Tennessee Here We Come

There are a million things I SHOULD be doing right now because we are leaving for vacation on friday morning. Other than get all of our stuff packed we are also having an open house while we are gone so it needs to be clean (I like leaving the house clean but not that clean). I just cannot wait to go on vacation!!

Let me explain, my father is CRAZY about vacations (this may run in the genes). Both my parents were school teachers (when my mom worked) and so once spring break and summer rolled around it was time to hit the road. My dad bought into a time share when I was just 5 and continually has built weeks since then. My parents were not wealthy at all (did I mention they worked at Christian schools) but this has always been a priority to them. They drove junky cars, we did not eat out often and a lot of things were hand me downs but we did have great vacations.

Now that my dad has points stored up he generously gives us children vacations. I am so thankful for this because I feel that it is a need and otherwise we would not be able to afford them. The most vivid (and best) memories I have are from vacations and I am so looking forward to building some of these with our little family.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the man who comes home from work and instantly has to be in play mode, doesn't mind rolling around on the floor just to get a few laughs, sings all hours of the night to a screaming little boy, changes lots of nasty diapers, has incredible patience (when I want to scream) and wants nothing more than to see his son grow up to be a man who honors Christ with his life.

We are so blessed to have you in our lives!

Anxiousness & Worry

I am a weenie! There are a lot of things that I am not afraid of such as roller coasters, repelling, rock climbing or white water rafting (which I have done all of). But if there is a tornado watch or a really bad thunderstorm I literally start shaking. I hate them!! This is on my mind right now because last night we had some pretty severe storms and of course I got out of bed (twice!!) to check if we had a tornado watch (which we did). I love that I jump in bed when there is thunder (I will say it was very loud) but my 14 month old just sleeps soundly. I think that tells me something about childlike faith that my baby can teach me. God is sovereign and is in control! Period!

We are starting a new study at church this coming week called Calm My Anxious Heart. I have read this book over four times. I read it every summer because these are things I really struggle with (the book also talks a lot about contentment - add it my list). I tend to think about the "What ifs?' in life. What if Jason gets in a car accident? What if something happened to Owen? Oswald Chambers says, "It is not only wrong to worry, it is infidelity, because worrying means that we do not think God can look after the details in our lives, and it is never anything else that worries us." Ouch!

These last couple of years God has really worked on me in these areas (obviously, I still have a long way to go). But one thing that has made a difference for me is having a heart of thanksgiving. When I sit down and write out all of the things I have to be thankful for (sorry for those taking the study - this is in the book) I realize how God has been sovereign over the years and always provided all my needs. At that point worry starts to melt away (at least for a little while) and I am content in my situations God has put me in (again, I wish this lasted longer).

I am going to end with one of my favorite passages:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

AMEN!!!

A Full Week

Owen had to go to the ER last sunday because he fell on our heat register's knob. You can see where they glued (yes, I said glued) his skin back together on his upper right side of his forehead. Never thought that I would be so thankful for glue!

We got together with the Slagle side of the family this past weekend to celebrate my mom's b-day. Since it was such a nice day we all went to the Columbus Zoo and then had a picnic at the park. This is my niece Sadie and I am holding my brother's new puppy Scout (you can barely see her - she is dark and tiny).

Owen's first time to the zoo. We are standing in front of the Manatee aquarium. He did not care much about the other animals but loved watching the fish swim by right in front of him.

We have had visitors in our yard for the past week. Owen loves to watch them through the window or just run after them outside.

Baby Yosie and Lyndie came over for a visit. I wish we got a better picture but they just loved to hug eachother! Too Cute!

Yeah for Baby Einstein!!

Thanks to Baby Einstein DVDs I can get ready in the morning if we have to be somewhere, do a quick clean up around the house or take a snort snooze with Owen on my lap. I did not realize the power that these held until a few months ago. With his mouth open wide (like many males and TV) Owen is completely transfixed when these videos are on. Not that I allow him to watch these 24/7 but it is a nice 30 minute break during the day (somedays it takes all my willpower not to allow him to watch more than one). What would I do without them?? 

Wheee!!!!

Once again, it has been over a  month since my last blog. I promise I will try to post more often. Blogging to me is kind of like scrap booking (I know I should do it but I just do not really enjoy it all that much). Here are some highlights for the month of April:

* We celebrated Owen's birthday with both sides of the family. Of course he loved being able to have access to whole cupcakes at two different times. He got a little more daring at the Bradshaw's home and decided to to not only put it in his mouth but all over his face and hair. 

* We were told when we were at my parent's house that they are moving to North Carolina (I would not call this a "highlight" for the month but just a sad event). My dad's new job will be starting Mid July. This is a real bummer for me because I did not grow up anywhere near any extended family so I feel that I do not really know them that well. I think my biggest fear is Owen not being able to spend much time with them.  Guess we will just have to be making some trips down south (especially in the winter - I hate Ohio weather). 

* Owen got to go on a swing and a slide for the first time ever in April. It was so funny! He could not stop laughing his first time on the swing (now it is not nearly as exciting). If it is nice outside we have been going on at least one walk a day and try to  make it to the park. Neither of us like to stay inside very long. I think we still have cabin fever from the winter. I hope he enjoys the pool this summer. 

* Owen has grown in a lot of different ways over the last three weeks. Just yesterday he started making animal noises for the first time. He is also learning some sign language (and starting to use it at the right time). Other than Ma Ma and Da Da he has also picked up the word "nana" (for his favorite food - banana). 

*He also has started to become more verbal by letting me know when he does NOT like something. Screaming and crying have become much more frequent in our household. If I take something away that he is not supposed to play with I cannot just put it behind a pillow anymore (he knows it is there). He also HATES when I take him out of the swing. He is continually testing the limits on what he is allowed to do. Before when I would say "no" he would look at it and then walk away. Now he looks at me and touches it at the same time!!! Ahhh! Little stinker!! The sinful nature is coming out in him already! 

* Owen is much more cuddly now. He takes time away from playing just to come over and give me hugs and kisses (I can always get him to come to me if I "fake sleep" on the floor near him)! I LOVE IT! I guess that makes up for the times he won't go down for a nap or is throwing a temper tantrum. Speaking of naps he is now down to one a day (at least for now). 

* Jay and I are both doing well. It seems like every stage of Owen's life is a new adjustment. With him walking now and in to everything we pretty much have to keep our eyes on him at all times. We enjoy taking turns watching him so the other one can go to coffee, read or take a nap. We had a great date night a few weeks ago and are looking forward to another soon (Prince Caspian comes out mid May - Wohoo). I so look forward to spending one on one time with Jason and it is always so refreshing to get out of the house.  I am so thankful for an amazing husband!!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWEN!!!!