Choices

We are sick over here.  Well, one of us is.  

Saturday night we decided we were going to keep Cooper out of the nursery the next morning because we heard Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease was going around..and you know....we have so much going on the next couple of weeks.  Well, you guessed it. Sunday morning when Cooper got up he felt hot to the touch. Hum? Temp - yep, you guessed it 101.  I googled HFM. Yep, you guessed it again - starts with a fever.  Monday morning here come the spots... and they just keep coming....so sad for the guy.  Then if that wasn't bad enough, he starts coughing Wednesday.  Nasty cough. And if that wasn't enough.  Those two top teeth are starting to bulge white in his gums. 

My first reaction. I don't have time for this. I have a to do list longer than there are hours in the day.  I have to get us ready to move in 2 weeks.  I have tons of work to do to get ready for the end of the school year.  And life.  We have life to live..bible studies, grocery shopping, weddings, house cleaning (and you know how I like to clean when sickness invades), birthdays to plan for and celebrate, laundry, showers.  Really Lord? I don't have time for this. Sinful.

The better reaction. The honoring and glorifying to the Lord reaction.  

OK God.  I didn't expect this and actually I was praying against it and working to avoid it, but you saw fit for it to happen.  In Your Sovereignty it has come to pass.  So instead I embrace it knowing it is part of my journey.  I will open my eyes and listen carefully to what You have to teach me through this instead of clenching them shut because I don't want this. I will live in the moment and not miss it because I was busy complaining about it. 

Pray for me. 

The first reaction is natural.  The second is hard work.  

BUT if I work hard I am so much more peaceful. And the second reaction will bring joy to the Lord and my family.  God is honored by my obedience. My husband will be encouraged by my response.  And my son.  Well, he will benefit greatly.  He'll have a Mama caring for him with sincerity and empathy rather than "a-distracted-by-her-to-do-list-that-isn't-getting-done-Mama."

Can you relate?

Cooper John 11 months

Well this month flew by! I mean every month flew by, but this really went fast.  I'll just cut to the chase with his noteworthy accomplishments. 

Cooper became stronger and stronger and more and more confident this month.  He stood by himself a few times without realizing it, he barely holds when he stands up and he walks behind a walker with ease. He started waving! So cute. And the best part of the month...he gives kisses!!  You better believe I asks for one at least once a day. Ok, maybe 10 times a day! It's is just too much for me to handle!

He had a few first timers also this past month!  He had his first ride on the swings with his cousin Audrey.  He loved it! He also took the boat for a spin - just kidding - he sat on his Mama's lap zipped up in a life vest unable to move. But he still had a great time!

We so enjoyed this past month with our guy. At least once a day I find myself just staring at him and praising and thanking the Lord for such an incredible gift.   

This guy is such a drooler. Like really good at it - he can soak a shirt in 10 minutes flat!

One of his favorite pastimes...taking his shoes out of the drawer.

I usually find his dinosaur and blanket on the floor after a nap.  I think he enjoys watching them fall over the side of the crib.

Using the walker.  What a big boy!

Having a chat with Dada at breakfast.

Zipped up and unable to move!

Louie came too!

Driving the boat...

 ...here Grandpa, let me take care of that

waving goodbye to Grandpa!

will he walk by ONE???

Happy Anniversary

6 whole years! Oh my.  The years have been wonderful and amazing and more than I could have asked for or imagined.  God has blessed this family in so many countless ways the past 6 years. And believe me, we have counted those blessings over and over again.  

We like to do the traditional thing in this household.  The gift for year 6 is iron/candy. I was a little stumped then I realized I could get Matt something to hold his irons!  A new golf bag!  Now he is all set to his the course.

Matt of course hit it out of the park with creativity!  He likes to call me the sweet wife...in case you didn't know. And candy is sweet..right!  So he got me a bunch of SWEET things, including a whole box of bordeaux chocolates from Sees.  My absolute favorite, but don't tell the peanut butter cups!! A picture of our SWEET boy, a SWEET smelling candle, peanut butter and jelly from one of our favorite vacations - a SWEET memory, and SWEET smelling lotion.  

We don't take a minute of this for granted.