tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18259273833696932922011-11-13T22:10:34.463-05:00Live Hard, Love Hard & Run to JesusNita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.comBlogger801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-79014901478733723082011-01-30T16:06:00.012-05:002011-09-20T12:02:13.984-04:00

Every October I feel like I get on a train that calls me to "hang on!" The train takes me through many holidays, family traditions, birthdays, the darkest day, and finally delivers me just beyond Brock's Birthday in March.The ride is extremely intense as it seems every few weeks brings about a special day for our family. I would say we are a Fall/Winter family as it seems we have more birthdays

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-52802180591672054542010-09-03T10:36:00.007-04:002010-09-03T11:54:23.440-04:00

Where did you come from baby dear?Out of the everywhere into the here.Where did you get your eyes so brown...{and sometimes blue}?Out of the sky as I came through.What makes the light in them sparkle and spin?Some of the starry spikes left in.Where did you get that little tear?I found it waiting when I got here.What makes your forehead so smooth and high?A soft hand stroked it as I went by.What

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-66407816169461674322010-08-27T15:31:00.033-04:002010-08-30T16:15:22.195-04:00

Did you hear it? Today there was something in the air that whispered... Fall is on it's wayWhile there is not much about the heat and humidity that feels like Fall, I know it's coming. I know this because the trunk of my car looks like this:(Drew loves the contrast of the pink stroller versus the shoulder pads)We have all three boys playing football this season. Barrett

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-89817533391739983112010-08-04T22:30:00.030-04:002010-08-05T01:05:22.761-04:00

When Asa, my now 14-year old was in 2nd grade, God led us to make the decision to homeschool him. Homeschooling became a way of life for our family as Mason joined the next year for 1st grade. Barrett followed a few years later.We have always held homeschooling loosely. We have asked the Lord each year, "What is best for our family and kids this year?" Having felt His calling so strongly

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-39686037237156346312010-06-28T22:21:00.010-04:002010-06-28T23:28:07.393-04:00

Hey sweet friends. I am so sorry that I took an unannounced and unexpected blogging break. I am okay. I am not eating ice cream to drown my sorrows that Brock's picture did not win the Bruster's Contest. Thank you all for voting; you did a great job! His picture did win one of ten 1st-place prizes. The puppy won the Grand Prize.I have however been finding myself screaming,"Let's go Moose!""

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-58154136840768669332010-05-07T21:53:00.020-04:002010-05-08T00:47:07.211-04:00

It has been a really long week...The distraction of the Bruster's Contest has been great because my emotions have been spiraling. It all started earlier in the week through a physical scare with Drew. He is fine now, but a severe headache showed that his blood pressure had temporarily gone through the roof. He follows up with the Doctor next week, so if you think about it, please say a little

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-42808443682993528522010-05-03T17:40:00.008-04:002010-05-03T23:04:13.713-04:00

**Read all the way to the end and help us vote for Brock**This past weekend I watched 6 baseball games...'tis the season. I have shared before how I think of Brock so much when I am at the Ball Fields. The beginning of the season catches me off guard every time. Brock was born March 3rd, the start of little league baseball season. He was at the fields as early as 4 weeks old watching his

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-82998675991103147522010-04-16T10:44:00.010-04:002010-04-16T12:24:16.848-04:00

"To Love another person is to see the face of God."Les MiserablesI love that line from the musical, Les Miserables. I am awed when I see God's face in my children. I can't wait for the day when I see Heaven and all God's glory in Brock's face. Until then...I will keep my eyes wide open to look for it here on earth.May your weekend to be filled with glimpses of God........Holy, holy, holy is

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-42676102953708583192010-04-02T18:19:00.006-04:002010-04-02T19:04:19.378-04:00

Amazing LoveHow can it beThat you, my King, would die for me?Amazing LoveI know it's true.And it's my joy to honor you,In all I do, I honor you.words from Chris Tomlin, Amazing Love

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-76365011396643175992010-03-20T15:33:00.013-04:002010-03-20T17:15:47.708-04:00

