Then there was the dishwasher...

Over the weekend, I caught Jackson actually standing in the dishwasher. He has taught himself how to open it and climb on in! He even knows how to turn it on. Dishes or no dishes...he starts it up!

I had to snap some photos before I told him no! He didn't quite understand why he could NOT be in the dishwasher...

Enjoy the photos!

Maybe he was hungry...

I was in the middle of putting on Jackson's PJ's the other night...and he bolted for the kitchen (yep...I said bolted...he is pretty fast these days).

I ran behind him to see what was so interesting in the kitchen. It was the refrigerator!

Jackson can open and shut it. He loves to stand in front of it and just "check things out."

Check out the last photo above...I shut the refrigerator door (it was cold and he was naked) and he was not happy! You would have thought I turned his Elmo movie off. He even had real tears!!

He finally let me put his pj's on...and soon forgot about the fridge.

Stay tuned for the dishwasher story...he's really interested in kitchen appliances...and he did not get that from me! :)

Happy Birthday, Penny!

Justin, Jackson, and I want to wish Penny a very happy birthday!

Thanks for being a fantastic Grandma to Jackson!

A nice surprise!

I have been organizing photos lately. It is a small obsession I have. I never want a photo deleted and I always want them stored on CDs. If we ever had a fire, I would grab Jackson, Justin, my wedding ring and my binder of photo CDs. I am a little OCD about my photos...but here is why!

Tonight, I was trying to find a certain photo of Jackson...and look what I came across...it made my day! I remember taking this photo one night when we were out to dinner with my family. Jackson sat next to my Dad in his pumpkin seat. He stared at Dad and loved hearing his deep voice. Finally, Dad picked him up to feed him. A bottle and his Papaw Mike...Jackson couldn't have been happier.

So glad I snapped this photo!

I miss my Dad so much! Finding this photo has really made me smile.

Two, Two, We Want Two!

In honor of March Madness...here is a short video (from last month) of Jackson "shooting hoops."



Enjoy!

This one brought tears to my eyes....but what doesn't these days!

I found this article today...it brought tears to my eyes!

I can't imagine how I would feel if I didn't get to witness all Jackson's shining moments...even as he grows older. I'm so glad this mom will get to be there for her son's shining moment!

I'm usually not a Purdue fan...but I am now!

Enjoy the story!

Carmel school staff sends Purdue player's mom to Portland
By JIM D. STAFFORD
Lafayette Journal & Courier

JaJuan's Lunch Ladies have made sure JaJuan Johnson's No. 1 fan will be in Portland today to watch Purdue play Northern Iowa in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

On Sunday, Rhonda Curlin attended what she thought was her last Purdue game this season. Curlin watched her son, sophomore forward JaJuan Johnson, lead the Boilermakers to the Big Ten tournament championship with a win over Ohio State at Indianapolis' Conseco Fieldhouse.
Her co-workers at Creekside Middle School in Carmel had other plans for Curlin when the NCAA tournament pairings were announced.

Upon learning that the nearly $600 cost of a flight to Portland, Ore., was going to keep Curlin from attending Purdue's games, Lynda Smith, the cafeteria manager at Creekside, went to work.

She found a flight for about $400 on Monday, went to work Tuesday morning and asked Curlin's co-workers in the cafeteria if they wanted to pitch in. Within 15 minutes -- with contributions from the lunch ladies, athletic director and custodial staff -- Smith had more than enough for an airline ticket. Johnson's godmother chipped in for a hotel room.
When Curlin arrived at 8:30 a.m. Smith handed her an envelope.

"I gave her the money and she ran to the restroom and cried," Smith said Wednesday. "She had to compose herself."

Curlin said she was overcome with emotion.
"I was so happy and surprised," Curlin said during a layover on her way to Portland.

"I had to excuse myself because I was so emotional. When I walked in and saw them all standing around I knew they were up to something. They are very special people."
Curlin received more contributions as the news from the cafeteria spread through the school.
"I had people coming up to me giving me $20, $50," Curlin said. "I am so blessed."
Johnson couldn't be happier to have his mom at today's game.

"It's a real nice thing," Johnson said before Wednesday's practice in the Rose Garden. "A lot of people wouldn't have done that. In today's society, especially with the way the economy is right now, it's just such a nice thing. My biggest fan is going to be here for the game. She is real excited. She called me right after they told her."

Earlier this season, Smith organized a bus trip for about 25 Creekside employees and their families to Purdue's game at Ball State. Curlin's co-workers held up "JaJuan's Lunch Ladies" signs during the game.

"We've got people here that weren't Purdue fans before but are now fans because of Rhonda," Smith said. "We've followed him all season."

