Saturday, February 26, 2011

Little Toes

These precious little toes and feet went to Heaven 7 months ago. I always thought that I would have Heaven before my children, but Heaven is the only home that our precious Landry will ever know. It is amazing the impact that these feet and ten beautiful toes have made in my life and the legacy that they will hold for many years to come.
When Landry finally left our arms and went in to the arms of our Heavenly Father it was almost like he tip toed away because he was so beautiful, calm, peaceful, and did not make a sound as he slipped away from us and the dreams we had planed for our new family of 4.
We love you and miss you everyday, Landry and I hold on to the Hope and Joy of when we will see you again. We are one day closer to being able to spend Eternity with you, Landry James.
Thank you, God for the blessing and pain that these tiny little toes brought to my life. Landry's footprints will be forever engraved in my heart. Happy 7 months in Glory, Landry James.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Broken Bones and Blessings

(NO it is not Tyler) :)

On Tuesday we did our typical Morning outing with our dear friends; Jen, Avery, Luke. Every Tuesday Morning you are sure to find us together. Tyler loves Luke and Avery and since they are at different schools this year we do not see them as much.
We headed to Lions Park with Scooters and Bikes for some exercise on Tuesday and there are 3 play grounds there so we usually have to stop at each one during our walk/ride. Before we headed to lunch at our Tuesday lunch stop (Chick Fil A) we made one last stop at one of the new playgrounds that was built over the summer. It is handicap accessible so the ramps are fairly large and of course Ty and Luke decided to ride their bikes up the ramp to where the slides are. Well, poor Luke fell off his bike and we could tell by his cry that something was not right. Jen walked over to where I was standing and she said I think he is really hurt because he is not really moving his left arm. I gathered the bike and got Ty and Avery and we made our way to our cars. Jen was making phone calls and Avery still wanted to go to lunch so I told Jen I would take Avery to lunch with us and keep her the rest of the afternoon if needed.
Tyler was so excited and I know that me taking Avery put Jen at some ease, that way she just had to worry about Luke and then Avery would not have to wait in the ER and be at the Hospital the majority of the day.
We had a fun lunch, went back to our house to play with the Dogs, and then we hit Miller Park. Keep in mind we still had to be at kindermusik at 4pm. Tyler and Avery played non stop on Tuesday afternoon before music. It worked our perfect because we met Jen and Luke at music.
Avery is so sweet and and I think she is the sweetest most polite little girl around. I will watch Avery any day of the week. I will take Luke, too. I truly adore both of these children and I always love our outings together. Jen has been an absolute blessing in my life and I am so thankful for our special bond and friendship that was formed because of Landry. I am so thankful I was able to Jen and Robb on Tuesday because they have truly gone above and beyond for us so watching Avery was such a joy. Good friends are a true blessing. Avery and Tyler at Miller Park and sweet Luke after Music on Tuesday.


We are so happy you are doing better, Luke. We can't wait to see you on Tuesday. :)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

7 Balloons

We held our 7 month balloon release for Landry this evening. We only got one picture because Ty released before we were ready and the wind carried the balloons up the sky really fast this evening.
Today has been one of the hardest days I have had in a while. I felt like I was barely holding on and I found myself in tears the majority of the day over so many little triggers.
The truth is I am just lonely for Landry today. I was reminded earlier today how thankful I am for a God that hears the cries of my heart and I was also reminded by several others through out the day that I am not alone on this journey. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

7 Months Ago


Dear Landry,


7 months ago, today you became my Son and from the first moment that I heard your cry and saw your face I knew you were going to change lives because you had changed mine. The first time that your Daddy put you in my arms I had no idea that I would not get to hold you in my arms forever. As your Mommy I wanted to protect and keep you safe and it broke my heart more than you will ever know when I knew that I was not going to get to keep you close and safe to me forever. However, because of you and courageous fight you have shaped and molded me in to the person I am today. What a blessing it is to call you my Son. Your short time here on earth has touched and changed so many lives. I am so proud of you, Landry. Everyday I still ache for you but I will praise the One that chose me to carry you.


I love you, my littlest.


