God's Protection

It's a parent's worst nightmare.  The call.  Mom, I have been in a wreck.  My car is totaled, I need you to come.  Time froze.  We moved at what seemed a snail's pace.  We got in the car and it seemed like we couldn't get to the few blocks away she was at fast enough.  Then we see the wreck.  I bolted across the street and grabbed up my baby girl.  "Mom I just didn't see him."  There was an SUV pulling into the movies and she was going left out.  The way the SUV and car placement were she just didn't see them coming.  She says she remembers her friend Lauren screaming JESS!  Then she doesn't remember much until she was climbing out of the car.  "Cars can be replaced baby doll.  Your life can not."  Seeing first hand the destruction of her car was sickening.  How in the world did they all walk away, virtually unharmed?  How did the guy swerve enough not to T-Bone Jessica's door?  God.  That is the only answer.  God.  He was there protecting and watching over her.  I am so thankful to the stranger who came and stood with the girls until we got there.  I didn't even get her name.  She took care of her when I couldn't.  I am thankful for the man she hit.  He was so gracious and loving.  He hugged her as we left telling her after she said sorry for the millionth time there is nothing for me to be mad about.  It was an accident and we all walked away unharmed.  I am thankful for the police who got to the scene in what Jessica said was seconds.  I am thankful for airbags that softened the blow.  I am thankful that today is Sunday and after a sleepless night we were able to stay home and rest.  I am thankful that we were able to watch Pastor Todd's sermon online.  I am thankful for family and friends that have shown concern and called and texted and sent encouraging words and checked on her.  So much to be thankful for.  Here is a picture of the worst of the injuries this morning. The airbag hit Jessica's arm and really banged it up. 

Thank you God for protecting her!

Fall is in the Air!

Fall has come!  Yahoooooo!  It is my absolute favorite time of the year. The weather is cooling off, which makes me so happy.   Our family has of course stayed extremely busy.  We went to homecoming at SHS last weekend.  I love going to the games.

Jess is enjoying her senior year.  She has really made me incredibly proud with her drive in Chemistry.  She has worked so hard.  She has also been surviving her college classes.  She is mentoring two girls from our youth group.

Jacob is staying busy with his guitars and friends.  He loves being gone and go go going.  Jordan is doing lots of things with her mentor from church.

I have taken a new challenge.  I was hired by CPN to do the photography for their online gift store.  It has been really a great deal. I go a few days after school to shoot and then come home to edit.  I wasn't sure how I would like it at first, but I love it!  It is a challenge to get the tiny buttons, pins, jewelry and other items just right.

Scott is counting down the days until deer season.  He has been putting out corn and examining his game cams.  I love how much he loves hunting!

Our family has adopted two college students from OBU that go to our church.  We are enjoying getting to know Sam and Katlin.

My parents are in Louisiana right now at their house by Rudy.  I miss them!  But I am happy they are getting to spend time with his family.  We are looking forward to fall break when we get to visit.  I am looking forward to the time off!  I love my sweet class, but I also love the time with our family!

October is going to be crazy with my photography business.  I love how the Lord has blessed me with amazing clients!  Looking forward to the pumpkin patch sessions.  Some of my favorite of the year!

Well we are headed to OKC this morning so I will sign off!

Wonderful Crazy Life

I swear this was yesterday.  I blinked.  I did what everyone warned me not to do. It just is happening so fast.  My babies are almost grown.  It's horrible.  It's wonderful.  It's stressful.  It's joyful.  How it is all rolled up into one is just a mystery to me. 

Jessica is a senior this year.  I have thought since school started about starting this blog and telling of our journey.  I thought maybe it was a little corny.  But it keeps surfacing again and again.  So I am going to give it a shot. 

Jessica is as I said a senior.  She is taking all concurrent classes at OBU through SHS with the exception of AP Chemistry.  It's crazy thinking that when she begins OBU in the fall she will have several classes taken care of.  Let me tell you.  This girl is incredible.  I know, I know....I am a little biased.  But seriously.  She is such a Godly young woman.  She is driven in a way that I will never understand.  That strong will that drove us crazy as a child has blossomed into a beautiful thing.  She babysits after school for spending money.  She studies and studies and studies.  And yet still finds time for her time with the Lord.  I AM PROUD! 

This year Jacob is a sophomore.  He started driving in August (Lord help us all!!).  He is incredibly talented in music.  He took guitar lessons for a few months and from there he has taught himself.  I am telling you that boy takes his practicing very seriously.  We are constantly saying turn it down!  He leads worship in the Youth Band.  Hearing him play in church makes all those noisy Sundays and evening practices worth it all!  Jacob works part time on a friend's farm.  He paints, hauls hay, pulls brush, fixes fences, herds cattle, the whole nine yards!  I am proud of how hard he works.  That boy of mine is tall!  Pushing 6' at 16.  Jacob loves the Lord and has an incredible heart.

And my Jordan.  She is 14 and a freshman with no care in the world.  She is so laid back.  It's all good is her motto!  Jordan is very involved in our church youth group.  This girl has the sweetest heart.  She is incredible with kids.  She just has this natural ability to love on them and guide them.  She watches two little girls after school and they adore her!  Jordan is very loyal.  She stands even when it is hard.  She isn't afraid to say what she is thinking.  Jordan is very artsy and creative.  She learned how to knit last year.  She has the patience to sit there and work! 

Every day in our house is an adventure.  I am excited to document our joys, sorrows, etc.  I am really working on savoring each moment.  I am trying hard not to blink!