Grandpa

Grandpa loves his "weenie dogs," as he affectionately refers to the his grandbabies!  The weather this Thanksgiving was quite deliteful, so Grandpa hung outside with the little guys.  Baby "L" was not quite sure about the western Kansas wind, so I snapped a shot of the two of them playing indoors.  I can honestly say that Little "K" never was for anyone other than Mr. Fixit or I holding him.  So, this is a wonderful treat for Grandpa!

Giant Tinker Toy

Remember Tinker Toys?  This shot totally took me back to my childhood.  I remember playing with these very toys as a young kid.  Grandma had them at her house, and we played with them each week.  The structures we built were quite incredible, but nothing really as incredible as this.  Amazing!  I could not resist snapping a shot of this structure located in Downtown Disney in Orlando.  Hope this brings back some childhood toy memories for you too!

"A" Friend Indeed

Flying with a baby was not on my bucket list, but since I accomplished this event, I might just have to put it there!  My good friend "A" also can check this off her bucket list, if she has a bucket list.  Why, you might ask?  Well, "A" roomed with the two of us, and was a total trooper!  She helped clean up baby messes, held the baby when I needed more than one hand and the award winning note: endured the multiple wake up calls throughout each night.  Yes, I believe we both should have this on our bucket list!  Thanks "A," I could not have accomplished this trip without you!

Nugget News

On the birthday celebration of Sweet "J," the kiddos were treated to nuggets and such.  It was quite the lunch!  Everyone feasted on their fare, and had a bit of celebratory cupcake to top it all off.  I am pretty sure that we were short in the veggie department, but I had to tell myself that this was a very special day.  "K" gave his lunch a thumbs up!

Tree Suspension Project

Holidays are quite an exciting time of year for kiddos, and we are not totally sure what is going on -- yet -- but, by next year, things will be clicking for "K!"  So, Mr. Fixit decided to place decorations in strategic locations.  Like really high locations, or where we can see them, but they cannot be touched.  Pretty smart, right?!

Mr. Fixit suspended the tree over the living room stairway.  He set some 2X4's over the stairway top, and balanced the tree upon an upside down cattle feed tub.  I thought this was a very clever use of resources.  The cord for the lights reaches down into the basement.  Mr. Fixit plugs it in there.  We can see the tree through the stairway openings in the living room.

The only downfall to this decor set up: no place for presents to sit!  However, the guys do not yet know that presents normally accompany a Christmas tree! ;)

"E-Visit"

This girl is one of my awesome friends - and I am so glad that she chooses to spend some of her vacation days traveling to visit us!  We are so very lucky!  Baby "L" totally agrees too. =)  "E" came for a visit to meet "L" and to catch up on the local happenings.  Thanks for coming to visit "E," we hope you had a super time in the Sunflower state!

Friendly Visit

My very favorite friend from the East came to visit, and it was so wonderful to see her!!  We had fun eating some dinners, going to a Mary Kay party and enjoying the yummy frozen yogurt at Orange Leaf!  She came out several days and played with the boys, and snapped some super photos of our time together.  As soon, as I get some of them downloaded, I will feature some of them in future posts.  In the meantime, enjoy a picture of my super friend - who wore my favorite color for this photo!  Thank you for blessing us with a visit!

Family Photo

A lady who stopped Mr. Fixit at work one day, was telling stories about photos.  She said that she took all the photos, and as a result, was never in any photos with her family.  She realized this when one of the kids was needing a family photo for a school project.  So, Mr. Fixit decided that this could be our fate too.

Mr. Fixit snapped a photo of the three of us on a nice, warm October afternoon.  Baby "L" has his eyes closed, because he is not too sure of the sun, but here is the start of our photo collection.  My goal is to teach Mr. Fixit about the zoom button, as while we do have a lovely propane tank, I am just not sure we really need it to be a part of the photo! ;)

Haircut

Mr. Fixit felt that Little "K" was ready for his first big boy haircut!  So he escorted him to the basement, asked how much he would like trimmed, and if would like a complimentary shave.  Just kidding!  Anyway, he did take "K" to the basement.  Mr. Fixit cut his hair first, just to give "K" an idea of what to expect.

