Rowell, party of six.

So, I have a lot of catching up to do.

We still don't have internet at home, something about the modem.  But, we are mooching off someone's wireless.  Is that stealing?  I would gladly pay them if I knew where it was coming from, ha!  The week before we left Atlanta, I got to spend a lot of sweet time with friends.  One dear friend, Wendy (one of my roommates from college), came over to see me, and she brought this precious bundle of love with her.  Lincoln Justice Rowell, fourth son to my dear friend.  I gladly welcome her to life as a party of six!  Lincoln was born while we were in Hattiesburg for a visit back in August, so I sadly missed his birth.  Oh, how thankful I was to have finally met this little guy.  I was even more thankful to spend some sweet time with his precious mommy.  

Thank you, sweet friend, for coming to spend some time with me.  It blessed my heart more than you will ever know.  Thank you, Lincoln, for letting me hold you and love on you!  I hope to do it again real soon before you grow up too fast and think you're too cool for sugars.  

Our first week.

Our first week in Mississippi has been wonderful. I have a full blog post coming soon with all the wonderful details. Let's just say it involves new schools, karate, corn, Awana, UGA, my new best friend - #gps, and Hardy Street. Lots going on for our party of six! The only pictures I have access to right now are on my phone. Here's a picture of our new church taken last night. I just love the big steeple against the bright, blue sky. One of my dear friends made this comment about my picture: here's the church, here's the steeple, open the doors, and see all the O'Dells!

And this picture is mainly for the grandparents. My mom lets me know when I've taken too long to post pictures of our main attractions. One of the four's not bad, right?

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Wordless Wednesday.

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Moving day.

Early Thursday morning this big truck showed up at our house. The two gentlemen got our entire house boxed up in a day. Oh how thankful we are for their help!

This morning they came to load it up. How surreal it is to walk through our almost empty house. Several sweet friends have stopped by to check out the progress and visit.

It's hard to believe that in just two more days we will depart for Hattiesburg and begin a new journey with our party of six. We are thankful for our time here, for we have learned a lot. We are excited about what is next for our family, for we are hopeful to draw closer to the One who knows our every step.

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Girls' night out!

This week has been full of sweet, sweet moments with some very special people, and it ain't over yet!  Our new church in Hattiesburg has given us a huge gift, and I doubt they even know it.  They provided the gift of movers to pack all of our stuff.  What!  It has been such a gift.  Mostly, because we get to do the more important thing.  Be with people.  Every day and night this week, we have had time to spend with special people in our lives, and I have loved it!  I haven't had to worry about packing boxes with lots of little ones underfoot, and it has been the sweetest gift to just be with people I love.  

Monday night was the first of many get togethers this week, and it ranks up there with one of the funnest nights I've ever had with friends.  My precious friends from college planned a surprise get together at the Cheesecake Factory in Atlanta.  It was the most fun!  At the end of the night, my cheeks hurt from laughing so much!  What fun!  Here I am with two of my roommates from college, and I will certainly miss doing life with these ladies.  

Here's the group of us after supper and yummy dessert.  It was awesome because my all time favorite cheesecake is seasonal, and they only carry it in the fall and winter months, pumpkin pecan cheesecake.  It's all the yummy gooeyness of a pecan pie on top and underneath pumpkin cheesecake.  One word, ohmygoodness!

I added this picture for the memory.  You will notice my friend, Julie, is cutting her eyes in the other direction.  It's because we put my camera on self-timer, and there was a lady standing there who was not happy with us for having to wait!  

We totally did the wedding thing where we all took pictures together.  This is my precious friend, Christina.  We met the summer before my freshman year at UGA on Chrysalis, which is a youth retreat I went on in Savannah.  She was one of the workers that weekend, and we just really hit it off.  That fall, when I got to Georgia, she just really ministered to my heart and took me under her wing for the entire year.  My first day of classes, she waited on me outside every class, and showed me where to go next, what a labor of love!  The campus is huge, and the bus system is overwhelming, so I was forever grateful.  We have remained friends over the years, and it's like she knows when I need a friend, and she calls or texts at just the right time.  Love her.  

This is my sweet friend, Twila.  Oh, how I love her!  Look at that smile.  Twila and I met my freshman year, her sophomore year.  One of my favorite memories is going to her parent's house for Christmas parties.  The Ellisons know how to throw down for sure.  Her sweet momma went home to be with Jesus this year, and my heart just aches for my friend and her family.  Twila's smile is the same as her mother's, so I feel like I'm seeing Mrs. E. every time I see Twila smile.  

