CJ

Last Friday, I got to go watch my little buddy, my sweet CJ play his first varsity football game.  The score didn't come out exactly like I wanted, but you wouldn't have known that from my screaming and yelling in the stands.  I am a devoted fan, and a huge fan of my CJ.  That boy makes me proud.  He got to play the last quarter of the game.  I could have burst with excitement when that kid ran out on the field.  He was AWESOME
He is a well mannered, kind young man that wants to please and help everyone.  He is also a darned good football player (maybe not quite so kind on the field, I wouldn't want to line up against him for sure) and I can't wait to make this an every week event.  Not so long ago, he was my "little buddy".  He is still my buddy and I couldn't be more thrilled to call him my nephew and my friend.
Tomorrow, I get to do it again.  I will be the loud mouth lady in the stands screaming at the Minor Tigers for 4 hours and I can't wait.

Papa is 83!

Happy Birthday to the best Papa in the wolrd.  On the 23rd of October, we celebrated Bill's Papa's 83rd birthday with lots of family.  We had lunch at the Bright Star.  Sunday, we all spent the day at Memaw and Papa's continuing the celebration.  Papa is an amazing example of a life of Holiness and we love him so much.  This last year was trying, but we are claiming healing and fun for Papa's 83rd year of life. 

We love you sweet Papa!

Update

Lots and lots going on in the B household.  Will went to the Dr. last week for a checkup at 13 months.  He was 31.5 inches and 24.5 pounds and doing well, except those dadgum ears.  So I took him to the ENT on Monday.  It was a slightly traumatic experience for me.  He did not want to be there from the second we walked in. To explain just how bad he wanted to leave, he refused to play in the toy room, tore up the papers I had to fill out, stole my pen, wrote on me and him (and maybe the beautiful mural on the wall, although I will not confirm that).  We then sat peacefully while Dr. L checked his ear, but when he turned the light on to look in Will's nose . . . MELTDOWN.  Then we had a hearing test.  The lady talks, Will hears her, turns his head and sees little stuffed animal that claps in a box behind us. Cute, huh.  He thought so for about two seconds, then changed his mind and  . . .MELTDOWN.  This one was complete with pulling my hair.  Next, we need to do a pressure test on his ears.  This entails a little earplug that makes a little nose.  No pain involved.  Well, not so much.  She put the thing in Will's ear and turned it on and  . . . MELTDOWN!  REALLY HUGE MELTDOWN complete with climbing onto my head, pinching my arms, pulling my hair.  I mean freaking out, people.  Well, we left the room of terror, and went back to the exam room and talked to Dr. L, and learned that we will be getting tubes in a few weeks.  They tell me it will be "no big deal".  They did not go home that night with ink all over them, disheveled hair and bruises from tiny little fingers.
I will say this, he was an angel the rest of the day just like he normally is.   

LIFE . . . IS . . . PRECIOUS

That is what is on my heart right now.  Last week, someone who was a dear friend of mine years ago, died in a tragic car accident.  Our lives went separate paths what seems like a whole lifetime ago, but I have many beautiful memories of silly teenage years, lots of fun, lots of fussing, lots of laughing, lots of goofy decisions, lots of life.  I wasn't a picture taker back then.  When I learned of this tragedy, I realised that I don't have any documentation of our friendship . . . just memories and they are precious.  You see, life is precious.  Although we were no longer sharing our lives with one another, she was sharing her life with four beautiful babies.  I don't know much else about the situation but this, she was their mommy, some one's sister, some one's friend, and she didn't have the opportunity to tell them goodbye or a last "I love you".  Again, life is precious.  It is not guaranteed.  Tomorrow may not come here on this earth, so I challenge you and myself:

• Hug those you love and TELL THEM every chance you get
• Be there more, go out of your way to see, call, check on people who are close to you or people who might need you.
• Be kind to others . . . you have no idea what they are going through, and a smile goes a long way
• Get your spiritual life in order RIGHT NOW.  Live for the KING OF KING's TODAY.  Know the salvation and eternal promises and life promised from JESUS and ACCEPT HIM as your SAVIOR.  Don't fake it.  Don't pretend and don't think just because you are a good person, you are covered.  You must be a blood bought sinner saved by the GRACE of CHRIST to make it to HEAVEN.  If you aren't, ask someone to pray with you and become one NOW.  There is nothing in life more important that your salvation and you are not guaranteed tomorrow to perfect it.
• Do more, help more, hug more, kiss more, hold hands more often, smile more, slow down a little  and enjoy the blessings around you.  If you don't see God's blessings in your life, CHANGE YOUR LIFE, include HIM. 
• If you are a Christian, tell someone else about Jesus.  Let HIM use your life to build HIS kingdom. 

I'm told not two weeks ago my friend had very real encounter with the Lord.  She said, "The weight of the world is off my shoulders.  I now know how much God loves me." Although I am sad she is gone, I am so very, very thankful for this knowledge and that her children will be told one day that she found the Lord.

Again, life is precious. ETERNITY IS EVERYTHING. 

