The Bell Family

My Little Dancer

2010-09-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

Jasey began dance when she was about 18 months old. My chiropractor's assistant, Jillian started her own studio. Most kids aren't allowed to start until they're atleast 2, but since she knew us and loved Jasey she let her join early. Jillian is very talented and loves all her girls. She has many awards for her dance throughout her life. She started dancing when she was 3 and she even danced for a year in Las Vegas at The Tropicana!

The last of July Jasey had her 2nd dance recital and I feel she has came a long ways since her 1st recital last December. She really enjoys the class and loves all her little friends. They had the month of August off but we went back on Monday night. She was like a new kid; it's amazing how much she's grown in a month. She didn't get upset at all when I left her and when I got there to pick her up I watched her through the window and she did so well! I'm so excited for her that she enjoys it and has so much fun. I watched her in her new black leotard and purple tutu as she did her back bends and rolls.

In Ethel, MO there is nothing like this and it is all new to Jason and I, but we're having fun watching her learn, play and make new friends. And of course I like dressing her up in adorable outfits. Daddy really wasn't liking the make up though! Here are the pictures from her July Dance Recital. They danced to I Wear My Sunglasses At Night!

Look at my girl; she's all grown up!

With one of their sunglass props.

It's almost impossible to get six 2-4 year olds to look at the camera at the same time.

Pretty good

My First Wedding

2010-08-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

My cousin, Sheryl took a job in Arizona and her and her fiance packed up everything, planned a wedding in about three weeks and left Missouri. With her wedding plans being packed into three weeks finding a photographer was impossible....introduce me photographing my first wedding. And when you photograph a wedding you need an assistant, right? That's when it's nice to have a wonderful husband who likes to take pictures. Our little church back home is OLD and very outdated so the pictures aren't spectacular because of backgrounds and ugly pew colors (orange) YUCK! But I was pleased at the shots we took. I don't think I'll probably do another wedding unless it's for a close friend or family member, just because of my inexperience. I really do want to take a photography class so that I can learn more about my wonderful camera. I also need a class in Photoshop or some other photo editing program. Anyone know where they're offered at or a good way to learn more?Here are some pics and edits from John & Sheryl's special day; I hope you enjoy!

The beautiful bride, Sheryl

Tanner, the bride's son and best man

An edit of the last picture...just playing around!

My beautiful baby girl and the adorable flower girl!

Another shot of Tanner

All the little ones in the wedding.....I love this pic!

Another shot; full color.

Unity Candle

I couldn't get them both to look at me :(

The groom

Sheryl and her brother, Scott

Jasey & Kamberly....just too cute!

The new happy family!

Just a different shot of flowers

The MOH & Bridesmaid

Groom

One of my fav shots photographers do.

The beautiful cake


Tanner & John

3 Years Ago Today....

2010-08-04T15:01:00.000-05:00

I married the most amazing man! It's crazy to think how fast these 3 years have went. We've had good and bad times, but we've got through them and become a stronger couple because of them. I thank God each and everyday for bringing Jason into my life. He's such an amazing friend, father, brother, son and husband. He also gave me a beautiful daughter whom means the world to me! I'm so lucky to have a wonderful family. I wouldn't change one thing about our special day....o wait yes, I would have. I would have had a spring wedding! It was 115+ degrees on the day we got married; it was miserable! ( I like to blame our wedding date on Jason; I wanted to get married in May) But I still love you JASON!

And even though the KC Chiefs are in town and my husband will be spending all his waking moments today with them I still love him and hope he knows how happy he makes me! Here are a few pictures from our special day.

Spring is FINALLY here!

2010-04-15T20:08:00.003-05:00

I'm so glad that spring is here and we don't have to be cooped up in the house because of the cold. We have a huge yard and we definitely go out to play a lot. Jasey loves going outside and getting dirty. And no matter where she goes Bentley follows her. They're best buds! Jasey & Bent looking at the airplane.

My beautiful little girl!

Nothing like playing in the rain puddles!

Daddy's girl; playing on the bear!

Definitely PaPa's little farmer--riding her Case IH! RED POWER!

Cirucs

2010-04-15T19:27:00.004-05:00

We took Jasey to the Moila Shrine Circus for the 2nd year. She really enjoys it and the money goes to a very good cause. One of my best friends growing up was born without a hip bone and the Shriner's Hospital in St. Louis helped her through many surgeries that her parents could never afforded. She is now very healthy and outgoing because of them.

We had a great time as a family and I was glad we were able to be together, eat a snowcone and laugh! We have so few of those moments because of our different schedules!

The hoola hoop girl! Jasey was amazed (let's face it I was too!)
My little clown!

Jasey posing by the elephants--she loves them!

They had bears driving bikes and motorcycles--CRAZY!

And the puppy dogs!

Jasey, Aunt Nandi and the clown; she didn't know what to think of him.

She couldn't take her eyes off of him; not sure what to think!

Jasey's 2nd Birthday

2010-04-04T20:03:00.006-05:00

I'm still trying to catch up on the most important events in our lives so that I can start blogging regularly.

