Growing

Lately Camille and Graham can't get enough of two things, FOOD and SLEEP...and we all know what that means.  Growing!  I love watching Camille deliberately choose which morsel of food she'll put daintily into her mouth to enjoy.  Some of her favorite foods to eat are small cereal bits, black beans, cooked carrots, tiny diced apple, chicken, cereal bars and yogurt.  The funny part is that when she doesn't want something, she pitches it over the side of her high chair and her personal clean-up crew (Charly) devours it sometimes before  I even notice. 

She nurses about 3 times a day now (we've gone from 6 to three just in the last month!)  and takes two solid naps and ~mostly~ sleeps through the night.  The sleeping through the night part is still hit and miss, but we're getting closer! 

I wish I had my baby book close by to scan a picture my mom has of me with my hiney up in the air like this.  :)  Camille has attached herself to Graham's moose (from when he was a baby!) and of course, blanket is always a necessity at bedtime. 

Camille crosses her ankles like this when she is sleeping, and when she is in the high chair.  It reminds me so much of my Grandma.  I remember her crossing her ankles like this when she would sit down.  I wonder if she would do this because she was so petite that her feet didn't fully touch the ground in their oversized furniture!  :)   I miss her so much.  I often think about how our little people would be a source of delight to her heart, I can almost hear her laughter sometimes when I think of her seeing the cute things that we see every day!  :)  It is so neat to see how traits from those we love carry on in our children.

"I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations."  Psalm 89:1 (NIV)

Routines Rock

The last nine months have been full of change and chaos for our family.  Since we moved back, I've not felt settled.  I think a big part of this is the fact that our home is perpetually messy and not just that, many things still don't have their proper place.  Because certain areas are "in progress" with remodeling, it kind of affects the whole order of things.  Any fellow order-er's out there....please tell  me I'm not crazy?!  ;)

Since I was a little girl (and my mom can attest to this!) I've been a person who needed and craved order.  A place for everything and everything in it's place.  When things are out of place, it affects my mental and physical well-being.   Sometimes I wish it weren't so!  I think it would be so freeing to be able to live happily and creatively in a mess, and be unaffected!  I have been so concerned about restoring order in our house, that I have neglected something even more important....order and routines for our family. 

Camille's sleep schedule has been so erratic.  We've gone from waking up once for a feed and back-to-bed to 3 or even 4 times at night.  I am EXHAUSTED.  Man, lack of sleep can take a major toll on a person's mental health!  She is mildly teething, but apart from that, nothing that would warrant an all night all-you-can-eat buffet at the expense of mom's sleep.  :)   So, I decided to take her to the pediatrician this morning.  Surely something was going on.  Maybe her ears?  Turns out, her ears were fine.  A little clear fluid in there, but no infection at all.

Dr. V gently informed me that Camille is at the age now where she may be "testing" her sleep boundaries with us and that maybe it's time for a little cry-it-out.  I can't belive I didn't consider this!   Now I know why the "baby" of the family  is considered "babied" a little too much!  ;)  I was so hard and fast about routines and schedules with our other two children, we had very few sleep issues.  With Miss Millie, however, I've just been grateful that during this time of transition, she has rolled with it-she is so go-with-the-flow!  Well, now I know that go-with-the-flow has a price tag.  So tonight, we began again our bedtime routine.  Tonight was peaceful and calm, and even the big kids went to bed calmly and without protest. 

We revisited this old favorite with Miss Millie tonight:

And began this classic with the big kids:

It's the "abridged" version, and so far they can't wait for more.

Last year, my father-in-law challenged all of the grandchildren to learn the Lord's prayer, I still can't believe how quickly they learned!  We ended our day by sharing our good and bad thing for the day and praying the Lord's prayer together.  It was such a sweet time.  No fussing, complaining or going to bed frustrated.  I'm thankful and hoping for many more evenings like this one.  Good night!  :)

First Days

One thing I've learned by now, is how FAST these first days, weeks, months go with a newborn.  I'm forcing myself to take this rare quiet moment to remember (and share)...because I don't want these precious fleeting days to blur together.  

