Jackson

Christmas

2008-12-30T22:33:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and were blessed to spend it with our family. Here are some pictures of what's been going on lately:)

decorating the tree with daddy

nothing like playing in a box

decorating the gingerbread house

No mommy, I am not eating ALL of the M&Ms

you can tell his mouth is full of candy....

it was supposed to be a gingerbread church with stained glass.......

our gingerbread family minus one.....

not forgotten:)

That's Rex from Toy Story....he was carjacked shortly after this photo

He didn't have on his cute Christmas jammies because he was sick and well we will just say they were dirty:)

Merry Christmas!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T18:40:00.000-06:00

So I have had Jackson's dinosaur costume for over a month, hoping that I could get him to like it and actually wear it on Halloween. So Friday at 4:00pm we were still battling with tears and screaming and flailing of limbs. He has been pretty sick all week so after about 2 minutes I gave up and decided he would just be Jackson. But alas, I forgot my secret weapon was coming over.....grandparents with light sticks. A little bribing and a little GiGi, and dinosaur Jackson hit the neighborhood with his BFF Aidan (who was also a dinosaur).

So I realize these aren't the greatest pictures but this was the best I could get of the child as he ran around the neighborhood shouting "BUTTON! BUTTON!" instead of Trick or Treat. This is because he only wanted to ring the doorbells. And because of that this was the pitiful loot we came home with.....

And since this turned out so cute I will leave you with one more Jackson gem "carving" a pumpkin.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-08-29T12:40:00.000-05:00

walking around

2008-07-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

Here's a video of Jackson cruising around the house.

Chicago Road Trip!

2008-07-08T18:24:00.000-05:00

We just got back from our road trip to Chicago and let me just tell you, I am exhausted! We drove up Wednesday night, went to The Taste of Chicago on Thursday with Aunt Sarah and saw Uncle Dave for a little while. We ate so much food, it was ridiculous! Then on Friday we went up to Paul's cousin's lake house and hung out with all our family. Jackson drove the boat and stayed up extremely too late to watch the best fireworks show ever! We were so close that I was actually scared! It was a great time. Then on the way home we went to the arch in St. Louis which was quite an experience as well. Here are some pictures of our trip!

On the train ride into Chicago.

Hanging out with Aunt Sarah.

At the Lake with Daddy.

Driving the Boat:) He honked the horn continuously, people loved us!

"swimming"

ahh playing in the sand.....

Nothing like climbing into your cousins' sand pit.

This is the TINY elevator. It barely seats five people but it's not enough room for one person comfortably....I was super nervous.

We also stopped and saw Daniel and Whitney in Peoria on the way home! Ellie, who just came home from Eagle's Nest in Guatemala, is soooo beautiful!!! Hannah, Austin, and Noah are growing up so fast and they are the cutest kids ever! I miss being near them. Of course I forgot my camera in the car so no pictures but just imagine 5 kids and Popsicles:)

Then we had our homestudy yesterday! It went great! We also sent in our orientation packet and big check into our agency, so it definitely feels real now! I am so excited:)

HE WALKS

2008-06-18T10:58:00.004-05:00

Well four steps at least. Yes Jackson took his first official steps last night:) We are pretty excited. None yet today but it's still early....

Pictures

2008-06-16T20:20:00.002-05:00

1. First Click this link.

2. This takes you to Mpix. Create an account with them so that you can log in anytime. Then you will have to come back and click the link again. It should say you are signed in after that.

3.To order prints, check the box of every image that you want any size print of, and then click on the PRINTS button at the top. That will bring up a page that says SIZES and QUANTITIES.

4. On this page you can either do a Batch Order (every print in the order will be the same size) or an Individual Image Order (select the size and quantities on an image by image basis). So if you want all 5x7's of every image you selected, that is a batch order. If you want sizes and quantities of each of your chosen images, you want the individual image order.

5. For a Batch Order, you choose the size you want, and the quantity is the number of each print (they will be the same of every print). If you want 2 8x10 copies of each print, this is a Batch Order.

