God Is Strong

So, a couple of Sundays ago I picked up Mr. Bryson from his class. He had a necklace on, that I assume was the craft for the day.....because nothing says 'hey, I just came from church' like a good macaroni craft. I digress. The necklace, in all it's macaroni glory, had a piece of construction paper on it that said 'God Is Strong'. Being the good mother that I am, I proceeded to interrogate the Mr to see what he had learned that day.....and also to make sure his teachers were doctrinally sound.
Our conversation was as follows:

Me: Hey buddy, what did you learn in church today?
Bryson: I learned about God and Jesus.
Me: (so far, so good teachers)....what did you learn about God?
Bryson: (Blank stare) I meed to go potty.
Me: Okay, did you learn that God is strong? (helping a toddler out- pointing to the craft)
Bryson: Yep
Me: How is God strong?
Bryson: Him keelt some guy, He's big and strong. (While showing me his muscles)
Me: Well, maybe next Sunday......

And Then......

Apparently I was not prepared for life with a three year old..... or maybe its just a coincidence that I have been able to accomplish absolutely nothing in the past week and a half.

Before I brief you on the birthday extravaganza, I have to tell you about last Tuesday. Its taken me a week to recover.

Okay, so we all know how wonderful Mr. Bryson is..right? Right. Well, if my memory is correct (I've tried to block it out) last Tuesday was an 18 hour meltdown from Hades. Mr. Bryson is not prone to meltdowns......whining, yes.....meltdowns, NO. Which also means that his parents are not use to 'parenting' during said meltdowns. I really need to brush up on my mommy toughness, and maybe read through some Dobson books again. There was screaming, whaling, gnashing of teeth.....and that was just from me! Thankfully, the storm passed after about 12 time-outs and some very serious tone-age of voice. Praise Jesus, my sweet boy returned the next morning!! And you will all be happy to know he gives me a heads up on what kind of boy he's going to be for the day! So far its been "mommy, I'm probably just gonna be a good boy today". WHEW!!!

Okay, enough of that. Here are some pictures from happier times! Thanks to Meme & Papa and Aunt Vickie & Uncle Kyle for hosting the great toddler invasion! We love you so much.

Your everyday Superhero....

The latest addition to his collection

There may have been adults in the bounce house......

The Meems....she's the greatest!

And good times were had by all.....

Some Tomfoolery...if you will

THE Mr. Bryson

My baby is 3!

How in the world has time flown so fast? It seems like he should be five minutes old, and I should still be giddy from my epidural. God bless that magic juice!! At the same time, I feel like I've known him forever. Was there life before this precious tot came to join us? I can barely remember it.

I remember when I met Jesus. I remember some of high school and college. I remember getting married. I remember parts of our first two years of marriage.......then, I remember seeing that ONE pill I missed. Praise God for forgetfulness!

You know how women tend to be a little hormonal when the preggo-ness sets in? I was completely irrational. Most women, from what I hear, have common fears like if their baby will be healthy, a decent member of society, etc. My two biggest fears were that my baby would have no personality and it would be ugly. If you'd seen my baby pictures you would understand why I feared the latter. Don't judge me!

In my third trimester, my doctor had a feeling that something might be wrong with Bryson's heart. It was shaped weird, could cause problems, yada, yada, yada. I never really worried about it - which was even more irrational. I knew God was the creator of that tiny man's heart, and He alone would inspect, diagnose and cure. My doctor made me go have one of those 4D Ultrasounds done with 'the Specialist'. I feel like I need that title! So, Nathan loaded me and my 60 lb. belly into the car and headed to our 'Special' doctor...for our 'Special' baby. That was the day I became completely worthless. When that picture popped up on the T.V. screen, it felt like Bryson reached up and grabbed my heart and hasn't let go since. There was nothing wrong with his heart.....he just wanted us to get a better look at him. Those cheeks!! It looked like Casper the Friendly ghost was in my belly! Those lips! I couldn't wait to kiss them! We only had to wait a few more weeks to meet him.

I feel like I should inject a show of public gratitude to my husband for enduring nine months of my craziness.....okay, its more like five years of it but whatever! Nathan, you are my favorite man! Thank you for loving me in all my madness......and thank you for that little man. You are an incredible father. I love how you love our son. You are our hero!

On June 22nd, from the moment Bryson was born, my former fears held no merit. He was and is the cutest, most lively and funny beings I have ever met. His sanguine personality rivals my own, which makes me one proud mama, and keeps his daddy cracking up. Those of you who know him, know that he makes an audience of anyone he encounters. He is the pure JOY of his parents. The delight of his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and buddies.

I do understand that every mother in the world feels this way about their children. I don't think my boy is better than any other little boy......I'm just so glad I got this one.

Speaking of being my joy, as I am typing this he just let me know that he 'keelt a bug in the udder room' with my Blackberry. JOY, people......pure joy.

I just can't wait to meet his possible brothers and sisters.

No, I'm not......but thanks for wondering! :)

Happy Birthday Mr. Bryson!

Arranged Marriage??

I am fairly certain I have found Bryson's wife! And after only a few play dates!
Chrissa and I took the tots to the mall for a little indoor playtime. Praise Jesus for indoor playgrounds when it is a zillion degrees outside!!
Bryson and Kaedyn (a.k.a "that girl" - by Bryson) played so good together while the moms watched after Kenzie (little sister) and had a little visit. What I think is amazing about play dates is the depth of conversation that can be had between the moms in a few run-on sentences, while running to the aid of falling/thirsty/hungry/lovely children. We truly are multi-taskers.

Here are a couple of pics of the lovely couple........
.....and they already have something in common: Chick-fil-A sweet tea.
I'm pretty sure we're gonna drink that in Heaven.

Planet Hero Invasion....'08

Granna, Grandad and Uncle Nick came down from Arkansas this weekend for a quick visit to celebrate Mr. Bryson's birthday, which is in a couple of weeks. To the Mr.'s great delight, they brought with them almost the entire brigade of Planet Heroes.....Bryson's favorite toys. It goes without saying that what this tot wants, this tot gets......from his grandparents!! Bless their hearts, they just love him to bits. He was so excited to open his new toys, in tot-terms I think that means he was very grateful...that's what I'm choosing to believe anyway.
It was a short visit, but we had a good time. We even got to go to the movies right before they had to head back home!!!

Here are some pics...

Bryson and Uncle Nick

Daddy helping Bryson with his birthday dessert

Granna and Bryson

Enjoying a refreshment at the movies (no, he did not drink the whole thing)


Love to all

Fruit Roll-up

I'm sure every mom thinks their child is brilliant. But my boy.....well......he continues to prove his specialness.

This is a conversation I had with him about an hour ago.

Mom: Bryson, wanna eat a fruit roll up? (knowing this will be his first roll-up, I totally think he can handle it)
Bryson: Momma, you're so nice.
Mom: I need a kiss first
Bryson: How about later?
Mom: NOW

After about 5 minutes of him snacking on his roll-up, I go to check on him and see that there are holes in the paper part of this fructose filled snack.

Mom: BRYSON, YOU ATE THE PAPER!!!!!
Bryson: I know. Can we go look for rollie-pollie's outside?

Oh lawd! My kid eats paper.....and likes it!