Libby's love letter

Hi everyone. Hope you are getting all your last minute shopping done. I just wanted to share yet another funny Libby story with you. Meet Brandon. He's one of my favorite kiddos ever. He's really more like a little brother/bff than a kid who once served as my first period helper. Anyway, Libby is in love.....with Brandon. Did I mention he's in college, and she's five? Needless to say, Lee is not so thrilled about this idea. However, a few weeks ago, Libby wrote this 'love letter' to Brando. I knew we were in trouble when she asked me how to spell the word 'wedding'. In case you can't tell, the stick figure to the left is him, and the one to the right is her....in a veil and wedding gown. Notice how she drew a 5 beside her to remind him of how old she is, I guess just in case he forgot. :)

Libby's big news

I guess finding out at thirty-six weeks is better than not finding out at all if you want to know what you're having. :) We are all super excited and can't wait to meet her!

Zip code

That's right folks. After thirty-three long (and I do indeed mean long) weeks of pregnancy, my belly is so big that I do believe it warrants its own zip code. It's funny though how everyone has his or her own opinion on JUST HOW pregnant I look....by funny, I mean it was funny about twenty weeks ago. To some, I apparently don't look like I'm more than half way there....to others, I apparently look as though I'm carrying twins. I don't mind though...and I'll admit-- at my doctor's appointment this week, I had gained a total of nineteen pounds. That's a lot when you take into account that I'm only five feet tall, but it's not a lot when you talk to other pregnant ladies, including my mother, who will kill me if I tell you how much weight she gained with me, but let's just say it was significantly more than nineteen pounds by week thirty-three. We still have no idea what we're having, and I'm hoping that by the time the baby actually gets here I will have accepted the fact that he or she is meant to be a surprise. We're bound to find out soon, right? As soon as we officially decide on both a boy's name and a girl's name, I think I'll be able to sit back and wait patiently for the little one's arrival....ok, so probably not, but I do think it will help make the wait more bearable.

Giving Thanks

This is what I'm thankful for-- my precious five-year-old. If you don't have one of your own, you should consider getting one. They are good for hours of entertainment and giggling...and mine even likes to snuggle. :)

One mighty cute little witch

I'm a little late posting, but we did indeed have a good Halloween. Libby painted the cutest painted at her best friend Lily's birthday party. She wanted to be a witch for Halloween, and what a mighty cute little witch she was! :)

Lib's little adventure

As you may know, my precious Libby was born with a very severe milk allergy. In fact, her allergy was so severe that she had an epi-pen until a year ago. Well, over the past year, after the doctor gave us the big ok, we've slowly been introduicing milk products...still no milk yet, we're working up to that, but Libby has discovered the world of cheese, yogurt, and--as of yesterday--ice cream sandwiches. Her fifth birthday is tomorrow, and my mom was itching to be the one to give Lib her first ice cream treat. At first, she wasn't too sure about this whole ice cream thing, but she reluctantly agreed to her first bite........

As you can see from this next photo, her first bite did not disappoint. :)

In fact, she enjoyed every bite of her new-found favorite treat.

And, I think it's safe to say, that the Libster is now an ice-cream lover for life.

Oh, the joy that can be found in the simple things in life.

Movin' Miss Molly

This is my Molly. She is literally one of the funniest, fun-loving, original people I've ever known. Not only was I blessed to be her teacher for two years, but I have also found a true friend in Miss Molly Dee.

Well, seeing as how life isn't always sunshine and tulips, Molly's family is going through a really rough time right now. Early this month, Molly's dad, Tim, found out that he has a very aggressive form of brain cancer, and last week he had surgery to remove a tumor the size of a large lemon from his brain. I wish I could express to you how amazing her family is and how inspiring they have been about all of this. Her dad is really trusting God right now....even though things are scary and they face many unknowns in the near and distant future. I pray that should I ever be faced with a trial such as this, I will be able to handle it in such a way that my life inspires others and draws them nearer to the One is always in control and Whose will is always perfect...even if it seems impossible to understand sometimes.

Lee and I were able to move Molly into Mississippi State last weekend and had so much fun. It made me think three things:

1. I was so very jealous. I LOVED my college experience at the W and would be overjoyed for a chance to travel back in time and do it all over again.

2. It made me think about the day when Libby will go to college. Although (thankfully) this won't happen for another fourteen years, I know it will be here before I know it. I can't wait to see the person she will be when it's her turn to leave home and face her own set of adventures.

3. I am so proud of Molly and my very special group of former students now friends who are beginning a new phase in their lives this month. They are so amazing in so many ways, and I literally can't wait to see all the things they will accomplish.

If you'd like to keep up with Tim and his progress and to read his inspiring words, please check out his Caring Bridge site by clicking here. Also, please pray for him and his fantastic family as he begins chemotherapy and radiation in the days ahead.