Last weekend. . .

we went canoeing/kayaking down the mighty Mississippi River (ok only 7 miles of it :) ) with several other families.  I have to tell you I was a little nervous, intimidated, scared, I mean this is the Mississippi River but I was with friends that I trust mine, my sons', and my hubby's life with (that is apparent - right?).  The start of the trip I canoed with my oldest, Hunter, while hubby took the "power" boat with the supplies, my youngest, Mason and a few others.  I quickly learned my oldest is definitely my hubby's child, he is stubborn just like him and we do not work well together or at least not canoeing - I have to keep telling myself "He is 7".   Anyway we went the first leg of the trip (about 3 1/2 miles) and stopped to grill burgers, play in the water, and visit.  The second leg of the trip I kayaked by myself for approx. 3 1/2 miles (first time ever!) and it was so much fun.

Cute even if he is covered in mud!

 I am not zooming in - do you see how close this barge is to us???

                                      

I can't wait until next year and even hubby said he would canoe/kayak this time.  I think he saw how much fun we were having - :) !  

...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.2 Corinthians 3:17

LSU v. Northwestern State

This past weekend we took the boys to Death Valley, home of the LSU Tigers.  I have loved LSU since I was a little girl and went to games with my dad and would visit family in Baton Rouge.  There is nothing greater than Saturday night in Tiger Stadium, it has never rained in Tiger Stadium during an evening game.  I love walking around and seeing everyone dressed in purple and gold.  I did not graduate from LSU but love it none the less and every year we go to at least one game and more if possible.
This was the first time we have taken the boys and they loved it, even sitting through 3 + hours of game time.  They yelled, they ate, they looked in amazement at all the people, and watched for Mike the Tiger to make his appearance riding in his cage.  I think they are already true LSU fans. 

While we were there we showed the boys the brick that my dad purchased In Memory of Aiden.  They were happy that Aiden was there too!!

My little clown.

Don't they look cool?!

Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?

Psalm 77:13

Don't tell me. . .

I read this note/poem on a friend's facebook page and had to borrow it.  I have been missing Aiden a lot lately and thinking about him more and more.  A lot has to do with Caleb, a sweet little boy who had Trisomy 18 and earned his wings on Monday, August 29, 2011 after living 29 months.  I never had the please of meeting Caleb or his mother Jeannette but have become friends with her through blogs, facebook, and email.  I was able to watch this little angel grow and thrive when I couldn't watch Aiden any longer but his little body was not able to take all he had to endure any longer.  He is playing today with all the other sweet angels in God's presence and for this I am thankful.  Knowing that they are with God makes it easier (Sometimes) but it doesn't take the feelings away. 

Please don't tell me you know how I feel,
Unless you have lost your child too,
Please don't tell me my broken heart will heal,
Because that is just not true,
Please don't tell me my son is in a better place,
Though it is true, I want him here with me,
Don't tell me someday I'll hear his voice, see his face,
Beyond today I cannot see,
Don't tell me it is time to move on,
Because I cannot,
Don't tell me to face the fact he is gone,
Because denial is something I can't stop,
Don't tell me to be thankful for the time I had,
Because I wanted more,
Don't tell me when I am my old self you will be glad,
I'll never be as I was before,
What you can tell me is you will be here for me,
That you will listen when I talk of my child,
You can share with me my precious memories,
You can even cry with me for a while,
And please don't hesitate to say his name,
Because it is something I long to hear everyday,
Friend please realize that I can never be the same,
But if you stand by me, you may like the new person I become someday.

Aiden Mathew Bray

Please pray for Caleb's family that they find peace and strength today and in the days ahead.

 

For You, O GOD, are my place of safety.

Psalm 59:9