Check out my work site!

I have been pretty busy lately, and these next 4-5 days are gonna be mega crazy, but check out my work site. I have added quite a few new pics here lately. Let me know what you think.
www.rezaphotography.blogspot.com

On to more fun things, I had a great summer! Got to do a lot of different fun things! Went Camping, to Atlantic City, saw Jeff Dunham at the Landmark in Richmond, stayed in a spectacular hotel, went to Charlestown West Virginia, went paintballing, shot a 22 rifle, 9mm, and 45 pistol. I learned all food tastes better if cooked outside. I learned that I adore Pit Bulls,and I never thought I would say that. That bees really won't bother you if you leave them alone. I rode a jet ski. Off spray burns if you get it in your eyes. That sometimes you just have to live life for the moment and create amazing memories and great stories. Your kids will love the spontaneity. And your heart will become more childlike if you play.

I got my nose pierced. It hurt, bad. I bled, a lot. Two weeks later, it's gone. I am not a nose ring kind of girl. I was for two weeks, tried it out, it fell out, so it's now gone. Much to the glee of my mother, I am sure. But, she never saw it - so it's all good. I guess she knows now. Hee hee! Sorry, Momma! But, I am glad I did it. I know what it looks like. And, it doesn't look good on me. Anyway, here are few pics from the summer!

I'm BAAACCCKKK!!!!

So, after an adventurous summer with a great deal of fun, heartache, and learning on every curve, I am back to the blogging world. And better, and wiser, than ever. So, hold on to your seats, profound information is bound to spout from these lips of mine. Woo Hoo!
Well, I am gonna start it off with my kids back to school. My baby started Kindergarten, and I was crushed. What can I say? I am a sucker. Well here are a few pics, enjoy!

Q is for....

Well, as you can tell, this one had me stumped. Big time. But, finally, after much consideration, I have one for "Q"....


Do I love this place? Not really. I mean, it's fine. But let's face it. The hamsters in their commercials are scary. But, hey, it starts with a "Q". I will take it.

P is for.....

Pink Pumps! I fell in love with these pumps the other day at Rack Room. They caught my eye, I walked over to them...and well it was one of the greatest love stories ever told. They make me happy, and well, I believe that I make them happy, too. So, enjoy the pics of these amazing shoes. They are my new best friends.

Vote for me, PLEASE!

I have submitted the above photo to JPG magazine, In the theme "Street Fashion". If you would be so kind to click the above link, and vote for me! You can leave a comments, make it your favorite, as far as you want to go. You do have to create an account, but it is free... and it is to make sure that you don't vote more than once. They don't send you junk email either, promise. I would appreciate all the help I can get! Thanks!

Isabella's Soccer Game

Isabella had her first soccer game this weekend. She cried the whole first half. It was so sad, and well, frankly, I wanted her to stop. But, near the end, she became a tough little girl and made it through. Here are a few pics, Enjoy!

O is for....

Ocean! One of my favorite places in the world. It doesn't matter which one.... I am a fan of the all, although, I guess I am an "East Coast" girl - in all sense of the word. Nice. Can't wait to go and see it as soon as possible. I only live about 30 minutes from Colonial Beach, 2 hours from Virgina Beach, 4 hours from Ocean City.... Can't wait for the summer!!!!!!!!!!

She is getting ready for Kindergarden!

So, Well, WOW! I went today and registered Isabella for Kindergarden. She was so excited! I got a novel of paperwork to fill out, and she got a pencil. I think that I got robbed. I can't believe that my baby is going to be off in school in just a few months. Where has the time gone?

N is for .....

Nancy. My mom. What can I say about my mom? A ton. She has been there for me for the last 30 years. We might be far apart, but she is always just a phone call away. She is an outstanding grandmother, mother, and daughter. She takes care of my grandmother often, now. And she does an amazing job. She is active in her church, and has been married for 40 years. She is truly a devoted wife and mother. I have given her a lot of grief in her life, I guess like all kids do, but she has perservered through it all. I love you mommy! You are great!

M is for .....

Me! MEMEMEME! I know that a lot of you must think that I have fallen off of the face of the earth. But, no, I am still here and still kicking! I have had a crazy month. Friends, family, spring break, NCAA march madnesss.... take your pick. So, I have neglected my blogging duties. For that, I am truly sorry. But, onto the me part. I saw this on Tanja's blog. I will tell you 100 things about me. Whew... Here goes.

