Me and the BOYS

Look, A Bear!!!!

2010-09-23T08:41:00.003-05:00

No, there's not really a bear, but Landon is perfecting his distraction technique.

The other day we took the boys to a birthday party. They played on a water slide for a while before we ate supper and cut the cake. Gary decided to sit out which was fine with Landon in the beginning, but he soon became bored without his #1 accomplice. Landon's game switched from playing in the water to running to mommy to tattle on the other kids. I began to watch him more closely and witnessed him pushing a little boy - the same boy he had just accused of pushing him 5 minutes earlier. He didn't know I had been watching and ran immediately to tattle again. After he finished his story I asked, "Well Landon, do you know what I just saw?" He knew immediately that I had witnessed the entire incident. His eyes grew wide. He gasped, then slowly answered "A dinosaur?"
What the heck??? I was so surprised at that answer, I was speechless and every other adult in the vicinity roared with laughter! I couldn't help but join in. Landon 1 : Mommy 0

Last night, Randy cooked steak for us. Landon loves steak and will usually eat all that he can get his hands on. This one was a cheaper grade, not our usual tender ribeye or fillet. Randy inhaled his plate before any of us finished. He was still hungry so he poured a bowl of Cheerios and sat back down to the table with us. Landon had two bites of his steak left, but saw Randy's cereal and told him he was tired of chewing and he wanted some cereal too. Randy told him no, and to finish his steak. Landon waited a few minutes, got up from the table, walked around the stove, then approached Randy. We'd all forgotten about his cereal request by then. Standing right next to Randy's chair, Landon started chatting with Randy. Once Randy was fully immersed in conversation, Landon subtly pulled a spoon from behind his back, dipped it in Randy's bowl, lifted a huge bite of Cheerios to his mouth, then dropped the spoon to his side. He was headed for his second bite when Randy realized what had just taken place right under his nose! Landon 1 : Daddy 0

I can't get no sa-tis-faction

2010-06-07T09:14:00.003-05:00

Gary has recently started getting creative with his words. Landon complains enough for the whole family so I've pretty much shut Gary off from any negative talk about ANYTHING to try and decrease the negative influence he may have on Landon. He gets plenty from "the world". Anything added from the coolest kid on the planet just makes Landon ten times worse!

It's VBS time again. Gary hates going and always has, but he endures the pain for one week in the summer to pacify me. What an awesome kid! He knows he's not allowed to complain in Landon's presence, so just before walking into church this morning he states in the most grown up voice he can muster at 7:45 a.m. "Mom, I just want you know that I am not satisfied with this!" I grinned and politely thanked him for cooperating. We kept walking, went inside, and I checked them in. Before I turned to leave Landon exclaimed, "I hate Bible School!!!" I kissed them both and ran before they had a chance to chase me!! Hopefully they'll have a super fun day and tomorrow will be a little easier on us all.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me

2010-03-09T09:57:00.003-06:00

Last night, Landon told me something that was entirely believable, but I knew it wasn't true.. I asked him if he was telling me a story. He said, “What’s that mean?” I told him, it’s the same thing as a lie. He said, “Oh, yea… I tell stories to my friends all the time!” I asked him what kind.

"I told them that me and my daddy and my dog have a real pirate ship. For real! And we found it under the water. They didn't believe me and I told them, 'I'm positive!' I told 'em me and my daddy and my dog are all real pirates, too. I promise! I just kept saying, 'I promise!, I'm positive, I mean it,' and now they believe me"

I was cracking up and he was too!!!! He was so proud of his “stories”. Remind you of anyone who went to school with a bandage around his head and crutches? Or anyone who might've told the school they had cancer? or a monkey heart (with a scar to prove it)?

Daddy Discipline

2010-02-01T14:43:00.008-06:00

I'm usually (99.99%) the disciplinarian of the household and am always looking for new ideas. Randy has taken on the reigns a few times in the last couple of weeks with some very creative correcting techniques! 1. If Gary makes any C's on his report card again, he has to lose the shaggy hair and get a short haircut like Randy 2. The boys were playing in the house and Randy was working on his truck the other day for a short time will I was grocery shopping. They couldn't get along (Landon kept coming outside crying and tattling) so he made them each sit in a chair on opposite ends of the front porch until he finished what he was doing. The kicker was: it was in the 40's that day and he didn't let them go back in to dress before assigning posts. Landon was wearing a long sleeve shirt, shorts, and flip flops. Gary was wearing basketball shorts, no shirt, no shoes. I don't think they've EVER been so happy for me to get home so they could tattle on daddy for making them sit outside naked for 30 minutes and freeze to death!!! In reality, it was less than 10 minutes, but it definitely "cooled them off" :) 3. In response to the muddy cast incident below, he grounded them both from going outside until Landon's cast came off (a whole week later!). That's probably the longest they've ever gone without playing outside.
Kudos to Randy for some nifty ideas!

How do you spell trouble?

2010-01-19T08:16:00.003-06:00

L-A-N-D-O-N-G-A-R-Y-M-U-D

I really should be proud they went almost 8 days without getting muddy. But he has another six days to wear this disgusting thing!!!

Casts aren't just for broken bones!

2010-01-14T10:03:00.006-06:00

The story from last night goes like this... While Gary and Landon were in bed playing their Leapsters, I told Randy that Landon got in trouble for hitting a kid at school with his cast. Randy called Landon who immediately leaped around the corner wearing his favorite black glasses with the bushy eyebrows, nose, and mustache attached.
Me - Landon, tell Daddy what happened at school today.
Landon - (still in the glasses and looking so sincere) Nothing!
Randy - Did you get in trouble for hitting someone with your cast?
Landon - Oh, yea, that. (not really concerned)
Randy - Did you hit him?
Landon - Yea
Randy - Why?
Landon - Because Jace hits me all the time so hard that I almost die! So hit him really hard with my cast! But Mrs. Smith only made him apologize one time. I had to apologize 90 times because I made him cry!!! (He was ticked off about apologizing so many times, but extremely proud that he was finally able to get even..)

I hope that cast is really strong and very tight. Yesterday evening before church, I found Landon hanging on a vine with both hands - swinging like a monkey! Should he be doing that? It's actually kind of useful. 1. for fending off the enemy 2. for hanging bags on - last night, he helped me carry stuff upstairs - my angel :)

Santa's Newest Elf

2009-12-24T09:10:00.004-06:00

This is definitely one for the record books. Last night, Randy was out doing some last minute Christmas shopping and I was home with the boys. Randy called to ask me about presents for the boys. About five minutes later, Gary grabbed my phone to play a game or text someone or something. He'd been on it all evening so I didn't think anything of it. A few minutes later, the phone rang. It was Randy again and Gary passed the phone to me. Apparently, Gary had texted his daddy, "did you get the boys enything?" from my phone! The fact that we had just talked along with the misspelled word was enough to arouse Randy's suspicion. He only replied "a little" then called me. Gary knew by the look on my face that he was busted and flashed a big toothy grin coupled with a sinister laugh. He was proud of his craftiness. I have to admit, I was too. THAT was a good idea!!!!

Spam!

2009-11-19T07:51:00.003-06:00

Success!!! The comment moderation feature has finally paid off. Last night I had a comment from a spammer advertising a certain first-round type fertility drug. It just so happens to be the same one that I can thank for most of the Dear Diary predicaments below! Why would I ever want anymore of that? hehehe Obviously, I'm kidding. I'd take 10 more Landons if that's what God blessed me with :) Back to the topic at hand; it was sort of empowering to be able to reject the comment before it was ever published. Hooray for publishing control!

A Star is Born

2009-11-12T09:21:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, Princeton Elementary Celebrated Veteran's Day with a ceremony to honor all of our Veterans. Click Here for the video link showing news footage from the morning activities and Gary's 10 seconds of fame! But, the real stars are Jim and all the others who've fought for and are currently fighting to save our freedom. Thank you Veterans!!!!

