Valentine's Day

I got all of Jackson's Valentine goodies ready the night before. He was so excited about everything, especially the shoes. He said, "I have to wear them to school because they're so cool!"

 My little Valentines before school. I sure do love them!

Jackson's sugar free Valentine's for his friends.

We stuck with our tradition of dinner at Chick-fil-a. You make reservations, they decorate the tables, serve you right at your table, and give you a rose and goodie bag. Jackson loves giving me the rose!

 I have to show this picture to because this is what dinner looked like most of the time. Lincoln was hungry and tired. Good thing Papa and Grandma showed up after their dinner!

 Jackson and Lincoln had a few more presents from Papa and Grandma and Aunt Midge to open. 

 And for dessert we had some heart cake!

I am so thankful for my family and the love they bring and show me each day!

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

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

Love is...

Sweet notes and surprises,

Little gifts that mean a lot,

 

 

Treats for others,

 

Precious cards and morning wake ups, "Mommy, I have a Valentine for you!"

 

Smiles and a tie shirt,

 (he asked to wear it to look handsome for our date on Valentine's)

 

Valentine's for friends,

 

 and a dinner tradition with the boys who mean the world to me!

 

Valentine's day week was so fun with Jackson! He was so excited to take me on a date to Chick-fil-a and give me a rose. He opened my car door for me and his sweetness when he handed me my card almost did me in. Brian is doing his part in raising a true gentleman. So thankful for the LOVE I get to share with these two each and everyday!

7 Years- To God Be The Glory

Seven years ago I married my best friend, and he is still my best friend today!

Do you see the excitement in my face? I love my real smile!

It was the beginning of something great!

 Thinking back to our wedding day brings only awesome memories. Everything about the whole day couldn't have been better. I was on Cloud 9!

I can't say that about everyday the last 7 years, but I do know God picked the right man for me. Through ups and down I have learned that marriage only survives if you choose to fight for it, make God a priority, and are willing to forgive.

"I have found the one whom my soul loves." Song of Songs 3:4

My prayer is that God makes us stronger than ever and use us to mighty things. I pray that he is glorified in all we do and that we never stop clinging to Him as our strength, running to Him for guidance, and turning to Him for our source of love.

Brian, I love you forever!

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

Go With The Flow

The other day our neighbor gave us 3 free passes to the Children's Museum. Brian had off on Wednesday so we decided to go.

Jackson seemed excited and had been talking about it for a day or two.  However, when we got there we had was not interested in doing anything. We had to coax him into doing anything. Then, he would play for about 3 minutes and be ready to move on.

He did a little bit of cooking,

 power tower, obstacle course with Daddy,

 and some surfing.

Since, Jackson wasn't really into the museum and we hadn't bought the tickets we opted to leave and go to something else downtown.

We headed over to the park with the paddle boats and train. Jackson was a lot more excited for that! We paddled through the fountain a couple of times to stay cool.

When we were finished with the boat ride, Jackson said he just wanted to go home and swim. We stopped at Chick-fil-a for lunch and then went home.

 After naps, we swam to his heart's desire!

 These next pictures are from Brian and Jackosn playing soccer together. I love how much joy I can see in Jackson!

I guess it is just a reminder that kids don't need to go to certain places or have certain things to make them happy. They just need our time and love!

Be Mine

Our Valentine's Day was simple and fun!

Jackson and I left Brian a little surprise by the back door, so he would find it before he left for work. I can't wait to leave him little love messages through out the year.

 Brian does a great job leaving messages through out the year on the door for Jackson and me, but I thought the one today was extra sweet. Worth more than flowers to me! I am thinking I want to frame it and put it on my nightstand.

Jackson delivered his Valentine's to his friends and Miss Sandy. I love how they turned out; sweet and boyish at the same time. He had a fun, sugar loaded day at Miss Sandy's.

 I couldn't wait to pick up Jackson and spend the rest of the evening with my Valentine's. Jackson wanted to play in his sandbox with his Valentine's present, a rake and big shovel.

 Once Daddy got home, we headed to Chick-fil-a. They turned half the restuarant into a "fancy" restuartaunt. They had white linens on the tables, seated us, took our order at the table, brought us our food, took our picture, and gave Jackson and I a rose. Basically, they wined and dined us!

Cleary Jackson wasn't excited about a picture with us but with the Cow, yes! The Cow made his night.

Thinking about yesterday makes me smile. I am so thankful for a family to love and their love for me!

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love."

Psalm 103:8

Happy Birthday To My...

-First real crush!

                                                                  -Best friend!

                                                                -Baby's daddy!

                                                                  -Encourager!

                                                                -Problem Solver!

                                                                 -Forever Love!

                                                                   -Husband!

Happy 28th Birthday Brian! I love you with all that I am and am so grateful I get to do life with you!

All Because Two People Fell in Love

Six years ago Brian and I got married and started our lives together. Although, the friendship and love came many, many years before.

While we were dating Brian was able to surprise me numerous times, but has been less successful since we have been married. The problem being I now have access to his bank account, credit cards, and email (he doesn't have his own). Well, this year he did it!

Friday morning I received a text message telling me "Drop Jackson off at 4:30, dress to impress." We drove to City Center and enjoyed dinner at Yard House, very yummy! (While waiting for dinner I felt like I needed to make a PSA and remind girls to get dressed before they leave their house.)

We were able to walk around a little bit before we headed downtown to the Hobby Center. Brian purchased tickets to Thoroughly Modern Millie. It was a really upbeat, funny musical. I loved it!

Thanks (again) to Uncle Dan and Aunt Midge for watching Jackson so we could enjoy a night out just the two of us!

This morning I hid Brian's anniversary gifts. He had to find them all first and then open them in order. There were 6 presents for six years. Each card had a saying that gave a clue to the gift inside. Brian was 0 out of 6! Number 1 was a letter from me. Number 2-5 were cheap things he likes; flavored soda, laffy taffy, iced animal cookies, and I-tunes gift card. Number 6 was the "big" present; an alarm clock that he can use his I-pod with. My clue for that one was, "I hope I wake up next to you for the next 60 years."
The rest of the day was low key hanging out with the product of our love, Jackson!

I pray we continue to make God a priority in our marriage and never take each other for granted.