Wendy.  We lived together for 3 years at UGA.  I met Wendy in the fall of my freshman year at BSU, now BCM.  Do you ever just meet someone and think, I really want to be her friend?  That's Wendy.  I knew the instant I met her that we would be forever friends, and I'm so thankful we are.  She has been at the hospital when all 4 of my children have been born.  Wendy just had her fourth little boy last month, and I got to meet him this week, too!  Don't worry, there's a post just for him coming.  

Julie.  We met my Freshman year and spent lots of time together traveling to see the dawgs play.  I have so many fun memories of away games with Julie.  Something special about her, Julie's brother went to college in Hattiesburg and played football at USM (University of Southern Mississippi).  Now, it's my understanding that one cannot live in Hattiesburg and not cheer for USM, so my sweet friend got her parents to get me and my family our very own tailgating cups! So precious!

Kristy.  I'm not sure which year we met in college, but I have a couple of memories that involve this precious girl.  She can sing.  Oh, how she can sing.  It's amazing how someone so little can produce such big notes!  Kristy ministered to my heart when Tilly went through her surgery at 3 months.  She prayed for me and sent me regular encouraging emails and messages during that season of uncertainty.  Kristy and her husband, Keith, have 3 A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E girls from Guatemala.  

Mary Katherine.  I met her Freshman year when she was at another SEC school, which I'm unable to type, but we are so thankful that she got right with the Lord and left her war eagle days behind to call the dawgs.  Wendy introduced the two of us, and we lived together for 3 years at UGA.  I was friends with Mary Katherine's husband, Trent, before her, so I just love her whole family dearly.  She is a constant encouragement to me, and it will be hard knowing that she's not just down the road.  Thank goodness for cell phones!  

Christina and Twila.  

Wordless Wednesday.

Amazing grace.

This week has been a whirlwind of getting ready to start our life in a new place, saying goodbye to friends and family, and trying to keep our routine as normal as possible for the sake of the children.  Oh the emotions I am experiencing!  I have many blog posts running through my mind of things I want to remember.  Sunday is a day I never want to forget.  I had the blessing of worshiping with my mom, grandmother, sister's family, and a dear, dear friend.  My pew was packed; it was awesome!  

I knew it would be an emotional day saying goodbye to my family, but I was not prepared.  The very first song we sang Sunday morning was Amazing Grace.   What a sweet song, with so many memories attached to it.  I was standing beside my grandmother worshiping, when I realized that she was crying.  And she never cries.  Never.  The last time I remember her crying was when I moved away to Arkansas.  For the remainder of the song, I held her hand, rubbed her gnarled fingers with my own, and listened to the words of the song, unable to sing only to stand in silent worship.  I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.  Isn't that how it's going to be in heaven?  Worshiping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with family and loved ones.  Oh, how I long for that day!  

Somehow, we made it through the rest of the songs.  In fact, I couldn't even tell you what they were.  I was just ever aware of this special time of worshiping with my mom, grandmother, sister, and friend.  I don't know if I will ever get the chance to worship with all of them this side of heaven again, and that's okay.  It's okay because there is the hope of something more and there's a peace that accompanies that hope.  Until then, I am so very grateful for a time to worship with my family once more before we move. 

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.
The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.
When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

Calling.

For those of us who are believers, most things in life come down to a calling, at least I have found that to be true for me.  I was called to Him, called to be a bulldawg, called to be a teacher, called to be a wife, called to be a mom, called to serve, called to love, called to ministry.  On September 23, 1997, David was called to ministry.  After David and I had been married for just a couple of years, God clearly called us to leave our current ministry position in Marmaduke, Arkansas.  He didn't really tell us where He wanted us to go either, so we moved in with my mom for a few months (gasp - it really wasn't that bad, she's pretty cool) until we left for MFUGE in Nashville.  While we were there, God clearly called us to seminary and not just any seminary, but New Orleans Seminary.  Here's what you need to know.  We did not want to go to seminary, and if we went to seminary, we did not want to go to seminary in New Orleans.  Here's something else that might be new information to you, God has a serious sense of humor!  Don't you love that about Him?  I love to think of Him laughing with me and even at me, sometimes.  Here's the thing, too.  He knows better than us, doesn't He?  Why do I know this?  Because we loved, I mean we really loved New Orleans and seminary.  Loved it!  After leaving seminary, God called us to Atlanta, where David served as a MIR (minister in resident, kind of like a doctor, but not really) at First Baptist Atlanta.   After that one year internship, He called us to Sandy Plains Baptist Church and from there, He called us to First Baptist Church Austell.  After being at First Baptist Austell for almost four years, the Lord has once again called us.  To this place.  

Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  

My only recollection of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, prior to this summer was traveling through there from Arkansas to the beach.  I'm hoping we get to see lots of friends who make that same trek each summer once we become residents. I digress. Last spring, David was contacted by a church in Hattiesburg.  Two weekends ago, David was called to be their senior pastor.  What an honor!  So, our party of six, will move a week from today from our home in Austell to our new home in Hattiesburg.  

We will be welcomed by our new church family at Hardy Street Baptist Church officially on Sunday, October 23, my grandmother's birthday.  One thing about when God calls you is that if you love Him and desire to obey Him, you have to answer that call.  Sometimes, answering a call means change and saying good-bye to people you love, but it also means the hope of something new and peace in having an obedient heart.  We are humbled by this newest calling He has placed on our family, and yet, we are confident He will be with us every single step of the way.  He promised.  

"The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it."

1 Thessalonians 5:24 

How we told the children.

Here are the fab four last Sunday, after church. I mean seriously, how cute are they?  They have no idea what's about to happen.  They just know that we told them to go inside and have a seat on the couch for a family meeting.  I know I have not shared the story of our calling, but it's taking me longer to write.   In the mean time, here's how we told the children.  

David and I kept looking at each other as if to say, "Are you going to tell them? I'm not going to tell them, you tell them!" Ha! Don't you love that after you've been with someone for so long that you can read their mind and communicate without words?  Anyway, I told them.  I told our four little people that  sometimes in life God asks you to do something.  Something big.  And that when God asks us to do something, anything we must obey.  I told our four little people that God was asking our family to move to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and that we were being obedient and leaving in just a few weeks.  I told them that they were going to go to a new school, meet new friends, have a new church family, and that we were going to have two bathrooms.  The two bathrooms may or may not have sealed the deal for them.  Since that time, we have read Genesis 12 more than once and talked at length about how God called Abram to move his family and all of his belongings to a new land.  We are just really thankful God told us where we were going before we left!  Currently, we are praying for their tender, little hearts that this would be a smooth transition for them, that they would quickly meet new friends, that they would love their new school, that they would quickly feel at home in our new church, and that God (who knows them and loves them even more and even better than we do) would use this special event in our life to reveal more about Himself to them.  

Wordless Wednesday.

This is really happening!

Yes, it's for real, and as with most things, there's definitely a story to go with it.  And as with most stories, there are sad and happy parts.  I can't wait to share more later.  

When I grow up . . .

Today all the boys and girls in Summer's class dressed up for career day. All week in school, the children have been talking about community helpers and jobs. One of Summer's favorite let's pretend games is cooking and serving, usually coffee and diet coke, ha!

Thanks to Juie and little sister, Tilly, sharing we had this adorable apron and accessories.

Summer was so very excited to wear her "cooker" costume to school today! I think she looks like a brunette Strawberry Shortcake.

Now, David and I will be proud of our children in whatever career path they choose. Our prayer is for them to work at it with all their little hearts and to honor the Lord in the process.

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Location:FBC Powder Springs

Wordless Wednesday.

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Location:Mama's house.

Carter and Summer's yearly check ups.

Today, I took Carter and Summer for their yearly checkups with Dr. G.  I cannot believe how fast these little people are growing.  I forgot my camera, but thank goodness for the iPhone!

I snapped this picture of the two of them while we were waiting to be seen.  I love how much they love each other and hope they will always be so close.  Pity the boy and girl that comes between these two, ha!  

Carter insisted that Summer go first, since she's a lady and all.  We are raising him right, are we not?  But, since I put Carter's picture first I will give his stats.  He weighs 45lbs., 75%.  He is 46 1/4in., 95%. Carter is continuing to stay right along his curve, so we are thankful to hear that.  In addition to his measurements, he had a vision test, which he ranked 20/25, which is great.  Heart, lungs, ears, eyes, and everything looked great.  He also did a urinalysis and a blood test, and he was such a champ for both of those.  I was amazed.   Oh, how thankful we are for healthy children.  

