Our Big One-Year-Old

A first birthday already?  Yes, already.

We celebrated Brig's first birthday with a little cowboy-themed get-together in our backyard on the most beautiful fall morning.  It was simple and filled with laughter and memories and good food.  I devoted a few days to Brig's birth and the events of his first year during "Bountiful Blessings" over the month of November, here and here.

I think watching both my boys grow and change from month to month can be easily summed up as bittersweet.  I cherish their "baby days," but look forward to what God holds next for them.  I've had a lot of people ask if I was sad about Brig turning 1 and I honestly wasn't sad at all.  I had enjoyed the prior 12 months so very much, but he's a kid and if there's one thing a kid does best, it's grow up f.a.s.t.  You just have to enjoy each stage as it comes and as it goes.  He's a full-fledged toddler now...busy and curious and such fun!

A "mini gallery" with memories of Brig's first year

Table decor

Presents!

More presents!

AND....Cake!

Thank you everyone who celebrated Brig's special day with us!

"We want S'Mores!!"

I can hardly think of a better way to spend a chilly evening than snuggled outside by a fire. 

AND s'mores...well, that's just icing on the cake!

To break in Justin's parent's new fire pit, we did just that. 

As I gazed up into the millions of stars that filled that night sky, I couldn't help but remember this...  "Who with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens"  (Isaiah 40:12)  You mean those millions of stars in that huge expanse of sky?  God holds them in the span of his hand.  That's a b.i.g. God.

Cousin Kalea = Happy.

Harrison = Really Happy.

Cousin Tyler = Not Happy.

Mmmm...Gooey goodness.

Snuggled and Warm with Mama

Turkey Rod Run

We had the opportunity the Saturday after Thanksgiving to take Harrison to the Turkey Rod Run at the Speedway in Daytona.  Turkey Rod Run is a huge car show featuring any and every kind of vehicle imaginable...old and new.  The last time Justin and I had been was before we were married.  I probably shoudl add that though hot rods aren't really my thing, seeing that many gleaming cars and proud owners is pretty neat. 

Harrison is totally and completely a lover of trucks with all his being, and Justin had the smart idea that we should make he would enjoy it this year and we should take him.  The best part was that it was just the three of us and a special treat for him to spend quality time with his Mama and Daddy (sans little brother). 

We saw lots of big trucks (Daddy's favorite)...

Quite a few Mustangs (Uncle Bubby's favorite)...

Old tractors...

And even this (whatever this is)...

Thursday Thought

Not real sure where to start today.  A lof of things on my mind lately.  Things that I truly have no business worrying over. 

Jesus said, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  (Matthew 11:28).  Clinging to this verse today -- as well as a few others -- and the days ahead. 

Life is not perfect, I am not perfect, BUT my God is so very perfect. 

Wordless Wednesday

Flashback Friday

Yes, it's been a while since a "Flashback Friday" post and they are a favorite.  Guess it's obvious our Friday's have been hectic lately.  But alas...it's back!

So I thought my little family was prepared for Christmas (which is in ONE week), but I was w.r.o.n.g.  Woah, was I wrong.  Though I strive every year to not be that wait-til-the-last-possible-minute gal, here it is another year and I'm doing it again.  Such is life.

For today's Flashback Friday, I decided to dig out some old Christmas pictures as a kid.  I have always loved Christmas -- actually I love all holidays -- but the Christmas season is so profound in meaning and rich with history.  The nostalgia gets me every time. 

I guess the picture below is probably from my first Christmas.  I'm a November baby (just like my Brig), so that first Christmas was kind of just "pretend."  Brig's first Christmas last year, we just kind of skipped over him.  Sounds sad, but we just took at as one more year to save a little money.  BUT, we're making up for it this year. 

What sticks out to me most about this picture is not the tree or the awful outfit Baby Sue is dressed in, it's the tacky velour sofa and red-brown shag carpet.  Wow.  Thank goodness interior design has come a long way.  Can't help but wonder if my boys will look back on their childhood photos and wonder the same thing about our home?  Undoubtedly so. 

But wait, it gets even better...

 

This picture I would guess is from my second Christmas; the "real" one.  These creepy Santas crack me up!  What child wouldn't be scared to sit in this guy's lap?

And last by not least, I would assume this picture is my third year.  And, yes, another creepy Santa.  Surely this guy could've opted for contact lens that day and left his "Clark Griswold" glasses home?  But best of all, I love those little stick-out-ish ears...the same ears my little Briggy has.  One of the (few) traits he carries of me.  Sorry Brig, but wear em proudly.

Wordless Wednesday