Levi & Britt"s First Home!!

Here is Levi and Britt's first home! Isn't it beautiful? They have already started fixing the lawn, pruning hedges (they have a ways to go with that task), and cleaning the inside. It has a pecan tree, an apple tree, and Aunt Carol came by yesterday and told them that there is also a pear tree in the back yard. They also have magnolias, crepe myrtles, hydrangeas, and a 6 ft tall rose bush! I am not kidding, it is 6ft tall! Levi says the nandinas will have to go! It has a homey feel to it already.

The kitchen will be decorated with a Tuscan theme. Brittany fell in love with Tuscany while she was in Italy this past month. The guest room will be masculine with an outdoors theme. I believe Levi's trophy buck has been assigned to this room. The living room will be rustic, leather furniture and such. The main bathroom will be sunny and have a "beachy" feel to it with light blues and yellows. Like Jeff Foxworthy said, "I've never seen a toilet on the beach, but give a woman a sea shell and it's going in the bathroom!" The master bedroom is a beautiful shade of green, a bit darker than sage. The furniture is black and the colors will be jewel tones.

We are waiting on the USMC to help set the wedding date! Levi should get his orders for his summer training @ June's drill weekend. He will hopefully be going to Ala for training, 6 weeks worth, beginning sometime in August. They want an October wedding.

I love listening to their stories! Levi has the patience of his Grandfather and Great-Grandfather Burrell, (okay, and ME!). While they were at the house yesterday he asked Britt to start packing the former owner's stuff. He said, "Why don't you put some of that stuff in those boxes?" Brittany was like, "Darlin', I can't pack his stuff! That would be rude!!" They were so happy to have been able to cut their own grass and clean their own bathrooms ; ). I am trying to remember when I felt that way. I'll write a post about it when I do...don't hold your breath! Just kidding, I count my blessings everyday for the home GOD has blessed us with.

Well I gotta go...love all of you!!

Graduation 2008!

Wow! Our baby-girl Ansley has graduated! She has been a part of our life since she was born...she is bubbly, kind-hearted, has her father"s mischieveousness, her mother's sense of humor, and Jesus in heart! I have loved watching her grow up from the little tyke running around the condo in Fla screaming as her Daddy chased all the little guys with a video camera, the burping contests between her and my boys, (Cody has been reprimanded several times over the years for her burps..."But Mom, I didn't do it, Ansley did!"). The first love, the first heartbreak, and the realization of what real love is not. We were together the night she recieved her letter from Shorter telling her she had won a $5,000/yr scholarship!! WOW! And the night before she left for her senior trip I was as nervous for her as if she were my own daughter. She is a beautiful young lady with a beautiful future!

Lacie and Ansley

Levi & Britt Closed on a House!!

Yes it is official!! Levi and Britt are homeowners!! I couldn't help but take pictures : )
Ken Guice, the loan officer, laughed and said in all his years, this was the first time a closing was captured with a camera! WOW! My little boy is a homeowner :~). God has blessed us beyond measure!!!

Quick Catch-up!

Levi and Britt are "closing" on Wednesday on their first home!!! We are so proud and excited for them! Levi and I were sitting on the couch Sunday morning and I asked him, "So, what's going to be your first project on your new home?" It felt so weird to ask him that question...our son has his own home! After the closing and it is officially their's, I'll post some pictures.

Lacie goes to meet with her advisor at SPSU on Wednesday to plan her schedule for the Fall! This will be the first of many meetings for them ;~). She is very happy about starting this part of her life, but it's the day's she is with a family-friend helping with the babies that she is her happiest. I know she is going to be the best Mama ever, one day!

Cody has his first job! My last child has his first job!!! He went to work last Thursday and one of the two bosses spoke to him then Cody started helping a customer. The other boss came in and said, "Cody, today's your day off!" Cody responded by saying, "Oh yeh, well I'll finish up with this cusomer and then head home." I thought that showed a really good work ethic, he didn't just leave the customer to someone else, he finished what he had started. He also made a 110/100 on his biology portfolio!! And HE did all the work! I only had to help him edit a few paragraphs and that was only to keep subject matter flowing smoothly.

Well, keep us in your prayers...

