I LOVE YOU

So I have to tell the world about my sweet darling princess Abigail... In the mornings when she wakes up and we just aren't ready to get out of bed (this has now become a ritual even if we aren't in bed) Abs lays in our bed watches Barney and drinks her milK (capital K because she stresses that letter when she says milk) it is wonderful family time. So this morning was like no other when she was snuggling with me she laid her head on my shoulder and said I love you! I cried... Yes I cried. It was the 3 sweetest words I have ever heard in my life. It made me melt... I hope she stays this sweet forever.

Yesterday I went to a funeral for a way to young father and friend. A dear friend of mine Dustin Hampton was in a fatal car accident on Sunday. He left 3 young children, his family, and numerous friends behind. The Hampton family has experienced a lot of heartache and tragedy over the last few months. Dustin mother, Brenda, passed away a few months ago after a long battle with cancer. Please keep this family in your prayers. I met Dustin in like maybe the 5th grade and he always had the most warm hearted smile on his face. Dustin's family used to go into the cafe, Franks,  in Bokchito and he had the biggest crush on my sister! He actually bought her perfume when he was in middle school.... Anyways I have some wonderful memories with Dustin going to ropings (yes I used to go rodeos!) and dancing at Calhoun's. He was the best two stepper I have ever met! I am sure Dustin is dancing with his mom in the streets of Heaven... RIP Dustin you have touched many lives and will always be remembered.

In my short life span me I have experienced so many young people leaving this earth to early. I can honestly say that I have been to more funerals for people under 25 than over. With all of this death and tragedy I can honestly say it has made me walk a little bit closer to our wonderful savior Jesus Christ and for that I am thankful.

This is kinda random but I read it on some one's FB page and I loved the saying so much I thought I would share "A man stands allot taller from his knees" and that is so true!

I hope everyone snuggles a little bit longer tonight with your love ones because we may never know when we are called upon to meet our creator.

Love,

Jackie

Time Flies When Your Having Fun!

Isn't this statement so true! I was checking my facebook and was directed to a blog that made me realize that I really need to get back into the routine of telling the world my thoughts : )

Life in the Allison Home has been wonderfully entertaining! Abby has already hit the terrible twos and has already decided she is old enough to decide what to eat, wear, what we are going to watch on TV and well anything else that she wants! Girls are so DEMANDING! Every morning, diaper change, clothing change we have a 10 minute tantrum because we no longer believe it is necessary to wear PANTS! Yes PANTS! This is a phase I am hoping she grows out of but based on the information I have recently learned about Chad's family my chances are slim : ( Below is a little video of us tormenting our child with her PJ bottoms!

Currently Chad and I are both counting down the days till our Vegas adventure in June... It will be hard to leave Abs for 3 days but we have never been on a vacation together and after 4 years of marriage I believe we are deserving of this time together. (Even though this is actually a work trip) We are welcoming any suggestions regarding shows or things that are must "dos"! Yes we are one of those poor couples that never took a honeymoon! If I could redo our wedding we would have skipped the wedding and went straight to the honeymoon on a beach with a drink in hand.... I blame it on the media because apparently you can blame anything on the media these days.

Our home is still on the market but we have had about a showing a week for the last 3 weeks so we are still hopeful! I was talking the other day about how growing up my parents would have so many people over to play in volleyball and softball tournaments and as a kid we loved it.... I want that for Abby. I want her to have a tree house, learn to ride a four wheeler, hit a softball all in our back yard. I look forward to birthday parties with bounce houses and cook outs with room to spare. Looking back I don't know why we didn't buy a house with an acre of land to start with but mark this is a lesson learned! We have our fingers crossed our house will sell and know that GOD has a plan for us!

Hopefully this will be the start to me keeping the promise to myself of blogging at least twice a month! I love it when I finally set down and take the time!


XOXO,


Jackie

Excelling at What You Do

I received the below article from my wonderfully smart cousin Susan about a year ago. As I was looking through my desk drawer I found a copy I had printed to always keep as a reminder of the work we do. I think this article is a fantastic piece that should be shared with families, co workers, and any one who wants to wants to excel.  Thank you Susan for sharing and enjoy!

Excelling at What You Do

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).

During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps gave us an extraordinary display of the pursuit of excellence. But the truth is every athlete in the Olympics pursues excellence as peak performers in their categories of competition.

The Bible identifies five characteristics of people who excel at what they do.

1. People who excel work with enthusiasm. Regardless of whether the job is big or small, give it your best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter the size of the audience: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).

