Humbled

This past week I have been following a blog about a little boy James Camden Sikes (AKA Jamesie). James was diagnosed with a brain tumor on June 23, 2011.  The were able to remove 95% of the tumor.  They were waiting for sweet James to recover some from his BIG surgery before they began chemo. In a two week period not only did the tumor grow back completely in the area where they took it out but it also spread.  So his parents had to make the tough decision to start chemo and only buy time for James who would be in constant pain from the treatment or take him home to die peacefully.  As I read the blog when they found out that it had spread knowing that no matter what they chose their little boy who was only 8 months old would die, I just began to weep. I thought if I was in their position what would I do.  They chose to take him home which I think knowing that no matter what you did the outcome would be the same I think I would have chose to take him home where he would be peaceful.  I have prayed endlessly for this family.  I have prayed for strength and peace through this tough time.  I have not been able to get them off my mind and heart.  I just can not fathom. 

On Saturday July 16, 2011 at 3:50 p.m. James went to be with Jesus.  He finally beat his tumor.  His body was finally healed and he knew no more pain.  I just pray for his parents as they prepare to bury their sweet angel and continue to live their lives.  I have no idea how I would be able to go on.  One thing I do know is that James has touched my life in more ways than I can ever describe.  I should also make note that I have never met James, Kara or Matthew.  But their story has humbled me and really made me think about life in a completely different way.  If I find myself complaining I stop.  What do I have to complain about?  God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, a beautiful and healthy baby boy, a job, a roof over my head, a car, and a family that loves me more than I know.  I have also found myself being more patient with my son.  As it is very hard to be a working mom and sometimes at the end of a day patience is not really all there.  So today as I sit here and type I am thanking God for all my blessings.  I am also continuing to pray for the Sikes family as they are definitely going to need them.   I am also thanking God for James because I do believe with 100% of my heart that sweet little baby has affected more lives than I can ever dream of doing in my lifetime and for that I am grateful because mine was one of them.

16 months

Nate just turned 16 months this past Sunday.  When you really sit down and think about it 16 months in the whole big picture is not that long.  Even though it seems like he is been in our lives forever.  He is growing in leaps and bounds daily.  Everyday is a new adventure. Mommy hood is the most rewarding hardest job I have ever and will ever have.  I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.  The past few months as Nate is growing so fast I have really started thinking hard about all the choices in life that I make on a day to day basis and how they will shape and mold my son.  And I just pray that God will guide me to make the right choices and do the right things that will shape and mold  a GREAT MAN.  Because that is my sole purpose in life every morning when I wake up is to be the best mommy and wife I can be.  My only hope is that at the end of my days I can reflect back on my life and SMILE because I know that I accomplished my purpose.

I have decided to include some pictures of my little family:

 Nate's 4-D Ultrasound

 Nate in my belly 2 days before I had him

 He's here! absolutely PERFECT!

 Our sweet little family

 Nate and Daddy

 Nate and Mommy

 So sweet!

 Happy baby!

 1st Christmas

 1st steps

 worn out

 Happy 1st Birthday!

 Yummy..cake!!

 1st trip to the zoo

Mommy's big boy