God's Gift Dec 26...

1-HOPE-I think this gift today may top them all. I am not sad or down or depressed in anyway. I am content and joyful and feel very Hopeful. I am reminded that Christmas is just the reminder of the beginning of Everlasting Hope for those of us "In Christ." So today I say, "Happy Hope that lasts forever day!" Thank you Lord for hearing my cry and overcoming my depression in YOU all things are possible.

God's Gift Dec 25...

Today's Gift - NO Sadness, NO DEPRESSION, NO This doesn't feel like Christmas... It did not feel like every other day. It felt like Christmas. It was a wonderful day full of contement and true joy. Thank YOU Thank You Lord for the wonderful gift of contenment today.

Side note... Brad completely suprised me this year with his gift. We had finished opening presents and he told me that there was something else for me on the tree. I went over there but couldn't find anything as I wondered what in the world. Then he pointed me in a certain area and I saw them... Hanging on the tree in a glass ornament were diamond earrings. All I could do was laugh like a little giddy school girl before even touching them as I looked back and forth between them and Brad. They are beautiful, Brad you did GREAT!

God's Gift Dec 24...

Christmas Eve was just so good, sweet, peaceful. Brad was at home. It was such a slow day. I really had time to rest and ponder the real reason of Christmas - Christ's Birth. It was almost not real to me like walking on clouds are in a scene on a movie to me. I set out the toy nativity scene we have on the coffee table. Drank Coffee with real whip cream while we wrapped a few presents. All this after a wonderful nap with the rain falling outside. Then we woke Ford up and went to the Christmas Eve service. The Christmas Eve service was such a sweet time for me. I think mostly because It all really sunk into my heart, my soul - the real reason for Christmas. I know it sounds so "churchy" but I was struck by the awe that JESUS is the BEST GIFT anyone can ever receive. That JESUS is the how we truly experience JOY, PEACE, CONTENMENT, HOPE. This baby came to give us our heart's desire even though we don't know that HE is what we are looking for in this life. It was then that I realized what God's gift to me was this year, He really had already given it - it was and is JESUS, my Savior, my Peace, my Joy, my HOPE! It's just that this year there was quiet simple time to receive it, to really get it in my heart and in my soul. And the best part is that I felt it deep within me. If we had been running from family to family I would have missed it. We would have been too busy with good things for Jesus to really reveal himself to me.

We then returned home for Brad to cook us dinner, so I decided Ford and I would decorate some cupcakes for Jesus Birthday. I put an apron on him and myself and we decorated away. He was so excited as he said, "Happy Desus Cake," over and over as we iced them. Then I let him put mm's and sprinkles on them. Not many got on the cupcakes 'cause as soon as he put them on he would take them off and eat them up. It was such an impromtu and sweet time with him.

After dinner we put a candle in one and sat the little people baby Jesus on his tray as we sang "Happy Birthday Jesus." We then spent some time playing with a Nativity Set. It was just so peaceful.

God's Gift Dec 23...

It is Christmas Eve Eve... I am trying to straighten up around here before Christmas. Having a lot of different thoughts lately... I know that God is trying to teach me something about Christmas - Himself, but it is like my flesh or Satan is trying to not let it happen sooo bad. Still kind of up in the air as to when we are going to visit family for Christmas. Cried about it this morning. The feeling of Christmas is so fleeting and not constant. The fear that Christmas will feel like just another day - not special. BUT when Christ was born... Mary was a nobody doing her mundane thing called life, the sheppards were doing their jobs watching the flock, the city of bethlehem continued life as normal...

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for so many it is not. I would dare to say that for the majority of the world Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year, but the worst or most depressing or saddest or loneliest. I would say that it is not the most wonderful time for many because they think something is wrong with them if they don't feel happy or feel like it is the most wonderful time or get that special Christmas feeling. They feel hopeless. I love to watch Christmas movies, but very few of those fairy tale movies ever play out in real life leaving many of us to think we've missed it or that we've had a bad Christmas.

I just finished watching a Pooh Christmas with Ford. Eor really stuck out to me. I never really noticed, but generally Eor is depressed and sad and down. In the movie he said he had never asked Santa for anything because the one thing he wanted was impossible for Santa to give - he wanted to fly. Of course by the end of the "fairy tale" movie he does get to fly BUT how true is this mentality in life today. How true is it of ME! Of course in the movie the faith, the belief, the hope was in Santa. It really stuck out to me how really many of the ideas of Santa are how we should see Jesus and God. God is able to give whatever we ask. Nothing is impossible with God. God is real hope all year long. Why don't we ask HIM? Because we don't believe He can do it - the impossible.

