Dear close friends and family,
Thank you for all of your congratulations on the baby (sorry to those who posted on the blog—I still don’t know how to reply). And we are still rocking along, almost 15 weeks now. My weeks are finally starting to catch up with how far along I look!
Our favorite part of the month was the 2 trips to Lake Burton. The first with Scott’s extended family, and the second with my extended family. It was great to get most of the Douglas gang together to rally around Madi and just have some fun. Aside from the typical lake activities, we went to a ‘you pick em’ farm and picked loads of berries. Here the cousins are back in our kitchen making berry cobbler and berry ice-cream! Madi, by the way, is hanging in there and is currently in the middle of her 3rd week (out of 30) of chemo. Please keep her, and her family, in your prayers.
As usual my parents were perfect hosts. We refer to the lake as an ‘all inclusive resort.” We have free babysitting, gas for the boats, meals are planned out and taken care of, and there is no cleaning! Such an amazing set up! We’re spoiled, I know…
Can you find Tay Tay in the pic below?
In other happening
s, Scott turned 29! I coordinated with his project leader, picked up cupcakes from a bakery, and surprised Scott at BCG! The kids had a blast—Jackson helped himself to Sprite after Sprite from the fountain machine, while challenging everyone in the office to a game of foosball. Taylor parked herself in front of the big screen and watched Dora to her heart’s content. The guys had not ordered lunch yet, so we ordered and ate too! Our quick drop in, turned into the whole afternoon. I think they got more than they bargained for!
Here is Scott trying to score at a Whirly Ball tournament (BCG event). I had never heard of this bumper cars/lacrosse sport before, but apparently it’s “crack on wheels.” It got pretty rough at times, so I decided I better sit it out.
In Jackson news, he attended a basketball camp, where he was voted favorite camper! Again he was the youngest, and liked it alright, but “baseball camp way way better.” Could have guessed that :).
Our little Jimmer!
Tay, is so feisty, fearless, and fun! She is really just a light in our lives, and I am wowed every day by something she says or knows—things I don’t teach her! She must just pick it up from Jackson. Taylor has also, a year after the fact, conquered Nursery at church! Much to our relief, Scott and I can attend Sunday School.
Speaking of church, our huge ward just split, necessitating lots of new leadership. Therefore, probably by default, I was called to the Relief Society Presidency (women of the church). It was a rocky start for 2 main reasons, 1) the other members of the presidency were out of town the first 3 weeks and 2) I was experiencing public speaking anxiety, which has always been a personal struggle. However, you’ll be happy to know the Sandy Springs Relief Society has survived! The rest of the team is back now. And thanks to prayer (and a speaking anxiety book), each week (as promised by close friends), it has gotten easier to address the women of the ward. Exposure Therapy!
Butterfly festival
mom got a craving, everyone benefited
We’ll that’s a wrap! But I can’t close without sharing my favorite piece of July news. So as some of you know, my brother Jeff is teaching this summer/fall at my mother-in-laws orphanage in India. Anyway, aside from this being “the best experience of my life,” he has started talking to/dating a girl he met there—Ally. And guess what, she’s MORMON! Ha! This just might do Dad in :)!!!!!
Oh I almost forgot, we got professional pictures of the kids! Here is some of the wonderful work Kensie Sears produced—if you live in Atlanta, ask me for her info—she is SO reasonable and comes to your house!
