Easter

What it IS about: The Cross Is Enough

 What it's NOT about: The Easter Bunny



The Trip There and Back

We left Wednesday afternoon as soon as I got home from school. Brian was in the driver's seat, and Jackson and I were set up in the backseat. Jackson was well stocked with movies and games on the iPad, while I was content to reread The Hunger Games.

We stopped late Wednesday night in Paul's Valley, OK and crashed right away. In the morning, Jackson and Brian went swimming, and we ate breakfast at the hotel before leaving. By 3 o'clock we were there and even ended up beating Brian's parents. Their is a park in Osborn that we let Jackson play at before heading into Alton.

He had a bunch of energy to run off!

Once we made it back to Brian's grandpa's house, we showered and got ready for the wake. After Jackson saw Grandpa Wayne's body he asked us "Is this Heaven?" Brian told him Grandpa Wayne went to Heaven and well he was there! Jackson spent a majority of the time exploring outside. He loved the big sprayer that kept going by.

Friday was the funeral. Overall, Jackson did a tremendous job. He got restless at times, but really was a good boy.
Pretzels, goldfish, diggers, dump trucks, iPad, and outside helped entertain him some.

A sweet moment walking with Papa Mel at the burial site.

After a long nap for Jackson, we headed out to the fishing hole. A pond about 15 miles from the house in the middle of the hills and plains of Kansas with cows roaming the pastures a mile away from us. 

It didn't take long before Jackson got his first fish.

Nothing Brian rather be doing than fishing with his boy!

Big boy trying to do it all by himself.

I couldn't get over how beautiful of a night it was. The sky was gorgeous and the sunset was breathtaking. God was showing his mighty works all around us!

I ended up fishing a little bit too and even caught a couple on my own!

Brian would love to have this pond in our backyard.



He stayed after us to get in a few more casts.

We left late Saturday morning after breakfast with everyone, and then drove 12.5 hours and pulled in our driveway late that night. Jackson used the bathroom more times than I can count. One time Brian took him in to use the bathroom and the toilet was dirty. Brain told him it was just old and fine to use. Jackson looked at him and asked, "Is it going to die and go to Heaven." I think he is a little confused about dying and Heaven. Ha!

Alton,

You always force me to slow down and relax.

You hold a lot of Hartzler memories. If I never come back, thank you for opening your arms to me and allowing me to experience your beauty all around.

Love, Me

A Celebration...

of a life well lived!

Brian's grandpa passed last Sunday night. We are thankful we were able to drive to Kansas for the funeral. It started with us clapping and rejoicing that Wayne is now with the Lord. Stan said some beautiful words about his dad, and Brian was able to close the funeral by playing and singing "Because He Lives". Brian's grandpa was a man that lived for and honored the Lord in all he said and did!

He raised 5 boys to do the same thing.

Lloyd, Mel, Stan, Eldon, and Marvin

 All of the sons with their wives.

 Brian's grandpa had 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Jackson is his only great-grandson to carry on the Hartzler name.

Us with Brian's parents and sisters.

 Our Hartzler Family

 Jackson, you come from a long line of great Hartzler men!

I am thankful that Wayne and Alsa raised a Godly son, so Mel and Sharon could also raise a Godly son, and now Brian and I pray we do the same thing. I am blessed to have married into Hartzler family!

Wild Boy

Jackson has little fear, and Brian does what he can do encourage this behavior.

Sometimes much to my dismay.

 I am quite fearful when these two get swinging really high.

Crazy kid!



He loves to have Brian twist the swing real tight and let go. He will do this as many times as we allow. You should see him try to walk when he gets off. It is quite hilarious!

I have a feeling he will love roller coasters!

Gorgeous Weather Weekend

We had a few plans on the agenda this weekend; journey to the cross, de-weed the backyard, and play outside as much as possible. We couldn't have asked for better weather this weekend.

Friday night we went out to eat. One of my new favorite places to go eat is Misson Burrito. For a few reasons: 1. They send us great coupons, like so good we all can eat for $6! 2. It is close to the house. 3. It is pure yumminess in a shell.

After dinner, we stopped at the park to play. Jackson is in his element at a park. He absolutely loves to run wild.

Brian attached the jungle in the backyard once we got home, and Jackson and I did a variety things outside. I stayed up late working on a special scripture book for Jackson. (I'll share more about that later.) I am really excited about how it turned out!

Jackson was up bright and early Saturday morning. We went out for breakfast.

This boy ate 2 1/2 kolaches and asked for more to eat after that! What? He must take after Papa Gary!

Next, we went over to my Aunt's church. They were putting on Journey to the Cross. Jackson was most intrigued with hammering nails. We talked to him about how Jesus was killed and died for our sins.

Our neighbors down the street are hardcore baseball people. They gave Jackson a DeMarini baseball bat and Nike glove to use.

He was really into "playing" baseball for about 20 minutes.

He loved running the bases and tagging me out or scoring me out as he called it.

Jackson and I went swimming as Brian continued to sweat and work on the "jungle". 

He asked if he could get his tube and ride the lazy river. Such a goof ball!

Brian was able to tame some of the craziness in the backyard and get a nice tan sunburn while he was at it. He also attempted to cut his own hair and actually did a decent job. I was impressed! What can't my husband do?

Thankful for a fun weekend outside, looking forward to seeing a lot of friends this week!

Rainy Day Fun

The ground may be soaked but that doesn't mean we can't play outside!



Jackson gets so excited when it rains outside.

 It gives him a reason to wear his McQueen rain boots and get the umbrella out. 



Who doesn't like to jump in puddles?

Haircut at Home

Brian and I love Jackson's curls but his hair was getting a bit out of control. If we didn't wet it down or wash it he would have an Afro. I was going to take him to get his haircut on Friday but never got around to it. So, this weekend Brian decided that he could and would just cut it himself. We borrowed my Aunt's scissors, and Brian set to work.

Jackson sits better at the hair salon. 

 We put on Mickey to keep him still.

 Brian didn't do terrible for his first time cutting hair. Jackson may have a few long pieces here and there but overall it seems to blend together. I think the curls help it all to go together.

Jackson didn't want to get his hair cut at home because then he wouldn't get a sucker after getting his hair cut. He settled with some frozen yogurt!