We've moved...

Well, not literally, but I've moved our family's blog to www.thechristianlife.shutterfly.com so that I can share photos more easily and in larger quantities. Hope you will follow us over there!

Did you like the planes? NO!

We took some family time Saturday afternoon and caught the Blue Angels airshow at the Tuscaloosa Airport. We parked a couple blocks away and hung out in the back of truck as they ripped, roared and raced thru the sky. It was a great show and never ceases to amaze me at how perfectly formed they stay and how close they fly...Talk about precision! Logan had fun pointing out the planes and enjoyed the show for the most part until one flew directly overhead. It came up from behind and you had no idea it was coming until it was right on top of us with its deafening roar. Needless to say he was scared out his wits! He refused to keep earplugs in, so Brian was covering his ears, but it was still so loud & sudden that it just took him by surprise. After a minute or two he was good to go again. When we were leaving I asked him if he had fun, to which he responded NO! I asked if he liked the planes and he said NO! It was funny as his answer was so serious and how quickly he went from liking them to disliking them...He's such a character sometimes!

Birthday Boy!

We celebrated Logan's 2nd Birthday on May 1. The theme was "Two-Two Train" and he had a blast! He was surrounded by loving family & friends who showered him with loads of attention & gifts...He soaked every bit of it up LOL! It's hard to believe our baby is now a toddler and soon will pass thru that phase onto being a regular 'ol kiddo LOL! He's grown into such a handsome little guy and brings out plenty of laughter in all of us. There's never a dull day with him and I look forward to each & every one of them!!

Happy Easter!!!

He is not here, for he is risen, as he said.

~Matthew 28:6~

I made an attempt at Logan's Spring/Easter pics last weekend. We took him over to the old homeplace on McCulley Hill. It was nice to see him running and playing on the land my grandparents held so dear. It brought back a flood of memories as I thought about the nights we camped out waiting on Lady, the horse, to have a colt; or the Sunday afternoons we spent riding.

Logan really enjoyed the openiness and freedom. He just ran and ran until his little legs were buckling! We hope to have a family egg hunt next year with all of the Blake great-grandchildren. GrandMaw & PawPaw Blake would be so delighted to see all the kids running about!

I hope you & your family have a Blessed Easter! During all the egg fun and family dinners, may we never lose sight of the real reason we celebrate Easter!

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."

~ E. E. Cummings ~

This pic is actually a few months old, but I ran across it and it just made me smile...Logan is away from home with his grandparents and while I needed the break so badly, seeing this made me miss him all at once. I find it a great reminder that no matter how bad the day was, filled with frustrations, misunderstandings, fits or tears, smiles & laughter seem to heal it. I hope this brought a smile to your face also!

Maybe this is not what I'm meant to do...

The last few weeks have been really a bad struggle with keeping my spirit, patience, attitude and emotions in check when it comes to dealing with Logan. He has begun to become increasingly clingy/whiny and very insistent on doing things for him. While I know it could be a phase (let's hope), it has brought me to the point of examining myself and wondering if perhaps being at home with him is not the best thing for me and our family. While I know that some may read this and say, "What? Isn't that what everyone mothers wants is to be home with her kids?!?!?" And my answer would be absolutely! However, I do not like the person I've become as far as handling everything. I've gotten so overwhelmed that I take it out on Brian, Logan and even the dog! So my burning question to myself is "Is it time to go back to work full time?" I've heard some moms say that staying at home just wasn't for them and maybe it's not for me. Maybe it would be better for me to be away during the day and come home excited about seeing Logan and Brian, rather than wincing on the inside everytime something goes awry at the house. I don't want to become a bitter mom who Logan thinks just yells at him all the time LOL! *sigh* Just had to get this off my chest...please don't think I don't love my husband and family. Being a wife and mother is the highest calling there is. I just want to do my best at it and know that I've been failing lately. If you've taken the time to read this, thank you and I covet your prayers that the Lord will lead me the way He would have me go and grants me the patience needed for dealing with a strong-willed toddler. :-)

Where has MY time gone?

The last couple of days, I've noticed so many things that need to be done around the house. Organization, cleaning, filing, pack items for storage, etc. + I've had lots of things on my mind that I would like to do. Selfish thinking I know, but as a Mom, there are days when I'd just like to slip off alone and read for a while or work on my photography. I know so many who somehow juggle careers, motherhood and caring for their home like it is a piece of cake. Well, I'm just not one of those...yet. You'd think with Logan almost 2 years old now that I'd have a better time management routine going, but it's just not there yet! I feel so guilty at times and know that other areas in my life are suffering from it. The two biggest would be spending time alone with Brian and my quiet/devotional time. I try so hard to juggle/balance it all, but as all moms know, you should always be prepared for the unexpected sickness, trip the doctor, spilled juice on the floor, diaper blowouts in the car, etc. But, we, meaning I, should never let that hinder my dedication to my husband, family and most importantly, my Savior. So, as sort of a personal resolution, I am trying, very hard, to manage my time more wisely so that I can serve my Lord and family, but also allow myself to enjoy some ME time.