Lysol is our best friend

Friday night, Brian picked up dinner for us on the way home from work.

We hung out around the house watching movie after movie with our sick little guy. I made a Target run just to get out of the house.

Friday night was rough as Jackson woke up every couple of hours crying. We laid with Jackson and tried to keep him comfortable and his fever down. We stayed around the house, sanitized, cleaned, sanitized some more, and worked on several projects that needed to get done.

Jackson managed to play a little bit through out the day when his fever went down, but overall he laid on the couch watching Cars2.

We all went to bed rather early since we had been up most of the night before.

Saturday night was worse. He woke up crying more often and just couldn't get comfortable sleeping. We had to set the alarm every 3 hours to give him more medicine. It breaks my heart to see him so miserable. I can't imagine what parents go through when their child has cancer or another terrible sickness.

I knew something wasn't right with Jackson, so I decided to take him to Urgent Care while Brian went to church. We got there before we opened and hung out in the car together. I debated going home because he seemed better, but he wanted to see the doctor (for the sucker he gets when he leaves). I am glad we did stay because he ended up having a double ear infection and possible strep throat. They didn't test him since they were going to give him an antibiotic either way.

We got him started on his antibiotic right away, but he couldn't go to daycare today. He still has a very low-grade fever and that nasty cough, but he is doing better. I stayed home with him this morning and Aunt Midge watched him this afternoon for us.

So thankful for medicine and minimal sickness, but I am still praying that the sick bug leaves our house for awhile.

Bring on birthday week!

Home Sick

Jackson has a nasty virus, which means we are just waiting it out. Three o'clock Thursday morning Jackson woke up with a 103 degree fever. We have been giving Tylenol/Ibuprofen on a regular basis. Brian stayed home with him on Thursday, and I am home with him today. Mommy and Daddy are tired because each morning Jackson has been up from 3-5 am because that is when his fever spikes the most and he is so uncomfortable. On top of his fever he has a nasty cough and runny nose. He now knows Benadryl and Tylenol by name.

He was such a sport while using his nebulizer this morning.

This movie has been on repeat the last two days and probably will be the rest of the weekend.

It makes my heart break watching him feel so miserable, especially when he can say he doesn't feel well. He told his cough to "go away!" He has an appetite and wants to play when his fever is down, but as soon as it climbs he wants to lay and watch Cars. He even asked for me to rock him, definitely not normal.

I am praying this virus leaves my boy's body sooner than later, so we can enjoy the weekend together. He can't be sick for his birthday next week!

"Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; for You are the one I praise." Jeremiah 17:14

God's Word

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

That is Brian and my prayer for Jackson as he learns these Bible verses at a young age.

 Here he is working on his illustration to go with his new verse. We also sang Thy Word which I know has helped him memorize this verse already.

Here is a video of him saying his four verses.

He speaks rather quiet on this video, but he does know all his verses even though he struggles with the reference sometimes. (We won't mention he asked for a Thomas verse to learn, ha!)

 Verse #1 is Matthew 22:37 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind."

Verse #2 is Psalm 139:14 "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Verse #3 is Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want."

Verse #4 is Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my path." He had only learned this one the day before.

We always say verse #1 on the way to daycare in the morning and pray that Jackson will love the Lord by loving his friends and obeying Miss Sandy that day. I plan on reciting scripture with him in the morning as long as I drive him to school.

Jehovah-Jireh

"Jehovah-Jireh, my provider, His grace is sufficient for me."

You will often hear Brian and I singing that short phrase of the familiar hymn. Brian said his Aunt Dolly would sing it anytime God provided for her, even when she would get a front row parking spot. Really I should be singing this phrase all day long, since God provides for me every second of every day, but usually we sing it when God provides in an out of the "normal" way. We were singing it just the other night when we were on our way to dinner.

At the corner of our street someone was throwing away a big green slide. A green slide that could replace and allow us to return the green slide we just bought for $100. A green slide that was bigger and longer than what we had, now we could get rid of the ugly mat under the slide. A green slide that was more expensive than the green slide we had bought. A green slide sitting there for us for our Jehovah-Jireh!

