Some weekend R & R

This weekend was a kick back weekend with little plans we managed to visit both my parents and Burt's mom. Cleaned house and of course it's a mess already, oh well at least I tried. Jackson is on his 5th night with no BINKY. The past 5 nights before bedtime he points to where we used to keep them crying wanting his "D" as he calls it. This weekend my poor Jackson has suffered a few allergic reactions which has stressed me out to say the least. Saturday night for dinner he tried little smokies for the first time and broke out with hives. Today he ate his hot dog with ketchup and broke out again around his mouth, was it the ketchup?? I am just FED UP with manufacturers that don't fully disclose the ingredients along with allergens on the labels. For dinner tonight I am making chicken pot pie and pray the cream of chicken does not have eggs. The label does not state eggs but the Hy-Vee brand has eggs disclosed. The allergist said manufacturers are not required to disclose if the food item does not contain the allergen but is made in the same factory as the allergen (cross-contamination) . Some manufacturers are great at listing that on the label but others have much room for improvement. I hope the FDA improves labeling requirements as many children suffer reactions much worse than Jack's and I empathize for those parents and children.

Howell's Tree Farm... It's PUMPKIN Time!

Today we visited our favorite pumpkin patch in Cummings. It was more exciting this year as the little man Jack could actually indulge in the activities. We did the teeter totter, wiggle cars, tire swings, slide, fed the goats, sat on the big tractor, and his favorite part was the tractor ride to the pumpkin patch. My baby is growing into a little boy!

Las Vegas

Last weekend was my girls weekend in Vegas for Michelle's bachelorette party. I was very anxious to celebrate. Getting on the plane I had my 1st ever anxiety attack my heart was racing like it never had before. It was because I was leaving my baby for the 1st time! Once we were in the air I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend. Friday night we went to the piano bar in New York New York, Cyote Ugly, and Rock and hit Rain at the end of the evening. Saturday toured the strip, I didn't spend one dime on gambling but made up for it in alcohol expenses, $10 for one drink! Saturday night we were off to LAX in the Luxor then Moon in the Palms. I had no idea NKOTB (New Kids on the Block) were having their after concert party at LAX, BONUS for me! An old NKOTB fan from 16-20 and still think they have "The Right Stuff". Melissa and I were very excited, we left before we got to them perform which we were clueless they were going too. LAX was filled with screaming women from 25-35 years old. Afterwards we made our final stop to Moon at the Palms. We were there until after 4 a.m. had to catch our shuttle at 5:00 to the airport. Having cocktails still in us made our trip through the security lines much more interesting. All three of us girls slept the entire plane ride home and then some! It was a good trip overall but an exhausting one at that! I'm getting too old to party like a Rock Star. We saw Michael Pleps, Brooke Burns & NKOTB so it was well worth it. Also, Michelle's room was on the same floor as the Playboy Suite, Saturday night there was a huge party that continued on after 11:00 the next morning! People are crazy nuts there!

Aunt Vicki & Uncle Larry's Visit

Last weekend Jackson got to see his Aunt & Uncle from Wichita, it was so nice to see them. The brought Jackson a new toy that he just loved. He was in weedwacker heaven! The goggles were hilarious as he did not want to wear them on his eyes instead he kept putting them on over his nose & mouth so they would fog over, it was the cutest! Hopefully we will see them again soon!

Homecoming!

A few weeks ago Jackson, Burt & I went to the SEP homecoming game and they did it again with a big upset. The following weekend we celebrated Tori & Tim's birthday in their new home. It was the night of the homecoming dance so I was able to snap a shot of Kylie & her date, enjoy!

Congratuations Rochelle!

September 6th we celebrated at Rochelle's as she graduated from the Masters program at Drake. We had so much fun! The past few years have been difficult for her working and being a full time student so a party to celebrate was well deserved! Here are just a few pictures from that night I wanted to share.

Summer Fun!

This summer has been BUSY... Jackson, Burt and Loretta went to visit Great Uncle Marvin & Maryjane in Cedar Rapids, they had fun on their visit! Jackson also went to Brookies birthday party and experienced his first Pinata and ride in the battery operated Jeep, he loved it. Most of all the liked the Little Tikes blow up, pulling himself up the slide. We made our first trip to Adventureland. Marsh had a family day so we met up w/friends Bridget and Scott and their Jackson. There was a wooden sculpture of a Giraffe Jackson so both Jackson's had their pictures taken. The boats were probably his favorite ride as he could put his hands in the water which he loves! We also made another trip to RECESS in Ankeny w/Tyler and Maddie, it's funny he still puts his arms out for mom as he is a little scared of the rides, it was cute. We made a trip to the Iowa State Fair and rode the big slide w/cousin Tim and had his first tattoo, he had to get Iowa as ISU was not doing them this year. We also had a shirt made as I will probably do annually. His favorite part was the sprinklers as he could run free... he loves Water! This weekend we went to the zoo, he loved the petting zoo and feeding the babies. The fish and ducks were a little dangerous as he wanted to join them in the water, to say the least it made me a little nervous! The next couple of weekends will be busy with my friend Rochelle's graduation party earning her masters in Public Administration from Drake, way to go Rochelle. We have a baby shower and Jackson has his 18 month pictures that day as well. Hope all is well, enjoy the pictures!

