2009 in Review

This year I did not get the opportunity to mail out Christmas cards. Seems I'm still trying to find the balance between family, work, and life, and sometimes I'm unable to do all the little things I'd love to do. I know that in time this balance will come as I strive to be the best wife and mom I can be while working. I had hoped to mail out cards and send out an update letter, so here's what I would've included in my letter had I actually written one =)

Donald continues to work for the Town of Holly Springs. We feel so incredibly blessed for God's hand of provision in our life that has remained constant for our years together. We're so thankful not only that Donald has a job, but it's a job he enjoys. Donald is such a special man, and a wonderful daddy and husband. Donald and Jackson are best friends, and spend lots of time together cuddling or playing.

Kelly graduated from graduate school in May, and began working in August at a nursing home. Being a speech-language pathologist is so incredibly fulfilling. I love my job, and love the girls that I work with! I love that we are so close! We work, cry, laugh, and pray together. We are very close knit and feel more like sisters than co-workers. I prayed for many months for God to open the door for His will because more than anything I long to be right in His will because I know that's where I'll be happiest ultimately, and looking back I'm so amazed at all the doors He shut only to open a door I never imagined I'd be happy in. Now, I can see how His hand was at work in my life, and I'm so thankful that His timing is always right!

Jackson began preschool part-time this past fall, and has thoroughly enjoyed it. He has learned so much and come so far academically and socially. I'm constantly amazed at the concepts his little mind can grasp. There's nothing I enjoy more than hearing his voice singing songs about our Lord and Savior as we drive to Rocky Mount. I'm proud to be called "Mommy" of such a special little boy who was formed perfectly by God's hands.

2009 has been an exciting year for our family, and we're excited as about what 2010 holds as we look forward to a new year.

Merry Christmas from the Irwins!

What a precious day we have had celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior! From our home to yours...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Reminiscing....

Since I've been feeling a bit nostalgic...I mean my little baby boy is quickly growing into an independent little boy who LOVES all things boy, and all things he can do with his daddy. Amazing how much fun a daddy and his little boy can have...I thought I'd share a few pics I came across when he was just a small little guy.

He was 11 months here...Just a reminder to cherish every moment because they grow up so fast. My how I miss when he was just a little guy, but I'm ever so thankful for the special little boy he is becoming.

Catching up...

Boy am I ever behind on blogging! Life happens, and the craziness of life has kept us on the go. I started my new job 2 weeks ago, and have really enjoyed it. I work wiht a wonderful group of people, who really care about the patients. I have enjoyed getting back in the swing of working and helping others. It is so gratifying to help others, and give of yourself to others.

We have been busy gearing up for Pirate Football season! If you know us, you know how much we enjoy football season. We're anxiously awaiting our season tickets, but they have yet to come in the mail yet, but anticipate them anyday. Only a few more weeks til football season begins!

I'll try to add updated pictures of Jackson very soon. He's at such a fun age, and we are so thankful that God blessed us with him. He continues to amaze me each day, and brightens each and every day. What a blessing he is!

I'm Employed!

As of last week, I accepted a position at a nursing home in my home town as a Speech-Language Pathologist. WHOO HOO! I start in just a little over a week, so I'm a bit sad that this is the last week of being a stay at home mom with Jackson, but feel so thankful for this opportunity, and have really enjoyed this time with Jackson and watching him grow.
This job offers me a lot of flexibility in my schedule so that I am able to first and foremost be a wife and mother. Yes I will still be at work 30 hours a week, but they allow me to come early/late if need be so that I can be the wife and mother I am called to be. During the interview, one of the first things they told me is that they are a family-oriented company who encourages family involvement because they know that is important in my role as a clinician. The other day I stopped in just to pick up some more paperwork for my licensure (who knew there could be so much paperwork to obtain this little piece of important paper?!?), and the staff made me feel like family in just the few minutes I was there. As the rehab manager walked around and introduced me as the new speech-language pathologist, I thought I would cry with excitement because it has been such a long road to get here, and I couldn't be happier! I'm so thankful for this opportunity, and pray that God uses me in this role someway somehow.

July 4th

We had such a wonderful time on July 4th celebrating our freedom with close friends! Jackson enjoyed all the inflatables. This was the perfect kid-friendly celebration, and was a wonderful evening with friends. I didn't catch many pics while there, but here's a pic of Jackson sliding down the huge slide. I think his facial expression says it all! He had a wonderful time!

