From the crib to the big boy bed...where did the time go?!

When did my sweet son grow up to be such a big boy?  When did he go from a cute pudgy baby to a tall, skinny toddler?  I remember this picture like it was yesterday...Jack was supposed to be taking a nap.  I heard noise so I went upstairs to check on him.  When I opened the door there he was, standing up on his chubby legs with the biggest grin ever as if to say, "Hi Mom!  No nap for me this afternoon!  I'm too busy cruising around my crib."  I had to get a picture of this and of course, the nap didn't happen.  But that was okay, his adorable grin and sweet face got the best of me!

 

 Jack at 8 months (Something happened with the formatting of my pictures.  I apologize for the way it is displayed.)

 

 

Now, my baby is a toddler who sleeps in a big boy bed!  (We are working on the pacifier!  He can say the word perfectly, which tells us its time to say good bye!)  We had to move Jack there after my c-section with Amelie.  He has adjusted well and is sleeping through the night (at least 95% of the time).

Hard to believe that Jack is 23 months old.  I know that isn't very old, but the days have flown by and I feel as if I've only blinked.  Every day with him is a blessing and I wouldn't trade any of them for the world...even the long days!  One minute he is this helpless baby crying for his mommy and the next he is walking down the stairs like a grown-up and saying things like, "Jack do it!"

Well, its short and sweet and I promise to have more postings in the near future.  But in the mean time, I'm making wonderful memories with my kids! (I love saying that!)

Accepting the challenge...5 things about me

So I was challenged by Tab to post 5 things about myself that you may or may not know about me. I accept the challenge, now...what do I write about?

Hmmmm.....
1. I've always wanted to be a horse trainer ever since I was a little girl.  I've always loved horses and wanted the thrill of being outside with those amazing creatures.  However, being raised in the city I'm at a slight disadvantage.  So, instead of breaking and training wild stallions, I work with inner-city kids.  In my book, that is pretty close to "horse training"!  Maybe one day I'll be a horse trainer, until then I'm going to work on "potty training" my little colt...Jack!

2. I love to clean!  That is right!  I feel like a new person when I sit down at the end of the day and look at my clean floors, counter tops and fall asleep under fresh linens.  Being pregnant it takes all of my energy to clean my house these days, but it is still worth it.

3. I LOVE the smell of coffee, but can't stand the taste.  I'm a tea drinker through and through.  I've always been one, but upon meeting my husband (Dan) I realized that I had only scratched the surface when it came to the "tea" world.  A perfect day consists of: spending time with my family, listening to jazz and drinking TEA!!!

4. I love to read and learn new things about my faith, my job, cooking, raising children and just for fun.  Lately its mostly been about my faith (Read Relentless by John Bevere), but nonetheless, reading has always been my favorite thing to do...a place to escape, allow my imagination to take off and get lost in some adventure.

5.  I've always wanted to go to Prince Edward Island (Anne of Green Gables)!  When I was younger I told myself I would go there on my honeymoon (we went to Seattle instead...which I loved!).  So while that didn't happen, I hope that before I die I'm able to go where the Anne girl walked and experience the gorgeous scenery.

Okay...there are 5 things about me that you may or may not know.  I had fun and hope you at least smile while reading them!

Little Hands...

A few weeks ago after dinner, we decided to go and get the mail.  Dan grabbed the mail key, I, my shoes and Jack.  As we walked through the garage door Jack stopped to grab Dan and my hands.  (We have taught Jack that he always has to be holding someones hands when we are out walking. ) I didn't have to say anything, he just grabbed onto both of our hands and we continued to walk to the mail box.
As we all walked hand in hand, I felt like the most blessed person on the face of this earth.  I was with my husband and son.  Holding hands without a care in the world.
It truly is the little moments that make the day.  Every time those sweet little hands reach out to me, my heart melts and he has my undivided attention.  Nothing else matters at that moment, time stands still and I am captivated by those hands that I hold.  The hands that love me and can make me cry in a heartbeat.  The hands that get into mischief, but also help me with the laundry, dishes and picking up his toys.  Hands that push away my hair so he can see what color earrings I'm wearing today. Hands that we hold when its time to pray at meal time. And hands that I pray will always be loving, kind and a protector to the weak.

My niece...Scarlett!

On Wednesday, 10-3-12 at 10:48pm, my sweet little niece was born.  Her name is Scarlett Everleigh Shelton and she is the sweetest little girl!   We are so excited to finally have her with us and be able to hold her as well.

Holding Scarlett last night was such a blessing and a reminder of the fact that Jack was once that small.  My heart was overjoyed that Sam and Alexa are parents and get to experience the highs and lows of being parents. 

I think that sometimes you need to hold a tiny baby to be reminded of God's grace, mercy, blessings and unconditional love.   I know that they will enjoy their "little moments" with this new little baby.  They go by so fast and stopping your busy life to enjoy them is so worth it!  I've never regretted not doing the laundry or floors to hang out with Jack. 

Sometimes the blessings of the "little moments" is in stopping and purposefully noticing everything that is going on around you.  God asks us to lift up our eyes and focus on Him.  I've found that when I do that, I don't see a long "to do" list, I see all of the gifts that God has give me....and they are numerous.

So, here is to my sweet niece Scarlett, Jack and baby on the way: You are priceless, precious children of the King who deserve all of our big and little moments in life.  I love you!

Jack and dirty laundry

Today is Friday, which means I get to spend the next four days with my sweet son!  I'm so thankful for each moment that Jack and I are able to spend together during the day.  There isn't much "down time" around here.  But that is okay because I love the fast pace that he keeps and I always know that there will NEVER be a dull moment.

As I was separating the towels from the whites downstairs this morning, Jack decided to jump into the pile of dirty laundry.  He nestled himself in the middle of the clothes, towels and sheets and began piling them up on top of himself. But he didn't pile them up in just any old fashion.   He proceeded to meticulously choose certain articles of clothes and towels, gently placing them in his lap.  Each piece was scrutinized over before it made its way to his lap.  If it didn't meet the qualifications, Jack threw it to the side.

Watching Jack immerse himself into this task made me sit back and thank God for this precious, curious, smart, rambuncious, gentle, kind child.  His whole world for the moment was about making a pile of dirty laundy on his lap.  While I could have been in a hurry to get the laundry  into the washer, I chose to stop and enjoy the little moments that God had given me.  Nothing was more important to me then watching my son discover new things and just pause in the blessings that are constantly surrounding me.

So, when it seems that you have a million things to do, never forget to stop and cherish the little moments.  Because one day Jack will be all grown up and I don't ever want to be too busy to make these kinds of memories.