Drew and I have recently decided to place membership at a Church of Christ here in Amarillo. It is a church that is more "conservative" than I thought we would end up at but the sense of family has been such a drawing factor for us. I like knowing that among other things Everett will be surrounded by people who know and love his extended family, who have amazing respect for his great-grandparents and grandmother, and I like knowing that he will be raised singing the hymns I was brought up on. It may not have the excitement of a band behind it but the words hit my heart just the same and immediately take me back to my childhood.

One of the good things about choosing this church is that we can worship with my Mom and Nana every Sunday morning. When we first began attending periodically with them before Drew and I got married I loved how alive Mom was at church. She made her way from pew to pew greeting old friends, loving on the elderly and helping those in need by carrying things for them or just giving them a hug. I loved that when so many words escaped her mind the songs she grew up singing to the Lord were written on her heart and the words flowed freely from her voice. My heart truly sung along with her as she worshiped because in that hour at church I felt my Mom was really with me.

Now I still love sitting next to her, holding her hand and passing communion to one another, but the disease has crept in. The songs don't come so easily any longer. She does a really terrific job at singing along, just behind what the congregation has sung... a second delay, but it's not the same. When we pass communion she forgets to break the cracker and just takes a whole piece. During the sermon I often catch her dosing off.  I was surprised this morning to hear her echo some of the congregation's "Amen" to a point the preacher made... she was surprised as well. In a place that is sacred, a place where I have cherished being alongside my Mom, I now feel her slipping away there as well.

Several weeks ago the preacher was doing a sermon on laying sins at the foot of the cross. Everyone in the congregation was to take a piece of paper and write a sin or two on it that we wanted to give to God. After some time he asked everyone to come up and pin our paper to a cross that had been erected at the front of the auditorium. Drew, and I quickly followed the crowd as did Nana and Patrick ,who was visiting that weekend. Before I made it off our row I noticed Mom just standing not knowing what to do. I sat with her and asked her what sins she wanted to confess to God. She didn't know of any. So I ran through a quick list of sins that I thought may strike a nerve with her, she said "yea" to a few and we jotted them down and walked hand in hand to the cross. She was confused but proud to have been able to participate. I wept. How could she not even be able to comprehend what a sin was? How could so much have been taken from her?

I had been on a search for a new bible the past month or so. The bible I carried with me to Thailand and Africa now being too compact for me to read. Sad! After going to every store in town that carries Bibles I decided I should be a bible designer because no one had what I wanted. Nevertheless I was trying to decide between a leather, somewhat girly large print NIV and plain maroonish softcover NIV that reminded me of Nana and Grandy's Bibles. After deciding on the latter and asking Mom her opinion she said to me "Meg it doesn't matter if its pretty or not because it is about God!" She may lose her words but she will not lose her love for God and knowledge that he is most important! In that I take extreme comfort!!

Hoppy Easter 2015

This Easter was truly such a blessing... The sacrifice our Lord made for our atonement was all the sweeter and more heartbreaking after living the past year with our very own son. The glory of the Lord and his power resonated through me in a new way this year as I felt chills truly upon rereading and mediating on the truth... He is Risen! What a mighty God we serve! I cannot wait for Everett to learn and grow in the truth of our Faith and the full meaning behind Jesus' actions.

Celebrating Everett's second Easter was truly a Joy. I had been adamant that while in Santa Fe we find him a stuffed bunny to bring home and give to the Easter Bunny for his basket. I wanted it to be a keepsake for him later in life that reminds him how much we missed him and thought of him on our first getaway. Upon scouring several toy stores off the Plaza I finally found the sweetest little gray bunny for our boy. It topped off his first Easter basket! Everett tore right into his basket after breakfast on Sunday and worked the eggs like a champ! I had a hard time figuring out what to put in the eggs and finally settled on animal crackers and gummies. He opened the eggs, and then ripped the plastic connector apart and picked his goodies off the floor that had tumbled out when he opened it. He discovered it was a fun game and immediately searched his basket for more eggs! He was very proud of his accomplishments!

