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!