who needs a whoopy cushion?

So my son has already decided that he's funny. Don't get me wrong, he is funny...but he knows it...and wants you to know it too.

As much as I hate to admit it, my child has learned how to make tooting noises on your skin. You know how your dad would make noises on your stomach and tickle you? Well, that's what Jackson does and he thinks it's hilarious.

My clever child has learned to fake you out with it too. He will come up to you and give you a kiss and hug you and then lean in like he's going to kiss you again and make toot noises right on your cheek! He just laughs and runs off.

I used to think that society had something to do with the male sense of humor. Nope. They're born with it. Go apologize to your husband right now. Evidently he can't help it.

stuff

rainbow brite. check. pound puppy. check. gigantic rubbermaid full of play food. check. gigantic rubbermaid full of 392 beanie babies. check. gigantic rubbermaid full of Lord only knows what. check.

Two weeks ago my Mom and Dad were cleaning out their attic and came across alllll of the toys my brother and I had from when we were little. Seriously. All of them. Birthday's and Christmas at my house resemble things you see in movies (It might be why I love these holiday's so much to this day. My mom has always had an amazing ability of rocking out a holiday). So, my mom brought some of the toys from her attic to me for Jackson. She left everything with a pitiful "whatever you don't want you can donate to a church or the goodwill." Thanks mom.

At first all I could think of was "where am I going to put all of this stuff in my tiny apartment" then, "how am I going to choose what to get rid of." Why am I sitting her tonight strangely grateful to my parents in a completely new way.

In a previous post I commented on how having a baby changes everything...and that really applies to everything. What are now old toys in rubbermaids were once things I just had to have. HAD to have. Like, my world would cease to exist if I didn't get it. Sure it's just 'stuff' but to a child who doesn't understand the meaning of life and all that goes on in the world (nor did I care for that matter) it was more than just stuff.

My mom knew this...she knew how much I wanted these things. She also knew how limited her budget was. So, she and my dad did what they have always done. They went without so that I could have whatever it is I was wanting at the time. Now, don't get me wrong. I got told no... it wasn't a pitch a fit so I can get whatever I want kind of thing and there were plenty of things I just had to have that I did not get...but the list of "no" doesn't stand out. The stuff doesn't really stand out...it's the sacrifice. I know how difficult it is to live on a budget and my parents had half the budget I have. I remember going into stores and my mom taking me to the toy section or my clothing section and never even looking at anything for herself. My parents didn't go on date nights or vacations alone. They did everything with us...for us. I'm ever grateful.

I know that it wouldnt have mattered in the long run had I never gotten any of this 'stuff.' My parents love me and always will - I've never doubted that a day in my life. But as a parent myself now I finally get what it is that they were doing. They didn't have to buy me anything...they wanted to. They wanted to do without so that I could do with. They enjoyed giving to us...seeing the joy it brought to our lives. They wanted to take me and my brother on every vacation with them. They wanted to spend their free time with us...because they love us. How amazing is that?

So even though I still have to find room for all of my old stuff - I'm grateful to have to find a place for it. What a blessing to have so many reminders of my childhood...so many reminders of the sacrifices that were made for me. Each of these old toys were once new surprises, birthday and christmas gifts that my parents couldn't wait to give me...I feel the same way now with Jackson. I appreciate everything my parents have done for me. I've always been such a lucky girl.

Seven, Eight...Lay em straight

I 'knew' Jackson was teething again! Two days ago my suspicions were confirmed. He has two more top teeth that just broke through the gums. This brings the grand teeth total to eight pearly whites... here's hoping we get a little break from teething for a while!

Circa 1976

1976

Tell me I wouldn't have rocked this look out! You have to go try this...so much fun.1966 Bethany

1994 Bethany

The worst part was when I put my picture in the "1998" and "2000" ones...I actually have those pictures... same hair and everything. Hilarious.
Here's Ben circa 1950 (Pop)

My Big Little Brother

Today my little brother turns 14...FOURTEEN people! For some reason 14 seems so much older than 13. I still remember him running around in his diaper, doing crazy ninja kicks and breaking it down to whatever music I had playing in my room in high school. Thank goodness we have video of it. He has always been hilarious and continues to be to this day. I always know when he's about to tell a joke because he can't stop laughing long enough to tell it. I can not believe it has already been 14 years - where has time gone? He's is my 'little' brother only by age - he is already towering over me and mom. He and I are 12 years apart (well almost anyway) and you would think that we would not have a very close relationship but nothing could be further from the truth. I hate that we can't live in the same town anymore and that I can't see him grow up everyday but sometimes life is just that way. We still see eachother every chance we get and talk on the phone almost every day.I love that boy more than words can say and I'm so proud of the amazing young man that he is growing up to be. That boy has got it all! God has blessed each of us by putting him into our lives. He is the reason that I wanted a little boy of my own so badly - I knew the amazing, fun filled journey it would be!
We love you SO much! And even though I can't take place in the birthday extravaganza today, I'm hoping that this will be your best year yet!

