Bye-bye Curls

After giving Cole a bath last night, I was brushing his hair and missing all of those precious curls! He desperately needed a haircut (see previous post), but I'm sad that they are gone. His hair has always been pretty straight in the front, but the back boasted tons of curly locks...especially when his hair got wet or the humidity kicked in. I guess it's just one more step to him growing up. Here are a few pics of before and after...

Before...

After...

It's Paw-ty Time!

After such an emotional/hard week, it was great to CELEBRATE! I still can't believe that my sweet precious boy has turned two. How the years have flown by! I love the way Cole is growing and changing every day...what a beautiful gift the Lord has given Michael and I.
The festivities began on Friday morning, Cole's actual birthday. He woke up, watched a special show (we usually don't watch TV in the mornings) and ate a yummy b'day breakfast (doughnuts and apple muffins...a favorite). He then opened a couple of gifts from Michael and I. What fun it was watching him open the presents by himself! What a difference from last year's b'day/Christmas! It was so much FUN watching his little eyes dance as the paper was ripped away.
After getting ready, we headed to the salon for his first "official" haircut. It was supposed to happen earlier in the week, but with the other events taking place, it was pushed to Friday. Now, I have "trimmed" Cole's hair a few times myself (over the ears, the bangs, etc.) but it's never been cut professionally. I was expecting the crying b/c at home he doesn't like scissors. Well, I was right. He didn't like ANYTHING about the experience. He squalled and it took both Michael and I to keep him somewhat still. It was pitiful! The whole time I'm thinking...his hair is going to look awful - there's no way she's able to get a decent cut with all this crying and "dodging" of the scissors! Luckily, Janice (my hairdresser) proved me wrong. He looked so handsome, and so grown-up!
After this traumatizing experience, a birthday lunch was definitely in order. We met Papa and Gigi at McDonald's grab a bite to eat and let Cole play. We usually go to Chick-Fil-A, but thought we'd try something different. This was Cole's first time at McD's PlayPlace...he had so much fun!
The rest of the day was spent playing and getting ready for the party on Saturday. What a fun time we had! I went with a puppy theme since Cole LOVES puppies. I made puppy invitations, puppy cakes, and served dog shaped sandwiches and snacks in dog bowls and other "puppy" containers. It turned out so cute! Cole was the star of the show and loved showing off his puppy birthday shirt. The hit toy was the train set along with a singing dog Mama Jo got him...it sings a Christmas version of "Shout" while its ears flap up and down. Cole thought it was hilarious!
All together it was a wonderful few days full of fun memories that we will cherish. Now, where to put all the toys!?!

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See you in the morning...

Yesterday we held the memorial service for Dad G. What a beautiful celebration of life it was. Bro. Courtney Wilson and Bro. Larry Gilmore spoke...we laughed and cried as memories were shared and Dad G's character was praised and admired...such a strong man of faith, integrity, steadfastness, and love. Both pastors also gave beautiful examples of the hope we as Christians have in Jesus Christ when a fellow believer passes from this earthly place into the arms of God. The salvation message was portrayed beautifully and our family knows that the unbelievers in attendance were witnessed to yesterday afternoon...seeds were sown as the Word was proclaimed.

I love the passage in Scripture that Bro. Larry shared yesterday when Paul was speaking to Timothy. Paul said "...the time has come for my departure" (2 Timothy 4:6) meaning his death. I love the wording he chose - departure. Departure is not a finality...it means moving from one destination to another. "I'll see you later", "Wait for me...I'll meet you there" are the common sayings. What a beautiful picture of what the Christian life embraces.

The song "Arise My Love" also comes to mind. It's usually sung at Easter, but the lyrics are perfect for this time as well..."sin where are your shackles? Death where is your sting? Hell has been defeated. The grave could not hold the KING!" Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. The Heavenly Father watched his beloved son die on a cross for you and me, but oh the JOY when Jesus Christ arose victorious on that beautiful morning to bring freedom to all mankind. What a promise of hope that death has lost its sting!

I want to also thank all of you for your prayers and words of comfort/encouragement over these past few days. They have truly been felt and God's grace has been sufficient for every moment just as He promises.

The pictures above/below are from the dove release that the family did at the gravesite yesterday after the chapel service. It was so beautiful. The first basket holds three male doves that are released first. These represent the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When released they are trained to circle overhead until the final dove, a female, is released to join them. She represents us, the bride of Christ, going to meet bridegroom. When she joins the males, they all fly away together...it was breathtaking.

