2010

Happy New Year!  

The Waterford Times Square Ball (Craig Ruttle/AP)

 What a wonderful new year - 2010!  May each of you be blessed with more love, laughter and living in the new year! 

Christmas Day

Jax begins the fesitivies by opening his new airplane from Mema and Granddaddy!

Granddaddy gave Jax a cool Mickey Mouse clock for his room!

Telling Granddaddy how to put the batteries in the clock.

What could it be?

So excited about my Uggs!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning in our home was exciting and fun.  Jax woke up around 6:30 but he didn't mention Santa for about an hour so we let Daddy sleep in until then.  I was curious to see if he would remember and he did finally!  It was as if a lightbulb went off in his head - all of a sudden he said "Santa" so I sent him to wake Daddy and off we went to find out what Santa had brought for all of us.

Santa enjoyed his cookies and milk!

Jax checking out what Santa put in his stocking.

Yay! Candy - just what I asked Santa to bring!

An apple too!

CoCo sniffing out her stash of goodies from Santa!

Jax peeking in CoCo's stocking!

Okay - what's next?

Jax with his new train table - he really likes it.

Jax has his very own vacuum to help Mommy!

Helping Daddy open a gift from Santa!

After seeing all of the toys and goodies Santa brought, we let Jax open one gift from under the tree before breakfast.  It was a pair of monkey slippers.  I thought he would love them and he did he just wouldn't wear them.  I guess his feet weren't that cold!

My hubby making scrambled eggs - he really does make the best eggs ever!

Enjoying a Christmas breakfast together.  Scrambled eggs, crisp bacon and fluffy pancakes with warm syrup.  Yum! Yum!

Fun with Daddy!

Do you really like it, honey?

Jax got his very own computer!

Oh, yea - he likes it!

Being silly with Mommy!

We had such a relaxing morning!  It was fun to take our time and enjoy being together as a family.  Jax loved opening all of his gifts.  It was nice to see his excitment.  We were blessed to have this time.  Later in the day we celebrated with Mema, Granddaddy and Uncle Jay.

Christmas Eve

Decorating cookies for Santa - yum!

Hmmmmm...maybe I should taste test these for Santa!

Decided to leave them all for Santa.  He'll be hungry when he gets to my house.

Time to make the reindeer food!

Playing Santa on Christmas Eve.  Delivering a present to Mema and Granddaddy!

  I think Mema likes it.

Time to play, Granddaddy!

Before settling in for a long winter's nap we watched Charlie Brown's Christmas. 

Yummy Fun!

We had so much fun decorating our gingerbread house this year.  Jax did a great job helping with the roof and making our gingerbread colorful and fun.  A little messy but worth it.

If at first you don't succeed.....

This is one of many attempts to get our family Christmas picture.  I think this was mommy's request for "just one more".  Looks like Jax is done.  Funny, huh?

"I Can See Clearly Now"

Have you noticed that the last few pictures I have posted haven't been the best?  They are fuzzy or blurry.  I've been telling my hubby that something was wrong with my camera.  He just thought it was my lack of photographic abilities.  Finally, he said he would get a new one for me.  Of course,  I said no because I've only had it three years and John gave it to me for our first Christmas (as hubby and wife) so it's more than a camera to me.  Anyway, he took my camera to see if he could "fix it".  He looked at it for a moment, looked at me and said, "Have you cleaned the lens lately?"  What? Clean the lens - that's way down on my endless "things to do list."  My wonderful hubby "fixed" my camera by cleaning the lens.  So now my pictures will be a lot better and I can only blame my lack of skill for the not so good ones!

Breakfast with Santa (Again) and Some Reindeer, Too

Saturday was a busy day for us!  It began with Breakfast with Santa at our church.  Jax had so much fun singing and waiting for Santa's arrival.  Breakfast was delicious as we munched on donut holes, pigs in a blanket, cheese, grapes, bananas and more.  After breakfast we went to the craft area where Jax made a picture with fun Christmas stickers and a mitten ornanment.  The line for pictures with Santa was quite long so we just didn't wait for a photo with St. Nick and the Mrs. 

Next, Jax and I went by to pick up my parents (John had a funeral to attend for a college friend - so sad).  We went to Brentwood Shopping Place to see reindeer.  I took Jax when he was just four months old but he doesn't remember so it was fun to see his reaction this year.  Of course, my sweet little guy wanted to climb the fence and join the reindeer in their cage.  We only stayed a few minutes but Jax liked seeing live reindeer. 

We went to lunch with Mema and Granddaddy and then home for naptime.  The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying time at home.

