Jackson-isms Part 3

I have been collecting these little gems for quite a while in hopes of posting this blog and life keeps getting in the way. I keep a little notebook in my purse so that when I hear these adorable words, I wont' forget to record them for your entertainment and my memory. Each of them has a storyline behind it but here goes.

On the 2 minute drive to church one Sunday, we hear the song "Love of my Life" by Jim Brickman and I tell Jackson that this is the song they played at mine and your daddy's wedding. He asks me, "Was I in your tummy then?" NO, it was about 2 years later but I did wonder if this was a sign of the times. I'll have to invest in teaching the sequence of life to him more diligently.

Jackson was setting up an elaborate Geo-trax train maze in his room and it spread across the room. Roxy, as usual, was right in the center of us there. She had made her bed amidst the trax. He didn't like her near the trax thinking she would mess up the moving trains. I told him to leave her there, she was protecting him. He loudly hissed, "Roxy doesn't protect me, GOD protects me!" I guess he's right.

During Lincoln's crying fits in the car Jackson is always great to try and put his paci back in or do something to make him stop crying. He does get frustrated sometimes but he is always gentle and always willing to help me when I'm driving. Several times I've contorted my arm backwards to replace the paci only to find that Jackson's little hand is already attempting to replace it. I told him, "Jackson, you sure are a good big brother, I wish I had a big brother like you." and he asked me, "Mom, Could you get ME a big brother? I want to have 2 big boys" Somehow I think that would be hard to do buddy!

I admit sometimes I resort to using the threatening technique to achieve obedience. Mostly over picking up toys or eating dinner. Normal 3 year old behaviors but I always expect more out of him. So I told him if he didn't __________, I was going to whoop is tail.(in my most southern voice) He proceeded to tell me in a whiny tone "but I don't have a tail!" How do you keep from laughing.

We were loading ourselves in the car one day and randomly Jackson uttered this little bud of knowledge. "Mom, there's a golden road in heaven and when we die, we can walk on it" Now this is something him and my dad have obviously discussed at some point but is vision of it is right on!

Jackson was throwing a little 3 year old tantrum about something one day and I wasn't really feeling it. I stopped him and to make fun of his crying I asked him, "Did anybody die for you to be acting this way?" Not expecting this answer he said "Yeeeesssss." I asked Who? and he (still crying) said "Johnny Cash died a few years ago." That was not the reason for the crying but it got my attention. Another bit of knowledge from my dad but seriously, how many 3 year olds know Johnny Cash or care that he died?

During Jason's recent visit home He and Jackson rented Ghostbusters movie. He hadn't watched it before and thoroughly enjoyed it. Then at bedtime we did our whole routine and Jason and I went to bed soon after. We were watching TV when Jackson entered our room and came up to his dad and seriously and vividly said, "Dad, there's somethin' strange going on in my bedroom." Jason quickly caught on that it was related to the movie. Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Every time we leave the house Jackson and I go in rounds over combing his hair. He was dressed to walk out the door and I was fixing his hair reluctantly I'm sure. He looked over to Jason's sink and said, "Mom, I want to smell like daddy!" In a moment of sweet joy, I tearfully said I want you to smell like daddy too and gladly sprayed Jason's cologne on him. He told everyone at daycare that day that he smelled like his daddy. Later that night, I told him is was bath time and he protested saying he didn't want to wash off his Daddy smell.

After a long crying spell in the car Lincoln had finally fallen asleep. I was relieved to hear the music again and probably carry on a phone conversation when I hear him starting all over again. I immediately asked Jackson what happened, why was he awake again. Jackson told me, "I woke him up, I wanted to play with him." Really? Are we talking about the same crying baby? I guess a brothers love knows no bounds or is it sounds(really loud crying sounds)?

Only the child of a high maintenance kinda girl would recognize this but at Disney world, Jackson told my mom one morning, "Nana, you need your toes done!" Smart and fashion savvy. I think mom's pedicure was scheduled pronto after our trip.

Jackson regularly plays with the children that live next door. They, being great neighbors, also feed us on a regular basis. One night, Jackson ate dinner over there and they called me and said they were having steak salad and asked if Jackson would eat it and I said, he doesn't eat it at home but try it and if the other boys eat it, he just might. When he came home I asked him what he had for dinner and he said he ate salad. I acted surprised and said I didn't know he liked salad and he told me I don't like it here but I like it over there!

