tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64001718368389539622024-03-05T00:01:31.391-06:00The Jackson 5...make that 6!Follow me on twitter:
@maccjacksonThe Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-36421958829922395352012-08-02T18:12:00.001-05:002012-08-02T18:12:41.093-05:00Where has summer gone?Well, apparently it's been a while since I've posted! It seems like only a couple of weeks ago I was turning in my keys for the summer, and here it is, just two weeks before I report back to work. I can't believe how fast the summer has gone, but even more so how fast the last almost 9 months have gone. Next week, Clara will be 9 whole months old. This past month has been busy in the milestone dept. She has started crawling and pulling up in her bed. It's amazing how quickly babies go from being limp noodles to active movers. I have loved every minute of being home with her during this time of constant change. She is the sweetest thing, as are the boys, and I am blessed beyond measure! My goal is to focus on that for the next two weeks rather than dread the end to another summer. I am thankful for this time we have had together as a family and know the school year brings great things too!<br />
<br />
Coming soon: updates on summer fun!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjceqAQ-RY5lXaTIQkLZo9jv5YCcL6U3pt_fmwQiCOG9wlXZrluv9Inzd5N-JgPLTDLSaDGVYGUtAzRjXh0BJr24dNtiVRW7RvzCZICPx6siCNUK1XwOHHmH_nMn5BpIfNN430pbZgqiQ/s640/blogger-image-1751382497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjceqAQ-RY5lXaTIQkLZo9jv5YCcL6U3pt_fmwQiCOG9wlXZrluv9Inzd5N-JgPLTDLSaDGVYGUtAzRjXh0BJr24dNtiVRW7RvzCZICPx6siCNUK1XwOHHmH_nMn5BpIfNN430pbZgqiQ/s640/blogger-image-1751382497.jpg" /></a></div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-16123676401307322922012-05-18T13:24:00.000-05:002012-05-18T13:24:00.972-05:00My mama....<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In light of celebrating Mother’s Day this past weekend, I
have been thinking about mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
blessed with the most caring, giving, strongest mother a girl could ever ask
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, she is soft spoken and
doesn’t like to tell grandkids ‘no’, but looking back over my childhood, I have
grown to understand that strength comes in many forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My dad was killed in a tragic boating accident 15 years ago
(I can’t believe it’s been that long!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you knew my dad, you know that he had a very strong personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could be loud and boisterous and was very
confident in his opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are not
necessarily negatives; I’m just trying to paint a picture for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved my dad dearly and never doubted for a
second that he adored me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a very
hard worker and never understood the whole idea of entitlement that we see so
frequently today.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up, I always saw him as the strong one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom and dad’s personalities were polar
opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She too, was an extremely hard
worker, but her tone was always soft, and I think that is often misunderstood
for weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After my dad died, I think many people expected her to fall
to pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She never did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong….she was sad and missed
him terribly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, she did as she
always did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She picked up the pieces,
she took care of the things that needed taken care of, and she supported
everyone else as they struggled through a very difficult time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She never made excuses, she never wallowed in
pity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just kept going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was at this time that I realized just how strong she
was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was then able to look back over
the years and see her quiet strength holding things together and moving things
forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though the rest of us would
have little fits when things didn’t go our way, I don’t ever remember her giving
in to the frustrations or irritations of raising 3 kids and giving it her all.
She is amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is an amazing mom
and an amazing grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids are
blessed to have her…and they know it!</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqfnLujaTfw_bK751dXySJqrIiEaG95Mne_AN2yW6Jeo6b005IdKqoACHcDyfHTcLQvbyBJA7NOVkcQfiMwe1d1xFIh96uuhDnufbvhA86WRnpSBYtFIYwy4l1XDiWmi5yBHWbxwcX_SC/s1600/BTOR+(682).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqfnLujaTfw_bK751dXySJqrIiEaG95Mne_AN2yW6Jeo6b005IdKqoACHcDyfHTcLQvbyBJA7NOVkcQfiMwe1d1xFIh96uuhDnufbvhA86WRnpSBYtFIYwy4l1XDiWmi5yBHWbxwcX_SC/s320/BTOR+(682).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: white;">Love is
patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited;
does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps
no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the
truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and
endures all things. ~I Corinthians 13:4-7</span></span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you, Lord, for
blessing me so abundantly through my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am so thankful that I have had the privilege of being her
daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has set an incredible
example to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loves with all
that she is, and I couldn’t have chosen better had I had a choice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-81156491702982419802012-05-02T11:01:00.000-05:002012-05-04T08:07:04.861-05:00Bellhop, anyone?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFT1RNSNor4lsj53w9uPBp8l30S2Ou2Zk4kfDsdnQ3yAqDMpbG-H1u_uBtjb6i1BTtap4KMqc253RZdLju9zhV0_hr1pUvBziQbF3rp1odHc8_g7SVLXO5okU9ddGLsfqA_xfStHLrJs4/s1600/luggage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFT1RNSNor4lsj53w9uPBp8l30S2Ou2Zk4kfDsdnQ3yAqDMpbG-H1u_uBtjb6i1BTtap4KMqc253RZdLju9zhV0_hr1pUvBziQbF3rp1odHc8_g7SVLXO5okU9ddGLsfqA_xfStHLrJs4/s200/luggage.jpg" width="148" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">OK, here’s my first attempt to get a little deeper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so very convicted to get the kids’stories written, I couldn’t really focus on any deep thoughts…just writing the words “deep thoughts” has me wondering if that is a relative term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What may seem deep to me, I guess, could be very surface level to many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, no judging on the depth of my deep thought, please..lol!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, I will get to the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often have these visions that unfold in my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it is God’s way of talking
to me and showing me things, because, after all, He created me and knows just
how my little brain works and what a visual person I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to see things to truly
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to see the big
picture before I can focus on the details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Several years ago, I was in a not-so-happy place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really struggling with my anxiety
issues (at some point I will go deeper into those days).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the weight of the world on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just on my shoulders, but over my entire
