Music Man

"Uh, Mom, why are you interrupting my song for a picture?"

"Come on, Mommy, just let me play!"
"This is so much fun! I love cooking with you!"

And just so you don't all feel left out, I shot a quick video of what his music sounded like. :)

Happy Monday

Stetson came home from school today with lots of good stuff. It seems that he had a very good Monday!

This is his first official "report card"...very exciting!

He also came home with lots of art projects. He painted with red and yellow to make flames, which he really enjoyed. Mommy is very glad they use washable paint. My personal favorite was his footprints. Here is a picture of the footprints Stetson came home with when he was going to "The Heights" as well as the footprints he came home with today. What a difference!

I hope you all had a very happy Monday as well!

SUCCESS

Congratulations, Daddy!!!

It is Opening Day of Bow Season and he got a doe. We are so proud.

Bow Season

Deer season is finally upon us. J is already at the lease and SO excited to try out his new blind. He is just like a little kid when it comes to hunting. He's been shooting his bow every day for about a month to be in top shape, he has been packed and ready for about a week, and he can't sleep at night. Now that the waiting is finally over, we wish him the best of luck!

Lunch with Amber

Lunch with Amber today was kind of odd. We decided to meet at Pei Wei, which is one of our favorite spots and I was really in the mood for it today too. Well, we pull up and there is a sign on the door that reads:

"Due to repairs, we will be closed the rest of today. Please visit our location at Preston and Frankfurt."

WHAT?! Who does that? Anyway, we had to shift gears and ended up at Subway. We had a great lunch and enjoyed catching up. As we were standing outside our cars chatting before we left, a woman carrying a pet carrier approached us. There is a pet hospital right by where we were and Amber and I both assumed that we were in her way so we both stepped out of the way and said "Sorry!" Our assumption was incorrect. Here is what took place:

What Amber heard:
Woman: "Excuse me. Can either of you help me? I am homeless and I need money for a hotel room." Followed by a long deep sigh.

What Jamie heard:
Woman: "Excuse me. Can either of you help me? I am homeless and I need money to feed my children." Followed by a long deep sigh.

Whatever it was she said, Amber and I just stared at her. I mean, this woman was dressed with her hair done and make-up on. I instinctively grabbed the strap of my purse (as did Amber) and said that I didn't have any. Amber replied with the same response.

My point in telling you this story is not even about the woman. Rather, it was so funny that Amber and I had the same reaction to everything. We stepped out of her way, then stared at her, then grabbed our purse, then said no. Very odd. Randomly, we also both dressed in leopard print today too. Are we spending too much time together??

If you want to check out Amber's version of the story, click here.

Class Photo

Stetson got his class photo today! I realize this is not as sharp as it should be, but it is hard to take a picture of a picture. I tested Stetson tonight and he can name all of his friends. It is amazing how fast he is growing up.

New Show

Tonight we watched the pilot episode for "The Mentalist" and loved it! I'm ready for some new shows so I am very excited about this one. If you get a chance, check it out.

A Message from Stetson

P.S. My teachers are THE BEST!!

First Day of Fall

Progress Update

We continued our training with Stetson today and it went so incredibly well. We went grocery shopping with no incidents and only had one accident all day long. I think we are finally on the right road!

Stetson has earned the privilege to not wear Pull-Ups to school tomorrow so I hope that goes just as well. He is quite the big boy these days and we couldn't be more proud.

Oh, What a Day!

Today was such a big day in the life of the Stetso. His crazy Mommy and Daddy decided that we needed to do our part to help him become potty trained. So, he wore his big boy underwear and we took him potty every thirty minutes. Seriously...we set a timer and everything.

Stetson did such a great job all morning and even made it through his nap with no accidents! We were all getting a little stir crazy so we decided to take our "project" on the road. I packed a bag with extra clothes (even down to the socks and shoes) just in case.

We went went to the mall and also went to Party City to see if we could find a Halloween costume for the little guy. We didn't have any luck but Stetson did find this...