 Drew and I have been putting Everett in the nursery at church on Sunday mornings but decided we wanted to keep him with us for Easter service. The church had a choir on the stage and as they sang Everett raised his hands to them, it was truly precious! He proceeded to sit between Mom and Nana turned facing the congregation sitting behind us the rest of the time entertaining them with laughs, waves, and squinty eyed faces. I finally decided to take Everett to the nursery half way through the sermon because I was worried he was distracting the entire congregation. After the service Nana and I each had several people come up to us telling us how adorable he was and how they loved watching him. I even got scolded for taking him out! It was very special to have him with us as we celebrated and praised God for his awesomeness! I had helped Mom lay out a dress two days before church... a dress I had bought for her upon graduating high school because it reminded me of the dress Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman. When we saw it at Dillard's Mom loved it! She hasn't worn it in a long time and I wasn't sure she would put it on for Easter, but when we walked into church there she was in all her brown and white Polk-a-dot glory looking truly beautiful!!

Aunt Tammy had prepared an Incredible Sunday feast at Casa Loco after church. We were served chicken cordon bleu on fine china on a table decorated with precious Easter bunnies. Everett's high chair was covered in gifts from his Nana, Gran-Nana, Mimi and Kelsey! Doss and Charlotte brought banana pudding and we were all stuffed after lunch. Drew and I took Everett over to his Grandma White's afterwards to watch his cousins Blaine and Kennedy hunt Easter eggs. He had a Easter basket waiting for him over there with bubbles he loved and a football he proceeded to eat a big chunk out of!

It was a blessed and happy Easter spent with amazing family!

2 Years of Marital Bliss

This past weekend Drew and I celebrated 2 years of marriage. After planning, stressing, thinking, cancelling and re-planning we finally decided to spend our Anniversary weekend in the place we said "I do," Santa Fe, NM.

This getaway would mark the first time we left Everett overnight and I was filled with anxiety about it initially. We left Everett in the caring arms of my Aunt Tammy, Kelsey, Mom and Nana. Who better to look after him for the weekend than those 4?!

Drew made reservations at La Posada de Santa Fe, the resort we got married at. So we left Everett with the family on Saturday morning and headed out of town. Nana had given me good advice when I was telling her nervous I was to leave Everett. She told me what a hard time she had leaving Uncle Mike the first time and then told me how I need to nurture my marriage and time away together is much deserved. She also told me Drew needs to know that "he is enough." So as we drove away from the house leaving Everett in his highchair surrounded by loving hands feeding him breakfast I repeated the mantra "My Marriage needs this." "I deserve this." "He will be ok." and "Drew needs to know he is enough!" in my head over and over.

Turns out God's peace covered me and I was able to easily relax into a weekend getaway of hand holding with my husband without worrying about sippee cups, snacks and strollers. We ate at restaurants on the balcony, strolled through small shops, and relaxed on our private porch. We wondered through the place our wedding was held. Looked for souvenirs for Everett (Drew found a pocket knife with his name engraved in it, needless to say this is one we will hold on to for a while before giving to him.) We had a couples massage, visited the casino, and ate some amazing pizza. We wondered the streets in the morning looking for my favorite place to get Eggs Benedict, when we found it had shut down obviously not everyone else's favorite place, we tried out a new cafe overlooking a busy street filled with pedestrians. We sat on no one's time frame but our own and it was awesome!

I didn't realize how needed a weekend getaway was. How I needed time with my husband and how he needed time with me. It was the perfect way to spend our 2nd anniversary.

We have learned a lot in 2 years of marriage. Ups and Downs. Laughter and Tears. We've learned how to care of a precious son without biting each others heads off and we've survived. We are more in love than we were 2 years ago, accomplished more and found courage we didn't know we had. I am so thankful for the commitment we made that day and how we are living it every day after. I look forward to the lessons we will learn in this next year and the many many after that. Throughout it all I continue to be in awe and inspired by my husband and his love for our family.

Happy 2 years to the love of my life!

Beauty from the inside out

A few days ago She came along with me as my "assistant" on a photo shoot, this really consisted of her standing behind me and picking things up and randomly moving them around... but we were together and that made it special. Before my clients arrived I had her test the lighting for me. She stood there for a  bit before finally cracking her smile. I asked her to "give me some moves" and  as a result she danced for a minute.

