Jackson's 3rd Birthday Party - Part 2

A littler later than I promised...but here is Jackson's third birthday party post... :)

I'm still recovering from a busy month of May...but mostly from a FANTASTIC Walt Disney World Vacation with Jackson and our entire family. The Disney post is coming with video and pictures....for now, I thought I should finally share those birthday party pics I'd promised! :)

Enjoy!

A big thanks to those of you who joined us. It is always so great to look around and realize how lucky we are to have so many friends and family who love Jackson so much!

Found the invites on Etsy.com :)

Woody/Buzz Cake! :)

A big Thanks to Mamaw Charsh, Mamaw Evy, and Mamaw Penny for coming early to help with the food....(oh, and Pop too!)

The Birthday Boy: "Mom, Where are all my friends?"

What is a party with out Best Bud Ryne!?!

Yep - I was up until Midnight the night before working on the Banner....

Chocolate Treats!

Pin the Badge on the Sheriff!

A little to the left, Jackson! :)

Getting ready to sing...

We hope all his wishes come true!

Can I open these yet, Dad?

So proud that Jackson said "thank you" and hugged each person after opening each gift...such a cute photo of Jackson and Baby Kooper! :)

Jackson's 3rd Birthday Party!

A big thanks to all who came to help us celebrate Jackson's 3rd birthday today. This was the first year we got to have Jackson's birthday party at our own house. We loved all the planning and decorating - Woody & Buzz themed, of course!

More pics to come!....

Love Old Photos!

Tonight, I was working on the "old computer" and found this photo...LOVE IT!

I love coming across old photos especially those that include my Dad. It made my night.

My Dad has been on my mind this week as we are preparing for Jackson's 3rd birthday party and his first trip to Disney. My Dad would be counting down the days right along with me! Miss him so!

Last week was also my Dad's birthday - the day didn't go un-noticed. We celebrated by spending the day with family - and watching Miss Madeline Boyd take first communion. She looked beautiful! She is growing up and that is something my Dad would have been proud of.

We were all thinking of my Dad that day!

Bring Back the Sun!

Jackson wasn't happy tonight when I told him we couldn't play outside. I explained it was too cold - and suddenly I had a very unhappy little boy.

Here are a few reasons Jackson loves the warm weather....can you blame him! :)

Muscle Shirts - Can you tell I picked this one out? :)

Water fun while Dad works in the yard!

Getting to wait on the porch for Mom to get home from work.

Time with his Buddy, Ryne! - Plus, what gets better than Cheetoh's curbside with friends!

Happy Mother's Day...

Today I was lucky enough to spend Mother's Day with my Mother, grandmother, sisters, and the one and only who made me a Mommy - Jackson.

A big thanks to Justin and Jackson for making my Dad super special! Justin and Jackson gifted me with a gift certificate to our photographer so I can fill our new built-ins with pictures of our family. I can't wait to order them!

Enjoy some pictures from today!

Some of the best Mommies I know!

So lucky to be his Mom!

My Mom and Me. :)

Love the both so much!

Our photo shoot - it takes a while before the

three of us can agree on a photo...Still not sure Deb like this one! :)

PS. More on Jackson's birthday week coming -

but I'm having trouble downloading video. Ugh!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Jackson!

Three years ago today (about this time of night) Justin and I were sitting in a hospital room with our new baby boy counting our blessings (and counting the many things we didn't know about babies)....

We soon figured out what we didn't know, learned from mistakes, and enjoyed every minute of it.

Turning three was hard on Mommy. Not sure why - perhaps because I think this means he is officially not a baby any longer. Perhaps it is because I signed Jackson up for t-ball the same week (can't believe he is old enough)....perhaps its because I miss the days he fit in my palm and I rocked him to sleep on the front porch.

As always - to overcome my emotions - I through myself into the celebration. I can't stop him from growing - so I decided to focus on celebrating!

And boy - have we been celebrating... :)

Yesterday - we let Jackson pick where to have dinner. He made Mommy proud and chose Pizza. :) We ended the evening with a play-date with his buddy Ryne. So fun!

