Teenagehood Hits Home

My (itty-bitty, sweet baby) boy turned 13 last week! He would be mortified to read the (parenthesis) part about him, but it's true! Seems like just yesterday I was waddling around in the July heat 'bout ready to bust at any moment! Then right lickity-split we were sending him off to Kindergarten, and now this! AHH! The first few years went by kinda slloowwlly. But since the birth of his brother in 2003, Rylan's birthdays seem to come around weekly! I scarcely even remember the theme of birthdays number 7, 8 and 9 since there was another itty-bitty baby in the house to take care of, but I know we celebrated cause I have pictures to prove it! But turning 13 is a milestone, very monumental. He is now a TEENAGER and has all of the privileges (??) that come with it. What he doesn't seem to realize is that now he can't act like a 12 year old anymore. For example, no more fighting with his brother. A teenager would NEVER fight with a little 7 year old, would they?! I dareso, no. (So far Rylan has not embraced this new law. I expect it to kick in at any minute, though.) I guess the strangest thing about turning 13 is that suddenly he no longer even looks like a scrawny kid. He used to be a stick figure. Now muscles are when bony structures used to be, and he cannot seem to get full. He tries and he tries to no avail. I think he finally just gets tired of chewing and gives up. This is the "eats you out of house and home" phase I've been trying to pretend wouldn't come to MY house. Anyways, no matter how much he eats or how big his foot gets (size 10 already!!), he is now and will always be my baby boy! (Sorry, Rylan, if you ever read this!) We love you very much and can't wait to see what the next 13 years bring!!

Release and Remember

Sunday, May 16 found us in Clinton for Hospice of Laurens County's Butterfly Release Ceremony held at Thornwell. Our family attended in remembrance of Harry, a.k.a. Grandpa. It has been almost a year since his loss and this ceremony was a bittersweet reminder of that very painful time last summer. But beauty can be found even in trying times, as seen here in this picture of Landon and his butterfly. God reminds us of the beauty and brevity of life with His creation of the butterfly. They must journey through three phases of being before they mature into the final, beautiful stage of butterflyness. But it is in this final, most glorious phase that the end comes very quickly--4 weeks. In this short time many travel 1,000 miles in search of that perfect flower or leaf on which to land. Such is our journey as human beings. We phase from infancy to childhood to adulthood and then seem to spend the rest of our lives searching for our place to land. It is only through God's grace that we, His beautiful creations, find His will for our lives and the contentment and peace that comes with that achievement. Thank you, God, for the beauty of the butterfly and for the work of Hospice. And thank you, too, for the beautiful life of Harry League.

Landon turns 7, again and again and again

Three times is the charm!! Landon's month-long birthday celebration has finally come to an end! (Whew!) I didn't want to celebrate my b-day this year even ONE time this year, but Landon enjoyed celebrating his Three times! The first was a party at Fatz on his actual b-day. Mom's side of the family came and enjoyed the food and b-day cake. Then it was Dad's side of the family's turn: Lunch at Nana and Papa's, complete with cousins and great-grandmother and great-aunt in attendance (including very fav cuz Liz!) Finally, just today, Feb. 27, we had Landon's "friend" party with 3 of his buds from school. It was, of course, a military-themed gala complete with an army "fort," lots of pretend guns, a scavenger hunt, lunch, cake/ice-cream, and presents! What a great day! The sun even decided to come out and play with us today! Your baby only turns 7 once (or three times!) so we've got to make the most of it! Happy birthday, my sweet Landon!

Hello 2010!

How do we shortcut our new year? I guess it's: 1-2-10, though it seems a little odd. There are many oddities occurring in January of 2010, including my 40th birthday! How did this happen? Just yesterday I was turning 16 or 24 or even 33, right?! Not wanting to miss out on anything expected of me, I guess I am having a little mid-life crisis. Nothing too major or unusual, I hope. Mine is more of a time of reflection, like the way you feel on New Year's Day compounded by 100! The main question: What have I been doing for the last say, 20 years, of my life?!?!?! Specifically, what have I contributed to the greater good of mankind?? Certainly not any professional achievements. I think that does kinda bug me. But I chose, with a thankful heart, to stay home with my babies and I am so grateful to have been able to do so. Do my children appreciate the sacrifice? Doubtful. Could I probably live in a bigger house and drive a cooler car and take really awesome vacation?? Probably. And yes, a little part of me would LOVE to have that life. But I must remain centered and know that, in this life, we are to concern ourselves with possessions of the heart, not material possessions. We are to strive for God's attributes, not Bill Gates'. It's a constant battle of will, however. Perhaps this will be my #1 New Year's resolution, strive for God's blessings instead of more STUFF!

Other resolutions: BE MORE POSITIVE! I'm sure this is on many a NYR list, along with lose weight and get more organized (which are also on my list!) However, I know that being positive goes a looooooooong way towards making for a peaceful home and peaceful life. May God grant each member of my family with a positive attitude in 2010!

I know we are each gifted from God. Some gifts are evident very early in life. Others' gifts are slow to be realized (I would be in this category.) May God open my eyes to His plans for me in this new year (a little bossy, aren't I?!?)

Hello 2010!