Sierra is Found!

(Wow. God works quickly! This is every parents worst nightmare, and biggest relief...all in one day! I am glad that she is ok. Thanks for those had a moment to utter a prayer, I know their family is thankful)

Missing Auburn women's basketball player Sierra "CeCe" Sims found unharmed

September 30, 2008 8:56 PM

AUBURN -- Sierra "CeCe" Sims, an Auburn freshman basketball player who had been missing for most of the day, was found safe Tuesday night, according to the university.

No further details were immediately available. A university statement said: "The Auburn Family is deeply appreciative of all the assistance that has been provided."

The news came five hours after Auburn encouraged anyone who had seen Sims to contact the police. The bulletin was posted on the school's Web site and e-mailed to all students.

WTVM-TV in Columbus, Ga., reported that Sims was last seen at 2:30 a.m. early Tuesday. The station said that she told friends she was going to the library to study. She subsequently missed a basketball practice later Tuesday morning.

A Brentwood, Tenn., native, Sims signed with Auburn last November. The 5-7 point guard led her Brentwood High team to a regional title and also competed in the Miss Teen Tennessee pageant.

URGENT!!! Prayer Needed

Our friends Kathie and Tommy Sims received a phone call that their daughter Sierra "CeCe" was reported missing today from Auburn.

Please pray for her safety, and her quick return home. We are hoping and praying that there was a miscommunication, and that all is well. If you know her or have heard anything, please contact the Auburn Police.

Here is the Report Below:

Auburn University basketball player missing

AUBURN, AL (WSFA) - Auburn University says the parents of Auburn basketball player Sierra "CeCe" Sims have requested the public's assistance in finding their daughter.

Sims was reported missing Tuesday.

If you know the location of Sierra Sims please call the Auburn Police Department at 334-501-3100 or 911.

According to our sister station, WTVM in Columbus, Georgia, Sims was last seen at 2:30am.

She told friends that she was going to the library to study but never arrived.

She also missed her morning basketball practice, something her friends say is highly unusual.

The University says it is working with the police department in locating the missing student.

More information as it becomes available to the WSFA 12 Newsroom.

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=9101149&nav=0rde

Closer to Addie

So, this isn't final...but it looks like the CCAA (China) has referred up to the 15th or 16th of February for the month of October! (Which no one was expecting because of the Milk Scare) That is 6 days of Log-In-Days. Which means we are only 19-20 Log-in-days Away from our referral. (Which means about 3 more months!!!)

Oh My.

Some Personal Encouragement

image from The Shabby Princess.com

(sorry...I just re-read this...it's so long)

I learned today that sometimes...things are not as they seem.

After my awkward, insecure teen years, I really learned how to be confident and okay with my many imperfections. In most cases I see the "glass as half-full". Almost to a comedic fault, I actually think I can sing like Celine, and can wear jeans like Heidi Klum (until I actually try it). I think I am a decent mom and wife, and designer. And I actually do a pretty darn good job...on the days I am not miserably failing!

It wasn't until recently that I answered a question in an email questionnaire that I so often get from one of my girlfriends, that asked..."Do you make friends easily?" Psshhh. Who wouldn't answer yes to that. But as I typed it I thought, you know ...I really don't. I am friendly...but I am not one to seek out new friendships~that is not easy for me.

This morning I was reluctant to go to church, like most Sundays lately. It's been a different season for me, and thats ok, I know it is only a season, but I have to fight through, no doubt. I just say a silent prayer that the Lord will speak to me in my obedience to show up (even though it is usually 20 minutes late!) After the service, a gentleman approached Ken and I and said he needed to talk...it was directed towards me. As a leader in our church, I honestly thought he was going to give us a great word of encouragement, or say something wise...nope. He had told me that he had been harboring bitter feelings and been angry with me for a way I had handled a situation 5-7 years ago, and needed to tell me that, so that he could ask for my forgiveness. Before the shock hit me, I immediately wanted to know what it was so that I could make amends if I needed to do that. He didn't think it was necessary to go in to detail, but he just needed to get it off his chest. So I forgave him and begged him to not be bothered by this anymore.

But oh boy...all day long I kept thinking, "but I thought he thought Ken and I were cool, wonderful, christian, sweet, strong people, and all this time...he didn't like me!" SO my conversations today were like, "but God, HOW am I supposed to know? I am nice to everyone, I don't stir up conflict, I'm amiable...I even showed for church, instead of reading on the porch swing, which You knew I wanted to do..."

