easter people

We have been preparing for Easter for a few weeks now with our resurrection eggs and devotions. There are 12 objects inside a dozen eggs that tell the story of Christ's death and resurrection. These have been key in explaining to our kids the sadness of Good Friday, and the miracle of Easter morning! You can order this amazing tool at www.familylife.com/eggs.

Dear Sam,

I can't believe you are two years old! Yet, you have been acting two for almost a year now....climbing, running, hopping, playing ball. You are the most verbal two year old I have ever met. You are opinionated and have a strong will. You have a constant mischievous grin that makes us all laugh, and scares us a bit too! You have been compared to my Dad, "Doc", at this age.....a blonde, blue-eyed stinker!

Most of the time I am just plain amazed by you. Just the other day you were playing baseball with Jack, and you were fielding his grounders. He hit the ball to you, and you stopped the ball with your glove and ran to first base to tag him out! I was speechless.

Speechless.....yes, that describes my thoughts towards you. Speechless when it comes to disciplining your strong will. Speechless when it comes to how much I adore your sweet dimpled face. Speechless when I watch you interact with the world. You sang happy birthday to yourself almost perfectly! You just get it.

Your second year showed your strength. With six ear infections, you made it look easy. We decided you needed tubes, so hopefully your third year will be a bit smoother and happier. You are happiest when you are busy playing ball outside, or climbing something. The things you love, you love fiercely and completely....your blankie "babies," your left middle fingers, your Daddy, Jack, kicking the soccer ball, shooting the basketball, hitting the baseball, yogurt, oranges, "waters," popcorn on movie nights, playing Leapster, and giving Mommy kisses.

I am so proud of you, Sam boy. God made you just right! You will always be my baby boy. My heart is full when I think of you. Happy two years to you!

Mommy

adored

this is the stuff....

This is the stuff that drives me crazy.
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust you know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use." - Francesca Battistelli

Lots of "stuff" going on here that has me losing sight of blessings.
This song has been a comfort and encouragement as I am trying to see struggles, annoyances, and pain as "gifts" God is giving me to help me to rely on Him. What stuff is He is using in your life?

Today I am thinking of my first friend. I would have followed him anywhere. He was my leader and I was his sidekick. I miss my brother Clay. Today, eleven years later, I still reach for the phone to tell him whatever is going on with us. Will and I tell "Clay stories" and we smile. Here we are in May of 1981 at our Uncle Curtis' final review at Texas A&M. Clay was decked out in his Corps uniform, made by my Granny. Once again, I was just following him. I wanted to be where he was. I am thankful that, soon, I will be where he is once again. Looking forward to our reunion in Heaven!

cousins!

While we were scrapbooking, the kids had a cousin vacation at the farm.
Here's a few photos of cousin time with Doc and Mam.