Jump

I know that I have been blogging way to much about little kid shows, but I just think this is so cute, that I just can't resist. There is a commercial for a show called Yo Gabba-Gabba. We haven't actually watched the show, but Jackson loves the commercial for it so much. There are all these silly looking monsters and robots and one looks like a drop of water, well, they are all running around like crazy, while the robot wants to take their picture....are you still with me, this story gets better I promise....So the robot tell all the other characters that they have a case of the "Sillies, and they need to get them out." Then they bust into song about how to get the sillies out. You gotta jump! Shake! Shimmy them out, you gotta jump, shake, shimmy, them out, to get the sillies out, get the sillies out, and that's what it's about! Well, that is the song, but it is not just a song around our house. It is more like Jackson's theme song, he walks around all day long, putting one hand up in the air with his fingers in a snapping position, singing "Jump!" and that is mommy's cue to sing the rest of the sillies song. Well, this has been his favorite song for about the past month and a half, and we finally got an actually picture of him singing his part "Jump!" He is so funny!

Paramedics.?...not again!

In the past 13 months Jackson has managed to get his leg stuck in a shopping cart that required the assistance of the Bartlett Fire Dept. and now the Paramedics. Tuesday night, after taking his bath and getting on his jammies, he was playing on his favorite birthday toy, the little tike's slide, which he plays on constantly. And well, I guess the fleece p.j.'s gave him an extra slick bottom, because he flew down the slide like lightening, and slammed head first into the entertainment center. I quickly grabbed him and peeled his face off the cabinet door. He was of course crying, but holding his breath, so I had to blow in his face to get him to take a breath. Well, after getting him to calm down, so I could see what the damage was, I noticed that his right eye was starting to swell on his eyebrow. I was worried about it so I tried to call Brian at work, but of course he was driving the ambulance and they were taking a patient to the hospital. I left a message for him to call me asap. Then his Lt. called me back and told me that he was putting in an emergency call to Brian, that way he would know that I needed to talk to him sooner that waiting for him to come back to the station. And the Lt. also talked me though checking out Jackson's pupils for dilation. (Thanks, Kenny!) I tried to call our neighbor who is a MFD paramedic, but no answer. So, by this time Brian called me from the hospital, dropping off a patient who had a broken hip. I explained what happened and he told me to call BFD and talk with the paramedic, and just make sure they didn't need to check Jackson out. I called and keep in mind that we know all these guys since Brian worked there for almost 6 years. So, I talked with the medic, and he felt like it would be best if they just came out and made sure that he didn't have a concussion or something. They just came on over it wasn't an official 911 call, so they didn't come "lights and sirens" or anything. So, they looked him over and they said everything looked okay. Thanks Guys! What a relief! Just chalk it up to being a boy,I guess. I think I have given birth to the next Evil Kenevil.

happy anniversary to us

I just wanted to say what a wonderful husband I have an on the 16th we celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. We started the day by taking Jackson to mothers-day-out, then we decided to have breakfast at cracker barrel(yummy!) After eating until we felt like we were going to pop, we came home and exchanged gifts, I set up a tee time for Brian and a friend of his choice to go play golf and I gave him golf balls. And he took me to a nursery and I picked out a Crepe Myrtle(dark purple) for the front yard and a Ginkgo tree for the back yard. After tromping Thur the mud at the nursery, we went to pick up Jackson from school and on the way home we stopped by the pumpkin patch. Jackson was just having the best time, I think he climbed on every pumpkin in the whole patch.Pointing to each on saying "pumpkin" and he even tried to take a bite of a few of them. We also went on a hayride while we were there, and picked out the pumpkins that we wanted to bring home with us. When we got home we got ready and we went out to eat at Blue Fish (in the cooper-young area), and Jackson stayed with his Nana and Granddad. We had the best time ever!

Happy Anniversary, Brian, you are the love of my life and my soul mate and it is so awesome the live each day with my BEST Friend.....you! And just like the engraving on your wedding ring says, you are "my friend, my love, my hero" Thanks for always giving me the best of you. I am looking forward to the next 100 years of fun, and love and well, you. I love you, happy anniversary!

Busy Day

Yesterday, we had such a busy day, we went down to Mississippi to see my Granny, Jackson's Great-Grandmother, which he called her "Nanny" in his attempt to say Granny. He played and played and discover all the picture of his family and learned all their names, over and over again. Also his Mimi came to see him and they played tee-ball which for a 1st timer he was surprisingly good at making contact with the ball. After leaving Mississippi we came home quick enough to eat a snack and take showers, then we went to home group where he played with Julie, Gavin, and Dylan. They had a blast. We put his p.j.s on at home group then we went from there to my friends house who just had a baby. And we held Hayli then. We came home. What a day.... and the amazing thing is that Jackson didn't cry the whole day, until I was changing his diaper before putting him to bed and as I was reaching for the diaper, he stood up like he sometimes does. They he began to pee. The crazy thing was that it landed on my jeans, so I made a funny sound, I mean, I wasn't mad at him, it was just an accident, so it startled him, and he stopped then he started again a second later. By this time, he was crying and peeing and I was laughing because he peed on me. I had to reassure him that it was okay, it was an accident, a funny one at that! So that was the only time he cried the whole day. What a good baby we have!

