To Landon

On the lake!

2009-06-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Jeff's coworker Catie, & her husband, Mike, invited us to the lake. They just bought an AWESOME new boat, and Landon was so excited to go for a ride out on the lake. To our surprise, he didn't care of the water. But he did like pushing Jeff & Mike into the water off the back of the boat!

Happy Birthday Mr. Randy!

2009-06-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

A little man after Mr. Randy's heart!!!! Shami-ing a friends boat after being on the lake & washing his shovel on his monster truck....OH the details! I knew he truly was your grandson when he asked for Q-Tips while washing his monster truck..."mini Mr. Randy"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD MAN!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Mr. Turtle

2009-05-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Jeff, Landon, & I went out golfing one afternoon. As we were cruising down the cart path, Jeff spotted a baby turtle. We picked him up & took him home. We asked Landon what he wanted to name his new little friend, & he said, "Mr. Turtle." hahahaha...

We noticed that Mr. Turtle wasn't eating the food he put in his cage, so I grew considered. I started researching information on turtles & that's when I discovered that turtles carry salmonella. oh....no.....!!! The next morning, Jeff & I explained to Landon, that we had to release Mr. Turtle in the pond, he needed to go home. We took Mr. Turtle to the duck pond on OU's campus. I have never seen a turtle move as quickly as Mr. Turtle moved to get into that pond!!! He was relieved to be home, & I was relieved that he was out of our home! hahahaha....

Touch A Truck

2009-05-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

There's an organization is Norman that hosted an event called, Touch-A-Truck. They organize several companies to come out with their business's truck, and the kids in the community can get inside & look around or pretend to drive the truck. We joined our friend's that morning, & went to check out all the "cool" fire trucks, dump trucks, cane's, ince cream trucks, & even a helicopter! The kids were also allowed to honk the horns, which became extremely LOUD after a while, & to our surprise Landon began to cry. He didn't want to be there any more....Jeff picked him up, & Landon dug his head all the way into Jeff's shoulder as we walked back to the car. hahaha! It was so sweet....

OKC Marathon-2009

2009-05-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Lacy did it! She finished the OKC marathon in 3:37:23, which means, we're all taking a party bus up to Boston next April! We're so proud of her. She qualified to run the Boston Marathon in 2010!

My dad also ran the 1/2 marathon & he did GREAT too...for an old man that is! hahaha!

I attached pictures of our FUN FAMILY WEEKEND!

Easter-2009

2009-05-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

Landon & I went over to our church's Easter egg hunt that Saturday before. I didn't realize that there was a specific time for the actual egg hunt where everyone got to participate. So Landon had his own Easter egg hunt!!! DUH....I am an idiot. The church had eggs spread out all over the field, & I thought it was a "free for all," I guess. It wasn't until Landon had collected two baskets of eggs, & was playing in the bounce house, when the church announced it was time for the hunt. I quickly realized how stupid I had been, & I began to cover the baskets which were full of eggs!!

My parent's come over for the weekend, & we decorated eggs, & had a couple of yummy meals. We also went over to the Waller's for dinner that evening too! The boys enjoyed playing together on Easter. We love getting together with the Wallers!

Just a little snow

2009-04-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Landon was eager to Landon in the "snow." (More like a flake here & a flake there)

big boy sleeping

2009-04-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

Landon at rest.....

Underwear gardening

2009-04-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

Landon refused to put on shorts this particular day....whatever, this is Oklahoma.

The watermelon snatcher!

2009-04-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Jeff & I are pretty lucky. Landon enjoys eating fruits & vegetables. He especially loves watermelon! One weekend I bought a watermelon & Landon couldn't stop asking me if he could eat some. One morning after church, Jeff sliced in the watermelon, & gave a few slices to Landon to eat at the table. Jeff & I went to change our clothes & when we returned, we noticed that Landon was no longer sitting at the table. Somehow, he managed to climb up on the counter top & eat the other HALF of the watermelon that Jeff sliced.

This is what we found.....

Jack & Landon

2009-04-10T17:53:00.001-07:00

The month of March, my friend Marie asked if I would watch her little boys while she was training for a new job.

One morning I came around the corner & found Landon & Jack watching something on T.V. But what caught my attention was that Jack was wearing Landon's old cowboy hat & it just sat on the top of his head! hahahahaha....It was way to small!

At the zoo...

