To infinity and beyond!

So we had so much fun today making rockets and a school bus out of some cardboard boxes. I've been saving them for a while and Billy kept saying... "can't I throw them away now???" Well, honey, we put them to good use. Fun times. AND, didn't Jacob do a great job writing his name? Yeah!!! I can't even describe in words how grateful I feel to be working part time right now. I am praying for extra patience and I will now be the primary disciplinarian and am working extra hard to teach the boys about God and how important obedience is... My extra time with the boys is nothing short of a miracle and I want to make the most of every.single.second.

Wordless Wednesday... just doesn't get any sweeter than this!

if you like to talk to tomatos...

What fun we had today! Our dear friend Rachie (go visit her at babywebbsite.com) told us last night that Bob and Larry were going to be at Lifeway today and asked us if we wanted to go... well, of course we did! And we had so much fun. For those of you who don't know who Bob and Larry are, they are the main characters from the Veggie Tales - a sweet Christian-based cartoon and my kiddos love them. Heck, I'll admit it... I like them too. A lot. :-)

Happy Birthday to my very best friend!

Happy Birthday my love! Hope your day is super special! In honor of your 35th birthday, here are 35 things I love love love love love about you!

1. your faith in God

2. consistency - what you see is what you get with you and I love that. You are the same at home, at work, with buddies, with judges.. What a great quality!

3. your willingness to help out so much at home - we really are partners and I couldn't do this whole "home" thin without you!

4. your positive attitude

5. your total and complete acceptance of me

6. your willingness to "get your hands dirty" and help change diapers. :-)

7. you are the best daddy!!!

8. I love when you read books to the boys - even when you want to watch ESPN

9. your patience (Lord sure knew that I'd need a patient man!)

10. your kindness towards others - our little family, but also just everyone

11. your genuineness

12. your willingness to take charge of our finances - balancing the checkbook, receipts, all that stuff that I'm just not very good at!

13. You are a very thoughtful gift giver

14. you work hard to find us babysitters fairly frequently so we can have date nights

15. you are a genuinely happy person - I love that. It's evident that you have the joy of the Lord in your heart.

15. I love that you check in with me frequently when we're apart! I love getting little text messages or phone calls during the day. I never get tired of hearing your voice.

16. your passion for sports (even though I don't always seem supportive) I love that you love sports and all things "manly."

17. Your willingness to lead our family toward Christ

18. Your selfless attitude

19. Your support for me whatever I do

20. I love that you are my "go to" person (think Meredith and what's her face on Greys Anatomy...)

21. You are my biggest fan - you encourage me to exercise, you cheer me on at work, you support my "wild hairs"

22. You love my cooking - and I love that you appreciate that. :-)

23. your tolerance of my silly questions - like "mmm, honey, what's your biggest regret in life?" Or "mmm, honey, if you could wave a magic want for our kids, what would you wish?" - and of course I always seem to ask you those questions when you are literally 95% asleep at night. :-)

24. you are very funny

25. you always make me listen to the words of songs - I just don't pay good attention to them

26. you really do complete me - we make a good team! In parenthood, you are patient when I'm about to pull my hair out. At work, you are positive when I'm about to scream my head off...

27. I love that you love the same TV shows that I do - we have such fun watching our shows.

28. you tolerate me picking at you - pulling hairs, pulling stray eyebrows, getting rid of unwanted hair... :-) sounds gross, but I do like it.

29. You always make me feel safe. I never ever once think about checking the doors at night, because I know you've already done it.

30. You go the extra mile to make me feel loved - you go out late at night to get me gas in the car if I need it, you go get me Nestle Quik when I "NEED" it... without even questioning how silly it may be.

31. You honor me as your wife and always say nice things about me to other people.

32. Your innate ability to be a great daddy to our boys - you are really a great dad!

33. you keep my secrets - I can totally trust you!

