No TV? How do you know which direction to point the furniture?

I mentioned several posts ago that my parents don't have TV. I have since received a couple of comments and a couple of phone calls wondering how this could be!? I should rephrase. They have a TV, but no cable...and out here no cable means no channels. Absolutely none. Zilcho. Bunny rabbit antennaes get you nothing.

This is something my Grammy and Grampy have also chosen to live with. I, too, have toyed with the idea, but not everyone in my household is on board yet...and I haven't fully committed myself to the idea, either. I'm having a hard time with the idea of permanently letting go of my beloved real and not-so-real characters from American Idol, Private Practice, Boston Legal, Eli Stone, Notes from the Underbelly, The Hills, Chelsea Lately, and The Office. (I wonder what that list of shows reveals about me.) And how would we get through the morning without Mickey Mouse Club House and Handy Manny? ...and, of course, the grand-daddy of them all--FOOTBALL SEASON.

I've been here two weeks, and haven't really missed my shows or Clinton's morning cartoons...so I'm starting to think we could do it. It's amazing how much more you can get done without something tying you down to the couch. AND this is the reason my families opts to not have TV...cable.

So, what is the TV for then? ...you ask. Well, it's for DVDs...and I have seen Happy Feet 237 times since I've been here. But Clinton loves it. He dances to the music and claps for the penguins. And I believe my mother has probably seen every movie ever made...but she doesn't watch "TV". Hmmm.

My Little Redneck Rock Star

Genetics. The idea of genetics has always fascinated me. How we can pass traits, features, and behaviors from generation to generation. Behaviors are the part that scare me. Apparently, I used to stick my tongue out while working hard or focusing on something--Clinton if forever doing this. According to Rodney's mother, Rodney used to run into everything--previous posts explain Clinton's stance on this. My dad and grandmother tend to whistle while they work--Clinton, too, whistles while busying himself with whatever holds his attention. (We were amazed when we first heard him whistle this week, but of course he won't do it on command. Just in his own time--as it should be, I guess.)

Anyway, back to my point...genetics. I'm from small-town Texas. Rodney's from a hollow in West Virginia. There are things that lie deep within are genetic code. Things we have not admitted to ourselves in years. Things we thought we had buried with our perfect suburban house flanked by our picket fence, accented with rows of blooming tulips, accompanied by our pristine automobile, holding dreams of 2.5 children, and well protected by a presidential-like K-9.

Imagine my surprise when Clinton began revealing to me what must be written in his code...REDNECK! Gasp.

Okay, it wasn't a big surprise...and it was quite hilarious. Clinton found two wash tubs on mom's porch (yeah, exactly, who has those anymore?), he drug them out from under the table, across the patio, down onto the sidewalk, turned them over, placed them side by side, and used his "walking sticks" to begin beating them like drums. I was inside when this all began to unfold and was interrupted with the banging and clanging that is his drumming talent. Below are pictures of what I found...my son, with no shirt, drumming on wash tubs, with a face that looked as if it had just finished a UFC round. A proud moment for any mamma, really. :-)

I added in what I was sure were Clinton's thoughts.

This is how a pro does it. Watch and learn.

Sheer focus.

Perfect timing.

You have to feel it in your soul.

Now, rock it out.

What do you mean the neighbors are complaining about noise? Don't they know what talent sounds like?

Oh, well. The show must go on. Talent should not be hindered.

That was a great performance. Let's all clap for me.

Okay, one more time.

Aw, man. I rocked it too hard. Split a stick.

Full Speed Ahead

Clinton has two speeds--asleep and turbo. The child feels he needs to run everywhere. This is great, but would be better if he would (1) watch where he's going, and (2) stop getting his head ahead of his body. He has a large head (we've mentioned this before--it's way off the charts, receives a lot of comments from strangers, but appears to be genetic)...so anyway, this large head makes him a bit top heavy. When he runs he tends to run it into things because he's not watching where he's going. Or he gets tripped up, making him fall to the ground because he's not watching where he's going. Or he's going so fast, his head get ahead of him and the imbalance is only corrected with a completely horizontal layout...this is usually accomplished by falling and hitting his head onto the ground.

Sometimes that ground isn't really ground at all, or carpet, or somewhat forgiving wood floors...no, sometimes it's concrete and it leaves a real battle wound. This is Clinton's first real knot on his head. The fall was so bad it made me scream (and want to throw up), and I usually am the quiet one.

I guess this really shouldn't be a surprise, because at Clinton's 9 month appointment his pediatrician (who is also a Texan lost in Tennessee) said, "I have a feeling I'm going to be seeing a lot of this kid." Thanks, doc...you're on speed dial.

Do I need a haircut?

Mommy and Daddy are having a hard time deciding what to do with my hair. Mommy loves the perfect curls that pop up after my bath, but doesn't care much for the bed head I have in the morning that doesn't really brush out. Daddy, too, likes my curls, but didn't care much for a stranger asking the other day whether I was a boy or a girl. Uh, duh...if my mommy had a girl it would be nothing but bows and ruffles...I'm obviously not a girl.

So, mommy is posting a poll on the side of this page, and letting you have a vote. Do you love my shaggy baby look? Or should I go for a more sophisticated, big boy look? Mommy hasn't really decided whether or not she's actually going to take your advice because she's not very good at listening to others when it comes to her decisions, but I've asked her to have an open heart and mind and she has agreed.

So, take a look at this sweet face and let us know what you think. Mommy's giving you until Friday to cast your vote!

Easter Pictures

Easter was so much fun this year. We went to my Mama Peggy's church for the Easter Service. We let Clinton sit in for the music part of the service. He stood in Rodney's lap dancing to all the music and at the end of each song he would throw his hands up in the air and clap. This appeared to be quite amusing to all who sat around us. Peggy (for whatever reason Mama has been dropped, and all of us grandkids refer to our grandmother by her first name -- some say I'm to blame, whatever)...so anyway, Peggy is the pianist at her church and Clinton did a lot of clapping for her during one of the hymns. Too cute.

