Monday, November 30, 2009

Boots and Bonfires

We went to Hattiesburg to visit Jeremy's family for Thanksgiving. We had a great trip! We ate lots of delicious food, got some Black Friday shopping done, and just enjoyed time with Jeremy's family. Part of what made the trip so fun was that Jackson got to experience his first bonfire! He was so excited about it, and talked about it for 2 days before we even got to do it! When we got there, he was loving it. Jeremy's brother Ben had built a pretty impressive fire, and Jackson loved it! We roasted hot dogs on the fire and then toasted marshmallows and made smores. Oddly enough, Jackson was not a fan at all of the toasted marshmallows, but he sure loved eating them "raw." We had a blast, and the weather was just perfect for a night out! And as if Jackson didn't have enough fun Friday night, Saturday morning Papa and Gigi took him to get his first pair of "real" cowboy boots. He looks like such a cutie running around in his boots! Enjoy the pictures!

Jackson's first peek at the bonfire

Ben's girlfriend, Lacey

It was a pretty impressive bonfire!

Amy and Adam

Me and Jer

Ben and Lacey

Papa and Gigi

The fire got a little bit out of control here. Ben put it back in line!

Jackson had a blast running around, although not running near the fire!

Me and my little man. I look like a whale in this picture!

Jackson posing in his new cowboy boots. Isn't he a cutie!

Stick 'em up!!

Jackson decided to "ride" Macy like a cowboy last night, all while dressed in a lion costume with his cowboy boots. Go figure!! I'm sure Macy's thrilled with this new game!

Friday, November 27, 2009

War Eagle!!!


Today is the day. Iron Bowl 2009. Auburn verses Alabama. The biggest football rivalry practically in the whole wide world. And all I'm gonna say is WARRRRRRR Eagle!!!



Go get 'em Tigers!!!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!!!

I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

New Recipes Ready to Go!

I posted two new recipes yesterday over at Miranda and my cooking blog, Cheese Grits and Jesus. The recipes are for broccoli cornbread and crock pot mashed potatoes. They would be an easy addition to your Thanksgiving meal, and I promise that if you give them a shot you won't be disappointed! Have a great day!

Bootylicious

It must be something ingrained in boys to be fascinated with potty humor and whatnot. Jackson has latched on to a new favorite word, and he's all too eager to share it with us whenever we ask him anything. Want to know the new favorite word? It's the word "booty." Isn't that lovely...

Ask him anything and he will prove his prowess and skill at inserting the word "booty" into the conversation. It's quite remarkable, really.

Jeremy: "Jackson, can you count these cars for me?"
Jackson: "Okay, Daddy. One. Two. Three. Booty (insert maniacal laughter). Four. Booty."

Me: "Jackson, what did you have for lunch today at school."
Jackson: (Without missing a beat) "Booty."

Jeremy: "Lets go say your nighttime prayers. What do you want to thank God for tonight?"
Jackson: "My booty."

Me: "Can you say the Pledge of Allegiance for me?"
Jackson: "I Pledge Allegiance to the booty...."

Jeremy: "What do you want to eat?"
Jackson: "A booty sandwich!"

Me: "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?"
Jackson: "A pirate ship. And a booty (insert hysterical laughter).

I could go on and on with more examples, because seriously, this happens all.the.time. The kid is hilarious with his antics, and with all this "booty" humor, he's more of a stinker than ever, but oh how I love my little man!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanksgiving Fun

I found this on the Mommy Diaries and decided to give it a shot. I'm tagging anyone that wants to do it also! I'd love to hear your answers!

1. Which do you like better: hosting Thanksgiving at your home, or going elsewhere?
I wouldn't even know where to begin if I hosted my own Thanksgiving. Before Jeremy and I got married I had always just gone to one of my grandmother's houses. Now we usually head to Mississippi for Thanksgiving. Jeremy has a huge family, so it's always nice to see everyone!

2. Do you buy a fresh or frozen turkey? Organic? Free-range?
I've never bought a turkey, unless of course you count turkey breast sandwich meat. That's as close as I will probably ever get! I much prefer a spiral cut sugared ham. I could eat my weight in ham!

3. Do you make stuffing or dressing? What kind?
We call it dressing around our house, and my Mom has made up a recipe for some very good dressing. Is this a bad time to say that I'm not really a fan of Thanksgiving food? It's not that I don't like the food, because it's fine, but it just makes me slightly sick to my stomach. Want to know why? Literally 3 hours after I found out that I was finally pregnant I had to go to a Thanksgiving dinner as part of a work function. I was already nauseated and then I had to eat a big plate of turkey and dressing and pretend like nothing in the world was wrong. It's been 4 years since then, and I still don't feel that same about turkey and dressing.

4. Sweet potato pie or Pumpkin pie?
I've never eaten pumpkin pie, and I would much rather eat sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.

