Blessed

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 

Psalms 118:1

Full of Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving will be unlike any other.  It seems this year we have more than ever to be thankful for.  We have been given much more than we will ever deserve.

1) A wonderful church family

2) Reconciliation and forgiveness through Jesus Christ

3) A job for Brian that he enjoys and that allows our family to keep 1st things 1st.

4) Friendships that accept the good with the bad and that stand the tests of time.

5) Neighbors who truly enrich our lives.

6) I am thankful for a husband who is the constant calm to my constant storm.

7) A healthy baby boy who fills our days and nights with unspeakable joy.
8) I am thankful that this list could go on and on. 
9) Few are the things around us that have any eternal value.  I have learned this year that at the end of every day, I want to be filled with the peace that comes from packing our lives full of things with eternal value.

Happy Thanksgiving To All of You!
May This Season Fill Your Heart with Joy, Peace and Generosity.

Baby Yoga

Thomas finds that holding yoga poses (like the one he demonstrates in the photo above) really keeps his thighs nice and firm.

9 Months

Nine Months Old Today!

(These posed pictures get are getting harder and harder!)
At 9 months Thomas:

-loves real bananas.  He recognizes them when I'm eating one and starts reaching.  I pinch off little bits and he eats them up.

-is cutting his FIRST FOUR teeth right now!  Last weekend was tough, lots of crying and very little sleeping.  The worst part seems to be over and we have two top and two bottom coming through.  I am trying my best to get a picture but so far this is the only one I've been able to get.  His two bottom teeth have just broken the skin but we've noticed his two top are working their way through as well.  Can you see 'em?

-cries when Brian leaves the room.  This is not something he does for me, but if Brian and I are at home and Brian walks out of the room, Thomas just sobs. 

-cruises and crawls everywhere.

-pulls up on everything.  He is very mobile and very active; we have to watch him very closely.

-does not want to stay still during diaper changes.

-loves "Hide and Seek" or "Peekaboo".

-is not interested in watching TV most of the time.  Shows that hold his attention the longest are Thomas the Train (Brian thinks its because they say "Thomas" so often), Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Handy Manny.

-has had an adventurous month of trying new foods; We've tried table food versions of mashed potatoes (loved those) and green beans, teeny bit of cranberry sauce, and a Vanilla Wafer.

(as I'm looking back at this picture, I'm seeing so many potential dangers; goodness gracious)

-'s very favorite thing is being outside.  He loves the grass, leaves, trees, and squealing at the neighbor cats. 

-has just started waving bye-bye.  Most of the time he uses his entire arm to wave, but last night he held his had out and used just his hand to wave bye to his Aunt Jenn.
-claps his hands!

-is a people person.  He really enjoys being talked to, even by strangers.  He clings to me if someone gets too close, but he smiles at everyone.
-weighs 20lbs 2oz and is wearing a size 3 diaper.

-still sleeps 12 hours straight (we are beyond thankful for this), with the exception of last weekend.

Happy Birthday Bett!

You are warm and witty, friendly and loyal. You're patient and generous and you know me better than I know myself.  You have pulled me get through the hardest times I've faced while encouraging me the whole way.  You're fun to be around and I count my lucky stars to call you Mom. 

Happy Birthday to the sweetest woman I know.

50/50 Went To 33/33/33

Every year on Brian's birthday he gets a special package from my parents. 

Oh, how we look forward to this special package!

But somehow, the new guy's name got printed on the label and it looks like we may have to share....

Veteran's Day

Dear Thomas,

Today is Veteran's Day.  Its a day when we honor those who serve or have served our country.  Serving and protecting our country is a noble and self-sacrificing profession.  Your grandfather, Pop, spent 39 years serving our country.  He spent too many holidays and birthdays in foreign countries.  For the sake of documentation your Pop's career included the following:

-Vietnam War (December 1968-December 1969), Phan Rang ABVN

-Vietnam War (April 1970-July 1970), DaNang ABVN

-Panama invasion to overthrow Noriega, Howard AB, Panama

-Operation Desert Shield (prior to Gulf War), United Arab Emirates

-Gulf War to remove Iraq from Kuwait, Daharan, Saudi Arabia

-Iraqi War to remove Hussien, Daharan, Saudi Arabia

-Minimal planning for the Afghan War (the war our country is currently in).  He did not deploy but participated in the initial planning for the deployment of C-130's and personnel-which means he was the guy who decided who, of his subordinates, went overseas.

He knows just about everything -scratch that- He knows everything about C-130 aircrafts.  Your Pop managed 9 of these gigantic planes at Maxwell Air Force Base.  I look forward to taking you to see them one day.  You will be fascinated, I sure am. 

I pray that you grow into a gentleman who observes and honors Veteran's Day.  Not just because of your grandfather, but because you appreciate the sacrifices others have given for us to live in a free nation. 

Your Pop retired several years ago and now spends his days on the lake chasing fish.

Happy 33rd Birthday Dad!

I have so much fun with you!

IT'S FRIDAY!

We've got some celebrating to do!

Just A Swingin'

.... and playing with sticks....

...and a little yard work after naptime.

First Halloween

Thomas was an elephant for Halloween.  We tried on our headgear early Saturday morning. 

We were so happy that his whole outfit didn't bother him. 

In fact, Thomas even thought his nose was rather tasty!

Thomas rode in his new wagon all night!

Our first stop was at "Miss" Sarah's where she served me a coke in a glass bottle with a knit wrap that she said would keep my hands from getting messy. 

We ran over to the Gant's, to Aunt Jenn and Uncle Gary's, then to Mommaw and Pappaw's.

  We kept Thomas out way past his bed time, but he was such a happy boy all night.