Our Giant

Jake shared his testimony today during our ward's fast and testimony meeting.  Unlike most children his age, there was no prompting parent whispering into his ear.  While Arthur (with James on his hip) stood several feet away, Jacob never once looked to him for assistance.  Instead, he looked out into the in congregation and spoke into the microphone clearly and calmly.  None of us, not even me, expected what would come out of this little boys mouth.
With confidence, Jacob eloquently spoke for two or three minutes as he shared what he believes about this gospel.  He spoke of how he knows that "God lives," and how our Heavenly Father really does hear and answer our prayers, and he even expressed his gratitude for the Holy Ghost.  His words were so humble and so honest, and I couldn't help but feel a little in awe him.  Somehow Jacob looked so little and so grown up all in the same minute.  "Wow! He really gets it!" I thought to myself as tears started to stream down my face.  And as I glanced around me, I saw that I was not the only person wiping away the tears.  As the scriptures tell us, "Out of the mouths of babes."
After the meeting, Arthur and I had many people compliment us on Jacob's testimony.  One person jokingly asked if Jacob would be speaking in General Conference next week, and another told me that "I have a [spiritual] giant."  I also had another mother tell me that if that was her son, she would be dancing down the hall.  But as proud as I am, honestly, I cannot take the credit...at least not much of it.  Yes, we work hard to raise and teach our children in the gospel, but it is Jacob's understanding that is far beyond his years.  He has a mature spirit and he just "gets it."  Luckily, that mature spirit is still in a 5 (and a half) year old body and I am not out of a job quite yet.  Within an hour of sharing his beautiful testimony, Jacob and I were having a talk in the hall about the importance of being reverent and respectful during his primary class.

Day Dreaming of Destin

When you talk to other families about Fort Rucker, nearly everyone has the same list of cons: it is too hot, too humid, there into a whole lot to do, the food isn't great, and of course the BUGS!  But there is one pro, that has a way of nearly overcoming all the negatives...the beach, more specifically for us, Destin!

It is just amazing!  Soft white sand, warm blue-green water, and the hot Florida sun...it doesn't get any better!  So here are my gorgeous boys on this gorgeous day (I even pulled out the good camera for this one :)).

See you next summer Destin!

A Sweet Trip Back to Alabama

Back in August we decided to use Arthur's training at Fort Rucker to its fullest potential, and the boys and I drove down to join him so we could have a little family vacation.  I was actually surprised by how nostalgic I got over Lower Alabama.  I guess even with all the heat, humidity, and gnats trying to get in your eyes, ears, nose and mouth, our family made some wonderful memories there.  And how could I not love the place where our James was born?

The morning the boys and I made our trip down, was actually the same day that school started here.  And as I heard the school bus pull up, I felt at peace to be packing the car and not Jake's backpack, and even more grateful to be loading him up for a family vacation rather than onto the school bus.  And as we hit the road and I glanced in my rear view mirror, I knew that Jake was right were he was meant to be...with us.

The boys were awesome on the road.  I couldn't have asked for better traveling buddies.  Hard to believe that that these are the same boys who use to scream, going around the block, as babies.  But between books, movies, rockin' out to the radio, and a stop and Chick fil-a, the six hours drive was smooth sailing.  

Once we arrived and had eaten dinner with Daddy at our favorite Mexican restaurant, it was not difficult to decide where to go next.  The park, of course!  This was our favorite place to go when we lived here.  Jake and I practically lived here when the weather was nice, and as we pulled into the parking lot, the memories flood my mind.  It surprised me, a little, when I realized just how much life we lived in less than two years.  As a looked around, I could almost see Jake on his little radio flier tricycle, James going down the slide with Arthur for the first time, and me talking with other amazing mommies we met while we were there...it really was a beautiful time.

Since Arthur was really there for a training, he had to spend his days in class.  So after enjoying our hotel breakfasts together, it was up to me to fill the days.  First stop...EASY...the Aviation Museum of course!

one of our trips from 2011

August 2013...Watch time fly and listen to a Mommy's heart break

Next stop...Milky Moo's (we may have made more than one stop there.  Daddy needed some ice cream too. :-))

This is what happens when you ask Jake to smile...

This is what happens when you ask Jamie to smile...

 Okay, we'll take it :-)

Unfortunately, this is were my trip photo documentation came to an end (besides the gorgeous day at the beach).  But documented or not, we had a great time!!  We went swimming, played at the splash pad, spent a day with some great friends, and even went to our old ward on Sunday!  With the way that I love nostalgia and trips down memory lane, this was an extra fun week for me.