Not as Much Fun as it Might Seem

This morning I slept until 8, sort of.   Jake was supposed to be at work at 4 am, but at 20 til he was still in bed.  Before he got in the shower, Peyton came to our room with Honeybear and his pillow in tow.  So I helped him climb into our bed.  Then after Daddy got in the shower I helped Peyton out of bed so that I could bring TJ into bed.  Well after Daddy went to work (4:30,) Peyton came back and told me that he had thrown up and he wanted me to clean it up.  So I put TJ into his crib with a bribe (bottle of milk) and went to clean up.  Poor kid, I suppose that is why he came to my room to start with, his belly hurt.  ---Anyhow, I got up to wash the comforter and study my Bible.  After two cups of coffee I was barely able to keep my eyes open.  So I parked my parka on the couch and went back to sleep.  UNTIL 8:15 WHEN PEYTON said "Good Morning Mama!" 

We had plans to head to Foscue park this morning to play at 10.  We leisurely got ready and headed out for 20 minutes of fun in the sun and sand.  That's when Peyton took off up the hill toward the bathroom.  After that trip he and his brother wanted to walk on the path.  Two toddlers, no stoller, path; not as much fun as it seems.

At home, Peyton was walking around with a blanket over his head - he found out the hard way.  That's not as much fun as it seems either.  

The table was in Peyton's way, ouch

The boys went down for their first summertime nap, I captured each.

I bribed him again

Honeybear and Peyton

Memorial Day Weekend

I am sorry I haven't been a good blogger.  I am still without much conversation, henceforth, a picture post.

riding TJ's 4-wheeler together

Thank you for our pool, Big Daddy!

Our shark came complete with a sprinkler

lovely candle (teacher gift) and a Gigi cupcake (from Katie)

Last week, taken through the screen door, which was wetted by the sprinkler (not shark pool)

Self-Portrait

White Bible Ceremony

I do believe this has become a 'New South' tradition.  A group of women (or people, New South, remember) come together to present a bride (and groom) with a white bible (and some special verses.)  Flowers also play a role as each person also presents a flower to the couple.  The flowers come together to make a unique bouquet. 

Our lovely bouquet

 I will list the person, verse address, flower, and meaning of the flower.  Hold on to your laptop! pictures at the end

Jeanie Key (MIL) Ephesians 5:30- 33, pink carnation, a mother's undying love

Mary Null (grandmother) Joel 1:3, white and red roses tied together, unity and forthcoming marriage

Hershell Null (grandfather) Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 31:10-12, 25, 30; white lily, honor

Rickey Johnston (Daddy) John 15:9-12, Romans 12:9-10, daisy, beauty and innocence

Kayla Nelms (buggy) Colossians 3:16-17, yellow rose, joy and friendship

Pam Johnston (mom) no verse listed, pink carnation, mother's undying love

Joretta Null (great aunt) 1 Corinthians 2:9-12, dark pink rose, thankfulness

Imogene Dillingham (great aunt) Romans 12:12, iris; faith, hope, wisdom, and valor

Donna Gray (aunt/cousin) Isaiah 33:2, pale pink rose, grace/joy

Jeanie Key, grandmommy

The recently renovated Bride's Room, where the ceremony took place

Aunt Gene

Aunt Jo

Daddy

Nana (sittin) Mama, and Dad

Engagment Story

Y'all ready? 

Jake asked for my hand in marriage on his birthday 2005 (February 13.)  I was writing a paper for a class (sidenote: I received a 0 on the paper, and  a B in the class.)  I was slouched out in jammies all morning while Jake was, assumedly, working with the cows.  When he got to the trailer, he smelled like he ususally did after working cows, like he had just worked cows!  I was watching random television programming (0, remember) when an ad for the local pawn shop came on.  I was looking at the laptop (ok, I was writing the paper during commercials,) and Jake said "I guess I need to go there [pawn shop.]" Me: "You know that doesn't matter to me." I glanced toward the couch to smile at him but he was already down on one knee. 

Can't remember everything he said, but I do remember "best birthday present if you say yes."  So I did, well I didn't say it- I yelled it.

 I have always loved how creative Jakey was.

These pictures were taken in Iuke, MS by Selena



We did our own hair!



Turn your head sideways- Our First Family

It Was The Last Day

And we were ALL ready for Mommy to retake her reins on household control.  Jake had a headache this morning, so he went to work late and helped pick up the house for our babysitter.  If you had seen it before, you'd understand.SAD ALERT: I was putting grade stickers in cummulative folders, and I saw these crazy half grown folks kindergarten and 1st grade pictures.  Why sad????  I couldn't help but think of Peyton.  Tear.  And I can't help but look forward to making this Strawberry Chocolate Chip Bread.