34. You are honorable, reliable and giving

35. I love you more and more every day! I have no doubt that God created you just for me! Here's to many many more years of "doing life" and serving God together.

Happy Birthday America!

July 4 has always been one of my favorite holidays. When I was little, my family always got together for a cookout at my pappaw's house. He loved fireworks. My mom and my Auntie Pat didn't like the little whistling chasers or firecrackers, and my dad, who's a little bit mischievous, would always sneak up on them and light them right around them. Fun times. Now, we're making new traditions with our little family and I love that too. We've had a very busy weekend! Friday, our friends the Gaithers came over and the boys enjoyed fast wagon rides down the hill and several games of chase. Mommy got to snuggle with baby Charlie who is OH SO CUTE! Saturday, we played with our caterpillar sprinkler and went to a cookout/hayride at Ms. Maureen's family's house and Sunday, we went to church and then went swimming at Susan and Bryan's and THEN went to a wedding reception... Whew - I'm tired just typing all that. The boys were troopers with all that ripping and running and had so much fun. I don't think I've ever seen dirtier or more tired boys. But, I just couldn't let the day get away without some fireworks. So, I got a little (I mean teeny tiny - embarrassingly small) bag of fireworks and we did them in the driveway right before bedtime. Here' s the cool thing about having small children though... they thought my meager little fireworks were AWESOME and they kept saying "thanks mommy for getting us fireworks." Literally, we had about 4-5 little fireworks and the boys just clapped after each one. Such fun! I'm so thankful to live in this country where we can worship freely and not live in fear every day. Thank you Jesus for that! Hope your holiday weekend's been packed with family time and that you feel as blessed as I do!

(oh - nite nite time wasn't so much fun... that's a post for another day though.) :-)

My little guy's not so little anymore!!!!!!!!!

So, I was going to do a post about all the fun we've been having lately and I will do so, but instead, I'm shamelessly using this post to get some advice from my bloggy friends out there. So, my Jonathan has decided that cribs are for babies and apparently, he just doesn't think he's a baby anymore. Two nights ago, he climbed out twice and we put him back in bed both times and said beds are for sleeping. Last night, he did great going to sleep, but he woke up at 6, climbed out and came downstairs. Nap time today was no better. I put him back in his crib about 8 times I think. The final time, I put a couple of books in there...that seemed to work and now, he's snoring away. I've read on the Internet some tips and I basically did what most of the tips said... be consistent and firm. Make no eye contact and keep putting him back. I kept putting him back, but in all honestly, I did sing the Barney song to him ever blasted time I put him in today. So, at least tonight, I'll know better. Here's my question though... should we (GULP) go ahead and take the crib down and transition him to the toddler bed? Or should we just try to train him to stay in the crib? I've watched his gymnastics-like moves as he catapults out of the crib. He's actually quite graceful and some how lands on his feet every single time. So, I don't really think he'll hurt himself, but I just don't know what to do about the crib thing...Anyone with wise words for me here? THANKS!!!

Our daddy...

Our Daddy is the COOLEST... really he is. He probably won't even tell mommy that we snuck onto her bloggy page to write all about him. Mommy thinks we're in bed, but she has no idea what we really do when she lays us down. :-) Yesterday was Daddy's special day and we just love him so much. Here's some of the reasons we love him. * he plays with us... we mean really plays. He loves to play cars and baseball and chase and pretend. * he takes us fun places. On days when daddy stays home with us, we go on cool adventures like to Walmart and Lowes. He even lets us ride on the tractors at Lowes. * he gives us treats (but don't tell mommy!) He especially gives us Popsicles. Super hero ones. * he tells good stories at nite nite time. * he always drives really safe and makes sure we have our seat belts on. Even when we don't want to. * he runs really fast, but not as fast as me or my brother (jacob). * he shares his drinks with me (again, don't tell mommy - I even got some coke at the movies the other day.) * he doesn't play favorites. Really, we know he loves us both so very very much.

