Counting Our Blessings

In 100 Days...

2011-08-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

We'll be hanging out with these guys... :)

Eli is Four

2011-08-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

How time flies. Really. Just can't believe how quickly my sweet boys have grown. Our little Eli, other wise known as "E", is four. Four years to fall over and over in love with his silly smiles, crazy songs, and precious love. I am blessed beyond measure and can't wait to see what God has in store for him. We love you, Elijah Aaron!

Come Awake, Come Awake, Christ is Risen From the Grave!

2011-05-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Our Easter was so wonderful this year. Lots of laughs, lots of funny stories, great food, fellowship, and celebrating our Lord and Savior's resurrection!

Sam hunting some eggs...

Eli is ready...

Eli's bunny, Thumper, the Easter Bunny brought him

Sam with Tiny Tornado, his bunny from the Easter Bunny

My dad and me

Paw Paw with all of his boys. Only Aaron is not pictured. With 10 little boys we are blessed!

Had to post this! Everyone was amazed at how much my sweet little nephew ate. He loves ribs! :)

Taylor moved on up to the big table this year. Uncle Earl congratulates and welcomes him!

Sam, Jacob, and Eli enjoying their Easter lunch

Ready for the Egg Hunt

2011-05-06T22:13:00.001-07:00

This kid and these faces!

Silly Kid

Sam's "hamster egg", as he so named it

This takes lots of concentration...

Sweet little hands so busy...

Sweet Sam

The before picture...

Church Egg Hunt

2011-05-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Resurrection Rolls...

2011-05-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Rainy Day Easter Fun!

2011-05-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

The rainy day may have cancelled our egg hunt, but it surely did not end our fun at the PDS picnic. Everything was moved to the gym and we all had a great time, enjoying pizza and the fellowship!

Spontaneous Picnic!

2011-05-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

As I worked in the yard a couple of Saturdays ago, I watched the boys bring out food. Then I found them perched on the golf cart and, as they said, having a picnic!

Ready to Play!

2011-05-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Eli's First Tee Ball Practice

Can't believe this sweet guy is big enough to play!

One Lazy Dog...

2011-05-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

This is the way I found Rosie one early morning last week. If only I could sleep that well!

GO EAGLES!

2011-05-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

PDS hosted their first ever intramural game and we had so much fun! Sam did a great job! He is just growing way too fast!

Jacob waiting on the ball

Sam's Kindergaren Class

Our family's "triplets", born just months apart

My Best Man...

2011-04-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Even with the silly faces, the no smiles, and the "I can't smile right in pictures,", I am so proud to call this man mine. I am so grateful that God chose to give me a second chance to be in love with my best friend.

Spring Break Camping

2011-04-08T13:29:00.001-07:00

The best purchase for our family has definitely so far been our camper. I never thought I would enjoy it, and still certainly don't want to do the "real camping", tents with sleeping bags thing, but I absolutely love camping with our camper. I guess it's because the boys love it so much. It is so peaceful, yet the boys find it thrilling.

We decided to head to Jellystone Park, home of Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, Ranger Smith, and Cindy, for spring break this year. If you haven't been, you must plan a trip soon. Located In Pelahatchie, you can also rent cabins, which are super cute as well. The boys had a blast, well, we all did. Lots of fun activities, with an activity center for painting, crafts, a Wii, boardgames, plus much, much more, and of course the splash pad and pool was the big hit for the boys, even in the temps that make your teeth chatter. They sure didn't mind. We also went to the family movie nights, sitting under the stairs with our blankets. Sam also learned to ride his bike...wait for it...WITH NO TRAINING WHEELS. Yes, that's a big deal in a little boy's world. I don't know who was prouder, Sam or me!

We had a great time and cannot wait to see where our camper will take us next!

He is such a big boy now. Takes such good care of E...

Wild man...

My hearts...

Precious face...

My three most fave men...

On the "Hey Hey Hay" Ride...

