Canadian Runaways

Thankful

2010-11-27T07:15:00.000-06:00

365 days

2010-06-14T20:56:00.003-05:00

What a difference a year makes....

Visit with Santa

2009-12-13T20:57:00.003-06:00

We weren't so sure how you would react to Santa... you ended up being indifferent. You sat exactly how Daddy placed you in his lap. You didn't cry. You didn't smile. You just sat there looking at all the adults (Lori, Ashley & myself) talking to you trying to make you smile. You held on tight to that tiny candy cane however. We forgot you had it until we heard you crunching the wrapper in the backseat on the way to Daddy's soccer game. Candy canes and jingle bells. They make you smile. Santa? Whatever.

Dec 6

2009-12-07T18:45:00.001-06:00

Baby it's cold outside!

Dec 4 & 5

2009-12-07T18:26:00.003-06:00

Reid & I spent the weekend putting up decorations and making it begin to look a lot like Christmas around here...

Dec 3rd

2009-12-03T15:43:00.004-06:00

I gave Reid her stocking this morning and she played with the jingle bells for a good 20 minutes. She is already having a merry little Christmas.

Dec 2nd

2009-12-03T15:36:00.003-06:00

Reid cuddles with Brett in her Christmas jammies...

24 days 'til Christmas

2009-12-01T20:03:00.003-06:00

And Reid is already opening presents, courtesy of my Mom. Thanks for the warm clothes & cute shoes Grams!

Long overdue

2009-11-14T19:49:00.004-06:00

I'm officially behind... in everything it seems! I have rejoined the work force and still trying to juggle working 40 hour weeks while being a wife and parent. Trying to determine what a successful working Mom looks like, so if you have any suggestions feel free to share... So far I have figured out what it DOESN'T look like. Not a clean house, home cooked meals, or restful evenings. I am very determined to be present in whatever moment I am in. Thankful for my husband, my daughter, and my patients.
Life continues to be good to us and we are so blessed. I am currently listening to Reid watch the Leafs game with her Daddy in the other room as I type this. She is starting to talk up a storm these days {just like her Mommy!}. She also drools more than anyone I've ever met! Too bad we can't harvest that stuff and use it to cure Parkinson's or ALS. :) And her belly laughs are completely contagious.
Reid is six months today! We celebrated by taking her on her first hike at Swayback Bridge. She loved being on her Daddy's back, enjoying the scenery & soaking up the sunshine. She also had rice cereal tonight, which was not a huge hit. We are pretty sure that 1/10 of what we fed her ended up in her tummy...!
Enjoy some pictures from our day:

Family

2009-07-28T11:51:00.007-05:00

Last week Reid got to meet some very important people... you know when friends are so close and so good, they are family... Aunt Sumer & Aunt Jen came to town to play with Reid for a couple of days, and man did we have fun. It's been quite a few years since we have all been together and we certainly made up for lost time. I love how those relationships never change despite all the reasons they should {time, distance, life changes, etc.}. It was as if we had just seen each other last week. Because some things shouldn't change..! :) I love these girls and love that they travelled from Washington state & Honduras to spend some time together and meet my little one.

Aunt Sumer - surprisingly not wearing anything Buckeye-related

Aunt Jen multitasking :)

And last weekend took us to Uncle Nate's wedding in Birmingham. So proud of that guy! He really is like a little brother to me and I am loving the fact that his bride will be in school in the Birm for two more years so I can continue to see him :) The wedding was so sweet and so beautiful it made me want to run down the aisle and marry Brett all over again!

Mr. & Mrs.
{Karen~ You've got yourself one of the best!}

The Mitchell family

Nathan with his sisters

ALL the girls!

Growing & Growing

2009-07-22T09:17:00.005-05:00

2 months

1 month

1 week

Our little bundle is growing bigger and bigger! She now weighs 9lbs 5oz but continues to wear newborn sized clothes? An entire dresser and closet FULL of clothes, thanks to the generosity of family & friends, are awaiting her chubbiness to continue so they can be worn!
I stole this idea from my friend Sara who took pictures of her boys with the same stuffed animal to document their growth progress on a regular basis. This teddy bear was given to Reid by her Daddy... which actually was a present I gave Brett when we were dating in highschool many moons ago! :)
She loves having her hands up by her face {as evidenced in ultrasound pictures as well}, sucks in her bottom lip, hiccups about 2-3 times a day (also another habit carried over from pregnancy), pulls her knees up as high as she can when she's on her back, makes eye contact, smiles so sweetly it melts your heart, and will coo back to you when you talk to her. She has also just recently started sleeping six consecutive hours at night, we're keeping our fingers crossed that it continues!
She is such a sweet addition to our family, we are both very much in love with her...

"The love of democracy should never allow us to be blinded."

2009-07-16T09:48:00.004-05:00

Here is an interesting read regarding the Honduran situation. We love those people & that country more than I can put into words. Please continue to pray for & support the Honduran people. Democracy doesn't need to be restored. It never went anywhere.

One Letter to US President Obama

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T08:58:00.004-05:00

To a brand new Dad. Who fell in love with his daughter the moment he laid eyes on her. Who wouldn't leave her alone on the baby warmer. Who proudly announced her arrival stating she is as beautiful as his wife. Who happily escorted hospital visitors to the nursery when they couldn't see her in person when they visited. Who changed her first diaper. Who lays beside her as she falls asleep. Who takes her for walks. Who is already protective of what happens to her. Who tells her stories. Who dances around the house with her. Who couldn't resist buying her first pool. Who is already spoiling her. Who wants to take her on a thousand adventures in the years to come.
The greatest part of having our daughter is that I get to share it all with you...

4 weeks

2009-06-16T21:31:00.004-05:00

Congratulations Anna Jane!

2009-06-14T10:38:00.002-05:00

One of my dearest friends got married May 7th in Dyersburg, TN and I was unable to be a part of it on account of being 38 weeks pregnant and all. {sorry Anna...}
This is a quick shout out to my friend, the beautiful bride, compliments of Jamie Wright photography.
love you!
{and Reid thinks her Aunt Anna looks gorgeous too}

3 weeks

2009-06-08T17:53:00.002-05:00

Two weeks

2009-06-02T10:25:00.001-05:00

One week

2009-05-23T14:33:00.002-05:00

We've spent the last week being completely in awe of the miracle of our beautiful baby girl. She is absolutely perfect, and the only trouble we are having is fattening her up...

Welcome to the world little one....

2009-05-17T18:05:00.002-05:00

Reid Louise
May 14th @ 10:15am
6lbs 10oz and 20.5"

Got a guess?

2009-05-12T21:23:00.002-05:00

Well, the little one is due to arrive next Wednesday, May 20th. 8 days after their Grams' birthday and Grandpa Mitchell's birthday, and 2 days before their parents 11th wedding anniversary. But, since it IS a Mitchell, I'm sure it'll be late, announcing it's preference to operate on MST - Mitchell Standard Time. Where logic and punctualness are obsolete! They are showing no sign of becoming more familiar with the exit... apparently I am too good of a hostess, and they are already taking after their Daddy by preferring to swim and play in the water.
So, now that I have a working laptop again (yay for Richard!), I thought we'd play a guessing game. Go to: Baby Mitchell and enter your best guess. Will it be a boy/girl? May/June? {oh please little one, not June!} Let's see what you think...

Eight months

2009-03-27T19:49:00.005-05:00

**photography by the fabulously talented MaryAlice Duncan**

Hard to believe that in the last eight months we have been entrusted to the growth of this little one... And in eight more weeks we will more than likely have met them... seen their little face and touched their little hands and feet. I am completely overwhelmed at how much they are already loved and how much we are about to be responsible for. Can't wait to see just who they look like, and what adventures they will take us on... One thing is for certain, our lives will never be the same!

Brett's birthday

2009-03-18T07:14:00.002-05:00

Today my sweet husband turns 35...
No one on this earth makes me laugh as much, frustrates me as much, loves me as much, spoils me as much, or has enough patience to deal with me :) I certainly don't deserve to have him in my life, but am certainly grateful to have him as my best friend and soul mate.
Happy birthday Brett!

Guilty as Charged

2009-03-12T18:41:00.000-05:00

"If we distance ourselves long enough from real needs, we replace them with those that aren't. Pretense becomes the new real and suddenly a delay in the delivery of our new couch becomes a terrible upset. We are wise to force ourselves to keep differentiating between simple inconveniences and authentic tribulations. The more detatched and self-absorbed we become, the more we mistake annoyances for agonies. It happens to all of us."
-Beth Moore "Esther. It's Tough Being a Woman"

LIfe is just hard...

2009-02-09T20:37:00.003-06:00

...for no reason at all.
-Remember the Titans
Any prayers on behalf of Benji & Rebekah for the blessing of their daughter Gracie would certainly be apprectiated.
Instead of typing out the details I'll simply send you to http://www.thebenjamites.blogspot.com/
Our prayers are with you...