5. Are leftovers a blessing or a curse?
A bit of both. Re-read number 3 if you are confused. I do love leftovers of everything but turkey and dressing.

6. What side dishes are a must-have in your family?
Mashed potatoes, broccoli and rice casserole, broccoli cornbread, green bean casserole, turnips or collards, squash, macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, that kind of stuff.

7. What do you wish you had that might make Thanksgiving easier?
A way to time travel so that Jeremy and I could be with both of our families at the same time!

8. If/when you go to someone else’s house for the holiday, do you usually bring a dish? If so, what is it?
I do try to do something. It's not always easy, but I do like to help out someway.

9. What do you wish one of your guests would bring to your house?
Seeing as how it will probably be awhile before I host a Thanksgiving dinner, I'm going to pass on this question.

10. What do you wish one of your guests would NOT bring to your house?
Cranberry sauce. Yuck.

11. Do you stick with a particular menu from year to year, or do you mix it up?
I'm pretty traditional when it comes to meals. We always have ham, and you better believer that we will have mashed potatoes.

12. Is Thanksgiving a religious or secular holiday in your home?
I guess it's a little bit of both. I enjoy spending time with family and enjoying the yummy food, but at the same time I am completely aware that God has given us so much to be thankful for. Without Him, we would have nothing.

13. Share one Thanksgiving tradition.
From the time that I was a little girl I remember sitting in the floor at my Granny Betsy's house and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. I loved it, especially the Rockettes and waiting for Santa Claus' float to ride by. I still love watching the parade, although I don't get to see much of it.

14. Share one Thanksgiving memory.
Besides watching Macy's parade? I always think back to how my cousin Brandi and I ALWAYS got stuck at the kids table, no matter how old we were. Eventually the kids table evolved into the two of us sitting in the kitchen by ourselves because there were too many other grand kids! In fact, I think we were married and were still at that kitchen table. We joked that we would have kids of our own before we ever made it away from the kids table!

15. Name five things you’re thankful for.
1. My Family
2. My Savior
3. My Church
4. My Freedom
5. My Friends
6. Black Friday Sales! (I just had to add that one!)

Now it's your turn! Leave me a comment with your link, so I can enjoy your answers too! HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Monday, November 23, 2009

It's All About Specificity Folks!

I learned something this weekend: when you are straightening up the house and you pop into the "front bathroom" and notice a lack of toilet paper, do not ask a three year old to run to the "back" bathroom and get a roll of toilet paper. Because the three year old will undoubtedly unroll the entire roll of toilet paper from your bathroom and then bring you a big pile of toilet paper.


I guess I should have been more specific! After all, he did bring me a roll of toilet paper just like I asked! And if you are a guest in my house anytime during the next few weeks, please excuse the pile of toilet paper in the front bathroom. Just pull off a few squares. It still works the same!

Oh, and say a prayer for my Mom. She is sitting in an airport in Atlanta right now, and is getting ready to fly to Italy for the next 10 days to go visit my best friend Allison. Allison's Mom (Mrs. Sharon, my Denver Momma!) and my Mom will meet up in New York in a few hours and then fly to Venice together. I'm so jealous!! These two ladies will set Europe on fire with their crazy antics! Allison has big plans for them and they will be running all over Italy and will also spend time in Germany and Austria during this trip. Please pray that they have a safe trip and a wonderful time!! Have a great Monday!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Amy Picasso

Last night I went to my friend Kasey's art studio for the third time. Miranda and Kellyn and I had such a good time painting Christmas pictures. They both chose to paint artsy Christmas trees, but I chose to paint a wreath.

I was really pleased with how things turned out, and the picture looks great in my living room. I tend to be really OCD about things, so for me to just let go and have fun and not worry about achieving perfect symmetry is very therapeutic for me. Now that my picture is up, I guess now I'm ready to put our Christmas tree up.

We've got such a busy weekend ahead. In just a little while, Jeremy, Mom and I are heading to Jackson's school for their Thanksgiving lunch, and then tomorrow for lunch we're heading to meet family, and then tomorrow night we have a Sunday School social. Whew. I should be worn out by Monday! Anyways, I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Later y'all!!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Up Time America

This woman and I would get along just swimmingly!!!

Sticks and Stones

I teach a missions class on Wednesday nights at church for 5th and 6th grade girls. As much as the girls drive me crazy (and they totally do!), I love each of the girls with a passion that I can’t describe. I’ve worked with this age group for seven years now, and I’ve seen so many girls pass through my class. I guess I like this age group because:
1. They are old enough to wipe their own hineys.
2. They are young enough to not be a completely hormonal obnoxious mess.
3. They are still impressionable enough for me to be able to make a difference in their lives.

I know that it’s because of the third reason that I continue to give up my time on Wednesday nights to work with these girls. I want them to know and love God with a passion that is undeniable. I want them to know why missions are important and why we should always live for Jesus. I want to be one of those people in their lives that they know will always be on their side.

