Where is Handy Manny!

As I have already told you, Jackson is a huge fan of the Disney show Handy Manny. 

 

My friend, Jessica, gave Jackson his very own Handy Manny tool box for his birthday.  It is one of Jackson's favorites.  The infamous tool box usually travels with Jackson wherever he goes.  If we mention the tool box at home - he must run and find it immediately.  

Sometimes Justin and I ask Jackson where the toy is - JUST FOR LAUGHS.  His immediate reaction and insistence on finding it is hilarious. 

Tonight, I tried to get it on video.

P.S.  We're working on getting rid of the pacifier.  However, after 8:30 - it is a lost cause!  I'm not sure who is winning this battle!  Wish us luck!

Bring on the Football!

This weekend, Jackson and I took in my Nephew's football game.  I promised Griffin a few weeks ago that I would be at his SECOND game of the season.  I knew I couldn't make the first one and was hoping to be able to make the next game.  

I called Deb to check in on time and location on Friday.  Deb mentioned that Griffin had told her that I PROMISED I would be at the second game.  This kid doesn't forget anything!  I didn't mind...I was really looking forward to it.

Jackson and I piled in the car - along with his Notre Dame Football that Uncle Greg gave him before he even arrived into this world - and headed for some little league football.

The game was lots of fun!  I laughed seeing my sister cringe at each time Griffin (or any kid for that matter) was at the bottom of the tackle.  Griffin's brother Hayden even kept Jackson and I entertained at half-time.  He is half-time show all in himself - he cracks me up!

Griffin looks so big in his "full pads" and even completed a "quaterback sneak!"  

I told Justin that night...it is hard to believe that our little guy could be out there in a few years scoring touchdowns... or more like playing linebacker!  :)

Enjoy some photos from the big game!

Jackson, Kristen, Griffin, and Haden

Jackson and Hayden at Half Time

Jackson watching the game (he kept running onto the field!)

Griffin and Coach Pope - Greg is the Assistant Coach!

Congrats to Jill and Russ!

Quick Post:

Justin and I returned home late last night.

We were visiting our friends Jill and Russ in the hospital.

Their precious baby boy was born August 25. He is adorable.

Mom and Dad are also doing well.

They are over the moon about their baby boy, William, just as they should be.

Congrats to Jill and Russ - Baby William is perfect!

Feeling Better...Much Better!

Jackson is feeling so much better.

Thank you to everyone who has called or e-mailed us to ask how he is doing

(and for checking on Mommy and Daddy too).

Here are a few photos I snapped tonight.

I thought I'd share them to show that he is almost back to being the smiling Jackson that we all know and love!

P.S. Tonight, Jackson actually pooped in the tub while I was giving him a bath.

Of course, I snapped a photo...but Justin said I must spare all of you from looking at it. :)

Happy Birthday, Deb!

Happy Birthday, Deb!

Monday is my sister's birthday.

Justin, Jackson, and I just returned from a family celebration in her honor. Our time together tonight was full of fun stories and laughter that reminded me why we all love her so much!

Deb is always the one sending me cards or nice e-mails when life gets me down or when I have a need to celebrate. In fact, I recently found a card from her that she sent to my dorm room my first year in college wishing me well...one that I have kept all these years!

A couple of years ago Deb asked me to join her at the CMA awards as she and her co-host accepted their first CMA award as Radio Personalities of the Year. I was so excited to be at the big event - amongst all the country stars I listen to on the radio. While Deb and I still laugh about me shoving snacks in my purse while back stage (hey - I was 3 months pregnant), how I made her help me HUNT Carrie Underwood down so I could meet her, and how we were both taller than Kenny Chesney even with our heels off...still my best memory from that night is seeing my big sister accept her big award!!! I was and still am so proud!

Deb has a great sense of humor and is often our family comedian. Sometimes we are laughing with her..and there are often times we are laughing at her (the funniest stuff happens to her). I admire the way Deb is an open-book and is willing to share the good with the bad. She never minds sharing her stories about loosing her keys, leaving milk in the car, or how the starbucks-guy knows her by name.

Deb is a great mother, sister, and friend. I admire the way she

manages to be all three and so much more!

I want to wish Deb a very happy birthday! I hope

you enjoy your day and feel loved all day through!

First Hospital Stay

We are just returning from the hospital.

Jackson had his first overnight stay in a hospital.

He was treated for Pneumonia and a Asthma Attack.

