Walt Disney World Part I

As promised I am posting some of my favorite pictures from my favorite place! We had such a great trip. As Preston gets a tad older and a tad taller each year it gets better and better. I know big JPM probably isn't loving going once a year, but our window of time is passing by fast where they are young enough to really enjoy the magic of the characters and believe it and feel it. So, so far, this year was my favorite. Even though it appears Jackson left the "honeymoon phase" with his diabetes while we were there which caused him to feel bad some the first few days and experience some bogus highs. Still..he is like me. Disney can drown all that out. He still had fun, still enjoyed himself, and even once said "Mom, aren't you proud? I felt bad and was high but still watched my attitude!" Yep, buddy. I sure was proud.

Preston loves Goofy and Minnie. And, Goofy was just that at breakfast..pushing Preston's ears off and picking at him. Last year Goofy was the only one he was interested in. This year, however, Minnie took first place. Much to Paul's dismay. :) Preston is in this stage of loving Dora and Cinderella but we are working on it. :) It doesn't bother me..Jackson, too, did this somewhat. So, it's all good. :)

And, of course who doesn't love Donald Duck??

There's Preston's girl!

This is all from our breakfast at Chef Mickey's. We love eating there! Like I said even more so this year. As the kids get older and can do more for themselves and require less "babysitting", it is easier to really enjoy things like this.

In case you didn't know, I recently got a new camera. I wanted one to take better pictures of the kids, but secretly I really wanted it because last year my old camera took horrible pictures of the castle at night. :) My FAVORITE thing by far at Disney is the castle. And, I really, really like it at night all lit up. In case you can't tell it changes colors every few minutes. This was taken at the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. Seriously, you know I LOVE Disney when you hear I sat down on the asphalt Main Street for the show. Yep, think of all those germs. :) The kids sat in my lap mostly (it did bother me a tad they were sitting in it). But, they sat on the road some, too. Paul's OCD was still in check as he stood on the sidelines. :) To be perfectly honest, I had considered standing (although my feet hurt and I knew the kids would prefer to sit...well Jackson would probably worry somewhat about the germs but follow my lead.) But, some not so nice foreign speaking people (sorry, but it is true..they were rude!) were all in a tizzy about me standing.

Tizzy or no tizzy though isn't this a beautiful picture????

See how red raced and tired he looks? I don't remember exactly how high his sugar was at this point on day one, but it was super high. Poor guy. But, seeing his sweet little face hugging that chipmunk...he still was happy to be there!

Preston was in love with the characters, too. As a young child, I don't remember doing so many character greetings (and I know we didn't do character meals), and I am so glad this is a new tradition I made for my kids. It really is what makes it different from Six Flags and just your typical amusement park.

See, already Jackson looks better in this picture. Minnie can up anyone's spirits!

And, while Minnie is a favorite of mine and theirs, noone tops Woody and Jessie!!!! You have NO idea how long we waited in line to see them! It was worth it though. Thankfully it appears Jackson felt pretty good in this picture.

Maw Maw got Preston some cowboy boots (that came in handy...I'll post about that in a minute) for Christmas that are Toy Story themed. Here is Preston showing Woody how their boots match and his say "ANDY" on the bottom, too!

I love this picture. It so reminds me of my two boys' personalities. I noticed the difference in them, too, today when I took Preston to the dentist for the first time. Basically Preston is looking at Woody like "I love you but I am not sure I can trust you" and Jackson is like "Where have you been?? I have been looking for you!" Jackson is all about some strangers (even if this person wasn't in Jessie's costume I am sure Jackson would have still hugged them.)

And this is where the boots come into play..I probably shouldn't post this..but this is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. And, Preston's first time riding it!! And, you have to be 40 inches..he is like 39 and some change. So...I put his cowboy boots on and packed small jars of playdoh (yes..I am serious) in the heel part to make him taller. :) I learned this wonderful trick from my sister when we took Nicholas when he was three..but we used folded napkins. And, Nicholas was not feeling it and threatened to tell the workers once he saw that some of the rides were scary. Well, Preston was alright with it..except my kids have big mouths and they wanted to blab to the worker what we had done. :) AND..the boots fell off in line..with small jars of playdoh falling out and rolling several lanes over with Paul (note he is also carrying all of the diabetes supplies as well) chasing them down and glaring at me. Man, now that is some memories!!! :)) So, we removed the playdoh..and then panicked when they started remeasuring kids at the spot where you board. :( Paul whispers to Preston, "Stand on your tippy toes, ok?" Preston says, "Ok." I'm like whatever! He doesn't really know what that means!? But, thanks to good old dad saving the day he rushed by the remeasuring area and acted all confident. And, my brave, sweet boy (with me holding his head up and putting my arm behind his head so he didn't hit it) rode his first real rollercoaster (well, big one anyway.) He LOVED it!!!! I sure hope he is 40 inches on his own next year though. Paul will strangle me if I do that again. Well, we did do it a 2nd time for Star Tours and they did remeasure him, but the playdoh stayed in the whole time because the line was super short and I carried him the whole way (and you have to carry him lengthwise so the boots don't fall off). Anyway, the lady looked at me like she was on to my secret at the top of the line. :) I was nervous. And, Jackson definitely knew what we were doing so I was thinking what kind of example am I setting?? haha! But, hey, what happens in Disney STAYS in Disney right?! To top it off, Preston didn't even like Star Tours.

