Jackson ALSO Says...

"Mommy, you don't love me!" (on his way up the steps to take a nap that he didn't want to take!)

Jackson Says...

"Mommy, you are my best friend!"

Honey Hill Farm

On Friday night, Jason, the boys and I all headed out to the "country estate" for a overnighter and a play day in the woods. It is the first time I have been out there since I was pregnant with Jackson, and so much has changed! Jason has put so much work into it, and the place is beautiful.

This is the work shed and also where the travel trailer is hiding. The trailer worked great as a place to sleep and relax when we weren't running through the woods, exploring, or playing in the dirt. The view from the shed... it really is out in the middle of nowhere! It is so quiet, and all you hear are the birds singing or woodpeckers knocking. Such a peaceful place.
Hanna and I went for a quick walk at dusk in hopes of seeing some wildlife, but the only wildlife I saw were the two little boys running to me as we got back!!
This had to be the best thing for the boys... playing with cars in the dirt. As we walked along the dirt roads, they were constantly stopping to play in whatever new pile they could find. These boys were full of dirt when we got home... I'm not sure I have ever seen them so dirty! They had the best time out there, checking out the woods and collecting treasures. Harris loved the tractor... especially checking out the tires. He looks so tiny next to this one!
Jason and I shot skeet for awhile before lunch on Saturday. It was the first time I had shot my new shotgun, and while I can hit a stationary target, I'm not so hot with the skeet. I did hit a few, but far more broke when they landed than by being shot! Practice, practice, practice.

The land used to be an old farm back in the 60's, and while there is no old house left, there is an old homesite. Jason watched the boys for awhile while Hanna and I went and investigated. We found the old well and what looked like the remains of an old car. There is also an old hog pen nearby that looks interesting, too. It is really overgrown and tough to get around, so I am looking forward to going back next winter when I won't have to fight the brush and a fear of rattlesnakes. I did find a bunch of foliage that looks like old bulbs about to bloom, so I gave Jason an assignment to dig some up and bring them home. I can't wait to see what they are!
I was so impressed by all that Jason has done out there and by all of the plans he has to really make it his place. I am sure that we (especially the boys) will have many great times out there in the future. Jason has lots of plans to get the boys out there and working as soon as he can!!

Little School Easter Egg Hunt

Jackson and I went to Little School's annual Easter Egg Hunt on Friday and had such a great time. It was a beautiful morning and such a perfect way to spend some QT with my big boy. While Jackson was a little nervous about it in the beginning, he quickly warmed up to his friends and had so much fun. The majority of his classmates were there, all ready to hunt for the suprise-filled eggs. Before the hunt began, there was an egg relay with the other 3's class. Each child had to carry an egg on a spoon, across the lawn and back. Jackson's class had clearly practiced the day before, as they carried those eggs like champs and won easily!!
Oops!! After a rocky start and a little help from Miss Ann Harris, Jackson got his egg on his spoon and got going.

The anticipation for the hunt builds...
And they're off!!

Checking out his loot. Miss Shannan and Miss Ann Harris know that Jackson doesn't really like candy unless it is chocolate (I wonder where he got that from?), so they were incredibly thoughtful and were sure to scope out the chocolate-filled eggs to "help" Jackson get them into his basket.

The best part... the cupcakes and cookies to refuel after all of the running and hunting!

Tall Tales

I was at a Little School board meeting a week or so ago, and I sat and listened to some moms of Jackson's classmates talk about the tales their boys has been telling. Things like their fathers going to space and seeing aliens or trips to Disney that never took place. It made me laugh, but it also made me a little sad since I doubted that Jackson would ever think to talk like that. Not that I WANT my child to lie, at all, but those little childish "stories" come with being a four-year old. My brother told us he was from outer space, I told people I owned a horse... we all have our own childhood tall tales and stories from our imagination.

Well, today we took one of Jackson's classmates home from school, and Charlie was talking about going camping with his dad and brother. Out of the mouth of my oldest son comes, "I went camping with Santa Claus!". Yes, I fussed at Jackson for telling a fib, but inside, I was congratulating him for finally cutting loose a bit and letting his imagination go to town. No, I will never encourage him to tell fibs, I promise, but I will laugh inside when he tells tall tales like this one!!

Happy Belated Birthday, Ganny!!

Sorry this is so late (a little bit of Blogger frustration!), but we hope you had a fantastic birthday!! You deserve lots of hugs and kisses, and we hope that your day was full of smiles.

We love you, Ganny!!

Amanda, Jason, Jackson & Harris

Happy Birthday, Harris!

Harris Bug, two years ago you entered our lives... very quickly! Since then, you have not slowed down a bit, and you have kept us busy, busy, busy!! You make us laugh constantly, and we are always asked, "Is he always this busy???". Of course, the answer is a resounding YES!

It amazes me how full of life and energy you are. You don't walk from place to place... you run. You jump. You dance. And you laugh all the way. Your giggles are contagious, and we are typically laughing with you as well.

Your vocabulary is growing in leaps and bounds, and it cracks me up to hear some of the words you say and when. When I change your diaper, you say "Ya, ya, ya!!!" (Yucky, yucky, yucky) and laugh hysterically.