This morning (Jackson's actual birthday) we woke Jackson up by singing Happy Birthday - and he took us up on our offer for pancakes before school! As always, he dipped his pancakes in ketchup!

Today - Justin and I met up at PreSchool for a small party with Jackson's preschool friends. It was so fun to celebrate at school and see Jackson interact with his friends. The minute I pulled out the Buzz light year plates all the little boys yelled, "To infinity and beyond!"...Jackson, of course, was the loudest! :) Enjoy some pictures from Jackson's school party...

Miss Moss!

Miss Herald!

Tonight, we had all of Jackson's grandparents over for dinner and a few presents. Here is a sneak peak of Jackson's reaction to the present from Justin and I. Needless to say, we've been planning it for month's and our reaction was about the same! The excitement melted my heart!

More on that tomorrow...For now, I'm one tired Mommy!

Its Jackson's Birthday Week!

Put Your Party Shoes On!!!

Its Jackson's Birthday Week!!!

You may remember, that Justin and try to plan a "week of fun" to celebrate Jackson's birthday each year. However, this entire month is filled with birthday fun for Jackson - birthday party, Disney, etc...

I had an event for work this weekend, so we had to push Jackson's birthday party until later this month. But we will still celebrate this week with a lot of fun activities! I can't wait to share all the fun each night - so stay tuned!

P.S. How is the world is my BABY 3!?!

Easter 2011

Easter has come and gone...but don't tell Jackson.

Jackson still asks us each night to re-hide his eggs "like the Easter Bunny did" and he finds them....then we do it again. It was so sweet to see him really enjoy the fun this year!

Our Easter holiday started early in the week with the Easter Eggstravaganza at pre-school where Jackson met the Easter Bunny and decorated an egg. It was nice to join him for this event and see him in his environment at school.

Jackson and I were able to participate in our neighborhood Easter egg hunt with this new friends - Ryne and Morgan. Jackson enjoyed every minute of it - especially when he got to eat his Hershey Kisses - his new favorite.

Easter weekend was also Justin's sister's (Ashley) birthday. We celebrated with the Bixler's at our house where Jackson also got to color Easter eggs. It was nice that everyone joined in on the fun.

Easter morning was so fun! We loved watching Jackson sneak downstairs to see if the Easter Bunny left him a basket. He was very impressed that the Easter Bunny hid the eggs that he had colored the night before!

Easter was filled with family fun. We visited with Justin's family at Mama Marge's house and then went to my Grandma's for her annual Easter Egg hunt. The kids look forward to it each year. This year the hunt had to be inside - but that didn't stop Jackson. My Mom and Grandma had such great treats for all the kids...and it just isn't Easter without my Mom's Bunny Cake. One of my favorites!

Enjoy some photos from our Easter weekend. We hope yours was wonderful too!

You can watch it hear if your browser cuts off the movie : http://youtu.be/TK12rsRH6DQ

Happy Easter!

THE EASTER BUNNY STOPPED HERE!

Happy Easter! We hoped everyone enjoyed today with celebration along with family and friends. We certainly did. Jackson loves days like today when we get to see all of our family.

It was wonderful to share Easter with Jackson as he really got excited about the Easter Bunny and coloring Eggs.

Please stay tuned for our Easter Post. It is 10pm (This is Easter Bunny is tired) - and we have just arrived back home after a wonderful day with our families! We can't wait to share stories and pictures from today!

Easter Post coming soon....

A Pacifier for Papaw Mike?

It is no secret. Jackson LOVES his pacifier.

It is also no secret that it is time to give it up.

We thought about leaving it for Santa Claus at Christmas, but Justin was afraid Jackson would then resent Santa Claus.

So, we decided Jackson should leave it for the Easter Bunny (My mom says it worked for me when I was 3).

But, then we decided we don't want to fly with Jackson NOT having a pacifier.

So then it was pushed until after our Disney vacation.

