Life with my sister

Weren't the pictures great? We had such a good time. The rehersal dinner was fun and casual. Abby and Sarah(now a mom of 2 girls!) led everyone in singing "Zacheaus was a wee little man." Apparantly it would make Zach mad when Sarah would sing it to him as a little boy, and she thought it would be a hoot if she had everyone sing it at the rehersal dinner. And she was right, it was such fun. Aunt Janet and Uncle Mike picked the best food, the prettiest decorations and made such a relaxing atmosphere at the very height of a stress filled time. It was just a great time. I have decided after being there that we will probably forego the rehersal dinner toasts at my boys weddings, there was just too much information given Friday night. I don't think I will be able to handle all the stories of my boys. So, to their future brides- Expect a meal made by me and served in my kitchen!! HA! HA! I can't wait to read the book Aunt Janet is going to write for me on How to Be the ...

We went "home" to our cousin Zach's wedding, this past weekend. It was wonderful to get all us Davis/Tilton peeps together for a celebration. It was beautiful and so much fun! Enjoy the slideshow. P.S. Molly Claire is here!!!! (Pics to be posted in a day or so) Our cousin Sarah (..who is in lots of the above pictures. She was the groom's very pregnant sister) had her baby girl this morning. We are so excited! Abby & Julie

After Bible School last night, Daniel pulled his tooth out. His first tooth! We were so excited. It was the tiniest baby tooth I've ever seen. On his way to the truck, the tooth fell out of the kleenex it was in. And it is lost, LOST! We looked for that tooth in the dark on the black asphalt parking lot and could NOT find it. But Samuel to the rescue- he assured Daniel that the tooth fairy would still come. And that made everything better. Until this morning when Daniel came and woke me up and said "The tooth fairy didn't leave me anything, not even a penny." Oh, that tooth fairy! Well, it turns out that when I went in his room with my hand in a tightly held fist(full of something!), Daniel found the money the tooth fairy had left him. It had fallen out from underneath his pillow! Can you believe it? You better, because it happens just about ALL the time the tooth fairy comes (or just forgets and goes to bed without thinking another thing about it!) Congrats Daniel! T...

I hope this year proves to be just as fabulous as you are! I can't wait to see you Friday!!!!!! (promise not to beat for posting this picture, ok?!) Abby

The "Blue" Hydrangea This beautiful pink (suppose to be blue, even with nails stuck in the ground all around it) flower was one of the first gifts Mrs. Rochelle gave me. I told her in a conversation that I loved blue hydrangeas because it reminded me of my Mawmaw's house when I was little. She remembered that and I came home one day to this sitting in my driveway. We planted it on her side of our house so she could see it bloom and grow. I am so glad it is blooming where she can see it and always remember our special friendship. The Fridge As we prepared to move into our house in 2004, Rand found this $1500 fridge for $500 at an appliance store in Memfricia. The box was damaged in shipping and they couldn't sell it in their showroom. It was our favorite prize in the house for a long time. We loved the deal we got and how it matched our appliances perfectly. It was even the same name brand! We left it with the new owners. This is my Rand with his fridge right before h...

Yes, it is true! I am the proud owner of a cell phone. I know it is 2008 and everyone over the age of 12 has a cell phone, but for various reasons, I was not the proud owner of one. Stephen and I bought our first cell phone in the spring of 1997 when I was pregnant with Samuel. Stephen decided we needed one, or I needed one, because I was pregnant and might have an emergency situation (I guess). So, we bought one and Stephen carried it. I know-it makes no sense. Fast forward to Sept 17, 1997-I have a wreck, total Stephens truck, on the way to work and DON'T HAVE THE PHONE! I couldn't get a hold of Stephen and ended up sending my friend Jill to drive around town to find him. He didn't have the phone either, it was at home! We haven't really been cell phone people. We understand the need for one, Stephen has always had one for work, but doesn't always keep it charged. (And yes, that is VERY maddening when I am trying to get a hold of him!) I have just shared his. Wel...

Not everyone has experienced moving away from a place they love that is also surrounded by people they love. For those of us that have, it is a tough deal. I have done it twice now and each time has been different, yet the same. I left Fort Smith in 2001 the day after my cousin Sarah got married (Aunt J, do you see the irony in this?) to do an internship at St. Jude during my summer break, and I never returned home to live after that. I had lived off at college for years but Fort Smith was my home. I was born there and all my roots were planted firmly right there in the Fort. I felt like a little butterfly leaving its cacoon. Now, in 2008 I am leaving the Memfrica area for Jonesboro. I have started my career here, met and my husband, buried my Meemaw, built a home with my husband, learned to eat slaw on bbq pork sandwiches, made precious friends, and bonded closely with my Memphis People. Learning to cherish and not cling has been a hard lesson, but one I have learned this time arou...

