Count Your Blessings Name them One by One...

As I wake up this morning and begin to count my blessings, I now have two more to add to them. Isn't it wonderful how God continues to bless us even when we don't deserve it. Last night my mom married a wonderful man named David Derrick. He is good to my mom and he loves my kids and husband dearly. David also has a son named Chris, so both of us are no longer technically only children. Somehow that is just nice, even though we haven't had time to establish a relationship. My mom has been through some trials with relationships and I have never understood why it has always not worked out, now I know why! He was saving the best for last. May I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. David Derrick

Don't ya' just love that wonderful look Thomas has on his face. He wanted to give his Mawmaw away, so brother Webb had to throw that line in there. He then told David, "I'm not really giving her to you. She is still MY Mawmaw".
Here is me and mom and David and his son Chris.

Me and my momma. I love you mom and wish you all of the happiness that you truly deserve.

David and his son Chris.

Two hands joined together, praying that nothing will seperate them apart.

Joy in Pictures...

Those that know me know that I have a love for photography. I love the happiness it brings people to see their loved ones captured in pictures. It's something that I enjoy doing that seems to bring a little joy to others.

Here are some pictures that I took of my Aunt Linda's grandbabies about a week ago at the creek. I was burning her a disc tonight and couldn't help but smile at these little faces, so I thought I would share their beautiful smiles with you too! :D

This is baby Ronnie. He is the serious one of the bunch. He was really interested in the rocks and sand.

Isn't this sweet! My Aunt Linda went through great lengths trying to get the 3 of them to sit still. I know, good luck with that.

This is Madelyn. A typical little princess, drama included.


This bright eyed baby is Joey. I could have taken pictures of his sweet face all day long.



Doesn't this picture just make you wonder what he is thinking? I loved it.

Thanks for letting me share! :D

Happy Birthday NaNa.....

Happy Birthday Mrs. Mary Kathryn, most importantly known as NaNa. Yesterday was my mother-in-law's birthday and we all got together last night and ate supper together. It was a good time of family, food and fellowship. We laughed together, Uncle Pat aggravated all of the little ones until they screamed, Syd of course cooked some delicious ribs and Pawpaw had a sparkle in his eye as he sat back and watched it all. It seems like every time we turn around we are hearing of someone becoming critically ill or God has called another one of our loved ones home. Sometimes we just have to slow down and enjoy each other when we can and while we can. It was just a good night for a special lady in our lives. Thank you for all that you do for us and all that you mean to us! Happy Birthday Nana!

Sweet Baby Boy!

Everybody, meet the newest member of our family, James Hollis Smith. For those that know me, this is Lesleye and Jim's newest addition. I got to go over weekend before last and get my hands on him. He is sooooo sweet. He just curled up in a ball and slept so soundly in my lap. Of course he was trying to make a "story teller" out of his mom who he's been keeping up at night. It seems like eternity since my babies were this age. It's always nice to get your hands on a little one again! So sweet! :D

Spring Has Sprung!

Aren't these babies a sight to behold. It was such a pretty day that Pat and I decided to take the babies to the creek to play. I believe the last words were, "We promise, we are just gonna get our feet wet." Yeah right! They had fun though and I am sure that the pneumonia will be ever bit worth it. It was when when I was little.

Let's just say that "daddy" didn't make it long watching the kids play, but I enjoyed watching him sleep peacefully.


The kids spotted these flowers instantly and had to bring me some.
It's really hard to be out in nature and not be in complete awe of God's creations.

I was intriqued at the way this dried up dirt looked. This is all that is left when the water subsides. I couldn't help but think that this is how our lives look without the living water of God within it.

Simply broken, dry and thirsty.

This picture made me think about "Footprints". It made me think about the fact that I am never alone and that he always carries me even when I may not realize it.

All in all it was just a really good day with the family.

Lord, thank you for helping me to slow down and enjoy your beautiful creation today in my family and the world around me.

Modest Truly is Hottest!

Today was alot of fun!

Baleigh Bug was back (thank goodness, I'm lost without her) and she and I slept in and then headed to Brookhaven to do some shopping. Thomas made sure to ditch us quickly, he didn't want to get caught up in any kind of shopping trip that didn't include the Bass Pro shop.

We of course started out at Cracker Barrel for the late breakfast that we love to go eat together.

We then went shopping for Spring time clothes that she so desperately needed.

We found alot at our "old faithful" stop, Cato, including an absolutely beautiful Easter dress. She looked so grown up in it!

I was really tickled, alot of black clothes out though for Easter, oh well, I'm definitely not a "Fashion Diva" guess that's whats in this year!

While looking through all of the clothes and trying on clothes today, I couldn't help but notice that I kept finding myself hearing the same words over and over from Baleigh, "that's too short", "that's too low cut" and "that fits too tight". Truly music to my ears and I know you mom's would agree! It was one of those "God wink" moments that you realized that you might have done a little something right at some point. In a time where many moms are struggling to get their girls to keep their body parts covered, here is my "angel baby" making sure that hers is. I said, "Baleigh Bug, why are you so worried about these things?" and she said, "Remember the shirt that we got from LifeWay that time momma, Modest is Hottest!"

Thank you Lord for a daughter that makes wise choices that glorify you. A daughter that respects herself enough to realize that she doesn't have to have attention at her own expense. Night guys, :D

A Beautiful Day...

Nothing out of the ordinary happened today, other than it was a completely beautiful day!

Days like this are just another way that God shows us just how much he loves us.

Got to sleep late this morning! I love sleeping in! My baby girl came home from a trip that she had been on since Friday and I went and picked her up. I am truly lost without her, she is my sidekick. I realize more and more daily how precious this "sidekick" time is. It won't be long that I will find myself alone way more than I care too. Baleigh and I then met Pat and Thomas for a quick lunch then we headed out to Brookhaven. Jill had called and said they were at the park having a picnic and playtime and we dropped by there and had fun just sitting and talking while watching the kids. It was a perfect park day! Went on to an eye appointment with Baleigh and then off to church. Pat and I were supposed to be teaching our marriage class tonight, Ha! Ha! Marriage is a whole lot of learning and not much teaching, but we really had fun discussing "Anger" tonight. It's just good to get together and share.

Just another ordinary day, but what a "beautiful day" it was!

Lord thank you for days like this, nothing out of the ordinary, but extraordinary! :D Beth