Jasey's party was a lot of fun this year. We had a luau theme; even though it was cold and rainy outside. This year the weather cooperated so that our families were able to drive to Savannah. Last year we got 7" of snow in just a few hours last year :(

Here is her cake that my wonderful friend, Sarah, helped me make. I thank her for driving up from St. Louis! She made the trip and ended up hardly getting to catch up with me and instead got to decorate a cake and help set up for Jasey's party. Thank you Say--I miss you!

These were her table centerpieces:Time for some sand art....
and coloringMy wonderful family!

Jasey didn't want to leave her PaPa's sideThe awesome pinata!

Time to open some presents! She got soo many; thank you to everyone! She had an extremely long day and as soon as we got her in the car she was asleep!

It just doesn't seem possible that two years ago I gave birth to this beautiful, smart, funny & amazing baby girl. Each and everyday she amazes me; whether it be with a new color, word, number or roll of the eyes. I never knew my heart could grow and love something so small and onery sooo much! I know that each and every moment I have with her is a gift and I pray to God each and everyday that I get to see her go to school, graduate, get married, have children and grandchildren. I can't imagine her not being in my life. Sometimes I think I love her SO much that I won't be able to love a second child as much as I love her. My friends with 2+ children assure me I will but I still have doubts. She is my world!!!!! I love you soooo much Jasey Lene Bell!

Snow days

2010-03-30T15:16:00.006-05:00

This winter has been HORRIBLE and we've had many, many snow days. Jasey loves to go outside to play and thankfully I have a wonderful husband who enjoys taking her out. I'll go out too, but I enjoy staying somewhat warm/dry and playing photographer!

In my 26 years of life I've never seen snow roll like this before;

my husband is a genius! This made making a snowman so much easier

than all the times my sister and I tried it!! She was such a big girl; climbing and sitting on the drifts all by herself!

She had so much fun; she wasn't scared at all!

But there were days that it was toooooo cold to go outside and play so my wonderful husband and daughter tore up the house entertaining themselves instead :)

She likes my Cricut box!

And of course Daddy makes the BEST forts!

Playing Catch Up

2010-03-30T14:16:00.005-05:00

If you've read some on my previous blogs than you know that my New Year's Resolution for 2010 was to blog regularly...well....I failed! I love reading my friends' blogs, but when I go to write my own post I'm blank. My life isn't exciting like some of the blogs I read. I love Kelle Hamptons, (thank you to Amanda for providing her link) The Pioneer Woman & The Davis Family Blog. They're entertaining; I find myself checking theirs multiple times a day to make sure I don't miss anything exciting! I seriously work 8-5, run to daycare to pick up my beautiful bug and head home for a quick dinner, bath and a little snuggle time before her 8p.m. bedtime. The weekends are left for cleaning, errand-running & grocery shopping :(

Since I have a few wonderful stories & pictures to share I'm going to go back a month or so and catch you up in a couple different posts! I hope you enjoy!

Granny

2010-01-25T13:44:00.011-06:00

Jasey with Granny Oct 4th.....Looking pretty darn good for a 99-yo if I must say so!
5 Generations: Granny Maxine, Jasey, Me, Grandpa Dale & My dad, Brian

Granny holding Jasey for the first time at 11 days

Granny and Daddy admiring our girl !

Me, Granny, Dad & Jasey

Losing a family member is hard...no matter how you're related or how old they are. This past Saturday the world lost a very special woman, Lillian Maxine Atha. She was a strong Christian woman who was very wise, caring, smart and sweet. This was a woman who saw things change through out many decades and generations. There's wasn't a thing this woman didn't know how to do. She made every piece of clothing in her closet, she planted a garden that would compare to some farmer's fields, she had a huge backyard full of chickens, flowers in every color and cooked a feast at every meal. She made my sister and I's dresses for every occasion. I remember the joy that it brought for Brandi and I to go pick out the pattern and material for Granny to make it. We had the coolest dresses ever! She made us patchwork quilts that were so soft and fluffy. She had one of the 1st ever Monopoly games made and I remember sitting at her beautiful dining room table rolling the die out of that little felt cup. She taught us how to play Tiddliewinks and marbles. But my favorite memory that makes me smile about Granny is when my dad or any of the boys would walk in with a beer in their hand little 'ole Granny would ask for just the last sip. Now the rest of the world would say Yuck, I don't want the spit left in the bottom--but Granny would say she only needed one little drink to help with her arthrits.....

She was a very strong/stubborn lady.....depending on who you ask :) My dad always told her she was as stubborn as a mule; I say she was the strongest woman I ever met. You'd never tell by looking at her because she was a tiny frail woman who always wore a homemade dress with her apron over it, hose (as she called them) and a little pair of white tennis shoes. In her 99 years of life she witnessed her eldest son die of a heart attack more than 25 years ago, her youngest son die of cancer 12 years ago and approximately 15 years ago watched her middle son (my Grandpa) suffer from a brain aneurysm and stroke that left him in the hospitals for months and now has a limited vocabulary to about 5 words :( That was just her kids--14 years ago lost her grandson to a tragic bulldozer accident and then a granddaughter who was found murdered and a great grandson who died at birth. Now read all that and tell me she wasn't a strong lady? She grieved in her way and would tell us she'd see them again someday...she was right---she's in heaven right now with all of them laughing and catching up!

