Speechless-

*Blogger won't let me post all the pics. I will try to add more later. However, I have to say these are pretty good. The one of Taylor looks like it's from a magazine!!!*

I don't even know where to begin. It's been months since the finale of American Idol. You all know I had a bit of an obsession with Taylor, hence the picture of him every week. But, time had passed and it died down a little. I was still excited to see him at the concert, however I wasn't expecting what I experienced. Can I just say, the obsession is back!!!!!!!!!!!!! Taylor Hicks is AWESOME!!! He came out singing Jailhouse Rock in his purple, velvet jacket. His performance of "Do I Make You Proud" almost brought tears to my eyes. He was obviously overwhelmed with the support of his fellow Alabamians. He brought his very own camera on stage and told the audience to smile as he snapped some shots (however I was watching him through the lens of my own camera-see below). He left the harmonica for last, I was wondering when it was coming. He was amazing! He danced his socks off. I think life came full circle for Taylor last night. Unbelievable.

The other idols sounded awesome too. Poor Pickler had a rough night. She only did one song by herself and sang one from Grease with Bucky. It wasn't great. Chris was wonderful. Lisa Tucker is a new favorite. The show didn't do her justice. She played the piano and sang her heart out. Mandisa rocked. Poor Katherine was limping from the fracture to her foot. She was wearing one of those big ole boots! She sang my two favorites- "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She was incredible. Of course, Elliott, bless his heart, was precious. He came on stage wearing an Alabama hat. Even though I am totally opposed, I have to admit he looked cute.

I can't say enough about the concert. The entertainment was priceless. It was worth every penny and more. The company was just a blessing-Cortney, Gena, Bridgett, Meredith, Trina, Shannan, and Scarlett. We had such a great time. My eyes are tired today, but my soul is refreshed! Praise God for giving us such experiences. It will definitely go down in the memory books.

Before I get to the pictures.....The funniest thing happened on our long treck back to the car. We were walking along the sidewalk when we all noticed someone off to the side selling CDs. When we looked closely, it was none other than Corey Clark- Paula's so-called "showmance." He was begging for attention and wanting us to come and talk to him. I declined, but did want a picture. As you can see, he was glad to oblige!

Yea Josh! (from mlb.com)

MIAMI -- One pitch was all Josh Willingham needed to deliver one of the most dramatic Marlins wins of the season.
Willingham blasted a first-pitch Billy Wagner fastball over the left-field wall in the ninth inning for a two-run walk-off homer that gave the Marlins a stunning 6-5 win over the Mets in front of 16,641 at Dolphin Stadium.

Pinch-hitting for Alfredo Amezaga, Willingham lined his 16th homer, giving the Marlins a thrilling win in the series opener that seemed destined to be won by the Mets.

Wagner, who has been unable to convert five of 27 save attempts, gave up a leadoff single to Miguel Olivo. Wes Helms' pinch-hit sacrifice bunt advanced Olivo, and Willingham stepped up for Amezaga.

The walk-off homer was the first by the Marlins in 186 games, the longest drought in the Major Leagues. The last time it happened, ironically, also was a win over the Mets. On May 29, 2004, Mike Lowell went deep against Braden Looper.

In 47 games, Wagner (3-2) has now yielded five home runs.

Willingham's fifth homer in five games over four days (he belted three in a split doubleheader at Philadelphia on Sunday) set off a celebration at home plate. Knowing he would be mobbed by teammates, Willingham flipped off his helmet as he rounded third base, hoping that would ease the beating he would take. It didn't.

"I just did it because I knew they were going to pound me on the head," Willingham said of flicking off his helmet. "I was hoping they wouldn't do it as much with my helmet off. It didn't seem much to matter."

My strength for today.....

God's word continues to not only amaze me, but provide me with strength, courage, and hope. I thought I'd share two passages. The first one I came across today, the other is one I read a little while ago and has now become a favorite because it reminds me of how personal God's love for us is. I find so much comfort in that! I hope this gives everyone reading a glimpse of how incredibly awesome our God is and how many, many things we have to praise Him for.

