This day, Seven Years Ago

On this day, seven years ago, I gave birth to a perfectly made little boy.

He had the cutest little button nose,

and the broadest shoulders.

Both of these things were 100% like his Daddy.

He had full lips,

and "Flintstone" feet,

Just like me. 

Since Daddy and I both have very blue eyes,

we knew his would be too. 

He was beautiful.

We loved him before we ever saw him.

We loved him fully and completely even though we...

never heard his precious cries

never rejoiced in his lovely giggles

never clapped as his took his first steps

or anything else.

His Daddy and I excitedly anticipated meeting him,

but, he went to meet Jesus instead.

Our precious son, Brody Michael, was "still born".

His heart stopped beating before he left my body. 

He was perfect in every way.

My body stole away his blood supply,

robbing him of life...

and robbing us of him. 

I can rejoice that he will never know sorrow,

or pain,

or heartbreak,

or disappointment,

or struggle of any kind. 

However, every day, I think of him.

I wonder what he would be like today.

I miss all of the things I would be doing with him.

I miss him.

His father misses him.

His brothers and sister miss him.

My mother misses him.

My grandmother, my aunt, and many others in my family miss him. 

My best friend misses him.

He lived, and he lives on in our lives.

Our grief is still very real, though it is in a different place than it was 7 years ago. 

Thank you...

to those of you who still think of Brody,

Thank you...

to those of you who think of us & how our lives were forever changed 

when we said good-bye to our little man. 

Confession: I am a brand name snob

I know...this is not becoming of a Christian woman. 

But, it is the truth.

I am sitting here thinking over the things I buy and the things I turn my nose up at.

There is something to be said for good quality.

I have bought into the lie that "the higher the price, the better the quality".

For example, I decided that since VS bras were expensive, they had to be good.

Same with their underwear.

So, with my weight loss I bought me some.

Let me tell you, there is no difference in quality of their underwear vs. Hanes. 

Seriously. Actually, I think my Hanes have held up longer.

I buy my little one's clothing from Gymboree. 

This is a case where through experience I *know* that the quality is worth the cost. 

Still, I buy only during sales. 

My challenge to myself is to stop being fooled by advertising and go with the best bargain for quality.

This means I will shop for quality, not for price or brand. 

I have thankfully never bought into the Coach purse fad...

(or any luxury high-dollar fashion trend)

For that I am grateful...

Troy Says...on random subjects.

How many people does it take to change a lightbulb? 

I don't know. I'm serious.

(It's okay buddy, it seems to be an unanswered question for a lot of folks.)

What makes a car go? 

Well, a lot of engine, a lot of turbo chargers, and even more than that.

What about gas? 

What about gas?

Does it make a car go? 

YES! Because you pump it way full and then it goes 

*vrrrrrroooooommmmm* 

(imagine boy noise here) 

and speeds off fast!

Where does chocolate milk come from? 

From a black cow, duh. 

Why does a blanket make you warm? 

Just because it is made to make you warm like that.

How do you become a grandpa? 

You just get older and it happens.

What is the BEST smell in the world? 

Armpits. 

(he answered WAY too quickly this time...like he didn't even have to think on it. BOYS!)

What is the WORST smell in the world? 

Armpits, they STINK! Pa-toooey!

But you just said armpits were the best smell in the world?

Well, deodorant on armpits is the best smell in the world! 

And Dad's armpits... I like smelling Dad's armpits.

After he showers.

And puts on deodorant. 

My "Spot"

This is "my" spot...

the kids call it "Mom's chair"

When I am in it, they usually don't bother me.

"Where's Mom?"

"She's in her chair"

"Oh, well, I'll just ask her later."

They know that when I am in my "spot", it usually means business.

This is where I do my devotions.

This is where I often pray.

This is where I do my homeschool planning. 

(see the crate beside the chair? yep...homeschool stuff)

This is where I do a lot of thinking...and a lot of growing.

When I need a "break", this is where I head for a time out.

It is in my bedroom, but right by the door. 

So, I can leave the door open and have a direct view into the living room...

so I can keep an eye on the kids.

And not be totally disconnected.

But, I can also CLOSE the door and get some private time. 

I have always dreamed of having my own "spot",

and now I have it.