Trussville Tornado

This is a picture of the tornado that went over Trussville. It is the same one that went through and destroyed Tuscaloosa and other parts of Birmingham. When it got to Trussville, it picked up and went over. As soon as it was over Trussville, it touched back down. If you look at the map of the tornado paths, this tornado had a straight, solid line diagonally across the state--- the only place it picked up was in Trussville.

Look how huge it was! If this had touched down in Trussville, my hometown would have been one of the many wiped off the map. I don't know why Trussville was one of the lucky ones, but I am so, so thankful.

You're the God of this City...

I don't even know how to explain the emotions that I have felt since Wednesday.... scared to death, bursting into tears, relief when texts, facebook posts, and phone calls came in from loved ones, tears, grace, mercy, torn to the core....

Wednesday was testing day, so I hadn't been in contact with anyone all day. I got home around 4 and recieved a text from my friend Nikki saying that a tornado was headed straight to Hackleburg, where my friend Tiffany lives. I didn't think much of it, tornadoes are always in Alabama and rarely cause that much damage.

Then I get on facebook around 4:30, and see everyone's facebook statuses about Tuscaloosa. I turn on the news, and the Dallas news is broadcasting the huge tornado that was going through Tuscaloosa at that exact moment. I'm sure you've all seen it- it was massive. I just started bawling my eyes out and trying to call Nikki. Of course, the calls wouldn't go through since the cell towers were down. I finally got in touch with Erin, who said her and Collin made it. By this point, I had pulled James Spann up on the computer. He says, "If you're in Trussville, take cover, it's coming your way." And I looked at Holly and said, "Seriously?! It goes to Tuscaloosa and then Trussville?!?" I frantically called my younger brother, who assured me that he, my dad, and stepmom were already in the basement. Then I start seeing pictures of Tuscaloosa. Ohmyword. Here are just a few...

What was 15th street

There use to be a Full Moon BBQ and Milo's here

Where Midtown Mall was

This was one of my favorite places in town- it had a milos and hobby lobby in the same shopping center. There use to be a big lots there to the left but it's gone....

And then I realize-- Midtown Mall is gone. Nikki lives right behind Midtown Mall. I'm freaking out. I call and call and call and can't get anything. I text and never get responses. I'm literally thinking... my best friend is dead. She's gone. Ohmygosh.

Thankfully, Nikki was able to get enough service on her phone to connect to facebook and post that she was alive, although trees were on top her house and car. I was rejoicing! Literally, I was crying and thanking God for sparing her. Then I get a text from my family that the storm didn't hit in Trussville. ANOTHER ANSWER TO PRAYER! And then.... James Spann says it's headed to Gadsden. SERIOUSLY?! The same tornado is going to hit the three towns that have most of my friends and loved ones?! We tried calling our grandmother, but again couldn't reach her. She called us later that night to tell us that she was fine.

At this point, I know the damage is bad. I've heard of that damage and seen pictures. But, I hadn't given the tornado in Hackleburg a second thought. It wasn't the same one going through Tuscaloosa, Trussville, and Gadsden, but it still happened. I texted Tiffany asking if she was ok. Thankfully, I got a quick response that said "We r ok." I took that as "Ok, Hackleburg is fine..."

Then during bible study, we get a text saying that at that moment 17 people had died in Hackleburg and that the main part of town was gone. I realize that most of you have probably never even heard of Hackleburg it's so small. But it was the six's second home. It's where we went to get away. It was a place for simplier life and a place to enjoy a relaxing weekend. And it's gone. Thankfully, Tiffany, Cody, Tenley, and TIffany's family are alive.


Wednesday afternoon I literally sat there, speechless. Nothing but tears and "ohmygosh...." could come out. What do you do when you're miles away watching the cities you love fall in front of your eyes? What do you do when you realize it's going straight through where your friends and family live, and there is absolutely nothing you can do? What do you think? What do you say? I really have no idea....

Since Wednesday, I've been addicted to the news. I'm constantly looking at the photographs, reading news articles, watching Alabama news online. There are over 230 people dead in Alabama, entire cities-- cities that I love-- demolished.... and yet... every single one of my loved ones is living. Sure, they might have lost their cars, their homes, and maybe even all of their possessions. But they are ALIVE!!

