Big Dad's Birthday

How'd you like to look this good on your 97th birthday? Yes, please!

The boys and I were incredibly lucky to be in Birmingham on March 17. Not because we like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Magic City, but because it was Big Dad's birthday, and that's where he lives.

Big Dad is Rev. James Horton, Tim's maternal grandfather, and he has lived in Birmingham for 10+ years now. A former pastor and college professor (he taught religion at Carson-Newman College), Big Dad inspires us with his optimistic personality, quick wit, and incredible memory. We had a wonderful birthday visit with him, and I am thankful for these precious photographs of him and his bright smile.

Movie Mania

Once a year the characters that comprise our church shine like no other time: our annual leadership banquet. For the past three years, the event has had a theme, and this year it was particularly fun - the movies!

Of course, the choices were nearly limitless. Tim and I could embrace our inner Star Wars and rock a Princess Leah and Hans Solo get-up. We could pay homage to Middle Earth as Aragorn and Arwen. Or we could channel two of my literary favorites, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.

In the end, we went as H.I. and Ed from the Coen Brothers' classic, "Raising Arizona." I faded into the background of Tim's appearance. His sideburns and moustache (both real) were quite impressive!

Tim got into his character...maybe a little too much? Naw...he was awesome and earn lots of laughs for his commitment to the character. In fact, the entire crowd wowed with their costumes. One small group came dressed as the cast of "The Wizard of Oz," even down to the flying monkey! Couples represented "Men in Black," "Driving Mrs. Daisy," "The Matrix," "My Fair Lady," and so many other classic film characters. The surprise of the night was the absence of Bella and Edward, at least in person (the staff did produce an entertaining video reinactment of a "Twilight" scene).

Additional entertainment was provided by the staff doing a live song and dance from "Annie" and "The Sound of Music." Plus, the motley crew pictured above (our elders - notice Tim second from right) along with the elders' wives (myself included) did a step dance spoof from the movie "Stomp the Yard." I'm not sure our dance skills impressed anyone, but we certainly entertained if the laughs were any indicator.

Thanks to the Providence staff for putting together this excellent evening to honor the many volunteers who serve every week at our church. We enjoyed our night as H.I. and Ed, and in the end, we were a little sad to see the sideburns and moustache go. Here's looking forward to next year and whatever costume (and facial hair) it will require.

Glory Revealed in Grief

Last fall when I attended the Captivating retreat in Colorado, I met a stunning woman. Though she stood tall and graceful and had super-chic short hair that I envied, it wasn't her exterior beauty that drew my attention. It was her radiance. She eminated a sense of pleasure and delight throughout the weekend.

When I returned from the trip, she and I became "Facebook" friends, and it was in this social network that I learned more about this new acquaintance. I flipped through her photos, seeing picture after picture of her beautiful smile, her friends, her family, when I was arrested by a black-and-white photograph of a girl...her daughter, Hadley.

I would come to learn that Hadley had been born with an underdeveloped brain and required constant care from her mom and dad. To phrase it like that doesn't honor what was required of them over Hadley's 12 years. But I learned that Leith and Aaron parented Hadley with incredible passion, tender mercy, and enduring faith.

Hadley passed away on January 28. The video in the following post is one they shared at her celebration service to tell their story. Please take fifteen minutes to sit, tissue in hand, and watch as Leith and Aaron talk about their journey with Hadley and, through it all, their journey with God.

As I watch, I marvel at the radiant woman I had the honor to meet last fall. I am thankful for the encounter which led to this profound glimpse of loss, grief, and faith.

A Grief Observed

Roaming

Yesterday we took Titan, our puppy, to Melton Hill State Park near our house. Tim and the boys had done this recently, but this was my first visit to this beautiful park. Since we were the only visitors (other than a few fishermen), we let Titan run free. It is a delight to watch him explore and enjoy some freedom that our house and yard don't provide. Here are some photos from our lovely afternoon:

Seriously Sweet

The sweetest treat I received for my birthday was a weekend visit from Jinda and Rivers Green. Jinda and I have been close friends since our days living in Birmingham, and Rivers is her 11-week-old son. What a precious little baby!

Look at that face! Folks refer to Rivers' dark hair, but all I see is an auburn mane about to reveal itself. Rivers' mom has gorgeous red hair, as do his three brothers and one sister. Though his daddy is a brunette, I think this one will follow his siblings with beautiful red locks.

Titan was incredibly curious about Rivers, and he desperately wanted the freedom to examine him. A lick or two was all he got (oh, and a pacifier, which he swiped at the first opportunity!).

We each got a turn with the baby. Tim kindly babysat on Saturday night so that Jinda and I could go out to dinner with some girlfriends to celebrate my recent birthday. He had plenty of help from Reed and his friend Sophie, who were extremely attentive to Rivers.

Reed was mesmerized by Rivers and hung close throughout the weekend. He made sure his pacifier stayed in place and that his coos and grunts were met with appropriate concern.

On Sunday morning we said a reluctant goodbye to Rivers and his mommy. It was such a delight to have a baby in our house and our arms again. He captivated us all!

A Snowy Start

It's the new year and the start of a new semester, but it is off to a slow, snowy start. Mind you...I'm not complaining. I'll take days at home with my boys any time, any way (and one with Tim too? Bonus!). So far this week, we've enjoyed three snow days in a row. I cannot remember ever having this pleasure since the boys started school. Here are some pictures of our wintery fun:

Snow day lesson #1: Never trust Dad.

Snow day lesson #2: Snow angels are fun to make, but you will always get snow down your pants.

Snow day lesson #3: The driveway will only be shoveled if Tim is snowed in too.

Snow day lesson #4: Sometimes the snow is best enjoyed from a warm, comfortable spot.

Snow day lesson #5: Rules are made to be broken; hence, dog on the couch enjoying a cozy snowday snuggle.