Recap

I haven't been in the blogging mood lately because I'm still having to use the "backup", but I thought I would do a quick recap of Christmas for my 5 readers. :) However, I'm unable to post any pictures until the other laptop is back.

Kris had to work a half day (7am-1pm) on Christmas Eve and a full day (7am-7pm) on Christmas Day, so we managed to squeeze in The Key Family Christmas around 2pm on Christmas Eve. Jacob and I were ready for Kris when he got home from work, and we got the camera and video camera ready and all the presents distributed. I laughed when I heard Kris say "good morning Jacob" as he began videotaping.

Jacob didn't really take to opening gifts. He did a little bit at first, but for the most part we had to rip them open for him. His eyes lit up and there were a few smiles for some of the Elmo gifts - his favorite character. We tried not to go overboard with gifts since our house already looks like a daycare.

We then headed over to Meme and Papaw's house to celebrate with them and the Pittmans. My mom made a wonderful meal and we ate too much and then exchanged a few gifts with one another. The adults draw names and so that's always fun to see what each other gets. Then Friday night Kris' mom, sister, and nephew came over and we got to spend some time with them.

Jacob sure has enjoyed the Christmas tree. Every time we come home, he immediately says "lights". Which is asking us to turn on the Christmas tree. Then he says "dog". Which is a stocking that Meme got him last year that plays music and the ears wave up and down. He loves walking around the house carrying it.

Today Kris and I took the tree down and put away all the decorations - which is a first for us. I don't think I've ever taken a tree down this early. When we got home from picking Jacob up from daycare, Jacob looked over to where the tree was and I know he was thinking "didn't there used to be a tree there?" Then he looked up at the mantle and didn't see "dog" there either. He had the most perplexed look on his face. He looked at me with those big eyes and said in the saddest voice... dog? I told him dog went nite nite and we'll see him next year. haha

Ok, I'll wrap this up. I hate posting without pics - just kills me.

A Christmas Story

A house on Central Ave. has this peaking out their window. Priceless.

No particular title in mind

I seriously cannot get motivated to a). wrap the few gifts I've already bought and b). finish buying what's left (i.e. Kris). I don't know why I wait till the last minute because I'm not a fan of crowds and lines, but who is.

On a happier note: I am happy to report that Jacob can recognize and say all the letters of the alphabet except for Q and W. I've been drawing the letters one at a time on his doodle pro and when I draw a Q, his answer is "apple". I think he thinks that's a stem. And I think the W gives him trouble because it has more than one syllable. Oh well, how often do we use the Q & W anyway. :)

I cannot believe this year is almost over. I've been saying this has been the fastest year that I can recall. It seems there's been something to celebrate and/or anticipate since the first of the year - Jacob's 1st birthday, Kris' NWACC graduation (and who is now attending John Brown), the arrival of sweet baby Luke. And everything else that's fallen in between. Now a new year is about to begin. Which means I get to start planning Jacob's 2nd birthday. Just kidding, I have till March. :)

You know I like to post pics, but again, I'm using the "backup" laptop that refuses to work with me on loading pictures. Hopefully the real deal will be back soon.

Way Back When-esday on Thursday

Timeline: Christmas 2007

Age: 9mos

Way Back When-esday

Our laptop is being worked on, and the el-cheapo backup will not let me load any pics. So I apologize for no way-back pic today. I know you all have been waiting patiently for one. :)

Santa Pic

I don't think this looks like him at all! Not sure where the rosey-red cheek came from. I'm just so thankful he didn't get scared of Santa.

Another Proud Moment

I just can't help myself, I must share another proud moment.

Tonight we ventured to Walmart, and as we're walking in the parking lot, Jacob says "M", then "A". He of course was looking at the big Walmart on the building. YEA Jacob! Then we were in the store, and I asked Kris about a toy and I said you know, the "E.L.M.O" toy (spelling out Elmo), and before Kris could answer, Jacob said "Elmo?"

Genius!

p.s. We went to see Santa today, and I'm trying to upload the pic, but its giving me problems. I will try again later.

Proud Moment!!

Jacob has been playing with Fridge Phonics for some time now, and apparently its sinking in! This little guy got his momma teary-eyed when he did this:
Kris and I are so proud right now, we are beaming!! Oh, and another reason to brag... tonight during his bath, he pointed to the bottle and said "B" and I said yes, that's a B! Then he said "M", and I said yes again! He was looking at the Baby Magic bodywash bottle! I will be pointing out letters everywhere from now on!! This is a day I'll never forget! So happy!!

Way Back When-esday

Dateline: I'm guessing 1985 (?)

Age: Me 10, Beth 11

There are so many comments to make regarding this picture. I'll just point out the oil lamp with the naked lady in the upper-left corner.