A Wonderful Life

I love the Christmas movie "It's A Wonderful Life"...one of the classics. I love the ending when Jimmy Stewart's character realizes all the blessings bestowed on him and all that he has to be thankful for. This sentiment has been so real for me the past few days watching Dad G struggle with cancer. Realizing all the blessings of my beautiful family and thanking God for each moment spent together.

My sweet Dad G went home to be with the Lord this morning at around 5:00 a.m. I spent the morning at the hospital with Mom G, my mom, dad, and Kyle (my brother). What a roller coaster of emotions. We have perfect peace that he is with his Savior...what a beautiful hope we have in Jesus Christ, but we are also grieving that we will no longer talk with, hug, kiss, or crack jokes with our precious Dad G.

For those of you that didn't know him, he was FULL of life. He was a natural salesman and would literally talk to a wall (that must be where I get it from...ha!). He owned National Stores which used to be on the square in Gallatin for many years. After he retired, he worked part time at Vic Jenkins and then Gibson's Furniture...only to stay in contact with the public and use his "selling" charm on all that walked through the doors. He would meet his buddies at the Dairy Queen for coffee and was a regular at the Lion's Club Luncheons. He always knew ALL the town business and if you ever had a question about anyone, just ask Dad G :-)

I am so thankful for all these memories and so many more that will surface as time goes on. I have realized by speaking with many of you what a blessing it was to have known my grandfather on such an initmate level and spend so much time with him over the years. He played a HUGE role in my life and I'm so thankful for the godly heritage he passed down to my father which passed down to me. What a beautiful example of the love of Christ...I'll never take that for granted again.

Please keep my family in your prayers over the next few weeks. The funeral should be Thursday, Cole's second birthday is Saturday, and then the holiday festivities begin. It will be so different/difficult for all of us this year. Pray specifically for my precious Mom G that the Lord will wrap His loving arms around her and fill her home with His comfort and peace.

(** If you haven't read my previous posts, please do so...it gives a little bit more of our journey over the past few days.)

Cancer

I hate cancer...yes HATE! I never use that word, but it's all that I can think of to express my feeling towards this disease. I'm sure that all of you know someone that is dealing with cancer, or have dealt with it in your family...it's everywhere. It doesn't care about your economic status, your gender, your age, or your race. No one is immune.
Dad G has taken a sudden turn for the worse. We are no longer going to Gatlinburg, but are staying here to be with him and Mom G. We aren't even sure he'll make it through Thanksgiving. It's so hard watching a strong man that you love so much become so frail and weak.
There are so many emotions stirring in me at this moment...fear, anger, sadness, selfishness. All of my grandparents are still living. I've never experienced a death in my close family. I've had a few great aunts and great-great uncles pass away, but nothing that will compare to losing a man that has been such a huge part of my life. I'm angry/saddened that his disease has gotten worse around the holidays and Cole's birthday. This is supposed to be a happy, rejoicing, thankful time, not a time to grieve.
Please pray for our family, and if you are dealing with this horrible disease as well, let me know and I'll be praying for you. One huge blessing is that we are confident that Dad G loves the Lord and that very soon he will be whole again, praising his Heavenly Father surrounded by the beauty of heaven.

Dad G and Cole last year in Gatlinburg. Reading a book that Cole got for his first birthday.

Things Change

Change...sometimes I welcome it, sometimes I fear all that the word embodies. Over the past few weeks, "change" has hovered over my family. With the return of my grandfather's (Dad G) cancer, the holidays will definitely be different. Ever since I can remember, my mom, dad, brother, and I have traveled with my grandparents to Gatlinburg in November to celebrate Thanksgiving. I believe it's been for the past 25 years (or more!). Dad G and Mom G would leave on Sunday to spend a few days enjoying the mountains before we would arrive on Wednesday. Mom G would welcome us on Wednesday evening as we unpacked with a pot of hot soup or chili. We would wake up early Thursday morning and begin cooking our Thanksgiving feast. The Macy's Thanksgiving parade was always on and the evening was spent watching football while the ladies addressed Christmas cards by the fire. Friday was spent shopping downtown and in Piegon Forge trying to find some good deals and snacking on leftovers throughout the day. Saturday was filled with trips to a new destination every year (Dixie Stampede, Ripley's, a day trip to the Biltmore Mansion, etc.) As we left on Sunday, stopping to ride go-carts at "The Track" was the norm.

