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!

Need a laugh?

Need a laugh?  I do (read post below to see why).

Justin's Dad recently downloaded an old "home movie" from Justin's high-school years.

This video was taken at the Highland High School Cheer annual banquet.  This "co-ed" squad was the entertainment for the evening.....and for many years later thanks for John Bixler video taping the event. 

Please notice that Justin is the short one, Jake Pinkerton is the tall one, and Cory Riggs is also in there...all still great friends today.

To all the HHS cheerleaders reading this....its funny - but oh so true!  They got us down - even to the awards ceremony!  :)  Justin needs to work on his jumps!  

Enjoy!

Click the link below to view and laugh! 

CheerBanquet
http://gallery.me.com/bixler4647/100060

Day 2 - Not So Great!

Ok...so Day 2 of Pre-school didn't go as good as the first. I had expected this. I think it didn't go well for a few reasons. I think it turns out to be a longer day than Jackson is used to. Jackson is awake earlier and is used to two cat-naps a day. At pre-school he is asked to take one long nap.

It is just a change to his normal routine.

I also think Jackson is missing his Daddy. One bright side of Justin loosing his job this past January was that he got to me home with Jackson for almost 8 months. They are best buddies and I know Jackson is missing him.

Jackson's day didn't go terrible, but he was in a terrible mood when I got to school. I took one look at him and knew he was tired. We said good-bye to the teacher and to the triplets (his girlfriends) and we were out the door. We got to the car and then I started thinking I had picked up the wrong child. This child started kicking, screaming, and even scratching his way out of his car seat. I was sweating trying to fight him into the seat. Where was Jackson - this was not my son!

I was too busy realizing that Jackson had ripped my dress to notice that all of the other parents were staring at us.

By the next time I took a break from fighting Jackson into the seat, I realized all of the teachers were heading to their cars. I'm pretty sure they won't be honoring me as "Mom of the Year" anytime soon.

I decided to walk Jackson to the ice cream parlor next door. I know I shouldn't have "rewarded" his behavior, but I this point I was hot - and wanted some ice cream. As I sat down with Jackson - we both took a deep breath. Just then, my friend Sara McCord (who I had chatted with in the middle of Jackson's breakdown) called to check on us. The next thing I know she and her husband, Adam, pulled up to help.

Jackson went right to Adam. I think I even saw a SMILE at one point as Adam gently put Jackson in his car seat. Adam and Sara must think I made all of this up...I just watched with amazement.

A big thanks to Adam and Sara for coming to my rescue!

Adam and Sara,

I'll just meet you at the Pre-school every day about 5:30 - sound good? :)

Here is to hoping tomorrow goes better.....

P.S. I did fix the song in the slideshow in the post below. Notice the song says "I get in my seat" - Jackson must not have heard that part....

First Day of Pre-School!

We survived the first day of pre-school. And...when I say "we", I mean Justin and I.

Jackson did great.

He wasn't too excited about getting up earlier than usual. He is used to sleeping in and enjoying a "late" breakfast. Today, it was a quick bowl of oatmeal and some milk.

Then...we were off.

Justin and I each had reservations about how the "drop-off" would go. But that was set aside by our pure excitement for Jackson to start pre-school. We know that this is the right thing for Jackson and for our family.

We both feel very lucky to have moved back to the north-side so we can send him to a pre-school that we are familiar with. Jackson is attending the same pre-school that all of my nieces and nephews have attended. It is so nice knowing that he is getting such great care.

When we arrived at the school, Jackson insisted on walking in by himself. He wouldn't let me hold him. I have to admit, he walked in like - "I have arrived!" While Justin and I were still a little unsure about leaving him.

When we walked into his classroom, Ms. Paula met us with a smile and showed us Jackson's cubby already labeled with his name. Justin and I gave her the diapers, wipes, and extra clothes we were asked to supply. Ms. Paula kind of laughed when we also had TWO blankets for nap time and when we asked that he get neosporin if he were to scrap a knee - but shook her head as if she understood.

Then it was time to say goodbye. Jackson was cautiously "talking" to the other children. Justin and I lingered a bit to watch and then Justin looked at me and said quickly, "we need to leave." I quickly noticed Justin's eyes had filled up with tears. We said our good-byes and were out the door....Jackson never cried, but did look a little confused. When we got to the car, I asked Justin to drive around back so I could peak in Jackson's classroom. Is it considered stalking if he is my own son? :) Justin then announced he would need McDonald's - he needed comfort food. Jackson was probably having a great time - while Mom and Dad drowned there sorrows in an Egg McMuffin!

