gavin. This past weekend we were in on a BIG SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT for Kara. We drove to her hometown Thursday night and stayed at her parents' house. Talk about hospitable...her Mom and Dad are such sweet people---can't BELIEVE we're getting more good family! My mom and I have always been so amazed that God has given us TWO amazing girls already (Court and Tiff)...and their sweet families are like family to us, too...and now, Kara. God is good.

Anyways, we spent all day Friday getting ready (and taking Jude to an unexpected doctor visit there since he woke up with a fever/ear infection that morning...of course!) for the big night! Kara was CLUELESS...which is, apparently, hard to achieve. She thought she was just driving home after her classes Friday to go to the local high school football game (it is THE thing to do on a Friday night in Greeneville, TN!). So, she and Gavin and her parents went to dinner, as usual...and then the game. Gavin told Kara that day that he'd lost his phone somewhere that day while "riding horses on her parent's farm". So that night, after the game, he casually asked her to ride back where he'd been that day on a four-wheeler to look. Now I kinda need to give you the picture of where he took her. It is out in the middle of NOWHERE...so it was pitch black. There is the cutest little cabin back there on this rugged land...up on a hill...with a beautiful little pond just at the base of the hill. And right there on the bank of the pond sits this old, wooden swing. Just alone. Nothing special. Until Friday night. :) On Friday night, it became the site of a special engagement. We'd wrapped it in a million lights that day...

...but you couldn't see them in that darkness. We'd run extention cords from up the hill where the cabin is, and since there is NO ELECTRICITY out there, we even had a generator running (but far enough away that you couldn't really hear it). I'd planted Gav's phone right there by the swing where he could just flip the red switch on the power strip and the swing would light up the night like a Christmas tree! So Gav and Kara are there riding in the dark calling and calling this phone hoping to see it light up...and as they crest that hill he tells her to call it again...and she does...and they see it light up, way off, down by the swing. And one other sweet addition: Gavin joked with Kara when they first started dating that if he ever took her "fishing in the dark" then it was serious business...and he'd end up marrying her! Soooo....there on that swing, with all those lights...and hundreds of rose petals scattered beneath it...and 24 perfect pink roses (tied in a Tiffany-blue ribbon!) layed on the seat----he had her fishing pole leaning over it all with THE RING tied to the end....

...AND----when he knelt to turn on the lights, he also turned on the song "You and Me Going Fishing In the Dark"....such a sweet, sweet idea!!!!!

Well...to say the least...SHE SAID YES!!!! (Wouldn't you have???)...and my brother, Gavin- the hopeless romantic that he is (ha!) will marry the perfect mate that God created just for him...on June 16, 2012! I am so thankful for another wonderful sister I will get out of this deal, and excited for the rest of our lives to make memories together!
Now the second best part of this story is the second surprise! Kara and Gav rode back to her house where her mother was, of course, waiting in tears! They did the normal hooplah and then, again casually, suggested she go down the road and tell her Aunt Barbara the big news! So...they hopped in the car, drove to Barbara's, and unbeknownst to Kara...to a HUGE SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT PARTY where her closest friends and family were gathered! It was so sweet! I was so thankful to be a part!

Isn't LOVE grand?????

I know most peeps aren't into posting comments...but if you would take a second and do it---tell me about YOUR engagement! I'll give you the details of mine later...when I finish my love story I started last month! (PS- sorry for the long blogging sabbatical...been busy, but gonna get back to it now!!!)

Day 5

2011-08-11T16:22:00.007-05:00

So...I at least STARTED strong, right? Got to having so much fun that blogging had to take a back seat until now that I am home, but wanted to post the rest of our sweet pics from last week...the most wonderful week in Charleston!

Started our day with a pedicure...so fun!

Had so much fun the night before that we decided to spend this whole day just hanging at the pool there in the neighborhood...so nice with the little kiddy pool!

Brother and Dad...

One of my favorite pics of this sweet boy yet!

And we spent another evening in downtown Charleston- ate dinner at the Irish Pub that I worked at when I lived there, Tommy Condon's...and where we ate dinner with all our friends/fam the night we got engaged!

Does anyone know what time it is???

2011-08-02T21:53:00.008-05:00

"Does anyone know what time it is?"...

That was the question that changed my life. Literally. I was waiting in the hallway outside of my new french class, along with everyone else, for the teacher to get there. It was January. I had just returned from spending 3 weeks at home for Christmas and was back in Charleston for another semester at Trident Tech, a local community college. The plan was to continue going to school, making good grades, and after a year of being in Charleston I could apply for in-state tuition and transfer to the College of Charleston. But for now, it was Trident Tech, and I was taking French because I'd taken it 3 years in high school and knew it would be an easy "A". And I was lonely. I'd met a handful of friends the semester before, and I loved living in Charleston, but after spending a wonderful Christmas with all my friends and family...I was lonely. I was always pretty friendly in all my classes- seemed to make new friends easy enough, and especially now that I was so far from home, I depended on my classes to meet new people. Pretty much all of the people I hung out with the semester before I'd either met at school or at Pier One where I worked...so on the first day I was always looking for a new friend or two.

...But back to the hallway. I was leaned against the wall and it was rather quiet, you know- everyone waiting on the teacher, no one really wanting to talk...maybe a little awkward, even. Then, breaking the silence, a guy directly across the hall, facing me, asked (no one in particular), "Does anyone know what time it is?" I looked up, he and I made eye contact (simply because we were across from each other) and I shook my head. He was tall. VERY tall. He had long, curly dark hair. Dark eyes. Earrings in his ear. Smelled stongly like cigarette smoke. And wore a long (no trench coat-but very big) black, leather coat. His name was Richard Andrews. And at first sight, he was not someone who would have ever caught my eye. He looked kinda "dark". I thought nothing of it, but a couple minutes later he walked across the hall, squatted down right beside me, and opened a very thick book and "pretended" (I was certain) to be reading. Ugh. I would've rolled my eyes if no one would have noticed. That's what I wanted to do. I was a little jaded at the time because a boy I'd really liked (who apparently didn't have the same feelings :)) had sorta broken my heart just before Christmas break...and I just wasn't looking for the "real deal" that day...at all. And this guy, whoever he was, who was pretending to be smarter than he was (because who, really, could EVER read a book that thick, by Des Cartes, no less!!!) and tried to catch MY eye (how conceited I was!) by squatting beside me...ugh. Ugh was all I could've said, if I'd said something. But, thank goodness, I didn't. :) On the other hand, he'd been the only person who'd started any sort of conversation (and he seemed nice, albeit dark :))---and I was, after all, looking for a new friend in this new class...so when the teacher got there and opened the door, if I remember correctly, I think I kinda hoped we'd sit near each other. And we did. He was a back row kind of guy...I was a back row kind of girl. He sat in the very back left seat. One girl filed in, in front of me, and sat directly beside him. Oh, poor girl...if she'd only known she was gonna be stuck between US! And then I sat on the other side of her.
That was the beginning. Of the beginning. That was 8 1/2 years ago now. Hard to believe. That dark guy is now my husband- one of the brightest people I know who, for sure, lights up my life! :) Funny how ironic life can be sometimes. And I still wonder- if, before he "popped the question" (the time question, I mean)...the angels were smiling and waiting...

It's been the BEST week...the best vacation I have ever had. Just being back here, where it all started, we keep looking at each other and sayinf, "Can you believe we have a family???" We have had so much fun just being parents together, with no one else around. Just us. In "our" town. We've told every person we can our little story...how we met here...and how we're back on our 5 year anniversary to celebrate. We've gotten lots of "Oh how sweet!" and "Congratulations!" and "What a great love story" comments from locals. And we've remembered so many almost forgotten memories that sights and smells and songs have brought back to our mind's eyes. There is much, much more to that first day of french class...for another night when I am less sun burned and less sleepy!

Until then...some of our favorite moments from yesterday and today...

Waterfront Park: I love that you can play in the fountains here!!!

Jadey made several friends with her baby doll, Dee Dee (named after you, Aunt Dee!:))

Lovin' on brother...he layed on his back and cooed all day...

Another fabulous fountain she could actually swim in :)

And another friend...

A yummy sushi dinner...lovin' the fresh fish here!

We hit the Towne Center in Mt. Pleasant last night...TCBY and Barnes & Noble!

Another fab breakfast at our B&B this AM...

Then we hit the beach...

...all day long...

...until they both crashed!

Tonight we went to our pool and Jude got in the water for the first time!

He loved it!!

We played in the water and had so much fun...

...& Jade had her first experience w/ goggles(we laughed and laughed at this pic!!!)

...and then they both crashed...again!

Nite

Day 2

2011-07-31T22:31:00.008-05:00

Another fabulous day that started with a scrumptuous (and complimentary, might I add!) Sunday brunch at our restaurant downstairs, Jacob's Kitchen. It was seriously PACKED, not to my surprise, since I really think they are hiding Food Network chefs in there!

Next we drove around a bit...down memory lane...and went to see Rich's old house...

854 Law Lane! :)

Then we spent the next two hours trying to get to the beach...we laughed at ourselves (and high-fived!) after we finally sat down in our beach chairs about how long it takes to get ready to do anything with two kids! Especially on our first beach trip with just us- we had to buy chairs, an umbrella, sand castle equipment...you know, everything you need at the beach, we needed! But oh, so worth it to see...

...one happy heart...

...and one happy face! :)

And tonight was so fun. Dinner at an Irish Pub right across from...

...our B & B! Isn't it perfect?

Two snoozers during the meal- beach wore them out! Made for a nice, quiet dinner though... :)

And then we drove into the city for ice cream and swinging on the Pier. Jadey loved it!

A thunderstorm came up while we swung and the most beautiful lightning ever flashed across the sky...as if God was putting on a show just for us...

...just for our little family of 4!!!

Too tired for love stories tonight...so excited for another day here in one of my favorite towns with my three favorite peeps!

Room #6

2011-07-31T00:01:00.006-05:00

So we drove, drove, drove as far as we could last night...made it to Augusta, GA where we finally laid our heads on pillows at a Holiday Inn at 2 am. My favorite thing about hotel rooms is that you can close the curtains and the room stays PITCH BLACK until whenever you want to wake up...which helped our kiddos sleep a little later today, thank goodness. Anyways we loaded back up and finished our roadtrip to the soundtrack I made Rich the first summer after we met when I had moved home and he was still living in Charleston. Crazy how songs bring back emotions...and as we got closer and closer to the big C-town, we started remembering all the things we used to do, the feelings...the very beginning...of us. All 4 of us. :)

...coming into the city and seeing the bridge finished for the first time...

I asked him if, when he got that CD in the mail from me- a girl he really didn't know that well yet- if he thought it was "just another girl"...or if he felt different about me even that early on??? See, I never really dated anyone before Rich. He dated about, um...100 girls. :) But you know what?...he said he did feel different. Not in love, certainly, but different. He said that with all of his other girlfriends, he didn't really care about their feelings, but with me, from the very beginning, he felt "responsible" for my feelings. That was so honest and so intresting to me that it wasn't an emotion that he felt differently, but a "responsibility". And why am I BLOGGING about all this??? Because just like I told him today- I think we have a really sweet love story that I have never written down. And I want to. I want our kids to hear our love story and know that God destined us to be together. You see, it is no small incident that tonight me and this "boy" from my college french class are sidled up next to each other on a bed- me tick-tacking away on these keys and him- giving his thumbs a super work out with "Angry Birds"...like we've been together our whole lives. No small thing at all! He was born in ENGLAND. Me, America. He grew up in Baltimore, MD. I grew up in Dickson County. :) I was raised on a church pew...he never darkened the doors of a church- a self professed atheist, in fact, when I met him. From two entirely different paths, the most unlikely pair finally "stumbled" upon each other in the hallway of a community college here in Charleston. I have wondered many times what the conversation in heaven must have been like that day as he and I woke up, ate breakfast, got ready, drove to school...did all the things we'd always done every day of our lives...but THIS day, this day was to be the day we'd finally meet. The paths would finally cross. I like to think the angels watched with anticipation as I parked my car and walked toward that building, nervous for my first day of french class. "Gabriel, it's about to happen!!!...she's finally gonna meet the guy she's been praying for since she was a little girl...and she doesn't even know it!!!!" As Rich's mom let him out a few blocks away (so no one would know he wasn't able to drive) and he walked and smoked a cigarette (yes, indeed, folks...I married a one-time LOVER of the cigs), I wonder if they said, "Look! He doesn't have a clue that he's about to meet a girl in a few minutes that's going to help him finally find some peace...he's been running from God his whole life- and right now he's walking directly TOWARD Him!!!" I just wonder, often, if the angels really do rejoice in moments like ours, where two people come together to accomplish His purposes...where futures start changing and the world becomes even just a little bit better- just because two people meet...and fall in love. I wonder...

Anyways, more of that story later...but for now- we are HERE. We are in Room #6

of the I'ON Bed & Breakfast...

...super plush room with comfy southern charm...

...and can I just say the restaurant downstairs is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!? Rich and I split both our entrees tonight- Goat Cheese Ravioli and Pan Seared Scallops over a bed of perfectly steamed spinach...and Kobe Beef Sliders! Seriously gourmet...and don't know if we're gonna be able to handle Sunday brunch in the morning!!!

I surprised Jade by packing a bunch of her babies and toys and wouldn't you know that there was the perfect little closet in our room that I went in and set up for her...when I told her to go in and look she literally squealed with delight and danced a jig! So cute!

She's loved the big bathtub with the detachable shower nozzle (we don't have one of those at home :)...

...and she was so cute at bedtime laying her dolls out to sleep with her in her OWN big bed...

And Jude...well, tonight we finally got them both laid down to sleep (or so we thought) and were going to take advantage of the huge bathtub (seriously the longest tub I have ever seen- like it was made for Rich!!!)...you know, soak up a few relaxing moments...but just before we got our pinky toes in that warm water, our little guy let out his own squeals and was not going to calm down until he was right with us! Yes, it turned into a bubble bath for THREE! :) Funny how life changes with babies...but always for the better! He kicked and cooed and talked to us until we were all prunes---we LOVE us some Jude Warren! :)

Tommorrow we will go to that beach I mentioned before...the one where my sweetheart gave me the ring on my left hand. Now that was another good day, too...

Nite!

Uncles

2011-07-30T17:34:00.006-05:00

You know you have a LOT of uncles when you start referring to anyone and everyone with that title. Recently, a new friend of our family stopped by my parent's house and Jade met him for the first time:
"Jade, this is Mr. Marty...can you tell him hello?"
"Hi Mr. Marty!"...

...but about 10 minutes later, she looked up from where she was playing in the grass and curiously questioned, "Mom- where'd Uncle Marty go?" Classic.

So I am sitting here on the bed today (in our fabulous Ion Bed & Breakfast Room #6- which I will tell more about later) feeding Jude and eavesdropping on what Jade and her favorite playmate in the world are talking about. This is how it goes:

Jade: "Put this shirt on Darla, Uncle Rich!"
Rich: "Jade, I have told you a hundred times, I'm not Uncle Rich...I'm Daddy. Daddy to you..."
Jade: "Uncle Daddy- put this shirt on Darla!"

I laughed out loud. :)

Pretty rare that one girl gets not 1, not 2, not 3 but FOUR brothers... and I will admit it took me until I started inheriting fabulous sister-in-laws to determine it was actually a lucky turnout for me!!! And since I have 4 brothers, Jadey technically has 4 uncles, but she hears the word so much that she pretty much calls any ole guy that hangs around our group "Uncle ___". We are so thankful for all the uncles...Uncle Joe, Uncle Nate, Uncle Gav, Uncle Tay Tay...Uncle Dra...Uncle Jeff...Uncle Rocky...Uncle Marty :)...and Uncle Daddy!!! :) We love you all!!!

5 years

2011-07-29T23:09:00.001-05:00

Five years ago today, Rich and I stood on my parent's front porch and promised our love to each other. Five years. Goes by fast. Two babies later, we are headed back tonight, on this anniversary, to where it all started--Charleston, SC. We haven't been back since he got down on one knee on a beach there and asked me to always be his. And I said yes! We are so excited to see some of our old stomping grounds, to take Jade that same beach to play...And to reminisce about the very beginning of this wonderful life we share. Who, but God- in His sovereignty and grace- would have ever know how far this "back row of class" romance would go! Today Rich called me and started out with, "Well hello, French class girl!" :) I love when he still flirts with me... So here we go down memory lane together, now with two tag alongs, and we'll keep ya posted on how it goes. Mr. Andrews, I love you "big ocean" as Jadey would say...and it's still you and me,baby- 'til the wheels fall off! And oh, by the way...I am still YOURS! Thanks for askin'!

Sweet Friends...

2011-07-22T16:07:00.003-05:00

Been so fun to watch Jade making her own friends this year by the pool! :) Love that Cate Calmus!!!

lifelong

2011-07-17T14:56:00.004-05:00

life·long: adj \ˈlīf-ˌlȯŋ\

Definition of LIFELONG
1: lasting or continuing through life
2: long-standing

some things in life-

and some poeple-

are lifelong.
Thank goodness!

Pink Or Blue

2011-06-21T23:44:00.003-05:00

So the plan for this late night post was to say...there's another baby coming tomorrow in our family!!! Sonya and Dra were all set for an early 5 am induction...BUT JUST NOW I got "the call" from Dra saying they are on their way NOW!!!! Pink or blue we don't know yet- but we will soon...and oh I just can't wait to hold that baby! With all of the grief they have experienced in the past year, we are so ready to share this joy with them tomorrow. Please keep my sweet soul sis and Rich's best bud in your prayers as they welcome this sweet new baby into their family. Livi is READY to be a big sis again!

PS- My last vote, for the record, is GIRL!!!

The best things in life...

2011-06-12T22:25:00.003-05:00

So for months now, our family has been counting down weeks, days, "sleeps", and finally just HOURS until we were all going to be reunited again.That's right, Joe and Court and their gaggle of kiddos :) were supposed to be coming home tomorrow (as in MONDAY, the 13th!!!) night. We've skyped about how excited we are with them, planned all the fun things we're gonna do while we're together. On this side, we've sat around the pool and talked about how much MORE fun it will be when they are all here. Tiffany and I have literally said about a hundred times that we couldn't WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE to see our sweet sis, Court and spend a month making memories again. We'd even planned funny ideas for how we could show up at the airport and make a big scene for them...bottom line, friends, this has pretty much been the number one thing we've looked forward to for...well...7 months...since the day they left! :) But the point is, we were counting down until "Monday, the 13th, at 6 pm!!!!"

So how did I snap this picture TONIGHT...

...of my sweet ray of sunshine, Briley, holding my newest love, Jude Warren for the first time????