A few days after she was born, my computer page had this banner:She certainly has changed our world. We are head over heels in love. She has brought pink to every room in our home!When she wears a new outfit, she has caused even big brothers to say in a high-pitched voice, "Aww! She looks sooo cute."She has them wrapped around her finger.Love bridges the gap between their years.She is so easy

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-8879461949851450562010-03-03T15:26:00.013-05:002010-03-03T18:07:20.079-05:00

He would have been 5 today. One Thursday afternoon, while we were having a family time of talking about Brock, Mason said,"I just wish God would send us a picture each year on his birthday so we could see what he looks like."I thought the same thing this morning as I looked through some old pictures. In talking with older moms that had young children die, they told me they always see their

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-75633282511189238372010-02-05T17:43:00.036-05:002010-02-27T23:46:39.620-05:00

It was a crazy Friday Morning.The boys were picked up by a sweet friend and taken to their day of classes. Drew was at his morning Men's Group, then on to an appointment. It was just Lila Jane and me at home. All I had to do was nurse her and get a shower. I had hoped to get this done by 10 am so that I could be first in line at the book signing starting at 11:00.Believe it or not, when Drew

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-43811293193782352562010-01-31T22:04:00.005-05:002010-01-31T22:19:09.191-05:00

The sky was blue,the sun was warm,the air was crisp.The laughter was plenty,the hugs were good,the prayers were many.The tears fell,the friends were there,the memories were sweet.The peace was felt,the love was shared,The boy was missed.The moon is full.God showed Himself in so many ways to us today,Thank you for remembering. Thanks for praying.

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-37333350918597597242010-01-22T16:11:00.017-05:002010-01-22T17:11:50.966-05:00

This weekend is the Polar Bear Run. It has been 2 years since the cutest runner ever was in the field. Some of you may remember me writing about this last year (click here to read). This was the last 'big thing' Brock did before he died days later.We again placed Brockie-Bands in 2,000 bags for the runners and volunteers. We were not sure we would do this again. However, after prayer and

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-41399502143554101952010-01-14T16:01:00.003-05:002010-01-14T16:17:10.174-05:00

It is 4:00 pmon a Thursdayin JanuaryThe memories are floodingI miss him!

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-80222285075238205322009-12-25T19:14:00.016-05:002009-12-25T21:14:54.881-05:00

I love getting all the Christmas Cards in the mail. It is so fun to see the families of friends old and new. Mailing out cards always seems to be a huge check off my list, but I am always so glad I did. The Christmas just before Brock died in January, I was so thankful that I had included a picture of all of us as a family. So many people told me that they kept our card on their refrigerator all

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-63601280396196266142009-12-22T08:08:00.005-05:002009-12-22T08:25:36.641-05:00

Finally got the angel on the tree....All the cards have just been mailed.....First present just purchased on Saturday (still have many to buy)....Guess we've been doing a little too much of this....But then again, can you ever really 'do too much of this'?!Have a Happy Day!

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-68349180391431457702009-12-20T10:17:00.016-05:002009-12-22T08:30:56.416-05:00

Could you read my mind? Have you gotten all the posts I have thought of in my head? I wish I had a USB port from my brain so that every time I sit to nurse I could download all the thoughts I would love to share with you. Thank you for being patient as we all adjust to Lila Jane's schedule. So, if you don't mind, I am going to do quite a bit of "retro-blogging" because there are so many

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-51644148732585206902009-12-09T22:11:00.004-05:002009-12-09T22:29:39.451-05:00

Ever had one of those days where you are completely overwhelmed by God's goodness?!Amazed at His kindness.In awe of His faithfulness.A day where you see the Holy Spirit working out details only He could orchestrate.A day where you are so tired and empty...yet you are sustained from being on a spiritual high.A day where you close it out crying tears of Joy with dozens of people that have prayed

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-59344466433459047872009-11-26T15:43:00.017-05:002009-11-26T16:45:38.766-05:00

Blessing.....Pink Edition.For All Things Pink....Pink Lips...Pink Laundry....Pink Flowers....(The only flowers blooming in our yard right now are pink roses and camellias.)Pink Bows....Pink Smiles...Pink Cards from well wishing friends.....Oh, and who can forget....Pink Christmas Trees.We give you Thanks, Oh Lord!Father, we are tickled pink with your indescribable gift. You are so good! You

