It's Bad

I am in awe of how bad the flooding around here actually is. I knew it was bad, but now that I see pictures taken by my family and friends, I realize how truly lucky we were. Here are just a few of the pictures that people sent me or posted on facebook.

Not sure why anyone would continue to drive through standing water like that. You're only asking for trouble.

Case in point... Rob took this one of several trucks that got swept away and ended up in a river bed.

My friend Lynette took this one of a man being rescued near her house.

My friend Steve took this one just up the street from where he lives.

These next few were taken by a friend who lives about 45 minutes North West of Nashville. The flooding is extremely widespread.

Trying to make the best of the situation at a hotel in East Nashville

While this is a terrible situation, I am proud of the way my community is coming together to help one another. If you live in this neck of the woods, please consider volunteering or donating to relief efforts.

And The Rain Came Down

This is what our back yard usually looks like.

You can't tell from this picture, but right behind that tree line runs a little river.

This is what our back yard looked like on Saturday and Sunday. The little river wasn't so little anymore.

This is what our back yard looks like this morning. What a difference a day makes.

We were very lucky. Some of our friends and neighbors weren't. Please keep the people of Middle Tennessee in your prayers.

Re-evaluating

What is paramount in your relationships?
Love?
Friendship?
Kindness?
Service?
Forgiveness?

Or is it more like
Being right?
Having your needs met?
Convenience?

Tough questions.

I think my default mode is to want to be right and have my needs met and have convenient interactions with people.

However, I'm learning that relationships that are worth investing in require much more of me than what my default mode will offer. Sometimes (probably all the time) it's way better to put love ahead of the desire to be right. Service above having my own needs met. Kindness and friendship above personal convenience.

What is your default mode? Do you need to re-prioritize? Do you need to recognize and take a step back from relationships with messed up priorities?

I'm going to be re-evaluating what kind of things I bring to the table in my relationships. I want my default mode to be love, kindness, friendship, service, and forgiveness. How about you? What do you bring to the table?

Not Good

This is some scary information...

Via: Online Schools

I'm The Boss and Cat Calling

This video depicts several things. First, it illustrates the power struggle that's currently brewing in our house. My mom tells me that I had this exact same conversation with my grandpa when I was about Harper's age. She comes by it honestly. Secondly, this video shows Harper's cat calling abilities. She's very interested in our cat these days. I can't say the feeling is mutual.

Wardrobe Malfunction and Kite Flying

I had a big important meeting at work today. It was big and important. Did I mention that it was big and important? Well, I wanted to look nice for my big important meeting so I wore a nice white sweater. At least it was white until about an hour before my meeting. I got a big ink stain right in the middle of my chest. I tried to use a little bleach to get it out, but it only made it worse. So... I high tailed it over to the campus book store and got myself a brand new Vanderbilt t-shirt. Thank goodness I work on a college campus with a bookstore within walking distance. And thank goodness I'm a scientist who can wear a t-shirt to a big important meeting. On a side note, my brain is completely fried, but the meeting went well.

On a slightly happier note, Harper and I flew our first kite together yesterday. Check it out!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

We had a family outing to the ball park last night to see the Nashville Sounds take on the Oklahoma City Red Hawks. It was great. We braved the weather and had an awesome time. Here are some cell phone pictures of our night.

We had great seats right behind home plate!

This kid has a serious attention span for a two year old. She loved watching all the action.

Speaking of action, here's an action shot of some singing and clapping.

Have I mentioned that I am chopped liver when he's around?

It did sprinkle periodically, but she didn't care one bit. And I only cared half of one bit.

Right when we walked into the stadium, a super nice usher gave Harper a batting practice ball. She slept with it last night.

Such a fun night. I think we just might have to do it again.