So it is no surprise to me that the first Christmas Parade that Jackson goes to, he ends up in. He was spending the weekend with Yaya and some how he ended up in the town parade. He rode a reindeer and waved with both hands to the crowd. He loved it, of course. He has been sick a lot this month, but still enjoying the holidays. He went to visit Santa. As soon as he gets up in his lap, the photographer needed to change the film, ink and what ever else. Jackson sat patiently, and showed Santa the embroidered spider on his leg, and the Christmas tree and finally he looked at the camera and decided to give the 1900's look with no smile. He realized that he had the coolest aunt and uncle this Christmas. His aunt Madeleine was a super star on the hit reality show, Mama's Boys (Check it out on NBC.com if you missed the show) and his uncle Billy enjoyed the pj's that Jackson got him for Christmas so much that we all enjoyed the show. Check out all the photos of Jackson.

Talk about busy. Jackson started school this month. He only goes one day a week, but he loves it so much, we might start going two days. He still loves to make a mess in the kitchen, just like his dad. We have offically opened Shane's Rib Shack. So many of our friends and family have visited us and made us so happy. Thanks to everyone for their support. Michael and I are having a lot of fun at this new adventure. I have some photos of our VIP grand opening we had a couple of weeks ago and of course of Jackson, take a look at photos and more photos.

What was Jackson for Halloween?

Was Jackson a scary UT fan, a Fireman, or a race car? He tried all three this week. He didn't really decide till the big day. He wore his race car costume for 3 whole hours. He went trick or treating down one of the coolest streets with Emma. He was so amazed at all the kids and their costumes. He was very unsure of a few, like Trent's costume. His favorite candy for the night were lollipops and M&M's. He had a blast at the block party. He found himself a pretty girl to dance with, a little old for him, but he had fun anyway. He painted his pumpkin instead of carving it, I thought that was a safer option for him. Yaya showed Jackson how to pick some of the mint growing in her yard and that it was ok to taste it. He loves soft peppermints, but he wasn't as crazy about fresh mint. Click photos to see Jackson's Halloween week.

Jackson spent a lot of time with Pop, mostly watching pool and WWII movies. He spent some time with Mammy and Lolo. They took him to Callihan's school for lunch. Jackson thought he was a normal second grader and followed all the kids around. He had more cake, he celebrated Tiffany's birthday and mine. He really liked the strawberry cake Michael got for me. He hung out with Ella, Atticus, & Finn. Atticus lost his first tooth, Mandy and Kyle were trying on costumes for a party they had to go to. Then he met baby Kensley. He was so good to her, he gave her his cars and helped hold the bottle and helped burp her. Take a look at photos.

Jackson goes to corn maze & picks out a pumpkin

Jackson went on his first hay ride to a real pumpkin patch. He watched Emma walk around until she found the one she wanted and he did the same. He threw it at first, of course, but then he held on to his pumpkin. He also got to ride in a chick-fil-a sponsered cow that was pulled by a tractor. I rode with him just in case, it was a bumpy ride. He milked a pretend cow with Emma and got to check out some farm animals. We all did the corn maze and got tired so we cheated and came out in the middle of the corn field. He had a great time. Look at pictures of Jackson.

Jackson plays his first x-box game & gets ready for Halloween

I can't believe Jackson can play x-box. He actually does a pretty good job, better than me anyway. As everyone knows, he loves cars, so he was really excited to play the game. He has spent lots of time at the playground hanging out with the little boys and some time hanging out at the construction site with the big boys and of course with me doing crafty stuff. He made spiders and bats and painted ghosts and spiders with his own hands. Emma came over and made a few ghosts of her own. Take a look at the pictures of how Jackson's October has been going.

Happy Birthday Michael!

First off, Trains have been on my mind lately, if they are too much for you, don't worry they are for me too, and I'll probably switch to something more simple very soon. Jackson has been enjoying outside, he found lots of acorns that he picked up and put in his pocket. His favorite place to go now is the playground. He likes the slide the best. Grandparents are great teachers. Amma taught Jackson how to use the water gun and Pop has recently shown Jackson how to unwrap part of a straw then blow on that end to see the rest of the paper go flying across the table. Jackson helps out with everything, unloading the dishwasher, washing clothes, and cooking. Jackson spent Michael's birthday by going to a Fish Fry sponsored by David's Masons lodge and then to Emma's School's Fall Festival. He loved the playground once again and all the kids that were there. He got a balloon, but of course let it go and watched it fly up in the air. OH NO, he said as he reached his hands way up high and jumped to try to grab the balloon. We also had cake for Michael's birthday, Jackson loves cake, almost as much as Wendy. Click photos to see Jackson.