The answer: BEST SURPRISE OF MY LIFE!!!

See, last night, my Dad had planned a big birthday party for my Mom. I'd thought it was a little odd that he kept asking people to bring their kids...I thought it was weird that he kept saying we'd swim after dinner...a little out of the ordinary that GAVIN was coming all the way in town for it...and oddest of all that he invited several of OUR best friends, along with our family...for "Mom's party". Well it was her party, but just as we'd all eaten our fill of Nathan's delicious ribs, I noticed another car pulling down the driveway. I didn't recognize it, but that wasn't that suspicious. I was in conversation with my cousin so I really just kinda glanced at it and kept going. Then my Dad said, "Ok can I have everyone's attention one more time??? This is the REAL SURPRISE of the night pulling up!!!"...and as if perfectly cued for that moment, that car door flew open and out came a Briley, a Braxton, and a Bear running across that field. It was so surreal and I was taken aback by my own flood of emotions as I BURST into tears and took off running toward them myself. It was truly the BEST SURPRISE EVER!! We actually ALL took off running because my Dad had actually KEPT THIS FABULOUS SECRET from ALL of us (except Gavin who never would have come to the party otherwise :))...so there we were- me and Tiff squeezing little Courtney (sorry to disappoint, people, she's still as perfectly teeny tiny when she left!!!) to death, Nathan was jumping up and down with Joey, Rich got to Brax first and almost squeezed the life out of him...we just ran around in circles like a bunch of wild indians crying and laughing and absolutely not believing our eyes. Too good to be true. But true! Dad and the South Africans tricked us all.

And when I lay down my head last night (after Courtney and I text JUST BECAUSE WE COULD -which was technically the same as our daily black berry messaging, but felt better because we were actually "texting"), I couldn't stop smiling again that one of my favorite memories probably of my whole life got to happen on that day. That's why I love surprises. Real surprises sneak up on you and make you so happy on a day that you just didn't even know you were gonna get to feel that way...you know what I mean? That was yesterday. And I realized that the BEST things in life, the really BEST things like surprises and family and deep love...are FREE. Absolutely free. Isn't that GREAT???

We spent today with them... and we'll spend every minute we can with them over the next month. If I have learned ANYTHING over the past 7 months, it is that we cannot take for granted the time we have with each other...to squeeze each other's bodies while we're together :)...to be able to just sit and talk...to just hold each other's babies and soak in the summer sun together and really SOAK it in, every minute. Because there have been so many days gone by this year that we could not...and so WE WILL!!!!

So excited about this next month of memories and joy...and so thankful tonight for the gift of surprises! So happy that my Jadeybug will get to really know her 4 cousins she's just come to know on a computer screen. So happy Court will get to see me struggling as a new mommy of 2 and be able to BE with me as she gives me her priceless advice. In person. Gotta love that. So happy Joey will get to stop in and visit Rich and Nate and sit across the desk like they have a hundred times before and just BE together...laugh and talk about senseless stuff like they do...

Just happy tonight. So happy. So thankful....

Please Help!!!

2011-06-01T22:14:00.002-05:00

Today I am posting on behalf of my dear friend, Hayley (also Courtney's wonderful sister!). Anyone who knows her probably knows that she and her sweet husband have embarked on the journey of a lifetime, following Jesus' call to adopt EIGHT precious children. It's been so challenging to all of us who know them to see them just step out in faith, and so amazing to watch God provide one more stepping stone at a time as He has continued to provide all of the answers to the HUGE questions!
As my sis-in-law, Tiffany, and I started praying about how WE could help, we decided the best way was rally as many friends as we could get the word out to and try to round up CLOTHES for the kids. Obviously, this task is HUGE in and of itself, but we are trusting God to help us, one donation at a time...and we need YOU (yes YOU!) to help us get the word out, too!!!

This Saturday, June 4th, is the drop off date for any items you have...from 10 until 2 pm. We will be set up in the parking lot of Brentwood Baptist church. They are adopting 7 boys and 1 girl (10 yr old but wears size 6). For the boys, they basically need everything from size 10 and down. These are the items that would be most helpful:
SHIRTS
SHORTS
PANTS
DRESSES
SOCKS
SHOES
BELTS
PLAY CLOTHES
DRESS CLOTHES
HAIRBOWS :)
UNDERWEAR
* ranging in sizes from 18months to 10 in all clothes
*shoe sizes range from toddler 7 to a kids 4.5

The Lord has been so good to bless them with the bunkbeds that were still needed when we sent our first email. Things like towels, linen sets, and OUTSIDE toys (like bikes!) are still needed.

We are all praying that these kiddos make it home in the month of June. Please join us in this prayer for this sweet family... and especially their 8 precious children who are almost home!

How can YOU help???
1)By PRAYING for this sweet family. We are praying that these kiddos make it home in the month of June!!!
2) By gathering any donation items for these kids- both new and gently used are gonna be soooo appreciated!!!
3)By passing this info along to neighbors, friends, family and coworkers...anyone! Send an email out if you know of people who have children these ages who may have the clothes they need. We hope to make this drive an incredible blessing for this dear family!

For anyone in the Spring Hill area, you are welcome to drop your items by my house Thursday or Friday to save yourself the trek to Brentwood on Saturday. Please leave me a comment, email me, or call me and we'll get a plan.

Thank you so much and PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!!

Say Cheese!!!

2011-05-31T15:06:00.004-05:00

I know I haven't been the best, new proud mama about keeping pictures updated on here...truth is, it's hard to find the TIME when you have a little "leach" attached to your body every three hours, day and night. And, did I mention that our camera broke a couple weeks before he arrived? That said, we've been snapping cell phone pics every chance we get...and here are some of my favorites!

Going home from the hospital...

So excited!!! The sweet "welcome wagon" in the background arrived right away from his Nanma and Grampy in San Francisco packed full of all kinds of boyish goodies! His sissy has, to say the least, taken over the wagon itself and it now totes around many a doll! We are so thankful for such sweet parents (and grandparents)!

Very thoughtful...and I love how this one shows how blonde he is! I'm telling you- he's COVERED in sweet white fuzz!

This is, perhaps, one of my favorite memories of the past two weeks. My Grampa came all the way from Dickson and spent a couple hours just sitting and holding his great-grandson (we couldn't figure out just how many he has at this point...40-something grandkids and somewhere in the 30s for great grandkids!!!...and praying the sweetest prayer over his life. I love this guy more than I can say. I have so many memories spent with he and my Grandma Barb and I was so blessed by the precious time he shared with me that day...

And our first trip to see Dr Brooks must be documented, of course. We love our pediatrician and are so thankful for the wonderful care he takes with our kids!

Hoping big for a new camera soon...and more pics to come! We are doing really well...adjusting to life with a new little person around...and feel so blessed. Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement!

You are...

2011-05-16T13:30:00.003-05:00

Sweet baby boy,
I know too well that in a blink you will change so much and these first sleepless days and nights will all be a blur in my mind...so today, I want to remember that you are...

...covered in the sweetest peach fuzz from head to toe...especially on your back and cheeks.

...winner of the longest big toe award in the Andrews family, hands down, from the day you were born!

...not as big as I thought(ok, FEARED!) you were going to be. My belly seemed so much BIGGER and FULLER this time, so I just knew you were gonna be a heavy weight like your Dad (whose mother still hasn't forgiven him for his 10 lb, 24 (yes, people, T-W-E-N-T-Y F-O-U-R!!!) inch entrance into this world!), but you weren't much bigger than your sister. An 8 lb 12 oz, 21 1/2 inch package of heaven-smelling goodness is how you arrived and I think every single cell is PERFECT!

...MUCH louder than your sister was! It took her weeks to make even a peep...you came out screaming and make yourself much more known! Oh we have laughed and laughed at how fired up you can get...and can both agree you get it honest!

...more "Lankford" in looks. Everyone keeps picking another brother of mine that you resemble most...Uncle Joe just told me on skype that he took out his baby pic and thinks it might be him. Nonni agrees. (And he did want me to let you know that could mean a receeding hairline is in store for you...:))

...a lazy eater, unlike the rest of your family. You take twice as long as your sissy to take in 1/2 as much, so that all I have time to do is feed, feed, feed! But oh the sweet times you and I are having, day and night, getting to know each other...YOU, my boy, have the sweetest little spirit in this world and are stealing my heart piece by piece. I love you, Jude.

...going to love well. Two different men in our life who walk close with Jesus came and prayed over you in the hospital...the same prayer, Spirit given, that you would LOVE this world. We prayed so many times over my belly (while you were still tucked inside) that you would be bold in your faith and profession of Jesus Christ. And now we pray that you would bre given a heart full of love for those who need the love of Jesus. You're gonna be a WORLD CHANGER, we believe it!

You, my son (so HAPPY I have a SON!!!!), are so, so loved...

xoxo
Mama

It's a BOY!!!!

2011-05-15T00:03:00.005-05:00

Friends...
Introducing you to the new love of my life, JUDE WARREN ANDREWS!!!

Oh the joy in my heart is uncontainable and I now understand how a mother's love does not divide, but rather MULTIPLIES in an instant! More pictures to come, but for now...a couple pics of this first day with our precious son...

It was, perhaps, the sweetest moment of my life to watch Rich hold his son those first few seconds...and he's not put him down much since!

Our little man...we think he's PERFECT!

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is GOOD...His love endures forever!"

We are so thankful to God for this blessing of another child...please keep us in your prayers as we embark on this sweet journey as a family of FOUR!

NESTING

2011-05-04T23:41:00.004-05:00

Nesting:
Feeling the need to prepare for the arrival of the baby by cleaning, organizing, etc. Often happens toward the end of pregnancy.

I guess you could possibly say I have been nesting... Within the last two months I have felt the need to clean out and reorganize every single cabinet and closet in the house (Thanks, Mom for your help!), wash every single thing in the house, ask my husband to build a cabinet (and paint it!!) to better store things in our house, clean out my car multiple times (again tonight), dig up bushes, plant other bushes, weed everything by hand :) (Wendy, I know you thought I was crazy...), clean grout, deep clean....yeah, I think I've been nesting lately. And last week when Rich got home, look what I'd decided to do that day...

Paint the kitchen. REALLY needed a change of color, don'tcha think? Suddenly. :)

The nursery is truly almost ready, minus a few things still needing to be hung. Literally, I think every single other item on my "to do lists" are all checked off...and I am STILL WAITING for this baby...

Trying to enjoy these last few days with a baby inside my body, but it is getting harder and harder since it's wanting to be out HERE, with US! :) Loving every second, still, with my firstborn little lady and soaking in our last few days, just us...

Would so appreciate your prayers for our little brood as we "anticipate" (sometimes during the wee hours of morning!) this major change that will come to us in the next week or so...so much joy, some pain (yikes!), and inumerable blessings.

The nest is ready. Come on baby!!!

By the way, to answer the question I am MOST asked these days: I have felt like I was having a boy toward the end of this pregnancy...until this week. Starting to see pink again, people! Oh how I'd love a boy for Rich...oh the thought of another little girl melting my heart again! Couldn't even make the choice if I had to- so THANKFUL God knows JUST WHAT WE NEED!!!! :)

Here's my 38 week belly silhouette...so what are YOU thinking it is? Come on people, let's get the votes in...time is TICKING here!!!!

Our Easter In Pictures

2011-04-25T15:25:00.005-05:00

We started by getting ready for Mr Whiskers...and told Jade to put her basket right where she left milk and cookies for Santa this year...she loved that!

Much later :) we looked outside and apparently Mr Whiskers visited Mr. Joe and Mrs. Greta!!!

Early riser the next morning---we could hardly catch up with her as she ran for where she had left her basket the night before...

...but all that was left was a pile of jelly beans??? (Actually MUCH better than a basket, she thought!!!)

The trail of jelly beans, however, did lead her right to where that tricky rabbit had hidden her basket...

Bubbles, a book, a new Elmo toothbrush (Which I happened to see on sale the day before at TARGET for $1.88, Mr. Whiskers!!!!), trail mix, and fruit snacks...oh what a delight for this little lady!!!

And if one hidden basket were not enough, our doorbell rang and Mr. Joe had another one waiting for this girl!

This was the only picture I got of Jade in her Sunday best...at Walmart, before lunch, and RIGHT BEFORE she somehow dropped the world's juiciest red strawberry all the way down the front of her Sunday Best!!!! Oh dear...what kind of Mom would hand her child a juicy red strawberry while wearing a white dress, anyways? ...That's what her daddy said!!! :)

We enjoyed such a wonderful lunch at the Watson's home...we've spent the last few Easters with them and it's so nice for us to all be able to get together and have fun! Mrs. Connie put on a super fun egg hunt, and after 3 practice runs this girl actually got the hang of picking up eggs and putting them in her basket!!!

And this Easter, of course, wasn't the same without the rest of our usual egg hunters...but we were so happy when their mama remembered to send us a picture that arrived right during our lunch...so at least we could see their sweet faces!

This was such a wonderful Easter Sunday for our little family. Hard to believe next year there will be two baskets...two kiddos...

...and one smaller belly during the egg hunt! :)

He LIVES!!!!

2011-04-23T23:16:00.003-05:00

Matthew 28
Jesus Has Risen
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 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. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has RISEN, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

I remember a sweet little story that we used to listen to (on cassette tape, of course!) every Easter when we were kids called "The Empty Egg". It was about a group of kids who were all lined up for a local egg hunt. They were consumed with the eggs, the bunnies, the candy... But as they wandered farther and farther from their parents looking for MORE eggs, they found themselves at the mouth of a cave. They heard tiny little voices that lured them further in until they found themselves in the midst of a chocolate factory run by hundreds of little...bunnies! The "boss bunny" was named Mr. Whiskers and as these skeptical children begin to converse with Mr. Whiskers, he begins to show them a carton of eggs- each filled with another element of the TRUE Easter Story...where Jesus gave His life for them...for US! My favorite part was at the end when the children, who have begun to see Easter for what it really is, opened the last egg that was....E-M-P-T-Y!!!! They were astonished that the "grand finale" egg didn't have anything in it, and sweet ole Mr. Whiskers explained that this was the GRANDEST EGG OF ALL! It was the "emptiness" of that egg, symbolizing the emptiness of the tomb, that gives us our hope! As the children raced out of the cave and back toward the laughter of the other children hunting eggs still, they carried with them an all new understanding of the Cross and the wonderful gift of salvation that God gaves us through it.

As we tucked in our Jadeybug tonight, even though she's so young and can't understand a whole lot yet, we told her that Easter is all about Jesus and that Easter Sunday is even more special to us than CHRISTMAS...because it was this day, Resurrection Sunday, that He Rose! And hopefully by next Easter, she will know this sweet song that Mr. Whiskers sang to those kids in the cave...herself!

It's EMPTY, it's empty inside
A tomb full of empty
A Savior ALIVE
They found empty
With the stone rolled away, I know
Christ crucified
But now He's ALIVE
In ME

Happy Birthday Friend!

2011-04-23T21:59:00.008-05:00

Tonight, this group...

...turned up at Cozymel's to celebrate this friend's...

...birthday!

We were way outnumbered by kiddos and realized that next year when we celebrate her again...we'll have 1, 2, 3, ~~4...~~ F-I-V-E more kiddos!!!! That's right, all 5 of us (Ash left before the top pic was snapped, Daddy J-Walk representing here...) are expecting new bundles of JOY in the next year!

Love raising kids and celebrating life with such wonderful friends...

Happy Birthday, Teri! So thankful for your friendship, and so happy these girlies will be sweet friends, too!

All for you, Court!

2011-04-21T21:43:00.002-05:00

Went to Chili's again tonight for a friend's wedding shower...Jenny was also there....and we shared your favorite dessert...all for you, Court! We wouldn't have done it to ourselves otherwise, but WE LOVE YOU THIS MUCH!!!!

Can't wait until YOU have that other spoon in your hand!!!!

Buddies

2011-04-14T15:54:00.003-05:00

Say, Say Little Playmate
Come out and play with me
And bring your dollies 3
Climb up my apple tree
Slide down my rainbow
Into my cellar door
And we'll be jolly friends
Forever-more, more, more!

(Jadeybug and Brad having a playdate last Saturday...I snuck a pic b/c she LOVES Brad!)

...and our new baby's first little playmate (and Brad's son!) Mr. Brantley James Davis! Jadeybug LOVES this guy, too!

Reflecting

2011-04-14T15:38:00.003-05:00

9 months we will wait for you.
8 months gone already.
7 days between Dr. appointments now.
6 (million) baby names to choose from...only 1 PERFECT for you! :)
5 times I wake up each night now, on average...
4 weeks until your due date, as of tomorrow! :)
3 very excited people waiting for you at home.
2 years between you and your big sister.

(ahem!...drum roll please...)

1 VERY BIG BELLY reflecting back at me!

Hurry sweet baby!

First boyfriend....

2011-04-14T15:34:00.002-05:00

So we're at the park the other day and I look up and see Shaelyn Jade getting friendly with a little boy we don't know...truthfully, he didn't really give her the time of day...But I snapped a quick pic and sent it to her daddy labeled "first boyfriend"...

This is what came back QUICKLY across my phone with a message, "Please show this to that boy!!!"...

Classic. What a good Daddy.
Poor Shaelyn Jade someday...

Beach Bums

2011-03-29T14:14:00.009-05:00

Well...we're here. At my favorite place. The beach. Needless to say, I find MANY other things besides computers to keep me busy while I am at the beach, huh? Oh how happy I was last week when my Mom said she and Dad were headed south...and asked our little brood to come too! We got Nanma off on her plane Tuesday afternoon and all headed out about 6 pm. Arrived late night as always to the sounds of waves and smells of salt water and could hardly sleep dreaming of this white beach and our, well, white legs that would soon be tan! :) Rich, of all people, was the only one to burn to a crisp on the first day so he spent the rest of his days in t shirts, baby sunscreen, and under the umbrella. Always happens to at least one. :) The second "wave" of good news came a couple days into our trip when we found out Mom and I could stay a few extra days at a house across the street...and that two of our favorite girls were coming to join us. Oh what a week it's been...words can't do it justice, so I'll just share some pics!

Early morning kite flying... Another Seaside Bike Day...Jadey's favorite!!! So thankful these dudes like to hang together...they have to do it a lot! :) Happy girl! Love Birds...still! A cool morning on the beach... Our last "family of 3" pic on the beach... You can't imagine how much fun this girl had with her Daddy all to herself, all day, every day!!! A drip castle for Courtney...she always makes them on our Florida trips, so we "built" one in her honor this time...we thought this was such a cool pic Rich took!

Non and Jade played in the sand on our crab night...
Lookin' for crabs...

