Graduation Day

Another forced, post-program photo. Walt is representing with his Turtle class tee. Mer's class went with the patriotic tee, to go along with such classic program lyrics as "I may never march in the infantry" and "from the redwood forest, to the gulf stream wa-a-ters."

When you choose a pre-school for your first child, you make yourself insane and miserable. It is a decision fraught with guilt, tension, indecision, insecurity, and other fun emotions. Every woman I've ever known who started the research while still pregnant was as worried about the pre-school decision as she was about the childbirth experience, if not more so. We're talking some serious emotions, people.

But, oh, First Baptist. You were not perfect, but you were darn close. Madie, Gail, Sheena, Tasha, Krista, Grace, Alecia, and Laurin, you were each amazing (and all the rest of you, who weren't actually Mer's teachers, but were still so loving and great). I'm not sure I've ever seen such a large group of people assembled in one place who were so clearly called to do the work they were doing.

On the playground for the wee ones. Sheena took about 10 pictures for me that day, and I love them all.

Teachers, you loved and taught these kids in ways that I wouldn't have understood, or thought possible, before seeing you in action. You taught me how to be a better mom, with your patience and creativity. And as for all that tension I felt about choosing the right school? Well, it turns out that I trusted you as much as I trusted myself - and, honestly, there were some days that I knew Meredith was having a much better time with you than she ever would have with me! I'm so grateful to each of you, and to God for blessing you with the gifts that you share with our children.

After the first spring program they did. I believe that one featured that classic, Mr. Golden Sun.

Charlotte, Lea, and Mer. They've been in school together all their lives, and they'll be together at Peabody next year.

Meredith and Jack were born on the same day and have been in school together all their lives. Jack lives in Mississippi and they start Kindergarten later there. My point? Jack will be taller than his teachers when he starts school next year.

Meredith proudly shakes Ms. Laurin's hand. We're sure that Walt is looking on with pride, thinking of how far they've come.

Day Seven

Goodbye, Hawaii. We will miss you, waves that we can catch. We will miss you, half price sushi and $5 Thai restaurant. We will miss you, cool breezes and open doors to catch them. Most of all, we will miss you, Dan and Erin.

Brothers catch a wave together. Neither will be satisfied that this picture captures the true size of the wave, or their incredible athleticism.

Oh, Hawaiian Sun. You won us over, heart and soul. We will miss your refreshing cane sugariness every time we need relief
from the hot summer sun, you nectar of tropical goodness.

Day Six

Pearl Harbor. USS Arizona memorial.

Oil still bubbles up from the sunken ship.

Chinatown.

Lychees.

Getcher muumuus.

Sushi makes me love God more.

Day Five

North Shore. Banzai Pipeline. Granted, not much of a pipeline in May. But still.

Look carefully. Pineapple farm.

Hadley's First Birthday

Day Four

Lighthouse as seen from the top of Diamond Head.

Honolulu from Diamond Head.

Reward for hiking Diamond Head, all fresh from the farmer's market: mango bread pudding and an entire loaf of challah. Also, 3 sausages on sticks, one kim chee taco, and one grilled corn.

Dreaming about the day when the MFM will have more ready to eat food.

Day Three

We worked hard for our surf today.

Day Two

nice view.

flower.

chris jumps.

the seventh hole at overton park. kidding. actually, it's the jungle.

dan. dan. dan of the jungle.

drum roll please. children of the 80's, i give you....MAGNUM P.I.'S HOUSE. well, of course, it's actually robin master's house.

Day One

breakfast.

the duke.

boards.

me.

Front Porch Fun

Papa - sit still. I'm trying to get your good angle.


I am an artiste.

Breakfast

Meredith insists that she and Madeline wear matching pajamas as often as possible. She also helps feed Madeline. Love my girls.

Madi Mugs

We went to Taco Bell tonight with some friends. Paula, the budding photographer, took Madeline's picture with her phone. And whuddya know - Madeline gave her the biggest camera-ready grin you've ever seen. As if to say "What? I've been doing this all my life!" It's sweet. Except for the way it makes her not look like a baby anymore. But it's sweet.

Almost One Week Later

Last Saturday morning we were watching a white water river run past the dining room windows, a lake rise in the front and back yards, and a swimming pool take over our basement. Almost one week later, my amazing husband has repaired our water heater, laid new duct work for the air conditioner, moved all of our basement and garage belongings to the deck and backyard--and then back, and cleaned most of our world with bleach solution.

Friends, neighbors, and family have blessed us with food, childcare and help. God has given my husband supernatural plumbing and HVAC skills (you think I'm kidding). By tomorrow, things will be almost back to normal. So, somewhat obviously, all I can think about are the people one block over, on Angelus, who are still a long way from normal. And the people a few miles away, in Millington, who have weeks or months til normalcy. And the folks in Nashville, who probably won't get back to normal. Or, at least, normal will be different.

I'm grateful to understand a TINY fraction of what flood can do. I hope it helps me to be more intentional in the way I help in similar situations in the future.