Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Happy birthday, Casey!

Happy Birthday, Sis.  You entered the world 2 weeks late, and screaming your head off.  There were 4 baby boys in the hospital nursery and you woke them all.
You weighed in at 8 lbs, 4 oz, 22 inches long, and had a head full of black hair.


24 hours old.

Uncle Lance couldn't wait to hold you.


Mama Hopper thought you were pretty funny, and you loved her!

First day of Kindergarten, Marguerite Vann Elementary, Conway, AR




Age 10....you look a little like your mother! (poor kid)


Casey & Dusty at the Ar/Mo Show of Champions.




Age 13.... nice HotStix in the hair.

Senior year.  (Casey's the backspot...the one on the far left)


Senior Prom



Casey & Boon 2010


I'm very proud of you, Happy Birthday!

Friday, September 24, 2010

I just have one thing to say.....

Go Hogs!  Beat 'Bama!  Whooooooo Pigs!


Okay, I actually have one more thing to say....or to ask, rather.  Say a prayer for my grandmother, Althea.  I'm going over tomorrow to help her get some things straightened out.   She's just ready to give up.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Nothing to fuss about...

Last night I was feeling a little sorry for myself because I've been shunned yet again (long story), I was dwelling on how hurt my feelings were and why I let the same old same old keep bothering me.  This morning, however, something happened that put everything all in perspective and I don't feel like I have the right to a pity party anymore.   Today should have been an over-the-top joyous day for my friends Kellie & Flint, instead it has turned into a day of unspeakable heartache for them and their families.  One day after her due date, Kellie went into labor; I don't know what happened exactly, but just a few minutes after their sweet baby boy entered this world, he went back to his home in heaven.  My heart just breaks for this couple and their families.  I can't imagine losing a child you have waited so long to hold in your arms.  I can't imagine going home to see a nursery you had ready only to know that your sweet baby boy would never sleep there.  I can't imagine why this couple, who will be such wonderful parents, had give up their child when so many women who don't want their babies keep having more and more. 
Why does it take some tragedy to make us realize what is important and what shouldn't really bother us?  I just hope I don't forget the lesson too quickly.

Monday, September 13, 2010

God's country.

Sometimes we forget what a beautiful part of the country in which we live. Sunday (9-5-2010) we went to Mtn. View; the original plan was to meet some family for and early supper, but on our way home from church Chris and I decided we would leave a little early and take the boys to Blanchard Spring just to get outside and enjoy a beautiful afternoon. We didn't get to stay long exploring around the spring, but we plan on going back very soon. Yesterday Lance (my brother) said he would love to go back over and even go through Blanchard Spring Cavern. Chris and Logan want nothing to do with a giant cave, but I love the cave!

I did manage to get a few good shots of my boys at Blanchard, even let Austin take one of Chris and me which will probably be deleted as I am NOT photogenic!

 .They even matched, totally unplanned, I promise


My 3 favorite men... and Chris managed a slight smile...score one for photography history!

Blanchard Spring runs directly out of the cavern, but you can't get into the cave from here because approximately a mile (if I remember correctly) is completely underwater...like a giant tube...and you have to have scuba gear to get to it from here. There are 2 other natural openings, but I much prefer the elevators from the visitors center.

This is just downstream from the spring.  I've always wondered where the old rock steps once led.  I wonder about things like that quite often.  I wish there was a way to go back into history and really know and understand what life was like in rural Arkansas a century ago.  This creek leads to what is now called Mirror Lake.  It's a manmade stone dam that used to house a grist mill.  The mill is long gone, but lake is still beautiful...and deep...very deep...and surrounded by no swimming signs.

A close up of the spring; it's been here thousands of years, oh if it could only share its story with us, what marvelous things it must have seen.

I'm looking forward to fall and cooler weather along with the chance to get out and do a little hiking.  I love tromping through the woods, and the snakes aren't as active in the fall!  While we were walking through the hills of Arkansas, I couldn't help but think of a song I hear all the time on KLOVE (LOVE that station!)  If you haven't heart the song my "My Help Comes From the LORD" by "The Museum" you need to listen to it.  It ranks right up there with "Praise You in This Storm" for me, and that's very high on my list!

My Help Comes From the LORD  (The Museum)

When sorrows come and hope seems gone
You're the rock I rest upon
When waters rise and I can't breathe
You're the love that rescues me
Out of the darkness I lift up my eyes
Unto the hills I feel my faith rise
Maker of heaven, giver of life
You are my strength my song in the night
My refuge my shelter Now and forevermore
 My help comes from the Lord

When I'm broken scarred by sin
Death gives way to life again
When I suffer when I doubt
In you I'm free in you I'm found

Out of the darkness I lift up my eyes
Unto the hills I feel my faith rise

Maker of heaven, giver of life
You are my strength my song in the night
My refuge my shelter Now and forevermore
My help comes from the Lord

Maker of heaven, giver of life
You are my strength
You're my refuge
Now and forevermore...

My help comes from the LORD