These pictures are from my hometown...I live here now. We only had about 12" of water in our basement and I feel very fortunate. I have seen Pearl City flood 3 times in my 30 years and this by far is the worst flooding ever. We had over 14" of rain in a 2 day period. This is a link to an article in our local paper:

http://www.journalstandard.com/features/x1419036729/Area-farmers-reeling-amid-major-f-loods?photo=0

Pearl City, IL is a small town of about 1000 people our pride is our school, and fortunately, it has been spared. This is the kind of place that draws you in because people care about other often more than themselves. I grew up here and each year more and more of my 50 highschool classmates come "home" to raise their families. It's funny how life does that some times...in highschool all anyone can talk about is getting out of this town. We go to college and spend a few years away and then come back home...

Please pray for our sweet little town. Homeowners here are unable to get flood insurance because Pearl City is not in a flood plain. We are told that our area has been considered a disaster area and make us able to receive emergency aid from the government, but with the state of IL on the verge of bankruptcy it may take years for anyone to receive their benefits.

Kaboom Playground...

Saturday, July 17th Todd and I helped build this playground for the kids in the westview housing projects. It felt so great to help the more than 200 kids who live here. Many have parents who won't or don't take the time to take them to a park. Now they can safely just go out their doors and play on this awesome playground. It felt so great to give just one day to help.

Kaboom is a non for profit organization who's goal is to have a park within walking distance of every child in America. If they are building in you neighborhood I encourage you to help.

To myself at 40...

I got the idea for this post Jamie over at Sticky Feet. Check out her blog...love her, & her cute kiddos'...

This month I will turn 30. After Jamie's inspiration it only seems fitting that I try and write a similar letter at this turning point in my life. While I am a bit envious of Jamie's knowing that her family is complete I still think that it's a good idea to put this down on paper.

Dear Rachel-

At this point you are 40. Wow, I can only imagine what life is like. At this point there are still a lot of unanswered questions in your life that I hope have been answered. Either way I hope that your faith has been strengthened and that you believe that you are on the path God has chosen for you.

I hope that you take a little time to be thankful for your many blessings. I'm sure that these last 10 years have also been met with heartaches. I'm sure that Grandpa Earl and Grandma Parkinson are gone now. I'm sure that you feel so blessed to have had them in your life for so long.

Don't loose sight of your inner creativity. Making crafts brings you such joy and I would only expect that to continue. I hope that you are taking the time to travel and spend time with your friends and family who have been through it all with you. I hope you have made new friends along the way. I hope that you have been on a fishing trip with Todd, Dad and Steve. Always remember how much Todd loves you and how much you love him. He has been your strength throughout all that you have been through and will go through.

Don't give up your love of children no matter how your infertility journey continues. I know how hard it has been recently I can only hope that all of this ends in joy, but if it doesn't you must find joy elsewhere. Do your best not to be bitter about what could have been.

If you are a Mom... Remember to say yes as much as you say no. Give advise freely to your kid(s) and tell them why you feel this way. Encourage them to have big dreams and lots of them since we all know some will have to be "scrapped"... Hug them and thank God for them everyday. Always remember how difficult it was for them to be here when they are being naughty and don't listen.

Pray every day. Not just for your self, but others too. Strive to be less judgmental and more helpful even to those who seem helpless. Never loose your child like attitude, blow bubbles, color in coloring books, jump in the pool...

With love and sincerity....

Rachel