Where, oh, where???

Where, oh, where are we going? So you may remember way back late summer I mentioned selling our house. Well, it wasn't for the fainthearted but we got it done... for a good price... in this market which was our strategy. Well, originally our strategy was to move into a 100 year old house which time and prayer changed our heart over. So then our strategy became sell at a good price and it will be the best time in history to buy something......So far so good. Interest rates are at a 50 year low we read today.

The only problem is we don't know where we're going. So we have the sadness of leaving our home which we love with no excitement to replace it. I'm kind of grateful though. It really has me thinking about our family in the context of nothing but our love for each other.

So please pray everything works out and we enjoy the journey of life b/c in the midst of scheduling movers, finding temp housing and then finding a permanent home, we're going to celebrate our Savior's birth, celebrate Willie's 5th birthday in January, Ruby's 2nd birthday in January, and celebrate some Atlantic Sun conference wins. We're going to host the Walton's for Christmas, visit the Wallace's in Mississippi, find ways to care for others, coach Fall Hamilton basketball and love each other!

Christmas Cheer

We've been making sweet Christmas memories with parties, cookie making, Santa visits etc. The children helped us shop for family and friends. Here are some pics to share from our events the last week or so!
Below we are with Santa at Woodmont Hills. Notice that Ruby was as close as she was going. She never did sit in his lap but he got an high five. Willie requested a sleigh from Santa, a map for his wall, and Kung Fu Panda. Willie actually means "a sled" which the chances of us needing it are likely slim, but I am just petrified it might snow on Christmas morning and he'd be heart broken. LL Bean had a good deal which reminds me that hasn't arrived yet so I hope it is on Santa's sleigh or sled. Ruby requested a dolly and milkie from Santa.

The pictures above with Mrs. Claus included are from Christmas at Allen Arena at the last Bison home game. Ruby ducked under the ropes to run up to see Santa this time. She easily sat in his lap but my favorite was how they eached hugged Mrs. Clause so thoughtfully.

Conversation With Willie About His Birthday Party

Steph:  We need to think about your birthday party Willie.  Have you thought about who you'd like to invite?

Willie:  How about everybody in Mrs. June's class? (Willie's class from last year at his old school)

Steph:  I was thinking about your friends from this year's class.  We can invite the whole class or we can just invite all the boys.

Willie:  I want to invite just the girls.

Steph:  I don't think we need to do that.

Willie:  But I LIKE girls.

Steph:  Let's just invite the whole class...and a few friends from church.

Willie:  Ruby won't be used to all my friends.  She won't know how to take it.  She'll just sit there lookin' at 'em.

Potty time

We're on the brink of no more diapers for Miss Ruby!

Survivor

So I'm a Survivor fan. It was only on TV for umpteen seasons but then I finally watched it on Demand one night with Jay and I was hooked...I so want to be on the that show....just to see how I'd survive.

Oh, I could never leave my kids for 40 days (at least at this point) considering I struggled for the weekend trip they eagerly jumped at to go home with Nana and Papa post Thanksgiving. Jay and I went on a couple of dates and picked the perfect Christmas tree. I did hike several miles that weekend and then decorated to my heart's content.

Then we started the hardest week we've had in a while yet it's Friday night so....I survived. I drove the kids all the way back from Jackson (7 hours) in the middle of the night. Willie was sick on the drive and has been all week. Jay headed for round of conference games in North Florida (which is generally 2 games in 4-5 day stretch) and I had to hit the Bham and Memphis markets too for some interim assessment meetings. The meetings hit on the wrong week for sure. So the village was called upon (& paid) and we did piece it together and survive.

Survival is relative though. I'm talking about surviving with a sick child (who is not terminally ill), surviving with hectic schedules (because of thriving careers), surviving the coordination of help (from an abundance of a loving village who make our family richer and better) and surving until we get Jay home again (who is the ultimate husband and dad). So, I'm not sure I'd really make it on the Survivor show because I'm just BLESSED to the point.....I don't know anything much about surviving.

By the way, Willie told Jay his antibiotic was disgusting and tasted like Christmas tree.

Ruby and Willie did have a spat this week too. The root cause was because Willie couldn't get Ruby to say "yes mam" (to him). I don't even try to get her to say yes mam to me....just use a kind words with kind tones when she is asserting her overly independent self. Oh, Lord......just help us survive and then realize we not only survived but were blessed every day!

Faithbuilders

Here's some pics from the well our Sunday School Class (Faithbuilders) dug in Africa this week! The well is located in the village of Mtanga (pronounced M tonga) and will be used by 4 villages with an estimated coverage of 1,500 to 2,000 people. We received a message from the people of Mtanga to the Faithbuilders - "May God Bless You and thank you for your generous gift".

We've been part of the Faithbuilders class for almost 10 years now. Well, we didn't even have a class name when we joined a few other couples back in 1999 at Brentwood United Methodist Church. Now, our roster is probably 50-60 couples (just a guess). I have actually counted our kids a while back, and we were nearing 150 kids so it's probably even more couples. When we joined there were zero kids. So, yes, we've grown in number, but the coolest thing is looking back over the last 10 years is to see how we've all grown in Christ together.

The water well is just one of the things we've tackled lately. One of my friends, Angel, felt called to build this well. And she did it through Christ with the help of her brothers and sisters in Christ.

In fact, we got together Thanksgiving meals for 20 families over the last couple of weeks because of the calling of another friend. another friend organizes the stuffing of 400 Christmas stockings from the Salvation Army which we did tonight in honor of a Faithbuilder's child that went to heaven at 19 months. She was Willie's age and would be 5 this December. Not to mention the things that individuals are giving themselves to each day. We experience and hear stories each week of how Christ is in us and we're called to action each day in sometimes small and sometimes big ways.

In fact, Jay might not tell you so I'll let you know he is teaching English as a Second Language to a guy that works at Lipscomb, and he has lunch buddy at a inner city elementary school. His lunch buddy comes up to his knee. No lie. He's tiny. Ruby is almost taller than this first grader.

I'm thinking I'm going to coach basketball again this Winter at that same school--first and second grade boys. (I know Jay is the more logical pick here but he's kind of tied up during basketball season.) One of my players from last year, visited our church with his friends from our church's afterschool program in their neighborhood. He sang a solo. When the kids were filing out, I caught his eye and he said in a LOUD whisper, "hey, there's my coach!" That sealed the deal.....I'm going to do it again which is extra fun b/c Willie is on our team. Of course, I'm not much of a fundamentals coach but I know some lingo and I can hopefully shine a bright enough light they will remember it for years to come.

I feel super blessed to be a part of God's plan for us all. I'm challenged by my Faithbuilder peers to give away myself as I was created to do.

Aunt Charity's pics

Aunt Charity pulled through with some pics today from our Chattanooga trip. I was pleasantly surprised though with some long forgotten pics of our camping trip this summer. Some precious pictures of cousins, and Uncle Steven is showing the fearless Ruby the sting rays. Thanks Aunt Charity!!!!!!

Today's fun!

Between basketball season cranking up and Willie's social calendar, things are getting crazy. For today alone, Willie had 3 birthday party invitations then Jay had a game tonight. We opted out of all the birthday parties since Uncle Steven, Aunt Charity and Reagan were doing a weekend trip in Chattanooga. Willie, Ruby and I took off this morning to meet them to visit the Aquarium and have throw our own little party for Reagan's 6th birthday. We love you Reagan Wallace!

