Harrison's party pictures

Here are the party pictures you have been waiting for. "Flexible Mom" didn't pitch a fit when she went to pick up her baby's cake and it said "Harrison is #1" vs. the requested "Harrison is 1!" I gave my my dear friend Cheryl (who needs a blog) the task of picture taking. She did fabulous. I never touched my camera the whole day and she captured everything. She too, has two boys. This is Cameron, I still remember (vividly) when she told me she was pregnant - now look at him, he is growing up. He was wonderful with the younger kids at the party and really took care of everyone and made sure they were all okay.

This is Christopher, Cheryl's baby. He had a blast at the party.

I got a picture of two of the three little indians. Jenny even gave me the wonderful necklace you'll see in later pictures. I love it!

Our beach buddies were there too. Chad (our Realtor) made his appearance late but then really enjoyed playing in the backyard with the boys.

The john deer tractor was a big hit. I thought there would be fighting and a few minor car wrecks, but really all the kids did wonderful.

I could make some sort of comment about how this pictures looks like a first date, but that would be age inappropriate and make me sad to think about on his first birthday. But he does look happy to be driving, or just happy that sweet Bennett is with him.

Tia Penny thought of making this tent and all enjoyed laying down under it. She was such a big help before the party. Getting ready for a party with two little kids running around is a difficult task.

Once Harrison got his first taste of cake he not only enjoyed eating it but playing with it as well.

Harrison really got into some of the presents. He was happy and squealing with delight.

This little funny (happy) face just makes me smile.

I'm not sure what is cuter, Harrison's smile or the fact that Jackson is grabbing his hand and touching his head.

I think the day turned out just pretty darn near perfect.

P.S. I just went ahead and purchased an all in 1 card reader so that I could upload all my pictures. It really is quicker than plugging directly into your camera. So, that's one technology issue that has been resolved.

Happy 4th!

I've got so much to talk about. Camera issues are number one. Stephanie and I created these great little movies of our beach trip and now we can not upload them to our blog..ugh. They are quick time videos set to music; can anyone help?

Then we had Harrison's first b-day party last weekend and now I can not seem to get my pictures to upload from my new camera on either our home computer or the mac. Technology is a pain sometimes.

Today we had the most amazing day and I can't get those pictures uploaded either. Seems that we moved into small town America. Terrel Hills had the best 4th of July parade I have ever seen. It was small, quaint and fun. I felt like I was in a movie. People played patriotic music, decorated their cars, made floats and just had a blast. It ended with a little festival. There were moon bounces, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, face painting, tattoos, balloon animals, music, drinks, wine tasting and beer - did I mention this was all free!!! It was great. Then we had four different families over to our house for a rotating party. We did appetizers and water toys (baby pools, 2 slip and slides, and a larger blow up pool), the second stop was at the Miracle house (their real name) where we had burgers and a balloon toss (adults had to participate) and then the last house was marble slab type ice cream party and a real pool (you know, like we once had). Jackson literally fell asleep on the couch at 6:15 pm waiting for me to put him in the shower. I just placed him in bed, in his swim suit. So, life is good.

I love my new house and the summer. My dear friend Penny has helped me decorate it so wonderfully. I am now blogging on my new pink toile chaise lounge; donated to the Hedgepeth home by Tia Penny's mom (you have to see it) - along with many other great pieces of furniture and fun stuff. This July 4th I am thankful for my great friends and family. I don't know what I would do without any of you (the fey crew, hedgepeth clan, tia penny, and all of my dear friends of whom I think of like sisters, you know who you are.) I am also thankful for the little things that make me happy - like the new label maker I got with my Target gift card - that thing makes me smile.

Hopefully this video will make you smile. It is one of the last things that I could get uploaded to my computer. It is of Jackson at VBS with his new friend Charlotte. Charlotte is quite the dancer and loved my Jackson - who doesn't?

Beach trip

We went to the beach last weekend with our dear friends. Stephanie let us stay with her family. We had a blast. Harrison had a much fun eating sand as crawling and playing in it. Stephanie and the boys even made me cupcakes for my birthday. Maybe my late 30s won't be so bad. Today Jackson had new ear tubes put in and his adenoids taken out. He woke up mad and it was awful. But now he is asleep (with daddy, because as Shaun said, "he might need me.") I hear Harrison chattering in his crib so a nap for mom does not look like a possibility. We've got a b-day party for Harrison this weekend (only 5 weeks late) - so stop by and see the new house (and if this mom is surviving.) I

jackson's b-day wishes for me

a brief indulgence, if you have the time...

Happy Father's day

We had a great day. We went out to breakfast, swam, napped (the whole family at the same time, wow), Jackson got a haircut, and went out to eat with all our parents.

But, later we got out our 10 year old wedding video to watch. (Moving makes you find the strangest things.) It was so fun to see how different we all looked. But the funny thing was Jackson's reaction. (And how my mom, Maime, and I all got teary eyed during our vows.) He asked a ton of questions, of course, and was enthralled with the video. Yet, when we had our first dance (to Louis Armstrong's, Wonderful World) he began crying. He got over it later but could not really express what made him sad. Then tonight during our bed time ritual he got really upset again (twice) he said he did not like the movie and it hurt his heart. So weird huh? We explained that it was before him and how much we wanted him, but he never really seemed to be able to express what he was feeling. He just kept hiding his face, crying and burrowing into my chest. Any thoughts to what was going on?

Well, here we are last weekend, 10 years later. Boy have we changed.

Jackson told me, "You looked beautiful as a bride."

He then said, "that was before me?"

I said "yes."

He said, "and this is what you look like now?"

I said "yes."

He said, "now you are always gonna look like this?"

"Yes, baby, this is me now."

And this is as good as it gets.

Nana

Look what Nana (and Grampy) got Jackson. He is in heaven. Have I told you that Cheetos are "kid Crack?" Really, this kid is addicted to them. Here is Nana and Jackson having hot tea together. Harrison also got a neat little chair for his 1st b-day. Jackson loves it too and they fight over it. This whole sibling thing is a mystery to me. I guess I'll make it up as I go. BTW - I am really enjoying my summer....

End of the school year

Jackson had his end of the year school party this Saturday. It was so fun. Even for the parents, and that is difficult to pull off. There was a moon bounce, clown, face painting and balloon animals. The clown asked, "Who wants a balloon - I make over 150 different things?" Jackson was the first to shout out "Me, make me a donkey." The clown replied, "Great, 15 years in the business, and my first request for a donkey! And I can't make it. " Jackson had to settle for a horse.