Next, "K" was up in the chair.  As you can deduct from the photo, the process was a little, can we say - distressing to the toddler?  So, we will try to do another haircut when he is a bit older, but for right now, we decided it was good enough!

Baby "L" Cameo

Baby "L" accompanied me to Orlando for a work conference.  He was quite the traveler!  He took the flights in stride, and charmed many of the passengers on the plane.   And to think, he will not even remember one single moment of the trip!  We saw many sights while hanging out in Orlando, and he even accompanied our state to dinner.

Here he is pictured with an administrator and his wife from the southeast part of the state.  They were so kind to provide lots of hugs and kisses, so that he would not miss any from Little "K" or Mr. Fixit while we were away =)

Lots of Legos

The month of October featured a professional conference in Orlando, Florida, and a few sights in Orlando are rather Disney themed.  Ok, I am going to be honest with you, pretty much the whole town is Disney themed.  If you did not know this before, you probably should know this before you ever plan to visit, so I have helped you out there!

Anyway, on a walk through Downtown Disney, we happened upon some lifesize Lego creations.  It was rather amazing - all built from Lego blocks.  The blocks were glued into place, because I am sure, some small child out there has tried to cabbage onto one for his/her collection.  Check out this photo with my friend "A" standing next to a dalmation, which, happens to be the dog that is part of her family!

Best Friends

I think one of the best pictures in life is a picture of best friends!  They totally melt my heart.  Every.  Time!  Check out these two girls, who happen to be my super, fantastic friends too, but let me tell you more about these stellar girls.  Are you ready?  Ok, here we go!

First, they both work together, and are an awesome team!  They teach and train professionals across the state of Kansas, and have a passion for youth.  Plus, this photo is capturing the night each achieved incredible awards for their work.  It simply does not get any better than this.  I am so proud of these ladies, that really, my heart might just melt with joy.  So, congratulations girls!!

Four Months!

It is hard to believe that four months ago we are in the  midst of the hottest summer that could be remembered, preparing for fair and trying to brainstorm ways to keep the cattle watered if the pond did dry up!  So, along came Baby "L" in the midst of it all.  We were quite happy for the distraction =)

Here's the latest play by play:

*Current weight - 15 pounds 4 ounces (50%ile)
*Current length - 25.5 inches (50%ile)
*Current head circumference - 16.25 inches (50%ile)
*Baby "L" can now reach for and hold toys.
*Teeth are impending - as drool and fussiness are increasing!
*Becoming very curious about us eating.  Sometimes he moves his mouth, as if to chew, when we take bites!
*Starting to push up with his hands when on his belly.
*Follows us with his eyes, as we move about the room.

Looking forward to the next month of activity!

Thankfulness Photo

It is a good thing that holidays exist, because, without them - I don't know that we would all be in the same place at the same time to celebrate!    I think holidays are the most pleasant time to gather.  Thanksgiving is my favorite, because we are not focused on presents - just presence.  So, here we are!

This was the grandkid shot on my side of the family.  There are currently nine - and all nine are accounted for here.  Although, truth be told, the boys on the right were about to make a getaway!  Age range is 12 to 4 months.  Boys currently outnumber the girls, by one.  We were quite thankful for time together, and healthy kiddos!  Next year: there will be ten!

Surprise Party

Sweet "J" turned 50 in the month of October.  Remember, that month that we missed?  Anyway, the rest of the daycare Mommies and I decided that this date could not go unnoticed.  Nope, not a chance!  We decided to surprise her with lunch and some cupcakes!  Check out the cupcakes - that was my contribution =)

One Mommy decorated the front door to her house, and another Mommy organized lunch for the kids: McDonald's.  Finally the remaining Mommy organized lunch for the adults - yum!  We showed up over the lunch hour and everyone had a fun time.  More pictures and post details might follow at a later date, but thought you might enjoy this pic first!

Working Man

Back in the month of October, which by the way, did we have an October?  I feel like that month was just a crazy blip on the radar screen.  It felt like October really did not exist.  Perhaps this was because I was A.) not getting lots of sleep and B.) planning and participating in 3 conferences.  Alright, back to the boy in picture!

