The Blues Brothers...kind of...

As many of you know I have very blue eyes...which basically means that my eyes are extremely sensitive to sunlight. I am almost always wearing a pair of sunglasses. Well, Jackson's eyes are also blue like mine, so I decided it was time for some eye protection. Ironically, he was given these pair of sunglasses this Sunday at church as a gift. So off we went today with our shades on a walk. I was laughing so hard, that I just HAD to take a pic of the two of us...pretty ridiculous huh?

Finally...

Jackson took a bottle for Daddy today! I was out doing a Southern Living at Home party, so David offered Jackson a bottle. AND HE DRANK IT! yeah! Thanks for all the advice! Oh, and check out this adorable picture we took today as a family (believe it or not, this is only our 3rd picture together as a family...we've got to get better at that)!

Okay, so I had to add just one more adorable pic to this blog entry...Isn't our little Class of 2031 irresistable?! Muooah!

Ladies Night Out...Mommy style

One of my very best friends, Erin, and I went to the movies tonight along with her sister Dana. Per Erin's suggestion, I read the novel, The Time Traveler's Wife. So, we went to see the movie while the guys stayed at home and watched the kids. I haven't been to the movies in probably 3 years (David and I just wait for things to come out on video because its cheaper and there are less distractions). The girl time was refreshing; Erin and Dana are so much fun and easy to talk with. The movie was okay, I didn't LOVE it, but it was enjoyable. So why blog about it? Well, I wanted to note some comments about the movies:


1) My favorite part of the movies are the Previews. Why? Number one, a movie is a 50/50 risk of enjoyment, but the previews are guaranteed satisfaction. Number two, I feel like I am "sneaking a peak" at something that isn't out yet. It's like being a kid waiting for Santa.


2) People should have to walk through "cell phone on" detectors. Seriously, what part of the "Please silence cell phones" warning didn't the lady next to me understand?!


3) Manners are under-rated. Rule of thumb: Chew with your mouth closed people, especially with popcorn...it's loud enough!

4) I was totally distracted, wondering what was so important that the lady next to me kept texting the entire movie? It wouldn't have bothered me if her phone wouldn't have kept lighting up every few sections and vibrating my cup holder.


5) Wow! Those were some seriously comfortable chairs! When did going to the movies get so comfy? It may have been exhaustion, but I just wanted to melt myself deeper into those things!

Sitting and Playing

Bump! Sitting unassisted might be fun, but the bumps on the head aren't fun when that wobbly body goes crashing! I am a super-proud mommy as I watch Jackson sit and play on his own. But, I feel terrible when he goes crashing down. I want to catch him every time, but also want Jackson to learn to try to "catch" himself by using his muscles to stop himself from going down. Solution: pillows. The Boppy one is great. He can crash with comfort. It is sweet to watch him discover the world around him sitting up. Plus, I can now play across from him and watch those innocent reactions to toys and sounds.

Drool...

Jackson has had lots and lots of drooling here lately. Could he be teething? Surely not. I will admit that everythin goes to the mouth: hands, socks, washclothes, toys, and even other people's fingers. But, I don't see any inflammation on his gums. What are your thoughts mom's out there?

Friends

My dearest friend came over today. Elizabeth and I met back in 2005 when I first began my career as an educator. She helped to mold and make me the teacher I am today, although she absoulutely denies any credit. (Liz is way too humble). Girl time is great! We just giggled, laughed, snacked, and told secrets. It was like being a kid again at a slumber party...only our conversations were less about playing Barbie and more about what is up with men wanting Barbie's. ha ha When she left I felt a void, but know that I will see her again soon. Jackson really enjoyed time with his Aunt Liz as well. We shared her!

Big Decision

Today's post is a very personal one. Let me start by saying this was the 2nd hardest decision that I have ever made in my life. We've prayed, gotten frustrated, analyzed, and sobbed together. In the end, I know that I am doing they right thing because of the peace I feel in my heart. Peace like this only comes from the Lord.

Over the last 4 months, I have fallen in love with a precious little boy and the job of being his mother. Not every day has been wonderful. In fact, I might be so bold to say that many of my days have been tough. So, why do this? Have you ever dreamt of something? Have you ever made your dreams come true? Mine did. My dreams came true on: May 14th, 2005, June 25th, 2005 and March 26th, 2009. I graduated college, married my soulmate, and welcomed my son on these three days. Since I was a little girl, these were my dreams. I remember telling people that I would do these things and in that order...I'd describe how I would go to college, start a career, get married, buy a house, have children, get a masters degree, and love happily ever ever. I am living my dream. God has given me my dreams.

So, my big decision was which do I sacrifice for the other? Knowing myself, I cannot be a good wife, dedicated educator, doting Mommy, and full time graduate student at the same time. I honestly didn't want to let any of my dreams go...afterall, I've labored so hard for each. I decided to be a wife, mother, and full time graduate student. I feel excited and defeated at the same time. Why defeated? I don't quit; and, I feel like I am quitting my 3rd grade team and school. I know that my position can be easily filled...but, it is my position. I know that another educator will teach, but I hope he or she loves those little boys and girls they way I have the last four years. I will be back, though. I am so excited to pick up my masters program and pursue my degree in Counseling. I feel that I can begin to touch lives in another way.

Please remember me in your prayers as I learn to let go of one opportunity for another.

Brothers

I really enjoy laid back days in the yard mowing, weeding, planting, watering, and grilling. Today was just one of those kind of days. It was precious to watch Jackson "talk" to his brothers, our other 4-legged boys, Sully and Hunter. Since it was close to his bed and bath time, I decided to let the boys get as close to Jackson as they wanted and vice versa. Jackson cooed and pulled on the boys and they gave him a doggy-bath of their own. It was great! David and I laughed about seeing Jackson running or riding around with the boys in the future. We're so glad that they tolerate him now. Jackson especially loved it when Hunter would bark. We've trained Hunter to "speak" with a command, so it was easy to get a reaction from Jackson. I am not sure what it was about the situation that gave me this warm, maternal feeling. I adopted Sully in 2002 when I was in college, and we got Hunter in 2005. Now Jackson is here and it all seems to just fit. I love ALL of my boys (including Daddy)!

By the end of the afternoon poor Jackson was completely worn out.


P.S. Some estrogen around here wouldn't be too terrible, though. :)