Breakfast with Santa

What a fun morning!  Jax and I went to "Breakfast with Santa" at his preschool.  I got to stay because it wasn't his usual day to go to Mother's Day Out but his class was included in this special time.   There were four other little boys from his class so it was nice to meet some of the other moms.  We chatted while our little ones munched on donut holes and pigs in a blanket along with "yummy" chocolate milk.  Then it was time for a quick visit with St. Nick.  I was impressed at how patiently all of the kiddies waited for their turn especially my little guy!  I only got this one picture of Jax with Santa because I had my camera set on record but his teacher got a couple of other pics so I'm sure I'll get copies of those. 

Been There Done That.....

Isn't this hilarious?    We were in the family restroom at the mall.  John said "Hey Julie - take a look at this."  Jax decided to lie back and relax while Daddy changed his diaper.  Funny boy!  Glad I had my camera handy.

A Little Boy and His House

Jax made this adorable gingerbread house at Mother's Day Out last week.  It was a total surprise when I picked him up.  I love his MDO teachers.  They do so many fun things.  I applaud them for taking on the challenge of making gingerbread houses with ten two year olds.  Jax is very proud of his house.  Of course, he keeps trying to eat all of the candy so we will be lucky if it's still intact by Christmas!

O Christmas Tree....

 John, Jax and I went searching for the perfect Christmas tree last Saturday.  We found a beautiful Douglas fir that fits perfectly in our family room.  Jax loved helping decorate it.  He even put the star on top!

Getting the Christmas Spirit

Last weekend John  put lots of lights outside.  Jax loved helping Daddy put up the lights.  I was very impressed with the final result.  If you live close - drive by one night.  Nothing fancy but very festive.  Thanks, honey!

Turkey Day

Thanksgiving Day at the Dooner's was a fun and filling day.  My parents and brother Jay joined us for lunch.  (John's mom was not feeling well so she didn't make the trip.)  We dined on turkey and ham from Honey Baked Ham - so delicious.  My mom brought her "always fantastic" sweet potato casserole.  We had cornbread dressing, cranberry salad, veggies and dip, rice and warm yeast rolls.  Desserts included pumpkin pie, glazed sugar cookies and cinnamon streusel cake. 

Everyone enjoyed time together laughing and sharing wonderful conversation.  Jax entertained everyone with his usual antics.  He loves having his Mema, Granddaddy and Uncle Jay visit. 

The rest of the day was spent watching football, munching on leftovers, making shopping lists and napping.  We are such a blessed family. 

A Visit with Santa Claus

John and I took Jax to visit with Santa Claus on the day before Thanksgiving.  There was a longer wait than anticipated but we all waited patiently (well at least John and I did) until it was our turn to see the man in the red suit.  Jax seemed excited to see Santa so John and I were a little surprised when he started crying as soon as he sat in Santa's lap.  Jax calmed down after a few seconds for a very sweet picture and he told Santa what he wanted for Christmas.  On his wish list - CANDY!!!  Easy shopping for Santa!

and he's off......

Jax loves his new tricycle.  We actually got it for him earlier in the summer but he wasn't able to ride it yet so we kept it inside.  John would push him around the house  until one day he finally got the concept of peddling.  We took it outside a few days ago and Jax did really good peddling but he still needs a little practice steering.  Isn't he adorable in his helmet?  He was very proud of himself that day. 

Trick or Treat

Jax had lots of fun trick-or-treating Mema, Granddaddy and Uncle Jay.  Jax decided to go as a "little Asian boy" instead of Mickey Mouse.  Our first stop was Mema and Granddaddy's house.  There were lots of Jax's favorite treats including M & M's and Goldfish.  He also got a new Halloween Snoopy know as Frankenbeegle!  So cute.  Next, we went to Uncle Jay's house for a little more spookin'.  Jax loves the spooky Mr. Potato Head and fuzzy pumpkin bears that he got.  A few more M&M's were put in his pumpkin, too.  Jax loves Ms!  What a fun Halloween for our family!

Carving the Pumpkin

What a fun time John and Jax had carving our pumpkin into an adorable Mickey face!  We got our pumpkin last Saturday when we visited Gentry's Farm.  It was the perfect pumpkin.  Jax was a big help to Daddy as he was cleaning and carving  our cute pumpkin. 

PumpkinFest

After a fun breakfast with my friends, John, Jax and I went to Pumpkinfest in downtown Franklin.  It was a little dreary so there wasn't a very big crowd but there were some cute spooks and lots of candy. Jax loved seeing all of the kids dressed in different costumes even though he refused to wear his Mickey Mouse costume. We ate lunch at Merridee's Breadbasket which was delicious as always.  It was a fun time for us.  Next - time to carve the pumpkin!