2. People who excel sharpen their skills. They never stop developing, growing, learning, and improving: “If your ax is dull and you don’t sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 TEV). It takes more than desire to excel, it takes skill! Remember, you’re never wasting time when you’re sharpening your “ax.”

3. People who excel keep their word. They are reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they’ll do. So they excel because people of integrity are rare in our society: “Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful he is, but just try to find someone who really is!” (Proverbs 20:6 TEV).

4. People who excel maintain a positive attitude. Even under pressure, or change, or unrealistic demands, they don’t allow themselves to become negative: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life . . .” (Philippians 2:14–16 NIV). And remember: “If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes” (Ecclesiastes 10:4 NLT).

5. People who excel do more than is expected. This is a secret that every successful person has discovered. You’ll never excel by only doing what is required. Jesus said, “If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously” (Matthew 5:40–42 MSG).

The Broadway lyricist Oscar Hammerstein once told the story of seeing the top of the Statue of Liberty from a helicopter. He was impressed because of the incredible detail the artist had sculpted on an area that no one was expected to see. In fact, the Statue of Liberty was completed with no idea that man would someday be able to fly over the statue!

 When you’re tempted to cut corners, thinking, “No one will ever know,” remember God is looking down and sees everything you do. Give him your best this week!

Rick Warren

Almost 1 Year Old!

I don't even know where to begin. These last few months have been busy, busy, busy. Abby will be one year old in 29 days. When someone tells you that time flies when you have babies that is an understatement, when you hear you love them more and more as each day passes that it is an understatement! She is our HEART : ) It is hard to believe that she has grown into this little person with ideas and emotions.  I love watching every milestone and look forward to the next year; even though secretly I want her to say small for ever and ever! She is gaining her balance and taking steps.She can bend down pick something up and stand back up on her own! It won't be long till she is strolling all over the house on her own 2 feet! She learned to say UHHH-OHHH and it is possibly the cutest sound I have ever heard. Abby calls every animal DOG and she wakes up saying DOG looking for Rufus and Shelbs. Awww I will miss these days but right now I am soaking up every moment, smile, hug, open mouth kiss I can get! 

A few weeks ago we went and our dear friend Libby took Abby's 1 year pictures. We took them at Water's Crossing in Allen. They have a great little area with a creek and some ducks! The pictures turned out great despite the fact it was over a 100 degrees and Abigail's hair was plastered to her forehead from sweat. Abby is very photogenic and showed her few teeth in almost every picture. I do believe my favorite part of her pictures (other than Abby) was her Madonna shirt. She is a girl with great taste just like her momma! Thank you Libby you did great work and we have had so many compliments.

We have officially put the house on the market. We are excited to move a little farther north so Abigail can attend a smaller school. Chad and I just like the home town feel that we are used to from growing up in a smaller town. I just hope I don't have withdrawals from my daily Starbucks : ) Wish us luck in our adventure and for a quick sale!

XOXO, 

Jackie 

7 Years.....

7 years ago today I lost my best friend.... Karra and I we met in the 2nd grade and quickly became inseparable. We were together so much that our families became friends. We rode bikes, horses, played with our barbies, in the creek, tried smoking our 1st cigarette together which ended with us catching the bathroom trash on fire, and anything else imaginable. We spent Christmas, numerous birthdays (since they were only a day apart) and any other adventure/holiday a person could think of  together until she moved in the 6th grade. After Karra moved we weren't able to spend as much time together but we were still as close as the day we met. When we were together it was like we didn't skip a beat. She was an amazing person with a great spirit and huge heart. I am lucky to have had such an amazing friend. 7 years ago she was called to heaven to fill her role as an angel, a angel that pushes the limits I am sure. There are moments that I feel like I am missing out because my best friend isn't here to celebrate my marriage or able to meet Abigail but then I think of how lucky I am to have had such a wonderful person in my life. I had a friendship that some people never get the chance to experience and for that I am truly a very lucky person.I hope everyone takes a moment in their day to tell those who mean the most to them,  family or friends,  that you love them!

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."-- Anonymous

Fall Down Go Boom!

So I have to admit it.... I am an awful mama! Abby has started throwing major fits when it gets time to go to sleep, and today during one of those fit throwing moments she fell out of the recliner and hit her head. She officially has her 1st bump : ( I have never felt so bad in my life. I just let her fall out of my lap into the floor. I feel ashamed even talking about it but I think that is part of being a mom. No mom is perfect but after she fell in the floor I rushed over, picked her up, kissed her face, and hugged her so tight. I guess that is all we can do when our babies fall down and go boom....

