I Need Me Some '5 Hour Energy!'

Cody felt like this made a good blog post, and I didn't disagree:

He and Jackson were watching football in the back room while I was having my ladies Bible study on Monday evening. In between the moments of the game, there was a 5 Hour Energy commercial. Here's roughly what was said:

Jackson: "Oh, Mom falls asleep while playing cards, she needs 5 Hour Energy!"

Cody LAUGHED!

Agreed...on all levels! I do dose a bit during "Go Fish" in the middle of the day after having already being up since 5:30am! And, I have wondered if "5 Hour Energy" would help!

What Cody didn't know was that Jackson and I had had a conversation about a week prior when Jackson spotted a display of 5 Hour Energy at the store and said, "I need some 5 hour Energy!" My response, "No you absolutely do not need 5 Hour Energy!!" The conversation lead into a description of what 5 Hour Energy was and then Jackson responding, "Mom, you're sleepy all the time. You need 5 Hour Energy!" Again, agreed!

You see, Cody had thought that Jackson just knew what 5 Hour Energy was when he made the comment about me...he didn't realize it had been defined a week prior!

Good times...now, time for an afternoon cup of coffee!!

In the Middle of My Little Mess...

...I FORGET HOW BIG I'M BLESSED!!

So, I have heard this song multiple times on the radio and love it! The other day, I played this video for Cody and he said, you know, you can embed these in things. Yea, that's a good idea! Next time I lose my keys, I'll post this video to my blog. Guess what, that was 2 days ago we had that conversation and today...yup, you guessed it! I spent 45 minutes dumping, digging, upheaving...I even had Jackson searching in his matchbox cars basket...for my keys. Folks, I even went through the garbage!! I'm not talking the small garbage can in our kitchen, I'm talking the BIG one that gets picked up! Yup, Jackson thought it was so funny, that he called and left a message on Cody's phone saying that I was climbing in the trash can outside AND then he hung up. He didn't even say WHY I was digging in the trash can outside! Hope Cody gets a good laugh!

Anyway, so...here is the video. I was just singing it VERY LOUDLY with Jackson...because THIS is my day today!! (Don't forget to pause the music on the bottom of the blog before pushing play.)



At the end of my search, I found my keys...ahhhh yes, because I had a kid hiding from me in the back of the car when it was time to get out last night at the same time that Cody called me on my cell phone. Somewhere in all that mess, I forgot about the keys!

I am blessed...even in the middle of my little mess!

A Weekend of Fun

I do not have my uninterrupted "blog update" time today, so we'll see how this goes. No, I don't have it because my sweet son is home sick...but the kind of sick where he doesn't feel bad and is still full of energy. I'm grateful he does not feel badly, but man, he looks like he hurts. He's suffering from, what I fear deep down might not be the only case in the future, a skin infection. Thankfully, it looks worse than it feels and is mostly harmless but contagious none the less. Antibiotics have started and he should be fine to "see public" again tomorrow. Poor kiddo...all that to say, this post may have interruptions but with the help of "The Cat in the Hat" playing right now, I may get it done!!

We have just come off of the long 4-day Labor Day Holiday weekend, and it was this weekend that we finally decided to cram in everything we've talked about doing over the last few months. So, stuff was booked and off we went!

Friday night, we met some friends who were camping up at Mt. Charleston for some grilling and smores. Although we didn't stay, as we weren't prepared to camp last minute, we had a blast in 50 degree weather up on the mountain. Ahhhhh, cool weather, if only for 4 hours, was dreamy! Well, and the smores didn't hurt either!

Then, Saturday, at the onset of Jackson's infection (which we chalked up to bug bites at first), we headed downtown for the matinee of "The Lion King." We started with a late lunch at "The House of Blues" laughing and enjoying some much needed family time. It was fun to look at our son and see how much he's grown and that he is grown enough to do more "grown up" things like eat at "The House of Blues" and see a Broadway show. He kept saying he would be scared of the show (no doubt because I off-hand mentioned this one time to Cody, thinking Jackson couldn't hear!), but was not. He seemed to love every minute of the 2 1/2 hour show!