being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when I had this visual
unfold for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I pictured myself as a tourist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was carrying all of these bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had some over each of my shoulders, I was
carrying some in my hands, and I even had a couple sitting beside my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was standing next to a taxi outside of a
hotel with all of this luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
tired from the travel; worn down from the weather (it was rainy and gloomy in
this fictional place).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The taxi driver
was of no help, and I was staring at the walk way to the door of the
hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gradually began lifting all of
the bags, trying to juggle them without falling over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was scooting one with my foot as I made my
way to the doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled and
shuffled my way to the front desk only to be told I had no reservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The taxi driver had left me at the wrong
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so exhausted and beaten down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still received no help from anyone in the
hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shuffled and dragged myself and
my luggage back through the front doors to catch another taxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flung each piece of luggage back into the
car and slumped into the backseat as we sped away to the right place.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So we arrive, I get out, again with no assistance, and I
drag all of the luggage out of the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I shuffle and scoot into the second hotel, make it to the front desk,
only to be told, yet again, I was at the wrong place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can I catch a break??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there no
one here to help??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pick up the weight
of the bags and drag myself back outside to repeat the scenario all over again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bags are getting heavier as my weariness
increases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in the car, I melt into
the backseat, and we were on to the third hotel. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, when I
arrive, it’s different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A man gently
taps on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I open the door and
step out as he offers his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
offers to help with my bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won’t
let me carry even one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He takes the
weight of all of my baggage and walks along side of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opens every door and guides me right to
the front desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I check in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He carries my luggage up to my room where it
is stored away out of sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I offer to
pay him and he says, “No thanks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
already been taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy your
stay and don’t hesitate to call on me for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing is too big or too small!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with that, he closed the door.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow, this is what Jesus wants to do for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The payment for all of our baggage (sin) has
already been taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants to
carry our burdens and guide us through life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No sin is too big or too small, He died for each one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t tell you how much lighter I felt as this story
unfolded in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time in my
life (and many other times since, unfortunately), I was trying to carry all of
my burdens by myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often times find
myself handing over my baggage, just to take it back and shuffle through life
unnecessarily all over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an
ever present help in Jesus if I will just allow Him to be in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we insist on shuffling through when
'it’s already been taken care of?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-3662408001045423702012-04-25T21:22:00.000-05:002012-05-04T08:17:22.796-05:004 kids...really??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_TTAdlPMdiSZki7ZAFxSpuLs275UTqY7fE_h45bX60sr4jO_0AYt1SQcfX10UqmYZ3Mp8xcFe9SatFKPxL48dzv05773_uEI2v3VibEVMaaAuVpdWyXQZ2x4wIEMGidEOZxNepnOmB_B/s1600/clara+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_TTAdlPMdiSZki7ZAFxSpuLs275UTqY7fE_h45bX60sr4jO_0AYt1SQcfX10UqmYZ3Mp8xcFe9SatFKPxL48dzv05773_uEI2v3VibEVMaaAuVpdWyXQZ2x4wIEMGidEOZxNepnOmB_B/s200/clara+1.jpg" width="119" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember my plan of only having 2 kids….and my plan of not
having 3 boys….and my plan of not having babies close to 35 yrs. old…Well, let’s
just say sometimes life just turns out better than you can plan for.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The summer of 2010 (I was 34 yrs. old); Michael and I
decided to try during the months of July and August to have another baby. That was it…we gave ourselves 2 months and if
we weren’t pregnant, then too bad, so sad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We didn’t get pregnant, so we started school…and then
basketball (same old story, new year). Towards
the end of February 2011, I prayed (ok, begged) that if a baby girl was not in
God’s plan for me, then could He please change my heart. I didn’t want to long for something that was
not what God intended for me or our family.
I was so happy with my boys, and
I needed God’s help to be content in my blessings. I began planning our trip for Disney
World. We were planning to go during Spring
Break of 2012. I was excited because
Cooper was all about <em>The Mouse</em> at the time, and I just knew he was going to love
it. It had been right at 6 years since
the big boys had been, so Carter didn’t remember his first trip. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbex8EbKaVznyUVGwYf64-0bO7umudwPkOqGo6R0vACviRPq4xlIqQSrTheaCAcQTdWkscqfGFbQPMhQzUl_W-LpaWLg7PgjCz7kMKjzXUrrWjKK7zVFNtlPm8AydzA98L8V76gL3kxQm/s1600/clara+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbex8EbKaVznyUVGwYf64-0bO7umudwPkOqGo6R0vACviRPq4xlIqQSrTheaCAcQTdWkscqfGFbQPMhQzUl_W-LpaWLg7PgjCz7kMKjzXUrrWjKK7zVFNtlPm8AydzA98L8V76gL3kxQm/s200/clara+6.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fast forward 3 weeks from ‘the prayer’. Spring Break 2011. That Thursday, March 12, we were at home, and
I was <strike>obsessing</strike> <strike>over</strike> focusing on Disney stuff on the internet. I had just about figured out where we wanted
to stay. I stopped to go and cook a late
breakfast and got a really strange feeling that I should take ‘a test’ just to
be sure. I can’t really explain why I felt
the need to take one right at that moment, but once the thought was in my head,
there was no avoiding it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t tell Michael what I was doing, but as the faintest
of all faint lines appeared (so faint, in fact, that I wasn’t even sure I could
really see it), I started to panic. Four
kids, its way passed the summer deadline, I’m planning Disney (I quickly did
the math….really?? Disney with a 3 month old!!!) and I would be 35-almost 36-when
this baby would be due! This was not in
my plan! You would think I would learn, right?
