Rhonda's Walk

An Empty Carseat

2009-09-10T21:51:00.004-05:00

Easton started pre-K last week. I had dreaded that day since the day he was born. The day he would be big and no longer a "little" boy. The day that the changes start...new words (not usually nice ones), new attitudes (not usually nice ones either), and a different outlook on life in general. When Britton and Landon started I worried also. How would the "outside" world treat them and how would they respond? Are they big enough to stand up for themselves if they need to? I had been able to control what they saw and heard up until they went to school and just like that...I have no control. I am not complaining...don't get me wrong...I have been so blessed to be able to stay home with each of them for their first 4 years and many parents don't have that luxury. But it also makes it so difficult to "let go" when I've held on for so long.

Easton had been dreading preschool almost as much as me since his birthday back in March. He woke up the day of his birthday crying because he didn't want to turn 4 because 4 meant preschool. After a few weeks, we were able to convince him that school didn't start until Sept.

Sept. 8: Crying for 2 hours before bed. "I don't want to go to school tomorrow. I want to stay home with you. You will be all alone. I DON'T want to go." Over and over and over again until he cried himself to sleep.

Sept. 9: We got up and got ready. He kept mentioning he didn't want to go, but as long as I kept him moving and his mind on other things, no crying. Chad went with me to drop him off. No crying. He went in his class, hung his backpack on his hook, took out his folder and sat at his table and colored. Just that easy. I was sad and relieved and happy all at the same time. I saved my tears until we got out the door and thank goodness for really big sunglasses.

Chad drove me back home and went on to work while I sat in the living room and had my breakdown (which only lasted about 30 min.). I spent the rest of the morning on the phone, so my mind was occupied. Getting in the car to go pick him up was so strangely quiet. I turned around before I left to make sure he was buckled and realized for the first time in over 10 years I didn't have a child in the carseat. I've always had someone with me. Britton was born 10 years ago and then Landon came 18 months later. Then Easton came when Landon was 4 before he started preschool and there hasn't been a break in all that time where one of my babies hasn't been in a carseat. For me...it has been a sad realization AND a nice retreat. He's only at preschool for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week. It's not like he's gone all day, every day. One of those 3 days I take a class, but on the other 2 days...it's just me. So far...I've shopped. I need to be home cleaning the house or doing something productive, but to be able to go to a store and not have to drag someone out of the clothes racks or listen to complaining about "can this be the last store" is like a little gift. I miss my kids terribly when they are gone, but this quiet that I have discovered is becoming a really precious treasure that I look forward to each week.

I picked him up and the first thing he said, "The playground is HORRIBLE!". I couldn't help but laugh. He said is was so "babyish" and he would never play on it. So far, he still hasn't. He doesn't talk in class, but he will shake his head yes or no. He wouldn't sit on the carpet during storytime the first 2 days, but I bribed him with a sucker and he sat on it Mon. and today. He's so stubborn that I wonder if he will talk to his teacher at all this year. One thing I don't have to worry about with him is talking too much!

The Fastest Summer EVER!

2009-08-19T09:02:00.002-05:00

Wow! It's been a while since I've been on here. So much has been going on...and just like that...summer's over. Today, the first day of school for Britton and Landon. Britton going to 5th grade and a new school; Landon going to 3rd grade and thinking he's grown. Easton will start preschool in Sept. I can't even talk about that yet.

It's been a good summer. We went camping at Buffalo National River, Chad officiated Arena football and got in the SEC as an official, swimming lessons, baseball season, swim meets, Baton Rouge, VBS, triathlon, Britt's birthday, Chad's birthday...I'll have to go back and look at some pics to remember everything. We've been busy and had a lot of fun.

I'm going into this coming school year with high hopes and expectations...both for my kids and myself. More organization, more quality time, more routines. This will be difficult for me since I'm more of a fly by the seat of my pants kind of person. I think for all of our sanity, we need a little more structure. Chad will be officiating football basically every weekend until Thanksgiving, both boys are playing soccer and I'm not certain what Britt will be doing yet, but I'm sure something that keeps us all on our toes. Schedules and routines will be good.

I plan on getting some pics posted soon of our summer adventures.

I hope everyone has a great school year!

His first 5K!

2009-04-11T15:24:00.004-05:00

Crossing the finish line

The view from the stands

Today Landon ran in his first 5K. He came in second. He did so awesome! It was only a fun run, so no times or anything and they had a choice of running a 1K or 5K....he went for the 5! They did one lap around the track and then around the neighborhood behind the high school. We sat in the bleachers and watched for him to come down the street and he looked so strong coming back into the stadium. Another lap around the track and across the finish line. No medals or trophies for this one....just a ribbon and goody bag. He was proud that he did it and we were proud that he did his best(not to mention getting 2nd place!). Great job, Land!!

Light Blue!

2009-04-03T08:17:00.002-05:00

She picked a color....light blue. Not exactly what I had in mind, but it turned out so cute. We bought these cute cast tattoos to put on, but she still wanted to save some room for signatures so we just put the panda and bamboo around her wrist. The dr. said only 4 weeks with the cast and then she'll get another splint for a couple of weeks. She's doing great!

So much for planning....

