CCCL... Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon...St. Jude Affiliate

One of THE highlights of our trip...the St. Jude Affiliate hospital in Beirut, Lebanon, CCCL, Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon. Even though we knew we only had a few days in Beirut, we had this stop at the top of our list. We were fortunate enough to have a private tour pre arranged by one of our FAVORITE doctor friends (you know who you are)! We were greeted by all wonderful people who made us feel like family the minute we met. 

Our family has a deep rooted love and appreciation and admiration for St Jude for many reasons. Who could NOT have a special place in their heart for St. Jude and it's mission??? The most obvious heartfelt connection is the Lebanese community. Did you know that half of the board of ALSAC is required to be of Syrian or Lebanese descent? Danny Thomas actually came to the Naifeh Coon Supper many years ago. We have a picture of Danny and Oney. Pretty cool. Also, my girls have had awesome experiences working at St. Jude. Abby was part of the "Volunteen" Program one summer and a summer intern the next. Ally has had a marketing/media internship this summer with ALSAC. St. Jude is such a VITAL part of the mid south. We are so fortunate to have them in our backyard. 

The two hospitals are very similar. We only toured the outpatient area out of respect for families and their privacy. 

We cannot thank you enough for making the time for us and making us feel special.It was an honor to be able to tour the hospital and see Danny Thomas's dream alive and well.  Karen, Nisrine, Ali, and Hana...you all were a joy! Ali - your personal story of the Armenian man struggling to find care for his child was remarkable. God bless you all and CCCL! 

THANK YOU...Shukraan! 

King Cake to Die For

One of my newest favorite recipe blogs is Plain Chicken . They have some very quick, easy and delicious recipes. I tried this one out Sunday morning and it was insanely delicious. 

King Cake Bubble Up

Pointers: Definitely needs the 35 minutes to be fully cooked. The more sprinkles the better!

Living Life Thru Ally...

Boxing Tournament Weekend...what used to be SAE Boxing Tournament...Judson and I sure are loving life living vicariously through Ally this weekend! Hayden went up to Knoxville this weekend. I am sure Ally is being a great Sister in Law:-) 

Ally and Megan

Ally and Hayden

Wait-no fair-Amy Folk snuck up to Knoxville for the weekend...Cute picture girls! 

Ally really made her Dad's day when she sent him this picture of her wearing his boxing tournament t-shirt from 1990. Even though she took the scissors to it and made it a "choker" tee!

45th Inauguration of the President of the United States

All politics aside, Democrat or Republican, the process of changing Presidents in our country is pretty amazing. I have never been a huge history person, but I do love hearing all of the traditions and symbolisms during the Inauguration. Here is a photo of first Ladies in their fancy attire. 

A peak inside the church service that morning. 

The Obamas and The Trumps meeting at The White House for coffee. Melania is gorgeous in that powder blue. 

The Bidens and the Pences departing The White House for the Inauguration. 

Obama flying over D.C. one last time as he departs for a vacation.

Although you never really know what happens behind closed doors, I do like the fact that the Trumps seem very close to each other. Here was a group hug after President Trump was sworn in to office. 

Needless to say, I didn't get much work done today. I had the tv on in my office all day. 

This will be interesting to see how his twitter account plays out. I do think he needs to back away from his tweets, maybe not entirely, but definitely some. 

Look who showed up at the parade...The Pride of the Southland Band from Tennessee

Woke up watching the coverage and went to bed watching it. 

God Bless America and our new leaders. They have their hands full. 

Snow Day or Cook Day?

I LOVE days like today...a house FULL of kids...hungry, happy, kids! Today schools were closed for snow. When the kids woke up, I told them I would love to be home base if they wanted. I offered to cook chili and rotel. They never really "commit" not knowing what their friends will want to do. But, I prepared just in case...well, we had a HOUSE FULL. I swear at one time I looked up and there were 35-40 kids here! I hope they had a blast - I sure did! 

Playing the game "Watch Yo Mouth"

Playing card games and video games

Not really sure what these silly boys are doing...

Abby working on her photography skills...

My sister and I both snap chatted each other - both watching tv, with a fire burning, under one of our Grandmother's quilts... 

"This Is Us"... My new favorite tv show...you don't realize all of the little pieces of your life that make you who and what you are...

Perfect Timing, Always

In completely Peyton Manning fashion, with class and poise, Peyton Manning said goodbye to playing football today. You couldn't have written a book any better than the way his career ended. So happy for him and his family. Such a real class act and example for young people. Such an awesome representative for the University of Tennessee. 

Judson and I watched the press conference at work. I think we were both crying at one point. Pretty emotional speech. So sincere and personal. 

Im pretty sure he blew up the internet today. I couldn't begin to post all of the awesome pics that were floating around. CONGRATULATIONS Peyton! Job well done!