Anyway, I ran in to tell Michael the news.
He was relatively calm, and I think he was actually confused as to why I was so baffled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlTcJz0Dbgz-bJBFppBPks4r9XSBvohDuBFn1nq1nA9i17ABMFdpx75IYNVEUXdFl2RqHZRChqLrp-s29zgISYWjymXQu1MOvBRfm97v4pLZaJjqkQBayWRkwrAvySlxh_TlvM83QV37z/s1600/clara+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlTcJz0Dbgz-bJBFppBPks4r9XSBvohDuBFn1nq1nA9i17ABMFdpx75IYNVEUXdFl2RqHZRChqLrp-s29zgISYWjymXQu1MOvBRfm97v4pLZaJjqkQBayWRkwrAvySlxh_TlvM83QV37z/s200/clara+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the fourth time, one might think it becomes old hat. No big deal, you know what to expect, your
older and wiser…lol. I am here to tell
you, at least for me, every time feels like the first time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I spent the next several hours re-planning
Disney for the summer. I decided I would
rather go pregnant than with a new baby.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the next few days, we alternated between excited and
wondering if we were absolutely insane for having another baby. I scheduled my first pre-natal appointment, and my doctor went
over all of the essentials. Due to my ‘advanced
maternal age’ I was asked if I wanted an NT scan. This is a test they do right around 12 weeks
to make sure everything is developing as it should. Well, with all of my <strike>obsessing </strike>researching, I had read
that sometimes they can tell you the baby’s gender with about 70% accuracy at
this scan, so after a lot of thought, I opted to have the test. Besides, it was a chance to get to see the
baby. It’s a good thing I’m not an
ultrasound tech…I think I would give myself an ultrasound every other day. Anyway, at 11 weeks, 5 days, the doctor said
she was about 75% sure it was girl. More
importantly, the baby looked amazing.
They did a very detailed scan of the heart, brain, lungs, etc., and
everything was developing exactly the way it should. They combine this scan with some blood work
and that came back great as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSfQ3BKrcrphlJy_3jBhnPiFo5D7F7RisN9GCpN6lPhzTX4MNC0UOSaUjLggCh9BoFdxOzUjA8zcdY3ZRTMDIiAOeU-A5YENHQbqwjKM58CV64fHhvM7A2uXe_PD_QeHB_NqJzvaCrygr/s1600/clara+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSfQ3BKrcrphlJy_3jBhnPiFo5D7F7RisN9GCpN6lPhzTX4MNC0UOSaUjLggCh9BoFdxOzUjA8zcdY3ZRTMDIiAOeU-A5YENHQbqwjKM58CV64fHhvM7A2uXe_PD_QeHB_NqJzvaCrygr/s200/clara+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We decided not to tell anyone about the ‘girl thing’ yet…not
even our moms, which I would later get in trouble for. A few more weeks went by. I went in for a
routine dr. appt., and I asked if there was any way we could have a quick
gender check ultrasound. We were leaving
for Disney the following week, and I really wanted to buy something for the
baby while we were there (obviously, patience is not my strength). Unfortunately, the tech was busy that day,
but said I could come back in a couple of days.
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmOQ3Gboof97VTFjceT-MS-q71x-_UtJgIcCBzAmlYPDLaH22nffRIF_ZNgmkxlxUCS4Sm9JdND0NTceYMPbU0OwbUPMhlRf3OILXloFTvp8D76RoaKN2-QqM2NJzTNu2d81kmQY7wpBs/s1600/clara+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmOQ3Gboof97VTFjceT-MS-q71x-_UtJgIcCBzAmlYPDLaH22nffRIF_ZNgmkxlxUCS4Sm9JdND0NTceYMPbU0OwbUPMhlRf3OILXloFTvp8D76RoaKN2-QqM2NJzTNu2d81kmQY7wpBs/s200/clara+5.jpg" width="119" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day before we left for Disney, I had the quick u/s, and
was told that it was, indeed, a girl. Thrilled might be an understatement. I sent a picture of the u/s to Michael and our moms. Sigh, it was amazing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This pregnancy was very similar to the others except I had a
couple of episodes of spotting, which always proved to be nothing, and was
diagnosed with gestational diabetes for the first time. Other than that it was smooth sailing. I had to be monitored more closely in the
last trimester because of the GD, but everything always came out perfect.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrSAusF4z4sMLZQ0UWKPp4t40YkOEAtEpQBre7FWYulDUm5ygcLYKOuq1X_V9He5waAwmem9iir6KAVdaO-gtNiiqTYimuTzbCadBkbqcIY-zg-x8ANDzCqpCLN7eAZnuDFt1lawWB650/s1600/clara+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrSAusF4z4sMLZQ0UWKPp4t40YkOEAtEpQBre7FWYulDUm5ygcLYKOuq1X_V9He5waAwmem9iir6KAVdaO-gtNiiqTYimuTzbCadBkbqcIY-zg-x8ANDzCqpCLN7eAZnuDFt1lawWB650/s200/clara+3.jpg" width="119" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We scheduled an induction for Nov. 14. My doctor didn’t want me to go over 38 weeks
because the GD can cause some issues. I
had really been hoping I would go in to labor on my own this time, since I had
been induced with the other 3, but I was also glad to have an end date in
sight. It was also the very beginning of
basketball season, so it was nice to plan it around that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, the night of Nov.8, same night as Michael’s first
scrimmage of the season, I began having contractions. By the time he got home, close to 11:00, they
were getting stronger, but still not very regular. I was up all night, and by 3:30 that morning
I knew I was ready to go to the hospital.
