Visit from the "Greats!"

We recently were extremely blessed by a visit from Grandma (GeeGee to her great grandchildren) and Aunt Nancy (Great Nancy).  They came for Harper's Baptism, to meet Adalynn and to visit the rest of us. 

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the

 presence of our God because of you?"

(1 Thessalonians 3:9)

Gregg was gracious to support me going to stay at my parents' house for a couple of days with Adalynn while he took care of Zeke over Father's Day weekend.  It was easier than trying to fit all four of us in the guest room in the basement!

I always enjoy spending the night at my parents' house with out of town guests.  I love waking up in the morning and seeing Grandma, Nancy, and other family that I don't get to see often enough.  Those are the moments I cherish.  This time, it also allowed them to get to know Adalynn a little bit before the busy, fun-filled day on Sunday.

Jared and Jami came over with the girls while Adalynn and I were there, which was fun.  I love the picture below of Adalynn and Harper observing one another so intently!

As I mentioned, Sunday was Father's Day.  We all went to church at Perimeter to witness Harper's Baptism.  It was a special day that we got to celebrate over lunch at the Atlanta Athletic Club.  We took our traditional four generations photos, and, of course, the kids went to throw coins in the fountain outside!

When we got back to the house, the kids went swimming.  I started out in the pool, but didn't last long.  Wynna got in and you will see the pure joy on Zeke's face.  He had a BLAST!

FATHER'S DAY

I asked Zeke the questions below about his Daddy.  I did a similar activity for my dad (His Papa).  He said Papa's favorite color was pink, he was 9 months old, and he weighed 7 pounds.  I guess I need to work on measurements with him...ha!  In case you can't read the one about Gregg, here are his answers:

1. His name is Gregg
2. His favorite color is green
3. His favorite food is chicken
4. He always says, "Bazinga!" (a line from the sitcom, "Big Bang Theory")
5. He is the best at making me laugh.
6. His job is to talk on the phone
7. He laughs when "Bazinga"
8. If he had the time, he would talk to Zeke. (he still refers to himself in the 3rd person often!)
9. His favorite movie is penguin (Zeke had just seen a penguin movie while getting his hair cut)
10. We like to go to the woods.
11. He really loves Carlos. (One of Gregg's friends and co-workers...too funny!)
12. My favorite thing about him is that he laughs.
13. And I love him because of God and Jesus! (My favorite answer!)

The kids and I ended up staying Sunday night too because I just wasn't ready to say Good-bye!  What a gift to have family that you would choose to spend time with even if they weren't your family!

"I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."

(Philippians 1:3-4)

Fun with collages!

Jami has inspired me to create some monthly collages to track Adalynn's growth.  I decided to catch up on the last 3 1/2 months this morning.  Enjoy!

Lessons learned...

As some of you know, today is my 33rd birthday.  My mom had generously offered to go shopping with me and take me (and Jami) to dinner at Seasons 52.  We planned to meet at Perimeter Mall around 3pm Sunday, June 2nd, then made reservations for dinner at 6.  I was going to nurse Adalynn in the privacy of our booth while we chatted and enjoyed our appetizers.  Well, God had other plans!

I wanted to share some of the lessons I've learned from the past two days.  Although, admittedly, some of them are lessons God is continually trying to teach me!

1)  I AM NOT IN CONTROL

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:1

 

As much as I try to be, God repeatedly reminds me that I am not in control!  As I was getting ready to leave for the mall, Gregg said he wanted to check the weather radar.  Storms and heavy rain were predicted, but I continued (in my stubbornness) to insist that Adalynn and I could still go meet my mom.  As I was driving, the rain got heavier and I saw huge flashes of lightening ahead.  I knew Gregg had been right (see #3), but I was already there, so I figured I would go ahead and enjoy the time with my mom and Jami.

2)  BEING A PARENT REQUIRES SACRIFICE AFTER SACRIFICE

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3

This is what I had hoped Adalynn would do in the stroller while we shopped, but she decided not to nap.  Either my mom or I had to push her constantly to keep her from crying.  By the time we got to dinner, she was hysterically crying and wouldn't calm down to eat.  I felt the whole restaurant rolling their eyes at my screaming baby and I felt helpless.  Jami and my mom helped me get her to the ladies room where she FINALLY nursed after much rocking and calming.  I didn't even look at the menu, so my mom ordered me what she was having.  I did get to re-join them eventually and we had a short, but nice dinner!  Then, we headed to the car and it was pouring down rain...I mean pouring!  Our umbrellas were in the car, so my mom borrowed one and went to get my car.  We finally got loaded into the car and headed home through the storm.

In the meantime, Gregg was at home with Zeke who had come down with some sort of stomach bug.  It started before I left, but Gregg and I both thought it was a one time thing.  Zeke had never even thrown up before.  My sweet husband was at home to care for (and clean up after) a very sick little boy.  It looks like we were both learning the sacrifice lesson that day.


3)  MY HUSBAND IS VERY WISE

Gregg had suggested I try to reschedule for the next weekend, but I had my  heart set on a special day with my mom, Adalynn, and Jami.  He knew that, so he supported my decision to go, but he also was not comfortable with it.  He was concerned about the dangerous driving conditions.  He is a cautious man, and I love that about him.

I cannot tell you the number of times I've said, "Gregg is so wise...I should have listened to him," OR even better, "I'm glad I listened to him!"  He has the gift of discernment and I am thankful that he is my husband.

4)  I AM BLESSED

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

As I sit hear while Gregg, Zeke, and Adalynn sleep (we are all exhausted), I am trying to focus on how blessed I am in the midst of this fallen world.  God protected Adalynn and me as we drove, He allowed Gregg to stay in town, so that I was not going through all of this alone, He gave me an understanding and supportive mom and sister in law, He allowed Gregg to take the day off today to help me, and the list could go on and on.  Zeke has been nothing short of delightful these past two day.  He hasn't complained, and has been so sweet. 

We would appreciate all of your prayers for a complete and speedy recovery for Zeke and protection for the rest of us. 

This year, I'll be deep cleaning bathrooms on my birthday, but as I mentioned above, being a mommy is a sacrifice.  I am blessed to have a loving, involved husband and two beautiful children.  I'm not going to lie and say this is the best birthday ever, but it will probably go down as one of the most memorable!

Blessings to you all!