Great-Uncle Thomas and Ella

Jason's has one uncle on his Dad's side, Thomas, who is several years younger than his Dad (aka Alan or Papaw). Thomas has two daughters, a granddaughter and a grandson. They all live in Lakeland Florida.

Thomas is a very outdoorsy, hunting, fishing and working with wood kind of guy. That was until Thomas met his great-niece Ella. (Jason's sister's youngest) Thomas came to visit and Ella decided he was her kind of man and stuck to him like glue. Then Ella decided that Uncle Thomas needed some help getting his hair just right.

Luckily for Ella, underneath Thomas' rugged exterior you will find a teddy bear heart made of gold. He grinned and endured Ella's attentions. I couldn't help but get a few pictures.




I think Thomas started to have second thoughts when Ella brought out the styling products. :)



In the end, Ella did a very nice job. I should mention that during all of this, Alan was close at hand watching Thomas and chuckling deeply. It is only fair since Ella and Papaw have also played beauty shop a time or two or three.

Of Shoes and Ships and Sealing-Wax and Cabbages and Breast Feeding...

Okay, I know this is weird, but it is my blog so...

I decided to wean Owen this week. He is almost 15 months old and had started trying to pull my shirt off in public. Owen's doctor said he is doing great and doesn't need to be breast fed anymore. He has no trouble with a sippy cup and eats everything we give him, like lasagna. He mostly just liked the quality time, which we still have, only not at 2 am anymore.

So on Sunday, I cut him off. Trust me, it has been tougher on me than him. By Monday afternoon, he was fine but, I was hurting.

On Tuesday, I looked on the Internet for suggestions on how to relieve my discomfort. I looked like Mae West and felt like a lost cow.

On the official nursing website (you have to be very careful when you search the Internet for anything that uses the word breast - shudder) I found the following suggestions:

Take it slow (too late for that one)
Take Tylenol (already did that)
Use ice packs or bags of frozen peas (yep, already did both and now faintly smelled of peas, the big fat bright green china berry peas work best)
Don't bind yourself up (it hurts and can cause infection - didn't do that anyway)
Let some out (not a problem, already leaking)
Tuck cold cabbage leaves into your bra...

Well this suggestion stopped me cold. I thought, hummm... cabbage is cheap and I am desperate, why not! I went to the store, bought a head and put it in the fridge. Two hours later I washed a few leaves and applied to the problem areas.

What do you know, it worked. After a few hours and a few leaf changes I did feel significantly less swollen and painful. Who knew!

I mentioned to Jason that I was going to try cabbage to help with my swelling and pain. Later that night Jason asked "Did you eat your cabbage?"
"I didn't eat it, but it worked." replied I.
"What did you do with it?" asked Jason innocently.
In response I whipped two leaves out of their hiding place.
I only wish I had a picture of his face. ;D
Jason asked no more questions.
He should really know better by now...
Heeheeheee!

So ladies, cabbage, it is a vegetable of many talents.

Jason Has His Say About The Father's Day Tag

The following is all from Jason, I didn't change a thing. At least I know he is reading my blog...:)

