All a part of the plan...

It was so cute, this morning on the way to school Lucas says, "Daddy has a big test today and if he wins he gets Captain!" I said, “yes, you are right, but if he doesn't get it thats ok too". So he replies, "Why is that ok? We want him to get it". I told him, “yes, we want him to get it but if it isn't in God's plan for him to be a Captain right now, then it wont happen right now.” I told him how God has a plan for all of us and how God already knows when Daddy will be a captain. Lucas thinks about this. I continue, with how God already knows what he (Lucas) will be when he is a grown up, who he will marry, how many kids he will have, etc. Lucas says, "Man. he does? Why doesn't he just tell us? I think I'm going to have 15 kids."
After I explained to him about paying for kids and buying diapers and clothes and food, he said, "Ok. Maybe just 9 kids then."
I told him that I already felt sorry for whoever his wife was going to be and he said " Man, yea, me too. She will have all those babies in her tummy and her tummy will be WAY fatter than yours Mommy”

Oh, my Lucas, how you make me smile, laugh, and thank God that you are part of his plan for me!

Mom's Day 2010

This past weekend, my family gathered at my Aunt Gayle's house in Crockett for the annual Mother's Day fish fry. Almost all of my grandmas granchildren and great grandchildren were there, which was extra special for her. We planned to have my Aunt E take family pictures that day, but Lucas ended up with an upset tummy so we left early since he wasn't feeling well. We were able to get a lot of good snapshots, though. Take a gander:

the whole group

My Aunt "Duck" (grandpa's sister) with Kynnedi (my cousins daughter) and my Cason

Lucas with Skyler (cousin's daughter) in the wagon

One of my Granny's sisters, Gracie was there also, along with my grandpas sister, who is like another sister to Granny. It was good to see them and catch up. Everyone is so busy these days, we need to take more time to slow down and enjoy one anothers company!

Evidently blooger isn't uploading pics correctly now, so I will have more to come later from this special day!

Oh, you make me smile!

To Heath, Lucas, and Cason

You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me,
Lets me know that it's ok, yeah it's ok
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking the sidewalk crack and just like that
You steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you
Cuz everytime that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

The Name Game - SUYL

Over at http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/, today is Show Us Your Life Friday. Today’s topic is baby names – where you got them, the history, etc. So here are our stories.

Lucas Everett

Heath’s younger brother Jonathan, who was suddenly killed in a car accident in early 2004, was a blonde headed blue eyed beauty. Growing up, Heath’s dad thought he looked like Paul Newman. And of course, in the movie Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman’s character was Lucas Jackson. So, Dad started calling Jonathan, Luke. Heath decided early in the game that he would love to honor his brother’s memory by naming our first born after him. But, we didn’t want to necessarily name him Jonathan. So, Lucas it was. And, lo and behold, our Lucas came out blonde headed and blue eyed, just like Jonathan.
In September 2005, just a month before Lucas was due; we lost a dear friend to the war in Iraq. He was scheduled to come home in October. Christopher Lee Everett was a brave, honest, faithful young man when he was killed. He loved us both and was anxiously waiting to meet our baby. With his death and memory fresh on our minds, we knew that naming Lucas after him was the right choice.

Cason Heath

After we had decided on Lucas’ name, I saw a diaper bag with the name Cason on it and loved it. I have also always loved the name Case, which we sometimes call Cason. Of course, it is obvious where Heath came from. I think every Daddy should have a little boy that is named after him in some form or fashion. So, Cason’s not named after any deceased relative, but I do think it is very special to share your middle name with your Daddy. (Heath’s actual name is Billy Heath, but he only goes by Billy at work).

And, while we are at it, why not a little bit of history on mine and Heath’s name!

Billy Heath

Heath’s dad’s name is William, but has always been called Billy. Naturally, him and Heath’s mom wanted to name their first born after him, so out came little Billy. He is a little Billy in more ways than one. First, they look alike. Also, they are both very warm, caring men. They both love to pick on people and joke around as well. Heath’s mom loved the television show, Big Valley, but she loved the lead character, Heath, played by Lee Majors even more!! Guess you could call it a crush. Thus came, Billy Heath.

Monica Jeane

I’m not entirely sure of the origin of Monica, other than that it was a popular name in the early 80’s. I do know that my mothers sister, my Aunt Evelyn (E) came up with the idea. My dad’s dad’s name was Charles Eugene, affectionately referred to as Gene. My dad’s sister’s name is Jeanie. So there ya go!!

Stretch Marks...

If this doesn't explain it all... I don't know what does!

