Easter EGGstravaganza 2010

Today was the Easter EGGstravaganza at Jackson's pre-school.

Parents were invited to come help their child decorate an egg at the end of the day.  The school also had cookies and lemonade for snacks.  Needless to say, the cookie was Jackson's favorite part.

However, he did also enjoy the egg decorating.

He chose the color (yellow), the cotton ball, the feather, and the eyes. He even picked where everything was glued (note the lopsided eyes) I did the assembly while he snacked. 

We had a great time!

Jackson was certainly proud of his egg and couldn't wait to show his Daddy.  When I carried it in from the car, Jackson shouted, "Daddy - Egg, Daddy - Egg!"

I made sure to capture some photos of the finished product!

SO PROUD!

Ummmm...don't eat it!

Jackson was OVER the photo-shoot!  :)

He's a "Big Guy"

This T-shirt was too fitting - he's a big boy now!

Jackson is loving gaining his Independence!  However, it is a bit challenging for us.

When we once hurried out the door throwing our coats on and even making sure Jackson was bundled up  - we now wait patiently while Jackson tries to zip up his own coat.  And don't even get my started on him putting on his own shoes!

Though it takes us more time and patience - we love watching him grow!

Here is a list of things Jackson has decided to shout "I TRY" when we try to help:

1.  Brushing his teeth

2.  Shampooing his hair

3.  Doing the laundry - yep, he actually wants to do the laundry

4.  Buckling his car seat

5.  Typing the security code in the key pad at pre-school

6.  Pouring milk into a sippy-cup (this one can get kind of messy)

7.  Unlocking any door

8.  Walking up or down any stairs without help (make sure you have a while - he's slow)

9.  Applying his own hair product - he's watched his Daddy plenty of times!

10.  FACEBOOK - yep, he actually knows his way around it.  He asks to see "Mamaw, Doo, Shel, Sa-wa, and Ad-am"

Needless to say - we are learning to set aside more time for these (and many more) activities - but watching him grow and learn is so much fun.

Truth be told - we are also setting aside more patience.  We are learning as Jackson is learning!  :)

Happy Birthday, Mamaw Penny!

Happy Birthday to Mamaw Penny!

Last night we got together with Justin's family to celebrate Penny's birthday.

Jackson had talked all day about how Mamaw, Pop, Ash-ee, Todd, and the dog-dog (Oscar) were coming over.  When they finally arrived Jackson was ready to play.  Poor Uncle Todd doesn't get a minute to rest when Jackson is around.  We don't get to see Uncle Todd very often and Jackson loves it when we do!  I'm sure Todd is still recovering from his visit!  :)

It was great to celebrate Penny's birthday.  Penny is a fantastic Grandma to Jackson...and is great to Justin and I too!  We are all very lucky to have her!

Welcome to the World, Mr. Kooper Westin Charles!

Jill, Kristin, Kristen, and Amanda before the main event!

Welcome Kooper!

Yesterday, our great friends - Kristin and Aaron Charles - welcomed their newborn son, Kooper into this world.  And...their daughter - Addison - finally got to hold "her baby" for the very first time. 

We all waited patiently (well - not really) to find out whether this baby was a boy or a girl!  I found it just perfect that Kristin and Aaron got a son after waiting 7 years to give Addison a sibling!  

Kooper may be the baby of the family - but he sure made his arrival a "big" one.  Kooper came into this world weighing well over 9 lbs!  The nurse even commented how the newborn diapers they had set aside for Kooper wouldn't work - he is already in size 1 diapers!  The newborn diapers might be too small - but the Charles' hearts have enough love for this big boy!  Kristin, Aaron, and Addison beamed with pride all afternoon holding Kooper!

It was so sweet to see the Charles foursome complete!  We love all of them so much!

Enjoy some photos from such an exciting day!

Kooper Westin Charles

Already in size 1 diapers!  :)

Kristin and Kooper - and their biggest fans!

Jill, Kristen, Amanda with the Charles' kiddos -

Kooper and Addison!

He loves to go "Swimmy!"

We are in week 4 of Jackson's swimming lesson's and he is loving it!  I am loving spending the time with him and seeing him grow and learn each week.  

Justin and I even make time in the evenings - once or twice a week - to take advantage of the "Open Swim" hours at the YMCA and take Jackson for some extra "practice."

Check out the short video from last week (Big Thanks to Grandpa John - AKA "Pop" for video taping).  You will notice Jackson shouting with excitement that his Daddy was able to come watch!  It made his day.  Also, notice that Jackson INSISTS on making sure people are watching him....the lifeguard, Grandpa and Grandma, Daddy, his instructor....he doesn't care who it is, but he prefers an audience.  Wonder where he gets it???  :)

Today, I signed Jackson up for Spring session "swimmy"lessons  (as Jackson's calls it)!  

