The Jennings Boys

A Couple of January Happenings

2012-02-01T23:31:00.003-06:00

Last Sunday we went to the Children's Theatre at the Arkansas Arts Center. We have been to a few plays before and they are always so good! We really need to try to go more. Some friends won the bid on six tickets at a silent auction and asked Ramsey and I and another friend and mom to join them. Of course we said yes and were excited to see Goldilocks and Little Red Riding Hood. It was a CRAZY hilarious play that we all enjoyed!

Thanks H. for inviting us!

The Children's Theatre is always fun! The two plays left in this season are "A Mouse Goes to School" and "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". Maybe we will get to see another sometime soon.

John didn't mind staying at home with Corey and James while Ramsey and I went to the play. John got to ride his bike! Corey took John's training wheels off so he has been showing off his skills. Yay! John! So proud of you! They rode bikes, went on a long bike ride in the bike trailer while Corey rode and played and played. I think John was excited to have Corey almost to himself.

Corey spotting John.

These two have been two peas in a pod lately. With Ramsey at school all day and as James has gotten older, they have had a real chance to bond. James loves his older brother and John thinks James is hilarious! Today James came to me and said, "John's crying. He's sad. Come here." Then he motioned for me to go to John's room. I went in and asked John what was wrong and he said, "I'm sad." James said, "Why?" It was because a Lego car he was working on broke. My point is that James was so sweet and was so concerned about John. He is growing up, talking in complete sentences and just seems older lately. It's bittersweet! John is so good with James (most of the time). He is helpful and eager to show James new things. James definitely has his two year old moments but it has been fun to watch them lately. Brothers.

Build-A-Bear

2012-01-29T23:52:00.000-06:00

About a week ago, James got to pick out his Build-A-Bear from Berry! Ramsey and John also have Build-A-Bear's from Berry they received a few years ago. They still sleep with them and are a very important part of the Jennings family! This time it was James' turn! He picked out the cutest Koala!

Here he is stuffing his Koala. Then he gave him a beating heart and he was ready!

John helped James give him a bath.

James was so excited!

So Beary proud of his Build-A-Bear, Wala Koala! Wala got a Razorback t-shirt and a football. Can you tell that James loves him? He has slept with him every night since and is very protective of him. He likes to say, "Where's Wala?"

This is James' first night with him. James was nice to give Berry the daybed in his room so he slept in the pack-in-play. He also sleeps with "paci bear". It has an actual paci in it's mouth. James loves him too.
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FLASHBACK

Ramsey's Build-A-Bear is a dinosaur. A triceratop to be exact. He named him Chicot and we have no idea where he got that name. It was also the day he got his cast at three years old. Poor baby!

Here's John with his Build-A-Bear, the monkey, George. Sorry for the blurry picture.

The day John got George. See George laying in the bed? John had moved to his big boy bed so he got to go to Build-A-Bear.

Thanks Berry for Chicot, George, and Wala! They are special little animals for three special little boys!

Gypsy Soup

2012-01-26T17:00:00.001-06:00

This is my new favorite soup! It is perfect on a day like today...cold, rainy, January. I've had this recipe in my recipe book for 10 years, but didn't make it until a few weeks ago. Someone had given me the recipe when I was getting married along with a crock pot to go with it. I'm ashamed to say that it has taken me this long to make this delicious soup. At this point I've now made it three times this month! It is basically fat free and full of great veggies plus chick peas for some good protein. It is so good for you that you can get away with making the Pioneer Woman's skillet cornbread to go along with it!

Gypsy Soup

28 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 c. chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 stalk celery, chopped (I used two stalks.)

2 c. peeled diced sweet potatoes. (Cut them into about one inch pieces. I probably use more than 2 cups.)

1 tsp salt

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp curry powder

1 tsp basil

pinch of cinnamon

pinch of cayenne pepper

1 bay leaf

3 c. water

1 bell pepper

1 can chick peas, drained and rinsed

Saute onion, garlic, celery and sweet potatoes in olive oil for 5 minutes. Add salt. Saute 5 minutes more. Add seasonings, bay leaf and water. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes. Add tomatoes, bell pepper and chick peas. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until veggies are as tender as you like.

I cook this a lot longer. It tastes more flavorful to me. It is also better the next day! Add a dash of Tabasco if you like! I do! I have doubled the recipe to make more for leftovers! Serve with cornbread...

Pioneer Woman's Skillet Cornbread

1 cup Yellow Cornmeal
1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1 cup Buttermilk
1/2 cup Milk
1 whole Egg
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 cup Shortening
2 Tablespoons Shortening

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Stir together.
Measure the buttermilk and milk in a measuring cup and add the egg. Stir together with a fork. Add the baking soda and stir.
Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork until combined.
In a small bowl, melt 1/4 shortening. Slowly add melted shortening to the batter, stirring until just combined. In a cast iron skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons shortening over medium heat. Pour the batter into the hot skillet. Spread to even out the surface. (Batter should sizzle.)
Cook on stovetop for 1 minute, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Edges should be crispy!

Pinewood Derby

2012-01-17T22:56:00.000-06:00

Ramsey had his Pinewood Derby with the Cub Scouts about a week ago. He and Corey worked hard on his car. They sanded, sawed, painted, drilled, and weighed the car until they thought it was just right. While it didn't win (there were 32 other cars), it did very well. It raced several times and won a couple of races and came in 2nd a few times. I was proud of Ramsey and Corey!

Ramsey loves his car. He wanted it to be silver with blue wheels. He then wanted to put decals on it. He was uncertain of exactly what stickers he wanted until he saw these. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a couple different themes I thought he might like. He was thrilled with this set of decals. It won hands down to him...Turbo Ram! He loved that is said his name and had Rams on it.

When it was Ramsey's turn to race, the announcer called out Ramsey's name along with three other boys. The Scouts were chanting "Ram-sey!" "Ram-sey!" over and over. It was so sweet. After his car won the first race, I looked for Ramsey and saw that his face was bright red and he had his hood on his head. Such a humble winner. :)

Ramsey's first race. Unfortunately you can't see his car because it is first! Ha!

His second race...Ramsey's car neck in neck with another car! It was a photo finish!

Siblings!

Ramsey with the winner! His friend, Will! Although Ramsey didn't win, he was so proud of Will. Out of 33 cars, Will came in first place!

B-Ball!

2012-01-16T17:08:00.000-06:00

It is that time of year again! Basketball season! Ramsey loves basketball and I think it is one of his favorite sports. He especially loves it this year because his Daddy is the coach! Six of his friends also play on the team with him, so he is in Heaven. Corey is so great and patient with the kids and it is fun for me to watch! They have had two games so far. I haven't taken a lot of pictures because I have James to control and keep off the court. This can be challenging at times. Hopefully I'll have a lot of pictures to show soon.

Waiting on the buzzer for their turn to go in...funny how a couple of kids have their ears plugged.

Coach Corey and Coach Matt herding the boys to line up after the game.

Papa Duke, Mama Duke, JJ and Adam came to the first game then we went to eat with them afterwards.

The boys and I gathered up some of our old small toys for Papa Duke and Mama Duke to take to Panama at the end of the month. They will be giving them out to the the kids after Papa Duke gives them their check ups, shots, etc. Here they are showing off the toys they are sending to the kids. (No John is not sending his ipod :)) Papa Duke is part of a team of doctors that travels to remote villages in Panama close to the Colombian border to give medical treatment to the very, very poor. Ramsey and John also gave them a piggy bank full of coins they had been collecting for the children in panama.

Ramsey and Aunt JJ (Jamie). I've always thought they looked alike. We are with her and Adam so much that I take it for granted and don't get a lot of pictures of them. I've said this before but I'm going to try to do better about that. Jamie will be having a baby in July and we are very excited to have another little one around here!

Bop and Berry came for Ramsey's second game. We went out to eat then they came over to visit for a while. The basketball season is off to a great start!

New Years

2012-01-16T15:29:00.000-06:00

For New Year's Weekend we went to Hot Springs. Corey and I went to dinner while the boys stayed with Bop and Berry. We had a fun time during our low key New Year's Eve!

Bop and Ramsey playing Guess Who?!

While Berry and John cooked.

Corey and I headed to dinner. MUCH needed time alone!

When we got back from dinner, the boys were still awake. We brought them hats and fun things to celebrate the New Year.

Ramsey, John and I were the only ones that made it to midnight. Ramsey became so tired and grouchy! John and I were all smiles until 2012!

The next morning we played outside. The lake water is lowered in the winter so the boys had fun playing in the rocks.

Usually this is covered in water.

Water is usually almost up to the top of this wall. The boys loved exploring these areas without water!

Our New Year's dinner was so yummy! Black-eyed peas, cabbage, cornbread and lima beans. A good way to start the new year!

Doctor for a Day

2012-01-11T16:59:00.003-06:00

Over Christmas break, Ramsey went to visit Papa Duke and got to go to work with him one day. Papa Duke is a pathologist with some really interesting stories! His day to day work consists of studying the body and diagnosing diseases at a celluar level under a microscope. He also has performed forensic pathology work and has served on the board of the Arkansas State Crime Lab. He has determined causes of deaths, testified as an expert witness at the trial of the high profile murder case known as the West Memphis Three, performed tons and tons of autopsies and diagnosed many, many illnesses. I will not attempt to tell anymore about his work, I just find it extremely fascinating. He is also very helpful in making me feel better when I ignorantly diagnose myself or kids with a terrible illness. This happens from time to time. :) Call Papa Duke, he'll know!

Ramsey was amazed and interested in all they did that day. He literally worked with him ALL day. Papa Duke said he stayed very focused, he asked lots of questions, and got to see so many things!

Ramsey is learning about fungus and bacteria.

Infections!

Checking out a gall bladder that had been removed from someone and sent to pathology! I don't think Ramsey flinched at any of this. He loved it!

Putting on his gloves to examine other organs.

In Papa Duke's office, Ramsey looked through one side of the microscope and Papa Duke looked through the other. Ramsey spent time seeing bone marrow and cancer under the microscope. They would also check out different things in the book first and then look at it under the microscope. He saw some rare things and even Papa Duke was impressed with his ability to find them. Ramsey was excited to tell me how powerful that microscope is. He thought that was so cool! If you're waiting on test results, they could come here...to Papa Duke's office!

