Papa and Grandma

This is a bit overdue, but better late than never! 

Here are some pictures with Papa and Grandma from their time here in January.

Playing with Gella and Jella:)

Sunday morning doughnuts with Papa

The hard part of living far away is not getting to spend much time with our families. We are thankful we get to see them as much as we do. And, just 7 days until we see my parents!

#hartzeveryday2014 Week 9

Day 56: Jackson and his new friends that moved in 2 doors down. He asks to play with them every night. Answered prayer!

Day 57: Pedicures with a friend and snuggles make for a good Wednesday night.

Day 58: Lincoln loves bath time with Jackson. He laughs and splashes the whole time!

Day 59: Getting ready for Jackson's birthday party.

Day 60 (March 1): We had a great time celebrating our birthday boy with his friends at his bowling party.

Day 61: Birthday lunch, he picked BJ's just for the pizookie!

Day 62: His started and ended his REAL birthday with sugar and candles!

More Celebrating

"Today you are you, that is true than true. There is no one alive, that is youer than you." Dr. Seuss

I love birthdays, and I love making Jackson feel special!

Sunday morning, Brian went and picked up doughnuts for breakfast and one for the next day as well. 

 After church, we went and picked out a bike for Jackson. (We actually picked one out Saturday night. But, then he changed his mind and Brian returned it Sunday morning for a different one. Then he changed his mind again.) We ended up with this cool blue Tony Hawk BMX one. He calls it Blue Lighting. 

Jackson picked BJ's for his birthday meal. I think the Oreo Pizookie had something to do with it!

Monday was his "real" birthday. Aunt Midge, Uncle Dan, Johnathan, and Aaron came over for some birthday cake. We face timed my parents while singing Happy Birthday. Jackson and Aaron were entertained by the Ninja Turtle slime that Aaron gave him.

That evening Jackson told me, "I think I'm spoiled today!" Ha, at least he knows!

 Brian and I were going to spend the day with just Jackson today, but Lincoln woke up with a fever. Brian still was able to take Jackson to see the Lego movie in 3D. 

I think that is enough celebrating for a while!!

FIVE

Five years old, I'm not sure how that is possible! 

A look back is always fun

Still the same sweet boy

The little boy that made me a mommy. I will never forget the love I felt for him the moment I saw him, and how it has only multiplied over the years!

Jackson,

Oh, how I love you! Just thinking about you turning five brings so many emotions. I love how independent you are, but that also means you need me less and less. I am so grateful we have made it this far and can't wait to see what lies ahead this year. 

You are just about 4 feet tall. Everyone thinks you are older than you are because you are so tall. You are creative, expressive, smart, tender hearted, a perfectionist, determined, strong willed, sassy, funny, wild, athletic, and a great big brother.

I am going to register you for kindergarten in a month. You are so excited to go to school with me, and I am excited to see you learn even more. You have your Daddy's brains!

I want you to know I pray for you many times a day. I pray that you will come to the know the Lord personally, seek Him daily, grow up to be all God created you to be, be a walking example of the fruits of the spirits, and use your talents for God's glory. 

I love you to the moon and back and more than monkeys love bananas! I am so thankful God gave you to us!

Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet boy!

Love, Mommy

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard no mind has conceived what God has for those who love him."

1 Corinthians 2:9

Strike Up Some Fun!

We celebrated Jackson's 5th birthday on Saturday. He wanted to have a bowling party. This is the first year we had his birthday somewhere besides our house, and I must say it is a lot easier to just show up and leave the mess behind!

The invitation:

The guests: Jackson had around 10 friends come bowl with him 

 It was organized chaos:)

Our little family

The cake: Aunt Midge made another great cake

Love the bowling pins and ball, SO cute

The birthday boy: He had the best time! 

The shirt and pin were the coolest to him. He slept with both the night of the party.

(He told all his friends he wanted Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for his birthday, so that is what he got. The funny thing is he has never seen a show or played with them before, ever!)

The favors: This is the only thing I made for the party!

I am so glad Jackson had a great time! He loved every minute of having his friends there with him.

I just can't believe he is (almost) FIVE!

#hartzeveryday2014 Week 8

Day 49: Someone got a haircut

Day 50: Swimming in the hot tub

Day 51: Bad news- Washing machine is broke

Good news- I don't have to do wash this weekend

(and...Brian was able to actually fix it!)

Day 52: Friday night...Chick-fil-a of course!

Day 53: Baby shower for a sweet friend. SO happy for her!

Day 54: Sunday family day, love those 3 boys!

Day 55: Big boy has a new ride

Kitchen Remodel

For the last six weeks my father-in-law was remodeling our kitchen. We LOVE how it turned out. It was quite the project!

Before on the left; this picture was taken at our inspection

After on the right; way better!

Before on the left; built in desk

After on the right; built in pantry. So much more room for food and storage.

Mel (with some help from Brian) took down the bulk head, rearranged cabinets, added new cabinets, made an island, refinished cabinets, added hardware, built pantry, removed florescent lights, patched the ceiling, installed can lights, hung pendant lights, ran electricity to the island, laid new floor, textured and painted the walls, tore out old pantry, dry walled, created "mudroom", put on new baseboards, added bottom back splash...Phew! I am sure I forgot something. 

A few more after pictures:

Close up of new sink, faucet, and granite counter tops!

Ugly tile is gone!

"Mudroom" as you walk in from the backdoor

We also got a new table and light fixture.

One final look:

Thank you Mel and Sharon for your help! We love how it all turned out. It is more functional, has more storage, and I find myself just wanting to hang out in the kitchen!:)