He was a trooper....Justin and I tried to be troopers.

I will post more later.  For now, I must tend to a toddler who seems to be on the mend.

P.S.  Thanks so much for all the phone calls, texts, and e-mails wishing Jackson a quick recovery!

Family, Friends, and a lot of Fun!

Wow. Is the weekend over already?

Justin and I had a packed weekend full of visits with family and friends. We were so lucky to get to visit with such great people all weekend. Justin and I are so blessed to have such great family and friends.


So here is the run down of our weekend:


Friday-


My nephews, Griffin and Hayden, came to visit for the evening. These two boys are full of energy and enough one liners to fill a comedy club. Justin and I were constantly laughing. Whether is was Hayden telling us his mother has been threatening to wash his mouth out with vinegar - only because he really doesn't mind soap or Griffin offering to share his arcade tickets with his younger brother - and then only gave him 2. The final count was Griffin 35 - Hayden 5. Seems fair. We had a great time putt-putting, eating pizza, playing in the arcade, and even swimming when the pool was clearly CLOSED. It was a great visit and Jackson, Justin, and I were sad to see them leave.


Saturday-


Early Saturday morning, we loaded up the car with swim suits and towels (and a million other things) and headed to the Weller cabin. Once a year, Tom and Paula Weller along with Stacey Bowman (Weller) open up their cabin to our group of friends from high school. In the past, we have made it a girls weekend. I love this weekend! It is so fun to catch up with everyone and laugh about old memories. This year we added another event at the Weller cabin - Family Day. Most of our families are growing and we stay up to date by blogs or facebook. But having a day where we all came together with husbands and children was so fun! Not to mention - Jackson had his first boat ride (Tom even let Jackson sit in the driver's seat - Thanks, Tom!), swam in the lake, and flirted with Little Miss Cami Bowman for the first of what I'm sure will be many times! It was so great to visit with everyone! Girls weekend is scheduled for a few months from now! Can't wait!


We left the Weller Cabin a littler early to make it to Indy in time to get Jackson to Grandma Penny and Grandpa John - and make it to meet friends for dinner. We met Kristin, Aaron, Amanda, Jill, and Russ to celebrate Kristin's 30th birthday! It was good food, great company and lots of laughs. This group also went to a movie (something we rarely get to do anymore) and saw "The Goods"...so funny! Let's just say there was a lot of loud laughing that embarrassed Justin!


Justin and I both ended Saturday by commenting how lucky we are to have such great friends!


Sunday-


Sunday morning we picked Jackson up from the Bixler's and loaded the wagon, diaper bag, camera, and a spritzer bottle (it was hot) and headed to the Indiana State Fair. I was excited for Jackson to see the animals and ride the rides...okay, so I was excited for a lemon shake-up and a corn dog too. :) Jackson loved the horses, he didn't know what to think of the pigs and goats, and he LOVED the rides. Let me just say, that I can't believe I have a child that his tall enough to ride the rides at the fair (so maybe we spiked his hair really tall today to add a couple inches). Jackson loved this Bee ride and of course, the Merry-Go-Round! Jackson also tried Cotton Candy for the first time. Justin handed him a piece, he tried it, and handed it back (half chewed). Who doesn't like Cotton Candy? I also made sure to sneak in a cup of ice cold tomato juice from the Red Gold barn...it was one of my Dad's State Fair favorites!


We rushed back so Jackson could have a nap (me too) and we could attend a family cookout at The Boyd house. Michelle and Tom invited my family over to cookout, swim, and catch-up. It was so nice to visit, laugh, and watch Jackson enjoy the pool - he is starting to love the water!

Below is a slideshow of a whirlwind weekend! It was busy- but so fun! Enjoy the photos!

Happy 30th Birthday, Kristin!

Kristin, Kristen, and Amanda at FC homecoming

Justin and I want to post some birthday wishes for our good friend, Kristin Charles. Today, Kristin joins the rest of us (except Justin - he is a baby) as we make 30 the new 20!

Kristin and I met in college and have great memories of our time at FC. However, as the years have flown by, Kristin and I have grown closer. I cherish my friendship with Kristin, Amanda, and Jill - as the four of us have helped each other keep laughing during some tough times, and helped each other embrace the good things life has handed us. These girls are great!

Each month we meet for dinner at least once. We call Kristin our "cruise director" as she is always e-mailing us about where and when our next Girls Night Out will be. I look forward to her e-mails and to our get-togethers that she organizes.