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-62982961371488598112009-11-22T20:07:00.013-05:002009-11-23T08:56:18.162-05:00

We have been home now for a week. We are beginning to get into a little routine. Feed Lila Jane, change Lila Jane, and hold Lila Jane. She is very content. Of course, she is never put down.My recovery is going well. I am feeling well. Friends are taking care of us by filling up our Care Calender with meals to bring. I thought I would share a few more photos.Lila Jane came home from the

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-54221688260605703862009-11-11T18:15:00.004-05:002009-11-11T18:36:44.666-05:00

7 pounds, 11 ounces. 20 1/2 inches."Lila Jane" Meadows has entered the world.We will never be the same! We praise the Lord for His goodness. Joy has come!

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-53744226622764580392009-11-11T15:50:00.000-05:002009-11-11T15:51:28.850-05:00

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-3317527677746108502009-11-11T05:00:00.003-05:002009-11-11T05:00:02.260-05:00

This day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10We are claiming this verse for the day. Thank you for joining us in prayer.Nita, Drew and the boys

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-33972514901611647902009-11-10T20:29:00.012-05:002009-11-10T23:40:22.076-05:00

As I woke this morning I thought how the raindrops matched the puddle of tears we cried last night. Since so many of you have prayed for us concerning Brock's room, I wanted to let you know that we did get in there last night. All five of us were in the room. We worked, we cried, we worked some more and we cried some more.We held each other close as we felt the Lord with us. I kept thinking..

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-1570889244759399952009-11-09T23:54:00.006-05:002009-11-10T00:36:39.492-05:00

A funny story. For Barrett's Bible time in school, we are reading through the stories of the Bible. I read from the Bible and then Barrett reads from his Bible Story Book. We were reading the story from 2 Kings 4:8. It is about Elisha and the Shunammite woman. She and her husband extend great hospitality to Elisha. They even go as far as to build him a room on the roof of their house where

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-11937536174537569312009-11-08T21:49:00.008-05:002009-11-08T23:18:27.299-05:00

Pink....or Blue......??We are getting close to knowing. The excitement is building around here. All our emotions are actually in full swing. Drew & I are experiencing grief and joy all at the same time. The intensity lately has been hard to handle. People are still asking if we know what the baby is. While it has been the most photographed(by sonogram) baby we have had, the answer is still...no.

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-17770327243003476772009-10-26T19:50:00.021-04:002009-10-27T12:27:51.607-04:00

A more appropriate title should be, Where Everybody Else in the Family has Been.I have actually been at home while the boys have gone to exciting places around the country and continent. All is well, but I admit, it was a bit too much motion for my 9-month pregnant soul. I can't believe that the date on my last post is October 2. Please tell me today is not the 26th!! I feel as if I should

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-67180942094761887822009-10-02T10:27:00.024-04:002009-10-02T19:02:55.250-04:00

*****Congratulations to Commenter Lyn! She won the necklace from Jennypickle Designs.Currently I am reading Max Lucado's new book Fearless. I am in a small Bible Study Group with some ladies. I was unable to attend on the day we picked the book for our study but chuckled with God when they told me they selected Fearless.Fears...something God has been teaching be about. This summer, I had a

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-15016859392489329002009-09-27T19:48:00.016-04:002009-10-01T21:20:30.254-04:00

A few weeks ago God used another one of His people to encourage me. A sweet friend, Meade, and her two precious girls brought me by a little "happy." She is actually a sorority sister of mine (although I am a few years older) and the wife of a fraternity brother of Drew's. She and her husband, Cale, have been one of many couples that have faithfully prayed for us, supported us and encouraged

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-67466639286430744242009-09-22T21:51:00.008-04:002009-09-23T22:26:48.966-04:00

Today we saw a bright ball in the sky. As we walked toward it, we squinted our eyes as we were not so sure what it was. We longed for it's beaming warmth to touch our skin. We breathed it in deep and then recognized, it was the sun. For the past week, our region has had alarming rainfall. There is no tropical storm causing it. We are under what the meteorologists are calling a "100 year rain."