100. I love photoshop. I am a photographer, and boy, does it help.
99. I am really good at photoshop. I know that program like the back of my hand.
98. I hate trying to build a website. I am not wired for it. At all.
97. I like Barack Obama. Go ahead, judge me.
96. I was in the Air force. It seems like a lifetime ago.
95. I love soccer.
94. I love Tennessee.
93. My mom is an amazing cook. She is amazing in general. I am so lucky that I have her for a mom. She makes the best biscuits in the world.
92. My dad knows everything. He can fix anything. He has an amazing heart. One of the most non-judgemental and supportive people I know.
91. I am determined. And Stubborn.
90. I had a wild streak. A big one. Back in my college days.
89. I dated one my college professors. Yep, I was that girl. Oh well, life went on.
88. I have been married for 10 years. Crazy. Seems like and lifetime but also seems like only yesterday.
87. It is crazy to think that kids that were in Kindergarden when I got married are now sophmores in high school.
86. My best friend growing up was Holly.
85. HOlly came and saw me a few months ago. That is a great friend.
84. I can name all of my friends on one hand.
83. I don't trust people very much. Gotta work on that one.
82. I have an unnatural obsession with shoes. So does my friend Jacqueline. We feed off of that with one another.
81. My son is incredibly smart. Not the type of smart where they say, "Mommy, the sun is round. Isn't that great!" The type of smart where he says, "Mommy, the reason that you are burning up is because when the sun shines through the window of the car, it is refracted throughout the car but doesn't escape. If you are so hot, turn the A/C on." Yep, shuts me up often.
80. My daugher has gorgeous hair. Not from me. From her aunts, on Ali's side.
79. I have an insane ipod list. From Gangsta Rap, 80's hair bands, Grateful Dead, Harry Conick Jr., Al Martino, to Casting Crowns.
78. When I was in high school I thought I was disgusting. Now I am disgusted with myself for ever thinking that.
77. I worry that my daughter will think that she is disgusting when she is in high school. I never want her to feel that way.
76. My son is emotional. I love that he has a sensitive side, but I hate to hear him cry.
75. I love my dog. It is weird. HE has his own wardrobe. I am a weird dog lady.
74. I love tattoos. I love to look at them. I love Miami Ink, and all those other shows about tattoo artists. I like the stories behind them. I don't have any.
73. I used to live in Tucson. I hated it then. I miss it now.
72. Went to Tucson last year to see my friend Retire/Graduate. I cried when I saw my old house.
71. That house has now been knocked down for them to build new ones. I cried when I heard that.
70. When I went to the BX last year to get a drink, my drink, Arizona Asian Plum Tea, was still in the same spot in the BX. The same lady was still working there. I felt like I had stepped into an alternate universe. Weird.
69. I say the word weird way too much.
68. Too many things are weird.
67. I love to read people's blogs. Especially Tanja's. She is funny.
66. I am not a fan of reading books. It takes too much time.
65. I have read all of Barack Obama's books.
64. I love to watch movies at home. I hate to go to the theater.
63. I have to have a diet coke at the theater. Then I have to go to the bathroom. They don't rewind the movie so you can see what you missed at the theater. That annoys me.
62. I love starbucks. I love coffee. I often drink too much so it makes me jittery. Trying to switch to decaf.
61. We have Wawa here in Fredericksburg. I love WAWA. Apparently they have good hot dogs.
60. I hate hot dogs.
59. I am a "bettin'" kind of girl. I love to make bets. Even if there is nothing at stake.
58. I am as competitive as the come. I hate to lose.
57. I am full of useless information. I am a geek.
56. I love dinosaurs.
55. I love rocks. Rocks are cool. I relate to Ross on Friends.
54. My friend Jacqueline has to help me dress. I skipped that gene. I am a sweats and tshirts kind of girl.
