1 Year old

How do you sum up a year? Samuel has been with us just a short time, but I cant imagine one day without him. He is wild, loud, funny, joyful, eccentric, and perfect. I would not trade one of these many sleepless nights for life without him. He has taught me so much about life, love and myself. What a wonderful treasure Samuel is.

"Samuel" means "asked of God". Every moment of his life has reflected this meaning.  I praise God for the time we have had with him I beg God for more time with him and direction to become the reflection of Christ Samuel should be. 

My favorite thing about Samuel is his contagious smile. He has a vivacious personality. You cant spend time with Samuel and leave grumpy.

He loves his piano and anything that makes "music'". Samuel dances all the time. He even moves to the rhythm of the dog panting. I love my sweet musician. I cant wait to go to his school concerts...some day(=

Samuel isn't much for toys. But he loves this little giraffe. Joe and I bought it shortly after we found out we were expecting Samuel. Samuel carries it around all the time. He loves to entertain his audience 

Samuel is not camera shy. In fact when he sees the camera he usually stops and poses for me. 

I adore his creative mind. He is always finding new ways to play the piano. Here he is using his foot. Before this picture he was playing the piano with a stick.

He looks like a man. He was so tiny and now he is crawling, almost walking, and climbing all over things. 

"no mom I can climb down myself"

Hes a thinker, dreamer, story teller, a comedian.

He has the worlds most adoring, passionate, loving, protective, faithful and courageous father...

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  "Your baby blues so full of wonder, your curry cues, your contagious smile. As I watch you start to grow up, all I can do it hold you tight. Knowing clouds will rage and storms will race in, but you will be safe in my arms. "

Loss

So many have expressed love and support for a situation they know nothing about. You simply know we are hurting and have extended your hands to us. Thank you!!!

This has been the most difficult year of my life. In September Joe lost a dear friend. In April we lost our second child. A few weeks ago Joe's brother was arrested and though he is still alive we feel he is lost. This week we lost a beloved daddy. Our hearts ache. We feel empty and helpless. Our pain is so overwhelming words, even tears are powerless to express it.

There is little others can do that has yet to be done. Your encouragement, love and physical support overwhelms us with joy in this great sorrow. Thank you so very much. You are the hands and feet of Jesus. We have an abundance of family, friends, church family...and more. And we desperately need you all. Please keep praying, keep sending us words of encouragement. Keep calling, texting and writing.

"Those who are in Christ are a new creation. The old is gone..." We believe this with all our hearts. We will see Cody, our Baby and Daddy in heaven someday. And God's grace has forgiven Jimmy, as we have. For now we want to share this message with others. Please pray for God to be honored and many to be saved through this suffering.

Even with all this great sorrow, we are so blessed to have Samuel. Praise God from who all blessings flow! He is a very very bright light in a dark place.