Mommy

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Forts and Sleeping Bags

Tyler has become a big fan of forts these days. I already know that my fort making ability is not up to par but Ty does not seem to mind. Last night were were worn out from a full day and Ryan was working late so we made a fort and covered up in Tyler's new sleeping bag from Ghee and Poppy and watch Bob the Builder before bath and bedtime. I always love my down time with Tyler.
On Sunday, Tyler asked my parents if he could spend the night at their house and that is a first for Tyler, so needless to say Ghee and Poppy were very giddy so they took Ty to Academy to pick out a sleeping bag. The only choice for boys was Car's. Thank goodness Ty loves Car's. It looks like we will have many fun nights with sleeping bags and forts in our future.









Headstone

We are in the final stages of getting Landry's Headstone all together and making the final revisions for it. Of course, I want it to be perfect but I at the same time every time I get a revision tears always flow because it should be a revision for a 1st Birthday Card not a permanent Headstone. It just hurts sometimes, but in my eyes Landry deserves on the best.
The company we are using is the same one my parents went through for my Brother's Headstone and on our first visit there the owner spoke very highly of my parents and he said that my Dad never left his side as he was working on Justin's headstone because like any parent you want everything to be perfect for your child and you want to be by their side for all their firsts in life, I have a feeling I might have to follow what my Dad did. That brings tears to my eyes picturing my Dad watching every step and tiny detail.
Today, I am just hurting because all of my beautiful Hope Mommies are all going through another Anniversary of welcoming, saying good-bye, and missing our beautiful children in Heaven. I think it is amazing that all of our "days" fall so close together.
I am still having a hard time grasping the fact that I gave birth to Landry 7 months ago tomorrow. I am just loving and missing everything about our littlest today.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Brokenhearted

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

I am amazed when I am actually am alone with God how much I meditate on this verse and I find so much hope in these words. This evening when I was fianlly able to get out and run (remind me to never take the weekend because today was brutal) I kept thinking of everything and everyone that God has brought in to my life during this painful journey I have had to walk and now run for almost 7 months. Honestly, with all tears that have fallen from my face over the months I love that heartfelt smiles and laughter always follow and sometimes they last for while and at time out weigh the tears.
The greatest reward is that Gods hands are big enough and strong enough to hold me and my future no matter what happens. Thank you God for being able to handle everything I throw at you at these days. I know that the love you have for me is so deep and so wide.

Healthy

Today was President's Day so that meant a school Holiday for Tyler. Ryan still had school today, but today was Parent/Teacher conferences at Ty's school. We had our meeting at 9:15 and of course Tyler decided to turn very shy as soon as we pulled up even thought I kept telling him I was not leaving him. That mood surprised me because he loves his school so much and always asks me every morning when he wakes if he is going to school today. I guess he wanted to be with me all day, which I love our time together.
I truly love everything about Ty's school and I have been so appreciative to Tyler's teachers. Needless to say I worried about Ty started school in August due to everything that he had been through.
Mrs. McRae said only positive things things about Ty and that he has really done very well considering the turmoil he endured at the end of this Summer. At the end of the conference she asked me how I was doing, and I really thought about reaching over and giving her a big hug. That meant the world me and we got to talking about Tyler and how he loves to role play a lot and call Heaven and bring me Landry to hold and she looked at me and said, that is a very healthy behavior. She commented that little kids are very resilient and they can bounce back very easily. I truly needed this conference for my own sense of peace about Tyler. I am so proud of our biggest and I am so thankful for the wonderful school that we have Ty enrolled in, 3 days a week. I am amazed at how independent he is on most mornings when I walk him in, Ty will head down his hall way and go straight in to class with out ever looking back. I am so thankful for today and the reassurance that Tyler is going well and that all of his behavior when it comes to his little brother is healthy and what he needs at this moment.
After our conference we headed home to pack a picnic for a picnic at the park. So thankful for a beautiful day with my biggest.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

MercyMe "I Can Only Imagine"



Heaven has been at the center of my mind for a awhile, because I want to know what it must be like for Landry and what it will be like when you reunite. Recently, I have surrounded myself with books on Heaven to help me grasp the full wonder, beauty, and amazement of Heaven.
I can describe Tyler's Home and Room perfectly but I can't describe Landry's home and that makes my heart ache sometimes.
What I love to do and what I love to do is Imagine what it will be like when I come face to face with Jesus and Landry.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Missing You

Tonight, I am missing each and everyone of these beautiful women and their beautiful babies, in Heaven tonight. Thank you to each and everyone of you for your blessing and making may days a little brighter. I love you!
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
For two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down his friend can help him up.

