Midnite Pottery and a new remedy

I often times blog about “field trips” the boys and I go on.  Well, Tuesday was another small adventure.  Back when Ford was 14 months old we went to Tupelo to Midnite Pottery and had a platter done with his hands and feet.  I certainly can’t do something like that for Ford and forget about John Brantley.  Tupelo isn't exactly a stone’s throw from Mayberry so it took a while to schedule our trip. 

I decided to leave around 9:00 that morning and hope that Bitty would nap in the car.  The nap was a success (a short one).

 Being that BoomPa, my dad, is retired, he is open and free to attend on our fun adventures.  I let him drive since I’m not too familiar with the east side of the state.

Our appointment was at 11:00 and we were out of there in less than 10 minutes.  John Brantley was most cooperative, and for that I am truly grateful.  

 Ford wasn't jealous that he didn't get to dig his fingers and tootsies in the clay because they had a toy room.  This was smart too, people.  That store is not kid friendly considering 100% of what they sell is breakable.  He thoroughly enjoyed his 5 minutes in the play area equipped with chalk board painted walls which I love for a playroom!

 If you've been a faithful blog follower for years now you will remember these pictures from Ford’s trip over to Midnite Pottery.

I can’t wait to have John Brantley’s just like this!!!!!

 This child is something else.  He really is.  It’s hard not to compare my boys, but I do to some degree.  At almost 16 months of age Ford was talking a good bit.  John Brantley has a very small vocabulary.  However, he understands probably 95% of what I say to him.  If he doesn't agree with me then he shakes his head “NO”.  It’s hilarious!  I ask him questions like: “Do you want to go night night?”  I get the head shake.  If I ask: “Do you want a cookie?”  There is no head shake.  He’s smart… he has my number for sure!!!

 This morning when I was dressing Ford for school John Brantley grabbed his Superman underwear and wanted to put them on.  I slipped them on over his diaper and he wore them most of the day.  He was so proud!

Ford at the same age…  

 Today is my sweet mom’s 60^th birthday.  My boys love their Gran and I am so glad that we live close enough that I can see her whenever I want to.  I hope to be half the mom to my boys that she was/is to me.  I love you, Mom!

 We planted some bushes and trees at our property.  In order to make sure they don’t die we must water them.  It’s not an easy task considering we have no water source out there.  Therefore, we use milk jugs and buckets and transport them across town.

 And the remedy….

No one has given me any good tips on biting.  John Brantley bites all day long.  Mostly it’s me that is the victim, but he will bite others too.  I have tried saying “no”, yelling, play crying, spanking, and biting back.  None of them seem to work.  I am frustrated.  He bites when he’s mad, tired, frustrated, hungry, or just playing.  So you can see it goes on a lot.  I have decided that when he bites he gets this…..  

After getting it a few times, freaking OUT, and crying, he now runs from me shaking his head “NO” when he sees me go to get it!!!!!  

Fireman Ford and 0-15

Our life is never dull.  We are always busy.  Sometimes I wish for boredom, but I am thankful that my boys, all 3 of them, keep me busy.  After Ford’s soccer game on Saturday we headed to the fire station.  The firemen were hosting their annual bake sale/fundraiser.  We love sweets, so we decided to contribute.  Going places with the boys is never an easy or quick task.  They both needed to get out and entertain these poor men!

Yep…. Mr. Many Questions needed to suit up!

 He still needs to grow a bit.

Bitty was more into his fire hat and sucker.  No time for all that dress-up mess!!! 

 And no trip is complete without actually sitting in the fire truck!

 Our big purchase from the fire station was some cupcakes and a t-shirt.  Bitty might end up as a diabetic if he eats too many of them!!!  They were finger-licking good!!!

Ford LOVES to “pretend” to drive the 4-wheeler.  Not only did he sit on it for 30 minutes, but he recruited a fan club to ride on his journey.  Puddin was a good sport.  

Before church on Sunday.  His hair was still a little wet….  

Ford’s soccer season is slowly coming to an end.  We are 0-15.  Our poor little team just can’t seem to get it together.  All that matters is that they are having fun.  Here are some pictures from tonight….  