Honestly, I think I'd be content to sit in my rocking chair staring at my baby girl's sweet face, all day long.  ;)  Thanks to our moms and my husband, I've been able to do just that for over 2 weeks now.  Just look at my view...burping our baby....she's so sweet.  We've taken to affectionately calling Camille my little "glue-dot" because she's happiest when she's stuck to me like glue.  :)  So far, she loves to sleep and when she's awake, very peaceful and alert.  She's especially fascinated by her big brother and sister's antics-oh there are some funny stories to tell, but that will have to wait for another post!  

For now, here are a few fun pics from Camille's first 2 weeks...

Daddy's happy place....they're all asleep!  :)

Camille found her thumb, she'll also take the pacifier...

but that thumb's so convenient! ;)

Her first bath...not a happy camper.

Wait...is that my thumb?

Big sister, "fixing" Camille's hair. 

Reecie is my little side-kick in baby care.

We have been so fortunate to have Dan's mom and my mom (Grandma and Nana) stay with us for the last 2 1/2 weeks during this time of transition. They have helped with meals, cleaning, laundry, errands, spending quality time with Graham and Hannah Reece, and anything else we've needed along the way. We are so incredibly grateful for their gift of time with us. Camille is our first "away" baby, living far away from family. It's been different but do-able because of their time with us and for the help of precious friends we've met here in North Carolina.

Big brother had his first bout with Strep Throat this weekend. This was nerve-racking especially because Dan had class on Friday and Saturday, thank goodness Nana was here to care for Graham and provide germ-control.

Here's Miss Camille with Grandma and Nana

I have...

...recently seen this list on another blog I enjoy reading...should you get the itch, please do your own!! The items in the list in bold are some of the things I have done in my 32ish years...and some I hope to do one day!
(photo taken on my 32nd b-day last month!)




1. Started your own blog :)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world (heck yeah, we only live 3 hours away!)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (does rockin' in my daddy's boat in a storm count?)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (baby got back :)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt-AWESOME!
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance-after an accident with a drunk driver
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching...on that trip to Hawaii
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter...that trip to Hawaii again! :)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar...do the fish eggs on top of sushi count??
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House...stood outside of it
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...

Well, here we are! It's Christmas eve, and what a great time to invite you into our home for a little virtual tour (inspired by Boo Mama's Tour of Homes) If the miles must separate...at least we can imagine you're coming for a visit! Please come in, kick your shoes off and stay for a while!

Welcome to our humble abode...what did ya think of the elevator ride up? And did you hang on tight to your children as you "walked the plank" to our condo? We're only about 2 minutes from the church and 5 from the beach...oh I digress...that's a different tour for a different day! Focus, Sarah...
This is our dining/living/play room...the balloons on the cross are left over from our birthday party for Jesus, today...yeah, Hannah Reece'll grab you a cupcake, we saved one just for you!!!

Anyway...we gotta get creative with hanging the stockings here in Florida...not too many places around here with a mantle, or a fireplace for that matter. Graham's tasty lookin' gingerbread house and many crafty projects are proudly displayed here, too. The big shelf is also home to our critters Nemo the hermit crab and Strollie the Beta fish. Oh no! They look a little hungry...I think I forgot to add "feed pets" to the christmas-time to-do list! This is one of our favorite traditions "What God Wants for Christmas" nativity set... each of seven boxes contains a piece of the nativity with a story book to follow along. Day 7 is empty, just a mirror...emphasizing that what God really wants for Christmas is relationship with us, his beloved creation. On Monday, December 22, Graham and I read day 7 together...he was super quiet and then he said, "Mom, I have a new heart!" I said, "What do you mean, Graham?" "Jesus gave me a new heart and I'm gonna follow Jesus every day." Thank you, Lord.

It is a joy to share this happy news with you! Just to our right is the wall-o-loved ones...during the year I keep these boards loaded with photos of friends and family so we can think about you and pray for you all year long. Right now, it's full of Christmas cards that warm our hearts and make us smile!