New Goal

Our first goal was $1075 for Landry's Legacy well we met that goal so now we have a new goal for our team, $4300! Right now we are at $2150 and we have 49 participants!

I have been very blown by the response of so many loving friends and family that have already signed up or donated to the Scott and White Children's Hospital. It is not too late register for this amazing even. Please click on: http://stpatricksrun.sw.org/ if you would like to join Landry's Legacy. We have loved and missed Landry longer than just 43 hours.
Tyler will be participating in his first 1 mile fun run on this day, too. He has been telling us that he has to go exercise. I am so proud of our biggest!

Saturday, March 12 will be a day filled with hope and joy for so many and I am so honored and humbled to have some amazing individuals walking/running with us as we honor and remember our littlest. I am jogging in the 10k with some other of my crazy friends..... :) Still not sure what I am thinking about this but to me at this moment, it feels right.

Soccer Mom

Indoor Soccer Mom that is. I got Tyler signed up for this adventure on Tuesday afternoon. Ever since I became the Mom of Boy's, soccer was the first sport that came to mind.
Therefore, when I found out last week that there was a indoor soccer teams for 3 year old kids I immediately talked to Ryan and we decided we would try it, so I wasted no time in calling. I had always been told they could not start until they were four. We are getting closer to that but we will start with indoor in April and then we will sign up for the fall league. Well, I guess we will see how much Tyler likes it. Tyler has always been our outdoor sports boys so hopefully he will love it. Thankfully, he will have some friends on his team. Tyler will have games every Saturday during the month of April.
Growing up Soccer was always a big part of life. Please keep in mind that I was not playing... because Ryan will be the first to tell you that I am not that athletic. If you ever spotted a girl jumping rope in Athletics on the side lines, that was me. To this day I wonder why I made the Athletic team because I never made any of the sport teams?!?!
Anyway, my Brother played soccer for the time I can remember and our weekends would be spent at out town tournaments and to this days those are some of my favorite childhood memories. On Tuesday after I got off the phone with the City a huge rush of pride came over me as I realized our, Tyler Justin with be following in his Uncle Justin's Footsteps. My heart felt so happy at that moment.
Sure Tyler may not love it but at least he will have the opportunity to play and I am already planning a Soccer Mom shirt... yes, I am one of those Mom's but I am ok with that. Let's go, Tyler.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Forgiveness

I think lately I have been using my blog to air my "dirty" laundry. What I mean is sometimes I let out my deep dark painful thoughts and feelings that I may feel at any particular moment, when what I should do before typing is take a moment to sit back, be still, listen, and pray to God for guidance. I am guilty of just typing away with out really thinking how things may come across to others that read my blog. For me, as I am sure most of you know my blog has become very therapeutic for me. I do want to be honest but I do not want to come across as not thankful for all that we have been blessed with. I am so thankful to each and everyone of you that are following our blog, loving us, thinking of us, and praying for us.
I know that this blog has taken a big change over the past 6 1/2 but that is because my life was changed and I have changed.
Next time when I am in the depths of my grief I will exercise or do laundry (very therapeutic these day) before heading to my blog to air out my "dirty" laundry.

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Hearts and Cupcakes

This year our Valentine's was filled with suckers, Cars, Toy Story, Pizza, Cupcakes, and of course a few tears... not just from me.
Tyler's class had his Valentine's party yesterday so I made my way there to help with the fun celebration. I truly love being able to attend everything Tyler does, that is my favorite part of the "Job". We worked on our Valentine's outside on Sunday because it was too pretty to stay inside

My favorite part of the party where these cupcakes. I wish I could take credit for them but this Mother just brought fruit. I wish I was creative like that. I just love them and Tyler thought they were pretty yummy.




