The Fish Tank

The boys and I hopped in the car after Jackson's Martial Arts class and headed out to get cheeseburgers. Daddy was working late so the boys and I decided to have a carpet picnic. On our way to get our gourmet meal, Jack asked me why some people pray before bed. We started discussing how we can talk to God anywhere anytime. He asked how God hears us and I let him know that God hears us because He is everywhere; He is in our hearts. In true Jackson fashion he asked, "Well, how does God get in my heart? What if He wants out?" I began talking to him about Jesus and he cut me off explaining that Jesus died on the cross so He could live in our hearts. I continued the conversation asking him if he ever accepted Jesus into his heart and if he really knew what that meant. He said no but that he wanted to. So, we discussed sin and what it means and why Jesus had to die as a sacrifice for us. As I was frantically trying to get to Whataburger so I could park and talk to him, he conti...

We found it! We found Jackson's niche. My nephew, Joshua, has been in Tae Kwon Do for a while now and my sister raves about it. Last time they were here she told me I should get Jack in it. I took him to a trial class and was hooked...and so was he! Jackson is INCREDIBLE! He is so focused and determined. There is a wonderful home, school, Martial Arts connection that helps Jack with confidence and discipline working towards attaining a goal. Recently, Jack tested for his yellow belt. The kid worked so hard for this belt in all capacities of his life! We are so proud of him and excited to see where this takes him! He did good towards the end enjoying the game and kicking the ball. He'd take some breaks We were WAY too hot and sweaty for soccer anyway!

When did you turn four? When did you become a boy not a toddler? When did you learn to speak using the words, "well" and "apparently"? When did you become a person with your own opinions and the ability to pick out your own clothes and get yourself dressed? When? I remembered the day I had you like it was only moments ago. I remember what your daddy and I did before we went into the hospital; what we talked about and how I felt. I cherish my memories of snuggling with you every morning at 6:30am when you'd cry in your bassinet wanting to come into my bed. And now...now you are your own person. As much as I want to cry at the thought of how quickly you are growing up, I absolutely love watching you grow and experiencing life with you. I love your smile and sweet giggles. Your belly life is the absolute best. You love to read and tell us all about Lego Star Wars or Batman or whatever your obsession is at the moment. I cherish the times that we just hang together w...

Jackson had the time of his life at his 4th birthday party! He came and conquered the jump house! I don't think I saw him until cake time. He actually got shy when we sang "Happy Birthday" to him! We definitely had birthday success!

Since today is the day of love, I thought I'd blog about something I adore and want to remember forever! Scott always gives the boys a bath. I am not sure when he started this but a while back he put lotion in Jackson's hair and told him it helps keep the bad dreams away. Now, every night, Jack puts lotion in his hair to help keep those bad dreams away. Just one of those things I don't want to forget.

Dear Jackson, I realized that I have written your brother a letter every month for the past 9 months but have written you nothing. I promise I am not ignoring you! I want you to know how extraordinary mommy and daddy think you are so I will try my best to convey in words how very proud we are of you and honored to be your parents. I cannot believe that you are three and a half. The conversations we have and the vocabulary you use blow me away! You no longer are a toddler but a little boy who is molding into quite a terrific young man. I look at you and listen to you talk and often see your future wondering what you will be but knowing that you will be successful no matter what you do! You have an intrinsic motivation and enormous curiosity to learn about things and how they work. We really don't have to push you to learn which is nice. You are very smart and have been extremely curious from the moment you were born. I will never forget your Grandpa Peterson saying how alert you wer...

Jackson had his first Christmas show at school. I think I may have been more excited than he was. His class sang "Rudolf," "Feliz Navidad," and "Jingle Bells." He did so good. He kept giving Scott a thumbs up. Jack was singing those songs at home practicing for days. I absolutely enjoyed my heart out watching him up on that stage. This is a memory I will cherish forever! Good job, Buddy!