Before the time change, Little "K" spent much time in the outdoor world.  No rock has been left unturned, and no cat has been left unchased.  "K" has been "helping" Mr. Fixit with his latest rock wall project.  In this photo he is wanting to pick up the sledge hammer.  I am not sure what he is telling us, but I couldn't resist snapping a photo just the same!

Three Months!

Did I ever mention that 1 + 1 in the child addition department does not equal 2?  Well, if I didn't - just in case you were wondering - it does not add up to 2!  Instead, I think it is adding up to 3 or 4, depends on the day, and how much sleep I acquired the night before =)  Ok, but back to the topic at hand: 3 months!

Baby "L" reached the three month mark at the end of October, and we were attending a conference in Orlando at that time.  I have scads of pictures from the last month, and well, just not much time to blog and post.  So, my apologies!  I am hoping to get some posts worked up soon.  So, until then, here is what Baby "L" can do at 3 months:

*Roll over from his back to his tummy!  This officially happened on November 5 for the first time.
*Squeal!  This is very loud, and often occurs if no one is paying any attention to the little guy.
*Grab an object, if it is placed near his hands.
*Suck his right thumb.  I am not excited about this habit, as I am hoping the pacifier wins out.
*Giggle! A tickle under his chin or pulling his arms out of his sleeves will give you a rewarding laugh.

Take care all, and I look forward to sharing more updates soon!

Happy Halloween!

First and second Halloween for the Diaper Dudes!  Trick or Treating involved one visit to the neighbor's house.  We had a wonderful walk on this perfect weather day!  Next year we plan to dress the boys up, and actually Trick or Treat.  Perhaps "K" will be ready to accept candy from people then. =)

Just Like Daddy

Mr. Fixit created a small sandbox for "K" out on the deck.  It has been a popular play location this summer, especially since our deck is covered.  No worries about sunburns or even chigger bites!  Recently while "K" and Daddy were out playing, I peeked out of the window to capture this.  I quickly ran to snatch the camera, and snapped a shot.  I took this photo through the kitchen window, so it may not be the clearest, but it is a sweet memory just the same.  Here is to many more deck moments!

Under A "Rest"

Baby "L" does sleep quite a bit more than his brother did in the early days.  Even though most of that sleep seems to happen during the daytime!!  So, I could not resist snapping a photo of Baby "L" while he was napping one afternoon.  He looks so peaceful, and I often wonder: what does he dream about?

Dad's Creativity

Mr. Fixit is quite creative - and could not resist when "K" brought him a stack of rings!  "K" wanted them on his feet, and Mr. Fixit added one to his nose for added fun.  This was actually one baby "toy" that I bought.  The rings came in a package of 24.  I honestly do not know that I can locate half of them at this moment, but they have provided endless entertainment for this toddler.  I decided they were such a good deal, that I bought another package in anticipation of fun for Baby "L."  I am sure some day we will find the missing links, no doubt, years down the road!

Awake!

This awake photograph is courtesy of big brother "K," who moments before it was snapped, stuck his finger in "L's" mouth and then proclaimed: "Baby!"  Needless to say, life has been hopping for us, and time for blogging, sleeping and anything for that matter - is literally at a minimum!  Proof of this is evident by looking at our yard.  Mowing has simply not been accomplished, and the 5 inch rainfall sure did revive it to the point that we might consider baling. ;)  So, in case you are curious about where the time goes - here is one reason yardwork and housework are simply on delay.

Two Months!

It is true what they say - kids grow so fast these days!  It feels like this baby is growing even faster than "K" ever did, but maybe it is because I am older this time?  No way - couldn't be!  Anyway, baby "L" reached the two month marker on September 24.  Here are some highlights from his second month of life:

*Smiling - "L" will smile and even try to talk when we make eye contact with him.
*Pacifier - "L" will take the pacifier, thankfully, which helps him fall asleep.
*Night Feedings - I am scared to say this, but we seem to be on a better routine with night feedings.  "L" has been typically eating twice a night.  This lets me have 2-3 hours of sleep before each feeding.  So, I am now get 5-6 hours of sleep a night!
*"K" - "L" notices "K," and it is fun to watch them together.  "K" will come over and "talk" to "L," and "L" will laugh and smile back.
*Side Roll - "L" can roll to his side, but has not yet figured out how to roll completely over.  Maybe that will happen in the next month!