And last night my heart was broken…

I have an adorably sweet girl in my class. She’s relatively new to the area and her family is in the military so she moves around quite a bit. I’ll call her “Lauren”. We were in the middle of just having a good time, not particularly being serious at all, and she looked at me and said, “Mrs. Amy, what would you do if everyone was always telling you how ugly you are?”

I was very taken aback. You see, “Lauren” is a completely normal looking little girl. She’s a petite little thing, with big brown eyes, shoulder length brown hair, and a huge smile (missing a few teeth). She is the epitome of an average little girl.

And people at school are constantly telling her how ugly she is.

I guess this would be a good time to share with y’all that I went through a phase in my life, around 5th grade, were I had an extremely low self esteem. I struggled with confidence and speaking out for myself and it wasn’t until I saw a counselor did I work through some of those issues.

Now, granted, it wasn’t easy for me to build my self esteem, but it did happen over time. And when my backbone finally developed, it grew in strong.

And my heart is broken for “Lauren” having to go through this. She started crying a few minutes into our conversation, and then I came thisclose to busting out in tears for/with her. The other girls, who sometimes tend to be a bit snarky with each other, quickly clued into the fact that “Lauren” was really struggling with this. It warmed my heart to watch them reaching out to her and telling that she was very pretty. I told her over and over again about how beautiful she is and then I asked her, “Do you know what I see when I look at you?” She said, “Probably someone ugly.” I quickly said, “No. When I look at you I see a beautiful girl with big brown eyes, pretty brown hair, clear skin, and a smile that lights up the room! You are made in God's image "Lauren" and that makes you beautiful. You're sweet heart makes you beautiful. Don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise.”

In all honesty, I see a good bit of myself at her age when I look at her: A good, sweet kid who just wants to fit in. Maybe that’s why I got so upset listening to her describe what’s going on. I’ve been there, and I know that these bullies could crush her spirit if she lets them.

I don’t understand why kids have to be so mean to each other. I don’t understand why some people feel the need to tear others down in order to build themselves up. I don’t understand why people have to hurt each other. I know that kids have no idea how cruel they can be, but I can guarantee that one day “Lauren’s” image will come back to some of these kids, and they are going to be ashamed of how they treated someone who is such a kind person. It is so easy for some people to just say something just to evoke a reaction out of others, but kids have no idea the lasting repercussions this could cause for her. I just don’t understand the unnecessary cruelty involved with growing up.

“Lauren” and my conversation quickly opened up a door in order for me to share my experiences growing up. I want these girls to realize, that the old saying of, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is a big fat lie. I’ve been there; I know how bad it hurts to have people say mean things about you. I know what that feels like, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Words do hurt, and sometimes they cut deeper than a knife ever could. And the worst thing about words is that once they come out of your mouth, you can never, ever get them back. I want these girls to fully grasp that and understand the power behind words. It's a lesson that I wish I could go back in time and teach myself.

And if I was the only person that “Lauren” ever heard say that she is beautiful, I hope she will cling to that, and remember it always, because she is.

“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (The Message)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Doing That Whole "Raise Up A Child" Thing

We do our best to make sure that every night Jackson is learning about talking to God and thanking him for his day. He is such a hoot during his nighttime prayers. It's crazy some of the things he comes up with during prayer time. Last night I was so close to cracking up at him, but I definitely know better than to do that. I just waited for him to leave the room and then I started laughing!! I told Jeremy, "I think I just got my blog post for tomorrow!"

Last night we got this:

Jackson: "God our Father, God our Father, once again. Once again. We thank you for our blessings. Thank you for our blessings. Amen. Amen. Lord, I thank you for my families. I thank you for my toys. And I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Publix for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for frogs. The End."

I've been blessed with such a fun little man!!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Update on An Amazing Freebie!!!

Last week I shared about an amazing freebie where you could get 50 free photo cards. Well, due to amazing and overwhelming response, the deadline for ordering has been moved from November 30th to November 21st (this Saturday!). Just wanted to let y'all know!!!

The Shot Heard 'Round the Wade's World

Yesterday afternoon I took Jackson to the pediatrician because I thought that he had an ear infection. He had a stubborn cough that we just couldn't shake and usually that means an ear infection for him. Imagine my surprise when his doctor came in and, after taking a look at his ears and his throat, announced that there was nothing wrong with him.

Now don't get me wrong. I was glad that his cough was nothing more than his allergies acting up, but I wish I wouldn't have wasted a trip to the doctor for that.

But I guess the trip to the doctor wasn't a complete waste after all.

