new camera and spring break

Look what Mr. Mailman brought to our house earlier this week!!

I've had my eye on this camera for so long and I finally saved up my money to buy it!! I'm so excited to have it before Baby Jackson arrives. I got a small point and shoot camera a few years back and it has worked wonderfully. But now I get to learn to take even better pictures using my new one!

I've always had this little dream of starting a small photography business on the side. This has been a passion of mine since I was in high school. I have a really old Canon AE-1 that I used in college in my film photography classes, but film is becoming outdated and hard to process without your own dark room. Enter my new Canon t2i! I love it and I can't wait to learn everything there is to know!

Well we're on our way to the Grand Canyon for Spring Break. Eli's parents wanted us all to go together - this was our Christmas present from them. I'm excited to see all the beauty! Hopefully I'll get to share some great pictures with you when we get back!

Until then, have a great week!

14 weeks

This post is a little late - I've just been so busy this past week. My apologies. Tomorrow is actually my first day in week 15, so you'll hopefully see that update soon. As for now, we have successfully made it into the second trimester. It's hard to believe we've made it this far and I already almost 15 weeks along!

In the first trimester, I felt a little sick on occasion, but I never felt too bad. I have heard, though, that the days ahead are supposed to be the best days of pregnancy. I am so excited to see what is coming! I am very ready to have all my energy back, that's for sure. Eli and I try to get to bed at a decent time, but if we stay up past 10, I can be a pretty grumpy lady the next morning!

I've been reading and here are a few things I've learned about our baby: he/she is about the size of a lemon, is starting to stretch out from head to toe, can squint and make faces, and might even be sucking his or her thumb! Every week, I'm realizing how incredible it is that a tiny person is growing inside of me! And all of these new developments make it seem more real every day.

Here's our baby at 14 weeks!

Dear Little One,

It won't be long until you make your grand appearance. Only five and a half months to go! And in just a few short weeks, we'll know if you are a boy or girl. This just makes my heart jump! I don't know why, but I have this little feeling that you are a girl. Daddy doesn't want to spoil it, so he's not guessing! Either way, we can't wait to meet you and smother you with love!
Keep growing strong and healthy. Soak up all the nutrients you can, and I'll do my very best to take care of you inside of me. Daddy and I are praying for you every single day and we are more than excited to hold you and love you soon!

Love always, Momma

Questionnaire

Well I was tagged in one of those random-things-about-yourself questionnaires. I've never done one of these, but I'm excited to fill it out and then pass it on! Thanks Courtney for tagging me!

The Rules

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post 11 fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then 

create 11 new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag 4 people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

11 fun facts about me:

1. Well, I'm sure you all know - Eli and I are expecting our first baby in August and couldn't be more excited! We both tell people we want a boy first, and most days I'm convinced of that. But the more I look at Pinterest, the more I secretly wish for a girl! And to tell you the truth, Eli just melts when we start talking about the what-ifs of having a girl! He'll be smitten for sure if we do!

2. Our DVR is full of Frasier and Golden Girls reruns! I'm a sucker for the '90s funnies. I can't lie. 

3. I'm really good at procrastinating. Or should I say I'm really bad at it? Whichever it is, I'm typically finishing things at the last minute, and more than once, I've been a little late to events/school/other activities... It's just a part of me. I've really tried to change, but no matter how early I try to be, I'm always running late. 

4. Taking out the trash is one of my least favorite chores. I don't like stinky trash, but that's when I sweetly ask Eli to take it out for me. And, like the wonderful husband he is, he does it without complaining. I love you Eli! 

5. A dream vacation of mine is to see New England in the fall. Just imagining the colors and beauty of it makes me so happy. 

6. I love anything with cheese on it! Macaroni and cheese. Grilled cheese sandwiches. Cheese sticks. Chicken and cheese enchiladas. You put cheese on it and I'll probably want to try it! (but not on things like cupcakes or cereal... please don't put cheese on those!)

7. I don't consider myself a master artist, but I love to waste days sitting on the floor painting on canvases, or at my sewing machine dreaming up a new project.

8. I love being outside with Eli, doing things that he enjoys. Some of our favorite adventures have been while fishing, camping, shooting his guns, working in the yard, taking walks with Sasha, hiking, and pretty much anything else outside. 

