Saturday, May 29th at 1:10 p.m., my sweet and wonderful Grandmother was finally called home. I got the phone call while my husband and I were walking through the French Quarter...which was very ironic because a few days before our trip I had found an old picture of my Grandmother and Grandjerry in New Orleans. It was comforting to know she had enjoyed this wonderful city just like we enjoy it now. There will be more to come but right now I need to get on the road...headed to Knoxville to celebrate the life of a wonderful woman who is now dancing with her first born grandchild in heaven.

It's a Trust Thing

I have an amazing kid. This is a fact. Not only is she smart (she just turned two and knows her ABC's, her shapes, her colors, can count to 11 in english and her new thing is trying count in spanish, SO cute) but she's also so sweet and kind hearted, not to mention freaking adorable.

Almost on a daily basis I find myself questioning whether or not I'm teaching her all she needs to know. It's scary being a parent...here you are, responsible for not only taking care of this child, but you're also responsible for preparing her mentally, emotionally and spiritually for the rest of her life.

I want her to love animals like I do, I want her to love the outdoors, I want her to like reading, I want her to treat others with respect, I want her to treat herself with respect, I want her to embrace life and explore the world, I want her to appreciate good music (and sorry kids, this does not include Justin Beiber or the Jonas Brothers), I want her to love Africa as much as I do...I want so much for her!! And because of this, I worry if I'm doing it all right.

I also worry about the day that's coming (it's inevitable, I know) when she won't want her mommy to go with her everywhere. That day when she wants to do things on her own and I won't always be there to tell her what choices to make. Oh my gosh do I worry about that day! And then I have to remind myself...she's a child of God, she's in His hands. My role as a parent, first and foremost, is to set an example of a godly mother and wife. And I can't do it without my loving Father's help. But when I let go and let God, I know He has an amazing plan for my daughter...all I have to do is trust Him.

Blessed Beyond Description

So, it's a Sunday morning and I am experiencing something very rare...I'M THE ONLY ONE AWAKE!! I am lounging on my couch, coffee in hand, looking out the window and the only noise I hear are the freshly washed clothes in the dryer...now this I could get used to =)

My sis-in-law, Gini, also blogs. Hers is far more advanced and she's been doing it alot longer but one thing in particular about hers that I like is her "Thankful on a Thursday" blog where she posts what she's thankful for every Thursday. I woke up this morning feeling so thankful and I realized I usually do on Sunday mornings. Maybe it's because I know I get to go to church and worship an amazing God with an amazing church family or it could just be because it's a day of rest and my head is more clear. Whatever the reason, I am going to start my own "weekly blog thanksgiving" and mine is going to be on Sundays.

Let me begin with my family. I have such a godly mother and father. And the reason they're so godly is largely in part because of two women: my father's mother, Sylvia Bobo and my mother's mother, Elwyn King. These two women are truly a magnificent example of God's handiwork. I am so thankful that these were the women that raised my parents. Because of them, I have two parents that want nothing more than for their children to have fulfilling and meaningful relationships with Christ.

Both of my grandmothers are now very close to meeting their heavenly Father that they have so obediently served all these years. And although I am crying as I write this because I will be sad that their physical bodies will not be here with us, I KNOW that our Lord can't wait to have these amazing women join Him in His kingdom. My daily personal prayer is that God will use me in the lives of my children and grandchildren, just like He has used my Mama-E and Grandmother in the lives of their off spring. Thank you Lord for blessing me with the amazing family I have.

Always Stop and Remember

Five years ago I was working at a childcare center where I taught a class of 2 year olds. While working there, I grew very close with my co-worker, Brooke. She was such a funny and likable person that I really had no choice in the matter...friends it was! One weekend, like many, we were going to find something to do and we ended up at one of her friend's apartments. She introduced me to a tall, dark and very handsome young man who asked for my number and the next night called me. The night after, I went over to hang out and we immediately hit it off...we had so so much in common!! We ended up sitting on the couch and talking for hours on end. A week later we were officially "dating" and we knew that this time was different.

A few weeks after Luke and I had been dating, Brooke came to me at work and told me that a check-up with her doctor had revealed that she could possibly have cancer. Both of us were positive that it was just a scare, so when later tests come out positive, we were just in shock...

Brooke died in September of the following year while I was in Gulf Shores on a beach trip... two years later, Luke and I got married on her anniversary in front of the same condo I was staying in the day I found out she died.

Luke and I have now been married almost three years and together almost five and have an amazing child together, and I will forever be grateful to Brooke for introducing us. Today is Luke's 28th birthday and I'm sure if Brooke were still alive, she'd be calling to say happy birthday to him. Thank you Brooke Bost for getting us started on this journey, we'll always stop to remember you and your unforgettable laughter.

Something New

Hello world!
Let's start with the basics, shall we? My name is Jessica, I'm 23 and I have been married to my husband, Luke, going on three years now. We have an amazing, beautiful and incredibly smart (maybe I am biased but she truly is a smart little booger) two year old daughter who is the light of our lives!! We also have two unruly ( I still adore them though) dogs: Cody and Max, who are always keeping us on our toes =)

Now that we've covered that, let me just say how EXCITED I am about my very new ( as in about 20 mintutes ago) decision to start blogging! I have always enjoyed writing, yes I may be categorized as one of those "nerds" who wrote for my high school paper. And now with a two year old running around and keeping my 7 month old niece every day, I tend to have some hilariously entertaining stories I need to share. Not to mention, Camille Kate (my daughter) seems to have a very large fanbase, so this way all of those fans ( ahem, grandparents, aunties and uncles) can keep up with her, albeit young, busy and fun filled little life.

So, whoever may be reading this, I am very excited for you to be joining us! I look forward to sharing much much more.