The Johnstons

Playdates, Super Bowl LoVe and More....

2011-02-10T12:09:00.006-06:00

First off please sit back, relax and enjoy my "Luvers Mix" on the music. I like to think Im a fly d.j. (at least my dad and Carolyn think so. Always making me feel special, asking me to make them cds..sigh.. I love feeling special ;) ). So this is a selection of my favorite "Love songs" these days. I dedicate this playlist to my Valentine (no I wont say my funny valentine bc I really truly hate that song) but cupid hit me oh, about 9 years ago and Im still crazy over him, like, WAY crazy. Maybe its hormones. I dunno. Maybe I just got REALLY lucky. No pun intended on that one. Srsly. So these are songs that make me think of him, or make me think of him thinking of me. Yes I compliment myself. Sorry if thats TMI grandma, or anyone who is gagging now, just icky mushy heart stuff, its how I feel. There I said it. Ahhh. Feels so good to share the love. I encourage everyone to tell everyone you love how much you love them. I will be included in that list right??? Anyways to get back to the point at hand, there really hasn't been much going on, yet so much going on all at the same time. Weird, I know.

Lets start with play-dates.

We (the crazy mom association) try to get together once a week with the kiddos. You know the usual 'group': Cassidy, Jackson, Grant, Bryson, Grady (hes part of the group now bc he can sit up) and this last week we had a newby, Madi. Well new to most of the group, not Jack. She and Jack see each other alot, and she is in the same class at school as Bryson. Anyhoo, Gretchen normally works during the week but the kids had a day off from school so she took off too and came on over to our casa for Valentines Craft Day. Oh how I wish I had taken pictures. I didnt. BUT I will say that my kid is REALLY into crafts (YAYYYYYY). We had a craft shop set up on my dining room table (remember I said crazy mom association, I apparently am the leader of the craziness...WHAT WAS I THINKING?!!!) No not really, it was cluttered and messy, but so much fun.

The grandparents are all laughing at the "wonderful" creations made for them. Jackson was very precise on where he wanted all of his hearts and colors.

We had a great time visiting PawPaw and Granny, who took us to their playground down the street. Jack had a GREAT time. He LOVES slides. He also loves static electricity..see:

Here are some more pics from our time:

Learning how to fly an airplane. (This was before he took a step back, tripped and fell on the rock step below. OUCH)

We baby-sat Madi so her parents could go house hunting (I mean, really, can you imagine looking at a fully furnished strangers house with a almost 2 yr old?? I shudder.) Here are some cute pics from that night. These kids are so darn cute together it kills me. They play soooo sweetly and NEVER fight. Seriously. They are either totally gonna get married or just stay Best Friends. Not sure which yet, but they are too fun to watch together.

I love this one. Its like he just said something really funny and she clearly, thinks he is hilarious.

Here are some random pics throughout the last few weeks. He is now truly truly his fathers son, he LOVES chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream....see how happy these two are:

He helped me make...brace yourself... oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies.

Yes, you read that right.

MOMMMMMMM When are they gonna be done?????

BUT I CANT WAIT THAT LONGGGGGG....

WHAT??? Did you just say ONE MORE MINUTE???

Cuteness, I know. Its tough being his mom. Really tough. Someone the other day said, how do you not just literally pinch, bite and kiss those cheeks all day?? I dont know how. I think God gives me strength. ;)

We also had a visit to my bestie Brookes house in Austin for a night. Yep, no pictures there either. That would involve me having to stop talking to take a picture. So yah, not happening. BUT the kids were adorable together and super cute and we had a BLAST. Some times the best medicine in life is your best friend, a glass (or bottle in our case) of wine and you tube.

Super Bowl was last weekend. I think Green Bay won. I was too busy having a grand ol time and watching these two cuties:

Gretchen took pictures and her mom had some fun editing them so Im using her moms pics bc why not?! We were taking their pictures on the stairs and we said "say cheese" and Jack immediately grabbed hold of Madi in a hug from behind and smiled. You can tell his Aunts a photographer. He might as well have said, "How would you like my head turned...am I okay now, oh, okay, I got this, let me improv here".

So thats about it. We are super excited for Valentines Day around here. When I say we, I mean me. Im not sure Taylor even knows its Monday. And Jackson, well, hes almost 2, soooo....

Have a great weekend and LoVe to you all :)

This little light of mine...

2011-02-10T08:00:00.008-06:00

I need to update this blog with a few posts, which I will work on today while Jack is at school, but for now, I leave you with this funny video of Jack playing with Dixie. His best friend. He is always playing with her in some way, whether its chase, or throwing the ball for her, more likely teasing the ball with her (he's kinda mean that way), or shining his flashlight (he has several) on the wall and floor for her to chase.

Well, yesterday he found this little flashlight my dad got for him out of a candy machine at Juan's (its high class, let me tell you, thank GOD he doesn't realize its a picture of some war girl on a dragon...its too fuzzy to see) anyways, I digress, he snatched it up as I was cleaning out his huge toy mess of a box in the family room. So he has been playing with it non stop. To give credit to the crappy flashlight makers, this thing is lasting a WHOLE lot longer than I would like. Im impressed. SO, this morning he was teasing Dixie with it and laughing at her so hard, I thought I would video. Sidenote: Taylor got him ready for bed last night, I would have dressed him in cute warm little boy pjs. Just sayin.

Enjoy :) Oh and turn off the volume on the playlist on the bottom right!

Photography Give Away...COME AND GET IT!!!

2011-01-25T20:04:00.006-06:00

So most of you already know, because you have heard me talk about, or read my posts about it, BUT my sister in law Chelsea has a photography business and she takes AMAZING photos. I am lucky that way, I know. Well, she is having a fantastic giveaway of a photo session that you MUST take her up on. Visit her link here and do the things you need to do to win win win!!! :) I promise you wont be let down. And just to get you all drooling over her fantastickness (word?) here are some pics she has taken of us (mainly Jack bc he is MUCH cuter than just us)!!!

And the piece de resistance (as if it could get ANY better).....

Take a look at her website and see, she does some GREAT stuff with that camera of hers!

And the final one....

2011-01-18T20:02:00.001-06:00

Another giveway and the last one I PROMISE!! LOL

And yet...another chance :)

2011-01-18T19:24:00.001-06:00

Another chance to win the Silhouette!

Head on over to:

For a chance to win too!

This isnt for Jack, its for me.

2011-01-17T20:29:00.003-06:00

So I entered to win one of these:

Ahhh I want one soooo bad I can hardly stand it. I even put this on my Christmas List. I might. Just MIGHT forgo getting my hair colored and instead buy one of these bad boys. And thats saying ALOT. Because I just found like 8 gray hairs on my head two days ago. Seriously. I cried. A little. Okay, Alot. In the shower. Because Im dramatic like that. ANYWAYS....I think winning one of these would be awesome. So I did ALL the entries. Im psycho, I know. But a girl wants what a girl wants. And I want one of those, and a hair appointment. After the day I had today, I deserve a special treat. So say a prayer and dont enter bc you further reduce my chance of winning. LOL. Okay so you can enter, but only do it once ;)

Here is the link to the giveaway

But the blog that does the giveaway might be my new favorite blog ever. Seriously cute ideas. So at least go check them out.

Conversations with Jack Jack

2011-01-13T10:55:00.006-06:00

Todays morning conversation went like this:

Me: "Jackson, what do you want for breakfast, waffles or pancakes?"

Jack: "Noooa"

Me: "Well if you don't want those, I have oatmeal. Do you want oatmeal?"

Jack: "Ohmeal, yah" (with head nod in agreement)

(Oatmeal is served)

Me: "Heres your oatmeal babe."

Jack: "Happy, momma, happy"

Me: "Oh I am so glad oatmeal makes you happy sweet boy".

Jack: (holding spoon out to me) "Momma hewp" (momma, help) "Hewp, peas" (Help, please)

Me:"Oh sure Ill help you, but you know how to eat on your own"

(I help and then give spoon back to him while I continue to make his lunch for school. He has eaten almost all oatmeal, but hasn't touched his apples)

Me: "Jack Jack, you need to eat your apples, can you eat them please?"

Jack: "No ahppas momma, tanks" (No apples, momma, thanks)

Me: "Yes you need to eat your apples, look you can even use your apple to dip in your yogurt".

Jack: "No, tanks"

(Then he eats a few apples)

Just had to write that out. Every day is a fun one with this guy. Here are some more things he has said these days:

The other day we were watching Aladdin on TV and I changed the channel to see what else was on. He was leaning against the chair with a drink in his hand and looked at me, and while shaking his head said "No...No....Noooa...No...Nah.....Uh Uh, No No No...Uh uh" All said in a very matter of fact, just no, way. We laughed hard. Especially at the uh uh, part. And still changed the channel. LOL

He has been saying "Happy" alot lately. And only when he is happy. The first day back to MDO from Christmas break (which I was sure was going to be full of tears and cling-on behavior), he ran down his school hallway, saying "Happy, Happy, Happy" Smiling away. Went on in his classroom and didn't even turn back for a kiss bye :*( I stood talking to his teachers for a few minutes and he kept (seriously) giving me a dirty look like 'why are you still here, don't you have things to be doing'. Laughing now, thinking about it. It was funny.

He also has been saying Si for yes sometimes. Thanks to bilingual Dora, when we ask him a question like, would you like some juice, he responds..."Si, ya".

Silly Boy

Since I missed the last few months of monthly updates (and dont even ask me to remember his achievements from month to month, they all blend together), this will have to suffice! He also is weighing in at 26.5 lbs at last scale check a few weeks ago, is getting taller (obviously) but still cant quite grab hold of a doorknob, only if its a handle can he open the door.

The biggest news is that the other night he sat down on the toilet and went pee pee in the potty!!! YAY JACK!! I am hoping that means we can get him potty trained around his 2nd birthday. This is what we bought for the toilet, (thanks to Bill and Johnna for showing us this cool thing):

It just takes the place of a toilet seat and has the top part (toddler seat) come down on top of adult sized toilet seat. Its awesome. He loves it and I feel its great bc he doesn't have to transition from an independent kids toilet to a big toilet, AND I don't have to clean a little one out. I am sooo not that kind of mom. Not to mention Taylor feels all handy now bc he put it in. Way to go babe. Im so proud. ;) Now I just need maybe a pee pee guard to protect people from getting sprayed when he goes potty. Not naming names on who got sprayed.

Lets see, Jackson is a maniac these days, with LOTS of running around. He and Dixie take turns chasing each other around the house (not kidding). He also had a blast playing at Cassidys house yesterday. He especially liked the play BBQ pit, and the childrens table and chairs (which I think might be a good Birthday gift for the little man), but he REALLY loved this:

Yep, this is DEFINITLEY on the list. Its win win, he loves to jump, squeals and laughs with merriment while doing it, AND it wears him out. I am praying we get one of these!

So thats what Jackson has been up to these days, I am sure I will have much more conversations with him that warrant a publishing. He is a funny funny kiddo. Have no clue where he got that from ;)

Play-date Poem & Bowl Game

2011-01-11T09:51:00.007-06:00

To the kids we've known

since they were born

oh how they've grown

oh how they learn.

they play and swing

and have a great time

it really is a wonderful thing,

when they don't even whine!

As the moms we have stayed good friends

so that our children will grow together.

But its always surprising in the end,

when, like birds of a feather,

they stick together.

They truly enjoy each moment to play,

this time it was without any anger, or grabbing.

I cant wait for another day,

for a best friend play-date to happen.

*Thank you Kristen for the pictures, SOO appreciate it!*

Remember this...

When they were just little babies. First play-date ever, and I remember being excited bc Jackson could ALMOST sit up!!! Wow, it goes fast :)

*He no longer tries to stick his hand up Cassidy's shirt. (I dont think she would let him even if he tried! LOL)

Now then, that was Friday morning, which even though the ags lost that evening, was the BEST day ever for me. You know I am a social being and that being said, Friday hit every social love I have: friends, family and Good (no pun intended ) food and drinks. We had the playdate in the morning, with lots of donuts, kolaches and fruit. Then Matt and Jordan, who were in town for a wedding came by to play as well, then Troy and Chels joined us. After kiddos left we all went for lunch at Goode Co's BBQ. The weather was GORGEOUS so we sat outside and Jackson was so adorable and sweet and the company was perfect. It was so wonderful. I was sad to leave them all there on that ol wooden patio BUT it was 1 and wayyyy past nap time. I just am soo so happy we were able to have lunch together. Now that Matt and Jordan are in Florida I truly take those moments and cherish them (as Jordan put it on facebook). That evening was the Cotton Bowl, Ags vs. louisiana. Bleh. Thanks though, to our recent intervention, we weren't embarrased to have friends over to watch the game! So, Adam, Gretchen and Madi came over! They brought Los Cucos fajitas with them YUMMMM, THANK YOU!!! Madi and Jackson played so cutely together, they didn't want to even eat dinner really, bc they were so excited to see each other. Jackson kept giving her hugs. It was too cute.

Jealousy starts already, I was thinking to myself after the 5th hug he gave her..."he doesnt hug me like that or that much either". Boo. Sigh. Kidding, kinda. Anyways, since the game was so late we decided to give the kiddos a bath (together) and try and put them down for the night, hoping Madi would be tired and crash in the pack and play. Welp, it worked!! So we had a late night Friday night, but it was full of good friends, good food and LOTS of belly laughs. (Thanks to Brooke for the texts, they had us laughing hard).

Here are pictures from the bath, which I die laughing at bc Jackson is so obviously unsure of what exactly is going on.

It looks like he is thinking "Uh, mom, you know there is a girl in my bath....rightttt??"

"Mom, I just don't think this is right."

But then when she started splashing him, he was like "Oh hey, this could be fun",

2 minutes later and a soaked bathroom floor, it was party time in the tub! LOL. They both woke up the next morning (Madi had gone home late that night) asking for each other Jackson- "Mah-ee?" Madi- "Jahhh-son?" So so so so CUTE!

Every day I feel more and more thankful for our friends and family. Every time I see all the Christmas Cards up around my kitchen from all of you, it fills my heart full of gladness and happiness. I love our life, and I love our support system all around us. Thank you to each of you for being a part of our lives. You make it all special :) Yes I am nostalgic today, have no clue why, but just roll with it and get all special person feeling inside. Your welcome. ;)

Fun Times = Good Times!

2011-01-09T11:18:00.004-06:00

We have had a wonderful week. I mean it has been AWESOME. No real temper tantrums, no screaming, no embarrassing moments, ahhh sweet baby jesus THANK YOU. I haven't posted about this (yet) but for a month or so our sweet boy Jack was channeling black. By that, I mean he wasn't as sweet and angelic as he was for the first, oh 19 months of his life, he was instead, channeling the dark days of an almost 2 year old.

To make it short and sweet bc really, who wants to rail on their child for public display (I mean we all have to keep our skeletons in the closet eh?), I had a real struggle with Thanksgiving and Christmas where he didnt want anything really to do with family, only mom and dad and was SOOOO WHINEY!!! So whiney that I thought I am going to have gray hairs ALL OVER. It honestly was so bad that Taylor turned to me on one joyous car ride (yes we went thru a small (thank god) phase where he wanted to only play in the car, not get in or out, just play and a multitude of meltdowns occured from being thrust unhappily into the car-seat.) anyways, and Taylor said "I think every time he screams or lets out a whine, my blood pressure shoots thru the roof and I get 2 gray hairs". I laughed and said "OH YAH". I kept thinking this is not normal. Everyone (who has kids that is) was saying "oh no, its normal". And would chuckle at our dumbfounded astonishment and the personality change and new behavior methods needing to be enforced. I think what makes it worse was the look that the family members would give you. Not that they were judging per say (some were I will warrant that) but just that look that says, "Oh dear, you must get a hold of that". Or the look that says "Wow". It was embarrassing. Now I am not saying that those days are over (I am sure I have many more ahead of me) BUT I will say that something changed for me.