 

WILL

This was a gift from Lindsey when Will was on his way.  I have it framed in his room, but I took the time to read it again today and reflect on what a blessing, what a miracle we have been given.

Baby Will


What a wonderful world.


I can see it in the skies.


Look into the Heavens.


Look into his eyes.


I am sure he is just perfect.


A miracle so it seems.


My heart skips a beat.


Because He has chosen me.


Little did we know.


A gift was on its way.


Christ answered our prayers.


Knowing we needed this day.


But I can't believe it's almost time.


Until the day we meet.


Ready as we will ever be.


Now our family will be complete.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Will!

Today, our precious miracle turned one.  I can not believe that we have had the privilege of knowing and caring for such a beautiful, smart, loving, fun baby boy for a whole year.  One year ago today, I was sitting in the hospital in awe of God's masterful handiwork and faithfulness.  That day, I fell in love with a baby boy.  As the days and weeks turned into months, I began to fall in love even more deeply as you changed into a little person.  Youl are so happy and loving and you just melt my heart daily. You love to hold hands, give kisses and laugh out loud.  You are so smart, so sweet, and life as your mommy is SO amazing. 

Something else happened a year ago today for me.  Not only did we get a brand new baby, but I also got to see Bill as a Daddy.  WOW.  I knew I loved him, I knew how wonderful a husband and friend he is to me, but man, I never knew how much seeing him love you would change my love for him.  Son, you are so blessed to have such an amazing loving father and once again, I stand in awe of the blessings God has given me.  I am now thoroughly, hopelessly, completely in love with two William Raymond Blackburn's!

Sweet Baby Will, you are growing and changing everyday, but one thing that will never change is how much your Daddy and I love you! You are a living example that God is still in the miracle business and that He hears our prayers and will give us the desires of our heart.  Our prayer is that you will grow into a strong, compassionate, loving man of God.  In the meantime, I hope that we will always remember to cherish every moment of your life.

Happy First Birthday Sweet Precious God's Will!

9/15/2010



Happy Birthday Will

Thirty-One Gifts

I have decided to start selling Thirty-One Gifts.  This will enable me to help with our family income and get together with friends and have a little fun too.  I am excited about the oppotunity and in love with the products.  They are beautiful, purposeful and stylish.  I have purchased several items in the past and they have all held up beautifully.  That is the reason I chose Thirty-One and can't wait to get started. 
Please check out my website:

 www.mythirtyone.com/34880

If you would like host a catalog party or a home party please call or email me at mblackburn1010@gmail.com. We can all use a night out with the girls . . .  earning free, stylish, awesome products is just a bonus.

I love the Zoo

and I hope Will does too, because we bought a season pass.  We went for the first time on Saturday, September 4th.  We had a crew with Bill, Me and Will and Amy Corey and Luke, and we all had a great day.  Luke had never been before either and he was so full of amazement that it touched my heart.  He was so excited about riding the train and seeing the "arilla".  Will loved the birds, the sea lion and the train too.  What an amazing family day!

Bill and Will on the train.

Obviously, we were not looking at the same thing.

Our sweet boys watching the sea lions.

FOOOOTBAAAALLLLLLL! And I'm raising Will right.

Patty Cake Anyone

At the beach, Chelle Belle taught Will how to clap his hands or "patty cake".  We love this and now clap for everything.  I know Bill and I look like a bunch of ding-dongs clapping all the time, but Will loves it.
Well, yesterday at church, the choir finished singing and everyone clapped.  I wish I had my camera, because Will looked at me with eyes as big as saucers as if to say, "All these people are playing patty cake with me"! 
I just love this kid.

A dear friend

This past week, our family lost a dear friend. Mr. Bruce was my dad's best friend for as long as I can remember.  He had been principal of our high school and was a great man, but that isn't how I knew him.  I knew him as my Dad's hunting buddy, a die hard Alabama fan with a love for dogs that surpassed mine.  He always had a smile on his face and a joke.  He and my Dad were like brothers, always messing with each other, trying to best one another and always there when they needed each other.  I guess the things that I will remember most about him was his encouragement to do better than your best, to try something news and to be a blessing to others.  He encouraged my wonderful nephew C.J. to pursue football, and I know C.J. will never forget Mr. Bruce pushing him to succeed. 
My heart hurts for Mrs. Charlotte, his wife, and Becky his daughter.  I know the pain they are going through and I hate that anyone else has to feel that.  We will miss his wonderful friendship.  We will miss his hearty laugh and smile.  I know that he is celebrating in Heaven with Jesus.  I know that he and mom are already messing with each other there and I know that I will see him again, but until then I will pray for peace for all that miss him.
We love you Mr. Bruce!