Back to this fit throwing... Please give me suggestions! I have tried holding her to calm her down, putting her in the floor to let her throw the fit, or laying her in bed all while none seem to make her calm down and stop crying. One of these days she will hate that she didn't enjoy her naps more but in the meantime we currently hate nap time.

While I am on my favorite subject Abigail I figure I will mention she has to many nicknames. I sometimes wonder she will be confused om what her real name is! Just a few of the names we call her ..... Abby, Abs, Abs Magabs, Toot, Monster, Munchkin, Pumkin, Love, Lovebug and any combination of the above. Funny conversation about her nickname... Gotta love what kids say. Caiden (our nephew): "Aunt Jackie what's this big ball for?", Me: "It's an exercise ball to exercise your abs" Caiden: "But she is to small to exercise".   I just laughed and responded "You are correct".

Directly behind Abigail my next favorite thing is the Ellen DeGeneres's Show.. Okay that is exaggerating but I do truly love her show. It is funny, entertaining, and uplifting. Last week she showed the most amazing 12 year old boy who covered "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga. This kid is simply amazing. Watch and enjoy!

This previous weekend was very exciting and exhausting. I will start with exhausting... 4 trips to Lowe's, entire Saturday spent working outside, 5 people helping, and a million trips from the front yard to the back we are about 95% finished with our patio. It looks fantastic and I really think it will improve our backyard experience. We still have a few cosmetic items and decorating to do but we are defiantly making progress. While I am showing pictures of the patio I might as well show off our flowers and the rest of the backyard. You are all welcome to come and have drink on our new patio! I just might do that tonight! Thanks Mom and Dad for coming down and helping with the Patio. We couldn't have done it without you.

Now I know everyone is more excited to find out what was so exciting this weekend?!?! Well I am sorry I can't tell you now because I think there are a few more people who have a surprise in store for them! It was a great surprise and thankful for the visit!

I would like to announce that I am having another nephew in October! Boys, boys, boys everywhere! This will be nephew number 5! I will not be able to afford Christmas next year with all these babies and kids. I am currently taking donations! Congrats Sis and Travis! And please pick a name other then Archie for this baby : )

Those are our latest adventure! Or all that I can remember anyways....

Love,

Jackie

Run...Run...Run

It is crazy how busy we have been over the last few weeks. We have started a few new projects, have a growing little girl, and we are loving this weather. I made the comment the other day how much I LOVE Texas! What more could a person as for then Texas Music and this wonderful Patio weather! Life is Great!

Project #1

Our Patio....

So we decided that the person living here before us wanted to live in a jungle! Our yard it covered with shrubs, trees, and plants. It is so much to maintain and takes up so much space. So we took on the project of tearing out some trees/shrubs by the house and extending our patio. This upcoming weekend my parents are planning to come and assist us in laying the patio. Here are some pictures of the progress so far....

 

We are really hoping that in a year when we decide to sell our house our new patio will be a selling point. Wish us luck that it turns out as planned and that Chad and I don't get divorced in the process : )

2nd Project

Running a 5 K......

At the beginning of the year I set a few goals for myself, and 1 happened to be running a 5K. My dearest Amanda has started running 5Ks with her family, and my boss runs them on a regular basis. So a few weeks ago Amanda emailed (We email during the day instead of text) and asked me if I wanted to run the Howe Founder's Day 5K. I said "yes" with a little hesitation since I only had 3 weeks to train. I went from setting on the couch to running almost everyday. It was something I wanted to do just need the motivation. My goal was to run it in under 40 minutes.... I ran it in 30:02 minutes and received 3rd place for my age group. It was the greatest feeling when I rounded the last curve and looked up at the clock and it said 30 minutes. It was honestly one of the best ways to start the day! Amanda had to show me up and ran it in 28:12, but this is defiantly something I will start doing on a regular basis. While we were there I saw some pretty inspirational people... a 72 year old lady that finished the run and a guy who ran it in 15 minutes. It was simply amazing to see both!

Sporting our Medals

Our Greatest Project

Abigail

She is just growing, growing, and growing... Abby turned 8 months yesterday. I can't believe in 4 months we will be celebrating her 1st birthday. I have already started thinking of party themes... Currently a Cupcake Theme is winning. She started pulling up on everything. It was crazy one day she figured it out and the next she was pulling up everywhere.

My 1st Mother's Day has been fantastic. I received a beautiful necklace from Chad and Abigail! It has 2 parts for Abby and I, so when she gets older we will give her the other half to wear. I hope everyone had a fantastic Mother's Day and as Stephanie quoted on Facebook "To the world you are somebody, BUT to somebody (your kids) you are the world!"

XOXOXO!

Jackie