Reason #487 Why I LOVE Chick-fil-a

Three weeks ago, Chad and I had the opportunity to go on the Best. Retreat. Ever.

First of all, it was free.  Yep, completely free.  That alone makes it the best ever because we could actually do it!

It was also media free.  No TV, no internet, and we only used our phones to check in on the kiddos.  So good to be disconnected from the chaos for a few days.

And what really made it incredible was that there was no program, no schedule to keep . . . except meal times and I'm perfectly fine with keeping that one!  We were able to read for hours, pray in quiet, sit by a fireplace (I'm still trying to talk Chad into getting one installed in our house . . . LOVE), hike in absolutely beautiful surroundings, talk and talk and talk with no interruptions or little ones pulling or yelling at us . . . Just plain amazing and exactly what our hearts needed!

The retreat was at Winshape Camps, the camp and retreat center owned by Chick-fil-a.  It is in Rome, GA on the campus of Berry College and the setting is breathtaking.  There were flocks? herds? of deer everywhere.  The guys kept being like, "if only I had a gun."  I'm not much on eating deer (news flash:  it DOES NOT taste just like beef), but prefer to just watch them run and play!

They have lots of marriage retreats through the year, but this was the Pastor's R & R that only happens twice a year.  They let a senior pastor and his wife come for zero cost, but it's a once in a lifetime thing.  As if we didn't already love us some Chick-fil-a . . . they now hold a new place in our hearts!

A fellow pastor in NOLA told Chad about it a few months ago and asked if we wanted to go.  A free trip with no kids . . . absolutely!  Plus it was so fun to go with this other couple because the 8 hour drive gave us lots of time to get to know them, talk about our stories, and about what God is doing in our city we all love! 


We all seriously expected that this would be a large conference, maybe 100 to 150 people.  So imagine our surprise when we get there and learned that there were only 5 couples coming!  10 people!  It was so cozy, casual, and intimate instead of the big and crowded like we expected . . . that would have been fine with us, but it was so much better than what we hoped for!  We had great conversations at meals with the group and really tried to build each other up.  We also had lots of laughs . . . one guy had a joke for every topic that came up, we played The Newlywed Game and I nearly wet my pants from the answers that were given (and the "looks of death" that usually followed), and many laughs came as I followed Chad each day on whatever "adventure" he wanted us to do . . . he is such a boy!


We joked that if we had known how incredible it was going to be, we probably would have saved the trip for another time, a time when we felt really burnt out or stressed.  But praise God that He brought us there, not in a time of crisis, but for a time to be refreshed and refueled in a way that will hopefully protect us from getting to a place of crisis.


So if you are a pastor, I would highly recommend that you pick up the phone right now and reserve a spot for September or January!  You can thank me later!


Here are some pics from our trip . . .

Chick-fil-a doesn't roll like a cheap hotel . . . our rooms were gorgeous and so cozy!

If I wasn't eating or hiking, you could find me here.  A fireplace is the only thing that could make me want to live anywhere other than NOLA . . . besides God of course!

We hiked up to a reservoir on our first day.  We both feel like nature does a lot to refuel us so we were in heaven!

This is Chad trying out the acoustics in Frost Chapel, a beautifully and really old church on campus.  I'm told that the wait list for weddings is around 3 years.  I understand why.  I'm betting there are girls that come to school, reserve a date, and just pray that they have a guy and a ring by that time!!

We had a chef cooking fabulous meals just for us!  Did I mention that we had dessert twice a day.  I probably gained 5 lbs while we were there, but I loved every bite.

No round tables and folding chairs  . . . we all sat around this fancy dining room table for each meal.  And there was a different place setting for each meal.  The guys could care less, but the ladies ooo'd and aaa'd at each meal.  

Our hosts . . . Terry and Theta.  Talk about the gift of hospitality.  They served us, encouraged us, and made the retreat 100 times better than we could have imagined.  

Our last breakfast was, of course, Chick-fil-a chicken biscuits.  We love you Chick-fil-a!!

That Kind of Friend

I've talked about my best friend, Lisa, before . . . how awesome she is, how crafty she is, how generous she is . . . she rocks!

