Confessional

-I confess...

 

-I try and have something planned for us to do each day. It makes my life easier and my time with Jackson better:)

 

-We are taking full advantage of the Kids Bowl Free Program.

 

-I am in denial that Cindy is moving away.

 

 -I may have the sweetest 4 year old and the best fit thrower!

 -I confess I have some of the best friends.

Christin, Sam, Emily, and Caroline came over to visit and hangout this week.

-I took a lot naps with this little guy this week!

 

-Aldi is my favorite store for fruit, 2.99 for a watermelon! 

 

-I love spending every day, even if some seem long, with my boys!

 

-I have a lot of ideas of new things to make and things I want to do for school next year but haven't done one!

 

-I think my boys look a little bit like me:)

 

 

-I count my blessings daily!

A Blue Bell Day

Friday before Brian's parents left we went to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory. 

Jackson talked about going all week long. 

We all know he was most excited about the ice cream!

After the tour, we stopped at the water park next door to play and swim. Loved playing with my big boy!

Definitely another fun summer day!



Life With Papa and Grandma

Papa Mel and Grandma Sharon spent the last week and a half with us.

 

They got to meet Lincoln for the first time.

Brian and I went to see Internship and got out several nights by ourselves.

Papa, Brian, and Jackson did some fishing. Unfortunately, Jackson caught a bigger fish at Bass Pro.

Jackson swam twice a day with Papa and Grandma.

A few trips to Menchies,

 and good eats.

Boys trip to Monsters University in 3D.

And lots and lots more!

We are so thankful for your help and love.

 

Heartbeats

Brian's heart ablation was scheduled for June 18th. After a month of waiting, we met with the doctor the week before. He went over everything about the procedure in detail and answered our questions.

 

The day of the operation we arrived bright and early at Texas Children's. Pastor Dave came up and prayed over Brian before he went back. Brian was wheeled away around 8:30.

I received a phone call updating me on Brian and the procedure every hour. That phone call was wonderful because it kept the mind for wondering what might be going on. Around 12 o'clock the nurse called and said "it was slow going". Mel and I went to the food court to eat lunch and thought for sure the procedure would take even longer than the projected 5 hours. However, the next phone call surprised us. They were done and everything went great! Praise the Lord!

Monitor showing a regular heartbeat with NO PVC's. A first for Brian.

The doctor came and talked to us and let us know that he got rid of all of the extra PVC's and was unable to get his heart into Afib or any other life threatening rhythms. Brian was discharged around 8 o'clock that same night and is doing well. He will follow up with his cardiologists in a month or two.

 

We are so thankful for the many prayers for Brian and our family, the phone calls, and texts.

"He who forms the mountains, creates the wind and reveals his thoughts to man. He who turns down to darkness and treads on the heights of the earth- the Lord God Almighty is His name!" Amos 4:13

 

We give God all the glory!

Big Brother, Little Brother

My Boys

"Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,
Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,
With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,
Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins." 

 "They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while
Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.
And no greater treasure has brought homes more joy
Than a curious, active, and lovable boy!"

Author Unknown

 Jackson has exceeded my expectations of being a big brother.

Even after a month he is still always thinking of Lincoln, giving him kisses, and wanting Lincoln to be right by him. Of course, there are some meltdowns and periods of jealousy from Jackson but overall I am so proud of how well Jackson is adjusting!

Praying this big brother and little brother are the best of friends all of their lives.

Father's Day 2013

Brian is a terrific daddy to Jackson and Lincoln.

I love how he comes home from work ready to play with Jackson. He is consistent with Jackson and teaches him right from wrong. Brian does a devotional with Jackson, sings worship songs, and prays with him daily. Brian loves me and is a great example to our boys!

This year we got to celebrate with Brian's dad. Brian had a great role model.

Love my boys!

 

Brian Jackson picked Firehouse Subs and bowling to celebrate Father's Day.



So thankful for all Brian does for me and our boys!

Block Baby Shower

My sweet neighbors threw me a shower for Lincoln last week.

 

Gabrielle is amazing!

(She is the one who came over at 3 in the morning when I had to take Brian to the emerency room.)

Gabrielle hosted the shower at her house and thought of everything. She had us play a Cranium type game and for every answer I got a baby product.

Everyone gave Gabrielle their gifts ahead of time. She clothe pinned them to string and had me pull the string to get each gift. It was super cute and fun! Lincoln is going to be one well dressed man.

Most of my neighbors have lived on our street since they built their house in the late 80's. Their kids grew up together and everyone is very close. It is neat that they are including us, and it was nice to get to know some of the ladies better. We are very blessed to not only know our neighbors names but do life with them!

Memorizing Scripture V2:12

1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm, let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

 

This is another verse I am claiming for my boys. I want nothing more for them to be men of the Lord that are not shaken by anything. Of course, this verse is great for myself as well.

Birth Annoucement

 

 

I ended up just sending Lincoln's birth announcement in an email to family and friends. I decided to go green to save money and time, but let's be honest most people just throw them a way after a day or two. I did print one off for myself and his baby book.

One Month of Lincoln

I can't believe Lincoln has been with us for a month already!

 He weighs some where around 9 or 10 pounds and 20 1/2 inches long. He just went to size 1 diapers and is about to outgrow his newborn clothes. 

 He nurses every 3-4 hours during the day and 4-5 hours at night.

 He is very alert right after he eats and stays awake for at least an hour maybe two.

 He doesn't seem to mind a little bit of tummy time.

He just started to give us a few smiles and chuckles during his sleep.

 

Lincoln,

We are beyond grateful for your life. You came a bit unexpected but with full acceptance. Your big brother, Jackson, couldn't love you any more and it is the sweetest thing to watch him care for/about you and give you kisses. I'm still adjusting to life with two kids (mostly because I need about 2 more hours of sleep a night), but you make it about as easy as it could be. Thank you for making our lives fuller and stretching my heart to love another little boy. Your daddy and I pray you continue to be easy going and know how much we all love you. You are truly a gift from God!

Love, Mommy

Newborn Pictures

We had a few pictures taken of Lincoln and our family. I loved how they turned out (especially for the price)!

 

Sweet boy

Proud big brother

Our family of four

 



Baseball Season

Jackson has had a great first season of T-ball. He has improved so much in a short time. I think he has enjoyed it for the most part, me too (besides the 100 degree noon games). He preferred batting. If he was in the field he was a lot more focused if he actually played a base.

His coaches were encouraging and really nice, and all the parents were kind and supportive. All around it was a positive experience.

By playing baseball, we were able to work on sportsmanship, attitude, and perseverance with Jackson. He is very confident in himself and proud of his golden trophy!