Luke's Dream car...

Luke's dream is finally started...Gene and Luke are beginning to build a downhill racer car. Luke is so excited! My dad gave Luke a book that was my grandfathers' with the design in it, so Gene took Luke a few weeks ago and bought all the supplies. They were able to borrow some tools from one of our friends, Mr. Wayne (substitute grand-dad) and began the project before the football games. Luke was sick this past weekend, so it may take a few weeks to get this project completed. Keep watch for updates on this great project.

It must be football time!

This is what my den looked like last Saturday as college football seasoned kicked-off. Brett had to work--just like every other Saturday this summer. So Gene and Luke were left to watch football together. They look a little intense as they shove their lunch in without even taking their eyes off the TV (and Tennessee wasn't even playing!).

Last Sounds of Summer

When you think of summer, what are some sounds or smells that can take you right back to your childhood? I am a person that loves sounds and smells--they transport me to some great (and some bad) times. When I smell chestnuts trees (that awful Chlorox smell), I can remember my mom having headaches just from the smell. I also remember me sliding down a hill, by accident of course, on my bottom and hands supporting me as Chestnut "thorns" poked me--bad memories!! But then there are those wonderful sounds like the churn of an ice cream maker churning that wonderful homemade ice cream. Somehow, I let the summer of 2007 pass without one batch of homemade ice cream. I am sure for many of you this is an amazing surprise. But guess what...I almost let Summer 2008 slip by the same way. But last weekend, I was determined to not let that happen again! I got a recipe from Brianna Johnson (old Biltmore buddy!! and former high school pal) for Blueberry Cheesecake ice cream--YUMMY!!! Me and the kids loved it! Gene liked the taste. But he is used to me cooking my ice cream first and having more of a smoother texture. Anyway, it brought back great memories of Mom and her friend Judy churning vanilla ice cream with all the fixin's on the side like Mom's homemade freezer strawberry jelly--YUM!!

Pumped about Palin

Maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself, considering the fact that we don't know "much" about Sarah Palin--but I've just got to say that I am FINALLY pumped about walking into the polls on election day. To see a woman live by her principles in bringing that precious baby into the world and not just saying she is pro-life is enough for me. Knowing our own risks with Hannah (high risk, in fact, according to doctors, those so-called professionals) being possibly born with Down's Syndrome, I think that I can see this lady cares about family, she cares about life regardless of the fact it might cause some problems down the road. The Lord did not place us here to have a life of comfort and convenience, but one that requires us to trust Him! The old hymn says it best, Trust and Obey!! I am sure that she and her husband could never have believed when they chose life over convenience, that they would now be in the spotlight giving testimony to God's goodness. May He hold her up during this time and her family, as well.

God is Good!

These are our wonderful children! It seems like they are growing and maturing by the minute! We did not have time yesterday to get a picture of Luke for his first day of school, so here he is with the girls on the their first day and Brett's 6th day! We are so proud of them and how they are growing. This year will probably have many struggles, ups and downs, but I want to take today to praise the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness in bringing us to this point. If you had asked me a year ago where we would be, especially in relation to school--I NEVER would have dreamed this. He is faithful!! It has been a l-o-n-g, tiring year for ALL of us and now we get a glimpse of what He was working out for our good.
Some trust in horse, some trust in chariots, but we trust in the NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD!!! Thank you, Lord!!!!

He's off and running...to Adulthood!

We dropped Brett off to Greenville Tech Charter High School this morning. He is very excited to have the opportunity to go there. He almost drove us crazy this morning wanting to leave and get there early. Of course, if you know me and Gene, he was already going to be early enough!! right?

Driving Off!
Taking the first step!
Obviously, mom and dad are more anxious about pulling away than he is!

Happy 9th birthday, Luke!!

Luke doing a little "air guitar" or in this case..."putter guitar"! Isn't he going to be a heart breaker one day!?!


Luke showing his incredible skill in the massive competive sport of putt-putt golf!