But the thing I love most about Lisa and her husband Charlie (who goes by C3 in our house) is that they live out Hebrews 10:24 in our life . . . "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."  They are definitely "iron sharpening iron" for us.

Don't get me wrong . . . we talk about what our kids are eating, how to discipline, how to lose weight, etc.  But we also talk a lot about how God is teaching us, confronting our sin, challenging us as followers of Christ.

Everyone needs a friend like that.  A friend who when you confess sin won't just try to make you feel better about yourself because compared to others you aren't that bad, but instead will let you confess and cry, but then commit to holding you accountable to walking in the Spirit.  A friend who won't roll her eyes and try to talk you out of it when you talk about how God might be calling you to something "radical", but will push you in taking that leap of faith . . . and might actually jump on that journey with you . . . because what could be better than doing it together?!

This happened last week as I talked with Lisa about my wrestlings with Luke 12 that I wrote about in my last post.  She just "happened" to be reading Luke 11-15 each day in her own time in the Word so she knew exactly how God was speaking to my heart . . . He was doing the same in hers.

So I'm talking about purging and sacrificing for others in need and she says, "I get it and I'm about to send you a video that will push you over the edge!"

Not "But Cole, you need all that stuff." or "Cole, you can't make a huge difference with what little you have so why even bother."  or "Cole, aren't you being a little extreme?"  But "Let me be your real best friend and partner in the Gospel and just give you that shove you need so we both go falling into radical abandonment to Jesus."

Love her.  And C3 too.  (Chad and C3 have these same conversations, though somehow they don't take near as long as ours do!)

Here's the video Lisa sent me.  It is part of a sermon from Francis Chan and is so heartbreakingly true.  I (we) have been a huge loser in the game of Follow the Leader and Simon Jesus Says.  I've not done what He has clearly asked of me in Scripture.  And my disobedience shows what is truly in my heart . . . a lack of compassion for those hurting around me and that I've closed my eyes to the emergencies in our world that I can help alleviate.

So watch the video.  Let God speak.  Then obey.  And if you don't have a friend that will push you over the edge into radically following Christ . . . find one.  And make sure that you are that kind of friend too.

Luke 12

**Warning**  I feel like lately my posts could be seen as downers, pretty heavy stuff.  It hasn't been my intention to be so intense.  But being in the Word will do it to you.  It constantly confronts my sin and beckons me to the life that God desires for me.  I can't think of anything better to write about . . . even if it isn't all rainbows and butterflies!  So here goes . . .

I'm reading through the Gospels, a chapter each day.  But I have a problem . . . I can't get past Luke 12.  Today is my second day to read it and I still feel like I can't move on.  It is a call to action that I haven't yet fully taken.

Luke 12 is wrecking me.

You should read it.  Now even.  But be warned, once you know, you can't go back to claiming ignorance.  You either choose to obey or disobey the Word of the Lord.  There is no middle ground.

Scared?  You should be.  I didn't really see it coming.  I was just doing my daily reading, loving being immersed in the life of Jesus each day.  I did expect for that Life to radically confront mine, but maybe I was secretly hoping it would be a little more gentle, less in my face.  Nope.

So I'm reading along and verses 1-12 teach a warning against hypocrisy, about fearing God above man, about our value to God, not being afraid to acknowledge God before men.  Good stuff.

Then I get to v. 13-21 about the Rich Fool.  He has so many crops that he has to build bigger barns to hold it all.  He delights and feels secure in all his possessions, so much so that he decides he can spend a few years just eating, drinking, and being merry.  Not so.  That very night God demands his soul and all that stuff is left behind.

We all know that our hope and treasure shouldn't be in possessions.  (Although putting that into practice is a little tougher than you'd expect, right?)  But verse 21 struck me as never before . . . "So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."

What does it mean to be "rich toward God?"  That question stuck in my mind as I kept reading.

I read on in v. 22-31 about not being anxious about anything . . . what you will eat, drink, or wear because God knows that you need them and will provide . . . "seek his kingdom and all these things will be added to you."

Here is where I really started struggling.  What about those people who are seeking God, but are watching their children die from hunger?  Or those that are dying of diseases because they don't have any clean water to drink, but love Jesus with all of their hearts?