Baby Dedication

We had baby dedication at church a few weeks ago, this was presenting the babies to the congregation. The parents were asked to write a letter to their babies, which were printed in a program....here is ours...
Jackson-the first time we saw your sweet face, we came to realize what a blessing and gift you truly are. Your Papa and I can't thank God enough for sending you to us. Some of our many prayers for you are that you continue to grow and remain healthy. That you thrive in life, surrounded by your family and good Christian influences. We pray that we will always have a warm, loving Christian home where you can feel God's love, learn about Christ, and the value of a family and the meaning of love. Also, we pray that you will learn to be a great husband and father, but most of all that you choose to follow Christ whole-heartedly and walk the Christian path all of your days. We want you to know just how important you are to God and with Him, nothing is impossible. We are so honored that God has entrusted your life to us. And we are completely trusting in God to lead us down the "parenting path." We want nothing more than to do the Lord's will and give Him praise and glory as we embark on this journey with you, Jackson. We love you so much. Always in the past, the Cross has been amazing and the reason we have lift eternally, but I must admit, I never actually realized the entirety of God's gift...His Son, until my son was born. Now, thanks to you Jackson, I have an even greater, deeper love for God that He could give His Son for you and me and Papa and the whole world. So thanks be to Christ who loved His children so much, and taught us how to love. For without Christ, we would have no life. Jackson, take Christ with you wherever you go. He will never forsake you.
Love, Mommy and Papa

singing songs

Today has been a pretty cool day, my son did something amazing. He loves the show on Noggin' Jack's Big Music Show, and we watch episodes from time to time. And I also Tivo it just so that we have it on hand. Well, this morning, Jackson walked up to me and handed me the remote, and said "Jack-Jack!!!!" So, just to make sure I understood what he was saying I asked him, "Do you wanna watch Jack's Big Music Show?" and he answered "Jack-Jack." So I turned on an episode, and he sat in his Bumbo to watch.
Now for everyone who hasn't seen this cute little show, filled with puppets and musical instruments, and all different kinds of music, the opening song is so cute and the opening lines are: Come on everybody give your foot a tap ( and it shows Jack tap is foot to the beat) come on everybody give your hands a clap( and it shows his hands clapping) Well, my genius of a son tapped his foot when Jack did, and then he clapped. The best part was when the puppets say "jack's big music show" because my Jackson knew when to say "Jack" I consider this to be the 1st some that he sung a song. Then as the show went on, they sang a few more songs, and he would pick up on the chorus and sing those too! Look out Justin Timberlake, we have some competition for you. What a day!

Check out another Slide Show!

Happy Birthday!

We have had 365 days with a beautiful son, and we are so blessed. I can't believe how time flies! He is so awesome, I can't thank God enough for such a wonderful gift and I am looking forward to all the birthdays to come. We couldn't ask for a sweeter more perfect son. Have a look at his one year old photos. They are amazing...of course!

climby climberton

My life just got a little more crazy....Jackson has learned to climb on everything!!!!!!!! Today alone he trying to climb up on the couch, the dinning room chair, the office chair, my scrap booking rolling bag (it looks like a suitcase),and the treadmill, he also tried to climb up the office desk drawers. He climbs on the pack and play, also he tries to climb up the baby gate. And if we stand still long enough he will climb up us, like we are "parent trees" or something. I need a nap.....just kidding! I love that he is learning so fast. Well, I guess we will see what he will try to climb tomorrow. :)

how i love my caR

Last year (while I was pregnant) as I sat on the couch, I saw out of the corner of my eye red flashing lights. So, of course I got up to see what was going on outside. It was the fire department, and my neighbor had closed her car door while it was running, with her 1 year old daughter inside. The fire department had to rescue the baby who had been just sitting there patiently waiting to go "bye-bye". Well, since I witness this, it has become a motherly fear of mine that I will some how lock Jackson in the car. Every time we go anywhere I always drive myself crazy making sure that a locked door won't get shut. So I pull up on the lock to "MAKE SURE" that it didn't some how get pressed down. Well, I was getting ready to go to the bank and to drop off the recycling today, and Jackson was not even in the car yet, but in my freaky habit I made sure the door lock was up. Oh, I might add that the car was running to cool it off before I put Jackson inside. I accidentally pushed the lock down, and the coolest thing in the whole world happened.......THE LOCKED POPPED BACK UP ON ITS OWN :) :) :)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My super car has a super secret feature that we didn't even know about, if the car is running and the door is open the locked can not be engaged....What a load off!!!!!! Thanks VOLVO!!!! You are Amazing!

strange things are happening...

It seems kinda crazy, but lately I have noticed that Jackson's toys have a mind of their own. I was rocking him to sleep (in his bedroom) and in the playroom, one of his toys started playing music all by itself. And tonight, while I was feeding Jackson, a totally different toy started singing and talking and we were no where near it, not once but twice. So I turned it off, and if it comes on now, then I will really be worried. And on another note, our TV will just turn itself off all the time. So, is our house HAUNTED??????? Just kidding. I thought this CRAZY picture of Brian with a Bumbo hat on was appropriate for this story! what do you think?

the invitations have been sent

I am happy and sad to say that my little sweetheart will be celebrating his 1st birthday, it is bittersweet. It seems like only yesterday we were driving to the hospital. Now he is walking nonstop and the invitations have been sent for the monkey themed birthday party. I made the cute little monkey invitations and I am making the cake, and most of the party favors, and food. I sent out 19 invites, so it just might be standing room only.....:) I even found the cutest monkey outfit for Jackson of course. This is just a preview of all the monkey business to come. C-ya at the party everyone.

our family

here are some cute pictures of my sweet family!!!!!! I love my two boys, Brian and Jackson!!!!

sick day

It all started yesterday, Jackson woke up with congestion, and is nose was running like a faucet. The night was full of ups and downs, coughing , wiping little noses, and using the little aspirator (Jackson's favorite....just kidding!) And he woke up about 4:15 this morning and I checked his temperature and it was 102. he was so hot with fever that even his hands and feet were hot to the touch. With a dose of Tylenol, I put him in our bed, he snuggled up with me and fell asleep. This morning he was very congested, and still running fever so we went to the Dr. The Dr. said he has a viral infection with knots on his throat and fluid behind his left ear, and there is not too much we can do, but just wait it out and make sure that he doesn't get dehydrated and that he gets plenty of rest and lots of fluids. This afternoon when he woke up from a nap, I took his temp again, and it was 103.1, I gave his a cool bath and he seemed to feel a little better after that. Now he is in bed, but his nose is running so much that he won't sleep very long because his pillow will be soaked. So, pray for a speedy recovery for my little angel, he has had a few colds in his life, but never anything this intense.

