It's that time again...

....Muttin Bustin' that is. Brody will participate this Saturday, January 3rd and 7:00 p.m. at the HOT fairgrounds. He is excited but not near as excited as he was the first time. He knows what to expect this time. He said he is only going to ride because Aunt Vonda and Uncle Edgar will be there to watch. (I see where I rate now...). Give us a call if you are going to be there and we will all try to sit together and cheer my little cowboy on!!!

It Is Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

We have finally found the time to put up our Christmas Tree. We did not get the lights on the house or any of our outside decorations up but at least the inside is decorated. Brody decorated the tree so note all the decorations are pretty much in the middle and on the bottom. He did a great job, has redecorated every day and has broke 3 ornaments.

Sunday when I got out of the shower, I came in the kitchen and the airplane decoration was on the cabinet with the propellor broken. I asked him what happened and he said he did not know. I asked him if he broke it and he said no, of course. I then said, did it just fly off of the tree and land on the cabinet and break? He looked me in the eyes and said, Yes mama. I just looked at him and he finally told me the truth.

Brody is really ready for Santa Claus. He was very concerned because we do not have any presents under the tree. I let him know there would be presents soon. That made him feel a little better. I told him Santa would be putting presents under the tree also. But he had to be good. Well, when he woke up Sunday, he walked into the living room and was really upset. He said, mama, there are no presents under the tree and I have been good. It was hard to keep from laughing but I told him it wasn't time for Santa yet. He was relieved.

Today we were a little under the weather so we stayed home. I wanted to do a little baking so we made 2 loaves of Pumpkin Cranberry Bread, Gingerbread and Fudgie Oatmeal Bars. Brody had so much fun helping and he did great helping me.

Now I just have to get this stuff out of my house so I do not eat every bit of it. I have a plate for my work, Bill's work and the daycare. They should enjoy.

Dancing With The Stars???

After we finished the Christmas tree, Brody decided he wanted to put on a little show...

He is quite the showman.

For This I Am Thankful!!!

What a Waste of Money

We decided to try a new restaurant tonight for dinner. We had heard mixed reviews so we thought we should just try it for ourselves. Don Carolos is the name and mexican food is supposed to be their speciality. We were so diappointed. The service was horrible, the waiter did not even know the menu and the food was the most terrible mexican food I have ever eaten. Our waiter never even asked if I would like a refill on my tea, he had no idea what came with what I ordered and the forks were still dirty. Needless to say, we should have just came home and grilled burgers liked we had planned.

Bean Head!!!

Hey bean head...I am ready to see you so we can play!!!

Has Anyone Seen the Pickles...

Several years ago Bill and I took Brody driving through the country to look at Christmas lights. Needless to say, they were few and far between in the country. We were pretty much in the middle of nowhere. We let Brody sit in my lap in the front seat. Yes, it was against the law but we where on the back roads. He was just over a year so his attention span was not that long. Somewhere out of the clear blue, Bill says, "Oh my gosh, did you see those pickles in the road Brody?" He jumped up and kept his eyes on the road looking for pickles.

That is when the pickles started. So you can only imagine now that Brody is older and his imagination has started taking off where these pickles go. We see pickles on every road at all hours of the day. It took Bill a little while but he finally caught on and now we just play along.

So, if you are ever in the car with Brody, you might see some pickles crossing the road.

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

Just a quick belated birthday wish to my hubby. His birthday was Tuesday and we had a nice quiet dinner at home. Happy Birthday to most wonderful husband in the world!!! I love you!!!

Halloween Update

I know it has been awhile since I have posted but things around here have been very busy. I will spare you all the details and just give you some quick updates.

First - Halloween!!! As some of you know, Brody wanted to be a dragon for Halloween this year. It was the same costume he used last year. Easy enough right?? Weeks before, I would take Brody down the costume aisle at Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us and HEB. He would say, "Momma, I just want to be a dragon!!" So I thought, ok, same costume twice in a roll. I guess I should be thankful because that will never happen again. (The costume still fit also)

We made ham sandwiches and blueberry muffins in the shape of pumpkins for his Fall Festival party at school and he was so excited. We get up Friday morning and put on his dragon outfit. He was so excited. I took his picture and off we went.

