Amelia's Graduation!

I am so proud of you, baby sister

for accomplishing something

when it would have been easier

not to

be blessed

for your perseverance

the kids you teach

will certainly be blessed

and perhaps changed forever

Amelia's Couples Shower

FUN!

Eric and I hosted Scott and Amelia's couples shower at my parents house last weekend.  We had burgers, hot dogs, black bean salsa, chips, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade, tea, a trillion desserts, and a ton of fun!  Some of the guys were a little nervous about attending a "shower" but we proved that it can be downright fun!!!

Introducing my gorgeous bride to be sister and my pasty self who needs to either buy a gallon of self tanner or stay in a tanning bed for a month straight.

The Soul Breathes Gratitude

How does a soul breathe gratitude to the one who it calls mother?

I think it comes with age

experience

feeling the flutter of first life inside

knowing she felt the same wonder

when she felt the first flutter of me

peering down into newborn squinty eyes

knowing she lost her heart the day that I lost mine

over and over again

each time a child was ushered into her presence

prayers of blessing and favor and safe keeping over my wee ones

knowing now the primal scream to God Almighty that

yes, they are yours, Lord

and yes, I entrust them to you, Lord

but yes, you simply must come through, Lord

you are all I have to rely on, Sovereign Lord

the rest and faith in that Sovereign Lord

when it looks like He didn't come through

the rest and faith to keep

resting

faithing

the silent cry

begging for a new song to sing

waiting

patiently waiting

your reward will be amazing.

My soul breathes gratitude to you,  Mom for loving me with all abandon.

What a privilege to call you, dear soul, Mom.

The impression of a kiss.

I hear a gasp.  Peek down into big blue eyes flaked with wonder.

 "Look, Mom, this one is different."

 Yes indeed.

I get down on his level and tell him that when God made him, he made him to be like no one else.
One of a kind.
Unique.
Loved.

He bears the impression of a kiss.

Eric's First 10K!

When Eric started running last August, I never dreamed he would keep it up. Not because he isn't capable...but because he would come in after every run borderline cussing and saying how much he hated running.  Fast forward 8 months.  I think he is addicted.  He actually likes it now! 

So, he entered his first race...the Toad Suck 10K and did awesome.  I wasn't so sure how it was going to go because he had a fever virus this week and was down in his back the day before the race...but he was a trooper and completed it!

The boys and I cheered him on at the finish line.  Tears were welling up in my eyes as I saw him cross because I am just so proud of him! 

It seems a majority of my friends are runners...makes me feel like the no-stamina-gal-odd-ball.  But, hey, God can always work miracles, right?

Here is me, Julie, Erica, Michelle, and Danyelle.

 Todd and Michelle

 Josh and Jules

 Winner's victory

 Eric and Brandon

 So proud of ya, babe!