A Different Route

this morning i take a different route

i have an appointment across town

alone in my car

i collect my thoughts

the traffic is so crazy

there are so many cars on the road

everyone bustling around so early, this monday morning

 cars, trucks, suv's, all busy going wherever they please

some sip on cups of coffee

others shove bits of breakfast, as they drive defensively

the birds, well, they just sit on the wires 

watching the passersby

there are so many cars on the road

everyone bustling around so early, this monday morning

and the birds, well, they just sit on the wires 

watching the passersby

Sweet Dreams

It is no secret that Jackson's bedtime habits have drastically changed this year. He has worn both Jason and me out come bedtime. Jackson can't stand to be alone when going to bed and has turned bedtime into a very trying time.

This summer we were all out of school and we tend to let our hair down a little more. Plus, Jason was gone out of town for 3 weeks. Needless to say, I was not as strong about enforcing a consistent bedtime routine. We were fortunate enough to have a Parenting Conference this past weekend and I am happy to say that Jason and I have commandeered our nights back this week. I captured most of the pictures below after a couple of hours of going round and round with Jackson to go to sleep. Even though I was worn out each night, he still has a way of melting my heart!

 the reclining chair in our hotel room in St. Louis

 mom and dad's bed with his night-night and monkey

 fell asleep at my feet while I was on the phone with Jason

 in the den outside of his bedroom

 asleep in the den just right outside his room

 asleep on the couch beside me

I love the sweater vest that he chose to put on

 the den

he surprised me by actually being quiet in his room 

I had to check it out (because I thought that he had actually fallen asleep)

he had no idea that I was in there with him

 mom and dad's room

in the den with mom and dad

Twelve

Jason and I recently celebrated our 12th anniversary! In so many ways it seems like only yesterday that we were standing before an audience, at the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ on a hot summer day in August, pledging our love to each other. In other ways, it seems like a really long time ago. Our lives have been so richly blessed by each other. I am thankful for the family and friends that God has placed in our lives over these last 12 years.

We were able to celebrate our anniversary with a getaway to Nashville. The kids stayed over at Uncle Richard's and Aunt Tara's house and had a blast!!! They went to a football game and went out on the boat for their first time. They loved the water and had a great time! Jason and I stayed in Nashville and enjoyed our time together. I am so grateful for the opportunities where Jason and I can just get away together; just the two of us. We enjoyed meals together, saw The Help, did some shopping, and Jason took me to my first Grand Ole Opry show! I loved visiting our old stomping grounds...the same restaurants, the same movie theater, the same mall....it's fun strolling down memory lane.

I have been to the Opry house on several occasions, but I had never actually been to the "Grand Ole Opry". One would think that for living 21 years of my life in Nashville that I had actually been to the Opry, but I hadn't. We saw Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Martina McBride, and countless others. I loved every minute of it!

Jason, I love that we share so many common interests. We love to travel, watch the Cardinals play ball, visit baseball stadiums, go to concerts (there's just something about live music), go to the movies, read, share some time together over a cup of coffee, and just being together. Jason, I love you more and more each day! I am so grateful that I have you as my one true love. "Baby, you're the greatest!"  Happy Anniversary!

May 2011

The Grand Ole Opry

 

Vince Gill

They were honoring his 20 years in The Opry the night we were there. 

Amy Grant

 I'm really excited to have a date at The Ryman in December to see 

Vince Gill and Amy Grant's "The Twelve Days of Christmas" tour.

The Beginning of Another School Year

We started school last week and we are all of to a great start! Jackson has "Mrs. Rufie (Ruthie) as his teacher this year, and he is loving every minute of it. Joshua and Abby Kate are excited about their teacher this year...ME!!! I'm am beyond excited to be sharing Joshua and Abby Kate's first grade school year with my babies! I still cannot believe that they are old enough to be up at the big school and to be in my classroom. I know that we will have a great year! Here are some pictures from our first day!

My little Jack

Abby Kate and Joshua

Abby Kate 

Our big First grader!

Joshua

Our big First grader!

Ready for their first day of first grade.

Excited about my year with these two!