Frogs, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails.

Mack Andrew Hethcote...Cousin #4!

2010-07-22T15:15:00.008-05:00

2010/7/22

Mack is here!!! He was 7'11 and 20"! I'm obviously posting pictures but if I weren't a picture poster I would STILL post pictures of this beautiful baby! He is beyond perfection. Look at him!

I don't realize until they are here, how fast I am going to fall in love. You forget the joy and excitement that you feel about a precious new life. Oh my goodness...it feels better than Christmas morning as a little girl. I'm so proud of my sister and Andy. A little proud of them for making ANOTHER gorgeous baby!, but so very proud of how they handle life, how they love people,especially their son (now sons) and how they find great joy in Christ and how they love Him. I'm pretty sure that God chose the perfect parents to raise two little boys only a year apart wonderfully to exude love. I am so so excited to watch Hank and Mack grow up with Andy and Shea as their parents.

The boys now have their third boy cousin. Only one girl cousin as of now. We are all so excited.

Here are quite a few pictures from the waiting room madness AND of everyone first getting to meet Mack. I just love him.

*about to meet mack*

*waiting room fun*

*baby mack is here*

*sweet family*

*my sister is gorgeous*

*poppi*

*mimi*

*uncle nic*

*aunt morgan*

*uncle jordan*

*aunt kendra*

Can I get one of these in pink, please?!??!

Coming soon...my very first very newborn photo shoot featuring Mack Andrew. You'll get to see more of all that hair! I'll be posting some of them on here and some at facebook.com/morgangauntt.

relax.craft.play.eat.drink.

2010-07-16T13:59:00.012-05:00

July 16, 2010

five cousins.

ten feet.

five mouths.

ten eyes.

lots of pictures.

*COUSIN REX*

3 years 6 months

*JAXSON*

3 years 3 months

*MADDOX*

1 year 5 months

(he was tired and did not want a picture.)

*COUSIN HALLEE*

1 year 4 months

*COUSIN HANK*

(almost) 1 year

RELAX.

CRAFT.

PLAY.

EAT.

DRINK.

...and this is my beautiful life. (today)

i. miss. blogging.

2010-07-15T13:32:00.005-05:00

7/15/10

hi.

i've missed you.

there is so much to catch up on but for now i will just blog the latest.

like...the very latest.

jaxson and maddox are getting big.

i want a little girl.

jaxson played t-ball this summer...we had four games which included the parents standing in the field with their little players. not sure how much jax learned but his mom got some GREAT pictures of her future star.!

maddox is in a toddler bed. why? not sure. he went to sleep so easily in his crib and wasn't even trying to climb out. but i saw this little toddler bed and thought about how cute he would be in it ...and bought it. silly me.

i'm watching rex and hallee every other week...with help. usually only three-ish days during the week. they are so beautiful.

rex is a ninja.

hallee is about to be a big girl...she is taking 3-4 steps at a time.

they all four are sleeping right this very minute.

i found time to blog. ...with the dishwasher running and the coffee pot brewing and the living room straightened...oh yes, time to blog.

crystal, my sister, is due one week from today. i am so excited to meet my newest nephew.

hank will be one year minus 8 days on mack's due date.

when hank visits...he wants to walk so badly like his older boy cousins. he also mimics so much and will be talking before my maddox who is quite a bit older. hank can also play the harmonica.

such talent, those hethcotes! baby making and harmonica playing!

crystal is beautiful and glowing.

kendra is also beautiful and glowing. she is having a beautiful baby (i say beautiful because every one of us trent kids have had only beautiful babies so it's destined.-it's ok to brag about your own kids, right??) due in february. can't wait to know if she will add to the large amount of boys or help princess hallee out on the girl side!

my parents, in february, will have 7 grand babies. they are ALL in this picture.

God is so good.

i've began a little photography business. i'd love for you to check it out. facebook.com/morgangauntt

it's taking up time but i absolutely love it and love learning it and love making a little career of it.

now on a more spiritual note,

i feel like lately i've had to take one day at a time -in the midst of hardships and lovely blessings- some days are a bit stressful

but...looking back (on just yesterday or even this morning) i see myself trying to control and orchestrate.

sadly i still haven't figured out the impossibility of that...especially with children! :)

but this verse that i fully believe contradicts my actions...and is so so encouraging.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge HIM, and He will direct your path.

*that's from memory so it may not be word for word.*

Going Bonkers

2010-04-19T17:15:00.015-05:00

Monday, April 19, 2010

Pictures from Jaxson's Birthday. Enjoy. :)

Pray For My Friend.

2010-04-08T08:01:00.002-05:00

April 8, 2010.

Please pray for this beautiful family. I went to high school and the same youth group as Kaci when our family lived in Guymon. Kaci, within the last couple of months, I believe, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Yesterday they found out it was terminal. She and her husband have three little kids, the youngest being around 4 months old. My God is a miracle worker! My God is so so big and greater than we can even fathom. Please pray with me for this family for healing and a miracle and that God be glorified in all. You can follow their blog at http://theronnes.blogspot.com. Following their blog has helped me to know how to pray for their family and has been an amazing amount of encouragement as I have watched Ryan's, her husband, unwavering faith in our Lord. What a testimony of faith and trust he has been to me.

Threedom.

2010-04-05T12:56:00.005-05:00

Monday, April 5, 2010.

My son is three. I am the mother of a three year old. I have been a mom for THREE years. My baby is three.

Hmmmmmm...

It seems my three year old has a new found freedom.

Day 1 of Threedom: I went to check on Jaxson to make sure he had fallen asleep at nap time. I couldn't find him anywhere. A-NY-WHERE! For a second, I got a little panicky when I found him fast asleep under his train table.

Day 2 of Threedom: Quote from Jax in timeout: "If I'm a good obeyer in time-out, I can have a scooby snack."

Day 3 of Threedom:

...well, I'll just let pictures speak for themselves... The following pictures were taken within minutes of each other during naptime today while I was babysitting my niece and nephew.

I just love my three year old! ;)

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy Birthday dearest Jaxson,

Happy Birthday to you.

STOP BLOWING MY EGGS, WIND!!!

2010-04-04T22:16:00.004-05:00

April 4, 2010".Happy Easter. I know, I'm a little late and the day is almost over but it seems like now, at the end of the

day, after all the excitement, is when I can

best think about the meaning of Easter...

How thankful I am for my Savior!!! How thankful I am that He is risen!

Have you ever tried explaining the meaning of Easter to a near three year old??? Not me, until a couple days ago. We talked about Jesus being God's Son, that He came to Earth, where we live, to die for our sins, like disobeying or being mean to eachother and things like that. Then, after He died, He rose again. He's not dead anymore. He's alive. ...And because of that and if we love God, we can spend forever in Heaven with Jesus!!!

Jaxson gave me a huge, excited gasp. Wow, I thought, I am an amazing mom who is GREAT at explaining Easter to a three year old.

Then the reason for the gasp followed my prideful thought.

"Heaven? We get to see Cooper?!?!!"

Oh well. We'll try to explain it again soon. At least he's excited about Heaven, right?

Also, quote of the day and the picture that captured it:

"Stop blowing my eggs, wind!!!"

And I LOVE this picture of my three guys and how serious the easter egg h

unt looks! They make my heart happy.

I hope I'm back. :)

2010-03-31T09:10:00.006-05:00

March 31, 2010.

Oh, how I've missed you.

Do you ever feel like life just gets overwhelming and the anxiety of all the daunting tasks before you make even the smallest things like going to Wal-Mart with your kids OR writing in your blog just one task too many!!!??? I DO, I DO!!!

So, maybe that's a little dramatic because none of my tasks are actually 'daunting' but you get the idea. Lately I have just had a lot going on. For one, I went to the dr. yesterday with Maddox...oh, he is on his THIRD ear infection THIS MONTH and has tonsillitis along with it. Poor guy. Jaxson woke up from a nap on Saturday complaining of his ear hurting...to the doctor...ear infection. Two boys on antibiotics. BLAH!

Also, I'm taking on photography. I love taking pictures, love Love LOVE it but it has quickly become a HUGE learning experience. Had my first photo shoot this past weekend...bought a new program yesterday to edit with AAAAAAAAAAAAAAND literally erased 2/3 of the pictures. A couple tears ran down my cheek as I felt like the dumbest person in the world!!! HA! But, enough negativity. This morning is new.

I feel like I get anxiety often about projects/dates/my babies. I am ever learning to cast all my cares upon Him. Someone posted a verse on their facebook last night as I was pouting about erasing over a hundred pictures and it almost made me cry because I continually try to fix and take care of things on my own. WHY do I not immediately give them to the Lord?!??!

Phillipians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Lastly, Jaxson is really in to baseball right now. He plays with this little tikes ball and bat that are actually Maddox's so for his birthday hopefully we'll get some 3 year old size bats and balls. ;) Here are some pictures of him. Jaxson says you have to make a very specific batting face and a very specific pitching face. Here they are!!! I think they help you do better!!!

Warm Weather.

2010-02-20T08:40:00.005-06:00

I am so thankful for the warmer weather the past couple of days. I'm aware the warm weather was not for me individually, but really, it felt like it. I was to the point that if the boys and I had to stay inside ONE-MORE-DAY, I think I might have gone insane.

poor baby boy got hurt...he DID, however, want to ride on the car again.

