My Wish

This picture was taken when Kayleigh turned 1.
I thought she was the most beautiful baby in the world.
We love this picture. It makes us happy.
We laugh when we look at it.
We named it "Little old man in a dress" since she does not have any hair!

12 years ago today, I was in the hospital giving birth to Kayleigh Marie Simpson. Has it really been 12 years? This birthday has affected me more than any of her other ones. This birthday is a milestone for her. Kayleigh is now a young woman. We are on the threshold of her being a teenager.

It hurts knowing her childhood is behind us.

When we arrived home from the hospital, I remember being exhausted and overwhelmed. I looked into her tiny face and told Brad that I couldn't do it, I just could not be a mother. His response has always made me laugh.

"It's too late, Jeannie, we can't exactly give her back."

I sure am glad I decided to keep her. And that Brad wasn't post-partum!

This picture was taken when Kayleigh turned 3.
I remember she had been a "little" fussy that morning.
"I just can't smile," were her words when we arrived at the studio.
And she didn't smile.
This is my favorite picture of Kayleigh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYLEIGH

I have a birthday wish for you:

I hope that you will always be surrounded with love. Always be kind. Be a friend to those who are lonely. See the good in everyone. Always forgive your loved ones. Pray with all your heart. Be honest. Be true. Be loyal. Earn good grades. Work hard in school. Remember to laugh.

These are the things that will bring you joy in life.

This is my wish for you.

I love you.

Why We Sing

We attended Kayleigh's concert tonight. The 6th Grade Chorus proudly presented: "Why We Sing." We listened to a medley of songs ranging from African-American hymns to a song about an Irish lad reflecting on his home while at sea. The music was amazing. I was deeply touched by the talent of these young people.

My heart burst with joy as I watched Kayleigh sing tonight. She had the opportunity to sing with an advanced ensemble and even sang a duet in one of the songs. She has been practicing the lyrics all month:

"Children of the fiery furnace,
they did begin to pray;
and the angel of the Lord put the fire out,
And it sure was a mighty good day,
Good Lord!
It sure was a mighty good day."

She was perfectly poised and sang with complete confidence.

I was much more nervous than she was.

I left that concert tonight knowing that music brings us joy and we sing to lift our spirits.

It has been a mighty good day.

Hi Dad

Cozette loves her Daddy.

I have to admit that I am a little jealous. Nikki came over tonight for a visit. We were in the kitchen and she was holding and playing with Cozette. Brad had been upstairs and then came down for dinner.

"Look, Cozette, there's your Daddy." Nikki said as she turned towards Brad.

Then clear as a bell with the biggest smile on her face, Cozette greeted Brad.

"Hi Dad."

The earth stood still for a moment.

We cheered and laughed with sheer delight.

Then it hit me that her first words were," Hi Dad."

She said it again and it came out, "Hi Da-yee."

Now, I need to mention that she has never said the "Mmm" sound or any sound that slightly resembles Mommy. I have nursed, labored, and loved my baby for the last 13 months. I tried all night to get her to say,"Mommy." It just didn't happen.

Brad received the glory tonight.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sweet Home Alabama

Susie Q. Sorensen

We had the best weekend. We love going to Huntsville. We were finally able to see our little Susie Q, who just happens to be cutest baby. When I held Susie for the first time, the biggest smile lit her face up. She also tried to coo. I like to think she recognized my voice. Quincy laughed and commented that I have the right touch with her babies.

There is nothing happier than seeing cousins play. Kayleigh, Everett, Zoe, and Kaija will disappear for hours with each other. They are usually destroying their bedrooms with their creativity, but at least they are having fun! Cozette tries to keep up with them. She thinks she is a big girl now.

On Saturday, we visited the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. To say that Kayleigh and Everett had a good time is an understatement. The highlight of the day was riding "The Space Shot."

This is the Space Shot. It blasts you up to space then drops you. It is quite thrilling.

This is Brad. He is our hero. He is brave at everything except for riding scary rides. I hate to say it but he is a little wimpy when it comes to amusement parks.

We were shocked when he agreed to ride The Space Shot with Kayleigh and Everett.

It was one small step for Kayleigh and Everett...

ONE GIANT LEAP FOR BRAD!
Go Brad!

Zoe and Kaija are doting cousins to Cozette. They are the biggest helpers.

Susannah Quincy was blessed on Sunday. Her name is officially on the records of the church. She received a beautiful blessing from her Daddy. Susie was a perfect little angel. Cozette decided she wanted to be very loud during the blessing, so I had to take her out in the middle of it. After church and lots of picture taking, we went to Faith Memorial. Mommom arranged a beautiful autumn floral arrangement to put on Elijah's mausoleum. I felt a sweet witness that Elijah knows how much we miss him.

All good things must come to an end, packing to go home is never fun. The children did not want to leave each other. It was so sad to drive away because Zoe and Kaija were running after us as fast as they could screaming, "Bye...bye, we love you!"

Indeed, Quincy does have the sweetest home in Alabama.

Families are Forever.

Photo Shoot

Isn't she lovely?

Look at Cozette's little hands.

Restored

Autumn has arrived. I didn't want to water my flowers this morning. I am ready to plant some Pansie's but this pot of withering Vinca reminded me of a wonderful experience I had earlier this week and how Heavenly Father is able to restore all things.

So, I watered this little pot of flowers.

My eye glasses recently broke, so I had to go buy some new ones on Monday. I had an optometrist who is not my usual ophthalmologist refract my eyes. As I proceeded to tell this young doctor about the history of my steroid-induced glaucoma, cataracts, and the many surgeries I have had on my eyes, I could tell her curiosity was peaked and she had questions for me.

"How old were you when you were diagnosed with Glaucoma?"

"I was 21," I informed her.

"Oh, you were so young to have to deal with this disease." She kindly responded.

"Yes, but I have seen many miracles and even my doctors at Emory University have acknowledged the Lord's hand in my life." It was important for me to share that with her.

She did not respond but I could tell she was processing what I said as she continued to refract my left eye and had me look through different lenses to improve my vision. She then said it was time to look at my right eye.

" Oh, I need to tell you that I had a vein occlusion (mini-stroke) in this eye back in 1993 and my central vision has been affected by it." I had forgotten to tell her this earlier.

"What was your vision in this eye after that happened?" She asked.

"20/2200 but it has improved over the years." I responded.

When the eye examination was complete. She took a minute to talk to me.

"We were able to refract your left eye to 20/30 and your right eye to 20/50. I am amazed by this. I would like to tell you based on your history and my experience as a doctor, you should be seeing about 20/2200 out of both eyes. Your vision should not be this good. I can tell you that you have had the Lord's hand in your life."

I cried most of the way home as I thought about how different my life would be if I did not have my vision and how grateful I am that it has been preserved.

Watering my Vinca today reminded me of what my Heavenly Father has done for me.

Happy Birthday Nikki and Bon Voyage

♫ You've had a birthday shout hooray! I'd like to sing to you today. You're one year older and wiser too...

Happy Birthday to you!

I hope you have the most wonderful trip to London. I will be missing you and thinking about you. I hope you will think about me just a little bit...especially when you are in Harrods. :)

Love you my true little friend!