53. Yoga gives me solace. It calms me down. I love it.
52. I love the gym. I love to put my ipod on and get on a spin bike and go.
51. I am a baptist. I go to spotswood. I love my church.
50. I don't like nursery duty. I know I should, but I don't.
49. I love my kids more than anything. I make them help me during nursery duty sometimes. They make it more bearable.
48. I have stretch marks that make me want to puke. But, at times, I am proud of them. Those are from my kids.
47. I had cancer. Breast cancer. Never thought that I would die. Now I think about how I could've died all the time. Weird.
46. I didn't know my dad's mom. That makes me sad.
45. My grandfather on my mom's side died when I was really little. I think that is sad.
44. I grew up in a small town. I miss it. I know I could never live there again.
43. I offically consider Fredericksburg home. It has taken a long time. I never want to leave here.
42. I like Glory days. I don't like Tarheels fans at Glory Days. The get on my nerves.
41. I am not a fan of jewelry. I like silver hoop earrings. Big ones. That make me feel like a rebel.
40. I still like it when I feel like a rebel.
39. I like cars with tinted windows.
38. I want to tint the windows of my car. It is a red Matrix.
37. I have a personalized license plate. My husband hates it. It makes me laugh.
36. I like to wear baseball hats, though I don't do it often. They are fun to mess with when you get stressed out during a ball game.
35. I have an aerogarden.
34. I have pictures of people I don't even know all over my house. I mean, I took the pictures, but they aren't family or anything. Just cool shots.
33. I like to have a tan.
32. I like listening to music really loud and singing at the top of my lungs.
31. I like to dance. Gangsta style. That's the way I roll.
30. I am now laughing at myself because I called myself, the tennessee hillbilly, gangsta. I think I am funny.
29. One of the best phrases I ever heard, "Chocolate, YES! Fish, Noooooooo!"
28. I love to have a clean house. I hate to clean it. It puts me quite in a conundrum.
27. I like to use big words.
26. Sometimes I don't use them correctly.
25. I love the beach. I love the sun. I love the way that your hair feels sticky when you are there. I also love to wash my feet off with the little showers before you go back up to your room. Not the one for feet, the shower one. And try not to get your clothes soaking wet.
24. I love West Palm Beach. I could live there forever. Most beautiful place I have ever been.
23. I love comedians. I think I am one.
22. I love Victoria's Secret. I like for my shampoo, mousee, conditioner, hairspray, body wash, and perfume to all be the same scent.
21. Not a fan of bath and body works. Used to be, but then I discover VS.
20. I am in denial that I still have an accent.
19. I like big silver bangle braclets.
18. I rarely ever have cash on me.
17. I have a blackberry. I love it. I sleep with it. I am one of those people.
16. I love text messages, at least from some people.
15. I love picture messages even more....
14. My last text message said, "Did you go inside?"
13. I carry a business card case with me all the time.
12. I love to network. I am becoming quite skilled at it.
11. I have a problem remembering names. I hate it when you see people out and they know your name, but you don't know theirs. Weird.
10. I hate unneccessary drama. So, I guess I hate all drama. Isn't it all unnecessary?
9. My son has asthma. It scares me, still. He hasn't had an attack in a long time but when he did he was hospitalized.
8. My daughter got in her first fight last week. She is a pistol.
7. I love my neices and nephews. It makes me sad that I don't seem as much as I wish I could.
6. I believe that Philadelphians constitutes being a yankee. Yep, I said yankee.
5. I love it when I can prove that something that I say is right.
4. I love houses with in-law suites. They are cool.
3. I am afraid of thunderstorms. Tornadoes make me almost puke. Just the thought of them.
2. I love the Melting Pot.
1. I am a big fan of myself. If I am not, who willl be.

