New Words

FYI...If Grant asks for "apple salsa" he really means apple sauce. It is so fun watching his vocabulary develop!

Helper

Yesterday, Jake told Grant to go in his room and he would be there in a minute to change his diaper. Grant headed off for his room. A few minutes later we look over and see Grant laying on the changing mat outside of his room. He had pulled it off the changing table and laid down patiently waiting to get his diaper changed.

"Papa"

This morning Grant climbed up on a chair to look more closely at a photo of my Grandpa and I from my wedding day. He pointed to me and said "mama" and then pointed to my Grandpa and said "papa". It melted my heart. I wished he could've met my Grandpa, but I am comforted knowing that Grandpa is watching over my Ethan. I miss you, "papa"!

Aaa-pple

One of Grant's favorite new words is "aaa-pple". Today in the grocery store he saw the gigantic apple display in the produce section and got incredibly excited. Because he was good I told him he could get an apple. He proudly carried it through the store showing everyone who would look his way his "apple". An elderly gentleman smiled at Grant and said to me "If only life remained that simple- we all have something to learn from your young man". O' how true!

And no Grant didn't forget about the apple when we got home. He asked the minute we walked in the door and happily ate his "aaa-pple".

We're Back...

Welcome back to our blog!

It has been over a year since I have written about the adventures of our family, for many reasons I needed to take some time away from sharing and for many wonderful reasons I need to get back at it.

Grant is now nearly 22 months old. He fills my days with laughter, hope, and love. He reminds me everyday how much joy is still left in my life despite the heartache of the last 23 months. Like his big brother, everyday with him is a true adventure and I am excited to be sharing his tales with all of you! I hope they make you smile as much as they do me.

Welcome back friends and family!

Good Morning Wagstaff Family!

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is currently working on a house in Gainesville. They knocked on the Wagstaff family home on Monday while we were in Las Vegas. When I found out who the family was last night, I honestly got chills! Ethan and I had the pleasure of meeting the Wagstaff family two years ago at their business Studio Percussion. They use to have a class one morning called Kids Love Drums where the kids could come in and bang on the drums, listen to music, etc. Ethan and I only were able to go once before they had to cancel the class due to poor attendance. But the day that Ethan and I went, we were the only people there...we were met by Jill and Larissa Jolene, (who had a wonderful time playing with Ethan)! Jill had to leave shortly after we arrived and Tobin came in and hung out and played with Ethan and I. Ethan had just started walking and as everyone remembers was quite the handful! I was so nervous about him "destroying" something, but Tobin looked at me and said "I'm a dad and have boys...he doesn't scare me, let him have fun"! And that Ethan did...he had a blast that day at Studio Percussion playing with the Wagstaff family! I will never forget that day! I am certain Ethan never did! It is totally amazing to me that not only have I met this family before, but that one day in E's short little life they brought him extreme joy!

http://www.arkextremebuild.com/about-the-family.php

Welcome Ty Pennington!

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is coming to Gainesville!! The door knock date is set for December 7th and the big "move that bus" date is schedule for December 14th. MOPS was asked to take part in this incredible event, so several of us will be doing some volunteer work next week to help make a dream come true for a local family (who we will meet for the first time in 5 days)! I am sooo very excited that I was chosen to volunteer. I will be volunteering for one six hour shift on Sunday, December 13th. I may very well be doing something like picking up trash, but I am thrilled beyond words to take part!! This morning Grant and I attended the pep rally, which left me even more inspired!

Eight months ago our lives forever changed in a spilt second, and our community came together to give us "hope"! I continue to be amazed at the outpouring of love and generosity shown to our family, and I am thankful to be able to share some of that with someone else. I am know this will be the BEST ever Extreme Home Makeover!

Welcome to Gainesville CBS, Extreme Home Makeover, and Ty Pennington! The Gator Nation will not disappoint you!