Go Ask Alice is a new book I simply cannot put down. It is published anonymously and the note from the editors tucked just behind the title page is what initially caught my eye. It reads:

Go Ask Alice is based on the actual diary of a fifteen-year-old drug user.

It is not a definitive statement on the middle-class, teenage drug world. It does not offer any solutions.

It is, however, a highly personal and specific chronicle. As such, we hope it will provide insights into the increasingly complicated world in which we live.

Names, dates, places and certain events have been changed in accordance with the wishes of those concerned.

I’m hooked. I have been for 100 pages and will probably finish it tonight.

I think it should be required reading for high schoolers. It’s that good… and that bad… and totally true.

Today Evan is 19! What a mile stone.

Evan’s been living with us since September and we’re pretty glad he was born! We hope he feels loved and celebrated this and every day!

10 Things you should know about E:

1. Evan is really funny and has a great sense of humor, laugh, and smile.

2. Evan loves to game–he and Grant and Stahler have logged in many hours playing a game I cannot for the life of me remember the name of, but it involves strategy and killing people… so you’re guess is as good as mine 😉

3. Evan has a special place in his heart for Georgia girl (which in turn, has a special place in mine).

4. Evan has a ridiculously amazing work ethic. Wow.

5. Evan loves Jesus.

6. Evan understands that family is who you choose to let into your heart, and that family comes in many shapes and sizes. Family is awesome and we’ve created family in our little 3-bed room apartment.

7. Evan has a really fun girl friend, Gretchen, and we’ve adopted her, too… and her whole family… They’re pretty great 😉

8. Evan is a history buff who probably knows more about American History than… well any one I’ve met. And he’s knocking his history grades outta the park!

9. Evan likes to read. a lot. I like this about him. a lot.

10. Evan’s got a good head on his shoulders and, though it’s a marathon not a sprint toward self-discovery for all of us, I think he will really know himself and allow himself to be fully known–which is the best one can hope for in this life, I think.

Evan’s great and we’re happy to have him with us for this season of life. Through the ups and downs of two young {and stupid} 20-somethings trying to figure out how to “do” this thing called life with another, he makes us better. That’s awesome. We’re thankful.

HAPPY BDAY, Ev!

NGM IS MOVING!
New Address:
NGM
11380 Southbridge Pkwy
Suite 220
Alpharetta, GA 30022

New Work Phone #:
770. 674. 8131

he left it on my car for me to find.
my heart is full.
that’s all.
😉

{Pat speaking at church}

{Pat singing and Larry dancing}

{Pat and Larry}

{Pat with grandbaby Charlotte}

10 Things I love about Pat–

10. She’s beautiful! Are you kidding me? Her good looks are matched only by her sincere heart. She gives generously of all that she has–time, money, awesome cooking ability, wisdom… you name it. She’s got it and she’s sharing it.

9. She loves Jesus. A Lot.

8. She loves her kids and family–there’s such strength in lovely something dear so deeply.

7. She gives great advice.

6. She’s my spiritual mama here in the city.

5. She loves prayer. She gets this: “not by might or strength but by the power of the Spirit” [Zechariah 4:6]

4. She knows scripture, and–get this–she really believes it.

3. She is somehow the wonderful combination of a meek and mild precious spirit mixed with a boldness and confidence in Christ, with 2 parts Baltimore and 2 parts Atlanta.

2. She makes me laugh. [and on occasion, cry, but the good kind of tears].

1. She gives really great hugs–the kind that wrap you up and make you forget where you are for a minute. And she never lets go first.

I love her very much.