the Driggers family

Elton, Easter, & Elvis

2011-07-10T21:26:00.000-04:00

Not loving the background of our "formal" Easter portrait, but you do what you can with two sugared up and silly kids in an effort to not get those white outfits dirty before church! If he looks like trouble to you, you would be right. He is trying to contain himself after posing with his new sunglasses and now without! Said sunglasses are hilarious on him. The moment he put them on Jason commented that he looked like Elton John, and now that's all I can think of when he puts those things on! I think Linc gets the joke too, because he always poses so funny with them on!(see pic below) And Ruby looks gorgeous as ever, she is quite the poser these days!

We enjoyed Easter "alone" as we had been traveling a lot..... for job interviews. Though it has been months ago now and those few "followers" I have already know- Jason accepted a solo pastorate at a small church near the birthplace of Elvis- who knows where this would be? Yes, Mississippi (I still have to sing-song that in my head to get the spelling right!). Tupelo, to be exact. The church is actually in Saltillo, like four miles outside of Tupelo. We traveled here twice, the second time for the church vote and found a house in one day and within a matter of weeks got a loan, packed up our stuff in WV, closed on said house, and have moved in!

God is so good! He has proven His faithfulness again and again. We feel His leading here and are enjoying the peace that brings to our weary spirits. Though the past months have been difficult, we have always known He was at work. We were blessed through that time, truly. I praise God for what He has shown me of who He is and how He cares for me and for my family.

Two, really?

2011-05-07T13:49:00.006-04:00

I remember finding out your were going to be you- a boy! I remember the relief, because I really wanted a boy, just to know I get to have an experience of "one of each." And it's not until now that I get to see what it is to have a boy. Up until recently you have been so much like your big sis. I mean, there is no denying who you belong to when we are in line to pick her up at preschool! It's truly uncanny! And you still are like her in so many ways- full of personality, sweet, always up for a good cuddle, lover of your bedtime. Bless your heart, you even have your mommy and sis's cowlick and space between your front teeth. At least you got our blue eyes too, though surrounded by longer lashes (how fair is that?).
(can you even stand how he has that hand in his pocket!)

For all that you love to mimic your sister, there is no denying you are making your own way. From early on, you have been absolutely OBSESSED with balls. Basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, and, dare I say, a princess ball. You may not believe me, but your dad didn't even push them on you. Seriously, you identified with them before he even had a chance to make introductions! You spot them from your backseat ride as we are headed anywhere, if we are at some one's house you have an uncanny ability to scout them out- like a moth to a flame.

(Patch, a gift from the sister that knows you so well)

And then..... you discovered the dog. Specifically, the dalmatian, or "mashon." (put hard emphasis on the first syllable and spit it out and you will get it right!) We could be completely focused on some other activity and a dog will bark in the far streets of Huntington and your ear perks up and you give a bark in return looking around as if this dog is going to show up here. Not that you'd pet it, because you are a little, um.... scared. This is so sad to me. Not only because I can't imagine loving something so much that only intimidates me, but because our precious Boone-dog was not a familiarity to you. You usually warm up to dogs if you have the pleasure to be around them long enough, so there is hope.

For all the things that make you, my boy, I am so thankful. You could look like the odd one out on Sesame Street's "which one of these things doesn't belong" or act like someone I've never met and I would be so taken with you. I am loving this two-year-old, rough and tumble, car-noise-making, throw-everything-in-sight, tantrum-throwing, squeeze-giving, I-can't-believe-I-have-a-boy....boy!

A Birthday to Remember

2011-01-29T08:41:00.011-05:00

On January 22, 2011 Ruby turned FIVE!!! She has been talking about this birthday since she turned four, as if that one didn't even matter she just jumped right ahead. None of my guilt-laden comments about growing up too fast or enjoying this year could keep her from talking about it- a lot! So I decided this was the year to start the business of a real party. We started off the day with the new (and copied) tradition of a number pancake and lots of presents.

The clinic I work for was given a large, open kitchen space to use for healthy cooking classes and such. It was donated to them after ABC used it to film the show Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, chronicling his efforts to make Huntington healthy after it was found to be the most obese city. It is such a cool space.

Given Ruby's love of cooking, limited options, and snowy weather- I thought a cooking party would be a hoot! And boy was it! We started by decorating chef's caps and donning aprons. Then they moved to making pizza's (biscuit dough they rolled out then put on their own toppings). They then assembled fruit kabobs and mixed toppings of their choice into cookie dough (sprinkles, by far, were the favorite). They ate their pizza and fruit while the cookies baked, enjoyed cake, opened presents, and just ran around with each other, literally. The moms stayed to be the "sous chef" for their child and it was so much fun getting to know both the kids and the moms from Ruby's preschool class. Their were 11 kids & 11 parents with me, Jason, Linc, and Ruby!

I love how kids at this age crowd the person opening presents, they are just so excited to share what everyone got that special friend! Aren't those girls the cutest!

The apron birthday cake. Frankly, I was doing a lil bit of squealing the night before as I was able to smooth the frosting. But, then I copped out of writing the words and used the licorice to put a big 5 on the front instead, the kids didn't seem to care. It made me feel so close to my mom, even though she was 3 states away as I stayed up late at night preparing and then making a cake. She does such a great job making our birthdays special, and I have memories of late night noises the nights before my own birthdays! She also used to decorate cakes for extra money, and hers were by far better than mine, but I felt like the pro that she is nonetheless! And I never understood how she thought it was fun or worthwhile to stay up late or sacrifice your sanity, but I get it now. I know I came away from those birthdays feeling truly special, and now that is what gives me such pleasure, Ruby's obvious delight!