If Peyton is good for Miss Haley today, he will get a haircut!  Even if he is bad, he will probably get a haircut- we're taking pictures saturday....he and TJ anyway; since these will be professional- I probably can't post.

Tomorrow has become today.  FYI JK and I went to bed at 9 last night.

Better, part deux

Sleep training, we did this with Peyton; it worked.  However, I have been reluctant to try with TJ because I am not willing to listen to him scream.  I'm a wimp, I don't care.

Bible study, we goofed off and did not focus AGAIN this week.  This will come to an end.  I am 'laying the smacketh downeth.' 

Sprinkler, I played in the sprinkler with Peyton and TJ yesterday afternoon.  It was cold, just like Peyton kept insisting.

Today, I took many pictures, so the blog is going to be a picture post.




What remains of the after-school paint



Peyton uses the sprinkler to wash his car

filling up with gas

TJ watching Peyton

I was sitting under the fan

TJ still not in the sprinklker, so he climbed into the wagon

We onl.y stayed out a little longer before heading in for supper.  Everyone enjoyed my latest attempt, but the boys wanted Goldfish.




THEY'RE SHARING!

TJ appears to be smiling, even though I am tugging on his shirt

WILW- I am lovin' the fact that my boys can sit together without harm, and that they genuinely enjoy playing together...sometimes.

Graduation Day + 9 Years

That was a special day in CHSAPAC history.  The BEST class EVER graduated and abandoned the hallowed halls.  Ah, the memories (insert Streisand song by the same name- ok just imagine it.) 

I remember going to practice that morning.  I went in a t-shirt and garbage shorts (Soffee).  I didn't have a dress to wear under my robe yet, or shoes.  So off to Penny's I went after practice.  I got the MOST SCANDALOUS dress I've ever owned, still is, er, was.  I wore the same necklace my mom wore in her senior portrait.  awwwwwwwwwwwwwww

We lined up outside the gym and every body clicked their wind-up cameras to capture their favorite graduate.  I remember being petrified that Bruce Dillingham would call me by the code name he used for me, Courtney.  Mr. Dillingham was the president of the school board at that time, so he handed out diploma covers (because I have yet to hear of any school that gives you the diploma at the ceremony.)  But that wasn't my only concern.

Imagine the Whitney you know and love, now realize that this outgoing mother of 2 was painfully shy in front of crowds.  Well, alone in crowds.  SPEECH.  I was nervous from the moment Mrs. Trapp called my house to say that I had a speech to make.  No, the class hadn't elected me for a speech- ha- I was speaking as salutatorian. 
A dream of mine had been realized; just like my cousin Amy (Harwood) I had worked hard and made it!  Except she was also head cheerleader, annual editor, and Most Beautiful.  I tried to measure up, but I guess I have excelled in other arenas (plus she went to ACHS!) 


After the graduation ceremony, my family + Jake (my mom fed the boy all year, she already knew) feasted at Taco Bell.  When we got home, I somehow poured a kerosene lamp full of kerosene onto my favorite flipflops ever.  And the next night was prom. 

Better

ahhhh, how sweet?

Occasionally I get a moment like this.  I was not surprised today was our day.  As far as Mondays go, today was acceptible.  I had told the boys that we weren't watching TV until after supper; but I forgot to tell Daddy. 

Alls well anyway, TJ came home screaming his fool head off because I wouldn't give him milk in a bottle.  So we spent the better part of our afternoon trying to pacify him.  I won't leave you without your daily dose of stunts though.  This was simple, yet always entertaining. 






Both boys got into the chair without any assisstance

TJ contemplating his next move

Come get me NOW

Peyton made this for Katie, but I doubt she gets it!

Backward Weekend

Let's have some blog fun, I'll review this weekend only backward.   


Jake and I are preparing for the workweek.  He's putting off ironing his clothes, I'm thinking about what I'll wear.  Minutes ago we were putting our two boys to bed.  Before that, Peyton  watched Thomas and Friends: Hero of the Rails, which is about a showy new engine and an older engine. I think. 

Before dinner (WM brand pizza)  the big boys and Ginger were outside playing in bubbles.  Jake-  blowing bubbles;  Peyton- clapping bubbles;  Ginger- chomping her jaws on bubbles. 

Ginger, last year

At WM: The little boys rode in the new buggies.  I was introduced to these awesome buggies by my friend Sarah.  Imagine the cool red buggies at Target, only blue and less awesome.  Both my precious children giggled and acted like they were really pushing.  Too bad I could not enjoy the event because I am in PAIN!