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-78128955460278868612009-09-18T09:38:00.015-04:002009-09-18T20:30:25.182-04:00

This was a video our church did a couple of months ago when our pastor was doing a sermon on The Family of Faith. I am so thankful for our Family of Faith at our church and especially the "extended" family that God has blessed us with throughout life and this blog.I feel that we are in a place of being very needy again. Believe me when you have received so many blessings from you sweet people

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-28393208572134060762009-09-11T10:38:00.016-04:002009-09-11T18:05:10.881-04:00

Hey y'all! I have been thinking and praying for you a bunch. I am so sorry I have not written lately. I could give you a long list of excuses but basically life has been moving at warp speed. I am still trying to sort out many things like my wide range of emotions. Matter of fact, I have several posts already typed and in my mind BUT I am just not ready to hit the "publish" button yet.I have not

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-50852074092646811392009-08-05T16:48:00.032-04:002009-09-21T17:58:08.945-04:00

***Update: For those of you that told me you couldn't wait to see the rest of the pictures from Hollie's wedding.....they are up on the photographer's blog at Vue Photography. There are two posts here and here so do not miss any of the gorgeous photos*******This past weekend we celebrated the wedding of our niece, Hollie to her man, Wesley. We traveled outside of Athens to a gorgeous place

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-68586028056263454252009-07-14T10:44:00.009-04:002009-07-14T15:05:05.873-04:00

The other day, as Mason and I were riding in the car, we began talking about the baby. We talked about the usual.... what we think it is and what we will name it. We talked for a while and then Mason said, "You know what I think is so cool!? That God gets to pick out exactly what this baby is and what it will look like." While my first thought was to make this a teachable moment about

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-59981893822157061972009-06-22T10:17:00.007-04:002009-06-23T08:32:22.230-04:00

In 2006, we made our annual trip to Burt's Pumpkin Farm. A picture was taken of our family by the father of a my friend Jen. They gave us an edited copy, and it hangs in our mudroom by the backdoor. I love looking at it. Shortly after Brock died, I noticed for the first time that Drew and Brock were holding hands.I got in my mind that I wanted to blow up just that part of the picture for Drew

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-1757027607978254172009-06-18T17:07:00.020-04:002009-06-19T14:07:49.311-04:00

With a heart of thanksgiving I remember this week, last year. We were just returning from a vacation adventure of a lifetime. We loaded up my parent's motorhome with some dear friends, the Smiths. We meandered 4 days across country to Buena Vista, Colorado where we spent a week at Young Life's Trail West Family Camp. Drew and I had started to talk about this trip in the Fall of 2007 (before

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-84504240969306421572009-06-05T17:37:00.001-04:002009-06-06T09:51:33.341-04:00

At the end of 2008, I happened upon this scrapbooking idea of taking a picture a day to create a family album. It was called Project 365 from Becky Higgins. I love to scrap book and have done so in the past but like many, I am very far behind. For all my boys I did a Creative Memories Baby Book of their first year. I had not gotten around to doing Brock's. Now I have the task of not

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-57195091334070471102009-05-12T19:53:00.009-04:002009-05-13T23:14:58.234-04:00

Well, my kids officially finished school today! Summer is here. I am so excited. Since we homeschool, and I have learned from the past, they will do some review work over the summer to keep their skills up.April was extremely busy again. In the days and months after Brock's death, I was completely "out of it". Friends took care of many of my responsibilities as it seemed all I could do was

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-6646046087707508142009-05-03T19:40:00.012-04:002009-11-09T18:29:16.007-05:00

Today, May 3rd, is Drew's 40th Birthday. He was born the youngest of 4 boys. (That is why he felt he always had such a connection with Brock.)Our Pastor's wife, Anne, says that we as wives should think of our husbands as the 4 year old little boy they are on the inside. Although he is a big strong man now, his ego is still as fragile as that 4 year old. She suggested putting a picture of them

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-88252420730270893112009-04-24T16:18:00.014-04:002009-04-25T08:07:09.999-04:00