Not a single carb spotted, but still a fun time!
If you can't take a late night ride on a golf cart when you're on vacation, when can you??? Been lookin' forward to this picture all year...my sweet girl in her two piece on the beach! Ahhhhh I love her!!

...and her best friend came to join her for these last few days...

You Know Nanma's Here...

2011-03-18T16:15:00.003-05:00

...When you find your 22 month old drinking hot tea each afternoon!!!

Oh we've had the best couple weeks so far with Nanma staying with us. It's funny how you get used to life just the way it is...for us, with Rich's parents living 3000 miles away year round. We miss them always, but we all get "used" to it. Having Nanma here for an extended stay has reminded us of just how MUCH we miss her being around every day. She is truly the sweetest hearted person and so easy to get along with...you know, it's not just any ole mother-in-law that one could have staying for two 1/2 weeks! This lady is so fun to have around, so HELPFUL (especially at this point in my pregnancy!), and so loving to both us and our sweet Jadeybug. I told Rich just last night how fortunate I feel that when it's time for her to leave on Tuesday, it will not be relief that I feel, as goes the jokes toward mother-in-laws...I will TRULY miss her, so much more, after these treasured days together.

Nanma, (and Mum!)...you're a gem and I am so thankful you took so much time out of your very busy life in California to come love on your Tennessee kiddos. We needed it and we have L-O-V-E-D it! We will always cherish this visit when Jade got to know you and love you so much...and you and I got ready for another baby/grandbaby! THANK YOU!!!!!

More pics soon of our almost-finished nursery!!!

Round Two

2011-03-09T20:35:00.005-06:00

Seems like yesterday my fabulous mother-in-law came in town to help me decorate a nursery...round one. We didn't know the sex of the baby, and decided on silver sage walls, a big white tree...and chocolate brown and light blue polka dot fabric. It really looked more BOY than girl, honestly, because I was feeling boy (talk about motherly instinct, I have it!) :) Ok...so we brought home a bundle of PINK instead of blue, and we quickly had to add nests in the in the tree with PINK eggs...PINK "jadeybugs" crawling all over the tree...PINK pillows...and a PINK monogram. That was just yesterday, wasn't it? No...I suppose it's been two years already...
Last night I got into bed, late and tired, but found myself still tossing and turning after a long while. I had a familiar anxious "tummy". Two years ago I laid in our bed about this same time of year and sobbed into Rich's arms, mourning the soon-to-be "loss" of those wonderful years of just us, he and I, as we anticipated our Shaelyn Jade. It was a very similar feeling last night. I have indescribable excitement to experience this sort of LOVE all over again and add to our little family again...but oh the joy of these days of just "us", he and I...and her. So there I found myself, 1 am, in my baby girl's room. I pulled her out of her crib and into that comfy brown chair that she and I have rocked a million hours in together. One last rock in that chair, in that room...one last time to lay her back in that crib. Again, I found myself sobbing within just a few seconds. It's what I needed, really needed. And that was it. I laid her back in her crib and said goodbye to a chapter of my life that has brought me more love and peace and joy than any other. And I KNOW that just as it was "bittersweet" to leave behind the days of just Richard and I...I KNOW that even greater peace and love and joy is soon-to-be, again, with this new baby, and as a family of 4.

So Sunday, my fabulous mother-in-law came in town again (bearing gifts of course!)...

...to help me decorate a nursery...ROUND TWO. We've been busy turning our first nursery into a big girl room...and moving the nursery a few feet down the hall. Oh Shaelyn Jade was so excited as we moved her crib out...

and her new bed IN!

...She climbed all over it and jumped and squealed. And tonight...

...Tonight, my big girl is sleeping her first night, still under that big white tree, but this time, in a big girl bed.

As for that nursery down the hall...Again, we don't know the sex of the baby, which presents its challenges when trying to create the "perfect" nursery. But again, we have overcome. :) Again we have a sewing station in my living room...lots of fabric cutting and the buzz of the wonderful sewing machine my mother-in-law bought for me two years ago (which I am only brave enough to use when she is sitting beside
me!!!!)...

... and a familiar excited "tummy" as I anticipate rocking another bundle of PINK or BLUE for a million hours in this sweet, sweet room...in just 8 weeks.
Stay tuned this week to see our finished product...
...Round two.

Matilda Jane

2011-03-04T10:56:00.002-06:00

Hey friends!!!

I am SOOOOO excited about a very fun clothing show I am hosting tomorrow at my Mom's house...Matilda Jane clothing, if you've never heard of it, has the CUTEST clothes for both little girls AND big girls! I am inviting ALL OF YOU who are close enough to come- AND BRING FRIENDS- to come out and enjoy an afternoon of all things "girly"...food, chatting...and shopping! The "trunk" will be opened from 2-4, so drop by anytime! Let me know if you think you're coming so we don't close it before you get your chance to look! :)

Seriously, bring you mom, sister, or friends...and just come! I went to a show a few weeks ago and it was GREAT!

Check out the website HERE.

Hope to see you there!!!!

my birthday

2011-02-25T12:16:00.012-06:00

Well, folks- Shadey Jadey ended up being sick from last Monday (V-day) until this Monday, really. Saturday afternoon was her last fever, but she honestly didn't start acting like her healthy little self until Tuesday. That means we laid low ALL last week (cabin fever affected us both by Friday, so we packed up and spent the night at Nonni's just for a change of scenery :))...

...but it didn't affect my birthday on Sunday! It was WONDERFUL! Rich always plans my special day for me, makes it way more enjoyable that way, we think...so that morning, although our girl was still cranky (finally fever-free, though!) we packed up and went to the ZOO!!!! It was such a gorgeous day (I decided that my birthday present from God :)) and oh to be outside...it was wonderful!! My Mom and Dad met us there and we just strolled and enjoyed the animals...

...and then they took the cranky, now needing nap, Jadeybug back to their house so Rich and I could catch a matinee. Peeps, if you haven't seen UNKNOWN (Liam Neeson), it's really good...

...Then, a few friends met us for a yummy dinner at my fave Italian restaurant, Carrabba's...

Here is the official "hand off" of my birthday gift that traveled the farthest, all the way from the hands of my sweet sis, Court, in South Africa (by way of Rocky)...to me!

...a handmade, BEAUTIFUL scarf...which will not be worn like this-

-although Teri really wants me to! :)

And can you believe that we are ALL preggo together? In order (of biggest belly!)...Baby Andrews due beginning of May, Baby Beasley due middle of June, and Baby Calmus and Baby Walker are literally due within days of each other at the beginning of August. The BEST part is...NONE of us are finding out what we're having, so it's gonna be one, fabulous surprise after another!!! Oh I love these days in my life...

Perfect group, perfect night...

Perfect birthday.

And happy to report that today, this Friday, Shaelyn Jade is back to her old self, inventing new ways to do old things...

Happy weekend.
Love you all...

My Valentine

2011-02-14T21:02:00.003-06:00

I had big plans for today when I went to bed last night... I had decorated Rich's office for a surprise for him (not like pink and red streamers and balloons- I mean, he had never hung his pictures or organized his book shelves or bought any decor since they moved in MONTHS ago...so I actually "spruced" it up a little for him)...Jade and I were going to go and meet him for lunch...I bought everything for a big, homecooked dinner he'd love...and planned a fun night at home for us three.

Well, as I am learning happens often with little ones, our plans don't go, um, as planned sometimes, do they? Jadeybug woke up this morning a little less thrilled than she normally is to be awake. She was snotty and whiney...and feverish. After breakfast, instead of her normal request for me to "pay" with her...she simply had one wish: "mama...bed." She was back asleep in minutes...with a 102 fever.

Plans cancelled. Day shot.

But not really. I spent almost the entire day in my PJs snuggled up with my little valentine. She literally didn't want to leave my arms...ALL day long. I spent the first part of the day thinking about HOW unproductive my day was becoming. Then, it dawned on me at some point, that this day of snuggles was the BEST VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT I could have ever even asked for. See, my little lady is needing me less and less each day...she is rarely happy sitting in my lap for too long...and I usually avoid thinking about this reality for fear of crying! But today...on this day of love...I felt so LOVED.

And if that's not enough, my real sweetheart came home with a wonderful surprise----he bought me a prenatal massage that I can cash in on a "sore" day here in this last trimester. What a good man!!!

Hope you all felt love today!

from where I sit...

2011-02-09T16:21:00.005-06:00

It's naptime. At 4:22 pm every day, it's usually still naptime. Nearing the end of these few, quiet hours of my day. They are usually not still, however, because I almost always find lots of things to keep me moving... but today I decided to just SIT on my couch and check my email and call H & R Block about filing our taxes and look at THIS great promotion for nursing moms(Enter "VALENTINE" as promo code at checkout for FREEBIE!!!) I have been sitting for almost an hour, now, and started noticing "movement" out of my peripheral vision just a few minutes ago. Raised the blinds to find winter "flurries" comin' fast again...reminding me that this winter isn't quite over...

... Within just about 20 minutes, Joe and Greta's yard is starting to become covered....

...and Clive Staples has roused himself from my bed to come and count snowflakes with me...

...He hasn't said so himself, yet, but I am thinking he's as ready for spring as I am. Usually, on a warm day, this guy's out and about in the neighborhood at this hour, but not during the winter. 4:22 pm means naptime for him, too, these days...along with about 17 more hours of the day! Winter sleeper. Can't blame him. These white flakes a' fallin' are making my eyes heavy too...

Just a few minutes later, now, and the road is starting to accumulate snow...

I wondered if that would happen. That means, without a doubt, no school tomorrow...which doesn't really affect my life, but which I know is getting old for lots of friends! :) It also means that Rich will be later getting home because, as we all know, a single falling snowflake here in Tennessee usually means multiple car wrecks on the already-too-crowded I-65 S at quittin' time. Think we'll just have soup tonight. Yeah, warm veggie soup (although mine doesn't hold a candle to Greta's homeade soup!) sounds good...

...starting to really cover things up out there...

We'd planned to do our new fave winter activity tonight, "mim" at the Rec Center... but donning a bathing suit is hard enough when the temps are just low...I can't see myself also donning my snow boots to get there tonight! No, tonight may call for a "nuggle" night. Jadey is big on those lately. We push the fronts of our two couches together so they are touching and it kinda makes a "double wide" (obviously:)) and extra comfy palate for us...when she hears us moving the coffee table she runs in an screams with delight, "NUGGLE"...and jumps on the couches. She tells us both where to sit and once we're all situated she gives the cutest nod of contentment.

Hopefully me and my sweetheart (V-Day is close enough to start calling him that,again, right??? ;)) will find a good movie (that is, after Jadey has tired of crawling all over us and settles down)...and drift off into a sweet, warm dreamland together. Just about 3 feet away, outside, these flakes may still be falling from the storehouses...

...and I will dream of sunshine and sand...

Spring In Winter

2011-02-04T21:59:00.004-06:00

So I am one of those people that just doesn't keep up with the weather. When it comes a big snow, I am usually like a child the next morning because, unless someone called to "warn" me, I didn't know. When I figure it out, I pull the blinds up and exclaim, "SNOW!!!"...and usually tear out through the yard to grab a handful...to eat! :) That's me. So, exactly the same thing happened last Saturday...except it was a "spring day" surprise! I was sitting at the kitchen table early Saturday morning eating breakfast with Shaelyn Jade (Rich had spent the night at The Cabin with the boys) and I thought that the birds in my backyard seemed to be "basking" in the sun...so I opened the back door and much to my surprise I was greeted with the most warm, pleasant, spring air! It was, truly, one of the best surprises of 2011 so far! :) I immediately called my Dad and told him Shadey Jadey and I would be heading that way RIGHT NOW to ride the four wheeler and see the horses and play in the sun all day long! We were in the car about 15 minutes later- windows down, music too loud to be January...and two happy girls. It's crazy how a little sunshine can change an entire day! We started our day with a long walk to the creek...then Poppy picked us up and we drove around on the tractor...down to the horses.

Rich and Uncle Jeff met us there and Jade got to "ride" her horse (thrilling!).

Then Ash met up with us (and brought pizza for lunch!) right as Dad hooked the trailor to the tractor and pulled us all over the farm. A "hayride" lunch on a sunny, January day.

We pulled sleeping bags down onto the trailor and we, like the birds, basked until our hearts were full...and our baby was sleepy!

Jade getting "tickled" by Non...

And proof that this kind of sunshine in winter can make us all do strange things...ever seen two grown men do "the spider"?! :)

Thank you, Jesus, for the surprise of a spring day in the middle of winter.

...and, while I'm on surprises, the BEST surprise of 2010, hands down, was that this sweet friend of mine also has a growing baby in her belly!!! This is my first "belly pic" of her...she's so tiny, but that little baby is starting to "pooch" out a little. Oh Baby Walker how we love you so much already!!!! :)

Birthday Boy!

2011-01-24T09:03:00.011-06:00

Yesterday was Rich's birthday, so we made sure to have fun all weekend long! It started Friday night with a date night- dinner @ Jimmy John's (what can I say, big spenders :)) and the movie True Grit afterwards. We always love a good date where we can talk to each other, eat slowly (even if it isn't a steak!), and relax. It was good...
Saturday night we had cake and ice cream @ my Mom's house with the fam- the boys mostly played with the remote control airplanes (and managed to crash them into every wall and some foreheads!) and the Wii (might I add I was top scorer for bowling- which is something I must brag about here because I am TRULY the WORLD's WORST BOWLER in real life!!!)...and the kids' favorite part was loading up and riding down to pet the horses in the moonlight and cold!

Here the kiddos helped him blow out candles!
Yesterday started with a sweet girl waking up her Daddy and giving him his gift...

...tickets to the CIRCUS!!!

...and his favorite, yummy breakfast right there in bed!

He spent the day doing what he loves best- playing with and reading to Jadeybug...

...and then it was time for the CIRCUS!!!

Oh if you have never been (and none of us had!)- the Barnum and Bailey's Circus is an experience that everyone needs to have! We had front row seats to "The Greatest Show On Earth"...and it was truly amazing!

...Our Ringmaster!

Amazing tightrope walkers...

...and the MOST amazing was how many people were folded up inside this box!!!

At least Rich and I loved it... :)

...Shaelyn Jade (who was too excited all day to nap prior to the circus) finally fell out during the motorcycle riders (loudest part of the show!) and slept until intermission. But she was ready again for the second half with cotton candy...

...and loved every second of those elephants!
...And out favorite part was when they brought out the sweet, new baby elephant and his mommy at the end...

What a special memory for us all!

We finished Rich's special day at home, on the couch, with his favorite cake--- Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. He finally got to blow out his birthday candles and make his special birthday wish.

...Apparently this was a fake because afterward I asked him if he made a wish and he reported, " I never really do."

"WHAT??" Not in this house! We wait all year long for one special day where we can make one special wish...and he doesn't do it? He said he wanted to try again...

...and then he wanted to TELL ME HIS WISH (don't worry, friends- I stopped him before it was too late...whew!)... As we curled up in bed last night he said it was a good day...and I agreed. I am so thankful for the wonderful husband that God gave me to spend my days with, and I just know that every year's gonna keep getting better and better!

Happy Birthday, sweet Rich! I love you!!!

PINK

2011-01-20T16:38:00.006-06:00

So I woke up this morning with my right eye swelled and "glued" shut! Not the way I had intended to start, or spend, my day. Had to cancel our Library Day with Cash and Whitney (and the yummy lunch she was going to make for us...) AND dinner with our friends tonight. Not fun. Not a happy camper. So we are "quarantining" again, for the second week in a row, but the doctor says I should see tremendous improvement by the morning. I better, with these $60 eye drops (yes, I am serious!!!) that feel like acid on an open wound! People, I need prayers for this eyeball that is PINK, to say the least! Whoever named this "pink eye" was a genius, I tell ya'...he should have called it "Go To Bed Normal, Wake Up Feeling Like Quasimodo EYE".

...how my eye looks...

...and how my eye feels (with the help of photoshop!)...

:) Praying for less "pink" tomorrow...

...and wondering if I caught this from skyping too much with JOEY in South Africa?...

20 months...

2011-01-17T22:14:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, my favorite girl was 20 months old. 20 months. Wow. When I say that number, it seems like time is flying by...but as I laid in bed last night, I had the warmest feeling inside as I realized I have spent every single day, almost every single minute of 20 months with this girl. I feel so thankful that I have been able to stay home with her and watch her grow. I haven't missed a day of it...and though it does seem to have moved a bit fast- I do remember it all. I was there with her...and I wouldn't trade this job for anything in the world! She is, as I tell her all the time, "biggity bigs"...every single day she wakes up and is smarter, has more to say, thinks harder...and loves me and her daddy more. I have said it countless times, I know, but she just brings me so much JOY!

And it was so sweet last night, on her twenty-month "birthday" :), to have two of her sweetest faces in this world come to our house for dinner, read her books in her room, sing sweet lullabies to her...

...it made her so happy at the end of her day. Joe and Greta- you have loved her so much during these 20 months and have been able to watch her grown with me... and I know she will love you both always!

One year ago, when my baby was this old...

...I posted the following poem. It is so true for each and every mother, I know...and is especially true for me today. I pray the next twenty months will be as sweet as these first twenty, and I know that before I blink these months will turn into years and my baby will turn twenty years old. Until then, I will hold her as long as I can and savor each day with her...because, as we all know too well, babies don't keep.

Song For A Fifth Child

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

~Ruth Hulburt Hamilton (1958)

To my Shaelyn Jade:
Sweet girl, some day I hope you will read here where I try to record our days together and understand the happiness you brought me during these precious days of my life. You have given me joy that I never even dreamed of, and my role as your mama each day is the greatest way I could ever spend my time. The other night as we "bocked" (ie: rocked...),I whispered in your ear about the day you were born and your big, brown eyes looked up at me like you understood. I told you that I loved you from the INSTANT I saw you, like a miracle...and it's true. It was love at first sight, the very best day of my life. These past 20 months have been full of challenges for me as I have tried to settle into this mommy role, but you have made it so much easier and so fun for me. You are my Jadeybug. You have changed over these past few months from a chubby little lady to a lean little girl...you love baby dolls most of all, you're still totally unintrested in movies (even at the end of long days when I wish you weren't! :)), you talk 90 miles a minute, all day long...you love to eat fruits and veggies (I'm afraid you may actually turn into a blueberry!), you love to pray (even when we're not eating meals), and you ask you daddy to "MING" you by your ankles every single day...which he usually does, even if you have just eaten a huge dinner! We're not sure where it came from, but from the first time I said to you, "Jade- I love you", you instantly replied (and have every time since) "Nooooooo", in a tone that begs, "tell me again!" :) It melts your Daddy's heart. You are the apple of his eye and we have grown so close to each other since we both fell in love with you...You still love your mama more than anything else...and every single night as your eyes get tired you ask for your "BA BA" (passy), "bank-ek" (blanket), and "mama bock". When we get all settled in the rocking chair in the dark I hear you snap that passy out of your mouth, almost like clockwork, and ask in the sweetest voice I have ever heard, "Nong?"...I whisper, "Which song, Jade?" And almost always, you ask for the song that I sang to you the first night you were born (and a thousand times since) "GEEEE"...