Then I saw this scripture above. I realized it's not about me, I mean it sorta-kinda was...but it's not - not today anyways. After our conversation with this gentleman, he walked away with a peacefulness. He did what the Lord had impressed on his heart to do. It wasn't easy for him to admit his anger, he even teared up a bit. I don't fault him for it, I'm impressed. I needed to be at church so that he could be free from this feeling he's felt all these years. But it has bothered me all day that I have made someone bitter at me for that long.

Only in our weakness can God's power be made perfect. We all are in need of God's power in our lives, and certainly all the Grace we can stand. It all goes hand in hand. In his weakness, he had God's strength to walk up to me in Grace to do what he did. I have been drained of any personal strength - trying to figure it out on my own, and realized that I need to give up and allow God's power to work in my life. In doing that, even when we think we are strong...we must realize that we aren't always, and to lean on our own strength is just futile anyways.

What do you need to let go of today? What do you need God's Strength for? All we need is His grace.

Tainted Milk...Longer Wait

I'm starting to get a little less rowdy when saying "bring it on devil"...we can wait as long as God needs us to!!!

For 2 years, 6 months and 18 days, we've heard crazy reasons for the very slow referrals of babies from China...but we just roll our eyes, sigh, and then pull ourselves together, and remember that God has a very specific child waiting for us ~ we've just been waiting for her to be born, I guess.

As we are approaching our referral date (March 7, 2006), China has been matching up to 9 Log-In-Days worth per month. We were hoping for referrals up to February 19 in October, but with the recent findings of a plastic poison being added to baby formulas in China, more than 40,000 babies have become ill.

So it looks like they may only match 1 day of referrals instead of the proposed 9...which could put us into the middle of next year instead of January, before we get our referral. They want to make sure they are not referring sick babies to waiting families. They want to treat them and get them well (which I understand). Of course, all I can think is how I want to get there and bring Addie home and treat her myself if she needs it...but unfortunately it doesn't work that way.

I don't know if she has been born yet, but I am praying that if she has, that the Lord keep her well and healthy.

"Lord, please comfort these babies that have become ill from these formulas that were tainted by greedy, eager business men. May you heal them completely and place your loving hands on them as they are recovering. Please send loving people to pick them up and hold them while their little tummies are hurting. Protect Addie Grace while she is away from us and whisper in her ear how much she is loved and cared for, and that we will be there soon. Thank you for the Orphanage workers and Foster families for tending to theses sweet parent-less babies."

Artsy Nephew

Today I opened my email to find that my 9-yr. old nephew Max has just painted some new art! I guess they were learning about Matisse's "Still Life" in art class. Now, I'm not 100% sure where his parents stand politically, but I'm learning a bit about my nephew here! haha! I'm not sure how subtle he meant to be, if at all...but I think this is just so great! It will certainly date this piece for Max as he looks back when he is older! (I can't help but notice the Dining Set for $899 as well...hmmmm, where is that? That's a pretty good deal??? I knew B'ham had good shopping!)

This may have to become a t-shirt! I'll put it next to the Spider one I bought 4 years ago!

Happy 1st Day of Fall

I love this picture of us in Fall 2004 after a Packers' Game in Green Bay, WI

As I was watching a bird fly into the woods yesterday, I noticed that the Virginia Creeper is already turning red. The days still feel like summer, but the evenings are a reminder of what is to come. I have only begun to appreciate fall in the last few years, now I think it is becoming one of my favorite seasons.

As the Today Show greeted everyone with a "Happy 1st Day of Fall", I will admit that the first thing that popped in my head was..."6 more months until Spring!" I know what we will face until March. I've been through 140 Seasons in my life so far, I'm becoming an expert on our seasons!

I was just talking to a friend who moved to Texas and misses our beautiful weather this time of year. She actually misses the seasons - the winters even!

I was thinking about how quickly I was discounting Fall and Winter. Most of us seem to enjoy the warmer, or cooler months, but don't really look forward to the bitter cold that is coming. This is also true of our lives. We are so quick to despise the Winter...but the winter is necessary for a productive, beautiful Spring. Every season in our life is necessary if we want what has been planted to continue to grow. Marriage, Friendships, Jobs, Parenting...you name it. On days in Winter when the atmosphere may seem cold and quiet - the days you think God is not listening, He may seem as if He is not there, but really, there are things working deep inside, hopefully growing, so that when the Spring time comes around again, the fruit will be bigger, and hopefully will have multiplied.