This is where everything starts taking a turn for the worse.....

We arrive at school and Landon (one of his best buds) meets us at the door in his Bumblebee (Transformer) costume. Brody looked and went about his business. He really seemed to like his dragon costume. His other best bud, Bryan, shows up at school in a Bumblebee costume also. Brody is not a happy camper now. If just one would have had Bumblebee we would have been ok but not both. Apparently they (Bryan and Landon) were running around Brody laughing and pulling his dragon tail. (Now I wanted to cry - don't mess with my baby!!!!!) Anyways, the teacher said Brody wanted his costume off and he did not want to participate in any activities the rest of they day.

I was not going to have my baby upset on Halloween. I knew there would be NO WAY I was going to get that costume on for trick-or-treating that night. So, at lunch, I hit every store I could and no signs of Bumblebee any where. I called Nana and of course she was more that willing to head to Wal-Mart and look for a costume. She calls me back and said, I do not see any Bumblebees only some yellow tranformer - That is it. It is a 7-8 (just a little big) but I do not care (and it much nicer that B & B's). I was so excited. So I called over to the daycare and Grandma Linda had Brody come to the office (he thought he was in trouble) and she told him he was going to Bumblebee. She said he was so excited, his eyes just lit up.

After work we headed to Gatesville for the new costume. Nana had to do a little adjusting to make it work but boy was Brody excited. That was worth a million dollars.

We headed to Aunt Marseys, Uncle Waynes, the boozaar and a couple of other houses and called it a night. Brody did not enjoy trick-or-treating. I learned on Monday that he told his teacher - why do I have to ask someone else for candy when my momma buys it for me anyway?? Overall it was a fun night!!!

It Was A Huge Success

What a night - it was a success. Brody stayed on for all of 6 seconds and scored an 84. That was enough for 3rd place. We are so proud of him. After he fell off, he did start crying but I think he just did not know what to expect. He was so excited he has not stopped talking about it yet. He won a belt buckle and a little trophy and he is so proud of them. I am attaching a couple of pictures that I have before the ride. I will post the video as soon as I figure out how to do it.

Mutton Bustin

Tomorrow night is the big night. Brody will attempt to ride a sheep for 6 seconds. We should all get a good laugh. He so excited and ready.

For those of you interested, the rodeo starts at 7:00 p.m. and we will be sitting in Section 130. Hope to see you there.

Happy 4th Birthday Brody!!!

Today my baby turned 4 years old. I cannot believe that it has been 4 years since Brody came into this world and blessed our family. He is the sweetest, most thoughtful and loving little boy. Yes, he does have a temper and at times I believe he is still going through the terrible twos but he is the best little boy I could have ever asked for.

We did not have an "official" birthday party. We have had so much going on the least two weeks we just could not get the time. But do not fret, we have been celebrating this entire week. Last Saturday we enjoyed birthday cookie at Grandmas with the family. Nana and papaw came over last Sunday and we all put together Brody's birthday present from all four of us - a swing set. He loves it. Then on Friday, we had cookie at school for Brody and Bryan (his best friend - they share a birthday). Friday night we had a camp out with the Butler's, the Lane's and the Moon's. We had a weenie roast, played hide-n-seek, ate birthday cookie again and Brody was able to open up presents. Saturday night we enjoyed an evening at the rodeo with Nana and Papaw.

Sunday was the big day, not only was it his "real" birthday day but he participated in the stick horse grand entry at the rodeo and won a new pair of boots. He met the clowns and the cowboys and was able to get their autographs. He was the cutest cowboy in the entire arena. We topped the night off with dinner of rice and beans - his favorite. Nana, papaw and Uncle Wayne helped us celebrate.

I know Brody had the best birthday he could have ever wished for except a special Aunt Vonda and Uncle Edgar was not able to be here but hopefully next year.

