Jumpin' Jellybeans!!

My goal for this week was to squeeze some fun time in as I've been working and he heads off to 5-days a week of preschool next Monday. Monday his best friend Candace, our sitter, came over and played while I had my weekly meeting at church. He just loves Candace to pieces and is already asking when the next time is!! On Tuesday, I decided to try something new with Grayson. We love Kanagroo Jacs, but knew there were others in the area. Coupons were in the Tidewater Parent magazine for Jumpin' Jellybeans, so we decided to go and give it a try. I put the call out there for anyone who wanted to come and join us and so Heidi and Katy came with the kids and met us for the morning. Other than 1 family, we were the only ones there. Yes, it was a little more expensive, entrance fees and snacks, but we had an absolute blast!! Grayson has said that this one is now his new favorite. They just seemed to have more of a variety than Jacs. We lasted 3 hours plus and then it was time to head out as a bunch of much older children swarmed the place. What a fabulous time, even for me as I always don socks with Grayson for a few things!! Jumpin' Jellybeans for sure!!

Oh, those 2 boys tried everything to stick to that wall, but all the stickiness must be gone!!

What's Up Doc?!

Grayson is starting school, and that means a doctor physical/check-up. I got a fabulous recommendation from Natalie, but her wonderful pediatrician isn't accepting new patients. Katy gave hers a glowing recommendation so we booked him. All Grayson wanted to know if he was going to have to have a shot. The last time he had one, he was so sick with strept throat and it was a terrible experience. He hasn't had a "real" well-check in forever, so it was great to hear that he is perfect in every way! 42 inches (tall for his age), 37 pounds (a little on the skinny side, but okay), teeth that were pegged as a thumsucker's that a orthodontist is going to love one day, and 20-30 vision. I got a little giggle watching him do the vision test. One of the pictures he didn't know, not because he couldn't see, but he didn't know what to call it. He did better than me, some of the pics were blurry to me!! The hand looked like a strawberry!!



We weren't sure what was going to happen with this appointment as we opted to not complete all the regimen of vaccinations with him as an infant. We knew we wanted him to receive some of the shots now, as we felt they would be good to have going into a school environment, but not sure if we could opt out of 1/2 and have the other 1/2.

The pediatrician couldn't have been nicer, the office staff and nurses were all wonderful. I was very pleased with everything, other than the fact that we were there for 2 1/2 hours!!! After talking with the pediatrician about our concerns with the vaccines, and finding out we couldn't opt out of some and not others, we decided just to go ahead and get him caught up with the vaccines. Some of the vaccines weren't necessary anymore because of his age, and he actually didn't have to have that many to get caught up. Although he did need 5 shots, we were shocked when the nurse came back with the tray and she was preparing to administer all 5 at once!! I was like "5 shots, all right now...is that okay?" Grayson was a champ, and has only said that his arm hurt once the next day.

He was taken out for his favorite supper, his choice, when we finished seeing as he was such a trooper! And where did he choose..."The cheeseburger place with the peanuts on the floor!!" Known to us as Five Guys!! So he is all vaccinated up, doing great, and ready for Pre-School!!

Perfect Day!!

I'm working odd hours this week because there is no more summer camp for Grayson, so I'm taking the opportunity to do some fun things with Grayson before he starts school. I called up Heidi Tuesday morning to see if she and the kids were up for a last minute trip to the beach. She said it was absolutely what she needed, so we packed up and headed over to the quiet and close Chicks Beach. Thanks Sue for introducing this fabulous spot to us!!

What a great day! The weather was deceiving as the wind was a little cool, and so suncreen did not get lathered on as it should. Thankfully I was the only burnt one, as Grayson's sun blended in nicely by the evening. Couldn't hide it from Daddy though!! That, and Grayson tattled on me that I hadn't lotioned him up! Oooops!

The boys and I had a really good sand tunnel-moat system going! We had the water travelling under 2 bridges into a pool below! Obviously I had as much fun as the boys. Grayson was glad that the waves weren't as strong and high as at the Oceanfront, so he enjoyed going into the water himself and "jumping the waves". What a great day! Thanks Heidi for the great conversation and comraderie as always, and thanks Bradley adn Alayna for coming to play with Grayson!! We'll have to do it again!

