tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8673070374234582362024-03-13T10:01:05.745-05:00These Times In Which I LiveStepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-63314066811551020052010-12-12T19:07:00.010-06:002010-12-12T20:06:22.113-06:00iGet2Give 2010It's not about me...it's about HIM...and <em>them</em>. The Spirit of Christmas lives within each of us everywhere we go and in everything that we do. It is waiting to be shared at just the right moment and with just the right people that God places in our path.<br /><br /><br />Today has been a "Spirit of Christmas" kind of day. It all started 7 days ago...on Monday. 5 of us friends went to one of the best events in NW Arkansas. (We went last year and knew this to be true after attending many others throughout the year.) The event is fittingly called "iGet2Give." The premise of the event is to gather with other women and receive really nice gifts. The only caveat is that you cannot keep the gifts...the gifts MUST be given away to someone who really needs them. It's designed to provide us an opportunity to either pool our gifts or individually give them away. This year, the 5 of use pooled our gifts because it just seemed to be the right thing to do. We had fun Monday night talking, planning and wondering who our "lucky" family would be. Little did we know that God was already at work and we were in for a great surprise! Here's the story:<br /><br /><br />On Monday afternoon, Jazmin went to the Pharmacy to get some NyQuil. She ran into a lady that she had not seen in over 2 years. It was the mother of a young boy that played on the same soccer team as her son, Will. They had been friends during the season of soccer when their boys played together, but soon lost touch after the season was over. Seeing each other after 2 years was a surprise and yet a blessing. After a quick conversation, Jaz learned that this lady had lost her job and was raising her 3 boys on her own. Jazmin didn't think much about it at the time as she was in a hurry and went on about her business...she had to pick us girls up for the iGet2Give event...<br /><br /><br />After the event was over and we all were at our own homes, Jazmin was wrestling with an uneasiness and just couldn't shake it. At 2:30AM that night, we all got a text from her stating that the friend she ran into at the Pharmacy earlier that day just wouldn't leave her mind. She couldn't remember her last name and didn't have her phone number. What was she to do? How was she to get in touch with her? These thoughts went over and over in her head all night long. The next morning when she was getting her kids ready for school, she asked them if they remembered this family. Her daughter did and ran to get her school yearbook because she thought that one of the boys had been in her class that year. And, sure enough, he was and there was his name...right next to Melissa's. Bingo! After a few phone calls, Jazmin was in touch with her long lost friend.<br /><br /><br />During their conversation, Jazmin learned why she had this family so heavily on her heart. Times were tough and money was very tight in their household. Christmas was just not going to happen for them this year. There was no money for the basics, much less <em>gifts</em>!<br /><br /><br />After a few phone calls and texts between the 5 of us, a plan was in place and resources were being tapped. Within 24 hours, we had planned this family's Christmas blessing. We are all vendors and we were able to add to our gifts that we received on Monday night and make quite a robust gift.<br /><br />Through the contact that we had with the Mom this week we learned that she went to church for the first time 3 weeks ago. She has visited a few churches in the meantime looking for the perfect church home. She was motivated to get to church for her boys when she learned about a program at one of the local churches that focused on Fatherless Boys. Her 3 boys fit in very nicely and the program was targeted for a family such as hers. A void in their lives will hopefully be filled through the Love of Jesus!<br /><br />Hallelujah!<br /><br />Today as we gathered at my house to wrap and put together all of our gifts, our conversation kept going back to the fact that the Spirit of Christmas doesn't come in the gifts...it comes in the GIVING of gifts. Doing for others who (for whatever reason) cannot do for themselves. Isn't that the essence of exactly what Christ did for us?<br /><br />Here are a few pictures of this GIVING:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQV0fzoYriI/AAAAAAAABdM/mBMxNQM_Htg/s1600/Misc%2B2010%2B227.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549970205588368930" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQV0fzoYriI/AAAAAAAABdM/mBMxNQM_Htg/s320/Misc%2B2010%2B227.jpg" /></a> Jazmin, Paola, Michele, Courtney, & me</div><div align="center">Our gifts that we "won" to gift someone else</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQV0UcROqmI/AAAAAAAABdE/z1lpjDfDwxs/s1600/November%2B2010%2B199.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549970010338667106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQV0UcROqmI/AAAAAAAABdE/z1lpjDfDwxs/s320/November%2B2010%2B199.jpg" /></a> Courtney wrapping an outfit for the 7 year old<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQV0LHqb-tI/AAAAAAAABc8/HJRPZ-1EeJw/s1600/November%2B2010%2B200.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549969850188430034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQV0LHqb-tI/AAAAAAAABc8/HJRPZ-1EeJw/s320/November%2B2010%2B200.jpg" /></a> Michele stuffing the Oscar Mayer Wagon with all sorts of goodies treats!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQV0Kvl_hJI/AAAAAAAABc0/9StMYO__-QY/s1600/November%2B2010%2B201.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549969843727336594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQV0Kvl_hJI/AAAAAAAABc0/9StMYO__-QY/s320/November%2B2010%2B201.jpg" /></a> Jaz, Paola, & Courtney filling a Rubbermaid tub with household items<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQVz6cuHRXI/AAAAAAAABcs/_44i2YmL1N4/s1600/November%2B2010%2B204.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549969563783218546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQVz6cuHRXI/AAAAAAAABcs/_44i2YmL1N4/s320/November%2B2010%2B204.jpg" /></a><br />The NIV Study Bible that I purchased <em>before</em> knowing that she had just started going to church.</div><div>We all signed the blank page of the bible with words of encouragement and love<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQVzqo7-_cI/AAAAAAAABck/hBtPwNwzSUo/s1600/November%2B2010%2B206.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549969292184714690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQVzqo7-_cI/AAAAAAAABck/hBtPwNwzSUo/s320/November%2B2010%2B206.jpg" /></a> Our 4 gifts turned into the richest of blessings!<br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549968923965332210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQVzVNNpGvI/AAAAAAAABcU/aw-1iLypIRA/s320/November%2B2010%2B208.jpg" /></div><div>Santa's Sleigh</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQVzc03d_AI/AAAAAAAABcc/LusMoJHFS7k/s1600/November%2B2010%2B214.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549969054868831234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TQVzc03d_AI/AAAAAAAABcc/LusMoJHFS7k/s320/November%2B2010%2B214.jpg" /></a> The Girls with Andrea</div><div>me, Courtney, Michele, Andrea, Paola & Jazmin</div><br /><div align="left">After spending a good portion of the afternoon with Andrea and her boys, we learned that she had seen a whole lot of "life" that I hope none of us every have to. But as you see, her face has a beautiful smile and she is not bitter. She is humbled and thankful. THAT is only a gift that God can give.</div><br /><div align="left">We have all exchanged phone numbers. We plan to keep encouraging her and holding her accountable to the things that she has asked of us.</div><br /><div align="left">*Note - the picture in the background was painted by her Grandmother. They are a Native American family and are proud of their heritage. The artwork in her house was all painted by her grandmother and Andrea was very proud to show us her work. She died a year ago and was the reason (we think) that Andrea had to quit her job. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Of this I am certain. We are all called to be the hands and feet of Christ. We are to listen, trust, and OBEY the nudgings of the Holy Spirit that is in each of us. That is the Spirit of Christmas...every day.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Look for Christ in Christmas this year.</div></div></div></div><br /></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-6309111759964210592010-07-25T12:34:00.013-05:002010-07-25T18:41:25.357-05:00It's Been A While! We've GOT To Catch Up!<div align="left">I cannot believe that it's been since MARCH that I have posted! Oh my(!) where has time gone? So much has transpired between March and July...I will hit the high spots in this post, but know that there is so much more to tell! God has been faithful and has blessed me and my family and friends with so much fun and excitement this summer. Words nor pictures can tell the whole story.<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Weddings are as common in the Sullivan family as eating and breathing. In my last post, I had just returned from Las Vegas from a business trip. During that trip, my cousin Savannah got married out there and I was able to attend. Small blessings. It just seems fitting to pick this post up in May at another Sullivan wedding. This wedding was magical and so beautiful! My cousin, Kendra, married Michael Paul Wallace on Orange Beach, AL on May 22. The WHOLE Sullivan family attended...thus, the "magical" element of the wedding. The one thing Kendra wanted was to be surrounded by ALL of her family and friends. God granted her wish. Below are a few snapshots from my camera.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497980907044887618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEzAgWJKXEI/AAAAAAAABbM/xWutHJY6iKc/s320/SULLIVAN+-+Nordic+Village+5.jpg" /> <p align="center"> Kendra & Michael Paul<br /><br /></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_6lB-7hI/AAAAAAAABbE/rKldpDPku8k/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+612.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497909889462103570" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_6lB-7hI/AAAAAAAABbE/rKldpDPku8k/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+612.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>Bubba & Kendra...look at the relaxed smiles. A beautiful bride and a beautiful day! </p><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_bMyGDhI/AAAAAAAABa8/6Mm-IVnqRd8/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+592.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497909350377066002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_bMyGDhI/AAAAAAAABa8/6Mm-IVnqRd8/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+592.jpg" /></a> I love this picture because Leah's face just says it all...excitement! Bettye Hill (lady in coral dress) not only decorated, but directed the wedding. She is an amazing lady!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_asDEKkI/AAAAAAAABa0/nWs8WysR-sY/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+572.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497909341589875266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_asDEKkI/AAAAAAAABa0/nWs8WysR-sY/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+572.jpg" /></a> The boys...MP was a little nervous, I think.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_aSHYP7I/AAAAAAAABas/XQno_fRDXzo/s1600/H+Camera+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497909334628646834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_aSHYP7I/AAAAAAAABas/XQno_fRDXzo/s320/H+Camera+1.jpg" /></a> I love this picture...it's one of my favorites. I was very fortunate to have my friend, Heather, at the beach with me. She currently lives in Germany, but was in the states for summer vacation. Her photography skills are incredible. She took this picture.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_Z94bQHI/AAAAAAAABak/e5BONhO-cZA/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+483.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497909329197219954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx_Z94bQHI/AAAAAAAABak/e5BONhO-cZA/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+483.jpg" /></a> The ceremony setting...doesn't get any more perfect than God's scenery at the beach.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx-cIF31aI/AAAAAAAABac/6BHXGQRuTJk/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+307.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497908266786084258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx-cIF31aI/AAAAAAAABac/6BHXGQRuTJk/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+307.jpg" /></a> We have all laughed and enjoyed this picture so much! Emma is rocking the sunglasses and hat. We call her "Miss Hollywood" because her whole persona changed when Sarah put the sunglasses and hat on her. Callie is trying to make conversation and Emma is so stoic while she listens. Wonder if this picture indicates their personalities to come??? Such adorable and cute little girls!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx-briXt2I/AAAAAAAABaU/SjWNN4fA_jM/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+102.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497908259120985954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx-briXt2I/AAAAAAAABaU/SjWNN4fA_jM/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+102.jpg" /></a>As customary at every Sullivan function, there is a tailgate and BBQ grill somewhere nearby. I cannot tell you how long or how many men sat on this tailgate while Dad cooked ribs, hamburgers, steaks and whatever else anyone wanted...oh yeah, the "Uncle Leonard sausage"!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx-bNsCMYI/AAAAAAAABaM/O0MfXVbvHds/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+229.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497908251108454786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx-bNsCMYI/AAAAAAAABaM/O0MfXVbvHds/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+229.jpg" /></a> This is the first night on the beach. We ALL enjoyed just sitting and walking on the beach together. Even Chris was happy to be there :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx5h4Bx1jI/AAAAAAAABaE/97hoiIxxXVE/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+792.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497902867995022898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx5h4Bx1jI/AAAAAAAABaE/97hoiIxxXVE/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+792.jpg" /></a> I love this picture of Stephanie and Callie.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx5hdNDpGI/AAAAAAAABZ8/wPqtZU9O2kM/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+818.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497902860794569826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx5hdNDpGI/AAAAAAAABZ8/wPqtZU9O2kM/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+818.jpg" /></a> Callie was a flower girl in the wedding. She will not wear anything on her head for more than 2 seconds...she thought it was funny that Elliott was wearing her flower halo...priceless.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx5gwB2TLI/AAAAAAAABZ0/UCRKN06-2kQ/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+184.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497902848667962546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx5gwB2TLI/AAAAAAAABZ0/UCRKN06-2kQ/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+184.jpg" /></a>Callie thought that the little birds that run up and down the beach were so funny. She wanted to ME to run and chase them while she "rode" along...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx5gnhui1I/AAAAAAAABZs/LuXh4poFbaY/s1600/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+104.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497902846385752914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx5gnhui1I/AAAAAAAABZs/LuXh4poFbaY/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+104.jpg" /></a> My sister says that the conversation transpiring between these two is going something like this:<br /></div><div>Kale: Can you believe these people are our family??</div><div>Callie: No joke! They are crazy!</div><div>Kale: Reckon we ought to take this to the FloraBama?</div><div>Callie: Yes! At least we'll be around "normal" people... </div><div><br /> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497986274321842402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEzFYwztQOI/AAAAAAAABcE/afhcT8opSVc/s320/Kendra%27s+Wedding+-+May+2010+913.jpg" /><br /><div align="left">The next family event happened in June when sweet Emma Claire was christened at Meadville UMC. The weekend together was so much fun and the babies enjoyed Barbie's pool...<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4GltGgqI/AAAAAAAABZk/N-nV-MQKsH8/s1600/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+053.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497901299708363426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4GltGgqI/AAAAAAAABZk/N-nV-MQKsH8/s320/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+053.jpg" /></a> Callie gets all crazy around water. She is literally trying to stand on her head here...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4GNXDnkI/AAAAAAAABZc/RVuB0dWVX18/s1600/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+045.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497901293173448258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4GNXDnkI/AAAAAAAABZc/RVuB0dWVX18/s320/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+045.jpg" /></a> Callie loves to go under the water!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4FKya_ZI/AAAAAAAABZU/Ztdm-aQiNn0/s1600/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497901275303050642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4FKya_ZI/AAAAAAAABZU/Ztdm-aQiNn0/s320/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+034.jpg" /></a>Miss Hollywood is taking in all the attention and commotion. She is such a laid back diva in the water. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497983569483147970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEzC7Uf6KsI/AAAAAAAABbs/J1zFgzb3LWY/s320/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+066.jpg" />Christening service for Emma Claire Stebbins...she is paying close attention!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497983575006600850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEzC7pEzXpI/AAAAAAAABb0/MbYy8DulqGI/s320/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+081.jpg" /> The Sullivan/Joseph/Stebbins/Smith families</div><div>also including "Miss Mae" and her husband, Jamie<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497986266825749234" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEzFYU4f8vI/AAAAAAAABb8/ybYbGflNUwA/s320/Emma%27s+Christening+-+June+6+096.jpg" />Callie is taking care of Emma</div><div>"Come on Emma, pull it together! We've got to pose and smile for all these cameras!"</div><div> </div><div align="left">July 4th weekend was a wonderful and sad weekend. It was lots of fun hanging out at the lake and grilling with friends. It was bittersweet in that it was the last time we'd get to hang out with John & Melissa Niegbruegge. The moving van arrived on July 5th and took them to Boca Raton, FL. Gosh, I miss them terribly!!!<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4Eg2jnLI/AAAAAAAABZM/CGBvoaaYgEQ/s1600/July+4+2010+006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497901264046103730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4Eg2jnLI/AAAAAAAABZM/CGBvoaaYgEQ/s320/July+4+2010+006.jpg" /></a> Tonya & Shawn Beckwith, Steph, John & Melissa Niebrugge</div><div> </div><div align="left">The weekend after July 4th, Mom's Sunday School class hosted a Grandparents Shower for some very dear family/friends...Bob & Susie Kimbrough. Their oldest daughter, and one of my good lifelong friends, Holli is expecting the first grandchild...a boy. I am so glad that I was home this weekend and was able to enjoy the celebration!<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4EKBvVmI/AAAAAAAABZE/s2pCwqTM0z4/s1600/July+2010+039.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497901257918994018" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx4EKBvVmI/AAAAAAAABZE/s2pCwqTM0z4/s320/July+2010+039.jpg" /></a> Bob & Susie Kimbrough<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx28JFilwI/AAAAAAAABY8/8NmNzs3OJzw/s1600/Copy+of+July+2010+021.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497900020715919106" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx28JFilwI/AAAAAAAABY8/8NmNzs3OJzw/s320/Copy+of+July+2010+021.jpg" /></a>Barbie - the "ice" cream queen...she takes her job seriously<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx27QANs0I/AAAAAAAABY0/qSg1CFFnTr4/s1600/Copy+of+July+2010+019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497900005392757570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx27QANs0I/AAAAAAAABY0/qSg1CFFnTr4/s320/Copy+of+July+2010+019.jpg" /></a> Judy McGehee, Mom, Janet Spring</div><div align="center">(3 of the hosts)<br /><br /></div><div align="left">The best part about coming home to Meadville is the early morning "hang out." All of us usually drink our coffee on the back porch and we now watch the girls play. Callie did not come down this weekend, so I got to enjoy Emma with 100% attention. She is getting so big and such fun!<br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx26yn2DII/AAAAAAAABYs/tvuxOb1H4Ls/s1600/July+2010+074.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497899997505916034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx26yn2DII/AAAAAAAABYs/tvuxOb1H4Ls/s320/July+2010+074.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx26UfoWMI/AAAAAAAABYk/w-Nw-_jrJU0/s1600/July+2010+067.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497899989418399938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx26UfoWMI/AAAAAAAABYk/w-Nw-_jrJU0/s320/July+2010+067.jpg" /></a><br />Emma LOVES the Little Tykes swing. It's been the best $15 investment!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx26IC_eUI/AAAAAAAABYc/AsF68qhwjJU/s1600/July+2010+075.