Baby Jack Is FIVE!

Last night, both Mike and I agreed that we were only slightly less tired than the first night we spent with Jackson Patrick in Arlington, TX. Our waterheater broke and flooded part of our house, so we were dealing with water issues. I find an excellent metaphor for these five years in the flooding of our computer room, because time has gushed past me, leaving me slack jawed and in awe that five years have rushed around us so quickly. I am constantly so caught up in the moments of mothering, working and studying that the cumulative effect of these moments, although undeniable, is still hard to conceive. This time five years ago, I was completely off balance, scared to death, shocked at the pain, and dealing with the fact that my dad had almost died in the hospital on the same day my son was born. Our one and only visitor that first night was my brother, Cody, who drove all the way from Dallas in traffic to officially welcome my son to the family. My dad had an intestinal blockage, and to be honest, I thought he might die. He was very ill, but ultimately recovered. I love the picture when I first met Jack, and I apologize to those of you who may have weak stomachs. I am obviously joyful, as is my labor and delivery nurse. I have dwelled in this joyful, sometimes flustered and flumoxed state for these last five years. I am so grateful for this experience. It is truly unique and wonderful. I was in a constant state of prayer before Jack was born, I was worried I might die in childbirth, or that I would loose Jack during the process, but truthfully it was smooth and relatively stress free. I like the bottom pictures of Jack because his grin reminds me of his cousin, Max's grin. These pictures represent where Max is now now, and both boys have the most impish grins, like they really "get" life, and they love it! Tonight, we will celebrate his birthday with friends from school, and I am so excited to wish him another happy, healthy five years. I would be extremely remiss if I did not acknowledge that through this flood of time, God has guided us safely with no major losses or sorrows. I am thankful beyond words for this.

Fossil Rim

Ava, Jack, Ian and Cathie. As I type this, Molly Ann just asked, "Aren't we cute". No self esteem issues around the McCormack Haus.













Molly and Ian look out over an African Serengetti? Nope, they look out over the beautiful Texas Prarie.












Ava and Jack watch deer graze.












Ian is petting some kind of friendly/hungry antelope.

What have we done this summer?

We've gone to the Fort Worth Zoo, and watched orangutans.















Molly Ann has practiced dancing and gymnastics. No official lessons, just good ole fun!












We've gone to Fossil Rim! (This was their only pic together...butt, I kinda think its funny!) We went with Aunt Cathie, Ava and Ian. It was crazy, hot and also lots of fun. The Zebra's and ostrich's were very agressive, and Nana actually got bit by a hungry zebra.













I

Not So Still Life: Apples and Oranges

We spent the night with Nana and Papa, and thought we'd try life imitating art! Our canvases kept giggling and squirming, and it was quite fun! I have been able to begin reading for my thesis: it feels I've got so far to go! This art with Nana was a much needed distraction, and my squirmy children were delicious.

Hypothetically Speaking, If You Ever Loose A Bottle of Chocolate Syrup

This is a short note to myself, sent to yesterday. Hypothetically speaking, of course, because surely this would never happen to anyone, right? Everyone knows I am a bit flighty, and I don't concern myself too much with material reality, especially as it relates to kitcheny/cleaning things. Hypothetically, if you are ever keeping another child in your house, and he requests chocolate milk twice, the second time, if you can't find the chocolate syrup, go ahead and look around for it. If it is not in the fridge, and not in the cabinet, and not on the countertops, go ahead and take some time to look around to see where it could have possibly gone. Note to self: it did not disappear, a chocolate syrup elf did not come and consume it all, and your three year old daugther did not perform a David Blaine worthy disappearing act. It probably fell between the fridge and the countertop, and it is slowly leaking all over your kitchen floor, so that when you return from Ikea exhausted, it has likely coated a large portion of your kitchen. You may have to slip and slide with your not quite five year old as you clean it up. Soap and water works nicely. But, if you'd like to save some time, when you loose the syrup bottle go ahead and try to find it. It will be well worth your time.