Jackson's 1st road trip

Saturday we celebrated the August birthdays by driving to Shiloh to eat at Hagy's Catfish Hotel, right on the Tennessee river. Jackson has never been in the car for that amount of time, so we had to pull over once on the way there, just to give him a break from his car seat. I changed his diaper in my lap and then we listened to the church cd all the way there, because it is soothing to him. I sung the whole way, sorry to Nana and Granddad and Brian,who had to hear this for 2 and a half hours. When we finally arrived @the restaurant the waitress brought the highchair that looked as if it were used during the civil war, and it was so sticky and gross, but it could have been made of gold, Jackson didn't want to sit down anyway, because he had been in his car seat most of the day. So Brian and I had to eat in shifts, and Nana walked around with Jackson, too. Then we talked with everyone for a few minutes, then got in the car and came right back home. But not without a stop at a mom and pop gas station to give Jackson a break, diaper change and put his p.j.'s on. After we put him in his car seat again, his p.j.'s zipper had a blow out and half of his leg was exposed until we got home. It looked pretty funny! I have to say that we will not be making another trip like that for along time, for Jackson's sake. I was glad that we were invited and happy birthday to Don, Clay and Nancy!!!!!
Brian and I had been there before to eat after a date @Shiloh. It is a cute little place with pretty good catfish, go early because it gets very crowded. And the only place to wait is outside. It was cool because when we got there is when I remembered that we had been there before. It was a pleasent surprise. Also while we where there this time, the civil war re-inactment was taking place, and all the soldiers were waiting outside as we were leaving. I should have taken Jackson's pictures with the soldiers, but I didn't. I did however get some good photos of Jackson and his granddad looking at the boats going by on the river. I have to say that Jackson is not ready for a drive to DisneyWorld yet. :(

jackson's 1st date......

It has happened, my son went on his 1st date. Julie and Jackson went to Olive Garden on Thursday. When Julie got here, Jackson was very excited and kept walking up to her car seat and smiling and pointing at her. He wore a cute little outfit with palm trees on it, and she was in a sweet little green and pink shorts outfit. Then when we where getting ready to go, and put Jackson in his car seat, he and Julie were playing footsie. It was the most adorable thing ever. Well, when we got to the restaurant, Julie fell asleep, but not because Jackson was a boring date, because he was being a wildman, he sat in his highchair for a while, but then he wanted me to hold him, so as I was holding him he managed to get this foot on the table, and in my bowl of soup. And flirted with every girl, young and old in the restaurant. One waitress came up to me and told me that she was having the worst day until she kept seeing how Jackson was acting so silly and his cute little smile....and she thanked us for coming in and said that he made her day! That was pretty cool.

family day....

How cool is it when your husband brings you flowers and tells you that he is not going to work so that you can have a family day???? Well, that is what my wonderful husband did yesterday. He told me to put on something that could get wet, and to get Jackson ready, but he wouldn't tell me where we were going. I was really putting up a fight, because, I didn't want to put on anything that even came close to a bathing suit! But finally I found a bathing suit that was not too bad on me, and put on a pair of shorts and a tank. Jackson wore his cute swimming trunks and we went to the cutest little park in Collierville, it is a water park. For those of you who haven't heard of it, there are several different things like, rainbows and snakes, and buckets that fill with water, or spray water at different pressures and they are also set on a timer. It is so much fun, with all the kids running around everywhere, and the ice cream truck has a permanent parking space! I thought Jackson would be scared of the water spraying him in the face, but he was laughing and crawling toward the different station. I think that he is still young yet, but he still had a great time, and so did I. It was the best day I have had in so long, as a matter a fact, I can't remember the last time I had that much fun. Brian, you are the best, thanks for the flowers and the family day, Jackson and I had a blast. ** Go to the Collierville water park everyone. ** And I think we should get a petition up and try to get a cute little park like this one in Bartlett. We know the Mayor,(and we voted for him:) ) do you think he would listen to us????

pet names

Not to long ago our friend Mick put a post on his blog about all the nicknames that he has acquired thru the years, and why.Then he also put a place that all his friends could put there nicknames, too. I thought this was soooooo cute that I am stealing it, sorry Mick, but I would like to change things up just a little bit.....
I wanted to put all the cute little pet names that I have for Jackson:
1. pumpkin--because it's cute.
2. pump-pump--short for pumpkin
3. love--that's pretty obvious
4. lovebug
5. honeybunny
6. bug
7. bugsbunny--this one comes with its own song written by yours truly
8. honey
9. angel love
10. moe
11. mo-mo-- I don't really have a reason for this one! Brian hates when I call him mo mo.
12. sweet-sweet
13. angelbug
14. sugarplum
15. little man
16. baby J
17. jumpy jumperton--when he is in his bouncy seat.
18. little stinkpot--when he has a "muddy" diaper.
Okay, so I like pet names,and there are probably more that I can't think of right now. And yes, Jackson does know his real name, he hears it when he is getting in trouble....just kidding! :) So, what are some of the cute little things that you call your kids or spouses??? Or better yet what do that call you??? You better tell or you won't wanna here the name I think of for those who don't comment.. :)

