Life's a Beach

On Gavin's actual birthday, D. and I thought it would be fun to take him to the beach for the first time. First birthday, why not partake in the first time on the sand and in the ocean (or Gulf as was our case). Neither D.or I had been back to Galveston since Hurricane Ike devastated it nearly a year ago, so I wasn't sure if this experience would be very pleasant. However, I had read that it actually looked better than before since they were redoing the beaches.

So, with one grandmother in tow and another meeting us there with a blond-haired similar looking cousin to Gavin, we set off. When we got there, the beaches did indeed look better.


I love these next pictures of Gavin and D.'s feet together.




Ayden was so sweet to give Gavin a kiss on the cheek, but what was so funny to us is that Gavin reached right out to give a kiss back. Yes, Gavin is in just his diaper. I specifically remember asking D. if I should pack a swimsuit with all of the many other things I packed for the day. The response I got was "no" because we were only going to be on the beach for a few minutes before eating. First, the water was coming in too high, so off with the shorts and then when he started playing in the sand, we wanted to save the rest of his clothes. I'm not sure why because we had tons of other clothes for Gavin in the car, but I think I wanted him to stay in the outfit that went with his hat featured in later pictures.


After a fun time at the beach, we went to eat at the Rainforest Cafe.

I was a little worried that all of the lifelike animals would frighten Gavin, but he seemed okay with it all. We sat by the very friendly and hungry elephants. Ayden and Gavin were having a ball.

Actually, we were all pretty happy especially when they brought out the Volcano, a two brownie, ice cream and whipped topping decadent birthday treat. This pic of Gav is pretty priceless.


On the way, home Gavin conked out pretty fast. I think he had a good birthday.

Thank you Me Me and Nonna for making it so special!

June 17, 2008

That's the date you breathed your first breathe, but it's not the first time you brought joy into mine and your Daddy's hearts. That would be from the first day we knew we were having you. You came into this world under the canopy of a beautiful moon with narrowly a few minutes to spare of being born the next day. To express how much we have been blessed this year as well as how much we love you, your Daddy and I each wrote you a letter. Here's a couple of excerpts:

"Hey Gavin, I cannot believe you are about to turn one. When I found out that I was going to be a dad, my heart was filled even more than I thought it could be. I see your fun-loving personality and sweet demeanor and wonder what you will become. I hope and pray that you will become a godlier man than me. I hope and pray that you will be more giving than me. I hope and pray that one day you will become a better father than me. I hope and pray that you will find your way through life and that your mom and I will be part of that.... Take care Gavin, and know that I love you so much no matter what!" Daddy

"Gavin Liam - Oh, how you captured mine and your Daddy's hearts from the get go. You may be on the smaller side for your age, but you make up for it with your larger than life personality.It's neat that at times, people say you look like me and other times, you look just like your Daddy. I think you're a perfect mix of looks and characteristics. One thing is for sure, you are a child who almost always has a smile on your face. The joy you show is passed on to family, friends and stranger alike. I pray that your Daddy and I will be godly role models as you begin to pick up on the things we say and do. We desire for you to love Jesus and to one day know Him as you personal Lord and Savior. May we help sow the seeds now for that harvest time. We love you dearly and this year has brought us so much joy as we watch you grow. Happy Birthday sweet pea!" Mama

There is so much more that could be said about our little guy. We have been truly blessed and can't wait for many more birthdays with you Gavin.

Red Convertible

Since it was a hot June day, we decided to take the new, red convertible for a spin. G. had been wanting to take it for a test drive since he got it yesterday for his birthday from Nonna and Poppy, and since D. got home from work early it was the perfect opportunity. So with baseball cap donned and another new toy in hand for G., we were off.



Even at five in the evening, it was scorching hot here. D. tried to talk me into pulling him too, but I didn't go for it. Maybe next time. Thanks Nonna and Poppy. We think he likes it!

