Jax Hatmaker

On the Move

2010-08-15T23:00:00.003-04:00

Hey Everybody!

We are embarking on a new adventure! We are moving to a new house. But, wait...there's more...It's right next door to GrNanny and Big Guy!!!! As a result, Mom wants to be able to post updates of the MAJOR renovations that will take place. So, she's moving my blog into a new Hatmaker family blog. I will be doing all my updates on the family blog now, so add the new website to your favorites and I'll update when I slow down long enough!!

The new blogsite is www.hatmakerhappenings.blogspot.com

Love,

Jax

Summertime, and the living is easy...

2010-06-11T20:19:00.006-04:00

Summer is here, and so is Pops!! This is the first time I have seen him since last fall, and he made the trek all the way from Oklahoma to see me. Daddy took the week off of work, and we have had almost every minute of the week jam packed with some sort of activity. It has been a week full of firsts, and some good ole faithful activities in the mix. Here's a recap! First, we went to GrNanny and My Big Guys to swim. Pops got to see me do all my tricks, and the weather was fabulous for being outside for the evening. I am not afraid of one single thing about the pool this year, not even the slide! Of course, I had to put on a concert for Pops with my new guitar from a yard sale. Thanks GrNanny and Big Guy!

Tuesday morning, Pops got out a gift he brought me. My first fishing pole!! We went out on the deck for a fishing lesson and ended up rabbit fishing. Daddy hit the rabbit once and so did Pops before it hopped back into the woods.

Once we were at the creek, Daddy showed me how to hold my fishing rod.

Pops helped me too, he's the expert you know. He helped me cast my line, and thought it was hung on something.

Turns out, it was! He helped me reel in my line...

and catch my very first fish!! See it hanging in front of my shirt? It's just my size!

I also got to have my very first Root Beer Float, or as I like to call it, a Fruit Rear Bloat.

It tickled my nose, and was cold!

and YUMMY!!

We went to my very first Lookout's Baseball Game. I was afraid of the mascots a little, but after a few high five's, I was ok.

Three Generations of Hatmaker Men I got a Hot Dog!

and a giant foam finger! Go Lookouts!!

We also went to a Hot Rod Show and Unc Bubba had his T-Bucket there.

I even got to ride in it with Unc Bubba and My Big Guy! It's pretty cool, and I think Mommny and Daddy will have one of those in their garage when I get older!

Whew, I am exhausted and totally off my routine. Time to get some rest, so I'll see y'all later!

Love,

Jax

Happy Mother's Day, Mommy

2010-05-09T10:10:00.005-04:00

I promise I haven't forgotten to do the post to explain my muddy face from my last post, but I can't wait to share my Mother's Day with you. I know, I know, Mother's Day is supposed to be about Mommy, but if it weren't for me, she wouldn't have much to celebrate on this day, so, Mother's Day is really about me. Right? Anyway, Click on the little white triangle below to see the video that Daddy and I made to wake Mommy up! She loved it!

We met GrNanny and My Big Guy (formerly known as DaDa) for brunch. It was yummy. I ate a piece of prime rib that Mommy got for me, then I ate some of Daddy's prime rib, then I finished off My Big Guy's prime rib. I did eat some fruit, and a roll, and one bite of broccoli that Mommy said I had to try. Yuck! I got GrNanny a cool card with some Toy Story characters on it, and it played "You've got a friend in me". See? We're listening to it in this picture.

I got Mommy some new sunglasses. Then I helped her model them. I also painted a bowl for her with my hand prints and foot prints, but we didn't take it with us to brunch, so no pictures right now....sorry!

AND THEN....See the excitement I can't contain? I'm actually squealing...LAKE WINNIE!!!!For those of you who don't know, Lake Winnepesaukah or Lake Winnie is a local amusement park. It has been around since 1925, and GrNanny used to go there when she was a little girl and so did Mommy. Of course it has changed in some ways, but is still the same in many others. I sort of hijacked her Mother's Day too and drug her and My Big Guy along for the fun. First off, Daddy and I rode the hot air balloons. Mommy chases us around and takes pictures....Last tally I heard for the day yesterday was 180. Don't worry, I won't include them all! Next up were the boats! Some of you may remember that we went to a small traveling carnival on Easter Sunday. It was fun, but nothing like this, and the boats at that carnival weren't working. I have talked about them ever since, and yesterday, I finally got my chance to ride the boats! It was more fun than I thought it would be. While I was waiting in line for my turn, I was jumping up and down and another squeal escaped me! Mommy said it was adorable to see.Then came the ladybugs. They went fast and the track that they are on is humpy. Fun!Check out My Big Guy chillin' in the background in his bright orange shirt and cool dude shades. I had a hard time relinquishing the steering wheel long enough to wave at Mom. I love, love, love riding the motorcycles. Mommy says I can ride one for real when I am 65. Can't wait!!The Silly Saucers were....you guessed it....silly! They are on these arms that go around at a slow speed, but there is a wheel in the center, kind of like a steering wheel, that makes each saucer go around individually. Daddy started off slow, but picked up some speed towards the end of the ride, and we were flying!!Next were the bumble bees. They start off low and then go high in the air when you move that bar that Daddy and I are holding on to. We opted to not go very high.We all went for a ride on the train. It goes around the perimeter of the park, and you can see all sorts of different views. This is the view from across the lake.Next, Daddy and I climbed way up high to go down this slide. Mommy wasn't sure if I would be big enough or brave enough to go down the slide by myself, but I was big enough, and holding Daddy's hand, I was brave enough too. When we got to the bottom, I jumped up and yelled "et's goagin!" or Let's go again for those of you who don't speak Jaxanese.While we were waiting in line to go down the slide, My Big Guy bought a ginormous tub of popcorn. When I saw it, I thought, "Yay! Snack time". Turns out it was to feed the fish. Now don't get me wrong, I ate my fair share of it, but it was sure fun to feed those fish and to hear Mommy and GrNanny go on and on about how those fish were probably the same fish they used to feed. They were great big fish!See?After the fish, we stood in line for a few minutes to ride the carousel. It was not a bad wait except the haunted castle is right next to it, and it has this horn that blows about every 30 seconds. It sounds like a fog horn. I was not terribly excited about that.Finally in the saddle, where I belong. I liked this carousel a lot. It didn't go as fast as some that I have ridden, and the music was not so loud. Plus, I could see all the things I had already done and the things I was going to get to do next.After the carousel, I picked the caterpillar. It is a kids sized roller coaster. Daddy had to ride with me, but that was o.k. because there were a couple of things about it that were a little scary to me. It's o.k. though, I'm sure I will try it again next time.Cheesy picture with Mommy and GrNanny. Thanks for letting me hi-jack "your" day!The next ride had a very long line, so Daddy stood in line while Mommy took me to the playground. It was awesome!! There were big slides, little slides, climbing walls, rope bridges, bongo drums, ramps, steps and all sorts of other things that a little guy likes to do.After the playground, I was thirsty! Good thing My Big Guy had bought me this coke in a giant guitar shaped cup! I've never had so much coke in my life combined, but today was a special day, and I enjoyed every sip of it!The final ride was the old timey cars. My Big Guy rode them with me just like he used to ride them with Mommy and Unc Bubba. Can you tell by the look on my face that I was worn. slap. out? We finished off the Lake Winnie experience with a stop at the gift shop to get me a cap. Once back at the car, Mommy changed my britches and cleaned my hands, buckled me in and we headed out. I didn't make it back to the freeway before I was sound asleep! We all finished up the night with supper out with Aunt Audi and Unc Bubba who had just gotten back from seeing JeanJean. What a day! I had a blast, and I hope Mommy and GrNanny had as wonderful a Mother's Day as I did!! I promise I'll post about the muddy face picture soon!

Love,

Jax

Just a Teaser...

2010-04-27T03:28:00.002-04:00

Want to know what I've been up too? Here's a teaser...check back in a couple of days and I'll have lots more pictures up!

Chocolate Eggs and Bunnies and Cupcakes! Oh My!!

2010-04-07T21:19:00.015-04:00

As promised, here are some pictures from our sp-egg-tacular Easter weekend. It was a whirlwind, and was jam packed with fun! It all started on Saturday when we were going to Nanny's house for our family Easter celebration and egg hunt. Now, for those of you who are just joining my blog, Nanny is my Great Grandmother. She will be 89 years old on April 9th, and we are just thrilled that she felt like having us all at her house. It was a beautiful day, so sit back, grab some peeps or chocolate bunnies, and live vicariously through me!

Mom spent all day Friday baking and decorating cakes. These are the fruits of her labor. Possibly the best thumbprint cookies on the planet. I like them, and I'm not a big fan of cookies. These are egg cupcakes that she made for everyone who was there. And because Nanny requested it, an egg cake. This was a good chance for Mommy to practice some of what she has learned in the cake decorating classes she and GrNanny have been taking. After we ate, we got to hunt eggs. Now last year I was too little to grasp the concept. Mommy and Daddy and GrNanny would just point at the eggs and tell me to pick them up. I did what they said. This year was a little different. While I still don't get the full grasp of running around the backyard and "finding" the eggs, I definitely did understand that the eggs had either candy or money in them. I did not understand that I should gather as many as I could and then open them up later. You see, this is the very first one I found. It had some coins in it, and I stopped hunting in order to pocket those coins. Let's get our priorities straight here... I found some more in the low places that were intended for me. Then I found one up high. Sometimes a guy just needs a little help. Thanks Aunt Audi for the assist! This one I found on my own. On a side note, isn't this a gorgemous bush? Nanny has some real beauties in her yard!

Look, Mommy! I found one!!

This is me saying, "CHEESE". Mommy kept trying to get me to stop for just a sec and say cheese, so I did!

Had to stop for a snack...mmmmmm....chocolate eggs!

Nanny had ziploc bags for all us kiddos to put our "stash" in when the egg hunt was over. Mommy and Daddy helped me open up all my eggs and sort the money from the candy. Nanny kept the eggs to refill and hide for next year! WhooooHooo!!!

This is me and two of my cousins, Kate and Maggie. My other cousin, Lawton was out for a ride in Unc Bubba's T-Bucket at the time we took this picture. He's cool, and was really sweet to share with me when he was passing the football with Unc Bubba.

Maggie is the diva of the four of us. She loves dancing, and was twirling around and around while telling me that I had squished bugs on my feet. I never did see them on my feet, but I definitely did take a look.

That night, I got my bath, and Mommy got my basket all ready to leave for the Easter Bunny. We left out two carrots and some of Mommy's thumbprint cookies and some milk. I tasted the milk and took a little nibble out of one of the cookies just to be sure they were yummy. I also licked both carrots, but they weren't as yummy. I hope he leaves me that bicycle helmet I want so badly!!

Mommy took this picture before I got up on Sunday morning of my haul. It was almost like Christmas!! He even found one of my favorite pappy's that I had lost.

"What do you mean he ate ALL of the cookies, drank ALL of the milk, and left me a stub of this yucky carrot?

Ohhhhh, this soft, fluffy bunny makes it better!

The Easter Bunny brought my long awaited helmet, and some wonderful gloves!!!!!

And Chocolate Bunnies!!! I can have this right now, for breakfast, right NOW???? RIGHT, MOM? .....Sure, go ahead!

Check out the size of this chocolate rabbit! Can I have this right now too, Mommy??...No, I don't think so.

Seriously, I want that rabbit right now.

A paint with water book. Cool! I can't wait to paint!

Duck Whistles!!

My newest cousin, James Lucas Underwood was being baptised at Red Bank United Methodist on Easter Morning, so we went to church with that part of our family. I was pretty good, better than Mommy and Daddy thought I would be. I was pretty content most of the service, as long as I got to wear my gloves! At least they match my outfit!

This is Jim, or Baby James as I call him, with his Mommy and Daddy, Rick and Kelli. He's really adorable, and I like to touch his feet!

Here he is getting baptised. Such a precious moment!

Afterwards, Jim took a little nap in his Daddy's arms and then was bright eyed and bushy tailed for his Mama. It was like he was playing peek-a-boo!