Shew, that was hard.

L is for

Ladybugs! I love ladybugs! I think that they are one of the cutest creatures that God made. That make me smile, and they are signs of summer! I am so ready for summer! Can't Wait!

K is for ....

Kiddos! My sweet babies! I have been blessed by being the mother to the best two kids in the world (in my not-so-humble opinion). Tariq is 8, Isabella is 4, and they keep me on my toes. I would be lost without them. They keep me incredibly busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. So, Tariq, Bella, This one is just for you guys!

J is for ....

Jacqueline... I know that I have already put a post about her for her birthday... but it is absolutey fitting. She is the best friend that a girl could have. She is there through thick and then, good and bad, just amazing. I have never met someone like her. Beautiful, Eloquent, and always there when you need her. Jacqueline, I love you, I truly do. Thank you for your ears, your friendship, your support, your love, just being you. What everyone should know, is first and foremost, she is an amazing mother. She always has everyone's best interest at stake. She is a shoulder to cry on. Someone to celebrate with. Beautiful. Funny. My sounding board. Jacqueline, you know how much I have needed you, and you are there with cinnamon rolls and coffee - ready to listen. I love you. I thank God daily for you, and your non-waivering friendship. I love you....

"I" is for

Isabella. My beautiful baby girl. What can I say about her? She is amazing. Beautiful. Funny. Wild.... The light of my life. She is mommy's little buddy. We hang out together all of the time. She is now is swimming lesson, and doing amazing... (thanks to Miss Heidi!) She is getting so big! I can't believe that she is going to start kindergarden in the fall... I am so proud of her. I love her so much. So thankful for her.

Out of Commission for a week or so...

I AM OUT OF COMMISSION THIS WEEK, BUT NEXT WEEK, I WILL RETURN WITH MORE WITTY TIDBITS OF USELESS INFO! THANKS FOR ALL THE EMAILS!
LOVE,
KRISTIE

Funky Fruits of Fredericksburg...Week 2

Well since I have had an overwhelming response to my fruits of Fredericksburg... I must continue. (I am absolutely kidding) Kiwano fruit, aka, horned melon. Disgusting. Well all hated it. It tastes like yard clippings. It is orange and spikey on the outside, has the texture of snot on the inside, and well, looks like snot. Yummy? NOT A CHANCE!!!
This is Isabella after trying it. Don't you want to serve it for dinner tonight?

I have 2 for the letter "h".....

First and foremost, H is for Hope. Look at me get all "deep". Not so much. I am just so thankful today. Thankful that I have hope for tomorrow. Thankful that I am a christian. Thankful for my faith. Thankful for the hope that all of that gives. I have had a ROUGH , ROUGH Week, and my hope, through God, got me through. It is good, too, that our hope isn't going anywhere!




The second, and I know you are laughing, Is my friend HOLLY! Yep, I did it. Here you are... All famous on my blog. Holly was my next door neighbor and was one of my best friends growing up - still is. She came to see me not to long ago, and it was just like it always was! She is an amazing woman, and I am so thankful for her!



Love you Holly!


I will post some pics later.... On the laptop now.

"G" is for ...

George Mason Patriots! That is where Ali attends school. I am going to take a minute here to say how very proud I am of him. He works full time, goes to school full time, and does them both quite well! There are days where he leaves for work at 0430 and doesn't get home until 1130. Just to get up and do it all again the next day. I am so very proud of him. He is quite the committed guy!

Spotsiltucky....

Yep, a lot of people say that around here. Spotsiltucky. The name is meant to imply that we are big, redneck, country folk here. (The county that Fredericksburg is in is called Spotsylvania). We are quite the country folk compared to our big city neighbors to the north. Anyway, I always told everyone that they had no idea what country was. I am from Northeast Tennessee. I saw this sign at a convenience store out in Spotsy county. But in all of my life, I have never seen a sign like this in Kingsport, or anywhere for that matter. So, I now declare my citizenship of Spotsiltucky.

Rockin' Dinner!

Okay, I know it sounds cocky, but - well it was. And, don't roll your eyes Cassie, it was 100% vegan and organic! Go ME! And, grand total for cost... around $8.00. (I think that Dave Ramsey is rubbing off - ACK!) Anyway, here is what it is...Soybean Pasta, vegan "ground beef" by boca, Some crushed roma tomatoes with thyme, lots of basil, garlic, and ground pepper. The bread is "vegan" pizza dough. I got it at Ukrops. Then I made some pesto... (basil, olive oil, pinenuts, and garlic) and put it on the bread. Soooo, there was no butter. Just spread pesto on it instead. Oh, I also sprinkled a little fresh basil over top of the bread. Good stuff. And, the meal had 54g of protein. Phenomanal. Here it is on the plates... Looks yummy, huh? And the best part - the kids ate it all and wanted more. (Now, Isabella didn't want the bread - she said she didn't like green stuff on bread). But otherwise, a hit. By the way, the big, black tupperware is for Ali, he has class late tonight.