I called twice yesterday to check on Jackson. Ms. Paula said he ate well and even took a two hour nap. Yep - my little boy who only naps in my bed with us cuddled up next to him - napped on a COT all by himself. I think he may have us fooled at home....we thought he only napped with us! :)

Justin and I were both so excited to pick Jackson up yesterday. We peeked in the window to watch him play. He was enjoying some time with the other children. But once he saw us - he was done. He was ready to go. He quickly said "bye-bye" to Ms. Paula and we were out the door.

Jackson talked all the way home as if to tell us all about what he learned that day. We loved listening!

Here goes Day 2. Wish us luck!

Check out our slideshow of Jackson's first day!

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

I wanted to take a minute to wish my oldest sister, Michelle, a Happy Birthday!


Michelle is celebrating her 40th birthday today.


Michelle and I are very close. That is no secret.


I have missed living a short drive's distance from her these past few years. I am lucky to be back in Fishers living so close!


For the time I lived Bloomington, Michelle is how I passed the time for the long drive. I would dial her up as I was leaving the office in Indy and would chat the whole way home. I have the cell phone bill to prove it!


Now that we are living closer - I love being able to swing by her house during the week for advice, a laugh, or to use her pool (tee hee).


What can I say?

She's my big sister...and I couldn't live without her!


Happy Birthday, Michelle! I hope you enjoy your day!


Lots of love,

Your YOUNGEST Sister!

Turning 30...

Today is my 30th birthday.

It is my first birthday without my Dad here to celebrate.

I didn't feel right letting the day go by without mentioning that I am thinking of my Dad today. His absence has left a huge void in my special day.

I will miss him on my car ride to work. Any other year, he would have called me as I started my day to wish me a good one. I'm sure he would have had some snappy one-liner about me turning 30 this year. I will miss hearing it.

I will miss him arranging my family "birthday dinner." We would usually celebrate my birthday and my sister Michelle's birthday the same night. Any other year, he would have called us earlier in the week to make sure he and Mom planned a dinner that would please both of us. And...it always did. I probably would have requested his smoked pork chops glazed with orange juice.

I will miss opening his gift...especially his card. While my mom would find a card to capture how proud they were of the adult I had grown to be, my Dad would find a card that captured his quick wit and great sense of humor. I often got cards that mentioned my messy room, terrible driving record, or how I still kept him up at night worrying...which wasn't far from the truth.

So today I am 30. A new chapter in my life has begun. One I wish my Dad was here to see.

In my 30s: I look forward to giving Jackson a sibling (or two), watching my children grow, and teaching them everything my parents taught me (even Cave Man Named Dave). I look forward to spending this next decade with Justin as we finally settle down and find a place to raise our family. I look forward to cherishing old relationships and fostering news ones. I have had a tough year - 29 was tough. Yet, I know there is more to come. More tough days, more great days. I look forward to each...

P.S. I did hear back-fat starts at 30...not looking forward to that. :)

Water Fun!

Tonight, Justin and I took Jackson to try out a small water park near our new place. It was recommended by my sister, Deb. So, after dinner, we headed that way.

Jackson wasn't sure what to think at first. In fact, for the first ten minutes he walked "around" every sprinkler with me. But would never go through it. Justin had a little more luck...

Needless to say in the car on the way home...was one soaked little boy, and two tired parents!

Check out some pictures and video from the park. I didn't have much luck getting Jackson in the water...but I was lucky enough to get a kiss! Justin on the other hand - got Jackson soaked!

It was great fun!

One more post about vacation...

A BIG thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Bixler for surprising us by bringing Jackson to the airport (at Midnight) to greet us as we arrived.

I saw Penny first, and the all of the sudden I saw Jackson...I dropped my bags (including my computer) and ran to Jackson!

Jackson wasn't as thrilled to see us (he had just awakened)...but he did have a sign welcoming us home.

Jackson was willing to pose with his sign a couple of days later.  Check out the photos below.

Finally - Our Vacation post!

FINALLY...we have the Internet again.  It feels good to be connected!

I figured it would be best to join the blogging world again by FINALLY posting our vacation photos!

Justin and I joined some great friends of ours, Amanda and Noah (whose real name is David for those of you who get confused) in the Dominican and helped them celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary.