The little one....

2009-01-31T16:17:00.005-06:00

Here is our ultrasound pic from 21 weeks (I'm currently 24 weeks pg). {Sorry for the delay!}
For those who don't know, we aren't finding out what we're having, so if you see something in this pic, you're better than the technician :) At this point we are just grateful to have a healthy baby with a four chambered heart, intact kidneys, and split brain (yes, I'm a medical geek). Looking forward to meeting this chiciringo!
{strangely enough, this post is for my Mom, who flew out to Cuba for some sun and relaxation today and won't see this for a week... sorry Mom!}
And a special shout out to my friend Carissa for scanning the pics... you rock girl!

The Holidays - Canadian Style

2009-01-17T17:20:00.011-06:00

Maple Leafs vs. Penguins in Mellon Arena. Driving through snow storms. Presents. Mincemeat tarts. Wearing multiple layers in frigid temps. Snow, snow, snow. Rain. More snow. Christmas crowds. Cafe Mocha. Climbing through snowbanks to find the car at the mall. Nanamo bars. Christmas movies. Giving. Family. Love. Excitement. Opening stockings. Hot tea. Cranberry pudding. Christmas Vacation. Turkey soup. Canasta with Grandma. Mary Brown's taters. Skating. Laughing. Carter Christmas. Wi Bowling. Breakfast at Cora's. Baby Mitchell presents. Swiss Chalet. Snow tubing. Hot chocolate. Frost bitten toes. Days in the car. Christmas holidays 2008.

at Mellon Arena

Yeah baby!!

Samantha & Cole

Cole & Judy

Yes, it's true
the Ontario sister: holds the wall while skating...
the Alabama sister: not a chance!!

cheerleader pose!!

love this pic of Samantha..

Brett & Cole

Who doesn't need help getting their skates off?

The Carter/Smith girls
Jennifer, Janette, Kathy, & Judy

Mom bowling!

This is truly a photogenic moment...
Mom & Auntie Erma showing Dad & Uncle Vern (the techies) how to use the Wi remotes :)

I love how Davis is peeking up into this pic!

New Years Eve: the chalet at Snow Valley
I love how this turned out blurry - that's how tired we all were after tubing out in the cold!

Celebrating, celebrating

2008-12-05T06:53:00.006-06:00

As of today we've been a part of eachother's lives for 17 years.
There are no words to adequately describe just how much I love and respect this man. I simply can not imagine my life without him in it, or imagine a more suitable partner to get to journey beside through this life.

Highschool sweethearts.
Best friends.
Soulmates.
17 years knowing eachother.
10 years of marriage.
6 months until our little family becomes 3....

Headin' to Starbucks

2008-12-01T09:35:00.002-06:00

Today Starbucks is donating to the Global Fund to help save lives in Africa in support of World AIDS Day. So head on over and get your favourite latte, coffee, chai tea. Doing good never tasted better.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-23T08:50:00.007-06:00

In my pitiful attempt at a blog update, here are a few pics of our State Park visits this fall...

Oak Mountain

Brett thinking he is pretty clever
"Why don't you get out of the canoe and get a picture of those trees?"
And when I turn back around, he is 20 ft away from the shoreline... haha!

We went one afternoon to Oak Mountain and rented a canoe, which we haven't done in FOREVER!
Being in the stern of a canoe with Brett behind me is one of my absolute favourite places to be!

Radnor Lake, Nashville

Karen & I

Derek, Timothy's legs, Karen, Brett and I
We were fortunate to spend a morning hiking at Radnor with dear friends of ours one Saturday in Nashville. The extra bonus is that Timothy will be quiet the whole time he's in the sling :)
{And we got to hang out with some of our favourite people!}

Proud Canadian

2008-10-27T14:09:00.003-05:00

Kudos to Roxy for directing me to this site, written by a Canadian in Texas...
Here is a blurb from one of her posts. To me, it's absolutely hilarious. Unless you are a Canadian who is living or has lived in the States you may not get it. Or may even get offended.
My last post was for my Mom. I suppose this one's for me. :)

Taken from "Canadian Thoughts in Texas" {italics mine}
"What have you learned about being Canadian and Canadian-ness since you moved to the US?

That even though I've been gone for 6 1/2 years, I still love that country to death. I don't care that the taxes are higher there. I don't care that in a lot of the country it is freaking cold for a long part of the year. There's something magical about Canada to me, because it is home.

I've said before that if someone had told me even two years before I moved here that I'd end up living in the U.S., I would have thought they were crazy.

Because in Canada, we're raised to have a very mild disdain for our neighbors to the South. Not that we'd ever tell them to their face, because that's just not the Canadian way. But much of Canada's culture is based on our snickering of the brashness and loudness that is America.

No offense to my American brothers and sisters, but you guys drink the cherry-flavored America Kool Aid by the gallon. You're like that popular blonde girl who talks about how pretty she is all the time. And we're the mousy brunette with glasses who's really cute if you look past the glasses, and who never has the confidence to speak up.

When you drive down any street in the U.S. you will see flags left right and center. Many, many American flags. And if you ask people about being American, they'll tell you that they live in the greatest country on Earth. Which always strikes me as amusing, because really? Have you lived in every country in the world to say that?

That's like experiencing ice cream for the first time and claiming that this in fact has to be the greatest flavor in the world. And it very well may be. But maybe, just maybe, somewhere out there there's a pint of chocolate ice cream with chocolate truffles in it. And chocolate covered almonds. And maybe that's better. But being American and admitting that maybe potentially one of the 193 other countries just might be better than the U.S. is probably considered treason.

Ask a Canadian if they live in the greatest country in the world and they'll launch into a long tirade about how we have universal healthcare, and golly that's really good, and we're really pretty good about not littering, and our beer is really great, but we've been told that the Swiss have an even lower crime rate and they have really great chocolate, and, well, Switzerland sounds really pretty cool too and really we should go visit there together.

I think the reason Canada and the U.S. are so different, is because of the ways we earned our independence. Because the U.S. had it just as bad or good as Canada in the 1770's. We were both overtaxed. And we were owned by the British. And the U.S. went "screw this! They may talk with a fancy accent, but we ain't giving them another cent!" And then to show they were serious, they dumped tea in the Boston harbor. And the British don't like people wasting perfectly good tea, so they went to war to teach the Americans about respect. But the British lost and they finally thought "these guys are too much trouble, lets them leave and we'll just get the Canadians continue to pay for us to build even more castles."

And the Americans were proud, and had every reason to be. They once were a colony, but now they no longer were. And more than 200 years later, that pride lives on, it's part of the country's identity. You're either American, or you're not. You either get it, or you don't.

Canada didn't really see a need to get its independence. In fact, in 1812, the Americans looked over towards us and yelled out "dude, you're totally getting screwed by your British Mom and Dad! Run away with us!" And Canada said, "oh, we're fine, it's not that bad, we don't mind them. Plus we get to put their king on our money, which is pretty fun!"

And the Americans went "dude, you're so dense! We'll come up there and fight you to teach you that you should be independent."

The Canadians were like "what? Why don't you chill and have a great Canadian beer? And maybe a piece of this yummy maple syrup coffee cake we just made?"

And somehow, the Canadians won the war of 1812. Although, to this day, Americans still won't admit that. It's a sore point with them. They also won't admit that the beaver is a way cooler national symbol than the eagle, because really? Eagles, they're majestic and all, but beavers? they can karate chop you with their tail.

Canada finally became independent in 1982. I'm not freaking kidding you. And you know how we did it? We just asked. We said "hey there, Queen Elizabeth II, so we're thinking that maybe you'd let us be independent. Although we'd love for you to still be a figure head for our country, and our money's so cute with you on it, we'd like to keep your face on it."

Queen Elizabeth thinking that really, she was tired of getting shipments of beaver tails (the pastry, not the animal's appendage) and maple syrup, figured why the hell not.

So it's hard for Canada to have the rah rah rah sentiment that Americans have developed. You fought for it. We didn't.

Another difference with Canada is that for some reason, we're very good at infiltrating Hollywood. Name just about any celebrity and odds are pretty good that they're Canadian. William Shatner? Canadian. Avril Lavigne? Canadian. Alex Trebek? Canadian. Rachel McAdams? Canadian. Keanu Reeves? Canadian. Jim Carrey? Canadian. Pamela Anderson? Canadian. Howie Mandel? Canadian. Michael J. Fox? Canadian. 3/4 of the great NHL players? Canadian. Peter Jennings? Canadian. Mike Myers? Canadian. Celine Dion? She's really an alien who claims to be Canadian, we really don't have any part in that one.