Our little tree is covered in about three-times it's weight in ornaments, it's kind of hard to see in the photo, but it's got a little lean on. Many of the ornaments are from our (Dan and I) childhood, but the little beaded Candy Cane and the Green felt wreath were some additions that Graham made to the collection this year! I made the garland about five years ago when I was MUCHO PREGO with Graham (man has it been that long ago??) . So many of memories here! My mom and I were after-Christmas sale shopping about 3 years ago...she caught me admiring this nativity, so she bought it and stashed it away for my birthday the next year. It now sits atop our t.v. cabinet...which my children happen to be staring at right this very minute...not usually the case when company comes, so sorry about that! I didn't have the heart to disturb them...they look so cute all snuggled up, dontcha think?

Sweet friends and family, thank you for visiting...please come by anytime and, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

While the cat's away, the mice will...watch birds?

Our original plan for the weekend was to retreat to Nana and Papa's house while Dan was in Charlotte. Nana has been a little under-the-weather...time for Plan B! Very important to keep busy so we don't think so much about how much we miss Daddy every minute of the day!

This whole once or twice a month traveling schedule has definitely gotten a little trickier the now that the kids are older and have some concept of time...and 3 days without daddy can seem like a VERY-LONG-TIME when you're two and four!

I made the decision to try something new! So we joined up with the Audubon Young Birders Club for bird-watching, and exploration of Lover's Key. I'm not really much of an outdoorsy, adventureous type of chick...but I do love me some Florida "au naturale"

The information said this activity was for ages 5-18 from 9am-noon.

My translation: "We're almost 5 (Graham).... and I'm sure it's a come-and-go kinda thing)

And the adventure begins...

Loaded up on a tram with all of the other "birders" (I never thought I'd be a wannabe birder :) )and off we went for hours of birding fun!

My children were the youngest wannabe birders, by far... and I was amazed at how well they hung in there with all of the veteran birders! Our tour started on a bridge overlooking the bay and mud-flats...so chilly this morning...quiet and peaceful. Very interesting to hear the experienced "birders" point out the differences in species of vultures, seagulls, and even some birds that only migrate here for a few weeks or months out of the year from all over North America.

With a potty-training two-year-old, you betcha I'm always looking for the nearest bathroom...found one at our next stop on the beach...yessss! One of the other folks immediately found a horseshoe crab and that was very cool...

the kids loved watching the crab and collecting shells...one of the best qualities of SW Florida beaches...shells, shells, and more shells! The sky was so blue...Thank you, Lord, for the greatest (and most difficult to clean up) natural play-thing...sand! Hannah Reece would've been content to stay right here squishing and tossing the sand around...

Then, it was onto the next stop...as we traveled past the parking lot in the tram (about 1 1/2 hours in now) I was thinking "should we ask him (the park ranger) to stop and let us out now...where are we goooiiiing?" I decided to squelch my inner city girl, and stick to the plan....adventure is good! Right?!

Now we're walking on trails...it's starting to warm up now, and it's very, shall we say...wooded. Hannah Reece says "momma, I so scary! Hol-ju-me!" and up she goes on my hip. No bathrooms in sight...and we're walking...and walking...and walking...look at my watch, it's only 10:45! That means we could be walking for another hour and 15 minutes! More self-talk...suck it up and carry on soldier! Saw some really neat things like this "strangler fig" wrapped around another tree...starting to feel a little like I'm in the movie "Princess Bride"...I wonder if we have quick-sand here?

Up until now, we haven't seen any other walkers besides those in our little group...and then, I see our angels! Two grandparents with their teenage grandchildren...walking towards the group. We're laggin' at the end and so I quietly stop the family...."excuse me, are you headed back to the parking area?" Grandma says, "why, yes we are! "

So we tagged along with this sweet family, here from Minnesota for the week staying on the beach with their whole family. Grandpa takes turns giving the my children "shoulder" rides...not something I'd normally accept from a perfect stranger...but after carrying a 25 lb. toddler for about 3 miles...I'm so grateful for the kind offer! Graham held hands with granddaughter, "Avery", chatting it up with her the whole way, and lovin' every minute of her undivided attention. I've never been so happy to see a parking lot! And as soon as we made it to the car...."Momma, I need to go pottteeeeeee!"

