Inviting Jesus In

This week, Nathan is attending his second VBS of the summer at a church that is very close to our house. He has a few buddies in his small group from school with him, so he has been enjoying himself immensely.

Yesterday, June 21st, Nathan got in the car and told me, "Mom, I prayed for Jesus to come into my heart. And He did! Do you know how I know? My heart feels brand new."

Nathan has been very tender toward Jesus since he was little. His prayers have become more and more earnest and sincere over the last year. He has told me many times that he wants Jesus in his heart.

I knew, as his momma, that there was fertile soil in his heart.

Of course, I teared up and I told him that I was so happy! What a wonderful and exciting day this was! "Do you know what, Nathan?" I said, "When Jesus is in your heart, He doesn't leave your heart the same. He changes you, if you let him."

Nathan said, "I don't want to be the old way, Mom. I want to have a new self."

I'm so, so proud of my little boy. And more than that: I'm so, so grateful to the Lord for hearing my cry and answering my prayer.

Yesterday afternoon and evening, I allowed myself to get all worked up and agitated and upset. When I finally crawled in bed at 10:30, I thought, "Well, I'm just going to tell God how I feel." And I did. I told Him all of my frustrations and everything that was putting anger in my heart.

And do you know what God put on my heart?

Do not forget that the greatest prayer as a parent you've ever prayed over Nathan James was answered today.

I slapped myself on my forehead. How quickly we forget sometimes, hm?

I have prayed that each one of my sons would be a Christ follower--in word and in deed. What more could you want as a parent? Success, money, standing in the community for your child? Those things pale in comparison to eternity.

Fishing And Kayaking

On Saturday, we went out to Carvin's Cove for a picnic lunch and some kayaking and fishing. The boys were so excited! Of course, they were in little boy heaven!

I parked my pregnant hiney in a beach chair, and mostly just laughed at my three guys as they splashed each other, got tangled up in fishing line, and just generally acted like the Three Stooges.

They didn't catch anything, but they sure had a fun time swinging those fishing poles around!

Scott was especially excited to take both of the boys out in his kayak. I've been super hesitant about both of them going out on the water, especially since Jack absolutely cannot swim. But, Scott showed me how stable the kayak was, and of course they had life jackets on.

It was a fun afternoon, for sure. Have I mentioned how much I just adore my guys!? So excited to add the final guy to the crew! :)

Surgery Department Graduation Dinner

On Friday, Scott and I attended the annual Surgery Department dinner, honoring the graduates of the residency program here at Virginia Tech. We had a very nice evening! I will admit that I was a little bummed that I couldn't drink a glass of wine or champagne, but c'est la vie! There's always next year. {Also, that black dress did a pretty good job of hiding my sizable baby bump! I'm 26 weeks.}

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was that Scott, after being last year's recipient of the Junior Resident Award (awarded to first and second years) was this year's recipient of the Senior Resident Award (awarded to third through fifth years). I was so proud of him, for winning this prestigious award as a third year resident. He works so, so hard! This award is voted on by all surgical faculty in the program.

We sat with our dear friends, and had a wonderful time laughing and catching up! I can't believe we have two years left. That might not seem like a lot, but for some reason, it does to me right now. I keep thinking "two whole years left" instead of "just two years left!" I'll turn my attitude around, I promise! ;)

It was a fun evening, celebrating the graduates and spending time with friends!

First VBS Of The Summer

Well, the summer is officially underway. And, we have been having a busy, busy, busy and fun, fun, fun month of June! There have already been lots of popsicles eaten, afternoons spent running through the sprinklers, and trips to the snow cone shack. Last week was the first "camp" of the summer {we have many camps this summer}. The boys attended VBS at First Baptist Church Roanoke.

Jack was beyond excited that he was finally old enough to go to "Bible school." And on the first day, both of the boys just ran right in! They never cease to amaze me. Neither one of them had a single friend in their classes, and it's a church that we don't attend, and yet in they go--excited for the week! I hope they always keep that gumption.

The week was wonderful! Lots of crafts, Bible stories, songs, and snacks! The boys had a great time!

Nathan's First Swim Meet

Yesterday afternoon {which turned into yesterday evening}, Nathan had his very first swim meet! He was so excited! In the car, on the way to the meet, he kept chanting over and over, "I'm gunna' win! I'm gunna' win!" I do love some confidence. :)

Scott was able to finish scrubbing his last case at 4:30 and be at the pool by 5:00. We had to wait over an hour {!!} for Nathan to swim his first stroke: butterfly!

I think probably everyone was looking at me like I was a crazy lady, because I was most definitely that loud mom who is cheering and jumping up and down for her baby. He came in 3rd place for butterfly, and then he came in 3rd place again for freestyle. GO NATHAN! 

My favorite part? He would stop--literally in the middle of racing--to look up at Scott, Jack, and I and give us the BIGGEST Nathan smile. Melt my heart, boy!

Nathan really, really loved it! He had the best attitude the whole time. I'm constantly impressed with this son of mine. He is truly a gift and a blessing from the Lord.

Go Sharks! I can't wait to keep cheering my baby on all summer long!

Swim Team

Nathan has literally been begging me since October (!!) to do swim team. Well, the time finally came! This week, he officially began swim team. He's getting a real taste for what it's like to be on a team. He has three practices a week and one meet a week.

I think I was more nervous than Nathan was for the first practice. (That being said, he wasn't nervous at all!) They swam twelve laps that first evening. I was so proud of Nathan. That is WAY more than he has ever swam before!

The next day, we went to the local Swim Shop, and we purchased his official team uniform. Does he look like a handsome swimmer, or what!?

GO SHARKS!! I'm looking forward to cheering on my baby at his swim meets this summer! :)