Ephesians 5:20

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Boys + Boogers = GROSS!!!

2010-02-16T18:12:00.003-06:00

Tuesday, February 16

Jeremy's child, Jax, picks his nose...a lot. It's gross. He wipes them places. That is even more gross. Today, I caught him wiping in between the couch cushions. DISGUSTING. I was completely dramatic and made up a big story about if you touch a booger that has been wiped somewhere or thrown on the floor, whatever part of your body touches it...turns into a booger. Is that lie ok? to tell your child? as a mom that they trust? Probably not. Anyway, I made him go wipe his booger that was still luckily on his finger onto a kleenex. He was a very good obeyer. He marched right over to the kleenex box, wiped it on the kleenex, and left the kleenex sticking out of the box....with the booger on it.

lovely.

* you are not allowed to come over and inspect our couches...EVER!

**Jax is also my child, I just let Jer claim him for stories like this. ;)

Proverbs 17:22

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Such a Slacker.

2010-02-15T16:31:00.008-06:00

February 15, 2010.

I had been doing so well on my blog and loving every minute of it. Let me just catch you up real quick. Jax was sick Monday, woke up Tuesday crying because his throat hurt so bad, rushed to the Direct Care around 7, just a virus, came home a played Mariokart and watched t.v. all day. What else is a sick boy, his mom and brother to do?? Rex and Hallee came over on Wednesday and Thursday,

SNOW DAY on Friday,

Entertaining at Home party Saturday, Saturday evening-a little Valentines dinner with my hot man,

Sunday was church, and here we are Monday having not blogged for a week. We went over to Jordan's today and played with Rex and Hallee.

Fun times with them and my sister, Kendra. Here's to no big plans for the rest of the week, a little gym time, kids time, and much needed time with the Lord. Hope you all have had a lovely Monday and we'll chat tomorrow!!!

"Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually." Psalm 105:4

Quotes from Jax.

2010-02-08T11:44:00.002-06:00

February 8, 2010.

I have many things to share with you but lack the space on my computer to upload any pictures. So, until I can get them stored elsewhere...I will have to leave you with a couple quotes from Jaxson this morning. He is oh so wise. ;)

#1.

"Mommy, I hurt. My bottom hurts." (he fell on a toy in the shower and actually has a bruise on his bum.)

"My bottom will feel better if you give me some cheewios."

#2.

Jaxson went potty and I'm not sure how a child so small can poop sooooooo much. I asked him how he had so much inside of him.

"God put it in my stomach and it grew and then it came out!"

We have recently been talking about babies because my sister, Crystal, is pregnant. God puts the babies there and they grow in our bellies and then they come out.

I guess He does the same with poop. :)

#3. At Maddox's 1 year ck up they had to take blood. Jax must be weak like his mommy. His mouth got all quivery and he said,

"Mat-mat, don't cwy, cwy, cwy, cwy, cwy (cry). It's ok Mat-mat. Mommy, I don't want Maddox to get bleed."

Sooooo sweet. He was so distraught that another nurse took him away to get stickers.

(by the way, Maddox was 75% in height, and 30% in weight. My tall and lean baby boy.)

Proverbs 10:1a

"A wise child brings joy to a father." *Although these quotes aren't 'wise,' this verse made me laugh when I ran across it in regards to this post.

Have joy this rainy, Monday morning. Laughter is so good for the soul!

Morning time With God AND sick baby.

2010-02-04T07:39:00.003-06:00

February 2, 2010.

Last night, I resolved to spend time with the Lord FIRST thing this morning. I have so many excuses for not doing so...mainly the boys. But I thought I would get up immediately after Maddox's first feeding (he goes right back to sleep) and meet with my Father.

Maddox ended up being up until 1 a.m. He went down at nine but his cute little puppy birthday present started barking at 11 and woke him up. RRRRRRRG! I use to love that stuffed animal! I spent the next two hours putting him back to sleep. *and shredding the sweet dog*

I got in bed and prayed for the Lord to give me strength to still meet with him later that morning.

Maddox woke up at 6. Ate. Never went back to sleep. He has a fever. Thank goodness his one year check up is today. I guess he just partied a little too hard for his birthday! ;) I felt God encouraging me, still, to meet with Him.

I decided Maddox and I would meet with the Lord together. We trudged into the kitchen and plopped down at my little red desk chair and began in my study. I read outloud, prayed outloud, and wrote outloud. Maddox just cuddled in my arm (which now feels like jello.--he's still there.) What I thought would be an UN-intimate time with the Lord was actually very intimate. I almost had another excuse not to meet with HIM but how He blessed us with His presence for obeying.

I hope I don't seem prideful. If you've read earlier posts, finding time, making time, and obeying the Lord in this area have always been a struggle for me. I guess I'm just excited to share and encourage you too!

Lamentations 3:22-24

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

Ecclesiastes 11:8 the message

"Don't take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour."

Our God is so so good!

Have the loveliest Thursday finding your JOY in our LORD!

Happy Birthday Maddox!

2010-02-03T21:38:00.008-06:00

Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am (Maddox is) fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Happy ONE YEAR Birthday to my big boy Maddox. It's our one year anniversary of our family of four.

Maddox is such a precious one year old. I love my sweet natured son. He is such a daddy's boy...his face just lights up when Jeremy walks in the door from work but he also LOVES to cuddle with his mommy. When Jaxson wakes up from his nap, Maddox will jump out of my lap and toddler-run towards him to give him a hug. Tonight he waved and said bye-bye at the same time for the first time to Hank and Crystal and Andy when they left. His VERY favorite thing is playing with all kinds of balls and to be held held held.

I can't believe Maddox is one year and that I've been a mommy of two for a whole year. It seems like the first year with the second baby goes by so much faster than with the first one. It almost makes me sad but has been a reminder to enjoy every moment with the boys. OH, how BLESSED I am to be a part of this handsome baby boys life.

love, Love, LOVE him.

I don't like myself because I'm mean.

2010-02-02T23:07:00.003-06:00

February 2, 2010

Who knew a birthday party could take so much out of a girl?!?!

I feel like I just now got my house back in some kind of order and the big O-N-E party was Saturday. Goodness! Tomorrow, February 3rd, will be Maddox's actual BIRTH Day...so 'm saving the party pics for then. I know you are DYING to see them. ;)

On a more serious note, I think I heard some of the saddest words come out of my 2 year old's mouth today. He'd been getting quite a few time outs for knocking over his brother or taking toys from him so I'm thinking this may have come from that. Not sure though.

"Mommy, I don't like myself."

WHAT?!?! Why would you say that?

"I don't like myself because I am mean."

My heart melted and I scooped Jaxson into my lap. My mind raced as to what to tell him. I told him how much I loved him and that God created us just the way we are and how He loves us sooo much. I fumbled for words of encouragement and adoration for my baby boy. I told him that sometimes we are mean and we just have to keep trying to be nice because that's how we show God we love Him, by obeying Him.

I'm pretty sure it went in one ear and out the other.

I'm pretty sure I've never felt so dumb or inadequate as a mother.

Over the course of the day, my mind replayed those words over and over. These are the verses that continually popped in my head.

Genesis 1:27 "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Phillipians 1:6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

Romans 7:15 "For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate."

And I realized my child is already struggling with the very things I repeatedly struggle with.

Adequacy. Confidence. Doing what I don't want to do. The ongoing battle with self vs. God.

Now, don't get me wrong. I know Jax is no genius (he's pretty dang smart though) but don't you think we have that desire, that 'something' that is missing from the day we are born. That something being Christ. I believe it. We are here to glorify Him and I think we early start to feel the pull to do what is right, to fill that emptiness.

So, although the words Jaxson used were sad, part of me is a little excited for this journey to begin.

Well, your thoughts, encouragement, and words of wisdom from me to Jax would be greatly appreciated. :)

Have a lovely evening.

"Martha."

2010-01-29T12:40:00.002-06:00

Friday, January 29, 2010.

I woke up this morning and immediately began thinking of all the things I need to do. Start on the chili for the birthday party, bake cake and cupcakes for the birthday party, frost cakes, organize my stuff for my Entertaining at Home party tonight, run to Wal-Mart for some last minute supplies for the birthday, clean my entire house, etc. Oh yeah!!! Take care of my children along the way.

STRESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS...BAD MOOD MOMMA.

So after I got ready while Maddox pulled on my sweat pants the whole time, numerous times pulling them all the way down, (RRRRRRRRRG!) we were off to Wal-Mart. Did I mention it is wet and rainy and cold and I had on flip flops!??!?!?

I walked into the doors of Wal-Mart with probably a scowl on my face and was greeted by ....Martha.

Oh Martha, what a breath of fresh air you were.

"Hello! I know this guy! (speaking of Maddox) He's the one I can never get to smile." She spoke so sweetly and Jaxson's whining in the background began to disappear as we listened to her cooing to Maddox. THEN, she magically pulled a sucker out of her pocket for Jaxson. Jaxson's FAVE!

I know Martha didn't know what a blessing she was to me. I was only thinking of myself and all I had to do but she was only thinking of others and pleasantly greeted me at the doors of Wal-Mart.

