Sunday, December 21, 2008
Skip the toys Santa...just bring the box!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Siblings
I am one of three girls.
I was, and always will be, the baby.
I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love having siblings. Especially sisters.
Becoming a parent and loosing a parent, all in months of each other, have made me realize how important my childhood memories are.
I love knowing that there are at least two other people in this world who have the same memories that I do. No matter how close you are with a spouse, girlfriend, or co-worker…only your siblings can recall your childhood memories the way you can too.
I bet only Michelle and Deb can remember where I hid my report card in high school (behind my dresser, Michelle found it and told Deb, Deb told Dad).
I’m sure Michelle and Deb remember reaching into our Christmas stockings to find a piece of fruit in the bottom…ALWAYS. Not sure why….but Dad insisted. Each year, we handed the fruit back to Mom.
I bet Michelle and Deb remember the black phone with grey buttons that hung in the garage. The buttons would stick when you dialed, but it never got replaced. I would go out to the garage and “listen” to my sister’s phone calls and then give a report to my Mom and Dad.
I’m sure my sisters remember the few years that Mom fell in love with the color Teal and most rooms in our house were covered in it. We even had Teal sofas.
I know they remember my “noodle balls.” Each time my mom would make homemade noodles, she would let me ball up some of the dough and she would cook my “noodle balls.” Deb hated it. I loved it!
My sisters remember all the summers at the softball diamond. My Dad coached their team and I was always the “bat girl.” I played myself years later…but I’ve tried to block those memories…Let’s just say I was a better “bat girl” than I was softball player.
I bet Michelle and Deb remember how Mom and Dad always closed the doors to the family room on Christmas morning so we couldn’t see what Santa had left. It was the only time of the year those doors were closed.
I’m sure they remember the stack of firewood my parents had behind the shed. I would sit and watch my Dad walk out in the cold to get firewood. I was worried about him being out in the cold (it wasn’t a far walk at all…I was just a Daddy’s girl).
I’m certain my sisters remember the sliding door that went between their rooms. I thought it was so cool and often wished I had a sliding door connecting my room to theirs.
I know that we all remember asking for that "one thing" and never getting it. I know we remember - because we have always teased my folks about it. Michelle wanted to go to France, Deb wanted a horse, and I wanted a telephone booth....all of these were small requests...yet my parents said no to all three. We are still bitter...but love to laugh at the thought of these requests. :)
I bet my sisters remember all of us getting ready in a tiny bathroom each morning. My mom would do my hair as they were teasing theirs higher and higher (it was the 80's).
I'm sure they remember the ivory phone that sat on the ledge above my mom's bath tub. I can still picture my entire family huddled in my parents closet taking cover from a near by tornado. My Dad stepped out to use the ivory phone to call his brothers to make sure they were taking cover as well. I waited anxiously until my Dad returned to take cover with the rest of us.
My point? I am so grateful that I can call my sisters up and say "remember this" and instantly we can share a laugh.
P.S. I'm also certain my sisters can remember what a great baby sister I was! :)
I was, and always will be, the baby.
I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love having siblings. Especially sisters.
Becoming a parent and loosing a parent, all in months of each other, have made me realize how important my childhood memories are.
I love knowing that there are at least two other people in this world who have the same memories that I do. No matter how close you are with a spouse, girlfriend, or co-worker…only your siblings can recall your childhood memories the way you can too.
I bet only Michelle and Deb can remember where I hid my report card in high school (behind my dresser, Michelle found it and told Deb, Deb told Dad).
I’m sure Michelle and Deb remember reaching into our Christmas stockings to find a piece of fruit in the bottom…ALWAYS. Not sure why….but Dad insisted. Each year, we handed the fruit back to Mom.
I bet Michelle and Deb remember the black phone with grey buttons that hung in the garage. The buttons would stick when you dialed, but it never got replaced. I would go out to the garage and “listen” to my sister’s phone calls and then give a report to my Mom and Dad.
