United

The first two concerts I remember going to, and I can't remember which was first, were for Michael W. Smith at the Oak Mt. Amphitheater and Steven Curtis Chapman at Huntsville's Von Braun Civic Center. Ah, the 90's. I grew up listening to these guys' music - them and Amy Grant! My brother and sister had their 80's stuff and I knew it all! How fun that my husband did too! We will occasionally queue up an old Smitty song on the iPod and laugh at the fake accent and cheesy music.

Well, have you heard about this:

I mean, can you believe it? Is it really happening? It's like a dream come true! The two gurus of Christian music on stage together?? Ok, I dramatize, but it does look like a good concert, eh? Well, it was! I surprised Brice with tickets last night and off we went.

Here we are! We're sitting on the back row, literally, in the top of the theater. Way high. But way fun.

The concert opened with both guys on stage together leading us all in singing Blessed be Your Name and How Great is Our God. Michael was on the keyboard and Steven on the guitar. Then Michael left and Steven did his set. He was great, of course. He referred to having grown up listening to Michael's music. That got a good laugh. He talked a good bit about their family and how they are doing. He said he wanted to be honest and not act like they're not hurting. Very moving, especially when he sang Cinderella. His whole family was there, including his oldest daughter with her new husband of two weeks. He sang stuff off the latest album, mostly, and a couple from the previous one. The last song featured a guest drummer, his son Will.

Michael came back out and sang with him a little. Then came the best part. Michael started singing The Great Adventure. So Steven retaliated with Go West, Young Man. This continued back and forth with snippets of various oldies like For the Sake of the Call and Place in this World. They ended the 1st half of the show with Steven singing I Will Be Here.

The 2nd half of the show started with both guys singing Friends, yes, you read correctly. Then Michael had the stage and led us all in one of the most beautiful worship services I've experienced. Most of his music now falls into the praise & worship category and he worships with every fiber of his body. However, at one point Michael is talking to us about how hard it is to pick which songs to sing knowing people out there want to hear their old favorite. At that moment, a young guy yelled out "Free Bird!" It was great -Michael loved it! There was also a touching song written for one of the victims in Columbine. Also, Michael's son, Tyler, played keyboard the whole time. Steven came back out and we ended back with How Great is our God.

It was such a good night and fun to see two favorites of yore. I've included a little video clip of the end of Friends. Brice chimes in at one point (poorly). You'll hear a pause at the end, "A lifetime's not too long . . ." where Michael points at Steven queuing him to sing the last line. Steven then says, "You sure? This is a good moment."

I highly recommend you attend if they are coming to your town this fall!

A Growing Family

A little over a month ago, I told you about finding some new kittens in our crawl space, half-siblings of Macie. Within a week, the mother moved them somewhere else. Well, a couple nights ago I heard little meows again. Brice and I ventured back into the crawl space yesterday and found the two surviving kittens looking right at us! Brice just reached out and grabbed one of them and the other scampered off. After some searching, I spotted something furry behind a pipe in the corner. Sure enough, it was kitty 2.

They are SO tiny, they didn't even know how to defend themselves. They just let us pick them up and hold them. We put them in the carrier where they huddled together and watched our every move.

We introduced them to Macie to see how she would react. She was quite curious.

After taking them to the vet to get checked out and some shots, we brought them home to keep until we can find them homes. We set up a little subdivision in the room where they can move around without getting lost.

So where are the kittens?

Huddled in the corner.

We realized last night that they don't even know how to eat or drink. We think they were still nursing. This morning we saw that the food was gone and the litter box had been used a couple of times. Yea! They are quick learners!

So . . . . anybody want a cat??

Our Straight A

The 1st nine weeks of school are over. Report cards were distributed. This is Cole's first time to get a letter grade in each subject and he came home with all As! Way to go, Cole!!

Timothy D. Hedden

When Brice and I started dating, I would hear him refer to his chiropractor, Dr. Hedden, whom he visited about once a month. I never really understood the purpose of chiropractic care so I tagged along with Brice once when he was getting an adjustment. Dr. Hedden sat down and talked to me about the human body and the communication between the nervous system and spinal column. After some scans of my back and neck, I began getting regular adjustments too. I went once a week at first, then every other week. He even started adjusting Cole too. Cole loved it! He would just giggle when he heard the cracking sound ripple down his back.

Brice told me some background info on Dr. H. He was a single dad of three kids, mom ran off years ago. His oldest son is in college and the younger two are in high school/middle school. He was also getting treatments for Lymphoma. Every so often the office would close while he went down to Mexico for special treatments.

