Sounds & More

It's been a while since I posted. Between activities at the apartment complex and church and other things we have going on, I haven't had as much time to sit down and blog. So...here's the latest plus a few pictures from the past couple weeks.

Since Brandon loves watching Nate play softball on Friday nights, we decided to take him to a Nashville Sounds baseball game. Nate can get free tickets from his work and access to a skybox. I didn't say anything to Brandon all day because I knew he would be so excited!! We sat in general admission seating for a few innings.

Carson watched for a few minutes but he thought people watching was much more entertaining! Maybe next year he will be as excited about baseball as his big brother.





After a few innings we moved up to the skybox. Brandon was still interested in the game but it gave Carson the option to crawl around. Ozzie, the mascot, came up to visit us and neither one of the boys were too excited. In fact, Brandon said, "Not in here, not in here" and started shaking. He wanted Ozzie gone! Carson just screamed. Not cry scream, just screamed. Bless 'em.

We had a great night at the ball park! Thank you, Nate, for taking us!

Here are a few pictures from the past couple weeks...

Carson fell asleep at church...so precious!

Brandon think it's his job to help Carson learn how to walk

The last couple weeks have been so hot so we have spent a few days at the Monkey's Treehouse. They love it!!

Meg

Thankful for Provision

Last night was probably one of the scariest times for me since having Brandon over two years ago. Let me preface by saying that I don't like feeling hopeless and out of control (who does, right?).

Nathan had a softball game last night so, of course, the boys and I went and cheered for him and Faith Church. They play doubleheaders so the boys and I stay for the first game and then head home for baths and bed. Last night we were on the way home -- Carson was asleep and Brandon was talking in an effort to keep himself awake -- and I heard something pop. It sounded like something fell off the top of the van...and then I heard the "thump thump thump." Flat tire. Ugh.

If you know the Nashville area then you know where I got stuck is not the most ideal place to have a flat tire. I had just come off Briley Parkway and was almost to Charlotte. It was late, people were flying by me, semi trucks were way too close for comfort. I was scared!!! Brandon kept saying, "I see the moon." hahaha We have had several conversations about the sun and moon lately and I guess he was using his new knowledge while sitting on the side of I-40.

I immediately called my friend, Carolyn, who was at the game so she could get Nathan for me. He left the game and came to our rescue. We were able to get the boys in their car so we could get them home. The tire was shot and there was no way we could make it two miles to the next exit. So, Nathan went and waited for a tow truck to get it.

Nathan got in around midnight last night and got up early this morning to get make sure the van was fixed this morning. I normally go to Zumba at 9:30 on Saturday mornings. With the van issues and Nathan having to be at work at noon, I wasn't sure if Zumba was even going to be an option for me. I do have an amazing husband...not only did he take care of the van but he got home in time for me to go to Zumba AND he watched the boys so I could go to the Y alone!

I am so thankful not only for our protection as we sat on the side of the interstate last night but I am also thankful for the Lord's provision in giving me a husband that takes care of us without a single complaint! I am so blessed and so thankful!



Meg

Yes. Again.

On Wednesday I took Carson to the doctor for his follow-up appointment to check his ears. Last month, I took him knowing he had an ear infection. Not only did he have an ear infection but he doctor said one of his ear drums had actually ruptured. So, he was on antibiotics and this week we went to make sure his ears had healed.

He still has lots of fluid in his ears so he is on another antibiotic. He turns one at the end of this month so when he goes for his one-year check up his ears will be checked yet again. He has had an ear infection every six weeks since January. Nice. Hopefully the "tube talk" will happen in a few weeks.



Meg

The Monkey's Treehouse

Today was HOTT!! Yes, it was so hot that it is deserving of a double "T". We left to go to the Y at 8:45 this morning and I knew then that we wouldn't be playing outside. Ugh. Nasty humidity.

So, after lunch and naps we met our friends Cheryl and Boone at The Monkey's Treehouse. I hadn't taken the boys there yet but we will DEFINITELY be going back!! It's an indoor play area (keyword: INDOOR) that has tons of activities and things to climb on. Brandon's favorite was the ball pit. He would sit in the pit and throw the balls out...nice. Carson played in the block pit most of the time. It was a closed in area with blocks inside. That was okay with me because he couldn't get too far away! =)

Magnetic word board

Riding on one of the trucks

In the block pit

Carson was trying to figure out how Brandon got up there

Boone (aka Wild Man) would just run and jump everywhere if it weren't for Cheryl's supervision. He is so funny!!

My favorite picture of the day...my little monkey! =)

Playing with cars

What a great afternoon with my boys!!!




Meg

Arms that Hold the Universe

God is in control of all things!! He is in control of my day to day...He is in control of our country even when it seems like things are spinning out of control...He is in control of natural disasters...He is in control of the rising and setting of the sun...He is in control of birth and death...He is in control of EVERYTHING!!! How comforting to know that the God of the universe calls me His child and will never let me go!!!