I have many many memories of Granny; I could go on for days and days. I wish I had the time and the talent to tell you how amazing this woman was! I can tell you that there wasn't a soul out there that didn't LOVE Maxine! I know that her visitation and funeral will show how many lives she touched. I will miss her each and every day but I know she went home and I'll be with her again someday! I'm so proud to call her Granny!

My Little Model

2010-01-13T09:46:00.003-06:00

Jasey was chosen for a photo shoot with a photographer here in Savannah. The shoot went better than I expected! She was very cooperative and the photographers had so much fun with her. You can tell they love their job and look at it as play time. They provided everything for her shoot: tutus, hair clips, headbands, hats, leotard, etc. Jason even had fun playing dress up with all us girls!

She will be the "February Pin-Up/Cover Girl" for Marie's Photography. They're calling it Ballerina Babies! Here are the four shots she posted on facebook yesterday. She ended up taking probably 150 shots which Jason and I'll get a password to and be able to view online.

These photos are almost bittersweet. I love them and I know I'll always cherish them but I look at them and realize that my baby isn't a baby anymore. She's growing up each and every day. Shes talks so much and knows how to count to 5 and now knows her colors! She informed us yesterday during her photo shoot she wanted the purple one!! I can't believe she's almost 2. I remember going into labor and delivery like it was just yesterday. I remember holding her in my arms for the first time and the smell and feel of her skin. Where did all the time go? Now she smells like dirt and her dinner that she's managed to get all over! She tells me NO a lot and refuses to snuggle but still I love her--dirt and all!

Hello 2010

2010-01-07T14:44:00.004-06:00

Getting flowers from MiMi & PaPa

Right in the middle of her performance she yells, "HI PAPA!"

Jasey with her new Karaoke Elmo and her fuzzy soft blanket!

Jason's new car--09 Dodge Avenger!

Jasey at her first movie--The Munks

We're only 7 days into 2010 and I'm already so busy it's unbelieveable. Working for a city goverment at the end of the year and quarter and taxes being due makes my life miserable!

The holidays were great and Jasey really had fun this year-even though she made my dad watch Munks (Alvin & the Chipmunks) 10 times a day. She's really into Munks, Elmo & Bob (Spongebob) and that's about all our life consists of right now :) I love to see how she's growing each and everyday-she's not my little girl anymore. She speaks very well for her age and she's too smart for her own good! She won a free photo shoot next week with Marie's Photoraphy here in Savannah. I can't wait. She's so pretty and so fun; I bet the shoot will go great. She's going to be plastered all over--finally her chance to model :)

The beginning of December she was in her first dance recital. We were unsure whether she'd dance or not infront of all those people, but she did. She was so cute and we were so proud of her. My dad, who never made it to Brandi & I's musical events, even drove all the way here to watch her and gave her flowers :) I'm so proud of her--she's the youngest in the whole dance school and memorized her dance! What a big girl!!!

Jason and I also took her to her 1st move in a theater--Alvin & the Chipmunks the Squeakel. She was so well behaved; even though she was a littl tired. The 4p show had been sold out so we had to go to the 7p show so she was ready for bed and fell asleep on the way home. It was nice to take her out with us. I hope she starts to like other characters/movies so we can take her more often!

Jason's Nissan finally took it's trip with us :) I had been looking all over for a decent vehicle in our price range. Joe Machen's Ford in Columbia has always been my #1 choice and once again they came through for us. We went and picked up our new Dodge Avenger and loving it! Jason likes it so much he barely lets me drive it :( O well in this weather I'd much rather have my Trailblazer.

Not much going on in our life. We've had more snow than I'd care to see for the next 20 years. It just keeps falling and getting colder and colder. I'm ready for spring and I don't see it anywhere in sight :(

Hope you all had a great Christmas and I hope 2010 brings you all many new memories!
My 2010 Resolutions--eat healther, lose weight, blog more and get pregnant!!!

Baby Fever

2009-09-16T22:03:00.004-05:00

Her 1st night at dance. She's still in 6-9 month clothing so her leotard is huge. We had to special order some from her dance instructor. (She had to wear Momma's necklace to her 1st dance class)
Giving her baby lots of love!

Well I swear I will get better at posting on here. I have no excuse--I'm on every day reading Erica & Amanda's. I just don't feel I can live up to their blogging--Erica is amazing at it!

Things have been very hectic at work and I hope that things will get better now. City Council approved me as their Deputy Clerk on Tuesday night. I've been with the City of Savannah now for almost 18 months and feel I'm doing well. I started out as Utility/Tax Clerk and ran for City Collector this past April. I was elected and now taking on Deputy. The Deputy spot puts me next in line for City Clerk and will keep me busy, which I like. I'll also be using more of my degree, going to clerk meetings and seminars in Tan-Tar-A; woohoo!