2009-03-25T10:03:00.003-05:00

Those who know me very well, know that I'm not much of a planner. I'll just decide we need to take a trip and a day or so later we're off. This week, for Spring Break, I decided to plan the whole week out. Monday, relax and rest up for a fun week, Tuesday...go to Jump Zone since it was supposed to rain, Wednesday...go hiking at Petit Jean and picnic, etc. Well Monday evening when Chad got home we decided to go walking at the Tucker Creek Walking Trail. A really nice Walk/Bike trail just a few minutes from the house that the kids enjoy going to. So off we went for our 3 mile walk. We had a great walk and were about 10 feet from returning to the car when Britton and Landon decided to take off running and race each other to the car. Britt was in a slight lead and Landon edged her way a little bit to slow her down and and sure enough....she slowed down...all the way down and fell. She was crying and I could tell she had scraped her knee pretty good and then she said, "I think I broke my arm". As soon as I looked at it, I knew. I was praying she was just holding it funny, but in my heart, I knew. Chad came over and said, "Everyone in the car we need to head to the ER." Off we went to the emergency room and she was crying a little, but nothing like I thought she would. We got checked in and they asked her about her pain...1 on a scale of 1-10. Not much pain, but they gave her a tiny bit of Morphine anyway. The orthopedic doctor finally got there and they gave her some "twilight sedation" and set her arm back in place. She broke the radial bone right at the wrist. Thankfully it was only that one bone and he feels like it should heal just fine. He put her arm in a splint and she'll wear that for 10 days and then she'll go in and have a cast put on for 6-8 weeks. She did fantastic through the whole process. A little nervous, but not once did she cry or get upset. It took a long time for her to wake up from the sedation, so the boys kept talking to her to make her say goofy stuff, but other than that, it went as smooth as possible.
Swim team will be on hold for the next couple of months, as well as playing on the trampoline, but she is already wanting to go and do.
I think I'll just go back to my spur of the moment planning and not "plan ahead". The plan this week....hang out at home and relax and heal and thank God for all that he has done for us..it could have been so much worse.

I can't believe he's 4!!!

2009-03-16T08:39:00.005-05:00

With my baby, the time has flown! I've tried to treasure each and every moment with Easton since he was born. Now don't get me wrong, I treasured it with Britton and Landon also, but with them there was always the possibility of having another baby so each special moment wasn't like it would be the absolute last time I would get to see one of my baby's do this or that. With Easton, things were a bit different. We knew that he was the last. So each time I put away a toy he had outgrown or moved him to a new carseat or gave him that last jar of baby food...I knew it would be the last time I would do it for one of my own kids. I've treasured each step...the cuddles in the middle of the night, the first "I wub you", the giggles when his brother and sister would give him zerberts and even the sleepless nights, the screaming in his carseat for hours on end, the constant spitting up until age 1. I've tried to soak in each moment. And today he's already 4. It seems like it was just yesterday that I found out about having an antibody and there might be a problem with the pregnancy. It seems like just yesterday some really wonderful friends joined hands with me and prayed for my baby because we were so uncertain about how things would turn out. It seems like just yesterday I saw one of the many ultrasounds with him giving us the thumbs up. It seems like just yesterday that a perfect and beautiful 9 pound 4 ounce baby boy was born that would change our lives, again, forever. Time flies.

Easton is in every meaning of the words, the baby of the family. He's by far the most aggressive of my three kids, but at the same time, the most shy around strangers. He loves to be home and playing outside. He loves sports...any sports. He is the first to defend his brother and sister and the first to call them a name if they upset him. He's big and rough and the sweetest 4 year old you've ever met...once he warms up to you. He's been such a blessing to us.... regardless of what his brother might tell you. God has blessed me beyond measure.

Happy 4th Birthday, Easton! I love you sooooo much!!!

Busy Days

2009-02-27T16:48:00.003-06:00

It's been busy around here. Not much time in the day to update. Fridays are our "down" days. No practices or games or homework to have to hurry and get done. It's our day to just relax.

Britton is still swimming. She hasn't had a meet in about a month and I think she is just enjoying going to practice a couple times a week. She has a meet this weekend in LR, so I'll update on how she did next week. Landon has had a great basketball season. He has made major improvements and really gotten a lot more aggressive. Tournament starts tonight and and will end next week. Although it's been a great season, I'm ready to move on to the next sport. Spring soccer started last week and he had his first game last Sat. He scored 4 and his team won, so he was pleased. Baseball season will start in a few weeks and he is already excited about that. Easton will start soccer in a couple of weeks and he can't wait. I was really hoping for tball for Easton, but it appears that they are very strict about being 5 before they start. He won't be 5 until next March, so I guess he can wait another year. Chad will be heading to his Arena football clinic this weekend and then the season will start at the end of March. I have resigned myself to not being able to sleep in on a Sat. until at least the end of July. That's ok though. We are all healthy and happy and strong and having a great time. What more can you ask for?

Necklaces and Flowers

2009-02-01T15:52:00.007-06:00

Don't you love a 3 year old? They are the funniest people on Earth. They are trying to figure out the world and are so curious. Ages 3-5 are one of my favorite phases that kids go through. Anyway, Easton and I were in Wal-Mart the other day and he was in a particularly inquistive mood. He was sitting in the basket and examining each item I threw in. On this particular visit I had to buy some "feminine items" so as we are strolling down that aisle he points out that I really need to get that pink box because it has a necklace inside (the Pearl brand) and it would look so pretty on me. I explain that I don't really like that kind of necklace and grab my particular brand and throw it in the basket. He then thoroughly examines the box and gets so excited. I asked him what he was so excited about and he says he can't wait to get these home so he can plant them. I asked him, "Plant what?" and he says, "These grow into flowers and I just love flowers!". I grab the box to see what in the world he is talking about and sure enough....flowers. Go check your boxes ladies. I'm not sure about all brands, but mine sure does have "flowers" inside.

