We celebrated on Saturday in the 'Boro with the entire Bull Parsons Family. Check out the Smilebox for lots of pictures, just don't forget to mute the blog music.
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Big Parsons Christmas
December 27, 2008
We celebrated on Saturday in the 'Boro with the entire Bull Parsons Family. Check out the Smilebox for lots of pictures, just don't forget to mute the blog music.
We celebrated on Saturday in the 'Boro with the entire Bull Parsons Family. Check out the Smilebox for lots of pictures, just don't forget to mute the blog music.
Christmas at the Parsons
December 26, 2008
Don't forget to mute the blog music so that you can enjoy the Smilebox festive music.
Don't forget to mute the blog music so that you can enjoy the Smilebox festive music.
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Christmas Morning at Home
December 25, 2008
Remember to scroll down to the bottom and mute the blog music so that you can enjoy the scrapbook music. Thanks!
Remember to scroll down to the bottom and mute the blog music so that you can enjoy the scrapbook music. Thanks!
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Kelley Christmas Eve
December 24, 2008
Scroll down and pause the blog music at the bottom of the screen to be able to hear the music to the Smilebox Slideshow.
Scroll down and pause the blog music at the bottom of the screen to be able to hear the music to the Smilebox Slideshow.
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Christmas Cookies
December 24, 2008
Christmas EVE!! Yea! Max is really excited about "Santa coming to town" tonight. Although, we have had to explain to him that tonight he can't see Santa. We have spent so much time building up going to see Santa and sitting in Santa's lap, now in the mind of a 2 year old, Santa is coming to his house and he had to go to bed? What? Not stay up and see him? Not tell him what he wants for Christmas? Whoa! He really thinks too much into this for me to try to delicately explain it.
He did enjoy (without questions) making cookies for Santa. We have spent the morning (and part of naptime) at BeBe's making cookies. He did a really good job, check it out:
Patty cake, Patty cake, Max's man, Bake me a "cookie" as fast as you can.
Lick it, (nice huh?)
Put it on a pan,
Sprinkle it, for Bebe and me!!
Christmas EVE!! Yea! Max is really excited about "Santa coming to town" tonight. Although, we have had to explain to him that tonight he can't see Santa. We have spent so much time building up going to see Santa and sitting in Santa's lap, now in the mind of a 2 year old, Santa is coming to his house and he had to go to bed? What? Not stay up and see him? Not tell him what he wants for Christmas? Whoa! He really thinks too much into this for me to try to delicately explain it.
He did enjoy (without questions) making cookies for Santa. We have spent the morning (and part of naptime) at BeBe's making cookies. He did a really good job, check it out:
Patty cake, Patty cake, Max's man, Bake me a "cookie" as fast as you can.
Roll it, 
Lick it, (nice huh?)Put it on a pan,Sprinkle it, for Bebe and me!!
Snipets for the Week
December 23, 2008
I am home today on "low census" from work. Of course with a million things planned to accomplish, Max is down with a stomach virus. A violent virus might I add, hence we had to take a bath and wash the train sheets at 3:45 am today. So as I mother, bake, and think . . . I decided the share a few of my thoughts:
1. I love cooking and baking for any holiday. I just wish my favs were Jay's favs. So, I guess we will continue to take turns as to whose sweet treats it is time to make. Today is "Better than Sex Cake" (one of my new favs). I made it for our Connect Group party a few weeks ago and it caused a stir among the guys. They all enjoyed it, but concluded that it was not "better " . . .
2. I love naps. Jay is napping, Max is napping, and Kix is napping. A few moments to ME!
3. Christmas cards are arriving this time of year. I love them. I love to take time and ponder about those that we don't get to see often. My "longest distance traveled card" arrived today from near the north pole. No not Santa's letter, but Erika's letter. My dearest friend from Liberty Nursing. This special card always brings me to tears as I remember so many of our stressful days together. Merry Christmas baby Kaden! I hope to meet you some day soon!
3. Decisions to wrap or not wrap? Does Santa wrap the gifts he hides in the stockings? As I take a poll it seems he did something different at all my friend's houses growing up. Strange huh? He took that much time to personalize each house. Wow! Well, this year I am thinking he will wrap our stocking gifts because that is what he always did for me and continues to do for my stocking at Mom and Dad's house.
4. Amy Grant's Silent Night. Have you heard this song yet? It is definitely one of my new fav Christmas songs. "I need a silent night . . a holy night . . . to hear a angel voice thru the chaos and the noise. . . . I need a midnight clear . . . a little peace right here . . to end this crazy day with a silent night." It just really speaks to me this year as we get into the busy life of toddler parents at Christmas time. It reminds me of the specialness of this time of the year and what God did to come to earth as a small babe. Every time I hear it I have to turn it up loud and have my own concert in the privacy of my car. For any of you who have attended a Jessica Car Concert you know how we rock!
