Easter 2011

Easter is a time to remember our faith and all the wonderful things in our life that have been provided for us. This Easter season we realize we are so grateful for all the challenges we have over come.

Justin recently went through a long interview process to receive a new promotion in the middle of considering a move to Seattle, Washington as well as the news that his company may be acquired by another bigger company. Today we are thankful for Justin's job and the hard work he does to provide such a great life for us. Today we are grateful and know that we cannot control all the other stuff. We are also grateful for the 3 years I have been able to work part time to have more time with Jackson but still able to work to contribute to our family financially. Even when it has been hard to be away I know I am lucky to have this flexible schedule!

We are also thankful for my health after a bit of scare early this year with my heart. Through this process we learned that my heart is healthy as ever and the wonderful surgeons who did my surgery 30 plus years ago really did an amazing job. I am so grateful for their gifts and talent that have allowed me to be so active and healthy.

We also feel so blessed to have a very happy and healthy little boy. Jackson is strong willed and independent at times. He has his momma's personality to be a wiggle worm and be hyper. At the same time he is sensitive and caring and just needs some snuggles and hugs to calm down after getting worked up. I am grateful for the days that we have the patience he needs from us and pray for more of that patience as we struggle through the rough days. I am certain Justin had no clue what he was getting into when he married me and then had a mini me for a child!

This Easter we celebrated with a "Good Friday Party" I know it is a little odd.. but we did a family meal at our home with my side of the family followed by egg dying. It was great to have everyone together. Today, on Easter Sunday we attended Mass and then enjoyed a fancy Easter Brunch at a nice restaurant with just the 3 of us. Of course the Easter Bunny made a visit and we enjoyed an egg hunt!

This is a tradition in our family. It is the "Lamb Guy" My mom and I make it every year (she bakes it- I decorate it and eat it). Jackson helped decorate our lamb this year.

Skateboard Park

Jackson and Justin hit the skateboard park together for the first time today. Jackson did so great on his scooter. It is so funny to watch Justin learn to ride a skateboard when he is almost 35! Jackson would go up a ramp and then ride down- each time going higher up the ramp and faster down. He would call it a "trick." They really had fun.

Transportation Museum with Max and Zoey

St. Louis has so many fun kid friendly things to do. While we were in town for Auntie Em's wedding we spent some fun time with Max and Zoey. The transportation museum was so much fun!

Emily and Ben's Wedding

Just a few pictures from this weekend as we celebrated Ben and Em's special day.

Opening Day....

Deanna Rose Farmstead opening day that is... (AKA the Farm). Jackson took me to the Farm to celebrate my birthday. He had a great time and we were able to meet up with our good friends- Alli, Brody and Mason.

We love this place.

Justin's Promotion

Justin is now Senior Manager of Field Operations for the Great Plains Division of TMobile and we are so proud of him. He now reports directly to a Vice President/ General Manager of the company and has an "office" job. This means the end of travel for Justin (except for a few trips here and there). He has some big responsibilities but he is really excited.

Justin has been working so hard and this position is something that he really wanted. We are so excited for him. Still some big changes to come with his company but for now we are very excited about his promotion. We are also happy that a very stressful March has come to an end. We have been very lucky that everything turned out so well for our family and we made it through one of the hardest months yet.

Boys Weekend

While I was out of town this weekend Jackson and Justin had a great time! They started the weekend with Fish Fry at our church where Jackson ate 4 pieces of pizza and Justin commented they should consider not letting "kids eat free." On Saturday they went to the gym, enjoyed a puppet show production of "Jack and the Bean Stock", went to church and then rode bikes to dinner (almost getting stuck in the rain). On Sunday they went to the gym (again) and then Justin took Jackson on a 3 plus mile bike ride. They both had so much fun. I missed them so much but I am so happy for their bonding time. They say they missed me but......
Also Jackson has a bad cough so they didn't get much sleep but did enjoy cuddles on the couch while catching some basketball games!

I am pretty sure he grew up a ton in the 48 hours I was gone.