Although I still have lots to do, my mood was lifted. Thank you, sweet Martha.

I pray that I will think of others and not myself. We never know what a genuine hello with a smile will do for someone who is selfish like me. ;)

Now, what am I doing blogging?~? Off to the world of one year old decor and cakes!

Follow This.

2010-01-27T11:01:00.003-06:00

My awesome sister, who I wish I could be as cool as, started a blog. I LIKE it. That's all I got. eachtheirown.blogspot.com

cereal and milk.

2010-01-26T09:15:00.004-06:00

January 26, 2010.

So, I feel like this little picturesque blessing was just for me from God. No one else will probably get as much joy from it but that's ok. I will still share the picture with you.

Jax just recently started eating cereal with milk. When he finished eating the cereal this morning, there was milk left in the bowl.

"OH! Is this for me?!?!?"

ummm...yes.

He started drinking. "Mmmm. Mmmm. Mmmm. So yummy in my tummy!"

First of all, just hearing him say that was adorable.

Second of all, it took me straight back to when my brothers and I would sit at the kitchen table and drink the pink-stained lucky charm milk from our bowls. BEST TASTING MILK EVER!!!

And since I'm not feeling well which leaves me a little emotional, I took this as God brightening my coughing plagued morning.

As for Maddox and doing something cute...he chased this balloon around for a good hour before going to bed.

Have a lovely Tuesday.

Monday Madness

2010-01-25T08:27:00.006-06:00

January 25, 2010.

This song by Watermark from an older cd has been in my head. I think it is quite appropriate to share for those of us who feel little strength and very tired on a Monday Morning.

May you seek the Lord for joy in Him will be your strength.

Arise and be comforted
For the Lord, He is good to the weary
And even the young heart can tire and fall
But He knows them all
For the Lord, He will renew their strength
And they will soar on wings as eagles
And they will run and never grow weary
They will walk and not grow faint
For the Lord, He is good
Lift your eyes to the heavens
For the creator is living in you
Come surrender as you are

And know that you’ll never stray too far
Let His power within you heal your heart
Lift your eyes to spacious skies
Let Him chart your way to flight
Spread your wings and fly
For the Lord, He is good

So, this Monday morning has been eventful. Jaxson asked if he could please please please poop in his diaper as soon as he woke up. I told him no and that if he went in the toilet he would get another sticker? He said he wanted a movie instead. Oh, how plans backfire. HA!

Do you remember the big rain and all of the tornados from Wednesday night last week? Here are some pics of the boys running through the rain! They both LOVED it! My baby M is getting too big if he is able to run (walk) through the rain.

I must go! I just heard, "Mom, I pooped in the toilet!" My mommy potty training skillz are MAD!!! I guess a sticker was sufficient.

Happy Monday!!

Confessions

2010-01-23T17:49:00.005-06:00

January 23, 2010

I have a couple of confessions for you this lazy, rainy Saturday evening.

CONFESSION #1: My son, Jaxson, is NOT potty-trained. I tell people he is but he isn't completely.

Is that a lie? Sometimes I try to explain but most of the time when people ask, I just say that he is. He DOES wear undies and he does pee in the potty but he does NOT do the other. So, call me a liar.

UNTIL RECENTLY.

I began a poopy potty chart. When Jax goes in the toilet, he gets to put on a sticker. If he goes in his diaper (which he wears at naps and at night) he has to take a sticker off. Once he gets 3 stickers, he gets a movie.

(lame chart)

Today he received sticker number three!

We bought Ice Age.

confession #1b. Talking about lies, I lied to my doctor about Maddox saying "mama" and "dada" at nine months. He does say both but not specifically for each of us. I thought he was suppose to be doing this by now so I lied. I looked it up later on babycenter.com and it wasn't something he should necessarily be doing by that point. Lied for no reason just so someone would think my child was perfect. Confessing these lies makes me feel like a loser. :)

Sidenote: babycenter.com is my favorite site for ANY questions I have about my kids.

CONFESSION #2: My sometimes struggle with contentment has already been passed on to my two year old.

Jaxson opened Ice Age when we got home and realized it had TWO movies in it. Ice Age 1 and Ice Age 2. He was soooooo excited with this great discovery. He didn't get one movie for pooping in the potty, he got TWO!!! Within, 15 minutes of the first movie Jaxson began looking at the second disc.

"Is this movie almost over?"

"When this one is over, can I watch the next one?"

"Look at the picture on this one."

Jeremy told him just to enjoy the movie that was on and that because he was worrying about watching the second movie, he was missing the one that was on.

Me. Me. Me. I am sooooo like that.

"In one more hour it will be nap time."

"When the boys wake up, we can do this or that."

"3o minutes until Jeremy gets home."

I am constantly thinking about what is going to happen next instead of being content in what is going on at the time.

Phillipians 4:10-23 is such a great reminder in having peace in our circumstances. v.11 "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."

I will be praying that I am content in my day to day, hour to hour circumstances instead of wishing or worrying about the next thing that will or won't happen.

CONFESSION #3: I am the laziest mom today. Yes, Jax did get to watch the second movie when the first one was over. :)

And look what I found while lazily browsing my favorite blogs! A letter wall from oh, hello friend! I want one in my house!

Happy content, lazy Saturday to you all.

Oh, Cooper.

2010-01-21T16:25:00.003-06:00

January 21, 2010.

I think my dog is dead. or stolen.

My heart is sad.

Last night.

9 p.m. I came home last night from Bible Study and I think he ran out of the garage without us realizing it.

11 p.m. When we went to bed...we couldn't find him.

12 p.m. Jer went driving around to find him. No luck.

Today.

8 a.m. Cooper was not barking at the door.

10 a.m. Me, Jax, Maddox went driving around to find him. No luck.

4:30 p.m. Still no Cooper.

Pray that if he was stolen, his new, mean, thief family will treat him well.

Pray that if he got hit, that he is not suffering.

Pray that I can get it together. :(

I'll tell you a couple stories about him for your reading pleasure.

When Jaxson was little, he use to turn around in circles at the back door if he wanted to go outside because that is what Cooper would do. Smart teacher, smart student.

Cooper always got to sleep in our room if I was drying laundry when we went to bed because he is scared of the washing and drying machines. He is also scared of storms. Sweet puppy.

We got Cooper when he was two. He is now five.

When Jaxson first started calling Cooper by name, he called him "tooper," then it evolved into "pooper" (fitting.), and finally..."cooper."

If he comes home, I will love him better.

Good Wonderful Morning.

2010-01-20T09:25:00.006-06:00

January 20, 2010.

So, I'm part of a study on the book of Habakkuk for the next 8 or so weeks. I'm very excited about it. We have our second meeting tonight which means I am in the midst of finishing the first week of the study. This study is through a book by Kay Arthur, LORD, Where Are You When Bad Things Happen?. Be forewarned, you may get a number of blogs on the book of Habakkuk in the upcoming months. ;)

What I REALLY wanted to blog about this morning...By the way, Good wonderful Morning to YOU!...is not about Habakkuk but these lovely verses that Kay Arthur pointed out. I sometimes struggle when I begin with God. How do I begin my time with him? Pray first then read? Read then pray? Pray then read then pray? What exactly should I pray pre-study? Here is my ocd self coming out again. I get so anxious not having the perfect instructions of how all things are to be done. HA! Anyway, these verses were so precious to me. A perfect way to begin a study or quiet time with my God.

Ephesians 1:17 [Pray] "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him."

Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law."

Aren't those great?!

OH! Did you want to see the boys?!?!? Well....OK!

Jaxson's Very First Hot Chocolate! (these are actually pics from early December.)

My husband.

2010-01-19T22:06:00.004-06:00

January 19, 2010

I love my husband.

I'm always blogging about my boys and my life and such but I need to take a time out to talk about how wonderful Jeremy Gauntt is.

First of all, I am a wimp. Jeremy had to go out of town Sunday afternoon, spend the night away and not come home until yesterday evening. I've been loving blogging lately but it had me all out of whack that I couldn't even get myself together to write a little something. To all my friends that have husbands that work out of town a lot, I think you are amazing. To all my friends that are single mommy's, I think you, too, are amazing.

My husband is a rock solid man. His love for me is unquestionable. His adoration for our boys makes my heart melt. His affirmation, his even temper, and most importantly his love for God are big chunk of what makes me strong.

This may be completely sickening but I know that part of what makes me a good mom is my wonderful husband. We are one. I also know that part of what makes a good husband is a good wife...so I must be excellent, right?!?! Just kidding.

I'm just so thankful and wanted to just love on him in my blog for a moment.

Basically, neither of us can actually take credit for our precious boys or any good parenting we do, it's just by God's grace. But if we COULD take credit, I wouldn't be able to take ANY without Jeremy being a part of it. Does my rambling make since??

Onto other things, he got to be off for the day since he worked on Sunday. LOVELY. So, we did what any couple would do in the middle of January. Took down our Christmas lights. HA! Really, we (he) DID do that but that wasn't the great part. We took the boys to the Brookshires Wildlife Museum. Anybody been? It's pretty cool AND pretty FREE!!! Jaxson continually asked us or told us that the animals were not real. He was pretty intense about it. Anyway, it was so fun to spend time with the boys AND Jer. I loved it.