This all made me remember what Ginny had told me last Friday... john 14:14... And yesterday when I was reading in Luke the Christmas story the verse "nothing is impossible with God" just kept jumping out at me.

I am to ask HIM, my Savior my Heavenly Father, for something this Christmas but what I don't know. I must believe that in GOD NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE!!! With Santa and Christmas traditions everything is impossible and fleeting and never the same BUT in CHRIST IMMANUEL ALL things are POSSIBLE, ETERNAL, and ALWAYS THE SAME yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Oh Lord help me know what to ask.

God's Gift Dec 22...

1-Ford Helping-We had to take Clara home today which was sad. After Ford woke up from his nap I was putting some of his clothes up. He grabbed a stack himself and brought it in his room and put it in the drawer. Then while I was hanging up what I had, he went back and got the last pile and brought them in his room and put them in his drawer. It just brightened my whole being. I was just taken a back that he didn't just throw the clothes down or all over, but actually helped and put them up. I was just amazed and felt so blessed to have this little one to watch grow.

2-Coffee Break-I had coffee with a friend tonight. It was good to just sit and refocus on life as opposed to all the hustle with Christmas.

God's Gift Dec 21...

1-Clara-My sister, Clara, decided to stay with us a few days this week. It was fun to have her with us. Last night we went shopping 'till late. Today we have shopped, made ornaments, and watched a christmas movie. It was such a gift to have her spend her time with us! We don't get it often but we cherish it when we do.

God's Gift Dec 20...

1-Christmas Lights-My mom and stepdad went back home today, but my little sister stayed with us. We went out for dinner then after Ford saying, "cismas ights" for "Christmas Lights" we decided to drive through a neighborhood we've already been through once that was close. We ventured into a different part of the neighborhood and discovered one of the best gifts this season! It was 4 houses in a row with blue and white lights on them and in their yards that blinked to the beat of christmas music. There was a sign that told you what radio station to turn it to then just watch the show. It was soooo wonderful. We sat there forever just watching them. It really made me light up inside and get that "WOW" feeling. I almost started to cry. I was glad we all got to share the special gift.

God's Gift Dec 19...

1-Relaxing Christmas at our House-Today my mom and family came here to celebrate Christmas with us. It was such a slow relaxing day that we could just enjoy being together. We ended the night with a trip to the park where Ford, Clara, and I rode the train and saw Santa.

God's Gift Dec 18...

1-Phone Call-This morning I received a phone call from Ginny. We talked just a bit. While we were talking she said a prayer for God to just show us or give us something to knock our socks off this Christmas. Ok maybe those weren't her exact words, but something like that. If you've been reading my gifts, then you know I feel God is up to something in me that He is trying to change how I view Christmas all together. My posting a gift from each day is a way He is showing me Himself too. Still not sure exactly what God is up to, but Oh Lord don't stop and keep my eyes and ears open to You. Anyway after I got off the phone with Ginny she called me back in just a minute to tell me of a verse God had just given her for me - John 14:14.

"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:14

It also reminded me of another verse that God has been continually showing me through this journey...

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask HIM!" Matthew 6:11

So I guess I need to ask HIM. For what I'm not sure, but I need to ask HIM. We will see...

2-A wrapping helper-Tonight I was trying to get all the gifts wrapped. It was late and I knew at any point I would be up late by myself getting everything finished, but I was wrong. Brad helped me cook and clean up the kitchen. THEN he even got down in the floor with me and helped me wrap presents! What a gift to have someone help with all the wrapping. I enjoy wrapping, but too much just gets to be tooo much! Thanks Brad.

God's Gift Dec 17...

1-Ford's voice-Today Ford and I drove home from visiting Grandparents. As we were driving, he would want me to hand him his paci or milk. I had several times given him these things and picked them up. But toward the end of the trip he was dropping the things and I couldn't see them. This is how the conversation would then go...
Ford-"Mommy Paci"
Me-"Ford, I don't see it. I'm driving and I can't find it right now."
Ford-"PACI Mommy PACI"
Me-"Ford I'm driving. I don't know where it is."
Ford -(as he lifts his legs and pats on the middle of his carseat)"RIGH HER! RIGH HER Mommy." (for right here)

I just thought it was the funniest thing. It wasn't right there, but I guess he could see it from there and I couldn't. We repeated this conversation for about the last 30 minutes or more of the drive multiple times. What a gift - a conversation with my little boy.

