Josiah is missin his girlfriend.

We were on our way home lastnight and Josiah was asking me when school was going to start again. I told him not for awhile and he got upset. He informed me that he misses his girlfriend. My little boy who is 4 is worried about his girlfriend. I don't think I am ready for him to grow up. If i'm dealing with a girlfriend at 4, what does the future hold? Ha Ha. Look how sweet they are though.

The boys!!!!!!

Well, the last week or so have been crazy. Dan left me for a wonderful week at the beach with our students. So, i had the boys all week. Don't feel sorry for me though, my parents graciously came to my rescue. The boys had so much fun with Nana and papa that it was hard to say goodbye. Josiah doesn't know this yet, but we are set to make the drive to Mo. in July to see all of our family. Joe has been wanting to see his great papa and his cows. We also haven't seen my brother and sister in awhile so it will be nice to get away from our fast pace life here in Dallas and spend some time in the country.

Josiah is enjoying his first ever week of VBS.( vacation bible school) He is having so much fun. He really misses his friends from school, so it has been good for him to see some familiar faces. I can't believe that my little boy is even old enough to attend vbs. It seems like everyday he is getting bigger and trying something new. He will play soccer in the fall though the city of Frisco. He is so excited. I can't wait to be a soccer mom. :) He has always wanted to be big enough to play a sport, so the time has come. If he doesn't like soccer we will move on to the next sport until he finds what he loves.

Jackson is amazing us everyday. Today he took 4 steps all by himself. After doctors breathing down my neck telling me that he is going to be delayed because of all he's been thought, now I just thank my God because he is perfect. Jackson has always been a fighter and everyday he makes me realize that God is so good. He is really growing into his little personality. He makes us laugh all the time.We really have been blessed with great kids. We have our share of moments but all in all I couldn't have asked for better.

Just as a side note: I am leaving blogger for word press. My sweet friend who is amazingly talented with all of this web stuff in going to design my new page. You can see her blog listed under my blogs I read, Living Locurto. I can't wait to see what she comes up with.

Get a tissue and watch this!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our church did this last easter and it was so powerful. This chruch did it and I wanted to share it with you. Our God is so amazing and loves us to pieces.

Summer is here.

I haven't blogged in a while because we have been so busy with the end of school, work stuff, student ministry stuff, and just daily craziness. Also, Dan gets all the good blogs about family happenings. Maybe because he always has his beloved mac book open.:) Anyway, this is our second summer in the great state of Texas, and it is hot!! We spend almost everyday these days in our community pool. I have to admit I am glad we decided to buy with a private pool. Its so nice. The boys love the water and whats better to do on a hot day.

Dan and I are in talks of signing up Josiah for fall soccer. Josiah is so excited. I think that it would be good for him. He loves to run and kick stuff. Neither one of us know the rules of the game so I hope he has a great coach that will teach the parents as well. His first sport choice is basketball,( Uncle Mike would be so proud) but for now he will try soccer.

Jackson is doing great. He is all over the place. I would guess within the next month he will be walking or running. Every once in a while he will stand by himself and get all excited and fall. I love watching him chase Joe around the house though. He climbs all over Joe and wrestling with him. If you didn't know my husband loves the UFC and Dan and Joe's watch it almost every week. It will come back to haunt us when he practices on Jackson. I am so thankful for a healthy baby these days. We are in a very good place with him.

I have been enjoying a few nights out with friends. My MOPS group (mothers of preschoolers) decided to do a book club over the summer and I thought it would be fun. If you know me I don't love to read. I wish that I did, I am just in that season in my life where when I have a moment all I want to do is sleep. Kids are exhausting. Anyway, We read the book, The Shack. I am almost done and I really like it. It is Non-fiction so read with caution, but it paints a beautiful picture of the love our father has for us. I would recommend it. Some we have met twice to discuss the book and a hour meeting turns into four. It is so nice to have a group of women to just hang out with. I prayed and prayed when we moved here that I would find someone that I could trust and just have a friendship with. Well, my prayers were answered three fold. I am so thankful for the women in my life. I am excited about what God has for us here.

Just wanted to pass this info on.

I was watching the Today's show yesterday and saw that they were talking about bunk beds. My four year old was just given bunk beds and loves them to pieces. After seeing the following we( and or I) decided maybe Josiah should sleep on the bottom bunk for a year or so.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24895552/




Some of you might think that I am being a little to cautious about this but I can't help it. I still flash back to the day Jackson was born and wondering if i would ever see him again. Then the haunting day I found him unresponsive in his crib and the ambulance ride to follow. These images and thoughts I can't erase. So, if I am being too over the top with safely so be it. I love my kiddos and will always try to do the right thing. Sorry, Maybe this blog is more for me just to write, but if you have bunk beds please check out the link above and make your own decision.