By the time we got there at 4:00, it was getting pretty intense. Epidural please! Well, I figured out why it was so
intense. As soon as I got my epidural, I
was already at 9cm. A little after 7:30
am, on Nov. 9, 2011, Clara Grace Jackson was put into my arms, weighing 5 lbs. 13 oz. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrgv_lOJZ969KURC236U-7LZeRV97MMhkE7QUM2sCI-UpCKaC41aACSJFEhcDqKBChvNYL0RZtOYZp75CV656KurU2WCTa6U385cCteJme1EGusEapZJEMUePhDHxprOBLNxsGFM2AQBL/s1600/clara+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrgv_lOJZ969KURC236U-7LZeRV97MMhkE7QUM2sCI-UpCKaC41aACSJFEhcDqKBChvNYL0RZtOYZp75CV656KurU2WCTa6U385cCteJme1EGusEapZJEMUePhDHxprOBLNxsGFM2AQBL/s320/clara+8.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a little miracle baby.
The boys were so excited to get into see her. They were smitten from the minute they laid eyes
on her. And, at that moment, the Jackson
family was complete.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you, Lord, for knowing the details of our lives. Thank you for having absolutely perfect
timing and thank you for loving me in spite of my impatience and doubt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">13</span></sup> For you
created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. <sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">14</span></sup>
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are
wonderful, I know that full well. ~Psalm 139: 13-14</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Clara-What a miracle you are. You are so loved! We are blessed to be a part of your life and
can’t wait to see where God takes you and how He uses you for His glory!</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-31931986134282223622012-04-18T10:50:00.001-05:002012-04-24T13:45:26.266-05:00Hold on to your hats, it's Jackson #3!<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">OK, if you read Carter’s birth story, you know that my plan was to have 2 kids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I only have 2 hands, there are only 2 parents, and it is all about logistics..HA! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Sometime after Carter turned 3, I began thinking about whether or not we should have another baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Truth be told, it probably would have been a much easier decision if I hadn’t been terrified of having 3 boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Michael and I would talk about it, but I just could never commit to having another, although the thought of never having another made me sad…what to do, what to do. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a8pIk18HxM2sQzuYgf0KSOdZvjX650DrBXcgUMdL8cOIP4OA0FLeKRMRJ8Tq34lhcrJw6axSb6rwJt4DLU5T4LpjTmZls_g7YAXJpNg1_3Sk35fqrW4kuLVYEbzmQKqEykx28etuvYrb/s1600/Baby+Cooper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a8pIk18HxM2sQzuYgf0KSOdZvjX650DrBXcgUMdL8cOIP4OA0FLeKRMRJ8Tq34lhcrJw6axSb6rwJt4DLU5T4LpjTmZls_g7YAXJpNg1_3Sk35fqrW4kuLVYEbzmQKqEykx28etuvYrb/s200/Baby+Cooper.JPG" width="200" /></a> The summer after Carter turned 3; Michael took his first head coaching job in Hillsboro, TX (about half way between Waco and Dallas).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, this was 4 hours away from the mamas, which was quite a change from the 2 minutes we had been accustomed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We got there, and the boys adjusted well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We were sure this was temporary and that we would soon be back in the Houston area (God willing).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Towards the end of our first year there, I had the realization that I was 31, and if we were going to have another baby, that summer was it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I wasn’t having babies close to or after the age of 35 (that was the magic number in all of the books after all!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>So, in April, we loosely agreed to begin trying that summer, preferably in July/August. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>If you work for the schools, that is prime baby time, because it means you won’t have to come back from maternity leave before summer.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tzS1Ezy-af-m5lwEm-e067_EY4W8Z1QV3b40-G1mCHr97VrNgRYIhnqII0CYpa4Ep0PwSPT3uZnUfCLz94NB0R7g-Zh5cWzfYe-7oxg-VSdFuGciaApUT5C8YYGvht-0Q4hmAz5Zyrpk/s1600/fridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tzS1Ezy-af-m5lwEm-e067_EY4W8Z1QV3b40-G1mCHr97VrNgRYIhnqII0CYpa4Ep0PwSPT3uZnUfCLz94NB0R7g-Zh5cWzfYe-7oxg-VSdFuGciaApUT5C8YYGvht-0Q4hmAz5Zyrpk/s320/fridge.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busted!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, as usual, my plans were altered, and on May 8, 2007, we found out that I was, indeed, already pregnant. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>A little early, but I was excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I just knew we were going to add a sweet little girl to these amazing boys that we already loved so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>If you know my family, you know that my plan for that baby girl was not realized (at least not yet).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the ultrasound, I was sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not because we were told it was boy, but I just knew that I would never have a daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I so wanted to experience that relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I adored my boys and wouldn’t change that mama/son relationship for anything in the world, but deep down, I felt like I was missing out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Maybe you want to roll your eyes or judge me and think I should have just been happy with a healthy baby…don’t worry, I’ve beaten myself up over those same issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Judge away, but it was just the honest truth of how I felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Blame it on my mom, lol, it was our relationship that I wanted with my own daughter one day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgtFlhX0wJSwOj4gyuRCiTCyQtM9Uxlx-xRY9KWbWHO2N-XyHZtBwC2pJNn5PA2di35qAhz6y1aCGrrERXi-mbE-eh-RBZxv_9UlrEaxOqyZeYvdLL2leCbcmZAS9f-PkGRE6yzsli-bJ/s1600/hook+em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgtFlhX0wJSwOj4gyuRCiTCyQtM9Uxlx-xRY9KWbWHO2N-XyHZtBwC2pJNn5PA2di35qAhz6y1aCGrrERXi-mbE-eh-RBZxv_9UlrEaxOqyZeYvdLL2leCbcmZAS9f-PkGRE6yzsli-bJ/s320/hook+em.jpg" width="191" /></a>As his due date approached, we again decided to induce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Timing was even more important this time since we were so far away from everyone, and the hospital was about 40 minutes from our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>On December 21, 2007, Cooper Reed Jackson was born and weighed in at a measly 6lbs. 7 oz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I was surprised because Carter had been over 8 lbs., so I just expected Cooper to be a little bigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
