The Jackson Five

Summer/Fall 2011

2011-10-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

More Spring 2011

2011-10-04T16:54:00.001-07:00

Spring 2011

2011-10-04T16:35:00.001-07:00

Salt Lake City on Spring Break

2011-10-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

2011-10-03T12:03:00.001-07:00

Well it's been quite some time since we've updated the ole blog. Paul and I are still not on facebook and will probably remain that way, so I better start updating this a bit more often so that everyone can see how quickly the kids are growing.

I'll just give a quick rundown of the happenings with the kids as there have been major changes this new school year at our house:

Austin - he's now a freshman at Dowling! I still shake my head when I say that. Prior to this year he's only gone to one other school so this is huge for us all. He went from a class size of 18 to 350! So far it's gone very well. He loves the whole thing...except homework. He is making lots of new friends and is very busy. He played on the freshman golf team (the season just wrapped up last week) and is involved in weightlifting and open diamond (for baseball - yes baseball already!) 5 days a week.

Kale - he is in kindergarten! Again, I still shake my head at saying that, where did the time go! Kale and Austin started their new schools the same day...needless to say it was a little emotional at our house that day. Kale started the school year with his arm in a cast above his elbow due to a fall from a slide at daycare - his left arm - and he's left-handed. So that presented its own set of challenges and frustrations for him, topped with his all go all the time personality, it's been a bumpy ride so far. I'm hoping that we can look back on these days and laugh about some of the notes and phone calls that we've gotten from his teachers. Kale's also playing soccer this fall and really enjoys that.

Alivia - she's turning 4 later this month and is still probably the most girly girl I have ever met. Alivia was not happy about the fact that the boys got to go to new schools this fall and she didn't, but she's starting to adjust. She has also been interested in Kale's daily report from school and this morning gave him quite a pep talk to stay on green all day at school. She started ballet lessons last week and went in the studio with the biggest smile on her face and came out when her lesson was done with an even bigger smile. She absolutely loves it! My hope of a softball player is fading, oh well. We planted a few trees last week and of course they have names...Rapunzel and Ariel...can you guess who came up with the names?

So as always the kids are keeping us very busy, which leaves time for little else. We had fun summer at the lake and with the new house we look forward to getting away to there every once in a while throughout the fall and winter.

Pictures coming soon.

Kale's first ball game

2010-05-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

We decided to sign Kale up for bambam baseball this year. He was so excited to finally get to go to HIS game. Austin is the "coach" on 2nd base...poor kid, he's a good sport with Kale. At the end of the video Kale is trying to make his fingers be like what Kick Buttowski does (he's a character on a Disney cartoon that Kale loves)...it's kind of like the "hook em horns" with the pinky and index fingers and thumb out. He's having a little trouble at the end figuring out which fingers go up and which go down. Enjoy.

Milestones

2010-01-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel guilty like I'm wishing away their lives thinking if only Kale/Alivia were this old then life would be so much easier. And it seems that those ages that I find myself wishing for come and go without us even noticing.

We've hit a few milestones at our house. First the baby gates have been put away. You can freely move up and down stairs at our house without having to figure out how to open the darned gate anymore. Now we can sneak up the stairs to check on the kids without them getting the warning from the squeeky gate that we are coming...ah the power.

Our second milestone is Miss Alivia is potty trained. Kale's potty training experience/nightmare left us thinking if we had only one in diapers for the rest of our lives that was good enough for us. But true to form, Alivia will not be outdone by her brother. We were so drained (no pun intended) from Kale that we weren't even close to thinking about starting her but she did pretty much did it all on her own. Luckily she only wanted to stand up to potty once and we were able to talk her out of it. Hopefully soon we'll get to put that disgusting potty chair in the garbage and then we'll be set!

We're all feeling so grown up now we may even attempt restaurants...on second thought, maybe in another year.