Ok, well I mostly stay outta the blog stuff, but every now and then I take a look, (it makes my wife happy) glad I did today. I fear that all too many people read this thing now and seeing as how they are all the people I care about, I feel the need to correct some info. I’m assuming these answers came 100% from Ross, I guess I need to spend more time with him cus he only got about half of them right.
Here are the answers from the horse’s mouth.
1. What is your dad's favorite food? chicken fajitas (close Steak Fajitas)
2. Who is his favorite team? Kentucky Wildcats (This is correct for basketball. Though watching or following sports isn’t really my thing)
3. What does he do at work? fixes computers (in a nutshell this is right as well)
4. If he could have any job, what would it be? probably work with computers (Working for the US Govt in some way involving computers or electronics, so yes this one was close too)
5. What do you and your dad like to do together? go on outings (Yep! =) I’m still looking for the thing that really catches Ross’ interest that we can do together. He still has a few years before he locks onto something I think, for now we just pick things to do at random. Some he likes and we do again and others we don’t do anymore. =)
6. What does he do when he is not at work? plays EVE (lately it’s been playing a computer game called EVE. But after the kids go to bed and I know I won’t be interrupted I can do other things that require more concentration…Fixing a bunch of electronic stuff for people, working on ham radio gear, etc. and occasionally watching TV or movies with Ann.
7. Does he snore? No (this is right)
8. How does he make you laugh? tickling me (he doesn’t laugh at any of my jokes, so I have to resort to the tick torture.)
9. What is he good at? fixing computers (I would really like to be known for something else.. but oh well. /sigh)
10. What is his dream vacation? Washington DC (That’s never been a topic of discussion really. I have mentioned before that I’d like to take a vacation to DC, but that’s because it’s somewhat affordable and I’d like to see it again… but it’s defiantly not my dream vacation. Mine would be a minimum of 2 weeks in Australia with no agenda and no worry about how much I could spend enjoying it.
11. What would he do with $1 million? buy a new gun (grrr. Something is flawed if my children think this is what I’d spend a million bucks on. However I feel better realizing that last weekend Ross and I where talking about money and working and prospective. It came up that Ross thought I made about $1000 a year and that it was a lot. I realized that his concept of money is.. a bit off. (might be because he only makes $1 a week allowance right now.) Anyway all he knows is that guns are very expensive, and that he should never touch them without permission. I’m very clear on teaching him what they are, where they are and why he never touches them. I suppose if he only makes $1 a week.. it might seem to him that they are worth a million. =P Anyway, what I’d do with a million dollars dropped on me free and clear? I’d pay off my house, My brother and sister’s houses, and then the same for my parents. That would leave me with about half a million. I’d invest $100k each for Ross and Owen so that it would mature by about the time they are out of collage and broke like I was. I’d then invest 100k for my retirement and with the last 100k I’d get my pilot’s license and take Ann on all those trips she wants to go on in her third life with her second husband. For those that were actually counting that’s only 900k. I’ll let you figure out where the rest goes.
12. What is his favorite TV show? Battlestar Galactica (pretty much true. I don’t watch but one or two hours a week but when I do.. it’s some sort of Sci FI or law/legal drama.)
13. What did he study in college? Computers (technically it was Electronics Engineering but that’s close enough =)
14. Who is his best friend? Mr. Chris (My friend “Mr. Chris” has been over a lot lately so I guess that explains this response. Truth is I have a circle of very close friends that I’d consider them all “my best friend” Mike and Lee Odom, “Mr. Chris” John, Tommy and Chaz. I have two really close friends I left back in Virginia that Ross has never met yet, Brian and Rick. Maybe if I get that trip to DC he will get to meet them.
15. How does he comfort you? Gives me a hug. (I’m still wondering what will work when he’s a teenager…)
16. What is his nickname for you? Buddy (as long as he like it I guess that’s what counts.)
17. How long does it take him to get ready for work? About 30 mins. (sounds about right. Half of that time is spend making breakfast and reading the paper.)
18. How much does he weigh? 170 pounds (thanks.. time to start jogging again, wish it wasn’t so dang hot)
19. What are his hobbies? play EVE (I have dozens of expensive hobbies, just ask Ann. Playing computer games is one of the cheapest ones and it’s the most visible one to Ross and something we can do together.)
20. If he were a superhero, who would he be, and why? Upgrade from Ben 10 cause he is good with electricity stuff. (sounds good to me. Though I really always saw myself as Batman for many many reasons.
21. What is one thing he can't live without? Us (very true. More true then they know)
22. What makes him happy? when his EVE experiments work (when any of my experiments work really. Once it works I move on to the next one. This week it’s an “Eve Experiment”)
23. What are his bad habits? plays on the computer a lot (sigh, yes. I do tent to spend more time in front of a PC then I’d like. But the doc says I’m doing much better.)
24. What is his favorite snack or treat? Runts (sugar candy of any kind. Runts do rank up there pretty high.)
25. How do you know he loves you? Because he does stuff with me. (this… answer made reading all the wrong answers worth it. If it was anything I wanted him to know and answer right.. it was this one. And it almost made me cry. =) Yes.. nothing I “own” is more valuable them my time, and I love giving it to Ross Owen and Ann.