Honestly, I can't even comprehend this. How does a day like Wednesday happen in multiple towns where I have loved ones, and no one I know has passed away? How is that? How is that I am not on a plane, headed back to Alabama for multiple, multiple funerals? How is it that I can call all of the ones I was worried about on Wednesday, and hear them answer their phones?! It's because of GOD. The news media will continue to flash before us the death toll. Has anyone taken the time to count the miracles? These stories will emerge, but will they be reported? The stories of the miracles will surely outnumber the stories of the dead. The stories that I've heard are bone chilling. Hundreds of people who hid in closets and bathrooms, only to emerge and find that the little room they were in was the only part of their house left standing. If that's not God's protecting hand, I don't know what is. Stories of churches being demolished, but their Easter cross still standing tall and proud-- with the cloth still wrapped around it. If that's not a message from God, I don't know what is! He is strong through the fiercest storms!!!

I am heartbroken. I am devasted. It kills me to look at these pictures of these places I loved demolished. It kills me that I'm not there to help re-build these places that I love and to help re-build the lives of my loved ones. But then it hit me--- yes, I love those places. But it's not because of the actual place. It's because of the people, the amazing, loving, beautiful people, that I spent time with in those places. It's the people that make me love those places. And I am a lucky one who can say this--- cities can be rebuilt. Homes can be rebuilt. But praise the amazing, powerful, loving God who spared my PEOPLE. 

But then I go back to, why am I a lucky one? Why did the tornado completely demolish the neighborhood my best friend lives in, but left her house standing? Why did this massive tornado break apart literally as it went over my hometown, only to come back together as soon as it passed it? Why did it then veer away from Gadsden? Why did Tiffany's entire town get wiped off the mat, but her family is still alive? Why are my loved ones safe, when so many others lost everything and everyone? I don't know. I don't understand it. It's mind boggling. But I am truly, beyond belief, grateful. And I want to get in my car, drive to Alabama, and hug every single one of those people.

For those in Alabama and across the southeast who weren't lucky like me and lost loved ones, even multiple loved ones... know that you are in the prayers of millions of people. Our God is strong, and powerful. And the state of Alabama is an amazing one. It's full of amazing people who love with all they have, and give of everything they have. Alabama will be healed. Alabamians won't let otherwise happen. I pray that through this heartache and destruction, that millions of hearts are turned to our Savior. He is the only one who is strong enough to put your hope in. He will never forsake you--- even in the strongest of storms.

To my precious Tuscaloosa, Hackleburg, and the entire state of Alabama-- "You're the God of this city, you're the King of these people, You're the Lord of this nation, You are. You're the light in the darkness, you're the hope to the hopeless, You're the peace to the restless, You are. There is no one like our God. For greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city!"

Alabama

My heart is broken in half.

I spent 4 of the best years of my life in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and a huge tornado has destroyed half of the town. One of my best friends, Tiffany, is from Hackleburg and "the six" spent many weekends there. We enjoyed time in the country and it was like our second home-- and a tornado has leveled the entire town. Multiple, multiple people have died there.

There were tornadoes all over the state all day. Right now, there are 53 confirmed deaths. There will be much, much more. This doesnt include the ones in Hackleburg as well as many other cities. It will continue to go up probably by the hour.

Please pray for my sweet home Alabama. Thankfully, everyone I've tried to get in touch with is safe. Their homes and cars may be destroyed, but they are alive. And tonight, that is what we are thankful for. However, my heart is still broken for my state. Pray for Alabama as it is in a huge state of emergency.

An idea of how bad it is....

"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2] 

He lives Indeed!!!

Friday, the world was dark. It had lost hope and faith. It was covered in darkness. But on Sunday, oh glorious day, he ROSE AGAIN! He conquered death and He did it for YOU and for ME. Sin has lost it's power, death has lost it's sting! My Savior lives! HE LIVES INDEED!!!!!!!!

"In Christ Alone"

In Christ Alone, my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song.

This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace!