Alivia's Birthday

2009-11-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well I'm almost a month late with this post but better late than never. Alivia turned 2 on October 19. I can't believe she's two! It's amazing how when your youngest turns a certain age it just seems so shocking to think where the time went. She is a special little person - funny and loving but that girl can throw a temper tantrum like no one else. She's definitely not afraid to tell you if she isn't happy about something. Alivia has turned into a huge daddy's girl, that seemed to happen almost overnight here recently. The day before her birthday she woke up at 4 in the morning throwing up and continued to vomit all day long. At about 5:00 that night after a call to the nurse we were advised to bring her into the ER for treatment of dehydration. She had her first IV and some medicine to help with the vomiting (which she threw up...go figure). Luckily she recovered pretty quickly and although on her actual birthday she was not quite 100% she was feeling much better. She's such a character, the terrible twos should be something.

We have a teenager!

2009-08-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Austin turned 13 yesterday, I'm still shaking my head at the thought of having a teenager, seems like just yesterday when he was born. He decided to have some friends celebrate with him by bowling and playing lazer tag. Of course Paul was right in there with his buddies. So far no teenager attitude yet, although I believe we (the parents) are becoming increasingly uncool, Paul's pretty much in denial that he could possibly be uncool.

Here are pictures from the party and some other randoms, enjoy!

Pictures!

2009-07-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Kid Stuff

2009-07-19T19:14:00.001-07:00

Well we find ourselves about halfway through the summer and we're at the end of what has been a month of no practices, games. It's been a nice break, we've spent several weekends at the lake. Austin, as always is quite the swimmer, doing flips off the dock, I was pulling him on the tube behind the boat one weekend and as he was trying to stand up I noticed that the rope for the anchor was rapidly going into the water and I quickly let up on the gas and Austin took a dump off of the tube...oops. No harm done, he did manage to stand up on a later try, a feat he hadn't been able to accomplish before.

Kale is becoming quite a little fish, he took swim lessons about a month ago and you put his life jacket on and that kid is in the water from sun up to sun down. He's even jumped off the boat into the water a few times. One weekend we had the kids out in the boat pulling them in the tubes and after all of his cousins were done he said "my turn". We were shocked but thought well, let's go with it. So Kale and his cousin Michael went for a turn in the tube together. They were both all teeth smiling from ear to ear.

Alivia has gone from eating the sand on our beach last year to actually playing in it this year. She's even starting to enjoy going in the water for longer periods of time. Doesn't really care for being in the boat for very long but each weekend she seems to enjoy herself a little more.

The 4th of July brought really crappy weather this year but it managed to clear off in time for the fireworks. I was so excited for Kale and Alivia to see them, and they didn't disappoint. They oohhhed and aaaahhhhed through the whole thing it was a lot of fun.

Other happenings in our little world:

Austin is going to play fall baseball this year for the first time and I've managed to talk Paul into coaching. He's such a good sport. It's a short season, only 5 weeks, so looks like we'll be dusting off the ball equipment here soon.

Kale is so close to being potty trained...talk about a long road with this one. I don't know why I'm surprised, he's a strong-willed kid and he'll do it on his time. Unfortunately that generally clashes with our plans.

Alivia is Kale's little shadow. Whatever he does, she has to do too. They've always gotten along pretty well but they're starting to fight a lot more often. Of course Kale usually has the upper hand being bigger, but she definitely holds her own and she's not afraid to take a stand if she really wants something.

We're all pretty excited that Grandma and Grandpa Jackson are coming to visit us later this week. We're going to take them to the lake for the weekend so we're all praying for nice weather.

Pictures coming soon.

A Star is Born

2009-05-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry to always put posts just about Kale but this kid gives us such great material on a daily basis that we couldn't pass up the opportunity to pass it on. Paul calls him the next Billy Joel. Enjoy.

Kale's Googles

2009-04-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Austin received an Easter package the other day from his step-grandparents and in the package were a pair of swimming goggles. As with every other two year old, he thought they were his. So being the good sport Austin is, he let him play with them. Kale calls them "googles". He wears them all around the house telling us to call him Superman. He gets so wound up and sweaty that the "googles" start to fog over and he has to pull them down to see (kind of like a person wearing bifocals). He even decided he had to take them to school to show his friends. We got to school Tuesday morning and he gets his coat off and tells me to help him put them on and away Superman went!!! He was so proud of himself. Priceless!

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Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow

2009-03-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

Well Austin decided it was time for a change. The school has been cracking down on the hair policy and since his cousin Cody got his all hacked off Austin announced that it was time.

He looked like he had turned back time and was 8 years old again!!

