...Oldies but Goodies...

Last night my mother waltzed into my room.

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"What are you doing?" she asked.

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"Looking at pictures of Jaxson when he was my baby...and my life was GOOD!" I replied

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She laughed...but I know she was silently agreeing.

Life has been a tad bit stressful for me the last few weeks.

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I have, OF COURSE, participated in a few activities that make it worse. Why do women do that???

We wait until we are in the middle of a complete and utter breakdown to think: "I know! I will......(Examples may include: watch the "Notebook" or my Wedding Video or worse-----SIFT through pictures of my baby at 1-2 months old.)

Do you do that? I do....and I bawl the whole time.

There is something to be said about a good cry now and again.

aaaagggghhhh...it feels so good:)

Life was more simple then. It seems.

Plus...I would give a million bucks to have Jaxson be that small...and my boobs be that huge:)

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Reminiscing is part of life I guess. We love to sit around the computer (me, Jarom and Jax) and watch little video clips: Jaxson's first time crawling, tubing at Lake Powell, our trips to Hawaii!

It's always fun to look back....but oh how emotional I can get.

I'm having a hard time with Jaxson growing up. It may be the other stresses in my life that are contributing...but I find myself bouncing between "wanting to press fast forward to about 2 years from now" and "wanting to press REWIND to 2 years back".

In the same moment...I'm reminding myself that I LOVE so much about "right now" and don't want it to change:)

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If that doesn't make your heart melt...You're nuts.

I love that picture to death.

This particular picture makes me think several things: 1-I NEED to have another child and Nurse them so I can fill out my swimming suit properly:), 2-My child was so small, simply adorable and I hate that he's huge now.

Oh yes...this picture. THIS was the first day that my wedding ring fit me again after delivery:) Jaxson was 3 months old. I am not kidding. I was a fatty.

I will forever remember this day. Look closely...It is on my finger! I actually had resolved to just get the thing re-sized to fit my new "fat" self....but wahlah....it went on. Miracle.

We went to dinner to celebrate. ha ha.

...Yep....I wake up to that. Only now my child's foot is usually wedged in my neck...and he's much bigger. I still love it just as much:)

This picture is so hilarious. Mainly because I remember thinking how "Skinny" I was at this point. I even showed Jarom my belly before I got in the shower...and said
"YYYYEEESS...I'm getting skinny honey...Thank goodness."

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Check out that gut. Looks like I had another 7-pounder hiding in there.

Again: I swear it was water retention...my doctor wasn't so sure.

***

I hope you enjoyed my walk down memory lane. It's so fun to look back and wonder what in the crap my hair was doing?... Or how much in-need of a new pair of pants I was!...or how peaceful, wonderful and special becoming a mom for the first time was to me.

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MOVING ON...

Something new things are ocurring at our house...

(I will stick to the few that include Jaxson...since the others have the potential to possbily bore you to tears)

A new opinionated, fiesty, sneaky and sassy little creature has emerged from what was once sweet, obedient and charming little boy.

It's cute....it it's own "I'm his mother and have to think so" kind of a way...but very very interesting at the same time. Does your child do anything that makes you think "where in world did you learn that?" or "how on earth did you just come up with that?" Or possibly "Where in HECK did you come from child!" Well Jaxson is VERY guilty of making me think this the last few weeks. Even my dad turned to me as he laughed til tears flowed last evening and said "THAT KID HAS CHANGED IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS...and you TOTALLY DESERVE IT!"

???? Why...Dad...I'm sure I have no idea what you mean ????

A plethora of detailed examples will follow:

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Whenever Jaxson "SENSES" that he might be soon having to do something he doesn't want to do (the main culprits being...going to nursery, getting his bum changed, going to bed, eating a meal consisting of something other than candy) he will look at me and exclaim.....

"But mom...I'll CRY!"

or something in it's variation....

"FINE..I'LL CRY!"

"NO MOM...BE NICE! Or---I'll CRY!"

I guess he figures that it's fair warning for whatever magnitude

of a fit he decides to throw aftward.

I say... "BRING IT ON KIDDO"

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On sunday I'm walking him to nursery.

Me: "do you want to go play with the toys...and have snacks?"