We made it back in time for the children's bath and bedtime routines and for mommy to hit the basketball game. (I can count on one hand the times I've missed home games in Jay's playing/coaching career over the last 17 years----which include having the flu for a week and being hospitalized after child birth.) We easily won D2 non-conference game tonight, but we have Tenn Tech on Tues night who Jay says is good.

Here's a couple of pictures of Ruby right after bath tonight. It might just be me and Jay talking but she's getting way too beautiful. Hopefully, Aunt Charity captured some cute photos from our Chattanooga day trip!

It's Here!

Basketball season has rolled back around. The process never really stops, but it's "game time" which is always fun for us all! I've added a link to the right so you can track the season's if you like.

And if you're really interested, this link will take you to the 2008-2009 media guide. It's hard to believe Jay will complete a decade at Lipscomb University this year!

http://www.lipscombsports.com/mbasketball/news/1/4396/

A conversation between Jay and Willie

WW: Dad, don't get in Emma's breath...it smells bad. It smells kinda...kinda like poopoo.

Me: That's not nice...you shouldn't talk about people's breath.

WW: She knows it smells bad.

Me: DO NOT TALK ABOUT PEOPLE'S BREATH. THAT IS NOT NICE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!?!

WW: Yes. Dad, what does my breath smell like?

Me: Depends on what you eat. If you eat waffles, your breath smells like waffles. But if you brush your teeth, it smells like toothpaste.

WW: Do you think Emma ate poopoo?

Harvest Fun!

Happy Halloween from Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, and a sweet Unicorn! We headed out for a super fun trick or treat last night. As you might expect, Willie really had it down pat this year with good manners etc. Ruby really got the hang up of it too...running up every sidewalk and just taking candy until someone stopped her. With just a little prompting, she'd offer a thank you sweeter than any candy we received.

We started the week with a Harvest Festival at Ruby's pre-school. Willie was thrilled to hang out with many of his old friends--especially the girls. I'm just learning how the girls just eat him up.

Then on Wednesday, we celebrated Jay's 35th. Willie and Ruby planned his party. Willie quickly decided he wanted to buy some carving pumpkins so he and Jay could carve a pumpkin. After selecting the biggest one he could find, he couldn't wait until Daddy got home. The carving was so much fun! I was very impresed with their O'Lantern too. The next day Willie selected another pumpkin at Owl Hill's pumpkin patch on a field trip. That night....I find Jay in on the computer looking up O'Lantern faces on the internet. He admitted he'd been thinking about how he could do better all day. So for the 2nd night in a row, I watched their excitment, listened to the funny conversations, shrieked at the close calls with the carving knife while sweeping up pumpkin seeds and pulp. It was truly perfect!

We wrapped up the week at Cheekwood Botantical Gardens today to enjoy El Dia de Los Muertos celebration (baseically Mexican festival that celebrates ancestors). Jay's friend Ruben is from Mexico and he had his artwork for sale in the marketplace. We bought a couple of small pieces while trying to keep our palentas (spelling?? Mexican popsicles) from dripping on his work. With absolutely perfect weather, Cheekwood's scarecrow exhibit and the smell of Mexican food---we had a super great time. We would have called it perfect if daddy could have been with us. But, harvest time also means time for basketball and he was up in Murray, KY scrimmaging Murray State. Go Bisons! We're ready to watch some basketball.

MSU Homecoming

We've been enjoying the harvest season! Last week, the children and I headed to Starkville. In a nearly perfect 6 hour drive, we arrived to the happy home of the Walton grandparents. Within minutes, Willie found his favorite toys that Gran and Granny keep on site.

We all rested a bit then, as usual, I set out on Miss trek seeing family and friends plus got some work done with my colleagues in Jackson and Memphis. (And gas was well under $3 gallon!) I zoomed back into Starkville to find the everyone still very happy and delighted with grandparent fun!

The next day was the usual hectic prepwork for a good tailgate. I met up with M'lis, Alia, Andrea, & Kelly's families for an full afternoon of tailgating. Willie played touchfootball for literally 5 hours straight. Gran and Granny brought Ruby to join the fun in her cheerleader suit and the DAWGS pulled it out. Willie was adamant we weren't leaving until the gameclock was exhausted. However, middle of third quarter and well after his bedtime, he declared we could all go. (I'm glad we were winning b/c I hate it win bulldog fans leave early out of disgust--not the case. Thank heavens Gran was with us to carry Willie all the way to the car!

Puffy

Willie: Mama, Ruby is going be just like you when she gets big.

Me: What do you mean?

WW: You know, she is going to have puffy.....

My thoughts: (Oh, dear Lord what is he going to say?)

WW: .....puffy legs.

Me: My legs are puffy?

WW: Yeah....close to the top and they jiggle when you move fast.

Me: Oh.

(Jay leaves the room doubled over to keep from laughing out loud.)

Me: It's pretty though right?

WW: Yeah, on girls.

A full week later I'm still thinking "Really?" He notices thighs? And puffy they are not!

Bubbles and kisses

Just turn your head or your computer....it's worth watching Ruby blow bubbles. Tonight she was giving her daddy goodnight kisses, then Eskimo kisses, then fish kisses, then forehead kisses. Then he taught her butterfly kisses afterwards. She loved them so much she gave butterfly kisses to the animals on every page the The Mitten, the Ukranian folktale she adores. She is every bit that sweet until she yanks something out of Willie's (or Lillee as Ruby would say) grasp. I am having more and more referree moments these days.

Willie's Got a Girlfriend

Conversations at bedtime about Willie's girlfriends at school...it all began when I was talking about my best friend growing up, Shane Cornell. Willie asked me what kinds of things we did together.

Jay: When we were little boys we played ball together and rode our bikes all over the neighborhood. Then when we got older we chased girls together.

Willie: (giggling) Daddy, I think I want to have a girlfriend when I get older.

Jay: Oh really?

Willie: (positively giddy) Yeah, I know who it is too...Kennedy. She's my girlfriend right now.

Jay: Does she know she's your girlfriend?

Willie: Yeah, I told her she was.

Steph: How did you get her to be your girlfriend?

Willie: We went into the tunnel together at school. I asked her, "Do you want to be my girlfriend?" She said, "Yeah." I asked her, "Are you sure you want to be my girlfriend?" She said, "Yeah." I asked her, "Are you SURE you want to be my girlfriend?" She said, "Well, do you want me to or not?" Then we came out out of the tunnel and she said (country voice), "Come 'eer boyfriend!" then I said, "Come 'eer girlfriend!"

Jay: Do you really like this girl?

Willie: Dad, you know I do. If I made her my girlfriend you know I like her.

Jay: What makes you like her so much? Why not some of the other girls in your class?

Willie: Well, Emma tells on me, Callie will fuss, and Charlie don't want me to.

Did you see that Clay?

Soccer is still going well for the Pink Dragons. Jay captured a goal on our little camera. The best part is watching Willie after the goal. He is quite thrilled and comes back to talk to his buddy Clay on the side line.