Coronal Polishing

Yesterday and today I took a course called coronal polishing for dental assistants to become liscensed to polish teeth. I had to be down at UT on Friday @ 8:00 am so that meant that I had to get up with the chickens (really I just got up when Brian's alarm went off....5:20) I am not used to that, if I am up that early that is just to feed and change Jackson, but I don't have to do hair and makeup for that! My mom came over and was here around 7:00, Jackson was still sleeping when I left, and I was very sad. This I knew would be the longest that I had every been away from him, and he has a cold, so I also felt bad about that, too. But one cool thing that happened was that I got downtown with a few minutes to spare so I went by the firestation to see my honey. I ate my breakfast while we sat outside on the bench and watched all the hustle and bustle of people going to work. I went to the class, we had lecture until lunch, and then after we ate we went to the clinic and popped a typodont (a set of plastic teeth and gums) into a dummies head. And we polished a dummies teeth....and "you can learn a lot from a dummy!!!!!" :) I was proud of myself, I only called to check on Jackson twice while my mom was here, and she had to go to work, so Brian's mom came over to releve my mom @ 12:00 until I got home. And I called to check on him right after granny"shift change". He did great! I am so proud of my sweet baby, he didn't cry and he took his naps on time, and had lots of fun playing with his grannies!
Today, it was Daddy's turn to stay with Jackson, and it was sad leaving my boys, while they where sitting down to eat breakfast. I had to take a test this morning and then we teamed up with a partner and polished each others teeth. Then we had to be checked by the instructor to make sure that we didn't miss any plaque. I only missed on one on the written test, and did great on my patient. So I passed this part of the class and now I have to go to Nashville and take the TN. Board test, and this time I bring my own patient to polish, so Brian is the culprit! I have to ask him not to brush for a few days, so that he will have lots of removable plaque. Boy, he loves me a lot to say okay to that, huh? And I guess it shows how much I love him, since I will have to live with him during the few days of not brushing his teeth. But I wanted to say that the class was pretty cool and I am excited to add this polishing certificate to my resume'. Thanks to everyone ....Brian for your loving support, Mimi and Nana for taking such good care of my little angel, and Dr. Jodi Rump for letting borrow the instruments and supplies that I needed for the class. You are all awesome, and anytime that you need your teeth polished, I'm your girl!!!!!!!

crash and burn

I can't believe I am even writing this, but it is so funny, I can't help but to laugh at myself! I was working out on the treadmill, and jammin' out to the ipod, when for some stupid reason I thought I should let go of the rails and jog a little. But because I was so into the song that was playing on the ipod, and I was singing out loud ( this is where it gets really good) I closed my eyes....."why?" you ask. Because I was lost in the music, and I kept drifting further and further away from the front of the treadmill, when all of the sudden, I flew off the back of the treadmill and my cheek landed first. The treadmill was still going, and I scrapped both knees, and elbows, and on my right elbow I have a long bruise. I made this thud sound when I landed, and I was so embarrassed. Luckily I was in the room alone, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to tell Brian or not but I think he saw my wounds. So then I had to tell him, but I tried to make him promise not to laugh....but how could he not, heck, I was laugh as I told him!!! And I think if anything positive can come out of flying off a treadmill, AT LEAST I WASN'T @THE GYM when it happened!!! How embarrassing would that had been. But I am okay, and looking forward to my next workout, this time I won't close my eyes.

little swimmers

What would summer be without a pool in the back yard? Last week Baby J and his friend Caleb went for a little swim in our baby pool. I think it took me longer to fill it with water, then they stayed in it. But I guess babies don't have very long attention spans do they? Even though they where only in the pool for about 10 minutes, they had a fantastic time, splashing and kicking, and crawling around. Baby J tried to climb out about 100 times, but he does love to climb, so I should not have been surprised @this. They were so cute (OF COURSE!)

headlines....

again with the headlines, I know...but I got a newsletter from the zoo. And I open it up and the first story said:
Giant Panda's Pregnancy Ends, zoo staff looking forward to trying again next year!
I thought Jay Leno might get a kick out of the zoo staff trying again next year, we sure did! So, if you watch headlines on Monday nights look for this one.

Mother's Famous Last Words

If you don't stop, your face will freeze like that. I only have two hands. Let me kiss it, and make it better. Because I said so. Because I am the mommy, that's why. Go ask your father. Wear clean underwear-you could get into an accident. Eat it, it's good for you. Don't put that in your mouth, you don't know where it's been. I don't care who started it. Get your hair out of your face. Don't think these eyes can't see you. If I didn't love you so much, I wouldn't care what you did. You'll have kids of your own one day. You call that music? Clean your plate, there are starving children. As long as you live in MY house, we'll do it MY way. Wait till your father gets home. If all your friends jumped off a cliff would you want to do it? Don't ever forget that mom loves you. You'll always be my baby.

house work....

Cleaning & scrubbing can wait till tomorrow,
For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow;
So quiet down, cobwebs,
Dust, go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby, & babies don't keep.

rescue me....

Last Tuesday, Jackson and I went to Easy Way produce store and we were shopping and looking at all the fruit and veggies, we checked out and put the bag in the car. As I went to get Jackson out of the basket, he snagged, and I looked down and he had somehow during the time that we where shopping, gotten his leg out of the leg slot, and put it into another part of the basket. It was so small, I don't know how his leg even fit in the space to begin with. So, I took him back inside the store, because it was so hot outside. I asked to see the manager, who was a big jerk, and he was trying to wiggle Jackson's leg out, when it was clearly not coming out. I told him to stop and that I needed to use the phone. I called Brian and told him that Jackson's leg was stuck in the basket @EasyWay and he told me to call 911. So, I basically hung up on Brian and called 911. The operator answered...911 what's the emergency? I said yes, I am at EasyWay on stage road, and my 10 month old son's leg is stuck in the shopping cart. The Bartlett Fire Department came to the rescue, luckily I knew them, because Brian used to work with them. They had to get the bolt cutters and cut the basket to free his leg. At this point Jackson was screaming and crying. But he was freed and we were able to leave finally, but before we did I managed to snap a photo of Jackson and his heroes, even though he was crying and he would not look at me as I took the photo. And they gave me the piece of the basket that they cut off. I wonder if we are banded from shopping at EasyWay???? I guess we will see. Thanks BFD(station 2) for coming to the rescue and hepling my son and keeping this mommy calm.