Birthday pictures to come once I can gather them from everyone.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

D. always says the sign of a good sleep is wild hair especially when it comes to Mr. Man. Some days he has really, really good sleep. After waking up from a two and a half hour nap this morning, we're not really sure what kind of sleep G. was having. One side of his hair was laying down nice and smooth, while the other was out of control. You be the judge.

I Want My House Back

Our house is for sale. We made the hard decision about two months ago when we put it on the market. It's hard because it's the first house we have owned, the house we brought G. home to and in just four years in it we have made so many wonderful memories. We were also blessed to have family and friends write scripture all over the frame of the house when it was being built. Needless to say, it has special meaning to us.

I know there will be other houses that we will love although neither of us wants to move around. We're kind of a one-home, let's raise our children, and sit on the front porch (we don't have a front porch) growing old kind of folks. Plus we made the decision to sell the house for several great reasons. Still, I want my house back. It's weird thinking that people are touring our house several times a week and it's really hard to keep it spit-spot, show house clean all of the time especially now that our wee one is getting into everything.

As the complaint of wanting my house back runs through my head, I'm reminded that our time on Earth is just temporal. Instead of yearning for this physical house that will one day be no more, I should daily be looking forward to my permanent home in Heaven. 1John 2:17 says that the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will will of God lives forever. While I'm still struggling with what God's will is for my life, I know that my temporary desires will pass away one day. Since that's the case, it's probably best that I don't spend so much of my time fretting over what might sell in the near future.

Since you've followed me this long through my little pep talk to myself, I'll leave you with this treat: a sneak peek at G.'s first year birthday pictures.


***Update***Today we were supposed to have someone come at 2:30 to look at the house. At 12:20, we get a phone call saying they rescheduled and are coming at 12:30. If you do a little math, that comes out to they will be here in ten minutes. Needless to say, I definitely wasn't ready. The house was pretty much picked up, but I was in the middle of feeding G. lunch. D. called them back and told them they would have to hold off until at least 12:45, but the realtor never got the message. The door bell rings at exactly 12:30, and flustered, I told them they would have to give me a few minutes especially since G. was crying over wanting more strawberries and he needed to be changed before we left. I didn't tell them all of that of course, but I did make it out of the house with a mostly clean baby. I think he still had some strawberries on his forehead. As if it's not that obvious by now, I really want my house back and God still has a lot of work to do with me!

Weekend Happenings

My family swears (if they did swear) that they heard me yelling for joy at approximately 8:30 a.m. Saturday. That's about the time I turned in my last bit of paperwork at school and officially started summer vacation. Saturday was technically a work day, but I'm glad to have said a quick hello and goodbye.

And with the beginning of summer, that only means that G.'s 1st birthday is right around the corner. We assembled his birthday present and let him try it out early.


He seemed to really like it. At his babysitter's, the big girls (18 months and 2 years old) sit at one just like it. I think he felt like a big boy.

His little feet could barely touch the floor. This picture turned out kind of neat by accident.

That is, he seemed to like it until he slipped and went sailing under the table, but that wasn't so bad either.

I was feeling a little left out in this next picture because the boys were wearing their shark p.j.'s and conveniently had a shark nearby. It was like they had planned it.


Not much went on Sunday except for church. G. slept most of the day because of his teething. We did take him outside for a little while and he seemed to enjoy it. The Moores are all looking forward to more relaxing summer days.

All American Boy

G. had another fun-filled day at Me Me's yesterday. In fact, it was his second day this week since D. had to work. Our little slugger was All-American with his baseball onesie, hat and pie.... scratch that, popsicle.


But as you can tell from that photo, he wasn't too sure about eating the popsicle like most kids do. He decided it was better to touch his finger to the popsicle and then lick his finger.



Me Me also put G. in a large flower pot.

But G. got another unexpected surprise- Toni. From this look, you would think he wasn't too sure about her.

However, this photo shows they are good and well-mannered friends. Neither was attacking the other one. If I were them, I would look out for that cheetah.

Thanks Me Me for a great day!