6. For an Individual Order, you will go thru each image and click on the Select Quantity red button. That will bring up the first image and all the choices you have with that image. In the Prints Section, you will put the amount of each size that you want of that image. You will also check if you want to order any Specialty Items. You should not need to check any Retouching Options. Then click OK, and it will take you back to the Individual Order page and you will go to the next image that you want to order. You will follow these steps for each image.

7.When you have finished the quantities and Sizes of each image, you will click on the NEXT buton, and each image will appear under an Additional Options page. On this page you will note if there is any cropping required, based on the size you ordered. Most of the final images are sized 4x6 and can be printed any size, but may be subject to cropping. Sometimes ordering an 8x12 works better that an 8x10. If you want no cropping then you have to order an image in the same aspect ratio as the 4x6 size (8x12, 12x18, etc.) If there is cropping at your order, you can adjust the crop lines by clicking on Edit Crop, adjust how you want it and the click Save. (This is kinda confusing)

8. After you have gone thru the Additional Options on each image click NEXT and you will come to the ORDER SUMMARY page. Here you will choose what type of paper you want for this order. All prints in the order must be on the same paper. E-Surface paper is very nice and has a matte finish. The metallic paper is bright and shiny. (You can order the black and white proofs on E-surface paper and they will still be black and white.) Also be sure to check DO NOT color correct.

9.If you decide you dont want one of the images on your order, you check the small box next to it and then click REMOVE CHECKED. If you want to order more, click on the Continue Shopping. If you are done, click on Checkout.

10. This is the Shipping and Billing Section. Fill in your payment info.

Suggestions:
1. If you order sizes 8x10 or larger she recommends putting them on mat board (add it in the Additional Options Section)

2. The metallic paper is great for bright colors.

3. If you want a picture bigger than 11x14 let me know so I can make sure you get the best resolution.

Ok so I just copied it exactly as she wrote it to me. I will put in an order tonight and see how it goes....It seems simple enough. Let me know if you have a problem.

Finally got the Pictures today!

2008-06-09T21:29:00.002-05:00

Ok we finally got the pictures, the photographer apparently went on vacation and forgot to tell me that my pictures would be late! Oh well, so I am looking them over and I think they are great but the directions for ordering look a little difficult. They are also super long so I need to look them over before posting the short version for you, so yeah you have to wait a couple more days. sorry:( So look at the ones I posted (those are the best but their are more) and decide because you will only have a certain amount of time to order(I think its like 30 days from today) before it expires and I really don't want to figure out how to re-upload them all:) sorry again.

Ordering Pics

2008-05-30T17:14:00.002-05:00

Still waiting on the photographer but hopefully it will be soon! I also lied, the 8x10's are like 1.90 or something like that....but still cheap. We got our agency application in the mail today so things should be moving along soon and we will let you all know what's going on:)

Pictures!

2008-05-23T15:52:00.005-05:00

Sorry I haven't been updating as much. Here are some pictures to tide you over. You can order some if you want for super cheap (less than a dollar for 8x10 on professional paper). I should have info on that next week. Here are some of my favs.

Tonsillitis

2008-05-08T20:01:00.002-05:00

Jackson has been super sick this week so no fun pictures to update with. Although his GiGi got him a huge life size elmo balloon which he loves so I will try and get some video of him playing with it during his few minutes of good mood time:) He calls it elbow.

Mark your Calendars!!

2008-04-24T20:21:00.003-05:00

Jackson is officially off of bottles! Yep the baby days are coming to an end:( But we are excited about the toddler years. Today he stood up in the middle of the room all by himself. He then got very proud of himself, giggled, and sat back down. So now we have traded the bottle for a straw.....

Jackson on the carousel at Sea world

Our Trip to Florida

2008-04-12T22:33:00.005-05:00

Here are the pictures from our trip to Florida for Suzanne's wedding. We went to Sea World and had breakfast with Elmo (yeah I know Elmo, not Shamu.) We had a great time although Jackson did get sick and threw up all over the Orlando airport on the way home. Yeah, the next time I decide to fly with my 1 year old, slap me.

Jackson not caring one bit about Bert. GIVE ME FOOD!

