Love Like His

I was driving down the road one day earlier this week and usually I listen to Christian radio. It is just one more way for me to keep my focus on things above and not let worries of this world get me down. However, every now and then I will switch it to country and listen for any new songs I haven't heard- when a song called "Like Jesus Does" came on. This is a song by Eric Church and I have liked many of his songs in the past. I have heard this song before but I got to thinking as I listened to it that this song made me sad. At first, I thought it is so great to think about loving someone like Jesus does. That is what all Christians should strive to do but then I thought about it from the receiving end and I thought that it was sad because no one on this earth will ever love you like Jesus does.

"Yes, she knows the man I ain't,
She forgives me when I can't,
That devil, man, he don't stand a chance
She loves me like Jesus does."

You may know great love in your life. You may have unconditional love from all kinds of people in your life- but please know that it will never come close to the love that Jesus has for you! He had a choice about whether he would die upon that cross for you and me. He had a choice about whether he would even be on that cross. He chose to go through the pain. He chose to bear the burden. He chose when nobody else could. Are there people in your life willing to lay down their life for yours? Probably. I know, as a mother, that it is very likely you have people who would lay down their life for you. But those people could never be a perfect, sinless, sacrificial offering for the sins in yours and my life. Nobody else could do such a thing and have so much meaning behind it. So, please know that while we all have people in our life that we love dearly and love us in return- nobody will ever love you like Jesus does!

Letter to my one year old

My Dearest Ian,
Monday was your last day as an eleven month old. It was your last day as a baby really. You went to bed a baby...

...and woke up as a one year old!

You have grown and changed so much in the last year! It is true that time has flown. I remember that day in the hospital like it was yesterday. I remember not being able to control the happy tears that came to my eyes when I held you for the first time and knew that life would never be the same.

I am so glad that the Lord has blessed me with this time with you. I pray everyday He reminds me that you are His and gives me the strength and wisdom I need to be the godly mother that you need. I pray that you will always see the love of the Lord in me and my life.

Spending your birthday with you was so much fun. I could have stood for a little warmer weather but maybe next year! I hope and pray that I get many birthdays with you to take you out to explore the world and see God's creation. You are such an easy going little guy and I am so grateful. You go with the flow and everybody loves you! I pray that you keep that quality because it makes being your mommy not only easy but just plain fun!

I love that you enjoy being outside. I think you would stay outside all day if I let you. I am looking forward to warmer weather and more time to play outside. It is so much fun to watch you explore and test things out.

Now that you are walking really well on your own- I have no doubt that soon I will be chasing you all over the yard. But as long as you are smiling, that is fine with me. Your smile warms my heart more than you will ever know. I cherish the moments that you look at me and smile real big. Never stop smiling son, even when life is screaming at you to do otherwise.

Always enjoy your life. Each moment, whether good or bad will bring about a teachable moment. Take it, learn from it, and grow from it. You will have moments where it seems like the whole world is against you- but God is on your side and He is all you need. He loves you far more than I do, which is hard to imagine. He is your rock and even though I will do whatever I can for you- He will be there when I can't be there. So I pray you learn to look to him, not me.

I am excited to see what the next year holds for us. I know there will be challenges as you begin to learn right from wrong. Please know that it is because I love that I will punish you. It is because I love you that I will tell you no when you need to hear it. It is because I love you that I will give you rules and structure in your life. It is because I love you that I will always give you more kisses than you want, hug you longer than you want, read you a story before bed, stare at every little feature about your sweet face, and play with you often!

Do you see how much you have changed already? More changes are on the way and I promise to try to keep it together as you grow more independent and want to do things on your own. I promise I will try not to cry when those moments come- but no guarantees! You are such a sweet boy and I am so thankful for all the wonderful people we have in our life that have helped raised you so far. It is true that it takes a village son, and we got a great one! I love you and pray for you! Enjoy this next year of your life and just ignore that tear rolling down your mom's cheek as you continue to become the boy God has called you to be.
Love Always,
Mom

Partying Hard

We had so much fun Saturday celebrating my little man turning one and I am so incredibly thankful for all the wonderful friends and family that came to love on him! It was a beautiful day and one I thoroughly enjoyed!

Big cousins Sam and Jack pushing Ian around in the car that used to be Jack's when he was a baby. I love that my little man has things that used to belong to his big cousins!

Sweet friends getting some grub. It was just wonderful to be surrounded by people that I love who had shown Ian and me love and support!

This was the only time he really got into it. Other than this, he was trying to use the spoon and was mainly interested in the sprinkles. Haha.

Singing Happy Birthday. Jack was saying "cha, cha, cha" and Sam didn't want him too. Haha. Made for an interesting version! They helped Ian blow out the candle.

Soaking up the sunshine on a gorgeous day in the back of Mr Pete's truck.

Wonderful friends and family celebrating this sweet one year old!

Opening presents was not quite as exciting since we were nearing the normal nap time hour but he didn't fuss and was intrigued by most of it so a win overall!

Not sure what all these people are fussing about. Just give me my milk and rocking chair- I will be a happy guy!

Crayon Out Loud!

Well the party went great and we had a fun time! It was a beautiful day and I could not have asked for anything better! I do not have a whole lot of time so I am only leaving you with the decorations pictures and the cake I made! Pretty proud of that!

Officially on the Move!

The little man took his first steps this weekend and I can still celebrate because he is still taking it slow for the time being. Any ideas how long I have to cherish this slow walking? Hoping it is a little while at least!!

Hard to catch him standing still!