5. Speaking of rocking. My parents gave Jay and I tickets to Trans Siberian Orchestra this past weekend. Jay got the tickets for his birthday in October, so we have been anxiously awaiting December 21st. IT ROCKED! and that is putting it mildly. The lights, the pyrotechnics, the music . . . WHOA! I have never been to a concert of this volume. Those guys can jam. I have to put it on my list to do again someday. It was really cool. If you don't have a TSO Christmas CD, you need to go get one this year before they are put away for the year. They do all the expected Christmas carols with lots of electricity and boom. Be brave, try it, I don't think you'll regret it.
Wow! All three boys are snoring at the same time . . .harmony.
If I don't type to you again before the big day . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS! Starting tonight we begin to snowball into the holiday for several days worth of family, food, presents, food, fun, moments, food, and more food. Have a great week!
I am home today on "low census" from work. Of course with a million things planned to accomplish, Max is down with a stomach virus. A violent virus might I add, hence we had to take a bath and wash the train sheets at 3:45 am today. So as I mother, bake, and think . . . I decided the share a few of my thoughts:
1. I love cooking and baking for any holiday. I just wish my favs were Jay's favs. So, I guess we will continue to take turns as to whose sweet treats it is time to make. Today is "Better than Sex Cake" (one of my new favs). I made it for our Connect Group party a few weeks ago and it caused a stir among the guys. They all enjoyed it, but concluded that it was not "better " . . .
2. I love naps. Jay is napping, Max is napping, and Kix is napping. A few moments to ME!
3. Christmas cards are arriving this time of year. I love them. I love to take time and ponder about those that we don't get to see often. My "longest distance traveled card" arrived today from near the north pole. No not Santa's letter, but Erika's letter. My dearest friend from Liberty Nursing. This special card always brings me to tears as I remember so many of our stressful days together. Merry Christmas baby Kaden! I hope to meet you some day soon!
3. Decisions to wrap or not wrap? Does Santa wrap the gifts he hides in the stockings? As I take a poll it seems he did something different at all my friend's houses growing up. Strange huh? He took that much time to personalize each house. Wow! Well, this year I am thinking he will wrap our stocking gifts because that is what he always did for me and continues to do for my stocking at Mom and Dad's house.
4. Amy Grant's Silent Night. Have you heard this song yet? It is definitely one of my new fav Christmas songs. "I need a silent night . . a holy night . . . to hear a angel voice thru the chaos and the noise. . . . I need a midnight clear . . . a little peace right here . . to end this crazy day with a silent night." It just really speaks to me this year as we get into the busy life of toddler parents at Christmas time. It reminds me of the specialness of this time of the year and what God did to come to earth as a small babe. Every time I hear it I have to turn it up loud and have my own concert in the privacy of my car. For any of you who have attended a Jessica Car Concert you know how we rock!
5. Speaking of rocking. My parents gave Jay and I tickets to Trans Siberian Orchestra this past weekend. Jay got the tickets for his birthday in October, so we have been anxiously awaiting December 21st. IT ROCKED! and that is putting it mildly. The lights, the pyrotechnics, the music . . . WHOA! I have never been to a concert of this volume. Those guys can jam. I have to put it on my list to do again someday. It was really cool. If you don't have a TSO Christmas CD, you need to go get one this year before they are put away for the year. They do all the expected Christmas carols with lots of electricity and boom. Be brave, try it, I don't think you'll regret it.
Wow! All three boys are snoring at the same time . . .harmony.
If I don't type to you again before the big day . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS! Starting tonight we begin to snowball into the holiday for several days worth of family, food, presents, food, fun, moments, food, and more food. Have a great week!
Tacky Sweater Party
December 20, 2008
Tonight we are heading to a " Tacky Christmas Sweater Party", hence the wonderful outfits we have on is these pictures. A little history to the sweaters:
Jessica: Jay borrowed the winner of the Servpro "Tackiest Sweater" contest for me to wear. It is a lovely white shirt adorned with metallic blue garland, plastic light bulbs, bells hanging from the waistband, and multi large red bows. I found a pair of bright red tights with glitter snowflakes on them to go with the shirtMax: The reindeer sweatshirt that Max is sporting is circa about 1989. It was handmade (along with 2 matching others) by the creative Bebe for all three Parsons children to wear the the Donnelley Christmas Party. According to Santa pictures from that party, the reindeer with the red bow tie which Max is wearing was Uncle P's. Don't worry Uncle Jon and Uncle P we will take special care of it so that your kidos can enjoy it too!
Jay: This beauty of a shirt was also handmade by Bebe for Big Daddy to wear to the Donnelley Christmas Parties back in the day. Can you see Big Daddy in this tiny shirt? Well, we have pictures to prove that too! The wiggly eyes on Jay's shirt are so "antique" that they are now yellow. Thanks for keeping everything Bebe!
Visiting Santa
December 7, 2008
Yippee!! Max went to sit on Santa's lap today. He did it!! Yea!! We have a picture this year with just Max on Santa's lap not all three of us on Santa's chair. He told Santa he wanted a "game . . . with a pencil." Then Santa asked about a train set. Max was trilled to see that Santa already knew about the train he wanted. He clarifed with Santa that he wanted the "yellow train." Then Santa asked him about Diego. Max agreed that a Diego would be okay too. Below is a video of him riding the train after sitting with Santa.