Time for a hot chocolate break! Ramsey also ate lunch with Papa Duke in the Doctor's Lounge.

Learning how to prepare a slide. He also spent time in the blood bank, hemotology, and chemistry lab. He watched how automated machines count blood cells and measure chemicals in the blood.

Ramsey also got to examine a brain, lung, placenta and uterus!!! You saw what? Yes, Ramsey told me about a uterus. Oh my! I think my eyes almost popped out of my head as he was describing a uterus to me. I don't know why. Maybe my immaturity! Ramsey was very matter of fact when he talked about the organs, diseases, cancers, and bacteria he saw that day. From holding worms when he was two years old to holding gall bladders when he is seven...he seems very interested in science. He's curious, obedient, and a sponge. I am thankful he has the opportunity to learn about these things in a way most seven year olds can't. He was upset when he couldn't work with Papa Duke the next day (Saturday). He learned so much and wanted to learn more. I think he also liked the attention he got from all the doctors and staff. His words to me were, "I REALLY enjoyed it, Mommy." With a huge smile on his face! He can't wait to go back again and I'm pretty sure that Papa Duke enjoyed having a little side kick around too! Thanks Papa Duke for a great day!

Up and Running!

2012-01-10T00:42:00.000-06:00

Our technical difficulties are over for now! I've posted a couple of new Christmas posts since everything has been working again. I back dated them so scroll on down so you don't miss anything. Working on more posts! Lots to share!

Technical Difficulties

2012-01-06T09:25:00.000-06:00

I have so much to post! Unfortunately we've had technical difficulties the last few days. Our ATT Uverse has been down. Apparently the modem crashed so that has meant no home phone, WiFi Internet access, or TV! It has only been since Wednesday, but it feels like longer! A new modem has been overnighted to us and should be here today! I'm looking forward to posting some great adventures such as, Christmas Day, a surprise visit to Hope, New Year's, and "Doctor for a Day" when Ramsey got to go to work with Papa Duke and be a pathologist! He LOVED it. Look forward to sharing all that and more soon! One of my New Years Resolutions is to keep up with my blog better. I feel that when I don't post every other day or so, I lose some of the details that were so important, funny or sweet at the time. I hope it will last! I guess I need to get started first!!!

Love Grows Here

2011-12-31T23:56:00.000-06:00

Since we left the cabin on Christmas day, Corey had the idea to head to Hope and see my side of the family on Christmas Day too. I said yes! We can surprise them! We have an every other year schedule so they had no idea this would happen. We drove four hours to surprise them and say Merry Christmas Day! Gray knew we were coming, but Mom and Dad were quite surprised! John walked in first and Berry (mom) stood there with her mouth wide open! I had talked to her a few hours before and told her we had not left the cabin yet.

The grandkids gave Bop and Berry this plate. I thought it turned out so good.

The kids did such a good job on their handprints and were sooo cooperative that day! Berry and Bop loved it and are putting it in their kitchen.

We got there just in time for dinner and poppers!

The boys played a little foosball!

John sang Feliz Navidad for everyone. He will pull out a serious performance at a moments notice. Love him!

My Uncle Bruce and Aunt Christina were there with two of their kids, Sarah and Nicholas. Unfortunately we missed David and his family because of a bug they had.

The boys loved playing with Nicholas. I'm sure he was worn out. They were all over him!

Ramsey and John ended up staying with Bop and Berry for a couple of days. Corey, James and I went back home late that night. Fun times and a great end to Christmas 2011!

Santa Was Here!

2011-12-31T23:50:00.002-06:00

Look what Santa left! Lots of cool toys! The Star Wars sleeping bags were actually from Bop and Berry.

What does Santa get the third little boy of the family? A little boy that already has everything his big brothers have passed down? Every riding toy, remote control toy, games, and trucks and balls galore? He thought really hard and came up with some cute stuff! The Tickle Monster book was one of James' favorites! I'm so glad Santa brought it. I've wanted to get it for a long time!

James got his own bean bag from Bop and Berry. He loves it! Now he doesn't have to share with Ramsey and John.

One thing John so wished for was this Pirates of the Caribbean Lego ship. The Black Pearl to be specific!

They were thrilled to receive these! They both had Ipods at the top of their list. When Ramsey didn't see it in his stocking, I could tell he was disappointed. It was a little sad. :( John was so excited about everything else that he didn't notice that Santa had not brought an Ipod. A few minutes later Ramsey said to John, "Let's see what is in this box." It was neat! They were happy!

Christmas morning pajama picture.

James loves this little Elmo play-doh thing! We have played with it a lot!

Foosball from Papa Duke and Mama Duke. They love this too!

James loves this new train from Papa Duke and Mama Duke. He takes it apart and puts back together over and over. Then he pulls it for a little while before changing it up again. So cute!

James and Papa Duke talking about coffee. Ha!

Quick pic with Sanet's girls, Kristi and Heather before they left!

And a pajama pic with Aunt JJ and Uncle Adam!

We got ready Christmas Day and left the cabin by 2:00. While we were packing up, Ramsey and John were roaming around the many acres of land. By themselves, yes, but Ramsey is seven and pretty level headed so it was fine. :) Corey and I were packed and ready so I went to find the boys. I came to the top of a hill and looked down the other side and saw John sitting on Milkshake by himself. Just sitting there....

James ran straight over to Milkshake and I asked, "How did you get up there?" He told me Ramsey helped him, but I didn't see Ramsey. I looked on down the hill and I saw Ramsey standing with Don, the donkey. Oh my! I wish I could have seen Ramsey trying to put John on Milkshake's back. Poor Milkshake, he's such a good sport.

Do you see the boys down by the river with Don?

Thanks Papa Duke and Mama Duke for a great Christmas!

Merry Christmas from all of the Jennings!!!

We had a great time Christmas Day. It all went way too fast. The boys were at such great ages this Christmas. Everything was magical to them and I enjoyed watching at every moment. Ramsey and John are old enough to know why we celebrate Christmas and are very serious about the birth of Jesus. They are inquisitive about Jesus' birth and I love hearing them talk about our Lord that loves them so much! James finally understood the whole Santa thing this year. He is pure joy to me. I love my little family with all my heart. I just wish we could ALL stay this age forever!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-31T00:50:00.019-06:00

We traveled to the cabin in the woods for Christmas this year. We spent it with Corey's side of the family and the boys are always glad to go to "the cabin" for the holidays.

These couple of pictures of James and Papa Duke were actually taken on the 23rd when we had just arrived. James and Papa Duke are drinking coffee. James is really drinking half and half with a splash of coffee. He loved it! They had there "coffee" each day we were there!

On Christmas Eve we had a horse ride scheduled around lunch time. I got up and cooked breakfast of poppy seed ham and Swiss rolls before we headed out. James seemed excited before the ride but the minute he got on the horse he started whining. Then crying. Then saying he wanted to get down. I felt so sorry for Corey, but I was also laughing hysterically at them. James would not face forward and sit in the saddle so Corey had to hold him while trying to ride the horse. Meanwhile, I had the perfect horseback riding partner! Ramsey had listened very carefully to everything the instructor told him and he followed the rules to perfection. I got reprimanded by Ramsey a few time for not holding the reigns just right. Ramsey is my rule follower!

Ramsey and I ready to go on Stormy!

A little reminder on the trail for the reason for the season!

Are we having fun yet? Sorry the pictures are blurry. It could have been because I was riding a horse while trying to take picture or maybe it was because I was laughing so hard at Corey's attempt to hold a two year old while steering a horse. Luckily these horses were well trained because Corey said he didn't even hold on to the reigns most of the time and just hoped "Dillon" would be OK steering himself!

At the end of the ride, Corey finally got James to turn around for a couple of pictures.

James' overalls came unbuttoned, his diaper looks full, his boots came off before we even started, and Corey's arm looks so tired! I hope James enjoyed his first horseback ride! His sweet daddy never complained and just laughed about it!

John rode Big Mac with Uncle Adam. John talked Adam's ear off. Adam said he didn't stop talking the entire time. :)

After we finished riding, we got to visit with and feed some carrots to the other horses and ponies. We still had not seen Milkshake though. Ramsey's favorite pony gets to roam wherever he pleases with his friend, Don the Donkey.

This pony is "Casper". See the ghost on his side.

This is Israel. Sweet Donkey. He loved those carrots. We saved a few carrots in case we saw Milkshake and Don. Where could they be?

When we got back to our cabin, there they were! Milkshake and Don in the front yard! We were so excited!

John quickly got the carrots out to feed Milkshake.

While I do love Don, I wanted a picture of the boys with just Milkshake. I was trying to move Don out of the way and he was not having it. Every time I turned around he was right in my face. By the end of the weekend, Ramsey was saying, Mommy I know Don is your favorite! He was so sweet and funny too!

Ramsey is laughing at Don and me!

Ramsey adores this sweet pony and could be found outside by himself talking to him and petting him. He stood outside with him until almost dark Christmas Eve.

John horsing around with Papa Duke and Mama Duke.

Ramsey is very serious about feeding "Don" apples while his crazy mother is on the back of Don having a good 'ole time. Ramsey and Don are totally ignoring me! This is at the front porch of our cabin.

Later in the afternoon, some of our crew went on a hike to Goat's Cave. I was not one of them. I would have loved to have gone, but I stayed back with James and John. I put James down for a nap and just relaxed with John, Jamie, Sanet and Kristi. From the pictures, it looks like a neat place!

Corey said to be glad I didn't go because Ramsey climbed some scary stuff! Thanks Corey for letting me know!

This is from the opening of the cave.

It was pitch dark in there!

A bat!

Ramsey crawling through the cave.

He, of course, loved every minute of it!

Again, it was so dark in there!

How did my baby get there? And how will he get down?

When Ramsey got back from the hike, he found Milkshake not too far from our cabin and loved on him some more!

Ramsey telling Milkshake goodnight and Merry Christmas on Christmas Eve. It was getting dark outside, but it was so hard for Ramsey to leave him. I heard him say, "Your coat will keep you warm tonight." My sweet, sweet Ramsey.

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FLASHBACK!!!

Ramsey's first time to meet Milkshake. Five years ago! Thanksgiving, 2006.

With Milkshake in 2009.

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After a full day, we took showers and got ready for Christmas Eve dinner....