Baby birds

Wow! This summer is really flying by! We have been busy catching up on projects, and enjoying family time together. Jackson and I have spent quite a bit of time working in the yard, and Jackson has enjoyed all the crickets, worms, lizards and other creatures that we have caught this summer. The past few weeks, Jackson and his friends from the neighborhood have enjoyed watching this the bird's nest that is on our front porch in our ferns. Just a few days ago, 2 of the birds hatched, and Jackson was so excited and has enjoyed checking on them daily to see them grow. Here's a picture of his new winged friends.

Marbles

One morning last week, Jackson and I set out to visit Marbles Children's Museum. We've planned to go on several occasions; however, something else has come up that has always kept us from going. Jackson loved it and really enjoyed himself. He's already talking about going back, so maybe we will before the summer is over. Here's a few pics of his adventure at Marbles.

After leaving Marbles, we made a trip to the Farmer's Market and checked out the fresh produce and had lunch. Jackson was excited about the various samples he got to try. He especially liked the Muscadine Grape Slushie. I thought it was interesting tasting...He's asked for daddy to go back with us to visit these places soon, so we'll plan another adventure with daddy real soon.

Mercy Me

Last Friday at the last minute, we won tickets to hear Mercy Me in Edenton, NC from the local Christian radio station. We were ecstatic as we never seem to win anything, and we enjoy listening to their music. We decided to make an adventure of it, as neither of us had ever been to Edenton before, and it was a 2 hour road trip from here. We loaded up as soon as Donald got off work, and the 3 of us headed out for a night of worship. We knew there was a possibility it was going to storm, but decided we had just got back from Florida where it rained almost the entire trip, so we packed out ponchos and decided to brave the storm. It stormed most of the ride there, and once we got there it was clear for about 5-10 minutes before the bottom fell out. Luckily, there was a nice covered shelter where we were able to stay dry, and the concert was postponed as the band's bus had broken down in SC so they were late arriving. We ended up bumping into a guy that Donald went to ECU with 7 years ago, and talked with him for a while until the concert started. The band didn't begin to play until around 9:30, and the concert didn't end until around 11.
It was such an encouraging evening, and exactly what I needed at the moment. The past month has been a bit trying as I've really missed my dad, and often wonder how different life might be if he were still here. That evening proved to be a wonderful encouragement that life is but a vapor, and the impact we make for eternity is the only thing that really matters in the end, so no matter the hurt, the pain, the disease...it's all used for God's glory and to impact eternity.
We didn't capture many pictures from the evening due to the rain, but it was a lot of fun, and we look forward to many more family outings such as this!

Disney World

Jackson's First Glimpse of Mickey Mouse

Last month we decided we had so many things to celebrate, that we'd celebrate by having a family vacation to Disney World. We celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary, my graduation from ECU, and Donald's 30th birthday. It was a fitting vacation for lots of family memories, and lots of fun to be had together!

We spent 7 nights in Disney World, and were able to stay in a Disney World resort, and visit all of the Disney parks at least once. It rained over 10 inches in the week we were there, but it made for an interesting vacation, and we made the best of it, and still had a fabulous time. We were willing to brave the rain, and dance the puddles, so the crowds and waits were less than they could've been. Here's a few pictures from our vacation. Jackson is already saving his pennies in his bank to go see Mickey again. He loved it! Several times he has said, "Mommy, Mickey misses me. I need to go see him in Disney World." Ha ha ha! The laughter we shared!

Jackson has just reached the 40" mark, so he was big enough to ride most roller coasters there. He loved the roller coasters and many times made us ride 5-6 times in a row. Here's a picture of us on one of his favorite roller coasters there.

Graduation Day

In an attempt to catch up on my blog somewhat, I'll be posting a little of what happened last month...

First off, on May 9, 2009, I officially graduated from ECU with my Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. YYYYEEEESSSS!!!! I'm not sure who was happier, me or Donald. Donald has been such a huge support throughout this entire process, and said he was so happy to have his wife back. He's thrilled that I accomplished this, but also thrilled that I have more time to spend with our family. Here's a few pictures from the day. I'm so thankful for all of the love and support from my family and friends throughout this process. I definitely didn't do this alone, but rather did it by God's grace and strength, and with the support of my family and friends.

