Labor Day Memories

A few shots from Labor Day....just getting around to posting them. We had lots of fun at Nana and Granddaddy's house over the long weekend, especially at the party they hosted. We were able to catch up with lots of family friends. James loved it!

Family Portrait by Nana

Ready to party!

Hanging out with Marylu

Sitting with Godmother Becky

A New Buddy

When we were in Alabama about three weeks ago, James met Joseph Hails, son of Ginger and Matt. We have known Matt for a long time and his wife is just the sweetest. We were excited to finally meet the new addition to their family. Baby Joseph is so cute! It was fun watching James and Joseph playing together. We got a kick out of all their funny expressions. Thanks for an awesome time, Hails Family! Can't wait to see the three of you again and meet Hails Baby #2.

A Message From God

Yesterday I had a VERY hard time at work because I was missing James a lot. I was not feeling so great, and I was feeling overwhelmed with everything I am learning at my new job. Suddenly, I just really wanted to be home with James. The closest thing I can relate it to is severe and sudden homesickness. It was swallowing me up! I just wanted to be where he was. Well, I have to work, so I prayed and prayed and tried to keep in mind how fortunate we are as a family. It didn't matter what positive things I thought of. I was in a sad mood and determined to stay that way all day.

When I woke up this morning, a sense of dread filled me because I knew it would be another long day without James. How I was missing those long and lazy summer days with my boy! At school, I attended a prayer group and told them about my dilemma and asked for prayers. After hearing other's personal concerns, it put things in perspective. During the prayer, I was lifted up! My day at work was AWESOME!

This evening, a funny thing happened. No, funny isn't the word but it was an interesting lesson. I came home from work with James in tow, after running errands and stopping by the library, to discover I had a sick cat - what seemed to be a very, very sick cat. We got him to the emergency vet and spent some time there. The cat, who looked like he was on his death bed earlier, was fine. 100% fine! Yes, I am serious! After loading the not sick cat and my very tired baby into the car, I knew that James would fall asleep on the way home. I realized I had not had any meaningful time to really to hang out with him today. Instead of being sad, I realized getting into the car that this was a clear message from God to remind me how lucky I am to spend the amount of quality time I normally do with my baby everyday. We really do make the most of every moment together! It was literally a light bulb moment in my life! One of those I know I will remember always, the way the wind was blowing my hair when the idea hit me, and the way the sun was making a beautiful sunset at the same time, the sweet smell of James as I buckled him into his car seat. Some women only get to spend the amount of time with their babies that I spent with James today, every day. How blessed I am, and how grateful I must be for it.

It is time to quit my negative thinking, and get back to counting my blessings. The biggest one I have ever received is becoming James' mother. So, the moral of the story is this....God has a way of getting your attention, and He answers your prayers. So prayer works, even if you have to have a "sick" cat, a $97 vet bill, and a vet who turns out to be a member of your church (seriously!!!) to help you realize how wonderful things already are!

Priceless Parenthood Moment #404 (Trying spaghetti....)

After a little apprehension, James discovered he is a pasta fan!

Changes!

Monday I will be starting at a new school in a new district! YAY! I am so excited and I have been working hard to get everything ready for the 5th graders I will be teaching. The new school is much closer and is just a better fit for me. I will miss wokring with some wonderful friends I made at Elder and of course the students, but I am looking forward to this new challenge. I will admit I am a little (ok, majorly!) overwhelmed. So much to do! So many new regulations, schedules, etc. to learn. But I have to take a deep breath and know it will be ok. One of the best things about the job is that I will be home earlier and have more time to hang out with James. He will also be able to come to school there for K-5 when the time comes. It would be nice having him so close. Wish me luck Monday!