Yippee!! Max went to sit on Santa's lap today. He did it!! Yea!! We have a picture this year with just Max on Santa's lap not all three of us on Santa's chair. He told Santa he wanted a "game . . . with a pencil." Then Santa asked about a train set. Max was trilled to see that Santa already knew about the train he wanted. He clarifed with Santa that he wanted the "yellow train." Then Santa asked him about Diego. Max agreed that a Diego would be okay too. Below is a video of him riding the train after sitting with Santa.
Riding on the Polar Express
December 6, 2008
On Saturday, Bebe and Big Daddy took us to ride on the Polar Express train. It was stopping by town for a few hours on its way to the North Pole. Max was so excited!! He got to see the conductor, the train had "decorations" as he says (christmas lights), drink hot chocolate, meet the elves, talk to Santa, and visit with some new friends. It was a lot of fun and an nice ride around the local towns. Thanks for a great day Bebe and Big Daddy!!
Turkey Cookies
November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving! This morning we started off our Thanksgiving decorating cookies. Amanda found us a neat-o idea to make tyrkey cookies, so we put it in action this morning. We had our own little assembly line. Max picked out the M&Ms, Jay place them on the cookies like turkey feathers, and I made the turkey faces. It was family fun . . . more about Thanksgving to come. We are now at the Kelley's for dinner tonight. Parsons Thanksgiving will happen Saturday at our house.
GOBBLE, GOBBLE, GOBBLE!!
Finally Done!
November 23, 2008 
Yea! We finished (actually Jay finished) Max's little play room this weekend. It is a lot of fun. As you can see the ceiling is dark purple with yellow glow in the dark stars. Then all the walls are dry erase board from the ceiling to the carpet floor. I love coloring in there, hopefully Max will like it as much as we do. Tonight he had his "sister" from the culdesac over to color. Be prepared to crawl in and sit down for a coloring next time you visit. Have a great week!
Yea! We finished (actually Jay finished) Max's little play room this weekend. It is a lot of fun. As you can see the ceiling is dark purple with yellow glow in the dark stars. Then all the walls are dry erase board from the ceiling to the carpet floor. I love coloring in there, hopefully Max will like it as much as we do. Tonight he had his "sister" from the culdesac over to color. Be prepared to crawl in and sit down for a coloring next time you visit. Have a great week!Numero 100-o?
That is my spanish for who will be my 100th visitor to the blog? Look at the tracker on the sidebar and see if you are . . . . please comment and if you are the winner of numer-o 100-o!!
Kix's Boo Boos
November 11, 2008
First and foremost, Kix is a little banged up, but he is home and playing fetch over and over and over just like he always! Thank goodness . . .
Now here's the rest of the story: Monday night Max and I were sitting at the kitchen table eating cookies, Jay was watching tv in the living room, and Kix was doing his nightly in and out thing. At the moment he was out and then I heard him scratch at the door as he always does when he returns. I looked up at the deck door at the same time that Kix stood on his hind legs against the door. With panic in his eyes, he was staring at me through the door. Quickly I saw the blood running from his neck and down his hair to dripping off onto the deck. I screamed something like "Kix is back and he's BLEEDING!" I ran to the door and of course let him inside. He bee lined to Jay laying in the living room floor, dripping blood all the way to him. We grabbed him and brought him in to the hardwood of the kitchen to inspect him. I immediately began applying pressure to the wound on his neck under his left jaw about collar line. As we looked him over we found multiple puncture type wounds to his neck. Max quickly asked if Kix needed a Scooby Doo band aid like his. He had just gotten a new box earlier that evening at the store. Jay called our neighbors to come over and look him over with us to help decide what we should do. While he called, I took Kix back to the tub and began washing the blood from hair to better see the wounds. Michael and Shannon came down and checked him out with us. Michael called his brother who had some animal IQ for guidance. Upon complete inspection we counted 5 punctures to the neckline: 2 to his dorsal neck (like canine teeth marks), 1 to his left ventral neck around his jugular, and 2 to his left ventral upper neck; then 1 to his right lower side. Poor baby. We got everything to stop bleeding except the deep one near his jugular it continued to ooze for an hour or so. We decided that he was in good enough shape (although shaking like a leaf) to wait until morning for the vet. We cuddled him and checked on him throughout the night.
Tuesday, Jay took him to the vet as soon as they opened. The vet put him to sleep and cleaned out the wounds while applying some good antibiotic ointment. Luckily nothing had to be stitched. Kix did well and Jay picked him up in the afternoon. By the time I got home from work, Kix was bringing me the tennis ball and ready to play. We chased it just like he always does last night. It was a wonderful feeling to see him doing better. He has to complete a 5 day regimen of amoxicillin and antibiotic cream to the sites. We thought that the coyotes had gotten him, but the vet feels like it was a run in with a opossum. He said that a 'coon (as Max says) or a coyote would of killed him.
We are very glad that Kix was being watched over during his wild animal confrontation. He gave us a real scare. Some may say that he is just a dog, but he has been our baby since 1999. In those 9.5 years we have grown very attached to him. Now that Max is on the scene, Kix has taken a little bit of a back seat role, but we still love him dearly. See my early picture of the BFFs taking a nap. That picture describes Max and Kix very well.
