Mom is 50 and FABULOUS!

Friday, April 13th, we all loaded the car and headed to South Carolina to surprise Mom for her 50th birthday! GG, Sis, Jane Kimmel, and I were so excited and eager to see her! All her wonderful friends started planning this 50th birthday bash months ago and the "cover up" for her party was us coming to see her. She had NO idea. Our plan was to take her out to lunch and go shopping on Saturday, then come back to "pick up" Bill who was taking us out to dinner that night. Little did she know, when we pulled in the driveway, everyone was there with decorations, food, music, and wine! Although it was a short trip, we had so much fun :) We love you Granna, and no doubt honey... you are 50 and FABULOUS!

 Waiting on Granna :)

 SURPRISE!!!!!

 We scared her so bad, she started to cry...

 And so did Jane Kimmel... not exactly how we planned it.

 We went to dinner that night!

 So excited to be with Granna!

 And to see Aunt Sarah! (her shadow)

 GG "stylin" in her shades on the way to shop!

 Girl's photo opp!

 She loves some Jesse...

 Great friends :)

 brothers and sisters, minus Luke.

 Beautiful Mom :)

 And beautiful Sis :) Love you.

 Mom and Bill 

Sisters :)

 Mom and her girls 

 The princess dressed for the party

 Her scrapbook with pages made from family and friends!

These were HILARIOUS! I could not post anymore pics of them, but her friend got them for her. They were little signs that said all kinds of things :) Funny stuff!

If you can't tell, fun was had by ALL! Happy Birthday Mom, we sure do love you!

Our First Easter in Conway

We were so thankful for our family that came and visited over Easter. We were in need of some friendly faces :) 

 KK came and we went to the library's egg hunt!

 We enjoyed balloon animals and face painting as well.

 Aunt Margaret came to save the day! She helped this prego mommy unpack boxes and organize our 

house. I love you Sis!

 We had so much fun spending time with KK

 Uncle Luke came to visit, and Jane Kimmel LOVES when Uncle Luke visits :)

 The boys were troopers as we went to an Easter Carnival (that I had no idea how big it was)

 We enjoyed face painting, cake walks, eggs races, sack races, blow ups, and of course... hunting eggs

 We loved flying the kites!

 haha... she is such a little diva...

 Dada "coached" her on getting the eggs

 Papaw came to have Easter lunch!

 Jane Kimmel dyed and hunted double yolk eggs that Papaw brought!

And this was a sweet ending to a beautiful Easter weekend... she was exhausted. 

What a blessing it is to know God's love for me, and others. To know I was bought with such a high price and the sacrifice that was made, is overwhelming and beyond comprehension. He is ALIVE, and we will rejoice! 

New Spring, New Life, New Hope

Spring is has made her beautiful and magical debut. From the beautiful flowers, to the singing birds, it's a new beginning for so many things. I am finding that anything new... is always different. Just like the flowers that blossom each year, or the trees that take a different form of budding each season. Conway, AR has been just that. Different, yet beautiful, because I know this is where the Lord has called us to be at this time in our lives. I am missing so many things about our "home" in Mayhew/Starkville. From our sweet neighbors, to all of our wonderful friends, and especially our church. A dear friend of mine told me that when you move and start new chapters of your life, that it is best to treasure past memories that you had instead of clinging to them. That is what I am trying to do. This move has been hard and difficult for me, but exciting. Lewis and I both are in a new world on a day to day basis. He is adapting to all of the traveling and busyness of his job and I, on the other hand, am experiencing the highs and lows of being a stay at home wife and mom in a new place. Jane Kimmel is adjusting as well as she can (i think). She definitely misses her little friends and her "routine" of actually going to school each day. I am in constant prayer for her, thinking that she is in some way "missing out" on things, but then again I tell myself... "Meredith, she is 3 and she is FINE!" And not to mention I am just emotional anyway these days! I can't believe baby will be here in about 13 weeks. Oh my! I just can't wait to meet her :) In James, he tells us that our faith is tested when we experience various trials and for us to consider it a great joy, for when this happens our faith is able to persevere! Now, if that doesn't give me hope, I don't know what does! So... It is a new place, a new beginning, a new Spring, and a new hope! Pray for us and our transition. As we will continue to do for all our friends and family miles away. Much love readers...

(Updates and pictures on our new home coming soon)

24 1/2 weeks!

Photo taken by big sister ;)

Time is flying! Oh, by the way... it's a GIRL! We are so excited and Jane Kimmel is thrilled for a dress up mate! Our life has changed so much within the past few months. We now are in Conway, AR! What a BLESSING! So much more to come on our move and an update on our life! Just wanted to share a baby pic since I have not been keeping dear friends updated :) (you know how much I just love baby bump pics of myself... sarcasm) God is good people!

A Special Day

Today is a special day indeed. Four years ago, the Lord had bigger and better plans for our lives than we did. Christ showed His unfailing love and mercy toward us in the midst of so much darkness, and began to fulfill His beautiful purpose for our life. Words do not describe how thankful I am to be the wife and mother my King has called me to be, but I am even more blessed to be with a man who strives to live his life, and guide his family, along on the path the Lord has set out. I am learning that marriage is not a fairy tale that our culture lays it out to be, but something so much more. It is joyful in times of accomplishment and triumph, and comforting in the times of trouble and fear. Jesus continues to strip each of us down, only to rebuild us stronger, as one. I am constantly in awe of how He works, and how much He has blessed our marriage and family. Happy Anniversary to my Lew :) I'm looking forward to the rest of my life with you...

"Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." -James 1:2-3

"We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the things He planned for us long ago." -Ephesians 2:10

"but I focus on one thing; Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." -Philippians 3:13-14