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...
There's just something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus,
Like the fragrance after the rain.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...
Let all heaven and earth proclaim,
Kings and kingdoms may all pass away
But there's something about that name.

It has been my prayer for you, each day of this 20 months, that God would endow you with wisdom and a steadfast heart for Him alone. Nothing will bring me more joy that to watch you come to know and love your Savior, "Geee", who loves you even more than I do. Sweet girl, I can't wait for the next 20...

With all my love,
Mama

We may be seen...

2011-01-17T21:25:00.004-06:00

Me and my Jadeybug, we're outside kind o' girls! We'd rather be outside than inside any day-and we prefer to be outside in the sunshine...so to say we are fighting this winter dreary very hard is a bit of an understatement! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a good snowfall with sledding and REAL sno-cones and playing outside with cold noses and toeses :)... and even being "snowed in" a few days is a sort of "adventure" for me, usually...but last week when that kind of fun winter weather struck, my sweet girl simultaneously (I mean literally- as the first snowflakes fell, her temperature shot up!) came down with some kind of virus that gave her high fevers for three days. We literally didn't don our snowboots once... B-U-M-M-E-R! It was a week of indoors for us, and a very slow pace (thank goodness for my sweet Mom who told me to come stay there a couple days for a change of scenery!), so I am so happy to have a healthy sidekick again this week. And as these winter days trudge on, I find myself looking for fun, indoor spots to entertain this little lady who is FULL of wonder at each and every site, no matter the time of year! No winter blues for that girl- no siree, she is so full of energy and life, even if it is all indoors!

So this winter, we may be seen at any of the following "hot spots" on a cold day- me, my Jadeybug, and any friend we can find to tag-along with us!

Spring Hill Library: Storytime almost every day by sweet Ms. Marcia, and a very fun craft afterward (which Shaelyn Jade usually tries to eat!), and a playroom full of fun toys. Two perks- relaxing for me, interaction with other kiddos for Jade, and best of all- it's FREE!

Shaelyn Jade and her friend, Cash got some buddy time here a couple weeks ago (here leaving hand in hand)...and precious Baby Ford snoozed through the whole thing..and Jadeybug stuck pretty close by...she LOVES a baby, ya know! (PS- My friend, Whitney, is making her new "mommy of 2" role look easier than I know it is going to be...she's a great mom to these two boys!)

TREESLIDE at Cool Springs Galleria: If you ask Shaelyn Jade if she wants to go to the "treeslide" you are SURE to get a shout of glee! We have found ourselves here on many o' rainy or cold day. Three perks- FREE again, enclosed area so I don't have to chase her, and she burns LOTS of energy climbing everything! We're always ready for naptime after the treeslide...

We caught up with one of Shaelyn Jade's bestest buds, Cate, and her sweet mama Teri last week at the treeslide...but they spent most of their time playing in the boat! Here, it looks like Jade doesn't like what Cate's doing to her...don't be fooled, folks- these two were a hoot together!

Peek-A-Boo Playtown: Now this place isn't FREE, ($7 per kid, per day, all day pass where you can come and go)but it is quite possibly our favorite new spot! We try to meet our sweet friends Chrisie and Kate and Abby here each week and I never see Shaelyn Jade for the whole time we're there. It's a huge room with slides and walk ways and balls to jump in...and then one whole side of it is turned into "shops"- a grocery store stocked with buggies and groceries, a fire station with fire suits and gear, a doll house with baby beds and high chairs and baby dolls galore...I am telling you, it is a FUN stop for any kiddo! And the best part- there is a "lunch room" with picnic tables where you can bring your own lunch in! I love that! There are couches and benches for parents (and Wi-Fi) and a gate that keeps everyone IN...it's a dream come true for me this winter!

Lastly...Chuck-E-Cheese anyone? I know, I never really thought of going here because in my mind, who would WANT to go there if they were obligated by a birthday inviation, right? But, I will admit that during desperate times, we may do desperate things! :) Actually, what I like about Chuck-E-Cheese is that you can meet a friend, split the meal ($15 each including 35 tokens..and the pizza is actually decent!), and let you kiddos run free for a bit.

We may have been spotted here with Rich, Sonya, and Liv on Saturday...maybe. :) And if so, I can tell you Jade and Livi would have been most intrested in this race horse!Giddy-up Cowgirl!

Any winter-fun ideas that anyone else has would be welcomed by this Sunshine Mama! We do spend lots of days at home playing together, but getting out of this house is a MUST every couple days. It's on those days that I am thankful for indoor play-places...and friendly faces!

SUSHI!

2011-01-08T23:03:00.006-06:00

So my youngest bro, Taylor (always known as "Tay Tay" to me...who is, by the way, the coolest 20 year old I know!)called me this week and said he wanted to bring his sweet friend, Annie Grace, (who was visiting for a few days from North Carolina) over to our house to make homeade sushi! Several years ago, my very thoughtful mother-in-law found out that I like sushi and bought me all of the essential "tools" to make it at home...so fun! I even have a wonderful cook book that teachs all of the techniques from fileting the fish to cutting the veggies to making the rolls...and boy did we have fun with it once again! It is quite a process and does take a while to get it all "prepared" to roll...but once you do, it's well worth the wait!

We started with a little edamame and fried rice to hold us over as we made the tempura shrimp and veggies, cut the avacado, cucumber, and fish, and made the sticky rice. Then it was finally time to roll, roll, roll! Rich, Tay Tay, and Annie Grace all made a roll and then I voted on the best one. Honestly, it was Rich's winning "King Richard" that we all enjoyed best, but Tay Tay ran a close second with his "Mac-Daddy"...and Annie Grace put a spin on it with her own veggie roll. They were all yummy...and my favorite part was just that I got to spend a night with Tay Tay and his sweet friend, laughing lots and doing something fun!

New Year

2011-01-04T20:53:00.007-06:00

On Christmas night, we loaded up and headed down I-65 SOUTHBOUND to Florida. That's right, folks...we spent the week of New Year's in Destin with Rich's family, for the second time.

It is truly a wonderful week. We don't get to see them enough, at all...especially Shaelyn Jade, so it was so sweet for us to watch her really get to know them, to love them.

These girls were absolutely wonderful with her all week long. From the minute she saw them, she wanted to be big like them and it was so funny to watch her show out for them. They toted her up and down the stairs on their "BACK!!!"...

...let her play for hours on the pool table...gave her all kinds of treats...

...played on the beach with her...and let her crawl around in their bedrooms all she wanted. It was so special for Rich and I to see her really come to love Hosanna, his little sis, and Em, his sweet niece...and she's asked for them at least 100 times since we got home!

We celebrated his Mom's birthday (also Jesus' birthday!) at a yummy hibachi restaurant...

...which Jadey loved...

...played with lots of new gifts that Nanma bought for her, which Jadey loved...

...got lots of snuggle time with Grampy...which Jadey loved, and thoroughly enjoyed taking in the beach...

...which Jadey L-O-V-E-D!

All in all, it was a good week for Jadey! :)

We spent out favorite day, New Year's Eve, in Seaside, which we all loved! Jade rode bikes for the first time and giggled for about the first 30 minutes...

We rode all over Seaside until our bottoms were sore...

...took in lots of beautiful scenery...

...and in the end, she fell asleep. On the bike. Classic.

That night, we took Rich's fam to one of our favorite local restaurants, The Red Bar-which was even more crowded than usual...meaning, about 200 people were all within your personal space as you ate...but it was fun!

...me and my girl in our brown boots and skinny jeans...

Later we went home and watched a movie, and at the climax of the movie (truly) we heard annoying, loud sounds outside...ummm...that would be FIREWORKS!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!!....We totally forgot it was New Year's Eve...totally missed the ball dropping for my first time in years...but did manage to run to the roof and watch Baytowne Wharf's fabulous fireworks show...

...and sneak a kiss from my sweetie. It was another wonderful New Year's Eves with Rich's family...we figured out that we've spent the last 5 of 6 together, which is so fun!

But as all good things must come to an end, eventually it was time to go...

...but not before we welcomed these sweet friends in for their fun Florida week! Hope you guys are having so much fun and even soaking up a ray of sun or two!!!

It was a perfect way to spend the end of 2010. Exactly two years ago we were here in the same place with this same group, anticipating a baby just as we are now...due the same day in May! Funny. And two years ago, I drew a similar pic in the sand...

...only we didn't know then that the sweet babe in my belly was our Shaelyn Jade. Oh how hopeful and exciting to know the love of a child, now. We know we will love this sweet babe in my belly just the same, and are full of wonder, not knowing, once again whether or not "it" will be another sweet girly girl...or maybe a little Rich! Welcome 2011...hurry baby #2!

Mrs. Clause...

2011-01-04T16:02:00.005-06:00

That's me. Really, this was my first time...and I was a little nervous. I have this little person that hangs with me all the time, and now it's up to me to make Christmas so fun, so exciting, so magical for her. This year, I wondered if she'd be old enough to "get it"...

So we tried her out with a couple new traditions... "Elf On The Shelf"...and a special Advent Calendar tradition that Rich always did growing up. Honestly, I doubted she'd really be able to understand either...but she QUICKLY figured out that every night when Daddy got home from work (in his "GUCK" might I add! :)) he would get down the little Advent tree...pick the drawer for the day it was...and in it there was always a special treat to eat! Ok, that one didn't take her long! Every day she would ask me no less than 15 times...
"Daddy?"
"He's at work..."
"Guck?"
"Yes...he drove his truck..."
"Appen?"
"Yes, he'll do the Advent Calendar with you when he gets home...."
...and then a big shout of glee.
When she heard his "guck" pull in at night, she would run to the kitchen, stand beneath the counter where the "appen" was...squeal as long as it took him to change his clothes...and then as he came into the kitchen with her she would run, run, run straight to the couch to open it....

Then we went and picked out our special Elf friend...named him Abe...and read the book the first night. I was super surprised and super happy the next morning when I heard a little voice call from the other room in the wee hours of morning..."EFFFFF???" What? Did she remember? I asked her, "Who?" ...."Ayyyy-B!"
The month of December was one of earlier than usual mornings, that same tiny voice each day...and an eager set of feet that hardly hit the floor as she ran to find her "effff."
Yes. Needless to say, she "gets it". She was so fun for this Mrs. Clause. A dream come true for this over-grown kiddo... Something I have always wondered about...What would it be like to have a child to create magic and sparkle for? Now I know...

We spent our Christmas Eve at home watching this classic...

...It's A Wonderful Life, which Rich had NEVER seen!!!!!!! It just me and my three favorite peeps...one tucked snuggly in my belly... one tucked snuggly beside me...

...and one, my handsome Mr. Clause, wrapping gift after gift, living this "dream" together...

This night was the magical part of Christmas, for us.

We taught our Jadeybug about Santa (AKA: "Thanti")...and his reindeer (AKA: "Meinee")...and put out snacks for both...

...and then Santa came to visit...and our living room was picture-perfect...if we do say so ourselves. I imagine every Mrs. Clause thinks the tree in her living room must be the most beautiful thing in the world at about midnight on Christmas Eve...

And then, the next morning...same little voice..."Effff!" No elf. "Appen?"
"No...they went back to Santa. But go check out our TREE!!!!"
...!!!

Oh it was magical for us all. A long morning (because she's still young enough to enjoy each gift!) of excitment and opening and special gifts that made us all happy. It was what one little girl will wait for all year...and what I have waited for all my life. It was the BEST Christmas EVER!

Minus A Few...

2011-01-04T15:21:00.005-06:00

This year, I must say I was wondering how it would feel to celebrate Christmas with my family...or should I say WITHOUT SO MANY of my family here! I guess it's probably pretty normal in most families for there just to be a handful of people, but I am just not used to that. There have always been peeps-a-plenty running around my Mom's house on Christmas Eve, and I was just wondering if we would still be the same. The answer?...honestly?...not the same. No way it could have been without Briley bursting through the door with her million dollar smile...or Brax's sweet, quiet spirit that says so much...or Bear's LOUD shouts of glee...or sweet little Bristol crawling around beneath us all (although the little gal started walking right after they moved!)...or the fun time that Court, Tiff and I always have as we excitedly open the gifts we have picked for each other...or watching my crazy brothers just "be" together for another Christmas. One brother missing. One sis, for me. :) Four kiddos...No, not the same...

But you know what? The crazy thing was that it WAS still Christmas...because Jesus was still there, still our focus.

(...there were a few bare spots as our family prayed together this year and gave THANKS for JESUS!)

It was possibly ( I say possibily because Cy, Colbs, and Shae Jade really did try and raise the roof in honor of their missing cousins!) quieter...but it was still "Christmas"...minus a few...And we knew it was the same in South Africa, for them... still "Christmas", just minus a few. Jesus is the REASON for the whole SEASON for our family...we give gifts because He was the greatest gift we have ever received...and that was not missing- neither here nor there. My Dad still read the Christmas story...with a very cool twist this year about what it would have been like if Jesus, the MESSIAH, had been born in our time...there was still a delicious pot of Mom's homeade soup...

...still lots of big packages under the tree...

...still lots of shouts of glee (Thanks Cy and Colby for this very special ladybug that my Jadeybug sleeps with every night, now!)...

...still sweet memories made...

...and a very warm heart in my chest to watch my sweet husband tackle his very first of what will be many, many more to come "put it together yourself" kiddo gifts...thanks Non and Pop for the cutest "all in one" baby station!

COMPLETTION! Ahhh...only took two hours! :)

...And something new that we are going to have to get used to...SKYPING IN THOSE MISSING PEEPS for all special occasions! We, unfortunately, couldn't actually get connected this time...but we were ready! It was hilarious standing around the computer for like 15 minutes, hats on, kids ready to sing...stuffed animals in hand...wondering if Dad actually knew what he was doing! :)... And I guess, since we can't have them here for now, these memories are at least something to be thankful for! :) No, not the same, but still the same...CHRISTmas for us all!

Christmas on ICE!

2011-01-04T15:04:00.005-06:00

Well it's been almost a MONTH since I last blogged...and all I can say is I have been having way too much fun to sit down and blog! :) ...and my computer is still crashed, which makes blogging hard, too. :) This Christmas was my most favorite yet, for sure. Filled with enough happy memories to last a lifetime...so much joy in watching my own child take in the wonders of this season for the first time, really. She understood so much more.

One of our very favorite Christmas memories from this year was our special night with Sonya, Dra, and Liv...each of our very best friends...
This year, instead of giving scarves and hats and trinkets, we gave our TIME to each other...and oh the BEST gift it was ...much needed, fun, Christmas memories for us all!!
Me and my girl after we finally got our snow gear on! She wasn't sure about our adventure at this point...

...Oh but by this point she was really feeling it! Not sure you can see how much fun this girl had on the slide, but she squealed with joy all the way down...at least I managed to capture the twinkle in her eyes!
This place was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G (duh, right?) C-O-L-D... almost painful :)...but fun was still had by this crazy bunch of jailbirds!

And to make an almost perfect evening perfect, we topped it all off with a fabulous dinner at The Cheesecake Factory... including the ONLY CHOICE on the menu (according to me and Rich), Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake!

Livi Lu- Who

2010-12-06T21:38:00.006-06:00

One of mine and Jade's favorite girls in this world is Olivia Drae Beasley...also known this time of year around our house as "Livi Lu-Who!" ... and we were DELIGHTED that she came to spend the night with us last week. We jam -packed our night full of fun...starting with a special trip to Joe and Greta's (at their request before I could even get the car pulled into the driveway!)...

(Greta spinning the girls in the computer chair...they squealed with JOY!)

...Making "music" together on the piano...

...and getting a little bit of "Papa Joe love"!

Next we were on to Gingerbread-men-making...

...and EATING! :)

Rich took the prize with his expert "Elvis" gingerbread man...

(UPCLOSE SHOT...for you, Rich! :))

And of COURSE the night would not have been complete without a bubble bath together! Somehow they both had "fros" this night which we were luckily able to tame with a little shampoo and water!

...And just to get them good and fired up before bedtime (and because they BEGGED)...we let them jump in Jade's bed until they were worn out (ok, it was a trick!)

We are so thankful for sweet Livi Lu Who! Her mama and Jadeybug's mama (not sure why I switched to third person here :)) spent so many days and nights together when we were their age. It makes me so happy to see God bonding their young little hearts, too...and I pray they stay close always. We sure do miss Liv being across the street, but it makes us that much more happy when we get to spend special nights, like this one, with her!

Doe and Geetie

2010-12-02T14:56:00.007-06:00

After another sweet visit with our "Spring Hill Grandparents" last night, I started thinking about how blessed we to know this sweet couple...and wanted to share them with you! Joe and Greta (also known as "Doe and Geetie" at our house) live directly across the street from us and always welcome us into their home (almost daily since this has become Shaelyn Jades MOST favorite place in the WORLD to visit) with warm smiles and big hugs...and then begins a very detailed course of action for Jade! She immediately runs from Greta's arms (where she usually only gives her "half a hug" since she's so excited!) to the china cabinet in the dining room where she screams with delight as she sees (now remember this is a daily occurence!) all of the snowmen that Greta keeps on the bottom shelf (year round)...always as if it were the FIRST time she's seen them. Greta patiently (again, almost every day) and so lovingly stands with her and twirls the ballerina that hangs inside and takes out all of the snowmen and fish and birds and "pretties" that Jade asks for. When she is finished she darts to her next station- the snow globes (also a year-round "attraction" :)) where she waits (ok, not usually) for Greta to come and wind them each up each one and shake them for her curious little eyes to ears to take in...again, as if the first time...and then its OFF to the train! Mr. Joe is just as sweet and just as patient as he always sits with her for as long as she likes and turns on his amazing Lionel train set and lets her blow the whistle and watch the little man come out of the house and take the barrels apart...and usually try to grab the trains as they come by! When she's done with the train she takes in the
B-E-A-Utiful tree that now stands above the train, intricately detailed with a lifetime of ornaments (and stories for each one) and bright lights (which are even prettier from my living room) and garland and tinsel...the perfect tree for a little girl's curious spirit! Next, she may do a number of things- ask for a "nack" (because Greta always gives her yummy treats!), or run to the computer where Greta takes her in her lap and goes through pictures of everyone in our family, or run to the big pretzel barrel that they keep upstairs with the world's BEST pretzels in them...which she usually shares with her mother...:) She plays the piano, plays with dominos, goes up and down the little ramp Mr. Joe built for their sweet, old dog, Kissie...I am telling you, for as LONG as I will let her stay...she never stops moving while she's at their house. And with these frequent visits, I have found that this house has also become one of MY favorite places, as well...because I see true JOY in my daughter's eyes when she is here. She feels the LOVE that abounds here and it makes her happy. And it makes me happy...and I can see it also makes "Doe and Geetie" happy. It's amazing how God, with his infinite wisdom and also amazing care for the smallest details of our lives, placed us across the street from this precious couple during this time in our lives, where we have needed each other so many times, and enjoy each other daily. Sometimes "family" may not be related by blood, at all, but simply by love. We feel that Joe and Greta are our "family" in the truest sense of the word and are so THANKFUL for them.

