The Children's Museum

Today we had our first adventure to the Indianapolis Children's Museum, which is one of the awesome things for kids in Indy (it's the world's largest- so they tell me). And Jameson is so lucky because he got a membership for Christmas so we can go any time we want (Thanks G-daddy and Glammy!). I don't think he's ever been around so many kids before, but he really enjoyed himself. He was particularly obsessed with the bobcat he could play on, and I had to remove him so other kids could play. I foresee many trips in our future!

Thankful Thursday

It's Friday you say? Well I am going to pretend it is still Thursday. This week I am most thankful for faraway friends. I am the worst about picking up the phone and staying in touch. I don't know what it is but I just can't seem to get the hang of it. That is why I am so thankful that my pals understand this about me and are always working to keep our relationship going.

When we lived in Nashville for four years we were far from many friends and family. Now we are back home and many friends are off on exciting adventures which gives us a lot of fun places to visit. The blessing and the curse of our social media world is that you can feel connected without even picking up the phone, and it is so easy for me to fall in to that way of thinking.

And honestly new friends are wonderful, but not much can replace an old friend. The old friend who feels comfy in your home, and I don't feel the need to change my outfit, brush my hair, or sweep the floor for (there are probably 3 people who qualify for this type of first class treatment)! The old friend who has your baby won over in an instant, and he shows his love in hugs and body slams. That's true love!

So to all my faraway friends (you know who you are, though you may not be pictured here), know that I miss you dearly, think about you often, and I am always happy to hear your voice. Thanks for being the good friend and staying in touch! XOXO

Sickness and Happiness

Where to begin. Our little family has been in a roundabout of illness. Thankfully, not more than a severe cold, but enough to slow us all down. Jake had it first right around Jameson's birthday, and it took him some time to feel back to 100%. Then one Sunday morning Jameson woke up with an extremely snotty nose, nothing else, just the nose, and has been carrying that around for about 3 weeks now. He did have one or two puny days around the same time I battled round one right before thanksgiving. Round 2, which was even worse, came last weekend. I don't know what it is about whatever has got us down, but it just keeps lingering! Anyway I hope to say we are out of the woods but I am still looking for some resolution in my poor snot nosed kid.

I am happy to report that the interior of our house is fully decorated to celebrate Christmas. Our shopping isn't done and our cards have yet to be started but we will get there. Remember when I said I am a work in progress? I'm still working on it. My friend Lindsy over at Space for Joy wrote a post that was exactly what I needed to hear the day I read it (which it usually is, she's a true guiding light). It was called "Giving up Good". Sometimes I make a list a mile long of tasks or accomplishments I burden myself with and I can even get them all done but at what cost? I am focusing on those few things I feel truly deserve greatness, and giving up all the hundreds of things I fill my life with that keep me from focusing on the most important things, God and family. Simply put, it means things like laundry and christmas cards have fallen in the good category this week, among other things. And a lot of that deals with my terrible desire for perfection. And without boring you with all the details I have been able to push my burden for perfection aside this week and I know all these things will get done in due time.

I mean what could be more important than these moments:

Jake playing guitar after dinner, me taking the time to sit and enjoy, dishes can wait.

Tiny Christmas miracles!

That face! Jameson is incredibly self-entertaining but playing side-by-side are the moments I crave.

Fruitless attempts to get a picture by the toy soldier!

Family lunch during weekends at work