Rileigh’s 3rd Birthday Party

Back on December 18th we went to Rileigh’s 3rd birthday party.  It was at Jackson’s favorite place in the entire world. . .Pump It Up.  It’s basically a place with tons of huge bounce houses with slides, basketball hoops, etc.  It’s also one of my favorite places because he has a blast and gets out ALL of his energy.

Jackson’s favorite bounce house is the one with the basket ball hoop.

Poor Grant, here he is chasing Jackson up the stairs to the big slide.  Anytime we go anywhere with Grant, Jackson constantly wants to play with him.  I’m pretty sure Grant was more worn out than Jackson was after two hours of playing.  Grant is a great sport though and Jackson adores him.

My happy guy.  This was one of Jackson’s super sweet days.  Some days I want to pull out my hair and other days I just can’t believe that he ever frustrates me.  This was one of those wonderful days.  Those days are such special gifts.  Of course just so that I appreciate those days he makes sure that they aren’t the norm!

Jackson is still thrilled to eat his nanabar (larabar) while all of the other kids eat their cake.  I really hope this continues!

The sweet little birthday girl! 

I really love taking Jackson to birthday parties.  Lately I’ve taken him to several while Jay has stayed behind with Baron.  It’s always such a treat to have time alone with Jack.  As we were arriving at this party Jackson took my hand and said, “we’re best friends aren’t we mommy.”

At the end of the party they were handing out balloons.  Jackson got his and then said he wanted another one.  I told him no because everyone was getting one and he persisted.  I told him no and not to argue.  A few minutes later the bench he was on fell over and he busted his head on the floor.  Of course I then gave in and let him have a second balloon.  When we got into the car to leave he looked at his two balloons and said, “what do you think is Baron’s favorite color?”  It was then that I realized that what I thought was Jackson wanting two balloons for himself was really him wanting his brother to have one as well.  He looked at me and said, “mommy, brothers are best friends!”  I say that to him often and really hope it rings true when my boys are older.

Amy’s Christmas Party

My friend Amy has a big Christmas party for all of the kiddos every year.  She has lots of food, activities and a gift exchange.  Jackson LOVES Amy’s house and especially her back yard.  This year I didn’t get many pictures and not because I was chasing my kids but because I was actually just enjoying myself and relaxing while the boys were in the back yard.  My guys sure do love the outdoors!

All of the kids getting their gifts in the big exchange.

Baron was just thrilled to be in a big group of kids!

Jackson playing with some of the many toys.

Jackson asked me if we could trade our pool for Amy’s backyard.  I wish we could!!

The kids getting ready to decorate cookies.  Of course Jackson had no interest in this activity and stayed outside the entire time!

Thanks to Amy for hosting such a fun party!

Signs!

It's true that you have much higher expectations with your first child (sorry Jack). . .and you start everything MUCH sooner! With Jackson we started signing early and he was signing by 9 months. With poor little Bear, we didn't start signing to him until 9 months. And even then it was so hard to believe that my baby was ready. Anyway, today he started signing to us! He signed "more" and "all done." Yay Bear!

Cabin Fever

A while back the boys both had colds so we stayed in for a day.  Not wanting them to watch tv I put Bear’s crib mattress onto the floor and we had a bounce party.  They loved it and it was the most simple but fun time for the 3 of us.  They were laughing so hard and it was one of those moments that you just want to remember forever.  I didn’t get great pictures because I mostly played with them but here are a few shots.

Baron in his super cute hat from Adrienne

Bear was laughing so hard in the picture below that he couldn’t even catch his breath.  It was greatness.

Jack was, as always, full of action so this was the only picture I got of him.

Being with my sweet boys each day is such a treat!

Jackson’s School Christmas Party

One of the most fun things about Jackson’s school is being able to help out so much with the parties.  Jackson’s teacher this year is incredible (as was last year’s teacher) and she had the kiddos do a book exchange.  She did it musical chairs style where she passed around a gift while playing music.  Then when she stopped the music whoever was holding the gift got it.  Then that child would go to the table and open their book while the rest of the kids played until each child had 1 gift.  The kids loved it and I think I will suggest that method for our playgroup book exchange next year. 

