Cute Ideas to Remember

Have you seen the website pinterest.com? It's awesome...and addicting.
A few cute ideas that I loved from this website:
- have your kids wake up to a room filled with balloons on their birthday.
- take a photo of you and your spouse on each wedding anniversary holding a framed number indicating the number of years you've been mArried (e.g., on your 8th anniversary the framed number would be 8).

Rocka Rocka, Mama?

I just came into my bedroom after rocking Jackson to sleep feeling like the luckiest person on earth.
I'll admit that since he turned two two, it has been tough sometimes dealing with this little boy who doesn't know how to deal with his emotions and hates hearing "no" (and believe me - he hears "no" a lot!). But tonight ... there were no tantrums, no struggles, and no tears. Jack and I had the house to ourselves and had one of the best evenings I have had in a long time. We played, we laughed, we watched Wonder Pets and I fell even more in love with my little man.
To end the night, Jack said, "Rocka rocka Mama?" My heart melted. He laid his little head on my shoulder while I rocked him to sleep. I'm so lucky to be this kid's mom it's crazy. I wanted to write this down tonight so I'd remember it some day when these years seem like a blur. Jack you are an amazing, soft-hearted little boy and I am blessed to be your mom. Love you, Buddy.

Big Boy Bed

Jackson isn't a baby anymore (sniff, sniff). On Sunday night he slept in his big boy bed for the first time! He got up twice and had a mischevious little grin on his face when he stuck his nose into our bedroom door. After the second time up, I decided to lay down with him in his bed (I think he was a little scared of the change.)

I laid with Jack for about 20 minutes. He talked, he sang, he kicked the wall, he asked where Tucker was ... all of the things little boys do when they are stalling bedtime. I closed my eyes and tried to pretend I was asleep so he'd follow. Jack whispered "honk honk" and squeezed my nose twice. Ha! I was trying SO hard not to lose it - I was doing the silent shaking laugh. Every time I think about him honking my nose I laugh. I'm putting this story in his baby book.

Monday morning he marched into our room with a HUGE smile on his face. He was SO PROUD that he'd spent the night in his bed. He said, "Mama, sleep in bed!" So cute - made my heart melt.

Last night was his second night in the big boy bed. I laid him down and never heard a peep til this morning. I think this might be less of a big deal than I thought (knock on wood)! I'll have to remember that next time we're trying something new (e.g., potty training).

Just when ...

Lately, I've been feeling like I'm taking on too much. Between work, school, being a wife and mom, visiting family, repainting my kitchen, studying, going to conferences and retreats out of town .... I was feeling stretched thin. It started to take a toll on me, giving me some serious stress and doubts about my abilities to keep up with everything.

But today, I had a great day. I got a B+ on my first Stats exam! Ah!!!!

I had the biggest smile on my face when leaving class. If you want to know the truth, I wasn't sure if I could do it. I've done the work, I've put in the time, but sometimes I doubt my brainp0wer - especially now after I've been out of school for so long. Needless to say this B+ exceeded my expectations and I feel better about what I can do.

Just goes to show you that just when you're feeling down or needing a boost, God provides if its what you need. I can do all things through He who strengthens me, right?!

DJ is taking me out tomorrow night to celebrate this small win for a stressed mama.

Family Weekend

Last weekend we had a great visit from my parents. When my dad arrived he gave me a big hug and walked me right into the house. We sat and chatted for about five minutes when all of a sudden I heard a knock on the door. It was my mom! She had surprised us and come along with Dad. I was stunned! It took me a few minutes to say anything because I was SO not expecting her to be here. What an awesome surprise!!!

We headed out to Roanoke to visit Matt, Jennifer, Nate, Jenna, and my nephews. What a fun time! It's so nice when we can all get together. Jackson was the boys' little shadow - following them around all weekend with a constant smile on his face. They had fun using apples for batting practice, playing in the barn, going for walks up to the creek, and riding around on the tractor. Here's a few pictures from our time in Roanoke. Thanks Matt and Jennifer for your hospitality!

Back to School

Today I became a student again. At 11:30, I went to my first course at IUSB. My hope is that this will lead me to become a Masters student next year. I'm taking Introduction to Statistics Theory in Economics and Business. According to my professor, it's as exciting as it sounds. He made it very clear that this was going to be a very difficult course, that he does not accept late work, that he will not provide extra credit, and that there will be NO going to use the restroom during class. I felt like I was in high school again hearing this man talk about "the real world" and "real deadlines". But the truth is, most of the students in my class are sophomores! 20 years old! It's true that they probably need to hear these things, but it just sounded so weird after having been in "the real world" for a few years myself.
After class I went up and spoke with my professor. Turns out, he's a really nice guy. He encouraged me to come to him with questions, answered all SIX of my questions today nicely and with confidence, and even said I could attend a 10 a.m. course on the same days of the week if it better suits my work schedule. He asked me where I work and about what I do. I think we'll get along nicely.
The main thing will be staying on top of the work. He told students that it would be best if this was their only class so that they could spend the 8-10 hours a week that this course requires. I was delighted, thinking "Hey! This IS my only class." But then I remember that I have my life to juggle - working, mommying, wife-ing. All wonderful things that I wouldn't trade for the world. Can you say balance!?!? I think my social life might take a hurting throughout this semester, but that's cool with me. Here's to growing up and learning about linear regression!

Vegas

Last weekend my mom and I went to Las Vegas. What an amazing time! We stayed at a beautiful hotel and got to see Garth Brooks in an amazing concert. I'm so lucky to have such loving parents that spoil me often. Here's a shot of my mom and I just before the concert. They wouldn't let us take pictures of Garth, but I SO wish I could have so that I can show you how awesome it was! Garth was funny, charming, talented, entertaining, ... I could go on and on. What a blast!