Heavenly Gift with a Bit of Surprise..

Before I can even begin my reasons for writing this blog, I must first go back...travel with me please...

It was a normal Sunday of sitting in church. I was beginning to feel the uncomfortableness of being nine months pregnant, and I knew I had a very persistent child inside of me. He was growing tired of being cramped and right when we sat down to hear the message, Mason decided he was no longer going to take it anymore. He began to stretch his little legs out and press firmly against my ribs. So naturally, I took my hand and firmly pressed back urging him to readjust. Oh, how this worked many times before. However, my precious little boy decided he was going to stand his ground and not move. So he pushed back. Mommy, not to be outdone, pushed back again. The entire church service continued in this pattern. He'd offer his little push, and I pushed right back.

I recall this memory very vividly now that Steven and I are battling an almost 11 month old and his persistence to get what he wants. I should have known that day in church was foreshadowing events to come. Yes, my precious gift from Heaven comes with a little surprise...TEMPER TANTRUMS!!! I must say he gets this from his father. Steven, on the other hand swears it is from my side of the family! Whoever passed down this gene of the devil should be dealt with most severely. How can something so precious make such wretched faces because he does not want to sit in his high chair, chew on the remote control, or my favorite one yet, share his food with the dog? So I know feel that we have entered into the true realm of parenting...working to establish acceptable behavior. So when you pass us in public and you see my precious gift throw his head back and cry, please offer a sympathetic glance :)

Now, for the pictures. Mason is growing strong both emotionally and physically. Even though he has his moments of forceful independence, he is still my sweet, precious, beautiful baby boy. Feel free to love on him anytime you want. I know we sure do!!!!

Sweet Boy~

How could a person look at the face of a baby and not know that God is REAL. I hope you enjoy looking at the face of my baby...I know I do!!!

Moving on UP!

I have not had much time to blog lately because I have been busy chasing a 10 month old around. Mason has finally learned how to crawl on his hands and knees, and 2 days later he's pulling up on everything and cruising around furniture. We can't take our eyes off him for a second. Here are some pictures of Mason exploring...

Mason stuck in the toy basket!

Mason pulling up on the exersaucer at Ms. Melinda's house...Logan is not happy with Mason invading his space!

Mason hanging out with Giada.

Labor Day Weekend

Well, we did it! We finally had a family getaway. Since I started back to school, we have all been a tad on the stressed side. I even think Mase was getting a little bonkers (hence, the pic). So with baby in tow, along with Roxy the dog, we headed to Table Rock Lake to meet Rene and Lindsay, as well as Big Rene, and some friends of R & L. Below is a Top 10 List of our weekend...

10. Spending time with adults.
9. Not getting ready in the morning.
8. No cooking.
7. Taking naps on a hammock.
6. Learning how to wake board!!!!
5. Watching Steven try to wake board.
4. Riding on a golf cart with 6 adults, 2 coolers, and a wakeboard up a hill.
3. Playing cards.
2. Spending 2 full days with family.
1. Making memories as we watched Mason enjoy his 1st lake trip.

Football Saves the Day

Weekends are always great. You don't work, and you get to spend time with the ones you LOVE. This weekend was just awesome. First of all, my mother finally got married. She's waited a long time. Even though we did not get to attend the wedding (it was just the 2 of them with their pastor), we couldn't be happier for her and her new husband.

However, this marriage has brought about a huge change for our whole family. For one, I was forced to finally move all my belongings from her house that she has been storing for me. I know, I know. I haven't lived there for four years, and my stuff was still hanging around. Anyway...today Steven and I finally went to the house and moved it all out. When we walked in I was extremely sad to see the house emptied and completely void of all my childhood memories. Just as I was about to completely fall apart, Mason and Steven came to my rescue. Apparently, I saved a football that I caught at one of Steven's college football games (yes, it probably should have been trashed years ago, but for some reason I hung onto it). Steven found it, and not surprisingly, gave it to Mase. As we were loading up the last of my belongings, I looked down at Mason who is throwing the football and then crawling to get it back. He did this over and over. I couldn't help but smile. It was so cute. So, my pity party soon turned into a final memory and one great realization...The house isn't so much of importance. It is the family that once lived in it, and I still have that family (plus more). In the end, the weekend was great because returning to the house for the last time reminded me that I am blessed to have the family I have, and to have lived the life I have always wanted to live. Above is the picture of the football. It's a little comical that I even saved it, but I'm sure glad I did!

Picture Day!!!

Today Mason had his first professional pictures, and the little stinker would not smile...not even ONCE! However, she did get some great shots of him just playing and being relaxed at home. We are super excited to get the proofs back to see if we have a male model on our hands.

So, while we're waiting for his proofs, I thought I'd post a picture of Mason with his best friend, Mr. Bear. You'd think he doesn't have other toys, but he does. We just can't get him away from this one!

ANGEL

When Steven and I found out we were going to have a baby, we immediately began praying every night for his health. We never realized that we would receive so much more. Mason has added so much to our lives. He makes us smile and laugh everyday. I never imagined that life as a parent would be as rewarding as this. We have been blessed with a precious angel.