I think back on the day Brody was born and I am so thankful for everyone that helped bring him into the world. I could not have asked for a more perfect experience, with Bill, my parents and sister by my side the entire time. I just hope Vonda is not scarred for life. Thank you all for everything.

Happy birthday punkin, you are the best. Mommy and daddy love you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mutton Bustin 2008

The time has finally arrived. Brody will be participating in his first Mutton Bustin this year at the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo. He will make his grand ride on Friday, October 10th at 7:00 p.m. We are trying to prepare him for his ride but I think that is something he just has to experience for himself. It should be a great show. Bill has been trying to get some practice in on Buck but he just sits there.

On his 4th birthday - Sunday, October 5th, he will be participating in the stick horse grand entry at 4:00 p.m.

Brody would love to see and hear all of his fans in the stands cheering him on. Give us a call if you are going to be there so we can all sit together!

Reflection on our vacation

Now that we are back at home and in to the swing of things at work again I am enjoying looking back and reflecting on what a wonderful first vacation we had. Bill made sure we had a great trip. Brody has said he enjoyed everything but Shamu was his favorite. I believe I enjoyed watching Brody and Bill interacting and having a great time. Just seeing Bill relaxed and the smile on Brody's face was worth it all.

I look back on all the wonderful vacations we had as a family growing up and I hope Brody has memories like I do. Vacations as a parent are completely different. Sometimes I would wonder why we just could not have that toy or that t-shirt, now I now, that stuff gets expensive. Just like the boat ride - $7.50 a person. That is crazy. Vonda and I never wanted for anything on our vacations and I hope Brody always knows that we try to give him a great vacation!!

We are already looking forward to our next vacation - wherever that may take us.

Day 4 & 5

Monday was our last day in San Antonio and we completed it with a walk through the rest of the market. Again, not a great place for Brody. We did not find any bargains so we thought we were going to make it out this time without a purchase - wrong - he saw the swords and just had to have one. They were only $1.50 so it did not break us. I think he had it bent in half before we were out of the city limits.

We spent the next couple of days in Austin just relaxing. We enjoyed swimming at the hotel and dinner over looking the hill country. We had dinner at the County Line and it was really good. (I do have to say I prefer Bills BBQ though). Hope you enjoy the pictures Vonda and Edgar, we were thinking of you. Brody helped take the pictures for you.

What a wonderful vacation!!!

Day 3 - SEA WORLD

Today started with Brody telling us again he wanted the green game. We told him we were on our way to a very fun day and we were sure he would find something just as wonderful as the green game.

We were off to Sea World for a day of fun. We were all very excited and ready to get the day started. Sea World is not exactly how I remembered it. Of course, it has been about 17 years since I was there. Since we went after Labor Day, several of the shows were out of season. I think we walked around like little lost puppies for awhile until we finally found our groove.

Brody wanted to get in the water park so bad so we put his swim trunks on and off he went. However, he did not want to get wet. He finally started getting in the water, turned around to look at us and hit his head on a metal bar. I could not get to him fast enough. The water park was over. We put his shirt and shoes on and kept walking. He kept crying because he did not want his swim trunks on. He did not want to be wet. We found a restroom, took them off and put his shorts back on and off we went.

We finally started getting to the shows at the right time. He enjoyed most of the shows but his favorite was the penguins. Our final show was Shamu and then we surprised him with dining with Shamu. That was a wonderful experience. We had a wonderful dinner and we were able to see the whales up close and personal. They were about 3 feet from us. Brody was a little nervous but he really enjoyed it.

Brody had a great day. We loved seeing the smile on his face and his pure excitement. I was not able to get very many pictures because he told me again that we did not have time for pictures. I am sure he has heard that somewhere. I was able to snap a couple of pictures along the way.

We headed back to our hotel and Brody fell fast asleep. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, he woke up and informed us we needed to go and get the green game. Off to the market we went again. I told him if he could find it, he could have it. He said "momma, it is in the white building." He went right to the green game. A wrestling ring with the men. He loves it, plays with it all the time. He played with it all the way home.

