Psalm 145:4 Four Generations

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; 

let them proclaim your power. Psalm 145:4 

Grandparents are an amazing gift to children.  So many of my childhood memories include my grandparents.  My grandfather was the first person to take me fishing, teach me my multiplication tables, encourage me to read, attempt to teach me how to drive a five speed, and walk me down the aisle on my wedding day.  He was, and still is, such an important part of my life. After all I grew up and moved right next door to him, and now my children are creating their own memories with their great granddad.

                                                                                   

                                      My 84 year old grandfather holding my 4 months olds' hand


 My grandmother has imparted her southern charm.  Because of her I know that it is proper to: write thank you notes even if it doesn't seem necessary, always dress appropriately for the occasion, never wear white after labor day,  sit with my shoulders up, how to set a table properly, and to always "keep on keeping on". I still smile when she fusses at me for not wearing panty hose with dresses in the summer, and hope and pray that she feels like she spent her money wisely on my etiquette school tuition when I was a teenager.

 I treasure all of our mother-daughter-granddaughter Belk shopping trips and am thankful that I was given the gift of therapy shopping. More importantly than southern hospitality, Granny Dot taught me how important it is to hide the word of God in my heart by memorizing scripture.  My grandmother was the first person to teach me about missionary work in Belize, and she was one of my biggest supporters when I decided to spend a semester of college on the mission field. There is no doubt that my grandparents influenced my life in a major way. 

Four Generations: 

Dorothy Skelton Waters, 

Linda McLean Collis, 

Danielle Marie Sosebee, 

and Layla Faith Sosebee

The three most beautiful and important women in my life!

I hope and pray that Luke and Lalya will treasure the moments they share with their grandparents and great parents.  It is in these moments that family traditions are passed down and that memories are made.

Luke celebrating his third birthday with all of his grandparents.

Papa and Luke admiring Layla the day after she was born.

Two year old Luke on a tractor ride with Granddaddy.

Luke cooking with his Nana

Playing tractors with Grandma

Luke playing with his papa.

A few words from Luke

I love the simplicity and truth that Luke speaks with.  

I  would love to save our conversations to replay when he is grown.

"I see the moon and the moon sees me."

"Father, Amen"  - Luke's blessing at the table.

"Its murnin time.  The sun turned its lights on." -

 These are the words we here every weekend and holiday before 7 am.
Although I would love to sleep late, I know one day I will miss my personal wake up call.

"When I grow up I am going to marry you"

These words truly gripped my heart, and brought tears to my eyes.

Running into the living room after seeing Layla nursing for the first time - 

"Daddy, Nana, you have to come and see.  My baby sister is eating mom's boob!!"

"I want 5 Layla's."

"Layla is my favorite toy!"

"Santa Came, Santa Came!" -

 Jumping on the bed sharing his Christmas morning excitement with Daddy.

"Roxy is my best friend!"

"You know what I have a great idea...
lets go get something to eat and sit in the car and wait for a train to come by."

It amazes me how a simple trip to Gainesville or Cornelia can turn into such a great adventure.  There is nothing more exciting than being in the car with Luke when the bells start ringing and the arms go down, that means one thing -  Train = A SUCCESSFUL TRIP!!!!

another great idea...
"We can make moonshine.  You need water, corn, sugar, fire, and water.
We can make it in the woods and when the phone rings you run."
Conversation with us after watching the documentary show Moonshiners.

"Daddy you are my best buddy!"

These are the sweet words Justin hears every night.

"I miss you when you when you are at work."

2012 Declaration and Prayer

Psalms 5:11

 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  

Spread your protection over them, 

that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  

For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; 

you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

We declare that 2012 will be a year full of the Lord's favor. 

For it is not things or possessions that we need but more of God's presence.  

Lord may we have more peace that surpasses all understanding, more joy and laughter to flood our home, more faith to believe for the impossible, more discernment and the wisdom to act on it, more patience and understanding as we parent, more conviction that brings about change, and above all things a deeper love for each other.  Lord increase and let us decrease, cause the Holy Spirit to have full dominion and right away in our hearts.  Open our ears to hear your voice wether it is a still small whisper or a rushing wind, may we be in tune with you.   May we reach out to those in need around us and act upon the word of God.  May our faith bring about evident change in our lives.  I pray for blessings over our family and friends.  I pray for salvation for those who are lost, healing for those that are sick, financial breakthrough for those who are in need, freedom for those who are addicted, love and peace for those who are hurting, and protection for those who are in danger.  May you be blessed and honored in our lives this year.  I speak Psalms 5:11 -12 over our lives. 

For you deserve all the glory, all the honor, and the highest praise.  

In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I ask all these things. 

Amen, so be it!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

Babies that snuggle and giggle with grins

 

Dreams of green tractors and fun with friends
  

White pottery decorated with prints of glee

These are a few of my favorite things


Rosie red cheeks and laughter from heaven

Sprinkles and cookie dough and elves with big messes


The star that shines for all mankind 

These are a few of my favorite things


The wonder and magic of this special season
Memories that stay warm in our hearts forever

White fluffy whiskers that listen to dreams

These are a few of my favorite things


When the kids cry
When the alarm sounds
When I'm feeling stressed
I simply remember my favorite things 
and then I don't feel so bad

Treasured Time

Dear Layla, 

Over the past ten weeks I have been so blessed to be at home with you.  It all began on the evening of September 20, 2011.  You made your grand entrance weighing six pounds and seven ounces. The moment you began to cry my heart overflowed with joy.  Your cry was not ordinary, it was a sound straight from heaven. All  I could think was that you were born singing.  It was the most beautiful sound.  

                                   
Our bond was immediate,  you were able to nurse within the first hour and have continued to nurse every two to three hours since then.  I love having that time alone with you.  I have memorized every little feature.  You are bound to melt hearts with your puckered lips and rounded cheeks.  You have your daddy's eyes and your brother's long eye lashes.  I love the way your left ear slightly curls, and how pretty your red hair looks with a bow.  There is no doubt that you are a remarkable creation.

You have accomplished so much over the last two months. Your smile is contagious, it is not unusual for all three of us to stop what we are doing to come and watch you smile.  Luke seems to amaze you. Your little eyes are constantly looking for him.  You rolled over for the first time while he was playing with you.  He was so proud of your big accomplishment.  You love to snuggle up with your daddy and usually fall asleep in his arms.  It seems that all the world is at peace when you are being rocked.

 Going to work tomorrow will be one of the hardest things I have ever done.  The thought of not being with you makes my heart ache.  I realize what a gift it was to be able to be home with you as long as I was. It was as if all the stress and craziness of life just stopped so I could focus on you and Luke. I have treasured every moment with the two of you, because I know you will never be this little again.  

Thank you for being my daughter.

Love, 

Mom

I believe I will remember bringing Layla home as one of the sweetest moments of our life.  I have always wanted to have children, and after procedures, medications, and miscarriages we were perfectly content with Luke.  He was the most beautiful baby I had ever laid eyes on. He fills a place and a longing within my heart that I cannot even begin to describe.  His name means "bringer of light, morning, joy".  He is truly the sunrise of our life.  We both knew in or hearts that, even if we were not able to have more children, we had more than we could ever ask for.  Thankfully God decided to bless us with one more precious baby, and bringing her home overwhelmed our home with love and joy.  Watching Luke interact with Layla melted my heart.  I knew that our home was now truly complete.  I tried to capture the love through the camera lens, hoping we would always remember those first few precious moments of our new family!