Oh, Christmas Tree!

It has been a great weekend! I always am more laid back and relaxed when I know I have nothing that must get done by Monday.

Kolaches (and lattes) are a good way to start any day.

 Pit stops at parks are just as fun!

 Jackson has been asking to put up the Christmas tree for the last week. We finally obliged. For most of Saturday our house looked like it threw up Christmas, which actually made me really happy!

 Another plus to the weekend was a date with Brian. So thankful for Aunt Midge and her willingness to watch Jackson for us to have some much need time just the two of us.

 After we got home, we went in to give Jackson a kiss and he was wide awake! Nothing sweeter than a boy who wants his mama then his daddy. He knows how to work us!

I love Sundays that start with a walk. Well, actually I walked pushing the stroller because Jackson decided he wanted to run the whole time!

After a great service at Church, we headed to our favorite Sunday lunch restaurant. We don't go out to eat often at Church, but I love when we do.  

 We turned on the Christmas tunes and finished decorating the tree. Jackson was really into helping put on the ornaments.

 "Look Mom, I found a hooker." Jackson in reference to finding a hook for an ornament. Made us laugh for just a few minutes!

 He danced, had fun, and

 also threw a fit or two!

 The finished product! I love the feel of a glowing Christmas tree.

 Family shot in front of the tree

 Goofy shot with my silly boy!

Everything is so much more fun with a 2 year old. I love his excitement about every little thing. Turning on the Christmas tree never gets old. I am looking forward to creating even more memories as a family throughout the holiday season and not setting an alarm for tomorrow morning!



Ready

I am beyond ready:

-For a break from teaching (unfortunately, I think I am going to have to do some work at home)

-For a date with my hubby

-To sit down and read some just for fun books on our new I-pad

-To sleep in as late as Jackson will allow

-To spend some time with our families

-To watch the Packers play on Thanksgiving with my Dad

-For some shopping/lunch out with my Mom

-For Jackson to see his Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins

-For colder weather, just to wear my sweaters and boots:)

AND

-Spending a whole week with my little man!

Isn't his turkey headband too cute?



Memorizing Scripture #22

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

I have friends/family with cancer, wishing for a child, high levels of stress, and many other troubles that life brings. It is easy to say you will pray for someone and then pray once or not even follow through. I want my life to include more times of prayer, real quiet times with my Lord lifting others up. I also feel like I need to be in fervent prayer for Jackson. Life is tough! I want him to come to love the Lord with all his heart, and I want him to be able to stand firm amidst life's troubles.

I believe in prayer more than anything. I know God doesn't answer every one the way we may want, but wants us nonetheless to present our requests to him.

I love talking to God and feel a real sense of peace knowing he hears my every word.

Barefoot

or Bear feet?

When we went to get the mail this afternoon we asked Jackson if he just wanted to go barefoot. He said yes and ran off. What was he looking for? His bear feet of course!

Man, I love him!

Back to the Doctor

My phone rings as I am walking out of school on Friday. Brian and Jackson are on the other end wondering where I am. They were at the park and waiting for me. We had a fun time playing together. It was a great start to the weekend!

 Around 5 am Saturday morning, we heard Jackson crying. This is not too out of the ordinary, as when Jackson wakes up early he will cry if he lost his pacifier. Brian went in there and took him to the bathroom. I heard Brian tell Jackson to stop crying if he wanted Daddy to lay with him. Jackson did not stop crying. After a little bit, I went into the bathroom to see what the matter was. As soon as I kissed his head I knew. He was burning up; his temperature was 103.4. We quickly got some Tylenol in him. He fell asleep on Brian in the rocking chair.

Come 7 o'clock when he got up, his temperature was down to 100.4. We debated if we should take him in or not, and we ended up calling and scheduling an appointment. Right before we were getting ready to leave, Jackson began to shake and look terrible. He couldn't get comfortable. I gave him some more Tylenol when we got in the car because I knew his temperature was still high. When we got to the doctor's office (so thankful they are open Saturday mornings) his temperature was 103.9. Jackson was pretty limp. I felt awful for him and was praying his temperature would come down quickly. The doctor came in and said his throat and ears looked ok, but did a strep and flu test. They gave him some Motrin while we were waiting on the results. Strep came back positive, so off we went to get his antibiotic filled.

Strep didn't keep my boy from eating. He had a Mickey pancake for breakfast, and mac and cheese for lunch. Jackson and I watched movies until nap time. Thankfully, he was already feeling more like himself.

After dinner, we went and let Jackson rent a movie. He picked Rio, the bird movie as he calls it. Daddy spoiled him with a foot stool, a little bit of root beer, and popcorn with M&M's.

 Brian and I missed our date night, but I am just so thankful Jackson's fever was down. Instead, we rented Lincoln Lawyer (as recommended by Brian's mom) and really enjoyed it. It kept me on my toes the whole movie.

I didn't want to miss Church again this week. Jackson couldn't go to the nursery so we brought him to big church with us. We packed his bag full of books and goodies. Overall, he did really well. I think the snacks were to thank for that.

From Church, we headed out to the Outlet Mall. I have been wanting some nicer/cuter workout clothes so I could wear them out in public. The Under Armour store came through for us. Brian and I most got some great deals.

Jackson was ready to play when we got home! Here is Jackson having fun swinging/playing with Daddy. Love that laugh, it never gets old!

Wow, that was a long post! I am praying that we all are healed from any sickness/illness we have and Jesus shines brightly in our lives.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

Enough

I am ready to be done with doctors and sickness. It seems like since September we have been dealing with some kind of issue that requires medical attention. First me, then Brian, next Jackson, and then Brian again. Brian and I both have already met our deductibles for the year (our insurance runs Sept-Sept). I have never met mine before. However, I am thankful nothing has been too major.

We went back to Urgent Care Monday night to have Jackson's stitches removed. He did great. When he first laid not he had a minor freak out remembering what happened last time he laid on that table.

 He may have a little scar. That will make him look tougher, right!?! We just won't tell anyone he hit his head while dancing:)

We have all been under the weather the past week. I made a huge pot of chicken noodle soup on Saturday and we I am still enjoying it for dinner each night.

I would have to say, I think it is as good as my mom's. She taught me well!

"The Lord is my strength and my song." PSalm 118:14

Fall Festival

Yesterday my Aunt's church hosted a Fall Festival. It was an absolute perfect day to be outside!

 

Jackson and I arrived first. He tested out the slide and it quickly became his favorite! He wanted to go down head first, I'm sure that would have been great for the stitches.

Emily and Huntley showed up shortly after. Look how sweet they are holding hands. (Even though Friday night it took them over an hour to warm up towards each other.)

 Jackson wasn't sure about wearing the actual fire helmet. He for sure didn't want to put his feet in the boots.

 Picking out the perfect pumpkins to decorate.

 Daddy showed up and helped Jackson create a face for his pumpkin.

 Jackson may never get to see the cow at Chick-fil-a, but he got to give him several high-fives yesterday. We also won some free Chicken, wahoo!

 Brian followed Jackson up with Huntley. She was fearless and loved it too!

 Whee!

 They were LOVING it!

 Look at those faces, priceless!

 Huntley didn't want to go to Emily after the slide, she held on to Brian and said "Again, again!"

 So glad Emily and Huntley were able to join us.

 My sweet boy and me

 They had someone taking family pictures and printing them off for you. I thought that was a really neat thing to do. The picture was really cute and clear, but when I scanned it the picture looked grainy.

There were also little games for the kids to play and earn little prizes, guessing games, silent auction, and yummy food. My Aunt did a great job organizing the Fall Festival. We are looking forward to the next event at their church, we always have such a good time!