mothers day- take 2

A year ago I had a tiny little two month old. This year I have a running, laughing, wild 14 month old. It's crazy how much has changed about Everett--- his looks and all the things he can do and eat, and yet there's so much that remains the same... his sweet smile, his happy attitude, and the JOY and the fullness he brings to my heart. There are so many blessings in life, but one of the greatest is being this little boys mom! 

sometimes there just aren't enough rocks...

I've been feeling like that this past week. Really just struggling with the loss of Luke and just how unfair and terrible it feels. I've been searching the scriptures for comfort, for answers. I know that my words are nothing more than nice words, but that scripture can bring comfort and life and joy back to Sara and Keith. I find that the Psalms bring so much comfort and peace. Psalm 40 in particular is my prayer for them:

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned and heard my cry. 
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand. 
He put a new song in my mouth, 
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord. 


I am praying with confidence, knowing that the Lord will pull them out of their hurt and despair, He will be their solid ground to stand on, and eventually He will give them joy in their hearts. I know that the Lord uses his people to tell the message of his love and redemption, and I believe that He will do that through the faith of Sara and Keith. Please continue to pray for healing in their hearts, peace with unanswed questions, and comfort for each moment.

Remembering Luke

Sara Thomas is one of my best friends. Her and I have shared life together the last four years. It was an instant friendship based on our love for Jesus and teaching high school kids. We work together in the same department, teach the same course, share materials and lunches and rides to school.  There have been plenty of weekend grad classes, morning coffee runs and shopping trips. We've been there with each other for her wedding and the birth of both of our boys. And on Tuesday, I was with my dear friend when her baby boy went to heaven.

There aren't any words to describe the grief and pain that I feel for my sweet friend. I can't pretend to even understand how she's feeling. The only thing I do know and cling to is a sovereign, faithful God. God didn't create us to experience death, death is here because of sin. No wonder it doesn't make sense and is seemingly impossible to deal with. I know that Christ is mourning with Sara and Keith. In all of this, I am 100% sure that the Lord will stand by Sara and Keith and give them what they need to make it through the next hours, weeks, and months. Pray with me for Sara, Keith and their families. Pray for peace and comfort and for the reminder that there is hope because Jesus not only lived this life and understands our hurts, but also because he died and took on our sins for the redemption of mankind.

I love you Sara Thomas and I loved your little boy.

sun and seventies. finally.

Today was an absolutely beautiful day. Sunny and warm... heck it felt balmy after 5 months of cold temps! We decided to get out and enjoy the warm weather before the rain starts up tomorrow. The doggies needed a good walk and we wanted to try out Everett's sweet new wagon. Mimi and Pop-pop, Aunt Erika, and Aunt Kelsey got him an awesome radio flyer wagon. It's like the cadillac of wagons. It has two flip up seats with straps (which we NEED since Everett doesn't sit still or stay in one place unless tied down), cup holders, and room for two. Everett ended up loving it! We walked for 45 minutes and not once did he do anything but smile, babble, and squeal! I'm looking forward to many nights this summer on long walks with my little fam ...

a little unsure at first...

 getting excited!

 smiling at daddy

 watching the cars go by while we wait to cross route 10



Thanks Mimi, Pop-pop, Aunt Erika, and Aunt Kelsey! I love it!!!

My Gram

Sunday was a good morning. We had woken up for our last day in Vermont with the Magees. I was making bacon and eggs when my dad called. My hands were full and I just let it go to voicemail. I thought it was weird that he was calling at 9 on a Sunday morning, also weird that he actually left a voicemail. It was Gram. She had passed away at 4:30 this morning. I didn't really know how to react. I had visited with her at Christmas. She wasn't doing well and was barely talking. It was a drastic change from when I was hanging out with her over Labor Day. I knew that I was probably going to get this phone call, but I didn't think so soon. I mean really, I didn't want that phone call. ever. I really loved my Grandma and had a great relationship with her. Her and my Grandpa loved me and I knew it. It was so evident to me in the time that they spent with me, in the way that they were involved with my life, and in the many times that they had told me so. I can remember summers spent hanging out with Gram during the day. She watched my sisters and I every day during our summer breaks. She made me pancakes nearly every day. She called me the pancake kid. I'm so thankful for my Grandma and her influence on my life. I'm thankful that she was willing to hang out with us and love us and put up with all our crazy non-sense.




I got one last "I love you" from Grandma at Christmas. She wasn't really talking or responding to much. She was smiling at Everett and seemed happy to see us. Dad and I stayed to hang out for a while longer. We fed her dinner and watched Jeopardy, which Gram loved. We talked with her, even though she wasn't talking back. As we got ready to leave I hugged her, gave her a kiss and told her I loved her, and to my surprise, she said I love you too. It was one last sweet reminder of what I already knew. 

Celebrating Everett

We had so much fun celebrating Everett with our families! We're thankful that so many people love our little man.  A special thanks to Mimi and Pop-pop for all their help getting ready for the party, Robin Smalley for the incredibly cute and delicious cake, the O'Malleys for watching our pups and to Uncle Luke for the machete, dart guns, and other "age appropriate" toys :)

Happy birthday little love!

Dear Everett,

You are one today. 365 days ago you made me a Mama and I've loved every minute of it. It has been an amazing, joyful, fun year. My heart fills to overflowing when I think about how much I love you. Your sweet little face with those big, squeezable cheeks and your big blue eyes that are constantly smiling at me. You have grown into a little wild man who wants to be running around the house and getting into everything. You squeal with delight when Marley or Kai sit long enough to let you pet them. You have that funny little walk where you have to lean back to support your cute pot belly. You think Daddy is the funniest person ever. Most nights I just sit and listen to the two of you laughing with each other during bath time, wanting to stay in those moments a little while longer. This year has gone so fast- too fast. You've grown so quickly from that tiny little baby to a walking, talking, happy little boy. I am thankful that the Lord entrusted me to be your mama, to raise you and love you and tell you about Jesus. I am excited for this next year and our adventures together.

Happy birthday my sweet boy!
I love you more than I ever thought possible.
Mama

Cribs- Everett style

While I was pregnant, I documented everything, including the progress of Everett's nursery; however, I never put up the final product. Since Everett arrived all sneakily with my water breaking, I never ended up taking final pictures and posting them to the blog. I also never found a good reason to post them until now. So here you go- Everett's nursery reveal- 1 year late :)

So there you have it folks- Everett's room

month 11

I really, really love this little boy. With just a few days left before his birthday, I have such a mix of emotions. This first year has gone so fast. I love seeing him grow and develop, but I'm sad that he is quickly becoming less baby and more little boy.

month ten

Where did my little baby go? It's like overnight I got a little man. Everett started taking steps this month and got his bottom two teeth. He also started eating more table food and loves everything from ritz crackers to cheese and blueberries. He had so much fun at Christmas- ripping off wrapping paper, eating it, and playing with the boxes. It has been so fun to see his little personality develop. He is wild and crazy and just plain happy. He is goofy just like Aaron - sticking his tongue out and making crazy noises. He absolutely adores Aaron and (just like mom) laughs at all of dad's antics. I just can't get enough of this sweet face.