Hope that you all find JOY in the "Doe and Geeties" that God has placed in your life this holiday season...whether across the street or across town...or across the world! He does not cross our paths coincidentally. No, there are blessings in people all around us...we just have to slow down long enough to enjoy them.

Thank you, Joe and Greta, for your warm love that we feel all the time. Thank you for taking time for us so often and for making my little girl feel like the most special little lady on the street! We love you!

Oh there was cake...

2010-11-29T18:50:00.006-06:00

Most November 28ths of my life have been spent with this guy...

...celebrating his birthdays. And although this year he wasn't with us, don't you worry, folks-there was celebrating in TN! The birthday card I sent him in South Africa said that we'd bake a cake...so we did!
...And this girl never even knew that the reason for our celebrating was on the other side of the world!

Joey, oh how we miss you! We miss your funny, funny stories, we miss your big, fun spirit, we miss your wisdom and we miss seeing you all the time. I am so proud of you- you have always been one of the strongest leaders in my life, and it does not surprise me one bit that God has called YOU to South Africa to lead those precious people there. I pray for you daily and I love you so much. I hope your birthday was the MOST special one yet...and can't wait until we're together again to celebrate many more!

PS...the cake was STRAWBERRY...your fave! :)

2010-11-21T21:38:00.001-06:00

We spent our Sunday night at the park...

...probably one of the last before light jackets turn into winter coats...

...and we loved every minute of it. We are so thankful for these fallish days with our little panda bear! :)

here and there...

2010-11-15T16:12:00.003-06:00

Well we spent Friday ninght with two of our favorite dudes in town, Cy Austin and Colby Todd. Their mom and dad had a special date night and we had a sleepover. We started at the mall where they ran crazy with all of the other children in Franklin who apparently hang out there at the play place on Friday nights, too...

...and did a little driving around...

...and then ended up all snuggled up with popcorn and a movie. Shaelyn Jade learned how to say Cy ("th-y") so she pretty much goes around the house saying it all the time....

Then Nate and Rich left for work in Atlanta this week so Tiff and I joined our crews again last night for another sleepover at "Grandmo Connie's" house. We had one extra "cuz" join us so her mom and dad could also have a date night...and again it was just about more fun than they could all handle!

But I must say the highlight of this party was that we finally ALL got to talk to Joe and Court and the kiddos together this morning. Uncle Dra even showed up to get Livi at the perfect time and got to sit and chat with Joe for a bit...I know it did both of their hearts good. It was such a joy to see all of their faces- after too long...and hear their excitement at their new adventure. Briley is cast-free and has caught an African frog...Braxton showed us another one of his very cool lego creations and got to talk to his two best buds...Barron had MUCH to say to everyone over and over again :)...and told us about the baboons that are as big as him that walk all over the place there...we got to see Bristol walk (and heard her fall down the stairs)...heard a classic Joey story of how he ran over a snake the size of HIM (and a local took it home for "snake soup"...FOR REAL!)...and got to see our sweet "sis" Courtney and hear about her new home...and see that she is good. It was just what Tiff and I needed to hear, and KNOW----that our crazy family is still their same, crazy, HAPPY selves there that they were here!

So today as my sweet girl naps my heart is FULL of THANKFULNESS for my family...the ones HERE who we hold close and see lots (and who help fill the void of our other missing peeps) and who Jadeybug is growing to love more and more as she comes so alive to this world...and for those far away who we hold EVEN closer :), see less, miss more, and pray for MORE...and count days til we are with again. We love them all the same---so so much and feel so blessed to share such deep bonds with those who are my family. It was so good to be reminded, today, that those bonds will never change or lessen despite time or distance.

We will continue making memories as a group...here with "Th-y" and Colby (which she absolutely cannot say at all!) and via SKYPE with Bri and Brax and Bear and Brist. It's new for us, but hey- we'll take it! Oh how sweet to see those smiling faces...

For You, Court...

2010-11-12T12:01:00.003-06:00

Last night I went to Chili's...and although I never am a "dessert girl" (I'd rather have seconds on dinner always!), I couln't pass this up...

...because Courtney would give anything for a bite of it right now! My sweet sis-in-law has been known go great lengths for a molten chocolate cake from Chili's, so I just couldn't pass up the chance to indulge, FOR YOU, Court! :)

Thinking of you every single day. All the time. Love you, girl!

smiles

2010-11-10T19:49:00.004-06:00

Lots of smiles this week as me and my girl have been just hanging out together...like we always do. This was one of my favorite moments. As dinner ended the other night I went in to run Shae Jade's bath water like I do almost ever night. I had just started it and ran in the other room to do something quick...and when I returned I found an anxious bather had forgotten something...

...In her excited frenzy she didn't realized she was STILL IN HER CLOTHES...tennis shoes and all...and when I got to her she was, albeit a little confused, happy as a lark in her warm bathwater! I laughed and laughed over this one and yelled for Rich to come get a picture of this so we can look back many, many days from now and laugh again when we tell her about it.

Oh what JOY she brings to me...

GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-11-04T12:00:00.003-05:00

Friends:
This is, perhaps, the BEST GIVEAWAY I have E-V-E-R seen on any blog...and it happens to be one of my favorite bloggers giving it away...so CHECK IT OUT! Enter to win. It's better than tickets to Disneyland...better than anywhere...because you can go there ANYTIME, FOR FREE, WITH ANYONE...for the rest of you life.

GO, GO, GO. It's one of my FAVORITE PLACES that I will be taking Jade to as SOON as she's old enough...I am dying to travel here with her!
Go, Go, Go...
And let me know if you win!

these are the days...

2010-10-28T22:49:00.004-05:00

my life has been crazy lately. really crazy. trip to ethiopia, two deaths in our family, rich traveling to england, me taking two trips myself (one being our first cross-country trip with jade), ear tubes for Jade, tricia's wedding, joey and court leaving, pregnant...and sick. i have felt "out of sorts" to say the least...and there have been several days that i have felt too busy (or too sick! :)), too torn in too many directions, to just sit and look at my baby girl all day long like i want to. just last week i told my mom that i thought this week things would finally be back to "normal" (whatever that is...) and I was looking forward to just sitting in the floor and playing. my sweet shaelyn jade isn't the tiny baby that i held just months ago anymore. she is ~~walking~~ running all over the place, exploring, trying to repeat everything i say, soaking in every single cloud, insect, breeze, ray of sun, new person...she is at the BEST age yet, and i have been too busy to take her in enough. not this week, though. this week we have been home pretty much all day every day, just me and my girl, reading books (over and over and over again), taking baths, playing baby dolls, singing songs and dancing (did I mention this girl doesn't stand a chance at having any rhythm???)...and laughing---lots...long and hard. i can tell she's loved it as much as i have. today we went grocery shopping and she could point out so many things she "knows" now...and when we got home, she went straight back to her room to "play"...it was very quiet, which was much needed as i tried to pull my house together for the jewelry party i was hosting in just hours...too quiet. when i finally went back to check on her...

ever thought pulling EVERY SINGLE WET WIPE out of the container could be so fun? it was for this girl. and when i called her back and asked her what happened she just grinned from ear to ear, so proud of her accomplishment!

when she got tired of playing alone, she came into the kitchen where i'd started making brownies and said "UP!"...so i pulled her a chair over to the counter like i always do when i cook, so she could watch. then i remembered a birthday gift she had gotten that i cleverly put away for a day like today...and i ran back to the top of her closet and pulled down a "new" toy!!! her very own cooking set- complete with apron and chef hat and all of the essential kitchen "tools"...

have you ever seen a sweeter chef? and no i am NOT one of those terrible mom's who let's their children eat raw eggs from the chocolate batter...no way, i would never do that (among other things, like let my child run around in just a diaper for most of the day today...eek, caught twice in one pic!!!)

as i snapped this picture i realized, in a weighty moment, that these are the days i have waited for all my life. me, a mommy, to the sweetest little chef on earth. me, home with her all day long- and tired as it makes me some days, it is a dream come true for me...these are the days i pray i never forget.

oh Lord, please help me to slow down and soak up these days- for i know they will not last long. thank you for the precious gift of children... for my shaelyn jade, and for this small, sweet heartbeat in my belly. thank you for your child, Jesus Christ, and the hope that He gives me each day. please help me to let His light shine daily, through me, and into the hearts of my own children. thank you for making me a mommy.

And they're off!

2010-10-26T22:23:00.003-05:00

I must say that the actual "goodbye" was even harder than I'd even anticipated...I had dreaded Friday for a long time and awoke that morning with a big knot in my tummy, knowing I'd see some of my favorite faces for the last time for a long while... But God is GOOD ALL THE TIME, and allowed the day to be perfectly hectic so that there really wasn't that much time to stand around and cry our heads off (though we tried)...so it was rather short and ~~sweet~~ painful :) Anyways, they are off on the first leg of their long journey where they have stayed several days in London (Rich's homeland :)) and are L-O-V-I-N-G it! Make sure you stay in touch with them HERE...Court will be keeping us all updated on their adventures from here on out. Oh how we all miss them already, but feel so peaceful that God has called them to His greater plans...and here are a few pics I stole from her blog of some of mine and Rich's favorite spots in London...

Big Ben...so cool up close!

Trafalgar Square...Rich and I had fun taking crazy pics there, too!

Ah the REAL English pubs where you can get REAL Fish-n-chips...wrapped in newspaper! Yum Yum...

I am already wishing I were with them, too.... :)

My Sunshine

2010-10-20T15:27:00.006-05:00

You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey...
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

I remember when Joey and Court told us they were pregnant for the first time and the excitement I felt to be an AUNT! I remember hoping that I would be a "good Aunt", that this baby would like me...Well, Bri came along and stole my heart. She set the stage (as she usually does!) for my role as "Aunt Dane Dane" and we were instant soulmates...and I have always told her that she's my "sunshine". I remember when I moved away to Charleston, SC for a year how much I missed her, a baby at the time---I had pictures of she and I framed in my room and I remember showing them to people all the time and telling them all about her. I was so proud of her! I remember when I moved home I'd get her to spend the night with me at my Mom's house and we'd jump on the beds and giggle, giggle, giggle...and it always ended with a sleepy-eyed Bri saying, "Tickle me, Dane Dane"... You see, I was the original "tickle princess". For my whole life I have asked everyone who knows me, at some point, to "tickle my arm"...and my sweet little sunshine inherited that from me...her mama has always said she could have been mine...and in my heart, I kinda love her like she is. :) There are so many other ways that she and I are so much alike...like how she loves silly little things, like I do...little creatures or funny little stories...and art, she's a true little artist! There have been so many times that I get a random phone call from Court telling me Briley just had to call her Aunt Dane Dane and tell her..."I WON AN ART CONTEST!!!" or "MY TOOTH'S COMING BACK IN!!!" or "I GOT NEW CHICKENS!!!"...and no one will ever know how much it warms my heart that she wanted to call me...she's just my sunshine. When I was pregnant with Jade, she made me promise I'd have her a girl and I remember worrying that if "it" was a girl (what can I say, a promise is a promise, people!)---how was I gonna really handle it with Briley? I'd never want her to feel "second" in my eyes! :) Well don't you worry---Bri made sure she was in every picture on the day of the birth, right on the bed with me through just about all of it (she even secretly stayed right outside the door through my labor so she could be the first to know boy or girl!!!)...and she was the happiest of all to have a girl! And oh if you could only understand how much Jade ADORES Briley, too! It is amazing to me that even at such a young age, she loves her so much, and her eyes light up at the very mention of "Bri Bri"...she stole her her, too, from the beginning...

So, needless to say, I'm really gonna miss Briley Elizabeth. She insisted that she have one last "spend the night" at my house last night where we rented movies and popped popcorn and all snuggled in on a pallet together...

...And as her little eyes got sleepy she stretched out her arm and said, "Will you tickle me, Dane Dane?" For one second I started to say, "Not now, Bri...I don't feel like tickling right now"...but in a second I realized this might be the last time, for a good while, that my sweet Bri asked me that question, one of my favorite requests...and so with big tears rolling down my cheeks (which she never even saw) I tickled that little lady's arm for the rest of the movie. Gladly. Thankfully. So thankful for the deep, deep love we share for each other.

It's funny how in life there are some people with whom age simply does not matter...for no matter how young they are or how old you get---you just kinda "get" each other. It's like that with she and I---she'd tell you that, too, if you asked her. So, even though my "sunshine" is going away for a little while, I know when she returns, it will be like it never changed. We've made promises to write lots send each other our "creations" by mail...and think of each other lots. I know God has big plans for Briley Beth and I am so excited for the ADVENTURE she's about to take! Africa will NEVER be the same, for sure, once this ray of sunshine hits the ground there!!!

P.S.

2010-10-19T12:15:00.002-05:00

P.S.... I realized after my sweet mother-in-law called me yesterday to tell me all she saw in that picture was a "beautiful, beaming, pregnant young lady" and not to "worry about growing too fast" that I didn't make it clear that that picture was taken at the END of my 1st pregnancy...not this one! People, I'm not bulging THAT MUCH yet!!!! :) Just sayin'.... :)

Battle of the bulge

2010-10-17T22:16:00.003-05:00

...did I mention that this pregancy isn't ANYTHING like my first one? Rich says that means, hands down, it's a boy. I'm not so certain about that...but I AM certain that my belly didn't change at all until I was almost 20 weeks with Shaelyn Jade. And I am pretty sure that none of my jeans are fitting, ALREADY, and I am pretty sure I am not quite E-L-E-V-E-N weeks yet!!!! Aaaaahhhh! I just don't know that I am ready for this part, yet! I am so happy, so excited, so ready for another baby...but not so ready for another belly. :) Ready or not, I guess...

...here it comes!!!

Treasuring...

2010-10-14T11:32:00.004-05:00

...these last days with some of our very closest peeps on this planet...
Yeah, we've known for over a year that these days were coming, but honestly, it's been easier just not to think about it. Well we can't do that anymore, and so it's getting hard. Real hard. I find myself wondering what it's gonna be like at our big family gatherings without these 6 members. Not as BIG. And not as fun. Oh how I will miss Briley coming up to me every chance she gets and asking if she can spend the night at my house...and Brax overhearing and insisiting he come to...and then the popcorn, palette, arm tickles, and giggles that are sure to follow. Oh how fun Barron is...his big, wild spirit...and how he's started helping Jade find her way in the world here lately...I want her to grow up with him and be close to him always. I am going to miss watching Bristol grow up like I have these other 3 kiddos, almost daily. I worry I won't KNOW her as well...will she love her Aunt Dane Dane like they do? And Joey will be so far away...he, who has been so close every day of my life...my "biggest" brother... There's always been "3" of us hangin' together...now it's gonna be just me and Na for a while.It makes me sad to think he and Rich won't just get to sit and talk for hours like they so enjoy doing...they really love each other and value each other's thoughts. But the thought that I just still can't deal with----??? Sweet, sweet Court. Oh how dear you are to my heart...a real sister, it feels. You have been such a treasure in my life- so constant, so strong, so sweet to me. You kinda HOLD this group together, somehow. We talk every single day- sometimes about absolutely nothing...sometimes because I have a mommy questions or a marriage questions or a friend question...but it's YOU that I have found I go to (as do SO many others) when I just need help. You're honesty keeps me in check, but your gentleness always provides a soft place to fall. You have become, unknowingly, my standard for raising my own family...you have set the bar so high, and you make it looks so easy...and fun! What will I do without you close?...just MISS you, I guess!!!! :)

Oh these are the thoughts I am finally letting in...and as I do, tears flow out. These thoughts are so selfish I know, but they are true and real. I just love, love, love, love, love, love these 6 sweet faces so dearly. And I KNOW that God sees how special this family is, even more than I can...and that's why he picked THEM to love, love, love, love, love, love on people so far away. Because they WILL. Because they FOLLOWED Him, even to the "ends of the earth"...away from all the comforts they have come to love, too. I am inspired by them. I feel so lucky that I am so close to such great people, who God is going to USE. I pray that I can be MORE LIKE THEM, more obedient, more courageous, more LOVE-ing.

So as the days are flying by and we are down to just one more week, I am TREASURING my time with Joe and Court and Bri and Brax and Bear and Bristol...and I am thankful, in advance, for these lasting memories we will STILL make together!

Two Pink Lines...

2010-10-11T19:59:00.004-05:00

The reason I haven't been keeping up with my blog for about a month?...

Two pink lines.

Oh the joy in our hearts, but oh the sick in my tummy! I wasn't sick at all with Shaelyn Jade, so I just assumed that I was a "pro-baby-carrier" and would never have to worry with any morning sickness...or afternoon sickness...or evening sickness... :) But alas, I am NOT a "pro-baby-carrier" apparently, and I have had all three. For FOUR weeks. I am JUST starting to feel a itsy-bitsy bit better this week (knock on wood) and my house is starting to fall in on itself. I am usually a pretty good housekeeper, if I do say so myself...not so here lately. When Rich leaves in the mornings I am usually laying on the couch feeding Jade breakfast...when he returns in the evening, I am usually laying on the couch waiting for him to cook dinner. Ha Ha. Not joking though...

But REGARDLESS of the toll this pregnancy has taken on me thus far, we are even more excited this go 'round because WE KNOW how much we are going to love this little growing heartbeat inside me...and what a sweet "big sis" Jadybug will be!

Here's Baby Andrews #2's first picture...

...Isn't he/she PERFECT? :) We won't be finding out boy/girl on this one either- so we've all got a long wait...but oh the fun it will be! Our due date is the EXACT SAME as it was for Shaelyn Jade, May 14 (so much for planning!)...so we'll have two close May birthdays. And right now I am almost 10 weeks along, so this sweet little peanut is about 1 inch long. Amazing.