Our attempts at a group shot at the end of the festivities- so precious I can't even stand it! And thanks to my friend, Jessi, for thinking to grab my camera so I had some pictures of the actual event as I ran around like a crazy restaurateur! And she even remembered to make me get a picture with me in it, something that never happens! Ruby was too busy eating cake (or should I say frosting) to care about keeping her eyes open, but for some reason she did give a thumbs up. I cannot believe my little girl is a big girl. Kindergarten is looming, and with that I know that time will move even faster, though I can't imagine it being faster than the past 5 years! There is not a day that goes by that I don't marvel that I have this girl in my life. Even on the bad days, she has a joy that comes from deep within. She is kind, even when not treated with kindness. She is patient, even when being tried by a certain little man. She takes great pleasure in the enjoyment of others and wants everyone to join in on hers! I am watching her develop into quite the friend, the sister, and the daughter I never dreamed I would have. Sista- I couldn't love you more! Happy 5th Birthday!

Good bye RUF

2011-01-02T18:50:00.006-05:00

So it's the first week of the new year and I normally feel exhilarated to start afresh. Yet, this year I found myself hesitant, to say the least. There are a lot of unknowns, a lot of realities to face with this change of the calender. You see, as of January 1, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at Marshall is no more. A couple of months ago, the decision had to be made to close the doors, the money has run out. And with that, my husband is out of a job. This reality is more than enough to come to grips with, but of course, the many other realities that accompany it are hitting me this New Year's week. Hitting me the hardest this week is the reality that we are no longer a part of RUF. It truly was a dream come true when we became part of this community. We have loved ministering to college students. The opportunity for Jason to go to training with some of the best pastors in the world made me jealous twice a year, but I got to go to Wives' retreat and to conferences with students where I got to sit under these same pastors' teaching, become good friends with their better halves (the men would all say this is true), and be ministered to by them all. We thought we would be doing this part of ministry for many more years. God has different plans for us, we just don't know what those plans are yet. The other reality is that in another 10 days I go back to work full time. Please don't hear me wrong, it is a true provision of God that I have been working part time at a clinic that is willing to give me more hours and that God guided me into a career that enables us to not have to work numerous minimum wage paying jobs to make ends meet. Jason will be at home with the kids, sending out resumes, praying for a new call. For this, God has made me grateful, truly, though at first I was just flat out frustrated that I was having to be breadwinner again. But the reality is, I am not sure I can keep this perspective every day when I come home exhausted and burdened by the needs of my patients. Sometimes I feel like I don't have enough left to give my family when I come home. I hate that this is true of me, and therein presents another struggle. The reality of my limitations. There are going to be a lot of things I just won't be able to do, at least for now. The reality of the unknowns is already getting to me. Then, to top it all of, the reality of my need for Jesus. This is, at least, a really good reality, but it also means seeing the depth of my need. My need to learn what it means to hope only in Him, not the job, the new house, the new call even. My need to really cling to Him when all I want to do is find a way myself. My need to pray more, really pray. My need to stop looking at the people and things around me to tell me all will be well. My need to believe that His plans for me do give me a future and a hope. What looks bad is intended for good to me, to my family, to the students that attended RUF and are now struggling with this loss in their own rite. I want to learn to rejoice IN the sufferings, not despite them- "we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame" Romans 5:3-4 What peace that gives me, knowing He will accomplish it and no matter how well or how poorly I "handle" this His love and His plan for me cannot be altered, it does not depend on me. We covet your prayers and are so thankful for the encouragement so many of you have given.

Bug-a-boo

2010-07-11T18:16:00.001-04:00

One year and four months ago we brought home this sweet baby boy. His official name is Lincoln Matthew, but we are those kind of annoying parents that actually end up calling their children some weird pet name. I don't know how we got to be those parents! Ruby is used to all of her pet names, so I wanted to give some aforethought to baby brother's even before he was born. Most of Ruby's names stem from "pook-a-loo" (I am so embarrassed just writing that out, looks and sounds ridiculous!). So, I wanted something kinda rhym-y, match-y! Bug-a-boo fit the bill. Well bugs/buggy and many other names I won't mention as I am already thinking of retracting this whole post- turned ONE YEAR OLD! I promise we really did celebrate on his birthday.... I miss a lot of things already, like the angelic sweetness that I could gaze at anytime, because he slept in a cradle right next to the bed. Now I have to sneak into his room, which doesn't happen much because his old door sticks and creeks so badly.

He was a finger, fist, wrist sucker for a few months. He never took to a pacifier, but it was so cute how he would try to stuff any and all of the above into his mouth.

Ruby still overwhelms him with attention, but he was so innocently unaware at first and never protested! Even with toys layered up to his chin!

I already miss some of the cute little clothes. Sure, boys clothes are not as fun as girls, we all know that. But, it is fun to have difference in our home! (grammy made the cute number shown above)

His personality is so strong, so sweet, so playful, so mischievous in a good way- and it was such fun to see it develop. It still is actually. As I said above, he never took to a pacifier, but he is known to carry any number of things around in his mouth- animals, balls, Ruby's tube of lip gloss- and inevitably leaves a trail of drool behind him! lovely

He got the celebratory number pancake and got a big kick out of it- look at how he's pointing to it!

A fabulous first cake complete with a birthday crown! He devoured it and made really cute "um-yum-num-num" boy noises too.

We love you so much Linc! We can't gush enough about our delight at being blessed with you in our family! Though I miss the days that have passed, I eagerly expect to be thrilled with each new day I get to spend with you. P.S. your sister would like to tell you that she is so glad to have a little brother and loves you so much (she really does, it is amazing how much she does)

We Are Adopting

2010-06-19T10:21:00.007-04:00

For those of you who don't already know-

WE ARE ADOPTING!