This year, it is all changing. Dad G and Mom G will not be going because of his illness. He is stable for now, but we know that short of a miracle, this will be his last Thanksgiving with us. It hasn't really sunk in yet...writing it even seems surreal. My mom and I are going to cook them a Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday and we will all celebrate together at their home for the evening. On Wednesday, my family will head to Gatlinburg (the chalet was already rented and my grandparents are insisting that we go)...but it won't be the same. It's the little things I'm going to miss...hearing Mom G's footsteps early in the morning as she starts a pot of coffee, walking with Dad G to the office to get some fresh towels and patiently waiting as he chats with the staff, reassuring Mom G for the millionth time that we ARE warm enough to go shopping and that we don't need an extra scarf :-)

I think we all thrive on family traditions and I'm having to learn that it's okay when traditions change. Who knows what next year holds...will we continue to go to Gatlinburg, or begin a new tradition with Cole? Although our destination may be different, I have years of beautiful memories shared in the Great Smokey Mtns. with my family that will be with me forever.

To celebrate these memories, my mom and I went through old photo albums and found pictures from 1975-2007 of our times in Gatlinburg with my grandparents. We laughed hysterically at some and some brought tears. It was amazing to watch through photographs how our family grew and changed...from my newlywed parents in 1975 to last year when Mom G and Dad G got to celebrate with their great-grandson for the first time. We are taking all these pictures and creating a slideshow DVD for my grandparents at Thanksgiving. What better way to celebrate all the blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us over the years and sharing all that we have to be thankful for.

I know it's easy to get caught up in the "busyness" of the holidays...buying the perfect gifts, hoping the turkey is edible, racing from this party to that...but I encourage you to slow down and enjoy FAMILY. You never know when it will change...

Dad G reading a book with Cole

Enjoying a snack with Mom G

Storytime with Janet

Cole and I met friends yesterday at the Hendersonville Library for storytime. The library had a guest storyteller, Janet from Janet's Planet on PBS. She teaches kids how to be healthy and provides healthy tips for parents as well. The storytime room was packed...about 50 kids I would guess along with their parents...WoW! Afterwards, we let the kids play and look at books before heading to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Such a fun morning!

Playing with the train set

Checking out the books...I think he found every "puppy" book they had!

Fun with friends at Chick-Fil-A...Resa and Dagen, Lindsay, Maddie, and Natalie, Nancy, Ryan, and Lauren.

Cole LOVES the play area. He cries to play if we even pass a Chick-Fil-A while driving down the road. I credit this to Michael...they always go to eat here on their "man-club" outings :-)

Beautiful Day

Time with my boys + yummy lunch at Phillip's Deli in Brentwood + warm weather = A MARVELOUS DAY!! Cole has been sick for the past few days, and we were going bananas staying in the house. Luckily he's doing better so we accompanied Michael on a drive-by appraisal in Brentwood today. I love that town...so many homes and farms with beautiful land to take in as you drive. The trees also seemed to be so much more vibrant there...I think these cool nights have done some good bringing about the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall. If I would've had my camera, we definitely would've pulled over and taken some candid shots of Cole in the leaves. They were breathtaking, especially on the small side roads with tree lined streets and the foliage creating a canopy overhead.
While there we stopped in Phillip's Deli for lunch. If you've never been, it's a must when you're in the area. The potato salad is amazing and all the wraps and sandwiches are yummy too. Just make sure you get the special dressing!
After lunch we headed to Phillip's Toy Mart to do some birthday/Christmas shopping for Cole. What a FUN store! It definitely trumps Toys-R-Us. We had so much fun playing with the train sets, working puzzles, building towers, and exploring every aisle.
Now that we're back home, the next thought is what's for dinner? Hmm...chicken and dressing sound pretty good...

Halloween Fun

We had so much fun last night for Halloween. Cole was a train engineer, he has a sudden LOVE of trains (probably because we've seen a few on our way to school/MOPS). He sported the usual overalls, bandanna, and hat (which he left on the whole evening!), and I made his train...every engineer has to have a train to conduct :-)
Our first stop was the Fall Festival at church. We loved oohing and ahhing at all the cute costumes (and fancy ones too...some of the adults were amazing!). Many of the games/activities were a little too old for Cole, but we had fun chatting with friends and Cole enjoyed the "jumpy house".
After we left, we came back home for a round of trick-or-treating. We went down our street not sure how Cole would react door to door. He had so much fun! We never got him to say trick-or-treat, BUT he always said thank-you...that's a start! He was mesmerized by all the kids running around in their costumes...lots of kids in our neighborhood. He even laughed as a gorilla jumped out at him! We didn't collect much candy this year...that's a GOOD thing. Cole's not fond of many sweets, so Michael and I would've ended up eating it all, which we probably will anyway.
Hope that you all had a fun, safe evening and here's to no cavities!

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