Stats include:
*Height - 24.25 inches (90 percentile)
*Weight - 12 lbs. 6 oz. (75 percentile)
*Head - 15.75 inches (50 percentile)

Dreamer

Our new little guy sure does enjoy napping in the bouncy seat!  I thought this shot was especially cute, because he is almost pondering if maybe, just maybe he might wake up.  We are working on sleeping in bed.  Who would have thought this was such a dilemma?  Nights are getting better, and I am determined to get him to take daytime naps in bed too.  So, keep your fingers crossed that dreams and zzzzzzzz's will soon be coming from Baby "L's" comfy bed!

Sleepy Snack

Falling asleep in the recliner has become a regular night ritual for me.  I really try to stay awake, but the nights of interrupted sleep simply catch up with me!  Mr. Fixit loves, for some reason, to capture pictures of this experience.  So, I am publishing one of his snaps!

I honestly do not know what is so photographic, but here it is just the same.  I simply love feeding a sleepy baby!  He loves to snuggle, and makes the cutest little sounds.  I know that these days will soon be gone, and will be replaced by an active toddler - likely one who does not want to cuddle!  So, here is   a photo to remember these snuggle days. =)

Eighteen Months

Little "K" is now officially 18 months old!  Who would have thought this mile marker would be achieved?  Actually, looking back, it now seems that we hit this date fast, but believe me - the first four months felt like eternity!  So, what types of things is "K" up to now?  Well, here are some highlights of current happenings:

*More words.  Church, fly, "be right back," and numerous others have been added to his vocabulary.  Plus, he tries to say the names of those at daycare and Sweet "J." too!

*Silverware.  Well, we are still working on this one.  But, he holds them in his hands and tries to scoop food with them.  So, I think this is progress!

*Four more teeth.  The final four of the front lines have come through.  It has been an adventure, and I am happy to say that this is marked off in the baby book.  Now, the 2 year molars are next -- and last!!

*Milk.  Strawberry syrup is the secret to downing this dairy beverage.  "K" requests "water" every morning.  Who would have thought that this kid would actually ask for milk??

*Stairs.  My Dad taught "K" how to climb stairs, and how to get down them.  So, "K" climbs up the stairs as we head inside Sweet "J's" each day.  Yeah!

What's next?  Well, hopefully the words will keep coming, and we can have a conversation or two someday soon.  Reasoning with an 18 month old is an adventure, so I look forward to the ever developing communication skills!!

Five Roving Divas

Maternity leave quickly came to an end, so my first week back to work had arrived!  I decided to work half days this first week, as that would be a nice way to ease back in.  I was also fortunate to be able to take the little guy with me, so he has been learning all sorts of interesting information! As I entered the driveway, this is what I spotted: five cows.

My heart quickened immediately - Oh. My. Gosh. - our heifers are out!  Well, not technically our heifers, but the heifers of my husband's brother.  The heifers that were living in our pasture, and residing in our care for the summer --- those heifers.  Then, my common sense came back, and I realized these were not heifers, but instead cows.  Phew.  Wait a minute, why were these ladies in our yard?

As I drove home, I noticed a neighbor, down the road, was out mowing.  I headed back down there, and inquired about the bovines.  He knew whose they were, and was going to contact them.  Great!  So, I thought I would go home and enjoy the free lawn mowing job.  However, the soil is slightly more aerated now than before!!

Shoes?

This fashion trend all began in the bath one night.  Mr. Fixit is the chief bath giver around here, and he placed a ring on "K's" foot.  Now, this request is made by "K" each time he receives his bath.  Well, we have oodles of rings, so some are in the non-bath toy box too.  "K" brought the rings over to Mr. Fixit, and requested that he place them on his feet.

"K" then took off for a walk.  I think this would be rather uncomfortable, but since this has been a request more than once, I decided a blog post would be appropriate.  Mr. Fixit felt that we should title it, "Too Poor for Shoes," but I thought a shorter title would work too.  So, the fun continues!  As you can see, we have no lack of imagination here!

Godparents

One of the most sacred things, to me, about Baptism, is that the parents select Godparents to help them raise the child in the Catholic faith.  After we discovered that I was pregnant, with each boy, the discussion about Godparents was one we had soon after.  Much thought went into selecting those special people for each boy.