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Just before noon, the clouds parted and the angels sang, because when they put that baby boy in my arms, I saw a little piece of Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I looked at Michael and cried “How could I have ever cared!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>That little ball of love was so sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I said over and over that I wished I had been a kangaroo so I could put him in my pouch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I couldn’t imagine anything different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>He was so squishy and sweet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>All of the thoughts of what I thought I was missing were washed away, and I was the proud mama of 3 boys. I would be queen bee, the only girl, and let’s face it; boys love their mama!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJj0GNH_hXM4AvpILfn7K6HbQY3dVBeZw7YXebZEF4qImDg-tvUv0fsXDiJtbhifxODdRhI3C_g_77B6NZh4AYdjCP2CoR_o7CQjppEMnlk3b3qMqaIMz7UoLZEyI5_TGwIGJanzBveKa/s1600/3+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJj0GNH_hXM4AvpILfn7K6HbQY3dVBeZw7YXebZEF4qImDg-tvUv0fsXDiJtbhifxODdRhI3C_g_77B6NZh4AYdjCP2CoR_o7CQjppEMnlk3b3qMqaIMz7UoLZEyI5_TGwIGJanzBveKa/s320/3+boys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The only down side is all of the fun comments:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“wow, 3 boys,” “you really need a little girl,” "they must keep you really busy,” and my favorite (insert sarcastic tone), “don’t you want to try just one more time?”</div>
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I began to get a little defensive (on the inside, because if you know me, you know how non-confrontational I am).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I felt as if people thought something was wrong with me for having all boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I, instead, think of it as an amazing challenge from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Our society is running low on good Christian men, and I find it complementary that God has entrusted us to raise 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Three, that I pray, will grow up and fill God’s Call in their lives and be loving, productive members of His kingdom.<br />
<br />
<em>Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.~James 1:17</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG7JSMjAN5m9fItP_Ym9R6v564TVgi16KH7Sb3cQZQTgqS5YT1KGNERN6ebnVbtK8qRQ8BZexraHITvxI33EGa31gwnOKBEOYqU_woOmIN2uko5_HDnah_K61jPLympeqfItBftTBT6iZ/s1600/Cooper+Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG7JSMjAN5m9fItP_Ym9R6v564TVgi16KH7Sb3cQZQTgqS5YT1KGNERN6ebnVbtK8qRQ8BZexraHITvxI33EGa31gwnOKBEOYqU_woOmIN2uko5_HDnah_K61jPLympeqfItBftTBT6iZ/s320/Cooper+Eggs.jpg" width="191" /></a><br />
Cooper-You are a true gift from God. You amaze us every day with your wit and your heart. I am so thankful that God knew better than I did when He made you! We are so excited to watch you grow and learn and develop into the person that you were created to be. We love you more than you know and have cherished every minute of the last 4 years!</div>
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</div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-82825442555634843472012-04-10T16:55:00.002-05:002012-04-10T21:09:48.185-05:00And then there were two...<em><sup><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"></span></sup></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpDAP2S_soqzO3O2i-NymTvIXW12-OgVCdGh_kFfbNSFjJEucrXyiUf5QRx72YzXtCEYJn38ko-2NxtKS_45XptTdTXX-tHczCPVT4-wwwzu8Ssy_4EB2LRbF9etcAy_zulrxypVcjrJn/s1600/Cole+and+baby+Carter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpDAP2S_soqzO3O2i-NymTvIXW12-OgVCdGh_kFfbNSFjJEucrXyiUf5QRx72YzXtCEYJn38ko-2NxtKS_45XptTdTXX-tHczCPVT4-wwwzu8Ssy_4EB2LRbF9etcAy_zulrxypVcjrJn/s320/Cole+and+baby+Carter.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like most people, I had a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although our pregnancy with Cole had been a surprise, I knew just when I wanted to try for Jackson #2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael had graduated from U of H, Cole had turned 2, so within a few months, it was time to start the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had decided 3 years was the perfect age gap, and since we weren’t trying when we got pregnant with Cole, I figured we should get pregnant right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First month…negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No big deal, I knew it might take a month or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second month…negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process continued for what felt like an eternity (looking back it was a very short time, but in the moment of “my plan”, it felt like forever).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was diagnosed with PCOS and my doctor said “well, you can either begin some mild fertility treatments, or start back on birth control since that is the treatment for PCOS.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, I wanted another baby, but I wasn’t ready for 2 or 3 at a time, so back on the pill I went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to wonder if we would be able to add to our sweet little family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cole was amazing and I felt a little guilty longing for another child so badly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just assumed we would have two kids(that was my plan, afterall).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, during the second month of taking my pills, I accidentally skipped a couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fast forward about 2 weeks….POSITIVE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may be the only person that had to get on birth control to get pregnant..lol!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2ZjpJkXuvE_4el5KJIiCiHKlme6vDqvp0jA8cXAhKXmtRZt8q7i9XQ_cwBJy2dkXVsz1q4McLkioHj0-gzriqkVVU1zB85sTSQ1yas9Y08Uy7SbclOMrTh4_vxMZF54cugLwWvjcx30N/s1600/Carter+outside+4+yrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2ZjpJkXuvE_4el5KJIiCiHKlme6vDqvp0jA8cXAhKXmtRZt8q7i9XQ_cwBJy2dkXVsz1q4McLkioHj0-gzriqkVVU1zB85sTSQ1yas9Y08Uy7SbclOMrTh4_vxMZF54cugLwWvjcx30N/s320/Carter+outside+4+yrs.jpg" width="191" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Needless to say, after months of waiting, we were so excited to be pregnant (when you are trying, it feels like everywhere you look, someone is pregnant).