If you were to Google "Stretch Marks" (and if you were, you're having a really slow day)
here are some things you will read:


"Stretch marks are sort of a badge of honor in being a woman...and a mother."
Really? Because I would much rather wear a literal badge on my Sunday clothes than to have these things.


"Everyone likes and wants a perfect body with no special marks..."
I would agree with this statement. I would also like to meet the woman who has none on her body. Then I would like for someone to hold her down for me.


"The exact cause for a stretch mark is due to the skin being pulled..."
And here we are folks. Here's the real reason for such a name. Being pulled.
I'm pulled to the left and I'm pulled to the right.
I need to do this. But I want to do this.
This is priority. This is not.
This is easy. This is hard.
And through all of it we are being pulled.
In my 20+ years of serving the Lord, if there's one thing I've been - it's pulled.
But with every tug, I've grown, and changed. Matured and learned. I've won. And lost.
I've laughed. And sobbed.
And I have every mark to prove it.
And I wear them all...with pride.

Dear Lucas...

Dear Lucas,

Today, you are 4 years, 6 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days old. Physically, not much changes about you on a month-to-month basis, other than new scrapes, bruises and various other "bo-bo's" that are all a part of being a boy.

I am happy to report that you are loving t-ball. I think baseball is definitely "your" sport. I think that you would play all day if we would let you. Just last night you and I went outside and played catch. I think you are already better than me. Which isn't say a whole lot... but really, you are doing so good!

You also adore school. You are learning so much about letters, numbers, and other things. One of your favorite times at school is Bible story time, with playground time being a close second favorite.

Recently, you have just gotten funnier and funnier. You have quite the personality, my boy. You enjoy laughing as well as making other people laugh.

Current favorite toys - baseballs (of course), Buzz Lightyear, hotwheels, the wii, your new
alligator
We love listening to music, of any type, on the way to and from school. You love 89.3 (christian) and country. Your favorite singers are Uncle Chad, and the Zach Brown Band. Some of your favorite songs are: Today, by Uncle Chad; Toes, Chicken Fried and Sick em on a chicken, Zach Brown Band; Big Green Tractor, Jason Aldean; Little Black Dress, Chris Young; Crying for me, Toby Keith. There are many more that you know all of the words to, but those listed are your favorites.

Some cute things that you say - Instead of saying than, (taller than, faster than) you replace it with of (taller of, faster of). CUTE. Most words that begin with L still come out sounding like a W (wittle, Wucas, wove you) but you are slowly getting out of it and catching yourself before you say it.

Since Cason was born you have grown and matured so much. You are an excellent big brother and Cason is so lucky to have you. I know that he will always look to you for guidance and example. To be honest, I was dreading you becoming a big brother because I knew it would cause you to grow up even more! I am not ready for either one of my little boys to grow up. Especially you because you were, are, and always will be my very first baby! You taught me so much, and still are teaching me everyday. Daddy and I would be lost without you Lucas.

I love you little Lucas bear!

Dear Cason...

Dear Cason,

Today, my love, you are 3 months, 1 week, and 1 day old. We have started daycare and you seem to be doing well with it. Your teachers love you and say that you are a very good baby! Initially we had an issue with you not eating enough during the day, because you are so laid back that you don't even fuss when you are hungry. But now we are on a schedule and you get fed at the same times everyday even if you don't act hungry.

You also had your first cold last week, or the "daycare snots" as I call it. You did good though. The main thing was just the congestion in your nose bothering you when it was time to eat.

I can't wait to take you to your 4 month checkup with Dr. Prier and see how much you have grown!

New this month:
You have started rolling over (and over and over and over again) and "scooting" all over the place when we put you on the floor. You constantly have those little legs going full speed.

That blasted tooth that has you drooling and gnawing on everything still hasn't shown up. But we know its in there somewhere and will be here soon!

Your personality and character increases everyday. You are very laid back but love to play. You are always in a good mood in the early mornings and love to laugh and talk to us. You get pretty grumpy at night when you are tired though... but don't we all?

You love to sit in your glider at home and in the swing at school.

You have recently begun to enjoy laying in your crib and playing.

You also started reaching for toys and sometimes grabbing them this past month. You are growing up entirely too quickly!!

I love you, my little man.

Lucas

Some funny things that Lucas has said lately:

"oh yea, that's what I'm talkin' about right there" (after eating a rib hot off the pit)

after telling him that uncle nate and aunt kate were having a baby, "oh my goodness, another jackson cousin. don't tell me!"

"Mommy you should work with Papaw. Not where Papaw works, that would be to hard. But up front with the ladies. Then you wouldn't have to do anything all day!"

after saying, "adios and vaya con dios", "did i just talk spanish? i can't bewieve it!"

after i told him i was proud of him, "i know. im proud of myself."