tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10749000175558707132024-03-13T16:09:14.035-04:00Heather ReedMy name is Heather Rose Reed and this is my blog. In it you'll find details about my life, about my husband and best friend DJ, our amazing little boy, our awesome friends, our loving families, our work, and our play. Enjoy!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-55673009119641791682012-09-27T15:39:00.000-04:002012-09-27T15:39:01.896-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Moving right along! I'm actually 29 weeks pregnant as of yesterday - only about 2 1/2 months to go. I'm starting to get really excited and feeling like we should get a move on getting the baby's room ready. Not going to be feeling like painting, moving furniture, etc. for too much longer I'm sure. DJ is in the fields now - they got a late start since they had 4 cuttings of hay this year. Hopefully they'll be done by Thanksgiving!
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-4118652462684122892012-09-17T14:33:00.001-04:002012-09-17T14:33:27.527-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Woo hoo! We're having a baby girl! We were so excited and shocked! With five boys in DJ's family and five boys in mine, we really didn't think the odds of having a girl were very good. We were so thrilled to find out that we are having a little girl and that she is healthy and growing normally. Such a blessing that I don't take for granted anymore! I can't wait to meet her, name her, introduce her to Jackson... I watched Kortney Kardashian introduce her daughter to her son Mason last night and I bawled! Such a great moment. I hope Jackson falls in love fast like I know DJ and I will. I'll be 28 weeks on Wednesday which means I only have 12 weeks to go. This pregnancy has gone so fast! Now just about a million things to do before she arrives. She! Hah! I still can't get used to saying that!
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-66823401980795724432012-08-27T15:27:00.001-04:002012-08-27T15:27:16.951-04:00At almost 25 weeks, I cannot believe how fast this pregnancy is going. We are getting so excited to meet our little boy or girl and to introduce him or her to Jackson. I am so thankful that the baby has been healthy and that things are progressing as they should be so far. We went in for an ultrasound at 20 weeks and went ahead and tried to find out the sex of the baby. But...the baby had different plans. They couldn't tell us if it was a boy or girl. :) We have one more ultrasound the second week of September so we'll see if he or she cooperates! :)
This weekend we head out to visit my parents and Joe in Fort Lauderdale. Let's hope Hurrican Isaac gets the heck out of there before we arrive! I need some beach time and Jackson is DYING to swim in the pool with his Daddy. :)
Til next time! xoxo, Heather
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-86461494973999878192012-08-07T09:25:00.001-04:002012-08-07T09:25:26.776-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGHasncVlTo/UCEVZl7UTsI/AAAAAAAABcI/4V2vh1unwuU/s1600/Jack%2Band%2Bhis%2BDadd_080512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGHasncVlTo/UCEVZl7UTsI/AAAAAAAABcI/4V2vh1unwuU/s320/Jack%2Band%2Bhis%2BDadd_080512.JPG" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-51500390408385802342012-07-31T15:53:00.001-04:002012-07-31T15:53:24.677-04:00GymansticsJackson has had some trouble with coordination, strength, etc. This, I believe, is caused by low muscle tone and his pronated ankles. He walked at 15 months (not terribly late) but seemed to be falling way too often. In the beginning, we thought the falling was due to ear infections (inner ear infection=poor balance) but then the falling was happening more and more. Then, we had 3 elbow dislocations within one year. Talk about horrible - watching your little baby boy experience so much pain from a dislocation is Aw. Ful. Then he fell and hit his mouth and one of his front teeth became permanently bruised and gray. I was like, "that's it, I NEED answers. Something isn't right..."
I can't tell you the number of nights I laid awake worrying about what was wrong with Jack. I just wanted an answer - a label ... something! But then, we started learning more, and I panicked. I didn't want people to think he had a disability. Be careful what you wish for I guess. Truth is, there's nothing really "wrong" with him, he just needed some better muscle tone and his ankles lean in a bit (probably the major cause of his clumsiness). He's my little rubber band - flexible as all get out. The orthopedic specialist told us "this is just the way he's made. A hundred years from now we might be able to give you some genetic answers for this, but for right now, it's just how he's built." Phew!
