Brothers and Sisters? He's Got Em'!

A lot of people ask when Justin and I are going to have another baby. I suppose most folks do think its coming soon. And Justin and I do hope to add to our family of three some day - we have no immediate plans to do so soon. For now, we are loving watching Jackson grow and becoming a "little boy".

We recently asked Jackson what he thought about having siblings. Turns out - he's all stocked up on brothers and sisters. Who knew?

Olivia, Maddie, Griffin and Hayden are Jackson's cousins. But he sure does love them as brothers and sisters. Such a sweet video....its a keeper!

Potty Report

We are now ending Day 2 with Jackson in Big Boy underwear. So far, I would mark it as a success. And, I've gotten over my shock that my baby boy is out of diapers - and I'm just enjoying watching him be so proud of himself.

Yesterday (Day 1) was a major WIN for Jackson. I sent 4 outfits (including extra underwear, socks, and shoes) because I was certain it was going to be a disaster. I was also THAT Mom and called the school twice yesterday to see how things were going...only to be told that he was doing great and had no accidents! Ms. Herald said that Jackson kept saying, "My mom is going to be so proud of me!" He was right! I gave him such a big hug when I arrived at school and he was in the same pair of underwear that I brought him in.

Justin and I took Jackson to Paradise Cafe (AKA "The Cookie Place") for Macaroni and a chocolate chip cookie to celebrate. Jackson beamed from ear to ear and was so proud of himself - and so were we.

Day 2 was a bit more complicated. Jackson had a dentist appointment and we had lunch with my Mom. Jackson seems to not be as motivated when he is away from school and out of his routine. (I also think he's a bit stubborn and just won't do it for me!) He did have an accident at lunch - but I was prepared with extra clothes and we just moved right along.

Potty training sure doesn't allow for our quick pace of life. Leaving in the morning takes longer so Jackson can make a "pit stop" before we take on the 20 minute drive to pre-school, drop off is longer as he takes another "pit stop" before we arrive to his class room....and so on and so on. So this Mommy is getting up a little earlier tomorrow as I have learned we are on Jackson's schedule now. Actually, we have been on his schedule from the day he was born...his schedule has just changed? :)

Keeping our fingers crossed for continued success!....

PS. I have no idea why I cannot turn off the underline key. Sorry. Blogging friends, if you know how to do this, please e-mail me. :)

Good Luck, Jackson!

So Proud!

"Look at Woody/Buzz, Mom!"

Posing - he is so MY child!

Today is a big day at our house! Today is Jackson's first day in BIG BOY underoo's!

Yesterday, during Jackson's Parent Teacher conference, Mrs. Moss told us that Jackson was ready for underwear. We knew he had been doing so well at school - but it is hit and miss at home. I was a bit shocked to hear he was ready (perhaps - I am the one that isn't ready!). But, we have decided to take Mrs. Moss' advice.

So, of course I went straight to the store and bought "Woody/Buzz" underoo's. Jackson was more than excited to wear his "friends" on his rear end today. :) Check out some photos from his modeling session - and wish us luck!

P.S. What happened to my baby that taught me how to change a diaper. It just doesn't seem right that he is walking around in underoo's. :(

Check back for a potty report tomorrow!

GOOD LUCK, JACKSON!

Toy Story 3 on Ice!

We hope you all had a great weekend!

Jackson sure did.

Today was the day he got to meet up with Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang at Toy Story 3 on Ice. He had PURE JOY written all over his face from the minute we walked into Conseco Fieldhouse.

Jackson waiting patiently until curtain call - and had pure delight when Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald came out to introduce Woody and Buzz. All of Jackson's favorites - on one stage! It was so nice to spend the day as a family doing something Jackson surely loves!

Of course, I took a lot of pictures! I even put together a video for Jackson to watch to remember his day today. I posted the video below - take a look if you weren't able to take in the show. If you ask me - Barbie and Ken stole the show! They were hilarious. (Jackson refers to them as 'Ken and that lady!.) :)

Enjoy your Monday!

Click HERE if you have trouble viewing video.

He's not excited....

...okay - maybe just a little bit! :)

Two days and counting until Toy Story 3 on Ice...

Jackson is obsessed!...

...With Buzz Lightyear.

Seriously, there should be a 12-step program.

Let the countdown begin until Toy Story 3 on Ice this Sunday!

Monkey Joes with his Cousins! = Pure Joy!

Monkey Joe's - Jackson's Favorite!

Cousin's - Jackson's other Favorite.

Monkey Joe's + Jackson's Cousin's = an Awesome Day!

Enjoy some photos!

The Crew!

Pure Joy!

A big Thanks to Griff and Olivia who helped Jackson on the big bounce houses!

Maddie!

Griffin!

Hayden!

....And so Sad and it was time to leave!

Christmas 2010

If the video doesn't work above - view it by clicking the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqmLb8XwfQg

Finally our Christmas Post!