We are in the paperwork, home study, fundraising phase of bringing home our daughter from Ethiopia! I wanted to interrupt the "regularly scheduled" posts to point you to our adoption blog at www.minusoneorphan.blogspot.com

- the link is also in the right margin from here on out. And if you head over this week, I've actually got a giveaway- like I'm foreal blogger or something! Oh, and I'll just be honest, I'd love it if you'd "follow" by hitting that button in the margin of the minus one orphan blog, it's weird how encouraging it is to see that people are actually following our journey, and the encouragement gives me renewed vigor when those days of "I must be crazy" hit! We covet your prayers and so my blog will be updated more frequently than this one to give specific ways you can be praying and if you feel so led, donating or participating in our fundraisers. We are beyond excited and just like any other parents expecting a child, just love sharing it all!

Ruby's White Dress

2010-06-11T15:10:00.005-04:00

Now these pictures are really hard for me to post unedited! But, true to my word, I am trying to just catch up to the current date and activities! This one is actually out of order, because on New Year's Weekend some student's with RUF got married. Ruby was the flower girl and Jason conducted the ceremony. Can't believe I didn't get any with Jason, but, clearly, my attention was on Ruby. I knew Jason wouldn't muss his clothes, make weird faces, or generally make a spectacle of himself. Now, Ruby, that's another story. She is a very good girl, you just don't know what you're gonna get when you put a four year old in a white dress, with a basket full of her favorite thing-flowers, in front of a room full of people and ask her to walk down a long aisle at a certain pace then stand there even for a short period of time.

She did it all wonderfully! I think she was in awe of the whole thing, she'd only seen weddings on her Disney princess movies! Oh, the marvel on her face, and the good it did to remind of the wonder of this whole thing called marriage that starts with one special day. Ruby thought her dress was pretty great, but when the bride put on her dress, Ruby exclaimed, "mommy, she gets to wear the BIG white dress and be the bride!" I think I better start saving now!

It was a gorgeous day, with soft fluffy snowflakes coming down all day. The toughest part was her hair. We should've practiced more! We ended up curling it like three times and it still didn't maintain the curl! She got tired of pictures so the smile is forced and the body language says enough is enough! I still think she was the most gorgeous girl ever....

...and managed to maintain her sense of humor! She is one crazy lady in a white dress!

It's a Birth-WEEK!

2010-05-16T17:05:00.002-04:00

Ruby turned 4 this January 22! She had a whole week of festivities! Can you believe all those presents in the picture above! She is way into princesses and dress-up! Her grammy keeps the dress-up wardrobe stocked and spares no detail in each costume- this birthday it was a cowgirl complete with pink hat, pink light-up boots, and a pink pony! At one point her daddy told her that cowgirls say "howdy partner," so she came upstairs to tell me she was a partner and that's what the outfit is now called- her "partner" dress-up! And she says it with quite the twang. The great thing about this ensemble is that each of its components can be worn with something else...

below, with jammies! But her fave is the vest, panties, and boots! Nothing else, just that! I didn't want to include that picture, but I can tell you it would make you laugh your boots off! (P.S. those jammies are a gift from her Aunt Ellen, they came with the book and are illustrated to go along with it, Ella the Elegant Elephant- our new favorite book, you should read it!)

I copied the tradition of a pancake shaped as the number of their birthday and it was a big hit (thanks Mer!) You can see her other quirk, she holds her hair back instead of keeping in the clip or hairbow or what-have-you that I put in her hair! She knows how to tuck it behind her ear but prefers to walk around holding it out of her face!

Another tradition we started last year is a trip to Build-A-Bear. This year she chose a frog and picked a fairy outfit, complete with panties! It's fun to indulge in anything she picks on this of all days, but we drew the line as she started to want a skateboard, stroller,and bed for this frog!

The RUF intern, Rachel, has a birthday just a few days before Ruby so we planned a joint surprise bowling party (since Ruby considers the grad students her friends, and those have become Rachel's friends too!) This was her first time bowling and it was a real hit!

They even share a love for the Little Mermaid, or "Lil lermaid," as Ruby calls her. So the birthday cake had Ariel and everything! A night to go down in the memory books!

Ruby is a fun girl! Her dad and I are always marveling at her constant joy! Now that she has been a big sister for almost a year we see that her sweetness is more patient and consistent than we could have imagined! The maturing from 3 to 4 is amazing. She is fun to talk to and is such a thoughtful little girl. We are so proud to be her parents and though we wish we could stop the clock, we look forward to all the years ahead! We love you sis!

Christmas in April

2010-04-23T15:26:00.007-04:00

I am taking some online course on Photoshop and kept waiting to finish and edit some amazing pictures to post! Alas, it is taking me longer than expected and in the meantime it looks as if the Driggers family has not celebrated any of the holidays since I last posted. So, I am just getting the pictures out there, naked (the pictures, not me, I mean, the people in the pictures are clothed, but, you know what I mean!)....

I hosted Christmas at our house for the first time and Jason's family came up for a few days. We had a great time together eating, putting together a big puzzle, eating, opening presents, eating, playing video games, eating, watching movies, and eating some more! Ruby loved getting to know her two teenage-ish cousins and Aunt Lisa and Uncle Michael, who have never been able to visit before. Lincoln's present to mommy was to start sleeping through the night- "Merry Christmas to me and to me a good night!"

So proud of the deal I got on these matching Christmas jammies and the potential photo-op, Linc would have none of it!

Stay tuned, for more of the Driggers' happenings, unedited- oooh, aaah, the suspense!

