Please Pray for the Fahmer Family

If you haven't noticed my list of blogs labeled Families to Pray For, I ask you to please check out the Fahmers and send some prayers their way. I can't even begin to imagine what they're going through right now...but I imagine prayers are what they need most.

The Answer

For those of you who read the previous post and have been on the edge of your seats (ha!), here's the answer...it's how Clinton eats apples. He used to actually eat them and I would let him carry one around the house and eat it...until I started finding trails and piles of apple bites all over the house. Now Clinton has to sit in the high chair for his apple "snack" and still, he continues to take bites, chew for a bit and then spit in his lap. When I pull him out of the high chair, it's full of his apple. I continue to let him "eat" them because I'm hopeful he actually gets an occasional bite in his tummy and because it gives me about 15-20 minutes of free hands to empty the dishwasher or eat a bite myself.

Can You Guess What This Is?

Creative Tag

To tell about yourself in this game of tag, everything must be a picture you find out on the WWW.

My Favorite Color:


A Nickname I've Had:


First Job:



State I Live In:



Favorite Food:



My Favorite Thing:



Pet's Names:



College Major:



Age at Next Birthday:


Place I Want to Visit:


Goal for Next Year:


TAG--you're it. Let me know if you choose to do it, so I can check out your blog!

Just Like Daddy

Clinton LOVES his daddy. It doesn't matter how many books I read, how many games of hide and seek I play, how many episodes of Veggie Tales I sit through, how many hours I sit in the backyard sandbox, how many parks I drive to, or how many times I catch and return the ball, Clinton would almost certainly prefer to be with his dad. As soon as Rodney walks in the door, Clinton gets so excited and runs to greet his daddy. And when Rodney comes in the door on the phone or has to get an email out, Clinton gets locked out of the office and I then have to go into super-distraction mode to prevent a massive breakdown. The only time I seem to be preferred over Rodney is when Clinton is hurt or not feeling well....suddenly he is a mamma's boy. I guess mommy offers the best get-better-kisses. (And just to pat myself on the back--I am also the only one who can put Clinton to bed without crying!)

Anyway, Clinton loves to follow Rodney around copying everything he does (I can beg Clinton to do something I'm doing and he'll look at me like I'm crazy and run off to do something that's not allowed). Below are some pictures of Clinton helping Rodney wash my truck. It was so cute, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures.









I do feel I should mention, Clinton did prefer me yesterday in the pool at Brian and Kelly's pool party. SCORE ONE for mommy!

Pop, This Bull's for You

Last night we went to a party and while we were surprised to see a mechanical bull, Clinton was overjoyed! He couldn't get out of Rodney's arms fast enough, and as soon as his feet hit the ground he made a mad dash for the bull. Seeing as Clinton was named after a former professional bull rider (my dad), it seemed fitting that Clinton would be so enamored with the "beast"...must be in his blood. Rodney put him on the bull so he could "ride" several times. I was so proud to tell everyone about our family history with bulls and how Clinton just knew that bull was part of him!





Now, on another note...have you ever left your house feeling really good about yourself and returned home feeling kind of yuck? Well, this happened to me last night. The party we went to was actually a graduation party of a friend's son. So, needless to say there was a sea of 18 year old girls there. Now, while getting ready I had put on a really cute sun dress with some equally cute heels. From the side view, you could hardly tell I had ever had a baby, but still I wasn't the skinny little thing I was just a few years ago. My hair was looking good, which also helped make me feel good. And the swelling in my eyes due to allergies, had finally subsided. I left my house thinking I looked young and hip....and skinny. But nothing will bring you down to earth faster than having to push your way through skinny little 18 year olds, wearing their very trendy dresses, with their very pricey shoes, and their perfectly painted faces, chasing a child who is not listening to you and only wants to find someone other than you to talk to. So, rather than standing in a small crowd, looking cool, enjoying a drink, and having an adult conversation, I was running around saying, "Clinton, no!" "Clinton, come here!" "Clinton, don't touch that!" "Clinton, get down." "Clinton, Clinton, Clinton!" I remember standing there feeling like an old woman in last season's dress, with two season's ago shoes that had been kicked off for chasing, a trickle of sweat running down the side of my face, and feeling as if I was being laughed at by a bunch of kids. The reality of it was that no one was really laughing at me, everyone loved Clinton, and my date (Rodney) just happened to be the hottest guy there. ...but for about two seconds, I missed being 18. No worries, I'm back to enjoying being an adult...and feeling good about myself!!

