David & Chantal Singing 'The Prayer'

This is an audio clip of David and Chantal singing 'The Prayer' at Jonathan & Cynthia's wedding.

Thank you for letting a proud mama brag!

Introducing.....Prince David

This being a very 'transitional' time (Is that even a word?.....it is now!) in the Bertram household, with Jonathan married and out of the house, it really got Chantal and I thinking....Here's what we came up with.

We have officially crowned David Hunter Bertram the 'Prince' of the house. YES....he now holds the very royal spot that sits right next to the throne. Thus he must be treated like the royalty that he is.

This last Sunday night (the very first night after the big coronation), when we came home from church, Chantal (The Princess) and I were poised and ready. When he entered the dining area we quickly sat him down and asked him what he wanted to eat...."ANYTHING, to the half of the kingdom is yours just ask"....and that he did. We tirelessly served him his hearts delight. Meanwhile the delight was ours. Just to watch the little grin, huge dimples, and the chest expanding before our eyes was incredible fun. I must say that the Prince is milking this one for all it's worth. The Princess is working tirelessly in the kitchen granting the Prince his every wish. (It is loads of cute!!!!)

In my opinion, the Prince is so worthy of this royal treatment. He is nothing short of delightful. He has the Queen and blonde little Princess wrapped around his handsome little finger. However, the queen is now waiting for a new awareness to set in and be realized....The one that will occur with startling clarity,...the one when the Princess realizes her royal spot in the Kingdom, and has the Prince finally doting on her.....

WEDDING ALERT

Wow it has been ages since I have written on my blog. I have so many friends and family all over the United States, and this blog was a way for them to keep connected to me....however, it's not as effective a tool for me to keep connected to them. Thus Facebook. I have neglected my blog, and have been staying connected to loved ones via Facebook....It's more of a 'mutually satisfying' experience. One problem being that EVERYONE does not have FB. At my sons wedding (which I will talk about later on in this update) several friends and family (that are not FB converts yet) requested some blog updates....So here we go.

I probably should have went back and read what my latest blog entries were, so that I could be more informative, but I didn't. (Too lazy I guess.) So, I'll just pick up on the LATEST, BIGGEST, news in our family.

The most sentimental and HUGEST news in our family, is that my son Jonathan Paul Bertram is now a married man. YEP! I can hardly believe it, but it is true. Jonathan married a precious girl from our church. 'Cynthia' is an incredibly beautiful and Godly young lady. I am so proud of Jonathan's pick!!

Cynthia has been a part of FMT since she was about 10 or 11. Something about Cynthia grabbed my heart. (Those of you that know me well, know that 'maternal' blood flows in my veins in the healthiest form, and I just can't help it!) I can't explain it, just can say that since she was very young, I would always 'look out' for her. A mother's love from me was just hers, free for the taking.....and she did. I often tell Jonathan that I fell in love with Cynthia before he did....I really did. I have corrected many people in the last couple of weeks when they refer to my 'daughter-in-law'...I quickly tell them that I have no daughter-in-law. I have 2 daughters.

I was thrilled to share every wedding planning experience with my girl. Many LA trips, David's Bridal trips....you name it. What fun we had.... The bond becoming stronger and stronger.

All this said, there were many bitter/sweet sentimental moments. Realizing that nothing would ever be the same. The little guy that I lived to take care of, and put every part of my being into, would be leaving home forever... The job of taking care of him would be passed on to someone else. It wouldn't be mine. Forever.....

Jonathan has always had a special 'sense' with me. I might be able to fool everyone else but never Jonathan. He just knows when I'm sad or upset, .... One night before he was married I was having one of these bitter/sweet sentimental moments, and didn't want anyone to see me cry...SO, knowing I wouldn't be missed (everyone was out with various events) I got in my car and just started driving. I cried and cried driving the streets of Santee. After about an hour my phone rings....guess who?! (He made me so mad that night!...Can't a girl just cry her eyeballs out without all the commotion? Drown her sorrows in a calorie filled milkshake or something without having to report to everyone?!) "Mom are you alright?" Trying to make my voice all 'sing-songy'. "Of course I'm alright....I'm at Sonic getting a drink." That 'sense' kicked in and he held on like a pit bull, and wouldn't let go until I was sobbing, hiccuping, and drooling all over the phone, telling him how hard it was for me to let go and let life take it's natural God elected course. We had a very sweet talk,....talked about all our special dinners together, and just how special and dear our bond was to each of us. He was so sweet, and the bitter tears turned sweet, as we talked and I cried, hiccuped, and felt like a nerd...but a nerd that was making the very necessary adjustments of the heart and soul, and the one helping me was that little boy that had turned into such a sweet, sensitive and incredible man.

