Birthday Boy!

Here are some pictures from James' big birthday yesterday. No cake photos yet as we are waiting for Saturday to go to the aquarium with Nana, Papa and Mr. Nick and then home for birthday cake.

I'm One!

1 Year

Baby boy,

Tomorrow you are going to be one year old and I really can’t believe it. When we picked Daddy up from work today he recalled that at that same time last year he was driving home with the knowledge that I was in full blown labor and our life was about to change forever. Man was he right!

James you have changed me in ways that I cannot put into words. Just typing that sentence chokes me up and fills my eyes with tears as memories flood to mind. The Lord has used you little man to teach me patience, love and to help me see my sin and call me to repentance. I thank the Lord that he sanctifies us through our children; he is teaching me to be a better Mama to you and that I cannot do any of this without him.

Tonight when I put you to bed I cuddled you and prayed for you as I always do but I didn't stick to my normal prayers for you. I found myself thinking about your future and who you will become and praying for your wife, your kids and most importantly that you will always follow Christ.

You see James you’re dad and I don’t care if you become a doctor or a plumber. We don’t care if you travel the world or never leave your home town. We don’t care if you marry and have kids or live your life single. We don’t care about what you accomplish in your life but rather who you’re serving while you live. Our prayer for you now and always is that you will grow to be a mighty man of God who loves and serves Jesus and that you put your faith in Him.

I love you my little man and I am so amazed by who you are becoming. I am honored to be your mama and I promise I will always be here for you my son. Thank you for being my sweet boy.

Thank You

Lying on the guest bed in James room with a sleeping boy on my chest and for no discernible reason I began to cry. Overwhelmed with love for my son, tears streamed down my face and prayer and praise came out of my mouth.

Thank you Father for this boy and the amazing heart that you have given me for him; I would not be capable of this kind of love without your son Jesus who has taught it to me. Thank you Jesus for changing my heart. Thank you for teaching me patience and love. Thank you for forcing me to see my sin and my selfishness and then forgiving me daily when I fall on my knees at the foot of your cross.

The tears wouldn't stop but the boy didn't seem to notice. He breathed deeply in and out as I held him tighter and thanked my Lord for this precious gift.

Lord please prepare my heart for our new little blessing and thank you again, I love you more than anything.

Mini-Vacation

Here are some photos of our mini-vacation with the Stinson's to Leavenworth (a Bavarian village).

Leavenworth

We did it again.

It is super early to be announcing this but I don't really care, besides I love to break social rules.

Ryan and I just found out that our plan of spacing our kids by two years was foiled by our amazing and gracious Lord and instead we're going to have a baby in November.

Yep, we're pregnant! Again.