In case you didn't know, our daddy's name is Billy. He is tall and smart and handsome and fun and really really cool. We really love him and want to be just like him when we get big. Really we do!

wordless wednesday

(well...almost wordless... yep, those are my shoes. Funny boys!)

Special Date Day!

I started something (sumpin) that I hope will be a monthly tradition. I took Jacob on a special breakfast date on Saturday. I told him about it on Friday, and he couldn't stop talking about it. He was so excited when I got home from exercise class on Saturday morning that he was waiting on the front porch. We had a blast! He chose Cracker Barrel for his special date and he was so charming and sweet... and so grown up, I might add. Spending one on one time with the kiddos is so hard, since they are always together. So, I'm going to try really hard to make it a priority to spend one on one time with each of my special boys. After breakfast, (don't try this at home, friends.) Jacob and I went to Weeds N Things to buy a wedding shower gift for some good friends of ours. THAT IS NOT A STORE FOR LITTLE BOYS!!!!! Jacob was so good, but we almost had to buy about 20 candles. Yikes... he knocked over a big stack because "I just need to blow it out mommy." He was a trooper though... at least they have lots of monogrammed stuff, so I took the opportunity to quiz him on his letters while I waited for them to wrap my present.

Happy Birthday, Little Buddy!

Dear Little Buddy,

I cannot believe you are already a whole two years old! Seems like only yesterday, you were using my bladder as a trampoline. Fun times! You have so much personality and we just love you so much! You had a really fun birthday party and I hope you know how special you are. We always try to create a birthday theme that will be just exactly what the special birthday boy would like and this year, we didn't even hesitate to choose Barney ("darney") for your party. You love him! I ordered you a HUGE Barney balloon and I will never ever forget your face when you saw it. If you could have snuggled and slept with it, you would have. So fun! You had Barney on your cake and some little Barney plates too. You love love love Barney...not sure why, exactly, but you do!

You also love trains and I'm so glad we got you your very first train set for your birthday present. It's so cute to watch you play with it! You say "I dee I dee" (watch me watch me) when you put the trains on the tracks. The wooden tracks would have frustrated you, but your Papaw fixed it for you so that it doesn't come apart so easily.

You continue to be a fantastic sleeper and we are so glad about that. You are still in your crib and seem to really love it there! You still love your bear and monkey and sleep with them every night. You also still have your pacis - I know we should probably take them away, but I just can't bear to think of you as THAT grown up. You only get them to sleep, so I'm not too worried. I know though when I go to your 2 year check up next week at the Pediatrician's office, I'll probably get a little lecture. Oops.

Here's some other things you are really interested in right now: puzzles, balls, slides and books. You are really getting good at puzzles. You even "help" your brother - it's so cute watching the two of you work together. We've raised up your little Tikes basketball goal to up the challenge for you. (you have to keep up with your buddies Walker and Caden!!!) :-) You got a new swing set for your birthday also, and YOU LOVE IT!!!!! I hear "Idee Idee" a million times a day to watch you go up the rock wall and down your slide. I'm so glad you like it so much!

Jonathan, I hope the rest of your life is as happy as you've made me the first two years with you. I love that you are so compliant (most of the time) and you almost always say "otay" when mommy asks you to do something. I love that you think the "little piggy" trick is the funniest thing on the planet. I love that you are working so hard to learn your words. I love that you yell "momma HEP" at the top of your lungs when you need something - even if it's as simple as you spilled a tiny drop of yogurt on your Elmo shirt. I love how you admire and follow your brother. I love that you like to learn and want to do "big kid" things. You even try to "Poppy" on the tree like our big bro does. I love that you say "shoo wee" every time I change your diaper. I love that you are most definitely a daddy's boy and while I'm a smidgen jealous, I'm so thankful you get to have such a great daddy. He loves you very much!!

