The Millers

Beaver Creek Part III - Playing in the Snow

2012-02-15T07:30:00.000-06:00

First of all Happy Birthday Gran! We love you very much and hope you have teh best birthday ever!

There was a play set at the bottom of the mountain that Jackson fell in LOVE with! He would have played out there all day if we would have let him!

He even got in a snow ball fight with Ga-Ga and thought it was HYSTERICAL!

Jackson also ventured up the mountain on the Buckaroo express!

Beaver Creek Part II - Keeping Warm

2012-02-14T07:30:00.000-06:00

I have always said that Rocky Mountain cold is different from Mississippi cold because there is no humidity. This is great for skiing and your hair, but it is terrible for your breathing and skin. Your skin gets so dry and it's hard to breathe at night. Especially for the little ones. Something we have not had to deal with before. Once we put a humidifier by both of the kids' beds they did well.

And even though it is a different kind of cold we still bundled the kids up! Coats, bibs, toboggans, gloves, blankets, you name it we had it! And still made it under weight on all our suitcases!

Look at my tan little snow bunny!

The J-Man and his Da-Da getting ready to go play in the snow for the first time.

Hanging by the fire.

Trying on Ga-Ga's winter apparel.

And finally soaking up the sun on a beautifully sunny day in Beaver Creek!

I think the kiddos had a blast!

Beaver Creek Part I - First Airplane Trip

2012-02-13T07:30:00.000-06:00

Our little family loaded up and went to Beaver Creek for my best friend Meghan's wedding. It has always been her dream to get married there since she grew up skiing in Vail. We were there from Tuesday to Sunday and had the BEST time! We took so many pictures I will be doing a Beaver Creek series the entire week. My mom also went with us to take care of this kiddos while Matt and I skied and went to wedding parties.

Here is the J-Man checking everything out before we took off. This was actually before they made us de-board the plane in Jackson for a mechanical reason. The thought of missing our connecting flight was too much for Matt and he was ready to walk over to the next terminal to catch the Southwest flight into Houston.

Thank goodness they got it fixed in 30 minutes because our checkbook would have trembled when that transaction came through! Matt takes his snow skiing seriously!!

And my little Mary Frances slept most of the time since I kept her in the little cocoon. She was snug as a bug in a rug! Her and Jackson both did great! Thankfully we were never THAT family on the plane. J-Man's tubes kept his ears from hurting and I made sure Mary Frances was eating or had a paci each time we took off or landed. J-Man did have a 30 minute squirm/whining fest from Houston to Vail, but he was tired of sitting and wanted to run down the aisle. Ga-Ga got him calmed down and asleep before everyone on the plane wanted to throw us off.

We didn't take any pictures on our return trip, but it seemed harder than going. The kids were good, but I felt like we had more stuff even though we didn't. Maybe we were just exhausted and didn't have anything other than work and the real world to look forward to :)! More to come of my adorable kids in the snow!

Southern Belle Sunday

2012-02-12T09:44:00.001-06:00

My little snow bunny! We had get Mary Frances all bundled up as soon as we landed in Vail because she is a little southern belle that is not use to the cold.

She also had a tough time with the lack of humidity! The dry air made it hard on her at night, but we kept two humidifies on full blast for the kidos. Mary Frances definitely feels blessed to be from the south!

We sat down at baggage claim to get ready.

And all bundled up and ready to go!

Once we made it to the condo she was so glad to be in front of the fire! Thank goodness we brought her car seat and stroller, it's where she hung out the entire time!

Fratty Friday

2012-02-10T07:30:00.000-06:00

We have a little bit of a repeat of last Fratty Friday, but we are all so excited that our Giants won the Super Bowl! And I know it is not very fratty for your mom to crash your blog, but too bad. I am the mom and I get to embaress my kids whenever I want to!! Not to mention I was pretty fratty at one point. :)

Jackson and I both wore our Giants jerserys on Sunday to show our support for our Giants! I am so happy one of our teams is doing well!

And I can assure you we are not band wagon fans like so many of the recent Saints fans after they won the Super Bowl. We always watched professional football when I was growing up, but never had a team we pulled for. We just pulled for the teams with Ole Miss players.

These days it seems like all 32 NFL teams have players from Ole Miss, but when the Giants drafted Eli we all become Giants fans. I guess it was because we were at Ole Miss the same time and worked for the football team while he played.

I was not as impressed with him in college (I was just trying to be different), but he has really proved himself personally and professionally. While it may seem he has lived a privleged life I'm sure it was hard growing up and EVERYONE in the south knowing who you were then getting to the NFL and EVERYONE in the United States knowing who you are.

I had to laugh at ESPN after the Super Bowl when they kept talking about Archie and Olivia. Do you know the names of Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, or Tom Brady's parents names? I didn't think so! Pretty crazy to think about huh?

But, I will say when Jackson is a frat star at Ole Miss he will be there the same time as Eli and Abby's little girl. I see a match made in heaven already. But I also need to add my mom had Eli and me matched up from the time I was about 12. While $90 million would suit me well, I am glad that match didn't work out.

Now I have my little J-Man that pulls for the G-Men! He is too cute and could not be happier that his Giants won! Thanks for letting me crash the blog today!

Go Giants!

J-Man's Favorite Toy...

2012-02-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

The iPad. Jackson loves to play with the iPad and knows how to pull up his books, games, and pictures. He still can't figure out how to play his Mickey Mouse song, but he will get there.

Video Tueday

2012-02-07T07:30:00.000-06:00

I have not done a video Tuesday in a while because I have not sat down long enough to get the videos off my phone. Here are the videos from Christmas! J-Man and Mary Frances had so much fun and too many gifts to open. Enjoy!

Jazz Brunch

2012-02-06T07:30:00.000-06:00

Jackson started out like this at jazz brunch last Sunday.

But ended it like this.

My favorite part is when he rolls his eyes. He is such a mess and just the cutest little dude ever!

Southern Belle Sunday

2012-02-05T07:30:00.000-06:00

We have called Jackson J-Man for some time now and the nick name that seems to be sticking for Mary Frances has been baby sister. She has such a sweet little disposition and it seems to fit her so well.

I had to post this picture to show off some of her roles! She is now up to 10 pounds. I can't believe my little new born is now a 10 pound 7 week old!

Mary Frances is just as excited about Super Bowl Sunday as the rest of us, but said blue wasn't her color so she was sticking to pink and white! Our little photo shoot wore her out, but she was a trooper.

It is hard to get a good picture of her. While she doesn't run around like J-Man she is still too little to really prop up or stage. But even still she is so cute! I think she looks just like a little doll, although I am a little bias.

GO BIG BLUE!! Our house will definately be pulling for the G-Men!!

Fratty Friday

2012-02-03T07:30:00.000-06:00

It's a big weekend this weekend. It's Super Bowl Sunday! The J-Man is so pumped about the Super Bowl, he is having some friends over to watch the Giants take on the Patriots. He has invited John, Wylie, Jack, and Rolan just to name a few. But I need to warn them, do not sit in his chair. It is his chair and he is a little protective of it. I also need to warn Rolan not to hit on Mary Frances because Jackson will beat him up. He doesn't care that you're only 2 weeks old.

He is so excited about his Giants being in the Super Bowl. At least one of his teams is doing well because his Ole Miss Rebels didn't do so hot this year.

This is his nervous look. He is saying "Come on Eli, throw it to Victor Cruz!"

"Yes!!! Touch down Giants!! Whaoo!"

Happy Friday everyone!

Keeping It Real Wednesday

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000-06:00

I post a lot of pictures I take on Sundays. I guess it is usually a day we are all at home together and have lazy afternoons. This last Sunday in particular I was trying to soak it all up since I went back to work on Monday.

Mary Frances reminds me of the book Fancy Nancy. She is always super fancy no matter what. I left her church clothes on her all day because she seemed so comfortable in them.

This girl was made to wear a dress and boots. She just looked fabulous!

And this picture looks like Jackson in a dress. I hate comparing her to Jackson all the time, but they both look just like their father so they better get use to the comparisons.

Then there is my wild man who stood in the middle of the den floor and stripped his clothes off for no apparent reason.

All he had left on were socks and a diaper. He seemed to love playing semi-naked.

He looked like such the perfect red-neck driving around shirtless.

I told Matt that if we had raisins I would have shoved a bunch in his mouth to make it look like dip and taken his picture. It could have been red-neck Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday!! Keep it real out there people!

Look a Likes

2012-01-31T07:30:00.000-06:00

Maybe one of these days I can have a baby that looks like me, but for now both of my children look just like their father and each other. If you don't believe me just take a gander!

Mary Frances

Jackson

Mary Frances

Jackson

Mary Frances

Jackson

Pretty scary huh?? I could eat them up!!!

Southern Belle Sunday

2012-01-29T07:30:00.000-06:00

Have you ever seen baby Uggs? They are ADORABLE, but they are as expensive as they are cute. So.... I bought Mary Frances the crocheted version. They are super cute and look awesome with her

tan complexion. I originally saw them on Pintrest and followed the link to the Hooked Boutique website. A lady makes 3 pair a week and you have to get on her waiting list. These came in just in time for our trip to Aunt Meghan's wedding next week in Beaver Creek. She will be styling and profiling on the slopes.

Mary Frances now has a double chin to go along with her tan complexion. I guess Jackson got this chubby? I am going to dig up some of his old pictures to compare them because I also think they look a lot a like. But, I could eat her chubbiness up! I love her little leg rolls, too bad my big legs aren't as attractive. I told her to enjoy it while she could.

Happy Sunday everyone! It is my last day of maternity leave so I have spent the day dreading tomorrow. I will make it, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to throw myself a little pity party! But, I can't complain because I'm blessed to have a good job that provides for my family. God is good!

Fratty Friday

2012-01-27T07:30:00.000-06:00

Sorry I have been MIA from blogging this week. It is my last week before I go back to work and we have been extremely busy trying to get lots done. I'll post more on that later, but now on to The J-Man. He is nearing the terrible twos and beginning to do his own thing.

An Ole Miss shirt and your camo pants during deer season. Now that's fratty! So what is our little frat star up to this time?

I asked him to turn around and say cheese and he did, but this was the "cheese" face he made. Then proceeded to turn and run the other way.

A little later it was time to bust a move on the dance floor. Can't you just hear the band at the library now. All that is missing from this picture are the hot sorority girls dancing around him!

Breaking it down hard. I'll be you didn't know a white boy could move like this.

Word up people!

What are we going to do with this kid? He keeps us laughing, but he also keeps us on our toes. We recently implemented a stiffer type of punishment our church recommends. He gets popped if we have to tell him something twice. It is exhausting, but he is so bull headed we can't let him get the bluff on us. I'm just worried about what happens as he continues to get older and is smarter than me when he is in the 3rd grade. I just pray every day that we are doing the right things for him and don't mess him up!!

Happy Friday!