Afternoon naps: HAHA; but the little boys had good ones. 

Church: worship with my fam! Fairhaven peeps- holla!!!!

Wake-up: At least Peyton spared me the loud arrival.  He did get his biscuits this morning too.  But he threw the first one across the room because I had the audacity to put butter on it.  hmmm

Saturday night: Jake and I, foolishly, thought we were in for a good nights sleep since our kids had  a busy afternoon/evening. 

Swimming: We took the boys to Jessica's parents' house to get in their pool for a few minutes after a steamy birthday party.  Pool water is still rather cold according to adults; kids say no problem. 

Peyton and Emory

Steamy party: Two of Peyton's best friends had their third birthday party this weekend. Their mom planned a lovely Enchanted Fairy Forest party.  I wish I had pictures, alas we were already 20 minutes late and I forgot the camera. 

Anna

Saturday nap:  TJ went down EARLY, cause he was a fussy baby.  Both boys were down for a short time.  I took advantage of the situation and had a long bath.  Unfortunately, this did not help my back. 

Breakfast: Peyton did not get the biscuits he wanted becausee of the way he woke me up.  I made toast instead, blueberry crumble toast!  TJ and I liked it!

Saturday wakeup: Peyton BURSTS into my room "Wake up Mommy!"  He had been gone from my bed about 1-2 hours.  I spent the largest amount of my fitful night squeezed between my two boys.  DO NOT JUDGE ME

Friday overnight: My not-enough-words day continued.  These boys are cute, but I blame them (mostly TJ) for my unending back pain. 

SO, I will sleep with a heating pad tonight, and iron my shorts and tshirt(?) tomorrow.  Casual with pearls anyone?? 

Insuficent Vocabulary

I don't have enough words to describe today.  It was bad.  At school, you would have thought today was the last Friday of fifth grade.  Those crazy kids....

I tried to crash on the couch, but to no avail.  The big boys returned from T-town with packages in tow.  I sent the camera with Daddy.

Handsome at Academy Sports

They bought presents for friends, PFG fishing shirt for Peyton, frog lures, and Sam's Club loot. 




At Woods and Water

 The boys had lunch too.  Just guess where...
















Kid in a Candy Store, one girl asked him if he'd come back when he reached 18

 Shortly after Daddy left for his fishing tournament registration, the boys and I went to Wal-Mart.  I caught Peyton with the lid of the milk off.  We went through the self check line and Peyton rang up the wrapping paper.  Situation went south shortly after supper (cereal and crackers.) The boys played quietly for a little bit (should have known,) but it wasn't to last.  Peyton ran in to ask me to clean his eye out.  Industrial strength disinfectant.  WHERE DID THAT COME FROM???? I did my best to rinse out his eye, but he wasn't cooperative (and since he is surprisingly strong, I settled for what water I got in him.) 

NOW HERE DON'T JUDGE ME! I went back outside to fetch TJ for a bath, and he had ANOTHER bottle of something in HIS mouth.  What happened next I'm not proud of: I threw the remaining bottles of stuff at the garbage can.  WELL, you would too.  (TJ didn't get any stuff in his mouth.)

I had to put them to bed- Peyton used his ugly words to me.  TJ was fussy, he needed to sleep (although he is still crying.)  This day cannot end soon enough.

 PS- I just stepped on a rock while letting the Hooters balloon go.  HMPH

Shiatsu Masage

My back was hurting before I ever left the house this morning.  Once I got to school, the teachers and I decided that the classroom was the culprit.  The real teacher, Mrs. Polk, just had back surgery.  The room, obviolusly, caused this.  Computer teacher across the hall kept a massage chair insert in her room just for such occasions, which happened (s) often.  Today, I was the lucky recipient of the insert.

*got to figure out how to add pictures from the internet*

I had a tooth filling this afternoon, yuck, ouch.  Dr. Never Remembers Me asked me YET AGAIN if I had ever had orthodontics.  HELLO???? Catch a sight of that x-ray? Metal plates and screws don't just appear.  Wish someone had a picture of me at that time of my life so I could share with you.  The few who were present will probably say they can't remember my chipmunk cheeks. Bless you.

Jake will have a fishing tournament this weekend.  It is his first tournament, ever! I am so proud of him.  The corndog plant has been running without Mr. Key for one day now, wonder if they made it?  Tomorrow, Jake and Peyton are going to T-town tomorrow.  I will try to photograph their gains. 