Now we know that he just needed a little strength training, ankle support, physical therapy, and TLC. Today he wears orthotics in his shoes every day. He completed his physical therapy in June and now we're on to gymanstics class once a week for improved strength, balance, and coordination. Here are a few pictures of his class at Miss Barb's (Fun N Fitness) where he loves to go on the "jumpoline" every Tuesday. I can see a big improvement! He can now run across the yard or room without falling. Woo hoo! His pediatrician asked me at his 2 year check up how he was coming along. I said great, and I feel better now that we've tried everything we could to help him. I don't want him to suffer from arthritis or some other problems when he's older and I would love to see him play sports if that is what he wants. We'll keep going with his orthotics and gymnastics, etc. I'm just glad my baby is okay.
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On Tuesday, we had our 20 week ultrasound. Baby boy or girl is growing and healthy! Woo hoo! I have such a huge sense of relief now after seeing how much he/she has grown, that he/she has kidneys, a brain, etc. That might sound crazy, but I'm no longer naive about the miracle of having a healthy baby. I'm so blessed!
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Last weekend we had an 81st birthday party for DJ's grandpa, Jim. It was a fun celebration of his life and all that he's accomplished. It was great to get together and see some cousins, neighbors, etc. that we haven't seen in a while. DJ fixed up his 4020 this past winter and brought it out to the party for the occasion so we could take a family photo in front of it. Here's a couple good ones..
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My parents, brothers, nephews, sisters-in-law, aunt and uncles visited the weekend of my baptism. It was like a mini reunion! So fun! Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Here's a few pics from that weekend...
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Jackson and I went to the park a few weeks ago and I took some pictures of him walking along the river. They turned out really cute! I am so excited to have his 3-year photos taken professionaly next Saturday by Hannah Wright, the same girl who took his awesome 2-year pics. Still haven't decided if we'll be taking some family shots - eh - why not!?!
Loving my hubby today - made me breakfast in bed. What a sweetie pie. I sure miss him this time of year (planting season). I am proably the only person I know who loves it when it rains! Rain = I get to see him!
Lots of changes going on in the Mangold family. David is leaving for Afghanistan in June. Andrew is off to boot camp this summer. Josh is taking a new position in a different part of Afghanistan at the end of the summer. All these military men make me proud, but scared too. Praying that God keeps them safe!
Busy but fun weekend this weekend! Wedding, bachelorette party, etc... It's gonna be fun!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-86212525845731694462012-03-27T09:09:00.003-04:002012-03-27T09:13:12.808-04:00Hobo'sLast night we made hobo's on the grill. Nom nom nom. These are super easy and great for summertime (okay it's not summertime yet, but Mother Nature had me fooled last week!) Here's the recipe:<br /><br />1 lb. Ground Beef<br />1 onion, chopped<br />1 can cream of mushroom soup<br />3 large baking potatoes, chopped into chunks<br />baby carrots (optional)<br /><br />Create 4 9"x9" square of tinfoil and lay out on your counter. Roll handful size balls of ground beef and place one on each square of tinfoil. In a large bowl, mix onion, soup, potatoes and baby carrots. Pour 1/4 of mixture of each ball of ground beef. Salt and Pepper to taste. Fold up tinfoil squares so food is completely covered up. Place foil packets on grill for 30 to 45 minutes. Enjoy!