Birthday Party #2

Here are some pictures from the party this past Saturday. Thanks so much to Nunda's family for having it at their house, and for my brother, sister-in-law, and my parents for coming! Thanks to everybody for the great presents too!

Birthday Girl

Shelby loved her Dora birthday cake!

Aunt Nunda and her family got Shelby dishes and a small kitchen appliance set.

Shelby got a Cabbage Patch Newborn from Uncle David's family. Nona and Papa got her this stroller and a Little People circus playset.

Shelby and Aunt Nunda before opening presents.

Weekend in Tennesee and Mississippi

We spent this past weekend with family in Collierville, Hernando, and Southaven. Friday night after supper the three of us and my parents went to a nearby park. Shelby loved going down the slides and swinging with Mommy and Daddy. After we got back, Channing and I went on a little date for dessert, while Shelby played with Nona and Papa. Thanks to my parents for the O'Charley's gift certificate and for babysitting!

On Saturday the five of us headed down to Mississippi to visit my aunt Pat, several cousins, my uncle Don, and my aunt Celeste. Aunt Celeste and her husband were in town visiting from Colorado. We had a good time catching up and watching the kids play. Before heading back to Collierville, we went to my sister's house. Nunda and her family threw a birthday party for Shelby. My brother and his wife came too. Shelby got a lot of presents from her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Nunda's neighbor also gave Shelby a couple of toys that had belonged to her daughter. Our car sure was packed on the way home!

Birthday Party

Shelby had a birthday party on Saturday, June 16. Memaw, Uncle Kelly, and Aunt Angela came in town for it. Aunt Kim also surprised us along with Uncle Ed and Garrett, Kim's grandson. Thanks to Sean and Sarah Tappe, Lauren Orbison, and Heather and Briley Kemper for coming to the party too. Shelby got a lot of great presents, including several outfits, a Dora folding chair, books, a Little People house, a Dora trike, and a table and chairs set. Thanks to everyone that came and made Shelby's birthday so special.

The Birthday Girl

Garrett watching Shelby open a present with Mommy's help

Waiting for cake with Uncle Kelly and Aunt Angela

Birthday hug from Briley

Aunt Angela helped serve cake while Shelby was chowing down

Another Visit from Memaw

Shelby's memaw came to visit again last weekend, June 15-17. This time, Channing's sister and brother-in-law (Angela and Kelly) joined her. We really enjoyed the weekend.

As you can see from this picture, Shelby loves to bring all of her stuffed animals to Memaw and pile them in her lap. She likes to do this with Papa do. We haven't figured out why it's with just those two yet!

The Perfect Book for Shelby

Shelby loves going to the zoo. Apparently this is a well-known fact, because three different people got her the Little People book, Let's Go to the Zoo, for her birthday. Below are pictures taken when she opened the copy we gave her.

Kitchen Renovations

Last week, our friend Jody put in new kitchen counter tops for us. He also installed a new sink and faucet. I love the new look! Here are before and after pictures.

(Before)

(After)

Happy Birthday, Shelby!

Today is Shelby's 2nd birthday. Wow! I can't believe how fast time has flown. She is such a wonderful blessing to our lives and we are so thankful to God for giving her to us.

Just a week or two old

June 14, 2006

This was taken about a month ago.

Pigtails

I have only put Shelby's hair in pigtails once or twice. Her hair has only recently been long enough to get all the hair back, using two barrettes and two ponytail holders. Channing did her hair tonight before Bible class. She was so excited about her pigtails, that she's hardly sit still for me to take her picture.

Taco Salad

The other night we had taco salad for supper. Shelby made a huge mess! She hates getting dirty, so it is always very funny when I fix something that is even the slightest bit messy. I'm sure you can imagine what Shelby thinks of sloppy joes! (Click on the picture to get a good look!)

Justin

Justin is still in Fort Carson. He will have a check-up on Friday. Hopefully he will have a good report, and will be sent home over the weekend. We are all looking forward to seeing him again before too long.

Last week we went to the Little Rock Zoo. Maggie Hendrix, Rachel Miller, and their children joined us. We had a good time. Thanks to Downtown for organizing the trip.

Here we are with Maggie, her two girls, Rachel, and her two kiddos.

Of course Shelby loved the gorillas! She even got to see a baby gorilla. This big guy was just lounging in the hot sun, sticking his tongue way out.