Thanks to Sanet, Heather, Kristi and Jamie for the yummy food. I contributed a homemade pumpkin pie!

After dinner, Carolers came to our door! John was proud to sing along!

Next it was time to sprinkle the reindeer food on the front yard. The boys ready to put it in just the right spot! Don't they look precious in their Christmas pajamas? Thanks again Berry!

Ramsey and John did a good job with the reindeer food while James danced around on the front porch.

Before bedtime the boys said good-bye to Junior. It is always sad for me to see them say good-bye. I know the magic of Christmas will soon be ending and we will not see him again until around Thanksgiving. Despite the fact they were so excited about Santa coming, the boys fell fast asleep that night. They were worn out! Although they never get to wake up at their house on Christmas, I wouldn't trade the memories we make each year for anything! They had smiles on their faces all day. It was truly a magical Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Day!

2011-12-26T23:58:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

From the Jennings Boys and Milkshake

A complete Christmas post coming soon!

Ramsey's School Christmas Fun!

2011-12-26T20:45:00.000-06:00

Ramsey had to go to school last Monday and half day on Tuesday. Monday they had Polar Express Day. They wore their pj's, watched Polar Express, drank hot chocolate, ate donuts and had lots of fun! Here he is before school that day in the oh so cute pj's that Berry and Bop got for the boys.

Ramsey's ticket to the North Pole!

The next day was Ramsey's school party. I went a little early and set up this reindeer food making station while the kids were gathered in the gym for a Christmas sing-a-long.

The kids went through the line and each made their own bag of Magic Reindeer Food. They loved using lots of glitter!

The kids giving their teacher her Christmas present. We all went in together and got her a big gift card from one of her favorite stores. Ramsey also got her a really cute wooden picture frame. She loved it!

The kids ate pizza!

This is the reading specialist at Ramsey's school. He is a huge Auburn fan and loves to let the kids know this. The kids LOVE him! Ramsey and Will gave him a super cute wooden Auburn Frame that read, "Visions of Bowl Games Danced in Their Heads". We put a picture of Will and Ramsey in it with their Razorback jerseys on. I forgot to take a picture of the frame :( but it was sooo cute. He got a good laugh and loved it!

I also brought the kids these big bells to wear around their necks. The kids thought they were great and talked about how they looked like they were "fresh from the sleigh". Ha!

Ramsey and his sweet teacher!

Ramsey's elf on the wall outside his classroom.

This is what he went by to color his elf.

Ramsey's ornament on the Jesse Tree.

The kids also took these snowman hand print ornaments home from their party. A few days before the Christmas party, I took these glass ornaments to his classroom and got a hand print from each child. I took them home to finish them and then gave them to the kids at the party. I've seen this done many ways before. Here is our version...

The girls were a little different with red and white polka dotted ribbon instead of the gingham. The parents really loved these! So easy and a really cute keepsake.

Whew! The school parties are over. I love all of that fun stuff but it is so exhausting trying to keep up with it all.

Christmas in Hope

2011-12-26T18:44:00.001-06:00

We had Christmas in Hope the weekend before Christmas weekend. Bop and Berry were in Little Rock on that Friday so Ramsey decided to ride home with them. The rest of us went down on Saturday and found Ramsey playing basketball. Apparently Ramsey and Bop had been playing a lot of basketball while waiting on us to get there! Ramsey loves being down in Hope!

James kicked his soccer ball around.

John eating an apple after feeding the deer the rest of the bag of apples.

Dad showed off his "redneck wine glass" that he received as a gag gift. He is so proud of that thing! It is pretty funny!

Mom cooked a great dinner of chicken spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread. Of course we had our traditional "poppers" with a little trinket, crown, and a joke inside.

I really dressed up for dinner! Ha! I wasn't feeling well, had two fever blisters and sort of worn out. I was glad to be in Hope and have my mom cook for me!

The boys opened one present that night from Bop and Berry and saved the rest to open on Christmas. They got two new Wii games, NFL Madden 12, which Ramsey loves and Michael Jackson The Experience. It was funny and cute to watch them dance to that! James got a super cute dump truck!

The next morning we went to church with mom and dad. It's always a three ring circus at church it seems. They were pretty good and I know mom and dad were glad to have them there. Normally after church during Christmas time we take a big family picture. This was all we got this year. Ramsey walked straight in the door and went upstairs to bed in his church clothes. He had been deer hunting that morning with Uncle Gray. After getting up at 5:00am, he was so tired! Mom took off to the store and Dad changed clothes...so Corey took my picture with my brown eyed boys.

Even though we weren't still dressed up, We snapped a few pictures before we left that evening.

I told Ramsey and John to give James a kiss on the cheek and he immediately covered his cheeks. Then he sat there like that for several minutes!

Mom and Dad's pretty front door.

Their tree with tons of ornaments on it!

The antique aluminum tree.

Although it was a short visit, we had a great Christmas in Hope this year. Great memories made again!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T22:36:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Jennings Boys!

John Edward, 5; James Isaac, 2; Ramsey Duke, 7

John's Christmas Party

2011-12-22T00:55:00.000-06:00

Last Friday, John's school had their Christmas party. It was a Polar Express party. They wore their pajamas, wrapped up in blankets and listened to the story The Polar Express. After the story, they ate waffles and had a good time passing out the treats they brought for the class. Parents don't attend the party, but I did walk him in to help carry the treats and Miss Bonnie's gift. John was very excited about this special day!

John wanted to give his class Santa hats and big bells.

John with his sweet teacher!

Before leaving his classroom, I glanced at the door. John told me he write a letter to Santa and Miss Bonnie made a copy of it for everyone and Miss Bonnie wrote down what they wanted. All the kids' letters were hanging on the door so I asked Miss Bonnie exactly what John was talking about. She said that she had him write the letter to Santa for her and then she made a copy for each child, she wrote down what they wanted and then they signed their name. I was so proud of John! His handwriting looks great to me...almost like a "Dear Santa" font! Ha!

The party was a success! John came home with this big sack filled with goodies from his friends!

Chapel

2011-12-16T00:11:00.000-06:00

John's school had parent chapel this week. Parents were invited to attend a special chapel with the children. We are always welcome at chapel but this was a little different with a few more bells and whistles. John was asked whether he would like to light a candle or extinguish a candle and he chose extinguish. I think he might have just wanted to say the word "extinguish"! Ha! He told me that he liked to see the smoke after the candle goes out. OK. I got there early so I could have a seat on the front row. I wanted to make sure I could see my John extinguish that candle! So he had a great Chapel Service and the children were so well behaved. They entered the sanctuary with chapel hands and I think John kept his chapel hands most of the service. Those kids never made a peep! Four and five year olds sitting side by side perfectly still and quiet! Wow! The teachers and church staff do such a great job, I really shouldn't be surprised. Last Sunday at church we were in line walking up to the alter to take the Holy Eucharist as we do every Sunday when John started belting out the Hymn that the choir was singing. I had no idea he knew the Hymn. It was the sweetest sound! He said they sing it in Chapel. :) He loves Chapel.

John walking to the front with his chapel hands ready to extinguish the candle.

Here he comes back! Great job John! We love you!

My day of Chapel didn't end there. I then went to Ramsey's school sat with him during Chapel and the Holy Eucharist. It was a very sweet service as well. Again, those kids (1st thru 5th grade) were perfectly behaved. They are so serious about their Chapel services. After Chapel I stayed at Ramsey's school and helped out. The teachers had a Christmas luncheon and so the classrooms needed a sub for and hour and a half or so. Another mom and I had lunch with Ramsey's class and then took them back to their classroom. One mom read them books while I had each child with me one at a time making Christmas ornaments. We had a great time and the class was great. I was exhausted though! I don't know how teachers do it! From John's school to Ramsey's school, we have great teachers all around! A big thanks to them! (And if you are wondering where the pictures are from Ramsey's school, I didn't take any. I did take my camera but I was so busy, I never took a picture. The ornaments we were making involved paint so my camera didn't even come out of my bag.)

Golf, Auburn, and Bake Sale

2011-12-15T23:39:00.000-06:00

It seems like I can't come up with any witty titles for my blog posts lately. Just getting these posted is hard enough! So another title listing what you will see in the pictures! Creative!

Ramsey has been having golf lessons on Saturday mornings. He loves it and has really improved this past year! His friend Will takes them as well so that is a bonus to have a buddy there!

John went to the lesson last Saturday and practiced putting.

Ramsey at the driving range.

Ramsey and Will headed back to the clubhouse. I can just imagine them 10 years from now after a round of golf. So cute!

They both wore their Hog jerseys that day to take a picture for a special teacher that loves Auburn! Apparently these two boys like to give him a hard time about being an Auburn fan. We are going to put this picture in a cute Auburn frame! Aren't we funny!

After church last Sunday. There was a bake sale after church and of course we HAD to get some goodies. Ramsey chose an apple pie and John got two bags of chocolate peanut clusters. Both were delicious!

Silent Mice, Holy Mice

2011-12-09T22:20:00.000-06:00

Ramsey had his school Christmas performance this week. It was so cute and sweet! Ramsey was a shepherd. John went and watched the program with us. This was before the performance. John was sooo proud to be there. We actually got to school SUPER early that day. Ramsey was the second child in his classroom so he was dressed and ready to go before most kids got there. We got to sit on the front row!

"Joseph knew he had to heed the Emperor's decree. So he and Mary set out from the land of Galilee."

What a precious shepherd!

The entire first grade. Silent Mice, Holy Mice tells the story of how the world's most beloved Christmas Carol, Silent Night, came to be written.

My favorite shepherd in front of the Jesse Tree in the middle of his school. The Jesse Tree represents Jesus' family tree. The name is taken from Isaiah 11:1, in which Jesus is referred to as a shoot coming up from the stump of Jesse, the father of David. The ornaments on the Jesse tree tell of Jesus' ancestors and of the events leading to Jesus' birth. Each child in the school has an ornament on the Jesse Tree.

At school, Ramsey enjoys learning about the true meaning of Christmas. He is taught this each and every day through Chapel and Godly Play. Through the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I'm thankful for this! I'm thankful for his school.