All out of Love

2009-02-01T14:58:00.006-06:00

For Landon's birthday, we got him an MP3 player. He has loved it! Now, Landon is not your typical 8 year old boy who listens to boy bands and alternative music. He is exactly like his father (and mother for that matter). We love the '80s! Especially 80's pop and love songs. (Yes, Chad loves Luther Vandross and Lionel Ritchie and Whitney.) Anyway, as I walk down the hall yesterday, I hear him in his room belting out "I'm all out of love, I'm so lost without you, I know you were right, believing for so long" with all his soul. I laughed and laughed and laughed. It was like he had experienced this personally and had to share his remorse with the world. I love my kids and those little moments that will stick with you forever. This was one of those moments. I'm sure as I'm retelling this story to his high school friends in about 10 years, he won't find it as humorous though.

Happy 8th Birthday, Landon!

2009-01-30T06:00:00.002-06:00

Doesn't it seem that once your kids get out of diapers, time flies?! That first couple of years can be so trying. Don't get me wrong, I loved when my kids were babies and they were completely dependent on me for everything......but then there were those days when it seemed like they would never grow up and be big enough to put their own clothes on or wipe their own bottom or get their own poptart out of the cabinet:)! But now that they can do those things, it seems like they are growing up too fast and no longer want help with anything, except cleaning up their bedrooms and doing their homework for them.

I can't believe my Landon is turning 8. He is such a special boy. He is so talented in so many areas...sports, reading, writing, math...I could go on and on. He is what I call that typical middle child, who feels like he has to compete for attention from a younger brother and wants to have the same privileges as his older sister. It's a tough place in life to be in and he is slowly figuring out how to balance that middle position.

Landon is a wonderful student and friend. Ask any of his friends or teachers or anyone except his siblings. His is that kid that everyone likes and wants to be friends with. His that kid that every teacher dreams of having because he never causes a problem, always has the right answer, and doesn't disappoint. He puts a lot of pressure on himself and I always have to remind him to relax a little and enjoy today. I have no doubt that he will grow up to be a wonderful Christian man, who loves unconditionally and gives unceasingly. He is all boy right now and his temperment makes some days challenging, but that same temperment will one day pay off into a very driven, strong man with unlimited possibilities.

I love you so much Landon! You are a fantastic son and I wish you a life of joy and success and fun and happiness. You will always be my "Pilly Pedro", and I hope you have a wonderful 8th year!!!

Firsts!

2009-01-14T08:38:00.003-06:00

Lots of firsts going on around here. Chad killed his first deer, Britton swam in her first swim meet, Landon had his first basketball game of the season, and Easton is cow racing champion (gotta love the Wii)! As for me, all of my family's accomplishments feel like firsts for me as well. I guess that "living through your child thing" is true. I get more excited than they do at their competitions. It really is a lot of fun.

Another busy week here. Landon has a basketball game tonight and Britton has her second meet this weekend in Jacksonville.

That's Britt on the blocks. She didn't place, but she did so great!

Little Lumberjacks

2008-12-22T22:04:00.002-06:00

I LOVE our fireplace! But it sure is a lot of work. My wonderful dad (with some encouragement by my mom) brought us a load of wood a few weeks ago, but with as cold as it has been, it's disappearing fast. So, last weekend we headed to the woods to cut some more. The kids did pretty well, considering it was WORK. A little bribery goes a long way sometimes (a Coke from Mamaw's house).

Chad's "determined" face
Everyone thought they could split the wood like Daddy

Love the expression

Landon trying to carry as much as he could so it would be fewer trips

It was a long walk back to the trailer to load

No Snow!

2008-12-17T11:07:00.002-06:00

Well we didn't get any snow, much to the displeasure of the kids, but we sure did get plenty of sleet. Yeah, that is 3 1/2 inches of sleet. It is beginning to melt off some today, but the kids have been out of school for the past 2 1/2 days. Maybe they will be able to get back to school tomorrow. Not looking forward to making those days up next June!

Front yard
Driveway and backyard

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2008-12-14T22:19:00.003-06:00

I have to say that I am one of the lucky ones. I was blessed with a wonderful, Christian mother that would do anything for anyone. She is THE most hard working woman I have ever known. She gives 110% in everything she does. She loves her family with a passion and has been a wonderful example of what a Christian wife and mother is supposed to be. Thank you, Mom for all you do and for loving us so much! Happy Birthday!!!!

Holiday Visitors

2008-12-08T16:36:00.004-06:00

We love our family! It has been so nice over the past few weeks to be able to visit with family and see some loved ones we don't see very often. It's always great to spend time with all of them. There are so many different personalities, backgrounds, and traditions, it makes the holidays so much fun!

My nephew, Ben and niece, Grace

We have Christmas with them at Thanksgiving every other year.

Hugh (Chad's brother) and Chad watching TV

My brother, Rusty and sister in law, Tiffany
Easton calls Rusty "Uncle Soft Hair"!

Uncle Hubert and all the cousins, Alana, Houston, Britton, Victoria, Landon, Easton and Felicia

We missed you, Misty!

Britton, Landon and Easton with Uncle Elroy (Chad's brother)

We missed you, Terry!

Don't you love this time of year?

2008-11-22T16:48:00.003-06:00

A pic of the front yard from last winter. It just seems to sum up my feelings today.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love decorating for Christmas and putting up lights and searching for just the right gift for everyone. I love searching all the Black Friday ads and planning out each stop I will make and at what time according to the priorites of the gifts and prices. I love the kids excitement trying to figure out what are in all those wrapped gifts and making their lists for Santa. I love that they believe in Santa and the "magic" of this time of year. I love sitting in front of the fire listening to the wood crackle and the smell of the wood burning. I even love going to church smelling like smoke from the fire. I love the cold weather and putting the electric blanket on the bed and crawling into bed on a cold night. I love seeing family and friends that I don't get to see very often and spending time with the ones I see all the time. I love when people are nice for no apparent reason and they want to help others who are less fortunate. It's just a great time of year. Why can't it be this way all year long? I guess it would take some of the "specialness" out of it if it were always like this. There are things about the holiday season that I don't care for, but I don't want to think about those things today. I just want to LOVE this time of year, if only for today!

