God's Business is Redemption

For those of you who have followed my blog for the past few years, you might remember when our dear friend Armondo died.  It was a hard time and watching my sweet friend Traci cope with the loss of a spouse was humbling and hard.  It was definitely a sad time, but when the Lord says that joy will come in the morning, it always does.  He brought an amazing man, Tyler, into Traci's life and they were married a couple of years ago.  The joy of watching the Lord redeem a sad situation is simply indescribable and now He continues to work by creating a new little life.

Traci and Tyler have a little baby girl on the way and I am once again amazed at God's goodness.

This past weekend, all of my best girlfriends were once again reunited around the baby shower for Traci.  It was an amazing time full of memories and hope for the future.  The shower was in Arizona which is where we all met and was such a fitting setting for the celebration.

Anna and I flew in on Friday night to surprise Traci (a gift from her hubby, THANKS TYLER!).  It was so wonderful to fly in with Anna even if Evie screamed for much of the flight.  Traci was surprised and we started our wonderful weekend together.

On Saturday we had all morning and most of the early afternoon to sit and chat together before the shower started.  It was wonderful.

Not only did I have my best girlfriends around, but someone was always available to hold the baby and we started with Caramel Martinis at 10AM.

Yes, there is no shame, it was 5 o'clock somewhere!  And they were delicious!  We took our time setting everything up and enjoyed every moment just reconnecting and laughing.  Oh it was wonderful.

The shower brought with it more friends and family including our dear friend Tara and her hubby Matt.  Once again all 4 of us were together again and it just makes me smile.  We have all been through a lot and remain dear sweet friends.

I heart these women, so very much.

It was simply a wonderful time of loving on Traci, Tyler and this new little one.  I wouldn't have missed it.

After the shower I found Traci sitting alone and couldn't help but take the moment to feel the little one.  I was blessed because for a good 20 minutes I got to hug and love on that little baby, God's perfect redemption.  I was amazed.  I was also ETERNALLY grateful that all of that kicking wasn't in my tummy!

Evie and I shared a wonderful Sunday morning at church and with these amazing women I call my sisters.  I thank the Lord every day that although our bodies are far apart, our spirits are close.

The weekend was short, yes, but so beautiful and special.  Just one hour in the presence of these women would have been worth the trip plus I got a mommy vacation from my toddler! I cannot wait to meet little girl Wincup and watch as the Lord continues to work wonders in Traci's life.

Lord you are good and Your mercies endure forever!

Lily Grace

It feels like it has been a while since I spent some time just talking about my Lily Bear.  There is so much to say about her because she is simply so busy.

The best way to describe Lily these days is contrary.  I say yes, she says no.  I say no, she says yes.  I say don't do it, she runs as fast as possible TO do it.  Its constant.  Every boundary is being tested, every line being crossed.  Once the boundary is set again she has to test it 50 more times.  Goodness.  When I'm not frustrated, I am simply amazed.  She is exploring everything and I love that she is really learning her world.   Most of the things she does that just seem naughty are really her toddler attempt at learning.  She is just so smart.

Lily loves going to the doctor with baby Evie.  Her favorite thing is the blood pressure cuff and she is constantly asking me if she can take my blood pressure. 

Lily recently had her first visit to the dentist.  I wasn't sure how she would be and she was awesome.  Perhaps her good dentist behavior had to do with the fact that Memaw has been teaching her all about dental floss and teeth brushing.  Lily practically thinks its a hobby.  She was perfect and has great pearly whites.

Lily loves to watch movies these days.  Considering my family still calls me the "Movie Queen," I suppose it fits.  She LOVES to find a movie she likes and then watch it until she has each part memorized.  "Lady and the Tramp" is nearly worn out and we have now transitioned to the "Aristocats."  Introducing new movies into her repertoire tends to be a fight.  She just wants what she wants and "Lady and the Tramp" for the 40th time continues to delight her.

While horses are still her favorite animal, she is head over heels for Minnie and Mickey Mouse.  They go everywhere with her and no bed time is complete without their presence.  I love it because during this contrary time in her life all that I have to do is threaten to take the mice away and she immediately becomes obedient.  Thank you Minnie and Mickey for helping me to parent!

Lily has made a new best friend in Caleb Gallegos.  Caleb's mom, Sarah, and I meet once a week to run.  We both have toddlers and new babies and we are both runners.  It works great especially when all of our children combust.  Its been super cute to watch their little friendship emerge.  Lily is a little older so she tends to want to lead Caleb where he doesn't entirely want to go, but most of the time they do awesome together.

Lily is only still at nap and bed time.  She is constantly busy doing this and that around our house and Memaw's house.  She loves to help with laundry by spraying the spray and wash.  Actually she soaks one little spot on the shirt and feels it her responsibility to make sure EVERY item gets sprayed, but hey, it keeps her busy and teaches her to love laundry.  I'll take it!

Lily, I love you.  No matter how hard your little personhood is right now I just love you to pieces.  You are so smart and strong.  I know the world is big and you are small, but some day you are gonna figure things out and life won't be so hard between the two of us.  You are a beautiful little girl and have a will of your own.  I'm unbelievably proud of you and cannot wait to watch you become a woman.  All my love Lily Lu, you are my sunshine!