Twelve Things I Learned in November {2017}

Take the Leap of Faith

One year ago I took a leap of faith and took my love for photography to the next level. I started Double J Photography with the goal to offer affordable photography to special needs families. The past year has been amazing. I wrote about it here.

Jackson’s a Fan of Christmas Vacation

John collects the Christmas Vacation Hallmark ornaments! Jackson has discovered the one on our tree that says, “she wrapped up her damn cat” and continues to push the button and repeat the line! I should also add that every time we turn off the lights and plug the tree lights in he sings, “hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!” We think it’s hysterical. The school might not!

The Movie “Wonder” is Wonderful

I enjoyed the book. I loved the movie! Bring your Kleenex! It’s definitely a must see!!!

Real Christmas Trees Are the Way to Go

Especially when you get to go to a tree farm and cut one down yourself! This year we decided to get a small tree since we won’t be home the majority of December. We’d ask Jackson if he liked a certain tree and he’d say, “not that one!” and point to the tallest tree he could find! We promised a bigger tree next year. He had a blast helping John cut it down! I love making these memories!

My Kid Is a Super Hard Worker

I already knew this, but was reminded again on a recent trip to Texas. On Thanksgiving, we ate a lot of turkey, took naps, Jackson went on a few four wheeler rides and then he decided to start raking leaves. Then we were all raking leaves. We raked leaves for more than an hour.

My kid is definitely a hard worker. He raked the leaves, pushed the wheel barrow and dumped them and started again. I lost count of how many times he did this! And he giggled and had fun the entire time!! Oh, and Pop paid him for his hard work. He got some crisp bills for his piggy bank!

It’s Okay to Cut Myself Some Slack This Christmas 

Sensory Friendly Santa Events Are the Best

We took advantage of a sensory friendly Santa event again this year and it was awesome! Jackson walked right up to Santa (with a tad bit of hesitation) and told him exactly what he wanted for Christmas. A green monster truck from Bass Pro Shop. When Santa asked him if there was anything else he wanted he said, No, just one toy! Melt my heart!

Doctors Aren’t So Bad These Days

Jackson has made so much progress when it comes to going to the doctor. The other day we had an appointment with his developmental pediatrician and he did amazing! But then again there were no shots and no air pump (blood pressure machine) involved! That day as we were waiting to see his doctor he said, mom, shots make me angry! Me too, buddy. Me too!

Jackson Is Hilarious

His sense of humor is crazy good! The more he’s able to communicate and the clearer his speech becomes, he just gets funnier! Here’s a few of our conversations that have cracked me up this month!

A car had almost hit us and I had to honk and swerve. As I was trying to catch my breath, Jackson says from the back seat, “That a close one! Whew!”

Jackson (as he limps over to me): Mom, my foot is resting.

Me: You mean your foots asleep?

I had been cleaning house all morning when Jackson announces (like he always does) that he needs to potty!

Me: Watch what you’re doing, I just cleaned the toilet.

Sometimes Teaching Jackson Intimidates Me