Graduation

Well, the day has finally come where I graduate from college! Tomorrow is the big day! I don't know if I really ever knew this day would come, but I am thrilled that it has! I've been the student for so long, that it can be a bit overwhelming to actually be the clinician and be the one making the decisions, but I've had great mentors along the way, and am confident in the things that I have learned so far.
This day is such a special day for me because it means I can give back in such a special way. A way that a Speech-Language Pathologist impacted my family years ago, and there is such a significant meaning behind that for me! I am passionate about the profession, the patients, and the families that this profession touches every single day. I am encouraged because I know that I can make an impact! I don't feel like I am simply going to work each day because I really enjoy what I do, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others. Don't get me wrong...there are some depressing days. Days where you wonder why individuals and families are experiencing the grief that they are experiencing; however, I know that ultimately medicine, medical professionals, nor anyone else on this Earth are the giver or taker of life, and I am also reminded that all things can be used for His glory if we only allow them to. So while there are depressing days, they are far outnumbered.
I plan to enjoy some time off for a little while so that I can spend this time with Donald and Jackson. Donald has been the most supportive husband that I could've ever asked for. I feel truly blessed to be married to such a selfless individual who constantly prays for me and has encouraged me every step of the way. This degree really belongs to him as well because he has sacrificed and worked very hard right along side me to make this a reality. I love that man more than words could ever say!
We leave next week for a 9 day vacation, and I couldn't be more ready! We are thrilled to be taking some time off to enjoy some family time.
Thank you all for being a part of this journey!

April...Where did it go?

No, we haven't fallen off the face of the planet; however, April was an extremely busy month for us (photos to come soon I promise). We celebrated Jackson's 3rd birthday with a small get-together because of how chaotic and hectic everything has been. We feel so extremely blessed to be this sweet little boy's parents, and can't imagine life without him. He adds so much to our family, and are so grateful that God blessed us with him! Donald had to go out of town for work 2 weekends this month. Jackson and I tagged along for one of those weekends in Charlotte, and had a nice time exploring and shopping =) I also had to complete everything for graduation during the month of April. There were a lot of loose ends to tie up and paperwork to be completed, but I'm happy to say that it's all finished!
I will be posting pictures of our events for the month of April soon as I'm trying to catch up on everything now that things have slowed down a bit.

Roller Skating

Today we celebrated birthdays for 2 special little people in our life! At 1 of the parties, Jackson got to try out skating for the first time. He enjoyed it, but after falling numerous times became a little discouraged, and figured it was more fun for daddy to skate and carry him than it was to keep falling. Here's a few pics of our time today. We'll definitely do this again soon! Thanks Nicole for the opportunity to try something new, and for allowing us to celebrate this special day with Sophie!

Bedtime prayers

Donald is out of town this week for work, so Jackson and I are on our own. Boy, do we ever miss him after just 1 night!
Last night I was putting Jackson in bed after his bathtime and storytime. I asked him what he wanted mommy to pray about tonight, and he listed off: Daddy, Mommy, Mimi, Granny, Papa, Giz, me, and Daddy. He made sure to put daddy in there twice since daddy is gone, and I thought it was cute he asked me to pray for him. So, we closed our eyes and said our prayer, and when I was finished, I asked if he wanted to say a prayer. So we closed our eyes and this was his prayer:
Dear God, watch over me, Daddy, Mommy, Mimi, Granny, Papa, Giz. Protect us. We sat there for a minute and I peeked and he still had his eyes closed, so I asked if he was finished, and he nodded his head yes, so I rounded it out by saying Amen.
Oh it was precious! I love that child that God has so richly blessed me with! Parenting isn't always easy, but there's just some moments that make up for the difficult moments to encourage you to stick with it, because it's all worth it!

FEES Certification

What a weekend it has been! I went this weekend to a course to enable me to get my FEES certification. FEES stands for fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. It's a swallowing evaluation we do on patients who may have difficulty swallowing. I have to get a special certificate that allows me to perform these evaluations because it is in invasive procedure. I've completed the first part of certification now which was the course I took this weekend, and so far I've performed 17 evaluations. I will have to complete the other swallowing evaluations in the presence of an ENT or a priveledged endoscopist, which I hope to have completed in the next month and a half.
WOW! Everything is really falling in place for graduation and the job search. This is all becoming so real as I anticipate graduation in only 5 short weeks. It'll be here before I know it, and I only have 2 more papers to write before grad school is over! YES =)

It's Official!