He said it turned out shorter than he wanted and he said he's never cutting it again. And pretty much wore a hat for the better part of a week. However, he's getting used to it and I think he's going to let it get a little longer but still keep it short...we'll see.

Has it been that long?

2009-02-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, it's been 4 months since I've posted something on here. Sorry.

I'll post pictures later but for now I'll give an update on what's going on in our crazy life.

Austin - just finished basketball season. I can't think of anything I'd rather do than watch him play basketball or baseball. That kid has such natural athletic ability, I just really enjoy watching him grow and get better and better. Paul was asked to be the assistant coach this year. Paul did a wonderful job...although he made the comment "this is going to kill me". He's always very positive with the kids (can you believe that!) and did not get kicked out of one single game!!! I think they both enjoyed themselves very much. Now on to baseball.

Kale - We don't really need to bother going out much anymore, that kid is nonstop entertainment. He's quite possibly the funniest person I've ever met...and certainly knows how to work his parents. All he has to say is "go Penn State" and Paul is putty in his hands. He loves to play baseball and soccer in the living room. We had a bout of hand/foot and mouth disease at our house and although it was painful for the kids (and us) one good thing did come out of it - Kale no longer has to have a pacifier. It's been about 3 weeks now. Occasionally he'll ask for it but we can easily distract him and take it away. Now on to potty training.

Alivia - What happened to my baby? She's walking all over the place, climbing on furniture, running away laughing when it's time to get her coat on. She's really starting to communicate more too and a few words are emerging. Daddy is her favorite word (I get called Daddy too). She shakes her head yes, says no, says "MINE" and has her own version of thank you. Lots of other things that we can't quite understand at this point, but she's trying. She loves her dolly, blanket, bath time and brushing teeth. She's also a huge Diva too...man girls are so different than boys. If she doesn't get her way, that girl can throw a fit like nobody's business.

Paul and I - Friday we're driving to KC then flying to Salt Lake on Saturday to drop the kids off with Paul's parents and then Sunday we're on to Mexico for 5 days!!! We're meeting up with 6 other couples. We're pretty excited to see all of our family in Utah (although it's way too short of a trip there) and get away from the cold (and yes the kids) for a while. Just a little nervous about a 3 hour plane ride with a 1 and 2 year old. Austin's staying DSM with friends since he's still in school.

Today is our 5th wedding anniversary. I cannot believe it's been 5 years already, I still remember the day we met like it was yesterday. I thought it was going to be Austin and I forever and then along came this wild, crazy, moody, opinionated and hilariously funny guy. He loves Austin and I unconditionally and I feel very blessed that God gave him to us. Thanks for 5 awesome and unpredictable years, I love you Paul!

Well that's it for now, I guess I should do some work. More updates soon.

Lots of pictures

2008-11-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

It won't count, but do it anyway..

2008-10-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hello

this may come as a shock to you all that I am writting on this, but here goes. Please don't take offense to this, but this is my opion and I have the right to say so. Next week we have the right not oblegation to cast a vote for the President of this great country of OURS!! Your choice to vote for is yours, but lets be sure it is the right one. We all know that the ellectorial college actually picks the President, but in a very small way your vote counts. I plan to vote straight republican ticket for many reasons. These are reasons why I will vote for MaCain, and not Obama.

1) I will not vote for a man who wants to increase the wellfare programs of this country Obama will. So low live sh-ts can sit at home take advantage of these programs, keep having kids and get paid for it. How will this happen? Obama will raise our taxes to pay for it.

2) I will not vote for a man who wants to diminish my 2nd amendment righ to bar arms. Obama will. Why punish a law abiding citizen because some dum-a-- used a gun to murder someone.

3) I am anti-abortion. Obama isn't.

4) I will not vote for someone who will continue to be enrgy dependent(oil) from other countries. We have enough oil in the Rocky Mountains, off the coast of Florida and Texas and in the Anwar Penisula in Alaska to last this country hundreds of years. Obama won't drill. MaCain will.

Number 5 is an important one.

5) I cannot vote for a man who has attended a church for 20years that is ran by Rev. Wright. Rev. Wright hates America and the white race. Also I cannot vote for a man who is friends with Aires the leader of the terrorist group that bombed the Pentagon and the Twin Towers many years before the 9-11 attacks and never apologized for it. Is that a guy you want running this country?