The moment Eli had waited for...love from BooBoo

Hey Hey BooBoo

Silly bear...

The sweetest...bare feet and all...

The "real" Cindy won't be there until this summer. Eli had to settle...

Painting

Who knew this guy could paint?

Lots of clothes were ruined...:)

Fabric painting

Taylor's dolphins

Dad getting the fire ready

Hi, Taylor

Can I have "S'MORE"!? Who couldn't love this face!?

Meme and Taylor came and camped with us for a night. This is Meme enjoying her treat.

Yum.

2011 Charity Ball

2011-03-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

Such a great time! The JA Charity Ball was Mardi Gras Masquerade and my boys stole the show! Of course, I wouldn't be partial, at all. Sam made a perfect little escort for Marla Ray and Eli, well, just had a blast! My mom and dad were represented very well, having 4 of their grandsons take part in the court. This was my first charity ball to be involved in behind the scenes, as I am new this year in Junior Auxiliary. What hard work is put in to this event, but it was a huge success. Wanted to share some pictures of the night of my handsome men!

Dad, lose the camera!

Marla Ray and Sambo

My masked man

Meme and PawPaw

Me and my main man

Jacob, Eli, and Cole

How cute is he!? He loved the tux. Didn't want to take it off!

Meadow Ridge Snow Day

2011-03-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

We still can't get over how much snow we actually were blessed to enjoy! As the snow started falling, I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite songs. "A million snowflakes gently fall, yet no two are the same. The majesty and wonder of the seasons as they change. And more and more I look, I see your hand. How you could love someone like me, I'll never understand." These words, as I watched the beauty of the falling snow, like I had never seen being a Mississippi girl, just kept ringing in my ears. He is so amazing. He is so good. The wonders of his hand are so beautiful. We were so thankful for the snow!

We spent the morning playing in our yard until we figured the place to be was an open lot down by our neighbor's house. We took the golf cart, the four wheeler, some rope, some tubes, thanks to Mrs. Amy, some very excited little boys, and made some memories none of us will ever forget. Enjoy our pics from our snow day!

A First...

2011-03-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

VISIT FROM THE TOOTH FAIRY!

Is there anything sweeter?

Shrek, the "MOOSICAL"

2011-02-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

Will most definitely get in some trouble for posting this one day, but just had to. Not only did we get to see Shrek in Memphis, we also got to see Eli's version of the show. Enjoy this clip...

I'm an OGRE!

2011-02-09T19:17:00.001-08:00

We recently took the boys to Memphis to see Shrek the Musical. This is the Broadway musical now touring throughout the United States. So much fun! We made a weekend out of it, taking in a Grizzlies basketball game Friday night at the FedEx Forum, where I didn't get any pics!, and saw the show on Saturday afternoon at the Orpheum. All three of the boys enjoyed it, but especially our little show stopper, Eli. I love making memories like these!

If Everyday could be like Christmas...

2011-01-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Table 2 of the boys

Table 1 of the boys

Opening walkie talkies from Uncle Mike and Aunt Libby. Too cool!

Eli and Thomas

Best buds...more like brothers than cousins! Sam and Jacob

Meme and PawPaw gave Eli a new four wheeler!

Sam listening to all of the instructions

Meme and PawPaw bought all the grandboys, well except for Eli because he is a little too small, an electric scooter for Christmas. So much fun! It's great to watch 6 of them ride around our neighborhood on them! Like a motorcycle pack!

Eli checking out his stocking

What did Santa leave Sam?

I think Santa has lost his mind bringing a drum set!

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2011-01-12T20:52:00.000-08:00

Nashville Christmas Vacation

2011-01-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Each year, for as long as I can remember, I have taken a trip to Nashville around Christmas. Of course, I think Nashville is great anytime of the year, but there is no time better than the holiday season, for sure. We always stay at the Opryland Hotel, and since the flood devastated the hotel this past spring, we were not sure we would be able to take our annual trek. Thank goodness, the hotel renovated and reopened in November, just in time for our getaway. The boys had such an awesome time, as there are all sorts of activities and things to do geared just for them! Even better, Nashville had gotten a big snow the Sunday before we arrived on Monday, so we got to play in the snow as well! The next few posts are about our great time we had! Can't wait for next year!