Can't wait!

Happy Monday!

Today - we had a lazy Sunday.  Aren't those just the best??

Jackson took a 4 hour nap - he partied too hard with Mama Charsh Saturday night!

Also...Jackson has decided that he is too big for his booster seat and prefers his meals at the island.  Though I still insist we eat as a family most nights...I recently allowed Jackson to snack at the counter.  He was so pleased.  He's getting too big too fast!  Enjoy the photos!  

P.S. Stay tuned for video from Jackson's swimming lessons.  He is loving every minute of it!

Happy Belated Birthday, Amanda!

This weekend Justin and I will join our good friend, Amanda, for a belated birthday celebration.  We are looking forward to celebrating and laughing together like we always do.

Sorry it is belated Amanda - but we wish you a great birthday just the same!

All our love!

Drum Major in Training???

Those of you who read this blog often may remember a couple weeks back I posted about attending the last Highland High School home basketball game before the school is closed.  Justin and I had a great time - but apparently, so did Jackson.

Ever since then, Jackson spends his morning (and some evenings) asking if he can watch the video from the game.  He can even point to the icon for it on my computer.  Needless to say - the HHS school song is etched into my brain each morning - anything to be able to put make-up on without little hands tugging at my legs.  It also helps entertain him during long breathing treatments - even more-so than the Handy Manny website.  

Tonight, while the three of us went about our night, Justin whispered "Kris, look - he's imitating the drum-major from the video."  I glanced over and Jackson had my kitchen spatula (got it out of the dishwasher when I was unloading) and was using it as the mase.  I immediately grabbed the camera!

If you don't count the fact that he never catches it - he's not bad!  :)

We laughed pretty hard at this one. Most nights he wants to toss the football or shoot baskets - We have no idea where this came from!

Enjoy the video!

Taking a "SHOWA!"

Jackson has started to request a shower instead of a bath.  Boys will be boys, I guess.

Whenever Justin or I start the shower Jackson runs in with excitement and insists he gets in too.  We just can't help but smile at the way he says shower.  In Jackson lingo - it is "SHOWA."

I just had to catch it on camera....

Best Wishes to The Charles Family!

This past weekend, I joined my girlfriends as we celebrated with our great friend, Kristin Charles, and began the countdown until she and her husband (and their daughter, Addison) welcome Baby Charles #2.

Kristin and Aaron became first time parents to Addison - almost 7 yrs ago- when the rest of us were just figuring out how to be adults.  They both were naturals at being parents and have always made it look so easy. When the rest of us decided to join them in "parent" world - they welcomed us with advice and an ear to listen when days were tough and nights were long.

It is no secret that Kristin and Aaron have longed to add another child to their family and finally give Addison the sister or brother she has been asking for.  For reasons no one - even doctors - seem to understand - this brother or sister decided to arrive 7 years later. So it is no surprise that Justin and I were more than excited to hear the news of Baby Charles #2.

It has been so fun to watch Addison's excitement over becoming a big sister.  She grins with delight every time she talks about the baby.  And I have enjoyed watching Kristin take in every moment of her pregnancy - never wanting to take one moment for granted.  She feels blessed with this baby - we all do.  

We are counting down the days until Baby Charles #2 arrives.  Kristin and Aaron do not know the sex of the baby and it is killing the rest of us!  So let the countdown begin ... and the guessing.  Boy or Girl???

Best wishes to the Charles Family!

Stephanie, Kristin, Jill, Amanda, and Kristen

celebrating Baby Charles #2

We are STILL celebrating...

Justin's birthday has now spanned celebrations in January, February, and March.  I guess turning 30 deserves it! :)

Yesterday we celebrated Justin's birthday with my family....our get-togethers should be a reality television show.  I was "cackling" a lot - and of course Greg made fun of me each time!  

We also got the opportunity to celebrate my Grandmother's 86th birthday.  That's right... Grandma Evy is 86!  She is 86 going on 60.  I over heard Justin tell Grandma Evy that he hopes to live as long as she has -   don't we all!

Happy Birthday to Justin and Grandma Evy! I love you both!

P.S.  We were all so excited to enjoy the nice weather...no one more than Jackson!  

First Wagon Ride of 2010!

Dentist Phobia!

I don't have the greatest luck when it comes to going to the dentist.  I think it all started when I knocked out a few teeth during a cheerleading accident years ago.  Since then, I have a lot of anxiety when having anything more than just my regular cleaning and check-up done. 

