Happy New Year!

We just wanted to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year. We hope 2008 is full of great things for each and every one of you! 2007 had a few ups and downs in it, but overall it was a pretty good year. We did lose a few of our friends and family this year, but we know they are in a better place and will be watching over all of us in the years to come. We also had friends that brought new life into the world that we hope to help watch over in the years to come. We, both those of you here in Indiana and those of you that are out of town but read the blog, watched Jaden grow another twelve months older and it has been an incredible journey. Sometimes I go back and look at pictures of him at the start of the blog versus now and I can not believe my eyes. No one told me how fast this was all going to happen. Okay, well maybe EVERYONE told me that, but I am too stubborn to listen or believe them. Well, since this only happens once a year.....here it goes.....You were right and I was wrong. There, I said it. Now get over yourself, because I won't doing that again anytime soon. Anyway, I could turn this into the longest post ever talking about all of the blessings we have in our circle of family and friends, but I won't. I'll just leave it at this: We love you all very, very much and we know we couldn't get through this wonderful life without you. We are truly blessed and we appreciate each day we have with all the love that surrounds us! Please have a safe holiday and we wish you all the best in 2008!

So let it be written..................

.........enough said! ;-)

Christmas at home and on the road

Helping mommy open presents.

Jaden's "plumber" impression.

"I love it! I love it! I love it!"

Elmo and Cookie Monster!

Christmas at the Ellis' house!

Having some fun with Cousin Nick's gifts.

More presents. When does it end???

The Giraffe tent. Looks like daddy will have to add on to the house to store all of Jaden's gifts.

Cousin Brennan and Nick, Grandpa Tom and Mr. Jaden enjoying the day!

Presents from the Grandparents

The video is a little dark, but I think you will get the idea. Just one of the many wonderful gifts Jaden got this year. I thought I would put this up since he didn't have a chance to thank Grandpa Shaun and Grandma Laurie Jo, as he did the other Grandparents. Hopefully we will get to see them soon so Jaden can thank them in person! :-)

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays to you and yours during this festive season!
Love, Jaden, Shannon and Guy

"Gonna make a jailbreak"

Well, it happened today. Shannon and I heard Jaden laughing and playing this morning before we got up, so we let him continue to do so without going to check on him. A little later I let Zoey out of her crate and put her out to go to the bathroom. A normal morning. I then let Zoey back in and allowed her to run around the downstairs while I laid back down for a bit. A little bit later, I heard Jaden making more noise. Not exactly crying, but not exactly laughing anymore either. I figured at this point I would go check on him. When I went in to check on him, Zoey was jumping up and down on him and therefore the reason for making the anxious cries. Now this may not seem like a big deal to all of you, as Zoey jumps on him a lot, as she is always excited to be around him. However.....did I mention that they were both sitting on Jaden's floor????? Yes, that's right, Jaden somehow got out of his crib this morning on his own. He had to have climbed over the top and fallen to the ground. There are no visible bruises or anything and he was just as happy as a clam, minus the Zoey attack, but it's a concern nonetheless. The funny thing is that I was telling Shannon last night how long he looks now lying in his crib, and then this morning this happens. Well, it looks like the fun is getting ready to start! Have a great day everyone!

Caption Contest

(Insert Caption Here)

I thought I would take the day off from creating the caption for Jaden's picture today and let one of you do it instead. I looked for a picture with a lot of different angles to address. You have the football, the remote, the santa hat, and even the pajamas. Feel free to post your own in the comments section, or just create one in your head and laugh to yourself. Either way, enjoy your day!

Ho, Ho, Ho......

On Saturday we fought the snow and ice to go out to Shannon's place of employment to see Santa Claus. Just thought you might like to see some of the pictures! Enjoy.

Not so sure about sitting on Santa's lap.....

However, he IS down with a good ol "high five".

Some of Santa's reindeer, live and in the flesh!

Jaden has a moustache!

Grandma Libby got Jaden some hot chocolate to enjoy. Looks like he IS enjoying it!

Zoey and Jaden

Can I get up on the couch?

Rough life.

Jaden giving Zoey kisses.

The kids.

Jaden invading Zoey's space.

Single Parent: This is what happens......

I just thought you all would like to see what happens when Shannon leaves me alone with Jaden and Zoey. She had to go to Mexico City for work from Wednesday to Friday and "we" can not wait for her return. How do you make a child go to bed (even if it is 8:30) when he is asking you to sit with him and watch football? I promise I will NEVER do anything to screw up this marriage simply because I am scared to be alone.........with Jaden and Zoey!!! ;-) Have a great weekend everyone!

New Addition

Well, there's been a new addition to the family. Before anyone gets too excited, let me just clarify. We bought a dog. It's called a "puggle" and it's a mix of beagle and pug. SHE is a very cute and affectionate puppy. Jaden really seems to like her. We named her Zoey, and here are some pictures. Enjoy!

The little one checking out the "littler" one.

Up close and personal.

I'm ready for my close up!

Jaden, may I use your chair?

Down for the count!

Grandma Libby

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA LIBBY!
LOVE, JADEN, SHANNON AND GUY

Thanksgiving

Good morning all. Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. I have been off work since Tuesday and really just relaxing and trying to stay away from the computer. Anyway, I just wanted to wish everyone a belated Happy Thanksgiving. We had an enjoyable one ourselves. Jaden and I went down to Grandma Karen and Grandpa Tom's Thursday morning for a bit. Jaden had a great time and Aunt Tammy brought her son's, Nick and Brennan, over to visit as well. Jaden loves playing with them and was very happy to see them while we were there. After we left there we went home and hosted Thanksgiving for Shannon's mom, grandma and uncle. Although I am traditionally the cook of the house, this year was completely handled by Grandma Libby, Mamaw Minnie and yes.....Shannon. Jaden and I didn't have to lift a finger. We just sat around and watched football. Well, that's mostly what I did while Jaden received a LOT of attention, as he did earlier in the day at my parent's house. It was a great day and we were happy to be able to spend it with all of our loved ones. We are truly blessed! Enjoy your weekend!

