Blessed Mama of Two: 2014

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Christmas Photo Session

The boys had their photos taken at Portrait Innovations at the end of November. Here are some the best shots.

We've had a wonderful Christmas season so far, minus the non serious sickness we've passed back and forth since Halloween (colds, sinus infections, ear infections, etc...) The boys have created numerous crafts and ornaments, attended a Jesus birthday party, and performed in a church and MMO program. We've also done our first advent calendar together this year, and we had an elf, Snowflake, come to live at our house during the season. Some of my favorite memories were riding around looking at Christmas lights together. Several times we did it Polar Express style in our jammies. We also had a great time getting together with family and friends at Christmas gatherings. I hope through it all the boys did the see the true meaning of Christmas.

Gingerbread house decorating

Daddy and Aunt Susan cooking fried potatoes and salmon patties for the McConnell party

McConnell family group photo

Aunt Gail gave Jackson and Will Rudoph noses and ears

Opening gifts

Posing in their Rudolph gear

Cheesy Santa hat photos with Papa

Cheesy hat photo with Mama

Family on Christmas Eve

Will got a big boy hot wheel from Mimi and Papa

Jackson up early on Christmas morning

He had to wait a while for Will to wake up

Will's new shoes

Had to take a picture of Christmas aftermath, most of these presents were sent down by Brian's family, Santa did bring the boy Olafs, some new clothes, and books

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Jackson is Fabulous Five!!!

Jackson is 5!!!!

I hate that I'm a month late posting this, but I wanted to get your fabulous "5" facts on record.

Jackson- You are such a quirky, sweet, observant child at five. I feel like you are such a little man in your mannerisms. Even as a toddler you never been as babyish in the way many children are. You definitely have your silly goofy moments, but you also love to sit and reflect upon life and have some pretty serious conversations for a five year old. You are still rather shy at times, but you are definitely becoming more outgoing with people as you get older.

You smile a lot even when you are feeling a bit shy. You are doing great in school, but still confuse colors sometimes (wondering if you may have inherited Papa's color blindness). You really love math and are counting and adding at home and at school. You are doing very well with your letters and even recognizing a few short words at times. It makes me happy that you enjoy going to school and church so much. I'm glad you are having adventures with and with out your family. I've been so proud of how you have done in school performances, you've really come out of your shell at these events.

Your loves- Super Mario Bros. game on Wii, Dinosaur books, Legos, Building with blocks, Superhero guys, Drawing and writing on paper and in your little notebook, Wrestling with brother, Digging in the dirt, Playing outside

You don't really have a favorite show or movie, you just like to watch whatever on Disney Jr. or Nick Jr.

I am so proud of the sweet and kind young man you are growing up to be. I love you so much!!!

Jackson's Angry Birds "5" Cake

Opening gifts

Will was excited about all of the presents too

I'm Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving

Although I missed out on taking many pictures during this trip, we enjoyed some snow during our Thanksgiving visit to Brian's parents. The boys absolutely loved it, and we spend about an hour sledding in one inch of snow and having snowball fights. Other highlights from the trip included Grammy and Pap Pap having a birthday fiesta for Jackson, a big Thanksgiving meal together with the whole family, spending lots of time with the cousins, and taking lots of bike rides with Jackson on his new big boy bike. Jackson was thrilled that Grammy and Pap Pap gave him it for his birthday!