thejacksons0722

Landon Birthday

2011-06-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY! More to come!

More MI X-mas

2011-03-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Cheesing for the camera with Uncle Kyle, Grandma Mele, and Daddy. I also love wrapping paper!!!

Michigan Christmas

2011-03-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

I liked my new piano from Aunt Gina but then I got tired and just wanted to cuddle with my new teddy bear. I had to take a nap and then finish opening my presents!

My first X-mas Christmas

2011-03-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

Jackson Christmas

2011-02-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

At first Landon was all smiles and then he just zonked out!

Fun with cousins

2011-02-02T14:46:00.001-08:00

Kyle and I took Kolton and Karter to see Christmas lights while Amy and Shan watched the babies. Amy thought she got the better deal since it was a 2 for 1 trade. I don't know if I would agree with that. We had a lot of fun playing in the McDonald's Playland and then watching the lights set to music in Wabash although we missed Landon the whole time!

Landon's Baptism

2011-02-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Since we are out of school due to the blizzard I can FINALLY catch up on some blogging. We had Landon baptized over Christmas break in the same church that I was baptized in. My sister and brother are his godparents.

Such a big boy!

2011-01-22T15:31:00.000-08:00

Landon is 7 months old today. He officially started crawling on Monday. He is also pulling himself up on his own as you can see from these pictures.

6 month photo shoot

2010-12-30T17:10:00.001-08:00

Took Landon to get his six month pictures yesterday. All smiles, as usual! Here are just a few (of MANY) favorites.

Santa Landon

2010-12-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

More to come...

Jackson Family Pics

2010-12-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

5 month picture

2010-12-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Better late than never!! It is almost time for his sixth month photo shoot!

First snow

2010-12-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

Trying out snow for the first time.

Meeting Santa

2010-12-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

Landon and Santa weren't very cooperative for their picture. Luckily, we still have some time before Christmas. I think we may have to try this again. Of course, he was all smiles both BEFORE and AFTER the pic!

Happy Halloween

2010-11-05T16:07:00.001-07:00

From Karter the skeleton, Rocky Balboa (ak.a. Kolton), and the cutest penguin around, Landon!

More Fall Photo Fun

2010-11-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Mr. Blue Eyes- This one is my fave!!!

Fall Photo Shoot- Preview

2010-10-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

3 months

2010-10-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

At 3 months old, Landon can:

Grasp things (toys, pacifier, and mom's hair).
Hold his head up.
Roll from tummy to back- 3 times now!
Laugh.
Smile especially in response to your smile.
Splash both his arms and legs in the bathtub soaking the person giving him his bath.

He is a very happy baby. The first thing he does when he wakes up in the morning is gives you a big smile. Then he typically plays for an hour before he tires himself out. This is a very fun age. It seems like he discovers something new each day. He has also discovered his hand, arm, and other appendages- who knew that a man's fascination with his privates began so young? He tries to fit his full fist in his mouth! Sometimes, if he's lucky, he actually finds his thumb.

Couldn't forget these:

2010-09-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Mele is a natural with babies, and he should be after five of his own!
Cozy with Uncle Luke- my "BABY" brother

First Pontoon Ride

2010-09-13T13:03:00.001-07:00

Landon's cousins came too: Kolton practicing his swimming skills
Karter enjoying the water.

And, Grandma Great held him most of the time so he was happy as could be!

Visitors/Admirers

2010-09-13T12:59:00.001-07:00

Grace and Cooper have proven themselves to be great babysitters!
My college roommates came out for the day. Here we each hold our own child.

Hanging with my uncles

2010-09-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

We were able to go to my brother Luke's football scrimmage and my brother Kyle was home from N.D. so he came too! Kyle feeding him a bottle.
Enjoying the game in his "Go Luke!" onesie

2 month pic

2010-09-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Landon weighed 10 lbs. 11 oz. at his two month checkup. He is 11 weeks today and weighs around 12 lbs.!

One Handsome Dude!

2010-08-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

He is starting to smile back at you! All dressed up for a wedding here.