Great Grandparents

2012-01-26T22:15:00.001-06:00

We made the rounds visiting the Great Grands on our journey with Matt for residency interviews. We are so bleesed to have grandparents we are close to and that can enjoy thier great grand children! Jackson and Mary Frances are so rotten and here are the pictures to prove it!

Gran and Paw

Nana and Papa

Grandmaw and Pawpaw

Southern Belle Sunday

2012-01-22T07:30:00.000-06:00

We don't have any super glamorous pictures for Miss Mary Frances today, because her little tummy has been hurting her. It is not very southern belle like to discuss constipation, but this blog is mainly for me to record our life so that over rules Southern Belle Sunday rules. Sorry baby girl, but while you are a baby constipation is one of the many unflattering topics discussed about you. She only gets one formula bottle a day so could that be what is causing her constipation? I don't know, but we have started giving her Miralax as needed, but we can't keep giving it to her every other day. We also tried Karo, but that didn't work.

This is how she spent most of the day. Bless her little heart. In good news she has moved from eating every 3 hours to every 4. Just in time for me to go back to work. And that extra hour makes all the difference in the world. She also started sleeping for 5 hours at a time after her last bottle of the night. This means I only have to wake up during the middle of the night once. This is HUGE for my back to work schedule. She gets a bottle around 9:00, up at 2:00 then up again at 6:00. I can't complain because that fits into my work schedule perfectly. She is a MUCH better sleeper than her brother! I thank God for that and her health every day!

There was also a lot of this. Laying on her belly seems to help. Hopefully we will get her little digestive system straight soon. And yes, that is a tutu she is wearing. She said there was no reason she couldn't look fabulous while napping.

Fratty Friday

2012-01-20T07:30:00.000-06:00

Jackson keeps reaching new heights of frattiness and just when I think he can't get any frattier, he out does himself. In the spirit of finding Matt's old KA paraphernalia, I found this in a dresser drawer while looking for Jackson's crayons.

He is cruising campus in his truck complete with trailer and frat tag!! The only thing he is missing is a muddy 4-wheeler in his trailer. We'll work on that. Obviously he is cruising campus for girls.

A really sweet Phi Mu that goes to Campus Crusade to be exact. God bless the poor non Phi Mu he brings home from college. She won't stand a chance. :) (I am mainly joking.)

He has made it to the commuter parking lot and is off to class.

Happy Friday everyone! Thanks for stopping by to check in on our little frat star!

4 Generations

2012-01-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

I am extremely blessed to be close to my Gran and Paw and now my children are even more blessed to have them as great grandparents. I have this same picture of my great grandmother (Nona), Gran, my mom, and me when I was little. Now Mary Frances and Jackson can treasure this picture just like I do of my Nona.

Having family is such a blessing and being close to your family is an even bigger blessing. I am so greatful that Matt and I are both close to our extended families. More great grandparent pictures to be posted soon!

Keeping It Real Wednesday

2012-01-18T20:12:00.000-06:00

What could be more fun than your best friend, cookies, juice, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, a cozy coupe, and slide? I can't think of anything!

Who said drinking juice requires hands?

Matt and Jenni brought us dinner the other night and it gave Jackson and his buddy John a chance to hang out. They have so much fun together (even if they do fight over toys) and are so stinking cute!

The slide is officially thier favorite toy. Jenni and I both agree that we would have said you were crazy if you told us 5 years ago we would have toys all over our living room! Flash forward 5 years and I have a slide, cozy coupe, and basketball goal in the middle of my living room.

Checking on the dogs and discussing very important issues to toddlers. Issues like potty training, footed vs non footed PJ's and Elmo vs Mickey.

Snacking on some yummy chocolate cookies.

Cruising in the cozy coupe.

I have an odd feeling that this picture will be repeated with a real car when they are about 16. Lord help us.

Check out the proud papas in the background as well as what we are watching on TV. We are officially "those parents."

John's turn to drive

So like I said, a best friend, cookies, juice, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, a cozy coupe, and slide make for a pretty great life!

Southern Belle Sunday

2012-01-15T07:30:00.000-06:00

Jackson crashed our Southern Belle Sunday photo shoot, but that's ok, because he loves her so much!

Every good Southern Belle knows that one must look thier best even in when wearing thier PJs! And Mary Frances is no exception in her sassy night gown!

She is sporting her sassy PJs while we watched the Giants play!

Jackson was helping her out with her outfit. He knows what looks good!

Our little priss and her big brother!

4 Weeks Old

2012-01-14T07:30:00.000-06:00

Mary Frances is 4 weeks old and is chubbing up!! Milk is doing her body good! Her little legs and cheeks seem to get fatter every hour!

She is the sweetest little girl and is loved so much! She is staying awake and grunting more every day! Most babies coo, but she grunts like her Uncle Buster use to. It's actually how he got his name, Buster Bear! We are sticking with Mary Frances for her though.

She can follow an object with her eyes and hold her head up for a few seconds. Other than that she mainly eats, poops, and sleeps, but she will be running wild like her little brother before we know it. I don't want to rush her and I am trying to soak uo as many cuddle moments as I can!

Fratty Friday

2012-01-13T13:40:00.001-06:00

Jackson thinks he is too big to drink out of a cup with a top so we have resorted to this.

It is a sippy cup inside a normal cup. He takes it for now, but we will see how long that lasts.

He can drink out of a normal cup, but he doesn't know how to keep it up right. I am thinking he will be 5 before he figures that out. :)

Look at all those teeth! I love it when he laughs big enough that I can see all his teeth! I love this little dude so much!!

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Keeping It Real Wednesday

2012-01-11T07:30:00.000-06:00

A typical Sunday for us. The J-Man in his Giants jersey and Mary Frances in her tutu. All boy and all girl. It makes this mama so happy!!

Just watching the game!

He is so fast, he is a blur, but that is what happens when you run a 4.4 40.

You will have to excuse my photography. I am working on it. I have been playing with the ISO and shutter speeds and various other buttons on my camera.

Mary Frances is a much better subject than Jackson since she doesn't move much!

She is so sweet!! I love her so much!!

I am one blessed mama!

The J-Man is BACK

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-06:00

J-Man FINALLY got home from Disney World on New Years Eve and I was SO ready. A WHOLE week was too much for this mama. He had a blast and I am so glad he went, but the next time he goes we will go together.

When he got back he seemed so much older. He had a full vocabulary and looked like a big boy. He was strutting his stuff in his towel after his shower.

Could he be any cuter? He reminds me of Kevin from that scene in Home Alone when he puts on the after shave.

He also started riding forward facing. Matt finally broke down and turned his seat around.

Along with coming home with every Disney souvenir made, he also came home with a cold. How do you make a hard headed grown toddler take his breathing treatment? Let him do it on his own in his new Cozy Coup. Bless his little heart.

So that is the recap of Jackson's homecoming. Our little family is back together and back to being as busy as every. Happy Monday everyone!

Southern Belle Sundays

2012-01-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

Now that she is 3 weeks old I thought it was time she had her own blog post!

These pictures are from Christmas, but this little Southern Belle was wearing her first of many smocked dresses and bows.

Her little white dress looked so pretty with her dark complexion.

And that dark hair with her red bow.

I want her to have her own little personality and be whoever she wants to be, but I sure hope it is a sweet and prissy little girl! Although, I don't know that she will have a choice with all of the dresses and bows she will grow up in.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-07T21:31:00.000-06:00

So I know this post is a week late, but in case you didn't know, I have been a little busy. Our New Year's Eve was spent with family in Columbus. My Aunt Teresa and Uncle Bo came over from Birmingham to meet Miss Mary Frances.

And my Aunt Teresa even gave Mary Frances her first bottle. She was 2 weeks old on New Years Eve so it was time to give it a shot. Not to mention Mama and Daddy were going out for New Years and we had to make sure she would take a bottle.

And in true Miller kid form she would take milk how ever we would give it to her. Wanting to show the world what a big 2 week old she was she laid on the floor with Matt and looked around.

She was showing off and soaking up the attention while her brother was still gone. He got back about 6:00 that night from Disney and I was busting at the seems to see him. One whole week without my J-Man was just too much!

Here is Matt and his chubby New Years Eve date. My husband looked so handsome! Luckily it was a family party and everyone knew why I looked like a stuffed sausage in a cocktail dress.

The good new is, Gran let me borrow her mink so I could hide! And I needed to hide especially since I have cousins that look like this. I mean really.

We had so much fun! We would have stayed out later had we not had to get home for me to feed the baby. Wait, who am I fooling, everyone knows we go to bed at 9:00 and would have left at midnight any way. :) It really was a great party and I wish we could have stayed.

I posted all of these pictures to show how impossible it is to get a good pic with my family. This was us trying to get my Dad's attention, but he was busy being Rex.

We finally got him, but he wasn't even looking at the camera.

Still not looking...

And still not looking... I give up.

It was so wonderful ringing in the New Year surrounded by family and knowing we are more blessed than we deserve. Happy 2012!

Fratty Friday

2012-01-06T11:39:00.000-06:00

Jackson decided that his sippy cup wasn't very fratty and wanted to frat it up. So we dug through the junk drawer in the kitchen and found this.

A true frat star keeps a huggie with them at all times!

I thought of this after Big R put a huggie on Jackson's cup over New Years. It fits over his sippy cup perfectly and he really liked it.

But of course he liked it, it is fratty!!

Almost as fratty as his attire.

Most handsome little dude ever!!

Fratty Friday

2011-12-30T07:30:00.000-06:00

Sorry for falling down on the job last week Fratty Friday fans. Not being at work makes me lose track of days, then add on a new baby and Christmas and I am just glad I am still alive. I didn't even realize I had missed anything until Jackson's number 1 Fratty Friday fan Mrs. Karen pointed it out. So I thought I would make this week extra special. It's Fratty Friday in Disney World. Jackson is there with his Gran Dan and SheShe! Not all the pictures are fratty, but I am hoping you allow me to use my creative license and pretend they are all fratty.

Even on an all day car ride he keeps it real with his button down and grey New Balances!! Thanks for keeping his attire Fratty for him SheShe!

And his hair is even beginning to swoosh in front. He was born to be a Frat Star!

Who is excited to be at Disney World?

His first trip to Disney World worn him slap out! But there was so much to do and see!

The 3D shows!

He was able to take pictures with his favorite person, Hot Dog!!

And saw the Disney Christmas Parade.

I hope you enjoyed Fratty Friday this week and be on the look out for Southern Belle Sunday from our newest addition this Sunday! Oh what have I gotten myself into??

Room Swap

2011-12-29T07:30:00.000-06:00

We are FINALLY done with the kids' rooms (it does seem odd to me to say kids) and I am so pleased with how they turned out.

I didn't have a clear vision of what Mary Frances' room would look like, I just knew what style I wanted to go with. It is so girly and perfect! I think it is my favorite room in the house. Check out those curtains!! I feel like they tied the room together when they finally came in.

A few of her Christmas gifts make excellent decor for her room! The stroller from Big R and Munchkin and her very own chair from Gran Dan and SheShe (in the top picture)! And of course the baby doll and high chair from Santa.