Today I opened the door in my house for the last time. The movers are packing up now and plan on loading it tonight . It will be taken to storage until we find a new home. I also greeted my Aunt Babs and Claire one last time. It was fun to see them. Babs brought me a silver platter of Meemaw's to use in my new home. I love old pieces with history. As I took the trek back to Byhalia yesterday I listened to a song I rarely listen to. It is on a CD a dear friend made for me a few years back. It is by Innocence Mission and it is called "Tomorrow on the Runway" and it speaks exactly what is on my heart. (Thanks Ash) Old days, don't come to find me,the sun is just about to climb up over there. While my heart is sinking I do not want my voice to go out into the air. Did you leave the darkness without me?You're always miles ahead. And you're standing in tomorrow on the runway. Oh be the music in my head,the air around my bed, oh be my rest. Replace the small disg...

First of all, and most importantly DANIEL WAS SAVED!!! Monday night after I had tucked him in bed we heard him crying. Stephen went in to check on him and he was crying saying" I need to be saved". Stephen talked to him, showed him Bible verses and prayed with him. What a sweet moment. We are all so excited, the smile didn't leave his face until this morning (this is Wednesday). How precious. We don't know when he will be baptized, but we will let everyone know when the date is. Second, Today the boys had a cooking competition ala Iron Chef. The secret ingredient was bologna. They had 45 minutes and all cooked at the same time. It was such fun listening to them. Samuel presented me with a "bologna skewer" and "bologna nachos". The skewer had onions, carrots, and of course fried bologna all on a knife /skewer. The nachos were made up of two different chips, lettuce and fried bologna seasoned with a bbq rub and Cavendars . David made a "bol...

Did anyone notice the picture in the previous post? Could she have picked a worse picture of me? What kind of sister is that? Yesterday, the kids gave Stephen the same treatment for Father's Day as I got for Mother's Day. Except instead of pickles, he got sunflower seeds with his marshmellows, and poptart. They are truly the sweetest kids ever!! Happy Father's Day to the Fathers in my life. My Daddy, Charlie(my father-in-law), Uncle David and Stephen. I know there are many people who have suffered because of the actions of their fathers, but I have never known anything but love from all of you. Thank you for being men of faith and love. I love you all! irbt Julie

A day late, but not forgotten! Happy Father's Day to our funny, sweet, thoughtful and old Daddy! We love our Ole Miss Rebel loving Daddy the biggest much! Love, Your beautiful, charming and most delightful Daughters

We made it home, all of us, safely. Thank you, God. I never take traveling lightly. I guess since we haven't lived in a town with a Walmart for 13 1/2 of our almost 15 years of marriage and we have had to travel 30 miles one way to get our groceries I have asked God many times to post angels at all sides of our vehicles. I did that again yesterday as Stephen and I traveled by plane to Little Rock, and my children traveled by car there to meet us. We all arrived safely and on time. Because of the 50 pound limit for each piece of luggage, Stephen had to do a little reshuffling of "stuff" to get both bags to weigh less than 50 lbs. Have I ever told you what a great packer he is? I mean truly one of the greatest packers I know. And I only know 2. My mother and Stephen. I received SO many books from the wives luncheon on Tuesday, and we had accumulated magazines, brochures, and just stuff that we were a little nervous that we wouldn't be able to get so much stuff to just...

Being a lady of leisure has its perks but for the most part, I don't like it. I honestly don't know how people stay at home all the time and don't go insane in the membrane. If I had kids, I would understand and might like the time, but I have no kids, no pets, no dependants. My house plants are the closest thing I have to being a dependant. I guess if I was rooty tooty and played tennis at the club in my cute little skirt set and then went to lunch with my uppity friends in my Range Rover, it would be enjoyable...but no such luck with all that. I am a middle class ball cap wearing white girl, in Nike shorts, a t-shirt and worn out Reef flip-flops, while driving down the road in my Nissan most days of the week. Rand and Jules tell me I am starting to look a tad white trash with my lack of upkeep, but really? Is there a need to waste make-up and energy on getting dressed for nothing? I love not knowing anyone and not having to worry that I look horrible when I go into store...