Today, I had to have Oral Surgery done on an old root canal that had gone bad.  Needless to say, I had to take some anxiety medication to help me even get to the Dentist office today.  As the day progressed - I was having trouble even remembering going to the dentist. I woke up from a nap panicking that I had missed my appointment.  Kind of scary - but unfortunately, it was exactly what I needed.  

I am hoping that my fear of the Dentist is NOT a trait Jackson will pick up from me.  

Our Dentist has asked that we bring Jackson in for his first appointment in May.  He will be 2 and the Dentist thinks its time he takes a look at Jackson's choppers.  Wish us luck!

I'm still on heavy pain medication and need to head to bed.

A special thanks to Justin who took great care of me today!  He even ran to the grocery and got my favorite Popsicles!  :)

Happy Friday!

Is the ball supposed to go OVER the net?

Today, I took my first tennis lesson.  

Why tennis?  Why now?

Well, when I turned 30 I told myself it was time to try new things - start new hobbies and push myself a bit.  I took up sewing in the fall.  I'm no Betsy Ross - but I have sewn a couple projects here and there.  

I also wanted to take up a sport that Justin and I could do together.  And...there is NO WAY I am about to take up golf!  Other than the Tiger Woods scandal - I think golf is too boring! :)

So Tennis it is.

I survived my first lesson...though my muscles are hurting like they did the first week of summer cheer practice as they did years ago (when 30 seemed old!).  You should have seen the instructor's face when I told her the only athletic experience I had was 10 years of cheerleading! Let's just say she wasn't impressed - and tried to keep her laughter contained.

So stayed tuned - another lesson next week.  And Justin and I might just go play a game - or a "match" as I'm told it is called.  

Cheers to new adventures!

Beach Fun Coming Soon!

Not sure about you?  But I need the sun to come out soon.  Jackson wants to play outside - and so do I.  And...I know Justin is ready for some golfing weather.  

If the sun won't come to us - we will go to the sun! We have planned a trip to Florida in May.  We are looking forward to getting away as a family.  Most importantly. it will be Jackson's first trip to the beach.  However, if he is anything like his Mommy - he will prefer spending the day pool-side.  :)  Either way, I am looking forward to spending the week with Justin and Jackson!!

P.S.  Any tips regarding traveling on an airplane with a toddler is much appreciated! :)

Swimming Lessons - Week 1 - LOVED IT

I recently signed Jackson up for swimming lessons.  

I think I was more excited than he was.  

A "Mommy and Me" swimming class sounded like so much fun.  Only downfall was I had to buy a one piece bathing suit (these things do nothing for the figure)...but as Justin said - this isn't a fashion show! 

So - off we went this morning to the YMCA just down the road.  Jackson chatted in the car all about how he was going to splash in the pool....er...Pooooo as he said.  

Once we arrived, we headed to the "Family" locker room.  Jackson immediately made himself at home and chatted up another mommy.  Once we were dressed - we grabbed our towels and headed to the pool.  There were two other little boys - much younger than Jackson - waiting for class to start.  

Once class started, Jackson was a little leery of the swim coach.  But, once she started singing Wheels on the Bus and Itsy Bitsy Spider - she had a fast friend in Jackson.  After that it was all smiles and giggles for the rest of the class.  Jackson loved his bubble belt and yellow noodle that helped keep him afloat.  He also loved the part where he got to jump off the side of the pool as he shouted READY, SET, GO!

At the end of the class the swim coach pulled me aside and suggested that Jackson and I may want to attend the afternoon class.  I looked a little confused because I thought that class was for three and up...she looked confused at my confused look....then, she asked, "When does he turn three?"  I politely smiled and said - "In about 16 months - he isn't yet two. He's just a big boy!" We laughed and agreed that Jackson needed different instruction than the other two boys (who just turned one).  The swim coach agreed to set some time aside each class to work with Jackson since he is more "advanced" (wink, wink).  The swim coach seems great and I'm really looking forward to the next 6 weeks!

I have to admit that as class started I got a little emotional.  I feel very lucky to be Jackson's mom and get to do such fun things like this.  He makes life so fun!!  :)

Justin was able to pop into class today to snap a few photos!  Enjoy!

I can't decide what Jackson liked more: Swimming or the 

Chocolate Chip cookie afterwards. :)

Happy 30th Birthday, Justin!

Jackson loved helping Justin blow out the candles!

Today is Justin's 30th Birthday.

We celebrated with friends and family a few weeks ago.

Yesterday we celebrated with Justin's family with dinner and a great visit.

