People

As my 30th birthday has passed and Grisham just celebrated his first year of life, I am beginning to realize who the important people in our lives are. They are the people who are there for us. The ones that always have been. They are not the people who make excuses at every corner. They are not the ones who have filled my heart with brokeness so many times. As I realize this, I feel good and bad. It's great that I know without a doubt that I have a few good friends and a handful of family members who would drop everything to be here for us in a moment of true need. But at the same time, it hurts. It hurts to realize that the only thing I can do about those who don't care about us like we care for them, is to let them go. I will continue to uplift them in my prayers and pray that they will have a change of heart and realize how much hurt they've brought to my life. I pray that they will feel so bad about it that they will have a change of heart and want to be a bigger part of our lives. But I can't change other people, only God can do that. So from this day forward, I am going to try really hard to just let them go! I know it will be a daily challenge, but I'm sick of getting my heart broke. May the next tears I cry be tears of joy, when these people open their arms to me and my family and treat us the way God treats all of His children!

The Big Day

Today was Grisham's 1st birthday party. Tomorrow is his actual birthday, but we celebrated today to make it easier on our friends and family who came from out of town. Thank you all for coming on his very special day. I can't believe that it's been a year since I was taking long walks, trying so hard to start my labor. It seems like just yesterday. And now we have a special little boy who brings so much joy into so many lives. He's smart, sweet, funny and SO handsome. He has started his life adventure and he doesn't hold anything back. He loves to learn all he can about the world around him. He loves his family and friends and already has a special place in his heart for God. I believe that he has a special annointing on his life and that even as a child, he will help lead others to Christ. I thank God all the time for our special little guy. One year ago, I couldn't imagine how life would be when he got here, and now, I can't imagine our lives any other way. He's such a special blessing to us. I thank God all the time for giving us our healthy, loving baby boy. Happy First Birthday Grisham, Love Mommy

Grisham's First Haircut...

Below are the pictures. We went to Kiddie Kutters. While waiting his turn, he climbed stairs on his own for the very first time, trying to get to the slide. During the haircut he sat in a toy airplane and watched 102 Dalmations. For the most part, he was pretty still and he didn't cry at all. When he was done he got a certificate with his picture on it and a lock of hair in a tiny ziplock. He also got a balloon and a sucker...which he didn't eat of course. He does look a little more grown up, but we are all very happy with the cut. Our baby is growing up way too fast!

One of my new favorite pictures of him!

Climbing stairs for the first time all by himself. He's going to love to climb!

The airplane he sat in.

A look from the back.

He's SO cute!!!!

During the haircut...

Final Result ~ One Handsome little baby!

Sleeping Baby

This is how baby Grisham loves to sleep: One paci in his mouth and one in each hand!

TO MY DAD

I sit here tonight, just like many other nights and just try to remember what my life was like many years ago. I think about my life, growing up on a farm and how few children have that responsibility these days. It was hard work, yet it was so rewarding. Planting seeds in the garden, weeding the garden, watering the garden...day after day. And then finally getting to eat fresh fruits and vegetables that I planted. Yum. Feeding my baby cows with a bottle. Running in the field with my dogs. How big I felt when I was finally heavy enough to keep the lawn mower going (for most of my life, my dad had to put a block under the seat to hold the button down). Feeding my ducks on the front porch. Riding my cows...yes, cows. They were so friendly...we'll just forget about the part where they became my dinner. :0( You know, things seemed so hard when I was growing up, but I wish that my sons could just experience a taste of what it was like to be me growing up. I think they would have so much more respect for life and for their elders. I never realized just how hard my dad worked until I was all grown up and living on my own. I think back to how hard it must have been to take care of all the animals on that farm, all the land and his family. I complained a lot, but looking back, it was one of the greatest times of my life, and I miss it.

So this is to you Dad. You may not have always been there for me as a little girl, but I was always your little girl and I always will be, I am SO proud of you for providing for me, for ALWAYS loving me and for teaching me how important hard work is. You have worked so hard all of your life and I am so happy for you that you will finally get to enjoy some time to yourself. Just promise me that you'll relax a little bit. Take this time to enjoy life!