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, Cole informed me that he had prayed for a brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I very gently informed him that we wouldn’t know for some time whether it would be a girl or a boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, apparently, God heard his prayer, and on November 22, 2002, Carter Lane Jackson entered the world at 8 lbs. 1 oz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carter was a very serious baby taking the world in and watching his brother run about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so sweet, and Cole adjusted to big-brotherhood pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in pre-school now, after all, so he was a very big boy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJel0fF3SG2Q6j77hqBplXe7wx0-fkrSC_hf2z4v8__Y7nSuJ5RJvYT8teo0I9OgF7g2jFwfAdt6EHdX3dqlyxnbQHOWpZ_Uhl0j7Laoa3xrygmlZB9JHzAD7OzwWub-X1Jn0uWJNptd5/s1600/Carter+and+Clara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJel0fF3SG2Q6j77hqBplXe7wx0-fkrSC_hf2z4v8__Y7nSuJ5RJvYT8teo0I9OgF7g2jFwfAdt6EHdX3dqlyxnbQHOWpZ_Uhl0j7Laoa3xrygmlZB9JHzAD7OzwWub-X1Jn0uWJNptd5/s320/Carter+and+Clara.jpg" width="199" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carter was our sicklier child (I can count on my hands the number of sick visits Cole has made to the doctor’s office). He had multiple ear infections and had tubes put in his ears at 13 ½ months old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has had many sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, and a mild case of pneumonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had croup more times than I can count which required breathing treatments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s had to be seen by a neurologist for migraines (which turned out to be ‘normal’, thankfully).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the last couple of years, however, most of that has stopped, and he seems to stay healthy most of the time. We are very grateful for that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was pretty incredible to watch Cole and Carter’s relationship form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still to this day, they fight and argue, but when one of them is not at home, the other is a little lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one is hurt or feeling bad, the other wants to make sure he is ok (unless they are the one inflicting the pain..lol).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love each other, and I pray that they will be close when they grow up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that they will realize what a gift God has given them in each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carter is now 9 years old and in the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He, too, excels in school, surprising even his teachers at how quickly he acquires new material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He plays basketball year round and is getting better all of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s the one that we never know what he is going to say, and he analyzes pretty much everything all of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see how God is going to use this analytical mind of his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a great big heart, and I love him to pieces. </span></div>
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<em>I can do all this through him who gives me strength.~ Philipians 4:13</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carter-You are such an awesome kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love you so very much and look forward to watching how you continue to grow both physically and spiritually!</span></div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-74756483833934255942012-04-04T17:14:00.002-05:002012-04-10T16:37:47.808-05:00The one that made me a mama!<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">September 1998…We had just gotten married in March, and I was starting my senior year at The University of Texas in Austin \m/ It was so exciting to see the light at the end of that tunnel. Michael had just started working for Rick Barnes and the basketball program, which was an amazing opportunity (resume gold, we thought). Our world was trucking right along according to plan. Then, on September 13, 1998 we had a little surprise. Ok, not so little, we were going to have a baby. We had intended to wait a couple of years, but the test was positive. We were nervous, excited, nervous some more….all of the joys of the emotional roller coaster that every first time parent feels. As far as unplanned goes, at least the timing worked out well. The baby would be due in May, just around the time of my graduation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bVtxODBLQrjJj00ee-bFDXbADcz6k2s_Zxulq71La0E03QDDtw409h7g5koyZgCM_vzOb3N4CNQK88ro25FGQYrNQ9wGvcFMIdLiGLczrX4pDGezMlCk10LhIXMfyvg8CfpavhtX4A-6/s1600/cole1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bVtxODBLQrjJj00ee-bFDXbADcz6k2s_Zxulq71La0E03QDDtw409h7g5koyZgCM_vzOb3N4CNQK88ro25FGQYrNQ9wGvcFMIdLiGLczrX4pDGezMlCk10LhIXMfyvg8CfpavhtX4A-6/s200/cole1.jpg" width="119" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael wanted a boy. He tried really hard to convince me that it didn’t matter, but I knew deep down he hoped for a son. I didn’t have a preference, but I kind of hoped for a boy to take the pressure off of any future pregnancies..lol! I actually felt like it was going to be a boy until December. That’s when we went in for the ever-anticipated ultrasound and, in addition to a good report, my doctor said he thought it was a girl. He wasn’t able to get a very good look. He wasn’t sure and was very clear about that, but he thought from a quick glimpse, that it was a girl. We cautiously prepared for our daughter; I even had a pink baby shower. Michael took it all in stride. Never once did he act disappointed. About 3 weeks before my due date, I had a follow up ultrasound. My doctor said “what did I tell you that you were having?” I said, “Well, you said you weren’t sure, but you thought it was a girl.” He said, "Well, I'm glad I said I wasn't sure!" Apparently the umbilical cord had been down covering the parts. It took everything Michael had not to jump out of his seat. He was thrilled (that’s when I realized just how badly he had wanted a boy!). So after some exchanging and another baby shower (this time in blue), we were ready to see this baby boy.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1adDYM2zGS-lo3LaUqEzxGSo2E_hDttaWPgy3O3_L4CwXwNP9K6kXSkw4pFf2RE9efayLfFNEOBPSwlxpEZ0lldlv-rZmteJbdPU-3_qgkMmz6YfIlqoBs-ZtwdX7e9-fUETA9PF-v9H/s1600/cole2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1adDYM2zGS-lo3LaUqEzxGSo2E_hDttaWPgy3O3_L4CwXwNP9K6kXSkw4pFf2RE9efayLfFNEOBPSwlxpEZ0lldlv-rZmteJbdPU-3_qgkMmz6YfIlqoBs-ZtwdX7e9-fUETA9PF-v9H/s320/cole2.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With my impending graduation and the fact that I had already begun to dilate, we agreed to induce on May 7, 1999 (just 2 days before Mother’s Day!). After a perfect pregnancy and a perfect delivery, Cole Matthew Jackson was born that afternoon. He was the most remarkable thing I had ever laid eyes on. He was 7 lbs. 3 oz. He immediately cried, boy did he cry, they took measurements, bathed him, and finally brought that perfect little bundle back to my room. To look into his little eyes, the eyes of the one who made me a mom….there are no words. My heart aches a little just thinking about it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stayed in the hospital for 2 days, and then our new little family was released into the big ol’ world, new baby in tow. Shortly after Cole’s birth and my graduation, we moved from Austin back to Angleton. Cole was a great baby. Sure, there was the initial shock of sleeplessness, but once we figured out that if we would feed him per his schedule instead of the one in the book, he was happy. Everything began to settle down, and we enjoyed parenthood.