After church, we went to the Mountain City Club for lunch. I ate lots of steak, then jumped head long into this chocolate cupcake. Yum!!

The Easter Bunny was at the Mountain City Club, and I went to see him after I finished my lunch. Aunt Audi was walking me around so that Mommy could finish her lunch. We went upstairs and I suddenly remembered to tell the Easter Bunny that I got my gloves he left me. So, despite the club full of people eating their lunch, I proceeded to shout, "I got my gloves!" It was terribly adorable!

JeanJean was here for Easter this year, and it was Aunt Audi's birthday. Aren't they beautiful? Happy Birthday Aunt Audi!

A big squeeze and a big cheese with the birthday girl!

The group shot. We were all stuffed and tired and ready to go. Look at my Dada playing peek-a-boo! Silly Dada!

After a well earned nap, Mommy and Daddy had one more surprise for me. There was a carnival at the mall! Daddy and I both got arm bands so that we could ride as many rides as many times as we wanted.

These big guys reminded me of the dragons from dragon tales, so I wasn't afraid of them. Dad had to ride with me because I am too little, but they were fun! They go around in a big circle while spinning at the same time. Whoaaaaa!

There were lots of kiddie rides there too that I got to ride all by myself. This one was 4 wheelers, and I loved it! Mommy took this picture after the ride was over because every one she took of me going by had my eyes closed. She said "open your eyes and let me take your picture". Apparently my eyes and mouth are attached!

Flying Goldfish! These were just like a big version of the little snack crackers I love so. Wheee!!!

All Aboard!! I had to ride it twice to get to be the conductor, but it was worth it. Actually, this was the only ride that I cried when it was time to move on to another ride.

Daddy had to ride the carousel with me because I was too small to ride it by myself. Plus, the last time I was on a carousel, I was afraid and didn't enjoy it very much. None of that this time, I l-o-v-e-d it. It was the first and last thing we rode, and I was sad to see that ride end!

I think that's all for now. I hope you enjoyed it! Check back again soon because this spring is proving to be full of firsts. Today we went to a playground! I'll save that for another post though. Thanks for reading!

Love, Jax

Hippity Hoppity Easter's On It's Way

2010-04-01T02:22:00.004-04:00

I know it's been a month or so since my last post, but I have just been tooooo busy to blog. It is finally warming up here, and let me just tell you, Spring may be my favorite season yet! For example, I love to hear the birds chirping, and then try to find them. Then, I look at Mommy and say, "Let's catch 'em!". She's not as keen on bird catching as I am. It seems she has this notion that birds are faster than Mommy's. Maybe so, but I'm not sure they are faster than two year olds! But I digress...I do that alot...

Mommy and GrNanny have been working on a project that has taken alot of their time and attention the last couple of weeks. The good thing about it for me is that they have been doing it at my house. GrNanny has been over a lot during the days and I think that is cool. Today while she was there, Mommy got out the big BIG pot and put all our eggs in it. They cooked for a very long time, and she left them to cool. Tonight, when Daddy got through cutting grass, and we ate supper, Mommy said it was time to dye my eggs. She made Daddy put me in some dark jammies and we were off! I know I did this last year because there are pictures, but this was amazing! You put a perfectly good white egg into a cup of "it's hot, don't touch" colored water, and the egg changes colors....See?? Dying Easter Eggs is a non aggressive sport. Mom had a hard time convincing me of that. In my mind, a death grip on the eggs was the only way to hold them. Mommy would remind me with every egg to be gentle, don't squeeze, but I kept getting this crazed, "squeeze the yolk" out of it look on my face, and Mommy would have to touch me on the arm and remind me to put the egg on the spoon. Once, I bypassed the spoon and released the egg directly into the cup of dye. Blue splatters went all over the place, but Mommy said it was no big deal. Overall, it was a lot of fun, and I only crushed three in my "death by egg dying" event. We finally got them all finished and into Mommy's special Easter Basket that she only uses for my eggs. Tonight, she said she thought it would be a miracle if the basket lasted through Easter, even if it is only 4 days away. Then she put it on a tall shelf. Daddy and I were making bunny faces when Mommy took this picture, so I'm halfway between a bunny and a boy...like a Jax Rabbit...haha...get it?? Jack Rabbit, Jax Rabbit...oh well, I thought it was cute. Drum Roll Please..........The big project that Mommy and GrNanny have been working on????

A BUNNY SUIT!

They have measured and cut and sewed and unstitched and sewn again. It looks like they have been exploding rabbits all over our house. I'm not kidding. There is white rabbit hair EVERYWHERE!!!! It was worth it though, today they took me to the mall to have my picture made with the Easter Bunny. I wasn't at all sure about him (although come to find out it was a girl in a bunny suit). I finally decided it would be ok to stand next to the bunny, but no closer. After they had taken a few pictures, the bunny tried to put her arm around me, but I held firm and pushed her away, gently but firmly. Let's just say she's no Santa Claus. I did however tell the Easter Bunny about this certain John Deere truck that I would like to get in my basket. Mommy told GrNanny it was a good thing they didn't wait until Saturday night to take me to see the Easter Bunny, because she now had some shopping to do. Whatever, I just can't wait to get that truck and a bicycle helmet so I can ride my trike outside! Sorry, digressing again...Here's the the picture of the cutest Easter Bunny ever and the one who brings goodies for your baskets.

I'll post more later. Mommy says this weekend should be full of photo opportunities!

Love you all!

Jax

Happy Balentime's Day!

2010-02-16T23:30:00.004-05:00

Just when I thought all the holidays were over, along comes Valentine's Day, or Balentime's Day as I call it. First we had Halloween...can I get a "Whoot Whoot" for tons of candy? Next was my birthday party. Yay, CAKE! Then, my actual birthday...Helllooooo Chuck E. Cheese. Thanksgiving was next...too many good things to list. Christmas...WOW! Presents, brunch at GrNanny and DaDa's, supper at Fuji. YUM! More cake and Fuji for Mommy's birthday in January, and I thought that was it until Easter. Imagine my surprise when along came Balentime's Day! We started off the weekend with, you guessed it, more snow! Daddy and I built a snowman and used hershey's kisses for his eyes and buttons. Of course, we used a carrot for his nose and a pappy for his mouth. That was my idea. Cute, huh? Mom and GrNanny are taking a cake decorating class. Daddy and I are struggling through all of Mommy's practice cakes. This is the one she made this weekend. I didn't eat any...too much Balentime's Chocolate. A guy's got to keep his priorities in order, but Daddy said it was Yummy!! Two years ago, on my first Balentime's Day, Mommy took some really cute pictures of me. Here's one of them... and another... Then, last year, we all had a stomach bug and did not want to remember that. So, we didn't take any pictures but, when Mommy was working on my scrapbook and there were no pictures, she was sad. Sooooo, she made it a point to take some Balentime's pictures this year. Whatcha think? Hope your Balentime's was great too! XOXO, Jax

I Never Thought I'd Say That....

2010-02-05T17:40:00.006-05:00

This is Carie, hijacking Jax's blog to share some things with you. Of course, being Mom to Jax is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. However, there are times that are trying and frustrating. Often those times arise because I am distracted or because i am driving and he is strapped in the car seat out of reach or because I have not fully learned to think like a two year old boy. My mother says little boys are different than little girls in every way...how they think, what they will try, when and where they learn to do things...they are just very different creatures. Now, all of that said, here is a list of things that I have actually said, out loud, sometimes more than once, to my precious BOY. There are no pictures to accompany this post....just conjure up your favorite image of my boy and then let your imagination run wild...I promise you can't make it worse than it actually was!

Jax, please don't lick the bottom of your boots!

Why is there a football in my kitchen sink?

Please stop sweetie. It's not nice to lick the wall in the beauty shop.

Do Not pick things up off the sidewalk and put them in your mouth!

Just because that candle smells good doesn't mean you should have bitten it.

No, No, No!! We do not EAT ladybugs!

I know you like to play in the water, but the toilet bowl is NOT for playing!!

The brush Mommy uses to clean the toilet is NOT an appropriate hairbrush.

Get OUT of the dryer!

Do not lick the inside of the dishwasher.

We do not drink out of cans once they are in the garbage.

Walking in a puddle makes your shoe wet, not clean...DO NOT lick your shoes!

No, you may not have that candy that's laying in the parking lot.

Don't put your mouth on the buggy.

Please stop opening the groceries until we have paid for them.

Stop eating that Rice Krispies box.

Daddy's hammer is not like your toy hammer. You may not play with Daddy's hammer.

Grosssssss! Put that plunger back in the garage and go wash your hands RIGHT NOW!!!

I'm sure there are more that I'm not thinking of right now, but for now, that's all there is. Even amidst all of the frustrating and gross things that occur, Jax is really a good little guy. I am so blessed and humbled to be the Mom to such a smart, funny, loving, tender and curious little guy. I just hope we both survive 'til he reaches adulthood!

2010-01-31T20:28:00.005-05:00

Last Friday, our forecasters were just predicting rain and a few flurries during the night, with possible accumulation in the mountains, but 1-2 inches of rain in the valleys. We were supposed to get warm air from the south that was going to keep us from getting snow and ice. Nashville and Knoxville were going to get 6-12 inches, but as usual, we were only getting rain. I slept until about 11:30 Friday morning(don't be jealous...I pitched a fit until almost 2:30 in the morning fighting bedtime!). Mommy was dressed and got me ready to go too. We headed out to pay the phone bill and go to GrNanny's house and it was already snowing a little. Mommy was going to drop me off for a while so she could go to the grocery and get some things done at home. As we headed to Ringgold Telephone, it began REALLY snowing! I kept saying, "can't see Mommy" because everything was white and blustery. By the time we got to GrNanny's house, her yard was white, and it was still snowing! Mom headed off to get groceries, but had already decided to surrender her time to get things done at home by herself so that she could get me back home safe and sound! As soon as she got back to GrNanny's, Dada was rolling in with some chicken form Zaxby's. He put ours in a bag and sent us home because the roads were beginning to get "dicey". Daddy was home by the time we got there and we ate our chicken and got dressed to go outside. WaHOOOOO!!!!! Waiting and watching the snow come down while Mommy and Daddy get their snow duds on and cameras out! Outside at last!! It was really coming down!

Lots of our neighbors were parking their cars and walking up the hill to get home. I kept waving and saying "Hey Y'all!" Just like Mommy did to the very first neighbors we saw!

Daddy showed me how to have a snowball fight. I couldn't throw for laughing my head off every time I got hit with one!

It was so much fun!!!

Incoming!!!

Daddy and me playing in the snow!!

Daddy scooping up snow with a cookie sheet so we can build a snowman.

Snowman building was cancelled due to a car sliding down our hill and crashing in our yard.

I kept saying, "Lady CRASH! Broke my Tree!!" Mommy and Daddy were just grateful that the landscaping was all that was damaged!

Daddy showed me how to make snow angels!

I tried it by myself, but ended up making a snow mess more than a snow angel.

Then it was time to try to sled. Now keep in mind we don't get tons of snow here, not even enough that our Walmarts get sleds in stock! So, Mommy came up with the idea of a laundry basket...slick on the bottom, sides I could hold onto....it was a great idea!

Ready, Set, GO!

Here he comes!!!

Whhheeeeeee!!!!!!

Whoaaaa!!!!

Daddy's Turn!He was a really good sport, but laundry basket sledding isn't his cup of tea!

Mommy got my beach toys out for me to use in the snow! Having never been to the beach, that was fine with me! I didn't know the difference!

I used my bucket to carry snow from one place to another.

Then I dumped it on our pile! It was supposed to be a snowman, but as I already mentioned, we didn't get to finish. We ended up with a snow blob.

Daddy made a couple of big snowballs for me to throw at him. I mostly missed him, but he better watch out for me next year! I bet my mittens will fit and I will actually be able to use my hands to throw!!

Me and Daddy taking a break on the front porch. Look how rosie my cheeks are!!

