Celebrating

On Tuesday, Jackson and I went to have lunch with Brian. He picked up some cupcakes to celebrate our anniversary. Jackson was excited about that!

 Aunt Midge came over Friday night to watch the boys so we could go on a date.

 We went to dinner and enjoyed a peaceful meal without entertaining two boys:)

 We thought about going to a movie, but decided on just shopping and walking around so we could actually talk to one another.

 

We ended the evening with some shaved ice at Bahama Bucks.

 

I love being able to spend time alone with this guy!

 

As we were driving down on our street the DJ was reading the same scripture (Col. 3:12-14) I posted the other day that was the message at our wedding. God sealed our 8th anniversary in the most perfect way; reminding us how real love works.

Happy Happy Happy

Lincoln has been cooing and smiling up a storm. I took me a while to be able to catch any smiles on camera.

Well, I finally got a few!

LOVE this boy!

8 Years

Brian and I go way back, like to 8th grade. That is when I remember first hanging out with him. We didn't "officially" date until I was 16 per my parents rules. We may have been married 8 years now, but we have been together for 15 years.

 

He was my homecoming and prom date. We watched each other play sports. I looked forward to hanging out on the weekends and Sunday night youth group.

Here we are in high school:

 

 We didn't go to the same high school, but decided to go to the same college. Brian proposed our sophomore year, and we got married right before our senior year. That last year of college was super fun; married with little responsibility and no bills:)

 

We moved to Houston, lived on one income, laughed, cried, and learned a lot along the way.

 

We made it to 8 years, our family looks a bit different, but I am still standing next to my best friend!

God has blessed us time and time again.

I love you Brian!

 

^"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:12-13

The Greatest Show On Earth

Friday we took Jackson to the Circus. It was extra special since we took just him. He was in need of a little bit of extra attention! Leading up to the Circus we watched Madagascar 3, made clown faces, and tried juggling.

 An hour before the Circus, they had a preshow event. You could look at the animals, watch dog/clown acts, meet some of the performers and their props.      

 Jackson thoughts the clowns were hilarious. I love his face!

The Circus was outstanding. We enjoyed every act. Jackson was entertained and said the clown with the rocket that lost his pants was his favorite. 

Afterwards, Jackson said "It was better than he expected!" I'm not sure what he expected, but I'm glad he liked it. He has been playing Circus and carrying around his elephant, dragon flag, and lemonade bottle since we got home from the show!

So glad we went (and even happier Brian remembered Benadryl)! Definitely one of the highlights of our summer!

iPhone Pictures

I love my iPhone mostly because of the camera and the ability to share pictures via Instagram and/or Facebook right away. I hardly ever get out my camera for pictures.

 

Here are some pictures from our week that aren't worth a whole post on their own.

 

Lunch after Church at BJ's

 

A cool treat on a hot day



 

 

Lincoln got his first shots at his 2 month appointment

An early morning trip to the park (he looks so old!)

Soaking up my last days at home snuggling with baby

 

It was a rainy week, but that didn't keep us inside.

 

Shopping at Costco

 

Brotherly love

This little guy went to the nursery at Church for the first time and did great.

Change of Scenery

This past weekend we headed over to one of our subdivision's pools. We swim 2-3 times a day in our pool and it so nice not to have to haul everything to the pool when we want to swim. Every now and then Jackson likes to use the diving board and go down the slide.

 Loving the diving board

 Flying off the slide

 We had a picnic lunch there, and after Lincoln woke up we got him ready for his first "swim".

 He seemed to enjoy the kiddie pool and happily hung out there for a while.

Fun times together as a family!

Memorizing Scripture V2:14

This go around I didn't have a verse ready that I wanted to memorize. I went over to Beth Moore's post. Her verse and word about the verse is exactly what I was wanting. My prayer lately has been to make God known in ALL I do and live a life bigger than myself. I don't want to just "talk" about him, but I want all the areas of my life to be about Him.

 

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

 

Beth writes, "God is using it to remind me that this thing isn’t about incessant chatter and nonstop Twitter noise and learning to speak fluent Christianese. It’s not tantamount to Bible banter and doctrinal debates and holy hair-splitting. It’s not about getting together at church and threatening week after week to live changed lives and think renewed thoughts. It’s not about getting all lathered up and sweaty-headed at events over theories of effective, influential, and abundant lives. This Christ thing to which we’ve been called is about actually doing it and through an unction not remotely our own.

When the Holy Spirit comes, He comes with power.

Where the Holy Spirit goes, He goes with power.

Whom the Holy Spirit infiltrates, He infuses with power.

Our lives were meant to be powerful. Less talk. More demonstration. Through things like a love that we know good and well is utterly beyond us and a faith that emerges in tact from a minefield soaked in blood and strewn with flesh. We were meant to be able to do what we can’t, like who we don’t, bless who we’d curse. We were promised strength in weakness and extravagant grace in our deprivation."

