Enjoy Life's Moments

Growth Chart at the Fair

2012-09-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

2012 WNC Mountain State Fair

2011 WNC Mountain State Fair

One Day...

2012-09-21T03:30:00.000-07:00

He is going to hate this picture...

because I will be pulling it out to show all his girlfriends, his friends, and eventually his children.

Big Ball Game

2012-08-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

We go every year to see the Tourists play here in Asheville. Tyler begs us to go back to the "Big Ball Game" as he calls it. It is really funny how excited he gets about the whole thing. He loves the mascots and the games that are played in between innings. I think all kid's love going to a baseball game but Tyler really does enjoy it so much. After we get back it takes a week or so to get it out of his system. All he wants to do is play, run, and slide like the big ball players do. It thrills us that he enjoys it so much.

Watching Paw

2012-08-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Tyler loves to watch Paw plow the garden. Of course he likes taking part and helping, but we were getting ready to leave and he insisted that he sit right there on the steps and watch. I couldn't say no.

First Time Overnight at Mimi & Paw's

2012-08-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

He did very well on his first night out to Mimi's house. He was more than happy to leave me and Dad. I was very sad and it felt weird not to have our little mess maker in the house.

Sunday Nap on the Couch

2012-06-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Dad let him sleep on the love seat for his Sunday nap. Such a relaxing day.

Tyler's 30 Month Stats

2012-05-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Bedtime and Naps: Our bed routine has changed recently. You are ready to stall going to sleep whenever possible. This is our routine: First we take a bath, brush teeth, and give Daddy hugs and kisses. Then we gather Teddy and blanky to read. Once we finish reading I rock you and sing every song I know such as Jesus Loves Me, God is so Good, Mickey Mouse Club song, and funny nursery rhyme songs. Once I lay you in bed we pray and usually you want to say your own prayer after mine; this is funny because lately you only pray for your cow Bubba . I then have to play the swoosh game (that's what we call it) with you, which consists of me taking blanky and creating a parachute that floats down on you. Sometimes it creates a tent so that I can kiss you through the crib rails. You laugh so hard that you can hardly sit up as I do this. After 20 to 30 minutes I can finally leave the room, but not for long before you are requesting water and to go potty. You then talk to yourself about tractors, mowers, your day, and sometimes you sing to yourself. Daddy and I laugh in the living room at your sweet chatter and slowly you drift off to sleep. Another recent development is that you wake at 2 in the morning to go potty and request that I sing the Mickey Mouse song.

Meals: You eat very well. Your favorite foods are ronis (the microwavable spiral cheesy ronis), chicken with ranch dip, strawberries, watermelon, broccoli, and chicken biscuits from McDonalds (Papaw Williams has those waiting at least once or twice a week in the morning for you). Your favorite treat is marshmallows; you call them 'mar-mellies'.

Developmental Milestones and "Firsts": Nothing is out of the question when it comes to reach. You can stand on your tippy toes and reach light switches and if you can't reach something you will go find your chair and take it to stand on. You are intensely independent, so much so that you will throw items down just to pick up yourself as you say, "I do, I DO!" You can peddle your tricycle and bike and even steer them properly. You are running every where and jumping too. Potty training is going somewhat well right now. You like to try and pee like a big boy and sometimes you like to sport underwear.

Words and Talking: Your sentences are amazing. Everyday you tell us something new and many times it is hilarious and you will laugh as if you are telling a joke. If I say I like cookies or shiny rocks you will agree emphatically with, "Me Too!" Your conversation skills are getting better and better. Sometimes you will stutter or get a little stuck, but this usually precedes a speech milestone. Singing songs that you make up to simple melodies are another thing that you love such as: Mimi's House, Unc Jay, and Mimimo-mimimo are a few of your favorite songs to sing.

Favorite Toys and Things to do: You still love tractors and all things that have a motor. You love to play with your farm and love to show it to people, "I show farm." You really love your tricycle at Mimi's house and wheel barrow. You also love water guns and shooting people with the water. You are very mischievous and you know what pretend means and you will tell me or Dad to pretend a gold club is a rifle so that we do not take your gun but we can still play. You love to play hide and seek but you will not stay in your hiding place.