Paul getting down with Super Grover.

WHAT? There are characters here??? Who knew!?!?!?

Jackson and Elmo

Now here's a trio.

OK kid time to let go......

Seriously LET GO!

aww a family picture

Ok Mom I am just going to sleep through the rest of Sea World....

So there is more and I will update with that later:)

Paul, Dee Dee, and Jackson

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T21:31:00.002-05:00

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

2008-03-15T21:06:00.005-05:00

Today was Jackson's birthday party and it was so much fun....We are all pretty exhausted so I will leave you with some pictures and add more as the week goes on.

Mommy and Daddy got me a mini ball pit for my birthday....I LOVE IT!

The big kids liked it too.....

Eating my hot dog.

My birthday cake! (Ashley made this and baseball cupcakes for everyone else!)

It was so yummy!

Happy Birthday BABY!!!!

Paul, Dee Dee, and Jackson

Happy Valentines!

2008-02-16T21:58:00.003-06:00

This picture makes me laugh..;

Happy 11 months!!!

2008-02-13T15:43:00.004-06:00

Sorry that we have not been updating lately... It has been a little crazy getting our things moved over to the new computer but now every thing is good. Jackson had his first haircut on Monday and even though I was a little sad seeing my baby grow up, he does look very handsome.

What the heck is that!!!

It tickles!

Looking Handsome

What a cutie!

oh mom it wasnt so bad!

Christmas

2007-12-27T12:21:00.001-06:00

Jackson's first Christmas was a little overwhelming since I still haven't found places for all of the toys. A friend of ours came over last night and said our living room looks like a toy store so you can just imagine all of the things I have to find a place for. We also got a big present from my mom that I am currently typing on. She helped us to get a new laptop since our old computer is dying. It crashed 3 times during finals week for Paul and almost sent him over the edge. Here are some pictures from Christmas.

This year we celebrated advent and lit the candles at home.

Riding on his new scooter/rocker

Opening!

We also made a gingerbread house from scratch... It is supposed to be our house but flipped:)

GiGi got Jackson a new wagon to ride around in. It even has seat belts and cup holders.

Merry Christmas!
Paul, Dee Dee, and Jackson

School Pictures

2007-12-19T12:48:00.000-06:00

Here are some of the pictures I got from the photographer that came to our school last month. If you want to order some there are a lot more on a website and I can email you the password. I think he looks pretty cute saying that Mom forgot it was picture day!

The Polar Express

2007-12-10T13:46:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we took Jackson on The Polar Express and he was able to meet Santa! He was fascinated by Santa's beard and enjoyed riding on the big train.

Aunt Josies and Jackson riding the train.

Before Santa came down the aisle....

After Santa came down the aisle!

Tickets!

kinda blurry family pic

trying to get Jackson picture with the train was harder than we thought it would be~

Finally a good picture with the big man....
yes he IS holding his foot.

Paul, Dee Dee, and Jackson

Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T13:46:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving was so much fun. We spent Thursday at my mom's house and then we went to my grandparents on Friday with my dad and Linda. Jackson loved Thanksgiving and now thinks he should be only eating what we are eating and not baby food! Here are some pictures.

Getting a huge bite of mashed potatoes.

and loving every bit of it.

Jackson's plate

The fam

The mommy

A very happy (and messy!) thanksgiving baby.

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

pictures!

2007-11-15T16:40:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, what you have all been waiting for! monkey pictures!

at least the boys are looking at the right camera....

it is past my bedtime!

much better......

Now I will eat you!

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

New Links

2007-11-14T17:09:00.000-06:00

You may see new links on the side of our blog. These are GREAT charities that we are involved with. Take a look and let me know what you think. More are to come! (as are the jackson monkey pictures I promise! )

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T16:53:00.000-05:00

More pictures of Jackson as a monkey later!! Happy Halloween!