Next funny thing. I keep telling Ali what a fan I am of Barack Obama. I like him. Judge me if you must. Anyway, I digress. So, the other morning, I tell Isabella to go to daddy and say, "Obama '08!" She looked at me with those big brown eyes and said, "What for?" My witty reply, "For President, of course!" (Remember - she is 4)
She looked at me and said, "I am not saying that. I want old man Lincoln to be president." Hmmmm. How do you break it to you child that her canidate has been dead for almost 143 years? Tough one.

"F" is for....

FREDERICKSBURG! This is where I have called home for the last 5 (well almost 5) years. I love this little town. I love the seasons, the schools, my friends, I am a lot closer to home than I used to be (Tucson). We are close enough to DC to enjoy it, but far enough away... Only 50 miles from Richmond... 30 minutes to Colonial Beach... 2 hours to VA beach. I am happy here. It is home.

"E" is for...

I am grasping, here, guys. I mean... it's the letter "E". Anyway.... there could be a number of things that "E" could stand for....

1. Eastman - my daddy worked there.

2. Eastern Motors.... Your job's your credit....(got to watch this if you haven't seen it-local commercial here and it is hysterical)

3. Easter, but cassie took that, can't copy.

4. Eagles - they are cool birds.

5. Exits - they get you off the interstate.

6. Enron - they get your $$ (hehe)

7. elliptical machine- gets your hiny tiny! (that ryhmes)

8. ears - help you hear....

9. east coast - (more than one, Jacqueline, oh yes i did just put that!)So, this isn't what intended, but since no one seems interested in my fruits, lets see if you all can help me think of more words that start with "e", preferrably nouns. ;)

"D" is for....

Daddy! I have always been close to my daddy, so what else could I put here? He is such funny and caring guy. Everytime he answers the phone its something different. I love him so much. It makes me sad that we are so far apart. He is all in all an amazing man, and I am so lucky that I get to call him Daddy. (And yes, I call him DAddy, not dad, father, papa, pops - daddy.)

Jacqueline...

This post is for my friend Jacqueline... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! What can I say about her? A ton, so I will try to keep it to a minimum. I am not a person with a whole lot of "friends" around me. But she is one of them.....and how blessed I am that she is. She is absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. She can finish my sentences (with my accent, too), and is always there when you need her. Day or night. Sick or well. She has brought me burn cream, inhaler tubes, cake, helped me clean my house, and has listened at me laugh and cry. She knows my deepest, darkest secrets, and doesn't judge me for them. I honestly believe that God brought her into my life knowing how much I was going to need her, and here she has stayed. She is one of those friends, that I know no matter how much time or distance seperates us, we will still always be as close as we are right now. Also, her kids are the same ages as mine! PERFECTO! My hope for this woman is that she gets everything that her heart desires. If anyone deserves it she does. She is the most selfless individual that I know. So, Jacqueline, I just want you to know how much you mean to me, especially on this day. I love you so much! Happy Birthday Beautiful!

My two youngest....

Well, for those of you who know me, I have three children. Two that are of human form that I gave birth to. One that I, well, he is a dog. His name is Oscar Reza. And well, I love him an insane amount. I am one of those weird dog people. I take my dog a lot of places. I buy him clothes. He is so rotten that he hates all other dogs. And yes, he is the obnoxious breed, a maltese. But he is the cutest thing ever. We have had a near death incident (in a tragic grooming accident), times where he has gotten lost - but we've gotten through it.

Oscar has always been more "my" dog than anyone else's. But, much to my dismay, that is slowly changing. Tonight I am on the couch watching "Suite Life of Zack and Cody"(the one where the dad/daughter duo are con artists), while Isabella is playing in the floor. Is she coloring like I thought she was? No. She is trying to braid Oscar's fur. Now here is the kicker. He is letting her. He doesn't let many other people mess with him but me. (and my dad.) Don't get me wrong... He doesn't bite. He will just run off to his corner and hide or get up on my lap. Not tonight my friends, not tonight. This is what I stumble upon....

"C" is for....

Guess who? You got it, CASSIE! And, no, sister - it isn't like it is a big surprise...I know, but nonetheless - its you! Cassie and I are four years apart and have been through a lot together. I am so lucky that I have her for a sister. She is cynical, loving, sarcastic, beautiful, vicious, and humbling all rolled up in one. I really believe a lot of people misinterpret her. I know I have. But once you know her, if you are privileged and lucky enough to do so, you will realize that you were the one who got lucky. So, my dear sister, this one is for you. I love you. I really do.