I've been tagged!

Thanks Neely! I needed something to do at work :).

Five things on my to-do list today.
1. Call the dentist for a reschedule.
2. Finish the mound of laundry calling my name.
3. Put all the laundry away from the last like ten loads!
4. Hopefully find something quick for supper.
5. Go for a bike ride with my boys.

Snacks I enjoy.
1. Wheatables
2. Butter lovers popcorn
3. Homemade chocolate chip cookies
4. Brownies
5. Goldfish (every mom has the five pound box from sams club)

Things I would do if I were a millionaire.
1. Give to a children's hospital like Saint Jude. (We are forever thankful for Jacksons Doctors)
2. Be Debt free. (My house and Jackson first year of life)
3. Put tons of the money away for college.
4. Buy Dan the jeep wrangler of his dreams.
5. Give my parents the house they always wanted.

Places I have lived.
1. McKinney, TX
2. Warrensburg, MO
3. Springfield, MO
4. Bolivar, MO
5. Salem, Mo

Bad Habits I have
1. Not finishing the laundry.
2. Leaving my shoes in various places.
3. Not rinsing the dishes to Dan's standards.
4. Not finishing a book.
5. Not having my cell phone on and charged.

Jobs I have held
1. Receptionist
2. U.S. Bank teller
3. Lifeguard for Southwest Baptist University
4. Swim instructor
5. Lifeguard for Salem Pool

Check out my Slide Show!

Prayers for the Chapman's

Dan and I briefly caught the news this morning and heard the terrible news. I would ask you to just pray for the family. I can't even begin to understand the pain they feel. I saw this video with his new song, Cinderella and couldn't hold back the tears. We truely have to cherish each moment with our children and eachother because we can't be sure of tomorrow.

Oh Boy!

I need some advice from someone with boys. Its hard for me to complain, because I have great kids. Josiah has always been very sweet and helpful. I never have to worry about a bad report from sunday school or MDO. But, for the first time lastnight I saw a different side to Josiah. He, on purpose pushed his little brother hard enough that he has a huge purple knot on his forhead. What kills me is he knew what he was doing. We did our usual time out and that didn't work. He tried to make him understand what he did and wanted him to feel bad for what he had done. Not the case. I guess I need some different tactics. Don't get me wrong, Josiah is not a saint, but he his very well behaved and is a great kid. I know that he has been through a lot this year and maybe its just the jealous issue. Jackson has been really sick and has demanded a great deal of our time. Dan and I have tried our best to give him the attention he needs. The last year has been tough and I still find myself processing what really happened, so I guess its fair to say maybe he is going through the same thing. Anyway, I would love some mommy advice.

Too Funny

My hubby showed me this and I had to share it. So many times the kids and I have become the topic and or illustration. Enjoy!

Our crazy weekend in a nutshell.

We had a great weekend. My parents made it in on Thursday night late and my boys couldn't have been happier. We took them to the Trade Days in McKinney and had a great time. Dan will tell ya that it was OK. He doesn't care for things like that. I live for the bargain. I think as a mom we just have that tendency to find the best deal. I will tell ya that i didn't buy a thing,( probably because Dan was with me). We did let Josiah ride on one of the horses they had. If you know my little boy, he loves toy story and his words were,"Mommy, I want to ride Bulls eye, like Woody" Dan and i couldn't say no. If you read my hubby's blog there is a cute pic of him.

Saturday, we did something that i had never done before. My parents, the boys and i went out to run a few errands and st oped at a few garage sales. We stoped at this one that said," everything is house for sale." I wasn't sure i wanted to go in, but my mom talked me into it. It was a beautiful house and they had really nice stuff. The home had been for closed on and the real state was selling everything. To me that is so sad. I have been told that in the area people here are house poor. I can believe it, because the houses here are sooooooo big and amazing. Its hard for Dan and I to imagine that you would pour all of your money in a house and not be able to really live. I would rather live in a small house and be able to give and do things with my kids rather than be stuck in a house that owns me. Anyway, that made me step back and think about where our money goes. At this point it all goes to Jackson! Of course he is worth every penny.

Jackson had his little party this weekend. I learned with Josiah that big parties and a one year old don't need to happen. I decided that a family party would be a lot easier. We just barbecued and had cupcakes. He had the cutest cupcake cake from Target. It was the Baby Einstein Caterpillar. I will put pics up later, but I was really pleased. Then we all went down to our pool and just had a great time. Even though it is SO hot here already the water in the pool is still very cold. Josiah of course doesn't seem to care. All in all a great day. I am just so thankful after the year we have had that we were able to have a 1rst birthday. Jackson is such a blessing from God and our lives will never be the same.

