The Jordans

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Happy Early Birthday Austin Kieff!

Friday, May 18, 2012

I will do a "I cannot believe my baby is turning 6" post a little closer to Austin Kieff's actual birthday. This post is going to just capture a wonderful night with family and friends.

Some time ago Austin Kieff asked if he could have his birthday party at a Trojan's baseball game. Anyone who knows our family knows we love all things Troy, especially Trojan baseball. So, his request was definitely not a surprise. But, I really did not think it would be feasible to have it during the season. His birthday is not until June. Well, a little Trojan magic and big THANK YOU to Mr. Frigge with Troy University and we had "the best birthday party ever!"

I am not sure I have enough pictures to capture how happy my little boy was today (and I took over almost 500...no joke). But, I will include several (not all 500, I promise) so try to capture this amazing night. It all started with a specially designed ticket inviting family and friends to Austin Kieff's 6th Birthday Party to be held at Riddle-Pace Field at the May 18, 2012 Troy vs. South Alabama baseball game. The next step was a custom jersey with our favorite Trojan's number and lettering as close as we could get to a real Trojan jersey. Perhaps I should back up several months and say it all started with the Adidas pants we had to have like Tyler Ray wears, ha! What a night to remember.

Family and friends met at the stadium at 5:30. The kids were invited out onto the field to watch the Trojans warmup and for a special greeting from each of the players. They stood on the field with the player of their choice for the National Anthem. Perhaps the highlight was the first pitch thrown out by none other than Mr. Austin Kieff Jordan (whose name was pronounced PERFECTLY!!!!!). Catching for #12 was #12 Tyler Ray. What a special opportunity. I cannot say enough about Tyler Ray and the rest of the Trojans. They are truly remarkable young men. Of course they have some pretty awesome coaches to. A very special thank to Coach Smart for his one-on-one with the kids.

Here are a few...well several...pictures:

Getting a little practice in before the Big Event

Waiting for it to be "time"

Tyler Ray talking to Caroline. She had to show him her surprises from

Grandmother and Granddaddy.

Walking to the entrance to Riddle-Pace Field to check and see if

any of his guests were coming in

Bowen and Austin Kieff waiting for it to be "time"

Abby

Greer

John

It's almost "time"

Anna and Hudson

Finally on the field!

A little one-on-one time with each of the players!

Austin Kieff loves talking to Tyler.

Coach Smartt and Austin Kieff walking out to the field

After the game with Tyler Ray. These kids LOVE this guy!

Walking out with Tyler

A little advice from Coach Smartt before his big pitch

Running to the mound

JOY

Who is catching for Austin Kieff? None other

than his FAVORITE Trojan, Tyler Ray!

Before the pitch...

The Pitch

A one-hopper to the plate...he almost got it all the way there!

Exchanging his ball for a signed ball!

Walking away from one of the greatest moments ever

Austin Kieff and Tyler Ray

He could spend every day watching the Trojans!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Today is my oldest brother's birthday. He was born on Friday, May 13, 1977, one very lucky day for our family. He is such an amazing person, always has been. He and I have a different bond, partly out of circumstances, partly because believe it or not we have a lot in common. We are even both accountants...although he actually passed THE exam! I was so proud for him. Probably more proud than if I had. I will add that I was an Accounting major before him, ha! I have always wanted the best for my big brother and I truly think he found it when he met Mary Margaret Jacobs...of course I think she did to when she met Steven Grady Williams.

Grady has been my role model since I was old enough to emulate someone. I could not have chosen a better person. I will never understand his passion for fishing. However, I understand completely his passion for Christ. His witness has been a strong influence on my own personal walk. I have watched him endure things that would have broken many. His faith is so strong.

Grady is a loving, caring husband and father. His family is as lucky to have him for a husband/father as I am a brother. He is that husband who sends flowers just because, who plans out thoughtful gifts, who opens car doors. He is the dad who is present...really present for his kids. They know that he loves them because he tells them and he shows them.

I remember always following in his shadow through school. As a senior, I thought I had had enough, part of my reason for continuing my education in Tuscaloosa instead of Troy. I wasn't on campus a week before I realized how lucky I had been to always have my big brother near. And, if not geographically near, he had experience in what I was going through, facing...doing. He had maneuvered the same hallways and classes. Even today, it is such a blessing to have someone who understands my work deadlines, job stress and related concerns.

Grady is the best friend someone could have. He is loyal and always honest. There is rarely an occasion that I see someone who knows him that they do tell me how he influenced them, how much his friendship meant to them, what a wonderful person he is or some other complement that makes my heart swell with pride.

I am so thankful God blessed me in making me his little, sometimes bratty, sister. I pray we have many, many more years to celebrate together.

I wish I had a really cute picture from childhood to post. Instead, I will post a picture that captures him in all his glory (and it is not on the water!):