We are so happy. Thank you for your prayers.

My "little mama"...

2010-09-20T21:34:00.004-05:00

(taken by Nana Greta as she babysat Jade...and Jade "babysat" a little herself!)

My Shaelyn Jade reminds me of me in so many things she does (don't worry people---NOT the way she looks!!!) One big way is her love for baby dolls more than any other toy. Since she was about 7 months old (when Nanny Thelma got her first baby for her for Christmas) she has just loved to have a baby in her arms. It just amazes me that she actually understands the concepts of rocking a baby, loving the baby, bathing the baby, changing her diaper. Sometimes I will be in one room and she'll be in her room and I'll hear her say, "Oh Baby"...and if I sneak in on her she is always rocking that baby and just patting her little back! It has to be the SWEETEST thing any child has ever done! When we leave her in the nursery at church each week, she immediately finds a doll, rocks it the whole time we're gone, and has to be pryed away from it when we return. I really think she might just as well stay the whole week at church if she could just stay with that little baby!!! As far back as I can remember, it was baby dolls that I always asked for, baby dolls that I always preferred to play with (Barbie who???), and a "mama" I always dreamed of being. Never, however, in my wildest dreams did I ever dream of loving my own baby like I do...there are simply no words for what this "little mama" does to my heart. Oh, Shaelyn Jade, please don't grow up! How I love these days of rocking and holding my own little baby...

Grampy Andrews

2010-09-18T20:45:00.005-05:00

Today we remember Rich's sweet Grampy Andrews who passed peacefully in his sleep last night. He was 81 years old and lived a long, full life. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Andrews and her two children Jameson and Madison, as well as his son, Christopher (Rich's Dad), his wife, Christine (Rich's Mom), Rich, Sarah (his sister), Emily (his niece)...me...and Shaelyn Jade! We all spoke today via skype and laughed and laughed at all the funny memories we have of Grampy. Please keep Rich and our family in your prayers as their hearts are obviously sad for this loss.

I was able to be with Grampy for two extended visits- once when I visited England in 2004 and then again when we all went to San Francisco in 2005. These are the things that I learned about the old man:

1) Grampy had been married to one woman, Margaret, until she died in 1992. He loved her.
2) Grampy was a policeman in Bath, England. I bet he was a tough policeman!
3) Grampy's favorite past time was going to his local pub, drinking beer, and playing snooker.
4) Grampy loved beer.
5) Grampy loved scotch even more.
6) He lived in the same house, 49 Moorfields Road, for over 50 years.
7) Grampy had a deep heart. He would have done anything for his children.
8) He had a great laugh...and he and Rich loved picking at each other, back and forth.
9) Grampy and Nanny Andrews used to take Richard and Sarah to the "caravan" every year...sort of like a "KOA" on the beach in England. It was the highlight of their summer... some of Rich's best childhood memories.
10) Grampy had a chair in his house that there are pictures of him sleeping with every one of his grandkids.
11) Grampy could sleep ANYWHERE. And required much sleep since I have known him.
12) Grampy was a your typical "crotchity" old Englishman...with a great English accent...and an even dryer sense of humor.
13) Grampy loved to walk...when he had dogs he walked them daily and really enjoyed it.
14) Grampy was very loved...and will be very missed.

Big BRIGHT God

2010-09-10T22:51:00.004-05:00

...So I spent another day with Sonya today. Different than the old days, but still good. Still us. We go through so much of the day just as us, our good ole squabbling selves always giggling and knit-picking each other's every move- and now shadowed by two littler versions of ourselves who have started squabblings of their own already. We stay busy. We ALWAYS have a list in front of us to keep us on track (because, let's face it, I am not a "stay on track" kind of gal, and she's in a whirlwind...)We focus lots of our conversations on Banebow...and the GOOD that is going to come of all this. Then the reality creeps in- in the spaces where comfortable silence has always had its place for us...and she tells me how one month later, the doesn't miss him one bit less than the morning after he died. Hard to hear. Hard to know. Hard to accept that this unimaginable pain is her lot- for the rest of our lives. It will never go away completely.

It's been one month. I remember the night Bane died, standing in Vanderbilt ICU thinking, "I wonder how they will be a week from now, a MONTH from now...a year from now????"...and this is the reality after one month. She knows that only time will ease the severity of the pain, but for now, it is intense. I say all of this because I know that for everyone but them- it's easy to forget. It just is. I hate to say that. But I want to just remind you friends who keep up with me that this hurting mama and daddy are still hurting just as bad today as they were a month ago. They need your prayers today and tomorrow and the next day oh so much. Please continue to pray. Please continue to read Bane's blog. Please continue to call and text and remind them of your love. You do not know how far it is carrying them on days like today.

And on a lighter note...I left Sonya tonight and met Rich for dinner. I insisted on leaving her my car since she was meeting a friend of ours for dinner...but she said she'd rather walk. As I left dinner, across town from her, actually as I was crossing a busy intersection---I spotted a Banebow so BRIGHT and beautiful in the sky. I almost wrecked my car (literally) as I fumbled for my phone to snap a picture. My battery was low but I prayed this one last message would go through to Sonya, a text: "Look who shined down on my dinner again tonight!"...and it sent...and then my phone immediately died. I came home, plugged in my phone, and forgot about it. As I laid down a few minutes ago, I saw my phone blinking. A text from Sonya..."check blog!" I texted her back to see if she got my message from earlier. She wrote back..."yes. check blog!" So I got back out of my bed, came to this computer where I am presently standing in the kitchen, pulled up sweet Baney's blog...and read THIS. Tears in Spring Hill on a late Friday night. Oh our God was so big and so BRIGHT tonight...and always. On this "one month" milemarker that she, through sobs last night, told me she dreaded...He was so faithful to give her the strength for a walk instead of a ride tonight, so that He could remind her of just how CLOSE He is.

I have seen more ~~rainbows~~ Banebows in the last month than ever before...and I KNOW that is not a coincidence.

Our God is big and BRIGHT.

Signed Up & Ready To Run

2010-09-08T23:00:00.003-05:00

Go here. Sign up, too. Walk, Run, Crawl...whatever. Just come help Sonya and Dra celebrate sweet Bane's life. It's his 1st birthday party!!!

North, West and Walter.

2010-09-08T21:38:00.005-05:00

...I know. It's been a while. But I have been in Chicago AND San Francisco in the two weeks. Needless to say, I am happy my feet are back on TN soil! Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed both trips. Chicago was for my sweet friend, Tricia's, bachelorette weekend. Love that city. I had been there once before with Sonya, when I was 18, she was 20. We were so poor we had to DRIVE there, and stayed WAY outside the city. But of course we had fun. And again, Chicago was fun for me. It was so good to see all of Tricia's favorite girls gather together around her to celebrate her. Such a testament to how well SHE loves people. Then were off to San Francisco to visit Rich's family. It was, as always, wonderful and beautiful. From their back porch you can see the most beautiful golden hills all around you. I love it there. No matter where they live, their houses are always so "homey" to me. Must not be the houses. Must be the "warm" bodies in them. :) I always miss my mother-in-law... We loved the time with them...and it was so sweet to see them enjoy Shaelyn Jade. She is really growing into her little personality and I was able to just sit back and watch it myself this week. That was the best part. AND having Rich right with us for 6 days straight. That was great!

...So my last post, I mentioned that the next day, Sonya and I (and Jade and Livi)were going to "Play It Forward". We did. We spent the day getting pictures of Bane blown up, and buying frames and bright colored gift bags and delivering them to special people who have been so sweet to Sonya and Dra. Like our wonderful pediatrician, Dr. Brooks...and his fabulous nurse, Eva. And our wonderful pastors at Bethel who really have given the term "church family" a whole new meaning for us through all this. That was fun. Next, we decided we'd like to do a "random" act so we just started driving, all over the place, praying that God would lead us to someone who needed a "lift"... Listening to the praise music from Bane's Celebration. It's amazing how when you just WORSHIP GOD, the rest of the world sorta fades away. So we drove. And praised. And then we saw him. Walter. Walking alone down the sidewalk. Kinda limping. Just looked a little down on his luck. Sonya said, "That's him...let me out!" Right there in the middle of the road. She approached him. I stayed in the car with the girls.

And they started walking along together. My eyes filled up with big tears as I watched my sweet Sonya following God's path for her, right down that sidewalk. You see, since Bane died, it's as if God's "calling" for their lives has become SO CRYSTAL CLEAR. All of the planning, all of the preparing, all of the schooling...none of it could have "prepared" them for the pain of losing their son, but it was all part of God's perfect plan to use them...to glorify His Name. She stood there on that sidewalk and listened to Walter's story. He actually said it himself, he was a little "down on his luck" lately...and shared his struggles. She listened. Then she asked him where he was headed, and he said he has the key to a local church and he walks and lets the choir in each week for practice. She asked him if he was hungry to which he shamelessly said yes. She asked him if, in exchange for a good warm meal, he'd also let her share her story with him. He agreed. We headed straight to Hardee's where we got him a yummy meal that he almost enjoyed all by himself...

...minus two fries...but we promise we told him! :) He was waiting outside the church when we returned and he smiled as his new friend approached.

They went into that little church and talked more...this time her.He listened to her heart as she told him all about her baby boy that she lost. About how "down" she was feeling too.

Two complete strangers. Very different lives. Directed by God to each other. Paths crossed. Stories told. Burdens SHARED.

Walter took a Banebow card and made a promise that night to Play It Forward himself.

I believe he did.

I wonder what other person out there was, in turn, blessed by sweet Walter?

Are you Playing It Forward in your own life? Has Bane's story encouraged you to ACT? If so, please let me know. I would love to share your story with Sonya tomorrow. Oh the strength it brings her...

Sad. Keli.Thankful.and Playing.

2010-08-23T20:35:00.009-05:00

Today was a long day...it was a SAD day. We spent it with my favorite girl, Sonya...and "Shae Jade's" favorite girl, Liv. The four of us have spent lots of days together. Lots of good, easy days. But today, we spent a long, hard one- because it hasn't been just "us 4" in a long time- since this day...

...when little Baney Bane came along...

...and we miss him.

Even though "us 4" is good...we loved having that little man in the mix. Like on this day...

...when these three kiddos tasted their first real snow...and lots of it!

Or this day...

... when we all loaded up and went to The Piney...

...or this day when we celebrated Sonya's birthday together, just "us 5"...

...or on one of the many, many nights that these three found themselves playing in the same bath water.

So today, we missed Bane. Some days I feel really strong. I feel so close to the REALITY that God has such great things that will come of this pain. That joy will come again for Sonya and Dra. But today, honestly, wasn't one of those days. I felt helpless as I sat with Sonya and just cried again this afternoon. I felt weak as I couldn't even take any of her burden from her. This precious family who so many have grown to love are hurting tonight. Please, please, please keep praying. Please God, don't let us settle back into our every day lives and forget to PRAY for them.

"If thou shouldst never see my face again, pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer than this world ever dreams. Wherefore, let thy voice rise like a fountain for me, night and day..." ~Alfred Lord Tennyson, Morte D'Arthur

So at the end of today as I drove home with a heavy heart, I called my friend, KELI,(who is one of Sonya's oldest and dearest friends in the world) knowing that her deep love for Sonya would allow her to help me carry this sadness today. She did. She listened and, as always, had the perfect words. She should be famous for how well words flow through her. Gift from God, for sure. (And might I request here, that if you are ever famous, KELI, you'd remember this shout out??? :)) So after 45 minutes of our kids screaming in our ears and climbing all over us- refusing to let another minute of their mommy's love on anyone but them, we were forced to hang up... but I felt better...and needed more... so I went HERE for more of her words. Trust me, people, you're gonna want to follow her blog. Inspiring. Rich actually calls her The Wordsmith. Anyways, her blog today inspired me to rise out of my sadness and start counting.

So here it goes. Today, on a day when my heart is heavy...I still have so much to be THANKFUL for!!!
1)I am so THANKFUL for Jesus Christ, who overcame DEATH.
2)I am so THANKFUL for Sonya and Livi today- two girls that God gave to me enjoy the best of life with, and share the burden of hard times with...and for Drason who is so strong and loves these precious girls so perfectly, even now.
3) So THANKFUL for my baby girl. Oh what a joy she has been!
4) So THANKFUL that I am married to the kindest man on earth, who has been a testament of God's faithfulness and and inspiration to be better since the day I met him.
5) So THANKFUL for a very tight-knit family who loves deep as the ocean...
6) So THANKFUL for the beautiful sunshine today that shone bright as ever and reminded me that light always overcomes darkness. Even today.
7) So THANKFUL for so many wonderful friends whose encouragement hasn't stopped coming at the most needed moments.
8) So THANKFUL for the WORD OF GOD that I can rest peacefully in on the good days and stand firmly on today because "...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose..." -(Romans 8:28)

And, KELI, of course, is another gift to Sonya, for "such a time as this"...as the mouth behind the perfect words on Bane's blog, too...which further inspired me today...

...So tomorrow...tomorrow is another day. And after a day like today, I have resolved to get busy PLAYING again, in honor of Baby Bane. I just texted Sonya and asked her to join me tomorrow as we let God lead us to people who need us. Nothing heals a hurting heart like serving others! I have been so inspired by Sonya's strength and her desire to let Bane's legacy be one of good...and so tomorrow, I am gonna PLAY IT FORWARD. If you don't know Sonya or Drason personally, you can't imagine the strength they, too, are drawing as more and more people come forward with stories of how their lives have been changed by the loss of their son. If you are trying to find away to love on this family and have wondered "what could I possibly do to comfort them?"--- let me tell you that the very best way is to get engaged in letting Bane's story inspire you to change your world, with kindness...and then make sure you TELL THEM about it, on Bane's blog. They read it every day, I promise. Follow the button on the right side of this blog to PLAY IT FORWARD yourself, and then find a way, yourself, to tell as many people as you can to do the same.

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." ~Aesop

Bane Bane Game

2010-08-20T14:56:00.005-05:00

Friends...

Oh I am so excited about today's fabulous post on Baney Bane's blog... just imagine how ONE act of kindness, committed by enough people, can change our world! Literally.

God is so good.

Go play here!!!!

Love,
Aunt Dane Dane :)

1 week

2010-08-19T09:12:00.004-05:00

I feel like I have been in a fog for a week now...fog that, even though literally settled over my yard this morning, has lifted from my heart. If I had known two weeks ago what my last 8 days would hold, I would have said I could not live through it. I simply could not bear a heartbreak of that magnitude. You see, I love my sweet Sonya to the moon....and back....a million times....plus a million more. You getting the picture? I just love her, on and on. I always have. We believe that we are really sisters, not by birth, but by bond. For my whole childhood, I had 4 brothers...and one sister, my Aunt-Sister, as we say...which confuses folks sometimes. But we know. As she grew up sort of an only child, because she was 17 years younger than even her next closest sibling (and 21 years younger than my mother), she was one of "us"...Joey, Nathan, and I. We could be seen almost any day, and in every one of my memories, the "Four Musketeers", if you will. She was my only sister and I was one of hers. We have dreamed life together and lived life together as only real sisters do. Because we are. Real soul- sisters, I mean.
So this past Tuesday night as our sweet Baney Bane slipped into the arms of God, I felt as though my heart would burst out of my chest with that deep, deep pain- which I had never felt before. When Livi was born, and then Bane, I felt a love that only a sister does for a child, not her own. Like they kinda were mine. And then we lived literally 10 yards away from each other for the past 3 years, so life was so daily with them. Every day I saw that sweet little round-faced Bane, who loved his mama and his bottles most in this world. My how I loved that little man. "Big Bane Beasley" we said. He was gonna be a football player. He was tough, man oh man, was he tough! Just like his daddy. His daddy is so, so strong. Amazingly strong, as anyone who attended Bane's celebration could see.
I must admit that the peace of God that now swells my heart did replace lots of "whys" and "hows" and "no's"...because I do miss Bane. I have grieved his loss, both for myself and for my sis, and for his precious daddy. But already, in just a little over a week, God's grace has brought me from the place of heart break to a place of thankfulness and now to a place of peace. I know that my Maker, and Bane's Maker, knows us best. He knows His wonderful plans for us, His saints. He knew that Bane's passing would bring so much GLORY to His Name and his legacy would be GREAT, because of the deep love of his parents. Bane Alton Drake Beasley will be remembered for much, much GOOD...that is YET to come.
Yesterday I prayed and asked God to reveal some of His truth to me that I needed for yesterday. I opened my Bible right up to 1 Peter 2...packed with so many words I needed to read.
1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness...
...5 you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple...
...9 for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light...
...11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors...
... 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

That last verse was for Sonya and Drason. Two nights ago, as she and I laid in bed together talking, as we have hundreds of nights before, it was not Bane's death that we focused on, but the LIFE he will bring to others today and tomorrow...and forever. Already, we have had so many people bring us stories of salvation from his Celebration service... to a tow-truck driver, Mike, who came to know Christ through his story the next day... to dear friends of ours who have re-dedicated their lives to Christ...all because of sweet little Baney Bane. The GOOD is just beginning...even if it means suffering. For "weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5) Sonya and Dra, who have just lost their baby boy, have already chosen to bring GOOD out of their pain. And as His promises always stand so firmly, He has NOT given us more than we can bear. They have brought SO MUCH GLORY TO GOD, already, through their strong faith. God is so wise, and HE KNEW that they would.

I could write forever about the wonderful things God has shown me over this past week. I feel like a breath of fresh air from the Holy Spirit has washed over me, because it has. He IS the Great Comforter. Prince Of Peace. Almighty God. Everlasting Father, who holds sweet Bane, already in the balance of eternity.

Sonya said it so well two nights ago: " After all that I have experienced through this, I just want to get on to doing good." ...or like 1 Peter 2:21 said yesterday: "...now that you have a taste of the Lord's kindness"...

More stories of GOOD to come... :)

Bane

2010-08-11T23:32:00.004-05:00

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18

There are simply no words that we can find any meaning or hope in today other than scripture, and so we will HOLD TIGHT to them. I have never imagined facing this unthinkable tragedy with the dearest of people on this earth to me, and my heart is truly breaking today for my sweet sweet Sonya. We need your prayers. God is so faithful and so good, even now.

For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love."
Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-32

We WILL praise Him in this storm.

We are so thankful for all of your prayers, thoughts, messages, and love. Although this time is trying, Drason and Sonya have chosed to REJOICE in the GOOD and PERFECT will of our Father..."For He knows the plans He has for us."
Dra and Sonya have requested that we set up a website to honor Bane and all details about arrangements can be found there.
Please visit www.banelongawaitedchild.blogspot.com to CELEBRATE BANE with us!
Love,
Rich and Dana
P.S. For those of you who know Son and Dra, please post this to your wall so we can share with as many friends and family as possible....