Why are Canadians so good at entertaining? It's the snow. Not much to do on those long winter nights, except for practice scenes and Oscar speeches.

The thing that's great about Canada, is that nobody ever hates us. So living in the States, I don't ever have to hide that I'm originally from Canada. It doesn't matter what Canada does, it can't cause ripples. Like you know that little Iraqi war thing that won't end? Remember how France refused to go and Americans were horrified? Calling them all sorts of names, boycotting the entire country, like Jean-Pierre in suburban Paris had himself agreed to the government's decision. French toast and French fries were renamed. It was quite the debacle.

And Canada? Canada also refused to go to Iraq. And nobody raised an eyebrow. Because really? Picking on France? Way more fun. Plus, the fact that the New York City police force is larger than Canada's army might also make the U.S. think "well, if Canada's not going to send Bob and Joe out for this war, I guess we can do without two more soldiers."

Being Canadian in Texas means that you get to tell people how much better Sleeman's Cream Ale is than any microbrewery beer here. It means scoffing at the weather people when they speak of doom for the entire city of Dallas because 1/4 inch of ice is expected. And then telling your coworkers about those times you dug out your car with your bare hands after four feet of snow came down and buried it.

Living in Texas means that I get to regale people of tales of Canadian TV shows like "Danger Bay" and "The Littlest Hobo" and "You Can't Do That On Television". And swoon when I watch an episode of Degrassi where I recognize something from Toronto. And feel homesick when the sportscasters don't bother talking about the Stanley Cup, because the Dallas Stars are no longer in it, and they figure who cares. And feel sad when a Canadian team wins a large sporting event and I can't be there to celebrate. It means that people look at you funny when you say that you don't get what the big deal is about College football and March Madness. And that you get excited when an American sitcom makes a reference to something Canadian. Even if it mocks the country.

It means that the second you find out someone else is Canadian, you feel an instant bond to them. Because really? No one bad ever came out of that place, so they must be a great person.

Living here also means that I get chills and goosebumps every time the American anthem plays, because it's such a gorgeous and heartfelt song that makes me misty eyed and proud to have been allowed to live here. And when I go home and attend a hockey game against an American team, I get to sing proudly to both songs without ever feeling like I've abandoned my home country.

Being Canadian in Texas gives me something unique from everyone else in my department. Something that they can tease me about and that I can talk about endlessly if they'll let me. Being Canadian is being able to talk about the country tongue-in-cheek without feeling like I'm being unpatriotic. As Jodi said, Canadians love to laugh at themselves more than anything. Having a self-deprecating sense of humor is as mandatory as thinking that maple leafs in the fall are one of the most beautiful things ever. Does anyone outside of Canada think we're as funny as we think we are? I'm not sure. But I don't think Canadians care one way or another.

This one's for you Mom...

2008-10-09T11:00:00.005-05:00

Someone's been bugging me for an update....

Brett and I are about to head out to TN so his boys can whup up on Freed-Hardeman tonight @ 7:00. Memphis BBQ with Anna Jane. Then we're heading to Nashville to meet my nephew and spend some quality time with his parents Karen & Derek. Dinner with Terry & Margaret on Saturday before heading to the Predators season opening game against Dallas. Hopefully there will be some eating involved at Pancake Pantry and/or Baja Burrito at some point. And back to the Gump by Sunday...
Holla..!

My NOLA family

2008-09-05T17:04:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I got to spend 24 hours in Navarre, FL with my NOLA family.. Dawn, Aubrey, Miss Jeni, Ken... and I got to meet sweet baby Kate!
Dawn and I were RA's together at Lipscomb, and she quickly became one of the dearest friends I could have ever asked for. She has been, hands down, the biggest cheerleader of my life. She believes in me during the times when it is hard to believe in myself. She worked through trig problems with me when "the back of the book was wrong- again!" She actually helped biochemistry make sense! She tells me I'm the smartest person she knows, and that I really could have made it through med school. She tells me I am beautiful in the exact moments I need to hear it. She quietly closed my dorm room door when I was napping through chapel. She reminds me that God is in control, and that's exactly how it should be. She quickly agrees with me when I tell her I feel old. :)
I haven't seen Dawn since she made a quick trip to Montgomery in 2005. When she phoned to say she would be in Florida for a weekend at her Mom's house I just had to carve out some time to go see her.... you know, she's that kind of friend. And, of course I had to meet sweet baby Kate. Who at 11 months is so much like Dawn it makes me laugh out loud! I loved getting to see Dawn be a Mommy...
And I also got to see Miss Jeni, Dawn's Mom. She's moved to FL since Katrina hit New Orleans, and even though she is in a different house, nothing has changed. Good times and good food are always found in the Genter house. {even queso dip to clear your sinuses!} Now it's just complete with a hammock and bay view instead of the French quarter and beignets. Miss Jeni is seriously one of my other mom's. I stayed at her house every time I went to New Orleans, whether I came down with Dawn or not. ;)
It did my heart so much good to be there with them, even if only for a few precious hours...
Love you Dawnie!

Miss Jeni, Grandma, Dawn & Kate

Miss Kate Valentine Watkins

My new favourite place- The Genter dock!
Got to spend some good time out on that swing...

Camp Omagh

2008-08-24T16:04:00.005-05:00

Eighteen years ago today I was baptized at Camp Omagh... which scares me a little bit in that I feel like 18 years after making a public commitment to walk with my God, I should be a lot more mature in the faith and a lot more knowledgeable in the Scriptures... I will say that I am definitely still a work in progress, and live a life better than I deserve, being blessed beyond my wildest dreams.
I guess this is why Omagh memories always seem to flood me in the month of August. It may also be that August is so unbearably hot in the Gump and makes me long for the summer weather and activities of Southern Ontario... the Ex, the air show, Wonderland, cottage time, jello fights, and backyard barbeque's... But Omagh will always be a part of what I miss about my teenage years and teenage friends.
Making the decision to get baptized at Omagh was about as easy as it could be considering the importance of the decision. I simply can not put into words what my camp friends mean to me. There I was surrounded by people who loved me for being me, which meant more to me at that time in life than anything. Don't get me wrong, I had a very loving family and extended family. But this was different... At school I was the skinny, awkward, LOUD girl with unfortunate hair, and a handful of acquaintances.. I had one true friend who stuck by me through everything. But at camp I could be me and never had to justify myself or pretend to be someone I wasn't. I was loved for who I was, a child of God. And so, on August 25th, 1990 I stepped into that pool with that cross floating behind me, and publicly surrendered my life to God...

He's early!!

2008-08-23T08:35:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Derek & Karen
and big sister Emily
on the anticipated arrival of sweet little

Timothy Michael Kramer
5 lbs 6 oz
18"
on August 22, 2008 @ 1:28pm

Welcome to the world Timothy, where God has a purpose and plan for your life! You have already been given two of the best parents and older sister that I know :). Your life will be full of love and laughter {no doubt!}. I can not wait to meet you and watch you grow and develop your own personality. As your Canadian "aunt" I promise to teach you about hockey, futball, skiing, and that a toboggan does not go on your head! :) You will also be happy to know that when your Mommy phoned me to let me know you had arrived safely, your Uncle Brett and I were watching the gold medal round for men's soccer (of course!)
love you already,
Auntie Judy xox

Honduras...

2008-08-21T20:58:00.002-05:00

"The nature of the work in Honduras throughout the summer is pretty intense. We wake up each day and go to work (building homes, distributing food and clothing, conducting VBS, meeting basic needs) among some of the poorest people on the face of this planet. The needs are obvious and apparent and it is easy to see what to do. Back here in "over the mountain" AL, we live in the suburbs and our daily interactions and the environment we are in makes it less easy to see what to do. The needs of those around us is less obvious. Are there still needs and things to "do"? Absolutely. It just takes a keener awareness and more attention to discover some of what those are. I'm pretty confident that God has each of us exactly where he can use us. Are we open to letting him use us where we are? Are we ok with that use being less grandiose or intensive or obvious? Are we ok letting God decided the who, what, where, and when of our journey? Does our own guilt drive us to feel like we need to do more or something other than what we are doing?"
-Mark Connell Studio310
I couldn't have put it any better. We've been back from Honduras for six weeks now. It's long enough to start to slip back into old routines, but close enough that the experience is still very fresh on my heart. I printed out this post when Mark first wrote it and recently came back across it. It still rings true. Even after going on 13 trips to Honduras, God continues to use a love for those people and that country to speak to this heart. And I so want to sit quietly and listen...

Happy 70th Dad!

2008-08-20T07:23:00.002-05:00

Never a dull moment!

