He rides!

On Monday night Jackson learned how to ride a 2 wheeler. Brought many tears to my eyes to see him just ride off down the road!

Here he is long gone. Jackson is very excited and proud of his new accomplishment!

Happy birthday Jaideyn!

Happy birthday Birdie!! ( obviously not the best pic of her, but I thought that we should at least have one with a cake in it!)

Again, I can't believe how time flies. Jaideyn Marie, you are 3 already! Although there were times I wasn't sure we (or I) would make it to this day because you were such a wonderful baby, but here we are and I couldn't be happier!

You started out a bit rough around the edges and made us wonder what in the world we were going to do with you, God showed us exactly what our long trial was for! You have grown up to be such a wonderful little girl. We love you so much!

I love the way that you talk with your little lisp and the way you try to say big words that come out all mixed up. I love to paint your nails and to watch you sleep all cuddled up with "peepoly"and sucking your thumb. I love the way that you correct me if I call you anything other than Jaideyn or birdie! You say "Mom, don't call me honey, I am your birdie!" (Where the nickname came from I don't know)I also love the way you bust out into song (rather loudly) no matter where we are or what we are doing. We call you our little "music minister". In the middle of any store of restaurant you will start singing your hymns and songs without a care in the world. Your favorite one to sing out and about is "Every body oughta know who Jesus is". How appropriate. You also have a wonderful love for God that just amazes us. He has also filled you with such enthusiasm and Joy for Him. We thank God for you most everyday- I'm kidding- everyday and we thank him for blessing us with you. You are a beautiful little girl and we love you so so so much!

Our little graduate!

On May 14 our little man graduated from preschool. Hard to believe how time flies. Here he is walking into the gym.
The whole preschool class singing together. (Not the best pics, but I was towards the back, so it was the best I could do in the dark gym!)
Jackson getting his diploma and a hug from the wonderful Mrs. Pat- his teacher.
A big congrats from daddy! He is so proud of you bubba!
Our very proud and excited bubba! I can't believe the year is done already. It is absolutely amazing to see how much a child learns and grows in preschool. He knows so much already ( i know it's normal, but he is our 1st one going through this, so to see it just amazes me.) We are so very proud of you Jackson. We absolutely love who you are and we are so excited to see you growing up. We pray for you every day. God loves you so much and He has filled you with such a joy and enthusiasm for Him. We pray that you will continue to grow in Jesus!!

God is so good! He has blessed us with a wonderful little boy and the calling to send him to a christian school. I can not encourage everyone who reads this enough to really really really pray and let God lead you in the direction of christian education. It is tough at times, I know (and we are only just beginning) to pay the bills and to make it work. I can only say that it is completely worth it and I wouldn't change this decision for anything. There will be tough times for him and for us, but we will always know that God is the center of our lives both at home and at school. That is huge. At graduation Jackson recited Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepard. I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You annoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

No words can explain what I as a mother felt as my 5 year old son recited this Psalm (that I did not teach him) with all of his friends standing around him. Makes every minute of the last 5 years completely worth it and then some!

Happy birthday Jaideyn!

Today is Jaideyn's 3rd birthday! She is growing up way too fast!
More to come later!

A little help around the house

Every now and then the kids will actually want to help me around the house. For those of you who know me, you know that I am not very good about making the kids do things around the house. But, I always welcome the help and enthusiasm! I always encourage them to help, but most times I just do it. So, when they do want to help it is a camera worthy situation. (Yes, I am working on trying to make the kids more responsible around the house!)

Avery found her nose!

This past week Avery found her nose. It is so funny to see her walk around with her finger up her nose. She also likes to stick toys up her nose (as you can see) So, I figure it's only a matter of time before I find something stuck up her nose!
I was taking Aves pic and the other kids just had to be funny and join in on the fun. Oh the things that are amusing on a long rainy day at home!!!!

Happy Birthday

On Monday we helped to celebrate cousin Victoria's 3rd birthday. The girls had so much fun! Auntie Kelley did such a great job of decorating and planning. The party was a lady bug theme. All the girls got a lady bug headband and many other fun things!
They girls played an adorable game of "pin the spots on the lady bug". They thought this was the neastest thing they have ever done. It was sooooo cute!
Of course Jaideyn decided to pull off her blindfold so that she could see exactly where she wanted to put the spot.
When they were done they were given adorable lady bug bags with all little treats in it! As you can see Jaidey loved her slinky!
Jaideyn wa also very excited to help Victoria open her present! Happy birthday Victoria and thank you for inviting us to your wonderful party!

Uncle Chad wanna be!

This one is for you Uncle Chad! We were playing at a friends house and she had this outfit in her trunk. The minute Jackson saw it his eyes lit up and he had a great big smile on his face. He came running up to me and said "look mom, she has one just like Uncle Chad's, can I please put it on?" As you can see it is quite a bit too small for him, but he was bound and determined to squeeze into this thing. As soon as he put it on he said "Mom can you take a picture of me so that I can send it to Uncle Chad- he'll think it is so cool!" Oh the innocence of a 5 year old. Needless to say he really loves you Uncle Chad and looks up to you so much! We all do. We are so proud of you! We miss you and we love you!

Chicken Hair!!!

Yup, still funny!!!

Field trip to the zoo

Last week we went to the zoo with Jackson's class. We had a beautiful day and we had fun running around. We were a bit bummed because not many of the animals were out yet, but I suppose it is a bit early in the season.
While we were there we had a little class and were able to see and touch several animals. The kids loved it. They got to touch a turtle, snake, duck, and a ferret. I was very proud of Jackson because he was willing to touch all of the animals. We are making progress, slowly but surely!