Bane Alton Drake Beasley 10/23/2009 - 8/10/2010

2010-08-11T14:57:00.001-05:00

Friends,

Last night at 10pm our beloved family Sonya and Drason Beasley returned their son Bane Alton Drake Beasley to The Lord. The doctors are still not 100% sure, but believe that he may have contracted Meningococcal Disease. Bane was a beautiful, strong, and loving soul that blessed us all more than words could ever convey. We will always cherish his sweet spirit and the joy with which he embraced life. Please join with us in lifting Sonya, Drason and Livi to our Heavenly Father in prayer. Through these days they will need much comfort, peace, strength and understanding, as only God can provide.

We ask that for the time being condolences and/or questions regarding the funeral are directed toward myself. I can be reached at 615-498-3254 or via email at randrews@tlcmedical.cc

As soon as more details regarding the funeral service are known I will make an additional post.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, they are truly felt and appreciated.

In Christ,

Richard Andrews

Let's Be FRIENDS

2010-08-04T22:50:00.002-05:00

People I caved. After much heckling in Africa, I caved. Apparently, even all of the people in 3rd world countries who can't even get decent internet are already on FACEBOOK...and I wasn't...which wasn't very cool. Even in Africa. So, I promised all of my new friends (now official "friends") that as soon as I got home, I'd sign up. I did. I had my first "tutorial" last night from my friend Wendy and am happy to report I finally understand what Clay meant when he said, "TAG that one" every time we took a picture on our trip. I know, total dork...living in the Stone Ages.

Anyways, I'm there. On FB.
Find me.

Let's be friends. :)

Black Mountain, NC

2010-08-04T10:41:00.003-05:00

We spent our weekend in Black Mountain, NC...just tuckered in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains about 10 miles outside of Asheville. One of my favorite spots. When I was 19, my best bud Tricia had found THIS Christian girls camp she was going to be a counselor at for the summer...she asked me to go, and I said yes. And I spent that summer and the next summer there, in Black Mountain. It's beautiful...and the camp is so fun! I hope to send my Shaelyn Jade there someday!! Now, guess what? My littlest brother, Taylor, is 19...and he just spent his summer being a couselor at THIS same camp...on the boys side, of course! :) He loves it too. So... we packed up for our anniversary weekend and made it a roadtrip...complete with Ratatouille for half the trip and a fabulous murder mystery on CD from Cracker Barrell to get us home (those of you who know me best know that I LOVE a good thriller on CD from Cracker Barrel for a roadtrip)!

We stayed at THIS precious Bed and Breakfast...and of course, spent lots of our time rocking on the front porch, since there was one for Papa Bear, Mama Bear...

...and Baby Bear!

Taylor loved having us...and brought a sweet friend along for the day, Annie Grace...

...and Nonni and Poppi even dropped in to surprise him on Friday, too! He loved it!

Our last night we headed into Asheville, just me and my two favorite peeps, for "Shindig On the Green", something I used to go to 10 years ago every Saturday night...and was so happy it's still going strong! Lots of friendly North Carolinians come from all over the area (and some rather interesting mountain folk crawl out of the woodwork, too!) and gather in groups to play good ole Bluegrass Music all night long...complete with elderly cloggers, children frolicking on the green grass...and a delicious pork and slaw dinner from "Okie Dokie Smokeys!"

So thankful for these fun memories of our time as a family of 3!

4 years

2010-07-29T10:36:00.004-05:00

I love this guy. More than I love anyone else on this earth. When I met him, he was nothing like he is now...inside or out. He has become the greatest testament of God's faithfulness in my own life as I have watched God shape him into an amazing man in just 7 short years. I KNOW that God has BIG plans to use him in BIG ways...because of how much God has changed him!

We have the best love story, too. I met him in a hallway outside of our french class on the first day of class...he had long, curly hair, a leather coat, earings...and smelled like a carton of cigarettes! He asked me what time it was...and then cooly walked across the hall, squatted down beside me so I could see that he was reading a very thick book about philosophy (oh so very impressive, smart boy!!!)...and I remember arrogantly rolling my eyes at this. But I followed him to the back row of the class where I, now cooly, let another girl sit one desk between us (so as not to be too obvious). And that's where it all began. On that very first day, as we flirted back and forth between the teacher's introductions, she actually picked on us and said that several couples had met in her french class (the language of love)...and later married!...so we'd better watch out---and she pointed directly to Rich and I. I blushed. He said "yeah right"...

Yeah. Right.

I loved him from the beginning, I think. She paired us up to practice our french speaking. He asked me if I was an idealist or a realist("Est-ce que une idealiste ou une realiste?"), and I stopped to give that some thought. I found myself to be a happy, positive person for the most part...but also down-to-earth, or at least I boasted... :) ...so I answered that I was a little of both. In french, of course. He narrowed it down for me: "Well, do you believe there is a god???" ..."Absolutely!" (or "absolutement!" as the french might say...)...and he concluded, alas, that I was surely an idealist. I remember thinking that he appeared awfully intelligent to have come to this end, about God, I mean...and it was this conflict that drew me in. Hook, line, and sinker.

He appeared so big and strong and handsome and happy and put-together. But all of my experiences with him proved him to feel small and weak and insecure and sad and a total mess of a human being! I appeared confident and carefree and content, but he found me to be needy and lonely and looking for someone to love me. It was perfect. His life, his choices and experiences had led him down a dark, lonely road...a broken road, if you will...straight to me! My life was the opposite. Very nurturing, full of God's love. I knew the answer to what he needed. And he was the kindest person I have ever met...so abounding with love- so free to give it...exactly what I needed!

I bought him a Bible. I wrote him a letter in it (that is in my jewelry box to this day)...and I said, "I dare you to read this book! It WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. It is the answer you are looking for." And what can I say? He's a dare-devil. He read. And read. And read. Pretty soon, I noticed he'd stopped cursing all the time. Then at all. He dropped drugs like a bad habit...ha, ha! He asked lots of questions....and then one night, sitting on a boardwalk on a beach in Charleston, SC---he told me that he'd knelt beside his bed a few nights earlier and cried out to "Whoever" might be out there...and told Him (praise HIM!!!!) that if He was really out there, he wanted to know Him. He wanted to change. And that was the beginning. Of the end. For me. He proposed to me on that same beach just 3 years later...

So from french talking...to french kissing...to an English-American baby! In 7 years. 7 glorious years wrought with much laughter, some tears, and more love than I ever dreamed my heart could feel. I L-O-V-E my Englishman more than words can tell, and so I will just try to show him over this lifetime.

Rich, (aka "french boy")... you are my rock. You know this oh so well. I am your soft place to fall...and I love it that way. I love your kind heart best. I love your easy-going nature. I love when you laugh so hard your face turns red and your eyes water...that's the best! I love just being with you...doing nothing can be so fun. I love the way you look at Shaelyn Jade, like she hung the moon. She sees it too! I love your faith in God- and love for Him...and commitment to follow Him wherever He leads...our family. I love your very tender heart for the less fortunate, and I feel He may lead us closer to them someday. I love the way your big huge arms wrap around me when I am scared or insecure and make me feel like the whole world went away...just like that.
I have loved you from the first day...sometimes better than others. I am way more committed today to our marriage than I ever was on Mom and Dad's front porch 4 years ago. To God be the glory! It's been a journey---so fun and full of joy...and I can't wait for the next 4...and 4...and 4 more! We know, don't we, that God brought us together, from two separate continents and two separate worlds to make a difference for Him? Because we are better together, than apart. Always have been. We complete each other! :) I am so excited to see what He has in store for us. Serving Him. With a housefull of kiddos! It just keeps getting better and better!!!

As we have always said, "It's you and me, baby...'til the wheels fall off!"

Yours, forever...

Dane (aka "french girl")

left behind.

2010-07-28T10:33:00.003-05:00

I am home. Oh how wonderful it was to kiss my sweet baby girl (walking so big, might I add!) and feel my big huge hubby's arms wrapped around me again...these are my two most peaceful places. But I must say, I didn't realize when I went to Ethiopia, that I wouldn't bring ALL of me back. I LEFT a piece of my heart BEHIND...and as I try to settle back into my life here, that I love, it is different. Very different. Before, I didn't have little faces in my mind...and names to go with them.

I didn't have the memory of my interaction with the wonderful people of Ethiopia. I just didn't realize how bad I would miss it. I knew I was supposed to go. I knew God had plans to use me there. I just didn't realize that I would feel so different when I returned.

But it is good...oh, so good, this change in my heart. I have prayed for so long that God would confirm His plans for me, deep inside. He has. I know that I will go back to the wonderful land I have just left. I know that I will hold those babies again....that I will sing with those sweet teenage girls...that I will hold the hands of my Ethiopian friends again...someday. When I was there, I must have said a hundered times, "If Rich were here he would LOVE this place! He'd probably stay forever!!!"...and I couldn't wait to get home and tell him all about it...and show him those faces. His heart is a deep, deep ocean. He is the kindest person I have ever met. Ever. And he has been so sweet to sit for hours and listen to my stories and ask about those sweet children, and he loves Ethiopia, now, too...even without going! I love that about him. God put us together for great reasons and I am so thankful that he is mine and I am his on this earth. It's fun...being Mrs. Andrews. :) By the way...today me and my lovebird celebrate 4 YEARS together! YIPPEEE!!!
Please pray that God would continue to move within our hearts as we are home and reveal the things He wants us to do together for His kingdom. We are so blessed. Now I have seen JUST HOW BLESSED we are. There are people in this world that have nothing. Literally nothing. I have seen them. Now I want to help them.

Thanks be to God for showing me these things. He is so good. Now I pray I will never forget them...may that piece of my heart that I left behind stay forever in Ethiopia.

From Ethiopia

2010-07-18T21:19:00.004-05:00

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry
and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we
see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe
you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The
King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of
the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
~Matthew 25:37-40

This IS Ethiopia

This is where we are

I love this place.
Amidst the devastating poverty here, there is GREAT love.
God is here…and I am so thankful I am too.

ONE STEP

2010-07-14T15:14:00.004-05:00

We're officially OFF! :) Teri, Clay, and I (and a bunch of new friends!) started our journey to Ethiopia this morning. When we got off our first plane in Washington DC, someone said, "If this were a marathon...we just took ONE STEP!" :) He he he...but I actually feel like I have completed an entire marathon at this point, since I was pretty much up all night! My sweet little Jadybug didn't sleep so well in her pack n' play @ Non's last night, so at about 4 am (after I finally got in bed at 1:30 am!)...I pulled her into my bed for a sweet cuddle until I had to get up again at 5:30 am. It was exactly what I needed...of course... God gave me that unexpected time of peace and quite with my baby that settled my heart for this journey. I didn't sleep another wink--just prayed over her and tried to stare at her long enough so that maybe that image will just hold me over for 10 days.

So we're right in the middle of an 8 hour layover at this point... and I am so thankful that Teri is right beside me for this whole ~~marathon~~ journey! :)

PS- Thank you Tiff and Mrs. Connie for our fabulous Africa necklaces...we're gonna wear them all the way! :) We love them!

H-O-M-E

2010-07-12T22:26:00.008-05:00

I have heard it said that "HOME is where your family is..."

...and Bristol is finally HOME.

Yesterday was a day I will NEVER forget. Our family has waited for Bristol to come home for a long, long time.

...Here we are, at the end of our "wait"...

When they walked around that corner...

(sorry for the poor picture quality- I was totally freaking out!)

...and finally saw that long-awaited family reunion...

...and I saw her sweet face, for real...HERE, HOME, at last...

...and we got to HOLD her...

...I am just so THANKFUL. God is so good. And HE KNOWS the plans He has for us all along... every one of us...even little Bristol. Just amazing.

Three words: She is PERFECT!! That's about all I can say. Absolutely perfect!

My heart is overwhelmed with joy for my sweet "sis" who finally has her baby with her. Peace was all over her face.

And it's so surreal to have her here, at last...

...just chillin' out with us, her family...

HOME.

More pictures will come...and also check our Courtney's blog and Tiffany's blog...I am sure they will post more. As for me, I am headed to Bristol's homeland early Wednesday morning...funny how right when she gets here, I have to leave... :)
Stay posted and I will try to blog at least once!

Please pray for me. And Rich. And Shaelyn Jade.

...and I can't wait to get back and let these two play together some more!!!!! This is them at their official "meeting"...lifelong friends, for sure.

GREAT BIG THANKS!!!!

2010-07-06T15:07:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to say a GREAT BIG THANKS to everyone who helped so much with our carwash...es! TWO that is! We had two carwashes last weekend and this weekend and SO MANY friends and family turned out to let us "make their car sparkle for a great cause!"...and so many who just gave their TIME to stand on the sidewalk and hold signs for hours and hours (seriously my arms were sore the next day!)...and even act enthusiastic about it! More who came to actually do the scrubbing...and some who just came to make a donation. Wow! We washed lots and lots of cars...and a couple of bicycles, too! We met so many new people who hung around and talked to us...some who even helped wash cars! We met one family who is waiting on 2 of their children from Ethiopia, now...from one of the orphanges we will be visiting!!!! WOW!!!!!! CHILL BUMPS!!!! I have theirs sweet pictures and you better believe I will be looking for them to pass along lots of love from their family!
These car washes were just a great reminder of how God can bind hearts of so many people- even total strangers, around His causes for the needy. Thank you for all YOU did to make it a success!
...and a special THANKS to Tim Barnhill @ TN Bank & Trust for letting us use their location and water not once, but twice!

They Got Her!!!

2010-07-05T21:51:00.003-05:00

This girl is finally with her Mommy and Daddy!!! Joey and Courtney called our parents today and my Mom said they were on CLOUD 9!! They couldn't talk long, so we couldn't get many details, but we do know that she is safely with them, now...and that she is soaking up their love! They said there has not been one minute of her seeming to miss anyone else...she just took right to them...as we prayed she would. Give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD...His LOVE endures forever!

They will be "BRINGING BRISTOL HOME" on Sunday night at 5:45 pm ...Courtney said she would love for any and everyone who has followed their journey to be there at the airport... AND WEAR YOUR T SHIRTS!! It will be a celebration, indeed!

Keep praying please...she almost here!!!

Happy 4th!!

2010-07-05T21:15:00.003-05:00

(me and jade watching fireworks from the rooftop of the downtown franklin parking garage..her first year to really be able to enjoy them)

Yesterday, I experienced something at church that I have never experienced before, but hope to again. A short video was played during the service that basically portrayed how quickly America has forgotten the bravery and sacrifice that was required of actual people in order for us to have the freedom we enjoy today.It showed young kids who stuck IPODs in their ears rather than listening to the war stories from their grandparents...it showed the tears in the veterans' eyes as they remembered the actual terrors they endured for the sake of freedom. It was extremely moving. But what happened next was what I will remember. After the video ended, the pastor asked all men and women who have ever served in our armed forces to stand and be recognized. Of course everyone else stood and applauded them, as we always do... especially after such a moving video. But then he said, "Now I want the veterans to remain standing...and I want you to look around and remember who they are...and now I want you to go to them and tell them THANK YOU for what they have given, for us." I will say it caught everyone off guard- us and them, but as people slowly stood and began mingling and making their way from one veteran to another, something happened. It was the very first time that I have ever actually gone up to a veteran and said THANK YOU for all of those awful things they had to go through...so that I can be free. It had never hit ME that close to home. As I moved from one person to another- most of them old men, and hugged them and really meant what I said to each one...I realized that most of them, as well as I, had big tears in our eyes. I meant my thank you...and they knew that. They truly felt appreciated. And although mere words could never do justice to what they hve given, it really was a few short moments where everyone in that room connected. I looked around and EVERYONE was boo-hooing, just like me. I thought it was amazing--- the difference it made, instead of just standing and applauding, as we always have...and actually moving past what may be an awkward moment of facing a person you do not know and looking into their eyes with a sincere word of gratitude. But we owe that, at the very least, to these wonderful people. I had never been challenged to do that before, but it meant so much to me...and to them.

How blessed we are to come AFTER those brave men and women who put their own lives on the line, for ours...as well as having so many men and women serving us NOW to preserve our freedom. It is no small price. Let us NOT forget. Let us fight, now, to raise a generation who remembers and who is equally committed to protecting this freedom that has cost so much.

Another Car Wash...

2010-06-30T19:26:00.003-05:00

Ok Peeps---
You still have one last chance to come let us make your car sparkle...for a G-R-E-A-T cause!!!! :) Last Saturday, we were at Tennessee Bank and Trust from 9-1 pm and washed about 12 cars. This Saturday (July 3rd), we are going to be there again...and we want to wash 100 cars!!!! :) Really, we've had tons of friends say they wanted to come out, but didn't make it...so we're giving you another chance! Our team of EXPERT car-washers will do a great job...and it will also be your last chance to score one of Teri's t-shirts! If you think you might want to help be an expert car-washer (the term "expert" can be defined in many ways...) WE NEED YOUR HELP! Or...if you're particularly skilled at holding signs and yelling enthusiastically at passer-bys with dirty automobiles...WE NEED YOU, too!
Seriously, it's a lot of fun...and it will be our last fundraiser for our Ethiopia trip. We leave TWO WEEKS from TODAY...and we are excited beyond words!!!!

Thanks for all of your prayers and support!!!!

Our Weekend In Pictures

2010-06-27T21:43:00.005-05:00

A wonderful weekend...

Started Friday as all my Mom's sisters came to Sonya's to do the final deep clean after she moved out...true FAMILY.

Friday night at the Calmus' house...here Jade and her bestest bud Cate Ryan happily shared some Craisins! Some of the guys went fishing that day and so it was supposed to be a "fishfry" where they were going to cook their catch. After we'd eaten our fill and talked them up on their fishing, they admitted that they let ALL of their fish go, and BOUGHT the fresh catfish at our local fishmarket. Already cleaned and filleted. Clever boys. He he.

Saturday was spent with this group- our biggest Ethiopia supporters...helping Teri and I do a car wash to raise money for our trip! It was fun. Hot... but fun! Thanks to any of you who came out and helped, to those of you who let us make your car sparkle for this great cause, and to TN Bank and Trust for letting us have it there. It was a great success! We may do it again next weekend, so for those of you who couldn't make it out, you might get another chance! Stay posted...

My wonderful husband (who LIVES for the World Cup!) actually sacrificed watching the big USA game on Saturday to help me with the car wash...so that evening we went to Jesse and Amanda's who had DVRed it. Technology is amazing! Sad loss...but we were classic watching "old news" as though it were LIVE.