Not five minutes after taking this picture, he went potty in the restroom at the store. I cannot tell you how excited we were, including Stetson! He got to go to the candy aisle and pick out anything he wanted as a reward. What did he choose?? Fruit snacks! His Daddy is definitely rubbing off on him.

We then met Mama Bear and Papa Bear for dinner. Aunt Jan is staying with them because she lives in Houston and hasn't had any power due to Hurricane Ike so it was fabulous to get to see her again!

When I picked Stetson up from Mama Bear and Papa Bear's house after dove hunting a couple weekends ago, we forgot Blue Bear. Luckily, we were successful at distracting him each night so he didn't realize that he was left behind. They were reunited tonight and I don't think Stetson has ever hugged me as tight as he did Blue Bear.
So, we had a very exciting and busy day and I am happy to report that we had NO accidents!! It really helps when Mommy and Daddy do their part too. Why didn't I do this before??

When I Grow Up

When I grow up I want to be a football player.

Or a cheerleader (in a very masculine way),
Or a construction worker.
Possibly a landscape designer.
Maybe even a model.
What about an investigator?
A true gentleman or Romeo sounds good.
I know...maybe a director of traffic.
What do you think??

What Goes Around Comes Around

Stetson has had some trouble with biting and hitting, as you know. Well...what goes around comes around and today was Stetson's day to get what he had coming. Unfortunately, he was hit in the mouth by another child at school. He is fine but it did cut his lip and left a little cut inside his mouth.

This is not a very good picture but the lump right above my thumb is the cut inside his mouth.

Happy Birthday, Drew!!

Happy Birthday, Drew aka Uncle Dude!!

We send all our love and best wishes on your special day and hope you realize just how wonderful you are. Now go out and celebrate!

Fall Fun

I know that Fall doesn't officially begin until next week, but it seems like it is already here! There are so many exciting things about this season...cooler weather, football, the leaves changing colors, etc. So although it is early...Happy Fall from The Ratt Pack!!

Open your windows and let the fresh air in!
Go outside and play!
Don't forget to watch the Cowboys play football (and enjoy all the snacks too)!

Another Shower Picture

Adeline emailed this picture to me from her shower on Saturday. I wish I looked like this when I was 7 months pregnant!

Small Success

We are having success with the potty training since the big purchase this weekend! He is still wearing Pull-Ups at school but he has been going potty there, which he has never done in the past. Pretty soon, he will be able to wear his big boy underwear to school!! We are so proud of Stetson!

Big Day!

We took Stetson to the store today to pick out "big boy underwear". He is not potty trained yet, but we are hoping this will help him along. I cannot explain how excited he was!! He couldn't wait to get home and put them on. In fact, we couldn't even put the package in the basket while shopping...he wanted to hold them.

His favorite character right now is Mater from "Cars" so we had to put those on first. Our little boy is growing up so fast. He looks so big in these!

Crazy Day

We woke up early this morning and immediately turned on the tv. I have to admit that I love watching natural disasters but I do feel for those effected by them. I was obviously tracking Hurricane Ike. I tried to stay up last night as long as I could to see what it was going to do but I only made it until 11:00pm. So I had to catch up as soon as I woke up.

We just relaxed and watched the Weather Channel forever it seemed...and then the chaos began. I was just about to jump in the shower to get ready for a baby shower I had to attend when J's work phone rang. I was about to go to Fort Worth and J had to go to work...what to do with Stetson??? Luckily, Papa Bear came to our rescue. THANK YOU!

With J and Stetson taken care of, I then got dressed and drove to Fort Worth. The weather was not bad at all. We pretty much have had thunderstorms as a result of Hurricane Ike and that's it...thank goodness.

Adeline's baby shower was fun and she got lots of great stuff. Her nursery theme is a safari and she got the cutest things for the nursery. I didn't take many pictures but here is a picture of Adeline with her giraffe boppy (which I love).

Familiar Pose

Stetson has been striking this pose lately. I know what this pose means but I haven't had any proof until tonight. His two year molars are finally making an appearance!! Pretty soon they will be completely through and Stetson will have four new teeth!