All, in all, even with our shortened version of the tour...it was great fun to spend time on an new adventure with the kids, learning new things about God's awesome creation and our home...and realizing God's timely provision, in the form of four tourists from Minnesota!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Big 'ol kids

My baby is almost potty trained. After 1 week, all we have left to master is #2...oh boy...Hannah Reece is SO proud of her skivvies...

{edited about 2 hours after original post: 3 outfits, and two soiled rugs later...I guess we haven't even mastered #1, either. Is it just me, or is this whole potty-training thing much longer and more challenging with girls?}

Got to sleep in late (8:00) on Friday, thanks to my man! Woke up, and beheld this sight....hmmm...not sure how I'm feeling about this...Graham was pretty pumped up to play football on the PS2...

Learning very quickly that almost 5 year old boy=

• new fascination with video games, Transformers, "good" guys/ "bad" guys, jumping off and climing around on every piece of furniture we own (where did all those manners go?)


• bursts of testosterone that lead to a desire to wrestle with every member of the family,


• and oh yes...the dreaded "potty" talk-if it involves excretion, he's positiviely hysterical with laughter.


• thankfully, lots of lovin' left for his momma-hugs, kisses and snugs-a-plenty (that's my favorite part)

In other big kid news, Logan and Taylor (cousins) came for a slumber party on Friday night.

The plan was "Kung Fu Panda" , Chinese takeout, and a campout in the living room. The reality involved 4 super excited kids jumping on the air mattresses (watching the video in between spastic energy bursts), crashing at about 9:00, and two tiny people-can't really remember which ones :) ending up in our bed at 4 am.... with the rest making an appearance at 6:30...fun times! :)

Lately, I find myself mourning a little for those baby days...but excited about the way the kids are growing and becoming more independent with each new day.

Dan's gearing up for another weekend in Charlotte...which means lots of studying and reading in addition to the work-week. This "season" feels a little overwhelming at times. We are thankful, and asking the Lord to give us his strength and eternal perspective, so we don't get caught up in the seemingly stressful details of life.

Poor Sun Commander...

...just didn't see it coming! The little mommy is coming out in our baby girl...EVERYTHING needs to be wiped and diapered...even the superheroes are not safe from her sweet nurture.

Graham's favorite past-times these days are Lego building and Planet Heroes. I love to listen in on his quiet dramatic play...although I think it embarrasses him a little if he knows I've overheard. Watching these two play together just makes me smile!

Tonight Reece just cried because "Me wont to sweep in Bubba bed!!!!" As soon as we walked out and closed the door, I could hear the two of them laughing and talking....sweet times...I'm hoping they'll always be so fond of each other!

Vacation...

Very thankful for a family getaway + a week of study and school for Dan...

Eleven days of family fun in a nutshell... check out first link on the right for lots of photos...

• Day 1: drive to St. Augustine (sightseeing and carriage ride for the little princess in our family)


• Day 2: driving...arrive at Backwoods Lodge in Charlotte


• Day 3: Settling in to our little home-away-from-home and making plans for the week, Dan in class all day


• Day 4: Grocery Run and Fun


• Day 5: JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing), Billy Graham Library, read and play to our heart's content!


• Day 6: Farmer's Market and explore "uptown" Charlotte


• Day 7: visit Gordon-Conwell, drive to Greensboro to hang out with Tuttle Family


• Day 8: Discovery Place Museum, Dan finishes two big papers for school today!


• Day 9: Graham and Mama hike and hang out at USNWC (US Nat'l Whitewater Center & Olympic Training Facility), Dan at class in the evening


• Day 10: Dan at class, packing up, drive to South Georgia to spend the night


• Day 11: Drive to Orlando to visit the Van's Indoor Skatepark (a surprise for D.G.-he's very interested in skateboarding lately), drive home!