I had a VERY embarrassing moment in front of my grandparents. My stoic, always in control, grandparents. The ones who are from the old school rule of thumb. You know what Im talking about. The ones whose children NEVER acted like that. Why? Bc they didn't reason with their kids. They just said this is the rule, you break it, there are consequences. Consequences being a switch broken off a bush from the backyard. How did we get so far from that? I am weaker than my grandparents. New age I guess you could say. Or maybe I can blame it all on being a school teacher and taught to reward reward reward, give give give. Mom says Im just a nice person and have a hard time being mean. (She must not hear my inner thoughts! LOL). To be completely honest here though, I will defend myself a bit by saying that I have NO, ZERO, ZILTCH of a problem disciplining my child in public or by myself. Ask anyone who was in line by me at Hobby Lobby a few weeks before Christmas. But when you throw in Taylor, or my family, or his family, I get all guilt ridden and cant bring myself to spank him, or even put him in time out really. Its so sad. And miserable. And Im working on it. After the embarrassing moment at a public restaurant with the grandparents I called mom the next day. I prayed the night before, asking God to show me what the right way to handle him was. Because obviously my way wasn't working. So mom says, "Girl, you have GOT to let him know who is boss. You have to mean what you say, you have to get mean sometimes. Because if you don't, this wont be a phase, it will be your life." Wow. That haunts me. I know that, have ALWAYS known that, but sometimes it really soaks in when you really need the advice.

So Taylor and I changed somethings. And its working. We were around family this week, and he was great. We were around friends, and he was great. We went to school after Christmas break and he was running down the hall to his teachers saying "happy happy happy", went into his classroom and did'nt look back. He no longer whines for my attention and when he does, I say "I will not talk to you until you can talk to me without whining" and turn my back. It works like a charm. He is a smart cookie and he knows now, the best way to get mom and dads attention is without being a whiney pants. We have been out to eat and it was wonderful. We had friends over and it was wonderful. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about the next week, but for right now...it is fun times which = good times. For all. I feel more in control, more self assured and confident and ready to teach my child how to be a good kid and furthermore a responsible adult.

Wow, so much for keeping it short and sweet, guess I needed to vent a bit. Ahhh don't I feel better now!

But so that you can see for yourself how funny and cute my little guy is here is a video of him opening his new toy from his Aunt Chelsea and Uncle Troy. HE WAS SO HAPPY and I would say this is probably his new favorite toy. (Ignore the jelly stain on the white shirt - was a school day ;) Thank goodness for bleach! )

I couldn't leave this post with just bad stuff :)

Stay tuned, Tuesday will be more good stuff! A recap of our week and weekend!

Merry Christmas 2010!!!

2011-01-03T20:29:00.014-06:00

You know that you haven't been posting in a while when you hear crickets as you sign in to your blogger account. Yikes. I know I know, bad, bad, bad. But Im back.

Love the shirt? My friend Gretchen made this for Jack :) SOO ADORABLE!!!

For a while we werent sure if Jackson was gonna get really into it this year, but over the last 4 months or so, we started getting super excited bc he was noticing things and of course I think it helped that I started playing Christmas music and reading Christmas books the 2nd week of November! By Christmas day the boy would say "ho ho ho" when asked what Santa says, although when placed on Santas lap, this is his reaction:

and he also had an uncanny ability to name every baby he saw "baby jesus" (sounds like "baybee jeezss").

We started off Christmas with a yummy dinner and gift opening at my dads on the 19th, and Matt and Jordan were in from Florida for two weeks so they were able to join us.

YAY!!! Jackson got some wonderful things; a cozy coupe and a VERY loud music set that he personally loves to play. He says 'ma-ra-ca' as he shakes his maracas. It is very cute. And I might add I think he might have a real future in the music biz. THANKS Gay Gay and Pop!

This Christmas was a wonderful Christmas that I had, personally, really been looking forward to. The most exciting thing was we had it in Tyler at my moms and ALL of my siblings and their spouses/significant others were there. Becca and Ryan, Megan and J.P., Sonorah, Matt and Jordan, Troy and Chels, and of course Tess and their newest member, Huck :). Total headcount 14 (including us and Jack ) and paw count, 8. The food was delish but the company even better. It truly was a wonderful time.We took Thursday to travel on up to Tyler stopping at my grandparents house to drop off Dixie (I don't know who was more excited about the stay with great grandparents, Dixie or them!) and do a little gift exchange and lunch. Granny and Papaw gave Jackson some amazing gifts which he loves! He especially liked the GeoTrax Toy Story Set with Buzz, Woody and Bulls-eye figurines. He immediately said "BUZZ" when he saw it. He loves those little fellas, he carries them around and puts woody on Bulls-eye and then makes the "da da dum da da dum", horse sound, but it sounds like 'da da da da da neighhhh'. After we left we made another pit stop at Taylors grandparents house in Palestine. Mimi and Buddy got Jackson a dinosaur ball and he was loving that too. When he saw the ball he said 'roar' and then said 'nahsor' which stands for dinosaur of course ;). We got into moms at about 5 o'clock and honestly we did'nt leave the house except one time the whole 4 days we were there!

Here are some pictures from Christmas morning which came WAY to early after a late night for mom and dad Christmas Eve. Yes, Jackson woke us up at 5:45. GASP. So we piddle paddled around in our room with the dvd player for as long as we could to let everyone sleep and keep him from all of his toys set up from Santa. Then we got up and this was his expression....

it screams "all of this for me???"

"Woah, are you sure??"

He LOVED his gifts and kept going back and forth to all of them. And now....I have a helper when its time to clean! YES!!!

THANK YOU BIG to my siblings and their spouses, grandma and pa, for helping to put it all together Christmas eve. After the festivities of the weekend were all said and done everyone was T-I-R-E-D, including pa and huck,

and Jack too,

who fell asleep while we were packing up to leave Sunday morning. :) He actually got sick Christmas day and didn't sleep well the remaining nights or naps :(, so he was truly truly exhausted!

Then this last week The Johnston's came down and Santa visited their house too! They brought us a ton of goodies, had an intervention (we got a brand new gorgeous t.v. after 10 years of our good 'ol square tube t.v., who we loved but apparently the family were happy to replace for us! LOL) and ate a wonderful lunch with us. We loved having them come for a quick but lovely visit. Jackson LOVES his new bike (we take it to get mail every afternoon) and he got another train set that he also is in love with. Most importantly he got a Buzz Light-year Figurine which he now carries with him all the time. He even takes it to bed with him. He loves his 'buzz'!

Uncle Jack, Aunt Livvie and Madi were also able to come too and they got Jackson this adorable riding zebra that turns into a scooter also. He loves pressing all the buttons and riding it around the house. Well actually backing it around the house bc he hasnt quite nailed scooting forward! LOL.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year as well. We love you all and will leave you with some Christmas time pictures we had his Aunt Chelsea take for us. Here is a link to her photography website if you would like to get some great pictures taken as well!

And my personal favorite:

HaPpY HaLlOwEeN!!!

2010-10-31T20:37:00.008-05:00

Jackson last year was an elephant.

A very cute, costume so perfect for him, you'll never forget it, elephant.

So this year, we fretted and froed (word?) over the PERFECT outfit. Welp, lets just say, we kept going back to 'ol elly. Finally we decided that out of all the costumes online, this one was the best for this year:

(No, thats not Jack, just some model. I couldn't get him still long enough to get a pic from the front standing up)

Thats right. He rocked out as a ring tailed lemur. A VERY cute, serious about grabbing the candy and trying to walk into peoples houses lemur.

So was he channeling the lemur Sun night, you might wonder?

Like he channeled the seriousness of the elephant last year?

No. He did not. He was not leaping, nor plant eating, nor climbing in trees* lemur-esk. Sigh. But you know what? He was cute. And he liked the outfit (at the end of the night when it was coming off)!

*No child or tree was harmed in said tree climbing, bc he is after all, you know, only 19 months. He lacks the ability to shimmy up trees.

Now who do I talk to about the weather? Mother Nature apparently got my angry, "this is Halloween and for the love of all children's costumes, could you please throw some cool air this way and help a mother out" message a little late. Were getting the cold front tomorrow. Snap.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday. Now its time to gear up for Thanksgiving!! Bring on the stretchy pants. Thank God leggings are back in now. Hollah!!!

**And yes, I, apparently have a thing for animal outfits.

Oh these are the days....

2010-09-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

Before I go into what is quite possibly the most frustrating and comical experience I have encountered with Jackson so far, I want to share what we did this week:

We went to feed the ducks at the pond near our house. We took a little bike ride down and unloaded all our stale bread and cheerios. By the way the ducks LOVED the cheerios.

Okay so I don't know much about ducks but check this guy out below. We shall call him the bu-font ducky. See my neighbors say it is not a tumor (like I diagnosed) but instead, a sad case of bullying at the pond. The ducks peck at his head and cause his hair to be tufted out like this. Im not so sure I believe that, but they see him and say he isn't sick and he is just fine.

Your thoughts??

I just don't think thats normal. And why him if its bullying?

Really, I shouldn't worry about something like this, but alas it plagues me. It does.

We also took a trip up to my grandparents house in The Woodlands. They wanted to take us to The Childrens Museum that is fairly new there. We went and Jack had a great time! The only picture I got was of him in this fire engine. Where it got a little heated later on and I thought Granny was gonna straight up old school discipline some other kids for rude behavior.

The rest of the time he was driving shopping carts and throwing plastic veggies around, and driving toy trains on the train tracks. Thanks Granny and Paw Paw! We grew up always going to the museums with them so its nice that they can do this with their great grand kid!

Now for the mishap I will remember for the rest of my life, and so will Jackson bc Ill never let him forget it:

On Aug 27th I wrote on facebook that Jackson had learned and truly enjoys throwing things off the balcony onto the floor below.

Oh the foresight that post had! We started reprimanding him (slightly, and obviously not enough). Fast forward to Sep 9, I was doing my make up, and Jack comes in the bathroom and starts grabbing stuff off my counter. I managed to keep most away, and he got bored so he left. Then came back in looking for more to grab. He grabbed nail polish. I was doing my mascara at this point and well, I saw he had it, and thought "Gosh, I need to grab that, before he decides to take off with it" He was just hanging out in the bathroom so I continued on with my mascara, bc lets face it, you cant stop in the middle of mascara. Well when I finished, he was gone. I took off to find him, rounded the corner of my bedroom door, and hear a glass breaking down below and see him turn around and say "uh-oh momma". Um yah. He totally dropped the bottle of bluish/purple nail polish onto the WHITE tile floor below. Did I mention we were running late and trying to get out the door for MDO and I was heading to Austin for the day? Yeah. Then I said to him "Jackson that was a big no no, no sir, you are in BIG trouble" . To which he responded "Uh -oh momma" with more seriousness and octave. So when down to survey damage, it was all over the floor, the carpet and splashed up on the walls and baseboards. Oh yes. Wonderful. It took alot to get it all off and I still haven't painted over the walls and baseboards yet. People are shocked when I show them how high the polish splashed up the wall.

Boys. Lovely Boys.

At least he said uh-oh.

Since then, we did balcony boot camp, and he hasn't thrown anything off since. :)

First aTm game and Playin with Bryson!

2010-09-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends. -- Cindy Lew

This weekend was the first aTm game, WHOOP!

We were not sure if we were gonna be able to go or not bc Jackson was recovering from an ear infection and I didnt want to leave him with someone he didnt know, just so we could go to the game. But see, when you have a fabulous friend who says, "Hey, let me keep him for you" You find yourself thinking of the quote by Cindy Lew. Jennifer decided to watch Jackson for the afternoon and evening (LATE evening) so we could still go to the game. Good friend huh? I know, Im lucky. She has Bryson who is Jacksons BFF, they LOVE each other. So much so that Bryson and Jackson give each other lots of hugs and kisses! LOL. So she fed them pizza for dinner, watched Toy Story AND baked homemade cookies for those boogers. As if that wasnt enough, she bathed him, put him to bed ANDDDD when we got there to pick him up at 11 p.m. she had warmed up some pizza for us and poured us a glass of wine. I know right. Pick your jaws up. Im keeping her and no you cant have her, shes my friend. Yes Ill be selfish with this one! LOL. We were VERY grateful to her and her hubs Nick. The best part is the next morning both boys were looking for each other. Here is a link to her blog with the highlights on it. I stole these pics from her so sorry for the redundancy!

Mothers Day Out!!!

2010-08-31T11:44:00.004-05:00

Soo this is the week we have been waiting for, dreading, excited about, longing for, curious about and well...just ready to have happen. We started Mothers Day Out. I signed him up in the spring for this year and I have been really looking forward to it, but at the same time kinda sad about. One it means my little Jack attack is growing up, and two, Ill be by myself for two days without my buddy. Also, I was (a smidge bit) worried about how he would handle the transition. Well, turns out, my child was MADE for school!

We had Meet the Teacher on the 26th and the class was packed! 12 kiddos total for those two AMAZING and WONDERFUL teachers to shepherd! Mostly boys too..yoikes! I love love LOVE his teachers and was so excited to see that on Tuesdays they have music class with Mrs. Barb and on Thursdays he will do arts and crafts! Each month has a theme and certain colors they will be working on. (Good luck with that bc every color is 'blue" to Jack!)

His first day was Tuesday the 31st. Taylor took the day off so we could have a date day while Jack was in school, and also to make sure I was able to keep it all together emotionally. Here are a few pictures of Jack that morning on our way out the door....

Hey we are all going to school!!!!

Dad, lets go to school!!!

Wait...you mean Im going BY MYSELF???

Only if I can take my ball...

And into the school......

And in the classroom, where Mrs. Bridgette came in to snuggle her buddies Jackson and Carter and to make sure they were happy! (Mrs. Bridgette is our nursery director and she is the BEST!)

HE DID GREAT!!! He didnt cry or anything when we dropped him off and guess what?? I didnt either!! I think I was too excited about having my hubs all to myself that day! Tay and I had a great day, we caught a movie, ate lunch, and got some shopping for the wedding craze coming up. When we picked him up he zoomed past dad and ran straight into the arms of his momma. I might say THAT is the BEST part of him being gone. I love the Hello's! Here is his sheet from that first day:

The napping is the only issue we still have, he sleeps but only for an hour to an hour and 15 or so. That doesn't make for a fun evening on Tuesday and Thursdays but oh well! Early bedtime is fine by me!

Since being in school Jackson's vocabulary has really surged forward. He literally talks ALL the time now. We love it! In fact during bath time the other night with dad, he stood up in the tub (frowned upon in this house) looked at dad and said "My Dadda" and went in for a super sweet and wet hug. Dad melted on the spot!

Visit to Cami and Papa J's

2010-08-23T11:28:00.003-05:00

This weekend we went to visit Cami and Papa J. I unfortunately don't have any pictures from this fabulous weekend bc I was too busy playing and having fun too! We had a yummy dinner of fish tacos Friday night and Saturday morning Cami and Papa J took us all to their tennis club pool. It had a GREAT kiddie pool. Problem: Jackson decided it was not only hilarious but also SO much fun to just dunk and dive in the water. The water that he could not swim in. Yes. It was fun for him, but I had about 18 panic attacks. This kid is DEFINITELY getting swimming lessons for next summer. He has NO fear and wants NOTHING to do with being put in a floaty or being held onto. This was all much to the amusement of his grandparents and cousin Madi. Mom and dad however were WORN out and needed a nap ASAP. Apparently Jack did too bc we hadn't even backed out of our parking spot at the pool and he was OUT. He had a blast and we cant wait to use that pool again ~~when it warms up~~ next summer.