After church, we went to Peggy's for lunch. This is where Clinton had his first Easter egg hunt. I wasn't really sure he would get it, so I told Rodney we should just throw all seven eggs (that's right I only bought 7, trying to show some self control) in a pile in the middle of the yard together. I didn't really think Clinton was even going to know what to do then. Rodney disagreed, disregarded my suggestions, and ultimately proved me wrong....thanks, honey. So, Clinton had a real hunt...and he knew exactly what to do. In the midst of the dead, West Texas grass, the eggs were almost jumping out of the grass with their bright colors.

Clinton spotted the first one. His eyes got big. He began pointing. He started the, "Ooh. Ooh." while bouncing up and down in his knees. Then he ran to get it. As soon as he got the first one, he spotted the second. Needing a place to put the first one in order to retrieve the second, the basket was put in front of him. In went the first egg, and off he went. The hunt was on.

Afterwards, I was a little disappointed there weren't more eggs, but it was cold and he was sick...so it all turned out perfect in the end.

Now, Dad, be very careful. This egg cannot be broken! No running with the basket!


Wow, I'm such a good hunter. Mommy can't believe I can find all these eggs Daddy hid.


Okay, Dad, the basket is getting full. You'll need to walk extra careful!


Now, Mom, we have to be very quiet. You stay there, I'm going to sneak up on it.





Not letting go of the beloved egg! We finally had to pry it out of his hands to show him there was a choo-choo train inside!


Dad, aren't these supposed to have candy? How come all my eggs have toys?

Playing with cousin Colter, who got to come home from the Airforce Academy for spring break. We were so excited to see him!! And as you can tell, Clinton thoroughly enjoyed his first of many visits with Colter.

Think Before You Speak...

Louie and Ace's mom has a great post you should read in addition to watching this video.

She's My Favorite...American Idol...This Season

Seeing as my parents don't have TV, I'm having to keep up with my American Idol on YouTube. Just thought I'd share a clip of my favorite performer this season. Carrie Underwood could possibly be my all time favorite, but Brooke's running a close second.

Playing at the Park

As mentioned in the previous post, Clinton has a love for the outdoors. Here are few pictures from the park near my parents' house. We go to the park everyday to swing and slide. He loves it. Clinton has learned to slide down all by himself! Such a big boy. He also found some new friends at the park who were very interested in playing with his new toys we bought him for the park. Of course, he was more interested in the plastic spoon he found in the sand. Gross.

The Joys of Looking Out the Window

Clinton loves to be outside. He likes running across the yard, digging in the dirt, picking up leaves, and walking with big sticks. And when he's not outside, he likes to sit at the window and watch the outside.

We're definitely going to encourage this love for the outdoors. We're working on a flower garden, which will hopefully one day turn into a full vegetable garden. We've put out a bird feeder, because Clinton loves to sit and watch birds...especially the ones that gather at the patios of restaurants. And we take many walks outside and talk about what we see...in his new wagon, of course.

Below are a few pictures of Clinton observing the outdoors from the inside this week at his Bebe and Pop's house. My favorite is the last picture....this truly captures how and excited and captivated he can be with what he sees outside.

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter today...I'll post those pictures later this week.

Texas Wedding #6

Since moving to Tennessee, I have been able to fly back for six weddings...Whitney's (Concan), Samantha's (New Braunfels/San Antonio), mine (Austin), Gentry's (Muleshoe), Brendan's (San Antonio) and now, Tessie's (San Angelo). And in just two weeks, I'll be going to my cousin Brooke's in Abilene...#7. I have had to miss a few along the way, but feel fortunate to have been able to celebrate as many as I have.

Dad with his two best friends, Dean (on the left) and David (on the right). Dean and David are brothers and David is the father of the bride for this particular wedding.

Dad and David with David's two girls, Lily (left) and Tessie the bride (right). Any pictures of David in a sombrero were at the rehearsal dinner.

Me and Chelsea with our sweet friend, Deak.

Who would have thought two small-town girls like me and Chels would have ended up with two city-beauties like Brian and Rodney?

Me, mom and Chelsea striking our cheerleader pose.

The bride dancing with her dad and Uncle Mike.

Clinton LOVING the band!! We couldn't keep him off of the dance floor...even when it was full. The band even did a shout out to him calling him their "biggest fan".

Chelsea the Great

Chelsea and I are both creative people, but in very different ways. I can build massive spreadsheets with tons of formulas, color codings, and links. I can make up songs and stories. I LOVE photography. Chelsea can draw, sketch or paint anything. Chelsea designs and makes half of her wardrobe. Chelsea can buy a junky chair at a garage sale and make it look like a designer piece.

Yes, we both have our own sets of talents, but sometimes Chelsea's really make me jealous! :-) In a good way, of course...the kind that makes me want to work on my talents even more. Below are a couple of examples of Chelsea's superb talents.




Inspired much? These are just another everday occurence for our little artist.





Take a look at Chelsea's very swank, down-town loft. She painted all the walls and did most of the artwork you see in the pictures.

Lovin' the Cousins

While I grew up with oodles and oodles of cousins, Clinton only has two--Keelan and Emma. Of course, once Chelsea settles down there may be more cousins on the way...not in the nearest future, I'm guessing. Anyway, below are some pictures of our day with Clinton's cousins at the park. At the very bottom is one picture of Clinton with his daddy when he wasn't feeling well earlier today. There is also a picture of him shooting a basket on his new goal we got him for his birthday. Hope you enjoy the new pictures.