My husband is a Hall of Famer!

2008-11-11T20:54:00.003-06:00

O.k., maybe not NFL Hall of Fame, but a very distinguished honor. Last weekend Chad was inducted into Arkansas Tech University's Hall of Distinction. That is the highest honor anyone can receive from that college. Arkansas Tech is where he played college football and was drafted from by the Pittsburgh Steelers. This weekend they inducted all athletes that had, in any sport, been All-Americans. There were 35. We had a nice luncheon and great video of each athlete and then awards. The stories of each athlete were amazing and to be included in such a talented group of people was really something special for Chad. I always knew he was a great athlete, but his football years were before I met him, so I never actually realized how talented he really was. It was really a special time and I am really proud of him!

Receiving his award
The kids were so proud of their Daddy

Maxie Mathis, just one of the many talented athletes

that Chad had great memories of.

Back in the day (as Chad would say)

A Witch, a Mummy and a Zookeeper

2008-11-09T22:16:00.002-06:00

These posted backward, but I'm not going to go back and upload them. Poor Landon threw up the entire night before and missed school on Halloween. He was miserable, but still wanted to go trick or treating. He only made it to a few houses and decided to sack out in the car while Britton and Easton continued their candy hunt. Thankfully, the next day he was better and was able to make his last soccer game. Here are my little trick or treaters.

Easton after trick or treating

My sick little Mummy, Landon

Halloween 2008

Don't they look excited?

Run, Baby, Run!

2008-10-25T17:47:00.005-05:00

Easton ran his first race! And Landon ran his 3rd! It was a fundraiser for a local youth ranch for kids ages 3-13. Britton signed up, reluctantly, but decided to go on a hayride instead. So the boys and I went to the Country Club for the run. Easton's age group (3-5) ran 1/4 mile and Landon's group (6-8) ran 1/2 mile. Poor Easton was a basket case with all the little kids running around. We had talked about it all week and he said he would do it even though I would be standing on the sidelines. Of course, as he was waiting for his group to go he got cold feet and said he wasn't going to do it. So, I, along with a few other parents, ran with him. Thank goodness I put my tennis shoes on before we went. I could have used a better bra though!! I must have been a sight with me going one way and "the girls" going the opposite way! (All you large chested women out there know what I'm talking about!) Anyway, we made it to the finish line and Easton got his medal. There weren't any "places" since it was just a fun run, but we didn't come in last. Landon did well. He tripped and fell after they took off, but made up a lot of ground. My camera battery went dead after Easton's race, so I didn't get any pics of Landon running. The boys before the race
Easton looking a little nervous
(Doesn't he look like Landon in this picture?)

Run, Easton.

I'm trying to take pictures as I'm running along behind since Chad was in Birmingham at a football game.

Telling Daddy he finished the race

Two proud boys!

Loosing the game and getting lose!

2008-10-21T08:41:00.005-05:00

Another good weekend around here. We spent Friday afternoon at the park. The Arkansas River is only a mile from the house and there is a small park beside it that the kids enjoy going to. We can all swing for hours.

Saturday, Landon had a game and scored 6, but they still loosed. He gets so frustrated when the coach takes him out. He wants to be in the middle of the action all the time.

After the game, I took the kids to Woolly Hollow State Park and we went for a hike. It is really nice out there and we just hiked around the lake. Everyone did really well the first 2 1/2 miles, but that last mile was long. Easton was scared that it was going to get dark the whole time and Britton ran out of steam the last 45 min., but we made it and had fun. I'm hoping once football season is over, we can go back as a family and camp.

Yesterday was Easton's last soccer practice. Although they haven't really played any games, it has helped him tremendously to be around kids his own age and participate with a group. He is so shy around people he doesn't know very well. At church he sits in the same seat, will not talk, participate in activities, just sit and color. Preschool next year is going to be a rude awakening for him I'm afraid.

Here are some pictures of Easton last week at soccer practice. Chad was able to leave work early and come "play" with him.

Letting lose!

Poor Landon can't stand sitting on the sidelines watching Easton. He wants to be out there also. He finally found something to keep him occupied, shoe football. It's not very clear, but he is going in for a touchdown....with his shoe. Letting lose, with all that speed!
Don't loose that shoe, Landon!

Here are the kids at Woolly Hollow. I could barely get Easton to get on the bridge without holding my hand. That was as far out as he was going to go.

Please don't let lose of me.

Sorry, Magen! I just couldn't help myself. For those of you who don't read Magen's blog, disregard all the loose/lose mistakes. For those who have read Magen's "Pet Peeve", enjoy! By the way, it drives my crazy too!

It's been a while...

2008-10-15T08:40:00.005-05:00

Is is just me or does Easton seem more excited to be there than the pony?
The boys were not going in the maze without their "I'm lost, rescue me" flags.

Britton was our fearless leader.
Headed to the pumpkin patch
Only one rule: You have to carry it.

I think they made good choices.

All of my fellow bloggers are busy, I'm busy, does it slow down? Probably not, and I don't know if I would want it to. What else would I do? Clean house? No way...put me on the sidelines of a soccer game or swim meet any day before housework.

Anyway, we've just been doing the typical fall activities around here. A couple of weeks ago we went to the pumpkin patch. We all had a great time. They had a corn maze that they said was in the shape of the Statue of Liberty. I guess if you had an aerial view you could see it, but as we wondered around in 8 ft. high corn stalks, you couldn't tell what the design was. There were some farm animals that you could pet (that was Easton's favorite part) and they had hay bales stacked so the kids could crawl through the tunnels. There were pumpkins already picked, but it just isn't fall if you don't pick your own pumpkin off the vine. So we took the hayride to the pumpkin patch and everyone picked out their own pumpkin. Shockingly, Easton did not pick a green pumpkin. I just knew he would, but he said they didn't look like pumpkins.