*Before we left, Dan asked Graham what his favorite part of the trip was, he quietly replied, "you". And tonight, when asked the same question by some friends, replied, "the bunk beds!!" Hannah Reece finally made it up to the "forbidden" top bunk on our last day and was absolutely filled with remorse for her disobedience...can't you just see the look of shame on her face?

Happy Birthday, Dad & Kailey!

Things that make Dad smile:

*tickling his grandkids 'til they're laughing hysterically and begging him to "stop!"

*a REALLY good deal (translated: on sale with rebates!)

*"ambling" up the river into the Gulf on his boat(s)

*eating his food HOT and SPICY!

*music and movies...the LOUDER the better!
("Play that Funky Music" was Dad's only song request at our wedding reception-it still makes us laugh when we think about that special night!) So pump up that volume-this one's for you, Dad!

*an icy cold margarita while he hangs out in his office

*a phone call from an old friend

*four little people who lovingly refer to him as "Papa"


"Graham, what do you like best about Kailey?"

"Well...she's my best friend...she likes to climb with me, and jump on the bed with me...and play with me...and eat with me....
LOTS of things, Mom!"

Sweet Freedom

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our weekend began with Fireworks on Thursday night with Grandma & Grandpa, Aunt Jen, Uncle Tom, Aunt Lizzie, Uncle Brent, and a bunch of cousins. It had just rained before we set-up our little tail-gate party-there was a nice breeze most of the evening. Graham enjoyed watching fireworks from a safe distance-in the open back-end of Grandpa's car!

We went boating with Nana, Papa, Uncle Brent, Aunt Lizzie, Kailey and Ethan all day Friday. The water in the Gulf near Sanibel Island was crystal clear-and perfectly cool. After many hours of playing in the sand and swimming, we made our way back to N&P's house for dinner...just as the afternoon storms were rolling in. Lightning and huge storm clouds can be so beautiful AND scary when you're in a boat. We were ALL glad to be back in the house to watch the wonder with sufficient cover!

Thinking a lot about how grateful we are for family, for friends, for a place to live and worship God freely and openly....for the price that was paid for my freedom in Christ's shed blood...just very thankful.

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Friday Flashback

One year ago, we said...

"let's go fly a kite!"

...and tonight it's D.G.'s (much anticipated) date with

Wall-E

Top ten things we love about Daddy....

10. Ending the day together-bathing, laughing, reading and praying-you make us feel so content, we go right to sleep

9. Shootin' our Nerf Shooters at each other while chasing each other all over the house

8. Your BIG Daddy hugs and whiskery sugars that leave rugburn on our soft little cheeks

7. The way you help out with us and household chores after a long day at work-we know how much you love our mama, it makes us feel happy

6. Your yummy dinners, we love mealtime "Chef Boyoedy" style-we really like your homemade fries

5. The way you teach us about Jesus-we see glimpses of our heavenly Father in you, Daddy

4. Your spontaneous spirit to jump in the car and drive to Disney on a whim so we can play together

3. The way you go "all out" for whatever we're interested in at the moment, we know that you are proud of us

2. You are a BIG dude with a BIG heart and you make us feel safe and protected

1. The way you walk in the door, put your bag down and we ask what the best part of your day was, you say, "coming home to you!", and we know that it's true.

Happy Father's Day! We love you SO much, Daddy.

A day of "lasts"...for all of us!

Today is Dan's last day of Ethics after a week in Charlotte. He preached last Sunday at morning worship, and flew to school at 3:00 that afternoon. When Dan travels for school-especially for the longer classes, it is a mixed blessing. Of course we miss him BIG time while he's away, but feel very thankful every now and then he gets to spend a week focusing on "just" school. It's also good because I get to be more in-tune with Graham and Hannah Reece's needs since it's just me (and sometimes grandparents) meeting them! Also, I get to stretch myself and be a little more "independent"-I rely on Dan SO much when he's home. I try to have something for us to look forward to each day-either visiting with buddies we haven't seen in a while or hanging out with family. This was a busy week all on it's own!