A quick word about his shoes...The shepherds were asked to wear brown leather sandals. No bright colored crocs! Ramsey did not have any brown leather sandals that fit or any sandals at all for that matter. He wore crocs all summer. Yes even to church! Where would I find brown leather sandals this time of year? I asked a few people and while a friend had some that would definitely work, they were not brown leather. So I kept my eye out for some. While in Walmart a few days before the play, I browsed through the shoe isle and spotted these! The last pair on clearance for $5! You never know what you may find at Walmart!

Junior, Parties, and Basketball

2011-12-09T21:04:00.023-06:00

Our Elf, Junior, has been making lots of appearances! He has showed up in stockings, reading Christmas books, he's left fun notes, we woke to him on the train table playing with Thomas, and he's been hiding in our Christmas tree. Who knows what he'll do next! James understands a little more this year and even remembers to look for him when he wakes up in the morning!

Ramsey had his boy scout Christmas party and the kids had a great time!

I didn't take many pictures at the party. With all those boys, it was so crazy!

John has been partying himself! He and Corey went to a friend's birthday party.

James has been having little parties of his own with crayons. He's even had parties on the walls and tables! :/

Ramsey started basketball this week! Corey is the coach! Ramsey is thrilled about this. They got their uniforms this week and I had them model for me!

Christmas at the Capitol

2011-12-06T00:35:00.000-06:00

On Saturday night we went to the Capitol to visit with Santa, listen to the carolers and look at the pretty tree! We have done this for three years now so I guess it is kind of tradition. The boys really seem to enjoy it! Here John is waiting in line to see Santa. While waiting, Santa's Elves passed out candy canes. The boys ate probably 15!

James is excited to meet Santa!

First we got to talk to Mrs. Claus. I had no idea how James would react. He really surprised us when he walked right up to her. He was all smiles and not hesitant at all! Last year he screamed when we put him in Santa's lap!

Santa!!! James walked right up to him but when I put him on Santa's knee, he got a worried look. He never cried, but he was concerned!

John immediately started right in on his list. He talked and talked...

...and talked and talked...

...and talked and talked some more! I had to finally cut him off so Ramsey could have a turn and then he still interrupted to tell him something that he forgot! It was hilarious! I love how Ramsey is looking at John like, "Are you going to stop talking anytime soon?" John is great! Love him!

After visiting Santa, we looked at the pretty tree in the rotunda. For the last two years, the tree has been outside and a little winter scene was set up on the first floor. This year they decided to bring the tree back inside and have it extend up into the rotunda. I like that idea much better! It smelled so wonderful! In years past the trees have come from out of state, but this year this one was found very close to our house!

John in the "Governor's meeting room". I'm sure the room has an official name, please forgive me for not knowing it!

Corey carrying James up and down the Capitol stairs.

James had just fallen down and was screaming! Naturally just when we are about to take a picture!

He pulled it together and wanted out of my lap!

As we were walking to our car, we noticed this license plate on a shiny red truck! The boys couldn't believe it and knew that the Santa in the Capitol MUST be the real one if he drove that truck when not in his sleigh!

We kept with tradition and stopped at Krispy Kreme to eat donuts on the way home!

What a fun night to really kick off the Christmas season!

2011-11-28T23:09:00.000-06:00

We got to Hope Wednesday evening. We had been trying to leave all day. It takes me forever to pack for three kids. Over the summer I had it down to a science, but we haven't been anywhere in a while so I was out of my packing groove! The boys were happy to be in Hope! (Even though John doesn't look it! Ha!)

The next morning we played outside before Thanksgiving lunch. My Aunt Debra stopped by to drop off her famous mac-n-cheese and fried pies before heading to see her sisters. The boys always love her and just talk to her. She is always so interested in them!

Watching Santa arrive at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Tradition!

Waving at Santa.

My brown-eyed boys!

Mom had the table set so pretty. She always does!

Ramsey and John with Cousin Cole. They played outside almost the entire time we were there!

Thanksgiving night we traveled to Texarkana to eat dinner with my uncle and his family. We TRIED to take a group picture of the kids. James was crying and saying, "I don't want to say cheese." Ha! Emmie wasn't happy either and was trying to slide off the couch. Love how John is trying to hold her on the couch with his foot! Priceless!

John's cute boots. I bought him frog boots at Target and he said, "I'm not wearing those. They look like a baby. I want monster boots." Then I bought him camo boots at Walmart. He said he still would rather have monster boots. I googled "monster boots" and found these. He loves them!

James got in trouble and I'm so glad I captured this on camera. If only I had my video camera in hand! He kept digging dirt out of Berry's flower pot with his hands after I told him to stop. Like I told him to stop more than once and he looked me straight in the eyes and kept doing it! Not sweet baby James, right? Corey put him in time out for about a minute and James was so upset. I love how AFTER he gets in trouble and is in time out, Corey talks to him about what happened then gives him a hug. Sweet, but firm Daddy!

Getting pumped up for the Hog game!

Even though the Hogs didn't when, we still had fun...or for at least the first half!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! We have much to be thankful for!!!

Thanksgiving Things

2011-11-18T14:46:00.000-06:00

Every Friday at John's school is called Fruit Friday. A different child in the class brings fruit for the children to have for snack that day. Last Friday was John's turn to bring fruit. John and I decided to make a turkey out of fruit! John was so excited about this turkey! We got up early and put him together. He couldn't wait to take it to school!

This would also be cute for a kids' table Thanksgiving centerpiece! Easy and fun to make!

Today John had his Thanksgiving Feast at school. He was to bring a can or piece of fruit to help make the Friendship Fruit Salad. He wanted to take pineapple but didn't want it in a can, so we picked up some fresh pineapple at Kroger. :)

He has also been talking all week about being so busy at school! He said he had lots to make and do! And now I see! When I dropped him off this morning, he was John Jennings, but when I picked him up he was Chief Red Arrow! He is so very proud of this ensemble! He also loved him name, Chief Red Arrow! He told me what each child in his class was named, Chief Little Deer, Chief Blue Fish, Chief Brave Hunter, Chief Red Fox, Princess Butterfly, Princess White Rabbit, Princess Lady Bug, Princess Sunflower. I couldn't believe he remembered all their names! Ha!

What a cute Indian Chief!

Randomness and Phone Pics

2011-11-16T07:55:00.003-06:00

Just some random pictures and then phone pictures to follow...

James had an appointment at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Here he is waiting to see the doctor. He loved looking in that funny mirror behind him. I thought he looked especially cute that day! He had a good report from ACH!

We've been cheering the Hogs on to victory a lot lately!

James loves, loves, loves balls. Always has! He wanted to sleep with his football that night so I let him. I went back in to check on him before I went to bed and found him like this! So sweet!

Ramsey went to a cute, fun Fall/Halloween birthday party in a pretty park one afternoon. It was a beautiful day and the kids had a great time on an awesome scavenger hunt! I don't have a child born in October, but I think it would be a neat month to plan a birthday party. So many fun ideas!

These are pictures taken off of Ramsey's school website.....

One morning Ramsey's school had safety day. Baptist MedFlight landed right in front of the kids on their school grounds, two police cars came, two firetrucks, an ambulance, and a bike and sports safety station were all part of the day!

Ramsey is in the middle checking out the helicopter.

Tall ladder on the firetruck.

One day the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra came to talk to the children about the ASO. Ramsey was chosen to "play" the bass.

The full orchestra!

Here are some phone pictures.........

This was Ramsey's first trip to the orthodontist. He is holding his "Smile Show" ticket that they gave him as a school excuse. It was an evaluation appointment, but Ramsey was so nervous! Everyone at the orthodontist office made him feel so much better! His name was flashing on a big screen when we walked in saying, "Welcome Ramsey!" He kind of giggled when he saw that! There were video games to play and cool stuff to look at while you wait. The orthodontist talked to us for a long time. He and Ramsey talked a lot about fishing and football. Then Ramsey was x-rayed and then examined. After that we talked with the orthodontist about treatment. Right now we are waiting on Ramsey to loose some teeth and we will go back in March. Ramsey may have to have some things done to get ready for braces in a few years, like an expander, for example. James was with Ramsey and I and we couldn't leave with out a little drama. He was getting so much attention from the staff and was really feeling his oats when he fell into the orthodontist chair and hit a big screw. His head bled and bled and luckily he did not need stitches! He cried and cried and I was sweating and sweating! As pleasant of an experience as it was up to that point, I was so ready to get out of there! Ramsey ended up thinking his appointment was pretty great. Really, really nice people!

The firetruck was ready and waiting on the children as we took John to school one morning. The learned about fire safety from the firemen.

John in the Halloween store!

Fair food! JJ and Adam took Ramsey and John to the fair one afternoon. They had a blast!

James was missing as I was getting some things out of the car. I found him sitting in the back seat eating a blow pop!

First Haircut!!! It was not planned! I went in for John to get a trim and she talked me into giving James one too! I was in denial and it was time! He had very long wispies as we like to call them. When we went in that day his hair was out of control and she said, "Please let me do something with James' hair." I kept telling her I wasn't ready! She said, "You know I love you but... You are so particular and yet you let him run around like that!" Ha! That did it. I let her cut it! He was so good and felt like such a big boy! She took probably two inches off! She said promised she would not give him a little boy haircut and she didn't!

I looked in my rear view mirror one day and saw this! He loves his pacis!

Bonfire boys!

Last Weekend: November 4-6

2011-11-11T21:41:00.000-06:00

On Friday night Ramsey had a friend over and we had a bonfire! Here James and I are excited about the bonfire!

The boys

The next day the boys went to a birthday party for a friend at the zoo.

Corey and I on our way to Reigning Cats and Dogs.

The next morning after Sunday School, we headed to Papa Duke's place on the Little Red River. Ramsey started off shooting his bee bee gun.

Finding a cave!

Ramsey fished until dark but didn't catch anything. :( Oh well, better luck next time!

Below is a video I recorded at the river. John is singing a verse from the hymn "I Sing A Song of the Saints of God". It is precious! But watch Papa Duke in the background "drinking" milk with James. The whole video is priceless. Watch it twice! One time watch sweet John and then again watching Duke!

I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true,
who toiled and fought and lived and died
for the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and one was a shepherdess on the green;
They were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God helping, to be one too.