Baby "L" is so fortunate that his Godparents live close by, so we know that he will get to see them and spend time with them as he grows up in faith.  I captured a shot of the special couple holding baby "L" on his Baptism day.  Thank you both for being a part of our little guy's life!

Grandma "S"

What would we do without Grandma's??  I honestly do not think I could have survived the first week without some super Grandma help!  Mr. Fixit was working, because it was time for the fair, and I was trying to figure out how to balance a 17 month old with a newborn, and well, do it on very little sleep!  Enter super Grandma!!

Grandma was busy.  She cooked, cleaned, did laundry, read oodles of books to "K," played countless hours with "K" and his toys, changed stacks of diapers and was just there.  I was able to sneak in some daytime naps and enjoyed having another adult to talk to!  So, thank you Grandma for coming to lend a helping hand.  We had a great week!

Grandma "F"

Baby "L" is the 23rd grandbaby for Grandma "F," so we were excited to have her come for a visit to meet her youngest little guy!!  Grandma "F" is the best cuddler and rocker.  I know because, Baby "L" told me so.  Little "K" will have none of that rocking and cuddling stuff though.  He seems to think there are too many other things to see and do!

Thankfully, Grandma "F" was able to come and hold Baby "L" as he peacefully slept.  We look forward to seeing Grandma again soon, so she can stay in the rocking practice =)  Here is a picture of Baby "L" as he meets Grandma "F."  I think they will get along quite well!

Mom & Baby "L"

Who would have known that this summer would be one of the hottest, record setting type of summers? I have decided, that it might be better to be pregnant when it is just a bit cooler.  I honestly lost track of the number of 100 degree days that we have had.  Then it become way too hot to take little "K" on our nightly stroller walks.  But, back to the baby details!

We headed for the hospital around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24.  Baby "L" arrived at 3:19 p.m.  He was a little shy in wanting to make his debut, but once his aquatic environment was burst, he seemed to think that maybe he would check out the world on the outside.

This picture was taken the next day.  Mr. Fixit had a chance to retrieve our camera, and snapped some hospital photos.  In this photo, Baby "L" and I are chilling and waiting until the next feeding, and, of course, anticipating the start of the summer Olympics!

Temporary Ride

Since about the beginning of July, we have experienced electrical difficulties with our car. The electronic locks stopped working one day, and doors could not be locked or unlocked with the key remote nor on the inside of the doors.  The hatch could not be unlocked at all.  The back window was also stuck in the locked position.

At first we thought maybe the batteries or a fuse needed replaced.  Not the case.  After two evaluation appointments, it was decided that a computer mechanism was the culprit.  Great - let's get a new one!  So we did.  The car went back for the third day, and the dealership discovered that the wrong part was ordered.  So, I requested they unlock the doors, because I was tired of hauling a toddler into his car seat through the window.

A new part was ordered, and we decided to wait until Baby "L" arrived.  Who knew when we would be headed to the hospital, and it is more helpful to have a car for this task.  The car went in shortly after the birth for repair.  Three weeks later, the locks stopped again.  So the car returned for another repair.  Two days later, same story = no working locks.  *Sigh*

The car is now back at the dealership for the fifth time.  We have a rental, pictured above, as they try to determine what is going on.  I received a phone call from the service technician yesterday, they are still working on it, but the car had a "boo boo."  Apparently another employee backed another customer's vehicle into the driver's side car door of our vehicle.  The report was that the door was rather banged up.  So, the car went to the body shop to receive a new driver's side door.

Our car is certainly not new - eight years old - but, we do like our car, and it is paid for.  However, I am beginning to wonder if this is a sign that we should start car shopping soon???

Zebra

I honestly never thought that this little toy - a Zebra - would become the most valuable toy in our collection.  Let me assure you though, it most certainly is!  Mr. Fixit has even become tuned into the significance of this toy, as he asked me on our way to church one morning, "Did you bring the zebra?" Yes, honey, of course I remembered the Zebra!

Anyway, we acquired this little guy in a box of clothing from my librarian friend.   This is the toy that "K" must have for sleeping.  He has a love for tags.  So, he holds the Zebra in his right hand, and rubs the tags between his thumb and first finger.  While this is occurring, he sucks his left thumb.  And, I tell you, all - is - right - with - the - world!  If the Zebra happens to fall out of bed or he can not locate it in the night, well, we become alerted to the situation right directly!