Jasey is growing like a weed. She's 18 months now; doesn't seem possible. She's talking so much and coming up with new words everyday. Monday was "bird" and today was "door". She's really into her "baby" now. MiMi and Papa watched her this weekend and bought her a stroller and she pushed it around everywhere. She likes to give the "baby" kisses. It's very precious. I picture her being a wonderful big sister whenver we have another.

She's in dance and really enjoying it. She loves her dance teachers-Jillian & Cyndal. I think she's a little scared of Momma leaving her, but she does well for her young age. She's learned forward & backward rolls, splits and a back bend. Her first program will be December 5 for their Christmas Pageant.

With all our little town festivals she's been in lots of baby shows. At Ethel she got 3rd; she wanted Momma and since I'm in charge of so many things at Ethel I wasn't allowed to communicate with her so that ppl didn't think it was rigged. That didn't work for her so she had a little fit. I don't blame her; she didn't understand why Momma, Aunt Brandi & MiMi were all there and ignoring her. It tore my heart out. At New Cambria she got 3rd; Bucklin 1st; LaPlata 1st & Elmer 1st & Grandprize. She's beautiful no matter what they say!

Well that's all for today. I'm going to try to get to bed before midnight. I have tons of pictures to update you with, but forgot my camera card at work--O NO!

Catching Up On Life!

2009-07-12T23:38:00.008-05:00

A family shot at the Colorado Zoo today
The view of the Mountains from Richard's front yard

Snapshot of one side of our new bedroom

Snapshot of our living room ( I got an aqua wall )

One wall in Jasey's room

Our deck!

Our 1st picture of Colt....I miss him so much :(

Life has been crazy for the Bell family for the last few months. I have felt so many emotions; sad, happy, depressed & overwhelmed. When I last posted in April I talked about having no energy, rollercoaster emotions and etc. I went to 3 different doctors before my Gynecologist finally diagnosed me with Post Partum Depression. Only problem with that was Jasey was 13 months old....so I had lived 13 months depressed, sad and angry with no help. I was so upset that my family doctor didn't see this and suggested I take Adipex--a pill that is basically a smaller dose of speed. He thought it would increase my energy and help me shed the rest of baby weight! Isn't a doctor trained to see those symptoms and realize what's wrong? Within seeing Dr Boyle, my gyno, for 3 minutes she had diagnosed me. She said I had 6 of the 8 signs of PPD: the only 2 signs I didn't have was anger towards my child & suicidal thoughts (thank goodness!) She put me on Prozac and it has helped wonders. If you've never had depression let me tell you it's so hard! I felt embarassed to tell anyone; one reason it took me 3 months to post about it. When I told my mom she was so ashamed; she told me not to tell my dad! It has been so hard. My husband has been wonderful and really helped me out with Jasey and around the house! I just had to keep telling myself that depression isn't something I could help! Depression is a chemical imbalance in your body; it's when your saratonine levels are out of whack! I'm doing much better now and so glad to have everything figured out!

On top of that we moved and are enjoying our new house much better! We are still just renting but we moved out of a small apartment into a house in the country with a huge yard. Jasey loves it; having a place for a pool, sandbox and all the toys she wants. We have a huge deck so it has been so nice to sit outside and BBQ and relax outside. We even got to camp out in the backyard in the tent under the stars.

Life has gotten better for us. Jason finally got his first weekend off in April. He hadn't had a full weekend off since he was on paternity leave last year when Jasey was born. All his OT had really taken a toll on our relationship. We saw eachother for maybe 30 minutes a day on my lunch break. Things are so much better and having the new house has made our stress levels go way down.

Sadly, last Wednesday, our 1st baby, Colt William, our cocker spaniel, was ran over and killed. It has been very hard for us. I always had animals growing up on the farm, but was used to losing them to coyotes or other large animals. Colt was our baby and slept on my head and protected me every night when Jason was at work. It's still hard to even think about not having him around. I cannot believe someone is heartless enough to run over a small dog and leave him to die. The worst part is our neighbor was outside to witness it. How could you just run over that dog and never even brake when there are people outside witnessing you do it? I know with time the hurt will go away but I miss him so much! I hate that Jasey won't get to grow up with him. They were best friends!!! Jason and I always talked about her growing up and him sleeping with her and her sharing her ice cream cone with him. I still think of the cute memories I have of them together and hope one day after Jason and I have had time to heal we'll be able to get another dog for Jasey!

Right now as I sit typing I'm in Colorado. Jason, Jasey & I all got away for a family vacation to Colorado Springs, Colorado. My best friend from High School, Richard, is in the army and is stationed here at Fort Carson. We came out to visit and get away from Missouri and stay with him and his family. We've had so much fun and still have another day here. It's been very good for us 3 to get away as a family. Sometimes I wish we could move away and start fresh, but I can't imagine moving so far away from my family. But I do love it here; I could definitely get used to Colorado!!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-15T20:58:00.008-05:00

Last year's Easter picture; 3 weeks old

This year's Easter pic

All her cousins helped get pick up her goodies!