We brought them home and the kids drew faces on them for carving. We decided to wait on the carving until closer to Halloween, so they wouldn't rot. Sadly, just 2 1/2 weeks later, our pumpkins look like they have a bad case of moldy chicken pox and they still aren't carved. We might have to make another trip to the pumpkin patch for more pumpkins!

Last weekend, both of my brothers were able to come to my parents house and visit for the weekend. It was really great having both of them there. It is rare anymore to have them both here at the same time. None of our spouses were able to come (we missed you guys), but hopefully we can all get together again around the holidays.

My nephew, Ben, got a car while we were there. It's a fixer, upper, but knowing my brother and all his connections, they will have it up and running before you know it. Watch out on the roads, Northwest Arkansas! It was very exciting to see Dad and the boys get it loaded on the trailer. There is not a lot I miss about being a teenager, but all of those "firsts" really bring back memories. Congrats, Ben!

I haven't been working on the house too much lately. I really would like to get the kitchen done before Christmas. I think it can be done. The only "big" things we still need to do is get new countertops and backsplash, new light fixtures and fix the ceiling where we ripped out the old cabinets. I have a real problem trying to make a decision on the countertops. There are just too many choices! Not to mention the backsplash. It will get done eventually though.

My mind is on Christmas these days. I've started my shopping and am looking forward to putting up my Christmas decorations and lights. Last year we didn't put anything up since we were right in the middle of the move. It was the only year I've never put a tree up. This year I'm planning on getting it up early and enjoying it for a while.

Sorry to ramble on. It's been lonely around here lately with Chad working 18 hour days and gone on the weekends with football. I guess I needed to "talk" if only to myself.

Have a great second half of the week everyone!

Easton at 3!

2008-09-23T08:48:00.010-05:00

This is one of my favorites taken by Melissa last year!
He's going to hate me for this one day. Britton decided to "fix" his hair.

Don't tell Chad I posted this one!

Summer fun at the river
Easton's first soccer practice. Britton was the photographer.

My youngest child. What can I say? He is definitely the baby of the family. He knows how to work each and every member of this family. He can get Britton and Landon in trouble without any effort at all and still appear to be a perfectly sweet angel. His temper usually knocks that halo right off his head though and the punching match is soon to follow. He thinks his only revenge against a 7 year old brother is hitting. It's really hard to control that at 3. He loves his mom and dad and can be the sweetest little cuddler you've ever seen. He won't watch anything "babyish" or wear anything that has a "girl" color on it. He talks like a 14 year old, has the face of a 2 year old and the body of a 5 year old. I have a feeling he will take after his brother when it comes to sports, but he and Britton have a special bond. She reads books to him each night, which she uses as an excuse to not go to sleep, and she gets his usually not-so-funny 3 year old jokes. Landon on the other hand sees him as the annoying little brother, but I have a feeling that one day they will be best friends.

I got a few answers to some of my questions, so here goes:

How old are you? I'm 3, right?

How much do you weigh? 40 pounds (wow, I was suprised by that answer. He actually weighs 45)

How tall are you? 3 a hundred (I don't know what that means. He's actually 41")

What is your favorite color? Of course, GREEN. Anyone who has ever been around him for more than 2 minutes knows the answer to that one. He refuses to color with any color other than green.

What is your favorite animal? Elephant

Where is your favorite place to go? The zoo

What is your favorite thing to do at the park? Swing

What are you going to be when you grow up? Zoo keeper (funny, because that is what he is going to be for Halloween too)

What is your favorite book? The cats with gloves (3 Little Kittens)

What does Daddy do at work? Play football

What is your favorite thing to watch on TV? Zoboomafoo and Tom and Jerry

What is something you are good at doing? Playing baseball and soccer

How old is Britton? 6
................. Landon? 8
.................. Daddy? 52
.................. Mommy? 10 (I love you)

Where do you live? El Dorado (Stuck in the past I guess)

What is a secret you've never told anyone before? I said "Whatever" (That is a bad word in our house)

What is your favorite game? The duck game (Lucky Ducks)

What is your favorite thing to eat? Chips, Doritos and candy and a popsicle (He's a health food nut, can't you tell)

Anything you want me to tell the world about you? Actually (his new favorite word)....my room is green!

That's all he would answer seriously for now. He started getting really silly after that. He's a precious boy that God blessed us with. From the beginning he has kept us on our toes and continues to do so. I thank God for him, and all my kids, everyday. We are so wonderfully blessed!

Busy Week

2008-09-19T10:25:00.002-05:00

Well, it is officially fall around our house. Football is in full swing, so Chad is gone every weekend. Landon has started soccer and had his first game last weekend. He did great. He scored 6 goals, but he was upset because they lost the game. I think having a soccer game at 8:30 on a Sat. morning must be some type of sin! They have Rush soccer here and it is very different than Boys and Girls club soccer. They have 1 practice a week and then a game on Sat. mornings. There aren't any goalies, which initially I thought would make it very simple, but there is a person that plays defense in front of the goal and can go anywhere on the field that they want, but they can't touch the ball with their hands. It's interesting.

Britton started swim team. She is still a little unsure, but with that long, lean body, I think she will do very well. Her first practice was Tues. and there were at least 80 kids there, ages 5-12. I'm really hoping many drop out or they break them into smaller groups because that is just too many kids trying to swim together. She got sick Wed. with fever and a sore throat, but was well enough to make practice on Thurs.