On another note, I have to sneak it into the washing machine, each week, for a bath.  Timing is everything, folks.  My goal is to have it clean by naptime!

One Month

Baby "L" officially turned the calendar to a new month on the 24th of August!  He had his one month doctor visit that day, and really took everything in stride.  Here is a peek at the stats from his first month of life:

*Weight - 9 pounds 10 ounces: Baby "L" has gained 3 pounds and is in the 50 percentile!
*Length - 22 inches: Baby "L" grew 2 1/2 inches and is in the 75 percentile!
*Head - 16 inches: Baby "L" is in the 50 percentile for head circumference!

Other happenings include: more awake time during the days, a very good eater, still a night owl and he smiled for the first time in response to us talking to him!  The other smiles were attributed most likely to air bubbles in his tummy.  We are excited to see what month two brings!  I have one more month until I return to the work world, so keep your fingers crossed that Baby "L" gets the hang of sleeping at night by then!

Baptism

Sunday was a big day!  Baby "L" was baptized into the Catholic faith!  He really was quite laid back about the whole occasion.  He was awake, and every now and then, made a little squeak.  He did not even cry when water was poured over his head. =)

In honor of this special sacrament, he wore a baptismal gown that Mr. Fixit wore and his brothers and sisters.  The gown actually goes back three generations in Mr. Fixit's family.  We were proud that he was able to receive his sacrament in this gown too!

Pictured with Baby "L" are his Godparents and Fr. W.  Welcome to the Catholic church!

Romper Man

My good friend, EM, sent us some new-to-us clothing.  Several items are for the new little guy, soon to arrive, but there were several rompers, that were perfect for "K."  So, I could not resist snapping a photo of him in one.  What do you think?

Sweet "J," our daycare gal, thinks I should get photos of "K" taken in this outfit.  I am trying to summon the strength, courage and ambition to get this accomplished.  I agree, this would be cute photo material, and I have not done any "official" one-year-old photos, so perhaps.  I am hoping that this does not put me on the parent fail list, because I really do anticipate getting his photo taken, some day.  However, in the meantime, enjoy this home snapshot!

Cow Appreciation Day

A month of Fridays ago, the Chick-Fil-A located in the Union, decided to do a "Cow Appreciation Day."  An email blast went out saying that customers could dress like a cow and receive a free meal or customers could choose to wear one cow item and receive a free chicken sandwich.  Well, who could resist?? =)

I painted a t-shirt, created a cardboard sign, used a food service glove for an udder and made ears for my costume.  The best thing - this cost me absolutely no money!  I had all the items, sans the headband, which I borrowed from my office mate.  Plus, working in Human Nutrition has its advantages.  The "udder" was courtesy of the department.  I simply added a bit of pink permanent marker for a little color.

I thought maybe I would get a free sandwich -- but I actually got the whole meal, for free.  I did see a few other folks dressed up, but mine was the only homemade version.  I believe that I was the only non-student type person who participated, but I decided that the Union was looking for some customers on that hot, July, Friday so I obliged!!

Daddy & Baby "L"

I must say - this pregnancy went much faster than the first!  It was hard to believe that the time had arrived to welcome our second little guy.  The day caught us by surprise, but I will save those details for another blog post =).  Nonetheless, we arrived, in a bit of a hurry, to the hospital - without the camera and other packed items.

After the delivery, Mr. Fixit made a trip home to bring the stash of stuff I carefully packed, by our front door.  Then we had the camera!  So, here is a picture of Dad with Baby "L."  He is peacefully sleeping, and, I am sure, looking forward to meeting his big brother!

Neighbors

The three of us used to be neighbors, once upon a time, and we had a great time in the process!  I was in Cowley County, "L" was in Butler County and "A" in Harvey County.  We were connected as mentors and mentees, and I know that I learned more than I could ever write in a blog post.  We were reconnected when we met to celebrate a special birthday for "A."

Even though we are not neighbors any longer, we have still found opportunities to connect and have fun.  Our lives have changed much from those days.  "L" and I are now married, and we both have kiddos.  We have switched careers and locations a number of times over the past 14 years, but are still connected through it all.  Thanks for the memories girls, and here is to many more years together!

