Christmas

I don't even know where to get started to even talk about Christmas...it has been a wild ride. I had to work Christmas Eve until noon...let's put this way. My body was at work but I must admit I was on the phone in my office coordinating the week's events. Ok, let me go back. My brother Jordan came in from New York this year, which is a rare occurrence. According to him, we are all toothless, redneck marrying cousins. Psst...he doesn't realize that he is a toothless redneck too but in New York clothes, hehe! Anyway, he brought home a new member of the family. Her name is Kaia and she is my 2 year old niece. We are so excited and she is beautiful. And for those that know my family, she is so a Carpenter. She LOVES to talk and has to be the center of attention. It is a long story how this all came about, but Jordan is going to be a full time single Dad. He has a lot to learn but who didn't when they became a first time parent? The only difference is she has a huge vocabulary and she can tell EVERYBODY when Daddy messes up...which I think is hilarious. She was our best Christmas gift ever! Then my cousin, Stephanie and her family came in town from Tennessee to spend the holiday with us. We were so happy to see her and her cute little family. I am thinking about stealing Emma and Sarah and not letting them go home...I'm not sure if it will work though. I'm not even to Christmas day. Whew! Ok...Christmas morning I woke Baylee up at 5am! She was not happy. Why 5am you ask?? Well, I was having Christmas breakfast at 9:30am and I need to get Santa finished and cleaned up. Baylee wanted a new i-pod and "teenager clothes." She got the i-pod and the teenager clothes. She put some of her new clothes on...OMG! When did my baby grow up?? Try to shop in the little girls section at Target as long as you can..say no to hollister and aeropostle. Christmas breakfast was a success...everyone was in their pj's. Every year my Dad fusses about driving across town in his pj's. By the way, my mother was still in her pj's at Christmas dinner that evening. Then we had round 2 on Dec. 26. My sister and her family came in from B'ham (3 kids) and we all opened gifts...Let me say it was wild. There was 8 kids under 12...ripping paper and screaming. At one point, I looked down and some the kids were just ripping open presents. But the funny thing...they were not theirs. They didn't care...it wasn't what was in the gift. It was the excitement of the ripping of the paper. Needless to say...we are still recovering from 3 days of Christmas and Baylee's room looks a miniature shopping mall. The perks of being an only child with multiple sets of grandparents. We had a wonderful Christmas and was blessed to spend it with family.

Sweet Home Alabama

Well, those words have never had so much meaning to me since this last week of work travel. First of all, it is no fun to travel at Christmas. Especially, when you have not finished Christmas shopping. I had to go to Ruston, Louisiana. What is in Ruston, you ask?? N-O-T-H-I-N-G! Rain, Fog, and cold. Then to top things off...my family was sick and I was stuck in a hotel room and there was nothing I could do about it. They survived though and realized that life goes on even when Mom is not at home. Especially with reassurance phone calls from me every few minutes...even 1 am texts to Baylee when she was sick to her stomach from too much Chinese food. I got home this afternoon and the house was still standing. The laundry was almost all done...and my hubby is cooking dinner! I hit the husband jackpot folks! I am hoping this doesn't all wear off after a few times of travel. I am happy that we all survived my travels...including the dog. By the way, he is currently standing on me and will not leave my side. ( he is my 4lb Yorkie-poo who thinks that he is a human baby, seriously!) Well, famous last words...Sweet Home Alabama! Thank God!

Ahhh...Christmas!

I love the holidays...except for the tree. See my previous blog entry regarding that, otherwise I love it. By the way, the tree has perked up with the addition of some new stuff and a big bow. You know you are from the South when a big bow can fix things. HAHA! I love the hustle and bustle of it all. The excitement in the air and spending time with family. I am so sad that Baylee finally let go of the idea of Santa Claus. Ok, I must confess...I told her. I was thinking that I was getting too old to be climbing in and out of windows dragging her stuff in from all of my hiding places. Why was I climbing in and out of windows you ask? Well, my backdoor squeaks and we keep bells on the front door just in case Santa can't make it down the chimney. That way Baylee could hear if he came in the door, just in case the reindeer on the roof didn't wake her up. That started during her "Spy Kids" days, when she boobie-trapped everything So, it stuck and till this day, the bells are on the front door. It so funny how I hang on to the little tradtions from Baylee's childhood. I have gotten more organized since my last blog entry and feel that things are back under control. I am looking forward to time off from work and being able to enjoy Christmas without all rushing around. We are staying in town and will just go from house to house this year. I hope everyone has a great holiday and posts lots of pictures!

It's begininng to look a lot like Christmas...

