My heavy heart got me thinking...

This past weekend, four students from Vandebilt Catholic High School were killed in an accident on their way home from the LSU game. Three of the students were 17 years old and one was only 15 years old. One of the boys was the starting quarterback of the football team, one was a safety. One girl was a cheerleader and the other involved in campus ministries. I can not imagine what it is like for the parents of these children. The school, which is about a mile from our home, is absolutely devastated. This tragedy has really touched this small town, and my heart is just so heavy. Their lives were cut so short, and it just seems so unfair. I know that this tragedy is greatly affecting those close to the kids, but it's greatly affecting me - someone who has never even met them. It has me examining my life and what I'm doing with it, because God could call me Home any second. As I was reading through Matthew chapter 22 this morning, I was stopped in my tracks by the following verses:

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " ' Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."   Matthew 22: 36 - 40

And these verses got me thinking... do the things that fill my heart, life and schedule reflect these commandments? The Creator of the universe and Lover of my soul is telling us to love Him back with our whole beings and to share this love with those around us. It seems like a simple commandment, but time and time again, I am disobedient. Thankfully, God is a God of second chances and forgiveness. But in the midst of this local tragedy, I'm really meditating on what my life is centering upon. I think in times like this, a lot of people start looking at the conditions of their hearts...

Nicky = Awesome

On Monday, I subbed in a 4-year-olds class. It was a lot of fun, but very exhausting. To top things off, I was starting to feel sick...sore throat, achy muscles, etc. Nicky knew I'd headed straight home to take some medicine and a nap. I woke up to find that he had picked up chicken noodle soup and chocolate ice cream for me! And that's not even all. He was also making a casserole so that I wouldn't have to cook for a few days! What a man!

Mexican Cornbread Casserole = Delicious

You can't beat chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup and fudge-filled fish!

Tigers and Tailgates and T-shirts! Oh, My!

This past weekend, Nicky and I made our way to Baton Rouge, where the Tigers took on Mississippi State. We were invited to visit a few tailgate tents, and we had a blast!

As we drove through campus to find a parking spot, we passed our awesome church in BR!

One of many...

We scored FREE TICKETS at the last minute!

Tiger Band!

Tiger Stadium

Great seats!

Sea of Gold!

I really love the band...

On Sunday, Nicky worked at the farm, and I made my way back to Baton Rouge for my favorite dinner of the month! Well, we actually did lunch this time, but I got to see some of my favorite girls again. Unfortunately, Jamie, Anna and Lauren couldn't make it, but Jenny, Sarah, Kendra and I had a great time sharing a "Pizzookie" from BJ's and then strolling through the Mall of Louisiana. We made a stop at Storyville, which is an awesome t-shirt company that features local artists. These were the favorites of the day!

Jenny's favorite Tigers shirt

Sarah staying true to her UL roots

Everyone needs a Saints Tee!

Hunting Season

Last weekend, Nicky made his way to the hunting camp in Olla, Louisiana. He was able to capture some images of the landscape, himself working on the tractor, and the tamale pie that he and his friend, Batch, made.


While Nicky was away, I had the house to myself. So, I decided to rent a couple of chick-flicks (who knew that The Last Song was such a tear-jerker!?) and give myself a pedicure. I don't think hunting season will be so bad after all. :)

Labor Day Weekend

It's no surprise that we got back on the road for another weekend with family. It's obviously one of our favorite things to do. Friday afternoon, we left Houma around 3 so that Nicky could make it to the gunshop in time to get his new pistol. Look how excited he is...

That evening, Nicky's parents treated us to a Landry's Special at Pizza Village. If you are from Lafayette, you know how exciting this is! We stayed at Gan's house Friday and Saturday nights, where we got to meet her and Zack's new pitbull, Julie.

On Sunday, we made our way to Shreveport to spend time with the McComics for Papaw's 67th birthday. Now, Jenni, Nicky and I have recently made it a tradition to stop in Alexandria on our way up north. We time it just right so that we pass through at lunch time, and we stop at this great restaurant called Taco Bueno...it's basically an upscale Taco Bell, and it's awesome!


This little slice of heaven is coated in cinnamon and stuffed with cheesecake. It's euphoric.


We finally made it up to Shreveport just in time to watch the first two episodes of Swamp People with Granny and Papaw. (Papaw TiVo's it.) Then the rest of the family showed up for some of Papaw's famous burgers and homemade fries.


It's a McComic family tradition for the birthday boy/girl to take a picture with their cake.


Nicky and Tyler went exploring with flashlights...


Jenni and Sarah did a little four-wheelin'...


There was even a little homework involved...