Thankful

I know I am about a week late on this, but, hey, I could not let this holiday pass by without some blogging on my part (and I was sick all last week, so I guess I have an "excuse"). I realize, more and more it seems with each passing year, just how blessed and thankful I am for all that I have. I have been humbled several times, whether it be by some life event, a person or group of people, etc., so much that I feel the need to thank God every day. I am SO THANKFUL for the following:

My awesome, supportive and protective hubby (who just so happened to wait on me hand and foot and took care of me when I was sick last week). He is such a great, Godly example for Jameston, and he is so good to us. I am a lucky gal!

My sweet, tender-hearted little boy. I realized more than ever this past year how blessed I am to be a mother, especially Jameston's "Mommy." He is pure joy!

My friends...they keep me grounded and stay connected (even when I am not the best phone communicator :-)

A roof over my head and food on the table. Cliche, I know,but I take these for granted when I should be SO grateful.

My mom, dad, and step-mom...I feel very loved every time I talk to, see them. Although the dynamics are not ideal, I appreciate my upbringing and how they helped shape me into the person I am today.

My siblings...they are my rock (and a reminder, too, of how much time flies). Oh to be young again and carefree! When we all four get together, which may only be several times a year, it feels like we haven't skipped a beat!

My in-laws...they are, hands-down, the best anyone could ever wish for. Brett's parents and grandparents are my own. I know God led me to Brett for many reasons, them included.

This baby we have been blessed with...such a precious gift from God. We are so excited to meet him/her in April! And the blessing of God's timing...because Brett will be able to be home more in April with the new baby as opposed to this time of year when he is jet-setting all over the place.

My job...although I wish I could stay at home exclusively, I do love what I do, knowing that I am changing people's lives by way of helping them hear. That is why I chose this profession. Many of my patients are like family to me as well. And my co-workers are great, too. Could not be more blessed on this front!

Jameston's "school"...they love on him like he is their own child, and he LOVES going (my feelings might be different if he dreaded going) and he THRIVES there. I am so thankful knowing that he is in good hands when I am away from him. I am so thankful it is another place where he learns about God, and that he feels safe there as well.

Our church...we have been members there about five years now. Our church family has become our extended family, and we feel so blessed to be a part of Prestoncrest.

Oh, and Boomer, our dog...we had to give up Marlie in the summer due to our hectic schedules. And Boomer has loved all the extra attention! I love how Jameston loves on Boomer, and I feel safer at night because of ole Boom-Boom (even if his hearing and eyesight are going), especially when Brett is traveling.

Some daily/weekly happenings I am thankful for...Picking up Jameston from school each day and the smile he gives me. And how he runs to me with his arms up when he sees me at the door to give me a big bear hug. Makes my heart melt each and every time. Watching him learn something new and the joy it brings him (and us). His desire to want to "help you, Mommy" even with mundane house-chores from folding clothes to wiping down the counter tops in the kitchen. Love it! How he breaks out in song and dance at the drop of a hat. How JW sings/or tries to sing the intro to "The Circle of Life" from the Lion King in the car or at home. Our "snuggle" time in the early hours of the morning. Our nightly prayers. Getting home from work/school at night and having as much fun as we can for the next 2-3 hours before his bedtime. My Fridays off and the freedom it gives me to spend more time with the little guy. I could fill a whole lifetime with these memories!!!

And some generic, maybe trivial to some, things in life that I appreciate (some particular to this time of year): a fire going in the fire place, the smell of a real Christmas tree, the ability to put presents under that tree, a hot meal (especially if I don't have to cook it!), being outdoors, an uninterrupted night's sleep/shower, 9:00 p.m. when I get some "me" time, although that time has been turning into bedtime as of late:-), my new Dirt Devil vacuum (my early Christmas present to myself!) that allows me to get after the stairs (and all the dog hair) in a record time compared to my old one!

And things I am especially grateful for over the last several months: Sprite, Halloween candy, Italian food, Tylenol for my headaches, nasal strips since my allergies have been out of control (again) with this pregnancy, the deli at Tom Thumb, which happens to be right around the corner from my office, back/foot massages from Brett, maternity clothes (even if it was WAY earlier this time around, just maybe as early as week 10 :-), Oreos (thanks to these and that Halloween candy is probably why I had to break out the maternity clothes earlier :-), my new OB doctor and her nurse, Jill, and, last but not least, the priceless and unforgettable sound of the baby's healthy heartbeat. My thankful-while-pregnant list could go on and on!

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow."

