Brody's 1st Birthday Party!

Mommy had been planning Brody's first birthday party since before he was even born.  She loves first birthdays and has been waiting four years to celebrate another one since Evan's.  Although the weather did not cooperate for Evan's, she still cherishes the memories that were made on that blustery, rainy March day.  She hoped for better weather this time around, and she began to hold out hope for a beautiful outdoor birthday party for Brody as we enjoyed Spring-like weather even in February.  We worked hard to get the backyard ready and were so happy with our progress.  We cleaned out beds, got some beautiful grass to grow, cleaned the deck, and planted some shrubs and flowers.  It was really looking promising -- until the weather report came out for the weekend of his birthday.  We had enjoyed weeks and weeks of gorgeous weather and had spent every weekend playing in the yard.  The weekend of the party was supposed to be rainy and cold!  Ugh!  We felt cursed!  Sunday rolled around, and it was damp and a little chilly so the outdoor party became an indoor party.  Thankfully, the party was still a success, and our little birthday boy had a blast.  He is such a special boy, and we just wanted his birthday to be as special as he is!  

The Party

Mommy made many of the decorations from the party, including the birthday banner and party hats. She didn't really want a theme but just wanted lots of bright and happy colors. 

The gift table.  Brody's favorite gift was his red rocking chair from his Aunt Dava and Uncle Garry. 

Must have balloons. 

The party hats and favors. 

Brody's special hat made by Mommy. 

Pictures of every week of Brody's first year.  Mommy will cherish these forever. 

The food table -- we hadn't put out the main food yet (Chick-fil-a chicken nuggets and wraps/sandwiches).

The Cake

Brody's special little cake.

The Birthday Boy

Mommy and Daddy love this little man!

This baby just makes our family complete!

Big brother is his biggest fan!

This is definitely love.

Grandma loves her boys.

Aunt Naomi and Sam joined the fun. 

Big brother had to have a special hat too.  He helped Mommy make it. 



Grandma and Papa James enjoy catching up with Uncle Tommy and Aunt Debbie Reese.



The big boys are having fun.



Cate enjoys playing with her pal, Brody, and his toys. 



Sweet babies.



Emma loved the fruit tray.



The big boys are glued to the Wii, of course. 



Levi wants to play football and the drums. 



Reade, Lanny, and Evan wear their birthday hats. 



Evan wanted Levi to wear his hat too.


TIME FOR CAKE!


He's ready!



Evan and cousin Lanny giving Brody some love.



Daddy brings the cake.



He insisted on using a fork!












Sugar high!









The rest of the kids enjoy their cake and ice cream.


PRESENTS!


A big present from Mommy and Daddy.



Cousin Cate helps too.



Cate tries on her party hat. 



He was more interested in the paper, of course. 



Some cool new swim trucks for the summer. 



Trucks -- his favorite!



He got his very own dinosaur -- big brother has lots of them.

The Truth About NC's Amendment One!

As a citizen of the state of NC and a law student in the state, I am so thankful that someone finally posted an educated analysis of this proposed amendment.  Yes, I do support the amendment!  As a Christian, I hold the biblical principles of marriage in very high regard.  The family unit is the most crucial element in civilized society, and it is quickly going the way of the dinosaurs!  "Marriages" are shams these days and people enter them for no other reason than as a business tool or relationship so they can reap the benefits of everything from health insurance to retirement benefits.  Marriage is supposed to be the building block of the family.  It is supposed to be a man and woman who are brought together before God to share a life together and build a family and raise children as God intended.  He established this basic unit when he created the first man and woman.  He destroyed cities in Bible times who did not uphold His righteous principles and allowed people to have numerous partners and same-sex relationships.  I know I will probably be ridiculed and bashed as a "hater" for these statements, but these are my beliefs, and I will stand my ground for them.  You expect me to swallow your lifestyle choices and accept them as "right."  You can make your choice to live your life however you see fit but don't expect me to sit back and teach my children that you are living a righteous life before God.  God will be the judge, and it is my responsibility as a parent to teach my children to live according to His principles.