Mommy finally got me to go inside for a while by taking me to see the back porch. I was gorgeous, and covered with a blanket of snow that was about 6 inches deep. Mommy said I needed to take a nap, so I flopped down right on that beautiful blanket and told Mommy, "night, night"! Of course, she didn't let me nap out there, but once she got me inside and warmed up...ooooohhhh what a wonderful long nap I had. We ended up with about three inches of beautiful snow, enough to play in, but we were able to get out and about on Saturday. Maybe we'll get some more before spring arrives. I sure hope so because Daddy needs to work on his sledding skills some more! It was a fun day, and a very pleasant surprise! Hope y'all had a good weekend too!

Merry Missmas, and Happy New Years!!

2010-01-21T23:52:00.000-05:00

Whew! The last month has been a-maz-ing! I bet you thought I forgot about you. I bet you thought you weren't going to get a Christmas update. I bet you thought I was just too busy to take the time and do a new post. Don't you know you never bet on what a two year old will do? My Mommy is learning that firsthand!! So, grab a snack and a cup of hot cocoa and settle in to hear all about my Christmas! For those of you keeping up, I'll pick up where I left off last time. The morning after the parade in Gatlinburg, we woke up to a couple of inches of snow! It was so much fun! We couldn't get down the driveway of our cabin or down the mountain our cabin was on, so we settled in for a day of snoozing and playing. Before we even got dressed, JeanJean took me out on the back porch and helped me make a little snowman on a tray that we found in the kitchen. Since I was still in my jammies, with no coat or gloves, we took the tray back inside and I got to play for w few minutes on the kitchen table. It was so cold on my hands, and it tasted GOOD! You would not believe how quickly snow melts in a kitchen though. After just a few minutes, it was really making a mess, and I realized that melted snow would splash and splatter all over the place. Dad put a stop to that, and dumped the melting snow outside.So, Mom put some clothes on me and I got to build a snowman outside! We scrounged around and found some things to finish the look. A plastic cup for his hat, forks for his arms and M&M's for his eyes, nose and mouth. He was the coolest snowman I have ever made. Ok, he was the only real snowman I have ever made, but who's counting?Later, I put on a show wearing Unc Bubba's boots and da doo da doooing through a paper towel tube. It was a nice change of pace for the family. They were getting a little bit bored and needed some "comic relief". Aren't I the cutest boy ever?Here we are on the day we left. It finally warmed up enough that the driveway and road were safe again. So, off to do some shopping. It's a good thing you Mommy's camera is fast, otherwise this picture would have been blurry from all the shivering. It was a very, very fun weekend and I can't wait to do it again next year!The next Sunday, we went to brunch at the Mountain City Club. It was delicious, and I got a huge bag of goodies to take home. Santa was there, and I was a bit unsure at first, but I warmed up to him as you can see.By the time we were through eating and ready to take these pictures, The Clause and I were best buds. His beard is so soft and he was very patient to let me sit in his lap and touch it. Then he gave me a big hug and told me to be a good boy....of course, aren't I always?I talked the family into taking a group shot with Santa. Don't we look festive? Of course, I had to sit in his lap to tell him what was on my list. Obviously, this picture was taken before I had really grasped the whole Santa Claus thing for the year. I did warm up to this Santa eventually. It's amazing how sharing a package of fruit chewies with Santa can make a boy change his mind. How bad can a big man with a white beard in a red suit be if he eats fruit chewies? I finally settled in to tell Santa that I wanted some new cowboy boots for Christmas.

There were so many things about this Christmas season that were a first for me. It was a new experience everywhere we went. There were beautiful lights on almost every house, including ours. Daddy spent a lot of time putting icicle lights on our roof line, hanging wreaths on our windows, and putting spot lights in our yard to shine on our house. Everytime we turned in the driveway after dark I would say, "Wowee, gights! Bootiful! Nank you, Daddy!" He said that made him want to cover the whole roof with lights next year. Sounds good to me!

There was also wonderful music! I learned so many Christmas Carols and am still singing them! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, Here comes Santa Claus, The Little Drummer Boy (or as I call it the rum pa pum pum song), and We Wish You a Merry Missmas and a Happy New Years!

There were yummy cookies everywhere we went. Candy was free flowing (did I mention I LOVE chocolate?) Almost every store had toys, even the ones that don't usually have toys. Santa's helpers were on every street corner taking requests from boys and girls then reporting back. GrNanny's house was like a wonderland of fun things...dancing Santa's, snoring Santa's, flying Santa's, and "uh, uh, uh, don't touch that one it will break" Santa's. How

wonderful it all was! No wonder Mommy gets so excited!

On Christmas Eve, we went to church, then back to our house for supper. When it was time for bed, I hung my stocking by the fireplace. I had to have a little help to get it on the hook behind all of Mommy's Christmas decorations. They sure were pretty though!Once the stocking was hung, I got to set out the cookies for Santa. I had a little nibble and Mommy had to take them away from me so there would be some left for Santa! I did love me some Santa Cookies though!After the cookies, Mom set down the milk for Santa. Before she could scoop me up, I managed to get a big sip of Santa's milk. Cold and refreshing.The next morning, my stocking was FULL of all sorts of things. A cool truck book, some overalls, two CD's, some candy and some flash cards to help me with my color, number and letter recognition.He brought me the cowboy boots I asked for, along with a new red SOFT jacket, a sit and spin and a microphone. Now I don't have to use the paper towel tube anymore!When we went to GrNanny and DaDa's house, there were more presents there! I got a rhythm band, including this drum. I have fun banging around on it, but "Unc Bubba can really play. Just when I thought all the presents were opened and the fun was over, we all went outside and I got another present. GrNanny and DaDa had gotten me my very own battery operated John Deer Tractor with a trailer hitch! It was almost more than I could stand. It was cold and damp, but once I learned how to make it go, there was no stopping me. We didn't get to stay out for long because of the weather, but it was fun while it lasted and they promised I could drive it again as soon as the weather was warmer. Come on Sunshine!!Then GG, Cindy, Gil, TaTa and Granddaddy came over, and guess what? More presents! When we were through opening presents, GG and I settled in on the steps to read one of my new books. Doesn't she look adorable in her new pink warm up suit?

The day after Christmas, we got together with ALL my family and cousins for supper at Nanny's house. This picture is Nanny and Maggie. The rest of us kiddos were just too busy to have our picture taken. We had great food and lots of laughs and of course, more presents! It was a wonderful Christmas season, and I had a blast. Mommy and Daddy are so grateful for me and my sweet spirit. I made Christmas really special for them this year, and they just beamed at me and my amazement. I can't wait until next year! I'm going to try not to be afraid of Santa so that I can get a jump start on my wish list!

Here Comes Santa Claus

2009-12-16T00:53:00.005-05:00

Well, the holidays are upon us again! You know what that means, lights, shopping, carols, cookies, and PARADES!! I do love a parade, although this year there were a few times I wasn't too sure about parts of them. For example, why do the fire engines have to wait right until they get to me and blare the siren and honk that horn? Really, it's enough to make a guy wet his diaper! Anyway, Mom and Dad have taken me to three parades this year, so without further ado, here's some memories!

Not exactly sure what to expect as this first parade was kicking off. This was the parade at Hamilton Place Mall. Apparently Santa lives there for a month or so before Christmas and takes requests. Hmmmm, requests....."Mom, can we go to the mall?"I couldn't leave this one out! It's the Chick -Fil-A float, only my favorite fast food place to eat. I call it Chick-Pil-A.And here comes the big guy! Santa arrived at Hamilton Place in a shiny red bug. Pretty fitting since we are getting a new Volkswagon plant here! This was the East Ridge Parade. We sat in the back of DaDa's truck and could see everything! It was COLD!!In East Ridge, Santa arrived atop a big red fire engine. For the Gatlinburg Parade, we always go eat at the Park Grill first. Then we kill some time taking family pictures by their outdoor fireplace. This year, we took about 150 and got 6 or 7 good ones. If everyone in the picture would learn to squirm, look away or close their eyes when I do, maybe taking a picture wouldn't be so difficult. It's so hard to get adults to pose!GrNanny and Dada all bundled for the parade.This year, my JeanJean went with us for the first time. It was so much fun!! Love me some JeanJean!!Unc Bubba and Aunt Audi sure know how to make a boy look good! Aren't they cute?The HatmakersThe Gatlinburg Parade has a few things we don't see around here too often. Yes, those are camels.

No, she's not 150 years old, and no, she isn't some fairytale grandmother. Her head got cold and she wrapped her scarf around her head. I just couldn't resist. Hahaha!!Bagpipes! They sure are beautiful, but loud and hard to dance to.

It didn't stop me from trying though!I managed to squire Aunt Audi away from Unc Bubba for the parade.Once I got her, I sure wasn't letting go. I held on tight except when the marching bands went by and I loosed my grip and patted her shoulder to the rhythm of the drums.

At last! Santa and his flight crew. Now that's one good looking Santa, and of course he's the real one because he has the sleigh!

Stay tuned, my next post will be all about the rest of our Gatlinburg weekend,

including S-N-O-W!!

Happy 2nd Birthday to Me!!

2009-12-05T15:51:00.010-05:00

Holy Cow, can you believe I am 2? OK, I really don't know what the big deal is about being 2, but I do know that for over a month, Mom has been saying to everyone, "Can you believe it's been two years?". I do know this, being 2 is like having an American Express Card, membership has it's privileges. For example, did you know that 2 year olds get to eat in a booster seat at the big table? Yep, my high chair has been relocated to the laundry room! Two year olds get to put on their own shoes sometimes, but Mommy is still very specific about which shoe goes on which foot. Two year olds get to hold onto the rail when going up and down the steps instead of scooting on their bottoms. Two year olds can get out of their baby bed and surprise Mommy in her bed, or the garage, or the bathroom, or the office....let's just say Mommy's never know where a two year old is going to show up...or when! Anyway, I got to have two birthday parties, one early in the month while the weather was nice and one at Chuck E. Cheese on my actual birthday. Double the cake, double the balloons, double the presents...YAHOO!! Here are some of the pictures from my birthday month. Enjoy!!

Yummy Cake!!Getting ready to open presents!MY very own Chevy truck!Granny and Granddaddy got me a bouncy house!!I got to help Granddaddy blow off the driveway so I could drive my new truck!Waiting for Mommy to fix breakfast the day after my birthday.Playing with the train Unc Bubba and Aunt Audi gave me.My actual birthday day cake.Fun at Chuck E. Cheese!Another train! Yay!! Aunt Audi followed me around Chuck E. Cheese and helped me play!A natural born cowboy! Singing with GG and playing my new piano.My first train set from Rick and Kelli! It was love at first sight!

Love,

Jax

Just a little off the ears, please!

2009-11-06T23:29:00.003-05:00

After much stalling by Mommy and Granny, it was time for my first haircut. I was beginning to look like a mad scientist, scraggly hairs all over and curls popping up willy nilly. Of course, we would trust no one but Aunt B to give me my first trim. Everything started out fine. Daddy was tickling me with a brush to distract me while Bobbie cut some hair and gave it to Mommy to save.

See, so far, so good! Suddenly I decided I wasn't so wild about having my hair cut. Panic definitely set in.

Daddy to the rescue. He stopped videoing the haircut and began showing me some videos of myself. That always makes me smile!

Really Mom? You want a smile right now? I don't think so!

Bobbie let me use her blowdryer when she was finished to blow off the loose hairs. I LOVE playing with a blowdryer!

Giving Aunt B some sugar. Of course, we're still friends! But don't go getting any ideas about cutting my hair again anytime soon!

Everyone loves my haircut except Mommy. She loves it too, but is makes me look like such a big boy. She misses those sweet baby wisps.

Stay tuned, my Birthday party is tomorrow and there will definitely be pictures to share! Wish you could all be here for cake!

XO,

Jax

Happy Halloween...YUMMY!!!!

