Full Swing

December brings a full schedule of fun (and some craziness)!

 

We hit the ground running on the 1st with Jackson's advent calendar. I put a verse, small treat, and sometimes a special activity that will we will be doing in his small box for the day.

We then read Jackson's Christmas Bible and sometimes another Christmas story. He looks forward to this time each night.

 

We went to the Parade of Lights this weekend, but since it was 80 degrees we opted for a smoothie instead of hot chocolate!

Jackson spot for the parade, and he did cover his ears for most of it because there were sirens galore.

An ambulance shining bright. Jackson's verse for this night was John 8:12, "Jesus is the light of the world."

 

We took Jackson to see Santa Cow at Chick-fil-a. He earned enough smiley faces from preschool to be able to go and had been talking about it for days. However, when we got there he was to scared to take a picture. I had to take one with him first to even get this one!

 

My Christmas cards are on their way.

After one epic fail, I love how they turned out!

 

Here's to hoping the rest of December slows down so I can enjoy it (and do a few loads of laundry)!

First "School" Picture

Jackson had his picture taken at preschool a while back. I didn't know what to expect with my goofball. I am pleasantly surprised at how nice he smiled. He said "Mr. Funny made him do it."

 

How could I not buy a few pictures? He is such a charmer! They also took a class picture with his teachers that turned out sweet.

I am thankful that Jackson likes going to school and gets to learn about Jesus too!

13 weeks

 We had another sneak peek at our little one the day before Thanksgiving and all continued to look great!

 

Cravings: Fruit and yogurt parfait from McDonald's (I could eat these for every meal)

Sleep: I continue to be very tired, but am sleeping well. I get up once to use the bathroom but am able to fall right back asleep.

Movement: I actually do think I feel some flutters. I asked my doctor if this was possible. She said yes since I don't have much belly fat.

Maternity clothes: Not yet and hopefully I can make it until Christmas.

Size of baby: a medium shrimp

What I miss: Not much except working out, but really I am too tired to do that anyway.

Looking forward to: The 2nd trimester and getting my hair done next week, goodbye dark roots!

 

 

When I looked back at my 9 week picture after I took my 13 week picture, I couldn't believe how much my belly has grown!

Smiles

Since Jackson was sick almost all of Thanksgiving break we didn't get to do to much of anything besides decorate the house.

 

We know our boy is sick when he doesn't want dinner. What do good parents do when their children are sick? Take them to Menchie's for some calcium and fruit!

 

 We also took him to see Santa once his fever broke on Sunday. Of course we headed to Bass Pro for our free picture! There are two things he told Santa he wanted for Christmas; 1. Pirate Ship 2. Rainbow Engine Car. He got really shy and nervous when talking to Santa. It was too cute!

Jackson knows why we celebrate Christmas, but now I am praying that it transforms his heart. I can't wait for December 1st to start our advent calendar and daily reading of the true Christmas story!



It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Jackson has the Christmas spirit already! He asked if we could put the Christmas tree up last weekend. When Brian said we could Jackson looked at him and said, "Daddy, you made me a million happy."

 In between Jackson's fever spiking and napping this Thanksgiving break, we have managed to get most of our house decorated for Christmas. Jackson picked out his new ornament for the tree, he calls them instruments every now and then:)!

My Christmas banner made its way back up this year. Brian braved the ladder again and hung our lights up high. Christmas is really the only time my house is all decorated, and I love turning on all the Christmas tree lights throughout the house.

There are not many houses in Texas that do not have an inflatable something in their lawn at Christmas. I am not really a fan but when your 3 year old son wants one so bad that he will spend some of his own money on it, you give in. Frosty now resides in our front lawn.

Brian did a great job decorating the outside of the house. Now we just need a dusting of snow on the front lawn to make the picture complete. 



“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

A Thankful Heart

Lately, I have been thinking just how blessed I am. Not because everything is easy or perfect, but because no matter what situation I face the Lord is with me.
 

This past year we have several ups and downs, but I have felt a peace through it all because I chose to trust in the name of the Lord.

 I am so thankful for my boys. They fill my days with laughter, hugs, dirty laundry, and love. Each day is a gift, and I try to treasure it the best that I can.

I am also very thankful for this new life growing inside of me. It is so exciting to me to think of our family as 4 and Jackson as a big brother.

 

I am thankful for so many more things.  I am blessed beyond measure and pray I can be a blessing to others this year.

 

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever." Psalm 100:4-5

 

Morning Date

There is not much better than spending a Saturday morning with my boy, even if it starts at 6am!

We started with breakfast at Panera or Canera as Jackson says.

LOVE that Panera has Diet Caffine Free Pepsi!

 We headed to Barnes and Noble (after an hour at home playing and doing laundry) at 9 when they opened. We read several books on the stage and built a tower.

 I hadn't done any crafts with Jackson in a while, so we needed to fix that.

 He created his very own Rainbow Turkey and was very proud.

 I was very proud of the track I built for him.

2 years ago I wouldn't have been able to do that!

I am so thankful for one-on-one time with my boy. He usually has the sweetest spirit when it is just the two of us, and will say several times how much he likes our date!