In Case They Ever Wonder

I would so appreciate prayers for my Aunt Jan. She was diagnosed with non-smoker's lung cancer and given a very serious prognosis. We could not have been more shocked. And though she is fully aware of the seriousness of the situation, you could not find a person with a better outlook or attitude. Aunt Jan has no fear of death, and yet she enjoys life, family and friends to the fullest, so she is following the advice of her doctors and trusting in the Lord for each day. I watched just over five years ago as Aunt Jan faithfully cared for my Uncle James during his illness that led to his death. She could not have loved or cared for him more tenderly. Over the years, she faithfully walked through many hardships and illnesses with other friends and family members, including her own mother. I could not be more proud of how Aunt Jan is walking through this difficult time in her own life, and I am happy to say that the many people whom she has loved so well are showering her with love and ...

After the beach, we returned to Birmingham. We spent a tough week learning disappointing news about two family members. My Aunt Jan was diagnosed with non-smoker's lung cancer, and we are praying for a miracle for her. My grandfather had to have surgery for spinal stenosis, and he had a difficult time recovering from the medications after surgery. We are thankful that he is now home and improving. Although the week in Birmingham was difficult, the kids were still able to have fun feeding geese and ducks in the park and spending time with family. (Will actually had his first cup of coffee courtesy of Aunt Pammie!) We then went back to the beach (Navarre, Florida). Matt wasn't with us because he was at camp (Awaken '09), and Patti-Grams, Tato and Hope  only stayed the weekend so they could get back to the extended family in Birmingham. The kids and I had a great time with Aunt Tori and Uncle Derek! We stayed in a house on the beach, which made getting everyone and everything ...

Straight from Princess Camp, we left for Birmingham - there we continued to  celebrate Sophie's birthday, complete with Mee-Maw's homemade  chocolate cake! (A time-honored family tradition...) A new bike was definitely the highlight for Sophie, and she was so excited about her new helmet and pads that she wouldn't take them off most of the day! We also celebrated the 4th of July! Aunt Pammie made sure Sophie saw fireworks, though Will still didn't stay awake late enough to see the fireworks! (Maybe, next year...) Both kids loved eating homemade ice cream and Papa spraying them with the hose! Then we left for the beach (Orange Beach, near Gulf Shores). We had a great trip  with the family, (with the exception of Aunt Tori and Uncle Derek. We missed them, but they were having an awesome time at  TPC  Kids'  Camp). At the beach, we continued to celebrate Sophie's  birthday (it was truly the birthday that wouldn't end...) and she received a new suitcase from Pat...

We have been traveling for one month. Lots of memories made in the past 30 days... First to  Franklin - there we celebrated Sophie's 5 th  birthday, with her fabulous "pink party!" Once again, Aunt Tori and Uncle Derek pulled off an event Sophie will never forget! Each guest received a "Think Pink" or "Tuff Guys Wear Pink" t-shirt! There was more candy than even Sophie could dream of in "Sophie's Sweet Shop," Aunt Tori and Uncle Derek made a giant pink cupcake cake, and the kids enjoyed a game of P-I-N-K-O! We read Pinkalicious  and danced the night away to a pink-themed soundtrack! Needless to say, Sophie had a ball! Then Sophie enjoyed a week of  "Princess Prep School!" I think this was one of Sophie's best weeks ever! I was so proud of all she learned about what it means to be a "true princess," and she can't wait to go back next year! We were all excited when Tato made it home from Africa just in time for S...