The Many Faces of "Papaw"....

I have already discussed in previous posts how much Sawyer loves her Papaw. Well, for the past few months it seems Sawyer has named several of her toys "Papaw," or either she thinks they genuinely look like him. Every time she sees on of these toys and says, "Papaw," I just have to laugh. The funniest part about the whole thing is that the toys seriously have some of my fathers physical attributes...pretty smart little girl, huh? Anyhow, she really takes good care of her "papaw" toys, rocking them, kissing them, and even putting them down for a "night-night!" So, I thought I'd show everyone a few of Sawyer's other Papaws...I'm sure you'll get a kick out of these pictures!

I LOVE Weddings...

Preston and I attended a beautiful wedding tonight and I was reminded how much I love them...I love the gorgeous, glowing bride in her white gown, the music, the food, the dancing...the whole atmosphere. Every wedding I go to, I always seem to think back to ours, and I cant help but smile. It was the best day of my life....I remember feeling so in love, and of course, how handsome Preston looked! We were surrounded by all the people who mean the most to us, and the day was, down to just about every last detail, perfect. Every couple of months I get out my wedding pictures and look at them...I guess it's because I just don't want to forget how amazing that day was, and because looking at them makes me remember how much I truly love Preston. I just imagine Sawyer looking at those pictures one day and seeing how happy we were, and knowing that really, not much has changed except for that fact that we love each other even more now.

Every once in a while...

"For You created my innermost being; You knit me together in my mother womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

I love everything about my little girl...I love her unique personality, her beautiful little face, her wonderful sense of humor...and yes...all her "quirks." Every day is a new adventure, every discovery she makes is exciting, and being with her makes me realize the most simple things in life are most often the best things. But I cant deny it...every once in a while I think back to that precious little newborn I held in my arms for the first time, and I miss it. I'm sure everyone feels this way from time to time, and there's no way I'd every turn back time, because I love this fun stage she's in so much more...but still.

In many ways the day Sawyer was born feels like such a long time ago. But in many ways it still feels like just yesterday. I can remember our trip to the hospital...feeling a million different emotions...excited, nervous, anxious...in disbelief that this day was finally here! The day that felt like it would never arrive was NOW. It was time to meet our little girl. When I heard her cry for the first time I cried myself...it was pure joy. Seeing her sweet face was surreal...it was like I already knew her so well, but at the same time it was also as if I was meeting a new stranger for the very first time-a stranger who I was already head over hills in love with.

Sawyer was such a good baby. During our four day hospital stay I can only remember her crying twice, and I wanted to look at her...study her... hold her ALL day. Preston and I were so thankful for her...we were overwhelmed with the feeling of being so blessed.

Today, well, we still feel the same about her. I still find myself peeking in on her while she's sleeping from time to time...just to watch her. Every chance I get I thank God for giving me such a wonderful gift, for allowing me to be her mother. What an amazing responsibility! I will never have a higher calling (other than being Preston's wife) than raising Sawyer. Every time we see a precious newborn we should be reminded how much our Father loves us...how He make NO mistakes...how we are TRULY "fearfully and wonderfully" made!

Its Been Awhile....

Okay...so I've neglected our blog for a little while. But now that things have settled down a bit, I decided to post an update!

The past few weeks seem like they were just a whirlwind, and I can hardly believe its ALREADY 2009! Preston and I celebrated New Years by going to a get together with our Sunday School class...it was a lot of fun-playing games, eating tasty food, and visiting with everyone. Preston and I actually left before midnight (because it seems we're too old to stay up that late anymore,) but nevertheless, it was fun!

I'm sure everyone has noticed the weather the past week or so has been a little out of the ordinary for December in Louisville...and I was actually pretty excited about the few warmer days we had, because it gave me an opportunity to spend some time outside with Sawyer! Anyone that knows Sawyer understand why this would be so great....Ive never seen another child love being outside as much as her! She so enjoys being able to run, jump, play and most of all explore! Mom and I took her out in our back yard the first "warm" day an let her play in the dirt...it was messy, and after that her clothes were DONE, but it was SOOO worth it...she had a blast! Then Preston and I got to take her out two more days last week and play ball and run around. Sawyer had a great time...and I got the opportunity to take some neat pictures! I hope you enjoy them!

On a final note....

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, I had a particularly rough couple of days. Things just weren't going my way, and It seemed I was constantly disciplining Sawyer. Nothing I was doing was working the way I thought it would, or rather I should say AS SOON as I thought it would. I was losing my patience, frustrated, and feeling pretty sorry for myself. One night after my second "bad day," I was doing my devotional, and it took me to this bible verse....

"But He said to me,"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I literally just sat there and cried. It was exactly what I needed to hear, and after I did some soul searching and praying it was like a weight was immediately lifted. My Heavenly Father knew just what I needed, and He came to comfort me. Praise the Lord, that as children of God, though we aren't promised things will always be easy...we have HOPE! We have a friend in Christ, someone who we can always turn to...someone who has ALL the answers! I was just really encouraged by this verse, and since it really applies to everyone, I hope you might find some encouragement through it as well!

This weekend is sure to be busy and a lot of fun...we have our first wedding of 2009 to attend tomorrow night, and Sunday we have a day full of church/family stuff...Hopefully my husband will be home soon, so bye for now :)

Fall...the best time of the year!

December 21 marks the official last day of Fall, my absolute FAVORITE time of year... and I'm so sad to see it go! Just some of the things I love about Fall....

1.) Seeing all the trees turn the most beautiful colors

2.) Pumpkins

3.) Hubers Orchard and Winery (they have the best apples Ive ever had in my life.)

4.) Bright yellow mums

5.) The gorgeous weather

6.) High school football games

7.) Bonfires...smores, hot dogs, burnt marsh mellows...yum.

8.) My moms chili

9.) Sweaters

10.) Thanksgiving

Sawyer loves her Mimi and Papaw!

There's one thing for sure...Sawyer is just crazy about her Mimi and Papaw! I've never seen a child be more crazy about their granparents, but seeing them with her-there's really no wonder why. They are equally as crazy about her. They give her tons of hugs and kisses, give her yummy treats (like pumkin ice cream), play the funnest games, buy her the neatest toys, let her make a disaster area of their home all for a little fun, and they make her smile and laugh almost every single day. They cherish her. They are patient with her. They are proud of her. They have given unselfishly of their time, money, and most of all, love. Sawyer is truly such a lucky little girl to have them in her life, and I just know she will come to realize that more and more as she grows into a young woman. Thank you Mom and Dad-we love you :)

Thanksgiving...and Pigtails!

Well, we had yet another wonderful Thanksgiving this year! Preston, Sawyer and I went over to Mom and Dads house and spent the day eating and spending time with my family. We had the most AMAZING food-mostly thanks to Mom and Mamaw- and an all around great day! Our family has a tradition of exchanging gifts on Thanksgiving instead of Christmas, we call them 'secret turkey gifts,' so its always fun and exciting to see the neat things everyone gets. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday...I so enjoy spending time with the people I love, and we truly have SO MUCH to be thankful for!

Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is GOOD; His love endures FOREVER."

On another topic: Sawyer girl now has long enough hair for pigtails!!! I did them for the first time last week, and she looks absolutely ADORABLE with them...she look like such a big girl!