Lesbia Scott, 1929

Halloween 2011

2011-11-08T23:18:00.000-06:00

Here we are! The Jennings on Halloween 2011! What do you think? Ramsey loved his Top Gun fighter pilot costume especially since Corey was one too! Corey had his dad's old flight suit. Papa Duke was a flight surgeon in the Air Force so Corey wore a vintage flight suit about 40 years old! Since Corey was going to wear a vintage Halloween costume, I wanted one too! So what did mom have in her closet? Her old clown suit that she made and wore when I was little. Sooo...Corey got to be a Flight Surgeon and I got to be a clown! Fitting, I guess! After this picture, I put on a little clown make up too! Ramsey's hat belongs to my dad! It is Bop's from the army and close to 35-40 years old! Ramsey mixed branches of the armed forces but he didn't care! He thought it was cool! James was the cutest little pumpkin and he loved wearing his costume! I was so thankful for that! The little leggings are pajama bottoms that I found at Walmart. I thought it looked so cute with that pumpkin outfit! And last but not least is Captain Jack Sparrow. I loved, loved, loved John's costume! Mainly because he loved it so much! He is obsessed with Pirates of the Carribean and without a doubt, without any hesitation, he chose to be Captain Jack for Halloween. I wasn't too impressed with Jack Sparrow costume at the Halloween Stores, so I called the Disney Store in Memphis and they had the perfect one! It fit John perfectly and he was so excited to wear it!

Mission Accomplished! Candy in hand. Now on to the next house!

We had a full house with both sides of the family celebrating Halloween with us! It was alot of fun walking the streets with these kiddos! Mom cooked taco soup and we all hung out at home after trick or treating. The boys liked giving out candy almost as much as the liked receiving it. We still have tons of candy left over! I don't think they have eaten hardly any of it! Except for James...he loves suckers!

Cowboy Cole

Ramsey ran off with his friend who was trick or treating in our neighborhood.

I think I finally have everything posted from Halloween except maybe a picture or two from my phone. I will get to my phone pics soon and see what all is on there! It was another busy fun time at Halloween! Hopefully things will start slowing down now and I can post more regularly!

Pumpkin Carving!

2011-11-08T22:14:00.000-06:00

Corey and the boys carved pumpkins the day before Halloween! I was so glad we finally had time to do it! The boys would have been disappointed if we didn't have carved pumpkins for Halloween! We let them draw the face that they wanted to carve out. Ramsey drew a cute Frankenstein Jack-O-Lantern and John drew, well, I'm not sure what John drew so we decided to make a "J" for Jennings out of it!

I meant to take another clearer picture but never did. Oh well, they were cute!

Halloween Parties

2011-11-07T10:49:00.000-06:00

I don't know who is cuter in this picture! My boy, John or that fun witch on his sack? John came home from school with this sack full of Halloween treats from his friends. He loves going through these big sacks on party days. He is pretty serious about the treats his gives too! I remember having to wait until he got home from an errand with Corey for him to help fill his treat bags. He was so worried that I would make the treat bags while he was gone! I promised him I would wait and I did. He filled every treat bag for each of his friends.

The finished treat bag filled with pretzels, spider rings, bracelets, parachute skeletons, crazy eyeglasses, Halloween stamps, Skittles, play dough, stickers, fruit chewies, bouncey balls, etc. It picked it ALL out! Parents don't really attend the parties at John's preschool so I don't have any pictures from it. I'm sure John had a wonderful time!

Ramsey's party was around 2:00. Mom and Corey were at home to keep James and John while I helped out with Ramsey's party....

I brought treat bags for the kids filled with about the same things John's had in them. I thought it would be cute to roll James' wagon up there, throw a black table cloth on it, and fill it with the treat bags and a cute witch mom gave me. The kids loved it and were very excited to get those treat bags!

I also made these fun fruit treats. I must say these were a big hit with the kids! Everybody wanted to eat their fruit! I just cut one end off of the an orange, pulled all the insides out of the orange, and carved out a face. Then I filled it with cut strawberries and grapes. To finish it off, I added a green spoon to eat the fruit with through the top as the "stem".

I also found these buckets at Walmart. I just added ribbons and each child's name to make it a little more personal. The kids carried these around the classroom to each station and to put their candy, crafts and anything else they wanted to take home in them.

Another parent brought these cute pumpkin sandwiches!

And another these colorful mini cupcakes.

They had a mummy making contest! The kids also made cute spiders and painted pumpkins!

I had a great time at the party, but wow!...Those kids have a lot of energy!

Halloween Parade

2011-11-04T23:23:00.000-05:00

Ramsey had his school Halloween parade on Halloween morning. Honestly he is not a huge fan of dressing up. He likes to keep is as low key as possible! After much thought and a little indecisiveness, he chose to be a Top Gun Navy Pilot. Cute as can be!

Ramsey's first grade class...aren't they precious!

They had a parade through school to show off their costumes. The Head of the Lower School was a Box of Crayons!

I stopped by his classroom after the parade and took a few pictures. He then changed out of his costume and went on with his day. I was returning at 2:00 to help with the class Halloween party so I'm sure they didn't get much done that day. All the kids were so excited!

Ramsey and the Zoo

2011-11-03T09:24:00.002-05:00

The First Graders had a field trip to the zoo last week. They arrived at the zoo around 9:00, ate a picnic lunch at 11:00, had more zoo time and then left the zoo around 12:30. It was perfect weather for a Fall zoo trip!

I met up with Ramsey just as they were starting lunch. His request for his sack lunch was a bacon, lettuce, tomato and sprouts sandwich. I got up early that morning and cooked bacon for his sandwich. He eats the school lunch everyday so I never get to pack him a lunch. It was kind of nice to prepare one for him that day!

Ramsey showing me the penguins. He had seen the exhibit, but I had not. It was really neat!

What a crew!

These five boys are a mess!

That day was so crazy for me! We left the house at 7:15 am. I took Ramsey to school, Corey to work (his car was getting scheduled maintenance), and then John to school. James and I then RAN to a doctor's appointment at 9:00 which lasted a lot longer than I hoped! I HAD to be at the zoo to eat lunch with Ramsey! I had promised! After the doctor's appointment, I dropped James off at my friend Jamie's house. She was so sweet to keep him at the last minute! Then I RAN to the zoo to play with Ramsey and got there right on time. He was sooo happy to see me! After leaving the zoo, I RAN to pick up James and get him out of Jamie's hair! Then it was time to pick up John from school. After running an errand or two, we picked Ramsey up and then swung by and picked Corey up at his office. We dropped him off at the dealership for him to pick his car up. We made it home in time to eat a bite and then go to Ramsey's cub scout meeting. Then back home for homework and bedtime routine! It was a packed day, but no different from any other day really!

John and the Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to get to go to the pumpkin patch with John and his school about a week and a half ago! It was a beautiful day! James went along and loved hanging out with his brother! John told me for several days in advance when and where we were supposed to meet his school. We made it to the pumpkin patch right on time and John was pumped!

We picked out pumpkins!

John in the sunflower maze. So cute!

On the hayride!

Can you spot John?

John and his wonderful teacher, Miss Bonnie! They look like they might be going to a University of Texas football game. Oh, with her they might be!

John was very sweet to include James in all the fun activities. James felt like such a big boy! They were both worn out when we left and James fell asleep about 2 seconds after we started home!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T12:22:00.000-05:00

From Top Gun Captain Jennings, Jack Sparrow, and a little pumpkin! Hope your Halloween was as wild and crazy as ours was! Lots to post soon!

Spirit Week!

2011-10-26T13:59:00.000-05:00

Last week was Homecoming week at Ramsey's school. Ramsey had fun dressing up each day for Spirit Week. It seems like yesterday I was dressing up for Spirit Week. Hard to believe it is now my little boy's turn! They only had a four day week because of Fall Break. Here are days 1-4!

Day One: Yee Haw Day! They wore western wear. Ramsey was Wildcat of the Week during this week as well. It was his special week and he got to bring something each day to talk about and share with his class. The first day he chose to take his tackle box. I'm sure his teacher loved having all the hooks, pocket knives, pliers, etc. at school! Whoops! He loved sharing it all!

Day Two: Class Color Day. The first graders class color is red, so he got to wear a red shirt that day. For his Wildcat of the Week item he took pictures. Since he couldn't actually take a bass to school, he loved being able to show the kids a bass he caught, a frog he caught, and other things he likes to do! His teacher said he did really well presenting this poster. I would have loved to have heard what he said about each picture!

Day Three: Sock It To 'Em Day. Ramsey had to wear crazy socks. Luckily we had the perfect moose pair that Mama Duke got in Alaska!

Day Four: Episcopal Collegiate Homecoming T-shirt day

That night he went to his first Homecoming game at his school with his friend, Andrew. They had a great time running around and cheering on the Wildcats!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-22T22:30:00.001-05:00

Corey and I took the boys to the pumpkin patch last Saturday. It was a beautiful day and we had lots of fun! It was pretty crowded but we made our way through everything! I'll let the pictures do most of the talking!

James loved the hay tunnel! He went through over and over! I was a little surprised we wasn't scared!

Corn maze!

We went on the hay ride just the five of us! It was so nice to have the entire ride to ourselves.

We saw a baby calf that was five days old!

When we got back from the hayride, the boys picked out pumpkins!

It took a LONG time to pick out these pumpkins. Ramsey and John looked at all the pumpkins to make sure theypicked out the right ones.

Our final stop was to get a funnel cake. It was a long day but and everyone slept well that night!

Migrating to Mexico

2011-10-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

The 1st graders migrated from Canada to Mexico as Monarch butterflies last Thursday. They had been learning all about Monarchs in Science class. Reaching their final destination of Mexico was the grand finale of their Monarch study. The route to Mexico was a long one! They went into every classroom in the Lower school carrying signs that said, "Mexico or Bust!", "Gone to Mexico", or "From Canada to Mexico".

On his way to Mexico!

What a beautiful Monarch Ramsey was! After they made it to Mexico, they got to enjoy snacks out on the patio. It was a beautiful day in Mexico!

Ramsey's class showing off their wings!

HELLO!

2011-10-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

We've been busy, but I'm finally ready to do some blogging! Soccer games, football games, Monarch Migration, and the pumpkin patch are a few things I will tell you about soon! There is never a dull moment around here! I thought I'd quickly post this cute picture of the boys. They had a lot of fun at the pumpkin patch that day! Sweet memories!

