Saturday, September 13, 2008

My Swimming Dog

Today I took my little dog- a dachshund remember- to the dog park at Shelby Farms for a little outing. It's a place where dogs can run without a leash. There are 2 lakes, and usually about 20 other dogs exploring throughout. 

We've only been twice before, but Marley has been really good! He usually just trots along side us, never runs too far off, and stays or comes when we call his name. He's also discovered that he likes the water, but so far, he has never gone much beyond walking in the water, feet firmly planted on wet ground.

Like this, for example...

Well, today he must have been feeling a VERY adventurous. There were 2 big dogs retrieving orange rubber retrievers out in the big lake. So what does my 3"-legs-dog do? He ran right after them and swam to the middle of the lake and back! I wish I had my camera! My little dog was in the middle of this huge lake! I was a little panicked, and fully expected to have to go diving after him. I just knew he'd get out there and realize he couldn't touch and panic and start to drown. The 2 owners next to me were so proud of my little dog and kept reassuring me he'd be fine...and he was!  He swam all the way out there and all the way back, tail just wagging back and forth, so happy! 

So, what have I learned? I've learned that I'm a nervous mother (what will it be like with a child!?!?) and that my dog is a dog. And dogs swim just fine. 

Way to go Marley!

Next time I will for sure have my camera with me!

My Folks are Fine

Hey all, thanks for praying for my family. I talked to my mom this morning and they are fine. Power went out about 10:30 last night, before the storm even hit. They currently don't have any power but my brilliant and o-so prepared Dad has a generator running the important things, like the fridge and freezer! It could be up to 2 weeks for the power to be turned back on, so move your prayers from safety to electricity!

Thank you for praying for them, they are safe and sound with little damage to the trees/house.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Hurricane Ike in Houston


If you all would say a quick prayer of safety for my family, they are braving hurricane Ike in Houston. It's supposed to come through about 9pm tonight (Friday) with 100 mph winds, and not end until Saturday night. The Utility people are saying that if power goes out, it could be out 2-12 days. My parents have a generator if it is needed, but still, it's a little scary.

My 92 year old Grandmother lives with my parents, and because she's difficult to transport, they've decided to stay at the house. I believe 1million people have been evacuated from the Houston area.
Galveston, which is the city at the Gulf of Mexico, already has waves over the seawall. My parents are about 75 miles for the Gulf, yet the storm is still expected to hit that far inland.

My parents are Mac and Becky Gilger, grandmother is Ruth Gilger.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

4 Things

*Four jobs I have had in my life:
Dr. Weaver's orthodontist office when I was 16
WPBC youth ministry intern when I was 18
Highpoint Church's Kidcity Director 22-27
The Zoo! 27
New Hope now!


*Four movies I've watched more than once
Ever After
Executive Decision
Serendipity
Apollo 13


*Four Places I have lived:
Houston
Shawnee OK
Southaven, MS for 4 months
Lakeland, TN


*Four books that made a lasting impression:
Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
Just give me Jesus- Anne Graham Lotz
Blessed Child- Ted Dekker
The Bible

*Four places I have been:

Kenya
San Diego
Cabo San Lucas
Calgary Canada


*Four Places I would like to visit:?
Italy
Zambia, Africa
Canada with my husband
Ashville, NC


*Four people who email me (regularly):
Matt
Mom and Dad
Jamie
Beth

*Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year:
maybe starting a family- God willing
a bigger house
knowing my neighbors
Another VBS at New Hope, so fun!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

I love friends!


This morning, when I flipped my calendar to September, I found my best friends! Beautiful and smiling, and I miss you all!

Aren't they gorgeous! This is Stephanie, Adrianne, Jamie, Katy, and Jenifer.

They live in (respectively) Nashville, Austin, Las Cruces NM, Memphis, and San Diego CA.

The three on the left were at one point in life a roommate of mine.

I love friends!