However, Justin and Jackson spent some time at the cementary last week planting trees at my Dad's grave as a favor to my Mom. I was with my sister-in-law, Ashley, in Fishers when my cell phone rang. It was Justin. Justin explained that Jackson had something to tell me. Jackson got on the phone - and here is how the next few minutes went (on speaker phone so Ashley could hear too):

Me: Hi Buddy!

Jackson: Hi Mommy!

Me: What's Up?

Jackson: Hey Mommy, I gave my Paci to Papaw Mike.

Ashley and I look at each other confused.

Me. What Buddy?

Jackson: Yeah! Daddy dug a hole. I put my Paci in there and Daddy put some dirt on it. I left Papaw Mike my Paci.

Ashley and I are both wiping tears from our eyes.

Me: Buddy, that is very sweet - I just know Papaw will take good care of it.

Jackson: But Mommy?

Me: Yes, Buddy?

Jackson: But, now I don't have a Paci?!?

Apparently Justin forgot to explain how this works....Needless to say - Jackson had a Pacifier when I got home that night.

A sweet gesture. One I will always remember. My Dad was on my mind a lot that day and this story touched my heart. But as sweet as it was - it was unsuccessful....

So- we are still sticking with the "After Disney" plan....

Wish us luck!

Ready, Set, Catch Up....

Friends and Family,

It may seem that I have slacked on the posting lately - and it is very true.

But not because we don't have pictures or funny stories to share - but only because we have a very energetic little boy (who hasn't found a bedtime before 9:30) who barely lets us have a minute to ourselves. And truth be told - we are loving being the parents of an almost - three year old - even if it does mean less time to blog, read a book, paint my nails (why bother when I break them playing football or digging in the dirt with Jackson).

Another reason you haven't seen many new posts is that we have been busy with a couple home improvement projects. We have decided neither one of us is made out for HGTV - we just don't have the patience for this stuff....but it certainly has been fun (and stressful).

Family and Friends are another reason - why we are certainly blessed with both - we have been busy celebrating achievements, babysitting my nieces, and celebrating 30th-plus birthdays with friends...what fun!

Like everyone else in Indianapolis...we got swept away by Butler's magical run in March and cheered for the Bulldogs with friends when we could....

Bottom line is...I know I'm behind on posting. I hope to pick it back up...as I love sharing our fun with all of you. So for now, here is a short video of what you've missed....the good, the bad, and the ugly (my second round of Pink Eye!)....

Our Little Fish...

I know you may find this as a bit of a surprise - but until recently we haven't been able to find a swim vest/belt that would keep Jackson's weight up-right in the pool. Everything we found - required him to weigh more than he did (gasp! more than our little tank?). So a couple weeks ago, I was determined to find a swim vest that would allow him to swim on his own and keep up with his friends and cousins this summer. We recently tested it out at the YMCA. In a matter of minutes, Jackson was taking off on his own.

Jackson's new "freedom" in the pool made him be a little more exhausted after a long swim. He ate an entire Subway sandwich when we were done and fell asleep minutes into our car ride home.

I remember ending many summer nights just the same! :)

All Boy...

Jackson is all boy. No doubt about it.

All boy - and the bruises on his knees and elbows to prove it.

As we have settled into our new home since moving in, Jackson has found all sorts of new things to do.

Check out what he loves most about our hard wood floors!

Sorry about the sound - not sure why that didn't work. Ugh, Technology!

Remember Sophie?

Remember Sophie?

Today, I got a text message from Justin's Mom, Penny. I was working and quickly glanced to see that it was a picture of her and a dog. I just assumed it was Oscar (our dog that has taken up semi-permanent residence at my in-law's home during our many moves). After thinking to myself, "Why would she send me a picture of her and Oscar?" - I glanced again...only to notice it was our old dog Sophie!

In our first few years of marriage we brought in two dogs into our home. Oscar and Sophie. Sophie came second - and was to be a buddy to Oscar. As much as Sophie loved Oscar - Oscar didn't want a buddy.

