Monday, May 11, 2009

Almost Full House

Every one was home ....almost. These days it is harder and harder to get all or our family home at the same time. This past weekend was no exception. I thought it might happen but Owens had to work and with the economy like it is, I am not complaining.

My weekend started out with a little pampering with Heather. I treated her to a pedicure for her first Mother's Day. We had a blast talking and laughing at my new found salon. It was a lot of fun! We headed home to have dinner and get Morgan Kate in the bed. On Saturday, we had a leisure breakfast and then some good family time at the farm. We have got quite the set up at the farm that will shield Morgan Kate from too much sun and the breeze Saturday was great.

Sunday was the best day! My mother's day breakfast was compliments of McDonalds but that was ok because we were busy getting ready for church and double checking to make sure we had everything we needed for the dedication service. It was a beautiful service and a nice surprise was looking up and seeing Owens walk in the church. Our pastor made it very personal and touching. As he talked about Morgan Kate, Loitton and I couldn't do anything but hold hands and try and contain the emotions. He did however say that he was glad that MK did not look like her granddaddy of which I laughed but totally disagreed with. I happen to think her granddaddy is quite good looking. Heather and Travis not only had family in attendance, they had friends that traveled from out of town and a church full of people who have prayed diligently for MK since her birth. They were finally able to see this little miracle in person. At one point, MK began to cry so I offered (he he) to take her out. One of my best friends accused me of praying for that to happen so I could get one on one time with MK. I honestly didn't pray for it but I sure ceased the opportunity and boy what a moment! I carried MK into one of the Sunday school rooms to try and get her to go to sleep. As I was "dinking" her, I paused and thanked God for her life and for our church. In the background I could hear the church bells ringing at our neighboring Methodist church. I thought to myself....if God were to call me home today, I would have died a happy woman. It was truly a beautiful day!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Mother's Day

Like everything good in life, children are a gift from God. We parents (and grandparents) are just caretakers of the children that God has blessed us with. This Sunday, mothers all over the world, will celebrate Mother's Day. I think for me being a mother is the ultimate priviledge. My children are my life and they bless me each and every day even when I could "pinch their heads off"....he he. I stand in awe when I think that God chose me to be their mother!

My husband and I have always thought it was our responsibility to dedicate our children back to their Creator as well as dedicate ourselves to helping them know Him. So each one of them was dedicated in our church. I fondly remember each dedication and each service provided its own special memories. I remember Heather's service, our first born and our first dedication service. I was nervous about the participation and prayed and hoped she wouldn't cry during the service. She did great and didn't cry, in fact smiled and chattered, thoroughly entertaining the congregation. Owens' dedication was no different. He was actually due to be born on Mother's Day but came the day after so his dedication service came a full year later on Mother's day. He was a little older and therefore he was full of character and wanted to "talk" out loud. Kyle's dedication was just as unique. It was the first time our church performed a dedication service other than at Mother's Day. We had an abundance of newborns that year and therefore we had a dedication service in October of 1989. Kyle was only 3 months old and we had just rebounded from Hurricane Hugo. Little did I know at that time, that although my daddy complained of having to come back early from a Clemson weekend for a dedication service, that God's timing was perfect! We dedicated Kyle in October and my dad passed away in November. Kyle made his prescence known that day - he cried the whole service.

Twenty years later, we will be present for another dedication service. This service will be the dedication of our first grandchild, Morgan Kate. Her birth, in itself, is a miracle and to be able to dedicate her back to her Creator will be an awesome experience. As I write this, just the thought of her dedication brings me to tears. To share in Heather and Travis making the commitment to oversee Morgan Kate's Christian development is very special. But not only will Morgan Kate's parents be making the commitment, her grandparents will too. Dedication to me means not only by words but also by example. I pray that God will work in me to help me be a good example for Morgan Kate and I dedicate myself to that purpose.

Happy Mother's Day to all and a very special Happy Mother's Day to Heather as she celebrates her first of many special days!