busy busy

It's been a busy week! We're minus a nurse now at work, so I've been having to fill in clinic instead of just sitting at my desk! At least it's Thurs! Not much is happening with us at the moment. Caleb has become a morning man. YUCK! He woke up again at 6:30 this morning. We're getting ready for work, and he's making a fuss! Hopefully, he'll let me sleep in tomorrow!

Crazy Teenagers!

We took a few girls to Dallas this weekend for the Youth Evangelism Conference. It was fun, loud, but fun! The girls are all 13-14 years old, and my ears got tired from listening to them! They talked all the way to Dallas! I even called my mom to see if I was like that when I was with my friends when we were teenagers. She gave me a resounding YES! I don't remember being that girly, but I know we did like to talk! Anyway, we had a great time listening to great bands and speakers, and I know the girls liked it, too. One of the mothers told me that her daughter talked non-stop about it for an hour after we got home Sat. evening.

Caleb got to go spend the night with my parents. My niece was in cheerleading camp last week, and they went to the pep rally on Fri. Emily's 3, so this was her first camp, and she got the spirit stick! She was so excited and had to tell me all about it when I called to check on Caleb Fri. evening. He had a ball at Nana and Pop's house. I think my parents have just as much fun with him ( or watching him act all crazy)!

Last night Chris's mom kept him while we went to church. Lucky for us, she cooked supper while we were gone, so we got to mooch off her good cooking last night! She made some cream peas, and I loved them! I'm not much of a pea eater usually, but these were good. When we were getting ready to go, Caleb was being a "big kid" running around outside with his cousins. He was getting so dirty, but it was too cute! I was about to take him in to get a bath before we left, but Chris's mom asked if he could spend the night. YEAH! I got to sleep late this morning and didn't have to go right back out there early today. So, when I left he was kicking up the sand with the other kids, not even caring that we were leaving. It's always more fun at the grandparents' houses!

Rough & Tough

Caleb loves to play. He's definitely all boy. I went to pick him up last night, and he was in the floor playing with Bria, my niece. He was jumping all over her and wrestling. When he'd roll off her, he'd look up at me and say, "It's fun!" He's such a mess! He wrestled with Chris a while last night, too. They're too cute together. Caleb loves his daddy.

We went for a walk last night after supper. There were a couple of women walking over there too. Caleb, of course, had to be a big flirt! He told them hi and smiled and then almost broke his neck turning around in his stroller to watch them! Watch out girls! I've got a ladykiller on my hands!

He went right to sleep after our walk, so that was nice. He's been really hard to get down lately. Then he woke up this morning in a terrible mood. I was about to get in the shower and get ready for work. Chris is off today, so I took him into our room, and he wanted nothing to do with Chris. He wanted me this morning. I sat with him a minute, but by the time I got out of the shower he was crying for me again! So, Chris got up with him, and they started playing. I was forgotten. Daddy's great to play with, but he wants to cuddle with his mom!

Here are some pics of Evan in the hospital and one of Caleb playing with my brother.

Hello, Evan!

My sis-in-law (brother's wife) had her baby yesterday! Little Evan showed up yesterday afternoon and weighed 7 lb, 13 oz. and was 18 in. long. He's too cute! We went to see him at the hospital last night when I got off work. I was holding him and trying to remember Caleb being that small! Time flies! Emily is a proud big sis. She even has the shirt! I'll have to remember my camera tomorrow so I can post some pics. Caleb didn't know what to think about the baby. He doesn't have the whole gentle thing down too well yet, so he didn't get to come near Evan! Every time he'd come over, he'd try to swing at him to pet him like he does the dog! Luckily, he and Emily were distracted by my brother's hospital bed. They found the button on the end that makes it go up and down. That was way more fun than playing with a baby! We finally had to unplug the bed, or it would have never ended! I wish we lived closer to them. I could just cuddle with Evan all day!

Missing the Weekend

We had a great weekend. Chris had to work Fri., and I needed to go to campus for some help with my class, so my mom came over to play with Caleb. We headed to Tyler, and while I was having no fun with my prof, Mom and Caleb played at the park for a while and then checked out the lake on campus and played with the ducks (quack! quack!). Nothing like being spoiled by Nana! Then we had lunch at Olive Garden where Caleb tore up some salad, bread, and spaghetti. It's hard to believe he can handle his own plate already! His favorite food, I think, is spaghetti, and he stuffs himself when he eats it! He was so cute Fri. that Mom had to get her camera out and take pics!

After Tyler, Mom had to head home; luckily Caleb had conked out on the way home, so all I had to do was put him in his bed. (No fighting to take nap!) Then I got to work on my school work. We had VBS program Fri. evening. Caleb loved the music but got restless when anyone spoke. He was so cute getting his certificate! Of course, after he got his, he thought he needed to take some little girl's too!

Sat. was relaxing. We didn't do anything! That NEVER happens! It was raining and a great day to stay inside and watch movies. Too bad I had to finish my assignment! I finished by lunch though and got to watch a chick flick while Caleb was napping and Chris was studying for his sermons.