One morning at the breakfast table Jackson passed a little gas. Being a boy, he thought it was Sooooooo funny. I requested that he say excuse me. He told me, "Mom, God makes us poot. He doesn't poot but he makes us poot." So, there you have it. The infinite wisdom of a three year old.


That's it for round 3 but I'm sure there will be more and I'll keep that notebook handy to compile them. It won't be long and we'll begin throwing in a few Lincoln-isms to accompany them.

In my next 30 years

"I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years

Hey my next thirty years I’m gonna have some fun
Try to forget about all the crazy things I’ve done
Maybe now I’ve conquered all my adolescent fears
And I’ll do it better in my next thirty years

My next thirty years I’m gonna settle all the scores
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what I’m doing here
In my next thirty years

Oh my next thirty years, I’m gonna watch my weight
Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late
Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers
Maybe I’ll remember my next thirty years

My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here ,In my next thirty years

In my next thirty years"

I guess we've all noticed like to choose song titles/books in reference to my blogs. I thought this was more than appropriate considering I hit the big 30 this week. I even came up with a few things I want to accomplish in my next 30 years.

I want to raise these boys under the grace of God. I want them to grow up knowing that God loves them even more than I do and his grace is sufficient. I want them to learn virtues not just through teaching but by witnessing us act them out. I want them to be generous and patient. I want to teach them the value of education both in school and out. I want them to know and appreciate that I chose to stay home with them. It's my job and I take it seriously. I want to lead them in the right directions in choosing college, careers and more importantly in choosing a mate. I want to more consistently keep that in my prayers. I feel like my parents prayers were answered in that for me and my sister.

I want to trust Jason that he will continue to make all the right decisions for our family and his career. He has always led us in the right paths. Before he even knew me, he was making decisions that would better our future. He is seeking higher wisdom and I know that. He wants and knows what is best for us and I should trust in that.

I want to keep up with all the great friends I've come to know over the past 5 years. These people have been my family in more ways than friends of civilians ever know. We celebrate birthdays and holidays as if it were tradition. We laugh, cry and encourage one another through some of life's greatest challenges. My life wouldn't be the same without them. My children wouldn't be the same without them. I've always heard "it takes a village", I'm thankful for my village.

I want to run a half-marathon. Yes, 13.1 miles is my goal. I might even do it 2 different times. I fell in love with running when I realized it helped me to lose the weight after my first baby and then with the 2nd. I love the thrill of the race and the fact that I'm only racing against myself. Most people aspire to do the whole 26.2 but I'm still convinced I'll be happy with the 13 miler.

I want to make time for myself. I want to keep up the image of "the girl with matching earrings." I know a good mommy always needs to take time to be herself outside of kids. It's not always easy to do. So many days, my legs need to be shaved or my toes get neglected but those are the things that make me a girl and around this house I NEED to be a girl.

At the end of that next 30 years I want to become the grandparents that mine were to me. I have nothing but respect and love for my grandparents. I was lucky enough to grow up near both sets of my grandparents and I am a better person for having known them. They filled my childhood with loving memories and tradition that I hope to pass on when one day Jason and I have the honor of becoming grandparents.

In my next 30 years, I want to revel in the wisdom that only comes with age. Try not to worry about the wrinkles and gray hairs that are inevitable. I want to make an imprint no matter where this life takes us. I want to be better, in my next 30 years.

You're Gonna Miss This

Everyday I wake up and wish it was April. Some days while drinking my coffee I find myself gazing to the clock in hopes that it says 8pm instead of 8am. I admit that I am wishing my life away. I feel like everyday is a struggle of some kind all linked to the same problem. The problem is not the kids (although they do contribute). Some days I lack the desire to play Peter Pan or make googly faces to occupy a 5 month old. I want to eat a meal all alone or better yet, with adults only. I want to go to the bathroom BY MYSELF! Don't get me wrong here, this is still the greatest job I've ever had. The problem lies with the absence of the other half of this parenting team and my best friend. I'm very proud of him and what he's doing there. I'm proud that he has the strength of mind to be away from me and the kids and know it's all going to be ok.
Recently on an everyday drive down 87 listening to a country station, I got a much needed reality check on wishing my life, or the time with my children away. It changed my perspective anyway. I still wish every second he was home with us but I need to take the time to enjoy the babies while they are still babies. These are the lyrics that changed my week.

by Trace Adkins:

"You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this"

I'll love you forever

"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
as long as I'm living
my baby you'll be."

