Bryson's 1st Haircut

After much deliberation we cut Bryson's hair. Yes, I almost cried the first shave. He looks totally different, don't you think? We did it on Oct. 1st, so it would still make it in his first year scrapbook, sad I know.
He was laughing at first, but then he didn't want me to shave the back, thus the sad picture.

Bryson's Party

I just wanted to tell all our family thank you one more time! It was so nice of you all to travel so far to support us. Thanks also to those of you who put in a little extra effort to make the party happen, you know who you are.

Go Grandpa Gray!

Don's Grandpa Gray ran his 21st St. George Marathon this last weekend. The family goes from place to place along the route to cheer him on. He was really tired this year and as he came across the finish line volunteers were there to make sure he didn't fall. This concerned our tender hearted Jaron. He was really worried that Grandpa Gray couldn't walk by himself. We talked to him about it and he has been practicing his own running since. He claims he is going to run like Grandpa Gray.
It was a really great thing to see him accomplish this. Here is all of us that were there to see him finish.
As I thought about Grandpa I had some things I wanted to share about him. Grandpa is a man of very few words, but as I was thinking about him I realized that words aren't always needed to convey a very powerful message and influence lives. Grandpa is a VERY hard worker, he is a testament to me that you don't give up. Just reading that he has ran 21 marathons should give that away. But then there is still more to learn from him. He is very wise with his money, determined, and loves his family. This last one I really feel from him as traditions and things we do as a family bring joy to him. Yet again he does not say this, but you can feel it from him. I look at Grandpa and think ya, actions do speak louder than words. Even little Jaron is learning from his example.

Bryson's 1st Birthday

Yep, it is true my baby was 1 on October 2nd. He is walking more and more every day. We had his check up today. He is 22 lbs. and 30 1/2 inches longs. That puts him at average for weight and between the 75-90 % for height. He is right on schedule for his development which we are happy about. He tries to say new words and mom is learning what the sounds and gestures mean. I haven't been as good about using signs as I was with Jaron so he hasn't picked up on those, but we seem to be communicating okay. He has started into tantrums, which I try so hard not to laugh at. He also has started talking back when I tell him no or take something from him; he does his grunts in a loud voice, and gets that puppy dog face. It also takes everything I have not to laugh at this one. He is a very friendly baby and prefers the stranger to mom a lot of times. But then he is still my cuddle bug too. He is easy going and so cute it just makes me smile to think of him. He is a great addition to our family.

Children of the Promise

The Children of the Promise by Dean Hughes was wonderful!! I found myself reading and reading I finished the series in just a few weeks. It covers the time span of just before World War II broke out through the end of the war and some post war. Great history and interesting to see what the church did during that time.

It also had many gospel concepts that were great to reflect on and learn more about. Two that have stuck with me since I finished. First that I have a great heritage. In the books the father was constantly saying that we are Snow's & Thomas', we can do this, kind of stuff. It made me appreciate and think about what my heritage is and what my ancestors fought for so I can be were I am and have what I do. Also that I can do it! and I really believe that I can.
Second there was something that was said to Alex, the son, that applies to post war trauma, but I still liked it. They talked about taking small steps at a time. Decided what the next thing is in life and when that is accomplish go from there. I always have the tendency to try and plan out my entire life on earth, and we all know that doesn't work! As we complete one season of our life, following the guidance of the Lord, opportunities and situations we never could have imagined are opened to us. It has helped me tons! So my next plan for action in life is to support Don through this year of school. He is applying for PT school and once we know about that we can make some more decisions but there is no point in stressing myself about all that could be one day . . .

Anyway, loved the books. Yes, all of them.