Finally! (But all in God's timing)

The searching for, touring, and writing contracts for houses is over! It has been a long time consuming process.
It all started back in December we put an offer on a short sale. It was a really good deal for the size of the house, it did need a lot of work. So we put our house up for sale at the end of January and within about two months we had an offer on our house. Right after that we decided to look for a different house because we still had not heard anything about the short sale and it still could be a while and since we had buyers we needed to be out. We then put an offer on a foreclourse in Riata Ranch. Right after they accepted our offer the people buying our house backed out. So we backed out of our contract too. Back to square one.
We decided to just keep our house on the market and when we sold it then we would move. Of course we kept looking on HAR and found some other possiblities. We looked at them and didn't like any.
We kept praying for patience and for the right house to come along. Eventually, we found one we like in Copper Lakes and put in an offer. There were four other offers and lost the house because we already offered our highest bid and couldn't go any higher (which later we found out we probably could have).
The same night or the next night, I can't remember exactly, we were taking a walk in Copperfield. Some lady asked us if she could take a peek at Jackson and then we started talking with her. We learned she went to college in Springfield, MO too and she used to work for Cy-Fair school District. Somehow we got on the subject of houses and how we were looking for one with a pool. She proceeded to tell us about her friends who were going to be relocating and selling their house with a pool. She walked us by there house and told us to leave a note on their front door telling them we were interested in their house. The next night we took another walk past their house and were going to leave a note. Well no need for a note. The owner was walking back from getting his mail and was right outside his door. Brian explained what was going on and he invited us in to take a look at the house. We loved it! We left really excited. The next morning as I was getting ready the lady we met on our walk called me. She was able to get my phone number from my school, she remembered where I worked and begged them for my phone number. She told me the owners were interested in working something out and would be calling us. Well, we ended up needing relators because of her relocation company but we still got a great deal and thrilled with the house. Our loan went through easier than expected and we got a great interest rate! As of last night around 6:30 the house is ours!! We can't move in right away because they have to go find a house in Florida. They are leasing it back from us into the beginning of July, but we can still go use the pool because they will be in Florida looking for a house. It actually works out perfect because I finish my masters degree at the beginning of July. The house is in a great location and on a great street. We can't wait to move in and make it our own.
God had this house picked out for us all along and we can't wait to use it to bring him glory!

Lovin Me Some

-Sonic Diet Coke with Vanilla can always make me smile:) Even better when they are free!
(I know I am a dork:)
-Family Time- I love the weekends because I have full days to enjoy my family and I love going to church as a family.

-Daddy/Son Time- I love watching Brian with Jackson. Jackson loves his daddy and is in awe of him.

-Beautiful Weather- I love warm/hot weather and can't get enough of the sunshine. It love being out in God's creation.

-New shoes for all our family walks outside in the beautiful weather.

Brewers Game

Or should I say Astros Game since we live in Houston now. A couple of Friday's ago Brian and I went to the Astros game they were playing the Brewers. So of course we cheered for the Brewers and they won! Brian's hospital has season tickets to the Astro games. They give them out to employees to use. So hopefully we will be going to more Brewers or Astros games. Thanks to Kim for babysitting. It was nice to get out and do something the two of us and I had some really yummy chicken fajitas at the game:)

What have we been up to?

Our afternoons/evenings are filled with lots of fun and often look something like this:
I pick Jackson up from Sandy's house by 4:30 unless I have a meeting or Brian gets done earlier.
Jackson is excited to see me and usually full of smiles for me, (or I may be more excited to see hime). Then mommy and Jackson play or Jackson's eats and we wait for daddy to come home.


Then we set out for our nightly walk. It has been absolutely beautiful out. I love this weather and am missing my morning walks with my boy. 9 more days and I can begin them again:)


Next, some more playing with Jackson. He likes to laugh at daddy and talk to mommy.
Here is a video of how cute he is when he is laughing/talking. I laugh everytime I watch it. (Stop my music below to hear Jackson)




Next, is bathtime. He still loves his bath and just likes to hang out in the water.

We wrap up the night with some cuddling time and more eating. Then, Jackson goes to bed and sleeps like a champ. He sleeps anywhere from 8-10 hours a night. Mommy thanks him for this! I am going to start reading him a book everynight too:)


Jackson is still such an easy going baby. He only fusses when he is hungry and then it more of a deadly scream:) Brian and I are having so much fun with him and just pray we can give him all he needs and rely on God for wisdom and strength.

Before and After

There are a few things that have changed since Jackson was born, besides that my belly is gone.

Before: My bra size was a 34 nearly A.

After: My current bra size is 36 C.

Before: I worked out for an hour with no interruptions.

After: I am lucky to get 30 minutes.

Before: I spent too much time watching TV and on the computer.