First and foremost, Kix is a little banged up, but he is home and playing fetch over and over and over just like he always! Thank goodness . . .
Now here's the rest of the story: Monday night Max and I were sitting at the kitchen table eating cookies, Jay was watching tv in the living room, and Kix was doing his nightly in and out thing. At the moment he was out and then I heard him scratch at the door as he always does when he returns. I looked up at the deck door at the same time that Kix stood on his hind legs against the door. With panic in his eyes, he was staring at me through the door. Quickly I saw the blood running from his neck and down his hair to dripping off onto the deck. I screamed something like "Kix is back and he's BLEEDING!" I ran to the door and of course let him inside. He bee lined to Jay laying in the living room floor, dripping blood all the way to him. We grabbed him and brought him in to the hardwood of the kitchen to inspect him. I immediately began applying pressure to the wound on his neck under his left jaw about collar line. As we looked him over we found multiple puncture type wounds to his neck. Max quickly asked if Kix needed a Scooby Doo band aid like his. He had just gotten a new box earlier that evening at the store. Jay called our neighbors to come over and look him over with us to help decide what we should do. While he called, I took Kix back to the tub and began washing the blood from hair to better see the wounds. Michael and Shannon came down and checked him out with us. Michael called his brother who had some animal IQ for guidance. Upon complete inspection we counted 5 punctures to the neckline: 2 to his dorsal neck (like canine teeth marks), 1 to his left ventral neck around his jugular, and 2 to his left ventral upper neck; then 1 to his right lower side. Poor baby. We got everything to stop bleeding except the deep one near his jugular it continued to ooze for an hour or so. We decided that he was in good enough shape (although shaking like a leaf) to wait until morning for the vet. We cuddled him and checked on him throughout the night.
Tuesday, Jay took him to the vet as soon as they opened. The vet put him to sleep and cleaned out the wounds while applying some good antibiotic ointment. Luckily nothing had to be stitched. Kix did well and Jay picked him up in the afternoon. By the time I got home from work, Kix was bringing me the tennis ball and ready to play. We chased it just like he always does last night. It was a wonderful feeling to see him doing better. He has to complete a 5 day regimen of amoxicillin and antibiotic cream to the sites. We thought that the coyotes had gotten him, but the vet feels like it was a run in with a opossum. He said that a 'coon (as Max says) or a coyote would of killed him.
We are very glad that Kix was being watched over during his wild animal confrontation. He gave us a real scare. Some may say that he is just a dog, but he has been our baby since 1999. In those 9.5 years we have grown very attached to him. Now that Max is on the scene, Kix has taken a little bit of a back seat role, but we still love him dearly. See my early picture of the BFFs taking a nap. That picture describes Max and Kix very well.
Secrets & 2yr Olds
November 16, 2008
This weekend has been nice and relaxing. Friday, Max and I Christmas shopped for Jay. We bought a great gift that Jay will love and never expect from us. One problem with taking a two year old though . . . they don't understand secrets. I knew it was a gamble, but what fun would it have been if Max didn't get to help pick it out and be a part of it. It is totally worth it, even if the following was his first conversation with Jay after the purchase. We were on the way home and Jay called my phone. Max was yelling from the backseat to "talk to my daddy." I prompted him and reminded him that the gift was a secret and not to tell Daddy. Jay's first words were, "Max, don't tell me the secret." Max takes my phone which is on speaker and puts his lips to it and says "Daddy we go shopping." "Oh really." "Yeah, it my mom's (whisper) secret." Trying to change the subject, Jay said, "What else have you and Mommy done today? Did you go by her work?" Max grins at me in the mirror, and says "We buy-ed you a heli-cop-er." I jumped in and said "No, Max that helicopter is for you, not daddy." (Background: I also bought Max a little helicopter, thinking I could play off him talking about it as his.) "Yea, Mommy, but Daddy one too." Jay is laughing hysterically on the speaker phone and I am trying to safely wrestle my phone from the 2 year old in the backseat as I drive on the bypass. When we get home, Jay is waiting and comes to the car. He compliments Max on his little helicopter. Max says he wants to play with Daddy's "copter". Jay plays along and takes Max's into a flight circle in the driveway. Max clarifies with "NO, Daddy, your's is back there." (as he points to the bag in the back of the car) Jay just laughs and takes Max inside while I smuggle the contraband helicopter into the house as if it is still a surprise. Memories!! What a Christmas this year is building to be . . . .