Can they get any sweeter!?

It amazes me how much he has grown...too fast.

Eli and the conductor of the train that they rode about 10 times!

The boys were tickled over the icicles!

Outside the hotel playing in the snow

On a carriage ride

The famous poinsettia tree in the Magnolia Lobby

Salt Dough Ornaments

2011-01-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

Love to see these little hands working!

So Proud...and Silly!

Sweet E

Sam and Jacob

To my Honey...

2011-01-07T08:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Anniversary to you, my best friend, my sweetheart, my super silly hubby, my Eddie. I am so thankful for you and all you do in our lives. I thank God for the family He gave to us. I love you!

Sam's Family Party

2011-01-05T14:51:00.001-08:00

Yep, one more party for this sweet guy. On Sam's birthday night, the family got together at our house to celebrate with a Star Wars party. Fun!

Sam's School Birthday Party

2011-01-05T07:55:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Sam's Birthday at school with a Ben 10 party. Lots of Fun!

The Birthday Boy

The class was happy to celebrate with us!

My hearts

Wish Big, sweet man!!

Private First Class Sam Wyeth Turns 6

2011-01-03T18:49:00.000-08:00

I DON'T KNOW, BUT I'VE BEEN TOLD

SAM WYETH IS SIX YEARS OLD!

Sam's Birthday party was so much fun this year! When he decided he wanted an army party, we decided that we would invite all of his fellow army buddies to his "graduation" ceremonies, as he moves on up in rank! We asked that they come dressed in their army fatigues and also to bring their weapon of choice, of course, for tactical training. After warming up, a little friendly warfare was enjoyed in the hideouts!

Matthew in one of the hideouts

Presents!

Shane with his awesome pose! This gun was too cool!

Make a wish, buddy!

The "other Sam" and Noah

Wrapping Thomas, the "wounded" soldier, before carrying him to the finish line in a blanket

The other "wounded soldier", Shane

Eli didn't quite take to the sit-ups!

Sgt. Rush visited to show the recruits how to properly train

John Marc and Taylor

I DON'T KNOW, BUT I'VE BEEN TOLD

SAM WYETH IS SIX YEARS OLD!

So Much to be Thankful For

2011-01-03T18:13:00.001-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We spent Thanksgiving at Meme and PawPaw's with our family. It's great to see all of these little boy cousins run and play, and it was great that the weather actually allowed for it to be done OUTSIDE! We are blessed!

Uncle Marc

Time to eat!

This was probably the most fun the boys have ever had. My parents have a storm cellar that no one ever goes into. My Aunt Melinda gave the boys the idea to "renovate" the cellar and it quickly became the "clubhouse", complete with "NO GIRLS ALLOWED" signs and old U2 posters! This picture is of them planning their space and cleaning!

Enjoying the warm weather

Yep, a lost Easter egg at Thanksgiving. Thank goodness it was plastic! Good job, Taylor!

The whole bunch

(Minus Wyatt, Joey, and Cole)

The three "triplets"...These boys were born in September, November, and December of the same year. Fun!

My little Turkey

The Three Stooges!

Pretty Ladies...Aunt Melinda and my mom, better known as Meme

PawPaw, my dad, who really doesn't even like Alabama, but wore this hat to pester me!

My sweet hubby and precious brother, Uncle Mike, I am sure watching some type of football game!

Bad Blogger!

2011-01-03T18:09:00.001-08:00

Yep, it's true. I am far behind. I started this blog, honestly, because I thought it would be easier than scrapbooking, which I dearly love, and maybe I could use it to share testimony and things that the Lord is using in my life. I, of course, do it to keep up with these growing boys, as well. The next few posts please forgive me while I play "catch up"! I promise in the new year to try to do better!