Tanner, Rachel, Jasey & Shayna before their hunt at Gma's

Jasey & I at Sunrise Services

Jasey really liked Noah's Ark

Jasey in her pink bunny coat; can you tell it' 5 a.m.?

Her 1st Easter Egg Hunt

We got 2 eggs!

She did not like the Easter Bunny!

It's so hard to believe that this was Jasey's 2nd Easter! It seems like yesterday we took her back to my hometown for Easter services and she was only 3 weeks old. She enjoyed her two Easter Egg Hunts. I think next year will be much better since she'll be walking. I had to help her walk, my mom held the basket and Aunt Brandi took pictures. It was definitely a group effort! She got one egg and was happy; she didn't care if she got any more or not.

It was a very stressful weekend back home with my family. My Great Grandma, Mamie, has alheimers and it's really starting to take a toll on my Gma and Mom. They really need help and no one wants to burden themselves with that. I hate to see her in a nursing home; but honestly it's where she needs to be now. It's hard to accept that the Mamie I knew and loved is gone! I know that we must rely on God and eachother; it's just hard to accept.

The weather in MO is FINALLY starting to warm up. I don't know if I can handle much more snow and winter temperatures! I'm ready to move to Hawaii; anyone want to join me?

(I know I make typos but I do know where paragraphs go; this site hates me and won't let me have paragraphs; sorry!)

Everything's Changing

2009-04-08T20:12:00.008-05:00

My adorable little bunny!

It looks like she's saying, "MOMMY, I'M NOT LISTENING!"
Do you all remember doing this to ur mother?

I love her so much!

Washing up after licking the beaters

I had to make a cake for work and this was the only way to get her to cooperate!

Jasey is constantly growing and changing. Her new word is UH-OH and she likes to drop things on purpose so she can say it. She's also likes drinking out of our water bottles. Right before bed tonight she went to daddy's nightstand and got his water bottle down and crawled with it in one hand to me for a drink. She loves water; she drank the whole thing! She's feeding herself with untensils. She's much better at a fork, but we're getting there on the spoon. She holds the spoon different and refuses to let me show her the proper way to hold it. She's using her left hand to hold things; makes me wonder if she's going to be a lefty. If she is; she will have gotten that from Jason's side; his mom is a lefty. The PAT teacher said they can use both right up until kindergarten, so we still have a few years until we'll know for sure!

I sit back and think of how much she's grown. Just a little over a year ago she was a brand new baby. All she did was eat, sleep and dirty diapers. I'd lay on the couch with her wrapped up in a blanket in my arms. I think of those days and get teary-eyed! But now I have this unbelievably intelligent toddler who refuses to walk :) She's very much a Mommy's Girl right now. She'll sit in my lap for a story or two and to be rocked before bed time. I see how she learns something new everyday and not only does it excite her, but Jason and I as well. When I look at her I see this little lady; her features are so advanced! I'm so proud of her everytime she does something new.

I just worry if I'm taking it all in. I don't want to forget one little detail. I try to write everything in her babybook and I try to take a million pictures so that she never feels/thinks for one little second she's not loved. Lately she's kept me so busy that I haven't been taking as many pictures; it makes me feel bad. I don't want to let her down; I want to be a great mommy! I worry; did she get enough milk today, (such an adventure getting milk down a child after the bottle goes bye-bye!) did she have juice, what about brushing her teeth? There are so many things anymore to do for her; it's unbelievable.

I have no energy anymore; which I thought was just b/c of Jasey being so active. I usually run on about 4 hours of sleep and make it through the day. Over the past few months I'd been so tired I could barely make it through work. I started going to bed earlier and still no change. My disposition and emotions have been like a roller coaster. I had started to think maybe I had a late case of PPD. I was definitely a different person; very unhappy, sad and depressed. Jason finally talked me into going to the Dr. last Friday. The Dr. thinks I have thyroid problems. He said 9 out of 10 women have thyroid problems, especially after all the changes that your body goes through during pregnancy. I had blood work, test and urine analysis ran on Monday. I go back this Friday to find out my results.

I'm very scared! I want things to go back to normal. I feel like my world has been turned upside down. I've always been a overweight but otherwise very healthy. Ever since having Jasey the weight has gotten worse. Before I got pregnant I had lost 39 lbs and was very happy where I was at on our wedding day. But now even running every night the weight hasn't went down, but up instead. I'm very snippy at Jason; the poor guy doesn't know what to do to help. He's such an amazing husband; I thank God everyday for him. At one point it had really drove a wedge between us. We weren't talking; me b/c I was sad/disapointed/depressed and him b/c he was afraid of getting his head bit off. Now that I know something's wrong; we're doing well. I was so ashamed to admit I had something wrong. So please, any prayers you have for me; I'd love to have. I really need to get healthy for my baby girl and my wonderful husband!

