Real Life

From time to time life becomes real. Its not our normal 'busy' lives. Its not work. Its not school. For me, one of those moments was August 19. It was Landry's first day of school, but that is not what I am talking about. I returned to work at 4:15 after leaving to pick up Landry from his first day. Shortly after returning (4:20) I received a text from my mom. It said "Call me now."

That is not normal, so I called immediately. She told me that Diana had quit breathing today. Diana is my Aunt. She is the wife of my mom's brother. She is 51 and I was shocked. I got in my car and drove to Alexandria where she was being airlifted to Rapides Regional. Shortly after arriving we discovered she had not made it. My heart was broken. It was broken for my uncle. It was broken for my cousins, Brandi and Chance. And it was broken for me. Brandi and I are 5 months apart in age and as children we were more like brother and sister. Our family is close and Aunt Diana was an important part. I cannot imagine what Brandi, Chance and my Uncle Rick must have felt and be feeling. My prayers are with them and ask that yours be too. On August 23 we buried my aunt. Uncle Rick spoke at the funeral, an amazing feat given the circumstances. It was very touching and even funny at times. Brandi spoke and it was obvious that her heart was breaking. The whole scene was so surreal. It still feels that way. Aunt Diana was a caring person. She cared for animals and she cared for her family. Every time we saw her she always hugged us. She will be missed. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers, particularly Rick, Brandi, and Chance. Thank you.

Happy Birthday Austin

On August 11, 2008 we welcomed Austin into our lives. It is hard to believe that it has been a year. I don't know what we would do without him. We love him very much and so does his big brother, Landry. He always wants to hug him and kiss him, even with Austin's protests. We thank God for this wonderful gift and important responsibility. We pray God will guide us in raising a man of character, strength, and love. Yesterday we gathered with friends and family to celebrate Austin's first year. Here are some pictures. Hope you enjoy.

Wet n wild

Aunt Amy with an early present Birthday shirt

Exhausted

Infinity Minus One (More Landry Theology)

Landry's recollection is remarkable. Though we may think he isn't listening, he is and he will use what he learns against you at just the right time. He's like a woman that way. Hope he grows out of it; the part about using it against me. The other day Landry asked me how much I loved him. I told him I loved him infinity. After he asked what that meant, I explained that it was the most you could love someone. He told me I could not love him that much. I asked why. "Because we have to love Jesus more." So I changed my answer to infinity minus 1. He's 5, I'm 33. I can only aspire to be so wise. Apparently the hair isn't working. Maybe when I'm 40.

Vacation Pics

Courtney and Austin at Fort Morgan

Definitely one of Landry's quieter moments.

Me sending Landry for a ride. Trust me, I tired

before he did.

Mom and Sis hanging out on the balcony.

First picture from the balcony.

Beach Bum

That's what Austin is. We just returned from a week in Perdido Key and Austin loved the sand. He will be one on August 11 and apparently the beach gave him the incentive to get up and go. He took his first significant steps (9 to be exact) and there seems to be no slowing him down now. Maybe I should ask for a prayer of protection for Landry as it will be harder to get away from little brother. Here's a question; if grown-ups go on vacation to get rejuvenated, do infants go to get juvenated? Hmm.

Protect Your Face

Recently, Landry has become enamored with death and people dying. One night he said a prayer that went something like this, "God, thank you for my mom, thank you for my dad, thank you for baby Austin, thank you for this beautiful day......And God, please don't let my dad be shot, stabbed or killed by the bad guys. In Jesus name, Amen." I really appreciated the prayer for protection. I had no idea I was in such danger. The other day he asked about people who were shot in the head. I told him that if they knew Christ they would be ok, receiving a new body in heaven. He informed me he knew they would get a new body. What he wasn't certain of was whether or not they would get a new head. So just in case, protect your face.

What just happened?

One minute I am anti-text the next minute I am starting a blog. I am not completely out of touch with technology, but its not my strong suit. Ask Josh Wilson, he set up the voicemail on my cellphone. Anyway, I started this as a way to stay in touch with friends and family. This way ya'll can see what's happening with us on your own time. For those who don't know us, we are a family of four (Ty, 33 today, Courtney ?, Landry 5, and Austin, 1 on August 11). Case closed refers to the Bible. Its true, case closed. I hope this works. God bless you all.