a day before...

his first birthday party (in which loads of pics are sure to be taken), I accidently did this to his face with my ring. It actually looks much more red in person and goes all the way to his ear!!! Dumb, Kelly, real dumb!

happy birthday, mom!

Last night we celebrated my mom's birthday. During dinner, we took part in what has become a Stark tradition (I apologize if I'm wrong, but I think this came from Bethany, to Kristen, now to me?). I asked mom several questions about this past year and the one about to come, such as, "What was your favorite memory last year?", or "What are you most looking forward to next year?". Anyway, during this time, she began to tell us about another thing she was celebrating on this day. Here it is in her own words:

This month was a very special month for me. It was my 40th spiritual birthday. I love to think back to that amazing week in August of 1967 when I came from Texas to California with a friend to attend a conference with
her. I had no idea what it was really about, but from the moment I stepped
off the shuttle at the conference, I was confronted with something that
amazed me--a large group of people my age (early 20's)...who were
joyful...who talked excitedly about what they were learning in the
Bible...who worshipped wholeheartedly when they sang hymns...who prayed to God as though they knew Him personally...in short, people who knew & loved
Christ passionately.And I was blown away! I have realized since then that
even before the night that week that I gave my life to Jesus, I had fallen
in love with Him because I saw Him in their lives.

God then began to change my life. I returned to Dallas, bought a good
Bible, started attending a Bible-teaching church, got into a single women's
Bible study, and started growing in my walk with Christ. He changed my
dating life (why would I want to date someone who didn't love Him too?)...He
began to show me areas of selfishness in my life...and basically just began
to reveal to me through His Word how awesome He is. I could ramble on
forever, but I'll just say, "Thank you, Lord, for your love, your
sacrifice...and for that great week in 1967! Happy Birthday to me!"

UFC

On Saturday, Chris headed back out to Peyt and Liesl's house (in OC) for a UFC fight. This has come to be a monthly, or every other month event. Several of his friends come over, order the fight, and play SCRAPS (a game played on the pool table with rules similar to that of HORSE in basketball). Personally, I think UFC is gross. Why on earth would someone want to fight someone else for fun? Is getting your nose broken (with blood gushing out) enjoyable? I think not! Anyway, my feelings aside, I'm glad Chris got to hang out with his friends. I stayed home, read some Harry Potter, and turned in early for the evening.

This morning, Cam and I attempted to go to church (Chris had spent the night out there). Notice I said, "attempted". We probably would have been better off staying home. The sermon barely started when I got buzzed to go and get Cameron. He had literally been crying, non-stop, for 45 minutes. It is horrible to walk back and see his red little face through the window. I'm still deciding what to do about this. He hasn't done well in the nursery for 4 months now.

Once Chris got home, we went to a park nearby. Cam really enjoyed watching the waterfalls. We then came home and had take out Claim Jumpers for dinner. We split a chicken salad sandwich, which Chris announced was an "11" and proceeded to say was better than our favorite one at The Cheesecake Factory. I told him it was blasphemous to say that.

chris

There are two huge things I'm thankful for in my life right now. FIrst off, I LOVE, LOVE getting to stay home with Cam. And second, I LOVE, LOVE the fact that Chris works from home. It makes my days so much more fun when Chris can come in and take little breaks with Cam and I, eat lunch with me, and go on random errands with me just so we can both get out of the house. Another great thing about Chris being at home is that he is sooo funny! As many of you know, he has such a quick sense of humor, in that he can think of funny remarks to almost anything. He makes me laugh all the time! Here are two from yesterday:

*As I was attempting to feed Cam a mixture of lima beans, green beans, and peas (pureed), Chris informs me that I might as well be feeding him, "...a mixture of dog poop, manure, and burnt hair". How random, and funny, is that???

*(Disclaimer: this will only be funny if you have Tivo) As I was telling Chris about my conversation with my friend, Jen, I started telling him about how we got on the topic of our high school reunion. As soon as those words left my mouth, he made the "blp, blp, blp" sounds that Tivo makes when you go to fast forward something. Apparently hearing about my high school reunion wasn't too interesting to him. Imagine that!!!

Those are just two of the many funny things he says throughout the day that make me laugh and brighten my day!

retirement

It is interesting to think that it will probably be another 20-25 years before Chris and I can live like we used to live merely a year ago. Gone are the days of going out to dinner on a moment's notice, sleeping in, getting to be lazy on the couch whenever we want, etc. Those days will come back when the kids have moved out and we are retired. My mom and dad have been in that stage for quite some time now.

I think retirement should include lots of golf (or whatever sport you prefer) and lots of time with friends. However, thanks to my dad's amazing example, I also think it should include a lot of time spent in ministry, whether that be volunteering for your Church's VBS, or going on overseas trips. My dad just got back from Ethiopia a few weeks ago. He went with a team and held eye glass clinics (giving away hundreds of free glasses), encouraged the pastors who live there, and shared Christ with the people. It was a great trip and many came to know Christ. Here he is at a church they visited.

When Chris and I get to retirement age, I want to be careful not to waste away the years simply doing things for ME. God will have given us tons of time on our hands and hopefully the money to support ourselves without having to work. That combo lends itself perfectly to missions. While I want Chris to play lots of golf and me to hang out with my friends...I don't want that to make up our entire retirement. We only have one life on this earth, and I want my last years of freedom to be used wisely.

OC weekend

Saturday afternoon we drove out to OC to go to our friend, Noah's, 30th birthday. We first went to Peyt and Liesl's, where we would be spending the night. After I put Cam down for bed, we left for the party (Liesl's parents live there also and stayed with Cam...sooo nice!). We had a great time, just hanging out with our friends and being kid-free for the night. There was yummy food from Rubio's and Wendy's infamous cupcakes to make the night even more enjoyable.






Sunday morning we woke up, ate breakfast, and hung out while Cam napped. It was just nice and relaxing to sit around, do nothing, and talk.

We later made a quick trip to our old church to say hello to some friends and show them Cameron (who many hadn't seen since he was first born). After another nap time, we headed over to Jeremy and Ana's new home for lunch. They just purchased the cutest house and are excited to decorate it...especially one bedroom, which will be turned into a nursery!! They are expecting their first child in Feb. and I am SOOOO excited for them!!! All in all...a FUN, FUN weekend!

all Cam

I'll blog about our fun weekend tomorrow, but today I have a few cute pics of our little boy. He got his hair cut today by my friend, Liz. She does such a great job on him, despite him being somewhat squirmy! Here is a before and after.





Today we are starting to nurse only at bedtime, which will fade out this week and he'll be completely weaned. He has finally taken the sippy cup, and has become a CHAMP at it! He guzzles it down so quickly.



He is sooo precious to watch while he sleeps, but how could this position, with his booty in the air, possibly be comfortable??