Oh, Shhh...

Clinton has started with a few words, which we are very excited about. We have heard the following.

brush (clear as day, he said brush in reference to his toothbrush which he's obsessed with. He love to brush his teeth!)

baboo (balloon, another thing he is also obsessed with! He really stresses the "ba" part and "boo" quietly follows)

duice (juice, anything he drinks is called "duice")

this? (he points at everything and says "this?" and then we tell him what "this" is...sometimes it sounds more like "jis")

BOO! (Clinton and I like to hide from each other and jump out and say "BOO")

DAD!!! (When he's really mad at us he yells DAD really loud. Not daddy, not dada, but DAD!!!)

No, no (he always repeats this back to me when I tell him no)

...and for the grand finale, Clinton also has a phrase..."Oh, Shhh". Just as it's spelled, that's what he says. He said it for the first of many times yesterday in front of both me and Rodney. We both looked at each other as if to say, "What did you say in front him?" Neither of us remembered slipping up in front of him, so we're not exactly sure what he is meaning to say, but we're a little concerned about what other people may think when they hear it!

I'm looking forward to other cute things he may say! He tells big stories with lots of "ooh, ooh" and "OH!" and "to ga to ga"....I can't help but wonder what it all means...

Vote for Clinton

While we may one day be voting for Clinton for President or on American Idol, I ask that today you click the link below and vote for him for the cover of Parents Magazine. Of course, if you have a child under the age of 6, I totally understand you entering your own kid and voting for them...but if you don't, I expect your vote!! :-)

Click Here!

Going Granola? - Change 2

Okay--I'm not even sure if my title is appropriately worded, but it sounded good to me. I have headed up a few changes in our household that I am happy to see are being followed by my boys. Of course, Clinton has no choice in the matter because he has to do what I'm doing...so really, I'm proud of Rodney.

The ongoing debate of whether or not the Earth is melting is hitting us from all sides. I'm not here to claim which side is right, I'm just here to say..."WHAT COULD IT HURT IF WE TOOK CARE OF WHAT GOD GAVE US?" One of the dumbest things I've ever heard in regards to the global warming debate actually came from one of my own relatives. He/She said, "God created this world knowing what we were going to do it. Anything we do to the earth, it can sustain." Interesting theory. Here's my argument...God created our bodies knowing that at some point in time we would be bombarded and obsessed with things like McDonald's, Krispy Kreme, etc. And while we have consumed these things with the idea that our bodies can sustain anything, our country faces an epidemic of obesity. So again I say...."WHAT COULD IT HURT IF WE TOOK CARE OF WHAT GOD GAVE US?"

Well, here is what I have started doing to change the ways of my family to be more Earth-friendly. I encourage you to take a few small steps, too.

-We're Recycling! I know, I know...something I should have been doing for years now. Well, don't come down on me too hard because we're now on board. And I tell everyone I know that's not, how easy it is and that they should join in. The reduction is trash in amazing and visiting the recycling center is a great little field trip for me and Clinton when we need to get out of this house but Daddy has banned us from Target!

-We're Walking! We live in a great neighborhood that conveniently has our bank, pharmacy and grocery story within two miles...and sidewalks all the way from our house to the store! So, when it's not raining (which has been rare these days), Clinton and I load up the wagon and "run" our errands. This helps on several different levels...I can't buy as much because the wagon doesn't hold as much as my truck and I have to plan better because I don't want to forget something and have to walk back! Clinton is a big hit at the grocery store in his wagon! Thanks again to Bebe and Pop for such a practical purchase!

-We're Toting! We've purchased a few canvas totes from our grocery and now take those with us each time we go to the store so we don't have to use the plastic bags. They're great. At about a dollar each (and I've only had to buy 4), they hold more groceries and are easier to carry. They're also great for the wagon because the sides stand up better.

