Is it Really October?

Wow! It's been over a month since I have blogged. Caroline is such a ham, and there is never a dull moment around the Jackson house. Whether it is dressing herself,

playing dress up,

Pictures from her "princess tea party" at school. The girls were too cute.

or, playing with her new kitchen. Josh and I stay quite satisfied on grilled up (plastic) hot dogs and imaginary coffee!

Chef Caroline

In September, Caroline graduated from the "baby class" to the 2's. Such a big girl...here are a few pictures from her school program.

Ms. Judy's Monkeys

I had so bragged on my "advanced," barely-2 year old, and early signs of potty training. Well, I spoke too soon! She is has totally digressed. She is no longer even interested in the potty...will not sit on it, and completely satisfied to have a wet or stinky diaper. So, as hard headed as she is (like her parents) we may have quite a fight ahead of us. I am going to lay off it for a bit, and go back to it later. Even though, I really want her out of diapers! Advice, anyone?

We also recently made her baby bed into a "big girl" bed. She loves it! I really expected her to be standing at our bedside on a regular basis, or not staying in her bed. Except for a few nights, she has done great.

Two weekends ago, we had a "mini" ACU reunion with my old roomies and friends. It was so fun to see everyone and their kids! Can you believe that it has be TEN years since we left Abilene!? My reunion is October 25th. Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to be there. I am somewhat disappointed, but most of my closest friends are in the DFW area, or we stay in touch. Not to mention the craziness of the Facebook phenomenon!

The coming weeks prove to be busy, as usual. One of my college friends will be in to visit this weekend, and we have an out-of-state wedding later in the month, followed by Halloween! Caroline is going to be Minnie Mouse this year. She is going to be the cutest Minnie Mouse ever!

Quick Update

The past couple of weeks has been wild! Work has been busy for both of us, and things going on each weekend. We did have to go out to Odessa. Josh's grandpa, Wayne, passed away on August 5 after months of battling illness. We appreciate everyone's kind thoughts and prayers for Josh's family during this time.

I finally got my CFRE certificate, and I am "official," now. I was presented my certificate at our August AFP Chapter meeting. It is such a relief to have all of it behind me. On to bigger things!

Bigger things, as in, we are now entering into a Capital Campaign for Meals-on-Wheels. We are building our own kitchen facility in Midlothian. This past month we received our lead gift of $500,000 and our gift of land. Needless to say, we are THRILLED! Overall, we are raising $3 million. We plan to break ground in the Spring of 2010. I will keep you posted as things progress.

As for "Miss C," she is better with school. As most people assured me, it was a "phase." She really enjoys school, her teacher, and friends there. Her graduation is this coming Monday, and she will be promoted to the Two's Class with Ms. Christy.

Last weekend we took her to the circus. I was unsure how she would do...but she LOVED it! The elephants, tigers, acrobats...it was quite a show.

She still is not pottying on a regular basis, but we have had some "BIG" moments in the last few weeks. She has been so proud of herself. She even enjoys using her potty for more than its designed for!

She caught Me!

Josh & I are going to the National Meals-on-Wheels conference in a week. It will be in Pittsburg and we are looking forward to getting away for a few days, even if it is work-related. Mimi is going to be with Caroline. I know they will have a blast!

Enjoy the remainder of the summer.

Much love, The Jacksons

Look Who's Two!

I am sorry I have not blogged in over a month! July has come and gone, and we now have a TWO year old on our hands, and the "twos" came in with a bang!

Caroline turned 2 on July 20, and I cannot believe another year has come & gone. She is still into her babies and being a mommy. As you can see in the picture, she role plays most of the time--feeding, changing, and taking care of them.

She still is quite a little ham--playing dressup and always making us laugh. I recently bought her some "big girl panties," as we begin to talk about the potty. (Still more a game than anything.) Instead of wanting to wear them, she thought it would be fun to put them on her head!

We finally got our pictures back that we took in mid-June. It took us THREE times to shoot. We kept getting rain on the days we had scheduled. But it was worth it because they are precious!

You can view them still at http://thestudioinburleson.com/index2.php. If you are interested, go to "View Your Pictures," and use our last name to access.