Hornhog

2010-02-06T22:01:00.002-05:00

Can you blame me for running to my computer tonight to post this, even though I am behind by like 3 events in my blogging timeline!?! I mean, how cute is he, and funny- man is he funny! He and Ruby take bathes together now and they both LOVE it. She fixed his hair like this tonight and called him a hornhog (she's pretty funny too), as you can see he thinks it is hilarious to be laughed at so much. There's just not much else to say, I hope this makes you smile as much as me!

snow, snOW, SNOW

2009-12-11T08:39:00.012-05:00

Almost a week ago we had our first snow of the season, and on a Saturday, so it was extra fun because we were able to meet friends (and their dogs) at the park to play. I was a bit disappointed when Ruby made her snow angel the "right way," as opposed to last year when she dove head first, face first into the snow and made them on her belly! I have tons of pictures, but refrained from sharing them all- including: Ruby helping roll snow into the body of a snow man only to destroy them as soon as we started to build (can you tell her BFF is a boy!), lots of running with the dogs, and throwing snowballs. I will never tire of the first snowday (notice I didn't say "snow" in general because come February and March and I'm still homebound due to snow I do not sing the same tune!) It is so beautiful and such a joy to watch the kids discover it.

And what did baby brother do? He stayed cozy and tried to take it all in, keeping an eye on his big sis the whole time. He really didn't get the full experience of the snow, seeing how I didn't exactly want him crawling in it, but we still call it his first!

Sitting, Crawling, and not so much Sleeping

2009-11-09T13:47:00.002-05:00

He is 7 MONTHS OLD!!! I feel it is so cliche to say, but really, where did the time go! It's way worse with the second child, I'm just not as glued to the calendar awaiting the next milestone, I know it'll be here before I know it, no worries. Not to mention the splitting of my attention, loss of brain cells, and general fogginess. He is such a great baby, so consistently happy and easy to make laugh. It doesn't hurt that he's got the constant attention of a very entertaining big sis. He's almost more doted over than she was! I thought he was crawling sooner than she did, but as I looked for pictures with dates, I found evidence otherwise (the pic of Ruby below is when she was 7 months- excuse the poor quality). They look so much alike, don't they?!

There's one big difference- Ruby was sleeping through the night, as of yet, Lincoln is NOT. Granted, he does sleep about 8 hours then awakens to eat and goes back to sleep until 7am. Good enough for him, but you don't find me asleep at 7 in the evening, or even close, so I'm not benefiting much. It's okay, I guess this is the only time he and I get true one-on-one alone time! And, as I was just saying, it goes by so fast and before you know it I'll miss cuddling him in that half asleep state. He wakes up so happy and loves it when Ruby climbs in the crib with him (as below- that's her hiding under the blanket next to him). His two bottom teeth are in and as of this past week the top two are peeking out. I've noticed the pictures I post seem to darken, not doing his blue eyes justice, but they are big and sparkling with that bit of mischief I love. And yet, another cliche- I don't know what we did without him around!

Little Red Riding Hood minus the Wolf

2009-11-08T15:51:00.002-05:00

We have dressed Ruby up for Halloween for the past two years, but have never taken her trick-or-treating. This is due, in part, to the fact that our town doesn't do it on the night of Halloween (don't ask why, I don't know) and I didn't catch on to this in the past. We have always had a party for RUF at our house, so she just dressed up for this. My plans for costuming this year have been in the works for a long time. I really think I should re-title my blog to something clever having to do with how many posts have the common theme of my plans vs. what actually happens. I am truly embarrassed by this, and yet, press on blogging in my humiliation. Anyhoo... back to my plans. Ruby got this wonderful red cape from grammy as part of many gorgeous dress up clothes she made for her last Christmas. She also got a collection of old children's stories with illustrations by Mary Engelbreit. I decided that she would be little red riding hood and it would be too cute to have baby brother as the wolf. As you can tell by the tell by the title and absence of pictures of Lincoln, only half the plan came about. I did get to make her dress and basket lining, but no wolf costume could be made or found. The poor second child was reduced to a shirt with pumpkins on it! Nonetheless, much fun was had going house to house! She must've said after every other house "this is the best trick or treat day ever!" The pictures aren't even that great because she couldn't focus with the kids walking down the street and begging to just go already! The thought of people just waiting to give her free candy was just too much! Can you blame her! I sure do love being a mom and experiencing the sheer joy of such events, even the sugar high is worth it!

Ian and Fiona

2009-10-18T18:45:00.015-04:00

September 2009

August 2007

Ruby's favoritist friends are Ian, 5, and Fiona, 7. They go to our church and are close family friends that are super supportive of RUF. So supportive, in fact, that they have already "arranged" for Ruby to marry Ian, so they joke (or maybe not so much).The other day the kids were playing dress up over here and decided to put on a fashion show. Ruby could not have been more proud, as you can tell by the picture. She just loves having them over to play. She is so proud of her room and her toys, it is such a joy to watch them interact. They play so well together and I enjoy seeing the progression in how they have taught Ruby how to play with kids, as she usually is played with by students. I also enjoy overhearing "conversations" such as the one below:

Ruby (showing Ian a ball of hers): This ball has princesses on it. There's Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty and Jingle Bells (pointing to Belle of Beauty and the Beast, which she's never seen, but I think I told her who it was)

Ian (with a puzzled look): Um, I don't think that's her name

Ruby (very matter-of-factly): Yes it is, that's Jingle Bells

Ian (shrugging his shoulders): Okay (fading as he moves on to something else)

Maybe not such a bad arrangement!

