The Big Reveal

Well, what our entry and living room looks like now is a far cry from the day we first toured our future home. I am glad we were able to see past what it looked like then because I am in LOVE with it now.

Entryway BEFORE:

AFTER:

Looking left from the entryway- Formal Living room BEFORE:

AFTER:

Living room BEFORE:

AFTER:

A few other views of the transformation:

Mel did an AMAZING job and it all looks even better in person. I think he needs a few weeks to recover for all the work he did.

Next up: the kitchen!

Teething? Allergies? A Cold? I Just Don't Know

Jackson has had a runny nose and fever on and off now for the last week. Last Sunday we stayed home from church and by Tuesday night he seemed to be better. But, then again on Thursday he was running a fever and needing his nose wipped every 2 minutes. After we give him a dose of tylenol (which he loves!) he is all smiles and laughs. This morning his fever reached 101.3 so I decided I better take him in to the doctor just in case. Everything looked ok, she did give him some allergy medicine to see if it would help dry him up. He has been drooling a lot so I wonder if it is not his 1 year molars coming in. This "case" of whatever it is has not stopped Jackson from eating. He can and does eat for a straight 20-30 minutes at dinner every night. I'm just ready for my little boy to feel 100%.

Children's Museum

Saturday morning, Mel and Sharon offered to take Jackson downstairs and play with him at 7:00 and let us go back to sleep. We slept in until 9:00. It was a wonderful and rare thing because today Jackson had me up right at 6:00. Thank you Mel and Sharon!

That afternoon we headed downtown to the Childrens Museum. Jackson was a little young for most of the stuff but loved watching everyone and everything. It was hard enough to get a picture of him looking at us, much less one of him smiling. I was impressed with the museum and can't wait to go back with him when he is older.

We went up to the Tot Spot and Jackson had a blast climbing, crawling, and jumping.

He did not even hesitate, he went right through the tunnel.

Everything was so FUN!

Update on my dad: He had surgery Wednesday afternoon on his eye. He has 60 stitches and a bandage over his nose, but he is doing pretty well and not in too much pain. I'm sure Garrison is enjoying having dad home more. Thank you so much for your prayers, he has felt them all.

Please Pray For My Dad

I received a call from my mom tonight that my dad was in the hospital. That is always a very scary phone call. He had an accident at work. A bungee cord he was trying to get loose off of a truck snapped him in the face. It just missed his eye, but shattered his nose. He is on his way to Milwaukee now to see a plastic surgeon and see if there is any other damages. I hate living far away at times like these. I just want to be by my dad's side and able to give him a hug. I did hear from the ambulance driver (Mel has connections) that my dad was joking with them on the way to the hospital and wanted them to stopped and get him some dinner. At least he is in good spirits. I know there are a lot of other pray requests and needs that may be more urgent right now, but if you would pease pray for the doctors to know what to do, that there is nothing else wrong or serious, that he heals quickly, and for his business. He is already anxious to get back to work.

My sister sent me a picture of my dad and it is pretty gross. I was going to post it but decided that this was a much more pleasant photo of my dad and he is at his shop.

I love you dad and it was so good to hear your voice tonight. Take it easy and get some REST!

Thank you Lord for watching over my dad today! It is such a comfort knowing our God is ALWAYS in control!

Some Work While Others Play

Mel gets up at 7:00 everyday, goes to get breakfast, and then starts working. Today he was able to start painting. It is looking really good. The rest of the house is a different story. I can't wait for the built ins to go up. (Sneak peak at one of the colors we chose.)

Jackson, Grandma Sharon, and I played outside with his cars. He LOVED standing up in it and pushing himself backward. Somehow he caught a little cold or his allergies are acting up so he nose is running like crazy. But even so he enjoyed his time outside.

The other day we made it over to the park and Jackson thought it was cool to roam the equipment like a big boy!

He always enjoys the swing, so much fun! He looks so grown up in this picture.

Ok, we did let Mel take a little break and play at the park with us.

I was also able to enjoy some much needed walking outside. I think I may have been having withdraws.

Under Construction

Brian's parents arrived from Wisconsin yesterday, and we (I guess I should clarify we as mainly Mel) are working on our house again.

This time we are taking a wall out, actually it is already gone, taking some wall paper down, putting up some built in shelves, painting, and doing some other little projects.


When "we" took the chair rail down we found more floral wallpaper. Surprise!! Those spots are dust floating around the house. Jackson loves watching them work, ate some dry wall, and even took 2 good naps while they were making a racket.

It already looks better. I can't wait to see the finished project and I bet you can't either.
Now come on Texas sun and warm up so these folks from Wisconsin can enjoy some nice weather!

Just a Few Things

Today at school during read aloud with accountable talk, I was reading Martin Luther King, Jr. At one point I asked my students to turn and talk to their partners about how things would be different for us if MLK hadn't been brave, stood up for what he believed, and fought for equality. One of my Africa American students turned to his partner and said so bluntly, "I wouldn't be in Mrs. Hartzler's class with you and I couldn't be your friend." He didn't know I was listening in on him, but he caused a lump in my throat and tears to form in my eyes. Thank you MLK I don't know what class would be like without "Richard" and the many others just like him. Just remember no matter what you are special!

**********Switching gears to Jackson**********

Jackson crawled to the fridge stood up and was waiting for supper. HA! He loves to eat.

This week he has tried and LOVED french toast, waffles, cheese ravioli, and grilled cheese. He has thrown up a few times but not right after eating, so we are not sure if it is due to the cheese. He eats yogurt and hasn't had any problems with that. Hopefully, he is not lactose intolerant like his daddy. Jackson is a sharer, he likes to feed you his food.

Jackson also really likes drinking water from his sippy cup and copy us. If we take a drink, he take a drink. When we tip our heads back, he will tip his back too.

Oh and I am ready for this cold weather to be gone for good! Walks outside are calling my name:)