St. Petes 2012

Ahh, we are back from an amazing beach trip. Every year when we go see Drew it gets harder and harder to come home. It was so much fun. Jackson is such a fish and loves everything about the ocean. Some quick pictures and I'll be back later this week to share more.

I'm ready to go back. Today.

New Look and T-Ball Party!

You guys?! What do you think?
 I am absolutely smitten with our new look here on the ol' blog.
Mrs. Kristen completely rocked out this change. She took my crazy jumble of ideas, stick figure drawings and created something that is Oh, so us. Great fonts, chalkboard, a saying from back home that makes us feel warm and fuzzy. I am completely in love. Please check out Kristen if you are looking for a make over. She is such a joy to work with.

Here are some directions around our new look for the family...

Pretty sweet right? Love love love.

Jackson finished off an awesome season with The Indians. We really love our t-ball family. They have been just amazing this year. We had an end of the year swim party with everyone and Jackson got his first trophy. It was big deal stuff. We are so proud of him. He did a great job and can't wait to play fall ball.

Ladies I love:

Relatively Reagan 

And Baby Makes Four

33 For a Moment

Grey Likes Baby

Naptime Diaries

Jaxon & Brady's Journey

Mer Mag

Life in Grace

JK JK

Bring The Rain

Love These:

Harpers Happenings 

Oh Joy!

Enjoying the Small Things

Lola B

Sometimes Sweet

ISLY

Mighty Girl

30 Handmade Days

Chatting at the Sky

The Bloggess

C&C

Pacing the Panic Room

Fly Through Our Window

See Jane Blog

Nie Nie

The Darling Blog 
That is All

Inspiring Blogs:

Young House Blog

A Beautiful Mess

Note to Self

The Daybook

The Lettered Cottage

Sesame Ellis

Pioneer Woman

Bakerella

Photo Love:

Bobbi & Mike

Dear Wesleyann

The Schultzes

About me!

I'm Ra. I say y'all a lot and over punctuate like no ones business. I just felt like you

 should know that up front. I love my sweet tea split with lots of ice, the beach, great food, live music, my husband, kid and Jesus. Not necessarily in that order. I also like my soda water, beer and gummy bears cold. The first two with lime. I'm kind of a walking contradiction but, it works. At least for now. 

It's ever changing that's for sure.  

This is B.  Dreamy husband since 04'. Awesome all around guy since even before that. 

They don't make them like they used to, that's for sure. He makes me a better person. He is a kick ass daddy. The kind that comes home and wrestles in his work clothes and likes to play kickball

 in the front yard. He likes to run. That's weird but, we keep him anyway. 

He is also nice to look at. Your welcome. 

This is Jackson. 4 in June and the love of our lives. He remembers everything, so watch what you say.

 He is an animated story teller. Soccer, t-ball, the lake, beach, spending time with his 

friends, family, sable, snow cones, and shrimp. This little guy loves big. The easiest kid ever.

 I don't know how we got so lucky. 

A mommy moment.

Tonight while in the shower I realized just how close we are to Jackson starting school this fall. I know that the season of our everyday, all day time together is coming to an end and that is a touch bittersweet. I know it won't change our adventures and he will have wonderful new friends and stories to tell us. It's just that once you start school you go until you graduate high school, and then you are off to college. After that Bam! your an adult. I swear I just had this kid and he is already a grown up in my head. Some how him starting this next part makes me feel a little like this "little kid" stage is over.

::sigh:: I completely understand I am being sentimental about this whole thing and I am sure come this fall we will be happy dancing for the new phase. We have with every adjustment thus far but, for now I am embracing the mommy lump in my throat. Please excuse me while I snuggle my baby a bit tighter tonight.

Insta~Friday

We finished up a great first t-ball season with the Indians. We can't wait to have our end of the year party and see everyone a last time. Jackson loves baseball. I think he is hooked.

This Mother's Day we headed to the lake. It was such a fun day. Played in the water, a boat ride and an awesome sushi dinner. It was fabulous and on Sunday my guys spoiled me for sure with a relaxing day and great brunch.

This week we had picnic lunch on the porch. I *think* we have finally gotten past Jackson's allergies. I don't remember if I have shared or not but, this year has been our toughest yet when it has come to Jackson's breathing. We finally got the asthma label and since we got rid of this last wheeze things have been looking up. I am really hopeful we won't be so dependent on the nebulizer now.

We had a playmate with this little man who makes my heart so happy. We helped finish a really fun project at Nanny's house. Well the prep work really in-between snuggles. I am sure she will share soon on her blog. It's so amazing to see how much Jackson loves him and vis versa. It's awesome.

I actually won this adorable bag this week from Freckles Chic. I couldn't believe it and received my bag yesterday and it is perfect! I can't wait to use it this summer.

Jackson and I went on an exploring adventure. We love to walk around this antique/junk warehouse in our square. They have the most random, dusty things but, mixed in are some real treasures. Jackson brought his camera so he could take pictures to show daddy. He is in this phase of explaining everything 10 different ways to get a story across. To the point of getting out of breath. It's really cute and the pictures help his story telling. ;) I think he is going to be a great story teller like Bobby.

Brian has taken off with his working out. I am so proud of him. This weekend he is competing with some of the guys he works with in the Warrior Dash. They are so excited and I know they will do awesome! Tonight we went to a local park and he ran while I walked with Jack in the jogging stroller with mom. When we got ready to go the sunset was amazing.

Bring on the weekend! TGIF.

A letter to "My Love"

Bubs, Booba, Boobs, Jack, Jackson, My Love,

Just taking a moment to tell you how much fun I have being your mom.
I have to admit 90% of the time I am simply winging it.
I am hoping that a good 60% of the time I am doing it right.

You made me realize that I wanted more than to just be "the cool mom" or "the fun mom".
I want to be the mom who will always fight for you and with you when something means a lot to you.
I want to be the mom who will tell you no.

I want to be the mom who always has time for your stories.
Who writes them down and blogs them, so we can look back and laugh about the things you used to say.

I want to take you places. I want you to have an open mind and try new things.
I want to be the kind of mom that teaches you to be respectful and kind to everyone.

I want to be the mom who teaches you it's fun to read and not just now that your young but, even when your older just for fun.

I want to be the mom who helps you find music you love.
I hope it moves you like it does me.

I want to be the mom who always remembers our secret hand bump but, who knows never to do it in front of your friends.

I want to always try and answer you like I do. "Yes, my love" not because it sounds cool but, because from the beginning it became so true and I want you to grow up hearing it a hundred times a day. So that there is no doubt in your mind it is so.

I really just like to be your mom.

xoxo, mommy