I am a grateful lady. My first born has made the biggest step in his life, and he picked a little angel. My heart is full of gratefulness and peace. God has been so good to me!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

Today I am celebrating the birthday of the LOVE OF MY LIFE....Happy Birthday Babe!!!!

Paul I am thankful for the man that you are.  You live what you preach.  You have integrity.  You are a hard worker.  You are a compassionate and strong leader.  You have been a wonderful Dad to our children, and an incredible husband to me.  I love the home we have created side by side, and  cherish the children we have so lovingly raised together.  Little did I know that a cowboy from Michigan would sweep me off my feet like you did....but I'm oh so glad you did!!!!  Looking forward to being by your side for MANY more birthdays to come.....

Lorraine  :-)

Jonathan & Cynthia

My beautiful - soon to be - Daughter-in-law....

I have had a special love in my heart for this young lady for many years, not knowing....

I love you Cynthia, and am so excited to welcome you into our family!!!!

I'll Love Him Forever...

Tonight is a very special night for my son Jonathan....Today he proposed marriage to a beautiful, sweet girl...

Oh how time flies....It was just 'yesterday' that I brought Jonathan Paul Bertram into this world.  Just 'yesterday' I held him in my arms and proclaimed him to be the most beautiful baby that ever was born.  Just 'yesterday' I took a long walk in the country with him and giggled at the tough manly way my little 2 year old did everything....Just 'yesterday' I went with him to get his first pair of glasses....yep, it was 'yesterday' the Doctor said Jonathan would have to wear an eye patch to help his vision, and I wore a patch over my eye too just to  make him feel like it was the 'cool' thing to do.  Yeah, and just 'yesterday' we went to 'Po Folks' ...our favorite hangout to be together just him and I, to talk.  Just...'yesterday'....In fact just 'yesterday', I sat you and David down after a brotherly squabble with your 'Jonathan and David' bible storybook, and went over again why it was that I named you 'Jonathan and David'...."Yep, they were the very best of friends"...and "that's what Momma wants you both to be."  Just 'yesterday' I would sit with you and help with homework, quizzing you before a test...At your high school touch football game 'yesterday' I screamed till my throat was raw and filled my camera to overflowing with pictures of you!  Yes, just 'yesterday' I sat on the floor alone in my room and wept as I filled out your graduation card.... 

Jonathan, it seems like 'just yesterday', but it really wasn't 'yesterday'.  Many days, months, and years have passed.  You have valuably used this time to apply yourself.  To better yourself.  To have a real relationship with Jesus Christ.  You even have sacrificed your passions and career goals because you wanted to please God more than you wanted to please yourself.  Son, I am so proud of the man you have become. You are the epitome of  what a real man should be....Cynthia is a blessed girl.  You will be an incredible husband....and Daddy.

All that said, this is how Mommas heart feels tonight.....

"Jonathan, I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always.  As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

I love you son!

Mom

Guilty of Blog Neglect

It has been forever since I have posted on my blog!  I am definitely guilty of 'Blog Neglect'.  I'm sure in this world where no one is responsible or accountable for ANYthing they do, there is a more 'politically correct' way of saying that, but oh well...

Life has been very busy for the Bertram family.  We have had two incredible girls from our church in and out of the hospital and undergoing very serious surgeries, and against all odds, we went ahead and did our Easter drama....and with just the busyness of everyday life....well, our household has been going non stop!!!! .  

The Easter Drama was an INCREDIBLE success.  The best ever!!  Not only did we have a packed house at both showings, but both showings culminated in new people FLOODING the altars!!!!  Incredible altar calls!!!!  Thank you Jesus!!!!

I will be explaining the reason behind my blog neglect, and will have some more VERY interesting news to share real soon...