Smiles

Since Jackson was sick almost all of Thanksgiving break we didn't get to do to much of anything besides decorate the house.

 

We know our boy is sick when he doesn't want dinner. What do good parents do when their children are sick? Take them to Menchie's for some calcium and fruit!

 

 We also took him to see Santa once his fever broke on Sunday. Of course we headed to Bass Pro for our free picture! There are two things he told Santa he wanted for Christmas; 1. Pirate Ship 2. Rainbow Engine Car. He got really shy and nervous when talking to Santa. It was too cute!

Jackson knows why we celebrate Christmas, but now I am praying that it transforms his heart. I can't wait for December 1st to start our advent calendar and daily reading of the true Christmas story!



It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Jackson has the Christmas spirit already! He asked if we could put the Christmas tree up last weekend. When Brian said we could Jackson looked at him and said, "Daddy, you made me a million happy."

 In between Jackson's fever spiking and napping this Thanksgiving break, we have managed to get most of our house decorated for Christmas. Jackson picked out his new ornament for the tree, he calls them instruments every now and then:)!

My Christmas banner made its way back up this year. Brian braved the ladder again and hung our lights up high. Christmas is really the only time my house is all decorated, and I love turning on all the Christmas tree lights throughout the house.

There are not many houses in Texas that do not have an inflatable something in their lawn at Christmas. I am not really a fan but when your 3 year old son wants one so bad that he will spend some of his own money on it, you give in. Frosty now resides in our front lawn.

Brian did a great job decorating the outside of the house. Now we just need a dusting of snow on the front lawn to make the picture complete. 



“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

A Thankful Heart

Lately, I have been thinking just how blessed I am. Not because everything is easy or perfect, but because no matter what situation I face the Lord is with me.
 

This past year we have several ups and downs, but I have felt a peace through it all because I chose to trust in the name of the Lord.

 I am so thankful for my boys. They fill my days with laughter, hugs, dirty laundry, and love. Each day is a gift, and I try to treasure it the best that I can.

I am also very thankful for this new life growing inside of me. It is so exciting to me to think of our family as 4 and Jackson as a big brother.

 

I am thankful for so many more things.  I am blessed beyond measure and pray I can be a blessing to others this year.

 

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever." Psalm 100:4-5

 

Morning Date

There is not much better than spending a Saturday morning with my boy, even if it starts at 6am!

We started with breakfast at Panera or Canera as Jackson says.

LOVE that Panera has Diet Caffine Free Pepsi!

 We headed to Barnes and Noble (after an hour at home playing and doing laundry) at 9 when they opened. We read several books on the stage and built a tower.

 I hadn't done any crafts with Jackson in a while, so we needed to fix that.

 He created his very own Rainbow Turkey and was very proud.

 I was very proud of the track I built for him.

2 years ago I wouldn't have been able to do that!

I am so thankful for one-on-one time with my boy. He usually has the sweetest spirit when it is just the two of us, and will say several times how much he likes our date!

11 weeks

I have made it to 11.5 weeks. I had an appointment yesterday and everything looked great! My doctor lifted restrictions, and I don't have to come back for 4 weeks.

 Overall, I have been feeling good. I am just tired, tired, tired. I am usually in bed by 9:30, sleep until close to 7, and nap on the weekends.

I didn't get an ultrasound done on the good machine yesterday, but I still got a look at our little one. We could see their eyes, nose, and mouth. It was also flipping over and moving its arms. Crazy how little but bit it is! Jackson got to come with us and take a peek at his brother or sister for the first time. He thought it looked like a snail. I thought snowman.

We stopped at Chick-fil-a for dinner on the way from my appointment. I had a flashback to when I was pregnant with Jackson. Brian and I would stop here after almost every appointment. We may need to reinstate this ritual!

 

Thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray for a healthy pregnancy and baby.



Lots Going On

Friday night was date night!

Brian and I went bowling, and I actually beat him the first game. Not even joking!

Saturday morning, Jackson rode his bike and I walked over to Katrina's baby shower. He was just too cute riding with his helmet and backpack on.

Jackson was so excited to see Katrina and meet Titus.

Thankfully Jackson was pretty well behaved.

 

We attempted some family pictures. Not sure if we got anything worthy to be placed on the Christmas card.

 

 So thankful to spend the night out and about with my loves!

 

 Sunday morning, Jackson sang at my aunt's church with his preschool class. I love how nicely he is walking in.

 All week at home he was practicing very loudly. I thought for sure he would be shy and quiet on stage, but he was definitely didn't disappoint. He was so fun to listen and did a great job with the words and hand motions.

 After the service, there was a fall fest. Jackson participated in a pie eating contest against 4 other little boys.

 No surprise that he won 1st place!

Jackson with 2 of his friends from preschool.

 

I forgot to mention the naps I took Saturday and Sunday because I am one tired mama! We had a great weekend together, and I am already counting down to Thanksgiving break....6 more school days!

Say Thank You

Yesterday at school we celebrated veterans and thanked them for their sacrifice to our country and their families. I always get choked up thinking about their sacrifice and what it must be like to leave their families for so long. I can't even imagine my dad, husband, son, daughter, etc being the one that is away.

Shutterfly is offering free cards to say thank you to our troops. You can choose from 4 designs, personalize it, and then Shutterfly will send it on its way. My card is already being sent.

Click here to make your own card and make a difference during the holiday season to the many men and women who make the ultimate sacrifice each day.

 

*Shutterfly is providing me with a $50 credit towards purchases on their site in exchange for helping them spread the word about their Thank The Troops campaign.