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrllv0FshRLX0iUqRxsQ9e0DsvxKeFnmlnRSL8TLBQ1YvUTm8SpcOZs6i3Xia9BmZ47GgzEqGj7lCqsTW4qYKFq-NkwjUbcl5hgv9loGjD6cboDVelA-8GqVShtam5HWwZc_g4WWWqVhd/s1600/Cole+outside+8+yrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrllv0FshRLX0iUqRxsQ9e0DsvxKeFnmlnRSL8TLBQ1YvUTm8SpcOZs6i3Xia9BmZ47GgzEqGj7lCqsTW4qYKFq-NkwjUbcl5hgv9loGjD6cboDVelA-8GqVShtam5HWwZc_g4WWWqVhd/s320/Cole+outside+8+yrs.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We did really well for the first couple of years. Aside from Cole’s desire to run off when he was put down in any public place, we made it through what were supposed to be the terrible two’s. We patted ourselves on the back thinking we must have been such good parents that we missed that dreaded stage. Then……he turned THREE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hello, reality check. A walking, talking, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>THINKING</u></b>, three year old!!! Why didn’t anyone warn us??? Every stage has the good and the not so good. Three was tough, but we survived. Cole started school and excelled in all subjects. In Kindergarten, he won the award for best writing in the entire grade level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He is now in Junior High. He continues to amaze me. He has grown physically and emotionally, but more importantly, has also grown spiritually. He blows my mind with his questions and his understanding. I pray that God will protect him and use him.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">11</span></sup>For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. <sup id="en-NIV-19648"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12</span></sup>Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. <sup id="en-NIV-19649"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13</span></sup> You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:11-13</span></em><br />
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Cole-We love you very much. You bring so much to our lives. We know you will go on to do amazing things! <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J<span id="goog_2025594242"></span><span id="goog_2025594243"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-436176428441959842012-03-30T10:56:00.000-05:002012-03-30T11:14:38.585-05:00Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was thinking about writing Clara’s birth story when I
realized I should start with the boys’ stories first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of going back to each of their
births excites me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was terrible at
keeping baby books, so I hope I can do each of them justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are so special and unique, and I never,
not for one second, want any of my children to feel left out or less adored
than another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For whatever reason, God
has trusted Michael and I with 4 amazing lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
I ponder that thought too long, I can easily become overwhelmed with the
responsibility that goes along with that, as well as, with the gratitude that I
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many things that we
take for granted just getting through each day’s busyness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We so often overlook the amazingness of our
daily lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, before I delve into the stories of motherhood, I
thought it only right to begin with our family story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That story did not begin when we became
parents, but when God united us together as husband and wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for now, I will start with the story of
us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is so hard to believe that our story began almost 19
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my best friends had
been dating Michael’s best friends for a couple of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They often spoke of “Mike”, but I was
distracted with my own interests (and a guy 2 years younger than me was not
part of those interests..lol!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally,
in April of my junior year of high school, Michael and I began dating. After
several months, I remember telling my friend that I wish I had met Michael
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really believed I could marry
him, but felt that we met way too early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t think there was any way we could last since we started out so
young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As many high school relationships
go, we would break up and get back together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This would continue for the first couple of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night during one of those break ups, I
prayed:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please God, if this is not meant to be, help me see that so that we can
move on</i>. I was so tired of the back and forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, obviously, that prayer was answered,
because here we sit, 14 years of marriage and 4 kids later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who would of thunk it?? Marriage is not
always easy, as you all know, but the one thing that saves us (in addition to God's grace) is communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that is so cliché, but it is so
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never hesitate to tell Michael
exactly how I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is my best friend
who understands my fits and truth be told, is probably much more forgiving of
my fits than I am of his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he perfect….uhhh,
NO!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then again, neither am I (shhh,
don’t tell him I said that).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus far,
we have survived high school, college, my dad’s death, our wedding, having
children, grad school, and many basketball seasons!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We've had m</span>any great times, and some pretty rotten
times, but all in all, we’ve done it together!</span></div>
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<em><strong>Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. Mark 10:9</strong></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, there it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
super brief summary of us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only 6
months after we were married that we found out we were pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little sooner than anticipated (we were
both still in college), but I will pick up with that story in the next post when
I tell Cole’s birth story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes are