Dear Diary,

2009-11-11T14:39:00.004-06:00

The past week has been so bizaar, I've decided to document it before I forget..
Monday, Nov. 2 Landon had a bike wreck (no one saw what happened). Went to the E.R. and received 6 stitches under his chin.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 - Back on the bike
Wednesday, Nov. 4 - Landon was caught by my mom, just before riding his bike down the slide!
Thursday, Nov. 5 - Landon's school called about 11:00 a.m. to tell me that he had fallen off the slide and torn his frenulum (the piece of skin that attaches your upper lip to your gum) Again, no one witnessed the accident. He's told us, 1. He was sliding down the slide on his bottom and just fell off the side, 2. He walked into the slide, 3. He was pushing a lawn mower and ran into the slide, 4. He was pushing a lawn mower up the slide. We will probably never know how this one happened!
Friday was quiet
Saturday, Nov. 7 - I removed Landon's stitches and he fell asleep half way through the process
Sunday, Nov. 8 - Landon fell on his face and reinjured his lip
Monday, Nov. 9 - Landon fell on his face, again, and reinjured his lip
Tuesday, nothing note worthy
Wednesday, Nov. 10 - Cathy Turner called from Princeton to tell me that Gary had been bitten during P.E....by a 4th grade girl!!! Apparently, a group of girls was playing vampire and decided he was a worthy victim...
What's next?!
**Update I just talked to Gary on the phone to get the vampire story. In addition to a bite, he also was cut in the eye by another kid's paper, and fell on his own pencil. Teacher is looking for lead in his hand as I type.
I won't make the mistake of asking, "What's next?" again! hahaha

Gary's Sunday School Lesson from 08-30-09

2009-08-31T09:15:00.004-05:00

Zoom in on the bottom right corner...Might we have a comedian emerging?

If he's serious, he's grounded for a year!!! :-)

By the time his "work" got to the other end of our pew, every one of us was giggling!

School Daze

2009-08-24T12:44:00.007-05:00

Both the kids are finally in school and things are getting back to normal (whatever that is!). Homework..football practice (also known as "the grass game" to Landon)..cool mornings. I'm not sure who's happier, our babysitter or me! :)

Gary's first day

"You really expect me to smile and be happy when you're making me ride the cheese wagon this year!?"

Landon's first day and his birthday!!!! He couldn't be more excited about school. Snack person, new chucks with fire on the side, cupcakes, drink boxes in his backpack. When mom picked him up today, he wanted to stay at school! He called me after they left, "Mom, I didn't cry. I was the leader all day. I did everything my teacher said to do." I told him he was the best kid in class. He cut me off with "I know." He's most impressed with PreK-4. We'll hope for the same attitude tomorrow morning.

More to come...gimme time

2009-07-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

Greenfield Picnic Day 2009

2009-05-20T12:52:00.011-05:00

Greenfield's Annual End of the Year Picnic was today at the park on Brownlee Road. Landon and the rest of the kids had a wonderful time. Below, is Landon's first attempt at jumping off the climbing rocks (reserved for 5 years old and up) You have to click on the picture to really appreciate it. His face tells the whole story!

His class having lunch.

There was a rhino, a horse, and a race car. Landon passed on the first two and waited for a turn on the car. Imagine that!

Running for the next water spout

He became more brave with each jump. This was about #5.

He landed with a thud. Lay motionless. I ran over thinking, "Great, I've let the kid break his back!" (The other moms were trying to keep their kids off the rocks) "Landon, are you okay?"

"Dat one hurt just a wittle," he said in a calm steady voice without looking up or moving a muscle. "Jus wet me way here a minute."

"Okay, I'm ready to do it again!'

Taking a break to warm up with Mrs. Candy.

Back to the grindstone

One last jump before time to leave. If I had to guess, he probably did this 50 times. All that practice jumping off the stage at church finally paid off!

Field Day 2009

2009-05-08T12:57:00.014-05:00

Start the morning off with a friendly game of tug-of-WAR

A few of them lost their grip and fell flat on their faces.

Of course Gary didn't miss out on that action! (green hat)

Mom's still cheering them on

50 yard dash
1st (Gregory)
Austin and Gary tied for 2nd

This had to be the most fun event of the day..
Drag Racing - Haughton Style!!!

PUUUUULLLLLL!!!!

KEEP PULLING!!!!!!!!

The parents HAD to get in on this one!

Mrs. Waldron was a good sport. Hard work paid off. Gary's team won this one too :)

"Jump back Jack"

Take a step back each time you catch the ball. Bow out if you drop it. Gary and his partner were among the last "men" standing :)

Finally...a break...

Good morning "love"

2009-05-06T08:50:00.003-05:00

You know you live with boys when first thing in the morning...
Me: "Good morning, Sunshine!"
Gary: "I just peed and the bubbles made a heart shape in the toilet!"

Catch Up

2009-05-03T08:21:00.014-05:00

We've been super-busy doing "things" and I haven't had a chance to post in a while. Here's a quick catch-up of our past couple of months...

Gary took a sewing class at church.
They made dolls and hospital gowns, then delivered them to kids at Sutton Children's Hospital.

Mardi Gras parade at Greenfield

The kids (neighbors included) can't resist our ditch.

L-R: Gracie, Gary, Colton, Landon, Bailey, Grant

ages 3-13

Basketball or Ballet?

Showing his skilz

Easter Egg Hunt at 1st BC Haughton

Patriotic program for Easter with Master Mixer GW on the Mic

Monroe Zoo

No matter how loud Landon and Bailey growled at those lions, they wouldn't make a sound!

We found a few monkeys at the zoo too :)

Are YOU smarter than a 3rd grader?

2009-03-18T08:39:00.008-05:00

Congratulations to Platt's six third graders that competed in the Shreveport Symphony's Music Memory Competition at South Highland's Elementary last night. Winning 2nd place was no easy task for them! They studied 10 classical music selections, had to memorize the song and correctly write the Symphony or Piece it came from, the song title, and the composer after listening to a small section of the song, sometimes less than one measure. For the record, I studied with Gary for a month and I could only indentify two last night!!! They received points for correct answers, spelling, and punctuation...example:
Symphony No. 35 in D Major ("Haffner") First Movement
Allegro con spirito
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Washing Post March
John Philip Sousa
Rodeo: Hoedown
Aaron Copland
"Night on Bare Mountain"
Modest Mussorgsky

I probably punctuated those wrong! But you get the gist... The kids were awesome and had a great time. Thanks to Mrs. Watters, their music teacher. She worked hard to keep them interested and teach all those songs; even staying after school to work with the kids. They're lucky to have her! If you see Gary Wilson, Jayson Nitz, Grace Teutsch, Alana Lewis, Chloe Lewis, or Mackenzie Farqhar make sure to high-five them. They definitely deserve it!

Coupon Queen

2009-02-20T18:46:00.003-06:00

A lady on FoxNews this week, inspired me to start using coupons. She WAS blogging her $1500/year challenge, but had negative feedback from some less than impressed folks (probably CNN watching democrats!) so she deleted her blog. Regardless, following her for a couple of days was enough to get me excited about saving money. I printed a lot of coupons online, clipped from the Sunday paper, and took advantage of Brookshire's Moonlight Madness sale yesterday. My total savings were about $40 off what would have been a $98 shopping trip! That's exciting!!! I don't have time to recount the entire event, but can't skip bragging about: $.35 box of bandaids-used Brookshires paper's $1.00 off any health/beauty item to discount a $1.35 box of bandaids; and two cans of Del Monte corn - $.99 reg. price minus a $.75 coupon for each left me with two cans of corn @ $.24/ea.; lastly I had a $.30 coupon for Downy liquid fabric softener that qualified for tripling. I usually pay around $6 for it at the dollar store but Brookshire's a certain scent (Violets and Roses) on clearance for $3.34. Subtract $.90 for the tripled coupon and I walked away with a $6 bottle of downy for $2.44!!! I didn't get anything for "free", but I have to leave something for next time's goal. Happy shopping and happy coupon clipping! Please leave any hints you may have as I'm new to this game :)

Christmas Past

2009-02-17T11:06:00.002-06:00

Typical of my child, he's hiding from fame. Gary, along with all of the other children pictured, played Christmas songs on the piano at a retirement home. Upon searching, I found proof of his participation (See photo below). You'll have to take my word on it!!! I think he does so well with piano b/c he can HIDE behind that huge grand piano where no one can see him! Whatever... I'm no less proud of him than I would be if he were a Show-Boat Sam. :)

Sleep Tight

2009-01-31T08:54:00.003-06:00

Landon and I turned in WAY before Randy (no surprise) last night. Gary was outside somewhere with Colton, probably in the monster sized dog kennel out back that they've deemed their clubhouse. I awoke about 1:45 a.m. to take Landon to the bathroom and noticed the outside light on and the dog barking. I looked outside and there's a tent in the back yard! Randy told me the boys (Gary and Colton from across the street) wanted to camp out. Knowing they'd freeze to death and want to come in soon, I left them there. Skip to 7:00 a.m. Sat. morning. Landon pokes me in the forehead with an ice cold finger... "Mommy, where's Gary and Colton?" "Honey, they slept in the tent. They're outside." "No they're not!" "Well, then they're probably in Gary's room or at Colton's house." Doze off again... 10 minutes later, another cold poke in the forehead... "Mommy, they're not at Colton's house." "How do you know? Did you cross the street by yourself?!" "No." "Then how do you know they're not at Colton's house?" "Because I just know!" (He gets that "NEVER admit to your wrongdoing even when you're caught red-handed" thing from his daddy-their smile/charm somehow usually gets them out of trouble!!!!) I decided to get up when I heard the front door slam. Got downstairs in time to see Landon look both ways before crossing the street (point for him!). Called Tracy, "I'm missing 3 kids..." T: "I have one, but the other two are in yourbackyard!" "No they're not, Landon said they're gone." T: "I'll send Bailey (5 yr. old little sister) and Landon back to your house to look in the tent." The boys were there, just hid from Landon when he initially went out to look for them. I think they've all ventured back over to Colton & Bailey's house...I've got to get off this 'puter and take advantage of my free time to get ready for Souper Salad Saturday at church!