Jaxson: "I'll CRY mom...I WILL."

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When he wakes up and has to eat breakfast instead of red vines like his mother does:)

Me: "you must have some yogurt, or cereal, or something first"

Jaxson: "BUT mom...I'LL CRY!"

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When he's pooped and has to stop playing to get his diaper changed.

Me: "come over here and get your bottom changed."

Jaxson: "But mom...I'LL CRY!?!"

OOOOOO...NOT THAT, Jaxson!

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...He says it almost phrased like a question instead of a fact! That's my favorite part. Like he's threatening me....suggesting I change my request as to avoid what tantrum he could possibly muster up.

Again...I love a challenge...

Child, bring it on.

***

He is such a little turd.

But....oh so entertaining.

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A few of my other favorites include:

"YOU DO NOT spank my butt!"----Priceless

"NO WAAAAYYYY Mom!"

"Be NICE MAMA!"

"More Chocolate NOW, Please!"

"Watch THIS mom..."----Showing-off

"I dunked it...good job Jaxsy!"-----conceded little thing

(He loves to praise himself these days)

"Turn up the MUUUSIC!"------that would be me coming out in him

"I am a big boy...No NAP MOM"-----sassy little squirt

"DO NOT GET ME MOM"----as a threat

(usually when I am chasing him around the yard/store trying to go inside or leave)

"I put my monkey in time out Mom..Don't worry"

"Come on guys!"----acting so annoyed

(to both me and his Father when he wants to go somewhere...probably one of my absolute favorites:)

"This is MY DAD...not yours Mom!"----possesive little stink

(as he hugs Jarom and makes sure I keep my hands off of him)

"See you guys later!"

(everytime he leaves the room...or we do)

"Mom...Hold you?"

(means: pick me up!)

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I wish I had room (and/or time) to document them all....for I know this time will pass so quickly and I will miss his playful yet sassy innocence:)

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He has also started being SNEAKY.

I hate this....and at the very same moment can't help but laugh at how creative he can get. I guess all those extra folic acid pills and vitamins paid off. He's got a brain...and it works well I must say:) My grandparents (jaxson's great-grandpa) is constantly telling me that when he sits and observes Jaxson he can almost see his little brain a workin'...calculating his next move...thinking critically about a different way to do something...or how to get what he wants! This could be both good and bad for me:)

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He HIDES EVERYTHING behind his back. If he is walking by you sideways and won't turn his back to you...and happens to have his little hand held behind his back...you better believe he has a handful of chewing gum. Any flavor...he doesn't mind. When you ask him what he is holding he will smile and shout "GUM...and I got it from MOMMY'S PURSE!" or one of the many places that he has found it. Little stink.

The other night he was climbing to a pack of gum up on the counter....and

I clearly told him: "No more tonight buddy!"

He looked at me and said: "Ok mom...Just one!"

....and then I said..."NO honey....NONE!"

....he totally understood then repeated, "Ok mom...thanks...Just one ok!"

and shoved one his mouth.

I was stunned. I have no control this week.

He also loves soda and will slowly approach any table with an open can... exclaiming the entire time he's walking in that direction..."I will not drink that pop mom...I won't touch it...I pwwoomise!" Then he gets to the table and swipes it up really fast and swigs as much as he can before I can get to him.

Then the little turd laughs.

Today he climbed up onto a chair...then the counter and opened the cupboard with his sippies. He found a Diet Coke Can (half empty) and carefully poured the rest into a sippy and put the lid on. I....am.....serious! A moment later I asked what on earth he was drinking and he clearly stated "COKE MOM".

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The problem: everyone in my house...including my husband thinks it is hilarious and adorable.

My child has no chance.

I must fix this...FAST.

...48 hours prior...

Approximately 48 hours before my CHILD gave me a good sized kick and broke my water...(thus making his entrance into the world a month early)...I ate my last REAL MEAL. Call it mother's intuition...but I knew he was coming. I knew that although I had a month to go...this little guy was on his way:)...and I better be taking advantage of my last few minutes of binging possiblities!!!

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Therefore, you can understand the urgency when on Sunday evening I opened the freezer and panicked...realizing we were out of Rhodes Frozen Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. It could not be possible?!? (mainly because I MADE SURE that we had a supply at all times)

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I did it.

