We have a crawler!

We officially have a crawler! Jackson's being doing what we call "the worm" for a few months now, but he's finally got this crawling thing down. When he wants to go somewhere quickly he reverts back to the worm, but he's doing pretty good at getting his knees under him now. He still has only his bottom two teeth (like razors!), but I think those top two teeth will be here soon. I swear he's saying "mamamamama" as if he knows that's who I am. Adam says no, but he knows who his mama is!!!
I love it when he comes over to me and pulls himself up with my pants so he can stand up holding on to me. It's adorable and it melts my heart. He really loves to stand up on anything now. It doesn't always work out so well for him because he doesn't really discriminate by what he uses to stand up. So, when he tries to stand up using one of Kylie's little chairs, it just falls over on top of him!
We are currently looking at schools for Kindergarten next year. It's been such a stressful decision. Her current school has been great for this year, but they have broken off from the parent school and it will be a different deal next year that we aren't comfortable with. So, we looked at an amazing private school today. I was so impressed by it and it is a strong Christ-centered curriculum. Basically, everything they learn goes back to the Glory of God so they are building not only intellect, but character. Pretty amazing. We'll have to pray about it and just see if that's where God wants us next year! I just want what's best for Kylie. She is such an exceptional little girl. I am humbled that God gave me such a bright, charismatic, sincere, and curious child. That's quite a big challenge for me to raise this young lady to the standard that she deserves, but I'll do my best!
Debbie got through her surgery yesterday and the doctor said everything went really well. They are feeling optimistic that maybe the cancerous cells were pretty localized and haven't spread to the lymph nodes. Won't that be a miracle. We'll know more on Friday, but praying for a miracle.
My baby girl turns five on Sunday. I want to be excited about it, I really do, but I can't just yet. I'm just seeing her grow up so quickly and I am overwhelmed with emotion. She's starting to look more like a girl now, losing some of that baby face and her little voice is getting older too. One of the things I treasure more than anything is the inflection in her voice when she says "I love you too." It is the sweetest four words a mother can hear. Gosh, my heart just explodes when I think about my kids and I'm even tearing up as I'm writing this. I guess I'm emotional today. Well, every day lately! For any of you moms out there, you know what I mean.

Here's to a New Year!!!

I said before that I was going to be better about blogging. Hmmmm, I haven't done good so far. There are just too many things to do to fit it in, but I'm trying! It usually means staying up later (like I am tonight).

I guess I should backtrack to Christmas. It was wonderful! We had good times with our families and continue to feel so blessed that we are all in the same neighborhood. It is so nice to have everyone right here. I am always shocked at how quickly Christmas seems to come and go, however, we just packed up the tree today! Yikes.

Kylie got a trampoline for Christmas from Grandma Mary which she loves very much. It really is a great thing. I've even enjoyed jumping on it with her. It's fun and great exercise! I actually have to stop here and there to rest. I'm so out of shape, uggggggghhh - New Year's resolution, right? She is growing up so fast. I can't believe she'll be five this month. I'm just in denial that she is that old!

Jackson is changing before our eyes. He is a mad man! He especially likes to seek out power cords and any other hazardous thing he can find in the house. His "worm" version of crawling is hilarious and it's amazing how efficient he is at getting where he wants to go. He actually just started crawling on his knees today! He has constant red rugburn on both knees. He has his two razor-sharp bottom teeth now and the top two teeth are working their way in too. Teething rocks... or maybe not. He really enjoys watching Baby Einstein while he plays with his toys and likes to pull up and stand on anything he can get his hands on. I told Adam we were going to have to anchor things down soon. He likes to pull kitty's hair and grab Harley whenever possible. The cat will just sit there and take it, but Harley likes to flee the scene! We're pretty sure he's going to be a talker like his big sister. He just blabs and blabs all the time and his laugh is the most precious sound I have ever heard. I love it! He is enjoying the new tastes of things and carrots, sweet potatoes and squash are his favorite. Green beans and peas, not so much. I am looking forward to him getting to eat some more real foods!

Work has been crazy. When I accepted a promotion and took on a new market to handle, I had no idea how that would change my workload. Some days it is overwhelming, but I am trying to take it one day at a time and be confident in my ability to do whatever is needed to get the job done. Some nights that means working until I fall asleep at my computer, but hey, gotta get things done before they pile up on me.

We have been enjoying our visits to a new church - Austin Stone. It's at Austin High School and is a bit more casual than our church. We have really gotten so much out of the services and music and feel as though God is calling us to be open to where He wants us to be. So, we'll see where He takes us!

Lastly, I dedicate my blog layout to my wonderful mom-in-law, Debbie. Many of you know that she is pretty much my 2nd mom. I have known her now for over 15 years and she is the best mother-in-law anyone could pray for. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery and treatment starting next week. To all of my Christian friends and family - please pray for her and that God will provide us with a miracle of healing!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed 2010!