Ride 'em Cowgirl

Watch out, Uncle Steven! Ruby straddled her bed rail for at least 8 seconds. I watched her in disbelief and would have scored her at least an 85. I couldn't run get the camera b/c of fear of the hardwoods. The result of her cowgirl courage is good bye to the crib. She now has adequate room in her queen size bed with her "dolly," her "baby" and "kinket" (silkie blankie). Sweet dreams, Ruby girl.

Morning Glory

Late last week, I packed out my truck with Willie's classmates. Willie was especially proud that Mrs. Johnson rode with us too. We were headed out on their first field trip to the Morning Glory Apple Orchard. I have to admit I was especially glad Mrs. Johnson rode with me too. I am just dying for as much info as I can get b/c big school has been a leap for me. Willie seems to have adjusted fine but I just get a weekly update on the current unit of study. I am left to figure out everything else from conversations with Willie.

There is one fellow that Willie has talked about from Day 1--E____. E is actually the kid I mentioned who Willie claimed is the only kid that can beat him (foot race). We've subsequently learned that E and Willie have run-ins quite often. The details are hazy but I'm aware that E's mom has filed her claims (unbelievable)....I'm holding back and trusting in the system. But I did some spying on the field trip, E was a sweet little boy it seemed. He and Willie seemed like the best of friends. I've attached a picture of them brokering some deal. E is probably teaching Willie how to fake burp (which is latest favorite thing).

Lately

Except for the whirlwind weekend to State I just posted pics of, I've been trying to keep things quiet for Willie when he is not at Pre-K. The attached pictures are of a quiet tea party that he and Ruby had.

MSU Roadtrip

I was beating myself up for not blogging in the last week or so. Then I start thumbing through the digital pics on my camera and realize how much we have accomplished. Not to mention our house is on the market b/c we are so opportunistic:) Rates are going our way right now but by the time we get all the pieces lined up...there will be no lenders. Merrill Lynch is being taken over by BofA. Yikes! These financial institutions are holding too many mortgage backed securities evidently.

Now to the more important stuff.....we just got back from Starkville. It was like a whirlwind but so worth it. We got a little family time and got to see lots of old friends. Amy, Wendy and I planned the tailgate which was super fun to see so many friends and to see each other's families. My favorite part was introducing Ruby to friends and seeing Willie drenched in sweat from playing tackle football with MSU buddies.

Ruby's sentences

I really noticed Ruby making sentences today for the first time....

Ruby and Willie were playing cars. Then Ruby says "Let's play dollies."

Daddy was putting Ruby down for nap. He kisses her. Ruby says, "Kiss my dolly."

At dinner, she starts chanting to mommy, "Poop stinks! Poop stinks!"

Daddy left dinner table to run bathwater. Ruby asks, "Where'd Daddy Go?"

Talk it up, Ruby!

Soccer highlights

Here's a few more pics from Saturday's game. Thank you, Mr. Doug, for being such a great neighbor and for the great photos and video!

Soccer time!

Soccer season is here again!! Today was the first game & it was especially fun. Willie's good friend Clay is playing on our team "the Dragons." Willie is showing Clay the ropes. Clay is the sweetest little guy but he hasn't played before and he is shy. We love his whole family and Willie and Clay are at separate schools this year so we are grateful for the weekly practices/games to see each other. Also, Max from last season is on our team which Jay and I are especially glad b/c his mom and dad and little sister, Anna Bell, are fun to hang with.

Willie had 6 goals today including one goal which was a coast to coast the first drive of the game I've attached in the snapshot. We were having some serious fun. I have to admit between chatting with my soccer friends and chasing Ruby that I had to verify with Jay a couple of times who had actually made the goals---not that it matters of course. Mr. Doug, Jonathan and his girlfriend came to support Willie since he personally invited them this morning.

Oh, yes, if you are wondering.... they are certainly donning pink jerseys. The kids seem fine with it. I assumed it was pretty much a fluke that a boy/girl team ended up with pink. I have since learned that the coach let his daughter pick the color. His daughter also scaled the back of the soccer net during practice, wore a yellow polka dotted bikini to practice and started today's game with her blanket in one hand....In the meantime, I remind myself to be thankful for the dedicated volunteers and to be more childlike....Willie hasn't blinked an eye about the jerseys nor did he notice the coach's daughter yet.

After the game, everyone was telling Willie what a great game he had. He responded by telling them we have a sno-cone maker at home. We do have a little sno cone ice shaver, but why the untimely mention of it??? We did celebrate with sno cones after a nice nap. Then we headed out to Melissa, Bobby, Max and AnnaBell's house for a swim and to enjoy new friendships founded on the soccer fields.

Olympics

We have really enjoyed watching the Olympics. Jay and I mostly watch late-night (thank God for DVRs) but we have had some family time cheering for the USA. Of course, Willie is eaten up with it. (He wanted to know if he got the gold for his manners the other night.) Swimming, track and beach volleyball seem to be all of our favorites. Although Jay did sleep through Walsh/May's gold the other night...he seemed a bit frustrated he wasn't aroused for the monumental event that they happened to be donning their white mesh suits:)

We saw a pole vault highlight the other day. Evidently it was a first for Willie because he turned and said, "Mom, they shouldn't be running with that stick should they?"

Hmmmm....You never know what you'll be explaining to a 4 year old when you wake up....certainly pole vaulting wasn't on the list this morning.

We are sad as the close of the Olympics approaches and I was looking forward to the next summer Olympics until I realized Ruby will be 4 asking cute questions and Willie will be 8 asking me no telling what. I will not be wishing these days away.

Go USA and Usain (I loved him)!

big school

Willie started preK this week at David Lipscomb Campus School. It's a big deal around here. For those of you who don't know DLCS is affiliated with Lipscomb University. We already know some folks and it's awfully convenient too.

Willie's teacher is great. I have overheard Willie multiple times telling those who genuinely inquire about who is his teacher is...."Her name is Miss Johnson. They say she is great!"

As roommom, I helped at registration and I got to meet all the kids and their parents. They seem "great" too. One parent worth mentioning is Steve McNair. His son is in a different class but also in PreK. I saw him a registration and thought about talking about Mississippi with him but I decided to table it and leave the man alone.

Willie did tell me today that there was one kid faster than him---really fast. After Jay and I quizzed him on his first name and skin color.....I ran to get the roster b/c I was certan it would have to be little McNair. Nope. There's probably going to be at least 2 faster....but I'm not telling Willie that.

We're back from the 'Sip.

Yes, we're back from the 'Sip! (I don't have any pictures to share b/c my camera disappeared...it's waiting for me in the church Lost & Found). I'll do my best to give a vivid description of an absolutely WONDERFUL visit home.

We headed straight to Lawrence County to visit the Wallace's (8 hour drive from Nashville)then we wrapped up with a couple of nights in Starkville with the Walton's.

