The Semester is Over!

Hi Everyone! The fall semester is finally over and I know that I rejoice with the rest of you who operate in the education environment as a teacher, a student, or a spouse/family member of one. I am trying to take a mental break this morning while Jackson is napping, but I found myself looking at my textbook list for next semester, finding out where I am in the completion of the program, contemplating which degree track to do my electives in, and wishing that more of my spring syllabi were posted so that I could start to piece together an attack plan. Disengaging is sometimes hard- I guess the things of the next semester are not too far off on the horizon and I don't want to be unprepared.

But, Holly says no more school today and I agree. I have a short opportunity to let the stress of the semester melt away and enjoy some of the things that I normally don't get to do, like post fun pictures of Jackson on the blog!! He is growing so much in his little body and mind, doing lots of fun things such as learning and applying his sign language, working on his tackling techniques with Daddy, suctioning his own boogers after bath-time, and expressing his affectionate little self with lots of hugs and kisses. His speech is improving enough to let him say a few words a little more clearly, such as "dog." He is also doing some mischievous things like climbing over the ottoman, turning the TV on and off, and defeating the devices we are using to keep him out of the TV stand cabinet so that he can reach his little hand in and turn his "Signing Time" video on all by himself. So, I hope that you enjoy theses pictures from the past month. For those friends and family home in the Great State of Tennessee, we look forward to being home again over New Year's. Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the break. - Jonathan

Wow, have I got some catching up to do!!  Blogging just hasn't happened for us lately, sorry everyone.  Jackson is growing up fast.  He gets cuter and cuter everyday and cracks those smiles all along the way.  His personality is really starting to show through. He is your typical 1 year old who thinks it's funny to punch the TV buttons and shakes his finger back at Mommy after getting in trouble for throwing food on the floor.  Mostly we have to hide our smiles because we can't let him know how cute we really think he is when he is getting in trouble!!!  Enjoy the pictures!!

Playing in the toy box instead of with his toys.

"I can do yoga too, Mommy!  See, down dog."

"You're right, Mommy.  NO throwing food on the floor."

Almost Famous... In Tennessee Anyway!

Hey Everyone, Jackson and I sure do love hanging out together on the weekends! We help each other enjoy the long hours until Mommy gets off work by eating big meals, playing with toys, going to the park, and (of course) watching/listening to the Volunteers play football. Granted, it has been a hard season so far, but we still love it. Hey, the defense is playing lights out and that's the fun part anyway... tackling! I got some good pics this past weekend of J-Man in his UT game day gear while we were at the park before going home to listen to the NIU game on the Vol Network over the internet. The editors for "YouT snapshots" at www.utsports.com thought two of them were pretty good too. Check them out at http://www.utsports.com/view.gal?id=35456

Enjoy the pics and maybe look for Jackson in a future installment of the "Almost Famous in Tennessee" slide show.

AND HE'S OFF!!!!

Hello friends.  Jackson is walking now.  He's been practicing for a few weeks and now he's got it down pat.  Just wanted you all to have the opportunity to see.  He is such a joy in our lives each day.  What a blessing the Lord has given us. The video and pictures are of him checking out the pumpkins and hay at the Dallas Arboretum.  Such a cutie!!

For God so loved the World...

Jackson's birthday present from Mommy and Daddy!!

Currently we are studying both the book of John and the book of Revelation on Wednesday nights at the house church that Jonathan, Jackson, and I attend.  It has often been difficult for me to listen and absorb in depth what is being taught since I have become a mother and my time is divided between tending to Jackson and entering into discussion each night.  Recently, however, we have started putting Jackson down to sleep soon after we arrive and I am actually able to pay attention and learn a few things.  I am also making more time during the week to study on my own which, of course, makes a ton of difference!!  For several weeks now I have concentrated on Revelation since we have been out of town so much and always missed the nights when John was being studied.  I found that I was struggling quite a bit with the heaviness and sadness of the book as it concentrates mostly on how ugly we are as sinners and how severe God's judgement and wrath must justifiably be during the end times. (We haven't gotten to the end of the book....which is of course full of hope and victory.)  I have found it very hard to swallow the reality of suffering that believers will go through and how many are suffering now in other countries on a daily basis.  Somewhere, though, in the midst of becoming more aware of the depravity of man, I am seeing even more the love of God.  For God to even care enough and love enough of His creation to spend the energy and effort to give us a way to His Kingdom is stunning to me.  It only takes a few verses from John to help me understand how beautiful the love of Christ is when reading through Revelation.  I thought about His beautiful love today when I was playing with my son.  He was laughing and hugging me and showing so much affection!  I felt like I was getting a small glimpse of how sweet and precious His Creation was meant to be.  As sinners, we have corrupted so much of what He intended here on Earth.  I was overwhelmed alone by the love of a small little boy and can't wait to see how God will display is great and mighty love in the new and restored Earth!!  I know I will never truly understand the depth of God's love for me until my time here is over, but I am so thankful that I am allowed glimpses through the love of my friends, family, husband, and yes....Jackson.  

So much of that love was shown during the celebration of Jackson's first birthday last weekend.  We were surrounded by our friends and family and couldn't have wished for a better day.  Enjoy the pictures and know that I am so thankful for each friendship God has blessed our family with in this precious life.

Sand Sand and More Sand

Hello from Gulf Shores, AL.  We have had a wonderful family vacation.  It was much needed!!  Jackson loved the beach and the seafood.  Tilapia is his favorite!  His uncles spoiled him rotten and he stole tons of glances from pretty girls.  I'll upload a video when we get home, but enjoy the picts for now.

Ice Cream Face

During our recent visit home, Jackson's Momma Z had the honors of feeding Jackson his first bite of ice cream.  His face was priceless!  Hope you enjoy.