Like week after week in our house...things have been chaotic. The other night I was sitting on the couch thinking about all the time that I use to have when I wasn't working. I lounged around and ate bon bons all day...NOT!! What I missed the most is that fact I could start a project and finish it with out getting interrupted for example...the Christmas tree. That has been a work in progress! It has literally taken me a WEEK to put the 9ft thing up. Last year I purged a lot of ornaments and thought I will go buy all new stuff. Well, that was the plan! Let's just say that my plan didn't work out as expected. Just because it has taken a week to put up the tree, doesn't mean it's a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination. Actually it is looking quite plain..to me. I am one of those that has to have everything to match...all the wrapping paper and bags must have coordinating ribbon and sort forth. This year I have come to a conclusion.. 1. Be glad you have a present 2. Be glad your present isn't still in the bag that I brought it home from the store 3. My tree looks retarded. So there, that is Christmas in the Jeffrey-Jackson household. If I get enough energy to get off this couch...I might head to Old Time Pottery and attempt to perk up my tree. But at this moment, my couch feels wonderful and I think there is good Lifetime movie on...Merry Christmas everyone!

Turkey Day

Ahhh...turkey day! It is one of my most favorite holidays for many reasons. The Carpenter family always gets together on Turkey Day. We are large, loud, and loving family. We get together a have GREAT food...my family can cook like no other family. Then we all sit around talk, scream laughing, and talk about how fat we are after all the food we ate. Then usually by that time we start grazing again...I love it! All the kids are running around and we compare who looks like who. The are so many us that it's funny to see that our kids look like other members of the family. The big kids take care of the little kids and us Mom's sit around with the Carpenter Family Gift of Gab. We all love each other and love each others kids. No matter what is going on in our lives...we know we are family and are there for each other. Then after the food starts to settle and the men are getting sleepy...them we get down to business...the sale ads. That's serious stuff...the kids have strict instructions unless they are bleeding profusely (no scrapes or small amount of blood) or there is a blazing fire...DO NOT interrupt the shopping plans. Every year, I'm the crazy fool that is lined up at 4am running through stores like a mad woman. One year, I took my Dad, that is whole other story. Still to this day, he wets his pants in a large crowd. HAHA! Just Kidding! To much of my disappointment...I did not shop this year. Baylee has out grown the toys. Michael and I are planning to build a house...so no major purchases for us yet. So, it saddens me to say that an era has come to an end...no more mad, wild eyed, crazy shopping for me. Black Friday was not the same without me...

Facebook

The whole Internet social networking thing is wonderful. I am self confessed addict. I love my facebook account and the fact that I have reconnected with so many people from "way back." I love to come home after a stressful day at work and log in and see what is going on with all of my facebook friends. This week I have died laughing at the pictures from high school that were posted, what were we thinking wearing that?? Needless to say, I love my Facebook. Baylee has been relentless about having a facebook account for months. I finally gave this past week and set it up for her, with strict rules! I watch the creepy Dateline shows about men preying on young girls. Therefore, Baylee has the highest privacy available on facebook. The rule is that I have to have her password at all times or the account is deleted. She agreed and the account was created. Within 24hours, Baylee had about 25 friends. She LOVED it! Well, Friday night Baylee went to a slumber party. I just couldn't resist getting in her account and being silly...headlining that her Mom was the "coolest Mom ever." Thanks to Amy...she reminded that I was acting like my mother use to with me. I could have died of embarrassment back in those days. I don't want Baylee to be embarrassed by me....I'm the cool mom, right? I am a young hip Mom that has a Facebook like my daughter. Not like my mother who gets frustrated even turning on the computer, much less navigating herself around the Internet. The generation gap is not that big between Baylee and myself, right? Well, to the point of this blog entry. I was drinking my yummy pumpkin spice coffee this morning snuggled up with my hubby and looking at my facebook, I noticed I had a friend request. Then I nearly choked to death on my coffee...my friend request was from.....MY MOTHER!! OMG! (That is O My Goodness(sort of), mom!) What is the world coming to?? God help us all...I now know what Baylee feels like!

Love and Throw-up

I know that I always start my blog entry with how busy are little family stays. I can't stress that point enough. We are all going 90 to nothing in different ways. We love it though. Baylee is such a great kid and is doing so much in school. I am so proud of her. She is really growing up and turning into a fabulous young woman. She helps me so much around the house now that I am back to work. We had a laundry lesson this week. Although, I did limit her clothes washing to towels and t-shirts. (I don't need pink work clothes.) The point of this blog is that now matter how big they get, when they are sick, they want their Mommy. After I finally hit the pillow the other night, I woke up about midnight to Baylee hollering. Dazed and confused, Michael and I came tearing out of our bedroom to finding her throwing-up on her bedroom floor. (all over our brand new carpet..yeah!) I won't give all the yucky details...but the sweetest thing happened. Michael was cleaning up the mess...I realized how much I loved my hubby. It was midnight and my hubby was on his hands and knees scrubbing carpet without hesitation. It was such a sweet example of how much Michael loves Baylee. I even have a hard time with yucky vomit. We finally got everything all settled down again and back to bed we all went. The next morning
as we were getting dressed, Michael leaned over and whispered,"Don't tell Baylee, but that was the grossest thing I have ever done!" Hahaha, I laughed! Then I said...Welcome to Parenthood! I love my hubby! I know that Michael loves Baylee and he will always take good care of her...

