...I LOVE HIM...

Children amaze me. I can't believe how much they can learn and how QUICKLY:) Jaxson has totally lit up my life. I know it's the fact that I'm his mother...but I am totally wrapped around his finger. I love his kisses and squeezes, I love his smile, I love his LOVE for baseball and football, I Love his constant energy! I am left speechless daily at how smart he is and how much he can understand. He is a little sponge....and he makes my life so much more fulfilled and happy:)

I LOVE when he points! He learned to point at things he wanted months ago....and I think it's totally adorable. He knows where EVERYTHING is...so don't even dare to try and hide it! Even if you think he's not looking at the time....hours later he will stand by any particular cupboard or drawer and point at it until you open it and hand over the contents. It amazes me! He points at animals, motorcycle's, trees, cars, BALLS and anything he recognizes!

***

I LOVE his wonderful relationship with his dad...which is the best part of being a mother and wife! He waits at the door for him to get home from work everyday because he knows it's "playtime" when daddy gets home. Jarom immediately sweeps him up, smothers him in kisses and takes him on a "vroom-vroom" ride (four-wheeler) down the road to see the horses and cows. They then jump on the tramp and play baseball for hours. I think they have also shared a Snowie every single day for two weeks. Blue-Raspberry and Lemon Lime is their favorite.

***

I LOVE taking him to the park! We have been making it habit to go for an evening walk and take Jaxson to the park. He is getting a little TOO-BRAVE for my liking...but he can climb and go down the slides with the best of ' em. His giggle is to die for.

Ta-DAH! He is no longer afraid of animals....Thank goodness. While visiting Kayla's last week he became much more comfortable with the kitten and practically mauled it to death in the process. He chases it around the house and screams "Kitty Kitty". The other day while we were riding in the car my mom asked him what a kitty said and he replied as clear as day, "MEEEE-OWWW". I was speechless...like usual. I never take the time to teach him those kind of things.... he just knows.

He wasn't AS IN LOVE with the giant turtles at Uncle Nate's house...

but he warmed up!

NOW-the tree swing made-his-day. Again...his giggle is to die for.
He kept trying to kick me in the face (or camera) while he swung back and forth.
He thougth he was SO funny!

This picture is a little out of order....but this is his "vroom-vroom" face. We LOVE it. Anytime he sees or hears a motorcycle he will start screaming "vroom vroom vroom". He get's so into it that his lips pucker out huge! He is a total boy. My dad said that he has never seen a 17 month-old with more testosterone:) yikes. I hope that doesn't mean I'm in for it when he get's older! He MUST go for a motorcylce ride at least twice a day to prevent a meltdown. I have to say....I have learned to love the motorcyle lately too! Everynight after our walk...we put Jaxson to bed and Jarom and I go for a ride around town for 45 minutes to an hour. It is so much fun and totally relaxing:) I'm not sure what we'll do when we move and don't have babysitters, wonderful home-cooked dinners, motorcylces and four-wheelers, etc. I'm trying to take advantage while it lasts!!!

Last night after work Jarom decided to buy Jaxson a T-ball set. Oh boy. I haven't seen him that excited in a while. He totally understood the concept and LOVED every second of it. He has been walking around the house lately holding his bat with both hands and getting into the proper stance----with knees slightly bent and the bat behind his head----and then swinging! Jarom figured we would get an early start and practice T-ball with him during the winter. Maybe he can be the only 2 year old on the team next year.

I remember LOVING t-ball when I was younger!

Who do you think was more excited...Jarom or Jaxson????

I am super behind....but a few weeks ago Uncle Zenock and Shaliese got married. It was a beautiful day and we are so happy for them. We are excited to have another Bishop boy married, for another sister-in-law and new Aunt for Jaxson:)

August 12, 2008

Salt Lake Temple

Whew-Lots of random things to post about!

Well-were off to Park City! I am super excited to spend 5 days with my hubby....but super anxious about being away from my little man. I have not been separated from him for longer than 5-6 hours since the moment he was born. We're both a bit attached to one another you could say. BUT...IT'S TIME.

***

Oh-I did take him to nursery on Sunday and I wasn't planning on leaving but he turned to me smiled a huge grin, waved good-bye and blew me a kiss. I was in shock. I guess that was my que to leave. WHAT???? I stumbled back to the primary room half in tears to tell Jarom the awful news. He didn't even care. How rude.

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND TO ALL!

Scaredy Cat & "I know".....

Things are still crazy at our house! I am really excited for school to start tomorrow. I think life will slow down a bit and I LOVE a reason to start new and establish a routine:) I felt left out that everyone around me was heading back to school...so I decided to do the same!!! I will start Real Estate Schooling in the next week or so....Wahoo. I have always wanted to do it...so I figured the time will pass whether I learn something or not:) I loved going to College and although I was excited to graduate...I have missed the challenge of learning something new. I think this will be a good challenge for the next couple of months. I'm giving myself until Thanksgiving to finish schooling and pass the State Test. We'll see.