The beautiful dresser from Gran and Paw that only needed a little paint! And Aunt Shay, please notice the empty picture frames..... hmmmm, what can we put in them??

And now for the J-Man's room! It was packed to the gills before Christmas and now it is for sure. Check out the lawn mower parked under the night stand. :)

And Da-Da cleaned off the desk so we could put some of J-Man's things on it! Like his barn and books! Next on my wish list is a bigger house. Go big or go home!! :) I just want a house with a play room, 3 car garage, and 4th bedroom. I mean is that so much to ask?? Probably, but I am asking any way. Feel free to inbox me if you know of any get rich quick schemes.

Keeping It Real Wednesday

2011-12-28T22:37:00.000-06:00

Our house is more quiet than usual this week since Jackson is in Disney world with his Gran Dan and SheShe. I miss him like crazy, but knew he would have a blast getting to see Hot Dog (Mickey Mouse). And it also allows Matt and I to spend some quality time with Baby Sister. I should also add that Matt has December, January, and February off. I am soaking up every minute of it!!

When J-Man is home he is doing crazy stuff like this. He grabs a book or his computer and crawls into the baby's super sleeper. It is hysterical! And not to worry Aaron and Sarah, if he breaks it we will buy you a new one; however, it has a 25 pound limit and at his last doctor's appointment he weighed 24 pounds!

He only does this when Mary Frances is not in it and when she is he walks up to it and lays his head on her and say "awww." It just makes your heart melt. He just left on Monday, but I am ready for him to come back!

Happy Birthday Jesus

2011-12-27T22:41:00.005-06:00

And finally the Christmas pictures!! It was an extra special Christmas with Mary Frances showing up early and everyone coming to our house rather than traveling all over the country.

This was our first anual birthday cake for Jesus. I want to make it a tradition so Jackson and Mary Frances understand what Christmas is all about. I am trying to avoid them thinking Christmas is about Santa. And yes, I made it. The off center wording should have given that away.

Jackson and his Paw doing a little work on the laptop. I just love these pictures!

Our Christmas family picutre! Our kids even have matching PJs on!! I LOVE IT! I thank God every day and know I am blessed and have one good looking family. Words cannot even describe how fortunate I feel.

We hadn't even had turkey yet and everyone was napping on Christmas Eve.

We tried spacing out giving J-Man his gifts since he had so many! So Gran and Paw gave him his tricycle on Christmas Eve. He jumped right on it and loved it. He is not real sure about the petals, but he will get the hang of it.

Look at that face! I could just eat him up.

Other than Jackson's 1920's hair style in this picutre I LOVE it!! He loves his sister so much and is so good with her. He could be a little more gentle, but he is still little himself so he doesn't 100% understand.

Just giving "babies" kisses. Jackson won't say Mary Frances, he calls her "babies." I am guessing it is because we are always pointing at things saying "that is the baby's." And when you ask him if he can say Mary Frances he says "NO." He is such a mess.

So obviously Jackson has my complection and Mary Frances has her Aunt Anna's!

Milk and cookies for Santa.

Santa got Mary Frances' letter in time! I was a little worried about it, but he came to see her too.

Stockings for the pups, Mama, and Daddy!

J-Man's gifts from Santa!

And Santa ate both cookies and dranks all the milk! He likes oreos just like J-Man and Da-Da!

Jackson loves his Cozy Coup! He gets in it and just sits there. It is so funny. He really likes the cup holder for his milk too! He also liked the basketball goal. It was the first thing he saw when he rounded the corner. He said "basketball."

Litlle Miss Thing slept through everything of course!

More pacing J-Man on opening gifts. This was Uncle Buster's gift to Jackson.

Mary Frances and me opening Uncle Buster's gift to her. A sweet pink dress and shirt. (He had help picking it out.)

More help from Uncle Buster and Aunt Anna.

ELMO!!! Jackson loves Elmo!! Thanks SheShe!

And now Mary Frances has a chair of her own that we cannot keep Jackson out of. We noticed Jackson was quiet, and we found him in Mary Frances' room with the door closed sitting in her chair reading a book. Then looked up at SheShe, rubbed the chair arm, and said "nice." What a stinker.

And after a nap between gifts Jackson was back at it! A dog back pack from Munchkin. This replaces his diaper bag. Now that baby sister is here he needs to carry his own bag so I can carry hers. He is such a big boy now.

More help from Aunt Anna.

A sleeping bag from Munchkin that is bigger than his crib! I think he will like napping on it though. Because every weekend we bring his nap mat home from day care he is always wanting to lay on it. Maybe he will feel the same about his sleeping bag.

Jackson and Da-Da spending a little down time together after a crazy Christmas day. I was in Mary Frances' room putting up all her Christmas loot and had some really cute company.

Helping Gran Dan put together his work bench from Nana and Papa.

He even broke out the real drill.

I think we have another little engineer on our hands.

And finally a little entertainment for the crowd. He was dancing and hamming it up for everyone! He loved having everyone here and we all had the best Christmas ever!!

In the Middle of it All

2011-12-27T22:36:00.001-06:00

Obviously Mary Frances coming 4 weeks early shocked us all! But not everything was ready. In the middle of bringing a new born home, Christmas fast approaching, all our family coming for Christmas, and everything that had to be finished for the baby Matt was in the middle of giving our bathroom a face lift. Thanks to my new obsession Pintrest, I had a great vision of what we could do to our master bathroom. It turned out great and Matt finished it just in time. If it had taken any longer though 8 people would have been sharing our guest bath.

Before

After

Thank you Pintrest and to my super handy husband!

More Socializing

2011-12-27T22:27:00.001-06:00

More socializing! We had small group at our house the Thursday before Christmas so it was time to put on her Christmas best!!

This is Miss Peaches. The counter part to Jackson's Peteie. Miss Peaches is a paci attached to a lion. The lion is a must for my mini Phi Mu

Munchkin and I found this little smocked Christmas dress at a consignment shop and believe it or not it was a 6 month! Our little 5 pound premie fit in it, I am not so sure a 6 month old could.

And of course it is not complete without a bow. Thanks to a little lanolin it stuck in her hair!!

And again, more sleeping through parties.

First Bath

2011-12-27T22:20:00.000-06:00

Mary Frances didn't mind her first bath too much. I learned a lot with J-Man, the key is keeping them warm. I kind of feel bad for Jackson. I feel like I know so much more now and he was a little experiment. Bless his heart.

Other than the fact that she looks like I am hurting her what is the other thing that you notice? Oh, the fact that she is 10 shades darker than her mama? Definitely dark complected like her Aunt Anna!

She was such a little trooper!!

Socialite and Fashionista

2011-12-27T22:13:00.001-06:00

Going to a Christmas party 3 days after your born should qualify you for socialite status! Who wants to stay cooped up at the house during Christmas when there are parties to attend? Not Mary Frances and me! After discussing it with Matt we decided a small Christmas party at Matt and Laura Arnold's house was no different than people coming to the hospital to visit, so away we went.

Since all she does is sleep she slept right through the party, but she was there!

J-Man didn't sleep though!! He was of course the life of the party!

So many people to see and entertain, there is no time for sleep! We had the best time and I am so glad we went!

She is saying "no more flash photography please."

And a socialite has to be a fashionista too!! Here is a picture of the super festive outfit Mary Frances wore to the party. Showing up 7 days before Christmas and she still has Christmas attire to wear. Thanks to our friends Betsy and Chase for the super cute Christmas onesie. Munchkin and I also found her a smocked Christmas dress and SheShe found her and the J-Man matching Christmas PJs. All of those pictures to follow soon.

And another big thank you to Aaron and Sarah for the "Super Sleeper" as we call it. I sent Matt to their house to get our bouncer, but him nor Aaron were sure what baby device we were talking about so Matt came back with this. And they may not get it back :). It is awesome!! She sleeps like a champ in it. So well that she wouldn't sleep in her Gran Dan made cradle at night. She just constantly grunted. But SheShe and Gran Dan fixed that when they bought her a Nap Nanny for her cradle. A special Nap Nanny post will follow as well. It is so awesome too it deserves it's own post.

Headed home and a little Brotherly love

2011-12-19T22:32:00.003-06:00

Day Two Family of Four

2011-12-19T22:30:00.000-06:00

After spending the night with both grandparents at home our rotten little man came back to see his baby sister again. He is so sweet with her and just hugs and kisses her. He really surprised us with how affectionate he was with her. It is so amazing to see how even an 18 month old can instantly fall in love with a baby just like we can.

It is also amazing that we are now a family of 4.

And after ordering all of Mary Frances' Christmas gifts and writing Santa a letter for her the J-Man and I spent some quality time watching Hot Dog (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse).

Our little pea in a pod complete with her Rebel hat! I was so nervous about having a little girl, but she instantly stole my heart and I cannot imagine life without her. I feel like our family is even more complete than before and love watching my two kids together! God has so richly blessed us and words cannot express how fortunate we feel.

Introducing Mary Frances Miller

2011-12-19T22:28:00.001-06:00

Mary Frances Miller 5lbs 9oz 19in long born at 2:17 p.m. on 12/17/11

She decided that she didn't want to miss Santa Claus this year! She arrived 4 weeks early much to our surprise. Luckily she arrived healthy and everyone is doing great! After a trip to the hospital Friday night because of contractions, Mary Frances decided a little medicine to stop them was not slowing her down. After talking the nurse into letting me come home the contractions started back around 3:00 a.m. and when the pain was too much to handle we headed back to the hospital at noon. We got there at 12:15 and she was born at 2:17. Nothing like being told you are 7cm dilated and this baby is coming and coming soon. After asking Matt if everything was going to be ok, my next concern was Mary Frances' Christmas gifts, she didn't have any. Matt rolled his eyes and assured me it would be fine!

Unlike Jackson's delivery it was a little chaotic, but everything went great and there was even time for an epidural. Praise God!! As soon as I saw that healthy baby girl all I could think is she looks just like J-Man. Dark complected and a head full of hair. Since she was in such a rush to get here no one was at the hospital other than Matt and me to greet her. Munchkin was at home with Jackson from our scare the night before and everyone else was on their way here, but with only a 2 hour heads up there was not a lot of time left. And speaking of J-man...the whole ordeal wore him out. Two nights of falling asleep in the hospital after hamming it up for every nurse, tech, orderly, and security guard finally caught up with him. We even got asked if we would rent him out for parties. Dada said for the right price everything is for sale....joking.

The grandmother's changed her for the first time just like they did 18 months ago!

Proud Big R, or RRRR as Jackson calls him, with Munchkin looking on.

Gran Dan and SheShe made it after traveling up from Baton Rouge.

Aunt Anna finally made it as well. She was at a good friends wedding in Canton and was trying to miss the arrival but she made it. It was easier to travel from Canton than from India where she was 18 months ago.

Fratty Friday

2011-12-16T07:30:00.000-06:00

Just like all other college students right now, Jackson is studying for finals. It is crunch time and he is diligently studying and not wasting time goofing off getting hair cuts in the bathroom at midnight like his mama use to.