2-Hug- Ford loves to say "Hug Mommy" or "Hug Daddy" and hold his arms out wide. He was full of hugs tonight for Brad and I both. He even wanted all three of us to hug together many times tonight too. He would say, "Mommy, Daddy Hug" and hold his arms out then push us together. Brad has been out of town, so I guess Ford was making up for the lost hug times.

God's Gift Dec 16...

1-To see the heart of my Pappaw-Today Ford and I spent most of the day at my Pappaw's house with him and my Grandmother Sarah. When we turned down the gravel road, I quickly went back in time to the memories of going down that road for many family get togethers throughout the years. What a gift to have memories of wonderful childhood memories of gravel roads to grandparents house. We ate breakfast then my Pappaw got out his guitar to play for Ford. I had to make myself hold back the tears as I listened to him play and sing for Ford like he has done for so many of us throughout the years. We used to sit around with my Pappaw playing the guitar and all my aunts and uncles singing with him. They can all harmonize and make the most wonderful little choir at the drop of a hat. I loved those times just wish I could do it the way they could. The key of course is all of them singing together. Then we started talking about one of their friends and my Pappaw began to describe how much this certain friend had touched his life recently with a prayer. My Pappaw had asked his friend to bless the food and his friend began to just simply talk to God like a conversation. When my Pappaw tried to tell me about it, he teared up and couldn't finish. It was so touching to me. To see what touches the heart of my Grandfather - a sincere prayer that reminded him of how he is to pray. It was also encouraging to me to know that even at 80+ years God is still teaching and guiding him. AND that even at 80+ years my Grandfather's heart is still open to being molded by the Savior even through the prayer of a friend. My Grandfather is a very Godly man and has passed down a heritage of faith through my mom to me that is priceless. I do not believe that is what has saved me, but I do believe that it is a gift to be in a family line of believers who have laid the way for me to freely find God for myself. Salvation comes from a personal decision to believe in Jesus Christ alone as your Savior. We do see in the bible that obedience will bring blessings on generations after generations though. Thank you Pappaw for being obedient to God word's. Thank you God for my Grandparents who took time with me this week. Thank you for such a special time.

2-Ford skating, running, and adoration of his aunt-Tonight my sister had a skate party, so Ford and I went with her. We got him some skates, too, and let him skate around the rink as my mom and I held on to him. Then we took them off and let him run around. He loves his Aunt Clara! He would see her and shout, "cara, caRA, CARA!!!! HEY CARA!!!" It was the sweetest thing. He of coursed loved running around everywhere, too. One time I just let him go and watched him run around the whole rink by himself. As I watched his cute little self run with all he could, I was reminded of what a gift this stage of his life is. Before I know it he will be running and won't come back to me. Wow how much I love him and Wow how fun and amazing being a mommy is right now. Thank you God for the gift of these moments tonight when I was able to watch and just soak in Ford and the joy of being his mommy.

God's Gift Dec 15...

1-Time with Mammaw-Today Ford and drove to North MS to visit with my Grandmother who we rarely see. When we got there, Mammaw had cooked me a home cooked yummy meal with homemade macaroni and cheese and fried okra. It was so good. Then Ford got to play at her house with my cousin's little girl for awhile. I have a lot of good memories or many yummy meals and days spent with my Grandmother. It is such a gift to have a Grandmother to spend time with all through my life. No matter what season of life you are walking through a Grandmother always loves you.

God's Gift Dec 14...

1-Party with Friends-Tonight I decided to have a wrapping party. My friend Cheree came over early with coffee and just hung out with me and helped. It was such a sweet time with her. She took care of Ford while I fixed a few snacks, then gave him a bath, and put him to bed - what a gift! Then a lot of friends arrived just to hang out and some of us to wrap our christmas presents. Some even stayed till late. As I was getting ready for the party earlier and everything was a mess including me, God kept reminding me I'm not perfect so why try to even portray that I am to others - let them see me a mess and my dirty laundry (literrally). They did see all that but you know what we still had a wonderful time! Just good quality time with good friends. God is really trying to tell me something about trying to look like this "all together" family with the matching clothes on our Christmas cards or the clean house or the greatly decorated house or.... None of those things are bad, but they are not the point and sure nothing to get stressed or all worked up about. Thank you God for such a sweet time with wonderful Friends tonight and being able to through a party that wasn't completely the perfect and still have a good time.