Easton started soccer this week as well. It was so cute. About 10 three year olds running around trying to kick the ball. Of course there was a lot of crying, much of it by my child, when the ball was taken away, but with time I think he will understand that's how the game is played. The program is called Mighty Mites and a parent is out there with their child, helping with drills etc. Then at the end of the practice they have a short "scrimmage" which is really just a free for all and eventually several balls are on the field being played with. He is looking forward to next week, so hopefully no tears next time.

I'm working on an "All About Easton" blog for next time and I'll post some pics that Britt took of him at practice then. It's really difficult trying to get him to sit still long enough to ask him "serious" questions. Thanks, Cara for the great idea. I loved it when she did it for her boys.

In Memory of Chauncey

2008-09-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

Today is a sad day at our house. The little dog that the Easter Bunny brought the kids this year got run over. It was on our way to school, but the kids didn't find out until after school. Needless to say, a long day for me trying to figure out how and what to tell them.

Chauncey was a spunky little dog, full of energy and life. And honestly one of the fastest dogs I've ever seen. He could outrun Landon before he was 2 months old. Weighing only about 8 pounds, he wasn't very big, but he always made his presence known. He loved to play ball, chase the kids and unfortunately chase cars.

Please pray a little prayer for my kids tonight. They've lost several pets since we have moved here. 3 hamsters and our cat, Bubba, who was 13. Don't worry too much though. We still have 2 cats, a dog and a hamster left. I'm sure before the week's over, they'll talk me into getting something else from all the guilt I feel.

We'll miss you, Chauncey!

A little bit of Disney

2008-09-04T11:44:00.010-05:00

Waiting anxiously at the airport
Cinderella's Castle

This is one of Easton's favorite pics of Britton and Landon
Chad and Landon picking the monkey's nose at the Tree of Life
Always the charmer!

Everyone loves the teacups, especially at 1:00 in the morning!
Chip and Dale were lots of fun
The one ride I sat out on. I don't spin!
Landon and I on the bus on the way home.

It's good to be home. While we had a really good time, the crowds were terrible. My piece of advice for anyone planning a trip to Disney World...Don't go the week before and weekend of Labor Day. It was packed. Other than the crowds, we had a nice time. It only rained one day and that wasn't until the afternoon when we were at Hollywood Studios, so we had done everything we wanted to do there anyway.

The kids were shocked when we got to the airport. We pulled into our parking place and immediately a shuttle pulled up behind us. Chad explained to the driver that it was going to take a few minutes because our kids didn't know they were going to Disney. I told the kids to get out of the car and give Dadddy a hug because we wouldn't see him for a few days. While they were getting out, Chad got the shirts I had made and asked them to put them on so I could take a picture. They put them on and and didn't get it. Then I told them to stand next to each other and see if they could figure it out. After a couple of tries they got it and asked when they were going to go. We said, "Right NOW!". They started screaming and jumping up and down and couldn't believe they were going. Of course, planner Landon was concerned about school, getting tickets, having his clothes and on and on, but I told him we had taken care of everything. The only time they had questioned anything was when they got in the car from school and said that Daddy really had a lot of suitcases to take with him, which Chad and I couldn't help but laugh. I had told them on the way to the airport that we would try to do something fun before we came back home because they were wanting to stay in Memphis at a hotel for the night. They had talked themselves into thinking that we would stop by Jump Zone on the way back home. It was pretty funny.

They loved all the rides, and we rode everything. Their favorites were Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, Rockin Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, Soarin' and Test Track at Epcot and Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Railroad at Magic Kingdom. We met several characters and got pics and autographs. It was 3 days before we ever saw Mickey Mouse and Landon was getting concerned. We finally found him though and he was really fun with the kids.

Animal Kingdom and Epcot were our favorites. I loved the shows, especially the Lion King Show. Don't miss it if you go. Nemo and Beauty and the Beast were really good also.

Easton did fantastic with Mom and Dad. He had a great time and only asked about us once. I talked to him on the phone a few times and he sounded so big. I think he put on 10 pounds while we were gone. Mamaw and Grandpa took him to his favorite restaurant (he calls it Mexico) a couple of times and I think he definitely ate well. My brother and his family came down for the weekend and really helped to keep him entertained. He loves Uncle Rusty tickling him. Thanks Mom, Dad, Rusty, Tiffany, Ben and Grace for watching over my baby while we were gone!

We're Back

2008-09-03T21:08:00.002-05:00

We made it home and had a great time. We are all so exhausted, but it was a good trip and a lot of memories were made. It was impossible to get up this morning and get the kids to school, but we made it. We got home around 10:30 last night. Who would have thought that we would have sunny days in Florida and come home to a hurricane in Arkansas? I'll post more later and get some of our pics uploaded. 'Til then.......

Heading to Disney!

2008-08-26T19:31:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited! This will be my last post until we return next Tuesday. I really am so excited to tell the kids tomorrow when we get to the airport. I got a couple of fanny packs and stuffed them full of Disney trinkets and then I put a shirt in each one. They will have to stand side by side with them on to figure it out. I'm anxious to see if they actually get it. Chad is going to hand them a gift bag with the fanny packs inside when we get to the airport and tell them he got them a little something before he gets on the plane to go to his game. They just think we are driving to Memphis to take him to the airport so he can fly to his game. I'm really excited to see their expressions.

I can't really talk much about Easton. I start to cry every time I think about leaving him. I know he is going to be in wonderful hands with Mom and Dad and he will have a fabulous time. Mom has lots of things planned for them and my older brother, Rusty, and his family are coming down for the weekend, so that might keep Easton occupied. I know everything will be fine. It's just the GUILT.