Then, on Monday, we headed to a place called "Town Square" which is again downtown behind where Mandalay Bay is (for those of you that are familiar with Vegas). They have a huge treehouse playground that we thought Jackson might enjoy playing on. We were right...with the unusually overcast weather, we enjoyed a cooler, cloudy 93 degree day walking around the shops and spending time playing on the playground.

We also took this weekend to not procrastinate in booking a ride on "The Polar Express" at the Grand Canyon in November!! YAY!! Last year, we missed the opportunity to do this because we waited too long to book a seat on the train. So, we have that to look forward to in November.

Just like that, all the fun was had and we started the work week up again yesterday.

Grace...

Ephesians 2:8 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--"

GRACE...Philip Yancey wrote a book called, "What's So Amazing About Grace?" Sadly, I never finished the book, but what I remember of the book was great...and I do believe after watching "The Grace Card" just now, I will start the book over and read it from cover to cover. But, on the back of the book it says, "There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less." Ponder that...

ISN'T THAT AN AMAZING STATEMENT!! Nothing...NOTHING we can do can make God love us more or less. He loves us unconditionally already. WOWZERS!! If you are a Believing Christian, you know this. If you're like me, as a Believing Christian, sometimes it just hits what God has truly done for me and that I was worthy of what He did for ME...measely me!! And then, I am reminded of what He expects in return...for me to show the same grace, mercy, forgiveness and love to others.

I just finished watching the movie "The Grace Card" and it touched me. If you haven't seen it, might I encourage you to go rent it (and buy a box of kleenexes too...and don't wear mascara ladies! My eyes look black now!). I won't give away the movie, but as I said, it touched me! Do I show that kind of Grace?? The kind of grace that God expects me to demonstrate to others?? This same kind of grace that God granted me?? Do I live for "that moment" that God orchestrates, see it and rely on Him to follow through with whatever it is He wants me to do or say??

Something to think about...eh?

Pre-K=First Day of Full-Day School

He was excited when he woke up this morning...to see his friends and to go back to school. And then, as I was showing him his lunch sack and putting his sandwich in it, the tears began to flow and he says, through his sobs, "I'm scared." So, I took a huge breath, said a little prayer that God would help ME not to cry too and asked him why. "Because I want to spend the day with you." As sweet as that sounded at that moment, I knew I couldn't cave...I had made the decision that if we were going to do Full-Day Pre-K he was going to stay Full Day (plus we're paying a mini fortune for it!)!! So, we arrived at school, he saw his best buddy, put his backpack away, and we went to the playground. I introduced myself to the teacher and Jackson to the teacher, then leaned down, gave him a huge hug, he hugged me back, messed with my hair, gave me the sweetest smile, and he was off to play. After a few minutes, I skeedaddled, but stuck around to peek around the corner as they came back in 15 min. later. He was great!

And so, that is that! It is 1:00pm...our boy has officially made it through more of a day of school than he ever has in the past (before, preschool was only 2 1/2 hours). So proud of him!

Time Flies

Yep, that's us, in Times Square celebrating our 10th Anniversary!! To those of you who were in attendance at our "crazy" wedding, thank you for celebrating with us 10 years ago! To those of you who have become our friends since, thank you so much for being our friends in these 10 years. Mostly, to my husband, thank you for a wonderful past 10 years...3 countries, 4 moves, and one sweet son later...WOW! God knew what He was doing when we met over 10 years ago! I love you much!!