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

More Pictures

2007-10-21T16:24:00.001-05:00

The Ferris Wheel

Riding on the Gondola

The gondolas

view of downtown

Eating french fries

happy boy

State Fair of Texas

2007-10-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

On Friday Paul took off work and we went to the fair. If you dont know, the fair is all about eating. Jackson absolutely loved eating my corn dog and jack's fries. My favorite was the fried banana pudding. Paul's favorite was the food and fiber pavilion where they do the taste testing. We all ate so much, I already can't wait until next year.

Sand castle

baby piggies

Jackson and Mommy with Elsie the Borden Cow

The new Camaro from the auto show

Jackson meeting Big Tex........

So mommy got a picture with him

Daddy and Jackson with the San Diego chicken at the Baseball Exhibit

Babe Ruth Bats

Eating his shoe.....there is only so much baseball museum a kid can take

I have more pictures but blogger is being difficult so I will try and post them later.

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-14T15:44:00.000-05:00

We have been inside for a week now so we desperately needed to get out and do something fun for a few hours. Down the street is a farm that is having a pumpkin patch so we decided to go and have a picnic lunch there.

The Petting Farm:

It was kind of windy:)

The Pumpkin Patch:

It was difficult to get Jackson's attention since the hay seemed so tasty to him.

on the hay ride

Paul, Dee Dee, and Jackson

Happy 7 Months Baby!

2007-10-13T19:52:00.001-05:00

To celebrate, we snook off to the park for some much needed fresh air....

????

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

Hospital Update

2007-10-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

Well, we are home from the hospital and everything looks good. Jackson has had a terrible time with the stomach virus for the last two weeks. He was getting better last week but then Sunday it came back-- with a vengeance. The doctor put him on clear liquids only, which Jackson does not really drink clear liquids when he is well. So you probably see how this went. The only thing I could get him to take was formula, which he would then throw up.

Well after 4 days of this, he was a bit dehydrated to say the least so we decided to admit him to the hospital. He only got an IV and he is already so much happier. This morning the doctor said we could go home when he started drinking his clear liquids.... I thought we might be there forever. A few hours later, he caved in and let Jackson take a half formula and half pedialyte bottle. After sucking down two of those, we were able to come home! Not too bad for 20 hours in the hospital. Jackson now thinks everything is great since he did get a giant balloon out of it:)

Now we just have to get Paul well since Jackson has decided to share his illness. At least I can tell Paul to drink!

Thanks to everyone who was praying for us! We appreciate everything.

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

Cottonwood Art Festival

2007-10-07T20:52:00.001-05:00

Every year our town has an art festival at a near by park where hundreds of artists come to display and sell their work. Jackson had a lot of fun making his own art and saw some of his friends from church there, too.

Jackson and Mommy watching the ducks:)

The Kids area

Jackson and Daddy

Our friend Gary made a cast of Jackson's foot.

The finished product.

Hannah and Sarah showing off the beautiful hats they made.

Fundraiser Help

2007-09-27T13:15:00.000-05:00

Well, each year our school does a fundraiser through Interstate Household Batteries. I thought that since this year my child is actually in the school, we should participate. So if you would like to buy some batteries please send me an email or comment on this blog. 50% of what we sell, the school gets to keep.

9 volt
(1 pack) $3
(12 pk.) $29

D
(2 pk.) $ 5
(12 pk.) $19

C
(2 pk.) $5
(12 pk.) $19

AA
(8p k.) $7
(24 pk.) $17

AAA
(8 pk.) $7
(24 pk.) $17

They also sell different kinds of flashlights, lantern batteries, hearing aid batteries, and battery organizers (which actually look pretty cool).

10 battery organizer (AA) includes batteries $10
-with battery tester

21 battery organizer (all types) includes batteries $35
-with battery tester

Thanks!!

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

Fall Festival Time!!

2007-09-23T14:27:00.000-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again. Although it didn't feel too much like fall yesterday, we decided to start off the season at the Plano Balloon Festival. Jackson loved it. We hope to make it out to the state fair in the next few weeks and then to a Halloween festival at a farm down the street from us.

Sitting up in his stroller.

The Texas Parachuter.

Jackson with his eyes closed:)

Jackson got a souvenir.