For all those who are interested in reading what Amendment One is really intended to do and what it will do based on correct NC law, please read this article:  

www.crdaily.com/2012/04/amendment-one-fact-and-fiction/

Separation of Church and State Argument

To those who would argue that the proposed amendment violates the Constitutional provision of separation of church and state, you could say the same about many laws on the books.  The truth is you are distorting the Constitution.  Our forefathers drafted the Constitutional provision which actually states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...."  The separation of church and state provision was established to protect our basic right to worship as we choose from being impeded by the government. To be honest, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of separation anymore.  It cannot be disputed that this country was founded on the basic principles of Christianity.   These days, I feel like as a Christian, I am the one whose basic rights (like freedom of religion and freedom of speech) are being stepped on.  I am the one who is told to keep my religious views in the closet or inside the church and that my children and I cannot pray in public or in schools. 

Argument That I Am Biased and Prejudiced

Some will say that my support for the amendment proves that I am prejudiced and that I am actually the sinner because I am violating the Bible’s most important rule to love others.  I’ll be the first to admit that I am a sinner.  The Bible says “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  Only God is holy.  I am not holier than my neighbor, whether he or she be heterosexual or homosexual or whether he or she chooses to cohabitate before marriage.  But I have accepted Jesus as my savior and asked for His forgiveness for my sins, and I try to live each day by His commandments.  I have friends and loved ones who are homosexual.  Do I love them any less?  Absolutely not.  I don’t want to judge them either.  That is not my place.  I will not interfere with their lifestyle choice, but I cannot agree to recognize a marriage that I do believe is in violation of God’s rules.  Marriage is an institution of God!

Do I think all citizens deserve fair and equal protections under the law?

Absolutely.  Do I think they need to be allowed to marry to obtain this?  No.  In North Carolina, there are legal ways that citizens can obtain protections under the law.  If an unmarried couple or a homosexual couple are raising a child, I suggest that whether this amendment passes or not, they seek the advice of a lawyer.  As of now, an illegitimate child may not inherit automatically from his or her father despite that father’s support during his lifetime.  The father MUST file appropriate documents with the court to legitimize that child.  Also, if a partner in a homosexual relationship has a biological or adopted child that the couple is raising, the other partner would not automatically get custody of that child if the legal parent died.  My “nonlegal” advice (I am not a lawyer yet) is that the partners seek the advice of an attorney and prepare appropriate estate planning documents naming a guardian for the child.   

Any negative comments will be promptly deleted so don't even bother!  This is my personal blog, and I am exercising my Constitutional right to freedom of speech!

A Masquerade Ball on Friday the 13th!

Yes, we did!  If law school has done nothing else for us, it has definitely given us the opportunity to experience some interesting things.  On Friday (the 13th), the annual Barrister's Ball was held.  It was truly a night of intrigue as the theme was a masquerade ball, and it was a black tie formal affair.  I love getting all dressed up with the husband for a grown-up night out.  The kids loved spending the evening with Grandma, of course.  I mean, how many people really get to experience formal events after their high school prom?  Yes, I know we are so lucky for these opportunities!  The ball was held at a very unique and amazing location this year.  In Charlotte, the center of the city is the iconic structure of the Bank of America building (the tallest building in Charlotte and one of the tallest in the southeast at 60 plus floors) and symbolizes the city's status as the second largest financial district in the country and home to the second largest megabank in the country.  With the financial crisis that hit in recent years, you can imagine that our beloved city was hit pretty hard, but it will continue to thrive!  In the beautiful Bank of America Center is a large open hall called Founders Hall with marble floors and surrounded by two levels of amazing shops and eateries.  It really just symbolizes all that Charlotte has to offer, and we could not imagine a more elegant and fitting place for the annual ball of Charlotte's first and only law school.  I am so proud of this city and my school sometimes!  

Me and my handsome prince are ready for the ball!

Still in love after almost 9 years of marriage and two kids!

A group of us met for dinner before the ball. 

Oh my, he has my heart!  

Me and my pal, Brooke, before the ball. 

Me and some of my wonderful schoolmates, Chuck Lifford and his wife, Jolee, Kathy, and Brooke.

Another group shot with Jolee's sister and significant other. 

Alexis and Jessica are quite an adventurous pair. 

Kathy's handsome son escorted her to the ball. 

Jolee and her beau, Kevin, were stylin'.  And Brooke had to get in the picture too. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lifford.  Chuck is one of the most accomplished members of our class.  He has proudly served on the Gastonia police force for many years and was recently promoted to chief. 

Me and my handsome husband enjoyed our night on the town. 

Me with some more fun associates, Jessica, Kelly, and Bethany. 

Dancing with the gang.