Our family staycation

As many of you know, last week was Chad's last week working for Marsh. Tomorrow he starts his new job at FedEx and we're really excited! In between jobs though, Chad took a week off for a family "staycation." We decided to stay in Memphis this week and have lots of fun!

On Monday, we had to beat the heat, so what better way to do so than by heading to the Children's Museum of Memphis! Luke had so much fun at the water table trying to fish and flying a FedEx plane (Go FedEx!). He also loved climbing in the police car and riding on the motorcycle too. Charlie was awesome and slept in the stroller--what a trooper! We almost had a major meltdown as we were leaving, but we promised to come back soon!

motorcycle man

Tuesday was blazing hot again with another heat warning, so we headed to the Pink Palace. I was the only one in our family who had been before, so this was a treat for the boys. They currently have a Treasure exhibit and that was the BIG hit. Chad and Luke headed to a water table (see a theme here?) and dug around in the dirt, sand and water for "treasures" (which were really pretty kinds of rocks and stones buried in the muck). The docent told Luke he could keep one treasure he found and had to return the others, so at the end of the searching, Chad and Luke lined up all the treasures they found and Luke picked out his favorite one---a shiny, crystal-looking purple rock. He calls it his treasure rock and wants it with him at all times! We all had so much fun and can't wait to head back in October when they will have a train exhibit---I can hear the giddy squeals already!

Luke and Daddy digging for treasure!

Luke, with treasure in hand, putting the others back!

Tuesday night I went out with some girls to see Mama Mia---which was so good---I've been singing the songs ever since! Last night Chad and I had a make-up date night, since we had to cancel our date night planned for last Friday, due to Chad being sick. We went to Interim, a relatively new restaurant in town, and I am in love! It was amazing and I'd eat there every night if I could! All of you Memphis readers---stop reading and go eat there now! We then headed to see The Dark Night. Incredible--loved it! It was action packed, full of emotion, and made you think! All in a Batman movie??? Yep--really good!

And, to wrap up our "staycation" we braved the heat (it was only supposed to be 95--a cool front) and went to the zoo! Aunt Mary was along for the ride so it was extra fun! We spent some time in the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit, while we fed Charlie and tried to stop sweating, but then we were off again. Luke was unusually fascinated by the snakes today and not as interested in other animals he usually likes. Hmmm, hope that's not the start of something. I won't be one of those moms who allows pet snakes at home---nope, no way!

Aunt Mary and Luke posing in front of the flamingos!

Aunt Mary, Luke and Mommy---way too hot

(I'm refering to the heat, not our beauty--don't be silly)

So, while we didn't head off to anywhere exotic, the Jackson Family Staycation was full of fun, family-quality time and everything we hoped it would be!

keeping it real

When I was in college and would walk to campus, I passed tons of friends and we'd exchange the "Hi! How are you?" Everyone would always give the "Great!" response, or sometimes there wasn't a response, because we kept moving, trying to get to class. I remember hearing someone talk about that exchange, maybe at church or even in a class. How many times do we actually stop and wait for an answer? Do we just keep going? Or, do we just give the "Great!" responses and mask that things aren't going well?

Well, lately I've noticed that in an effort to be more real with people, I'll give them the whole story---even if it's not the quick "Everything's wonderful" answer they might want to hear. For example, with a relatively new baby, so many people ask us how we are. My days definitely aren't as easy as they used to be. I don't have as much time to myself, I'm always on the go and feel like I can never sit down, Charlie has reflux and it hurts him, etc. Overall, things are wonderful and we feel truly blessed, but we all have days that are just lousy.

However, I've felt really convicted about giving the whole story lately. Philippians 2:14 says, "Do everything without complaining." I fail at this everyday. It's almost as if I feel like I have the right for things to be perfect, and when they aren't, I'll let anyone who asks know about it. Am I just stating the facts if I let someone know today was tough, or am I complaining?

Okay, just a little pondering thrown into the mix of our Jackson Family adventures. What are your thoughts?

A romantic getaway!