Recess!

Sunday we took Jackson to Recess the indoor play facility in Ankeny. He had fun running around but was not too fond of the token rides for his age group. The expressions he made were hilarious and as you see in the photo he wanted OFF the carousel. This hand motion of his is common either when he knows he is doing something wrong or he when wants saved from bedtime!

4th of July weekend

We had two BBQ's this weekend one at Burt's step-brothers in Urbandale and one at Sean's in Altoona. Jackson slept through the Urbandale fireworks he must have been worn out running all over the place, I know I was! At Sean's he loved the swing and slide. He now knows how to hold on when he is swinging but not quite ready for me to let him go solo.

Arts Festival

Last weekend we went downtown to check out the Arts Festival. Jackson is a music lover so Michelle, Jackson and I sat and watched the live music. I have to say Jackson stole the show. He was all smiles dancing away. My son is a HAM!

Dinner at Becki's

Last weekend Becki was so kind to have us over for dinner. The food was wonderful and Jackson had a great time playing with the kids. It was nice to see everyone. Jackson passed out before we were even half way home!

Viva Las Vegas Baby...

I purchased my ticket to Vegas this week for Kmet's bachelorette party. I'm so excited it's been a long time since I have taken a trip with my girl's and I can't wait! We've always talked about going and finally the time has come... even better it's for Michelle and were going all out. We best do it now or we never will! Congratulations Michelle your wedding will be beautiful, I'm so happy for you!

First Visit to the Dentist

This week we went to the pediatric dentist located in Altoona. She was so good with Jackson, I was impressed. She showed me some different positions to brush his teeth, I had a chance to test and it worked! They loved him and of course he flirted with the girls in the office once again!

Family Day...

I took today off and the three of us spent the day together it was nice. We went to Union Park on the NE side of town. This is probably the best park in town as they have a huge rocket slide along with a wading pool that is only 1.5 feet deep perfect for someone Jackson's size. At first I had him all geared up in his speedo suit with tubing and shortly figured out the water was not deep enough for him so I put his regular trunks on. He looked so cute though. We also rode the carousel Jackson did not know what to think he was ready to get off by the time the ride was over... give it another year and I won't be able to get him off!

Gilrs Night Out

I am behind in posting so let me catch up. Opening weekend of Sex In The City was a definite yes for a girls night out for me! I went with some friends that I met through working at Cahaba. We went to Trostel's Dish, toured the city limo style taking shots of Hot Sex then to the theater at Merle Hay. That theater is a hidden gem although old we were practically the only people there, it was great. After the movie I headed downtown to meet Michelle D to celebrate the big 34 with her. It was a fun night had by all!

Hitting the Gym...

Now that my exams are over I can now focus on getting in shape. I took the plunge and purchased a family membership at the Campus in Altoona. Decided instead of sitting on my behind watching TV and eating ice cream and cookies I could still watch TV and burn some calories at the gym. This is day 2 and I am still going strong...lol. It feels good and think it will benefit each of us. I hope to take Jackson to the pool at least once on the weekends he loves the water!

Phew!!

Well I have taken and PASSED my last exam Life, Accidnet & Health once the paper work is completed I will be in compliance to sell! I am so glad all of this is over and I can relax and enjoy the rest of my summer! It's been 12 years since I have taken an exam and I was really stressing. Thanks to everyone who has listened to me complain and the support you have given me.

New Job

Thought I would update you on my new job. After 1 month still trying to figure things out as everyone else is as this is new business transitioned from our DC office. I passed my Property & Casualty exam yippee, I was very stressed out for 2 weeks studying and felt like I was living and breathing that alone. I have my Life & Health in 9 days and need to start digging into that one, think it will be a little easier since I have background in both areas. Who knows since I will be licensed maybe someday I will become an agent!

Mother's Day

We celebrated with both of our families on Saturday and Jackson's Aunt Vicki visited from Kansas we had a great time. On Sunday we went and visited her at Burt's mom's and cousin Ali was also in town for a visit. Jackson got his 3rd hair cut, he did a great job for his Aunt. Thank you Aunt Vicki for doing such a great job.