Missouri Weather

2009-03-31T08:55:00.000-05:00

The weather has been up and down here. We're all sick again and poor Jasey just can't seem to knock it this time. Her little nose is raw; from all the wiping I've done. Her and I seem to be passing it back and forth. I really want it to warm up and stay warm. I hate being sick and I hate being cooped up inside!

Jason went to St. Louis this past weekend to go to a Blues game. Jasey and I had a very relaxing weekend at home. The freezing rain and sleet made it the perfect weekend to be lazy. I did start some packing since we will be moving shortly.

We found a house right across the road from my sister; out in the country. We'll still be renting, but a lot more room. Still only a 2 bedroom, but 2 bath, utility/laundry room and a much bigger kitchen! There's also a 16x20' deck on the back and a huge yard. Jasey will love the yard; we're so excited to put out her new sandbox and pool when it's warm enough. We got to pick the paint colors for all the rooms. Jasey's room is going to be a sage green and we have Uppercase Living to put up. Her bathroom we're doing a light blue with rubber duckies. It will be so cute; I'm very excited! Most of the house will be a khaki/cafe au late color. I have a Cricut so I'm planning on cutting a lot of my own vinyl for decorations. I love Uppercase Living but it gets so expensive. Since I have the tools to make it myself I'm going to play around with it!

I'll post pictures as we get rooms finished. We're not completely moving out of our apartment until June 1. Our new landlord is awesome and letting us move slowly since he's remodeling it all; he doesn't want us to be rushed!

Catching Up!

2009-03-19T09:35:00.001-05:00

It's her new game to play on Mommy & Daddy's bed with Colt

They're best buds!

Even though she wasn't feeling well we took her out for some fresh air in her new wagon; she loved it!

Being sick wears a kid out or maybe it was playing in the sandbox. She doesn't care that there's no sand in it and that it's still in the house :)

She was tired of shopping!

Her new friend, Mr. Octopus!

And Mr. Crab

A shot from my sister's play

Wow; I haven't posted in a while. I tried posting Sunday night and this site wasn't cooperating.

Jason and I don't see eachother much so this past weekend was a very busy, but fun one for us. Friday night was the first time we let Jasey stay with friends. Shane and Tara were so excited to watch her. My sister had a play this weekend; she was co-director and costume designer. I knew Jasey wouldn't sit through a 2 hour play, so she went to Tara & Shane's while Jason and I went to the play with my mom, grandma and great grandma. It was a very funny play and those middle schoolers did a great job!

Saturday we made a day of it and went shopping. The mall here just went through a complete remodel. It looks like an acutal mall now; food court, play area, kiosks, etc. Jasey had a great time in the play area; she really liked the crab and octopus!

My sister, Brandi, babysat Jasey Saturday night so we could have a night out. We went to Bandana's and Room 107 (a new club that just opened) for Jason's best friend, John's, surprise birthday party. We had a really good time; even if they were all cops :) My sister called around 11:30 to tell us Jasey was running a 104 temp and throwing up. It cut our night short but we had fun.

Jasey is cutting 2 bottom teeth (the bigger ones; I'm not sure what they're called) It's the first time she's had any problems. She has 8 teeth and with those 8 we never knew she was cutting them until they popped through; she was so good through them. These 2 are horrible. She's in so much pain and fussy! My poor little baby. She was burning up so we kept alternating Motrin and Tylenol plus orajel. Finally the fever broke but she wasn't in the mood to sleep. I think Jason and I had 2 hours of sleep. She was still sick Monday, so I had to call in after I finally got to sleep at 6a.m. We've had a long week; she's doing better but still hurting and a little fussy.

In all the craziness I started a new workout program with my friend Tara. We run every night at the highschool track. We're keeping each other motivated so that we can get this baby weight off. I'm really trying to stay motivated and upbeat about this. I'm going to get an IPod this weekend to keep me upbeat while running.

Have a great week and I'll post soon!

Jasey's 1 Year Pictures

2009-03-09T16:37:00.000-05:00

These are Jasey's 1 Year Pics we had taken March 1 (one day before her bday) at JcPenney. She always takes great picstures, but these aren't are favorites. She's so mobile now that she didn't really want to sit still for pics. But they're still good. We have another photo apt for March 17 here in town with a professional lady who takes amazing pics. She's doing Moon babies, so she'll be naked and sitting on the moon in the stars. We're excited for those. Hope you guys enjoy!

BTW---the last post I had would not let me do paragraphs, so matter how many times I edited it. I know my grammer/punct is not perfect but I did make paragraphs :)

Busy Weekend

2009-03-09T16:07:00.000-05:00

I thought this was a neat picture. Jason took it Friday after Jasey's shower (look at her hair-Daddy needs practice) She's really growing and looking at herself and learning what a mirror is. She's so sweet!

This was how we found her after the circus Saturday night. I had to unroll her to get her out of the blanket; I was afraid she was going to smother herself. I think she was tuckered out!

Jasey with Cody & Nichole pointing at the elephants & monkeys

Jasey wasn't scared of the clowns at all; she loved him!

Jasey and Mommy during her pony ride.

Daddy & Jasey during her pony ride!