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-64950406419600937142012-03-12T21:54:00.002-04:002012-03-12T21:58:49.159-04:00GardenI'm thinking about starting a garden. I've wanted to for several years but it seems like the idea always come to me after it's too late each summer. So I should start simple. But what to plant? I'm thinking maybe tomatoes, spinach, and peppers? Those are my favorites so I know they'll get eaten. And if I'm really ambitious...salsa!! Now if I can fet DJ to help me build a container for a raised bed! :)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-69296006907427998372012-03-02T08:41:00.003-05:002012-03-02T08:45:43.892-05:00Madison RoadI wanted to share something really sweet with all of you. My friend Ann recently went live with her website for her company "Madison Road". Ann makes adorable, unique, hand-sewn clothing for your girls. This stuff is seriuosly adorable. The company name, <a href="http://www.madisonrd.com">Madison Road</a>, has special meaning to me as Ann and her family live in the house I grew up in ... you guessed it ... on Madison Road. Ann is an amazing chick! She is beautiful, fun, cool, a great mom, so creative. I could go on and on. Please check out the website for her new company and support her!<br /><br />Happy Shopping!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-20737653713887693762012-02-21T11:16:00.010-05:002012-02-21T11:22:51.893-05:00Children's MuseumThis past weekend we took a short family trip to Indianapolis. On Saturday, we visited the Indianapolis Children's Museum. It was quite the place! LOTS of people and cool exhibits for the kids. Jackson had a great time and fell asleep before we even left the parking garage on our way out. <br /><br />Yee ha!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9v6eEI7Li3U/T0PERT3YRZI/AAAAAAAABXk/f_DufCYrb9I/s1600/IMG_8314.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9v6eEI7Li3U/T0PERT3YRZI/AAAAAAAABXk/f_DufCYrb9I/s320/IMG_8314.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711624554105292178" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSXwOWz7qPM/T0PEKX21p2I/AAAAAAAABXY/AMVBrqYZL_M/s1600/IMG_8301.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSXwOWz7qPM/T0PEKX21p2I/AAAAAAAABXY/AMVBrqYZL_M/s320/IMG_8301.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711624434917680994" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8J5pby7XO8E/T0PEC_jGrbI/AAAAAAAABXM/jf3adcNqgLY/s1600/IMG_8298.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8J5pby7XO8E/T0PEC_jGrbI/AAAAAAAABXM/jf3adcNqgLY/s320/IMG_8298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711624308133375410" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1CBZmxtsWI/T0PD-GirkhI/AAAAAAAABXA/XlhEQ9suUx0/s1600/IMG_8288.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1CBZmxtsWI/T0PD-GirkhI/AAAAAAAABXA/XlhEQ9suUx0/s320/IMG_8288.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711624224111301138" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2vfI283AW8/T0PDqM9pj3I/AAAAAAAABW0/J9RnS2ZXgiQ/1600/IMG_8283.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2vfI283AW8/T0PDqM9pj3I/AAAAAAAABW0/J9RnS2ZXgiQ/s320/IMG_8283.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711623882237644658" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZrxNdRNjxs/T0PDkX8SS2I/AAAAAAAABWo/u_zEfEempcI/s1600/IMG_8270.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZrxNdRNjxs/T0PDkX8SS2I/AAAAAAAABWo/u_zEfEempcI/s320/IMG_8270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711623782105500514" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8j17X9sm7IE/T0PDgor3i-I/AAAAAAAABWc/GHd9yAmwAxc/s1600/IMG_8267.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8j17X9sm7IE/T0PDgor3i-I/AAAAAAAABWc/GHd9yAmwAxc/s320/IMG_8267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711623717880564706" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zj5YsgmAWB8/T0PDchuw2VI/AAAAAAAABWQ/VWzjKKAF1g0/s1600/IMG_8261.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zj5YsgmAWB8/T0PDchuw2VI/AAAAAAAABWQ/VWzjKKAF1g0/s320/IMG_8261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711623647294183762" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-73931382516610971982012-02-10T08:21:00.003-05:002012-02-10T08:25:33.915-05:00She's here!DJ's cousin Justin and Heidi had a baby girl on Wednesday - Presley Madison. We went to visit them in the hospital yesterday. She's so adorable! I feel like we've been waiting so long for her to get here! Welcome to the family Presley! <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6pSxk6SOYM/TzUaN1JyJZI/AAAAAAAABWE/RVmpdvWkJm0/s1600/IMG_8235.