I broke the Sabbath. Terrible, huh?

...I grabbed the keys... ran to the car and told Jarom..."This may be the LAST night in years I can eat an entire pan of Cinnamon Rolls (with cream cheese frosting) and have a reasonable excuse. We MUST GO to Walmart honey, right now." He came along...helped me cook them...and watched as I devoured 5 of the 6 rolls in under 30 mintues...washed down with just as many glasses of chocolate milk. This was just the last of what had become a weekly ritual at my house. Oh---it was so fun, and felt/tasted so good:)

Don't worry...I kindly offered Jarom the 6th one.

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My doctor was never very happy with me. I gained WAY too much weight during my pregnancy...and was usually able to gain several pounds a week:) Go me. I still highly disagree that it was totally a product of what I ate...and more my horrible gentic ability to retain un-human amounts of water...but he wasn't too sure:) Maybe he was right...sigh. I managed to gain the equivalant of a 4th grader...instead of a newborn. Bummer. Come to think of it...I should receive some kind of record or award...instead of criticism and a pamphlet about the "DIEBETIC DIET". Ha. Which by the way, he insisted I go on even though I was far from diebetic. I loved my doctor.... but his wife gained 4 pounds during her pregnancy COME ON!?!...

Heck---I could accomplish that in one good trip to "OLD CHICAGO PIZZA".

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The moment Jaxson kicked me...I knew the fun was over. It was like a switch in my brain. I was able to make the choice right then....to un-do (by some miracle) what I had done to myself.

Only the stretch marks remained left behind...double bummer:) My first meal after Jaxson: 1 turkey sandwhich on wheat...lots of lettuce, ice-water and a bowl of pears. BBBLLLAHHH.

Ugh. aaaagggghhh. Let the torture begin!

And so it was....... until I somewhat resembled my pre-baby self.

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No more cinnamon rolls (with cream cheese frosting)....and NEVER under any circumstance was there Chocolate Milk...although I love it more than life itself:)

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...UNTIL....

Last May when I moved home.

What I'm getting at is....

I am an "all or nothing" kind of a gal.

It' kind of a pain......BUT it's True.

Not just in Dieting and exercising...but in everything I'm finding out....

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I have acted as though I was "pregnant" for the last year, you could say....rarely exercising and eating lots! Oh--- have I eaten:) My mom is a wonderful cook...and I have enjoyed so much living at home and never worrying:) Yummy restaurants...perfect sunday dinners of roast beef and mashed potatoes and vacations with lost of desserts. I have binged like nobody's business this winter....and have managed to contribute quite a bit to my mid-section. 2 whole sizes to be exact. I realized we had a problem in December. Jarom surprised me by taking me to Hawaii for my 5th Anniversary. Only problem: I hadn't worn summer clothes for 4 months...and wasn't quite sure I was the same woman (if you know what I mean). My summer clothes didn't want to go on. Sad Sad.

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I vowed to turn this bus around...and work on it (after our 3rd trip to the Cheesecake Factory on Waikii, of course). I came home...got sucked into Valentine's Day (heart shaped reeses are evil)...then Easter. Mini-Cadbury eggs are so good it's wrong...(and egg shaped reeses are evil:)

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I am desparate for some kind of motivation.

Swim suit season, which is quickly approaching, should be enough....but it's just not working.

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Anyhow...all this rambling is leading to one point.

I realized the solution....

It's time to gain another 4th grader (or newborn this time would be nice).

I NEED ANOTHER BABY as cute as my first one....preferrably:):)

(also known as an excuse to eat my little heart out for 10 whole months)

Sounds fun, doesn't it?

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I think I'll ask Jarom when he gets home from work.

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Check out pictures of us mastering the Letter "C"

Colored with Crayons

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Made Cupcakes...and ate some:)

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Played with Contruction Paper...

made a Clown....

learned about Circles...

and strung a fruit loop necklace:)

It was a great afternoon!

Have a good weekend:)

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YYYYEEESSS...my mom just brought home an entire pan of cinnamon rolls.

From Old Grist Mill....

2 words.

RIGHT ON

...I never used binkies...

I never used binkies...