He did well for a while, then things got harder. Over the summer, Dr. H had to stop working all together. His brother moved to town to take care of him 24/7 and eventually his parents came too. After a couple trips to Chicago and more rounds of chemo, he was quite weak and very swollen. Dr. H died Monday night at the age of 51 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

He was a very godly man and always had an encouraging word to say. He was "famous" for loving his patients so much and the feeling was mutual. Nobody knows why three children are now fatherless, why these parents had to bury their son, or why somebody who touched so many lives had to leave earth so young. It is not our place to question things that we couldn't even understand if they were explained to us by the plan Designer. What we do know is that Dr. H is dancing on healthy legs before the God of the universe and feels no more pain. Praise God!

As you read this, please say a quick prayer for his children. I don't know where they will go now. I've heard that the mom is trying to come back in the picture. Please pray for guidance, wisdom, and restoration. Thank you.

Fun Buy

We usually don't have much time for yard sales, but last Friday morning Brice and I stopped by a local estate sale. It's kind of weird walking through someone's home rummaging through their things. We found a few things we liked but prices were fixed until Sunday. So Brice went back Sunday afternoon and got them half price!

I love dishes. You may know that about me. I love pretty patterns and rich colors. So Brice got me four plates and bowls for a total of $2.

They are a bit of a deeper plum than they appear here. I served dinner on them the other night and Cole said, "Ooo, pretty plate!" :-)

Brice got a few things for himself too. He loves Irish music - and apparently so did the owners of this house! He got a few on Friday for regular price, $3, and went back on Sunday for five more at half price.

A fun buy. Smiles all around!

Boosterthon Fun Run

Friday was the big fall fundraiser at Cole's school. The guys who put on the event have been teaching the kids all week to DREAM big: Diligence, Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Appreciation, Make a difference. This program is so well done! During the fun run, the guys pump up the kids, run with them, play tons of different music, vary up the laps with walking, skipping, "flying," and racing - it's great. The parents stand in the middle and cheer them on.

Cole had been charged with getting pledges for each lap he could run on the Fun Run track. The kids earn various prizes for each level of pledges they receive - once they reach $10/lap then $15, then $20 etc. The highest level is $35 per lap and the child then receives an iPod shuffle. Cole received his last pledge on the last night before the run, giving him exactly $35 per lap. He was one excited kid!!

In addition to inidividual goals, there were class contests too. Any class that had at least 15 states represented gets a pizza party. Cole's class had 16 - Cole personally had 13, including China! There is also a special prize for the class with the most money pledged in the whole school. Cole's class won that too!!!

A big "THANK YOU" to everyone who pledged!! Cole feels so loved. Each of you will be hearing from him personally this week! Enjoy the photos:

Water and walking a lap

Striking a pose

The #1 class in the school!

What a fun and rewarding time for the kids. Thank you all!!

Talladega Days

My dear friend, Stephanie, loves NASCAR. She and her old ( my new) friend, Jenny, have gone to Talladega together every spring and fall for the past 13 years. I have never had the desire to go though Steph has tried on more than one occasion to talk me into it. I mean, it's just a bunch of stupid men risking their lives to drive a car in circles for over three hours, right? Last spring, Steph talked our friend Camara into reluctantly going with them. She was up for going again this fall so Steph tried me one more time. The smart girl approached it from the "girls-day-out" scenario and I bit. Yes, I went to Talladega last Sunday to hang with the girls - oh, and watch the race.

First, let's meet the team. Here they are as we "tailgate" before the festivities begin:

Stephanie

Jenny

Camara

We left early enough that there wasn't much traffic to deal with. We got some funny looks being four cuties with no guys! After chilling by the car for an hour or so, we headed toward the track. It was much bigger than I was thinking. We got some lunch before heading to our seats. The hot dogs were great!

So was the frozen lemonade.

The view was great from our seats.

As long as you didn't turn around.

We laughed

We ate

We saw a wreck

Do you know how long it takes a pit crew to change 4 tires and fill a tank with gas? See for yourself!

And here's the final stretch. It's quite loud when they whip by!

The most surprising thing of the day - I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!! The company was great and the event was exciting. New experiences add to life and I'm glad I finally gave in to Steph on this one! I've even asked her to get me a ticket for the spring race. Yes, laugh and point all you want, but I'm not a redneck. Just a gal who enjoys a day at the races!

Roll Tide!

Last week we picked up 4 tickets to the Alabama/Kentucky football game. I knew Brice's dad would want to go as he is the only Alabama fan in the original Jackson crew. I had plans on Saturday so we began to hunt for a friend Cole could take. He claims to have only one friend that cheers for Alabama, but we couldn't get a hold of him. We called several others but nothing panned out. Saturday morning, Cole's Crimson Tide friend called back and said he wanted to go. Cole was so excited. I know he had a better time having a buddy there.

So the 4 guys headed to Tuscaloosa late Saturday morning. Several minutes later I get a phone call from my husband informing me that he didn't have the tickets. That's because they were in my purse. I hopped in the car and met them down the road a bit. They had a great time and came home exhausted!

I've pieced together some clips Brice caught throughout the day.