We had a wonderful time in NYC while Jackson spent some undivided time with his Oma and Opa at our home in Vegas. I think Jackson and his Oma and Opa would argue with us about who had the most fun! It's probably a good argument, but I only saw the NYC part first hand, so I'll share a bit of that in pictures:

Man, we had a fun time...saw Chicago and Wicked, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Wall St., 911 site, Brooklyn Bridge, stayed at The Waldorf, walked Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, ate pizza, hot dogs and fabulous steak dinners, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock, the Hudson River, oh, I could go on. And some day, we'd like to go back, because 4 days just wasn't enough!! But, it was a fabulous time!

Time does fly! 10 years of marriage and an almost 5 year old! I was sitting with Jackson on the couch the other day just cherishing a calm moment of hugging on him when I had many flashbacks of the last 5 years and then the past 10 years. So much has changed and I never could have imagined all of the places and people and things that have happened to us. Only God could ever orchestrate it all so perfectly! Looking back at the challenges and times of rejoicing, I realize that the only way we could have made it through was with the loving kindness of God's Holy Hand. Ahhhh, I love to relish in that thought...God picking me up in His hand and placing me back on my feet so many times and God leading me through trials to learn to trust in Him more. I am grateful to have a soul mate to go through all of this with and a son to teach it all to.

As I think about tomorrow, I have butterflies in my stomach again. My "little baby" is growing way too fast. Tomorrow I will release him for 3 FULL DAYS of pre-kindergarten. I will start the 30 minute one-way drive to hand him over to a new teacher, a new group of friends and a new curriculum where he will learn new things, including how to make it through a day without Mommy. Sure, I'll have him "back" on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but there's something about this step that rattles my nerves. He'll be fine, and so will I, but he is growing. I only hope we've taught him what he needs to know to "be fine" and that we've taught him that the Love of God is with him always. I mostly pray that through his new teacher, he will continue to learn more about God and how to lean on Him through the day. And then, I pray God will calm me...and keep me calm as I hand him over to "life!" Why did I never think this day would come?!?!?

Time Flies, and it will continue to so I'll hold on tight...to God's Hand as He leads me through it all!!

Vacation...

Cody was finally able to take a week off...so, after spending a few days at home, we traveled to San Diego for our 6 day excursion (which turned into 7 days) from home, and a much needed break!! A time to reconnect as a family and enjoy some relaxing, uninterrupted time together. All sounded great, until...duh duh dun...Jackson got a stomach bug!! Talk about uninterrupted time together! Let's just say that we were glad we had booked a nicer room this time, because we spent a bit more time in it than anticipated. So, after two days of worrying about our sweet baby boy, he was better, and off we went. We had managed to go to the beach for a couple of hours before Jackson got really sick and then traveled around the zoo when he was "on the mend" (and funny enough, when you ask him what his favorite part was, he'll say the zoo...even though he spent 6 hours in the stroller; maybe that's why he loved it so much...he didn't have to walk!).

The last few days of vacation were great!! We went to Sea World again and made a trip to Legoland, which Jackson loved (and, he was beyond 100% at this point, so we loved it too!!)!! Many walks around Seaport Village and it ended up being a great time. We added a night onto our hotel so Jackson could enjoy his vacation too!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Ahhh, the vibe at a baseball game...I LOVE IT! Happiness all around...and then add a ballpark hot dog and it is a perfect American night out!
We took Jackson to his first baseball game a couple of Fridays ago. We went to the minor league Las Vegas 51s game with a group of friends. He enjoyed playing with is buddies, so quite honestly, I'm not sure how much of the game he saw, but some of it! We thought it only fitting that he eat a hot dog for dinner that night!

I think he enjoyed being there and loved the free jersey and hat he received that night! He wore it all the next day, even though it was 10 sizes too big!

A Pilot in Preschool!

One of the things that Jackson's teacher does is to ask some of the parents, when they have time, if they could come to the classroom and share a little about what they do. Cody was so kind and made time to come and tell 12 four and five-year-olds all about being a pilot! The kids were full of questions and eager to know more. One little girl asked, "Can girls be pilots?" I thought that was the cutest question.