Our 2010 Christmas was wonderful for many reasons. It was our first Christmas in our new home. We decorated our home with 5 Christmas trees and it was the first year we did lights on the outside of the house - Jackson was pretty impressed! For years, Justin and I have spent the night at his parent's home Christmas Eve - this year was the first year we stayed in our home so Santa could find Jackson. :) However, we still had a great visit with the Bixler clan over the holiday (With great food by Penny!)

Many wonderful things also stayed the same. We still did our annual luncheon on Christmas Eve with my family to celebrate my Mom's birthday. And of course, the "Annual Symmes family lock-down" took place at the Boyd home. Jackson was loved spending 48 hours+ with his cousins. They even snuck in a trip to Monkey Joes when I had to return to work on Monday.

It was great to watch Jackson actually "get" that Santa was coming this year. However, Jackson wasn't happy that Santa ate his cookies. He even counted to see how many were gone! :) Perhaps Santa will get carrots next year (Jackson refuses to eat them). :)

I could go on and on about our Christmas. It was filled with memories I hope to never forget - like having to wake Jackson up to tell him Santa had arrived - or Jackson sneaking into the other room to open presents by himself while we were eating dinner with the Bixler's, or the way his face lit up when he opened his Nintendo DS from Santa (Now he can be just like his cousins!) - but you can catch the excitement by watching our slideshow above!

We hope your holiday was wonderful too!

Just in case he has to "FIX" somethin'!

Santa Claus bought Jackson a new set of Black and Decker tools ("Just like Pop"). Last night he INSISTED he wear his safety goggles in the shower. Like Jackson said, "You know, I might need to fixth (fix with a lisp) somethin'.

I love my little 'handy man'.

Ringing in 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Justin and I were lucky enough to get away with great friends for New Years Eve. We traveled to one of our favorite cities - Nashville, TN. A big thanks to our friend, Cory, who opened his home to all of us - even though he was out of town.

It was great fun - with great friends.

Here's to 2011 - may she be a great one!

Enjoy some photos!

Dinner with friends

Sara, Kristen, and Rachel

Adam and Sara McCord

Chris and Rachel Hinshaw

This Bixler's and The Hinshaw's

2011! :)

Christmas Post is still coming - I may have taken a few too many photos! :)

Our Little Buzz Lightyear!

Those of you who read this blog - know that Jackson is a fan of Buzz Lightyear (and a fan of Wood for that matter)!

So you won't be surprised that I caught him imitating the famous "Space Ranger" while playing on the indoor playground at the mall tonight. After watching his "show" about 10 times, I decided to film it to share with all of you!

Enjoy our little Buzz - to infinity and beyond!

P.S. Our Christmas post is coming soon! I'm still recovering from the holiday! :)

Santa Stopped Here!

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. We certainly did. Funny how a little 2 year old boy can make a special holiday even more wonderful.

I can't wait to share more pictures and video's from our Christmas. For now, check out Jackson posing with his toys from Santa! He was so thrilled with all of his things and couldn't believe Santa left him so much. But he was a little disappointed that Santa ate the cookies and drank the milk. :) Perhaps he'll understand next year!!

Happy Holidays!

We wanted to take some time - before the hustle and bustle starts - to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy spending time with your family and loved ones and make wonderful memories this Christmas.

Click here to see a a few of our holiday photos.

Jackson's Christmas Program 2010

As promised here is the video of Jackson's Christmas Pre-School program.

It is a bit long - but at least check out the first couple of minutes where Jackson shows how he has learned to hum. Hilarious! He had been practicing at home the weeks leading up to the show and Justin and I got quite a kick out of it.

Perhaps we still won't call Broadway - or Radio City holiday show - but he seems to have warmed up a bit from his spring pre-school show. PROGRESS! :)

Jackson's Christmas show was one of the highlights of our Christmas this year. We were very proud parents!

Check out our little Christmas mouse!

A big thanks to Justin's parents, my Grandma, and my Mom for driving to Indy for the big show! Jackson was pretty impressed to look out and see all of us! :)

Merry Christmas from the Bixler's!

Our Little Christmas Mouse!

Today was Jackson's first Christmas show. I am still wiping the tears from my eyes...It was too sweet and we were so proud of him!

Video coming tomorrow. Right now Jackson is watching his performance over and over - keeping me from downloading the video. He's his own biggest fan!

Can't wait to share the video. :)

Santa is coming to town!

Check out Jackson telling me all about Santa coming...

notice that "Woody/Buzz" even made it in to the story.

Can't wait for Christmas morning!

Just what friends are for!

Those of you who have known me for a long time - know that my oldest friend is Jenny (Reeves) Moore.

I met Jenny in Pre-school. It was an instant friendship - one full of giggles. We often drove our parents crazy with loud laughter that was never ending - just as little girls should. Imagine my pure joy when I found out that my dear friend would be moving next door to my family when I was in grade school.

