Open for business

My husband is hijacking my account (w/ my permission) to announce that he is no longer working for the DA's Office. He's going out on his own, specializing in Criminal Defense. We feel like this is what God's leading us to right now, though it definitely involves trust. Still, God has shown His faithfulness in the number of clients that R has gained in a short time & the things that he's been able to do for them.

We look forward to seeing where this new adventure will take us!

Christmas 2009

This was the first Christmas that Isaac was actually aware enough to participate. Last year he was such a little biddy! It was such a joy to watch him take it all in! We started the day by reading the Christmas story out of Isaac's kid's Bible, complete with pictures. He gently helped each of us open our gifts and wowed over everything. We really want him to grow up understanding why we celebrate Christmas, so we kept the gift exchange simple this year with each of us getting one gift. I kinda cheated with R and got him 2, but that's because he needed a new Bible after giving his to my brother when R led him to the Lord over Thanksgiving! I made R a quilt...that's almost finished (oops, ran out of time). We both got teary when he opened his gift. Not exactly sure why, but we did. R painted me an AMAZING picture of a desert scene in Africa, complete with giraffes. SO COOL!!!!! And Isaac got a train set. He likes it, but now we need to mount the track so it stays put together for more than two seconds! We spent a quiet day at home with us and R's cousin. Such a perfect day! I cooked a simple but yummy dinner and we all went to bed early. We've decided that the holidays should be a restful time and not filled with rushing and stress. I'm likin' it! Great day and great memories.

"Mama"

Isaac actually calls me Mama now!! He's said it for awhile, but without a concept that I am Mama. But now, he reaches for me when he says it, or he says it when I'm not there and he's asking for me. There isn't anything more precious to my ears than the sound of his sweet voice saying "Mama" to me.

Forever Friends

It's easy to convince oneself that one can do life without all those people we love that live far away; that we don't get to see very often and don't think to call on the phone. Easy, that is, until they come visit and remind your heart how much you wish they were close enough to pop over for dinner or go shopping together or just hang out and talk for hours and hours about everything and nothing.

Katie came to visit for a few days and we had a marvelous time. We did a little of this and a little of that, but mostly we just talked a lot and enjoyed each other's company. The house is too quiet now that she's gone and I feel a bit empty inside, wondering when I'll see her again.

The good news is that even though we live in different places, our friendship will continue...forever.

Funny Face

It's incredible to watch how Isaac is becoming more and more capable of interacting and communicating with us. He loves to make this face at us because he knows he'll get a laugh every time. We're not exactly sure where he got it, but imagine a wrestler posing to show off his muscles with a silly grin and you've got the idea!

What started out as the sign for more has evolved into the sign for yes. I can ask Isaac if he wants down and he claps his 'yes'. I can ask Isaac is he's hungry and he will clap 'yes'. It's so great to be able to communicate even on such a simple level. Now if I'd just get with it and teach him some more signs...... Smile.

R and I were discussing the other day what word would sum up this time in our lives. I recall one Summer a number of years ago when GRACE seemed to be the theme and everywhere God was teaching me something more about His grace. As I've contemplated it since our conversation I think I've concluded that LAUGH is a good word for this season of life as parents of a sweet and funny toddler. Each and every day Isaac gives us something to laugh about! Life still has its ups and downs in the day to day grind, but we have so much to be thankful for and reason, indeed, to laugh!

Isaac is ONE!!!!!!!

October 9th was Isaac's 1st birthday!!! R took the day off so we could all be together! We went into Isaac's room at 8am singing 'Happy Birthday'. He looked at us curiously! After breakfast we gave him his present from us. He thought the wrapping was cool and proceeded to push the box over and then push it around on the floor. We pretty much had to unwrap it for him! We tried pulling a little bit of the paper up for him to tear it and he just couldn't quite understand what we were getting at!!! But the tool bench was a good choice! He played with it off and on all day long!

Just before bed, Daddy finally agreed to a haircut! Isaac sat still as long as he had a comb of his own to hold onto! Daddy entertained him while I cut away! I only trimmed the front part that had gotten so long! It's still curly and adorable, but now it's all uniform!

Here's the handsome, strong boy sporting his new do!


On Saturday we had Isaac's birthday party! R's family and my aunt and uncle came to celebrate with us! Isaac LOVED being the center of attention! He simply ate it up! I made blueberry cupcakes completely without sugar! And they even tasted good! Smile. Isaac liked them and everyone else said they did! Tee hee!

Isaac was a good boy all day and spent most of the time walking back and forth with his little musical walker. It makes music when you push it! He loved all the cheers and affirmations and even learned how to turn himself around and head back the other way! Me thinks he'll be walking without assistance in no time!

One year with our little boy...it went by so fast! On the one hand it feels like he has always been with us and on the other hand it's hard to believe so much time has passed already! What a priviledge to be Isaac's Mommy! Motherhood is by far the most difficult, demanding life I have ever known. However, the blessings are beyond compare!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Isaac! Mommy is so very proud of you and loves you more than words can describe!!!!!

11 Months Today!

All I have to say is....I'm so thankful for this sweet little boy and the priviledge of being his Mommy!!!!!