P.S. I'd list everything we are thankful for, but there isn't enough space on this blog. :-)

Good times at the Children's Museum

Here's a short video of Jaden playing at the Children's Museum on Saturday. We had a lot of fun with he and all of his friends that day. However, having 9 kids over to the house afterwards certainly made me realize that one or two kids will be all that I foresee in my future. God Bless those of you with more than two. That includes you too, mom and dad! I don't know how you all did it. :-) Enjoy your week!

Thanksgiving Present???

I was not aware that people got presents for Thanksgiving, but I guess Jaden isn't "most people". He received this in the mail today from Grandma Laurie Jo (and perhaps Grandpa Shaun), but since it is Cleveland, I figure it's mostly Laurie. Well, once again the fact that I am a baseball fan of another team is totally ignored by the in-laws. However, since the Pirates pretty much stink, I guess I can allow Jaden to choose his own baseball team. Looks like he will be choosing between the Pirates, Indians, Cardinals and Cubs. Choose wisely Jaden, choose wisely......Anyway, thanks for the gift and Shannon and I can't wait for our Thanksgiving gifts to arrive.......They are in the mail, right????????????????

It's a hard knock life for Jaden

"Illegally" standing on the ottman and couch. This is a no-no in mommy's eyes.

Toys on the ottoman, toys on the floor, toys everywhere.

One can easily tire after playing too much.

"Yo, yo, yo!"

This sucks! I don't care if it's a new jacket and hat, take it off!!!!

Father = Responsible parent?.....Not necessarily...

I think I finally realized that just because you are a father, you are not necessarily a responsible parent. The reason that I say I finally realized this is because mommy went out to dinner with a friend, leaving daddy and Jaden at home to fend for themselves. Now, in her defense, she is really only to be gone from 5:30 to 7:30 or so, but nevertheless she is absent. I am sitting at the table and Jaden is sitting in his high chair eating dinner. THIS is where the observation occurred. While he was waiting on his chicken nuggets to become edible, I served him an appetizer of cheddar goldfish. The main course was cooked and cooled (b/c Mr. Jaden doesn't like his food too "ott", or "hot" for those of you that don't know Jadenspeak) and served with both ketchup AND spicy dark mustard. Yes, Jaden eats and likes the Grey Poupon. Now the serving of Grey Poupon and cheddar goldfish might constitute poor parenting all on it's own, but I took it up a notch. Mommy is going to be bringing daddy dinner home with her, but I was a little hungry so I decided to grab a snack. Yes, daddy broke out the barbecue pork rinds. What are the odds that Jaden is going to want some of those when he has all kinds of food in front of him? Well, apparently pretty high. Not only did Jaden want the pork rinds more than his chicken, he was dipping them in ketchup as well. Barbecue pork rinds and ketchup....sounds like my college years, but I digress. In any event, you will be glad to know he did end up eating all of his chicken, as well as cheddar goldfish that he also dipped in ketchup. Well, I'll go on further, but I think Child Services just showed up at the front door. Enjoy your weekend!

P.S. This all took place while we watched football on the big screen. Mommy is going to be so disappointed when she reads this post. Or maybe she just shakes her head and says "my boys"!

Happy Friday!

I just wanted to apologize for not posting anything this week, but I have been out of town for work. I am back now and I will try to get some pictures of the little Guy posted this weekend. Before I left, Jaden and I went walking up and down our street. There were still several jack-o-lanterns out from Halloween and he would walk up to them and make the face you see below. Now when you ask him what a pumpkin looks like, this is his response:

Do you have any idea how much I missed this face while I was out of town for 5 days???

My little pumpkin! :-)

Enjoy your weekend!

Trick or Treating.......You are there!

Listen closely and you can hear what sound a dinosaur makes. :-)

Happy Halloween!!!!!!

We decided to take Jaden Trick or Treating last night and we weren't sure how it was going to go. Well, lets just say the little Guy totally embraced it and had a blast! Here are some pictures of the night. Enjoy!

Having a sucker prior to heading out.

Hitting people up for free candy.

Where's the next destination?

Doing it on his own.

This is fun!

Eh, the last lady just gave me some smarties. Cheapskate!

Checking out the loot.

This is awesome!

The family. :-)

Daddy's four favorite words....Jaden knows them all!

I just wanted to let everyone know that there will not be a Deoxyribonucleic Acid test needed for the one they call Jaden. He is mine. Not only does he say "putball" (football), "reders" (Raiders) and "tutdown" (touchdown), but when he was in my office earlier today he broke out one I hadn't heard before. He walked up to my desk, tried to open the top drawer and started saying "moat, moat". At first I had no idea what he was trying to say, but as I opened the drawer I realized he must have seen me put the remote to my television in there the last time he was in here. What a genius. That boy is all mine....No questions asked!

Big shoes to fill......Not really.

Just thought you might enjoy some of the pictures from the weekend! Hope yours was good!

The little Guy stealing daddy's shoes

Don't try to take them, they are "mine, mine, mine, mine"

Easy Rider

Naptime

Cousin Nick - Football Star

Here is a picture of cousin Nick playing football for St. Roch. He is #11 in this picture and as you can see it looks like he is getting ready to straight arm the defender. Keep doing well Nick and don't get hurt, so that I can talk Shannon into letting Jaden play when he gets older! :-)