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497899986077055298" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx26IC_eUI/AAAAAAAABYc/AsF68qhwjJU/s320/July+2010+075.jpg" /></a>This rainbow was such a welcomed sight! The storm that I drove through headed home to Arkansas was very tornadic with torrential downpours. It was raining so bad that I was forced to exit in Conway and wait out the storm. I saw this double rainbow...God's promises are faithful!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="left">This past weekend, the Football Family celebrated summer birthdays. It was such a fun time together as we haven't seen much of each other over the summer. The added bonus was that one of my very best friends, Crystal, came for a visit. We had such fun hanging out and shopping. We also were able to hang out at the lake with Lori & Derek, 2 good friends here in Rogers.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx2MGZiQ5I/AAAAAAAABYU/S2mnDcQj7sU/s1600/July+2010+121.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497899195360756626" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx2MGZiQ5I/AAAAAAAABYU/S2mnDcQj7sU/s320/July+2010+121.jpg" /></a>Steph, Lori, & Crystal floating around in "Lori's Cove" on Beaver Lake.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx2LjrojQI/AAAAAAAABYM/TtiyFNxo-ME/s1600/July+2010+089.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497899186041425154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx2LjrojQI/AAAAAAAABYM/TtiyFNxo-ME/s320/July+2010+089.jpg" /></a> Crystal & Steph at dinner at the River Grille in Bentonville<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx2LQJ3pDI/AAAAAAAABYE/rTpxP45i_JM/s1600/July+2010+087.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497899180799534130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/TEx2LQJ3pDI/AAAAAAAABYE/rTpxP45i_JM/s320/July+2010+087.jpg" /></a> <div>The Football Family! What laughs and good times were had by this crew!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-6348744815884361612010-03-24T21:02:00.004-05:002010-03-24T21:32:32.944-05:00Vegas-Baby!Sometimes God just can't help Himself but to make us laugh. I believe that he does this to let us know that he does have a sense of humor and can do anything He wants.<br /><br />Last week found me in Las Vegas...on a work trip. A few days before I left, my Mom told me that Savannah and Jarrett would be getting married on March 17- St. Patty's Day. The irony is that I would be out there on a work trip when everyone else would be back home...and I couldn't have planned the timing any better. However, due to the meeting schedule of my trip, I was not going to be able to make the 5:00 ceremony...but God had other plans. My meeting ended at 4:15 and dinner was "on our own." Yes! I was going to be able to make the wedding! I ran upstairs at the Bellagio and literally threw on a dress and finished dressing in the taxi. Of course the Chapel of Flowers was on the opposite end of the strip as my hotel, but what is last minute opportunity without a little drama! I felt like I was in a tv show or something...ha! BUT, at 5:05, the taxi wheeled in the parking lot and I slid into the pew right before Savannah was to walk down the aisle! Whew! Thank you Jesus for making things just work out inspite of ourselves!<br /><br />The only pictures I was able to take were on my Blackberry...of course I forgot my camera in the hotel because I was in a rush. But nonetheless, I was able to document the occasion! Don't they look beautiful?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S6rFElyMkiI/AAAAAAAABX8/mcv2gHhQOKc/s1600/Savannah+%26+Jarrett.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 97px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452386981538206242" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S6rFElyMkiI/AAAAAAAABX8/mcv2gHhQOKc/s320/Savannah+%26+Jarrett.jpg" /></a><br />The weather in Vegas was perfect! It was in the mid-70s all week and the sun shined gloriously all day long! It was such a welcomed thing after NO sunshine in Arkansas for many, many weeks. The highlight of my trip was the helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon. Thank you <a href="http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/">Maverick Aviation </a>(Henderson, NV) for an awesome experience! If you are ever in the Vegas area, I strongly encourage you invest in this adventure. It's the ONLY way to see the Canyon (oh, and Hoover Dam/Lake Meade, also...)<br /><br />On Friday when we landed in Rogers, we learned that we were in for a big surprise over the weekend....yep, a snow storm. And snow we got....INCHES of it! Some reports said 12 inches, others said 7 inches. Either way, the first day of spring was spent indoors in front of the fireplace. Actually for me, it was spent in bed with fever. I had was I've lovingly coined "the first cousin to the flu." Miserable. Absolutely miserable. Here is the front of my house...I snapped this picture when I DROVE to my mailbox from my garage. Yes...I was sick and didn't have the energy to walk to the mailbox...don't judge...you would have too.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S6rFEYmiZrI/AAAAAAAABX0/OKpRePcC1d4/s1600/Spring+Day+2010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452386977999644338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S6rFEYmiZrI/AAAAAAAABX0/OKpRePcC1d4/s320/Spring+Day+2010.jpg" /></a> See...God likes to make us laugh. He'll do anything from allowing for a cousin to make it to a another cousin's wedding to snow on the first day of Spring. It is so good to know that God is always making life interesting...</div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-25960688707855747872010-03-05T20:43:00.008-06:002010-03-05T21:50:01.786-06:00HondurasHonduras. The poorest country in Central America and 2nd poorest country in the Western Hemisphere - Haiti is the 1st. Talanga, Honduras is a city of about 25,000 people and is the hub of 4 major highways in Central America. One of those highways is the Transamerica Highway that runs from Bogota, Columbia to Alaska, USA. Thousands of pounds of cocaine are dropped in this city each week. Drugs, Aids, and drug inflicted disease are rampant. In spite of this fact, the average family income for 1 month is $40. The people in this country are poor. The people in this city are poor. They may not have much, but God is there. He went ahead of this mission team and prepared the way. The harvest was ripe.<br /><br />On February 6, 77 North Americans met in Houston and headed South to the country of Honduras. All walks of life. All ages. One belief: God is...<br /><br />This mission team had never been to a city in Honduras before. There were many things to learn and experience that were different from the remote village life. The main difference: The rise of the middle class...and I use that term loosely. While most of the people in this town were literally dirt poor, there was a % of people who did have some means of a better lifestyle. We did see flat screens, cell phones, and Internet capabilities in some homes as we walked the streets. Several of us on the team were able to walk into the town center to an Internet Cafe and send a message or two on Facebook! Very much an unexpected treat...Cost was less than $1 for 1 hour (10 lempire).<br /><br />Below are a few pictures. I am working on a slideshow, but truth is that I am still processing. There has been so much to absorb that words are still hard to come by. But for the sake of journaling, here is a snapshot of a few aspects of the week. I have focused more on the Meadville crew that went as those stories are the ones I know best. However, each person has a different perspective and remembers different things.<br /><br />It is unique to be able to serve alongside my parents and others that I have known my whole life. On this trip in particular, I picked up a few medical "skills" and was able to contribute in a way that I had not ever before. Needless to say, I had a blast stepping into my parents world for a few days. I definitely can say that they have taught me all that I know...at least in the clinic on a foreign mission field.<br /><br />The first picture is a typical house in the city. Notice the dirt floors. What you can't see on the right is stucco (white wall material that you see) counter with an iron flat area that is used for cooking...I guess the best visual is that of a griddle that is set into the counter. There was no running water in this house, but next to the griddle-type cooking area was a sink that water was manually hauled in and filled.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HEBqDZDMI/AAAAAAAABXs/mAk6DEvMkoA/s1600-h/Inside+a+House.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348957215067330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HEBqDZDMI/AAAAAAAABXs/mAk6DEvMkoA/s320/Inside+a+House.JPG" /></a><br />Funny story about this next picture. Dad had been seeing this man ride through town on his donkey. Everytime he would try to catch him to get a picture. FINALLY on Wednesday, the man stopped outside the clinic and Dad went over to him. He got a picture and Dad gave him some money (don't remember how much, but it wasn't much...) to thank him for letting him take the picture. The man descended the donkey to let Dad ride. Dad didn't take him up on the offer, but we all got a good laugh out of it. The young lady int he red/white shirt is one of our translators who saw Dad talking to the man. She went over to make sure he didn't get into trouble...ha!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HEBHp0yJI/AAAAAAAABXk/F8ASaNn1GhI/s1600-h/Dad+with+Honduran+man+on+horse.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348947981027474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HEBHp0yJI/AAAAAAAABXk/F8ASaNn1GhI/s320/Dad+with+Honduran+man+on+horse.JPG" /></a><br />Bro David. He was in charge of the tent services during the day. He is hard at work in this picture. I have to say...he ROCKED the house! I've never really had an indepth conversation with David before this trip. We sat together on the bus going somewhere and we really had good conversation. This guy is truly a man of God...in a very cool way.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HEA-JDc4I/AAAAAAAABXc/LhTwiEMOF5M/s1600-h/David+Preaching+in+day+service.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348945427657602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HEA-JDc4I/AAAAAAAABXc/LhTwiEMOF5M/s320/David+Preaching+in+day+service.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Shoe Ministry. This team gave out 1800 pairs of shoes. Ms Anita went to Dirt Cheap and loaded up her husband's truck FULL of shoes and shipped them down to Honduras. If ever there was a woman who could make shopping a ministry, it's Ms Anita. Below is Ann Barrett helping a man try on a pair of new shoes. This was Ann Barrett's first mission trip ever. She worked in the Shoe Ministry and she would tell you that it changed her life.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HEAOtI3NI/AAAAAAAABXU/ztzEoYyftCM/s1600-h/Ann+Barrett+%26+man.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348932694105298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HEAOtI3NI/AAAAAAAABXU/ztzEoYyftCM/s320/Ann+Barrett+%26+man.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Rice & Beans. Ms Sandra Clay headed this ministry up this year (not pictured). Her team gave out over 6000 lbs of rice and beans. Pictured below are (L-R) Randy Randall, Dr Walter Rose, and Jim Woods - all of Indianola, MS.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDlnrSi1I/AAAAAAAABXM/DvHqjef4aCA/s1600-h/Bagging+Commodoities.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348475540769618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDlnrSi1I/AAAAAAAABXM/DvHqjef4aCA/s320/Bagging+Commodoities.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Church Dedication. This trip was the first time EVER that the whole team was able to attend the Church Dedication on any trip. This Construction Team was amazing. They built the walls and put on the roof in 3 days. They worked so fast that they were able to go to the Hospital on the 4th day and do some repairs there. God was amazing through those men!</div><div> </div><div>Here's the "rest of the story" about this church. The small congregation that belonged to this church have prayed for FIVE years that they would be able to purchase land to build a church. F-I-V-E years! God used our team to answer their prayer. In my opinion, this team went to Talanga for them specifically. He wanted to show that congregation that they are precious in His sight and that He cares for them. Their ministry is powerful and God has blessed them in some pretty cool ways. This church building will be a launching pad for their ministry. I'll never know what all they accomplish and how many lives they touch, but I do know that God used the construction team in February 2010 to help affirm their ministry.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDlEbLwXI/AAAAAAAABXE/iYGxJDifhG0/s1600-h/Team+at+Dedication.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348466077974898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDlEbLwXI/AAAAAAAABXE/iYGxJDifhG0/s320/Team+at+Dedication.jpg" /></a><br />Bro David leading the Dedication. Love the pulpit!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDk8BffdI/AAAAAAAABW8/Yvb-pa_DKPY/s1600-h/David+-+Church+Dedication.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348463822732754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDk8BffdI/AAAAAAAABW8/Yvb-pa_DKPY/s320/David+-+Church+Dedication.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Pharmacy. Mr Jimmy is on the left. Johnny Mc is on the right. It was Johnny Mc that shared the fact that he never thought he'd be in Central America mixing "kool-aid" with Jim Jones. This team had so much fun in the Pharmacy. Mr Jimmy is now the official Pharmacist in training and is the best bottle filler and pill counter any foreign mission team has ever known :)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDkakFbRI/AAAAAAAABW0/TrmHFL88_Mw/s1600-h/Jimmy+%26+Johnny+filling+bottles.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348454841019666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDkakFbRI/AAAAAAAABW0/TrmHFL88_Mw/s320/Jimmy+%26+Johnny+filling+bottles.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Medical Clinic. This is a snapshot of 1 station. Doc Gabbert is on right and my Mom, Sue, is in the center. Susan Gabbert is working the door in the background.</div><div> </div><div>This clinic saw approx 3000 patients in 3.5 days.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDG77sgUI/AAAAAAAABWs/hCWCgJ4Idws/s1600-h/Sue+DocG+Susan+-+clinic.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347948402344258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDG77sgUI/AAAAAAAABWs/hCWCgJ4Idws/s320/Sue+DocG+Susan+-+clinic.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is Nelson. He was the official "gatekeeper" into the clinic. He was evidence that you just never know who you will meet in the places that you go. Nelson was born in Peru and was raised there until his late teens. He then moved to the swampland better known as South Louisiana. He lived down around New Orleans for a little over 30 years. His wife is Honduran and last year they moved to Honduras where he began working with BMDMI as a translator. He had a cool accent: Peruvian, Cajun, and Honduran. He was an interesting character and I am so glad to have met him!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDGjAQorI/AAAAAAAABWk/Ib53OsB9FOo/s1600-h/Nelson.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347941710602930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDGjAQorI/AAAAAAAABWk/Ib53OsB9FOo/s320/Nelson.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />On the first full day of clinic, Doc G made a friend. This young girl has Down Syndrome. She was a precious and sweet young lady. However, she was no fool...she immediately figured out that Doc had goodies (candy) and she is asking for some in this picture...</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDGE-FVMI/AAAAAAAABWc/a0ji8vhGMcY/s1600-h/Doc+G+with+Downs+Syndrome+girl.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347933648409794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDGE-FVMI/AAAAAAAABWc/a0ji8vhGMcY/s320/Doc+G+with+Downs+Syndrome+girl.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />An At-large clinic picture. You can see the 4 tables/stations in this room. There was a doctor and nurse practitioner at each table. Doc G and Mom on the right. Dr Prosser and Linda Fay in the back. Dr. Alfredo (Honduran Dr) on the left - can't really see the table, but it's there - and Dr Carey and Glenda on the left front.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDF9CZkEI/AAAAAAAABWU/caDywqN1VkI/s1600-h/Clinic.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347931519029314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HDF9CZkEI/AAAAAAAABWU/caDywqN1VkI/s320/Clinic.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Play-time! This is SuperBowl Sunday. Doc Carey and Dad are jamming to "Let's Get Crunk" in preparation of the Saints playing later that night...you just had to be there fully appreciate this. They were singing and dancing and rapping. The Honduran patients thought they had lost their mind...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCgkmyURI/AAAAAAAABWE/chXTZShzD3I/s1600-h/Dad+%26+Doc+C+jamming+to+WhoDat+song+on+Ipod.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347289305600274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCgkmyURI/AAAAAAAABWE/chXTZShzD3I/s320/Dad+%26+Doc+C+jamming+to+WhoDat+song+on+Ipod.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Susan and THE newborn. This little newborn was only 23 days old. Susan was the first to get to hold her. She was absolutely precious!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCgd-FaLI/AAAAAAAABV8/eTSGlMFFqqg/s1600-h/Susan+with+newborn+-+closeup.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347287524272306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCgd-FaLI/AAAAAAAABV8/eTSGlMFFqqg/s320/Susan+with+newborn+-+closeup.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mom with a little boy. Best we could figure, this little guy was about Emma Claire's age. He was full of personality! When the cameras came out, he put on a show! We got to see this cutie twice...once with his Mom and then the next day with his Dad. Both days he was happy and full of enjoyment for the entire medical team!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCO7X6R1I/AAAAAAAABV0/S9Zx2Y4dcGY/s1600-h/Mom+and+little+baby+boy+laughing.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445346986179577682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCO7X6R1I/AAAAAAAABV0/S9Zx2Y4dcGY/s320/Mom+and+little+baby+boy+laughing.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />A typical mode of transportation. We saw this man specifically and a bunch of others traveling through town on carts pulled by oxen. There were also quite a few that were pulled by Brahmans...strange. Especially knowing that the Sullivan family and many others pay good money to have a Brahman herd and would never have them pull a cart of any kind...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCOTMypCI/AAAAAAAABVs/MGVIWRiuy_s/s1600-h/Red+Brahmans+pulling+cart.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445346975395521570" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCOTMypCI/AAAAAAAABVs/MGVIWRiuy_s/s320/Red+Brahmans+pulling+cart.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is a picture that I took for my work folks. Being in the CSD (carbonated soft-drink) business, this picture was funny. Only in Honduras would you see CSD's protected by a machine gun toting police officer.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCOJNKNMI/AAAAAAAABVk/nbQEUQF-Lv8/s1600-h/Protecting+the+CSDs.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445346972712711362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCOJNKNMI/AAAAAAAABVk/nbQEUQF-Lv8/s320/Protecting+the+CSDs.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The picture below may resemble a Honduran woman, but to me it's the very face of Jesus. Here is why: On this day, I was working outside taking blood pressures. It was so very hot and I was not having the best day. To make a long story short, one minute I was taking blood pressures in an orderly line of patients waiting to get into the clinic. The next minute, I am in a mob crowd. Two women from the local church walk by and help Nelson regain control of the crowd. Right after things settle down, this lady walks out of the clinic and comes directly towards me. She taps my shoulder and as I turn to her, she embraces me tightly. She kisses both cheeks and speaks to me softly. I couldn't understand her, but I didn't have to. I saw Jesus right in her face. There were tears in her eyes and knew that she was God's messenger to me at that moment. Needless to say, the rest of my afternoon was quite different from before.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCNrPxMwI/AAAAAAAABVc/i-0dCwe5SBE/s1600-h/Older+Woman+who+kissed+my+cheek.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445346964670591746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HCNrPxMwI/AAAAAAAABVc/i-0dCwe5SBE/s320/Older+Woman+who+kissed+my+cheek.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Hospital. There are a lot of pictures at the hospital. And I will be glad to post them on the part 2 entry. But I just love this picture. It was impromtu and no one is really posed. This was taken at the top of the viewing tower. We could see out across the valley for what seemed like miles. It was beautiful and peaceful. Honduras is a beautiful country with all the farmland, mountains, and natural habitat. This watchtower gave us the birds eye view.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HBiSCfakI/AAAAAAAABVU/DmAwpKiO84c/s1600-h/Meadville+crew+in+tower+at+hospital.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445346219169638978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HBiSCfakI/AAAAAAAABVU/DmAwpKiO84c/s320/Meadville+crew+in+tower+at+hospital.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Meadville Crew headed for the airport. This is our parting shot from the Mission House. We were all tired and sad to see the week come to an end.