Santa's Wonderland

Right after work on Friday we jumped in the car and headed to Santa's Wonderland with Louis and Katrina. We wanted to get their as early as possible for Jackson. I didn't want him tired and cranky on the hayride. I was also excited that it was a nice evening, no need for coats, hats, and gloves.

I thought everything in Santa's town was so cute! They had a lot of cute things and yummy goodies for sale.

Jackson will be guiding Santa's sleigh this year!

Jackson was sitting by the fire, then it started snowing, and he wanted to be apart of that! "Reee-ach!"
I think he liked it!

Next up was the hayride through Santa's Wonderland. While waiting in line for a few minutes Brian realized it might have been a good idea to take Benadryl since there were animals around and we were going to be sitting on hay and he is allergic to hay! I was a little worried we may be making an impromptu trip to the ER, but we I mean he made it out alive. Since then I have added benadryl to the drugs I carry in my purse.

Jackson has really warmed up to Katrina and Louis. I think they got the best "family" picture that night!

He oohed and ahhed just like we thought he would and may the hayride even better for me.

After the hayride we walked around Santa's town a little more and debated a picture with Santa but ended up skipping. Here is our attempt at a family picture.

We headed out early because it was past Jackson's bedtime (ok, ours too)! I am upset that my camera was acting up and I have dust spots, I think, on many pictures. Oh well, memories were made none the less!

Thanks for joining us for a fun night Louis and Katrina!

21 Months

Dear Jackson,

Right now you are looking everything Christmas! Each night you can't wait to open the advent tree, get out your treat, read the Christmas story, and pray with us.

You are goofy! I think you take after your daddy in this area:) You like to sit in your duck bathtub to read your books and build with your blocks. You also close your eyes soooo tight when we pray and then say again 5 times!

Daddy and I read at least 10 books a night to you and most of the time we read them twice. Your favorites are Duck at the Door, If You Take a Mouse to the Movies, The Gingerbread Man, and Trucks.
You have been sleeping in the guest bedroom because you sleep so much better in a big bed. You move around so much you kept waking yourself up in your little bed. I think you are the only 21 month old to have a queen size bed!

There is no stopping you when it comes to talking. You can tell us what you need and want. You love to say "reeach" when coming to give us a kiss, "by me" when you want mommy to sit by you in the car, and "welcome" when I try to get you to say thank you which you can say!

You watch our everymove and pick up every small detail. The other day you opend the fridge, got out a can of oranges, opened the drawer with the untenils, found the can opener, and brought it to us! That surprised us. You're one smart cookie!

You know most animals. You can say their names and the sound they make. For colors you get them right 50% of the time. When we ask you what color you say the wrong one, but when you bring something to us then you will say "blue train."

You are a perfectionist. If you can't do something the right way or the first time it makes you very upset. You are doing a much better job about not throwing fits. But, with out a doubt you a strong willed boy who knows what HE wants.

You are still a big boy! Everyone always thinks you are way older than you are. I would also say you are the most handsome little boy I have ever seen!

We love you more than words can say and pray daily you grow up to be a man on fire for God.

Highway Parade

Tonight we bundled up to take Jackson to the Parade of Lights. The crazy thing is that it is done on a busy highway with 4 lanes of traffic. I thought they shut it all down for the parade, but we came to find out they only shut down half of it and we were on the wrong side!

Before the parade!
Not sure we are going to survive the WI cold since we were chilly tonight:)

Jackson's favorites were the firetrucks. But, since we were on the wrong side at times it was hard to see because we had 3 lanes of traffic in our way. Also, most displays and speakers were facing the other way too. I guess we learned our lesson for next year!

Jackson pointed, waved, and oooed the whole time.

Brian and I had to keep swapping Jackson to save our backs.

We had a fun, full, and festive weekend. I have lots to still share!

It's The Most Wondeful Time of Year

I have always loved the Christmas season and all it truly stands for. However, this year it is 10 times better with Jackson. He is in awe of EVERYTHING! He has had some many priceless faces already this year. My favorite thing is that his fascination and excitement hasn't dull after the first 50 times of turning on the Christmas tree lights, turning on the star in the nativity set, seeing all the lights and decorations outside. He has challenged me to be that excited about my relationship with Jesus and what he has done for me each and every day.