Silent prayer

What a week it has been for our little family! Monday was my one year wedding anniversary. Michael and I woke up feeling so blessed to have spent a great year as husband and wife. Since it was a workday for us...we had a date at Zea's. We had the chance to enjoy a quiet and romantic dinner. I just want to say that I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and pray for a lifetime of happiness. Baylee is still busy with school. She tried out for the basketball team and decided that she really wanted to focus on her grades and swimming. (she did make the team) She decided that she did not want to take a place on the team when she did not feel passionate about playing. We are going to get through the holidays and start swimming after the holidays. My work is really proven really challenging. It is something totally new that I am having to learn. I am always up for a challenge. Time...everything comes with time. That is what I keep reminding myself. I am having to go out of town a week in December. So, please keep us in your prayers that we all have a smooth transition with my travels. Then we get to the election...let's just say that it is a very sore subject with Michael. That is all I am going to say about that! Please if you see Michael...don't bring it up. I can't take anymore...haha! Last thing...I have a silent prayer. Something has been placed on our hearts that would change our life forever. We are just sitting patiently by and allowing God do his work if it is his will. I find it interesting how life could change in a moment in ways that we could never imagine. So please continue to pray for Michael and I for the open mind and knowledge we need in this situation.

Call 911

It is amazing how quickly life can change in a instant. I had gotten home from work and changed into my old yucky non-matching pj's and started to cook dinner. Baylee jumped in the tub and we were going through our nightly routine. The next thing I know there was beating on my door and my doorbell was going crazy. It that instant I knew something was wrong but at the same time I thought what am I about to get into? I heard a baby crying and choking....I thought it was my favorite baby that lives across the street. I flung open the door and the next thing I know it was my other neighbor screaming and crying her baby was choking. Ten years of nursing, I have seen a lot. This was different. I was not in the hospital were there was help, my daughter was watching, and it was all up to me to save this baby. The baby coughed a few times(which your are suppose to let them do..it is when they stop that you intervene.) By this time I am doing back thrusts on this 16 month old baby and realize he has stopped breathing in my arms. I flipped him over and he was turning blue. His mom said she thought it was popcorn. I had a split second to decide to try to swipe his throat and risk logging it further in his throat. I swipe his throat and felt way down that it was popcorn and managed to get it dislodged. Please understand that this whole ordeal lasted about 3 minutes. But in that 3 minutes, Baylee managed to get the phone and call 911 and had an ambulance on the way. The baby took a large and deep breath and started to cry again. I have never been so relieved in all my life. I thought that baby might have taken his last breath in my kitchen and in front my daughter and his mother. By the time the ambulance got to my house, the baby was smiling and running around the house. I was in heap in my living room floor. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God had his hand on me and gave me the guidance to know exactly what to do. I was so proud of Baylee and the fact that she stayed so calm. When it was all over, she hugged me and told me that I was a hero...her hero. It was so sweet. She realized what a responsibility it is to start baby-sitting and what could happen. Needless to say, I am retired at the neighborhood nurse and little Diego (the baby) is doing great!

Weekend away

Life is still busy in our house, like always! Baylee is getting ready to tryout for basketball at Faith that will go through the end of January. I have almost completed my training at work and will hit the road soon. Michael is still continuing work every day with a smile on his face. He worked 40 days straight...I guess like the rain and Noah's Ark, haha! We had planned to get away and head to Birmingham since Michael finally got a day off. We wanted to do some Christmas shopping and go see my sister...thanks to some band competition in B'ham. There was not a hotel room to be found. Plan B was to head to the beach. I am so glad we chose Plan B. We had a great time! The sunrise at the beach house was beautiful this morning. We had coffee and breakfast at The Wharf. We enjoyed a great morning nap and the view from the pier. We had a wonderful weekend. I love my hubby and we enjoyed our little romantic getaway. I still can't believe it has almost been a year!

Dream Dinners

This is a quick little entry to share with those of you that read my little blog (and can't figure out how to leave a comment because you are technically challenged.) Anyway, for those of you that are busy working women and are tired of the day to day of "what's for dinner?" Well, I have discovered my new favorite thing! Dream Dinners www.dreamdinners.com You go online place your order for 12 meals. We did the 3 portion servings. Then you schedule your time to go to the store in the PineBrook Shopping Center. You go in and prepare your meals . It is the fresh ingredients with all the spices and meat. You make everything for that meal, put it in a Ziploc bag with a label for cooking instructions. BAM...as Emeril would say....1 1/2 hours later I was done with all my meals and had a great time doing it! I went with a friend from work and we had a great time. It is about a $150 for 12 meals of 3 portion sizes. It breaks down to 3 something per portion, but you get restaurant quality meals...not whatever you can throw in a pot in 10 minutes. The food is great and it is so easy! I don't have the time to prepare the ingredients, or stock the spices for theses yummy recipes. The way I see it, 12 meals for $150 dollars...I can't even go to Walmart for that price. Just one thing...this does not include side dishes unless the dish comes with rice or pasta. Check it out! If anyone is interested in doing it...let me know and you can schedule a private party!

