George and Georgie

A few weeks ago, Madelyn started showing interest in Jackson's sidekick, George (his curious George stuffed animal that goes everywhere with him). Jackson technically has three Curious Georges, but only one will do to bring him comfort at night, but he still seems to have a soft spot in his heart---and his bed---for the other two Georges. He named the other two, "Night-time George" and "Georgie." When Jackson saw that Madelyn loved his George so much, he ran into his room and came back with Georgie. "Here you go, Madelyn," he said as he gave Georgie to her. Now Madelyn has her Georgie who she sleeps with every night, thanks to her sweet big brother Jackson!

The Quotable Jackson

Jackson has done an excellent job sorting out his family relations lately. Today he said, "You are my mommy, Madelyn is my baby sister, Nana is my Grandma, and Poppy is my big, big man!"

Madelyn @ 6-7 Months

Time flies when you are having fun, or, more specifically, when you are raising a toddler and an infant! Hence, I have been a bit lax on my monthly postings for Madelyn (Sorry, Baby Girl!). Madelyn turned a whopping 7 months old on Friday. That is so hard to believe. I mean, she is closer to a year than to being newborn! In these past two months, she has started to go to bed earlier and feed less at night (thanks to some helpful hints from the Pediatrician!). She is in bed by 8:30, which is such a blessing for both of us! Because of this, Jackson is getting to bed around 8:30 as well. I thought this day would never come, but, alas, it has (thank you, Lord!).
Aside from that, Madelyn's favorite things to do at this ripe age of 7 months is sit up and play, lay down and play (with nothing but a diaper on---she likes the freedom), chew on stuff, drool (no teeth yet, though), coo, laugh with Jackson, look out the window and watch the birds, watch our cat, Cassie, sit on the porch, and eat. She is an excellent eater and likes almost everything but avocados. Her favorite is sweet potatoes, and in a close second, is peas. She absolutely loves her big brother and it shows when her face lights up with a beautiful smile every time he enters the room. He is also the only one who can make her laugh really easy. I love seeing how they love each other. It truly is precious and one of my favorite things about parenting!

At her six month check-up, Madelyn weighed in at 15 lbs, 10 oz, and was 25 1/2 inches long, but I have a feeling after all the good eating she has done this month, she has surpassed that weight!

The Quotable Jackson

On occasion, Jackson will ask Troy or I for gum if he sees that we have some. We simply reply that he isn't old enough yet and that he can have it when he grows up a bit. So, the other day, Jackson walked into the kitchen and exclaimed, "Mommy, I grow up so fast!" I replied, "Yes, you sure have!" With that, he asked, "Can I have some gum?" Clever kid. Almost too clever.

Mommy FAIL! -Laundry-

I am totally copying this post from My Blessed Life (hope she doesn't mind!), but I love how it brings me to share a bit of "real life" in my home...a bit of honesty. So, I am sharing with you this week my "fail" that has plagued me lately because it has been happening so much...

I washed the same load of laundry three times this week. That's right...THREE TIMES! I always got distracted and with this warmer weather, well, it just went sour. Then, I dried the same load three times as well, because I kept forgetting about it, and my intention was to get out most of the wrinkles before I folded it. Sigh. I'm sure there will be a day when I can do a load of laundry without doing a million other things at the same time (i.e. changing a diaper, refilling a sippy cup, taking a toddler potty, cleaning up a spill, giving a little one a nap...). These things just remind me of my reliance on Christ, even in the little things like helping me remember my laundry. Yes. He cares even about that.*

*To listen to a WONDERFUL sermon that my pastor preached on that subject just this past week, CLICK HERE

Visit with the Greats

Madelyn with her (L-R) Great Grandma Fran, and Great-Great Aunts Allien and Margaret.

This past month, my Great-Aunts Margaret and Allien came up for a visit with my grandma. This was a very rare and special visit because Margaret lives in Texas. It was great to have the sisters together and to listen to their banter! I was also thrilled that they all got to see Jackson and Madelyn. Madelyn especially liked sitting in Margaret's lap and Jackson enjoyed reading with Allien. They are their Great-Great Aunts. Pretty Amazing. It was "great" to spend time with my great aunts, aunts, and grandma. It was much needed family time!Jackson reads a good book with his Great Grandma Fran and his Great-Great Aunt Allien

Jackson helps his Great Aunt Di and his Great-Great Aunt Allien with the dishes...what a guy!Jackson and Grandma have a "picnic"

The family @ my Grandma Fran's house.

Jackson looks for lizards with Great Aunt Dinda at GG Fran's house. I have so many memories there. It was great to see Jackson make some of his own!

A pose with Great Aunt Margaret.All of us girls...Top to Bottom, L-R: Dinda, Di, Mom, Jenni. Next row: Allien, Margaret, Grandma Fran, Me, Madelyn.

One last hug from Great-Great Aunt Margaret!

Baseball with GG

GG and her sisters recently came over for a rare visit with us, and my grandma, Jackson's GG ended up playing baseball with Jackson. Very impressive skills on her part...she hit the ball nearly every time! See for yourself!

On this St. Patrick's Day...

One of my favorite scenes in N. Ireland this time of year...green fields, blue skies, and yellow daffodils. (Photo taken 3/2007 on our trip to Ireland)

Today is St. Patrick's Day, which, oddly enough, is "celebrated" here in the US more than it is in Ireland. At least that's what I've been told by many of the Irish/Northern Irish folk. But, nevertheless, it is also my mom's birthday, so I'd like to wish her a happy birthday! Thinking of my mom also made me think of this Irish blessing because she used to have a picture in our kitchen window with this on it. So, on this Mom's Birthday/St. Patty's Day, I will leave you with it:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

The Quotable Jackson

Jackson loves his daddy and he loves to do things with him. Several times this week Jackson has told Troy and I, "When I grow up, I want to drink coffee and eat pancakes with daddy." I love how that is something he looks forward to doing!