With heartfelt thanks

Yall, words cannot express how much your words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and prayers covering our family has meant. We are blown away by the family of God. It has not only blessed me it has challenged me to bless others in a totally new way.

We still have waves of sadness, but we are GRATEFUL for a God who bottles our tears and brings us joy. Please hear me when I say, we are blessed by you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, you have truly been the hands, feet, mouth, and heart of Jesus!

On a lighter note... this week was "c" week at school. So naturally his class had all things "c" in it. Look what JH found.

Today we grieve

Today as a family we grieve the loss of a little one. A few weeks ago we found out we were pregnant and although we were thrilled there quickly arose some things that we were not "normal" after several blood test, an ultrasound, and doctors appointment, our little blessing has gone home to be with Jesus.

This morning we went in for a D & C and although we have been through a gamete of emotions from the beginning we are confident that God has a plan for our family. After meeting with the doctor yesterday we immediately schedule the surgery. My parents came up which was far more of a blessing that we could have ever thought (and will be forever grateful), and we prepared. How does one prepare, well I don't really know, but I felt like if I said we preparing we were accomplishing something (you know that is list maker in me).

We were a ball of nerves as we left the house at 5:45 the morning and from iv's to discussing the burial remains, my emotions were all over the place. Then the doctor walked in. Yall I met this lady yesterday. Sure we had spoken on the phone, but she did not "know" us. She again explained what was happening and then we got on our knees and we thanked God for his plan and his timing. For holding our baby in heaven until we get there, and healing us as we move on from this tragedy. And for peace and strength for each new day we are given.

There were so many things we wanted for this child, to run through the grass with his/her older brother, to visit grandparents, experience Disney, to have a relationship with the Savior, to sing silly songs at the to of his/her lungs, and to know beyond of shadow of a doubt that this family LOVES them. Then tonight as John Hunter and I were reading Bible stories about Jesus I couldn't help but think, he/she was with Jesus. It was more than a cartoon figure telling about the fish and loves, our child is touching the hands that multiplied that meal. As we read further and we read about Jesus preparing a place for us and I got giddy thinking that our mansion will have a nursery for that sweet child, not decorated in the latest pottery barn bedding, but in the strength, grace, and honor of the Almighty.

Today we grieve, but tomorrow, we hope.

Romans 15:13-- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Family Photos

So today I started to panic that both John Hunter and I needed a family photo. The last "real" staged family photo we took was in the summer of 2009. That was just way too long. So with the help of my neighbor friend. We were able to get a couple of shots that are worth the carry to the classroom tomorrow :) Thought I would share:)

JUNE: 2009

SEPTEMBER: 2010

Tuttles Orchard

Yesterday we went to the apple orchard with our neighbors and their little girls! We had so much fun! It was a perfect day for it. And since we were all going together, I decided to make everyone shirts. They turned out so cute!

I after the orchard I came home and made a homemade apple pie to take to some friends house for dinner. I felt so much like Martha Stewart. I thought i would share the recipe because it was so YUMMY and so easy!

Nana's (not mine, but my Friend Kelly's) Apple Pie:

4 large tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin)

1 cup sugar (1/2 will be used for apples and 1/2 for toppings)

1 tbsp. cinnamon

3/4 cup flour

1/3 cup butter

1- 9" unbaked pie shell, or you can make your own. I however perfer the crust you roll out

Mix 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and pour over peeled and sliced apples

Place in prepared apples into pie crust

For the topping: sift 1/2 cup of sugar with the 3/4 cup of flour, and cut in the 1/3 cup butter until crumbly. Put the crumbs on top of the pie and bake 15 min at 435 degrees, turn down the over to 350 and bake 30 min or longer.

Oh and it is a MUST to serve with ice cream :)

What a week

This week can be summed up by one word... SCHOOL! We officially start school next Tuesdsay, but this week we have been working, parent teacher night, and kids walk thru. And to say I am tired is an UNDERSTATEMENT!

I am excited to be with all my students and their parents are precious, but I will be resting up this weekend. So today I had my 5 min of fame. If you listen to KLOVE in the morning you will hear Eric and Lisa. They are stationed out of Indy and Lisa's son is in my class this year. She was so sweet last night. This is their first experience in Preschool, so this is a new road for her. This morning on the morning show she was talking about Mrs. White's class, and her son Precious southern Preschool teacher. How fun is that! Eric just laughed!

Well we are headed to the orchard tomorrow so I am sure we will have FUN pics from there! The above pic was taken TODAY at preschool, and the follow pic was taken last year. What a difference a year make... but at least we got two wears out of the shirt ;)

Wordless Wednesday... Part 2

Wordless Wednesday