When Jay said, he'd rather visit Mississippi a hundred times before going to Disney World.....it summed it up. You see you get all of the following on this trip:

REMOTE- LC is very rural in southwest Mississippi. Our cell phone reception is sketchy and email is only possible if you ride into town. No sense in having Internet access out in the country b/c you can't get a cable connection and the satellite connection just doesn't cut it (so I hear)...so we get a chance to truly disconnect

RELAXED Country living- I'm not so sure it's very relaxed for mama and daddy since we unleash our kids, kick back while they treat us like the prodigal son welcoming us home with wonderful food and celebrations (all while the work at the Sheriff's Dept keeps brewing); and mom washes our clothes just like the old days

CULTURAL experiences- some of you know that my mom basically runs the Sheriff's office (she can keep most any group straight). Daddy is the under sheriff (which a term I had never heard of until two terms ago...2nd to the Sheriff). Basically, they do a heap of work around there which gives us insight into the a world we know nothing about. Alot of this world is very sad, but it does provide some thought provoking insight into how economics and education can affect generation after generation. Alot of the folks there do not have alot of opportunity. The only way that their lives can possibly escape such a cycle in my opinion is through the love of Christ....I'm very proud of mama and daddy for being the hands/feet of Christ in the everyday situations they face. Jay insists on shadowing daddy every year for at least of day of Sheriff work. I'll let Jay share some of those stories with you over dinner. (Thanks, Daddy, for for letting your favorite son-in-law tag along when he comes to town.)

FRIED food--that includes fried catfish and fried hushpuppies. I probably gained at least 5 pounds. Going to the "fish house" is a must for me when I visit. We were in "a fix" though b/c fish houses are only open Thurs/Fri/Sat nights. (We didn't have a Thurs night and we camped on Friday/Saturday so what to do????) We opted for catfish at lunch and drove 20 miles to the Country Fisherman in the next county....worth every minute of such a commute. I should go ahead and mention that our last meal before heading home was at Little Dooey's in Starkville where we enjoyed BBQ and fried green tomatoes, fried egg plant, fried pickles, and fried onions (you got it...the sampler). My favorite? Besides catfish.....fried pickles hands down.

WATER PLAY- I previously alluded to this trip being "hot as hell..." Well, it wasn't so bad. It was hot but we kept ourselves wet or in the AC. When we camped, we tubed and knee boarded with family friends and Steven, Charity & Reagan. Jetskiis were Willie's favorite. Later in the week, we had a picnic on Tilton's creek at Mr. Clayton's camphouse which included a spring-fed creek that was ice cold. Then we took our annual swims at Uncle Joel's which might be one of the most beautiful settings I can imagine....the sky literally meets the grass with no obstructions from the poolview. Palm trees surround the pool and sometimes the cows come up to the fence and look in....I'm a country girl at heart.

BIKE TRAINING- Jay helped Willie work on his biking. Of course, Reagan (my nephew) wanted his training wheels off too....so Jay took on the challenge and in no time Reagan had his balance on the bike too. We will have those memories and good laughs forever.

SIDE TRIPS- Some might think that Lawrence County is in the middle of no where...maybe so but not if it becomes home (I didn't grow up there but my daddy did.) Also Hattiesburg is only an hour a way so we drove over to meet Russell (teammate of Jay's). We love catching up with them, checking out how much the kids have grown and reminiscing about the glory days including one unbelievable run to the Final Four. Then New Orleans is a couple hours away. Jay planned yet another wonderful time together for just the two of us in the Big Easy. Our goal was to eat 3meals of yet another favorite cuisine and hear some good music. We easily accomplished both. We enjoyed gumbo, po-boys, shrimp & grits, shrimp creole, and, of course, beignets. I bought a cute dress for our dinner only after getting another dress stuck on my sticky sweaty body resulting my arms started cramping from being so sore from knee boarding which then resulted in me calling Jay into the dressing room to extricate me before I went into a full-scale panic......Of course, all worth a cute dress.

STARKVILLE- We are loving having Jay's parents closer to us in Starkville. We wrapped up a very eventful week with a restful and peaceful visit in Starkville.It's so cool to get to visit our college hometown much more often now. We enjoyed family meals (where the Walton's still religiously serve us fresh Gulf Coast boiled shrimp) and riding bikes a slow-traffic neighborhood. Willie really mastered the bike in Starkville. Jeff, Jay and I took Willie to ride on the drill field at State which was a surreal sight for me.....to see Willie riding and Ruby running around on the drill field that I shared with my college boyfriend (jay) just dreaming and hoping for such a future. Oh, there was a pick-up game of cricket going on with some guys from Sri Lanka. Willie walked up to them and entered himself in the game. Evidently, he cannot resist a pick-up game of any kind.

FAMILY and FRIENDS- Lace all of this stuff with Love and you beat Disney. We never get to see everyone we want too, but we grateful for visits with grandparents, aunts/uncles, great-grandparents, brothers, nephews, parents and friends.

Thank God for the 'Sip.

19 hours in July

So Jay gets home from LV on Saturday at noon. We are expecting for him to be home through Tuesday which was unbelievable stint at home considering it is July (peak recruiting period, but only 3 coaches can be on the road at a time so Jay was going to get a short break. I am thinking SWEET b/c life is just alot richer with Jay here!
Only a few hours into his home visit we learned that "some kid" in Toledo sprained his ankle and as a result Jay would catch latest flight out Sunday to get to Orlando. Seems a bit twisted I know....and there is some rational but essentially our life is in the hands of 18-21 years old guys...what happens to them or decisions they make alters my life.

I do fully recognize that we have it all in terms of what matters so I don't really care what these boys do....but I was bummed that Jay ended up with only 19 hours at home. But look what we accomplished:

1) Flight lands in Nashville
2) Jay drives to Glendale house (house I wanted Jay to see....we've been casually looking)
3) Play with kids couple of hours
4) Join friends for home-cooked dinner (Thanks, Hickmans !!)
5) Baths & Bed; Change Jay's flights; wash clothes
6) Early Church
7) Wash clothes
8) Join friends for home-cooked lunch (Thanks, Martin's!!!)
9) Revisit Glendale house and make offer!
10) Straight to Pool ---awesome time with Frye's and Rosenthal's
11) Picnic with just us 4
12) Home for clothes washing/baths
13) Take Jay to airport

Well, we didn't waste a minute of his 19 hours and celebrated yet another wonderful day!!!!! Jay will return late Thurs. Then we'll head out on our annual hot as hell Mississippi homecoming trip that we enjoy so much that we go in spite of heat.

As for the Glendale house (the circa 1915 house that oozes with charm and screams our name)...we'll see. If God's in it...then it will work. If not, we shall recover since we've already been GIVEN all that matters anyway.

