Brotherly Love

A few days before Valentine's Day, Clayton's teacher called down to my room and said, "Be prepared when you get Clayton's folder today!" My first thought was, "Oh, No, what has he done now!". She told me that he had made Claire a special Valentine in class that day and he had taken so much time on it and tied it with yarn. She told me that she and Ms. Bryant, her intern, had almost cried it was so sweet! So of course I couldn't wait to see it! You could tell that he had taken his time on it , the message inside was written so neatly, he had decorated it with stickers and it was tied up with care just like Mrs. Cox described.











The message inside read: Dear Claire, I am glad that you are in my life now. Everything has changed since you came. On rainy days I play with you. When I am bored you keep me company. Love, Clayton
Well needless to say, when I read it I cried! Sometimes I look at Clayton and think he is so grown up now! I know everything has changed for him, and I can honestly say he has not complained one time! How sweet of God to give Clayton this special love for his sister. A sister that he has prayed for since he was little. Their bond is so already so strong! Anytime Claire hears Clayton's voice she looks around until she finds him. She lights up when he talks and plays with her! One of my favorite sounds is to hear him talk to her!
Here she is "helping" Clayton address his valentines for his class. I had put her down to sit with him while he worked on them and when I turned around, he was telling her to hold his list. She did! She actually chewed on it!












The day before Valentine's day, we went to Baby Bundles to get Claire a new headband and Clayton came running through the store with a little package. He asked if he could give it to Claire for Valentine's Day. It was a cute little bib for a baby doll monogrammed with Claire's name. So on Valentine's Day, he read his special card to Claire and gave her the bib for her doll. Clayton we are so thankful that God blessed Claire with such a loving big brother!
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10

A Snow Day From Heaven!

On Monday, my first day back to work, God had something so sweet planned to help me with the transition of leaving my sweet Claire! A Snow Day! I did much better than I thought I would, I had such a peace as I drove to school that morning! I could feel the prayers of my family and friends! So many of my co-workers gave me sweet hugs and encouragement! My class was so sweet and it was good to be with them again! I had looked out my classroom door and could see that it had started snowing. I told my class that we could watch the snow flurries, but that it probably would not stick. Well, needless to say about 15 minutes later, one of my students said,"Mrs. Campbell! The snow is sticking!" Then the craziness of dismissal began! I kept thinking, "I get to spend the afternoon with Clayton and my precious baby on my first day back to work! This snow day is from God!"
Well ,when we got home Clayton couldn't wait to play out in the snow. One of the older neighborhood kids was out playing and told Clayton he would help him build a snowman. So while I put Claire down for a nap, they built "Mr. Vols"Clayton wanted to use a U.T. hat and scarf that his mamaw made for him. He used basketballs for buttons. Not sure what happened to the eyes and football nose by the time I was able to take a picture!
Then it was off to the backyard to sled down the hill! Because the snow was so soft, it was hard to get going at first. Clayton tried sitting down and then he decided to "snowboard".












Clayton was so excited when Terry got home! They get really into their snowball fights! At first they were throwing regular size snowballs. Then Clayton decided to make a giant one to throw at Daddy, so Terry pounded him with a giant one that he had made!



After the snowball fight, they decided to sled down the hill together. But the funniest moment of the evening was when Clayton pushed Terry down to give him a good start! By this time the snow was getting hard and icy and Terry slid down fast and the was stopped by the wooden swing set! I love this picture! We are just getting too old to play like this !
We had a great time playing and laughing together! Thank you God for my special snow day!
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way... 2 Thessalonians 3:16