We're in Knoxville!

Well yesterday we headed for K-ville, and detoured through Atlanta to hit the American Girl Doll Store (and yes, before you comment I know that 95N is quicker... but that does not lead to the AGD Store!). It was a blast! I think B & M both smiled from the time we pulled into the North Point Mall until they fell asleep last night! They (and I) absolutely love that store and restaurant! It is such a neat experience for little girls! It is so girly ... all things girls!

Since Derek rode up on the team bus, he was not with us, (in fact, had not even left J-ville at that point!) So.... we spent a lot of time in there looking at ABSOLUTELY everything, updating wish lists, and picking out new things for their current dolls! It was a blast. I do believe an overnight trip to Atlanta will be planned (they have HOTELS that cater to AGD's!) I am thinking Birthday!

The real reason for the trip to K-ville is BASKETBALL. Boys (U15 & U16) to be exact! And this is the tournament of all tournaments! I think the kids are ready. They pulled in about 9:30 this morning on their coach! They looked great, ate a little breakfast and if they were like their Coach, took a little nap. The weather is a little cold and A LOT rainy! Still a pretty city-- lots of Orange- had no ideas they loved the GATORS up here! (Just kidding--- I have been made well aware this is VOLNATION Land up here!) I did email Coach Summitt to see if she would be interested in meeting us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee... whatever! (Derek believes that I am stalking her!) I love her though, and have loved her for years. I like her program, I like her ethics, I like how she makes her players stand for something, and I love her spirit! Unfortunately, she did not respond! I am sure she is very busy! So... the following pictures will have to do (BTW- this is one of the courts Derek's team will be playing on-.... so you never know, maybe she will be at her court!)

Driving through Georgia yesterday (and boy have they had some rain!) we saw all these beautiful trees in bloom again! I wonder if it is illegal to break a branch off! They look and smell so great! Last year when we were in Macon, I just fell in love! I could have these lining my driveway. If / when we make the move to Franklin, you can bet I will have a lot of these trees!

So, it was quite a long drive.. but I had the best music the entire time! The last song I heard before pulling into the hotel was this...

Navigation: D \ Darrell Evans \ Trading My Sorrows
I'm trading my sorrow

I'm trading my shame

I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I'm trading my sickness

I'm trading my pain

I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord
Chorus:And we say yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord

Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord

Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord Amen

I'm pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned

Struck down but not destroyed

I'm blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure

And his joy's gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night

His joy comes with the morning-

So true are these words! This week my mentee who was surplussed found a job at a brand new school! I am so sad, but so happy for her. Not only is she a great teacher, she has become a great friend. She has reminded me so many times this years "His way, NOT yours!" And for those of you who know me, you know I struggle with this--- it is totally an OCD thing. I am a planner- I know my entire year plans in January- very scheduled-- but listening to that song just reinforces that he is my JOY! And in HIS Time, and in His way, our desires will be answered!

We are off to lunch and a little sight seeing before the big games tonight! I will update pictures on Derek's basketball blog at http://www.jaxnets.blogspot.com/ if you want to look over there!

"Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow. Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers" Job 8: 19-20