I can't believe I'm writing this.
My baby is FIVE!
Five years ago, some of you may have started reading my blog. Brayden was born on January 13, 2009 and shortly after his birth, he was transferred to another hospital and then flown via helicopter to Arkansas Children's Hospital. You guys flooded my blog with sweet comments, prayers, sent me emails, and even sent emails through the hospital that were printed out and hand delivered to us.
I still have all of them.
If you've ever wondered if prayer really makes any difference, I'm here to tell you how much it can change. Your prayers gave Chris, myself, and our families such a peace and calmness that can only come from God. We made it through the most difficult time of our lives in part because of your prayers. Your messages of encouragement still make me cry. How special "internet" friends can be.
And here we are, five whole years later. When I look at the picture above I can still feel every emotion from that day. And now, I look at my big healthy boy and I am overwhelmed with thankfulness.
We made a decision a couple of years ago to just do family parties while the boys are young. It's so much easier for everyone, plus my kids birthdays are in November and January, so right around all of the holidays.
We let them pick where they want to go and what they want to do, and our whole family (those that live here...about 15 or so people) get together to celebrate.
Brayden picked Chuck E Cheese followed by lunch at Red Robin, so that's what we did. He had a blast playing all of the games and then going to eat at his favorite restaurant. My mom made his cupcakes and they were so cute (and tasty!).
When we came home, the boys got to crack into a piñata! Brayden kept asking if he could have one for his birthday so my mom surprised him with one!
On his actual birthday, he wanted to go where he could "throw the peanuts on the floor" so we took him to Coltons. My parents and my brother, sister in law and niece joined us and we had so much fun. I'm so thankful to have my family close by and that we all get along so well!
On the way home we made a pit stop to take a picture with the birthday boy at the exact time he was born:
Thank you to everyone who tweeted him birthday wishes. He felt so loved! =)
I want to share this verse with any of you who might be struggling with something in your lives right now.
Psalm 4:1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
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