Happy Birthday Uncle Billy!

Jackson has been pretty busy as usual, mostly traveling around. His Amma showed him how to use the water gun and he has used it on all of us. He even woke Yaya up one morning with a squirt to the face. He is really starting to get into art work, notice the nice job he did on his legs. He went to visit his Uncle Billy for his birthday. He enjoyed eating the cake and he loved Billy's cat, Ally. She didn't much care for Jackson, or anyone. We went out shopping and we ended up with 140 stickers, a transformer balloon, and some candy bar that Jackson opened up and starting eating at the cash register, while Billy and Pop where handling the check out part, and me and Yaya were amused by the tabloid magazines. Jackson is happy as always and we are trying our best to keep up with him. Check out photos of Jackson.

Jackson went to Statesboro and played with Atlas and Valor. He got in one last swim lesson as well. He found some interesting chinese candy of Amma's. He helped Callihan with his home work and in return Callihan took him to a trick store and dressed up in a very scary costume, which scared Jackson. Then Amma and Lolo came to visit for Labor Day. Here are some photos.

Jackson having fun

Jackson is doing great. We've been doing lots of crafts and coloring this week. Oh, I forgot to mention in the earlier blogs that we went to Jackson's 2 year appointment and as usual he is on the upper end of the growth chart, he weighs 31 pounds and is 37 inches tall. Jackson spent a wholde day with his dad last week while I took Pop to the eye doctor in Chattanooga. Here are a few photos of Jackson.

Jackson has been creating some great artwork this week. We did finger painting one day, which said "mess free", well pretty close, but Jackson can find a way to make a mess. He also used some colored icing to glue on different foods; he loved tasting the treats as he worked. Jackson played in the water to wash off the artwork that ended up on him and he showed his sense of humor and mischievous side by walking towards me with a cup filled with water, he smiled really big and gave me that look then dumped the water on my legs. He laughed and laughed, until he was running too fast one time and spilled the water on himself. We've seen lots of creatures this week. We focused on two Daddy Long Leg Spiders and what I think was a millipede. We also saw a giant green beetle of some kind and as always our friendly lizards. Jackson helped decorate his great grandparents, his great great grandparents and many great aunts, uncles, and cousins’ graves for what we call 2nd Sunday. The 2nd Sunday of August is always the time to decorate the graves and have a Callihan family reunion. Jackson loved playing in the sand and he even played football with the teenagers and adults, or at least he thought he was playing. Look at Jackson's photos.

Ella spends the Night & Jackson goes to Mia's 1st Birthday Party

Ella stayed the night with Jackson and we played dressup, but Jackson didn't really won't to dress up, he just wanted to watch Ella get pretty. They played a little with his new water rocket. Auntie Madeleine stayed a little longer for Jackson's b-day and enjoyed Jackson's new video of The Wiggles. Jackson continued to celebrate his birthday. He played with some moon sand, which made a bigger mess than what I thought it should. Jackson went to Mia's first birthday party. He had a great time hanging out with the other kids, Truman and Rowan have lots of cars to play with. Take a look at the recent photos.

Jackson's 2nd Birthday Party

Jackson had such a good time at his party. The kids enjoyed the jumpy thing, the water ball, and the little sand box used as a pool. They ate hot dogs and Michael's Asian BBQ then they had an ice-cream cake and cup cakes in ice-cream cones. Look at Jackson photos of his party.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

Jackson spent a few days in Statesboro after the 4th. He loved to jump in the swimming pool and as a little boy should, he loved the rubber snakes. He got another hair cut. He played with Kingston one day. Jackson got to ride in a real dump truck, he was so excited. He got to open a few things before his birthday and on his birthday. He started his 2nd birthday with breakfast at Mercier's Orchard, he had an apple pie and a blueberry muffin along with a peach slushy. He also got to pick out a John Deere Truck and farm set. Then he played with his Uncle Billy. He had more fun with the two empty wrapping paper holders than he probably will with the gifts that were wrapped in that paper. We ate an ice-cream cake and opened gifts. It was too funny. Jackson would hide under the table when we started singing and then appear in time to blow out the candle. We did it like 7 times and he did it every time. Uncle Billy got Jackson the coolest race track ramp thing that came with about 10 cars that he loved so much that he wouldn't pay much attention to the gifts we got him. He is going to have a party tomorrow for his friends and family that can make it and is super duper excited. Look at all the fun photos of Jackson.

