I've been a member of my church for 14 years. Over that time, we have experienced the deaths of two members and three infants. However, this week has been a very difficult one for our church. As posted previously, our friend, Alexis, was killed in a car accident on Friday, and I received word yesterday that one of our church's care group leaders, Ron Lewis, died on Christmas Day. (That's him in the picture in the black shirt.)

Ron lived on the lake and frequently invited groups of people over for a day of fun on the lake. He and his wife, Janice, hosted a lake day and dinner for our closest friends just before our wedding and did the same for Brian and Zerita.

My two favorite memories of Ron are his detailed tour of the lake area and his love of a particular Christmas Carol. On the lake tour, he would take groups around in the boat and show us all the areas of interest - the apartment where he and Janice lived before they decided to buy a home on the lake, the herons nesting in the trees, and his favorite place on the lake that he called "Jacob's Ladder" which was a huge rickity stairway that reached from the lake to someone's home.



My other favorite memory of Ron was that he loved the song, "O Holy Night." Everytime I was at their house, we'd all gather around the piano while he played and and I sang the Christmas song - even if it was 100 degrees outside. Now Ron is on his knees in front of his Savior.

Labels: Friends

It's been a difficult weekend. Our friend, Alexis, was killed in a car accident on Friday. Her boys survived the accident. Please pray for this family!


Alexis Shrader Cantrell - age 30, of Knoxville, formerly of Memphis, joined her Savior Friday evening, December 21, 2007 after an automobile accident. Alexis was a member of Cornerstone Church of Knoxville, sang with the Children's Worship Team and was a member of the Hill Care Group. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister and the perfect wife. Alexis is survived by her husband of 6 years, Tim Cantrell; children, Mason age 4 and Evan age 2; parents, Danny and Toni Shrader of Memphis; brother, Noah Shrader and fiancee Christy. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Sunday December 23, followed by a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, a trust is being established for their children's education. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11195 Kingston Pike is serving the Cantrell family. www.clickfuneralhome.com

Labels: Friends

Today is Henry and Jonathan's 4th Birthday! I can't believe they are four years old! Here's our first official picture of all three boys together!

Labels: Celebrations

Finding time to blog seems ridiculous since sleep is more of a priority. So, here's a couple of pictures to hold you over until I can get the rest up.



One hour old....don't I look lovely after surgery. I even tried to fix my hair that morning. Rob thought I was crazy. When I had the boys I hadn't had a shower for 3 days because I was on hospital bedrest. So I was determined to look somewhat decent. Then I laid on my back for hours squashing my hair....oh well.




The first time Henry and Jonathan met Benjamin

Benjamin Russell arrived safely this morning at 8:52. He weighed 9 lbs 0.7 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. We are grateful to God for a healthy baby! More picture to come.

Labels: Benjamin

We've had a very busy day today. I've tried to cross as many things off my list as possible....

I took the boys to a new city park, New Harvest Park. It's been open about a month, and we've watched the building progress all summer. They have a great play area. The boys had so much fun! We will definitely visit there again.

Labels: Baby #3, Family Times

I had my final growth ultrasound today, and he's still a big baby. He weighed in at 8 lbs 6 oz. Taking into consideration that the measurements could be off up to 1/2 lb and that he should gain 1/2 lb in a week, I'm guessing that he'll make his appearance around 8 1/2 - 9 lbs. Henry and Jonathan weighed a whopping 7 lbs 3 oz together. So, my hopes of a baby bigger than them put together will more than likely happen. Everything is set for my c-section next Wednesday morning at 8 AM. Very exciting!

Labels: Baby #3