Hillary at her shower

Jasey & Hillary

We very seldom ever get a weekend together as a family. This past weekend was the 1st weekend Jason had off in over a year. We were very excited and took advantage of our time together.

Friday Jasey had her 1 year check up. Her doctor loves her to death and threatens to kidnap her every time we go in for a check up. She's still under 20 lbs-19.7 to be exact (25%) she's going to be little like her daddy. That is ok with me; having struggled with my weight my whole life I hope she does take after Jason and never has to worry about it like I did. She's 29.5" long which still puts her in the 75%. She had 5 shots and did very well with them. We've been so lucky with her shots. She's never ran a fever and never kept us from getting to do things.

We went to Buffalo Wild Wings afterwards and just sat for a long time playing their trivia games and having a nice dinner. It was very relaxing for once. After dinner we went to our friends, June and Terrell's for a little bonfire. Shelley & June watched Jasey so that Jason and I could go ride 4wheelers. It was a lot of fun; we haven't had the chance to do something like that in a long time. We really enjoyed ourselves. We are old now though so by 9 we were all tired and ready for bed. We made an early night of it!

Saturday we went to look at a house. I had walked by it one night on a walk and it was very cute; well taken care of and a very cute yard with a big back patio. We met with the lady only to have our dreams crushed. It was in very bad shape in the inside and a lot smaller than we thought. The bathroom was so small it didn't even have a bathtub! We were very disapointed; we thought this was the one! I guess God just didn't have it in our cards!

After that we had to drive to Independence for my friend, Hillary's wedding shower. Jason went to one of his friends and hung out while us ladies had the shower. Jasey was not very cooperative; but what can you ask of a 1-yr-old? She wanted to get down and play and she got filthy! Her brand new ivory/plum outfit was pretty much brown! There was a little boy there probably around 2 and he was kicking a ball around. His mother just let him do it; I'm surprised none of the little ladies got kicked in the head. I wouldn't let Jasey do it; she didn't seem to think that was fair. She threw a little bit of a fit, so I took her to another room. Mommy's always the bad guy :)

After the shower we headed back to St. Joe for the circus with our friends Cody & Nichole. It made for a long day for Jasey in her carseat, but she was a good girl. She loved the circus; we had a very good time. Jasey rode a pony and loved the elephants. She was too young to ride them though. She sat through 3 hours of a circus and never made a peep. Her eyes were glued to the bright lights and outfits. Jason and I enjoyed ourselves as well. I hadn't been to a circus since our 5th Grade fieldtrip to the Shrine Circus in St. Louis. We'll definitely make the circus a tradition in our family.

It was a very busy and crazy weekend, but we had a good time. Jason has another weekend off next weekend so we're planning on spending time together at home and vegging out; maybe actually watch some of our netflix that we've had since August :)

Jasey's No No!

2009-03-04T21:43:00.000-06:00

PAT Visit

2009-03-04T21:00:00.000-06:00

The Savannah School District is a great school district and they have a wonderful PAT (Parents As Teachers) Program. They hold 50+ programs a month for children 5 and under and make home visits to see how your child is progressing. Tonight was our 4th visit with our PAT Leader, Cindy. I was anxious to meet with her to see how Jasey is progressing; she said Jasey is doing very well! Cindy brought new toys for Jasey to play with it; it amazes me the things they make to entertain kids. She gave her a cup with two blocks to see if she could put the blocks in the cup and pick them back out; she did! She also had a small water bottle that she had put a long piece of ribbon in. Jasey pulled that ribbon right out. Cindy said she was the first child she had that had taken the ribbon all the way out and multiple times--YEAH! MY DAUGHTER IS A GENIUS!! :) She also did the DENVER Test to see if she can do things they think she should be doing at 1 year. She did great on that as well. Cindy was very shocked that she can drink out of regular cup and from a straw like she does. We also made a storybook out of ziplocks; we just need to add pictures of people/things we want Jasey to work on.

It was great to hear someone else tell me how well my daughter is doing. Of course, Jason and I think she's a genius, but makes me feel so much better hearing it from others; especially a trained professional. Jasey really likes Cindy and enjoys when she comes over with her "bag of goodies". Jasey kept pointing to it wanting more and Cindy was all out of new things for her. There's nothing better to a parent then knowing their child is learning on schedule and even ahead a little bit. My sister and I both exceled in academics; Brandi graduating Salutatorian and myself as Valedictorian---so I hope that Jasey follows in our footsteps!

I'm trying to upload my first video. This would be of Jasey being onery. She discovered that she can hold on to the end table and step into her basket of storybooks and stand up on them. I know she's going to fall and hurt herself. But being a first time parent I had to take the chance and video it while I could. If you're a parent I'm sure you understand and can't help but chuckle a little.

Jasey's 1st Birthday Party!

2009-03-01T22:34:00.000-06:00

Her Disney Princess Kitchen

(Don't mind the cords/mess; we were in the process of moving everything to fit it in her room)

"Mommy, look at the mess I've made!"

Jasey just starting to dig in!