Raising the money for Curlin, who drives a bus for the Carmel Clay School District and works in the Creekside cafeteria, was an easy sell.

"It all happened so fast," Smith said. "Several teachers heard about it later and wanted to get involved."

Perhaps they can pick up the tab to Phoenix if Purdue advances to the Sweet 16.

Jackson loves the park!

Yesterday, we took Jackson to the park...and he loved it!

He loved all the swinging, sliding, and walking (the best he can do) that came along with our trip to the park.

Justin and I loved it just as much too...only because of the pure joy on his face the entire time.

I'm hoping for some nice weather today too...so we can make another trip when I return from work.

We didn't take our video camera but couldn't resist taking some video footage with out digital camera! Who can resist those giggles! Enjoy some video and pictures from our park visit.

Bring on summer....we can't wait!

Happy Birthday, Amanda!

Today, one of my best friends turns 21!...ok, ok, so she is really 30!

Happy Birthday, Amanda!

Thank you so much for the support you have given me the past couple of years. You never wavered when I wanted to talk about the good and the bad of pregnancy. You sent comforting texts/e-mails (which I saved) when I was in labor at home and offered to meet me at the hospital. The next day, you couldn't wait to meet Jackson and I could wait to introduce you. You even gave up a week of your summer vacation to spend with Jackson as I went back to work full-time.

You were the first phone call I made after I learned my Dad had passed away. You didn't know what to say, so we sat on the phone in silence. At the funeral, you took care of Jackson and I knew he was in great hands. You stayed at the funeral home until I left and were back again for the service the next day.

When I want to talk about my Dad you listen. When I don't want to talk...you remind me of something funny to distract my thoughts.

Besides all of this, you are such a fun friend! I would love to list all fun memories we have together...but we would need more time. Fun times at 3rd Middle, Senior Formal, our weddings, Hilton Head, TN (all the trips to TN)...and of course Girls Night Out!

Thanks so much for being a great friend. I can't wait to celebrate this weekend!

You don't look a day over 21!

Lots of love,
Kris

Way to go Liv and Maddie!

This past weekend Justin, Jackson, and I caught up with the Boyd girls at their cheerleading competition.

We only got to see Liv perform (Maddie went on a little early). Liv did great! I started crying because she is just so big. You can tell she loves every minute of her tumbling, jumping, and dancing. Even Justin admitted he had to look away a couple times to keep from getting a tear in his eye. (Awww...what a softie!) We can remember when she was Jackson's size and we spent our Friday nights babysitting....it was the highlight of our week.

This girls were so sweet to include Jackson in one of their photos...check it out. Jackson loved the music and the lights!


Side Note: Michelle sent me a text last night from the End of the Year Cheer Banquet...Maddie won an award for Best Facials (I think she got that from Aunt Kicken...it was my specialty)! And...Liv won Best Overall Cheerleader!


Girls,

Uncle Justin and Aunt Kicken are so proud of you! We love you!

Michael Jackson here we come...

I'm sure most of you have heard that Michael Jackson is going on tour in London starting this summer. He will even be doing shows in January and February 2010 (Justin's 30th Birthday).

Justin couldn't resist this chance to see Michael Jackson.

A Michael Jackson concert has been on his "Bucket List" for as long as I have known Justin. For those of you who have spent time at our house...you may have been lucky enough to witness Justin's impression of Dirty Diana.

Needless to say, Justin is a fan!

Justin couldn't let the chance go to celebrate his 30th Birthday with Michael Jackson in London.

I couldn't either.

We stayed up all night waiting for the tickets to go one sale. Finally at 3 a.m.- our time- they went on sale. It took us two hours to actually get the website to work (to much web traffic) and then it happened...we got two tickets! Out of the 750,000 tickets that sold in four hours...we have two of them!

So it is on our calendar! We will be in London for the February 18, 2010 Michael Jackson concert.

Justin keeps repeating the same line, "I can't believe we are going to see Michael Jackson in concert...in London!"

Secretly, neither can I.

It is 1:30 a.m....

It is 1:30 a.m.

A couple of hours ago, Justin and I were tucked in bed asleep.

So was Jackson.

Jackson cried out and Justin went in to give him his pacifier. This usually sends Jackson back to having sweet dreams.

However, tonight that wasn't going to help.

Jackson has the flu.

At this point, Jackson has thrown-up on himself and his Mommy and Daddy. At one point, we stripped him down and dunked him in the tub.

We hate knowing that he does not feel well. He can't tell us he is sick and we can tell him it won't last very long. But we try to make him feel better with lots of hugs and kisses. Though, I think the hugs and kisses make us feel better more than anything.

We have been so blessed with such a healthy baby. In 10 1/2 months, Jackson has 2 ear infections and a couple of colds...never the flu. I knew our luck would run out some day.