Tea Party

2007-09-23T13:51:00.000-05:00

Jackson was invited to a birthday party for a little girl at our church. She is completely in love with him so he just had to go to the party. It was a formal Tea Party. Here are some pictures.

Andrew the waiter

Michelle, Brook, and Becca the hostesses

The birthday girl, Evee, in her formal attire.

In her opening presents dress......

The guests playing games.

Evee, in her going-home dress, Becca, and a very wiggly Jackson.

Are you ready for some football?

2007-09-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of how Sundays now look around our house....

Poor kid is going to be so confused.

6 month videos

2007-09-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

Happy 6 Months Baby!

2007-09-13T22:58:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of Jackson opening his present for his half birthday! We figured we better get him some more advanced toys since his infant toys are getting a little boring to him now!

He is sitting up by himself in this picture... it lasted a few minutes.

I tried to take another picture of him sitting up but he fell out of it!

I will upload some videos tomorrow..... very tired tonight.

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

"First Day of School" and more......

2007-09-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

Here is Jackson on his first day of Mother's Day Out.

Mrs. Dot included a note when I picked Jackson up. It said all about what he did today and "Jackson is a special boy, he already has a mind of his own!" Translate that as you wish....

Speaking of wishes here is a picture of Paul and his baseball cupcakes...

We had a big cookout and all of our friends came to watch the Rangers play the White Sox. There would be a picture of Jackson and Paul in their white sox uniforms but Jackson spit up carrots all over his before I got the camera out..... It's ok because it was only a prediction of the Rangers winning!

And finally, here is a video of Jackson that only ensures his future as a baseball star................... or a balloon enthusiast.

A trip to Pop's

2007-08-27T13:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to Jackson's great grandparent's farm. We had a lot of fun.

Jackson and Gramps:)

Tanner in the sprinklers.

Running.

A cow that began to chase me directly after this picture was taken.....

Pop and Tanner

not an itsy bitsy spider

Tanner's rock

Tanner helping Pop and Uncle David

Tanner giving Jackson some love.

Tanner tackling Jackson

Granny Margaret and Jackson:)

more jumping

2007-08-25T21:11:00.001-05:00

Eating

2007-08-12T20:17:00.000-05:00

Here is Jackson eating his lunch. Its not at the beginning so he's not fully attacking it but you get an idea of how much he likes it.

I also gave Paul his birthday present early. Here is Jackson starting early on the Wii.

Finally Rolling!!

2007-08-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

Jackson is finally rolling over!! He has been able to do this for awhile now but refuses to do it for weeks at a time.... It will probably be another two weeks until I see it again but at least this time I caught it on tape!

2007-08-03T14:08:00.000-05:00

Starting Solids

2007-08-01T11:07:00.001-05:00

Well, Jackson is beginning to eat solid foods now. We are starting very slowly just to make sure his tummy doesn't get upset from the changes. He absolutely loves to eat though, he sometimes refuses the bottle so that he can gobble up his cereal. Here are some pictures of him eating. I will try to take a video this week and post it also.

Rangers Game

2007-07-25T23:14:00.000-05:00

Jackson made it to his first Rangers game tonight. He only lasted until the 6th b/c we left the pacifier in the car... It was fun though. Here are some pictures.

Waiting for tickets.

Paul, Jackson, and Rush. (Ann and Bill were there too)

Big Tex.

Final Score: Rangers 7 Seattle 6

At the Park

2007-07-24T18:25:00.000-05:00

This weekend Jackson got another tooth, so now he has two on the bottom! We celebrated by going to the park! We had a lot of fun.

Mommy and Jackson on the slide.

Daddy and Jackson (not looking) on the swing.

Daddy (not looking) and Jackson on the swing:)

Jackson on the swing.

Daddy, Lucy, and Jackson playing.

Lucy:)

All looking at the camera, sort of.

Another update: Today Jackson learned to scoot on his belly around in a circle. He can only go to the right... hopefully this will lead to mastering turning over.

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

VBS

2007-07-21T15:09:00.000-05:00

Our theme this year was Avalanche Ranch so Jackson dressed like a cowboy everyday. Unfortunately I only had time on two days to take pictures of him....oh well, they turned out nice.