God's Gift Dec 13...

1-Movie Night with my Family-Tonight we ordered pizza. We then sat on the couch and watched The Polar Express as we ate. Of course Ford didn't sit the entire time, but he did take turns sitting in between Brad and I on the couch and snuggling. He also fed us cranberries from his plate. Just to watch his little eyes as he watched the movie was precious. And of course the simplicity of just doing nothing but being together, in comfort was so fun for me and fulfilling.

God's Gift Dec 12...

1-Prayer, Obedience, & God's Personal Presence- Yesterday morning I received a text from my sister-in-law that she was praying for me that I got as I was getting up out of bed. If you read my post for day 10, you saw that I have been stuggling with depression these past few days, so I thought her text was in response to that post. Today I was talking to her on the phone and told her thanks for sending me that text 'cause I needed it. I said to her, "I guess you read my blog, huh?" She said, "No I haven't, why?" She said she was doing her quiet time Friday morning and just felt pressed to pray for me and let me know, so she did. I was shocked! I thought there is no way other than God's direct intervention that any of that happened. I did need prayer and I needed to know that someone was lifting it up for me, 'cause honestly my strength is weak in the midst of this. More importantly today God gave me the gift of knowing that it was HIM at work in my life and Shannon's life to remind me that HE is still there regardless of how I feel. He is intrically involved in my life. Enough to send me a text the day after I admitted I was struggling to remind me that HE is present and there is HOPE.

2-A Student I Once Taught- Tonite we decided at the last minute to go to our church's Christmas program. We were waiting in the lobby when I saw an amazing little girl I used to teach and her family. They don't go to our church and I haven't seen her since I finished teaching. Her family is a wonderful example of how to parent too and was always an encouragement to me. Not sure exactly what God is trying to show me through this meeting, but it is something. I turned 30 today and remembered reading about this student's mom's 30 birthday weekend celebration when I saw them, too. It was such a gift just seeing this young little deaf child talking to me and remembering the fun I had watching her and her family grow during that time.

God's Gift Dec 11...

1-Time-Today we are going out of town to ride the Polar Express. My house is a disaster and of course it doesn't help with the depressing feelings. My friend and neighbor Amy offered to watch Ford this morning, so I could pack and clean up. It was such a gift! Time alone to fold the mounds of clothes, clean the floors, and take a shower. It felt so freeing and knowing Ford loves playing at Amy's house wth t he boys made it all the more energizing. Thanks Amy for being the hands and feet of God's gift for me today.

God's Gift Dec 10...

Well just some honesty... Most of you probably already know that I struggle with depression, but if you don't - now you do. For the past couple of days I have felt that dread of depression sneak back in. It is so upsetting to me. God has been showing me so much and really changing how I was thinking and then this - depression. Why? I wish I had the answer. Nothing is going wrong. Life is good. I am VERY blessed, but still I feel depressed. It has also made it difficult to see a "GIFT" from God. What is God trying to teach me even in this? As I write this I am reminded that my faith, my belief in God should not be controlled or wavered by my feelings. God is still God, still in control, still the Savior born in a barn many years ago - regardless of how I feel, regardless of how dirty my house is, regardless of how much of a lousy housewife I feel like, regardless that I feel like I can't get it together - HE is Still the King that will reign FOREVER. How do I remember all this though? So I guess that is it - That is the gift for today... HIS Word, HIS TRUTH - that is the bible. It tells me who He is and that my feelings cannot refute, because that is TRUTH.

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strenght and song, and He has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

"Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock." Isaiah 26:4

"Do you not know? have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power." Isaiah 40:28-29

God's Gift Dec 9...

1-Excitement, something to look forward to-I have ordered several Christmas presents online this year. Several came in yesterday. As I opened the boxed up to look at my purchases, I got sooo excited like it was Christmas morning. I can't wait to give these gifts to my boys. I also was excited on Tuesday before my birthday dinner and thought... what a gift to have something to look forward too and get excited about.

Ford in the Snow

We woke up last Saturday morning to snow, so we all bundled up and rushed outside to play in it before it melted. Actually we had all been out in it earlier in the night say midnight. Yes, all of us at midnight. Brad and I were still up watching tv and Ford had woke up crying. We couldn't calm him down and he kept asking to watch, "Thomeuss" that is Thomas the Train. So since I knew it was snowing and not sure if there would be any the next morning, we went ahead and took him out. I told him to touch it, but he wanted taste it instead and then just started laughing. We then all ran inside and went straight to bed.