Yesterday, Chris preached at a church outside of Nacogdoches. His friend is the preacher there, but he was out of town. We had been to this church before, so it was nice to see the people again. They're so nice! Caleb had a big time in the nursery. There was another boy about his age there, and they played trucks together. We went to Lufkin for lunch. Caleb was a sleepy terror during lunch. He fell asleep as soon as we got back in the car. Too bad we didn't have a relaxing lunch! We drove around exploring while he slept, and I got to do a little shopping (no luck!) until he woke up. Then we decided to let him run some of his energy off. There's a little play area in the Lufkin Mall, and he thought he was such a big boy! He ran around with all those kids and had a big time. When some big kids started acting crazy in there, it was time to move on. There's also an arcade in the mall. We thought he might like to ride those little trucks/bus/etc., but he really didn't like it yesterday. But, there was this balloon thing that he loved. It's just like a cage with tons of balloons in it, and fans blowing them all around. He had a blast chasing those balloons and running around. Luckily, he only popped one!

After church last night, we headed to our niece Emily's birthday party. She turned 5 yesterday. It was crazy and loud, and it was just family! So much for a peaceful Father's Day! I think Chris enjoyed his day even though it was busy. It's kind of hard to celebrate on the road!

Now I'm wishing I had one more day to hang out with my family. Oh well, back to the grinding stone!

Jump!

I've just been informed by my mother that I haven't blogged today, so here goes.....

Caleb has a favorite song at VBS. You get to jump around in it. The chorus starts out "jump to the left and jump to the right," and that's Caleb's favorite part. When the music comes on he starts saying "Jump! Jump!" He kind of jumps by himself, but he really likes it when I pick him up and "jump" him. He likes it when Chris holds him and jumps, too. It's really cute! He even claps to the beat. He's so smart! When all the kids start clapping and hollering, he does, too. He wants to be as big as they are!

Of course he's been going to bed late with VBS this week, and by the time we got in bed last night, I was exhausted. I laid down with him to sing to him, and he was wired. He kept sitting up and looking around and talking to me. Then he looked over me and saw his boat on the floor. He said, "Boat" (emphasis on the t) and pointed to it. Then he said, "I get it?" When I told him no, he kept repeating himself over and over and finally got frustrated with me. Little stubborn man! I told Chris he gets that from his side! I'm NEVER stubborn:)

Now I have 8 more minutes till the weekend! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

VBS

Our church is having VBS this week. He went on Mon. and loved it! He was running around and dancing and clapping to the music. He loves the crowd! He even made a craft; it was the cutest one there! I'm in charge of crafts this year. I just love crafts! I think I have just as much fun making the stuff as the kids. The theme this year is SonCreek Junction; it's like an old west gold mining town. Can you see Chris in a cowboy hat? And with his shorts on? It's an amusing sight! He's doing the wrap up at the end. Last night he was the story teller, and he said he did OK until the 3-5 year olds came in. They scare him! He said he thought that at any time they could just run him over! Drama Queen! Caleb didn't go last night because there was no one to watch him. Chris's mom is over the babies (which translates into Caleb, Nathan, and one other boy), and she didn't feel well last night. So, he didn't get to work the crowd last night. He'll be back tonight! I think this is just going to wear me out. I don't get home until after 9, and then I have to get some stuff done around the house before bed. Luckily, I have the bestest husband on the planet; he was off yesterday and cleaned the house! YEAH!

Other than VBS, there's not much to report. Caleb is getting too big. At night I usually sing to him when I put him in bed. Well, the night before last I didn't start singing right off. Caleb started humming the song! He was waiting on me to sing to him! How sweet! I think he's going to love music. He was watching his Praise Baby DVD yesterday, and Chris told me he started singing one of the songs. How smart is my little dude?

With my crazy schedule this week, I haven't really had time to stay on top of school. So I'm off to read and start working on this week's assignment. That I will pass this class can definitely be put on your prayer list; I'm really freaking out over it!

All Aboard!

We took Caleb to ride the choo-choo on Friday. We rode the Texas State Railroad from Rusk to Palestine. He loved it! He was so excited when he got to the depot. He was running all around yelling "choo-choo!" and pointing at it. How cute!
Here we are before the ride. Caleb's stuffing his face with a gingerbread cookie that Papa bought him.








This picture is when we first started going. Caleb's pointing out all the trees and the cows.









Caleb's waiting for the other train to come. About halfway, we met the train that leaves from Palestine. Our train pulled off on a little side track, so the other one could pass.

Don't we look like we're having fun? Chris's sister took this one of us with our heads hanging out the train (something we weren't supposed to be doing of course!).

After a picnic in the park in Palestine and a trip to the gift shop where we found a magnet with Caleb's name on a train (and he got to play with all the toys), we were headed to Fairfield.

My big 10-year reunion was this weekend. It was a lot of fun, and I got to see people I haven't seen in forever! We had a family get together at the park on Sat. morning. Caleb had a blast playing on the playground. He even found a girlfriend.