Here...kitty kitty kitty

2009-01-19T12:54:00.003-06:00

My copy-cat kid is getting pretty quick with his comments... The other night I was fighting Gary about eye drops, "Gary, tilt your head back so we can get it over with.." From down in the den we hear this little encouraging voice , "Yea-yeh, wike a big boy!" Randy, Gary, and I laughed till we cried. I think I'm remembering 3 as being my favorite age with Gary, as well. They begin to really grasp life and their imagination and communication skills explode. I guess as with most youngest children, you always think of them as babies, but Landon reminds us every single day, "Mommy, I'm still growin' and I'm gettin' big and I'm gonna be big as daddy!"

Speaking of big, we had a big fat stereotypical evening... Randy took Gary and Landon to see the monster trucks Saturday night (I admit that I like Monster Trucks too, but I wasn't invited this time). They had a fantastic time doing boy stuff. It gave me an opportunity to try out my new sewing machine. I made Landon a pair of pajama pants. I'm no seamstress...never even taken a sewing class...but once I figured out how to thread that stupid bobbin, things got to rolling. I had to rip out one of my seams 4 times, but I can guarantee you that I won't try sewing again without: checking the bobbin, attaching the foot, or lowering the foot. Each circumstance makes for a heck of a bird nest!!!! My challenge (challenge b/c Gary said "you can't do that!") now is to complete the shirt that came with the pants pattern..... If it ever gets finished, I'll post a pic.

Update from below...

2009-01-12T08:47:00.002-06:00

Friday evening, Landon informed me that he taught the kids how to drive a milk truck AND a juice truck. They must not be ready for flying lessons yet :)

Substitute Teacher & Mom

2009-01-09T09:32:00.004-06:00

I'm not sure what's been going with Miss Candy this week, but each day Landon has insisted that she wasn't at school. He further insists that he was the teacher for the day. Their studies went as follows:
Monday, "I taught all the kids how to drive a trash truck today."
Tuesday, "I taught all the kids how to drive a motorcycle today."
Wednesday, "I taught all the kids how to drive a four-wheeler in the mud and not get stuck today."
Thursday, "I taught all the kids how to drive an airplane with holes in it today."
I can't wait to hear what kind of adventures Landon takes the class on today (Friday) and pray that Miss Candy gets to feeling better soon! Maybe he'll teach the kids how to fly that airplane that they drove yesterday :)

He's decided to take the reigns at home as well... Last night I told Gary to go brush his teeth no less that 20 times. He finally crawled up the stairs and yelled back, "I am!" to which Landon immediately screeched, "No you're not! I don't hear the water running!" It always surprises me when I open my mouth to say something, and the words come out someone elses mouth!

Day off...

2009-01-02T13:55:00.006-06:00

Our company decided last minute to give us today off. I had planned to clean house and make my semi-annual trip to Minden Wal-Mart but plans changed as visitors arrived. We all had a lot more fun than shopping would have been!!!!

Picnic with Johnny's Pizza. Gary and Adrienne burned our Christmas boxes in the front yard.

Wilson's Backyard Bistro

Tummy full of Pizza + Trampoline = Vomit!!!!!

at least it would for me. The kids, obviously, have much stronger stomachs than I do.

Ella, "I used to have a picnic table like this, but my grand daughter took it."

Gary, "I loved lighting the fire by myself."

Adrienne, "I learned a new trick on the trampoline."

Bailey, "I'm glad Adrienne came to play!"

Landon, "I'm glad all my 'priends' are here."

2008-12-31T14:26:00.007-06:00

"You mean you want me to open presents before I eat breakfast? This is crazy!!"

"Can we open yet? Can we? Can we?"

A "shootin' gun" AND bubbles!

Expect some big performances from this kid!!!

The perfect book for the boys :)

When it was all opened, Landon headed to the breakfast table and Gary outside to celebrate with Colton across the street. He got a new four wheeler and they were dying to ride with him! Once again...their presents were left behind for bigger and better things (last year, the card board box, this year, the neighbors 'wheeler)...

2008-12-15T10:44:00.002-06:00

There's nothing like the brutal honesty of a child! Yesterday, I sang a smidgen of a solo at church. When I sat back down, Gary told me, "Mom, that didn't sound like your voice coming out of the speakers...... it was good!" I'm hunting for a new "biggest fan" because my old one is working on a one-way trip to a foster home!!!!!
He also showed me up Saturday at the nursing home. I made him practice Saturday morning before we left and was honestly concerned that this was going to be his final performance. He hadn't practiced like he should have and it was evident. We got to Pilgrim Manor that afternoon and he, as cool as a cucumber, played "We Three Kings" like he's been doing it all his life! Way to go, Gar-Bear!!!!

Mouse Trap

2008-12-01T12:43:00.003-06:00

Landon's teacher shared the funniest story about him and the computer. Apparently when it became his turn to start the computer story, he had the mouse up in the air trying to "click" the monitor with it. By the time she was finished, we were both in tears! Anyway, I didn't even realize that he was "behind" the other kids in his class with his computer skills - or obvious lack of. Over the Thanksgiving break, we had a lesson and found some games he enjoys playing that will increase his computer fluency. I let him sit in my lap at the 'puter and placed my hand over his on the mouse until he got the hang of the buttons. I never left his side, as he got pretty frustrated if he hit the wrong button and it didn't do what it was supposed to. If you have a toddler/preschooler age child, I've started a new column of free online games. They are extremely elementary, but remember that they love repetition AND they love to be successful, especially when learning a new task. If you find that a link doesn't work or would like to share some other links, please email me or leave a comment and I'll update the list. The following is plagiarized from an online source (I can't remember which one) but it explains some of the importance of toddler computer experience. And trust me, you don't want your kid to be the only one in the class who doesn't know how to start the story!

Toddlers are on a huge learning curve and have many skills that they can be developing online, even while they are having fun! Online toddler games generally involve-

Hand-eye co-ordination- using the mouse to catch moving objects
Problem solving- puzzles, matching pairs, learning about opposites
Recognition- colors, shapes, sounds, animals
Social/interactive fun- singing, rhyming, ABC's, stories

Online toddler games will be helping your child to develop keyboard skills as well as the ability to use the mouse effectively, but be patient, if it is your child's first attempt at using a computer they will need some time. A mouse is a tricky new tool to learn to use, especially if it has multiple buttons. But look out, once they have the hang of it there will be no stopping them!

Right of Passage

2008-12-01T12:01:00.004-06:00

Both my boys crossed milestone's worthy of adding to the baby books last week.

Gary was singing "na na na na, na na, na na Can't Touch This" which sent me straight back to 8th grade. I asked him if he knew the singer or the whole song and he looked at me like I was crazy! Thanks to youtube, I was able to share some quality "hammer time" with him. He stared wide-eyed and giggled occasionally at the original MC Hammer, "U Can't Touch This" video only asking, "yall thought those pants were cool?" No, son. We didn't think they were cool, they WERE cool!!! Click Here for a tour around the world, from London to the Bay.

Landon, went a little different direction. He spurted his first "Hey Yall, watch this!" followed by a "stupid trick" on his bike. He's uttered the words before, but not completely in the right context. Landon, I've ordered you your very own frequent visitor's card for the E.R. Daddy can explain what to do with it!

Is WYSIWYG a Christmas Candy?

2008-11-22T21:08:00.004-06:00

Can you tell I'm a little excited about Christmas? I tried and tried to download a super cute blog template from the Internet like everyone else does. It can't be that hard, right? WRONG! After an hour, a virus, and a full-system scan, I created my own ghetto-fabulous template! Sorry, I can't do the same for you as I can only afford one copyright infringement lawsuit at the time!