I know God is a Promise Keeper, so I started asking how it is that so many who love Him could be experiencing such poverty and hopelessness on earth.  How do they feel as they read this passage?  Do they question God's love for them? 

Verses 32-34 gave me my answer.  They probably don't question God's love for them.

They question mine. 

My love for God.  My love for them.

I'm being called out on the two greatest commandments . . . Love the Lord your God will all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  Love your neighbor as yourself. 

Jesus acknowledges that there will be needy people on the earth, but that God absolutely desires to provide for them.  How?  Through His children . . . "Sell your possessions and give to the needy (v33)."    Do I really love my neighbor as myself?  As I heard Katie Davis say, "Myself doesn't want to starve, so . . ." 

Verse 34 says, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  Ouch.  Is my treasure in my stuff or in being a part of seeing PEOPLE cared for and given the Gospel?  Is this what it means to be rich toward God?

Somehow I kept going, but verse 35 hit me hard, "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning."  Basically, get in the battle and stay in the battle.  Stay awake!  Get on board the mission God has given you and don't give up.

And if all this wasn't enough, verses 47 & 48 put the nail in the coffin (funny expression, but quite appropriate here . . . put myself in the coffin and nail it shut . . . am I ready to die to self?)

Anyway . . . my heart was heavy with the Word and then I read this . . . "And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating . . . Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more."

After being confronted with this Truth, I feel that my life as it is now has me prepped for a severe beating.  I've clearly seen the will of the Master, from all of Scripture, but even specifically in Luke 12.  I can't pretend like I don't know.  It is a matter of obedience.

I have always been brokenhearted over those in poverty, in hunger, and thirst, without their basic needs being met.  But I will no longer let it stop at my heart.  It has to propel me into action.  Not that I haven't ever done anything to help, but I know I can do more.  I have certainly been given much.  Much is required, not suggested, from me.

I've been reading Kisses from Katie and God has used it to stir my heart to radical obedience.  But I think I (we) so often have a tendency to think that radically living out the Word means we have to move to Africa and live in a hut.  For some, like Katie, it does.  And it might for me or you.  But I fully believe that God calls and empowers us to live that same radical life wherever He has placed us.  How can I live this life right here in New Orleans?

I'm certainly not done processing all this and I'm asking and listening for how God wants me to specifically respond to this Word.  But I can tell you that for starters the Gilbert house is about to be purged!  I so don't want my heart to be bound up in possessions so many are about to be sold!

You'd think that being faced with this Word would leave me scared or nervous, but the exact opposite is true.  I'm excited at the thought of becoming even more free from the things of this world and living a life more in tune with the heart of God.

Where I'm at today

So here are three amazing things that have happened already today . . .

1.  A friend sent me a message on facebook asking how the adoption process is going.  Simple, but so good.  Our adoption is on my mind a million times a day, but it is nice to know that we aren't the only ones who remember, pray, and anticipate our little man coming home.

2.  We got invited to a dinner on Saturday night to celebrate Ethiopian Christmas!  Our friends, the Palmers, brought their son home from Ethiopia in 2011 and this will be Anna's first try at making Ethiopian food.  Thankfully she said she wouldn't be offended if we needed to make a McDonald's run for the kids . . . and Chad. :)  What a blessing to be able to start weaving Ethiopian traditions into our life.

3.  Our friends, Owen and Amanda Nease, are on their way to NOLA with their newborn daughter, Emery, that they just adopted in Texas!  God used our prayers for the Neases to speak to us about our own adoption and it has been such a joy to walk beside them during their adoption journey.

Exciting, right? 

But as amazing as these things are, my heart has been so heavy today.  I didn't really understand why until Chad came home from lunch and I ended up a puddle of tears in his arms.  I realized how these amazing things were weighing on me.

**Disclaimer**  I'm about to confess the feelings of my heart.  I am fully aware that they come from a focus on self . . . my plan and my timing.  Be gracious . . . because thankfully that is the character of the God I've already poured my heart out to.

1.  Like I said, I love that people ask how we are doing, where we are in the process, etc.  But today as my friend asked if we would have Easton home in 2012, I had to painfully type that the timeline is now 24 to 36 months of waiting, which means it will most likely be 2013 or even 2014 before I bring my son home.  Talk about a knife in the heart.  This is a long road, y'all, and we are just at the beginning.  I so bad want to "wait well" but I admit that I have to take a deep breath as I consider what is ahead.