2009-03-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

My friend, Marie, recently accepted a job in Tulsa, but her training is here OKC. I've been watching her boys while she's job training. Friday was a beautiful day here & I took the boys to the zoo. We stopped for a lunch break & I took this picture.

Landon heads off to Arizona

2009-03-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Jeff's brothers family invited Landon to spend a week with them in Phoenix. Susanne & Lauren were in Tulsa visiting Jeff's mom & Landon flew back home with them. He had a BLAST!!! He enjoyed playing with his cousins, Lauren, Joshua, & Brennan. Susanne told me that he started to cry the morning they were packing his stuff up to catch his plane back to Oklahoma. He didn't want to come home.....hahahahaha! (can't blame him, I love Phoenix too. I cry when everytime I board the plane headed back to Oklahoma too)

We took pictures of Landon & everyone at the Tulsa airport before they left.

Stacy's comes to visit, TAKE 2

2009-03-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

Stacy,my childhood friend, came to visit us for a weekend. Landon made her a noodle necklace & a bouquet of flowers. (I drew the flowers, he colored them) He greeted her at the airport with both homemade gifts in hand. She wearing the necklace in these pictures.

They too are best of pals. She teases him & he teases her right back!

Scooter

2009-03-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Landon got a scooter for Valentine's day. My parent's came over for the day & took us out to lunch. Afterwards they took Landon over to Wal-mart to pick out a toy. With my parent's help, he picked out a scooter. He's AWESOME on it!

For Uncle Kenton....

2009-03-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh CRAP! We forgot your birthday.....Hope it wasn't a stinky one!
Love,
The Grattopp's

Dr. GrabUp

2009-01-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

Landon enjoys playing doctor. I found a toy doctors kit the other day & I bought it for him. He turned his "burger shack" into a doctors office. All his babies have been receiving medical exams & their shots the last few days. I was making dinner Sunday night & I found Landon in the corner of the kitchen examing Sassy's ears. He informed me that she's alright. hahahahaha...

SNOW DAY!!!

2009-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:00

Nasty weather hit Oklahoma Monday & Tuesday! We had a wintery-mix....snow, sleet, ice. It covered the ground & from the moment Landon woke up, he wanted to go play outside & make a snowman. With the wind chill, it was6 degrees outside, so we didn't spend more than 20 minutes playing in our snow covered yard. (We played in the front yard due to the "yard bombs" covered by the snow in the backyard left from our beloved puppies...hahaha!) Since it was so cold, we didn't have enough time to make a snowman. BUT, I taugh Landon how to make a snow angel & he really enjoyed jumping in the drifts & kicking the snow. We even threw snowballs at the mail box. (boys.,.they loved to try & de-face proverty) I enjoyed watching Landon experience playing outside in the snow. It's all new to him & so much FUN! As an adult, I hate it. Driving in it, shoveling it, etc. I had to think back as to when I was a kid....I remember making miniture snowman with my sister using Mom's tupperware bowls. That was fun!

Sleeping dogs with their Mommy

2009-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

Look at Sassy sleeping on top of Speck....hahahaha!!!

Hair Castle

2009-01-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Landon ran into the kitchen & said to me, "Mommy, do you like my castle?" Confused, I asked, "What castle?" "My hair castle" he said. I started laughing! He asked Jeff to style his hair. Jeff styled Landon's hair into a mohawk. Landon seemed to think his hair looked like a castle.

"Do this"

2009-01-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

Landon was in a really silly mood on Saturday. Jeff & I were teasing him & he just wouldn't stop laughing. Landon was wearing athletic pants that would slide on & off easily. Jeff & I being the "rotten" parents that we are, began to tease Landon. I would distract Landon with a "What's that?" and I would point to the other side of the room. Landon would follow my finger & turn & look, before he'd know it, Jeff would "de-pants" him. Landon would start laughing, & he would yell at us, to "Stop it." hahahaha....So, we'd do it again.hahaha... After the 3rd time, Landon was on to us, & he began to hold up his pants. So then we tried something different. We played the "Do this" game, where he had to mimic our arm movements until his arms were up over his head.Then we would tickle him. Landon thought that was REALLY funny. After the 3rd or 4th time of playing, "Do this," & tickling Landon, we told Landon, "Okay, it's your turn to do it to us." Thinking that Landon would say to us, "Do this," we realized he was confused. Instead of folding his arms & he "de-pants" himself. hahahahaha....

