Score!!!

This past weekend was a busy one for us. Friday night Andrew and Joey headed to the big city (Huntsville) for a birthday party while Alora and I stayed in town for a birthday party. The boys enjoyed Safari Golf, glow in the dark putt-putt, pizza and cookie cake while the girls enjoyed Hotel For Dogs, the movie, Happy Meals at McDonalds and cookie cake. They had a blast at their respective parties. While Alora was off watching Hotel For Dogs with the girls, I pulled a "first" and went to a movie by myself. I enjoyed watching Inkheart alone. I just love Brandon Frasier and the movie, being a reading and writing teacher; spoke to my heart and attested to the power of the written word.

Saturday morning was filled with basketball games. Meemaw and Poppie came for a visit ready to cheer on their grandchildren. Alora's game was first. She played great. There were not enough girls on the other team and so some of our girls switched out and played for their team. This, again, is just teaching them that the game is for fun and it also assured them that, either way, we win! haha! Alora was also very excited that Miss Traci came to watch her play. She is always thrilled to have an audience. Alora played hard and just had alot of fun with her new basketball buddies.

As soon as Alora's basketball game was over we drove back to the house to drop off Meemaw and Poppie's car and to get a quick snack before heading out to Andrew's game. As we were pulling out of the driveway Andrew said, "Mommy, you forgot the video camera." and I responded with words I will regret for a long time, "Its okay this once, I didn't film Alora's game either, so we will just film next week." The game was great! Andrew was playing well. Meemaw, Poppie and friends Jason and Traci were there to watch. Andrew is a great defensive player but he has never really had a big offensive play. He is a little guy and so offensively he has just never had "His Moment". Toward the end of the game, the score was 16 (us)- 18(them) and Andrew was passed the ball right around the free throw line. He put the ball on the floor, pulled up, and shot!!! It was nothing but net! Andrew had scored his very first points in a basketball game and tied the game! I jumped out of my seat, yelled out a resounding "woo-hoo", while my baby sheepishly grinned as he glanced toward us, his adoring fans. He was so proud. As I was out of my seat, I began to do that thing that all parents fall prey to, the embarrassing "parent dance", and then it hit me, "I DID NOT FILM THIS!" The rest is history, I now suffer from a syndrome known as parent-failure disorder. What was I thinking? Why? Why, did I not just run in and grab the stinking camera! Oh well! His "SCORE" will forever live on in our minds. The team did lose the game but they played hard. Watching them is so fun.

On Sunday, Joey scored! Well, not in a basketball game but right before the church service he was presented with a beautiful new black lectern (pulpit)! He has been using a music stand for over a year and the men of the church had one handmade for he and Pastor Justin. It moved my man to tears! I can only count a handful of times that I have seen Joey cry and this was one of them. Their kindness and consideration just moved him to tears of joy. It was really special. It may sound crazy to cry over a piece of furniture but what Joey does behind that lectern is a very serious thing. He has never abused his time in the pulpit by wasting the congregation's time with jokes and sensless opinion. He sees that desk as a sacred one because of the truth that is proclaimed from behind it. I am thankful beyond words that my man loves the Word and lives to proclaim it to the multitudes. He loves God's Word more than anything and I know that he will proclaim it faithfully everytime he stands behind the new lectern. Thank you church. Click here to read the news article on the church's website.