13 and 9

I love September. Both of my treasured babies were born in September. What a blessed month for
our family!

My baby boy turned 13 on Sept. 24. Wow! When did that happen? He's growing into a smart, strong, compassionate young man. I find myself cherishing moments with him more than ever bc I know how fast time flies. We didn't have a big party since we don't really know enough people yet. Eddie's parents and sister & family came for the weekend. On his actual birthday, we ate at his favorite place "Snappy Tomato" and then he went to soccer practice.

On Sept. 10, Claire turned 9. The weekend before her birthday, Connor
had a soccer tournament in Memphis, so while we were there, we took Claire and her friend Della, who's brother also plays for the Wolves, to Build-a-bear just for something cute. Della's mother, and my new sweet friend took the boys to the book store so they wouldn't have to hang with the girls. Then, we all went to Huey's to eat their yummy burgers, and shoot fancy toothpicks through little straws to trybo make them stick to the ceiling. Fun times! Claire had dance on her actual birthday, so we ate at Red Robin before her class. We were the only ones there at the time so we gave Claire her presents. During dinner, I took Claire to the "little girls' room
and returned to Eddie and Connor hysterically laughing. The next thing we know, the waitresses came around with a special birthday treat for Claire, singing, of course. Claire loved it! He thought Eddie and Connor had set it up. Funny though, the servers just noticed the gifts, and did that on their own...for the second time! The first time, they came out singing and clapping when Claire and I were in the bathroom!! Eddie and Connor couldn't stop laughing at their expressions when they realized that the birthday girl wasn't there. Funny memories. We
all still laugh at that.

Oh, how I treasure these times as a family more now than ever. While I love celebrating their birthdays, a mom's heart aches a little for times gone by. Connor turning 13 hit me hard. I realized that our family only has 6 years left like this. All of us living together all the time, going places all together. I have to remind myself that they really belong to God, and that with every second that goes by, his plan for them is unfolding. I'm so grateful that He chose Eddie and me to
be their parents. I am overjoyed to see His fingerprints in their lives. What an honor! I love you Connor and Claire.