This is my friend Kayla's little girl, Caroline. I guess Caleb's going to like 'em older, just like his daddy! It's so crazy to see all these people you grew up with with their own kids.

Then we had the big party Sat. night without the kids. I'm glad so many people showed up, but I wish there could have been more. We had such a good time. Chris was even surprised that he knew so many people and had several people to talk to! It was fun reminiscing about old times, and Kathleen and the decorating committee had put old pictures all over the place. Even the music brought back memories! Since it was at the Country Club, I kept thinking about all our jr. high dances. This time, however, the boys and girls weren't on opposite sides of the room! My, how we've grown up! ;)

Here's our "class" picture. Some of the people had already left by this time. Too bad I won't see some of these folks for ten more years. We should do this more often!

Girfriend

Caleb has met his first "love!" Her name is Audrey, and she's one of our neighbors. She's a pretty little girl, and she'll be 2 in a couple of weeks. They were playing together on the playground last night, and it was so sweet! Caleb kept going up to Audrey and hugging on her! He loves the women! I think he was trying to impress her, too, because he kept running around with his chest all puffed out and speaking his little "Caleb-ese" sentences! They had a good time together. My poor son, however, was not exactly fashion conscious in his diaper and tennis shoes! He didn't seem to mind! Then he decided to become a little exhibitionist. He decided he was tired of wearing his diaper and just took it off....twice! The first time I was right there and caught him, but the second time he got it off and started running around the playground in just his shoes! It was funny whenever he saw Audrey's daddy talking to Chris, he immediately covered himself up with his hands! Where did he learn that one???? We decided then that it was time to go in and get bathed and ready for bed. He'd done enough craziness for the day! Before we left, though, he had to go over to Audrey and hug on her some more and tell her "Bye!" Is this indicative of what I'm in for later on??????

Copy Cat

I'm really going to have to start watching what I say around Caleb. He's well on his way to being one of those kids who repeat everything their parents say! I was in the bathroom brushing my hair, and I needed something from Chris, so I called, "Honey!" Caleb laughed and started saying, "Hon-ney! Hon-ney!" and thought he was so cute. When Chris came around the corner, he looked up at him and said, "Hon-ney!" He's becoming quite the little copy cat!

Last night we went over to Chris's Nana's house to say good-bye to his uncle and cousin. They're headed back to Colorado right now. Caleb was making a great fashion statement running around in a diaper and sandals! He and Nathan got into a screaming contest. They both sounded like little girls! They've gotten to where they fight a lot sometimes, and last night they fought about who got to go down the slide or play with the ball or whatever! Sometimes they just love each other, but not last night! Then Nathan was going swimming with his family down at Chris's uncle's house, so Chris decided to take Caleb. I didn't have my suit, so I didn't want to go in my scrubs! Caleb loved it for about 5 minutes. Then he thought that I needed to be in the water with him. When I didn't join in the fun, he started whining. He LOVES the water, but didn't want anything to do with it last night! So, Chris got in for nothing! Oh well!

When we got home, Caleb got a special treat. He got to watch his Noah's Ark animal video....in our room! He had his little snack and was sitting up in the bed looking like he'd just won the lottery! The DVD player for the living room (the PS2) is at Chris's parents' house right now, so we let him up in our bed for a while. He had to tell us all the animals and their noises, all the while stuffing his little mouth with his food and juice! I bet he thought he was going to get to stay there for the night, but he got shipped to his bed as soon as it was over! He likes his space just as much as I like mine!

Blur

The last week has just passed by in a blur. I don't even remember what was happening the last time I blogged! I was sick all last week with some kind of head cold/sinus stuff/whatever. I took all kinds of sinus/allergy medication, and finally I took some benadryl Thurs. night and knocked myself out. I felt hung over the next day, but at least my eyes weren't watering! We had a discipleship retreat with the kids this weekend. It was fun. I had some crazy girls! They stayed up all night Fri. night and were pretty useless Sat. morning. We had a good time though.

When we wrapped things up Sat. evening, we went to a couple of the girls' dance recital. Luckily, we had Caleb, so we couldn't stay long! My girls were the fourth number, so we were out of there in 30 minutes! Chris and I didn't want to go home, so we went for a drive. Caleb was chilling in the backseat watching Ice Age, and we hit the road. It was nice to see some scenery that I've never seen and have some time to talk with my man!

Caleb is trying to carry on whole conversations now. He just babbles and babbles, and I get a few of the words, but he thinks he's speaking in whole paragraphs! It's too cute. We went to Mercado's with the family last night. Chris's family from Colorado is about to head home, so we all went to eat together. I think there were 18 of us. Poor waitress! We had a good time, and of course, the tortillas were fantastic! Caleb was such a good boy, too! He's been kind of cranky lately when we go out to eat, so this was a good break! He was a little pig, too! He stuffed himself on tortillas, beans, and rice! Then he topped it off with an ice cream cone, which he eats from the bottom up. Luckily, he didn't make a huge mess.

For me to have been feeling so nasty, I didn't get a break! I wish I had a day off to recuperate!