Happy Independence Day!

I can't believe it's already the the 4th of July! And, I might mention, I am just as in awe that it is already my 10-year high school reunion?! We headed back to Stanley for the holiday weekend and had a terrific time catching up with classmates, enjoyed the parade, spent a great deal of time with the family and soaked up the sunshine. I ended up losing my voice, which is evidence of HOW much catching up I truly did, which of course made Stephen happy.... he finally got the opportunity to speak his own mind without interruption (Haha)! Grady was snuggled and cuddled to his heart's content and definitely enjoyed his first Independence Day!

And may we not forget the true reason for the celebration...

4-Months!

The beginning of summer was a wet one and we didn't get much of an opportunity to go outdoors. Grady decided that if it continued to rain he would "sail away" to find himself some sunshine. Luckily, the rain clouds finally made their way elsewhere and this little boy was happy to finally spend some time outside!

Hellooooooooo Summer!

The countdown to summer began in August, for most students and their teachers.  I am very happy that school has come to a close for this academic year and I welcome my eagerly anticipated summer vacation! This summer will be the first one spent with my son and, aside from "to-do" list that Stephen and I have put together regarding the house and yard, I relish the idea of getting to spend quality time with Grady.

I have a number of indoor and outdoor projects on my plate. We had planned on putting up a new fence around our yard, as our previous fence was destroyed by a wind storm in early November. However, after the insurance company gave us the quote for the amount they'd be willing to reimburse, that plan was nixed. Now, we're working on a plan regarding some DIY landscaping that will hopefully add some aesthetic value to our home, both front and back. We have some work to do on our downstairs bathroom, after we had a plumbing leak in the ceiling over Thanksgiving. Stephen and Gary (his father) worked on the repairs while they came to visit after Grady was born. The dry walling needs to be taped and then I plan to paint, among other little updates. I'm working on an online scrapbook for Grady. It will record his first year of life and include event such as his birth, baptism, monthly photos,  holidays, etc. I have most of the layouts put together and, as each milestone/event is met, I can simply add the snapshots. It will be ready to print in February and so far, it's looking great!

This year will be my 10-year high school reunion over the fourth of July. I'm very excited to get the opportunity to see and catch-up with my classmates. We've all been through and experienced a great deal since we graduated in May of 2003 and I am eager to see those friendly faces and hear their life-stories.

The Elkins will be coming to visit in July, as their second grand-child (James and Emily's little one) is due in the beginning of the month. We're always excited for them to come visit and Grady has changed a great deal since they last saw him, so they're in for a surprise!

We're excited for everything this summer has in store for us :) Bring on the sunshine!

Spring Time Photos :)

Grady

3-Months Old!

Daddy's little helper is 3-months old today! He's growing like a weed, smiling and cooing, and a total busy-body. We are truly enjoying each day and are so thankful for our many blessings :)

Welcome to PARENTING...

Most things in our lives come with an instruction book/guide.  The car has a manual and before we drive a car we even get a “learner’s permit”. We must study and pass a couple tests before we are allowed to legally drive. The microwave, the television, the cell phone, the stereo – they all come with instruction manuals. But what about parenting? Before our son was born, Stephen and I tried to prepare ourselves for each month of pregnancy (milestones, what to plan for at each appointment, etc.) and then eventually the birth. After Grady was born however, everything we had read and felt like we understood was put to the ultimate test. How tight is a diaper supposed to be, in order to prevent leakage, without squishing their internal organs up into their throat? What's the best way to suction a stuffy nose, without your child screaming as though you're sucking the brain right out of their skull? How do other parents deal with having to change their work attire, immediately after putting it on, after their child has projectile vomited in a manner seen only in horror films? Though I greatly suggest reading the "What to Expect..." series, I must also give credit to the numerous Bible verses that I have recited (like a personal mantra) in the times when I felt lost or the most inadequate in my role as a parent...

Psalms 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

James 1: 2-8 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds...let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning...

Colossians 1:11 ...Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience...

 

Parenting is truly an adventure, filled with teachable moments (for both ourselves and our children)... struggles and triumphs... and I wouldn't want to be on this journey with anyone else (Stephen). I thank the Lord everyday for a man who truly loves and understands me and who is the greatest father I could hope for, for my son. Already, this journey has been fast and furious but, we've enjoyed every moment and plan on enjoying many more to come!