I'm Your Handyman

Steph & I have just celebrated our tenth year of marital bliss. Considering the differences in our personalities it’s a wonder we ever got together in the first place, much less survived this long. But some say that our differences make the world go ‘round. In that case it’s easy to see why we have been spinning so wildly all these years.
Like many women, Steph is a big time nester. She is a) extremely proud of our home & always seeks ways to improve it, or b) diabolically consumed & obsessed with thoughts of home improvement, depending on your perspective. In comparison, I am a) glad to keep up with the basics of home maintenance but generally satisfied with the home we live in, or b) lazy, thoughtless & apathetic about anything to do with the house, depending on your perspective.
For example, Steph’s nesting instincts lead her believe we need eleven pillows on our bed. There’s also the one she keeps under the bed that she uses for actual sleeping. For some reason it doesn’t make the cut with all the others. We also have approximately 427 other pillows in various locations throughout our house. These are called throw pillows, however you are not allowed to throw them as Willie & I have learned.
I’m not always on the same page as Steph concerning what needs to be done around the house. But with a few slow days between camps & recruiting trips, I wanted to do something nice for her. So I decided to surprise her with a little improvement project on our master bathroom. The rollers on the shower door were broken so it needed replacing and the caulking needed to be redone. Also the shower head needed replacing. So I leave the office early & get all my supplies at Home Depot. I figure the project will take me the whole rest of the day, maybe a little longer.
I get home & get right to it. I rip out the old shower door first & then the old caulk. I start putting in the new door which requires a bit of measuring & cutting. About this time Steph gets home with the kids & the bathroom is a wreck. There are parts & tools & dust everywhere but I am clearly making progress. I expect to hear something like, “Oh, Jay…thanks so much for doing this. You are the best…this is awesome!” Instead I get a look that says, ”You are an idiot & I will kill you with a blunt instrument tonight as you sleep.” You see, I bought a frosted glass shower door to replace the old one that had clear glass. In case you didn’t know, if you have frosted glass in your shower door, you are an idiot too. Hate to be so harsh, but that’s just what you are. Don’t feel bad, I didn’t know either.
So now she’s beside herself & my feelings are hurt. Not to mention that I am about four hours into my project with no end in sight. What would take my dad about two hours to do looks like it will take me quite a bit longer. I did inherit some of his vast handyman skills but really only enough to get myself in trouble. So I plug away despite the negative energy clouding the project & at the end of the day there is still a mess in the bathroom & the door is installed but the new caulk & touchup paint have yet to be applied.
The next day we took the kids to Six Flags for a little getaway. No problem I thought. I’d just finish the job when we got back before I had to leave town on a recruiting trip. Sadly, my grandfather passed away while we were gone which necessitated a trip to Mississippi & another quick trip back to Nashville. Then I left for my trip-still no working shower. Steph was forced to shower in the guest room during the whole week I was gone.
At this point she had called Rick, a contractor friend who has bailed me out of a couple failed do-it-myself projects before. But he’s got a job going & doesn’t get a chance to make it by. So, finally back from my recruiting trip I am determined to finish. After three trips to Home Depot (can’t get the right color caulk) & countless messes made, I finally get done. I even figure out a way to salvage the glass from the old doors to use with the parts from the new door. Basically I spent a couple hundred bucks on four little rollers that I could have probably bought for about five dollars. Steph had by this point told me that the frosted glass wasn’t so bad & that she could live with it. But anybody who’s ever been married knows exactly what that means.
At 10:00 one night, three weeks after starting my project, I declare victory & Steph even has to admit that I had done a good job despite taking so long. It wasn’t perfect but at least Rick hadn’t had to come to the rescue. I went to bed feeling satisfied that we hadn’t had to pay anybody to do it & that I was finally over. The next morning Steph takes a shower & afterwards there is a huge puddle of water on the bathroom floor. Initially I am crushed but I spot the problem & quickly fix it with the caulk gun. Good thing too, because I was leaving again that day on another recruiting trip & may not have been allowed back in the house upon my return.
As a result of this latest project I have been placed on home improvement probation indefinitely & have been banned from ever buying anything for the house without first consulting Steph. Fine by me, but somebody needs to fix the kitchen sink. In all seriousness, Steph does a remarkable job of making our house a home. Anyone that knows her knows that making it nice is one of her passions. If you have ever been here you know she does a wonderful job and often does a lot with a little. She even does it all despite the fact that I am her #1 handyman.

Really, Ruby?

I think I have alluded to Ruby being a bit strong-willed (or high-spirited as my friend Diana would say). On Sunday at church, Ruby didn't want me to carry her. So I set her down and thought we'd hold hands in route to the car. She then did want me to pick her up then she didn't. So I set her back down. She laid down on the asphalt (no crying) and just closed her eyes. (I ultimately hauled her to the car with her long legs kicking.)

She pulls same stunt again at school in the lobby. This time, she cried and screamed hysterically while I strapped her in the car on a hot hot summer day. Willie was visibly sweating and I felt like crying myself. Ruby is still screaming as we drive off. Willie yells over her wails..."mom, how many kids do you plan to have?"

Willie & Elvis

Willie has also been on a huge Elvis kick this week. First of all, I like music but I don't have it on all the time. I don't listen to Elvis anyway. So out of no where...he insists on styling his hair like Elvis every morning. He looks so goofy. He started asking me about when Elvis died and why....
I told him Elvis didn't take good care of himself and he cared too much about stuff and money (teachimg moment I am thinking.)

30 minutes later--

WW: "Did Elvis eat green beans?"

me: "Probably, why?"

WW: "You said he didn't take good care of himself."

me: "Well, I think he smoked alot of cigrettes (pronounced se-grets by WW)"

Next morning:

WW: "Mom, look at my Elvis hair. I love MONEY."

So where did the Elvis kick come from??? I share my annoyance about his slicked back hair with Jay....Jay dies laughing and takes responsibility. They had been experimenting with hair styles after bathtime.

This is kind of how it goes with Willie....he gets something on his mind and he asks lots of questions and could dwell for days on his new found interest.

This afternoon I said it was muggy after the rain.

WW: What is muggy?

me (weary 5 days solo): It's hard to explain.

WW: Just try, mom. I'll probably understand.

Your right, Willie, you would probably understand.

Recruiting in July

Jay was in Las Vegas this week. I think it's his 9th annual recruiting trip to LV in July! So hot...Over the years he's had some funny/interesting stories that come along with recruiting trips. This year...he was in the gym with Denzel Washington who looked sloppy to the well-pressed Coach Walton. (You see, coaches like to have a slick look.) Even Jay has been known to break out a championship ring now and then to try to reel one in:) Seriously, I love making fun of coaches and watching coaches....you could say it's a hobby of mine.

Some of my favorite recruiting stories include the rental car stories of the Plymouth Prowler and White Cargo Van. And don't forget the boxers with butterflies he was forced to purchase in Eastern Europe due to lost luggage and limited supply in Jay's size.

Jay is due home tomorrow and then just one more trip to Orlando....we will survive another recruiting period!

Who needs Training Wheels?

In typical Willie fashion, he busts in the back door and tells me he wants to take off his training wheels. Gratefully, Jay was home so no need to balance Willie's wants and Ruby's needs.....Jay was "on it" and had the training wheels off in a couple of minutes. We did a couple of rides back and forth on the drive then he pretty much had it! (He has to learn how to take off by himself and we really haven't tried out any turns yet:) Enjoy the attached video.

Willie has been such a blessing at each milestone to tell us when he is ready for something and then making it so easy on us....Jay and I actually had the audacity to think we might have something to do with his readiness and confidence in life...then Ruby said, "Really?

Where have the Walton's been?

Well, we eagerly rolled into the July 4th week....Jay planned us a family outing and we were all very excited. We had planned to visit the Mammoth Caves National Park in route up to Louisville, KY; get a good night's rest then hit KY Kingdom the next morning. Louisville is a not so far and seemed very manageable with little ones. We altered our plans though and hit KY Kingdom day 1 when we saw the weather forecast for Day 2.....What a wonderful time we had...they had plenty of rides for little kids and then Splash Kingdom (water park) was super fun. Most of the activities for small children had no lines. Jay and Willie did wait over 30 minutes for one high thrill ride....which was enough to convince Willie that we could stick with the milder slides until he's a bit older. I was nerve wracked but I was also proud of him for being so brave....he had over 30 minutes to change his mind....Ruby slept almost 2 hours in the rented doublewide stroller.

