Praise....

One of Trae's top way of receiving love is through affirmation. There is a deep rooted need and in desire in a man to have admiration and affirmation. It is amazing to see how a 13 month is even greatly effected by praise and words of affirmation. Giving a baby medicine isn't the easiest thing. Sometimes you literally have to hold them down in order to get the medicine down. Doing the nose aspirator often has the same results. Sam showed us early on that he wasn't any different than other babies and would really let us know how unhappy he was when those were done. One day I praised him over and over while having to take care of those things for him and he totally changed his tone. He stopped crying and squirming and let me take care of what I needed. I do believe affirmation will be one of his top love languages. Often times it takes years to really zero in on your childs top love languages because they do need and benefit from all of them. I am grateful to see uniquely how God has woven him.

Sentimental Sunday....

We have had one of our coldest winters ever in Texas. To be honest I am more than ready for spring. This picture was from the home we stayed at on our honeymoon. It was an amazing place and right on the beach. While we were there we took the little dining table out on the balcony porch and would sit and eat our meals. It was 80, sunny and pure bliss. While we can't return at this time I am thankful for the memories to reflect on and at this time can only dream of it being that warm! However, we are in Texas so our forecast shows possible snow for Tuesday but who knows it could be 80 by the weekend!

Valentines Day...

Our Valentine cutie...

My sweetheart and a little guy with his red on for Vday!!! People that know us both and know us well say that Sam is a perfect mix of both of us. I have to say that I agree!

Those special touches that come from sweet hearts!

Grandpa Mason and Grandma Sylvia have such a sweet way of loving on you and making you feel special. Grandpa Mason brought his Sam some cowboys boots that he had to have! Mama Sylvia made some a very, very special flag. It is a special tradition that she does with her children and blessed us with one too. I LOVE it and most of all the hearts behind it!!! I don't know if these two will realize how much there kindness and love bless our lives.

His banner over me and you too.....

He has taken me to the banquet hall,
and his banner over me is love. Song of Solomon 2:4

I remember as a child singing a song in our church about his banner over me is love. I liked it as a child. When I was an adult I heard the song again and it was a new version. It was perfect because I was in a season in my life where I was discovering the magnitude of His love. It wasn't until I was in my late 20's that I came to know the fullness of that love. The Lord overtook me with His love and I have never been the same. It doesn't mean perfection or that everyday I am a beautiful shining example of what a Christian is but it means I am HIS, covered in HIS love and grace and that is more than enough for this girl.

4.5 years ago....

I married my gift from God and today we renewed our vows. At our church we had a marriage conference and it ended with vows being renewed if you desired to do so. When we got married we did covenant vows. Basically the difference is that although we had a marriage license from our state we were making a covenant with the Lord and it would be forever. Covenant says I will never leave you or forsake you. Covenant says I chose once and I am done choosing and we can outlast our problems. That is what the Lord does in our lives to us and we want to live that out with one another.