A Day In The Life (Summer Edition)

Believe it or not, summer is almost over. I have like 2 more weeks with my boys because the craziness of getting ready for a new school year starts. 

I have loved being home with them everyday and don't want to forget what our days (for the most part) were like.

I usually stay up pretty late working on things for the upcoming school year, doing house work, etc so I usually sleep until the boys wake up.

Most days we are up between 7:30 and 8:00. The boys eat breakfast and play while I work out. 

Then it is Bible time. We do a devotion, and Jackson works on learning his verse for the week.

Around 9:30 or 10:00 we would go to the library, play at the splash pad or swim, meet friends, or run errands. 

Lincoln would nap from around 11-1 most days. During this time it was all about Jackson. We would play games, school, read books, make crafts.  

Lunch is often just sandwiches and the boys eat everything faster than I can make it. I rarely get to sit down and eat with them. I forgot to mention that they basically eat all day! Some days that is all I feel like I do:)

Once Lincoln wakes up he loves to play in Jackson's room. Then, we may go swim again, run errands, meet friends, or just play at home. I try to plan at least one activity outside the house each day.

Daddy usually gets home by 3:30. We can't wait to see him.

I love these days with my boys, some days are easy peasy and others are a bit difficult. So thankful for a relaxed summer and a chance to be a SAH mom:)

Construction Zone

Our house is in complete shambles, but the finished product will be SO worth it! Mel has been busy taking out florescent lights, installing can lights, patching the ceiling, running electricity, spraying cabinets, etc, etc. Have I mentioned how talented he is?!?!?

 The final wallpaper in the house must go! The guys are coming Wednesday to install the granite counter tops. After that, Mel and Brian can lay the floor. 

 We have all been enjoying our time with Mel and Sharon. 

 Brian and I got to go out on a date. We went to eat at Chipotle and see The Lone Survivor.

 Jackson has been busy playing and coloring with Grandma. 

We have been outside playing a lot in the sun. Grandma is soaking up all she can before going back to Wisconsin.

I can't wait to post the finished remodel! 

October

We have been busy and our weekends have been so much fun! Oh, how I love the weekends!

Pumpkin Pajamas, Celebrating Titus' 1st Birthday, Soccer and more soccer

Baking and frosting pumpkin cookies with Mommy, So big, 

Ghost hamburgers, and Happy Boy

Family birthday dinner, "30" cake balls, Date night

Fall Festival at a local Church; trunk or treating, face painting, 

and lots of fun!

Pumpkin Carving; Jesus is the light of the world!

What I'm Loving

I have been enjoying a bunch of free treats from various places thanks to my birthday. Starbucks was probably the best!

 

This little guy is one of the happiest babies. His smiles, laughs, and coos melt my heart. I couldn't love him more!

 

Brian and I have a weekly date watching Duck Dynasty together.

 It makes us happy, happy, happy!

 

Jackson LOVES school, and I love that he is excited to go.  Most days when Brian gets there to pick Jackson up he has to wait because Jackson wants to finish the lesson with Ms. Eunice.

It's Jackson week!

 

Each day I look forward to 4:10. I actually have a great group of students, but I can't wait to see my boys. The evenings are crazy, hectic, and fun! I wouldn't trade it for anything. It is my favorite part of the day!

Perspective

This last week was filled with lots of surprises, and not the ones that get you excited! But, thankfully God helped see the better side of each obstacle. I wanted to blog about each one so I would remember God's faithfulness in each situation.

 

#1 Our dishwasher stopped working. We had to get a brand new one. The new one cost $315, the exact amount we had gotten back a few weeks before. So instead of being upset about spending money, I praised God he had gotten our deposit from Lincoln's babysitter back for us.

 

#2 The battery in my Explorer died while I was out running errands. It cost us another $130 and a couple hours of my time alone. But instead of getting frustrated, I praised God that we had the money to fix it and Jackson had wanted to go to school otherwise I would have had two boys to entertain in the heat as I waited for a new battery.

 

#3 When Brian was trying to get the ice maker on our freezer to produce more ice he somehow pushed a button that turned the freezer off. The next night, I found my stash of breast milk thawing in the freezer. My initial thought was to be upset, but I chose to Facebook about it with a little joke and be thankful I am a human cow:)

 

#4 Summer vacation is over, and I am back at work. Last week I had wanted to pout a little that I had to go back and was dreaming of staying home. But, then I realized just how blessed I am to have a job I love and get so much time off to spend with my boys. 

#5 Both boys came down with a fever this weekend. I chose to pray for healing instead of thinking of scenarios of who would stay home with them next week (my first week on contract) and thanking God that they are healthy. Both boys were feeling better by Sunday.

None of these situations were big in the grand scheme of life. But, they made me stop and make sure my heart and attitude were pleasing in His sight and were a great reminder of Who is in control!

"Set your hearts on things above." Colossians 3:1



Life With Papa and Grandma

Papa Mel and Grandma Sharon spent the last week and a half with us.

 

They got to meet Lincoln for the first time.

Brian and I went to see Internship and got out several nights by ourselves.

Papa, Brian, and Jackson did some fishing. Unfortunately, Jackson caught a bigger fish at Bass Pro.

Jackson swam twice a day with Papa and Grandma.

A few trips to Menchies,

 and good eats.

Boys trip to Monsters University in 3D.

And lots and lots more!

We are so thankful for your help and love.

 

The Work Week

Monday thru Fridays are busy!

The best part of the my day is snuggling with Jackson when I go wake him up. Then, the rest of our morning is crazy and chaotic trying to get out of the door and to school on time.

 

Days at school go quickly and slow at the same time. I have to be on my A game with my class every minute of every day.

Treats from co-workers make every day better!

 

 After school is spent with Brian and Jackson. Our evenings are spent playing, swimming, walks, reading books, packing lunches, laying out clothes, and some meltdowns.

 

Mr. Mechanic

Swimming with daddy

Helping mom pick out clothes

Once Jackson is in bed I read my Bible, work on school stuff, and hang out with Brian. I also try to fit in laundry, cleaning up, and me time. This week I was able to get out with some friends one night. I probably should mention how great of a help Brian is with Jackson and things around the house during the week.

 

I wouldn't survive with out him!



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

Ready

I am beyond ready:

-For a break from teaching (unfortunately, I think I am going to have to do some work at home)

-For a date with my hubby

-To sit down and read some just for fun books on our new I-pad

-To sleep in as late as Jackson will allow

-To spend some time with our families

-To watch the Packers play on Thanksgiving with my Dad

-For some shopping/lunch out with my Mom

-For Jackson to see his Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins

-For colder weather, just to wear my sweaters and boots:)

AND

-Spending a whole week with my little man!

Isn't his turkey headband too cute?



Just Another Day...

In the our life and in IPhone pictures.

I really do love the camera and the fun editing apps on the phone!

Brian was going to quickly change out our leaky faucet on Saturday afternoon. Well, that didn't happen. Long story short; after a sliced finger, cracked counter top, new sink, and numerous trips to Home Depot the new faucet is in. This is how my kitchen looked at one point during this project. It probably didn't help that I made muffins and chocolate chip cookies while I had no sink or dishwasher to clean up with!:)

We are living at the park right now. It is just so nice outside!

 Jackson is really into climbing right now, anything and everything!

 Such a jokester!

 Jackson gave us assigned seats on the plane, or was it a truck, or a boat!

 Love this nightly ritual! A great way to end any kind of day.

 Brian has another health issue he is getting checked out. Lucky him, he gets to wear the heart monitor again.

Looking forward to what tomorrow brings!

"Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day." Psalm 96:2