I’m sure my sisters remember the few years that Mom fell in love with the color Teal and most rooms in our house were covered in it. We even had Teal sofas.
I know they remember my “noodle balls.” Each time my mom would make homemade noodles, she would let me ball up some of the dough and she would cook my “noodle balls.” Deb hated it. I loved it!
My sisters remember all the summers at the softball diamond. My Dad coached their team and I was always the “bat girl.” I played myself years later…but I’ve tried to block those memories…Let’s just say I was a better “bat girl” than I was softball player.
I bet Michelle and Deb remember how Mom and Dad always closed the doors to the family room on Christmas morning so we couldn’t see what Santa had left. It was the only time of the year those doors were closed.
I’m sure they remember the stack of firewood my parents had behind the shed. I would sit and watch my Dad walk out in the cold to get firewood. I was worried about him being out in the cold (it wasn’t a far walk at all…I was just a Daddy’s girl).
I’m certain my sisters remember the sliding door that went between their rooms. I thought it was so cool and often wished I had a sliding door connecting my room to theirs.
I know that we all remember asking for that "one thing" and never getting it. I know we remember - because we have always teased my folks about it. Michelle wanted to go to France, Deb wanted a horse, and I wanted a telephone booth....all of these were small requests...yet my parents said no to all three. We are still bitter...but love to laugh at the thought of these requests. :)
I bet my sisters remember all of us getting ready in a tiny bathroom each morning. My mom would do my hair as they were teasing theirs higher and higher (it was the 80's).
I'm sure they remember the ivory phone that sat on the ledge above my mom's bath tub. I can still picture my entire family huddled in my parents closet taking cover from a near by tornado. My Dad stepped out to use the ivory phone to call his brothers to make sure they were taking cover as well. I waited anxiously until my Dad returned to take cover with the rest of us.
My point? I am so grateful that I can call my sisters up and say "remember this" and instantly we can share a laugh.
P.S. I'm also certain my sisters can remember what a great baby sister I was! :)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Solid foods...already?
On Halloween, my Uncle Tom and Aunt Lee Ann gave Jackson Gerber cookies for a treat.
There was no way my "baby" could handle that solid cookie!
Uncle Tom and Aunt Lee Ann with Jackson
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Our Weekend
Our weekend was very eventful...so here is a short recap.
Friday night was low key. We knew we had a day full of great activities on Saturday so we wanted to relax.
Saturday, we drove to Westfield to watch my Nephew, Griffin, play basketball. Griffin made 3 baskets that day. Way to go Griffin! We snuck to Carmel to do some shopping at Clay Terrace. I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping...but I haven't wrapped a thing!
Next, we drove to Frankfort to see our good friends, Kristin and Aaron Charles. Kristin and Aaron went to Franklin College with me and have been close to Justin and I for years. The Charles' hosted a Christmas party for our "GNO" group (Girls Night Out - we do dinner and drinks once a month) and are spouses. It was great to get all of us together and talk and laugh...It seems like this group can find humor in anything!
Kristin and Aaron - Thanks for hosting such a great party!
On our way home from the Christmas party Justin mentioned he wasn't feeling so good. I didn't think much of it and figured a good nights sleep would fix the problem. Justin never felt better and we realized he had come down with the flu.
When Justin is sick...he could win and Oscar...at least a Golden Globe!
At one point, he looked at me and said "I don't think you have ever felt this bad"....I politely reminded him that I had given birth and I was certain that was pretty bad. He just mumbled. I have fetched him some Tylenol Flu, ran him a hot bath, made hot chocolate, got him a cold cloth, and sweated while the thermostat is on 80 (he says he is freezing - he is in bed with gloves on...).
I do believe "Wife of the Year" is in my future.
While I was concerned about Justin not feeling well...I enjoyed my day with Jackson. Jackson was my shopping buddy, my baking buddy (I had to make cookies for work), my napping buddy,...well, he was just my best buddy today. Check out this adorable photo I was able to snap with my cell phone while shopping today.
