Yep.

Yesterday when I came home, Tony greeted me at the door. He was smiling ear to ear; I knew something was up. Not because he doesn't usually greet me at the door with a sweet smile, but I could tell he was anxiously waiting to tell me something.

Tony: Do you notice anything different?

I looked around our small apartment.

Me: No.

Tony: Look again.

Me: Okay.

This time, I slowly looked around our apartment, which takes a total of 2 seconds.

Me: Still don't notice anything.

Tony: (sighs) I cleaned it. Let me show you the bedroom closet.

I follow after him to our bedroom.

Me: Wow!

Tony: You can walk in it. And you can spin in it if you want to. --He's being sarcastic, by the way.

Yes, I admit to you our closet had been full of unfolded laundry. At least the laundry was organized in baskets on the floor.

I suddenly spotted one of my tops randomly placed on the top shelf.

Me: Wow! I can even put one of my tops all the way up there which I was never able to do.

Tony: That's a top? I thought it was a grocery sack.

Yep. I think it's time to get a new wardrobe.

Say What?!

Can you believe January has come and gone, and we're going into February? Seriously, where is the time going? Maybe time is flying because I've been chasing a crawling, teething, jabbering 11 month old? Yes, I think that's it.

Some of these winter days seem to drag on and on. But when I look at the big picture... WHOA!

This year my love and I celebrate our 5th anniversary. This is also the year I turn the big 2-5. It seems like yesterday I was dating my husband and we were dreaming of the life we're currently living. What a beautiful thought. Or reality. I have to continuously remind myself not live for the next big event, holiday, or stage. But to find contentment in where the Lord has me now. Saint Paul said it best:

¹¹Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

¹²I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Philipians 4:11-12

Praise be to God for all of His blessings, provision, and direction in this chapter. We are blessed, indeed.

Sam the Lion

Sam the Lion. It has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it? This is Sam's first Halloween! Something special about Samuel being a lion was that Tony was a lion his very first Halloween.

Well, let me honest with you. It wasn't until yesterday that I decided he should be a lion. Yesterday. You know, the day before Halloween. Hmmm. I don't know why, but the thought didn't really cross my mind that I should dress up my adorable baby boy as a cute, fuzzy, something-rather until yesterday. Shame on me.

Most excited, chipper, or gung-ho (I always saw myself as one of these) mothers plan what they're sweet baby will be for Halloween when they find out they're pregnant. If not by then, when they're baby is born. I'm sort of joking when I say this. Sort of. But before you knew it, BAM! He's eight months old, and I hadn't given it much thought. I guess the thought stressed me out...? That sounds lame.

It wasn't until yesterday when I told Tony I wanted to dress Samuel up as a cute, fuzzy something-rather. I frantically got on the internet and started searching baby halloween costumes to purchase. Most were on sale since it was so last minute. Tony just stood behind me and said flippantly, "My mom made my costumes."

At first...I won't lie to you. I was a teeny bit offended. So what (No offense, Mom)? The thought of making a costume stresses me out, okay? And we're talking less than a day away, sir. But then, a light bulb went off! Wait a sec. Hold everything. I know how to make things. Crocheted things. I can crochet his costume. Then I got a very large dose of adrenaline, and started feeling awfully creative/crafty without warning.

Yes, I can do this!

So without delay, I started crocheting. And did not stop until I the head piece, tail, and paws for the feet. I had it completed last night. Ahhh. Victory!

Though my hand is a little cramped today, it was oh so worth it to see my little guy look this adorable. And sure the outfit makes him look even cuter.

Lil' Bow Wow and Sam the Lion

Stomach bug.

Last weekend the Melton household was sick, and we haven't been this sick in a long time. But the worst part about it was we couldn't just crawl into bed, draw the shades, and get some much needed rest.

Any parent might chuckle at this thought.

Of course, someone needed to take care of Sam. You almost forget this when it's the first time you're sick while you're a parent. Though the memory of this weekend is quite foggy, I do remember being so sick that all I wanted to do was cry, but even that required too much energy.

While in and out of sleep, I revisited childhood memories of my dear grandmother caring for me. She would often rub my head, pray for me, make me soup or tea, and simply love on me. She was the best at taking care of sick kiddos. Perhaps it was a consequence of raising two sets of children? Maybe. Or maybe it was because she has that much compassion and love for people? I think so. Oh, how I wished she could come over to take care of me.

Next to my compassionate grandmother is my selfless husband. Since he wasn't as sick during the weekend, (the bug got him early the next week) he was able to take care of both of us. He made me soup (and it did the trick), cleaned the house, and let me sleep while he played with Sam. And not to mention that Samuel was as sweet as he could be this weekend. He played contently with his toys and had a blast with daddy.

Why is it we take for granted the health the Lord gives us? But it isn't until it's gone do we realize how much we lost, and how we would do anything to have it back.

Valuable lesson: Start each day with a grateful attitude. Thank the Lord for your health and all the blessings of this life. You never know when it will be taken from you.