Such love

Tonight is New Year's Eve, and because I'm still recovering from ear infections and Jacin is on call (currently out on a leak), we are ringing in 2011 at home. Oh well, at least I have some time to blog. :)

Every night when I rock Jackson to sleep, I thank God for the amazing blessing of a son. And then my thoughts usually drift to how much I love my JBird. And then I think about God, and how he gave his only son over to death for me. It makes me sick at my stomach to even think about doing that - giving up Jackson and allowing him to suffer and die to save someone else. I sure do love my Bird!

I don't think I'll ever be able to grasp how high, long, wide and deep God's love is, but JBird has given me a bit more understanding than I had before. And, I really don't mind the prospect of spending the rest of my life trying to understand and appreciate God's love for me.

Father,
My heart is full of thanks for the many many ways you've blessed me. Words don't come close to thanking you for Jackson and for the new insight you've given me. Thank you, God, that your love for me is unconditional and infinitely bigger and grander than I could ever imagine. Please guide my heart and life, and help me pursue your love and glory always.
Amen.

Christmas ReCap

So this Christmas was a little crazy for several reasons:
1. I did not have ANY ideas for gifts, so the majority of family members received gift cards. I guess Jacin felt the same way since he didn't have time to buy anything for me. I guess I'll have to settle for  a new dishwasher and microwave. Man, I guess that makes me an adult now.
2. This was our 1st year to do 3 separate Christmas gatherings - the Stovalls' on Christmas Eve, our own Christmas morning, and the Burns' on Christmas evening. It was great to see everyone, but it was a whirlwind. Maybe it will get less stressful in future years (or maybe not).
3. Jacin had just recovered from Strep throat (which he got from JBird). Bird moved on to bigger and better illnesses and was one sick baby - RSV and a double ear infection. Christmas Eve I started developing a knock-down drag-out sinus infection. Isn't it funny how everyone else in a household is taken care of when sick, but Mom doesn't seem to have a second to slow down when she feels like crap?. Welcome to motherhood (but I wouldn't trade it!).
4. It snowed on Christmas Day, and snow always makes things interesting when you live in the South. It sure was beautiful, though!

So, as you might imagine, it was a different Christmas for us, but still fun! In addition to reflecting on God's love for us demonstrated through the birth of Jesus, this Christmas was extra special because I got to see the excitement through the eyes of my child. I know he's still young and doesn't understand much, but he sure does love wrapping paper! Here are some quick photos from the various Christmas events:

The Stovall Clan

Feeling a bit yucky.

Merry White Christmas! 

As the PJs say, it was Jackson's 1st Christmas.

Having fun with wrapping paper.

Christmas Cheer

So in the midst of stomach viruses, colds, strep throat, etc, it's been a bit busy. We planned to make Christmas cookies this weekend, but Jacin and Jackson are running fevers. No cookies. I have to admit, I'm behind on shopping, nothing is wrapped, the house is a wreck, we haven't seen any Christmas lights, and I'm tired. Can you tell I'm feeling a bit like a Scrooge? I'm hoping tomorrow we will all feel a bit better and I won't be so grinchy. In the meantime, I've been wanting to post some pics of our Christmas decorations. Better late than never.

This is our den. The garland looks ok, but imagine what I could do if that obnoxious TV weren't there...

This is our Christmas Tree, and yes, it is in front of the front door. We didn't have anywhere else to put it!

This is the tree in mine and Jacin's bedroom. It's my favorite. However, the lights just stopped working. Bummer.

This is the "country" tree in Jackson's room. Mom made the topper and Alexa, Mom, and I made the burlap tree skirt. I really want to be crafty, but it's a work in progress.

This shelf is above the crib in JBird's room. Turned out pretty good.

And THIS is the Bird, helping to decorate. I'm hoping the fever, snot, and cough disappear and we see that smile again soon.

Be NICE!

One of the great things about living in the South is that you can expect people to smile and say things like, "Good morning!" or "Hi, how are you?". Regardless of how you're really feeling, these customary greetings express hospitality and remove yourself from the spotlight, giving you the opportunity to focus on another. I was raised to be NICE to other people. Things such as lack of sleep, long to-do lists, or bad hair days don't change the fact that I need to be NICE. Even if you DON'T think its a "Good morning, " you can at least smile and nod. Unfortunately, some people have completely missed this aspect of Southern manners.

There are one or two ladies at work that seem to think their own personal circumstances exempt them from smiling at others or even acknowledging them. NOT NICE. As much as possible, I hope my kids will smile at others, acknowledge them, speak to them, and help others feel the love of Christ. My kids will be NICE.

Just needed to vent.

Best Phone Call EVER

Today during my 5th period class, the front office called my room over the intercom.
"Mrs. Burns? Can you take a phone call?"
My heart stopped. I said yes and sprinted to the work room. The second the phone rang I snatched it up and answered. It was Jackson's Hematology doctor (well, his nurse) calling to say that ALL of Jackson's blood work had come back, and it was all normal. I started crying. I'm sure the poor girl on the other line thought I was super special. I hung up and went back to class, texting my husband and parents on the way.

Yep. That is probably the BEST phone call I've ever received. Normal results on the blood work means the Hematologist could find nothing to indicate a clotting disorder. Therefore, there is no reason to anticipate any future problems with clotting, bleeding, seizures, etc.  :)  (That's a BIG smiley face).

Thank you, Lord. You have blessed us so much already, and yet you continue to lavish your love on us.

"The word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood." Jn 1:14, MSG

Thank God for a hard head

I'm a little late in posting this, but it's been a busy week.
Wednesday morning, Jackson cracked his head on his changing table. He hit it pretty hard. I gave him Tylenol and held an ice pack on it for a few minutes. He seemed fully recovered. When I took him to DayCare, I told the ladies to watch him, just in case. I cried when I left - felt like such a bad Mom leaving my little Bird after such a knock to his noggin!

Three hours later Bird's DayCare teacher called my cell phone. Anytime my cell phone rings at school, my heart stops.
"Hailey? Jackson is vomitting. Kinda a lot. And he's acting funny."
Not what you want to hear after your kid has smacked his head. I called Mom and his pediatrician. Both advised that I take him to the ER just to be safe. I lost it. My Middle Schoolers were absolutely stunned, watching me run around the room grabbing stuff, writing an assignment on the board, and darting out of the room. I'm sure it was a scene.

I was a bit emotional (that's an understatement), so Roxane drove me to pick up Jackson and take him to the Floyd ER. Jacin met us there. Within an hour we were examined and sent home with the diagnosis of severe contusion, but NOT a concussion. Praise God! I stayed home with the Bird for the rest of the day. He cried for about 2 hours straight, and then slept for 3 hours straight. It wasn't exactly a fun day, but I can say this - I am very thankful for hard heads.