Neglected Post

I never posted about my parent's and siblings' visit. They primarily came down for Jackson's birthday and since they drove they only got to stay 4 1/2 days. Sadly Brian and I had to work 2 of those days. Papa and Nana did keep Jackson while we worked and tooked him to the mall to play one day since it was raining outside. Ofcourse they did not take my camera! At least Jackson got to spend a lot of time with them.

There wasn't a lot of time to do much with them. Sorry guys next time we will do something FUN! Friday night when they arrived we went to eat at one of my favorite places-Chick-fil-A and finished up last minute things for the party, Saturday was Jackson's party, Sunday we decided to chill around the house since getting 9 people (3 under the age of 2) ready for church would be stressful and it was an overcast/sprinkling day. We did treat them to some Texas barbeque before they left. Somehow we never made it to Sonic, I'm not sure how that happened. Mom, next time I promise I will get you your Sonic fix everyday your here and tomorrow I will go enjoy a Diet Strawberry Vanilla Limeade for you:) We are so glad you all made the long trip down for Jackson's First Birthday even if your visit was too short. We can't wait to see you again!

Here are a few pictures from their time down here with us:

Garrison swinging at the park

Dad showing Garrison how it is done!

Jackson crawling up the slide and Garrison coming down. Garrison never goes down any slide by himself, but he went down this one about 15 times because we found an easter egg and he would throw it down first and then go down after it. I guess what ever works!

Papa and Jackson

Garrison and Jackson playing in the ballpit

Katelyn is such a sweetie, she will just sit and play by herself one minute and attack the boys the next

My sister Kayla and I after eating barbeque and us with our boys

The whole gang (hard to get a picture where we are ALL looking, HA!)

12 Months

We finally had Jackson's one year well check today. Brian was able to join us since we only had one car, he had to leave early to pick us up. Which was a good thing because Jackson does a better job with shots when daddy is there. The doctor said he had the best smile she has seen all week:) Jackson was champ with the finger prick, he fussed more about the gauze and bandaid afterwards. He cried for only about 30 seconds for each shot. While the doctor was checking him she noticed he has a slight ear infection and a pink throat. She put him back on an antibotic. I am praying he can get past these little ailments and get back to 100%.

The doctor gave Jackson a sucker after the shots and he couldn't get enough!

At one year Jackson- you amaze me each and eveyday and we fall more in love with you.

Stats:
Weigh- 25 lbs 13 oz (75-90th percentile)
Height- 32.5 in (above 97th percentile) The doctor projected Jackson to be around 6 feet 3 inches tall.
Head- 19 in (90-97th percentile)

You-
*walk everywhere and even run sometimes
*love being outdoors and love everything to do with water
*are completely weaned and drink only whole milk and water from your sippy cups
*eat anything and everything, especially bread, graham crackers, and fruit (you ARE my son!)
*wear size 4 diapers and mostly 18 month clothes, you can still wear a few 6-12 months shirts but you need 18 month pants for the length
*you have 11 teeth
*clap your hands to "If you're happy and you know it"
*know how to talk on the phone
*still love to read books
*go to bed around 7 or 8 and usually wake up at 4 or 5 and we rock you back to sleep
*say words like mama, dad, no, uh-oh
*point to everything new you see and say 00000000
*know how to turn off light switches and turn your fan on and off
*love to dive onto and into things and climb on/up everything (soon you will be able to climb out of your crib and into the bathtub)
*can open the front and back doors if they are not locked
*love "toys" like pens, keys, papers, phones, ipods
*smile at everyone
*just started giving kisses

Jackson we think you are just perfect and couldn't be more proud that God gave you to us.

Thank you Lord for entrusting Jackson into our care. We pray that we bring him up in a home that is centered upon your word. We pray that Jackson will see your love through us and one day come to know you as his personal Lord and Savior. Give us the wisdom we need to raise a Godly son in this fallen world.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Faster than Lightning

Jackson is one quick little guy! Yesterday we were outside playing and he saw water in the street. He wanted to go right to it and splash, but I wouldn't let him. I pushed him in his car and on his bike.

Then I let him push his car. While he was pushing his car he took off his hat for the 18th time and threw it on the ground.

I turned to the right to pick it up and a split second later when I turned back around this is where I found Jackson...

I had no time to grab him before he went of the curb into the puddle of muddy water in the street. I couldn't believe I just let my son fall into this gross water, but it was really funny:) I figured since he was already in there all wet and dirty, I might as well let him have some fun!!

This boy LOVES water and will do anything to get in it!

I am sure this was the highlight of HIS day and for me I am sure there are many more moments when I will be saying, "Boy oh boy!"

Busy but Fun Weekend

Ok, so Saturday was the busy day!

First, we got up and took a long walk because it was a beautiful day and I didn't want to waste the opportunity to walk with my boys. Then, we quickly got ready to go take Jackson's one year and some family pictures.

