Answered Prayer!

August 11th is finally here! I am officially 37 weeks and still pregnant! I prayed many many nights throughout this pregnancy to make it to this day. Unfortunately I have had some small complications since early in my 2nd trimester that have caused contractions and, therefore, worry, for many months. I was consumed for some time with the fear that I would have to go on bed rest early and search for help/care for Jackson until my delivery. Not anymore!! God has taught me a lot about trust over the past few months and I won't lie in saying it has been a struggle to remember His truths with each new day. At night when I am awake and uncomfortable, I try to remind myself I should be glad I am still carrying our daughter, uncomfortable or not!! His mercies are new every morning! Thank you so much for many of your prayers and concerns. Now I enter the hardest part, I think....always wondering if today will be the day. Pleading with God to allow her to come always battles against the knowledge that He is in control and knows the best time for her arrival...not me. Please continue in your prayers for a safe and soon delivery of our daughter. In the meantime, enjoy a few picts of Jackson at his first attendance of a friends birthday party. The theme was Elmo (as painted on his face). He had a blast with his friend Peyton. Happy Birthday Peyton!

Ready and Waiting

Photo compliments of Lilla Cummings : www.capturingexpressions.blogspot.com

Normally the easiest way for me to entertain Jackson and spend good quality time with him is to read a book. He loves it and I can sit with him beside me and relax for a few minutes. Today marks the end of those moments. My belly is now the size of a small chair according to Jackson, therefore, the perfect place to sit while I read. Our relaxing moments together turned into a full out battle between him, myself, and our daughter. It seemed more like a wrestling match instead of story time, not to mention the teddy bear he insisted be in my lap (the one I don't have) as well. I have struggled over the past few weeks to find a comfortable place trying to be wife, mommy to Jackson, and pregnant mommy to our baby. Comfortable physically and mentally. Even though we don't want her to come early, I have been soooooooooooo ready to have her!! This afternoon Jonathan came home from work as usual asking what I needed....he is so good! I decided I needed to get out of the house for a bit and he told me to go to Starbucks and head to Target. Now I'm not sure if it was just what I needed or the small caffeine boost from the green tea frap, but I feel like a new person! I got the last few things on my list that I needed before the baby's arrival and Jonathan took care of feeding Jackson dinner and now I feel like I could conquer the world! I headed over to babysit Cara, our friend down the hall and was reading some scripture that speaks so perfectly to me tonight. (Cara is already in bed by the way).
"My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
I suddenly feel a true peace about delivering a baby. Up until now I have been burdened with worry that she would come early, or I wouldn't have everything ready when she does come...having a 23 month old makes nesting a bit difficult!! Finally tonight I feel peaceful. FINALLY. I believe it really has nothing to do with checking off a list and everything to do being reminded that He really does provide all of my needs. I have a wonderful husband who takes on the world each day to make my life easier, a beautiful son who can't get enough hugs and kisses from Mommy, a healthy second on the way any day, and a God who takes care of all my needs. Life can't get any better. Tonight I am grateful for a nice, quiet break from the norm to give me some perspective and appreciation for all I have. I encourage you to do the same. :)

Summer Fun

We have all had a fun summer. We've been busy with friends at the pool, spending some quality family time together before the arrival of our daughter, and enjoying the delicious harvest of the season.....mmmm good food! Enjoy a few picts of our recent weeks.



We visited the Dallas Aquarium yesterday and Jackson was fascinated with everything there! It was a really fun time together... getting a bit sentimental about it just being the 3 of us for not much longer, but really excited about meeting our daughter soon!



Some gene pools you just can't deny! Jackson loves ice cream just like his Pappa Z!!



Thankfully he likes his vegetables just as much...corn being his favorite right now!




Jackson's best friend, Peyton, keeps him smiling! They have a blast hanging out together!

Tubing with Jackson

While in TN this past month, some very sweet friends of ours, the Brittain family, allowed us to spend some time at their lake house with them. We very much enjoyed spending time with them. Watching Jackson brave some new activities was priceless. He wasn't too sure of the boat and hated his life jacket, but as soon as the waves started bouncing him up and down on the tube, the fun began. Sadly, skiing at 32 weeks of pregnancy was not in the agenda for me. I had to spend my time on the dock envying all the activity out on the water. I'll just have to wait for next summer :( Mr. Gerry, Mrs. Karen, Luke and Blake, thanks so much for sharing this time with us. You are precious friends. We are so blessed.

Long Overdue...but not Due Yet!

Hi Friends. Well, many of you have been waiting. The time has come. I really am pregnant and the video proves it! You have requested to see the belly, so here it is. We visited TN at the latest time possible (32 weeks) and had a wonderful, relaxing visit with family and friends. Jackson got to spend some wonderful time with grandparents and great grandparents while I got some much needed rest and TLC! I have a ton more to share, but for now this video of Jackson and Daddy riding a tire horse together will have to hold you over until next week. Enjoy!

Good Morning! Holly here. It feels like my birthday today even though it isn't April. It started lightening and thundering last night and hasn't stopped yet. I heard it all night while in and out of sleep and even now it is pretty boisterous out there. I am up early enjoying a cup of tea, the house is dark, and Jackson is sleeping late and through all the noise outside...he is so my child! I'm so glad the thunder doesn't scare him :). While having a rare moment to myself to read and reflect I wanted to share some of my thoughts and prayers. I am reading "slowly" through a book titled "A Mother's Heart" by Jean Flemming. Each time I read I am encouraged to read a passage from the Bible that she has found to be encouraging and helpful. Right now I am reading her thoughts on taking spontaneous opportunities to teach and reading some from Proverbs. This morning I found myself praying for Jackson and our little girl soon to be here to find wisdom while seeking the Lord. Jackson, "If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you." Proverbs 2:23. I have found the best way for me to pray for my children is to just insert their names throughout scripture so that I am very specific in my prayers. I don't claim to know all that I need to pray, but I know I cannot go wrong with God's word. As Jonathan and I continue here in school, we ask that you continue to pray alongside us for our family, marriage, and children. I believe the scripture that says "where 2 or more are gathered, there you will be also"....even if the gathering takes place across the country. I hope as you read, friends, that you feel the love and presence of Christ and maybe even feel as special as you do on your birthday each year.

Story Time With Jackson

Hi friends. This video of Jackson reading his books is really nothing new, just the first time I've been able to capture such preciousness on video. He has been reading to himself since he was about 5 months old. I believe this may be some of my most favorite moments of being his Mommy. The first book is about "puppies" and the second is about "apples." Listen carefully and you may catch the words. Enjoy.