Seasons are necessary in all aspects of life...change is necessary for growth and movement. Not only do I look forward to fun boots and warm sweaters, I look forward to seeing what God has for the next phase of our lives. I know it will be good. Different, but good.

From The Message Bible (Great Translation, since we know the other so well!) Ecc. 3:

"There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:

A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.

You may be in your "winter" right now, and if you are, listen to what God is speaking to you deep inside, these trials will eventually end. If this is your summer....hold on, best prepare, because winter is on your doorstep. John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world"

Here's praying for a beautiful loooong Fall, and very short Winter....

Favorite Things Friday

The Neti Pot

Seriously Ya'll...this is good stuff. I know. A little "Hippie " of me if you will, but this is the good pot...not the illegal stuff, and it makes your head less cloudy!!!

This little miracle is also known as an irrigation system for your sinuses. Weird choice of words, but it's true. All you do is fill it with warm water and pour in a package of saline (because our body is made up of salt and water)...trust me, you do NOT want to skip this step. then you put the spout in one of your nostrils, lean your head over the sink (forehead is lower than your chin so that the water doesn't go down your throat), then tilt your head and the pot. the water will go up your nose and out your other nostril...with lots of interesting stuff. (Which is why there is no picture of me demonstrating for you!)

You will be shocked at the stuff that comes out, and how clear your sinuses will be afterwards. You can do it several times a day if you need to, and it may even replace your sinus meds if you take them. (Allergies come on because of something in the air that sticks to our nasal walls that we are allergic to).

We are all addicted to it, and even Alec loves the benefits! You can purchase it at Walgreens along with replacement Saline Packets for under $20.00. Run, don't walk.

It's the next best thing to popping a zit. Oh come on...like you don't get satisfaction from that!

My Funny, Random Son

As Alec was walking to the car yesterday after a very difficult football practice, I thought he was going to be in a bad mood, making the 10 minute trip home seem like an hour. I asked him how practice was, he said, "awful". Then his next words were...."I'm really craving creme brulee"!

I love how random he can be at times...he really cracks me up!

We do love our desserts in our home. Creme Brulee is one of our guilty pleasures. Bread and Co. has really great Creme Brulee for $4.00, or you can go here for an easy recipe. If you don't have a torch, just use your broiler. You can buy inexpensive ramekins at Target as well!

Meghan McCain 's Blog

Like most people this election season, I have become addicted to Talk Radio and Fox News, as well as other Media Outlets to hear the latest on the campaigns. If anything, it has been free entertainment on my daily commute into downtown!
I did hear that Meghan McCain (John and Cindy's 23 year-old daughter) has a blog spot...and it is great!

Her blogspot, mccainblogette, is written by her ~ not a campaign manager! It is also very entertaining.

It doesn't matter which way you vote, this is a great site. Check out her books she has authored as well.

If you haven't gotten enough, yet...check it out!

Yes. We Are Still Adopting!

The CCAA matched 9 Days of Babies this month!!! SO... babies have been matched up to January 31, 2006. We are now 35 LIDs away from being matched!!! Yay! Hopefully that means a January referral for us, if they continue at that pace!

I want to share a sweet email from my friend Shelley. It was perfect timing, and very encouraging. Thank you all for your sweet words of encouragement and prayers for AddieGrace during this looooooong wait for our baby girl.

Hey girl,

I was up this morning thinking about the wonderful homecoming yesterday and something that was said came to my memory. I remember someone saying to you that they had "almost forgotten that you all were still adopting" or something like that.

I believe the Lord clearly wants me to tell you that "He has not forgotten!" Your file is on his desk and is open and processing, it is not closed sitting at the bottom of some pile. He is thinking of you and your life and the plans he has for you right now. He doesn't forget!

Remember, you are the apple of His eye, the one He loves :)

Sweet. Sweet.

Football Update...

Friday August 29

Ravenwood vs. Brentwood Academy
Ravenwood's Football Team Made History!!!

One of Kenny's favorite birthday gifts on Friday was a win against Brentwood Academy. BA has never lost to a Williamson County School in 31 games. BA's Football Team was ranked #10 in the country...until we beat them! "Ravenwood pulled to within 21-20 when Williams threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Fitzpatrick to cap an 80-yard, seven-play drive that took 65 seconds." (We won with a risky 2-point conversion, with only a few seconds left in the game...)When the Coach, unexpectantly put in our Sophomore, Alec during the last half of the game, I nearly peed my pants!!! This is Alec, running with the ball under those "Friday Night Lights" for the first time. He gained 3 yards! He said it was the most amazing feeling! Winning against BA was an answer to his prayer that Football can be fun, and all that hard work pays off greatly in moments like this. Here is the link from the Tennessean if you want to read more.Here are Kens' mom, dad and brother and my parents at the Big game!!!