This is the title of one of our favorite books. It goes through the life of a little boy through manhood and how in each stage of his life his mom goes into his room and picks him up and rocks him back and forth signing the verse above.
Tonight, my great big nearly 4 year old boy got up 30 minutes after bedtime and asked me if I would rock him to sleep. You know what I did? I picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth.
So many nights recently, bedtime couldn't come fast enough. I feel like I've gone 3 miles past a marathon and I just want some time to myself. My day starts at 6am and spans 14 hours until 8pm. Then I'm not officially "off". I just get a 6 hour break. Despite all the bad days and hardships, It's the little moments like this one that still make this the greatest job I will ever have.

Saving money but losing my mind...

Yesterday I thankfully had the boys in hourly care for a few hours. I NEEDED to be away from them to appreciate being their mommy again. I had to get a few things for Jason because the PX has apparently had some type of stocking issues and doesn't carry shaving cream right now. So in my time off, I perused Target and stopped by Walgreens before arriving at the commissary. I am attempting to learn the art of coupon shopping. I have friends that are very successful at it saving around $30-40 every 2 weeks on groceries. I have accumulated several weeks coupons, printed some, read the deals blogs and organized them into the binder system recommended by the pros. I enter the commissary with my large zipper notebook and checklist in hand. Halfway through the store, I realize that my time has ran out and I have to go get the kids. I knew it was close by so I left my cart there and picked up the boys. By this time, it was 5pm which is quitin' time for most of the army and they all stopped by the Commissary today. It was POURING down rain as I attached Lincoln to my front carrier and ran to the door while Jackson squealed that the umbrella wasn't covering him. I should have taken this as my clue that this wasn't a good idea but I pressed on. I had already bribed Jackson for good behavior with a green lollipop but this was short lived. I continued the SLOW process of matching products with coupons while Lincoln protested it was time to eat and Jackson (who had already been placed in the cart for not listening) proclaimed it was time to go home. At the checkout, thankfully, the guy was understanding and appreciative of my coupon shopping effort. I carefully unloaded the cart while still wearing the baby and restraining Jackson from handling all the candy on the isle. Yet the fun still wasn't over after a whopping 3 hours total in the store. I got us to the car but we weren't dry. Being a good mom, I let Jackson eat his lunchable in the car and dinner was done but we still had to unload said groceries, feed the baby and get these guys in the bed while putting groceries away. I knew I had lost it when I was getting the boys out and find Lincoln sitting in a carseat FULL of check mix that Jackson had dumped on him. I probably spoke more loudly than I should have in my display of anger but it was the pinnacle and it had been crossed. By 11pm, I finally had the perishable items put away and had to call it a night. The end of the most stressful grocery store experience I have ever encountered. All in all, I saved $34 off my grocery bill but I just might have also left a little part of my mind and enthusiasm for coupon shopping in the store.

Sometimes, Daddy knows best

Day 2 at Walt Disney World was spent at Epcot. Me being the infinite planner had researched our agenda and had a clip board type plan for touring the park. Upon entrance Mom and I were the "fast-pass" volunteers. We were tasked with getting coveted fast passes for Soarin'. We made haste toward our goal and left the men folk with the kids and stroller. After securing those fast passes we checked in to find Dad and Jason committing the most common tourist mistake of getting in an early morning long line for photos with the Disney characters. This was NOT on my checklist for this time of day. I had a plan and they weren't conforming. Jason assured me that this was THE photo opportunity of the day and since they were nearly at the front of the line they stayed. I impatiently waited on them and when they finally showed up I reviewed their progress in the photo department. I have to admit, I was pleased. Jackson was able to meet Micky, Donald, Pluto, Minnie and Goofy all in one place and it didn't end up putting us too far off my schedule after all. I admit it, sometimes he's right (more often that I'd like to admit!)
Later that day, we dined at Coral Reef in the Living Seas restaurant. It was a nice meal in front of a LARGE aquarium. We rode Soarin' at least 2 times and Loved it. We also checked off Fast Track and mission Space in the Future World Section of Epcot. Since later this night we would be attending Micky's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Jackson needed to nap so Mom and Dad took the kids back to the hotel and Jason and I spent the afternoon in the World Showcase section. Lucky us, it was Epcot's Food an Wine Festival. Jason and I started out in Greece. During the Food and Wine Festival there are booths in each country featuring wines and small tastes of the local foods. We began with a sweet wine, Greek salad and a gyro. From there, we went into food and wine bliss. In true vacation style, we indulged in wine and food from every country that we fancied. We had champagne, french cosmos, and margaritas. We ate croissants, soups and empanadas. We literally made our way around the world in food and wine. We laughed and ate and drank. We really enjoyed our afternoon together there. Looking back, this was the only time we spent alone the whole 2 weeks but it was really great to have him by my side and all to myself!