lightening strikes......

a really crazy storm was rolling in, on Thursday, I was in the garage getting some things out of the car, so the garage door was open. It was raining and thundering a lot, and then all of the sudden this loud clap of thunder and lightening struck, it scared the crap out of me. I thought it must have hit something, because of how close it was. Then I began to smell a burning, I immediately ran out into the pouring rain to do a survey of our house and make sure it was not on fire. I looked all around and didn't see any flames, but the smell was getting stronger, and at this point I thought I was seeing smoke. So, I ran inside, and went out the back door to look at the back of our house, nope....no fire. Then, I came inside again, at this point I am soaked, and I can hear the fire trucks. So, I called Brian, because he was at the station, and he wanted me to look in the attic, so I pulled down the attic stairs to make sure no smoke was coming out....nope.
My mom was here and she was holding baby J while I was running around like a crazy woman. I went back into the garage, and there was a giant German Shepard standing there.Oh, crap it scared me! I turned right back around to go back into the house, and he started to follow me. I couldn't close the garage door because my mom's car was blocking where the door could come down. I waited a few minutes, then I opened the door to see if the dog was gone...nope, he started walking toward me again. I closed the door, then I thought that I need to find the owner of this dog, my neighbors next door and across the street both have one so I thought it might be one of theirs. And I wanted to go see what got hit by the lightening, so I grabbed a rain coat, and the diaper bag, and my mom, baby J and I got in the car and the dog started following the car. Which made my mom freak out because I was going to get out and knock on my neighbors door, she kept saying, what if he bites you????? Then luckily the neighbor came out and called the dog, so we drove away.
Back to the lightening, it struck a house in the next neighborhood which is probably only 5 or 6 street away from our house. This house had orange flames shooting out, and the roof had already collapsed. People were everywhere. And one of our neighbors and her husband (who is also a fireman) where there, and all I hear, as this fire is blazing, is Cindy screaming "Cameron, get back here right now!" to her son who's riding his bike down the middle of the street thru all the emergency vehicles, the best part was as she was screaming her son's name, she was marching down the street in the pouring rain with no shoes on. It was sooooo funny.. But in a way it was embarrassing to be her neighbor at that moment. Well, the sad thing is that someone lost their house 2 days ago.
Brian and I drove by yesterday, and the family was out with shovels, we stopped to ask what we could do to help, and we gave them our number. Then Brian dropped me and the baby off at home and then he went back to help the family salvage some of their stuff, for about 2 and 1/2 hours. Please keep this family in your prayers. They will be displaced for sometime and the have children so the kids are taking it really hard.

the coolest news...ever!

As you can tell from looking @this blog, I love to have pictures of my baby, and I have ALWAYS known that he is the cutest baby ever, but yesterday we got conformation on said statement. A few months ago, I had his 7 month old photos taken by the Studio @Target. And the photographer loved his pictures so much that she asked me if she could enter them into a corporate contest, so I said yes. Well, I don't think I have even thought about it since that day. Well, as we where leaving yesterday to go out to eat, the phone rang, and for some reason I answered it. Normally I would have just let it ring. And it was the photographer that took his photos. And she told me that he WON the contest and that he will be used in Target's photos advertisements, I am not sure how they will use him, whether it be on the mail out fliers, or photos of him hanging in the store, or on coupons, none the less, I think it is the coolest news, ever. So, take your babies to the Target Studio and have their pictures made, and tell the photographer you want you baby to pose like Jackson! I am so excited and pleased. First Target then who know maybe Abercrombie?? ha! I will have more details soon!

he's cute when he is sleeping

This will either sound crazy or for my fellow Stay-At-Home moms you will probably relate....Somedays when I need a few minutes to get something done, or to have a few minutes of quite time, I hope and wait for nap time to arrive! I hope that doesn't sound awful, but it is true. But when bedtime rolls around each night, and when Baby J finally goes to sleep for the night, I miss him so much, and sometimes I secretly wish that he would wake up so I can see him one more time. So, what I do is sneak into his room with the camera and take lots of sleeping baby pictures..here is the most recent, ENJOY. And sleep well!

butterflies

Yesterday, my friend Kaye and I took our sons to the zoo and it was a perfect day. The Memphis humidity was not present, and the sun was shining, with a slight breeze every now and then. The boys, Caleb and Jackson, were more interested in looking at each other then the animals, which was pretty funny! And the best part and my I recommend everyone to see before it's gone for the season, was the butterfly exhibit! I don't know what I was expecting, but you go into this greenhouse-like building, and it is filled with beautiful flowers everywhere. The best part is that there are hundreds of butterflies flying around all over the place. It is like they don't even know that people are there with them. A brown one landed on my finger. I don't know if this is true or not, but my granny has always said that if a butterfly lands on you that is good luck! I got some great pictures of the babies beside the coi pond as the butterflies fluttered around them. They watched in awe. It was so incredible. And also the keeper in the house came up to us with a huge and beautiful butterfly on her hand, and showed Jackson how it could open and close its wings. Please if you get the chance, go see the butterflies, and I would even recommend taking your spouse, it could probably be a very special and romantic date.

granddad's hat

Jackson took a trip down to see his great granddad, a few weeks ago, and he loved playing and laughing and wearing his granddad's favorite hat! We love you, Pop! Get well soon so Jackson can come back a visit with you!

I love you, daddy!

Of course, I don't know everything because I'm still so small, But, Daddy, I've already learned that you're the best of all! Thanks for always making me laugh and for letting me get into all the things that Mommy doesn't!!! Like I said, I love my Daddy! Love Jackson!