I am SO thankful to my God for blessing me with my husband. Again, my cup overflows.

p.s. The first two pictures are by my friend Rachel. Check out her site!!!

A couple Things to Share with YOU!

2010-01-15T15:59:00.003-06:00

January 15, 2010

I had the most wonderful day today! I took the boys to the library and met a couple friends and their boys there too!

Darisse and Braeden.

Amber and Luke and David. (old pic)

SO FUN! For all of you Lindalians...the Lindale Library has a Reading Time at 10 a.m. every Friday for kids.

THEN, my friend Amber and her two boys came over for the afternoon. I LOVE this friend. Her son, Luke, and Jaxson get along so well and Maddox and David are starting to be old enough to play together. I am so thankful for friends. It's such a blessing from God to have people outside of your family to learn from and share with.

My two other things to share are a couple links that were shared with me.

First, a link for FREE photo-cards! I can ALWAYS find something to do with these...something like Maddox's first birthday that is coming up. Just click HERE and it will take you to the FREE-ness. ;)

Lastly, a recipe I have not yet tried but that was shared with me by my sweet sister, Kendra. BANANA COOKIES

Have the most wonderful weekend eating cookies and ordering free prints with your friends!

Always in socks. Now he needs shoes.

2010-01-14T16:06:00.004-06:00

January 14, 2010

Maddox, in the last two weeks, has come from a couple of baby steps to standing up by himself from a sitting position and walking all over the house!!!

This makes me sad. My baby is getting big.

This makes me happy. My baby is getting big.

Maddox now needs more shoes.

Jeremy,

May I buy these for Maddox, PLEASE?!?!

Are these not the cutest shoes that a new toddler needs that you have ever seen in your whole entire life?!?!? LOVE THEM!

Have a lovely evening.

Dear God...

2010-01-14T11:27:00.003-06:00

January 14, 2010

Jaxson does NOT like to pray. I don't know if he gets shy or embarassed but at dinner, before bed, and other random times we pray, we'll ask him if he wants to pray and he always says no. I try to tell him God wants to hear him and we always talk about how God loves us, etc. etc. He's told us he can't, he's too little, it's for mommys and daddys...and so on. Well, last night, like any other night, I asked him if he wanted to pray.

He did!

He got very shy but we took it slow. Finally, here are the first words EVER that Jaxson prayed to God.

"Dear God,

Thank you for you (and pointed at me).

Thank you for daddy.

Thank you for Maa-ox. He is my brudder.

Thank you for Cooper. He is my doggy.

I love you, God.

Amen."

I cried.

You can too.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

My Muscles Are Going Away!

2010-01-13T08:48:00.002-06:00

January 13, 2010

Last night, as we were about to eat dinner, Jax said, "Oh no! My muscles are going away!" I asked him why he thought they were going away and he told me it was because he hadn't eaten dinner yet and that he needed to "eat right now!"

Jeremy and I thought it was hilarious and of course I grabbed the camera and got a before and after picture of Jaxson's muscles. Can't you see the difference?!?!? It's actually all in the face!

I was thinking about this later and thought how true this is in our spiritual life. When I am not eating and drinking daily and constantly from the Word, my strength immediately weakens. The times I am strongest in my faith are the times that I am consistently spending time with My God.

"Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually." Psalm 105:4

In other news, all the cousins were together this past Friday. Shea was babysitting Jordan and Beth's babies. Here are some precious pictures of the cousins!

Yummy Lunch Idea!

2010-01-11T14:10:00.008-06:00

January 11, 2010

So, I LOVE finding new ideas to get my 2 1/2 year old to eat and how cute is this?!?!?

I found this on a blog that I love called A CUP OF JO. You should check it out.

Well, it's definitely a Monday for me so I'm going to get back to cleaning, cleaning while the babies are sleeping, sleeping. Have a Monday filled with laughter and joy!

Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Rejoice with that runny nose!

2010-01-08T08:01:00.004-06:00

January 8, 2010

Ugh. Sinus infection? today I think. I can NOT kick this. I've been sick since LAST Friday. It's driving me crazy. My throat feels like sand paper and I can't stop sneezing. Jaxson and Maddox woke up at the same time this morning so as I lay in bed with a runny nose, feeding Maddox, Jaxson crawls all over us with this insane amount of energy no child should have at seven a.m. It's freezing cold outside so no escape there. Yet, today my prayer will be this.

"This (today) is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Ps. 118: 24

Sometimes I want to crawl my tired little body right back into bed and stuff my head under the pillow and hopefully wake back up to a 'brighter' day or at least a kleenex-less day...

Sometimes I feel so sorry for myself with my red nose and dry throat...

Sometimes...

But I want to remember to REJOICE in THIS day my GOD has made. So now, let me rejoice.

1. Crystal is coming over with Hank, Hallee, and Rex. I can't wait to see them. Rex and Jax will get to put on more tattoos. Always a crowd pleaser.

2. Jeremy brought home creamer last night which I was out of so I am sitting here drinking my coffee with creamer instead of coffee with milk and sugar which has been the case for the two days prior. bleh! Do you know how HAPPY this makes this girl?!?!?! VERY MUCH SO!

3. My child is CREATIVE! Even though it's cold, he'll find something to use up energy.

4. I live with the three most handsome boys in the world. Well, one man, two boys...you get the point...

I could go on and on...my cup overflows!

Ah, I need to do that every morning!

A great resource for any East Texas mommies that just HAVE to get out of the house...

http://www.doctorwick.com/stuff.html

Cookies with Jaxson and Maddox...and the recipe!

2010-01-07T13:26:00.007-06:00

January 7, 2010

Yesterday I attempted to make cookies with Jaxson and Maddox. Another daily (hourly) lesson in patience for me. I'll admit, I'm a wanna-be-perfectionist. I'm a self-diagnosed ocd-er. When life doesn't go according to my little plan...well, I just get all bent out of shape. The Lord grows me every day in this area.

So, onto our cookie adventure...we had so much fun. Jaxson is a go-getter for sure! He wanted to put in each and every ingredient.

He wanted to help mix each time a new ingredient went in. I love watching him get so excited about the smallest things...such as pouring a teaspoon of vanilla into a bowl of butter and sugar. Although, I have to hold my tongue when I want to correct him in the way he pours and have to sit back while watching a mess of flour get all over the place, it is so worth it!

His MOST favorite thing was cracking the eggs.

First one was a little rough.

Look at his little nervous smile...love it!

But for Jax the second and third time was a charm!

I had to snap this next shot because as Jaxson was holding the chocolate chips, he was saying, "I love them, mommy. They are my favorite. I love them." ...and I knew EXACTLY how he felt!

The whole time Maddox played with the magnets on the dishwasher or played peek-a-boo with Jaxson.

He's such a little trooper and is always a part of our adventures.

The most wonderful part of making cookies!!!...licking the mixer.

We finished our cookie escapade and all the imperfections along the way and look how yummy they turned out!

Now if I can only rely on HIS perfection and not my own.

2 Corinthians 12:9

"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weaknesses.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

Here is the recipe for YOU!

2 1/2 c. oatmeal (blended)

1 c. butter

1 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

12 oz. chocolate chips OR

6 oz chocolate chips and 6 oz pb chips (YUMMY!)

Measure oatmeal and then blend in blender to a fine powder, set aside

Cream the butter and both sugars.

Add egss and vanilla.

Gradually mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.

Add chocolate chips.

I like to spoon them onto the cookie sheet instead of rolling them into a ball. They look so much more home-made and yummy that way.

Bake for 9 minutes @ 375

Before you leave, I mohawked Maddox's hair for the first time. He slowly getting enough for it to last 2 seconds. Thought you might enjoy.

Sweetest McDonald's Worker EVER!

2010-01-07T09:02:00.004-06:00

January 7, 2010

So, one of my friends mentioned this video I had posted on facebook a couple weeks ago so I thought I'd share it with you non-facebookers. Definitely don't want you to miss out on this! ;)

Little Ears vs. MY BIG MOUTH!!!

2010-01-05T11:15:00.010-06:00

January 5, 2010.

"I'm dying, I'm dying."

Why are you dying?-me

"I'm dying mommy because I want some candy."

"I'm so stupid."

"I'm better than you."

I'm not kidding...these are quotes from my precious hearted 2 1/2 year old. WHAT?!?! Where did he hear these things?!?!

I'm pretty sure he's heard them on tv!!!!!...or from the mouth of my own lips. No, I don't walk around with my head down calling myself stupid...and I definitely don't tell Jaxson I'm better than him. I do, however, flail myself on the floor saying I'm dying when I don't get candy.

Not really.

BUT...I do rarely joke about being stupid to Jeremy when I do something dumb. I have said I feel like I'm dying to Jeremy within the last couple days because I haven't felt well. Definitely not dying though. AND I have even told Jaxson he's better than mommy or daddy when we play games together to boost his ego. WHAT was I thinking saying things like this in front of my sweet innocent baby boy?!?!

He has grown into this AMAZING sponge. No, really, he picks up EVERYTHING. And now, I am realizing how important it is to think on things that are pure and lovely because that is what overflows from your mouth.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." Ps 19:14

Update on my morning quiet time. Well, lets just say there is a reason it's mentioned in the Bible spending time with Him in the morning. Because after that, the day just happens. I figured I would do it during Maddox's morning nap. But then my sister came over. Lovely, I love her. Then I got to hang out with Rex and Hallee for a while. I love them too. Just check out this beautiful babe!!!