***

I am kind of behind on blogging....but the computer with all my pictures is in my bedroom. My bedroom is also currently JAXSON'S bedroom for the moment...so during naptime and nightime (my usual blogging times) it's off limits:) Oh-well.

***

ON TO MY LITTLE JAXSON

I shot this video footage of my little stinker a few weeks ago. It was hilarous...not in a cruel, I'm a terrible mother kind of a way....BUT.....well, you'll just have to watch..

THE STORY: Last Christmas I got Jaxson a cute little Spiderman toy. He hasn't paid much attention to it since. It was darling...and if you pressed it's foot it would dance and sing several songs including "the itsy bitsy spider". He has recently became old enough to take interest in all of those toys he got for Christmas....so I got it out. Keep in mind that in the few weeks previous to this I noticed that he was terrified of animals. My sister got a kitten and he wouldn't let it NEAR him. He would absolutely freak. Anyhow....I had no idea that the Spiderman would provoke the same reaction. He was terrified! Don't think I'm a mean mom -k-

ENJOY:)

He is still terrified of it WEEKS later. He knows exactly where it is at all times....and for days after this video wouldn't go in the bedroom. Don't worry I hid it in the bottom of his toy box. We'll try again in a few months:)

The funny thing is HE LOVED it on Christmas Day and the weeks following:)

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MORE JAXSON STORIES

Jaxson is being so funny lately. We can't get enough of his new ability to mimick everything we do and his vocabulary has exploded lately...it's crazy. He learns new words every single day. We have to be careful because he will repeat whatever we say and DO.

Although totally adorable to us, we might be in trouble!

Living at Grandma's house...surrounded by aunt's, uncles and both sets of grandparent's constantly.... Jaxson naturally gets a lot of attention. This can be BOTH good and bad. For example, he get's fed a lot of Dr. Pepper and Diet Coke...popcorn and licorice. I hate that part. However, he get's countless hugs, kisses and words of affection. I love that part! He get's told "I love you", "you're so cute", "you're smart!" so many times a day by my family...AND he has started to respond in the most bizarre way:) I have no idea where he learned it....but anytime you tell him one of those things he looks right at you, smiles a huge grin and says as clear as day "I know!" I about died the first time I heard it. It has progressed and for over a week now he clearly responds to any compliment as "I know" and then runs on his way.

ME: "Jaxson, Mommy loves you!"

JAXSON: "I know"

GRANDMA: "You are just so cute"

JAXSON: "I know"

OH BOY.

I guess there's nothing wrong with building your child's self-esteem.

Another funny example! I was putting away laundry yesterday and I closed the bottom dresser drawer using my foot. I didn't realize he was being so observant....but, Jaxson spent the entire morning today opening the dresser drawers and then practicing to close them with his foot. He is Hilarous!

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WHAT'S KEEPING ME BUSY

Other than chasing my little monkey...I have been reading Breaking Dawn, which I just finished. SO GOOD:) I have also started and finished a darling baby book for Jaxson. I was at my friend Chelsea's a few weeks ago and I was looking through a baby book she kept while she was pregnant. I kept a journal but never filled out an official pregnancy book. Anyhow, I loved looking through hers....so I ordered a couple that match (one for each of my kids...) and I've spent the last couple of nights working on it. IT'S amazing, even to me, all the details I can remember. I know they can come in many differnet versions...but the one's I ordered take you through your childs entire first year. I HAVE LOVED IT. It was the best experience for me to take time to reflect on his early days and weeks. It walked me through his first night, first foods, first b-day, first christmas, feelings during pregnancy, etc. It even had a place for me and Jarom to each write him a letter for the future. It has been a wonderful project...and I'm excited to have one for each of my kids. Each book also came with a matching treasure box to keep things like their hospital bracelet, locks of hair, etc. There are even places for pictures of all of there "FIRSTS" throughout the book. Anyhow, I recommend it. SO FUN.

***

I had a really great day with my hubby yesterday. We were able to take three children, that we had never met, back-to-school shopping. I felt so good that I could "try" to impact these children's lives in a good way. Their mother passed away on Christmas Day a few years ago....and they have had a rough start in life, I guess you could say. I made Jarom come along....and I set off for what was a pretty grueling day of hard work:) Did I say I was excited for back to school shopping when I had kids???? I lied. Just kidding. It was a challenge to find socks, shoes, underwear, training bras :), jeans, shirts, backpacks, supplies and the WHOLE bit all in one day. I was exhausted....and amazed at how opinionated a 12, 14 AND 16 year old can be! After much persuasion and "force" according to the 16 year old boy...I found them some things that will help them feel confident and be successful!

