Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Ashland County Fair





We went to the Ashland County fair last Thursday (Sept. 20) and had the best time. It's such a nice fair and the best part is that there was hardly anyone there! Jackson didn't have to wait to ride the rides and we were able to see the animals. At the end of the day, we got an elephant ear and some deep fried Oreos. Deeeelicious! Jackson and I rode the Scrambler and I almost threw up -- there is not a picture of that on here :) Do check out that picture of the rabbit -- it was freakin' HUGE!! They grow 'em big in Ashland! I almost forgot to mention that they had an elephant show, that was super cool!

Monday, September 17, 2007

Happy Birthday, Jackson!






On Sunday, my little boy turned 3 -- where have the years gone? It seems like it was only a few short months ago that we were bringing him home from the hospital. He's such an amazing little boy, I just can't believe how much he's learning and changing every day.

Saturday was his party and Sunday we went to Chuck E. Cheese. Tomorrow he gets to take a treat to preschool for his b-day. I made Kiddie Trail Mix and am sending apple juice, too.
We got Jackson a train table (pictured above) and he got so many great gifts. And, he just had a blast with all the kids that were at his party.
The last picture is of him Saturday night -- he was so tired that I think he fell asleep before he hit the pillow. He did want covered up with all his blankets -- including the Spider Man bath towel my grandma got him for his birthday. haha!

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Jackson's First Day of School!





Ugh, today was the day I've been dreading for months: Jackson's first day of preschool. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 7 a.m. this morning he said "I go to school today?" And then proceeded to tell me that he wanted to ride the bus, even after I told him mommy took the day off work so I could take him. "No," he said. "I will ride the bus!" Apparently, the school bus must be like the Ritz Carlton and my simple Honda Accord is a Motel 6.


I took some pictures this morning at home and then it was off to school. He's going to Maple City Christian Preschool at the Alliance Church. I think everyone I know up here has sent their kids to that preschool. We got there a little early, so he got to play in the gym with the other kids. So far, so good -- no tears, and I'm talking about me.


Then, as we walk down the hall towards his classroom, I feel myself getting choked up. With each step, the more tears that well up in my tired eyes. We hung his new book bag ("It's gotta big tractor on it, Mom!") on his hook and put his name tag around his neck.


We enter the classroom and he's off like a cannon. I just kind of stand there for a second, then tell him good-bye. He's too busy playing and just kinda waves and says "bye". No hug. No kiss. I walked out to my car, almost feeling like I had lost a body part. I felt like I was missing something. I felt lost.


I went to Wal-mart and blew $50 on scrapbooking stuff. I don't scrapbook, but feel like I should. Maybe this will give me motivation. Then, I bought a pair of shoes at Payless, then went to the Dollar Tree and bought more scrapbooking stuff.


When I picked Jackson up, he talked about how fun school was. I asked him where he wanted to go for his special lunch and he chose the "pizza house", which is actually Pizza Hut to him. He was so tired he couldn't even keep his eyes open and was being very loud and rude. Needless to say, i packed up our pizza and he came home and took a loooong nap.


I just can't get over how "big boy" Jackson is becoming. I can't believe that in a little over a week, he'll be 3! He's learning so much -- he knows his ABC's, can count to 20, knows his shapes and colors and is starting to recognize the formation of some words (like Fox when I have that station on TV). I'm so excited about the person he's becoming, but I still yearn for the days when he was tiny and relied on me more.


And as the Tinman said, "Now I know I have a heart because I can feel it breaking."

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

O-H! I-O!






This past Saturday, we had the opportunity to go to the Ohio State-Youngstown game. It was the first OSU football game I had been to -- I've been to Hineygate, but never a game. Our seats were right above where the players came out. it was freakin' awesome. The cheerleaders got half the stadium to say "O-H" and then the other half echoed "I-O". Amazing. The alumni band was there, so we got to see them perform, as well. They did the script Ohio along with the marching band.


Around the middle of the third quarter we went over to Hineygate -- for those who don't know what that is, it's a big ole party at the Holiday Inn. There's a big movie screen set up outside and there's drinking, drinking and more drinking while people watch the game on the screen. I felt old there. But, it didn't prevent me from getting a slight buzz :)


Then we had dinner at Quaker Steak and Lube -- deeeeelicious! We got to sit on the patio to eat and two Lambroughinis showed up, then a Farrari and a Miata. As we were leaving, we passed three more Lambroughinis!!! BJ was in heaven.




I'm on You Tube!

Q104, who hosted the Lunch with Lifehouse put this video on You Tube -- watch for me :)