Just a side note, Josiah has been celebrating mothers day for two weeks now. Don't get me wrong I love that he wants to help his mommy. He will say, I put my shoes away for mothers day. I turned the TV off for mothers day and so on. I will admit I like the attention. Not always the case in a house full of boys. I hope that they will always remember that I am their Queen! Ha Ha.

Happy B-Day Baby!

My little Jackson is the big 1!



We aren't having the actual party until the weekend, but he had to have a little cupcake on the special day. He LOVES anything sweet(just like his momma). We had a good day. I took him to the doctor in the morning for a routine well visit, then we took brother to school, we went shopping(torcher i know), and then went to lunch. He was such a handsome date. Jackson has really come into his own in the last month or so. I think he will be our little clown. He laughs all the time and this morning he had me almost on the floor in tears. I was getting ready in my bathroom and he was taking a nap in our room. I had turned on some music( old school Jennifer Lopez) and all of the sudden i heard something, i looked over and he's on his knees just dancing. Maybe you had to be there, but he has some crazy dance moves. I just thank God everyday for my two sweet little boys. They truly make me who i am.

Happy Mommy Day!!!!

Happy mommy day to all the women in the trenches with me. I thought about all the things that my mom does for me and how she is the greatest nana ever! Ask Josiah and he will agree. She is the one who makes stuff for the boys, helps me make b-day cakes for the boys,gives me advice, and is who I call when I have a cooking disaster. I don't know if I could survive without her insight. She has always been there for me and my little family. Sometimes I take her for granted and I need to tell her more that she is very precious to me.

Today comes with a lot of baggage for me. A year ago today, I gave birth to a very sick little boy. I can't help but think "what if he hadn't made it?" The whole day was a day of uncertainty and wondering if the baby I had only seen for a couple of minutes would ever be back in my arms. I sat in the room with my then three year old, Dan, and my mom all just praying that God wouldn't take him from us. After ten days of meds and sleepless nights he came home a healthy little man. I will never take for granted how fragile life really is and that every moment with my kids is so special. Our God is so great and truly had Jackson is the palm of his hand. He has been through a lot of pain this year, but always seems to smile and be so strong. I can't wait to see how God uses him in the future.



Jackson and his Nana.


I just love his blue eyes in this pic.


Trying to keep up with big brother.


Ready for the pool.

McDonalds Drama.

I had about thirty minutes between Mops and getting to work on time to grab lunch. Where does every mom in america end up, you guessed it, Mcdonalds. So, we get there and we see two little boys already playing and having a great time. You could tell that they had been friends for awhile. Josiah, my social bug walks up to them to ask if he could play too. Dan and I are just watching the situation and the boys start screaming at him calling him a monster and pretending to push him away. He backs down the stairs and turns to us with tears in his eyes. You could just see the rejection he felt on his little face. Dan picked him up and tried to explain to him that they were playing and that he wasn't a monster. After a couple of frys and some pepsis, he decided to give it one try. He asked them if they would play another game with him, but they decided to do there own thing.

As a mom it was hard to see him be rejected and hurt. It makes me realize that I need to choose my words carefully. Since the move last year, friends have been a rough topic. He has been blessed with great friends in his little life and just doesn't understand why we can't just run over to there houses to play. We are trying hard to build new friendships here, though.

Embarassing

The boys and I went to my favorite store (Target) tonight to get Jackson's meds and Josiah made me want to crawl under the cart. We are in the check out line and there is someone in front of us thank goodness. Josiah sees that the check out lady has tattoo's on both arms all the way from mid arm to her fingertips. My son looks at me and says, hey mom that lady looks like spiderman! I am not sure if she heard him or not,but I'm sure she did though. Each outing is an adventure with kiddos. You never know what will come out of there mouths. They have made me alot more outgoing that's for sure. Just a day in the life of a mommy.

Life Today.

Thank you to all of you who prayed for little Jackson Ray. He is doing so much better. We are still on meds for the pnemonia and are still dealing with that, but he has finally gotten his appette back and is his crazy little self. We go to the neurologist tomorrow and an interested in what he thinks happened. In time i guess we will know. I just am so tired of constantly being in the doctors offices and having Jackson suffer. I will say that the doctors have been great though.