God's Gift Dec 8...

1-A laugh with Good Friends-Today I was able to go out to eat with my friends in celebration of my upcoming birthday. Earlier in the day I had been texted when a few of them back and forth. During my text and at dinner I was able to laugh with them about our quirky behaviors and such. It was so good just to really laugh with good friends who you know and they know you.

2-Ford's Calling Me-I am up late looking at coupon sites online and Ford just woke up crying which is rare. When I went in there he was saying, "mommy, daddy" over and over until I touched him. It was just a sweet sound that I'll treasure today even if it is in the middle of the night.

God's Gift Dec 7...

1-Ford asleep in the grocery cart - Ford and I went grocery shopping today after storytime. He was sooo sleepy. He then leaned over with his face on the handle of the cart and the top of his head right next to my tummy then just fell asleep. As I shopped I was able to just love on him as he cuddled his head up to me. I stopped for a few minutes in one aisle snuggled up to him without moving and thought how sweet.

God's Gift Dec 6... (long one...)

1-The smell of Coffee & a Memory- When we visit Brad's family for the holidays, we always have christmas flavored coffee, yummmm. For the past 4 years it has been peppermint flavored which we can only find there. We had been given some at Thanksgiving but had already drank it all. Then Brad's Dad called to tell us that Fresh Market had some this year. When we went to get it I grabbed a bag of their Christmas blend coffee too. I fixed a small pot today during Ford's nap time. When I poured my cup and smelled it, a wonderful memory came to mind - the first time I spent time with Brad's Ginny and Gindaddy. We weren't even married and I had went after Christmas to visit with Brad's family. When we got to their house she had fixed this Christmas blend coffee and sausage pinwheels. We sat there and drank coffee and just talked - it was one of the most wonderful times ever! Ginny's house is such a special place and that first time there was soooo sweet. You see ever since then the christmas blend coffee has never tasted quite that good to me, but it did today. It was like drinking the exact same cup! My house is no where near as special, cozy, loving, a place as Ginny's but I think I just realized something - the aroma of God's presence is! I think that -God's presence- is really the smell and taste I was drinking during that first visit with Ginny and Gindaddy and today by myself here that made both instances feel so warm, loving, and such a special gift. Wow!

2-Christmas Decorating Together-We put on Christmas music and all helped decorate the Christmas tree. Ford was so cute helping. He held the lights for a little bit for me, then he pulled out ornaments and tried to put them on the tree. Of course we put the nonbreakable ones on the bottom and left a lot off this year.

3-Ford sitting with the Snowman- I have one of those snowmans that sing for you when you push the button. I had put it on the fireplace. I knew Ford was pushing the button over and over, but then I looked over to find him sitting on the fireplace right next to the snowman hugging it, patting it, and just looking so intently at it as the snowman sung. It was so cute! I just sat down and watched him.

God's Gift Dec 5...

1-Ford's face in between the Christmas Trees- We went to pick out a Christmas tree and Ford has so much fun just running in between them and playing peek-a-boo with us. I love to watch his eyes as he has fun. Just sweet.

God's Gift Dec 4...

1-SNOW - So I decided to go Christmas shopping alone Friday night. It was so cold but just wanted to try to get christmas shopping done. When I got in my car and pulled out of the garage, I saw snow. I couldn't believe it! I stopped ran inside to tell Brad, but then it was gone. I got back in my car and as I drove to Target it just started snowing more. I felt like a little kid because I was smiling so big. I stood outside Target for a while not wanting to miss it but just soak it in. It was definitely like God telling me, "I'm Here, I'm going to do something special so get ready."

2-Shopping Quietly - Brad stayed at home to keep Ford while I went shopping. Ford is a good little shopper, but we can't get a lot done at one time because he is little. So I needed a little time to knock out a lot by myself. Since it was so cold outside, hardly anyone was at Target - nice. I also got to slowly enjoy a peppermint mocha while I was able to look and really think about the gifts I was going to give. I love to be able to shop for Christmas this way, it was sooo fun and such a Gift of time and good attitude from my heavenly Father.

God's Gift Dec 3...

