1.29.2005
House of Death
Well, Ryan's off again for 5 freakin' weeks - he left this a.m. at 4 for Reno and then Fort Knox. He was lucky enough to break free from the "house of death". Both girls have been battling fevers for 4 days, so we've been on "house arrest". They feel better today, but I have to wait the dreaded 24 hours before we go anywhere. We've been making crafts all morning. It's really hard to come up with fun and creative things to do when everyone's just stir crazy. Maybe we'll leave this evening to go to Baton Rouge - instead of tomorrow. The Krewe of Jupiter parade (that Bradley is in) is tomorrow night. I just don't feel like sleeping in an empty bed, and Delaney's about to flip out if she doesn't play with a kid her age soon. AND I'm just dying to see my new baby niece. I want to see how much she's changed in a week. She was held up at the hospital with a touch of jaundice, got to lay under the tanning bed for a while (like Laney and Austin), got all that nasty bilirubin out, and is now safely home with mom, dad, and big brother. I need some teeny-baby snuggle action. My kids are totally sick of me right now;) I can't blame them. Every time I go at them with a thermometer or medicine, they run for the hills.
That's all that's happening right now. I thought I'd post a pic of Delaney's freshly-painted fairy princess/flowergarden room;) and Maddy's ladybug room, if you haven't already seen it. Love to all.
Ang
Delaney's Room 2
Another angle (it's a little dark - the colors are more accurate in the other pic) Yes, that's Laney taking a nap
1.23.2005
My very first niece
Welcome to the world - Ella Brynn Jackson! 1.21.05 1:13pm 9lbs. 11.7oz. 21in. She's perfectly healthy and just gorgeous!
At the beach
Last weekend in Gulfport with friends Melissa, Barry, and Hunter. Delaney drawing picures in the sand.
1.16.2005
1.13.2005
Mardi Gras
The Mardi Gras Ball was just incredible! Bradley was so cute as a Squire. We were so proud of him. Beth is a float leader (can't think of the right term) and was a part of the presentation, too. She looked adorable with her big 'ole Ella belly sticking out in her pretty gown:-) After the presentation of the court the real party began. It's been a while since I've had so much "grown-up" fun. Everyone looked so great in their formal attire. I just love partying with my siblings, their spouses, and Ryan. They are so CrAzY - especially when intoxicated. I laughed so much - okay, especially at Chad - my stomach muscles were sore the next day. Unfortunately, after 6 drinks, I didn't even get a "buzz" so I gave up. Very strange. Maybe God figured someone had to be in their right mind:) We were very tired the next day, but it was worth it.
Me and the kids are just bumming today. Delaney and I slept 'til 10:30 and Maddy slept until 11. Wow! That doesn't happen often - but I love when it does. It's rainy today and we've had tornado warnings, so I don't want to get out yet. My back is absolutely killing me. Now I know why I don't drive our SUV anymore. I rode around town with a friend yesterday in her Tahoe and just from putting the kids in and out my lower back is wrenched! I never thought I'd drive a van, but man, it's worth it to not deal with this pain anymore. They can climb in and out of the van all by themselves. Where's a husband when you need a back massage? Oh, yeah, Kentucky. UGH!
We had a playdate at our house yesterday for 2 of Madelyn's buddies from her Gymrompers class. It was fun. It's nice to finally be meeting some people I'll actually have over;-) Madelyn is finally starting to talk more. Her vocabulary consists of Mama, Dada, Sississ (Sissy), hi, wow!, bubble, apple, Boobah, boo (blue), shoe, goggie (doggie), baby, unt dat (I want that), unt oww (I want out/down), up, and a few more i can't think of. She has become her big sister's little shadow, literally. She tries to do EVERYTHING Delaney does! It's been hard getting Laney to understand that she has to be a good example. Luckily, she not a dare-devil herself. Madelyn is constantly on the move. She's a pretty happy child (when getting her way) and is one of those kids that just gives a lot of random hugs and "sugars" that melt your heart. She's very social, loving and snuggly. Yesterday, she and I cuddled on the couch for a good hour. It was wonderful. Delaney only cuddles when she's asleep - she's just always got stuff she wants to do.