We love visiting them, Jackson really enjoys throwing golf balls (and dog toys..whoops) into their lake from their back patio (which is gorgeous and sooo relaxing). They call it their outdoor living room, and it is! Jack also loves to chase after Sammy the toy poodle and throw the ball for him and Dixie. He also reeeallllyy wants to figure out a way to get that bird, Snappy T in his hands, but he has to grow a few more feet first so he can reach the cage!

The best part was Cami bought Jackson some fall clothes that were much needed AND appreciated! We love you guys!!!

This week Jackson has been really into throwing his toys over the baby gate onto the stairs...see.....

He drags one of his totes of toys over to the destination point and tosses each one in. Loves it.

In this one he is showing me all his toys. Very proud of this.

So to discourage this we, gulp, took it down completely. We are teaching him to not go up the stairs AT ALL without one of us. He got into pretty big trouble a couple of times, but hasnt done it in the months since! Whew!

Lordy, its been awhile :/

2010-08-16T12:11:00.001-05:00

Weekend of August 14, 2010

We took a trip up to my moms, which I think we have maybe decided she should be called Glam-ma. Cute huh. Fits her I think. Anyhoots, we had a wonderful visit and enjoyed our time as always. I went with mom and Sonorah to Becca's wedding shower in Big Sandy, it was so sweet and I just get so excited when people get married. It is such an amazing time in your life. Anyways the fun part was my moms best friend Angie that I never see came down with her daughter Holly to visit with mom and us. Her son Cole, had just left for the Army. So she was needing some love :) The scary thing is, I used to babysit for Cole and Holly when Holly was Jacksons age. Talk about making me feel old. And scared bc if its gone by this fast for some other kiddo, how much faster is it going to go for us with Jack Jack. AGHHH. Im hyperventilating just thinking of it all.

I just love this face he is making. Too funny.

Pa was nice enough to let Jackson have a taste of some Mayhaw Jelly with his biscuits. Lets just say it was such a hit that the next morning, Jack (after eating a huge breakfast already) saw Pa having a biscuit on the couch and he climbed himself up there, snuggled up all sleuth like, and reached in for the biscuit and jelly when James was least expecting it. I think its safe to say the kid likes jelly on his biscuits.

We were in the kitchen and Jackson and Dixie came in and spent some time snuggling on the floor. It was so super cute. I love that these two truly are best friends already. Would it be weird to have her cloned? Dont answer that.

Anybody else's kids bite on the feet of their lovey? Weird.

We had such a good time this weekend that on Sunday while we were waiting for Becca to come by and visit he just couldnt stay up any longer and crashed on my shoulder. Poor buddy. Ignore my scary/crazy eyes. I look like freak huh? Yikes.

And last but not least, we will leave you with new tricks Jack has learned:

Balancing on the ball..I think he might be trying to kick a leg up too :)

And channeling the seals from the zoo. He's good huh?

You should see him leap through a flaming ring and swallow knives.

Kidding, so please don't call CPS.

Happy 16 Months and Whats Been Going On!

2010-08-12T12:25:00.008-05:00

Jackson you are 16 Months OLD!!!

Where has the time gone? Here you were a year ago:

My little guy, you are turning into quite a verbal, funny, temperamental person.

AND I LOVE EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!

You are:

~Working through a cold as we speak (bleh).

~You weigh 24.8 lbs

~You eat any and everything. STILL! I gave you chicken salad sandwiches last week and you gobbled those up.

~You are drinking your milk plain now too, still make it flavored every once in a while though, just bc I love you! :)

~Talking a mile a minute. You repeat ALOT of sounds and words we say. Its funny and cute. The other morning you said what sounded like "What do you.. babble babble babble". It was so funny and your dad and I just looked at each other like "did he just say what I think he did?"

~You are really starting to get the hang of directing your lawn mower around and trains too. You know how to put them on the track and turn them on.

~You play with lots of cars, trucks, planes, anything that moves or goes vroom. You make the sound a car makes as you drive them around. Soooo funny.

~We have started putting you in time out, not sure that you quite grasp the concept but hopefully you will soon. Or you just start not needing it altogether! HA!

~You have started to mildly hit and bite (if you can, that is, you do most of the time, stop yourself before you do it, but the thought is still there). The one time you bit me, well, it didnt end so well for you. You got very upset. Ill leave it at that.

Your just growing and learning every day, and I cannot wait to see how much more you will learn being in a classroom setting at MDO.

LOVE YOU BUDDY!!!

The last few weeks have just zoomed past so quickly. I cant believe that in just another few short weeks Jackson will be headed into Mothers Day Out. :( and :) . Mixed emotions on that one. So excited for him, but sad for me. Im gonna miss my buddy those two days a week!

A few weeks ago we spent the night in Galveston with Grandma and Pa, Aunt Nora and her BFF Megan. We met them at the Rainforest Cafe and I think that is now where we will go ANYTIME we are meeting friends for dinner. Jackson was mesmorized to say the least. Every time it rained he would stare at the rain dripping on the perimeter of the room, he STARED at the fish forEVER and everytime a monkey caught his eye he would say "ooh ooh aah aah". Funny kiddo. It was nice for Taylor and I to not have to roll out our circus tricks to entertain the kid at lunch. We spent most of the time out at the pool, where my mom (grandma) showed off how much cooler she was to play with in the water than his own parents. Jackson wanted to play with grandma more than mom or dad :( Oh well, Ill be okay, pride wasnt too damaged! LOL. We did hit up the beach for just a little bit, Jackson was interested in the wet sand sucking his feet down, and really interested in trying to make the sand go down his little water toy. Not so much luck on that one.

We had a great dinner that night at Fisherman's Wharf,

until Jackson decided he would much rather be outside playing on the deck than hanging out inside with all the adults. Sigh. What made it fun (HA) was that our nursery director from church, Bridgette was in the same room we were upstairs and we said hi and all that stuff and when I came back into the room from a little outside walking with Jackson, Jackson screamed, LOUDLY, and EVERYONE in the room (like 5 large families, including someone we actually KNEW) turned and stared. She laughed. I turned red, and sweated, Taylor scooted down in his chair like "who, me? With that screaming, obviously needs to be spanked more, child? Nope, not me. Dont know 'em." It was lovely. The rest of the family was MIA also, so I just clamped my hand over his mouth and yes, I took him back outside. GASP. Whatever, dont judge. He HAD been there 2 hours. And I was sweating. And red. And alone. So alone in that moment. We had a blast and maybe we can do a family get away with grandma again soon.

She can take over Jackson in the pool and anywhere else all she wants!! LOL.

Lets see, we had some playdates and lunch with some friends Can I say how much I HEART Chick Fil A, BIG? They are the best place to take a kiddo for lunch. So accommodating. We also had a fabulous dinner at Nick and Jennifers and Taylor and Nick got to see their boys really playing for the first time. These two dads dont really get to see that interaction too much bc they arent around for the playdates so it was so cute to see how excited and funny they thought it was. It helps that Bryson and Jackson play so well and are so super darn cute together. Jennifer is supposed to send me some pics she took, but she is in Jamaica right now. (Just for being able to go there on vacation, I may not be her friend when she gets back. LOL) By the way HUGE thanks to Jenn and Lori for watching Jack while I went to the doctor.

Last weekend we wanted to do something kinda fun but didnt want to leave the house (ever have those days?) So we filled up the splash pad, ~~dog~~ everyone pool, and water table and we had a nice few hours outside. No need for a swim suit, just swim diaper and sunglasses and lots of sunscreen. Oh yes, this picture WILL be used in the future as bait/ammo/whatever I need it for.

Then, I made my momma proud. Taylor and I bathed both the dog and Jack outside with the water hose. It was awesome and so super quick. Plus I might add that an extra set of hands (Jack Jacks) to help scrub the doggie was nice too. Dixie L-O-V-E-D it. Too bad for Bosco, he missed out on the bath. Im sure he was crushed.

Speaking of Bosco, he likes to curl up in baskets.

But see, no where is safe anymore in this house except places of high altitudes. So he jumped in a laundry basket to get away from the stalker, aka, Jackson, and Jack decided well, Ill push him around instead.

Dont let Bosco fool you, he loved it. I mean, it took him like 5 minutes before he decided to jump out AND the only reason he jumped out is that Jackson went in for the touch/pat/hit/abuse.

That is love for the B cat. On a sweet note, Jackson did walk up to Bosco, who was all cutely curled up, on the sofa and he put his head on Boscos and just softley pet him. Bosco didnt move. Again, I think there is some real love happening here. Ahh, happy wife, happy animals, happy kid, happy hubs, happy life! We are taking a trip to the big T, Tyler that is, tomorrow. Hope everyone enjoys their last few weekends of summer!

A Tribute To A Small Angel.

2010-08-10T14:06:00.003-05:00

I have been following the Caring Bridge blog of a little boy named Walker. Walker is one month older than Jackson. I choose to follow their blog bc his parents are examples of Gods work. In everything they do and say, they do it through HIS glory and in HIS name. Walker was diagnosed with a Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor on September 11, 2009. He fought a long and hard battle with the terrible disease that took over his body and this morning, he is sitting on Gods lap. My heart is breaking for his family. I cannot even imagine how they feel, knowing I have Jackson and how much I love him. How much it would hurt to loose him. They have their faith to lean on, and I am inspired by their steadfast devotion to Christ. In the past year I feel like I have gotten to know Walker and his family (though they don't even know I exist!) I always left reading their blog with a renewed faithfulness in our Savior. I was going to post today about Jackson being 16 months old, but instead, please take some time and visit Walkers site. Sign their guest book and send them a message of Gods love. Keep them in your prayers. Then hold your little ones if you have them, or call your big ones if they are gone and tell them you love them.

Isaiah 40:18-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Under The Weather....

2010-07-20T20:14:00.004-05:00

Jackson had an ear infection this last weekend and was feeling "under the weather" as they say. Who "they" are, I am not sure, but I thought how appropriate, since this was the weather for the weekend:

Thanks Janice for the picture!

Yep, that was our neighborhood. It started Sat and kept on going through Sunday evening. It rained yesterday and part of today. The rest of the week looks like this:

Which means, if we dont start praying for mother nature to back off a bit, our 24 hour stint in Galveston Friday/Saturday with Grandma and Pa, wont be so swimmy. :( You can never rely too fully on the weather men (sorry, but true) so, who knows, it could be gorgeous and sunny!

Now on to what I really want to write about, I swear Im not so desperate I bore you with weather. HA! Plus I think you all know me a little to well to know that I would NEVER run out of things to talk/blog about. So, on with the rundown*.

*(Disclosure: I go into Lindsey detail over the ear infection proceedings, Im doing this for scrapbooking purposes since its his first ear infection AND he has only gotten sick, now, 3 x since he was born. I figure his future wife might be interested in this stuff....or is it just me? So don't read it if you already know, or know you don't care. LOL!)

Friday morning Jackson woke up in a B-A-D mood. (Ok so you all know that I realize now it was bc he was sick, but for the sake of the story staying 'real', Im writing as it happened.) He was super whiney, and grabbing at his mouth and when he cried his nose would run, so I thought he must just be getting the rest of the eye teeth in. I checked and it did feel like the top right one was about to poke through, the other three were already there. So we had already planned a swim date at Lauren's, and I thought it would make him happy. On the way, I had to stop at Toys R Us and get some things and he had a crying fit in the car, that only happens on long car rides, didnt stop screaming till we got to the store and I pulled him out of the car. Got what I needed there, quickly, and we went on to Lauren's. He played, and swam and had a great time. Until it got close to lunchtime. I offered him food. He was absolutely not interested in ANYTHING. He got whinier and whinier, I sat on the couch thinking he just needed to veg a bit. I realized he felt a bit warm, so I gave him some teething tablets, Lauren took his temp and it was 99.5. No biggie, we both thought, its gotta be teething. I had a nagging thought in the back of my head that he has never shown this much symptoms teething, he has been off and fussy but not like this. So we started to eat lunch and he had a MELTDOWN. Like screaming, needing to get the heck outta there meltdown. I left. Quickly. I did, however, manage to see the shocked faces of Riley and Cole at Jackson's sudden onslaught of emotions. Priceless. So he slept for like 20 minutes in the car, woke up and screamed the rest of the way home. Again. I thought "This must REALLY be bad teeth to get in." Then I brought him inside and he felt super warm. I took his temp and it was 100.6. He has NEVER had a fever above 99 degrees so for this to happen, I felt must be something else too, but wasnt completely sure. I gave him some Motrin (the off brand, not the recalled!), and tried to put him down, he screamed again, so we rocked and I sang to him and read him books and kept letting him have his sippy cup. He calmed down and was very sleepy so I put him in the crib again and this time he fell asleep. He woke up 2 1/2 hours later much happier, so I thought, lets try lunch. I offered him a PB & J and he ate half of his sandwich, and some fruit.

Here he is looking all pitiful and sad:

He was playing and happy and acting like his good ol self again. A few hours later he started melting down again. I felt his forehead and he felt HOT, so we took his temp and it was 101.6. I called the doctor, bc I just knew that it couldn't be teething at this point, they agreed and luckily they had an an opening at 8:10 that night. (Our doctor has an after hours office). We got him in and he had an ear infection in his right ear :( Poor baby. It was just the beginnings though, so we caught it at the perfect time. The good, no, great news, is that they gave him numbing ear drops. Who knew? I grew up with seriously bad ear infections and I KNOW my momma would have LOVED those drops, as well as me! So we have/had him on Amoxycilin (sp?), the Ear drops, Tylenol/Motrin, and lots of TLC and he is now fully recovered. And completely spoiled. So we are back to "Your not sick anymore" boot-camp. LOL. Today we had no Motrin or Tylenol and ear drops 1x before Bible study, just in case.

Since the weekend was one of pretty much relaxation and laying low for us here, we have had a chance to get a few pictures.

Jackson decided that he wanted his train to actually take a trip on Dixie's back. Which, she liked, bc its attention and back scratching. Her favorite combo. Yes, we bought him a new train bc he was sick. Its sort of something our parents did for us and we want to do for our kids. Makes a kid feel special :) So see Jackson, (If your reading this way down the line in the future, in a scrapbook) We do love you and we did do stuff for you too!!!

And today as a snack (late lunch) he choose a banana over a nectarine and I gave it to him whole. I think the pictures speak volumes on how awesome/awkward he thinks this was.

I swear this kid is so friggin cute :)

We have a play date tomorrow with Grant and Bryson and his 15 month check up and shots Thursday. SOOO not looking forward to that. Then Galveston on Friday!!! Have a great rest of the week friends!

Where do I begin????

2010-07-14T19:46:00.010-05:00

So I am soo sorry for this long post. Not because I think you have been fretting and worrying and just downright upset that you dont know whats been going on in our life (HA) BUT mainly bc now, you will have to read (if you choose to do so) through the post that might not ever end. Oh yes. I am sorry. But I wont cut it short, just bc I feel sorry for your soon to be flat as pancakes, from sitting in chair, in front of the computer, heineys. Sorry. So now that I have wasted about oh one minute or so, depending on your reading speed, of your time, Ill get on with the show, well post. Or short story, well novel maybe. Lets just be honest.

