Happy birthday, Noah!

A year ago we were blessed with, (as many refer to as when they encounter him), our "pretty" baby.  It's not often that boys are referred to as pretty, but he gets that comment often.  He is certainly a beautiful little soul and his delivery speaks to who he still is today.  He's not in a hurry for anything and is pretty laid back when it comes to pretty much anything.  I still recall eagerly awaiting labor to begin with him, and once it started, continually wondering when he was going to arrive.  He certainly took his time & seemed to almost crawl back up to the top of my uterus as if he wanted to stay in his warm & cozy place.  The Lord was definitely teaching me patience and trust during that time!

He is now mastering walking around, a milestone that I have to admit I have not completely encouraged.  One reason is for the simple fact that walking equals falling, and when you have a head larger in proportion to the rest of your body, you tend to fall on it.  The other reason being that it means that he's growing up and baby is now a toddler, something that gets harder to let go of with each child...especially when you think it may be your last one.  So for now, I relish in the cuddle times, rejoice in the accomplishments, remember the precious memories and thank God for all of the blessings (and challenges) that come with them all and that I get to be a part of it.

Hope

On a day when it feels hard look forward on what is to come, I find comfort in hope.  I hope that those seeking love in ways other than how God intended find it in His loving embrace.  I hope that those who see lives as inconveniences may experience the love of someone unexpected.  I hope that the fear and hatred that drives many to say words that sting may know the comfort of something bigger than all of us.  I find hope in knowing there are many that have gone before us that have set examples for us of what true happiness is and how to be a light in the darkness.

"It's not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbles or how the doer of deeds might have done it better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly:  his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." ~Theodore Roosevelt

“Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, and persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:12

BINGO

Jason's mom stopped over today and told us what was on the menu for the party tonight...lasagna, cavatini & gumbo.  Yum-O!!  Here's the funny part worth blogging about.  As she was telling the girls good-bye, Faith exclaims, "Grandma, your breath smells like bingo!"  Mom didn't say much until I said, "I think she meant your breath smells like gumbo." 

The things kids say.  Not only are they brutally honest, but sometimes the words just come out...what's the word I'm looking for...well just plain adorable.