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease.

My comforter, My all in all

Here in the love of Christ I stand!

In Christ Alone, who took on flesh

fullness of God in helpless babe.

This gift of love & righteousness,

scorned by the ones He came to save.

Til on that cross as Jesus died,

the wrath of God was satisfied,

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live!

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious day,

Up from the grave He rose again!!

And as He stands in victory

sin's curse has lost it's grip on me!

For I am His, and He is mine

bought with the precious blood of Christ!!

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

til He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ, I'll stand!

We spent a wonderful weekend in Austin with our brother and sister in law. Our dad, step mom, and younger brother flew in to spend the weekend with us. It was so nice to spend a weekend together and to celebrate the resurrection together today. We went to church at my brothers church, The Austin Stone, and it was a wonderful sermon. I pray that you and your family were able to spend the day worshipping together and remembering the true meaning of Easter!

The first picture of all of us since Kevin and Alicean's wedding!

C & S

Growing up, I didn't have any first cousins. I had oodles of second, third, and even fourth cousins, and I loved them all. But I didn't have any first cousins. I'd always hear my friends talking about their cousins and how much fun they always had at their grandparents houses. When I went to my grandparents, it was just me and my siblings- same as always. I always, always wanted a first cousin! However, my mom was an only child, so no chance of first cousins there. My dad's sister couldn't have kids, and my dad's brother just never had.

Then I was about to be in first grade, and little Justin was born. He was born the day before my sixth birthday! I wanted him to be born on my birthday so, so bad... but he was already early. I remember my Aunt gigi coming to get us from the house because he was on the way! I was so excited! I was finally going to be a cousin! Well, he was sick for a long time. And then, as the years went by, it turned out that my little red headed cousin didn't want anything to do with me! He always wanted to play video games or pokemon with my little brother. What a waste! (I'm just kidding, I love my cousin SO much! It just wasn't the same since he didn't play with me.) Then my aunt- my only hope at more first cousins!- got breast cancer. I didn't know it then, but that apparently lessons your chance of having another baby to like... zero chance. How devastating for me! (and of course, her!)

Well, when I was 13 years old, things changed. A miracle happened, and my aunt gave birth to an adorable little girl named Chloe! And that little girl has had me wrapped around her finger ever since! I loved going over to their house and playing with her! I looked forward to any chance we had to hold her and cuddle her and play with her! As the years went on, Chloe fell in love with me just as much as I did with her. Whenever I see her, she comes running towards me and gives me the biggest hugs. We laugh and have so much fun together! We've played plenty of imaginary games, school, house, video games, dolls, and the list goes on. She brings out the kid in me! I love, love playing with her.

Chloe and I- she is 2 here and I'm 17! 

My freshmen year of college, Chloe's dad passed away. It was a heart breaking time for my family, especially since we had lost my mom just three months earlier. A year later, my aunt had fallen in love with another man. He was truly a Godsend to her and my two precious cousins! AND, he came with two new cousins for me! The summer after my junior year of college, I was given the job of being their "nanny". I remember Joe talking to me before about how he knew how much I loved Chloe and that he really wanted me to be open to loving his children just as much and not showing favoritism. I remember thinking that would be really hard because I adored Chloe. But the first day on the job, I knew it wouldn't be so bad! I fell in love with Savannah and Peyton just as quickly as I did with Chloe and Justin.

That was a very challenging summer for me for many different reasons. I was living at home with my dad, which was challenging after being away for three years. I was going through a rough time relationship wise. But the time I spent with those kids every day change me in so many ways. You see, we were all struggling with the loss of a parent. In the year and a half before that summer, I had lost my mom... Chloe and Justin had lost their dad... and Savannah and Peyton had lost their mom. The kids had lots of questions and lots to say about it, and I felt like I was able to be there for them when they needed someone to understand. I spent many days that summer holding a crying kid. I also spent many days that summer laughing with them, swimming with them, beating playing them in mario kart, and falling even more in love with them.

