Crash Update

Apparently, everyone survived the accident yesterday! Two women are hospitalized. I'm thinking they are grateful for our prayers!

Story:
http://www.wlextv.com/Global/story.asp?s=9309473

Cake by Jim Gaffigan

I love it when the rental car has Satellite radio. I heard this bit on the road and it really made me giggle....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Im9Le9Vy2o

The Lord is our shield

So, in bible study, we are studying Genesis and we are currently studying the chapter where God promises Abram protection. We were asked to reflect upon times when God has protected us, even amidst our bad decisions. Well, I've made my share of those! :P But today, I had a very present feeling that I was definitely being protected. I'm currently "on tour" in Kentucky. A few weeks ago, I was cleaning up some glass at the playground and got a sliver in my finger. No big deal, I figured it would work it's way out. Well, now it's driving me crazy. I mentioned it in my lecture and received an over pouring response of home remedies. Even crazy things I've never heard of. I am, after all, in Kentucky. ;) We can't help it. We are all therapists and we LOVE to help people. It was like being in a room full of "Me's". If you mention a challenge, we all jump at the opportunity to help. So, I head out to a local pharmacy to get said Gramma Cures and I had a nice time with the pharmacist who was a delightful lad who even called other stores in the area to try and help me find weird salves. I felt like I was being stalled significantly, but I was really in no hurry anyhow. After much searching, he finally found the stuff behind a counter that I needed. Two other techs had looked previously. If they had found it quickly, I would have been on my way to Louisville a few minutes earlier.

So, I get on my way and am passed by enourmous amounts of emergency crews. It was surreal. Literally over five ambulances and eight fire trucks passed by me on this little two lane road leading to the interstate. I figured it must have been a large accident on the interstate. Well, as I traveled along, I found that I was only the 20th or so car in a long line that led up a hill. Stopped cold. Since I have no idea where I am and no GPS system, I see people gathered up on top of the hill and decide to ask for directions on alternative routes to get to the interstate that will take me to my next destination. Although, I couldn't actually see anything (and wasn't trying extremely hard) there was a large wreck at the bottom of the hill. I was told that the road was going to close and at that point two lifeline helicopters began to hover. I was suddenly struck with the realization that if I had been a little earlier, I could have been at the bottom of that hill. If you are reading this close to the posting, please say a quick prayer for those involved in the crash and their families.

As a further provision, I was provided with a very sweet lady who was also headed my way and she offered to let me follow her back another route. I'm so glad she was there, it was some serious Kentucky backroads....

So, now I'm in my hotel and I'm so very grateful for all of the protection that God routinely shows to me and those I love. I pray he will protect the hearts of those who were involved in the accident today. I know His good will utlimately prevail, but I hope that it is as unpainful as possible for those involved in it. Since I was a child, I have always made a point to say a quick prayer for the crew and people involved whenever I see an ambulance or emergency vehicle in route. Please join me tonight for the families in need of prayer around Frankfurt, KY near Interstate 64.....

Suzy Art

Suzy loves to paint. I'm not sure she cares so much about the final product, as the process. Here is a favorite "medium" for her. Finger paint mixed with shaving cream.


I usually end up stripping her naked for most of these little Picassos. :)

Crazy Hair

The weather here has been spectacular the past few days and Suzy and I have been taking advantage by doing lots of outdoor activities. I couldn't resist running in for the camera to catch the static from the trampoline in her hair. I still crack up when I look at these pictures.

Halloween 2008

This may be the only year where I can dictate costumes. So, I jumped in and the kids are going as Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy. However, if you ask Suzy, she will proudly tell you she is dressed up as "Wagaly Suzy". Andy is still, "Wagaly Andy". Makes sense to me! I love how she says things these days. Some of my favorites are "Ban-dan" for Band-Aide and "amigals" for animals. She told me last night that she could hear the "night creatures". This age is so very fun. So, anyhow, back to the costumes. The funniest part of these pictures is that I took a little neighbor girl (age 8) with us and she had NO idea who Raggedy Ann and Andy were. Oy vey.

Let's just say it was a valiant effort to get a photo of both children in costume.