I feel like I never say anything about the other man in my life, Josiah. He just turned four year old is such a great big brother. He has seen and expericened things with Jackson being so sick that i wish he hadn't. He was so scared last week. He is just to little to understand. He does pray for his brother every night though. He is in school twice a week and loves it. He even has a girlfriend. He told me today that when the sit and do daily things like the calender and spelling that he always sits by her. I think its sweet. Anyway, he can spell his name and he is working on writing it too. He is always singing cute little songs he's learned and speaking in spanish. Where we live that is a good thing to know. It has been so neat to see him learn new things and just be so excited.

My Sweet Jackson

The last 96 hours have been anything but Ok. Jackson suffered from some unknown seizer while he was taking a nap. When I went upstairs he was unresponsive and limp. We drove to the fire station a couple of blocks away and they took us by ambulance to the hospital. We got more bad news when they discovered he has pneumonia. We had no idea. He has been fine, other than getting two more teeth. We have not let him out of our sight since. Dan and I have yet to sleep though the night in fear we won't hear him. I guess we are living in fear of the unknown at this point. Jackson has suffered so much in his short little life and as a mom it tears me to pieces to be so helpless. I know that God has a plan but when your in the mist of the hard times your human side gets in the way. If your reading this, please pray that Jackson's health would return. Thanks in advance.

Surviving the Storm

We had some bad weather come through north dallas lastnight. The tornado warnings went off at about 4am and we were still in bed. Luckly the worst of the storm missed us, but around us was another story. We didn't know how bad it really was until dan took josiah to school around 9. He said that there were trapolines everywhere, trees in the road and wooden fences just destroyed. He saw houses with roofs gone, windows shaddered ( most houses in the area have two story windows that take up whole walls), and just random things. When I got to work today( I work at our church also) the old building lost its steeple and did alot of damage to the roof on the way down. The playground for the school at our chruch was leveled and the winds threw the equietment into the glass hallway. The metal things that go on the roof for the heating and cooling were in the field behind us and in the parking lot. All I can say is that no one was hurt and things can be repaired or replaced. I'm not sure I'm used to texas weather yet.

Josiah's Day.

So, for those of you who don't know my little boy, he lives and breathes Thomas the Train. So it was only fitting that for his birthday we scored tickets to Meet and Ride the one and only Thomas. I have to admit that we've been to alot of kiddo events, but none this organized and family friendly. Imagine if you will walking off the shuttle to the train depot and all you see is hundreds of little boys in full blown Thomas apparel. It was a cute sight to behold. Josiah immediately started talking to a couple of boys and just had that common bond. If you read my hubby's blog I described it has a star wars convention or something. (Not a star wars fan by the way)

So, we met Sir Topham Hat, the Conductors, saw a magic show, played with trains, bounced in the bounce house, and most importantly we rode in the train cars pulled by none other than Thomas himself. I have to say that the best part of the day was being the first onto the platform when they helled "All aboard",and the conductor welcomed him onto the train. A moment I will never forget. Josiah felt as if he were the only kid there. The day was complete.


We ended the day with a trip to Best Buy and I couldn't resist the photo op. Jackson's first time in a car cart. He loved it and Joe showed him a thing or two.




Can't you just see Jackson's excitement. He just loves hanging out with his big brother.

What a week.

This week has been tough. A dear friend of mine has suffered the loss of her husband this week. It was very sudden and quite a shock. They have two little boys(1 & 3)and my heart just breaks for her. I know for me that whole day all I could think about was getting home to hug my husband and tell him just how much he means to me. So often daily life happens and we forget that life is so short. So I guess what I'm saying is tell that someone in your life just how much they matter to you.

On another note, this week was beautiful. It was in the 80s and windy. Texas is so windy. So instead of riding our bikes we decided to take the boys on a wagon ride. So fun. I am starting to see my boys really interact and its cute and somethings so much of a good thing if you know what I mean. Josiah is a great big brother, but sometimes he forgets that brother is still a baby. Go figure.

My baby turned 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe that my little boy is now 4 years old. You always hear people say,"They grow up so fast, don't take it for grated." I now know what they mean. This time last year we were living in a Holiday Inn Express while my baby turned three. We had just signed on our house and making plans for our big move. I knew we had to make this year all about Joe. The move has been hard on him. He left dear friends behind and when your three its hard to understand.

Joe wanted a sports party,so we gave him a sports party. I did have a surprise for him though. They pulled up to the house and he was so excited. He had a bounce house for the whole day. I kid you not, he bounced from 11:00am to 10:00pm that night. Even alittle bit the next day. Most of his friends were able to make it and it was so fun. I know what your thinking, they are all girls. Well, the two boys couldn't make it and to be honest,Joe loves the ladies. Always has! He had a great day.

Our day at the Dallas Zoo.