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HBh4XhpeI/AAAAAAAABVM/3LOlap6i5p4/s1600-h/Meadville+Crew+on+Last+Day.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445346212278543842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HBh4XhpeI/AAAAAAAABVM/3LOlap6i5p4/s320/Meadville+Crew+on+Last+Day.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Funny. We thought David was straight-laced and very "preacherly" on this trip..until I ran across this picture that someone took. There are quite a series of shots on this event, but I have to say...that David is full of surprises! He enjoyed riding a Honduran Horse!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HBhVZ8KBI/AAAAAAAABVE/w4TiA-5LEWU/s1600-h/David+on+horse+-+front.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445346202893428754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HBhVZ8KBI/AAAAAAAABVE/w4TiA-5LEWU/s320/David+on+horse+-+front.JPG" /></a><br /><br />As I close this post, I'll end with what I said at the start. It is amazing to serve alongside my parents. To step out of my business world and into their medical world is a blessing beyond description. As I look back over the years, they have served humanity with their lives both domestically for a living and internationally for servanthood. God has blessed our family. I cannot wait to see what the future holds. Maybe one day we will get to experience this as a whole family...grands included.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HBgkiiV8I/AAAAAAAABU8/dwmOpcCGuuo/s1600-h/Dad+Mom+Me+in+clinic.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445346189776148418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S5HBgkiiV8I/AAAAAAAABU8/dwmOpcCGuuo/s320/Dad+Mom+Me+in+clinic.JPG" /></a> <div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-42962276185729290852010-01-31T18:41:00.007-06:002010-01-31T18:58:33.823-06:00Snow DaysThis past week, Northwest Arkansas was struck again with ole man winter. The first week of January, school was out for a full week (5 snow days) and then again last Friday (snow day #6). The highs last week were in the mid-50s and then Thursday, a front moved through and the high was only 32. Later that afternoon a storm moved through that had everyone a little scared. Talk of power outages and severe ice covered roads had everyone talking and going "the extra mile" to make sure everything was okay. Mercifully, God had mercy on us and even though the weather was severe, we kept power and had awesome snow to play in while we were stuck at home. Here are a few shots...the deepest measurement in the cul-de-sac was 7.5" I only had 7" in my yard.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YlKfg0E7I/AAAAAAAABU0/ApEdtQdVv_w/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433070862657131442" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YlKfg0E7I/AAAAAAAABU0/ApEdtQdVv_w/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+003.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YlJhlZeEI/AAAAAAAABUs/x_YhbyHsqTo/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433070846033360962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YlJhlZeEI/AAAAAAAABUs/x_YhbyHsqTo/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+002.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YlJcZ5jyI/AAAAAAAABUk/I72ljs7aDwY/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433070844642955042" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YlJcZ5jyI/AAAAAAAABUk/I72ljs7aDwY/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+005.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkxmWVJqI/AAAAAAAABUc/A3GUaZRgF38/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433070434995480226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkxmWVJqI/AAAAAAAABUc/A3GUaZRgF38/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+009.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkxR9Z3kI/AAAAAAAABUU/JhkJd2GzX6w/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433070429522222658" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkxR9Z3kI/AAAAAAAABUU/JhkJd2GzX6w/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+004.jpg" /></a><br />Snowman building fun....thanks Olivia for building it!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2Ykifkqz8I/AAAAAAAABUM/gIyaiBFxdEg/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433070175478534082" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2Ykifkqz8I/AAAAAAAABUM/gIyaiBFxdEg/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+023.jpg" /></a><br />Snow Angels<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2Ykh2X1HEI/AAAAAAAABUE/sy6EFY3ohC4/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+020.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433070164418829378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2Ykh2X1HEI/AAAAAAAABUE/sy6EFY3ohC4/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+020.jpg" /></a>Sledding on "the hill"<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkhiU0vNI/AAAAAAAABT8/bojb119DsFE/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+041.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433070159037512914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkhiU0vNI/AAAAAAAABT8/bojb119DsFE/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+041.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkMbllrFI/AAAAAAAABT0/iWOlXAloaMQ/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+030.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433069796451527762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkMbllrFI/AAAAAAAABT0/iWOlXAloaMQ/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+030.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkL0XToBI/AAAAAAAABTs/Pg64Kr8GrzQ/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+032.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433069785922641938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkL0XToBI/AAAAAAAABTs/Pg64Kr8GrzQ/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+032.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkLskOcWI/AAAAAAAABTk/8OGNYvT8t-c/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+049.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433069783829344610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YkLskOcWI/AAAAAAAABTk/8OGNYvT8t-c/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+049.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YjrNUGT0I/AAAAAAAABTc/nauBdRNI42c/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+058.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433069225684389698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YjrNUGT0I/AAAAAAAABTc/nauBdRNI42c/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+058.jpg" /></a> Snowball fights are great!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YjqiafMHI/AAAAAAAABTU/APajZDSXDi4/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+062.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433069214168461426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YjqiafMHI/AAAAAAAABTU/APajZDSXDi4/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+062.jpg" /></a><br />Headed home....exhausted!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YjqdME_LI/AAAAAAAABTM/PG0xGd9a2yg/s1600-h/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+067.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433069212765846706" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S2YjqdME_LI/AAAAAAAABTM/PG0xGd9a2yg/s320/Snow+Days+-+Jan+2010+067.jpg" /></a> <div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-5662299348384044642010-01-18T00:41:00.002-06:002010-01-18T00:46:38.636-06:00GeminiI am not a big astrological sign person, but I do indulge myself every now and again. Today has been a very lazy day spent in front of the TV and my laptop. In one of the many Internet articles that I read today, I ran across the "What exercise plan fits your sign?" The plan for Gemini (the twin) fits me to a "T":<br /><br /><strong>Gemini</strong><br />Gemini needs a buddy to support any lasting lifestyle change. You will be smart to set up a "Resolution Blog" to share your experiences and receive much needed feedback to keep you motivated. For you, a walk around any busy neighborhood can make exercising a breeze. Gemini is curious and will benefit from reading food labels. A powerful resolution in terms of weight loss and overall health would be to refuse to buy anything containing high fructose corn syrup.<br /><br />Note: (1) I do not workout unless someone goes with me. It is a weakness that I have identified about myself and have had to come to terms with it. (2) I read most all food labels on the food that I buy and (3) I have purchased VERY few products with high fructose corn syrup as a top 5 ingredient in well over a year...<br /><br />Coincidence? maybe.Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-82481059489270303182010-01-03T21:46:00.010-06:002010-01-03T22:39:36.061-06:00Christmas & the Cotton Bowl<div>Christmas this year has come so very quickly! It's hard to believe that we are ending the first decade of the 21st century. 2010 is sure to be a memorable year...I cannot wait to see what good things are in store!<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left">There is a Sullivan family tradition of having your family picture taken in front of the Christmas Tree at my Mamaw Sullivan's house. Everyone expects it and is eager to get it over with! However it gets done, these pictures have become priceless. looking back over the years and appreciating where we've been and what we've done can be realized in just one picture...lots of memories. So..without further ado, here are this year's pictures We were only missing 2 grandchildren this year: Tara and Chris.<br /></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422739289579223362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FwpyjseUI/AAAAAAAABTE/9bvC1-WaP68/s320/Christmas+2009+061.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">The Leonard Sullivan Family</p><p align="center">Leonard, Elain, Susan, Sanford,</p><p align="center">Anna Rose, Betty Jane, and Leonard Talbert </p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422728623389862962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0Fm875-7DI/AAAAAAAABRk/Tz1-EbZz8TA/s320/Christmas+2009+059.jpg" border="0" />The Bo Sullivan Family</p><p align="center">Kelsey, Trae, April, Kamryn, Chase, Blaine, Brandee, Chuck, Bo, Deborah Ann, & Savannah<br /></p><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422728624300526418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0Fm8_TGi1I/AAAAAAAABRs/t_Ihfvsdzxs/s320/Sullivans1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">The Steve Sullivan Family</p><p align="center">Stephenie, Steve, Sue, Sarah, Elliott & Emma Claire</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422728179164134770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FmjFCUPXI/AAAAAAAABRM/QpemM5sTo_A/s320/Christmas+2009+050.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><div align="center">The Bill Sullivan Family<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Bill, Teresa, Elizabeth, & Josh</div><br /><div align="center">The Triplets: Isaac, Isabella, & Ian</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FnOVN7dSI/AAAAAAAABSM/7U_GVjwWtnA/s1600-h/Rex+Sullivan+Family.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422728922242184482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FnOVN7dSI/AAAAAAAABSM/7U_GVjwWtnA/s320/Rex+Sullivan+Family.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Rex Sullivan Family<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Brian & Kayla, Brett, Charles Verne & Vista, Rex, Brett & Jasmine, Kolemyn Grace<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422728916895415458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FnOBTKPKI/AAAAAAAABR8/qWWoC13vzMI/s320/Christmas+2009+066.jpg" border="0" /> The Pat Sullivan Family (missing Tara)<br /><div align="center">Patrick, Tasha, Pat, Tanya, John Paul<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FnODI0e1I/AAAAAAAABSE/EnwFGIeiHU4/s1600-h/Josh+Tasha+Sydney+Sadye+Sawyer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422728917388917586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FnODI0e1I/AAAAAAAABSE/EnwFGIeiHU4/s320/Josh+Tasha+Sydney+Sadye+Sawyer.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Tasha Sullivan Scott Family<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Josh, Sawyer, Sydney, Tasha, Sadye<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422728188552342210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FmjoAo6sI/AAAAAAAABRU/kVoT9PUVpik/s320/Christmas+2009+054.jpg" border="0" />The Cindy Sullivan Roberson Family</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Tim, Skye, Cindy, Scott, Summer & Kale<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FmkMrgaJI/AAAAAAAABRc/bpa-V5Bq2uA/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+057.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422728198395816082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FmkMrgaJI/AAAAAAAABRc/bpa-V5Bq2uA/s320/Christmas+2009+057.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Judy Sullivan Oglesby Family<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Bubba, Judy, Kendra, Leah</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422734846865500530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FsnMKM6XI/AAAAAAAABS0/M55Gb7pvv_8/s320/Mamaw+Emma1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Mamaw Sullivan & Emma Claire</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422734849374007042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FsnVgRrwI/AAAAAAAABS8/uCHQJZtjgF8/s320/Emma+Isabella+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Emma & Isabella<br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">THE big news on the Sunday after Christmas was the news that both Trae & Scott killed deer! Trae got a nice sized 8-point and Scott got a very interesting 16-point. We do not know where this deer came from as no one had seen him before on the Trail Cams. This deer is quite popular around the Heartbreak Hotel because 1) it's a 16-point and 2) it has palmettoed tynes. Come to find out, this palmettoed characteristic is found in only a few geography pockets in the U.S. One of those is the deep, "coastal" South.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422727271435097202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FluPe2VHI/AAAAAAAABQ8/El6d0jjaik0/s320/Christmas+2009+075.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Trae (8-point) & Scott (16-point)<br /></p><br /><div align="right"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FluudGrvI/AAAAAAAABRE/s9MBHdITink/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422727279749279474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FluudGrvI/AAAAAAAABRE/s9MBHdITink/s320/Christmas+2009+079.jpg" border="0" /></a>The infamous 16-point<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">This year was Chris and Stephanie's year to spend Christmas with her family in Alabama. We missed them on Christmas day, but I was thankful to have had some time during New Years to spend with them.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FlQZbYc7I/AAAAAAAABQ0/LfJg2BUAMN4/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422726758708835250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FlQZbYc7I/AAAAAAAABQ0/LfJg2BUAMN4/s320/Christmas+2009+048.jpg" border="0" /></a>Callie's "big" present this year was a rocking horse given to her by my Mom and Dad (their grandparent names are still TBD...). She LOVES this horse...especially when Chris rocks it for her. She cannot quite get it to go as fast on her own...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FlQDHq8wI/AAAAAAAABQs/LGN_NLQQ5Ew/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422726752720581378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FlQDHq8wI/AAAAAAAABQs/LGN_NLQQ5Ew/s320/Christmas+2009+033.jpg" border="0" /></a> Callie loves her Aunt Steph!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FlPoeo5cI/AAAAAAAABQk/k3_r4POTeiA/s1600-h/Steph+Emma.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422726745569158594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FlPoeo5cI/AAAAAAAABQk/k3_r4POTeiA/s320/Steph+Emma.jpg" border="0" /></a>Candid of me and Emma Claire on Christmas night...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="left">This year, I was fortunate enough to have been offered Dr Pepper tickets to the Cotton Bowl. Ole Miss received the bid, Dr Pepper was a corporate sponsor, and the Directors knew that being from Mississippi I might enjoy going. And they were so right! I think that Mom was the most excited to go, but everyone else was pretty pumped too. Mom's first cousin, Jeff, lives in Dallas. Since Sarah and Chris did not want to go to the game, we invited Jeff and his sons Doug & Ben. We had such a good time and really enjoyed getting to hang out with family AND watch a really intense ballgame.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730882873068674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FpAdIwjII/AAAAAAAABSs/f6C_XyPEUds/s320/Christmas+2009+058.jpg" border="0" /> Jeff, Doug, Kelly (Doug's wife), and Ben<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730876639380034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0FpAF6iAkI/AAAAAAAABSk/Ka4si7oxuuU/s320/Christmas+2009+057.jpg" border="0" /> Dad, Mom, & Me<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730873054809282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0Fo_4j5zMI/AAAAAAAABSc/su-7X1ohvAA/s320/Christmas+2009+053.jpg" border="0" /> The Crew<br /><br />we were the ONLY Ole Miss fans in our section and the sections to either side of us...talk about sticking out like a sore thumb! Blue & Red really did not mesh well with bright orange and black!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730865251546050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/S0Fo_bfdc8I/AAAAAAAABSU/JUa3bF0tAHQ/s320/Christmas+2009+081.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p align="center">The trophy presentation after the game</p></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-30059452349560375232009-12-19T13:09:00.004-06:002009-12-19T13:22:16.688-06:00Yesterday, my office had it's annual Christmas lunch at PFChangs. We all had a great lunch and a good time! One of the "activities" during lunch actually required some pre-work on all of our parts. The activity was to describe in a couple words or a sentence every person in the office. It was tough to find a few extra minutes to jot down a few thoughts about my co-workers as we are all so busy right now, but we all participated and found that it was worth the effort. I just had to share some of the descriptions of me...<br /><br />1 - Willing to go the extra mile<br />2 - Delightful<br />3 - Southern Charm<br />4 - Southern Firecracker<br />5 - Dedicated<br />6 - Fun-loving, Very Smart, Kind-hearted<br />7 - Energetic<br />8 - Professional (seriously??)<br />9 - World Traveler, Good Southern Girl, Involved in Community<br />10 - Organized, Quietly funny (me? funny?...an oxymoron)<br />11 - Mississippi Mafia (this is one that made me laugh out loud several times!)<br />12 - Southern through and through<br />13 - Vertically challenged (no duh!)<br />14 - Focused and Energetic<br />15 - Giving<br /><br />What this activity taught me was that when you work with people day in and day out, it's very easy to forget to encourage them and tell them what you like about them. I (along with a lot of others) work in an environment where it's more common to focus on what you don't do or didn't do correctly, than the positives. We all had a good time laughing together and enjoying the positive words. I encourage you to exercise an activity of telling others what you like about them!<br /><br />Merry Christmas!Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-44277139953142232642009-12-06T12:44:00.005-06:002009-12-06T13:20:29.411-06:00Merry Christmas Season!Merry Christmas everyone! As I look back over the year, it's hard to believe all that has happened in the last 12 months! Our family has had a very active year and is one that we'll never forget. We've been blessed beyond what we deserve. This time last year, we were overjoyed with the birth of the first granddaughter, Callie. This year, we are so happy to have another baby to celebrate over, granddaughter #2, Emma. Having babies around really make the Christmas season more alive and fun. During Thanksgiving, Mom decided that she wanted to send picture Christmas cards with her Granddaughters on them (only...). So, we dressed them up and staged a set. We (the adults) had so much fun! Callie is such a funny little girl...she's always laughing and is such a ham! Her personality is in full swing. Emma is just 2 months old, but she is full of personality already! This girl knows what she likes and isn't afraid to let you know.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Here are a couple of shots of our Christmas photo shoot:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Callie loves playing and making other laugh with her. In this picture she is trying to dance on a bench outside. There was music playing and she just couldn't sit still! </div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv_GbgKh3I/AAAAAAAABQM/6XyJo4Jxq74/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+2009+376.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412199863142745970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv_GbgKh3I/AAAAAAAABQM/6XyJo4Jxq74/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+376.jpg" border="0" /></a> Emma is a girl that knows what she likes! In this picture, she was telling us that she did NOT like the hat (even though we thought it completed her outfit and that she needed to wear it....in the end, she won)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv_F6U14JI/AAAAAAAABQE/lv5O0i9-N4E/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+2009+351.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412199854236885138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv_F6U14JI/AAAAAAAABQE/lv5O0i9-N4E/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+351.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Callie is already entertaining Emma. Emma isn't quite sure what to think of her cousin, but she's trying to keep up...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv_FttX4VI/AAAAAAAABP8/1wh4QrdR1vc/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+2009+341.