Don't get me wrong, I love Justin and Peyton just as much as I do Chloe and Savannah. However, they are yucky boys. (Kidding!) The bond I have with Chloe & Savannah is incredible. I know they look forward to seeing me (mainly because whenever I pull into their driveway, they are either waiting for me in the swing or peeking out the window looking for me! It melts my heart!!) I look forward to seeing them even more though. I hope and pray that I can be a Godly woman role model to them as they grow up. They are blessed to have a Godly woman role model in my aunt, I just hope to be an extra one. I pray that God will somehow use me in their lives to point them to Him. I hope they know as they grow up that they can always come to me about anything, and that I'll always be there for them. I love those two little girls so much! They are the little sisters I never had! I love you, C & S! And I miss you SO MUCH!

Savannah, me, and Chloe last summer

Top Reasons I hate the dentist

1. They give you shots.
2. They scrap your teeth and you can hear that "chalkboard" sound inside your head... and its really loud.
3. They are usually really mean.
4. Their procedures cost you your entire tax refund check.
5. They take x-rays and make you hold that thing in your mouth... and it hurts.
6. They make you bleed. And it tastes awful.
7. They make you hold your mouth open forever.
8. Did I mention they are super expensive?!?!


Reasons why I love the dentist:
1. Their procedures eventually make the pain go away.
2. They accept my insurance. I thought it was expensive now?! I'd be homeless with nothing if it weren't for dental insurance!!!

Card Making

Today, Holly, Cali, Sarah, and I headed to Ft Worth to hang out with Sarah's mom. Sarah's mom makes these beautiful cards and we've been wanting her to teach us for forever! So that's what we did today. Holly and I caught on fast and made 7 different sets! 5 of them are gifts, so I'm not going to say who they are for... but maybe you can figure it out!! Aren't they cute? I think I have found my new favorite hobby!

OUCH!

I hate the dentist. With a passion.

However, I think I need my first root canal.

I am in so much pain that I have willingly taken off one of the last days before the TAKs test and signed up for a dentist appointment tomorrow.

Or at least, I hope. My dentist is closed on Fridays. Joy. Hopefully we can find somewhere for me to go. Cuz this thing hurts and Imma gonna need it fixed. PRONTO.

DeMarcus Ware

Misael and Samuel with Demarcus!

We had a pretty cool event at school today with Cowboy player, De marcus W are! Check it out in these articles...

Here

Here

Here  (Samuel's letter is written here!)

Samuel was one of my DI kids earlier this year, and Misael is the little boy from my school who was hit by the car in January. Our students have raised over $50,000 towards his medical fund! Demarcus donated another $5,000 today!

It was so fun to see the students be able to have so much fun! They had a blast. And it was cool to see them meeting someone famous because most of them will never have that chance again! And of course it was such a blessing to see Misael all smiles... as it is every day! God has truly worked a miracle in that little boy!

I'll end with this video of Misael. It was on the news tonight about Demarcus' visit. He is the cutest little boy! His story has been on the news several times, and each time I think he just gets cuter! (If you want to check out the other news stories on Misael, click here and here!)

In times of great disappointment...

It has been a long two days. My heart aches as I watch my dear, sweet friend ache. My tears have fallen with hers, and I am at a loss for words. I don't know what to say to her. And yet, our God does. And people of Him do too. I pulled my notebook out and decided that tonight would be a good time to write another post on my Why? notes. So, here are some things I wrote from that book last time our mom was sick. I pray that they bring us comfort again.

"I will walk with you through any trial, knowing that your light on my path signals my certain victory."


"In times of great disappointment, I will cling to you. I will walk through them with you. Show me what you want me to see and teach me what you want me to learn."


"I put you in charge of every detail of my life, even the times of testing. Use these times to prepare me, perfect me, and bring glory to you."


"No matter how dark the night of your circumstances get, remember that you still have a light. It comes from Him." 


"If God were small enough for us to understand, He wouldn't be big enough to save us."


"When I don't understand why, I trust Him because God's silences can deepen my faith."


"God has a greater purpose than our immediate comfort."


"When I don't understand why, I trust Him because even when my hopes are crushed, there is glory ahead."