Jameston's Jargon

With the holidays upon us (and Christmas parties and programs and packing and baking taking up "free time") I have neglected the blog. But I have several posts up my sleeve (once I get around to uploading the 200+ pictures from the last two weeks to our computer). For the time being, here is a long overdue update on Jameston's latest language feats (or the ones I remembered at least):"Where's my hammer/saw/scewdiver? I'm gonna fix it." What can I say? The boy still loves his tool box (and Santa may be bringing him a tape measure and drill/goggles for Christmas, too)! "Snuggle me, Mommy." He'll say this when he's on the couch, when I'm busy in the kitchen getting his breakfast ready or cleaning up the mess after dinner. Music to my ears, and a reminder that those things can wait.

Jameston knows his ABC's, can sing all the way through, and can recognize all letters and say their corresponding sounds! Thanks to the sponge letters we use in the bathtub, the Letter Factory DVD from LeapFrog and the magnet toy for the fridge, and us singing it every morning/night when we brush his teeth. Can you tell I am proud!

"Don't sing it, Mommy/Daddy." He has said this many of times when we are listening to his Bible songs or the Lion King soundtrack in the car. Even my own child thinks I have a bad singing voice!

Last week when I was getting his socks and shoes on, we bumped heads. I said, "Oops! Ouch, that hurt. Are you okay?" He looked at me in the most loving way, put his hand on my shoulder and said, "It's okay, Mommy. We love each other."

Girls' Night Out

Two weekends ago some girlfriends and I headed out to dinner and to a concert for some Saturday night fun! We went to Grimaldi's downtown and then made the long trek (it took about an hour to go about 4 miles because of some awesome traffic) over to Fair Park to see the Zac Brown Band. The weather was perfect and the company even better. Can't want to do it again sometime soon!

Amy, Sharon, me, and Hattie attempting to take a self-portait. One of many takes!

Fall Festival

Oh my, I forgot to add this to the blog (I often do that once I upload the pics to Facebook)! On Saturday, October 15th, Jameston's daycare had a Fall Festival. We were debating on going to the State Fair that morning instead, but we opted for the cheaper and closer option---and I think all three of us were glad we did!

When we got there, JW did his best Farmer Joe impression :-)

They had a petting zoo, one which we could actually go inside! Jameston was timid at first with the goats,

but then our little Texas Ranger fan livened up a bit, especially when he saw "Billy the Bunny Rabbit!"

He has named all rabbits "Billy," as we see them a lot from our backyard. Love it! As you can see, this bunny ate his Wheaties!

Then on to the llamas! Jameston was insistent on being like the big kids and he so badly wanted to go down the slide. Luckily, his Daddy didn't mind hoisting him up there!

Ready, set,

Whee!A couple of firemen and women from the Plano Fire Department were there and gave us a tour of the firetruck

This was one of Jameston's FAVORITE things of the morning!

Love it!

The obligatory scarecrow, pumpkins and hay bale picture

And what is a Fall Festival without a jump house? At Easter, JW would have not part in them, but NOT this time around...

Fearless!

Our little baseball player had to make a pitstop in the ball pit!We had a great time as a family at the Fall Festival---looking forward to next year's!

Halloween weekend

This past weekend was chock-full of activities, and we even skipped a few...JW, my mom, and I headed to the Arboretum again on Friday morning. We had to take advantage of our membership since it expired on Monday. We plan to renew it, just not until the Spring :-)

Here is Jameston busy people-watching!

He copied a girl in this picture who was getting her picture taken by her Mom right next to him. Luckily, they did not mind :-)

We were able to get there early enough this time to not have to wait a day and a half in line for the Cinderella carriage. He thought it was fun! Counting the pumpkins

Big boy

Again, he copies a boy who was there right before he was (at least he let me take his picture---usually he's off as I am pressing "click")

The hay bales were a hit again for our second trip!

Oh, and we caught the last part of the puppet show they put on as you walk out. He LOVED it and probably could have sat there for another 30 minutes!

Over the weekend, we did some fun Fall crafts which included pumpkin painting

And carving!

He was a little weary at first of the slimy pumpkin seeds, but then he dug right int!

The he "helped" me bake the seeds-we do this every year! I don't think we eat them all, but they are fun to make and sure smell good!

On Sunday we were lucky enough to see FOUR hot air balloons (there are only three in the picture) from our driveway. Fun!

Sunday night we headed over to the Kerns for a Halloween party. The kids did well for pictures :-)

They had a BLAST playing outside

and swinging at the pinata

Jackpot!

"Mom, I could have sworn there was more candy in here." :-)

Monday night, we headed to Emmie's house for her 2nd birthday party. For some reason I didn't take any pictures :-( Then we headed home and went around the block for Jameston's first real trick-or-treating experience. Love it!

We hope you all had a wonderful, sweet Hallowee as well :-) He did so well!

My guys!

Love it!

Unfortunately, Jameston's love of M&M's grew from this weekend (that is really one of the only candies I'll let him have). We hope to incorporate his chocolate love for when we being potty-training :-)

What a great weekend! Ready for next year :-)