Vacation - Day 2

After a short night, Brody was wide awake and ready for day 2 of our vacation. Saturday morning we drove to San Antonio for the main event. We checked into our hotel at the market(Brody was still worried that we had sold the house and worried about his toys), unloaded the car and found the trolley stop for our trip to downtown. Brody really enjoyed the trolley ride and we did get to see some interesting sights.

Our first sight to see was the Bunkahorns (the Bunkhorn and Hall of Horns Museum) and the Texas Ranger Museuem. Bill and I had not been to the new museum so it was a first for us also. We all enjoyed looking around and listening to the cowboy that was singing tales of the west. We were in the museum for about 2 hours and he sang the entire time with no breaks. Brody enjoyed looking at everything but did get bored quickly. We were wanting to read about everything but Brody wanted to just look and go. Since this was his vacation, we would look and go.

Our next stop was the Alamo. It has been years since I have been there but it is still the same. Brody was very bored with this stop so, needless to say, we did not stay around too long. He did enjoy looking at the fish and the trees. We tried to get a picture of all three of us but he told us "we don't have time for pictures momma." We did not get any pictures of all three us together at all. Maybe next time.

Then, we were off to the River Walk. The last time we were at the River Walk was during our last trip to Bocktoberfest so seeing it during the day is different. Brody enjoyed the river and the boat. That boat ride is expensive. I was worried the entire time that he was going to fall into the river because he only wanted to walk on the edge so it was a little stressful for me but we enjoyed walking around.

We headed back to our hotel to clean up and get ready for dinner. Over to the market we went for some wonderful mexican food and lots of "shopping". Let's just say that the market is not a place to take Brody for window shopping. He found a little guitar that he just had to have. We could not leave that store until he had it. Needless to say, we bought the guitar. He is the only child and this was his first vacation. So, we kept on walking and looking. He could not wait to get back to the room to play this guitar. We walked across the street to our room and to listen to a wonderful song about not saying bad words.

After the newness of the guitar wore off, he let us know he wanted the green game with the pusher men. (I played stupid because I thought I knew what he wanted but I was hoping he was going to forget about it.) We finally got him to bed for our next big day - SEA WORLD!!!

Vacation - Day 1

We headed out on Friday, September 5th for our FIRST ever family vacation. Yes, that is right, our first vacation as a family. We tend to forget that Brody is growing up so fast and we need to enjoy ever minute. We get so busy working and doing things around the house that we sometimes forget to have fun.

So, we decided to head out to San Antonio for our vacation. I had so much planned I was not for sure if we would be able to fit it all in. But I was sure going to try.

Not only was this our first family vacation, it was the first time Brody had spent the night in a hotel. We tried to explain to him what it would be like but I do not think he really understood. As we were leaving the house and packing all of our bags, he asked if we were moving!! We told him we were just going on vacation. He decided at that moment he did not think he wanted to leave, he was worried about his toys. We told him they would be just fine and waiting for him to come home.

We headed out around 5:30 p.m. not for sure where we would stay the night. We had reservations starting Saturday night. We stayed the night in Austin and Brody had so much fun. Bill found us a room and we were headed to our room when Brody spotted the brochures for everything around Austin and San Antonio. I think he picked up about 10 of them. I remember those as a kid and thinking, whoa, I have something that is just mine. We got into the room and Brody was still a little confused but he soon loosened up and had a blast. We walked around our hotel and went for a swim. He enjoyed swimming in the dark.

I had been talking to him about vacation for about a month, we even had a count down calender, he could not go to sleep. I think it took us about 2 hours to get him calmed down just to go to bed.

Finally, rest and on to day 2...

A First For Momma

This month has been a month of firsts for the Butler household. I will post about them as I get a chance. The first was a first for me.