It was a fun Morning to be a student at CCS!
After the party we headed over to give Ghee and Poppy big hugs and kisses. We have not them in over a week so we were missing them. Ghee gave Tyler some money to go to Target and buy a Valentine Toy. Tyler loved finding the perfect "Cars" toy. We have a new favorite. We also got a Fireman Sam video, another favorite. I think it was a perfect day for Tyler.
This Morning we are waiting for the sun to come out and then we will head to the park with some of our favorite friends and,I am sure we will end our outing with Chic Fil A. That is our favorite lunch stop on Tuesdays. Later this afternoon is kindermusik and then a JL meeting tonight, for me. Well, I guess it is time to get moving.





Monday, February 14, 2011

Landry's Remembrance Gallery # 4

Today I went to Landry's a Grave Site a little later than normal, but when I was turning down the Baby Land area I noticed some Heart Shaped Balloons and my heart dropped because I did not have anything for Landry.
As I was getting closer I noticed some bright yellow roses on Landry's site. Tears fell immediately as I thanked God for this beautiful random act of kindness from someone that had our littlest on their heart today.
I looked down and saw this beautiful locket with a poem attached.... I will attach the poem because it is so beautiful.
Thank you, Thank you for remembering us and Landry on his first Valentine's Day. I loved the 6 yellow roses. Very fitting indeed. Words can not express how much it means that someone was remembering and visiting our Landry. I love you.


First Valentine

Today I found myself longing for our littlest Valentine. I did not think that today would be hard but of course it was another "first" so I found it to be bitter sweet.

Thank you Ryan and Tyler for treating me to dinner out tonight. I needed that more than you will ever know. I truly love all 3 of my Valentine's. When I really stoped to dwell on Landry's first Valentine's in Heaven I know it was filled with Abundant and Never Ending love.


We love because he first loves us. 1 John 4:19

LOVE


1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.

Ryan when I looked into your eyes 5 1/2 years ago and said "I do" I am sure we never imagined how incredibly bumpy our life would be together. We have been through some trails in our life, but the past 6 1/2 months I have witnessed first hand how strong our love is for Jesus Christ, one another, and our family. Thank you for always loving me and our two boys. You are the most loving husband and father, and I know Tyler and Landry know how deep your love is for them. Love is paitent, Love is kind, Love never fails.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sunshine and Jogging

The weather was absolutly georgeous today. I was in need of some sunshine today.... and it really did wonders for my mood. After church we headed home and the first thing I did was change in to my work out gear and put on my running shoes. We truly did spend our whole afternoon outside soaking Gods beauty all in.
I am amazed how jogging and even working out in general affects my mood for the rest of the day. Working out again was such a big hurdle for me to jump through but I am so thankful I finally ripped that band aid off, because in a way all of this excerice is very theraputic for me and I always feel better afterwards.... if only my whole body did not ache afterwards. :)
God has really been amazing me with Landry's Legacy. I love checking to see how our team is growing. We are getting so close to 43 members and I will not stop there. Thank you for our family, friends, and strangers that have already registered to be with us on March 12, 2011. Even if you can not attend but would love to donate all of the proceeds will benifiet the Children's Hospital at Scott and White. The NICU was the only home Landry knew and all of the wonderful Nurses and Doctors treated our Landry James like he was their only patient. We will be for ever grateful for the NICU... they truly touched our life. Please contact me if you have any questions and we would be honored to have you walk/run beside as remember our littlest.

Phillipians 3: 12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Brother's I do not consider yet to have taken hold of it. But one I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
This verse has always held a special place in my heart because this is my brothers, verse.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