-We're Green Cleaning! We have converted to "green" household cleaners. This was actually a decision I made a while back more for the benefit of my child. I felt the harsh cleaners we're probably damaging all of us if my lungs we're burning after cleaning the bathroom. So we use the Method cleaners (found at Target and Lowe's) and the Greenworks cleaners (found everywhere). Method is awesome. I really like the scents the cleaners come in. One day we may go so far as to make our own cleaners, but that's not today...or tomorrow.

-We're Lighting the House! ...with energy efficient bulbs, of course. Now don't get all excited we have not converted all the bulbs yet. We are doing it slowly as they burn out one by one. For two reasons...one, it's expensive to do a massive conversion; and two, it would be wasteful not to use what we already have!

-We're Hangin' with the Farmers! Okay..we're really just going to the Farmer's Market. This is not only for healthier and fresher produce, but to support local agriculture and to reduce the use of gas by buying foods that are already here instead of having to be shipped here. It's also another great field trip for our little man. He loves it because they have a band that plays and because lots of people bring their dogs and Clinton likes to point out each and every one and say, "Ooh...ooh...ooh!"


Here are a few things in the pipeline for consideration...

-Cloth Diapers!? Seriously, still in the consideration mode here. This may actually inspire me to just try potty training sooner! Maybe we'll start this with the next baby!

-Hybrid Fever. As I drive my V8, 4x4, 15mpg truck costing me an average of 22 cents per mile, I can't help but be jealous of those little Hybrids zipping around at a rate of probably 5 cents a mile...I'm guessing. If funds are available when it's time for our next car, I'll be purchasing me a hybrid crossover.

-Gardening. I would love to start my own garden. But like any project I take on, I have to do it slowly or I get overwhelmed and give it all up. So baby steps it is. I bought a blueberry bush the other day for Clinton and I to take care of this summer. We'll see how that goes, and then we'll see if we can't start making some plans for a garden for next year. My biggest obstacle is figuring out how my garden and my dog can share one backyard together. Because plants typically like to stay rooted to produce, and my dog likes to dig up anything that's not grass.

-Alternative Power. Our neighbor has ordered an electric lawn mower. I'm curious to see how that works and maybe purchase one for us. Rodney's still a little skeptical, but we shall see. For now, we've bought Clinton a bubble-powered mower and we're letting him handle the yard. ...even the ladies of the neighborhood have started to take notice.








If you have any other ideas of things we can start trying, please post a comment and let me know. And AGAIN, I encourage you to try as many GREEN things as you can. Remember...God is watching us. ;-)

Stay Tuned for Our Next Post - COMMITTED - Change 3

15 Month Stats

Clinton went to the doctor again yesterday...and got two shots! Ouch! It's always terrible because it takes two of us to hold him down. The nurse couldn't believe how strong he was...I can.

Some observations the doctor made:
-Clinton is extremely busy compared to other kids the doctor sees in his office (this was good for me to hear because I often wonder why other mothers don't seem to be as ragged as I feel)
-Clinton is very engaging (oh yes, we don't go out without stopping almost every person we pass to tell them "Hi" or wave to them...or scream at them to see if they'll look at us and then laugh when they look at us horrified of the noises coming out this child)

Stats:
- 26 lbs. 9 oz. (this drops him down into the 75th percentile)
- 34 inches tall (this puts him off the charts in height)
- 19.76 in head circumference (also off the charts)

So to sum up, Clinton is wild, long, lean and carrying a load on his shoulders! :-)

In regards to long and lean, all of his pants that he has been wearing that are long enough for his legs, are now falling off because his little waist has gotten so small.

The nurse and I decided Clinton and I are both losing weight due to his business.

Hasta La Vista, Baby - Change 1

So, I've been teasing you with "big changes" in the Williams' household, but have yet to inform you of any of them. Well, starting with this post, you will now all be informed...whether you like it or not. And I guess if it's a "not", then stop reading here. :-)

The first change is that I have said goodbye to corporate America and resigned from my job. It was bitter-sweet. Bitter because I love my company (Crowe Chizek--great company to work for if you ever get the chance!) and I love my boss and coach. Luckily, they both told me I could come back when I was ready. Despite the bitter part, it was also sweet because now I have more time to spend with my little munchkin--without feeling stressed because of all the things I "need" to be doing. I had already cut back to 24 hours, but 24 hours is a lot when you're trying to keep up with a kid like Clinton without any kind of childcare. I've also been able to get more than four hours of sleep a night--which has been very refreshing! Clinton and I have already taken advantage of my free time by frequenting the park (seen below), the farmer's market, and our friends.





