Staying cool with the girls

Stella's first day of school!

From June, 2010

My baby started school today. What??? Though Mommy has anticipated this day for some time, it is still so crazy that she is old enough to go to school! She is attending a Summer program at the Montessori School that she will attend in the Fall.

The picture below illustrates how we left her. She immediately went into the classroom and got busy. I tried to kiss her good-bye and she shrugged me away. The report form the teacher was that she at some point realized that I was gone and asked for me with a worried expression. Kate (teacher) distracted her with a puzzle and she was fine. I checked out the remains in her lunchbox and she ate pretty well - some days she hardly eats and I don't know how she keeps her energy. Today was also her first time to sleep on a mat. I packed her blanket and pacifier just in case and she did ask for it. We hope to phase that out, but hey, it's her first day away from home.

I have to tell you that I really missed her. I have been waiting for this day for so long, but I found myself very anxious to pick her up. I just couldn't wait to see her. But, I also got so many things accomplished having the time to myself. :)

From June, 2010

Take me out to the ball game

Stella and Dot shake it between innings at the Dodgers game.

Stella's first trip to the beach

A UT Graduate

My brother, Byron, graduated from UT Knoxville this week with a degree in Communication Studies. He has worked incredibly hard (with the help from our hardworking parents) and has accomplished his dream of earning a degree from his favorite school.

I can't think of a time when I have been more proud. Byron has always been a very likeable guy and full of personality. I have every confidence that if he continues to do the work, he will have every opportunity at his fingertips.

We love you, Bub.

Busy Bee in U.C.

Video highlights from Stella's busy Saturday in Union City, TN. (Funnier with your sound on.)

The Nashville flood from our house

The picture above seemed fairly dramatic as it was happening, but hardly conveys the deluge Nashville and surrounding areas saw over the weekend. There are many images of the mid-South, and our suburb of Bellevue, that do a better job of telling the story.

But this photo is descriptive by showing one of the many small tributaries that was feeding the Harpeth River (and in other places, the Cumberland). The Harpeth is what overflowed to cause so many problems in our area, and as you can see here, it snakes and zig-zags its way around and through many residential areas. It's easy to see that because of its path it often flooded homes from the north and south, or from east and west. In some cases, the flood waters approached from three directions.

Our immediate area was lucky to see no damage from flooding, and we suffered only minor inconveniences of road blockages and no electricity for a couple days. But although we are safe, dry and can get out of our neighborhood, many are homeless or still without power. If you are so inclined, please give to either the Middle Tennessee Red Cross or assist as you see fit. (I know that many other towns and cities are hurting, so please forgive my lack of mentioning them specifically.)

Thanks to everyone for the calls and concerns.

Go Easter!

From April, 2010

Have a great day, everybody!

From April, 2010

My baby

Just look at my girl. I love this picture.

This is how I see her face in my head. I have been thinking of her so much lately - not that she and I don't spend plenty of time together. Last week I started radiation and as I lay there on the table the first day, I planted this image in my mind. I thought about those big brown eyes, cute little bangs and those sweet cheeks. I thought of all the things that embody who she is - some make me laugh, some make me cry and some make me tired! And she is perfectly who she is and there is no confusion there.

And she has just gotten so big. When I get her out of bed, walk past the mirror and see her legs dangling long down my body is when I realize it. And it is such a bitter sweet moment. It is sad to think that you can't ever get these moments back, but beautiful to be able to watch her grow.

I love Papa. I love Cookie.

With apologies to my parents (she loves you, too, I promise), this is pretty darn cute.