....SPECIFICALLY.... so my child wouldn't become COMPLETELY attached to something that I, inevitably, would ONE DAY have to rip away from him!!! I just didn't like the idea...or understand it. It broke my heart...and I really didn't want to put him through something that wasn't necessary. While I was pregnant I would daydream for hours about the first few months of my child's life...he fussed...easy, shove a binky in!...he cried during church,... piece of cake, shove a binky in!...he was scared, no problem...Binky to the rescue (for comfort, of course)! I was smart. See--I knew that he would learn quickly...that he NEEDED it..regardless of if it's inability to Really fulfill any critical need.

(Other than cause some pretty darn funky-lookin teeth when he was older).

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I just didn't fall in love with that idea. So I didn't do it.

Now...this didn't come without it's comments!!! For the first few weeks of his life...I thought my mother was going to burst into tears almost hourly FOR my sweet baby boy...who I was purposely depriving of this sweet luxury. It had to be abuse. It just had to be!!! Her looks made me feel so so guilty...and they might have made me laugh....just a little :O

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Let me clarify....I am NOT against binkies, nor do I hate when people use them. Actually, I clearly remember buying 10 packs of those things in multiple nipple shapes and sizes and taking approx. 6 with me to the hospital for his arrival! (See---I needed to make sure I had one in every color) as to MAKE SURE they did not clash with his little baby onsie, 4th of July outfit and/or bringing home ensemble:)

oh, please...I was so stupid.

Pretty darn sure I had one to match any possible outfit that could arise!

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In my efforts to prevent him from becoming "ATTACHED" to anything I purposely and tirelessly sewed blanket after blanket while he was still a cookin'. (I was still preggo)

"OVER MY DEAD BODY will he have a "favorite"...I thought..."I will give him so many choices...he won't know what to do with himself! He will never ever have a "COMPLETE MELTDOWN FIT" in the middle of the store because... WHOOPS...mommy forgot "blanky".

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My face would never turn red...I wouldn't begin sweating...feel the panic set in as I pushed my cart full of frozen goods to the checkout JUST KNOWING what was about to take place. That was NEVER going to happen to me....

---or so I thought---

WELL

I will be the first to admit it....

My plan didn't work. At all.

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No matter how hard I try to keep him from becoming attached to a particlar "thing"...it won't work. SURE...he has MANY favorite things...but these two are in a league of their own.

Meet: Football...and "LELLOW" Blanky.

I finally succumbed to his persistence.

I would offer him different blankets each night to sleep with...and the kid would scream and beg until he saw it/felt it/smelled it/or used any sense imaginable to "know" it had entered his presence. I am not kidding.

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He even has 2 blankets that are sewn EXACTLY the same...the same ragged edges...the same striped pattern...JUST DIFFERENT COLORS...and you better prepare for WORLD WAR 3 if...let's just say hypothetically....that the yellow one is dirty and wet in the washer and you forgot to put it in the dryer...and you try and pass that "other" one off for "LELLOW BLANKY" in the dark, black of middle of the night!

You will fail.

Because

He is...gulp....sigh......"ATTACHED".

...and all your planning and controlling and plotting and sewing and depriving him of binkies....didn't prevent it.

He is also quite attached to his Sports Balls.

Lately his NFL Football joins us on our outings...but depending on the day it could be his soccer ball, or cubbies (Chicago Cubs) baseball bat.

Yes...you heard me right...Jarom has instilled a Love for the Chicago Cubs in this little boy...and last week the CUBS BAT (a BASEBALL BAT people...not a stuffed animal...or something small like, oh let's say...a binky...but a freaking bat) went on all of our errands with us! How fun...and how NOT embarrassing. At all.

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How could you resist though...when you see this face.

They both make him so happy...that I give in:)

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*** Moving on ***

...or moving Backwards (to yesterday) I should say...

Sunday was wonderful...

My family had an after-church baseball game in the yard. It was fun. I still possess skills from ponytail softball I quickly found out! Right on.

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I also had the opportunity to share a bit about my "MARRIAGE" in Sacrament meeting. That was nice...although, I'd prefer to not profess my love for Jarom in front of a congretation of approx. 300 people. A high councilmen was asked to speak in Sacrament on Marriage...and (I guess) he felt inspired to ask me (the married for a whole 5 years...pro) to share what attracted me to Jarom...and how we sustain a Happy and Eternal Marriage.

