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.

Summer summed up

Ok, so due to the fact that I am with child and have been essentially sick to my stomach for the past two months, our summer has been the epitome of 'low-key'. We did, however, manage to squeeze in a few highlights and make a few memories.
This is a pic. of Libby and Jordyn. Jordyn is the daughter of my very best high school friend, Jennifer. They had a great time playing together...until it was time to share the one pair of dress-up shoes, but what girl wouldn't argue for a good pair of glitter shoes, right?

It was literally imperative that Libby take swimming lessons this summer. Why is that, you ask? Well, in case you've never had the pleasure of meeting Libby, she is fearless. By this I mean she will run and jump into a pool, knowing good and well that she can't swim yet but arguing with you that she can swim just fine. So, it was either give the child swimming lessons, avoid the pool entirely, or super glue floaties to her little arms. Once she realized that maybe she wasn't the swim champ she thought she was, she did great and learned a whole lot during her swimming lessons....oh, and she LOVED being in the pool so much.

This is Janelle. She was my saving grace when I taught at Southaven Middle and is one of the truest most genuine friends I've ever been blessed to have. We went to see 'Wicked' together in Memphis and had THE BEST TIME. If you haven't seen it, you should consider it. It was truly amazing. I've seen several shows, but nothing has compared with this. I'm currently reading the book....it's a bit slow to start and rather unusual, but I'm staying hopeful. I'll let you know how it turns out when I finish it.

And let us not overlook the glorious cat bathing experience. This is Libby's cat, Sally the Camel Has Four Humps. Yes, you read that correctly. Seriously, what DID you expect Lib's cat to be named? Needless to say, we enjoyed the expression on her face much more than she enjoyed the bath.

I can't believe this summer has so quickly come to an end. I start my new teaching job on Monday, making today my official last day of summer. Bummer, bummer, bummer.

One of my favorite things...

So, as many of you know, my grandmother has been in the hospital this week. She had surgery last Friday and then again last Sunday to remove some blood clots from her leg. Well, from Friday to Monday I was there to help in whatever way I could and to offer support to my mom while she takes care of my grandmother. Well, in case you have never had the hospital stay experience, it can be quite dull. So, I did what any good English teacher would do- I read...and I read...and I read. I love to read, but it's so hard to find books these days that aren't filled with worldly views and bad morals. That's why I'm thankful for these books. They're by a Christian author named Karen Kingsbury. She's written a ton of different things- some children's books, a few series stories, and some novels. I've read about ten of her books, and I'm currently suffering from an addiction to the Redemption series...it's about the Baxter family, whom I've come to feel like I know personally. They are by no means literary masterpieces, but they are good, sweet, easy reads. They kind of remind me of Nicholas Sparks books, except her characters make good, Godly decisions consistently....not always the case with ole' Mr. Sparks. So, if you're looking for a quick pick-me-up, give them a shot. They work for me. :)

My, how they grow!

While Lee and I were in Louisiana last week, we made the trek almost to Texas to see the precious LeBlanc babies. Mary Louise and David are both doing so well, and I can't believe how they've grown! They are both over two pounds these days and both are officially breathing on their own! Don't believe in the power of prayer? Well, you should. We had a wonderful visit with Heather and Brent (the proud parents). If you want to know more about their story, you can visit them at their blog site. Please keep the prayers headed their way!

Home sweet home

This past weekend, Lee, Lib, and I visited my cousin and her family in Lousiana. We had a great visit, the kids played well together, and the weather was beautiful. However, it did make me a little homesick. In fact, the thing I miss the most about living there is this:

Howdy, cowgirl!

Here are some long overdue pictures from Lib's end of school program. She was quite a little hoot and did a great job.

Surprise, surprise, surprise

So, I am a firm believer in the idea that if God doesn't give you want you want, He will give you something better. Well, that's definetly the case at the Aldridge house these days. As you may know, Lee and I have been asked approximately 900 times if and when we are having more children. Well, to be quite honest, we are perfectly content with our one. Libby is plenty to keep us busy. We have toyed with the idea of adoption but are really just happy having our one little girl. Again, God obviously has other plans. So, we're pregnant. Surprised? We certainly are. I've thought long and hard about it though, and I've come to the conclusion that God knew good and well that if He'd waited for the day that Lee and I prayed to have a second child, He'd be waiting for quite a while. So, here we are. While the idea has taken some getting used to, I can't say that we are anything but thankful. Fortunately, I learned a long time ago that God's plans are always way better than anything I can come up with, so how can I not be excited? I will, however, be more excited when the non-stop morning sickness marathon is over. Baby Aldridge will be here sometime around January 9th, according to the doctor. But I'm thinking more like mid-December. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. Oh, and in case you're wondering, Libby is thrilled. She's set on the idea of naming the baby Corn on the Cobb. Yes, you read correctly. She likes it because, according to Libby, it will be a great name for a boy OR a girl. Nice, right?