8 Years Ago...

On this day, 8 years ago, this little boy changed my life. On May 1, 2002, I became a mom and will never be the same. The saying "it goes by so fast" seems to be so cliche, but I am realizing it really is true. Bryce has grown so much, but most of all, I am amazed and proud of the heart he has. He deeply cares for others and is such a faithful little friend. He already has impacted lives around him because he is not afraid to be a friend to those that no one wants to talk to. Even when he doesn't realize it, he is showing the love of Christ to those kids.

To celebrate his special day, our family had some old fashioned backyard fun. You will know what I mean after you see the pictures below. (We really aren't rednecks, by the way :)

Here is my mom and Brayden. I talk to my mom daily and now realize how much she did for me. Thanks Mom! I love you! Brayden loves hanging out with her.

Makenna was refilling her lemonade cup for the second or third time. I lost track, but sugar doesn't count on birthdays,right?

The kids roasted their hot dogs over the fire on coat hangers. (I told you it was old fashioned fun).

They still sit at this tiny picnic table they painted. Here they are acting silly. Cousins are so much fun!

We even did some relay races. This one was their first time doing the 3 legged race. Makenna was not fond of this one and quit half way through with a hurt ankle.

Then came the "potato" sack race. No, those aren't potato sacks, they are garbage bags. The guy at Publix would not sell me any of their potato sacks. And yes, that is me on the far right. I believe in adults acting like kids every now and then. It's good for the soul!

Then came the wheel barrow race. This one is an old favorite, but harder than I remember.

This is the "pass off the egg on the spoon" relay, after you walk down and back. The kids were serious about this one and it showed... we did not lose any eggs. Whew! They were Eggland's Best and those are not cheap!

They each got to take some whacks at the car pinata. It held on for a while, but finally gave out and dumped candy for the kids to gather up. Brayden got into this one. He liked getting to hit something with a bat and then eat candy off the ground. What a treat!

Here is the "Mario" cake I made. This is the first time I have done much "artwork" on a cake, but it turned out pretty good. I use this cake website every year for my kid's birthdays and they have pictures and directions for just about any cake you can think of. Bryce said it was the coolest cake I have made him. That makes it worth all the extra time and effort. I actually had fun doing it and contemplated going to work at Publix to decorate cakes. It was just a brief thought...

Make a Wish!

Time for presents! Bryce just loves opening presents! This is probably his most favorite part.
He had been waiting all day.

Here is his most favorite present. Grandpa and Grandma surprised him with a Star Wars blaster. He said it was "sweet". He has been asking for that one for a while now...

Bryce, thank you for blessing my life for 8 years. I pray that you will continue to live for God and seek Him in all you do. I look forward to watching you grow and consider it a privilege to be your mom. Happy Birthday! It was a fun day. I love you!