Storm Damage

2010-08-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

A storm went through last week leaving these limbs in its wake. All of this just after Kyle had gotten the backyard cleared and had a guy with a bulldozer push out all the stumps. Back to square one!

The smaller trees are still bent over from the wind as you can see in this picture. Landon and I decided to watch from the basement.

What remains of a pine tree. You can see where it snapped right off!

Uncle Luke

2010-08-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Meeting Uncle Luke for the first time. Seems pretty content!

A new friend for Landon

2010-07-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

This handsome fellow belongs to our neighbors. I can't even imagine all the trouble Landon and he will get into together when they get older!

Cooper Jeffrey Howard

July 12, 2010

3 lbs. 9 oz.

Celebrate!

2010-07-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Landon is one month old and Karter (our nephew) is three!

Karter with his train cake and new toy.

Thank You!!!

2010-07-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

"Uncle Kyle, I love my new swing!" ~Love, Landon

Bath Time

2010-06-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Going Home

2010-06-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Introducing...

2010-06-22T15:53:00.001-07:00

Landon Kyle Jackson
6 lbs. 0 oz.
19 1/2 in.
12:45 P.M.

The Latest

2010-06-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor Monday and she set a birthday for the baby. If little Baby Jackson hasn't arrived by June 23rd, she will induce me that evening. The baby probably won't arrive until the 24th though, but you never know. He/she could still come on his/her own earlier. I am considered full term at this point though so really anytime is okay now. I continue to be monitored with nonstress tests on Mondays and both a nonstress test and ultrasound on Thursdays. If at any point the baby doesn't seem to be thriving, we would induce. It is hard to believe that we are so close to being parents! I would imagine that next Wed. is going to be a LONG day- and most likely an even longer night. The first of many!!!! Keep checking back for a birth announcement

Love, Kyle, Jill, and Baby

The short of it

2010-06-11T12:17:00.001-07:00

Still pregnant...

37 weeks

The Long Explanation

2010-06-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

We spent several hours at the doctor's office today doing an ultrasound and fetal monitoring. It is always nice to hear that strong heartbeat!!! He recommeneded that we come for two nonstress tests and one amniotic fluid check per week. They aren't sure why the baby is so tiny- although I was a little baby- so we will continued to be monitored. If at any point there is a concern with the baby's health, they will induce. He did say that he would like me to be delivered by July 1st if I haven't already gone by then. So, there it is in a nutshell. Thanks for all the well wishes!!!

Pregnancy Update

2010-06-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

When I went to the doctor on Monday, I had some complications. She sent me for another ultrasound. From the u-sound, they found out that my placenta is more mature than it should be at this point especially for the baby's size. He/she is only currently 4 lbs. 13 oz- give or take. They would expect him/her to be a pound to a pound and a half bigger so they sent me for a stress test. The results of that were, "The baby is happy as a clam in there!" (Doctor's exact words) Still, they are concerned by the weight so I just found out yesterday afternoon that they are actually sending me for a second opinion on Friday to try to decide if they should induce! The doctor said sometimes if baby isn't growing well within at this point- I'm 37 weeks tomorrow- sometimes they just do better on the outside receiving mother's nutrients.

On the bright side, we received some really cool, new pictures of the baby and I am dilated and experiencing mild contractions. At this ultrasound we could see the lips sucking and all four chambers of the heart beating away. Technology is so amazing. God is good.

Please keep us in your prayers. We could have a newborn- and a little one at that- as early as Friday!!! We will keep attempt to keep you updated.

Miscellaneous

2010-05-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Some of the landscaping that I've been doing around the house.

Week 33- posted a little late!

From home

2010-05-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago I was at home for a brief visit. While there, I saw J.T.'s soccer game. He is the son of my sister's boyfriend. I also attended my "10-year" (even though it has really been eleven years!) clas reunion.
My high school friends

More maternity pics

2010-05-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

Maternity Photo Shoot

2010-05-15T12:21:00.001-07:00

A friend of ours that is starting a photo business recently did some portraits for us.