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6pSxk6SOYM/TzUaN1JyJZI/AAAAAAAABWE/RVmpdvWkJm0/s320/IMG_8235.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707496927670707602" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSNmLGawyl0/TzUaLLkJMMI/AAAAAAAABV4/Yp2GMR6_ys0/s1600/Presley%2Bmadison.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSNmLGawyl0/TzUaLLkJMMI/AAAAAAAABV4/Yp2GMR6_ys0/s320/Presley%2Bmadison.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707496882147242178" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-23437824217190796032012-02-08T13:20:00.001-05:002012-02-08T13:21:53.780-05:00No more castYesterday we went to have Jackson's cast removed. Hooray! He was a little unsure about the saw when the medical assistant pulled it out, but he ended up laughing the whole time he cut through the cast because it tickled. Such a trooper. Yay for normal bath time and being able to feed himself!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sD5TrKDDDJw/TzK9BTJwB_I/AAAAAAAABVs/g7VN063QhoQ/s1600/Jackson%2BGot%2BHis%2BCast%2BOff_020712.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sD5TrKDDDJw/TzK9BTJwB_I/AAAAAAAABVs/g7VN063QhoQ/s320/Jackson%2BGot%2BHis%2BCast%2BOff_020712.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706831507850528754" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-24367915118469519222012-01-28T13:26:00.002-05:002012-01-28T13:33:15.793-05:00Jackson'ismsThe other day I went back to a July 2009 post and read a post I wrote about a typical day in the life with newborn baby Jackson. It made me get all misty! I was so glad that I could go back and read those little Jackson'isms so I thought I'd do it again to help make some lasting memories now that he's 2 1/2 years old (31 months to be exact). So here goes ...<br /><br />A few of my favorite things that Jackson says:<br />- That's mines! (Yes, "mines" is plural.)<br />- Mama, whatcha doooooin?<br />- I wake up! (This is our bright, cheery, ethusiastic greeting every morning around 7 a.m.)<br />- IIIIII do it. (Likes to do everything himself like a big boy these days.)<br />- Take a baf. (Take a bath.) :)<br />- Daddy workeeeeng. <br />- I jumped in da POO! (Translation: I jumped in the pool! He tells people this a lot as we just visited Nee Nee and Papa in Florida.)<br />- Baby hit me. (Jackson likes to tell on Katie, a little girl from the babysitter's, when she hits him. Sometimes I think the story might be reversed.) :)<br />- "Jackson what road to you live on?" - Me. "HickoREEEEE" - Jackson. <br />- "When is your birthday?" - Me, "June Elebbnen." - Jack. <br />- "How old are you?" - Me. "Two....two and a half." - Jack (Pauses EVERY time.)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-47352532529251873742012-01-20T14:52:00.012-05:002012-01-20T14:57:48.641-05:00We went South for the Winter (or at least January)Swimming in the Pool with Uncle Josh and Uncle David!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3UPx4-WEXk/TxnGgBKAoHI/AAAAAAAABVg/CrrpiWp0apY/s1600/florida%2B4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3UPx4-WEXk/TxnGgBKAoHI/AAAAAAAABVg/CrrpiWp0apY/s400/florida%2B4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699805056782606450" /></a><br />Fun in the pool!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJX3mcz6YR4/TxnGdcDi7OI/AAAAAAAABVU/v9EgpgtmjAI/s1600/florida%2B6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJX3mcz6YR4/TxnGdcDi7OI/AAAAAAAABVU/v9EgpgtmjAI/s400/florida%2B6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699805012463643874" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeHVg7-gN48/TxnGac3S9dI/AAAAAAAABVI/MQOKDD0fFT8/s1600/Fort%2BLauderdale-20120104-00141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeHVg7-gN48/TxnGac3S9dI/AAAAAAAABVI/MQOKDD0fFT8/s400/Fort%2BLauderdale-20120104-00141.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699804961141093842" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMbxjhLMgw8/TxnGXcwkFQI/AAAAAAAABU8/1ivPuaCiREM/s1600/Fort%2BLauderdale-20120105-00151.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMbxjhLMgw8/TxnGXcwkFQI/AAAAAAAABU8/1ivPuaCiREM/s400/Fort%2BLauderdale-20120105-00151.