2008-07-24T14:08:00.004-05:00

Currently I have a stroke patient who is suffering from SEVERE left neglect {basically, her brain has difficulty processing everything to her left so she stands looking over her right shoulder and thinks her head is straight}. When I walk with her I have to give her a million cues to make her aware of what is in her left field of vision. We are walking around the corner of the centre offices, where a huge piece of cardio equipment is. On our left. So for all practical purposes, it doesn't exist in her world. She can't see it. Now, this equipment is in serious need of oil... it periodically begins squeaking with every movement of your legs, God love it. So we come around the corner while another patient is working on it, squeaking away:
My patient: "What is that? Am I hearing a flock of Canadian geese?"
Leigh Anne (who is in the parallel bars with her pt right beside us): "Nope, that's just your Canadian therapist!"

Bufftruck Day

2008-07-24T10:39:00.003-05:00

Brett spent the day building a house to replace one destroyed by a fire:

typical Torch house

putting in the floor...
apparently Mark is "supervising"

crowd of ninos that inevitably gather :)

Judy and Katie went to the warehouse for day two of stucco removal proving that you can't keep a good bufftruck down!

taking a MUCH deserved break from hammering..

KFC with the Mololoa kids...

2008-07-22T20:31:00.005-05:00

Although Torch has been doing this for years, this was my first chance to play in the KFC with my kids from Mololoa. SO much fun! Climbing through spaces not intended for anyone taller than 3 ft and sliding down hearing nothing but the laughter of children getting a chance to act like a child for a few hours... amazing! This was the only chance I got to see my kids from this village.. no words can describe the feeling when they run in the door and see you and run towards you arms open wide, calling you by name... I wonder if they stop and wonder what I'm doing as many times as I think and pray for them? With every trip I take to Honduras the place in my heart that stores the most treasured moments, where you wish time would stand still if only for a few mintues, so that you can absorb all the emotions going on in that exact moment, grows bigger and bigger. I imagine it's alot of what heaven will be like...

Oh yeah baby...
it's four stories tall complete with a soccer field!
{guess where Brett was most of the time?}

Carmen & Judy

Aren't these "masks" absolutely hilarious?!

Franklin
{this one's for you KT!}

Hospital Esquela

2008-07-22T20:26:00.003-05:00

This is Julio. He's four years old and has been coming for chemo treatments for about a month. He wanted me to put ketchup on every bite of chip he ate... seriously, every BITE! I think he's part Canadian :)

Good Shepherd Children's Home

2008-07-22T20:15:00.001-05:00

Leslie doing manual labour :)

Sneaky little guy

all the kids want to use your camera...

playin' in the water

This is as close to cool as I'll get in the PT world...

2008-07-21T21:58:00.004-05:00

Congratulations Jeremy!! He is the newest PT/ATC for the Chicago Bears. And will henceforth be referred to as "my BFF from PT school" :)
{No seriously, I'm just a proud "sister"! }

Carlos... Edwardo... Saul... Deisi...

2008-07-20T07:49:00.007-05:00

One of the great things about returning to Honduras every year is getting the opportunity to see how time brings change and growth; in the people I go with on the trip, the people we serve & work with in Honduras, and the country itself. I really love watching people recognize and develop into their potential {go figure with the field I currently work in :)
In 2002 Brett and I met Carlos, and subsequently his younger brothers Edwardo & Saul, and his mother Deisi. Over the last six years we have come to love this little family as much as one can living so far away and not speaking the same language. Through God's provision they have moved out to Santa Ana, and soon will move back to Teguce with a dear friend. It is amazing to see how God's hand has been over them, providing and protecting. All three boys have several "Torch" friends, thankfully. They need to be reminded how much they are loved, and that it's okay to stop and be a kid. Especially in a world where kids assume adult roles far too early and too often in life.
This year we got to hang out with the boys for a couple of days and nights, easily one of the highlights of our trip. Saul became Brett's shadow and would literally be no more than five steps away from him. Which also brought out the most common English phrase from Carlos "Where's my brother? Where's Brett?" I wish they could have stayed with our team all week...
I never take as many pictures as I want to have when I get home, but here they are:

Carlos- 17
Here is that sheepish grin that melted my heart the first time I met him...

Edwardo- 15
Mr. Joe Cool :)

Saul- 10
possibly the shyest child on the face of the planet!

Deisi & Saul

Carlos & Saul asleep in the back of the truck
after doing cement work at Good Shepherd

I think our relationship with these boys is one of the best examples of how love conquers all....

Back from Honduras

2008-07-15T18:46:00.006-05:00

The first week back from Honduras is always the hardest for me... The reverse culture shock never gets easier with time, and I am a very slow processor. I have to purposely allow down time once the trip is over to go through things in my head and in my heart and figure it all out.
Honduras trips are really not a sacrifice for me. The person I love more than anything comes with me on the trip, we haven't left kids at home with someone to look after, and being away from family for as long as we have makes two weeks in a third world country really not that bad as far as saying goodbye for a few days. I know we'll catch up eventually. It's all good. I get to go to one of my favourite places, with a lot of my favourite people and serve my God whom I love. To me it's pretty much a no brainer. Every day I wake up praying I'll go where God needs to be that day and be open to give and receive His love with the people He places in my day.
I've been going to Honduras since 1996. One thing I never want to be is apathetic to it all. It can be easy to do after thirteen trips... I try to be intentional about watching people who are on their first trip to remember how I felt the first time I saw something... observe others while they are serving and delight in the pure joy of giving of your total self.
When I found out we would have an opportunity to go the city dump, I knew I needed to go. That it was an experience that I could not miss out on. So big was the lesson God was showing me He had me go on two different occasions.

There are about 150-200 people who live and/or work in the city dump. Men, women, and children. Covered in garbage. Living in garbage. There were easily more vultures there than people. Dogs. Cows. All digging through garbage. To survive. Some came to find items that could recycled so they could earn a living. Some lived right there with their "houses" in the background of a bus handing out sandwiches, cookies, chips, oranges and bags of water. To be Christ. To reach out to those who have been forgotten by the rest. The untouchable.

How has the world gotten to a place where this is okay? When do we dig deeper and realize that we are to blame for them being there? For there being no other option in their lives? That this is the world we've help to create? How many times has satan used only the fact that I do "mission work" once a year in Honduras as a stroking tool for my ego when I'm challenged to give more, sacrifice more. As LC would put it "living simply so that others can simply live"?
My most precious memory from being there was not captured on film to my knowledge, but will be engraved in my memory forever... Despite several roadblocks, Brett INSISTED that we give everyone the opportunity to wash their hands before eating. With some buckets full of water, a bottle of dish soap, and some towels my husband reminded me that we are ALL made in His image and are to be loved and respected.

God is good... all the time. All the time... God is good

2008-07-04T23:42:00.002-05:00

Just checking in for a quick Honduras Torch update... Our trip continues with several opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need Him.
We have washed the hands of and fed those who live in the city dump, served on construction & stucco removal teams {yes, I am a bufftruck!}, painted the warehouse, delivered food bags among communities, visited the city orphanage and the blind school. It is amazing what can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause - reaching out to those in need, and no one wants the credit - to God be the glory!
We will have our clinic tomorrow and possibly another work day on Sunday before heading to Tela for our retreat on Sunday. Continue to pray for our strength and endurance while serving here.
Dios los bendiga!

It's not about me... It's all about God

2008-06-30T00:05:00.002-05:00

We are already having an amazing trip in Honduras... Got to spend two days & nights with our "boys"; Carlos, Edwardo & Saul. Assembled and distributed dry & fresh food baskets. Played HARD today with the Mololoa kids at the KFC {climbing and playing in spaces not meant for anyone taller than 4ft}. Brought A LOT of smiles to some kids in the cancer unit at Hospital Esquela. Spent some time with friends who mean more to me than what I could ever describe adequately. The rest of the week promises to be even better {especially since our team is finally at full strength as of tonight}!
Our evening devos will be live on podcast at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/torch-devo 9:00CST if you are interested in joining in with us across the continent. I promise the singing will be UNBELIEVABLE!!
Thank you already for all of your prayers! God is here and working... pray we continue to let Him!

Live from Honduras...

2008-06-26T13:32:00.002-05:00

We are here!! Having a great time.. spending it with good friends and gearing up for the team to arrive... as well as our luggage :)
I absolutely love being in this country. My heart feels at home here. For the next two weeks I get to serve alongside some of the greatest people I know. I got addicted to missions a long time ago, and have been blessed to be able to go almost every year since. Can't think of a better way to experience God, and have the box I place Him in blown apart every trip...
Pray for open hearts and selfless attitudes! We'll be back in the States July 9th
love ya, mean it! ;)

My response to Tiger Woods' US Open victory...

