N'AWLINS

Well, that is how the Louisiana folks say it. I am finishing up my convention in New Orleans today and will be flying home tomorrow. This was my first trip to "The Big Easy". The city is being rebuilt but is still struggling. It has a lot of interesting and beautiful history that I would love to explore sometime like the old plantation homes on river road and the natural beauty of the swamps. There is also a sleazy side to this city that I do not care for at all. Definitely an experience...the best part by far was the FOOD! I know you guys can't believe me talking about food!HEHE. We took some clients to dinner at a FABULOUS restaurant named Tommy's. It was Italian, French and Cajun cuisine. It is a testament to the many cultures of this city. I had a wonderful veal Marsala for dinner and sampled many great desserts. I have also had Oysters Rockefeller, wonderful Cajun shrimp and great gumbo on this trip.In this city I have probably gained five pounds in two days! My cholesterol is probably off the charts. I need my walking partners to come home and get back on the exercise plan with me...on that note, I think I will go exercise before dinner tonight. I won't feel as guilty indulging if I spend some time on the treadmill.

FOREVER FAMILY DAY

The day has finally arrived. Kim and Paul are now united with their baby Max! Enough said...enjoy these sweet photos...they made me cry!
MOMMY AND DADDY FINALLY HAVE THEIR BOY!
A FATHER AND HIS SON
I CAN'T WAIT TO KISS THOSE CHEEKS!

Our close friends Kim and Paul will be united with Max any moment now. I know she is going to wonder why I picked this picture...I love it. It shows the silly side of the couple we have grown to love so much. I am so excited for them! I am just sick not knowing every moment how it is all going. I cannot wait to hear the story from Kim & Paul of those first few moments with their precious son. It has been AMAZING to watch the Lord guide this entire journey...even when things looked uncertain. He has taken care of every detail in such a way that you cannot doubt his sovereignty. Check out Kim's blog and travel site to see what an amazing thing the Lord is doing in their lives.

Just think, this adorable little guy is going to be my neighbor really soon... coming all the way from the other side of the world to be just where God intended. I'm sure you all will see many pictures coming of our boys hanging out with Mr. Max. Hurry home Max, we're waiting for you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...

TODAY IS MARK'S BIRTHDAY AND I AM TELLING EVERYONE HOW OLD HE IS. JUST LIKE A FINE WINE, HE JUST GETS BETTER WITH AGE. MARK, I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY. I LOVE YOU!

COUSIN REUNION

This past weekend we had a great time getting together with family. My sister Laura and I met up with my other sister Teresa and had a good time hanging out and watching the kids all play together. The boys spent time with their grandparents and we all enjoyed each other's company. Here is a slideshow of the kids, big and small all playing together.

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WORKING!

THE H. MEN ARE UP TO A LOT OF WORK THESE DAYS! THE DESTRUCTION PHASE OF OUR REMODEL PROJECT CONTINUES. DADDY AND THE BOYS CONTINUE TO WORK HARD AT MAKING THIS OLD WONDERFUL HOUSE OUR HOME. WE HAVE REMOVED THE BACK SECTION OF THE HOUSE THAT WAS DAMAGED TO GET READY FOR THE ADDITION.
BEFORE
DURINGAFTER
MARK RENTED A SMALL BULLDOZER TO TEAR DOWN AN OLD GARAGE/WORKSHOP ON THE BACK OF THE PROPERTY AS WELL AS REMOVE STUMPS AND LEVEL OUT THE AREA WE WILL BE POURING CONCRETE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. MARK AND OUR FRIEND PAUL WERE LIKE TWO LITTLE BOYS IN A SANDBOX PLAYING WITH THEIR TONKA DUMPTRUCKS. I GUESS THIS IS THE KIND OF FUN YOU NEVER OUTGROW.
I FOUND MYSELF AMAZED BY THIS MACHINE AS WELL! IT TOOK THE ROOF OFF OF THIS OLD BUILDING LIKE IT WAS NOTHING. THE BOYS AND I STOOD BACK AND WATCHED WHILE THE MEN TOOK CARE OF THIS TASK. I HAVE TO ADMIT I COULDN'T STOP WATCHING UNTIL IT CAME ALL THE WAY DOWN.
MASON SPENT THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS TEARING OFF BOARDS AND LOADING THE TRAILER FOR HE AND HIS DAD TO TAKE OUT TO THE BURN PILE. I LOVE WATCHING THE BOYS HAVE THIS "MAN TIME" WITH THEIR DAD. I KNOW IT WILL BE SOMETHING THEY NEVER FORGET AND MEMORIES THAT MARK WILL CHERISH FOR YEARS AS WE LIVE OUR LIVES IN THE HOUSE THEY BUILD TOGETHER.

MASON'S BAPTISM

WOW! What a great day. Mason was baptized this morning and it was just so great for me as a mom to see him make his first testimony about Christ in his life. I was just in one of those moments where I was just GRATEFUL. I watched Mark get Mason ready in the baptistry room and was made so aware of what a blessing he is to me as a husband and a father. My boys get to have a Godly man be an example to them as they grow in their walk with the Lord. After church Kim and Paul as well as Rick and Roberta came and had lunch with us. These two couples have been a big part of Mason's life as he has grown. Kim and Roberta where his two babysitters before he started school. It was nice to be reminded that God provides people in our lives to help us grow and provide support. It was great to all get together on such a happy day for our family.Daddy helps Mason get dressedMom and Dad pose with Mason on his big day.Father and Son talk while they wait.
Pepper takes a moment with Mason
AMEN!