South Carolina Day Celebration

For all of you who don't live in the great state of South Carolina (or even if you do) June 28th is South Carolina Day. The reason this day is celebrated is explained here. I, like many of you, did not know this day existed until Josh explained it to me three years ago. Our friends, Chris & Amy, had a mini-celebration when were in Louisville. However, since I am from Georgia, Josh (who was not my husband, but only a friend) did not think I should celebrate with them, but Chris & Amy overruled him! By June 28, 2006, Josh & I were engaged, and it was expected that I celebrate SC Day too. Since we were in transition in 2006, there was no party, but I did go to Kroger and get a cookie cake that said, "Happy South Carolina Day" (yes, the bakery thought I was crazy).

We were in major transition last year and Josh decided we would wait until this year to have a party. He didn't want us to just grill out burgers, but to have a big southern meal. We decided a southern meal had to include fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, corn, green beans, & sweet tea. I cooked the chicken (23 pieces), made the sweet tea, and everyone else brought a side. After we ate, there was a game of SC trivia and then a small gift for all those who attended.

We hope to make this an annual event in our family. And even if no one else comes, we are pretty sure that Chris & Amy will always come, for they love SC almost as much as Josh!

Here are some pictures of our fun day.

Walking Mania!

While Thomas isn't "techinically" walking yet, he sure is going everywhere in his walker! About two weeks ago, Josh's parents brought him a walker they had for one of their other grandchildren. At first, he just sat in it and went backwards, but after a couple of days, he was going everywhere! Since he has been using his walker, he is doing so much better holding our hands and walking around.

To be honest, I've been a little worried (I know - it is a sin) about his physical development because he has yet to crawl (although he does move around on his stomach, he just won't get on his knees) and he is now 10 months old! Many people have told me that some babies skip crawling and just walk - anyone else had this experience? I did talk to the pediatrician about his physical development, and he said not to worry. Thomas is meeting all of his other milestones - socially, mentally, emotionally - so he isn't worried. The pediatrician said one day everything is going to just "click" and I won't be able to stop him!

Along with his newfound independence comes more discipline. He is so curious and wants to touch and hold everything. Thankfully, he is responding well to discipline and listens often when I say, "No." However, certain objects, such as the remote control, seem to be too much of a temptation, so I try to keep those things in places he can't reach or see.

Here are some recent pictures of my sweet boy "walking" around.

He loves his hairbrush!

Walking around!

Looking outside

Sweet Moment

Last week, Josh & I decided we needed to buy fabric to recover our dining room chairs. Since we were having company over on Tuesday evening, Josh indulged me and we went to a fabric store on Monday night. Thomas is in the midst of teething (2 top teeth) and was not feeling great. He did okay in the fabric store, but by the time we got something to eat, he wasn't a happy camper. I was getting a little frustrated and managed to knock ALL of his puffs in the floor, which didn't help my mood any!

Before we went home, we had to go to Josh's parents to borrow a staple gun to recover the chairs. Thomas seemed happy enough for a few moments as he watched his cousins swim in the pool, but he did not want to get back in his car seat. Josh said he would sit in the back with him and I could drive. Even though Josh was trying to entertain him, he still was not a happy camper. Josh took him out of the car seat (I know it is dangerous, but we were on back roads with little traffic and I drove slow) and held him. He still was a little fussy, so Josh told me to sing to him. Thomas loves "Jesus Loves Me" and when I started to sing, he calmed down immediately. Josh began to make up words to the tune and continued to sing to him. We sang to our sweet boy all the way home and he was at peace.

It was such an ordinary, but an extraordinary time with my family. Thomas brings us so much joy and I was reminded that it truly is the everday moments that matter.

First Swim

My sweet husband told me yesterday morning that he was going to leave work around 3:30pm, so that we could have some family time and go swimming. We were planning on taking Thomas on Saturday, but we spent too long at the furniture store and weren't able to go (more details on the furniture later). After Thomas awoke from his nap, we went to Grandma & Poppy's house for dinner and swimming. We were sure that Thomas would love the water and he did! He was so happy the entire time he was in the water. Thanks to Poppy, we have pictures because we forgot our camera!

I'm ready Mom!

Poppy & Thomas
Family photo
Having fun!
Look at that sweet face!
Sweet moment with Daddy
My boys!

It is amazing how time passes so quickly. Last year at this time, I was 6 months pregnant and swimming in the pool with Thomas in my tummy! I dreamed about him enjoying the water this year, but I didn't realize how quickly this year would come. He has been such a tremendous blessing to us!

Future President

Before the Lord confirmed to Josh that he was to go into the ministry, Josh's dream was to be a politician. He dreamed big - governor of SC or president (they are equal positions in Josh's opinion since SC is the best state in the Union). Since God chose for Josh to be in ministry and not in politics, he has now passed on his dream to Thomas. Our friends, Chris & Amy, went to D.C. a couple of months ago and brought back a "Future President" shirt for Thomas (well, I think it was more for Josh). After his bath the other night, I put it on him and we took some pictures of the proud daddy and our future president. Enjoy!

Dad & Future President's Official Picture

Can't I just play with the flag?
Okay...I'm starting to get this
Look at me - I got it!
This is fun!
Want you vote for me?

Isn't that the cutest little face?!

Billy Graham Library

Yesterday, Josh and I had the privilege of going to visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte with our senior adults. We didn't realize what a long day it would be (I thought older people had a hard time getting around!), but we had a great time. Billy Graham's ministry hasn't been as active in my life, so it was interesting to see all videos of him as a young and passionate preacher of the gospel. One thing he repeatedly said was, "The gospel draws people to Jesus, not me."

Ruth Graham also had a room at the library. She was a godly woman who loved caring for her family and supporting Billy. It was an encouragement to me as I have the unique, and sometimes challenging, role of being a pastor's wife.

If you are ever near Charlotte, I would encourage you to go by the library. It is a beautiful place and it is free! I will warn those with children that it isn't stroller friendly, and I'm thankful we didn't take Thomas, because he couldn't have handled our long day! Enjoy the pictures!

Front of Library with 40ft Cross

Inside looking out

Our group waiting for Bessie to "talk"

Bessie telling us about Billy Frank's childhood

Progression of salvation leading to Billy Graham

Letters Graham received - one of them says, "In case of rapture, do not deliver."

Ruth's grave - the Chinese character means "Righteousness"
Our Senior Adults
Josh & me
Josh goofing off in Hamricks, while we waited on the group. He did not buy that!

A Whole New World

Our sweet baby boy turned 9 months old on Wednesday and since he is now weighing in at 21 lbs and about 30" long (I'm guessing because we haven't been to the doctor yet), he has outgrown his infant car seat. Thankfully, my dad and step-mom (Grandpa & Granny) were very sweet to us and bought Thomas a front facing car seat about a month ago. It is a great car seat and should last until he is old enough to not need a car seat or booster seat. Yes, I'm a little sad because he is growing up and moving him to the new seat makes it very obvious that he will soon be a toddler. However, Thomas is very excited about seeing everything - especially Mama and Daddy. He has become much more vocal in the car now and we have even had to tell him to not be so loud! The only drawback of the new car seat is he isn't able to nap as well in the car. I have a feeling it won't be too long and he will figure it out! I've included some pictures of my sweet baby (at least for a little while longer) in his new seat.