June 30, 2010

Birthday Week

Stella and I attended a birthday gathering to kick off Auntie Suzy's "Birthday Week". Well, since Suzy and Stella share a birthday, then Stella should have a birthday week too. Let the fun begin!

Independence Day babies!

June 7, 2010

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

May 21, 2010

May 14, 2010

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.

May 9, 2010

Busy Bee in U.C.


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

May 4, 2010

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.