"B" is for...

Baseball! Tariq, our sweet little boy (with smirk on face), is not, what you might say, athletically inclined(or interested). Being from the south, I did not know what to do with this. This is what little boys do, play sports. But not my boy - he is dismantling computers and reading C++ manuals at the age of 8. Hmmm. But, my friends, there is an addition to my son's interests! Much to my exuberance, he begged to be signed up for little league! Yeah! We are all excited! Just to see him interested in something else. Now, I just hope he has a great time. I am so excited!

"A" is for....

Okay Cassie, I give. A is for Ali. My husband.

Aerogarden Love....

If you like to cook with fresh herbs and spices... Get an aerogarden. I love this thing. I think it is one of my favorite purchases ever. Just wanted to share some of my herb pics... Man, I seem like a big foodie with these last 2 posts, huh?

Funky Fruits of Fredericksburg....

Okay, so Isabella hates all food. No, that's not true, she likes peanut butter and apples. (candy, too.) So, what do you feed a child like that? I refuse to be that mom who fixes seperate food for my kids. I have enough to do, but thanks for offering. ;-)
Anyway, here is my new thing... each week, we are going to pick an "exotic" fruit to try each week. Whoever tries this new "scary" fruit first, gets to pick the fruit next week. Sounds fun, right? Join me. Let me know what you think, and what fruits you are trying. Then post a comment and let me know what you think about that fruit. Good or bad, don't hold back. Here was our first fruit. It is a red banana. The sticker said that they are "organic" and they were from "Columbia". They taste like raspberry bananas. They are awesome! Kinda weird at first...But yummy! Here are a few pics. The top one is beside a normal banana so you can see the difference in size.

Fritailian? What is that?

Okay, I love coffee. I love starbucks. I love Dunkin Donuts. I don't play favorites with my kids or coffee. But, when something is dumb, well, it just is. I assume that they are making fun of the Starbucks menu. But what can't be pronounced there? Mocha? Americano? Espresso? Pumpkin Spice? C'mon. Oh, wait, could they mean words like Latte'? Here is wikipedia's answer on the definition of "latte" if you were wondering...

In Italian, latte is simply the word for milk. What in English-speaking countries is now called a latte would be referred to in Italy as "caffelatte" or "caffellatte" literally "coffee and milk", similar to the French café au lait and the Spanish café con leche. Caffelatte is today part of the defined international coffee menu, which also includes cappuccino and espresso.

The most important part of this post... Check out the beverage that they are clearly promoting in the end... So, Dunkin Donuts, I believe, at least according to Wikipedia, It is Italian.

Happy Valentine's day...

So, while trying to dream up something uplifting and positive for this day of blissful romance, I decided, well, I have nothing. Great husband, great kids, but anything profound, not so much. So I will give a reccomendation - check out the song "new soul" by Yael Naim. It makes me smile. I hope it does you, too. Hope you have a great night...

Vote.

I saw this on another person's blogsite, and well, I thought it was phenomanal. How blessed we are as american's that we have the right to vote. So, whether your primary has passed, or it is in the future. Get out there and be heard. If you haven't registered, it only takes five minutes to do, and what a great return you get on that five minutes.

And remember, there has never been anything false about hope.

Okay, I'm done.

Wow!

A girl I know from Tennessee, Jennifer, forwarded this to me in an email. For those of you who know me, Shea Payne is my friend Paige's brother. How crazy is that? For those of you who don't know, Paige is one of my best friends ever. I met her here in Fredericksburg, and we were stuck at the hip. Because of her husband Joe, (still love ya Joe), she had to move to Fayetteville, NC. I just thought it was such a small world when I got this email. Amazing.
PS - Jennifer didn't know that this was Paige's brother. Just sending out a postive email. THanks Jennifer!