Almost a year...

Wow, time flys! I can not believe that it has almost been a year that Michael and I got married. November 3 is fast approaching. My heart still flutters as much as the day I married my husband. It was such a beautiful day and I truly believe that day was blessed God. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, there were butterflies everywhere, and the sunset was the most beautiful sunset that I could ever imagine. I really feel that there was someone watching over that day to make it as perfect as it was. For those of you that don't know, my brother died seven years ago in November. The house the we got married at was the last place that I saw my brother Jasen alive. It was so surreal that day, it was almost that I could feel his presence. Michael and I have been through things this year that I wonder why must we go through this? Then you come through these things and look back, lessons learned. We have learned that blood family, doesn't make you family. It is the people in life that love you, support you, and actually take interest in your life that are your family. Blood or not. I find it so interesting that so called "family", did not know that I had a sister and all that my sister goes through in her life. My sister and her family are a huge part of my life. Michael and I love those that continue to support us and have been wonderful to us throughout this year. We have learned in business that people will cut your throat and smile to your face all for the sake of business. Lesson learned. We have also learned that raising a sassy 12 year old that pushes the limits is harder than we thought. I am so proud of my husband and his patience and love for our daughter. Needless to say, we are not your typical newlyweds. We have laughed a lot, scratched our heads, and cried some. But, in the end, I wouldn't change a thing. Wow, what a year!

The day in the life...

I has been another fun filled , crazy, and whirlwind week in our house. I can imagine life not hectic, ever. I guess you can say that I thrive in chaos. When things are calm, I tend to be a little restless (hence the re-decorating my house and now pondering the idea 0f possibly building another one.) It comes natural, if you know my family. Except my sister, she never gets in a hurry, but she has the craziest life of us all. Which we find it hilarious! Michael is still working his crazy hours at work, which he does with a smile everyday. (I love that man) I am working a 40 hour week at work and what seems a 400 hour week at home...not really. Not only am I housekeeper, cook, chauffeur...I am a landscaper. I think my neighbors got quite a chuckle and was laughing at my cranking lawnmower skills. It took a few attempts and just a couple of non-lady like words, and I was off and running. I think my yard looks wonderful and I am off to buy mums to finish. Needless to say, you can do whatever you put your mind to. I can't imagine sitting home on my rear all day. I would be a 400 whale...ha ha not really. Baylee is busy as ever. This week was Homecoming week at school. Baylee was voted Miss Spirit for her 7th grade class. That's my social butterfly. We went to the football game last night and had a great time! Baylee ran around with her friends. She finally brought her little "boyfriend" up to meet us. Well, for the sake of family tradition, we embarrassed her! Not so bad though, when she said his name, all on cue, we whooped and hollered his name! It was hilarious...she said it was funny later! Maybe we didn't traumatized him too much. I love being a mom to an almost teenager...NOT!!

No Mo Chemo

Life is still crazy in the Jeffrey-Jackson household. Michael is working 7 days a week for Pilot Catastrophe, if I have mentioned that yet. As you know the housing market has slowed down (not too much for Michael though.) He had a friend approach him about working for Pilot for a few months. We prayed about it and realized that God's timing could not be more perfect. I knew that is was going to be hard, but I feel like I am back in the days of "Single Mom" again. Don't get me wrong, there are no complaints from me. It is hard when you don't get a family day together. Well, to the point of this blog entry. It was my nephew's NO MO CHEMO party yesterday at Camp Grace. This place is heaven on earth that is tucked away off of Eliza Jordan Road. It is a beautiful property with a huge lake and rolling green hills. After three years of chemo treatment, Ethan is FINISHED!!! YEAH FOR ETHAN! We as a family are so excited and so excited for my sister that maybe life will slow down for her. Ethan's cancer treatments have been a long and devastating process for our family. Ethan was a happy almost 2 year when he was diagnosed. Then started all the treatments. As if that wasn't enough, when he was three, he went into cardiac arrest due to a respiratory failure. Ethan is now wheelchair bound. He can not walk, talk, or not eat through his mouth. Don't get me wrong, Ethan is a bright and happy child. He understands everything going on around, loves to be a part things, and is learning to communicate through sign language. The hardest part of this whole thing is Ethan beat cancer! We are suppose to move on and Ethan is suppose to begin his life again as a normal 5 year old little boy. I guess God had a different plan. Ethan is moving on in his life, just a little different than we thought. I pray for my sister the most. She has just been making it through life one day at a time. The chemo, doctor visits, and therapy visits have kept her so busy that she really has had time process Ethan's long term care. She is just living day to day. I really think that is all starting to hit her and she is mourning the loss of the Ethan we knew before the "incident" (we call it.) For those of you that do read this, please pray for her that she stays focused on the future and not re-lives the "what could have beens." As for the day, we had a great time with food, fun, and the water activities you could imagine. Ethan was so excited and a GREAT day!