Sadly, we learned at the end of our fun-filled day, that Jay's Gaggy (93 years old) was called home to be with our Heavenly Father. Gaggy was like my own grandfather (17 years) and his passing was very very sad for us all. Gaggy deeply loved his family and it was so evident. For all the time I knew him....there was nothing that seemed more important to him than family. As my mom told me....he will always be with us as long as we keep our memories of him alive. Gaggy believed in dressing nice for church, eating well (from his own garden), being with and celebrating family. The morning after Gaggy's funeral...Jay asked me if I would let Willie wear flip flops under his choir robe like the youth at BUMC....My response was "not preferably" but if he can have real relationship with Jesus then that's all I really care about. Jay quivered to know what Gaggy would think about me thinking it wouldn't be the end of the world if Willie wore flip flops to church. I think now that Gaggy is with Jesus he will for sure agree. But rest assured, our dear Gaggy, we will do our best to teach him to dress and honor the values you have exemplified with your life.

The day of Gaggy's funeral Ruby looked a family picture and pointed and said "Gaggy." My heart skipped a beat that she knew him herself.

The weekend was a celebration of Gaggy's life and we enjoyed seeing so many family and friends. Jay, Ruby and I headed back to Nashville. Willie was eager to stay the entire week with Gran and Granny to be delivered home on Friday (today)! He had a wonderful week working in the garden and visiting Frances (Gaggy's wife and our grandmom), picnicing, playing cards and dominoes, and hearing Gran's bedtime stories. I think he was ready to get home and it was big hug fest when we reunited. The best part of the reunion was watching Willie and Ruby love all over each other.

I hadn't blogged since our trips to KY and MS as I was trying to "catch up." Tonight I realized that I didn't have the material needed to blog in Willie's absence. It didn't take long for him to give me material though....he was showing me how he learned to cross his toes and snap them??? He has been narrating the Andy Griffith Show which he has now seen for first time including doing the "Barney look." The best quote of the evening was when we passed a lady mowing her yard....he proclaimed "Why is a girl mowing that yard. She is going to get grass in her eye." Evidently, Willie had no idea that girls could mow the yard. I would demonstrate it, but my dear husband insisted on forgoing the self-propelled mower which has worked out fine by me....I guess it's been over 17 years since I last mowed our yard in Pelahatchie....actually, no, that's not true.....I just remembered I mowed Gaggy's yard our freshman year in college. I was helping Jay and wanted to show Gaggythat I was from good hardworking stock (and worthy of his wonderful grandson that I had met not too many months prior.) I think he approved...I do remember him splitting Jay's yard $$ with me that day....Jay didn't even mind for he was in love too.

help with video clips

It's beyond me how to rotate my video clips (maybe b/c I do this stuff too late at night)...if anyone can help me...I'd appeciate it.

Perfect Sunday!

Today was a perfect Sunday! Church was packed out this morning. We had good home-cooked meal of herbed roasted chicken, green beans, and squash fries. I made up the squash fries recipe and snapped the green beans myself. Our good friends Martin's (thanks, Jenn & Tim) gave us their farm produce for the week (from local farmers' cooperative). The kids loved going to pick up the produce from the farm truck and I loved the feeling of snapping those green beans. There's something about memories that can flood you with such simple acts. I have shelled, snapped and & silked my share of veggies---so many happy memories with my mom & dad. I hope to learn to can veggies one day....After a perfect lunch, we got our naps and headed for the pool where we celebrated summer days with the Kate & Jake and the Morrow's (all in our LU athletic family--who I couldn't make it without. We're all bracing for upcoming recruiting seasons and praying for big success!)

Jay packed us a picnic dinner so we headed straight from pool to Crockett Park for the summer concert series where we continued celebrating summer and friendships. So good to be with the Martin's, Hillaird's, Kirk's and Large's. We enjoyed friends, picnic dinner & dancing together. I've included a clip for you of Willie & Ruby's first dance together. We're anticipating a fun week for the 4th!!!

Ruby's games

Ruby loves naming everyone's body parts. Careful though as she will stick her finger right in your eye, up your nose, and down your ear canal. Here's Ruby helping Riley (her younger cousin by 3 months) with his body parts. They both get a little frustrated when she takes things too far.

When is brother's day?

As Ruby was wrapping up snack time this afternoon, Willie asked me when brother's day was going to be:) He said he just loves Ruby so much..He then launched into song for Ruby. He learned the tune for mother's and father's day. I had him resing it so you all could see it too in the attached clip. Watch Ruby!

Willie ended up in the free throw finals again at Jr. Bison camp. He really learned alot and has me doing all kind of dribble drills. I've heard him coaching his brothers in the techniques of the game too. I have to admit he really learned alot this year and is pretty impressive with his jump stop, triple threat, pivot moves. We wrapped up the camp on Friday morning then we headed out to the International Puppet Festival with Derek (one of Willie's friends).

This weekend was not overplanned which is our preference. We started off with daddy's French toast then headed straight to the pool. We really maximized our morning there and we all slept most of the afternoon. Jay thought it would be a good idea to take Willie to a Sounds game (minor league baseball). Basically, he had fun eating junk.

After church and rest time, mommy headed out to prep for Vacation Bible School. I'm a story-teller for the youngest kids (Willie's group). I'll dress up as Gideon, Mephibosheth (Jonathon's son), Peter and Healed Woman before the week is up. Please pray for the seeds being planted in their young hearts.

We ended the day at the Bison camp Pizza Party and playing on the swing set. Ruby could go do the slide 100 times probably. She tried the rock climbing wall today so we are going to have to continue watching her like a hawk. It will not be long and she'll have it mastered though.

celebrating life

It's a full week with Jr. Bison camp every morning. Willie seesm to be enjoying it. I'm going to watch tomorrow for a little while. I hope he makes the free throw contest again. He called me on Monday right after camp to let me know he had been in the shootout!

Tonight I cooked the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta dish (recipe by Mary Lewis) for great college friend Andrea Dallas McNeil. Andrea was one of our dearest friends in college and you couldn't ask for a more pleasant to be with. She is always so upbeat and happy. She read Willie's quote book cover to cover and just howled with us. I've already forgotten some of his great quotes so it was nice to reread. (If you aren't keeping a quote book for you and your children...I highly recommend it. It's so easy. Jay just keeps a little notebook by his bed and jots down quotes every few days or so.)

Tomorrow is another celebration as I'll meet my covenant group for dinner at Criallo's. I am eager to try a new restaurant and grateful for the time with the ladies. We are celbrating Amy F.'s birthday and Laura will have her 3rd daughter the next day.....if she doesn't come first.

Father's Day Weekend

We've had a wonderful Father's Day weekend (at least from mom's perspective). We never overmaterialize these kind of holidays but do try to honor a special day for Dad. The weekend probably couldn't haved started better for Jay since he went flyfishing at the Caney Fork all day with much trout success! I wish Jay could fish a little more often, but in this busy season of life with very young children I'm just hoping he can hang in there with his hobby. (There's so many coaches without a hobby which can be sad.) My prayer for Jay is that he will have enough in his life outside of coaching that he can one day retire and enjoy it (and not act like a 2 year old and ask for his name to come off the side of a coliseum....I'm just a touch disappointed in Coach Polk.)