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412199850850115922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv_FttX4VI/AAAAAAAABP8/1wh4QrdR1vc/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+341.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div> </div><div>I had NOT A CLUE how difficult it was to get a good picture of 2 babies! At the end of the hour long photo shoot, there were 2 pictures that we were pleased with enough to feel like we were successful. So...here's little Sue and little Elliott:</div><div> </div><div>Good picture #1:<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv9w8HPKxI/AAAAAAAABPs/1ZET4USx3bk/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+2009+340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412198394427812626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv9w8HPKxI/AAAAAAAABPs/1ZET4USx3bk/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+340.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Good picture #2:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412203072244177746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SxwCBOVkW1I/AAAAAAAABQU/El-YDkyTEnw/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+346.jpg" border="0" />This is an ornament on Sarah's tree. I just liked it and the way this picture turned out.<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412199842453565954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv_FObesgI/AAAAAAAABP0/cDSu8oVHUE0/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+110.jpg" border="0" /><br />Every year my Grandaddy Joseph's side of the family goes to Lake Bruin for Thanksgiving. We (the entire Joseph family) has been doing this for 12 years! We all look forward to it every year. If we do not get to see each other throughout the year, we are guaranteed to catch up over Thanksgiving. The house is old and big. The women sleep on one side and the men on the other. Kids just fall where they may. On Thursday evening as the sun started to set, we were outside by the bonfire. I noticed how pretty the sun had made the horizon over the water and old boat houses. I happened to have my camera and snapped this picture. I love it...I've watched the sun set for years, but never had taken a picture of it...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv9wfSTr-I/AAAAAAAABPk/zf1mThJzcSE/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+2009+095.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412198386689617890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv9wfSTr-I/AAAAAAAABPk/zf1mThJzcSE/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+095.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is the Joseph family that was at the lake this year. We are always missing a few, but we've learned that you have to get the picture when MOST everyone is available! It's so fun to go back through the years and see the SAME picture year after year. Kids grow up, the "young'uns" are now the "old'uns" and some have even gone to meet Jesus. Family. What a journey!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv9vxEf8VI/AAAAAAAABPc/vhbp0dDWUTw/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+2009+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412198374283669842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sxv9vxEf8VI/AAAAAAAABPc/vhbp0dDWUTw/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+028.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-16499007178523326272009-10-19T20:30:00.007-05:002009-10-19T21:28:15.848-05:00Emma Claire, et al...This past weekend I met my new niece, Emma Claire. She is so sweet and tiny! It's easy to forget how small newborns are, but it's hard not to fall head over heels in love with Miss Emma! Below are a few pictures (of the 200+) that I took this weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0XPs2jvrI/AAAAAAAABPU/rdxYxqq6lrM/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394493487165193906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0XPs2jvrI/AAAAAAAABPU/rdxYxqq6lrM/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+112.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0XO9FQJHI/AAAAAAAABPM/39erI6A4U44/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+104.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394493474341921906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0XO9FQJHI/AAAAAAAABPM/39erI6A4U44/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+104.jpg" border="0" /></a> Emma LOVES her swing. She would rather sleep in it than her own bed!<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0WFiUe8mI/AAAAAAAABO8/eAIZ5wQHtGw/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+167.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394492213027598946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0WFiUe8mI/AAAAAAAABO8/eAIZ5wQHtGw/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+167.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0WE2ipKeI/AAAAAAAABO0/iGuGFaGPh-0/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+177.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394492201275828706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0WE2ipKeI/AAAAAAAABO0/iGuGFaGPh-0/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+177.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0WEE87mEI/AAAAAAAABOs/Fg97b9cTaZ8/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+156.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394492187964315714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0WEE87mEI/AAAAAAAABOs/Fg97b9cTaZ8/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+156.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0U7sVQiXI/AAAAAAAABOk/cT1KYZ5E0uM/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+159.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394490944404883826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0U7sVQiXI/AAAAAAAABOk/cT1KYZ5E0uM/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+159.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0U7BmwoJI/AAAAAAAABOc/RcL32OnClSs/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394490932935565458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0U7BmwoJI/AAAAAAAABOc/RcL32OnClSs/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+091.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0U6UDJksI/AAAAAAAABOU/9iUPsZyabpQ/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394490920706609858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0U6UDJksI/AAAAAAAABOU/9iUPsZyabpQ/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0U5o7pjtI/AAAAAAAABOM/xJ2lYHzlGfY/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394490909132426962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0U5o7pjtI/AAAAAAAABOM/xJ2lYHzlGfY/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+010.jpg" border="0" /></a>Talk about relaxed...<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0TshcbcTI/AAAAAAAABOE/YVO0XpC89ws/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394489584272503090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0TshcbcTI/AAAAAAAABOE/YVO0XpC89ws/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+033.jpg" border="0" /></a>Emma's hands are always around her mouth! Wonder if she'll be a thumb sucker???<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0Tr7GVOSI/AAAAAAAABN8/C_gUunwtA9c/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394489573979273506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0Tr7GVOSI/AAAAAAAABN8/C_gUunwtA9c/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+021.jpg" border="0" /></a> Attitude! She didn't appreciate the photo shoot as much as I did...</div><div align="center"> </div><div> </div><div></div><div align="left">On October 27, my sweet Mamaw Sullivan will turn 86! Since I won't be in Meadville for her birthday, I made her an early Halloween/Birthday cake. Mamaw loves Halloween and she has always dressed in costume and made it as fun as possible for us growing up. Growing up, I remember her recording "scary" sounds with her own voice on a cassette player so that she could play it when we were walking up to her house! I don't think there has been a Halloween that has gone by that she has not worn her best witches hat and switched out all the lights...even at 86! So...in celebration of her birthday AND Halloween, I made her a witches hat cake. She absolutely LOVED the red velvet cake with black chocolate icing.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394492226500306322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0WGUgoJZI/AAAAAAAABPE/3xV2CyiaQH0/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+182.jpg" border="0" />On my way out of town, I stopped in Jackson and met my brother and niece, Callie, for lunch. (Stephanie had to work and was missed!) Callie is 11 months old and is FULL of tricks and personality. When I first got there and held her, she immediately gave me a hug...it was THE BEST! She is such a sweet little girl...cannot wait until she can talk and we can hang out more! Below she is demonstrating her best rendition of "Patty Cake." Chris and I both were laughing histerically and she was loving every minute of it!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0TrTNkiXI/AAAAAAAABN0/TIXKNi0koWQ/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+186.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394489563272218994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0TrTNkiXI/AAAAAAAABN0/TIXKNi0koWQ/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+186.jpg" border="0" /></a> Callie will be interested in photography OR she's just really into "bling"...Or maybe she just wanted her favorite aunt :0) Either way, she REALLY wanted my camera. </div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0TqjyJzeI/AAAAAAAABNs/37vce9A-_8E/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+184.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394489550540754402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/St0TqjyJzeI/AAAAAAAABNs/37vce9A-_8E/s320/Emma+Claire+-+Oct+2009+184.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-70572575439756102752009-10-06T22:12:00.004-05:002009-10-06T22:17:09.103-05:00EMMA CLAIRE STEBBINS<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>EMMA CLAIRE STEBBINS</strong></span></div><div align="center">born on October 6, 2009</div><div align="center">8:10 p.m.</div><div align="center">6lbs 15oz</div><div align="center">19.75 inches</div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SswHvza0QJI/AAAAAAAABNk/gvccyRsh-gk/s1600-h/Emma+Claire+rev.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389691371893571730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SswHvza0QJI/AAAAAAAABNk/gvccyRsh-gk/s320/Emma+Claire+rev.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-58227731322035618662009-09-30T23:06:00.003-05:002009-09-30T23:13:11.976-05:00TimeTime...it has been a long while since my last blog post. I promise you that it is NOT due to lack of topics, but rather lack of t-i-m-e! These last couple of months has been one big blur...filled with travel, work, work, and work! I promise that the next post will be filled with really exciting and BIG news...stay tuned!<br /><br />Couple things before I have to scurry off:<br />1 - God is good...all the time!<br />2 - You must read the book <u>Crazy Love</u> by Francis Chan. It will change your life.<br />3 - Yes, the rumor is true: my house IS on the market, but I am NOT moving out of town. Just trying to be faithful to God and reach a few goals.<br />4 - It's official...I'm going back to Honduras in February. Mailed my check today. Please start praying for this trip. Lots of political unrest down there right now...<br /><br />Stay tuned...more to come! (and it will be worth it...)<br /><br />~SSStepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-37507096948213056182009-08-12T21:33:00.010-05:002009-08-12T22:47:57.892-05:00Junior League New Member Retreat<div>For many people, August is "back to school" time. For me, it's "Junior League New Member Retreat" time. This year, I am a New Member Trainer and I am so excited! I normally do not request an In-League placement, but this year I was ready to lead our new members and feed off of their excitement and energy. I need it. This past year marked my 7th year anniversary with the Junior League and I have/had hit somewhat of a 7-year itch. However, if rejuvination is what I was in need of, I certainly found more than my fair share of it with the GREEN group! These ladies are absolutely FAN-TAS-TIC! They are extremely community focused and highly motivated to help others in need...no reservations. Just these women alone can move mountains others never thought possible. I am anxious to see what is in store for them over the next few years...<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoODXJ24s5I/AAAAAAAABMs/_UfhDWnKj6M/s1600-h/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369279614562120594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoODXJ24s5I/AAAAAAAABMs/_UfhDWnKj6M/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+142.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Queenly GREEN Group...L-R</div><br /><div align="center">Back: Amanda, Shelly, Acacia, Christin, Amanda, Beth, Leslie</div><br /><div align="center">Front: Shannon, Lesley, Megan, Steph, Amber<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoODWWlKLLI/AAAAAAAABMk/qPn2o7LoRm4/s1600-h/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369279600797559986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoODWWlKLLI/AAAAAAAABMk/qPn2o7LoRm4/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+047.jpg" border="0" /></a>The crazy, fearless Trainers<br />Cara, Steph, Shay, Christin<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">One cool thing that each trainer gets to do is decorate their table with a theme in their color. The four of us worked to coordinate our colors so that we all could work together a common theme throughout the year. We quickly settled on the jewel tones. Each one of us is the color of a precious gem: emerald, ruby, sapphire, & amethyst. By the end of the year, the ladies will all become diamonds.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Being from Mississippi, I found a golden opportunity to become the "queen" of something, so I took it...my table was inspired by the <a href="http://sweetpotatoqueens.com/">Sweet Potato Queens</a>. Each lady was given a white satin sash, shiny green star with their name on it, a HUGE diamond ring, green beads, green star sunglasses and a margarita glass...and, of course, their green Junior League t-shirt.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoODWHGc4yI/AAAAAAAABMc/K8ZitiLn9p8/s1600-h/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369279596642231074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoODWHGc4yI/AAAAAAAABMc/K8ZitiLn9p8/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoOAeXaD9MI/AAAAAAAABMU/5JUeH8S2Cow/s1600-h/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369276439923520706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoOAeXaD9MI/AAAAAAAABMU/5JUeH8S2Cow/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoN9CUmXEsI/AAAAAAAABMM/nCHyg6Elnzw/s1600-h/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369272659598578370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoN9CUmXEsI/AAAAAAAABMM/nCHyg6Elnzw/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here are a the other tables:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoN9B7QAaxI/AAAAAAAABME/jYaaykYL5A4/s1600-h/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369272652793932562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoN9B7QAaxI/AAAAAAAABME/jYaaykYL5A4/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cara's BLUE team - all decked out in the Hawaiian Luau complete with blue lei's and goblets<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoN9Bc_fzzI/AAAAAAAABL8/toNn4yEQ-es/s1600-h/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369272644671622962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoN9Bc_fzzI/AAAAAAAABL8/toNn4yEQ-es/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+023.jpg" border="0" /></a>Christal (Purple team) went the wine/goddess route. These ladies were complete with their own personalized wine glass and olive leaf headdresses<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoN9A_thFOI/AAAAAAAABL0/MGmSZeXmMJE/s1600-h/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369272636811580642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoN9A_thFOI/AAAAAAAABL0/MGmSZeXmMJE/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+035.jpg" border="0" /></a>Shay took the Hollywood Starlight Theme (Red Team)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="left">The ladies worked very hard during their New Member Project. They did a lot of grunt work, but their efforts will enable the That's My Bag Committee to do their job much easier and more efficiently. The TMB committee functions out of a storage unit. Their purpose is to provide overnight bags to kids (ages birth-17yrs) who are removed from a situation and are entered into foster care. Most of these kids are removed due to a drug infested home or abuse. They are often removed with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing. In the bags that the Junior League provides, each child receives a full set of clothes, toiletries, a book, stuffed animal and anything else that is available in our storage unit. Due to the overwhelming generosity of others, the storage unit had gotten overcrowded and impossible to find anything. The efforts of these New Members will allow the TMB committee to spend their time delivering bags instead of digging through the treasure hunt of a storage unit. Here are some "action shots"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369286821607234690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoOJ6qMV3II/AAAAAAAABNU/Rk8Si3HjCLs/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+127.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369286813487067858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoOJ6L8V8tI/AAAAAAAABNM/iHlyijFseTg/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+080.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369285812492664034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoOI_68rfOI/AAAAAAAABNE/15GH57COwT0/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+110.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369285790151398882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoOI-nuG1eI/AAAAAAAABM0/IH2RtNCXbY8/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+087.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369289862501700610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoOMrqaFFAI/AAAAAAAABNc/CPlFLC2Kr30/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+135.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369285797033397234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SoOI_BW5y_I/AAAAAAAABM8/p0YZuTiaot8/s320/Junior+League+New+Member+Retreat+-+Aug+8+2009+088.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">All 44 new members (and their trainers) after a job well done!</p>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-25629352701009820232009-08-09T20:37:00.002-05:002009-08-09T21:09:37.877-05:00A Weekend of SurprisesWow! Where has the summer gone?? Life is busy as ever and the days keep rolling on...<br /><br />Last weekend was a very special weekend. What started out being just an "ordinary" visit with my family, quickly turned into extra special! I love sweet surprises.<br /><br />The weekend started with my eventfilled drive down to Mississippi last Thursday. Rain had not fallen from the skies in a while and, of course, the day that I plan to drive South the floodgates of Heaven literally opened up and poured down heavily! By the time I reached Memphis, tornado warnings/sightings were everywhere and the Weather Service was strongly ordering motorist to get off the road. I had already planned to stop in Southaven, but as the weather worsened, Dad happened to call and advise that I stay the night with my Aunt & Uncle in Germantown. So, I called them both at home and on their cell phones. No answer. Odd. Original plan resumed...stop in Southaven. Wow(!) is all I can say. By the time I made it across the bridge, through the construction, the rain was raining like a hurricane. Crossing the Mississippi state line, I could not see the hood of my car! By the merciful, gracefilled provision of God, I made it to the Drury Inn in Southaven. It seemed that every other motorist on I-55 had the same plan...The lobby TV was turned to the local new station and the meteorologist was covering the severe weather. As I familiarized myself with the map, I realized that the tornadoes that he was talking about were in Collierville! Had I started driving out to Germantown when I wanted to, I would have been IN the tornado! Thank goodness God intervened and drove me to Southaven instead! I did finally talk to my Aunt and Mom talked to my Uncle and they were fine, so that was a huge relief. After waiting out the tornado for about 45 minutes, the storm finally passed and I was able to get back on the road and head South. *Sidenote: Facebook is something amazing! I had weather updates coming into my FB page faster than I could hear it from the weather man on TV! A big shoutout to Kevin VanNorman for keeping me updated all the way to Canton that Thursday night!<br /><br />I left Arkansas about noon that day so that I could have dinner with Chris, Stephanie, and Callie. The storms and heavy rain had diminished my hope that I would make it. But, again, God is faithful. By the time I arrived to their house, they had just gotten their power back. Dinner was cooking in the oven and we were able to eat dinner together! I didn't get to see Callie that night, but that's okay as I would have her all to myself the next day :)<br /><br />On Friday, my Uncle Robert was discharged from University Rehab in Jackson! A literal walking miracle. And, yes, he walked out of there. Life for him is going to be hard in the coming months, but each day is a new day and one day all will be well again.<br /><br />Friday night, Mom, Stephanie, and I went to the Natchez Food & Wine Festival. All I can say about that is WOW! It was a fantastic event! There were restaurants there from all up and down the Mississippi River. Great food, great wine, great fun! You will definitely want to go next year!