One hot dog, please!

2009-01-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday evening Jeff got home late. We had a late dinner & afterwards we all got ready for bed & played a little longer than usual. Before Landon went to bed, he wanted to play in his "Burger Shack." This clip is kind-of cute...

Marshall

2009-01-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

Last week Jeff's aunt & uncle sent us a few Christmas gifts & one of Landon's gifts was a hippo named Herschel. Herschel also came with a friend, another hippo who Landon has named, Marshall. Marshall is a girl, so Landon has explained to me, and she doesn't like Herschel...so they don't play with Herschel. hahahaha...Marshall spends a lot of time with Landon. In fact, she got her first bath this week. Landon dropped her in the toilet while he was going potty. (I didn't know he took Marshall in the bath room & was holding her while he did his busy...hahaha!) This morning, I had to hold Marshall several times for Landon. I even had to dance with her while we played. But, I was told I wasn't dancing with her right, so he took her from me. Marshall also joined us while we went grocery shopping & also to sonic. I had to promise Landon that she could share some of my drink. I was informed during lunch time that Marshall also wanted applesauce, strawberries, and mac'n'cheese just like Landon was having. OH, and a spoon. I took a picture of Marshall having lunch with her favorite friend too. After lunch, Landon, Marshall, & I played with Landon's Mr. Potato heads, but he didn't care how Marshall put her Mr. Potato Head together. hahaha....At the moment, Landon & Marshall are napping. She's snugged down in his bed covers laying next to him. Sweet Marshall...or more like Sweet Landon! ( I don't get a chance to say that very much, normally it's "all boy" Landon)

Zoo & Doctor visit

2009-01-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Monday was abusy day for us. We took Landon to the zoo Monday morning. The animals were out & about during our visit. One of the wild turkey's spotted Landon through the glass & walked right up to him. They looked each over a little & we moved on. The black bears were out & Landon joined several other kids up against the glass to get a better look at the bears. One day walked right alone the glass, & while all the other kids jumped back from the glass as the bear passed by, Landon stood right up against the glass. He was frightened at all. hahaha....

After the zoo, we took Landon to his get his wellness check up with Dr. Schrader. While, play at home, Landon is always pertending that he's Dr. Schrader. Stu is great with Landon, and so comforting. I can't get over how Stu & Stacy are so much alike. (Stacy's my best friend & Stu's her brother, Landon's pediatrician) Landon's developing is just fine. He's over 50% in very category but his height. (Poor little guy. I hope he's at least 3 inches taller than Jeff when he's an adult.)

Here we go again...

2009-01-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Landon...what can I say about Landon, besides that he is truly ALL BOY! He did one of the most boyish thing he could possibly do today. This morning I put on a cartoon for him before I went to change my clothes in my bath room. When I left the living room, I told him where I was going & what I was doing. I asked him to stay on the floor, watch his cartoon, & continue playing with his train set. He said "okay." While I was changing, I noticed that he had let the dogs in the house. I walked the dogs back outside & I told Landon the dogs need to say outside, & don't open the back door again. I asked him to keep watching his cartoon, & play with his train set. He said "okay." While I was changing, he came into my bath room. He said, "Mommy, I have something in my nose." At first I thought he had a "boogie." But as I was cleaning up his nose, I noticed it was something else. I asked him what it was? He just kept pointing as his nose. I walked him into the living room & that's when I discovered styrofoam on the living room floor. Earlier in the week, we received a package with styrofoam in the box. I thought I must of cut a piece off when I opened the package, & he found it laying on the floor. I started to panic! I tried showing him how to blow it out, that didn't work, I tried to get it out with a suction-bulb, that didn't work, I even tried tweezers. Nothing worked! I called our doctor & she gave me some helpful suggestions. I tried what she recommend. THAT DIDN'T WORK! I called neighbors, & the one neighbor I got a hold of me to help said, "That's too far lodged up his nose. You should take him to the ER." Pete was right. I needed medical help. The doctor at the ER was extremely helpful & had the necessary tool to remove the Styrofoam. When she pulled the piece out of Landon's nose, we began to LAUGH...I think we were in SHOCK!!! This piece of Styrofoam was HUGE!!! I would have never been able to pull it out on my own. I think I turned 3 shades of red from embarrassment. But she reassured me that Landon was her SECOND patience of the day with this same problem. The patience before was 6 & he shoved a lego up his nose! hahahahaha! When the doctor left the room I asked Landon where he found the Styrofoam. He told me that when he let the dogs in the house this morning, it was laying on the back patio. He stepped outside, picked it up, & shoved it in his nose. OH MY!!! I had to talk to him about not putting things up his nose, then I had to talk to him about not opening up the back door & walking outside when I'm not presence. When I got home, I had message after message on my cell phone. Everyone had called concerned about Landon. Of course all day long I have heard story after story about how "this one time, such'n'such put a rock up his nose, raisin up his nose, pea up his nose, etc". What's even more funny is all the stories are about boys...I've yet to hear about a girl doing this....hahahahah! It must be a boy thing!
I attached a picture of what the Styrofoam piece looked like. It's not the actual piece, but nearly identical. (the original piece had mucus & blood all over it...yuck!) Landon is doing fine. He's taking a nap & I'm trying to wrap my brain around what just happened.