Kolton starts coach's pitch

2010-05-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

Kolton trying to "knock the cover off the ball" as he put it. Look at the intensity in his face!
Need I say more?

2010-05-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Kyle's extended family threw a shower for us Sunday. Here's a picture of the spread and the many USEFUL gifts that we received for Baby Jackson.

Happy Mother-To-Be Day

2010-05-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

My "loot" I was very spoiled by well-wishers on Mother's Day. I received many encouraging text messages, flowers from my parents, a beautiful mother/baby necklace from Kyle, a gift from "baby"- although I am pretty sure a coworker was behind that one- and several cards.

Frankenmuth

2010-04-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Mom, Gina, and I went to Frankenmuth, "Michigan's Little Bavaria". We did a lot of shopping esp. at the outlets. I even found a few outfits that would fit my growing belly. Unfortunately, I was running out of space in my camera for pictures. The really funny ones are posted on Mom's Facebook page from what I hear!!!

Trip to MI

2010-04-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

A roof blown off
A mangled irrigation system

An RV tipped over by straight-line winds (80 MPH)

After TN, I went to MI to visit my family. They had been hit by some bad storms. Luckily nothing too close to home!

More cabin pics

2010-04-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Our bedroom was located in a loft and had a Jacuzzi tub!

Newfoundland Gap

2010-04-13T15:47:00.001-07:00

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

2010-04-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

We spent Easter Sunday at the National Park and we hiked back to a waterfall!

The View

2010-04-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Of the town from our house...Of the surrounding mountains...

Our little cabin

2010-04-13T15:32:00.001-07:00

We spent a long weekend in this cabin over spring break. As you can see the road and driveway leading up to it were quite treacherous. Of course, it was way up in the mountains!

The road and our driveway

One of these is our house. I took this picture from the nearest town

HOME!

More aquarium

2010-04-13T15:29:00.001-07:00

More aquatic animals...

The Aquarium

2010-04-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Sting rays and an iguana from the aquarium we visited in Gatlinburg, TN

More Basement Photos

2010-03-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

This room will be a bathroom.Before:
Entrance to bedroom and theater:

Guest Bedroom

(Didn't get a good picture of the theater room- although right now there isn't much to see!)

Spring Project #2

2010-03-29T14:14:00.001-07:00

Getting our basement framed

Bar Area (Before): Bar (After):

Spring Project #1

2010-03-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Creating a backyard BEFORE

AFTER

Face Painting

2010-03-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Kolton chose a football while Karter chose a train or "choo-choo" in his words.

School Carnival I

2010-03-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Balloon Hats
Marcia and Amy invited me to go along to N. Miami's School Carnival this weekend. Being the proud aunt that I am, I had to take lots of pictures.

Kolton won a goldfish.

Karter jumping in the Moonwalk that they had set up in the gym!

Mouse Update

2010-03-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have been enjoying (at my expense) hearing the latest on the mouse that lives in my car. So, here it is...

The morning after I baited my car with over 15 glue traps, I STILL hadn't caught him. The traps were shuffled around and no longer in the neat line where I had placed them. One was even missing some cheese and had mouse hair stuck to it but no mouse. This was Friday morning and Friday after school was when I was to drive my car home. Remember, my car had remained at school ever since the mouse was first spotted.

Before leaving, a co-worker and I pulled everything out of the trunk to make sure he wasn't in the boxes in the back. He wasn't. However, I didn't even make it past the parking lot before he ran out from under the passenger's seat. My plan had been to whack him with my snow brush if I ever saw him again, but he's fast!!! I saw him run from the front of the car all the way to the back through where the shoulder strap of the seat belt is and into the trunk. I immediately pulled over, stuffed anything I could find into the openings where the seat belts are, and drove home as quickly as possible contemplating going car shopping the entire way!

