The big 3-0!

I didn’t want to turn 30. I like being in my 20’s. But whether we like it or not, time marches on and unless we lie, we get older each year. Reaching 30 has always scared me. Not because it is old. It is just a gentle nudge to the next stage in life and I feel like I am finally getting a handle on the stage I am leaving :o) Since mom past away, I have almost felt like it isn't right to have such a milestone without her here to personally witness it. This month I have felt myself overwhelmed missing her. Even Cate and Pierce have talked about how they wish she was here to celebrate their birthdays. I find myself wishing that she wasn't missing so much of the good stuff that is going on right now in my life and in our family. But then I remember where she is and know that she is thinking the same thing about us...she is waiting for us because we are the ones missing all the good stuff.

For my birthday, we had dinner at Bravo! with family. The food was delicious and the chocolate ganache cake sinful. But the best part was the gift I received. My sister put together a “notebook” of messages from people in my life. Some family, some youth, some new friends, some long time friends and some from people I have not talk to in such a long time. Reading the notes and messages, I cried tears of joy and I laughed as I thought of so many of the memories and times, both good and bad. What I felt most of all was a feeling of being full. My heart is so content. One note actually stated "don't measure your life by your age but by your friends." I thought if that is the case, how rich my life is and man- am I old!

I had an incredible day full of so much love whether it was a FB message, a birthday song, flowers & balloons, a phone call, cards and many hugs from Pierce and slobbery kisses from Nikki. I am determined that no matter how "old" I get, I will be thankful for everyday that I have been given to enjoy all that God has given me. He is so good and I am forever in debt to Him for the life that I have. And look forward to the journey.

Spring time is Here

With the arrival of sunny weather and temperatures in the mid 60’s to upper 70’s, spring has come and we are so glad of that. It has been really fun this year to get outside and spruce up the yard…work on the house…and just be together as a family. Pierce loves to do what he calls “man work.” So we get on our gloves and get a little dirty, planting, mulching, pruning, spraying and doing whatever needs to be done. And all the work has paid off. The grass is green, the flowers are blooming and the house looks better than we imagined.
While working out in the yard, Nikki will either play in her playpen or sit on a blanket enjoying the sun and the company. I guess she is the supervisor because she usually talks up a storm and tries to tell us all what she wants done. Pierce loves to help in whatever way he can. He is the assistant. While digging he found several worms and says he is ready to go fishing. Shane, the project manager, takes care of the lawn and even added a little walkway area to the entryway. It looks so good. I did some mulching and some pruning for the first time ever. I guess that makes me the field hand. It has been fun to get out there and “garden”. When I am out there I can’t help but wish that mom was still here to help me. She could make anything grow. So as I weed and de-head plants so the blooms will come back later, I just think that she would be proud of how good the yard looks and that she would be proud of me too. We set a memorial stepping stone at the front door as a reminder that who mom is will always be a part of who we are.
Spring is in the air. The weather is warm. The sun is out. The flowers are blooming. And all around is the miracle of new life. I am thankful to God for all of the seasons. But my favorite season of all has always been spring. This year, as we have come through a symbolic winter, where we had loss, where it was dark and a bit cold, we welcome the beauty of God’s refreshing warmth and His power to make our spirits blossom and grow to be all and more than we could have ever imagined.

Pierce’s birthday

Five years ago, God blessed my life and the lives of many others when Pierce was born. For five years now this little man has filled my life with joy, strength, and has served as a precious reminder that God is faithful to His promises and His word.
Pierce turned 5 years old and we really wanted to do a party up right. We invited friends and family for a fun birthday party. Family arrived a bit early and everyone got to hang out at the house before it was party time. Nikki was so excited that it was her brothers birthday she decided to have two milestones: her two bottom teeth appeared and she began doing some wild and crazy expressions she had not ever done before….one of which we call “the look”. It is amazing that in just hanging out together, we had such a blast. But then it was party time at Monkey Joe’s.
Monkey Joe’s is an indoor inflatable play place. Pierce wanted his theme to be Transformers because he just loves those guys….who doesn’t…they are more than meets the eye. So family came from out of town for the day and friends traveled from Greensboro just to celebrate with us.
Pierce had an absolute blast jumping, running and sliding from each station. He was having so much fun he even tore the toes out of his socks….it was rather embarrassing for mom. But he didn’t mind too much. We are so thankful for all of our family and friends that came to celebrate with us and we truly missed the ones that were not able to come. But we know that even those far away, whether South Carolina, Washington State or even as far away as heaven, are always in our hearts. Thank you for being a part of influencing Pierce’s life. I am grateful for the years we have had, but looking forward to all that is to come in his precious life.