He Ain't Heavy...

What Connor is really thinking...

"Look at that guy. That's my big brother."

"I think he's cool."

"Hey brother, whatcha doin' with that ring? I want to try that."

"NO! NEVERMIND! TAKE THE RING AWAY!

"Look at my brother. I think he's cool."

Wordless Wednesday: Merry Maid?

Alternate title: Future Blackmail Photo

(And just for the record, he volunteered!)

Do you like looking at photos? Do you not like looking at words?

Then check out more Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Up, Up and Away

Recently, Preston had been begging us to take him on his first airplane ride. Since we had no trips planned in the near future, we had placated him by telling him it was too expensive. However, I found this great deal by this company that would take you in the air for forty-five minutes and then land right back where you started. So I booked the "flight", met a few friends at the hanger and Preston got to take his first flight. What could go wrong, right?

Preston boarding the plane.

Finding his seat

Oh goody, a window seat next to his buddy

Preparing to take off - What do you see, Preston?

Oh no! We left Connor on the runway!

Wait!! Don't take off without us!

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JUST KIDDING!

Alright, we weren't really flying, but it was a real airplane.

You'll find this plane at the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. It's a neat little museum dedicated to all things about flight and American Airlines. We met up there for a playdate with some friends. And while most of the exhibits were a bit boring to a bunch of preschoolers, they did get a kick out of being in this old airplane.

Standing at the entrance to the cockpit

(I don't think that canvas netting meets today's FAA regulations, do you?)

Oh and notice the shirt he's wearing?

See, h'es in an airplane museum? Wearing an airplane shirt?

I'm clever like that.

Preston checking out what first class feels like.

Don't get too comfortable, buddy. This family flies coach.





Checking out how a helicopter propeller works.

Connor's Birth Announcement

Here's a copy of Connor's birth announcement that I sent out last month.

Card design and photographs by me.

Green Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

(Connor's shirt says "The best things come in small packages")

Now Available on Video...

I was trying to take some photos of Connor smiling, but I was always just a fraction of a second from actually snapping it. Fortunately, I thought to use the video function on my camera. Unfortunately he had decided he was hungry and was intent on eating his hands. Oh well it made for some interesting video footage.

Of course I have to apologize for the poor quality, and the shaky camera handling (holding baby in one hand and camera in the other is not easy), and sorry for my bobble headed baby.

So with all the proper excuses out of the way, I present three original Happy Chaps productions, starring Connor as the Happy, Hungry Baby, Preston as the Hyped Up Preschooler, and myself as the Crazy Voice-Over Lady Who is Withholding Milk.

This first video is titled "Yes, Baby!" It features Connor and myself saying "Yes" repeatedly. I'm not exactly sure why, but the word was evoking all sorts of smiles before the camera was rolling so I went with it. Of course once the red light came on, Connor decides I'm more annoying than humorous and tries to tell me to get a new word. Baby actors are sooo demanding.

This next featurette is a sequel to "Yes, Baby!" and is titled "Surprise!" It features Connor in his most demanding role yet. (Note: rated G for "Gross")

And finally, due to much demand Connor now stars with his brother in this musical. Lyrics and choreography by Preston.

Frugal Friday: Where's the Cheap Beef?

Or the chicken, or the pork for that matter? Next time in you're in the grocery store try looking in the not so obvious places. For instance, in my grocery store you'll find the discounted meat way at the end of the display cooler. Tucked next to the employee entrance to the butcher counter I can find a treasure of marked down steaks, cutlets, or chops. Take a look around and if you don't find the clearance bin, ask!





Grocery stores generally do their markdowns in the morning, so you might want to get there early. And don't be afraid of the expiration date. Fortunately, meat doesn't know how to read so it doesn't know when to turn bad. Of course use your discretion, if it looks unappetizing don't buy it.



I use the discounted section to stock up on steaks and ground beef that I'll take home and repackage and freeze right away. When it comes to mealtime I can never tell which meat was marked down and which wasn't. It's all yummy to me.

Wordless Wednesday: Hey Buddy, I'm Walkin' Here

Daily cattle drive through downtown Fort Worth.


Thanks for stopping by.

There's more Wordless Wednesday here and here.

And The Answer Is...

For those that were playing the "Which kid is which?" game here is the answer.

I think pretty much everyone got it right. Even my mother! ;)

Wordless Wednesday: A Face Only a Mother Could Love

Alternate title: "What you talkin' about Willis?"

I love portrait outtakes! LOL!

For more Wordless Wednesday check out here and here.

The Mind of a Four Year Old

I recently sat down with Preston and asked him the following questions. His answers were honest and unsolicited, which translates into not entirely accurate and somewhat embarrassing. Join me as we delve into the mind of a four year old.

1. What is something mommy always says to you?

Get in time out. (Hey now, I maybe said it once in the last week, sheesh!)

2. What makes mommy happy?

Doing something good.

3. What makes mommy sad?

I do something really, really sad for you. It really upset you.

4. How does your mommy make you laugh?

Like tickling me.

5. What was your mommy like as a child?

You liked to play blocks and marbles when you were five.

6. How old is your mommy?

I don’t know. 17? (Wow, thank you for that!)

7. How tall is your mommy?

I have to count. [counting out loud] 18! (18 what we're not sure, but I'll take it!)

8. What is mommy's favorite thing to do?

Play blocks and marbles and play wii, any kind of stuff you want. And I really love you so much. (Can you tell what he'd rather be doing right now?)

9. What does your mommy do when you're not around?

Work, any kind of work you want.

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?

Playing blocks and marbles.

11. What is your mommy really good at?

Wii.

12. What is your mommy not very good at?

Not very good at building blocks and marbles. (Apparently he changed his mind about me being famous for that)

13. What does your mommy do for a job?

You work on the computer. Actually help me put the jars away, all the cans in the recycling bin and I put all the paper away too with you.

14. What is your mommy's favorite food?

Pizza.

15. What makes you proud of your mommy?

Doing something cool for me.

16. If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Miss Piggy. (Ok, technically not a cartoon character, but it is still the coolest answer ever!)

17. What do you and your mommy do together?

You can play with wii with me all the time you want to.

18. How are you and your mommy the same?

Because we we both have two eyes and one nose and one mouth.

19. How are you and your mommy different?

Our shirts are different.

20. How do you know your mommy loves you?

Because you like me so much.

21. What does your mommy like most about your daddy?

You love him so much because everybody is a family.

22. Where is your mommy's favorite place to go?

The mall.

Thanks to Phillip's cousin Melissa for the idea.

Double Take

They say proof is in the pudding, in this case it is in the photo. Several people have commented on just how much Connor looks like his big brother, so I decided to have a little fun with it. I took one of my favorite photos of Preston and recreated it with Connor. So you tell me... which kid is which?

Ok, pencils down everybody. It's time to leave your answer in the comments. Check back here soon for the answer.