2009-11-04T22:23:00.008-05:00

First we took the costume for a test drive. Mom has learned how important this can be when preparing for a day like Halloween. The last thing a guy needs is to be all dressed up and have Mom realize there is no way to change a diaper, or I need a shirt on underneath my costume or something. So on Thursday before Halloween, we took the guitar for a test drive. We went to see Bobbie at Splash. Let me just tell ya, that gang knows how to dress for Halloween. After a few minutes and several pieces of candy, we headed to Dalton to see Bubba at his office. He took us to lunch at Fuji and it was YUMMY!! I wandered around the restaurant in my guitar suit and got several pieces of candy from the nice lady who got our table ready.

This is a shot of me with the great Jack O Lantern. I was so excited!!!

Two stops and some Japanese food later and I was out. Moral of the story? Mom, take a napping outfit!!

For days now, Mom has been trying to get me to say Trick or Treat. I finally got it, but it sounds a little more like tricky treat. Either way, it's supposed to get me candy. Now I find this confusing because Mom has taught me to say "please" to get candy in the past. I do wish she'd make up her mind! Anyway, Halloween came and it was a great day! We skipped the fall festival at church because it was rainy and they had to move it inside. Mom was concerned about me being cooped up with all those germs and about me getting plowed over by some of the bigger kids, so we went to plan B. Dad took me to the mall to see Nonna and tricky treat at her store, then we got Chick Fil A for lunch. YUMMY!! After a nap, Mom had the cupcakes baked and let me put the sprinkles on them. They went everywhere, but it was ok. Mom said no biggie and left 'em! She did clean them up later, but first we loaded into Dad's truck and set off on our tricky treat route.

Look at these great cupcakes!! They may not be beautiful, but they look

Yummy!!

Our first stop was Nanny's house. She had so many goodies for me that it filled up my pumpkin and we had to get a gift bag so that I could carry everything and still have more room for Tricky Treat candy. Nanny had candy, cookies, a sprite, some apples and, best of all, some John Deere Tractor Chewies. If you don't know what these are, I am sorry you don't have someone who loves you lie I do. These are the best fruit chews on the planet. My Granny gets them for me in the cereal aisle and she almost always has a pack in her purse. YUMMY!!Of course I had to sit down with Nanny and show her my whole stash of candy...it was adding up quickly.Next, we were off to G.G.'s neighborhood. They were at a neighbor's house for a party, but the kids were about to head out to Tricky Treat, and they let me tag along.Here I am getting candy from my first true Tricky Treat experience. The people were all dressed up like the Flintstones, and their yard was full of inflatable Halloween things, but nothing scary.This was a blow up cat that made fun sounds when you went through it. Mom asked Aunt Cindy if we could put it up in our garage for me to run through on rainy days. Oh Mom, I don't have that much energy! The cat was seriously fun though and I went through it about 15 times!Finally we ended up at Bubba and Audi's house. Our plan was to hit a few houses near them, but I had more fun seeing everyone who came to their door. Bubba cooked burgers, and in between bites I got to give out candy. It was really fun, but there were a couple of costumes I was not so sure about. Granny made them take their masks off though to show me it was ok. Granny rocks!!At long last, I got a bite of one of my cupcakes from earlier in the day. I don't know why I didn't want to hold it, but eating it this way kept me from getting my hands dirty. They were Yummy!

The Great Jack O Lantern

2009-10-28T22:10:00.006-04:00

Well, it finally got here! Time to turn the Great Pumpkin into the Great Jack O Lantern! Mommy and Daddy are amateurs when it comes to the carving part, since this is the first year they have done this, so Granny and Granddaddy came over to supervise. This is one last shot before the carving begins!This is Daddy getting some final advice about how to cut the lid open. It has to be cut on an angle so that it won't fall down inside.

OOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooo!!!! Gross! What is all that stuff? I think Daddy is going to have to handle this part!Ok, ok, I'll help too. Boy, there sure are lots of seeds in this big ole pumpkin! This is so fun! I love doing these things with Dad, and he will do just about anything to be sure I have good memories!Hanging with Granddaddy in the garage, trying to stay warm and not miss any fun.Stirring the bowl full of seeds that came out of the pumpkin. We were going to save the seeds and try to grow our own next year, but decided we had so much fun going to the pumpkin patch this year that we tossed them in the trash. They were slimy, but fun to play in!!!Here it comes! They are moving it to the porch! Get out of the way!! Don't drop it!TA DA!! Look what a great job Daddy did carving the Great Jack O Lantern of 2009!!This has nothing to do with the Great Jack O Lantern, but Mommy had to put it on here to show what happens when she leaves her purse on the kitchen table while she runs to the potty. For the record, lip gloss does not clean up nearly as easy as it goes on. Mom scrubbed and scrubbed, fussing the whole time about boys not wearing make up. I think that's all for now. I'll post pictures of my Halloween costume later this weekend!

The Great Pumpkin

2009-10-14T13:20:00.006-04:00

Every season, there are so many new things to do, see and learn. For example, last week Mommy and Granny started talking about "The Great Pumpkin". Now, to me, this meant nothing, but I could tell by Mom's excitement that it was something I was going to learn about. Apparently, when Mom and Uncle Bubba were little, they would load up with Granny and Granddaddy and go all over town looking for the biggest pumpkin they could find. Then they would take it home and clean it out and make a big jack-o-lantern for Halloween. So began our hunt for the great pumpkin. Last Sunday, we loaded into Daddys' truck and went lookin'. We went to Ooltewah, not many choices. We went to Highway 58, some possible candidates, but Granddaddy said to keep looking! We went to East Ridge, hardly worth getting out of the truck for. Downtown, nothing, Red Bank, nothing, and finally to Hixson. There were some definite candidates here, the best so far, but I was asleep in the truck by now so we decided to come back later in the week and look again.

You call that a big pumpkin??

Not the Great Pumpkin, but I can carry this one!!

After a long day of searching, we met Bubba and Aunt Audi for supper and guess what??? My JeanJean was here!! I didn't know she was in town, but I was soooo glad to see her!

Then, Daddy found out about a place called Burt's Farm in Dawsonville, Ga. It is a giant pumpkin patch with all sizes and shapes of pumpkins. So, Tuesday afternoon, Dad and Granddaddy took off work early and into the truck we piled. After an almost two hour drive over Fort Mountain and through Ellijay, we finally got there. A little green from the trip, but there none the less. We crawled out of the truck and went through this little barn that was a gift shop into the pumpkin area. WOW!!!! HOLY COW!!! and WHOEEEE!!! I have never seen so many pumpkins! There were big pumpkins, little pumpkins, fat pumpkins and skinny pumpkins. There were green pumpkins, warty pumpkins, white pumpkins and gourds. There was an old tractor that was just for playing on and all sorts of home made goodies for sale in the shop.

I started out in my wagon and ended up pulling it around while Dad chased me and videoed everything I did. Mom, Granny and Granddaddy searched through all the ginormous pumpkins looking for "the one". After I was exhausted and muddy around the edges, Daddy helped make the final choice from the ones Granny, Granddaddy and Mom had found. It is AWESOME!! When we got it home and unloaded last night, it looks even bigger! It is bigger than me, and Mom has some cute photo ideas for carving time. Of course, I'll post pictures of that, but in the meantime, here are some shots from our hunt.

This was my reaction to seeing the huge field of pumpkins ahead of me!

In just a few minutes, I was out of my wagon and walking through the rows of pumpkins like I owned the place. I couldn't see over most of them!

The old John Deere tractor. It's a good thing Mom and Dad are teaching me to share. Otherwise I would have just ignored those kids wanting a turn on this wonderful tractor! I did pitch a tiny fit when it was time to get down. I am just shy of two years old though, so it's to be expected!

Look! This tiny pumpkin is almost as cute as I am!!

My Pumpkin loaded in the truck and ready to take home!! This is "THE GREAT PUMPKIN of 2009"! Stay tuned for "the great jack-o-lantern 2009".

Congratulations Emily and Jeff

2009-08-29T23:05:00.004-04:00

Tonight, we went to a wedding. It was a beautiful affair, but it paled in comparison to the bride. She was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. Ok, she's the only bride I have ever seen, but I digress. The wedding was sweet and I did the best I could to behave and be quiet. Everytime I opened my mouth and said something, Mom shoved something to eat into my mouth. During the ceremony I consumed a package of fruit chewies, an entire banana and 6 or 7 animal crackers. As soon as Emily and Jeff got to the reception, they had their first dance. It was sweet, and they looked beautiful and happy. See for yourself.Next was the Father Daughter Dance. It started out tender and sweet. Mom and Granny both cried.

Then, all of a sudden, the music changed and Charlie and Emily broke out into a great dance! It got the party rockin' and was such a cute way to end a very tender moment. Who knew CP could groove like that?!

Next, the band started playing. Whooooeeeeee!!!! What a band. They were great and I could hardly take my eyes off of them. I think I might want to be in a band when I grow up, or at least learn how to dance like they were gettin' down tonight. Emily danced with me for a couple of minutes and then Jeff joined her on the dance floor. They were having fun, and I was mesmerized.

I really had a good time, and got to dance and hang out with my friend Kora. I see her sometimes when I am at the beauty shop with my Granny and she's a cutie! She dances about like I do, but she is sure cute gettin' down. I think we make a cute little duo, how 'bout you?

That's all for tonight. I've got to get some sleep so I can go again tomorrow. Congratulations again Emily and Jeff!

Dancing to His own Rhythm

2009-08-18T22:43:00.005-04:00

Hey everybody! This is Jax's Mommy. We took this video tonight and I just had to share. After Jax was ready for bed, and while we were picking up his toys, we were watching last weeks recoding of America's Got Talent tonight and they had a special guest performance by a hip hop group. As soon as they started singing (rapping?), Jax climbed onto the coffee table and started getting down. I grabbed the camera and here is MY little boy dancing. Notice the emphasis on MY? That's because he's got my rhythm (or lack thereof). If you look closely towards the end, you can see his daddy's reflection in the mirror. He is moving to the beat. Jax and I just get down to the beat in our hearts! Enjoy!!

Busy as a Bee

2009-07-20T00:18:00.009-04:00

What a summer it has been! Here are a few highlights to keep you in the loop. In early June, we went to the Zoo! Chattanooga has a small zoo with a few prize exhibits. Their big claim to fame is Hank the chimpanzee and some of his chimpanzee friends. I'm not sure which one this is, but he was friendly. When I knocked on the window, he tapped back. He also made faces and screeched a little bit. That was kind of scary, but Mom and Dad screeched back and made me laugh, so it was ok. This is one of the white parrots at the Chattanooga Zoo. It didn't do much, but right after Mommy took this picture, it climbed into the corner of the cage and started making some noise that sounded like it was saying "HELP". It was really funny.

Here's me and Daddy checking out a peacock. We didn't get to see it in "all it's glory" as Mom says, but there were several of them and they just wander all over the place. One climbed out of the bird area and crossed the sidewalk right in front of us. Boy, let me tell you, peacock's are LOUD! They make this long call that sounds like "CAW". In case you were wondering, I have perfected this sound and do it on command. (It's so cute I'm going to use it the next time I'm in trouble to get me out of it!)

Aunt Audi's friend Grace came for a visit from Ohio. She has three little kids, Lucy, Roxy and Barrett. We went to Chuck E. Cheese and I spent almost the entire evening on this Bob the Builder bulldozer. I could care less about Bob the Builder, but I loved his 'dozer. I pretty much love anything that is related to construction equipment. Dump trucks are my favorite!One rainy Saturday, we were headed to church for something. As we turned in the parking lot, Mom spied a turtle trying to cross the road. When she was a little girl, Granny used to perform "Turtle Rescues" She would stop and move the turtle across the road in the direction it was headed or take it to the farm to let it go. So, Mom decided to carry on the tradition and we had our first turtle rescue! Mom picked it up and held it out the window as she drove up to the church. Then we got out on the sidewalk and checked it out. Mom said it has legs that come out of it's shell, but we only saw it's head. Then we tucked it into some really tall grass on the undeveloped part of the property and when we came out, it had gone on it's merry way. Gracie, or GG as I like to call her, turned 11 in June. She broke her foot right before school was out and had to have surgery, so she was in a cast and couldn't have a big party. We had a small family get together and went to the Station House at the Chattanooga Choo Choo for dinner. There is a live band and the waiters and waitresses take turns singing. It was really cool, loud but cool. they sang a special song to GG since it was her birthday, and there was cake! I go a little restless, as I am prone to do now days, so Daddy took me outside. I loved climbing on the train and pretending to drive. Chugga Chugga Choo Choo!

