MR is still recovering from Hand-Foot-and-Mouth, so we decided to take it easy today. We sat outside, ate Popsicles, and watched the power company cut down a tree in our neighbors yard. MR was fascinated by the process. While we were sitting, MR fell asleep in my arms (a rare and truly special occurrence). I didn’t dare move for fear of waking her up. I wanted to enjoy every minute of it. As we rocked, I began thinking of the many things that I wanted to tell sweet Mary Reese.
Here are some of my thoughts:
Mary Reese, develop and nurture your relationship with God. Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Mary Reese, your Dad and I love you and always will; no matter what. Please don’t be afraid or embarrassed to come to us with a problem. There’s nothing you could tell us or do to make us love you any less.
Mary Reese, your dad is honest, genuine, smart, and caring. He adores you and has since the minute he laid eyes on you. I hope when you grow up, you look up to your dad the way I look up to mine.
Mary Reese, having the opportunity to stay at home with you and watch you grow has been the greatest gift your dad has ever given me.
Mary Reese, nothing makes me happier than your sweet smile, hearing your laugh, and seeing your face light up when your Daddy comes home.
Things I want you know as you grow:
Mary Reese, respect yourself and others. Discover the gifts that God has given you and use these gifts in His glory.
Mary Reese, live your life with passion; be willing and open to try new things, visit new places, and meet new people.
Mary Reese, be honest. When it’s all said and done, all you have is your word.
Mary Reese, manage your money wisely and stay out of debt. Debt not only drains your bank account, it drains your life. Stay away from credit cards. If you don’t have enough money to buy it in cash, you probably don’t need it.
Mary Reese, when you grow up and leave, please call me (at least daily) and let me know how your life is.
Mary Reese, like your mama, this list is a work in progress. I hope to add it as you continue to grow and learn. I love you more and more every day and feel so privileged to be your mama.
Glad you got some cuddle time. You need to add this to the list…
Mary Reese, JuMama will always take you to McDonald’s and to the store to buy candy. She will also let you stay up late and listen to rap music.
Very, very sweet. I like the idea of the working list. I may have to start my own for Ty.
What a sweet post today! It brought tears to my eyes!
That was very sweet…I adore those moments when Addie falls asleep in my arms. It does make me wish that she stay little much longer…before they know it, they’ll be yelling and slamming doors as teenaged girls!
You have eloquently written the hopes and dreams your parents and I had for you and Garrett. God has truly blessed us with wonderful children and now grandchildren. I know Mary Reese will fill your heart with joy. We love you.
MR, your Mama is so right. Listen to her and do what she says. I think she and the rest of us will be okay about you beginning to date when you are in your late 20′s. We will pick out the perfect guy for you, one just like your Daddy!
Love, GranC