Memorial Day

I came across some touching photos on The Pioneer Woman's blog today. They are in rememberance of all of those who are and have served our country throughout the years. I often forget what significance this day really has, but after looking at these pictures, I'm reminded what great sacrifices have been made for my freedom.

Take the time to think about a veteran or anyone serving today. And check out these precious photos.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/confessions/

"And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave."

My baby is 2!

Caleb celebrated his 2nd birthday yesterday! I can't believe he's two already. We had a fun fire truck themed party with cupcakes and ice cream, and lots of presents. Caleb was completely overwhelmed and opened one present then proceeded to cry, so I just opened the rest. He is very happy with everything though, and loves playing with his new toys.

I just want to take a moment to thank all of my family for your support and love over the past two year of Caleb's life. You've been such a tremendous help, and offered guidance and reassurance whenever necessary! I'm excited to see what the next few years in Caleb's life (and our own) will bring.

"A Two-year-old child is so many things --
A tiny discoverer of butterfly wings,
A hugger of Teddies,
A sweet sleepyhead,
And someone to dream for in bright years ahead..."

*Sigh....*

I just feel like 'sighing' today...wait, is that even a word? Anyhow, maybe it's the pregnancy hormones or maybe it's just me becoming a sappy mother, but sometimes you just have to sigh. Deep breaths, right?

I took Caleb for his 2 year pictures today, and initially he was shy and uncooperative. But, the moods of a two year old change in an instant, and he was soon hamming it up for the camera. I left the studio with some precious pictures. He is looking more and more like a little boy, and not a baby anymore. In one of the photo poses, he was leaning against a chair with a sly smile on his face, and all of a sudden I had this flash-forward of this same pose in his senior pictures! Of course, I can't predict what he'll look like in 16 years, (or what I'll look like for that matter...it might not be pretty!) but his personality is just growing and growing everyday.

Caleb will be two years old on Sunday, and if I really sit and think about it, I don't know why or how those years went so fast. So much change and growth has happened, and it's exciting and scary to think about adding another child, and losing my special time with Caleb. On the other hand, I got to enjoy two years of uninterrupted Caleb time, which the next baby will not have.

So, I'm just going to sigh and take deep breaths throughout this coming weekend. Don't say anything to me about him growing up at his party, or else I might just shed a few tears. I blame it on hormones. And you, Mom.

"We've had bad luck with children. They all grow up."

You are who you are

I know there's some controversy about making changes in your life or just throwing it to the wind and letting your true colors show. I've been contemplating this lately, and I think I might just be one of those people that can't change in to something I'm not. There's a line between making changes in yourself or your surroundings out of necessity, and just changing to be what other people think you should be. In the marriage relationship, we're going to have to change a little to accomodate the needs of our partner. But, as an individual, why should we change ourselves to be a mold of where/what we're doing in our life? I think every individual has the right to think what they want to think, and be who they want to be. I might not always approve of that, but it's just the plain and simple truth that everyone has a differnt personality. It can be hard to respect someone else that is very different from you, but that is what I want to work on.

I think I'm a pretty strong woman, and I may just have a few control issues...maybe. ;) But, I'm quite confident in who I am, what I believe in, and how I run my life. Strong willed I've always been, and always will be. The same goes for Caleb. He is who he is, and I can try to shape him, but he'll ultimately be his own person. Right now, I like who he is....my sweet, innocent, almost two year old! (Just can't help attaching this photo of him at Tulip Time!)

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."