Lily and Shelby in their matching outfits. The tops say "Best Bunnies" on them. Super cute!

Swimming

Shelby went swimming twice last week. We first went to the Stewarts' house to check out Madeline's new pool. Shelby didn't venture out too far away from the side, and slipped several times. Hopefully she'll get more practice and become as brave as her little friend! Later in the week, Shelby and I went swimming with Lauren. Shelby did not like her water wings! I guess they better for someone a little older, even though they were for ages 2 and up. Thankfully, Lauren and Silas have a children's life jacket for their boat. Shelby enjoyed wearing the "coat" and hanging out on Lauren's raft.

We look forward to more fun times in the pool this summer. Thanks to my friend Torrey for the adorable two-piece for Shelby. Gotta love hand-me-downs!

Pray today...

...for Justin.

He'll be having surgery sometime today on his knee. They've been draining fluid and hope to solve that problem, as well as get some more shrapnel out.

No word for sure on when he'll be home.

Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for Justin and our family.

How great is our God!

I just have to testify to God's goodness and faithfulness!

Jan Jones, wife of Craig Jones (Harding Academy of Searcy's chorus director), was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April. She recently had a test run, to determine the level of the cancer right now. I don't know what the exact name of the test is. Anyway, a normal reading for this test would be in the single digits up to the 20s. In April, when she was diagnosed, Jan's level was 6000. The test results Jan and Craig received on Wednesday was 23. WOW!! The doctor is baffled and has sent the test back for another reading.

You are all already aware of Justin's accident in Iraq last week. We have been told that if the bomb was even the slightest bit more powerful, Justin and the other soldiers with him would have been killed. The injuries Justin received will require quite a bit of time to heal. Rehab will more than likely be necessary. BUT...Justin is alive and in the United States right now!

These are just two things that show how great Jehovah God is! God heard the prayers of his children and moved.

God is able to more than we could ever ask or imagine!

Per Nunda's Request

It's time for a smile!

Rock 'n Roll! Gene Simmons!!

(I am not a fan of KISS or Gene Simmons; however, this is super cute!)

Update

I realize that it's been a couple of days since my last report on Justin. There really wasn't any new information over the weekend. Justin is in the States now. He should arrive in Colorado later today. I will get updates out when I have them.

Thank God for Justin's safe arrival to the States. Please pray for him as his wounds heal.

Friday's Report

Justin called Nunda this morning. She said he sounded more like himself and much less groggy. He said he is doing fine, but will always have shrapnel in his body, which should be fun going through airport security!

One of the executives at Nunda's work is originally from Germany. As it turns out, she has a cousin in Germany that works for the hospital Justin's at, so she sent her cousin to check on Justin. He was quite surprised when a German woman came into his room and said she was checking on him for his mother!

Justin should be flying to the states around Sunday. He doesn’t really know where he'll go from there. We are just waiting to see. They had him up walking with crutches and a cane. Progress! He is still in a lot of pain, but heading in the right direction.

Nunda wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. God is the reason Justin and his friends are alive. It is truly a miracle they survived.

Thursday's Report

Justin is in Germany right now. He will be having surgery again to get more of the shrapnel out. Between now and Sunday, he'll be sent to Fort Carson. At some point he will be discharged and can come home for rehab. His parents will have to go get him because he won't be able to fly commercial at that point. That is all coming from Justin, and we have to keep in mind that he was on pain killers at the time. Nunda has not talked to an officer today, just Justin.

Thank you for your prayers.

Update on Justin

Below is an email I received from my sister this afternoon. This contains correct information. The first report we received yesterday was actually about another soldier who had been injured.The future is uncertain for Justin, as far as his service to our country goes. Please pray that whatever is best will happen. We appreciate all the prayers that are being offered for Justin and our family. Please pray also for the other soldiers that were injured as well as their families.

I spoke with Justin this morning from the hospital in Iraq. He is doing well, considering. The actual facts are that a home-made grenade was thrown into the turret of the Humvee that Justin and four others were in. Justin was in the Humvee this time, not in the turret, his usual position. They heard the gunner yell, and then the grenade fell inside the Humvee on the floor between Justin and another guy. It exploded, sending shrapnel and pellets all over the interior. Justin and two others got the worst of it. If it had been just a little bit more powerful, it would have killed them all. Justin had surgery to remove shrapnel from his right arm and both legs, and repair the damage. His right knee is pretty messed up. He can't walk right now, but can feel and move his toes. They are sending him to Germany today, and then probably on to the States for rehabilitation. He's in pain, but they are giving him morphine. He was telling the nurse to wait giving him a shot because he wanted to talk to his mother. (Sniff!) He's a good boy. He says he will be fine. Most importantly, he is alive. I am very grateful!

