The Fish Tank

The Fish Family had a fun and restful Memorial Day weekend. We got in some much needed family time since Scott's been working so much. We did some things around the house, swam a lot, went to Tatum's 2nd birthday, went to the park, had ice cream, and took naps. We enjoyed just spending time together. Here are some pictures of our weekend. Eating Daddy's ice cream after polishing off his own. Notice how he is pulling on Scott's arm. "Working" with daddy. Thankfully this task didn't wind up like the keyboard (see below). Sliding down the big slide at the big slide at Tatum's birthday. Mmmmm...pizza! He sat at the table so nicely. Swimmimg with Daddy! Jumping to Daddy. The kid is nuts and will jump in on his own. Rusty, the Bullard's dog, swimming in the pool. The dog would jump in and out of the water all day if we let him.

Jackson has a new word: "member." What's so exciting about that you may ask? Well, it's all in how he uses the word. He will come up to Scott or I and tell us a story. He will say, "Member when we went on Mike's boat in the water? Member mommy?" It is so cute to watch his face as he is trying to generate his thoughts and tell his story. I just love watching him as he discovers his language and world around him! BTW, I am typing on my boken keyboard!

This is what happens when Jackson is working in daddy's office...

As I sat watching my baby's curls float to the floor while he was getting a haircut I began to realize how quickly time has gone by. My parents were right, time really does fly by. Jackson will be two next week. TWO! I cannot believe it! These past two years have flown by! Had I blinked I might of missed something. I cannot imagine my life without Jackson nor can I truly remember what life was like before him. I would not change my life with him for anything! As I reflect on the last two amazing years I am overwhelmed with blessings. But, I do not stay in the past; I look toward the future and the many wonderful things I still get to experience with my precious baby boy! Here are a few of the many things I am looking forward to witnessing as Jackson grows. 1. Receiving a tighter squeeze when he hugs me as he grows. 2. Hearing him say "I love you mommy (or mom as he gets older)" over and over. It will NEVER get old! 3. Watching him enter kindergarten with excitement or tre...

This is a sad week for Jackson. His two best friends, Gavin and Macy, are on vacation. Gavin just left today so it hasn't hit him yet. And, we are watching Gavin's dog, Rusty, so that has filled the void. Macy, however, he hasn't seen in a week. We got a thank you card from her with her picture on it. Jackson saw it, grinned a ginormous grin, and proclaimed, "Macy girl" when he saw it. He carried the card around all afternoon and figured out how to get the picture off the card. He placed the picture on his Harley motorcycle and road around with her all night. So sweet! He misses his lady friend:( Here is Macy's picture tucked safely under the windshield of his motorcycle.

So, here are I am typing away on my laptop in my comfortable home with the air conditioner running after I went for a swim with Jackson in our pool. Sounds good doesn't it. Ah, the luxuries of living here...in the United States where freedom rings and the dollar flows. Although I am reveling in my comforts, I am convicted. I have so much yet there are so many who have so little. The devastating disasters in China, Myanmar, and across the Midwest with earthquakes, cyclones, and tornadoes has really hit me hard. These people lost everything and have nothing. Yet, there are millions upon millions who have nothing everyday. We were challenged yesterday at church to give; not just money, but of ourselves. I am challenged and ready to go. I have been for a while. I think I just needed a swift kick in the rear. Most of us live pampered lives here in the U.S. even though we are paying $4.00 a gallon for gas. Let's face it, we are rich no matter how poor we think we are. We buy the next...

Jackson and I had an absolute blast at the lake yesterday. We went to Lake Lewisville, which is only about 20 minutes away, with the Bullards. Unfortunately Scott had to work. Jackson had so much fun on "Mike's boat." He absolutely LOVED being in the lake and driving on the boat! I couldn't keep him in the boat when we stopped. He did take a nap on me for about 30 minutes while we were cruising. I thoroughly enjoyed having him cuddle on me. He even had his little legs tucked under himself which I love! It was a perfect day! So relaxing! Here are some pictures from our outing. Cheeeeeeese! This is SO much fun!!! Driving the boat! That's all he wanted to do. Swimming by himself with the noodle. The kid's nuts! Hmmm...a tree in the water...very interesting. Cool! Gavin was so funny on the boat. Mike was superdad! He was so good to Jack because daddy wasn't there. He kept calling Mike "daddy" or "daddy Mike." Sweet precious Elijah. The ladi...