We were able to get away early in July to the mountains. It was so nice out of the 100+ heat! I will post pics from Angel Fire in the next couple of days. I am a little behind in getting all the pictures off my camera.

Also, we were able to finally get together with some high school friends, the Wakefields & Walkers, during the month of July. It is so fun to see all the kids play together. Clara, Zach & Caroline are all the same age. I have to say Haden was a great sport with the little ones!

In the meantime, here are some pictures from Caroline's "Dip" party. We only thought it fitting to make this her theme because she loves to "dip" her food...whether it need dipping or not! I think she had a great time along with all the family & friends that came.

Caroline swimming

Cousins Haven, Rebecca & Gabe

Some of Caroline's Favorite Presents!

Sara Jane Shanks

Swinging with Gabe

Cousins Alex & Montana

Eatin' Cake

Recently, Caroline has decided that she does not want to go to school. I am not sure what triggered it, but I think she has figured "it" all out. It being that mommy leaves and doesn't come back for awhile. She now asks her teacher to "call mommy." The last week and a half has been a challenge. We got this book, and read it several times over the weekend. She really paid attention, and studied it. The characters are too cute, and quite fitting that they are "munk-chips." (Caroline speak for Chipmunks!) Today was the best its been. She did say several times "no school" on our way, but seemed fine when we got there. I think this has been harder on me than her!

In addition, I am going to ask for prayers for Josh's family. His grandfather, Wayne, is not doing well. He has been sick for awhile. We may have to make a trip out to Odessa this week. Please pray that he is comfortable in the final days, and our family can know God's peace and comfort during this difficult time.

It's Over...

This post is going to be somewhat selfish...I PASSED my CFRE exam today! I am so relieved, and thank you all for your prayers & support. This has been a long process, but worth it! Below is the group that went through "CFRE boot camp" last week, and so far...we are 6 for 6!

Pretty impressive group, aren't we?

If we weren't out for your money before...just imagine what we will be like as "Certified Professionals!"

Honestly, I pray that my work, my influence, my life, will make a difference and help change the world for the Kingdom! As it says in Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

June has been busy with Birthday parties and VBS. Josh has been playing "Mr. Mom" these past weeks, and I am so grateful for his love & support.

He is a wonderful Daddy. Love you, Josh!

Pictures to come soon...

Summer is Here!

Well, it has been 4 years since Josh & I got married! It's been quite a wild ride since 2004, and never a dull moment! Each year we try and go somewhere to celebrate, even if for just a few days. The trips have been great!

We have gone to NYC, Walt Disney World, the World Series in 2005 (We were pregnant, and didn't know it!) and even to Washington DC...when I was 6 months pregnant! We celebrated this year, a little less extravagantly, by going to Fredericksburg for a long weekend over Memorial Day. It was very nice to get away.

We stayed in a rustic cabin not far from town,

shopped a little, ate too much, and visited a wild seed farm on Sunday.

There were beautiful butterflies everywhere!

So...you are asking...where was Caroline? She left Wednesday night with her Mimi to stay the week in Longview. I know she had a grand time with them...and maybe a little spoiled, too?

Eating Popsicles with Grandy

Caroline got to visit with Buddy, Juanita (her black Mimi),

and even got to feed a calf!

You never know what awaits you at Mrs. Linda's! (Petty)

Swimming in the yard, playing on the new playground,

Feeding or harassing the pets (Zoe & Scout)!

Overall, I think she had fun!

We could not stand it, so we drove out of our way on Monday to get her. Grandy said they still have three days to "cash in" from their week. We'll see about that!

When we got to Corsicana, Caroline was so excited to see her daddy! She completely bypassed me, and went for Josh...What a Daddy's girl she is becoming!

Caroline having a snack with her daddy!

Things have been hectic here, and we plan to have a fun-filled summer with birthdays and a trip to Angel Fire, as well as a possible family reunion in Louisiana with Josh's family.

In addition, I am studying (or need to be) for the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) International exam. I plan to take the test in June. I will let you know the outcome, so if I go silent on you for awhile...I will be back! I will also keep you posted on our "goings on."

Hope all of you have a great summer, and be safe!