Jasey's minature ladybug cake I made her!

Daddy & Uncle Bruce having a good time at her party!

Papa Brian helping blow up balloons and hang the pinata.

Her table decorations and headbands

Jasey and me with her huge stack of presents!

Our happy family!

Yesterday we had Jasey's 1st Birthday Party. It went really well; considering we got 6" of snow. The weather did cut our guest list short, but we still had a great turn out and a lot of fun. Thankfully, Papa Brian & Grandma Debbie (my parents) drove in Friday night and helped set up the Clasbey Center and bake all the cupcakes and make all the food. I don't know what Jason and I would have done if they wouldn't have came early. The rest of my fam started out early Saturday morning and was able to get there; even though the roads were very bad.

I was worried about the age difference in the kids and keeping them entertained, but we had no problems. All I had to buy those kids was a package of balloons and they would have been fine. We also had crafts and a pinata. I think everyone really enjoyed themselves.

Jasey was really good throughout the party; especially for it being a couple hours long. She got a little antsy during present time. She just wanted to play with them and we kept taking them away so she could open more. She got a lot of clothes; which is great, because she's so tall and skinny it's hard to find anything to fit her. She got a new wagon from us and a Disney Princess Kitchen, which she absolutely loves. It talks to you while you bake and cook. She's been baking daddy lots of muffins! She also got 4 cell phones! Everyone knows she loves to play with Jason & I's phones so they thought they'd solve that problem for us :) She got so many great presents; thank you to everyone!

At first she wanted NOTHING to do with her cake. But then she'd stick one finger in it. Before long she was really into it and made a mess of everything!

I'm a little sad that it's already over with, but at the same time relieved; no more stress! I can't believe that a year ago from right now I was laying on my bed with my mom talking about how I was getting ready to be a mom. We were laying there counting the minutes between contractions. There were all about 5 minutes apart but never hurt. I kept wondering if we should go to the hospital or not. I rember all of these details so vividely, yet it's been a year. Now I can say I'm a mommy and it's the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. She's the most precious gift God ever gave Jason and I. She's beautiful, smart and happy. It makes me wonder how I'll ever love our second child as much! I haven't cried yet; but just keep staring at her tonight; making sure it's not a dream. It just doesn't seem possible.

I hope you all have a great experience with your children as I do with Jasey. Cherish each and every moment you have with them, but also don't be so uptight that they don't enjoy life. Just let them dig into their cake at their 1st birthday party and don't worry whether they'll be dirty or have a sugar high; they'll be fine!

Jasey's New Clothes

2009-02-26T16:36:00.000-06:00

Jasey's Easter dress for this year! Last year it was aqua/green, so we're doing something different for this year.

Her ladybug dress for her birthday! I think it will be perfect with her theme!

My sister, Brandi, Jasey and I went out last night and did a little pre-birthday shopping. I found the cutest little dress for Jasey to wear to her party. I had bought her a red/white polka dot dress at Old Navy to wear to her ladybug theme party, but last night found a ladybug dress. I also found a beautiful Easter dress. Last year we thought we had one but she was so little we were looking the day before Easter for a dress. I don't want to go through that again; so I went ahead and bought it w/o Daddy's permission. He loves it though; so we're good to go. Now I must find all the cute little accessories to go with it!

Work is crazy today and I'm the only one in the office; so my post is short. I really wanted to get these pictures up; I thought these outfits were just too cute. Hopefully, I'll get to post more later.

Turning 1

2009-02-25T16:17:00.000-06:00

Jasey on Valentine's Day; look at the difference!

Jasey right after she was born

This week has been very hectic and hard for me. I've been working so hard to make Jasey's 1st birthday party perfect. I've made everything from scratch: invitations, centerpieces, menu, etc. I'm so afraid of her party/decorations being a disapointment. I know, I know she's only 1; she won't remember this. But others will and she'll see pictures of it and I don't want her to feel like she's cheated of an awesome 1st birthday party!

Jason's still working 6-7 days a week. He hasn't had a full 2 days off since his paternity leave last March. It really puts a strain on our relationship and communication. We see each other for one hour a day; trust me that's not enough time to see your spouse. I am glad, however, that he gets to babysit Jasey during the day so that she gets her "daddy time".

It's so hard to believe she'll be a year old on March 2. I remember going into labor and having her like it was yesterday. I can recall every single detail. It's a very sad and happy moment for me. I'm sad to think a year of her life is already gone. I sit back and wonder if I did everything I could and needed to. But at the same time I'm happy to have a beautiful and happy baby girl who is learning so much! She's said her first word-fish (besides mama and dada). She stares at our fish and just talks to them. If only I knew what she was saying.

All the family will be here this weekend to share in her big celebration and I hope it's a success. Time to get off here and finish work up for the day; then more work on her party!!!

Starting A Blog

2009-02-25T15:02:00.000-06:00

I'm new to blogging, so please bear with me while I figure everything out. I hope to get this up and running with videos and pictures so that Jason & I's family & friends can keep in touch. We are spread throughout the United States now so it's so hard to keep up.