I will start in a particular order just for the sheer scrapbook part of this blog. It makes it easier to read when its chronological I think. Wow, I am so digressing here, its bc Im dreading this long post. Im mad at myself for waiting so long. Geesh, there is all this pressure to make sure I get it all in. WOAH. Deep breaths Lindsey, deep breaths. Focus.

We left off with Fathers day right? (See its already turning into a book "Where did I leave off???") The weekend after Fathers Day we went to Crystal Lake in Palestine with Taylors family. It was gorgeous weather and such a great time. The main event however was Camille's 60th Birthday! Aunt Livvie and I had so much fun getting ready for it and making it special for Cami. We are so lucky to have her as our mother in law and I hope she knows how much we all love her :) Cami and Papa J bought Jackson this awesome splash pad and he LOVED it. I think he would have played in it way more if the water hadnt been QUITE so cold! Well, and also if he hadnt seen me take off in the boat (he is very momma clingy right now). We had such a nice visit and Taylor and Uncle Jack of course had a great time watching soccer together (Back in the day memories for them I think! LOL) Here are some pictures from the weekend. Some from me, some from Livvie. She also did a nice post on her blog for Cami's bday and the trip so feel free to take a look at her stuff. She gets some amazing pictures of nature!

Then the next weekend was my BIRTHDAY!!! And of course the fourth of July! We picked Matt and Jordan up from the airport (don't even ask me about how that went down with all the rain delays here), and headed to Port Aransas to my dads condo. What a fantastic weekend. It was awesome. I am not sure what I enjoyed more...the fact that the weather was perfect, my child was perfectly behaved (except for one night at dinner, which got us a few dirty looks and Aunt Chels ready to throw down on behalf of her nephew HA),

or that my child slept amazingly once we put him in the closet (oh, pick your jaw back up, it was a big walk in and very dark and had a door and a fan, believe me, he had the best set up. You'd do it too if you spent the first night with not so much sleep bc of waking child) or that I had so many family members young and old(ish), and in between helping out, entertaining and letting me take the breaks I oh so needed! Well now that I have written it all out I definitely think the last one takes the cake. That was the best. Hey speaking of cakes, check out my yummy b-day cake from Frosted Bakery.

They did Jackson's b-day cake too and I HEART THEM BIG! Of course no offense to them (thank goodness they probably don't know who I am, let alone read my blog), my momma took the cake (no pun intended) and sent me a Janie's Cake from East Texas. Oh. My. God. It was sooo good. Taylor and I ate half of it before we even left for the coast. I wont tell you how long we had it before we left either, nope, that secret is staying with me. Well, and face-book too I guess. Dang it. So much for secrets. But what we did take with us to the coast, was quickly devoured by the sweet-a-holics in our family. I wont name names. You know who you are. :) Thanks Mom!!!

So on with the weekend recap; Jackson went on a boat ride that almost never ended on Saturday morning. Seriously. It was 5 hours long. Something about going down the intercoastal waterway to see some coast guard sailboats, and then a stop at a water side hamburger place (YUM). It was fun, except for the part when Jackson fell asleep in my arms, which were awkwardly placed and the water was ~~spraying~~ soaking us like crazy, so I was holding up a towel to keep Jackson from getting ~~wet~~ drenched. Aside from wet outfit, and aching arms, it was a great trip. The best part was Jackson loved it. He wanted to stand at the inside edge of the boat and let the water spray his hands. Oh and chase the dogs tails (yes the dogs went with us too!). I sadly forgot my camera at home so I am relying on pictures from Lesley, Chelsea and Jordan. Here is what Ive got:

For the fourth the kids got to smack open a pinata and it was so funny bc Jackson just got in there when the kids went nuts and started picking up the candy. He helped his cousin Isabella sort her candy. Much to her frustration he felt she should keep the candy she kept taking out of her bag that she didnt want. Was pretty cute.

Family Picture:

The girls!:

That night for fireworks he was up to see them. He had a late afternoon nap and was rearing to go! I honestly didnt know what to expect, but was quite tickled at his reaction. He kept pointing at them and saying "Woah, Wow, No, Oh" and pacing back and forth on the balcony. He loved it. So glad he got to experience it!

We had such a great time, but it was sad to see Matt and Jordan head on back to Florida. We do miss them quite a bit, and are looking forward to seeing them in September for the family weddings we have coming up!

So what's happened since then?

Well, Im doing an amazing Angela Thomas bible study at church and LOVING it. I really feel like God is doing some work inside me these days, and as scary honest as some of it is, it is powerful and uplifting. I especially love that I am doing it with some close girl friends and we are walking this walk together. I like having the accountability and knowing that your raw emotions are felt by someone else too. Its a blessing to be at a church with such amazing women and leaders.

We have had several play-dates with friends and I love watching Jackson grow and watching him learn how to play with other kiddos.

JACKSON TURNED 15 MONTHS!!!

(Ill get his couch picture on here tomorrow! :))

Such a big boy :) He is doing so much these days, we literally think he is the smartest kid alive. Okay, no we dont, but he is smart. Not weird, anti social, high IQ smart, but real life smart. LOL! So he is saying ALOT. Mainly mimicking us.

~He says balloon, backpack, Dora, blue, PawPaw, bahh for sheep, moo for cow, sometimes meow for cat (thanks Cassidy for inspiring us!), bath, ooh ahh ooh for Monkey, He said purple today which was funny.

~We go in for his 15 month check up next week so we ill know his stats then.

~He drinks his milk now, on one condition, it must have some flavor to it. So we are now proud owners of packs of carnation instant breakfast.

~He eats eggs now, finally. Salsa too, hot dogs, corn dogs (He tore some of those up today like crazy), you name it, he eats it. We had a few weeks of dinner time meltdowns where he wouldnt eat dinner, but we finally figured out, late afternoon snack+ dinner at 6:30/7= Meltdown. So the last few nights we have had a MUCH earlier light snack, and then dinner around 5/5:30 and we have had a gobbling up the food, happy child.

~Oh this sweet boy who loves his momma and loves to cuddle has found his temper tantrum button and he likes to press it!

I will say this week he has been pretty good, but there were a few weeks there where I ~~was~~ am praying HARD for the Lords guidance in this. Or a prescription for Zantax. Whatever gets to me faster. Just sayin. At home, I don't tolerate it (mostly, bc face it, Im not perfect, I know, gasp...), I generally walk away or give him something else to ~~distract him~~ throw down. I can walk away from his LOUD screaming. Im not kidding about the loudness. I have NEVER heard a child this loud. Yes for all of you laughing, I realize its some payback for my voice volume. Anyways, I can tolerate it at home, but when we are out in public or at someone's house. It is SO embarrassing and I know that they are cringing. And judging. I know I shouldn't care but I do. I don't want to be the mom that gives in to the tantrum, but find it so difficult to submit innocent people to his fury. I will never judge another mother in a store/church/restaurant again. Wow, such a humbling experience. For instance (Hey lets document these, they will be funny one day....right?) We were at Coles 2nd Bday party last Saturday and it came cake time. Yes my child loves sugar. No surprise there, Taylor practically force fed brownies down my throat while I was pregnant. So I get this huge piece (thanks Lauren, I appreciate your thoughtfulness on wanting to expand my thigh/rear end size), and I share it with Jackson. Well he had quite a bit, but I guess its like crack and when it was done, he was NOT happy. So he screamed. Loudly. I didn't give in, yay me, but then the kid decides to pick the crumbs off the floor. Oh yes. He was that desperate. Then took off whining and moaning toward the kitchen and Taylor caught him right before he stuck his hand in what was left of the cake that was on the cake table. Not kidding. Then he screamed when Taylor picked him up and removed him from attempted cake murder scene. Yeah, I was the mom hiding in the corner of the playroom thinking please don't bring him to me, please don't bring him to me. Cue our exit shortly after that to avoid another cake upset. Oh yeah and that was after his swim diaper had had enough and he peed, out the diaper onto Lauren's floor. Lovely times I tell yah. The party was great though and Jackson had a great time playing in the water and eating cake.

Want another story. Oh yes, I have some more:

Next day, Sunday, Birthday dinner at my grandparents house. Were sitting at the table eating pot roast, potatoes, carrots, bread, enjoying the food and company. Jackson is eating pretty well, then he starts to deteriorate. Fast. Ended up with screaming child in seat. Grandparents a little amused but mildly annoyed at the loudness of the child. I take him out of his seat. He melts down on the floor. I offer bread (he loved starches, it should help right?) No can do. Finally manages to make his way to their bar/wall, has a fit on the floor there. Then FINALLY he rubs a few brain cells together and points and reaches for something...AHA!!! He wants the small gong they have that he is allowed to play with. He must have turned around in his seat and saw it, wanted it, and got mad bc no one could read his thoughts. We got down the gong and oh boy was he happy after that. But Lord help me, he had my blood pressure going.

~Anyways back to 15 month updates. He is running all over the place and has figured out how to ride his ride on toys around. He likes to back up the most, but he does know how to go forward.

~Even though he has his moments (hey we all do) He is still an absolute joy to be around. He makes me laugh, and I love when he brings me his books and sits in my lap for me to read them to him.

~He is SUCH a helper. I swear if you say "Help me Jackson" He is there. If we are coming in from outside and he is starting to get upset, if I say "Oh help me shut the door Jack Jack, be a big boy" He shuts the door and claps for himself and then there is no meltdown! Its the funniest thing. Im not kidding though, he will do anything you ask if you say "Help me".

~I love that when we are in the car, I will give him his monkey book and he flips through it and makes monkey noises.

~I love that ANYTIME he hears music, a beat, a rhythym, he starts dancing. Its so cute. He starts swaying that head and shoulders.

Happy 15 Months Jack Jack! It just keeps getting better and better!

Hope all of you have endured the post that has finally come to an end. We have had a great month and I will be better about updating again :)

Happy Fathers Day

2010-06-20T16:42:00.003-05:00

This one goes out to the man I love:

I knew when I met you I loved you. I knew when I got to know you and discovered all your inner workings you were going to be a wonderful husband and a GREAT father. I was wrong. You have surpassed being a wonderful husband and completely and totally zoomed past the great father exit. You are more. SO much more. So much more that I cant even put it all into words. But Ill try. And come short. But bear with me anyways. The day we found out we were pregnant, I will NEVER forget how absolutely, utterly and phenomenally excited you were. Not the jumping up and down clapping your hands type but the eyes said it all. Tears and happiness welled in your eyes and although I was freaking out, you were a calm, peaceful, content man. Confident. The day we HAD Jackson, I looked at you and saw you as a father for the first time. Love, passion, and emotions welled up in me (a little help from all the drugs and hormones) and I felt I could burst at any minute with it all. THEN. He grew. We grew. You grew. Its funny because last year, we felt like parents. Duh. But he was only a couple months old so it was so "new". Now, we have been through some fun and scary and exciting and amazing and wonderful things. You as a dad to a 14 1/2 month old is something better and more special than it was last year. At least to me it is. Right now, there is a little person in our house who says your name. "Dadda". He runs to you when you get home from work, he lights up when he sees you, or even looks your way. Copies your crazy laughs, follows you around and wants to be you. Today in church, the sermon was about legacy. Leading your children down a path to be better than you. I think you will do that with our children. On one hand I don't want Jackson to grow up, but on the other hand, he cant get there fast enough, because I cannot wait to see your relationship with him and his relationship with a spouse and children of his own BECAUSE of you.

You are everything and more I could have ever imagined I wanted in a baby's daddy. LOL. If Jackson could speak more words and full sentences, Im pretty sure he would say this:

Dadda,

I love you. You are the best dad EVER. You make me laugh when I cry, You make me the best sandwiches, you hug me whenever I run to you. You read me books, and teach me shapes, and how to put my legos together. I really love that you swing me around like a monkey. I want to learn how to make all the crazy voices and laughs you do. I also want to be JUST like you. You are the best.

And mom likes you alot too. But I like you more. (Do I get points on that last line?)

Love,

Jack Jack, Your BFF and EVER

Happy Fathers Day babe. You as a dad is the best thing I see and get to experience daily. I love you.

And to our fathers: Rick, Johnny, James, and grandfathers: Vernon and Buddy. You guys aren't chopped liver! You are amazingly special and we are blessed and lucky to have you all as role models for ourselves and for Jackson. Thank you for being strong christian men we can look up too.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father.

~Lydia M. Child, Philothea: A Romance, 1836

Splish, Splash!!!

2010-06-14T13:53:00.006-05:00

This weekend we borrowed the Supans pool card so we could take Jackson to their fun splash pad in Copper Lakes. Our pool in Copperfield doesn't have a splash pad and we wanted Jackson to be able to run around and play in the water. Not just float! HA! THANKS to the Supans, Jackson had a FABULOUS time! This kid LOVED the waterfalls, sprinklers and even wanted to get in the big pool himself. I was seriously impressed.

It turns out, he is a water baby after all! So now I have to find someone in Copper Lakes to ~~steal~~ borrow their pool card for the summer :) LOL.

On the pool note, ran across these pictures from almost a year ago. WOW.

What a difference a year makes! Crazy.

Jackson and Taylor enjoyed some throwing ball time for Dixie. I didnt plan for their outfits to match, but they did and it was too cute not to take pictures of. What can I say, I love my boys!

This week we have Vacation Bible School at Foundry. I am helping out in the ~~Chaos~~ Games department. Whew, 520 kiddies, heat, water, and God. Great but EXHAUSTING combo. Im only one day in and already thinking about relaxing on Saturday! Funny little story: I am no longer a teacher, so every now and then I think to myself "Could I still do it?, Do I still have it?". Well, there were two boys in the back wrestling around and I just calmly walked up and stood right behind them. Didn't say a word. Didn't have to. My presence said enough. They stopped their shenanigans pretty fast, and I inside exploded with happiness. Picture a small person jumping up and down screaming "I still got it, I still got it" inside. Yep that was me. Ahhh, those moments make me happy. Is that wrong? So pray for the rest of the week. Pray that Jackson stays happy in the nursery (HA), I find little moments of calmness in the chaotic and fun sessions (like a sweet red headed, freckled 1st grader named Meghan, who I literally wanted to put in my pocket and take home with me, I asked her if she knew how cute she was and she very politely shook her head and said yes with a sweet smile. GAHHH LOVE HER!!!), and that God works through me to minister to all the little young ones in a fun and exciting way.

Oh and I also am proud to announce that my bestie Brooke had a little baby girl on Thursday.

Welcome to the world Harper Joy Huckert.

I cant wait to come meet you. Swayzee is the best big sis a little girl could ask for, you are VERY lucky to be born into this family Harps!

And tomorrow, we find out what momma to be, Maranda is having!!!

Second baby...what will it be? A boy, A girl? I so can't even guess, but I REALLY can't wait to find out!

14 Months!

2010-06-10T16:50:00.004-05:00

Jackson is 14 months old now, give or take a day :) He is learning so many new things and is constantly making us go "wow, thats a smart kid". Now if only I had a dollar for every time a parent said that about their child!!! LOL. His latest doings:

~Says ooh ooh ahh ahh when he sees a picture of a monkey.

~Shakes his finger back and forth when we say "No More" (Learned from "No more monkeys jumping on the bed).

~Tries to say bosco, but it comes out bo-oh

~Eats regular ol sandwiches with mustard and mayo on em like a big kid :) No more needing to toast and melt the sandwich!

~Will only drink his milk if it has Strawberry or Chocolate in it. Who can blame him really?

~VERY loud and VERY vocal. Have no clue where he gets that.

~He can say "Nora, or Nona" for Aunt Nora.

~Says Pop, GayGay, PawPaw when we show him how to. Not on his own without being prompted though.