This weekend has been nice and relaxing. Friday, Max and I Christmas shopped for Jay. We bought a great gift that Jay will love and never expect from us. One problem with taking a two year old though . . . they don't understand secrets. I knew it was a gamble, but what fun would it have been if Max didn't get to help pick it out and be a part of it. It is totally worth it, even if the following was his first conversation with Jay after the purchase. We were on the way home and Jay called my phone. Max was yelling from the backseat to "talk to my daddy." I prompted him and reminded him that the gift was a secret and not to tell Daddy. Jay's first words were, "Max, don't tell me the secret." Max takes my phone which is on speaker and puts his lips to it and says "Daddy we go shopping." "Oh really." "Yeah, it my mom's (whisper) secret." Trying to change the subject, Jay said, "What else have you and Mommy done today? Did you go by her work?" Max grins at me in the mirror, and says "We buy-ed you a heli-cop-er." I jumped in and said "No, Max that helicopter is for you, not daddy." (Background: I also bought Max a little helicopter, thinking I could play off him talking about it as his.) "Yea, Mommy, but Daddy one too." Jay is laughing hysterically on the speaker phone and I am trying to safely wrestle my phone from the 2 year old in the backseat as I drive on the bypass. When we get home, Jay is waiting and comes to the car. He compliments Max on his little helicopter. Max says he wants to play with Daddy's "copter". Jay plays along and takes Max's into a flight circle in the driveway. Max clarifies with "NO, Daddy, your's is back there." (as he points to the bag in the back of the car) Jay just laughs and takes Max inside while I smuggle the contraband helicopter into the house as if it is still a surprise. Memories!! What a Christmas this year is building to be . . . .
. . . Max & KixWhere we've been
November 11, 2008
As you can tell by my lack of blogging, it has been a crazy week and a half around here. I will try to catch you up quickly.
Halloween was lots of fun. Max did great and loved all the costumes. My niece and nephew were Nala and Pumba from the Lion King (Max was Simba); so the three of them made a really cute group trick or treating together.
Halloween night we had friends, culdesac, and family over for hot chili and soups. It was a real hit as we ate and lounged around by the fire pits to keep warm. We ended the evening with all the culdesac kids and crayons. Yea, crayons. Someone brought up the point that if you burn crayons they turn the fire different colors. So, yea at 11pm on Halloween all the culdesac-ers are sitting by the fire with kidos cuddled in our laps cheering Jay on as he burns crayons. We were so excited that he went in and got my large plastic organization box filled with crayons. We did discover that the cheaper the crayon the prettier the colors. For example Crayola crayons don't produce hardly any of any color. Someone made the point that probably only the toxic ones made the colors. Who knows? It was great fun laughing and bonding with all the kidos.
The past week at work was crazy. Somehow or another I got placed in charge of educating my department about a new computer charting upgrade. Well the upgrade went "live" this week. Needless to say, I worked 4 days (I know waaa, but when you are only used to 3, the extra 12 hr day makes a big difference) with lots of "working out the bugs" problems. It was long and thank goodness it is over. All my fellow staff did a great job and picking out the stuff that didn't work and helping me get it fixed (as much as I could).
As you can tell by my lack of blogging, it has been a crazy week and a half around here. I will try to catch you up quickly.
Halloween was lots of fun. Max did great and loved all the costumes. My niece and nephew were Nala and Pumba from the Lion King (Max was Simba); so the three of them made a really cute group trick or treating together.
Halloween night we had friends, culdesac, and family over for hot chili and soups. It was a real hit as we ate and lounged around by the fire pits to keep warm. We ended the evening with all the culdesac kids and crayons. Yea, crayons. Someone brought up the point that if you burn crayons they turn the fire different colors. So, yea at 11pm on Halloween all the culdesac-ers are sitting by the fire with kidos cuddled in our laps cheering Jay on as he burns crayons. We were so excited that he went in and got my large plastic organization box filled with crayons. We did discover that the cheaper the crayon the prettier the colors. For example Crayola crayons don't produce hardly any of any color. Someone made the point that probably only the toxic ones made the colors. Who knows? It was great fun laughing and bonding with all the kidos.The past week at work was crazy. Somehow or another I got placed in charge of educating my department about a new computer charting upgrade. Well the upgrade went "live" this week. Needless to say, I worked 4 days (I know waaa, but when you are only used to 3, the extra 12 hr day makes a big difference) with lots of "working out the bugs" problems. It was long and thank goodness it is over. All my fellow staff did a great job and picking out the stuff that didn't work and helping me get it fixed (as much as I could).
This weekend Jay and I started a project that we have been planning to do ever since we bought our house . . . a play room. Our bonus room has one of those little short attic spaces that runs down the exterior wall of the house. We have been wanted to finish those walls, carpet, etc so that Max could play in it like a club house. Thursday we went to Lowe's for the first of many trips to get our supplies. Friday, Max and I spent all day in the garage painted the wood for the ceiling. We painted it a deep purple with yellow stars covered in glow in the dark paint. We put the ceiling up on Sunday . . . and Max was really impressed. . . . it glows! (Good, just like planned . . .great!). 
Saturday, Jay and Pawpaw (his dad) spent the morning rewiring for a plug in the room and a light with a fixture rather than just a bulb. It works already, and Max knows how to pull the string to turn it off and on (which can drive you nuts while you try to measure or paint). Sunday, Jay and Big Daddy (my dad) spent the morning measuring and cutting the walls for the room. I think these are really neato because they are dry erase from top to bottom. Max loves coloring on the walls . . . . I see a problem . . . this could be a bad habit, couldn't it? I explained to him that these were "special markers and a special wall". So know he asks me if crayons or other markers are "the special ones?" The wall installation is not complete yet . . . it has been a real adventure due to the point that the boards for the walls are 4ft by 8ft and the door to the little room is 3ft. See the adventure? Well, we are still working on that.