I officially began the job search today! I submitted my first application for a position that I am interested in as a staff acute care Speech Language Pathologist at a local hospital. I'm excited about what the next few months may bring in our life. I've been praying for months and months about this decision...Seems like such a daunting task to look for a job, to figure out exactly what arena I wanted to use my degree in...did I want to go work in a hospital, school system, inpatient rehab center, outpatient rehab, home health, etc...the list goes on. The great thing about this profession is there's so many possibilities, and I'm not limited by 1 arena or 1 population. I can work in acute care primarily with adults now, and could later begin working in the school systems with pediatrics. In my heart of hearts, I know why I went into this profession, I know why I love this profession, and I know where I can make the biggest impact; however, with so many choices, the way is not always clear. I have been prayerfully considering my options for some time, and have been quite reserved in my choices and job search; however, I'm finally ready to begin this job search, and pray that God opens the right door for me. I think I know what I want to do, but I pray that if that is not God's desire that He will close those doors, and open only the door He intends for me to pursue. So, please be in prayer for us as we embarq on this adventure!
**What a rambling post! That's how all this seems in my mind right now too =)

Work, work, work...

Just checking in...we haven't fallen off the face of the earth, but rather, I have been inundated with work trying to finish up graduate school! Between working 4 days in clinic, completing all of the licensing paperwork, writing reports, and completing tests, I am exhausted right now! I've been going to bed around 9 every night which is unusual for me, but I've been so tired that I just want to sleep. I'm enjoying the weekends doing fun things with the family, and playing catch-up.
I started a second internship this semester working with at-risk preschoolers who need services in their home largely due to transportation issues, or simply the convenience of in-home services. All I can say is that this week I have felt an overwhelming sense of how truly blessed I am! I feel incredibly blessed, as it breaks my heart to see some of the situations these children are faced with as a preschooler. What a humbling experience this is going be.
Well, off to enjoy my Saturday with my sweethearts. Only 2 more months of work! I should finish most graduate school requirementsby April 27, so everything will be in place for graduation.

Buried Treasure

Being a mom and being a Speech Pathologist, I'm always on the look out for great games that I can use in therapy, will encourage language development, or provide entertainment for younger children. I was tickled when a fellow therapist introduced me to the Cranium Cariboo game this semester. It's a cute game where you use a special key to pop open the doors on the game board, and you are in search of colorful balls. Once, you find all 6 balls and place them in the special tunnel, your buried treasure open. It's a simple concept that you can make more difficult with the included game cards, or you can play without the cards, and simply enjoy depending on the age group.

This game has proved very effective in therapy with small children as it keeps their attention for longer, and allows the 45 minute sessions with a 3 year old to pass much more quickly. I often use this game and adapt it by cutting out pictures with my target sounds on them, and placing them in the top of the doors you open. I love how the kids know the treasure is always going to be a purple gem with gold sparkly glitter, but each time they open the treasure chest, we still have to ahhhh over how neat the treasure is. This is how it's perfect in therapy...now let me tell you how it's perfect for my 3 year old.

Today, I came across this game, and bought it for our house. Jackson has spent much of his afternoon playing and replaying this game. When Donald came home from work, he was tickled to teach daddy how to play his game, and drug Donald into the living room to sit on the floor with him while he explained the game, the key, the pictures on top of the doors, the tunnel you place the balls in, and of course the ever-so-popular buried treasure! Jackson adores this game, and has enjoyed playing the game so much. He told the waitress at TGI Fridays tonight that he got a buried treasure game. (That was right after he winked at her while she stood by our table.) HA HA HA! Before bed tonight, Jackson kissed the game, and found a special spot to place his game until he can play it again tomorrow. Guess you know what we'll be doing tomorrow...searching for buried treasure, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Oh Happy Day! I Passed the PRAXIS!

Well, I haven't wrote much about the PRAXIS (the licensing exam for our profession) since I took it on Jan. 10. It was a difficult exam which was challenging because the information presented spans over the course of the past 9 years. I have been nervous about my scores, as I know how much weighs on this exam...graduation, job offers, and state licensing. I'm happy to report that I received my results today and I PASSED! Thank you Jesus! I'm so thankful to have passed on the first try, and not to worry about taking this test ever again!
Now it's on to May 9, when I graduate! I'm crossing things off my to-do list for graduation, and will begin applying for jobs now that I know I passed. Keep us in your prayers as I begin the job search. I am in prayer that God will open the door for the perfect job for me. I love this profession, and all that I'm able to give by working with others. I've found that as I work to help others, I find that I'm getting so much more than I'm giving. I'm laughing with them, crying with them at times, and celebrating their victories as they regain independence, the ability to communicate, and the ability to eat as they please. What a rewarding career choice!

