First Field Trip - Science Museum

This week Jayden had his first "big boy" field trip to the Science Museum. I was able to be a parent volunteer and share the day with him. I was a little concerned to be going because usually Jayden gets very clingy whenever I am around at his school, but to my surprise he has come out of his shell. Okay, maybe not all the time, but this particular day he was sure a big kid and we both had a great time enjoying a new place with his teacher and classmates. Jayden you are becoming such a BIG boy and mommy loves you!

Thankful.

I have been thinking the last few days that I need to make a post. Then I was wondering what life event should I write about and the subject was myself! I don't usually think to write about myself, I use it more to journal about the boys, but I think this one deserves a post.

Since September 25, 2008, (I will never forget the date), when Chase bought my beloved Wamu, my job has been up in the air. It has been transition after transition with no defined answers along this very long journey. We were told we would all have jobs but I felt no guarantee. In February my old branch transitioned into the Chase branch and I have been hoping and praying that they would "love" me enough to have a position for me. I have been working more hours, learning as much as I can, but still not sure where this road would lead me. Two weeks ago, for the first time in this journey, I was told that some decisions had been made and they wanted to talk to me. The outcome was not in my favor. My current position is now obsolete and the position they offered me (that I wanted) had one downfall, it came with a huge pay cut. I left this meeting feeling saddened, and felt that my sixteen years of loyalty meant nothing.

Finally, on Monday I saw the silver lining in this very long journey. I was called into another meeting and told that since my position is obsolete, my Regional Manager found out that they cannot decrease my pay, so they would like to offer me the original position if I still wanted it. YEAH! So, not only do I get to continue working in the branch I am at, which is five minutes from my house I will also maintain my 30 hours per week.

Goodbye WaMu, hello Chase! ......... I will always be a Wamulian at heart...

Jayden's First Day Of Kindergarten ...

Jayden & Hailey together on the first day of Kindergarten

Jayden showing off his new Spiderman backpack...

Well, it finally happened, my baby grew up and went to his first day of Kindergarten. He was all ready with his new outfit, shoes, backpack, and lunchbox. I have to say he looked pretty sharp as he walked into the JCC to start his Kindergarten school year. He already asked me, how much longer do I have to go to school for, and I told him until he get's as big as Uncle Sean.... Not sure how long he thinks that is, but that will keep him thinking.

One of the best parts of Jayden's first day of Kindergarten was that he got to share it with his best friend Hailey. Hailey is Caroline's daughter and it just so happens, they are moving to Phoenix but while their house is being built they are staying with us. So, even though Jayden and Hailey are not going to the same school, they got to get ready together and were able to talk in person about their BIG first days.... I am so glad they will be able to live close to each other and have such wonderful memories to share together.

I will keep you all posted as the school year progress's... For now, I am going to try and relax for a little while before it all starts over again bright and early!

Jordy's Ice Cream Shoppe Birthday Party!

We just celebrated Jordy's 2nd birthday with an Ice Cream Shoppe Party. There is nothing more fun than ice cream, toppings of all kinds, and twenty little ones running around your house enjoying themselves. If you know me well, you know I am a "little" obsessive when it comes to my house, so you won't be surprised when I tell you I gave the munchkins one rule before they ate their ice cream.. Stay on the tile, no eating ice cream on the carpet. They actually all listened and the party was a BIG hit!

My friend Kim has a great blog, The TomKat Studio and she helped me with some of the party creations. She made adorable cupcake toppers (see some of her designs below), and favor tags that matched our adorable theme. If your planning a birthday party, baby shower, or need invites for any special occasion make sure to check out TheTomKat Studio! Jordy shares a July birthday with his girlfriend Brinkley, who is my good friend Taryn's daughter. So for the second year in a row Taryn and I decided to have a joint party and it was a huge success!

Below are some pictures from our fun, birthday afternoon!





Jordy enjoying his first bite of his cake filled ice cream cone.

Jayden and Briar digging into their Ice Cream sundaes....

Trying to get a family shot with everyone looking a different way...
Party tables ready for the little ones....
Cake ice cream cones with adorable cake toppers...

Ice cream cone favors....

Nana and Jordy....

Tee-Tee and Jordy...
Mommy and Jordy...
Jayden loving his little brother....

PS. I am keeping my fingers crossed, but the third round of antibiotics made Jayden a whole new kid. His energy is coming back and he is actually hungry. I am so glad to see my little man feeling better. Now we have two weeks to prepare for our BIG first day of Kindergarten. Stay tuned!

Sick, Sick, and Still Sick

We have had quite the few weeks at the Callison house, again! My poor Jayden has been through the ringer with being sick and just can't seem to shake it. I am hoping that he is not following in the footsteps of his mommy and shares her Tonsil issues. For me, I finally had them taken out when I was Eighteen due to repetitive Strep and Tonsillitis. Now Jayden is on his third round of meds to try and clear Strep. I am hoping this round will clear him up and he will be back to his fun summer schedule. Unfortunately, these days we are watching a lot of shows, vegging on the couch, and most importantly trying to keep Jayden away from Jordy. You know that Jordy of mine likes to catch anything that the wind blows by.

We have to get Jayden up to speed, because in three weeks my baby starts Kindergarten. We are very excited because Jayden will be staying at the JCC this year. He is very excited to be with his friends Joshua and Jordan. I can't believe that we are about to start this new chapter. Stay posted, many pictures to follow on that special day!

Anyone have suggestions to help boost my little boys immune system???

Heartache for a Chandler Family

Last week I was introduced to a sweet little girl named Kate. I became familiar with Kate's story because my friend Kim blogged about her on her site, (http://www.tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/). Kate is a 5 year old who lives with her family here in Chandler, and two weeks ago was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor. She had surgery last week at Phoenix Children's Hospital and the doctors are currently getting a treatment plan ready for Kate.

Her mom Holly set up a web-site (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate) and is detailing every step while Kate and their family go through this very difficult journey. Holly talks about how just two weeks ago Kate was playing, swimming, laughing and enjoying life like any five year old should be. And now, in a blink of an eye their future has been changed forever. I can't imagine how her heart is breaking for her little girl. I know how difficult it was for Mike and I when Jayden was in the hospital and he thankfully had a very routine(Appendectomy) surgery.

I am amazed by the faith and strength this family has. Take a moment to hold your little ones a little tighter today, I know I am!

Jordy turns two!

Two years ago today my precious Jordy was born. Jordy has brought so much laughter and joy to our home. He is such a sweet, tender little boy. He loves his big brother Jayden so much and especially loves his buddy Kona! Jordy now weighs 25 pounds and LOVES to eat. His favorite words are "Momma", "more", and "eat". His favorites are, bananas, chicken nuggets, yogurt, ranch dressing (thanks dad!) and bagels with cream cheese. He can only sleep if he has his Boo bear and blue blankey. Jordy loves to listen to the Wiggles and Yo Gabba Gabba. He loves to be outside and play with his friend Brinkley.

Mommy, Daddy, and Jayden love you! Happy 2nd birthday Jordy!!!!



Jordan Cade Callison - 7/9/07


Jordy Five Months Old

Jordy Ten Months Old

Jordy and Mommy at his 4th of July 1st Birthday party!

Jordy almost two at Legoland (June 09)