The Calm in the Storm

Our state, along with many other neighboring states have experienced fierce storms recently. It is so easy to go into the mindset, "it won't happen to us, or any of our loved ones." Mother nature proved to be a beast yesterday. Patrick and I both have family friends in the Birmingham area. To say we were a little scared is an understatement. You feel so helpless when you know there is nothing you can do, but to pray. I guess that does not really make you helpless then.

But, we know Jesus is the calm during the storm.

Adam, Amy, and Cameron lost power in Starkville for awhile. Thankfully they were not hurt, and made it okay without power. We were thankful the power company worked so hard to get it back on quicker than expected.

Our other family and friends in the Birmingham area made it through as well. For that, we are so thankful. It was a scary site seeing all the pictures and listening to all the reports.

However, I know other families our mourning the loss of their loved ones, and in some cases still looking for them. I cannot imagine their emotions. However, I hope that they are reminded that God is near, and He will see them through this. Patrick and I praying for all those impacted. We are also thinking about all the volunteers working to make a difference.

I was reminded of how dangerous mother nature really can be. It is important to listen to the warnings, and know when to take cover.

We are praying for all of those impacted. May you find peace during the storm. 

Tuscaloosa, Ala. 

The tornado was caught on live television while it ran right through the middle of Tuscaloosa, AL. (Photo credit: yfrog.com, Twitter.com/bjmillican)

The Weight Loss Journey

Well, Patrick and I are on week 4 of our weight loss journey. It has to rank up there as one of the hardest things I have done, as far as self-control goes. I think Patrick would agree. I do not regret our decision, and I am so thankful we decided to do it together. But, it is not easy. Some days are easier than others, but everyday comes with choices that we have to make regarding what we are going to put into our bodies. Who knew all of the "bad" things we put into our bodies. I do not think either one of us realized what we were doing to ourselves. And let it be known, we realize that we made all those choices to get to where we were.

Patrick has lost at least 14 pounds, probably more since the last time he has weighed. You can really tell in his face and waist. It is the greatest feeling when your clothes are too big. I have only lost about 6 pounds, but I do feel great, and my pants are beginning to be big as well. I was having a pity party Monday morning because I feel like I have worked so hard that I should have lost more weight by now. Ironically enough when I got to work, I had two different people tell me it looked like I had lost weight. Go figure! I have been exercising, therefore, theoretically I should be gaining muscle which weighs more than fat. I am going with that anyways! I think this week may be a turning point for me though.

I just wanted to put our journey down on paper, I mean online. We want to be healthy, and to feel good about ourselves. We have struggles, but we are trying to drink lots of water, eat healthy, and exercise. We will see where it takes us. We both have our goals and we are working hard to reach them.

Here's to a happy, healthy lifestyle.

"He is Risen Indeed"

Happy Easter!!!

Christ is Risen Indeed!!!

Patrick and I hope everyone has a very Happy Easter! Every year I am beyond grateful for the price our Savior paid for our sins. 

He suffered for me and for you. How incredible His love is for us. 

I hope you will be reminded of the joy this Easter, that Christ has Risen. Hallelujah! 

The Most Precious Sight

Sweet Boy

Last week, I was able to go and spend a few days in Starkville. I had the most wonderful time loving on little man, and visiting with Adam and Amy. It was also a nice break away from life in Hattiesburg, although I did miss my husband very much.

Cameron has such a sweet, strong-willed personality. He is usually pretty happy unless he is dirty, hungry, or his little tummy is hurting. But, who can blame him. I think we all feel that way.

It was my pleasure to get up really early and love on him while his parents got a little more sleep. My heart was filled with so much joy as I spent time with him. And I have said it before, but it was a beautiful sight watching Adam and Amy with their son. Their love for him is truly overflowing. It was really neat to see how protective Adam has become of his little family. There is not a thing he wouldn't do for his family.

It was also a nice treat to spend some quality time with Adam and Amy. For those of you who have forgotten, Amy and I go way back! Okay, well to my college days... There weren't too many days that I did not see her, so it was really nice to catch up with her. And of course Adam and I were able to spend time together when he was home from work.
Lori was able to come the weekend, and it was a surreal moment when Adam, Lori, and I were sitting in the living room with Cameron. Lori made the comment we were sitting there with Adam's son. My, where has the time gone.

I will leave your with some pictures from my time in Starkville. I cannot wait to go back!! I miss all of them so very much.

And today Cameron is 1 month old! Happy 1 month little man!!!!

He likes laying on his Einstein Mat

The only picture I took with him. He's a sweetie

Growing Boy

Starkville had a lot of bad weather while I was there. This is when we were in the bathroom. Albe checking on his brother who was not bothered by the storms. 

"Until We Meet Again"

On March 22, 2011 my sweet great aunt "Geet" went to be with the Lord. 

Geet, Patrick, and I at our wedding.