Your hugs and kisses are some of the best in the world, and you have no shortage of them. You are typically so friendly... everyone is a new friend to you. I love watching you show your favorite items to anybody who will pay attention. One of those favorite items is Winter Wonderland Thomas the Train (Ta-Ta). It has become your "lovey", and you have to have it all of the time... in the car, in bed, at school, at lunch, any time you are playing. The few times Ta-Ta has gotten lost have been disasterous!

Adventure is your thing. You love being on the boat, on the 4-wheeler, in the stroller, in the woods. You love new places, new things, and new people. One of my prayers for you is that you maintain this sense of adventure and love for new things... it will take you so many great places!

Jackson (Ja Ja) and you have kind of a love/hate relationship. You both get along so well when you don't want what the other has. I love picking Jackson up from school, as you ask about him the whole way there and get so excited when he gets in the car. It will only be a matter of time before you are truly playing together and are best friends.

You want to know what everything is... you are constantly pointing at things and looking to us for a word to describe it. One of your favorite games is to point to someone and tell us who it is. When we ask where Harris is, you always point into your mouth... Smarty Pants!

Harris, this past year has been amazing watching you grow. You have really gone from Baby to Toddler in such a huge way. Our family has been greatly blessed to have you with us, as our hearts have tripled in size with love for you. You remind us of all of the little things that we miss on a daily basis, and you remind us to laugh constantly.

Happy Birthday, Harris!!

I pray that the next year will be another big year for you, full of all of the blessings and good things that God has set aside for you. We love you big time, Harris Bug!!

Shopping

This was the conversation in the car on the way home from school today:

Jackson: I want a sister.

Mom: You do, huh?

J: Her name will be Emily.

M: Emily, huh? And where do you think Emily would come from??

J: The Sister Store.

M: The Sister Store? Hmmmm. And what would Emily look like?

J: Garris (a school friend).

M: Garris, really? And what color hair would Emily have?

J: Green. No, brown.

M: And where is the Sister Store?

J: It is right by the Walmart store.

** I think I will be steering clear of the Walmart store for awhile...

Frustration

I just wrote a "Happy Birthday, Harris" post, and it disappeared on me. Totally gone. Where did it go??? I have no idea what happened or where it went. I am going to bed... I will try to repost it again tomorrow.

Grrrrrrr....

BIRT-DAY

Chugga-chugga, choo-choo
Harris Bug is turning 2!
All aboard for fun and games --
we'll eat cake and play with trains!

Yesterday was Harris' second birthday party, and he has been running around for the past week hollering "BIRT-DAY!". I have never seen a little one so excited for his big day!! It was a great time, and we had over 20 little ones running around our backyard. The weather was perfect, the jump castle and climbing wall were out, and the kids had a blast running and playing.

Harris, Fordham, Jake, Spencer and Mary Kathryn playing with trains.
Benjamin, Spencer and Jackson (the big boys) bouncing on the climbing wall.

The beautiful Lancaster girls.

Pretty girls, May and Betsy. There are so many boys in our group... it was nice to have all of the little girls!
Beth, Caroline, and Nancy.

Rutledge in the cool car.
DuBose and Stephen with little DuBose and Mills.
Baby Anne on the helicopter... loved it!!
Fordham in the big red truck... I think this is one of his favorites!
Mattie in the big red truck. Mattie goes to school with Harris and is his girlfriend. He always makes sure that she has her sippy cup, he pouts when she goes to time-out, and they chatter back and forth like they are having a real conversation. I think it is love...

Rutledge, Mattie, DuBose and Benjamin take on the climbing wall.
He loved the excitement as we sang "Happy Birthday"!
Do you think they were eager to eat cake??

Harris had a blast, and both he and Jackson were exhausted last night (I hope all of their friends were, too!). Thanks to all who were able to come and celebrate Harris' big day with us!

Happy Birthday, Aileen!

I hope you have had a fabulous day today... I am so sorry and so sad to have missed lunch. (I promise to make it up to you with a margarita soon!) You have become such a great friend and sounding board... I appreciate you more than you know.

Lots of hugs to you,
Amanda

Heaven

Urban Nirvana's Ginger and Lemongrass Rub:

2 hours
Be prepared to be sent off to "la la land." You will begin with a brisk rub down with freshly grated ginger, lemongrass and warmed detoxifying oils. We'll wrap you and let you bake peacefully for 20 minutes. Then we will unwrap you, brush off the ginger and lemongrass and massage for 90 minutes. (We will be there to lend a hand when you can't remove yourself from the table.)

Happy Late Valentine's Day to me!! (Thank you, Jason!!)

Brotherly Love

The weather was beautiful here earlier this week, and we took full advantage of the spring-like days. Lately I have had to drag Jackson outside, and he quickly sneaks back in as soon as possible. Not this week, though... I have practically had to bribe him to get him inside (Harris is easy... he'd be outside all day if I let him!).
Jackson is loving the scooter he got for his birthday.
The car is always a winner for Harris!
A little brotherly love...

Jackson's new thing is to "race" everywhere, just like Lightening McQueen. Here he is racing Harris, who is oblivious to Jackson's competition.

I am so thankful for the break in the cold... hopefully consistent spring weather is coming with

the time change on Sunday!