Congratulations to Coach Rector, who won the Tennessee Titan's "Coach of the Week" for that game. You can read about it here.

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Friday September 5
Ravenwood vs Franklin

Sorry. No pictures from this game. It was pouring down rain. It was getting a bit chilly. This was also the game that we all want to forget. In the first half of the game, Bo Gilroy, a senior star athlete, who is so good that he is first string on 3 sides of the ball...caught a screen pass, and as soon as he planted his foot, he was tackled and brought to the ground by a broken femur, the first quarter of the game. This...knocked the wind out of our players, our coaches, our fans. We lost 27-0, to a tough football team, and a crowd that continued to jeer our fans until the end. Not only did they beat us...badly, their football team laid down all over our field, as the crowd chanted "this is our house". Nasty, bad fans in Franklin...however, I'm very proud of how our fans handled the ugliness that continued to come from the other side by doing... nothing. I don't think anybody really cared! Everyone was concerned about Bo as he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

We made our way to the hospital after the game, then Saturday after his surgery, and then to his house Sunday night where Ken and I stayed at the Gilroys until Midnight!!!

Bo had to have surgery the next morning where they put in a rod and 2 screws. He will be out for the season. They are believing that this 2nd Place National Decathalete will be back in time for Track Season. We will continue to pray for this great kid and athlete!

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JV Football RHS vs BA

Last Monday, we won against BA 33-15. Alec was lucky enought to have a lot of playing time. He had the opportunity for many blocks and had a 64 yard touchdown. I love to watch him run, and scream at the top of my lungs. I am sure that's what gets him down the field.

Putty's Bring Nathanael Home!

After 4 Years of seeking out to adopt a child, Shane & Kelly's prayers have finally come to Fruition!

This Saturday, Shane and Kelly, along with 2 (of their now 6) children, walked off an airplane from Ethiopia with their sweet 4 year-old son, Nathanael in tow!

They were greeted by about 50 of their friends and family, and Nathanael, who doesn't speak English yet, handled the attention very well!

He is already a Putty! He looks like them, he has their energy, and their photogenic quality!

I can't wait to get to know him! He is so beautiful...and spunky!
Go to The Putty's Family Website to hear about their journey. Also, check out Kristi & Will Johnson's Blogspot to the right (Kelly's sister) for more pictures and descriptions of Nathanael...
Please keep Nathanael and the Puttys in your prayers.
"Lord, thank you so much for the miracle of this precious child, and that he is finally home in the arms of his family. I pray that he adapts quickly to his new life; new home, new language, new family. Thank you for giving Shane and Kelly the wisdom to deal with issues that may arise in these times of change. Thank you that Nathanael already feels the love of his new family, and from you. May he come to know you soon." Amen

Ken's 40th Pig Roast

To go through the pictures faster, place your mouse on the bottom of the pictures and press the forward arrow OR Double Click on the Pictures to view BIGGER.

Yes...that's the pig in the bathtub

Ken turned 40 Last Friday, and he requested a Cuban Pig Roast Party! We celebrated by Roasting a Pig over a fire pit that Ken, Alec, Kevin, and Ken's Dad (Rod) built. The guys all wore Fedoras, while the women donned carnations. We had Black Beans and Rice, Cuban Bread, and Fried Plantains, and Yucca, as well as Sangria (gift from our friend Jenni), and Mojitos. After watching a fun picture video of Ken, the guys headed to the roasting pit to smoke their Cuban Cigars and chat about whatever guys chat about!

Thank you to Ken's Mom (Kathy) who worked tirelessly in the kitchen cooking and cleaning (Shannon, too!), and making flower arrangements. And to Kevin who came up the night before to help Ken butterfly the Pig, and get it ready for the pit, and for designing the great cups, and putting the video together. Y'all are such a treasure to him!

Enjoy the pictures of the prep of the pig (yes, it was in my bathtub until we put it on the fire!), and then the tub became a huge cooler for beverages! haha!!! Sorry about the graphic pig pictures, and sorry to our friends who were vegans...did we warn everyone??? As you can see, we had about 60 people come and show their love for Ken. He was blessed by everyone's presence. We have amazing friends, and we are so blessed by you all.