I had so much fun with Jackson today!
...I am a little sad the day is over. 
Friday night was low key. We knew we had a day full of great activities on Saturday so we wanted to relax.
Kristin and Aaron - Thanks for hosting such a great party!
On our way home from the Christmas party Justin mentioned he wasn't feeling so good. I didn't think much of it and figured a good nights sleep would fix the problem. Justin never felt better and we realized he had come down with the flu.
When Justin is sick...he could win and Oscar...at least a Golden Globe!
At one point, he looked at me and said "I don't think you have ever felt this bad"....I politely reminded him that I had given birth and I was certain that was pretty bad. He just mumbled. I have fetched him some Tylenol Flu, ran him a hot bath, made hot chocolate, got him a cold cloth, and sweated while the thermostat is on 80 (he says he is freezing - he is in bed with gloves on...).
I do believe "Wife of the Year" is in my future.
While I was concerned about Justin not feeling well...I enjoyed my day with Jackson. Jackson was my shopping buddy, my baking buddy (I had to make cookies for work), my napping buddy,...well, he was just my best buddy today. Check out this adorable photo I was able to snap with my cell phone while shopping today.
...I am a little sad the day is over.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Finally....His "Big Boy" Car Seat!
I can't believe we are done with the "baby" seat.
While I am relieved to not have to carry the big pumpkin seat anymore...I'm a little sad that we don't need the "baby" seat any longer.
They grow too fast!
P.S. Jackson got his second tooth today...I think he'll be ready for braces next week. :)
A Break-Dancing Reindeer???
Tonight, Justin and I attended a Christmas program for my nephew, Griffin. Griffin was a break-dancing reindeer....and boy did he have fun!
We had just as much fun watching him.
It was so great to watch this quiet little boy come out and wow the crowd with his dance moves.
Watch out Santa...this reindeer will put a little "funk" in your trip this year!
Happy 30th Birthday, Jessica!
Jessica, Jeremy, and Campbell QuireI wanted to take some time to wish my good friend, Jessica Quire, a very Happy 30th Birthday!!
Jess- Thank you for being a great friend and an amazing support. I had a great time at your "birthday dinner" the other night. It was great to talk and laugh like always.
Enjoy some time with your family and friends this week!!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Men!
24 hours after labor began...about 8 hours until Jackson arrivedSome friends of ours had a baby early this morning after 38 hours of labor.
My labor with Jackson was roughly the same.
Justin called me today and said, "38 hours! Could you imagine?"
I politely just said, "Yes, I can."
His response? "Oh,....Right,....Sorry."
How soon they forget....
Best wishes to Jason and Jenny Power and Baby Drew. We can't wait to see pictures and hear about all 38 hours! Enjoy every minute of your early Christmas gift! We love you!
A Symmes Family Christmas
Each year, the Symmes' family celebrates Christmas the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is a tradition that we enjoy very much. It has always consisted of a pitch in, a gift exchange (we always play the white elephant game), and a nice visit with family. And of course, it is not a Symmes' Family Christmas without a visit from Santa Claus.
The week leading up to the party was filled with mixed emotions for Justin and I both. We had many conversations about how hard the night would be without my Dad there. This was a night he loved so much. My Dad and my Uncle Dick “took charge” of the event each year.
Justin and I talked on the way to the party that it felt like Dad should walk in that night wearing his red sweater with his blue corduroys that Mom always laid out for him (he was colored blind). We talked that Dad should be there to tease Michelle when she walked in late, to laugh at Deb’s update with her Dancing With the Stars experience (she is dancing to Bringing Sexy Back), or to tell me he could not wait to see “Action Jackson” crawl (he did show off at the party). I was dreading what the evening would bring without my Dad being a part of one of his favorite nights.