One Foot Out the Door

2009-10-11T14:30:00.001-04:00

I can't believe Ruby's off to preschool (actually, she started the first of September, little late in posting, as usual). Yep, she's 3 (and 9 months) now. I missed the opportunity to salute her on this blog when she turned 3 in January, so I think now's a good time to update you all on what she's about these days. While she still watches the usual kids programs and movies she has moved on to bigger and better things. First, it was Mary Poppins (or Mary and Poppins, as she calls it) and just about two months ago she settled in to watch The Sound of Music with me one night (Yo-de-le-i-yo-de-le-i-yo, as she calls it for her favorite scene with the puppets). She loves it! Nothing makes me happier than hearing her in the other room singing These Are a Few of My Favorite Things or Do-Re-Mi! Seriously, not exaggerating when I say it has brought tears to my eyes, I just love that movie so much and have such fond memories of watching it with my family when I was little or hearing my dad play any number of the songs on the piano while we got ready for church on Sunday morning. Speaking of church, she loves it and sits through the whole service like a big girl. She is more than fawned over at our RUF bible studies and is so spoiled by them all. The other day at supper with the grad students I am told she had a number of the male med students singing the little mermaid (the part where she is singing the scale as she gives the witch her voice, you know- ah ah ah, ah ah ah) just to get her to sing it! What a sight!

She has adjusted exceptionally well to no longer being the only child and absolutely adores her little brother. She is his biggest cheerleader, literally- we made up a cheer to get him to roll over and I hear her chanting it to him as they lay on the floor together. She talks up a storm and says so many hilarious things. Yesterday, she was hugging Lincoln and said "you're such a sweet boy, I wish I had a brother like you!" She is a foodie, definitely. She eats all manner of things, is a lover of cucumbers, salmon, and mushrooms, and the only thing I can think of she won't eat is tomatoes. She loves to cook with me, do "crafts," pet animals, and do pretty much anything I can convince her is exciting (I don't know what I'm going to do when she discovers some things aren't as exciting as I make them out to be). She is sweet and crazy, both at the same time. I feel so privileged to call her mine and feel both excited over and saddened by the fact that she's such a big girl now.

So Many Hugs

2009-09-29T10:33:00.001-04:00

Blue Eyes

2009-06-27T13:23:00.001-04:00

Lincoln's Baptism

2009-06-23T19:42:00.001-04:00

As I was preparing for Lincoln's baptism I anticipated that it would be lower key than Ruby's and felt much more focused on what it meant. How special it was going to be seeing that it was on Father's Day and it would be Jason's first time to baptise someone, and his own son! I imagined a blog with beautiful pictures and eloquent rhetoric of the sacrament of baptism. Maybe someday I can share the beauty of this sacrament with you, but for now I must be honest about how it really played out..... This past year our church has started using actual wine glasses with wine or grape juice for communion instead of the usual mini "shots" in a tray. (please take note in above picture) The communion table is lined with the glasses. It was in front of this table we were to stand for the baptism. As soon as I realized this I subtly tried to push Ruby in front of me or at least further from the glasses. Just when I thought we were safe and Jason was reading a beautiful scripture (at least I now know it was beautiful, for I was having a hard time concentrating on the words given the situation at the time)- Ruby decided it was time for a gorgeous flourish of the hair. You know what I'm talking about- the kind you see girls do on TV in slow motion- using their arms to flick back the hair. Ruby was especially dramatic as she was in front of a lot of people. I can say this, I feel particularly thankful that only one wine glass was hurled to the floor spraying its contents all over the side of her white dress and the carpet before it shattered on the floor, and that my gorgeous superstar was not injured. And to add to it she immediately looked at me and said in desperation, "I'm sorry momma" in that way where you feel like everyone must be thinking your child is entirely too scared of you. And..... deafening silence. If only someone would've laughed! I just didn't know what to do, I could care less about her dress, but felt the need to start scrubbing the floor. Well, the rest proceeded without a hitch, but Jason and I admitted later we had a hard time focusing as there was still a whole table of glasses behind us! Linc was happily unaware. By the time church was over, Linc was asleep and Ruby could be bribed for one smiling picture. But this truth still holds, my God and his promises to me and my family are steadfast and unchanging even when I am distracted and the wine is spilt.

He's been replaced....again

2009-06-11T12:06:00.001-04:00

In February I found this on my stairs (they've taken to hiding together while I vacuum)

Then, the other day I found this while I was getting ready in the bathroom

(Yes, that face on Ruby is her doing the huff and puff of the three little pigs)

2 Months Old!

2009-05-30T09:50:00.000-04:00

I can't believe the boy is already two months old (actually 9 weeks as of yesterday). He had a check at the doctor yesterday and is weighing in at 11 pounds 9 ounces and 23 inches long- right in the 50th percentile, not too big, not too small, just average! :) He is so precious and has evened out and cries to eat and to be put to sleep. Oh yeah, he doesn't cry, but screams bloody murder with baths and car seats and if you take too long changing his diaper in the middle of the night! He has been smiling since at least 4 weeks old, but I always got the smirk from people assuming I'm just a gushing mom and then the comment, "it's probably just gas." Nope, not at all! It's hard to catch that smile on camera because it has usually just been with his parents and Ruby when we're holding him, but I was able to catch him smiling at the mobile on his swing which he just started to tolerate this week. He is so sweet and according to everyone looks just like Ruby!

Summer Conference

2009-05-29T10:59:00.000-04:00

At the very last minute (3days prior) we decided to accompany Jason and the Marshall students to RUF summer conference in Laguna Beach, FL (right next to Panama City). It's a longer story why it was such last minute, so I'll spare you. Other than the 14 hour drive down there which is not fun with a baby that absolutely hates the car seat (why have I not yet gotten one of the normal babies who is lulled to sleep by the car?!- this was my cry, literally, as we traveled), it was a great week. It is a working week for Jason who taught a seminar every morning and was in charge of one of the kitchens at most meals, so it left me with the kids. But, at least we had the beach, at least 5 swimming pools, and the fellowship of old and new friends in the other campus ministers' wives. Lincoln spent the week in the sling since it freed up my hands and he loves it so much. Ruby spent the week getting to know some of the many small children their with their parents. Mostly she hung out with Knox and Owen Westmoreland and JayneMac, Asher, and Eloise Rhodes (see their blogs for more pics, I haven't figured out how to allow you to click on the text to get to their sites.). It was refreshing and encouraging to see friends and also to see the enthusiasm and work of the spirit in so many college students (I think there were over 700 there, and this was just the first of two weeks they hold summer conference). I cannot reiterate enough how blessed I am to be a part of this ministry!

