a whole decade...

my sweet boys

installing our first flag pole (he started and finished the entire process with Uncle Tom) 

laughing & fun

Christmas cantata

gingerbread house

winter :)

summer fun in the COLD water

fishing with the big boys

loves his little brother :)

he loves to build, design, create

best buds

he'd drive it if he could!

he is such a ham (usually there are noises that go along with these funny faces!)

first year to kayak

summer fun

1st place Fascar!

again the ham!

Our oldest is 10 today, a whole decade...

Time truly does go by quickly like "they" say.  I find myself being one of those mamas that tells that young frazzled mommy, "it really does go by quickly, enjoy them, enjoy the moments, remember they're little..."

I love our sweet boy.  When he was born he came quickly!  My entire labor (including contractions and all) was 3 hours and 49 minutes!  Yes, this is why I say I survived natural childbirth-there was no time for an epidural...well, that and my nurse was our birthing teacher and she knew I wanted to deliver naturally, so she just kept saying the anesthesiologist was on his way...not so much :)

He loves to hear about how daddy had told mom that we couldn't have a baby that day because he had classes (hubby was finishing up his NT degree) and then how daddy drove on the shoulder in morning rush hour in the rain VERY quickly to get us to the hospital!  And then how we parked at the emergency entrance and left the car running while we ran upstairs...good times!

Our sweet boy was a little more than 3 weeks early so for those of you who know me, I was definitely NOT ready (some issues with procrastination, lack of organization...)  So after our sweet boy arrived, daddy went home tossed some stuff in a laundry basket and brought it back--I love this guy :)  Hubby was so amazing, for this to be our first, no warning, both of us having no idea what to expect, he truly is a blessing to me and our boys.

So our sweet one shares Elvis Presley's birthday, which all the nurses seemed to know.  And since this sweet one arrived so quickly, he had some slight breathing issues which resulted in grunting.  He was dubbed the singing baby :)

Ten years...ten years of laughter, crying, a lot of sorry's (from mommy), a lot of learning, a couple of trips to the ER (none ever too serious Praise the Lord!), mistakes, forgiveness, hugs, kisses, Thomas the Tank Engine and Toy Story to robots, hunting and legos.  Disney World, the loss of a grandma, a trip with daddy to the World Series, 4 houses, a huge move away from family to family, a lot of car trips (these kids are awesome in a car for 14-17 hours! God bless them :) ), daycare, preschool, public school to homeschool...and the best, his asking of Jesus into his heart and later being baptized by his daddy.

I know the Lord chose him to be first.  I know the Lord has a special calling on him (as He does for us all).  I know the Lord has a mighty plan and purpose for him and He chose us to be his family.  I am humbled and grateful to be your mama sweet boy, you teach me more than you know.

This sweet boy amazes me everyday...
We love you,  happy birthday!

“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.” - Amos 5:14-15

the LORD make his face shine on you
   and be gracious to you; -Numbers 6:25