"Baby Couch's" chair

No! Don't get all excited. There's no new baby on the way. Mom had this chair refinished, and the boys took their turns sitting in it. VERY cute... covered in cowhide. Mom said not to get too attached because, chances are, the chair will belong to Willy and Tracie's someday-baby. We can't wait for that day... even though, as of now, the only babies they have are lots and lots of horses. :)

Granny's at it again

Mom has always been known for giving my cousin's children food that they would never feed their children on their own -- and especially not as early as mom tries to do it! (Just to clarify -- it's always in fun, and never anything that would harm a child!)

She had a great time feeding Nolan his first bites of Twinkie this weekend. And, boy, did he ever love it!

Papaw's transformation

We had a wonderful, quick trip to visit my family this weekend. Well, wonderful in the fact that we got to see my family. Not-so-wonderful in the fact that both boys got sick. Poor little Nolan was so raspy and coughy, I was sure he had come down with pneumonia again. (Thank goodness that's not what it was!)

It was so fun to see my dad (aka Papaw) playing with Waylon. He played hide-and-seek more than once with Waylon. I'm fairly certain he NEVER played that with me or Willy when we were kids. I loved it.

He also spent some time watching Bob the Builder with Waylon on his DVD player that is a special treat when we visit my parents. Dad told Waylon that he loved Bob the Builder, and they enjoyed some bonding time over the movie.

It's not our fault

More than once, I've been known to flub up some words as I speak. Yes, it happens often. Well, I've figured out that it's not my fault. It's in the genes.

The other weekend, mom and Grandma Couch came for a visit. During that time, mom said I should look for new table linens at Pier 318 (she meant Pier 1), and Grandma C. said she had fun with Waylon at "Cheesy Chucks" (she meant Chuck E. Cheese).

I've noticed this is rubbing off on Waylon. Each night, after he finishes his meal, he says, "May be I excused?" We've corrected him many times, and have since decided it's cute, and we're sure he'll outgrow it someday. (At least, we hope!)

Don't blame us. As my dad would say, "It's genetical." (Yes, he says it wrong on purpose. We think! Ha.)

Sweet dinnertime prayers

Typically, we let Waylon choose who's going to say the prayer for our evening meal. Tonight, he chose me. I began by thanking God for our many blessings -- our health, the rain, a good day. Then, Waylon chimed in. "Don't forget to thank God for the birds in the sky, and the bird nest in our tree, and Little Man (our pony), and the dogs, and the ketchup, and the mustard."

It's the little things that matter, isn't it!

Our new girls!

On Friday, we welcomed two "girls" to our family -- Mandy and Chloe, the basset hounds. My coworker, Ralph, and his wife, Becky, had decided that these girls needed a new home. Craig and I talked it over, and thought this might be a good way to get Waylon over his fear of dogs.

It worked! From the time Waylon got home that night, he wanted to be with the dogs. He loves to have them chase him around, and just laughs out loud when they come up to lick him. He even said the first night that he would just sleep outside with the dogs. "Mom, don't worry. I'll be fine!" he told me.

I think they're going to be good buddies for a long, long time.

Bathing beauty

Bathtime is one of my favorite times of the day. Our boys really enjoy playing and splashing in the tub (sometimes too much!). And, they just smell so fresh and clean when they're cuddling up after their nice, warm bath.

Preparing for the pony

For the past two weekends, and the evenings in between, Craig (with the help of his parents) and Waylon have been getting the pen ready for our pony, Little Man. We plan to pick him up from my parents' house next weekend, and get him settled in good ol' Wellington.

It's been a good experience for Waylon to help build something, and I must admit, it's pretty fun to look out the kitchen window and see my "boys" working together. Ahh... country life. :)

They grow up too fast!

I am just amazed at what children learn so quickly in school these days. Waylon came home this week with a paper plate that he had decorated in preschool, picturing the life cycle of the butterfly. He began pointing out the different elements: egg... caterpillar... chrysalis... butterfly. What?! Did Waylon just tell me that the chrysalis is part of the life cycle of a butterfly? I couldn't tell you when I learned that... maybe in high school biology? But, it definitely wasn't in the 3-year-old preschool class! I am so thankful for such a wonderful teacher for our children. Who says small towns can't offer wonderful things!? :)

Waylon's view of his mommy

I was "tagged" in a note on Facebook today, and it asked that you ask your child(ren) to answer these questions about you. I just love Waylon's answers!

1. What is something mom always says to you?I love you.
2. What makes mom happy?Me being good.
3. What makes mom sad?When I'm bad and I have to go to time out.
4. What does your mom do to make you laugh?Do exercise and something funny.
5. What was your mom like as a child?You were a baby.
6. How old is your mom?28 (I wish!!)
7. How tall is your mom?This much (with hands on my head)
8. What is her favorite thing to do?Exercise.
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?Work on the computer
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?Rock star-ing.
11. What is your mom really good at?Exercise. (He's really stuck on this exercise thing!)
12. What is your mom not very good at?You're not very good at doing this on the exercise (Then he lays on the floor and does what I think is the crossover ab crunch.)
13. What does your mom do for a job?Give me a job.
14.What is your mom's favorite food?Pancakes.
15.What makes you proud of your mom?When I don't get in time out.
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?Dora or Blues Clues or Mickey Mouse.
17. What do you and your mom do together?Spend time.
18. How are you and your mom the same?We have the same closets.
19. How are you and your mom different?I take a bath and you take a shower.
20. How do you know your mom loves you?When you do "I love you THIS MUCH" (and he put his arms out as far as he could)
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?When you talk to him.
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?Monical's
23. How old was your Mom when you were born?1

Celebrating Papaw

Okay... so I'm very late at posting this. But, better late than never, right? On Feb. 27, we surprised my dad by attending the Indiana Beef Cattle Association awards banquet, where he was presented the lifetime achievement award. It was so much fun!

My boss, Darrell, had called dad a few weeks earlier to tell him that he and mom needed to attend, as I was going to win a livestock communications award. He said he and mom would be there, no problem! My Grandma Couch also came, and it made perfect sense to dad, as he thought she wouldn't want to miss it!

What was the biggest surprise was that Willy & Tracie also drove all day to be there that night, too. They left at 4:30 that morning, drove all day, stayed for the banquet, and left at midnight to drive home. What troopers!

Dad was SO surprised, and it was a wonderful night that we will all cherish forever.

And, Waylon thought it was a very special weekend! He got to ride on the luggage cart, push the buttons on the elevator, and drink from a water fountain for the very first time. It doesn't get any better than that!