<br /><br />On Saturday, my Mom's family all went to Mamawgran and Grandaddy's to help get their house settled with Robert's arrival and lifestyle. We (and when I say "we", I really mean Tom, Dad, Chris, & Elliott) moved all the wood working machines out of the shop and set up the "gym" that Robert will be using for his physical therapy at the house. We also celebrated Mamawgran's 75th birthday and Mamawgran & Grandaddy's Anniversary. LOTS to celebrate that weekend and we are ALL very aware of just how blessed we are. I wish I had pictures, but I forgot my camera in Meadville...<br /><br />After we got back to Meadville on Saturday night, we were admiring all the work that Sarah and Elliott have done on their new house when Trae walked over to say hi. He was beaming from ear to ear and as excited as a kid! We asked what was up and he replied that "Kamryn is being baptized tomorrow at Bude FBC." We all joined in the excitement and are so proud! Trae has prayed for a solid year that Kamryn would accept Jesus and come into a real relationship with Him. (Last year Kelsey was baptized and Trae rededicated his life and was also rebaptized the same Sunday). It is amazing to see how God has worked in their lives. Amazing Grace! So...given the unexpected event, I HAD to stay and bear witness to this life-changing profession of faith. Below is a picture. I am proud to say that Kamryn's family took up THREE pews at Bude FBC...she knew we were there and represented well!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sn96rHulHlI/AAAAAAAABLs/EpvIgvRJSPk/s1600-h/Kamron+Baptism+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368144162076302930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sn96rHulHlI/AAAAAAAABLs/EpvIgvRJSPk/s320/Kamron+Baptism+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Of course what blog of mine would be complete without a couple pictures of Miss Callie. Below's picture shows her 2 bright and shiny teeth.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sn96q706nSI/AAAAAAAABLk/PkMjUeZj0T0/s1600-h/Callie+-+smiling+2+teeth+Jul+27.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368144158881652002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sn96q706nSI/AAAAAAAABLk/PkMjUeZj0T0/s320/Callie+-+smiling+2+teeth+Jul+27.jpg" border="0" /></a>This picture is of Callie crawling. She pulls with her right arm and pushes with her left foot. She is actually taking a photo op break in this picture below, but if ever we wondered who she looks like, the below pic will tell you...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sn96qk2e-iI/AAAAAAAABLc/v7cRpkiNXJs/s1600-h/Callie+-+crawling+Jul+27.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368144152714213922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sn96qk2e-iI/AAAAAAAABLc/v7cRpkiNXJs/s320/Callie+-+crawling+Jul+27.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div> </div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-73386302777676353862009-07-27T20:47:00.007-05:002009-07-27T21:28:07.421-05:00EUREKA!Last Sunday, my friend Jazmin and I were sitting at lunch after church. During the conversation we were asking what the other was doing for the rest of the day...neither had any plans that were too exciting. SO, we decided to hit the road...didn't really have a plan, just loaded up and started driving...should we go hiking? Eureka Springs? Branson Outlet Malls? Oh the options were endless. As we were sorting through the pros and cons, we decided to go to Eureka Springs as she had never been there before. So, off to Eureka Springs we went. We drove an hour literally over the river, through the woods, and around the mountains. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon! Here are a few pics of the day...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363326553677033634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5dFZ5W8KI/AAAAAAAABKs/0kxbpOEDDNs/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Christ of the Ozarks. It was hand carved by the same architect that carved Mt Rushmore. This statue is on the grounds of the Great Passion Play and overlooks the city of Eureka Springs.</div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363324602803370050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5bT2U1OEI/AAAAAAAABKE/fx8BtNCKPJ4/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">This is Jazmin. She just bought a "fancy' camera (the same one as I have) and she was practicing. She took a good shot and was celebrating a little here...</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363326570274177442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5dGXubQaI/AAAAAAAABLE/4zBHyXvz5xk/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+089.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">One of the streets in downtown Eureka Springs (also known as little Switzerland)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5dsKSiFQI/AAAAAAAABLU/ULe13NgecOI/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+090.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363327219502552322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5dsKSiFQI/AAAAAAAABLU/ULe13NgecOI/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+090.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the window display of a shop downtown...notice that it was a Christian clothing store! Check out "Jesus is my BFF"<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5drtPg6MI/AAAAAAAABLM/yObCn8pcg0U/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363327211705264322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5drtPg6MI/AAAAAAAABLM/yObCn8pcg0U/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+029.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The BEST place in Eureka to practice taking pictures is The Crescent Hotel. It is has beautiful grounds and a very full, colorful history. Check it out <a href="http://www.crescent-hotel.com/">here</a>.</div><div> </div><div align="left">Jazmin and her husband, Eric, adopted a little boy in 2007. We took Tommy along with us for this trip and we enjoyed him so much! He turned out to be a good subject for photographing...you can tell he's very camera shy...lol!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5cGD52iAI/AAAAAAAABKk/Of9iSiTbr8Q/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363325465441765378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5cGD52iAI/AAAAAAAABKk/Of9iSiTbr8Q/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+077.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5cFzDZM8I/AAAAAAAABKc/4ZBStocoQLo/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363325460918383554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5cFzDZM8I/AAAAAAAABKc/4ZBStocoQLo/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5cFXKutrI/AAAAAAAABKU/dLWCwOGvVKo/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363325453432960690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5cFXKutrI/AAAAAAAABKU/dLWCwOGvVKo/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+084.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5bUUOaQqI/AAAAAAAABKM/xWWzywcIShM/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+044-rev.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363324610829501090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5bUUOaQqI/AAAAAAAABKM/xWWzywcIShM/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+044-rev.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5bTlEPYdI/AAAAAAAABJ8/kl6VWn4yrxY/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363324598170378706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5bTlEPYdI/AAAAAAAABJ8/kl6VWn4yrxY/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These are some of my favorite stills...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5apGJtZdI/AAAAAAAABJ0/TQ1F6N9gf30/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363323868317312466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5apGJtZdI/AAAAAAAABJ0/TQ1F6N9gf30/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+041.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5aosC7SOI/AAAAAAAABJs/ohNPaLBLgik/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363323861309540578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5aosC7SOI/AAAAAAAABJs/ohNPaLBLgik/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5aoUE1wSI/AAAAAAAABJk/WYpeLvdneQU/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363323854875115810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5aoUE1wSI/AAAAAAAABJk/WYpeLvdneQU/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Last week was one for the books. You've heard of the "raging hormonal witch"? Imagine that x100 and you get the idea...by Friday, I was at the very end of my rope. There wasn't anything that I could do to pull me out of my bad attitude(!)...until Jaz called. She was pulling together a few friends to head to the lake. I told her I couldn't go because of my workload that needed to be finished, but she reminded me that there was a reason that I get off work at noon on Friday's in the summer..."it would be alright" to take a few hours off and go to the lake. And how right she was! The lake was just the attitude adjustment I needed....here are a few action shots...<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5Z_0IYCrI/AAAAAAAABJc/NZQkFXPghuA/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+103.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363323159105243826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5Z_0IYCrI/AAAAAAAABJc/NZQkFXPghuA/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+103.jpg" border="0" /></a> Eric pulling the Melissa on the tube with the other girls along for the ride<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363326559806860338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5dFwu0rDI/AAAAAAAABK8/I_wRomJsftw/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+114+-+rev.jpg" border="0" />"Spotter" Will<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363326559080453410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5dFuBolSI/AAAAAAAABK0/ZbkpwLjI9yM/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+145+-r+ev.jpg" border="0" />Francene and her twin girls, Emily and Elizabeth<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5Z_ifYWrI/AAAAAAAABJU/nt4ORYX4pZQ/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+121.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363323154369895090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5Z_ifYWrI/AAAAAAAABJU/nt4ORYX4pZQ/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+121.jpg" border="0" /></a> The girls patiently waiting on the tube for their turn in the water (didn't want the boys to get to the tube before them!)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5Z_M-fa3I/AAAAAAAABJM/vj79kfEnxbE/s1600-h/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+152.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363323148594801522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sm5Z_M-fa3I/AAAAAAAABJM/vj79kfEnxbE/s320/Eureka+Springs+and+Horseshoe+Bend+152.jpg" border="0" /></a> Eric having "Eric time" after the kids were completely worn out!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-62539264241175972232009-07-24T12:58:00.003-05:002009-07-24T13:00:45.870-05:00YouTubeHere are some videos that you absolutely have to watch if you have not already...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO10pkOLERQ">Celine and Elvis</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0">Wedding</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baDJ-ZIvYy0">Nail Salon</a>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-80404126703741701632009-07-14T21:55:00.005-05:002009-07-14T22:18:31.497-05:00June BirthdaysJune is the birthday month that never ends...There are 3 of us that celebrated birthdays in June, but we were all so busy traveling with vacations (and work...) that we've not had a chance to celebrate! We haven't seen each other since Memorial Day! Since celebrations were LONG overdue, we decided to "do it up right" and went to a very nice dinner at River Grill and then Aloft for a nightcap. Little did we know that we were crashing a Bentonville HS Alumni Reunion! The big woofers on the patio should have been our first clue that we were entering a private party, but we ignored them and kept walking in...we were offered nametags as we entered (we declined them) and did our best to blend right in. After many "people watching" laughs we decided that we should get out of there while we could and decided to end the night at JJ's...a very cool spot with live music and a fun atmosphere!<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sl1GCglzneI/AAAAAAAABIw/3of9LHmJdtE/s1600-h/Girls+at+dinner+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358516140562947554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sl1GCglzneI/AAAAAAAABIw/3of9LHmJdtE/s320/Girls+at+dinner+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> The girls at dinner (yes the guys came, but we didn't a group shot of them...ha!)</div><div align="center">L-R: Julie (June 26), Jazmin (June 24), Me (June 10), Courtney, Kelly</div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358519429060442322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sl1JB7MtONI/AAAAAAAABJE/JtYG23Mqddc/s320/SS+%26+Kara.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Kara (and Jim) met up with us later at Aloft. </div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-80424137801449994452009-07-11T15:50:00.010-05:002009-07-11T17:07:18.475-05:00The Fourth of JulyMy Papaw, Verne Sullivan, was born, raised, and lived his whole life in the white farm house on the Homochitto River in Meadville, MS. There are many acres of farmland along the Homochitto in which his children learned to hunt, fish, farm, and "play." Family was important to my Papaw and he did his best to instill that value in his own children and grandchildren.<br /><div><div>As the Sullivan family grew, two holidays became of utmost importance: Christmas and the Fourth of July. On Christmas night, all Sullivan's all gather in the little white farmhouse on the River. On July 4th, everyone gathers at the River underneath a pavillion that my Papaw ensured was complete before his death in August 1992. The first July 4th that we enjoyed the Pavillion was his last holiday with us.<br /></div><div>Surprisingly, every Sullivan faithfully continues with the tradition of Christmas and July 4th. This past July 4th was the best in years. The day was very hot, but underneath the Pavillion a cool breeze flowed making the outdoors not only bearable, but enjoyable. Below are a few candids that I hope you enjoy as much as we did making them... </div></div><div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357308937534905218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj8GC3LG4I/AAAAAAAABF4/ItaUoFeaYKw/s320/July+4+2009+013.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Kale and Callie looking festive in their patriotic headwear and leis. (Callie was giving hers the taste test...ha!)<br /></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357312670330306450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj_fUm8v5I/AAAAAAAABHI/2MUATF6g_2w/s320/July+4+2009+044.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Kamryn and Kelsey immediately headed to the riverfront to check upon arrival</div><div><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkDP1DOmAI/AAAAAAAABII/fxxIaAmsSqc/s1600-h/July+4+2009+069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357316802207455234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkDP1DOmAI/AAAAAAAABII/fxxIaAmsSqc/s320/July+4+2009+069.jpg" border="0" /></a> Skye and Erin (Summer's good friend from Jxn) indulged in yummy rice crispy treats</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357317678719312674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkEC2T8IyI/AAAAAAAABIQ/4nAT_U_J-2Q/s320/July+4+2009+021.jpg" border="0" />Dad provided entertainment for all the babies...seemed to be well received by all within earshot<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkDPdePgVI/AAAAAAAABIA/zORgoltGrqs/s1600-h/July+4+2009+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357316795878310226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkDPdePgVI/AAAAAAAABIA/zORgoltGrqs/s320/July+4+2009+032.jpg" border="0" /></a> Callie loves hats...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkDPA2ZX_I/AAAAAAAABH4/TbW18I1tTaU/s1600-h/July+4+2009+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357316788194992114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkDPA2ZX_I/AAAAAAAABH4/TbW18I1tTaU/s320/July+4+2009+053.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kayla flashing a big smile as she is headed to the river<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkDOobw4FI/AAAAAAAABHw/uc_grvfOEZg/s1600-h/July+4+2009+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357316781640835154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkDOobw4FI/AAAAAAAABHw/uc_grvfOEZg/s320/July+4+2009+024.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cooper (Tara's younger son) striking a muscle pose<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357326290204972610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkL4GmHVkI/AAAAAAAABIo/gdqfxTrlMwA/s320/July+4+2009+084.jpg" border="0" />Kolemyn Grace (Kayla's daughter)<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357326286040897010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkL33FUlfI/AAAAAAAABIg/1Z4Ar7804RM/s320/July+4+2009+056.jpg" border="0" />Kale</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357326281761648450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkL3nJEb0I/AAAAAAAABIY/fwUCxO-Kr_8/s320/July+4+2009+058.jpg" border="0" />Sawyer (Tasha's baby boy)<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj_fFweFbI/AAAAAAAABHA/BdZB_OOw_oM/s1600-h/July+4+2009+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357312666343708082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj_fFweFbI/AAAAAAAABHA/BdZB_OOw_oM/s320/July+4+2009+030.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cool Man, Grant<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj_exNOxwI/AAAAAAAABG4/aO4oJ63-htk/s1600-h/July+4+2009+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357312660827195138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj_exNOxwI/AAAAAAAABG4/aO4oJ63-htk/s320/July+4+2009+018.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mamaw Sullivan with Isabella Ann (youngest triplet)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj_eaJQCcI/AAAAAAAABGw/ADDC22Y_NPo/s1600-h/July+4+2009+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357312654636485058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj_eaJQCcI/AAAAAAAABGw/ADDC22Y_NPo/s320/July+4+2009+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> The COOKS grilling the traditional chickens with the infamous Garlic/butter sauce<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj9DF9VRJI/AAAAAAAABGo/bejbqVOloRY/s1600-h/July+4+2009+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357309986338063506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj9DF9VRJI/AAAAAAAABGo/bejbqVOloRY/s320/July+4+2009+034.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sadye (Tasha's middle child)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj9Co2b_5I/AAAAAAAABGg/9u7WtMPMtl0/s1600-h/July+4+2009+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357309978524516242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj9Co2b_5I/AAAAAAAABGg/9u7WtMPMtl0/s320/July+4+2009+046.jpg" border="0" /></a> Uncle Bill and Isaac William (Triplet #1)</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357313895099677522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkAmnOuO1I/AAAAAAAABHQ/8zbKxXiUmLM/s320/July+4+2009+045.jpg" border="0" /> Josh Iles and Isabella<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj9CYrEeHI/AAAAAAAABGY/dS-8XbEIcd0/s1600-h/July+4+2009+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357309974181869682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj9CYrEeHI/AAAAAAAABGY/dS-8XbEIcd0/s320/July+4+2009+048.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ian Knight (Triplet #2) sleeping away in the middle of all the action<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj9Bz43FVI/AAAAAAAABGQ/xXq-u0t4PfE/s1600-h/July+4+2009+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357309964307600722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj9Bz43FVI/AAAAAAAABGQ/xXq-u0t4PfE/s320/July+4+2009+008.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bill, Elizabeth and Issac<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj8G7bOrNI/AAAAAAAABGI/pGyr9oDy5T0/s1600-h/July+4+2009+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357308952718519506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj8G7bOrNI/AAAAAAAABGI/pGyr9oDy5T0/s320/July+4+2009+029.jpg" border="0" /></a> look-a-like cousins: Judy and Patti (Perrott)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj8GcJ261I/AAAAAAAABGA/xtZGd7FQa9s/s1600-h/July+4+2009+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357308944324160338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Slj8GcJ261I/AAAAAAAABGA/xtZGd7FQa9s/s320/July+4+2009+022.jpg" border="0" /></a> Callie</div><div>(she loves eating ice and bananas in her nifty little net pouch)<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357313904128775042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkAnI3bU4I/AAAAAAAABHY/zL5g6k3C8oE/s320/July+4+2009+064.jpg" border="0" /> Kale had just enjoyed his first chocolate cupcake<br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357314298810499090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkA-HK4gBI/AAAAAAAABHo/YFNA1B1qN2M/s320/July+4+2009+098.jpg" border="0" /> What July 4th is complete without a stolen watermelon??</div><div>Dad and Grandaddy Joseph raided the watermelon patch in a secret location on the River<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357313906158989154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlkAnQbd72I/AAAAAAAABHg/jN6lGj-DXWI/s320/July+4+2009+106.jpg" border="0" />Gotta make sure that they picked a good one :)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-40852731277168820732009-07-08T21:19:00.008-05:002009-07-08T22:36:39.913-05:00New York/New Jersey/PhiladelphiaGosh! How many states can a girl visit in one week??? In my last post, I had been in Mississippi for my niece's (and 2 cousins) baby baptisms. I flew from Mississippi to New Jersey for a work trip. Our mission was to see as much Snapple product in the states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as possible. We not only saw a TON of Snapple, but also New York City! We had a lot of early mornings so that we could get to the city as soon as possible at night. We saw a lot of NYC in a very short amount of time! There is no way to share all of the pics with you, but trust me when I tell you that there was very little that we didn't view, experience, or drive by (ha!). We were only in NJ/NY for 3 nights...