What I learned from dogs

I have learned a lot from dogs:

1. We are here to serve our Master
2. We need a leader
3. We should live in community-we learn about life from others
4. We should fight for our children
5. Sometimes we fight for food (what we need)
6. Find joy in whatever your circumstance (that's from the 3 legged dog who is always joyful)
7. Love those around you.

Being Southern

I am from the south, Mid-South to be exact. I was born in Memphis, TN, in the Baptist Hospital. My people are all from Mississippi. There is even a Peter Brown Hill somewhere there (which is my Daddy's name). We moved from Memphis when I was 9 to Texas. But many things of the South remained in me. I built my house to look like the ones from my childhood. I didn't realize it until I went back to my cousin's wedding and thought, "My house looks like these." It didn't look like a Texas house at all. There are certain unspoken rules and traditions that are Southern that I cannot shake. I say all of this because of the movie, "The Blind Side". Leigh Ann Tuohy has so many qualities that I find terribly familiar and wonderful. See, we like things to be a certain way. And that is not a bad thing. We like our homes to be run a certain way, our children to act a certain way, and have high expectations for ourselves. We will fight to the death for our families. We love our families. I think we get a bad rap, but I walked away from that movie so proud of my heritage, especially of the women. We can get some things done, can't we? I am grateful for that tenacious spirit, just do it attitude, and good taste.

Olivia's Tenth Birthday

My baby is double digits. It was a decade ago that I gave birth to her. It is hard to believe it has been that long. What a blessing she is to me. We had her friend party today. They are a great group of girls. We had a blast!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for my kids. Alex is a senior. I cannot believe how time has flown. We were just walking him into Mrs. Stroope's 1st grade class at Nebbie Williams Elementary. I still remember all his classmates from that year. I volunteered at the high school today and saw some of those sweet faces. I have such a love for them. He had a good first day and said all but one of his classes were blowoffs; which is just what he wants. Beth started 6th grade and it just seems like yesterday that she would have to be driven around to go to sleep. She loved her day, her schedule, and especially having lunch with her friends. Olivia started 4th grade. She was just born, it seems. She loves her teachers and gets to have PE with her good friends. All around, we had a good day. Now only 186 left!! Yahoo!

Worship at FBC Carrollton

My youngest and I went to see Travis Cottrell at FBC Carrollton one recent Sunday night. It was wonderful. We had a ball worshipping! We were able to get a picture afterward with Travis.

My daughter was just amazed at my sanguinity (I don't know if that is a word). We were coming out of the bathroom and two of the members of the praise team were in the hallway. Julie, one praise team member, and I just hugged like we had known each other for a long time. She and I could be dear friends if we lived by each other. I do believe that God does that for us; He can make us friends just for that moment. (I loved both of the girls, but Julie was the only one I hugged; she must be sanguine too.) They were so sweet to my daughter, liked my dress, and shop at TJ MAXX! I love that!

We had a great night of worship. Then, we got to see a wonderful lightning show on the way home. Incredible! God is good.

Summer at the park

Here are some pictures with the new camera of my girls at the park. I'll have to get Alex to go one day and get some of him.

New camera

Richard had been looking at new cameras for while. He really wanted a Rebel digital, but the cost was a little pricey. We happened to be at Target one day and they had them on clearance. We got it! The lenses from our 35mm Rebel even work with it. Here are some practice shots.