Pumpkin Patch

I love all the fun things to do during the fall season! Every year at this time I miss home. Home will always be Wisconsin, even if it hasn't technically been my "home" for more 10 years. I miss the leaves changing colors, The Little Farmer, my Mom's chicken noodle soup, and most of all watching Packer games with my Dad.

Instead, we took Jackson to a fake pumpkin patch here. We opted out of Dewberry Farms this year because it is so expensive and really busy. I heard about a petting zoo/pumpkin patch about 30 minutes from here. We decided to try it out. It was a complete fail, except petting this one pony!

 We were there literally 5 minutes and decided to leave. The goats were the only other animals that Jackson could pet, and they kept running away. They had about 15 pumpkins to choose from. It was a real let down. On the way out I ask for our $21 dollars back, and they actually refunded our money!

Jackson would have had a huge meltdown about not getting a pumpkin or having a hay ride, but thankfully there was another Pumpkin Patch back about 5 minutes. We took Jackson to this one 2 years ago.

My Little Pumpkin has grown quite a bit in that time!

 The sun was right in his eyes, so he is squinting in all of the pictures.

 I had to get one with my boy too! It was definitely too warm for boots, but I wanted to wear them so I did!

 It was such a beautiful clear day!

 So thankful for my family!

 He could feed the goats all day!

 We were waiting for the tractor come back so we could go on the hay ride. When Jackson saw it coming, he jumped up and starting pointing, clapping, and cheering.

 We saw lots of Christmas trees on the hay ride. Not much else to see, I wish they would have had a pumpkin patch to take us to.

 Jackson was sad not to ride the train, but the line was forever long and went the same route as the hay ride. We let him pick out a huge pumpkin and pay 3 times the amount it was really worth! He is so excited to carve it!

 After a fun, warm morning we stopped for lunch at Potbelly's. Jackson loved the big booths. He ate most of his sandwich turned dangling his feet of the side and looking out the window. We were going to get a treat of Freshberry yogurt after, but it no longer exists next door. Boo!

This was the first year Mel and Sharon didn't accompany us to a Pumpkin Patch. We missed you both!

Memorizing Scripture #20

Can't believe this is #20! Lately, I have been led to verses about love during my quiet time. My verse this time is Ephesians 4:2.

"Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love."

This is a great reminder when I have to discipline Jackson or am dealing with behaviors at school. I pray God continues to soften my heart even more to loving everyone unconditionally.

Randoms

Sunday we got some more much needed rain. Brian can always make me laugh! Here he is ordering at the drive through holding the umbrella out of the car so he wouldn't get wet.

 We tried spiking Jackson's hair on Sunday for Church. I was not a huge fan, still missing the curls:(  Jackson also can always make me laugh!

 I put out my fall decorations, all 6 of them! Now if it would just cool off a little more before we go to the pumpkin patch. I want to wear my boots!

 I had a fight with the gate, and I think the Jeep and I won! Our gate does not lock all the way and flies open quite easily. I was backing out of the garage yesterday and hear a huge crunch. I know I closed the gate. I was beyond mad at myself! But, on the positive side I think I fixed the gate. It stays closed now!

But, possibly a bigger issue is that I need a haircut and color ASAP and don't have an appointment for another two weeks. I am not sure I can make it!

Mommy and Jackson Time

Jackson and I had a date scheduled for this morning at Barnes and Noble. He has been talking about our book date since Thursday. I love that he gets excited to do things with me. Our first stop was coffee for me and a smoothie for him! Then, Jackson was off to search for some books to read on the stage.

He was excited to see If You Give A Moose A Muffin, and I was excited to see a Laura Numeroff book I haven't read before. I didn't buy it, but we did read it twice! Jackson informed me "He REALLY likes donuts!"

We spent almost 2 hours reading, playing trains, looking at books, and checking out books. Lots of fun!

From there we headed over to Fire Fest at a local Fire Station. Jackson was all about all of the trucks, helicopter, fire helmets, and water hose. Driving the fire truck just like Papa Mel!

Riding in the truck! (How old does he look here?)

We waited a while in line so Jackson could spray the water hose. According to him he put out a big fire! I think this may have been the best part or was it driving in the field!

Brian was going to go with us to Fire Fest but he didn't get home in time. He was helping John replace his garbage disposal and tear out a tree stump. He also did some stocking up on necessities for us at Costco. I think we are set for awhile!