This Magic Moment

I still don't know who was more excited to arrive at the Magic Kingdom, me or Jackson. I have waited my whole life to see this place and yes, there was a small tear of happiness as I finally laid eyes on Cinderella's castle in all it's glory. After purchasing the obligatory mickey ears, we spent the evening in Tomorrowland. Jackson was really excited to meet Buzz Lightyear. He said, "I knew we were going to where he lived but I didn't know I was going to get to meet him!" The main event for us was to see the SpectroMagic Parade and the Wishes fireworks show. It is supposed to be the essence of Disney Magic and it didn't dissappoint. It was magical, enchanting and everything I had always dreamed of. The parade was the highlight of my week there, along with seeing it through Jackson's eyes.

"Linc-I am your Father"

With all the star wars craze lately, I couldn't resist the title. Jason arrived home on Oct. 15th around 1140am. We waited impatiently at the airport gate for him. In true mom of two style, I had everyone perfectly dressed and hurriedly out the house with a few minutes to spare only to have 2 dirty diapers on the way and then discover that those 2 replacement diapers were the only ones I had with us. Yes, that fully stocked diaper bag must have gotten overlooked. So with an hour delay that gave me plenty of time to ride the moving sidewalks up and down the terminal with Jackson in search of a diaper for Lincoln, you know, just in case! At last, I discovered the wall of overpriced necessities in the terminal shops and forked over a whopping 7.00 for TWO huggies dipaers. I have paid less than that for entire packs before but I guess you can't put a price on a dry bottom. Just as I finished the 3.50 diaper change, his plane had landed and stood to wait for the grand entrance. He was of course, nearly last off the plane and Jackson got to him first. Jackson and I were so happy to see him and Linc, well, Lincoln was just happy to have on a clean dry diaper.

How to soothe a sad momma

Ok, so this disrupts Mari's chronological order of the blog but this had to be said and it needed to be today, for me and for the rest of the world to know I'll come out alive on the other side. Today was a sad day for us. We had to drop daddy back off at the airport on a very early, very rainy Halloween morning. There would have been no good time to do this task, so for us, one day was as good as the next. Jackson is always so good with this Army life transition of Daddy home, Daddy not. It's all he's ever known so when the time comes to say goodbye again, he does it with a smile and assurance that he'll be back as soon as he can. Me on the other hand, It never gets easier. In fact, under the circumstances of raising the boys alone, it only gets harder for me. I do gather my crippled emotions faster when it comes to loosing it in front of them but it still happens.
So as we drive away from the airport drop-off, I fumble to find Christmas music that will stifle my sniffles and disguise my tears. Jackson ask, "Mom are you sad?" I tell him that yes, I'm sad because I'll miss Daddy. He says, "but he'll be back. Don't be sad". I attempt to glean some of the strength he displays and he says "Mom, you can have one of my toy book pages if it will make you feel better" He proceeds to rip one of the pages from his prized Toys-R-us catalog and hand it to me. I finally composed myself and hit the interstate home sipping my luke warm coffee like it was my best friend. He then said, "Mom, do you feel better now?" and I said yes, I'm better now so he said "Could I have my page back then?"
I guess the song and verse is true in more ways than one: He gives and takes away.