We Have A TOOTH!

2007-07-14T12:25:00.000-05:00

Well, I couldn't really figure out why Jackson kept waking up at 4 am all week instead of sleeping for his normal 11 hours. But apparently that is what time the tooth fairy does her business and she has been putting a tooth in the bottom of Jackson's mouth. It cut through this morning and other than waking up he hasnt been fussy. I will try and take a picture when it grows in some more. Right now you can't really see it but you can feel it! It is very sharp!

If you have any questions on the theology of the tooth fairy please visit Pastor Daniel's Blog.

talking

2007-07-13T21:25:00.000-05:00

this video was taken a couple of weeks ago but I think its cute.

2007-07-05T21:20:00.001-05:00

Rough Riders Game and 4th of July

2007-07-05T08:31:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from last weekend and last night:)

Pictures!

2007-07-02T22:39:00.001-05:00

Sorry this took me so long to post. It took a while to scan them. Hope you enjoy! And don't worry, Dad, I have plenty of the Rangers ones for you to hang up all over your house:)

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

Playing in High Chair

2007-06-23T20:40:00.001-05:00

Jackson has just started to grab toys and play. Here is a video of him during breakfast.

First Jumperoo Experience

2007-06-23T20:09:00.000-05:00

This file is kinda large so let me know if you cant see it.

video problems

2007-06-22T16:26:00.001-05:00

There are two new videos waiting to be posted but I'm having some issues uploading them... Maybe tomorrow...

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

Happy Fathers Day!

2007-06-17T21:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we started off Father's Day weekend by going to Build-a-Bear to make Jackson a Dallas Stars Bear complete with helmet, stick, and puck. He really had a fun time watching the big machine that spun the stuffing for the bears.

Then Ashley, Brad, and Aidan joined us for an arena football game to celebrate our first Father's Day. The boys were pretty good but a little scared from all the noise. They ended up sleeping through most of the game!

This was to block his ears from the noise.

Today we went to church and then over to Grandpas for lunch and to watch the U.S. Open! Jackson had a fit at the end when Tiger did not win! Seriously! He really likes watching sports on TV already.... Jackson also gave Paul some new playing cards with his picture on them. Now we can play 52 Jackson pickup.

3 Months Old Today!

2007-06-13T16:00:00.001-05:00

Jackson says, "hooray!"

More Swimming!

2007-06-12T21:56:00.001-05:00

These are some pictures of Jackson swimming in the pool at Holly's. He really enjoyed himself after he got used to the water!

Block Party Video

2007-06-10T14:14:00.001-05:00

Block Party

2007-06-10T13:54:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was our block party and it kinda messed up Jackson's schedule so we had to cancel on pictures since he was super tired when it came time to go. We rescheduled for Tuesday evening. Here are some pictures of Jackson at the party and "swimming" in his bathtub.

Paul, Dee Dee, and Jackson

Comments

2007-06-09T12:22:00.001-05:00

I changed the settings so if you want to make a comment you can by clicking on Comments underneath the posts:) We are going to get Jackson's pictures made today so I will add them when they come in!

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

Swimming!

2007-06-04T16:56:00.000-05:00

Today was our first attempt at the pool and well it didnt go quite as well as planned. We were in the pool for all of two minutes when the lifeguards told us we had to leave because a storm was on the way (even though it was perfectly sunny still but it started to rain 45 minutes later). However I did get a few pictures in time and Jackson seemed to like it ok but it was a little cold for his liking. Hopefully all of these storms will go away and the water will warm up so we can try again next week:) And even though it took me two hours to get everything ready and him lathered in sunscreen, we still had fun.

Paul, DeeDee, and Jackson

Our First Post

2007-05-29T22:49:00.000-05:00

Hello,

We decided to make this site for our friends and family so that you can stay in touch and see Jackson grow up:) We hope you enjoy the updates, photos, and videos that are to come...please be patient as this is a work in progress.

Paul, Dee Dee, and Jackson

Playing

2007-05-29T20:43:00.000-05:00