An American Classic!

Lee's Creek Grocery "Run" for the essentials--a Coke & Tootsie Pop!

Happy Summer!

We kicked off this summer with Aunt Jordan's wedding. Caroline was precious coming down the aisle, making sure to drop all her flower petals. I was so impressed that she was not timid with the people there. She did sit with me during the ceremony. The first thing she asked me: "Where is the music coming from--the trees?" In an effort to hush her, I had a stash of M&Ms which did the trick! Then, she found Mimi & Grandy in the crowd, and had to wave. Not long after, she realized that Papa & Mama were sitting in front of us. Of course, she tapped them on the shoulder wanting their attention. Who doesn't need a little "entertainment" at a wedding, huh? Overall, everything went well and, Caroline (of course) was the cutest flower girl ever!

with Cousin Gabe

The following week we began a new school--Mountain Valley Child Development Center. We had "outgrown" Noah's Ark to say the least. Recently, she came home trying to tell me what they had done that day at school. "Apricot Piggy Frogs" is all I understood... So, the following day, I asked her teacher what she was talking about. She laughed explaining that the class got African Pigmy Frogs as their classroom pet! My silly girl...

I'll keep you posted on her new school. They certainly are keeping them busy from splash days to Spanish and more!

VBS came and went. She had a blast being in the "big girl" class this year. She learned a few new songs--one being the "Bullfrog song." Thanks, Gary! It's one of those that stays with you ALL day LONG!

Father's Day was a good weekend, as we celebrated with Josh and my parents. Caroline was so proud to give her Daddy a new ice cream maker. When we went to pick it out, I had to argue with an (almost) 3-year old why Josh would NOT like the pink one! My girly girl...She finally settled on red.

I gave Josh tickets to see Eric Clapton the following week. Caroline got to stay with Aunt LeLe & Emily. She had a grand time...they took her on the Uptown Trolley to get Popsicles!

All she can talk about these days is her birthday parties...that's right, parties! We are having her "jump" Princess party, and she wants to have a Dora party at the house on her real birthday. "Don't forget the balloons," she reminds me everyday! So--if any of you are wondering what to get her for this birthday, anything Dora or Disney Princesses, especially Little Mermaid, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty.

The past two weekends have been busy travelling. We visited Theresa & Troy in Tulsa with a quick trip. It's always a great time with old, good friends! Caroline enjoyed the "big" pool. She was a bit unsure of herself and was satisfied staying on the top step, or drowning me or her daddy. We are just going to have to work with her more, and plan on swimming lessons for summer 2010!

July 4 was an eventful weekend visiting my family at the lake. It was beautiful, sunny & HOT! Caroline played for hours in the sprinklers, pool, and went on several boat rides.

She was so worn out when we got home on Sunday...she was sick today. I think she developed a rash from being in the heat and/or sun! She is better, but slept until 10A and then napped for nearly 3 hours this afternoon!

I will get pictures posted soon of all our summer adventures, and then--her BIG birthday weekend coming up!

Take care, and see you on the other side of THREE! Should I be scared?

Greetings Blog World!

I have been so terrible about keeping up with our blog lately. My apologies! This, along with all my other 2009 resolutions, as I am still trying to get them off the ground. Things are great in the Jackson world, and we have been busy with work, school, and play.

To start where I left off...we went on our annual trip to Angel Fire with friends in February. We had a wonderful time and as always--never want to leave. Caroline & Drew loved playing in the snow,

and Avery did better than ever skiing. Caroline is ready to ski too...but we have one more year until ski school! She has requested Dora skis...of course. Josh and Christy got to ski together, which is great for him. I am a mediocre skier, and since Christy is so good...she really challenged him.
Here is Josh recovering from a treeline fall on a Black.

Glad I only heard about it after the fact!

In March, Mimi and I took Caroline to see "Disney on Ice." She LOVED it is an understatement! She thought they were all waving at her, and of course, had to have all the lightup toys they sold! She is really into Disney Princesses now. Ariel & Sleeping Beauty are our favorite.

In fact, she wants to have a "Princess" party for her 3rd birthday. She has requested a "jump" party, and everyone wear tutus!