Or running out for ice cream at 10:00 p.m. because after the 1 hard hour of studying he deserves a treat. Apparently ripping your socks off helps one study though. Or in Jackson's case, it helps him do everything. He will not keep them on and his little feet feel so cold.

Jackson wore this outfit to church on Sunday and got so many compliments. The girls at church in his room checked all of his tags to see where I got it. Baby Gap of course. I love Baby Gap and love the coupons even more. I got his sweater for half off! If feels so good when they ring it up and it's half off!

Since he is hard at work unlike his mama, he must be like his dad studying Bio-Chemistry. I think the same semester Matt took Bio-Chemistry I took my required cooking class for Hospitality Management. :)

He is even rubbing his head trying to figure it all out.

Wait a minute...

He got it! The answer was gluconeogenesis pathway!! All this studying is going to wear him out. I need to remind him to find some time for fun! :)

I hope everyone has a great Friday and is as ready for Christmas as I am. Santa comes in 9 days ya know!! Christmas is so much more fun with kids and especially this year since Jackson understands more. Trying to teach him about Jesus' birthday and Santa has been awesome!

In Mary Frances news I am fielding suggestions for her own day on the blog. Jackson has Fratty Friday and she needs a day too. I have thought about Fabulous Friday or Sassy Saturday, and nothing really rhymes with Sorority. Sorority Monday? I don't know. I have never claimed to be creative. I stole the Friday idea from Lisha (who I am not speaking to because she has not blogged in 2 months and is depriving the world of seeing Elle) and Uncle Buster came up with the Fratty part. So for all you creative people out there Mary Frances needs a blog day! Help!!

Bag.is.Packed

2011-12-15T07:30:00.000-06:00

Mary Frances is scheduled to be here January 4, but that could change due to Matt's schedule. My husband is a genius and I extremely grateful for that, but all these interviews are getting in the way of having a baby! If I deliver on January 4 he will leave on the 5th for two interviews and won't be back until the 7th after we come home from the hospital. I hate to complain because there are many fathers that are deployed and not home for their child's birth, so please overlook my pitty party. I have a doctor's appointment today and will start going every week now. January 4 is only 20 days away!!! AHHH! Most everything is done, but Matt does have a Da-Da to do list to complete between now and Christmas. It includes mainly painting accessories for the room and once he is done I can post semi-final pictures. I say semi-final because the curtains are back ordered and do not ship until December 30. I am really pleased with how the room is turning out. I actually put it together myself rather than picking out a page in the Pottery Barn catalog like I did for J-Man. Everything is pink or white as are all her newborn clothes. I didn't realize it until I was packing for the hospital, but everything I put in the bag is pink. There will be no mistaking this baby for a boy! Mama is ready, just need a healthy baby girl now.

JMan and Football

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-06:00

Jackson and football, they are like peas and carrots. I love that he loves football and think it's hysterical that he asks to watch it and stops when it comes on TV.

He doesn't stay still for long for anything, but he will be still for football and Mickey Mouse Club house for about 5 minutes. He even likes 'Come on Man' on Monday nights, but who doesn't?

The kids loves ALL football, not just SEC. This was him Saturday watching the SWAC Conference Championship.

He even still proudly wears his Ole Miss sweatshirt. He is still young and keeping the faith.

Bruce

2011-12-11T20:42:00.001-06:00

Bruce is our Jackson named Elf on the Shelf. I had originally named him Football since it is Jackson's favorite word, but Jackson renamed him. When Matt took Jackson over to the mantel where our Elf was perched and asked what he wanted to name him, Jackson plainly and clearly said 'Bruce'. 'Ok, Buddy. Bruce it is' Matt replied. We don't even know anyone named Bruce. We have NO idea where he got it from, but he wakes up most mornings asking for Bruce after he has asked for Mama, Da-Da, and football. The boy has his priorities straight.

Bruce has been in some pretty interesting spots, but he (mama and daddy) has been a little lazy and stays in one place for a while. I blame it on a lack of spots for him to hang out in our house, but he (we) will try and do a better job of making sure he (we) plays the game better. Or based upon the picture below you could blame his lack of movement on drinking. He has been hanging on to that wine bottle for a week now. I may need to call Santa about him hitting the bottle.

I did threaten a little boy in Sunday school today that I was going to have my elf tell his elf he had been bad today in Sunday school. He looked at me with a fear in his eyes I have never seen before. These things do work!

Fratty Friday

2011-12-09T07:30:00.000-06:00

Taking super fratty pictures was not really on Jackson's agenda this morning. He had other plans so Matt got what he could.

At first sitting in his red Jackson chair was not really what he wanted to do.

Coming after the camera seemed like a much better idea!

This is his pitiful face. It usually gets him what he wants with the grandparents. It does not always work and Matt and me though. We are so mean, I know.

I had to show you his super fratty bed head again. It lays down eventually, but in the mornings it's the best. He is dressed warm and ready for class with is unkept hair!

Checkout the untucked undershirt! His super Fratty sweater is compliments of Munchkin. He looks SO cute in it! He started to warm up after retrieving his favorite toys, the remotes.

Remotes and Dougie. What more does a man need?

Well, a chair of course. It was back in the den to sit in his chair and control the remotes. Typical man.

And please notice the pictures from the beginning of this photo shoot. He had boots on. Now the boots are MIA along with one sock! Typical morning. Even after putting them back on he took them off in the car. Oh this little dude! Happy Friday everyone! Only 15 days until Santa comes!!

Christmas Time Around Our House

2011-12-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

Matt is off this month with the exception of interviews so we are seeing him a little more than usual, which is all I wanted for Christmas after these last three months!

Matt soaks up as much time as he can with our little dude. They do all kinds of stuff together while I sit back and feel like the most blessed woman on the planet! I mean look at them! It doesn't get much better than this!

Knox even gets to join in. He sprints after the golf ball when Jackson hits it! All the guys in the house get to play. Mary Frances, Elle, and I will have tea parties in a few years while the guys play golf.

And our tree that is FINALLY done. It only took 2 weeks, but I am so happy with it. Thanks to my super crafty mother-in-law I have a new bow for my tree. Our last one was about 14 years old that my mom bought for me to put on my tree when I was in college. She bought it because she is as crafty as I am :)! It is still really pretty so I just have to find a way to repurpose it. But Pintrest should be able to help with that.

Back to Jackson. This doesn't look like it is going to turn out well huh?

More hanging out reading Christmas stores. He loves books and I am so glad!

There is a mirror at the end of this Christmas Gift book and he loves looking at himself. Imagine that.

Back to Christmas decor, our front door. I always hated my mom's big colored Christmas lights, but now that I am older they are really growing on me. They just seem so fun and whimsical. I think I will continue this tradition, but maybe do the colored whimsical stuff in the back for us and the more traditional out front. But for now I'm sticking with what he have. Maybe one day when Matt makes money I can go all out on Christmas decor. A girl can dream can't she?

Matt and Jackson had just settled in for a long winters nap. Not really, Jackson stayed still for approximately 5 seconds for this picture.

Happy Thursday everyone! See you tomorrow for a super Fratty Friday!

Fratty Friday

2011-12-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

My poor little J-Man has these bites on his face that I am concerned about but Dr. Dad is not. They don't seem to bother Jackson, but I want to know where he got 6 bug bites on his little face. Not to mention his eye lids have been red. Sigh, I am afraid he has my allergies, but like Aunt Meghan said, wouldn't you rather it be him than Mary Frances. And she is right. J-Man won't wear make-up so his outbreaks will be fewer. I really wouldn't wish my allergies on anyone, but I guess that's the risk you run when reproducing :)! So enough with the medical report and on to the frattiest little guy ever!!

Check out that bed head! Now that's fratty! I use to say I would NEVER send my kid out of the house with bed head. HA HA! It's not that parents don't try to fix it, it is just impossible. I wet it and it does not make a difference. It's like trying to rub off a tattoo. The only way it's getting fixed is another bath and that ain't happening in the mornings!

You can see a few of his little bites on his forehead and under his eye here. Bless his heart!

I thought the Christmas tree made a great back drop even if I am not done decorating it. One step at a time. :) Oh and please ignore the fact that he is not wearing his super frat star New Balances. I put those on in the car every morning after I put him in his car seat. It is so much easier putting shoes on a toddler when they are strapped in and can't run away!!

Then this was my attempt to take the cute mirror pics that mom's always take, but I forgot to turn the flash off and then realized I don't know how. Having the camera I do is such a waste b/c I cannot use it. Maybe one day I will learn.

We are off to the Christmas parade tonight and I cannot wait! I really think Jackson will love it if he stays awake to see it!! Happy Friday and Merry Christmas everyone! I am so glad it is December and we can celebrate our Saviors birth!!

Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-01T07:30:00.000-06:00

I knew the combination of Jackson and the Christmas tree would be eventful this year, I just had no idea how eventful. We hadn't even gotten the tree up, little lone an ornament on it and we already had our hands full.

Our home that was once too much space for Matt and me has shrunk since having Jackson, but manageable. But now that we have made space for Mary Frances it has become comical. I was naive enough to think throwing a Christmas tree in the mix wouldn't be that big a deal. Look at this face and tell me it's not a big deal.

Why is he so upset you ask? Well, it is because we moved his coveted chair out of the den into his room, he LOST it!! We moved his slide into his room, not a peep. We moved all his toys around in the living room, not even a whimper. But when he turned around and saw his red chair sitting in his bedroom floor he ran into the middle of his bedroom and flung himself on the floor. At first I thought he was just mad I made him get out of his closet so I could shut the door. After leaving him in his room to cry it out I came back to find this greeting me at his door. He made it known why he was not happy. I wish I could tell you I felt bad when I saw this little face, but all I could do was laugh and call Matt to bring the camera. I still can't look at this picture without laughing.

We moved it back in the den and everyone went right back to normal. Lord help us.

And my dude cleaning crew was back at it! Have you ever seen a more handsome cleaning crew? I sure haven't.

I also need to add that Jackson will not let anyone sit in his red chair, not even me. If anyone sits in it he gives them an ugly face and pushes on them. I mean, it is hard to get mad at the kid because the chairs does have his name on it after all! I don't know what we are going to do with him! Happy Thursday!

Keeping It Real Wednesday - Big Brothers

2011-11-30T07:30:00.000-06:00

I put these pictures in a post and didn't have time to blog about them. But with two boys this cute I should have found time to blog about it. This adorable little guy is Abney, Jimbo and Britney's big dude. We all went to Ole Miss together and Matt and Jimbo were KA's together and attached at the hip. They were both enigerneering majors and had all of their classes togther. I wish I could tell you that they studied together, but they actually skipped class and played golf together. Flash forward 7 years later and Jimbo is a second year orthopaedics resident and God willing Matt will start an orthopaedic residency in July. I foresee more hip attachement going on between these two.