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the way you clasp your hands to pray with mommy every night when I lay you down and say your prayers. Special memories. I hope I never ever forget how great it is to be your mommy. I love you so much and pray that you learn to love about Jesus and choose to follow him all the days of your life!

Love always, MOMMY

Boys will be Boys

I'm talking the big boys... not the little boys. My hubby and his best friend Lee went on an adventure today. They went to Louisville where Demarcus Cousins was signing autographs. Now, don't get me wrong, I like Demarcus Cousins AND I'm a huge UK Wildcats fan... but seriously? Two hours of standing in a line at Saint Matthews Mall (really... standing in line is NOT what malls are for!) waiting for an autograph is not my cup of tea. And the autographs weren't even free. Ahem. The dude is getting ready to be a multi-millionaire and he charges for an autograph??? But, anyway, my guy had fun and got some much needed guy time, so I'm happy about that. Here's a couple of pics from their adventure... pics were free. Go figure! :-)

How is it possible?

This is the last shot of my little buddy as a one year old. How in the world is it possible that my little boy, my baby, is turning two years old tomorrow??? I mean, literally, I can remember as if it were yesterday putting Jacob to bed on May 29, 2008 thinking "wow, this is our last night as a family of three." Now, I can't even imagine life with out my little Jonathan. "Big Bad Jon" (even though I never really want him to be called Jon...) is a bright and shining light for all of us and I am so thankful for his sweet little personality. TWO YEARS OLD??? Seriously? I just can't believe it. I laid Jonathan down tonight, albeit after a lot longer special rocking/singing session... and told him "tomorrow, you'll be two." He smiled and said, "otay momma." So sweet. Tomorrow's a big day for "big bad jon." Better get some rest!

5 years = the best of my life!!!

On Friday, Billy and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. These have truly been the best five years of my life and I have cherished every single memory with this sweet sweet man that God so lovingly chose to give me as my life partner. I remember our wedding day like it was yesterday. We had counted down to the big day by reading one Psalm a day backwards from 150 to 1. We finally read chapter one at about 11 pm the night before our wedding...I remember the sleepless night before... laying in my childhood bedroom tossing and turning thinking "you really need some rest." But rest wouldn't come. It was like a five year old getting ready to go to Disney Land the next day - but even better. I had planned every detail of the day and along with my mom and every little helper she could muster in Cave City, our reception was at my parent's beautiful home. Now, I know what a sacrifice that was for my parents and how much work went into the day! THANK YOU BOTH!!!! It was perfect in every way. So many of the students from FBC were there to celebrate and they were so special to us. We were heavily involved in the student ministry and have very special bonds with many of those students today. Finally, we said "i do" with the help of our dear friend and pastor Andy (Andy-Tales) McDonald and partied a little at the reception and drove off to our happily ever after. And let me tell you - happily ever after it has been so far. Now of course, we've had our ups and downs - shared some sorrows and pain, but through it all, we have lovingly been partners and best friends. Above all else...that's the bottom line for us. Before we were parents, we were Billy and Sherri (who all our friends say we are a perfect match!!!). I really do love, honor and cherish Billy with all that I have. I consider myself blessed beyond measure that he gets to be my forever partner. He makes me a better person! I think that's what it's all about in a relationship. In memory of our special 5th anniversary, I thought I'd share 5 interesting facts about my hubby that probably not too many people know. Nothing juicy... don't worry! :-) My in-laws may read this after all. :-)
1. Billy loves songs that have state titles in them or cities. It's really strange, but I can almost bet if I hear a song on the radio that says something about Baton Rouge or Georgia or Tennessee, my man will love it and quickly want to download it on our trusty iPod.
2. If coke were beer, we'd be in trouble. Seriously - he drinks at least a 2 liter of coke EVERY SINGLE DAY. How does he stay so skinny???? Don't get that at all, but that's another post.
3. He was made to be a daddy. Seriously. He is the best dad on all the planet. He is patient and kind and loves to play with his boys. He prays for their well-being and sets a Godly example for them to follow. He brings out the best in both boys and knows just how to interact with them so that their best qualities and strengths shine.
4. He'd be the happiest man on the planet if I scratched his head or back all the time. That is definitely his favorite thing for me to do. I would hope that he feels like the happiest man on the planet anyway, regardless if I scratch his head or not. :-)
5. He was made to love me. I really believe that! He is a wonderful husband. He's the best combination of sweet, romantic, patient (Lord knows I need that!), consistent, authentic, kind, put the needs and wants of others in front of his own kind of guy. I love this man!

