Santa 2010

No words necessary. Except maybe one day there WILL be payback! I love my babies!

"Penny saved is a penny earned"

The saying "A penny saved is a penny earned" describes Jackson:) Jackson loves finding coins everywhere and he puts them in his pocket and always puts it in his piggy bank. Well it paid off! Jackson has been carrying around a sales paper he found in the paper to one of his favorite stores (Tractor Supply Company) *go figure! On the front of the ad had all of the model tractors that Jackson loves so dearly. Yesterday we dropped Andrew off for his dentist appointment and me and the kids when grocery shopping at Publix. Well Jackson happened to see Tractor Supply as we rode by to pick Andrew back up. He begged Andrew to take him to the "tractor place." Andrew came up with the great idea that after Jackson's nap we could open up his piggy bank, count up all the coins he has found and saved and then go and pick out a new toy tractor.

When Jackson woke up we emptied the bank and he sorted the coins by shape. The grand total was a SHOCKING $16 and some change! So he proudly put it in a Ziploc baggie,

got on his coat and Jackson and Daddy ventured out in the cold to their favorite place:)

While us girls stayed home cooking dinner Jackson was on his shopping spree. Andrew called and told me how much of a great boy Jackson was at the store. He carefully picked out his toy and stood in line patiently and talked to others in line. Andrew wouldn't tell me what they bought (Jackson was wanting an orange tractor so I was thinking that was the prize).

Jackson burst into the house with his toy and took it to the living room and said "We need scissors" (to get the toy out of the box). I managed to get him to pose for a few pictures:) Enjoy!

Also on EKC update. She is doing great. She is an angel. EKC is slipping into a great routine which is making life seem more "normal". She has mastered eating rice cereal and just this week we introduced peas and she LOVES them! Peas are just a small "snack" in her diet but she loves something new!
And Jackson is being a nut!She is also loving Jackson's old exersaucer! She sits up well assisted and now is trying to do it on her own! She is growing up too fast!

Ollie

Santa sent an early present down to Jackson and Eva Kate and that is our new elf, Ollie. He is here to watch over the kids and report back to Santa their behavior. Jackson loves looking for all the crazy places Ollie ends up showing up in! Sunday morning we found Ollie in Eva Kate's swing. I kept telling Jackson," remember don't touch him, he loses his magic and Ho Ho won't come." Well he snuck a touch and I repeated myself with "I hope you didn't touch Ollie, his magic will be gone and Ho Ho won't come." He looked at me and said firmly, "You don't say that Crystal!" I think it is hilarious that he called me by my first name but he takes Ollie very serious. Lets just say he hasn't touched Ollie again!

Also on another note: I will be having a soft tissue graft surgery on my gums the Tuesday after Christmas so keep me in your prayers. I went for Pre-Op yesterday and left kind of nervous with 5 prescriptions. I came home and watched the "video" on their website of the type of surgery I was having. I think it freaked me out more. BUT on the bright side I see it as I can eat whatever I want all Christmas! I will be on a liquid/soft diet for a few days so I could stand to lose a few pounds :) LOL! But seriously keep me in your thoughts that day so that everything will go great and I will have a speedy recovery!

Also on your prayer radar please think of my sister Sarah this upcoming week. She will be driving with her CCF mission group to Acuna Mexico to build a house! SO pray for the whole group and the family they are helping. I pray they return safely!

And this picture is just too sweet not to share! Andrew is just the bestest Daddy!

The Wiggles!

As if they were real.....

Thank you so much to one of my friends from college, Hester! She emailed me about a week ago asking if Jackson still liked the Wiggles (her kids loved them too) so of course yes. Little did I know she had all the Wiggle "characters" because I know I am not allowed to call them dolls ;) A few days later Jackson got his package in the mail. Jackson acted like they were the real wiggles. He NEVER poses for pictures but evidently he will if a Wiggle is evolved. Hester I should have followed your advice and not showed him that they can turn on....wow! Thank you soooo much girl! Enjoy the pictures!

Shutterfly is Amazing!

