Lukes Birthday Party

 Early this month, on the perfect Saturday afternoon, Luke had his much anticipated, much talked about, birthday party.

 We were blessed to have most of Matts family join us for the afternoon, as well as some friends we consider our second family there to help celebrate Luke's big day.

 Even after the string broke on the pinata, we did'nt let that stop our fun - Matt set it on part of the playground and let the kids destroy it.

 Lukeys best buddy, Parker was there to help him take inventory of every present.

And the cake.  In the walmart bakery - the display cake is a Cars themed cake.  Every single time we pass it Luke tells me that's his "Car Queen" cake.  So, there was no other option.  We had to get it!

It was a wonderful day celebrating our boy.  Now to just convince Luke that birthdays only come once a year!...

The reason for my hope

My Grandaddy Cagle has always had the softest place in my heart. He's a jokester. A musician. He wasn't afraid to show his undying affection for my grandmother. I love his smell (like day old laundry).  I can remember one weekend he visited when I was a teenager - I have never been a very affectionate person, but that weekend I just needed to be held. I curled up in the crook of his arm as a crazy teenager and he just held me on the couch. Sitting squeezed up next to him. And didn't let go until I did...

This Easter weekend I got some time alone. Matty let me head to Asheville to run errands and spend some time with my grandparents. I can't help but think about heaven when I look at my granddaddy. It's close. 

And without the gift of Easter. The sacrifice of Gods son. The death and ressurection of my Savior. The death and ressurection of my grandaddys Savior...  there would be no hope. The path of salvation- the path to heaven, to eternal life in Gods presence. Grandaddy will be there. 

I imagine he will be met with a banjo. That God has a special mansion set up on music row- just for the musicians who will praise Him through song. Eternally playing songs of hallelujah. Grandads broken fingers will be whole and play again. 

I am thankful. That in my brokeness. My sinfulness.  He forgives me. God prepares a place for all of us who believe.  The battle has been won. 

And soon, Ken Cagle, will be whole again. 

3

I'm in denial, Lukey.  I can't believe tomorrow you will be three years old.  How time has flown since you were born, and at the same time, imagining life without you here just doesn't make sense.  You add such an amazing dynamic to our family.  You are unique.  But you are your daddy's mirror twin.  Not only do you look like a mini-Matt, you have his deep, loud, fabulously obnoxious laugh.  You daydream like him.  You are quiet and go with the flow like him.  But you know when to be the life of the party, just like him.

 I fall in love with you over and over again every stinking day.  From your silly quirks.  The way you tell Noah and Ella "go to your room!" when they annoy you (because, you are the boss, right?), the way you get so excited and just have to grit your teeth because you can't contain yourself...  You are so silly.  You still, in 3 years, don't really like to eat food.  You eat enough apparently because you've finally hit a long needed growth spurt.  You don't weigh much (about 27 pounds).  You are healthy.  This year you developed some pretty great friendships.  You talk about your buddies when they are not around.  And when you do have them by your side I love watching your imagination go wild.  You would live outside, in a tree,on top of something,climbing something, risking your life, getting into mischief, every second of the day if I would let you.  You assume you are just as big as Noah is, and think you can do anything he does.  You live with two singers, and hate to hear people sing, "Ow-ah stop singing!!" is often heard on a daily basis.  You are my snuggler.  "Hold you mommy" is the constant phrase I hear out of your mouth.  You want to be snuggled to sleep, snuggled when you hurt, snuggled when you are bored.  But lately you've gotten over your separation anxiety and are ok to spend time away from me.  You have a huge fan base.  People really like you.  Because you are so funny to watch and easy to love.

Turning three means there are a lot of adventures ahead of you this year.  You are going to start preschool!  You have to, have to, have to, start using the potty (seriously Luke, its gonna happen, quit fighting it).  You are going to sleep all night in your big boy bed every night (please).  You are going to keep having adventures.  You are going to keep jumping knowing we will catch you.  You are going to keep making people laugh and fall in love with you.

Because you are amazing. And I am so completely proud to be your Mama.  I love you my Lukey-duper.  My Chuck Taylor.  My boy.  My three year old boy.