To Mr. Randy & NeeNee

2009-01-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary! Love, The OKC-Gtops

our puppies, Tuffy, Speck, & Sassy

2009-01-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

I know most everyone thinks that's it ridiculous that we have three dogs. These three are also our babies. They have such different personalities, & interests. Speck is our most entertaining pup. He is an excellence fetcher & he is soooooo funny when he beggs for food. He sits up on his bottom, & waits for scraps of food. We call his stance "Stick'em up." He looks like he's being held up. hahahaha! Sassy is the sweetest out of all three. She cuddles up with you, & she really likes looking at books. There's been a few time where we have read some of Landon's kids books to her. hahahaha....It's really funny to watch. Tuffy is our most cherished out of the three. He was our first puppy together as a couple. He doesn't play with the other dogs as much, but we spoil Tuffy more when the others are not paying attention. He's the only one we will let come out into the front yard while we are playing & riding bikes. He stays right by Jeff's side. In fact, we always joke that when Jeff dies, Tuffy will be buried with him. hahahahaha....

Over the holidays my parent came to visit us & while here, they began to call our dogs "The Bumpus Hounds" from the movie "A Christmas Story. In the movie, the neighbors had a pack of dogs that followed each other every where. All three of our dogs follow one another from the dog kennel to the back door to go outside. Then back inside from outside to their dog kennel again. My parents found this daily routine to be hilarious. AND so did we...Jeff & I now refer to our pups as the "Bumpus Hounds." hahahaha....Everytime I let them out to go potty & they follow one another, I hear the music from the movie as they make their way outside.

Bowling anyone?

2009-01-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

Our neighbors are always inviting us to join them on fun Saturday "outings." Curtis & Ericka have two boys who are on a bowling league here in Norman. The boys had a few extra frames left over to use up, so they invited Landon to bowling with them. Curtis & Ericka have enjoyed playing on leagues over the years, & they both helped teach Landon how to bowl. Landon really got into it, & was having a good time, but unforunately he crossed the line on the alley, slipped, & fell down backwards. He didn't get hurt, it just scared him. After that, he was "kind-of done" with the whole bowling thing. PLUS, he spotted the aracade area. hahahaha....But I was so proud of my little man for trying. It was very nice of Curtis & Ericka to invite us & to help Landon learn to bowl.

Outdoor Lunch

2009-01-10T11:57:00.001-08:00

It was over 70 degrees here on Friday. Landon & I made a lunch together, put it in a lunch box, & enjoyed our meal outside. Tuffy, Speck, & Sassy also enjoyed eating our lunch too...hahahaha! The brown-weinies really liked eating apples.

puzzle time

2009-01-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

Landon was very proud of himself for putting his puzzles together Thursday morning. I love his sweet smile....

oh boy.....or all boy?

