Picture Update

Our little boy at 18 months old

Checking out his new bedroom (not painted or finished yet)

Trying out the bed frame...I think he likes it!
(don't worry- he won't have to sleep on purple sheets for long)

We love the 75 degree weather in January!!! Our patio is the new playroom!

Jackson's friend Laurie came over to play. I was wondering if nap time would actually happen?

YES!!! They wore each other out!

Helping Dad paint his new bed

We're hoping to work more in Jackson's new room this weekend!

One last thing: Jackson has now discovered that he can have fun WITHOUT his mom and dad. I don't know how I feel about this! haha We went to pick him up from my mom the other day, and he ran away from us. He wanted to stay and play longer. Then Wed night we went to pick him up at the nursery, and he didn't want to leave! He was having too much fun playing! I'm so happy that he has a great time, but I'm also kinda sad he is growing up so fast.

YUMMY

Last night was our weekly family night at my parents house. As always it was so fun and super delicious. We tried a new appetizer recipe for fried ravioli, and we all agreed it was amazing. Even Jackson loved it! I thought I'd share the recipe...let me know if you try it out. Happy Cooking!

Ingredients

• Olive oil, for frying
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1 box store-bought cheese ravioli (about 24 ravioli)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 jar store bought marinara sauce, heated, for dipping

Directions

Pour enough olive oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees F.

While the oil is heating, put the buttermilk and the bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Working in batches, dip ravioli in buttermilk to coat completely. Allow the excess buttermilk to drip back into the bowl. Dredge ravioli in the bread crumbs. Place the ravioli on a baking sheet, and continue with the remaining ravioli.

When the oil is hot, fry the ravioli in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried ravioli to paper towels to drain.

Sprinkle the fried ravioli with Parmesan and serve with a bowl of warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

What a Week

Jackson & Hunter Black playing together

Cute Hunter

Happy Jackson

This past week was a busy one! Let's just go through the whole thing...

Monday: We had Jackson's 18 month old doctor visit. He had to get 2 shots, which was quite traumatic for him. His doctor said he seemed to be very healthy and was growing at a steady rate. He now weighs a whopping 24 pounds! Even though he SCREAMED at the doctor's office, he was over it and happy by the time we were outside walking to the car. So, being the great mom that I am, we went out to lunch with my mom and then went shopping. He really was fine! We HAD to go to Harold's, because this was their last week in business and everything was 80% off. I am still a little depressed that they are gone forever.

Tuesday: Jackson hung out with his GranMartha while I went to the dentist. I know this sounds crazy, but I LOVE getting my teeth cleaned. It is the greatest feeling!!! Then we of course made dinner and some delicious brownies for our American Idol premiere party. I am super excited about this season.

Wednesday: This was actually a calm day. We got a lot done around the house and then enjoyed a fellowship dinner at church that evening.

Thursday: We had a SUPER FUN playdate at Memorial City Mall with Ashlie and her son Hunter and a new friend also named Ashley. The boys had a blast playing. It was pretty much a workout for me trying to chase Jackson around and keep him safe from the big kids. Maybe we should do that more often! Then we all had a fun lunch together at Panera. Thursday night was family night at my parents- love it every week!

This weekend has been so nice and relaxing, and we're excited to have Ryan home for one more day!!! The plan is to work on Jackson's new room/ the baby's nursery. Maybe there will be pics to come of that.

That's about it for my week wrap-up. I am looking forward to Ladies Bible Class starting back up this week.

Lastly, CONGRATULATIONS Jamie!!!

Jackson is going to have a little...

BROTHER!!!!!

We are thrilled and can't wait to meet our little guy!

Christmas 2008

Our Christmas season was merry and bright! We returned home last night after being away for 2 weeks. We celebrated with my immediate family here in Sugar Land and then headed to Dallas, Abilene, back to Dallas, and finally to Tennessee. Jackson was such a good sport throughout the entire trip. I can tell this morning he is SO HAPPY to be back home. He has gotten all of his toys out and is skipping through the house! He really did great though considering he had a 5 hour road trip to Dallas, then a 3 hour road trip, another 3 hour road trip, a flight to TN just the 2 of us, and then a 15 hour road trip home! That is a lot of traveling for a little guy! We enjoyed seeing everyone and had a great time.

Great Aunt Gail & Great Uncle Sonny

Great Aunt Carolyn

Jackson's GiGi

Great Pa and Great Ma

4 generations

Jackson + Pops= BFF

GranMartha & Zia Barbara making breakfast

Playing in Great Pa's HUGE backyard

Great Granddad

Jackson helping Papa John

These blocks are AWESOME...they entertain him for a long time! (Thanks Nana & Papa John)

Uncle Ryan & Aunt Kathryn know what to get this boy!!

Uncle Ryan teaching Jackson some bball skills

helping Pops

Who needs toys when there's a pantry to play in?

Sorry the pics are all out of order- I don't understand blogger right now.
This is THE WEEK we find out what we're having!!! I go Wed morning for my ultrasound, so I'll be sure to let you know what it is! 2009 is going to be an exciting year! :-)

For My Family Who Tells Me I Need to Update

Family Pic at the Tichenor's Christmas Hayride- so fun!

This is what the boys did the night I was out with some girlfriends.

"Mommy never lets me do this!"

Jackson's hair gets extra curly when he's all sweaty.

They built a car ramp!


Dad is just too much fun!

Weekend Wrap-Up

We had such a nice weekend. Friday night we stayed in and just relaxed as a fam. It was our first night to do that in a couple weeks (sad I know), so we really enjoyed it. Saturday we ran errands, did some things around the house, and then went to Ryan's office party that night. Jackson spent the night with his GranMartha and Pops. As we left he waved and said "bye bye mommy, bye bye daddy." That was it. Then after we were gone a few minutes he told my mom he was happy! Glad to know he misses us. On the other hand, it is really nice to know he is happy and that there is no need for me to worry. Today we enjoyed church and spending time with my family this afternoon. Finally to end the weekend, we decorated our casa for Christmas. Now I officially feel festive! OK...random post about what we did...on to what you really care about...

Family Pic (see our newest family member?)

Ryan insisted that we hold hands :-)

This could be my FAVORITE picture ever.

We have a new obsession with trucks. The wooden one was hand-made for Jackson by his Great Dad!