Beach thus far

Well this week has had a lot of unexpected little adventures.  Little man was a little fussy coming down and we notices a new little tooth peaking out from under his gums.  Then, about half way down, I noticed a little fever with that tooth (I hate teething).  I dismissed it as just teething issues, but was a little worried since he has not really gotten well since two weeks ago when we had the croup.  Also on the way down, Bill started feeling puny.  I dismissed it (outwardly) but was starting to feel like this may not be the fairytale family vacation that I had planned.  We did get to have wonderful dinner with my Uncle Frank and Aunt Kim that evening despite the drama of the day.
By the time we got here, Will's fever was up and baby Tylenol was given along with bib boy Tylenol for Bill.  The next morning, Bill was feeling pretty bad, and Will had been up and down most of the night.  We stayed inside most of the day, which was not a problem because there was a torrential downpour here.  By that evening, Will and Bill were both sporting a hefty fever and Mommy made the executive decision to head to the Doc in the Box.  Thank Goodness.  Will has a bad ear infection along with the oncoming tooth and Bill has a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.  Needless to say, not exactly what I had in mind. 
The thing is, Bill is such a good daddy and no matter how badly he was feeling, he was just worried about Will not feeling well and me not having a good time.  Will is such a good baby, he has been in a relatively good mood, even though his little ear and mouth hurts. 
Monday, we spent about thirty minutes at the beach.  Tuesday, Bill and Will slept most of the day, and I spent some time on the sand with a book.  That afternoon, we headed to the pool for a little while with Aunt Lindsey and Mimi. Today, we spent most of the day on the beach and had a perfect, awesome time. 
We are here with Grandaddy, Chelle-Belle, Uncle Scott, Daniel and Lindsey and tonight Jeromy, Jessica and Ryleigh came in.  I can't wait until tomorrow.

Here is a sweet picture from yesterday:

Will loves the beach!

We are here . . .

The day hasn't gone exactly as planned.  Will is teething and has had fever most of the day and it has rained buckets.  That sounds really bad, but I AM AT THE BEACH!  I look out the windows and see God's most beautiful artwork and here his lullaby to us through the waves.  I am at peace here.  I know Will is going to feel better and I will get to see him play in the sand and swim this week.  So today, I accept the opportunity for a day to sit around in my PJ's all day and spend time with our family.  Life is Good Today!

Will's first day at the beach and he loved it!

Looking up

I have heard all of my life that you have to be knocked completely on your back to look up and accept God for who He is.  I am a living testimony to the fact that this works, but I don't think it has to be that way.  God is there and if we accept that with childlike faith, we will have someone holding us up during hard times. 
That being said, this last month has been hard.  We learned that our dear Papa has bone cancer.  For two weeks, he went back and forth to the Dr. and every time, he got worse news.  I do not like the reality that as we get older, news such as this comes much more frequent, but it does.  I am happy to say that Papa is taking radiation and chemo treatments and is feeling much better.  He has the most beautiful spirit of anyone I know and he is a fighter with an amazing faith.  I am thankful to have him in our lives and most thankful that my little boy has the opportunity to know and learn from him.  He is a gift, and I fully expect a miracle to allow us to have him for many years to come.

In the midst of that news, we had to make the decision to put Will in daycare.  Before this, he stayed with a beautiful family of girls three days a week and Memaw and Papa the other two.  This was a devastating decision for me, even though I knew he would be fine, I was heartbroken.  He went a whole day and a half before he became terribly sick (not from the daycare).  He fights infant reflux and it had flared up, making his whole stomach and esophagus and throat raw and irritable where he would not eat or drink.  (FYI - Will weighed 24 lbs) We started medicating for that and he spiked a fever, which turned into the croup.  Three Dr.'s appointments in one week, lots of tests, and parents who were exhausted and worried filled our week.  BUT, he is better.  We re-started daycare on Monday and so far so good.  He seems to like it and has adjusted without near the trauma that Mama has had.  The little guy has taught me so many lessons about being joyful all the time, no matter how you feel.  Even on his worse day last week, he would try so hard to laugh and play.  He is a gift, he will do just fine in daycare, where he is loved and learning every day and I will get used to it.

Also last week, my sweet neighbor's sister had something go terribly wrong in her brain and is in a devastating situation. She has two children and they expect her to meet the Lord soon. Summer, my neighbor, is being very brave in the face of this, but my heart hurts for her.  She is a rock of faith and I know they are leaning on God and He will provide.  What happen to the days when we were 14 and we heard about this stuff, but never close to home!

So, lost of things going on in our lives . . . but that is why I chose to title this "Looking up".  I will lift my eyes to the Lord, where my help comes from.  He is my refuge and fortress in times of trouble.  He will carry me.  Even in the midst of storms, times of uncertainty and sadness and the horrible things that this fallen world has to offer, there is beauty and hope in Jesus. 

Dear . . .

Dear sandy beaches,
I long for you.  I can not wait to feel your warm caress on my feet, to hear God's beautiful love song created with water and waves, to see the glory and beauty that you have to offer, to feel the relaxation that can only come when I am near you.  I am giddy with excitement and expectation of wonderful days with family, of new adventures with my baby boy, of holding hands with my husband, of visiting friends and family that I dont get to see very often.  I am overjoyed with a place away from stress and work and being pulled in ten directions at every moment.  I am ecstatic with the opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. 
It has been too long and I have truly missed you, but I will see you in two days.
I AM COMING!
Love your friend and admirer,
Melissa