Breakfast with Friends

My day on Saturday began with a wonderful breakfast with three friends.  We enjoyed delicious goodies at Puffy Muffin in Brentwood.  It is one of our favorite places.  Our dear friend Robbie is visiting for the weekend so we were all happy to get together for a little while.  It was a great way to start the day.

Roll Tide Roll!

So glad this is a happy post!  Those last few seconds made me very nervous!  Happy that Alabama won but it was a little too close for comfort!

A Day on the Farm

                                        

My very own pumpkin!

What a fun day we had at Gentry's Farm!  We have been trying to visit a pumpkin farm for a couple of weeks but with all of the rain we had to wait. We finally made it yesterday.  Jax loved going a hayride and seeing all of the different animals.  He especially liked the goats.  At the end of our visit we picked out the perfect pumpkin to carve for Halloween.  We will definitely make this an annual family outing.  Lots of fun!

Scruffy and Tyler Come for a Visit

Our house was full of fun last week as we kept my brother Jay's two dogs while he enjoyed a cruise to the Bahamas.   Scruffy and Tyler are very active little guys so that kept up with Jax with ease.  Jax loved every minute of their visit.  Coco had fun playing with her cousins, too.  Come back soon - Scruffy and Tyler.  We miss you already!

An Apple and A Fort

Yes - it's the same apple.  Jax ate on that apple for several hours.  So funny!

The Moon

My child is obsessed with the moon.  It all started one morning while we were strolling.  It was early enough that we could still see the outline of the moon in the morning light.  I don't remember but apparently I told him it was the moon.  "Moon, moon, moon"  this is what I hear during our morning strolls now.  This particular night the moon was beautiful so I went outside and snapped a shot. Of course I had to share it with Jax so I raised the blind and out of his mouth came - "moon, moon, moon".  He is such a funny boy!

More Birthday Fun

Mmmmmm......cake!!!!!!!!

My new dutch oven - I love it!
Granddaddy and Jax

Friday night my parents and brother Jay dropped by for a little more birthday fun. Mom brought my favorite cake from The Flour Shop and we enjoyed pizza for dinner. Jax loves having everyone come over. I think my dad was rather tired when he left because Jax kept him busy for his entire visit. It was a fun night to spend time with family.

Birthday Fun

Treating Mommy to a favorite birthday breakfast!

My Sweet Boy!
Jax entertaining us while waiting for our breakfast!

After dinner at Outback Steakhouse - yum!

Helping Mommy blow out her candle!

Sweet card from my sweet boy!

Maybe I ate a little too much cake!

Birthday kisses for Mommy!

What a wonderful birthday! My boys treated me special all day - actually all week. On Thursday they took me to Merridee's Breadbasket for a yummy breakfast that included my favorite - French Toast. The day was spent just relaxing and spending time together. For dinner they took me to Outback Steakhouse for a delicious meal. We had a small celebration when we returned home with Jax helping me blow out my candle and open presents. My boys were very good to me. I got two gift cards - one to my favorite clothing store and the other to my favorite spa. I got some kitchen gadgets, yummy apple cider and gold hoop earrings. Thanks to my boys for being so sweet to me. I'm a lucky girl!

She's 18!

My beautiful niece, Savannah turns 18 today! I am so proud of her. She is a loving and sweet girl. It seems like just yesterday that my brother John walked up to the nursery window holding a perfect baby girl. She has grown into a perfect young lady. Lots of love is being sent your way, Savannah. Happy 18th Birthday!

Disney on Ice

John and I took Jax to see Disney on Ice yesterday at the Sommet Center. It was a spectacular show. They sang and skated in celebration of different seasons and holidays. Jax loved seeing Mickey Mouse and all of his friends. John and I didn't know how Jax would to react to the noise but he did great and enjoyed the entire show. We had lots of fun.

Rain, Rain Go Away....

I love rainy days but...... Today, I saw a break in the clouds so off Jax, CoCo and I went for a quick stroll. We were maybe 1/4 mile from home when the rain started again. CoCo quickly took care of her business and we made a fast trip back home. Jax just giggled as I pushed the stroller faster and faster. Luckily, we had another break soon after lunch so Jax and I walked around the block before nap time. I'm so ready for cool (dry) fall days.

Franklin Classic 5k Fun

Not sure what is going on - who are all these people running by me?

Cool sign for my Mommy!