We had the most beautiful day. It was in the 70's and sunny all day. Josiah was so excited to take nana, papa, and aunt rachel to the zoo. First, we drove to the dart train station where we bought tickets and hopped on the train. It was really fun. It reminded me of the subway in New York. It even went underground which was Joe's favorite part. We spent the day checking out the monkeys(our favorite), the giraffes, the elephants, the lions, the tigers, and even the birds. Joe loves to feed the birds.(Joe and daddy waited a half an hour to feed them). It was all worth it. All in all a great day.

What a crazy week!!!!

Ok, so this week is Josiah's 4th birthday. My family all lives in Missouri and have never missed one of the kiddos big days. Wouldn't you know this would be the week that they have a record flood only to be outdone in 1993. My mom called me frantic on Tues. morning to tell me that the basement that they had just redone was filling with water. This was the day they were to make the 8 hour drive to Tx to hang out with the boys before the party on Sat. Needless to say, they have spent the last 64 hours battling the water. Just a testament to my parents and thier love for the boys,nothing come hell or high water (HaHa) will not stop them from a big day such as Josiah's birthday. So, Josiah did his happy dance today knowing that Nana, Papa, and aunt Rachel are on there way.





Just a funny side note, I called my mom to see how far they had gotten and she told me that my dad had heard they were going to close the main interstate that they needed to get here today. So if you know my mother she can have a lead foot(HaHa),so determined to get here today,she drove 80 miles an hour to beat the road closing. She said that the signs were up and the water was a road level, but she made it though. The Greenes will arrive tonight to go to the Dallas Zoo and to party on Sat.

Our new family obbession.

Just a quick note. We have just started riding our bikes in the evening. Josiah loves to ride his bike and now that Jackson is old enough to sit in the little seat that attaches to our bike we can all go as a family. I think that life has slowed down to the point we can now enjoy our new life in Tx.




I just love hanging out with by boys!

Another day.

First I have to tell you about our night yesterday. Dan reserved this place called the Zone which has pizza, lazer tag, video games, and of course bounce houses and slides. If you know Josiah he thinks he's a teen himself, so he couldn't wait to play some lazer tag with his daddy. He had so much fun, but daddy is really competive and I think Joe was slowing him down. I think all men have that trait. So Joe finished out the night with two long hours of bouncing and sliding. Needless to say he was exhasted.

Now I can't say that Jackson had as much fun. He did love the cheese and chicken from the salad bar though. The boy can eat! He did get to sit on the end of the slide and watch big brother slide down fast. Josiah can always make Jackson laugh.

Parties, Parties, Parties!

We have had a busy week. March has become birthday month for us. Josiah has two friends with birthdays a week apart. We spent Sat. and Sun. partying it up with his friends. We went to a bounce house and got to experince the Fun Bus. The people that run the Fun Bus were amazing. They learned the kiddos names,danced with them and just made them laugh. Josiah had the best time.





On another note, one of my worst fears came true lastnight. I had just gotten home from work and Dan was making dinner like all wonderful husbands do. I had picked up one on the pots and was adding alittle more water to it. Josiah was in the kitchen showing me all of the cool stuff he had gotten from him school Easter party and was standing right under me. By the time I realized he was there it was to late. The hot water had splashed out onto him and myself. We both started screaming and all I could think to do was to get his shirt off. Dan came running from the living room and got Joe to calm down. The burns are not as bad as I first thought. It mostly got his shoulder and just a small spot on his neck. I have to say that he is being very tough. As a mom I was furious with myself. You see your child in pain and worst of all your the reason. I know things happen but I am still mad at myself for not being more careful.

Well, the week to come will be very busy. My family is coming to town for Josiahs 4th b-day and Easter. We are looking forward to hanging out with everyone and partying hard on Saturday. Josiah wanted me to invite the Easter Bunny, so if anyone wants to show up dressed like a bunny that would be great.(Ha Ha)

First day on the job.

I started my new job today. It has been four years since I have had a job. I was offered this job and decided that it would be nice to contribute to the family (or just to have some shopping money). I am the receptionist at Grace Community Church here in Plano, TX. I really think that it is going to be a great fit for me. The people are so sweet and i am just looking forward to having some adult time. I exciting part of my day was when i had to drive my hubby's jeep wrangler home(oh, did i mention that it is a stick shift). I haven't driven it in over a year and I had to drive home in Dallas traffic. I was scared to death. Luckily I made it home in one piece.

Josiah had his prayers answered last night. It actually snowed here in warm TX. I have to say that this is all the snow I need. I have gotten used to the warmer weather. It sure is pretty though.