That didn't end up too quick, but it catches everyone up on where we are this week. I worked on my computer yesterday to try and speed it up. I have been putting off updating the blog because we slowed our computer tremendously(whose brain is almost full, only 15% left free) when we installed Skype, AIM, camera, etc. to see and talk to the Coopers. But the snail pace was for a very warranted reason . . . but it needed to be fixed. With Big Daddy's help, it is now moving at a . . . um . . . fast turtle pace. I think it is a little better, so I'll try not to skip out on blogging life here on Wembley Court. Hope to hear from you all soon!!! Where are you at!???
That didn't end up too quick, but it catches everyone up on where we are this week. I worked on my computer yesterday to try and speed it up. I have been putting off updating the blog because we slowed our computer tremendously(whose brain is almost full, only 15% left free) when we installed Skype, AIM, camera, etc. to see and talk to the Coopers. But the snail pace was for a very warranted reason . . . but it needed to be fixed. With Big Daddy's help, it is now moving at a . . . um . . . fast turtle pace. I think it is a little better, so I'll try not to skip out on blogging life here on Wembley Court. Hope to hear from you all soon!!! Where are you at!???
October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween! Here are 2 quick snap shots of Max when he is fresh, clean, and in a good mood today. Of coarse these are before we drag him all over town to visit, treat or treat on the square, and then home for a party here tonight! For those of you behind on your cartoon Disney movies . . . . Max is Simba from the Lion King. More pics and details to come in the following days!!
PS: Carter and Emerson: Handy Manny taught us about "Dia de los Muertos" this morning!!! Have a good day in Mexico! Max says "GRRRRR!" like Simba, that means hello in lion . . . I think! Love you!
Happy Halloween! Here are 2 quick snap shots of Max when he is fresh, clean, and in a good mood today. Of coarse these are before we drag him all over town to visit, treat or treat on the square, and then home for a party here tonight! For those of you behind on your cartoon Disney movies . . . . Max is Simba from the Lion King. More pics and details to come in the following days!!
PS: Carter and Emerson: Handy Manny taught us about "Dia de los Muertos" this morning!!! Have a good day in Mexico! Max says "GRRRRR!" like Simba, that means hello in lion . . . I think! Love you!
Simple Wooden Toys
October 23-26, 2008
Gatlinburg 3 of 3
Do you want me to explain?? or is it more fun to make up your own story?? Well, as you can see we purchased some simple wooden guns while in Gatlinburg on Saturday evening. After Max and I ate too much Karamelcorn and candy from the parade we got a little hyper. (Jay would probably disagree with the words "a little") We played a game of shoo shoo bang bang got you as Max called it. I chased him all over our little bitty 1 room cozy cabin. We went up over the bed, under the covers, in the corners, and well that is bout all we could go . . . but it was big time fun. The top picture is Max in his new work boots getting me with the guns. Then I wrestled both the guns away and chased him for a while. My photo opt there is playing hide and seek and I peeked out to shoo shoo Max while he jumped on the bed. I am so thankful for my little Max. He has blessed my life so much in just his 2 yrs. I can't wait to see what God has in store for my life as Max's Mom. 
Gatlinburg 3 of 3
Do you want me to explain?? or is it more fun to make up your own story?? Well, as you can see we purchased some simple wooden guns while in Gatlinburg on Saturday evening. After Max and I ate too much Karamelcorn and candy from the parade we got a little hyper. (Jay would probably disagree with the words "a little") We played a game of shoo shoo bang bang got you as Max called it. I chased him all over our little bitty 1 room cozy cabin. We went up over the bed, under the covers, in the corners, and well that is bout all we could go . . . but it was big time fun. The top picture is Max in his new work boots getting me with the guns. Then I wrestled both the guns away and chased him for a while. My photo opt there is playing hide and seek and I peeked out to shoo shoo Max while he jumped on the bed. I am so thankful for my little Max. He has blessed my life so much in just his 2 yrs. I can't wait to see what God has in store for my life as Max's Mom.
Pigeon Forge Fun
October 23-26, 2008
Gatlinburg 2 of 3
Gatlinburg 2 of 3
On Saturday we spent most of the day playing since we couldn't on Friday due to the rain. I think we all three had a ton of fun. Max got to ride go carts for the first time. The required height was 36 inches and he is exactly 36 inches. As you can see he looked tiny ("NO, me big mommy!") in the passenger seat. He squealed and grinned from cheek to cheek the entire ride. He rode first with Jay and then with me.
After go carts we went shopping for a little while and then back to the cozy cabin for a nap. Feeling all refreshed we went back to the rides. Jay and I got to take turns on the kiddie rides because kidos had to be 5 to ride alone. I choose to ride my favorite the spinning hot air balloon. They are similar to the teacups but they are suspended and tilt. I have to admit that I think that I like them more than Max.
Jay was thrilled to ride the purple dinosaur with Max. It went round and round while Max pulled the lever to go up and down. They also rode the teacups together. Jay spun them so fast that they both got really dizzy.
Max rode the swings all alone like a big boy! I don't think he was too excited about them. He didn't choose to ride them again with his last few tickets.