Circus

This past Friday we took Jackson to the circus with some friends. Jackson has looked forward to going to the circus for weeks. He remembers bits of going to the circus last year, which surprised me! I always like to ask Jackson what he knows about something before I tell him about it. I always love to hear what he thinks of certain things before I impart my image in his head of what the event is going to look like. I didn't take many pictures this year, as I was busy enjoying the circus as well, but managed to snap a few pictures which didn't turn out to be the best quality, but here's a cute one of Donald Jackson enjoying the circus. I had hoped to take pics of Jackson with the performers in the pre-show, but found out we weren't supposed to have our camera in the circus because it's considered "professional" quality because the detachable lens, but the guy at the door didn't search my camera bag, so I kept walking. I was a little scared to take it out on the floor because of all the security down there so I just kept it in my bag until we found out seats.

Sparkles

Tonight while at the dinner table, Jackson started pointing to my freckles on my arms. Here's how our conversation went:
Jackson: Mommy, what's this? (pointing at freckles on my arm)
Me: Those are freckles.
Jackson: Sparkles?
Me: No, they're called freckles
Jackson: Sparkles?

Now he calls them sparkles....how cute! This was followed by a brief speech therapy session to try to elicit a /f/ sound, which was successful; however, the /fr/ sound is a bit too advanced for a 2 1/2 year old. =) The poor child being the son of a speech therapist.

A Song in His Heart

It's no secret we spend a lot of time on the road. I always hate that we spend so much time on the road, and look for ways to engage Jackson while driving. We often work on counting, the ABCs, or singing and dancing. Lately Jackson has really enjoyed singing much more and I love hearing the little songs that he sings while playing.

Today, I heard him in the living room singing "Help me, help me, never let me go..." to the tune of "Hold me, hold me, never let me go until you've told me." He was in the middle of flipping off of the couch, and was stuck and needed my help. I busted out laughing because rewriting a song is very characteristic of Donald. Ever since we began dating many years ago, Donald often rewrites the words of songs to fit them with the moment. It looks like Jackson is becoming more like his daddy everyday.

Whew!

Wow! It's been a while...the semester is in full force, and I'm feeling the effects. The past 3 weeks have been a blur, and I'm wondering where all my time is slipping away to. The answer: SCHOOL! This semester I am working 4 days a week, and also taking classes, so I'm swamped with no end in sight (well, except the fact that I graduate in 3 short months!) This is the only semester I've had to work 4 days a week, and for that I'm thankful! I had to work 4 days a week in order to graduate with an advanced master's degree as opposed to a Master's degree. I figured the trade-off for 3 1/2 months was worth it. There's no way I could do this were it not for the help of my wonderful husband, who so graciously cooks dinner, helps with dishes, cleans the house, or does whatever is necessary. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, who helps ease the load so that I can pursue something that I am passionate about!

Tagged!

Karen tagged me! The things in bold are things that apply to me. () added for clarification.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band. (Was in band in jr. high/middle school)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world (this trip will be coming soon probably.)
8. Climbed a mountain (I've hiked up trails at the mountains before, does that count?)
9. Held a praying mantis (I have a curious little boy)
10. Sang a solo (I must've been a better singer as a child b/c I would sing at church)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (It was an exciting experience for our honeymoon!)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (What a great project to do with a child!)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (Sometimes that's the only way to get a day off of work!)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (One of the best experiences I've ever had!)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I agree Karen...my satisfaction does not come from money.)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person (Yep...it leans! =)
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David (Truly amazing!)
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (absolutely amazing!)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (Gives you a great view of the city!)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (Bahamas)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason (I have an incredibly sweet husband who often does flowers or notes for no reason at all. I do love that man!)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (an accident!)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London (I've seen the changing on the guards in Athens, Greece, close enough)
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican (Absolutely one of my favorite experiences in my life!)
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House(didn't go in, but saw the outside)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

My favorite monkey

Today, while I was washing dishes, Jackson came in the kitchen. He started to talking to me about his Curious George slippers he was wearing. Our conversation went something like this:
Me: You know, I really like Curious George. He's my favorite.
Jackson: No, he's not your favorite.
Me: I've always liked Curious George.
Jackson: (With emphasis!) Mommy, he's my favorite monkey I've ever SEEN!

