Jackson's 4th Birthday!

Jackson is my little firecracker! He has more energy than any child I've ever known in my entire life. He wakes up every morning bright-eyed and ready to go. Somehow when 8:00 at night comes around he is still full of energy. Oh what I would give to have that type of energy again. He is the one that keeps us laughing around the clock. His conversations sometimes seem never-ending as he just has so much to tell us everyday. I love this kid more than any words can describe.

Four years ago, during our 20 week ultrasound we were given news we weren't expecting; there was a problem. It was sometimes terrifying as we sat through so many ultrasounds at the high risk doctor's office knowing what the possibilities of the diagnosis could mean. With each time came a sigh of relief.  But mostly I felt at peace knowing that God was watching over him and that Jackson truly belonged, and still belongs, to him. That is pretty reassuring if you ask me. He came just 2 weeks early and all the tests done afterwards were normal! The delivery was extremely tough on my body and we were told it could be too dangerous for me to have any additional kids. I had my sweet angel, Makayla and now my boy so I knew it had to be God's plan. Jackson and I bonded so quickly. He was the most beautiful baby boy I'd ever seen in my life, and I couldn't stop staring at him. I could sit in the rocker all night long holding him and just staring at his face. He was perfection. His dimples were a bonus. :)

Well, Jackson, if you ever read this I want you to know that I love you so very much and will try my best to always seek God in raising you. I pray that you will grow to become a godly man one day and you would seek Jesus in all you do.

Hugs & a million Kisses,
Mommy

Makayla's Frozen Birthday

Oh my sweet angel Makayla Grace turned 5 years old. It was only fitting to pull out all the stops for her Frozen birthday party. She had blast and every minute of planning was worth it just to see that excitement and amazement in her eyes. Where has the time gone? Someone please tell me how time can fly by so quickly. In the wink of eye my blue-eyed giggling baby has become a beautiful, kindhearted little girl. She is my sunshine every day and makes me see the world in a better light. All the goodness she sees in people is sweet as pie. She is as sweet as pie. 

I love you Makayla more than you can ever imagine. I hope we made your birthday one to remember!

"warm hugs" & Kisses,

Mommy

Jackson's 3rd Birthday! (Week 6 of Project 52)

Jackson turned 3 on January 12th and we celebrated with a small party at home that day. He was actually sick but managed to smile and eat up an entire cupcake! Every birthday I reminisce about the day he was born, and every year I say it feels like yesterday. Well, some days it seems like yesterday, but sometimes it seems so long ago. He has grown and learned so much over the last year. He talks much better now and is healthier since getting those tubes in his ears last year. He carries on the most adorable conversations, and randomly gives hugs and kisses when I least expect it. He loves adventure, and perhaps he enjoys getting into things a little too much...he can be mischievous at times, but always sports a grin no matter what. Jackson loves playing with toy cars, big trucks, and his lightsaber. He also loves all things Batman although he has yet to see a Batman movie or cartoon. Over the last few months he really started to enjoy looking at books and will actually sit still long enough to listen to a story! I see so much good in my son and feel overwhelmingly blessed to be his Mommy. Although he can be a "handful" at times, there is no other "handful" I'd want. I love him so much and I'm very proud of the boy he's becoming.

Happy 3rd Birthday Jack! We love you!!!!! 

Last weekend we had him a McDonald's birthday party! I know, out of character for me, but it was a great place for kids to play. Warning: Picture Overload! 

Christmas 2013

I just can't write a lot of detail about Christmas right now because Granny passed away just hours after these pictures were taken. I will say that we had a lovely day. The kids were so excited and there was a lot of energy in the air. I felt a bit anxious the whole day for some reason, but still made sure to capture pictures and tried not to miss a beat. The kids had fun and it really was a wonderful day. I remember having a brief conversation with my dad and sister about how blessed we are that "all" of us were there to celebrate Christmas and you never know what tomorrow holds. Boy, we sure didn't.

Anyhow, this season was filled with so many blessings. Tim and I were able to be faithful stewards of God's blessings, and we experienced the joy of giving in a way that we hadn't in many years. Giving is so much better than receiving. Life is precious and it's such a joy to my heart to help others. More importantly, it's even more awesome when that person said "Thank you!" and I could respond,"Thank God" because He is the true giver. 

Take care of the life you have been given and LOVE on those around you as much as you can. I praise God the Father for sending his Precious Son, Jesus. Our lives are so different now because of Him. 

Merry Christmas & many blessings, 

Shawna

Merry Christmas!

taking pictures with kids! It can only get easier, right?

Family portrait

Silly photo. I love this. Granny is even sticking out her tongue. :-)

Life.Gentleness.Stories Untold.

Ho!Ho!Ho!