2009-01-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Sunday was extremely cold here. We took Landon to church & came directly home. I was not about to get him out of the house & battle the nasty, bitter, cold. Unfortunately, cabin fever got the best of Landon. After his nap, Landon & I played with his play-doh, we set up his army men & ran them over with his tank. We played with his piano keyboard, & we watched a little of The Lion King. Around 5:30pm I made dinner, & by the time Jeff got home from work, I was ready for a break. I asked Jeff to take over for the rest of the evening while I went to take a hot bath. He agreed & I went to relax. Landon came into my bathroom 3 to 4 times, & each time I asked him, "Where's daddy? Why aren't you playing with daddy?" By the 4th time of Landon interrupting my bath, I noticed he smelled a little funny & I decided to give up on the whole bath time. When I got out of the tub, I noticed that Jeff was in the office working on his laptop & Landon was running wild through the house. As I walked into the living room, this awful smell hit my nose, & when I turned on the light, all I noticed was "black goo" dripping down two walls in the living & the couch had two huge black spots on it. My red-headed temper kicked in! No one ...was safe. While I attempted to take a bath, Jeff was having a problem with our wireless connection. He was so focused on the problem that he didn't notice had Landon managed to get a hold of a can of WD-40 (which was in Jeff's Christmas stocking in the office) & he sprayed WD-40 ALL OVER THE LIVING ROOM! I could be more forgiving if Landon had colored the walls & couch...that's bound to happen at least once in every child's childhood, but WD-40?!!!!. It says on the can, "Keep out of reach of children." Thankful, Landon did not consume any!I began to scrub the walls & couch. Fortunately, the WD-40 did came out of the couch, unfortunately, we have to paint the living room walls. It's funny more so today, but last night Jeff just laughed, & couldn't understand why was so upset. (he wasn't the one taking a break or even the one who had to cleam up the mess) I love my son...he's the most incredible little person I have ever encountered. I enjoy my time with him too. I'm grateful that God provides through Jeff enough so that I can stay at home & nuture this precious little boy. But if anyone is looking for ideas for a birthday gift for me next month, I would love a weekend to myself....to take just one hot bath for at least one hour.

Little River Zoo

2009-01-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

We've been experiencing normal Oklahoma weather this week. (70 degrees one day & 10 degrees the next) Saturday was a beautiful day & our neighbors invited us to join their family at the Little River Zoo here in Norman. I took a few pictures of our day.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T11:58:00.001-08:00

Landon woke up really early on New Year's Eve morning. I put him down for a nap that afternoon, but I could hear him singing to himself during his nap time. He never slept. Landon was getting pretty cranky around 5:00 pm, so Jeff & I decided to have a "mock" ball dropping & party so Landon could ring in the new year! We turned on the dance music, broke out the noise makers, put on our party hats, & rang in the new year by 7:00 pm. Here's a picture of Landon with his noise maker & party hat. I made kid friendly cherry-bombs too. ( 7up & cherry juice) He just finished drinking his cherry-bomb out of a glass flute. hahahaha....

golfing in December

2009-01-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

It was a fairly nice day here in Norman, so we went golfing. The course was packed, but that didn't stop my men from having a good time. Our game was cut short when Jeff decided to "clown around" while driving the golf cart & then suddenly slammed on the brakes! Landon went flying & hit his chin on the cup holder! I sure was glad Landon was crying very loudly, because I yelled a few "choice words" at Jeff. But after Landon calmed down, that little stinker started laughing & told Jeff to do it again! hahahaha....

bunny rabbit

2009-01-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

Landon surprised me the other day. He molded a bunny rabbit for me. I was so impressed with his creativity & ability!!!

Matthew & Landon at play

2009-01-02T17:49:00.001-08:00

Matthew is able to fit in Landon's monster truck & drive.

Christmas day

2009-01-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

We went to Tulsa on Christmas day. Jeff's aunt & uncle invited us over for a bunch. Afterwards we went back to Jeff's parent's & exchanged gifts. Landon got a Dancing Camera. He loves to watch himself break dance on T.V.

2009-01-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

Our church does some amazing activties for their Christmas eve service. Landon was able to make a gingerbread man before service. The church also had photo booths set up for families to take pictures as while. As we were in service I looked over at Jeff & Landon. I realized how different Christmas is now. Rather than sharing service with our parents, feeling like children, we are the parents with our children. Roles have changed.

I took a few pictures of Landon & Jeff opening up gifts on Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

We took a few pictures of Landon leaving cookies out for Santa on Christmas eve. Jeff & I decorated the house with red & green balloons after Landon went to bed. The first thing he asked me when he woke up was, "Did Santa come?" He was so sweet & soooooo EXCITED! Santa left him a toolbrench & a mable racer.

preparing for Christmas

2008-12-22T12:32:00.000-08:00

Landon has been so excited about Christmas. This morning I made pancakes & he helped me cut out "Christmas shapes" with the cookie cutters. We enjoyed eating pancakes that we shaped as candy canes, angels, stockings, gingerbread men, etc. The pancakes were definitely small. I started laughing when Jeff said, "I'll take a angel, candy cane, stocking, ginger bread- man, & a bell. "

more Christmas

2008-12-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

This has been such a fun Chritmas for us. Landon has really enjoyed decorating the tree, Christmas light looking, & especially making cookies.

