Over the weekend, I got to spend a little time at my friend Janelle's house. I gotta tell ya, it was a treat. They are doing so well. The house is beautiful. Her flower garden is.....well...... I can't even describe it. Even the words "flower garden" aren't enough to describe what she has created there. It is beautiful. It's like stepping into a welcoming garden somewhere in England. Truly stunning. I wish that I had a picture. Her girls are precious. They are growing up so fast and I don't get to see them nearly enough. Her husband was in the kitchen (which, by the way, is laid out in such a way, that would inspire ANYONE to break out the pots and pans!), making an amazing dish from Bon Apetite. It was just really nice. It was truly wonderful to see how things have worked out for her. They really have a nice family. I do wish that we lived closer together.

Austin is doing so well in baseball. I mean it. He's good. For the next 2+ weeks, he will be on cloud 9! Missing all of this All Stars stuff is absolutely killing Race. Thomasina came out to the ballpark to take a few photos for me. She is looking quite stunning these days , sporting a new hair-doo, and all tanned up for the islands!

Jackson is missing Race. He seems a little lost. I am afraid that this is an empty space that I just can't fill. He sees Austin and Savannah really narrowing down their interests, and he wants to get in on the "fame". He is struggling to grab a little glory. He needs his Dad to help him out here. Race understands Jack, because he WAS Jack, growing up. They are so similar in the way that they approach life. I'm not sure that I know what to do here. His little life is being shaped and molded.....without his Dad around right now. Kinda scary.

We all miss Race terribly. Our phone conversations are in 2-3 minute bursts. Race will be home to see the beginning of the All-Stars Tournament, but only for 3 days and then gone for at least another month.....to a place that we cannot follow. The rest of the year isn't looking very promising either. It is beginning to feel a lot like a brick wall.

I can't wait to talk to Savannah, and find out how things are going with her. I am sure that she is having a great time at Mam-maw and Pap-paws house. Please keep my Mom in your prayers, as her back is really giving her trouble, and any bending or lifting just aren't options for her right now. Very frustrating, I'm sure.

I have blabbed on way past my bed time. Y'all have a great Wednesday!
Melissa