Twenty-two years ago today, my mom went home to be with the Lord. It is amazing how much I still miss her to this day. I wish she could have been there for some of the most important days in my life...graduation from high school and college, my wedding, the birth of my sons...etc. Most of all I just miss not being able to talk with her...to share the things that mothers share with daughters, to feel that unconditional love. Let's face it, sometimes you just need your mama! I hope that she would be proud of the woman I have become and whom God is shaping me to be. I hope she is smiling down at her beautiful grandsons. I look forward to the day that I can see her again. Today is just hard.

It has been a long time since I have posted. Today, I am dedicating this post to my firstborn. He turned 4 today. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. He is such a blessing in my life. I am so grateful that God has given me time on this earth with this precious little boy. So, Happy Birthday, Kaeden!

So, tonight Kaeden had to take a book to bed (like every other night!). After our prayer time he told me he couldn't find his book. (The book was right in front of him) I asked him if we needed to take him to the eye doctor to get his eyes fixed. His reply; "No, Mommy, I am not OLD like you!" So, apparently only old people go to the eye doctor! :)

Yes, I totally stink and posting on here. I am so sorry about that. I often think I don't have anything to say that anyone would want to read....so, that deters me from blogging. Guess I need to get over that! Here are the answers to your questions. Some of them were really hard....MICAH!!!! :)

1. My favorite hymn is probably Just As I Am. It reminds me of who I am and who God is. It puts things into perspective for me and helps me to remember that He loves me no matter what, that I can come to Him with anything and no matter what, and reminds me of the huge sacrifice that was made on my behalf.

2. Our boys' names: Kaeden's name began because I liked the name Caid (patterned after Cain in the Bible), but I didn't want to name my child after someone who killed his brother, so I switched the ending and came up with Cade. It was then switched to Kaeden because Steve liked the name Kalen. I thought it sounded too girly...so we combined what he liked and what I liked. The spelling came from Steve. He wanted the garden (of Eden) to be referenced. His middle name, Aleksandr, came because it was something I had always liked with Cade. The spelling came from a book Steve was reading at the time about kings back in Bible times. We like funky spellings! :) Korban came initially because I liked the name Corbin when I saw it in a baby book. When I told Steve, he informed me that corban, in Greek, means gift devoted to God....which made it better for me. So, we took the Greek spelling and switched the C to a K to match Kaeden. His middle name, Jaece, came from looking up more Greek names on the internet. It means "the healer". It was initially spelled Jace, but you know that wouldn't do for us! :) Sorry that explanation was so long! Whew!

3. Steve is doing well. He has begun a new business called Woodwindowmakeover.com. This business focuses on restoring, rebuilding, and revitalizing historic wood windows. I think he has found a niche. Feel free to check out his blog at www.quilliancraftsman.blogspot.com or his website woodwindowmakeover.com.

4. The baseball game went really well. Kaeden is doing great! He really enjoys playing. His team has won every game so far.

5. One thing I would like to do is to one day obtain enough money to place a proper headstone on my mother's grave and then have the ability to visit her gravesite more often.

6. If I could go anywhere in the world, I would love to go to Australia or Ireland. Hopefully one day....a girl can definitely dream!

7. Three questions for my mom: 1.) How were you able to maintain a relationship with our Lord and live with a spouse whom rejected Him? 2.) What was your favorite part about being a mom? 3.) What was your biggest dream?

Okay, I think I answered all the questions.

For those who want a little more reading to do...here goes:
Today marks a day of celebration. My baby turned one today at exactly 10:47a.m. I can't believe that he is a year old already. He brings such joy to our lives. He loves to laugh, dance, and cuddle. He also has a fiery redheaded temper! What a blessing. Happy Birthday, little man.

Okay, I think I have reached my blog quota for the evening!

Okay, I don't usually do this, but I have decided to copy my dear friend, Miriam. So, ask me a question...any question...and I'll get back to ya!