New Camera

I am looking into buying a new camera with my tax return money! (PS. Thanks Pops for getting that done for me!) I have wanted to get into photography for awhile and now seems like a great time! I have had the Canon Rebel reccommended to me by three people. Are there any other cameras out there I should be aware of? And does anyone know of a certain place that I can get a good deal on one? Again, right now I'm just looking... but I plan on purchasing one in the next month. I would love your reccommendations!!!

Double Dog Duty

Holly is sick, so tonight I'm on double dog duty with these guys....

The bad thing is when they are together, all they do is play. They are currently chasing each other around and trying to rip each others collars off. Oh, and earlier they were trying to dig their way out of the room by scratching the carpet by the door. They are cute and all, I'm just hoping they decide to be cute by going to sleep. Ah! I can't handle this running around all night long! Wish me luck!

Frames

A couple of weeks ago, I posted here about re-decorating my bedroom in black and yellow. I love it! I just love the color yellow and I've loved my room make over. The other day, I decided that one wall in my room still needed a little something, so I headed to the craft store. I posted here about the supplies I bought and if any of you could guess what it was! Well, today I made two of the four. I am still going to make two for Holly's room, but these are the two I made for my room! Picture frames!

 I think they turned out so cute! And I love the black and white pictures in them. I think they turned out so cute. What do you think? I'll post the ones that I make for Holly's room whenever I get them done!

The South

This is how I spent my afternoon... it is not the thing that I was talking about in the last post. This is a new project that I took on today! The big one is for me and is now hanging in my den. The little one is for a friend's wedding gift! She is getting married next month and I still haven't bought anything yet. I think they turned out cute! My favorite part is number 9- "Someone's heart is always being blessed." Right, Nikki?? haha....

Teacher Must Read

At the beginning of the school year, our school was all abuzz about Donors Choose. At the time, I was new to the school and was overwhelmed enough to not tackle something else. My friend, Bonnie, just reminded me of it today. It's an awesome website! Basically, teachers can post things that they want/need for their classroom. Then anyone can get online and donate money to the cause! Isn't that great?? All you have to do in return is take a picture of your students using the item and send it in a thank you card to the donators. Easy, right??

I'm currently asking for a document camera. I had one at my old school and used it every single day. It's one of the things I've missed most! I'm currently waiting for my project to be approved. Once it is, I'll come back and post the link in case any of you want to donate! (haha!) Also, if you are a teacher, you have to check it out!! Next time, I think I'm going to ask for iPads. I will need them in the net zero school, so the theme is "paperless"-- lots of reading books on the ipad, right?! I think it sounds like a great idea!

GO CHECK IT OUT!

Newest Craft Idea

I am always trying out a new craft. If you've read m blog for awhile, you've seen wine glasses, key chains, handbands, canvases, pillows, chair pockets, and the list goes on! Well, I have a new idea for a craft. I bought the materials tonight but probably won't get around to making them until this weekend!
Here is a quick shot of the supplies. Any guesses as to what it could be?!

I'll give you a hint- the colors match my bedroom and holly's bedroom!

Easter Baskets

Last year my brother and dad flew to Austin for Easter, and my sister and I drove down. We hung out all weekend and then went to church at my older brother's church. It was a lot of fun to spend the weekend together! I guess it's becoming a yearly tradition because we are going again this year!

Last year, none of us talked about it before hand, and we ended up all bringing easter baskets for everyone. I got an easter basket from my sister, from my dad, and from my brother and his wife. I left with three baskets full of candy! It was insane and way too much candy to ever eat. This year, we have decided we are each going to bring one person an easter basket so that we don't leave with too much! I guess you could kind of call it "Secret Easter Bunny"... ha!

Anyway, I took on the task of making the baskets. Since my dad, stepmom, and little brother will be flying in, they wont have any room to pack baskets. So I decided to just make everyone's!

First off, I can't take credit for the idea. My aunt made my cousin, Chloe, one for her easter basket and posted it on facebook. I thought it was adorable, and thought I could do something similar. So I went to Target I bought the buckets. They were in the dollar section and only cost $2.50! Then I made SVG files on my computer and cut all the names and designs on my cricut. I love how they turned out!!

All the baskets together!

What do you think? :)