We were (again) unsuccessful at checking him all weekend. Thankfully due to daylight savings time I am again driving to work in the dark. I have had an epiphany though. I have decided since it is warming up outside there is a smaller chance that he will want to live in my car. With that in mind, I am no longer trying to trap him but REPEL him instead. From my Internet research, I have gathered that mice do not like dryer sheets. I went out and purchased a box of dryer sheets and dispersed them around my car (trunk, vents, under seats, etc.). So far, NO MOUSE!! (If this "trick", has not worked for you in the past, please don't tell me. It is what gives me peace of mind for the time being. That is until I see him again.)

In the meantime, at least my car smells nice.

A little thing that I like to call "Plan B"- dryer sheets

24 weeks

2010-03-14T17:04:00.001-07:00

At 24 weeks, the baby...

weighs just over a pound.
is about a foot long.
is filling out proportionally and will soon start to round out.

Continuing to develop are...

its brain, taste buds, branches of the respiratory tree, the cells that will help the airs sacs inflate once baby hits the outside world, thin and translucent (but not for much longer) skin.

It’s time to get serious!!!

2010-03-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Mouse update...

We left two spring-loaded mouse traps covered with peanut butter in my car overnight. This morning the peanut butter was completely licked off the trap but no mouse. I guess that it is safe to assume that he is still in there.

I decided that it was time to take things to a whole new level and reclaim my car back, so I bought 40 glue traps. My theory is that if I lay them in a straightline across the floor of my car and my trunk that everntually Ralphie is going to want to get from one side to the other. And when he does...

ALL THAT I CAN SAY IS THAT WHEN YOU MESS WITH FIRE, YOU ARE BOUND TO GET BURNED!!!!

By the way, do you know of anyone interested in a Dodge Stratus? It comes with some "special features."

11 glue traps in my trunk baited with cheese just waiting for Ralphie

Adventures WITH Ralph S. Mouse

2010-03-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

DON'T BE DECEIVED!

There's a mouse in my car. Now, I have been aware for quite some time that a mouse hangs out in there. I have taken great measures to eliminate this problem (i.e., no food in car). Still, I would see occasional droppings, but today dear Ralphie and I got a bit more personal...too personal for my liking. I actually saw him WHILE I was driving to work!!!!

What does one do at that point? Obviously it freaked me out. It was running back and forth on the floor on the passenger's side. Every time I saw him I would scream. Then I thought; what if it comes on my side so I spent the rest of my drive with my feet in the air. Two of my co-workers scrounged up mouse traps and peanut butter but by the day's end we hadn't caught him.

This brings me to my next point: if Ralphie has found his way into my car he can surely find his way out, so how am I ever going to have the peace of mind that he is in fact gone???? And, what about tonight's drive home? I could stay until dark. At least if I am driving in the dark there is a smaller chance of me actually spotting him. To make matters worse, Kyle is working second shift this week so he can't rescue me. The best plan I have come up with so far is to have Mr. Hammel take me home from school and drive Kyle's truck the rest of the week now that he has a work truck. This still doesn't resolve the fact that Ralph can get out any time he wants. The sooner, the better if I had it my way.

Lastly, why am I so scared of a little mouse??? What's the saying? It is more afraid of you than you are of it. To quote Mandi, "I'm not sure I believe that."

Enjoying the Outdoors

2010-03-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

With the beautiful weather this past weekend, we couldn't help but get outside. We watched an eagle about a mile from our house feed on a dead deer. On our first walk through the woods this spring we discovered that a beaver lives back there and that he has been quite busy this winter!!

P.S. Not only can I feel the baby moving around, you can now see it. It is pretty entertaining to watch- just ask Kyle!

Unfortunately, I scared the bald eagle away. You can see it flying just above the field in the background.
A beaver's favorite food!

A clearing made by the beaver...Look at all those stumps!

Destruction from the beaver

Our Getaway Weekend

2010-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Kyle and I went on a small getaway. We started out in Fort Wayne doing a little shopping. Our biggest purchase was the crib for the baby’s room. From Fort Wayne, we traveled to Toledo to visit one of my high school friends who had just had a baby. They were still in the hospital on Saturday so we killed time by going to The Bass Pro Shop, out to dinner at Chili’s, and then to a hotel.

