Right at Home

Clayton was in his element this past weekend as our church hosted our annual prayer conference.  And as usual, he quickly attached himself to a buddy and obsessed over being with her the entire time.  For this weekend, the focus of his affection was Ms. Leisa, who is one of many of our friends who dotes on his every whim and basically helps spoil him rotten.  (Who doesn't?!)  He helped her greet guests before each session, and to say he had a blast doing this job is a gross understatement.  He LOVED anticipating the arrival of each person, from watching them drive into the parking lot, to the point of shaking their hand as they entered the building.  

Clayton is right at home in our church services and events.  And it's no wonder!  These people have nurtured, loved, and indulged his every wish as long as he has lived.  They have prayed and supported us through all the trials of his life, and they have rejoiced in his triumphs.  Clayton is smart enough to know that this congregation is full of some of his biggest fans and closest companions, both child and adult.  We are grateful for friends who have made a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for Clayton, and we're thankful his "home away from home" is indeed God's house.

Happy Birthday to My Baby!

He may be turning three today, but in this Momma's heart, he is still considered my baby boy.  :)  

On this, his third birthday, Jackson is smarter than ever, and too clever for his own good.  He whispers "I love you, Momma" one minute, then defiantly states his independence on random tasks the next.  He worries Clayton to death by crawling into his personal space, and definitely misses Clayton if he is not around.  Jackson confidently and correctly identifies letters in all the places we see them.  He hits balls that are pitched to him, and he "plays" the keyboard, guitar, and drums.  He still spends most of his time outside riding the John Deere Gator, but is spending more and more time honing his baseball skills.  He is a big boy in almost all ways except for not being potty trained and still being in love with his sippy cup (his comfort item, to say the least).  And when he isn't showing his "me! me! me! toddler side," he is absolutely the most precious child---a pure bonus, if you will, for this Momma who was scared to death to try pregnancy again.  

Happy Birthday, dear boy . . . I pray daily that you grow into a Godly young man, and that you enjoy every positive opportunity that crosses your path.  

Memorial Day Weekend 2012

Brian was so inspired by Dennis's headcam, that he just had to go out and get one for himself.  Here's a little music video I put together with some of his footage from this past weekend: 

Can't wait until the next weekend of fun!!

Motorcycle Ride: The Video

I'm so glad our friend Dennis wore his head cam for Clayton's motorcycle ride!  If you listen closely, you can hear Clayton laughing and squealing most of the trip . . . we are so thankful that others love spoiling Clayton with fun as much as we do.  :)

Weekend of Fun

Memorial Day is always a great way to start off the summer.  And with my birthday being in late May, it's always a bonus when it falls on the actual holiday.  We spent our days this weekend with family and friends at the lake and poolside.  Great times and lots of fun in the sun!  Can't ask for a better way to spend our days off!

Memorial Day Weekend

In memory of those who have served, and fought the good fight . . .

I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.  I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it.  We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.  ~Benjamin Harrison

Poser

I am thankful that Jackson is willing to let me take his picture now, but I often wonder about his choice of poses.