Pictures

I am not a huge picture taker unless I am getting professional pictures done. I have to make an effort to remember to take pictures of all of those momentous events. However, I do love to look back at pictures and remember the feeling I felt at that point.

I allow all of the pictures that I download to the computer run in a slide show as my screen saver. Last night, I sat down in my quiet house and began to watch those pictures. I could remember Todd's first smile, Jackson's first thumb sucking picture, Brad and I's wedding picture, and even my high school senior trip. I can remember each of those events meaning something difference. Some would mean a time of growing up and some would be times that forever impacted my life for the good!

One thing I realized. None of those pictures brought back pain. I did not see the pictures that reminded me of my baby girl I lost, or the financial struggles Brad and I had when we got married. I did not see the times we had lost our job or the day I found out that my mom had MS.

Perhaps that is why I find such joy in looking at those pictures. It is a reminder of how blessed I am. How God has shown favor to me and my family. I could see God's footsteps in all of those pictures. I could see Him in my son's smiles, I could see Him in Brad's face because He had lead me to Brad. I could see Him as He protected me through those tough teen years. It was just a great reminder of my God. I was then drawn to this scripture:
How can I repay the Lord for all of His goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant you freed me from my chains.
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows tot e Lord in the presence of all his people in the courts of the house of the Lord-in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 116: 12-19
There is no way I can repay Him for these blessing but I will try to glorify Him in all I do as a thank offering.

Wow 2 years

How is it time can move so quickly. It seems like yesterday that this boy had made his appearance into this world.

And now this is the boy that lives in my house!
Jackson was an answered prayer. He is a constant reminder of God's timing and God's gift of life. I cannot imagine my life without this boy. He is so full of life and love. He is my mini-me. He is into everything and yet loves his mommy more than anything. He can make me so mad one minute and cry from laughter the next.

Jackson, I know that God has huge plans for you! You are a gift that we could not have ever imagined. I pray that God guides your every step and that you will listen to His calling. We love watching you adore your brother and explore life. Thank you for allowing us to be your mommy and daddy! We love you, sweet tater!