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699804909573248258" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ28-0WI80I/TxnGT7BTiFI/AAAAAAAABUw/Ka1C09yAYD4/s1600/heather%252C%2Brenee%252C%2Bsandy%2Bat%2Bmist.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ28-0WI80I/TxnGT7BTiFI/AAAAAAAABUw/Ka1C09yAYD4/s400/heather%252C%2Brenee%252C%2Bsandy%2Bat%2Bmist.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699804848977053778" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X17nI32kaA4/TxnGQBA4tgI/AAAAAAAABUk/kT7ijjWLddY/s1600/jack%2Band%2Bheather%2Bat%2Bpier.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X17nI32kaA4/TxnGQBA4tgI/AAAAAAAABUk/kT7ijjWLddY/s400/jack%2Band%2Bheather%2Bat%2Bpier.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699804781866432002" /></a><br />Jackson dislocated his elbow while we were in Florida. We had to go see an orthopedic specialist and this John Deere Green cast was the result. :(<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSkGhmQbLaA/TxnGL6_r9JI/AAAAAAAABUY/VGHHbDfGUGM/s1600/jack%2527s%2Bcast.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSkGhmQbLaA/TxnGL6_r9JI/AAAAAAAABUY/VGHHbDfGUGM/s400/jack%2527s%2Bcast.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699804711531312274" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-32788334107284880152011-12-20T16:42:00.001-05:002011-12-20T16:47:26.452-05:00A few recent pictures of our holiday season ...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1LgTklQRQc/TvECTTSWMII/AAAAAAAABUM/hrePenlH_8M/s1600/IMG_8072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1LgTklQRQc/TvECTTSWMII/AAAAAAAABUM/hrePenlH_8M/s400/IMG_8072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688330334963642498" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NMqnGfXJiTk/TvECITMDT0I/AAAAAAAABUA/ml-ESImZi4c/s1600/IMG_8063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NMqnGfXJiTk/TvECITMDT0I/AAAAAAAABUA/ml-ESImZi4c/s400/IMG_8063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688330145958678338" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwI6qDoGNBY/TvECCS88eMI/AAAAAAAABT0/ApY4TkXsux4/s1600/IMG_8105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwI6qDoGNBY/TvECCS88eMI/AAAAAAAABT0/ApY4TkXsux4/s400/IMG_8105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688330042816100546" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uTLDtwOTRc/TvEB2VHWvyI/AAAAAAAABTo/JkQDNAiFs_A/s1600/IMG_8054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uTLDtwOTRc/TvEB2VHWvyI/AAAAAAAABTo/JkQDNAiFs_A/s400/IMG_8054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688329837238206242" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIUmxyZfxtE/TvEBwF9CNWI/AAAAAAAABTc/QIGtmqa-ISE/s1600/IMG_8041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIUmxyZfxtE/TvEBwF9CNWI/AAAAAAAABTc/QIGtmqa-ISE/s400/IMG_8041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688329730089170274" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BaatqC9iPiI/TvEBpMDv1JI/AAAAAAAABTQ/4FDtVSS3qFM/s1600/IMG_8036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BaatqC9iPiI/TvEBpMDv1JI/AAAAAAAABTQ/4FDtVSS3qFM/s400/IMG_8036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688329611468854418" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VV_avZusvfY/TvEBaY26v9I/AAAAAAAABTE/Xpmklv0mPVU/s1600/heather%2Band%2Bjackson.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VV_avZusvfY/TvEBaY26v9I/AAAAAAAABTE/Xpmklv0mPVU/s400/heather%2Band%2Bjackson.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688329357206667218" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-32660726493352091352011-11-23T14:51:00.002-05:002011-11-23T15:02:35.721-05:00I Am ThankfulThis year, I am especially excited for the holidays because I get to enjoy them with my little family. This year I am thankful for ...<br />- The excitement that Jackson experiences each time he sees or learns something new. <br />- My husband, who went and got me a chocoloate milkshake at 9 p.m. last night with no whip cream and two cherries. I'm not even pregnant (when this kind of thing would be much more common)!<br />- School. Yes, that's right, for school. Never in my wildest dreams would I have believed that I'd be getting a B in a Stats course. It makes me feel proud of myself.<br />- My girl friends. Without these ladies, my life would be boring and without laughter.