  I have returned from sweet home Alabama.. it's good to be back. I realized when I was there, that I can never truly be happy again. When I am home here in Washington, I find myself missing my family in Alabama and missing the familiarity of "home. " When I am back home in Alabama, I miss my husband and my home here in Washington! My grandfather said it to me best; " your heart will be where your husband and kids are, but your home will always be here ( Alabama). " There's just something about being able to drive by the home you grew up in, the neighborhood you rode your bike in as a kid, and see all the familiar buildings that bring back so many memories.
I told God that if not for my love for Him and my desire to be in His will, I'd be back in Alabama in a second (with my husband and kids of course!). You just can't beat the south (or Chick Fil A and Sonic of which I had both last week!). A HUGE thank you to everyone who prayed for me and Austin on our flight. He was wonderful. We didn't have one issue and we had a very long day on our journey to Alabama.
The trip back wasn't quite as long-- the only problem was that I was a bit "apprehensive" about flying back because of the terror level being raised. I know, I know.. I should trust the Lord a little more and use my imagination a little less but sure enough, as I sat down for my 4 and a half hour flight, a man of Middle Eastern descent sat down right next me. I tried very hard not to jump to conclusions, I tried making conversation with him and it became evident after I said, " hello" that he didn't speak English. I sat there anticipating him to yell out, " Allah is great" but he fell asleep 45 minutes into the flight so that enabled me to keep my eyes on him the whole time.
I already figured out all the ways I would tackle him to the ground if he decided to ignite a suicide bomb. Thankfully, I had just been watching WAAAY too much Fox news and the innocent man was probably just as scared of the little blonde woman next to him that kept staring at him, as I was of him.
So in a nutshell.... No... I never jump to conclusions. *smile* My mom was feeling quite a bit better by the 2nd day I was there. She actually does well until she eats- unfortunately, most people typically do that a few times a day. I was able to go with her to her doctor appointments and they had to reschedule her procedure for this coming Tuesday (Aug. 10th). There was no way I could stay that long since I had left Jacob here with his daddy so I won't be able to be there during the procedure. Just continue to pray for her. They believe they will be removing part of her colon, they just aren't sure how much just yet. Seeing my dad in the shape he is in broke my heart in a million pieces. One day he was asleep in his chair and I just stood there looking at him crying in disbelief that my young, strong, funny dad is the way he is.
It hurts so much to see someone you love suffer and yet there is nothing you can do but pray. It gives me a whole new respect and concept of what God must've felt watching His Son suffer- the only difference is that He could've spared His son from the pain, but chose not to because of His love for me. There are people in my life that I love enough to die for, but I can't think of a single person that I love enough to allow one of my sons' to die for. So if you ever wonder if God loves you, think about that. I was able to see some of my wonderful family (and friends) while back there.
My Aunt Pat sure looks great with all the weight she has lost.. She always was beautiful but wow, look out world! She is beginning to wonder if there is more to life than just being " really, really, really good looking. " ha ha! ( yes, a little inside joke but trust me, it's funny) I am catching up on sleep and laundry now that I have returned. I have found that if I were to die, although my husband would be an excellent father, my children would be raised on cereal, corn dogs, and Pepsi Twist (at least they would get fruit from the Lemon). So I will be headed out shortly to buy REAL food. ha! I will try to be more faithful about updating this blog.. I had a few people "on me" about that so I will work harder on writing more often. Afterall, I am here to 'serve. ' :) Have a great Thursday and whatever you do, don't fry bacon while naked. 
