Monday, May 30, 2011

First Stop Maida Vale at Paddington Station

Hello again my little one,

 Thought I would tell you a little bit about your first stop on the map.  Your first home will be in a beautiful place in Maida Vale, which is part of the City of Westminister, which is a part of London, UK.
Maida Vale if translated as a name, would mean strong, healthy maiden.  How fitting.  My first prayer for you is to be a godly, healthy, strong young women.


Maida Vale was named for a battle in the Napoleonic Wars between England and France, fought on 4July, 1806. (It was fought outside the town of San Pietro di Maida in Calabria, Italy.)

Some of Maida Vale's claim to fame are the Paddington Station, St. Mary's Hospital, home of the BBC
Maida Vale Studios, and the famous people who come from Maida Vale.

Paddington Bear has become a family icon for your arrival.  Your home is not far from Paddington Station, where in the 1950's a lovely story about a little bear was born.  The Paddington Bear stories
begin when the Brown family find Paddington sitting on his suitcase all alone in Paddington Train Station. There is now a statue of Paddington  in the train station that I'm sure we will visit many times.

St. Mary's Hospital, on Proed Street, is where you will make your first appearance.  The hospital itself
is the site of some amazing medical accomplishments.  In 1928, Sir Alexander Fleming first isolated penicillin earning the Nobel Prize.  The royal princes, William and Harry were both born at St. Mary's.
 Their biggest accomplishment for us will be to usher you safely into your mother's arms.

Lots of writers, artists and other creative people have grown up in Maida Vale.  Robert Browning lived here for a time.  One pop culture artist on both sides of the pond is Joan Collins.. she grew up in Maida Vale.


Not too far from your front door, is St. George's Roman Catholic Secondary School.  It is a very good public school.  Your parents recently went to a silent auction there.  Your Mom told me they auctioned off an opportunity for your child to be principle for a day for lots of money. Not sure you would see this state side.  It sounds like a very neat place.

Just to clarify, Maida Valle literally translates, Maiden, and valley, often coursed by a stream. So either
way it sounds like and is a beautiful place to be.

Picture here is the entrance to your very first home. Just remember not matter where you are, no matter
where you go ...you are loved!!!  Love you forever and always,

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Traveling Light

Well one thing you will find out soon enough is I tend to hold on to too much.  As a mother and grand mother I want to always be prepared, whether it's a bandaid or an exotic color marker.  As I pack my bags to come and help welcome you into the world, I come with bags filled to the brim with clothing, paintings, and toys to make your world ever more interesting and fun.  The first thing you do when planning to go on a trip or adventure is to choose what you NEED to take with you.  It's vital and if you have to carry all your own baggage you learn to be much more selective to things you actually need.  When you stop to think about what you need to be happy, it's very very little.  And always remember , no matter how much stuff we pile on ourselves, God is always there for us.  I love you forever and always.
"Don't carry any money with you - gold or silver or copper.  Don't carry a bag.  Take for your trip only clothes and sandals you are wearing."  Matthew 10:9-10a

What's In a Name

Well my little miss, I cannot wait.  We are all making major plans to be in London for your arrival.  You
hold all of our schedules and hearts in the palm of your little hand. There have been so many lovely
plans made in regard to your upcoming arrival.  Two parents could not be more focused and attending to
every minute detail down to which stroller will provide the utmost comfort and mobility for you.  Your
name is top secret and I totally understand.   A name is a very important part of the planning of you.  There is a reason names are so important.  When people know your name, they care, they have taken enough time to learn and remember your name.  The Bible tells us Jesus knows your name. Your parents
are reserving the right to meet you before deciding on a name.  I think that is very wise.  It's hard to decide on the most perfect name for you until you have arrived.  I am convinced when they get that first
glimpse of you.  They will know for sure.  I love you forever and always!!!

 "The man who guards the door opens it for him.  And the sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd.  He
calls his own sheep, using their names, and he leads them out."  John 10:3

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Royal Wedding

Well My Little Miss,

 The royal wedding took place yesterday. Unfortunately a chaotic flurry of twisters devastated an area in Alabama, we all hold dear hours earlier.  I was in Las Vegas, glued to the TV getting up dates on each event.  As I watched the pomp and circumstance of the royal wedding, amidst beautiful flags I dream of
you.  I imagine myself with your mom and dad strolling you down those same streets. All the beauty and
grandeur cannot begin to capture the joy and happiness that will be ours when you arrive.  The contrast of
the two scenes gives me hope as well.  How can there be such suffering in one area and a beautiful celebration half way around the world?  One thing I do know, God reigns Supreme!                                  

" Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of you faith produces perseverance, Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 NIV                                                                                                                                                
                                                                              I love you forever and always!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

To Our Little Girl,

This is a message to our girl, our coming attraction this summer; you have redefined the word anticipation,for all of us. I will feebly try here to introduce you first hand to "us" the family who anxiously awaits your arrival. I guess we should begin at the beginning...or where we come in.

I was so excited when I learned that once again we would all be present around our dining table in Tennessee for Thanksgiving; I did not even let my heart go there...but once again God provides! Present at the table was your Great Grandmother, Mamau, my mother, your grandfathers, Fred and Rob, grandmothers Kathie and of course me, and your Aunt Mary Beth, and Uncle Ryan, your fathers siblings. Your Daddy was asked to say the prayer, in his sweet prayer, he thanked God for you.....needless to say we were all speechless for a moment. These moments rarely happen in our family. This moment changed our lives forever!

I must say first and foremost that out of all the hopes and dreams I have for you....the ultimate is your relationship with Jesus. That no matter how life thrills or disappoints you that your feet will always carry you to His arms and you will follow His steps, in the way you direct your life. I pray when you
do fall, and regain your footing that your eyes will always be directed to Him and His direction for your life.