...and when the kiddos got tired of soccer, we stuck them in the bathtub! Always a good trick!

And today was another sad loss...Rich's homeland lost their game today, too...so England is also out of the World Cup. The only thing that could cheer up my Englishman was a sonic drink (which Jadybug and I are always up for!)...and some "us" time at our farm. Watching this girl and horses could cheer anyone up...she stood on this HUGE fallen tree and called them forever...

Hope your weekend was as peaceful as ours...

like mother, like daughter...

2010-06-23T21:53:00.005-05:00

From the very first minute she was born, Shaelyn Jade amazed us all by just how much she looks like her Daddy! If I had a nickle for every time, just in her one short year of life, I have had someone say, "Wow! She looks just like Rich" or "She doesn't look anything like you, Dana" or "I have never seen a baby girl look so much like a grown man"...I'd be one rich Mama! But while my little lady may not look one bit like me, it warms my heart to be able to see how much she IS like me. It's amazing how God "knit" her together as a perfect combination of me and Rich...and this is just one little way that she IS her mother alright...

SONIC ICE!!! Anyone who knows me at all knows that I'd rather be chomping on ice than just about anything (I did say just about, people...don't tempt me with a McDonald's french fry!)...and SONIC has perfected the ice cube. Just ask me and Jadybug who, on any really hot day, can be found at our favorite drive in getting a calorie-free treat! For $0.55 you can make us two of the happiest girls in the world! And there is absolutely nothing that can beat the sound of her little voice from the backseat as she waits for the carhop..."Mama...I-y-th!" That's right, we have the cutest lisp E-V-E-R on our hands, and I'd give all the sonic ice in the world just to hear it one more time! My, my I love this girl.

Big God

2010-06-22T23:19:00.004-05:00

Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. ~Malachi 3:10

God is so faithful to confirm His Word in my life. I got some news tonight from a sweet friend that just blows my mind...such a confirmation of what God WILL do with a WILLing heart. I read this verse earlier today, prior to seeing her (definitely God preparing me for tonight---not like I read MALACHI every day! :)) and was so happy to be able to share it with her tonight. God promises to BLESS those who do not hold back from Him...at all. I will share all of the awesome details of her journey soon... but tonight I lay down with a thankful heart, again, at how God surpasses even our highest human expectations! To God be the glory...GREAT things He has done...and IS DOING!

Talking With God

2010-06-21T22:43:00.005-05:00

Ever have one of those days where you just feel like the entire day is a continual conversation with God? Well, honestly, that is rare for me. I kinda stuggle with being a "good prayer" most of the time...but today was one of those blessed days for me. As my Ethiopia trip draws nearer, I find myself thinking lots about it. I just remember how much my first mission trip changed me. So much of who I am today was "born" on that trip. And I can't help but realize that this trip will be the same way...that in a few short weeks I will, no doubt, be different than I am today. Rich and I have started talking a lot about the things I will see---the children I will meet...and the things that God may call me to as a result of these things. On Saturday night we sat on our back patio and talked about how our responsibility to ACT changes once we have actually SEEN the way things are in other places. Until you actually GO, you can only imagine...and the imagination does not give justice to the injustices of poverty and hunger and AIDS and orphans. But once you have been there...once you have those little faces seared into your mind's eye, you can't go back to just imagining. You KNOW those faces. So today, as I cleaned my bathrooms, God and I talked a lot about this trip. It was so peaceful and easy, and I know it was Him. He is preparing me. And I prayed (and would appreciate if you'd pray, as well) that He would show me the things He wants me to see...and then show me how He is calling me to ACT upon these things. And I told him today that my "yes" is on the table already(as my sweet friend, Diane, always says)...and I mean it! As I look back over the past couple years, it is so clear that God has been pruning me and peeling layers away so that I am now ready to follow wherever He leads...to Ethiopia...and beyond. The people that will change me are somewhere out there, already, tonight...and I do not yet know them. That thought is kinda crazy to me. But God is orchestrating the lives of 24 of us to go to those people and HELP them. I am one of them. He called me. I am so thankful.

Rich read me a very challenging quote on Saturday night, from this book, that I can't quite shake...

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why he allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it."
"Well, why don't you ask Him?"
"Because I'm afraid He would ask me the same question."
-Anonymous

Fathers

2010-06-20T23:11:00.005-05:00

"To her the name of father was another name for love."

I found this quote years ago and it has always meant so much to me because I understand it. I am that girl. I have been blessed with the most loving father I have ever known- who always demonstrated love to us by affection, by always telling us he loved us, by letting us see him love our mother, by spending time with us...by letting us see our Heavenly Father's love so evident in his life. He is love to me...and I had this quote embroidered on the handkerchief I gave to him on my wedding day. I didn't fully know, that day, that the man I married is so much like my father...but I do believe that some part of me was drawn to him because of it. He, too, has become love for me. Rich is the kindest husband, the sweetest son, the truest friend, and the most loving father, also, to our Jade. And I was so happy this year when I found this quote again...

...this time, for him, on his 2nd Father's Day...on his card from Shaelyn Jade.

She and I spent our day with our fathers...

...I am so thankful that the legacy of love is being passed from my father to me, and her father to her. Happy Father's Day...we LOVE you both!!!

Goodbye Neighbors...

2010-06-15T22:10:00.013-05:00

For almost 3 years now we have had the most wonderful experience of living directly across the street from some of our closest friends in the world (who also happen to be family :))Our address is 1033 and theirs is 1032, so I mean DIRECT-LY across the street. It has been a dream having them so close. But as all good things must come to an end...tonight was spent packing these friends up.

...And the moving crew...

We sat out tonight on the back of the U-Haul and reminisced all of the times that we have needed each other- it's crazy just how dependent you can become on neighbors sometimes. Like the time that I left the oven on and called Drason to come turn it off...or the time I ordered pizza and it beat me home...and I had to have Drason come pay the guy for me. Then the memories...like the Valentine's Day that me and Sonya came home and the boys were at their house making homeade sushi for us...with all the trimmings. Or Drason's 30th birthday where Sonya had all our friends meet at our house at 6 am so we could all storm in to his bedroom and wake the sleeping birthday boy (try that for a surprise!!)...

...Or the night that we kidnapped Livi, changed her clothes and returned her home with a surprise message for Son and Dra...our new baby!

Or one of my favorites that I was so glad they were here for was when my water broke- late night---and my Aunt Sis ran across the street as I stood in a puddle. We cried together and she told me it was gonna be ok...and got us loaded up to go to the hospital. Yeah, that was one of my favorite times she was my neighbor.
There have been lots of cups of sugar and eggs...gas for the lawn mower (and we've pretty much "shared" the actual lawn mowers themselves as they don't seem to both work at the same time E-V-E-R). We have had more pot luck dinners together (at least a couple every single week)...several yardsales... Our kids definitely bathe together at one of our houses...almost weekly.

Rich and Drason have spent so many hours keeping the neighborhood awake with their loud jam sessions in our garage...Sonya and I have spent so many hours sitting on our porches just talking. Seems like we never run out of things to say- even after 28 years.
We've just done a lot of life with these two. REAL LIFE...like the kind where you don't care if they come over even when your house is a wreck. Like the kind where you don't care if they hear you have a fight with your spouse. Like the kind where you can just be Y-O-U every day, for all the good and all the bad...and you know the will still be there...across the street...tomorrow.

Except that's about to change. Our best friends are leaving our street. But the memories will stay forever.

...Oh, and before I get too sad...let me remind myself that we do own adjoining property still that we will hopefully build our dream homes on someday...and our kids will again bathe together, but probably more in the creek than the bathtub...and we may have to share a tractor instead of a lawnmower. Some things change...some things always stay the same...but here's to memories for a lifetime!

The group...minus Jadybug (in my belly)...and Bane...possibly conceived on this trip...:) He he.

Every 4 years...

2010-06-13T23:24:00.002-05:00

If there is one thing I have come to live with since becoming an "Andrews"...it's the fact that every four years a very life-stopping event takes places that our household MUST be tuned in to! Yep, my England-born husband has that soccer-mania blood that most Englishmen have. So, needless to say, he has been "preparing" for the World Cup 2010 Opening since...well, the last game of the 2006 World Cup! As New Year's Day dawned this year, it wasn't a kiss from me that was his FIRST thought...it was--- "THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE WORLD CUP AGAIN FINALLY!!"...and trust me, we have heard about it ever since. I am just happy it has begun! :)

Honestly, I LOVE that Rich LOVES soccer. I mean, he truly does, in a way that I have rarely seen people love a sport in my life. He loves to watch it, play it, talk about...everthing! He was SO excited now that he is a dad...and it is the year of another World Cup, to make sure his little lady was appropriately dressed for these games, so his birthday gift to her was the complete, authentic England World Cup Jersey. He says she will be wearing for every England game. And while he took the USA-England tie to be a loss, really (what an awful goalie goof!!!), he sure had fun talking smack to Jesse and all of our other USA friends! Shaelyn Jade and I crashed the boy party for a minute to drop off our England flag and let Rich show her off in her duds. Will Pilkinton thought she was so cute! :)

Even though I am American, I swore to my sweet husband long ago that I'd be right beside him cheering on his homeland from now on, sooooo----"God Save The Queen"...as their song says! We hope they make it to the finals! :)

Ethiopia Bound!

2010-06-03T16:06:00.004-05:00

Friends and Family,

Lots of you probably already know, but for those of you who don't...I want to share with you what God's been doing in my life lately...to prepare me for His plans in Ethiopia. If you'd asked me a year ago if I could see myself going on a mission trip this summer...ABSOLUTELY NOT! I had JUST had my sweet baby girl, and quite honestly could never have seen myself being able to leave her for 10 minutes, much less 10 days! Still, I have had a deep heart for orphans since my first mission trip to Vinnitsa, Ukraine...and I have always known in the back of my mind that "someday" I wanted to go again...that "someday" I wanted to possibly adopt one of those precious orphans...that "someday" I'd be ready...I just had no idea "that day" to GO was so close. During my pregnancy, my burden for babies without mommies became all the more real to me, and I can remember sitting and sobbing over emails and videos from friends on mission trips...not really able to see how or where this crisis could "fit" into my life, but my heart truly breaking for the children who were victims to the demons of poverty and hunger and sickness, without even a mom or dad to ease their pain. One night, my sweet Rich said, "Dana, your burden for these children is extraordinary. They touch you in a way that I don't think everyone is touched... and I believe God has put it in your heart because He wants to use YOU to make a difference. We need to start praying NOW that He will start opening doors and directing your path!" And we did. And let me tell you God started answering, FAST!

Now let me back up just a bit...for a couple years, my sister-in-law, Courtney, had been telling me about her blog...and right about 6 months or so before all this praying started happening at our house, she'd been telling me about this organization she'd found and helped out on a couple projects that she just knew I'd love. But I wasn't really at a place where I could get into blogging back then (for "bored" mothers only, right??? :)), so I never checked it out. Now here I am 6 months later, praying for God to direct my path...and at church one Wednesday night, just right on the spur of the moment, the pastor called a couple down to the front to testify (yes, the good ole fashioned testifying happens at Bethel on Wednesday nights! :))I honestly don't remember all of what they said. What I did catch was that this woman and her husband had recently adopted a little boy from Ethiopia...and that they had started a nonprofit organization (I didn't even hear "Ordinary Hero" mentioned, if it was) to help more kids, and that deep place in my heart was touched by the Holy Spirit again. We got in the car that night and I cried, again, as I talked to Rich about "being like them" and just wanting to "follow God." I had NO IDEA that God was movin' and shakin' RIGHT THEN! The next day was busy and I'd planned that night to meet my two best friends to walk in downtown Franklin...but that afternoon, my sister-in-law, Courtney, called me. She asked me if I'd ever checked out that website on her blog (no!)...and said she was actually going to go to a meeting that night at the lady's house who started it...and for some reason, she just felt like she was "supposed" to call and see if I wanted to go. So random. So unplanned. So God. My thoughts immediately were that I'd been praying for God to open doors to serve...maybe this was it. And even though I'd made other plans that night, I believed it was GOD who told Court to call me. I started sharing with her how much we'd been praying lately for God to show me where He wants to use me...and how a woman at church the night before had really spoken to my heart about being ready to be used...and somehow through the course of our conversation we figured out that that woman at my church the night before was the founder of THIS organization that Courtney was calling me about!!!! People it was CRAZY I tell ya!!!Honestly, I got big chills all over and KNEW God was answering my prayers!!! Isn't it so refreshing when you just KNOW that God is AT WORK??? So 24 hours after the Holy Spirit touched my heart at church, I was sitting in Kelly Putty's living room with about 10 other women- the first few people she'd enlisted to help her get this God-movement off the ground---in total awe that He'd called ME to be a part! It was that night that Kelly told us about this mission trip she was planning to Ethiopia. At the time, I had a 4 or 5 month old...and I can only tell you that the mommy in me fought what I knew was God's call! I didn't commit for several months...but I prayed that God would calm my anxieties if I was supposed to go. And He did...

Our team will be leaving on July 14---and though I must be honest and say my belly jumps at the thought of being away from Shaelyn Jade so long, wild horses could not keep me from this mission that I know is of God!

Now, I know that we all gets TONS of letters this time of year requesting support...and yes, I am here to ask for MORE! :) I read them myself and honestly, I usually just write the check...and forget that GOD DOESN'T NEED MY MONEY TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES. What He WANTS is for His saints to gather together and call out to HIM with one heart. I am asking you, right now, to bind your heart with mine, for His great purpose in Ethiopia. I am not going to lie and say I don't need the money---'cause people, I do! :)...but I am fully confident that I am called to this trip, and I know the money will come. What I am most concerned about is that His purpose for me going will become evident and that I will be open to anything He wants to put on my heart. I NEED your prayers, most of all. Please pray:
1) I will be free from anxiety and fear- of all kinds. Sometimes I struggle with that, and Satan knows this...so I need prayer warriors helping me ward off his fiery darts!
2) Please pray that God will use this time in Ethiopia to confirm His calling on my life. I know a deep place in my heart beats for this mission, and I just want God to use this time to show me where He is leading.
3) Pray that I will have the courage to follow. All of the "frills" of life can sometimes get in the way of me seeing HIS big picture, and I just want my heart to be pure and open.
4) Pray that I am filled with compassion that oozes out---so that I can just LOVE LOVE LOVE every child I come into contact with! Pray that I will have energy and health and safety. Also, I will be helping to organize the "art" portion of the trip where we will do all kinds of crafts with the kids. I am praying that God will give me creative ideas that the kids there will really love!
5) Pray for the unity of our team. We have members on this trip from all over the country, so some of us will not meet until we leave. I just pray that God will immediately BIND OUR HEARTS to accomplish our common purpose.

Now, about the money.... :) The total cost of this trip is $3000---which includes the flight, lodging, food, everything...and a little bit that will go toward the orphanages we visit. I know money is tight for us all right now, but every little bit helps---and it all goes to the most worthy cause! If you feel led to give, there are several ways you can:

1) For direct donations to my trip, go to the Visiting Orphans website (this is the group organizing our trip) @ www.visitingorphans.org. There is a DONATE button. You can find the Ethiopia trip July 14-24 with Ordinary Hero/Shane and Kelly Putty...and just be sure you designate that your funds are for ME.
2)COOL T SHIRTS!!!! My friend, Teri, is also going on this trip. Her brother has designed THIS very cool shirt for our trip!

We are selling them for $25 ($10 is the COST of the shirt...$15 will go toward my trip!) They are American Apparel brand--so super soft..you'll love it! We need to sell as many of these as we can, so HELP ME GET THE WORD OUT!!!! If you'd like to buy one, leave me a COMMENT on this blog w/ your email address and I will contact you.
3) We will be having a CAR WASH towards the end of the month...more details to follow. Come let us make your car sparkle---for a good cause!
4) We are also selling soccer jerseys that you can purchase for a child that we will meet in Ethiopia! You will get to write a message to "your child" on the jersey and take a picture of yourself with the jersey that we can take to the child. Over there, they will be THRILLED with a soccer jersey from you...and we will also get a picture of "your child" for you. What a wonderful way to connect with a child in need, personally...and be blessed yourself! These jerseys are $50 and 100% of that money will go toward my mission trip! (Also COMMENT if you'd like to participate in this fundraiser.)

There are no words for how excited I am about this trip. Please visit the Ordinary Hero website (www.ordinaryhero.org) and click on the link for the Kicking and Dreaming Ethiopia 2010 Team to find out more details on our trip. I just KNOW that God is doing big things, and I am so thankful I get to be a part. Thank you, in advance, for your "ground" support--- you, too, are a part of accomplishing HIS purposes!

Gratefully,
Dana

Thought For Thursday...

2010-06-02T21:19:00.011-05:00

"The family is the corner stone of our society...

...More than any other force it shapes the attitude, the hopes, the ambitions, and the values of the child...

...And when the family collapses it is the children that are usually damaged...

...When it happens on a massive scale the community itself is crippled...

...So, unless we work to strengthen the family...

... to create conditions under which parents will stay together...

... all the rest... will never be enough.

- Lyndon Baines Johnson

Just couldn't go!

2010-06-01T22:00:00.003-05:00

Well the rest of the gang left this morning...but Rich and I decided we just couldn't go...and decided to keep our little family of three on vacation for one more day! And what a day it has been. We LOVE LOVE LOVE spending time with my big crazy family, but we LOVE LOVE LOVE spending time with just the 3 of us, too! We went swimming (actually Shaelyn Jade mostly crawls around on the pavement and finds all sorts of treats like old band-aids or chewed gum or dead bugs or soggy, old food!)...

...and later we napped and read and sat on the back porch and dreamed about someday when we will build a house on our land...and talked...and napped again...
Talk about one more vacation day...it WAS! Tonight we headed back into the little city of Greenville which, apparently, is the best kept secret in South Carolina! It has the cutest stores and every restaurant you could think of...and beautiful architecture...and monuments and historical bits all over! And right in the middle of this city with tall hotels and business buildings all around, the Reedy River just runs right through with huge rocks and a really cool bridge (that shakes when you walk across it!!!)...and the BEST ice cream shop called Spill The Beans- with the nicest folks working there- just on the other side! That's really what we came back for...:) If Rich said it once he must have said it a hundred times, that that was THE BEST ice cream he has EVER had in his ENTIRE life!!! Now that's a pretty bold claim, I tell ya!
Anyways, I am still having to snap pics on my cell phone until I can get home and download my camera pics to my computer...so it's a little fuzzy...

...but this was us on the shaky bridge tonight...just after a messy but delicious dinner at Sticky Fingers (one of Rich's Charleston faves)!

Perfect ending to a perfect day...perfect week!

More to come...!