Homecoming

This past weekend, I went to Arkadelphia with some of my college girlfriends to attend our 10-year OBU reunion.  Yikes!  Where did the time go?  Well, we're all married, most have babies, and have had two or three jobs by now.  We've definitely been busy.  Friday night, the reunion party was held at the Horne's house, and it was very nice.  We called it a Baptist Cocktail party.  I got to visit with some dear friends who I haven't seen in a long time.  Around 7, we headed to campus to pick up our tickets for Tiger Tunes.  It was a great show, although I was shocked at the ticket price.  Inflation has hit OSF hard.  ha!  When I was a senior, the tickets were $7 each.  I paid $18 for mine so they've more than doubled.  But when you consider tuition has more than doubled in that amount of time, it's understandable.  They raise a lot of money for student scholarships, and I'm proud to have been involved in that group when I was there. 

Unfortunately that night the weather didn't cooperate, so we had to walk in the rain some.  Here are two of my besties in the world - Terri and Lindsey.  Both of whom were EEE's, but they've accepted this little Tri Chi into their group in the past 10 years, and I'm so thankful for their friendship.  We had lots of fun our senior year and laughed a lot about it on Friday night.

After Tunes, we went to Waffle House because we were starving! After the WH, we went back to Mama Fowler's house to get in our pjs and continue the fun.  There were four girls spending the night, and I made it until 1:30 a.m.  I had to tap out first because I just can't hang like I used to.  I rarely make it to the 10 p.m. news anymore, much less past midnight.  (Being up with Jackson doesn't count)! 

On Saturday morning, we got up and had a great breakfast that Terri's mom and dad had fixed, and then got ready for the morning activities.  Since the rain was holding off, I decided to stay and go to the Tri Chi alumni tea at 10 and then walk around campus to see the changes that I've been hearing about. 

I was so glad to see my Tri Chi twin!  Abby and I had the same big sis's, and then got the privilege of having little sis's together.  I do have to be honest - I felt old at the tea.  Being 10-15 years older than current students is a strange place to be in - not young enough anymore to fit in there but not old enough to be their mamas.  

Don't you love all of the changing hairstyles in these composite pictures!  My senior one isn't too far off from what I have now though.  ha! 

It brought back so many fond memories, and I hope to take Brent and Jackson next year.  I left them at home because it was a lot easier to do than than drag them around with me.  I also have to document that this was my first overnight trip away from Jackson, and no I didn't cry.  I knew he was having fun with his daddy and honestly mommy needed a break!  

The Tiger is now enclosed in an iron fence and surrounded by security cameras.  They did all of this after the restoration project that I'm sure wasn't cheap.  I'm proud that they've taken such good care of things. (I admit that I look like a tourist here).  Thanks to Deanna for taking the picture.  

So after getting to the student center, I went by to see the new Communications Department area.  It's so nice and new, but it makes me a little sad that future Ouachitonian yearbook people aren't huddled in the basement on a Bee Hive couch.  Guess they will have to make their own traditions now.  I did get to see two people who I haven't see in several years.  Jeff and Deborah Root were like second family to me, and I was glad I got to see both of them.  Their daughter Abby is now a senior in high school, which shocks me.  She was just 5 when I was there.  

This is the new yearbook/newspaper/photo lab.  Can you imagine all of these people working in one space now?  I'd love to be able to work on this equipment now - it's so nice! 

The student center was packed by lunch time because it had started raining, so I didn't stop for any Chick Fil-et.  

The band played around 11 - they're really good. 

This is what used to be called the "fish bowl."  The big tiger is from the 1930s on the score board that was rescued from the trash pile.  On Friday afternoons they play coffee house music.  What a fun place to hang out with friends! 

After spending way more than I wanted to in the bookstore, I walked back to my car and checked out some of the old places.  The WW2 memorial that I walked by every day going to the Mass Comm department. 

My name in the alumni walk....

Berry Chapel

Cone Bottoms

I really don't think you realize how special this place truly is until you've left.  I wouldn't trade my husband or son for any of it, but if I could go back tomorrow to relive a few days, I would.  I hope it's a place Jackson will want to go one day (if he studies hard and gets lots of scholarships).  Not only did it develop my talents and abilities, but it also allowed me to form life-long friendships.  And at the end of the day, that's what's most important. 

First Trip to the Library

The weekend after Brent had his tonsils out, my mom came up to stay with us.  One morning, we ran some errands and stopped by the library to get some books.  I hadn't been to the kids area there, and it was really nice.  I wish I could take him to story time in the summer.  My mom made it a point when we were growing up to take us to the library, and I know that her persistence has helped Sarah and I in our love for reading.  My sister is a faster reader than I am though - she can wiz through books fast and have the TV on too.  I have to be in the mood to read and it has to grab my attention.  

You mean I can get up and look around?  

He loved climbing on all of the stairs and checking everything out.   

Hey - it's someone else my size!  He also loved pulling off all of the books on the self.  We took home about six books and read them over and over again.   

Maybe I will check this out out... 

They also had these climbing toys that he loved.  They're foam and just his size.  

That Saturday afternoon, Pops got here and it was time to play!  And watch the Razorbacks.  But mostly play because the Hogs aren't so great right now.   

When Pops is here, there's lots of wrestling in the floor.  

Sunday morning we stayed home so that they could have more time with Jackson, and I believe there were wagon rides and bubbles involved.  This was the first cool day, so he wore his new Thomas the Train shirt and pants.   

Can't forget the hat!  

September Catch-Up

Tomorrow is October.  I really can't believe September is over, but it's been a crazy one for us.  I'm looking forward to all of the fun activities planned for fall.  It's probably my favorite time of the year. 