Thank y'all for your sweet responses to our good news. Every congrats has meant so much. Some of you were even sneaky as you have now let us know that you were secretly praying that the Lord would give us another baby to love. Your words are so precious to us as they have served as confirmation to us that we were not the only ones praying for this child. Our joy is great! However, it seems that

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-10373578803692891732009-04-15T22:31:00.009-04:002009-04-15T23:51:45.550-04:00

Help! I haven't blogged in a while and I don't know where to start.....Hey y'all! I am sorry I haven't posted. I have been thinking about you. God has continued to write His story on our life. It has been fast lately & I have so much to write. Last week we were out of town at the beach. Drew and I led worship and the children's time for the family camp our church does. We had a great time.

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-20634905020110619552009-04-02T11:12:00.008-04:002009-04-02T18:57:49.923-04:00

Late yesterday afternoon we learned that due to the rain from the morning, our baseball games were canceled. In trying to decide what to do with our time we remembered we were considering the music program that our church choir was doing. We did not think that we could because of schedule conflicts and honestly, it was not in our 'new' budget. As Drew and I talked about it we decided we would

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-6573607638967556962009-03-30T13:03:00.013-04:002009-03-30T16:47:54.811-04:00

This morning as I walked into the den the sun was shining so bright through the windows that I could not see. Thank you Lord for the Sun. I am feeling much better. Thank you for praying. I worry sometimes when I write about my feelings that I will come across as depressed. My feelings are usually how I am feeling in my "moments." As time has moved my grief along, my moments have gotten

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-37268014511868760862009-03-27T11:59:00.009-04:002009-03-27T16:38:56.114-04:00

Rainy Days! Several of you have seen me out and told me you were praying for me. Thanks. Why do my emotions seem to darken with the sky? I have struggled with this all through this journey since Brock died. Some days I am hard on myself as I think, "Am I not trusting in the Lord because even though it is dreary outside, I know He is still a beam of Light in my life?" He does not darken or

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-30697971698254020492009-03-21T21:57:00.007-04:002009-03-21T23:29:17.493-04:00

The County has been working on the road that leads to our home this week. They came back to give it the final top coat of asphalt. It reminded me of this talk I gave to our homeschool support group in the fall. I have adapted this post from that talk.The day school got out last year in May 2008, the road leading to our house was destroyed, broken up, all the way down to the dirt. I mean

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-37435490661741335702009-03-14T20:22:00.006-04:002009-03-14T20:44:54.696-04:00

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to {laugh at him} help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:10 {humor added by me}

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-67144737794801631242009-03-12T22:11:00.008-04:002009-03-13T06:35:44.192-04:00

Looks like balloons were not the only thing flying on Brock’s Birthday! Today we received this American Flag that flew over the US Capitol Building in memory of Brock on his birthday. My dear college friend, Beth and her family requested for it to be flown. Thanks Beth! Brock’s Birthday was truly remembered in such special ways. I have seen many flags flying lately as I have been at the ball

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-35363986730180922702009-03-08T22:27:00.013-04:002009-03-09T18:19:13.062-04:00

It was almost 80 degrees here today. We have been outside all weekend, lovin' the spring-like weather. It is hard to believe that last Sunday the kids were so excited to see big white fluffy flakes falling from the sky. Last Sunday we had a light snow beginning around noon. By 2:00pm we had a blanket of snow on the ground. While we were excited, we were a little reserved because Barrett was to be

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-5229453110812283412009-03-05T10:24:00.010-05:002009-03-05T12:50:05.406-05:00

Wow, we were so overwhelmed by your response! I have marveled at the way God took this little idea (in my mind) and used it in so many ways that I never imagined. For, "His plans are always bigger than ours." Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-29554481757525020012009-03-03T22:20:00.007-05:002009-03-03T23:29:30.072-05:00

Thank you so much for your prayers, thoughts, cards, hugs, emails and pictures. They were precious reminders from the Lord of how much He cares for us. Our day was up and down. I must have asked the Lord a thousand times why couldn't Brock just be here for us to celebrate him here. I longed several times for God to just come and take us all to Heaven so that we could all be together. Thinking

