Thankfulness

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Habakkuk 3:17-18

I am reminded this Thanksgiving when our country is in economic uncertainty, friends are losing jobs, homes are being forclosed upon, loved ones are truly struggling whether due to the economic or personal loss, that God is bigger than all of this, that I can be thankful most of all for his unfailing love and times like these to help me see the bigger picture. This Thanksgiving I am humbled by the gift of Christ, one I take for granted every day.

I am thankful for Christian friends and leaders who help to guide me to see such truths daily that my life can be lived in a way that honors Christ.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed.

Birthday Reflections

• I am so grateful for my parents and my in-laws- I got to spend time with both sets for my birthday and seeing them with Landon is the best birthday gift in the world.
• I feel old, 31 somehow feels different than 30 and definitely different than my 20's- where does the time go?
• Though I feel old, I am so joyful about where I am at 31 with a loving and devoted husband and a precious little boy, I am in awe of these blessings in my life.
• I have so many wonderful friends, many of whom emailed, "facebooked", sent cards, visited or called for my birthday- even my best friend from Kindergarten (thanks Melanie!)
• I have so many wonderful relatives who also communicated well wishes and want to especially mention my two grandfathers, Grandaddy and Pa Cole. I got home from shopping all day with my best bud from college (thanks Allison!) and had a card from my grandfather and Stan's. It touched my heart to receive these cards, esp. since they have both lost their mate who used to send the cards. I am so thankful for the written words and thoughts from these two very influential and loving grandfathers in my life.
• Birthdays for moms sometimes mean taking care of sick children and staying up at least half the night- yes little Landon is sick. Yuck.
• I am finally learning to stand up for myself... and to love the woman God made me to be.
• I am finally learning that I cannot change people but I can pray for them.
• I am grateful for the bible study that I have been able to be a part of this year, I have already learned so much from the collective wisdom of my small group.
• I need to get to bed earlier now that I am 31. :)

Landon is learning...and so am I

Pictured above is Landon's little book bag with Lightening McQueen that he takes with him to "cool". Below is a picture of Daddy helping to tie his shoes. We started Daycare last week- WOW! It was so much harder for me than it was for him! I have to admit that I cried that morning. I was a mess. He, on the other hand, napped, ate and played like a champ. The teacher even told me that she wished all kids would adapt like Landon! And- my little string bean, asked for 3rd helpings at lunch! What? My child? The one who doesn't eat more than a couple of bites at each sitting? I guess this goes into what I am learning- that a lot of his eating or any other issue at this point...are behavioral. I think I have a 2 year old on my hands! It is SO hard to believe when that sweet little face says, "NO" shaking his head and whining as he draws out the word NO for emphasis. He is definitely understanding more and I have actually had a little success with counting to 3. I have to call my mom the other morning and ask for her advice. I knew the day would come...and so did she...when all of my toddler tantrums, defiance, etc., etc., etc., would catch up with me and I would be calling her saying, "HELP!" I could not have gotten a better response from her. She encouraged me and said that there was no doubt how much love Stan and I have for Landon and that love would guide us to make the best decisions in disciplining him. Thanks mom.

Landon seems to already be learning to share as pictures below with our neighbor Porter. The two of them were trying to figure this little figure out- passing it back and forth. No pushing, no grabbing, just some intense concentration as you can see. I loved watching the two of them and imagined Landon doing similar things at daycare, or "cool" as he calls it.

In closing, I will share another thing Landon did for the first time. Tonight, after we had finished his bath- you know hair and body were clean, all of his car and boat figures were floating in the water, we were laughing and getting ready to get out when...you guessed it...several little balls of poop trailed behind his little bottom. As I was grabbing the poop with my bare hands (YUCK), I kept telling myself, do not get mad...do not get mad. I calmly explained to Landon that poop goes in the potty and by the way, would you like to sit on the potty.... to which he exclaimed, "NOEEEEEEEEEE"!

Potty training has begun, friends and I am not mad. I will take this in stride and let it happen as it will. This will be my mantra. After all, being a nurse has certainly prepared me to deal with a little bit of toddler poo. :)

Halloween Fun

I'd say he enjoyed the pumpkin patch better this year than last! The funniest thing was when all he wanted was a little "bawl"- a green gourd! We came to get him a little pumpkin for goodness sakes and all he wanted was a little green gourd. Of course, the man had to give it to him for free and now he is throwing it at the cat...

Notice Raffie is a part of this adventure too. We never leave home without that little friend...

Seriously, did he pose for this? Notice that Lightning McQueen is in his right hand. I never thought MY child would be dressed as a race car driver for Halloween. Shows how much I love him for sure!

Just for laughs...Danny and Sandy from Greece, don't you recognize us?