A birth, a death and a new addition

It's been awhile. And therefore there is lot to update. First, this sweet little angel entered our world on April 20th and she has already stollen everyone's heart!

This is her right after she was born.







Here she is now.











Here is her brother enjoying some of Uncle Shon's ribs.









My sweet grandmother passed away on May 26th. She was a huge blessing in my life and she will be greatly missed but I'm so glad that she is in heaven and with my Papa again.









Meet our new addition...
This is the 8 week ultrasound. I am now almost 14 weeks (thank goodness!). It's been a little rougher than my other pregnancies. Maybe because I am old. We are due 12/7/10. The boys are hoping and praying for a sister. We will see!

"Nothing - not even death - can seperate us from the love of God." Romans 8:34-39

Baby Shower

I hosted a baby shower for Michael, Ashley, Trey and Jessie Grace last month. Wanted to share some pictures. Only 2 more weeks and we will get to meet this precious little girl!

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Happy Birthday! I'm so blessed to have you as a Mom and now as my friend. Thank you for everything. You are the best. Have a great day!

Happy 90th Birthday, Nanny!

This is one of my favorites!










My precious grandmother is 90 today. Happy Birthday, Nanny! It's amazing to think how much change you have seen in your life time. From horse and wagons, no electricity, working in the cotton fields and on the farm, walking to school to electricity, cars!, working in a plant. Crazy. You've seen a lot in your life. You are a blessing in my life. Some of the best memories of my childhood were times that I spent with you and Papa. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday, Alex

Here are 2 of my favorite pictures of you this year. In the first one you were showing off your spiked hair for daycare. In the next one you're showing off your stubbornness when you wouldn't eat your dinner and because you had to sit there until you did, you fell asleep. You are my light. Seriously, you light up my life with your energy, your smile and laugh, the way make me laugh and your easy going attitude which makes my life easier. One of my favorite things we've done this year is sing Boom Boom Pow together. All my love sweet baby boy! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, John!

Happy Birthday!! I'm awed that you are 9 today. You are such a blessing to me and I hope one day you will know just how much you are loved. You bring me the most joy. Joy as you grow and learn and become the critical thinker that you are. Joy at the sensitivity I see developing in your concern and care of others. You are my love - my life. Have a wonderful Birthday!

K5, really?

I registered this little boy for K5 today. He asked if he got to go to kindergartin tomorrow since I was signing him up today. =) He's ready to go...plans to take his lion and blankie with him in his back pack.







I'm a little late on a few pictures and posts. My friends, Sarah and Liz graduated in December. Here's a couple of pictures.










Praying for those in Haiti.

Lori

Happy Birthday, Griffin

Today is Griffin's (my best friend Jennifer's little boy) 3rd bday. I can't believe it has been 3 years. He caught us by surprise and came 5 weeks early! I hope you had a wonderful bday!










Our attempt at a good picture of the boys at our annual Christmas dinner.

New Year's Opportunities

We talked about New Year's Resolutions in Sunday School last week. We talked about making them New Year's opportunities. Our family is going to have a focus verse for the New Year. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 I trust and believe that if we follow this verse we will be shown many opportunities to serve in the New Year.

I leave you with a picture of Alex on Christmas Day. After getting up at 4am this is how he was by noon....


Happy New Year!

Lori

Tiny Town and making cookies

We took the boys to Tiny Town Sunday night. I have to say it seemed so much bigger and impressive when I was little. I think they enjoyed it but weren't overly impressed.





The boys and I make cookies every year. They had fun decorating them but they had the most fun eating them!

John's Christmas Program

Alex waiting to get the program started...








John, my sweet reindeer! He did a great job with all of his lines. So proud!

Nanny's Christmas Party

This is my grandmother and her 3 great grand boys! =) Nanny hasn't been doing too well the last week or so. Please say a prayer for her. She's almost 90. We would appreciate your prayers.

Merry Christmas, Nanny. We love you!

Updates...

Wow, time flies... it's a repeating theme on this blog. I have great news! I'm going to be an Aunt to a baby GIRL! Yes, you did read that correctly, Ashley is having a girl and I can't wait! I get to buy all those frilly, PINK and RED clothes now. She's gonna be SPOILED rotten. The BEST news of all is that everything looks good with her heart. One more appointment in January to be sure. *pray*

Alex is in full Christmas mode. He can't hardly wait to open his presents. He asks me almost daily if he can open them and if I bought them b/c he was good. He's completely fascinated and amazed to see all the lights on the houses, street lights, etc. The wonder of Christmas in a 4 year old is something special!

We had this discussion on the drive in this morning.
Alex: "Mommy, I can see your building from here. Why is it so tall?"
Me: "Students live there." "Are you gonna live there when you grow up and go to school?"
Alex: "NO, I'm gonna live with you until YOU die!" =)

Tonight was a great night! We decorated our Ginger Bread Train.







Then Alex had a piggy back ride from Mommy.



We had breakfast for supper...pancakes, yum! John lost another tooth in the middle of supper. That is number 3.

The night ended with The Polar Express - well for Alex anyway. He watched it so many times in the past that we can miss it. He LOVES it!

Well, I think that is about it for now. There will more to come as we enter this busy time of year. I've been talking to God and reflecting on some things and I feel lead to be a better encourager. I can send an email to thank someone, I can be nice that person that always seems to have a bad day. I can be more of a reflection of God's love by encouraging others, letting them know they are loved and appreciated.

Thankful...

Here is a list of what I am thankful for:
* My savior, Jesus Christ.
* My family.
* For John who has discovered that he loves to read and has begun the Chronicles of Narnia series this weekend. He's so excited. I love the excitement he shows as he begins new things.
* For Alex, who for the life of him can not understand why we can't open presents now.
* For the new Caramel Brulae Latee at Starbucks...Oh my...It will only be there for a limited time...
* For my patient, sensitive and kind husband who continues to attend high school football games with me b/c he knows I enjoy them.
*For my parents, who are now my friends.
*For my sister and her family. For the precious new life growing inside of her.

GOD IS SO GOOD. To be continued....

Happy Birthday, Trey!

4 years ago this precious little miracle entered my life. What a blessing he is to our family. I love you very much sweet boy. You are such a good little boy, even though you cheer for the Gamecocks! =) I know you are gonna be the best big brother ever!

Happy Birthday!

Santa is watching you...

At dinner Friday night Alex asked Shon and I "Does Santa sleep?" We said yes. He said, "Then I can be bad while he is asleep?" We both couldn't help but laugh. Shon recovered first and said no, he sleeps while you sleep and also has lots of helpers watching you at all times. That mischief is just waiting to spring out of him!

Seasons...

Alex's description of the season on the way to daycare today.
"Winter is when all the leaves are off the trees. Fall is when all the leaves are falling off the trees. Spring is when the leaves come back on the trees. And then comes the time when I don't have to wear shoes and socks!"

Here's a picture of John from this summer on our trip that I just love.

Praise the Lord!

Ernie got the best possible news today. He does have lymphoma but it is low grade and at this time because he has no symptoms there is no treatment. He will follow up with the oncologist every 3 months to watch for progression. At some time down the road he may need chemo but for now no treatment!

Thank you, Jesus!

Update on my Father In Law

We do know that Ernie does have lymphoma, Stage I. This is highly treatable. We will meet with the oncologist today to find out what course of treatment they recommend.

Please pray!

Lori