It was Graham's last day of the three's class at our church Preschool. Ms. "Cole" Nicole, Graham's teacher has been taking care of Graham since he was an infant in our church nursery. She has been such a nurturing and loving teacher-she makes learning fun and natural for all of the children in her class.

Ms. Elli is Graham's assistant teacher and is a woman of gentle, quiet faith. She also led the church congregation as they vowed to help us train Graham up in faith at his baptism when he was 9 months old. Elli is a sincere model of Christ's love for the little people entrusted to her care.

The day ended with a magic show and picnic (aka controlled chaos with lots of food laying around on the floor). Graham had a blast running around like a wild maniac with his buddies Noah and Kaden. Throughout the year during the daily my best friend" roll-call, these two were consistently at the top of Graham's list. Graham says his favorite thing to do with these buddies is "tell each other jokes" which have evolved from Raffi rhymes "have you ever seen a fly, wearing a tie?" to the more recent 4-year-old potty humor (which include anything involving stinky excretions). When I ask Graham what makes Noah and Kaden his best friends he said (after a few moments of pondering) "they give me the fast bike on the playground".

And as for Hannah Reece, it's her last day to mourn Bubba's absence (or celebrate her freedom?) when we return from drop-off at Preschool...by making a B-Line to Graham's bed and snuggin' up under his covers.

And the last of the lasts for today was my "graduation" from the Apples of Gold Program at church. Our mentors hosted a lovely dinner for us and our spouses to culminate this 6 week mentoring program which is founded on the passage Titus 2:3-5 (RSV) "...Train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be sensible, chaste, domestic, kind, and submissive to their husband, that the word of God may not be discredited."

I told the ladies that I didn't feel ready to graduate, and maybe we could hold a "remedial" Apples of Gold? Oh, I will so miss those Monday evenings spent sharing a meal and God's word together!

Our precious teaching mentors who have humbly served and loved us...and encouraged my heart!

Top: Jackie, Jeanne, Judy, Ann, JoAnn

Bottom: Carol, Robin

My fellow "apples" and sisters in Christ...

Tracy, me, Jill, Jen, Lana, Sheila

Our First Date

"Hi, Mama! Would you like to join me for dinner?" This was how I was greeted at the door by my sweet 4 year old dressed in his Sunday best...even his Easter tie! I just want to tattoo this precious memory in my brain: Norah Jones playing in the background, I looked out on the lanai at the candlelight and flowers adorning a tablecloth/throw blanket and a yummy dinner served on our wedding china! It had been a long day and tears of joy just flowed. I told Graham I was so happy and couldn't wait to join him for dinner and he said "then why are you cryin' mama?" So I told him about "happy tears" and he said, "just smile mom!" Precious angel boy.

Graham helped Dan make a special dinner (a few of Graham's favorites) for us: salmon, green beans and baked potato wedges. Graham LOVED drinking out of our nice glasses and sprinkling salt on his meal whenever he desired. We prayed and toasted with our glasses. This delightful little smile spread all over his face during the entire meal...I think he was having just as much fun as I was! Graham shared how he and daddy had worked together and how he cooked my dinner because he loves me. Oh! My heart just melted! We talked about our favorite things to do together and just whatever came to mind. I treasure these times when it's just the two of us! It's so cool to hear Graham's ideas and thoughts-I'm truly amazed by this interesting, engaging little person-who is growing up so quickly. I'm so thankful that God entrusted him to us!

In the meantime, Daddy and Hannah Reece had their own first date at McD's, which was surely a pleaser with our little french-fry-lovin' girl. WOW! How in the world Dan pulled this together in the hour-and-a-half that I was away is just beyond me, but he did it! Thanks, babe. My first date with Graham will always be a precious memory and I hope it's the first of MANY more!

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6