Lilah's baptism

This past Saturday, our little Lilah was baptized. We were fortunate to have many family members there and were honored that our good friends, Caroline Abbott and Brian Schuckle, agreed to be godparents. Lilah did wonderfully even if the priest proceeded to pour holy water over her entire face. I guess she needed a little extra.

After Mass, I was wondering what it is that makes us so proud at events like these. Lilah didn't really do anything, but my heart was so full of pride for her at the moment she was being baptized. I can't even imagine what I will feel when my kids receive a diploma, get married, have a child, etc... I guess those are the moments that make the daily grind worth it. Who knows. I just know I was one proud mommy.

My pride and joy

Always

On May 20th, I went to Landon's room when his alarm went off to wake him for school. I snuggled up with him, and said:

"This is the last day that you wake up as a pre-k kid. Tomorrow you'll wake up as a kindergartner. Can you believe that? You're just growing up too quickly."

He gave me an extra squeeze, smiled his amazing smile with a twinkle in those long eye-lashed eyes, and responded with:

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll always be your baby."

Do you hear it??? Pitter patter pitter patter...that's my heart going bonkers for my kindergartner.

Because we need to smile...

Granddad

As most of you know, Jason's sweet grandfather was killed last Thursday. Ever since then, I've been trying to figure out what I should write. I knew I would have to write something, but I'm not sure the right words will come. Such a mix of emotions we are all feeling. I'm mostly hurting for my mother-in-law whose life changed the minute someone decided to take her dad's life. I feel angry that someone hurt this gentle man. I feel sorrow that we won't be able to visit him again and see his outpouring of love for his family. I want to hear him call my daughter "baby doll" just one more time.


I've always liked Granddad. He made me smile and feel comfortable from the first time I met him 12 years ago. I lost my grandpas when I was 5, so I treasured gaining 3 of them when I married Jason. I couldn't get enough of the pride he had for his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He was amazingly wonderful with little Addison and our Lilah. He talked and played with Noah and Landon. He took time to give attention to each of his great-grandchildren separately. I loved that.


Although we didn't see him often, I always knew he was there--through an email or letter, we could let him know how we were. I feel a little lost without that ability to communicate to him. I'm so thankful that we all made the trip down over a month ago. So thankful...

Please pray for Debra, my mother-in-law. She has been handed a ton of bricks to carry, and we need God to help with some of the load. Pray that the person responsible will be punished for his crime. Pray that we will come together as a family to try to make sense of something so senseless.

Thanks, Granddad, for letting me be a part of your life. Rest in peace and fly with the angels.

Playing with Lilah

Almost twins???

Here are a couple of pictures of Lilah and Emma (the Rainwaters' youngest daughter). Emma was born three days after Lilah in the same hospital. I think Lilah's cheeks are the size of Emma's head. I don't think we'll have to worry about them being mistaken as twins.

Playing in the Mud

On Saturday, our good friends, the Rainwaters, came over to hang for the night. We decided to not stop the kids when they ventured into the mud. What the heck--you're only a kid once.

It started like this....


And ended like this....