Inside the train, I was the perfect little engineer. I had so much fun pushing on things and pulling on levers acting like I was driving that big ole train....it was awesome.

GG also hit another milestone this year. She graduated from St. Nicholas and is now a middle school student. Mommy and Daddy keep saying how fast time flies and that she should still be a little girl calling him Dense and holding her arms up to Mommy saying "I want to hold you". Now she's a tall, beautiful young lady who has her own style and interests and will be driving before you know it. Congratulations GG, we are proud of you and we love you!

I caught my first lightening bug this year. Dad taught me how to look for them and we caught on in a jar. We took it out on the screen porch and looked at it for a long time. Then it flew out and into the kitchen before we could catch it. Mommy told Daddy to catch it again or perform a "service". (edited by mommy to say "service" is code for funeral at our house).

This is how you look for bugs...you squat down and look from side to side. Now I do it every time I get out of the car.

My favorite hat of the summer. It's a duck hat that Mom bought me to wear back at Easter, but if you turn it around, it looks a lot like a hard hat. Either way, it's my fave, and is never far away!

Splish Splash! I love the pool. I'm a regular fish.

I'm not afraid of anything, even going down the slide. It takes a village though, Daddy helps me up, Granny or Granddaddy or Audi and Bubba spot me on the way down and Mommy catches me at the bottom. Sometimes she lets me go under, sometimes she doesn't. I'm learning that it's ok to go under...just don't try to breathe while you're down there. Cough, Cough, Choke, Snort, Whoooo.

We didn't have big plans for the 4th, we got to go to two different fireworks, and they scared me a little. I decided it was ok as long as I was with Daddy or Granddaddy. This was just before the first round started and I had no idea what was coming. It was exciting!

During the week of the fourth, we spent a lot of time at Nanny's house. She got a new roof and that opened up several smaller projects that needed to be done. So, Granddaddy, Granny, Gingle and Steve spent countless hours at her house painting and doing general repair type stuff. Of course, I was needed to supervise, and just like any good supervisor I took my recreational equipment. Heaven knows I wasn't going to work. From this vantage point in the front yard, I could easily oversee all the projects going on in the carport.

I did take a break from lounging to clean up my truck. You have no idea what serious business it is to clean a dump truck. I gave it all I had!

Check out that belly! It is FULL of water. I usually have a very svelte figure...my pants won't stay up without a belt. I do love to drink out of the water hose! Sometimes, though, it squirts up over my head and just about drowns me. I don't know why my Mommy thinks it is so funny to see me blinking and snorting, but she gets a real kick out of it.

And then there's the story of the lizard. See it in my jar? Well, settle in for a knee slapper. One night, Mommy and Daddy and I were outside on the screen porch playing on my climbing house. Daddy was moving some things around and picking up the pillows I had thrown on the floor so he could open the door onto the deck. All of a sudden, something ran out from under the cushion on the chaise lounge. It was too big to be a bug! Mommy didn't scream, but she sure did scoop me up and take me inside. Well, she told Granny about it and the next day, when Granny came to get me, we went out there to look for the critter. Turns out there was a lizard enjoying Mom's chaise lounge. It ran up on the arm of the chaise and Granny told me to watch it. I stood right there so it didn't get away while Granny got a jar. She chased it down, pinned it with the broom and caught it in this jar. It was kind of green with a blue tail. I was terribly excited, and shook it really good in that jar so that I could see it from every angle. Granny and Mommy decided it didn't like being shaken because it just laid there on it's back not moving. So we took it out into the shady part of the yard and dumped it out. Then off we went on another adventure.

*edited by Mommy to say that services were performed that evening for said lizard. In the future, the lid on the jar will have holes and shaking will be kept to a minimum. Who knew lizards were so dainty?

I think that's all for now. As soon as Mommy gets the pictures off her camera, I will tell you all about our trip to the Creative Discovery Museum. There is a Curious George exhibit here for the summer and I love me some Curious George. I'm debating now....A Curious George birthday party or an Elmo birthday party. Big decisions ahead. I'll keep you posted.

Love ya!

Jax

Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-03T02:42:00.009-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to pop in and say Happy 4th of July!! I am working on a killer post that will get you up to date on all of the major fun things that have happened in the last couple of months. There's been birthdays, a trip to the zoo, swimming, going down the slide at the pool, a visit from Pops, Mother's Day, Father's Day, G.G.'s graduation, fireflies, lizards, feeding myself, dressing myself, time at Nanny's house...whoooo, I need a nap from just reminiscing!

Last night, July 2nd, we went to Collegedale for the fireworks. Now let me just say that Mom, whom I now call Mommy, has made me try to say "Happy Birthday America" at least 5647 times in the last week. I still can't say it. She has dressed me in red white and blue for four days straight and talked about these "fireworks" until I was ready to explode! (pun intended). So, last night we packed up Dad's (whom I now call Daddy) truck with chairs, my fire truck, some juice boxes and the camera and off we went. When we got there, Granny and Granddaddy had a great spot picked out for us and Granny had brought a flag just my size for me to wave.

We played a few minutes and then this great orchestra started playing really great music. Then, BOOM! What was that? BOOM! There it was again! BOOM! I'm not so sure about all this! BOOM! Daddy, Mommy, Granny, Granddaddy?!?! BOOM! Everytime there's a BOOM, the sky lights up! BOOM! It's kind of pretty though. BOOM!! Look at that one. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Whoa...cool! BOOM! Where's my firetruck? BOOM! I think I'd rather play in the gravel. BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!! I'm getting sleepy, it's way past my bed time. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! It's the Grande Finale!! Mommy's face is lit up like the sky! She really loves this kind of stuff!

Suddenly, it was all over! Daddy scooped me up and buckled me in my seat as fast as lightening. Granny and Granddaddy threw the chairs in the back of the truck and didn't tie 'em down. Mommy yanked up my firetruck and tossed it in the backseat and jumped in the front. By the time Daddy got in, Mommy was buckled and Granddaddy's truck was on the roll with us right behind him. Boy! It was a loud evening that ended in a whirlwind, but all the way home, Mommy and Daddy kept talking about how great it was that it only took 15 minutes to get out of traffic. It's not like they learned to walk or get a fork from their plate to their mouth with food still on it!

Mommy has already added the pictures from this great American adventure in a slide show on the right of this post. She also has a list of where there are going to be more fireworks before the weekend is over, so be warned. Apparently, getting there early is not such a big deal, and there is no rush to get through the fireworks, but as soon as that Grande Finale goes off, LOOKOUT! The Fitches and Hatmakers don't waste time sittin' in traffic! I gotta scoot for now, Mommy will be suspicious that I have been quiet for so long, so I best go put her mind at ease by getting all of her tupperware bowls out of the cabinet and spreading them all over the kitchen.

Enjoy your 4th and your families!

Love, Jax

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T02:03:00.003-04:00

Happy Father's Day to my Daddy, Granddaddy and Pops! Hope ya'll have a great day!

Love you!!

Jax

Summer is Here

2009-05-21T00:53:00.010-04:00

It's official! Summer begins this weekend and I am no longer a baby! I have experienced one of the rights of passage that every Southern baby must pass to become a Southern Boy. I have eaten my first BROWN COW! I would like to thank Mr. Scottie Mayfield of Mayfield Dairy and all the cows who contributed to this wonderful delicacy! Now you're craving one aren't ya? Go get a box or two and settle in for a long hot southern summer!

A Hunting We Will Go!

2009-04-16T00:10:00.027-04:00

Mom apologizes for this being posted so late. For some reason, the blog site didn't want to upload my pictures, so she's just waited until it all worked!

I got to hunt eggs for the first time this year, and it was great! We went to Gingle's (Aunt Nelda's) house and had a great time!

We were celebrating Nanny's 88th Birthday, and Easter at the same time. The big kids had their own area of the yard for hunting eggs and I got to hunt in a smaller part of the yard all by myself. I found TWO eggs with $1.00 in them, and lots more that were all over the place. The Easter Bunny must have taken a long time to hide them all because there was certainly a basket full!

Hunting Eggs Is Hard Work!!

We skipped the big egg hunt at church this year because it was cold and damp. I wanted to go, but you know how Mom's are...it's too cold, it's too damp, you'll get a cold...blah blah blah. It really worked out well that we planned not to go though because we had a terrible storm the night before and it blew two trees down in our yard. Granddaddy and Daddy got them all cleaned up. Mom and Granny decided that the three of us had a date with the Eater Bunny at the mall, so off we went to have my picture made. When we got back, the power was still out and we got to go eat Mexican and spend the night at Granny and Granddaddy's house. So the morning of the egg hunt at church, we slept in and headed home loooooonnngggg after the egg hunt was over. Mom ran some errands (edited by Mom to say I had to help the Easter Bunny!). Then, we dyed eggs! It was so fun, and I got to play in the cups of color, then I got to take a bath! I love to take a bath! Mom took lots more pictures after my bath of me with my newly dyed eggs. The only bad thing about them is if you bang them around on the kitchen island, they break! Mom said, no big deal! We are not going to cry over cracked eggs!

WOW!

Amazing !!!!!!

I did that??

Mommy's Little Bunny

Cool Bunny!

Easter morning was a whirlwind. I was snoozing snuggly in my beddyby when Mom came in and woke me up! Off to church for the early service, then to the Mountain City Club for a fantastic Easter Buffet. There was french toast sticks, scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese grits, fried chicken, prime rib, turkey, ham, salmon, lamb, meatloaf, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli casserole, and some other things I've forgotten. It all looked so good, and looked even better on me! I wouldn't eat a bite, but I did manage to have a bite of Mom's chocolate cake and some other goodies out of my diaper bag stash!

Aunt Audi, Uncle Bubba and Me!...keeping my eyes on that giant rabbit!

Family, and a Giant White Rabbit....not sure about that!

When we got home, the Easter Bunny had COME TO MY HOUSE!!!! He left me a basket full of things, a soft bunny to snuggle, some books, a tractor plate and cup and CANDY!

By the way, Daddy, where are my Jelly Beans? The only trouble I had was getting the grass from my basket off my feet. It just stuck like glue and wouldn't come off. Of course, a little guy couldn't get any help, just Mom and Dad laughing at me and taking pictures!

It was really neat, but I was really tired, so we loaded into Daddy's truck and went on a little road trip to a nursery to get some Spring plants. Mom's a blooming idiot...I mean Mom's an idiot over things that bloom. (Edited by Mom to say...I resemble that remark!). After we got home, I got into my Jammies and we headed to the farm for more Easter treats. There were these ginormous eggs in Granny's front yard...more than Daddy could carry! And, guess what....the Easter Bunny had been to Granny's house too! There was a water globe that plays music....but everytime I picked it up, Mama jumped up and followed me all over the place with her hands under it. There were three bunnies, two that played music, and one whose ears jumped and twitched! Candy of course, but I've been getting bits of chocolate for a couple of weeks now..yummy chocolate!! Whew, what a weekend! I had lot of fun and can't wait for the next holiday!

Do you ever wonder....

2009-03-29T21:46:00.005-04:00

Do you ever wonder what I do to keep busy while Mom is doing things that have to be done around the house...you know, loading the dishwasher, starting a load of laundry, cleaning up leftovers from dinner? Well, tonight, she didn't do all of that, she only had a few dishes to load and then she was done. It was only about three bowls and a couple of spoons and one glass...not a whole load of dishes, not everything used to cook a gourmet meal, only a few things. So, she left me in the highchair right behind her with ONE girl scout Samoa cookie (my favorite in case anyone has a box or two they would like to donate). ONE cookie and this is what she turned around to find.... Needless to say, I got a BIG bath and clean jammies. I always figure out a way to get to play in water! Can't wait for summer so I can swim!!