Now that I have caught you up to present day, Jackson and Abney are 3 months apart and this summer when Matt broke the news to Jimbo about baby number 2 coming in January, Jimbo had news of his own about baby number 2 in December. I also need to add that while Jackson was in a hurry to get here and was born 2 weeks early, Abney was in an even bigger hurry and came 4 weeks early. Well, not to be out done, baby number 2, Benny came 6 weeks early, but Mom and baby were both healthy!

Once they got home we went over for a visit. Benny slept the entire time, as to be expected for a baby that should still be in his mama's warm tummy, but he sure was sporting his Rebel tobagan. But while he slept Abney and Jackson discussed thier deep love of Elmo. We are not sure what it is about Elmo, but they LOVE him!

We need to get these little guys together more. They were too cute for words playing together. And once Mary Frances gets here in January Benny will have a nap mate. It is so exciting to have great friends that you can share life with from one stage to the next. We haven been extremely blessed in that and I am so greatful.

Video Tuesday

2011-11-29T07:30:00.000-06:00

I only caught the tail end of Jackson and his cousin Brandon rough housing so you don't get the full picture. Brandon is older, bigger, and plays rough, but Jackson hung right in there with him. You can't tell by this video, but Jackson would get up and tackle Brandon right back. I only caught Brandon doing it to him, but Jackson was holding his own so please don't think I am a terrible mother. They had the best time and Jackson needs to learn to stand up for himself (I speak from experience being the second youngest of 16 first cousins on one side.)

Day After Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

Before heading back home the day after Thanksgiving we stopped by Matt's Aunt Kelly and Unlce Jeff's new house to check it out. When we got there J-Man thought he had died and gone to heaven. They had a pond complete with a duck and a basketball goal. What more could a little guy ask for? Well, he did ask for all of the above for our house from Santa, but I told him Santa could only fit a basketball goal in his sleigh. Jeff and Kelly's house and land also served as a great setting for a photo shoot. We got some really good shots of Jackson!

I mean, can you get sweeter than this?

This is my new favorite family picture!!

Like I said in my last post it really was a great Thanksgiving even if everyone got sick!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T20:47:00.001-06:00

This year's Thanksgiving is one we will not soon forget. Two years ago at Thanksgiving Matt and I told everyone we were having a baby, last year was Jackson's first Thanksgiving, and this year we successfully gave almost everyone in our family a stomach virus. Yup, not nearly as fun as the two previous Thanksgivings, but definately eventful.

It all began last Sunday morning when Jackson threw up all over our bed after drinking his milk. So, on Monday I stayed home with him and by that night at 10:00 Matt came in from work with the same symptoms. Fabulous. Tuesday morning I woke up feeling fine, but by 8:00 a.m. I was down for the count too. Thank goodness Mrs. Shelia had come into town to shop and she was able to take care of Jackson while Matt and I clung to life. The good news was the virus did not affect Jackson as bad as it did us. After spending all day Tuesday in bed and not eating we started Wednesday slow, but felt better. After keeping some toast down we thought we could head on to Caledonia.

But by Wendesday night Mrs. Shelia sent us a text that said "I have it." Another text from my mom Saturday morning after we got home that said "I got it." A phone call Saturday monring letting us know Matt's aunt had it, and finally today we found out today that Matt's grandmother and uncle had it. After that phone call, I turned my phone off. Just kidding, but I feel so bad even though everyone has been super sweet about it.

So between clinging to life from a stomach virus and infecting the rest of the southeast, we had a really great Thanksgiving! So please enjoy all the pictures from our Thanksgiving! I didn't take any at Matt's grandmother's house (Matt took all the ones at my parents' house) because I am terrible at taking pictures, but I know other people did so if anyone has any send them to me or put them on Facebook and I can add them to this post!

Fratty Friday

2011-11-25T07:30:00.000-06:00

After eating lots of turkey and getting lots of kisses from everyone Jackson is gearing up for the Egg Bowl.

That's right, he is still a Rebel fan, he just doesn't want anyone to know. :)

But can you blame the kid? Our poor Rebels are having a tough time, but we are hanging in there with them! Just like his mama he has been a Rebel since birth and will hang in there no matter what.

He is even recommending that I put a paper bag over my head. God love him.

But he is optimistic about next year. Gosh, we sound like State fans, "there is always next year." Hotty Toddy!!

Keeping It Real Wednesday

2011-11-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

So these are the pictures you did not see in my post on Saturday, but these are the real pictures of what that Saturday looked like. An Ole Miss jersey and no pants. It's November in Mississippi, who needs pants?

This is my second favorite one!! "I am a boy and I am going to grab my boy parts because that is what boys do!" Or at least that is the only conclusion I can come to as to why he was doing it?

Now this is my favorite picture! If we were sending out a Christmas card this would be it! And in case you are wondering, we are sending out a New Year's/birth announcement card at the first of the year rather than a Christmas card. This will save money and time. As a single income family with two BUSY parents, extra money and time are always needed!

Jackson even colored pantless! I would like to take this time to thank Crayola for inviting the markers that only color on the special coloring book. BEST INVENTION EVER!! Jackson can color all day long and not get it on himself, the carpet, or walls! The markers are just amazing!

Then there is Da-da. He always does this goofy smile and then doesn't understand when I post it some where. I am not sure what he thinks sometimes either. If I capture it on the camera and it is funny, goofy, or just odd it's going on "Keeping It Real Wednesday!" And anyone that knows him knows that he is just a goof ball at heart. Such a loveable goof ball though.

Then after a long afternoon of playing pantless and eating a snack of Oreos and milk it was time for a nap! It is hard being Jackson Miller. I mean being this cute and outgoing would wear anyone out.

Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving tomorrow and can spend it with the ones you love!

Cha-Cha-Change

2011-11-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

Nothing in life stays the same and who would want it to? That would be boring! As long as my family is together, happy, and healthy our world and the world around us can keep changing! Over the next 6 months my little world will have LOTS of changes. We will go from a family of 5 to 6 (Elle and Knox are our kids too even if they don't get the love they once did), Matt will graduate from medical school, I hope to move (even if it is just across town), the Rebels will have a new football coach and AD, my J-Man will be 2 (I can't count his age in months any more :( ), and I will turn 30 (AHHH). I swear Matt and I just got married last year so when did we become a married couple of almost 7 years with two kids, 5 losing Ole Miss seasons under our belt, and a doctor in the family? Minus the 5 losing seasons at Ole Miss, God has been beyond good to us, I just have to throw the Ole Miss reference in there because the wounds still feel so new :). All joking aside we are blessed beyond belief and I get excited just thinking about what else God has in store for us. Hopefully it is more healthy children, a winning football team, and a condo in Oxford, but we shall see.

So, about the pending changes in Oxford. I could not be happier with Pete Boone leaving. He was a terrible AD!! Matt and I both worked for the athletic department since he has been there and after having many other friends work for or with him, we have first hand experience about his terribleness. I have been on the fence about Nutt because I still don't understand how you can win 9 games 2 seasons in a row and then win 6 total in 2 years. And yes, I am saying 6 games assuming we will lose our final two this season to LSU (obviously) and State. All I can hope is that we finally get a stable winning coach that stays around for years. I want Jackson to grow up in The Grove and going to Bowl games. I think all kids deserve that. Especially a kid that his first multiple word phrase after "uh-oh" was "go Rebels" and "football game."

As for the game at hand today, I will be supporting my Rebels from home. Yet antoher big change. This will be the first Ole Miss LSU game I have missed in 11 years. Matt and my parents have to work and I couldn't take on those LSU fans on my own with a toddler in tow. Even though I will not be there physically I will be there in spirit hoping for an upset. Sure I want to see another SEC national champion, but I also want to see the BCS go into madness and I have to pull for my Rebels. Why stop now? So if you are any where near Oxford today look out for flying corn dogs because the Ole Miss faithful will be there hurling them at the freakishly odd looking LSU fans. And can I also add a disclaimer here to say that all of the LSU fans I know personally are really good people. It is the freakishly odd dressing and acting people that give them a bad name, but they all still smell like corn dogs! Hotty Toddy!

Fratty Friday

2011-11-18T07:30:00.000-06:00

I have not done a month birthday post in a while so I will include Jackson's 17 month old update in today's Fratty post (He was 17 months old on Wednesday). He continues to amaze us every day and sometimes we are not amazed at things we should be, but we don't know any different. For example, Jackson came home from daycare one day and could just blow his nose. Every time I would stick the tissue up to his nose he would just blow. I didn't think anything of it. So when Matt asked him to blow his nose at the doctor's office, his pediatrician was blown away that he could do it. He said there are 4 and 5 year olds that can't. I don't know about all that, but he is pretty smart. The other morning is another perfect example. His Baby Einstein video was over so I turned Fox News back on. Jackson found the remote, brought it to me, and said "football game." He says 'football' and 'football game' constantly. When I turned sports center on and basketball was on, he looked a little confused. I guess we need to start talking to him about sporting seasons. He will need to learn basketball game and baseball game. But really around our house there is only football, racing, and baseball. But for now football is all he knows and cares about. Like this morning "football game" was the second thing out of his mouth, the first was "hey." As soon as I turned on NFL network for the Jets/Broncos recap and gave him his milk he was the happiest little boy in the world!!

And as I have said before he knows how to ham it up!! He loves crowds and attention. Lord help us! He can now repeat anything and everything we say. Some words and phrases he hangs on to and others he just repeats them once when he hears us say them. His new favorite he picked up from Sheshe, "Oh gosh." It is so funny because he uses it when appropriate. Like when his sippy cup leaked milk in our bed. He ran his hand over the wet spot and said "Oh Gosh." He also can tell us yes and no by shaking his head. He uses the appropriate head motion for what he wants to do.

He signs and says please, but can only sign thank you, he can't say that yet. Second to "football game" his favorite phrase is "hot dog." He doesn't even know what a hot dog is, but they say it in the Mickey Mouse Club House song so every time he sees Mickey or I get the iPad (I have the song downloaded on it)out he says "hot dog."

It is so much fun watching him grow up and discover new things. He learns something new every day and I don't want him to grow up, but I can't wait to see his little personality continue to evolve. We love him so much and could not be any more blessed than we are! I thank God for him and our little family every day! Happy Friday everyone, oh and GO REBELS!! Beat those Tigers (HA HA HA HA!!)!!

Big Boy Room

2011-11-17T07:30:00.000-06:00

Our guest bedroom is now Jackson's Big Boy room. So if you come to stay with us there is no more queen bed to relax in, only a twin bed with a trundle.

For some reason this bedroom is the largest in the house and it's a good thing because Jackson has lots of stuff!

This is the play area and Jackson LOVES it! He can play for hours in his garage and with all of his stuffed animals.

I still need to hang all of his pictures, but I can't do it without Munchkin. She is the picture hanging professional.

His big boy bed that he will be in before we know it. I am in no rush though. With another one on the way I am not signing myself up for any new challenges in the near future.