As everyone knows, Bill is an outdoorsman and so is Brody. Well, September 1 was the first day of dove season and off the two of them went. It was quiet overwhelming for me to see my baby all dressed up in his hunting gear with his Red Ryder BB gun. I always new the day would come, I just did not realize how I would react to the day. Brody was so excited to finally go hunting with his daddy. Daddy was equally as excited. It was a great first day, they were able to nab 7 dove.

Thanks to mom for letting me cry on her shoulder (over the phone of course).

Momma, I need a vacation

Again, I knew something was up when he started with momma. Most of Brody's friends at school had been on vacation at one time or the other during the summer and he did not want to hear it any more. When I picked him up from school, he informed me he needed a vacation (don't we all). I asked him where he wanted to go and he said Nana and Papaw's. So I made the call and of course, they came and picked him up from school the next day.

He had a wonderful time, swimming at the neighbors, swinging and most important, going to Inner Space. He had lots of fun!!!

Thank you Nana and Papaw for a wonderful vacation. (This vacation was about 2 weeks ago, yes, I am late posting about it.)

In 10 days, we 3 leave for a much needed vacation. We can not wait and Brody is so excited to go on vacation with momma and daddy.

Momma, I Wanna...

...TATTOO!!! You want a what??? A tattoo.

This is how our conversation was on the way home yesterday. Talk about taking me by surprise. When Brody starts a conversation with "Momma", I know something is up. We were driving home from school yesterday and he informed me he needed a tattoo. I asked him what a tattoo was and he answered just like he does everything else, "I don't know". I explained to him he was too young and he just didn't need a tattoo. He looked at me and with the most pitiful sound and look on his face, he said "momma, you don't let me have noffin!!!" He proceeds to tell me that Bryan and Caleb have one so he needs one. Again, I tell him no and he tells me "momma, you don't ever let me have noffin!!!"

According to Bryan's dad, he has some fake ones that he wears to school. Thank you, B.J.

Poor Brody, maybe one day momma will let him have something.

Boys and mud

The Backyardigans LIVE

It has been awhile since I posted but I had a couple of new pictures. As everyone knows, Brody loves the Backyardigans. They came live to the HOT fair grounds on August 8 and we were there. (remember Uniqua from earlier - same cartoon). Also in attendance was his best bud Bryan and his parents. The kids loved it. It was a really nice production considering its target age is 3. The characters were grown-ups and you could actually see their face, they did not have masks on which was nice.

Well, and then

Any of you that have been around us for an hour knows that our son has a very vivid imagination. He can tell a story and make it so believable. You start thinking to yourself, could this have really happened? You sometimes are just not for sure. I live with him everyday and still find myself wondering. On Sunday, Nana and Papaw came over to the house after the circus and Brody began his story telling. I was in the kitchen so I did not hear all of the story but this is a brief segment of how the story went:

Brody: Well, Nana and Papaw, come to my room, I have something special to show you.

(I can hear them agreeing with him and asking a couple of questions.)

Brody: and then (with his hand in the air - you know what I am talking about if you have watched him tell a story) Bryan dumped over the basketball goal and then he messed up my room with all the toys and then he dumped over the bins with all the toys. (I am not exactly for sure what Brody was doing during Bryan's rampage throught his room). and then, we started jumping on the bed.

Nana: Really, that must have been a mess.

Brody: Yeah

Me: Ok Brody, I do not remember this happening (papaw is looking at me like, did this really happen - he was being very believable) what was mommy doing? Where was mommy?

Brody: Well mommy, (with his hand in the air) you were on the patio drinking wine.

Me: Really, I guess that it why I do not remember this happening. What was daddy doing?

Brody: Well, he was just drinking a coke.

End of story. We were laughing so hard. Brody really believes that this story happened. I hope this story telling keeps up, he could make lots of money.