Seven Years Ago

I will never forget September 11, 2001. I was fortunate enough to not have anyone I knew injured or killed but that day made a huge impact on my life. It was a horrific reminder to live each day as if it is your last and to make sure everyone knows how much they mean to you. I love you all and hope that those who were not as fortunate as me can find some comfort and hope today.

I would also like to honor all who risk their life to save others. Whether you are in law enforcement, rescue teams, the medical field, or a soldier...you are all heroes. Thank you just isn't enough.

Conversations with Stetson

After reading a book tonight, Stetson gave me a big hug and kiss before going to bed and the following conversation took place:

Mommy: "Goodnight, Stetson."
Stetson: "Goodnight, Mommy."
Mommy: "Sleep Tight."
Stetson: "Sweet Dreams."
Mommy: "See you in the morning."
Stetson: "See you in the morning."
Mommy: "I love you."
Stetson: "I love you more."
Mommy: "I love you even more."
Stetson: "I love you the most."

This is what being a Mommy is all about...the little things that make your entire day. My little man sure knows how to melt my heart.

Our Little Picasso

Stetson creates art every day at school, but the artwork he brought home today was special. It either made me smile or looked just like something he would make.

This is one of the ones that made me smile. I think it is so precious. If you can't read it, it says "Thumbody Loves You!"
A football and his not so little anymore hands. So Stetson!
And a soccer ball. We all know how much Stetson loves balls.
This one just made me laugh. It is a hula girl and Stetson got a little crazy with the glue stick and her hair is all over her face. It's still very cute and creative, though.

How cute are these?!

Stetson came home from Mama Bear and Papa Bear's house yesterday with gifts!! First of all, I want to thank both of them for watching Stetson while we went hunting over the weekend. He had so much fun and already misses both of you!

Aunt Monica bought these for Stetson and I absolutely LOVE them! I am going to frame them and put them in his room. Thank you!


Mama Bear and Papa Bear were sneaky and put this outfit in Stetson's bag. It is absolutely adorable and I can't wait for the weather to turn cooler so he can wear it. Thanks for the coupon that was in the bag as well.

Football Season is here!

The 2008-2009 football season is officially underway! The Dallas Cowboys are looking good too! We are very excited they defeated the Cleveland Browns (28 to 10) in their first game. Good luck 'Boys!!

Dove Hunt 2008

We are back from the big dove hunt!! The hunting wasn't spectacular but there were enough birds to keep it interesting and we had loads of fun. I can tell you that I am very glad to be home and be showered. It is amazing how great a shower and a toothbrush can make you feel.

We had approximately 25 people at our lease to enjoy meals, games and just hanging out. Here is a picture of some of the guys sitting around the campfire between hunts.
Kane, Tory and J discussing how great the fajitas are that J cooked (as he is smoking the briskets and ribs for dinner). J was quite the camp chef this weekend.

Have you ever seen so many pick-up trucks in one area? Sadly, this was only about half of them.
We had two horseshoe pits and two washers pits going to keep everyone entertained. Here is J perfecting his horseshoe skills.
And here is J and Matt discussing the best way to throw the shoes. You see...this is serious business...they don't play for fun, they play for money.
I KNOW!! A campsite with a television that is hooked up to a satellite! If you didn't feel like playing games you could just watch one. Since 95% of the people there were Aggies, that was the game of choice. We were "roughing it" don't you think?
That was camp life and this is life in the dove field. J looks pretty comfortable, huh?

Gramps was sitting pretty in the shade as well. Do you notice Birdie chillin' in the shade?
And this is what a dove field looks like. Exciting stuff! Actually, it really is when the birds are flying.
Birdie did a GREAT job of fetching our birds. She absolutely loves it but I will say that she is extremely out of shape and a little sore today.
I just love this picture. This is J and Birdie walking down the road to fetch some birds. They make quite the little hunting pair.

Now that the first weekend of dove season is over, it is time to concentrate on bow season for deer. J is so excited he can't stand it. We love Fall...deer season, cooler weather and football. Who could ask for more?