* when I figure out how to scan some wedding pics, I'll do that!

wordless wednesday

M-O-M-M-Y

Being a mommy is one tough job. But oh my, I love it so. As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mommy. There was a time in my life, after a really tough relationship ended...when I was single and wondering if God would bless me with a husband and kids. I longed to be a mommy, but I just had to trust God's plan and wait. (and watch all my friends have one, two, even three kiddos.) But, in God's timing, he brought a fantastic man into my life and eventually two little sweeties I am proud to claim as my own. I was and still am a total baby magnet. If there's one in the room, I want to be near it - to touch it, smell it, hear it... I love kids. Always have and always will. Mother's Day weekend is such a great time of reflection and thanksgiving. Billy always makes me feel so special on mothers day...every day really. Here's just a few reasons that I love being a mommy right now:

1. Jacob and Jonathan are starting to have conversations - so funny. Here's an example: (Jacob) Jonathan you wanna go outside? (Jonathan) Uh Huh. (Jacob) okay go get your shoes on. (Jonathan) otay. (runs to get his shoes on... brings them to me and says "mines shoes on?") (Jonathan) to jacob... go outshide? Outshide?

2. Jacob tells me at nite nite time "mommy I love you. I am so glad to be your boy." *sigh*

3. Both boys love superheros. The wear capes and run around saying "batman or superman to the rescue."

4. Jonathan tries to get our attention by saying "i dee i dee idee" (watch me watch me watch me)

5. Nite nite time with both boys is so special. Jonathan is super snuggly and loves singing songs for a few minutes in the glider in his room. The last song we always sing is the Barney theme song. Then he feels safe enough to lay down and drift off to snoreville. and Man.can.he.snore!!!!Jacob loves to be told stories. He has a whole routine...first tell me a story about Batman meets Superman meets John Stewart. Now tell me a story about Batman and Robin. Now tell me a story about the clock. Now tell me a story about the microwave (random household object make some great stories.) Now tell me a story about Mommy and Daddy and Jacob and Jonathan.

Here's a few snapshots from our mothers day festivities. :-) Happy belated mother's day to all you awesome mommies. to those of you who long to be a mommy, keep trusting God and know that he loves you above all else!

Bad news...

So, it's taken me a few days to even figure out how to get these words in writing. I found out last Thursday that I'm losing my job as of December 31 due to budget cuts. It's so weird - surreal almost. I got a call from my boss on Thursday when I was home with my children - Jonathan had pink eye. Man, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. AOC is cutting all Family and Juvenile Drug Courts - the programs that I supervise. Programs that work with youth and parents struggling with addiction issues. Programs that give folks skills to make better choices or their lives. PROGRAMS that work... I'm really sad by the news. I feel awful for all the sweet folks I supervise. I've got single moms, hard working dads, really sweet and awesome folks I've been privileged to supervise. I'm devastated for each of them. But here's the reality... I'm sad for me too. More sad than I ever thought I'd be. For some time, Billy and I have been praying hard about me finding something part time to allow more flexibility and for me to be home more with the boys. I just feel like this is such an opportune time for me with them. They are growing so fast and I know I'll never ever regret staying home more with them. BUT, that doesn't take away the hurt and anger I feel. I guess if I was going to leave AOC, I kind of would have liked it to be on my terms, not theirs. Selfish, I know. Probably not the most Godly attitude either. But, that's where I am. I'm feeling totally discarded and as though I'm not valued at all at work. Feeling like anything I've done there is all for not. I honestly didn't think I'd be that dispensable.... I'm praying that God would infuse me with His peace and strength and will allow me to have a little motivation to do the things I need to do in the next few months. I also pray for the perfect opportunity for me to work part time will become evidently clear. I know we'll have lots of tough decisions ahead of us. I'm grateful for my supportive husband who's let me be a grump for a few days and has held me as I cried. I'm grateful I don't have to do this alone. I'm grateful that I have a degree which gives me flexibility in the work force. Most of all, I'm grateful that God does care about the small details... my small details.