<br /><br />Day 1: Times Square and Roof Top Bar<br />Tuesday was travel day. The 4 of us arrived at Newark, NJ by 3:00 and headed to the hotel to literally drop luggage and head to the city as quickly as possible. We were sitting on the Roof Top Bar at 230 Fifth in record time taking in the sights. Here is the view....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVZX7OAr4I/AAAAAAAABFo/K2_aDScJ1xc/s1600-h/DSCN0032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356285599395393410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVZX7OAr4I/AAAAAAAABFo/K2_aDScJ1xc/s320/DSCN0032.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356285591001810738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVZXb80xzI/AAAAAAAABFg/Umz7l4LwIQc/s320/DSCN0041.JPG" border="0" /><br />As we were walking back to the car, we passed a church that had a black iron gate around it. Tied on the iron were yellow ribbons...breathtaking. Each ribbon had 2-3 laminated cards with the name of a person serving overseas. Speechless.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVZXD5Lr-I/AAAAAAAABFY/Q06OKDLHixw/s1600-h/DSCN0047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356285584544083938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVZXD5Lr-I/AAAAAAAABFY/Q06OKDLHixw/s320/DSCN0047.JPG" border="0" /></a> As we were making our way to Times Square, we passed the Macy's Flagship store....it was like the Heaven's opened up and a light was beaconing us....too bad I was with 3 men who would not let me stop :(<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVZWo6OfHI/AAAAAAAABFQ/CnJFv7Qhggg/s1600-h/DSCN0048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356285577300704370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVZWo6OfHI/AAAAAAAABFQ/CnJFv7Qhggg/s320/DSCN0048.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Day 2: Ground Zero - The Freedom Towers<br /><div> When we were talking about this trip, we all unanimously voiced that we could not leave NYC without visiting Ground Zero. We walked all around it for about 2.5 hours.</div><div> </div><div>First sighting of Ground Zero...We were walking up to the area, but the barricades and fencing prohibited our view.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356284253106682610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYJj5xOvI/AAAAAAAABEg/y2WYAr3qnMc/s320/DSCN0145.JPG" border="0" />We found a raised crosswalk where we could peer down on where the action was happening...the area was HUGE! There really aren't any words to describe the emotions and realizations that we all experienced at this sight. I cannot imagine what it was like before construction started. I tried to imagine standing on a nearby sidewalk when the towers fell...there just are not words. We all were silent for most of the "tour" around the area. I believe that it is about 3 city blocks square (?)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356284256638320210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYJxDxvlI/AAAAAAAABEo/vRS1p_ycgfo/s320/DSCN0119.JPG" border="0" />We finally found the Fire Department across from Ground Zero. It has been nicely renovated and a bronze memorial on one full side of the building. </div><div> </div><div>Here is a peep into the firehouse where the trucks are parked.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYe1U341I/AAAAAAAABFI/X7OkW8P-XBg/s1600-h/DSCN0142.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356284618561020754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYe1U341I/AAAAAAAABFI/X7OkW8P-XBg/s320/DSCN0142.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Part of the memorial along the side of the Firehouse<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYeeqbzGI/AAAAAAAABFA/bURRZKH89q8/s1600-h/DSCN0134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356284612477439074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYeeqbzGI/AAAAAAAABFA/bURRZKH89q8/s320/DSCN0134.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The other part of the memorial<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYKr-op_I/AAAAAAAABE4/mtrjOWqCVUI/s1600-h/DSCN0132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356284272454445042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYKr-op_I/AAAAAAAABE4/mtrjOWqCVUI/s320/DSCN0132.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYKS2VOPI/AAAAAAAABEw/3ZvIL7JRhII/s1600-h/DSCN0140.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356284265708730610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYKS2VOPI/AAAAAAAABEw/3ZvIL7JRhII/s320/DSCN0140.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Not exactly sure where this cross was located in relation to Ground Zero, but it did face the area on the side of the Federal Building. This gave me chills as it still had part of the debris on one side of the cross.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYJdgkLJI/AAAAAAAABEY/EPzV5PuHSp8/s1600-h/DSCN0152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356284251390356626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVYJdgkLJI/AAAAAAAABEY/EPzV5PuHSp8/s320/DSCN0152.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />On our way home, we had to drive through the Financial District and see "The Bull." You'll notice that it seems to be "daylight." It was actually about 11:30 at night and the park right behind The Bull was host to a movie scene (The Scorcer, I think...) Really cool to see a 1920's Roadster parked nearby with all the movie equipment...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVXPf6ut4I/AAAAAAAABEQ/IeQnk4-fB6Y/s1600-h/DSCN0156.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356283255604557698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVXPf6ut4I/AAAAAAAABEQ/IeQnk4-fB6Y/s320/DSCN0156.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Day 3:</div><div>The last night of our NYC visit, we ate dinner at The Carnegie Deli. Afterward, we wanted to see our favorite TV networks since most all of them have street views into the studios. One wanted to see Fox, another wanted to see ESPN Sports News, and I wanted to see the Today Show. We had a great time trying to find all of the studios and really got to see a good piece of Manhattan on foot...ha!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVXO-Q44cI/AAAAAAAABEI/4Ko50sIqoME/s1600-h/DSCN0227.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356283246570693058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVXO-Q44cI/AAAAAAAABEI/4Ko50sIqoME/s320/DSCN0227.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVXOpCYyGI/AAAAAAAABEA/Ihx5jBaJtaw/s1600-h/DSCN0222.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356283240872724578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVXOpCYyGI/AAAAAAAABEA/Ihx5jBaJtaw/s320/DSCN0222.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />PHILADELPHIA: Kenny Chesney Concert</div><div>Friday: </div><div>We worked our way down from New Jersey/New York to Philadelphia, PA. The reason for our trip was to go to the Kenny Chesney Stadium Concert. Can't really go into the Hows and Whys, but it was a work trip....I promise :)</div><div> </div><div>On the recommendation of my good friend and neighbor, we had dinner on Sixth Street in downtown Philly. It is a very different sort of street. Kind of like Bourbon in NOLA, kind of grungy like Seattle, all sorts of cultures collide on this street. It goes without saying that we were a little surprised that Philly would have such a cross-cultural scene in it's downtown area...but we walked and walked taking it all in. We finally found our restaurant on the other end of the street (thank goodness!) and had a great experience! I am drawing a blank on the name of the restaurant, but it was some of the best Italian I've had in a while. It's in an old historic building and has a dinner theater in the basement. Very cool place...definitely not like the other end of Sixth...</div><div> </div><div>Saturday:</div><div>If you have never been to a KC Stadium Concert, it is an experience that is unforgettable! People start showing up in the parking lot by early morning. They haul in sand, tiki torches, tents, more sand, grills, baby pools, and anything else that is not nailed or glued down! There is a competition for the best tailgate party as the winner wins front row tickets. For a lot of people, that is motivation enough to work very hard to create unique and interesting tailgate parties! I had NO idea that the state of PA had so much sand....ha! </div><div> </div><div>There were people from everywhere! I even ran into some guys from MISSISSIPPI! They had driven up from Meridian and donned Mississippi State gear! (don't have a picture, though). They had a great tailgate...Mississippi style, of course. They had filled the bed of the truck with water and then spread sand all around the back and into their tent. They brought their own stereo equipment and had a DJ! They really went all out...<br /></div><div>Here are a few pics that I can share from the concert:<br /></div><div>An early shot of the stadium parking lot. <br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356282279183397922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVWWqdyNCI/AAAAAAAABDo/gq027uCTSTk/s320/DSCN0251.JPG" border="0" /> <div>After we made the parking lot round and checked on a few things, we decided to go sight-seeing in the historical part of Philly (downtown). First thing on the agenda? You guessed it...the Rocky Steps. These are the steps leading up to the Philadelphia Art Museum. Sylvester Stallone made them famous in his training scenes in the Rocky movies.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356281324078809698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVVfEbGwmI/AAAAAAAABDg/ZNtoJCwJNOw/s320/DSCN0293.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356281322823004738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVVe_vsskI/AAAAAAAABDY/QivwATj3u0k/s320/DSCN0305.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>The State House. Did any of you watch the John Adams Series on HBO? Well, if you did, this building should look familiar. Continental Congress met here (and a whole bunch of other historical stuff that I cannot seem to remember right now). There are 3 buildings on this site, but I couldn't fit them into one frame.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356281313810945682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVVeeLDlpI/AAAAAAAABDQ/FCpVB47pGSw/s320/DSCN0284.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>LUNCH!! Pat's Philly Cheese Steak. The best in town! In case you ever need to know, here's how you order...(cheese wit)</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356280532090071602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVUw-CRqjI/AAAAAAAABDI/EGpXbnO9pPo/s320/DSCN0276.JPG" border="0" />The Concert:</div><div> </div><div>The order of the concert was Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland, and Kenny Chesney. Because we were doing other things, I did not get to see Lady A or Montgomery Gentry, but I could hear them. I did get to see Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, and Kenny. All were terrific. The energy in the stadium was electric...have not seen anytihng quite like it. Great fun!</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVWXT0_yuI/AAAAAAAABD4/oBy2kojm4BM/s1600-h/DSCN0374.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356282290286611170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVWXT0_yuI/AAAAAAAABD4/oBy2kojm4BM/s320/DSCN0374.JPG" border="0" /></a> Christian Bush from Sugarland. He's good at interacting with the crowd while he's performing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVWXO-22gI/AAAAAAAABDw/wQec53tY4og/s1600-h/DSCN0315.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356282288985790978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVWXO-22gI/AAAAAAAABDw/wQec53tY4og/s320/DSCN0315.JPG" border="0" /></a>Miranda Lambert. A really good pre-concert show!</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356280515668376914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVUwA3CfVI/AAAAAAAABC4/ZuOpTts5A6c/s320/DSCN0330.JPG" border="0" />In between performers, I found my friend, Megan! I directed her wedding reception last June! Small world! She lives in Baltimore and had come up with some girlfriends for the concert. They had sandbar tickets....lucky girls!</div><div> </div><div>And last, but not least...the reason we all trekked to Philly....</div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356280524318510034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SlVUwhFZC9I/AAAAAAAABDA/g-7XUQnHb6Q/s320/DSCN0403.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>As I look back over this post, I realize that there is a lot of "white space". I saw and did so many things that there is no way to document it all without it taking days to write. Hopefully these highlights help paint the picture that I had a blast and loved every minute of the trip! Each day was packed and I had very little sleep (early mornings...and very late nights). What an incredible experience and I cannot wait to go back to NYC!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-63033910018197229992009-06-23T16:59:00.013-05:002009-06-23T23:45:18.786-05:00Sounds like life to me....In the last 12 days, there have been a lot of exciting times and included in those 12 days are my 32nd birthday, high school graduations of 2 cousins, Uncle Robert's horrendous life-threatening wreck, and a triple baby baptism. And in there somewhere, I have held a more than full-time job. Sounds like life to me....<br /><div>This blog entry will be the "mega blog" of all blogs. As most of you may know, I have purchased a new "grown up" camera and I enjoy it more than I should. So....enjoy the pics and forgive the amateur flaws. Events are chronological:<br /></div><div>Birthday: I look forward to my birthday (June 10) every single year with more anticipation than the year before. Strange? Maybe...<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGeEBjT3AI/AAAAAAAABCg/yNrUI65EhVg/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350731624266062850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGeEBjT3AI/AAAAAAAABCg/yNrUI65EhVg/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+016.jpg" border="0" /></a> Have you ever seen a white Iris? I had not and I just fell in love with them in this arrangement (front left) The arrangement on the right was sent my my parents and the gerber daisies (my everday favorites) were given to me by my team at work. I really love flowers, and I was not disappointed!<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGeDxVA3DI/AAAAAAAABCY/z-e5OjaOWaQ/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350731619911130162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGeDxVA3DI/AAAAAAAABCY/z-e5OjaOWaQ/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+002.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've blogged about my friend who has a pre-teen daughter who is starting to really enjoy baking. Erin baked me these muffins for my birthday breakfast and made a card to go with it. They left them on my doorstep....so sweet and yummy! (muffins were blueberry)<br /><div align="left"><br />GRADUATION 2009:</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">It is not uncommon for there to be multiple Sullivan graduates in any given year, but this year there were NO Sullivan graduates and TWO Joseph graduates! I cannot believe these 2 great cousins are actually old enough to graduate! I am so proud of the young man/lady that Craig and Stacy have become. Both are enrolled at Ole Miss this fall and plan to pledge (won't give away their secret until later as to which one they have chosen....)<br /></div><div align="center">CRAIG THOMAS JOSEPH</div><div align="center">Briarcrest Christian School</div><div align="center">Germantown, TN<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGcbBxuJAI/AAAAAAAABCA/96SVPHFhRCQ/s1600-h/Craig"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350729820440241154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGcbBxuJAI/AAAAAAAABCA/96SVPHFhRCQ/s320/Craig%27s+Graduation+-+May+2009+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Craig-man lined up and ready for the graduation march!<br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350728627225915522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGbVktQcII/AAAAAAAABBo/-1gHhXkVvOg/s320/Craig%27s+Graduation+-+May+2009+095.jpg" border="0" />Craig receiving his diploma from the Headmaster<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGbWRXf6dI/AAAAAAAABB4/wIDsxXrKgGA/s1600-h/Craig"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350728639214250450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGbWRXf6dI/AAAAAAAABB4/wIDsxXrKgGA/s320/Craig%27s+Graduation+-+May+2009+111.jpg" border="0" /></a> Uncle Tom, Aunt Andrea, Craig and Steven (reverse order) after the ceremony<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGbWG039WI/AAAAAAAABBw/NtNuBdLq-sc/s1600-h/Craig"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350728636384671074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGbWG039WI/AAAAAAAABBw/NtNuBdLq-sc/s320/Craig%27s+Graduation+-+May+2009+126.jpg" border="0" /></a> The entire family in Memphis AFTER graduation...about to enjoy BBQ from Wild Hog at Tom & Andrea's house! (yours truly is never in any pictures because I am the photographer!)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGbVfZTqKI/AAAAAAAABBg/wTjSwx3gOuU/s1600-h/Craig"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350728625800063138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGbVfZTqKI/AAAAAAAABBg/wTjSwx3gOuU/s320/Craig%27s+Graduation+-+May+2009+089.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Joseph family waiting for Craig's name to be called...glad everyone is paying attention! (L-R)</div><div>Robert, Steven, Lisa, Tom, Andrea, Mamawgran, Grandaddy, Mom, Dad</div><div>(Drew & Laura Eidt and Donna, Andrea's parents and sister, were sitting right behing my parents)<br /></div><br /><div align="center">STACY BROOKE JOSEPH</div><div align="center">Myers Park High School</div><div align="center">Charlotte, NC<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGZnSdNSNI/AAAAAAAABBY/F22AF61pXtM/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350726732541151442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGZnSdNSNI/AAAAAAAABBY/F22AF61pXtM/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+126.jpg" border="0" /></a> This smile says it all.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGZnIfbl8I/AAAAAAAABBQ/jkWEOSAKXbs/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350726729866123202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGZnIfbl8I/AAAAAAAABBQ/jkWEOSAKXbs/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+101.jpg" border="0" /></a> So proud!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGZmzr6SWI/AAAAAAAABBI/Hi_30-6VltM/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350726724281321826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGZmzr6SWI/AAAAAAAABBI/Hi_30-6VltM/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+083.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Joseph's waiting for the ceremony for 650 students to begin...</div><div>Robert, Ashley, Mom, Dad, Andrea, Tom, (Ron and Brenda Smith, Stacy's step-dad and Mom)<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGYZuCyeRI/AAAAAAAABBA/JsE4a6spd1o/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350725399916738834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGYZuCyeRI/AAAAAAAABBA/JsE4a6spd1o/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+057+-+rev1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Pre-Graduation Dinner on Saturday</div><div>Ashley, Me, Stacy<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGYZfBhugI/AAAAAAAABA4/gpMN4WjxFIU/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350725395884915202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGYZfBhugI/AAAAAAAABA4/gpMN4WjxFIU/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+038.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mom & Dad</div><div>(Dad asked me to count before I snapped the picture...guess he wanted to be candid...LOVE this picture!)<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGYZDLVpNI/AAAAAAAABAw/0VtZIedUErA/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350725388409873618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGYZDLVpNI/AAAAAAAABAw/0VtZIedUErA/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+036.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tom & Andrea<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFW9a6lOYI/AAAAAAAABAo/w4uYuygfb5M/s1600-h/Stacy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350653445489899906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFW9a6lOYI/AAAAAAAABAo/w4uYuygfb5M/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+052+rev1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Robert, Mom, Dad, Tom, Andrea, Ashley, Patsy, Stacy, and Me</div><div>Joseph Family after a fantastic meal at Village Tavern </div><div>(wonderful outdoor patio restaurant in downtown Charlotte)</div><div align="left"><br />After Graduation on Sunday afternoon, Robert, Mom, Dad, me, Stacy, and Ashley enjoyed the Charlotte Symphony in the Park. It is a wonderful evening of picnics, live bands, and then the Charlotte Symphony. We had a wonderful time relaxing and enjoying just being together. Ashley is always a ham and I thought that this picture was so fitting of her personality....this reminds me of the Parent Trap movie scene when the twins are under water playing a trick on their soon to be step-mom...ha!