Happy 13th Birthday, Jackson!

I wish I had days to scan photos but I don't so hopefully these pictures will suffice in the future printed album.  We were blessed 13 years ago with the miraculous gift of a baby and a beginning into the journey of parenthood.  Looking back through pictures, one thing was for sure....Jackson did a lot of smiling. He has always been spirited, daring and adventurous.  Every day is an adventure with him, most days are filled with laughter but of course there are days when we have to lean not on our own understanding;-)  He has taught us to lean on God for wisdom in all things, he's taught us that God created us all very different (no cookie cutter molds for this family), he's taught us that determination and will go a long way and he's taught us that many of the biggest blessing in this world take effort and work:-)  He is a loving brother and wonderful helper. He's athletic and creative and inquisitive about the things that he finds interesting.  He likes to see others happy.  He's fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image.   He is a blessing to this family and we give thanks for him often.  

Nurse Osa, who also helped take care of Sawyer

He was born a few days after 9/11 and only a few days early.  

There's no tired like "first baby" tired.  

  

This is the only thing that kept him happy while I took a very quick shower.
Even then, you hated sitting still Jackson:-)

I think this was his first time dressing up for Halloween

Sweetness!

Photo at  "Lala and Uncle Pher-Pher's" town home 

Christmas at Grandma and Papa's

At the ballpark watching Anderson play

Jackson and Andrew

He loved dressing up!  

At the beach with "Baby"

Birth of Bennett

Birthday party with his old Storm team- He still keeps in touch with Chase (left) and Sedrick (right)

And it all went by too fast.....we have a teenager now!  

                                           

Jackson's 13th Birthday, flag football party photos, 9/14/14:

Jackson with John Michael, who I started baby-sitting
when he was just a newborn 

Andrew was a great ref!

Halftime entertainment

   

Goodbye Summer! Welcome, 7th Grade!

We ended our summer with an extended weekend at the beach.  It was hard to leave. I heard Labor Day was was the last vacation until Thanksgiving.  I guess that means it's all labor until Thanksgiving, huh?  That thought was somewhat overwhelming.  Then last week, we started 7th grade and I came across a homeschool message about inhabiting your happiness.  I always love those reminders: don't rush to another moment, live in the present, don't live for Fridays or weekends or holidays but take in every minute God has granted and live, live fully!    Part of that message involves gratitude and being thankful.  As I look around at many who are suffering with illness, just giving thanks more often for being healthy is big step in living in fullness.

It's back to work for us but I'm excited that I get to enjoy my kids at home and immerse myself in what they are learning.  We have enjoyed a summer with fewer responsibilities and we are refreshed and ready to tackle 7th grade and preschool.  

I'm thankful that God gives us the seasons to enjoy, times to work and times to play.  I'm partial to summer but there's something wonderful about all four of seasons! As we transition to another season, I'm "working" on living in fullness:-)

Photo from Holly's R&F party this summer

Fall means more football!
(Jamboree in Greensboro)

Jackson 5  @ QB

Andrew and Sawyer swinging in Troy

Someone wants to share his snack

This baby is only a day old here

Science outside of our kitchen window

Walking at CB State Park

Hanging out on a branch

Jackson, Bailey and Sawyer

Backpacking:-)

Last evening of summer vacation- Fort Fisher

I love this picture!  It looks like Sawyer has a magic wand, swirling the sky with his finger.

Butterfly exhibit at Fort Fisher Aquarium

Sawyer has a butterfly on his back

Jackson doing his best shark face impression

Cousins at the State game
(Thanks Aunt Holly for game photos:)

Sawyer