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T17:00:00.001-04:00

If you've read any of my other posts or even just looked at the pictures, this look on Ruby's face should be familiar- so cute, but there's that twinkle of mischief in her eyes. Nothing naughty necessarily. Like a sweet sister she colored an egg for "brother" with an L on it. After getting home from lunch with friends on Easter Lincoln was asleep in his car seat so that's where he stayed (we did bring him in from the car, don't worry). Ruby decided to hide her eggs. We soon discovered she gave one to brother, too. See, not naughty, actually she was sharing! It made me laugh because my mom tells the story of when my sister was a newborn and at Easter she found her in the cradle surrounded by jelly beans that I decided to "share" with her (I was two at the time). I guess Ruby more than just looks like me! Happy Easter to all!!!

The President

2009-03-30T17:20:00.000-04:00

I am so overjoyed to announce that on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 5:06pm Lincoln Matthew Driggers arrived safe and weighing in at......8 pounds 11 ounces- causing a great gasp to go out amongst those present (and now those reading!). He is 20 inches long and absolutely precious! Big sis Ruby could not be more excited and attentive! I really don't know what to say without gushing, so I'll just leave it at this- I am blessed beyond measure and feel the love of my heavenly Father so lavished on me as I sit on my bed with my little family around me reading stories, giggling, and saying bedtime prayers- truly tasting heaven here on earth!

Flour Child

2009-03-09T20:57:00.000-04:00

Isn't that picture perfect- sweet little girl, cookie cutter in hand, apron tied neatly around neck and waist, helping grammy make Christmas cookies. And it was, to be sure, but if you think the memory ends there, you haven't met my Ruby. It's a good thing I love a little personality and spunk, even if it means a mess- that's where all the fun is! So, if a little flour on the cheeks gets a smile.....
Then the recipe calls for a little more.....
Until the whole room is in an uproar and what was left of the picturesque little girl now looks like someone out of national geographic magazine, a tribal ritual of some sort!

Who's Your Favorite Uncle

2009-03-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while since I posted, so I'm having to play a bit of catch up, so stay tuned...

Just before thanksgiving my brother, TJ, decided to stop by WV for a long weekend on his way back from business in NY or NJ or something. He even drove through a bad snow storm to get here! Some of my favorite memories were made that weekend. We didn't do anything special, but seeing Ruby bond with her uncle was priceless to me. One morning, she was trying to patiently await his emergence from bed, but his door was cracked open and the temptation just became too strong. She stood in his doorway fake coughing and slowly pushing the door open to be sure he heard her. When I told her it was okay for her to go give him a hug and wake him up, she said no, he was sleeping. But that didn't seem to keep her from feeling guilty over continuing to stand in the doorway and cough! He taught her, through endless repetition- "who's your favorite uncle?" To which she even still replies, "UNCLE TJ!"

Flurries '08

2008-11-18T16:43:00.001-05:00

So this is what it takes to get me blogging the day an event actually happens- snow flurries! I can't believe that both last night and this morning I could look out my window and see big gorgeous white flakes falling, actually quite a lot of them, though none of them stuck around very long. I do love snow, however mid-November is a little early for 30 degree weather, cabin fever, and snow reports! What happened to fall- it's as if the weather took its ques from retail and jumped right into Christmas and winter full force. Once again, love Christmas and the holidays, but where is the wonderful fall thanksgiving anticipation! Ruby's little face makes those transient questions fall by the wayside as she informs me at 8 am- "I need to put on my hate and mikkens (she's got a slight cold right now) and go look at the snowflakes and make a snowball." Notice the mismatched mikkens..... some one's been so eager to wear them that she plays with them and has lost one of each, she could care less! She didn't miss a beat when the snow had stopped and there wasn't enough to make that snowball, she improvised with brushing the bit of icy snow off her slide! The only way I could coax her in was to tell her I'd make hot chocolate and marshmallows, a first for her, but something she's seen often on a favorite curious George video. And it did not disappoint! Look at her drinking from her own big girl cup! What could be better than that hot chocolate smile!! I am so blessed!

The Greatest Place on Earth

2008-11-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

Does anything compare to taking your 2 1/2 year old to Disney world for the first time? Only if you've had a house on the market for six years and get the call that there's a legitimate offer on it! We were already having a wonderful day despite the 93 degree temp. watching Ruby ride her first rides, meet Disney characters with no fear, and just basically get anything she wanted! It does make you feel like a kid all over again, what could be better? God's timing amazes me- the last thing I was thinking about that day was the burden of the house, for once. However, for the few weeks since school started (this was mid-September) I had carried this hopeless feeling- I had told myself that after the remodeling of the house, if the house didn't sell by the time school started in the fall, we had to realistically look at life with this until we paid it off. Once again, I'm ashamed of my weak faith, I called it "being realistic." And add on to that the "reality" of the bad housing market, and for anyone looking at it they may agree with me. But then God...(doesn't the Bible often change directions in a story with that phrase a lot! I love it). As of yesterday we mailed off the money, the paperwork, everything so that the deal on the house will close Monday morning. That same morning I will also start a new job that God provided for me as well, but we'll save that amazing blessing for another post. Last night we celebrated and as odd as this may sound while I am thankful beyond what I can express I do fight the urge to wallow in the guilt of not having believed. I knew God could sell the house, but for six years He chose not to. And while He did use this to teach me valuable lessons, Satan, the accuser, wants me to believe that I did something to stand in the way of God doing this for me, if I this then God that. And so he also wants to take away the joy of experiencing God's great blessing at this time- all of which takes my eyes off "Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.. to HIM be the glory" (Eph. 3:20). It's not about me, it's about Him, and I want to be sure He gets the glory, for the sale of the house, for His faithfulness over the past six years, and for His mercy, patience, compassion, and boundless love!