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-89997311423769375302009-03-03T12:17:00.010-05:002009-03-03T17:35:56.401-05:00

4 years ago today, at 12:17 pm, God blessed us with our 4th son. Brock came into our lives.So at 12:17, Barrett let go of our first balloon as a family. Then we thanked the Lord for the blessing of Brock's life. In looking back in keepsakes from his birth, I came across a card from our sweet friends, Lee and Beverly Webb. Beverly passed away in October, 2008. She was the first person that we

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-62046121390712680182009-02-28T22:28:00.011-05:002009-03-01T00:17:09.600-05:00

Walking through this grief with my children has held some really sweet but difficult times. I asked the Lord to please show me the way to help them through this valley, pointing them to Him the entire way. I begged Him to please use it for good in their life and not let it leave a deep wound that just festers in their heart. I am trusting Him in His promise to do so.Many times in answering their

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-21611501035790157092009-02-27T18:26:00.007-05:002009-02-28T00:56:02.798-05:00

I began this post a few days ago...... I was writing to tell you I was feeling better.... and then before I could get this published, another wave of my emotions hit. I have often likened my grief to waves hitting on the seashore. Lately there seems to be a storm as the waves are coming one behind the other. Grief is strange in that some days it takes you all the way back to the beginning.

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-18987811631195126042009-02-20T14:17:00.014-05:002009-02-20T17:27:08.144-05:00

You may remember that we received this bird feeder on Day Four of our "12 Days of Christmas". The tag attached read "For Calling Birds." We have so enjoyed seeing the birds come to feed. It was helpful when Mason had to keep a bird log for his Animal Science. Barrett has made it his job to remind his Daddy when they need to refill it with food. Asa has done a good job restraining from 'picking

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-52091091048327274102009-02-14T23:00:00.006-05:002009-02-14T23:12:44.481-05:00

** I have been having a battle with my computer. I accidentally deleted a post just before I was about to publish. I learned there is no way to recover the lost data. Meanwhile, I am trying to re-create the words. I thought today, being Valentine's Day, would be a good day to publish Drew's words about Brock from the funeral service. They are beautiful and a true expression of Love. ***

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-14484033698889792862009-02-04T18:46:00.030-05:002009-02-05T13:51:28.105-05:00

Every time I would think about our plans for last Saturday, January 31st, I would ask God to write and fill in the details. Drew and I talked conceptually about what we wanted for the day but never got a chance to plan out all the tiny details. This is pretty trusting for a detailed person like me. Because I asked God to be so present, I asked him also for eyes to see Him in the details.

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-74727383568864518112009-01-31T22:45:00.005-05:002009-01-31T23:19:36.723-05:00

The final friends have just left around 10pm. I wanted to give a quick update on today. I am so tired and my feet are hurting. I will promise to write more, but I knew there were so many of you praying that I wanted to just give a quick word. The day was beautiful. In all ways, God orchestrated the details. The weather was perfect. I was so thankful that the sun was out as wet dreary days

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-40935832765584125342009-01-29T22:09:00.013-05:002009-01-30T12:54:41.831-05:00

This week I have felt like I have been over and over the events of this time last year. The memories have been so intense and vivid lately. While the 31st is not until Saturday this year, it fell on a Thursday last year. (For those of you wondering why it skipped two days, it is because last year was Leap Year) Today felt a lot like the end of the year in so many strong ways. I found myself

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-51040522242236280152009-01-28T15:38:00.007-05:002009-01-28T16:35:32.360-05:00

Wow! Thank you for praying. I wanted to give you a few updates:First we have been feeling your prayers covering us this week as we approach Saturday. I had two really dark days Monday and Tuesday of this week but am feeling better today. Thanks so much. We need you!Mason has been sleeping through the night with out nightmares since Friday. Praise God! Thank you for praying and praise God

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-17424757413629868402009-01-25T22:10:00.007-05:002009-01-26T00:04:25.106-05:00

Thank you for all your prayers yesterday.God carried us throughout the day. It wasoverwhelming to see so many with the armbands on their wrists (and sometimes ankles).I missed Brock so much all day long! I tried not to stare at little kids about his size as I longed to see him there. God truly used the armbands as a way to redeem this otherwise painful day for us. I have included some pictures

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-6572558831798952652009-01-23T11:39:00.020-05:002010-01-22T17:07:32.708-05:00

Last year this time Brock ran in his first Polar Bear Run.He didn't even learn to walk until he was 16 months old!I now see that as a gift from the Lord because we carried him for almost half his life. He started running shortly after walking, and boy was he fast! He was always paces ahead of us everywhere we went. The boys were so excited to register him for the Polar Bear Run at our church.