We are the tribe from Greenfield - How

2008-11-21T12:14:00.009-06:00

It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving with out the Greenfield Pow Wow! To commemorate Thanksgiving, the kids study Pilgrim and Indian customs, then participate in their own Pow Wow complete with the Greenfield Pow Wow Chant, Indian drums, and dancing followed by a Thanksgiving Feast. Each child also brings a peeled raw vegetable of their choice. The teacher helps them chop it and add it to the soup that they all share at the feast.Landon was psyched about the chants before hand, but kinda overwhelmed when show-time came around.
But he was still the cutest Indian (Chief Crazy Horse) at school!

Each class prepared and shared it's own dinner.

Daddy's a bit of a "crazy horse" himself!

The kids really enjoyed the picnic.

Each class also makes a tee pee (background).

How long till Christmas?

Vacation

2008-11-10T09:58:00.003-06:00

This is a pic from our vacation to Africa last year during Spring Break. I can't decide where to go this year! Obviously, I'm kidding! Last spring, though, the kids and I were looking for ways to stay away from home while Randy had the flu. We stopped in to Touchstone's Museum on Hwy. 80 in Haughton for a couple hours of real excitement! I hadn't been there since I was a kid and was really surprised how much cool stuff they have!!! They even have 2 or 3 exhibits that they will unlock and you let you go inside of to take pics. If you are looking for something fun, local, and inexpensive ($2/ea.) try them out. It was definitely a fun experience, and run by a local Christian family (not your typical scientific point of view museum). You WON'T be sorry!

Behold...the First Tree of Christmas!

2008-11-07T21:36:00.003-06:00

Gary partied with Lane Weeks tonight (Happy Birthday Lane!) which left Landon and me some much needed "us" time. Since I had his undivided attention, I decided to put up his tree in his room. He chose to place it in front of the window, so "eddebody" can see it from outside. The white tree he picked out was a first for me, but turned out charming :) He squealed every time he hung an ornament that didn't fall off. His unadulterated excitement makes me want to put up a Christmas Tree every day of the year! Unfortunately, we're limited .... One down, three to go!

We started on the outside lights last weekend (Nov. 1st). The goal is to finish by Thanksgiving so we can turn them on that night. Thanks to our "day after Christmas" shopping trip last year, we're sure to give the Griswald's (or at least the Nelson's across the street) a run for their money!

Thank you for small stuff...but mostly the really BIG stuff!

2008-11-06T08:08:00.004-06:00

Landon and Gary are polar opposites when it comes to praying. As a matter of fact, they are polar opposites in almost every aspect! I still lead/prompt Gary with his and Landon can't wait for me to shut up so it can be his turn. Last night, Landon was first...
Me: "Now I lay me down to sleep..." interrupted by:
Landon: "AND THANK YOU FOR MR. COWIN'S TRACTOR DAT CAME TO MY HOUSE!"
He pretty much ruled the rest of prayer time last night, and did a fantastic job :-)
Apparently, Colin and his tractor made a pretty big impression on Landon this weekend. He did some prep work so we could spread grass seed. Next time you're in the neighborhood, have a look, we might be green! Thank you, Colin!
When I shared this cute story with Gary, he had to
one-up it...
"Thank you for Topps Trailers because if Mr. Colin wasn't my dad's friend and didn't have Topps Trailers, my dad wouldn't have that nice big trailer to work out of and we couldn't afford our house!"
Julie, the prayers are free, but we'll take donations to the kid's college funds for the blogspot advertising :) -lol

Happy Monday

2008-11-05T09:36:00.003-06:00

What, it's not Monday? My brain and body are sure acting like it is! I started out the morning with the goal of getting to work on time (because i rarely ever do). Dropped Gary off and the little girl in the car ahead of us got out dressed so cute! I couldn't imagine why, but kissed Gary and shooed him out of the car. On my way to work, I called my good friend Beth and she informed me it was Christmas Picture Day! Well, nothing I could do about it then, at least he was wearing a RED polo today instead of white. Not much variety in his school uniform drawer since he won't wear navy ANYTHING, it's a red or white polo and khaki shorts every day with the occasional Haughton Hoodie when it's cold. On to work... I was only 2 or 3 minutes late (success!) But when I walked in, all the lights were off. I'm NEVER the first one here, so it took me a minute to process...(loud gasp) "Oh, No, Sandra's not here today, I have to open the office!!!!" Run around flipping on lights and start the coffee. Only one had beat me here and he was pecking away at his computer and I don't know if he even noticed me (hope not...it was our pres!) Anyway, I finally got my day started and had this constant "itch" on my stomach. About 9:30 I realized that it was the tag scratching me from the pants that I had on BACKWARDS!!! Well, at least it's my favorite day of the week and I have choir practice tonight :) Things are looking up....

Judgment House

2008-10-27T12:49:00.002-05:00

If you haven't made an appointment to go thru Judgment House, do so before we're sold out! And if you come any night but Halloween, you'll see the two cutest angels you ever did see at the doorway of Heaven (my Gary and Lane Weeks). It's amazing how quickly they can morph from angel to devil between scenes, then right back to angel as the door to Heaven opens! They're having a BLAST and doing a wonderful job!
Judgment House Dates and times:
10/26 6-8 pm
10/28 6-8 pm
10/29 6-8 pm
10/31 6-8:30 pm
11/01 6-8:30 pm
Tickets are $2/ea. and you must reserve a time slot before going.
Call 949-2441 to make arrangments.

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

2008-10-17T13:08:00.001-05:00

This sounds too easy to be true. If you are brave enough to try this, please comment and let me know how it turns out!
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons
chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

Mudstock '08

2008-10-16T20:36:00.001-05:00

Changes abroad

2008-10-09T08:24:00.004-05:00

Due to some not so proper comments on my blog lately, I've enabled comment control which essentially means that when you comment, it won't show up automatically. It will email me your comments and I will approve them before they are posted for the world to see. So, please continue commenting, but be patient as I'll approve them as soon as I can. You may still comment as "Anonymous", but note that I will not approve it unless you sign your name at the bottom of your post. Why bother to say something if you won't back it up with your own name?

Home aint where the heart is

2008-09-24T08:53:00.003-05:00

Randy and Landon went to "Father's Night" at Preschool last night. I'm not sure I have the right words to describe the project they made together....

Clear as mud

2008-09-09T13:08:00.002-05:00

This morning I told Gary, "Go into the living room. Look in the piano bench and there's a blank cassette tape. Bring it to me."
He brought me a roll of Scotch Tape from Randy's desk. The only part of the directions he got right was, "Go into the living room." Aren't they supposed to be able to follow multi-step directions by now?

Platt Cowboys 12 : "the other guys" 0

2008-09-08T20:43:00.007-05:00

This was one of those one in a million times when I actually had the camera ready, focused on the right kid (they all look the same!), and trigger finger on overtime, to catch Gary's big play of the game. They all played really well this weekend. Of course, my focus was mainly on defense :-)

Front center..Gary (navy #86) "You're not getting by me with that ball!"

The battle's on... "Give it up boy, you're going down!"

"And stay down!"

(Behind the line of scrimmage, I might add - Thanks to Todd Holloway for pointing out and explaining this crucial detail to me.)

Labor Day Football Practice

2008-09-03T12:42:00.010-05:00

Stretch it out boy, lets get ready to hustle!

" Mom, look what I found!" (It was a living locust!)

If I had to guess what coach was telling him, it would be something like, "Son, don't ever come to practice again with your socks rolled down!" (That's probably why mom's aren't allowed to coach football...)

Ruuuunnnn Foooorrrresssttt!!!!!

"Cheese!"

Landon took a "Cat Nap" during intermission

Gary is the one on the ground in the center dying to get under that dog pile!

Paige has captured the attention of both my boys at one time or another....

Good practice, boys.

Tag Team

2008-09-03T12:39:00.002-05:00

Landon isn't tall enough to ride Gary's "Green Machine" so Gary gives him a piggy-back if he's real nice...

Change of Direction

2008-08-28T08:28:00.005-05:00

Simmer down, now.... I think yall mis-understood the purpose of me posting Landon's "note home." I thought it was funny that he already had a note sent home from the teacher on the first day of school (especially since we know he's the "testy" one of our two kids). She's experienced in what she does and several years older than me. She's as sweet as honey and we love her (Landon included), but needs time to learn about Landon's personality. I deleted all the comments to the previous post. Let's give her a few more weeks before we wage a crucifixion!

Note from teacher #1 - Day #1

2008-08-26T12:16:00.004-05:00

Landon's art project from yesterday.