What I'm Loving Wednesdays (I'm stealing this idea, Buggy)

LOVE....heart multiplication.  Useful for teaching fifth graders how to plug numbers into a formula and isolate a variable.

*lengthy search for an image was negative*

Sleeping in the floor- Peyton that is.  He started requesting last week that he be allowed to sleep in the floor.  I was NOT going to let this happen, (think of the back aches, neck cramps, eck) but my wise husband suggested that I let this one go.  Win the war, not necessarily the battle. 

Peyton sleeping in the floor

TJ"s hair- Jake likes to say TJ looks goofy with his hair sticking up.  Grandmommy reminded him that he looked goofy until he grew into his ears.  HAHA




TJ's wild hair

 5 Year anniversary- two and a half weeks away, I have no pictures to upload that don't require a scanner.....who wants to help me learn to scan real quick??

Random Musings

I only got to watch HALF of one episode of "The Dick Van Dyke Show." I am starting (no, relishing) to realize that cable was a HUGE waste of money; I want all my money back.

The air has been downright cold in LA (lower Alabama) recently.  For proof I offer these pictures:


washing the chalk off the patio



about to be sprayed by Bubby

 Notice they are wearing JACKETS!  In May.  I have no words.


On Monday, Peyton stayed at home with Ms. Ashley (Ash-uh-we).  TJ returned to Tender Years. 

Tuesday, Peyton stayed home with Ms. Olivia (liv-ee-uh).  TJ loved his time at Tender Years again.  He talks about Lola (wo-wuh) every night!

On another note: I believe my arches have fallen.  My mom says that my flip flops are to blame.  I don't know if I can bear wearing New Balance to work. 

Bible Study: Tonight was our last night of this particular study.  Next week we'll be watching a movie based on Esther's experience with Haman.  After that, we're moving on to a John MacArthur (probably) study on the book of Romans.  I know, deep, right?

Jake captured this moment Monday night

Peyton's shirt: I Love Dad
TJ's jammies: Mommy's Monster
Whitney's shirt: white and (most likely) stained

Last Day at Home

I had no sleep Saturday night.  TJ was nutso.  I heard my mom putting the breakfast casserole in the oven at six.  And I heard the coffee brewing.  AHHHHH, but my mom makes weak coffee, by my standards. 

First Baptist Corinth begins early service at 8:20, so I got TJ into the creeper room at 8:15.  I had to walk around the sanctuary because they had already started service.  I was confused since patriotic music seemed to be on the bill.  Much to my surprise Tim Barton was the guest speaker.  He had a really fabulous message that really struck me.  HE spoke to me, finally, about small group bible study.  I believe we'll be searching out God's truth.  I understand that my ramblings make no sense.

Diaper change after church

MeMe, Big Daddy, TJ

TJ and I ate hurridly then got on the road to Demopolis.  Lots of quality radio programming about enriching the marriage and raising family.  I made good time; Jake reminded me that I WILL get a ticket, and soon.  I think my foot is lead. 

Over-Mama's-head-during-the-drive

My baby (Peyton) had lots of lovey hugs and kisses, and he told me how much he missed me.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder!!

Saturday Morning

Ah to wake up to a smiley baby!  We had cereal for breakfast because I had to go to the eye doctor, who we'll call Dr. You Know Him.  My appointment was at 9, or so I thought.  Come to find out, my appointment needed to be rescheduled, but they hadn't got in touch with me.  

So I went back to my parents house, and contemplated who to tell first.  Mama was in the front bedroom rocking sweet TJ.  My parents urged me to call Dr. You Know Him's house.  Do you know how much I hated that?  No answer.  Twice. 

12- Lunch at Aunt Mary Ruth's.  Good food, great family.  Uncomfortable realizations about aging.   But in Demopolis, Peyton caught a 2 pound fish.

1- beautiful nap in the chair with TJ followed by an even more beautiful nap alone in the king size. 

4- call to Grandmommy for a visit, Mom and Dad force me to call Dr. You Know Him's house again.  This time he answers, apologizes for his staff, and meets me at the office right away. 

Good check up at the eye doctor; TJ's work with my glasses was undone (thankfully), and I was sent home with four boxes of new contacts and a torric lens to try out. 

Phone call: Jake- "your son is a leader not a follower" that's never good.  Peyton dove into the pool at a birthday party.  Jake saved him.  Then I find out  he jumped into the river after his fish.  Jake saved him.

9- attempted to get TJ to sleep, ended after 12, and he woke  every 90 minutes.  I'm tired.

Look how big??

See the resemblence to Jake?

How precious?

TJ and Papaw



TJ and Grandmommy