Girls Weekend

I must admit that I was very much looking forward to getting away with two of my dearest friends.  These girls and I have been friends for a very long time and have walked through a lot together.  We try and get away for at least one night twice a year - that doesn't always work, but we try. 

We left this past Friday at lunch and headed north to Chattanooga.  We stopped south of Dalton at our favorite restaurant of all time ........CRACKER BARREL.  We enjoyed our time and decided we wanted to find a mall and shop the afternoon away.  Well..... God had different plans. 

Before I can say what happened I have to explain that I am not the most spontaneous person on a trip.  I like to plan and know what we are going to do - I am not over the top, but not very spontaneous either.  But when I am with these gals, I try to leave that comfort zone and do it. 

Well, we saw a very small sign for a Civil War Railroad Tunnel museum and we thought, hey lets see what it is.  Now, we love our history and have dragged kids and husbands all over the east coast to a bunch of history places.  But there was no dragging here - we wanted to see what it was about.  We got there and it was small and not much to it - but we went in and bought a ticket.  We saw the small museum inside and then the fun began.  Hub - our tour guide - picked us up in the golf cart and took us down to the tunnel.  Hub was very knowledgable and VERY funny.  We laughed and learned so much about the tunnel, but also about the area and how the Civil War affected it.  I can not recommend this too much.  We really enjoyed it and learned alot..  Now, across the road was a house built pre-Civil War and was Sherman's headquarters when he went through and also served as a hospital for both sides at different times.  We enjoyed walking over there and also walking through the open pastures and just acting like teenage girls.  We were the only ones there and so enjoyed laughing and goofing off. 

We did more stuff that weekend - but this will always be the hi-light for me.  It was just fun to let go of responsibility and decorum and be silly and enjoy girlfriends.  We didn't need to drink, party or go to a wild place to let go - Maybe that is why I love these girls so much.

I thank God everyday for the friends He has given me.  I have some very special gals in my life!!

Ok, so once again I have went a very long time between posts.  My excuse will be that we have been extremely busy, which is true, but not a very good excuse.  And today I was pushed in the right direction by a dear old friend.  So....... I will try my hardest to catch you up on the Howard madness.
Stephen's job is more secure now BUT he is traveling ALOT!!  He travels about half or more than half the month.  Now, his wife will say this really stinks but then I am reminded that he has a job and we should be thankful.  I just simply am not used to having a traveling husband.  So this is definatly an adjustment time for us.  He did get to coach the football team this fall and they made it to the semifinals- which is really good for a young team. 
Timothy is still at Birmingham Southern.  We are hoping all works out for him to have the starting position this season.  He was 3rd string on the Varsity team this year behind two seniors.  He did get in one varsity game and threw a touchdown pass.  (Proud mama moment).  He started on the JV team (which is where everyone that doesn't play in the Varsity game - plays on Sunday).  So we are keeping our fingers crossed.  He interned in Owensboro, Ky this summer and loved it so much.  It is amazing what doors God can open while you are dealing with the slamming of another in your face.  I am not sure where he is headed this summer yet.  He has had some opportunities, but seems to be praying over them right now.  He is home right now but will be heading back this weekend.  He will be missed - especially by his brothers.
Matthew spent his summer serving.  He went to Haiti and Oklahoma on mission trips and then taught a drum class at our church's fine arts camp.  He learned how to roof, sheetrock, and work with little kids.  He did a great job! He played football in the fall and is now playing basketball.  He is doing great in school and now has a girlfriend.  The joys of teenagers.?  She is a very sweet girl from a good family so we are very lucky. 
Jacob went to Oklahoma this summer also and help build a playground.  What a gift for these kids that have everything - it is nice for them to learn to give back and to see that not everyone is as lucky as them.  He also served at the camp at church and help teach kids about survival skills.  He played football and is playing basketball right now.  Both boys play for North Atlanta Christian Flight basketball team.  Matthew plays JV and Jacob plays Middle school and JV.  This is a wonderful program and we have so enjoyed being a part of it. 
We are very blessed and I am very thankful for all that we have.  I am constantly amazed at God's provision.   I will try to keep this more up to date.