9. A couple years ago, before we even dated, Eli and I were adult sponsors for youth camp with our previous church. One afternoon while everyone was at free time, all the adults from our church decided to ride Trykes (basically a three-wheeled scooter) down the mountain in Glorieta, NM. Eli fell on one of the first runs, but only had minor scratches on his knee. I, on the other hand, fell on our last run of the day, bled from every limb of my body, and still have a pebble lodged in my elbow to prove it! And Eli hasn't taken his eyes off of me since! ... Hehe :)         p.s. Eli told me to write this.

10. I don't consider myself too "girly" but I always have to have nail polish on my toenails. I feel naked without it!

11. I am so in love with Eli Randall Jackson. He is an amazing example of grace and forgiveness. He gives me reasons to love him more every day.

And now, Courtney's questions for me:

1. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy afternoon?

 I can't sit still for too long, but I do love to cuddle up on the couch with a warm blanket and my wonderful husband and watch a movie. And periodically, I will get up and bake something, like cookies or a loaf of bread. I just can't help it.

2. If you could do anything in the world for your career, not dependent on money, what would it be?

 Most days, I will say a teacher, because I truly do enjoy it. Then there are some days where I would absolutely love to travel for a living, tasting food from around the world, photographing everything in sight, and loving on God's people right where they are.

3. What is your favorite cereal?

 Nature's Path Organic Granola plus Flax. I know, I know. Sounds a little much, but it's SO good! Trust me!

4. Favorite pet?

 Definitely dogs, specifically Sasha. But I'm a little biased.

5. What is a Christmas tradition in your family?

 Ever since I was little, it was very important in my family to read the Christmas story out of Luke 2. We would always take a bath, put on our pjs, and sit in the living room while my dad read the story of Jesus' birth. As I got older, my dad let me read it to our family, and then the same with Renee, when she was able to read. This was such a special time for our family. Now that Eli and I have a family of our own, we have continued this tradition and hope to share it with our children as they grow up. It is very important to us to keep Christmas focused on Christ, and not on us.

6. Do you like beach or mountains?

 Mountains, hands down. For our honeymoon, we stayed in a little cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. We would definitely go back any day! I guess I enjoy the mountains more because I grew up in Florida, where both sets of my grandparents lived close to the beach. It was a pretty normal thing for us in the summer. But the mountains will always be a wonderful treat!

7. What is something you want to accomplish before this summer?

 Learn to be a mommy. 

I know I have a long way to go, but I want to soak up everything I can before this little babe gets here.

8. What is your favorite restaurant?

 For gluten-free pizza: BJ's

For Mexican: Taqueria in Belton

In Austin: Magnolia Cafe

Anniversary/Fancy Dinner: Chez Zee in Austin

I really don't have just one favorite. But there are a few!

9. Do you like sweet or sour things more?

I'll take sweet any day!

10. What is your guilty pleasure TV show?

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I do love some Golden Girls and Frasier! We also enjoy our weekly episodes of American Pickers, NCIS, Chopped, and Swamp People. 

I guess they're not really guilty pleasures... but I'm not really into the scandalous shows. I'll stick to the ones Eli and I enjoy together!

11. How is God working in your life?

I am constantly learning how to love unconditionally as a teacher in a rural, impoverished, and poorly-educated school district. I find myself judging my students on the basis of their upbringing, but it is then that God brings me back and shows me how much he loves them, regardless of their status. I am learning to see my students through His eyes. This translates to the calling God has placed on our lives, working in the mission field, loving His people wherever He calls us.

Next Up:

 Allye from "Welcome to Crosbyville"
Mikka from "Mikka Hill Photography"
Sarah from "A New Journey Begins"
Sarah form "The Crosby Show"




My questions for you:
 1. If you could go on a vacation tomorrow, price not important, where would you go?
2. What ridiculous fashion style have you embraced at one point? (hair style, tube socks, bright eyeshadow... you know there was something!)
3. Sweet or salty snacks?
4. What was your favorite childhood movie?
5. What is a food you could never give up?
6. Would you prefer to be inside or outside on your day off?
7. Do you have a favorite verse or Scripture passage?

8. Do you sing in the shower?
9. What is your ideal outfit for a date night?
10. What are three things you hope to accomplish over the next 10 years?
11. How have you seen God working in your life this past year?