<br />- My home. While I"m always wishing that I had this or that for my house, I'm thankful to have a warm place to rest our heads and to raise Jackson that is close to friends and family.<br />- Flannel. I'm obsessed with it. Jackson has like 4 new flannel shirts for the winter.<br />- Pictures. I get so caught up in looking at old photos sometimes. They make me happy.<br />- My grandparents. Never have you met such fun and supportive people in your life. They are ALWAYS there for us!<br />- My job. I've been in my current position for a little over a year now and I am one lucky chick. The people I work with are INSANEly great!<br />- Airplanes - especially the one that will be taking me and Jackson to Florida in January. Counting the days.<br />- Uggs. I don't care if these ever go out of style I'm still going to wear them.<br />- God. For giving me so many blessings and for planning my life just the way he wants it. <br />- Wine. I've been drinking it regularly latey. Pinot Noir.<br />- Cousins. These people are my friends forever, even if I don't see them as often as I'd like.<br />- Brothers. We're all over the map, but get us in a room together and it's like the good times we had growing up all over again. <br />- Pinterest. Have you SEEN this website!? It's insanely addicting and fun. I. Love. It.<br />- Diet Coke. It's horrible for me but I can't give it up. Everything in moderation, right?<br />- My iPad. One of the coolest gifts I've ever received. Such a fun toy. DJ and Jackson would agree.<br />- My sisters-in-law. Growing up an only girl was fun/challenging. I'm thankful for my SIL's and their friendship. <br />- Fingerless gloves. These things are the bomb diggity. I have three pairs. <br /><br />I'm thankful for so much. I might post more things I'm thankful for later. Happy Thanksgiving!!!<br /><br />Love,<br />HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-7692308148238284932011-10-27T22:26:00.003-04:002011-10-27T22:37:32.434-04:00Cute Ideas to RememberHave you seen the website pinterest.com? It's awesome...and addicting.<br />A few cute ideas that I loved from this website:<br />- have your kids wake up to a room filled with balloons on their birthday.<br />- take a photo of you and your spouse on each wedding anniversary holding a framed number indicating the number of years you've been mArried (e.g., on your 8th anniversary the framed number would be 8).Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-17639605896670928432011-10-27T22:04:00.003-04:002011-10-27T22:21:59.540-04:00Rocka Rocka, Mama?I just came into my bedroom after rocking Jackson to sleep feeling like the luckiest person on earth. <br />I'll admit that since he turned two two, it has been tough sometimes dealing with this little boy who doesn't know how to deal with his emotions and hates hearing "no" (and believe me - he hears "no" a lot!). But tonight ... there were no tantrums, no struggles, and no tears. Jack and I had the house to ourselves and had one of the best evenings I have had in a long time. We played, we laughed, we watched Wonder Pets and I fell even more in love with my little man.<br />To end the night, Jack said, "Rocka rocka Mama?" My heart melted. He laid his little head on my shoulder while I rocked him to sleep. I'm so lucky to be this kid's mom it's crazy. I wanted to write this down tonight so I'd remember it some day when these years seem like a blur. Jack you are an amazing, soft-hearted little boy and I am blessed to be your mom. Love you, Buddy.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-50240331641728575612011-09-27T16:22:00.002-04:002011-09-27T16:28:35.781-04:00Big Boy Bed<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--k2lIDz5QEE/ToIx2iQT52I/AAAAAAAABSk/BmXAwZRQs7s/s1600/big%2Bboy%2Bbed.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657138894908680034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--k2lIDz5QEE/ToIx2iQT52I/AAAAAAAABSk/BmXAwZRQs7s/s320/big%2Bboy%2Bbed.