Hiking With a 35 Pound Load

I love to walk and I love to hike. I haven't been able to do much hiking since having Jalon because he doesn't last that long walking on the trails and my stroller doesn't do well in that rough terrain. So I bought a Evenflo Trail Tech baby backpack. I wanted to try it out so, Jalon and I packed up and headed out to a local park. I got Jalon on my back and it didn't feel too bad, the weight was well distributed. About 20 minutes into it Jalon started making some strange noises, "Ugh, ugh, argh..." I said, "What are you saying?" He said the noises again. I said, "What is that noise?" He replied, "That's what Mommy says, ugh, ugh, argh." Haha, I hadn't even realized it...I was grunting while walking :) Well, thank goodness he picks up and points out EVERYTHING that I miss :) It was a little tougher workout than I thought it would be! Jalon had a blast though, he kept telling me what he was seeing and hugging and kissing my head. I enjoyed it, it was definitely different than any hike I remember, and a little heavier than I anticipated but it was manageable and I would do it again. My back didn't seem to hurt anymore than usual last night, but my legs were sore. So I guess I was using my leg muscles more than my back, that's a good thing. Jalon was such a great sport I took him to the park afterwards to play. Here are a couple pictures of our time in the woods.

Jalon's 2 Year Check Up

We had Jalon's 2 year check up today and everything went well. He gets a little nervous at this office because he remembers the shots in those early months. The past few times we've been, there haven't been any shots but my little man has yet to forget that trauma ;) He only shed a few tears today (no screams this time) as we walked into the office and went back to the room. He was comforted by Daddy and Momma promising that nothing would hurt...oops, we were wrong! And felt terrible, I don't think we had ever made a promise we couldn't keep! We apologized, he got his toe pricked and to our surprise he didn't cry. He's a tough boy, just has a tender heart sometimes. He is doing good with all his motor skills and his speech is great, his height has slowed down a little but the doc said he will probably be just as tall as Daddy or taller. That's just perfect. The doctor was a little concerned about him getting the calcium he needed since he can't have any dairy or soy products. He takes a supplement but that only gives him half of what he needs in a day. After doing some research, I think he is getting what he needs. Beans, greens, seeds, oats, and molasses all have a good amount of calcium. But I'll definitely be more mindful now. I told the doctor we want to go to an allergist. We would like to speak to a specialist and we would like to have him retested. We know God WILL heal our son. There is no question in our mind. We just continually check that we are doing our part. This is one of the many scriptures we claim to see this come to pass.

Jeremiah 30:17 "For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, saith the Lord."

Jalon is a healthy, happy, playful, energetic young boy who we just adore. There is no concern or lack in his mind that he's not exactly eating the same as others...his food is yummy to him and that's all that counts.

Train ride at the zoo

Boat ride

Funny Friday

I hadn't planned on posting anything today but I was just in my picture folder and found some hilarious photos...well, they made me laugh. I have more but I'll save them for next time we all need a laugh. Enjoy!

Joe, Eddie and myself are holding on for dear life, and Bree looks like this is a walk in the park. I love this picture!

This one is hilarious!

Eddie, the baseball star even at 2 years old.

I totally see Jalon in this one.
Haha! Eddie and his Michael Jackson doll, and dressed up just like him :)

Me, all ready for my recital...I thought I was a true dancer, who wouldn't with a tutu on :)

Thankful Thursday

This will be a shorter post but as always, I have a lot to be thankful for today so I have to post a few things.

I am thankful that Jalon's dentist appointment went so great today. He sat there and opened his mouth and showed his teeth like a champ. No crying and all smiles (maybe the airplane that the dentist gave him helped :) The dentist said that Jalon had nice teeth and great confidence. Definitely thankful for that.

I am thankful I have my family so close, they mean the world to me.

I am thankful that Mac and Mary will be coming to visit soon, we miss them all the time.

I am thankful I am about to take a nap!

How Can I Be the Best Mom?

I have been thinking alot lately on being the best mom I can be. One can have many ideas on how to be the "Best Mom."

Is it by having and showing love towards your children?
Is it by making healthy meals and snacks?
Is it by monitoring the amount of tv they watch?
Is it by teaching them the alphabet and their numbers?
Is it by teaching them manners?

I came across these scriptures the other day while studying some stuff on parenting and got super blessed.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Wow!! While all those areas previously mentioned are important in raising children, my primary responsibility in parenting (along with my husband) is to teach our son God's Word. Eddie and I are to teach our child diligently - teach him the Word when talking, when walking, when lying down, when living life...and that is how I can be the best mom I can be.

That doesn't necessarily mean I am constantly quoting scriptures. But I teach principles from God's Word in every facet of life. I will however put scriptures behind some of the principles we have already been working on. Like the reason we clean up our toys (I Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order). How else will Jalon learn God's Word if we don't teach it to him? So the past couple days we have been working on memorizing Ephesians 6:1, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. It is really cute to hear him try and say it....hmmm, maybe this will be my next video.

Just wanted to put in words what has blessed me lately and been on my heart.

Just Pics

Love Friday

I know a blogger that does "Love Monday" because most people are not too enthusiastic on Monday and she wanted to brighten up the day a bit. I like the idea. So this might evolve into "Thankful Thursday." But today is Friday, and I love Fridays!! ...So in honor of that, here's "Love Friday."

I love that we have our Bocce Ball Tournament this weekend.

I love the weather outside right now.

I love that I got a great walk in this morning.

I love to hear the sound of Jalon putting himself to sleep, humming and singing.

I love that Jalon slept until 8:30 this morning, I needed it.

I love that I get to watch a movie with Eddie tonight and eat my well deserved weekly dessert!

I love the people in our fellowship. We made shirts last night for our tournament and it was super fun.

I love that we are putting up curtains this weekend and the house will be almost done. Oh, here are a few pics of the house. Still a few decorating things need to be done...but here are a few.

The family room

Jalon's play area in the family room

More family room

Looking down the house from the family room (kitchen immediately to the left, office straight back, 2 of the bedrooms back left)

Kitchen

Living room from front door foyer





And last but not least, I LOVE you!