Too much thinking time....

Not sure why but my mind has wondered alot lately on to what I really want for my boys as they grow. I think some of it is because I had the grave thought that Cody's time with us here at home is probably over half over. In less time than he has been here he will be off to college to become a man standing on his own two feet. What do I really want them to be- not like in a job but more in their character and am I doing a good job of giving them those qualities? I desperately want them to grow to love people. Not just people of the same race, ethnicity, financial status, place in life etc, but truly love and care for people who God puts in their path. I want them to find their identity in their true Father so they are able to give that love to other people freely. I want them to give their lives away so that true life can be found. I want them to always be grounded in this family. To know that they are loved beyond measure so they can move into a hurting world and make a difference. (So boys if you are reading this 20 years down the road- how did I do??) One of my favorite quotes is "I am only one person, but I am one. I can not do everything but I can do something. I will not let what I can not do get in the way of what I can." I want that attitude ingrained them! Any ideas on how to make sure I am doing that??
My women's group at church was talking about ways that the church does a terrible job in today's world of conveying love to lost people. There was a news story about a group that was trying to open a transition housing project here in Charlotte for women newly released from prison so they can get on their feet with their children. Would you believe that a church near it was protesting it? The pastor had to nerve to say that he thought it was a great idea- just not near their kids!!! WHAT??? Is he even reading the same Bible as me? Drives me nuts!!

ANYWAY- that is my soap box for the night. I just had to type all that and get it off my chest.

On a lighter note, we are having issues come up with another boy name! Nothing has really hit us yet. Anyone got any ideas? The only two really on the table now are Deacon and Balian. What do you think of those? Be honest! We have awhile before we have to know but I am such a planner and want this decision made as soon as possible! Help!

More pictures to come soon!

Brotherhood

Well I hate to say I told everyone so BUT I told everyone so. I just knew we would have another boy. I have always felt like I would be a more to all boys and that is how it is. Yesterday was exciting anyway though. I loved seeing him wiggling around in there. There was no denying he was a boy- he was proud to show it off. I savor those moments as they are the last time I will ever see that happening in my own body. That is both sad and joyful! 3 is plenty for us. I can't wait to see him and see how much he looks like Maddox. We are out on names for now except that we know his middle name will be Murray after Mark's grandfather.

I have been terrible at updating because of my new friend facebook.com. Man is that thing ever addicting! It has been great to connect with people I worked with and stay in better touch with friends I see every week. I just love it.

I never did post Christmas pictures. Maybe one day I will get around to that.....

Drum roll please.....

It's a BOY! Yes another boy. But I love them and they are so much fun (and no drama!). So I can't imagine being sad for even one second about adding another! More tomorrow!

The story of Cordur-boy

I took this one tonight.... This was his first night with Cordur-boy

I just love this. When Mark was little he had a bear - most of you have probably read the book- his name is Corduroy. Mark called him Cordur-boy. His mom holds onto everything (note to self- hold onto everything!) and last week she gave Maddox Cordur-boy. He simply loves him. The bear itself is pushing 30 years old and so he is all worn out and faded. His fur is pushed down and the cords on his overalls are worn out. But that matters not to my little boy. The first night he slept with Corduboy he spent 25 mintues in his crib in the dark saying to him- What's that? That's your nose, What's that? That's your hair. What's that? That's your hands, and so one and so on through every body part and through all his clothes and buttons etc. It was the sweetest thing ever. I managed to get some on tape and I got the pictures below, one from just a few minutes ago. I never want to forget things like this.