2.  I'm so excited about celebrating Ethiopian Christmas with friends, but I must confess that I'm a little nervous about keeping my emotions in check as I watch the Palmer's precious boy run around . . . all the while aching to experience that with my son.  I want to be fully here, in the now, but I find it hard to do when part of my heart and mind are on a country and a little boy across the ocean.

3.  I am 100% overjoyed that the Neases are coming home with their baby girl today.  But I also can't deny the jealousy or envy, I guess, that I feel.  Not like I want it happening to me instead of them, but that they are at this point in their journey and it will be years before we get to experience the joy of this day in our own journey.  *Remember, be gracious . . . I'm being gut level honest here.*

So there it is . . . blah.  Believe me, I'm not enjoying this heaviness, this focus on the negative, the fact that my emotions are operating according to what happens to MY plan or hope.

So I had a good cry with Chad and it helped just let out the tension inside. (Seriously . . . how did I get such an amazing husband?  I could never deserve him.  I just thank God for His gift.)

Than Chad reminded me of what Joseph said in Gen. 50:26, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." 

Joseph is a man that knows about waiting.  Waiting in circumstances far worse than my own.  But at the end of it all, he saw God's purposes and PERFECT plan.  A plan which included the saving of many lives.

So while I don't think that people in the adoption process intend it for harm, I know that Satan sure does.  He is an enemy of the Gospel and is therefore an enemy of adoption, which beautifully declares the Gospel.

So I could just be really mad at Satan or really bitter about the process taking so long . . . or I could trust God, the same God that was sovereign over Joseph and used his horrible circumstances to save lives.

Chad helped me put it in perspective.  What if, two years from now, when we feel like we've been waiting for an eternity and it is becoming ever-increasingly hard to wait well . . . what if then God uses our story to speak to another family about adopting . . . saving the life of a little one somewhere.  That opportunity to be a part of saving more lives than just our Easton might not happen if this adoption went MY way . . . having him home yesterday! :)

So if you were disappointed as you read my yucky, selfish feelings . . . sorry, I'm real.  But know that the Word and Chad brought me back to trusting God's sovereignty . . . for now.  :)  I have a feeling that I'll be going through this more times than I'd like in the next few years.

If you want to pray . . . pray for trust, pray that we would wait well, but it wouldn't hurt to pray that the process would pick up the pace a bit!  There are hundreds of families waiting to make an orphan a part of their forever family!

Stay Awake

I'm not a big New Year's resolution kind of girl.  Probably because I've failed every time I've dared to make one.  Don't get me wrong, goals are good, discipline is good, but it usually ends up being more of a shame and failure thing about March than a rejoicing in success on December 31st. 

Even still, there is just something about starting fresh that draws me in and makes me want to right all that is wrong in my life . . . and do it all this year! 

Chad wrote something to our church that God had impressed on him about this issue and it was really powerful to me . . .

January 1 has historically been a very intense day in my life as I attempt to implement my lofty goals. The result is usually pride and a strong sense of accomplishment. No one would likely fault me for this, but as I reflect on the fruit of my efforts, I find myself at odds with the Gospel. Pride is the great enemy of humility, and humility is at the heart of the Gospel..."he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil. 2:8)

I should have been quicker to see that year after year of failed New Year's resolutions are perhaps an indication of something more than weak willpower. Maybe the resolutions are defective. Maybe I have made the means the end and have lost sight of the end all together.

Paul charged Timothy to "train yourself for godliness." (1 Tim. 4:7) In other words the goal is godliness, not training. When our goals, even our spiritual goals, become ends rather than a means to the end, we run the great risk of becoming prideful.

I'm pretty sure that often make the disciplines involved with training the ultimate goal instead of just the means to the real goal . . . godliness.  Being closer to the heart of my Father.  Reflecting Him more.  Fulfilling the mission He has given me.

So as I came to my time with Jesus this morning, I resolved to not make self-defeating resolutions.  I was just honest with God about my desires to know Him more and the fact that I didn't know exactly how He wanted to do that in my life, but that I'm ready for a new year of growth and purpose.  