Another huge first for us was Jackson being tall enough (without playdoh or boots!) to ride Space Mountain! Every year he has asked about this ride and inquired about it, and this time he got to experience it first hand! He rode big rollercoasters at Six Flags in the fall, but this was his first one in the dark, indoors, and where you sit by yourself instead of side by side with mom or dad. Honestly, I teared up on the ride with him watching him when the lights would happen to flash where I could turn and look at his face I would behind me, and I was remembering going as a child with my family. It was a special moment for sure! (See how crazy I am!?)

Jackson still had his mouse ears hat from last year when Preston wasn't into it. But, the first stop we made was Preston getting his own hat! I love seeing them wearing them! SO cute!

We stayed at Port Orleans again this year, but on a different side of the river, and it was really pretty!

I cannot wait till next year!

Happy Father's Day!!!

I know..I know what you are thinking... No, I haven't gone mad! :) Well, I am exhausted and obviously STILL not caught up on blogging, but I do still know January from June. :) Since Jackson is out of school during June, the school always celebratesDad's Day in January. It just so happened we timed re-enrolling him back in school just in time for this special event that I truly love and would have hated to have missed. And, a huge super thanks (although I know noone from there reads the blog :)) to Atlanta Auto Auction! Every year (okay, well for two years now) they have allowed Daddy to be late for work without any penalty or upset just so he can take Jackson to school and have breakfast with him and spend special time together. I cannot wait for next year when Preston gets his turn, too!

Daddy got all kinds of special gifts!

I love the look on Paul's face here. Paul is such a wonderful dad. I don't say that often enough. He is an exceptional husband! But, since he is my best friend and well we have frankly been together for over half our lives, I often get the good and bad of him. Which is ok..I surely give my fair share back. :)) But, with our kids he is just so awesome. Not to say he doesn't ever lose his cool with them like I do, but he is different from me in that when he sits down to devote time to JUST them..he does that. No distractions..JUST the two (or three) of them. He really is so good at separating the "to do" list from special moments like that. I love that about him.

And, these boys sure do love him! Mostly I think they love that he is silly and so much more low key than me! :) As you can see as I was taking pictures the morning of before Jackson and Paul left, they were having quite a time. Amazingly, it was before 8:00 am while all this silliness was going on! Wait..maybe THAT is why the kids love him so much! He IS after all a morning person. :) Mommy surely is not.

Preston isn't much of a morning person either though (remember?). But, he is very much like his daddy in the silly department...

Jackson (ahem..mini-me) though is much more reserved during picture taking. He takes the task very seriously and when the silliness upsets the process you can just see those eyes rolling. Hmm..wonder who he gets that from? I NEVER roll my eyes....do I?

Honestly, again I am repeating myself..but man this whole blogging two months late thing is pretty good! I am loving looking back at all these memories. It gives me the time to really let the pictures soak in. And, I am seeing after this post that my three JPMs are my everything. Without them, where would I be??

**Stay tuned! This same day we left to go to Disney!!! Although I won't be able to post every picture (I think there was 200 or 300??) I will post my favorites soon! And, yeah I know..I am not caught up yet..but I have been super busy. Want to know what I've been doing? Potty training my sweet Preston! And, guess what?? He is TRAINED. Yep. You heard me. We did it..We are done! I am sure accidents will still happen every now and then, but so far so good! Now that he is going on his own, and I am not having to take him every 30 minutes to remind him, I hope more blogging is in my future!**

Preston's 3 Year Photos

Everytime I look back at these I feel guilty :) I cannot believe I didn't take him somewhere to get these redone. It was a super busy time of year, but really that wasn't the real reason. I decided I would try to do them myself because I am trying to save money on pictures for a few reasons. 1st- I do have a great camera and it really doesn't make sense not to at least try to get my money's worth out of it. 2nd- I decided instead of spending decent amounts of money on mediocre pictures (not that they all have been mediocre before because they HAVEN'T! But, you know what I mean..JcPenney, Target etc.) a few times a year I would try to spend the same amount total on a really good photographer once or twice a year. I think I have discussed this previously on my blog. :) ANYWAY- back on topic. It was an interesting day to say the least. :) It started out with me all ready and then I got to my first location and my camera batteries went dead. Seriously. I wasn't used to the new camera and how it doesn't seem to notify me as well.