Clothing/Diaper sizes: You are still wearing size 4 diapers. You are wearing size 8 shoes and 2T and 3T clothes.

Funny Things that you do: When you sneeze or burp and we say "Excuse you," you will correct us and instruct us to say, "Scuze me." You know the directions to your house, Mimi's house, and church; which has caused you to become a backseat driver. When I passed our road one day you yelled for me to turn around, "Wong Way Mom!" You remember everything, I asked Tony as we walked into the grocery store what we needed to buy, Tyler proceeded to rattle off what we needed (we had discussed this earlier in the day). We were amazed. You tell me that I am too big for your ride on toys, blanky, and sometimes my own bed when you curl up with me (you tell me to go to the other side of the bed).

Wat-melon

2012-05-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

He is taunting Uncle Jay with his wat-melon (this is what he calls it).

"See Jay here it is!"

He sat as pretty as you please on the counter and went to town on some watermelon. Notice his heels are perched on Mimi's drawer handle. It is the perfect sitting spot.

The Look of Mischief

2012-05-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

This sweet face is what keeps me going.

Big Bath Tub

2012-05-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

I love to give Tyler experiences to look forward too. He lights up if I tell him he can take a bath in the big bath tub.

I don't blame him, it is a great size for a 2 year old and it fills up much faster than his bathtub.

He plays with a cup and I few other toys and has a blast.

He even acts like he is taking a swim and flapping around. He is getting to be such a big boy.

"Phwim mom!"

He Can Open Bottles of Lotion

2012-05-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

In our guest bathroom, which is Tyler's bathroom, I have travel size lotions, shampoo, and toothpaste for guests that forget something.

Tyler can now see and reach into these drawers. I love him so very much but the little booger was into everything on Sunday night. I had already shooed him on from the pantry, after I found him with his hand buried in the pinto bean canister.

I was trying to have a short conversation with Tony before I read to Tyler and put him to bed. He must have sensed that his time was short for mischief. I stopped the conversation when the house became a little too quiet.

We walked around the corner and found him applying ample amounts of lotion to his face. He said, "Feel better... team (for cream)." He must think that I apply lotion to his bottom if it gets a little red because he thought he was putting diaper rash cream on his face.

There was lotion on the floor and on his shirt and down his arm. I had to throw the little bottle away because he pretty much emptied it on his self. I love being a mom, I really sincerely do.

Almost the Same

2012-05-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

As we continue to teach Tyler the meaning of words we have had a break through with our 2 year old.

Amen: Used at the end of a prayer or a statement to express assent or approval.

Aw-Man: Used to express frustration when something goes wrong.

With our country drawl sometimes these words sound the same. Tyler uses aw-man on a regular basis when he drops things or a toy falls apart. He thinks it's funny because I say it all the time too.

At meal prayers and at his night prayer we end it by saying amen. After correcting Tyler multiple times for using the wrong phrase for this he now knows the difference and will gladly tell us in toddler fashion which is correct.

Shaking head no, "Aw-man, no-no." Then nodding his head and smiling, "Amen, yeah-yeah, aaammmeeennn!"

This thrills him to turn the table on us and explain which words are correct.

Tyler's Toy Gun

2012-05-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

Mimi bought Tyler a toy rifle. She also introduced him to the weep fest that is Old Yeller. In this movie Travis the oldest son has to take care of the family farm while his father is gone on a cattle drive. Thus opening the plot for Old Yeller to come into their lives. Travis has to shoot the cow, Old Rose, after confirming she has rabies.

Tyler does not understand why this takes place, he just knows that the bad animals are shot (the rabid animals and the mean animals that attack humans). We try to explain that it is because of disease that it has to be done.

No matter how we say it, all cows must be shot in his mind. Our family is avid hunters so this is not something that we tip toe around with him. It is a fact of life and he must learn one way or another. It is just funny to see our 2 year old so engrossed in this movie and how it has changed his view of the animals that are on the farm. Even in books if an animal looks angry he will point at it and explain to me that it is mean and to shoot it.