Soccer is a great form of exercise.  So is chasing John Brantley all over the place during that 45 minutes!  

Good night from my Bitty!

Merri Babies

For several years I felt like Trey and I scheduled our lives around attending and being in our friends’ weddings.  Now the wedding season seems to have fizzled out, and we are now being invited to baby showers.  No, baby showers aren't just for the women anymore; they have “Couples Baby Showers” as well.

Sometimes I don’t know what to get as a gift, or I just can’t get to a store they are registered at.  Other times trying to get my boys dressed, into the car, and in a store in one peace is like running in a 5K.  I often times wish I had some magic ruby red shoes like Dorothy and things would just happen for me.  Someone select a gift and get it to my friend.  Well, that can happen!!

Back when Puddin was running her campaign for Supreme Court Justice, I met Mary Kathryn.  She helped with the campaign and she and I have kept in touch since.  She now has two little boys of her own and lives down in Florida.  She is very talented and pretty much can make anything she sets out to do.  She started making organic teething toys and they have become quite a success.

Mary Kathryn makes organic bunny teething rings and organic teething necklaces.  These are nice gifts because regardless of the sex of the baby they ALL go through the teething process.

These are the two that I got from Merri Babies…..

She will be happy to gift wrap, include a personalized card, and send it to the parents to be.  Check out her website here.

Cowboys and a Biter

I was informed that I have not been keeping up with my blogging like I should be, so here goes.  Honestly, this won’t be some of my better work, but I promise to make up for it later.  Let’s see… since last Wednesday Ford has played soccer, we went to a birthday party, and my almost 89 year old grandfather got put back in the hospital.  I went to see him on Saturday, and it was bad.  I was just waiting to get a call from my mom that he had died.  I worried all Saturday night about him.  But in true fashion, he pulled through.  He is like a cat with 9 lives and I think he has exceeded his limited. 

On Sunday, all 4 of us went to Oxford to see him.  Our little venture over there ended up being expensive.  We had lunch at Soulshine Pizza and then Trey wanted to go to Square Books.  Ford wasn't impressed so he and I walked to Square Books Jr. and I left Trey with Bitty.  I figured he needed a good dose of him all alone.  Then we headed to the car and I said we NEEDED some Ya-Ya’s Frozen Yogurt.

 Ford has never been a huge fan of sweets, but my boy Bitty sure is.  He sampled Trey’s, Ford’s, and mine.  He threw a fit when it was gone.

 Speaking of fits, he has been throwing a lot of them lately.  I think he is advanced too, and has decided to start the “terrible two’s” at 15 months.  When he decides to pitch a fit most of the time I leave the room because I want to spank him for acting like a brat.  I do spank, but it doesn't really work.  I don’t think he fully gets the concept of what in the world is going on.  He is still biting and I have had about all of it I can take.  I let Ford bite him back and tonight I bit him too.  He’s got to stop it soon.  Any tips are welcome!

 Last week was Homecoming Week at Ford’s school.  Normally he has to wear a uniform, but he got to dress differently on the days he went.  Friday was “dress up day” and he looked so sweet I had to take his picture.

Ahhhhh meal times… I have said they aren't my favorite because my boys are bad eaters.  The other night I turned around to find this….I promise we teach manners!!!

 On Tuesday at school they had “Cowboy Day”.  Ford doesn't go to school on Tuesday, but since it was a special day he got to attend.  When Ford was three one of Trey’s friends and fellow representatives from West, MS, gave Ford the hat, vest, and chaps.  He thought he was HOT STUFF!!!!

 JB wanted some action….

 John Brantley climbs in this basket to get onto the couch and create mischief.  He got trapped the other day and couldn't get out.  Instead of helping him I grabbed my camera.

 My sweet eldest child who doesn't bite me!

 Ford rarely naps.  I have to decide if I need peace in the afternoon or at night.  Usually an early bedtime wins out.  I try to do all of my chores and such on the mornings he is at school so he and I can play when he’s home.  The other day when Bitty was napping Ford wanted to build with his Legos, which results in me building and him waiting somewhat patiently.  This is was our creation (with instructions of course)!!!

 Sandbox fun….

Until next time…..