Memory Lane

My lil'man turned eight yesterday and it made me think about all the amazing things he has accomplished in his life. I decided to take a look back and thought you might enjoy the fun of seeing some of his earliest photos.

This is the first time we met our little guy. 

He loved Legos even then.

He has always loved chocolate cake and joking around.

Reading with his Daddy has always been a favorite time for him.

Though he no longer wants to take lessons, 

he has always been fascinated with the piano.

LOVE his laugh! He has always enjoyed laughing at something that moves a lot.

Three generations of Taylor men chilling with their dogs on Christmas morning.

A builder from the beginning, this little guy will be an engineer one day.

His first airplane ride in my grandmother's Piper.

Every kid needs one of these photos for bribing purposes in their teen years. :)

Yummy cider donuts with friends who moved to New York. 

We miss them so much!

His first Christmas pageant. 

He was a lamb and loved practicing his "baahh".

Always on the move with his dog.

God has truly blessed me with an amazing son. Thanks for walking down memory lane with me.

Real Food

What is it about this picture that makes me think of God? It's just bread, right?

It's a funny thing, but since I was a kid there has always been something about waiting for the bread machine to click off so I could have the first bite. Hot bread lathered with butter still takes me back.....but it is also moving me forward.

God has been telling me loud and clear that I need to believe that He loves me. Jesus would have died on the cross for me even if I was the only sinner around. How awesome is that!

When I dove into my freshly baked GF bread tonight I was suddenly reminded of Jesus' words, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" (John 6:51 NIV). I was eating bread that will fill my body but Jesus alone can fill the "hunger" I feel in my soul. The only thing that satisfies me is time reading and studying the Bible; Jesus Himself is the Word (John 1:1).

The promise of eternal life hit me. This week I have had two people die who impacted my life. My cousin Cathy taught me it was okay to be emotional over the loss of a family member. My co-worker and friend Carolyn taught me that being a mom of a boy is hard, but worth the raw knees from praying them through childhood. Her death is a huge loss for her family, church, and for me. But I know she knew The Bread of Life and is with Jesus. She is no longer suffering, and I rejoice that she is experiencing the full joy of our Savior.

So what about you? What kind of bread are you eating? There is only one kind that will satisfy me and you: The Bread of Life.

Cotillion

This Fall I had the opportunity to attend my first ever Cotillion, er ball, er dance? :)  My hubby's work associate invited us to come hang out with other staff and their wives, dress up, and dance the night away.  We had a wonderful time, made some great memories, and really enjoyed ourselves.

I was so glad my mom was able to get a good picture before we left.

The back of my dress.....

Having fun with my hubby behind the camera......

 Here is a better view of the front....

He later caught me resting on the floor (it was past 1am, and I'm getting too old for that!)

 LOVED my hair and so did the hubs....

 Of course, the night is never complete without some Doxie kisses.