Back to work I go...

It is has been my official first week back to work. I am working for CPSI in Mobile. I will be a clinical support rep. CPSI provides electronic medical documentation for hospitals. (And there are many parts.) My job includes completing hospital installs for hospitals all over the country and supporting them when they get up and going. I will train the nurses on how to use the system. Travel will be involved but there are perks to the job. I do get to keep the sky miles and hotel points for our personal use. We are very excited. Baylee has reminded me of all the places she wants to go! They would include Hawaii, New York, and maybe California. For now, I am going through intense training until December. For me, it is like learning Chinese. It is something totally different and a new challenge. Michael is a very important part of the puzzle. When I am on the road, Michael will be the new "Mr. Mom." Baylee will learn to adjust, but it will be good for both of them. They will learn to depend on each other. They get along great, I have faith they will do fine. Say a prayer though, just in case! I do have to dress everyday, meaning no more scrubs and crocs. My morning includes, ironing, actually fixing my hair, and heels everyday. Boy, I sure miss my scrubs and crocs! Please keep us in your prayers for a smooth transition for my changing career. I am excited for the new challenges ahead!

Volleyball Memories...

I am officially old...seriously. For those that know me I have had a really hard time with Baylee going into seventh grade. Michael reminded me today that Baylee will have her learner's permit in 2 1/2 years. OMG!! I can't believe that I am old enough to have a child that age. I really loved the years that I spent in middle school and majority of memories from high school. Truthfully, it doesn't seem like it was that long ago. Well Saturday, Baylee had a volleyball tournament at Gulf Shores Middle/High School. It was like a time warp! I could not believe that I was sitting there with Amy V. and we are watching MY child play volleyball. I took a little stroll up the hall and showed Baylee my old classrooms (Mr. Valine...remember Heather in the Ding Dong Mobile.) I loved middle school. It was so innocent...we had so much fun and I loved all my friends. Amy and I figured up that it was almost 20 years ago...20 YEARS AGO!!! At 12 years old, 20 years from now is when you go into the nursing home. Well, get ready Amy, we are headed to the nursing home. Don't worry, Amy and I will rock that nursing home!! Hahaha....here are a few pics from the tournament.

Can you say crazy?

Can you say crazy? This week just about takes the cake as one of the busiest week in our house in a long time. Baylee had volleyball tryouts this week and was very excited. For those that know me, I love some volleyball. I was so proud to see my baby wanting to play. Needless to say, BAYLEE MADE THE TEAM!! Yippeee! We were so happy. In the midst of all that, my mother in law called to tell me that my father in law failed his cardiac stress test and was being admitted to Mobile Infirmary. The next few days were a whirlwind. A heart cath and emergency open heart surgery followed. The day that Bobby had his surgery, we got word that his brother had a routine heart cath (that we did know about) and he was scheduled for open heart surgery the next day at Providence. What?? We were all dumbfounded. The moral of that story is if you family members that need surgery at the same time...have them in the same hospital. Especially in this wonderful weather that we call Fay. My father in law has had a few set backs with his lungs. His brother is doing well. Baylee has her first volleyball tomorrow at Baker High School. This is my last full week home before I start work next Tuesday. I hope things slow down just a little...but I really don't think they will.

Thunder on The Gulf

We had a great this weekend at Thunder on The Gulf. We got the VIP passes and you would think Baylee was the president coming through. We let her take her friend Lauren and they had a blast. Michael and I were not cool enough to be seen with the girls. They told us we were THEIR entourage (and then Baylee asked what entourage was, HAHA!) We were at the Perdido Beach Resort and the weather was beautiful. The girls swam at the beach and then ran back to pool. After a little while, I went to check on them...they were in the ADULTS ONLY hot tub. (reminded me of the old days crashing a hot tub a time or two, but don't tell Baylee.) The boats were fun to watch as well as people that show up for that type of event...you have all kinds. After I got sunburned, it was time to go. We headed over to The Wharf and shopped for awhile. Last night was the Sugarland and Leanne Rimes concert. Apparently we didn't need tickets, you could sit on the bench and listen to them warm up...it was a nice end to a great day.

An official 7th grader

It was mass chaos in the middle school halls of Faith Academy. Baylee's excitement was in full gear. For those of you that know her, that means I had to pull her off the ceiling. Baylee has been so excited about going back to school. Well, I figured out why...BOYS! OMG, she talked about this boy had grown was "looking way cuter than last year." I informed her that we were there to learn and not to check out boys. (I sounded like my mother.) After on hour of hearing ALL the rules of Faith Academy, it was on to the locker scene. With all the girls squealing, I was so ready for a Xanax or Margarita. We got the locker decorated. The funniest thing happened. I was standing there helping Baylee and one of the teachers/coach walked up to me...I guess he thought I was a student. When I turned around, he was startled "oh your the Mom." I laughed and then he went into the famous old question..."So, how tall are you?" Well, it was a fun filled day. I dropped her off this morning and off she went...an official 7th grader.