Prayer Request

2009-03-26T00:19:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone. It's Mom again. I have posted a couple of buttons on Jax's blog for a couple of very sick little boys. Jonah was born three weeks ago with a skin condition that causes him to have raw skin and blisters. Stellan was born last summer, perfectly healthy after his parents were told he was suffering from a fatal heart condition and would not live outside the womb. Last week he got a cold and was having lots of trouble breathing. His parents took him to the emergency room and they gave him a couple of nebulizer treatments. He had a terrible reaction and his little heart is now back in SVT, the same condition he had inutero. You can read all of their story by clicking on their respective buttons if you would like to know more about them and their families and their conditions. Both of these children have Godly parents who are trusting God with the life of their child. I would ask you to pray for these boys. As a mom of a boy, I am convicted to pray as unceasingly as possible for my son and the other young men of his generation. These precious infant and toddler boys are the future leaders of our nation, our churches and our families. We desperately need boys who are raised to be God fearing and God loving men. Pray not only for the health of these boys, but for the strength, energy and faith of their parents. I CANNOT fathom, and pray I never have to, making the decisions these parents are facing in the midst of watching my precious boy suffering. I am reminded, moment by moment, smile by toothy little smile how precious this time with Jax is, and what a gift he is! We are so blessed, even when it feels as if the rest of our "world" is crumbling around us. Please keep these boys in your prayers (and feel free to pray for my little guy too!) Love you all! Carie

Mom's Turn

2009-03-01T22:43:00.006-05:00

Hey Y'all! Mom is hijacking my blog to post some videos...There are just some things that a 15 month old can't do! Hope you enjoy, and don't hold 'em against me when I'm a big kid.

Ok, so we are just getting around to downloading some of the videos we have taken over the last 15 months. These are three that we actually took this past Friday night, but there will be more to come sooner than later, so check back!

*Disclaimer: Please pay no attention to the silly parents carrying on, laughing or cheering in the background. Also, please ignore the laundry basket of clean clothes needing folding or the scads of toys needing to be put away. Babies don't keep, chores do!

I call this one Learning to Ride a Fire Engine.

And, finally, SUCCESS! Riding a Fire Engine!

Once he figured out how to get on the fire engine, it was on to his horse. This has been sitting in the Den since Christmas, and he has played with it, but since Friday night, it has taken on a whole new level of FUN!

Wow, Time flies when you're having fun!

2009-02-18T01:04:00.006-05:00

Sorry a whole month has passed since my last post. So much has happened, I don't know if I can post it all at one time!

First of all, Mommy turned 34!! Happy Birthday Mommy!! We had a great day on January 21st. We had homemade (from a can) cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Then, Uncle Bubba brought Mommy's one of favorite for lunch...Japanese. Then we ran a couple of errands and Mommy snuggled me up on the couch for a nap. When Daddy got home, we got dressed and went to the Olive Garden for dinner. We had a wonderful time and then.....guess what.....CAKE!!!! It was ginormous and there were lots of candles, and they put it right in front of me and Mommy! I stuck my fingers in it and licked off the icing! Here are some of the pictures!

Pre-dinner nap...yes, my cheeks do that when I am cutting teeth!

Look how handsome my family is!

OOOOOOOOOoooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

CAKE!!!

We have had some really mild days and one of them happened to be a Saturday. Dad was off work and the three of us headed to the farm for some fun. This was the first time I got to feed the horses some carrots. Daddy kept a death grip on my arm, and taught me to drop the carrots through the fence on the ground! Apparently my little fingers look a lot like baby carrots and Dad was afraid the horses would try to nibble my fingers! I LOVE the attention I can command from these little horses by just holding up a little orange carrot! Check it out!

"Hey Mom, Watch This!!"

"May I have your attention please!"

The week of Valentine's proved to be another interesting week. On Tuesday, we were headed to help Granny at the Father/Daughter banquet at church when all of a sudden...YUCK!! I got sick! So home we went, but on Thursday, I was better and Granny and Mom packed me off to Coolidge Park. It was supposed to be a time for Mommy to get some pictures of me, but I was WAY too busy running around and watching people play Frisbee and trying to talk to every kid in the park. Then, we went for my first ride on the carousel. I was not too sure about it. It went really fast! I think next time I would like it better if Dad or Granddaddy were there with me. These are some of the pictures Mom did get! We didn't get a Valentine picture this year because the night after we went to the park, Mommy, Granny and Daddy all got my stomach bug! We stayed home all weekend, but now everyone is feeling better. Maybe we'll get to send everybody an Easter card!

This is how a toddler looks when he realizes he can run and play!

And when Mommy says, "Come closer so I can take your picture".

This close enough for ya?!I love when the wind blows in my face!

Not sure about this....up and down, round and round...at least there was fun music!

Let It Snow!

2009-01-19T17:41:00.004-05:00

I have been cooped up in the house for two days with a cold! Sniffles and a cough, but no fever. Today, I am really much better, but Mommy has kept me in all day just to be sure. Fortunately, Daddy had the day off and has been here playing with me most of the day! Mommy went to run some errands and when she got back, she opened the blinds and said, "Look! It's Snowing to Beat the Band!" I have no idea what that means, but she and Daddy were both very excited. They bundled me up lik ewe were going to the Frozen Tundra and we went outside! Here are some pictures of our snow adventure! We weren't out very long, and Mommy kept worrying about my hands. Dad took my mittens off so I could feel the snow...wet drops, cold, but not all that different from rain...sure got a LOT more excitement than rain! We're not getting much, maybe a half inch in higher elevations, but Mom said we should take advantage of any photo opportunity, so she took lots of pictures, so here they are! I'm posting them larger because I got some complaints about them being too small last time!

Getting Dressed to go OutsideMe and Dad in the Snow.

Look Closely and you can see the little trail I made in the snow!

Trying to catch a snowflake and wondering "What's up with Snow?"

Givin Daddy Sugar, sorry Granny, Aunt Audi and GrandJean, he got 'em all today!

I don't want to go inside!

Guy's Night Out

2009-01-09T21:35:00.003-05:00

So y'all know I love, LUV, cars. Pretty much anything with wheels commands my attention. Well tonight, Granddaddy, Uncle Bubba, Daddy and I went to the greatest thing on earth. The World of Wheels. Can you imagine, a WORLD of WHEELS!

I, of course, was chauffeured around in my Tot Rod. These legs are learning to walk, but not with that much to see! We took pictures with all sorts of Hot Rods and Big Trucks. There was even a couple of cool kid sized rods built out of Radio Flyer Wagons. We might have to build one of those in a couple of years!

I met a State Trooper and he gave me a badge to wear on my shirt and one for my car too. Cool Huh? There was a original style Knight Rider and a new version too. We saw a few T-Buckets there like the one Uncle Bubba is building. I wonder if he will show his when he gets it finished? He used to show his big ole truck when he was a teenager. It has tires bigger than me!

Here are some pictures...Enjoy!

Sorry it's been so long!

2009-01-03T14:01:00.015-05:00

Just wait 'til you hear what all has been going on! First of all, belated Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Now, on to the good stuff!

I had a great first birthday at home with my family! I know what you're thinking, "Jax already posted about his birthday". Well, I posted about my party, but my birthday was three weeks later and guess what? MORE CAKE AND BALLOONS AND PRESENTS!!! Mommy cooked spaghetti and had the family over for dinner. I even ate some spaghetti, now that I have more teeth....yummy! Then I got a tractor cake, and more presents! Uncle Bubba tried to get me to play in the cake, but I totally don't get why I would want to ruin a perfectly good piece of cake like that! I got a whole bag full of books and a learning laptop. Here are a few pictures! We also went to the East Ridge Christmas Parade. Now, aside form being bundled up so much that I could hardly move, this was a fun night! I got to ride in my car, and dad took me up the road where they were lining all the vehicles up. There were all kinds of cars and trucks, flashing lights and sirens, dancers, a band, horses and people kept offering me candy...Mommy kept saying No Thank You. Boo Hiss! Granny and Granddaddy went with us and Granddaddy bought me a red balloon! I just love balloons!

Aunt Nelda is retiring, so we planned a surprise party. We told her it was a surprise party for Granny and Granddaddy's birthday and she bought it! She was totally surprised and said she will never trust Mommy again! And guess what....MORE CAKE hehehe! Then along came Thanksgiving. Holy Cow! Can you say Smorgasbord? OK, neither can I, but there was tons of gooooood food . I ate Turkey, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, fruit, chicken and dressing, rolls with butter, green beans, macaroni and cheese and corn on the cob! I'm gonna have to practice on the corn on the cob. Then I ate pecan pie and apple cake (you knew there would be cake). Oh yeah, the highlight of MY day...Mom dressed me in a Turkey suit. Enjoy it while you can Mama, next year I'll be able to talk and say "NO TURKEY SUIT!" I Love a Parade, and Gatlinburg ain't bad either! We headed up for the first weekend in December as a special way to celebrate Granny and Granddaddy's 60th Birthdays! (Thank You Uncle Bubba and Aunt Audi!) Yep, you guessed it, there was cake! Mommy must have thought we were moving to Gatlinburg, because it took forever to load the truck. After a couple of hours packed in like sardines, we stopped in Knoxville at the Apple Cake Tearoom for lunch. It is one of Granny's favorite places and it was yummy. They have these little muffins...with a little butter....mmmm, not cake, but good! Then back on the road to the tip of Gatlinburg. Guess What, is had snowed earlier that week, and while the town was clear, way up where our cabin was in the mountains, there was still snow on the trees and in the woods. It was beautiful! Then we had dinner, bundled up again and watched the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade. The rest of the weekend was filled with shopping, eating and a few candid moments.

And now for Christmas! What a whirlwind! As if the parades and trip to Gatlinburg and shopping and stuff didn't kick off the season, we had a wonderful Christmas Brunch at The Mountain City Club and there was a Santa there! I was dressed to the nines, but at least I could move this time...no snow overalls and coat and boots! We ate wonderful goodies, but no cake. I didn't want to get in the car when it was time to leave! Then came Christmas Eve, Mommy stayed home and worked on some "project" all morning while Daddy was at work. Then we baked cookies for Santa until Daddy got home, then Mommy dashed out for a couple of last minute things and left Daddy to dress me for church. He did a great job and we met Mommy at church. I was mostly good during the Christmas Eve service. I ate animal crackers and fruit chews and went back and forth between Daddy, Mommy and Granny. Then we went to Nanny's house for dinner, good food, but again no cake! I am beginning to think my family doesn't realize just how important cake is! I was so tired when we got home that I went straight to bed after setting out Santa's cookies and milk. The next morning, the whole living room was full of presents! Mommy and Daddy hed to help me with the wrapping paper. I just don't understan how come I can't tear the paper in my books or Mommy's magazines but they want me to tear the paper off of the presents? It was worth it though, there were so many fun things inside that paper! Then we went to Granny and Granddaddy's....more presents and Monkey Bread (I think I love Monkey's). I took a quick nap with Granddaddy and then we went to Nonna's...more presents and she has a dog that barks alot! Then back to Granny and Granddaddy's for Christmas dinner. Chicken Casserole, Broccoli Casserole, Squash Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese and Buttermilk Pie (helloooo.....cake?). When I began to get crazy, we headed home and ahhah, sweet sleep!

The next day, The Walker's and Aunt Nelda, Uncle Steve and Nanny all came to Granny and Granddaddy's for dinner. Hamuburgers all around! OK, I don't have that many teeth, so I had Vegetable Beef Dinner a la Gerber. Not too shabby! After dinner...MORE PRESENTS!! Lawton, Kate and Maggie were all there, so there were lots of toys and noise! Nobody seemed to mind very much and it was just a really nice evening of family and fellowship. After all the warpping paper was cleaned up, it was time for dessert...Buttermilk Pie, Derby Pie with Cool Whip (MMMmmm) and CAKE! Yes, finally, Granny made a wonderful moist, fresh Apple Cake. Whhoooo, all that food, three days of presents and family and running around, I need a nap... a very long nap! Wait, did someone say Mommy's Birthday is next month? That means Cake right? I can't wait! OK, enough for now. I'm sure you're tired of reading and Mommy is wanting to check her email. Here's a few more pictures of the family Christmas and a few candid shots! Yes, that is me in the fridge! I just learned how to step up, and that was the perfect step!