We finished putting the finishing touches on the tree. We have it pulled into a surge protector so Jackson can easily turn it on and off. How come all Christmas decorations look better in person?
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Brian also finished putting up the lights outside. He did a great job! He made me a little nervous on top of the roof. Each night we have been taking walks around our block so Jackson can look at the lights. Have I mentioned he walks, really runs, around the whole block and isn't tired afterwards? He waves to all the snowmen and other blow ups around the neighborhood:)

I love this picture of Jackson laying on Brian with the light shining down. It makes me think of the star that shone in Bethlehem the night our Savior was born.
Here is our house lit up for Him!

I want to start now sharing the good news with Jackson. If anyone has any good ideas to do each day leading up to Christmas please share:)

May you stay focused on Jesus this Christmas season and enjoy through the eyes of a child too!

Break Time Fun

I am thankful to do what I love most each day! But, I am also so grateful for the time off because it allows me to spend extra time with Jackson and I don't feel like I am missing as much with him. I did have a goal to get further ahead with my lesson plans but we have been having so much fun that it just didn't happen!

Emily and Huntley came over to hang out with us. Jackson showed off for Huntley and Emily and I got to catch up on life together. I miss teaching with her and talking every day!

Jackson and I made a few trips to Target-some necessary and some not so much! Each time we pull in the Target parking lot Jackson says "animals, animals". So I tell him if he sits nice in Target we can go see the animals. He nods and says "ok" each time. I love it! He found the mouse from If You Take a Mouse to the Movies:)

We raked millions and millions of pine needles so our lawn would look nice for the Christmas lights Brian was going to put up. However. after all of our hard work our lawn still looks covered in them. That is the downside to living in our neighborhood.

We also spent many nights walking around our block. I can't believe it but Jackson almost makes it the whole way around-running! Since the first few nights of break were nice and warm, we enjoyed sitting outside and eating popscicles.

Brian was the one to get up early on Black Friday to try and win the $500 gift card at Sports Authority. He didn't win, but he got 40 free dollars to spend there. Once we all got up around 7:30 we headed out to a few stores and picked up some Christmas presents. I love when I can I throw up my hair and wear sweats all day. I did do this plenty this weekend and it was glorious! I think I like it so much because it means I have no set in stone agenda.

Before putting up all the Christmas decorations, we did some deep cleaning and threw out a bunch of things. Always makes me feel better! Again Jackson helped!
Now that the weather has turned a little cooler, we wait until the afternoon to take a walk. I love being flexible and doing what ever I want to do it when I want to. Jackson has a great set up for walks. He has his milk, water, crackers, pine cone, and toys!

And I think I am going to pretend that tomorrow is not Sunday!

So Blessed

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known among the nations what HE has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8

The Lord has blessed me beyond measure and I love reflecting on all HE has done for me!

I am especially thankful for HIM

And HIM!


We spent the morning just the 3 of us making apple crisp, playing, walking, and watching the Thanksgiving parade. Jackson went crazy over the big balloons and singers! After Jackson's nap we headed over to my Aunt's for a late lunch. Jackson's favorite part of the meal was the bread! Jackson had a great time playing with Uncle Mike and Aaron.
We headed home and decided to start off the Christmas season by setting up the Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music. Oh my goodness! Jackson was the cutest ever. He was so excited about the tree and lights. At one point he pulled up his chair and just sat there starring in amazement!

I am looking forward to making many more sweet Christmas memories with Jackson this year. He brings new excitement to all we do!

Happy Happy Birthday

To a great mother, mother-in-law, and grandma!

We all love you very much and wish we were there celebrating with you!

Thank you for all you do for us and making us feel so loved!

Our lives are better because of the role YOU in play in them!

Happy Birthday!

And 7 years ago today I said yes when Brian got down on one knee. Maybe I need to get him to play me the song he wrote and sang that night. Brian said it best today when he said it was the best decision of his life! I agree and can't imagine life without him.