No crayons needed for 7th grade

For years I have complained about Baylee's growing school supply list. You send your child to school with paper, pencils, and crayons. This day in time, you have to buy paper towels, ziploc bags, and one year... toilet paper (I swear.) The list goes on and on. The next thing you know you have well over $100 in just paper products. That does not include backpack and the "cool" lunchbox. Well, this year with great sadness, I did not buy one single pack of crayons or markers. I tried to buy them but Baylee refused. Please I begged her, just for old times sake. She reminded me that no crayons are needed for 7th grade. Please do not think that I got off any cheaper because this year we had to buy "locker supplies." That included color coordinating locker shelf, magnets, and post it notes. All she needs now for the locker is a set of curtains and a disco ball. Party in Baylee's locker! She gets it honestly for those of you that know me...Well, tomorrow is the first day of school. I was informed that we have to get there early to decorate her locker...not to do the important stuff like register for school, duh! For those of you reading this with small cute little kids, your day is coming...just wait!

Back to school and back to work!

Well, swimming and diving has come to an end. Baylee finished her swimming in 10th place over all for the entire city of Mobile in her age group! Yippee! She swam against year around swimmers, so we are REALLY proud of her hard work. As for diving, she finished in 2nd place in the Jr. Championship. Since not she is not in the pool everyday, we now have to figure out how to get the green out of her hair. Any suggestions?? We are getting ready for school, Baylee is so excited! She loves her friends, but is not ready for the "learning" (according to Baylee.) She is going into the 7th grade this year. That means changes classes and being in the high school hall. Ugh! Where did time go?? I am really OLD! Books, uniforms, supplies...oh my!
Drum roll please...well I am headed back to work! I have been hired with CPSI. A computer company in Mobile that sells and maintains hospital and clinic based computer system. As a nurse, I will go in to the hospital and clinic and teach the clinical people to use the system. It does involve around the country travel. The bonus is I do get to keep my sky miles and hotel points for personal use...darn! That means if I am in Hawaii, Michael could fly out with me....darn again! Well I could be in Michigan in January...that will not be fun. So, say a prayer for our family that we will all adjust well. Baylee is very dependent on me and this will a big change for her. She has a great support system and she will be fine. We made the decision to return work for great benefits and a retirement plan. The economy is tough and doesn't seem to be getting better. With returning to work, it takes a lot of pressure off of Michael. So, please keep us in your prayers as we all make adjustments...keep in touch!

The pool is our life

As you all know, summer is in full swing and keeping me very busy! Baylee is doing wonderful with her swimming and has really impressed us. This is her first year back in swimming for at least 2 years. She has done AWESOME! She has won many blue ribbons (first place) and competes with the all year around swimmers. Baylee should have really been born with gills and fins. Then if that wasn't enough, she has won her dive meets as well. I spoke with her diving coach yesterday and she has suggested year around diving for Baylee. There is a lot involved with that. Baylee will have to start tumbling and trampoline with a gymnastics coach to learn proper techniques. Then diving 3 days a week during the winter...brrrr. We are going to pray about what the right thing is for her. She has been watching the Olympic trials and really has been motivated. She has seen the Auburn swimmers and divers. She wants to go to Auburn and swim/dive. Do I hear scholarship, maybe?? We could only wish...As for Michael, well he is just as busy with work. He is putting in long days and weekends. I miss spending time with him but I know that because of him I get to stay home with Baylee. As for me, well I am Baylee's taxi driver and I help Michael as much as I can. We had a great Fourth of July with family. We had a fish fry with my parents. I love eating with my family. We have so many good cooks. We ate so much that I was glad I wore shorts that had some spandex! I can't believe I said that..HAHA! I keep you posted...

Summer is here!!

Well, summer is in full swing at the Jeffrey-Jackson household. I guess you can say that things are quite hectic! Baylee is swimming for West Mobile Swim Club. She is also diving as well. That means practice everyday at 8am-10am. She loves it so much that Baylee sets her alarm and is up and going at 7:30am. So much for us sleeping late. She is doing awesome! She had her first dive meet yesterday and won FIRST place! Swimming is going just as well. She is under a great coach and could go far with swimming if she sticks with it. We are headed to the beach next week and then Baylee is off to camp the following week. Anybody want to baby sit the dog so Michael and I could have some quiet time. Irie the dog thinks that he is a human baby and is suppose to get all of the attention! We have much more coming up...I will post swimming/diving pictures as soon as possible!