Dear Mrs. Fuxan,

No amount of "encouragement" can persuade Landon Wilson to do something he decides that he doesn't want to do which is usually the case with art projects. Incorporate a wheel or a motor into the project and you'll be speaking more his language...

Sincerely, his ever-encouraging mother

Landon's First Day

2008-08-25T14:09:00.010-05:00

"Look out Greenfield, Here I come!"..promising to add a splash of color to a bleak old school.

Cool as a cucumber

"Say dad, is it too late to turn back?"

They were both a little apprehensive about the playground...

Didn't take long to fit in..

King of the Playground in less than 5 minutes!

Is this the "in" or the "out" door?

S-U-C-C-E-S-S

"One potty trip down, a million to go!"

Landon and his teacher Mrs. Candy Fuxan (FYOOK-sin)

One last kiss for the road, so Daddy won't cry!

Moms

2008-08-25T10:21:00.002-05:00

Gary enjoys laughing at the kindergarten moms that are crying on the first day of school. We didn't get to see any this morning, so he just said, "You know, all those moms should be smiling instead of crying because they are getting a break from their kids!" I have no idea where he comes up with this crap!!!! He never ceases to surprise me! Landon started PreK-3 today (with a non-crying mom). I'll post pics as soon as I get time...

Happy Dirtday, Landon!

2008-08-23T20:32:00.015-05:00

We celebrated Landon's 3rd Birthday today with a dirt party. Here's a shot of the birthday boy and all the loot! You'll be seeing that blue shirt on the top left that says, "It's my brother's fault." pretty often, I'm sure!!

My masterpiece... I tweaked the "dirt cake" recipe traditionally served in a flowerpot with a daisy sticking out the top to fit our dirty theme.

" Hey Mom, Look at me, my eyes are crossed!" He's so used to being muddy, he was more excited about making faces at the camera than the fact that he was covered in mud. Another day, another dirt pile.

Ella Grace works on a muddy masterpiece.
The dirt party quickly turned to a mud bath when Gary filled his wagon with water and dumped it in the ditch. Can you say, "Slip-n-mudslide!"?

Braeden taking care of some serious business!

Noah - "So much dirt, so little time."

Brock - "Whachu lookin' at lady?!"

Amanda was the first to notice that girls and boys play VERY differently when given the exact same toys and setting. Ansley and Audrey were completely satisfied pulling wagons with no temptation whatsoever to get dirty.

Adrienne and Bailey finally indulged in a mud pedicure.

Now for the real fun... Before the kids arrived for the party, Randy (being the good dad that he is) decided to "fluff" the dirt since the recent rains had packed it down. He cut donuts all over the front yard with the Prowler.

Big Daddy wasn't satisfied....time to pull out the big-guns! Much to our neighbors delight (I'm sure) he continued his "work" with his truck! Out of all the kids at our house today he definitely had the most fun!

Thank you to everyone who came. You made our day memorable. If you didn't get a big enough does of "mudicine", please join us again. We'd love to have you come and play again. Landon's official birthday is tomorrow; but, he's having a hard time with "3". When you ask him how old he's going to be, his standard reply is, "All de manys!" which happens to be his "every number higher than two" number. So here's to "All the many"more fun birthdays!

Johnson Family Adventure

2008-08-19T11:13:00.005-05:00

For those of you missing Todd and Sarah Johnson, like myself, she's started a blog which you can find a link to under "Buddies" in the right-hand column on my blog. Drop them a line after you enjoy the slideshows on her blog.

No time for a real post, so here's a bit of work trivia...

2008-08-07T16:32:00.002-05:00

Trivia Question: Did you know? The oil barrel is 42 gallons, not 55 as commonly thought. Why did early oilmen choose the 42-gallon barrel to transport oil?

Trivia Answer: Although the 42-gallon barrel, a watertight cask, was passed down by standards before the days of England's King Richard III, when the 42-gallon barrel was full of oil, it weighed over 300 pounds and was as much as a man could reasonably maneuver for transport. A group of Oilmen in Titusville, PA. decided in 1866 that the 42-gallon cask would constitute a "barrel" of oil. The Petroleum Age, Vol. 3, No. 4 December 2006, www.aoghs.org.

I'm sure you will rest easier now that you've been enlightened by that note....

Touchdown!

2008-07-17T12:16:00.004-05:00

If your child is planning to play BPAR football this year, please note:
Registration Deadline
AUGUST 9, 2008!
This is about 10 days BEFORE school starts so be sure to go by the BPAR office and sign up! Forms can be printed here.
In honor of the 2008 football season, I asked Mrs. Debbie Flowers to design a Bucs purse for me which can be seen here. She's pretty awesome and loves taking "special orders". If you have something in mind, send her your ideas. I promise you won't be dissappointed!

Mid Summer Blues

2008-07-09T08:16:00.004-05:00

It appears that we all have the mid summer blues. Hardly anyone is updating blogs, myself included. So, what's been going on? I'm starting two new columns on my blog. One entitled "Snake Charmers" and the other simply "Tequitos".

Landon and Gary have a few too many rubber snakes (most of which look very real!) and they scare me or some other unsuspecting soul on a regular basis. Once you get over the initial shock of of a snake in your face, their laughter is pretty contagious. So, I'm going document their new 'surprise' locations for you. One, because I'm proud of their imagination and creativity (trying to look for the positive!) and two, so you will know where to be extra aware next time you visit.

Landon has taken a liking to tequitos. His favorite seem to be chicken and green chili, but he really loves them all. His speech has improved dramatically so I'm removing the "Learn the Language" column and replacing it with "Tequitos". He comes up with a new way of pronouncing it every time it comes out and it's so darn cute, I just have to share!

Someone's been spying on us!

2008-06-25T08:17:00.002-05:00

I thought we had made national headlines with this story on msn this morning:
7-year-old boy drives grandma's car to the mall
until I got to the end where the kid hit a car and some bushes. Gary's a much better drive than that!

Beach Bum

2008-06-24T11:36:00.000-05:00

Found this one in his stack of VBS Stuff...

Who is this kid?

2008-06-24T09:29:00.003-05:00

Last night after swimming, Landon stripped in the kitchen and climbed into his high-chair. He said, "I'm in my high tsair butt nekkid! I want some powdered donuts butt nekkid. I do dat all du time! I wiss (wish) I could sim (swim) butt nekkid!"
He never ceases to surprise me!

THIS is the day that The Lord hath made!

2008-06-19T13:31:00.004-05:00

I was posed with the question, "What is your favorite day of the week?" 'Stupid question,' I thought....until I started thinking. Monday is my favorite day b/c that's my 'come to work and rest from the wild weekend' day. Tuesday is my favorite day b/c that's Gary's piano lesson day and if traffic isn't too heavy, I get to listen to him and Mrs. Debbie "jam" for the last 10 minutes or so. Wednesday is my favorite day b/c that's choir practice day. Thursday is my favorite day b/c we don't ever have anything planned on Thursday evenings and we just hang out at home. Friday is my favorite day b/c the work week is over. Saturday is my favorite day b/c , duh, it's Saturday! My day off! Sunday is my favorite day b/c we get to go to church TWO TIMES! And rarely have anything planned in between services (another chill time). So, my final answer is, "My favorite day of the week is always TODAY-EVERYDAY!"

Outrigger Island

2008-06-19T08:18:00.002-05:00

The kids are having a great time at VBS this year. The theme is Outrigger Island. Gary comes home singing all sorts of "island" songs with "wiki wiki" and other cute sayings. Gary told me Monday that there were 299 children present and 29 in his class! Landon is having a great time too. Cathy Felicetty captured a few shots of Landon in the Outrigger Preschool Island Getaway for me. Thanks Cathy! Landon and a friend coming down the slide in our indoor playground
The Tourist

GGgggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.........

2008-06-11T11:55:00.002-05:00

Our "Economic Status Payment" is three weeks late now. After a little research via the automated system I found that they received our check back from the post office as "undeliverable". I now have a lunch date with, a banana, my blog, and the "on-hold" music from the IRS line.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-06-06T12:59:00.002-05:00

Gary is NOT having a big blow out birthday bash this year. We bribed him with gifts to forgo the party. So, please don't expect an invitation by mail, email, telephone, telepath, pigeon, paper airplane, fax, or horse drawn carriage. They don't exist! His birthday is Monday, by the way. But NO PARTY!!!!!!!!!

They DO love me!