A few weeks back when I asked everyone's opinion about the H1N1 vaccination, I went ahead and called our pediatricians office and asked to be put on the waiting list to be notified when they received the vaccination. I figured I would still have awhile to make my decision. When we got to the doctor, the nurse asked me if I had received a phone call yet about the shot. I told her that we hadn't. She commented that the office had received their allotment of shots and that they were starting to call down the list starting with kids who have asthma. Jackson does have asthma, and I guess the only reason we hadn't gotten our call yet was because our last name starts with a W.

Anyways, the nurse asked me the dreaded question: "Do you want Jackson to get the H1N1 shot today since he's eligible?"

I started mumbling all these questions that I had, "Is it safe?", "Have you seen any complications from it?" and just random other questions. The nurse wisely told me that she would have the doctor talk to me. When Dr. D came back in, we talked for awhile about the vaccination. I appreciated it greatly that she didn't blow off my concerns and questions. She really did talk openly and honestly with me. She answered my questions and then told me that she felt that next years flu season was going to be worse than this one.

The clincher for me was this: Dr. D told me that they have a very large practice (I would estimate they have at least 1,000 kids in the practice). They had asked for 500 doses from the health department and they only received 100 doses. 100 doses and 1,000 kids. With Jackson's history of breathing problems and asthma I just couldn't risk not getting the shot for him. What if I changed my mind later and decided for the vaccination and there were no doses left? It's a total "between a rock and a hard place" situation.

She asked if I was okay with it and I told her that while I wasn't happy with the vaccination, if she firmly believed that the benefits outweighed the risks for him that we would go ahead with it. I know that there are risks with the shots, and I know that there are great risks for him without having the shot.

And I know that if something happened to him because I allowed the vaccination that I wouldn't be able to live with myself. And I know that if something happened to him because I didn't allow him to have the vaccination that I couldn't live with myself.

It was around this time in Dr. D and my conversation that Jackson clued in to the fact that he was getting another flu shot and he was not a happy camper about it. When the nurse walked in with the shot he had a fit and just freaked out. That was when I found out that Jackson has super-human strength when he's fighting a shot.

There was great weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, and that was just me. You should've seen Jackson.

He got the shot and cried the whole way out the door. The only thing that made him feel better was that I promised him that we would go to get some ice cream at McDonald's, and that when we got home that we would jump into the bathtub and wash the flu shot off. Eventually he quit crying. The whole way home he kept saying, "I don't like having that flu shot from that nursery (nurse). I don't like it at all and I don't want that anymore. Okay?" I quickly promised that he wouldn't get another flu shot. Until next year. And then we ate our ice cream sundaes and I smothered him in lots of kisses and hugs and we headed off into the sunset to go wash that nasty flu shot off.

The End.

Monday, November 16, 2009

The Wade's Are Back in Town

We headed over to Starkville, MS this weekend to go visit Amy and Adam and and see their new house. It was my first time visiting Starkville and we loved Amy and Adam's house! It was a beautiful home, out just enough to have peace and quiet, but close enough to have a Walmart nearby. That my friends, is an essential of life! We weren't the only guests at the Knight B&B; Jeremy's parents (Papa and Gigi) and his brother Ben and his girlfriend Lacey also visited. We had a wonderful time with everyone and enjoyed meeting Lacey.

I wish I had pictures to share, but sadly, my camera has bit the dust.

And I have to take Jackson back to the doctor today. He's got a pretty good cough going on, so I'm betting it's an ear infection. I hope that's all it is. I guess better safe than sorry!

That's all for today. Have a great day!

Friday, November 13, 2009

I Won An Award!

Esther over at The Mommy Diaries gave me an award! Thank you so much! I'm so excited because I love getting awards and it gives me something fun to post about today.

Anyway, here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link to their blog.
2. Share 10 honest things about yourself.
3. Present this award to 7 other whose blogs you find brilliant in design or content.
4. Tell those 7 people they have been awarded.

Here goes...10 honest things about myself...

1. We have lived in our house for 6 years now, and I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never cleaned the oven. It’s not self cleaning and I just don’t know how. I bought some oven cleaner, but I’ve just never followed through and actually cleaned it. Any volunteers?

2. I always save the best bite of food for last and it doesn’t matter what I’m eating in order for me to do this. If it’s a hamburger, I will constantly rotate and reassess the burger to make sure that the very last bite will be the one that is perfection. If it’s a bowl of strawberries, you better believe that the juiciest, plumpest strawberry will be eaten last. For this reason, I don’t particularly like to share my food!

3. I love shopping online. My favorite places are Children’s Place and Amazon. In fact, I’m price stalking a Christmas present idea (an art easel) for Jackson right now. My source over at Baby Cheapskate thinks the prices will drop around Black Friday. I’ll be waiting!!

4. Although I hated the show when it first came out, I gave it another shot and fell in love with The Office. It absolutely cracks me up! It has some of the best one liners that I’ve ever heard.

