Sunday Delight

We love love love these lazy summer evenings. Especially evenings that unexpectedly end with lots of friends sitting around our table together!

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul."

Proverbs 27:9b

Caroline

On this day seven months ago we said good-bye to our precious Caroline.

Today I had the opportunity to visit my sweet girl's grave site. She is buried right in between my grandparents, and I can't think of a more perfect spot for her as I'm sure she is with both of them now.

I have not had a chance to visit the cemetery since her headstone was set. I knew that seeing her headstone would have a definitely finality that I don't think I have been ready to face until today.

As I drove up to the spot where I would park, I could envision all of the people who waited for us on that dreaded day. I remembered all too well the tears that came and would not stop as we got out of the car, and of course, they came again today as well. There was a cool breeze blowing through the air. When I made it to where she is buried, I just sat, for a long time, with my eyes closed and tears streaming.

I needed that today. I needed time with my thoughts and time to remember my baby. I needed to talk to God about what I wanted Him to tell her for me, and I needed to talk to her in a strange way too. I prayed and cried and prayed some more.

In the end as I dusted off my shorts and started to leave, I felt more at peace than I have in months. I know my little girl isn't there. She isn't under that dirt in the place that her beautifully simple headstone lies. Although I desperately ache for her to be here with us, I know she is with my Jesus.

So today, seven months later, I am thankful for the beautiful way we got to celebrate her life, and for the beautiful place I have to remember her. She touched so many people, and will forever hold a huge portion of my heart.

The Big #3!

We celebrated Bryson's third birthday on July 10th! I cannot believe my baby is three, and if I were being honest I would say that I had a little bit of a hard time that day- if I were being honest. :)

We had a party at our local fire station, which just so happened to be Fire Station #3 (pictures of that to come).

I found a survey of questions that I am going to start asking him every year on his birthday. Here is what we got this year...

Third Birthday Survey

1. What is your favorite color? orange

2. What is your favorite toy? my tractor

3. What is your favorite fruit? bananas

4. What is your favorite tv show? Mickey Mouse

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? grapes

6. What is your favorite thing to wear? fire truck shirts

7. What is your favorite game? riding my tractor

8. What is your favorite snack? cereal

9. What is your favorite animal? elephant

10. What is your favorite song? ABCs

11. What is your favorite book? Hooper Humperdink, Not Him!

12. Who is your best friend? Aiden

13. What is your favorite cereal? Crunchy (Cap'n Crunch)

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? ride my tractor

15. What is your favorite drink? Hi-C

16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? a pillow!

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? booberry muffins

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? cupcakes

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? my Daddy

Asking him these questions was definitely an interesting experience. He has such a strong little personality and I'm sure if I asked him these same questions again the majority of the answers would be different. I know that everything about riding his tractor and wanting to be like his Daddy would stay the same, and I love that about our sweet boy.

This last year has been one with many struggles, but also with much joy. When our family was facing some of our darkest days, I can honestly say that Bryson was the sunshine that kept a smile on our faces. He has blessed us more than I could ever explain, and I love him more than I could ever describe.

As a two year old Bryson had tubes put in his ears (twice), developed a huge vocabulary, started a new school, went to the Beach (three times), gave up his pacifier, potty trained himself, and made us laugh over and over and over again.

He is funny, wild, and loves to be outside every minute.

July 10, 2009 was definitely one of the best days of our lives. God gave us so much on that day, and we will be forever thankful for our precious little man!



Remembering MeMa...

In June we were saddened to learn that Jason's grandmother, MeMa, had had a stroke. We were blessed in that she did not suffer, but only survived for a few short hours after the devastating diagnosis. Jason made it to the hospital in time to say his good-byes, and I know he will be forever thankful for that last bit of time he got to spend with MeMa.

All of those events happened within a few hours on a Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning Bryson and I loaded up and headed to Pleasanton. We had dinner that evening with the whole family at Joe and Cathy's. Bryson caught his first fish and was absolutely in Heaven spending the entire evening running around outside on their beautiful property.

 Going for a ride with Daddy and Uncle Will!

 The next day we headed to Uncle Clay and Aunt Belinda's house for some swimming and fun in the sun. Bryson loved all of the attention! We just lounged around and enjoyed the perfect temperature of the water.

 Bryson also spent lots of time with Grandpa in his shop. Grandpa even made a knife out of wood for him. Bryson still carries that thing around all of the time!

 Granny and Grandpa's neighbors have show goats! And what classier way to look at them than in your underwear!?!? Not sure what the neighbors thought about us, but when we are at Granny's we pretty much do what we want. :)

 Playing in the camper...

 ...and learning to shoot a BB gun!

 Bryson LOVED to shoot the gun. He was shooting at a Pepsi can...

 ...and he hit it- all by himself! This is their reaction right after he hit it. So sweet!

 Here they are shaking the BB out of the can.

On Monday we celebrated MeMa's life with a beautiful burial and service at the Cowboy Church. All three of MeMa's sons sang and played the guitar, and I know it was just what MeMa would have wanted. What a special tribute to their mother!

Cousins

Bryson and Laynie

It was a bittersweet weekend. We lost a wonderful woman, but I got a first row seat in watching how this amazing family handled this loss with such hope and pure joy remembering the life she lived. I am so blessed to be a part of this family and to have known such a special lady.

Sunday Delight

"You turned my wailing into dancing;

you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever."

Psalm 30:11-12

4th Festivities

This year we were invited to the Brown's house for a 4th of July celebration. Eric grilled some amazing food and everyone else brought sides/desserts. It was a gorgeous day and we had a great time chatting the evening away.

Here is the best picture I could get of all of our kids! We have quite the crew!

Lili, Luka, Reagan, Maddie, Bryson, Sam and Annabel

Picnicking in the back yard...

 We decided to skip out on the fireworks at the George Bush Library (since they didn't start until 9:50pm!), but enjoyed watching them from our driveway. Bryson sat on top of our mailbox in his pajamas and went to bed shortly after the show ended.

Our sweet friends Stacey and Eric also celebrated a huge milestone on July 4th. We are so thankful for their friendship and excited for all that they have accomplished. Looking forward to lots more celebrations at the Brown's!

Sunday Delight

We had an amazing weekend full of family, friends, food, fun, and a birthday celebration for one very sweet soon-to-be three year old!

This morning we slept in and then gave Bryson his gift from us.

I wish I had his reaction on video!

We spent the afternoon in the backyard and then hung out with the Kenley kids on their John Deere Gator. We are LOVING these summer nights!

Happy Sunday!

PS- Today was the first day Bryson has ever NOT taken a nap. Could be the end of life as we know it. He is too big for his britches!