New Chapter, October 2011

Since returning home from Thailand, God has blessed both Todd and I with a new perspective and focus in our lives. My first day back at work, I gave resignation. This decision was long in the making, but the minute we returned to the States, I received such clarity from God, and knew exactly what I needed to do. I thank Him so much for the experience and knowledge I gained in that role, but also for this new opportunity to continue learning and broaden my medical knowledge and experience.

This is a picture of me on my first day (evening shift) in my new job. Many perks came with this position: 1--it is strictly in the hospital, and for those of you that don't know me, that means it's perfect for me, and no more office work!! I knew I went to Vanderbilt and studied Acute Care Pediatric Medicine for a reason. 2--it is a part-time job, which may not exactly be ideal at the moment, but will be perfect once we begin our family. 3--I have A LOT of free time now, for which I am so thankful.

I begin every morning in prayer and thanksgiving to my wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ --also long overdue-- for the free gift of salvation given to all who will ask and receive, for my husband and our families, for our health and strength, and for wisdom to make the most of each day, and to make wise decisions--receiving guidance from the Word of God. I journal every day, so I can have a record of how incredibly blessed we are--it's beyond all measure. I have honestly had the best mornings I have had in a long time, simply in prayer and quiet time with my Lord, being still and knowing that He is God. He truly, truly knows our heart's desires, what's in our best interest, and just the right time to reveal His Will to us.

Land Owners, August 2011.

God's blessings continue to abound. We purchased this beautiful lot earlier this month, and with God's guidance and financial direction (plus a Dave Ramsey "live like no other, so you can one day live like no other" philosophy), we paid cash! It has a breath-taking lake view, and sits perfectly on a corner lot at the highest point in the community. It's also on a cul-de-sac, and has a private access road for our driveway. The neighborhood is absolutely stunning. We think it will be perfect for our family. Our favorite part, it's so peaceful and quiet, and feels just like being out in the country.

This is the view straight ahead. It leaves me speechless.

View to the right. The road circles around to the right of our lot, and ends in a cul-de-sac. On the other side of the road at the bottom of the hill are 2 smaller interior lakes, which will be perfect for canoeing and fishing :)

 There are 4 lots that share this private access road for our driveways.  We love it, and we both can definitely picture our children drawing with sidewalk chalk, playing hop-scotch, and learning to ride their bikes....of course with ALL of the appropriate personal protective equipment....helmet, gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, etc.

 Facing ahead, and to the right a little bit. We really like the home that sits across the street from our lot. They have a pool too :) But so does the neighborhood....their pool is just closer.

And again, facing a little bit more to the right. When the sky is clear, you can see the mountains! It's so beautiful.

Farm.Family.Fun. April 2011.

We are blessed beyond measure. First, by God's abounding grace, His unconditional love, and the undeserving new mercies He gives us every morning. Second, by our family, including Todd's mom and dad who aren't pictured here, but are priceless and irreplaceable members of the Barr/Mills Family. We love you all so very much. 

These are just a few family photos, taken on the farm where I was raised. I love the beautiful rolling hills, and green pasture land. It reminds me of my daddy every time I see it. He would be, and I'm sure is, so proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren.

White Christmas, December 2010

A beautiful, soft, winter snow came Christmas morning. It was perfect. Todd and I spent Christmas Eve night at mom's house. We woke up early to open presents, then played in the snow for a little while. Todd showed me where his hunting stand is :) so I could look for him the next time I'm driving by and he's hunting. 

Its tradition every year to have all of the family at Mom's house for a big Christmas breakfast. Every year I wear the same apron (Mom's little helper). I love my family so much, and nothing makes me happier than getting to spend precious time with them around the holidays. I wish daddy could be here to enjoy it as well, to see his 2 amazing grandsons Billy and Benjamin, and to meet his other daughter-in-law, Rebecca. We are such a blessed family. Plus, the food is always exceptionally delicious. My mom makes the best biscuits and gravy ever ever on earth!

We also had a little fun sledding....or should I say Sled-Boarding. Its a new thing my brilliant husband decided to try. Needless to say, we all caught on, and found ourselves never again sitting on the sled, but rather standing on the sled and boarding the whole way down the hill. 

Somtimes ending up on our backsides, but still having lots of fun and laughs.

Yes! Even sweet Billy decided he could tackle sled-boarding, and he SURE DID!! He rocked it! Such a cutie, and not afraid of anything. Love this little guy.  

Double-up tubing--also lots of fun and lots of laughs!

I love this man so much! He is my best friend and there is no one else in the world I would rather spend my time with.

Christmas Presents, December 2010

I know we have mentioned many times how much we love our apartments and all the wonderful amenities it offers. Well, to our pleasant surprise, the best amenity came with Christmas. Inside our clubhouse, the staff kept the media center stocked with an endless supply of FREE gift boxes, gift bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, ribbons, scissors, tape, name tags, etc to wrap ALL of your Christmas presents!!! I spent a couple of hours one evening wrapping all these presents, while Todd played video games on the big screen....such a good time!!