My Baby Girl

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I am so happy to have my Baby Girl home for the summer! These are a few pictures of her with her life-long friends. She is so happy these days. I love getting to sit and just talk. She is learning so many "capenter" lessons this summer working with her Uncle Junior, some more painful than others : )

Junior has given her much encouragement regarding her new major. He told her that if she could look at a set of blue prints and see what the building is going to look like, then she will be able to do Construction Engineering. She comes home every day with a story of what happened at work and she is so exited and smiling!

But regardless of what her major in college is, or what her career may be, in her heart she really only wants to be a wife and mother. In my opinion that is the highest calling a woman could have. And one day, in God's time, she will realize this dream. Pray with me for her that God will direct her path and give her peace and affirmation of His will for her life. She is so precious to her Daddy and me...and her to her brothers. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

The Future Mrs. Smith

The Future Mrs. Smith, a.k.a. Britt, is in ITALY!! She called Levi this morning. I can't wait to hear all her stories and see her pictures of the country side and quaint towns. She has been preparing for this trip for a year now. I remember when she just mentioned to us that there was a study abroad class. She didn't seem to interested at the time. I think the idea seemed too big at the moment. But she changed her mind and everything has fallen into place for her. Her Mama and Daddy are so good to her. We miss her smiles and funny stories and the energy she brings into the room everytime she walks in. Please pray for her safety, health and wisdom.

They haven't heard from the bank lately concerning their house. It is the cutest home, just the right size for a young couple. And the yard is welcoming and makes me feel the way I remember feeling when I would come to visit my Grandparent's in "the country". Now that seems like a lifetime ago ;~)

Britt if you get a chance to read this post while you are in ITALY...know that we love you and miss you and are praying for you while you are away!

Wedding Idea...Britt...

Britt,

We passed by this wedding reception on BTV this Saturday and had to go back and get a picture for you. Isn't it sweet?! I hope you can see the details. I think the wedding cake must have been under the white tent, they had white lights on the wooden fence in the front yard, it was so pretty! Any way I just wanted you to see it for ideas for yours & Levi's. Love you and I am praying for your safety and fun in Italy!

Jenny

Dress Blues

The age difference between the two patriots in this blog is seventy years. Grandpa is 91, a decorated veteran of WWII and the Korea War. During his 22 years of service, he was stationed from New Guinea to Greenland. He lost count of the times he crossed the equator. He went to the Philippines in the convoy with General MacArthur for the memorable..."I have returned!" moment caught on camera. Grandpa chuckles when he tells the story of how General Mac had to wade ashore saying "I have returned" twice to get the shot on camera the way the camera men wanted it. GP is not much for theatrics. He recounts how on returning to the Philippines, the convoy withstood 18 air-raids from the Japanese that first day, making it necessary for the men on his ship to man their guns for 24 hours straight. He also tells the story of how his ship and one other Coast Guard vessel were going out to sea from the islands and met two battleships coming into the port. The battleships had been hit hard by the Japanense to the point that one ship had mattresses covering holes in its' side, and one was damaged to the point that it was leaning sideways. He and his men said to each other they sure were glad they bad not been out there with those battleships, only to find out that they were acutally being sent out as the replacement ships so repairs could be made. While out there they did have some fly-bys from the Japanese but no action. And he willingly states "God was looking after us."
During this same period while he in the Pacific, his ship was guarding a tanker carrying fuel for the Navy, a Japanese plane dropped a torpedo aimed for the tanker. Grandpa saw the pilot's face, looked into the man's eyes. At that moment Grandpa thought "I'll never get to see my wife and two little boys again." But God intervened with a divinely placed wave to intercept the torpedo and changed its' course. There is never hate or boasting in his stories. He understood the human loss that is brought about by war. In all the years that I have listened to his stories about the war, I have never heard him brag or condemn or justify the deaths. Actually there is quite a solemn tone to his voice and sadness in his eyes.

When Levi announced he was joining the miliatary and wanted to go into the Marines, I had to face my worst fear. But God is still in the miracle business, and he is still guarding the one's He calls "son". I am very proud of my Grandfather and my son for their love of God and country. And seeing them together in their dress-blues really means a lot to me. We took these pictures last weekend at Grandpa's house. Hope you enjoy the pics.