1. He undoes everything I do 2. He runs me over with his motorcycle while I am vacuuming 3. He dumps every single toy out in his playroom after I've picked them up 4. He tries to get the toilette brush 5. He thinks it is time for a bath when I am cleaning the shower and jumps in 6. He tries to unplug the vacuum 7. He gets into anything and everything he can when I am distracted 8. He tries to climb on the stool to get on the counter 9. He takes out as many snacks as he can out of the pantry 10. He gets into the office and begins to disassemble the computer 11. He finds the sharpee 12. He takes all his DVDs out and tries to put them in the DVD player 13. He takes all the dirty clothes out of the laundry basket and wears the basket as a hat

"Wiping Kisses Off" So, I thought children didn't start denying their parents love until junior high when it becomes embarrassing. Well, Jackson seems to have started early. When I kiss him now he proceeds to wipe my kisses off and laugh, of course. Yes, wipe them off! I know. I am saddened by it too. I told him they were permenant so even if he does wipe them off they will be there forever! He'll love my kisses one day:) I know I will never stop smooching him!

"Time is not nearly as important to God as timing." Dr. Adrian Rogers

We went to Macy's 2nd birthday on Saturday. Jackson had a blast! He was so excited to be at MyGym on a Saturday afternoon. The birthday girl looked absolutely adorable in her tutu! Here are a few pics from the party. Jackson eating his ice cream cake/cone. Great idea Whitney! Cheese! Frosting-face! I wonder how much actually got in his mouth. Giving his best bud some loves. Planting a BIG smooch on the birthday girl! The kid doesn't mess around!

Well, there's no mistaking it...Jackson is a boy! He LOVES bugs! Thank goodness I decided to throw him a bug-themed birthday! He likes to just sit back and examine the bug. He calls them "buggy-wuggy guys." His favorite movie right now is "A Bug's Life." We found a really cool grasshopper today when we were playing outside. The bug...a grasshopper that looked like a leaf. I tried to catch it for Jackson but it flew out of my hands. Admiring the grasshopper. He would've sat there all day as long as the bug was there!

Jackson and I headed to Belton, Texas one last time before Jen and Jakob head back to Cali so Jen can have Josie. Here are some pictures from our adventure. Tigger, poor Tigger. Jackson is OBSESSED with this cat. The poor little thing. I told Jen to give him a pep talk before Jackson arrived. He was such a trooper! Jackson is still hounding me about Tigger! Hugs...well, sorta. Jackson is "trying" to give Jakob a hug even though it looks like a head lock. Cool! Mommy wears these cool glasses...why can't we??? I wish I was faster in taking the pic. They both had them on for a quick second and it was too cute! We went to this really cool train-theme park. Jacksone LOVED the misters!!! He was soaked by the time we left! His last name isn't Fish for nothing! "To infinity and beyond!" That is what Jack is saying as he is "flying" on the swing. He loves Buzz Lightyear!

1. I am TOTALLY OCD when it comes to cleaning my house and having everything in its place. 2. My sister and I are six and a half years apart but closer than ever! 3. I did drama and was in plays in high school 4. I have known my husband, Scott, since I was 17...we didn't start dating until I was 18:) 5. I love my family more than words can even describe...all of them! 6. I have always wanted to be a little shorter...I was 5'7 in 6th grade 7. I absolutely LOVED teaching elementary school and am looking forward to going back after my kid(s) are school-age 8. I have my Master's Degree in Education 9. I LOVE french fries and could eat them everyday 10. I used to wear a head gear (only to bed thank goodness!) 11. I was on the Ryan Secrest show when he had a talk show (I played a game...no, I didn't win) 12. I would love to live at/on the beach...I would seriously live in a tent on the sand...well, not really but you get the idea:) 13. I always had a secret desire to have twi...

I am going to keep with the birthday theme. Jackson was so excited Sunday morning to wish me a Happy Birthday! He brought me my balloons and gifts from the night before and said "Happy Birthday" to me over and over. He really wanted me to open my presents so I reopened them from the night before and acted suprised. He sang me "Happy Birthday" numerous times and brought me breakfast in bed. He sat with me in bed and we shared our pancakes. He was so sweet and made my birthday so special! I can't wait until his birthday when he finally gets to open his own gifts and have his own party! He has gone to many birthday parties and gets so excited for the one celebrating their birthday! So Sweet! Looking at mommy's presents. Wearing mommy's birthday crown. He loves this thing!!! He wears it around the house all the time! So funny!

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36 "Hope inspires patience!"

The time has come to say goodbye to my 20s. I am ready. I have been preparing myself for my 30s for 29 years. I am excited for a new chapter, and new adventure. The possibilities that stand before me in my 30s excites me. So much happened during my 20s: graduated college, began my teaching career, got married, got a masters degree, had a baby, moved 1500 miles away from everything I ever knew to Texas. What could be ahead of me? So many possibilities! I am thrilled and waiting in anticipation for God's story to unfold in my life! So, goodbye 20s and hello 30s. Bring it on! My sweet, wonderful, ammazing husbdand and awesome best friend put together a little dinner celebration at Cheesecake Factory to celebrate. I was very surprised and so humbled by the people who showed up to celebrate with me! Thank you!!! I'm 30! Me in my sassy crown Bre got me. So, I had little girls come up to me all night wishing me a happy birthday. This little girl brought tears to my eyes when she sang ...