So we had our first head injury accident a few weekends ago.  Someone was playing on the bed (with us right there of course), and he hit the window sill.  There was blood and tears, but somehow he let me put the band-aid on and kept it on.  Luckily it didn't need stitches.  

One Saturday morning, it rained a lot, and I went outside to get something.  Next thing I know, Jackson is out the door and playing in the rain.  It wasn't storming or cold, so I thought - why not.  He was having a good time.  He loves being outside.  

Last weekend, I got my fall stuff out and of course I had to take a picture of everything.  I got this H pumpkin at Kirklands and I love it.  I don't have too much stuff out, but it's just enough to get in the fall mood.  Now if the weather would just cool down a little more. 

I bought the mesh and decided to make my own wreath.  Except when I put the mesh on, it was really dark.  I found these flowers at the dollar bin at walmart, clipped them off using wire cutters, and then put them in a wreath.  I could probably sell this for $50 - maybe I'm in the wrong business! 

Also last weekend, my parents came up to see us (aka Jacskson).  The weather was perfect for wagon rides.  He and Mimi went on several while she was here.  

At the beginning of the summer (before my ankle surgery), I planted marigolds around the mailbox because they can withstand the heat.  Well, come of them did and these are the ones that made it.  I added some more mulch and these pumpkins to fill in the empty spots.  I usually put out my Razorback flag in September but they are so bad right now.  I'd rather enjoy my pretty fall one.  

Here's Mr. Scarecrow.  Jackson loves to go say hi and make this funny noise when he sees hi.  

Last Sunday morning, it was cool but we had to go back outside before Mimi and Pops left to enjoy the bubbles.  

Still wearing the fishing hat...he looks too darn cute in it.  

Then we had to play with the lawn mower.  

Then we had to play with Pops on the new swing.  It's not really new, but it's new to us.  This swing used to be at my Ma and Pa's house, and my grandmother wanted us to have it after she moved.  It fits really great on our outside patio.  

More evidence of the head injuries.  Guess it comes with the territory of having a boy.  

Someone really loves wrestling with his Pops!  

And reading books.  

The reason my parents were here is not just any typical visit.  On September 20th, Brent had his tonsils out, so we've spent the last 10 days recovering from that.  This past Tuesday night, he started bleeding and went to the ER, where his ENT had to go back in and cauterize the blood vessels.  That also got him a night stay in the hospital.  Aunt Connie came over and stayed with Jackson while he and I were at the ER/hospital.  I got home around 11:30 after the doctor told me to go home.  She understood that I had to get home to Jackson and that Brent would be fine.  It's a pretty tough surgery to have your tonsils removed as an adult, but he's hoping that he'll have less ear infections and tonsil-stones (yuck).  

As for Jackson, he is really growing up fast.  He had his 15-month appointment on Friday, and I'll do a separate post about all he's doing now.  He's definitely not a baby anymore - getting more like a little boy every day.  September was a little wild for us, so hopefully October will be more fun than crazy. 

15 Months

I usually type a long post about Jackson's development, but for the sake of my sanity right now, I'll just make lists.  I do have to say that now that he is officially a toddler, he keeps us laughing and busy more than he ever did when he was a baby.  Brent and I both look at him and wonder where has that baby gone - he's more grown up.

Words he can say:
Mama, daddy, bubbles, ball, duck, puppy, truck, cup, and he's working on apple

Sounds:
Monkey, dog, truck/car sound, cow,

Things he can do:
sign "please"
Still loves books
Throws a ball
Runs/can walk backwards
Dances
Starting to follow directions more:  put your paci in the bed (which we are trying to get off of it by Christmas), put the toys up, go to his room, etc.  He really understands quite a bit.
Give kisses (if he's in the mood).
Clap his hands
Knows his eyes, ears, nose, fingers, toes, feet
When I say "show me your teeth", he grins so big! It's hilarious!

Things he hates:
Brushing his teeth
Wiping his nose

Shows he likes to watch:
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Harry the Bunny
Wheel of Fortune
Tec the Tractor
Sesame Street

Schedule
6:30 - 7:00 - wake up, breakfast part 1
7:00 - 8 :00 - go to school
8:30 - Breakfast, part 2
11:30 - lunch
12-1:30 - nap
2-5 - play time (art, music, story time, outside time)
5-6 - Drive home; sometimes nap
6-6:30 - HUNGRY - dinner time
7 - 7:30 - playtime with Mommy and Daddy
7:30 - bath time
7:45-8:00 - bed time (read books, snuggle with blanket and paci, watch Tec the Tractor)

Stats
18 1\8 head circumference
21 lbs - weight - 10%
31 1/4 inches long - 50%
size 5 shoe
size 4 diaper
Wears 12-18 month clothes, but still can wear some 9 month pants/shorts.
Has all of his teeth in now - the stomach/eye teeth just came in within the last couple of months.  The molars are all the way in and he's definitely chewing more with then rather than gumming it.

He is growing just as he should, even though he's smaller than most kids, I think he's perfectly fine and developing ahead of schedule. He's good with other kids, and is sometimes clingy to me, but will typically get over me being gone quickly.  Overall, he's been a great kid with a big personality, and he comes by it honest.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again - he is a blessing from the good Lord above and we are forever thankful for him.

Playtime at the Park with Our Little Turkey

We have a little turkey in our house.  He didn't seem to mind that we dressed him up to laugh and take pictures.  

He looks like a little mountain climber. 

Last weekend, we found this neat little park in Austin and ended up being the only ones there.  It was warm, but there was a breeze, which helped.  He really liked the sand, except that he didn't think it tasted very good. ha!  

He's got such a serious look sometimes. 

And there's that determination to get something he really wants...like Mommy's Sonic drink.