~LOVES yogurt drinks. I mean LOVES.

~Can turn the TV buttons on and off now. Joy.

~Picks up the phone and holds it to his ears, like he is talking to someone. (whoops)

~Gives kisses when asked (most of the time!)

~Likes to run ALL over the place which makes meal time out and grocery shopping and running errands, oh so much fun.

Have no clue what he weighs. Trying to get him to be still long enough to weigh him is not something I am interested in doing.

Today he really made me laugh. I was in the kitchen cooking and getting things ready for a food delivery I was making and he was watching Word World on PBS. ( really just glancing at the tv as he ran around the room ~~playing~~ harrasing the dog and cat) After Word World come Barney. Which I so totally hate. I mean seriously, a purple dinosaur. Who is paired with really bad kid actors. What could be more punishing for a parent than having to listen to that show. Wellllll I was busy and he was entranced so I just left it on. All of a sudden I realize its way to quite for him and I turn around and this is what I see:

He's really good in this one:

Now if only the dang container hadnt gotten on his foot, who knows what else he could have done! HA! Cute though huh? Here he was mimicking the moves to "Itsy Bitsy Spider". LOVED it. So of course I filmed it. Sorry there are two parts, I had to stop and delete some memory on my camera to get the rest. I swear. This kid just makes me S-M-I-L-E!!!

Have a Happy Happy Friday Ya'll.

Oh and so sad to see the Big 12 Fall. :( BUT, my vote is for the Ags to go to the SEC. Where else do we belong but to stay true to the south my friends?

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-08T13:15:00.006-05:00

We had a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend. It was what its supposed to be, relaxing, fun, serene, you get the picture. We went to my dads condo down at the coast, Port Aransas, aka the Texas Riviera! HA. It was Jackson's first ride in the boat, first time (interested) in the beach/sand/water. You may remember when we went to Myrtle Beach, SC with Taylor's BFF back in October. Jackson was SO not interested in the beach then, but this time....Well, Ill let the pictures speak for themselves!

Pop showing Jackson how to dig up the sand.

Strike a pose beach model!!! LOL

This pic would so be magazine worthy if he wasn't squinting! HE HE

Ahh if only I could have gotten a front face shot here.

Pure joy!

Digging,

Eating.

He was such a perfect angel the whole 4 days. Im not kidding. Not one meltdown, temper tantrum, nap stalling, waking up early, NOTHING!! He was all smiles, giggles, joy screaming, chasing doggies, sleeping in and sleeping at nap time, PURE HAPPINESS!!! I chop it up to the sea air. Doesn't it always make us feel that way?! He also had his first bit of Watermelon this weekend and he LOVED it! This kid is after Pops heart the way he loves guacamole, chips, queso, his homemade pancakes and waffles, and now watermelon!

We literally just rode around in the boat, played at the little beaches inside the channels, slept, ate, drank, ate, drank some more, and R-E-L-A-X-E-D! So glad we had that weekend bc the next week (June 1-5) was pure chaos and craziness. Thats why I haven't posted sooner. Ill write about that next time. But for now, here are some of our pictures we took. I do believe our, and Jackson's favorite part of the trip, was when Pop let him drive the boat.

Look at the happiness on that face!!!!

Now I know you all think he is too young, but he may be giving us those wine tours soon. (Wine tours are what we call it when we take the boat into the neighborhoods on the water, look and lust after the mansions on the water, and drink wine while wondering how we can some day get ourselves one of those houses!!!)

Ready to go on our first ride.

On the way back from every ride we took he crashed.

Must have been the waves, and the wind!

Enjoying the wine tour...minus the wine for Jack Jack, Bonner and Scout.

They just liked looking at the houses dogs on the patios.

Caught red handed, picking out loot!

Turns out everyone we know had a wonderful weekend also, and we all took the time to remember that it was about all the service men in the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, Marines, Etc. that make our freedom possible and our country safe. To them we say a HUGE THANK YOU!!!!!

The stuff this boy does.....

2010-05-25T12:52:00.009-05:00

We haven't really been up to much the last week or so. I have been trying to lay low, and just relax with Jackson and it has been worth it! Jackson has been having a good time:

Torturing the dog, (she makes a good bench huh?)

Chasing his train,

Relocating shoes to new places (always with the partner shoe, which I think is really funny, and maybe mildly rain man-esk)

and just being an exploratory boy. I know he is in the same pjs for all those pics, but he does those things every day and I thought, "Hey, why not take some pictures"!

He is getting funnier and funnier, I swear, sometimes Taylor and I are in tears from laughing at him. He has a few new things he is doing which makes me just realize how fast he is growing and learning!

~He is now saying "Nite Nite" at bed time. Totally cute how he waves and says it.

~He also L-O-V-E-S to give kisses, gets after my face and its so funny.

~He now expects a swing ride every day and by late evening if he hasnt gotten one, he throws a fit, by the back door. We figured that one out pretty quickly!

~He can point to my nose, mouth and eyes when I ask him where they are. Most of the time that is, sometimes he ignores me.

~He can point out a cat, dog, cow, square and circle on his puzzles. Again, most of the time. ~Everytime we are in the car and a song comes on with good bass, the kid starts bobbing his head up and down like "yeah". Today in the car, he was going after it and then he popped his collar. Tooo funny bc he had no clue what he was doing but in the whole play by play moment, it was classic.

~He also is able to eat his go-gurt almost by himself.

I cant let go completely, bc if I do, yogurt will be everywhere!!! But he loves that stuff so much that when he has finished the packet, he gets so mad, so we let him play with the empty packet until he discards it and then, voila, no meltdowns. Pick your battles my friends, pick your battles.

We went swimming with some friends Sunday and Monday. Sunday he didn't want us to let him go for a second and spider monkey style clung to us, but on Monday after the first clingy 15 minutes he was all about being independent. He got in his little floaty and played and played! Before we left he watched me blow up his floaty so when I set it on the floor he tried to help blow it up too. (camera doesn't take pictures fast enough so this is right after he would blow onto the material. I took like 5 pictures and only one snapped fast enough to show him this close..UGH!!)

He was actually blowing out his nose, but he got the concept I think! LOL! Here are some pictures of Jackson and his buddy Cassidy playing in the Hot Cold tub.

Kristen threatened me an inch of my life if I got a pic of her in it, bc she is 8 months pregnant and in a swimsuit. BUT I think she looks great, and adorable, and I hope she is still my friend with me posting a picture with her shoulders and head being shown. I only got two pics and I couldn't see bc the sun was bright so I didn't know what kind of shot I was getting!

They were so cute together yesterday just playing together in the pool. It was the first time they actually were feeding off of each others excitement. LOVE IT!

Speaking of buddies, Dixie got in trouble yesterday and Taylor yelled at her and Jackson got upset and cried. Pretty cute and daddy had to make up for it big time. Looks like they got each others backs! Here is a video of Jackson and the dog, playing yesterday. Its so funny how much they are really starting to play together. Jackson tries to throw balls for her, she chases him around the house, and now, in this video, they are playing with a seat strap that goes to his shopping cart cover. Make sure you pause the music and listen to how hard this child is laughing. Excuse the pajamas, he didn't have any clean ones so I had to resort to t-shirt and comfy pants instead :)

He has been trying to grab pens and pencils and write with them. I showed him how to draw on the Mothers Day cards we signed so now he thinks he should draw all the time. I got him some crayons today and I am really looking forward to busting out the manila paper and letting him go to town this afternoon. They are the cutest little kid crayons:

We will see how he does, hopefully he wont eat them :)

So thats about it, we hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. We are going to the coast with my dad and Carolyn. Pop and Gay Gay, that is. We are REALLY looking forward to just RELAXING and riding in a boat, and playing in the sand and RELAXING!!! I will be taking lots of pictures so be ready for a nice long picturific post Monday!

Have a great one!

A Perfect Pair

2010-05-15T10:37:00.004-05:00

"Its no fun laying around by yourself mom.....

So I'm just gonna bring my basket of laundry and lay down next to on Dixie....

Almost right where I need it to be......

Okay we are in perfect position, just let me lie down a minute....

Try and spread out a bit.....

Oh no, I slid off, aghhh Dixie's getting me!!!!!"

I think they are both attention hogs.

Such a perfect pair!

Mothers Day 2010 and Much Much More!

2010-05-13T10:09:00.013-05:00

Alright so I have had an epiphany that if I don't update the blog every few days, then when I do finally get around to doing so I have much to much to say/write/post/blab about. I am gonna go back to the way I used to be about this blog and try and get it done more often bc, I dread writing all the stuff I want now, bc it just takes up to much darn time! Precious time that Jackson is spending napping and I should spend cleaning, reading, sleeping, organizing, and relaxing!

Now on to the important stuff like MOTHERS DAY!! Oh how I love this day. Let me tell you why:

One- The reason I get to celebrate this day. See below:

Two- Because like my birthday it is all about celebrating me (among other people, I know, I know). I mean, we are being honest here right?

Three-It celebrates ALL the amazing moms in our life we are SO blessed to know

Four-I get special cards and gifts that make my heart swell

Five-Did I mention it revolves around moms, who are quite possibly the most incredible people in the world?

Six AND the most important one- I absolutely, positively, feel so special on this day that God choose me to be a mom and have a family. Its a day I spend realizing how blessed I am and how thankful I am to be surrounded by an adorable, loving husband and a VERY cute, happy, cuddly boy. WOW am I L-U-C-K-Y!!!!

We spent the weekend at my moms and it was wonderful, and relaxing. Jackson doesnt nap well any place other than his crib and mainly because he knows stuff is going on he wants in on, so that was our only glitch of the weekend! A one, one hour nap on Sat (leading to a VERY early bed time Sat night) and a small 45 minute nap in the morning on Sunday. I tell you what though, he LOVES his Grandma, Paw and Aunt Nora. Aunt Nora played with him the second she rolled out of bed Sat morning and he was putty in her hands. SOO cute. Here are a few pics she snapped while he and my mom were playing on the floor and then of course there is the attempt of a picture of them together her taking it that just didnt quite interest Jack Jack!

Mom made some amazing fish/shrimp tacos Sat night that were to die for, and a dessert that hit the spot. Then we asked for donuts and kolaches for breakfast on Sunday. See how low maintenance we are? HA LOL! Shipley's sure does do it right I tell yah, and Jackson was all over the donut and kolache. He ate almost an entire blueberry donut and kolache, plus fruit. It was nuts. Jackson and Taylor got me a gift card to a spa for a hot stone massage and I am so looking forward to my apt on Saturday. I get to go with my good friend Lauren YAY!!!

After a pit stop on the trip back home, to get to see our other amazing mom we are happy to have, Cami, we finished off the evening with Carrabbas Dinner take out style. Oh yum. I am spoiled and happy. Now back to who really matters and what this blog is all about....Jackson!

He has had a fun filled last week and this one has been pretty good too. In chronological order here we go:

We went on a nice walk with Kristen and Cassidy. We stopped at a little park by their house and fed ducks at the pond/lake. (What makes a pond a pond and a lake a lake? hmmm question to ponder, no pun intended but I like how pond is in ponder.) Anyways, we enjoyed the ducks and seeing the little baby ducklings too. The geese were not concerned about personal space which made me slightly uncomfortable, with flashbacks to my brother getting chased, and then bitten in the rear by one very fiesty, and hungry duck when he was a wee one. Didn't want that for Jackson, so I was, no lie, a little uneasy. But no worries, these ducks and geese were respectfully, invasive. So we got a quick pick leaving, of one lone ducky swimmin by himself. I think he was having a mini vacay. The loner thing worked in his favor, we gave him the rest of our food.

When we got there Jackson was more interested in watching the tennis players. He must have a thing for tennis balls, like his sister Dixie.

Meanwhile back at the casa we spent most of our week, relaxing and swinging. His new favorite thing to do. He stands at the back door and points at the swing. Very cute. Then when we come in he pitches a FIT, Pterodactyl scream, fists clenched, and maybe a few tears if he is really wanting to be dramatic. Not so cute. We always put his hat on him when he is outside (bc, you know, Im the kind of mom that is concerned about skin cancer but cant remember/want to put sunscreen on him EVERY time we go outside (so greasy)) so we put his cap on him and he leaves it there, but the other day he decided to get in touch with a little bit of his fly side. Oh yah, he has style, but don't ask him to rap, I've seen him dance and Im pretty sure the rhythm thing is still evolving.

His "Yo, Yo, Yo" pose. He did that au-natural.

Someone else is loving the swing set too...obviously ignoring the weight limit.

Jackson, you are now 13 MONTHS OLD!!! Congratulations kiddo, what are you doing now that you werent a month ago?

~Getting impossible to sit still so I can get a picture. As proof, see pics below and laugh my friends.

~You are mimicking alot of what we say, not necessarily the words, but definitely the sounds. Too cute.

~You now eat kolaches and donuts. HA! Actually you have only had them once, dont get too excited.

~You have gotten in another molar and I think there are either more of those coming in or your eye teeth are pushing up. Not sure yet, but the gums feel swollen and I can feel the teeth underneath.

~You had your first full blown mexican dinner, making your parents and Gay Gay and Pop, Oh so proud. It was chips, guacomole, queso, tortillas, enchiladas, fajita meat and a little chalupa. With a sprinkle of rice and beans!

~You try to run, but cant quite move your feet fast enough, so you trip forward and fall. Its really funny and cute, but sad when you fall into things and hurt yourself. Which brings us to the next point.....

~You are becoming quite an expert at getting bumps and bruises. Falling into a door frame, a door, a wall, and the concrete outside. Ouch.

~You are perfecting the art of letting people know how you really feel. LOL. The unhappiness that overwhelms you when something you have is taken away, or you are brought inside is insurmountable. You freak out. Its hilarious. And bad. All at the same time. We dont give in to your demands but man oh man if you kept screaming like you do so well, we might give in more just to keep you quite! LOL

~Your little personality is just booming. You are truly a funny funny kid, doing stuff constantly that makes us laugh! Yesterday you kept bringing all your puzzle pieces into the bathroom and putting them in my makeup drawer. You ran out of pieces so I said "Are there any more pieces, are you all done?" You went back out to look for pieces, came back empty handed and then clapped for yourself. It was too funny. You also love waving your hands high in the air and saying "woah" really loud and excitedly!

~You love to chase the cat still, except, your getting better at it. We havent seen too much of Bosco lately, I think he is catching on. LOL.

So thats what your up too!

This week it was a visit to the zoo with Kristen, and Lori and their respective chillens. We had a great time but it was blasting hot by the time we left. Jackson was a total trooper and had no nap that morning and stuck it out till about 1 when the heat and rhythm of the stroller got him. He was zapped. Next time we go, we are so getting there at 9 when it opens, it felt so much cooler and nicer then.

The 3 Amigos with the stinky flamincos.

And no, I didnt mean for that to rhyme, but Im glad it worked out that way ;)

So thats basically the end of this post, but I will leave you with my most favorite thing of the week. Brand new, one week old baby elephant, Baylor. Seriously, he is so cute, I just want to scratch him behind those big ol ears and give him a good kiss on the cheek. So so so so so so so so cute. These are the best pics I could get, there were alot of people and his momma and her friend were very protective of the little lad. He was so hairy and wobbly looking. Gosh so cute. This elephant momma had a nice present for her mothers day!

