Well, we decided to dive in and tear off our existing "deck" which consisted of a partially rotten walkway and a set of stairs leading out to the backyard. Oh, and by the way, you may can see the non-working grill attached to the corner of the walkway as well. After the walkway was torn off, we found that there had been some water damage on the siding. Fortunately, it wasn't too bad and only had to replace a couple of boards. We are adding a larger walkway and stairs down to a deck. This is the first step of a few that will be done someday down the road. I am excited to have a shaded area to sit and relax. Here are a couple of before and after pictures. I will post more after the deck is stained and underpinned, but it probably be alittle while.

Happy Memorial Day

Heath has been working hard in the yard all weekend, pressure washing, getting rid of limbs, etc. Heath stayed home and got some more work done while Austin and I headed up to see Jason and Leigh Ann. It has been a while since we have seen them and this seemed to be a good day to go. We enjoyed hanging out with them. We gave Taylor his belated birthday gift, a soccer ball and a Curious George book. Austin and Taylor played forever with the soccer ball. We went to the pond to feed the ducks, but ended up feeding the fish instead. After cooling off a bit, we went to the playground. The boys really had a good time playing together today. Taylor is getting so big, I can't believe he is three already!

School's out!!!

It has been an intersting year....changing jobs and schools. Check out Austin in some pics of him as the narrator in his class play, the funny version of Cinderella.

Thanks to Mrs. Kay for letting me come and take pictures. It was such a good time. Good job Austin on your narrator voice!! We are looking forward to a great, relaxing summer. Next year on to 5th grade, I can't believe he is growing up so fast. Hopefully I won't wake up tomorrow and find that he is already in college:)

Congrats to the Grad

Well, it has been over eighteen years since Erin was born. But, in some ways it doesn't seem possible that she is graduating high school. Heath and I met when she was just 7 or 8 weeks old. So as you can imagine this day makes us feel a little old. We are all so proud though!!! Know that your Meme is watching proudly too as you move on to the next chapter of your life. Congratulations, Erin on surviving high school and doing your very best. We love you so much and can't wait to see what God has in store for your future.

Happy Mother's Day!

It has been a good weekend. Austin and I headed to Birmingham Friday evening. We stayed with my dad and Betty. Saturday morning, we stopped by the nursing home where Mom had stayed to wish them Happy Nurses week. We left them some cake and fruit to show we love and appreciate them. We then met Aunt Joan to go to the cemetary where my mom, grandparents and many other family members are buried in Moundville, AL. Unfortunately, my sister Tina couldn't go with us. It was good to be with Joan and we had time to talk on our way. We arrived and put out some spring flowers for my mom and my grandparents. We talked and looked around for a while. I know it has been hard on her to deal with my mom's passing, especially being around hospitals so much since she passed away last summer. Between her mother-in-law and aunt, she has been back and forth to the hospital and staying with them. She is such a jewel. She retired a couple of years ago and I look forward to the time that she and Larry can enjoy themselves and relax. For the time being, she is wholeheartedly serving her family. We stopped back by and saw Tina and her familybefore we headed back to Atlanta. On Sunday, we went to church and had a great service, as always. Sunday afternoon, I was greeted with beautiful cards and a profile portrait of Austin that he had made at school, its precious. I know I don't have many more of these little moments:( But I will treasure them always.

After reading the following statements today, it really makes me re-evaluate what is really important..."According to scripture, only the Word of God and the souls of human beings last forever; No genuine investment in them will spoil, they are the "food that lasts".-Chris Tiegreen

*Don't work for the food that perishes, but for the food that lasts for eternal life. John 6:27