Swing, Batter, Swing!

The updates may be a bit scatter-brained and less in quantity until the summer. We've got a lot going on--between the book I'm working on and wrapping up the school year, things are getting a bit crazy.
Anyway--I wanted to record this momentous occasion, as Carter made contact with the ball today! We "play baseball" sometimes, but it usually results in a lot of chasing after the ball. Tonight, Carter had his Tigers bat out ready to play. I counted "1, 2, swing!" and he hit the ball! Not just once, but several times. It was like something just clicked. I'm so proud! :)

Quote of the Day

This one is for our folks...
While eating dinner/hanging out, Carter randomly said, "My grandparents are special." We agree! We love you!

Carnton Plantation

Well, it's been a busy week...which you could probably tell be the lack of posts. :)
Anyway, Scott's cousin Sarah is in town this weekend so today we decided to go out to tour Carnton Plantation, which became a make-shift hospital during the Civil War and the Battle of Franklin . Carter made it through about the first two rooms of the tour before it became necessary to head back outside. Oh well, at least I know how the story ends...there was tremendous bloodshed and the North won. Maybe Scott can fill me in on the rest being the history buff that he is (and the lack of history stored in my own brain!).
Here are some pics from our "tour."

Our Little Rock Star

Enjoy! :)

CROP Walked!

Well,  I completed my 5K on Sunday (although I think I actually walked 5 miles...long story, I can fill you in if you actually want the details).    As it turns out, this was only the sixth annual CROP walk here; however, they take place all over the country.

I just wanted to let you know that with your help, I was able to raise $225 in just 7 days!  WOW!  Thank you so much for your help and support.  I'm hoping to participate again next year, but would love to have a big group walking with me. :)

In the meantime...check out coolpeoplecare.org for ideas every day on how you can help out in the community.  Thanks again for your support!

BEE Movie

If you didn't see "Bee Movie," you should.  It's a hoot!

With it being yet another rainy, yucky day, we had decided to rent a movie we could watch with Carter.  When the one we wanted wasn't in, I opted to check out "Bee Movie" which turned out to be an excellent choice.  It's one of those that the kiddos can enjoy, but there are plenty of jokes for the parents too.  (Just FYI, it is rated PG.)

Carter looked like such a big boy as he sat in his big blue chair with his bowl of popcorn and cup of juice watching in amazement and laughing at the silly bees!  Afterward, he started running around, flapping his "wings" and buzzing like a bee, asking to watch the bees again.  :)  I'm up for it! :)

What's CROP?

Just a quick FYI for any curious minds regarding the walk this weekend!

"CROP" stands for "Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty."

There is so much to be done globally to fight poverty, but I am grateful for the opportunity to also participate in something that helps those in need locally.

Thanks again for all of your support...I've almost met my goal!  Only $50 away...hooray! :)

Here are a few quick facts from Second Harvest to help put in perspective just how truly helpful your support has been...

Did you know that $5 will buy 15 pounds of food? 

Did you know that Tennessee ranks the 7th highest state in food insecurity in the nation?

Did you know that in Tennessee, more than 21% of children live in food insecure homes?

Did you know that 605,830 people were served throughout TN last year through feeding programs?

Did you know that $1 equals 4 meals through Second Harvest? Amazing!

One last thing...

Next week, April 10, Second Harvest is having "Skip Lunch, Feed a Bunch."  You can participate by skipping lunch and sending them the money you would have spent...or you can participate in spirit and still send a donation.  For more info, visit secondharvestnashville.org

CROP Walk Update

I'm truly excited about this weekend's walk to help those in need.  First, I want to say a HUGE thank you to those who have shown your support both financially and through prayer.  I have already been blessed in anticipation of this event, though that may sound silly to you.  It is amazing to have others' support for this walk and for the fight against hunger.

I invite you to pause a moment and consider our blessings...

I have something to eat anytime my stomach growls. I don't worry about whether or not the food I eat is contaminated in any way, nor do I worry about whether or not there will be a next meal.  In fact, both at home and out to eat there is often excess on my plate.  Without feeling a true hunger pain, the majority of the time I know I fail to truly appreciate the blessing of having such nourishment.  While we bless the food and thank the Lord for it, I know I still take my full pantry for granted.  I hope that through this walk and future participation with Second Harvest that I may in some small way help make a difference in the lives of others...and that I may not take what I have for granted.  

Finally...I want to let you know that I am only $85 away from reaching my goal for the weekend! Thank you for your support and prayers!  It means more than you know!

Later, Home Slice!

Our nephew Braxton and niece Adaline love to teach Carter new "tricks" (as does his Uncle Ross :)..but I won't detail that one!).

Anyway, today after school, Carter and I went to their house to hang out/play for a little while.  In the past, the kids have taught Carter to say things like, "Peace dude!"  So tonight, I was quite amused as they tried to teach him to say, "Later, home slice!" 

Carter didn't have a clue what it meant, so instead of repeating them he came up with his own couple of phrases..."Later, cheese slice!" and "Later, apple slice!"  

For the grandparents, the translation is "Bye!"  :)