--------Oh how good I felt afterward though--------

***

Well, off to re-start "THE HOST". I have read the first 2 chapters a few times and have no clue. I am too dumb I guess. I've heard it's good...so my goal is to read it this week! Oh-SWAT just started on Spike...I guess I'll be watching that instead. I love that movie:)

***

ONLY 4 days until me and my hubby head off ALONE, child-less, for the VERY first time in 18 months! Jarom got us a beautiful condo at a resort in Park City for Labor Day. Hot Tub, Zip-Line, Spa, Shopping, FOOD FOOD FOOD....here I come:)

HAVE A GOOD WEEK EVERYONE!

Holy Cow!

Wow...I have been busy!!! The last week of my life has been nuts, for real. It seems that we have been running from one thing to the next:) I love and hate weeks like that. I am currently sitting at my sister's house in Provo and will be for the next few days....

Friday & Saturday August 8, 9 : I had a booth at the Weber County Fair for Modbe all day on Friday and Saturday. FUN....but exhausting and one of those all-weekend long projects. Met a lot of nice people...with and without all of their teeth:)

Sunday August 10th: I woke up early and baked all morning for my brother-in-law's mission farewell. He did a wonderful job speaking and is off to the MTC!

Monday August 11th: Frantically tried to find jaxson Church shoes to fit his fat feet for the upcoming wedding. Ran errands, ironed dress clothes.....Bad and Busy day!

Tuesday August 12th: Zenock and Shaliese's wedding! She looked beautiful. It was a great day BUT also a LONG day with a little toddler. Especially because we drug him to the Temple early that morning. We then had a luncheon...and a reception. The reception was outside and I am not exaggerating ONE BIT when I say I got over 100 mosquitoe bites on my legs. It sucked.

Wednesday August 13th: Jashon was taken to the MTC and later that afternoon me and my mom rented a steamer and spent the rest of the day removing hideous floral wallpaper from her laundry room and half-bathroom walls! We can't wait to re-model and re-decorate. It is time.

Thursday August 14th: This was better day because my mom and I spent the entire day in SLC at the Utah Home Show. It was amazing. We toured beautiful beautiful beautiful houses and took thousands of pictures to get ideas of what we want in our own homes. My favorite was this 3 million home....tube slide from 2nd floor to full-size basketball court....master bath and closet that could house my entire family...you get the idea. IT WAS AWESOME. I kept saying to everyone who walked in the door behind us...."your going to die". It was crazy. We then hit Ikea because I had never been. Not that impressed. Great buys for sure....but I felt trapped in a maze of cheap stuff I couldn't get out of. I did leave with a few great finds though.

Friday August 15th: Didn't even get to shower this day....becauase my mom and I spent 15 hours straight cleaning and organizing and prepping the laundry room for it's renovation! Can I just say that I LOVE to organize things in to drawer separaters and rubber made bins. I wish I could do it for a living. As we were going through old pictures and certificates from all of us kids we found one for me from the 2nd grade, it read " the helping people get organized award!" My mom laughed for 20 minutes at me. I also found a great letter that my dad had written when he was 5 to his mother. It said, "mother...you have such beautiful hair, AND BEAUITFUL LEGS. Love chris". He hasn't changed a bit. That is so my dad for you.

Saturday August 16th: I was exhausted but still alive. Jarom and I went touring houses and looking at lots AGAIN for the entire day. It was overwhelming but a blast at the same time. I can easily find an inside that I like...but the outside, without fail, always looks like someone threw-up on it. HIDEOUS! Then vice-versa. What is wrong with people who design some of these places. Shared a snowie with my husband and baby, went to Cafe Rio....watched Phelps win 8 golds.

Sunday August 17th: Taught primary, planned 4 more upcoming TRIPS with my family...camping, park city, another venture to lake powell...the DEER HUNT...heaven help me survive that one.

Monday August 18th: Headed to Provo bright and early to shop all day with my mom and sister. STILL here at her home....vegging out. Sharing bowls of cookie dough ice-cream, painting our toes and watching movies.

TODAY: Writing a talk for sacrament this week. It's me and Jarom's turn AGAIN! It is so unfair when you move a lot....you have to speak so much more often.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

MODBE GOES BACK- TO- SCHOOL!

Ok-I just got an e-mail letting me know that MODBE decided to release a few Back to School items before the BIG launch of new Fall items on Sept. 6th. Anyhow, there are a few new colors of capsleeves as well as camisoles and my FAVORITE...denim shorts!!! You must check them out. They are darling, fitted, LONG and cut-offs with frayed ends! SO cute and great priced!