Love you all, and I promise it won't be so long next time!

Stay Tuned!!

2008-12-19T05:12:00.002-05:00

Update coming....as soon as Mommy catches Me!

Jax's First Birthday Party

2008-11-06T02:30:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday to ME! Happy Birthday to ME! Happy Birthday, dear Jax! Happy Birthday to ME!

Wow! On November 1st , we had my first birthday party. I heard Mom and Granny planning it for weeks, and Mom would tell me all about what to expect. Well all I can say is words do not do a birthday party justice!! First of all, how bad can anything be when you get tons of helium balloons!! Then, cake and presents and family and friends, being outside, something called a bonfire and pretty much getting away with whatever I wanted...Wooo Hoooo!!! Let's have a Birthday Party everyday! I am including some pictures so you can try to get an idea of how much fun it was!

Mom's getting my balloons ready!! I LOVE balloons!! I didn't even mind staying in my port-a-crib while Mom sat in the floor and blew them all up! She only let one get away, and she only popped one. Not bad Mom!

My first time on the John Deere with Dad! It wasn't running at the time, but I have learned to grunt and growl and make all kinds of vehicle noises, so I grunted and pretended it was on while Mom snapped away with the camera! Do you think my Daddy is proud of me?

Mom and Granny used some of my favorite things and LOTS of balloons for my centerpiece. It was such a beautiful warm fall day with a perfect breeze. Everything was just perfect and I am so grateful to everyone that got to come and celebrate with me!

Beautiful Aunt GG, Lillian and her Dad checking out the tractor and my precious friend Hayes. It is no coincidence that most of the children there were female...hey, I'm no fool!

Aunt Brenda, Uncle Gil and Uncle Bubba, My yummy cake!! and ME, checking out my cake! Not to discount everyone else that was there, but I really must rejoice at the picture of my Uncle Gil! Just three weeks earlier, he had brain surgery for an aneurysm!!! Praise the Lord he is still with us and on the mend! This was his first outing and we are all so grateful!! Check out that cake!! Mom didn't let me "play" in it because she decided it would be too hard to get me cleaned up in the pasture. But, to all you traditionalists, my actual birthday is November 24th and I am going to have my own cake to play in! Stay tuned for pictures!! Mom, Dad and ME!! Me riding in the Barrels of Fun for the first time with Aunt GG. This was so much fun! i am so glad to be big enough to ride and that Aunt GG is still small enough to ride with me. If she were "grown up", I might have missed this chance, although, Aunt Cindy could probably have been persuaded to squeeze into a barrel one more time! Checking out Caris' hair bow.

Ok, all my girlfriends wear these things on their heads, various sizes and colors, all made of ribbon. They must somehow be painful because every time I try to grab one, I get NO!! NO!! NO!! Whatever, I'll just stick to my hats...after all, I am a Hatmaker!

"Enjoying" some paper "Enjoying" my new DVD's

OK, presents? Absolutely Brilliant!! Tissue Paper? Pure Genius!! Honestly, this part was so much fun that at one point I turned around so far to see my presents that I fell out of my chair! Fortunately, Gingle was right there and got me situated for....more presents!!

I'm happy and I know it so I'm clapping my hands!

After "Happy Birthday", everyone sang "You are my Sunshine" and "If You're Happy and You Know it" what a memory! I was mesmerized-and Happy!

Checking out my "haul"! What a Party!

THANK YOU to everyone who came!! You are all part of my "village" and Mom and Dad could not do it without your prayers, love and support! Thank you for my gifts and for making my First Birthday very special! Love you lots!!

Jax

First Halloween

2008-11-06T02:12:00.006-05:00

How come nobody tells us kids about Halloween? I would not have slept for weeks with anticipation! Mommy puts you in some silly suit, everyone, and I do mean everyone goes on and on about how cute you are plus you get candy! Really though, who thought up rubber noses?

Dad took the day off and we spent it doing some things at church, visiting Nanny at Siskin and then back to church for the Fall Carnival. Holy Cow! There were lots of people there in all sorts of suits! I saw Hannah Montana every time I turned my head! My firend Hayes came and brought her mom and dad. They are real troopers because they had to wait a long time on Granddaddy to get the barrells of fun unloaded before we could have dinner. Luckily Hayes and I can get away with not waiting. She was the cutest little pumpkin and she loves cheerios. Hey Hayes, just wait until you get some more teeth, you can eat all sorts of new things...goldfish, animal crackers, broccoli, chicken fingers and my personal favorite, french fries!!

Thank You McEwen's for my Cool New Playhouse!

2008-11-06T01:48:00.007-05:00

Granddaddy works with a man named Warren McEwen. His kiddos are growing up and outgrowing some of their toys, specifically this really neat playhouse. They offered to pass it down and Granddaddy jumped at the offer. It is now on my screen porch and is a great way to burn some energy! Mom snapped these pictures a couple of months ago, and forgot to post them. I found them and must share! It has been so long ago that I can't even wear those jammies anymore!

I have so much fun climbing and poking my head through all the holes. Mom and Dad have to really watch me though because I don't know that I could fall right through one of those holes. I am not at all sure about the slide. It scares me going down, but it makes all the grown ups act silly saying things like "Wheeee" and "Whoo Hooo". Whatever makes 'em happy! One thing we have learned is that jammies and socks are not the best thing to wear when climbing. They are slippery and make it hard for a guy to stand up and make tracks! That's why I'm the nude dude in the last picture. (Don't worry, I do have a diaper on under those rolls!) Much better in my skin, except on the slide! My belly made a funny squeaky noise on the slide when I went down with no clothes on! Thank You Thank You Thank You McEwen Family!!! You made a little Hatmaker boy very happy!

Halfway to November Already!??

2008-10-17T23:00:00.003-04:00

Whew! October is flying by, and you know that really means something coming from the kid who can sit and play with Granny's empty Diet Coke can for half an hour! I have learned so many new things, and cut one more tooth. I am in the process of learning the song "If you're happy and you know it". So far, I can do the clapping part. Mom and Dad keep trying to catch it on video, but so far I outsmart them each time. They have video of them singing and me crawling away, them singing and me reaching for the camera and them singing and me staring at them like they are new here. I am sure there are more video's to come. The one I am posting today is pure comic relief. Dad and I are playing with some of my old socks and pulling the elastic out. I thought it was the funniest thing ever! It starts out a little slow, but turn up your volume and see it all the way through the giggles. Aunt Cindy, this one's for you! Mom says she owes this one to you! Hope this lightens whatever you are going through and gives you a giggle!

Love you all. Ta Ta For Now!

Jax

Investigation in Progress

2008-10-09T22:59:00.002-04:00

Hhmmm...It appears mom has hijacked my blog again. Were did all these pumpkins come from? Too cutsie for a boy....I'm going to have to get to the bottom of this or change my password! Will keep you posted with the clues I find.

Car Guy and Disco Dancer

2008-10-01T01:38:00.003-04:00

Hey Everybody! I hope you are enjoying Jax's blog. He sure has fun documenting all of his adventures to share with you. I just had to sneak on here and upload another video for you to see. Not only is Jax big enough to stand up and hold onto the steering wheel, but he can dance and drive too. The song in the background is "Staying Alive" by the BeeGees. Many of you may know Jax has loved the Bee Gee's since before he was born. He's a boogie woogie fool! No lullabies for him, disco all the way! Thank you all for praying for my child and being part of his village. Love, Carie

Little Car Guy

2008-10-01T01:22:00.003-04:00

Mike Goodman, owner of Honest Charley's, says you're never too young to be a car guy. Turns out he was right! I am finally big enough to reach the steering wheel and I think I am going to like this driving thing!

Driving Daddy's Truck!

Last week, Granny and Granddaddy went to the beach and Granddaddy picked out this really cool car for me! It is long and skinny so my little short chunky legs fit around it. It is bright yellow with red flames on the sides. COOL huh? I am the luckiest 10 month old on the planet!

My new car!

Dad is a car guy too. Now that the weather is cooler, we sit on the front porch and talk about all the different cars going by while Mom cooks dinner. I'm trying to understand the difference in cars and trucks and SUV's. Then there are dump trucks, buses, delivery trucks, things with trailers and motorcycles. I get so confused, but Dad is so patient and just tells me every time what each vehicle is. Really, between you and me, I don't care what they are, I just think they are cool going by and I LOVE hanging out with Dad!

Hanging on the Porch with Dad

Peek-A-Boo!

2008-10-01T00:53:00.003-04:00

Well, I am learning more and more every day! I have been so busy trying to learn to walk that I haven't slowed down to post on my blog lately. I am not mobile yet, but I spend almost all day every day working towards that milestone. I have cut two more teeth since last I wrote. One on the top and one on the bottom, and I am working on another one on the top. Mom is hoping it comes in soon so I don't have a goofy looking grin for very long. Today, Mom and I went to lunch with Granny and when we were through eating, Granny played Peek-A-Boo with her napkin. Well, I have got her number on that one. I don't Peek! I keep my head covered and wait for her to tickle me. She and Mom both get such joy from hearing me laugh! Today, mom had her little camera with us and caught this game on video. Check It Out! I'm so cute you will hardly be able to stand it! XO, Jax~

Fun At the Fair

2008-09-07T23:44:00.006-04:00

Whew! What a weekend! I am so sleepy, but I just had to post a few pictures from the Lincoln County Fair. It was a long drive over, but Aunt Audi rode in the back seat with me and it was lots of fun! She had on her beautiful Cowgirl hat from Wyoming and her hair was down so I could pull on it all day!

Boy was it hot at the fair...and dusty too! We spent most of the day in the show arena to keep me in the shade. There was lots going on, and Daddy got Elvis and Elliott all cleaned up, hitched to the cart and ready to drive in the parade. Mom took some pictures of the set up, but because it was so crowded, I didn't get to ride this time. Granny thinks I need to be a little more stable on my own before I ride in the cart with Dad. Plus, at a parade, you never know when a horse can spook!

I climbed all over Aunt Audi, drank water out of a bottle (mostly I wore it), tried to play in the dust, and entertained the crowd with laughter in between show classes.

One of the best parts of the day was when Daddy brought me a funnel cake! It was for everyone to share, but guess who got the first bite. Yummy doesn't begin to describe it this time!!! That may be the best thing they have stuck in my mouth yet!

YAWN!!! Going to bed for now...will post more later this week. There are some fun pictures from learning to drive the cart and just some general pictures to add...getting sleepy...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz

Happy Little Hatmaker

2008-09-07T00:32:00.007-04:00

Hey Everybody!

Mom and Dad and I took a little road trip today and I wanted to share some of our adventure. We headed north to Norris Dam State Park to the annual Hatmaker Family Reunion. My granddaddy and Delores from Oklahoma were here. His nickname is Big Daddy. My Aunt Carolyn was there with her family from Enterprise, AL, and my Uncle Bob and Aunt Jackie were here from Texas. I had never met anybody but Big Daddy before, so there were lots of new people to learn and love on.

I got to nibble some home cooked goodies off Mommy's plate and all I can say is Yummy!! Dressing...check, Chicken Casserole...check, Green Beans....check, Macaroni and Cheese....check, Banana Pudding....Check!Check!Check!! I am so tuckered out! What a day.

I did have to crash for about 30 minutes in one of the cabin's bedrooms, but other than that, I didn't miss a beat. We drove Big Daddy down to the overlook and took some pictures of the three generations of Hatmaker Men.

Big Daddy has a picture of him and my Daddy in the same spot when he was a baby.