5. I’ve never watched more than 5 minutes of Grey’s Anatomy or Lost. I couldn’t get into either show and I’ve never looked back.

6. I’ve had the same email address since 1998. It’s a reference to when I was on the Auburn University Marching Band Flag Corps. Even though I haven’t twirled a flag in a football game in 10 years, I am still extremely critical when watching flags perform. I know it’s a major character flaw, but I’m so judgmental when watching someone twirl that I can’t really enjoy myself. And I can still twirl a flag like no one’s business. I know this because I have one at my house and occasionally I go in the backyard and see if I still have it. I do.

7. I have never done an actual back bend in my life. I can do the “push up on your hands from the floor” kind, but I have never been able to convince myself to do the “standing up and just bend backwards” kind. I’m terrified of hitting my head. I’ve also never done a back dive into the swimming pool, although I have been able to teach people how to do that. Go figure.

8. My hair is unilaterally opposed to going into a ponytail without causing me lots of problems. Sure, I throw my hair up into a ponytail when I’m at home, or maybe heading to Wal-mart, but 9 times out of 10 I will have my hair get kind of lumpy on top and it drives me nuts. I know it’s my OCD going into overdrive, but I can’t handle lumps in my hair!

9. Of all the Disney movies ever created, I refuse to ever see Dumbo or Bambi again. They are just about the most depressing movies in the whole world. Isn’t a cartoon supposed to be fun and uplifting?

10. I’ve only had one cavity in my entire life and it devastated me. Every time I go to the dentist now I am so afraid that I’m going to have another. I hate that one little silver filling in my mouth and I tried to talk my dentist into removing it and replacing it with a filling that is the same color as my tooth. She didn’t see the need because it’s all the way in the back of my mouth and no-one sees it anyway. I still wish it were gone.

Now, I'm awarding...

1. Rachel at Grasping for Objectivity
2. Ashleigh at Heart and Home
3. Missy at It's Almost Naptime
4. Tonggu Momma at Our Little Tongginator
5. Lianne at Socks Are Not The Enemy
6. Kristin at We Are THAT Family
7. Kathering at Grass Stains

Congrats and have a great day! We're heading to Starkvegas so I'll catch up with y'all later!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Ask Amy Anything Answers

Last Thursday I opened my blog up to another Ask Amy Anything segment and I had some great questions!

My wonderful sister-in-law Amy, who we will have the pleasure of visiting her new house in Starkville this weekend, asked “What do you want for Christmas? Help a sister out.... :)”

Amy, it’s funny you asked this question. Esther, over at The Mommy Diaries sent me an email the other day with a photo of a shirt in it that was right up my alley. I love it! She knows me so well, and we've never even met! And since it seems that I’m on my political bandwagon lately, I got to browsing around and also found this and this, but I wouldn't actually put the bumper sticker on my car because I don't believe it would go over very well in the part of town that I work in. And here is my favorite of all four. Gotta.Love.It.

My friend Miranda from Nelson: Party of Four asked about a million questions. She's pushy like that. I'm gonna take them one by one.

"When are you going to have another baby? Jackson's not getting any younger...."
Obviously Miranda was one of the well-meaning friends that I mentioned in my last post about having another baby. All I'm going to say is that yes, we do want another baby. And yes, we are thinking about it. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

"Do you want a boy or girl? And don't say "I don't care as long as it's healthy" because that is the stale, generic answer that me and everybody else uses."
Since I'm forbidden from giving a stale, generic answer, I'll answer honestly and say that if I could pick, I would definitely LOVE to have another boy. It's funny that when I found out I was having a boy I was terrified because I didn't know anything about boys. Now, I would give anything to have another one.

All that being said, if God decided to bless us with a little girl, I would be thrilled also.

So the whole answer is that I would love another boy, but I would be just as happy with a little girl.

"What will you name it?"
I'm kinda funny about releasing favorite baby names for fear that someone will steal it and then I can't use the name anymore. I will say that my sister has announced that her little boy is going to be named Luke Thomas Gibson, which I LOVE, so any baby we have will not be named Luke!

Jackson has decided however, that he is going to call the baby Spidermonkey.

"Will you let Jackson help pick out a name?"
Maybe. But I draw the line at naming a child Spidermonkey, Allison, or Spiderman.

Seriously though, I decided as a child that I wanted my baby sister to be named Kellyn, after the aerobics instructor on Mousercise, and my parents went along with it. I would probably take any suggestions that Jackson may have into consideration.

"If it's a girl, what will you do with all of Jackson's old clothes you are stock piling?"
Keep them just to bug you. Kidding!!! I do have every single piece of clothing Jackson has ever received because I can't fathom getting rid of any of it in case we have another boy. And I'm a hoarder. And I do have a nephew on the way!