And this is Matt's corner office :). We still need to clean it out and off, but it will remain an adult area for now. We have no where else to put bills and our office stuff. Maybe after March when we find out where we will be for residency we can move into a bigger house. I would LOVE a 4 bedroom house with a 3 car garage and sun room that we could use as a play room, but I don't know if that's in our price range. A girl can dream though can't she?
Sure Jackson's room has our office stuff in it and the living room has a Little Tikes slide in it, but it is also full of love! I love our house and it will always be our first home where we have many fond memories.

Keeping It Real Wednesday

2011-11-16T07:30:00.000-06:00

Just a few pictures Matt snapped while J-Man was eating a little dinner. The cutest little face ever, even if it does have food all over it!!

Video Tuesday

2011-11-15T07:30:00.000-06:00

What could drive the dogs any crazier than J-Man? J-Man in squeaky shoes!! His Ole Miss squeaky shoes are hysterical!

Oh Girl!

2011-11-12T20:39:00.001-06:00

If I think back I can vaguely remember being nervous when I was pregnant with J-Man, so I don't feel as guilty that I am super nervous with this pregnancy. I am not worried about labor or that I won't lose the weight or even having a baby girl. I am worried about having a middle school age girl because I was once a middle school age girl and it was TERRIBLE!! Girls are mean and irrational. Mary Frances better not be mean or irrational because I will not allow it (I say that now), but when, not if other little girls are mean to her I ~~might~~ will hurt them! I remember sitting on my bed crying because I didn't understand why other girls were mean or why middle school was so terrible. My boy haircut didn't help matters, but it was what I wanted and so my mom let me do it. She always let me be my own person even if that meant getting an awkward bowl hair cut. She was a GREAT mom and I could not have asked for more. Now all I can do is pray I can be half the girl mother she was even though I am not looking forward to the awkward middle school years with Mary Frances.

Then on the other side there is a nervous girl daddy to be who is worried about the high school years and the expense of a little girl. What he really needs to be afraid of is how wrapped he will be. He claims he will not be any more wrapped than he is now with J-Man, but he has NO idea. I can't wait! He has already picked his line for every boy Mary Frances ever dates. It will go something like this, "Son, I am a doctor and I know of ways to kill you that no one will ever detect." Sounds good to me.

31 Weeks and Matt says I am huge. I say he can sleep on the couch! Someone needs to tell him honesty is NOT always the best policy even if he thinks my "belly sticks out further this time than with Jackson."

I guess I shouldn't be nervous after I have seen how excited our mothers are that we are having a girl. They were excited about J-Man too, but they seem to have gone nuts AGAIN about this baby girl. And since they both have a girl, they know more than I do. Although I am sure it will be the same with any subsequent children we have because they have already been talking about more grand babies. And God willing we will have more, we feel it is our duty to populate the earth with as many conservative voters as possible :)! Maybe I should change the name of our blog to "Raising Little Libertarians." It has a good ring to it!

Mary Frances' Room

2011-11-12T19:14:00.001-06:00

We are getting close.... The bed is up, the bedding is in, the furniture is painted (thanks to Sheshe and Da-da), and the rooms are switched (thanks to both our families)! It has gone from a very boy to a very girl room in two short weekends.

So what is left? Put the knobs back on the furniture, find an affordable curtain rod (the one I found at pottery barn was $88), hang the chandelier when it comes in, hang the curtains when they come in (They are on back order until December 30. Mary Frances may be born before they come in.), beg Aunt Shay to take time away from Austin to sketch some girly prints like she did for J-Man, and Gran Dan is making her toy box. It sounds like a lot, but it has come a long way in 7 days!

I am going for a shabby chic look, so even though it is a Pottery Barn nursery again I mixed and matched everything unlike Jackson's room. I simply took a page out of the magazine and said "I want this." The bed was a total score from Pottery Barn at $299 and the furniture was FREE from Gran and Paw. I walked in their guest bedroom and immediately knew the lines were what I was looking for and saw for $1,500 at Pottery Barn.

I still need to order one more sheet for the bed, but I am going to get it from Target's Shabby Chic collection. Sheshe is going to make a pad for the toy box out of a twin Shabby Chic sheet so the room will be flowered out. My absolutely favorite part will the curtains though, they match the dust ruffle. ADORABLE!

Munchkin was DYING to have something monogrammed, so here it is! The little pillow. She took it to be monogrammed at home after being really mad at Pottery Barn's monogramming character limit. I guess they don't support double names, obviously not a southern company :). It is all coming together and I could not be happier and Mary Frances would not be more blessed to have two grandmothers that have been as into this decorating as I have. Hang tight! There will be more to come!

Fratty Friday

2011-11-11T07:30:00.000-06:00

I think maybe we should do Cowboy Friday instead of Fratty Friday. J-Man loves his rocking horse and he has the build of a cowboy. He has long legs and a tiny waist. His Carharts fit him well, but try and put some regular jeans on this kid and it's a disaster. So I think I am going to try and find some skinny fitting Wranglers like the rodeo cowboys wear.

Maybe not all that Fratty, but they will stay on. The jeans he has on here are falling off of him becasue the waist is so big, but they are too short, and they are 12 months!!

He has grown so fast! His Sheshe bought him the shirt he is wearing here and a sweater to match thinking it would be good for this winter. Well, I am not sure he will make it through November in it. The little arms and length are getting really short. It is also a 12 month size though....

As much as we want to send him to public school I think he is destined for private school if he wants to play sports as small as he is.

He is growing up so fast and will make such a good big brother. We have moved the cradle back in our room and have a baby doll laying in it. Every morning he points at it and says baby or girl. He also lifts his shirt and points to his stomach when you ask him where the baby is. He doesn't quite understand the baby is in my belly, not his.

I hope everyone has a great Friday and I will get Mary Frances' nursery pictures posted after this weekend! It is just the sweetest girliest nursery ever. But I wouldn't have it any other way, J-Man being a rough and tough little boy and Mary Frances being a girly girl.

And in case anyone was wondering I have mixed feelings about Nutt being fired, but I am SOOOOOOOOOOO glad Pete Boone will be gone soon. I will will post more thoughts on this later.

Keeping It Real Wednesday

2011-11-09T07:30:00.000-06:00

My very own little cleaning crew! Jackson loves to sweep and he actually does a pretty decent job with the Swifer sweeper. But if you are sweeping he thinks he needs to sweep too. My favorite is when he walks arounf picking up dust bunnies and throwing them in the garbage (you think he has seen me do that a few times?)!

Video Tuesday - Apple Pie

2011-11-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

I have this super easy receipe for apple pie that is to die for and since Matt has been back I have made it for him twice! Can you tell I am just happy he is home? Well, our little J-Man has taken a liking to it as well. He was trying to express to Matt that he wanted some, but Matt was not understanding or not wanting to share, I will let you decide!

Pictures with Santa

2011-11-07T07:30:00.000-06:00

Last year J-Man was only 5 months old when we had his picture made with Santa so there were no tears. This years he is a little more aware to say the least. We went to breakfast with Santa at Mistletoe again this year and I knew it was going to be bad when Santa entered the room and Jackson looked scare of him from 30 feet away. Luckily I had my mom, Matt's mom, and Matt's sister there with me as help and shopping partners in crime.

What is it about Santa that scares kids? My theory is that they have never seen anyone that looks like him before so they are unsure about it. That's all I can come up with because Jackson has never been scared of anyone in his life. I really didn't think he would be scared of Santa.

So after his crying fit we drug him around Mistletoe for 3 hours. Of course he didn't mind that because there were people to entertain and charm. Too bad his charm didn't pay for all we bought. By noon it was an hour past his nap time and in true J-Man form he fussed a little until he got his milk and then passed out on his Aunt Anna. Then his SheShe carried him around sleeping the rest of the time. That was when this second Santa photo op occurred. How sweet is this??

We had a great weekend and I am so blessed to have such wonderful family! While we were shopping until we dropped my dad, Buster, Matt and his dad were all at our house moving furniture and getting ready for Miss Mary Frances' arrival. We moved Jackson into the big guest bedroom and Mary Frances' room is now the front bedroom. Matt even got her crib put together and my mom and I put the bedding on. I cannot even begin to describe how adorable it is. Pictures to follow after next weekend after we do a few more things.

Fratty Friday

2011-11-04T07:30:00.000-05:00

A BIG Happy Birthday to Nana Pants!! We love you very much and Jackson LOVES to say Nana and Papa, not as much as he loves to say football, but a close second! Happy Birthday!!

Jackson, like the rest of the world is getting geared up for the National Championship game, otherwise known as LSU @ Alabama. He has ribs in the fridge to cook and all of his peeps are coming over.

Well, kind of. He does have ribs in the fridge to cook and his peeps are ALL of his grandparents, Uncle Buster and Aunt Anna! That's right both sets of grandparents AND his aunt and uncle will be here at once. I just feel bad for the ladies at day care on Monday. Sorry!

He's perched in his chair, remote in hand and he is ready to go! We are all really torn on whether we will say "tiger bait" or "roll tide." I am on the fence, but think Alabama will win. My rationalization is discipline. Alabama is much more disciplined than LSU. And speaking of discipline, I have to add my child's latest stunt.

When I go towards him with the "wooden spoon" he knows he is in trouble, so he has started looking up at me, puckering his lips, and going mmmmm, trying to kiss me. Nice try. Then last night Matt popped him and it didn't even phase him, he went right on about his business. I apologize to my husband on a daily basis because he may look like Matt, but he acts like me. Lord help us all!

So many prayers are asked for and needed as Matt and I try to ~~wrangle~~ raise this ~~maniac~~ precious little boy who is just a mess! He really is not bad and I don't hope anyone gets that impression. He is just a rambunctious little boy who likes to test the limits. He is exactly what I prayed for and I thank God for him every day! I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys watching the National Championship game 2 months early.

Lots to Celebrate

2011-11-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

I can finally sleep at night and all is right with the world, Matt is back home after being gone for two months on away rotations! I have not mentioned it because you never know what creepy people are reading your blog. I have always had a great appreciation for military families that held the house down while the mom or dad were away, but now I have EVEN more appreciation for them! Matt was only gone for 2 months, we saw him almost every weekend, AND he wasn't getting shot at so I really couldn't complain. But I can rejoice that he is back! I am so excited he is back that I have been cooking up a storm. All his favorite foods are on the menu and he is loving every minute of it. We'll see how long I can keep it up though. HA HA! Especially since I ate a bowl of cereal for dinner every week night he was gone except for 4 nights. That was 36 bowls of cereal. :)

As soon as he got home we had to go see Miss Wylie Jane. She was the one we had the shower for a few weeks back and made her appearance on Thursday, October 27!

Matt did so well holding a girl, he didn't break out in hives or anything! I was so proud. Jackson was even interested in the baby. He was pointing to her saying 'baby.' It was SO cute and he will be SO good with Mary Frances.

He still wanted to be the center of attention though. We'll have to work on that.

Here are the proud parents looking SO cute! They still look so rested... I will get a pic of them in a week and we'll see what they look like :)! I didn't even make it a week. The first morning I woke up in the hospital the nurse looked at me and said "This is your first child isn't it?" HA HA!! I need sleep to say the least. Oh well, I won't be getting much of that come January.