Let me go ahead and explain a few things at this point that you mommies out there probably already know, but anyone else might not understand. 1st- once you have your child dressed and your psyched for picture day, you are DETERMINED to take pictures THAT DAY somehow somewhere! And 2nd- most 3 year olds don't cooperate with any photographer, on any location, on any day, no matter how much they charge! :) I learned this first go round with Jackson. Now you will get shots, but not perfected ones.

So, working with what I have, I went home and recharged the batteries. Then, while I was up at the school doing Jackson's shot I decided to use the natural surroundings to try to capture my little guy's true personality at age three. Well, as you can see I actually did a pretty good job. :)

This is Preston mad. He is often mad nowadays. :) He was mad because he was done taking pictures. He was mad because he was promised the school playground if he did good taking pictures...but he spent so much time crying that the playground became occupied so he didn't get to go. :(
This is Preston's cheese smile. This was before all the crying. This goes to perfectly show his demeanor at this age. Things usually start out really well especially if he likes how they are going and he is getting his way. :)

And, this is Preston trying to please Mommy. Preston is not as much of a people pleaser (thank goodness) as I am. :) It is not always a great quality...it depends on the person and the situation and how you let it affect your relationships. Anyway- this is his smile where he is growing tired, but trying really hard still to do as I wish. :) Poor kid. Makes him seem so abused. :)

This was Preston at the first location...where I only got two shots before the camera batteries died. ;) This was when he was like "What are we doing here, mommy?" It was before 9AM and these shot perfectly portray how my little man likes to sleep! He is a man after my own heart! He is NOT a morning person just like mommy! :) Funny how he and I get along in the morning and the other two inhabitants of our home who ARE morning people don't typically get along so well with me in the mornings. If you get each other you just do I guess. Also funny how that is one of the few, few things Preston and I share in common personality wise. :)

And, THIS...this last shot is my beautiful, bright-eyed, mischevious little boy who is sadly but excitedly not so little anymore. I honestly cannot believe he just turned three. I know I keep saying that, but to me I still am putting on Pampers Swaddlers after his bath at night. Where does the time go??

So many people worry you can't love your second...people I am here to tell you...boy how you can! I love you SO much, Preston!!!

First Day of 4K-Take Two

I am kind of glad to be behind on blogging a little because then when you blog about things a month and a half later you sometimes have an even better perspective on them. :)

Jackson went back to school as most of you know late January, and he has done so great! I really have always known everything happens for a reason, and God is truly in control. But, it really gives me cold chills when it is so evident right before your eyes. I know some people were like, "What?? He is going back?! Where did that come from?" And, yes I thought the same thing. It wasn't something I had planned for, thought a whole lot about I must admit, (and we all know how well planned I am and hate spontaneity), and honestly completely just was decided in a matter of a few hours. It almost feels like a blur. I KNOW it wasn't me calling the school, it wasn't me making the decision. I honestly felt led. And, I know he is in the right place right now. The right school; the right class; and in the right spirit. He needs to know that his disease doesn't stop him! And, I tell you I think he missed it so much he now has a greater appreciation for it. He doesn't whine when it is time to get up or time to rush around to get ready. He doesn't show out when he has to leave the room to get his shot. He doesn't complain to the teacher he needs more snack. That really was not what I was trying to teach him! :) But, hey it all worked out for the better that we aren't experiencing that now.

Has it been an "easy" transition? Nah. Is anything easy with juvenile diabetes? Nah. But, I tell you it has been the best transition. And, I am truly so thankful that God gave me the strength to let go. To let him go and be a kid. Some days when he is gone I feel anxiety, and I pray. I have to admit I tell myself "God is with him. He is not alone." I am not always so in touch with God's work in our lives as I should be. Not that I don't believe He is there. I do! But, I get caught up in my "to do" list and myself and get lost. I find it amazing that this has brought me closer to Him. And, I think it has brought Jackson closer to Him as well.

My Promise...

to you is that I am going to update my blog..ahem..maybe I should get up-to-date my blog :) very soon. It is driving me nuts that I am blogging about January's events in March. Yes, I have excused myself literally on the blog for this, and also in my head that it is okay that I am behind. After all, this is my hobby and something "fun" just for me. However, I am losing sleep (literally yet again is the word to use) about it, so it won't be tonight...I am exhausted from being up late making a cake last night...plus I got off my "new eating plan" (which I also need to blog about:)) and cheating on it makes you fatigued. Anyway, I digress..but soon...I promise! Stay tuned! It will be like a million posts in one day, but I am going to get it handled pronto! :)

More Birthday Fun! (Late:))

As you all know about me by now, in my family you get two birthdays :)...your "actual" birthday and the day of your party. :) So, here is the scoop on Preston's actual birthday.