Here he is showing me how to shoot those squirrels off the back porch. He is very entertaining lately with the hunting stories that he comes up with. I love his wonderful imagination and the fact that he is trying to take care of our farm. I will keep explaining the fact of life and one day he will be a wonderful little hunter with true hunting tales.

If It Helps You Clean Your Plate

2012-04-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

I am all for making meals interesting if it gets my kid to eat. I've made a hot dog into an octopus, pancakes into hearts, and broccoli into forests.

That being said, yes Tyler is eating his breakfast with an ice cream scoop.

He picked it out of the drawer, would place bites of egg into the scoop, then eat it from the scoop. I don't care, he cleaned his plate and it made it more fun. Maybe he was pretending his egg was ice cream.

The Details

2012-04-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

I told him to take his shoes and put them on his bed. Later that night as I was preparing to lay out his pajamas and get his bath started I noticed which bed he returned them too. I actually meant for them to go on the twin bed in his bedroom. I laughed it was funny.

I can't complain though, he listened to what I said. I just did not get the details of which bed to place them on communicated effectively to my 2 year old.

A New Yet Familiar Start

2012-04-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Today, I begin a new phase of my career. I will be starting a new position and I am thrilled. I'm nervous but ready for what is in store, I hope. Please pray for me and my family as we now start something that is out of our comfort zone.

Family JB Moto-Racing Weekend

2012-04-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we visited Carolina Motorsports Park to watch my brother Jason race. He takes part in the Championship Cup Series here in the Southeast. We were running late as usual and Jason was nervous that we would miss his first race. It worked out though and we were able to make it in time to talk with him before he suited up.

Here he is taking a practice lap and getting ready to line up.

I had never seen him race and it was so much fun to watch him take off. Tyler was in awe of all the noise and how excited everyone was.

Jason had to show off a little for us. He was in first place here and doing very well.

This race had an accident in it and then a red flag. When this happens they have to ride into the pit, take a practice lap, then line up again to take off. This actually benefited Jason.

Tony and Tyler stayed at the fence so they could video Jason coming back around.

Here Jason passes another racer. We were so thrilled to see this happen right in front of us instead of across the race track.

I tried to take pictures of everyone having fun. Tyler had other plans.

Jason came back in after his win. Everyone was congratulating him and patting him on the back.

We went to go say hey and good job as well but it was kind of a frenzy to get his bike set up and the tire warmers back on.

I stayed and snapped a few pictures and then left him to finish his work.

This is the smile of a winner. He knows he's fast.

We all laughed and enjoyed his win together.

Mamaw came to watch as well. I would ask her what she though of it all and she could not describe it. It was loud and confusing, that's all she knew.

Jason was not racing here, we were just watching all the other races from our shady spot over in the corner.

Tyler with Mimi. He had so much fun running around and playing.

We got to go to watch from the pit area. This gives a different perspective for sure. Jason is number 125.

Once again he left the race track holding up number 1. It was another 1st place finish.

Tyler enjoyed watching all the races and snacking on 'mar-mellies'. That's what he calls marsh mallows.

We would hang out and enjoy the great race weather. It was actually a little cool in the shade, but we had plenty of time to talk about the race and have fun as a family.

Number 1!

This was towards the end of the day. Jason had the last race of the day and it was getting late. Tyler managed to make it through the day with no nap.

By the end of the day everyone was tired. Especially Jay, but we managed a few pictures with everyone.

Jason had 7 first place finishes and ran hard with the experts. He had lots of support and I think that helped as well. If you want to learn more about the races and see more pictures go to JBmoto-racing.com.

We are gearing up for the second half of his race season and we are looking for more support. Contact us about sponsoring a race along with SuperBike Supply, Hair Razors, Dunlop, Silkolene, and Twisted Images.

While Reading...

2012-04-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

A year ago. Looking at a book while going potty.

Lately, Tyler has been throwing new word combinations our way. Last night I was caught off guard and complied with his request immediately.

After I read a few books we rock, snuggle, and sing silly songs to each other. He must have sensed that I was getting ready to hug him up and carry him to bed. He looked into my eyes held up his little pointer finger close to his cheek and said, "One more?"

Gasp! I Melted! He wanted me to read him one more book! He asked for one more book! It was amazing simple request, but the combination of my sweet boy and the fact he wanted to extend his time with me by one book was... it is beyond words. So I read another book to him with much pleasure.