2008-06-16T20:43:00.004-05:00

"I don't really care. It's all about the Eurocup. I don't think anyone really watches golf anymore." -JMitchell
___________________________________________________________________
"I don't really care. It's all about the Dodgers. I don't think anyone really watches hockey anymore."
-Tiger Woods in response to being asked if he was rooting for Detroit or Pittsburg in the Stanley Cup

Brazil

2008-06-09T13:14:00.017-05:00

And we're back...!
We had an unforgettable trip to Brazil. I am still trying to wrap my head around everything that happened, it certainly was a whirlwind. And I am taking a while to process, as usual.
The boys did so awesome on this trip, several of them stepped up and it was such an amazing thing to see. One of my favourite things about these trips is watching how other people react and grow right before your very eyes. I am so proud of them. God blessed us with good health and safe travels. I hope we represented Him well!
Enjoy the pics...

Corcovado
the infamous Jesus statue

Tyler, Robbie, Alex, Drew & Porter

the guys at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janerio

At Maracana Stadium

the team at Cruzeiro's

Brett & Bruno
often imitated, never duplicated

overlooking Belo Horizonte

Atletico game

"bacon wrapped chicken-on-a-stick"
yum-o!

Brett & Fabricio with the prized pequita

The Resende girls - Tashiana, Ana Maria & Mariana

plane ride # 7 to Recife

working in the playground at the future orphanage

"testing" the equipment to make sure it was safe for the kids
yeah, yeah... that's it...

painting the dorm

VBS with neighbourhood kids

Judy & the little guy who has the sweetest eyelashes ever!

princes & princesses have lots of jewels to wear, right?

Bethany & friends making bracelets

Chad & his buddy :)

Nayane painting faces

Brazil-bound!!

2008-05-29T22:50:00.006-05:00

Heading out tomorrow to join Brett and the Faulkner boys in Brazil...! How lucky am I? The boys are training with the Cruzeiro team in Belo Horizonte, and then we will go to Recife to be a part of the Torch mission trip. Can't wait!
Prayers for a successful mission trip would be very much appreciated. Soon I'll be a South American tourist ;)

If you're lucky...

2008-05-27T21:47:00.008-05:00

... you'll get a surprise in your mailbox from your school- sending you pictures of your hooding ceremony before your own pictures make it farther than your laptop...!
Maybe I'll print them all out together soon... but I wouldn't hold your breath! ;)

Me...... a Dr?? Why yes..... I am!

Anna Jane

Dinah Lou Who

Kristen - who is taller than Dr. Halle if he's not on a step :)

Our class gift- yeah, we went all out... pics of ourselves!
Gail~ Our fearless class advisor
& Sells practicing a rugby move?

Class of 2006... aka "The best class evah!"

10th Anniversary

2008-05-21T17:17:00.004-05:00

Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.
~ Emily Bronte

Happy anniversary to the only person on this earth God gave enough patience to be my husband. He knows me better than I know myself, and chooses to love me anyway. I am proud to be the one he chose as his bride. And there is no one else I would rather have beside me as I journey through life on this earth. In only ten short years we have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams: walked the beaches of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean Oceans, seen the lights of Vegas, the monuments of DC, played in the Palm Springs desert, snorkeled the coral reefs of Roatan, skied the mountains of Colorado, rode the New York City subway, caught Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans, and watched the Leafs play in three different cities. We became addicted to missions and had our hearts stolen by the people of Honduras. We have lived in dorms of 130 girls, duplexes, apartment complexes, two story houses, and simultaneously in different states/countries. We have had weekly budgets of $25, and weekly budgets of $125 to spend on groceries. We've had the ride of our lives mixed with moments of chaos, frustration, and complete exhaustion. To God be the glory. Without Him, today would have not been possible....
Here's to 110 more years together baby, I love you!

Happy birthday Anna Jane

2008-05-17T08:50:00.009-05:00

29 things I love about Anna:

the face she gives over her shoulder if someone is popping their gum in the middle of class
she thinks that "32. iliacus" is just as funny as I do, even in the middle of a cadavre practical
she sits outside of SatCo eating queso dip with you when you're both reeking of formalyn

I only had to ask her one time to come to Honduras, and now she is hooked for life
she loves the people of Honduras as much as Brett and I do

the way she says "GrAc-iE"
her idea of a girls night out includes going to a Predators game with me
she lets me borrow her dresses for PT prom... every year

she lets me borrow her flip flops... indefinately!
she lived underwater for 80% of our Roatan trip
she'll eat Mexican with you any time, even if she just had it for lunch

she also needs to study 478 hours for a PT test knowing that Kristen & Dinah are still going to kick our butts
she'll ask if the 10 second rule still applies when she's accidently dropped her gum in the cadavre lab

she can be your personal tour guide in New York City

she'll get the same colour nail polish as I do, even if we're in different states getting a pedicure
she's participated in a drag race... with someelse's car
she'll take on Terry or Nate thinking she'll have the last laugh :)

if I wake her up in the middle of the night and ask her "what's in the upper left quadrant" she doesn't slap me upside the head

she loves wound care as much as I do
she'll always drive {"Whoa Black Betty!"}
she keeps air freshner in her car for her "moments"
I always have to unlock her car door before I can open it because she always manages to open her door and simultanously lock the car before I realize she's pulled into a parking space

she'll buy you tan-in-a-bottle if you miss your spray-on-mystic-tan appointment by some unforseen event
she didn't watch the end of the UT-LSU game in '05, but her reaction to the final score won her a jersey in pharmacology

she drove to Canada.. twice... to see me.. once!
after freaking out about her boards she'll pause and say "don't let me scare you, it's not that bad"
she understands my Honduran rooster obsession

I can leave her a voicemail that is nothing but a song...
I can get a voicemail from her that is nothing but a song...

And I could go on and on... Happy 29th Anna Jane!
love ya, mean it ;)

Orange Beach

2008-05-12T19:59:00.010-05:00

This post is for my Mom... who thought she would have to wait until next year to see pictures from this weekend... :) {happy birthday Mom!}
We got to do something we thought would never in a million years come to fruition.. we took a family trip ('cause they are too close to call "friends") to the Alabama Gulf coast with Karen & Derek and their sweet little one Emily... (Prince Harry also came along for the ride, but we won't actually meet him until August!)
We had a great time, and would love to make this an annual trip, if the Kramers can stand being with us for that long again! I hate that we no longer live 40 minutes from their house... Who would have thought that working in the dorm together would turn into an irreplaceable friendship. After going back and reminiscing this weekend I've come to the conclusion that the summer we met was the summer that Brett and Derek were out of town for weeks on end... hence the instant friendship between Karen and I. That and the fact that as soon as "Too legit to quit" came on the radio all four of us started to do the hand motions, while we encouraged Emily to "rock out" with us from her car seat! We love you guys, and can't wait to take the newest Kramer on next year's trip. :)
Here are some of my favourite pics.. and I may add more later when I get a hold of Karen's...

Judy & Brett
{my hair was actually straight mere hours before this pic was taken... humidity much?}

Derek, Emily & Karen

sweet Emily Paige

the girls

the boys building "Emily" a sand castle
yeah, riiiiiiiiiiight

the infamous

stopping just long enough to take off my running shoes before cooling off

Beautiful Bride

2008-04-28T19:59:00.004-05:00

This past weekend one of my dearest friends got married. Dinah Pigg is now Mrs. Alan Hall and I couldn't be happier for her. There are a thousand crazy ways my life entertwines with the Pigg's, and not the least of them is the fact that I am now living in their hometown of Montgomery. And although all of them are living elsewhere, I still feel close with them. In fact, I feel that way about all the girls in this picture... The ONE picture my camera took before promptly needing more batteries... {thanks for taking it Alan!}

Judy, Dinah, Anna, Kristen

Dinah Lou~ You were the most beautiful bride! I hope you know how ridiculously happy I am for you. This is it. This is right. It's how it's supposed to be, how God intended it. And sitting on the stairs in 402 with you that November night, to where you were this weekend... all of it has been a honour to be a part of. I hope you know how much I love you. How much your friendship means to me. Because I am definitely having difficulty finding the words.
love always, Judy Lou

Invest yourself...

2008-04-10T21:14:00.001-05:00

Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us daily.
-Sally Koch

Still learning...

2008-04-07T18:34:00.002-05:00

The more patients I come in contact with the more I realize just how fine the line is between remaining optimistic and being realistic. How can you tell someone that there is a strong possibility that they may never walk again, or that there is really no way of knowing how much longer they may live...
The only thing I know for certain is that lately my patients are teaching me a great deal more than I could ever teach them.
And I still believe in miracles and in the One who performs them.

Happy Birthday Brett!

2008-03-18T22:40:00.003-05:00

And here's to decades more to celebrate together
You are my everything!

We celebrated in Gulf Shores this year

Me & my sister
(yes, she IS in fact wearing long sleeves at the beach...)

And these are a shout out for Baron :)

Happy Leap Day!