We were very impressed with our hotel room. It was considered a “suite” because when you walked in there was a sitting area that included a couch, fridge, and microwave. We also enjoyed their killer breakfast buffet which included omelets, scrambled eggs, etc. The only bad part was our neighbors who decided to be loud until 3 AM. Don’t worry they got “paybacks” from us the next morning when we blared our TV from 8 AM on!

Sunday morning we went back to Bass Pro for Kyle to make some last minute purchases and then on to Gayle’s to meet Baby Isaac. Here are pics from our fun weekend.

Gayle and I with newborn Isaac
Only 5 lbs.

Here's a picture of the crib we ordered. We also got a matching dresser which can be used as a changing table.

Halfway!!!

2010-02-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

20 weeks down...20 to go!

We're having a...

2010-02-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

BABY!!!!!

We could've found out the gender at yesterday's ultrasound but opted not to. I cannot wait to be surprised in the delivery room. The technician told us we have a beautiful baby and our results came back normal. The pictures look better in person but I will do my best to explain them!

Two profile shots of the baby cozy in mom's belly- Look at that cute "button" nose!
The top one is of the baby's foot and then he/she turned over so this is its back side. You can see the spine, the ear on top of its head, and a hand.
Two more side views- In one the baby's hand is up to its lips possibly sucking its fingers- just like daddy used to do!

Chinese Birth Calendar

2010-02-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

According to the Chinese birth calendar, which is supposedly 98% accurate, it's a....

GIRL!!!!

And, I officially felt kicking yesterday. I have thought that maybe I had felt it before but this time there was NO doubt. Kyle wasn't able to feel it yet. His conclusion? Kicks like a girl! Hmm...we may be onto something here.

Try the Chinese birth calendar: http://www.webwomb.com/chinesechart.htm

Meeting Baby Jackson

2010-01-25T13:24:00.000-08:00

We get to "meet" Baby Jackson on Feb. 8th at our ultrasound and we can't wait. They couldn't have picked a better day. Now I can stay up and watch the Super Bowl on the 7th. Of course, anyone who has been around me these days knows that I probably won't be able to stay up that late unless there is a lengthy nap sometime before kickoff!!! Scheduling the ultrasound was probably the most exciting part from today's appointment besides hearing the heartbeat again. He/she's still in there and his/her heart is beating away. Music to my ears!!!

P.S. Pray that all of our (routine) bloodwork that we had done today comes back okay.

17 weeks

2010-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

The baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — its lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. S/he weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and s/he's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. S/he can move her joints, and the sweat glands are starting to develop.

Not much to show yet...I think it just looks like I ate a good meal. This isn't the best shot either. Hopefully we will get better at these- we do have 20+ more weeks to practice!

A few of my favorite things that my students have said so far:
“Aren’t you worried about your baby getting sick with everyone coming to school sick?” (It is nice to know they care- although I think this was a little unnecessary worry.)
“You do know that you aren’t going to lose weight, right?” (I have been walking the halls during lunch to get exercise, which didn’t make any sense to one student.)
“You don’t look pregnant. Well, from that angle…”
“Are you sure you are pregnant?”
“She has gotten mean since she’s been pregnant.” (A student who hadn’t done his work all week and lost points for it said this to another teacher. Luckily, he is the only one that has said this so far!!!)

Still feeling good! Back to the doctor on Monday.

16 weeks

2010-01-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

An update...

Right now our baby is the size of an avocado- 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His/her:

legs are much more developed
head is more erect than it has been
eyes have moved closer to the front of his head
ears are close to their final position.
Scalp pattern has begun.
toenails have started growing.
heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day.

I promise some tummy shots soon but there isn't much to see...yet.

A New Year's story

2010-01-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

Some of you are aware that my neighbor is also pregnant. Well, after the ball dropped on New Year's she and I offered to take her dad back into town as he had been drinking. The best part of the story is that WE- two COMPLETELY SOBER AND PREGNANT women- got pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving. ALLEGEDLY, Bri made a wide right turn and crossed the center line. I couldn't help but laugh. I'll bet that cop was disappointed; he really thought he had something!!!