Kristin has a great sense of humor and is always keeping me laughing. She has a way to make me laugh when I don't want to - yet I always know she is sincere and only wants to see me smile! Kristin is a great mother, wife, sister, and friend and we are all lucky to have her!!!

Kristin,

I hope you enjoy your special day!

I wish I could give you a big hug to tell you how much you are loved!

Hugs,
Kristen

Pudding + Spoon = FUN!

Jackson is learning how to use a spoon and a fork...in fact he INSISTS on using them.

We had been practicing with apple sauce.  But, last night I let Jackson practice with pudding.  

Needless to say, Jackson had pudding everywhere but his mouth!  :)

I will capture this great adventure on video soon!  Stay tuned...

Heat Wave!

Finally, it feels like summer has arrived!

The 90 degree weather has even forced Jackson into the pool...something he has been a bit hesitant of this summer.  

I think he even enjoyed himself...

Dear Dad,

Dear Dad,

Today marks an entire year since I got to pick up a phone and tell you about my day or Jackson's latest achievement.  It is hard to believe you never saw him roll over, let alone see him walk and talk like he is today.  You would laugh if you were here to know that his favorite word is "snack"...just like his Papaw Mike.  

I often think about how fitting it is that the last time I spoke to you I was calling for your help. I was lost and needed you to help me find my way to Indianapolis from a detour.  You immediately knew how to help and your directions were a success.  Had I known that was the last time I would talk to you, I would have told you how thankful I was for those directions and the countless other times I had leaned on you.  

This past year has been harder than I could ever imagine.  Yet I still sit here today with happiness in my heart.  Partly because of the little boy asleep on my lap right now, partly because of family and friends, and partly because I know that is what you would have wanted. 

I try to live my life the way I think you would approve of...but deep down I know that you just wanted happiness for all of us.  So, even though missing you is the hardest thing I have ever done...I will keep going.  

I will keep living, loving, and laughing just the way you taught me...

I miss you...and love you even more.

Kris

Jackson's First Lovers Quarrel

Today Jackson had his first "Lovers Quarrel" at school.

Yes, funny...but very true.

When I picked him up today I saw "the dent" in his forehead right away.

The teacher explained what happened.

She explained that Jackson and one of the triplet girls were having a long "embrace."

I chuckled...but she was serious. She went on to explain the the little girl was done "embracing," but Jackson wasn't. Jackson wanted another hug and ran after her. As he was running, he fell and hit his head on a toy.

Thus, the dent on his head.

I hope she was worth it!

The teacher explained to me that she thinks Jackson is going "love the ladies"...I smiled and said,...."just like his Daddy."

Check out "The Dent"...it isn't a bump...it is a dent!

So now I'm really curious?...

Ok...here is the deal.

I've been blogging for a little over a year. I love it. It is fun to be able to share our lives with the people we love...friends and family.

I know most of the people who read this. Or, at least I think I do.

For example, I know Lori from work checks in on the blog about twice a week. I know friends from college do the same. I know friends from high school are often catching up with our busy lives (like when we are moving next) by reading the blog. I even know that friends of friends read the blog. For example, I know Sara's friend, Kara, checks in from Wisconsin every now in then. I know our friend's parents even take a peek sometimes...I love it . It is such a neat way to share our joy in raising Jackson.

How do I know all the people read the blog? I'll admit it. I track it. I don't have names, but I have the business names and locations...I like to look see every once in a while just to make sure no-one from the Terre Haute Federal Prison is checking in on Justin, Jackson, and I. :)

But...in all this tracking...I have one person I can't figure out. I don't know anyone who works for the company and don't know many people from this city either.

So....If you are the reader from Throttle Design in Carmel, IN....please let me know. I'm sure you are a friend or a friend of a friend...can you please just ease my mind!?! Who are you?

Why am I paranoid? I just received this clip from a friend...and now I just have to know.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/08/02/wcvb.ma.kid.for.sale.wcvb

Happy Birthday, Cory!

Still friends after all these years...

Justin and I want to wish our friend, Cory, a very Happy 30th Birthday.

This past weekend we were able to celebrate with him.

It was great to see the whole "group" together. Summertime is so busy for everyone and it was nice to take a break from the usual routine and see good friends. Justin and I both left wishing we could do that more often! :)

A big thanks to Cory's parents, Patty and Larry, for hosting all of us. It was great fun!

Happy Birthday, Cory!