So in addition to my previous post I want to tell you that Shutterfly is the bomb! After posting my last post I received an email with my code for 50 free cards! After much debate on which style we decided. As much as I wanted a family picture all together I knew that it would never happen since Jackson never wants a picture with us. Maybe he doesn't like us (just kidding). SO...Shutterfly had the perfect card for us! Check it out and if you haven't gotten your cards yet please consider Shutterfly!

Seasonal Chic Noir Christmas Card

Shop Shutterfly.com for elegant Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Shutterfly:)

So as some of you may know, Shutterfly is one of my favorite websites! Ever since Jackson was born we use them for all of our holiday cards and love their photobooks (which make great presents! Click here to view on of my firsts) So I was very excited when I found out that Shutterfly is doing a special promotion by giving away 50 holiday cards! I know alot of you are coupon moms so here is the site so you can believe it yourself! http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/

So I love Shutterfly because it is so easy to use. I can upload pictures and within minutes share, create amazing gifts or just order prints. I have never been disappointed in any of their products, they always go above and beyond my expectations. I also love how they reward your loyalty. I am constantly getting emails on special discounts and promotions. Most of the time I am getting free stuff! So it is coming that time of year again where I am deciding which Christmas card to get. Here are a few of my FAVORITES so far!

I just love the saying and the colors in this card. I can dress the kids in fun colors and not be tied down to traditional Christmas colors. I also like that it has three picture sections so each kid can have their own square then one together:)

This is my favorite Traditional card. I also love it because black and white photos are my favorite and the high contrast will look AMAZING on this card!

I am also really liking their folding cards where you can create a picture timeline inside to show everyone your highlights of the past year! I really love this design and can't wait to show off Jackson and our new little Eva Kate:)

So if you are looking for that perfect gift check out shutterfly.com and give something personal this year! (FYI if you make a photo book for someone make sure you get one for yourself also!)

September 2010

September was a great month! Eva Kate is sleeping more through the night and things are getting back to normal. Also we have successfully been potty training Jackson! After spending close to $200 on diapers, wipes and formula I decided it was time. Jackson has done GREAT! I am so glad I didn't push him a few months ago when we first tried. He has only had maybe 3 accidents in a total of 3 weeks. He is amazing! I am so proud. Here are a few pictures of Jackson. I told him if he didn't have an accident all day he would get an "ice cream" (which is a snack pack pudding). Let's just say he got his reward and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Jackson has also been doing great in "high school" (Crossroads Weekday Preschool). He is really getting into the fall season and doing art projects in the afternoon when he comes home.

Our precious Eva Kate is growing up so fast! Tomorrow she has her two month check up visit with her doctor. She is so sweet and too precious for words!

I love her hair and putting bows in it! I can't tame that "crazy hair" as Jackson calls it:) Little does he know he had the exact same hair do when he was this age!

Had to Share:)

So there are a few blogs that I follow and I came across this one today that cracked me up... you have to be a mom to get this!

Advice to New Mothers (Sarcasm Ahead)

New mothers; they wear sleep deprivation and unwashed hair like badges of honor. They are excited when their little bundle of joy has six wet diapers a day, and smiles at them. Remember these days Veteran Moms?

I think it's time to share the advice I wish someone had given me before becoming a Mother. (Or shortly thereafter.) I hope this is helpful to some and that others will not look back in retrospect with regret. Trust me, these tips can apply to grandchildren, or neighborhood kids as well. If there is something I missed, feel free to leave your own ideas in the comments.

1. Don't Get Comfortable Sitting. As every Veteran Mom knows, the minute you sit after a flurry of work which little eyes have taken in, someone will need something. I, therefore, recommend you master the elusive "counter lean" or the non-committal "wall slouch". Both of these are effective because they offer the benefit of semi-relaxation while keeping you upright. This will confuse your family, as they can only ask for things once you're sitting. You master these, and you're golden.