I love the way the Lord shows He cares about every aspect of our lives and how He can use a green slide to remind me that He is in control of every single detail!

"The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you." Exodus 34:10b



Here and Gone

This picture sums up our weekend with Jackson. He was beyond silly the whole weekend!

He was an excellent boy at Miss Sandy's all week. She said she would take 5 of him.

Saturday morning was rainy and we had no where we had to be. Jackson helped me clean and then we played until nap time.

We finally showered and got dressed to go to Huntley's 2nd birthday party. Jackson was super shy when we first got there, but didn't want to leave at the end.

 My friend Emily, Huntley, me, and Jackson

Brian and I watched Courageous last night. If you want an uplifting, sad, funny movie this is it! I love movies that honor God and leave you feeling challenged.

Since we only wore our outfits for about 2 hours on Saturday, it made for an easy Sunday morning!

 After Church, we went out for lunch and then out to the outlet mall. Brian needed some more scrubs for work, and I needed wanted to find an outfit to wear for Jackson's birthday party. Brian was successful, and I definitely found way too many things!

The sun finally decided to make its appearance today! After nap time, we played at the park, the fort out back, and Brian worked on a project in the garage.

I have to include this picture because anytime Jackson sees the black cat outside he wants to pet it. He gets really upset if the cat runs away from him and usually it does because he runs up fast and scares him. Today, Jackson didn't scare him and was able to pet him right away. He looked at me said, "Yeah, the kitty likes me!"

Well, this was a long wrap up of our weekend and I could have written more. Another fun weekend has come and gone!

A Visit From a Friend

About a month ago I got a message from my friend Nicole that she was coming to Houston for a work conference. I was so excited and couldn't wait to see and spend the day with her.

She flew in Sunday morning on an early flight so we could do something together. Nicole drove over to our house. I was super impressed she navigated the Houston highways by herself!

Brian was in charge of Jackson for the afternoon, so Nicole and I had to decide what we wanted to do. It was a rather chilly day. We opted for lunch indoors at Ruggles and shopping indoors at the mall. We had a great time talking and hanging out. I love that no matter the last time we have talked or hung out we can pick right back up.

Nicole is such a strong lady with a positive outlook on everything. I am blessed to have her as a friend. Thanks for making the effort to spend time with me Nicole! Sorry about the weather:)

(Melissa, when are you coming to Houston?)

Be Mine

Our Valentine's Day was simple and fun!

Jackson and I left Brian a little surprise by the back door, so he would find it before he left for work. I can't wait to leave him little love messages through out the year.

 Brian does a great job leaving messages through out the year on the door for Jackson and me, but I thought the one today was extra sweet. Worth more than flowers to me! I am thinking I want to frame it and put it on my nightstand.

Jackson delivered his Valentine's to his friends and Miss Sandy. I love how they turned out; sweet and boyish at the same time. He had a fun, sugar loaded day at Miss Sandy's.

 I couldn't wait to pick up Jackson and spend the rest of the evening with my Valentine's. Jackson wanted to play in his sandbox with his Valentine's present, a rake and big shovel.

 Once Daddy got home, we headed to Chick-fil-a. They turned half the restuarant into a "fancy" restuartaunt. They had white linens on the tables, seated us, took our order at the table, brought us our food, took our picture, and gave Jackson and I a rose. Basically, they wined and dined us!

Cleary Jackson wasn't excited about a picture with us but with the Cow, yes! The Cow made his night.

Thinking about yesterday makes me smile. I am so thankful for a family to love and their love for me!

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love."

Psalm 103:8

Happy Valentine's Day!

Almost Three

This weekend I worked on all things construction for Jackson's birthday. He is pretty excited for his birthday. He asked me today, "Mom, you want to come to my party?" So sweet!

He is ALL boy lately! All he wants to do is hammer, fix things, fight, throw and kick balls, play trains, etc. He also loves to pretend. We pretend play anything you can think of; flying airplanes, driving trains, store, farmer and his animals, and many more.