Swingin' and Eatin'

2010-05-04T09:27:00.007-05:00

The last week was spent organizing all the play set wood and parts, so we could build this last weekend and holy cow, it was a MESS! We had to label each piece of wood and organize all the screws/bolts/nuts/washers, etc. We didn't necessarily HAVE to do this but on the front cover of the directions it said 8-10 hours with 2 people for assembly so we figured if we did that, not only would it be organized but it wouldn't take so long to find the pieces, eliminating at least an hour or so of assembly time. I now am a proud knower of all things washer related and T-bolt related. I also can now hammer in said T-nuts and thats about it. I honestly can say most of it was done by the most wonderful guy and dad in the world, Taylor.( Although, the organizing of all the products was ALL me. I think everyone was quite thankful they had all the sets labeled and put in individual baggies so they were easy to find. It pleased me at least. :) )This bad boy took a LONG time to put together. It wasnt so much hard, just time consuming and you really had to use the ol noggin. Taylor and I both started Saturday morning while Jack Jack was napping, at around 10 and then Taylor took over solely when Jackson woke up.

(As we started and some of the parts laid out)

We went out and I tried to help some more while Jackson played in his water table,

I mean, is he not the cutest little guy in his water wear?

I know I make him look ridiculous but I don't want to deal with a sunburned baby.

Where there is water, there is Dixie...

That wasnt working SO well because Jackson was too cute and then wanted to come help us and we were just all getting in each others way. So inside Jack and I went, and Tay kept working. Then around 4 my dad and brother showed up and helped Taylor for a few hours. Taylor finally came inside about 6:30/7. He was so worn out and sore. Not to mention that it was way stifling hot Saturday. The humidity had to have been at 90%. Ick. I felt so bad for him, but I think he felt all manly getting it done himself. (I definitley will not say whether or not he actually said those words. My lips are sealed) There were still a few things left to do. (I wont talk about how we put a piece on backwards and he had to take apart the swing pieces wood and all, and put it back together.). Taylor finished up Sunday after church while Jackson was napping and I was at the grocery store. Then to celebrate we had the Peterson's over for burgers and the kids went nuts on the swing set and slide! I would say its a success.

Isn't it AWSOME??!!!

Jackson loves the swing, he stands at the back door and points to it when he wants to go outside.

On another note Jackson has been eating with his own utensils recently. Or trying to I should say. If we stab the food with the fork for him, he can take the fork and put the food in his mouth. So this morning I decided I would try to let him eat some oatmeal with his spoon. Here are some pictures to tell the story:

"Okay so there is a bowl on my mat. hmmmm."

"I dig in with the spoon (with moms help) and put it in my mouth, okayyyyy...

Eat like this a few more times and then, I realize, its totally overrated."

"Hands are so much easier mom."

"Plus, I get more in my mouth. Yep, hands are the way to go."

Wonderfull Nothings!!

2010-04-26T09:49:00.013-05:00

Sorry about being such a bore in the posting on blogs world the last week or few. I really think the birthday party festivities and planning took all my energy and when it was over, I was sooo tired and unmotivated to do ANYTHING!! We have had a pretty low key couple of weeks. A few weeks of Wondefully Nothing going on!!! Our little guy is quite an entertainer and we enjoy spending every second playing and watching him grow and learn before our eyes. He is starting to be a bit like a parrot. If he hears a funny noise off the TV or from us, he tries to copy it. I always think of the bible song "Be careful little eyes what you see..." He is watching and listening and we have to start really making sure he is seeing and hearing things we are okay with. So, I guess Ill have to watch my Real Housewives of New York during his nap time.

This past week we had a trip to the zoo with my good friend Courtney and her two little ones Emma (almost 5) and Aiden (about 3 months).

Other than a sandwich jacking bird (who boldly climbed up on Jacksons stroller and stole his PB & J) and a front wheel breaking on my jogging stroller(which was quite amusing to Courtney bc it only wanted to pull left...) we had an awesome time and the weather was great. We walked all over the zoo and got a great workout pushing those strollers. Court asked me how many calories we burned and I say at LEAST a trillion. HA!

I think the best part about this trip we took was that Jackson was really interested in the animals. He would actually smile when I pointed them out and he waved at the Giraffes and Zebras. (Just like he does every night to the wooden ones on his wall in his room).

It was so cool bc also, the giraffes were all about coming and visiting the corner of their area and got super close to us.

He & Emma were soooo excited! The larger feline animals were terribly lazy and were sleeping so we didnt really get to watch them interact!

Aiden just hung out and you know...slept :)

If you truly know me you know of my intense fear of snakes. So bad that I literally cant even watch them on TV or look at them in pictures. They just really give me the heebie jeebies. So Emma is fascinated with them so we all went in to the Reptile building. I texted Taylor " Im going in the Reptile Room. Wish me luck." Then 2 short minutes later I texted him back "Im leaving the Reptile Room". His response was "Wuss". So supportive he is!

Anyways we had a wonderful day and it was so nice to hang out with Courtney. We go wayyyyy back and she is such a dear dear friend. I always enjoy our visits and we always laugh and have a good time catching up and whining about how little we see each other and how much we miss each other and then 3 months go by and we finally get back together and whine again. Its a vicious cycle! LOL! We are getting better though.

The rest of the week was pretty low key. I cleaned and dusted (GASP) YEP I did!!! We played with the water table outside (which Jackson LOVES).

AND THEN............Tess came to visit!!!! We puppy sat our little pup neice the whole weekend and loved every bit of it. She is so energetic (I thought Dixie was a handful...ha!) and loving and sweet and cute and soo good with Jackson AND the cat. I didnt get any pics with my camera, only my phone and I just so realized that I cant send pictures to my email from my phone. Totally irratated about that right now. Ugh. Anyhoo. She was great but I think Dixie is still recovering from playing ALL weekend. She is limping from soreness a bit and hasnt moved spots. Come to think of it, I havent checked to see if she was even breathing. Hmm. Maybe I should do that.

Then Saturday night the Supans invited us over for dinner (they made goat cheese stuffed mushrooms and Baked ziti YUMMMMM) It was so delish. Cassidy and Jackson played and then we went outside to enjoy the weather and Chad blew bubbles for the kiddos. I think he was having more fun than they were but I enjoyed shooting some pics.

Wagon Ride!!!

Um how cute right???

I really have to get a good camera for my bday, this digital one just isnt cutting it anymore. HINT HINT!!!! BUT I did get some cute ones of the babes. Thanks Supans, we had such a blast!

The most exciting part of the weekend came when we bought Jacksons swing set! YAY! It was a gift for his birthday and we have been waiting for the right one to go on sale and it did!!! Thanks to Cami and Papa J, we were able to seal the deal on this bad boy right here:

Awesome huh? So it came in two rather flat boxes. The boards were quite compacted in it. And there are a lot of boards. And screws. And brackets. And nails. And stuff. Sooo needless to say we have some help coming this weekend to put it together. Cant wait! The instructions even said 8-10 hours for 2 people assembling. HA! We already identified all the boards (yah, they dont do that for you!) So Im thinking that should take off an hour or so...maybe?!!! Taylor is itching to get out there and put it together so I wont be surprised if we do some parts by the weekend. It has a rock wall, on the back side and a sand box underneath which I will most definitely NOT be filling with sand. YUCK. It stands about 8ft. tall and 20 something ft long. Its awesome.

So this week we have NOTHING scheduled! Ahhh..Nice...Although that will mean the house should be clean and laundry should be kept up with. Aw mannnnn. We might make a quick trip to Grannys house though to hook her up with I tunes and picture sharing. (My granny is cool like that!). Maybe just maybe we can get Jackson to go back to eating his lunch and dinner better than he has been (He has been holding out for fruit, so not really getting lunch or diner). I think today he will crack. (fingers crossed!) :) By the way I cant type anymore when he is awake bc he makes a beeline for the keyboard and tries to type too. So cute and funny, but wreaks havoc on the computer! Maybe dad will bring home a spare keyboard from work. So thats about it around here. Nice but dissapointing to not have so much to share the last few weeks. I have a couple funny stories but need permission before I post about a certain puppy maybe or maybe not tearing through a pop up kennel like a super hero. Like I said maybe or maybe not.

Hope everyone has a fantastic week!

2010-04-19T10:04:00.004-05:00

Okay so because I have nothing really all that interesting to say about last week except that Jackson is now a full time walker and is cutting more molars/teeth (poor guy); I will say that you need to hop over to Aunt Chelsea's blog and look at the most adorable pictures of my little guy.

Oh and about the pink bath water she had going on for him...she quickly changed it to a more blue color. Eh, first time bath color dyers, it takes a few baths to get it right. LOL. But Chelsea did seriously say that she freaked when it was pink and said "No nephew of mine is bathing in pink water". Way to go Chelsea. Manning up my boy. :) Of course I really wouldnt care if he did bathe in pink water, but I did think it was a funny thing.

I have some adorable videos of Jackson in the car, but Im not sure how to get them from phone to computer......I'll keep working on it. But for now, enjoy her blog with her cute pics. They speak enough volumes!

WHAT A WEEKEND!!!

2010-04-12T10:48:00.023-05:00

Well I think it is safe to say that Jackson entered his 2nd year of life with a bang and some fun and LOTS of sugar. LOL! I will do a quick recap and then let all the pics do the talking. THANK YOU Chels for taking most of the pictures. I did not get one single picture on Saturday, but then again, did anyone really expect me too? Chelsea has some cute pics up on her blog and here is her link for more bday recaps (from her, the amazingly talented cookie decorator angle of course).

Friday, Jacksons actual birthday Taylor took off to spend the day with us and Jackson decided to sleep in which Taylor and I were LoViN! Then we started a new tradition (idea via the Halls) of a yummy chocolate chip pancake birthday breakfast. He was chowing it down, the boy loves chocolate we have found out!

See the chocolate mouth??

Then we packed our lunches and headed out to a day at the zoo. Jackson was definitley interested in the Giraffes, Elephants and Zebras, but couldnt quite figure out those swinging singing crazy monkeys.

How cute is this mommy and baby monkey???

We rounded up Jacks bday with a yummy birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse with Uncle Troy and Aunt Chels. He was putting out all energy for a full stop last chance energy spurt before he crashed for bedtime. They got to manage that on their side of the booth, much to Jacksons parents humor! LOL:

WAS

CRAZY!!!

Saturday was the big day. The day I have been working on for 4 MONTHS!!! Not kidding either. I started making and crafting a while back so that I would have time to get it all done. Here is the safari/jungle animal themed event in pictures (and a few words!): All of these were taken mostly by Chelsea so a BIG THANK YOU for that too!!! PLUS there are a few more pics I want to post but am waiting on, so Ill put those on tomorrow!

Our Month to Month shots put up for everyone to see!

Banner I made (Thanks Lori for helping me hang it :))

The Goodie Bags!!!

The CAKE!!! How cute RIGHT? Matched his invitations....

And the Smash Cake for Jackson....

Animal Cookies Chels MADE!

The dipped pretzels Chels and I made!

Sandwiches and Labels for them:

I did not make the sandwiches but most

definitely did the name tags for them! LOL

CaKe TiMe

PrEsEnTs TiMe

AnD PlAy TiMe ToO!!!

After the party play time:

Thank you....

Grandma for my wagon.....

And Uncle Matt & Aunt Jordan for the bath bubble blower and Jake for the bath dye!!!

And mom for the balloons still left hanging around...

And EVERYONE for the many many gifts, and hugs, and birthday wishes. We had a blast and appreciate all who came and enjoyed themselves (I hope) and shared this VERY special day with us. We are truly thankful for all of you :) THANK YOU!!!

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!!!!

2010-04-09T00:00:00.006-05:00

Jackson,

I haven't even wrote an entire sentence and already my eyes are glistening over with wetness! LOL. Oh man. Your mom is such a sap. Exactly one year ago today I walked into the hospital with your dad and knew that our life was about to change forever. No one could have ever prepared me for the next 12 hours, let alone, 48, and then the months and months that have made a year. I always knew I wanted to be a mom. Well, that and a teacher of course. ;) I had many years of practice "mothering" your Uncle Matt and Troy (They would say boss, so just dont even bring it up in a conversation with them please). Being around children always made me happy. Intrinsically I knew I was meant to be a mom. I loved to babysit and then would come home and dream of one day having a family and what it would be like.

My dreams came true April 9, 2009 at 3:00pm. This dream that came true arrived in normal fashion, screaming, weighing in at 6 lbs. and 10 ounces. Then that little dream of mine scared me. Terribly. He held his breath, heart rate went down to 30, bag on him, nurses and doctors rushing around trying to get him to take that breath. After 60 long seconds, he breathed. And screamed. Again. Moment of panic subsided, and they handed me this tiny little bundle of absolute cuteness....see:

You.

I was in love. The world stopped (for the second time that day). All I saw was your dad, you and me. A family. A unit.

In awe of one of Gods miracles. You. I remember thinking at that moment, holding this tiny being that everything in the universe was in place. Nothing else mattered but you. You decided to hold your breath again twice more so they put you in NICU for 48 hours and made sure you were going to be healthy enough to go home with us. You were, of course, fine, after the first 6 hours of your life. There was no rhyme or reason as to why you didnt want to breathe on your own. We will never know, and never stop wondering. I recall the second time I saw you, I was taken into the NICU to see you and the nurses were trying to get some blood from you. The mothering instinct that I have always had (sometimes dormant, sometimes not so much) kicked into overdrive. I wanted to snatch you out of their arms and hold you and reassure you that you were most certainly not going to have ANY pain in this new place. I think I told your father that I felt like a momma bear seeing her cub taken away. I wanted to go all grizzly on them! LOL. 2 short days later, we left the hospital with you in tow unsure of how the next 36 hours were going to unfold and SCARED to death that you were going to stop breathing again. So terrified that we got maybe 5 minutes of sleep on your first night home, every noise you made had me convinced you were dying. Funny now, not so funny then. Through the ride on the rollercoaster of emotions we were on, one emotion stayed constant. Love. I had never loved like this. Seen love like this, but never experienced it myself. And the love grows. Every day. Every moment I find something else about you I just love to pieces. Every second. You are my world Jackson. I cant imagine now what your dad and I did before you. I mean, OBVIOUSLY we got sleep. Oh sleep. Glorious sleep. Because of you my dear son, my first born, we are a stronger family. Your dad and I have a stronger marriage. A stronger relationship with God, our church, and our friends. Because of you and the love that you have awoken in us, we see more clearly the priorities in life. We get that we dont want to just take care of you, but we want to cherish you. Every milestone is etched in our memory and will never be forgotten.

The first time you smiled. And made me tear up.

The first time you laughed. And made me tear up.

The first tooth..YAY!!!!

The first solid food you ate. Cereal and Applesauce YUM!!!

The moment you learned to roll over.

The second you learned to hold yourself in a sitting position.

Then the moment you learned to rock back and forth on all fours and crawl.

When you said momma for the first time. And made me cry.

When you said dadda for the first time. And made me cry again! LOL.

When you get excited when you see your daddy walk thru the door after work. I LOVE THAT!

How much happiness you show when your dad holds you, plays with you and loves on you.

Your first step.

And many many more memories we have of the last year. It went by so fast. Too fast. Much to much too fast. My heart clenches up when I think about how fast this year went and how much faster the next few will speed by too. I love you Jackson.

So at 12 Months, what are you up to now?

Well.............

~You weigh in around 22 lbs 10 oz. (50%)

~Your length is 29 1/2 inches long (25-50%)

~You are officially WALKING!!! WOOHOO!!! A few days ago you just up and decided that walking was your new mode of transportation. Sure you fall back on the crawling when you want to get somewhere fast..........

but you like to give the old feet a workout first! Your dad says you walk like Frankenstein, arms held out, rocking back and forth like a zombie. Its super cute and funny. We are going to get it on video and post it this week.