2. Learn to Fly Under the Radar. Few Moms know their children are born with a freaky sixth sense. They can calculate, to within a few nanoseconds, when their Mother wakes up. It is especially sensitive when you want to read your Bible or exercise. I have developed what I consider a fulll-proof plan. First, sleep on a cement floor without any blankets. This ensures no one will be tipped off by creaking or rustling. Secondly, as much as you may think it necessary, there can be absolutely no breathing. And for heaven's sake, don't even think about flushing the toilet.

3. Electrify Your Bathroom Door. If you're the kind of Mother who likes an uninterrupted shower, this little gem may come in handy. Have the navy seals come and install a special sensor. After you lock the door of your bathroom, it's automatically activated. Now anyone who touches it from the other side will receive a fairly sizable shock. You may also wish to have them install a decibel recognition system to prevent the children yelling to you from the other room.

4. Boiling Water is Your Friend. When your child asks to help you cook, say "Sure!" with confidence. Whip out a pot, fill halfway with water and set on a burner over high heat. (Even if you don't actually plan to use it for cooking.) Ask the child to let you know the minute it starts to boil. Set the child on the counter so it can't get away, then tend to the real cooking duties. The child may get bored and lose their desire to help rather quickly, which is exactly what you want.

5. Don't Teach Them To Speak English. Use the TV as a babysitter often. In fact, don't even speak directly to your child. Ever. Just make sure you sit them in front of foreign language programming. Preferably a language that you don't speak, such as Russian or Farsi. Or that clicking African language. Yes, the satellite dish is a bit of an investment, but with all the money you save by not owning a real bed or having to wash sheets, you can afford it. Think of it as early missionary training for them.

6. Have A Wax Replica of Yourself Made. This way you can take naps or read for extended periods of time under the radar. Make sure the wax figure is pose-able, and can execute the "counter lean" or "wall slouch" effectively. The last thing you need is for 'you' to fall over and have the neighbors hear your child yelling like a crazed maniac in some foreign language because 'Mom' fell over and is unresponsive. Let me also recommend having a voice recording installed that activates on 'unexpected fall'. It should be recorded in your child's chosen language, sound like a hyped-up aerobics instructor, and only ask: "Ok! Who wants to help boil water?!?" Your child should respond by staying quiet and slowly backing away. They may even retreat to a hide-out under their bed. This is good: you can then stash the wax figure away without their knowledge.

7. Employ A Foreign Spy Temporarily. Look on the web and find a foreign spy employment agency. It shouldn't be too hard. Hire one that speaks your child's language, and instruct them to covertly warn your child that 'they' are watching him/her, and if they want to have a positive future in the government of said country, the child cannot allow even a speck of dirt to infiltrate the house. Let them know in no uncertain terms that it is their duty to their countrymen to keep the house clean. Your house will remain spotless with no effort from you. This is especially effective if Russian is your child's language.

Feel free to pass these tips onto any new Mother you know. They will be sure to thank you.

"Things My Mom Taught Me"

My Mom taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

"If you're going to kill each other,

do it outside. I just finished cleaning!"

My Mom taught me about INDIVIDUALISM.

"I bet if all your friends jumped off a bridge, you would too!

My Mom taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that stain will come out of the carpet."

My Mom taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

"Stop acting like your father!"

My Mom taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

"If you don't straighten up, I'm
going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

My Mom taught me LOGIC.

"Because I said so, that's why."

My Mom taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in
case you're in an accident."

My Mom taught me about HYPOCRISY.

"If I've told you once, I've told
you a million times - Don't exaggerate!!!"

My Mom taught me IRONY.

"Keep crying and I'll *give* you something
to cry about!"

My Mom taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world,
and I can take you out."

My Mom taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper!"

My Mom taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

"Will you *look* at the dirt on the back of your neck!"

My Mom taught me about ENVY.

"There are millions of less fortunate
children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do!"

My Mom taught me about STAMINA.

"You'll sit there until all that spinach is finished."

My Mom taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS.

"If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming toward you;

would you listen then?"

My Mom taught me about WEATHER.

"It looks like a tornado swept
through your room!"

http://juliemom.blogspot.com/2008/04/advice-to-new-mothers-warning-sarcasm.html