Romans 8:38-39






Meg

Lessons Learned

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Yours streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
When I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

This song was sung in our wedding and as I listened to the words then I knew that Nathan and I would face the "land that is plentiful" and the "desert places." In the three years that we have been married we have survived seminary, had sweet times with friends at Highview and in Louisville, experienced one stressful pregnancy (bedrest with Brandon) and another very healthy pregnancy, had the joy of raising two precious boys, seen God's provision in our move to Nashville, witnessed God at work as we minister to the residents at Grande View, and, most recently, wrestled with letting God have TOTAL control...

One of the many things I love about Nathan is his patience. I am NOT a patient person and I don't pretend to be. Galatians 5...the fruit of the Spirit...yeah, hearing a sermon on patience gets me every time!

Ok, when we moved to Nashville in October of last year, we had committed to serve as Resident Activities Programmers at Grande View. We serve as representatives of and with the support of Faith Church. When we left Louisville and headed to Nashville that's all we knew we were doing. Nathan was going to have to find a job to provide full-time income and benefits. He quickly found a job in retail/sales and that lasted about a month. There were shady things that caused us to question the job...I will spare you the details. Anyway, in January he got hired as a claims adjuster with Alfa Insurance (car insurance). The hours would allow him to keep a consistent schedule with church and the apartment ministry. Awesome. Right??

Almost. Benefits are very important...especially when you have small children. When he was hired at Alfa, he was hired as a temp and told that he would be promoted within 6-9 months. At the time of hire we thought, "Eh, we can make it 6 months." There were SOME benefits offered during the temp period but we quickly realized we were going to need better insurance before long.

After Carson's last episode of ear infection and busted ear drum...and almost $200 worth of antibiotics -- yes, the insurance covered like 10% -- I came to the awareness that something had to be done. Pray? Psh too late for that. Trust? I must do something. I don't have time to wait. Remember my lack of patience?

So, this past Wednesday and Thursday nights I sat down at the computer and started applying for jobs for Nathan (at his approval). We let friends know that he was looking and to keep their ears open for ANYTHING...anything that was full time and offered benefits. Yes, I was playing God. I wasn't REALLY trusting that He could and would provide for us without MY help. He does need us, you know?! Yeah. Negative.

Well, in spite of my need to control the situation, Nathan came home Friday afternoon with papers...papers for HIRE! He was given his promotion!! Well, he has to pass a drug test this afternoon. If he doesn't pass that then we have much bigger issues than him not getting the job!!! So, 24-48 hours after I decided to take the reigns, God provided! Again, He was faithful even in my unfaithfulness and lack of trust.

I almost cried when I saw the hire papers as I was instantly convicted of my selfishness and pride. Isn't is amazing that God chooses to reveal Himself even in our sinfulness? I think I learned a lesson in patience.




Meg

Justice Will Be Served

In case you live in a hole, the Florida vs. Casey Anthony trial ended today! At 1:15pm the verdict was given - NOT GUILTY!!


I have followed the trial pretty close and I was a little shocked at the outcome. I wasn't shocked at the not guilty verdict for first degree murder as there were too many holes in the story and evidence. But, I was a little surprised that she wasn't charged with manslaughter or child abuse. The jury basically decided that she had nothing to do with the murder of her daughter, Caylee.

As with most people watching, I couldn't believe it! If you look at my Facebook page you can see where I was posting with updates and a, "WHAT???" when the verdict was announced. I don't understand how something so obvious (her having something to do with Caylee's death) could end in such a way.

Casey was found guilty for lying to law enforcement...that was her only guilty verdict. She will be facing her sentence on Thursday morning and because of the three years she has already served during the course of the case and trial, she will probably walk a free woman on Thursday afternoon. It sounds absurd!! BUT...

VERDICT: NOT GUILTY...That's what was across the bottom of the television screen for the rest of the afternoon. After the initial shock of the verdict wore off I looked at the television and had a totally different response to the shocking news. As a believer in Jesus Christ I have been found NOT GUILTY. Regardless of my sin, wrongdoing, selfishness, etc. I have been set free!! I am underserving. It's grace.

People are so cynical about the outcome out of the trial. I have heard, "Justice hasn't been served" too many times. Justice will be served in eternity...for everyone including Casey Anthony.




Meg

4th of July

We had a pretty relaxing day. Since we had been on vacation, I needed to catch up on laundry and get the house back in order. So, I did.

We went to Tiffany's for dinner and playtime which is always fun. Then, we took the boys home to put them in their pjs and take them to Pegram to watch fireworks. Brandon was a little scared at first but he liked watching them by the time we left.






It was a fun day...I LOVE MY BOYS!!!




Meg

Orange Beach 2011

I added the pictures and when I put it into a slideshow it put the pictures in opposite order, so you are looking at our vacation backwards! =)

Meg