Although Jay had to rise at 4 am for his big Fish, I am not one to go too easy on you...he came home to clean up to take us out for a family dinner with my cousin Regina's family. Regina, Scott, Brooklyn & Craig were passing through town. We selected Opry Mills (which we rarely visit) to eat then "mill" around since it was one-stop entertainment and I suspected Ruby might crash in the stroller after dinner (which is just what happened). So while RW snoozed, we hit Dave & Buster's for some games then Willie & Craig did this jump deal with the harness and trampolines. I wasn't so sure about it but it was worth the $7.95. Willie loved and was quite proud. I think Brookly and Craig had a great time and I was just thrilled to spend some time with my cousins.

We started Saturday with Teague's 5th birthday party then rested much of the afternoon prepping for a get togehter with friends over crawfish.

Despite the crawfish boil, we always make it to church and it was nice to spiritually rejuvenate with a our Faithbuilders class. Then to nap, then pool, then Snappy Tomatoe (best kids pizza deal in town and not that bad either).....

As far as Dad....I think he would agree that it was a great weekend. We were together the whole weekend and it only takes a couple of Willie's stories or Ruby's smiles to make our hearts swell with gratitude. We've got to close this one down..Jr. Bison camp starts in the morning. Willie's black Nike hightops and Jordan gear are ready to ball. He is delighted that his daddy will be his instructor.

Catching Up

Jay did arrive home late Thursday night (almost 3 weeks ago) from Turkey. The children and I had hatched a plan to surprise him at the airport. Although no surprise to anyone these days—his flight was delayed. Willie and Ruby still adapt well to changed plans so they gracefully moved into their nighttime routines. I was also grateful for the extra couple of hours to get everything done for my upcoming beach trip with the girls the next morning. Once Jay got home, we had 2 wonderful hours of catching up and visiting about his trip. Jay keeps a detailed journal of his travels so we have the Turkey journal now if anyone decides to visit Turkey. The next morning I stuck around long enough to see the kids jump for joy to see daddy with all the hugs and kisses and Turkish souvenirs. Willie got a Turkey soccer jersey and pearl chess/checkers set. Ruby got a crystal tea set and finger cymbals and Mommy got a kilem (handmade rug) for our den. I've included a picture loving on daddy his first morning home.

By 7:30, I gave my hugs and kisses and headed to the beach to meet my college girlfriends. This is our 12th annual Memorial Day trip. I’ve included a picture of all the girls- Natalie, Gray, Mary Lewis, Wendy, Haley and me. Of course, each of these girls is unique and beautiful in their own way. We all discussed once again how fortunate we feel to have these kinds of friends. They all have a deep abiding faith, beautiful families, and strong confidence. Our discussions did make me realize that I have several groups of friends with deep faith and I’m realizing that this blessing is really amazing! I've also included a picture of the girls (Nat, Gray, Steph, Wen, Haley, & ML)

After the beach, I spent a couple of nights at home and we headed to Starkville to check on Jay’s granddad (Gaggy). Gaggy turned 93 this weekend. We had a wonderful celebration and felt very good about the visit that we had. Gaggy’s health has started declining and hospice is now coming to help care for him. We had a good visit and Jay especially had some good quality time with him. Of course, entertaining the children in the presence of Gaggy and other tired caretakers wasn't really an suitable option. So the kids and I schemed up a day trip to visit Jessica's gang. Mason and Willie as same age plus Nana & Papa brought over Reagan for a big day of swimming, sand box and riding toys. Uncle Jack and Aunt Julia arrived by the end of the day and we closed with grilled burgers before heading back to Starkville. I tell Jay that night that I feel so at peace when I'm on their hill in Hickory. I'm surrounded with folks who love me just as I am and it's just plain good old country living. I am convinced that I could live in the country again.

One funny story while we were in Mississippi. Willie was headed out to play some basketball. His elastic was twisted on his shorts....
Me: Willie let me fix your shorts.
Me: Willie, where's you underwear?
Willie: Mom, no one in my conference wears underwear.

This week was Encore camp for Willie.....they are doing a travel theme where they imaginatively travel to each continent. He's singing about the Amazon and the Nile a good bit and they learned how to play croquet.

This week for start of basketball camp for Jay. He really doesn't enjoy camp month (June) much but I like the fact we eat at the school most every night with him so no cooking. Willie will go to Jr. Bison camp again this year so that week will be fun.

Ruby is talking alot now some of which is understandable.

Today, I headed to Birmingham for a quick trip. My freshmen roommate got married. Cathy is a very special friend and one of the best disciples of Christ I know. I wrote about her recently in a stewardship article I wrote for the church bulletin on "stewardship of the gospel" which I've included below. She deserves all the joy of the world as Mrs. Jeff Carver. I was thankful to be there. Plus Natalie and I met each other there and enjoyed the ceremony and reception together.

Stewardship of the Gospel
My freshman roommate, Cathy, has purposefully and prayerfully carried the Gospel to Mexico, Uganda, Ghana and Greece among other places. She has been characterized as intense and is focused every day (even the ordinary days) where and how God will use her that day. When I think of someone who is a good steward of the Gospel, I automatically think of Cathy.
Ironically, every time Cathy shares her testimony she tells about me—her freshman roommate. Really? Why? She tells me that those first weeks of our freshman year she saw Christ in me in how I smiled and how I truly loved my friends. I wish I could take credit for having something to do with that. I wish I could say I had intended to lead Cathy to her very real and genuine walk with the Lord. I did not have that intention.
My experience with Cathy has taught me we often don’t know how we will be carrying the Gospel. But, we can carry the Gospel in very simple ways. We can carry the Gospel everyday in our smiles, attitudes, and relationships. God will do the rest.

Hopefully, things will slow down and I will not be posting 3 weeks at time again.

Last Nıght ın Turkey

Tonıght we are back ın Istanbul. We fly out tomorrow mornıng for home. I have had a great tıme but at thıs poınt I am the horse who can see the barn.

Yesterday we flew to Ismır & took a short drıve to Ephesus. We had a guıded tour of the ancıent cıty & I felt ıncredıbly moved as I walked the same steps that Paul once walked on hıs vısıts there. We also saw the tomb of St. John the Apostle. We saw the places talked about ın Acts 19 & took tıme to stop & read the scrıptures.

Our hotel was rıght on the Aegean & last nıght we vısıted the cıty of Kusadası. It was far more relaxıng than Istanbul, a cıty of 18 mıllıon or so. Tonıght I am lookıng forward to a Turkısh bath & hopefully a good nıghts sleep. Cannot waıt to gıve the kıds & Steph the souvenırs I bought them.

More from Istanbul

Have had a wonderful trip so far. Our team dıd not play that well & we we`re upset ın the fırst round of the tournament, but the Sportsfest was pretty awesome. Our guys got to meet kıds from all over the world & get to know them.

Last nıght I got hooked ınto chaperonıng our guys at the farewell party for the games whıch ended up beıng at an upscale nıghtclub rıght on the Bosphorous. I was very out of place & had to stay up way too late but they got to say goodbye to all the frıends they had met. I made them promıse that none of the pıctures they took would end up on Facebook.