2010-12-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I officially have a "school-aged" child. One that is not an infant or toddler, one not in preschool, but a six year old in Kindergarten. Kinda crazy when I think about it. I can't believe how 6 years has flown. I mean, I know people say that all the time about how time flies, but I just can't believe 6 years has come and gone. I actually made it fine last week, Sam's birthday week, until the night before his birthday. Eddie was in Honduras and Eli had spent the night with Meme and it was just me and Sam, the then, almost 6 year old. We were talking about his party at school the next day and what we were going to do for his big day and I said, "Wow, Sam, tonight is the last night I will hold you and cuddle with you being five." Yep, shouldn't have thought it, but for sure not voiced it. After he finally went to sleep, I cried myself to sleep.

I got to thinking about how many times I had shared his awesome, sweet birth story with different people, but realized I had never written it down. So, I decided I would take advantage of blogger and let it get his story down before these two boys drive me so crazy I forget all the details!

Brad, my first husband, and I had wanted a child for quite some time. We had tried for a couple of years and began praying in a different direction as to what God may have for us to start a family. I can only remember praying that diligently and fervently one other time in my life. I wanted more than anything to be a mama and the doctors, after exhausting their measures, ruled us as infertile.

We had already heard of an adoption agency in Utah through a radio broadcast from French Camp Academy and my mom had actually met a woman who adopted from that agency the very same day she heard about it on the radio. Tell me God does not speak! Wow. If that was not enough for me to go ahead with it, we asked our specialist about any advice on agencies, and he gave us the same agency we had already been praying about.

Needless to say, I called, filled out all the paperwork as fast as I could, completed the homestudies as fast as we could and waited.

After 2 birthmothers looked at our profile and turned us down, I got a call on Thanksgiving night, 2004. It was our caseworker and she had big news. A birthmother had had our profile for a couple of days and SHE HAD CHOSEN US. Those words rang over and over in my ears, as I asked her if I was dreaming. The baby was a little boy and was due around the middle of December.

We flew out to Salt Lake City December 7th and had a lunch date scheduled for the next day with our caseworker and Shannon, our birthmother. I was so incredibly nervous as I walked into an empty Applebees. From the door, I saw in a back booth, a long, dark haired lady that looked as if she were ready to deliver a baby any day. But not any baby. My baby. We exchanged hellos, hugs, and sat down to eat. I couldn't keep my eyes of her, and she me, as we ate. I found myself feeling as though we had known each other forever. Our bond was instant. As we left the restaurant that day, she told me she would like for me to be in the delivery room with her. This was something else I had prayed so hard for.

They induced Shannon on Friday, December 10 around 2 p.m. We were able to stay in the room with her throughout labor, playing UNO, cards, talking about our families, and just trying to get in 24 years of life. Sharing, laughing, crying, then doing it all over again.

Around 6, the doctor came in and said it was time to usher in this baby. Brad excused himself from the room and I stood on Shannon's left side clutching her hand in mine. At 7:02 p.m. she pushed my baby out. My Sam. The one who stole my heart. The one who made me a mama. I stood there motionless staring into her face, as she said, "Get over there with him," I just hated to leave her. As I walked over to the bed where he was lying, I started to cry and one of the nurses said, "Oh, this must be your first nephew." I said, through tears, "No, this is my son." I knew when I looked into his face, he was mine.

There were no fears, no doubts. I knew that God had orchestrated this through two women from different areas of the country. I was able to watch as he had his very first moments, his first bath, and able to give him his first feeding.

We spent the next few days with Sam in Utah, beginning our new family, and then brought him home to Mississippi the next week. Those special, sacred days in Utah are some that I cherish, as those are some of the only days we were able to spend with Brad as a part of our family.