Happy 4th of July

Jackson spent the 4th with his family. He went to the lake and then watched fireworks down at his Great Aunt Lillie's before he went fell asleep. Some of the older kids tried to show Jackson how fireworks worked and then they showed him how he could fit a lot of rocks in his shirt pocket. He threw the football with Trent. His Lolo and Aunt Madeleine came up to help Jackson celebrate. The next day he went to the Millholland's and played with Finn and Rowan in the little pool, he even went down the big water slide three times with my help. Jackson ate several cup cakes, watermellon and of course played in the sand box. He had so much fun with all his cousins. Look at the photos of Jackson.

Fun with the cousins and trip to Nashville

Jackson spent a couple of days hanging out with his partner in crime, Joselyn. Jackson let Joselyn take him for a ride in his truck. It only took 5 adults to keep them in line. He discovered his shoe bin where he had to pick out which shoes he wanted to try on and put them on himself. He did pretty good with left and right, but matching the pairs of shoes together was a little harder, or knowing Jackson, he just wanted to do things the different more unusual way, kinda like how he always wants to climb up the slide. He spent one day with his cousin Bryce, they had fun playing in the water and attempting to squirt the Tri-State guy with the water hose. They laughed and played great together. Jackson went to his first Garrison Family reunion where he had to follow his big cousins, Callihan and Emma around. Keeping up with 7 years olds in hard work for Jackson and for me. We went to Nashville for a couple of days. Jackson was very excited to go, but didn't exactly make it an easy trip. He had a ball in the pool, where he loved to jump in, he tried his best to jump in with out my help or any type of life jacket. He is such a dare devil and I was once again worn out from that experience. He broke the remote and alarm clock in the hotel room and put my dress and underware in the toilet along with his diaper. We ate at the Rainforest cafe where he loved to talk to the animals that come alive. We went to the Discovery Center where Jackson loved to play with the trains and cars, wow, like we don't get to do that everyday. Besides a few more episodes with chocolate and an ice cream cone, overall I'm glad we took the trip. Check out my photos.

Atlanta's Children Museum, Father's Day & Ella's Birthday

Jackson had a ball at the Atlanta's Children Museum. He went from exhibit to exhibit. They had a little circus show where I couldn't keep Jackson off the stage. He loved the moon sand and water pond and of course the balls. We had a good Father's Day, we meet Uncle Billy for lunch. Jackson was so excited to see him, he ran and gave him a big hug. Jackson has been playing a little outside: it is almost too hot to stay out. He loves to use the salt shaker, we've had to designate Jackson his very own salt shaker filled with rice and just a little salt, but not all restaurants have "Jackson salt shakers" so we usually have a huge mess when we go out to eat. We went to Ella's 7th Birthday Party. Jackson had the best time. He played in their play room and found all the cars, played a little in the sand box, went swinging and jumped on the trampoline. He got to play with his cousin closest in age to him, Grayson, who is about a month younger. They share a love for cars. Grayson lives in Texas so Jackson doesn't get to see him much. Jackson partisipated in hiting the pinata. As much as his likes to hit, I was surprised he took his turn and let the other kids have a shot. He took up with Malory, Grayson's older sister, on the trampoline where she was tring to teach Jackson a few ballet moves. He was unresponsive. Besides playing all day at Ella's Jackson favorite thing there was the ice-cream. Take a look at the videos and photos of Jackson.

June Pudding

Jackson got to hold 7 week old Judah all by himself. Jackson loves to pick his mother flowers, all kinds, even weeds. Jackson went to the playground, but it was just too hot, so he played with the water hose instead. He played with his Great Aunt Shelia and Great Uncle Cecil. He liked to throw the ball to them, he let them play with a few of his cars. He had a short visit from Lolo and Amma. Jackson made chocolate pudding and then created some beautiful artwork. His usual partner in crime, Joselyn, came over and spent the day. Lexie entertained them in the basement where what happens in the basement stays in the basement. Take a look at the photos.