No, I wasn't on Candid Camera...

But I sure could have been. Today started out as a perfectly normal day... (aside from some CRAZINESS at work, but that's a whole other post.) Yesterday was perfectly abnormal in every way, so today, I was determined to keep the boys busy, I mean keep my sanity. We went to the park this morning with our friends Katie and Caden and the boys had a blast. Jacob even got to "water a tree." That's right folks, my son pulled his pants down and peed right on a tree in the park. That's got to be some sort of illegal activity, but oh well. The boys love going to the park! Such a great FREE activity to let them explore and play. Then, the mommies of the bunch decided that McDonalds would be a good idea and a logical end to our perfect morning at the park. So we did. Okay, so there's a really good reason why Billy and I never take our boys out to eat. Today I was reminded... again and again. As a caveat, I must say that my boys were actually very very good. So was Caden. But, let's just say we had a few mishaps. We all got settled - cheeseburger perfectly broken apart for Jonathan, chicken nuggets and plenty of barbecue sauce for Jacob (and lots and lots of bribes to even get him to eat two bites.) Then, Jonathan said "moo" (his sound for milk) and reached right for his little cup. Well, somehow, it slipped right out of his hands and milk landed everywhere... especially all over ME. I even had milk dripping from my face... literally. At the exact moment the milk spilled, Jacob announced to everyone that "I need to go pee." and he proceeded to run into the mens room, which of course no mother would dare allow their little 3 year old to go into some gross stinky mens room where he could not be supervised. So I got to the door and told him he'd have to go to the ladies room with me. Once inside (oh - Bless Katie's heart - she's now cleaning up the milk that MY child spilled and keep in mind that I still have milk dripping off my face.), Jacob smashed his finger in the door and started wailing. He finally settled down and then did his business and out we go to enjoy our food. Well, Jonathan had decided that HE wanted to eat chicken nuggets while Jacob was in the bathroom, which of course did not make his big bro happy. From that point on, Jacob refused to eat them. Jonathan had a little package of barbecue sauce and dumped it out saying "all gone." EXCEPT is was not all gone. In fact, it was now ALL OVER MY FACE and my shirt and my pants and the booth. Katie and I were about to die laughing at this point. Sweet little Caden seemed totally unfazed - he kept right on eating. I was just starting to pick up everything to leave when Jonathan picked up his milk again and shook it saying "all gone." Before I could even move, there was more freaking milk dripping from my face. I mean seriously - what was the deal???? With that, we packed it up and called it a day. A fun time was had by all. Did really love the mommy time with Katie though! And I managed not to scream in public. Pretty impressive, huh???

mommy tips

Great post from our cousin in West Virginia - thought I'd share the wealth... climb on over to www.wedonteatbugs.blogspot.com to get some great ideas! I wish I'd known about the bib washing thing. That darn velcro reaked havoc on some of my boys little sweaters.

Thought I'd add a few of my own mommy tips. What about you? Share your best secret tips for making mommyhood less stressful.

1. Always have the diaper bag stocked with snacks that are easily packages and not messy like granola bars, nutri grain bars, little crackers, baggies of animal crackers or cheerios if they are little ( ALWAYS pack 2 of everything if you have multiple critters - the whole sharing thing is nice in theory, but when you are driving down the road its hard to enforce.)