~You now try to say Dixies name more, you say Di Di Dixxxxxx (except the x comes out as a kkkk with spit involved)!. Also super cute.

~You are still wearing a size 4 diaper but I think that time is coming to a close soon.

~You are now drinking some whole milk. You still wont touch the stuff it I put it in a sippy cup, and try to give it to you anytime during the day other than morning and night before bed. Not super cute. Just super frustrating! LOL. But I will add that I am slightly okay with this because selfishly I like to feed you your bottle at night and in the morning. Its one on one snuggle time that I dont want to pass up.

~You now have 10-11 teeth. You cut two molars the last week and a half. Whew. NOT looking forward to the rest my friend. Your top left gums are seriously swollen and I can feel all that calcified goodness about to bust through. Poor guy :(

~You love to play Peek-a-Boo, Patty Cake, Itsy Bitsy Spider and DANCE!! Man anything that has any music in it, you are bopping and a movin! Especially in the car.

~You love to laugh. At me, at dad, at Dixie, at the t.v. You are just a happy happy kid. Its so much fun being around you.

~You love (and always have) to make faces. The faces are just getting better. I love all of your faces and they make us laugh and chuckle. You are a classic my boy.

This last year has taken me by surprise. I am truly happier than I have ever been and more fulfilled by what you have given me. Unconditional love. Thank you baby boy. Thank you for being my son, my first born and my most favorite person in the world. Nothing makes me happier than seeing you smile, laugh, and grow into such a wonderful young child. You are smart, adorable and one of a kind. Im lucky to be your momma. Im pretty sure your daddy feels the same way. In fact I know he does. Sometimes we ask each other how we got so lucky and blessed. Then we just pray that God knows how thankful we are and watches over you and stays a constant part in your life to lead you to being a good christian man.

Happy Birthday Jackson.

One year down, many more to come. I cant wait to see what they bring but also want to slow it down too. I loved every minute of being pregnant you and have loved every minute of having you in this world as a child of mine. That will never change.

I love you. Happy Birthday.

XOXOXOXO,

Mom

Happy Easter 2010

2010-04-06T07:49:00.011-05:00

There is much, too much to write about so I will lead with pictures! I am super busy this week trying to get everything (house mainly) ready for the BIG BASH this weekend! Sooo on my "down" time..aka Jackson's nap time, I am creating, making, decorating, cleaning, organizing, etc. Last week was great.

We had a visit to my grandparents, (Granny and Pawpaw) so they could visit with Jackson and also so I could use their help making all the goody bags for the party! THANKS GRANDPARENTS!!! We really enjoyed our visit!

and the cheetos...

and the paper hat...

and the swinging!

We also had a quick play date with Cassidy so her momma could go to the doctor to see how her baby brother was growing! He is due to make his presence known in July! They had a great time...until...she pulled..his...gasp...hair! LOL. No really they played awesome and were super sweet with each other and she was just trying to love on him...I think..HA! I will gladly watch that sweet girl anytime!

Who's gonna get it........

Then Friday it was time for the Easter Eggstravaganza at our church. I asked my grandparents to come and be part of it with us. They of course hopped (no pun intended) on over and joined Jackson on his first egg hunt. Jackson was typical. Wanted the egg, Wanted to put egg in mouth. Wanted to put egg in basket and then take back out and put back in mouth. Quite simple actually, he had a nice routine. We figured it would be good prep work for the actual Easter egg hunt on Sunday. We were right.

Saturday we spent working in the front yard replanting flowers and laying mulch down. Jackson was outside for part of the time hanging out on his blanket, but then he decided he wanted to help.

So why not give the kid a shovel? How much man. labor money do you give an almost 1 yr old?

Our his little chubby legs not the cutest? LOL! Anyways when we finished it felt so good to be finally done with it.

Sunday was the best. Such a wonderful day with family and Jackson actually hunted those eggs.

His loot this year!

The Easter bunny hid the eggs inside because it was so wet outside so off he went under tables chairs and furniture to find those eggs. Then, he would shake them. Then he would put them in his mouth, and then he figured out how to open those bad boys and much to his delight found raisons, fruit loops, bunny shaped cheese crackers. He was in heaven!

Standing proud, taking claim to the egg..." I OWN YOU"

"I will go to all ends to get the eggs."

"Who wouldnt, look at the goodies in em!"

We had a wonderful lunch with Gay Gay, Pop, Aunt Chels and Uncle Troy.

Laughing at being tickled.

Here was Easter last year:

It was Jackson's first full day home from the hospital :)

His basket his Granny and Paw Paw made him. He used the same basket this year:)

I was so in love and happy last year at Easter, but this year was full of more emotion because I just love him even more and he actually enjoyed the whole thing. Church service was awesome as well. Such a day of remembrance and celebration.

In just a couple days my little baby will be ONE! It is so hard to believe. A year ago, I was thinking "There is no way I am going to make it 3 more days!!" Boy was I wrong. HA! So just to forewarn you, you will need your kleenex for the entry on Friday Jack's bday. You know me, Im a sappy one! Have a good week!

To boldly go where...well, lets be honest...where every kid has gone.

2010-03-22T10:02:00.007-05:00

To boldly go.... that, is Jackson. He is sooo close to just walking around everywhere. On his own that is. He is getting more and more proficient at taking two steps on his own here, three steps there, two steps again, etc. Its so funny, you can almost see the boldness and courage swell up in him as he stands proud and locks eye contact with his point of destination, and then he moves that right foot a little, and then the left, (and well, we all know how to walk so I don't need to go on in description). BUT then he does a double take at one of us, or the dog, or just anything that breaks his concentration and the boldness/courage falters. He goes down. Back on his heiney. But so excited he is, that he smiles and squeals with happiness. Super exciting we think. I mean we will even pause the aggie NCAA tournament game if we think he is gonna walk. We are honest though, we at least are completely aware we have a little obsession who's name is Jackson! LOL!

We had a super busy week and I didnt get too many photos. Tuesday we went to the Childrens Museum with Lori, Grant and Lori's neice Makayla. Jackson LOVED the Tot Spot, where he could just crawl around and play with all things. He actually got mad when we left and cried a little bit! Too funny. Because we had Makayla, we didnt stay too long in the Tot Spot, so I am DEFINITELY taking Jackson back soon. It will be even more fun when he starts really walking, bc he can get into more stuff. They have the coolest water set up outside called Water Works and I just know that he will sooo be into playing in the water set up. The weather was cold and rainy so we didnt play in it this time :( It was also PACKED bc it was Spring Break and the weather, so I am truly looking forward to going on a more calm day. Where he can really be free to roam about.

Obviously SO excited about waiting in line to get in..HA!

Wednesday we hit up Gymboree with Kristen and Cassidy for a free music class. I really wanted to try it out bc Jackson dances every time there is music on and he loves his xylophone and he beats everything like its a drum. He did love it and it was so cute, he shook his marracas, played with the rain stick and bobbed up and down when we played music. I think we might join for the summer, mainly bc they have what is called Free Gym and you can take your child whenever you want to play inside their gym. He would love that, especially on the really hot days where I dont feel like going to the pool, but want to get out of the house. So we are going to try their regular gym class and see how we like it! Me trying to get a picture of his St. Patty's Day outfit, was PRETTY unsuccessful. This is much like trying to get a posed picture any day.

Him cheesing at me on my lap.

Us trying to do a pic together and him kissing me instead.

Me trying to get a picture of him standing, so he lays down.

Thursday we had a fun play-date at Maranda and Jakes house. Maranda's mom was visiting to help out a little over the week...because...MARANDA IS PREGNANT!! YAY!!! Due Nov 5. I figured since she posted it on FB I can post it here! LOL, anyways, she has been a little icky so it was nice for her to have her mom around while John was out of town. So we all hung out Thursday and had a nice time. The boys are so funny, its great to see Jackson be able to play a little more with Jake, next year it will be even better. I HAVE to tell this funny thing that happened bc it just made me laugh and I chuckle EVERY time I think about it. The boys were playing and Jake was doing the normal 2 yr old thing and throwing his balls around, well he was warned not to do it again and he of course like a normal 2 yr old, did it again so Maranda took him to time out...but the best part is that while she was carrying him out of the room he was hollaring for his grandma to rescue him "Mimi, Mimi, Mimi, Mimi" Sooo funny. I just laugh bc it is so typical to expect the grandchild to get bailed out by the grandma! LOL. Anyways, had to put that in there! Makes me wonder what Jackson will be saying next year!

Friday we met up with Lauren, Riley and Cole at the outlet mall where I got a few steals for super super cheap at Banana Rep. Riley and Cole were like magnets with Jackson, they were all over him and it was so cute, like they were just having a pow wow in Jackons stroller! Of course it could be the cheerios or goldfish, food always gets kids, but who knows!

The best part of the week was that we finally finished painting our LR/DR! AND got the backyard cleaned up, weeded and planted some new flowers back there. THANK YOU to Troy and Chelsea who came and watched Jackson so we could focus on the yard Sunday afternoon. It was so great to be able to just work and get it done instead of having to stop every 30 minutes or so to take care of him. Plus he was quite happy to get love and affection from his Aunt and Uncle who he loves a ton! Pictures courtesy of Chelsea!

Oh enjoy his new trick, trying to climb up things, ANYTHING.

That foot is always hiking up. Sounds bad, but you know what I mean!

So not much going on this week, but excited about getting some party supply shopping for Jacksons bday done this weekend with my momma. Want to get as much done early as possible. I am normally a wait till the last minute and then freak out bc I cant get it all done kinda gal and I just so do not want to do that for his bday!

GUESS WHAT?????

2010-03-16T19:42:00.003-05:00

In 3 Weeks and 4 Days (who's counting) I get to celebrate my little ones first birthday

at his fabulous safari bash

....but......

.......................ALSO.........................

Uncle Matt and Aunt Jordan are coming down from Florida to celebrate too!!*

YAY!!!!!!!!!

GIGANTIC YAY!!!!!!!!!!

One Happy Sis Here!!!.

Cried when I got the news!

Im a sap like that.

Oh, did I mention I am so super totally overwhelmingly so happy???

Yah, I am.

IT WILL HAVE BEEN ALMOST 5 MONTHS SINCE

WE SAW THEM LAST!!!!!

Just thought you all should know.

Oh and Jackson's happy too.

*Disclaimer: I am super happy that all the guests that are coming are coming, thought I would put that in writing so that none fill unimportant or unwanted.

Weekend of Goodness!

2010-03-15T15:22:00.005-05:00

We had a great weekend. Well I suppose I for sure had a great one being done with my near death experience! HA! But for real, we had a really good weekend. Taylor's parents (Cami and Papa J) came for a visit. They got here Friday and boy what a nice relief to have someone help out with Jackson since I was still a little weak from being sick. Saturday we made a trip to the rodeo to see all the baby animals and I think Jackson really enjoyed it. He was so cute just staring at all the animals. He smiled a bit when he saw the baby chicks, and the cow dogs competing.

On a side note they had a birthing center where a pig and a cow were literally giving birth as we watched and it was so cool to see the brand new baby baby animals. The little piggies were adorable and the baby calfs were too cute all wobbly on all fours.

I also must say Jackson looked adorable in his cowboy get up. Thanks Grandma for the cowboy shirt and boots! He got several compliments from strangers! As always!

We bought Jackson a c.d. that I have been wanting to get him. It is a christian children songs cd but the best part is they say his name in it. For instance "Jackson, Jesus loves you.. la di da da" and so forth. He is so funny when we play it, he bobs his head in the car seat like he is dancing. Yesterday we were playing it on the way to church and we turned it down so Taylor and I could talk and Jack got so mad, so we turned it back up and he just piped on down and was happy. Too funny.

We had a great dinner and a nice morning before they left. They got lots of kisses and we enjoyed our visit! A BIG THANK YOU to Papa J who cleaned my kitchen AND sink for me! Love that! (Normally my house is clean and organized when I have people over but with me being sick.. ALOT didnt get done, sink and counters were included in that category :( )

This video is one of Jackson playing yesterday afternoon with his big red ball he LOVES. He gets so worked up and hyper, we just die laughing at him. He was winding down a bit when I got the camera out but enjoy it anyways. Oh and he was wearing no pants bc I just changed his diaper and he took off when we finished so I just left it! He seemed quite happy that way!

Being that this week is Spring Break we have a super busy week getting together with friends we dont normally get to spend time with! I am super excited about that! Will post more at the end of the week! Hopefully we will stay out of trouble....

HA!

Oh boy, the bug.

2010-03-12T09:20:00.007-06:00

The last few weeks there have been rumors of an awful, nasty stomach bug aka vomiting virus going around. I do believe that almost all of my friends have had it or someone in their family has. I thought I was just lucky to have an amazing immune system. HA. How God humbles us! Seems like Jackson must have picked it up Sunday at church (where there was widespread plethora of usage of hand sanitizer bc of a breakout of the virus the week before at the preschool). When I overheard the nursery workers talking about it and the required quart of hand sanitizer recommend for every child that morning, my ears pricked up. Tuesday, when I went to get Jackson up he had thrown up sometime in the night and was a little fussy and had diarrhea (sorry if thats TMI), I thought well he probably picked up the bug, but at least it isnt that bad, bc he never threw up again and the diarrhea tapered off by late afternoon plus he was eating like normal. Well the little bug that was working around in him decided that it would be happier in a different host. So it hopped on over to my stomach and bowels and invaded my working system and had a party. Oh boy did that bug have a party. Started feeling sick Wed afternoon and didn't stop heaving and hurling until the wee hours of the morning. When the bug was done, it may have left my body but my body is still feeling the full affect of its wrath and havoc in my inner workings! This morning I actually feel much much better and am able to get some things done around the house, but Im still so weak. Good news: Im down below pre pregnancy weight! YAY!! HA. The positives is what you have to focus on, LOL! PLUS I have an amazing husband who stayed home yesterday bc I so couldnt take care of Jackson. I count my blessing for him. Love him.

Anyways the reason I write all this, is because I am an information divulger as you all know but also bc I haven't sent out Jackson's 11 month (or 10 month for that matter) slideshow. I am going to try and work on it some today but you'll probably get it tomorrow so be checking your emails. ALSO the big news is that our photographer shared our pictures on her blog. It is only a small sampling but we love them. She truly captured Jackson's many faces and personality. We were laughing hard at some of his expressions. Here is the link to her blog, scroll down to our post. Feel free to leave her a comment. She did a fabulous job and we couldn't be happier with pictures that were done when it was windier than heck, chilly and a boy that wanted to just crawl and eat dirt and rocks NOT pose! Let me know what you think of them!

Now on to a few other things I promised to write about. Last week we had dinner with my dad and Carolyn (Pop and Gay Gay). We were eating mexican food (duh) and a mariachi player came up and was playing the guitar for Jackson. Well the guy made up his own song for my little guy and it went a little sumthin like this: (Insert heavy spanish accent and guitar strumming) "Hey baby, I love you baby. Look at your blue eyes baby. You are so beautiful baby. Hey baby. I love you baby. I do. I love you baby." Thats pretty much the jist of it, but here are pictures of Jacksons impression of the serenade.

PRETTY funny. We were all laughing hard. At the last picture Jackson had that look on his face and looked at us like "Does anyone else find this uncomfortable, or is it just me?" then looked back at the guy.

Then Saturday we went to Jakes bday party at Memorial Herman Park and played and played! Jackson had a great time crawling around the little playground, but he best part was Riley who was all over him like white on rice. I love that girl. She is such a momma, and was happy to be showing him the ropes or er, smothering him. Whatever you wanna call it! LOL. Here are some pics we took that day.