Tonight, Jackson and I gave Justin his gift and we had a low key night at home (Shhh...don't tell anyone Justin wanted to stay home and watch The Bachelor!)

Justin, 

Happy Birthday!  I can't wait to spend the next 30+ years with you!

I love you!  Jackson and I are so lucky to have you!

Love always,

Kristen

HHS Alumni Night

My parents met at Highland high school, my sister (Michelle) met her husband while also attending Highland, Justin and I also met at Highland (technically it was Junior High).  Some of our closest friends are friends we met in high school. To us, Highland High School, is a place full of great memories.

Of course, we were sad to hear the news of the school board's decision to close our school after this year.  We hate that it won't be there any longer to attend a basketball game to hear the bagpipes when we want take a trip down memory lane.

This past weekend, Highland turned its last home basketball game into "Alumni Night" and invited all former athletes, cheerleaders, mascots, band members, and etc. to come back and take in a game one more time.  

Highland also took this opportunity to honor my cheer coach who has coached for 33 years.  It was mentioned that she was the longest serving coach in the school's history and even the community.  Over 50 former cheerleaders came to the event to help honor her and take in one last game.  It was so neat to see old faces that I spent my years cheering with - and even faces that I have only heard stories about. We were all invited to do the school song one last time - despite the obvious fears we wouldn't remember it - we all did it!   Even better, was that the majority of us dug out our old Varsity Sweaters for the event.  

We weren't the only ones digging through the closets.  Highland's oldest mascot sported his sweater with  the year 1959 on it.  I saw men in letter jacket's too small for them - yet still proud to show their accomplishment.  I saw old drum major's who came out to show they could still toss the mace just as they had years ago (see the video below).  And an old band director - one that my sister's use to curse during band camp - come out of retirement to direct the band one more time.  I saw my old principal beaming with pride from his usual seat where he kept an eye on us years ago.  

At half-time the school honored former athletes by sport and listed many accomplishments to be remembered.  Justin was noted for playing basketball and baseball.  Our good friend Adam McCord was recognized for playing football.  My sister, Deb was also recognized for serving four years as a majorette.  It was great to remember the years we spent dedicated to these sports and activities - with the people we made these memories with - it was like we hadn't missed a beat.

For those of you who couldn't make it.  Here are some pictures and videos from Alumni Night. Enjoy!

Jackson in his "Scots" t-shirt

It was so great to enjoy the night with one of my best friends - Jess - who cheered right next to me for four years.  We missed the other girls from our class and talked about memories of them all night!  :)

Jess and I snuck to the "blue gym" where we spent our

 summers sweating at practice two times a day!

Then and Now: Our principal - Mr Brown, Current Principal - Mrs. McCord, Current Mascots, Otis - Highland's FIRST mascot, a member of HHS' first basketball team, and a current basketball team member.  LOVED OTIS!

School Song

Pre -game with former Drum Majors

For more video of Alumni Night click here.

Sophie...Our Sophie???

Remember our dog Sophie?  

Justin and I tried several times to find her a new home after we realized that she couldn't stay with us for various reasons.  However, each time we tried, we found a reason to keep her. Mostly because she tugged at our hearts too much.

Over the summer we decided to give Sophie to Justin's old boss and her family.  She and her husband have two boys to shower Sophie with affection.  And from what we hear - she's loving it!

Justin has been in touch with Sophie's new family to check in on her.  We had agreed that if they ever thought it wasn't working out that we would take Sophie back.  After all, we knew that she was a handful and thought they may have a change of heart after a week or two.  

Not a chance.

Since this summer Sophie has been camping, on family vacations, chasing squirrels in the back yard, and even bunking up with the youngest son each night.  

I just can't imagine Sophie - who we locked up in a cage each night and never let her off a leash outside - living with such freedom.  But I can guarantee she's happier.  

Knowing that she's happier - makes us happier too.

But - we do miss her!

Our Journey - 7 years later.

Today Justin and I celebrated 7 years of marriage!

Happy Anniversary, Justin!  I love you more than words can describe!

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Fun Photo!

Check out the mis-buttoned pjs, the belly that it too big for those pjs, along with the perfect accessories -  his Michael Jackson hat and a pacifier.  He's got style!

All - for an afternoon game of bowling!

Had to snap this photo!

Jam Session with Daddy

Sesame Street Pjs, a pacifier, and an iPod.

What more could Jackson ask for?

Check out our clip of Justin and Jackson having a jam session!

Perhaps when Jackson's older, he'll adopt his Dad's dance moves.  Wedding receptions will be double the fun with both of them on the dance floor!  :)