New find

I was introduced to a great new blog today!

 I can not believe how much I relate to this girl.
Do you ever read about someone or hear stories and think, dang, we would so totally be friends in real life?
This girl is that person.

Check her out.  Jamie .

Not so sweet.

My "sweet" birthday boy from yesterday has not been so sweet today! He and Grace have been arguing and agravating each other all morning.

Don't get me wrong. I still like that they are home because that means sleeping in and having fun times with them!

Here are a few pics from Marcus' birthday dinner last night. I made spaghetti, his favorite. Then made a small cake for him.

Cars from Grandfather and Hermie video from Aunt Kimmie

Typical Marcus and his cars

What a Blessing!

Over ten years ago Jason and I decided we would like to have another child. After one month of throwing out the birth control, I was pregnant with Marcus. We were excited and especially thrilled when we found out we were having a boy, after having Grace already. These last ten years have been a blessing and never boring!

 I had a normal pregnancy and delivery with Marcus. At around three months we knew something was not right as Marcus' muscles were extremely weak and he was like a rag doll. The doctors were concerned about his rapid head growth. Three years later and lots of tests, MRI's, cat scans and a muscle biopsy, Marcus was diagnosed with Bannayan Riley Ruvalcaba syndrome. This has been a whole different world than what we expected with a boy. Marcus is about on a K level overall. He is not active in sports like most boys his age. He is in therapy bi weekly and  has been in therapy up to three times a week at times since he was eleven months.

I cannot imagine Marcus any other way! He is ALWAYS happy and loves everybody! We are so blessed and grateful to have Marcus entrusted to us for his time on earth.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SWEET MARCUS!!

HE LOVED SNORKELING IN THE BAHAMAS THIS YEAR

WIND BLOWN HAIR

AT THREE YEARS. YOU CAN TELL THE MAIN VISIBLE SYMPTOM, HIS ENLARGED HEAD. HE IS GROWING INTO IT NOW.

MARCUS AND UNCLE TERRY AT TERRY'S WEDDING!

Merry Christmas from the Coles

Here is wishing your family a very Merry Christmas!

Grace crocheting!

Grace is learning to crochet!

a little can be more...

I am seriously considering a post with before and after pictures, of me, without and with make up.

Because OMG….what a difference it makes!

Blooper

I was so excited about getting our Christmas cards this week. I know I waited till the last minute. I don't know why I seem to work better under pressure! The pictures turned out great. They were a…

Sorry, I got distracted by Granny telling Grace her cap (that she is crocheting) looks like a titty. Yes, that is Granny for you.

Back to the point.

I couldn't wait for my cards to arrive this week. Only to open them and find I missspelled San Francisco. I spelled it San Fransisco. I cannot believe I did that! I am trying really hard not to worry about it. I joked around that most of my friends and family are from the South and probably won't even notice! HA! My dear friend Juanita, who is writing a book and gifted in editing, let me know "darling, that is how God keeps us humble." I laughed.

Isn't that the truth!

Long week

It has been a long, but not long enough, week here at the Cole house. My Grandmother passed away last Monday, after a a few long years of liver failure and lung cancer. She was a legend in my eyes. The epitome of class. I will always remember her being the most classiest lady I knew.

With her passing all of her four children (my Father and Uncles and Aunt) and their families gathered around to celebrate her life. Four families ended up including 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. We had a lot of people in town this weekend from Israel, Germany and across the state and Atlanta areas. Who knows when we will all be together again, but it was a bittersweet gathering. I truly love my family with all my heart.

I know my Grandmother is so proud of the legacy she left: we certainly are.

Marcus and Grandfather

My mom hearing that Terry and Aunna are pregnant.

Part of family at my Uncle's house

More of family

Aunt, Sister in Law, Sister, myself, and Sister

Little Tori, the 5th addition to my Uncle and Aunt

Beautiful Cousins

Rachel popping….stuff.

My brother and Kimmie embarassing cousin Russ!

Several things.

1) My friend is in NYC visiting her friend this weekend. Did I mention how jealous I am in my last post? HA. It did happen to bring back some great memories. My mother worked for the airlines when I was younger. I think around 5th grade to high school. Living close the Nashville Airport, my father would take us girls on dates via plane. We would leave early Saturday morning and fly to NYC and shop for the day. FAO Schwartz was the best toy store ever. We would spend the day together and fly back that night. Those are some times I will never forget. Also one of the reasons I have seriously considered a job as a flight attendant.

2) I went to the Dermatologist this week. I have had some serious breakout problems. I am 32 years old and this should not be happening. His only explanation was that being in school again and having a big change to full time student has caused higher stress levels. I tried to explain that I don't "feel" stressed. I got antibiotics, lotions, washes and lots of other things. Hopefully this will clear up quickly! It is not fun!

3) I can't wait to order my Christmas cards this week. I am running way behind because I have not had a chance to take some pictures of the kids. I am taking them to two different places today and hope to get some good shots. Then the decision of ordering what card. When I think I know what I want, I change my mind.

4) I watched a video this week about the Christians job to take care of the orphans. I have always been supportive of adoption. I also have never thought much about it, except when I hear others speak of it and I am always excited for them. It is hard to attend church every week and not think about it. Our church is HUGE on adoption. However that may be for you. There are many different ways of helping the orphans. It doesn't mean that I HAVE to adopt. While I would love to, Jason does not feel the same. Because it has been heavy on my heart I am really praying for a mind change of either him or myself. Maybe you can pray for this with me. It is burdensome to have something so heavy on your heart but not be able to do anything about it.

Finally got the tree up! Woo Hoo!
Pics will follow later.

PS. I have been participating in Clemsongirl's Christmas Swap the past couple of  years. She pairs you up with another blogger and you basically send a Christmas package. I got mine in the mail this week from Jen and loved it all. I am not a big fan of dark chocolate, but when paired with nuts and toffee…oh my goodness! Lets just say I bought a scale last night and weighed this morning. It is going to be my new Sunday morning thing. I have got to get control over this food stuff! Thanks so much Jen for everything! I loved it all!