Magdalena Grace Roberts

One of the coolest parts of writing is that I get to meet so many wonderful people. Although I really enjoy all the stories I write, occasionally I'll meet someone who makes a huge impact.

This week I was working on a story about the March of Dimes and I had the pleasure of meeting (over the phone) Julie and Noah Roberts. The Roberts' daughter Magdalena Grace was born with Trisomy 18, a chromosomal defect where most babies don't make it to full term, and if they do, less than ten percent live to see their first birthday. In January, at 167 days old, Magdalena passed away, leaving her parents of course heartbroken, but determined to keep her memory alive. After hearing this story, I can tell you this little girl was so special and has touched my heart beyond belief. And I didn't even get to meet her!

As mother to two sweet baby girls, I cannot imagine what Noah and Julie are going through. Despite the heartbreak, these two have the most amazing, joyful spirit. Where most would be asking why she had to leave them so soon, they are thanking God for the time they had with their daughter and praising Him for this blessing. Oh, to be more like them. They truly see God in everything around them, even the loss of their precious little girl. Please join me in praying for this family. I'm sure it doesn't get any easier as time passes. Pray that God continues to give them peace and pray that Magdalena's story continues to point people toward Jesus as it already has for so many.

The Roberts have also organized a team, Magdalena's Feet, for the March of Dimes' March for Babies walk, which will take place in May. Check out the Roberts' blog to find out more and to read Magdalena's story. I promise you will be blessed by this sweet family.

More of My South

I know it's not quite summer yet, but it really has been such a pretty day today. This time of year, when the weather starts to slightly warm up and I just want to go run around outside, is when I really start appreciating this place. I start to smell the distinct aroma of the red dirt of Neshoba County, which is where I spent a lot of summer weekends growing up. There really was nothing like it. I would spend all day outside, getting muddy and dirty and breathing the fresh country air deep into my lungs. And if it would rain, my family would simply sit on my grandfather's front porch swing and watch the drops hit the dusty dirt road. I'm sure at times I was bored, but little did I know, I was making memories that would forever be ingrained. I get so busy now and forget how nice it is to slow down and just enjoy God's world around us.

A few more little quips that I love from the book My South by Robert St. James. I just love this book! I especially love the last one...

My South is that slow southern slang that rolls off the tongue like sweet molasses and greets every soul we pass as though we've known them for years.

In my South, 'round here is an exact location.

My South is front porch sitting, screen door cricking, constant finger licking, guitar picking, humidity dripping, lemonade sipping, sweet summer afternoons.

Lazy Weekend

This weekend will consist of a whole lot of nothing and I couldn't be happier about it. I'll write a little and maybe dig in the flower beds, but other than that, I have nothing to do but play with the kiddos. By nature I'm a "goer," I have to have somewhere to go at all times, but every once in a while, it's really nice to have no plans at all... can't wait!

Ronald McDonald House

If you aren't already a subscriber, pick up the February issue of Portico. This month, the Giving Tree section features my story on Jackson's Ronald McDonald House. Honestly, I didn't know much about what the RMH did until I started doing research for this story. They house families who have seriously ill children and have to travel to Jackson for medical care. Basically, they serve as a home away from home so that parents don't have to sleep in the hospital waiting room. I can't imagine being faced with that situation. Some of the stories I heard were so touching and the way the RMH is helping these families is so commendable. Go get a copy!

High School

I was just working on a story about an upcoming high school reunion. In order to find out more details about the reunion, I visited the high school's alumni group on Facebook. It was interesting to see the things that people posted about how much they hated or loved high school. One guy, who, might I add, was fairly old and should be over high school, talked about how high school ruined his life, and he hated everyone for it, etc. etc.

Is it weird that I enjoyed high school? I thought it was fun, to be quite honest. Granted, I went to a small high school and graduated with around 40 people. Of course there were cliques and cool kids, but I guess not on the scale you would see in other areas. Sure, I liked high school, but did I gain any "forever" friends? Only one. Were they the "best days of my life"? Nope. Would I do it again? Heck no.

My kids will go to an enormous high school, which kind of scares me. On one hand, I think it's great because they'll be exposed to so many diverse people and get a firsthand look at the world that doesn't revolve around them, but on the other hand, that's a lot of people that could potentially pick on my kids and ruffle my mother feathers. I guess that's something I'll have to get over...

My Sassy Girls

So it's been a while since I posted any fun pics of my sweet girls, so for those of you who are interested - here you go!

Just Chilling

Better safe than sorry - even if you can't move any of your limbs!

Fresh out of the bath - can you tell who is my drama queen???

Super Bowl

Well, I hope everyone enjoys the Super Bowl and all the parties that go along with it. I'm not much of a football fan, so I went to our neighbors' house, ate, and am now at home because our youngest reached her limit and had to go to bed. I do enjoy the food, however, and am thoroughly stuffed. Diet begins again tomorrow... This is a holiday, right??