 

I LOVE all of that! Actually her whole post. Go here and read the rest!
I want to live a POWERFUL life.

 

Two Months of Lincoln

This month was a bit harder for Lincoln. His tummy has given him a few issues. We have been giving him gas drops and I am trying to watch what I eat.

 He weighs 11.6 pounds and is 23.5 inches long. He is now wearing 0-3 and 3 month clothes. Since I moved him to size 1 diapers he has stopped peeing out of them.

 He still nurses every 3-4 hours during the day (usually 1 bottle a day) and at night he goes 4-6 hours. He is a bit high maintenance when it comes to sleeping. He likes to be walked/bounced to sleep and would rather sleep in your arms than be laid down during the day. At night we can lay him in the bassinet awake, and he will put himself to sleep. He just slept through the night!! I hope that continues:)

 He is a lot more aware of his hands and feet. He likes to lay on his activity mat and kick his hands and feet. He is starting to smile and coo more too.

Lately he stays a wake after his morning feeding for about 2 hours. He is content to just play and hang out. He loves the car and is easy to take places.

Lincoln,

I am so glad I haven't had to go back to work yet, we have about one more month together. I love watching and holding you. You seem to like the water. You love your baths and you enjoyed your first time in the pool. Things you do remind me of Jackson, but it is fun watching your personality come out. Your brother is still in love with you. He is like your little mommy. He even picked you up and scared me to death! You love the sound of my blow dryer. It often puts you to sleep. I think you are just the sweetest thing and wouldn't trade the sleepless nights for anything:)

Love, Mommy

Moo

Friday was Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a.

 

If you dress up as a cow you get free chicken. Yup, we all did.  Jackson colored all of the cow headbands for us.

 Cutest cow I have ever seen!

Just another reason we LOVE Chick-fil-a!

I'll See You Later

I had to say goodbye to a great friend this week.

 

 I met Cindy almost 3 years ago when she got a job on my team at school. We were instant friends. I loved working with her. Even more, I loved having a friend who listened to, cared for, and prayed for me.

This move is a God thing and much needed for her family. I am really happy for them, but sad I won't see Cindy everyday at school (maybe I will get more done during planning this year) or be able to hang out with her and her family. Thankfully we have face book and texting to stay connected more easily!

Please No Arguing

Jackson is such a sweet boy. However, he likes to argue with us about everything. His little mouth gets him in big trouble most days. 

 

Every morning, and several times through the day, we say 3 verses. Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without arguing or complaining." Proverbs 16:24 "Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy to the body." Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and actions be pleasing in Your sight."

 

Well, yesterday he did it. Jackson made it the whole day without arguing or complaining! He had such a servant heart and kind spirit!

 

He is a good big brother. If it comes to Lincoln, Jackson usually is willing to help. It is any other time that we have problems.

 

It was a rainy day, so we headed out to Barnes and Noble. Jackson and I had so much fun. I treated him to a smoothie for being a great helper and listener. He picked out books for me to read to him on the stage, he played trains, and Lego's. We were at B & N for a good 2 hours!

 

Lincoln has a great role model to look up to.



 

We will keep on praying for Jackson's heart and attitude to resemble God's word. It was an encouragement and refreshing to know Jackson can not argue about everything!

On the Go

My boys and their ties after church.

 We ordered pizza and had some friends over to swim Sunday evening.

 

 My friend Lindsey was watching her nephew Cade.  So, on Monday she brought him over and some fun pool toys. The boys had a blast swimming together!

 

We were going to go bowling with Aunt Midge and Aaron on Tuesday, but the bowling alley was too crowded. We went and enjoyed Menchies instead. Jackson had Smurf yogurt, sprinkles, and chocolate candies.

 

Jackson swam with Lilah and Brooke on Wednesday. Lincoln fell asleep so I was able to swim a bit too!

 

Jackson still loves going to the park. We have been going early morning when it is 85 instead of 100 degrees. He likes to make new friends too!

We like having things to do and friends to hang out with!

Fourth of July

We had a fun filled 4th of July!

 

To start with we headed over to our park for a parade, inflatables, and snacks. Jackson had a blast jumping and talking about the canons they were firing.

 

We spent the afternoon swimming and lighting smoke bombs and fire crackers. Jackson was looking forward to buying some fireworks since last year. He likes to run through the smoke.

 

Lincoln seemed to enjoy his first holiday:)

 

We cooked out with Aunt Midge, Kim, Jonathan, and Aaron.

We headed over to watch some big fireworks. We met Cindy and her family there. Jackson said the big fireworks were his favorite. After that we came back home to light off the rest of Jackson's fireworks. 

I am so thankful to live in the USA and for all those who fight for our freedom. I am praying for our nation to turn back to God.