Jack

Jack turned 5!!!



I am very late in making this post. But thats what happens when a tornado wipes out your WiFi!

I don't even know where to start. Seriously, his birthday came in the middle of chaos, and in true Jack fashion he just rolled with it. That's one of many reasons I am so inspired by this boy! The cake that we had so carefully planned, never happened. The little birthday details and the school party... none of that happened either. But on the night of his birthday we ran out and got a cake and pretended that there was candles on it...



He blew as if there were 5 candles perched atop that cake... I'm certain his wish will come true :)

He is the first child, he has taught us how to parent. He reminds us that most parenting issues can be solved with patience.

He is quite simply a gift that we are honored to open everyday...



Something else that comes with turning 5 : Preschool graduation.

He has had more fun in Preschool! Funny thing is, we started preschool for him to get a chance to get out of the house and give me a break. Well, its been so much more than that! He has learned to write his name, all the letters and numbers, and most of all he has gained friends! I have seen him grow so much in his leadership abilities as well. He has done nothing short of make us proud.





He's come along way since his first day...



So now we are on to new things!!

Kindergarten!

We went to kindergarten orientation and were just completely blown away at how fun and sweet is was. After touring EVERY school in town, we were covered in peace about our decision about sending him to Cahaba Heights Elementary. It was everything we prayed about and more.

I am so excited for him! We've just decided to embrace these milestones as they come and not grieve them or stop them from happening.

He is growing up and I am excited with him!! I just can't wait to see the person God develops him to be.

Courtney

My Town

I just wanted to throw up a quick post about what is going on around here.

The community that we live in, Cahaba Heights was very heavily damaged by a tornado that passed through on Wednesday. I can't even begin to put into words what this place looked like... it was as if a bomb went off.

I started to take some pictures the day after, although I quickly put my camera down, it felt disrespectful. So many lost everything... even life.

I will share a few from outside our house. Fortunately, our home was spared... most were not.











Out of the debris and sadness rose goodness though! People poured into this community, and what I thought would take a year to clean up, took days. Don't get me wrong, we are not pieced back together yet. Most have moved out while their house get repaired/rebuilt, But the spirit of this community is going strong.

I have always blogged about my love for my home and community and today it is stronger than ever.

This is my town...



I just can't express my gratitude enough for all those that brought chainsaws, rakes, meals, and love.

I also can't tell you enough what you get out of serving. We also have been working non-stop helping others, and I can tell you this, the benefits to the server out way the benefits of the served.

We have gained far more than we have lost!

My heart is so full,

Courtney