Much of Sams life he has shown that he loves to connect with people, make eye contact and be apart of things. We have joked that with Trae and I as parents he wouldn't really have a choice! We are both people that love to connect, value quality time and connecting at a heart level. This picture of Sam with his Aunt Paige and Uncle Troy is priceless and confirms how even at the young age of 12 months he is wanting that connection.
Jacob is 12 and he will remind you often that is nearly 13 (not until July!) and his favorite things to do our skateboard, play football, basketball, be outside, sleep, eat, play with Sam and use his cell phone. His dad got him one for Christmas and lets just say he loves it! We still have a few etiquette skills we are working on but he is enjoying it. He is playing Upward basketball right now, homeschools part-time (yes there is such a thing and we LOVE it) and can't wait to go to Pine Cove this summer. We go for a week to family camp but we allow Jacob to go one week by himself in June too. His favorite color is black and recently when I showed him the new tear he had in his jeans he tilted his head, grinned and told me how cool he though it looked. :) Teens gotta love em!
These were taken September 2005 when we did some engagement pictures. I thought it was the perfect example of one of the things we have learned in our marriage. Conflict is a area that we have grown in and although it can be rather messy the important part is that in the end we are good....actually even better than when we began. We came out stronger, closer and more defined. We might have had to seek forgiveness, extend grace and push through some hurt and pain but the beauty is that we love one another enough to do so and even when we are not happy about something our desire is to please the one who brought us together.
Every January the stock show comes to Fort Worth. In a couple of years Sam will get to go but for now he is just enjoying his western wear. He won't keep a hat on for anything!!!
Our pup has been our family pet for many, many years. Sparky will turn 15 this May and honestly it has only been in the last year or so that he is showing signs up aging. He is slower, sore in his joints and slips sometimes. He can't jump on the bed anymore or even make the curb. For many years Sparky has been apart of bedtime. When it is time for reading and prayers he always joins in. For many years he watched over the boys in the night and slept outside there room. In our new home they have tile in their hallway and it is to hard for our old pup so he has given that up. Last night I turned around and they had lifted him in the bed so he could be apart once again. We treasure all these special moments because we know he is very old. We are blessed he has lived this long and we know that he has been the best family pup a family could ever have.
I had to capture Sam in his birthday suit (or almost!) for his 1st birthday. Gotta have some cute, funny pictures for future slideshows!
A friend asked me to post the pictures of Sam and his birthday cake experience. Sam and sweets don't mix. He only put one tiny speck of his cake in his mouth and tried to get it out. He does enjoy his fruit (peaches, banana's, blueberries, applesauce, etc.) but for now that is as far as it goes. Actually he does love one dessert! He loves some crisp gingersnaps that we got around the holiday time.
Sam is one! He seemed to enjoy his celebration, didn't like cake (gagged once on the bite he took) and enjoyed his balloons, family and his gifts. We had dinner (baked potato soup, salad and rolls), opened gifts and enjoyed cake. Samuel means God heard and we are so grateful that he blessed us with our sweet Samuel Ace. He is greatly loved and a treasure. 
Sam turns one year today!!! The first picture was taken when he was just few weeks old and the 2nd picture was just a few days ago trying on clothes for your upcoming birthday photo shoot! This outfit didn't make the cut but you looked to cute not to show you off!!! Happy Birthday Samuel Ace!!!!
Last month we had snow 3 times! It was beautiful and festive for the holiday time. This month has been more mild and that is perfect for boys who love to be outdoors and taking down the Christmas lights. :) Sam loves going to the park in our neighborhood and we enjoyed capturing him on our recent visit there.
We are just a couple of weeks into Jacob's Upward season and little brother is showing his full support by watching the games and keeping his eye on the ball. At halftime he likes to let loose a bit and run out onto the court! He sits for the whole game and is very patient but we know how much he likes to run (Yes run!!! He was been walking for 2 months!) so we let him get some energy out. 
My sister always use to say that it is alway sweet to have a baby around. I have to say that after having a little one in our fold for the past year it is very true! I have found that it brings out a sweetness, gentleness and love that is a beautiful gift.
Trae has been in DC this week for his annual sales meetings. We have missed him so! We are so proud of him!!!! The Lord has blessed him and given him favor. He does his part and God does what man can't. He works hard every day and each and every month is faced with quota's to meet. Honey, we miss you and look forward to your return. Our home is not the same without you!!!
Sam has one kitchen cabinet that he is allowed to get into. It is a cabinet that has lot of plastic and kid friendly items. Lately Sam has been making his way into the pantry and every. single. time. he brings out a package of peanut butter crackers. Love this little fellow!!!
At least for a while! Our family has been apart of Upward for about 10 years. Andrew started many, many years ago and Jacob has enjoyed it for the past 6 years too! It has been such a blessing to our family. Maybe one day Sam will do it. Jacob is excited about this season and had a great first game. Jacob has grown so much! He had a check up last week and he was 5'2 and 118 lbs! That was 3 inches and 15 lbs in a year! He is hungry most of the time.