After about ten minutes, Andy let me know what he thought of all that posing.
Forgive me for boasting, but I think she is absolutely adorable this year. :)
Andy was "dashing" in his little overalls. Poor guy, he was just a little hot with the entire costume on.

Suzy, I think you are the best "Wagaly Suzy" ever.

A few more Port Aransas

My sweet Suzy, how I love you so.

Little Man checks out the beach. Hmmmmm.... sand..... Pretty much as expected, we didn't get much of a reaction. I know I keep saying it, but he is sooooo his father! I love it. Suzy and I need a little Sugar with our Spice. :)

We attempted a few family portraits while on vacation this year. It was fun to play. :) Thanks, Judith for helping us take these photos.

Such a typical Suzy expression. Her preschool teacher said today, "My, Suzy was very full of energy today." Ya think?! I just love her zest for life. And, in typical Andy fashion... Mr. Mellow Fellow. I really wonder what his toddler years will be like.

Andy's first day at the beach.

My sister, Laura, was able to join us on this trip. We had a blast hanging out with them and their crazy fun Buffett RV. I always enjoy getting together with Laura and her family. I hope we can continue to take some vacations together as our kids get older.

This is Laura's youngest, Jimmy. When I thought I couldn't have children, we would joke that it was OK, because God just gave my child to Laura. We've teased for years that he is my "Mini Me." So, now that Suzy is here, I guess I have two "Mini Mes".
Here's Jimmy and TJ, Laura's oldest. They are such great friends. I hope my kids play this well as they grow up together.
Poor Jimmy got stung by a jellyfish on their last day.

Port Aransas

We did another vacation to Port Aransas with our friends from church and I think everyone had a great time. I even brought my photo stuff with me and attempted to get some family portraits as well. I am definitely learning something about myself. I really prefer to do the candid shots to the portraits. If I do portraits, I prefer fewer subjects. Maybe it's just my "clientele" at this point. But, it's nearly impossible for a beginner like myself to get two babies and a mommy and daddy to all look good in the same shot. :) I guess that's why I'm studying up on the photoshop techniques as well.


My sister, Laura, actually took these two shots, but I love them. I really didn't get to take nearly as many pictures as I was wanting or planned to. I just didn't have the time with trying to visit with everyone and keep up with a toddler and infant at the same time. Oh well, there are always the years to come! Rob and I have discussed making this an annual event. I hope we do! I think the kids would really look forward to it.



Lane on the beach. I hardly feel like I spent any time at all with the Diana and her family, but I did get to see them briefly.
Sweet Katherine.
I love Adeline's dress. I got several shots of her, but this one was my favorite.
So sweet of Chris and Aravis.
Judith picked this spot out for Elizabeth and it ended up being some of my favorites. I really liked the color contrasts and angles.


The Wallace's were a lot of fun. I wish I would have been able to spend more time with them as well.

I know, I know,... but I just think naked babies are so cute! I actually got a better "nude" (side view only) when his diaper fell off. But, since he's not mine, I didn't think it appropriate to post.


Andy seemed to really enjoy his vacation as well. He did alright. We were all pretty happy to sleep in our own beds when we got home, but for being so out of routine, he really was a great trooper. He just amazes me by how easy going he continues to be. On a side, he literally smiled at me as I put him in his bed for his afternoon nap today. Then proceded to sleep for going on two hours at this posting....What??!!
Andy's second day at the beach.
Another Wallace shot. I just thought this looked fun.
So, what do you think? Are you on board for next year?

Red Barn

We did more pumpkins on Sunday with Suzy's friend, Rebekah. We all had a good time.

There was even a resident kitty on hand for petting pleasures.
I love that Suzy is interacting more with her friends. It's so fun to see her developing socially as well as physically. Here they were playing a mix of hide and go seek with a little tickle tag when discovered.
I just think Rebekah is so beautiful. Suzy really has some pretty little girl friends.




She LOVES to pick the blooms off of flowers.
This, however was what the majority of the pictures of Suzy looked like. A blur running away from me.
I'm sure there will be many more pumpkin pictures to come.... The fall here is just gorgeous.