Happy birthday, little man!

My little man is 8 years old today. Where has the time gone!? We had his birthday party yesterday and we all had a great time. We played games and gave out little trophies as gifts with some candy. Cooked some hot dogs on the grill and ate some yummmmmmy cookie cake. The adults watched some football on the patio and chit chatted while the kids played football. It was fun during the kid games because once the kids had their turns the "big kids" had to have their turns against each other, too.

I asked Shane what he wanted on his cookie this year (he doesn't care for cake so it's always a cookie) and he just randomly said, "Pro football player - Sugar Shane." So, that's what he got! LOL Sugar Shane is the nickname the line coach on Shane's football team has given Shane because "he has some sweet moves." (pronounced shuga) And it's funny because Shane did not like being called Sugar Shane at first. So, I showed him all the famous "sugar"s and how successful they are and well known, etc. Then he began changing his mind . . . and correcting people when they said the "Sugar" part wrong! The pro football player part . . . well, football has really become his passion. An 8 year old can dream can't he?

My dad, bonus mom, little brother and grandmother stayed the night with us last night. My bonus mom was singing at my mom's church this morning. So, we all got up this morning and went to church together. Something really cool happened . . . Shane got a new wallet and some gift cards and some cash for his birthday. So, of course he had to "wear" his wallet and have his stuff inside. He had about $35 cash in his wallet. When it came time for the offering, the pastor was talking about how when you give to the Lord you will be blessed in return, etc. I noticed Shane out of the corner of my eye reach for his wallet. So, I thought he was going give a dollar or two from his birthday money and I thought to myself what a sweet and giving child I have. But, my little man reached in his wallet and without hesitation he chose his highest bill, which was a $10 bill. He set the bill in his lap and put his wallet back in his pocket. All the while, I'm watching him, he's looking at me smiling a very sweet smile. When the offering bag came around he dropped his $10 in the bag. All I could do was sit there and smile back as I felt the tears well up in my eyes. My mom was on the other side of him and she too saw the whole thing and was tearing up. After the offering, we had a 5 minute break and I grabbed Shane and with tears streaming down my face I told him how proud of him I was that he was so unselfish and giving unto the Lord. It's amazing what an 8 year old can do your heart!

So, it's been a great weekend! Shane had a great time with his friends at the party. We enjoyed the fellowship with the adults and watching the kids play . . . and the "big kids" too. We have played with all new things today and today I witnessed the love of the Lord through my son. I couldn't be more proud of him! That's what love is all about!

Love and blessings!

Hold your babies tight!

I put this on Austin's CaringBridge site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/awall today. I thought I would put it here as well for those that aren't linked to the CaringBridge site to see.

When cancer touches your life as closely as it has ours you can't help but always be in prayer for those around you. We hear stories of cancer survivors all the time and though no one person's story is ever less important than another, sometimes one person's story may touch you in a different way. Maybe we can relate to them because they share the same type of cancer or because they are in the same city or whatever the case may be. You just never know why God places that person close to your heart.

Over the last several years, we have followed 4 year old Alexa's story. And though Alexa is now an angel in heaven, I still stay in contact with her mom, Crys, via blogs and email. I fell in love with that little girl and her family and I just can't let go of that bond . . . . or that scrunchy smile!

Then just a few months ago, I somehow ran across Kate's caringbridge site. A 5 year old little girl who is fighting with a brain tumor. Her parents are new to this cancer stuff so they are struggling and learning along with Kate. They also have two other children that they have to share their time with, so it's been a tough journey thus far and it will be a long road ahead.

And this morning, I learned of Laurren (you may have seen her on channel 5 news). A spunky 13 year old who has only been given until about December to live. Her rare form of cancer has just taken over her lungs with tumors and they are actively growing fast. She didn't pray for God to heal her - she prayed that God would give her a positive attitude!

Last night as I was walking to bed, Shane stopped me and put his arms around me and said, "I love you, Momma." I just stood there in that moment. As he was getting in my bed to lay with me for a few minutes to have our nightly chat about the day, he said, "I just love you so much. I don't know what I would do without you and dad." And with tears in my eyes, somehow I managed to get out, "Buddy, I don't know what we would do without you either."

Moments like that make me stop and realize how precious life really is. What a blessing it is to be able to hold my child and hug him whenever I want to, to be able to tell him "I love him" a thousand times a day and to hear him say it back. I can't imagine the pain of having to watch your baby be in so much pain from chemo and radiation and all the drugs and not being able to do anything about it except hold them and just hope. Just hope that those toxic drugs are going to keep them alive. Ironic, I know. But, nor can I imagine the heartache of losing my child.

Please take time today and everyday to hug your babies tight and tell them that you love them. You never know when life will change and you may not be given the opportunity to "rewind." Make each moment last . . . . you never know when it could be your last moment!

Love and blessings!

--Jessica

Pray for our kiddos and their families. They shouldn't have to go through and endure what they go through at such a young age!

Alexa's CaringBridge - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexaaigner

Kate's CaringBridge - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Laurren's CaringBridge - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurrensmith

A side of respect and sincerity, please!

(((SCREAMING))) Oh my goodness! What happened to the days when people were nice to each other and did things sincerely for each other? And thought before they acted or spoke? I mean it's so easy these days to do something wrong and then turn right around and say "I'm sorry." Where has the value and sincerity gone these days? Do we not value the time of our friends and family anymore? Does it not matter that we make decisions, not caring who it inconveniences?

Can you tell I'm a little frustrated here? LOL I just don't understand people who are so willing to change things or make a decision when it will effect a large group of people or your friend or your co-worker or your family . . . . and not be concerned that it could inconvenience people. They are only looking through the peephole and not seeing the whole picture. For the most part, I try to stick with my plans. If I tell you I'm going to be somewhere, if I'm going to meet you, if I'm going to call you, etc. you can usually bet that I will. I'm not one to break my plans with you for better things to do, or because I really don't feel like it, or what ever the case may be. I know what its like to be on the other side and it hurts, it can be an inconvenience not only to you but to other people. People that are unreliable and inconsistent make me crazy! And after a while, you can bet that I will stop helping those type people . . . . or making plans with them.

Or what about the whole Kanye West and Taylor Swift thing? That was a huge moment for her - a dream moment that she will never get back. And even though Beyonce welcomed her back on stage to give her a second chance, you can't do a once in a lifetime - first time excitement moment again. He robbed her of that! How do you just say, "I'm sorry" for ruining that moment? Think about your actions before you ruin some one's moment! Maybe their moment may not be as big as Taylor's, but don't be a Kanye. And when you say you're sorry for something - mean it sincerely.

How about the people that love their jobs? You know the ones - the ones in customer service that treat you - the customer - with a lack of respect. The ones that don' realize we came to them for a service and we have the option not to use them again! Seriously, if ya don't like your job - either make the best of it and be glad you are one of the lucky ones that still has a job or move on and let someone who needs a job have yours. I mean really people is it that hard to smile and be polite and offer assistance!? Everyone in this world cannot be having a bad day, all day, everyday!


(((taking a deep breath))) Ok, I think I feel a little better now. Thank you. :-)


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