1-Ford belly laughing and smiling and playing - I know this is kind of like yesterdays, but both these moments were so priceless to me. God just really used Ford's laugh and smile to make me once again stop and just have fun with him. Ford was playing in the curtain beside me when he started intiating a hide n seek game with me. He would hide behind the curtain and then peek around a different side and begin to laugh so big. Then I began to go behind the curtain and try to find him. We laughed and laughed as we played around that curtain for a long time. Precious Time!

God's Gift Dec 2...

1- Ford belly laughing - I had accidently filled the sink too full with dish soap and the bubbles were high. Ford is just tall enough that he could reach up and smash his hands in the bubbles and laugh. I just stopped and sat down in the middle of the kitchen and laughed with him. It was so fun and sweet. Didn't even want to spoil the moment by getting up to take a picture. What joy!

God's Gift Dec 1...

1-My bible study girls - I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of young women to share life with and learn how to truly study His Word.

2-Quiet Evening with a Christmas CD, Chris Tomlin Glory in the Highest, and a Christmas book, Give this Christmas Away by: Matthew West - Wow did God begin to speak Romans 12 and 2 Corinthians 8-9

Gifts...

This is a no picture post, but really just a journal of what God is teaching me this Christmas season. I come from a divorced family and so does Brad, so Christmas and holidays in general for us is usually very busy going from one family to the next not to count the preparation to get to all of them - gift buying, wrapping, and packing. We both love being with ALL our family, but want to enjoy Christmas with Ford here at home too. This year I have been torn as to where we are to go, when we are to go, and who we are to go to. We have tried to see everyone these past 4 1/2 years, but this Thanksgiving I was sooo warn out and didn't feel like we really spent time with anyone because we were rushing off to get to the next place. It just made me begin to think, "Is this the way God would have us do this? What does God think or desire for us at holiday times, really? Or does He care?" All this was the beginning of God trying to teach me to look at Christmas in a new way. After we returned home, I met with my bible study girls one last time to share the "GIFTS" God had given us this past year. As I listened to what each girl shared God began to and is continueing to show me something about Himself and gifts/Christmas. God is showing me in His word so many places about the kind of gifts or giving that are pleasing to Him. It is as if everyday this past week He has given me a "GIFT" in some way. And it is changing how I am trying to celebrate this season and give gifts this year. Not really sure that I can put it into words what He is showing me, but I pray that it takes root in my heart and will produce fruit that is pleasing to HIM. I would like to share though the "GIFTS" that He is giving me each day this month as much as possible. I hope that God will open your eyes to see the "GIFTS" He is giving you each day, too. He is the ultimate gift giver according to Matthew 7:11, "If you then, being evil (jeremiah 17:9), know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask HIM!"

Ford in the Fall

Wow it has been so long since I have posted... I guess it is a combination of the season getting busy - the season of a 1 and 1/2 year old that is. Here are just a few pics fromt he last few months. Ford is sooo busy and sooo much fun. He is talking away and suprising us everyday. We are having so much fun just watching him grow. Here is just a quick recap of the latest happenings with us.

Ford has had every set of Grandparents visit him over the last 5 weeks. This will be the first weekend no one is coming and I think he will be quite disappointed come Friday and no one but mommy and daddy are here. The hat above was from Poppy and Nana.

I know I haven't posted this yet, but Ford LOVES is OBSESSED with the garbage, the trash, the trash top, etc.... I thought when he started talking about it a couple of months back that it would pass, but NO! It went from "yuck" to "gargege" to "gargege yucky" to "tash" to "tash top" to "gargege top" to "tinky" to "gargege, gargege, gargege!!!" And it hasn't stopped. We talked about it everyday a hundred times a day. First thing in the morning, first thing when we wake up from nap, and usually last thing before bed. We now make songs up about the garbage as Ford says, "sing garbage," which means sing a song about it. It is all the time! I tell myself if I want him to know he can talk to me about real issues when he is older, then I have to listen to the little stuff now. As I type he has found the garbage and pulled some out to play with as he says, "garbage, stinky," and laughing. All this to say, I thought it would be perfect for him to be Oscar the Grouch for Halloween. Of course there is no kids costume for Oscar out there to buy, because seriously who would dress their 1 yr. old up as a dirty grouch! So Brad and decided to make it. Ford loved/loves it! When we went to buy the garbage can he danced and yelled "garbege, garbage," in the store as I pulled it down. At this very moment he is playing with that garbage can and top. He would not let me forget the top as yelled and pointed, "top, tOP, TOP!!!" So here is our little Oscar...

