Celebrating Wesley's first birthday

We celebrated Wesley's birthday a little early when my mom was here a few weeks ago. We went to the pool and Wesley got some cake for the first time. He loved it!

Our Getaway to Chattanooga

My mom and Tim's mom stayed with our boys for three days and nights while we enjoyed a little time away in Chattanooga. It's a very fun city not too far from Nashville so it made a great place to go for a few days and relax. It is very pedestrian friendly with a beautiful walking bridge over the TN river, a free shuttle bus that took us all around the downtown area, and a neat art district with wonderful restaurants. We enjoyed eating out, going to the movies, hiking, eating leisurely yummy breakfasts, sleeping in, and just being free from responsiblity. It was hard to return to the demands of everyday life, but we did miss Graham and Wesley so much. We were both ready to see them, and I think our moms were ready to see us. Thank you so much, Nana and Perpy, for taking good care of our boys!

Wesley's first haircut

Wesley was in great need of a haircut. I was trying to wait until after he turned one, but his hair was getting way too long. Nana is here this week so she got to go with us. She went with me when Graham got his hair cut for the first time, too.
Wesley was not too happy about the situation.
Graham helped by handing him animal crackers. That quieted him for a few minutes.
I'm so glad we got it cut. He looks so handsome, don't you think?

Unconditional

After a long, frustrating day as a mom of a strong-willed three year old, I was talking with my mom on the phone recounting the day's events. I said, "Sometimes, it is so difficult to love him," in reference to my three year old. My mom was quick to correct me and remind me that the statement I had just made was untrue. Of course, I loved my son-always-and unconditionally no matter how he acted. Yes, she was right. His behavior does not change my love for him. I thought about it for a minute and replied, "Okay, you are right. Sometimes, it's just difficult to like him." Yes, she agreed that might be true.

She reminded me that it is the same with God's love. I mess up all the time, yet I cannot lose God's love. I'm constantly making the same mistakes, worrying, doubting, being discontent, comparing...the list can go on. But, no matter what I do or how I act, God's love is faithful, true, and unchanging. And it is only through His love that I can love my son with that unconditional, unchanging, faithful love.

Thank you, Lord, for your unconditional love.

Another song written by Sarah Groves:

You will lose your baby teeth •
At times you'll lose your faith in me •
You will lose a lot of things •
But you cannot lose my love • •
You may lose your appetite •
Your guiding sense of wrong and right •
You may lose your will to fight •
But you cannot lose my love •

Father's Day

Tim and Tim have been working on my brother's boat this spring to get it ready for the summer. Tim finally finished early this morning and was excited to get it out on the water. It was Wesley's first boat ride, and he seemed to enjoy it.
my brother with his family

the two happy dads

Happy Father's Day!!

Surfer Dudes!

A friend from Texas on his way to the beach for the summer stopped and stayed with us on Sunday night. Daniel was one of the "fresins", a group of kids whose parents served in a church where we also served. The fresins (friends close enough to be cousins) grew up together in a tight knit group and are still close to this day. We were so blessed and challenged by those families that we got to serve with at that church, and we were again blessed to visit with Daniel. He was in high school when we knew him, and now he's graduated from college. He and his buddy, Bobby, are spending the summer enjoying their last bit of freedom before the real life of jobs and responsibilities begin. With just a little bit of food, money, their surf boards, and a banjo and guitar, they are off to enjoy the waves and sun at the beach. But these guys are not the type to sit around and think only of themselves. They plan on serving at a local church where Daniel has attended in all the summers of being at his grandma's house. I'm sure they will write more songs and practice the fine art of banjo playing, and they will marvel in the beauty of God's creation and the gift of friendship.

As they were sitting in our house, playing their music for us and sharing their plans for the future and their desire to follow God, my heart was touched and encouraged. There is hope for our youth-and hope that my boys will one day grow up to be like Daniel and Bobby-young men that are truly seeking God. And, I was once again reminded of the gift of opening your home. I thought I was providing a nice meal and a clean bed for these guys when in return, I was being blessed and inspired.

Wesley is eleven months old!

We're still not sure what color Wesley's eyes are. They are not quite blue like his daddy's but not quite green like his mommy and brother's.

Wesley enjoys a game where I say, "How big is Wesley?" He holds his hands up, and I say, "So big!"

This has been quite a month for Wesley. He's learned how to wave, say "ma ma", and pull up. Last week, he started pulling up and standing in his crib. He thought that was much more fun than taking a nap. He also got his two top teeth, and he needs a haircut. I'm not sure if I can hold off until after his first birthday like I had planned. He's really into scooting everywhere now and is quite interested in the stairs and electrical outlets. He got promoted to the crawler class at church but has decided he doesn't like it too much. He'd rather be with mommy or daddy. He continues to be such a sweetheart. What a blessing he has been to our family!

The Cake

Graham helped Tim make a cake for me. He thought I would like an Elmo cake with marshmallows for teeth. Very creative!

Wesley is very into waving these days.

Thank you to my favorite guys for making my birthday special.