The new and impoved Lincoln

My sweet baby Lincoln in his short life thus far has really tested my patience and sometimes my sanity. He is much different than my first born. He won't conform to my idea of a schedule, he won't take a bottle and he won't stop crying from 4pm to 8pm. The tag team of care givers I had in Alabama made this a minor infliction but dealing with it alone each day made it seem like an impossible feat. He likes to eat, he is demanding about it and he eats every 3 hours around the clock! I had succumbed to the fact that this was to be Lincoln's personality about the time he was due his 4 month shots. The day of his shots, I closely protected both children from all the germs to be expected this time of year in the Doctors office and we had an uneventful visit where Linc received his 4 month shots. I watched him closely to make sure he didn't develop a fever from them and like clockwork, he started his nightly crying routine. I have been feeling bad that Lincoln cries during Jackson's story time so this night, I decided Lincoln would cry in his own bed while I spent a few minutes reading to Jackson. When story time was over, all was quiet. He had cried himself to sleep. I checked on him multiple times before I went to bed and all was good. I went to bed myself and turned on my fancy video monitor (LOVE IT!) to watch him. I woke up at both 2 and 4am to find him still sleeping. Yes, parental success! He slept all night the day after his shots. Since that day, he hasn't slept through the night again but he has been a MUCH more pleasant baby both day and night. He is HAPPY in the mornings and enjoys time playing. At this rate, I may get him shots once a month.
Ok, ok, I admit it, I have a dirty little secret that may be responsible. No, I haven't been slipping him bedadryl. I also started feeding Lincoln cereal about that time and that may have something to do with his demeanor. He really likes to eat it and he is doing well with spoon feeding. Next up on his baby foods list....avocado! Yes, it is supposedly a baby "super food". And highly recommended as a first food for baby.

The "before" picture


The new and improved version "Who's that goodlookin baby in the mirror?"

Operation Project Disney

For the last several weeks, I have spent my evenings on the computer (what's new?) researching out trip to Disney. My mom (smart girl) signed us up for a Automated Vacation Planner site that gives us a touring plan and insider tips for beating "them" crowds. I have devised an entire BOOK for our specific days and attractions within the WDW theme parks. I have a check the block itinerary for every day beginning most days at 8am. Oh, yes, Jason's going to kill me! This cool website advises you as to the least crowded days to visit each park and the explanation as to why you go here first and here last. It also tells us where to stand and walk to watch each of the magical parades. We also have coveted (and very pricey) tickets to the Micky's Not So Scary Halloween Party. As you may have guessed, I'm as or maybe more excited about Disney World than the children. All I have to do is THINK about the castle view and I start to tear up! I have been waiting on this magical vacation all my life so there is a special thanks due to my husband for spending HIS 2 weeks (in a YEAR) off work at the happiest place on earth! He quite possibly made me the happiest wife on earth by agreeing to this.

Sick and Tired of being sick and tired

So we all know Murphy's law of deployment. What can go wrong will, what can break will and the ONE person that can't afford to get sick undoubtedly WILL! I think we've got all that covered this week. BOTH of our cars are currently illegal to drive (shhhh no one tell the police). Jason's has needed state inspection since JULY and I just learned my post sticker has been expired since APRIL. The air conditioner is broken, something I definitely can't fix. And the only adult currently residing at 116 Leggett got Strep Throat. I woke up Wednesday morning with an severe sore throat and started calling for a Dr. Apt. I got one for the afternoon and thought I could still go to my beloved Bible study that morning. After we got there, I got chills and knew it was time to go home. Before I left, i had the school nurse check my temp. Yep, I had a fever of 101. So I shuffled my phone to see who could watch my children while I went to the doctor. I scattered them around the neighborhood and took myself to the doctor. When I arrived to a FULL waiting room, the receptionist handed me a mask and asked me to wear it. Yes, I racked up some serious cool points for that! Jason had finally called me, in the waiting room talking through a mask. I got my meds and collected my children. We all three went to bed at 745 that night. Luckily, I had pre-arranged childcare for the following day on which I dropped both kids off, looking rather deathly and went back home to sleep more. After I picked them up I had an awesome friend that had offered to keep Jackson the rest of the afternoon and even bathe him. I couldn't say no with the way I felt. Three days later and LOTS of much needed sleep, I'm as good as new. Ready to face another day in the life of the temporary single parent. Thank GOD it is just temporary! He certainly knew what he was doing when he gave children 2 parents, they NEED it!