We made it! The kids are spending time with grandparents and enjoying themselves so much. I just hope the grandparents are enjoying it as much. Stephen and I traveled through many airports yesterday and had a great time together. Last night we went to the pastors conference and it was really good. What good preachers we are privileged to hear. I'm hoping to be able to share with you something that was said last night and how God spoke to me through it. I'm not so good with words, so we'll have to see. We are just about to leave the hotel to go hear 12 sermons. 12 sermons. And the bookstore is open today! YAHOO!!!!!!! I just love it there!!! In fact last night when we talked to the kids after we got back to the hotel, they wanted to know if I had gone to the bookstore yet. Even Anna. They know me so well!!!! Talk to ya'll later! Julie

We're off! I've packed for 6 people going in two different directions. I've wrapped 2 Father's Day gifts. ( I know, I still have to get Stephens!) The house is clean, so that when we come home it will look as if the cleaning fairies have been here. I just love the cleaning fairies. We have gotten all of our tickets, reservations, and various papers we will need. The van is cleaned out! WOW!!!! Thank you D&D! We're ready to go. Can't wait-a semi vacation. Although I don't know if you can call it a vacation if you have to set the alarm, and your schedule is not your own. But, we try to make the best of it!!! Talk to ya'll soon!!! Julie

Last night I watched an old Grand Ole Opry special. Charlie Pride was featured singing his signature song and it made me laugh out loud, literally. If you had the privilege of knowing my Meemaw, you knew she was the definition of a true southern belle and quite prissy. Oh, I miss making her laugh. My Aunt Babs says that I brought out a side of Meemaw like nobody else. I loved it and love the memory of making her laugh at my nonsense. So, the point: I know! On one of her bus trips to Branson with the senior adults from church, she saw Charlie Pride in concert. She always called when she got home and this time was most memorable. Oh, to hear her voice when she called and asked Daddy, "Bob, did you know that Charlie Pride is a black man?!" ( If you knew her, you can hear her in your mind...isn't it hilarious?! ) It is one of our funniest Meemaw memories of all time. Don't you love how the simplest memories of those we love so dearly can evoke laughter. Anytime anyone in...

Our Custom Built House in Byhalia, MS (at Christmas time...my favorite!) My Most Favorite Place in this House Well, it is official...we have a contract on our house and are planning to be moved out by the end of June. God showed us his mercy last week and for that we are most thankful. The offer was unexpected, exactly what we wished for and proved to be one that was bathed in prayer for many weeks. Praise be! We were told to be ready to sit on the house for at least 127 days due to the area and the slow market. We instead sat on it for about 62 LONG days. We had 5 showings and 1 finally brought forth fruit. Because Rand's company deals with the written contract and closing and then they will pack us, move us and unpack us... it is sort of a cake walk compared to what other people go through when in this same boat. Because we have not yet found a new house to call home at this time, we are looking for a storage unit for all of our belongings that won't fit in our apartment. We...

Here are a few tidbits from my life. ** I had the kids pictures taken today. They were so cute and acted better than they ever have. I can't wait to see how the pictures turned out, I'll be sure and share with ya'll! ** I bought a brand new pair of Arizona swim trunks for Samuel and a pair of leather Keds that looked VERY new for a total of $5.45 at my local resale store. YAY!!!! ** One of Samuel's teammates last night asked if D&D were twins. I told him yes, and then in all of his 10 year old wisdom he said "but they have different shirts on." I once again told him that they were indeed twins, even though they had different shirts on. And then another teammate in all of his 10 year old wisdom says "Duh, they're fraternal twins!" Apparently it doesn't matter about your DNA, you can tell if they are identical or fraternal twins by the clothes they have on. ** I am going to be packing for the 6 of us for next week. Stephen and I will be goi...

I feel like I should let you know about the wonderful weekend we had with Abby and David's baptism and all, but I am so tired. We have been at the pool every day since it opened but one. Today we were there at 2:00 and then had a pool party for church there until 8:00. 6 hours at the pool. I didn't know a person (especially this person) could get tired of sitting beside a pool, but I am tired. Worn out! But tan and looking good!!! I will tell you all of my good stories later, right now I'm going to go sit by my tv and relax. Does that sentence sound strange considering the whole theme of this post? Oh well!!! Julie

Aunt Abby & David after he was Baptised She says I am her best friend. I love that. What makes my heart melt and smile all at the same time...these 4 little faces! Abby

This video and thse pictures are from Julie's camera up in the baptistery . The sound on mine (taken from the sanctuary ) did not transfer to the CD I am working off of. For you grandparents, we will send you the copy of mine later, so you can see his sweet little face. I love the picture of his Daddy holding him while he prayed. So, sweet. Abby