Jackson's Halloween Parade

Today, Jackson's school had their annual costume parade. At our house, we started the morning going back and forth to see if Jackson was even going to wear his costume....he kept changing his mind (normal for our mornings, decision making is rough before breakfast!) but eventually settled on the costume. So glad he did because he had a great time. Dave was able to go. They started with one class, visiting the next class where that class would tag on and on all around the school! So much fun for a kinder!!!!

 The Big Bad Wolf parading at school.

Marching right along!

Keep posted...as Jackson would say, there is more Halloween scariness to come!

Jackson and Addison take on Ag. Days!

This past Thursday, both kiddos got to go on a field trip. Our CA Women for Agriculture chapter worked with the FFA group at my high school to put on a fun day for the kids. They got to see animals, tractors, a corn maze and learn all kinds of facts! I was excited because I was able to go. It was on campus, so I just made sure I brought my camera and went out. I saw many high school teachers who were also taking advantage of being involved in our kids education. 

Jackson was super excited also because it was the first time he got to ride on the school bus. Man, I remember hating the school bus, not for any particular reason, I just didn't like it. Jackson doesn't ride the bus now, but there could come a day when he needs to, so let's hope he continues to enjoy it!

The hardest part for me of the morning was going back between both groups. They were each there with their classes, so it was a lot of running back and forth for me. At one point, I snagged Addison and brought her to my office for a snack. She was plummeting, and plummeting fast. (On a side note, Addison has started sucking her thumb. In a way it makes me chuckle because it is totally par for the course for her...we never had a problem with bottles until she was 2.5. Now, she's 3.5 and she starts sucking her thumb when she's tired....WHAT???? Still trying to figure that one out!) The dried fruit helped, and later she also scarfed down Mrs. Galvan's snack (I think she's getting ready to grow again....she's eating every 2 hours, and if she doesn't, talk about grouchy!). 

Jackson had a rough time when I left, which I wasn't totally prepared for. I left him waiting for the bus in complete tears...and thank goodness for sunglasses because I was too. I just hate doing that! Thank goodness for good friends, because Kennedy was walking by and stopped to talk. Now Jackson LOVES Kennedy and her brother, so when she offered going to their house after school, with an ok from Mrs. Breton, all was well in Jackson's world (took me some extra persuading after school to convince him that we did not have time to stop by Thursday, but would most certainly stop by soon).  

I'm so glad that they had the opportunity to visit the high school and learn more about agriculture. I'm still learning, as it wasn't a part of my growing up. But ag is a part of our community, so it's important for them to learn and appreciate it. We're going to start working on a garden tomorrow!

 He just saw me!

Looking at the animals. 

 Smile big Jackson!

 In the corn maze.

 The Thumb.......

 She looks like a professional...it's only been a week.

 Found her smile!

 Pre-snack.

 Waiting patiently...and he answered the question right and got a spider ring!

 Jackson's class, Room 25....with 29 kids there.

 Room 25

 Addison's class on the tractor.

 Mrs. Galvan and her class!

 Reese and Addie

Looking for the perfect pumpkin!

The Big Bad Wolf

Jackson loves to put on his costume just about any chance he gets....so since Addison got to wear her's this morning, the "Big Bad Wolf" made an appearance. (He thinks his face is scary...he's too cute to be scary!)

The many faces of...(cue music)...of Lady Bug Girl!

Miss Addison, aka "Lady Bug Girl," was in full form this morning as she got ready for her preschool Halloween party. Her expressions always make me laugh, and this morning it was a great way to start our day! We are certainly looking forward to Halloween at our house, and can't wait to carve pumpkins this weekend.

 

 

As much as God

Though we don't make it to church as much as I'd like right now, we talk about God and Jesus all the time. In some ways, this has been very good for us because we have never compartmentalized our relationship with God as a "Sunday" thing. In other ways, some of the "tradition" that I love at church are still new to Jackson and Addison. Let's just say, that we are still a work in progress when it comes to attending church, but I know that God and Jesus are personal to my kiddos which makes me smile! Lately, Jackson has been comparing everything to God, which is interesting and definitely makes me think at times! Yesterday morning, Jackson told me, "I love you mom, just as much as I love God...and I love God a lot!" Tonight, when Jackson was going to bed, he looked at me and asked me, "Mom, when does God sleep?" Hmmm.....I had to think about this one....tough call because if I told him that he sleeps when he is awake, he would ask who keeps him safe because we had just finished the conversation about how God keeps him safe all the time. So I went with God sleeps when you sleep, and that seemed to work for now. I've got to get a better answer because in his mind, God not sleeping is not an option. He then continued with, "because God lives in my heart, does He do what I do (and proceeded to hold out his hands wide and move them all about)? And does God say what I say (as he declared Mom, you're the best!)?