Max and Ruby

2008-11-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

Max and Ruby happens to be my daughter Ruby's favorite show. It is about a brother and sister bunny and usually he's in her way and she lovingly, yet somewhat "bossingly," redirects him. I actually really like the show too, but the story line is always basically the same! Well, I better get used to it as we are expecting our own "Max" to the Driggers family March 30, 2009. Yep, we're expecting, and yep, we found out this week it's a boy! I can't even imagine having a boy, but am very excited. Ruby is excited, but does not quite get it, she just thinks we're bringing "baby Rish," her new cousin home with us! All is well so far as I'm about 5 months along, but find myself already counting down! God is so good!

Rish Griffin Owens

2008-07-26T20:04:00.000-04:00

In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, July 16, 2008, Rish Griffin Owens arrived. (unfortunately my sister was up all night, but I think it was already a sign that he loves me because he knew I had to drive through the night to get there in time!) What a pretty boy he is with dark black hair and blue eyes, both like his mom- if the blue eyes stick around, and it is okay to call an infant boy "pretty." What a blessing it was to watch my sister become a mom over the past week and she and her husband, Jamie, and baby Rish become a family. And what wonderful parents they are- love beyond measure, patience despite sleep deprivation, self-sacrifice, and thankfullness that makes those witnessing more thankful for all they too have been given. Praise God for such a miracle!

Thinking Ahead

2008-07-07T10:34:00.000-04:00

What will you do when or if your gorgeous daughter comes home with a nose ring?

I can handle one (on the side), but I'm not so sure about 8 large rings hanging from the center!

Number 11

2008-07-03T12:42:00.000-04:00

UGH! The number 11 reason why I haven't posted is because it takes me forever to get it to look right with the photos and "captions" lined up. Just when I think it's right and I even preview it, I check it later and find that the pictures are not lined up one under the other and the captions are broken up and malaligned! (notice in the one about the home makeover how I have the "captions" before the pictures, it's for this very reason) If anyone has any tips I'd really appreciate it!

Top Ten

2008-06-24T13:19:00.000-04:00

Here are the Top 10 reasons I have not posted in a month:

1. I hosted a baby shower for my sister, Ellen, in SC
- she is due with her first, a boy, July 27

2. Driving to visit family in Charleston- Ruby loved playing

with second cousins Haven and ElizaJane

3. Getting rid of the old and bringing in the new- while at the dealership I noticed framed pictures of old Honda classics, yep the civic we owned was one of the pictures! I have officially lost my youth (the car was given to me before starting grad school by my generous aunt and uncle) and embraced this season! You know it's arrived when you are with your husband in the van and you both are so giddy over it!

4. Making messes- spaghetti being the least of them

5. Cleaning them up. I turned my back while cleaning the kitchen and

Ruby must have decided her babies need a thorough washing.

6. Raising a child prodigy and encouraging her talents. :)

7. Hosting a Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken concert- love them!

8. Taking care of the fam (kissing boo boo's) with daddy in the hospital and Ruby with a high fever. Thanks to those who prayed, all is well now.

9. A planned trip to shop the furniture sale in Hickory with an unexpected stop in Columbia to visit my grandpa who had a stent placed. I am so thankful for this visit- a good reminder of how precious family is. Unfortunately, no pic of grandpa great (as Ruby calls him, but this is her smiling up at him as he watched her play- it was a good day, even better than the furniture)

10.In general, I'm just behind!

Will try to do better over the next month!

Crockett Davis Asnip

2008-04-20T22:39:00.000-04:00

My sweet 12 year old cousin, Crockett Davis Asnip, had his homegoing April 10, 2008. The pastor used that expression at his funeral a week ago and I love it. Crockett's life is remembered as one of deep meaning and worth. You see, Crockett never developed cognitively beyond that of a three month old due to a rare form of epilepsy as well as other medical problems. As his dad put it, the family's life may now be easier, but not better. I had always known they had great faith and a Godly perspective on Crockett's and all their children's lives, but to hear my uncle and his oldest son share at the funeral what the Lord had taught them through Crockett and to watch them at this difficult time opened my eyes to its depth. What a joy we have in knowing Crockett now has a perfect body that can now walk and run, a mind that can form words and cause his mouth to speak, and eyes that someday will recognize his family when they are reunited. "For we do not mourn as those without hope" 1Thessalonians 4:13