Protection and Forgivness

First, a confession from a weary mom of 2 who is in desperate need of the presence of the husband and father of these 2 young boys. On Wednesday morning before Bible study (Oh, why does it always have to come out before church?), we were rushing to get out the door. The reason we are always rushing is beyond me. I go so far as to lay out everyone's clothes, make the coffee, lay out our breakfast and load the car with the necessary things. After everyone is dressed, I ask Jackson to get his shoes on, which he is normally capable of doing alone. I'm used to repeating myself several times so I sang that song oh, about 20 times before I had to raise my voice. Sadly, I admit, it goes downhill from there. While holding the crying baby and an armload of stuff, Jackson proclaims he can't find his shoes...the ones I LAID OUT! I leave him with the threat of finding them and load the baby and the necessary cup of joe in the car. I come back in to find Jackson daydreaming and NOT engaging in that shoe hunt I left him on. So, I'm past raising my voice which sounds so polite. Now, I'm yelling. I'm yelling at a 3 year old because he can't find his shoes and he's going to make us late for my Bible Study. I certainly cant' claim perfect, maybe I can claim to wear matching earrings MOST of the time but perfect parenting is usually a fasad. We were able to locate the missing shoes and arrive 5 (unimportant) minutes late to Bible study today. In the midst of Bible Study on "Esther, it's tough being a woman" I start to feel an overwhelming sense of guilt for the shoe finding episode at home and I know just what I need to do. I go to the preschool class and call Jackson (who is of despite our altercation, happy to see me). I told him that I wanted to say I was sorry for yelling about his shoes and that it was wrong for me to handle it that way. I asked him if he would forgive me? That is a new tactic we've been working on. I'm sorry is no longer the end all, it must be followed by "Will you forgive me?". I like the principal it teaches and it was quite humbling to say it myself. We followed Bible study with a trip to the Mexican Place as Jackson calls it. I hope we both learned a little lesson here, 1) know where your shoes are and 2) mommies make mistakes and also have to ask for forgiveness.


I think this photo says a lot about how Jackson has stepped up to the plate in home protection with his Daddy gone. Nobody and I mean NOBODY is going to be stealing our silverware or our dishtowels. I took the gun down and handed it to him to put away and he said, "No, leave it there, that's my gun rack."

Still the One

See that guy up there, the one in the knock your socks off white prince charming ensemble? Yep, that was August of 2000 and I knew even then that he was "the ONE." So here we are 9 years, 3 deployments and 2 kids later. This isn't the blog for our love story but it is a testament to our commitment. I have recently calculated the percentage of our married life that he has been gone and it lands somewhere around 40% (I'm a "glass half-full kinda girl"). I always say our pre-married life was conditioning us for our future together. We wrote and called long distance from Auburn, AL to West Point, NY more than most people would have been willing to do. At least then I got to see him every 6 weeks or so. I love that we spent the first year of marriage paying off those plane tickets! My recent Bible study eluded to the fact that there are No coincidences, only instances in which God chooses to remain anonymous. I love knowing that despite the hardships, I'd always rather be married to him half a world away than be married to anyone else. Today a rather large bouquet of flowers was sitting on my doorstep delivered from the other side of the globe just for me! There was no holiday or occasion, just flowers. Funny how songs always seem to say what you are feeling and recently I was listening to the newly discovered Pandora and I hear the song "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colby Caillat. Here are the lyrics that seem so fitting and needless to say, I think I'm "LUCKY."

Do you hear me,
I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Resume Building: Potty Fixer

