Grateful

As the year end closely approaches, I have one word to sum things up.....

GRATEFUL

I have so much to be grateful for!  And I look at my little man and my heart is full.  And I reflect on all that we endured to come to "this place" and I cry, tears are streaming now, I'm just so FULL.

And thankful to GOD for his continued BLESSINGS!

PS.  He said "Mama" on Christmas Day!  How's that for the BEST PRESENT EVER!!!!!

Hugs, Love and Continued Prayers, HOPE and Blessings to all,
Andrea

Catching up...In pictures 1

The end of September, we packed the car and headed to Rosemary, Beach, FL to celebrate my Mother's 60th birthday!

My brother and his family joined us, as did my hubbys parents. 

We arrived at our house after a long days drive....

We loved on our Poppie and played at the pool

We played so hard we fell fast asleep

We played with cousins and really were "Beach Bums"!

We dipped toes in both water and sand

We cooked and devoured great meals!

 

We sat as a family and thanked GOD for blessings both BIG and small

We baked Oreo Cup Cakes and celebrated my Little Love turning 5!

We reflected on just how very hard it is to be 5!

We savored the kisses that only a Nana can give

We celebrated in true beach style, in our jammies with an umbrella in our cup cake!  And we were so enamored with our "sparkly number 5" that we took it to bed with us :)

 

We posed for the Mama'razzi

We juggled a busy 9 month old and a squirmy 5 month old!

We "hung loose" (that's the sign he's trying to give)

We "called all crab hunters"

We watched beautiful sunsets over colorful waters

 

We celebrated a milestone in the life of a beautiful Mother

 

We devoured more cup cakes...this time Mocha!  With a "sparkly number 60"!

And, we made memories that will last a lifetime....

BLM Needs Your Love and Prayers

Sweetest Bloggie Friends,

Today, I write to you with a very heavy heart.  After visiting Marie's Blog on Monday night, I was reduced to tears.  The tears just wouldn't stop flowing, it was late, the house was quiet and everyone was asleep, save me, catching up on blogs.  Marie had asked for special prayers for her friend Tanika who's beautiful baby boy Israel Grayson was born to heaven, where he will join his sisters, due to a cord accident. 

Personally, I do not know Tanika, but her story, Israel Greyson's story, took me back to those dark days in my life that are so painful.  It reminded me of all my blog BLM friends who offered me compassion and love.  Those who "held" me and lifted me up and encouraged me through FAITH. Friends, you all "know" what she is going through and I would ask that you visit her blog and offer her love, support, compassion...whatever your heart leads you to speak.  Pay it forward and give back so much of what was given you.

After reading Tanika's post's, I was in awe of her incredible FAITH.  The way she honored her sweet baby and how she attentively cared for him, showered him with her love and shared with him a sunrise on Earth.  She is truly a woman of GOD.  That night, following reading Tanika's post, tears streaming, I went and took Lleyton from his crib, sleeping.  I just needed to hold him next to me and talk to GOD.  Why such things happen to good people leaves me perplexed, heart broken and so incredibly sad.  Again, please stop by Tanika's blog, not just today, but in the coming days and the coming year.  Give her the love that was given to us in our day of need.

Much love to each of you,
Andrea