Who is that in the distance?

It's Mommy!

Thanks for the banana, Mommy!

Happy to see my boys at the finish line!

This morning I walked/ran the Franklin Classic 5k for the second year. I don't have my official time yet but I think it's around 37 minutes. Last year my brother Jay ran with me so I missed having him there today. I was happy to see my hubby and sweet baby waiting for me near the finish line. Jax didn't recognize me at first as I was running but he slowly began to smile as I passed by. He was happy to see me after the race. Thanks to my wonderful hubby for taking care of Jax this morning so that I could enjoy a morning of fun. Enjoy your Labor Day!

First Day Jitters

Getting advice from Daddy for my first day of "school."

Got lunch - What else do I need?
Let's go, Mom!
Look what I painted! Mommy and Daddy are very proud of me!

Yes - I had first day jitters as Jax went to his first full day of Mother's Day Out! The reality that he was going to be away from me for five hours hit me just yesterday. I'm happy to say that we both survived the day with only a few bumps along the way. Jax was very excited as he walked into "school" this morning with his new lunchbox but as soon as he saw his classroom door he dropped the lunchbox and started climbing on mommy with one of the loudest cries I'd ever heard out of my sweet baby. The excitement of the first day of "school" was history. Of course, I wanted to turn around and bolt with my sweet baby in my arms but I stood firm and handed him over to his teacher. He went with her rather easily for all of the crying that was going on. I went to my car and as I was driving away tears welled up in my eyes as I realized that I had just left my little guy for an entire five hours. I know that I did what I had to do and I must say I enjoyed the time but it was a difficult thing. I was the first parent to arrive this afternoon for dismissal. Jax came out with little eyes that obviously had been crying but his teacher said that he had a good day. She said that he got upset at naptime and suspected that it was because I wasn't there. We talked on the way home and he said that he had a good time. We talked about things he did but he was most excited to get his "Ms" (short for M&Ms). We looked through his folder when we got home and he showed me the beautiful picture that he painted with shaving cream. As you can see in the pic above he is very proud and was very happy to show it to Daddy when he got home from work. All in all it was a good day.

Birthday Fun with Granddaddy

Happy Birthday, Granddaddy!

I think Granddaddy likes his new picture of Jax.

This is good stuff!

We enjoyed a night out with my parents and brother as we celebrated my dad's birthday at Outback Steakhouse - a favorite place for family celebrations. Mom brought a cake from The Flour Shop - yummy as usual. Jax is beginning to love cake just like his mommy. We hope you had a wonderful birthday, Dad! We love you!

mmmm.....cookie

Granddaddy treated Jax to a yummy sugar cookie after lunch one day. Jax loves meeting his Granddaddy at the mall. Granddaddy strolls him around and plays with him while mommy shops. Fun for everyone!

Monkeying Around

Yesterday, Jax and I went to The Monkey's Treehouse in Bellevue. Jax loved the treehouse the most. What a fun place! I had heard great things about it so I'm so glad that we made the trip. We will definitely be going back soon.

Let's Do Lunch

After Jax's pictures on Monday we took time out for lunch at Chick-Fil-A. Jax loves chicken nuggets and fruit. This is always a fun time for us.

From Baby to Toddler

On Monday I took Jax to have his two year pictures made. He is so big - no longer a baby - he's a toddler. Of course, he will always be sweet baby Jax to me.

Mickey, Mickey Everywhere!

Happy Birthday, Jax!
Celebrating 2 with Mickey Mouse!

Everything Mickey!

Mema and Aunt JuJu

Make a wish!

Hey - a button that I can press without anyone saying NO!

Bath toys - fun times!

Uncle John, Savannah and Aunt JuJu helping open presents!

Is this for me? I love to climb!

Thanks Mema and Granddaddy - I love it!

Watch out everybody! Jax is a wild man with the pinata stick!

Uncle Jay finds the coolest stuff!

This is my Granddaddy and he plays with me!

Our Family- So blessed!

Jax had so much fun at his birthday party on Saturday night. He was delighted to see Mema, Granddaddy, Grandma, Uncle Jay, Uncle John, Aunt JuJu and Savannah arrive to celebrate his second birthday! Mickey Mouse was the theme of the big celebration. We feasted on yummy burgers with Mickey shaped cheese, Mickey shaped pasta salad, chips and dip, Mickey shaped pimento cheese sandwiches and fruit. I also made Mickey Mouse brownies along with a Mickey cake. We had a wonderful evening celebrating sweet baby Jax. He received lots and lots of fun stuff to play with and some new clothes and pjs, too. Thanks to everyone for making it a special night for Jax! We love you all.

