Fall Fun!

I think it's safe to say that I'm a horrible blogger! For those of you who ask me when I'm going to update my blog, thank you for caring about our family, and I apologize. Here's just a quick update of our October, since we are well into November, and I promise to try and do better about giving those we love updates. At least there's lots of room for improvement!

God bless!

We made out last trip to the beach this year, with our friends the Gandy's. We went to the Oyster Festival and had a great time hanging out with our best buddies!

We had a very very Happy Halloween, the Griggs went Gotham, with Wes as BATMAN and Lily as CATWOMAN! They had such a great time trick or treating with their aunts, uncles, and cousins, and they looked so cute doing it!

We are so excited about the holidays coming up and spending time with our friends and family. I also must tell you that Wes carries the sales papers around all over the house picking out all the things he "NEEDS" for Christmas, oh to be a child again. More updates to come!

Things I'm Learning

I've decided, more for my own benefit than yours, to list a few things that I'm learning, as of recent. These are things I have by no means perfected, as I struggle with them all each and everyday. However, they are things I know to be true, so I wanted to share with you all. In Love, Mel.

Do Not Worry

There is a difference between worry and concern, that difference being the outcome. Worry is useless, while concern motivates action. If I spend my days worrying about the economy, the morality of America and that influence on my children, the decisions of Washington, etc., I would be miserable, and add not a second more to my life ( I would probably be taking years off of my life). I am learning to be prayerful when I'm concerned. I'm learning to save more and spend differently. I believe in our nation and I know God has his hands all over it. We are told to respect those in positions of power, and cast our cares on the Lord. "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men" 1 Peter 2:13. This scripture was written to a people being oppressed by Caesar, an atheistic King. Therefore, whether or not I agree with those in powerful positions, I will not worry, I will cast my cares on Him, and I will respect. In all things, even the seemingly bad ones, God works for the good of those who love him.

Who is my neighbor?

I know we've all heard the Golden Rule, and the parable of the Good Samaritan, but I'm just now learning to love my neighbor as myself by figuring out who my neighbor is. The answer I have found is ANYONE with a need. The Samaritan did not help the man on the road because they shared the same country, creed, or socioeconomic background; actually they had none of those things in common. He helped because the man was in need. For me, that means I should be loving you and helping you in any way I can, whether you look like me, are a US citizen, have committed a crime, are a Christian, are an atheist, have a drug addiction, etc. You are to be Loved because you are my neighbor. I'm learning to let go of judgment and shed self righteousness, because I will never be able to change my life nor anyone else's for the better through anger and protest, but only through LOVE.

Love is Patient; Love Protects

I've also learned that love is patient. For me, that means slow to anger and quick to listen. I need to be willing to yield to others, not constantly focused on my needs, my opinions, and my life. Love also protects. It doesn't try to bring others down, expose flaws, or pass judgment. For me, this means love does not gossip. Please keep in mind; this is a list of things I'm learning, not things I've learned, because you all know this is a girl who loves gab! But I am trying, so if you want to hold me accountable the next time I'm in a tizzy over what someone was wearing or what's going on with the Gosselins, please do so!

The Importance of Parents

I never realized the most profound and influential people on this earth are not celebrities, those who rule nations, or the coolest girl in school. They are your parents, be them phenomenal at their job or less than. No one on this planet can elate you or defeat you, like your mama! I really lucked out in that department, so it's now that I am a mama that I'm feeling the brevity and responsibility of parenthood. Whether we like it or not, we learn by the actions of our parents. We may decide to imitate them, or decide to do everything in the opposite way. Whichever the case, the actions of parents are the biggest influence on the person that child becomes. I have been blessed with this responsibility, and I hope that Justin and I can give the best of ourselves to our beautiful children, and teach them in the way they should go.

These are just a few of the lessons I'm grappling, and I hope that in time, I'll do better with them. However, just writing has been freeing, and I hope some of the lessons I am learning will help you in some way. If not, I hope you enjoyed reading it, or at the very least, caught up on what's going on with me :-). Thank you all!

Back to School!

Happy September everyone :-). It's that time of year, and Wes and Lily are off to school like the big kids! Wes is in a three day a week preschool program at First Baptist Church in Mooresville. He goes Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9am-12pm and loves every minute of it. He is in the 3 year old class and his teachers are Ms. Dolly and Ms. Brandy, and his best friend Tucker is in his class. He's so smart, and I look forward to hearing his version of the day when I pick him up!

Lilyan attends the same preschool, however, she is in a Mother's Morning Out program, so she only goes to school on Wednesdays from 9am-12pm. She's not been as excited about it, as Wes, but it's really helping her socialization skills, and easing her stranger anxiety. For those of you who know Lily, she's a DRAMA QUEEN, and does not like to be left anywhere. She's also learned to be one tough cookie from her big brother, so she doesn't always play nice with other babies. Her teacher's Ms. Sandy and Ms. Sherrie adore her though, and call her their firecracker. Though she is the youngest in the program (it's 12-24months, and Lily is 13months), she's by far the most active as far as running around the room, climbing on furniture, etc... That's my Silly Billy!

Those two challenge and amaze me everyday, and though staying at home with them is the most difficult thing I have ever done, seeing their little personalities and intellect blossom, makes it worth it!

1st Annual Griggs Family Beach Trip

Well we finally made it to the beach as a family of 4, and we cannot wait to go back! Our kids are definitely water babies, and thankfully we had Wes and Lily's PaPa and Nana Griggs, and Uncle Ross and Aunt Lindsey to help as well, because it was all hands on deck to keep up with these two! Here are a few pictures from the highlight reel, enjoy!

Lily loves long walks on the beach and diving head first into any body of water!

I had to capture this rare occasion of Lily sitting in a highchair. Truth be known it lasted about 5 minutes, but doesn't she look so precious!


Wes and Daddy hitting the waves. His favorite part was when Justin would carry him out far enough that the waves would just lift them up before they crashed. He would cry when they came back in.

She's a mess, but I think I'll keep her!

Another favorite activity was collecting seashells with Nana to put in his fort. He even spent an entire morning collecting seashells just for Granna.

One of Lily's favorite beach activities was covering herself and Mommy in sand! I mean covering, head to toe!

She also loved laying out, as all girls do :-)

We also got to play at the Kingston Plaintation water park, which was a big hit with everyone!

Lily also learned to say "Cheese" at the beach, which was one of my favorite memories! Like I said, we had a great time....can't wait for next year!

Introductions Please

Recently, I was told by a good friend "You should start a blog." Thinking I had not much to offer the world of cyberspace, I politely nodded and returned to my glass of wine. However, since those words were spoken, every somewhat profound thought, idea, funny movie quote, and cute interaction between my children, has brought me back to those words, "you should start a blog," as a way that I could share these moments with those I love, and also chronicle the happenings of the days that are turning to weeks, months, and years in a blur. With that, the Mel's Moments blog is born. I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoy writing it. Love to you all, Mel.