Jackson is back to having sweet dreams....for now. I am going to try to do the same. Though I think I will sleep with the monitor next to my ear...so I can bolt into his room the minute he needs me.

Good night...I smell like vomit (perhaps I will shower before I return to bed)!

FINALLY...Caught on camera!

For a couple of weeks now, Jackson has been attempting "walking" on his own without our prompting.

And...for a couple of weeks now, I have had the video camera out trying to catch his latest trick on camera. No such luck.

Until tonight!

Justin called me at work today to proudly tell me that Jackson had been walking a lot on his own . So, when I got home I got the camera out and was ready for action.

Jackson didn't let me down...check out a quick clip of some the "footage" (get it? tee hee!).




Side note: Some of you know I am a little emotional over Jackson turning one soon. Watching these steps tugged at my heartstrings a bit. :( After that initial emotion passed...I was one proud Momma!

Way to go Jackson!

A busy week...

This has been a very busy week.

I would love to tell you why...but it has been one of those where I am not sure why it has been so busy. I have a to-do list at home, yet nothing seems to be getting done.

It could be because Jackson is in the stage where he needs to be watched every second.

Jackson is starting to walk and is gaining confindence each day. But with confidence, comes a few falls with bruises and lots of Mommy and Daddy hugs.

We are still trying to capture some of his steps on video...stay tuned!

Thanks for voting!

A big "Thank-you" to all who voted for Jackson this past week in the "Simply-Cute" photo contest.

He won!

What was the prize? "A gift certificate for his "Thank You" notes (to match his invites) for his upcoming birthday party! I know, I am cheap and shameless! I love a good deal!

Thanks again!

No Atkins Diet for Jackson...

I'm a big fan of carbs...it is a weakness.

Apparently, Jackson has the same weakness.

He turns is his nose to every solid food...EXCEPT BREAD.

In fact, Panera Bread has become his favorite restaurant.

Check out the photos of him enjoying the top to my bread bowl.

Help yourself, Jackson!

Look Mom and Dad...No Hands!

Justin and I have noticed Jackson pulling himself up and standing on his own.

A few times, we have even noticed him taking a couple steps on his own. We haven't been lucky enough to catch his steps on the video camera just yet (not for lack of trying).

So for now, enjoy some of these photos that show how brave our little guy is...we are so proud!

Happy Birthday, Jackson!

Jackson is starting to not "enjoy" his monthly birthday photo!

Today marks Jackson's 10th-month birthday!

Justin and I have loved watching Jackson grow and develop this past month.

Jackson has started to show so much personality. He is hard headed (just like his Dad) and very smart (just like his Mom)! :)

Jackson loves to open and shut any drawer or cabinet, he loves the bathroom (fascinated with toilets), hates solid foods (except for bread), and loves his Sesame Street video on shapes and colors.

We were so surprised when he took his first steps a few weeks ago! Tonight, Justin and I both noticed Jackson pulling himself up and taking steps on his own...without our prompting. I feel like we will be watching him run in a track meet any day now! :)

I can't believe that in just two short months we will be celebrating Jackson's first birthday. Where did the time go? I feel like I just brought him home from the hospital.

To be honest, I am a little emotional about the big day coming so soon. I love watching him grow and develop, but miss the nights we were up every four hours (I know, I am crazy!).

Have I lost my mind?

I know there are milestones coming that are just as special...I can't wait for him to say his first sentence, to watch him master walking, to take him to the park this summer, to dip him in the pool, and so much more.

So....bring on the party-planning! Michelle and I have already chatted about invitations and my Mom and I looked at cakes today...Can't wait!

Vote for Jackson...

We have entered a photo of Jackson in a photo contest...

If you have time - vote for Jackson!

To vote, click the link below. He is contestant #4870
Voting ends Monday (3/9) at noon.

http://www.simplytoimpress.com/photo-contest/index.php?page=1

Thanks for voting!

Moving is exhausting...

This weekend was "moving weekend" for my Mom.

We had wonderful family and friends who helped my mom all weekend (really they have helped for a couple of weeks now). It seemed there was always someone to help lift something heavy, tape up a box for storage, or just hand us a tissue when we found something of my Dad's.

Grandma Evy was there all weekend with enough food to feed the troops in Iraq. :) At one point, I think she brought in as many boxes of food than we had just loaded on the truck. That is what Grandma's are for...to feed us!

A HUGE thanks to all of those who helped us this weekend. Moving is stressful. If you add the emotions we were all going through... it made for a very exhausting weekend. Our friends and family helped make it a little easier. Thank you.

Also...a big thanks to Sara McCord who kept Jackson for the day!! It was so nice knowing that Jackson was in great hands!