I was so proud of my husband as he sat there and explained what he did. The teacher commented on how well he did talking to the kids (she had said that some of the dads have no idea how to talk to a classroom full of four and five year olds =) ). I was glad I could be there to listen, watch and take some pictures of the moment!

Easter

Easter was another joyful day...of course. It is my favorite holiday of the year. I just love the celebration of life...of the life of Jesus most of all but also the celebration of life in the season of spring! I was able to capture pictures of Jackson at one of his 6 Easter egg hunts, when I was given the opportunity to help out in his classroom for the Easter Party! Such fun!!


The most amazing thing about helping in his classroom was to see that most of the 13 four and five year olds could explain the true meaning of Easter. And, if you asked Jackson, he would respond, "It's about the rising up of Jesus." Words that made my heart and soul happy!

And then, the Easter Egg dying. He did this at school with 6 eggs and then again here with 8 more eggs. We ate hard boiled eggs for many, many days. Again, tons of fun watching his brain create!

Our Lil' Pardner

It appears that kids Birthday parties range in elaboration here. The last one we went to for one of Jackson's preschool friends (who is my running buddy's son...so good friends) had a farm theme. Okay...if we were to have done a farm theme for a party for Jackson, let's just say, it would not have taken on the fabulous form that this party did!! There was a petting zoo with 6 different animals and two horses for the kids to ride, along with a "horse" to lasso and a barbeque for all of the families to follow! It was a blast...and such a great day! They live out in a more "rural" area of Vegas (if there is one) with much more space, so they had the capability to do all this...which would NEVER have been possible where we live!

Anyway, we discovered that Jackson loved horseback riding! Something we may explore for him, as he seemed like a natural and rode the horses something like 5 times (until they had to pack up and go =) ).



Such joy in the day!

My God is Mighty!!

Nothing like the joy of hearing "Mighty to Save" as you turn the corner on an 8 mile run, see the mountains and hear the part of the song that says, "Savior, He can move the mountains...My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save!" Thank you, Author of Salvation, for perfectly placing this song on my iPod so that I could hear it at just that moment...when I needed to remember exactly why I run...

RUNNING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!!

What a great start to a perfectly, beautiful day!

Our Camano Visit

Jackson and I had a blessed time with my parents on our visit to them. We enjoyed so many beautiful days in Camano, it was amazing for that area!! We loved looking out the windows at the beautiful view they have while enjoying many games of Candyland, Chutes and Ladders and Blockhead...and Jackson and my parents rendition of cribbage.



My dad is doing amazingly well and it was great to be there to share in their excitement that his CT Scan showed no cancer in his body. Because of that, they will be able to treat the previous cancer with chemo and radiation, which he has already begun. Praise to the Lord that he has had limited side effects thus far. Anyway, we celebrated the moment of good news with a Chocolate Pudding Party! It was incredibly fun...who would have thought that a few party blowers and some chocolate pudding would stir up so much laughter and joy!!




We took a walk along the beach, which Jackson just loves to do with Grams and Deeds.


On the day that my dad had his appointments down in Seattle, Jackson and I went to the Aquarium and walked along the Piers down in Seattle. It was great fun. We happened upon an arcade as well that had a carousel.



It was a perfectly timed trip. One that could only have been timed as such by God. I am truly thankful for that.

"Press on Towards the Goal..."

The Goal: Finish another Half Marathon...

We found joy when we crossed the finish line of our 2nd Half Marathon! Tough, hilly course as we went through 6 old railroad tunnels to Hoover Dam, but absolutely beautiful!!

And, as I loaded pictures from my phone, I laughed as I came across these from a few months ago! Jackson loves the park!


Now, we are off to visit Grams and Deeds (my parents) tomorrow! We hope to find joy in the little things as we are there...like walks with my dad up the driveway to get the paper, games of Candyland and a chocolate pudding party! Pray for my dad and mom, as my dad has his appt. on Monday to see if the cancer has spread, which will in turn determine if they will proceed with treatment or not.