Keep asking questions Jackson, and looking for answers! That's the only way to grow in your faith and to know in your heart that Jesus is your Savior! You are setting a great example for your sister, and I know that as she continues to grow and begins to ask questions, you will be right there to help guide her too!!!

Teddy Bear Picnic

Today was an exciting day in the world of kindergarten! They have been studying the letter "T," and because their school is right next to the park, they got to go on their very first field trip today. Jackson was super excited last week when he brought home his permission slip. Then, he almost crumbled when I picked him up the next day because I hadn't put the signed slip back in his back pack (mom lesson learned...no matter how tired I am, I HAVE to make sure the papers are back in the pack...I just HAVE to). We made sure with his teacher that he could still return it on Monday, and all was ok again.

He talked about the field trip all week, and yesterday when I picked him up at school he chattered on and on about the teddy he was going to take with him that laughs and makes him laugh! It was the first thing he grabbed in the morning, and once it was located he made sure to put it with his back pack. I couldn't go because of an appointment I already had, so thank goodness for friends who take pictures in my place. Kelly snapped a few pictures in the morning, and though it wasn't teddy day at preschool, Addison declared that she needed to bring her teddy too! 

Kind of a funky smile, but that's ok!

All ready to go to school!

Jackson and his teddy bear at the "teddy bear picnic!"

When I asked Jackson this afternoon what they did, he told me a huge story about how all the boys played zombies. Some were good and some were bad, and the good ones helped him escape and then they all played together. Oh, the minds of little boys! We're excited for his second field trip next week...."Ag Days" at the high school! Man, October is a busy month!!!

It never fails!

It never fails...Dave has to travel a few times a year for his buying shows for the store. And it never fails that someone gets sick, or something goes wrong with my car. I remember one of the first trips he had to take, my car totally died on the side of the road while I was on my way home from work. Thankfully, this was pre-kiddos.

This time, I should have KNOWN, as it seems to be going on a triple whammy! First, when we were both leaving, a new light starts flashing on my car telling me to stop. Turns out it was only the coolant, and Dave was able to fill that before he left. Fast forward to now, and I've probably got two sick kiddos  on my hands. We had a fun morning, and on our way home from a friend's house, Jackson started crying because he said his head hurt. He said he was hot, so we took off his shirt and headed home. Now, it must be noted that Jackson DOES NOT sleep in the car. Ever. And he fell asleep. Addison was right behind him. That was at 3pm. It's now 5:15, and Jackson has gone from my bed (because mom's bed is the healing bed...right?) where he slept for a good 1.5 hours to the couch where he is "watching" his show and sleeping. Here are a few of his comments..."My tummy and my brain hurt," and. "I can't take this...this hurtness anymore." I hear you Jackson! I don't want you to have this hurtness anymore either.

Addison has been asleep since the car ride home too. I'm crossing my fingers that her body is fighting this off as she sleeps (and I may pay for this nap later because she won't go to bed).

So as much as I love my husband, why is it that these things seem to always visit us when he is gone? I promise I do not invite them, in fact, at this point, I will throw them a going away party! Please bugs, go away! We don't want you to stay and play!!! Here's to a long night ahead, I'm sure!

           

More out-takes

Because I just can't get enough of these three!!! I see them, and I see myself with my sister and our cousin Matt. The antics we used to do, and the games we used to play....tons of fun and mischief! I know we are in for it!!!! The last one is the ONLY one we got of all three kiddos looking in the same direction at the same time!

Capturing the cousins!

We spent the weekend celebrating Parker's 1st birthday! Jackson and Addison absolutely LOVE their cousin Parker, and I must say, he totally loves them back. I've got lots of cute pics to come, but at one point yesterday, we were attempting to get a picture of all three for grandma's computer. The pictures tell a great story :)

Long week!!

We had a long week last week...and I didn't realize how long it was until yesterday when we walked in the door. Addison usually falls asleep in the car for a few minutes and then when we get home she is fine. Yesterday, not the case. She walked in the house in her groggy state and made it through the door. She was done, and just laid down by the front door and slept for another half hour.

Even though I tried to keep the same schedule for Jackson and Addison this week, they felt our exhaustion. It was a crazy week, in so many ways for both Dave and I. I have to find a better way to keep our world relaxed!!! In the meantime, we are hanging out this weekend....embracing the moments and having our mommy/kid time!!! We're going to out together a few chairs so that we can build a desk in the play room...Jackson can't wait for his "computer."