Baby shower nightmare

Okay, something crazy happened to me yesterday. I have a friend/ex-co-worker that is having a baby in September, and I offered about 3 months ago to host her baby shower. 1. Because she is my friend, 2. Because she has only lived here a few years, and I wanted her to have a nice shower, 3. Because I LOVE hosting and having people over( I secretly want to be like Martha Stewart-for those of you who don't already know that!!!!) So, I have been asking for the guest list for three months now, because I was thinking that I would make the invitations my self. She is always putting me off, and I don't want the shower to be done @the last minute, of course. And I know that she is having another shower in her hometown so I am also having to plan around that, and I have a Coronal Polishing Course that is going to take me one whole Friday and Saturday to complete. What I am saying is time is running out and I still haven't gotten the guest list. So, yesterday she calls to tell me that she will be getting the list together for me, and she also has a friend from church that wants to help with the shower. SURPRISE, SURPRISE! But she made me so mad because she (Oh, her husband was talking in the background) said her Church friend, which I have never met, didn't really have any plans, she just wanted to have the shower @her house. And in the background I hear(yeah, she has a HUGE house!!!!). So want does she say to me, yeah, she has a huge house, I will give her your phone number, okay!!!!!!!!!! WHAT?????????? I was in shock, THE NERVE!!! What does she think my house is chopped liver???? Last time I checked I had a very nice house. I can not tell you just how mad, and offended I am. What I will be doing now is bowing out gracefully. If the girl with the "biggest house in town" wants to give the shower, here's her chance, because I am OUT!!!! I thought that when someone offers to go to all the expense and trouble to throw a shower for you, that you say "Thank You". Not, hey let's have it @the mansion because she is richer than you are. What does she think I would have given her a white trash party????? Apparently, she doesn't know me as well as I thought she did. I have co-hosted showers before, and I enjoy working alone better. Not that I didn't have a good time, but these where my friends that I was working with, not a complete stranger. She may be a total pain, and I don't want to deal with that. So, I'm not! I hope all goes well @that shower, I will report back, if I am invited. But @this point, I don't really care if I am or not!

Jackson's 1st steps

NEWS FLASH...Jackson took his first steps this past week. I can't believe it, he is a genius! He is not even 9 months until tomorrow. I am so proud of him, and I think he gets his overachieving skills from his mommy! Jackson, keep up the good work, and maybe next week I can report that he has been the youngest kid to graduate from college. We will send out invitations to graduation! Until then!!!!!

The Grand Opening Party

I can't believe it, Brian and I had another date night. One of my best friends Dr. Jodi Rump D.D.S. has opened a solo dental practice, Main Street Dental, and this past Thursday night she had a Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Brian and I have been looking forward to this for sometime now. We are so excited that Jodi has had to opportunity to open such an outstanding office. I guess it is just very cool to see someones dreams come true. This office is absolutely gorgeous in every way! From the newest and best equipment to modern decor, when you walk in the door it is like no other dental office in the Memphis area. Well, we got all dressed up and headed downtown for the festivities. She had tables with beautiful flower arrangements out front where everyone was eating catered ice cream. Inside people were taking tours of the office, and eating food from restaurants in the downtown area like Big Foot, The Majestic, and others, the food was amazing, there was also a room full of beer or wine or anything else to drink. I saw a lot of my old friends, and patients, and people I worked with in these past six years that I have been in dentistry. We talked and laughed with everyone and our picture was taken by the publicist, with the possibility of it being in RSVP magazine (a local magazine that features cool events and the people who attended). I am very excited for Dr. Rump and her new practice, she is like a sister to me, and I want her to have all the success in the world. We had a blast @her party!!!! And if anyone wants to see her office or make an appointment, I have attached a link on my main page to her office---Dr. Jodi Rump D.D.S. check it out, it is worth your time.

Check out my Slide Show!

ciao bella

Ciao Bella is one of our favorite restaurants in Memphis and we have not been there since I was Pregnant. So, last night my wonderful husband planned a date night and we went to dinner and a movie with our friends Ben and Monica. This, you see was our first official date since Jackson has been born. But the cute thing was that while I was getting ready, Brian secretly called his mom and dad and asked if they would mind keeping the baby for a few hours so we could have a night alone. He also pack up the diaper bag and put the bouncy seat in the car. So as we were leaving, I saw the bouncy seat in the back, and said "are we going over to Ben and Monica's after dinner or something?" Well, I think he said "maybe", then we left and I didn't think much more about it. I was just touching up my makeup and hair and talking on the way to dinner and not really paying attention to the way we were going, which was to Germantown, not the way to the restaurant. The crazy thing is I didn't notice want was going on until we turned on to my in-laws street. I guess that shows how much I pay attention when I am not driving. So then I started to tear up, I wanted Jackson with us. But I agreed that we needed a night alone, so he stayed with his Nana and Grandpa. We had a wonderful dinner, I had the Lobster Ravioli and Ladybug White wine, and Brian had the gnocchi. I made Brian call to check on Jackson, and everything was fine. After dinner we decided to see Shrek the Third, I told Brian that it was not a good idea to take me to a movie about a baby when I was missing Jackson so much :). I have to say that the movie was funny, but not as funny as the other Shriek movies. The best part was probably the last 5 minutes. After the movie we rushed to pick up our sweet angel, who of course was up past his bed time. But he was sooooo happy to see us, and I think that my in-laws were equally happy to see us,too. They looked worn out,but on their behalf, Jackson IS very active, and he will really keep you on your toes. But it was the best night, I had a great time. Thanks to my honey for sneaking behind my back and making plans. And I would also like to thank Ben and Monica for the dinner, you guys are too sweet. Until our next adventure....ciao, Bella.