The boys enjoyed stickers and football.

I really like to compare Jax and Rex's art. Just how different they do things...even putting stickers on paper. It's so interesting to me.

Talking about art, for some reason this little Sunday School take home melted my heart.

Back to my quiet time...boys did NOT want to take a nap. We tried for over an hour...finally silence. ah. Finally did a little reading and a little praying at 3p.m. Oh sweet Jesus, I needed You before half the day was over!

We'll try morning tomorrow!

Lastly, Check out this blog. It's an old friend that's now a new blogger/facebook friend. I love this quote and love to read her blog!

www.humphriesnation.com

"We have been placed here for a reason. And it is not to relax in the hills of Texas, but to get our hands dirty." -in reference to missions...LOVE IT!!

Oh. and to leave you with a few of our favorite things...

Jaxson has taken on Rexy's love of tattoos. So hardcore!

Maddox truly loves balls. Picture not staged...you can rarely find him without balls. :) (I think there are FIVE in this picture) He's eating one and throwing one at the same time. TALENT!? I think so!

My current favorites: my built in desk in my kitchen (that REALLY needs organized)

my afternoon coffee

, AND my new red chair!!! Thanks Jack and Linda! I LOVE IT!

Wonder Woman, Oatmeal, and Patience...

2010-01-04T14:30:00.006-06:00

January 4, 2010.

This morning the boys and I were all awake by 7:00. I've been sick all weekend but woke up feeling rather well! I've been telling myself I would make time each morning to spend at least 5-10 minutes in the word or in prayer even if it was to the background of Jaxson's morning cartoons. :) And that is just what happened this morning.Madagascar and Jesus. The boys were both well occupied so I prayed and then I looked up a couple scriptures on patience. Why?

Because, oh....come nap time, PATIENCE has become a HUGE struggle for me. We'll get back to that in a moment. Afterwards, I felt like wonder woman. The joy of the Lord, a little quiet time with him, and I can conquer the world!!!!...or at least breakfast. I thought that I'd be wonder mom and actually cook REAL oatmeal (in place of the baby oatmeal you can buy and mix with milk...bleh!) So I did. With Maddox on one hip, and Jaxson helping poor the 1 1/2 cups of oats into the boiling milk...we had ourselves a real breakfast. Mix in a little apple sauce, and WA-LAH!

You'd think that would call for one smooth morning.

It did NOT.

For one thing, I burnt the milk on the bottom of the pan...oh well.

But then the tears...and more tears...and more tears. Jaxson did NOT LIKE my oatmeal (although he hadn't tried it.) ***MADDOX DID!*** Fits, then time out, then a spanking, more tears...etc. I wasn't prepared to have to apply my time with the Lord from 30 minutes ago so soon!

I guess I'm not wonder woman.

I'm not sure if it was the knowledge and scripture that helped because it was on the forefront of my mind or just the fact that I had actually spent time with the Lord. Probably both. I stayed patient. I stood firm. Finally, we came to an agreement. If Jaxson could at least TRY ONE bite, then he could have something else. He finally did. And then I let him have raisin bran.

My happy cereal eater.

Maybe I'm a softy but the fact that I didn't just give up all together and Jaxson actually took a bite of my oatmeal (that I had slaved over for nearly FIVE minutes) was a miracle from the Lord. :)

2 Timothy 4:2

"...preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."

In other news, Maddox is taking a couple of steps!

Yes, yes, I know. He is just precious! He is so happy except when it comes to food. Put him in his high chair and he wants his food NOW! Mommy is learning patience so she can teach it to this one a little later. ;)

Ummmm...yes, there is a hole in his pj's. His big toe is poking out. Don't hate.Have a wonderful rest of your Monday!

Christmas and Happy 2010!

2010-01-03T18:32:00.005-06:00

Jan. 3, 2010

2010!!! Can you believe it?

Jaxson turns THREE this year and Maddox is only one month away from the big O-N-E! Closer to the end of this year, we will celebrate our 4th anniversary. In 2009, I was blessed with my second son, a niece, and a nephew. We bought our first home and we helped plant a church here in Lindale. Relevant Life Fellowship. What a year! It has been filled with some trials that hopefully we will learn and grow from, much joy, and lots of laughter!

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to blog 2-3 times a week! We'll see how long it lasts. :)

I love writing. I love to share my family and what God is doing in our lives with you. I so enjoy your comments through our joys and our trials. Hoping to glean wisdom from you while I strive to be a wife, mother, daughter, and friend that in the end, God can say, "Well done."

I'm excited to begin this new year. Happy 2010 to you~!

Here are some Christmas pictures for you!

You are so Beautiful to me...EEE!

2009-11-23T17:45:00.005-06:00

Has it really been two months? Well, before I catch every one up on the lives of my sweet boys, I must first share this video from almost 3 months ago. But it deserves being posted. ;) Hope it brightens your evening.

Cutest Ring Bearer EVER!

2009-09-24T09:07:00.005-05:00

Did you know one of the greatest gifts you can give a mother is to love her children? My mom has told me this before but it became very true for me when Jeremy and Kelley Irwin asked if Jaxson could be the ring bearer in their wedding. What??? Yes,! of course he can! (This also rings true as a wife of her husband as well.)

So, after warning J & K that you never know what you are going to get with a two year old, they still wanted him to be a part of the most amazing day of their lives. Before Jax walked the aisle, I know that I was beaming with pride, shaking with nervousness for him, and anxious for everyone's eyes to be laid upon who I think is the most amazing two year old in the world!!! ;) We had definitely practiced in advance walking slowly and carefully. I now know that Jaxson is perfectly capable of taking detailed instruction straight to heart. I was so so proud of Jaxson. Oh, how I LOVE him!

Thank you Jeremy and Kelley for letting us be a part of this most wonderful day. We love you!

Here are some pictures and the greatest video of Jax the ring bearer. You may also notice my handsomely hot husband as well. Don't be jealous!! :)

Growling baby Maddox.

2009-09-14T10:20:00.005-05:00

My sweet baby Maddox has learned to communicate...through his growls. No kidding, he has a growl for anger, joy, he growls as he falls asleep, a warning growl for Jax when he gets too close...I mean, it's pretty stinkin' awesome. What else are you suppose to do when you can't talk, right? Not only can M growl but he, in his seventh month of life, has learned to wave, give great slobbery, open-mouth kisses (he must've learned that from his dad! *j/k baby*), and is on the road to being a remarkable crawler. Right now, it's an army crawl/scoot. So...I hope you enjoy these videos. They are both a little long but you can get the point from the beginning of them so don't feel like you have to watch them all the way through. Love you my friends and family. Thank you for humoring me by reading my blog as I show off my two baby loves!!!

Childlike Faith

2009-09-11T16:00:00.001-05:00

This is probably my most favorite story...of my life...as a mom...of all time...thus far... :)

I love God's special gifts for me. You know the ones that you know were specifically meant for you?? I love them. He gave me one today. And Jaxson. I think this is one of the greatest things that I have experienced...next to the obvious (birth, marriage, salvation, etc.) Just read this.

Maddox, Jaxson, and I were leaving Sky Ranch after eating lunch with my mom. As we were getting into the car it started thundering outside. "What's that, mommy?" "That's the thunder Jaxson. God makes it thunder. It means rain might be coming." After this quick convo we began to sing "...if all the rain drops were lemon drops and gum drops, oh what a rain that would be!"

We began our 15-ish minute drive home. It began to sprinkle, then to rain, and then to POUR! "It's raining, mommy!" I tried to glance back at his HUGE smile while squinting to see the rain covered road. I mean, it was POURING! We loved it. Then is stopped.

No rain.

"Mommy, make it rain again." "Jaxson, mommy can't make it rain. God makes the rain. You have to ask him to make it rain." "Make it rain again, God."

POURING RAIN!!!!!!!! immediately.

Jax quickly said very enthusiastically, "Thank you, God! WOW!"

"If all the raindrops....."

Then it stopped. No rain.

"Do it again, God!"

POURING RAIN!!!!! on command. no lie.

Again Jaxson said, "Thank you, God!"

"were lemon drops and gum drops..."

Then it stopped. No rain.

"Do it again, God!"

POURING RAIN AGAIN!!!

"oh what a rain that would be!"

Then there was just laughter. Even a two year old could tell this was close to unbelievable. We were both laughing. I was almost in tears as I drove in God's glorious rain that he gave to my two year old son with the faith of a child.

The rain stopped again and Jaxson asked God to make it rain again...it didn't...right away. Then towards the end of the drive it began to sprinkle. "Look, Jax, it's raining some more." "Bigger, Mommy."

With a smile in my heart, "Mommy can't make it rain bigger, only God can." "Bigger, God," (the rain got harder,) "BIGger God,!" (the rain got harder,) "BIGGER GOD!" It began pouring... AGAIN! I was in disbelief.

My sweet friends, this was so so awesome! Too much to be a coincidence.

"Thank you God. Mommy, God makes me happy. The rain makes me happy and God made the rain. God makes me happy."