Lyndsey asked, "Do you like your job? Where is your favorite place to go with Jeremy on date night?"
Yes, I do like my job. I am blessed to work in a Christian environment and we are more like an extended family than coworkers. We can openly send prayer requests and with the way our country is moving, I know I am fortunate in that.

I still do want to write a book. I have begun working on a children's book. And by working I mean that I have a title page done. If I ever get it finished and published, every reader has to promise to buy 5 copies!

And my favorite things to do on a date night is probably dinner and a movie, preferably dinner at a Japanese hibachi place. I know we'll see New Moon when it comes out. I'm already looking forward to that.

Candy over at Keeping Up With The Jones' asked, "What are some of your favorite baby names?"
Once again, I won't release the top first name contenders because I would really hate to have to give the hairy eyeball to some baby name stealer out there, but I do know that if it's a girl the middle name will definitely be Elizabeth. And I know it will totally bug y'all, but our favorite girl names begin with a "C" and a "C" and an "M" and our favorite boy names begin with an "L" a "C" a "G" and (ssshhhh) even another "J".

That's all for today. I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Little of This...A Little of That

Out of the mouths of babes...
A little background: Jackson has a set of bathtub crayons that he just loves to play with. I have two rules when it comes to these crayons; he can only color in the bathtub and not on the tile around the tub, and that he not color with the black crayon because I'm afraid it will stain the tub. I don't know why I haven't just thrown that crayon away yet. I guess I haven't thought about it until now. Anyways, Jackson follows both of these rules really well. Usually.

Last night I wasn't feeling great and I decided to lay down in our bed for a little bit while Jeremy gave Jackson his bath. Jeremy stepped out for a second to get Jackson's pajamas and I hear Jackson talking to himself in the tub. I started paying close attention to what he was saying when I kept hearing "black crayon" this and "black crayon" that. I peeked into the bathroom and Jackson had practically covered the tub with that black crayon. I ran into the bathroom and we had the following conversation:

Me: "Jackson, what are you doing?"
Jackson: "Just coloring."
Me: "Why in the world do you have the black crayon?"
Jackson: "Because Daddy gave it to me."
Me: "But you know better than to color with the black crayon in the tub."
Jackson: (insert long pause) "Welllllllll, Daddy should have known better than to give it to me."

At which point I had to decide that Jackson had won his argument. I was outsmarted by a three year old. And in Jeremy's defense, he claims he never knew that the black crayon was off limits. And he wondered why I hadn't just thrown it away.

Moving on...
And here are the pictures that Mom and I took in the downtown area this past Saturday. We shot pictures for 2 hours and Jackson was such a trooper! I was amazed at how well he did. We wanted to make sure that we had some great shots to choose from for our Christmas cards, and I think we were successful. Mom did an amazing job and I was really proud of how they turned out. Enjoy!

Peter Pan pose

So serious...

I can jump so far!

Cutie pie!

This is his fake smile.

Check out my belly!

Such a stinker!

Posing outside the firestation annex

Great shot of downtown

Love.This.Kid.

I'm sooo over this!

Silly boy!

He knows he's cute!

Precious!

Artsy shot (I took this one)

No. I. Wont.

Another favorite

I took this shot. I love the way it turned out!

Jackson upclose and personal
Have a great day!

Veterans Day

Please take some time today to remember those who have served our country, both past and present, so faithfully to protect and defend our freedoms. Also, please remember the families of those who were tragically killed at Fort Hood. I pray that God gives comfort to the families and friends who lost loved ones in such a senseless act.

Veterans Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.

We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

By Joanna Fuchs

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

An Amazing Freebie!

Over the past several years I have sent out a photo card at Christmas. It started off as a picture of all three of us, but has now evolved into just a picture of Jackson. I was thinking about what we would do this year when I spotted a great tip; Heather over at Freebies 4 Mom has posted an amazing freebie. She's sharing a code for 50 free photo cards to be printed (with free shipping) making this an amazing actual freebie! The site is run through Fuji, and you actually get to design your card from start to finish. The code is supposed to be good through November 30th.

I tried making my card yesterday, but the site was bogged down with everyone trying to order. It's up and running again today and I just placed my order. 50 cards for free; you can't beat that! Heather does have some tips in case you have some trouble. The only problem I had was that the site didn't recognize the promo code when I entered it, but I just tried again and it worked. Wanna see the pictures I chose? Sure you do!

Jackson as Peter Pan!

Such a silly monkey!

Our little stinker!

Isn't he such a cutie! Have a great day and get ready to take advantage of this amazing offer!

Monday, November 09, 2009

Stepping On My Soapbox

*Wade's World Disclaimer* If you are a Democrat or a Liberal, you might want to just move on and not read this post. You will not like it. Consider yourself warned. Comments that I deem rude or argumentative will be deleted without hesitation or apologies. I've had enough of all that left wing garbage being crammed down my throat. I'm not like Fox News. I never claimed to be fair and balanced.

*And now I'm stepping on my soapbox.