Here are some of my favorites:)

LOVE this little man! (and the big one too:)

How did we make such a CUTE baby!?!?!?

He didn't want to stay put, but did like eating the wooden number and letters!

They were running behind, so by the time we were finished we had only about an hour to get a wedding card, eat some lunch, and change clothes before we headed downtown to a friend's wedding.

My camera died so I didn't get any pictures with the beautiful bride or Jackson diving into the water fountain. Congrats to Caroline and Kyle!

After the reception, we headed back home made a pitstop at a car dealership almost got talked into a car but didn't.

Finally made it home with 30 minutes to feed Jackson, play with him, get jammies on before my Aunt Midge came over to watch him so Brian and I could head back downtown.

Louis called us in the morning and offered us tickets to South Pacific, so off we went.

The show did not disappoint! We made it home at 11:30 pm which was really like 12:30 am.

Normally I don't pack that much into one day but I decided what the heck, I'm on SPRING BREAK!!!!!

This morning we woke up too late for Sunday school but got ready in time for church.

I am so glad we didn't miss it. Pastor Aaron had a great message that I needed to hear and spoke to my heart.

We spent the day close to home by playing outside at the park with Jackson, cleaning up the house, and a quick run to Target.

Now, I'm looking forward to not many plans over Spring Break. I hope to do a lot of sleeping and playing with Jackson!

Katrina You are Loved

Maybe your driving out there on the highway

Feels like your out there on your own,

Let me remind you God never left you

He's right there wherever you go

You are loved

You are not alone

You have someone to find you

Someone to guide you home

You are loved

Your not alone

Cause God is beside you

And he won't deny you are loved

Katrina, we LOVE you too!

(If you want a cute shirt to show your support for Katrina and her family let me know)

Celebrating One Year with Jackson

This last year has been one of the best years of our lives in large part thanks to Jackson. Praise the Lord for blessing our lives with him!

I may have stressed for a week straight of what needed to be done for his party, but I actually took time to enjoy the time with Jackson and all who came to help us celebrate. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to share it with our family. You being there meant a lot to us.

The rest of the post will be picture overload from the party.

Taking a minute to breathe before the party

Minutes before the party, we had to wake him up

Cake and dessert table


Close ups of the cakes- I gave Deanna Jackson's favorite rubber ducky and she created the cake. She did an awesome job and they were very yummy too! Thanks again Deanna!







Close up of the birthday banner Sharon and I made

Drink table, forgot a picture of the food table but we had beer bread with spinach and herb dip, apple slices and dip (I tried a new recipe and loved it), finger jello shaped like ducks, crackers and spinach dip, and jalaenpo dip and chips from Chuys!

My family came down for Jackson's birthday

Time for cake and Jackson did not like the cake or frosting on his hands- he wanted a cracker!

Just like daddy- doesn't like sweets.

He got way too many presents

Jammin' to the music card

Grandpa and Grandma

We couldn't have asked for a better day, so we heated up the pool. Jackson was so excited to swim!

Both of us are tired from a long but FUN day.

Sidenote: Jackson ended up having strep throat so that is why he had a 102.2 temperature on his birthday. I am so glad I decided to take him in Thursday morning so he could get on an antibotic right away and not have to miss his party. But needless to say, we couldn't go to his 1 year well check up on Friday so that is post-poned until Spring Break. I will do a 12 months post then. I am just so thankful my baby is feeling better now!

The Birthday Boy

The Birthday Boy and me

and last year

What a difference a year makes! I can't wait to see how much he changes and learns this year, what a blessing he is to our lives! Thank you Lord Jesus for this blessing.

I went into Jackson's room this morning singing Happy Birthday, I was filled with such emotion on his first birthday. I picked him up and loved on him and realized he felt warm. He had a low grade fever, so I gave him some tylenol and tried to get a few pictures and this is what he thought about that:

When I dropped him off at the babysitter's house he was full of giggles and smiles. Of course not at home for the camera! He loved the birthday banners and balloons Miss Sandy had up. I left school early to go get him with great intentions and big plans for his first birthday. However, Jackson had a temp of 102 when I picked him up. Miss Sandy said he had a great day, played hard and enjoyed some cake but right before I got there he got clingy and crabby. She took him temp and it was 102. She gave him some more tylenol and we headed home. I guess my plans of the park and going out for dinner were out the window. Jackson did perk up after the tylenol kicked in.

He LOVED his birthday balloon,

And laughed until he got the hiccups!

He wasn't too sure about opening the presents,

but couldn't get enough of the balls that were inside the wrapping.

I can dribble!

Jackson devoured his spaghetti and ate half of his cupcake. He did not like the frosting on his fingers and needed some milk to wash it all down.

We're alternating tylenol and motrin tonight and I am praying his fever breaks so we do not have to take him to the doctor tomorrow.

Happy 1st Birthday Jackson!! Your daddy and I love you more and more each day!