Ice Cream Cone

While in the hospital, the babies are swaddled in these wraps and given little caps for their heads.  The idea is to keep them warm and help them feel secure.  Babies like to be swaddled, because it reminds them of their pre-birth environment.  So, our little guy donned a creamed colored swaddle blanket and a blue cap!

Mr. Fixit thought that the attire made Baby "L" appear to be more like an ice cream cone.  So, I thought I would snap a photo of the "ice cream cone" attire.   Being born takes a lot of energy, so he was rather tired after the whole event!

Party Crowd

I am so glad that my friend "A's" office decided to throw her a birthday party, because it was a fantastic way to connect with Extension friends from across the state.  Summer is usually the time when each Extension professional is trying to "manage the fort" so to speak, on the home front.  We just do not travel much to other places.

The crew gathered, nonetheless, to celebrate a big day.  A number of 4-H families pulled together to help out with food - including a roasted hog - decorations, and more to make the day special.  In the photo are a group of Extension ladies from across the state.  Happy Birthday "A!"

Olympic Carpet Sledding Contender

I L-O-V-E the Olympics!  I know it may sound silly, but I really do!  All the unique sports that you can only see once every four years, people from around the world gathering to participate in something together, and then there is synchronized diving.  I love watching diving!  The best thing is, the Olympics last about 2 weeks!!

Well, we had a power outage 2 days before the Olympics began.  Our satellite receiver would not work any longer, so I missed the first couple of days.  In the meantime, it seemed that "K" was ready to show off his skills.  One morning, as I was changing Baby "L," my Mom and Mr. Fixit witnessed "K" in the handstand position.  Then without any notice, he plowed across the carpet, with his head on the floor.  So, here is the result, folks!  I am not sure this is a sport for me, and we are working to convince "K" that it really should not be a sport for him either!!

Welcome Baby "L"!

The actual due date for Baby "L" was on Monday, July 23.  He made his debut on Tuesday, July 24.  I actually was in town, taking "K" to a Dr. appointment.  He had been running a fever, and then a rash appeared.  So, we went to check that out that morning.

After we left the Dr.'s office, I headed to the fairgrounds to give Mr. Fixit "K's" health update.  It looked like a viral infection that would need to run its course.  It had almost been seven days, so I hoped we were getting close to the end!  Then, it became clear that we needed to head for the hospital.

We dropped "K" by Sweet J's, and then made our way to the hospital.  We arrived about 11:00 a.m. and Baby "L" was born at 3:19 p.m.  He weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 19 inches long.  He was a healthy baby!

Mr. Fixit did the home duty with "K" and then had to work the fair.  So, it has been a long and, event filled, last 10 days.  Here is a peek at our new little guy.  We are excited to welcome him home!

It's a Party!

Recently, I headed down south to celebrate a special birthday marker for one of my Extension friends.  This is definitely one of the benefits of this career - you become to connected to folks, that it family and friends really do become a blur.  I was fortunate enough to be able to travel with some other great Extension folk too, so the day was full of memories!

This young lady was selected as one of my Mentors, when I began this career 14 years ago.  I honestly could never think that I would have remained this long.  Age seems so far away when you first graduate and start to work.  Time flies!

I am excited to say that we have been connected ever since!  The flowers for my wedding, the jewelry talent, sewing and many other talents are part of what make my friend "A" who she is.  Congrats "A" on achieving a monumental year!  As soon as I can, I will be eating a piece of cake in your honor!

'58, Daddy & "K"

Mr. Fixit's car friends have really been bugging him to take his 1958 Chevy to a local car show.  Mr. Fixit finally complied, well, he actually had the weekend off, and I did too - so that made the whole car show thing a much easier event to attend!  And so, the '58 headed off to Randolph as part of their annual 4th of July festival.

The day was so incredibly hot, and humid.  Yuck!  Anyway, this was the largest turnout they had ever had for this car show.  There were well over 100 cars and trucks participating.  Almost any color and shape you could imagine.  The judges selected Mr. Fixit's truck as one of the top 25.  So, he received a nice plaque to keep.