Memorial Day Celebrations

Jackson had a very busy Memorial Day weekend. He started out with his Uncle Billy's big BBQ competition in Blairsville, he loved eating outside and playing in the sand box with Kingston. The next day he went to Kington's first birthday party. Jackson managed to pop 3 ballons all by himself. Then on Memorial Day he took his very first boat ride with his favorite set of crazy aunts, Melissa and Ginger or Gigi. He loved playing in the huge float thing they had, he even went out on the jet ski with his dad. Jackson spent the entire day on the lake with no nap and was the best little boy ever, he said he enjoyed Aunt Melissa's toys so much that he wanted to go back and that he would be just as good next time. Jackson also got to spend more time with Yaya and Pop while we spent some time on the lake without Jackson and to the Drive-In with the Callihan cousins. It was so crowded, not like when I saw "Girls just want to have fun" or "Night of the living dead", two movies my cousin Ginger took me to when I was a kid. Pop brought home a surprise for Jackson, a table and chair set and toddler bed with the Cars theme on it. He loves it, as everyone knows Jackson loves cars. Jackson got to spend more time with Pop and Yaya the next weekend, as we celebrated our anniversay. Jackson went to the library and then hung out with his cousins, Trent and Emma. Check out the cute photos of Jackson.

Jackson's New Hair Cut and more in the month of May

So Jackson changed up his cooking class by making play dough. It was a lot of fun that maybe we'll try again in about a year. His cousin Luke has been coming down and playing. I don't think I've seen any other two turn over Jackson's police car as much as those two. Jackson has been very gentle with baby Judah and played by the creek with Samual, Joselyn, Lexie, and Lilly. Jackson really likes to pick flowers, we have so many wild flowers that we encourage Jackson to pick them, that he thinks he can pick any flowers that are in the ground, even from Amma's special flower garden. He thought they looked better in her pool, which he had a blast in. His latest trick is to do back flips as you can see in the video. He likes to help his dad wash the car, anything to do with cars and water and Jackson is in. His favorite food right now is ice cream, just ask Ella. Auntie Madeleine has been playing a lot with Jackson, they like to go cruising in Jackson's power wheels. Jackson went to his buddy's, Caden, house and they played so good together. Jackson had to check out Caden's new toys from his second birthday that was almost a month ago. Jackson had lunch with his friend MacKenzie, Jackson was a hand full at Chlli's but he was just so excited to see such a pretty girl. Jackson went to Statesboro to hang out with his cousin Valor and Atlas and visit with his Amma and Lolo. His big cousin Kevin baby sat Jackson while we went to Savannah for the day. Jackson has had a fun filled month, but the biggest news of all is Jackson's new hair cut. I also chopped about 14" off, Jackson went from the mullet to the Mohawk. Click to see all the photos and videos of Jackson this month.

Rosemary Beach

Jackson went to Rosemary Beach for Greg and Kelly's wedding. We decided to make it into a mini vacation with the Stuart family. Jackson of course loved being around Ella, Atticus, Finn, Truman, Rowan, and Mia. He had a great time with them at the pool and beach. Jackson also got to meet his brand new cousin, Ally, who is just a few weeks old. He thought she was really cool. He was entertained by a water fountain at the wedding. He was soaked, but luckily I brought a change of outfit for him. I had a feeling we might need it. He has developed a love for trains along with his car obsession. Martha and Mandy found a travel train set that he absolutely loved. Take a look at some of the photos of the Stuart family vacation.

Babies and Birthdays

Jackson is excited about meeting his new baby cousin, Judah. He was born April the 18th. Joselyn is such a good big sister, she does an excellent job of holding her baby brother. Jackson celebrated Kailey's 2nd Birthday. He thought she had some cool toys and he loved her birthday cake. Click to see photos of how adorable Judah is, then click photos to see how beautiful Kailey is.

Jackson's First Pets

Meet Bevis and Budhead, our Nubian Dwarf goats. Don't ask why we have baby goats, I'm not sure why, but they're here and we'll see how long we can keep them. Besides throwing rocks at them and dumping out their water, Jackson seems to really like them. Jackson made his first home made pizza with Joselyn. His favorite utensil was the rolling pin, which he used to beat the dough and spread the sauce. Chick to see photos of Jackson.