We also went to the pumpkin patch again this year. This year we went with Gammy, Gamps, and Clara. Ford loved it. Once he got in the patch, he kept trying to pick up the pumpkins and said, "heaby, heaby." Here are a few pics....

The Grocery Game ROCKS!!!

WARNING ** LONG POST ** my excitement got the best of me!

Oh my goodness! I just got back from my first trip to Kroger after joining the Grocery Game at http://www.grocerygame.com/ and I saved $102.35. I have never been a big coupon girl because it just seemed like too much trouble and not that much savings, but not now. This website (which gives you a 4 week free trial) tells you when the best time to use your coupons, where to find the coupons and when to stock up on based on "rock bottom" sales. I even got a pack of Eggo Waffles and a 24 pack of water FREE! When Brad opened the trunk he thought I had spent over $200.00 on all the stuff he saw, but I hadn't. I didn't even stick only to THE LIST (if you go on the website you will understand) because I didn't have all the coupons and my meals I had planned didn't all line up. We have enough to last us for at least 2 weeks if not more except for maybe a milk and fresh fruit run. My total bill was $150 after the savings for a total of 82 items. I do have to say that I have kind of been obsessed the last three days with trying to figure the game out and gather coupons, but that is only because I have never done ANYTHING like this before. I was about to give up this afternoon, but didn't want all my gathering to go to waste. So I sat down after supper organized my list with coupons and was off. I was so nervous, but once I checked out and saw my savings I said, "THANK YOU JESUS!" It really worked - I saved money! I want to work on being a better steward with what God has blessed us with and I saw this as one way to do it. This is really changing how I grocery shop and it is taking some time right now, but I hope the more I do it the easier it becomes and that I stick with it. Here are 2 pictures of some of the stuff I bought tonight. Not shown is the other counter of my kitchen full and a good bit already put in the freezer. Sorry the pictures aren't that clear - I snapped them with Brad's phone.

Just Ford...

We went to visit family this past weekend, but I'll have to post pics from that later. We had a good time and were able to see all my grandparents and Ford's grandparents. On the way back today in the car, Ford was looking at his books when I heard him saying 'hop, hop, hop.' I looked back to see what he was doing and realized he was looking at the book "Hop On Pop." Wow he's reading! Okay, I know not really, but I wonder how many times I've read that book for him to remember what it says. It made me laugh. It is amazing to me to watch him grow and try to communicate with us his wants. Most of the time he just makes me smile or laugh. Below are just a few random snapshotsSome good lovin after nap one day for Momma.

Ford crawled up in Brad's chair one morning and grabbed the remote to watch some cartoons.

Elmo LIVE!!!

Last night we took Ford to his first show - Elmo LIVE!!! I decided two weeks ago to take him after he started pointing out Elmo everywhere we went. I really didn't even know he knew who Elmo was until one day in target. We were in the sippy cup aisle when he started saying, "emu emu emu..." over and over. I said, "WHAT??? What is it?" because his voice kept getting louder and louder. Then I saw it - the Elmo sippy cup. When I handed it to him he said, "emu" with a sigh of relief and a big grin/giggle. That is when I decided to take him to Elmo LIVE. He did very well for a 1 year old. I wish I had tried harder to get closer so he might could have touched the characters, but oh well. Here are our pics...

Where is Elmo??? There's Elmo! (He started saying "emu emu emu" and looked up at us when Elmo came out.)
Ford and Daddy took a walk during the break.
And came back with a balloon! Ford loves balloons!

Where is Ford???

I have just recently put most of Ford's living room toys in the cabinet. He often forgets that they are in there, but whe he does he is having fun crawling in after them. I have way more pics of this. I just kept snapping 'cause he just so cute and a ham with the camera.

Corn on the Cobb

Ford loves corn especially straight off the cobb. I have been getting the white corn from the farmer's market, steaming it, then cutting it off the cobb for him. When we were on vacation he saw Aunt Shannon's corn on the cobb and had to have it, so of course she gave it to him. No he can't get the corn off himself, but he sure does loved to try. These pictures are of one night when we had grilled.

Family Visits

We have had many good visits from our families this summer. Ford really liked having other people in the house to play with.

Here is Luke, Katie, and Ford. The toys were everywhere, but we all had a great weekend just hanging out and playing.

