My mornings begin very early, usually around 5:00am. Jackson is sleeping through the night now, however he wakes up around 5:00am. Nathan and I rotate "shifts" allowing the other to sleep a little extra in the morning time. One morning, I was up with him and I usually sit him in his bouncer seat in my bathroom while I am getting ready for the day. Earlier, earlier in the morning, Hailee ran into Nathan and mines bedroom and crawled in bed with us, something we are trying to break her of, it doesn't happen that often. Okay, getting to the point of the post now, so Jackson was playfully screaming and babbling away. He was being so loud in the bathroom that I was afraid he would wake Hailee up. So, I improvised. I went into my closet to find what I was going to wear for the work day and had this idea, I thought the extra space would help with the noise that Hailee could possibly hear. I think he was so distracted by what I put him in that his noise stopped altogether. Shortly after, Nathan walked in looking for me and started to laugh, then ran to get the camera.

All Dressed Up

Last night, Nathan's very good friend, Austin got married to a really great girl, named Kendi. I tried to take as many pictures of the four of us as possible because we seldom all look this nice at once! Nathan was a groomsmen, hints the flowers on his jacket.

I took this pic this morning of my babies, just thought it was cute brotherly/sisterly love...

Bucket List: Run a ½ Marathon (Done)

Last Sunday, Courtni set out to finish a goal she set at the beginning of this year: to start and finish a half marathon. She has talked for the last few years about how she thought it would be cool to complete one. This last January, she put that thought to action and started training for her run. Since then, she has made me proud everyday. It is one thing to put in the time to train for a run of this magnitude, but it’s another to do so while juggling everything else she does. Each day, she made it a priority to get her run in despite being a Mom, a wife, a full-time employee, a friend, and so much more.

She never gave up even with some problems with a sore toe and legs, being tired from early morning runs, and being burnt out from running. She set her goal on finishing that half marathon and she showed determination and perseverance the whole time.

She made me so proud on Sunday to see her finish out all that she has worked for. It was an extremely windy and humid day and she had some more soreness in her toes but she kept on pushing toward the finish line. I’m so proud of her for finishing what she started. Even though Hailee and Jackson don’t know the realm of what she just did, I know they are both so proud of their Momma, just as they are everyday. We love you, babe.

Here are a few pics from the big day:

Even Hailee had to 'refuel' after the big run.

Happy Birthday Hailee!

Hailee and her best friend, Emily, cruising the street.

My baby girl

I cannot believe how fast you have grown! You have become such a funny, smart, and loving little girl. And at other times, you can be a hand full of temper tantrums and attitude! But, you are our my child and my daughter, I wouldn't trade you for anything in the world. You are so special to me, you made me a mother. We love you very much. Happy 3rd Birthday Hailee!

This Day

There's a song that I love to sing in worship. A part of the lyrics are...

My Saviour, He can move the mountains.

My God is Mighty to save,He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,

He rose and conquered the grave,Jesus conquered the grave.

To me, these words are so powerful. When I am completley open and reflect on what this day is all about, I am filled with so much joy that He, indeed, did conquer the grave! I know that no one ever has nor ever will sacrifice so much of themselves for me. Thank you Lord for choosing me, teaching me, and loving me.

What a weekend!

Friday, Hailee and my Mom helped me plant flowers in our front flower bed while Jackson watched sitting in his sister's pink bouncer seat on the porch! I forgot to take a picture of the finished project, but it turned out looking great!

Saturday morning, I woke up very early to get my run in (two weeks until the Memorial Marathon) and then we headed southbound to Ardmore to have a big egg hunt at my Aunt Janet's home with some of my cousin's kids. It was a beautiful day, Hailee had a great time!Nathan got to shoot some skeet with my Dad and we all had a great time.