Mississippi River Flood 2011

     Many people who don't live near the river probably think that the news and weathermen are blowing things out of proportion with all the talk of a flood. What's all the hype about flooding? Last night we went downtown for a Redbirds game, and we decided to cross the MS River so that the kids could see just how huge and swollen it is. This type of flood only happens every 75-100 years -- truly historical. We could not believe the amount of water! All of us kept looking and just saying, Wow! In different places, you could see the water rushing and swirling. Will asked if we could go swim in it. I told him, "No, that water is so powerful, you would not want to get in it at all!" His response, "But God is stronger than the water." Yes, He is!!
     So for any skeptics, below are some pictures to prove that the MS River really did overflow its banks; and we really do need to be praying for those further down the River who are also in danger of this flood.

First views of the Mississippi River

Mud Island -- the trees are usually well away from the water at a park

North view of the Father of Waters

Crossing into Arkansas

Farmland covered in water

Arkansas Delta

Train tracks passing just above the water -- there's a picture of a train traveling along these tracks further down

Trestle Bridge

Just past the levees

Levees heading back towards Memphis

Opposite side of levees 

Maggie commented that she would not want to travel in this train!!

Views of Memphis

Notice the camper off the right side of the road

The submerged trees are usually along the bank

Mud Island Park

Redbirds Game with Daddy -- a treat on a school night!!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

     After being married to a baseball coach for almost 13 years, I have seen my share of baseball games. Someone asked me the other night if I went to all the games, and I replied, "As many as I can." I'm often late to the field for one reason or another, but I think I am at a stage where it is so much easier to be there and be a supportive wife, rather than be there but never see a moment of the game because of watching the kiddos. Our children have hit the ages where they can pretty much find their own entertainment, and they really do love going to the games. Maggie loves to take books and read or work on her "rock collection" at the home field mud hole; Will hangs out in the dugout with the big boys, raids the concession stand, or tries to make the biggest splash in the aforementioned mud hole; Meredith just wanders, talking to her imaginary friends, but every now and then comes to check in to see if she can raid the concession stand too. All in all, this baseball season has been one of the most enjoyable! Ryan is closer to home, the guys seem to be having a great time and enjoying his coaching, and the team is playing really well and currently at 1st place in the district. We are all pulling for the Eagles; but mostly we pull for Ryan -- or Daddy -- and I am so thankful to be able to be a part of my husband's work (even when it does seem to be a really long season!)
So enjoy some pictures of Coach Porter (courtesy of Janie Peeler)

Will's favorite spot -- don't worry, he's now required to wear a helmet

I still remember seeing Ryan in his Delta State baseball uniform back in college -- I was a goner!

Enjoying some pizza with Bennett Edwards

Jana Clayton with me -- Ryan's assistant Rusty Clayton's wife

The mud hole