Then Saturday night we had a shower/small group/get together for our friends Christy and Kevin that just got back from Africa after being there 2 years on a water project. They are expecting a baby boy in February and then are going back!! Can you believe it?!? They don't like electricity and running water that much. :) It was SO great to see them and I can't wait to spend more time with them over the next several months.

I should probably save this for Fratty Friday, but I just couldn't. Here is J-Man all dressed up in his church duds on Sunday. Can you get any cuter than this?

I mean LOOK! By the time we picked him up in the day care at church he was only wearing the shirt and pants. Oh well, at least we made it to church in the full outfit.

And he never gets much sleep on Sundays because of all we have going on. Between being at church for 3 and a half hours then dashing off to something we have to be at, his nap takes a back seat. So by 5:00 this is what he had resorted to. He went to be at 6:30 Sunday night because he couldn't even walk any more he was so sleepy. But still being a trooper!

So now I am caught up from our crazy busy weekend. Now I just have a crazy busy week to look forward to!

Fratty Friday Halloween Edition

2011-10-28T07:30:00.000-05:00

So Jackson decided to go to the KA Phi Mu Halloween Swap as a dog. It is his favorite word after all!

I was a little worried he would not keep on the ears, but he did and he looked SO cute!!

He was really hamming it up for the camera this morning. He's no fool!

In real life (not his super fly fratty life) he got to wear this to day care today, his class was having a little party. And in true noncooking mom form I signed up to bring cheese cubes :)!!

Don't judge, cheese cubes were on the list and someone had to bring them :)! One of the mom's didn't dress her child up because she said she didn't want his costume to get dirty. That thought never crossed my mind. Am I terrible? He is a toddler, they get dirty, but they only wear these costumes a few times AND I have a washing machine.

Is this not the cutest puppy you have ever seen?

He even has a little tail that wags in the back! Happy Halloween everyone!

The Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we took the J-Man to a pumpkin patch and he LOVED it!!! What a difference a year makes! Last year he was only 4 months old and not too interested in what we were making him do. And consider yourself warned - we took a bunch of pictures!

This is when we had just arrived. J-Man was too cool for school and just taking it all in.

Again more coolness. I am afraid he already thinks he is too cool for us.

He wasn't too sure about the hay ride. I think he was thinking he needed to be in a car seat.....

When we made it to the pumpkin patch all Jackson could say was "ball." It was a field of orange balls as far as he was concerned. And he wanted to pick them all up and throw them.

Off in search of more "balls."

Ahh, we found one his size. He then proceeded to throw it.

Then he perched on this one as if to say, "this is mine, everyone else stay back!"

It was a little bumpy and tough for him to walk, but Da-da came to the rescue after telling him, "you have your mother's coordination." Thanks babe!

All in all we had a blast and were worn slap out when we got home. We all took about a 3 hour nap!!!

But before we left we posed for a family picture. This is pretty good. I have given up on getting that great family photo though. It is just impossible with kids.

I thought this picture with Nana and Papa was really good!

Happy Monday everyone.

Fratty Friday

2011-10-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

Just another Fratty Friday with the JMan! He gets to hang our with Gran today and be spoiled rotten! I feel bad for day care because they are paying the price.

He got put in time out yesterday because he ran and hid when he was supposed to be lining up for snack. He loves to run and hide in corners which is fine when it is time to play, but not fine when you should be lining up for snack.

Check out that bed head! I couldn't do anything with it this morning, but it adds to the frattiness! He is bracing himself as are we, for the Arkansas game. He is still enjoying football season since we are able to watch all the other SEC games, but being an Ole Miss fan is tough. I especially hate how tough it is for him. We have been bad his entire life. I hope he doesn't grow up with a chip on his shoulder like state fans and repeat the mantra "next year is will be our year."

I am sure he was trying to tell us something super important here. He has lots to say, but we have no clue what he is saying. His teacher at day care says she gives him 2 more months and he will be talking in complete sentences.

Happy Friday everyone!! And Go Rebels!

Random Picture Thursday

2011-10-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Just some random pictures for the grands and great grands on this Sunny Thursday! He is a funny playful dude, but as you can tell by some of his pictures, he can be pretty serious too.

Keeping It Real Wednesday

2011-10-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

My kid. That is all I can say. I know everyone thinks there kid is adorable and a genius, but does everyone think their child is a mess? Well my child is all 3 adorable, a genius, and a MESS! He makes us laugh constantly with his antics. Just like the picture above where he randomly lays down and plays possum. I feel terrible, but I have been catching myself thinking "I wonder what Mary Frances will do at this age." Poor baby, she is not even here and I am already making her 16 months old.

I am sure parents of grown children can attest to this better than me, but it is amazing to bring a child into this world and then to watch them grow up and develop their own personality is even more amazing. They have their own thoughts and ideas and while you can shape them to some extent they are still their own person.

This is Jackson and Matt watching his Mickey dancing video I posted yesterday. He sat down next to Matt and intently watched himself on this video. What a ham!!!

Just more real pictures of Jackson being Jackson.

I love him so much I could squeeze him to death! And he gets cuter every day. This morning he would name off all his family. He would start off by saying Da-da, Mama, Nana, Papa, Ga-Ga (this is Munchkin), She-she, Pa (this is Paw), then he would get stuck and I would help him with the rest. It was so funny and he started doing it as soon as he got out of bed this morning.

I also wanted to add this picture so I could write this down and remember it. We went to eat at The Cheese Cake Factory last weekend and put J-Man in a booster seat between us in the booth. He was all over the place and would not sit down (notice the death grip I have on his arm). He was literally climbing the walls. Finally before dessert came we gave up and strapped him in a high chair at the end of the table. And like magic he was instantly happy. When he was sitting in the booth he could not see other people, or more importantly other people could not see him. Lord help us. As soon as he could look around and ham it up he was fine. What am I going to do with this kid? And no we did not all plan on wearing blue button ups. It just happened. Happy Hump Day!

Video Tuesday

2011-10-18T08:26:00.000-05:00

I think we found a song he likes to dance to more than Finally Friday

Fratty Friday

2011-10-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

Today is an extra special Fratty Friday since I did not get last week's posted in a timely manor. I am still getting hate mail about that :/ Here is a video of Jackson's dance skills. All I can say is look out world, he dances like his mama! All we can hope is that he grows out of that, but as cute as he is I don't think the ladies at Ole Miss will care what he dances like.

This is my new favorite picture. This is what people mean when they say a picture is worth a 1,000 words. He is a WILD man, always hamming it up.

A big thanks to Gran Dan and Sheshe to for these pictures. They had to come into town to take care of us yesterday. Mama was under the weather and keeping up with the Jster was not an option. I am so thankful for our families, I don't know what we would do without them. They are such a blessing.

More dancing. He is getting ready for a big game weekend in Oxford! Alabama is coming to town so the square will be packed. Jackson has his fake ID, mud kicker, and Carharts, and is ready to roll. He is not going to miss a good time in Oxford, not to mention an opportunity to watch the potential national champs play. And if it is not Alabama, you can watch the other potential national champs play in Oxford November 19 when LSU comes to town. I think we are more excited about next weekend when LSU and Alabama play. We will defiantly be tuned in for that game, along with everyone else in the free world. And on that note - I need to dedicate a blog post to my theory on unrest in the Middle East - it's b/c they don't have American football....... If they could take all that aggression out on a football field they wouldn't want to blow everyone up for no apparent reason. I'm just saying. Maybe they should think about starting the MEC (Middle East Conference). The SEC would still dominate, but still.

Ok, enough with my rants. Thanks to Gran Dan and Sheshe I got a mother/son pic this morning. I love my little frat start so much. I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys our wonderful fall weather in the south!

Video Tuesday a Day Late

2011-10-12T07:34:00.000-05:00

Life has been so crazy busy lately that I feel like I am always a day late! Keeping up with work and the J-Man is no joke, but I love every minute of it. I am trying to make the most of our time together since Mary Frances will be here before we know it. I promise I will try to post a belly picture soon. She has popped out really big in the last week. I still feel great and hope it stays that way.

I hope you enjoy the new videos of Jackson being the wild man that he is.

Wild Man

2011-10-12T07:32:00.000-05:00

This climbing on the coffee table is a new thing for Jackson as of last night. Please notice 2 things - I no longer keep ANYTHING on my coffee table AND I need to again mention the clothes rack on the couch. I have it there to keep the dogs down. So when you see it in all my pictures and videos please do not judge. I keep it there so when you come over as a guest you do not leave with dog hair all over your backside. :) You are welcome.

First Bubble Bath

2011-10-12T07:31:00.000-05:00

I have been having a hard time getting Jackson to stay seated in the tub so I thought I would add some bubbles and turn on the jets to distract him. Well it worked for a few minutes, but then he was right back up. Please notice the look he gives me when I tell him to sit down. This is an every night occurrence.

Cool Cat

2011-10-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

As a child Big R would snap snap his fingers and say "cool cat," and we have taught it to Jackson. So every time he puts on his sunglasses he tries to snap his fingers and dances around while we say "cool cat." It is so funny and he is such a ham!

Fratty Friday

2011-10-09T09:57:00.004-05:00

Happy Late Birthday to Uncle Buster! Yesterday was his 25th birthday!!! He can celebrate his car insurance going down.

Now on to Fratty Friday - I left my camera on just like I do every Friday morning, but for some reason the pictures did not download. I will have to investigate further because without my EyeFy card it is not easy to blog.

Typical guy - controlling the remote. Jackson is obsessed with remotes, he has even lost the DVD player remote. I'll find it one day, maybe.

Jackson also refused to smile. I would tell him to smile and he would so "No." This kid! I don't know what I am going to do with him.

I finally got a smile out of him when I grabbed a football.

And please do not turn me into child protective services for all the bruises on his head. He runs into everything!!

Lastly, since I am 2 days late getting these posted I thought I would post a bonus picture - BOTH my handsome men! Poor Matt was a little sleepy since he only slept 5 hours in the past 24 hours (he had been on call), but he is such a trooper! We were going out to eat at our favorite resturant is Birmingham - Petruccellis!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Fratty Friday Place Holder

2011-10-07T12:00:00.002-05:00

Hopefully these two incredibly adorable videos will hold you over until I can get Fratty Friday posted. Jackson is super Fratty in one and [warning] naked in the other one :)!! He is going to kill me one day! Happy beautiful fall Friday everyone!

Cleaning the House

2011-10-07T11:58:00.001-05:00

Bath Time

2011-10-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

Big Helper

2011-10-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

Jackson has become such a big helper!

He helps me clip coupons...

He was not very happy with me in this picture. He wanted to cut out the fruit roll-up coupon, but I wouldn't let him. We'll stick with real fruit for now.

He was looking the double coupons here. Every cent counts!

He helps me clean.....

Dusting and sweeping are his favorites. He even helps with folding clothes and washing dishes. And by helping I mean pulling all the clean clothes off the couch while I try to fold them and crawling in the dishwasher while I try to load it.