The only thing that could top that would be, " I love you very much mom." I would have then cried, gave him a big hug, and fetched him the whole batch of rice krispy treats.

Jam Packed Easter Sunday

2012-04-16T05:55:00.000-07:00

On the Saturday before Easter Sunday we dye eggs. This did not go smooth. We dropped an egg before it was able to get a pretty color. I knew this would happen. Tyler was bound and determined to do it his self.

This was awesome except for the fact that he constantly wanted to check on how the eggs were doing. This slowed the process tremendously and the fact he wanted to move the cups. Thank goodness we were doing this outside.

I was not happy with the dye though. Next year I will spend a dollar more for something a little bit better.

On Sunday morning the Easter bunny delivered a basket full of golf balls, a toy, and hid eggs with candy in the living room. Once he realized the eggs contained candy he would say, "Oh boy, candy!"

We were in a hurry to get ready for church, so this was a free pass for Tyler to eat candy for breakfast. He only gets this joy on Christmas and Easter Morning. Believe me he loves this almost as much as the toys.

After the morning service we went to Tyler's cousins Easter Program and then ran home to get ready for lunch. After lunch the boys hid eggs for Tyler around Memaw's yard.

That pink egg in the tree was the hardest one for Tyler to find, but he eventually did. He was shaking the eggs and looking for candy still. I had to explain that we already emptied the eggs of candy. Aw-man.

Not to worry though he was happy to run around the yard and find all the eggs that he could. It made it that much more fun to do so with the boys.

Then we broke out the bubble wand and played with bubbles. Thank you Uncle Ted, Aunt Kimmy, and boys for the bubbles. We have had a lot of fun with them.

Our marathon of Easter festivities continued with my side of the family. We visited Nanny and Pappaw Banks, Mammaw and Pappaw Brigmon, and Mimi and Paw. We hid eggs and played in the yard. It was nice to soak up the sunshine and enjoy being outdoors.

Tyler was on a sugar rush all day and enjoyed every bit of the attention that he received.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.

Spring... in March?

2012-04-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

The trees are in bloom, the flowers are in full color, and the pollen count is at an all time high. It must be Spring? But it's March, although now that I am publishing this it is April. The green up for the area here in Western North Carolina is incredible for this time of year. Tyler has had a runny nose for weeks, bless his heart, he has allergies.

Just in the month of March my Dad (Tyler's Paw) has mowed the yard 3 times. I don't want to complain about such a mild Winter because you will find harsh and snowy Winters are what I actually enjoy complaining about, but I feel like I am a little off kilter because of the nice weather... in March!

Thank you God for this unusual weather. May you give Paw, Daddy, and everyone else who mows or has allergies the strength and a higher tolerance to pollen in the coming year.

First Time Fishing

2012-04-12T05:31:00.001-07:00

This year we decided would be a good time to introduce Tyler to fishing. We were so excited and feeling that all would be a success. I have provided a time lapse of events that marks our epic adventure on opening day.

Good Friday, 4/6/12, 7:00 p.m. - We visit a big box store to purchase my fishing license.

9:00 p.m. - I have been told twice that maybe I should have not waited until the last minute to get my license. I am tired, angry, and trying to reason with myself that having the flu was a good reason why I did not get my fishing license earlier.

10:00 p.m. - It is one of the latest times I have ever got Tyler in bed, but I blame this on the big box store and the fact they were not prepared for my lack of preparation.

11:00 p.m. - Tony and I are tying hooks on fishing lines, attaching sinkers, packing the tackle box, attaching a cute bobber to Tyler's little pole so he will have something to watch in the water.

11:30 p.m. - The car is packed up, our snacks for tomorrow are ready, our clothes are laid out and ready. Tony and I finally crawl into bed.

Opening Day Morning 4/7/12 6:30 a.m. - Tony has been awake for a little while, he could not sleep. I on the other hand do not want to be disturbed.

6:45 a.m. - Tony insists I get up, unfortunately I get up and start getting ready. I also start brewing coffee.

7:10 a.m. - We are not on schedule but we finally are pulling out of the driveway.