Despite having a nasty cold Baron was enthralled watching his big brother.

Thrilled with his new book!

Jackson kept introducing Baron to his class.

Talia and Trinity were so happy looking through their books.

Trinity said she loved Elmo!

Next was craft time.  We had brought door hangers and picture frames to decorate.  Berkley was being very serious about her project!

Luckily this kept all of those three year old hands very busy.

Precious little Valerie.

Caris and Berkley.

Sophia made Baron laugh hysterically.

Jackson came in during this time and said, “see mommy, Baron wants a sister too!”

Jackson with his AWESOME (and incredibly patient) teacher, Mrs. Spivey. 

We are so blessed to have Jackson in such a wonderful Christian school with so many amazing women!

Christmas with Uncle Jer

Jeremy was in Philadelphia for the holidays so he came over before he left do open presents.  Jackson adores Jeremy and loved having him over.  Thanks Uncle Jer!

Jer showing Jackson the super cool globe he bought him for Christmas.  Jackson now says regularly, “ok, I know this is Dallas, where Nana and Papa live. . .but why doesn’t it say Plano or Beach City?”  I think he needs a huge world map like Sissy!

Drummer Boy

While Baron is very mild mannered I have discovered that he loves to make loud noises.  Back in December I gave him some pots and wooden spoons and he basically had the time of his life (despite having a pretty bad cold at the time).  He loves to bang things together. . .I guess it’s a boy thing. . .or maybe a kid in general thing!  Anyway, he had quite a blast drumming away while I cooked dinner.

 

My Big/Tiny Man

Jackson’s nickname is little man and Baron’s is tiny man.  Well, this picture is from the beginning of December but at the time I just couldn’t believe that my tiny man was already big enough to be playing with the toy kitchen.  I know it’s crazy because he was almost 10 months old but it just seems like it’s going so much faster with Baron than it did with Jack.  It also seems like Baron is so much younger at this age than it did with Jack.  I guess it’s the whole parents expecting so much from the first child thing but wow, it really is true.  Anyway, here’s Bear from early December playing in the kitchen looking frighteningly more like a toddler than a baby.

Apocalypoo/Apocalypuke

I had great intentions of getting all caught up on blogging as soon as the holidays were over and the Francis family left, but God had another plan. . .
For the last 5 days our house has been plagued with pukapalooza. It has been ugly, to say the least. Jay and I have been in the trenches together and let me tell you that not only do those trenches not smell good but they also require massive amounts of laundry detergent. You know in the movie, "Jaws", when the happy scenes are on and you kind of let your guard down? Then that creepy music starts and you kick yourself for ever relaxing? Because now, you've publicly screamed like a maniac and spilled all of your popcorn as you witnessed this insane, crazed shark eating some innocent spring break bimbo! Well, the last 5 days there would be moments when I thought things were better and my guard (meaning the towels, disinfectant and bowls that were everywhere) would be down and then one of the boys' stomachs would start to rumble. The audible stomach bubbles are exactly like that creepy "Jaws" music. My spidey sense would kick in and those little hairs on the back of my neck would stand up and all heck would break loose. At times, it was like "Emily Rose Meets The 4 Horsemen". I know now my children could earn extra money by using themselves as power washers.
Luckily Jackson is a super star and is awesome about getting to the proper receptical when he's sick. Not so much for little Bear, but he does get a break for only being 11 months old:)
But, I must say if I'm going to be in the trenches with anyone, it would be Jay. He kept me laughing with his goofy comments and original song, "Puke and Poo" which I'm sure would be a #1 hit among exhausted parents everywhere. And while it has been 5 days that even Mike Rowe would refuse to be a part of (come on, the guy has some standards)...there were many high 5's between the parents celebrating our sheer survival and team work.
So, that is our last 5 days in a nutshell. I'm praying that tomorrow morning my kids wake up happy, hungry and healthy! Otherwise, don't worry! You'll hear all about it!