Nesting......

Robert & Jen

Jennifer sent me some pictures today of her nursery. I put up a little slideshow of her pictures. It seems that Robert and Jen are setting up the nest preparing for the arrival of LT (Little Turner). They are keeping the name a secret until she gives birth and Jen is really worried she might let it slip out. We think it's great and I'm trying hard not to bug her about giving up the info or even guessing. They are both very excited about this new chapter in their lives. I can't wait to see Robert changing diapers.

Jonas & Melissa

Jonas and Melissa find out on the 18th if they are having a boy or a girl. I think Melissa is convinced it will be a girl. I'm hoping for a boy to keep the Williams name going from the Barton branch of the family tree. Sue and Gay (Melissa's mom) are driving up to go with her and they are very excited to be included. I can tell they will be fighting over time with this kid.

Heath & Leanne

Heath and Leanne continue their vigil at the bedside of baby Alexis. She has begun to gain some weight albeit very slowly. Keep them in your prayers. The daily trips are beginning to take their toll on them and makes it somewhat difficult on McKenzie. Sue kept her today (practicing the Grandma thing) and they went to the YMCA pool for a couple of hours. Later in the day she found Jennifer's Barbie toys and really didn't want to go home.

The last few weeks have been very busy. Last week was the final week of piano lessons for Sue and the year culminated with a great recital held at First Baptist. All her students had the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd of family and friends. It was especially good to see many of the brothers & sisters performing duets as well as one dad.

I am reminded daily of how blessed I am. I am so proud of how my kids have become mature young adults, found their soul mates and now begin their own families. Sue and I constantly talk about how it really hasn't been that long ago we were in their shoes. I watched the last hour of the movie American Beauty the other night. In the movie the dad had been frustrated for quite some time with almost everything in his life; his marriage, his daughter, his job and society in general. Through a strange set of occurrences he finally realizes how wonderful his life really is (just before he dies). I think this movie can mean different things to you depending on your point of view. As a dad, it really tells that I am resoundingly blessed in all the areas that the movie dad felt didn't meet his expectations. Hey, I don't cry at movies but this one really got to me.