Someone once said that adoption was like a rescue. They said to think of where that child would be if someone had not taken it to love. To that, I say this, Sam rescued my. Sam saved me. Anyone would have loved him, taken him in and held him forever. In some of my darkest days after Brad's death, I held on to him. Through his innocent face, I saw God's promise of a hope and a future. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Today, this little boy is still the light of my life. He is so quick spirited, full of energy, loves his mama, and takes extra good care of his little brother. I know God is going to use him for something so good, but right now I am enjoying being his mama and watching him grow everyday.

I am so blessed, and I am so thankful. God is so good.

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Sam! I love you to the moon and back.

We are So...

2010-11-24T17:51:00.000-08:00

Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

When It's Quiet...

2010-11-15T05:23:00.001-08:00

You would think I would know this by now, check on him when he is quiet! But...

This is what I found in the kitchen

Never a Dull Moment

2010-11-15T05:13:00.001-08:00

Face paint, compliments of Sam

Little brothers will do whatever Big brothers do...

2010-11-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

CAMO DAY!

SPIRIT WEEK!

2010-11-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

PJ'S, PLEASE!

This weekend is the Harvest Carnival at PDS, so we have had fun this week with Spirit Week. Monday was Pajama Day, which we decided should be everyday! So much fun!

Just the Guys

Sam and Mrs. Jodi

Sam's precious little class

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

My zombie and my Barney....what a combination!

Ella, Eli, and Sambo

Give me some candy!....Please?

I wish everyone would have gotten the pleasure of seeing my hubby dressed as a Roman god. Hilarious!

Have you ever seen anything funnier?

Sweet Little Barney

Who's the Zombie!!??

Esmerelda

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Sam's School Fall Party

2010-11-11T10:59:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin Carvin' Time

2010-11-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Five Little Pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate.

The first one said, "Oh my, it's getting late!"

The second one said, "There are witches in the air!"

The third one said, "We don't care!"

The fourth one said, "Let's run and run and run!"

The fifth one said, "I'm ready for some fun!"

Ooooh went the wind and out went the light

And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

WE ARE HOOKED!

2010-09-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yep, we are hooked. On camping. We left out Friday afternoon on our first outing with our new camper. The boys were so excited, you would think we were going to Walt Disney World! We stayed at Jellystone Park right outside of Memphis. This park is a newer one and was a great starter camp for us. With everything we needed being right there on our site, it couldn't get much easier! The boys met two little friends right away with several more to add over the course of the weekend. They would swing for a little, play pirates, slide, play in the sand, ride scooters, and then start all over again. We were camped out right across from the playground so this was icing on the cake! Eddie and I had time to just sit and talk, about the kids, God, the Bible, and just be silly together while the boys had a ball.

I can tell you that I was so concerned when we bought the camper because I thought we would never use it. Mainly because I thought I would be the party pooper! I can tell you now that I am already checking out other campsites. Cannot wait! Yes, me, the one that dreaded it, is hooked! I have always heard my mom and dad tell stories of them camping in their camper with my two older brothers and the fun they all had, riding bikes, fishing, and just being together as a family, which is exactly what we did too.

Saturday night, against Sam's wishes because he didn't want to leave the park, we went to see Disney on Ice at the FedExForum. I am so disappointed because they would not let me take my camera in! They told me the cameras have to be no bigger than just the regular camera with no large lens, for the threat of people selling the pictures of the show. Ha! They must not have seen my pics. But, oh well. I had time to enjoy the show with my two sweeties and my main man and not be stuck behind a camera hoping to get some great shots. And it was a great show!

So, that makes for one busy weekend. And one tired mama that is still trying to catch up!

Really wanting to go back out!

Eli's little friend hanging out on the steps

Our cute little kitchen

Marshmallow Roast!

Hot!

Eli trying his best to catch up to Sam

Their favorite spot

Who couldn't love this face?!

My first mates :)

Waling the plank

Eddie setting everything up for us

We just loved Yogi

Can't wait to go back!!