Bearden Football, Fall/Winter 2010

My brother earned the O-Line Coaching position at Bearden High School for the Fall 2010 football season. I've always love high school football, and when your brother is coaching, its even better! Todd and I didn't miss a single home game, and made it to several away games. Bearden progressed well through the season, and made it to the 3rd round of the playoffs. It was a great season and we always looked forward to the Friday Night Lights.

Family Vacation, July 2010

Myrtle Beach is the best vacation spot. It's just like Pigeon Forge, with all the shopping, putt-putt, restaurants, but the best part....THE BEACH!! Another big plus is the drive time. You just can't beat 6.5hrs to the beach. We had a GREAT time building sand castles with Billy and Benjamin, floating in the lazy river, and eating LOTS of left over wedding cake! We had beautiful weather, got lots of sun, and emptied several hi-liters completing our word search puzzle books....the best beach-side past-time. Family is my favorite, and family vacations are even better! :)

Wedding Bliss, July 2010

All dressed up for Evan and Rebecca's wedding. 

Such a wonderful day and beautiful wedding. 

I have to say it again, I love this man more than life itself.

Spring Birthdays are the Best, April 2010

I say it all the time, but I am so unbelievably blessed to be married to this man. We celebrated Todd's birthday with brunch at Lakeside Tavern. It really doesn't get much better than Lakeside Tavern's all you can eat brunch buffet, complete with an enormous variety of desserts including the delightful chocolate fondue fountain. This will hopefully be a new tradition of birthday celebrations :) I love you honey!

Chicago, April 2010

This was my first ever flight! We flew to Chicago for a NP conference, and actually for LOTS of sight-seeing!! Hope you enjoy seeing a few of the places we went!

On our first night, we had dinner at Cheesecake Factory, then went to the very top of the Jon Hancock (I think it is 93 stories high). This is a statue of the Jon Hancock made out of legos! My engineer husband loved it!

This is how high we were!! Can you see the teeny cars on the road below?!

You can't go to Chicago without visiting the BEAN!! 

Lake Michigan is beautiful! We walked on the "shoreline" for hours. I call it a shoreline because even though its a lake, it really looks like an ocean without waves. You can't see the other side!!

We went to the Navy Pier, which was where we experienced Garrett's Chicago Style popcorn, ate Chicago's biggest cheeseburger, and topped it off with $13 ice cream...well worth it!

They also had a Ferris Wheel!! It was high in the air, as our cart hit the peak of the wheel, that I learned my engineer hubby is NOT a fan of riding ferris wheels.

See? Much like an ocean, Lake Michigan has its own beach! Gorgeous!

Probably my favorite store.... in the entire world.....the HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE store!

This trip entailed many "firsts" for me. This was also my first ride on the Metra. I absolutely loved it! We rode about 30miles north of downtown Chicago to visit Frank, Molly, and Ivory Omiyale. Frank plays for the Chicago Bears! We had such a great time playing with Ivory, and eating a delicious meal prepared by the Omiyales. Thanks for a great time!! We hope to be back for another visit soon....and maybe a game at Soldier Field next time!

The Field Museum was full of exhibits that varied from ant colonies, to gold and minerals, to zebras and mammoths. It was huge! To tide us over until dinner, we indulged on some chocolate chip cookies from the cafe. Delicious!

We topped off our trip with Chicago Style pizza from Giordano's!! and oh my, it was by far one of the most delicious and best parts of our trip! I still want one shipped to Knoxville (which you so can do) for my birthday.

Dusty the Hayman, December 2009

Barr Farms first year entering into the Madisonville Parade! In case you don't know already, Barr Farms is where I grew up, and we make LOTS and LOTS of hay. Round bales, square bales, big and small, Alfalfa, Orchard Grass, Fescue, Timothy, Straw, and the list goes on and on. We decided to build a snow man made of rounds bales, and found it only appropriate to name him Dusty the Hayman. He was a hit, and even made the Advocate and Democrat (the Madisonville newspaper). It was so fun!! Freezing, snowing, cold, but SO fun!

Hot to Trot 5k, November 2009

The best way to spread Thanksgiving Cheer is to run a 5k at 730 in the morning so you can enjoy guilt-free indulgences the rest of the year....or maybe just the rest of the day.

TTU Homecoming, October 2009

Todd and I wouldn't be Todd and I without Tennessee Tech. This is where we met, became friends, fell in love, and the rest is history. We love Cookeville, miss it so much, and took advantage of the opportunity to go back to Eagle-Nation for Homecoming. It was raining, and freezing cold, but we had so much fun reminiscing, feeling like we're in college again. I will forever be thankful for TTU!

CPNP-AC's, August 2009

Vanderbilt University, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners!

Director of the Acute Care Peds program, awesome professor, and wonderful friend, Sheree.

Congratulations Class of 2009! We did it!!