Blog Break

2011-10-11T22:10:00.000-05:00

The reason for the blog break is that I need a new power cord for the computer. Hopefully I will get it tomorrow! It has been on my list of "things to do" all week. It has been somewhat of a slow blog week anyway. We have been sick but still busy as ever with everyday things. I do have some cute pics of the kids to post. Stay tuned!

The Storm, The Bass and The Dolphins!

2011-10-03T22:30:00.000-05:00

John had a great soccer game on Friday night. John would want me to tell you they won, of course. They beat the Super Sonics and all week I will hear about how they beat the Super Sonics. Last week I heard all about beating the Grasshoppers. Sometimes he would forget who they played and out of the blue he would say, "Who did we beat again?" I would say, "The Grasshoppers." John would reply, "Yes, we beat the Grasshoppers." When we got to the game Friday night he said, "There are the Grasshoppers. We beat them. I wonder if they will win tonight." It is fun that he is so competitive and I hate to burst his excitement, but he does need to be a little more subtle about it. I wonder how he is going to act when they don't win??? Once again, James hindered my photography that night. At one point, a stranger was yelling, "James, come back!" The nice man had heard me calling his name over and over. I guess he thought James was getting too far away so he decided he would help out too! Hey, it takes a village! During the soccer game, Ramsey played a game of pick up football with friends. By the way, John's team is The Storm. He talks and talks about how storms are so strong. He wondered why his shirt was blue/green (teal) because storms were not blue/green...I said, "Well maybe it is a storm from the blue/green ocean like a hurricane." Then he says, "Then why aren't we called the Hurricanes?"

I took the boys to a self serve yogurt place close to our house after the soccer game. They picked their yogurt and all of the toppings and ate EVERY bite! James ate quite a bit too!

It was a beautiful weekend! We did lots of playing outside and Ramsey enjoyed the perfect weather to fish! He fished in the backyard and caught a couple of bass and some sun fish. Ramsey, John and Corey also went fishing at the Arkansas river and had a great time there! James could not keep his hands off of the fish. He was so cute talking about the fish.

Ramsey and one of his bass. Love James' little hand sneaking in the picture!

I finally got some football pictures posted! I know I say this all the time, but I'll say it again...It is extremely hard to take pictures while taking care of James! Corey was "working the chains" and my job was to make sure James didn't run out on the field. He LOVES playing ball...football, soccer, whatever! He threw our football out on the field several times and would run to go get it! I just knew he was going to get plowed before the game was over! Anyway, Ramsey is playing football again this year and he is on the Dolphins team! Because of his birth date, he had to move up a league and is not playing with the kids in his grade. A sweet friend had to do the same and they are having fun together playing against kids that are turning 9 years old and in 3rd grade! I am so glad this is not tackle football! He misses his team from last year, but is adjusting well and says he likes the dolphin mascot for a few reasons...(These are his reasons not mine!) 1. They are from Miami, Florida and Florida is his favorite state. 2. Dolphins swim in the ocean. (I said "yeah, Ramsey they are fish! You love fish!" He responds, "The are not fish, they are mammals, but you can call them fish if you want too." I stand corrected.) 3. He likes the colors: blue and orange. Ramsey loves football and loves playing defense! He is quick on his feet and likes to get down low to grab those flags. He will chase you down to grab your flag so watch out!

The defense waiting on their turn!

While we came up short on the score board, Ramsey had a really good game! He got a star sticker for his helmet for his great game! He has a really sweet team with great parents! Corey and I have met some fun, nice people that I enjoy chatting with every week! Funny story: Corey, John and I were so proud of Ramsey and we were talking to him about the game as we were walking off the field. All of a sudden I felt like something was missing...JAMES! I said, "Corey! James!" We turned around and saw him waaaaay back on the field standing there by himself eating oreos. I promise I am a better mother than that!

Fall Festival

2011-10-02T22:24:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday Ramsey's school had their Fall Festival. It is a fun time called "Wildcat Round Up" complete with BBQ, Radio Disney, face painting, bounce houses, dunking booth, go-fish, cake walk and more! It was a WILD time! Corey was out-of-town in Indianapolis being wined and dined at the COLTS stadium, so I had the boys by myself. I could not keep up with them! I mainly tried to keep my eyes on James hoping Ramsey and John could run around safely by themselves. It is fenced in and every body's kids were running everywhere. All the parents were constantly walking around saying, "Have you seen _____?" I did loose James for half a second a couple of times and he was in line to get his face painted! Ha! Another time he was emptying the water out of the water cooler while nice children stood in line quietly behind him to get water wondering if he was going to waste it all! John ran around doing his own thing, making friends, enjoying each activity especially the bounce houses. Ramsey ran constantly with his friends. I'm not sure what activities they did...he was running across the field every time I saw him.

They got to wear jeans and a western shirt to school that day. He is wearing Corey's belt from when he was a little boy. (circa 1980)

This is how most of the pictures I took looked. If they saw me, they ran the other way.

James dancing to Radio Disney.

Sweet boys!

The boys had a great time and slept well that night! I was glad to see Corey Friday night!

Several Things...

2011-09-28T01:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry I coudn't come up with a better title! We had an extremely busy week last week. At times it felt as though we were hanging on for dear life. I asked mom to help out for a few days because there was no way we could have made it without an extra set of hands!

During the week we had the usual homework, reading assigments and sports' practices in the evenings, but we also got to witness our beautiful Monarch butterflies coming out of their crysillis'. We have done this wonderful experiment three times now and it is always amazing. We have plenty of milkweed outside for Monarch's to lay their eggs on, then we take the caterpillars and put them in the butterfly house and watch! In Ramsey's science class they are learning about the entire Monarch butterfly process. They will actually have a Monarch Migration in a few weeks. They get to dress like monarchs, migrate through the school, etc. Ramsey was telling me that he knows the answer to every question that his science teacher asks about monarchs, but she doesn't call on him much anymore. I told him it was beacause he knew all the answers and someone else needs to have a turn!!!

Last Thursday night, Corey and I went to Farm Fresh Wishes, an event at the Clinton Presidental Center benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We had a seven course dinner prepared by some of Little Rock's great chefs including Chef Tom Bohm, The Pantry; Chef Donnie Ferneau, Ferneau; and Chef Jeffery Ferrell, The Capital Hotel. All of the courses were local, organic foods with my favorite being the pasta course of Ratatouille linguini with gremolata bread crumbs presented by Chef Donnie Ferneau. I'm such a pasta lover! I met Corey downtown so I just took a picture with my boys before I left. We had a fun time with friends/coworkers. A trip to Austrailia was even auctioned and given to a teenage girl that is in remission from cancer.

Friday night John had a soccer game with pictures beforehand. Bop and Berry were there for the game and got to see John score and cheer his team onto a victory. John is so funny...He knows exactly how many goals each team got and is somewhat of a boastful winner. Honestly I don't think most of the kids have a clue have many goals have been scored. I knew John needed a lesson on sportsmanship when I told him to go line up to tell the other team "good game" and he responded "but they lost". John is a fighter in every sense of the word! Watch out world!

Ramsey on the other hand is a bit more gracious. He is a good little athelete but not as agressive as John. Bop and Berry took him to his game Saturday morning. They had to be there early for pictures and also take snacks and drinks for the team. They pulled it all off without a hitch, however, I can't say the same for what Corey and I were doing at the time...........

We were or shall I say I was fighting my way through the Big Dam Bridge 100. Well, we did the 50 mile tour and actually it was 58 miles not 50. Those 8 miles count very much to me!

Let's back up...I did a 50 mile ride in June and did very well. I'm not saying it wasn't a challenge because I did have to push myself, but it was nothing and I mean nothing compared to what I did on Saturday! The Tour de Rock in June was flat, and the Big Dam Bridge 100 (58 for us) was full of very steep and long hills. More like mountains really! Next to childbirth it was the most mentally and physically challenging thing I have ever done. The hills were so steep I literally thought I was going to fall backwards. And if you don't know this, your feet are locked into the pedals while wearing bike shoes. There is no getting them out if you stall while going up a hill, you are falling. I only fell/wrecked one time and I must admit, it shook me up. Certainly not because I was embarassed or ashamed. It really comes with the territory. There are people on the side of the rode crying, pushing bicycles, an ambulance flew by us with sirens blazing at one point. It is just part of it. It shook me up because I let my mind get the best of me and got scared. Corey will think I am exagerating and maybe I am, but for the first time I felt like this was dangerous! I made it through the first 40 miles just fine. There were some pretty good hills that I had tackled and I was very proud of myself. I thought those were the hills that they were talking about when I heard there were "some hills" on this route. Then I saw a sign that read, "VERY STEEP AND CURVY NEXT FOUR MILES". Next 4 miles! Four miles of steepness! I really needed more hill training for this! So long story short, I survived with a few tears shed, several peanut butter sandwiches made by nice firemen along the way, and LOTS of encouragement from Corey. We were nearing the end and Corey asked if I could muster up one last smile to give the cameraman as we rode by. I did and was so poud of myself end the end. It's all funny now, but there was no laughing at the time. I will always remember those hours on my bicycle with Corey right beside me.

This picture was after the ride. I was sooo releaved! We didn't get to hang out much at the "after party" because I had to rush home to take a shower! Saturday night was the annual Shrimp Boil at our church! I was in charge of the outside beverages. Oh my goodness. I was running on adrealine and I had to keep it up. I knew on Sunday my body was going to shut down...and it did!

Before heading to the Shrimp Boil, I got to say a quick hello to Gray, Mandi, Cole and Lilli. They came over to watch the Hog game (that was fun, Ha!) with Mom and Dad. It was also Gray's birthday!

Mom and Dad came to the Shrimp Boil. They got to see for themselves what they've heard me talk about. A great band, good food, 200 volunteers, all for a great cause. The Shrimp Boil event benefits the St. Francis House and is so much fun. The grounds of our church are taken over by tables of people enjoying spicy shrimp, the band called The Greasy Greens, people dancing, visiting and having a great time.

I was busy, busy, but got to stop long enough to take a quick picture with two of my boys while passing through.

The next day was football for Ramsey. The little ones and I stayed home. I was so exhausted physically and mentally! I think I stayed in my p.j.'s until noon!

Hog Game

2011-09-19T22:53:00.000-05:00

Corey and I took the boys to the Razorback game last Saturday. They had a great time and so did we!

Being in the sky box suite made it sooo easy for James. There is no way he would have lasted 2 minutes in the stands. He just roamed and played and did whatever he wanted to do! He is very busy these days!