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

2010-09-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today, 6 years ago, my sweet little nephew, Jacob Saxon Sims, was born. He was the first of what we call, the triplets. I have another nephew that was born two months later in November, and then our sweet miracle was born the next month in December. These three boys all born months apart. So sweet. Such blessings.

Jacob is such a special, darling child. His mom was diagnosed with cancer shortly after his first birthday and I was blessed to step in and help as much as I could with a toddler myself. As they grew and our sweet Spring grew weaker and sicker, we were able to take Jake along with us on many road trips, fun weekend getaways, and such. He just became one of mine. His smile can light up a room. And the best thing is, that smile is just like his Mama's.

Birthdays are always a little bittersweet for me with her two unbelievably sweet children. I wonder what she would think of them, what she would do differently. She, more like a sister to me than an in-law, is missed so much everyday, but on these days it seems to be a little more. But today when Jacob blew out his number 6 candle, I have no doubt that Spring matched him smile for smile.

I am in awe when I see how the Lord has taken these ashes left from Spring's death and turned them into beauty. The new family the Lord has graciously added to us. Libby, Wyatt, Cole, and Joey. And I am also in awe of how Spring lives on everyday through two little boys. Two little boys that I can't wait to see what God has in store for them. Happy Birthday, Jacob! Pam Pam loves you so much!

Lego Land!

2010-09-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

This amazing store, located at the Galleria in Birmingham, was such a big hit with our boys! Of course, we are all into Legos right now and this store was icing on the cake. I have to admit, I even thought it was super cool. Only 3 in the United States, we are sure to be back soon!

Eli, getting it just right

Sambo picking out the perfect legos

Pick-A-Brick!

Cool!

Labor Day Getaway

2010-09-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Alabama Adventure!

We had a great time this past weekend! We traveled to Birmingham and visited Alabama Adventure. This was a great place, as it is a water park and theme park in one place. The boys had a blast. We stayed in one of our favorite places too, Ross Bridge. Eddie and I have been several times, but it was the boys first visit here. It is absolutely beautiful, and of course, the boys loved the slide at the pool! I am so thankful for little trips like these with our family. So much fun making memories!

Beautiful Ross Bridge Resort. We spent much of our time right here!

So peaceful...

The Barnstormer

Hot air balloon ride

My sweethearts

Eli rounding the corner like a pro

Sam and his precious little smile. He loved this ride!

Silly daddy! This ride is for kids!

Playing in the sand at the cabana

Little E

My Apologies to my Fellow Bulldogs...

2010-09-02T21:41:00.001-07:00

What has this child's daddy done to him!?

But, I must admit, he is just too darn cute...Just the wrong colors!

Some Firsts for the Wyeths

2010-09-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

First Attempt EVER to fry chicken...Mmm....

First Melons of the Season...Mmm.....

He's even cute when he is dirty!

My Two Princes and their Frogs

2010-08-22T15:50:00.001-07:00

One of the newest additions to the Wyeth home. We now have a terrarium with 4 fire-bellied toads. Oh what fun! It is amazing what fears you have to just get over to be a mom... :-)

Kindergarten, Here We Come!

2010-08-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Unbelievably, I took my baby boy to kindergarten for the first time a few days ago. I can't decide where time goes? It seems like yesterday he was taking a bottle and sleeping on me all night. He is such a special, sweet little boy. Of course, he is full of mischief, but has a sweet little spirit and loves to still cuddle. He'll get me for blogging that one day. I am so thankful that he is able to go to a Christian school and also that he only goes half days. Don't think this mama could do the all day thing yet. Even better, he loves it. Even doesn't mind the homework yet! Thank you, Father, for my Sammy. We've been through so much together and you have been so good to us! Thank you for helping me let go just a little each day...

Here's Barney!