I'll be thinking of all of you while I'm riding Space Mountain and hugging Mickey Mouse! Pray that Hurricane Gustav holds out in the Gulf or even better, heads out to the Atlantic and that we have a safe trip and everyone stays healthy and safe!

Animal Planet, Webkinz and Mating????

2008-08-24T19:00:00.000-05:00

You probably already get where I'm going with this one. It was just funny, yet a bit disturbing, when I walked in Landon's bedroom to see what the kids were doing.

Webkinz have been the "hot" toy around our house for a few months now. Everywhere I look...a dog, a frog, a leopard, a snake, a monkey, a pink dragon, I could go on for several lines. Anyway, the kids often group them into categories like: Britton's, Landon's, Easton's or prey and predator or in today's case, boys, girls and babies. When I walked into the bedroom I asked what they were playing, Britton casually said "The webkinz are mating". What? Easton said, "Yeah, the boy ones are kissing the girl ones." What do you say to that? When I questioned them further it appears that Animal Planet has many shows that talk about animals mating, which doesn't surprise me, but for the kids to take that and act it out with the stuffed animals is a little concerning. I left the room, but hid around the corner to listen and peek to make sure there wasn't anything more than "kissing" going on and never saw any hanky panky, thankfully.

Those of you who know me know how I monitor the TV shows that my kids are allowed to watch. PBS and Disney Channel are about it. I don't let them watch Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon, not even Spongebob that was so popular or maybe still is. Britton went through a spell where she loved watching "BirthDay", so she knows how babies come out, just not how they get in. When my animal loving kids discovered Animal Planet, other than some parts of Animal Cops, I have never had a problem with it. I guess I need to monitor a little more closely.

Be watchful if your kids have Webkinz and watch Animal Planet, you may have 'Lil Kinz running around all over the place!

First Day of School

2008-08-19T16:12:00.006-05:00

Landon with his teacher, Mrs. Jackson
Britton and Mrs. Moore

Back to school! I don't know who dreaded it more, me or the kids. We have really enjoyed our relaxing summer, staying up until 1 or 2 in the morning and sleeping in until 9 or 10. It's really been nice. Then having to get up yesterday at 6:15 was a bit of shell shock for us. We made it though. They were both a little nervous, but no tears. This has been the first year for Britton to not shed any. I can't believe she's in 4th grade! Landon was more nervous and fussed about having to go, but once he got all of his supplies in their proper places, he felt a little more at ease.

Mom, Easton, and I then went shopping, so I didn't have time to dwell on my kids growing up and shedding tears, which I usually do. We had a nice day out and didn't get back until it was time to pick them up. I did miss having "breakfast with the girls" though. Did my El D. friends do that this year? I miss you guys!

I hope everyone has a great year!

Need Suggestions

2008-08-14T11:59:00.002-05:00

My wonderful husband, who has 13 college games to officiate every weekend this fall, has been awarded his first game in Orlando! How excited am I?! So we put off a family vacation this summer in order to go to Disney World while he is there officiating. We have known about this for about 2 months now and have booked flights, rooms, tickets, etc. Now here is the amazing part........we have not told the kids! (If for some reason any of you see or talk to my kids, please don't mention Disney. They think we are going to go next summer.) We decided to keep it a surprise, just in case something happened and Chad wouldn't be able to officiate, but it looks like everything is going to be fine. I love surprises, actually coming up with surprises, so has not been as difficult as it might seem.

I know this sounds terrible, but we are not taking Easton. I have fretted over this decision from the beginning and have had a few sleepless nights just thinking about leaving him behind. There are several reasons that led to our decision not to bring him, mainly that he is terrified of going. He screams and cries anytime he sees someone dressed in a costume. He doesn't like to go to Chad's arena games because the mascot, Radar (who looks like Cookie Monster), absolutely petrifies him. I just don't feel like he will enjoy himself worrying about what character is going to be coming around the corner at WDW all the time. Also, Chad will not be with us at the parks for a couple of the days and I want my big kids to be able to ride and do all the stuff they want to and Easton won't be big enough to do most of the stuff they can do. I will need to stay with him and I don't feel comfortable letting the other kids go by themselves without Chad or myself with them. Anyway, with all that said, we aren't taking Easton, as heavy as that makes my heart.

Suggestion time: Since we haven't told the kids we are going, I need a fantastic way to surprise them with the news. I'm drawing a blank. We will be driving 2 hours to the airport and then on to Orlando from there. They know that Chad has a game in Memphis(they just don't know it isn't until Sept.), so they will just think we are going there to stay in a hotel and go to Chad's game. They have never been on a plane, so the plane ride itself will be as exciting as going to Disney for them. I'm not sure if I should tell them once we get to the airport, or after we are in the air, or maybe even before we get there. I debated on making shirts saying "I'm going to Disney World" and having them put them on at the airport, but I would love a better idea. Chad wants to wait until we get to Disney and let them figure it out themselves once they see the signs, but we won't arrive in Orlando until 10:30 pm and I just thought that would be way too much excitement before we need to get to bed. There's a lot of imagination out there, so give me your ideas! If you have more than one idea, give all of them to me. I might use a combination of ideas. We leave in less than 2 weeks! Thanks!!!

Best Friends are Great!

