The BIG 3-0 (Part 1)

My wonderful hubby leaped into his 30's last week! I will admit that I was a bit brutal with my constant teasing, but it was all in fun and mostly to ward off the reality that this, too, is in my near future. I have yet to collect pictures from the fun surprise gathering I threw for David last weekend, so I will share a few from our low key family night.

Most of the birthday festivities I planned played out a week or so before David's actual birthday. Thursday was his official birthday. He was able to take the day off to play golf with his dad and Papaw. We also went out to dinner with some good friends and followed it up with some cake and ice cream. I love celebrating (other people's) birthdays, so overall, we had a great time doting on David!

Stay tuned for the Surprise Party! It was great!

The Only Child (for a week)

Noah has been at "Cousin's Camp" at his Grammy and Poppy's this last week. They are keeping Noah (4), Lauren(9) and Reagan (5). Every time that I get to talk to him (which isn't much), they are doing some cool activity! He is either going to be worn out when he gets home or expect me to go out more!!! Though I don't prefer Noah to be gone, I knew it would be good for me to surrender a bit of control as well as spend some good quality time with Gavin. I love both my boys so much, but since Gavin was the second born, he obviously hasn't gotten as much one-on-one attention as Noah. In some aspects, I don't feel like I know his as well as I do Noah. I have loved every bit of this week. Here are some things I have discovered or rediscovered about my "Gav-Man"!

1. Gavin enjoys helping me around the house. He has helped make breakfast a few times, put things in the trash and helped out with the laundry. I love a cheerful worker!

2. Gavin loves to read books. We always read before nap and bed, but I admit that sometimes if it is late, books go out the window. This boy could sit down and read 10 books and want to read more.

3. Gavin is very in tune with his senses. He can smell food from a mile away, is very particular on things he touches, and notices different sounds all around us. I love when he says, "What's that smell?" with his nose crinkled up or "What's that sound?" when my knees pop as I am doing sit-ups!

4. Gavin is my cuddler. I have known this all along, but we have had some special cuddle time this week together. I love that there is no place he would rather be than cuddling with me after his nap!

5. Gavin is a bit more shy in public without his big brother. We swam on Tuesday and it took my little fish a good hour to warm up to some of his friends. He was also very laid back at Story Time yesterday. It was almost like he didn't know what to do.

6. Gavin is a prayer warrior! Before we go to bed each night, we each say a prayer together. With 4 of us praying, it can be a bit lengthy. Well, this week, Gavin has taken full advantage of the extra air time, so he prays and prays and prays. If you need prayer, let me know and I will pass it on to Gavin!

This week has allowed me special quality time with him, but also has reminded me that I need to make a conscience effort to remember the things that he loves to do and incorporate them into our routine. I love my little man...and I am SO ready for his brother to be home!

A Must Read

You may not know this about me, but I love to read. I tend to switch back and forth between fiction and non-fiction, mainly because when I read a fiction novel, I get so involved it consumes me until I finish it. Anyways, I definitely know what my next read will be..."40 Days Without Food: Divine Goodness to a Starving Soul" by Russ Masterson. Not only is the title intriguing, a great friend of mine is the author! I am thankful to have met Russ and Kristy during high school. We had a lot of great times together at UGA, and David and I also have had the privilege of being in ministry with them at Church of the Apostles. Basically, Russ and Kristy are awesome people, so I have no doubt this is going to be an incredible book!! Below is an excerpt of the book as well as info for how to purchase it. Check it out!!!

“I had a college degree, and soon a seminary degree to accompany it, yet I didn’t know where to go or what to do.” Russ Masterson had read and heard about purpose, but didn’t have a clue what his own purpose was. And there was emptiness where there should have been value. As he puts it, “I kept hoping a step would arrive when it was time to lift my foot.”

Disillusioned with his life, as well as with God, he heard this advice: fast from food for 40 days. Faithless and frazzled, Russ accepted the challenge, hoping for direction, reflecting on the past, and wrestling with issues like purpose, faith, and love.

In this book, readers will find a fresh literary voice — an insightful thinker who meets people in their humanity while helping them to see they can be rescued from it. The journey of these forty days without food will help you explore what really matters in life.

It is available on the Kindle, Nook, and iPad (via the free Kindle app for iPad). More info is on Russ' website: www.russmasterson.com.