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Jackson isn't a baby anymore (sniff, sniff). On Sunday night he slept in his big boy bed for the first time! He got up twice and had a mischevious little grin on his face when he stuck his nose into our bedroom door. After the second time up, I decided to lay down with him in his bed (I think he was a little scared of the change.) </div><br /><div>I laid with Jack for about 20 minutes. He talked, he sang, he kicked the wall, he asked where Tucker was ... all of the things little boys do when they are stalling bedtime. I closed my eyes and tried to pretend I was asleep so he'd follow. Jack whispered "honk honk" and squeezed my nose twice. Ha! I was trying SO hard not to lose it - I was doing the silent shaking laugh. Every time I think about him honking my nose I laugh. I'm putting this story in his baby book. </div><br /><div>Monday morning he marched into our room with a HUGE smile on his face. He was SO PROUD that he'd spent the night in his bed. He said, "Mama, sleep in bed!" So cute - made my heart melt. </div><br /><div>Last night was his second night in the big boy bed. I laid him down and never heard a peep til this morning. I think this might be less of a big deal than I thought (knock on wood)! I'll have to remember that next time we're trying something new (e.g., potty training). </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-25304136868684778842011-09-22T13:51:00.003-04:002011-09-22T13:58:20.762-04:00Just when ...Lately, I've been feeling like I'm taking on too much. Between work, school, being a wife and mom, visiting family, repainting my kitchen, studying, going to conferences and retreats out of town .... I was feeling stretched thin. It started to take a toll on me, giving me some serious stress and doubts about my abilities to keep up with everything.<br /><br />But today, I had a great day. I got a B+ on my first Stats exam! Ah!!!!<br /><br />I had the biggest smile on my face when leaving class. If you want to know the truth, I wasn't sure if I could do it. I've done the work, I've put in the time, but sometimes I doubt my brainp0wer - especially now after I've been out of school for so long. Needless to say this B+ exceeded my expectations and I feel better about what I can do.<br /><br />Just goes to show you that just when you're feeling down or needing a boost, God provides if its what you need. I can do all things through He who strengthens me, right?!<br /><br />DJ is taking me out tomorrow night to celebrate this small win for a stressed mama.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-34596101881885501252011-09-20T08:54:00.009-04:002011-09-20T09:56:23.170-04:00Family Weekend<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-36mBTxWjU24/TnibDXCSOcI/AAAAAAAABSc/6cof_rnAtEY/s1600/mangold%2Bmen.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654439814189169090" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-36mBTxWjU24/TnibDXCSOcI/AAAAAAAABSc/6cof_rnAtEY/s320/mangold%2Bmen.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WzvO97ZsJ0/Tniawt-YTHI/AAAAAAAABSM/36xIRkUmp4U/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654439493929290866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WzvO97ZsJ0/Tniawt-YTHI/AAAAAAAABSM/36xIRkUmp4U/s320/photo.JPG" /></a> Last weekend we had a great visit from my parents. When my dad arrived he gave me a big hug and walked me right into the house. We sat and chatted for about five minutes when all of a sudden I heard a knock on the door. It was my mom! She had surprised us and come along with Dad. I was stunned! It took me a few minutes to say anything because I was SO not expecting her to be here. What an awesome surprise!!!</div><br /><div>We headed out to Roanoke to visit Matt, Jennifer, Nate, Jenna, and my nephews. What a fun time! It's so nice when we can all get together. Jackson was the boys' little shadow - following them around all weekend with a constant smile on his face. They had fun using apples for batting practice, playing in the barn, going for walks up to the creek, and riding around on the tractor. Here's a few pictures from our time in Roanoke. Thanks Matt and Jennifer for your hospitality!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vY4uYTfFjtQ/TniatcUfTDI/AAAAAAAABSE/r7ja0RmhUVA/s1600/mangold%2Bmen%2B2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654439437650578482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vY4uYTfFjtQ/TniatcUfTDI/AAAAAAAABSE/r7ja0RmhUVA/s320/mangold%2Bmen%2B2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cl_ZOGpxuI/TniapYQ8dvI/AAAAAAAABR8/7re0QTfyIgo/s1600/jack%2Band%2Bzach.