7:30 a.m. - I wait in line to buy worms and our breakfast at D&D Grocery. I wished I would have just purchased my fishing license from them. Next year will be different.

8:00 a.m. - We finally get a hook wet.

8:30 a.m. - Tyler has lost interest. He only wants to find rocks to throw in the water. This does not bode well for us getting to catch a fish, so we move to a new fishing hole.

8:50 a.m. - At the new spot I have warned Tyler multiple times to not get so close. The grass is a little tall and even though it looks like he can stand closer to the edge it is a 12 inch deep hole of water.

8:55 a.m. - Tyler falls in the water. I fish him out of the water and run back to the car to strip the soaked clothes off of him and turn the car heat on.

Maybe just a minute before he fell in.

9:10 a.m. - We are at Mimi's house debating on returning to the creek to try again.

9:30 a.m. - We decided not to go back but try again in the afternoon. We now pull back into our driveway.

9:45 a.m. - Tyler wants ronis. Nothing else will do.

10:05 a.m. - Tyler has polished off a bowl of ronis and his chocolate milk.

I am exhausted just re-telling this fishing tale. It was fun but with a 2 year old I don't know what I was expecting? I was planning for a possible fall into the water by bringing more clothes for us, but I had no idea how hard it was going to be. Next year will be easier... I hope.

Driving Range

2012-04-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

We went to the driving range while we visited Raleigh, N.C. We purchased a large bucket of golf balls and an hour and half later we were sweaty and tired. Tyler probably hit over 100 balls. I am not exaggerating. The kid was a machine. Some of the balls only rolled 2 feet so we could easily use a club to roll them back for him to hit again. That does not take away from the fact that he swung his club over 100 times. That is impressive for a 2 year old.

Light of My Life

2012-04-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

He is the best kid a mom could ask for. No exaggeration, I am blinded by love!

Phone Kisses Make It All Better

2012-04-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

This is a special kiss I received while at work. It helped me get over a slight panic attack. You know what I'm talking about all you moms out there? That prick of fear that wells up in you when you have not heard from your child, husband, or parent. Your mind automatically goes into hyper worst case scenario mode.

What if...

That was when I reeled myself back in and texted Tony.

When I texted this was the scenario playing in my head; Tony and Tyler had been in an accident, it was bad, Tony was in a coma and was probably not going to make it, Tyler was not doing good, and the hospital could not find me or any family member. I was to the point of tears and my chest felt like it was collapsing in.

That glorious little beep, from Tony's reply made me almost shout with joy. That alone made me feel better. It was the kick I needed to get back to reality and to stop my mind from wondering.

Today, I am thankful for my phone and sweet and simple texts saying, "I love you Mommy."

First NHL Game

2012-04-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

This was a first for me and Tyler. We went to go see the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers play at the RBC Center. We had such a good time. Only a few minutes into the game Carolina scored a goal and of course everyone went crazy! It was super exciting, Tyler just did not know how to react. I snapped a pick with my cell phone.

I could not get him to stand he was too busy watching everyone act like a fool over our first goal being scored so quickly. We tried to get him excited and at least smile but he was pretty side tracked at the time.

Once the first period was complete they played a game with the mascot on the ice and then the Zamboni came out to work. There were two of them and they were sponsored by John Deere and had hoods that looked like something on a tractor. It was by far Tyler's favorite part. When they left I told him they had to go get gas. Although I am pretty sure that they don't run on gas inside an enclosed arena. I assured him they would be back and this made him satisfied him for the time being.

Of course the golf club accompanied us to the game, which kept me on pins and needles that he was going to accidentally hit someone with it. It was tight quarters and the chances were great that the club would connect with someone. When it finally met it's victim it was an unsuspecting lady sitting in front of us. This was not her actual seat so Tony justified it as, "Well she should not have been sitting there." We were lucky that we were on the very last row of the bottom section and no one claimed the seats directly in front of us. Tony and I sat on each side of Tyler to take any hits. That part was stressful for me.

The rest of the game played into Carolina's favor and we won 4 to 1. We had fun cheering and it was such a nice night for a hockey game. By the way, who knew that people tailgated for hockey games? I didn't.