2008-02-29T21:21:00.005-06:00

Here are some pics of my sweet niece Emily... who just so happens to have the greatest Mommy & Daddy ever, dear sweet friends of ours! They are experiencing some camera issues so I thought I'd post a few shots from our visit with them in January. Love you Karen & Derek!

check out that awesome shirt! :)

Derek & Brett in the CA car

she loves playing in her Daddy's cars

Karen & Judy
{okay, so this is from Sept - only Karen would know that without the date stamp!}

Em & Brett heading to Blue Coast Burrito {where else?}

The Biggest Loser

2008-02-26T20:54:00.002-06:00

Who knew that boy night would bring the most tears?

To my Belmont family

2008-02-23T15:03:00.005-06:00

Anna and I have decided we need to have a Belmont ski trip next winter. Maybe Jeremy could ski more than two runs at Breckenridge this time :) Or you could just come to Honduras with us June 28 - July 7.
Either way leave a comment and let me know. How fun would a reunion be?

Sprint bites the big one...

2008-02-19T18:17:00.002-06:00

Is anyone else feeling betrayed by company mergers? Brett's first cell phone was with Sprint and we had such problems with them we vowed never to use them again. Enter Sprint/Nextel merger. And once again I am a Sprint customer by default, and they have financially raped me... well, sort of....
The first time they refused to give us back a refund cheque that was $200+, claiming that it kept "returning" because of an incorrect address. After six months and countless hours on the phone with their "customer care associate" I finally sent them a pleasant letter explaining my refusal to continue paying my account with them and that they had my permission to take the funds out my refund cheque. If the accounting department issuing the cheque needed the correct mailing address, they could contact the billing department, since somehow, the bills seemed to arrive without any problems whatsoever.
Fast forward to this month after my Nextel account miraculously became a Sprint account with the merger. Then my phone is stolen and the "thief" decides to downlown a bunch of junk using my sweet little i830. Which convienently Sprint can't detect what day the items were downloaded, and although I deactivated the account, I didn't do it soon enough, and am caught footing the bill.
Thanks Sprint. How can my credit card look after purchases that occur before I'm able to report it's disappearance, but you can't remove charges from my phone not done by me because "unfortunately" you aren't able to know when they were downloaded? How is it then that the absolute SECOND I go over on my minutes or answer my phone in Canada you are all over it... hmmm. I feel a new "pleasant" letter coming on...

Colorado

2008-02-16T09:34:00.003-06:00

3 days
+
3 resorts
=

1 awesome ski trip

Denver airport

Tenderfoot Lodge

Keystone Resort

Yeah, visibility was low at Vail...

Vail

When can I go back?

Could this be the year?

2008-02-01T20:30:00.000-06:00

Guess who watched the Leaf game last night right in their very own living room?

HealthSouth Makes Me Drink

2008-01-24T18:13:00.001-06:00

Coffee. With cream. Lots of cream. French vanilla {is there any other kind?}
You would have thought the addiction would have happened lightyears ago. My whole life has primed me for this...

both Mom & Dad drink it every morning and I know just how to fix it for them - milk and half sugar, just milk, respectfully
raised where Tim Hortons is literally found on every street corner, but make mine a cafe mocha and bring on the whipped cream!
worked in a coffee shop learning all the tricks when I was in high school, and on my breaks home from college
lived with Mary Alice freshmen year at Lipscomb who introduced me to Bongo Java - 'nuff said!
was a pre-med major which included immunology, virology, a & p, not to mention ecology & genetics (ironically my favourite class)
took organic chemistry I & II the first year Boone started teaching it... can we say all nighters?
worked as an RA for three years in Fanning
worked as residence hall director in Yearwood {may she rest in peace} and Johnson for five years
worked for Scott McDowell - aka "Mr. Starbucks & I-take-mine-black-brew-me-four-more-pots" (wait, maybe I should say "favourite employee of instead of worked for?)
spent countless hours driving in a car sans sunlight between the TN-AL commutes and traveling across the border
went back to grad school and became a surrogate "mom" to an entourage of young whipper snappers! {love you guys! happy mother's day!}

So why the recent addiction to coffee after making it through numerous events necessitating serious caffeine jolts you ask?
HealthSouth... the only answer I can come up with! I blame the fact that it's free and there's a creamer machine with french vanilla.. supplying me with a cup of small liquid heaven if you will. And the fact that I need to get some sort of quick jump start to my day where I work with patients that have been up since before the sun. Gah.
Maybe it's not a coffee addiction afterall. I think I just prefer a little bit of coffee in my morning cream. Yeah... that must be it..

& baby makes... four Mills!

2008-01-16T21:04:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Jamin & Ashley
and big brother Aiden
on the safe arrival of
Emerson Lilly Mills
7 pounds 6 ounces
20.5 inches
And a whole lot of sweetness to cuddle!
{although Aiden is not too keen on me holding "Mommy's baby"...}

16 years...

2007-12-05T06:59:00.000-06:00

since we had our first date... Hard to imagine my life without him, and wouldn't have it any other way!

Something to ponder

2007-11-27T18:02:00.001-06:00

"If you don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation for the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great."
-John Piper

Still thankful..

2007-11-25T19:14:00.000-06:00

So what's not to like about thanksgiving? Food, family, friends... no pressure with gifts, and taking time out to reflect on all the good things you've been given. In the spirit of the first Thanksgiving we had a true international meal this year, having some of the soccer boys over to eat. Canadians, Africans, Chinese, Brazilians, and one token American all came together to celebrate this year.
Going along the lines of "better late than never" I wanted to be sure to send out happy, healthy Thanksgiving thoughts & prayers to everyone. And especially after this morning's sermon, I wanted to be intentional about making a "list"...
This year I am especially thankful to be living under the same roof as my sweet husband... after three years apart I am amazed that I am still married to my best friend and one of the greatest gifts God has given me!
I am blessed with amazing friendships with people across this continent. I love how we can get together after not seeing each other for months, even years, and everything picks right back up again like we'd never been apart. I love how the internet makes it possible to communicate with people I love dearly that, although we no longer live side by side, we can still be a part of each others lives.
I have a wonderful family. It is impossible for me to think about past Thanksgiving without remembering my cousins, aunts & uncles, grandparents & great aunts... They have all loved me for being me, and supported me even when they haven't always agreed with my decisions... I am blessed to know they will always be behind me.
One of the greatest things that has become a reality for me this year is my "job" as a physical therapist. After years of wondering what I would be when I "grew up" {still waiting for that!} and years of school ,I get to help people on a daily basis work toward having a better life. I feel purposed and appreciated for what I am able to do for my patients & their families. I have no doubt that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and that it was God who brought me to this point.
And I am continually in awe of a God who constantly pursues me. I will never understand how He could choose to pitch His tabernacle tent in the middle of my stubborn, stiff-necked desert, but oh, how grateful I am! And because of love, grace, mercy, and a willing sacrifice I will never receive what I deserve.

Cheaha State Park

2007-11-12T18:29:00.001-06:00

How many "hoodies" does one person need?

2007-11-11T21:27:00.001-06:00

Apparently I need eight..! Brett and I are still trying to organize some things around the house... and I made the mistake of getting out the "winter clothes" containers... I am now struggling between feeling completely overwhelmed as well as spoiled beyond what I deserve... Any suggestions on how to "pare down to necessities" or simply the art of "letting go" would be appreciated.
And now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to crawl out from a pile of clothes a mile high & try to find my bed...

I'm an "aunt"!

2007-10-23T17:41:00.000-05:00

Please join me in welcoming
Kate Valentine Watkins
7lbs 8 oz
into this world where God has a purpose & plan for her life!

Momma Dawn is tired, but doing well and Daddy Aubrey says he's doing well too!

TN... sounds good to me!

2007-10-10T17:43:00.002-05:00

Was in Gatlinburg, TN this past weekend for what I described to Jeff Wilson as "the people who know & love Terry Reeves" retreat... AKA the Torch board meeting. {go figure, after years of not seeing eachother Doak & I end up on the same trail the same day... love you guys!} We spent 100.8 hours in our board meeting, got a lot accomplished, AND got to hang out in the mountains... what could be better? It was an awesome weekend, well worth the griping voiced on the hike I drug everyone on with me. Got to spent time with people who are part of my "cloud of witnesses" and have some alone time with God.

Loved getting to see you guys {Lester-Margaret-Terry-Nater-Steve-Mark-Brian}. Let's go to the beach next year! Oh wait, I'll just meet you in Roatan ;)

Leslie & I at the "waterfall"

Judy, Margaret, Leslie

El Presidente

Margaret getting busted for tight rolling her jeans... oh no wait, they're just rolled?

my little 'bro Nate ;)

Happy 41st Mom & Dad!