Looking at these photos I see so much of you still here. Your smile, Your radiance, your spirit is in there! Things are getting very difficult for you. Small things are a challenge. Personal things are a challenge. You hate it. I think so often that I know you would absolutely hate to know you were living like this. You would be embarassed and angry.

Everett and I took you to the salon yesterday to get your hair done, a new girl styled it out for you and when you got up from her chair you hugged her and told her you loved her. She wasn't sure how to respond but my heart was bursting. We got Starbucks after and I didn't even ask what you wanted, wanting to not cause you frustration or confusion I just ordered your perferred drink. You told me 4 times "Thank you for helping me." I told you I would help you all the days of your life and you just smiled.

Sunday at church we sat on the pew with you and you were so proud. I heard a lady talking with Nana ask where you were, Nana pointed you out sitting and talking with an elderly man with both smiles shining brightly on your faces. You have such a tender heart. The lady remarked on how beautiful you were, I couldn't help but agree. You don't wear makeup much anymore, another thing I would think you would hate! But your beauty shines none the less. Mom your soul is so pure and of the Lord. I know he has amazing plans for you. I see it when you smile, when you make others smile and feel loved. You are so much like your Dad in that way.

I tell you I am proud of you, you ask why. Tears spring to my eyes as I try and tell you how courageous you are. You just tell me you are proud of me and then make Everett laugh. He adores you. I love to see your faces when you first see one another. I am so grateful for the time you two have together.

I am proud to be your daughter. I love you madly.

Never Forget! 

He's our "Rookie of the Year"

Celebrating Everett's very First Birthday Party was so surreal. I can't believe we have a one year old. I had been scouring Pintrest looking for a cute first birthday theme and came across "Rookie of the Year." Drew and I are both fans of baseball and although I wasn't going for a baseball theme necessarily, I figured there can only be one "rookie year." For the past month I was planning things for the party and with some days full of crafting and a few productive hours at Hobby Lobby with Aunt Tammy the party began to come to life.

I created the invitation to look like an Baseball card including all of Everett's stats on the back. We had the party at Nana's house and invited family and friends to help us celebrate his first birthday. Friday Neeley and I put the babies down for naps and worked for hours putting up decorations, Aunt Tammy baked all the cupcakes and Everett's birthday cake and iced them all Saturday morning.

We set up 4 tables in the living room with red and white striped tablecloths. Each table had a different pennant in a tin of peanuts, just like you would find at the ballpark! Also just like at the ball park we had old fashioned Cracker Jacks, Sunflower seeds, and of course Big League Chew.

One of my favorite thins I had done for the party was Everett's First Birthday board. I found a design I liked on Etsy and had it printed on a poster board at Walgreen's. I loved the way it turned out and is now a keepsake for Everett for forever!

Over the mantle in the formal living room I strung up "12 months" of Everett pictures from our monthly photo sessions. People really enjoyed looking at his growth over the months in these pictures.

 

Everett was spoiled with lots of toys and lots of adorable clothes! I had asked for shorts specifically in looking forward to summer and was rewarded with some precious pairs! Everett also received his first Texas Rangers jersey which we will be anxious to put him in! 

We served Hot Dogs for lunch and offered a variety of cupcakes along with home made Rice Krispie Baseball Treats for dessert. Everett however got his very own birthday cake made special by his Mimi.  Everett was a little tentative to dig into his cake at first but once he got going there was no stopping him!

This sweet baby loved his cake! And might have suffered a bit of a sugar high!

We were so thankful to everyone who came to celebrate with us and especially all the family who helped make me prepare for it! You only have a first birthday once right?! I kept saying to myself, "the things you do for your kids" as I was going overboard for his party but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way! Everett is worth celebrating in every sense of the word and that's just what we did!!

                  

Everett is ONE YEAR OLD!!

My Darling Everett... I am in awe that you are 1 Year Old Today!!

This First year of  your life has flown by in the blink of an eye. Watching you as you grow and learn daily has been a blast. Your personality is really shining and son,  you are a flirt, ornery, so smart, and super silly. Everett the one word I think of when I think of you is Joy! I have written it before but there is absolutely no doubt about it, you bring Joy to those around you, most of all your Mama!