A Beach Day

I have been telling Trevor that we have been so busy this summer that we have not gotten down to the Ocean for some sand fun at all!! Well, Saturday was the chosen day, although it wouldn't have been my choice. But seeing as I had been talking about it, we packed the house up and headed down. It was unusually slow and the weather was perfect.

Trevor sunned and rode waves while Grayson and I did our "sand thing". We always have the best time building a castle of sorts, roadways for the trucks, and a huge moat. We weren't able to make the moat work this time as we were too far away from the water, but we did something new. For his birthday he got 2 great digging shovels, so we tried to "dig to China!!" Well the hole got big enough for us to get in, although I had to do it first to show him that it was okay to be all covered up with sand!! Oh my sweet cautious boy! What a great day together, followed up by burgers on the grill!! Perfect summer day!

Movie Day

I have continued to look over the movie titles for another opportunity to take Grayson to a movie. Well, finally there was a good 4-year old selection that I wouldn't mind Grayson seeing, so off we headed again for a free summer movie. We called our friends Heidi, Bradley, and Alayna to join us. As we were waiting in line, Grayson got a special treat. The alarm had gone off in the building so who should arrive, but the fire department. It may have been the highlight of the day for him!!

The movie was Clifford, the popcorn was good, the company fabulous, and even Alayna stayed put for the majority of the 90 minute movie. After we were done, although we were filled up with snack food, we still headed over to Chick-Fil-A to enjoy some lunch adn get the wiggles out on the playground.

Another fun summer memory. Thanks for joining us friends!! I'd say let's do it again, but the free movies are over, so the next movie day might owrk iout better at our house on the "big screen"!!

Look How Far We've Come, Baby!

Sunday, August 3 was our 12 year anniversary. Trevor surprised me by taking me back to where we honeymooned. Naples was just as beautiful as I remembered...FL that is!! My parents took Grayson for a week, as it was due, and we flew out on Friday morning. Although the flight down was rocky, it was the only dreadful thing about our weekend. Well, that is of course unless you want to count the fact that the only thing that didn't make it into my suitcase was my make-up bag. NO, I'm not joking!!! I was at this fabulous resort for the weekend to celebrate my anniversary, and I had no make-up. Thank goodness I travel at all times with a tube of mascara in my purse!!

Trevor knows how to plan a surprise and no detail was left uncovered. Fabulous accomodations (although we soon learned that they had gotten smart and the AC would no longer work while the balcony door was open!), fine foods (too many great meals, desserts, brunches, drinks, etc. to mention!), unsurpassable service and pleasant staff (I don't think there was anyone on staff who didn't know it was our anniversary on Sunday and didn't go the extra mile!), and lots of extra special additions to the weekend planned by Trevor.

Friday night after we arrived, we had a midnight boat sail. We ditched the sailboat as we both enjoyed the speedboat that picked us up beachside right in front of our resort! Talk about front door service! We spent 2 hours touring the waterways around Naples, and actually travelled much of the Intercoastal Waterway, which surprisingly runs right near our home in VA!! The sunset was incredible as you can see. It reminded me of pics that I've seen of creation when all God had done was separate the firmament. After the sun set we headed back at full speed across the Gulf waters to our resort. After a much anticipated meal of room service (Trevor thinks they have the best burger and fries!!!), day one was at a close.
Saturday was for relaxing and that we did. We ventured to finally look at the clock only to realize we had both slept until 11:00AM. How marvelous was that--a 12-hour sleep!!!! We headed down to the Gulf to enjoy basking in the sun and read and have refreshments under the umbrella. On a pristine beach, a good book, a fruity drink, listening to the waves...does it get any closer to peaceful!! We watched the sunset from the balcony on the 14th floor of the resort as we enjoyed night chocolates and hors d'oeuvres. After a memoriable beach walk, we enjoyed listening to live jazz music being played in the Lobby.