It was our first week away from Jackson.  Saying goodbye was tough...but we did enjoy ourselves.  I had a feeling once I felt the sand between my toes I would be just fine!  It was great to get away and spend time together!  It also helped that we could "talk" to Jackson through the Web cam on the computer (See photos of Justin chatting with Jackson)...though we never could understand what he was saying...but he sure had lots to talk about!

The food wasn't the best...needless to say I was more than excited for the lay over in NC on the way home...I couldn't wait to hit the food court for a Whopper!  A burger never tasted so good!

Our resort had some exotic animals that they allowed us to have our photograph taken with.  Check out me and the monkey...he actually peed on me!  I had a few choice words for that monkey!

A big thanks to Amanda and Noah for asking us to join them on such an important vacation!  It was such a great week.

Also,  a big thanks to the Bixler and Symmes group (including all of Jackson's Aunts and Uncles) for helping babysit while we went away.  It was nice knowing he was getting so much love...

Whose up for babysitting another week...????

Priceless...

This photo was priceless...and I had to share...

I don't think he enjoyed his haircut! :)

Panic!

I am starting to have panic attacks...

We had a problem hooking up our cable in our new place. This means no internet and no TV!

It looks like we won't get it until THURSDAY!

How will I get updated on the latest in Michael Jackson's death?

How will I stay up-to-date with my new love - Southern Bells reality TV series?

And...How will Justin win every Michael Jackson memoribilia item on Ebay?

No really....I am realizing that I am a huge fan of technology. I don't think I will be on survivor anytime soon.

Blog posts will pick up as soon as we have internet again!!!!

Big Bixler News!

WE MOVED!

It is what we do best! :)

If you can't tell...I am so excited to be back in Fishers!

We are just renting for now. Those of you who know me well - know I do do apartment living very well...but this time, I am just so excited to be close to our family and friends that I am not complaining at all.

I didn't even mind digging in boxes this morning to get ready for work! :)

Sophie Update!

Justin just called me.

He drove by the house where Sophie's "new family" lived.

Justin called with every reason he shouldn't leave Sophie there.

I told him to do what he thought was best.

Justin AND Sophie are now on their way back to our place.

I am secretly thrilled! :)

A Very Sad Day for The Bixler's

Sophie and Oscar

Sophie and Jackson

Buddies!

Today is a sad day.

Today we are giving our dog, Sophie, away for adoption. 

We found a nice family in Franklin, IN who is excited about their new pet.

We would love to keep her.  However, she is a very "needy" dog.  Her new "Mom" is a stay-at-home Mom and will be with her all day.  Much better than we could do for her.

We will miss her.  I will miss her early morning wake-up calls, the cold nights outside while she "took her time", and THE bark (for those of you who know Sophie - know its one of a kind).  More than anything, I will miss the loving way she allowed Jackson to beat up on her.  As Jackson was learning crawl and pull up - he often used Sophie has a stool...she didn't care.  :)

I will also miss her walking into Jackson's room with me each night before I go to bed to just "check on him."  It was almost as if she needed to "check on him" too.  

Funny - as I am writing this - I can't remember why we are giving her to another family...

But I know it is best. 

Sophie,

Thank you for loving our family the way you do.  You are one of a kind...

We will miss you.

Jackson Rocks It Out!

For Justin, it is Michael Jackson.

For Jackson, it is Handy Manny.

Jackson loves the Handy Manny cartoon...and to be honest - Justin and I think it is fun too.  :)

Handy Manny teaches community services, hard work, and teaches a little Spanish too.  (Justin and I are learning a lot!  Ha!)

My good friend, Jessica Quire, bought Jackson the Handy Manny tool box for his birthday.  It turned out to be one of his favorite gifts.  He takes the tools out of the tool box and carries the singing toolbox around the house as if it is his personal boom box.

While Justin is clinging to his Michael Jackson Cd's...Jackson is sticking with Handy Manny!

Enjoy the video!

Take your Dog to Work Day!

Sophie and I at my desk

Lori and Buttons

Emily and Campden

Last Friday was National Take your Dog to Work Day!

My office allowed us to bring in our dogs for the day.

So I loaded Sophie into the car and took her to show here where I work.About after two hours I decided that "Take your Baby to Work Day" would have been easier.

Sophie barked at EVERYONE!

Other dogs were so good and quiet, but not Sophie. She was social and wanted to get to know everyone!

She was voted LOUDEST dog! I don't think I will participate next year...and I think my coworkers will appreciate that! :)