2007-10-01T17:45:00.001-05:00

Deeper Still - The Event

2007-09-10T20:34:00.001-05:00

If you ever get the chance to attend such an event - DO IT! I can not adequately put into words what this weekend meant to me. Not only did I get to meet up with some **not all... sorry :( ** of my dearest of friends and their sweet little ones - I experienced worship like never before as God carved out a special moment for just the two of us during the conference... just me & my God in amongst 26 000 other women...

My spirit is still soaring!

You learn something new every day...

2007-09-06T22:28:00.000-05:00

Today I learned that Brett does not like Chick-fil-A lemonade... but will still drink mine anyway.

AND fat pants do not always fit... :(

**If you do not own or understand the purpose of fat pants you are not welcome to comment on this post. Thank you.**

Some days I really LOVE my job...

2007-08-27T19:13:00.000-05:00

...today was NOT one of those days!

Brett and I sat on the couch tonight with a container of sherbert & two spoons trying to determine who had the worst day at work.

He won. Tomorrow's a new day.

Things you find when you're packing...

2007-08-23T20:17:00.001-05:00

My yellow Sony Walkman with auto-reverse!!
{complete with original yellow ear buds}

Sorry Brett, but I have to stop packing for a minute and just savour the memories attached to this seriously outdated, but previously ultra-cool piece of my childhood...

That thing went with me to:
Cancun with my cousins
countless road trips when my sister's side of the car looked SO much more comfortable than mine
Algonquin camping trips
camp Omagh
youth rallys
Florida with "Thunderbuns" ;)
and ultimately Lipscomb...

How can I get rid of THAT?

Church in Agua Agria

2007-08-18T10:30:00.000-05:00

Choluteca

2007-08-18T10:28:00.000-05:00

The Blind School

2007-08-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

Are you kidding?

2007-08-15T22:12:00.000-05:00

Has anyone else seen the giant display in Walmart for the Equate version of cold medicine titled "Mucus Relief"?? Makes me just wanna run right out and buy it!!

Casa de Esperanza

2007-08-12T16:21:00.001-05:00

Mololoa

2007-08-12T16:15:00.001-05:00

Construction

2007-08-12T16:08:00.001-05:00

The woman who now lives in this house leaves before 6:00 to walk the eight miles it takes to get her to church on Sunday mornings... What keeps you away from meeting with God's people?

Santa Lucia

2007-08-11T22:14:00.000-05:00

I thought I would post some better pictures of our trip... now that I have a few more to choose from... {if you are reading this and haven't sent me yours, you are not excused! :)}
Here is the church we sing in at Santa Lucia...

Honduras 2007 trip

2007-08-05T14:28:00.000-05:00

Brace yourselves... this may be a long one....
I am finally sitting down to blog about our Honduras trip this year. I was waiting for the right words and best way to convey my trip. I don't yet have them and probably never will. You would think that after twelve trips I would be better at this. You thought wrong. I was hoping to have some pictures that would tell the story better than I would be able to, but it doesn't look as if that's going to happen either. {because apparently no one can go on to Snapfish and send me their pictures... sheesh} ;)
Anyway, here are the moments that stand out in my mind from this years trip. {Pictures may be added as they arrive from my sources}
We went to sing in the church at Santa Lucia the second night I was there. LOVE that church. Not just because of the year I spent time up in the bell tower, but the fact that MILLIONS of other Christians have gathered in the same building for CENTURIES to worship God. Reminds me of what a small part I play in the grand scheme of things.

Helped build TWO houses this year. Impressive considering I'm usually in the bodega organizing and never make it onto any of the construction crews. I love the soreness you get after pounding away at those nails and carrying the wood down/up dangerous inclines as a reminder of what you can accomplish together when no one wants the credit. And I am quickly becoming a master at putting in the floors!

Going back to Mololoa... can not even describe the feeling when Eric and Carmen came and found me before I got on the bus after builiding our first day in the village... how did they know that I was there, and have they thought about me at all since I left last year? Hugs and kisses have never been so sweet.

Judy with Eric, ?, Marcos, & Carmen

Working with the Manna project feeding 139 kids a hot lunch that may never have had to eat on their own. I got to help them wash up before eating and prayed over those little hands as I poured water over the suds... Last year I washed many of their feet in that same church building during the May trip.

Diane Adams & Judy with the ladies who work in the kitchen

Led my first Spanish prayer! Impressive, but it was EXTREMELY simple considering it was offered by this Gringa. If you haven't seen it before down there the kids repeat what you say line by line outloud as their own prayer. WOW. Loved it.

We went out with Jenny and ALL the Casa de Esperanza kids for dinner on the fourth of July. Brett had a look of wonder on his face most of the time. I loved getting to see all those sweet faces in person, and think about the life they came from, and the life they are currently living now. I loved hearing them call one of my dearest friends "Mom" and loved watching her with them. Now putting them to bed later that night... a slightly different story! Fernando did not find my rendition of the ABBA song for his name as amusing as I... :)

The boys saying grace

Fernando & Judy

I got to return to Aqua Agria this year. Haven't been for three years. Love it there. Love getting to see Timeteo's family, and experience first hand how they respect and care for the elderly of that village. Struggled enormously with feelings of inadequacy that day since I was "treating" patients... like I was an MD doctor, and not a PT doctor. Very humbling. And frustrating. And makes me question where my talents in the therapy field blend into my efforts there.

And as always, loved getting to see friends again and serve alongside them. And also for the rookies, to see through their eyes for the first time again.

Anna & Judy

Torch '08 promises to be an amazing trip as well, so stay tuned for dates {which I will hopefully have in October after our Board meeting...} If you are reading this blog than consider yourself offically invited to join us! ;)
Dios los bendiga!

The Bourne Ultimatum

2007-08-04T22:09:00.000-05:00

I HIGHLY recommend seeing this movie... it totally rocks! {sorry we went without you Brett, but you got to ride Tomb Raider and the Minebuster today! :)}
I also recommend NOT sitting in the fourth row, so as to avoid getting motion sickness from the action scenes.... and arrive early to get a seat that will help you avoid said sickness.
{PS- 30 minutes before the show starts is NOT early enough!!}
Two big thumbs up!

A Real Fine Place to Start

2007-08-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

Today was the day two of my favourite people brought another sweet one into their lives....

Congratulations to Jen & Steve Burgie
and big brother Davis
on the arrival of
Cameron Chase
6lbs, 14 oz

-and-

Congratulations to Brian & Sara Walker
and big brother Camden
on the arrival of
Scott Norton
7 lbs, 12 oz

I pray blessings on both of your families as you transition into a new family of four!

First & Last

2007-07-31T20:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay... I'm doing the post already!

First memory: Not sure.... I remember going over to Sam & Susan's after Laurie was born and I'm 21/2 years older than her, so.......

First real kiss: Jamie Tallman. Camp Omagh. Lifeguard. Also first guy to break my heart. And the first to apologize for it. In writing. Years later. You better believe I held onto THAT! ;)

First Concert: Tiffany and NKOTB You got the right stuff.... baby!

First love: Brett James Mitchell. Seriously! The first and only guy I have ever loved.

First crush: Brent Atwell. We were in school together forEVER!

First thing you think of in the morning: I can't believe I'm up before my alarm goes off AGAIN!

First book you remember loving: Lamont the Lonely Monster. Cars & Trucks and Things That Go. The Cat In the Hat. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Oops, was that more than one?

First question you'll ask in heaven: Where's the chocolate?

First best friend: Gillian Nesbitt.

Last time you dressed up: Depends what your definition of "dressed up" is...

Last book you read: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Awesome read too!

Last CD you bought: it has honestly been so long ago that I have no idea. Brett's the spender around here!

Last time you cried: (by myself) on Sunday around page 696 of last book read, (with someone else) last Tuesday with one of my cancer patients

Last movie you saw: Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix with Brett, Ashley & Jamin in the theatre with popcorn and everything!

Last time you told someone you love them: To Brett last night after I phoned to tell him I arrived back in Monty safely

Last funny thing you did: Quoted the "parfait" scene from Shrek with my coworkers this afternoon when I was supposed to be writing notes... oops! :)

Last thing I watched on tv: The Today Show this morning while getting ready for work

So now I tag whoever wants to do this... :)

And I haven't forgotten to blog about Honduras... still processing and waiting for pictures, promise!

Off again!

2007-07-25T10:34:00.001-05:00

Heading up to Canada with 18 of Brett's soccer boys for their preseason training abroad! :)
Brett drove up yesterday and will meet us at the airport in Buffalo.
Back in touch next week!

A Franciscan Benediction

2007-07-16T18:19:00.000-05:00

love this! {from Studio 310}

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.

Top ten phrases heard in Honduras

2007-07-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

10. Interns?? We don't NEED no stinkin' interns!

9. What time is devo?

8. Happy America day... {clap, clap} {clap, clap} Those were fireworks. There'll be a grand finale tonight complete with snapping sparklers.