Sunday was the big day!! A spa day had been arranged by Trevor and I was ever so pampered. I warned him later that he had introduced me to spa days, and I was now hooked!! We had a couple's massage, split up to have facials, and while Trevor enjoyed the sauna and jacuzzi, I got a full-body salt scrub treatment. We lounged by the spa's mineral pool, and after lunch I had my hair and make-up done for the evening. I've never had someone do my hair and make-up either, as I did it myself for my wedding! They were so sweet at the spa, and sent us away with a gift-2 of the most luxurious bath robes I have ever felt!! I can't to put it on in the morning!! We went down to dinner at a fabulous romantic restaurant. Waiting for me at the table was a bouquet of yellow roses and wildflowers, my absolute favorite!! We dined over the next 2 hours and a few courses complete with warm tiramasu souffle's!! We went to the Lobby for a nightcap and to enjoy some more Jazz music. When we returned to the room, yellow rose petals were everywhere, complimentary drinks and sweets were waiting, and it was perfect. What a great way to end a perfect day!!

Yes, those are chocolate covered strawberries, and the picture frame is edible too!!

Monday was the day to fly home, but we still had the whole morning to again relax poolside. I finished my book, just in time to go and pack suitcases. The flight home was a million times better, although I looked a little funny walking through the airports. The resort had packaged up my floral bouquet so I could take it home with me. As they said, I looked like Mrs. America walking through the airports with a bouquest of flowers in my arm!! Wish I'd taken a picture of that memory!!

Trevor, this has always been one of my favorite songs. Although 12 years have been far from perfect and we've had more than a lifetime's share of high's and low's, with God at our sides, we're still holding on, we're still going strong, and we're more in love with each other and the people we have become. We have so much to celebrate, and I thank you for all you did this weekend to show me how special and valued I am to you and how much you respect the commitment we have and wanting to celebrate it in true style. It was a weekend that we will not soon forget, and keep us both yearning for the next one. I love you, Baby!!

Working Woman

I guess I just assume that everyone knows, but if you're not plugged in and serving in the Children's Ministry how would you know?! This is the start of my 3rd official week working part-time at our church. I was asked to come alongside the Children's Staff to help them in the planning and execution of our new programming for the September 7 Kick-off. I am working closely with Janita, who in this last year I have gotten to know really well. We balance each other out really good which makes for an excellent partnership. I am making sure that Sundays go off without a hitch in Kids Thang right now, as well as planning for our full-hour Family Production for the Fall. It's only 20 hours a week, but I am in my sweet spot! I am loving what I am doing and is not really a whole lot more than I was already doing before as a volunteer!! I have also taken on a new role of Praise and Worship leader in Kids Thang. It's definitely new hat for me, but not so completely different than giving the Word each week.

I go into the "office" a couple days a week, because working at home does not work for me!! They have gracioulsy allowed Grayson to go to Summer Camp at the church, so he just goes with me the mornings that I go in. It's much cheaper than a babysitter and he getting osme good prep time before school in the Fall. Yes, this job made our decision easy as far as pre-school went. We will go together to "school" and "work" in late August. God does provide doesn't he?! Mommy gets some "Jayne" time at a job that she loves and feels confident and "used" and Grayson gets some much-needed social interaction adn someone else to "teach" him important lessons, not to mention the schooling aspect. As far as we see it, everyone wins!!!!

In these last 2 weeks since I have started, I feel like I have been a better mom to Grayson and love to spend time with him more. We have some really good quality time together and have really grown closer. Corny as it sounds, I love this new little relationship we are building. We have the greatest talks and chats. And on a way side note, Grayson has been so curious lately about heaven and going there and Trevor and I have had some really wonderful conversations with him. Until a couple days ago, neither of knew the other was talking to Grayson about these things!! He is really sorting out the whole heaven thing in his own mind!! So very exciting to see him grasping something so well. We may have very exciting news to share soon!!

So for those of you who have heard and seen comments about me working, there you have it. Even if it doesn't last past the Fall, I am thankful for this time to learn and glean and grow. May God use me where I am right now to positively affect children and their families for Him.