Big Homer Love

Here is Homer's latest glamour shot.

I know I need to update everyone with news and I hope to do it this week. Please stay tuned...

Christie Smith

Hey folks, this is a reminder to PRAY if you would. Christie was injured while training some of the new horses at Windy Gap 2 weeks ago. She is still in a coma at a hospital in Asheville. Her parents are there and waiting expectantly for any reports. It looks as though she will almost certainly have some sort of brain damage from the accident. The unknown is just to what extent--we don't know yet. Please visit www.caringbridge.org and click on "Visit a caring bridge site" and type in "christiesmith" (no space) to get the full story. She was an intern last summer and a fantastic one at that! She is so special to so many people--just see how many people are visiting her website. Please pray for her and her family during a time that no parent wants to go through. Their faith is a strong one, thank the Lord God for His ability to multiply even our own faith in Him.

Puppy Love

Everybody, meet Homer.

Homer, this is everybody.

We got a puppy! And we named him Homer after Chris's great-grandfather, Homer Dale, who helped raise him. He's got quite a name to live up to! We also call him, "Homey", "Homes", "Home slice" and other variations. So, we went to look at him last night and Chris said those magic words--"I like him." We've been looking for awhile now and Chris just hadn't seen quite the right one (I, on the other hand, could have taken all of them!). But, when he saw this one, it was all over. We borrowed a crate for him so he's been staying in that when we are out and at night. He whined A LOT last night. Chris (who swore he wouldn't) got up at 2AM and took him out. (Is this good practice or what??) I found myself wondering how he was doing as we sat in church this morning. The next step for us is the vet. He hasn't had any shots yet. His mom was mostly German Short-haired Pointer and we have no idea about his dad, so we'll just have to see how he turns out! We welcome any puppy advice!

Destination Vacation

We're off to Pigeon Forge, TN and Dollywood for a few days. Chris is on Spring Break and I took off from work. We're celebrating his birthday (the big 2-7) a little early and also getting away from all of the home improvement to be done! We'll be back on Thursday though. (I've always seen the signs for Dollywood on I-40, but never stopped--until NOW!)

Pictures from Easter

We spent Easter at the home of some friends of ours in our small group. We had a bunch of fun playing with the kids, eating delicious food, and playing a rousing game of Battle of the Sexes! I definitely have a crush on the bunny rabbit. Notice the profile shot, spikey hair, roundest cheeks I've ever seen--does it get any better?? His name is Jack. His parents are Jay and Kate Womack. They are wonderful and we love our other friends Blair and Cara and the Boldens too! Blair and Cara are pictured sitting on the couch playing with Daniel (the Boldens oldest) and Ashley is the cute little thing exploring the world of plastic eggs and everything pastel. We had a great time. These folks have really become our new family in town. They are such a huge answer to prayer for me and Chris. Since joining the church and spending Sunday nights with this group, we have felt more at home than ever here.

Happy Easter!

Hi Everyone! I hope you are having a blessed day enjoying the celebration of our risen Lord! Here are some shots of what we woke up to yesterday morning. It sure doesn't feel like Easter in many ways, but that doesn't change truth. I have to admit though, Easter has always been a difficult holiday for me to really pause and take in. It always seems so short (compared to Christmas) and it's over before you know it. Also, it is just a weird concept that we celebrate death (two ideas that don't traditionally go together) and also an empty tomb. I guess at age 29 (having been a walking Christian for 11 years), I still struggle with how to celebrate Easter. I know it is something that we celebrate everyday as a Christian. It is the reason we have hope and joy and true life. Maybe this is why singling out one day above the others seems so strange to me--I'm really not sure. But, I do know that Easter is more than just another Sunday, more than a big meal and egg hunts, more than a family reunion, and more than dressing up for church. Chris told me this week that he'd really like to make Easter a bigger deal than Christmas in our home. ("A bigger deal than Christmas?!?" I thought.) I guess Easter really is THE deal though. I'm definitely warming up to the idea. This would be the holiday to rejoice over and think about and celebrate more than any other. We have life because of His death.

What do you think?

True Statement

It's true. I love this man.

(Not to mention those Young Life t-shirts!)