The party favors were train whistles, hats and bandanas...so cute!!!

We rounded out that night with Grants First Bday party which was alot of fun.

So crazy to think that in just a few more weeks my guy is going to be celebrating too. Just nUtS!!!! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Jackson Is 11 Months Old!!!

2010-03-09T14:16:00.006-06:00

In celebration of what the next month will bring, Aunt Chelsea made this awesome blog design for us. I plan on keeping it up through the next month and a good month after that. All in celebration of Jackson's First Bday in one month! Thanks Chels, I LOVE IT!!!

I am sorry I havent posted in a few weeks. I have no excuse except that he is wearing me out and when he sleeps I am either on hyper drive getting housework done or sleeping myself! Mostly sleeping myself though, no lie. :)

Welp, Mister Jackson is 11 Months Old today and just keeps getting better! Just when I think he cant get any funnier, he does. Just when I think he will be done cuddling and want to be more independent, he cuddles up. Just when I think I couldnt love him any more, I do. Every second. Every moment, I am filled with more love. And I AM LOVING IT!!!

Ill save the mostly sappy stuff though for his actual bday message.

Lets talk about how he is rolling these days:

~Still has just 8 teeth. I am at the point now where I will not search to find out if there are any more. I would like to keep my fingers thank you very much. I am also at the point where I realize that I have no clue when they actually will pop on through. He gets fussy, I think teeth, feel swollen, feel bumpy...two weeks later...still no teeth. Hmmmm, think I know? Nope, dont.

~Is getting closer and closer to walking. He took three steps all on his own yesterday. Of course I did have an amazing yellow slinky in my hand he was eyeing. I was not prepared for the sudden burst of independence so no video. And of course he wont do it on command. (Dixie really needs to teach him about "on command").

~He and Dixie are still best of friends. It really is so sweet to see. Slightly unnerving but sweet. They now share everything. Food, floor space, toys, stuffed animals (she has an affinity for a very cute moving duck his granny and great grandpa got him), water bowls, slobber. You get the picture. The food situation is getting so bad, our neighbors have mentioned how "thick" the ol blonde dog is getting and I refuse to be the one to take her to the vet next for the lashing I will receive! LOL. To tell you the truth though, I would much rather her hoover the droppings up than me pick it up myself. I know lazyness, but at least I feed him/her healthy things :)

Here he is treating her with respect and love.

~Has expanded his vocabulary just a bit. He now says "Hi and then the beginning of the word to whoever he is saying hi too" Example: Saying hi to dad- "Hi da ljglkjadgkljfdljsfj" With wave of course. He also now says "kiihhhhh" For Kitty aka Bosco the dangerous feline. Again, do not expect him to do this on command for you. He likes to make fools out of us.

~He is getting shyer as he gets older. When someone talks to him, he bunches his shoulders up and brings down his head. Too cute. Then he smiles a little bit. Now, I can toss him to whoever and he doesnt get upset or anything, but he prefers to bury his head in mom or dads shoulder when people talk to him. You can consider yourself lucky if he gives you a smile!

~Dances all the time now. Any time music comes on or I sing for him he just moves that little body.

~Figured out he can hang off the bathroom counter and kitchen table letting his feet swing. Yah, we nipped that one in the bud quick! I know, mean mom. Whatever!

~Still is eating awesome! Just eats anything really. One morning I was eating a nectarine in the LR with him and he crawled on over and kept trying to grab it. So I gave it to him and that little kid just nawed all over it like it was corn on the cob! Here are some pics of that:

~Anytime we say "Yay" He claps. He waves at everything, and can play peek a boo when he has something in his hand he can cover his face with.

~He is really into his touch and feel books, so much that when he reads other books he tries to scratch the page all over to find a touchy spot! Ha!

In one short month my little man will be One and I just cant believe it. How my world has changed in year! Like for instance it was SO much easier to get pictures when he WASNT moving!! LOL!

Tomorrow I will post about our weekend recaps. We had such an amazing time with bday parties, and working in the yard. Plus a really funny serenading song dinner experience and family photo shoot. Just busy busy, but got some cute pics!

And a sneak peek at one lil picture our photographer sent us that she took for our family photo shoot last week! Loving it and cant wait to see more. What a tease huh? Think how we feel....

Who do you want to be today????

2010-02-17T11:30:00.003-06:00

When you wake up in the morning, who do you want to be Jack?

Christopher Walken?

Nope.

Albert Einstein?

Nah, only in brains :)

Jack Nicholson?

No Way!! He is crazy.

I would like to be....

JUST JACK!

Well alright then, but you might want to invest in a brush.

I blame this on the dog....

2010-02-15T09:49:00.009-06:00

I have written previoiusly that the love shared between my child and his dog is strong. I have shared pictures of them kissing each other, crawling on each other, "trying" to play with each other, etc, you get the picture. I even took a sweet video of Jackson using Dixie as a climbing mat, up and over, up and over. I would post it but I cant find my camera. Whole 'nother issue. Anyways, poor Dixie just lays there letting him crawl all over her. Don't feel bad for her, she loves the attention. She thrives on it so much that when Jackson is sitting she will stand over him with her stomach touching his head and move back and forth so his head scratches her tummy for her. How awful is that?!! LOL we of course do not condone this behavior at all, but really kids are kids.

Here they are sharing telepathic messages over bath time for Dixie:

Conversation goes like this:

Dixie: Jackson, please. Please. Do something about this.

Jackson: Woah, what are they putting on you now???

Dixie: Jackson, seriously. Please

Jackson: I want to get in, that looks so fun...

Dixie: Jackson do not look at mom, look at me, help me. Please.

Jackson: Mom, either Dixie comes out or I go in.

See what I mean? They love each other.

But yesterday, their shared interests took a whole new turn for the worst.

Dixie is like most dogs, she is interested in stinky smelly things. She thinks of cat poop like dessert. Kitty Bon Bons is what its called in the Johnston family. We keep the cat litter box in the laundry room with a kitty door so Bosco can get in and out with no worries about Dixie coming in.

Evidence of Jacksons interest in said kitty door:

Welllllll.....

I was rotating out the laundry and Jackson was in the living room playing. I peered out and he was a good 10 feet away. So I turned back around and was continued what I was doing. Well that little stinker (Jackson) who crawls super fast came zooming into the laundry room like a superhero that has an invisibility cloak and amazing zooming powers. Fast and Quite. Had no idea he was right behind me. (insert mom, humming and just carrying on with laundry switching) I mean you all know switching laundry does not take long, so when I say he came in there super quick, believe me, I mean QUICK.

I look down and BAM, there he is, right at the kitty box. At this point I am shocked he got there so fast. Not realizing as I lean down to pick him up, to get him away from the disgusting box of feline feces, that he has already hit the jackpot. The bon bons Dixie told him about. Oh yah, he was double fisting one bon bon in each hand and had one IN HIS MOUTH!!!!! gagging yet? Dont worry I am if your not. So I did a little scream/moan/gag and threw them out of his hands. DO YOU KNOW WHAT??? He got MAD at me, starting throwing a fit!!! HOW GROSS IS THAT?!! So I then rushed to the kitchen sink where I washed his hand and mouth and face. Poor kid was spitting out water looking at me like I was a crazy woman. I was. Then we rushed upstairs where we brushed his teeth 3 times. Then washed our hands and mouth and face again. He smelled of nice pomegranate soap for awhile, which helped me forget that he had been eating/or testing/tasting cat poop.

Yah, so I blame it on the dog.

I know she had to have had something to do with it. Right?

Because boys don't just eat poop. Right?

Ugh, I so have a long road ahead of me.

With a super-hero in the house.

Who knows what mad skills he has that are waiting to be untapped.

But still....

Yuck...

Gag...

Boys

At least he's pretty stinkin cute.

That helps a little.

HAPPY 10 MONTHS!!!

2010-02-09T14:12:00.008-06:00

I am loving this guy so much these days. It has to be the best time in our lives.

He is uber fun, funny, silly, lovable,huggable, kissable, and just down right awesome*!

*Disclaimer he is all said things EXCEPT when he is hungry or tired. Then, all bets are off.

Jackson is 10 months old today and busy growing and changing every minute. Here are some things he has accomplished/done the last month:

~Still crawling around like a speed demon. I have to keep my eyes on him all the time, he is constantly getting into something!

~Waves at mostly girls (ha), his animals on his wall, Dixie, Bosco, and us.

~Hugs us when we pick him up. Snuggles himself right in your neck, and it is the BEST feeling in the world!

~Still says momma, and dadda but now says "hi"! He mainly likes to say it in the mornings when we get him out of his crib.

~Can stand for an extended period of time without holding onto anything, but no real desire to walk anywhere yet.

~Went to our first class at The Little Gym, where he enjoyed crawling around on all the mats and hanging from the bar.

~Eats like a toddler. Not kidding, he eats so much and so well, it is AWESOME!!

~Started eating some dairy the last couple of weeks, and he is LOVING the cheese. Hey I cant blame him, its all I ate when I was pregnant.

~He can now drink out of his straw sippy cup YAY!!!

~Loves to climb into/onto things. Kitchen cabinets, dishwasher, cat door, dog, stairs, any raised piece that looks good for climbing, you name it, he's on it!

~Got another tooth. I can feel the side teeth that feel kind of like molars but arent, they just haven't busted through yet.

~Talks and sings ALL the time in the car. ESPECIALLY when mom and dad are trying to have a conversation. :)

~Still a complete joy and piece of heaven.

I can hardly get any pictures of him these days because he is so busy and moving around so much. He is definitely keeping me on my toes and far from being bored!

HAPPY 10 MONTH BIRTHDAY JACKSON!!!

It just keeps getting better and better :)

I think its time...

2010-02-02T09:44:00.003-06:00

To put the child locks on the cabinets.......

So when I go to the refrigerator,

this doesnt happen:

Dont you?

Well not you little guy, but me maybe....

A mom REALLY doesn't need a child crawling into cabinets and all.

So childproofing we go.

Putting limits on the kiddo.

Poor guy.

Tough days ahead Im sure.

This was of course before he climbed into the dishwasher, got his hand caught in the cat door, climbed up the stairs, pulled the tablecloths off the table, and played in the dogs water bowl.

Not all simultaneously, just throughout the day that is.

It was a VERY mischievous day.

Was it a full moon?

A Weekend and Week of Goodies!!

2010-01-29T14:03:00.009-06:00

So its been a week since I posted last which means ALOT to share. No surprise coming from the run- on queen! HA!

Last Friday (a week ago) Maranda and Jake came over and we took the boys to the park. Best part, Chelsea came over with her camera (and Troy) and her new lens. She took some awesome photos of the boys. Seriously talented this chick is! Jackson was tired so he wasn't his usual exuberant self, but here are a few of my favs:

You can go to her blog to see more.

Then Cami and Papa J came in town for a quick visit. They brought Sammy and Max with them...sort of like a giant and a pea, with Max being a German Shepherd and Sammy being a toy poodle. Max loved licking Jackson which was totally gross because he has such a HUGE tongue and left Jackson with a horrendous cowlick everytime!!! We had some delish meals and great visits. Here are some good pictures of their visit. Camille has the most so Ill see if I can get her to send me some!

We also had a nice dinner with friends Mikey and Kelly and their ALMOST 4 year old Brody Sunday night. They bought a super cute house in the heights area and it was our first time seeing it. Brody helped Jackson play with his toys.

Wanna know why my son has no pants? Oh that would be bc AS SOON as we got there he went straight for the dog bowl. Yep, and turned it over like it was a pancake done on one side ready to be flipped. He did it with excellent precision I must add. So we had to put his pants in the dryer so he was no pants Jack for the first part of the evening!

The beginning of the week was spent visiting Courtney and her new baby Aiden. I didnt get any pictures of that because we were trying to entertain new baby, Jackson, and Emma her 4 year old! Oh did I mention we were also trying to put a swing together? Yah, it was awesome. Let me tell you. Add to the mix an unsupervised Jackson moment and a fall to the ground, giving the good ol noggin a nice bruise. Yep, it was a R-E-L-A-X-I-N-G visit! HA! Next time I go back to see Aiden and Courtney..and Emma, I will be solo!

Tuesday my mom came in for a visit. She goes back to work on Monday and we needed to squeeze a visit in from Grandma before she became a 9 to 5er again! We had a nice time and enjoyed a dinner with Uncle Troy and Aunt Chelsea before mom went back to Tyler Thur.I made Baked Ziti and Jackson gobbled up the leftovers. The best part of the visit with Mom was she helped me buy AND put together shelves for the playroom. NOT that I was using her or anything but I am getting really excited bc the shelves look super good and once the other furniture is stained to match, the room is really going to be awesome! Grandma played and played with Jackson. They wore each other out I think. He didnt nap so well while she was here, I dont think he wanted to go to sleep, instead he wanted to play. Friday he finally took some good naps again. Here are some pictures I snapped while she was here. Not many though, we were busy putting together furniture and shopping and playing!

We wrapped up the awesome week with a new tooth (Jackson not me!) and a birthday dinner with Pop, GayGay and Troy and Chels. Carolyn's (GayGay) bday is Sunday so since they are going to be out of town till then we celebrated last night with margaritas and mexican food. Jackson was the real entertainments last night though. He really was so funny. He was sticking out his belly and scratching it and when we laughed he poked it out even farther. He also was talking really loud. I mean REALLY loud. Of course I forgot my camera at home :(

Today is my Grandmas birthday (Granny to Jackson) and we will be seeing them tomorrow for a visit with them and all of Jacksons Great Aunts and Uncles! YAY! If he is half as funny as he was at dinner last night then we have another entertaining meal in the future!

But what we are really really excited about this weekend is this:

Thats right, one of Taylors Christmas gifts from me was two tickets to aTm vs. Tech Basketball. Its tonight and we are taking Jackson and super excited. We didnt take him to any of the football games bc he was too small so this is his first official aTm event! Hope he can hang, the game is at 8...his bedtime...say a little prayer for us!

Thats it for now, but I have more mischievous pictures to share of Jackson and a small silly announcement or two so Ill post again on Sunday :).

Have a great weekend y'all!

9 Month Check Up

2010-01-22T14:23:00.004-06:00

Jackson had his 9 month check up with the doctor yesterday.

Here are his stats:

Weight: 21.1 lbs

Length: 28 3/4in.

He is measuring in just below the 75%. So looking/growing well!

Today he waved for the first time! YAY! I thought "What is that funny thing he is doing with his wrist?" And then we walked past a mirror, and I said "Who is that baby?" and he did the funny wrist thing to himself and it dawned on me, duh he is waving! HA. So of course we practiced a few more times, with the mirror and with Dixie and he flipped that wrist around each time. Too cute!

This early afternoon we went to the park with Maranda, Jake, Troy and Chelsea. Chels got a new lens for her camera she wanted to try out so off we went for some cute pics. Of course, Jackson knew this is something he was supposed to be laughing and posing for so he choose to sit stoically and seriously. Interested in how those will turn out! LOL! Chelsea will send me some after she plays around with them on photoshop. I will post those when I have them!

Well since its been so warm here, we busted out our t-shirts we had hanging in our closet and the first one to be worn was one his great grandparents brought back from Telluride for him. Super cute! All he needed was a pair of rubber flip flops to tie the whole laid back look together!

We have a fun weekend coming up. Dinner with friends tonight and Cami and Papa J come in for a visit tomorrow. Will be posting the busy weekend recap on Sunday!

Enjoy the weekend!

Uh Oh...

2010-01-16T14:46:00.003-06:00

So this is what happens when I grab the place-mat?

Whoops...

Sooo, do I get anymore?

No?

Aw man.