We also spent some time reading these books. Jackson will be playing so nicely and out of the blue get mad about something, and then bite his toy or hit us. He even bit a boy at daycare on Friday. We are hoping to put a stop to this behavior now. I can't believe I have the biter!

Saturday morning we registered him for Preschool in the fall. He had fun playing while I filled out the paperwork. My Aunt's church offers a preschool program that has extended care before and after. I like that he will be able to learn Bible stories and that my Aunt can check in on him.

I still can't believe he is going to be 3! I love watching him grow, but it is still so bittersweet.

Sandbox and Fort

The final project and Jackson's early birthday present:

Jackson was excited to finally be able to play in his sandbox. Despite the cold weather yesterday he didn't want to come in for dinner. I anticipate many days spent in here this spring and summer!

Jackson would like to thank to Papa Mel for constructing the sandbox and fort, all Papas and Grandma for funding the project, Mommy and Daddy for the slide and steering wheel, and Uncle Dan for helping get the sand!

Who wants to come play with us?

The End of Their Stay

Mel and Sharon left Wednesday evening. But, we couldn't have Mel leave without completing a project! Even we a bad shoulder he managed to assemble a fort/sand box for Jackson in less than 3 days. Jackson, of course, was a big help!

Complete pics coming soon!

 Jackson loved playing and doing his own thing all day with Papa and Victor , I mean, Grandma. (Jackson was Kevin, a crane from Thomas and Grandma was Victor, a train from Thomas all week.)

We enjoyed some yummy frozen yogurt the night before they left.

Thank you for coming to see us, spoiling us, and loving on Jackson all week! We hope you are enjoying the cold temps in WI

Weekend Edition (with Papa and Grandma)

Friday night, Brian and I locked our door in hopes of sleeping in. The thunder and rain woke us up, but we were able to go back to sleep until 8:30! We enjoyed being lazy and eating kolaches before getting dressed to go do some shopping. The main goal was to find Jackson an outfit to wear for his birthday party. It was a success!

 Brian and I got ready for a night out together. Jackson couldn't wait for us to leave.

 We decided to go to Cheddar's for dinner. There was one in Springfield we went to in college, but we hadn't been to the one here yet. We couldn't believe how cheap it was (also very yummy).  For $15 we got 3 plates of food, and brought a huge to-go box home.

 Then, we went to see One For the Money and enjoyed it. It is always so nice to just be a "couple". It takes me back to our dating days or even before Jackson days!

We made it to the 10:15 Church service because we all slept in again on Sunday. Jackson woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and it was a struggle to get him ready for Church. As we were leaving Church, Jackson said he wanted a sub for lunch and talked Papa into Firehouse Subs for lunch.

While Jackson slept, Mel and Brian made a Lowe's trip to buy the materials for the latest project for Jackson. I worked on cupcake toppers for his birthday. I have ideas in place, but need to finalize a few more things for his birthday party.

Thankfully, Jackson woke up from nap on the right side of bed! My aunt, uncle, and cousin's family came over for the Superbowl.  Jackson and Aaron played together the whole, and we all enjoyed a bunch of food. It is just not as fun to watch when the Packers aren't playing.

Weekends are the best!



Having A Grand Ole Time

Jackson is thoroughly enjoying being spoiled this week.

(I only have a few pictures because I left the camera with Mel and Sharon. I don't think they share my love of taking pictures.)

Monday: He went fishing with Papa and Grandma.

 They only caught one fish; the fish weren't biting as well as last time they went.

Tuesday: Jackson helped Papa fix the fence I damaged, went shopping with Papa and Grandma, ate lunch at McDonald's and played, and then played at the house with them.

Wednesday: Jackson enjoyed breakfast out with them, the bounce house, looking at fish at Bass Pro, and a ride on the Carousel.

Thursday: Jackson slept in until 9:15, came to have lunch with Mommy, and played with Papa and Grandma.

Friday: Jackson cuddled with Mommy, went swimming, played and had a picnic at the park.

Despite the rainy weather this week, Jackson is still enjoying his time with Papa and Grandma. I am enjoying no cooking, less laundry, and many cappuccinos!

(Mom, if you are reading, I miss you and can't wait till you come in March.)