So...I asked her what her little boy friends would wear?

And, her response was so simple--FROGS! Quite clever for a almost-3 year old, huh? So I am on a search for this birthday idea.

March also marked the Meals-on-Wheels Campaign Kickoff party, which kept me busy. We had a great turnout despite the unusually cold weather in late March. We are now full swing in our Campaign, and every day proves to be exciting. Just Friday, we received confirmation on a $100,000 gift!

April came with Easter. Did I mention that our "Valentine" tree became the "Easter" tree? Caroline, for the first time, showed her comepetitive side hunting eggs. We had several hunts and now are considered ready for the Easter egg Championship! First...at school...

and then with Cousin Alex...and then at home...over and over again! She wanted to hunt eggs long after Easter was gone. I have had to hide Easter...and FINALLY took the pink Christmas-Valentine-Easter tree down!






We also had our first "official" haircut. She did so good. Although we still don't have alot of hair, we finally parted with the mullet. I think it was a good move, as it seems to be coming in a little thicker than before.

May has proven to be busy with birthday parties and being out of town. If you don't know, Caroline is BIG into birthdays! And, why shouldn't everyone's birthday be special? For instance, we called Grandy (my dad) on his birthday, and she became upset--on the verge of tears--as she thought we had missed Grandy's party. After explaining to her that he did not have one...she insisted that we do!

I asked her "What kind of party should we have for Grandy?"

And she answered matter of factly: "A Deer party!"

So that we did...



We also have been getting ready for Aunt Jordan's wedding in June. Caroline is the flowergirl, and very excited about it. She keeps asking if she will wear flowers in her hair? She has practiced and stared at wedding photos of ours. I hope all goes as planned...pray for us! I will be sure to get her pictures posted in her dress.



This past weekend, Josh & I celebrated 5 years of marriage.
Can you believe it!? Like every year, we got away for a long weekend to celebrate. Caroline spent several days with Mimi & Grandy. She had such a good time playing with friends and cousins she did not want to come home. But, she was glad to see us...especially her Daddy!

As Promised...

The Holidays this year were so much fun with Miss C! She definitely got the "whole" thing from decorating the house, Santa bringing and getting presents. We still would not sit in Santa's lap, but couldn't wait until he came to "my house!"

Here are some of my favorite pictures from over the Holidays.

Enjoy!

We started off the Season by seeing "Rudolph" at Casa Manana. I never dreamed that she would stay still. But, to my amazement, she watched the entire show!

"Rudoloph the Red Nose Reindeer" with Cousin Alex

Meeting the cast...

Decorating the house with Mimi & Grandy. She was so excited about having lights on her house. Everytime someone would come over, she would want to take them outside exclaiming, "I have lights on my house!"

Caroline really loved her pink Christmas tree. She decorated it (most of it) by herself. She is getting to be such a big girl! In fact, she loved it so much, that when it was time to take it down she was upset. Needless to say, we now have a VALENTINE'S DAY tree in our house!

Oh--the things you do for your children.

We celebrated LeBus Christmas in Arlington this year, and Caroline got all of her favorites. She is really into anything princess, ballerina, and dolls. Check out her outfits!

Waiting for Santa, and drinking hot chocolate WITH marshmallows

AND...He Came!
Daddy gave her a pink softball glove...a lefty! Goes great with her princess dress, huh? I don't think they are going to let her wear it to practice!

The week after Christmas through the New Year, we were in Angel Fire. Always such a wonderful time!

My Baby Sleding

& Playing in the Snow

"Frosty"

Worn out...

Ski Bunny!

We then travelled to Odessa to celebrate the Holidays with the Jacksons. Caroline got a precious red car from Mama & Papa. She really has enjoyed riding it. With the weather as nice as its been, we need to let her practice pedaling more. She still has issues running into walls! I know she will eventually get it. While we were there, Caroline also got to meet her new cousin, Graham (Rainey & Ryan's second little one). He is the spitting image of Gabe!

All and all, 2008 was a great year for us all, and we wish you a wonderful 2009 (belated)!

I will try my best to keep this up-to-date during the year...along with all my OTHER "resolutions!"