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-61884820479486061942009-01-21T22:30:00.004-05:002009-01-21T22:49:09.237-05:00

Hey y'all! I have been thinking a lot lately about all of you sweet people that take the time to read my blog. I pray for you each time I come to my blog. I don't know what situation you may be in the middle of in your life when you read this, but God knows. I pray for who He has that will come across each post. Thank you so much also for your encouraging comments on the blog. They mean so much.

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-60744108235580768312009-01-11T13:36:00.008-05:002009-01-15T19:57:12.790-05:00

I took this video a year ago yesterday. This was a bike that we purchased when Asa, our oldest son, was 2. Since then all the boys have learned to ride a bike on this bike. Last year in January it became time for Brock to learn. The bike had been sitting in the garage with flat tires. Brock had been getting on it and trying to peddle, but of course it would not go anywhere. I mentioned to

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-9274462559491252082009-01-01T20:48:00.009-05:002009-01-01T23:34:40.459-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I must admit that I like so much to cross off things from a To Do list that I sometimes will write something on my list that I have done just so I can cross it off. Well, in that vain, I resolved to learn to cut hair in 2009...Check/Done. Every time I pay money for someone to cut my boys' hair, I always think, "I could do that!" I don't know why. I respect the ability

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-42025112747948648582008-12-26T11:32:00.008-05:002008-12-26T22:54:40.158-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. We felt them. From early morning messages to an email received just before going to bed, God used His people once again to cover us. We felt His presence all day long. I found myself on Christmas morning not focusing on Jesus and His birth but on God, His Heavenly Father. Earlier in December when we attended our church's Christmas memorial service for Brock, our pastor

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-84547113383903270052008-12-24T16:23:00.007-05:002008-12-25T00:36:14.289-05:00

As I prayed for God to take me straight through these holidays, I asked him also to open my eyes to something new about Him this season. So before I go and finish the last minute preparations, I wanted to slow down and think about what He has shown me. Nothing too profound here - just some ramblings about what He's been teaching me. Never before have I been so keenly aware of Christmas. The

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-67392277016857723662008-12-23T13:39:00.002-05:002008-12-23T14:35:21.832-05:00

Sunday afternoon about 5pm we went to a friend's neighborhood where they were putting on a nativity play in her driveway. The kids were so precious. At the end she had a neighbor speak. This was his second Christmas to celebrate knowing Jesus as his Savior. He was such a blessing to hear.Around 6pm our neighbors and "elves" the McWhorter's called and said there was some activity going on at

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-86337935494754464382008-12-22T10:36:00.001-05:002008-12-22T10:40:54.047-05:00

Yesterday afternoon our neighbor "elf" friend, Grady brought over this gift. It was a CD featuring Violins and Panpipes. I don't know where our friends find such neat things? This morning I turned the CD on while I was getting ready for the day. The music is beautiful. All instrumental. The panpipes, flutes and violins are haunting, piercing, captivating and soothing all in one. It was

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-855388966947516442008-12-20T22:24:00.013-05:002008-12-21T14:32:13.096-05:00

So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land,a land flowing with milk and honey Exodus 3:8Eight Maids of Milking came with a $25 dollar gift card to Bruster's and Two Cartons of our favorite Chocolate Milk. This is quite a treat. I haven't bought the chocolate milk in a long time. Before Brock died it was a

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-89242795145700194222008-12-18T21:22:00.011-05:002008-12-19T11:00:36.157-05:00

