Here are a few shots from Jack’s Christmas pajama party two weeks ago:
Paying close attention to the directions. . .
Very happy with his final product!
His sweet classmates ready for a treat.
His classmate Trinity (also the daughter of one of his teachers, who is so sweet and kept saying, “Mrs. Jackson’s mommy, please take my picture too!”
Merry Christmas!
**On Monday I had thrown up more times than I can count and Jackson said, “mommy, I’m going to add you to the kid prayer list in my sunday school class. You can add who ever you want. Last week some kid asked us to pray for Pop Pop and Mimi. I did it but I told God I really didn’t even know who they were!”
**When we were driving to Nanny and Paw Paw’s house there was a terrible rain storm. Jack said, “I sure wish Jesus was sitting in this car because he would just yell STOP and the world would listen and it the rain would be silent.”
**Jack is super obsessed with protecting everyone from bad guys. The other day we were playing and he said, “if I bad guy was here I would definitely want this crayon to turn into a gun and my glow bracelet to become a bow and arrow!”
**I let Jackson go up to the counter to pay for something at the mall the other day and of course Bear was right next to him. When the lady handed him his change he said, “um, yeah, hand me the coins please because the little guy right here (pointing at Bear) is NOT so good with money. He’s just a baby so it’s not really his fault.”
**After reading David and Goliath Jack commented, “Good thing that David didn’t try to kill me with that slingshot. I would have just leaned over and the rocks would have flown right over my head!”
**While watching Tom and Jerry, “Uh, mom, I hope nobody was sick right then because the cat, dog and the mouse all shared the same toothpick. Yuck, germs!”
**He loves the movie Stuart Little and everything he see’s he has to decide what it is for a mouse. For example, a water fountain is a mouse splash park. A used toilet paper roll is a tunnel for a mouse, a paper towel roll is a water slide from the Great Mouse Lodge (mouse version of the Great Wolf Lodge). A car is a Mouse planet etc. It’s pretty funny.
**On Sunday Jackson slept over at my Aunt and Uncle's house for the first time. When I dropped him off:
Me: Jack, remember to obey tonight.
Jack: Mom, I'm a gentleman. I definitely won't be perfect, but I will be close.
Me: Why definitely not perfect?
Jack: Uh, mom, because only God is perfect! Gosh, I thought you knew that!
**Jackson: Mom, I'm going to marry the queen of England. And then when I'm the King I'll tell everyone who you are. You know, because when you and Daddy and Bear move in I don't want the Queen to be like, "who are these people living with us?"
**About a week ago it was super cold (to this whimpy Texan) and I was letting the kids play and ride their bikes in the garage. I had to grab something from the house and when I came back out saw that Jackson was riding his scooter off of ramps (which he had fashioned out of boxes) while holding a 10 pound weight. Seriously?!
**When Gaga was babysitting for the boys recently Jack said to her, “Gaga, aren’t you so glad that we don’t go pee out of our mouths instead of our privates? I mean it would be so gross and dirty to have to stick you head into the toilet each time you had to go to the bathroom!”
**Jackson fell into the bay when we were in Beach City over Thanksgiving (don't worry, he was wearing a life jacket) while fishing with Jay. Later we were talking about what we were thankful for. . .
Jackson: Hey mom, aren't you thankful that when I fell into the bay it didn't suddenly turn into hot lava and burn me up?
Me: Yes, Jackson, I'm very thankful for that.
Paw Paw: Grandson, you have a very interesting imagination!
**Last Saturday we went to an introductory martial arts class. A few days later Jack said, “mom , if you ever don’t know where I am no worries, I’m just out protecting people. People who know martial arts have to go outside and find danger. And protect people from it.”
**Last night we were watching Elf with Will Ferrell. At the beginning of the movie a baby crawls into Santa’s bag. Jackson said, “um, mommy is that my baby from Santa? Is this movie about the baby that I am getting for Christmas?”
Jack has asked Santa multiple times this year for 1) a life sized pirate ship, 2) a brother or a sister and 3) a Nintendo 3d ds. I have told him that we are not allowed to have video games in the house so he’s holding out for either #1 or #2. He promises that if he gets a brother or a sister that he will handle all night time feedings and take full care of the baby. Hmmmmm.