While I've said goodbye to corporate America, I've not said goodbye to work completely. I have taken a job with our church. It's only 15 hours and is also from home. The church we go to is about 25 miles away, but they're trying to start a campus right here in our community. So my job will be to assist with the administration in that effort. So, far it has been a wonderful fit for me and our current family situation.

Stay tuned for the next post: Going Granola? - Change 2

We're Stylin'...

In case you didn't notice, our blog has a whole new look. A big thanks to Nikki who did such a great job with the design. If you're looking for a new look, please check out Nikki's link to the left. All the proceeds either go to a charity or to help pay for her mission trip. I love helping a good cause...and how awesome that I got to benefit from it as well!

I haven't forgotten to clue you all in on the changes in our household...I'll be making a post about that tonight. AND no, we're not pregnant....so you can stop all that wishful thinking right now!

My Blue-Eyed Boy

These have to be two of the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. They look so much like his daddy's, but carry a beautiful innocence only a child can possess. I love getting to look into these precious treasures everyday. So much expression comes out of them as Clinton tries to tell me big stories with his very limited vocabulary. Yes, these are my eyes to love and Clinton is forever looking at me with them and melting my heart. But one day some girl is going to look into these eyes and fall hopelessly in love, and then they will be hers to love as she will get to look into them everyday. One more thing to cherish while I can...

All Caught Up

Okay, I have uploaded all my pictures for the month of April and made a number of posts for your viewing pleasure. So, grab a snack, kick your feet up, and enjoy a number of entertaining tid bits from our little life...just kidding, it's not that long...but make sure you scroll far enough down to read them all.

My Boots Are Made for Walkin', but My Sneakers Are Made for Runnin'

...or at least trying to run. I have committed to running a half marathon in Marathon, TX in October. Well, Rodney decided yesterday was my day to start training. We ran 2 1/2 miles. I was so proud of myself for being able to run most of it (I had to stop for a couple of water and stretch breaks). I couldn't believe how strong my legs were just from squating down and picking up things off of the floor while holding Clinton--28 lbs. Usually my legs are what wimp out on me the fastest, but it wasn't until the last hill at the end of our run that they even started burning. However, I was bragging to my mother today about my 2 1/2 mile run, only to be informed that her and Chelsea had run The Hills in Heels 1/2 marathon this morning. AND Chelsea, who doesn't really train, ran the whole thing with the first 8 miles in full force. She finished in 2 hours and 9 minutes. So, needless to say, I have a lot more training to do!!!

Below are some pictures of Clinton showing me how important a healthy diet is to my training!

King of the Backyard

Clinton's new favorite place to play is in the backyard. Any time the door opens and he doesn't get to go outside, the result is him laying on the floor screaming...not sure why he hasn't learned that doesn't work on me. The backyard is a great place for Clinton to play--it's fenced in, the soft grass is easy on him when he falls, and he loves his sand box. AND he's not tearing up my house! I'm looking forward to many sunshiney days in the yard. Funny how an out-of-control child like Clinton can make an indoors girl like me want to spend many moments outside!

Dear Bebe and Pop...

Dear Bebe and Pop,

I heard a secret that you have a jump house for me to play in at your house but you didn't get it out during my last 3 1/2 week visit. This left my mommy to entertain me on the multi level concrete patio with a shovel and a wagon. What a breath of fresh air that jump house would have been. When mommy informed me you thought I was too small, I took it upon myself to prove you wrong...much like my mommy used to do...maybe she still does. Here at Keelan's birthday party was a large jump house and I had a great time jumping in it. I only cried when mommy was in there with me. I'm a big boy and like jumping by myself.

Now, the next time I fly all the way to Texas to see you, I hope you feel like you can get the jump house out for me to play in! I promise to behave myself...between my sessions of time out. ;-)

Looking forward to seeing you sometime soon.

Love,
Clinton