Memorial Day '08

Jackson, lucky little man that he is, got to be spoiled by Curt's mom and dad - Nana and Pappaw - last weekend. They flew down on Thursday evening and stayed with us until Sunday afternoon. It was our first time to host them since we moved and I can't tell you how many times I thanked God for our new house. It's like night and day from our last house when it comes to having company.

On Friday we took Jackson to the Children's Museum. He was cracking us up because he was going from station to station in an absolute frenzy. He wasn't at anything longer than 10 seconds. I loved that there was hardly anything in that place that he could get into trouble with. We barely had to tell him no at all! When we were done, we took him over to the train at Hermann Park. It was hotter than love (thanks for that expression, Erin) but my child was in hog heaven. I noticed that the park has several fountains and even a spray park to play in, so I think we will go back there before too long. For lunch we went to Ruggles Cafe and enjoyed some great desserts - the strawberry bomb and German chocolate cake. Curt's cousin and his wife, Andy and Mindy, had their first baby that day - little mister Eli Andrew Ward. He is absolutely beautiful and I actually kissed the picture of his face on my computer screen. Welcome to the world, Eli! Cozy and I had a lot of fun talking about labor and texting and calling Aunt Belinda, cousin Erin, and sister Lindsay for updates all day.

On Saturday Steve and Curt worked on my car for a long time. It's having some issues as it nears 100,000 miles. I made my mom's spaghetti and meatballs for lunch, put Jackson down for a nap, and then took Cozy to Town and Country to visit Pottery Barn. I wanted to buy several things but we are hoping to visit the PB Outlet in San Marcos soon, so I thought it would be better to wait. Afterward we drove out to the new Houston Premium Outlet Mall. They have some great stores, but with the heat and the crowds I'm not sure I'll ever go back. Definitely not on a weekend. Maybe on a rainy day, as weird as that sounds. There were long lines at every register, even at the food court at 3:00. Yuck! For dinner we partook of Spring Creek BBQ, which has the world's best fried okra. Get yourself some. After everyone was in bed, Curt and I slipped away to see Prince Caspian.

On Sunday morning we skipped church (which I felt bad about later when I realized that we'd be gone next weekend too) and enjoyed a lazy morning at the house. We had an early lunch at P.F. Chang's. I would never think to take Jackson to a place like that, but it wasn't very crowded and he was mesmerized by the statues inside. He was nearly perfect. Then Curt had to take his parents to the airport and Jackson cried when they pulled out of the driveway. We were so sad to see them go!

That night we tried to visit the drive-in movie theater out in Waller, but we got there too late and it was sold out. We tried not to be totally bummed but we were. It would have been so fun! I guess to get in you have to get there super early, but that wouldn't really work for us with Jackson. My mom was sweet enough to let us bring him over to her house and put him to bed while Curt and I went to see Indiana Jones. It was good but kind of bizarre. I am not seeing any more action movies until Curt sees about five dramas or romantic comedies with me. Maybe even a foreign film. He owes me.

For Memorial Day, we hung around the house and were lazy. We decided to get together with the Sanders family later that afternoon. I had to run to HEB to get some food for grilling and the ingredients for Sunni's 7 layer dip. Let me just tell you, that place was the third level of Hades. I almost left my basket in the aisle and ran out screaming and drooling. Steam was coming out of my ears, mouth, and nose and my head nearly exploded.

We went to Jonathan and Michelle's at around 4 p.m. Jackson and Keegan played in the kiddie pool and then Jackson got in the sandbox. He was wet and sandy and so happy. We all sat in chairs around the little pool and visited while they played. We actually finished conversations, which y'all know is a miracle when there are kids present. Christine made it over in time for dinner and then dessert in the playroom. She is officially Jackson's new BFF. Jackson was all like, "Mommy who?" Christine is the baby and toddler whisperer. We hated to leave that night because we were all having so much fun, but everyone either had to get up early for work or for tending babies in the morning. By the way, I loved getting to fly an American flag from our front porch this year. There were about four of them on our street.

Today we spent the morning over at Melanie's house (we met in Sunday school) and got to play with her daughters, Avery and Tatum. Aren't those cute names? They are precious little girls. Avery just turned 3 and I kept trying to imagine Ella and Ava being that grown up. Fun times are down the road, ladies!

Last week was very hard and sad for several reasons and I pray that we all have a respite from the tragedy and bad news. I read Psalm 90:14-17 in my quiet time this morning and it really ministered to my bruised heart and weary mind. Check it out.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:14-17

We praise You, Lord, for Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. With our limited understanding and our inability to see from eternity's perspective, we put our faith in who You are, not in what You do. Bless our troubled minds with peace this week, even as we intercede for those who are suffering and grieving. Amen.