We have done a ton of sightseeing all over the city. Today we saw a 15th century fortress & tonight we are goıng to a Hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. I could use ıt, along wıth the massage that comes wıth ıt. Tomorrow we fly to Ephesus for a tour of the ruıns there. Lookıng forward to that & am goıng to reread Acts 19 tonıght.

The Buggy and insightful thoughts from Willie

Gran (Jay's dad) is a gifted carpenter. He enjoys building children's toys especially. We have trains, planes, boats, horses, push toys that Gran has made us. At Christmas, Gran built Ruby a baby carriage which, as you can see, is literally how we are using it now. These toys are so special and we try hard to take care of them.....I'm not sure that the "buggy" as we call it was designed to cart Ruby but it has been a lifesaver this week. Willie pushes Ruby around the house while I get myself dressed or go to the bathroom. Ruby is "hard to guard" so I have to call on Willie to take her for rides when I get desperate.

To close the night......Willie told me today that "love never gives up, and he (Willie) loves the whole world." "Do you think that makes God happy?"

I do, Willie, I do.

Lots to report from the Weekend

This morning in Sunday School, we were studying about the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit gives us the courage/strength to tell what God has done for us. I don't have a one-time significant transformation story but I have blessing after blessing to share about. Some of the blessings I've been thinking about today....

1) Jay. Yes, we have been talking to Jay about 5 minutes a day while he's in Instanbul. We do miss him terribly and I'm physically tired without him here. I am amazed at how much of a load he carries because I haven't been this tired in a while. Mostly, though, I just miss having him to share all the fun and happy times we've been blessed with.

2) Family. In Sunday School, I thought about my journey and Jay's journey. I know we both start our stories with our families. Many of our blessings are solely because of how our parents and their parents made godly decisions. Our children have 3 great grandparents living. My grandma Nina is in the nursing home in Lawrence County. She's generally not coherent but she seems to be happy in her thoughts about folks from long ago. Jay's grandfather (Gaggy) is approaching 93 next week. He has not been feeling well. (We're praying for you, Gaggy.) We should refer to Frances (Gaggy's wife) as great-Frances. Not only because she is Willie & Ruby's great grandmother but because she is literally GREAT! Frances, thank you for loving Gaggy and us the way you do.

2) The Village. We truly have been blessed with a village here in Nashville to help us raise our children. When you are not geographically close to your family, you develop an extended family because it requires one. One of the girls in our "village" is Ann. I just love Ann and I've jokingly asked her to move in with us on more than one occasion. (It wouldn't be a joke if I had a guest suite.) She is one of 5 sisters. Her parents had a graduation party tonight. I had no business going over there with my kids. I mean I was invited but I knew it would be hard and we wouldn't know hardly anyone. But I dressed myself and the children (and drove over. I accomplished my mission of letting her parents know what an absolutely wonderful job I think they have done with their 5 daughters. Ann is only one of many in our village. Willie ran around like a wild Indian and ate 6 or 7 marshmallows intended for the fondu.....as far I as know...he kept his paws out of the chocolate. The picture to the right is Willie giggling with Ann as he stuffs another marshmallow in his trap.

3) True Friends. In the last 24 hours alone---the Coggin's rescued us last night when were getting sad without Daddy, the Kirk's went to lunch with us today and my neighbor Nancy kept the children so I could lose myself in Target for an hour.

The blessings are endless and I thank God for each of them.

Happy 33 - Steven

One last post for the evening- Happy 33rd Birthday to my brother, Steven! Steven is my younger brother (& only sibling) by 2 years and there is no way I can describe our relationship to someone who doesn't know us as siblings. I guess we're typical siblings b/c we absolutely drive each other crazy if we're in the same room very long. But, if one of us needs each other.....there's no doubt the love is deep. I'm really very proud of Steven and his beautiful family. Honestly, I can't believe he found someone like Charity and then they have my precious nephew Reagan and he's doing so well in life. As Steven loves to remind me...."C Students rule the world and A students work for them." (Steven truly believes I wasted alot of time in my life studying.)

I don't really have any updated pictues of Steven to post, but he looks alot like me just out of shape and about 10 years older (remember, he's actually younger). If you want to know what he looked like as a kid, just look at one of Willie Walton's pictures. Willie reminds me so much of Steven as a child that I sometimes accidentally call Willie "Steven" and we're talking almost 29 years ago that Steven would have been 4. Willie just looks, acts & sounds alot like Steven....I think God is still laughing on that one for sure.

If you want to know what Steven will look like when he is older, just find a picture of Willie Wallace. (LOL)

Happy Birthday and I love you (which Steven rarely utters to me but I know it's true.)

Being a coach's wife (& remembering/recording a milestone)

This afternoon my friend Tasha brought her kids over for a playdate. We had pizza delivered and enjoyed the chaos of our children. Our sons are about 7 months apart and our daughters are about 4 months apart. Tasha and I met through some coaching friends and she's a truly a God-send. So while I guess we met through our husbands, they really barely know each other since they have alternating seasons. Derek coaches baseball at Vandy which reminds me that God does know what he is doing.

While I always say I feel like I was called to be a coach's wife, I could not have been a baseball coach's wife . (Dear God, those games are long, in multiples and I'm totally freaked out by foul balls.) Anyway, being married to a college coach is not for everyone and it can be tough sometimes. I truly eat it up though. I love the players, games, and the process. I guess that's the key....understanding and appreciating the process. Quite frankly, I think I'm pretty good at the role and I'm not easily impressed---but let me tell you about Tasha.

Tasha rarely complains (if ever). She understands the process of recruiting, strategizing, winning, losing and career building....Lastly, this girl is independent yet recognizes when she needs help and is really not scared to tackle anything solo. In fact, Teague (her son) has really been wanting Willie to spend the night. Tasha called today with the invitation since Derek and Jay were out of town.

Whoa! Are we already there? With Jay on his extended trip, I could use the break I guess so I asked Willie in advance if he wanted to spend the night with Teague. He lit up and said, "I would LOVE that." He didn't hesitate or even bat an eye before eagerly accepting the invitation. I tried to make sure he understood I wouldn't be there at bedtime etc. which honestly seemed to not phase him one iota.

I struggled to remember the first time I spent the night with a friend (not Grandma) and how old I was. I had to be at least in first grade. Best I could remember was a spend the night party where sleeping bags were required. Everyone seemed to have a sleeping bag except me. Daddy took me to Otasco in Brandon and got me the only sleeping bag they had on the bottom shelf--Benji (the dog). Do you remember that one daddy?

Anyway, I conjured up these memories trying to remember if I was as independent as Willie at the age of 4. He honestly amazes me sometimes. He did put his favorite stuffed animals ("puppy," "yellow bear," and "wee Willie winkie") which he refers to as his "pals" in his bag but other than that...we hugged, kissed & fived (our ritual) for him to say "I see you all the time" and he headed out the door.

Of course, he has his pals with him and I'm pretty sure he has his 66 brothers with him too. If you don't know, Willie has 66 brothers. They are all named which Jay has all of their names written down in Willie's quote book. We have learned about these brothers over the course of time.....and, on occasion, you'll hear Willie actually talking to them. By the way, Jay, Willie's brother Rand has died while you are in Istanbul.

It's awfully quiet around here now that Ruby is snoozing and I thank my fellow coach's wife for being so courageous for having my son to spend the night but mostly for being so strong year round.