Call me if you'd like any of these LIMITED back to school items!

(435)730-5092

P.S. Oh-and I have Several friends who I don't have e-mail addresses for...and I would love to e-mail you about any and all deals and sales. Please leave me a comment with your e-mail address!!!

THANKS, KRIS

my nEw ToY...

THE JUMPPOD

.......last week I was super bored during one of Jaxson's afternoon naps. Which is usually the case. I had spent every single day that week roasting outside in the 100 degree heat while I patiently watched him repeatedly throw baseketballs at his hoop, draw circles on the cement with sidewalk chalk, and throw shovels full of sand from his sandbox at me. (most likely a very similar situation to most of you mothers out there:)

***

I was tired of being outside...but even more tired of hearing him cry and point at the door BEGGING to get out! I set out to the Dollar Tree during his nap to find some fun things to fill his afternoon...I came home with some junky little gun that seemed to make him happy. AFTER 20 minutes of sitting on the grass (yet again ROASTING) and loading the gun with balls over and over........

I decided right then and there that I would buy Jaxson an OUTSIDE TOY that I could enjoy as well.....

BEHOLD...OUR NEW JUMPPOD!

(I was like a kid on christmas!)

Jaxson LOVES it! .... ( so do I)

I'm not sure of many 16 month olds that have a full size 15 foot tramp....so don't think I'm an irresponsible mother, ok?!?...I watch him VERY carefully so he doesn't break a limb......and ONLY SOMETIMES do I zip him in there like a "small prison" and fully enjoy my afternoon, from a distance, in the shade...watching him bounce around like a little bunny! HA HA HA!


His favorite thing to do is run up to the net.... and and give me kisses through it!

I can't complain:)

Jarom just laughs at me and rolls his eyes! I guess he's used to my Strange and very Spontaneous ways sometimes:) Only about 2 hours after I had my thought...I came pulling up to the house with the huge thing loaded in my dad's truck!

***

Lucky for him...he spent the rest of his evening putting it up for us instead of studying for his Bar Exam:)

***

We love you DAD:)

p.s. I will be the first one to admit I have issues when it comes to organizing and such! I am crazy!!! But, I MUST SAY....that today I spent over an hour on the school supplies isle at Walmart and it was Complete Heaven for me. Hee Hee. I am psycho.....but OH, was it fun. I bought Jaxson crayons and a blue pencil box, amongst other things he won't be capable of using for about 3 more years! I was SO SO close to buying him a baseball shaped lunchbox...but I feared Jarom's reaction to my craziness:) Plus, I don't want to rush his little life...I'm sure there will be PLENTY of years in which I will take my kids "back to school" shopping....AND OH WILL I BE READY AND EXCITED:) :)

that's all

Train Station

Wow! That just took me WAY too long. Thank you Jessica Kettle for instructions on how to GO BIG! I love love love the big pictures...it's just too bad I'm not more technically capable...because it just took the whole afternoon:)

***

We had a wonderful weekend! Jarom FINALLY finished the Bar Exam and our lives can officially begin. Hallelujah:) I am so proud of him and grateful that he did it and I DIDN'T have to.

***

We spent the day Friday hanging out together...went and saw Batman (holy crap I'm still freaked out...I am the biggest baby ever) and went to dinner. Saturday we went to lunch and took Jaxson to the Train Station to see all the big Trains. He is a bit obsessed lately with ANYTHING that MOVES and makes a lot of noise...MUST be a boy thing. Everytime he sees a four wheeler, motorcylce, car or TRAIN he goes "vroom vroom vroom"! I love it for the most part...but I have spent many hours driving him around my lawn or in circles around the house on the four wheeler! He is such a boy...

and we are loving this crazy, full of energy little 16 month old!

He has such a contagious little laugh...and we seem to get stopped wherever we go because of it. He definitely gets noticed and has picked up some pretty "LOUD" habits....such as screaming at a higher pitch than I ever thought possible.

It's wonderful during sacrament...I love it. ha!

I love this one....he was giving me such a serious little look.

He loved getting to climb up onto all the big trains...and explore.

I'm just glad we left there in one piece. NEVER take your child there alone...becuase it took both Jarom and I to keep him from killing himself. I'm glad to report we only got into ONE fight and only about 3 cuss words were used. NO CASUALTIES...so it was a success.

***

Things got ugly for a minute while Jaxson was so cutely posed on this old rustic brown train and got up and decided to start running.....while he was oh,.... only 8 feet in the air and Jarom could no longer reach him. HE SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF US! I thought Jarom was going to strangle me....and all of that for a cute photo:)

You can see how hard he laughs....he gives himself a double chin and all!

Have a wonderful week everyone!