After riding the kiddie rides we decided to go back to Gatlinburg for dinner. During the weekend we rode the trolley car many times. So, we went to ride the trolley car to Gatlinburg one last time on Saturday evening. We went to eat dinner, visit the candy store, and Karamelcorn store for Bid Daddy. With big full bellies we rode the trolley back and went to our "new little house" as Max called it. We had a tremendous time all weekend. It is great to be able to spend fun frivolous time with my guys. We had no where to be, no plans, and nothing that had to be done. Simply it was relaxing and recharging family time.
God's Fall Beauty
October 23-26, 2008
Gatlinburg 1 of 3
Wow! Whoa! Look! Yippee! Those are only mild words to describe our family trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this weekend. We got to be present and watch God's power as he turned the season to fall. As we traveled and arrived in East Tennessee the trees and colors were still mostly green, but by the time we traveled again on Sunday things were much different. God had reached down with his mighty brushstrokes and turned the colors to beautiful hues. We witnessed the deepest reds, brightest yellows, calming greens, and volunteer-est oranges I have seen in many falls. I don't have pictures of them because you can't capture that brilliance on .jpg. No matter how many different angles I try, settings I change, or brightness adjustments I make you can't capture the magnitude of God's "natural" beauty. I have tried at the Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe Mountains, Caribbean, and everywhere in between. I think God meant for these experiences to only be for the naked eye and true soul of a person. You have to be there in the moment, taking in the gasp and awe to see the true picture. It was done for me by him. Whoa! Big concept for my small mind. With the leaves beginning to fall we continued our journey of falling in love with the "works of his hands" and each other.
Thursday, when we arrived we found our "new little house" as Max called it. It was a cozy little cabin of 1 room. It worked great for us with its one bed, tv, fridge, and bathroom. As little time as we were in the cabin, it more than met our needs. 
We took an adventure up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg to let Max experience the Alpine Slide. It was lots of fun and Jay won both times. Max said "Go faster, go faster!" Max did good on the chair lift between us. Maybe it is getting close to time to attempt it with skis. I don't know though, it would still be quite a jump up onto the seat and off the seat as he exited. We'll see, he is getting there.
Gatlinburg 1 of 3
Wow! Whoa! Look! Yippee! Those are only mild words to describe our family trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this weekend. We got to be present and watch God's power as he turned the season to fall. As we traveled and arrived in East Tennessee the trees and colors were still mostly green, but by the time we traveled again on Sunday things were much different. God had reached down with his mighty brushstrokes and turned the colors to beautiful hues. We witnessed the deepest reds, brightest yellows, calming greens, and volunteer-est oranges I have seen in many falls. I don't have pictures of them because you can't capture that brilliance on .jpg. No matter how many different angles I try, settings I change, or brightness adjustments I make you can't capture the magnitude of God's "natural" beauty. I have tried at the Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe Mountains, Caribbean, and everywhere in between. I think God meant for these experiences to only be for the naked eye and true soul of a person. You have to be there in the moment, taking in the gasp and awe to see the true picture. It was done for me by him. Whoa! Big concept for my small mind. With the leaves beginning to fall we continued our journey of falling in love with the "works of his hands" and each other.
Thursday, when we arrived we found our "new little house" as Max called it. It was a cozy little cabin of 1 room. It worked great for us with its one bed, tv, fridge, and bathroom. As little time as we were in the cabin, it more than met our needs. We took an adventure up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg to let Max experience the Alpine Slide. It was lots of fun and Jay won both times. Max said "Go faster, go faster!" Max did good on the chair lift between us. Maybe it is getting close to time to attempt it with skis. I don't know though, it would still be quite a jump up onto the seat and off the seat as he exited. We'll see, he is getting there.
Happy Birthday JAY!
October 18, 2008
Many of you are questioning, "Happy Birthday JAY?" Now you are saying, "Jay's birthday isn't until the 22nd." Well, yes, you are right . . . technically . . . but not when a 2 year old lives in the house and there are presents wrapped on the kitchen table. Once Max saw the presents on Saturday morning, waiting until the 22nd was not going to be an option. Max just knew for sure it was Daddy's Birthday Party Day. While Jay and Max went to the local high school football game on Friday night, I pulled out all my birthday decorations. I come from a family where we believe that our birthday lasts for like a month. So trying to be fair and make Jay feel as special as he is to us . . . . I decided to decorate for him so he could have . . . like . . . a week. After Max noticed the presents he saw all the balloons and banners around the house. We then listened for about 2 hrs while he questioned when we going to have "Daddy's Happy Birthday presents." While I cooked our big Saturday breakfast, we quickly gave in and Jay got to open all his gifts from us. Well . . . Jay didn't quite open them . . . Max opened them . . . all. 
We finished up the day with a dinner party at Cock-of-the-Walk downtown with Jay's family. It was good fried pickles, fried onion rings, fried hush puppies, fried french fries, and fried catfish. Did I say that is was ALL fried . . . but yummy to the last bite. We topped all that healthy food off with a giant 16 " birthday cookie from The Cookie Store. Jay's "birthday" was great!