Jack continues to be a very active, highly imaginative little man. He’s extremely affectionate and loving and equally as ornery and precocious. He’s my little best friend and I constantly thank God for giving me patience and a very laid back personality. Without it I think I’d spend less time laughing and more time stressing thought out day. It’s really strange sometimes to be in deep (relative to his age) conversations with a four year old and realize how big of a voice he has in my life. It bums me out to pass a fire truck if he’s not in the car with me to get excited or to pray for who ever they are going to help. His innocence and totally “unjaded” (perhaps only a word in Hillary land) view of the world is something I try to learn from daily. He tries both my patience and my capacity for love on a minute to minute basis. Being a mom is such an incredible blessing and while I know I am completely prejudice I think I’ve got it pretty darn good in life. Thanks to you Jackson for showing me the ropes, I adore you my sweet first born!
A few weeks ago the boys had their Christmas play at school. The play was called 3 Wisemen and a Baby and Jackson was one of the wisemen. Of all of the plays I have ever seen this was my absolute favorite. It was just precious! Seeing both of my boys up there was so much fun. I never knew how much I would love seeing my little peanuts (ok, let’s be real, my kids are mini linebackers) having so much fun celebrating the birth of Jesus. The sweet teachers worked so hard for so long and I sound like a broken record but wow, what a blessing to have our kids in such a precious school! Ok, I’m too tired to post the videos tonight but here are a ton (of only semi decent) pictures. . .why am I posting a ton of semi decent pictures you ask? Well, there’s not a 12 step program for photo addiction yet. . .
Here’s Jack in his wise man garb. He did an awesome job. I’ll post the videos later but he had several lines and a little solo part in a song. He was Elvistonia, the wise man Elvis.
I was worried that Bear would pull a Jack (circa 2009 Christmas play) and run to me crying if he saw me. He was totally fine and just waved and smiled. He actually said “hi” to Gaga from the stage.
Bear loved clapping and dancing on stage. He didn’t really sing his song (nor did the others in his class), and I doubt he had any idea what he was doing but he looked cute doing it.
Jack’s song with the other 2 wisemen.
Ellie did a fantastic job and was the cutest Mary ever!
Last minute instructions.
Jack: I bring the child gold and my heart.
Jackson bringing the gift to Mary and Joseph.
Bear loved wearing the bells on his wrists and dancing.
Here’s Bear getting ready for his line.
They were talking about what Jesus wants at Christmas time. Bear’s line was, “He wants you!”
Sweet little Charlie was hysterical in the play. At one point he just turned around and did the “downward dog” yoga position for half of a song.
Besties Bear and Charlie stood next to each other for the finale.
Jack was also in the play on Friday and I agreed to film the show for the school (a friend turned to me and said, “I had no idea that you were a videographer! Uh no, let’s hope it’s at least in focus!) so Bear was in the Friday play as well.
Once again he had a blast!
Gaga, Grandmommy and Aunt Clare came to the Thursday show and Papa came to the Friday show. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pics of the kids with the Thursday cheering section. But here are some cute shots with Papa:
On Friday Jack told me he was dying of thirst. After the show he went to class and drank 4 cups of water and then headed to the fountain. Papa’s showing how wet Jack got his shirt. Jack had needed to be at school EVERY day that week and was exhausted by the end. No naps for a week was rough on the little guy (translation=tough of mommy!) but he hung in there pretty well.
Papa and Bear. Bear is constantly talking about Papa and his truck. These boys LOVE their Papa!
Here are the boys with one of their favorite teachers, Mrs. Muckey. She was the director of the play-the woman must have the patience of Job!
After the show I tried to get a few shots of the boys but they were too pooped to really cooperate.
Sweet babies ready for a nap!