Having some cake at half-time! We ate tons of food throughout the game. BBQ, cheese dip, potato salad, slaw, deviled eggs, chili, meatballs, etc. etc. The boys were in Heaven!

A third quarter pick up game.

Ohhh! Almost James! He tries so hard to catch the football. He loves playing ball and can usually be found walking around our house with a ball in hand saying, "Catch? Catch?", until someone will play with him.

Ramsey is trying to teach John and James a "play". This was hilarious!

Sitting back down with some hot chocolate!

Taking it all in! He had so much fun!

What a great long day with our boys! There's nothing better than being with those kids and watching them have fun!

All About Me, A Birthday, A Scout, A Dinner, and A Soccer Pic!

2011-09-19T22:39:00.001-05:00

John had to make an "All About Me Poster" to take to school. He helped me pick out pictures he wanted on the poster and wrote his name on top so nicely to make it complete. It is hanging on the hall wall in his school. He is very proud of it!

Last week was Ramsey's teacher's birthday. A couple parents and I had a little party for her in the classroom. His teacher is so nice and appreciative!

What a class!

We officially have a Scout! Ramsey attended his first Cub Scout meeting last week. He and all of his friends made it their mission to join scouting! They were all sooo excited! Now if we could just sell some popcorn! :)

Mom and Dad came up last week to visit a friend and then took us out to eat! James ate a ton of guacamole that night!

It was a very late night for the boys, but well worth it!

JJ and Adam came to watch Ramsey play soccer Saturday morning. Ramsey really showed out for them! Ramsey loved having them there!

Game Day!

2011-09-18T11:15:00.001-05:00

Over a week behind...
Last weekend we went to our friends, the Aitkens', to have a little tailgate party. The kids ran around the backyard, Charlie grilled steaks, and we cheered the Hogs on to a victory against New Mexico!

We saw a pretty rainbow in the sky!

James playing football with our friend, Ricky.

Sweet Andrew, Kimberly and Charlie's baby boy.

Charlie and Andrew

The game got kind of boring so everyone found other entertainment. James and Ricky on an iphone, John on an ipad and Ramsey on a droid. Hilarious!

Kimberly and me!

John's First Soccer Game

2011-09-15T10:23:00.000-05:00

John had his first soccer game last week as well! He was really into it and had tons of fun!

Look at the determination on his face! That is so John!

John scored at his first game too and he was so proud! We were too! And most importantly, he had a blast!

Ramsey's First Soccer Game

2011-09-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

Ramsey has never played soccer before so he wanted to try it this year. I really didn't know quite what to expect after only three practices, but he did great! He even scored a goal! We have a great soccer program in our area and I really enjoyed watching him play!

He was up against this kid almost the whole time. He would not stay off Ramsey. Ramsey held is own though and did great! I can't believe that child is seven!

He hustled hard the entire game!

Fancy footwork!

This is where he scored. I didn't get a picture of the ball actually in the goal because I was cheering for him! :) Yay! Ramsey! You make us so proud!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-11T23:11:00.000-05:00

I am going to do a simple Labor Day post. Mainly pictures. I am so far behind on posting and I know grandparents are waiting on updates!

Playing ladder ball. This brought hours of entertainment beside the lake!

Our friend Andrew came to visit!

Saturday night we went to the Coffee's to watch the Hog game!

Dixie had great ribs, dips and more and mom made baked beans and slaw. It was great!

Dixie and the boys playing the iphone.

Corey looks like he is having a great time! Ha!

Ramsey and John with Brookelyn and Maddie, their 2nd cousins.

James with his great Uncle Bruce.

Corey and John playing croquet.

On Sunday afternoon the boys skiied. Obviously John was NOT happy! It was cold and windy and I don't think he wanted to be out there. He didn't ski long, which was fine. Then he said he wanted to do it again because the rope was not just right. Really? He griped a little more and then tried again. His attitude was better, but not by much! And neither was mine! Ha!

Ramsey skiing on Labor Day. A beautiful day, but very windy!

We had a great time and I hated to see the summer end!

Soccer Practice

2011-09-09T00:17:00.000-05:00

John seems to really like soccer. His first game is this weekend!

John's First Day

2011-09-06T23:36:00.000-05:00

Today was John's first day of school. I think he was ready! :) It took him a few minutes for him to warm up to the idea of getting up and getting ready. He had such a long, lazy, fun summer! The first thing he said when I woke him up was, "I don't ever want to go to kindergarten or first grade because I don't want to learn how to read! Great sign!! Once we started out the door, his attitude changed and he was excited. During the car ride, he talked a lot about his backpack. Once again telling me that he didn't want one with his name on it (like Ramsey and James), he wanted a cool one! We got out at his school and he was a little proud peacock taking James and me in the right direction. He stopped just before we entered the door and said, "I really don't want you to walk me in." Oh no! We almost made it in before he remembered he was the big man on campus and had a reputation to uphold. It didn't take much to convince him that James and I really wanted to go with him. I was going in regardless of what he thought, but I'd rather go peacefully. He agreed that we could join him so we walked in his preschool on the first day of school for the last time. Next year he will join Ramsey.

His "cool" backpack with an angry bird attached.

James had to get in the picture too!

When I picked him up from school, he got in the car and said, "It was the best day ever! I didn't even have to write my name!" I thought that was funny! We have been working on writing his first and last name, working with flashcards,etc. He probably thought that was all he was going to do in his new class!

These next pictures were taken last week as Open House.

Here is John with his teacher, Miss Bonnie. Ramsey had her too! I am thrilled to be with her again!

His class is the blue birds!

Once again James had to make sure he was in the picture!

John, we love you so much and know that you will have a fantastic year! Go Bluebirds!

Here we go!

2011-08-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

The lazy days of lake weekends are almost over. Boo! We have had a great summer! Although I am excited about the Fall I will definitely miss the summer. It's my FAVORITE time of year! So Ramsey is into the swing of things at school and loving it. He came home today with an orange bracelet on his wrist that said, "Join Scouts!" The first thing he said when I saw him was, "I'm joining scouts!" We knew he was interested, but today the Cub Scouts made a presentation at his school. He says he's joining. Also today he had his first soccer practice. He's never played soccer before so we will see how he likes it. So far, he loves it. Surprise. Surprise. He will practice every Tuesday with all the kids in his age group. They rotate stations and work on different drills. There are "real" paid soccer coaches that just work with the kids on this day. Corey said that although there were tons and tons of kids there, it was very organized. On Thursdays he will have practice with his team and the team coach. Tomorrow he starts football practice. Yes, he is playing football too again. I asked him over and over if he wanted to play soccer or football. He loved football last year and wanted to try soccer since he had never played. He could not decide and kept telling me he wanted to to do both. I gave in. Soccer games on Saturday and football on Sunday. Scouts??? But that's not all for me! John is playing soccer too and has practice on Thursdays! I'm excited for him and hope he enjoys it! I may need Mom to move in for a while to help me pull all this off! John starts school on Tuesday and I can tell he's ready. He keeps pulling his backpack out and opening it, closing it and wearing it around. I've got to get a picture of his backpack. It is a $9 Star Wars Lego one from Target. While of course there is nothing wrong with it, it's just funny to me. Ramsey and James have these nice monogrammed backpacks from Pottery Barn and the Toggery. And here comes John with his $9 Target special that he could NOT be more proud of! I let him look through the Pottery Barn catalog and even at the Toggery. Nope! He had seen that one and he would not change his mind. Next year for kindergarten I'll get him a monogrammed one! For now I'm letting John be John. And that is what needs to happen!

Today before going to soccer practice.

On Sunday Ramsey went to Wild River Country with this fellow. He had so much fun! I heard he rode every slide he could and wasn't scared of anything!

On Saturday he went to a birthday party for this friend. It was at the skating rink and they got to bring bikes and scooters to ride around the rink. I don't think any of the kids actually ever put on skates. Some of the parents did though!

Besides playing with friends, the boys also playing with Aqua Sand!

And grasshoppers!

I made a fresh veggie soup one day recently. I took a picture so I thought I would include it too! Lots of fresh zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, and onions made it yummy. The boys loved it! The best part was dipping the triple cheese dippers made with Havarti, cheddar, and Muenster cheeses into the soup. I made the soup in the crock pot. With our new schedule, I bet I'll be using the crock pot a lot in the next couple of months!

A Few Phone Photos

2011-08-27T20:22:00.003-05:00

These go way back...

James and I met Corey for lunch one day while Ramsey and John were in Hope. We were waiting on Corey outside the restaurant. James liked looking at the fountain.

One weekend in Hot Springs. John, Corey and I went for a drive before James and Ramsey woke up. Mom and Dad were at the condo with them.

My Uncle Larry's tomatoes. This plate was my breakfast one morning. I had to take a picture and send it to him. His tomatoes were so good this year!

Road trip to Hot Springs. I sent this to my friend, Jamie, to show her his hat...a gift from her.

The boards/wood that could have damaged the boat. Being the good Samaritans that we are (ha!), we picked them up out of the water. We saw the lake police? drive right by the debris. Annoying.

James took a picture of Bop.

Going swimming one day.

John eating frog legs at Jason's in Hot Springs. Oh, now that was a night I'd like to forget. It took FOREVER for our food to come! Others would sit down, eat, and we were still waiting! I won't go into a bunch of detail but having to warn my parents and aunt and uncle to be nice because they might spit in our food gives you an idea of our situation. All I wanted to do was get out of there! I guess our terrible service and fried, fried and more fried food was a blessing in disguise. It sealed the deal that we would never go back. Corey and I never liked that place anyway.

What I deal with every time I go to Kroger.

Ramsey and Austin excited about going to a Travelers Baseball game.

The next morning at IHOP.

A big beetle.

At On the Border in Hot Springs. James was so ~~uncontrollable~~ excited that I had to leave half way through the meal and wait outside for Mom, Ramsey and John to finish eating in peace.

We got free cookies from the bakery at Kroger and James grabbed two. The Kroger lady thought it was so funny. Between the free samples we get at the olive bar, cheese shop and bakery, we usually don't have to eat supper by the time we leave.

Ramsey's back to school haircut. I took this picture of the back of Ramsey's hair because I like the way she cut it and wanted to remember.

Look how old he looks! She styled it like this and it makes him look like a teenager to me.