So for me, the rain on command from my precious Father was pretty unbelievable but just as wonderful was my innocent two year old getting to see how much God loves us and telling me how God makes him happy. I hope I conveyed just an ounce of the awesomeness of this experience!

"I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matt. 17:20

Hank Dea Hethcote...a post LONG overdue!

2009-09-02T08:14:00.014-05:00

My sister, Crystal Shea, and her husband, Andy gave birth to Hank Dea Hethcote on July 30, 2009. This baby is PERFECT. He has these kissable lips that are so great, the cutest little nose, precious eyes, and all this hair. His features are eye catching as he is one of the four most handsome little boys I know! I had an idea of the excitement I would feel when Hank was born from the familiar feeling of Rex and Hallee being born but I would have never guessed the incredible feeling it is to share motherhood with my sister. I'm not sure I can still even explain it. I just know that it feels my heart with this joy, this comfort in sharing, this new bond, a pride for my little sister...it is just wonderful. I'm so thankful for Crystal and all the things I have already learned from her as a mom. I'm so excited to have her to share in raising our boys together. Thank you, Lord for Hank and for the blessing of motherhood you have bestowed on my sister and me.

...and the four cousins become five. ;)

I feel like I might just have my hands full!

2009-09-01T20:30:00.004-05:00

Although my boys are two years apart and even though Maddox is only about 7 months old...I can already see the bond beginning...the mischevious eyes, the laughing...and can only imagine the secrets and pranks that I may encounter in just the next two years. I am so excited to see the great bond that grows between these brothers but I have a *little* feeling I might just have my hands full! Maybe these pictures will give you a small glimpse.

And so I walk in the Lord's presence as I live here on earth!

2009-08-25T14:30:00.008-05:00

My mom took the boys today for an hour and I almost didn't know what to do with myself. The house was straightened, although the toilets could always use a scrub down (as Jax loves to pee by himself.!!) but for the most part, it was clean. Regardless, cleaning toilets didn't interest me in my hour of free time. Thankfully, the Lord spurred me on to spend that precious time with him. AND it was PRECIOUS! I constantly struggle in feeling like my relationship isn't as deep as it should be or as genuine which deters me from even spending time with the Lord. In struggling with this and talking to my dad about it, I've realized that during these dry times it just takes making the effort...even if we don't FEEL like it.

Being that I haven't had a steady quiet time for a while, I am not religiously reading a devotional each day or trying to read through different books of the Bible. So, sadly, when I do sit down with the Lord, I sometimes don't even know where to begin. Today, I just prayed real quick and asked the Lord to speak to me with his Word. I opened to Psalms to be encouraged. I was. I'll wrap this up quickly because I've found it's impossible to replay the greatness of your time with God to someone else...they just have to experience it for themselves...but I can definitely ENCOURAGE you.

PSALM 116. I read it once, then twice, and then wrote it out because I feel like it is my new life passage. I feel like life should have a formula and so should our relationship with the Lord. But it doesn't because God's gift is FREE. So when we receive it...???? I struggle with this too! So, because of all this rambling, you may understand why I LOVE this verse.

Psalm 116:12-14..."What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord's name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people."

....And so I walk in the Lord's presence as I live here on earth! v.9

Don't you love him!?! It's so easy.

And on top of all that!!!...how can I not offer up my life in praise and walk in his presence when he has blessed my life so greatly?!?!?

And with that...I will of course update you with MORE pictures from July. Thanks for reading. ;)

One of our many trips to zoo.

Dancing baby boys. love them.

Random trip to splash kingdom with Jax. I love watching him and Jer play together.

The boys and all their friends. Luke and David Wallace, Maddox and Jaxson Gauntt, and Davis and Reed Carnathan.

the handsome love of my life.

so so sweet.

Jax loves his Popi.

Can't get enough of the superman picture!!!

Expectations and the Fourth of July

2009-08-21T16:14:00.007-05:00

7/4/09...

Do you sometimes get frustrated with yourself for struggling with the same things that you have always struggled with. It seems for me, that I continue to struggle with the same types of sins but the difference is when I learn how to deal with those struggles...by turning them over to the Lord instead of trying to conquer them on my own. In my 27th year of life I find myself still having expectations...out of others, myself, and even out of just

life in general. For example, this last fourth of July, I had expectations to spend it with all of Jeremy and I's family together. All of us! Of course, this was just what I had in mind but every one, of course, had different types of plans. I got so frustrated in my heart because my ideal fourth of July didn't pan out. Sometimes, I am left frustrated and just have to pray until I get over it. But this fourth of July, God truly blessed me. This fourth of

July, Jaxson was two. Probably enough said but I will go into a little more detail.

We ended up going to Jeremy's parents house and my parents also came over there. We did snakes and poppers before it got dark. Jaxson thought that was pretty cool...but then it got dark~! Jeremy got some great stuff that made Jaxson's eyes light up like it was the greatest thing on earth!!! Although, all of our siblings weren't there, and my expectations weren't met,

God far exceeded my expectations just by seeing the joy in the eyes of my two year old. I'm sure I will continue to seek the Lord in my continuing struggle of expectations but I am thankful for this lesson. God is so good.

Superman joined us after fireworks and a bath! ;)

The month of June

2009-08-20T22:11:00.005-05:00

I'm sure it's not really appropriate to do this in the blogging world but I'm encompassing pictures from the entire month of June in this one blog. The Gauntt family celebrated four? birthdays, bought a home, began life groups which is part of the new church, Relevant Life and waited anxiously for the arrival of baby Hank Dea Hethcote. We were busy. Our lives are so richly blessed. The boys are so much fun and growing so so quickly. Here are just a couple pictures to catch up for June. I will try to be better with this...Here is our new home, which my husband works so hard to provide for us and to buy for us. I LOVE him.!!!Maddox continues to be smiley, laid back, and precious. I am so thankful for him. I'm sure he will challenge me to just lay back and enjoy life more as he grows older.Jaxson pretending to be a fishy......so Jaxson has this great smile....I love it! But normally when he smiles, it's hard to see his eyes. hehe.My cousin, Amber got to come visit for a couple weeks...she is precious...here, her and Brooklynn played with Jax in his NEW sandbox.Daddy's birthday and Jaxson's face after helping with the birthday cake!!!

Cousins!!!

2009-06-28T17:23:00.004-05:00

Pics from 5/25/09

The cousins were in town. Rex is growing up and talking and he and Jax have the best time together. And then there is Hallee, she is the most beautiful baby girl. Her and Maddox will be best buds. So fun for the cousins to be together. Jordan and Bethany!!!...MOVE BACK! ***be looking for new pics with a 5th cousin in about a month. Come on baby Hank! We can't wait for you!

Maddox Between 3 and 4 months, Jaxson 2 years 2 months-ish

2009-06-28T17:00:00.005-05:00

Pics from May 20th.

Hopefully I will not overwhelm you with blogs and pictures of the boys in the next couple of days but while BUYING OUR NEW HOME I have been extremely busy and not had internet access. But I'm back! Yeah for blogspot and facebook. ;) So, these pictures are of my precious babies on May 20th. Just in the mood to do a little photo shoot. You know me. Hope you enjoy. I will post more recent of Maddox soon as he is groooOOOwing so fast and I'll also post some new home pictures too.

Jaxson turns TWO! "I two!"

2009-04-14T08:47:00.048-05:00

Jaxson turned two on April 5th! We had a birthday party for him on the 11th because his cousins, Rex and Hallee, would be in town. We had a Thomas the Train party. Jaxson LOVES his "choo-choos" and "Tommy" the Train. We had a little family party on his actual birthday and his Nana and Papa Jack MADE a train table for him. The conductor hat that Rex is wearing is also from Nana. We are so blessed to live in the same town as our families, which along with friends, makes for the biggest parties.! So much fun!!! We partied at a park with lots of friends and family and some chocolate cake and ice cream.

I can not believe that Jaxson is two. TWO YEARS!!! My life has dramatically changed in a little over two years. I can not believe two years ago I gave birth and since then have given birth again. I can not believe that in two years ago I had a newborn and now I have a running, laughing, talking, longing for independence toddler AND another newborn. I can not believe that a little over two years ago, I married the man of my dreams and in that two years God has blessed us with this 2 year old and a constantly growing relationship with one another. I love my husband, I love my Jaxson, I love my Maddox. I am witnessing the best times of my life and I know that they will only get better. Thank you, Lord, for my adventure loving two year old.

So many friends came but I didn't get pics of them all. Kelleigh and Brian Macevicius, Jennifer Taber, and the McFarland crew were all there...sorry I don't have pics up. LOVE YOU ALL!!

Michael, Rebekah, Davis, and Reed helped us celebrate!

Our friends, Nick and Rachel Robinson came!

The Wallace's came! CJ, Amber, and Luke (they have a baby boy on the way too!!)

Brooklynn.

Uncle Nic and Brittney (Pretty.)

Papi and Aunt Mary.

Uncle Jordan and Papa Jack.

Uncle Andy, Aunt Shea Shea, and baby boy Hethcote.

Aunt Kendra and the boys.

Papa Jack and Nana and Maddox.

presents, Presents, PRESENTS!!!

Gavin and Jackson McFarland, Brady Taber, Georgia and Laurel McFarland.