New Year's Resolution

2010-01-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

I think maybe my New Year's Resolution should be to do a better job of keeping up with this blog. Part of the reason I didn't put anything up for so long was that we wanted to personally tell as many people as we could about the baby. I will try to do better and I am sure once he/she gets here I will have plenty to blog about (and so little time to do so)!

More belated holiday pics- (Kolton and Karter)

2010-01-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Kolton in his "tree stand" with his new bow and arrow
New computer

Kolton opening gifts.

Karter opening gifts.

Playing in their toy

New caps

2010-01-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

Kolton and Karter in their new caps that they got for X-mas.

Baby Jackson gifts

2010-01-12T12:07:00.000-08:00

Baby Jackson made out well this Christmas!!!

Holiday Spirit

2010-01-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

I did get into the hoilday spirit a little bit this season around the house:
I know our tree looks a little bare...I never did find the ornaments this year!!!
????

Great fudge recipe (easy and pretty): http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/cookie-cutter-fudge/2ce455b3-74f6-40d3-bdbf-2fbb1fa9b5d0

Visiting friends at Christmas

2010-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

At Christmas we were able to share our BIG news- in case you didn't know we are expecting a baby in July- with our friends from MI.

Here I am telling my best friend. She is due in March!
Group shot.

Belated Holiday Pictures- Christmas

2010-01-12T11:54:00.001-08:00

My Christmas gift from Kyle was a clock that I wanted from a store in Manchester.Funny story- I had seen this clock in a store window in Manchester so I went in and asked the price. The store owner jokingly said, "You would like that clock since it happens to be $300." I told him that it wasn't in my price range and he assured me that I should come back next week for the 20% off sale. I don't know about you but a $240 clock isn't really in my price range either so I kind of gave up hope. Well, appearently right before Christmas it went on sale again and the store owner actually called Kyle and suggested that he buy it for me for Christmas. Talk about a good salesperson!!

Belated Holiday Pics- Thanksgiving

2010-01-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Chowing down!
Karter eating "his" cheeseball that he wouldn't share with anyone else.

Kolton enjoying his meal- although he made it clear that he DID NOT like the jello!!

This year we hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house for the first time. It went really well. Thank goodness my mom came early since she did most of the work. Unfortunately, a few family members didn't make it.

Halloween

2009-11-02T08:27:00.001-08:00

Joel and Katie dressed like people from the '80's. Love Joel's mullet and Katie's leg warmers
Melissa, me, and Katie

Our only trick-or-treaters

Fall Break Fun

2009-11-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

Over Fall Break, Mom and I went to Chicago. We saw several newborns including my cousin's and college roomate's new babies. Both are beutiful baby girls and I am so jealous! We also hit IKEA. Below is my big buy. We had many laughs while staying with my grandma's neighbors. I am pretty sure the characters Frank and Marie from Everybody Loves Raymond were based on those two! It was like being on the set! New chair for the office
My cousin's new baby- Lyric (1 month)

Here I am with my "niece". My college roommate's baby- Miriam "Mia" (2 months)

My cousin holding her baby (Lyric)

Instant Yard: before and after

2009-10-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Laying sod

2009-10-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Our "big" helper
Rolling out the sod

Partially done!

My new enemy!

Enjoying the new yard

2009-10-26T04:59:00.001-07:00

Kolton and Toby were able to enjoy the new yard. Everyone else was too tired!
You can't tell very well from this picture but Kolton is actually rolling down the hill. We had told him multiple times that he had to stay off the grass. He could not understand why you couldn't go on the yard! Then when our backs were turned we saw him doing this. I couldn't help but laugh and get a picture!

Halloween Weekend

2009-10-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Pictures of the boys trick-or-treating and camping at Salamonie:

Roasting marshmallows for S'mores with Uncle Kyle
One of the campsites all decked out for Halloween that we went trick-or-treating at.