Speaking of Delaney, she's been amazing me (and her teacher), lately, with her reading. She can read a whole Level 2 book to me now. She's a very confident reader and rarely slows down to sound out words anymore. It's just amazing. All she wants to do lately is read, draw, or play on her computer. Since she tested above-average intelligence/gifted her teacher has really been doing a lot of "enrichment" with her so she won't get bored. I don't know what Kindergarten will be like for her. I guess we'll see soon enough. I can't even believe I'm talking about that fact that my first born will be going to K this year! Where did my baby go?
I think Ryan will be home tomorrow:) Just an update on his situation.... He was slotted to go to Iraq for 6 months in March or August. Then, he was told his name wasn't on the list. Now, he knows he's not going in March and if he does go it'll only be for 4 months...which could be June or any month thereafter. I don't want to worry anyone...I just want prayers. LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of prayers going up that he doesn't have to go EVER!!!!! If he does end up going, go ahead and put me on some kind of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety meds b/c I'll need 'em. I get sick just thinking of his friends being over there.
Well, better go, naptime's almost up and I've got stuff to do before the rugrats are under my feet again. My plan is to get to Total Body Workout class at 5:30 if my back pain lets up.
ang
1.10.2005
1.06.2005
It's over?
I know, I know, I haven't updated in a while. Sorry! I don't have much time now, either, but I promise to fill in details sometime over the weekend.
Christmas was just amazing! The girls were thrilled with everything Santa brought. A Barbie house, Wee 3 Friends (cute, not-so-slutty or anorexic, Barbies), a "real" cat, a magnet set, Leapster games, computer games, books, and a Leap money bank for Delaney. Maddy got a Spring horse, a Boobah (freaky little sucker), bath toys, and books. Delaney couldn't stop giggling and Maddy said "oooooh" every time she opened a gift. Man, she's a pro at ripping presents open already! That's her favorite part. It was adorable.
The day after Christmas was the Jackson get-together. We had such a wonderful time. It was relaxing and cozy, there was a fire in the fireplace, and even snow in the bushes and on the roof. Ryan did and EXCELLENT job on the turkey and the rest of us had fun cooking the sides. He was a bit obsessed with it being perfect (he sat on the floor of the kitchen staring into the oven). Keri was a huge help and Beth made a scrumptious appetizer that lasted all of 2 seconds and delicious desserts! Pops and Mimi did an awesome job of spoiling the grandkids;-) They played played very hard. It just didn't last long enough...
Then on Wednesday, we drove up to Ruston for Christmas/New Year's with the Dicks. It was a blast! We were able to really spend some quality time with everyone. It wasn't too rushed. The girls really enjoyed being spoiled, yet again, by their Nana and D-daddy, Uncle Bubba, Aunt J, and KK. Boy did they rack up on Christmas presents! We spent a few nites playing cards until too late, but got to sleep a little late some mornings, too. We were able to see many more of the extended family, as well. It was very nice. On the way back we stopped at Cracker Barrell in Jackson to see Papaw and Grandmother. We really wished we could have spent more time with them. We promise to drive up there again soon;-)
Well, I know it's short, but I've gotta run. Tomorrow is a big day. We've been invited to a Mardi Gras ball by my brother and sister-in-law. It's a formal affair - whoa! I had to get a floor length gown and Ryan will be wearing his dress uniform (sexy!) It's going to be neat. My nephew, Bradley, is even being presented with the court as a squire to the King. It's a pretty big deal and we've been looking forward to it for a long time. We're leaving the girls in the very capable hands of their KK. It's the first time to be away from Madelyn overnight, but I'm not even worried. It's wonderful to have family so close! I'll post pics of it (and Christmas) soon!
Ang
