Mowing grass...check, paying bills...check, vehicle maintenance...(almost)check, trash collector...UGH check. Along with all my wifely and mommy duties, these are some of the husbandly duties I must take on while Jason is gone. Some of them I don't mind too bad. SOME of them (TRASH)... I ask for a written promise that I will NEVER have to complete these tasks when he returns, true story! So while fulfilling my duty of raising these boys is never dull (or on time for that matter)some days a just simply more of a challenge. You may thing I take on those challenges with a smile and earrings but some of them can only be described as DIRTY JOBS! I can change diapers and potty train with the best of them. I can clean up after dogs and cats too. But when your three year old is yelling again from the bathroom..."MOM, MOM...the potty is broke again, Come here", I automatically cringe. This type of crisis requires my immediate attention. Jackson is completely self sufficient in the bathroom now and this has led to a stopped up toilet on a couple of occasions. I saved the days with the trusty and oh so nasty plunger those times. So as I quickly enter the bathroom, I just say a little prayer that there is no moisture on my tile floors. I walk in to see my three year old standing on a stool with the plunger inside the toilet. THANK GOODNESS, I see that it's a clean toilet. I immediately see that it is not another clogged potty and proceed to help him flush it when I realize that it won't flush. Now I see where his problem lies. So Jackson and I pull our pants down a little in the back (plumbers crack) and remove the back of the toilet. I see that the chain is broken but I have not a clue as to how to fix it. Next move: Phone call to Daddy. He explains that I must stick my hand down the back of the toilet and let the water out and remove the chain. Are you kidding me? Do I look like the kind of girl that is going to stick my hand anywhere in a toilet? He then explains not only is the water clean(whatever!) but I can also turn the water off and drain it before removing the chain. I take off the part and place it into a zip-lock bag for a Lowe's run. After choosing my earrings of the day and meeting the girls for a Vietnamese lunch the boys and I walk into Lowe's and ask for help finding one of "THESE" while holding up the baggie. I find my potty part and we're on our way, feeling somewhat domestic and successful at attempting to fix the potty. I'll be honest, I've considered waiting on someone else to come and do it or just waiting on the sweet husband (5 weeks till R&R). I mean, we have another bathroom, right? But tomorrow I'll probably put on my big girl pants and pull the down in the back of course and attempt to fix the broken potty. But I mean, seriously, talk about DIRTY JOBS? That's just not in my job description...until now.

Wanted: Dead or Alive

Jackson has become quite a hunter around our house. He regularly shoots bad guys, dogs, cats and good guys (when he IS the bad guy). Deer and rabits don't have a chance around these parts. Sometimes he chooses the rifle, sometimes the pistol and sometimes it's buzz light years laser gun. As of late, he's even used a large plastic dagger to cut me when I don't please him. No matter what the weapon of choice, Jackson is learning to live up to his role as man of the house!


I recently went into Jackson's room to check on him at his nightly request. Little does he know I've been checking on him every night of his life before I go to bed. This is how he was sleeping when I checked on him.

Labor of Love

Nana, my mom, came to visit over labor day weekend. She is our personal photographer and I'm so lucky that she has such a great eye to always take awesome pictures of my kids! And thank goodness for photoshop to make me look a little better! You know the camera adds 5 lbs right? Their Nana seriously loves these kids. I mean she let us move in with her over the summer and we BRING the baggage(a uhaul full). You can't possible image how many images it takes to get this many good pictures of both of them together. And I mean it is WORK! 1000 images and a bag of skittles later, we finally had something to work with. As great as these photos are, I can't shake the feeling that something (or someone) is still missing ;)

Blog, blog, blog

Status Report

Life has been busy, yet uneventful at the deFoor house. We are in the midst of this year long deployment where all conversations are "What are you doing?" "Nothing, what are you doing?" "Nothing." Yes we are inching closer to R&R but the days are long and seem to be dragging. Not as much so as they will be in Feb. and March I know! This "status report" is blog-lifted right off of my good friend Mari's page. She is to whom I credit my inspiration to blog.


Sitting...at my permanent fixture the kitchen table with my husband's replacement (a red hot laptop computer) Some friends and I considered making an ellipitical machine that you can somehow attach your computer to the front so that I could spend all this time on here while also working my buns!

Drinking...the last of my Diet Dr. Pepper from Dinner. It can sometimes curb the cravings for dessert. And sometimes NOT.

Noting... my ever-growing to do list. The grocery list, the sites to look up, the jackson-isms to blog about. And the fact that every night I say once I get the house cleaned up, I'm going to work on my scrapbooks that are currently taking over my once fancy dining room and never seeming to do it before the clock strikes midnight.

Weighing...physically UGH, do I really have to go there?
Literally, whether or not we should book a character breakfast at Disney in October and if so, which one?

Tired...of HIM being gone. I can't even begin to describe how tired I am of my best friend living half-way around the globe.

Thinking...about our busy week ahead. I enjoy the "fast pace" of life around here and how something always seems to find a way to fill my evenings. I'm so thankful for the neighborhood I live in and the girls that are always willing to keep me company!