Here is Ford and Clara watching some cartoons one morning while I got ready. We took him to Build A Bear, but I forgot my camera so I only let him look. I wasn't dare going to miss capturing his first bear on camera.
Ford can also say 'hug' now and will pat you on the back while he hugs you.

Everyday Play...

Ford is still 16 months for a few more days. Our days are pretty uneventful, but filled with simply sweet fun. I've been trying to take pics lately of just some everyday fun and play to remember these special days with him. Here are just a few things I've captured... Ford has learned how to climb up in the dining room chairs which we have had to train him to sit NOT stand. Here he is one morning smiling at Brad in his pj's.

Ford found his jumper the other day and whined enough until Brad put it up for him to jump in. I think he's way too big, but he was so thrilled - see the face.

Ford playing baseball. He is really loving this toy lately. He will go all over the house to find the ball and bat for the tee. He is even learning to use both hands to grip the bat. Ford cooking!!! He loves to play with the pots and pans so one day I used one of his diaper boxes to pretend it was his stove. We had so much fun cooking and pretending together. He made spaghetti and meatballs - see the brown balls in the pan he was using.
He loves to climb in the laundry basket, but he can't always get out by himself. For some reason when he gets in and gets the clothes all on his legs he can't figure out how to move them and crawl out. He was stuck in there whining the other day when I was vaccuming. I left him 'till I finished up which made it go way faster.

Favorite Everyday Sights of Momma

Here are a couple of pictures of just some of our everyday things that just warm my heart to sit back and watch. The pictures don't really capture the moments exactly, but at least I will have a picture to help me remember these sweet days. I love to watch Ford looking out our front window. It reminds to try and stop to see the world from his view - innocent, new, fresh, everywhere a playground, something to explore.
Whenever Daddy eats a bowl of cereal Ford just knows Daddy wants to share with him. Everything is always better when Daddy is eating it!

The Zoo...

On Father's Day weekend we took Ford to the Memphis Zoo with our father's. It was very hot and I really can't believe I organized this on such a hot day, but I was determined for Ford to go this year. The kiddos loved it and didn't get grumpy. I am not an outside girl, but I am a momma of a little boy who loves it so now I'm an outside momma no matter if it's hot (for a little while at least). The above picture is of Ford and his cousin Luke who is 6 weeks older than him. I just love the expressions caught in this photo. Cousin Luke, Aunt Julie, Cousin Katie, Momma, Ford, and DaddyPop Pop, Ford, and NanaPappy, Ford, and Nanie

Daddy, Ford, and Katie playing in the water at the end of the day.

Elias's Birthday...

Elias turned 3 this year and had a very fun party. Ford was able to ride a carousel, a train, and real pony. He really enjoyed riding the pony and did not want to get off. He was able to ride 2 times. When the first ride stopped he kicked his legs as if to make the horse keep going. When the second ride stopped he gave us his mean look and tried to pull away from me in an attempt to stay on the horse. We had a wonderful time!

Clara came to visit...

My little sister Clara came to visit us a few weeks back for an entire week. Ford loved it and I think she did too. It was nice to have some company around for me and Ford loved having a playmate. She put the hat on him one morning backwards and he couldn't get it off. Another morning she made a tent with him. We also went to Jellystone one day to play in their splash pad and pool which was a lot of fun for all of us. We also made some cupcakes from the book Hello Cupcake. It took us all week, but they turned out really cute. If you've never seen the book you should check it out they have some of the cutest things to make. I really enjoyed having Clara around and can't wait for her to come stay again. As Ford would say "Wearwearwuh??? ... Buh" as he waves his hand for "Clara where? ... She's gone bye bye."

Our Beach Vacation

This was our first official long family vacation with Ford. We were very thankful to be able to go with Brad's brother and family to enjoy the beach. I knew it would be different with a little one but of course it was still very different than even what I expected. We had a good time, but there was not much relaxing time in the sun with a good book for me. Now it's all about playing in the sand with Ford and watching his face as he discovers new things. It took us all to get everything to the beach and set up for Ford each day - tent, toys, mini pool, towels, lunch, sunscreen, etc.... And of course we always left something - mostly snacks for ourselves which we needed by the time we got set up. The beach was beautiful and Ford really enjoyed himself. Here are a few pics from the week. The wagon ride to the beach each day. Ford with his cousins - Peyton and Phillip.

Running through the water.Playing in his pool. Napping on the beach (this happened twice thanks to Aunt Shannon).The Ray Boys