Summer weighs 47lbs., 97%.  She is 45 1/4 in., way, way, way off the chart.  More off the chart than she was at 3.  Our girl is going to be TALL!  Summer had a vision and hearing test.  She did very well on the hearing test, but not so great on the vision, so we have been recommended to see an optometrist to have her eyes checked.  One eye checked in at 20/40 and the other 20/50, not so great.  I'm wondering how much is willfulness and how much is accurate.  I will be so interested to see.  She did not want to do the test, and the nurse had to come get me to *help* Summer understand the importance of the vision screening.  Now, my husband has very poor eyesight, so we are certain at least one of our children will need glasses, ha!  Overall, Summer is in great health, and we could not be more thankful.  Dr. G. was most impressed with her good manners and mature nature.  Don't you love it when people compliment your children?  Oh, how it warms my mommy heart.  Now, all four O'Dell children are checked up and caught up on screenings and immunizations for another year.  How thankful we are!

Saturday, in the park.

We spent part of our Saturday playing at the park. I took these adorable pictures of the children, well 3 of them because Tilly was in a not having her picture made mood. I couldn't resist sharing because they are so stinking cute.

Carter actually asked to have his picture taken. I think he knew I was bummed Tilly wouldn't let me take her picture! What a sweetheart!

King or Queen of the mountain?

I heart this picture of Story so much! My girl loves to play! Thankful for the beautiful weather and for a fun day with my family.

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Wordless Wednesday.

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Saturday in Athens.

One of the many things I love about my husband is his sense of adventure and spontaneity.  He enjoys flying by the seat of his pants when it comes to doing fun things for our family.  Today, he certainly didn't disappoint.  After negotiating the time it could take me to get ready, we dressed our party of six in our game day red and headed out the door.  Carter is so like me, and he likes to know what we are doing when and for how long.  David was just full of surprises today.  With my nose in a book and my awfully embarrassing sense of direction, I had no idea where we were headed until we were well on our way down 316, the road between Atlanta and Athens.  When I looked up, he grinned and said, "We are meeting you mom at Rafferty's in Athens at 11:30."  What, two of my favorites in one day, and my mom, too!  So fun!  

T's little bulldawgs!
After a yummy lunch, we headed down Atlanta Highway to see where the dawgs play!  It was so much fun to drive through campus and see the flags flying, hear the dawgs being called, and gaze upon a sea of red and black.  Now, if only we'd had 6 tickets to the game, it would have been perfect.  Not.  I don't think we are quite ready to take our party of six between the hedges.  Definitely one day.  In the meantime, I'm perfectly content to call the dawgs with my family from the comfort of our home.  We've been practicing our dawg calling all week in the car to and from school.  It sounds pretty great!
Gooooooooooo, dawgs!  Sic 'em!  Woof!  Woof!  Woof!  Woof!

The Help.

August 10, 2011, I went with this pretty lady to see this awesome movie.  Rarely do I go to movies, there's just not much time for that, but this was one I could not wait to see.  Now, reading is something I do and do a lot.  There's always time to curl up with a good book.  That's what naps are for, right?  I read The Help last year before Story was born and could. not. put. it. down.  Seriously!  It was that good.  Definitely one of the best books I have ever read, and the movie did not disappoint.  I think it is one I will watch over and over and over, kind of like Sweet Home Alabama.  Thank you, David, for watching the children, so I could have a girl's night out with my friend.  Y'all, I was out past midnight!  I haven't done that since college!  Thank you, Emily, for insisting we go see this movie.  I can think of no other person I would have rather seen it with than you.  

I will leave you with a quote from Aibileen, one of my favorite characters:

You is kind, you is smart, you is important.  

P.S. If you haven't seen it, go.  If you haven't read the book yet, do that first!

Wordless Wednesday.

Tilly's 3 year check-up.

Today Tilly had her 3 year check up with Dr. G. Tilly now weighs 32 pounds placing her in the 60th percentile, and she is 38 1/2 inches tall placing her in the 80th percentile. Heart, lungs, ears, nose, and eyes all look great! She is all caught up on vaccines, so we got the flu mist and were on our way. We are so very thankful for a happy and healthy 3 year old!

Little sister tagged along with us on this visit, so I had to snap a picture of them together!

Thank you, Dr. G, for always being such an encouragement to our family. You make us feel like the best parents ever!

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