Nite Nite

The other night Jacob said he was ready for "nite nite", and this is where he went. I know everyone thinks their child is funny, but this little man cracks me up more than I can say.
(and yes, I realize my house resembles a daycare)

Reindeer Sighting

Jacob made reindeer ears today at daycare. A little floppy, but still cute nonetheless.

Family Ties

Tree Pics

I would've posted the tree last night, but I took a shower and a shot of nyquil and was in bed by 8pm. Feeling a little better today, but still have a Kleenex up my nose. So like I said, no award-winning Christmas tree. After seeing this post, it looks kinda skinny and pathetic. Looks better in person.

TGIF

Can this week get any worse? My poor little man Jacob came down with a sinus and ear infection over last weekend, so he was home with me until yesterday when he went back to daycare. Despite his condition, he was such a trooper and was still his pleasant self. Now its my turn to get sick and have the worst time just breathing. Ugh! I still managed to get the Christmas tree up today and only broke 2 ornaments (stupid hardwood floors), however, one was in my top 5 faves, so I'm a little disappointed in myself for being so careless, plus it was a gift. Oh well, everything is now out and in its place. I won't be winning any Christmas display contests, but it will work for our family. Now I'm just curious what Jacob will do when he comes home from daycare. I might need to install a laser beam in the next 30mins. I will take pics tonight when the tree is nice and lit. Be back soon...

Way Back When-esday

Dateline: April 11, 2007
Age: Jacob - 18days, Kate - 5mos 2wks

Cousin in Town

My cousin Shelby, who is originally from Punxsutawney, PA, recently moved to Memphis, TN - which makes her about 6hrs away! So she made the drive to NWA to spend Thanksgiving with us. Her birthday (11/26) is the day before mine (11/27), so Beth surprised us both with little cakes - so cute and very thoughtful. Beth also took us out to dinner tonight - another wonderful gesture. We had a great visit, and it was so good to see her. I think the last time we were all together was for Beth's wedding in '04. Thanks for making the drive Shelby, and safe travels heading home.






Oh, and isn't this is a sweet picture of the cousins eating their Thanksgiving meal?




And of course sweet baby Luke!! Love him!!!

Way Back When-esday

Dateline: 11.22.07 (Thanksgiving)

Age: 8mos.

Being Thankful

In honor of Thanksgiving, I thought I would list a few things I'm thankful for:

*As always, thankful for my beautiful family
*Given my current job situation (or lack thereof), I'm thankful for money in the bank
*That Kris is able to carry the load for our family, while attending both NWACC & JBU
*My health, and the health of my family and friends
*Jacob sleeping soundly every night (with an occasional exception)
*Being debt free
*Three vehicles that run
*My mother's cooking (can't wait for Thursday!)
*That me and my sister live only 5.17 miles from one another
*A warm bed to crawl into each night

Whoops-a-daisy

The other night Kris gave Jacob a bath and took him to his bedroom to finish drying him off. Later when it was bedtime, Kris placed Jacob into his crib and covered him up. He walked back out to the living room and asked me if I had bought a new blanket for Jacob. My first thought was 'no, we have a bazillion baby blankets'. He said it felt rough. By now I'm curious and then I saw the blanket we normally cover him up with on the floor. I said, "there's his blanket." I told him to go switch it out with whatever he covered him up with. He did, and then walked back out carrying the towel he had used earlier. We got a good laugh. Then I felt sad visualising Jacob laying there with a damp, cold towel over him. Then we chuckled again. :)

Way Back When-esday

Dateline: April 19, 2007

Age: 3weeks, 4days

This is one of my favorites (amongst the hundreds). The teddy bear is from my Aunt Carolene in PA, which was about as big as he was.

Cool Function

I found this photo editing site that's pretty neat and user-friendly, I must say.

Jump Around!

Beth, Kate, and Luke came over last night. Good times had by all!

Tag, I'm it!

I am at a loss for a new blog topic, so I tag myself to share seven random facts:

7. I was the only 3rd grader in my class to make the jump rope team - Leapin' Lizards! And I can still do a double under!

6. However, I tried out for pee-wee cheerleading in the 4th grade and was told I was too quiet - but my cartwheel was exceptional! My Granny and sister Beth picked me up after tryouts - I cried all the way home.

5. I secretly wish I knew how to line dance - looks like fun!

4. I hate hard-boiled eggs - GROSS!

3. I cannot ice skate or snow ski to save my life - funny story behind that, right Beth?

2. I was born on Thanksgiving and will be celebrating on it again this year.

1. I once was stuck in an elevator by myself and had to use the little red phone and call for help (this was pre-cell phone days).

New Coat and More Pudding Please

Mmm Pudding!

