Jackson Luke

I really don't think a mother could ever adequately describe the joy that each child has brought into her life. And so it is with my Jackson. From the day I found out that I was pregnant, to this exact day, my love for him has grown to be something that could never be fully expressed. He means the world to me.

Of all my children, Jackson brings more peace and calmness to the Smythe storm than is to be expected. :) He has always been my one child that is so passive and pleasant in almost every situation. Not that my other kids aren't wonderful in many ways, but they are definitely on the more "normal" side of child development. Is that a good way to put it? :)

Here is a quick example. And NOTHING out of the ordinary for him.

I made cupcakes last night for his class at school. After I made all 24, Jackson came downstairs and told me there were 25 in his class.

WHAT?!

I said, "Well, I hope someone is absent tomorrow."

Jackson said, "No Mom. It's okay. I don't need one."

And that is the real Jackson. Always making life easier for his mommy. Always. And never giving it a second thought.

Jackson helps me all day long with whatever I need. Yes, he gets annoyed with me many times, asking for so much help, but regardless of how annoying I am, he does what is asked. Every time. I could count on one hand the number of times Jackson has really been punished. (Don't ask about Noah and Ellie). Like I said, Jackson isn't a totally normal child. I just don't want anyone thinking I'm oblivious because he is my child. I SPEAK THE TRUTH!

I love you Jack!! You make me happier than I ever thought possible. The last 6 years have been the best 6 years of my life because I have a son like you. I couldn't be more proud and thankful to have you in my life, exactly the way you are.

Nothing but my kids

Just some pics of the kids and a little video of Carson.

This is a pic of how I found Ellie tonight after dinner. She means business when changing her babies diaper.He was so set on holding that Wii remote and any time I touched it he would cry his heart out. The reason I'm laughing so hard in the video is because Carson is one of the happiest babies around. He really never cries. So seeing him react this way is too funny. Just so not like him.

So, I have tried FIVE THOUSAND times to get this video on my blog and it WILL NOT let me do it. So, no video. But trust me. . . it was hilarious.

Just for laughs

In our back yard we have a pretty good sized hill. And it is perfect for sledding. Which my boys do every day after school. Jason went out with them a couple of weeks ago and videoed them. I just watched the clips and thought I was going to die laughing at Jackson. He was seriously upset at his outcome! Enjoy!

Panic

I dropped Jackson off at the bus stop this morning at 8:30am. Then went back home, cleaned up breakfast, packed the car with the other kids and dropped Ellie and Noah off at pre-school at 9am. Then I took Carson to his Dr appointment by 9:30.

My morning was running fine. Totally normal. I turned my phone on vibrate at the Dr's office and of course people called. When the Dr. left, I checked to see who called. It was Lakewood Elementary. Jackson's school. So, I quickly called them back thinking Jackson might be sick.

Then the nurse came in to give Carson his second dose of the H1N1 flu shot.

The lady at the school asked me if Jackson wasn't coming to school today. I said, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! He was on the bus this morning."

She said, "Ohhhh, well, he isn't in class. He is marked absent. I will call you right back and check down there."

I said, "No, I'll hold."

TWO MINUTES LATER, she came back. I was having a serious panic attack. Serious. The tears were swelling up and the worst was going through my mind. This is all while poor little Carson is laying there getting a shot and his mother is doing nothing to help console. And the nurse was trying to deal with crazy mom and sad, neglected baby.

When she FINALLY came back, (it felt like much longer) she said, "Oh, I'm so sorry. He's here. How silly."

I said, "NO! How NOT silly!" I mean really. Silly? That's the appropriate word to use? Then I asked her how something like that happens she said, "It's a glitch in the system."

Fix your glitch! Those 3 minutes of me feeling like Jackson was snatched up at the bus stop were 3 of my most fearful minutes.

I'm so mad at Lakewood. Try double checking next time you call a PREGNANT mother about her missing, but not really missing child!!!

The Christmas Post 2009

Ellie, Noah and Jackson out for the first of many snowy days.

A few years ago Jason and I spent our first Christmas in our own home and decided that for us, Christmas is perfect that way. Yes, I want family around, but having family come to us is so much easier with all our kids! And I think each family gets to a point where Christmas is best with their own traditions and home.Making Santa his cookies

This Christmas was GREAT. My parents, sister, brother-in-law and their twin boys came for the holidays. We were packed, but had a wonderful time together.

My kids had a super fun time playing with their cousins every day, making treats, staying up late, playing the WII with Aunt Jocey, (having some serious competition), and just spending time with everyone. I love the magic of Christmas.

Ellie, Carson, Jackson, Jake, Noah and Zach

The elves came on Christmas Eve and brought everyone pj's. Jason marked my box, "To: Mommy From: Daddy". Jackson read the box and was pretty confused. We're going to have to start being more careful with him around.

Other than a day of the horrid stomach bug, (I will never eat PotBelly's again), I felt great. Poor little Noah caught it and so did my Dad. And it wiped us out. I was so happy Jason had those days that I was sick off of work. He saved me from having to do anything!!!!

My mom and I made the big Christmas Eve dinner and I do have to say. . . it was DELICIOUS!! My mom's orange rolls were everything I was waiting for. Even little Carson thought he had died and gone to heaven. (The food seriously was a highlight of the Christmas holidays). :)

Jackson waiting on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought!

Christmas morning was filled with lots of fun and excitement. Santa pulled through and managed to get everything they asked for. Although Jackson reminded me that he forgot the stencils. Santa's not perfect!!!! My mom got Ellie a cosmetic container full of make-up and I think that was the best part of Christmas for her. It was all she wanted to do. I have since had to bag it up and hide it.Everyone left on Wednesday and things are back to normal around here. My Christmas is down and I am anxious for the start of a new year. There are many things I plan on doing. . . mostly having this new little baby girl and getting my old body back!!! (At least whatever is left of it).

Happy New Year to all!!!