This year the party was hosted by my Uncle Dick and my Aunt Marie. However, the morning of the party Uncle Dick fell and broke his ankle. Before the party even began, Uncle Dick had been rushed to the hospital, had surgery, and was in recovery. Aunt Marie was very gracious and hosted the party at her home anyways. Thanks so much, Marie. Uncle Dick – you were missed!
To my surprise, Justin and I very much enjoyed our night with the Symmes' gang. If there is one thing the Symmes’ are good at…it is laughter. We have a way of using sarcasm to lighten the mood and we are all pros at making fun of each other. It was so nice to be with my Dad’s siblings, his nieces and nephews that he loved so dearly, and all of the spouses who willingly married into this family. :) I told Justin that night that I felt closer to Dad by spending time with people he cared so deeply about.
Since I can remember, Santa Claus has always made a visit to the Symmes' Family Christmas party. I can still remember Santa showing up when I was young. My folks would host the party and I could not believe Santa actually made time to visit my house at a time when he had to be so busy. I remember sitting on his lap in my Dad’s brown Lazy Boy chair telling him everything I wanted for Christmas.
This year, it was Jackson’s turn to sit on Santa’s lap. We asked Santa for another new shiny tooth. In the middle of snapping Jackson’s photo, I stood back and enjoyed the moment. My son was taking part in a family tradition that I cherish dearly.
The week leading up to the party was filled with mixed emotions for Justin and I both. We had many conversations about how hard the night would be without my Dad there. This was a night he loved so much. My Dad and my Uncle Dick “took charge” of the event each year.
Justin and I talked on the way to the party that it felt like Dad should walk in that night wearing his red sweater with his blue corduroys that Mom always laid out for him (he was colored blind). We talked that Dad should be there to tease Michelle when she walked in late, to laugh at Deb’s update with her Dancing With the Stars experience (she is dancing to Bringing Sexy Back), or to tell me he could not wait to see “Action Jackson” crawl (he did show off at the party). I was dreading what the evening would bring without my Dad being a part of one of his favorite nights.
This year the party was hosted by my Uncle Dick and my Aunt Marie. However, the morning of the party Uncle Dick fell and broke his ankle. Before the party even began, Uncle Dick had been rushed to the hospital, had surgery, and was in recovery. Aunt Marie was very gracious and hosted the party at her home anyways. Thanks so much, Marie. Uncle Dick – you were missed!
To my surprise, Justin and I very much enjoyed our night with the Symmes' gang. If there is one thing the Symmes’ are good at…it is laughter. We have a way of using sarcasm to lighten the mood and we are all pros at making fun of each other. It was so nice to be with my Dad’s siblings, his nieces and nephews that he loved so dearly, and all of the spouses who willingly married into this family. :) I told Justin that night that I felt closer to Dad by spending time with people he cared so deeply about.
Since I can remember, Santa Claus has always made a visit to the Symmes' Family Christmas party. I can still remember Santa showing up when I was young. My folks would host the party and I could not believe Santa actually made time to visit my house at a time when he had to be so busy. I remember sitting on his lap in my Dad’s brown Lazy Boy chair telling him everything I wanted for Christmas.
This year, it was Jackson’s turn to sit on Santa’s lap. We asked Santa for another new shiny tooth. In the middle of snapping Jackson’s photo, I stood back and enjoyed the moment. My son was taking part in a family tradition that I cherish dearly.
Jackson loved Santa Claus. Lets hope Santa brings some exciting toys this year!
Michelle, Deb, and I on Santa's lap at the Symmes' Family Christmas Party in 1979 . Apparently, Jackson gets his chubbiness from me!
Thanks so much to my entire family for helping my mom, sisters, and myself through such a tough holiday. Justin, Jackson, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Check out our web albums (listed on the right of the page) for more pictures of the party!
Can’t wait for next year…
Monday, December 8, 2008
...And he's mobile.
Justin and I have been helping Jackson learn to crawl.
We've tried everything.
Justin even used a laser light pin to see if Jackson would crawl after it.