2010-08-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

In the weeks leading up to Eli's birthday, all he asked for was that Barney make an appearance at his party. This put one mama on a search! Of course we all know, Barney is one busy dinosaur. But thank goodness, he took time out of his busy schedule to come and visit. And he even brought along another one of Eli's friends...BABY BOP! We all had such a great time. Thought we would share some pics of Eli's fabulous birthday party!

Wish Big, Sweet Boy!

Sam and the big dinosaur

Yep, after all that talk, Eli was very unsure...

I love you, you love me...

Barney was so excited too!

Eli, all stickered out!

Checking out his awesome cake!

The coolest birthday cake EVER! Thanks, Aunt Tracy!

Happy Birthday, Eli!

2010-08-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know where time goes. I have blinked and my baby has turned three. It seems like just yesterday I got the call from our doctor confirming what we thought to be true. I was pregnant. Something I thought I may never get to experience, God had allowed me to. Eddie and I, standing in the parking lot of the Northpark Mall, stopped, took that call and then stood there locked together praising God. How awesome is He! He has allowed me to experience two different kinds of births. I am a blessed girl.

But now, with that baby turning three, we have seen his personality just blossom into our clown. He loves music, making a microphone out of just about anything, or a guitar for that matter. He loves hot dogs. The child would eat them for breakfast if I would let him! He loves his brother, yet they fight worse than any I have ever seen. And, most importantly, this little boy loves his mama. I am amazed at what this child has added to our family. I praise God for trusting me with him and his brother. Two sweet little boys. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for Eli, but for right now, I am enjoying all the "Barney" concerts, the tree frog hunting, and everything else this little guy can throw at me.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Elijah Aaron! We all love you so much!

More Cruise Pics!

2010-08-17T12:21:00.001-07:00

Just had to share a few more!

Who wouldn't love this face!? Sweet Jacob...

Sam enjoying the beautiful water in Mexico

Eli, never a big fan of the beach

Eli absolutely loves this boy!

Eddie, on stage, right before his dance lesson! Check out the next post for a laugh! :-)

A Vacation to Remember

2010-08-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

We had a blast on our cruise. I am so thankful that Meme, and two of my sweet nephews, Taylor and Jacob, were able to go with us. We had wonderful family time and made so many memories I know we will each cherish for a lifetime. Sam and Jacob thought they were really big kids since they were able to hang out in the arcade by themselves, supervised from afar, of course...so this is a memory that stands out to each of them.

There is truly nothing like family. God has blessed me with such an amazing one. Thanks, Meme, for a great trip!

The boys couldn't wait each night to see what kind of creature would be waiting on us. Heck, we couldn't either!

Sam and me at dinner. Don't think we got one pic with his mouth closed!

Meme and Eli at dinner. Yep, you see the mouth. What is it with my kids!?

Sweet Taylor

Best Buddies...they had a blast!

2010-06-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

We are Booked!

The Countdown Begins!

T Minus 27 days!

Boys will be Boys

2010-03-09T19:47:00.001-08:00

LESSON LEARNED:

Always check on your kids when they are extra QUIET...

It's amazing what these two can get into!

My Littlest Cowboy

2010-03-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hey There, Buckaroo!

This is what met me at the door today. I suddenly feel so safe!

Take Me Outside, Mom!

2010-03-02T15:59:00.001-08:00

Bring on the Spring!!

As if we had had enough of the cold temps and not being able to play outside, we finally finished our play area in our backyard. This has made us wish for warmer weather even worse. We had the Rainbow play set installed a couple of years ago, the crooked house last year, and we were waiting to finish this year. So now the boys are pumped to get outside and try it out. Truthfully, Eddie and I can't wait either!

