Alabama Power Watercourse

We had a fun time today at the watercourse.  It was my first time to visit and I was impressed.  It doesn't take a lot of time, but it's free and Nate was entertained.




His favorite part of the "game show" was the flashing red lights. 

Twelve years ago today...

I married an amazing guy.  He's still pretty amazing and I am grateful for him everyday.  He's a wonderful husband and father.  I love you Darren!  Thank you for loving me and Nate so selflessly. 

We've had a great week hanging out at home.  Our summer has been so busy and this is the first week we haven't had any plans.  The highlight of my day today was playing in the rain with Nate.   I love this child so much!

Nate's Birthday Weekend

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating Nate's 4th birthday.  We celebrated with family Saturday night.  Sunday morning he celebrated with friends at church.  Now that I think about it, I'm really surprised his birthday wasn't more emotional for me.  I usually get pretty weepy at some point around his birthday. I am always amazed that another year is over.

Family picture time!  I really wish the lighting was better in these.  Fluorescent lights and my photography skills do not go well together.  It probably doesn't help that the lens on my camera is warped.  I dropped it last fall and haven't replaced it yet. 

Nan and Pops

Uncle Gavan and Aunt Lynn 

Granna and Poppa Dub

One of Nate's favorite shows is Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  We went with a pirate cake on Saturday night and Lightening McQueen cupcakes on Sunday morning.

For the first time, Nate had a pretty specific list of things he wanted.  We also had to count down the days to his party and the presents...emphasis on the presents.  It was fun to watch him be excited, but it was also a little concerning to see how focused he was on presents.  The morning of his party we had to have a long talk because he was worried that he wasn't going to get what he wanted!  I had to pray that God would give me wisdom to know how to communicate to a 4 year old that life's not about stuff and we need to be truly grateful for any gift we receive - on our list or not.  It brought to my mind what his preschool teacher used to tell them on treasure box days:  "Get what you get and don't pitch a fit!"  I know this is just going to get worse.  I definitely need LOTS more wisdom to know how to gracefully handle these situations and model a  grateful attitude myself. 

Thankfully, our talk (and prayers) worked and Nate was very kind and grateful while opening gifts.  He also waited patiently to open his presents.  I did prepare him ahead of time that presents would be last.  He was so much fun to watch and listen to while opening cards and presents.  He would "read"  all of his cards.  He would make up a little story based on what ever picture/character was on his card and end the story with happy birthday Nate.  It was so cute.  Of course, we didn't have our video camera.  I thought we had an empty disc, but we didn't.  My mom always tells him that she loves him "too too much."  While opening gifts, he said "I love all of you too too much for all of these great presents."  It was precious.

The list:  Cars 2 cars, Cars 2 race track, Cars 2 airplane, Cars 2 puzzles, dinosaurs, dinosaur snakes (they are in the dollar bin with the dinosaurs so he calls them dinosaur snakes), and more super heroes.  He got it all and more. 



Happy 4th Birthday Nate!!!

We love you more than words and are so grateful that God gave us you!

Swim Lessons

Nate had swim lessons this week.  He did a great job.  I can tell a huge difference in his ability and desire to try this year.

Zoo Birthday Party

This morning we celebrated Faith's (and her little brother, Ash) birthday.  It was our first time to visit the B'ham zoo since the trails of Africa area opened.  We enjoyed seeing the new elephants and Nate really enjoyed the play area.


His favorite part of the morning was the soap sud area.  That was a first for him also.