Circus, Circus, Circus

Sunday was another fun filled day. Nana and Papaw took us all to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in Waco. Brody has never been to the circus so we were not for sure what to expect from him. The last circus I remember going to was with Aunt Blondie and Uncle Jody, I was probably 5 or 6. We arrived at the HOT fair grounds an hour early because they were having pre-circus events. Brody did not want anything to do with them. I do believe he was completely overwhelmed. The circus began at 2:00. He was really enjoying all the people and the 1 clown. He started getting a little bored and was ready to leave when the elephants made their grand entrance. He loved the elephants. We thought it was over but they had an intermission to get ready for the tigers. He enjoyed the tigers but as soon as they left, Brody was ready to leave. The circus was a little long but we all had a great time.

Thank you Nana and Papaw for a wonderful experience.

Happy Birthday Pops!!

What a weekend we had. It started Saturday morning when I headed to Waco to get my hair trimmed. I stopped by Grandmas and picked her up for a surprise birthday get together for Pops (Uncle Jim). Everyone started arriving around 2:00 - the day began. We had a wonderful time with the Butler family. We grilled fajitas, played in the swimming pool, went shooting, fishing, rides on the jeep, birthday cake Brody cooked and decorated (what an experience), had a water balloon fight and ended the night with fireworks. It was a great time and Pops was very surprised. Brody had so much fun with all of his cousins, they include him in everything they do - thank you so much. That means the world to me and Bill.

Thank you to everyone for coming out and having a great time.

Brody was exhausted!!!

It Was A Huge Success!!!!

Brody completed swimming lessons on Friday with flying colors. He made his parents so proud. After the first week, I was not for sure if we would make it through the second but we did. We arrived at the pool Monday evening with a promise that he would get in the pool. Not only did he get in the pool but he stayed in the pool and never asked to get out. He loved it this week. His favorite part of lessons was getting to jump off of the diving board at the end of class. I was never for sure if he was actually listening but he did prove me wrong. Friday was our last day and he actually swam under the water (face in) for about 5 feet. I was so proud. He is not for sure exactly how to float on his back but he did with the help of Drew (his instructor). At the end of the class, anyone who wanted to jump off the diving board could or they could jump off the side. Brody was the first and only one in line for the diving board. He was having so much fun he did not want to go home. Thanks to Drew and Kara for teaching my big boy how to swim.

I'm Going to Runaway

Yesterday, we all three headed to Round Rock to go to the outlet mall to do some window shopping. (I wanted to get out of the house) After that we headed to Joe's Crab Shack for some dinner. Overall it was a pleasant experience. Brody had beach hamburgers (bite size) and he ate all of one and part of the other. That is an accomplishment for him. On the way home, he found the suckers Gary had given him after his last haircut. I had been telling him he could not eat them in the car, he had to wait until we got home. This is how our conversation went:

Brody: Momma, I am going to ask you just one question.

Me: Ok Brody, what is your question?

Brody: Well momma, if you tell me no one more time, I am going to runaway.

Me: Really, where are you going to runaway to?

Brody: Aunt Rita and Uncle Johnnies.

Me: Well, how are you going to get there?

Brody: Oh, just walk.

Me: Would you like for me to call and let them know you are on your way?

Brody: Yeah

End of conversation. I am still not for sure what his questions was but I am sure it was about the suckers. He cracked me up because he was so serious. I guess he decided to not runaway because he is still here and the suckers have gone bye bye.

Day 3 and Day 4

As you can see, I did not post about day 3 of swimming lessons. It was just as bad as day 2. After about 15 minutes of begging and pleading to get in the pool, he was right at the step and it started to thunder. So, everyone had to get out of the pool. After it thunders, you have to wait 30 minutes before you get back in. At that time, the swimming lessons would have been over so we had to call it a night. Brody, saved by the thunder.

Now day 4 started off just as bad but Bill came with us and Brody decided he would jump right on in. He got in the water with all the other kids and had a ball. I am not for sure if he is actually listening and learning but he is having fun. At the end of the lesson they got to jump off of the diving board and he jumped 3 times. I am very proud of him. Let's just hope next week is a wonderful week.

I hope everyone has a wonderful July 4th!!!

Happy Birthday to Aunt Brenda, Johnny Allen & Aunt Rhonda!!!

What month is it anyway???