Doggy too

2008-12-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

The other day Landon dropped his snacks on the floor. Naturally, Tuffy, Speck, & Sassy ran to his aid to "help him" pick up the mess.Not only did the dogs eat the food off the floor, so did Landon.

Christmas Party pic

2008-12-17T05:58:00.000-08:00

My Prince running his 1st RACE!

2008-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pics of Landon running with his Aunt Lacy in the Jingle Bell Run. I was so proud of my little man that day! Isn't he the cutest thing...running his little heart out for a hamburger & donut. hahaha...Oh yeah, I was proud of Lacy & dad too. She took 2nd in her age group. My dad took 3rd in his age group. It's almost not fair to the citizens who participate in runs in the Wichita area. My dad & sister dominate...hahahaha!

Little Blessing...baby Joe!

2008-12-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

One of my oldest friends, Jen, recently received the most incredible blessing....her son, Joseph Micheal. Jen & her husband, Mike, have been praying & waiting for almost 3 years to adopted a baby. Last month, God granted their prays, & the prayers of so many others, baby Joe was born.

This weekend, I was invited to have lunch with Jen & her sister Angie, & meet baby Joe. Some of Jen's friends & family, hosted a baby shower for Jen & Joe on Saturday morning. Joe is so precious. At the shower, all of us were fighting with one another over who gets to hold Joe next. If I could have smuggled Joe in my purse & out of the party without anyone seeing me, I would have! hahahaha....I would keep him for my own. He's got the most amazing brown hair. It stands straight up & he has sooooo much of it too!

I tear up every time I think about baby Joe, & how he is truly a blessing. God is so GREAT....He always hears our prayers. If we are patience & wait according to His will, he will never let us down.

Christmas Time in Wichita

2008-12-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend Landon & I went to Wichita for a baby shower. While we were there, we stayed with my sister, Lacy, & her family. Landon & my nephew, Judah, have so much fun together. We took the kids to the Christmas festival in downtown Wichita on Thursday night. The kids enjoyed watching the fireworks after the parade. There was even a carnival set up & the boys walked away with all sorts of prizes & candy.

Friday evening, Lacy & Kenton had a Christmas party with some of their friends from Church. I, on the other hand, had a date with two men! Landon & Judah. Lacy's neighbor is an actress & she gave us tickets to the Children's Theater performance of "The Gingerbread Man." Both the boys enjoyed the show. I enjoyed holding the two of them on my lap, kissing the tops of their sweet little heads as they both cuddled with me.

Saturday morning, Lacy & Kenton took Landon & Judah downtown for the "Jingle Bell Run!" My dad registered the boys in the fun-run, & Landon ran his 1st mile run. (with Aunt Lacy's help) According to my family, Landon did so good! He ran his little heart out up until his Aunt Lacy tripped him causing him to fall down face 1st. hahahahaha....Fortunately, Landon was wearing several layers of clothing & his fall was padded. hahahaha...Landon crossed the finish line with Lacy, & he got a medal, a hamburger, & all sorts of other goodies.

Saturday night, my parents took us out to dinner, & afterwards, Kenton drove all of us around Wichita to look at some incredible Christmas lights.

Needless to say, Landon & I are exhausted from our weekend! But what a good weekend it was...

something funny...

2008-12-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

This evening Landon, Jeff, & I popped some popcorn & sat down together to watch"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" on t.v. When the show was just about over, Santa stopped at "Misfit Island" to pick up the misfit toys & then he flys away to deliver toys. Landon asked me, "where's he going mommy?" Jeff & I don't have a problem with the make-believe story of Santa, but we haven't told him much about Santa either, so I explained to him that Santa is going to deliver toys to good girls & boys. Landon asked me, "Is Santa going to come down our fireplace?" I told him, "he just might." Next thing I know, Landon hops off my lap & shouts, "I better turn off the fire then," & he runs over the switch that turns the fireplace on & off, & he turns off the fire. Jeff & I were laughing so hard...I was nearly in tears! Jeff explained to him, that Christmas is in 22 more days, & at that time, Santa will visit us.
I don't recall explaining to Landon that Santa comes down the chimney. I think he's gathered it from watching some of the Christmas shows. In fact, a few weeks ago Landon told me that Santa will drive his car to our house on Christmas Eve. He explained that Santa will have dinner with us for 3 hours, & Santa will eat a salad & drink water. Where he got this idea is beyond me! I decided that we will leave out a salad & water for Santa on the mantel instead of cookies & milk this Christmas Eve. hahahaha....