2008-06-06T12:29:00.003-05:00

Randy, Gary, and Landon went out of their way to make my birthday wonderful yesterday. When I got home, (after I inspected the below posted episode of Trick my Truck) they greeted me almost ready for dinner. Gary only lacked shoes, Randy was almost dressed, and Landon had fixed his own hair, with cologne. Randy had showered him and dried his hair, but it was dripping wet (he was the cutest Gio model I've ever seen!) They had also bought me a "rest of 2008" membership to The Beach House. Apparently they decided that my self tanner was looking orange. They also bought me a GPS for the car that also is a wireless thingy for my phone. Thank you guys!!!!!!!!!! We had dinner at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro where Landon serenaded me (and the next table) with a "composed-on-the-spot" birthday piece that included the words: birthday, teetee, butt, pecker, and fart. It was about five minutes long! Randy also found a surprise when he paid. He gave the waiter an old Copeland's gift card that he'd almost thrown away b/c it only had 79 cents left on it. The waiter broke the news that it had $53 on it!!!!!!!! So we ate for $20!!!!!!!!! I LOVE those kinds of surprises!
Here's a rundown of the rest of my"loot". Money, new speakers for my 'puter (my old ones at work pick up some chinese radio station every afternoon!), money, serenity candle, hanging window angel, Cane's gift card, external hard drive to back up all my photos I almost lost last week, Outback gift card, Lifeway gift card, Beth Moore devotional, and lunch at Texas Street Tavern. And we're still partying!!!! Thank you everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trick My Truck

2008-06-06T08:04:00.003-05:00

Gary's got this worn-slap-out Power Wheels black Silverado that he's been toying with since it died several months ago. First, he and Randy motified the "motor" replacing the one little 12V battery with a car (or boat-I'm not sure) battery. I didn't get a video, but they looked something like this (<= click there for a demo). It was great fun while it lasted, but Randy became jealous and HAD to give it a spin. The poor litte gears and frame couldn't support his frame, so it's toast now. Before hauling it to the junk yard, Gary pulled out the tools and basically stripped it of "all the good stuff I might need one day" (Yea, we have another packrat in the family-as long as they keep their "nests" in the garage, I can manage). It sat dead and stripped in the driveway for another week, so yesterday, Gary decided to try his hand at visual customization (while I was at work of course-he got permission from Randy before he left for work). The old black truck is the new beauty you see below.

Flower Power

2008-06-02T06:15:00.005-05:00

This spring was my first attempt to tame the wild beast of an overgrown lily bed at the back porch. I pulled out about 100 bulbs and various over-grown plants and planted a few new things to add some color and stability (along with a fence to deter the dog...he's since laid on it and added his own touch of character) Not bad for "Assorted 3 gal. shrubs, $5" from Ellis Pottery. When I bought them a month ago, they were just a bucket of compacted green leaves!

Long weekend

2008-05-27T12:21:00.009-05:00

I hope you enjoyed your long Memorial Day weekend as much as we did :-) Here's our re-cap: Friday evening-Gary's end of the year piano "thing" (Don't freak out. You didn't miss a recital, it was just for her students...See Cross Music Studio blog for a cute pic of Gary showing his stuff for a group of middle schoolers). Friday Night- boys spent the night with great grandparents and Randy and I went to Texas Street Tavern (Yummm!!! We rarely EVER get a night without them, so it was much enjoyed!) Saturday-Randy and I "stole" a room of carpet and took it to the carpet-binder to be cut and bound into a rug (Randy wasn't as excited about this as I was/am!), spent the afternoon at M&P's and I still think we missed a birthday party Saturday evening but I couldn't find an invitation...(Sorry if it was yours!) Sunday a.m.-church, p.m.-church, in between services, Randy napped in his red chair for 4 hours and the kids put the sprinkler under the trampoline (kept them entertained for hours and watered my "grass"). Monday-mom and I took the boys to the Gator Park in Natchitoches. We got home about 4:30 to find Randy cleaning out the garage. Landon jumped out of the car, threw his arms out, and screamed, "Who did all dis mess?!" Kids wound up back on the trampoline (Good thing Randy & Gary put a new drain in our backyard b/c the sprinkler flooded it this time!) Gary started screaming, I ran to check and found Landon naked, bouncing..up down up down up down..."Landon, why did you take you shorts off?" "Because I wanted to!". Redress him, back to Randy's garage catastrophe. An hour later, same thing with Landon, redress, back to the garage. I went to Gammy's for a few minutes and came home to Gary in the street with a six-foot water moccasin! They had found it in the street and Randy chopped his head but he was still doing that twitching thing. Makes my skin crawl to even think about it!! Landon was as excited as Gary and Colton. He took off running up the driveway and returned with his rubber snake, squealing to make sure we were all scared. (This would be the same rubber snake that greeted me under my feet on my way to work this morning! Donna, you would have wrecked and taken out 10 cars on the interstate in process!)...enough with the snakes! We visited with the neighbors a bit more and laughed about Landon climbing on Gary new 4-wheeler and putting Gary's old helmet on. That is, we laughed until Landon cranked the bike! Dropped conversation with neighbor like a bad habit, took the key from Landon and went inside to fix supper. Came back outside and found Landon, naked AGAIN, this time in the front yard standing on top of his 4-wheeler screaming "pecker pecker pecker pecker...." re-dress for the umpteenth time today. Back to dinner...finally ate at 8:45, bathed the kids and they and I laid down about 9:30...Randy and Shawn were still cleaning OUT the garage and had no sight on moving things back IN. I don't know how much of my very important stuff that I haven't seen in a year that they took to the dump, but this morning my car was in the garage and everything was in a designated spot with LOTS of extra room. Good job guys! Today, it's hard to get much work done as my brain is resting from all the "stimulation" it received this weekend!

No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks!

2008-05-16T11:51:00.006-05:00

Well, almost. Their "official" last day is Wednesday, but awards and end of the year parties were today. " Can you PLEASE hurry and take this LAME picture?!"

For the record, Gary received awards for: A/B honor roll, Accelerated Reader, and BUG (bring up grades)

At least somebody was excited about Gary's awards.
Noah quickly claimed his spot when he got up for something or other...

"...and go get yourself some cheap sunglasses"

Part of their party included a water fight ("guns" aren't allowed at school, so they used heavy ammunition squirt bottles!)

From left: Riley, Gary, Maddie, and Abby in front.

Midnight Gardener

2008-05-15T12:24:00.005-05:00

Randy and I bought this house that seems to have been landscaped beautifully 5+ years ago, but has been 'let go' since. I keep reading "prune and fertilize azaleas in the spring right after they bloom and they'll be beautiful next year" so my plan was just that. Several weeks ago, I gave them all a "trim". It was so liberating once I got started that they ended up with the "first time you cut Barbie's hair when no one was looking" shaved head cut. But, they're supposed to be hearty enough to survive transplanting in full bloom so they ought to make it. I haven't had time to "fertilize and thoroughly water" yet..until now. Last night about 3 a.m. a sonic boom lightning bolt transitioned me from dead sleep to W-I-D-E awake in .00324 seconds! Amazingly, I had the best idea. "It's fixin' to rain. I should fertilize my azaleas NOW!" No way could I sleep after such a grand plan entered the picture, so Boomer (our Noble Protector who's scared of the rain) and I set out on our journey. By 3:30, we had fed every azalea and camellia bush in the front, back, and side yards. We settled back in to bed by about 4 a.m. with dreams of our own little Norton's Art Gallery right here in Haughton. I'll let you know if any brides stop to take photographs next year :-)

What's the last thing you expect to hear at a restaurant?

2008-05-13T08:15:00.002-05:00

"Mommy, my poopoo's comin' out!" My sincere apologies to the table next to us and every table in between us and the bathroom!!!!! But when he's gotta go, he's gotta go and he likes to share the experience! THAT'S why Landon's not allowed at nice restaurants!

More tidbits..
Randy brought home the new 4-wheeler for Gary without my permission and I didn't blow my lid, then came the dog (again without my permission) and I'm still working hard to keep my cool. But, I draw the line with reptiles and rodents. So yesterday when Gary asked, "Who bought us the new hamster?" I nearly lost it!!! When fire shot out of my nose and I broke a silent sweat he said, "Mom, who gets the new clothes hamster!" Thankfully, he meant hamper because he almost earned his daddy a one-way ticket to bachelorhood!

Gary's end of the year Bible Drill Party was last night at the bowling alley. Landon shared a lane with Joshua Sewell. They did a good job waiting their turn but I heard "Mommy, can I do it uuggghhh-gaaaay-yiiinnnn?" at least 100 times!