Off to get some candy...Look at the dinosaur's tail wagging!

Karter as a dinosaur

Ready to go

Kolton posing by his Buzz Lightyear pumpkin in his Buzz Lightyear costume. (I think it took Shan all afternoon to carve that pumpkin but he did receive many compliments.)

Kolton on the fireman's pole.

Bonfire

2009-10-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the bonfire at Shannon and Amy's last weekend:Who says sparkles are only for the 4th of July?

Karter mostly enjoyed eating- as you can see!

Kolton with one of the many fish he caught that night.

Our new toy

2009-10-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Now that school is in session I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus! Hopefully, I can update everyone.

Part of the reason that I am so busy is because volleyball is in season. This year the team I coach has won four games- which is pretty good compared to only one win last year. We think that it may be the most wins in a single season in school history!

Kyle and his dad recently went in together on a Ranger. Kyle swears that he got it for me since I never quite got the hang of driving the 4-wheeler- I blame it on not havinga very good teacher! However, we have been having fun tooling around the neighborhood in the Ranger- even with me at the helm.

First Day of School

2009-08-25T12:06:00.001-07:00

Karter- "I want to go too!"

One of the cutest kids on his first day of preschool!

Back to School Party

2009-08-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

We hosted a back-to-school party at our house for my co-workers. On the patio- good thing we had that poured this summer!
Getting food!

More patio pics

Keeping cool in the basement

The Kohler family

2009-08-10T09:41:00.001-07:00

More of Tina and her family: Baby Kevin- only 17 days old

Abby with the tennis balls.

Madison

Tina (my cousin) with Madison

More family picnic pics

2009-08-10T09:34:00.001-07:00

More cousins! I love having a big family!

My birthday

2009-08-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

I got quite the surprise when my Mom, Dad, and Luke arrived at my house on my b-day. Thanks to Kyle and our guests for planning the surprise. It was a very thoughful gift! Everyone also pitched in to buy me a new desk for my office. My master's degree also arrived by mail that day.

My birthday also means that it is almost time to go back to school, so this may be the last of the summer fun!

Fun Fest Festivities

2009-08-10T08:52:00.001-07:00

At Fun Fest we got to: Play on the fire trucks
Sit in the Good Samaritan helicopter

Play with the DNR's decoy

Ice Cream with Grandma Jackson

2009-08-10T08:51:00.001-07:00

Slumber Party- Day 2

2009-08-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Day two of our slumber party was very busy. We had a picnic lunch, played hide and seek, Guess Who?, and Memory, went to the park, got ice cream, and went to Fun Fest. Helping me "stir" the strawberry fluff
At our "picnic"
Kolton: "Aunt Jill, you make the goodest macaroni."

Making faces

2009-08-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the game

2009-08-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Entertainment at the game

2009-08-10T08:39:00.001-07:00

The Bad Apple Dancers
A competition where the team who dressed their hampurger the fastest won.

Musical chairs

Tin Caps

2009-08-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

We recently had a slumber party with Kolton. We asked if he wanted to see a baseball game or a movie and he picked baseball. We took him to see the Tincaps, Fort Wayne’s minor league team. Kyle’s company built their stadium last year and Kyle spent a lot of time working out there. It was fun for Kyle to see it now that it is complete. Oh yeah, I think Kolton had fun too! Eating cotton candy
Watching the game and wondering why there hasn't been a homerun yet because as Kolton put it, "It's easy to get homeruns on the Wii."

Visiting with the mascot, Johnny Appleseed and Kolton's new "best buddy"

At the game

Old Friends= Good Times!

2009-08-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

My college roomie, Kari, was in town so we had dinner at the Olive Garden. Not only was the food great, we had a great time visiting. I am so glad she included me in her vacation to Indiana.

More "Meles"

2009-08-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

My cousin Tina's two girls: Madison

Abby

She also has a newborn boy but I can't seem to get pictures from my other camera to load...yet. That might be a project for this afternoon!