Five short years ago...

...on Mother's day, I learned that I would be a mother for the first time...

January 9, 2004

September 9, 2006

"And so we celebrated because the Lord had indeed worked miracles for us." Psalm 126:3

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

The Last Greek Week(end)

This morning, Dan flew to Gordon-Conwell Seminary in Charlotte, NC for his LAST Greek 2 Class. Greek is finished-well, almost. He'll bring home his final exam when he returns tomorrow, which will be proctored at church this week. Maybe we should have a toga party to celebrate!

Dan has been traveling to Charlotte the first two weekends of each month and will continue a similar schedule until he graduates. Being a distance learner presents blessings and challenges for Dan and our family. We are just thankful that he has this opportunity and for our kind family and friends who are there for us when Dan's away. Dan is the Director of Family Ministries at First Presbyterian Church, and comes home to two little ones and a wife who demand his undivided attention. I think Dan's doing an amazing job at wearing all of his "hats"-he makes it look so easy!

Graham and Hannah Reece are drawn to the piles of Dan's Greek flashcards and have strewn them around the house on several occasions! Graham is really into learning his letters and sounds lately, (thanks to the Letter Factory) so Dan made Graham some of his own flashcards so they can study together. Graham likes to write and draw at our desk and calls it his "serious work time".

"I know that!"

Tonight before bed I said "Graham...I think God made you just right." With this huge smile he replied "I know that, Mama!"

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I KNOW THAT full well."

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

Just as they are...

Couch to 5K

"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 1 Timothy 4: 7-8 (NLT)
On March 15, my friend Amanda and I ran in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure , in honor of dear friend who has benefitted from early detection and treatment.

As a non-runner who needed a plan, I found a training plan online called "Couch to 5K". In terms of my recent physical condition, that phrase fit! Running was always something I wondered if I could do for fitness, but I didn't know where to begin. Training with a buddy was key for reaching my goal. On those days where I just didn't want to get out of bed to run, it helped to know that Amanda would be there to encourage and "sweat it out" with me.

When I stop to think about it, the same has been true for me spiritually. On those days when I feel weary, struggling to trust God in an area or to be disciplined to grow in godliness, God is faithful to reveal himself in the big and small things in life, sometimes when I least expect it and many times through other people he uses to encourage me along the way.

The Amazing Flipper-Dee-Doo and Her Big, Fat Diaper!