And just like He always does, God spoke.

Mark 13 was my reading for today and such a timely Word.  

³³ Be on guard, keep awake.^[a] For you do not know when the time will come. ³⁴ It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants^[b] in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. ³⁵ Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows,^[c] or in the morning— ³⁶ lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. ³⁷ And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” 

So what is my plan for 2012?  

Stay Awake!  

And not just staying awake while sitting around doing nothing.  In verse 34, all the people weren't just left hanging out at the house.  No, they were left with a mission, with work.  

I'm going to stay awake by being about the mission He has given me . . . to glorify God by making disciples of all nations.  Mark 13:10 says it clearly, "And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations."  

So I guess my New Year's resolution boils down to just being obedient.  The Great Commission in Matthew 28 isn't just for the elite, for a chosen few, for those with special training.  It is for me . . . and you.  And it isn't a suggestion.  It is a command.  Will we obey?

Chad pointed out in his sermon that we forget what a gift the Great Commission is to us.  If we truly desire to know God, then being given a mission is a blessing because in order to complete our mission it is necessary that we draw near to God, trust in His wisdom and strength, and cry out to Him to do what we can't . . . change hearts.   

As we live out the calling to make disciples, we will find ourselves becoming the men and women we desire, and God desires, us to be.  The kind of people we hope to become when we make endless resolutions that can have us defeated before we even begin. 

So I'm going to immerse myself in the Word of God (without stressing over a reading plan like usual), grow in prayer so as to intercede for others and join in the work God is doing (without making a detailed list of 5 things to pray for each day like I've done before), and I'm going to engage in the mission of making disciples in New Orleans and all nations (without worrying about getting the words out right instead of focusing on the heart of the person in front of me).

Happy New Year!

Setting Captives Free

Last night, Chad and I were talking with Kathi . . . a woman who has recently been born again and I have the joy of discipling (and I get the privilege of baptizing her in January!).  Chad was talking to her about spiritual growth . . . that you grow the most when you are giving away what you are learning.  The goal isn't to just consume as much as possible, but to be teaching to others all that you are receiving.  To be a disciplemaker.  He explained that even though she might not feel ready, the Great Commission is for her, now.  Then he said these words . . .

You are to be setting captives free.

Chad went on talking, but I wasn't listening.  Those words struck me and my mind raced down that path. 

What if I was going about my business one day, let's say going to the park, and all of a sudden I see two women being held captive.  I mean like shackles on their hands and feet, can't get out, kind of captivity.  Slaves.  One women is screaming for help, begging to be freed from this bondage.  The other woman isn't fighting.  She's been brainwashed into thinking that things are fine, that she chose these chains, that this life is good.

No matter what they say and whether they see it or not, I know that this slavery is horrible, painful, unjust, and evil. 

My heart would be in my throat.  My mind would race.

How can I free them?  What can I do to save them?

And if all of a sudden I saw the way, the way to set them free, would I not take it?  Would my compassion and sense of justice and the small amount of courage in me not move me to action? 

If you are like me, the thought of being a part of freeing someone from slavery is scary, but exciting.  To witness a life being changed, being pulled out of oppression, chains being broken . . . how amazing would that be?  To travel the world and free those in bondage, allowing them the chance for freedom and new life.  To see the oppressor punished, unable to put chains on another person ever again.  To see physical wounds from imprisonment, labor, or torture heal, as well as the emotional and spiritual wounds.

I don't know too many people who would say no to that privilege.

But, then again, I actually say no almost every day.  

Romans 6 clearly states that before we are born again, we are slaves to sin.  This is the state of people I interact with every day.  Slaves.  Some may realize the pit they are in and might be screaming for help.  Others may be deceived into thinking they are free, they are their own Master, they serve no one.  It is a lie straight from the one who holds the chains.

And I do have the Way, the Way to set them free.  I obviously can't save them myself, but I know exactly Who can.

How could I not share it?  Doesn't my compassion and sense of justice and the small amount of courage in me not move me to action? 

What in the world could stop me?  Am I that hateful?  Do I really have that little of love towards people?  Do I realize the gift I've been given?  Am I like the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18?  Is my fear so great to stop me?  Fear of what? 

