Baby Three

Baby three is currently under construction. The first ultrasound was Monday, Aug. 25. According to the measurements we are 4 1/2 weeks into the process. So far no morning sickness, just waves of nausea and lots of fatigue. We return for another ultrasound on Tuesday, Sept. 2 to see how things are progressing with my low progesterone level. Hopefully the progesterone supplement I'm taking will do the trick like it did with Schaeffer. I always have a bit of anxiety in the first trimester since everything is so uncertain. I'm trying not to have a spirit of fear but to focus on all the blessings that Jesus has already bestowed upon me and my family. He is always so good!

I Needed a Smile...

Today was Lily's first day of preschool. My mind raced a million ways as I watched the details of today's tragic event unfold at a nearby school. Tonight I will be thanking Jesus for His merciful love and His saving grace.

Tragedy Strikes in my Neighborhood

Not even three miles from my house a major tragedy took place today. A student was shot and killed by another student at Central High School. Please pray for the family of the victim, for the shooter and his family, for the families of all the students at Central High, and for our community.

Preschool Open House

Today we attended Open House at Lily's new preschool at the Lutheran church. She did so well today going right into the room to play. The teacher, Mrs. Denna, had prepared a small activity for the children to do upon entering the classroom. Lily was interested in the activity for...umm...let's say 2 seconds. She was busy eyeballing all the cool toys in the room. We quickly finished the "sit-down work" so that Lily could check out all the toys. I had the chance to talk with Mrs. Denna for a little bit. I think she's going to be a great teacher for Lily. She shared a little bit about her philosophy on learning through play and creativity. I love that, especially for Lily! She shared with me that she wants the children to be as independent as possible, but that she would be available to help each child when they needed it. I observed Mrs. Denna help Lily with Play-doh and she was great in guiding her. Sometimes Lily struggles with fine motor skills (opening/closing lids, manipulating small toys and craft items, etc.). I watched as Mrs. Denna gave Lily several suggestions for making the Play-doh "work" the way Lily wanted it to. I could tell that it was going to be a good match!

Lily's favorite part about the preschool is the playground. The playground is accessed directly from the classroom. Great for Lily, but maybe not so great for Mrs. Denna who will have to hear children begging to go outside all the time! Lily asked me to take her picture on the animals - she loves animals so the playground is right down her alley.

I'm very excited for Lily as she starts this new adventure. I think she is going to do great. I can't help but worry a little bit and be a little sad that my little girl is growing up. But my excitement for her growth through this experience far exceeds any of my worries or sadness.

As a side note: Sarah, the director of the preschool, announced to us last week that she will need to step down from the position. She was involved in a white water rafting accident this summer that injured her elbow. She has undergone physical therapy for months and just learned two weeks ago that the nerve damage is permanent and she will probably never have feeling in the lower half of her arm again. Sarah cried as she made the announcement, saying, "I will not be able to do some of the things I once did, such as picking up these little ones and holding them." Please pray for Sarah that God would give her healing and that she could once again be able to return to doing what she loves so much and is so gifted in doing - working with children! It was because of Sarah that I chose the Lutheran preschool over some other programs. She is a wonderful lady who's gifted, organized, sincere, and loving. She will be greatly missed.

My Dream Come True

Yesterday one of my lifelong dreams came true! I attended a Dolly Parton concert! Dolly still rocks the house! I loved every second of it and I will see her again when she's back in town. Next time I will pony up the extra moolah for the closer seats. Two of my favorite songs that she performed yesterday was Little Sparrow (acapella) and Jolene. And on her newest CD, Backwoods Barbie, she has a new song that I really enjoyed called Only Dreamin'. She is such a legend and I'm not afraid to say I'm one of her biggest fans! GO DOLLY!!!



Melissa, Casey, Tina and me after the concert:

Countdown to Olympics 2008, Beijing

If you missed the Olympics opening ceremony - possibly intentionally in protest of China's human rights - you still must see this video displaying the most impressive beginning to an Olympic opening ceremony ever done. Totally awe-inspiring!

Bike Ride and Volunteer Landing

The Few, The Proud...The Muddy!

Knoxville's Marine Corp Mud Run

BJ, a few other guys, and I (yes, I'm the only female) will be reporting for duty 0900, 13 Sept 2008, Melton Hill Park.