An Italian Birthday

Jenn turned 25 last week. ;-)

This birthday had to be special for her. You don't turn 25 every year. Okay...she's not 25, but she's not 55 either. I'll leave it at that.

It's definitely a rarity that Jenn gets to show up and do nothing. She is usually in charge of planning all the parties, cooking and baking all the food, sewing gifts, using her amazing hospitality skills and doing it all with a smile and grace.

I want to be like her when I grow up.

So, what do friends do? They call all their friends together and throw one big Italian dinner party. For appetizers there was caprese salad, artichoke dip, fresh bread & dipping oil and much more. On top of that we had 2 main italian dishes and lava cakes for dessert. Lovely.

I love having people in our home and I actually did not freak out (TOO MUCH) when my air went out. Ha. Jenn is a gift and blessing to so many. Celebrating her with friends and food was the least we could do.

Jackson turns 5

Today Jackson turned 5 years old. Last night we sat on my bed talking about how it felt like we just brought him home. I told him how proud of him I was. His daddy talked about how he used to put him in bed with us every morning at 6am. We told him how we prayed for him to love music and to have a heart for God. When we woke up this morning I found him in his room already dressed, playing with his Buzz and new Build-a-bear. He was ready for his 5th birthday. He was ready to celebrate.

Jackson graduating Pre-K on Thursday

Mommy has not been ready to celebrate. My heart somewhat dropped when I realized he was turning 5. 5 is only 5 years away from 10. "5" means Kindergarten. "5" means XS in the BOYS section! "5" means...big boy.

Sigh....

Jackson getting his new bike today

I love my Jackson. I love his joyful life. His passion to learn God's word. His love for people, his toys, sonic drinks, taking baths, his cousins, his sisters, his daddy. I love that he loves me. I love our trips to Heb, the dollar store, Target. I love that he loves spaghetti and cucumbers...and juice boxes. I love that he loves birthday's and wants to celebrate...even when I have to talk to him a million times about not having to have presents. ;-) I love that he's mine.

Jackson turning 5 is just another reminder that God is good and that God loves. Jackson blesses me everyday.

Happy Birthday, Jackson David. Happy Birthday.

Randomness plus a little bit of crazy

Jackson has his preschool graduation next week. I've already cried 4 times this week thinking about him starting kindergarten.

Madi is the best baby ever.

Reagan is seriously going to make me stronger woman. I keep telling myself all the good things that will come out of raising her. Of course, my hopes and prayers are that she is one of those "good things".

I really do love Reagan. :)

I am really loving the Hillsong United album, "Aftermath". Check it out. It's good.

I love my friends. A lot.

My grandparents keep asking me to record a song for them. Before they die. They actually used those words. So, now I feel bad. It'd probably be fun to to do that though.

I rearranged again. But this time it's staying. I mean that.

Kind of.

I really love my kids.

I really love my church.

But I REALLY love and adore my husband.

God is so good. He is above all else.

I have been having the creative itch like crazy.

Cooking has become my friend. I have 4 new recipes I must share with you soon. Also, I am joining a cooking group that my neighbor is hosting!!

I quite watching American Idol. I'm mad at America.

I'm teaching voice lessons again.

Love. Laugh. Dance. Laugh at yourself for dancing.

The end.

Love.

Love.

Love.

Love.

The end.

Sunday Song

I wanted to start this up again. I love music. I can't deny that it speaks to me more than most things. And usually I gravitate to songs that describe where I am at in life.

This song is pretty key for me right now.




Life. I'm learning a lot about you.

Learning to trust.
To pray more.
To be intentional.
To love more.
Forgive more.
Learning to Wait.
Have patience.
To laugh more.
Seek.
Learning to share.
Fear less.
Care less.
Just go for it.
Let Go.
Eat less.
Exercise more.
Drink water.
Wear sunscreen.
Learning to choose my battles.
Turn my phone off.
Submit.
Talk less.
Listen.
Slow down.
Choose wisely.
Be aware.
Admit.
Say no.
Say yes.
Wear dresses.
Eat more fiber.
Learning the Word.
To be stretched.
To take it all in.
To breathe.
To walk.
To live.

Madi

Joy.

Be careful what you pray for. ;)

We went to Guadalupe State Park yesterday with Aaron & Bre. Love my family. I love that we all consider each other friends and not "just family".

It was Madi's first trip to the river. It's memories like this that I will cherish forever...

I was talking to Pastor Sean today and telling him how I prayed for each of my children when I was pregnant. It was amazing to me how God gave me exactly what I prayed for.

Madi Joy. I prayed for joy and peace. Her first day at the River was pretty much that...and really every day. She is my joy and peace.

Reagan Elizabeth. My leader. Boy...did he come through on that one! And, of course, we can't have a picture on here without Reagan crying. She was mad that there was no mustard on her sandwich. Poor child (ha!)...but seriously a leader. One day she'll learn to channel all of that to what God calls her to do. Praying her strong desire to demand will one day bring Godly leadership & vision to others....

Jackson David. That he would have a heart & passion for God, music and people. (Seriously, in that order too) My fun, loving boy. Always up for a day of fun. Always willing to smile and lend a helping hand. Always ready to be with people and a strong desire to know God's word...My little worship rockstar. ;)

The responsibility is heavy on us. We prayed for these things and now we must teach them and let God lead the way. Being a parent may not be easy all the time, but the fruit of my children's lives will be rewarding & exciting to watch.

What a miracle it is to see how God has worked through those prayers. So blessed.

Las Vegas & other things

Las Vegas. Thank you for hosting Women of Faith. Women of Faith...THANK YOU FOR HOSTING US!!!

Wow. What an incredible time it was. Women of Faith gave us such an incredible gift. I have to admit that I was more moved by them more than I ever expected to be. A much needed time away.

Jackson's 5th birthday is coming up. I don't even know how to process this. I feel like locking every door and never letting him go to school. I know that would be bad and really unhealthy, but it just seems so crazy to me that he is going to be going to kindergarten. Especially when that means that I'm going to be getting older every year. ;-) I sure do love this boy.

In all seriousness, he will love school. Just like I did. Well, if he's like me it will be more about the "friends" than the "learning" part he will love. I don't even want to think about what that will look like for Reagan. Lord, help us all...

May is a very busy month for us, but I am so blessed to see God moving around and in me. I've been so convicted about some things lately. I want to share them, but I need some more time to process them. God is definitely giving me a new perspective on some things in life. My ultimate take away is that it's ALL FOR HIM. My dreams and hopes are nothing if they are not His dreams and hopes for me. I'll hopefully share more soon...if I get the courage.

In the meantime, here is my lesson of the week that I leave you with.

*Keep an eye on these 2. They are likely to steal your chocolate bunnies and eat them in hiding. :)