Remembering...

Today, is a day of remembrance. Ten years ago, many of us watched and listened as planes flew into the world trade centers and changed not only our nation, but our lives forever. Our husbands, wife's, fathers, mothers, grandparents and friends were all a part of this tragic day. Some went to be with our Father in heaven, others chose to not hear, and some were given second chances that only God can give. Yes, today is a day of remembering all those who are not with us anymore, and all those brave souls who risked their lives for another. Take a moment out of this beautiful day and say a prayer for our nation, and those families who still grieve and mourn the loss of their loved ones. Pray for all of us who still remain to open our ears and eyes to what the Lord is trying to tell us. May we be the disciples He has called us to be and the witnesses our country so desperately needs. Here is an e-mail that just brought me to tears. Feel free to pass it along! God bless the families from September 11, 2001 and God bless our country.

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK... I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was on the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of her heart for years!' I said, 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls, I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, and Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all knew Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, If you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

September 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you will know you are ready to go.

I will be there, waiting for you, in the stairwell of your final moments.

-God

Daddy's pride and Joy

Lewis decided to get Jane Kimmel an early Christmas present... and she LOVES it! I think more so because it is pink, but it makes me smile so big watching them together. It is a little hard for her to pull back right now, but Lew said "well, we'll just have to strengthen that right arm." I quickly reminded him that she is just 3 and she still had some time to learn :) I am just glad she showed interest in it, now lets hope that interest will still be there in a few months! Practice starts soon, so stay tuned to "bow hunting with the Buford's."

The calm before the storm

Before the start of a new school year and all the responsibilities to go along with it, we packed up and headed out to orange beach for a full week! We did absolutely nothing and it was wonderful! Of course, it flew by and those long days of laying by the kiddie pool or lounging in a chair with a book in hand all came to an abrupt end. My best friend Katie went with us! She is one of those friends that will drop whatever she is doing and just load up for a road trip and enjoy every minute of it. I love her dearly and am so thankful and blessed to have her ;) Jane Kimmel had a blast! She enjoyed playing and building sand castles on the beach, as well as making friends in the kiddie pool. She actually got a tan too, haha! Lewis joined us on Friday afternoon, and although we had to leave the next morning, it was nice to share a day with him at the beach. I did not take many pictures, because I was tormented at the thought of sand getting on my camera, but I did get a few! On a side note, school starts on Wednesday and I am excited about getting back into a routine and it being my last semester, but nervous about what is to come. Patience and perseverance have been at the top of my prayer list, so if you get around to thinking about it... send one up for me! Continue to pray for Lewis as well. We miss him very much and are ready to be back together as a family! Enjoy the pics from our wonderful vaca... it was heavenly :)

Hootie Whooo... Look Whooo's Turning 3!

Inspired from "across the branch" blog! Thank you Ashlee :)

Sweet Jane Kimmel turned 3 on June 19th and I can't believe it! We had an "owl" themed birthday party and rented a big water slide for all the kids to play on! I must say... fun was had by all! It was really hot, but it was so nice to be outside with family and friends all coming together for the most precious joy in our lives! Jane Kimmel is no longer a baby, nor would I consider her a toddler... but a "child." Doesn't that sound old??? She is pure bliss and I could not imagine one day of this life without her. She is so funny and is such a little diva. Her personality is the cutest thing to watch and sometimes a little overwhelming (especially for her daddy:), but she truly is the sweetest thing. She gets along with her friends and classmates so well, and acts like a little momma to all her babies, animals, or imaginary friends. She will be the best big sister one day, and I cherish these days we have with her. Her little innocence just melts my heart and I love her more than words can ever say. Thanks be to God for this precious gift! Love you baby girl!

I sing for joy at the works of your hands. -Psalm 92:4

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. -Psalm 127:4

A little bit of Summer :)

The Children's Museum in Jackson

Orange Beach

Exploring

Jane Kimmel's sun flowers! They are huge right now, but still have not bloomed.

Happy Summertime friends :)