Gus McFarland, Luke Wallace, Davis Carnathan, Audrey, Jaxson, and Rex.

Linda, Jack, Jaxson, Morgan, Jeremy, Maddox, and Mary.

Chris, Melody, Nic, Morgan, Maddox, Jaxson, Jeremy, Brittney, Bethany, Hallee, Jordan, Rex, Andy, Crystal (and baby boy Hethcote), Kendra, and Brooklynn.

Maddox is TWO months!!!

2009-04-10T14:52:00.006-05:00

Maddox was two months old on the third! I can NOT believe it! We went to his two month check up and he was 13 lbs 7 oz! His weight is in the 89th percentile and his height is the 91st.! He's my big boy! He is growing so fast and is already out of some of his 0-3 month clothing. :( Maddox is so laid back and all you have to do is look at him and he will start to smile. It's so different with the second baby. Maddox is growing up so much faster because I share my attention with him AND Jaxson. It makes me worry I'm going to miss out...I just want to cherish every day of each of their lives. I love my sweet boys. They are such joy to my heart!

Maddox has JOKES!!!

2009-03-28T13:47:00.013-05:00

Ok, so our almost 8 week old isn't REALLY a genius that can talk and tell jokes BUT he sure has lots of smiles for us! And these smiles make US smile and laugh so doesn't that count as even BETTER than a joke?!?!?! Well, anyway, here are some of the cutest pictures of our smiling baby and some of our smiling toddler as well. His smiles make us smile too! ;)

Baby Hallee Shea. The boys have a baby girl cousin!!!

2009-03-26T07:20:00.019-05:00

On March 18, 2009 Hallee Shea Trent was born. She is the first girl and is so unbelievably beautiful. My brother, Jordan, and his wife, Bethany, are the parents. Oh my goodness, this precious princess has a full head of black hair and these eyes that are so bright, and these little hot pink lips. She is all girl who wears lots of pink with big bows. Jeremy and I went on our first road trip with Jax and Maddox to go meet our first niece and the boys' first girl cousin. The road trip could use a whole blog to itself but it was definitely worth it. Hallee has blessed us all but I do have to say that she is also a blessed little girl. She has the most wonderful Mimi and Papi and the most fun, greatest parents. She also has a large handful of aunts and uncles who LOVE her, the sweetest big brother and two boy cousins, and another boy cousin on the way who all will protect this precious girl. Thank you, Lord, for beautiful Halle Shea!!!!!! Congratulations Jordan and Beth!!!

Maddox One Month and Other Happenings.

2009-03-12T16:31:00.015-05:00

Maddox was one month old last Tuesday...over a week ago...I'm a little behind but these pictures are from that day. :) Im just getting them up. Isn't he so so so so....CUTE!!! I love my handsome boys.

Today we started putting him in his crib to fall asleep by himself. We are following the book BabyWise. I hate hearing him cry but it only takes him a couple minutes and a couple re-insertions of the wubbanub (his paci)! ;) It has actually made today FANTASTIC! I had no idea how easy it would be.

News on Jax: His parents spoiled him until recently by rocking him or walking with him until he fell asleep for every nap and every night. What kind of parents do ridiculous things like that?!?!? Oh, me. Over the past couple of weeks we have been breaking this habit that his parents had started. He has been a trooper and for the most part falls asleep every night and at every nap by himself. (after a song, a book, and a prayer. :)

Here is Jaxson getting to play outside on a warm day...can't wait until we get those back!!!

I just really liked this pic.

Aunt Mary came to town for a visit and Adam was over too!!! Here are some pics of that visit. This was actually the first picture I got of Adam holding Maddox! Maddox's middle name is Michael...which is also Adam's middle name...he's named after his uncle!!!

My friend Amber and Luke came over a couple weeks ago to visit us!!! Amber was one of my bridesmaids and is a WONDERFUL friend!!! Luke is Jaxson's age...and she has another little boy on the way as well. I'm so excited for our sons to grow up together.

This is the first picture of me with both boys since the hospital.

Mimi with baby Maddox...this was taken on the 10th...isn't he getting so big???!!!!

Ok...so for about 30 minutes Jax had to be wearing his sunglasses and in this picture he would not let go of Maddox's hand but he still wanted to play. Of course, he was able to pull it off!

...and those are all of our latest happenings.

So we went to the Zoo

2009-03-07T08:41:00.026-06:00

On Friday, the 6th, we went to the zoo. My friend, Bekah Carnathan, invited me to bring the boys because she was taking her kids. Bekah is super woman!!!!! She brought her oldest son, Davis (2), the little girl, Avery (1), that she babysits, and her next door neighbor's son, Wesley (2?) all by herself. I, on the other hand, brought another super woman that I know, my sister, Kendra. She brought Audrey (5), and I had my two boys Jax (2 in April) and Maddox (4 wks). I knew that I would need help with just my two but Bekah handles all three of hers perfectly. Anyway, that was probably too much detail but oh well. We went to the zoo and the kids were wonderful. Of course they got cranky when it was time to eat but for the most part it was so enjoyable! Jaxson's favorite things were the flamingos, the white tiger, and of course, the fishies and turtles that swam in the water! There was also a part where the kids could feed the birds and Jax was pretty scared of all the birds flying in his face. It was pretty entertaining. Maddox did fabulous the whole time. He my little laid back chunky man. ;) Check out his cheeks!!! Have a lovely weekend!!!

AUDREY, JAXSON, AND THE WHITE TIGER

ALL THE KIDS: JAXSON, AUDREY, AVERY, DAVIS, AND WESLEY

BEKAH AND MADDOX WITH THE BIRDIES!

KENDRA AND MADDOX

MORGAN, JAXSON, AND AUDREY

(JAX WOULD NOT LET ME PUT HIM DOWN, HE WAS A LITTLE SCARED.)

DAVIS (HE WAS A LITTLE SCARED TOO.)

WESLEY, HE LOVED THE BIRDS.

AVERY

MADDOX, MORGAN, AND JAXSON

BEKAH AND DAVIS (KIND OF)

AUDREY DID GREAT WITH THE BIRDS.

AVERY, JAX, DAVIS, AND WESLEY

ME AND JAX AND THE FISHIES

JAXSON LOVES FISH

...AND THE TURTLES

AUDREY AND THE TURTLES

DAVIS AND THE TURTLES

THE BIG BOYS: WESLEY, JAX, AND DAVIS

MADDOX AND HIS CHEEKS!!! :)

SUPER WOMAN, BEKAH, AND WESLEY, DAVIS, AND AVERY

JAX AND THE FLAMINGOS

DAVIS AND WESLEY

JAXSON, AUDREY, KENDRA, AND MADDOX

Maddox Michael by Rachel

2009-03-03T14:59:00.011-06:00

My sweet friend, Rachel, took pictures of Maddox...again...in our home. (She did some at the hospital too!) She did a FABULOUS job. Thank you so much Rach! You should definitely call her to do pictures for you! www.rachelrobinsonphotography.com

So...Maddox is getting so big. I'm pretty sure he's over 10 lbs. I'm already excited for his 2 month appointment just to see how big he is. We have about a month to wait. :) He has started cooing and I love it! He LOVES to be held. If I would let him sleep in bed with me I think he would sleep all night long. He is still smiling all the time. I really think he is just naturally happy and he is truly smiling. SO FUN! He is such a beautifully handsome baby. I'm anxious for his features to become more distinct and for his personality to continue to blossom. Have fun looking at these awesome pictures!!!

My mom painted this banner (above). She's so talented!
Aunt Lauri (Jer's aunt, Jack's sister) made these awesome hats for Maddox. I'm going to have to start taking orders for her, I get so many compliments.

This blue afghan was made for Jaxson by my sweetest gma Vonnie and the polka dot one was a gift for Maddox from Justin and Abbie. Thank you!

Maddox's First Impression at Church!!!

2009-03-03T07:20:00.010-06:00

This past Sunday was Maddox's first time to go to church. We have been attending church at Lifepoint in Longview with my parents. Sidenote: my dad is planting a church in Lindale and the pastor at the church in Longview is mentoring him and their church is helping to support. That being said, we don't know many people there at all. We were a little late into the service and sat near the back. So...the people sitting behind us saw that we had a newborn but those in front of us probably did not. Lifepoint is actually adopting a school somewhere in Africa and a couple people just got back from there and were giving their testimonies. Maddox did so good. He slept most of the time and when he was awake was so quiet. EXCEPT for...in the middle of part of a testimony that was a little emotional...Maddox let out the loudest, most gigantic toot EVER...well, it was more than just a toot. Anyway, the funniest part about this story is that the people behind us were laughing with us...none of us could stop laughing...it was seriously ridiculously loud. BUT the people in front of us didn't move their heads at all. I'm sure they had no idea we had a baby with us and thought is was one of us. Anyway, I was so proud of my son. :) What a way to make your first appearance at church.

Back to the sidenote...Please be praying for my parents and my family as we will be a part of the church plant as well. We are so very excited for this new part we have i

n God's great adventure.

These pics are 3/3/09... Jax and Maddox on Maddox's first day at church.

I Think He Peed On Me!...and other randomness.