Jenn Bailey

Jenn Bailey

We lost a near and dear friend. Putting a smile on your face, is just one of many things Jenn Bailey did for our family. She personified generousity and kindness that touched our hearts. She loved chocolate chip pancakes and the Dave Matthew's Band. She had more friends than I could count and was always making new ones, she never had trouble finding a date. She had the best laugh and smile, she was always telling crazy jokes or quoting movie lines, that I really never got. She was super creative, she had the prettiest hand writing and loved to doodle during class, as you can see I've included some in my slide show. She was adventerous and loved road trips. She and I went sky diving, and I think we both knew we'd never try it again, although it was a lot of fun. We drove down to Flordia and we were told not to go under the Main Street Bridge, and somehow we did and everything turned out ok, except my car came home looking like as my dad put it, I'd parked under a construction site that was painting a building, and that had nothing to do with the Main Street Bridge. She got Melissa and I a job at Haband, which was just the silliest job I've ever had. She was there for my wedding, she wished me luck when I moved to New England and she celebrated my wonderful news of becoming pregnant. Jenn suffered from Crohn's Disease and had a liver transplant 5 years ago. She recently became sick and passed away from kidney failure. She was truely the funniet, cutest, most creative, bubbly personaility, sweetest person ever and we will all miss greatly.

Happy Easter

Jackson had more birthday cake at Aunt Lillie's house to celebrate Ginger's birthday. He played ball with Trent, Shawn and Emma. He tried to run over a lizard with his new tricycle. His cousins Roxie and Dalton gave him their old boat sandbox which I'm sure Jackson will have tons of fun in this summer. He dyied Easter eggs with Lexie and Joselyn and then went to the Callihan Easter Egg Hunt. He got lots of fun stuff in his easter basket. Boy I'm tired after saying all that. Take a look at Jackson.

Yaya's birthday and Auntie Madeleine's Spring Break

Jackson loves to get in the kitchen and make a mess. News Flash, Grammy has changed her name to Yaya. Jackson likes to dance to his dad's crazy music. His favorite toys are anything with wheels on it and his favorite book is Good Night Boston and Good Night New York City. He spent the day with his Uncle Billy while the rest of us went shopping, Uncle Billy spent most of the time running after Jackson. Jackson's Auntie Madeleine spent her spring break hanging out with Jackson. He loved having her around. Jackson still spends a good amount outside watching the wildlife if we can be quiet enough. Click to see photos of Jackson.

Jackson goes to his Great Aunt Polly's birthday

Jackson went to his Great Aunt Polly's 73rd Birthday party. Of course he loved all the excitement and danced to the good music. His favorite place is still outside. A couple of posts ago you'll notice he was playing with a lawn mower at the Millholland's and he liked it so much, we went out and bought him one. He also really liked their sand box. No sand box yet, but he loves to get his hands dirty, so he just starts digging anywhere I let him. He also likes to find interesting rocks and sticks. He has also grown attached to a little "Dukes of Hazard" car that was Billy's when he was a kid. What a little boy I have. Jackson loves to experiment with different food products. After breakfast, lunch or dinner he'll put his left overs in his glass and take a sip of it. The only time he has really turned up his nose is with pepper water. Jackson loves, loves, loves to go, go, go with who ever will take him. He cried when his Great Aunt Shelia couldn't take him home with her. Look at the photos of Jackson.

Jackson's friend Caden took Jackson to his favorite place, Monkey Joe's. Caden showed Jackson how much fun you can have there and Jackson can't wait to go back. Here are a few photos and videos. I didn't get as many, I was too busy myself.

Jackson has had several "firsts" these past couple of weeks. He took his first ride in a motorized jeep with his cousin Ella, took his first bubble bath with Joselyn, and ate his first chocolate covered strawberry. He liked the bath so much, they decided to get really dirty by playing in the mud in order to get another chance to play in the bubbles. Jackson is still having a ball. Look at all the fun photos.

Jackson misses his buddy Michael in Mass but he has had so much fun with his cousins and friends down south. He has been all over the state of Georgia visiting everyone. He celebrated a late Christmas with his cousins Valor and Atlas, spent the weekend at his Uncle Billy's, had Mexican with his friend Caden, played with his cousin Callihan and laughed at lot with his cousin Joselyn. Some have nick named Jackson "The Destroyer" while others perfer "Bamm Bamm", because he loves to bang and throw objects that break. He has already had to tell his cousin Ella, sorry for breaking her snow globes, and his Lolo and Amma for breaking some candle holders. He also likes to rearrange items, it took my aunt Lucy a week to find her phone. Jackson loves to go to Aunt Lillie's for candy and cake that is always close by. Jackson's favorite place is outside and his favorite toy is currently his police car. Here is a range of pictures of Jackson this past month.