Go With The Flow

The other day our neighbor gave us 3 free passes to the Children's Museum. Brian had off on Wednesday so we decided to go.

Jackson seemed excited and had been talking about it for a day or two.  However, when we got there we had was not interested in doing anything. We had to coax him into doing anything. Then, he would play for about 3 minutes and be ready to move on.

He did a little bit of cooking,

 power tower, obstacle course with Daddy,

 and some surfing.

Since, Jackson wasn't really into the museum and we hadn't bought the tickets we opted to leave and go to something else downtown.

We headed over to the park with the paddle boats and train. Jackson was a lot more excited for that! We paddled through the fountain a couple of times to stay cool.

When we were finished with the boat ride, Jackson said he just wanted to go home and swim. We stopped at Chick-fil-a for lunch and then went home.

 After naps, we swam to his heart's desire!

 These next pictures are from Brian and Jackosn playing soccer together. I love how much joy I can see in Jackson!

I guess it is just a reminder that kids don't need to go to certain places or have certain things to make them happy. They just need our time and love!

Memorizing Scripture via Jackson

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

That is one of the reasons I am comitting myself to helping Jackson memorize scripture. I want these verses to be hidden in his heart, that they are the first thing that come to mind during any circumstance, espesially the hard ones. Jackson memorzing also helps Brian and I memorize the verses because we say them over and over too.

This is my most recent video of Jackson reciting his verses. He knows 6 of them, but will get a little confused on the references every now and then.

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

Psalm 139:14 "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

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

Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries to God, for he cares about you."

Nehemaih 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is my strength."



Good Eats Weekend

Our weekend was very relaxed! Jackson and I go, go, go during the week, it is nice to stay home and play with Daddy.

Friday night we had one of my all time favorite summer meals; shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches and baked zucchini.

Family Date Night at Panera. Smoothies to cool us down!

Saturday was all slept in and swam the morning away. When it is 100 degree, there isn't much else that feels as good!

I love me some family pictures!

I tried to save all my calories for the day for dinner because I knew we were going to Chuy's.

I can eat a whole basket a chips with jalepaneo dip myself! This was Jackson's first time to eat at Chuy's. He thinks it is yummy too!

We all left with happy tummies! Then we went to walk some of it off on the trail, ha.

We watched the 1st Ice Age because I need to get caught up before the 4th one comes out in July that my boys are so excited about.

Brian worked a 12 hour shift on Sunday so someone could take vacation. Jackson and I went to church and then picked up lunch to take to Daddy.

Jackson got to see the big x-ray machines and ride up and down on the bed. We are thankful Brian does not normally work Sundays.

Jackson and I had a low key day at home just playing and swimming. I did make some chocoalte zucchini bread, but I didn't like it and it is now in the trash can. Since Jackson didn't see Daddy all day, he got to go swimming even though it was his bedtime.

What would we do if we didn't have a pool?

Round 2

Friday was a gorgeous day and we spent it swimming with some friends.

Emily, Huntley, Caroline, and Ella came again and Jordan joined us this time too!

We swam along time, and I had a great time talking with friends about school, life, and everything in between.  

Look how big Jackson looks next to sweet Ella. He is three and she is 4 months.

After swimming, Jackson and I went shopping at Target and Old Navy with Caroline and Ella. Jackson kept wanting to tell Caroline things and liked helping her push Ella's stoller.

Thanks for another fun day girls!



Lunch and A Movie

A bunch of the movie theaters around here do $1 kids movies during the week. Since Jackson and I took a bike ride, played at the park, and swam all before 9 o'clock, I decided we needed to have a movie date.

Studio Movie Grill was the only theater showing a movie. I told Jackson we could eat lunch at the movie theater and he was so confused. He kept asking questions about the tables and who was going to make his food.

We watched The Muppets Take Manhattan. I thought it was the newer one, but it wasn't. I honestly liked this one better. Jackson enjoyed all the singing and Kermit.



When I snapped the picture below I laughed and showed him. Jackson repsonded, "What, Mom? I'm just so excited!"

He ate a burger and apple slices with peanut butter. I think he is going to expect a meal during every movie now!

Another fun day with my boy! I am loving SUMMER!

All In A Day's Work

Some summer days it is just Jackson and me. When this happens I get a glimpse of what being a stay at home mom might look like.

After my workout and Jackson's breakfast we have Bible/song/craft time.

This week we are learning about the days of creation and Nehemiah 8:10.

 Mommy got a shower today while Jackson played with his cars/trucks on my bed!

Next, was game time. In the last few weeks Jackson has actually been playing games the right way. He is taking turns, following the rules, not getting upset when he doesn't win. We played Hi, Ho Cherry-O and Candy Land for the first time yesterday. He picked up on both of them very quickly.

Since it was a cloudy/rainy day instead of going swimming, we went to Barnes and Noble for some play and story time (and just to get out of the house and get mommy some coffee!). Jackson loves to read on the little stage they have. He picked out 4 Little Critter books, an Ice Age and Madagascar book to read.

We made a quick pit-stop at Target to return something, then came home for lunch. After lunch was Construction Zone! Bob the Builder and Wendy built and fixed many things. I love listening to and seeing Jackson's imagination!