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350729832598592962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGcbvEf3cI/AAAAAAAABCQ/aAE8usiBaxA/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+165.jpg" border="0" />Ashley Barrett Joseph<br /><br /></div><div align="left">ROBERT</div><br /><div align="left">Stacy's graduation was on Sunday, June 14. The next morning, we all headed to the airport to make our way back home to Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Robert had driven so that he would have a vehicle to run errands, take care of some business, and hang out with the girls (he came a few days before the rest of us). So, on Monday, he started driving to Mississippi instead of flying with the rest of us. He usually takes his time driving and this trip was no different. He broke the trip up into 2 days of driving. On Tuesday evening, when he was in Port Gibson, he hit the bridge on the Natchez Trace that crosses Hwy 18. He was airlifted to University Medical Center in Jackson, paralyzed from the chest down. He had fractures on C4-9 vertebrates and had to be put on a ventilator. In an instant, his life changed forever. Today is the 1 week anniversary of this accident. Today, he was taken off the ventilator and was able to breathe on his own. His legs moved involuntarily, but we are greatly encouraged! As he comes to our mind, please say a prayer for him. Pray for healing, guidance, and acceptance of God's second chance.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350729825369198322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGcbUI4DvI/AAAAAAAABCI/G0GJrEYhVAw/s320/Stacy%27s+Graduation+-+June+2009+135+-+rev1.jpg" border="0" />Robert and the girls (Stacy & Ashley) at Stacy's graduation on June 14.<br /></div><div align="left">Infant Baptism</div><br /><div align="left">This past weekend was a very special time for the Sullivan family at large. THREE Sullivan children were baptized at Meadville United Methodist Church: Callie Rivers Sullivan, Charles Verne Herring, and Kale Sullivan Thomas. They are the children of Chris & Stephanie Sullivan, Brett & Vista (Sullivan) Herring, and Scott & Summer (Sullivan/Robertson) Thomas. Adding to the speical meaning of this weekend is the fact that these children mark another generation of Sullivan baptisms at MUMC. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">A little history: My Great-Grandparents, Herbert & Margie Kate (Cain) Babington, moved from Franklinton, LA to charter the Bank of Franklin, where he was a VP and she was active in teh community and started many organizations. They chose Meadville UMC as their home church. They raised their children: Herb, Mary Ann, and Margie Townes in this church. Herb and Mary Ann married and moved away, but Margie Townes married Verne Sullivan and also chose their home church as Meadville UMC. They raised their family in this church and each one was baptized there. Their children are Bo, Steve (my Dad), Bill, Rex, Pat, Cindy and Judy. Each of these married and raised their families in Meadville, but only my Dad kept MUMC as a home church. When my Mom and Dad had me, Chris and Sarah, we all were baptized as infants in MUMC. Now, Chris has a daughter and he and his wife, Stephanie, have chosen to come from Canton, MS to baptize Callie. Even though they do not live in Meadville and attend MUMC regularly, they claim it as their home church because "there just isn't any church in Jackson like it..."<br /></div><div align="left">Recently, Vista and Brett have moved from Oxford and have chosen MUMC as their home church. Summer and Scott live in a Chattanooga, TN surburb, but chose to have Kale baptized in MUMC because of the special family meaning of this church and the awesome opportunity to share this special day with other cousins. I am so glad that they did! </div><br /><div align="left">Here are a few pictures from the weekend:<br /><br />Saturday: </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFW9Non0jI/AAAAAAAABAg/J3MGhSQqULk/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350653441924911666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFW9Non0jI/AAAAAAAABAg/J3MGhSQqULk/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+023.jpg" border="0" /></a>Kale and Callie</div><div>Kale wasn't real sure about the "green stuff" and Callie just loved it<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFVY2UxzhI/AAAAAAAABAQ/varptQZzcFg/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+064.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350651717680746002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFVY2UxzhI/AAAAAAAABAQ/varptQZzcFg/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+064.jpg" border="0" /></a> Callie examining a flower in Sue-Baby's flower bed...wonder if she will be a future gardener like her Mom and Grandmothers????<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFVYcZ2ssI/AAAAAAAABAI/d5ilTBB1aXI/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350651710722716354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFVYcZ2ssI/AAAAAAAABAI/d5ilTBB1aXI/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+045.jpg" border="0" /></a> I absolutely LOVE this picture...Callie is just kicked back resting on Chris' legs. She doesn't have a care in the world and was watching Kale and the rest of the crew<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFVYFkshmI/AAAAAAAABAA/JQ_zfznYrWg/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+119.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350651704594171490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFVYFkshmI/AAAAAAAABAA/JQ_zfznYrWg/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+119.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's near impossible to get this many babies coordinated for a picture, but I tried!</div><div>The babies and their parents: (L-R)</div><div>Vista, Brett, Charles Verne</div><div>Stephanie, Chris, Callie</div><div>Summer, Kale and Scott<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFS1KIByjI/AAAAAAAAA_4/0P-kfdsjoNM/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+127.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350648905497430578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFS1KIByjI/AAAAAAAAA_4/0P-kfdsjoNM/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+127.jpg" border="0" /></a> The cousins and Mamaw Sullivan</div><div>Vista, Charles Verne, Callie, Chris, Mamaw, Summer, Kale</div><div>You will notice that the girl cousins had boy babies and THE boy had the girl<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFS0zxL7AI/AAAAAAAAA_w/Hxrfuy9F9A8/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+132.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350648899496045570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFS0zxL7AI/AAAAAAAAA_w/Hxrfuy9F9A8/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+132.jpg" border="0" /></a> Callie's family (L-R)</div><div>Pete & Tina Robertson (Stephanie's parents from Huntsville, AL)</div><div>Stephanie, Chris, & Callie</div><div>Mom, Dad, me, Sarah & Elliott Stebbins</div><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350744877497418754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGqHdr5hAI/AAAAAAAABCw/ElPmi95fQeo/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+099.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Tim & Cindy (Sullivan) Robertson</div><div>Summer, Kale and Scott Thomas</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350744873739183586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkGqHPr3ZeI/AAAAAAAABCo/KTlc2q2_Nug/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+094.jpg" border="0" />The Herrings:</div><div>Cliff/Clint (twins that I can never tell apart...)</div><div>Niki, one of the twins girlfriend (sorry, cannot remember whose!)</div><div>Vista, Charles Verne & Brett</div><div>Myra & Howard</div><div><br />I failed to get a picture of Uncle Rex and Vista, Charles Verne and Brett...he snuck away before I could get a photo! BUT he was there and very proud!</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350653430781215346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFW8kHwgnI/AAAAAAAABAY/YbHAWV5doNY/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+102.jpg" border="0" /> Callie has learned that pulling paci's out of other baby's mouths is very fun! Kale didn't think so...</div><div align="center">(Callie doesn't take a paci, but prefers to play with hers...and everyone else's)<br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><br />MONDAY:</div><div align="left">I got to keep Callie on Monday ALL BY MYSELF! It never happens where I am able to do that, so I jumped at the opportunity! We had so much fun hanging out! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">An added bonus to an already wonderful day was that my friends Lorrie and Crystal brought lunch out to me in Canton! I was SO excited to see them and am so thankful that they would take time out of a busy Monday to visit me! They were only able to visit for about 2 hours, but I am so THANKFUL!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Callie loves her swing outside on the porch. She fell asleep in it twice and on the 2nd time, I just had to snap a picture....<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFS0Xwx7QI/AAAAAAAAA_o/sBO52p4fL5U/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+175.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350648891978149122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFS0Xwx7QI/AAAAAAAAA_o/sBO52p4fL5U/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+175.jpg" border="0" /></a> Notice that she has her "bracelet" and had been playing with her paci...<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div align="left">TRIPLETS:</div><div align="left">Monday afternoon, Stephanie and I took Callie to meet the Triplets. These are the new babies of Josh and Elizabeth (Sullivan) Isles. The Triplets were born on April 28 at 33 weeks. They all were home within 4 weeks of birth. AMAZING! They are now 8 weeks old and have doubled their birth weight. Their original due date was June 20 (this past weekend) and they weigh 8, 7.5, and 5 lbs. They so sweet and tiny...see for yourselves:<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFRa4Je2EI/AAAAAAAAA_g/NOOPgGOBURc/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+180.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350647354483464258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFRa4Je2EI/AAAAAAAAA_g/NOOPgGOBURc/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+180.jpg" border="0" /></a>Isabella Ann</div><div>She never cries and is SO GOOD!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFRaTWmELI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/LefwrfZ6VAA/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+178.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350647344606351538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFRaTWmELI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/LefwrfZ6VAA/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+178.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ian Knight</div><div>He decided to yawn real big just as I snapped the picture. Guess he wanted us to see his tonsils?? Such a sweet boy!<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFRaD64dEI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/sgMvR1z3pCg/s1600-h/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+177.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350647340463584322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SkFRaD64dEI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/sgMvR1z3pCg/s320/Callie+Christening+Weekend+-+June+21+2009+177.jpg" border="0" /></a>Isaac William</div><div>He "wants to be an only child" according to his parents. He is independent already...definitely the leader of the bunch. </div><div> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">TUESDAY-SUNDAY</div><div align="left">This week, I am in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. I am working up here, but already having a great time! Tonight, we spent the evening at 230 Fifth Avenue on a rooftop bar and then walked Times Square and had dinner (at 10:00) at a local NYC pizza by the slice place. Loving the city already....more to come on this trip later.</div><div align="left"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-21714966037811789822009-06-07T11:31:00.002-05:002009-06-07T13:16:22.386-05:00Birthday CelebrationsThe 2nd week of June has always been a busy week in my family. My Dad (8th), cousin Savannah (9th), and me (10th) have always had to shared the week of birthday celebrations! In the last few years, we've added my sister-in-law, Stephanie, to the list as her birthday is on the 7th. So, yes, you are reading this right...we celebrate birthdays in my family June 7-10 without missing a beat. I don't know why my birthday is such a big deal for me, but I look forward to June 10th every single year with more anticipation than the year before....maybe because I don't have another day that is more personally special?? Maybe....probably....<br /><br />Since moving to NW Arkansas 2.5 yrs ago, I have been blessed with 2 more friends to add to the week of "Birthday Celebrations." Michael is on the 6th and Richard is on the 11th. So now, I celebrate June Birthdays June 6-11. WOW!<br /><br />This past Saturday night, "the birthday people" went out to celebrate our birthday week....we went to Theo's down on Dickson (Fayetteville for you non-NWArk folks). If you have not been to Theo's yet, it is the best place to go when the weather is nice or when it's not...just perfect! After dinner at Theo's we ended the night at Willy D's, the favored piano bar that is always a good time.<br /><br />Here are a couple of pics from last night....<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SiwA9r5DFhI/AAAAAAAAA_I/beglE-O8whE/s1600-h/May+and+June+Misc+-+2009+019+-+3+bdays.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344647917535958546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SiwA9r5DFhI/AAAAAAAAA_I/beglE-O8whE/s320/May+and+June+Misc+-+2009+019+-+3+bdays.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Birthday People: Richard, me, Michael</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SiwA9UEuLlI/AAAAAAAAA_A/TwzG4uX1qMg/s1600-h/May+and+June+Misc+-+2009+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344647911142469202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SiwA9UEuLlI/AAAAAAAAA_A/TwzG4uX1qMg/s320/May+and+June+Misc+-+2009+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> The whole crew hanging out on the patio at Theo's waiting for our table:<br />Ashley, me, Holly, Michael, John, Melissa, Richard, & Liz<br /></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-42231947973661659712009-05-28T20:03:00.009-05:002009-05-28T21:31:47.077-05:00Today was THE Day...and an updateWell, today was "the day." Let me explain...last Friday, I planted Mandevilla in one of the corners of my fence. When I finished, I stepped back to admire my work when something caught my eye and nearly scared me to death! This is what I saw...<br /><br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341049120270941634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh834HWpfcI/AAAAAAAAA94/1vZDGIHHQhU/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+002.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>You might imagine my surprise to see 4 wide yellow mouths staring at me. This bird's nest is eyelevel in my fence, but hadn't noticed it before. I had noticed while I was planting my Mandevilla that a bird kept circling around me, but didn't think much about it at the time...until I stepped back and saw her babies.</div><br /><div>I have been obsessed with these baby birds ever since the discovery. Every day I have gone out to the fence and checked on them and have been amazed at how quickly they have grown. Tuesday, I took another picture because the babies had gotten so much bigger....<br /></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341049129630952258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh834qOP60I/AAAAAAAAA-A/FuqjhaKwgs4/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+014.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>It has been fun watching them...until today. Today when I walked by the nest, it was empty.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh834x6FUQI/AAAAAAAAA-I/ohbCIHSXddA/s1600-h/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341049131693854978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh834x6FUQI/AAAAAAAAA-I/ohbCIHSXddA/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Mama Bird watching me plant the Mandevilla....guess she was making sure that I didn't harm her babies.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341051505475065090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh86C87oFQI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/28WIfxbX5eI/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+015.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><div>Some of you have *jokingly* asked about my proverbial green thumb. I am PROUD to report that everything is still growing and alive. Here's the proof:<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82_Kw00TI/AAAAAAAAA9w/ix34wE4i9hQ/s1600-h/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341048141933498674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82_Kw00TI/AAAAAAAAA9w/ix34wE4i9hQ/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82-um3wyI/AAAAAAAAA9o/hqOg8Xzgym0/s1600-h/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341048134375555874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82-um3wyI/AAAAAAAAA9o/hqOg8Xzgym0/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+016.jpg" border="0" /></a> The garden....YES! I can taste the fresh veggies now...<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82dqoPGGI/AAAAAAAAA9g/QHPr0VEsoME/s1600-h/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341047566371854434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82dqoPGGI/AAAAAAAAA9g/QHPr0VEsoME/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+045.jpg" border="0" /></a> Remember the infamous snapdragon that keeps coming back in a different location that I blogged about a few weeks ago? Well, here it is in full bloom. Isn't it pretty?? This picture doesn't do the bright "neon" colors justice.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82dJOpSKI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/HiNZ9ZOJVrU/s1600-h/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341047557406148770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82dJOpSKI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/HiNZ9ZOJVrU/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+030.jpg" border="0" /></a> My big pot of zinnias and the white "filler" that Mom gave me (can't think of what it's called)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82c0e_vwI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/uv9dPJFRuZk/s1600-h/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341047551837585154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh82c0e_vwI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/uv9dPJFRuZk/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+020.jpg" border="0" /></a> My Dahlia that I just knew wouldn't make it...is in it's 3rd blooming rotation</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341058605288417442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh9AgNzCaKI/AAAAAAAAA-g/YVCnIWOBkGc/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+010.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Here is the area that I was struggling with what to plant. I am proud to report that I planted a white Confederate Jasmine (thanks, Mom). I cannot tell how it's doing, but it has not wilted or turned brown....we'll see what the future holds. </div><br /><div>*sidenote: I am a little concerned about it's future potential because my yard is nothing but clay and rock. Of course I doubled the size of the planting hole and filled with compost. I planted according to the instructions...only time will tell.</div><div></div><br /><div align="left">My yard has become a peaceful place for me. Yes, you read that correctly...it is quite the turn of events of the long history of the worlds most dis-interested/worst gardner! I have always detested working in the yard. I had no interest in it as a kid or as an adult. I turn, I never could keep anything alive. (I was the girl that couldn't grow ivy!) But despite all my gardening shortcomings, I've always attempted to grow flowers. It's what Southern ladies do in the spring...you just grow flowers. Whether it was at my apartment in Mobile or my condo in Boise, I always tried. I would start out with good intentions, but by the end of the summer, everything had long been dead. Since moving to Arkansas and having a "real house", I always have made sure my front flower bed looked good..whatever it took. Truthfully, it was about all I could handle. Looking back, I was just not interested in caring about it before. However, this year it just clicked. Growing something just seemed to come naturally. I was so eager! I couldn't buy enough to plant. I made about 5 trips to Lowe's and Home Depot to get things and every time bought more flowers, whiskey barrels, or something to plant! Call is maturity, coming of age, nesting, or just plain ole stress, but either way I LOVE gardening this year. It relaxes me and makes me happy. The truth is, I really don't care if anyone else sees it or not. Yes, I would like for others to enjoy it, but at the end of the day, it is mine and I am excited to see it flourish. I feel like I have accomplished something...and I can see it with my own eyes.</div></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341051496837774802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh86CcwVfdI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/tXHyKvzhLoI/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+006.jpg" border="0" />These were the bright and shining faces of my first patio guests. Let me explain...on Saturday night of Memorial Day Weekend, a few neighbors came over for a cookout. I had big plans for the adults sitting on the patio and the kids playing in the yard. Well....thanks to a storm coming up right when we were about to eat, the kids stayed on the patio and the adults stayed inside. Not exactly the way I had planned it, but it all worked out in the end. Right after this picture was taken, ALL of these kids played out in the rain and got soaking wet. It was so fun watching them play and have a good time...despite the rain and soggy ground.