From Tragedy to Testimony
Photo credit: Kingsport Times-News
This is from the father of a Kingsport crash victim. Ricky Reed is a Kingsport re altor. Shea Payne is a Kingsport firefighter. Steve & Sherry Jeffers are faithful prayer warriors. All are members of Higher Ground Baptist Church. Ricky's daughter, Rachel Reed, 21, was involved in a serious accident on I-26 between Stone Drive and Bays Mountain at 5:40 pm on Friday, Feb 8.
Sherry and I spoke with Ricky just a few minutes ago and he asked that we pass his note along. The events described below just prove again that we serve an Awesome God!!
Steve
From: Ricky Reed
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 12:01 PM
To: Steve Jeffers
Subject: Re: FW: Friday's Here - Sunday's On The Way!!
Hi Steve,
I know you send out prayer requests and updates to a lot of people, and I always appreciate it, and it keeps me informed of what's going on with many of our friends and neighbors. I wanted to give you an update on Rachel, who I know you remember (who could forget Rachel Reed??). You might not have heard, but she was in a serious car accident Friday evening. She was on her way to a Young Life meeting, and was traveling towards Stone Drive on I-26. Another car was traveling from Stone Drive towards Bays Mountain on I-26, and the driver was weaving in and out of traffic at a really high rate of speed. (some witnesses say 90 mph, some 120). He lost control after crossing the long bridge and went airborne at the median just past the bridge, and Rachel was on the other side of the highway. She evidently in a split second saw him coming at her, and turned her wheel to the right, which kept the other car from t-boning or hitting her head on. The engine of her car ended up in her passenger's seat, but she was wearing her seat belt and her air bag went off just as it should. Shea Payne just happened to be one of the first to get there, and he helped to cut her out of the car. I and Rachel's mom were gone looking for Rachel when she hadn't shown up for her Young Life meeting....I was on one end of I-26 and saw the wreck from a distance, and Rachel's mom was on the other end of I-26, and we both just knew that Rachel had to be in that wreck. I parked my car in the median, and started running from Stone Drive, and Linda parked her car and was running down the hill towards the wreck. We both arrived at the wrecked car at almost the same time, and when I saw the car, I knew it was Rachel's, and that there was no way she could have survived. But thanks be to our awesome God that He had Shea Payne right there in the middle, (Shea realized when he saw me who the girl he had just sent to the hospital was!!). I asked him if Rachel had survived, and he told me "Yes, she was alive, and she was talking" I still couldn't believe it, and asked him twice more......of course Linda couldn't believe she had lived through it either, and Shea reassured us both she was alive and at the hospital. Shea later told me that when he came up on the wreck, he thought to himself there was no way anyone could have survived, but then he hears Rachel talking!!! Rachel has to be one of the sweetest, kindest example of a Christian you'll find, and anyone that knows her will tell you the same (not because she's our daughter, but God just blessed us with her and we just happened to be the fortunate parents) Shea also said that a nurse from Wellmont had gotten to the site before he had, and she had evidently assessed what was going on, and was already giving directives as to what was needed. A Wellmont chaplain was also there! To see how God placed everybody at that spot at the time, and how he arranged Rachel's protection, is nothing short of a miracle. It is truly that - A MIRACLE!
Rachel had a broken femer, which required a steel rod to be placed in her leg, five broken ribs, five fractured vertebra, a broken wrist, facial cuts, and a whole lot of bruises. She's been taken off the ventilator and had no problem breathing on her own yesterday around 2. She's been alert, knows what's going on, tells me and her mom where she hurts, to hold her hand, to rub her foot, everything a precious child would only ask mom or dad to do. She is being weaned from her pain medication today, and will be started to work towards getting her up out of bed and on her feet. The care from all the doctors and nurses at Wellmont has been outstanding, and I wish I knew everyone's name, but I'm still in a blur at this time, and will have to try and get all that later, but we are so thankful for them.
We know that she has a long road ahead of her of rehab and healing, but we are thankful to God for all that He has done, for His protection, His care, His watch over His special little girl, and for keeping her mom and dad sane through all of this.
The outpouring of love and compassion from all of our friends and family, from all of Rachel's friends, I could name a list of probably two hundred people we have seen or talked to in the last forty eight hours, and it wouldn't even begin to thank everybody enough. For the prayers, the prayer chains, the churches, the local Pastors........thank you Lord Jesus for it all!!!
Our baby is gonna make it!!
We love you all,
Ricky Reed, Linda Reed, and Rachel
Please keep the Reed family in your prayers and remember that God works in mysterious ways!