He was just appalled at how dusty the floor had gotten. He told me it was "just embarrassing."

And if you are wondering if I staged these, I did not. If I am doing something he wants to be doing it too. From clipping coupons to dusting the floor, he wants to be involved. He's getting so big!

21 Pound Maniac

2011-10-04T07:30:00.000-05:00

As I have said before Jackson is a 21 pound maniac, but I don't mind it a bit! He is all boy and I love it! If he is awake, he is wide open! Into everything, talking up a storm, and making us laugh.

On Saturday The Maniac was left to his Big R while we all got ready for the baby shower at our house. I was so proud of Big R changing his diaper, but it was on backwards. How did he do that you ask? I have NO idea!

Backwards diaper, one shoe in his hand, and no pants. Well, at least the diaper is on.

On another topic, I have given our living room an adult update. I couldn't take the play mat and toys laying out any more. I had asked for baskets for Christmas that would hide all of the toys, but I couldn't make it until Christmas. I went ahead and bought them. It looks so much better and conceals all of the toys. I don't mind them being scattered about while Jackson plays, but at night after he goes to bed it is so nice to put everything away. I know all of this will change again when Mary Frances gets here, but this will give me a few months of sanity.

And a shout out to the pups. Poor things don't get attention any more. So here they are, Elle and Knox. We still love you and haven't forgotten about you! Thanks for being so good with the J-Man!

Oh Babies

2011-10-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

I guess it is our age, but we are officially in the middle of everyone having babies! We threw a baby shower for our friends Ben and Shannon Saturday night and had a blast. One of the other hosts were Matt (in Matt's med school class) and Jenni Murrary. And this is their adorable little dude John - AKA Jackon's peep.

I am afraid this picture is what we can expect to see in Oxford in 20 years or so. Two dudes just hanging out at the bar talking, drinking, and eating snacks. In this picture they are hanging out talking, but they are drinking out of sippy cups and seeing how many animal crackers they could fit in thier mouth at one time.

After pre-dinner drinks in the bar it was time for dinner. On the menu, chicken and fruit! Yum!!

Then it was on to more important things like playing, playing, playing.

Up and down the slide they went!

And again.

They did take a break in the wagon as John's mom (Jenni) pulled them all over the yard. Thanks John's mom!!

We were able to keep Jackson still for about 30 seconds and take a family picture.

And finally the guests of honor and the hosts. From left to right me, Shannon, Ben (in Matt's med school class), Betsy (who has a little boy a month yonger than Jackson and is pregnant with # 2, due a week after me. Her and her husband (Chase, in Matt's class) are just as crazy as we are :)), Clare (in Matt's class), and Jenni (John's mom)

Scary!!

2011-10-02T12:12:00.001-05:00

In honor or Halloween I thought I would post some freakishly scary photos of my child's clone, my husband. I feel like I need to put a warning here before you view these.

So what do you think? Jackson kind of resembles his Da-Da! ;)

Fratty Friday

2011-09-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

Finally Friday free again! This has been the longest week ever! I could not be more excited that it is Friday.

Our little Frat Star got his 3rd hair cut yesterday! The ladies and other moms at day care seem to think that is a lot for a kid his age. I just hope this means he gets his father's pretty thick hair! I hated to cut his fratty flip, but it had grown more into a redneck mullet :)

Check this face out. He sees something exciting....

And he got it!!

It's a Bob the Builder balloon his She-She got him, because you know he can't go into a store (even the grocery store) and not get something. That would just be mean!

I finally got his attention when I grabbed a ball and taunted him with it.

Here he comes.... He wants the ball...

Give it here mama!

Jackson has big plans for the weekend. Hanging with Da-Da, Big R and Munchkin, a little Game Day, and football all day ending with a party at his house that night. We are having a baby shower for Ben and Shannon Bevill at our house and the other hosts have little boys that are 14 and 13 months old. They are J-Man's peeps! Ben and Shannon are having a little girl so she will have her pick of men when she grows up. It should be a blast and I will post pics later! I hope everyone has a good weekend!

It's Fall Y'all

2011-09-29T09:21:00.001-05:00

According to the calendar it is fall so I am jumping in with both feet! Pumpkins on the porch and skeleton PJ's for the J-Man! And what a difference a year makes....

Is this the same kid? I couldn't get him to sit up last year and now I can't get him to still! These pictures make me so glad we are having another baby because I don't have a baby any more. I have a little dude with his own personality!

He's just doing a little light reading. He LOVES to read and I am so glad because it is the only thing he will sit still for. Well, that and an ear rubbing.

And yes, that is spiked hair after a bath you see.

This picture Matt's mother and grandmothers will probably find the most frightening because the face he is making here is Matt Miller made over! She-She if you have any pictures that look like this feel free to scan and send for a blog post!

And this is my favorite new picture. He looks so sweet and happy! We had a little photo shoot on the porch last night after a bath. We have moved to an every night bath schedule. He just gets so dirty at day care, I have to clean him up every night.

And after the sweet happy picture here is a more accurate picture of my 21 pound manic! I am not sure what he was doing here, but I am never really sure what he is doing. At his 15 month check-up our doctor said he was impressed with the fact that he spoke in complete sentences and used hand gestures, but we have no idea what he is saying! HA HA! I do understand ball and dog which makes up 95% of what he says every day. Pumpkins are balls and he wants to throw them. Doesn't matter if they are big or small he tries to pick them up and throw them. It is really funny and I am excited to see what Mary Frances will do at this age. Jackson has developed such a little boy personality (just like I prayed for) and I hope Mary Frances will be a little priss, but not a diva. Diva behavior will result in a spanking.

So Happy Fall Y'all! I hope you enjoy fall as much as I do!

Honeymooning in Chattanooga

2011-09-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

So Matt and I were childless in Chattanooga this last weekend (well, minus Mary Frances, but she is pretty low maintenance at this point). Chattanooga is one of the 40 (yes 40) places Matt has applied for residency so we were checking it out. We started the day off watching the Rebels, but by halftime I couldn't watch anymore. This is becoming a trend...

So off to Rock City we went. I had not been since I was a child and it was a beautiful day outside so there was no need to waste it on the Rebels! Not to mention, this pregnant lady needs some exercise that does not consist of chasing a 15 month old.

This was "Fat Man's Squeeze" and this fat lady fit through it!! :) I might not in a month though... We had a great time checking out the city and it just being the two of us for a change. We even drove around and looked at neighborhoods too. Ideally I would like a house with a pool house so our parents could take turns living there, but that may be out of our price range.... Chattanooga is a great city and hopefully lots of people would come visit us if we moved there. It is only 2 hours from Birmingham and 2 hours from Nashville.

I KNOW it would be hard being more than 2 and a half hours from our family, but it is only for 5 years and if that is where God wants us we will gladly go. I just try not to think about being that far away from everyone.

Fratty Friday

2011-09-23T09:13:00.001-05:00

My little J-Man has been under the weather the past couple of days. His nose and eyes have been running like crazy and he has a cough. I think it is allergies and Dr. Da-Da told me what to give him. The good news is he is on the mend and we are thankful Da-Da knows what he is talking about, even if he says he doesn't. When I ask him a medicine question he'll say, "I don't know, I'm just doing bones." Funny!

Jackson was distracted by my phone ringing this morning. It completely threw off his concentration during his photo shoot. This is where he was asking me "Mom, are you not going to answer it?" I couldn't get him to forget about the phone until I remembered his new favorite distraction.

The itsy bitsy spider!! He LOVES doing it and thinks it is so funny!

His other new favorite is the fist pump and blowing it up. He'll hit your hand and make the blow it up sound! It is hysterical. Something else Da-Da taught him.

Happy Fall Friday everyone!

This and That

2011-09-20T13:14:00.000-05:00

The day started out so beautiful and promising, but little did we know what we would face as the day continued. (5 INTs and an embarrassing butt kicking by Vandy, but more on that in a minute)

It was the J-Man's first time to see Ole Miss play and oh boy did we pick a doozy. He went to The Grove last year, but we did not take him in the stadium. He was such a little trooper and did great though! As soon as we got to our seats he pointed to the field and said "ball." His new favorite word! He played through the first half great, unlike our Rebels, but by the second half he was antsy and Mama was frustrated with the Rebels. We went under the stadium to cool off and hang out with Uncle Buster and his friends. After establishing the fact that our Rebels look unorganized and like they had never played a down of football, Jackson fell asleep while Munchkin held him. After getting my fired up husband out of the stands in the 4th quarter it was on to party and hang out with friends. No sense in letting a football game ruin our weekend. Despite the embarrassing fashion in which we lost we had a great time this last weekend hanging out with friends and family. Besides, those are the important things in life, well that and making it my life's mission to see Pete Boone and Dan Jones fired. But that is another post for another day.

On to another topic - Mohawks!

Aunt Anna styled the J-Man's hair in a mohawk after his bath last night and I LOVED it!! Check it out! I think he kind of liked it too. It even dried like that and I was hoping it would still be there this morning, but it wasn't. Oh well. Happy Tuesday!

Melt Your Heart Friday

2011-09-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

If you would allow me to stray from my usual Fratty themed post just for today, I would appreciate it. Jackson is definatley fratty in his picutres below, but he is ALWAYS a Frat Star. However, the main focus this morning is how sweet he is with his Great Grandparents Gran and Paw.

We came to Columbus yesterday to meet my parents to go to Nashville for the Ole Miss Vandy game. So last night while we were watching LSU beat State the J-Man spent some quality time with his Gran and Paw. I hope they will hold the same special place in Jackson's heart that they do in mine. My Dad's parents died when I was young so Gran and Paw are all I have had most of my life. Not to mention I am the oldest grandchild, so they have loved me the longest :)!

I would like to point out to Uncle Buster and my other 4 cousins the picutre below. Do you see what he is doing? He is EATING IN THE DEN!!!! WHAT?? We couldn't eat in the den!! Even as a grown women with a child and one on the way I sat my drink down in the kitchen last night and didn't bring it in the den. Well, until I saw Jackson getting to eat in the den. Apparently there are new rules for the new kid. So next time any of y'all are over there please feel free to eat, snack, munch, and drink while sitting in Gran and Paw's den.

Jackson has blazed a new trail for us! And look at this picture, Gran is even involved in the eating in the den!

All joking aside, these picutres really do melt my heart and I could not be happier or feel more blessed that Jackson knows 3 sets of Great Grandparents.

Mud Kickers

2011-09-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

As you saw, we bought the J-Man some mud kickers this last weekend. Well, he LOVES them!

He wanted to put them on and not take them off yesterday.

He is so funny

Video Tuesday

2011-09-13T07:31:00.000-05:00

Jackson has been spoiled rotten by his grandmothers over the past few days as evident by the two videos below! Enjoy!

Falling Asleep in the Highchair

2011-09-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

It is a hard life being Jackson Miller! He palyed hard all day with his Munchkin and was worn slap out!