2010-02-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

Makes My Heart Smile

I thank God each and everyday for making me a mom. I cannot imagine my life without my sweet children and I really can't remember what life was like before them. Most days around my house are, to say the least, chaotic. Each day begins with the running to make it to school and the running doesn't seem to end until I close my eyes at night. I love those days where God allows me to see that maybe I am not doing that bad of a job after all. Being a mom, I pray daily for my children's health, their happiness, wisdom to show them right from wrong, and for them to answer the call from God at an early age. Of course, at ages 5 and 2 I often question myself if I am truly doing enough to start them in this direction. Today, Sam, my 5 year old, was watching a preview for a documentary about King Tut. As he grew more and more interested in this, his eyes began to widen. When he was done, he turned to me and said, "Mom, that show is about King Tut. He was king of all the earth! But, Mom, we have a new King now, King Jesus." Wow, you talk about making a mama's heart swell! Then as he talked to my mom the other night, she was telling him about how much everyone loved him. He said, "Yes, Meme, I know, but I love God more than Mom, Dad, or Eli!"

I just thank God that he allows me to see small glimpses that His love is so tender that even a little rowdy five year old can feel and know it. I think about how God has used Sam, already so much, in his short life span. After losing everything I had ever known, God provided this special, loving little man.

Thank you, Father, for loving me so much. Thank you for loving my boys more than I can ever love them. And thank you for allowing me to see that you are all powerful and can even touch the little hearts that listen to you and want to know more about you.

Pam

Everyday is so Curious!

2010-02-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

Fun with Curious George

Friday evening the Wyeths left heading to Vicksburg for a fun weekend. Curious George Live was stopping by and we couldn't miss it! Of course, half of the fun of any road trip with my little guys is staying in a hotel. Once we got there and got checked in, Sam's first question was, "Where is the pool?" It amazes me that, even during the summer when we swim almost everyday, he still LOVES a hotel pool. Guess it must be something different so we all enjoyed a nice indoor swim.

Saturday morning we woke up early all psyched to go see George. Eli sang and danced louder than anyone else and wanted to make sure that EVERYONE could hear him loud and clear. Sam, a little more reserved, also had a great time. We did have so much fun and mom even got a little time to check out the outlet malls! A little time to yourself never hurts, right? I am so grateful that the Lord allows our family to enjoy these outings. I feel that making these memories with our boys are some that we will all cherish forever.

2010-02-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

My Little Fixer

This morning, Eli gathered up all his tools and decided to "fix" his bike after he told me it was "all boke". I am so thankful for these sweet little moments with my sweet boys and so thankful God chose me to enjoy them!

2010-02-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

Snowing in Kosciusko!!

We had so much fun this morning playing in the snow! After a quick trip to school for Sam's Valentine party, we headed home and put on our snow boots! The boys enjoyed the winter wonderland so much it was hard to get them in for sure. Our neighbor, Mrs. Amy, even came over and joined us for a snowball fight. Sam and Eli loved tasting snow icecream with Meme too. My only complaint is it just didn't last long enough. After a nap, the snow has disappeared. I couldn't help but think about how every snowflake that falls, no two are the same. What an awesome God we serve. Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to see your beautiful hand!

2010-01-10T09:48:00.001-08:00

Thanks to my best friend, we now have a blog! A new year and a new way to showcase my sweet little boys, my husband, and our life!

The new year has had a great start. Eddie has killed three deer, and of course, this makes for a happy man! Sam has just turned 5 and is enjoying PreK at First Baptist with Mrs. Carol. He is so smart and I can't believe the things he comes up with! Eli is 2 and every bit of a wild man! He talks so well for his age and wants to do everything his brother does. Just this morning he asked me, "where is my favorite brother?". You never know what he will come up with next. We have a new addition to our family. For mine and Eddie's anniversary, he bought me a yorkie puppy we have named Gizmo. He is precious and the boys love him dearly. His little feet have not hit the ground, as they think he has to be held constantly. We are enjoying him. We also still have a 1 year old English bulldog named Rosie and our Dachshund, Dolly, turned 11 yesterday. Yep, it is a house full here!

I look forward to sharing our lives with you guys. We pray everyone has a very happy new year and more blessings than you can count!

Pam