Olivia's First Birthday

I can't believe that our little angel is turning one on Saturday.

It's been a long 21 months. The good news is that God has been forever present and is restoring our family.

We all went to the beach this week to get some sand. We collected some shells and enjoyed the beach at dusk. We mailed the sand and shells to my parents so they could put them at Olivia's grave. Our family and friends will be gathering at Olivia's grave in Arkansas on Saturday. I ordered cupcakes from Key Lime Cottage in Searcy and my parents will take them. They are going to release balloons and will celebrate her sweet little life. It is going to be difficult being 13 hours away, but we are comforted by our family and friends being there. We are humbled by the constant love and support that they show us. I know that there are many more people who might read this who have prayed for us and supported us in ways we never knew. Thank you doesn't seem adequate.

After a year, I finally feel ready to share Olivia's video. These pictures were taken by Amy Bell (http://studiobellaphoto.com/) and she made them into a slide show. It is one of my most cherished possessions. I will be forever grateful for Amy.

Happy Birthday Livvy Lou. You are forever in our hearts.

Blessed Be Your Name

Blessed be your name

In the land that is plentiful

Where the streams of abundance flow

Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name

When I'm found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,I turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name

When the sun's shining down on me

When the world's all as it should be

Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,I turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord, Blessed be your name

How could that happen? Beck's first day of school.

Today was Beckham's first time going to "school" (besides Sunday school). He was so excited this morning!

When I arrived at pickup time I noticed that Beck had on a different shirt.


Oh no, not an accident already!


As I got closer I noticed he still had on his original shorts.


Good. He probably just got something on himself at recess or at lunch.


As his teacher loaded him in the car I found out what really happened. Evidently he had gone #2 in the little potty and had attempted to wipe himself. In the process he got poo all over his shirt. Not on his underwear, not on his shorts, just his shirt. Seriously? How does this happen. So weird.

So much for first day impressions! Now he's going to be known as the poop kid for the rest of the year. You teachers know what I'm talking about.


As if this wasn't bad enough, while she was handing me the ziploc baggie containing the poo shirt, she said that maybe I could talk to Beckham about sharing before he came back to school. She went on to tell me that he was adamant that today was his birthday and no one else's (he wanted to be kid of the day). She described his behavior as going from "protesting to a full blown temper tantrum".


Great. Poop + temper tantrum = marked kid.


As she's telling me all this Beckham is listening from his car seat. When she pauses, Beckham looks at me and says "THAT LADY told me that it is not Poppa's birthday".

Nice one Beck. Way to talk about the teacher when she's right there leaning in our car. Geesh, at least wait until we're driving away!

I pulled away from the school and felt so embarrassed. Bailey has always gotten glowing first day reports on how sweet, helpful and compliant she was. All I could think as I drove was "Welcome to the dark side".

On the drive home we talked about his behavior. I was never able to convince him that everyday is NOT his birthday.

I knew this was going to be interesting! Stayed tuned for a report on school day #2!