T-Shirts

I have some favorite t-shirts that always make me me feel so good when I put them on. Mine are my JL shirts, Holden Uganda shirt, and now my Hope Mommies shirt.... I am sure you all have one, or maybe more....
Yesterday Morning I put on my Hope Mommies, shirt because I was going to hit the gym for some Body Pump. I walked in and got my bar and weights all ready and found a place on the floor. My group of work out buddies were not there and I did not know anyone which was ok, but then the floor starts filling up with other Body Pumpers, and all of the sudden I notice that there are two pregnant women beside and my heart drops and I feel a sudden ache.
Please do not misunderstand me but I ache when I see a baby bump because it was not long ago that had one, and I ache to have another one.... but it really hurts, and they are everywhere these days and I have several close friends that are pregnant. I am happy for them but there is a pain inside me that always surfaces when I see them. I have to remove myself when they start talking about how crazy their life is about to get and how they are in the nesting stages, because I have learned through Landry that tears are always close to the surface.
A few women would come up and asked them when they are due, and that they look really good. I got a few looks from women that I knew were on the row behind me when I left and they all looked at me with a painful smile. I got in my car and the tears started rolling down my face because all I had to show off was a T-shirt.... I long to show off Landry sometimes.
Today I was reminded that I am so thankful for my Hope Mommies shirt because that shirt has brought some of the most people in to my life, some I do not know yet but I will have the honor of meeting them very soon. The shirt is also a reminder of the greatest Mom's around that I am so thankful for.... I love that I can call them my friends and I love that Landry is surrounded by their beautiful children that he calls, his friends. God's love is so ABUNDANT.

Forgetting

The past couple of weeks I have been feeling a little out place... like I am this huge Elephant in a room and no one knows what to say or do for me at times. My closest friends that never left my side at the beginning seem to be "done" and "moving on" I am sure these are my own feelings but it just seems that way at times. I remember talking last weekend with some of the other Hope Mommies that we wish the things that were done for us the first couple of weeks after our babies went to Heaven would happen today. Grieving does not just stop for us after the first couple of weeks. Just yesterday Morning I had a huge break down and cried for a hour. I love the texts, calls, messages, gifts that many amazing women are still doing for us..... because for me everyday that I wake up it is a constant reminder that our live is not how it was supposed to be.... and that still hurts.
Just Thursday I was at Chick Fil A.... you will find us there at least once a week. And two women that are not close friends stopped me to tell me that they love blog and wanted to know about my weekend. Thank you, Thank you for reading my blog and following my journey and allowing me to tell you about our journey. I am for ever grateful for all my blog followers. I thank God for you all daily.
Landry's Legacy has created such a out pouring of love... I know this is Gods way of telling me that we are never alone and people do still remember and love him. My favorite donation we received stated: I know I never talk to you about Landry but I think and pray for your family often. Thank you for your honesty, it truly touched my heart.
If you ever see a Elephant in a room it is probably me. Please know that a hug speaks a thousand words to me these days.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Landry's Legacy


I was inspired by my close friend, MaryBeth who started "Running For Reese" you will find her inspiring blog on my (Blog Roll). Needless to say she inspired all of us Hope Mommies to run for our babies in Heaven. I started thinking about this for a while but then the word running came to my mind and it has never left my mind or heart. I thought about how hard Landry fought while he was here on earth and I felt the urge to find some way to show Landry that I am so proud of him and running is completely out of my comfort zone..... I will run as far and long as I can for my littlest.

Once I said I was going to run God has opened some doors. I will be running in the Children's Miracle Network annual St. Patrick Day 5k/10K/Fun Run. The Junior League of Bell County is the sponsor of this event and it will also include our Annual Kids In the Kitchen event, so kids will not want to miss out on this fun day.

Today God put it on my heart to create a team, Landry's Legacy. Our goal is to get 43 (hours representing Landry's time on earth) runner/walkers on our team. We have set a goal of $1075. All the proceeds for this event with benefit the Scott and White Children's Hospital. If you would like to register and run/walk with us on Saturday, March 12, 2011 please click on the following site to register or donate for this event. http://stpatricksrun.sw.org/

Please click on "join a team" Landry's Legacy and you will be all set to join us on this amazing day. Ryan will be designing a separate shirt for this event so Landry's Legacy stands out. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for this event.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

First Snow

of the year.....
I loved this picture of our house... I also posted this for Kelly so she would not have to do a Google Earth search on our house. :) HA!