Mother's Day

I hope everyone that reads this had a wonderful Mother's Day. My wonderful little family made my day fabulous. I had breakfast in bed...Baylee got in the bed with me while Michael cooked breakfast. It was Baylee's way of making sure that I didn't go in the kitchen while breakfast was being made. I think she just wanted to snuggle with me and didn't want to get up yet. Baylee made me a "coupon book." It included coupons for back massage, mopping the floor, and cleaning the bathroom! GREAT PRESENT! Michael got me a pedicure from my favorite little place. We had a great afternoon...I had requested that Michael fix his famous shrimp etouffe (sp?) instead of going out to dinner. I thought a nice quiet dinner at home...well we had party crashers. Mom heard that Michael was cooking and that was all it took. My parents were in B'ham and I had expected them not to be back in time. Well, Mom heard Michael was cooking and they hit I-65 southbound. The more the merrier and she had Carrot Cake cheesecake from Cheese Cake Factory, YUMMY!! We had dinner outside on the deck it was so nice outside. Then to top off the day...The Blue Angels flew overhead. YEAH!! Michael found out they were flying home from a show in Louisiana. Needless to say, I had a great day thanks to Michael and Baylee.

Natalie Grant

What a blessing! Baylee and I spent a week trying to win Natalie Grant tickets and backstage passes from Power 88 for her concert May 2 in Mobile. Without a win, we thought our chances were over. Baylee had to go with her Dad friday and she said forget it. Well, God had another plan. Last Saturday we went to Crossroads book store and Baylee registered for tickets to entertain herself while Michael and I looked at books. Well...I got a phone call Thursday evening and Baylee WON tickets and backstages meet and greet tickets! YEAH! She took her Dad in hopes that Jesus would work in his heart through the music. (he is a musician) Baylee sat on the front row and had a BLAST! It is so amazing to realize that God does have a plan and he does reveal himself in many ways that include concert tickets! Look at my baby with Natalie Grant...Please click on the top video on the video bar and watch Natlie Grant's video In Better Hands Now. It is our current favorite song.

Babysitting

Ok I am writing because I finally have a quick minute! I am babysitting Sophie since Wedesday(my 2 year old niece) who is VERY active. The only reason I have a moment is she is currently modeling ALL of my high heels that I have in my closet! She is on pair #5 and she has many to go...she has a shoe fetish. We have had a blast with her! The dog is not to sure about her though...jealous! I heard Sophie screaming and the next thing I know Irie dog is tearing though the house with her pacifier!! What a baby the dog has become! She loves anything PRINCESS and considers herself one. Baylee and I took her out to dinner last night we were exhausted by the time we got home. I felt sorry for the people that had to clean up after us...mac and cheese on the table, floor, and some left in Sophie's hair for later! In the car on the way home, Baylee reminded me that we DO NOT need a baby at all because it was too much trouble! I guess you can say she has the only child syndrome. Sophie is going home today and we are really sad! It has definitely given Michael and I something to think about if there is going to be more children in our future. Maybe adoption of a potty trained child!! haha! I hope to post some pictures of Sophie's adventures at our house! She is a HOOT and I can't wait for her to come back! I must go now, she is currently trying to brush the dog's teeth with her tooth brush and diaper rash cream. Man, she is fast!

Prayer Request

Well, I am happy to report that after a week in the hospital, my father in law has been cleared of many devastating diagnosis. No tumor or stroke. Thank you Jesus! Things have been quite hectic. A few days after Bobby (father in law) got out of the hospital, a close family friend and a mentor of Michael's at Roberts Brothers came to Michael and said he wasn't feeling well. Jorge asked Michael to "take over" his business until he was feeling better. Jorge is number 3 in the company and 25 million dollar a year producer. Michael was honored that Jorge would trust him that much with something so valuable. Come to find out Jorge was having some of the same symptoms as my father in law. We were devastated to find out last week the Jorge has an inoperable malignant brain tumor and has not been giving a long life expectancy. We are devastated as a family friend and as a member of the Robert's Brothers family. Please to continue to keep Jorge in your prayers. He has a wife and 4 children with the youngest being only 17 years old. I am asking to keep Michael in your prayers for the added pressure and work. He is putting long days and just about 7 days a week. He wants to make sure that Jorge's family is taken care as well as our own. I keep reminding Michael that God will not put more on him that he can handle. Our lesson through all of this, life is precious and it can change at any moment. Hold your family close and remember that don't sweat the small stuff because it really does not matter!

My Father In Law

There has not been much going on personally with my little family. Yet, we are fighting a bigger battle with my father in law, Bobby. For those of you that know him, he is the most loving and gentle soul that I have ever known. Michael is so much like him and I can't want to live the rest of my life with husband. I know what our future is like because of the man that Michael has become because of his father. We have started to notice a few things over the past couple of weeks that have caused the family to scratch or heads. Bobby has had trouble remembering little things, daily headaches, vision changes, and dizziness. For me that has worked for a brain surgeon for almost three years, I really started to get worried. My mother in law (Diane) and I really put our heads and decided that Bobby had to see a doctor ASAP. Well, yesterday he saw Dr. White (neurosurgeon) and things doesn't really look too promising. He offered many different diagnosis that all of which are very difficult. Bobby has many test scheduled for next week and I pray that the Lord will reveal himself in a complete healing for Bobby. This is really effecting our family with fear of the unknown. So, I am coming to you and asking for prayer for our family. It is one thing to be the nurse, but it is not so easy to be the family member. Especially, when you know what each diagnosis means and the possible outcome of each.

