From Melissa (and Emme too)

It’s a beautiful start to my Saturday here in Tennessee…The skies are blue and there are few clouds in sight.  Shannon is in south Texas this weekend.  He sang last night in Cuero, Texas and reported he had a great time.  I know he is looking forward to his stop at Agua Dulce on Sunday, and he always likes to visit with his friends in the Corpus Christi area. 

Meanwhile, I am planning on a relaxing weekend because my feet and hands can’t take much more.  For some reason, they keep swelling at random times.  I know that it only gets better from this point.  At 23 weeks pregnant, I still have a long way to go.  I can’t tell you how thankful we are for all of the prayers and support we have received over the past few weeks.  It’s been amazing.  I’ve learned that when we are in need, God always places the faithful in our paths. 

Speaking of need, I have a request.  About the same time that we were awaiting results for Emme, a young 3rd grader at my school (Makenzie) was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  She has since had surgery to remove the tumor and the family was given the news that it was indeed cancer.  She has a long road ahead and is slowly regaining some strength.  The family is very special, Mom teaches with me at Stoner Creek Elementary and other siblings include an identical twin sister in the 3rd grade (Madison) and brother (Justin) in the Kindergarten.  Dad is a LifeFlight nurse for Vanderbilt.  Just the simple fact that Makenzie is a twin is special to both Shannon and I.  Many of you may not know that I am a twin, and Shannon has twin nieces. Anyhow, the Matthews are strong believers and have requested to be put on any/every prayer list that is possible.  You can read more about Makenzie at www.carepages.com/makenziematthews  You will have to register and log in, but it is free and a very simple process.  I know that all of you are faithful with prayer, so let’s put this family at the top of our list!

On the subject of school, I only have one week left to teach before the Fall Break begins.  Shannon’s schedule is full during my time off, but we are planning a little R&R.  He will be singing in Beebe, Arkansas next weekend and then we will travel to one of our favorite places, The Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri.  While we are in Missouri, we plan on visiting a restaurant that we found out about earlier in the year called Lambert’s.  If you’ve never had an opportunity to go to Lambert’s you must try.  It’s plates full of food and of course some ‘throwed rolls too.  I am looking forward to our week of vacation together.  Shannon’s schedule is very hectic for the remainder of the year (what a blessing!) so we wanted to take advantage of our last opportunity to spend time together alone before the baby comes.  On our way back, he will sing in Louisville, KY and Cynthiana, KY.  It’s always nice when I get a chance to travel with him.

I guess that’s about it for now, I’ve not written in awhile and wanted to share while I had a free minute.  We love you Bunches! Until then…