Last Friday we had our first snow of the season. I am sure it will be our last but you never know.... It started falling Thursday evening after Tyler was asleep and I remember staring out the window with a broken heart. My thoughts immediately turned to Landry as this would have been have been his first snow... who knew that snow would be another "first" we would have to tackle. The rest of the evening was spent staring out the window missing and longing to have our littlest with us for fun pictures in the snow. I was thankful for Tyler's excitement as he saw the snow outside.... we were outside before 8 am. Tyler ran and jumped with a big smile on his face for a long time. We even enjoyed some friendly snow ball fights. Ryan was home for the morning, because school was canceled! We did drive over to Landry's grave site to see it covered with its first snow. Beautiful and heartbreaking pictures to take.
Well, I guess I better mention that I was a little irritated by the snow because I did not want it to affect my travel plans to Brady. I prayed the whole morning and thankfully as we were leaving Landry's grave the sun started shining so brightly. I shouted out load. Thank you for Sun, God and keep it up. Needless to say the snow did not keep me away from my Hope Mommies. I left earlier than scheduled and it took a little longer but so worth it. The roads were really clear once I was out of Killeen. The weather was not going to stop our Hope and Joy filled weekend "Jesus Bring the snow" :)







Monday, February 7, 2011

Peace

Hope Mommies: Top- Chelsea, Melissa, Laurem Sarah Erwin, Sara Virdell. Bottom- Whitney, Erin, Me, Kelly, and MaryBeth
My brain is still spinning from the amazing Hope Mommies Retreat. It was a time filled with friends that have now become lifelong friends. It was filled with hugs, tears, laughter, and a lot of peace... oh and I guess some running/walking. I was too busy talking with Kelly and looking at all the animals to run that much.. :)

A HUGE thank you to Jimmy Jim and Tisha Shuffield for making this weekend possible for all the Hope Mommies. I am so humbled to know you both and I am so thankful I can call you both my friend.

I found myself in tears on my drive home yesterday morning, because I was sad to leave the most amazing women around and also touched with how much God has blessed me the past 6 months... It took God breaking me in July to find the ultimate healing in his Words and by the amazing opportunities he has brought to our new path.... amazing.

More to come I promise.... because it was truly too wonderful not to post about it.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

HOPE

6 months ago I remember lying in a hospital bed in tears and feeling all alone. A month later my blog and the blogs of others were found and at that moment I came to know some amazing Moms that all have empty arms because their little ones went to Heaven too soon, just like our Landry.
Tomorrow afternoon I will head to Brady, TX (I have been praying for clearing weather) and spend a long weekend with my fellow Hope Moms. I have so many emotions going through me at this moment..... overall I am filled with Hope and Joy. Thank you so much Tisha Shuffield for loving all of us and arranging this weekend for us. We will be staying at Selah Springs. Check out the website because it looks amazing. http://www.selahspringsranch.net/index.htm
These beautiful women know my true feelings and they always remember the "Days". For them I will be forever thankful and will always feel blessed and honored to call them my friends.
All of this is possible because our God loves us and because I became the Mother to, Landry. So thankful for the days to come and I can't wait to meet all of these amazing Moms (although it seems like I already know them) that mean so much to my heart.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Monday-Wednesday

Monday Today

Gotta LOVE Texas!

Frisbee Golf

Monday afternoon we were so excited when Daddy pulled in to our driveway at 4 pm! That never happens, but Ryan had to be in Waco all day for meetings so he was able to come home early. The weather was in the 70's so we headed to the Frisbee Golf Course at Lions Park ( Ryan loves Frisbee Golf and I know he is so happy that Ty loves it, too) for some Frisbee Fun. Tyler has become a huge fan of throwing the Frisbee..... Well, Tyler loves anything he can throw!
Sun and being with my boys always helps my heart. I am so thankful for the laughter and smile that being outside with my two favorite people in the world bring to my face. The past 6 months has really but a lot of things in perspective for me and my 3 boys mean the world to me and I am blessed to be a wife and mother of two beautiful boys.









New Orleans

Here are some pictures from my trip to New Orleans last week. I am so thankful that we arrived early so we could enjoy some of the city and all that it has to offer.... because once the conference started we did not see the outside until the evening.
The food is amazing. I loved our 3 trips to Cafe Du Monde for Coffee and Beignets! Thank goodness we walked almost everywhere so could walk off all the good food. We also made a stop at Pat O'Briens to try a world famous Hurricane. On Thursday evening we were able to meet my Cousin, Lauren for Dinner and Drinks. I truly loved our time together and we got star treatment at the Restaurant..... very fun. Overall, I had a really wonderful time and for that I am so thankful.




My Cousin, Lauren. Thank you for showing us a fun evening. Pam and I had a blast.