I was totally full of myself and got very excited about the cars driving by on the dam below. Then I got to swing on the big boy swing on the playground with my cousins! I squealed and giggled all day. I am posting some of the great pictures Mom took, and will post some more when I get them from Big Daddy. Right now I have to get some ZZZzzz's. Tomorrow we are going to the Lincoln County Fair and I can't wait to see all the animals! I'll try to post again, but it may be next week before I get to it. Until then, enjoy my pics!

Hugs,

Jax

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-08-18T00:42:00.005-04:00

Sunday, August 17th was Daddy's birthday. It was kind of low key. Just the family and some pizza. I, of course, stole the show, especially since I was wearing my Superman Suit!

I was able to leap tall toys in a single bound, faster than a crawling baby, it's a bird, it's a plane, it's SUPERBABY!! Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you!

Such a Busy Boy

2008-08-17T23:51:00.015-04:00

Well, It's been a fun couple of weeks at our house. I have learned to crawl and I am all over the place! I am wearing everybody out chasing me all over the place, and of course, everything I find goes into my mouth. I have to learn about things somehow, right? I am spending lots of time with daddy, reading and playing in the floor. We have also had an unseasonable bit of cool weather that has been great for being outside. Granddaddy put up a really neat swing on our porch and I love to spend hours out there when it's not too hot! I am also learning a new word...NO. I hear it anytime I get Mommy's hair or Granny's earrings. Ialso hear it when I find something really neat hanging from a table like a cord to a lamp or Daddy's laptop. Chewing the rug gets a NoNo too. So far, I know what it means, but I just giggle when I hear it and keep on doing whatever it is that got such a reaction! When I'm not hearing No, I have been learning to wave and give raspberries. I have waving downpat not and I am a pro at raspberries. I can even get my Uncle Bubba to do it!

We went to Bellbuckle, TN this weekend for a quick horse club meeting and had a great dinner at the Bell Buckle Cafe. I highly recommend the Moon Pie Sundae if you're ever there. Dad and I got to hang out at the truck while Mom and Granny perused some of the little shops in town. It's a really neat little town!

Too Much Shopping!!

The only other major development in our house lately is I am eating things besides baby food. Mom keeps giving me these little things that are crunchy, but dissolve in my mouth...not so good. Then she tries these little round things called Cheerio's...yuck! Finally, she tried someting called Animal Crackers. Ding Ding Ding, We have a winner. YUMMY!! Dad keeps telling me two more teeth and I can eat what he does. Well, I am getting one of my top teeth now. Mom can see it, but its not broken through yet. One to go and Daddy's dinner is fair game!

Hot Fun in the Summer!

2008-08-03T19:29:00.003-04:00

OK, don't freak out, but I am posting twice in one week! I had so much fun today I just had to share. We spent the afternoon swimming with our friends Hank and Amanda and their little girl Hayes.

You may remember her from my "first kiss" picture. Hayes is a couple of months younger than me, and we have lots in common. She's cutting her first tooth and is just adorable! Enjoy, and I'll post again soon!

Love, Jax

Hatmaker Summer Happenings

2008-07-31T00:49:00.013-04:00

Wow! How quickly time flies! This has been a whirlwind summer for the Hatmaker's.

Mommy lost her job the first week of June. While we were not prepared for that, God was! He had gone before and prepared a way for Mommy to run her own business and stay home with Jax. A dream come true and so many prayers answered. Now we are in the "trusting God for enough business to stay afloat" phase. So what is this dream come true? Mommy has started an embroidery business. She is monogramming and decorating every one of my burpies and as many outfits as she can find. Mom is even going to have a website http://www.heartstringstn.com/. It's not up yet, but will be soon, so check back. If you need anything monogrammed, give her a call!

Daddy started some job training in May that lasted until the 4th of July! Then he had a whole week off and we played and played! Now, he has works on bigger plans at CIGNA and will be a better candidate for a promotion at review time. He has worked very hard on our yard this summer and it is looking so good. He and Mom keep talking about landscaping where they pulled all the bushes out last summer, but they end up playing with me and putting off that yard work! Yay!

Now to the tidbits of our summer that you really came here for! All about ME! Well, I am officially on the move! June was a great month of snuggling and playing with Mommy while she took a little time to relax from all the poop with her old job. July started off a little slow as well until the 4th. I went to sleep on the 3rd with no teeth and woke up on the 4th with TWO! My first tooth was really teeth and it seems to have been just the beginning. The very next week I was finally able to sit up all by myself! The next week I started scooting a little bit and now I am going almost anywhere I want to and beginning to pull up. I am discovering a whole new world! Do you know what all Mommy pulled out from under the couch after I chased a ball under there? There were catalogs, magazines, a paci two more balls that must have escaped on their own and something she called dust bunnies. I don't know what they are, but they taste bad, get your mouth scrubbed and the whole living room got mopped!

Today, I fell off Mommy and Daddy's bed. It made Mommy cry more than me, but we're both ok. I landed on the front of my head and it didn't even make a big bump, just a little bump and a giant red spot from rubbing on the carpet. Mommy was right there and scooped me up and checked me all over. She called the Dr. and they told her what to watch for. I wish I could say the words "Leave me alone, I'm FINE!", but I can't, so Mommy has poked me every time I've napped, pried my eyes open all day to check their dilation and almost rubbed all the hair off my head feeling for swelling. "Really, Mom, I'm OK!" Anywho, I'm about to call it a night. Hope you enjoy the pictures I've chosen. Just a few of my faves, first 4th of July, first lemon, first kiss and a couple of real smilin' shots! Hope y'all are doing great and I'll try to keep you updated more often!

Hugs!

Jax

Jax's Wild West Weekend

2008-04-28T00:35:00.010-04:00

This weekend we took Jax to his first miniature horse show in Shelbyville, TN. It was put on by the club that Granny and Granddaddy belong to called The Tennessee Miniature Horse Volunteers. Of course the Fitches and Hatmakers were the hospitality booth volunteers. It was loads of fun and we got to see all of the horses in various stages of readiness since the staging area was right in front of our booth. Jax was a good boy, despite teething and not sleeping very well at night. He was content to hang out, swing or go for a ride in his stroller to check everyone out. Dressed to steal the show! Being a cowboy is hard work!! The horse trailer provided a quiet place for some down time in his swing.

The Hospitality Booth. Swinging with his very own pony! Hanging out in the "Happy Seat" After a meltdown from being hot and tired of being held, we dtripped Jax down and laid him in this chair to change his diaper. It immedaitely brought back those precious grins, giggles and squeals!

Granddaddy and Jax Granny's #1 Cowboy

It was also a weekend of many firsts. Jax went swimming for the first time at the hotel indoor pool, nibbled his first doughnut and has taken to drinking bottled water like a yuppy! It's amazing how fast he's growing up and learning to do new things! He has also developed a little temper. I can't imagine where he got that! We definately have our hands full!!

Checking out the pool with Daddy. First just a lick, then some major chomping on an doughnut! Granny and Daddy taught Jax to drink out of a water bottle in about 15 minutes. He is a prodigy!!

Spring Has Sprung!

2008-04-15T21:22:00.003-04:00

Mmmmm Go Bananas This is the dogwood tree at Nannny's house that Uncle Bubba used to climb. Ooohhh Pretty Colors! The Easter Bunny was very Good to Jax! With Daddy, dressed for church on Masters Weekend. Jax has had a very busy spring. We dyed Easter Eggs, had a visit from the Easter Bunny, climbed his first tree, got his first John Deere shirt, and dressed for the Masters Golf Tournament. He is growing like a weed, and weighs almost 20lbs. He is cutting two teeth and has started eating baby food. The weather has been warm enough for us to enjoy some walks and time in the yard, and Jax loves the breeze! We took him to his first horse sale and he was a little prince. We will go to his first horse show in a couple of weeks and I promise to post some new pictures after that. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy these pictures of the Hatmaker's Spring Adventures.

Sunday, March 2nd Outside for the First Time!

2008-03-02T19:47:00.007-05:00

Hey Everyone! Today I spent some time outside for the first time. It was a beautiful sunny day and it was 70 degrees, so Mom and Granny took me out for some spring pictures. I am beginning to cut some teeth, so I wasn't as cheery and full of giggles as I usually am. Hope you're doing well! Check back soon for some more pictures!

Jax's First Valentine's Day

2008-02-19T22:16:00.006-05:00

Jax had a fabulous Valentine's Day. He is such a little lovebug, and we had so much fun taking these pictures. Mommy has gone back to work, and Granny is keeping him on a daily basis. However, she and Granddaddy were out of town for Valentine's, and Jax got to spend the day with his GrandJean Wiggins. She is so wonderful, and took all of the kisses he had! He is growing so fast, and, obviously, he's not starving. Keep checking back, we're going to try to keep the blog updated more often! Thanks for sharing, and we hope your Valentine's Day was as wonderful as ours was.

Jax Christmas 2007

2008-01-23T22:12:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures from our Christmas. Love, Jax

Check out Jax

2007-12-20T19:17:00.000-05:00

HOME

2007-11-27T22:24:00.000-05:00

Hello again everyone!!! :-) Mom and I have made it home safe and sound!!! She is feeling good and I am enjoying everyones company!!! Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers!!! Jax

JAX Update

2007-11-27T05:09:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone :-) Mom is doing great and it looks like we should be able to go home tonight. I'm eating really good and the doc told mom I'm perfect :-) Check out the Erlanger website for some pictures at http://www.our365.com/WebNursery/WebNursery/BabyFinder/BabyFinder.aspx and the password is hatmaker. I will get home and get more updates for everyone later this week. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. My family is truly blessed to have such a wonderful family, awesome friends, and our new Erlanger hospital family!!! See you soon!!! Jax Hatmaker

JAX IS HERE!!!

2007-11-25T05:15:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!!! I made it 2 weeks early. I arrived by c-section at 9:08 p.m. on November 24, 2007. I was 6 lbs 15 oz and 20 inches long. This place is great!!! Check out some pictures dad took.

THANK YOU to everyone at Erlanger for all the help!!!

I'm really liking this place. I pretty much sleep and eat right now. I do let out a few good screems from time to time. I want to make sure everyone knows I'm here and that everything is in good working order. I'm not sure when dad is going to get any sleep because every time I make a sound he is up and checking me out.

Mom is feeling pretty good this morning. We are going to stay with the Erlanger crew for a couple of days just to make sure everything is alright with mom.

And another big THANK YOU to the crew helping out with the CGCC Christmas decorations!!!

Love, Jax Hatmaker

Mom in Labor

2007-11-24T13:34:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!!! This morning at 8:15 a.m. mom's water broke (actually it was more of a flow). Mom took a shower and got all ready and we took off for Erlanger. We arrived at Erlanger around 10:00 a.m. Mom's not having pain. She is about 2 cm. The nurse let us know I will be with you guys sometime today. Proably another 6 to 12 hours. We will keep you up to date as soon as we know more info! See ya Soon :-)

Quick Update

2007-11-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!!! Sorry so long, but Mom and Dad are staying busy getting the house decorated for Christmas!!! Mom wants to make sure everything is good for Christmas just in case I get her early. Mom will be going to the doc this Thursday and I think they plan on taking more pictures of me. :-) And from what they are saying, I look just like dad. I will have dad post the pictures. And now dad is chewing his candy too loud for mom. Those two are so funny. Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers!!! I'm so looking forward to getting out and seeing everyone. :-) Jax

Nursery

2007-10-21T01:18:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. The nursery is coming along and I wanted to get a pic posted to give you an idea of what it is like. Mom and dad are planning on having an open house so everyone can come out and take a look. Jax

Update Info

2007-10-15T08:28:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone, I just want to thank EVERYONE for all the great gifts!!! I am very blessed to have such wonderful and thoughtful family and friends!!! The nursery is nearing completion. Mom and dad will have an open house soon. I will have dad post some more pictures this week. Well, I'm going back to sleep now, gotta save up my energy for when I finally get out and meet everyone! Love you all, Jax

My Face Pic

2007-10-11T10:31:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. This is my first posting. Check out my face pic and take the pole to let me know what you think. Love you all, Jax Hatmaker