7. When's the last time you drank some water?

6. Sounds like your train's not bound for glory...

5. I need some children's vitamins!

4. It's hot. It's very hot. Yes, it is. It is. It is.

3. What mile of the trip are we on now?

2. Board!

1. Are you my Mom?

Torchers, what else would you add? ;)

Happy belated birthday Sumer!

2007-07-13T18:47:00.000-05:00

Sumer Leigh... just wanted you to see where I was when I celebrated your birthday this year... See you there next year {at one of mine & your favourite places...}

*PS- I blog-stole this from Lori Connell: the coolest girl I know!

It's nice to be missed...

2007-07-12T18:13:00.000-05:00

...not only by family & friends in Honduras, but by friends & family here as well...
Not that anything came to a screeching hault as a result from my absence, but it's nice to know that God's given me some unique quality that people love and appreciate...

Honduras/El Salvador stories and pics to come soon.... right now I need sleep...

{Did I mention how extemely grateful I am for cold/clean/clear water to drink, hot water to shower in, and an automatic washing machine right now? How many things I take for granted...}

Honduras-bound

2007-06-29T05:51:00.000-05:00

I have been reading through my journals from last year's trips to Honduras before going again. Satan is doing his best to keep Brett and I busy distracted with life issues before we leave tomorrow morning. I admit I have not spent the time preparing myself for being down there, and will hit the ground running on nearly empty. But I know that God will give me the strength that I need in proportion to the tasks He has already prepared for me to do. And in a matter of hours I will be back to a place that my heart considers a home. We will head to Atlanta tonight after dinner and fly out in the morning, returning again July 11. Certainly any prayers offered on what God will accomplish through this trip would be greatly appreciated. To follow along with what we are doing and how you may communicate with us while we are away, click here
Here are some of my live-in-and-embrace moments of the July '06 trip:
the example of a mother's love in the Comayaqua clinic
the service of a PT to a group of special needs orphans
the brave heart of a little girl playing with a tube tucked gently between her fingers that carries chemo drugs
a little girl tearing down the mountain side when she realizes you are standing at the bottom of it
joy in the eyes of a friend with a dream being lived out day by day
spending time with those you love & tried to invest in
realizing that the floor you are painting will be underneath feet of countless patients, some of whom you may have the opportunity to serve
the aid of a child who expects nothing more than to simply be part of the group
letters from children who have stolen your heart after spending an afternoon playing with them
jolly rancher kisses from someone who is young enough to never know anything different than the life he is currently living
dimples in the smile of a 15 year old who will occasionally drop his guard when he thinks you're not looking
This trip isn't about me Lord, it's about you. And I pray that even though I will mess up, You will work through me. And give me eyes of love so that I may see others as You see them.

50 Things about Judy

2007-06-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

I got blog-tagged by Dinah to list 50 things about myself, which I am sure will not be interesting to most of you. But I love my Dinsers, so here goes:

1. I was secretly hoping that there would be a "prompt" list for this. Like: what is a childhood memory, or what do people not know about you.... Apparently there is not.
2. In one week I will be in Honduras getting ready to serve alongside a few of my favourite people in the world... and can't wait!
3. I would have never guessed in a million years I would be living in Montgomery, AL with a core group of friends that would do whatever I needed/asked from them
4. I have a love/hate relationship with living in the South
5. I moved to America when I was 18.
6. I married my highschool sweetheart and best friend and somehow made it through the last nine years of marriage despite living simultaneously in two different states. God IS good.
7. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God
8. I struggle with practising the presence of God
9. I believe prayer warriors are some the of greatest gifts in the world
10. I believe that true friends become family
11. I used to watch The Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night
12. I LOVE the Muppets. Seriously.
13. I also love my "job" as a physical therapist. It is so rewarding and my patients are such a blessing to me! And if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.
14. I keep in touch with my best friend from grade six ~ shout out to Pam!
15. I miss playing in the snow. Playing in it for hours where you lose track of time, and your mittens are soaking wet, but you're too busy to notice.
16. I love Harry Potter and got hooked on it reading one night while babysitting. When the parents came home I told them I'd bring the book back when I finished it.
17. I can get addicted to reading a book and stay up for hours until it is done
18. I read The Davinci Code in one day flying from New York City to Birmingham
19. The worst sunburn I ever got was snorkeling in Roatan and forgetting to adequately cover my derriere with sunscreen...
20. I believe my Mom can make a meal out of absolutely nothing and it would still taste wonderful
21. I remember sitting on my Dad's lap in the front window of the cottage in the middle of the night watching a storm come across the lake at us
22. Canoeing rule #1: Brett and I instantly forgive whatever was said on the portage as soon as we hit the water
23. I have held my breath under water in a lake to escape mosquitoes, black flies, and horse flies
24. I'm 32 years old, not a mother, and okay with that. Others, however, are not, and don't mind telling me about it.
25. I think Brett will be an AWESOME father one day
26. My entire relationship with God changed my freshmen year at Lipscomb, largely in part to Doug Varnado.
27. My first official "mission trip" was to Missouri for flood relief in the fall of 93.
28. I went to Guatemala on a medical mission my freshmen year, and the experience completely changed me... however I spent so much time being completely terrified, and will probably never go back to that country.
29. I could never log the hours I've spent playing Uno at the lake with my Aunt, Uncle, cousins, and Great Aunts
30. I spent so much time with my cousins growing up that they were my other sisters
31. I have great Aunts that served as additional Grandmothers
32. I share my grandmother's love of babies. And have a knack for putting babies to sleep. Apparently this also includes those with colic! {SHW}
33. I have always wanted to get a tattoo... and would have one if they weren't all closed the night I finally decided to get it!
34. I love quoting from movies/tv shows and fitting it into the conversation.
35. I hate wasting a quote on someone who has no idea what I'm talking about/haven't seen the movie. "You're killing me Petey! You're killing me!"
36. I easily remember things that will never appear on a test
37. I have travelled with my Sunday school class to Florida when I was 16 after Ken Mashinter took our request for "trip to Florida" seriously...
38. I almost always burn grilled cheese... which Brett finds absolutely amusing
39. I love 80's music
40. When I was young I went shopping with my Aunt and told her my Mom was "more endowed" that she was when she took me in the dressing room with her
41. I have skipped classes in highschool just to finish a game of euchre in the cafeteria and gotten my friend to write a Peer Counsellor pass to excuse the absence with the teacher
42. I believe sarcasm is my spiritual gift! ;)
43. I have friends living in so many different parts of this continent that no matter where I am I miss all of them at some point in time
44. I don't feel worthy of God's love for me, but want so badly to grasp the concept that I am the apple of His eye
45. It takes me a long time to convince myself to go the first time when I'm cliff jumping
46. I have been spelunking
47. I have always wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska
48. I used to scrapbook using quotes from magazines and ticket stubs/maps/etc. to decorate those old plastic peel back photo albums
49. I wish I was more photogenic
50. I believe that heaven is real and I'll meet you there at the middle Eastern gate!

Sooooooo, that's me. And now {naturally} I tag Karen, Ashley, Laura, and Jamey! :o)

Congratulations Cara & Conrad!

2007-06-18T18:06:00.000-05:00

Presenting Mr. & Dr. Conrad Deese
June 9, 2007
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Are these the most gorgeous wedding pictures or what? If you knew Cara, you would know that this setting was perfect for her (and so, I'm assuming, also perfect for Conrad :)
Congratulations to you both... I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-17T13:20:00.001-05:00

Brett and I celebrated our Dad's yesterday by going hiking and {tried} to go canoeing,
honouring the men who helped instill in us our love for the outdoors...
Happy Father's day to you both! :)

Whine, whine, whine

2007-06-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Dear Incredibly Self-Centered Daughter:
Sorry for not being super excited to do your family education at the hospital today. And despite the fact that I had to re-rearrange my schedule because you were supposed to come at 8:30, not 1:20, I also had to constantly fight the urge to slap your fushia-painted lips...
This just in --- your Dad had a S-T-R-O-K-E! Thus the reason he's in the hospital in the first place. On a good day he is a MOD assist for balance, read NOT STAND BY ASSISTANCE. The man can't stand up by himself and has had a catheter in and out of his body four times in the last week, so cut him a little slack. I don't care if it's Father's day, Christmas, or Yom Kippur... he's in a hospital and the world will continue to spin on it's axis if you have to bring your feast to the hospital to celebrate instead... I promise!
And a special kudos to the doc who went over all of our heads and granted him a day pass to the tantrum thrower anyway... yes, thank YOU!
Signed,
The Physical Therapist who-doesn't-have-a-lot-of-experience-but-at-least-knows-enough-to-
graduate-and-pass-her-boards-so-she-kinda-has-some-idea-of-what-
she's-talking-about...