Winter? What winter?

I'm starting to think we got gypped out of a winter this year. It's feelin' a lot more spring-like and less I've got-to-turn-on-the-heater-like around here. Frankly, I haven't had our heater on but a handful of times in the last few months. Cooper is happier than can be being able to play outside and not worry about shivering his bum off or getting rained on. I'm happy to see our electric bill stay at a happy medium. I guess the vibrant sky and warm sun on my skin is a plus too.

I'm captivated by the contrast of the citrus against the blue sky. It's refreshing and makes my heart happy. Spring is near and I can't wait. Although we've been having a good taste of the upper 60's and 70's, I can't help but feel it's just a tease. I'm thinking this honeymoon phase will end come March and April. Then we'll be hammered by crazy winds and rain. Tease or not, I'm gonna enjoy it each day that passes. 

Nice morning snack outside. Eating with the birds and bugs makes snack time so much more fun.

My best helper of picking up fallen fruit. He doesn't seem to mind...

Wherever you are winter, I can't honestly say I'm missing you...

For My Son

Times, they are a changin' around here. Life is bright and full. The Douglas family is busier than ever and really, it's a good busy. We are tied to church events, meetings, and fellowships but it isn't by any means an obligation like, "Oh, we have to go to church." More so, it is an uplifting kind of busy. One that we are glad to be experiencing. Right now in life we're surrounded by so many kind hearts who have our family's best interest in mind. Never have we experienced such genuine love and compassion from people who-just 4 months ago were mere strangers to us.  I am grateful to all who have led us to this point. Joel and I might not have been raised in church, but I can tell you right now that won't be the case for our son.

***To Cooper James:***

Dear Cooper,

By the time you read this you will probably be grown; but tonight as I write this, you are a healthy 21-month-old baby sleeping soundly in your crib. 

I've come across a verse while reading in my bible and thought of you: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

I do hope this will reflect your life in the future. In the past few years your Dad and I have grown in our faith. Back in November 2011 we found our church home. One that you enjoy just as much as we do. You have made many friends and the older kids love fighting over you! Must I say you're quite popular. It was you who made us draw closer to God. You helped us be strong and determined to change our path in life. Both your father and I agreed that the best life and gift we could ever give you is a life following Christ. 

Cooper, we love you more than words can say. I only hope that we raise you to know and love the Lord. Everything after that will fall into place as long as you can have that knowledge and understanding.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-7

I found this true in every way when we found out that you'd be born a little extra special for us. I embraced you with all my might and found so much solace and peace knowing I was chosen to be your Mom. Thank you Coop for being my loving son. 

Gold bless you and your life. I wish you happiness in all your endeavors. You'll always be the, "Sweet Pea, apple of my eye" and I'll always know the, "Stars shining bright above you" will help you "Dream a little dream of me."

Love,

Mom

It's bittersweet watching him become more of a Daddy's boy, needing less from me each day.

We've been having spring-like weather lately. On this day is reached  70 degrees. In February!

Take a moment today, tomorrow, or a week from now to enjoy all that life has to offer you. Take advantage of it and enjoy the ride. I know we are!