I had a great morning/afternoon with Jackson. I love this age. He is able to have conversations with me, and he is quite hilarious. Lord, thank you for blessing my life with this little boy and reminding me how precious life truly is!

a FUN week

We have been taking full advantage of the beautiful weather we are experiencing here. After a weekend a sitting around and resting, I felt like I didn't really have a weekend. I have been enjoying every minute with my boys after school and putting all school work aside. (I will have a lot to catch up on this weekend, but I will worry about it then.:)

Every night this week we have walked to a park and played. Jackson has a new favorite park. The Digger Park as he calls it! It is a good 30 minute walk from our house, good thing I like to walk.!

 Then, tonight we had a family date night at Panera. Jackson loves to take mommy on dates. All night he kept asking me if he could take me on a date. So sweet! We all shared a Mango Smoothie in separate cups because Jackson was running a fever.

 You would never know he had a fever. He had so much energy and was a ham all night!

  My loves!

Only 2 more days before I can spend the weekend with my boys. Hopefully Jackson's fever will break quickly!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Jackson's hair was getting pretty long. I loved how it looked after a shower, but by the end of the day it was beyond crazy. Most morning he went to Miss Sandy's with an Afro!

Working Out Just Like Mommy


 The other night Brian was going to get his hair cut, so I said take Jackson and get his cut too. I think he looks so much older with his hair short. Of course I still think he is cute, but I actually really miss his crazy curls.

Good thing it is just hair, but next time I think we will just trim his hair.

My Thoughts and Feelings

Wednesday afternoon I had to take a half day and go to my pre-op appointment. Sitting in the waiting room was the hardest part. I guess now I knew it was real and I had to confirm I was ok with the procedure. The pre-op itself went fast, beside the pre-op nurses couldn't get blood from me even with 4 pokes. Eventually, they took me to the lab. Thank goodness she got it right away! After my appointment I thought I deserved a little pick me up, so I got myself a Diet Vanilla Coke.

 By Friday, I was ready for the procedure. I was ready to feel normal again. I felt pregnant even though I knew I wasn't really. We dropped Jackson off at my Aunt's house at 6 o'clock Friday morning and then headed to the hospital. I wasn't nervous. I knew the Lord was with me, and he gave me a peace only he could give. I read my key verses that have gotten me through this last week. The nurse had to stab me twice for my IV. The place where she stabbed me first caused more pain than the procedure itself. Dr. Castillo came in, hugged me, and told me what to expect. Brian kissed me and back I went, praying Deuteronomy 31:8 the whole way.

Once in the operating room, I only remember being moved from the bed to the table. Next thing I know is waking up in the recovery room at 8:45 am. Dr. Castillo found Brian after only 15 minutes, he told us it would at least take 30 minutes. He said everything went very well. I finally got to see Brian about 9:30, and we left the hospital about 10:30. I was expecting to feel terrible with lots of cramping, but I didn't. I was also worried about bleeding, but not an issue either. I felt pretty good besides being really tired.

The rest of Friday was spent in the recliner watching movies, dozing in and out, and being taken care of by Brian and Jackson. After dinner, I went upstairs to take a nap and Brian and Jackson went to the park. Jackson came and woke me up with a present. Brian said it was all Jackson's idea to get me a surprise. He picked out both gift cards (I-tumes and Starbucks) by himself and of course the Mickey card. My heart melted. What a sweet boy I have! My parents and Brian's parents sent the beautiful flowers. I have also received numerous messages and texts of love and prayers. Thank you everyone!

Overall on Saturday I felt pretty good. I had a terrible headache on and off all day. My body also felt like it did after I had Jackson. I wanted to nap, and I was craving chocolate! Which I guess is kind of normal, because the nurse told me my body thinks it just went through labor. I was able to get out of the house for a little bit and that made me feel even better!

Right now, I am the only one home. Brain and Jackson went to church and I am supposed to be doing my school work. Instead I am blogging and listening to Hillsong. Every time I look at or hear Jackson's sweet voice I realize just how blessed I am and just how precious life is. I will never know my 2nd child on this Earth, but I do know their life has already taught me a lot about love and faith. I imagine April 28th will be a hard day for me, but I know without a doubt that the Lord has amazing things in store for our family.

"The Lord is my strength and song." Exodus 15:2