All this mess about health care reform is making me sick. Did I miss something in the Bill of Rights or the Constitution that deemed that health insurance was a God given right? Last time I checked, our rights were that of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." I don't see health care mentioned anywhere. I watched in horror this weekend as our House of Representatives passed Nancy Pelosi's Health care bill after passing the Stupak Amendment. Now I was supporting the Stupak amendment because it would ban the use of federal tax dollars to pay for abortion, and it's passage was a major victory for the pro-lifers out there like me, but I knew that if the amendment passed that several of the "on the fence" democrats would in fact vote for the health care bill to pass. In that way, the amendment was a double-edged sword; vote against abortion, vote for government takeover of a private industry. And I heard that Pelosi had already worked a deal that if the Stupak amendment passed through the House, that the amendment would disappear in the Senate version, which basically means that lots of well intentioned Representatives voted for this bill in good faith, only to be snookered once again by Pelosi.

Now I have several friends that think I'm somewhat obsessed with politics. I listen to conservative talk radio for about 6 hours a day (in the background while I'm at work), and I admit that I check Drudge Report almost constantly. These politicians are making life and death decisions for us, and we should be ashamed of ourselves if we don't hold them accountable for their choices. We should know exactly how they are voting and what the issues are. People have given their lives in order for us to have freedom to speak out, and I'll be darned if I'm not going to use my voice.

Here's some issues that you need to be aware of as this vote comes before the Senate:

1. According to Pelosi, this 1,990 page document will cost an estimated $829 billion. The actual costs will be closer to $1.055 trillion. That's a trillion dollars that belongs to our children and grandchildren. We are robbing them blind, and they don't even pay taxes yet.

2. Expanding Medicaid, and gutting private Medicare. Pelosi's plan includes using $426 billion from future Medicare spending to fund universal coverage. What does this mean for senior citizens? In addition to not getting a social security check increases, their Medicare coverage will be cut in order to basically put all Americans on Medicaid.

3. Tax the wealthy; The Bill includes $572 billion in new taxes that will apply to anyone earning over $1 million for joint filers, or $500,000 for singles. Their new tax rate will rise to 45% of their income in 2011. This won't directly affect my checkbook at first because Heaven knows, I don't make a million dollars, but this cost will trickle down because it punishes those who are successful. Since when should someone who has made an honest living be punished for their success? They shouldn't. That's straight up socialism, and last time I checked, we lived in a democracy. But get this: even if the government took 100% of earnings for those making $500,000 or more, it's still not enough money. That's where the middle class comes in. Yeah! You will now be considered rich and they will raise your taxes because we still have to pay for the "have nots" in our society. Like a hungry dragon, it's never going to be enough. The government will never be satisfied as long as it's taking from those who still have.

4. Despite the strain on small businesses, and our floundering economy, businesses would be required to pay 8% of their payroll to the government if they don't offer insurance or pay at least 72.5% of their workers' premiums. Mark my words: this will directly affect salaries because if a company is forced to pay for health insurance, they still have to make a profit. In an economy with 10.2% unemployment, I predict that these rates will go even higher when businesses have to make the choice of paying for insurance or letting workers go.

5. You will be mandated by law to buy government approved health insurance. If you choose not to purchase insurance, you will be taxed up to 2.5% of your gross income. If you choose not to pay the tax, you will be penalized with a fine up to $250,000 and could serve up to 5 years in prison. So now the government will force you to purchase something that you may feel you don't even need. What's next? The government taxing cokes because they need to stop us from getting fat? Oh, wait. That's already in the works. The government needs to focus on bigger issues than what I'm drinking.

6. The government will control health care costs and will deem if a doctor prescribed health care regime is essential and cost effective. This in turn will lead to reduced medical care. Basically, a government committee will get to decide if you are worth saving.

Final thoughts: This plan still does NOTHING to cover tort reform. Our health care costs are soaring because of frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits and this bill will do nothing to touch that.

Congress will still not be included as part of this plan. How dare they pass something that they deem "wonderful' and "life changing" and not be willing to join the plan like the rest of America. I'm furious about this bill, and you better believe that if my Senators vote for this bill that I will do everything in my power to see that they don't get re-elected. I'm fed up with this garbage coming down from D.C.


Pelosi is evil and and Obama is a socialist. Together they are a terrifying combination. 85% of Americans are satisfied with the health care they have. What sense does it make to throw an entire industry down the goverment drain to satisfy the needs of 15% of the people? The bottom line is that I'm a tax paying American who works hard for what I have. I'm not against helping people when they are down on their luck, but I am tired of paying for people who have never earned an honest dime in their life. I'm tired of the government just helping themselves to what I've worked hard for. I'm tired of the government interferring in my life. And I'm tired of the government telling me what's good for me.