Wednesday night when we got home, we found Day 7 on our front porch. At first we thought that we were singing the song wrong when we saw the swans a swimming, but then we saw the Day 7 verse. We weren't sure what to do, but the kids decided to "dive" right in. This package included three of the nicest snorkels I've ever seen and then 5 passes for us to go to the Aquatic Center to swim. The kids

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-92149603286086403112008-12-17T09:29:00.006-05:002008-12-17T09:46:04.548-05:00

Last night while I was out rounding up the kids, Drew was at home. The dogs were up so they did not bark. He said "I was just out there and then the next thing I knew the bag was on the front porch." So sneeky!! What wonderful friends we have. This morning we enjoyed the 5th day of Christmas we received last night. Bagels!! But he knows the way that I should take: when he has tested me, I

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-84057429686017132352008-12-16T13:41:00.010-05:002008-12-17T09:28:24.208-05:00

Here is what we got last night.Isn't that so clever. We have a bird feeder hanging out side our Kitchen Window. We can't wait to hang this new pretty red one. All year long each time we look at it we will remember the kindness of the Lord in the friends He has blessed us with.

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-61715513973235401912008-12-14T21:09:00.012-05:002008-12-16T18:40:16.613-05:00

I am working on another blog, but before it is finished, I wanted to share what our sweet and clever friends are up to. Friday night while we were out at a 70's Sunday School Party (you'll hear more about that later), someone delivered a partridge in a pear tree on our door step, along with this note:Of the days of Christmas there are known to be twelve;the reason for this we are not going to

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-91263123170829555442008-11-24T23:11:00.005-05:002008-11-24T23:25:07.992-05:00

A funny little story about Barrett:About a month ago we took him into the Dr.'s office for a sore on his head. The doctors thought it was ringworm. They said you can get it from cats. We don't have a cat. I then began thinking a funny thought of what woman, that owns a cat, had touched Barrett's hair? Everyone finds his curly blonde head hard to not touch. Anyway, it turned out not to be ringworm

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-81028800843708869052008-10-31T17:00:00.006-04:002008-10-31T23:20:01.382-04:00

October 31st. Yes it is Halloween yet it also marks 9 months to the day since I kissed and held my little Brockie. While I would love to sit down and have a pity party, I decided to publish this post I have been working on for a while. I find when I am down it is good for me to find something I am thankful for in my life. So, this post is about YOU. Yes, all of you reading this.I often ask

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-376725108672909432008-10-19T18:20:00.008-04:002008-10-19T22:40:16.399-04:00

Hey y'all, I'm still here.I am just trying to come out from under the piles I've been cleaning. Last week while we were on fall break, I set it aside as time to do some much needed purging to improve the environment of our home. I guess I should be thankful that these things are beginning to bother me again. So many things didn't seem to matter in those months close to Brock's death.I have

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-81866118046381965792008-10-03T12:45:00.007-04:002008-10-16T18:20:00.035-04:00

On Wednesday, we loaded our oldest son, Asa, up on my parents' motorhome for a trip of a lifetime. He is traveling to North Dakota to go hunting and fishing with his Daddy Curt and Mema. While we always hoped Asa would get a chance to go one year, we were unaware this would be the year until Tuesday. Just when we needed, God provided at such a time. Asa adores my parents. Since Asa himself is

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-78312136725081661442008-09-30T21:45:00.002-04:002008-09-30T21:45:00.200-04:00

Being the Southern girl that I am, I would be amiss if I did not make reference to the Georgia Bulldogs whoopin' by the Alabama Crimson Tide. It was ugly. We were there with the boys all dressed in black for the Blackout. With the boys' own football schedules, we knew that this would be the only game that we could attend. We had planned it for awhile.As last week came to a close, I found

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825927383369693292.post-52833661675374687572008-09-26T18:05:00.002-04:002008-09-26T21:23:06.132-04:00

Welcome! I thank you for loving us enough to come and check this out. I feel this is the strangest place to find myself. Maybe some of you feel the same. I didn't even know what a blog was until several months ago. Then when I felt God leading me to begin this blog, He used the body of Christ, His word and His Holy Spirit to encourage me. One night while talking with my good friend, Jenifer

Nita Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13569255177553277470noreply@blogger.com12