Extreme Home Makeover: KS Edition

2008-03-31T20:32:00.000-04:00

It all started last fall when a gentleman at one of the PCA churches in the area (Jason had been preaching there) approached Jason. He said the Lord had laid it on his heart that he needed to try and help us with our house in Kansas, he said he felt he would be disobedient if he didn't act. Thus begins the miraculous way in which the Lord answered mine and all of your prayers for this house that's been on the market for five years. We only knew him in name and the Lord so convicted him. From that point it was just meetings with him and other men from the church involved in some way with property (real estate, insurance, mortgage broker, etc.) As it turns out, he was somewhat of an expert at remodeling houses and then selling them. We felt that the advice this "round table" gave us on what steps to take next was THE answer to prayer- people to counsel us. This alone gave us a sense of relief. But, the Lord had more in mind and these men decided to make our house the mission trip for the church that spring. Yep, raise money, send a team, work, the whole nine yards. A scouting trip was made in December '07 and it was decided what the plan was as far as things to remodel to make it more sellable and it all followed from there. Eventually 13 men and women signed up to go leaving in cars to drive the 17+ hours from WV to KS. Jason rode in one of the cars and Ruby and I flew out there to meet them (nobody in KS had met Ruby as we hadn't seen them since we moved 5 years ago.) Over the course of 6 days our kitchen and bathroom and kitchen was completely gutted and remodeled, all of the inside walls were painted, a subfloor was laid in the attic with wiring (in hopes this wold inspire a buyer to see the potential of finishing the upstairs for more rooms), central heat and ac installed, and the yard as well as the inside just got a good "tidying" up. Are you amazed?! I was- these people were up at all hours, some of the men sleeping there. Only the Spirit at work can accomplish what I witnessed. Many in Kansas also pitched in with housing, meals,and stopping by with words of encouragement. It was all very humbling, to be the recipient of a mission work. I fought it for a while, it's not like I'm a Katrina victim or HIV orphan in Africa- we felt embarressed that this church should do what we don't deserve. Maybe buying this house in the first place had been our mistake, why should they pay? That same gentleman said-"isn't that what grace is?" WOW! I thought of this the whole time and it will be a story passed on to the next generation of how the Lord showed His grace even in this thing.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8-9

The "after shots"- 1.the outside of the house; 2.new bathroom tub, toilet, vanity, tile, floor; 3.new kitchen cabinets, sink, counter, tile floor, stove; 4.master bedroom; 5.front entry with new paint; 6.Ruby after a hard day's work

Fall Creek Falls

2008-03-07T15:42:00.000-05:00

I am a little late on this post, but wanted to be sure and relate what a blessing it was to be able to go to the TN, KY, AL, and now WV (we're the only RUF in this state) spring conference. Six students joined us at Fall Creek Falls in TN, about a 7 hour drive. Although that part was hectic with a two year old, it was worth it. After being able to sit under a lot of the campus ministers during classes they taught, I feel even more honored and humbled to be counted among those that minister the gospel, especially with RUF. What amazing hearts and minds these ministers and their wives have. To see over 500 students learning, worshiping, and fellowshipping to the Glory of God is just what I needed. Even though I always remind myself of the bigger picture, it can get kinda lonely starting a new campus, with few students, far from family, and in a new place. I was able to sit under teaching that convicted me, but it felt good. It reminded me that the conviction of the Holy Spirit is gentle, loving, and freeing and what I often feel as a mom, wife, nurse practitioner, and friend is the devil's accusations that I am not good enough. The truth of the gospel is that indeed I am a sinner, fallen very short of the glory of God, but as His child I am more than enough in Christ. I can be wrong and sinful but have hope that what is at work in me was finished in Christ and it is enough, more than that it is perfect! Oh, and on another note- Ruby absolutely loved being among all those students getting lots of "AWH, isn't she cute" as she walked by. She met her friend Knox for the first time, but I think she thinks his mommy's name is Knox as she always yelled it at Meredith.

Ruby with some of our students at large group

Meredith and Knox Westmoreland

Ruby loved running in the great outdoors after 7 hours in the car

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T14:12:00.000-05:00

So, the plan was to take a sweet valentine's day picture in the new outfit grammy sent and make a video of Ruby saying I love you. And what is it they say about plans.....? Needless to say, taking the pictures and video was easy enough and lots of fun! Step #2- trying to figure out for the first time how to download, upload, transfer, edit, or whatever a video on the computer. Not being able to find the manual to the camcorder doesn't help! Jason steps in with his laptop to try and do it to the cries of his wife,"but I want to learn how to do it myself!" (and I thought this phrase just came naturally to my 2 year old!) In the hopes of being loving on this of all days, we silently carry on with trying to figure it out. I won't go into the details but we were engrosed (spelling? spellcheck isn't working). Suddenly, I realized, as many of you out there do, it's way too quiet. True, Ruby's on my bed watching a video, but I can't remember how much time has past. I peak into the room and she catches my eye and exclaims "uh-oh mommy!" Cream from my bedside table is shmeared all over. Now, I couldn't help but laugh (of course, a little lax on the discipline I know) at her exclammation- I know she knows how to use "uh-oh" properly so did she truly devise it in her head: "okay, if mommy comes in before I get this stuff all rubbed in I'll just say uh-oh as if the cream lept out of her drawer and opened itself up and with me kicking and screaming just got all over me. Surely she'll get mad at the cream and not me, oh, and I'll flash my dimpled smile just in case." Wish the video had been set up in there instead, what fun was had! Hope you all have just as great a valentine's day, we love you all very much! XOXOXXO

Hugs and Kisses from a well moisturized Ruby

Ruby's 2!

2008-01-30T03:58:00.000-05:00

One week ago tonight, my one and only little girl turned two. Although this is my first blog, I'll make it short as I'm using this mostly as a way to do a year in pictures to sort of let everyone catch up who hasn't seen her over the past year. She's quite the "little girl" now. Many of the baby things are disappearing replaced by toddlerness. We now have hair long enough to put in pigtails and "curlies" as she puts it (or should I say "ask" for it every time she sees me do my hair now). There's the broken sentences to replace broken words- although oftentimes the words blur together to sound like one run-on word. The other day she even suprised me by counting to eleven. Instead of crying in order to get attention she breaks into her ABC song because she knows it will draw all eyes towards her in amazement. I am thankful to still have lots of cuddles, arms held up saying "carry you" (she often uses the pronoun she hears me speak to her to ask me to, for instance, carry her), and new girlish ways of showing affection. For all the ways in which she's changed I still find myself staring at her as if it was the first time I realized I have a daughter! I am amazed at the joy she brings and how blessed I am by her. It has been a great second year!