"K" and I headed up to visit Mr. Fixit shortly after the show began, and the weather was not yet too unbearable.  So, I thought I should snap a photo of the guys and the truck!

How to Paint Your Office . . . On Campus

Since the office I occupy has not been painted in more years than anyone has record of, I was given the green light to paint.  So, here is how the process played out:

1. Decide to paint.
2. Get permission from the appropriate people, that it is acceptable to paint.  I think there are 4 people, maybe 5.  The details are a bit fuzzy now.
3. Contact the facilities paint department regarding paint details.
4. Visit the paint department to select a color.  This may sound easy, but finding the paint shop was honestly quite the adventure in itself!  I am available to guide others, if you would like.
5. Sign a waiver stating that you will paint the office responsibly, and upon completion, notify the paint department to inspect the work.  If work is not satisfactory, the paint department will repaint, and charge the department a fee.
6. Select a color and amount.
7. Have someone from your department complete a requisition to order the paint.
8. Determine who actually needs to complete the requisition and send it to the paint department.
9. Wait to be contacted when the paint order has been filled by an off campus paint contractor.
10. Follow up to be sure order has been sent.
11. Paint has arrived at the paint department.  A 5 gallon bucket was inadvertently ordered instead of a 1 gallon bucket.
12. Pick up the paint.
13. Paint your office.
14. Return the leftover paint, and let the paint department know that the job has been completed.
15. Enjoy your newly painted office, because, it will likely not be able to be painted again for a very long time!

Don's Truck

Mr. Fixit's friend Don, loves to restore trucks and cars.  It is definitely his hobby, and most nights and weekends, one can find him working on his latest project in his shop.  So, here is the latest project, for you to check out.  I am not sure about the technical details, but it reminds me of an old grain truck.

Anyway, Don has been showing his finished truck at all the car shows this season.  Mr. Fixit actually helped him construct the bed, since it was out of wood.  It took him about 2 days worth of work to get this part of the project accomplished.

So, Don was pretty proud, and was quite enthusiastic to snap a photo of us in the truck bed.  Look really hard, and you can see us at the front of the bed.  Bet you can't tell how proud Don is of his truck?? ;)

Green Car

I did not ever realize this, but did you know there is an antique car/truck show season?  Well, let me tell you -- there is!  Since Mr. Fixit owns and restored a '58 Chevy Pickup, this is a fact that I am now very knowledgeable about.  So, here is a little bit about the car show season.

The season begins in late spring, because, cars are shown outside.  So, one definitely desires nice weather for the cars to be viewed.  Lots of towns host a show, and often, the shows are held the same time frame each year.  For example, this photo is from the Randolph car show, which occurs around the 4th of July.

Then those who are entering their cars, give them a good cleaning, and pay an entry fee to showcase their vehicle.  The end result could be a trophy and other prizes.  A car show pretty much lasts all day.  The public comes and views the vehicles, and the owners hang out nearby to answer questions.  I am not sure that I totally understand why one would do this every weekend?  But, nonetheless, you can happen upon some unique cars, such as this one.

Sibs

I remember many people saying, "Kids grow up so fast!"  I honestly never believed them, well, until now.  I do not get back west much to visit family, and I am telling you - these kids ARE growing fast!  The girls will be in second grade and kindergarten next fall.  How is that possible, I ask?

Their little bro will turn one year old in October.  It feels like he just arrived!  Many people also say, "Enjoy the time now, because they will not be little forever."  Some days, it is hard to enjoy.  Other times, I just laugh.  Because in 10 years, I am sure that adventures will not focus on keeping trashcans covered, leaky diapers and block towers.  Oh, the stories we will be able to tell!

Little Cuz

A visit back West, yielded a little time with "K's" cousins.  This little guy will turn 1 in October, so we thought it would be fun for the two to play together!  Both guys were not to keen on sharing toys, and well, I don't really believe they are fast friends yet!

Since "K" still will not go to anyone but Mom and Dad, and Sweet "J," our daycare provider - we had to be creative in snapping a photo of the two cousins together.  So, we just plopped Cousin "H" on Mr. Fixit's lap and captured a photo.  "H" really was not concerned about the whole situation at all.  Both even smiled!  I guess when you have two big sisters, one little guy may not have much choice in many matters =).