I bless God every chance I get, my lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy: Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out. God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.
-Psalm 34:1-8

The secret sources of ocean were exposed, the hidden depths of earth lay uncovered the moment God roared in protest, let loose his hurricane anger. But ME he caught-reached all the way from sky to sea; he pulled ME out of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos, the void in which I was drowning. They hit ME when I was down, but God stuck by ME. He stood ME up on a wide-open field, I stood there saved-surprised to be loved! God made my life complete when I placed the pieces before him. When I cleaned up my act, he gave me a fresh start. Indeed, I've kept alert to God's ways, I haven't taken God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works, I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
-2 Samuel 22:16-25

Update on the triplets

I wanted to update everyone on the progress of the triplets! They are doing so great! In fact, the girls are going home this weekend. Noah will soon follow, probably four or five days later. I know Ben and Anna will be thrilled to have their precious babies home. I'm going to post some recent pictures so you can see how they've grown.

Three more weeks!

We're narrowing it down! I go back to school exactly three weeks from yesterday. I can't believe it! I'm trying to squeeze in all the things I had planned to do this summer before the dreaded day. Of course, last week was Birmingham. This week has been time with Josh and Ginger. They were both home for the All-Star Break. Josh got to be here for a couple days while Ginger gets to stay a little longer. We watched the ultrasound video, saw pictures of the baby, and took turns feeling the little man kick inside her belly. It was precious.

Next week I guess I'll venture back out to my classroom and try to sort through the mess. Floors have been waxed and let's just say everything wasn't put back exactly as it was before.... ugh! That's a few hours of extra work right there. On the positive side, I am looking forward to getting back into a routine. I love summer and the flexibility-sleeping late, making last minute plans, being spontaneous, etc. But, I am ready to be back on a schedule. It'll take me a couple weeks to get used to it, but it'll be good.

Have a great weekend!

On my way home-

Well, the weekend's adventure is over. Sometimes it's good to step outside your life and be a part of someone else's for a period of time. I took a few baby steps outside my box, which I guess is progress. I was introduced to new people (lots of them, and had a blast) and new things (hummus and SUSHI-which I did not like)! Church was incredible. I think God prepared Craig to talk about what I needed to hear on the very day I would be there. He spoke on the extra luggage that we choose to carry around daily and how if our hands are full of luggage that should be laying at the cross, then they aren't available to embrace the world and what God wants for us. That was huge for me. And last but certainly not least, Cort and I just had a great time being together, just us. We don't get that very often. We don't have a ton of time in between the meaningless things in our lives to talk about what's on our hearts and what we think God is showing us. We did that and it was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better trip........

The funny thing is, do you guys remember that big California trip we had planned? The one I couldn't even talk about because we had to cancel it? I would be there right now. I would have left for that trip the day I left to come visit Cort. Sure, it would have been a blast. However, I feel like God has been so present and walked right beside me the last several days. I know He's always been there, maybe it's just I opened myself up to acknowledging Him lately. Who knows if I would have allowed myself to notice that if I were in California. Regardless, I wouldn't trade my walk with Him for a trip anywhere. I praise God for once again surprising me with His power and awesomeness, for being patient with me and showing me how much He loves me when I'm the last to deserve it, and for just being the God He is. I am so incredibly blessed.

Now, I'm headed home-back to reality where school starts back in about three weeks, where my everyday, not so eventful life awaits me. But for today, I'm happy with that life. I'm blessed in it. I pray that mentality sticks!

A day in the life of Cortney......

So I'm spending some time with Cortney this weekend. I tell you, I've been here for less than 24 hours and it's already obvious that her life is way more eventful and interesting than mine. It's been fun. She would think I'm crazy to call it that. It's just ordinary for her. But, God works in mysterious ways and is already using my time here to help me find more reasons to love life and enjoy every single minute. I'll expand on my time here when I get home. There's no telling what she'll drag me into next. I'm in for a ride, I'm sure! It keeps me young, right???