J

Father's Day Tag

(Okay, Taylor, I had to twist Ross' arm a little.)
1. What is your dad's favorite food? chicken fajitas
2. Who is his favorite team? Kentucky Wildcats
3. What does he do at work? fixes computers
4. If he could have any job, what would it be? probably work with computers
5. What do you and your dad like to do together? go on outings
6. What does he do when he is not at work? plays EVE
7. Does he snore? no
8. How does he make you laugh? tickling me
9. What is he good at? fixing computers
10. What is his dream vacation? Washington DC
11. What would he do with $1 million? buy a new gun
12. What is his favorite TV show? Battlestar Galactica
13. What did he study in college? Computers
14. Who is his best friend? Mr. Chris
15. How does he comfort you? Gives me a hug.
16. What is his nickname for you? Buddy
17. How long does it take him to get ready for work? About 30 mins.
18. How much does he weigh? 170 pounds
19. What are his hobbies? play EVE
20. If he were a superhero, who would he be, and why? Upgrade from Ben 10 cause he is good with electricity stuff.
21. What is one thing he can't live without? us
22. What makes him happy? when his EVE experiments work
23. What are his bad habits? plays on the computer a lot
24. What is his favorite snack or treat? Runts
25. How do you know he loves you? Because he does stuff with me.

I am tagging: Cecily Odom, Dylan Parkes, Justin Ottinger, the Applegates and Blake Parkes

Saltaire, Alabama

Jason has been doing a lot of computer work for the new planned town of Saltaire Alabama. It is on the western shore of the Bay on the way to Dauphin Island, about 9 miles from the I-10.
Last weekend, the Saltaire group had a big party and were sweet enough to invite Jason and our family to attend. We thought, it sounds like family fun. So, off we went.
And fun is what we had! We had barbque cartered by Namans and boiled shrimp courtsey of Bailey's.


Ross and Jason love, love, love shrimp. Ross even found a little crab in his shrimp, so you know it was fresh caught from the Bay.

Ross got his face painted (it is his Pokemon Chimchar)and rode on an antique fire truck.


Owen got to run around in the grass and look for muddy spots (this is his favorite outdoor activity).

We all got to ride on a Segway People Mover, which was very cool. All you do is lean a little. It went really fast too.




(Yes, I know my hair looks bad lately. I have been growing it out to get at least 10" for Locks of Love. Most days a ponytail is all I can do with it. Give me till the end of the summer to get it cut and I will get some style again.)

Jason and Ross went on a paddle boat ride.

At the end of the evening we sat right under an awesome fireworks display. Even Owen had a good time.
If we were thinking about moving, Saltaire would be a very beautiful place to live.

If you are curious, you can look at their website: www.townofsaltaire.com.

Ross at the Dentist

Yesterday Ross had two cavities filled at the dentist. I was more worried than he was, no surprise. He did great and so did Dr. Maitre. If you don't have a dentist, I highly recommend him. He is really, really great with kids.


They put Ross in the chair and numbed him up with gel. Then Dr. Maitre swooped in, had Ross lean back and close his eyes and pulled out a huge syringe with a very long needle. Dr. Maitre shot Ross up with pain killer before Ross even knew what was happening, I don't think Ross ever saw the needle at all. The man has good technique.


After 15 minutes for the drugs to kick in, the drilling began. It only took about 5 minutes per tooth and you can't even see the fillings unless you really look for them. Ross was so good. He never complained or moved a muscle.



When it was all over Ross walked away with gloves, a mask, two toys and a bunch of photos for our blog. I have never seen fillings put it. It was very interesting to watch.


Two big thumbs up and four big gold stars for Dr. Maitre and his staff!
P.S. A big thank you to Andrea, Ariel and Cecily for watching Owen while Ross and I were at the dentist, Thank You!

No Lions and Bears, Just Tigers, Oh My!

Today, Ross, Owen and I went on an adventure. We invited our friend Brandon to come along. We went downtown to see the Tigers of India show at the Exploreum. They had 6 Bengal Tigers in 4 colors - the orange and black, golden tabby, white and brown and the pure whites. The pure whites and golden tabbies are so rare that less than a 100 of each is alive in the world right now.