Sophie was a great dog - but one with lots of energy. All of that energy got in the way of her learning to be potty-trained...along with many other things. Long story short - we had to find her a new home. It was very hard. We are lucky enough to know her new owner personally and have been able to stay in touch - but have not seen Sophie since our last day with her. We even received a "Merry Christmas" text from Sophie this year. It made our day.

So today - I immediately called my Mother-in-law to ask how in the world there was a pic on my phone of she and Sophie. Turns out she was driving along Fall Creek and saw a lady walking a dog. As if she had just seen Sophie yesterday, Penny shouted, "That is Sophie!" My father-in-law immediately turned around so they could find out for sure and sure enough - it was Sophie!

Penny and Sophie

Sophie was very happy to see Penny (lots of kisses) - truth be told Penny was better to Sophie than we were - and missed her just as much.

It was obvious that Sophie is in good hands and enjoys afternoon walks with her new owner. It was also said that her favorite habit is "chasing squirrels." Yep. That sounds like Sophie!

Situations like these can often go badly - we feel so lucky to know that Sophie is in such good hands. It is also nice to know that Sophie remembers being loved by her "old family" too.

GO DAWGS!

Sorry no posts this week.

It sure was a busy one...

We celebrated Mama Penny's birthday (a larger celebration to come this weekend).

We spent two evenings at the YMCA swimming (and eating cookies...)

I spent one evening helping my niece Olivia practice for the 7th grade Cheerleading Try-outs (brought back the memories!)

...now, we are all ready to cheer on the Butler Bulldogs!

It is Butler Friday at Pre-School. A big thanks to Mama and Pop for the Butler T-shirt!

Dina Won't You Blow

Jackson has been learning Nursery Rhymes at school. Considering that my Dad opted to teach my sisters and I dirty jokes and poems instead of nursery rhymes - I was glad to hear some one would be teaching these treasured songs to Jackson. He is sure glad too. He loves them. And...even asks that I record him singing them each night. :)

Enjoy "Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah"

P.S. I may or may not have been driving while this was filmed. But it would explain why you can't see Jackson's face! :)

A Picnic Date - "Just Mommy and Jackson!"

Justin had to work late tonight.

And while Jackson and I both would love to have Justin home with us - I cherish the times when it is just Jackson and I.

Tonight - I was hoping for great weather for a picnic and some outdoor play. We got the picnic in just in time before the rain hit us. You just can't beat Hot Dogs, Chips and Dip, Oreos, and your favorite date....

Check out some pictures from a our "date" - I am one lucky girl!

LOVE HIM!

Loving the Warm Weather!

Enjoying the warm weather while it lasts!...40 degrees by Thursday...BOO!

A Weekend with Mama and Pop!

A Big Thanks to "Mama and Pop" for spending time with Jackson this weekend. Only Mama and Pop can turn a trip to Menards into fun that is worth talking about for a couple of days. We keep hearing about how Pop took Jackson to "Nards" and how they have a park (Aka Playground)!

Check out some photos Jackson's trip to Nards! They've got tractors, playhouses, .... :)

The warm weather might not be here yet...but Jackson couldn't wait to have a Hot Dog with Pop outside on the "Park." - A favorite summertime activity. Pop was a trooper and bundled up for his snack with Jackson!

Such a Sweet Photo!

Warm Up and Cool Down ... Who needs all that stuff in the middle!?!

As I have posted before - Justin and I have been trying P90X - a late New Year's resolution. I have to hand it to Justin, he has been way more dedicated than me. But neither of us is as dedicated as Jackson. Each night, he asks if it is time to "do our exercises"...he is just a little too eager.

He is also the best cheerleader! You see, Jackson doesn't participate much past the "Warm-up"...but he loves to sit and cheer you on...then he joins back up for the "cool-down." Smart Kid!

Check out Jackson during the "Warm up" last night...notice how he doesn't take his eyes off his Dad! He also asked, "Can I take my shirt off like my Dad???"....So sweet!

Just Like Daddy...and Mommy!

Justin spent some time at the YMCA playing basketball with friends today. Jackson and I took in some "pool time" down the hall at the same time. When we were done we popped into the gym to watch Justin play. We caught the last few minutes of the game. However, Jackson's favorite part was after the game when Justin let Jackson shoot. Anything to be just like Daddy!...

