Jack knows her as Ancee

Although I usually write fun stories about Jack and the happenings in his world, I would like to interrupt the usual Jack news feed to tell you happenings elsewhere on the family tree.

Most of you know the many talents of my sister-in-law Claire but for those of you who don't, here is what she has been up to lately:

Claire was recently featured in the 2008 UAB Annual Nursing Report: Pursuing Our Vision. In the opening message the Chief Nursing Officer states "There are numerous stories of exemplary UAB nurses who have pursued that vision with determination and grace. To tell them all would require volumes. Therefore, we have selected a few to share. Take a moment and read these stories, this review of our year."

Claire was distinguished for her work on the Bereavement Care program of the HTICU (Heart Transplant Intensive Care Unit). It is quite an honor to be highlighted in such a positive way. Although the Bereavement Care program is just one part of her service that brings recognition from UAB it is Claire's own words that make us proud. Perhaps the best part of the article is when Claire is quoted: "I know this is the work I'm supposed to be doing. I'm doing the right work for the right reason at the right time."

By being happy where God has placed her and using the talents He has given her, she maintains a Godly witness to the patients and families that pass through the doors of the HTICU. This is the real honor of this achievement. ^{Matthew 25:23} "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Although you don't like public recognition, I am very proud of you Claire!

- John

You can read the full report on the uabnursing.org website by clicking here: http://www.uab.edu/images/healthsys/nursing/Nursing_Report_08LowRes.pdf

My vegetables must be happy in their new home.

Cucumbers




















Radishes (or carrots . . . I can't remember)

















The first tomato!

Garden Weekend 2009

The garden has been planted . . . let the fun begin!

Claire came over this weekend to help me plant my four raised beds with vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. Jack loved every minute of it. John and I set up a sandbox next to the garden thinking that Jack would entertain himself while I worked in the garden. What were we thinking?! He wants to be where the action is! He has showed no interest in the sandbox but lots of interest in the plants and top soil . . . I think I have found my gardening buddy.

If I had a nickel for every Discovery I have heard about . . .

Those of you who know John know of his love of cars. He subscribes to car magazines, his favorite tv show is Top Gear on BBC America. He watches the Barrett-Jackson car auction on TV and constantly drives through car lots just to see what is for sale. But there is one car that has been at the top of his list for a while now.

For the past five years, John has been patiently looking for a pre-owned Discovery to buy. For those of you who have seen Gone in 60 Seconds, this is John's Elenor. We have been lost in Atlanta, sung the blues in Memphis and searched all over Birmingham and Mobile in search of the perfect one. I think we even saw Elvis in Tupelo . Frankly, I never thought he would find the one. Then out of the blue, he finds a well taken care of 2004 model in the perfect shade of Giverny green. So he bought it!

As for plans for John's other car, his grandfather's 1986 Mercedes, don't think for a minute he is planning on selling it. It is now occupying the prized space in our one car garage. John has plans to keep it forever. I think that it will be his and Jack's project car for weekends in the garage tinkering, piddling, fixing, polishing and cleaning.

Jack, who has inherited his dad's obsession with cars, approves after a thorough inspection.

And as for the one that started the Land Rover craze in the first place. This is the 1997 Discovery that John had in college and has missed since he sold it.

Happy Monday Everyone!

Doing a jig

While we were in Mobile over Palm Sunday weekend, Gigi taught Jack his first dance move. He's not quite ready to audition for Riverdance (see website below), but hopefully it will entertain the Jack and Family blog readers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W22gpBv00gg

Zoom Zoom

Jack has really picked up some speed on his trike lately. I will be in the kitchen working on dinner and hear him racing through the house--stopping every now and then to ring the bell, of course! If you look closely in this video, you can see him peeking under the table at us. Megan is less than impressed.

Happy Easter!

Easter morning . . .

sun shining, Easter outfits, church, worship the Risen Lord, handbells ringing, packed pews, lots of pictures, Easter lunch, key lime pie, Easter basket, CANDY!


Easter afternoon . . .

Thunderstorms, naps all around.

Matthew 28:6 "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." Praise be to God!

Easter Egg Hunt no. 2

Easter Eggs and the Easter Bunny

Just as I thought . . . Jack is terrified of the Easter Bunny. We went to the church today for the Easter Egg Hunt and our children's minister, who Jack loves, was dressed up as the Easter Bunny. Jack took one look at her and burst into tears! It took 10 minutes before he would let go of me. He did eventually come around and had a great time looking for eggs and eating cake. We are going to one more egg hunt tomorrow. I'm not sure if the Easter Bunny will be there . . . we'll keep our distance.

Like father like son...

Like father like son. He's been playing with this for 30 minutes.

Biking [Part 2]

Always check your tire pressure before you ride.

Let's go biking!

Jack and Paige are having a great time in Mobile.  Jack spent most of the morning playing in the garage with his granddad Osh.