Oprah Show

Ok, I really don't know how to begin this blog. I am still so stunned from what I just witnessed on TV, I think my jaw is still on the floor! Michael said he could literally hear my jaw hit the floor. Let me start by asking if anyone saw Oprah today? (Thursday) If you didn't, he we go. Oprah had a "couple" that wanted to go public about their pregnancy. Well, you say what is the big deal? IT WAS THE MAN THAT WAS PREGNANT! As a woman, and nurse, and a human being I was left scratching my head. The "man" was a transgender female that was living as man, but yet did not feel the need to have his female reproductive organs removed. What?? His entire community had no idea that he was transgender. All I could think about was Dolly the cloned sheep. What is the world coming to? The longer that I sat there watching the show, I saw a confused human being that had become lost on their way to adulthood. They have opened up society and attempting to change the views of family as a mockery. I am furious! This person sat there on national television and states that "he" will be the father of this little girl. The wife of this person sat there on the couch and continued to rub his belly. Has science gone too far? What am I to tell my daughter when she hears about this? That the world is diverse? No!! I tell her that God created a man and woman...not a confused 'human being" that allows the media to exploit the baby girl that was not asked to be brought in this situation. Disgusting! This article will be in People Magazine. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Wisdom Teeth

For all of those that know me, I HATE the dentist! I could no longer put off the removal of my wisdom teeth. First of all I started this experience with a Xanax (left over from the wedding) Not that I really needed Xanax for the wedding, it sure came in handy for the dentist. My sweet friend Kim works for Dr. Williamson and is fully aware of my dental phobia. She hooked me up with the laughing gas! Whew, good stuff! Then the needles started..and I quickly decided that I needed a higher dose of the laughing gas then I thought I needed to confess that I had taken a Xanax prior to my appointment. Dr. Williamson felt sorry for me when he realized I had a death grip on his chair. You know how they leave you sitting there while the "numbing medicine kicks in." So, by now the Xanax and the higher dose of laughing gas is kicking in. I realized that I was so numb that it was quite possible that I was about to swallow my own tongue and that I was headed to towards the "light." I was trying to send mental messages to Michael to come help me because I thought I was going to die! Needless to say the teeth came out very quickly. I didn't swallow my tongue. But, I did drool quite a lot and gag a few times. As for as the light I was headed to...it was the dentist light that was over my head and Michael did not get any of my mental messages. Oh well...the moral of the story...I lived and maybe it was not as bad! Thanks to my wonderful husband and daughter for taking care of me. I am going to milk it as long as I can!

Ok, so I didn't make it to the beach today. Baylee had a friend spend the night last night. This morning we got up and did some things around town. It would not be a day without hitting the mall with 2 twelve year old girls. Baylee got her hair cut today with about 4 inches off. Ok, this is where it gets interesting...the whole time her phone is ringing all this crazy different ring tones. For those of you that are not cool (that is me), each one of her friends has a different ring tone when they call or text. While she is sitting there getting her hair cut, it sounds like a radio station in her pocket. One song after another, God help me! I finally snatched the phone. Well, Jacob was texting her. Jacob is the little boy that she has a HUGE crush on. He is way too cool to give Baylee the time of day, but he texts her all the time and even rolled our house last week. Ok there is another story behind that. ( I have pictures.) First of all what is the world coming to when my 12 year old cell phone rings more than mine?? Ok back to the story, I then got the bright idea to text Jacob back if I was Baylee. Baylee was having a fit...HAHAHA! She was stuck in the chair and couldn't get to me! It was great. We were going back and forth, by this time half the salon was making suggestions what to text. So finally I asked him....DO YOU LIKE BAYLEE? Baylee was screaming....nooooo! His response was...IS THIS BAYLEE'S MOM?? Then I was screaming...nooo!!! Needless to say, I am not as cool as I thought I was!! Haha

New Blogger

Ok this is my first blog posting and I am so excited...Well, this is my officially my first week home from work and I have no idea what to do with myself. I have cleaned my house, cleaned out closets and cabinets and grocery shopped. Ok, now what? Baylee is on Spring Break. She just got home from her Dad's last night. She is already started with, "what are we going to do today?" All the sudden Baylee is home and the word is out. The home phone and the cell phone is ringing off the HOOK! She is only 12 and how many more years to go?? Help! It is a great day outside and I think we are going to head to the beach tomorrow. Which is very scary..me in a bathing suit. I starved myself before Michael and I went to Jamaica in November to get into a bikini. Well, needless to say, the ol' saying "fat and happy" has a new meaning for me! Well, this is officially my first blog. Let me know what you think and offer any advice. I am technically challenged, so this is an accomplishment!