Go Colts!

Little man is getting so big. Here's a comparison from a year ago.

Dancing

Last night I had the tv on Dancing with the Stars, and Lionel Richie was about to sing. Once the music started, it had Jacob's undivided attention. He has recently started dancing when he hears music on the tv. I've always said I need to get it on video. So once we got the camera up and running, he had already begun and once he saw the camera I guess he got a little shy. We were able to get some moves on tape, but this doesn't do justice to the real thing. Here's a small taste:

10 Reasons Why I Love My Sister

10. She has the prettiest fingernails - always polished
9. She always offers me something to drink when I'm at her house
8. I love her laugh, especially when she gets going
7. She is always put together - even if she doesn't leave the house
6. She always offers to watch Jacob for me (even with 2 little ones of her own)
5. When she asks 'how are you?', she genuinely wants to know
4. It's guaranteed I will feel better after talking to her if I'm down
3. She can talk to a stranger - very personable
2. Her confidence
1. Her big heart

Happy Halloween!

Jacob the Sailor Man, Kate the Bumblebee, Luke the Cow

We had a wonderful time at the Pittman's for Halloween, despite me battling potential pink-eye. The kids seemed to have enjoyed it too, and I'm so impressed Jacob kept his hat on! This year's costume was a tribute to Kris - who served 5yrs in the Navy (he's been everywhere - inside joke).

Pumpkin Carving

The Pittman's hosted a pumpkin carving get together last night, and we had a good time. I'm so impressed by Kris' free-hand pumpkin. Jacob enjoyed jumping on the ottoman - his new thing. And now his latest word is dar (aka star).

*Happy Birthday Kate*

Today is my niece Kate's 2nd birthday. I remember being so happy and excited that day - the first grandchild for the family. What a blessing! Aunt Sissy loves you Kate! Uncle Kris and Jacob too!

School Picture

I FINALLY got Jacob's daycare (or as I refer to school) picture back that was taken in September! And it is just too precious not to share. I love it! Gives me a peak into the future of what an actual school picture might look like some day (tear gush).

Pumpkin Patch

Today we went to the Pumpkin Patch with the Pittman's and had a wonderful time with perfect weather! There were so many things for Jacob to take in, so at times he wasn't sure what was happening. But I know he loved being outdoors regardless.

Kate's 2nd birthday party

Today was Kate's 2nd birthday party. The kids had fun at Gymboree. Here are a few pics:

Kate in her precious pigtails.
The little boy to the left cannot wait for his cupcake any longer!
Sweet Nicholas to the right sits patiently for Kate to blow out her candle.

Luke is ready to sing Happy Birthday to his big sis.

Jacob having fun on the slide

Jacob with his friend Caleb

Precious Nephew

I get to watch my sweet nephew Luke again today - 2nd time this week! He is such a good baby, and such a delight to be around. He will be 4mos on Sunday - I cannot believe it. I love this cuddly stage and LOVE me some Luke!

Reading Time

Getting in some valuable reading with Daddy.
(it's a Sports Illustrated)

Sweet Baby

I just have to share this sweet story: tonight Jacob and I were leaving Beth's house, and we were turning onto a street and there was a man with a camera and mighty tall tri-pod at the corner, and it appeared he was trying to get a picture of the sunset. And as I was turning, Jacob said "cheeeeeeeeeese". It was so darling, guess he thought he was taking his picture.


Here is a video of him saying just that, enjoy!
p.s. he is watching the ceiling fan at the beginning, still gets mesmerized.

Another Boo Boo

Jacob didn't feel like taking a nap at daycare today, so he decided to run around the room, and suddenly fell and hit the corner of his cot on his forehead. Poor baby...

Back to school

I found this cool website that allows you to see what you'd look like in high school back in the 50s-60s-70s-80s-90s. Here is what I would've looked like in 1984 and Kris in 1990. We got some good laughs from this. What's sad is I think I actually sported this hairdo at one point in my life. To see yourself, click here

Soap Suds

Jacob loves bathtime. Every night he practically runs to the bathroom door with a big smile on his face, tonight was no exception.

Looking back

I love looking back at pictures of Jacob when he was younger, and so I thought I'd share one from a year ago and one from today. Where has the time gone?

Over Due...

Ok, so I'm not the best blogger, but I will try to catch up. Let's see... as you know, it was BBBBQ this past weekend, and I had the opportunity to be a biker chick for a night. I left Jacob with his dada and rode down to F'ville with my B-I-L, John. My cousin Amber and her husband were in town, and we all rode down together. It was a nice ride down, but quite a bit chilly coming home. I had a lot of fun, and almost had the itch to get my own bike (haha). Instead I think I will ride with John when I get an urge. Thanks John for letting me tag along.