It's in his genes!

We had another fun dinner and game night with my parents. They are pretty darn fun to be with. Cole joined in on the CatchPhrase game. He's not bad! Check him out:

Mahna Mahna

This is a commonly sung tune in our house and car. My husband sent me this today. Makes me smile!

Am I getting old?

I think I've experienced a generation gap.

Last week Brice and I went to a concert we've been looking forward to for a few months: Counting Crows! Brice has liked them for years and I've become a fan over the past few years. The band performing before them was Maroon 5, a popular group of young guys with current hits on the radio. We felt like was got a 2-for-1 concert since we like both of them, but CC was the definite pinnacle of our night.

Maroon 5 was flashy with laser lights, loud guitars, smoke, and a cute lead singer (who doesn't know how to talk to the crowd).

Counting Crows was funky, in the moment, creative, and all-around good musicians! That's the major difference - musicianship and excellent writing. We loved their set! We had moved to the top of the stands to have room to move, sit when we want, stand when we want, dance when we want. It was an outdoor concert and the night was cool and beautiful!

At the end of the concert, I overheard two teenage girls talking in the bathroom. One said, "Maroon 5 was so awesome! They totally blew the Counting Crows away!" The other girl quickly agreed. I just laughed to myself thinking of how much more I enjoyed the CC - as did, I'm sure, the other 27-37 year-olds in the crowd!

Spirit Week

Remember in high school when we'd dress up with a different theme every day the week of Homecoming? I always loved that week. There was just an energy in the school that was fun. Even work didn't seem tedious that week.

My precious husband is an amazing teacher. He knows how to reach kids. He can be tough and goofy in the same day. So during his school's Spirit Week, he dresses up right along with the kids! Take a look at my honey:

Monday: Dynamic Duo Day

the whole team dressed in Incredibles t-shirt

Tuesday: Camouflage Day
Remember this movie?

And now, Mr. Jackson Gump

Wednesday: "Hog" Day
dress as a farmer or biker

Thursday: Bucs Day
I don't have a photo, but he wore a Hoover Bucs t-shirt

Friday: PJ Day
this was taken at the end of the day, and the end of a long week!

He's wearing Grinch flannel PJ pants. I love him!

Apparently, desk-top dancing to loud music is a weekly event on their hall. I'm so grateful he has a fun and positive team! Go 6-3!!!

Here's me

My sister had this little questionnaire on her blog and challenged me to do the same and I never back down from a challenge!

1. Five names you go by:
Anna
Aunt Anna
GuGu
Mom
Honey

2. Three things you are wearing right now:
Black pants
New glasses
A smile - i mean, i wanna be fully dressed, right?

3. Three things you want very badly at the moment:
12 hours of sleep
12 minutes with my husband
12 margaritas (just had to keep it going)

4. Two people who will probably fill this out:
Penny
Jenny would if she had a blog!

5. Three things you did last night:
Ate at The Cheesecake Factory
Kissed my son goodnight
Showed videos of my day to Brice

6. Three things you ate today:
Egg biscuit
Pepperoni calzone
Medication?

7. Three people you talk on the phone with:
Brice
Becky
Mom

8. Three things you are going to do tomorrow:
Take Cole to school
Go to work and post blogs
Take Cole to piano

9. Two longest car rides:
Bham to Paducah and back again in one day - with a 2-yr old
Bham to L.A. - I can't remember which leg was longest

10. Three of your favorite beverages:
Caffeine-free Diet Coke
Sweet Tea
The margarita

And we're back!

Geez, almost a month! It really doesn’t seem that long since I’ve posted. The past few weeks have been a blur. I recall this summer saying that I was anxious for the boys to get back in school where routine would reside and things would slow down. Who was I kidding??

“What have you been up to?” you may ask. Ready?

Brice has class Tuesday and Thursday nights
Cole has baseball Thursday evenings
Brice has clinics every few Saturday mornings
Cole has Bible Club on Monday afternoons
Brice has school meetings on Monday afternoons
and clubs one Wednesday a month
Cole has baseball games on Sunday afternoons
Brice has class Friday night & all Saturday and
Sunday every few weeks
Cole has piano on Tuesday afternoons
Brice & I try to squeeze in a dinner date on
Wednesdays before picking up Cole
Brice & Cole help lead children’s church on
Sunday mornings.
Brice plays basketball every few Mondays

So where is my name in that list of activities? Well, keep in mind that I go to baseball practice, games, and piano too. And I grade math homework, do laundry, some grocery shopping (which Brice does as well), clean out the cat’s litter box, feed the cat, have people over, eat with the parents/in-laws, stay up too late and get up too early!!

And those are just the weekly routine things! I’ll soon post about a football game, a concert, “Spirit Week,” another game night with the ‘rents, and a race.

Stay tuned – the Jacksons are back!!