I fell off the WAGON...

As you all know, I am dieting, I have been on the Fat Smash Diet for 2 weeks now. I have successful dropped 9 pounds, and 8oz of BMI. I thought that was a really good start, and we are celebrating Memorial Day with Brian's fire department buddies. So, today, I thought I would go get a new outfit to wear to the cookout. I think I tried on everything @Target, and nothing absolutely nothing looked good. So, instead of coming home and going for a walk or eating a carrot, what did I do???? I went to Sonic and ordered a cheeseburger and tots, and a small chocolate milk shake. And to top it all, I also bought some oreos for a snack for home group. Well, home group was cancelled, but the oreos were not cancelled because I ate some of those, too and washed them down with a big glass of milk (2% of course;)). So, I fell off the wagon, but I'm getting back on tomorrow. I tried to redeem myself by doing some Yoga, haha! The whole time the yoga instructor was saying to "relax....push all your tension into the ground," Jackson was crying and screaming to get out of his pack-n-play. And then, our crazy tv turned off all by itself. "SERENITY NOW" So, I did not finish the Yoga either. Whatever! Everyone has an off day, I guess. The good news is that so far I have lost 9 lbs and at least I attempted the Yoga!

Almost There...

Well, all of the flowerbeds are tilled and we have planted the Japanese Maple, the Hostas, the Otto Lukins, the sky pencil (holly brushes), and some day lillies, and moved the crepe myrtle to the back yard along with one of the original hollies, the other hollies are on the west side of the house. It looks so beautiful and I am so excited. The next step will be to plant the roses and the hydrandeas and azealas. Then it will be done and we will have the YARD OF THE MONTH. I must say how proud of Brian he has been working like a slave in those flowerbeds. He looks so cute working out there with his shirt off and his fireman boots on. How lucky am I??? One thing that I have loved since we planted everything, I put Jackson in the swaddler and we water the flowers together. He likes to yell @ the waterhose, he is soooo cute.

headlines

Brian and I did something kinda funny, he was looking through a magazine and found a real estate add with some details that we had to share. So I mailed the add to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. So every Monday night he does a bit called headlines. the crazy add read 4 bedroom, bath, PLAYROOM WITH PUB! We thought this was a way to keep all the kids happy, if they get thirsty when they are in the playroom, well they can just have a drink in the pub. So if you are watching headlines, and see that one, just know that Brian and I sent it in.

Tomorrow's a new day...

Well, summer is here and I want to get into shape. So, 8 months ago I gave birth and today I am just a big as when we can home from the hospital. Everyone said oh, if you breast feed the weight will fall right off, what a lie! I am still nursing and still fat. I have always heard that if you write down your goals then it is more likely that you will accomplish said goals. So I am writing them....I am challenging myself to loose my baby weight! I have so many cute summer clothes that I can't fit into, and that just sucks! I am starting the Fat Smash Diet, so for the next 9 days, all fruits and veggies, water, and nothing white(bread, sugar, rice and so on). Good luck me! I will not be posting my weight, that is a secret that only me, the scale and God know, and that is how it will stay. I am such a sweet-a-holoic, and I really need to get a handle on it, before it is out of control. I want to feel beautiful and self confident again! I am tired of hiding behind Jackson in photos, I will hold him so that he is covering up my big jumbo belly, isn't that so sad. So, here goes...no meat, or sweets starting tomorrow. Bye-Bye big momma belly! P.S. Brian thanks for the support and for always making me feel beautiful, even when I don't look my best. I love you.

soap operas not just for girls

I have been thinking about this for a while now, and I was wondering why are "day time" tv shows called soap operas, but "Stargate" SG-1, Atlantis, which I might add have been on air for 10 years, is not considered a soap opera. I know so much about this not because I watch it, but Brian tivos it and every time he gets a chance he is glued to the tv, like right now for example. I am not complaining that he has a favorite show, and I am not a soap watcher myself, I just think it is funny that girl shows are soaps and boy show are not...just a thought!

Stop and smell the Roses...

I am so excited, finally we are landscaping our flowerbeds. Yeah! My sweet husband, or I could say, my sexy lawn boy, broke ground in the back yard. It is going to look so beautiful! We are putting roses in the back and hydrangeas in the front. My two favorites. All the plans are layed out and it is going to look amazing! We are starting from scratch, moving all the holly bushes. Did I mention that I am excited?!!! The flowerbeds have been a goal of mine since we moved in. I want a romantic garden like lawn. I love our home and this will add to it a million times. And working on this together with Brian will make me so happy. I will be posting the progress photos and the before and afters. Until then, don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

He's so awesome!

It is sooooo cool watching Jackson grow and change and learn new things every single day. So today it seems like a million new things happened. He said "mommy" for the 1st time, normally he says "ma-ma" or "uh-ma", but not today, it was mommy! He also has started to notice pictures of himself hanging on the wall, and I will hold him in front of those pictures, and say "where's the baby?" and he will have the biggest smile on his face, or he will talk to it, or point. So I gave him a photo of himself to play with and he loves it. He kisses it and pats it and bites it. He is so awesome. He also had a big fall today as well. He loved to pull up on the coffee table(which makes me nervous) and he usually has pretty good balance. But somehow he lost his footing and fell head first(of course) into the draw pull. It left a small knot and scrape. No blood, just lots of crying. I was freaking out inside, but stayed strong on the outside so he would not be more upset. I know that babies are going to fall, but it is still heartbreaking to see your little angel fall. So good and bad I love to watch him turn into his own little person. I am very blessed and thankful to be able to stay @home with him! I am looking forward to what tomorrow has in store.

Dog Gone...