I was thinking back to a year ago when we were anticipating your arrival. What will he look like? What will he be like? Will he be an easy baby? Will he be happy?

I wouldn't have imagined you would look EXACTLY like your Dad, but there is no man more handsome in my eyes so that's exactly who I would want you to look like. I would never have expected you to be such a sweet baby, I mean sure we hoped for that but you are sweet on another level. You have absolutely spoiled us Everett by being so easy going this first year! I know that whatever brothers or sisters are to come after you will most likely not be as easy going as you have been. Before you arrived Your Dad made a comment that he hoped you were a baby who smiled alot. You are, however you do make people work for those smiles. Upon meeting strangers you either give them a blank stare or a crinkled nose face before breaking into a smile. With Me and Your Dad your smiles are freely given and nothing makes us happier!

Everett at your last appointment you weighed in at 24.4 lbs and 29 inches. I could have sworn you weighed closer to 30 lbs but then again I am not good with guessing numbers. Your Doctor said you are advanced for your age with your development. He asked if you could wave your hands, to which you did on cue to his question and if you were babbling, to which you began instantly to "talk" back to him. This was our first appointment where you cried upon leaving my arms and being examined, he said this was a sign too of you being advanced. Your Dad and I are convinced you are a genius!

You are now totally off of formula, YAY!  You drink Milk in the morning and at night and juice during the day. You love eating pancakes for breakfast. You are a big fan of fruit of all kinds, as well as goldfish, mac and cheese, cheerios and cheese.

Last week you and I watched Norah while your Aunt Nene was getting her hair done and something new for you happened... you would not stop taking her paci from her mouth. No matter how hard I tried you would somehow find a way to get her paci and pop it in your mouth looking so proud afterwards. I can see that this is a battle we are just reaching the beginning of.

You continue to absolutely LOVE the bath. Even when it is not bath time you escape to the bathroom to stand up by the tub and play with your bath toys.

You are now showing an interest in books and not just for chewing on them. The books with different textures inside of them are your favorite because you like to feel the different materials.

Everett your dancing skills continue to improve and at any hint of music you began to instantly dance, aka bouncing on your rump while waving your hands. Your Dad says you got my dancing skills.

You are trying really hard to walk! You are pushing your elephant on your own and cruising around the living room walking. I predict it will be any day that you decide you don't need any help and can walk all by yourself.

Everett you are ridiculously strong! You are not too fond of laying down and letting us change your diaper anymore, as soon as one diaper is off you begin to roll to your tummy. I work so hard to man handle you with one hand while grabbing the new diaper but your so strong my one arm doesn't always keep you still.

Everett this past year with you has brought your Dad and I more happiness than you can know. You have changed our lives in ways we never imagined and it couldn't be better! You gave me my favorite job ever, being your mom! I know without a doubt that is what I was put on this Earth to do. Everett, You are the best thing ever. We are insanely proud of you and the precious boy you are!

Happy Birthday my little Love! I love you madly forever and ever!!

A little road tripping

A few weeks ago Everett and I took a solo trip to Abilene to hang out with a few longtime friends! This was our first trip just the two of us and I was a little nervous about how Everett would do... I shouldn't have been though because he did amazing! Only getting grumpy towards the end of the trip! 

On our way down I started to get updates that Darrah had gone into Labor with Oakley in Hawaii. It was a short hour and a half later as I passed through Lubbock that I got a text from Ryan telling me that she was here! She is beautiful and perfect! It was an exciting start to my weekend.

Everett and I picked up My college friend Laura Beth in Lubbock and countinued our drive to Abilene to meet up with the Davis clan. This was our first time meeting baby Myla who is 6 months old and Everetts first time meeting Adilyn who just turned 2. I was anxious to see how he would react to being around a bigger kid like Adilyn although Everett is wearing the same size clothes as she is. He had a blast with the girls as did I. 

Our trip included Everett's first trip to the zoo where he was completely uninterested in the animals and totally interested in eating his goldfish. 

I had the best time catching up with old friends who have shared in many of my biggest life moments. Friends who knew my mom before and grieve in her loss with me. Friends who rejoice in my triumphs and pray for my falls. Friends who I know that no matter how many miles or countries are between us they will always be there. I am blessed!