24 Special Things About Sweet Baby Jax

Today has been all about Jax. John and I took him to Merridee's for breakfast, got him "chick chick" from Chick-fil-A for lunch and fixed a dinner of yummy spaghetti. He got an early birthday present last Friday so he had fun bouncing in his new outdoor bouncer. Sweet baby has not been feeling well since last Saturday so his birthday celebration was postponed until Saturday. We were disappointed not to celebrate with family on his special day but John and I agreed that it would be more fun for him after he was feeling better. He had a good day and seemed to be much better than yesterday but still not totally himself. So we have the "big party" to look forward to in a few days. We had a "mini" party tonight. We got him a cupcake so that he could blow out candles and we sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

The past few days I have thought a lot about the day Jax was born and all of the many things that make him so special to John and I. Just wanted to share a few of those things with you. Here are 24 Special Things About Sweet Baby Jax.

Jax ......

• loves to give hugs.
• plays in water whenever and where ever.
• prefers milk more than any other drink.
• loves to be read to every night. His favorites include Lullaby, Little One, I am a Bunny, Goodnight, Moon, Corduroy Goes to the Doctor, Skippyjon Jones Up and Down, and Noah's Ark.
• gives me the sweetest smile before he drifts off to sleep.
• gives a very mischievous smile when he is about to do something he in not supposed to do.
• loves anything and everything with buttons.
• can find a paci that has been missing for weeks in just a matter of seconds after John and I have searched for days.
• loves to eat Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets and fruit. Mandarin oranges are his favorite.
• dances to any kind of music. Watch out, ladies! He's got some moves!
• loves balloons.
• says "hey" to everyone he sees.
• gives CoCo lots of hugs and brings her toys to her even though she doesn't want to play.
• loves, loves, loves Mickey Mouse. He sleeps with him every night.
• watches Jon and Kate plus 8 after his afternoon nap.
• loves to explore outside.
• delights in being spun round and round by his daddy.
• gathers blankies, toys, sippy cups, etc. and puts them in his crib when he gets ready to go to bed.
• "brushes" his own teeth. He especially likes to use mommy's or daddy's toothbrush.
• helps mommy with lots of chores. He likes to unload the dishwasher and put clothes in the dryer.
• is the joy of our lives. We are very blessed.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Jax

Jax turns 2 today at 8:47 am! We are looking forward to a fun day with our sweet baby boy! More later.

Getting Wet

Jax discovered the sprinkler one day. What fun he had! I had not planned to let him play in the water but he has a mind of his own. So I stripped him down to his diaper and off he went. He loves anything and everything water. Great for bath time!

Into Everything

Jax discovered my winter accessory stash one day. This was the result. When I say Jax is into everything..... He is a very busy boy that I adore more and more each day. He is truly a blessing from God.

Little Swimmer

Jax and I took a "Mommy and Me" swimming class a few weeks ago. He loved the water. He loved splashing and jumping off the side. He didn't like floating on his back very much so we will have to work on that. He began "swimming" to the edge of the pool a little. Daddy was able to go with us one day so that was a special treat for Jax. Mema and Granddaddy came one day to watch Jax in action. Of course once he spotted them he just wanted to go play with them. The class was a great way to introduce Jax to the water and a few basics of swimming. It was also a fun time for mommy and Jax.

More Beach Fun

A trip to the beach is not complete without a yummy breakfast at the Waffle Shoppe! Angelo's Steak Pit - a childhood favorite. So glad I could take my sweet baby Jax. A great tradition to begin with him.

Where's my steak? I'm hungry!

Gotta get a picture with Big Gus!
Skee ball - this is fun stuff!
Daddy - you might want to step back a little!

Getting ready for the fireworks!

Granddaddy and Jax

My wonderful hubby and me!

Mema and Granddaddy

Jax loves his Granddaddy so much!

Thanks for a wonderful weekend Mema and Granddaddy. Looking forward to going again soon! We love you!

Fun in the Sun

We spent the fourth of July weekend at the beach with my parents. Jax loved being in the water. He loved the waves and splashing around. At first he wasn't very interested in the sand but we finally got him to play with his beach toys for a few minutes. Jax does not sit still for very long so building a sand castle was out of the question. The pool was fun, too. He floated in his turtle a little but he preferred to splash around with John or me. It was so much fun watching Jax explore his surroundings. John and I have been looking forward to taking him to the beach for the first time. It was a great weekend.

Celebrating Our Independence

Happy Fourth of July from The Dooners