But he also likes to be like Mommy.... (See below) :)

He asked me, "Are these for your work, Mom?..."

So observant!

Let the Countdown Begin...

We are Walt Disney World Bound

....in 81 Days!

I feel like I have been planning this post since I found out I was pregnant with Jackson. Okay, perhaps I've not been planning this post - but I have certainly been planning the trip. Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places on earth. It has been since I was little.

I'm certain I was in awe of Mickey Mouse and thought Cinderella was beautiful during my childhood trips to the most magical place on earth...but truth be told it was the memories I was making with my family that made that place so wonderful. I even went once in college with my folks on fall break (Such a great trip!).


As the years went by, Justin and I tagged along with my sisters as they each took their children to experience "the magic." In fact, I can remember wiping the tears away as Olivia wrapped her arms around Mickey Mouse for the first time...only to look over to watch my Dad do the same. There is something special about that mouse! Justin and I started talking then about taking our soon-to-be children to Disney.

Olivia (my niece who is almost 12 now)

meets Mickey Mouse for the first time!

Griffin (my nephew who is almost 10 now)

meets Mickey Mouse for the first time!

From the second we knew Jackson was coming - we knew we wanted to take Jackson to Disney World for his third birthday (it helps that they are Free before they are three). We've been talking about the trip since before Jackson was born. This is a trip that was meant for my Dad! It was a chance that he could immerse himself in his grand children's world. I couldn't wait to share this trip with my Dad. Dad and I were planning this trip as we were holding Jackson in our arms as I newborn. Even though my Dad won't be here to see Jackson hug Mickey Mouse or give Buzz Lightyear a high-five...he'll be there in spirit. I have so many memories of my Dad at Walt Disney World - it will be impossible to not to have him be part of our trip....and that makes me smile.

Mom and Dad- LOVING the Buzz Lightyear ride.

Papaw Mike Cuddled up with Olivia on the Tram back to the hotel

after her first day at Magic Kingdom.

Papa Mike was excited to show Griffin the Magic Kingdom - if I remember right, he immediately bought Griffin ice cream! :)

My Dad may not be there - but Jackson is so lucky to have so many people who want to share in this special trip. My Mom, Justin's parents' and sister, my sisters and their families will all be joining us for our week at Walt Disney World (Olivia recently wrote an essay on taking Jackson to Disney World- so sweet!). Jackson thinks a trip to the Olive Garden with family is fantastic - so a week at Walt Disney will be pure joy!


Jackson knows we are going to see Mickey Mouse, Woody, Buzz, Donald, Goofy, and Handy Manny. But - always the sceptic- Jackson always asks "They got Kelly's Hardware Store, Mom?"...(from Handy Manny)...little does he know - Walt Disney World has everything!


The planning was intense. A trip for 13, a hotel that would make everyone happy, flights fitting around many work schedules, breakfast with Mickey Mouse reserved, lunch with Handy Manny reserved, the Hoop Di Do Review reserved, and a special birthday cake delivered to Jackson on our last night arranged....two "Parent's Guides to Disney" read front to back, one expert Disney web site memorized word for word....two anxious parents, and one excited little boy!!! Whew!


Let the countdown begin!

My iPhone App helps countdown the days to our trip!

Thunder Thighs...and I'm not talking about me!

Check out what I dug up today. Check out those legs!

This was almost 2 years ago exactly!

We are still celebrating...

Justin's birthday was a week ago...and we are still celebrating. Justin always teases me for making turning my birthDAY into a birthWEEK. However, this yeas he is guilty of it too!

This coming weekend we will continue the birthday celebration by having lunch with my family. Looking forward to it!

Last week we had a small celebration with the three of us on Justin's actual birthday. Tonight, I finally got some time to download the video. Jackson LOVES singing Happy Birthday and often wants to sing it more than once. I thought the video was very sweet and couldn't wait to share.

Enjoy this sweet boy singing a special song to his Daddy!