They said that 100 years ago there were more than 40,000 Bengal Tigers, now there are less than 1,500. These tigers were all born and raised in captivity at a Tiger Preserve in Florida. The show is part of a non-profit educational tour. It only costs $5 each to get in, parking is easy and they will only be in town a few more days.

Ross and Brandon enjoyed the show. Owen spent most of his time trying to get cans and bottles out of the recycling bins. So everyone had fun.

After the Tiger show, we went to Cammie's Old Dutch for milkshakes, oh I love double rich chocolate shakes with whip cream. Takes me back to my childhood! I used to go there with Daddy all the time. So, I have to have one in his honor every few months. :)

After our treats, we went to the Art Museum at Lagan Park. They had a farmer's market and free admission to the museum. So the boys and I did a quick tour (just to keep the guards on their toes) and grabbed some good local produce (which is cheaper than Winn Dixie too).

By the time we were finished at the park, the boys (especially Owen) were exhausted so we can home. Ross and Brandon finished the day with a few rounds of Super Smash Brother's Brawl. Owen got to play with an old controller so he was happy too.

Next week, we go back to the park for blueberries and corn! Don't forget the Frog exhibit at the Exploreum starts next week too, rib bit, rib bit!

One more posting about the AC

I never got around to posting the pictures of the new heat pump. For those of you who have followed it's progress here it is at long last...

Owen really really wanted to help, so we had to barricade him in the living room. But he watched with great interest.

The new inside unit.

The new power box.

The new wall control with all kinds of options, Jason is in heaven.

Billy putting it all back in one piece.

The new outside unit.

Chad hauling the old unit away, good bye.

Mr. Lee's window unit that save us from two weeks of heat exhaustion.

Karma Schmarma

Okay, so all last week on the way to and from Cub Scout Camp, I saw a dead turtle on the side of the road (on University between Zeigler and Moffet). I felt so badly about this poor turtle,a victim of man and his heartless development. So yesterday when I saw another turtle trapped by a curb on the street, I stopped to give the turtle a lift toward the woods and a second chance at life.




Well, so much for good karma.

Yesterday afternoon was like a sign of the end of the world. We had the worst thunderstorm ever. Rain coming down in sheets and buckets, lightening pooping everywhere, hail the size of nickles.

(That is my jeep being pelted with hail and hail stones on the matt.)
The winds were gusting at 60 mph. Limbs and trees came down. The home two houses down was struck by lightening and caught on fire. The fire collapsed part of the roof and gutted the inside.

Ross' Wii was struck by lightening. Ross nearly had a heart attack because it is his favorite thing ever!

After the storm was over, we discovered that our crazy, huge German Shepard, Koby, had gotten scared and run off. Ross and I went searching for him. Jason was coming home from a job in Mississippi so he couldn't help. After walking the neighborhood and calling and calling, Ross and I came home to check the machine and call the pound. Like a miracle, the guy at 311 reported that just before I called, someone else on Hickory Lane called about a stray Shepard. Jason was just pulling up to the house so we all ran across the street to discover Koby had spent the afternoon being fed and spoiled by our neighbors.

To top it all off, Jason and I had a huge fight (which very rarely happens) about the aforementioned dog. So, it was a stinker of an afternoon/evening.

I am happy to report that today went much better. Jason and I made up. Jason is a genius and was able to do a little Wii transplant surgery and get it going again. Koby is still in the back yard and thankfully no one was in the home that burned. As Harlan Spencer would say, it was a "tender mercy" because the house was almost empty since the family had moved and had put it up for sale.

So, back to that turtle...was he an unlucky turtle or not? The lightening hit an empty house, Koby came home safe, only the Wii got zapped (and it is fixed) and Jason is taking the dog to the vet instead of me. Hummm...thank you Mr. Turtle.

(In the spirit of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, I should admit that I "saved" the turtle after the storm hit, before we found out about the fire, dog and Wii. But hey, this is my blog and if I want to use a little dramatic license and move the timeline around I can do that, right?!.)