</div><div> </div><div align="left">On Sunday night, another group of friends came over for dinner. My camera never made a debut, but towards the end of the night, we all found Tommy sitting on my side table "talking" on the phone. Oh he had a great conversation and we all had a good laugh. You can tell from the picture that he really enjoyed being the center of all our attention...never phased him one bit!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341065361329951506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh9GpeA3ExI/AAAAAAAAA-o/2al2iJA9SsI/s320/Memorial+Day+-+Flowers+-+Garden+043.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-10859962970786312492009-05-27T21:29:00.003-05:002009-05-27T21:41:55.986-05:00DariusMy company is the main corporate sponsor for The Amp, a summer concert series in NW Arkansas. Last Friday night was our "team night" and we were treated to a not only our regular VIP passes, but backstage "meet & greet" passes! This concert was none other than the one and only Darius Rucker, AKA "Hootie" from Hootie & the Blowfish. I have to admit that I had very low expectations of this concert and almost didn't go. However, I had already invited 3 friends to go with me AND it was a beautiful day/evening and certainly didn't need to be wasted. I am so glad that I did go because it was THE BEST CONCERT! He played a little of everything...from Hank/Merle/David Allan Coe to classic Hootie and the Blowfish to Prince. He closed the concert with Purple Rain...<br /><br />The picture below is from the Meet-&-Greet. We went through so fast that I barely remember getting a picture made (Thanks Heather!).<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340696514979343682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh33LySCrUI/AAAAAAAAA9A/ZnJ5EjOFh6o/s320/DARIUS+RUCKER+CONCERT+-+me+and+d.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh33MPWSD2I/AAAAAAAAA9I/8-qQvqKAqZw/s1600-h/DARIUS+RUCKER+CONCERT+-+me+wendy+bailey.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340696522781757282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sh33MPWSD2I/AAAAAAAAA9I/8-qQvqKAqZw/s320/DARIUS+RUCKER+CONCERT+-+me+wendy+bailey.JPG" border="0" /></a> Bailey, Wendy, and Me</div><div align="center">Ashley is missing from this pic...don't know where she was!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">We were enjoying the beautiful evening outdoors at the Amp...good friends, good food, good music, good weather. Just doesn't get any better than that!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-26693728700846656242009-05-13T19:23:00.008-05:002009-05-13T21:49:05.355-05:00Springtime"In the springtime, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." ~ Margaret Atwood<br /><div align="left"><br />Over the last 21 days, it has stormed here everyday! I feel waterlogged and have almost sprouted webbed fingers and feet! But somewhere in there, I got the wild hair to give my backyard, patio, and flowerbed a little "lift." It was actually spurred by my trip to Mobile... the afternoon I landed in NW Arkansas, I headed straight to Home Depot and bought flowers. The following week, I "shopped" online and found the perfect swing, chairs, tables, and rug. After feeling the tug all that week, I finally went to Lowe's on Thursday afternoon (in between rainstorms) and bought 4 whiskey barrels and vegetable plants. Realizing I over bought on vegetables half way through planting, I went back and bought 2 more whiskey barrels and even more flowers! Vegetables that I planted: 4 tomato, 2 crooked neck squash, 1 straight neck squash, 2 zucchini, 2 green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper. In a few weeks they will either be vegetables or victims....we'll just have to wait and see! </div><div align="left"><br />The swing has only been hung a week, but I have spent more time on my patio this week than I have in the 2.5 years I've lived here! Oh, I cannot wait to see what the summer has in store!</div><div align="left"><br />Here are a few pics....enjoy!<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335476222972276786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtrWzHOMDI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Qjthw61uVqE/s320/Garden+2009+035.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Back Patio</div><div align="center">(tables will be here shortly...)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335473250918999842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtopzWgJyI/AAAAAAAAA7g/TWeRFWmVomw/s320/Garden+2009+004.jpg" border="0" />The Garden</div><div align="center">Dahlia's and (something else that I can't remember) </div><div align="center">are planted in between each whiskey barrel of vegetables</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335473246583942818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtopjM8bqI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/F7-aXR0SedI/s320/Garden+2009+006.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335473261254730354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtoqZ2u4nI/AAAAAAAAA7w/W491m_owLt8/s320/Garden+2009+009.jpg" border="0" />closeups of the Dahlias</p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335473261220950482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtoqZurcdI/AAAAAAAAA7o/WbjoYhY5_rw/s320/Garden+2009+011.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Zinnia's</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335482377783326482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sgtw9DkhtxI/AAAAAAAAA8o/OF07oaZ29jA/s320/Garden+2009+013.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Red Gerber Daisy (my favorite)</p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335476227063183026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtrXCWkdrI/AAAAAAAAA8g/TuSuf1XiwKg/s320/Garden+2009+034.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The birdhouse...need advice on what to plant behind it...suggestions???<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335475438629607986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtqpJNW2jI/AAAAAAAAA8I/iF4jpIIXygw/s320/Garden+2009+030.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Front yard - and street view of the garden on the left.</div><div align="center">You really cannot appreciate this. It took me TWO days and TWO electric hedge trimmers to "tame" this jungle!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtrW13OahI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/7GPqRdpyZ-0/s1600-h/Garden+2009+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335476223710489106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtrW13OahI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/7GPqRdpyZ-0/s320/Garden+2009+032.jpg" border="0" /></a> This snapdragon was planted 3 summers ago in a different spot...it keeps coming back!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335475424893035842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtqoWCTZUI/AAAAAAAAA74/skwcdD7u3DE/s320/Garden+2009+016.jpg" border="0" /> 1 of 3 planters across the front of my house<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335482380832142786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sgtw9O7a9cI/AAAAAAAAA8w/-QhPPE9YRSQ/s320/Garden+2009+015.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtqovSHrnI/AAAAAAAAA8A/YuC9sjBNILw/s1600-h/Garden+2009+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335475431670263410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SgtqovSHrnI/AAAAAAAAA8A/YuC9sjBNILw/s320/Garden+2009+019.jpg" border="0" /></a>close up of "filler" flower. (that's what the tag said...)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335482382188399762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sgtw9T-xzJI/AAAAAAAAA84/KbQv29gCzT8/s320/Garden+2009+026.jpg" border="0" />Zinnia's (by MEK)</div><div>The highlight of my trip to Mobile a few weekends ago was visiting my friend, Mary Elizabeth's, art studio at her home. She is an AWESOME artist and her paintings just have that certain pop of color. Check out her blog, <a href="http://www.mekonline.blogspot.com/">Painting A Day</a>.<br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867307037423458236.post-34951470665452947762009-05-02T13:51:00.011-05:002009-05-02T21:02:23.249-05:00April Catch Up<div align="left">The last few weeks have been a whirlwind! Work is keeping me very busy during the week and the weekends have been extremely full....work hard, play harder! This post will not be in chronological order as it will be long and there are certain things I want you to see should you only have a quick minute. No event was any less important than the other, but the "leading story" is just very special and I don't want you to miss it.<br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">When I was a graduate student at The University of South Alabama in Mobile, I had the good fortune of working FOR and WITH 2 extraordinary women: Gina Hedberg and Barbara Wooley, respectively. These women are blessings in my life and I am so thankful for them. Gina was the "key" to my social life in Mobile as she sponsored me for Junior League and got me into triathlon mode (and introduced me to Melissa, another incredible friend). Barbara was the essence of grace and a Mobile Southern Belle. She was a beautiful person both inside and out. She and her husband, Larry, provided me and my friends many nights of Mobile Symphony and Mobile Ballet tickets (the good ones!). She was generous when she didn't have to be and truly loved people. She was a strong Christian woman whose faith was steadfast and unshakeable. Just after I graduated from Graduate School, Barbara was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She was a valiant foot soldier and went into remission about 1 year later. Oh, how we all cheered and celebrated God's goodness. It wasn't even a year after Barbara's remission report that the cancer came back with a vengeance. She fought bravely for 3 years solid. There were many ups and downs, hills and valleys. Barbara's faith never wavered. She always had that brilliant smile on her face and ALWAYS realized the positives. Although we who knew her and loved her were devastated, she knew where she was going should cancer not let her go. This assurance sustained her and gave her the most tremendous grace. I aspire to be more like that...and I am healthy!<br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">During Barbara's 65 years on this earth, she and her husband, Larry, were avid supporters of the fine arts in Mobile. They were active in various charities. They gave freely of themselves and their resources. Barbara made her mark on Mobile. She made a big mark on me. Barbara died last winter (2008). The world definitely lost one of it's brightest angels. I don't remember what kept me from going to her funeral, but I know that I have always regretted it. I needed closure to completely accept the fact that she was really gone. Last month, March 2009, her husband, Larry, and 2 sons, Dane and Heath, immortalized Barbara. They erected a statue in her honor in the University of South Alabama's <a href="http://www.southalabama.edu/usacwh/childrenspark.html">Women and Children's Hospital's Memorial Gardens</a>. It's a wonderful sanctuary in front of USA Women and Children's Hospital in Mobile. The park is full of bronze statues that represent not only those who have lost their battle with cancer, but those who have had hand in the advancement of cancer research. I strongly encourage you to drive/walk these grounds the next time you are through Mobile. I promise you that it will be a blessing. While I was in Mobile last weekend, I made it a priority to visit Barbara's statue. It was beautiful! She stands at the front door of the hospital under the big oak tree in a small garden of colorful flowers....just as she would choose. Barbara was always gardening. Who knew that visiting the simple statue would bring me such closure and peace. Yes, I was sad, but I cannot think of a better way to remember such a wonderful person. Here are a few pictures:<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331401576587536130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfzxfKd1JwI/AAAAAAAAA6w/W_-1rv2HY5c/s320/Barbara+Steph+Gina.jpg" border="0" />Barbara, me, Gina<br />This was my graduation dinner at The Bakery in downtown Mobile (Dec 2002) </div><div align="center">Barbara was always laughing and making other laugh, too.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331401577696353842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfzxfOmMXjI/AAAAAAAAA64/vRmkgXOF4Pk/s320/Barbara+Steph.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Barbara and Me.<br />This is exactly as I remember her. Big smile, perfely manicured nails, and big heart </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">These pics were taken with my Blackberry...sorry for the poor quality, but I left BOTH of my cameras in NW Arkansas.</p><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfydO2f3V6I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/OWcjBHW43U4/s1600-h/Front+with+Stone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331308937372719010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfydO2f3V6I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/OWcjBHW43U4/s320/Front+with+Stone.jpg" border="0" /></a> Front view of the statue</div><div align="center">Under the big oak<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfydOpqJ_MI/AAAAAAAAA6I/O4lzPwlvbdY/s1600-h/Back.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331308933926223042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfydOpqJ_MI/AAAAAAAAA6I/O4lzPwlvbdY/s320/Back.jpg" border="0" /></a>Back of the statue looking towards the front entrace of USA W&C Hospital<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfydOV2f0SI/AAAAAAAAA6A/zk44KX586AU/s1600-h/Stone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331308928609276194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfydOV2f0SI/AAAAAAAAA6A/zk44KX586AU/s320/Stone.jpg" border="0" /></a>Footstone<br /><br /><div align="left">DOMINOES BALL<br /></div><div align="left">The sole purpose of my trip to Mobile was for the Dominoes Ball. The quick history of this Mardi Gras organization: Dominoes are closely associated with the Knights of Revelry (KOR) Mystic Organization in Mobile. KOR parades on Fat Tuesday and have their ball the first Friday night after Easter (Easter Ball). The Dominoes do not parade during Mardi Gras and they host their ball the 2nd Friday night after Easter. These are the only 2 Mystic organizations that host their balls after Fat Tuesday. (No organization can parade or host balls during Lent...ruled by the Catholic Church).<br /></div><div align="left">My friend, Melissa, was the Dominoes' Leading Lady this year. This is the highest honor bestowed on any Mystic Organization. For the ball this year, Melissa chose a Studio 54 theme. How fun it was to throw back to the Disco era! The ball was held at The Country Club of Mobile. The Tip Tops played until the wee hours of the morning and were awesome! They even dressed the part with big afros, wild costumes, and the perfect music. Here are a few candid of the night, but <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=90039&id=719032465&l=73dc25cc5a">here</a> is the link to all photos on Facebook. (Professional Pics are not yet available)</div><div align="left"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331305953699460498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfyahLcudZI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/uw-xUAIM6aw/s320/Melissa+Dancing.jpg" border="0" />Melissa and Gary - the first dance<br />The dance floor was surrounded by all the members of The Dominoes while The Leading Lady lead the first dance of the evening.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331396018942626610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfzsbqoByzI/AAAAAAAAA6g/SqZepMnhkGQ/s320/Melissa+Gina+Steph1.jpg" border="0" /> Melissa, Gina (wearing her traditional Domino robe), and me<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331305953668871602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfyahLVbtbI/AAAAAAAAA5I/2FcMRmdlSmM/s320/Melissa+Gary.jpg" border="0" />Melissa and Gary dancing<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331396021134393602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfzsbyylgQI/AAAAAAAAA6o/L27r_cF83zc/s320/Melisssa+Onstage.jpg" border="0" /> Melissa "singing" her heart out with the Tip Tops<br /><br />*side note: just after this photo was snapped, a few of Melissa's friends were pulled on stage to be "back up". My worst fear was realized when the band leader had pulled my by the hand up front and center to DANCE a solo. There is not enough alcohol anywhere that would have made this fun for me.....later I realized that Melissa had put the band leader up to it....all I can say is that payback is a B****!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331305945914596162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sfyagucq20I/AAAAAAAAA4w/hbTH-bENJqQ/s320/Steph+Phillip.jpg" border="0" /> Me and Phillip</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331305950296105586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sfyag-xTYnI/AAAAAAAAA44/KKihrVUQFbE/s320/Gina+MEK.jpg" border="0" /> Gina and Mary Elizabeth</div><div align="center">(both donning their traditional robes) </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="left">Just after Melissa and I went through the Memorial Park to see Barbara's statue, we went to dinner at Ed's Shed on the Causeway on the Bay. I couldn't help but take this picture of the sunset. It was so beautiful. It was good to be "home" in Mobile.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331308936316619714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfydOykEi8I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/MaETorm24ao/s320/Mobile+Bay+Sunset.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />April 18. Aloft Hotel. Kara and Kelly's birthday party. This is the party that they had planned for themselves before the "surprise party" Easter weekend. Here are a few candids. All I will say about this is that a GREAT time was had by all!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfybU-wwwaI/AAAAAAAAA54/4KB3LayLS5s/s1600-h/BNO+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331306843647033762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfybU-wwwaI/AAAAAAAAA54/4KB3LayLS5s/s320/BNO+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> Julie, Me, Courtney<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfybUoLh4aI/AAAAAAAAA5w/odw-8HBldEk/s1600-h/BNO+008+rev.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331306837585289634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfybUoLh4aI/AAAAAAAAA5w/odw-8HBldEk/s320/BNO+008+rev.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kara, Jenn, Allyson, Julie, Me, Courtney<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfybUkGxqXI/AAAAAAAAA5o/BbIKVE7a3J0/s1600-h/BNO+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331306836491610482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfybUkGxqXI/AAAAAAAAA5o/BbIKVE7a3J0/s320/BNO+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kara's favorite birthday present :)<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfybUQBj0iI/AAAAAAAAA5g/_GxffXra8jU/s1600-h/BNO+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331306831101022754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/SfybUQBj0iI/AAAAAAAAA5g/_GxffXra8jU/s320/BNO+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kelly & John Branca...playing pool and winning!<br /><br />Company Party and Jason Meadows. Dr Pepper Snapple Group was awarded the Vendor of the Quarter for Q4 at Walmart Corp. This is a huge honor...especially considering our competition. (if you think real hard for 5 seconds you'll know who that is...) Everyone in our office has been working extra long hours during this "Relay/Mod Season". I've always known that this season of the Walmart calendar was rough, but living it is a whole different story. Long hours, 7 day work weeks, minimal sleep, and STRESS! The Senior Management decided that we needed a night out to celebrate all that we have accomplished as a team with our customer. So....they invited Jason Meadows to NW Arkansas to host a private concert. DPSG sponsors him corporately, so this was not that big of a request. The loft space above the Wine Cellar on Dickson Street in Fayetteville was turned into a casino and concert hall. Fun times!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Because we were celebrating and the travel distance between Rogers/Bentonville and Fayetteville, DPSG "shuttled" us from our front doors to the venue. No one ever mentioned what we would be picked up in, but we all assumed it would be a paddy wagon or 15 passenger van.....you can imagine my surprise (and my neighbor's) when this sweet ride backed into the culdesac. (Thanks Shelley for the pic!)<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331406405390417746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sfz14PKJv1I/AAAAAAAAA7A/CWsh-Ot2Tdo/s320/Hummer.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left">I was the first to be picked up, so I had a good 2 hour ride in the Hummer before ever getting to Fayetteville. FUN TIMES! However, my friend, Greg, patiently waited for me to arrive. He lives in Fayetteville and met me at the party.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331406409270300306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sfz14dnMDpI/AAAAAAAAA7I/S_YYRhEfZww/s320/Steph+Greg.JPG" border="0" />me and Greg<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Okay...those of you who have known me for any length of time know how I am always talking about "the Babington nose." My Mamaw Sullivan inherited it from her mother, (Cain family, actually) and she has passed it down to my Dad, Uncle Pat, and Aunt Cindy. My Dad has passed it down to me. I have always known that I had a big nose, but it wasn't until someone snapped this candid of me at the Company Party that I realized just how big it really was....all I see in this picture is Mamaw Sullivan's profile....family genetics, gotta luv'em.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331406408151170034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rs1bh3psbNs/Sfz14ZcXe_I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/SCjz7qP4NCI/s320/Steph+Profile.JPG" border="0" />Don't ask what I am trying to do here, but it's obvious that I am TRYING to dance.... </div>Stepheniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198317155088746143noreply@blogger.com2