2. Put puzzles in big gallon size baggies. Especially the ones that come in paper boxes that always get ripped. Save the picture on the front of the box though.

3. Oxy-clean laundry stain remover. Enough said on that one... Buy it now! Heck, buy two or three to have in stock.

4. Invest in some large plastic containers to store clothes in once your kids are "past that stage." Then label the containers with sharpies for easy reference for number 2 or 3 or 4. Or to share with your friends so you can enjoy seeing your sweet little clothes recycled.

5. If your kiddo likes pacis, give him/her 4-5 each night. That saves you a few trips in the room if the pacis find their way out of the crib and into the floor. :-)

6. Hooded towels - don't get rid of them just because your kiddos are too big. They double for some GREAT super hero capes!!!!!

Your turn.....

Pre-arranged marriages aren't so bad, are they?

So, my Jacob is smitten with a sweet little girl named Tate. Now, relationships with little girls aren't totally new to Jacob. He adores Ashley, his babysitter's little girl. She is definitely his best little friend other than his little brother. But yesterday, he got to play with another little girl and he has so sweetly talked about her all day today. We went to a Sunday School party yesterday afternoon and we all had a blast! Jonathan loved playing basketball with the "big boys" and Jacob was introduced to a new toy - guns. Nerf guns. He loved it! All boy... that's all I can say! Near the end of the party though, guns were down and Jacob found him a new little friend, Tate. They were inseparable for the last hour we were there. Following each other, talking to each other. Really cute. One of there conversations was sweet little Tate reassuring Jacob that there was no monsters in the "secret" hideout. We got a few pics... little bro was right in the mix. He was totally digging little Tate too. So today, Jacob wanted to call her. He was obsessed with it actually. So, after work, we called her. Here's the conversation as we heard it:

"I'm eating Cocoa Puffs."

"We got a swingset witha little trampoline on it. You wanna come jump on our little trampoline with us?"

"It's still in the box. My daddy's got to put it up." After the call, Jacob said,"she wants to come over. Isnt' that cool?"

HILARIOUS!!!!!

Good Friday, Great Sunday!

What a glorious weekend! Easter weekend is filled with amazing memories every year. Easter may be my most favorite holiday - right behind Christmas. Yes, I love the eggs, the egg hunts, dying eggs, eating candy, trips to see family, the Easter Bunny (whoops, we never made it to the mall this year...sorry boys!), nice weather, tall grass to hide the eggs, wondering what the Easter Bunny might bring... It never gets old. But.none.of.it.compares. None of those awesome fun activities compares to the real reason I love Easter. We celebrate the Risen King. Hallelujah - He's alive. We can celebrate that fact every day, but Easter is the anniversary of His resurrection. That's why I love Easter!

Good Friday also has special significance for us. Of course, it's the day we remember the sacrifice of our King and remember his agony on the cross. But, it's also the "anniversary" of the first date for me and my sweet hubby. Yep, that's right - our first date was truly a BLIND one... Billy and I met through mutual friends and after some email correspondence, we decided to meet at the Southeast Christian Good Friday service. As a tradition, we always try to go. Every year, it makes me so grateful for all the positive changes in my life since I met Billy. He is truly a blessing and I am so blessed to be walking through life with him. It's a very special service for lots of reasons! This year, Billy and I were literally some of the last to leave. The worship was amazing. Simply amazing! I tell you what, friends. Being a mommy changes everything about life. During the service, I was brought to tears numerous times thinking of the significance of the day and wondering why in the world God chose to save someone as undeserving as me. And then it hit me... We have an enormous job as parents. We have to teach our boys the truths of this life and of the Word. I had an overwhelming feeling to pray for my boys... that they (on their own... because they want to, not because their mom and and dad want them to...) would come to love the Lord with all their hearts, mind, soul and strength and would always understand the deep meaning behind Good Friday.