Eucharisteo!

A couple years ago, I read a book called One Thousand Gifts.  The book starts with a very tragic story, and follows the once lukewarm faith-walk of Ann Voskamp.  As the book unfolds, I began to realize that the struggles that seem so tailored to my life, might in fact be universal.  The best part of the story is when I realized that maybe, like Ann, I struggle with looking at what's missing instead of appreciating what is here.  She gives a word to the thankfulness of living in the moment: Eucharisteo.  Notice the gifts all around you.

This weekend was a not-so-subtle reminder of the most precious gift I've ever been blessed to get.  The birth of my son, John Thomas.  Three years ago today, I was on my way to the hospital and I had no idea all of the love, joy, laughter and adventures that were coming my way.  I also had no idea that it would take three years to potty train, that timeout doesn't work as well as the naughty chair, and that nap time was an essential art form of which I had to learn.

I love this gooey sweet honey and have from the first instant I knew he was coming.  Funny aside:  I think this is the way I have cried at all three of his birthdays.  

John Thomas has been full of personality from the get-go.  I mean...he's probably 10 months old in this pic and he already knows how to live the good life.

 Will you look at these two babes?!  Funny caption possibilities:
1. Shhh, let's try to go play in the water while their distracted.
2. You gonna eat that?

I know that Charlotte and John Thomas will have many more sweet and silly pictures to come!

 John Thomas is an excellent sharer...unless it messes up his coordinated fireman costume :).

I wasn't sure how Chester would take his demotion to normal family dog status after John Thomas arrived.  I would say that Chester has learned the benefits of a toddler, particularly around meal time!

John Thomas at a year and a half.

Here he is again at two and a half.  How long do you think he's gonna let me get his picture while he's waist deep in a pile of leaves?

When it comes to hanging with his girl     friends, (spaces intended) John Thomas also loves to hang out with Kinsley!

His list of buddies would also have to include Brody and Dare.  They have done their part to teach him the ways of boyhood including (but not limited to) digging, exploring, and general toddler silliness. 

Gramma's boy.  

 In case you've ever wondered who his favorite people are, let me clear it up.  He absolutely adores ALL of his grandparents.  He talks about them often and cannot get enough of that special lovins that only grandparents can give.

 John Thomas truly is a special little boy.  He is smart, sweet, silly, curious, energetic, polite, and has the big job of carrying my heart around.  There is a proverb that whoever takes the child by the hand takes the mother by the heart.  So true.

 I know all parents think their kid is amazing.  I am no exception.  It gives me pause to think that God chose me to be his mother.  And for that, I found myself at the altar this morning with a swollen heart.  Filled with love, pride, joy, hopes, dreams, and eucharisteo for a little boy who makes everything around him shine just a little brighter.

 John Thomas may you continue to have an explorer's spirit, a pure heart, and know when it's time to stop, take your socks off and dip your tootsies in the water.

One last shot of my lil honey bear.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this boy is worth a thousand eucharisteos--and for that, I am blessed.  Happy birthday honey bear!