Happy Birthday!

Texas Stampede

I got the craziest myspace message Wednesday. My cousin Ashley (who has the amazing ability of dropping off the face of the earth for months at a time) asked what we were up to this weekend and if we cared if she and her husband came to visit. We haven't gotten to see them since February so we OF COURSE told them to hop in the car right away...offers like this are more rare than finding a needle in a haystack! Ok, maybe not that rare but both Ashley and Sam work full time and it's a blessing that they not only were able to get some time off together, but that they chose to drive allll the way from Texas just to visit with us! Ashley and I have been as close as sister's growing up and we don't get to see eachother nearly as much as I would like. We still dream of living next door to eachother one day and they try and convince us to move to Dallas every chance they get. Texax people are a different breed but that is neither here nor there. They got here on Thursday afternoon and Jackson was loving Ashley from the very beginning. He would just walk over and hug her arm (he probably knew she loved cheerios just as much as he does). Oh and speaking of Ashley - she has lost THIRTY lbs since May...dang girl! She looked amazing! I think we convinced them that they need a wii by the end of their first night here...although I don't think it would be good for their marriage. I haven't heard that many "IN YOUR FACE" since I was around my little brother and his friends...did I mention that it was Ashley saying it? Those two are so competetive it's ridiculous. I remember when they were dating, we would be getting out of the car to go to the store and Sam would tag Ashley and say "Race You!" and off they would go to the front of the store. Seriously. Too fun.

Friday we drove down to Oxford to get some fab-o sushi and see Ashley's dad for a little bit. We drove around the square, got a few t-shirts and took some pretty fun pictures (of course!).

Friday night Ashley made all of us dinner (that's right - drive 7 hours to visit us and we make YOU cook us dinner) She and Sam were telling us about their newest lettuce wrap dinner creation and we just had to try it. Let me tell you - it was soooo good. We may just be making this for dinner once a week now. Unfortunately they had to head back to Texas today but not without eating some BBQ raved about on Food network (Sam ordered the biggest plate of BBQ I've ever seen in my life)

and stealing eachother's honeyWe had the BEST time...we always have a great time with them. They are two of the funniest people we know and just in case you were wondering...I have the best family in the world...hands down. Oh and the most fun. Whew - It feels good to get that out there.

When it counts

Just like the commercial says - "having a baby changes everything."

You see the world differently, you see your life, your future, EVERYTHING differently. Relationships are scrutinized and it becomes your responsibility as a parent to protect your child from harm as much as possible. Suddenly things that used to matter don't matter and things you never gave a second thought are the center of your day. It's not about you anymore

I, of course, tend to be a worry wart. I come by it honest - a long line of worriers are in my lineage. I have gotten much better about it and I'm definitely better than I thought I would be concerning Jackson. I worry about silly things, serious things and things that are out of my control. I wish that I could prevent Jackson from ever being hurt whether physically or emotionally. We live in an imperfect world but we do have a perfect heavenly Father. I trust that although life and people will disappoint us, He never will. Luckily, we also have an amazing group of family and friends that God has blessed us with to lean on and guide us along our journey. The amazing love and guidance that each of you provide is priceless...truly priceless.

Nothing can be perfect in life and I hate that. Luckily for me, the disappointment in some is outweighed by those who have been there...continue to be there. And that's what counts.

We are surrounded by negative media, television shows, movies, etc that glorify drama in relationships. I know that we're here, we're stuck in this world for the time being and we have to do our best to be the light among the darkness BUT I want Jackson to be surrounded by light and that means being surrounded by people who exude light...to see others as Christ sees them and to treat others as Christ would treat them. Loving, kind, without bitterness and judgement toward others, not harboring resentment and forgiving above all else.

This is my prayer for each of you as well.

Bethany