Curbside...at your service

2008-05-10T16:05:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Gary and I went to Six Flags as his reward for getting to the 100 point club (Accelerated Reader-read, test, and pass 200 books at school). I was running around at 7 in the morning making sure I didn't forget anything and told him to wait in the car. I finally gathered everything, headed out the front door (since Gary had already opened the garage door). THere was the car, backed up to the front door, running, with the GPS mounted on the front dash and set on Six Flags. I ran to thank Randy for backing out the car for me. He was in the bed and could only muster a faint "I didn't do it." Okay, so we must have acquired a ghost who was a valet parker in his former life b/c it was backed up perfectly! I went on to the car where I found Gary in the back seat grinning like a cheshire cat!
"Gary, who backed the car out?"
"I did :-) "
"Who gave you permission?"
"Noone."
"How did you know what to do?"
"Duh...I've been driving four wheelers for years AND I know how to drive the Prowler. It has Forward, Reverse, Park and Neutral just like your car AND a brake and gas pedal, AND the same steering wheel! I knew EXACTLY how to do it!"
"So how did you back out of the garage without hitting the truck?"
"Uugghhhh, Mom, I used the rear view mirror!"
"Well how did you get it turned around?"
(He's pretty disgusted with my questions by now) "MOM! I backed straight out of the garage, then turned and drove down to the bridge then put it in reverse and backed up to the door from there. Don't you know how to back your own car out?"
"Well how did you not hit the wagon or the steps?"
"I used the side mirrors, I'm not stupid!!" "
You did a good job, but you're NEVER allowed to drive my car again!!!!!"
"Okay. Can we go to Six Flags now?"

My plans were for him to at least get out of daycare before this "driving thing" started!! I guess that's what I get for trying to plan!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T10:06:00.001-05:00

As a mother of two boys, I had another one of those glimpses into the future when I watched this. Please accept this as my gift to you for Mother's Day. To my fellow "Mom's of Boys," I hope you laugh as hard as I did. Randy questioned whether it was appropriate to post, but if you're the lone female in a male dominated household, you learn to look past the crude humor...

Tag

2008-05-02T13:41:00.002-05:00

I entered a new tagline at the bottom of my blog for which I wish I could take credit, but it came as a fw: from that "someone somewhere in cyberspace". It was too good not to pick up and share though!

Makes a momma proud!

2008-05-01T20:11:00.002-05:00

Last night, Landon spoke (more like yelled) that famous redneck phrase that usually precedes the Grand Finale which lands the speaker a one-way ticket to the E.R......"Hey yall, watch this!" he proclaimed after busting open Gary's bedroom door. I held my breath...thankfully, his "trick" wasn't all that mentionable, but it did provide some credible foreshadowing of a not so far off event.

Oh I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener...

2008-04-28T16:04:00.004-05:00

Gary drew me this lovely little wienermobile this weekend. Last night, we found it in the fridge. After quizzing him and Randy to find out why/who put it in there, Landon finally threw his hands up and yelled (at us like we were idiots for freaking out) "I did...It's a hot dog!" Duuhhhh, where else should a hot dog be kept?

Who let the dogs out?

2008-04-26T09:22:00.005-05:00

Boomer had his first play date with big sisters, Mozzie and Matilda, this morning.

They proved to be more than the kids could handle.
Typical sibling rivalry...2 against 1.

Happy Birthday Brooke!

2008-04-22T12:14:00.007-05:00

Landon and Gary were quick to find all the "boy" stuff at Brooke's 5th Birthday Party.

Of course as soon as Landon got on the Jeep, it was all over. Who cares if it's pink, it's got WHEELS!! The battery finally died, but it didn't stop Evil Knievel from showing out!!

One giant leap for mankind! (followed by 100 more!)

Disclaimer!!!!!

2008-04-21T08:19:00.001-05:00

I was not naked in the pic of Landon and me posted on Friday April 4. The strap to my shirt was under his arm!

We have a new baby!

2008-04-19T09:29:00.003-05:00

This is our newest addition, Boomer. As I've stated before, one day I'd like to have a member of our household that doesn't pee everywhere! Gary and Boomer fell head over heel for each other from moment one. They are becoming quite a pair!
Landon and Boomer have come to the agreement that "we'll be friends if you stay in your space and I stay in mine!" Landon commands in his most authoritative voice, "Puppy, you don't tee tee in our house!" and "No, puppy, those are Gary's crocs. Don't eat dem!" or "No! That's MY toy!" and not to leave out, "Puppy, don't bite me!"

I'm still here

2008-04-17T12:28:00.003-05:00

I've just been plagued with technical issues. If/when I replace my brand new card reader that Landon already broke, I'll fill in with some pics. Until then, I'll leave you with another video :)
Click Here to hear another choir sing the song that our H-Town Worship Team (Youth Choir) presented last night and received a standing ovation!! They were AWESOME!!

The Light shines a little brighter today.

2008-04-05T08:01:00.002-05:00

I was working on a project last night and kept coming back to this song (unfortunately a song isn't what I was searching for) but I want to share. I couldn't find James Stalder singing it with the FBC Haughton Praise Choir (which is the best version), but The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir runs a close second.
CLICK HERE for "The Light of that City"

After 106 years of life, Randy's great-grandmother, Hattie McLemore, was welcomed home yesterday morning by our Father with open arms proclaiming, "Well done my good and faithful servant." If I had to guess, I'd bet she's running up and down those streets of gold that Gary says gives the sky that amber glow that peeps through the clouds sometimes if you look real hard.

2008-04-04T15:29:00.002-05:00

This one is for my own personal benefit and to remind me that he doesn't cry and pitch fits ALL the time. I don't know what turned our tickle boxes over, but his laugh is mighty contagious!

And......They're OFF!!!!!!

2008-04-04T14:33:00.006-05:00

Mud Nationals is this weekend. Randy left Wednesday to seek out a good spot to set up camp. Gary followed after school yesterday with Haley and her mom. As you can see...Gary is VERY proud of his new wheeler (top left) and Landon WILL NOT be left behind (far right "driving" the Prowler) with his own "butter" in the bed (look close!) Nine bikes on this load, and my bet is that at least half will come home broken! I talked to them today and the rain isn't slowing them down, but the cold caught them by surprise. I'll have the car packed with warm clothes tomorrow. What would kids (husbands included) do without moms running to the rescue!?

By the way, how does our yard look after having 70 trees cut? You can see a tiny hint of blue to the far right...that's our house!

Happy Easter!!

2008-04-01T13:31:00.002-05:00

Here's your photo, Donna! It looks like one of us was traumatized as a child during annual family Easter Photos! hahaha This was definitely the best and most memorable Easter of My life!!! Gary was baptized!!!!

Just in case

2008-03-26T11:25:00.003-05:00

I just received a nice awakening. I was randomly perusing the Bossier Assessor's site and noticed that our house had not claimed homestead exemption. I immediately called Randy who made a bee-line to the assessor's office to straighten out the matter. He explained to them that our title company had filed the forms for our homestead exemption. She said, "they tell people that all the time, but they don't even have the forms!" After a little sweet-talking (which is Randy's forte') she backdated our homestead exemption and is crediting our escrow account with the overage that was paid last year (a pretty nice chunk of change!). Thank you, nice assessor's office lady! If you didn't receive a homestead exemption card in the mail last month, you might want to check and make sure yours is filed correctly.

Nighty Night...Sleep Tight

2008-03-17T13:03:00.003-05:00

Landon has developed an interest in Bob the Builder. No harm in that. Gary loved Bob, too. I asked him if he watches it at school and Randy innocently said, "No, it's on YouTube." (which Landon and Randy look at each evening before going to bed). Last night I discovered the real fascination behind "Bob." So, I can handle that. Bob is a pretty cute rock star. But later on, I was awakened by "Spongebob"...... Our "going to bed routine" is in the reorganization phase--effective immediately!

See ya!

2008-03-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

Landon is at that "talking" age and gets funnier every day! Gary's tried to teach him, "See ya, wouldn't want to be ya!" so Landon says, "Don't wanna see ya, don't wanna be ya!"

Top Notch Artist

2008-03-11T13:27:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to Mr. Gary Wilson who scored a rating of Superior from a panel of judges that he played for at Broadmoor Baptist's Hymn Festival. In just a few short weeks he mastered "Come Thou Almighty King" and dazzled his audience with a stunning performance. Be sure to ask for an encore next time you see him!