Pray for Justin

Justin was injured over the weekend when an IED (Improvised Explosive Device, a.k.a booby trap) exploded. Right now, he is in a hospital in Iraq, but will be sent to Germany for better medical services. The Army has listed Justin in serious condition; however, his injuries are not life-threatening. He has a lot of shrapnel in his body, from the waist down. The main concern right now is Justin's foot. (I think just one, not both.) An officer at Fort Carson (Colorado) told my sister that it doesn't seem to need amputation. When Justin gets to Germany, they will be able to know more. If necessary, Justin will be sent back to the States for rehabilitation. Please join us in praying for a full recovery.

My sister talked to Justin this morning. He is doing okay. He's certainly in pain and was very groggy.

I have already received several encouraging e-mails and phone calls. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated so much!

Pictures with Aunt Kim and Memaw

Zoo Day with Memaw and Kim

Kim, Memaw, Shelby, and Channing outside the Memphis Zoo.

Shelby got her first sno-cone, thanks to Aunt Kim!

Shelby and Memaw liked the monkeys a lot!

Memorial Day Weekend with Family

We had a wonderful weekend. Channing's mom and sister, Kim, came from Texas to visit. We ate a lot of good food, and all the adults pitched in on the cooking. Friday night, Memaw and Shelby played with the dolls and watched a video while Channing, Kim, and I played Phase 10. Saturday we spent the day at the Memphis Zoo. What a fun day that was! After church on Sunday, we all took naps and then played at the park. Shelby loves going down the slide at Berryhill! That afternoon we also went over to Harding and showed Kim and Lillie all the changes that have been made over the years. What a great weekend! We were so glad they came to see us.

Justin

Justin got a promotion a week or so ago. He is now a specialist! Woo-hoo!!

He has been put in charge of the weapons. That means that he checks everything out, cleans weapons, and I guess makes sure the weapons have not been damaged.

A few weeks ago, he and some other guys were coming back from patrols, when they decided to jump a ditch in the Humvee. According to my sister, that's just like an elephant trying to jump a ditch...not an easy task! Needless to say, the Humvee didn't make the jump! Justin, still on the top in his position as a gunner, was thrown into his gun and cut his face right above his eye. He had to get 18 stitches. His mother and I have told him not to do that anymore!

I may have already posted about this, but... The tour of duty has been extended for the Army personnel. Each soldier will be deployed for 15 months, rather than 12 months. This announcement was, of course, quite a blow to many men and women, as well as to the families.

Thank you for your prayers.

10th Anniversary Service

This morning we went to Covenant Fellowship Church for the 10th anniversary service. Channing and I were part of the body there during college and our first two years of marriage. It was good to see old friends, some we hadn't seen since we started going to Downtown over a year ago. Other former members like Elijah and Andrea Manor, JP and Heidi Wornock, and Rhonda Bell were also there. What a blessing it was to reconnect and worship the Father together!

Shelby normally goes to Bible class and the nursery at Downtown, so this morning was a little different for her. She really enjoyed the singing and got to say "Amen!" after every prayer!

All Better!

Shelby has been fever-free for two days now. Wednesday morning, around 4:30 a.m., her temperature was around 101. Once she was up for the day, around 7:45, the fever had dropped. Of course, she is still taking the anti-biotic for strep. We are so glad our little one is better!

Fever

Shelby has been running fever for the past couple of days. Yesterday the fever got up to 103; today it got up to 104! Before it got so high today, I took her to see her pediatrician. Shelby started crying as soon as Dr. Moore came into the room! She calmed down while he and I talked, and held herself together pretty well as he was checking her out. Her throat is really red, but Dr. Moore didn't do a strep test. He prescribed an anti-biotic, though, assuming that it is strep.

Please pray for Shelby. She has been a little trooper even though we know she feels terrible. Pray that she can rest well and get better. Please pray also that Mommy and Daddy stay well.

Great News From the Doctor!