2009-02-21T23:01:00.018-06:00

Funny story. The following two pics are of my big brother, Nic, and his girlfriend, Brittney. This was Brittney's first time to hold Maddox and she was a little nervous because it was also her first time to hold any newborn. Of course, she had no problem and looked perfectly calm holding him. I noticed a while later that she was still holding him and I told her to give him to me as soon as she got tired of holding him. She said, "Ok, I'm not tired of holding him...but I think he peed on me." She pulled him away from her body and her shirt and his were both soaked. POOR BRIT!!! No wonder she was nervous to hold him in the first place! I couldn't stop laughing. I felt so bad.

Here is Jaxson taking advantage of feeding time and coloring all over his body. This is actually close to an every day occurence.

My little photo shoot of Maddox at 9 days old...

UPDATE: Maddox is now 19 days old. He was born at 8 lb 9 oz and was almost back to his original birth weight at his 1 wk appt weighing in at 8 lb 7 oz. At his 2 week...Surprise!!!..he had gained a whole whopping pound. Our big boy was 9 lb 7 oz. Way to go Maddox! He's growing too fast for his mommy.

Proud big Brother...I think I win the prize for most handsome boys EVER!...including Jer. :)

Nana and Papa Jack with their two grandson's.

This was after finger painting that got carried away...it seemed much easier to throw him in the sink than to transfer Maddox's swing to the bathroom while bathing a toddler. I don't know...I'm learning as we go.

Meet my friend Rachel!!! She is whose photography work you all admire so much!!!

Jordan, Bethany, and Rex came for a visit this past week. Rex LOVED Maddox and was so precious with him. He is going to be the most wonderful big brother to his baby sister, Hallee Shea!

So much for all of our baby toys...Maddox doesn't get to enjoy them quite as much as Jaxson did. He has a King Kong brother to worry about before he gets to figure those toys out. So does his mommy. What shall we do??? I'm sure it doesn't help matters that instead of saying no to Jax...I run and get the camera! HA!

And last but not least picture of the blog today...MY AMAZING husband, Jer. Doesn't Maddox look like a doll just cradled up to Jer? Love to see my big strong man father my sweet precious babies.

Play Date with Miss Jorja!

2009-02-21T15:33:00.008-06:00

My sweet friend, Becky, and her daughter, Jorja, came to meet baby Maddox and to play with Jax last week. I imagine that most of you who read my blog don't exactly know who Becky and Jorja Jones are and what role they play in the lives of the Gauntt family so I will fill you in. Becky became a part of my life when I began working as a Group Registration Consultant for Women of Faith's Revolve Tour. She was my boss!!! Who would have guessed that in less than six months (the length of my time at WOF) a boss would become a friend, sister in the Lord, someone I admire, a hilarious friend, someone that people think LOOKS like my sister, and a life long friend.?!?!? Not me, but the LORD is so amazing and his timing is perfect. During my time of knowing Becky, I have seen her to be a prayer warrior, a nurturing, caring friend, a confidant, and truly a woman of the Lord. I am so thankful for her friendship.

Jorja. Becky became pregnant with Jorja about three months after I was pregnant with Jaxson. She is such a precious little girl, who I found out can already sing on key?!?!? Becky was able to make it to Lindale with other WOFers for Jax's baby shower and I was able to make it to the hospital after Jorja was born. And now Becky was back in Lindale with Jorja for the kids to play together and to meet baby Maddox. I love you, sweet friend! Thank you for your friendship!

Hiccup!!!

2009-02-18T13:41:00.003-06:00

A fun video of the boys. Jaxson thinks it's hilarious when Maddox has the hiccups!

Valentines Day with TWO Babies.

2009-02-16T08:03:00.009-06:00

Pictures from February 14, 2009 (Jax 22 months, Maddox 13 days)

We celebrated our first Valentine's Day while having TWO baby boys. It was still so very wonderful!!! My husband came home Friday from work with a dozen red roses and because of my lovely in-laws who watched Jaxson, we went out to eat with Maddox on Saturday evening. It was wonderful to have a night out and sweet Maddox slept the entire time. Jeremy is the most wonderful husband and I often find myself thanking my sweet Saviour for blessing me the most wonderful man alive. He is the greatest daddy to our TWO boys (so fun to say) and makes me feel more than adored all the time.

Here are some pictures from Valentines morning of the boys with their Valentines stuffed animals and Jaxson's "tantee," (candy.) The last pics are of Maddox dressed up to go out to eat with mommy and daddy. He was asleep in his car seat the whole time so no one got to see him but we were still so proud and kept looking at how cute he looked. haha. It's so much fun having two babies!!!

Look Alikes?!?!

2009-02-12T10:57:00.007-06:00

I thought it would be fun to bring Maddox home in the same outfit as Jaxson. I don't think they resemble each other a lot but in these pictures they sure do!

Here's Maddox coming home...

Here's Jaxson coming home...

Our new baby Maddox Michael

2009-02-11T15:28:00.049-06:00

HE'S HERE!!!

I wish I was a good writer so I could describe this most amazing experience of having a second child. I get the best of both worlds...an active t oddler that is learning and doing and saying new things, some of which are HILARIOUS, every day. At the same time I have this precious cuddly miraculous newborn that I adore. AND I get to watch them interact which brings me great joy. Just magnify my description of the greatness of this time in my life by 10!! It's just a precious time.

Sweetest Maddox Michael Gauntt was born February 3, 2009 at 7:51 a.m. He was 8 lbs 9 oz and 21.5 inches long. (Quite a bit bigger than Jaxson who was 7 lbs 11 oz and 19.5 inches.) Oh my goodness, he is just an amazing miracle. You would think after having one that some of the "magic" would disappear but it is definitely just as miraculous and amazing the second time around. God is so awesome.

Maddox is now 8 days old and the Gauntt family couldn't be doing better. Jeremy was able to stay home with us until Monday and then headed back to work on Tuesday. BUT...I have a huge amount of family to help us out. My parents and in-laws have been precious and so helpful...love them!

Maddox is the most laid back baby. He is so sweet and smiles all the time. Although, these are "reflexes" or "gas," I just KNOW he is going to be a happy happy boy. He already slept THROUGH THE NIGHT last night. From 11-6:30!!! Praise the LORD! I was so thankful for a laid back baby for my sweet NON-laid back baby to be a big brother too. It definitely makes life easier. ;) We are so thankful for Maddox Michael and I am very anxious to get to know his little personality more.

Jaxson has been such a wonderful big brother. He is so proud of his "bebe" or "Mat-Mat." Although he is a very active physical boy, he has been so precious with Maddox. He wants to hold him all the time but is so soft. His favorite things right now are when Maddox hiccups. He thinks it's so funny. He also likes to open his hands up and give him fives and is always anxious to help me burp the baby. It's all so fun. Thank you God for our new gift!

Great Anticipation...

2009-02-01T19:31:00.007-06:00

It's Sunday evening and tomorrow I will be busily straightening around the house in nervous anticipation of our early morning drive to the hospital at 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday. After much prayer and leaning back and forth, we have scheduled a repeat c-section for Tuesday morning at 7:30...UNLESS I go into labor before then. :) We are praying that if the Lord wants us to do a vbac that I would go into labor before the 3rd. My actual due date was the 6th, but Maddox will for sure be here by the 3rd. I am so unbelievably excited. The last 22 months with Jaxson have been an amazing journey. He is the most precious boy. I LOVE his demeanor, his big heart for people, his very active body, and all his energy that keeps my lazy self on my toes. I am so, so thankful for him and am very excited to be a mommy to TWO boys very soon. Please pray for me and our family as I give birth to Maddox Michael Gauntt between this evening and Tuesday morning.

More pictures by rachelrobinsonphotography.com

Our Family/Preggo Pics

2009-01-31T13:24:00.008-06:00

So, my friend, Rachel Robinson, took some family pictures of our grooOOOwing family. She is so wonderful and talented and has a precious precious heart. I'm so excited about our friendship and the many pictures we will have her do for us! (I will post more pictures soon.) Go to her website to see the rest of our pictures AND to use her for your family pictures.

You will be so happy!!!

www.rachelrobinsonphotography.com

Preparing a Toddler.

2009-01-31T12:32:00.006-06:00

So, how do you prepare a toddler for a baby brother??? BY PAINTING HIM OF COURSE!!! We painted baby Maddox, or my belly, the other day and it was so very fun. This picture is of Maddox, me, Aunt Kendra, Jax, Rex, and sweet Audrey. Audrey is the little girl that Kendra babysits. SO FUN! We have also designated baby brother's room with a banner made by my most talented momma. (Jaxson also has a banner for his door and room.) Jax can climb into the crib in Maddox's room. Just lovely. My work is cut out for me. We are so so so excited!! Jaxson sits on my lap facing me with his hands on my belly and says "out and pay, bebe," translating to "Come out and play, baby." I just adore him.

"Sappy" Playtime at the Park

2009-01-28T20:08:00.014-06:00

Jaxson's cousin, Rex, is moving soon and this was our last "play date" with him and his mommy. We are so SAPPY about their big move. (SAPPY = SAd + hAPPY) Jaxson asks for Rex every day. The boys love each other so much and I'm so sad to see my sweet brother and precious sister-in-law leave. BUT...there will be lots of visiting back and forth. I love this sweet family so much! We are so excited for them and this adventure in their lives. They are PRECIOUS to our hearts!