Wondering...if I should try to wake Jackson to go to the bathroom. He cries at night to not wear a pull-up but when we've tried the no pull-up in the past, he's woken up wet, changed clothes, gone back to sleep and STILL woken up wet again in the morning. To wake or not to wake? That is the question.

Reading...Beth Moore's bible study: Esther, It's tough being a woman. It seems like it's going to be an awesome bible study and I'm going through it with my MOPS moms at church.

Recently finished... a slice of curried Nan (Trader Joe's flat bread) and a cup of Campbell's Soup at Hand-chicken and stars. It's pretty good and only 70 calories. I may forget how to cook all together.

Also wondering...if it's possible for a mom to squeeze in a child-free run this week. It's my best form of stress relief.

Needing... to get the groceries on the list. Also to hang the mounds of clothes in the kids rooms. That's a testiment to a mom who is somewhat addicted to kids clothing!

Not liking...that nearly every function I attend somewhere between 70-90% of my friends husbands are currently deployed. I always wonder, where does that leave the safety of OUR nation?

Feeling silly... for ALWAYS staying up too late. Also, for getting so stressed out about my crying 3 month old. He is obviously perfect in every way as he lay in his little bassinet quietly whimpering from his 2 hour crying bout this evening. Why do I always want to pick him up and squeeze him right about now?

Ok, more to come in the life of deFoors (at least the ones on this continent.)
Stay tuned!

Cry me a River

We've all at some point cried ourselves to sleep for one reason or another. It may have been for a good reason or (when you're pregnant) for no reason at all. I can say I've never heard of crying your brother to sleep but Lincoln somehow managed to do so! Lincoln has decided the car is for crying. He doesn't yet understand that we live 30 minutes from ANYWHERE and this momma likes to travel. He and I will surely have to come to an understanding but for now we are at a standoff. I travel, he cries. He cries from our house to post, church, shopping and all the way home. For Lincoln, there is no consoling. You can stop the car and get him out but the minute you think you are going to place his precious bottom back into that carseat, the floodgates are once again opened. I've used tricky tactics such as turning the radio up so that it drowns him out but when you turn the Disney songs, or whatever is playing, back down it starts again. Oddly enough, Jackson doesn't seem to be bothered by his crying. He dilligetly tries to give him his paci but gives up when he sees he's getting no where. So right now it's Mom versus Lincoln in the car and I'm not sure who's winning the battle but I WILL win the war. I am a "stay at home mom" but the last thing this momma's going to do is stay home! I just might have to invest in some noise canceling headphones for the sake of my sanity and social life!
I might add that Jackson has recently decided that he's "too big for a nap" and it has led to him being in a state of exhaustion on busy days.

It ain't over till it's over

We are finally back in North Carolina and I am so happy to be back here. I loved being in Alabama all summer. I loved the help I had with the kids. I loved being with my family. In all the same ways, I love being back here at my house. I love being back here with my friends. I love being surrounded by women who are going through the same situation that I am and allowing me to see I'm not the only one. I may be alone but I'm not "alone" all by myself. At any given time there are 10,000+ ladies in this town that go to bed alone every night. That means there's a lot of lonely wives around here. That also means there's a lot of ladies just like me looking for ways to fill their time until (insert possible date here). We share so many of the same emotions that you just can't help feeling surrounded.

Tonight my attention was brought to a news website. Most military wives know, we NEVER watch the news for our own sanity. The website proclaimed that part of the 82nd would be extended for 52 days longer than their expected 1 year deployment. In a moment of a mini-heart attack, I made a few calls/emails and apparently this will not apply to our unit, not right now anyway. However, sadly, it does apply to someone. Someone had their countdown extended and when you have a countdown extended, it's sure to be the longest 52 days in history. I'm thankful that it's not us (not yet anyway!). I just can't help but let my heart go out to that mom/wife that found out that she had to endure 52 days MORE of this utter loneliness and press on for her children, her husband and herself.
Make no mistake, this job of being a military spouse is not an easy one. My heart aches nearly every day for a different aspect of my military mommy friends going through a different hardship. It never gets any easier. Another famous phrase comes to mind in reference to those extensions, whether it be 2 days or 2 months.
"It ain't over till it's over". Until they all come HOME!