Stop & Smell The Roses

Our backyard has been a work in progress since we moved in. While the previous owners loved a full, overgrown lush backyard, we prefer a modest amount that we can manage. We have removed many vines, trees, and weeds along our fence and around the pool.

One side of the pool has been empty since last spring because I am not a gardening type girl. We had a landscaper come out and give us a bid to dig up roots, plant some flowers and bushes, and a few other things. It was over a thousand dollars, what! We found a crew to dig up roots and weeds for a fraction of that cost. Then, while Mel, Sharon, and Jason were here they helped Brian fertilize, plant, and mulch. Jackson was a big help too!

Brian has been coming home from work and checking on to see how the plants are doing. So, now when Jackson and I get home first we have to go over and look at them. Jackson stops at each one and says "Look, this one is blooming" or "The blue flowers are so pretty." He even has picked me several flowers!

They have added some color to our backyard and will make floating into the pool this summer even more enjoyable.

23 Days...

Until every day is as great as a Saturday!

Saturday morning Jackson and I had a date at McDonald's at 7:30 in the morning. He is extremely goofy and sweet. While we were there he told me over and over "Thank you for taking me on a date" and "This date is so fun!"

 We ran some errands together and then came home to play. The bike we got Jackson for his birthday is a bit hard for him to ride. So, I got out his trike and and he rode away. He was so proud he could do it. He chased me for a long time. I was proud of myself for the train track I help Jackson construct. We used every piece and have many different paths the trains can travel.

 Once Daddy was home, we decided last minute to go to Nature Fest. Jackson shot the water hose with the firefighter, rode the train, feed the goats, rode the ponies, jumped in the bouncers, and saw a white tiger and armadillo.

 Jackson also enjoyed riding the shuttle bus there and back.

 We came home and put Jackson down for nap. Brian planted a Hibiscus tree, and I went and relaxed. I picked up a Sonic drink and headed to the nail salon. My feet were in bad shape. I left feeling like a new woman!

I am blessed!

On My Mind

This week I have really been thinking about our baby. If I wouldn't have had a miscarriage, this wwould have been the due date. My, how our lives would have changed. I keep wondering would of it been another handsome boy or a pretty little girl. I would love to be typing a post holding a newborn baby in my arms and not going back to work until the fall.

After the miscarriage, everyone told me how easy it would be to get pregnant again. But each month come and goes and we keep on trying. I thought by know we would be pregnant so this week wouldn't be as hard or sad because I would be feeling kicks by another love of mine.

Again, God's plans are different yours. I can't say I haven't been sad, disappointed, and sometimes mad each month. I can't even say I haven't asked God why.

But, the one thing I do know is that God loves and cares for me more than I can fathom. He hasn't left me or us to walk down this road alone. I have grown and learned a lot this last year about trusting in God, the power of His word, and living life to the fullest right where God places you.

"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe." Psalm 61:1-3

Scripture Book

On Pinterest I saw may printable cards with scripture for kids. None were quite what I was looking for. But, I knew I wanted to make something for Jackson to help him learn and hear more verses. So, I decided to create a photo book for him.

First, I picked out the verses I wanted to include in his book. Then, I found a picture of him or clip art that went with the verse. I wanted him to be able use the picture as a visual to help him learn the verses.

I put in the four verses he already knows and then included 15 or so other verses. I picked verses that show who God is, portray what he does for us, and how we are to live.

Jackson enjoys reading it with me, especially the pages he already knows the verses.

I love how it turned out and pray it helps Jackson hide God's word in his heart. 

I think Jackson also likes seeing himself in a book. He asks if we can read "his" book!

Thankful

I'm thankful we made it through last week.

Jackson went back to Miss Sandy's on Thursday, and I ended up leaving work early. My legs were achy, I had the worst headache, and just didn't feel well. I thought for sure I was getting the flu too. I asked Brian to pick up some chicken noodle soup on his way home. He brought me some from Chick-fil-a, so much better than the Campbell's I was talking about.

I'm thankful for a husband who takes care of me when I am not feeling well and watching Jackson too. I'm thankful I never had a fever or got the flu, but this headache and allergies can go away now.

I'm thankful I felt well enough to go to work on Friday and enjoy Parent's Night Out.

We dropped Jackson off at church and went out to eat at Smashburger. So yummy!

I'm thankful for a Saturday to sleep in and a day of beautiful weather.

We took Jackson to see some animals and play at the park.

He loves animals and told Brian he was saving his money for a cat for us.

I'm so very thankful for my family!

I love the ups and downs of life that I experience with these 2 boys!

I'm thankful for God's healing, mercy, and new beginnings.

Tag Team

Brian and I have been alternating days at home with our little guy. We left the doctor on Monday with a confirmed case of the Flu. While I hate for him to have an ear infection or strep throat at least you can get an antibiotic and feel somewhat better in 24 hrs. With the flu it is just treat the symptoms that could last 5-7 days.

We have been finding ways to entertain ourselves at home while Jackson lays on the couch.

Scrabble, baking, cleaning, and reading are just a few. Just for the record our Scrabble score is 1-1 this week!

We are on day 5 1/2 of this nasty virus and I think, maybe, the fever is gone. Jackson still wasn't eating well today. He kept telling me he was full, a for sure sign he is under the weather! I actually had to talk him into a smoothie.

But, now I feel a little under the weather. I am praying it is just allergies and that I can make it through the end of the school year without taking off again!

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the Earth."

Psalm 46:10

A Fever and Date Day

  This sweet boy has been under the weather all weekend. It just breaks my heart. He woke up from nap on Friday with a fever and hasn't been able to shake it yet. We thought we would be proactive and take him to the doctor Saturday morning and get him on something so we all could go to work on Monday. But, no infection just viral. Well, Monday morning is here and it still hasn't run its course. Back to the doctor we go.

Brian and I had planned on spending all of Saturday together since his parents were leaving Sunday morning. We still decided to go. Grandma gave the Tylenol and Motrin while we had a great afternoon/evening out. We went shopping, out to eat, and to see The Hunger Games. I was actually disappointed with the movie because I thought the book was 300 times better. Love spending the day with my love!

We laid low on Sunday with Jackson continuing the medicine rotation every 3-4 hours. Brian and I cleaned/organized our closets and Jackson watched Cars and Cars2 on a rotation as well!