This was the first time James ate peanut butter. A couple weeks before he turned two. I didn't want him to have peanut butter until age two for fear of allergies. I guess with my history of allergic reactions to fish/shellfish and John's former allergy to eggs, I'm a bit paranoid. Thankfully he's not allergic and loves peanut butter. Yes, he ate them in the car...either I was desperate to give him something and that's all I had or I was prepared to head to the hospital if he had a reaction.

Another rock climbing picture from the Watermelon Festival.

A little friend Ramsey found.

One day last week, we had Parent's Night at Ramsey's school. Corey had an out of town board meeting and couldn't attend. I took pictures to show him what Ramsey had been up to the first week of school.
These are my favorite subjects: Math
Here are places I like to go: Hot Spreags (Hot Springs) I love how he put the "ea" in Springs. We are always saying, "When two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking."
These are things I like to do:
At home- he drew himself fishing
At school- he drew what he likes to call the "spider web" that they play on on the playground
In the community- he drew swimming
This is my favorite:
Food- pasta with red sauce
Song- musical notes
Movie- Spiderman
Book- a Transformers book

This was posted outside the door of his classroom. He said he made up the math problems himself. He loves math. I hope that continues!

Ramsey playing the XBOX at Walmart. He has never played these at Walmart before but I guarantee he will want to every time we are in there from now on.

This was taken on James' birthday. The entire family went to Sonic for my diet coke and then to Starbucks for breakfast sandwiches.

To Katie...This was my comment today but I can't seem to leave you one. Something is not working correctly!...........Corey asked me if "my friend from Boston" was going to be OK through Irene. I love it! We're friends! Stay safe!

TWO

2011-08-25T23:20:00.000-05:00

Two is a great age! Just about everything they do is hilarious. A nonstop ball of walking-talking energy is what they are. Or at least that's my perception! They enjoy life and are amazed by the simplest things...an airplane flying above, a tiny lady bug on the grass, or a wagon ride through the backyard. The happy-go-lucky attitude of a two year old is infectious! However...at any given moment without warning they can snap! And all you are left with is the excuse that they are two! They are easy to please, yet hard to discipline; love to talk, yet hard to understand; have a huge amount of confidence, yet lack maturity to control it; they ~~think~~ believe their ideas are always the best ideas and really don't care about yours! Their emotions are raw and we clearly know where they stand. Obviously this is not my first rodeo with a two year old so quite frankly I know what I am getting into. I've watched as my seemingly perfect children have wailed, screamed, kicked and fallen down on the floor with the best of them only to ask myself what just happened? I've laughed hysterically at a two year old, been so very proud of a two year old and longed again for a two year old! So here we go...We have a two year old! A terrific two year old!

James is so much fun and a really great child. He sleeps perfect, eats well, loves to look/read books and sing songs. He does NOT like to brush his teeth. He does love baths, playing outside, watching Elmo and Ram-Ram and John. He is a typical two year old that is hard to eat out with, squeals loudly with excitement, and says "mommy" AT LEAST 256 times a day! He tries to repeat anything you ask him to and loves to dance. He's outgoing and will say "hi" to anyone. He loves us sooo much, but little does he know, we love him even more.

He was litterally asking me "where'd it go?" in this picture. A dragon fly had landed on his hand and then flew off.

Two year old moment:
James has "problems" with the word "truck". He replaces the "tr" with a "f". Yes it's terrible, I know, and quite embarrassing. Every time he sees a truck, he yells @#%&! with a big "ck" on the end. If I think he is about to yell it, I'll say, "Hey, look at this!" Ramsey and John don't think a thing of it because they have no idea that is a terrible word to say. (Which makes you think. It's just a word and when my baby says it, it is not a bad word!) Well one afternoon we were in a mail service place waiting in line to UPS a package. I was the second in line with James and John in tow. James sees a UPS truck pull up outside and starts yelling, _uck! _uck! _uck! As clear as day that word was loudly coming out of his mouth. I was trying to divert his attention and saying, "Yes, truck. I see" at the same time. I couldn't look at anybody. I was as red as a beet. I really hoped that nobody noticed and all they heard was baby talk coming out of his mouth. The gentleman in front of me left, so I stepped up to the counter. The lady behind the counter greeted me and then said, "You really need to watch what you say around him." I'm sure I turned 100 shades of red. My response, "Oh no mam, that's not what he said. I mean I know that's what he said, but it's really not. He saw the UPS truck and got really excited and that's how he says that. I keep trying to emphasize the "tr" to break the habit." She laughs and says, "Oh ok! I see." And says a few other things. I can't remember. I was just ready to get out of there.

The humbling moments of being a mother of a two year old.

Below is a video of Ramsey reading to James. Ramsey is reading a little book that was sent home in his backpack that day. For the first few minutes, James keeps smiling at the camera and saying cheese. Ramsey tries to stay focused. Then James sees an airplane flying over. He says, "Where'd it go?" Ramsey says, "he flew off." Ramsey tries to keep James focused. Then when I try to intervene and tell Ramsey to go back to a page that I thought he might have misread, James says, "No Mommy", like this was just their business and he had been into it the whole time! My volume doesn't seem too loud so I hope you can hear it!

Ramsey reading to James...the second week of first grade...

John

2011-08-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

Even though this guy hasn't just started first grade nor has he just turned two, he's been up to some fun stuff! He and Corey climbed Pinnacle Mountain last Saturday, just the two of them! He made it all the way to the top! He was very proud of himself! Corey bought him a root beer on the way home and that was a real treat!

He has also been cooking with me! This was our delicious Paula Deen chicken spaghetti. We have enjoyed spending more one on one time together while Ramsey is in school and James naps. He is eager to help me clean, cook and talk! He talks a lot when we are by ourselves. Last week was an adjustment for him. He missed Ramsey during the day. I tried to keep him occupied and busy, but my attempts only went so far before he started asking when Ramsey was coming home. Through the hustle and bustle of life sometimes I feel John is just thrown into the mix of our family. Watching Ramsey receive praise for his first day of school, and waiting silently on some attention while baby James demands it all. Because we were blessed to be the parents of all boys I think I must pay close attention to this situation. I refuse to let John live out the negative stereotypes that exist about being the middle child. However, as a mother of a middle child, I completely understand those stereotypes. John will get his turn to go to the first day of kindergarten, his first sleepover and his first loose tooth and in this house it will be just as special and wonderful as Ramsey's firsts. John is a character and a great friend to his brothers. He is a wonderful son and I pray I show him everyday just how wonderful he is! GO JOHN!

I'm Really Two!

2011-08-21T23:58:00.000-05:00

Oh this precious, funny, sweet child. He is now two years old as of yesterday, August 20th. We celebrated last night with a rice crispy treat cake, pizza, JJ and Adam, presents and a Happy Birthday song. He loved it all! If you ask him how old he is, he exclaims "TWO!" while holding up one finger!

I was going to just make rice crispy treats, but then decided he needed a cake. I just took the batch of rice crispies and molded it into a cake. I had the fruit sours left over from his party so I got creative and decorated the "cake". Notice his forehead is swollen? He got a mosquito bite on his forehead. When they bite him, he gets a huge hard swollen knot. Of course the day before his second birthday he gets one on his forehead. Corey says he looks like a neanderthal. You may not notice it, but he looks so different to us when his forehead and in between his eyes are swollen. Yes, I say "when he is swollen" because this is not the first time he has had the neanderthal look. On Ramsey and John's birthday party day he was sporting a huge forehead!

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear James! Happy Birthday to you!

Bop and Berry saved their presents for him to open on his birthday! Thanks Bop and Berry!

James loved his "pack-pack" as he calls it! He wears Ramsey and John's around the house, so he was very excited to get his own!

He is so proud!

Playing with Uncle Adam. I meant to get a picture of Corey and Jamie too! I am going to have to do better about taking the boys' picture with JJ and Adam. We are with them so much I just don't think about it. Ughhh.

James with his mommy on his second birthday. Sorry about the way I look. Hot and sweaty! I got ready and put make up on and then stood outside talking to a friend for almost an hour! I was so sticky when I came in and this was the result!

James playing with his new birthday toy! He loved his special day!

Hope Watermelon Festival

2011-08-21T22:08:00.001-05:00

Last weekend the boys and I went to the Hope Watermelon Festival. Corey needed to catch up on some work so he stayed home. We got to Hope on Friday evening just in time to go to the yearly Watermelon Festival Party at the Hollis's. We got to see friends we don't see very often and eat some great food! John and Kim are such great hosts!

Jodi, Jorgia and I having some girl talk while Dad had all the boys outside...hee, hee.

A few of the kiddos there were Lola Bell, Darby Kate, Jorgia, James, Ramsey, John, Riley, Jackson and Reed.

The next morning was the big race. The Melon Mile! Berry got them signed up and ready to go!

Warming up!

And their off!

Ramsey did great and finished near the front. They ran a long way! Dad said it was further than last year so it may have been a full mile! I'm not sure, but it think it felt like one!

John started off running so hard! His little legs were going as fast as they could! He became worn out about half way through and walked most of the way back. He needs to learn to pace himself!

They were proud when it was over!

Looking at the fish and turtles at the Arkansas Game and Fish tank.

Eating Dippin' Dots at 9:30 am just after eating a hot dog!

Ramsey wanted to climb the rock wall. James and John enjoyed watching him get strapped in!

This picture is hilarious to me. Dad was so sweet to make sure the boys had an opportunity to get their picture made with Govenor Beebe. James however wasn't impressed. He didn't care who it was because he did not want his picture made. Ramsey did his best to keep James in the picture while John stood with a perfect smile.
We walked around a bit longer and decided to grab some lunch before heading back to mom and dad's house. Dad left to go have lunch with Govenor Beebe so mom and I took the boys to get some alligator on a stick! Mom had bought the boys a huge blow-up Spiderman, hammer and Scooby Doo. James kept hitting older people on the heads with the blow-ups while we were trying to eat lunch. He never sat down. By the time we left the festival, I was so hot and tired and dirty!

The boys loved this! They both ate an entire stick of aligator. I didn't want to try it. :)

When we got back to Bop and Berry's house, James played in the water hose with Berry. It felt good to get wet!

When we got home, the boys were excited to see their daddy and play outside in the backyard!

James is going to get them back one day!