These were just a few of the reasons why Obama will NOT get my vote on Tuesday. Remeber these are my opoins, and only mine. They are no way the opions of Kris. Please make sure you vote on Tuesday. If you don't vote you can't bitch.

Sorry for the blog, but if I can't express it that is one more freedom of mine gone. I love and miss you all very much. Remeber Go Penn State.

Paul

Alivia's 1st Birthday

2008-10-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

What a year it's been. In some ways it's been incredibly long (when she didn't sleep through the night) but for the most part this first year of Alivia's life has gone so fast. She's such a joy and so different from the boys. She got a lot of help opening her presents and really enjoyed the cake.

Classic Kale

2008-10-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my whole family (minus Todd and Nick) went down to Kansas City for a long weekend. Kelly ran the KC Marathon and finished it!! We celebrated Alivia's 1st birthday (pics to come) and stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge. The hotel had an awesome indoor water park that everyone loved, especially Kale. Here's a glimse of some of Kale's antics. I don't know if he's aware of it, but the kid is a comedian in the making. Enjoy!

Husband Tag

2008-10-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

1. Where did you meet? Quite by accident, I was meeting a co-worker at her friend's-husband's softball game. He worked for Budweiser and Paul was on the team. The rest is history.
2. How long did you date before you got married? 7 months
3. How long have you been married? 4 1/2 years
4. What does he do that surprises you? He puts up with me!!
5. What is your favorite feature of his? His laugh.
6. What is your favorite quality of his? His passion for things.
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Not really appropriate to say here
8. What is his favorite color? Penn State Blue
9. What is his favorite food? Anything that is "market price"
10. What is his favorite sport? probably college football or golf
11. When and where was your first kiss? The first night we met on his front porch.
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Ride on the bike.
13. Do you have any children? 3
14. Does he have a hidden talent? He's a very good cook.
15. How old is he? 32
16. Who said "I love you" first? He did.
17. What do you admire most about him? How he treats Austin just like he was his own.
18.Do you think he will read this? No - I'd have to tell him.

New Pics

2008-10-03T12:02:00.001-07:00

The latest

2008-09-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

Austin is in the middle of his second season of golf. Paul is the coach again, which Paul is coming to find has its pros and cons. The pros...gives him a good excuse to go golfing more by saying "I think I'll taking Austin golfing Saturday morning" and the cons...I've learned that biology doesn't necessarily make you the person you are. Being in close proximity of someone for an extended period of time, you tend to pick up on their behavior. Paul is now dealing with a miniature version of himself on the fairway...Austin likes to slam his clubs and throw them when the ball doesn't go in the stinking hole...although he hasn't come home with a broken club...yet.

Kale is quite the typical 2 year old...feeling the need to explore everything. Kale loves to do anything outside and his favorites are tractors, buses, his paci, candy, motorcycles, Dora, singing, books, brushing his teeth, baby (that's what he calls Alivia), Austin, Mom and Dad. Every night at dinner we have to sing songs, usually he'll designate whose turn it is. Luckily we all get a shot at it. Kale's version of the ABCs is priceless. The other day Paul was watching football on TV and Kale came in and hopped up on his lap so Paul changed it cartoons...Kale said "no daddy...football". Paul nearly melted.

Alivia is quickly approaching her first birthday, where did the time go! She's crawling everywhere, and walks along the furniture pretty well. I suspect it'll be another month or more before she's walking, but who knows. She's got such a sweet personality but has been working on her diva side as well. Alivia isn't afraid to let you know when you've done something she doesn't appreciate. But for the most part she is happy. She also loves the singing at the dinner table, she just sits there and laughs while feeding Harley.

Paul and I are just trying to keep up with these kids. Every now and then we get a little time to ourselves. We're both into college football this fall, and of course it's especially fun since Penn State is doing so well, although he's a nervous wreck every Saturday. He rolls up his pantlegs and paces through the living room. Keep it up JoPa!

Here we go...

2008-09-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

So I've been looking at the blogs of my sisters-in-law and enjoying all of the updates on their families and thinking, I should do one for us since Paul and I both have family so far away. And with a formal request for a blog from Nichole...thanks for the push...here we go.