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654439367842494194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cl_ZOGpxuI/TniapYQ8dvI/AAAAAAAABR8/7re0QTfyIgo/s320/jack%2Band%2Bzach.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrTfjog6o5s/TniamCF32YI/AAAAAAAABR0/7oxjaKTFFps/s1600/jack%2Badn%2Bzach%2Bon%2Bgocart.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654439310350866818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrTfjog6o5s/TniamCF32YI/AAAAAAAABR0/7oxjaKTFFps/s320/jack%2Badn%2Bzach%2Bon%2Bgocart.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-WgyNxmprI/Tniah0_fzCI/AAAAAAAABRs/784_QBfhOqQ/s1600/cutie%2Bpie.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654439238114987042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-WgyNxmprI/Tniah0_fzCI/AAAAAAAABRs/784_QBfhOqQ/s320/cutie%2Bpie.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDbsqXRWaPY/TniNNvuAHQI/AAAAAAAABRk/gfWikpbN670/s1600/ben%252C%2Bjack%2Band%2Bzach.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654424599450885378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDbsqXRWaPY/TniNNvuAHQI/AAAAAAAABRk/gfWikpbN670/s320/ben%252C%2Bjack%2Band%2Bzach.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-64495532222042572282011-08-30T14:50:00.002-04:002011-08-30T14:57:26.969-04:00Back to SchoolToday I became a student again. At 11:30, I went to my first course at IUSB. My hope is that this will lead me to become a Masters student next year. I'm taking Introduction to Statistics Theory in Economics and Business. According to my professor, it's as exciting as it sounds. He made it very clear that this was going to be a very difficult course, that he does not accept late work, that he will not provide extra credit, and that there will be NO going to use the restroom during class. I felt like I was in high school again hearing this man talk about "the real world" and "real deadlines". But the truth is, most of the students in my class are sophomores! 20 years old! It's true that they probably need to hear these things, but it just sounded so weird after having been in "the real world" for a few years myself.
<br />After class I went up and spoke with my professor. Turns out, he's a really nice guy. He encouraged me to come to him with questions, answered all SIX of my questions today nicely and with confidence, and even said I could attend a 10 a.m. course on the same days of the week if it better suits my work schedule. He asked me where I work and about what I do. I think we'll get along nicely.
<br />The main thing will be staying on top of the work. He told students that it would be best if this was their only class so that they could spend the 8-10 hours a week that this course requires. I was delighted, thinking "Hey! This IS my only class." But then I remember that I have my life to juggle - working, mommying, wife-ing. All wonderful things that I wouldn't trade for the world. Can you say balance!?!? I think my social life might take a hurting throughout this semester, but that's cool with me. Here's to growing up and learning about linear regression!
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1074900017555870713.post-78809771417026464942011-08-24T15:29:00.003-04:002011-08-24T15:32:08.210-04:00Vegas<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCn5E-SxrHM/TlVRhAy1LzI/AAAAAAAABRM/5q9aNIT_qXU/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644507335569518386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCn5E-SxrHM/TlVRhAy1LzI/AAAAAAAABRM/5q9aNIT_qXU/s400/photo.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>Last weekend my mom and I went to Las Vegas. What an amazing time! We stayed at a beautiful hotel and got to see Garth Brooks in an amazing concert. I'm so lucky to have such loving parents that spoil me often. Here's a shot of my mom and I just before the concert. They wouldn't let us take pictures of Garth, but I SO wish I could have so that I can show you how awesome it was! Garth was funny, charming, talented, entertaining, ... I could go on and on. What a blast!</div>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540096833518656480noreply@blogger.com0