I figured I would share my 5 essential factors of Marriage HERE..on the blog...Lucky you!

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Because it was actually very helpful to stop and take a minute to analyze how we work the way we work (me and jarom that is:) I suggest you get together with your spouse and try it.

What are your 5 essential factors???

(I'm sure everyone's are different)

....Mine are below....

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The comments in RED are the ones that were LEFT OUT OF SACRAMENT MEETING for obvious reasons...but are nontheless...a part of what makes us "the Bishops".

1- First is “Humor”. Humor plays a HUGE role in my marriage and was a key factor in dating and initially attracting us to one another. We love to laugh…and feel like humor helps us through what could otherwise be stressful situations. It also creates similar interests and hobbies that strengthen our friendship. It makes life enjoyable and the journey a little bit easier. (our serious obsession with Owen Wilson and "The Office" really work to our advantage)

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2-The Second is “Sharing similar Long-term goals”. We discussed our plans, goals and aspirations for the future countless times before marriage and do so regularly still. We love knowing that we have eternity to work towards these things….together. We constantly re-evaluate and re-prioritize our lives so we can work together as a team and as loving parents. (I spent a lot of time PRE-marrying Jarom convincing him that he could coach our son's little league baseball game ON THE SIDE..instead of FOR A LIVING)

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3- The Third Factor is “Communication”. The first few years of marriage are known to be the hardest! Meshing 2 different families, lives and traditions is no small task. Constant open-communication is something that helps Jarom and I raise our concerns…share our opinions…and show our love. It helps create a lasting friendship and an attitude of compromise.

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4-The Fourth is “Making each other a priority”. Marriage is drastically different than dating. It often brings with it responsibilities, stresses, jobs, schooling and countless other things that consume your time and attention. It is critical to look for activities that you can do together as a couple and family. Time management helps me and Jarom balance spending quality time together....with work and our other obligations.

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5-The Fifth is “Selecting a companion that makes you want to be better”. I wanted to find an eternal companion who encouraged me to achieve my goals and reach my full potential. Who was a constant support and friend and someone I looked up to and admired. I wanted someone who had a strong testimony of the gospel and helped me continue to learn and strengthen mine.

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Hope you have a wonderful week

Here's to fewer meltdowns in grocery stores over our kids "attachment items"....whatever they may be!!!

Love, Me

...burger please....

The weather sucks. I completely hate that word (and it's total un-lady-like-ness)....but it was the only way to truly sum up the situation. Situation being: I am stuck inside with an anxious 2 year old who doesn't understand why-----

yesterday we LIVED outside...and today we'd DIE outside!

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Tough thing to explain to a child.....who has a death grip on the front door knob and is screaming "SCOOTER!!!!" so loud a purple vein in his forehead looks as though it might burst.

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YESTERDAY was Sunny!

Yesterday WE....

greeted dad in the driveway after work...and made him participate in all of our outdoor activities:) We played basketball...learned to dribble...ate a happy meal at the park with nanny Bishop (where he specifically requested a "BURGER PLEASE" opposed to his usual chicken nuggets)...Jumped on the tramp...perfected riding the scooter...threw around the frisbee...and relished in the sunlight:)

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I feel I must add (to justify my posts title): EVERY SINGLE TIME I get Jaxson a kids meal...I order chicken nuggets. No matter what. He never eats them...but I chalk it up as a picky eater...and usually take it upon myself to finish them off for him:) Today he clearly said "BURGER PLEASE" and I couldn't believe my ears! He knew he had options? How could this be? He is a genius...and has disgusting taste like his father!!! I hesitantly ordered a kids meal...WITH A BURGER...ketchup only, exactly like his Father. I literally couldn't believe it...mostly because the thought of eating beef makes my skin crawl and my gag reflex kicks into high gear....but I forgot one simple fact. The kid IS HALF JAROM...who ONLY EATS BEEF! That kid downed the entire thing....in less than 10 bites while I watched in horror/shock.

I've CLONED him.

(Jarom, that is)

moving on

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...Welcome home daddy...