A few weeks ago the Hirst family took us to a Pantomime, called Dick Wittington. It was SO much fun! At first I thought it going to be a “mime” show and I was a little concerned about the kids being into the whole “I’m in an invisible box” routine for that long. . .I was wrong! It was a very kid friendly, adorable play where the kids could interact (thank goodness because mine certainly did) with the actors. Pantomimes are a tradition in Damian’s family and we just loved it. Unfortunately I didn’t get any good pictures (I only had my little camera, and it has been pretty unreliable lately). But I wanted to post about it because it was definitely our most fun Christmas family event this year. Here’s what I did get:
Charlie looking precious while waiting for the show.
Jack and Ellie getting autographs from all of the actors.
Each time one character, named Jack, came out on the stage we were all supposed to say, “What’s up Jack?” Ever since the show Bear shouts, “what’s up Jack?” multiple times daily and then gets hysterical.
Thanks so much for such a fun evening and such wonderful memories!
A few weeks ago Sissy sent awesome, adorable homemade winter hats to the boys.
Bear did not want to put down the nerf gun and wear the hat at first. . .
But he was happy as soon as he could wear the hat and play with the gun!
Jack of course loved the hat. And he loved knowing that Lennon had a matching one even more!
Who could resist this face?
My handsome little man is almost 4 1/2!
Once Jackson was smiling for the camera Bear wanted in as well.
Thanks Sissy for the great hats!!!
Bear is just talking so much these days. He’s very funny and always trying to impress his big brother. Bear has been using the potty for a while now (not 100% but at least 50%) and every time he does he immediately says, “Jackson clap!?!” Over anybody in the world he wants Jack’s approval, attention and affection. It’s so precious and Jackson is so sweet to him.
Here are a few fun Bear facts/quotes that I don’t want to forget:
*****Bear: Nanny hit Bear (said while laughing and hitting himself in the calf)
Me: Nan never hit you.
Bear: Yes, Nanny hit Bear (again with the laughing and smacking himself)
Me: Bear, Nanny doesn’t hit you silly.
Bear: MOMMY, Nanny hit Bear, (in a voice that sounded like he was trying to imitate Nanny) Oh, skio (slap leg), Nanny say, Oh skio!
Me: (laughing), Oh, Nanny slapped the mosquitoes off of your leg in Beach City.
*****While riding in the car one day
Bear: Bear miss Paw Paw. Bear miss Nanny.
*****Bear has a little blue beanie baby that he carries everywhere and just adores. He asks us to kiss his bear and to love on and rock his bear constantly. He also rocks and sings to the bear each night. It’s really sweet.
*****Last week Jackson had a friend over and the 3 boys were playing dress up. The older boys were dressed as super heroes and Bear wanted to dress up as well. When asked which costume he wanted he ran into Jackson’s room and grabbed a pair of pajamas and came back to us saying, “Bear be Jackson!” Then when he was dressed in the jammies he proudly said, “Wook (look) Bear Jackson!” He definitely adores Jack.
*****Bear is usually the happiest kid in the world. He laughs at everything and he loves music and dancing. He has a fun time with all that he does and his teacher says that he is very easy and “a joy” to be with each day.
*****Bear loves his daddy. He’s been very sad since Jay went back to work (2 weeks ago). Jay had been the primarily doing bedtime with Bear so he really misses him. He usually goes straight to bed for me at about 6ish each night and then wakes up crying at about 10 for his daddy. Jay goes in and rocks him for a few minutes and then Bear is back to sleep for the night.
*****Bear is loving Christmas! He is totally into Dufus (our elf on the shelf) and loves searching for him each morning with Jackson. He also loves Christmas lights and screams “CHRISTMAS LIGHTS” each time we drive by any. It’s so precious and Jay and I have both sworn to get it on camera. Hopefully we actually will!
*****Bear loves to pray. He’s our little prayer police and always makes sure that we pray before each meal (and sometimes spontaneously in the car). He folds his hands, closes his eyes and asks Jack to pray. At the end he loves to scream “Amen!” and then often he throws his hands straight up and shouts, “praise the Lord!” It’s hilarious, and precious at the same time.