 Jackson went down for a nap and I got busy. I emptied the dish washer, folded laundry, assembled Tater Tot Casserole for dinner, did my quiet time, worked on some school stuff, made some phone calls, and I think that was all.

The thunder woke Jackson up a bit early from nap. That was okay because he had to go with me to my haircut until Daddy could pick him up. I don't think he minded!

Disclaimer: The day did include a few minor meltdowns, one timeout, some craziness, lots of snacks, a bribe or two, and lots of hugs and kisses.

Swimming with Friends

Jackson and I spend most of our days in the pool. It is always more fun when we can swim with friends.

Before we left for WI, we had Louis and Katrina over for pizza (Brian made them and did a great job) and swimming. Jackson entertained them well and showed them just what they have to look forward to!

Then, last week Emily, Huntley, Caroline, and Ella came over to swim.

So good to see Caroline and meet Ella! Can we go back to the 2009-2010 school year, please? I miss working with these ladies. We also went out for lunch together. Super fun day!

This week, we had over Cindy, Bailey, Garrison, and Ryleigh for dinner and swimming.

Jackson loves having others over to swim with him. Most mornings he asks me "Who is coming over today?" He is also quite the little host and always offers his guests Popsicles after swimming.

Let me know if you want to come swimming, we love having friends over!

Father's Day Weekend

We are so grateful for our fathers, Jackson's Papas, because of their love for us we have a relationship with Christ. They are full of love, selflessness, and support! We are so thankful they are in our lives.

Jackson painted Brian a picture and wrote his name by himself. We made cake balls on Friday, and Jackson wanted to give Brian his presents then.

 Brian and Jackson had a man date on Saturday. They went to see Madagascar 3 together. Brian is very happy to finally have someone who shares his love for animated movies.

 While they were gone I did some deep cleaning that is hard to get done with Jackson around. It rained so hard while they were at the movie, I didn't think they were going to make it down our street!

 We went to Church this morning. Jackson was adamant about wearing his blue shirt even though he wore it last week. Pick your battles, right? 

No other than Firehouse Subs for lunch.

We also enjoyed a lot of swimming together this weekend.

Brian is a great Daddy to Jackson. I love seeing Jackson light up and get so excited when his car pulls in the driveway at the end of the day. Brian is a hands-on dad, always there and always playing. He is often more calm, relaxed, and patient than me. Jackson knows how much Brian loves me. Thank you, my love, for investing in our son and setting great examples for him!

We love you forever and ever!

WI Trip Last Day

 Tuesday morning my mom and Darcy got up early to take Katelyn to Milwaukee for surgery.

So, my dad, Garrison, Brian, Jackson, and I met Mel and Sharon for breakfast.

Waiting on breakfast

Afterwards, we went out to the FDL park. This day was in the low 60's and very windy. I froze most of the time out there. 

They have a few rides and the boys rode them all. 

They also have a small petting zoo. Of course, Jackson's favorite thing is to feed the goats.

We went over by the lighthouse too. We climbed to the top, talk about cold!

We were ready to come home to the 100's!

We made one last stop at Grandma's to play in the basement and have lunch with everyone.

Flight back to Houston was delayed 30 minutes and Jackson's ear hurt most of the ride. No fun, but he definitely entertained those around us with his "Why?'s and Blast off!'s"

Good byes are never fun, but hopefully we will see every one soon!

(Just because I don't want to forget) When we left Houston to fly to Milwaukee my laptop bag held up security for about 15 minutes. I asked what was wrong and she told me I had a pocket knife in my bag. What?!? Apparently Brian put his in there when we went to Kansas last time and never told me about it. I was definitely embarrassed by this and Brian could have cared less. Except he lost his knife because it was more money to send it back to ourselves than to buy a new one.

WI Trip Day 4 & 5

Sunday morning we went to Church. It is always nice to back to the Church you grew up in and see some familiar faces. Brain help led worship and sang a song. He sounded wonderful!

Mel and Sharon with all their grandchildren. It took quite the team and effort to get this picture.

 After Church we headed out to Green Lake to go on the boat. Jackson schedule was sure messed up during vacation. He just slept whenever/wherever he could.

It was a very windy and rough day on the lake.

 Before heading out on the boat, my mom ran into my 1st grade teacher. It was fun talking to her for a while and telling her I now teach first grade too!

 We got drenched as we headed out on the lake. It was so bumpy! Jackson was disappointed he couldn't go tubing. So glad we went Thursday.

 Uncle Jason has a big farm close to Green Lake so on the way back we stopped in. Leo wanted to show Jackson all of the tractors and farm equipment.

 Two tractor loving boys!

 Jackson was in heaven following Leo from one big tractor to the next.

 Talking to Leo in the tractor from the combine.

Monday was shopping day! The boys went with us for lunch and ice cream from Culver's. Yummy cheese curds!

 Shopping with Mom, yup she still spoils me! (I think we look a lot alike in this picture!?!)

Swimming and goofing around in Papa's pool

That evening I got to have dinner with Melissa and Nicole. It was so nice to just sit and talk with them. Definitely wish we could do this once a month!