I thought to myself...how many monkeys has he really seen?!? I hope it's his favorite monkey. Besides the handful of times we've been to the zoo, I think George is the only monkey he's ever seen.
Being a speech-language pathologist, I enjoy watching his language expand and grow. Lately, I have loved hearing his temporal markers in sentences. He's constantly telling me what days of the week we're going to do something (even though the day generally isn't right, he has the concept that it's not today, but in a few days). I really love it when he uses his favorite words like always, forever, etc. If we're talking about colors, he'll tell me Thomas is blue always, Percy is green always, etc; and he tells me he loves me forever! I love this age! They're so sweet, innocent, and unfortunately don't stay this age for long =(

Happy Birthday Papa

(This picture was taken in 1989 on Papa's birthday)

Today's my Papa's birthday. I can't express in words how much I miss him, how often I think of him, or much I wish he was here so I tell him "Happy Birthday" and share a pineapple cake with him. I do know however, that God is in control, and will use every situation we encounter for His eternal glory. So, while I may not understand right now why Papa isn't here, I know that God is working in this situation to bring about good to honor and glorify Him. Until then, I'll look forward to the day I celebrate with Papa in Glory. Oh what a sweet day that will be!

I love you Papa!

Thank you

Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement as I prepare for my big exam tomorrow! I have a sense of confidence and calmness as I think about tomorrow. This sense of calmness was briefly interrupted as I read through all the details of the exam and realized they don't allow mechanical pencils for the exam, so looks like tomorrow morning I'll have to go get some old-fashioned pencils. You would think I would have some here, and I found pencils, but no sharpener, so that won't work! I have studied and prepared for this exam as best I know how. I have been asked by several people when I will have the results...This exam is a paper version, so I have to wait for it to be scored before being returned to me. It appears this process takes about 1 month, so after tomorrow, I'm going to try not to think about it for a while. After all, it's consumed my life for the past few weeks as I've intensely prepared for the exam, so it'll be a welcomed break not to think about it for a little while.
Please continue to pray for me through tomorrow. My exam is at 11AM. Thank you again for all your support!

Say a little prayer for me...

Pardon me if I've been a little MIA lately...I've been buried under an 800 pg. study guide for the state licensure exam that I take this Saturday. Please say a prayer for me, as I don't always do well on standardized exams...I feel ADD while taking them as I hate sitting for hours taking an exam, and tend to lose my concentration. So please pray that I have clarity of thought as I recall what I have been taught the past 8 years. I have prepared as best I know how, and will complete my studying tomorrow, and will take Friday off just to clear my head a bit before the big day.

I'm so far behind on the happenings at the Irwin house, but thought I'd just share a few tidbits just to share with you the sunshine of my day! I have been so thankful to be able to stay home with him everday during this past month. We have laughed so hard some days I started crying, and I have soaked in every minute of his cute laughter, jokes, and sweet kisses. We have had such a good time learning new things together, creating crafts for daddy to come home to each day, and playing with the mountains of Christmas toys. Being a mother changes everything, and I am so thankful that God chose me to be Jackson's mother, and that I have this awesome responsibility to raise him and teach him. I'm a bit sad to be going back to work next week, but am excited about finishing school this semester, and seeing where God leads us from here. I think Jackson is a little sad I'm going back to work (if he really understood all that meant), but is excited to be going to stay with MiMi, Granny, and hopefully starting preschool.

I leave you with a conversation I overheard the other night between Donald and Jackson...

Daddy: I have to go to work tomorrow.

Jackson: You watch movies at work?

Daddy: No, we don't have movies at work. At work, I work.

Jackson: You don't have movies at work?

Daddy: No, it's not fun at work. I just work.

(I could tell Jackson didn't know what work meant, and Donald didn't know how to explain it.)

Jackson: Is Santa at your work?

(Jackson remembers us going to eat cookies with Santa and Mrs. Clause last month, and now thinks that Santa works with Donald.)

Daddy: No, Santa just came to eat cookies with you that 1 day.

This conversation continued for a while. Jackson was trying to understand what kind of fun things Donald did at work, and Donald wasn't quite sure how to explain that it's work, not necessarily fun. It's so cute to hear Jackson carrying on his conversation like he's grown. Asking Donald how his day at work was while at the dinner table, and telling Donald about all the happenings of his train set that day. I just love that kid!

Jackson and Kaylie jumping on the punching bag. So cute to watch all the laughter the 2 of them shared with this!

Opening presents Christmas morning.

One of Jackson's favorite Christmas presents...his remote dinosaur. Thanks Mimi! Next time you're over, he'll have to eat your foot. That's his favorite move right now. =)