After: I spend quality time with two cute boys:)

Before: I slept till at least 9 on a Saturday.

After: I sleep till 5am and maybe get to go back to bed for another hour or so.

Before:I knew I wanted to be a mom.

After: I love being a mom and thank God daily for our blessing.

These verses have been heavy on my heart this week. "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient with one another in love." I feel I now have an even greater responsiblity because Jackson is already watching and listening to my every move.

And of course pictures of Jackson:)

Mother's Day

The three of us:)

My favorite outfit to poop in, everytime he wears it he only has it on for about 30 minutes because he has an explosion.

He loves playing on his play mat and turns himself all around by kicking his feet:)

Happy Mother's Day!

Dear Mom,
I’ve only been alive for two months now but I have enjoyed every minute of it thanks to you! I may not be able to tell you with words how much I love and appreciate you. That’s why I smile so much, to show you I love you and to say thanks for all you’ve done. I appreciate every diaper change, those countless hours you sacrifice to feed me, and for just holding me when I’m tired. There is nothing I love more than to fall asleep in your arms! I couldn’t ask for a better mom. I am never afraid because I know you’re always close by to take care of me. Thanks for everything you’ve already sacrificed for me and for the rest of my life all the things you will miss out on just for me! I feel extremely special and loved everyday! You are the World’s Best Mommy! Happy Mother’s Day!
I love you more than eating, sleeping or hanging out in my bouncer!

Your precious boy,
Jackson Oliver

Dear Mom,

Thank you for all your love and support throughout the years. I hope I can be half the mom you were to be. Thank you for all being there. I love talking to you on the phone(almost every day:).

I wish I lived closer to spend more time with you.

Thank you for sacrificing a lot of things to make my life better. You are truly the best mom ever!

I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

We Can't Wait

It has been quite toasty the last few days in Houston. Don't get me wrong I LOVE the warm weather. I just want a pool to jump in after our long walks and to lay by on a Saturday afternoon.
Anyone want to come swim with me in July?

It has been a busy week!

Monday- I found out I am going to serve as a model teacher for my district next year. A bunch of reps from the language arts department from the district came to surprise me. My AP came and got me out of my classroom and said she needed to talk to me. My mind was racing, what did I do? When I walked into the front office cameras started going off. I was totally surprised! I am not sure what it all entails yet, but I am honored to have been chosen.

Tuesday- We went out to dinner with our small group to Chucy's. I heart their creamy jalapeno dip! YUMMY!

Wednesday- I had a hair appt. Which I so needed:)

Thursday- I took a half of day to take Jackson to his 2 month doctor appt. He weighed in at 13 lbs 4 oz, 25 inches long, and 15.5 inches for his head circumference. He also got 3 shots. He did pretty well. His face got really red after each one and he would let out a huge scream. After his appt. we went shopping at Kohl's and Target and he was content and happy:) I also took advantage of Sonic Happy Hour. Can I work a half day everyday?

Hanging out before our shots:)


After the shots!

And each night Brian and I have been working on my students' Mother's Day presents. I recorded each students saying something to their mom and we are burning DVDs. Kids and their sayings are priceless!

Not sure what the weekend holds, but I am actually looking forward to hanging out around the house. Maybe I will rent Bride Wars:)

2 Months

Jackson is 2 months today! He is getting so long. We go to the doctor on Thursday for his well check up and shots. We will also get to see how much he has grown.

Things he loves right now:

1. He just found his hands- he loves sticking his fists in his mouth and sucking.

2. His bouncy seat- he gets his legs and arms going to make himself bounce.

3. He likes looking at himself in his mirror and cooing.

4. He still loves to eat- about 4oz every 2-3 hours during the day.

5. He still loves taking walks in his stroller.

6. He loves playing under his play gym- he stays awake a lot longer after each feeding and likes to play.

7. He actually likes his diaper changed now.

8. He loves being rocked to sleep at night and sleeping 8 hours a night- Mommy loves this too:)

9. He loves chillin in his bathtub.

10. He absolutely loves mommy and daddy- he gives us so many smiles which totally melts our hearts!

I'm Back...

To work- Monday was my first day back at school. It was a long week but went well overall, the kids were really excited to see me and it felt good to be back. I do miss Jackson and hurry to pick him up each afternoon.

To my shopping self- Shopping without a big pregnant belly is A LOT more fun. I am going through my closet to make room for some new summer items. Shopping for a bathing suit was quite the experience. Lets just say I have never had to buy a Large in a swim top before:) Jackson got some cute clothes as well!

To packing the house- We have a contract on a house. We are waiting on all the financing to go through and hopefully will close in early June and move in early July. The house has a pool:) and the extra space we need. I will post more about how this situation came about later, it is all God. We are really excited and praying it all works out!