As I mentioned in my last post, my poor husband has been really sick since he returned from Argentina, almost 2 weeks ago. Well, last week was our 8th anniversary and we were scheduled to go to Asheville, NC (an hour and a half drive from the lake house in SC) for a one-night romantic getaway. However, on our anniversary, Chad woke up and was miserable. He was in the bed or the bathroom all day, and we barely saw him. So, we changed our reservations and hoped that 2 days later he would be better. Unfortunately, he wasn't, but he put on a good face and was determined to celebrate our anniversary in style!

My parents watched the boys for a night (thank you again so much Mom and Dad!) and last Thursday we headed to the Grove Park Inn . This place was awesome! It's a resort and spa in the mountains of Asheville---beautiful! We left mid-day, arrived at the resort, checked in and headed out to explore Asheville. We were in search of a piece of pottery as the 8th anniversary present is pottery and it just so happens that Asheville is known for quaint little art and pottery stores. The day was rainy, but as we were exploring the old Biltmore village outside, it stopped raining for us. We came back, relaxed a bit and then headed off to the Sunset Terrace at the resort for dinner. Again, because it was somewhat cloudy, we didn't get a sunset, but the view was beautiful. We had a delicious dinner (well, I did--Chad didn't eat much)that included some of the best crab cakes we have ever had, Hawaiian seared tuna steak, and chocolate crunch cake with raspberry sauce and some nice wine to go along. It was a perfect evening and even though Chad was sick, we had such a great time.

The next morning was incredible. We indulged in spa treatments!! I have never been so in awe of a spa and massage in my life. The place was so peaceful and beautiful. These people REALLY know how to run a spa. I had an 80 minute massage and probably smiled the entire time. From the specific details (what fragrance do I want on me?, what do I want to be breathing in?, what music do I want to listen to during my massage?) to the massage itself, it was amazing experience! I highly recommend you take an opportunity to head to the Grove Park Inn to be pampered for a romantic getaway!!

Thanks, Honey, for a wonderful anniversary! I love you!

Our anniversary dinner!

The view from our table

A picture of us outside the entrance to the Grove Park Inn spa!

Celebrating U.S.A.'s birthday, birthday suit and all!

We're now back from the lake house. I know I'm behind on posting and promise to make it up--if any of you are still reading!


I will admit I was dreading going to the lake house for 2 weeks, being out of routine, etc. and worried that Luke would be bored and Charlie wouldn't sleep. I am now sad that we had to leave that little piece of heaven, in the middle of Nowheresville, South Carolina. We had the best time!

Chad did eventually make it back from Argentina, but he returned with what we think is E. coli and has been miserable and in tons of pain for over a week now. Poor thing.

Before he returned though, we celebrated the 4th of July. I really wanted to make things special on the 4th this year, since I thought Luke would "get it." Unfortunately, the area we were in has been in a drought, so the big fireworks display was cancelled. We, however, still know how to have a good time, so Luke was in his element! We went out for a boat ride, had a picnic, Aunt Mary baked a flag cake, we decorated and even did sparklers (my sister and I cannot celebrate the 4th without sparklers)! It was lots of fun!

Here are Mimi and Luke walking up from the boat. We showed Luke this picture on our camera and asked him what he was wearing. He paused and thought really hard for a minute and said "Crocs!" Good job, Luke!

Luke, now fully clothed, had a blast waving flags around all day on the 4th!

Aunt Mary, Grandpa, Mommy and Luke

We're all looking at Aunt Mary's beautiful flag cake! It was beautiful and delicious!!

My sweet parents! Thanks so much for a WONDERFUL trip! We love you!

Adventures from the lake house!

This past week, while Chad was away on his mission trip to Argentina, the boys and I joined my parents at their new lake house in South Carolina. What a blast it has been so far! Luke has been enjoying boat rides, waterfalls, learning about living on a lake and in the forest and soaking up lots of Mimi, Grandpa and Aunt Mary time too!

It has been a blessing for me too. I've had lots of time to spend one on one with Charlie, which has been so sweet. I've also had Mommy/Lukey time that has been precious. My family has been incredibly helpful and they have been so loving and supportive. Keep in mind we will have been here for 2 weeks by the time we leave---that's exhausting for grandparents!!

Here are a couple of pictures from the boat. I'll be posting more adventures soon!

The boys in their life jackets---who knew they made them for infants?

Grandpa and Luke playing on the tube!

Luke and Mommy being silly and having fun!