watering up just thinking about going back to that time in our lives!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is good!<o:p></o:p></span></div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-40180795746881262982012-03-12T10:41:00.001-05:002012-04-18T09:54:28.374-05:00Better to have loved and lost......than to have never loved at all. OK, maybe that's a little dramatic, but that's how I'm feeling...and no, not about Michael, but about friendships.<br />
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Some very good friends of ours are moving. My initial reaction was maybe I should just stop making friends. This stinks! It hurts! Then, of course, I realize how important my friends are. I can look back over my entire life, and it is defined by friends at various stages. Not just acquaintances, but really good friends. The kind of friend that you truly rejoice with in the happy times and truly ache with when they hurt. You know, the kind of friend that you would defend against anyone. The kind that you know you can call when you need something, anything at anytime and hope that they know they could do the same. The kind of friend that you can be yourself with, not worrying if you don't have it all together all of the time and not worrying that if you disagree about something, they are going to think less of you.<br />
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Anyway, my point is that life goes through different changes and stages and sometimes that means friends move away or we move away. As much as it hurts, I wouldn't change the friendships that I have had. They have taught me how to love and care for people. They have taught me things about myself, and they allow me to grow as a person, a friend, a mom, and a wife. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETR6Y5jFjPOcMEPhogSxzHYAWgKC1_NJFipUskNIoh57ZULDP72l7tP7Uil6cMOi9DjmxUsNu5ElUY38GTsTCM3mG0nRlBZpAyiA9J7h9VGmkzJSWOg8BBLnDznwwoLt-K3I1N6XSGB61/s1600/Amber+and+Vanessa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETR6Y5jFjPOcMEPhogSxzHYAWgKC1_NJFipUskNIoh57ZULDP72l7tP7Uil6cMOi9DjmxUsNu5ElUY38GTsTCM3mG0nRlBZpAyiA9J7h9VGmkzJSWOg8BBLnDznwwoLt-K3I1N6XSGB61/s200/Amber+and+Vanessa.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
So, I choose to continue making friends and building relationships. Only God knows how long each season will last, but I would rather love my friends and risk the pain of change, rather than build walls and miss out on the deep bonds of friendship.<br />
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Besides, with texting, blogs, tweeting, and even facebook (which I am strongly considering for you, Vanessa), friendships can thrive regardless of geography!!The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-26531455776522997502012-03-06T08:25:00.000-06:002012-03-06T08:36:15.675-06:00Let the fun begin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRh7vmkbO1N4tB0z6THLAuSz5QabC7Qs7zRAZ7h9FZOAY45nYYHN2PaXBUe35iVm584zH1nmKlN9r2QL_YFghFV-YsP4dyMgtGfRSC48xz0riYsuxrmEOgrwxZiGpw0VYNfd88yWPsv2u/s1600/spoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRh7vmkbO1N4tB0z6THLAuSz5QabC7Qs7zRAZ7h9FZOAY45nYYHN2PaXBUe35iVm584zH1nmKlN9r2QL_YFghFV-YsP4dyMgtGfRSC48xz0riYsuxrmEOgrwxZiGpw0VYNfd88yWPsv2u/s320/spoon.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
Well, Clara will be 4 months on Friday, so the introduction to solids has begun...and what fun it was. She did pretty good considering it was her very first experience with a spoon. Hopefully her little tummy will do just as well in a little while. This is one milestone in a line of many. First smiling socially (not just from gas), cooing (which is very important to a mama who does speech therapy for a living), and now rice cereal. She's already growing so fast, and I know from the boys that if I blink twice, she'll be big. Though I look forward to days of shopping and getting pedicures-too cliché?- I really want to enjoy her while she is sweet and snugly!
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Are you taking time to enjoy the now? Or, like so many, are you focusing on the past or future instead?The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-24750379358945074722012-03-03T19:51:00.001-06:002012-04-24T13:47:59.352-05:00I figured out how to post pics!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cole (12)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter (9)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper (4)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clara (3 mo.)</td></tr>
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4</div>The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-61033504782645211012012-03-01T11:22:00.001-06:002012-03-09T13:02:28.312-06:00So, I didn't do so well...So, I just read my last post (from September 2010!!!). Well, obviously I didn't do such a great job with blogging. I've decided to try again. Much has happened since that last post. Cole no longer takes tae kwon do, he is now in 7th grade and played his first year of football. He liked it, so it looks like he has found his sport. Carter just finished Upward basketball and will VERY soon begin AAU ball which runs through the end of summer...told you basketball was year-round! Cooper, thankfully did potty train (see previous post). He is now 4 and thinks he is ready to join this crazy world of sports. We'll see..not sure I'm quite ready to add him into the loop just yet.<br />
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There has been one more MAJOR change since my last post a year and a half ago. On November 9, 2011, we added some pink to our world. Much to our delight, we have had a beautiful little girl, Clara. She is so sweet (especially since she now sleeps all night)! The boys adore her and I know the feelings will be mutual as she grows up. I can't tell you what a blessing each of our kiddos are to us. It is amazing to watch the sibling relationship develop and I can't wait to see what that will look like with Clara and her brothers.<br />
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Ok, so I will add some pictures. Hopefully it won't take a year and a half.The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400171836838953962.post-16378695166858557262010-09-20T11:41:00.000-05:002010-09-20T11:41:21.190-05:00The first one....Ok, so here I go. An attempt to join the world of blogging. The goal...an easy way for family to keep up with what is going on with my beautiful boys. We'll see how I do with keeping up. It's been a fast and furious start to the school year already. Cole tested for and recieved his yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do this weekend. Carter is soon to begin practice for the fall league of basketball (yes, for those of you who didn't know, basketball is a year round sport..lol). And then there's Cooper. He's sooo 2 1/2. Still working on potty training which is quite difficult with everyone running in million dirctions. Especially when he says, "me not potty trainin' mama!" Sounds fun, doesn't it?? Anyway, my goal is to update with pictures, so maybe in the next day or two, I'll get some posted.The Jackson Five...make that 6!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14443345432138360900noreply@blogger.com0