*****Bear is so affectionate. Getting him out of his crib in the morning almost makes me a morning person. NOTE: Almost is not even close to actually! When Jay or I get him out of his crib he immediately wants to snuggle. He takes my (or Jay’s) face into his hands and says, “mommy! Wub (love) you! Mommy! Kiss Bear!” as he kisses me and snuggles my face. It’s pretty awesome.
*****
In summary I’m still pinching myself that God chose me to be the mother of this little guy. I felt like I hit the jackpot with Jackson and adding Bear to the mix almost two years ago (how is it that my baby is almost 2?!?) was just the icing on the cake. Thank you God for my healthy, happy boys!
And, I’m sure there are lots of things that I am forgetting but my brain is done for the night. My goal to get the blog up to date by Christmas is never going to happen possibly going to be delayed. But who knows. . .I might chose the blog over sleep. . .ha!
Today the boys school had a “stay day” where they could stay until 5 p.m. That’s a really long day (from 9-5) but Jay and I got a ton done and I was able to go with Grandmommy and Gaga to GM’s Bible study Christmas luncheon. Anyway, I had bribed Jackson telling him that if he was great at school on Tuesday he could do stay day today and that if he was great today he’d get a cup of hot cocoa and I’d take him to see some Christmas lights in the neighborhood this evening.
Both boys got an awesome report. Bear’s teacher said he was great (that’s all I’ve ever heard about Bear) and she was even impressed that he took off and put back on his shoes and socks by himself. If she understood his shoe obsession she’d know why he can put them on by himself!
Jack’s teacher said he was AWESOME! She said that he was a fantastic big brother and that he held Bear’s hand going out and coming in from the play ground and hugged and kissed him a lot. Also she mentioned that he was very chivalrous opening doors for the ladies. And that when they lined up to wash hands he said, “ladies first!” and let the girls go in front of him. Jackson has really been trying to make good decisions lately and has been doing much better in school behavior wise. His prior infractions weren’t the worst I’ve ever heard (saying poop and throwing pop corn) but it makes me so happy to hear that he is really trying and doing so much better! Way to go Jack!
Yesterday was Bill’s 86th birthday. The kids and I went with Grandmommy up to visit him and give him some birthday hugs.
Jackson kept very close tabs on his brother while we were there. Anytime anybody tried to come and talk to Bear Jack would run over and say hello and tell them that he was 1 year old and then carry him back to me. It’s so fun to see how protective Jack is of his little brother.
Happy 86th birthday Bill, we love you!
One night when I was snuggling with Jackson he asked if he could pray for whatever he wanted. I told him yes and he asked if I would please not pray against what he wanted. Here was his prayer:
Dear God please put 10 babies in my mommies tummy. But God, please don’t let them kick because I don’t want my mommy to hurt.
Once again we had a nice Thanksgiving at Nanny and Paw Paw’s house! The boys were sick on and off so things were a little chaotic but we made the best of it. And thanks so much to Nanny for doing LOTS of laundry for us each time the boys were sick.
Luckily there were a few days that the boys were feeling good and the weather was nice enough to be outside.
Bear is talking about the “Big Bear” on his shirt here.
For some reason this was Bear’s “cheese” every time he saw a camera.
Jack and his fishing/hunting buddy Andrew.
He loves Andrew and his father Bruce. When Jack was out fishing with Andrew, Bruce, Jim, Dennis and Jay he accidentally tripped and fell off of the pier and into the bay. The next day we were talking about what we were thankful for:
Jackson: Hey mom, aren't you thankful that when I fell into the bay it didn't suddenly turn into hot lava and burn me up?
Me: Yes, Jackson, I'm very thankful for that.
Paw Paw: Grandson, you have a very interesting imagination!
Bear with Aunt Ree Ree.
Paw Paw who always does fun and creative things for the boys made drums out of oatmeal canisters. The kids had a parade with Nanny.
Playing in the sun room.
Almost every time Jackson was outside he’d come in with a flower for each lady in the house. It was so sweet! He’s becoming more and more like his sweet daddy.
Jack was sad to leave and wants to come back very soon. Beach City is definitely heaven for little boys!
Thanks so much for having us! We love you and can’t wait for another fun visit!!
