happy mother's day

I want to thank Chris for the great mother's day gift I received today. I got an awesome flower pot with a Lowe's gift card to go buy some flowers or herbs. But the best gift was the letter I received from Eli. It is so sweet that I have to share it with you. I'm not sure, but I think he got a little help from his dad...

Mom,
Seven months ago today, I remember that I was just hanging out, wishing that I had some more fluid to swim in when all the sudden all of these people started getting in my personal space. I remember you stated making these funny sounds and I felt like I was being forced out of the only home I had ever known. Then, all of the sudden, some guy named Francis (Dr. Lake) grabbed my head and held me up for everyone to see. I have to admit that I was pretty nervous about finally being out in the real world, but you have really helped me adjust. I just want you to know that you are a great mom. Thanks for always feeding me when I am hungry, comforting me in the middle of the night, and making sure I have cool things to play with like plastic bottles and cell phones. You and I have had some good times over the last seven months! Remember when I pooped all over you and your bed? That was hilarious! Or what about when I pooped in the bathtub while you were in it? That was pretty funny too! I don't know what the future will hold for us, but I do know that I'm glad you'll be there with me. Don't get me wrong, I like Dad too, but he gets kind of grumpy sometimes and I haven't really figured him out yet. I honestly don't know what you were thinking when you married him, but I'm glad you did. Thanks for being patient with him and forgiving him when he does and says stupid stuff (don't tell him I said that). Anyway, I just want you to know that you're doing a great job of raising me and I could not ask for a better mom. I love you very much and I wish you a Happy Mother's Day!
Love, Eli
p.s. Tell Dad i can't wait to run the bases at the field.

I can't think of a better gift than that! I truly have the best husband.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms I know, old and young...but to the mom's out there whose children aren't here to celebrate and those waiting patiently for their turn, a special prayer is going out today, and everyday, in your name. I will continue to pray wholeheartedly that one day the Lord will give you the desires of your heart.

a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised!

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

verses from prov. 31

It wasn't until later in life, college maybe, that I realized not all girls are as blessed as I have been with their mother. My mother has truly been the perfect model of a mother. Of course, there were many times growing up when I didn't understand why my mother always shared God's hard truths with us or why she wanted us to follow the Lord's will for our lives. After I became a believer, I realized even more how fortunate I was to have a mother that feared the Lord and desired to follow Him. Mom, thank you...

-for making me quote a bible verse after quoting a movie line at the dinner table

-for always reminding me "as a dog returns to his vomit, so does a fool to his folly"

-for having a son-in-law list and disapproving of a lot of the guys I dated

-for teaching me how to dress modestly, so not to cause others to stumble

-for teaching me how to cook like Big Mommy --Chris thanks you for this as well :)

-for showing me how important it is to study God's Word

-for instilling in me that the things of the world don't satisfy

-for modeling how to be a godly wife

-for always loving me where I am but pushing us to be a better person

I have to say I have learned a lot from my mom and I still learn from her daily. She has a way of sharing God's truths with me that give me peace. I'll never forget the day I found out I was pregnant with Eli and called her crying, not from joy but because I was scared of another miscarriage. Her words comforted me in a way that no one else could have because she shared God's words with me. Here's to you Mom! Thanks for all you have been for your three daughters. We will know how to mother our children because of your example.

season closer

This is Chris and Eli after the last game of Chris's first season as head coach. Do you see the smile on his face? That means we won! Chris's team finished the season 13-13. I know he would have rather had a winning season, but its better than having a losing season! I am so proud of Chris and can't wait to see what next year holds! All I know is that my job is going to get a lot harder since Eli will be walking next year. Anyone got any pointers for me? I'm thinking about fencing in an area at the field where he can play and not run off. :)

first trip to see the bravos!

This past Friday we took a trip to Atlanta to see the Braves take on the Astros. Eli went with us and enjoyed his first Braves game. He stared at all the lights and sounds. He took a nap in NeNe's lap. He walked around with BooDon to see all the sights.--Can you tell Chris and I never saw him during the game? :) Then he watched the fireworks show after the game. When we got to the car he was extremely tired and cried for a long while in the car. Then NeNe sang him a song over and over until he fell asleep. It was so funny because he wouldn't let her stop singing. If she stopped for a second, he would start crying again. I think we wore him out real good Friday night because Saturday night he FINALLY slept through the night!!!!!! WAHOO!

Family pic

Daddy and E after the game

E checking it all out

The only close up I could get. He kept moving around!

the ak family

A few weeks ago Chris's family came to visit for Eli's Baby dedication. We had lots of fun hanging out at the cabin. Chris's dad and I both fished a little. I didn't catch anything and he caught one little horny head. (the is the name of the fish...believe me, unless Lance and Chris just made that name up. which i wouldn't put it past them!) Eli had so much fun hanging with his grandparents and Aunt Kate. We love you guys. Hope you had as much fun as we did!

Eli checking out the fish.

Kate and Eli taking a walk.

Eli playing patty cake.

Sorry the lighting is bad Mr. Drew! You can't see the fish.

my favorite coach

Does this face scare you? Chris sent this to me today and said, "Are you sure you want to be married to the guy in this picture?" My response...OF COURSE! I knew when I married Chris that he was firey. I love that about him. It adds excitement to our marriage and there hasn't been a dull moment in the past four and a half years we've been married. I do worry about him having a heart attack sometimes on the field but there is nothing I can do about that because sick, healthy, hoarse, or with a splitting headache, he will always give all he's got for his team. But that is fine with me because when he is home, he gives all he's got to our team.

Today Chris finishes up his first season as the head coach at Habersham. We will travel to Athens one last time to take on the Jaguars from Cedar Shoals. If everything turns out well, we will end the season 13-13. I know it isn't the record that he hoped for but it could have been a whole lot worse. I am so proud of him and hope for many more years as a Habersham coach's wife. I love you Chris!

little boy

here are a couple new pics of eli. he is so close to crawling. his dad has been practicing with him every day. he is talking more and more and becoming such a joy to be around. i know any day now he will sleep through the night! his favorite "words" to say are: dada, hey and byebye. i love his little smile and i'm so thankful the Lord has given him to us.