Channing went back to the surgeon this morning. He was given the go-ahead to pick up Shelby. This is one very happy Mommy typing these words! Don't get me wrong, I adore Shelby and love holding her. However, I do just have two arms and sometimes that makes doing it all a little difficult! I welcome the breaks that are coming my way! Anyway, back to the report. Channing can pick Shelby up, as long as he doesn't bend over. He and Shelby have had some good Daddy-daughter time this evening.

Channing will still need to take it easy for another month or so. He doesn't need to go back to Dr. Saer unless there are any more problems. He also got the okay to go back to the gym, as long as he doesn't do heavy lifting.

We appreciate all the prayers that have been lifted up to the Father these past few months. Thank you so much!

Shelby's New Favorite Song

Friday night, Tami taught Shelby a new song. I had forgotten all about it.

Read your Bible; pray everyday
Pray everyday; pray everyday
Read your Bible; pray everyday
And you'll grow, grow, grow

And you'll grow, grow, grow (Repeat)

Read your Bible; pray everyday
And you'll grow, grow, grow!

Harding University's Class of 2027

HU Graduation Post #2

The three of us got ready and made it to campus as graduation was ending. We decided not to attend, knowing Shelby would not make it. We made it to the Ganus Athletic Center in time for "Climb Every Mountain" and the closing remarks by Dr. Burks. Below are some of the pictures we took after the ceremony.

Here's Shelby with Amber's brother, Nick. She loved his sunglasses!

Kevin and Amber will be getting married in September. Shelby is going to be their flower girl!

Congratulations, Amber! We love you and are so proud of you. May God bless you as you start the next chapter of your life! We look forward to seeing you in September. :)

HU Graduation Post #1

Amber, one of my cousins attending HU, graduated yesterday. Her family, fiance, and grandfather came in town for the big event. Friday night we all went to the dessert reception for the graduates and their families.

Kevin (Amber's fiance), Uncle Travis, Amber, Nina, Tami (my first cousin), Mitch, and Sid

Amber and Nina
(Shelby's favorite babysitters)

A Huge Blessing

Channing has always mowed our lawn, but since his surgery, I've had to do it. On Friday,
however, Amber's brother Mitch and my uncle Travis took care of the front lawn for us. We really appreciated it!

Shelby and Morgan

Friday night, we went to my sister's house for supper. My nephew, Morgan, is a wonderful cousin for Shelby! She always loves being around him.

I just couldn't get Shelby to look at the camera!

Morgan was showing Shelby the National Geographic magazine. He loved getting her to make the sounds of the animals in the pictures!

Nona's Hat

My mom has a hat she wears when she works in the yard. Shelby got to wear it while she was helping Nona and Papa on Friday. She loved the hat so much, and didn't want to take it off when it was time for her nap!

When Nona asked for her hat back, Shelby took off!

Gardening

Here are some pictures I took on Friday while we were in Memphis.

Shelby helped Nona dig the holes for new plants.

Shelby and Papa putting away the empty pots.

Memphis In May

Friday night and all day Saturday, Channing was on a retreat. So Shelby and I headed to Memphis. We left on Thursday because I wanted to have a couple of days there and be back by the time Channing got home Saturday. The two of us had a great time with my parents and my sister's family. It seems like every time we go, there is always something to do. While it is nice to keep busy, sometimes that means missing out on spending time with friends and other members of the family. If you're reading this and I didn't call or get to see you, I'm sorry! Hopefully that will happen during the next visit...or two...or three!

Seven Facts

Jennifer tagged me, so I have to post seven random facts or weird habits about myself. I have already posted six things on an earlier post. Check those out here. Now for #7. I am addicted to the television show Alias. Channing and I started watching the series all over again a couple months ago and are now on the third season. We were watching season three when it was actually on television, but weren't able to finish the season and never really got into it again after Shelby was born. We are really enjoying it!!

I am not going to tag seven other people. However, if you would like to make your list in the comments, I'd love to read your random facts/weird habits.

Blanchard Springs

On Saturday we went to Blanchard Springs with John, Maggie, Lily, and Hallie. First we stopped for lunch. John grilled burgers while the girls played. Then we headed to the caverns. Shelby was so tired because she didn't get to take a very good nap on the way. She was very whiny and wasn't happy in the stroller at all! I got quite the workout since I had to carry her during the whole tour. On the way home, we stopped in Mountain View for supper. It was a great day. We are blessed to live in a state with so many beautiful sites to see!