As the years went by, Jenny and I enjoyed swimming at each others houses, early breakfasts with my Dad at McDonald's as he drove us to school, and many Girl Scout meetings with our mom's as leaders.

Our college years were different as our visits were few and far between - but one thing never changed. The laughter. Jenny and I could pick up right where we left off - no matter how many months it had been.

As adults, we have stood up with each other as we both exchanged vows with our husbands, held each others hand through tragedy and sorrow, and of course have managed to always continue the laughter.

I truly feel lucky to have attended Mrs. Fry's Pre-school class so many years ago and met Jenny. I find it only fitting that Jackson and Jenny share the same birthday - May 3rd. Jenny doesn't have her own children yet, but never waivers in listening to my "Jackson Stories" and even chimes in when other mom-friends and I are debating the political correctness of Disney's Handy Manny cartoon. :)

For about a month now, I have been HUNTING for a certain Hallmark ornament for Jackson. Of course, it was the most popular ornament of the year and was sold out everywhere. I was searching for the Toy Story ornament - High Flying Friends. I'm certain you have one - it seemed everyone did but us!

I called every place I could think of and even shopped in Chicago for this popular ornament! NO LUCK! I was almost ready to pay double on e-bay when I thought of one last idea. I sent a text to about 10 girlfriends asking for their help in making my little boy smile with this special ornament. Within 24 hours I received a text back saying, "I GOT THE ORNAMENT" - of course, it was from Jenny.

Jenny lives in Terre Haute and she had called multiple stores until she found just what I was looking for. I wasn't surprised that it was Jenny who came to my rescue - and I couldn't be more grateful. Its funny the things that mean the world to you when your a mother - and this special "Woody- Buzz" ornament was the item I needed to start this Christmas season off just right for Jackson. Thanks so much, Jen!

Enjoy some photos of Jackson and his "Woody Buzz" ornament!

Its His Favorite!

Happy Friday!

Just call us The Griswald's!

Each year, I beg Justin for outside holiday lights. And each year, I lose the battle. Not this year. Though I don't think I had much to do with the victory - it was all Jackson. One night, a few weeks ago, Jackson and I enjoyed the drive home from school looking at all the holiday lights. That night Jackson said to his Daddy, "Daddy, I want lights on the 'big house'."

Done. We have lights!

We don't just have lights, we also have 4 Christmas trees and 1 more to come. We have a lighted deer in the front yard and a giant Santa Claus on our back porch (peeking into the kitchen to make sure Jackson is eating his dinner!). The giant Santa was my folks' as I was growing up. I remember hugging Santa each trip into the house as it stood by our front door.

Oh what I difference a child can make at Christmas.

Justin has gone from insisting that we not over-due the holiday decorations to making quick trips home each night to make sure all the lights, deer, and trees are lit and ready for Jackson before we arrive home. Remind you of Clark Griswald???

Jackson's reaction to the lights on his 'big house'? "Pretty Cool, Dad!" Justin decided then and there - that we would have even more lights next year...can't wait! Even I can't wait to come home and enjoy the decorations and listen to the million questions Jackson has about Santa - like "Is our door broken and Santa use the fireplace on Christmas? Pop can fix it!" So sweet!

Can't wait to spend the rest of this holiday month with Jackson.

Picture of Jackson's tree from my mom to come too - it already has some special ornaments ready for it!

Jackson helping decorate the tree

Posing next to his Mickey Mouse ornament from Aunt Shel

Tree from our Apartment

Justin's tree - colored lights

My Tree - white lights

My Deer. My folks had a set of three that used to sit in their yards. Each of my sisters now have one in their yards. This is the first year Justin agreed to light it up. I was so excited!

Griswald's House :)

My Santa from when I was Young - Jackson said "Big Ho Ho" is here!

Circle of Lights 2010

Most of you know, that it is a long standing tradition in my family that we attend the Circle of Lights event downtown Indianapolis each year. I don't think I have missed one yet - so that means I've been to 31!

Years ago my sisters and I added Black Friday shopping to our tradition and haven't stopped since. We love it. We weren't as dedicated as some of my friends who didn't go to sleep and were out shopping by midnight...but we were out by 4 am to score my oldest sister a new dishwasher. We were delerious by early afternoon as Deb and I were starting to argue over her road "shot-gun". We even raced to the car at one point - I had to push out of the way at the end - but I still won just the same! :)

After shopping, we went to my sister's, Michelle, company Christmas party. Jackson had been waiting for this part all night - because he knew Santa was going to be there. I told him to have his list ready and to tell Santa what a good boy he had been...figuring in realtiy he wouldn't even sit on his lap. I couldn't have been more wrong. He hopped up on Santa's lap, told him what he wanted, and even cuddled up for the picture.

2010 - Jackson and Santa

Here are some other family favorite photos from a fun weekend!

With the Big Kids

His best friend - his Daddy!

Story Time with Santa