Daddy had dribbling lessons with Jaxson...again.

My child has no chance.

His Father will die of disappointment if he doesn't share the same obsession with ESPN...and all sport related behavior. I am so sick of Fantasy Basketball I could vomit, by the way.

Serious:)

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He's so proud when Jaxson takes his "advice".

...and I have to admit...the kid is GOOD:)

He copies EVERYTHING...and is getting better.

It's amazing that a 2 year old can learn these things!

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ha ha ha.

This picture makes me laugh...but I am serious...look at that form!

I participated in Junior Jazz, believe it or not...so I'm not completely clueless! I happen to know a thing or two about basketball, regardless of what my husband thinks...and I KNOW that the "DUCK BILL" with his hand would have earned me a candy bar. Hot Dog!!!

(IF...I could have ever pulled it off successfully, that is)

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I was 8 years old...Jaxson is 2.

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Holy Crap....Maybe my dream of him being magically drafted by the NBA...making millions and supporting me for the rest of my life will come true!!!

Ok...Ok...I won't get ahead of myself:)

he he.

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We figured we were SAFE to put up the tramp...it is afterall, mid-April...and Jaxson loved it for ONE afternoon. Currently it has 2 inches of snow resting on top.

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Yes...all you out-of-state friends...you heard me correctly.

(Mainly the one resting beside her pool in Vegas.)

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Today we watched it SNOW.

Yep. Snow.

Pathetic.

And...totally unfair for a stay at home mother.

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I did get a wonderful day of cleaning in...I like to clean.

I know. Strange...isn't it?

But.... I do.

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I guess a more accurate description of our day would be something like---

Jaxson watched mommy slowly scrub each and every cabinet in nanny's kitchen with murphy's oil wood soap...and scrape remnants of food splatter from each of them with a butter knife....UNTIL THEY SHINED:) aaaaggghhhh....it felt so good!!!! Oh, how I love to clean. It makes my heart happy. Not the process...but the feeling I have now as everything smells delicious. Love that WAYYYYY more than I should.

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Which brings me back to neglecting my child. He followed me around for 4 hours while I scrubbed showers....and screamed for him NOT to drop my blackberry (he was pretending to talk to his daddy on the phone) in the mop bucket filled with lemon pinesol.

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I'm happy to report (and a tad embarrassed) that he finally got dressed and his poopy butt changed around noon for the first time today...yikes.

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Today was uneventful...but very productive I must say.

***

On a more humerous note:

I'm sitting here watching the news and a Large Black Man with a Beard is wanted for a DUI and is considered dangerous to the community. His name is John Bishop.

Oh...My...Gosh. Why do I think this is so funny?

My husband happens to be named John Bishop...he's far from dangerous...usually more Scared of me than Scary himself...and defends DUI recipients for a living.

ooohhh.....I just had a good laugh.
Goodnight.

---Easter Sunday---

There will be a gazillion pictures....

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Easter is...afterall...MY FAVORITE holiday and we have been crazy busy! Better that than lonely and bored...but still, I could sleep for a week right about now:) I feel like my blood is filled with Reese's Eggs and mini cadbury's. I'll start by reminding you that this was our first Easter in UTAH in over 3 years. We thoroughly enjoyed the last few years in Omaha...coloring eggs, barbeque's with friends...those were such good times!!!........

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HOWEVER-nothing beats family and getting back to "Tradition.

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First things first.....

I got a few hilarious pictures of Jaxson in his "EASTER SUIT".

(Keep in mind that my 2 year old does not cooperate and I had approx. 15 minutes of him being CLEAN!)

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I can't express how unbelievably fun BOYS are. The little vests, ties, loafers...it's a whole new world for us "moms (girls)" who.... up until having a SON... NEVER even glanced at argyle socks let alone purchased them! I am having the funnest time with him...and think he looks so hilarious, darling, and down right chubby in these pictures. I narrowed it to about 10. ha ha...

(come on...I'm his mother, how am I supposed to choose?)

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This was my mom's favorite....

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"HAPPY EASTER"

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...he has such a little attitude...

He was NOT excited for pictures. I usually have a maximum of 10 minutes to snap a few...that is, before he melts down completely....