Do I realize that this very thing is the mission the Church was given by Jesus in Matthew 28?   

Have I forgotten that this is the very thing that is to characterize my life.  

I finally tuned back in to Chad and Kathi's conversation, but my mind and heart have still been wrestling with this.

How could I get so excited at the thought of rescuing someone from physical captivity, but be so apathetic and fearful at times about sharing the Rescuer with someone in spiritual bondage to sin?

I'm not proud of this.  I so wish I could say that I am always looking and ready to share the Hope that I have, the fact that I've been rescued.  But I'm not.  And that is not living worthy of the calling I've received.

I want to just let myself go, to fall unhindered into the mission I've been given.  But there are obviously things holding me back.  I want to figure out what they are and cut them loose.

I want to set captives free.

Happy 1st Birthday Grayson!

My baby is no longer a baby.

sniff, sniff.

No more bottles.  No more baby food.  I'm sure he'll be walking soon and then the last of the "babyness" will be gone. 

What a year we have had with Grayson . . . my little monkey, bruiser, buddy, little man or currently (and most accurately) the destroyer!

I could write so much about the joy that Grayson has brought to our lives.  The way God has used him to teach us and refine us.  The vast differences I've discovered between boys and girls because of my son that is definitely all boy.

But I won't.  Because my boy has had a high fever all day and I have a feeling it is going to be a really long night.  He is in the phase of pretty much only wanting Daddy when he's home (knife to the heart for this mommy, but I keep reminding myself it is a good thing for him to love his Daddy so).  But somehow Mommy is the one he needs at night, so I'll be up at 3 am with medicine dropper in hand!

So I'm just going to post a bunch of cute pictures of my sweet (gulp) 1 year old son!  Some from this year and then some from his birthday party.

My little man (5 lbs 12 ozs) came nine days early . . . 5 days before my scheduled c-section.  I was sick and literally coughed myself into labor!  Such a precious (early) gift from God!

Grayson started having tremors the day after he was born.  He spent 24 hours in the NICU as they ran a bunch of tests for seizures or neurological issues.  Just like with Ava, we had to place him in God's hands and just trust our Heavenly Father and Healer.  The tests came back fine and the tremors went away within a few weeks!

Going home from the hospital . . . ready to figure out how to be a family of four!

 My boy bulked up in no time . . . here he is at 3 months.

 Grayson's baby dedication (really, parent dedication) at Edgewater in May (5 months).

My little Linus!  Grayson sucks his finger AND is a blankie kid.  He doesn't discriminate, though.  Any fabric will do.  What a combo . . . I love it!

Who Dat?!  Grayson loves to throw his football and of course loves rooting for the SAINTS!  How cute is he just chillin before the game with our friend JB?!

 I love this picture . . . minus the hives all over his forehead from being licked by a dog.  (Who knew you could be allergic to dog saliva?  You can.  He is.)  Our friend, Erica, made him this Africa shirt so he could spread the word about Easton!

Cutest giraffe I've ever seen.  Ever.

Definitely a Daddy's boy!  I don't mind (okay sometimes I do . . . can't Mommy get a little attention!) because he's got one great Daddy and it would bless my heart for Grayson to become a man that follows in his Daddy's footsteps. 

Caught this pic the one second that Grayson decided to leave his hat on!  Won't ever happen again, but so cute!

Grayson and Mommy at his 1st Birthday Party! 

 Thanks to pinterest, mom and I made the cutest monkey cupcakes and they were so easy!

Ready for his cupcake!  Such a second child though . . . unlike Ava, this was not his first taste of chocolate.  :) 

I love technology (sometimes)!  Chad's mom is really sick so they weren't able to physically come to the party, but that didn't stop them from enjoying the festivities!  Chad skyped with his parents so they could sing Happy Birthday and watch him enjoy his cupcake!

You can't come to a party at my house without playing a game!  The adults got to guess what age Grayson is in each picture.  The winner got 12 out of 24 right!  Hard game, but great way to have lots of cute pictures of my boy!

  A little fun with balloons . . . Grayson was obsessed!

We are beyond blessed with our precious girl and now ONE YEAR OLD son!  "Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . ."