The Little Things

I've noticed that it's the little things that are the hardest to get through after a loss...

I miss him

...when I see things related to a wedding because it reminds me of my wedding and him walking me down the ailse, a moment I will treasure forever

....when I see my son play with "farm" toys because animals were such a huge part of who he was

....seeing my little boy love reading books which would melt my dad's heart, what I would give to have my dad here to read to Noah

...when I see children that went to his school, he was a principal he influenced so many children so when I see those children I feel a connection to them even if they have no idea who I am

...when I hear others talk about their fathers, my heart breaks inside everytime I hear someone talking on the phone with their dad or telling a story about their father

...when children at school tell me about fun things they did with their grandpa, I hate that Noah will never remember the things he did with his

...when we eat things that I know he loved

...when I scroll through my phone and see him name in my address book, I don't have the strength to delete it

...when I see his truck in the yard, it's difficult to imagine that I'll never pass him on the road again or go for a ride with him

...when I see a yard sale sign, garage sales were something we did together and I want to do again but it will never be the same without him

...when I drive by any of his favorite "spots" in town

...when I pass by the hospital, most of the time I can't bear to look on that side of the road

...when I pass an ambulance, I always stop and pray for the hurt individual and their family

...most of all, when I look into my son's eyes, I realize how strong love is and I am comforted knowing that I now know how much I was loved by him

There are countless others.  But, I know that it's best to face the pain so that I can continue on my path of healing, but that doesn't make it easy. 

a time to be born...a time to heal...a time to build...a time to mourn...a time to mend...

Ecclesiastes 8:2-4, 7

 

Wagon Rides

Noah got a wagon for Christmas from his Aunt Brianne and lets just say...he LOVES it!  Since it has been so cold outside we have been going on rides inside.  Noah is so funny, he will crawl to the wagon and point to it until you take him for a spin!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

We had something crazy happen over the weekend...it SNOWED!  Yes, it really snowed in South Carolina!  We were actually in Columbia on Friday because I attended a conference there.  We debated about whether to come on home or not but decided to go on home.  It snowed most of the way home but we got here safely.  We ended up with around 4-6 inches of snow!  I don't think it has snowed like that in years!  Most children here have never ever seen snow.  Here are some pictures we got of Noah:

Party Planning

Noah will be 1 in just a few weeks!  I can hardly believe it!  I have been working on some party decorations and trying to get everything together.  I might be going a bit overboard, but I figure you only have one 1st birthday party so I want this one to be special!  We are planning on doing a jungle theme for his party. 

Here is a sneak peak at some of the decorations I am making:

I am working on a few banners to hang up like a Happy Birthday one and another one with a picture from each month.  I just have to glue and string them together.  I think it should be pretty cute!

Also, I have been making some pom-poms which actually turned out pretty easy to make.  I found the directions here: http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-to-make-pom-pom-tissue-flowers.html.

I had some cute labels made for treat bags and other decorations.  I got them on Etsy from this seller:  Ladybug Labels. She also made the labels for the baby shower I hosted.  She is great!

I also have an adorable cake being made!  This is the cake we are looking to have:

Finally, I am working on his having an invitation made with a picture taken by Sarah, which I am most excited about! Here is sneak peak of the pictures she's taken:

It's getting exciting!  It will be here before you know it!

Simple Pleasures

Kelly at Kelly's Korner posted about life's Simple Pleasures.

Here are mine:

-getting my sweet boy up from a nap
-watching him sleep and scoot around on the baby monitor
-getting "real" emails from friends
-getting my hair done
-enjoying a nap (I appreciate sleep so much now!)
-going to bed with a clean house
-relaxing at home all day with my 2 boys
-being with my family
-getting new make-up
-shopping
-saving $ using coupons
-a Gamecock win
-smell of Tyler candles
-reading a good book
-seeing Noah's face when I pick him up after work
-enjoying a yummy Starbucks drink
-the smell of the beach
-yard sale finds
-reality tv!

I could go on and on, but I'll stop!  :)