13 Weeks

 Our first trimester is almost over. Has it really been this long since we found out?! In the past three and a half months, we have:

started a little bun in the oven 

told all our family about our big news

watched our little one wiggle and dance on the ultrasound screen

learned so much from baby apps and other momma friends

heard a beautiful heart beating

heard some pretty good dance moves while trying to hear a heart beat

(I have) grown about one pants size (but haven't gained weight yet)

 employed the hair-tie trick to keep my pants up!

refused to buy maternity clothes just yet

eaten plenty of grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and real-fruit popsicles

already known a love for this Little One that will only grow stronger as time goes on

Dear Little One, 

You are 3 inches long now, the size of a peach! I just know you'll be the cutest little peach! I find myself dreaming of what you will look like when you make your first appearance. Will you have your Daddy's thick dark hair or his beautiful brown eyes? Will you get my little nose or have green eyes like me? What will your character be like? Will you be mischievous like Daddy and  have his good athletic ability or will you be artsy and love the simple things like your Momma? Regardless of who you look like or what activities you love, we promise to raise you in a family that loves God, no matter how imperfect or crazy we may be. Love for Him is what matters most. Keep growing strong in there, Little One. You're one-third of the way here. 

with my deepest love, 

Momma

Jump!

Sorry about the quality. But this was our entertainment tonight. I just love my sister!!

(She wants me to tell you that it's because she saw a girl do it on Wipeout... 

But we say otherwise. She's just so creative)

12 weeks

I'm almost out of my first trimester. It all seems so crazy - to think that I'm one-third of the way to holding a little baby that is growing inside of me. We have our next appointment on Tuesday, where we get to hear our babe's heart beating. I think this will make it all the more real. Until next time, know that we are growing increasingly more excited each day.

Not sure why my shirt is folded up... I didn't realize this until I was editing my pictures (after dark). Oh well! Can't be perfect.

Dear Sweet Baby,

I am growing more overwhelmed each day, knowing that your existence in my arms is growing closer. There are times when I worry that I am not going to be prepared enough to take care of you when you arrive. I find myself overwhelmed with the what-ifs of providing everything you’ll possibly need. Am I old enough, smart enough, capable enough to properly take care of another human being? Can we afford to do this? Are we ready?

But then I look around at our house that the church has provided us, and I see that we managed to hang all our pictures straight, we have a good meal on the table every night, your dad and our little puppy are well-taken care of. We pay our bills, we save what money we can, and we even treat ourselves to a movie or a date every now and then.

When it comes to raising you, we won’t have it all, and we certainly won’t know it all, but we’re going to give it the best shot we can. I can’t promise we will be able to give you everything you’ll ever want, but we measured our worth and counted our blessings, and I can promise you this little babe, we’re pretty wealthy in the things that you’ll need most. We can just pray that God will prepare us in the best way possible to raise you and provide for you.

We love you so much already.

Love always, Momma

Our Valentine's

If you walk into any store around this time of year (really any time after New Year's Day), you will no doubt find everything redone in red and pink, with hearts all over. Eli and I are not so "lovey dovey" about it. As much as we appreciate having a national holiday dedicated to celebrating those you love, we feel like this is something we should be doing every day, not just once a year. That said, we still try and find simple ways to make Valentine's Day special.

Last year, we went on a date the weekend before Valentine's Day. This year we tried something different: Eli cooked an entire meal of my choice, and I baked a dessert of his choice. Sounds like a deal, right!

The delicious meal cooked by Eli himself: steak, cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, and fancy green beans. He even looked up a new way to cook steak - in the good ol' cast iron. Definitely one of the best steaks we've ever had.

From Eli's request, I made my first ever Chocolate Lava Cake. If you have never made one or eaten one, go to the Pioneer Woman's recipe right now and make it. Right now. It's that good! And make sure you follow all the directions. This cake is definitely worth making correctly.

Oh, and be sure to serve it hot with a couple scoops of Blue Bell!

After all of this wonderful food, our bellies were so full and grateful. Then we finished out the night by watching NCIS and snuggling on the couch. Another great low-key Valentine's Day celebration.

So how was your Valentine's Day? Did you do anything special or start a new tradition? We'd love to hear about it.