Dad and I gave him a bike! He was very excited! He rides it very well...he honestly goes a tad too fast! And, because his birthday is in January he had to practice inside first...until he tore up the hardwood floors so bad once when he fell that it was a miracle Dad didn't throw the bike away. :) Thanks for your patience, Dad!


Then, that night we went to "Chi-wee's" (aka Chili's...for some reason this was where Preston asked to eat???) to enjoy a dinner and cupcakes with Maw Maw and Paw Paw. That Maw Maw sure is patient. I know I am not much up to two kids throwing themselves at me at one time. :)
I always get such a crack out of Preston watching waitresses sing at restaurants. Each time his facial expression is priceless. And, don't you love how he is wearing his crown literally all day that he made during homeschool?

Jackson was so cute showing Preston how to pedal the bike. He even would give him a small push or boost to help him gain momentum. :)

And, Jackson gave Preston his first baseball glove! :) (Okay..I bought it and said it was from Jackson...you all get the picture :)) More to come soon in the blog about Preston and his new adventures playing tball for the first time this year!

Here is Preston working on the infamous crown...remember Jackson made one too for his birthday? To me Preston looks so mature in this picture. Makes me even more sure potty training is about to start up again. :))

And, I made cupcakes for him to have on his actual birthday and to take to Chi-wee's. The only thing is I did store bought icing which did not hold color very well...so the red Lightning McQueen cupcakes ended up pink. You would think noone noticed...guess who did? His name starts with "J" and he's five and you only get one guess. All we heard was, "WHY did Mommy make Preston's cupcakes a GIRL color??" We are totally in the "girls have cooties" stage. Although he doesn't use the word cooties.

Hmmm..funny..Preston doesn't seem to mind they are pink. :)

He was quite determined to peel the sticky back off the foam stickers all by himself.

One of my favorite things about blogging no matter how many months late I am on the topic is reliving the moments and memories through the pictures. I think that is the main reason I probably blog. And, looking back through all these and remembering my sweet baby turning three really just soaks it in...that I am SO incredibly blessed.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Preston!

Although my sweet baby boy turned three over a month ago, and I feel so bad I am just now blogging about it...I think his party turned out to be the best one we have ever had for our kids. I wouldn't want to take away from any of Jackson's parties by saying that, but it is just that the place where we had Preston's this year we know the owners..it is familiar to us...it feels like home...and Preston loves being there...and we had the whole place to ourselves. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a place to have a child's birthday party!

The staff totally keeps the kids involved and entertained the whole time! They are great with the kids, and Preston knows them from classes we take there so he was loving their attention! He even did the balloon relay race...

And, probably his favorite was the marching band. Actually I think all the kids loved that..the very loud ruckus it caused with a mix of drums, cymbals, and maraccas though probably made the adults need some Advil.

But, my most favorite part was the parachute. Honestly I think some of the parents liked that part more than some of the kids! ahem...not naming any names or anything. :)

The theme was Preston's favorite..."Lightming McKing" (aka Lightning McQueen) from the Disney movie Cars. I was disappointed in the stability of the cake, but Preston had no idea..he loved it!

We had so many friends and family members there to help us celebrate, and I truly feel all the kids had a blast!

And, a huge thank you to Aunt Erica for once again being the photographer of the day! (for free, too, I might add!) She is a lifesaver! She had told me she got some cute pics of Preston eating his cake...and I was shocked to see this was what she meant. Even more shocking to me was the fact that I thought these were taken while he was waiting on a fork. And, then I saw the fork in his hand. So, honestly all I can say is..this is totally my Preston. :)

He got lots of cool toys..and this probably sounds so spoiled saying this, but with two kids, same gender, close in age, with birthdays close to Christmas you are always shocked when you get things you don't already have. And, we got so much new stuff! Some stuff I'd never even seen in stores before. I guess you can say we have some creative gift givers out there on our guest list! :)

I cannot believe he is three. Really. It hit me kind of hard. Time is really flying by. I know now why Paul got a vasectomy. He said, "You will try to talk me into another one! I know it!" :) haha! He is probably right. My baby is gone..I still call him that..but he is a "kid" now. And, it is a hard adjustment for me. Actually I am going to figure out how to adjust pretty fast. In a few weeks, baseball and t-ball begins for us. And, while we are incredibly blessed there is little overlap in the two boys' schedules it is still a ton to keep up with! Preston did play soccer this fall, but it wasn't "real" soccer. This is real t-ball. Both boys have practice twice a week until games start, and then one practice a week and one game a week. Honestly if they end up where they are supposed to go at the right time in the right uniform it will be amazing! And, to top it off I think Paul will definitely earn his SuperDad badge because he totally will be helping..especially when I am at work. So, here's to turning three, big boy! We love you! And, you and your brother are totally worth it! :)