Well, today turned out to be a sad day. Pedro our 5 year old shih-tzu has been a member of our family for going on 3 years now. He was a stray and one Sunday night we found him in our back yard. He was all knotted, and dirty, and looked like he had been in a fight or two. So we rescued him, and took him the vet where he had surgery on his left eye, and lacerations taken care of on his neck. We, fell in the love with the little cutie. He was like my little baby, he kept me company while my hero was fighting all those fires. Pedro took every step I took, cute, huh?! Well, we always had trouble with him when we would have to leave the house. He had a major MAJOR case of separation anxiety, and would have accidents in the floor. This as you can guess got very old very fast, we tried everything. From keeping him in a create, laundry room, free run of the house Nothing seems to help! But we loved him so much that we kept our hopes up that something would change. So, we got a baby gate and this way he could have room in the kitchen and dinning area, but he could not get on my oriental rug, that Brian gave me for a wedding present. Oh, and did I mention it was over $3000. and Pedro had stained it already. Yeah. Well, the baby gate at least did do some good. But still Pedro always had issues.
And then round 2.....I got pregnant. We watched an episode of The Dog Whisper and he talked about how to teach your dogs to respect the baby's space, and show the dog that the baby is the "pack leader." So we trained Pedro that he was not allowed into the baby's nursery. Even before the baby was born, Pedro knew he had to stop @ the door. And he would just sit in the hall and watch us while we where in the baby's room. But it was a whole new ball game when Baby J finally arrived. Pedro, wanted our attention so much, was always acting up. He started chewing on our dinning room chairs, they are destroyed now, he pooped in the baby's room the 1st week we were home from the hospital. But what did we do, we had hope that Pedro would come around, and we knew the baby would be a big adjustment for him.
It has now been 8 months since the baby has been born, and Pedro still is having issues. Now Jackson is on the go crawling and cruising around everywhere. And once a few weeks ago, Brian and Jackson where on the couch and Pedro was up there too. And Jackson leaned over toward Pedro, wanting to touch him. Well, Pedro snapped @him. Pedro got in a lot of trouble. Well, today, Jackson was just crawling past Pedro, not even trying to touch him and he snapped@ his face..Luckily for Pedro he didn't bite Jackson! So, 2 strikes, your out! I called my mom and asked her if she wanted to adopt Pedro. She asked me when did I want her to pick him up and I said as soon as you can get here. Then, I began to pack all of his belongings. She was here within the hour, and I said my goodbyes, and now we are DOG-LESS.
I miss his sweet little face looking up at me, and how he would snuggle with me anytime he got the chance. I am sitting on the couch right now, and I feel like any minute he will rum in here and jump up on the couch beside me. I loved it when it was time for bed and I would say, Pedro, let's go night-night. And no matter what he was doing, when he heard me say that he would jump up and run to the bedroom. He also loved Brian and he knew Brian's schedule, he would lay by the door and wait for him to come home. Sometimes he would lay there and whine, so I would have to open the door and let him go into the garage and look around to make sure Brian was not in there. He would get so nervous when it was storming outside and on 2 different occasions he jumped into the bathtub while I was taking a bath, because he was so nervous. Everyone loved him, and he loved everyone....except Jackson. And that is why he is no longer living @ this address. I really am going to miss him. But it will be better in the long run, I don't want to take the chance of him biting Jackson or any of my friends kids, and I don't want Jackson to be scared of dogs. And I don't want to be unfair to Pedro. Since the 1st snapping occurrence I have been very scared that Pedro would do it again, and that is one worry I am happy and relieved not to have anymore. I guess this is my sad day in a nut shell. Goodbye Pedie Boy I love you and will miss you a lot. I enjoyed our time together.

The Zoo

Yesterday, we had the best day, ever! My family and I went to the zoo for the 1st time. I had not been to the zoo since I was a little girl, and now taking my son, I could not have been more excited. Baby J loved all the animals, the monkeys loved him, it was like they couldn't figure out what was in the stroller. And as I fed a banana to Jackson, the monkeys watched with great intent. Like they wanted to say "hey, where's ours." And the panda was walking around and eating. He was right down on Jackson's level, so I think he really liked to see the active panda. It is so wonderful to be a mom, and watching your child experience things for the 1st time. It is almost like it is the 1st time for me as well. If the zoo was this much fun, I can't wait until we can go to Walt Disney World. I love my family and I will never forget, Jackson's first trip to the zoo. Amazing!

Yard Sale

This past Saturday my neighbor had a yard sale and she let me put a full size mattress and box springs, bed rails and headboard plus the comforter. So, most of the day no one even asked about the bed, then what do you know 2 people asked at the same time. Well, the lady that asked about it first told me she wanted it. I think she was mainly acting on instinct, and didn't think about the way she would get the bed home. So, what do I do? Open my big mouth and say that my husband can bring it to her house. I have come to the conclusion, that I am too nice for my own good. I mean, she bought the bed, headboard and rails for $50. And what do I do, throw in free delivery! Well, we are delivering it tomorrow. That was my good deed for the day, I guess. Or should I say Brian's good deed, seeing how he would be the one taking it to her. Oh, well, @least I made 50 bucks.

My 1st blog posting

Well, this might sound like a dumb blond, but I am so excited to begin a blog, finally! My husband and I are finally "up with the times" you might say. We, after almost 3 years of marriage, decided to fork out the dough and get a computer. And I must say that beside the dental software and the occasional e-mail to a patient or a friend, there is a lot I don't know how to do. So this blog is a big step for me. I just read all my friends blogs and I have wanted for some time now to have my own. That day is actually here. I know it is so corny to get so excited, but I feel like I have accomplished a small goal, and that always makes me feel good inside. Yeah me! My next goal is to be able to attach art and photos to my postings, we'll see just how long that takes me. I just this week learned how to e-mail photos. So, probably all my friends and family received one or more pictures of baby J, mommy, daddy, and Pedro. Look out there are lots more where that came from.