Omaha Zoo

In April we visited the Omaha Zoo with my best college friends. It was a nice get together and the kids had lots of fun. Jackson had fun with his new friends.

Happy 2nd Anniversary to Burt and I!

Two years ago we were officially hitched. So many wonderful things have happened since then... the blessing of Jackson has forever changed our lives and we are greatful for this gift. Saturday night we went to dinner to celebrate at the new Johnny's Italian Steakhouse and it was delicious! Adrian tell Drew we loved it and we will be back!

The Rocker

I foud the perfect t-shirt for Jackson with music instruments. It fits his personality to a T. He loves dancing to music videos and think he has a crush on Carrie Underwood, he has good taste in music and women!

IN PLAY

Last weekend we went to IN PLAY with Karin and Tyler it was so much fun. Jackson was in awe with all the game sounds and lights. He attempted to play skee-ball and enjoyed trying to eat the balls at the same time. Our first stop was the carousel he enjoyed as well. He had so much fun w/Tyler and Karin!

Transition time...

My last day at Citi is tomorrow. Tonight I started to think of some of the great people I met while working there and I will truly miss each of them. I hope to remain in contact with some and wish that I could bring them to Marsh with me! Citi was a great experience and I have no doubt each of my friends will find something better until then I will be praying that they find a good match and enjoy a few weeks off without stressing as I wished I would have done when I was laid off previously! I truly beleive when one door closes another opens...

On the Upside...

Good news I accepted a new position at Marsh as a Sales Associate and officially start 4/21. I will have a little time off before then which is great and still be able to collect my 90 days pay from Citi. It's a new department at Marsh and new position so I will be able to mold it into my own. It's more money which is a bonus and the benefits are great 3 weeks vacation and 4 personal holidays and more paid holidays than Citi. Today my husband brought home a minivan he got a great deal and it looks almost new! Things are moving in the right direction. Thank you everyone for your support on my job hunt. I think this will be an excellent opportunity for me and my family!

Happy Easter!

Jackson was not too fond of his Easter Bunny but enjoyed playing w/his Grandpa and Uncle Todd. We had my parents and brother's family over today and Burt's mom it was great to see everyone and catch up.

I Live for the WEEKENDS...

Today was wonderful despite the late evening snowfall. Jackson and I made a visit to the library he had so much fun cruising down the aisles. At one point, I caught him on his tummy on the bottom shelf peeking through to the other side at a father and son reading at the table, it was so cute. This evening Jackson brought his coat to me saying bye-bye I think he ejoys getting out like his mom. Burt, Jackson and I visited Jordan Creek Mall tonight and he played for the first time in the play yard, it was a good time had by all!

Gift of Happiness & Priceless Smiles!

It has been a tough week to swallow learning CHE is shutting down. Thank's everyone for the support you have given me this past week. I am truly blessed with the gift of my family which at no cost I would ever trade. On Wednesday Jackson and I took our second walk outside together. Burt and Jackson played in the yard for the first time. He had blast. I have many joyful times ahead regardless of the career path I take. Enjoy the pictures of my two favorite boy's.

Looking for a new JOB...

Today we got the news Citi Home Equity is no longer in business along with Citi Retail. I will have a job until 4/15 and will be given 3 months pay after that. I knew this was coming and have been in search for some time now. I did not think it was going to happen today... I have to tell myself to stay positive.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Saturday night I met up with some girlfriends to watch the McKenzies. It was a great time. The next day I was feeling the pain. I remember exactly why I gave up drinking now!

I created a Cookie Monster...

This past week I decided to give Jackson some Oreo's. He loved them... I had to put him on a two Oreo limit a bath is a must after he eats them! No more Oreo's as he may have additional allergies other than egg whites. We see an allergist next week. Mamma will have to learn to bake cookies!

Proof Jackson loves his electronics and books!

Kade Snyder is here!

Congratulations Shelly! Jackson has a new friend, we are very excited.

Trip to NW Iowa to visit Kerry and family

Three weeks ago Jackson and I took our first road trip alone. We spent 6 hours in the car both ways and Jackson cried for 2 hours on the way home. We had a good time. Jackson was of course into the remote controls again!

Jackson's 1st Birthday... He is a big boy now!

We had a great time and had a wonderful cake that I was very proud of from Glorious Desserts. Jackson is my little monkey so we did a Curious George theme. Thank you to everyone that shared this celebration with us.

2007 Flew by... Jackson turned 1!

I am finally getting up to speed with our fast paced world. 2007 was a fantastic year as we watched Jackson accomplish many strides from rolling over, crawling, cruising, and now walking. He has 8 teeth and loves remote controls, phones and books (I am hoping I have a bookworm on my hands)!