My niece, Madeline, even got on the floor and showed Jackson how to do it (after all, it wasn't too long ago she was crawling herself). Thanks Madeline.
This past week, Jackson tried every trick in the book to get from point A to point B without crawling. We knew it was only a matter of time until he figured it out.
Friday night I was at Target shopping. Justin called me and said I needed to rush home because he was about to crawl any minute. I left my cart where I was standing (items in it) and rushed to my car. We live right next to Target and I knew I could be home in a matter of minutes. I rushed in to a very tired Jackson who was NOT about to do any new tricks.
The next morning, he was rested and excited to show off. I had the camera ready to catch the latest and greatest of Jackson's new talent. Enjoy the video...
P.S. If anyone sees a cart at Target with a chicken, a Christmas ornament, and some dog bones in it...please don't tell anyone it was mine. :)
We've tried everything.
Justin even used a laser light pin to see if Jackson would crawl after it.
My niece, Madeline, even got on the floor and showed Jackson how to do it (after all, it wasn't too long ago she was crawling herself). Thanks Madeline.
This past week, Jackson tried every trick in the book to get from point A to point B without crawling. We knew it was only a matter of time until he figured it out.
Friday night I was at Target shopping. Justin called me and said I needed to rush home because he was about to crawl any minute. I left my cart where I was standing (items in it) and rushed to my car. We live right next to Target and I knew I could be home in a matter of minutes. I rushed in to a very tired Jackson who was NOT about to do any new tricks.
The next morning, he was rested and excited to show off. I had the camera ready to catch the latest and greatest of Jackson's new talent. Enjoy the video...
P.S. If anyone sees a cart at Target with a chicken, a Christmas ornament, and some dog bones in it...please don't tell anyone it was mine. :)
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Jackson's Christmas Photos
Justin and I recently took Jackson to have his Christmas photos taken.Santa was super nice and Jackson wasn't afraid at all.
Funny story: While trying everything I could think of to get Jackson to smile, I pulled out what usually works, "Jackson, Mommy is going to get you..." Next, I got all flustered and said, "Santa, Mommy is going to get you..." Santa's reply? "Well, this is a good night for Santa."
I was mortified...
However, Jackson didn't mind...he just kept grinning for the camera. Check out some of our favorites!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Happy Birthday, Jackson!
Today we are celebrating Jackson's 7-month birthday.
Jackson is marking his 7th month with his first shiny tooth!
Jackson is marking his 7th month with his first shiny tooth!
Check out his new chomper!
Happy Birthday, Jackson! We love you!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Jackson is feeling better...
A big thanks to all who have called or e-mailed to ask how Jackson was feeling (or if Justin and I were surviving the first ear infection). We are glad to report he is starting to be his smiling self again.
Now, it is midnight...and I'm hoping for at least 6 hours of sleep.
Wish me luck.
So its not Sesame Street...
Tonight when I returned home from work. I walked in on my two boys (Jackson and Justin) watching the TV in awe of Britney Spears. Justin has been a fan for as long as I can remember and even recorded her performance on Good Morning America this morning.
I expected Justin to be glued to the television tonight to catch a glimpse of Britney's "come back", but I never imagined Jackson would be mesmerized by Britney Spears. It was almost comical. I called out to him. He looked my way and then looked immediately back to the television. Justin did the same.
I grabbed the camera so I could tell all of you how I lost out to Britney tonight.
Check out the photos...but don't tell Child Services I let my child watch Britney Spears! Ha! :)
I expected Justin to be glued to the television tonight to catch a glimpse of Britney's "come back", but I never imagined Jackson would be mesmerized by Britney Spears. It was almost comical. I called out to him. He looked my way and then looked immediately back to the television. Justin did the same.
I grabbed the camera so I could tell all of you how I lost out to Britney tonight.
Check out the photos...but don't tell Child Services I let my child watch Britney Spears! Ha! :)
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