Many of you are aware that Alltel, Brian's employer, is in the process of being acquired by Verizon. The deal is set to create the largest wireless network in America. This week the Department of Justice approved the acquisition, setting the stage for the deal to be completed by the end of December. The final hurdle will be FCC approval. The deal is set to go before the FCC this week.

At this point, we continue to be optimistic and are trusting the Lord to take care of us. Brian's position is one that is needed to assist with continued running of the 22 markets that will be sold as part of the acquisition as well as the current markets with which Brian works.

Thanks for your prayers!

Today was Mollie Ruth's 18 month check up with Dr. Feelbetter (aka Dr. Johnny Ledbetter - Ellie affectionately named him Dr. Feelbetter a few years ago). Our little "midge" is doing great. Her stats: 22 lbs. 12.8 oz; 32 in. long. She resisted the head measuring exercise, so that stat showed that her head had shrunk. Oops!

Dr. Ledbetter was impressed that Mollie uses a fork. Trust me it is hysterical to watch her dexterity. She is super good at it! I asked the doctor how a kid who eats so well hasn't gained any weight (only 1 lb in 3 months). He said it was probably b/c she is so busy and active. I'll definitely vouch for that one! By the way, her two shots were met with a less than favorable response. She played up the pain for a bit this afternoon, but she seems to have made a quick recovery.

I had hoped to post pictures. Unfortunately, the camera cord continues to be AWOL.

From where I sit, I find myself about 24 hours past my 32nd birthday. It was definitely an interesting day. My best friend Karen and I decided today that maybe I shouldn't celebrate my birthday any more. There always seems to be something that happens that tends to put a damper on the day. Oh, well. I guess every day can't be a red-letter day now can it?

Despite the frustrations of the day, it meant so much to be contacted by so many friends and family. I was humbled by the outpouring of love from so many. I tend to be the one who wants to dote on others and not the doted upon. However, I was blessed beyond measure. It's definitely good to be loved.

Rachel: Ellie, what do you think about having the whole day off of school?

Ellie: I don't like it. I'd rather be learning. I need to learn. I want my life back!

Cherie: You need your life back?

Ellie: I need to trace my letters and numbers and work on my letters.

I hate to break it to Ellie....there's no school tomorrow or next Monday. Ah, to be in K4 again and be in love with learning!

This week found our family in a familiar position. I was off to Orlando (for the 2nd time this year - Jealous?) for the Lifeway Kids Conference. I have to admit that I was secretly excited about the possibility of getting a break from the normal routine of work and life and spending a few days in Orlando. However, I was nervous about leaving the girls and putting so much responsibility on Brian.

Cherie Carney (my dear friend and boss) and I had a wonderful time being rejuvenated. It was amazing to worship with 600+ like-minded people who have devoted their lives to sharing Christ with kids. We learned a lot and enjoyed a little R&R. (By the way, we had a chance to be a part of a concert by the Gettys. They are amazing. If you ever get the chance to hear them, you will love them!)

Did I got to Disney World? No. I guess going 2x in one year would be a bit much to ask. ha! We did, however, get the opportunity to go to Universal City Center. We had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp and had the chance to take in the sites. We also had a very exciting cab ride on the way back to the resort.

The trip home was a bit exciting. According to Mears Shuttle service, if you have a 6:00 am flight (it sounded like a good idea at the time) then they must pick you up at your resort at 2:30 am!!! So, we were up at 1:00 am and sitting in the lobby of the Wyndham by 2:15 am. The Orlando airport was a very lonely and quiet place at 3:00 in the Morning!! Oh, well. We arrived home safely and were warmly welcomed.

Did the girls survive? Yes! Brian did an excellent job. He was responsible for getting Ellie to school for 4 days last week and Mollie to church nursery/MDO 3 days. He did it! Brian even got to go on Ellie's field trip to the Pumpkin Patch. They had a great time. :)

What a week! God was at work both at home and in Orlando. It was good to get away but in the words of Dorothy....there's no place like home.

Getting Ellie dressed is typically an adventure. I have to admit that I have been spoiled by school uniforms! Well, tonight was no exception to the general rule. This afternoon, I was reminded that little ears are always listening.....

Let me explain...When Brian got home from Nashville and the Auburn game (we aren't talking about the game), he quickly began telling me all about his adventures. Before the game, Brian had lunch with good friends Bill & Denise and their daughter Kristin and Katie and Katie's boyfriend Slade. Denise wasn't feeling too great so Brian gave her the key to his room in case she needed to rest during the game.

As most college sports fans know, the game did not go in Auburn's favor. From what I gathered, Brian quickly left the stadium after the game and hustled back to the hotel. Our friend Denise was in his room after getting sick. As they waited for the rest of the gang to make it to the hotel, Brian said he was surprised when he heard Bill in the hall. In his edited words, Bill was showing his hiney to the world. Brian and Katie got Bill into the room and got him calmed down after Auburn's loss.

To make a long story short, Ellie heard this story. So as we were getting ready for the ABSS Picnic, she asked to wear a "play dress." I told her that was fine but she had to wear pantie covers or shorts. In her sweet K4 innocence, she asked why. I told her it was because we didn't want anyone to see her hiney. Her response was like Mr. Bill? He showed his hiney after the ballgame.

Out of the mouth of babes!

After finally creating a blog, I have now joined the ranks of the blog slackers! I guess I assumed that no one would ever notice whether or not I updated my blog. Ha! The joke is on me!

It has been almost two weeks since I made my last blog entry. I have an excuse. Honest! We have been in the middle of a little house renovation project. Since we finally started this project, we have painted our bedroom; ripped out the carpet in our bedroom, upstairs hallway and stairs; had laminate wood floors installed in our bedroom, hallway and entryway; had tile installed in our kitchen and downstairs hallway off the garage; had our kitchen cabinets painted; and had carpet installed on two of our 3 sets of stairs. It has literally become a new house in a matter of days. I have yet to take pictures, but I promise that I will.

I cannot take any credit for any of this! If it were not for the expertise and creativity of my very good friend Lora Deaton, none of this would be possible. Thanks Lora!!