Wonderland

February has been a winter wonderland.

Staycation

After I kindly suggested Nathan take a vacation, he kindly suggested that I take the boys to Orleans for the weekend so he could have a staycation.

So last Friday, I packed up the boys and headed to Orleans and I am so glad I did!

Tucker had been home sick with a fever Thursday, but my parents welcomed us with open arms and helped me take care of everything.

Friday evening the Hamilton's hosted a birthday celebration for mother. My sister made a delicious meal and red velvet cupcakes for dessert. 

65 Fabulous Years! I am thankful for every single day in which I have been able to call her mom. She looked stunning in her fashionable ensemble.

We got to see Papa's new 1932 Ford Coop and check out his wood projects in his new shop.

I love this photo because it captures my precious baby boy, my loving, talented father in his new shop and a picture of my grandfather LJ in his old shop.

Tucker did lots of snuggling inside but was very interested in what Anna and Mason were doing outside.

It would have been easy for me to look inward and call Nathan selfish for wanting time alone. However, I have come to realize the importance of taking care of yourself so you can care for others. The oxygen mask theory and all. 

Nathan got his bachelor pad back and was able to refuel.

I had lots of help and could focus on caring for Tucker instead of feeling I had other things to do around the house. 

Grandma had us there to celebrate her birthday.

Papa got to spend time with his boys.

I got to chat over coffee with my sister.

Anna and Mason got one on one time.

Mason got to watch Isaac play basketball.

I got to have a deep and reassuring conversation with my dad.

#AllWeDoIsWin

It Isn't Enough To Love

My dearest Jentry,
I love you more than you will ever know. I have loved you from the minute I learned you were growing inside me and I will love you until my very last breath. I love you because you are creative and imaginative, sweet and sassy. You are quiet and observant and at other times you are silly and passionate. I love your love of music and dance. I love to watch you love on your siblings. I love your sense of style. I love that you love God and I hope you will always remember that there is nothing you could ever do to take our love away.  

Mason Dee,

I love you to Neptune and back. I love your sweet toothless smile. I love your endless thoughts and questions. I love that you love to cuddle. I love your love for jersey shirts. I love how you care so much for others. I love that you refer to God as “She”.  I love that your favorite songs are, “The Thunder Rolls”, “Drunken Sailor” and Ghostbusters”. I love that you need people. I love that you still want me to sing you “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” every night. I hope that you always know that your mother’s love for you is endless.

Tucker Roo,
I love your denim blue eyes and adorable smile. I love your soft hair and how you snuggle into my shoulder. I love that you love to dance with moves all your own. I love how you prefer me to anyone else. I love that you refuse to eat vegetables and say uh-oh as your drop your sippy cup. I love that you sleep well. I love that you perk up when you hear a train and point to your head and nose when asked. I love that you want to do everything like the big kids. I love your cabbage patch teeth. I love that you drive your tractor only in reverse and already make the engine sound. I have loved you since the day we started praying for you and you will forever be my precious baby.

Nathan,
I still choose you. I choose us. I choose an exceptional marriage. I choose a lasting love.

It isn't enough to love; we must prove it. – St. Therese of Lisieux

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love Always,

Mom (JM)

Practice

The Month in Review

This January we...

Climbed walls

Created

Early morning exercised

Danced

Transitioned to sippy cups

Smiled big

Danced some more

Played school

Drove tractors

And snuggled on the couch