And my blood pressure is going up....I guess I better get that treated before Obamacare goes into force and I'm forced to be led out to pasture.

*And I'm now off my soapbox. Tomorrow we will return to our regularly scheduled programming.*

Friday, November 06, 2009

I Need This Shirt!


Honesty in Marketing

Rick and Bubba shared this commercial this morning and it owned me. What a refreshing and honest take on trying to get business, and at the very least, it takes guts (or something else) to run a commerical like this.

So have a great day. Or don't. I don't care :)

P.S. I really do hope you have a great day and a great weekend!

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Ask Amy Anything

Because it's Thursday and I've got nothing, I'm opening today up to another edition of Ask Amy Anything. Just leave me a comment and I'll answer soon! I hope you have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Conservative...And Proud Of It!

In the words of the always wise Maxine...

Let me get this straight:

We're going to pass a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, pssed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it, to be signed by a President that also hasn't read it and who smokes, with funding administered by a Treasury Chief who didn't pay his taxes, all to be overseen by a Surgeon General who is obese,
and financed by a country that's nearly broke.

What could possibly go wrong?

And y'all, I sat up watching the election results last night coming in and I was so excited to see a GOP sweep in Virginia (for only the 2nd time in history), and that Chris Christie defeated Jon Corzine in New Jersey! I know the White House will spin this to say that these were only "local" elections, but I truly believe the tide is turning for conservatives!

Have a great day!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Does Anyone Else Hear That Ticking Noise?

I'm seriously under pressure to have another baby. Not "youneedtohaveababyrightnowwhatareyouwaitingfor" pressure, but more of "its time" pressure. The pressure is not so much by family (thank goodness), but mostly by well-meaning friends and coworkers.

And Jackson.

And I don't mind the pressure, but I'm so afraid to step off the ledge on this one because seriously, you know what you are about to get into again with a second baby.

And no kidding, but our three year old son is putting the pressure on more than anyone else. Jackson is obsessed with wanting a baby in the family, and if asked, he'll say that he wants a baby sister, but a baby brother would be okay too.

I'm glad we got that cleared up.

I guess much of his baby fever is due to the fact that his KK is pregnant, his Sunday School teacher Kara is pregnant, and our good friends, Miranda and Britney just had babies. Just yesterday he told me that if we have a baby that he'll make sure to change the baby's diapers (except the poopy ones) and will make the baby a bottle of milk when its hungry.

He's also promised to love the baby and take good care of it and to not drop the elbow bomb on the baby until it's big.

Another thing I'm glad we got cleared up...

And I'm sitting here thinking about a million things at once, as if I don't have enough on my plate already.

A little voice is telling me that it's time to start thinking about another baby since I've always wanted my children 4 years apart.

A little voice is telling me that, hello, I'm 29 years old and these things take time, which I'm short on since I wanted to be done having kids by the time I'm 30.

A little voice is wondering how Jackson would really handle a new addition to the family.

A little voice is wondering if I'm over analyzing things as usual.

A little voice is asking me how will we afford another baby.

A little voice is asking me if I'm ready to start over.

A little voice is reminding me of how much I struggled to get pregnant.

A little voice is reminding me of that ever present ticking sound.

The morals of the story: Jackson needs to quit pressuring his Mama, and I have too many voices in my head.

Tick...Tick...Tick...

Monday, November 02, 2009

Its Monday Already?

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Ours was wonderful. Busy, but great. Friday night we went to the downtown area and enjoyed the festival at First Baptist, and then Saturday night we went to the church where Jackson goes to school and had a wonderful time at their festival. Enjoy the pictures!

Spiderman ready to roll!

Spiderman, Nana and Tata

Riding the swings. He loved it, but he just didn't want his picture taken at all!

People thought he was scared, but no. He's just being difficult!

Loving the pony ride!

Such a stinker!

Hotdog dinner at his school

Jackson and Nana

He finally conquered his fear of inflatables!!!!

He loved the inflatable slide! He's always been terrified before, but we couldn't get him off this thing!

Playing games to get MORE candy!

Horse ride (not a pony this time!)


He loved the train ride!

And I just have to share this: Jackson, Nana and I decided to ride the hayride. We waited in line and when we got onto the hayride this adorable little girl runs up and sits right next to Jackson. He immediately got shy and hid his face. This sweet little girl says, "Hey Jackson!" and I realized that she was in his class. I asked her name and she said it was Amelia. I've heard all about Amelia, and know that she is Jackson's girlfriend. Well, Amelia saddled right up to Jackson and grabbed his hand so that they could hold hands during the ride! Isn't that so cute. Amelia's Daddy wasn't too pleased, and luckily for Amelia's Dad, Jackson wanted nothing to do with her because he was too shy! I think it's so sweet! And she was such a classy little gal, dressed up like Little Red Riding Hood.

If my three year old has to date, at least he's got good taste!

Have a great day!
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