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He was more into "pretending to squash bugs".

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I loved this blue door.

...he was a little concerned about the stink bug Jarom had just squashed...

His eyebrows are worried. :):)

I look EXACTLY like this when I laugh.

Unfortunately. ha ha.

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He is such a crack up.

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We started the weekend by heading to Provo.

Aunt Kayla's is always a fun little getaway with too much attention and spoiling. Between...Me (the mom), Kayla (the aunt), Jeri (grandma #1), and Natalie (grandma #2) he got plenty of Easter Candy and one to many Baskets!!!

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We did some shopping, colored eggs, an egg hunt, and the Easter bunny even found us that far from home! Jaxson gets so excited for holidays and his reactions are priceless. He is well aware of the Easter bunny...who he is...and exactly what he brings him!

Chocolate and bubbles: a little boy's dream!

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I love his excitement...and his grin.

It melts me.

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His hands were blue for 2 days.

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This was his masterpiece.

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Mommy and Daddy's Gift: A Table and 4 chairs.

He loves it.

He has already insisted on eating lunch at it, coloring, playing with playdoh...the works!

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Something about having furniture proportionate to YOUR SIZE.....

it just makes you happier:)

Yes...I put his name with Vinyl on the back of all four chairs. Jarom thought about asking why....then he refrained. He knows me too well. No--we do not have other children who will confuse the table as their own...Nor--am I afraid that some neighbor kid will try and walk away with it...

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I just thought it was cute...and personalized.

So I did it.

Laugh all you want Honey.

---THE EASTER BUNNY CAME---

...With all sorts of fun summer goodies....

The egg hunt was successful...it was right up his alley....

I hid an entire pack of 48 eggs for this little only-child to hunt for.

I'm sure glad it didn't get old for him...I was starting to regret buying the ecomony-sized bag of eggs about 15 minutes into it:)

Ha ha.

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Bubbles seem to never get old for the kid. He danced around in them for as long as we could stand the cold....I mean, for as long as Jarom could stand the cold. he he. We pretended it was warm...because afterall...it is FREAKING APRIL...but it just wasn't.

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***

The boys crashed Mid-Saturday afternoon and napped at Aunt Lisa's Barbeque...while I ate my second helping of lunch:)

Surprise, surprise.

My mom surprised us with baskets.

They were so cute...and were filled with everything we needed for a picnic together. Subway gift cards, cookies, chips, NEW CLOTHES to wear (he he), candy...it was DARLING.

Jaxson then got an Easter basket from Nanny Numero Uno....

Clothes, candy galore, coloring/activity books, bouncy balls...he was loving it.

I so much appreciate how much they love him and how they (both of his nanny's) make each holiday so much fun for him. He always feels special and loved. I love that.

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LOVE doesn't quite describe his attachment to his aunt "Ki-Ki". We moved back from out-of-state at just the right time...because he immediately started getting to know everybody and was finally old enough to remember them and build relationships. I really feel so lucky for that.

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It was a wonderful few days...and a much needed break. I love my sister...and I love how much she adores my child. I'm pretty sure I'll love and spoil her little future kiddos too. For now...I'm nice to her dog:) That counts right???

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The fun continued today when my mom made a huge delicious Turkey dinner and I didn't do a thing! I will hate moving for mainly that reason:) We also put up the tramp and jumped...just Me, Jarom and Jaxson. Loved it.

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We then headed to NANNY NUMERO DOS...for you guessed it...more candy!

Jaxson got yet another basket....a cute stuffed bunny...and the most precious books.

"I am a child of God" and "My Very First story of the Very First Easter".

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Such beautiful books with gorgeous pictures.

He loves them...and we've read them each approx. 5-6 times in the last hour.

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We then changed the tradition of rolling colored eggs down the hill...to using them for batting practice! That's what you get when you marry into a family that is OBSESSED with baseball...then co-create a human that is magically even MORE OBSESSED with baseball than his Father.

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Nanny and Papa Bishop's yard is C-O-V-E-R-E-D with shattered boiled eggs!

Even I managed to nail a few "out of the park"

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I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Easter Weekend.

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I love the meaning of Easter

I love holidays

I love reasons to spend time with family!

I love the Gospel