My Dear Friend, Jessica

As seen on my Instagram, my dear friend, Jessica, has moved back to Alabama. This is even after numerous attempts to try and move her into my basement.

 

2008- Halloween

(Suzy, me, Jessica)

We were the three blind mice. I cannot believe how empty (and clean) Lake Forest looked! This was the first year the school opened.

 

2009- Alli's Birthday Party

(Jessica, Suzy, me, Alli)

 

2010- Holding Amy's Baby, Savannah Grace

 

2010- Halloween. We were Waldo.

 

2011- Amy's "Retirement" Dinner

(Jessica, Alli, me, Amy, Ian)

 

2012- Hosting Jessica's Baby Shower

 

March 2, 2012- Burke was Born!

 

2012- Amy's Baby Shower

(me, Alli, Jessica, Amy)

And just as our friendship grew, so did our boys'...

You may be thinking, "Big deal, people move." And you would be right, but you don't know Jessica. If I had seen her on paper, I would have hated her. She is gorgeous, thin, likes to exercise, never gossips, a creative mom, and (gasp) an Auburn fan (in fact, she was a majorette for them.) Yet her great qualities (except the Auburn part) make you want to be a better person, not run from her.

Growing up, I was taught that you know a Godly woman by their actions, not their words. Nobody demonstrates that better than Jessica. (It is funny, because I think I told her this right when I met her and she probably thought I was a big bag of crazy.) She never judges anyone or talks poorly about people. When I taught with her, she would stay late to help another teacher plan or was just there to talk. I can't tell you how many times I went to her with my problems, before anyone else, because of what a great listener she is. (Side story: When we found out I was pregnant with Gaines, there were five people who initially knew- our parents and Jessica. I felt so guilty for being pregnant (again) without trying. I felt scared that I was going to have two children so close together. I knew though that Jessica would somehow tell me something magical to make me feel better. I can't remember what she said, but she did.) She organizes awesome activities for the boys when I am being a big slacker mom, and then usually ends up holding one of my kids when I am completely overwhelmed.

I hate that she is gone. Today is her birthday, and I wanted nothing more than to hang out. I know God sent me Jessica when I moved to Atlanta. He knew I needed a good friend. Now I guess there is a lonely girl in Sylacauga, Alabama that needs her. Jessica, thank you for showing me how to be a Godly, sweet, kind, compassionate patient teacher, daughter, wife, mother, and friend. I love you and please move back.

Ramblings from the Past Week

Not a whole lot words, but a whole lot of pictures. And most are from my phone, so the quality might not be that great.

When Woody hears Gaines get up from a nap, he likes to get in his crib to greet him.

We will add this to the list of things that make Gaines nervous...

This one started out with his head under the bird and tiger. He can really get around by scooting on his back.

 

Woody has found a new way that Gaines can help him with his tower building...

 And his truck driving...

 And his counting...

On Tuesday we went to a pool play date. My mother-in-law bought these precious outfits for the boys. They have a little growing into them to do.

 (From Left-Right: Burke- Jessica's son, Blakely&Jackson- Alli's kids, Woody- mine, duh, Gracelyn- Catherine's daughter. Gaines was napping during this photo op.)

And selfies are still happening. Along with Woody's crazy curly hair bangs.

On Tuesday night, I enjoyed Ladies Night Out. My dear friend, Jessica (Burke's mom), is moving back to Alabama. I cannot explain how I don't like this news at all and am thinking of lying in front of their moving truck. This was her good-bye dinner.

We all taught together at Lake Forest.

(From Left-Right: Alli ('08-12), Adrienne ('08-present), me ('08-14), Jessica ('08-13), Catherine ('11-13), and Lisa ('11-present)

On Wednesday, we went to Catch Air with Jessica and Burke, and some new friends, Leslie and Alessio.

This next video makes me so sad. Woody had never gone down this slide by himself. And secretly, I loved going down it with him. Right before we were about to climb up together, Woody pushed me back and said, "No, Ma." I had to abide by my own rule- No crying at Catch Air.

 

Then Minnie Mouse came out for a Dance Party!!!!

My child has obviously perfected his "spin in circles over and over" signature dance move.

 

The day was clearly exhausting.

 

 

During the week, our AC froze up. The bedrooms and a lot cooler than the living room, so we played a lot in Woody's room.

 By Friday, we finally had AC! Wahoo! Gaines woke up early from his afternoon nap. He feel asleep when I was feeding him (which he rarely does), so I knew he was still tired. He ended up sleeping on my bed another two hours! I was so nervous about him sleeping outside of his crib, I just stayed beside him. Luckily, Woody was still sleeping too.

When Woody did wake up, he had some epic hair and a sneezing fit.

  

 

And of course, some park action.

 

Happenings Around Patches

Have I ever told you the name of our house? His name is Patches. Mostly because I like the song. And Patches has random, patches of collections. (Ahh, see what I did there?)

I've really gotten into a blue theme. I blame Momma. She has a blue kitchen and every time I go home, I try to figure out how to smuggle some of her everyday dishes and sugar jars home. It made me thinking I wanted a blue kitchen...

Turns out I didn't. After one coat, I decided I would just stick to the blue in my countertops and not completely Smurf out my kitchen.

Any suggestions on a color? I am thinking of living on the wild side and going with white. Risk taker I tell ya.

Speaking of suggestions, any ideas on what we should do with this beauty?

Ugh. I can't just rip her out either. The previous owner did some "interesting" wiring that would be major $$$ to take out. So like most things, I plan on putting lipstick on it.

 via

I have asked Brooks to build something like the hood around it. The likely hood of it happening? Eh. So maybe the suggestions should be someone who could build it for me.

Something that is getting ripped out are these bad boys...

 

(Sorry for the eek lighting)

And they are getting replace with these!!

 via

We ordered these a while back, but they are back-ordered until August. One last update. Aren't my hydrangeas gorgeous?

I use the word "my" very loosely, as these were clearly planted by the previous owner. Apparently, much better at gardening than electrical work.

Father's Day 2014

Brooks and I are so blessed to both have amazing fathers. We are close to our dads and have so much respect for them. I once heard in a sermon that our relationship with our fathers often shapes the relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. My dad and father-in-law are wonderful examples of Godly men. I know that we are lucky to have our dads with us so that our children can have relationships and memories with them.

 

My Dad with Woody (July 2012)

My Dad with Gaines (March 2014)

 

 

 My Father-in-Law with Woody (I can't find any with Gaines!)

Brooks and His Dad

My husband. My sweet husband. I never knew how much I loved him until I saw him become a father. He gives his all to our boys. He stays up late and gets up early. He cooks meals, changes diapers, runs baths, wipes noses, gives hugs and kisses, and sings silly songs. He works hard for them and prays harder for them. He never complains about the hard times, but instead rejoices in how lucky he is to be their dad.

 When Brooks Became a Dad (July 2012)

 Father's Day 2013

 

Second Time Becoming a Dad!

 

 Brooks and his dad have always gone hiking together. Last week, they kept the tradition going by bringing Woody.

Father's Day 2014

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."

Genesis 18:19