It was a bittersweet day as we were celebrating the birth of Cameron, and grieving the loss of Geet. She was a special woman. She never married or had any children of her own. From the beginning, when we went to Birmingham we always went to see Grandma, Poppa, and Geet. Geet did so much for those around her especially her nieces and nephews, and later her great nieces and nephews as well. I remember so well she was always quick to make us happy and meet our needs. She was always ready with open arms to help out in anyway. She loved being around us, and we would always sit for hours on end at the kitchen table playing cards. A memory I will never forget. Now, she was feisty, she never held back. She would tell you like it was. I loved that about her. She was a strong woman who never looked back. And she was a fighter, two years ago she had a stroke and against all odds she made a remarkable recovery. I loved her strong spirit. I hope that is something that I will carry with me. Another thing I admired about Geet was her love for her church. She was there every Sunday she could be, and even there early. She loved the Lord, and lived her life to glorify him. She is greatly missed. It makes me sad to know that she won't meet our children, and to see our other accomplishments. However, I find my peace in knowing she is in a much better place with no pain or suffering. She has the best seat in the house, as she watches over us. I know that we will indeed meet again! We love you sweet Geet!


*Patrick and I sadly experienced another death later that week. It was a rough road, but we stood beside each other. We were so thankful for each other in our time of need.

On March 27, 2011 Patrick's sweet Maw-Maw went to be with the Lord

Patrick, Maw-Maw, and I at our wedding

Maw-Maw had been battling cancer for awhile, and had had a rough road for a little while. No one wanted to see her suffer. We are so sad that we lost such a sweet person, but we know that she is in a much better place, and is pain free. What a wonderful thing to find our peace in. Maw-Maw was a precious lady. She loved me like her own granddaughter. And of course there was a special place in her heart for Patrick, who apparently she called Patty-Cake most often. She was one of the most generous, giving people that I know. She loved her family, and would do anything for them. Maw-Maw was also a person who loved her church, just like Geet. She was faithful, and strove to serve the Lord in all that she did. She definitely had a servant's heart. Maw-Maw was also a great cook. I had the privilege of eating many of her meals. However, the Lowery family loved her lasagna. Well, anyone who knows me knows that I am not a big lasagna or spaghetti fan. But, I NEVER wanted to hurt her feelings. When she would make lasagna I would always put some on my plate, and scrape it onto Patrick's plate when she was not looking. Sorry Maw-Maw... It was nothing against you! We for sure miss her gentle sprit and her unconditional love something I hope Patrick and I carry with us. And like Geet we are sad she won't be here to hold her great-grandchildren. However, we are reminded she is watching out for us, and has the best seat in the house. We love you Maw-Maw and miss you greatly, but one day we will meet again!

Introducing: CAMERON CHARLES KNIGHT

The most precious boy was born on March 22, 2011 at 3:44am. He weighed 4lbs 15.7oz and was 18.25 inches long. He may have been a little one, but he is packing on the pounds now. At his two week check-up he was up to 6lbs 4.8 oz. We are so glad he is gaining weight and is a healthy little boy.

A few hours old.

So much love from his Mom and Dad

We are all so in love with him. My heart is just filled with so much joy. We got to the hospital right after he was born, and the blinds were raised in the nursery. It was the most beautiful sight. He is truly a blessing. It was so fun seeing Patrick with him too. He loved on him, and wanted to hold him as much as everyone else. It warmed my heart. We didn't get to stay very long, and I am dying to go back. That will be happening very soon. I can't wait to love on him some more and also his parents, and of course his brother Albe! :-)

I also want to say that I am so proud of Adam and Amy. They are such great parents and their hearts are so overjoyed with their new addition. Some of their nights have been long, but their joy never dies. I am so excited to watch them walk this journey.

Sweet Cameron, Uncle Pat-Pat and Aunt LiLi love you so much! We can't wait to see the plans the Lord has for you. You are one special little boy. Can't wait to see you again.

So precious

Proud Aunt LiLi

Proud Uncle Pat Pat

Southern Miss To The Top!

The siblings with the newest addition. My where has the time gone. Our brother is a daddy!

Highs and Lows

Yes, I know it has been awhile. It was not my intention to go this long without posting. There is so much to share, but life has been so hectic I have not had an opportunity to put all my thoughts down.

Life has for sure been crazy for us.. both good and bad. We have experienced both life and death. So a sneak preview of what is to come: I am an aunt! My sweet nephew was born on March 22nd. We also lost my sweet great aunt Geet, and Patrick's sweet Maw-Maw. We have been through the highs and lows of life. However, we grow stronger, and stand beside each other through it all.

I can't wait to share with you Patrick's reactions on becoming an Uncle, it was priceless.

In other news, Patrick and I have started a diet... yes, hardcore. Hoping we will actually stick to it!

Be back soon!!!!