Blessings

I was playing with Baby Caris last night on our bed and she attempted (as she always does) to grab at this huge magnolia picture hanging above the headboard. She is fascinated with this small business card that sits in the corner of the frame. The card is very significant for two reasons. One, it reflects the name of the artist. "Yvonne Hollis" - my Grandmother; a woman I wish I had taken the time to get to know better before she was called to Heaven. Two, a very special verse. James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. How appropriate! Let me explain.....
I have been struggling the past couple of days with an uneasy feeling. I wasn't sure where it was coming from and still don't know exactly why I was down-in-the-dumps. However, last night as I sat on our bed with our gift from God, I was reminded, via words from my Grandmother, that God is in control. He is watching over me and He used that moment to connect my dear Grandmother to her namesake and to remind me that He has blessed me far more than I could ever deserve. I have no reason to be down because the Creator, whom I have sinned against daily, STILL loves me enough to put these precious creatures in my life. I deserve NOTHING and He gives me so much. I pray that each one of you has that kind of moment in your lives. Please know that NONE of us deserve or are entitled to anything. We ALL have sinned and fallen short of the grace that is so lovingly provided to us by God. I am a sad, broken being but I am made whole again in Him. What an AWESOME feeling!!!

River Fun!!

Baby Caris went for her first boat ride on Friday, the 4th.  She had a great time while we were riding, but wasn't such a big fan of the water unless I held her.  Hopefully she will get used to it and be a regular "river rat" like her Daddy and her cousins.  She wore her first swimsuit and was the cutest one on the sand bar.

My "Bathing Beauty"

Letters to Caris - 8 Months

So, my precious baby girl, you are now 8 months old.  I am filled with so much love and gratitude to God when I look at you.  I am overwhelmed that your Daddy and I were chosen to raise such a special little angel.  You are truly a joy and a blessing.

I was thinking the other day about names and how important they are.  It is the first bit of information people want to know about you.  Your name follows you all of your life.  Did you know that in addition to you being your Dad's "mini me" you and he also share something very special?  You are both named after very important and wonderful people.  Your Dad was named after his maternal grandfather, Patton Thrasher.  He went to heaven before your Daddy and I started dating, so I never got the pleasure of meeting him but your Daddy loved him very much.  Your Maw-Maw tells me all the time how much your Daddy reminds her of her father.  From what I've been told he loved practical jokes and was a very lively character who loved to laugh.  He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.  This sounds just like your Dad!  When anyone speaks of him they do so with love and fond remembrance.  He was obviously a very special person, so it is a great honor for your Daddy to carry his name.  You are named after my paternal grandmother, Yvonne Holliman.  She went to heaven when I was about 15 or 16 years old.  She was a very smart and beautiful lady who loved her family dearly.  Everyone says that I am just like her (I should be so lucky!).  I have had people who didn't know who I was ask me if I was related to her and when they realized that I was her granddaughter they would smile and say "My, she was a wonderful woman".  What a legacy to leave!  I wish that for you.  I hope you realize what an honor it is to have such a beautiful being's name.  Always remember how important names are and make yours one to be proud of.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mom