2008-08-12T17:07:00.001-05:00

What a fantastic 4 days! Britton and Landon are so blessed to have the 2 best friends in the world. Britton and Loren have basically been inseparable since they were 1 when we moved to El Dorado and the boys were destined to be best buds being only about 4 months apart. Loren and Jared were able to come spend a few days with us and we had such a wonderful time. Thursday we finished up VBS at grandma's church and then Friday we got up and spent the entire day at the local waterpark. The kids had a blast and of course, Easton kept everyone entertained everywhere we went. Saturday, we woke up early (5:00 am) to get ready for the kids first triathlon. What a great time (at least for us parents since we weren't actually doing any physical activity other than cheering on our kiddos). The kids started out swimming down and back in the pool, then racing outside to get their shoes and helmets on and jumped on their bikes for a 2 mile ride. After returning from their ride, they then took off for a 1/2 mile run. We were all so proud of them. Everyone finished and although really tired, were pretty proud of themselves. I'm hoping this will be an annual tradition for not only my kids, but their wonderful friends who they love so much. Thank you, Loren, for keeping Britton going. The girls finished side by side. The boys were in 2 different heats, so they didn't compete side by side, but Jared can ride a bike like the ground is collapsing behind him. I'm just so proud (did I say that already?). They had trophies at the end and gave away some other stuff like balls, gift cards, bikes, etc.

Of course, when Loren and Jared's parents came to pick them up, my kids were heartbroken. It was so difficult to leave them when we moved last December and each time they part I think it brings that back. Landon shed some tears and Britton just tried to focus on all the fun they had over the weekend.

It was a great weekend!

Thank you, Clint and Jen for letting them come up to visit us!

2008-08-12T16:23:00.001-05:00

Best Buds
Best Friends
Kids eating Britton's birthday cookie at Wild River Country
Landon and Jared Before the Race
Britton and Loren Before the Race

Is it just me or do they look a little nervous?

2008-08-12T13:36:00.012-05:00

Run, Landon, Run
You're almost there, Jared
Two tired, but proud triathlon finishers
The girls rode and ran side by side except to pass this girl.

You go girls!
It feels so much better at the Finish Line

Happy Birthday, Chad!

2008-08-11T10:38:00.007-05:00

He has the greatest smile!
A college football star

He loves to fish, even as a kid.
That's him on the left in his cowboy boots.
His mom in the middle and brothers and sister on the right.

Look how handsome at 8 years old

I love the hair!

I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man! He has an amazing personality and is the center of attention wherever he goes. There is not a place in North America that we have ever been that he has not known someone there. He loves football (and all sports really), fishing, anything outdoors, and adores his family. He is one of the hardest working people I have ever known and will do whatever it takes to provide a great life for us.

He was a college football star and got drafted to play in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers when he was in college. Although an injury prevented him from playing very long, he has a great love for the game. He currently officiates football for AFL2 (minor league football for those who aren't familiar) and college football. He currently works for L'Oreal and makes makeup. It takes it real man to go from football star to making eye shadow!

He has 4 brothers and 3 sisters and some of the most outrageous childhood stories you have ever heard. He and his brother, Hugh, could talk for days on end on the phone about the good old days and laugh for hours.

His favorite color is orange.

We have been married 10 wonderful years (maybe only 9 1/2 of those were wonderful, though, just kidding:)) and he has grown into such a strong, responsible Christian man. I am so proud to be his wife.
Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you so much!

A Great Babysitter

2008-08-01T13:40:00.004-05:00

I have to admit, when my parents mentioned a couple of years ago about taking a vacation "out west" to seach for gold, I thought they really needed to find a hobby. I mean, people really go out into the desert or an old river bed and actually "pan for gold"? Isn't there some sort of machine that does that these days? After many questions, however, it appears that many, many people do this not only for fun, but for a living. Now you could have asked me a year ago about the price of gold and I would not even know what you are talking about, but now I have discovered that it fluctuates just like stocks and currently is around $900 per ounce. Why am I blogging about this? Because as it turns out, this has become my kids favorite thing to do! You can actually buy a "bag of dirt" off ebay and dig through it and find tiny pieces of gold. My children love this along with my parents. My dad has high blood pressure and this "panning for gold" really helps him relax. When my kids go to visit, Mom will give them an aluminum pan of dirt and they are busy for HOURS! Britton is by far the most interested and can spot a fleck of gold like nobody's business. In fact, for her birthday she asked for a "bag of gold". Needless to say, she has been sitting at the kitchen counter every evening searching for her treasures and has found some significant sized pieces (possibly planted there by Mamaw who gave her the bag of dirt for her birthday). Easton and Landon also received bags of dirt and have been searching for their treasures as well. Easton loves finding "diamonds" which are actually peices of crystals and Landon likes the rubies and emeralds. Although I can't imagine them ever finding enough to sell, they have some great memories and who knows, maybe even a future geologists will come out of all this dirt that has spilled onto my counter and floor!

Happy Birthday, Britton!!

2008-07-28T09:56:00.021-05:00

Britton at 2 months old!

Britt with her new glasses!

I can't believe my baby girl is 9! Britton is such a precious girl. She is so kind to others and she loves animals! She is shy and usually quiet so she doesn't stand out in crowd, except for that beautiful face and smile. She can light up a room and never even say a word. She loves to play outside and has a wonderful imagination. She is a nurturer and will make a wonderful "mommy" someday if she is blessed with children. I pray that if she ever has a daughter that she will have one half as precious as she is to us. We are so blessed to have her in our lives.

Happy Birthday, Bumpy!! We love you sooooooo much!

New to This

2008-07-22T23:43:00.001-05:00

The kids after a great weekend at Mamaw and Grandpa's house

Well, I finally decided that I would take the plunge and do the "in" thing and start a blog. Honestly, it is mainly for myself and my kids. I want to have a record of my thoughts and activities, and sitting down writing in a diary is just not for me. This way I can post some pics as well as share what's going on in our lives with those that don't live close. I have really enjoyed reading up on some friends in their blogs and thought, "Why not?". Who knows how well I will keep up with it. Probably like most things in my life...start out really strong and then fade as time goes by. We'll see. I'm looking forward to sharing part of my journey though. I'll work on some pics, because honestly, isn't that why most of us read other people's blogs?!!!
'Til next time.......