Chronic Lyricosis

2008-03-06T10:27:00.002-06:00

Flashback...mid 80's when everyone listened to "Tux 99" with Shotgun Ken Shepherd and Bobby Cook...they used to play an episode in the mornings about folks with "chronic lyricosis" (people who messed up the words to songs)

Apparently, my children suffer from this narrowing disease! Gary loves the disco song "Shake your groove thang, shake your groove thang, yea yea!" but insists on singing "Shake your booty shake your booty, yea yea!" Landon "copied" him the other day and sang, "Shake your booty shake your booty, e-i-e-i-o!"

Got these tidbits from Maw (my mom) today

2008-03-05T13:21:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we were outside and Landon wanted to know what a noise was. I told him I didn't know and he said it was that big old dishwasher. I asked him what dishwasher and he pointed at the air conditioner, which was running, and said that big old dishwasher.

Landon keeps asking where his house is when we are riding in the car. I tried to teach him "Taylor Bend" but I think that for a while your house is going to be on "Tater".

If this is what they're doing in 2nd grade...

2008-03-05T11:11:00.006-06:00

When this number is subtracted from 85, it gives you a
difference with a 0 in the ones place. What is the number?
A. 20
B. 30
C. 15
D. Not Here

...what's going to be left for college? AND WHO'S going to be able to help Gary with his home work in middle school????!!!

*by the way, the answer is C

Ephesians 4:17-32

2008-02-26T16:29:00.005-06:00

If you don't have time to read and study this passage in it's entirety, come back when you do have time.

This weekend, Gammy and I were discussing a particular Bible verse that was referenced in a book she was reading. I turned to it and read what I thought was it (I was in the wrong chapter). I'm convinced that the Holy Spirit led me to this passage instead as it was exactly what I needed to hear. (I did finally find the verse I was originally looking for which was as clear to me as mud!) Even though I've heard this before and had written notes in the margin of my Bible beside it, I believe God purposefully led me to this scripture on this day.

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

lemons and dogs

2008-02-23T20:21:00.006-06:00

This was a sad looking but mostly bored couple of boys this afternoon!!! They hung off the bridge and stared at what should be a stream running beneath, but even it is dried up!

The day started out in the dumps when Gary's basketball team got creamed early this morning. Then we had to try 3 restaurants before we found one that could seat 12 of us. We got home just after lunch and heard the ice cream truck. Gary ran to find $2 for him and Landon, but the ice cream guy never showed. We tried to ride the lawn mower, but the key is lost. Landon finally went to sleep, Gary delved into some kind of art project, and I started picking up sticks in the yard. I tried to light the pile I accumulated after two hours, but typical of the day, it wouldn't light. I gave up, took the matches in, and started to rake in the back yard. About 30 minutes later, I went back around front and Gary had a 20 foot high blaze going!!!! He kept messing with it and was finally able to make it burn! (He must get that from his mawmaw :-) ) From there, we turned our "lemons into lemonade"!!

Bear roasting a weenie for Landon.

mmmmmm my favorite kind of dogs!

Landon wants NO part of the "pire" (fire) but NEVER passes up a chance to eat!

G admiring his work.

"Take my picture too!!"

Kidz Blitz Live

2008-02-23T20:09:00.002-06:00

Kidz Blitz made it's way to FBC Haughton last night. As a church, we've been preparing for this for a while. This "high octane" event was dark, loud (kids and music) and a TON of fun!!! Basically it's a Christian gameshow much like the old Double Dare on Nickelodeon. Here's a couple of shots of the kids after it was over.

Landon didn't know what to make of all the excitement!

Gary brought along his friend Austin White.

One lucky man!

2008-02-16T20:27:00.009-06:00

Randy is a sucker for chocolate covered cherries and even stole two from our preacher last week!! He was too cheap to bid on them himself at the children's dessert auction, but had to have one...or two. Gary and I went to the grocery store today and bought all the supplies for what I think was a successful 1st attempt. Ours weren't near as pretty, but they were pretty darn good and the love was oozing out the top! I'm not a regular candy maker and melted WAY too much chocolate which allowed us to get creative.

Lord Randall and his confectionary delights!

He was so excited about his chocolate covered: cherries, bananas, and popcorn!

2008-02-14T08:34:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-12T15:41:00.001-06:00

If you haven't already thrown away your old phone books, Gary's school is collecting them for a fund raiser. Send them our way and we'll get them to the school.

Good Game Guys!

2008-02-09T14:26:00.000-06:00

Gary is playing basketball this year for the first time. It's been a learning experience for all of us, but fun nonetheless!

All this back /forth /back /forth/ offense /defense stuff makes my head spin!! I'm amazed that any of them know where to go!

Swoosh!
Twice during the game, each team lines up and every kid gets a try from the free throw line. Gary scored a point for the team both times :-)

1-2-3 BUCS!!!
Todays win put them at 3 & 0

2008-02-08T11:32:00.001-06:00

Randy is a great dad and all, but you gotta draw the line somewhere! The other morning Landon told me "Bye Homey!" then looked straight at Randy for approval. He followed up with "Bye Honkey" to Gary!!!!! and again cut his eyes and shot a huge grin at Randy. Obviously something they've been cooking up!

Mommy's sweet dream : Daddy's worst nightmare

2008-02-01T10:42:00.000-06:00

**Not for weak stomachs**

Randy had to 'babysit' last night while I enjoyed a 3 hour beauty shop appointment. His duties were to feed them and complete Gary's homework. Gary called me at 7:30 p.m. begging for hotdog buns because he was STARVING! I stopped at Brookshires to grab a few things and prepared myself to enter the male inhabited homestead. Randy was in the chair with his 'puter, Landon was laying upside down in his Elmo chair watching tv and Gary ran to meet me and help with the groceries. He stopped in the laundry room to warn me that "Daddy is in a bad mood because I didn't know all my spelling words, Landon pooped in his underwear, and Landon broke a new bottle of juice all over the floor." That child is wise beyond his years!!! Gary fixed his own hotdogs (he must've really been starving!) and Landon grabbed two from the package then handed me 1 1/2 and requested, "mommy, toot 'em". I popped his in the micro just long enough to take the chill out. While they ate, Randy explained that Landon had a nasty accident in his underwear and he, unknowingly, stuck both hands all the way in to check. (Mistake #1) Needless to say, it wasn't pretty!! *Lesson for all the fathers, only grab the tip top of the waistband and pull out real far so you can peek in before tackling accidents. You'll get burned with the touchy-feely method every time! The kids finished and Randy and I got our dog's cooked. While we ate, Landon came to Randy pointing to his neck saying, "My tummy hurts." Randy laughed it off b/c he didn't look or act like he was in pain. (Mistake #2) Landon climbed onto the chair beside Randy and said, "Daddy, I doe potty!!!!!" He wanted NOTHING to do with me, so I let the men do their thing. From the bathroom I heard, "OH [expletive sometimes meaning poopoo]!!!!!!" I laughed till I cried. As Gary used to say, "Landon had black water coming out of his booty!" and Randy had stuck both hands in AGAIN! (Mistake #3) By the time I got there, Randy was gagging, but Landon still wanted nothing to do with me. I tried my best to help them with the mess and we all called it a night. That had to be the best hair appointment I've ever had!

**Editor's note, if Randy weren't such a fantastic, hands-on father, I couldn't have found this to be so comical.

Double Diamond Bunny Slopes

2008-01-26T11:54:00.000-06:00

Randy figured out that the landing was much softer if you headed OFF the trail to the unpacked powder (about 3' deep) whilst giving new meaning to the term "snowman"Lunch on the mountain at TenMile Station

Our condo was at Snowflake lift making slope access instant.

Taking a break at the bottom before heading back up to Four-o'clock Run.

Mike (snowboard), Robin (Red), Jermey (grey), & Amanda (blue) at Tenmile again, on the mountain between Upper and Lower Lehman trails.

We spent one evening in town shopping.

The weary and worn group on our way to the airport

Goodbye Rockies (out my plane window)

We're baaaaaaacckkk!

2008-01-22T20:22:00.001-06:00

I'm SO glad to be back to reality. Gary and I have had the flu since Friday and for the first time in days, feel almost normal. At one point, we would have gladly thrown the towel in (if we'd had the energy raise a finger) and let the flu claim it's victory over us. Thankfully, Tamiflu brought us through and the sun is finally shining in our house again. Gary and I are getting back to our usual early morning rush rush routine tomorrow. At last count, over half his class was absent last Friday with flu symptoms. I just thought I was doing myself a favor by sleeping with Gary last week to avoid Randy's cold. I would much rather have had the cold!

ABC's & 123's

2008-01-22T19:56:00.000-06:00

Please bear with our background. I don't have much opportunity to capture him sitting still! Press the little triangle play "button" at the bottom left corner of EACH video clip.