Falling Leaves
October 16, 2008
Last Thursday while I worked, Jay and Max enjoyed the leaves. Max and some of the local culdesac kid-os piled the leaves sky high. Max learned to work the rake so that he could jump over and over. Before long, Jay out thought the kid-os and powered up his blower. Then they were all excited. Everyone could jump, jump, jump while Jay continued blowing the leaves back to the pile. The leaves are changing colors fast and soon they will all be gone. I am very glad that everyone got to enjoy their beauty along with some fun.
Hope you are having a wonderful FALL!
Ashton & Trace's Birthday Party
October 12, 2008
Our nephews (Lee's sons) celebrated their birthdays this weekend. Ashton turned 5 on Saturday and Trace turned 7 on Sunday. Wow!! I cannot believe they are that old! We partied on Sunday afternoon at Grandma and Pawpaw's house with a gigantic slide. Everyone had a wonderful time. Here are some of our pictures from the day.
Max has lots of fun!! He even flipped down the slide!
No, Kayla is not a bunny or a dog as I was corrected. She is a Poodle!
This is our family dork, Ty, (Just kidding, Ty, I wuvs you!) he is
waxing the slide with Pledge to keep it slick and fast.
Tristan is super fast!! Watch out he has a double personality as a Lion.
Pumpkin Patch
October 11, 2008
Today was Max's first trip to the pumpkin patch. He was so excited about something that he had really had no idea of where he was going. We planned the trip with our neighbors who have 2 boys and a girl. Max has fallen in love with their four year old daughter who he calls "sister". She rode with us on the trip through the woods to find a road that existed only in GPS land. The woman on the GPS along with Max and Sister in the back seat kept telling us to "Turn Left," but the problem was that there was only a field to our left . . . no road. It was frustrating, but hilarious as everyone in the car was chiming in on "Make a U turn," "Turn left," "Recalculating." Go ahead and laugh . . . you know you have all been there. Well, finally we got to the patch, check it out at http://www.honeysucklehillfarm.com/.
After the races we noticed the hayride on a huge trailer, so we went and loaded on to it. Unbeknown to us the hayride took its riders back to the Johnny Cash 5 acre Corn Maze. So of course when the tractor stopped we all hopped off the conquer the maze. The boys helped us figure out our plan before entering the maze. All was going great until at the far end of the maze Max announces that (yes) "I needa poop." So off Jay and Max go into the stalks of corn to find and "private" location to poop. It was a success and off we went finishing the maze. Don't you love potty training? 
Finally after we rode the hayride back to camp, we all picked out "baby pumpkins" and headed off stinky, sweaty, and hungry looking for somewhere to eat dinner. It was a fabulous day and I can't wait to do it again next fall. 
Today was Max's first trip to the pumpkin patch. He was so excited about something that he had really had no idea of where he was going. We planned the trip with our neighbors who have 2 boys and a girl. Max has fallen in love with their four year old daughter who he calls "sister". She rode with us on the trip through the woods to find a road that existed only in GPS land. The woman on the GPS along with Max and Sister in the back seat kept telling us to "Turn Left," but the problem was that there was only a field to our left . . . no road. It was frustrating, but hilarious as everyone in the car was chiming in on "Make a U turn," "Turn left," "Recalculating." Go ahead and laugh . . . you know you have all been there. Well, finally we got to the patch, check it out at http://www.honeysucklehillfarm.com/.
It was a great day! When we first arrived we went through a corn maze filled with eco-go green questions aimed at the kids. Then maze lead you into the play areas. Next up was a "corn box", yeah, exactly a huge box filled with corn for them to play. Max opted to throw the corn around. The TN Twister was next. If you have ever been to a haunted house you have been in one. It is the bridge type thingy with the huge revolving walls that makes you feel like leaning to stand up. We all liked this room. The kids (and adults) got to feed the animals at the petting zoo. Max grabbed a handful of grass and just shoved his arm at the donkey through the fence. Next thing I know the donkey is eating handful after handful of grass from my giggling 2 year old. He will now tell you that "that horse bite my finger." Not really, just a nibble followed by his giggle.
They played on all kinds of homemade yard equipment with huge slides. These slides worked as megaphones while the kids stood at the top deciding who was going first and with whom. We loved seeing them work together and the older boys talking care of the two little ones. While playing we noticed that they were getting ready to start the pig races. We got to see several rounds of famous pigs such as Paris Squealton, Tim McHog, and Miss Piggy run the race for an Oreo treat.
After the races we noticed the hayride on a huge trailer, so we went and loaded on to it. Unbeknown to us the hayride took its riders back to the Johnny Cash 5 acre Corn Maze. So of course when the tractor stopped we all hopped off the conquer the maze. The boys helped us figure out our plan before entering the maze. All was going great until at the far end of the maze Max announces that (yes) "I needa poop." So off Jay and Max go into the stalks of corn to find and "private" location to poop. It was a success and off we went finishing the maze. Don't you love potty training? Finally after we rode the hayride back to camp, we all picked out "baby pumpkins" and headed off stinky, sweaty, and hungry looking for somewhere to eat dinner. It was a fabulous day and I can't wait to do it again next fall. 
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