Tulsa Trip

2008-12-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

We went over to Tulsa for a few days after Thanksgiving. Landon got to spend some time with his Gramma & Uncle Mac. (Papa went to Dallas early on into our trip) While we were in Tulsa, we took Landon to BassPro Shop. He enjoyed looking at the waterfall, the animals, the fish, etc. BassPro had their Santa's Workshop set up. Landon was able to draw a picture for Santa & write a letter to him while we were in the workshop. (Santa wasn't due to arrive for another 3 hours or more) He also played a few hunting games & he asked me to play checkers with him. He had so much fun...& so did we up until he had a "melt-down" over a bag of gummy-worms. hahaha...

Gingerbread houses

2008-12-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

Our friends, Jen, Joshua, & Jonah, invited Landon & I over to make gingerbread houses the other day. This is something I have never done before, & I was eager to share the experience with Landon. Jen, the prop-mom that she is, whipped up icing in a flash, threw some incredible, yummy, candies on the table & away we went. The kids were so excited because they were able to eat candy as we put the gingerbread houses together. Landon didn't care what kind of candy we put on the house, he just wanted the candy to be yellow. So....his gingerbread house is covered in all yellow candies. hahahaha....

For me, the most enjoyable part of putting the houses together was watching Joshua turn his back away from his mommy, so she wouldn't see him eating another piece of candy. hahaha...OH AND, watching Jonah shake with excitement over getting the eat candy! It was hilarious....

What a fun activity!!!

It's stuck

2008-12-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

Landon has been so excited about Christmas this year. While my family was visiting us last week, we took the kids to see Santa. Afterwards, we noticed some of the homes around our neighborhood had their Christmas light up already. Landon wanted to get a closer look at the lights. I slowed the car down for my family to get a better look at the decorations at one particular house when Landon says to me, "Look Mommy, they have their Christmas out!" hahahaha....So now everytime we see outdoor lights, we say "they have their Christmas out." After Thanksgiving, Jeff got up in the attic & pulled out our Christmas decorations so we could get our Christmas out. While I was pulling decorations out of boxes, I heard this loud, high pitch, sound. When I turned around, it was Landon. He got into the box of stockings & put one on his head. The only problem was he could get it off & he was screaming like a little girl because it was too tight around his big head. hahahahaha.....

(yes, I have pants for my son, but he doesn't always put them back on after he uses the potty...hahahaha!)

Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

Since Jeff was scheduled to work on "black Friday", we decided to stay home & invite our friends, the Wallers family, over for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving morning, I was hard at work, cooking up a storm in the kitchen when I discovered that my husband & son were missing. When I finally found the two of them, they were sitting in the back of Landon's monster truck, out on the driveway, drinking roots beers & Jeff was smoking a cigar. I asked both of my boys what was going on, & Jeff replied, "we're tailgating". hahahahahaha......

more birthday party pics

2008-11-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

Landon's 3rd Birthday

2008-11-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

Landon turned 3rd on Saturday the 22nd. Jeff & I decided to have a

party at home with our family & friends. The theme of Landon's party was "Thanksgiving Feast". The kids wore pilgrims hats & indian head-dresses. They made pilgrim & indian vests, they played pin the pilgrim hat on the turkey, & they even decorated their own turkey cookies. Afterwards we all enjoyed a big Thanksgiving Day style meal! Hands-Down, this was the best birthday party yet!

"It's a wonderful life...Jeanie"

2008-11-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend my family celebrated my mom's 50th birthday. A while back my dad was looking for party idea's for my mom's birthday. I suggested taking my mom to Springfield, MO where she was born. I thought my grandmom could share with our family about where my mom's life began. I didn't think the idea would go over very well, but it did. My dad was very receptive to the idea, & so was my grandmom. My grandparents are originally from Springfield, MO & that's where they had my mom. My dad rented a mini-van & we all loaded up in Pittsburg, KS where my grandmom is currently living. We headed over to Springfield, MO for the day. We kept calling my grandmom, our GPS. She navigated the "It's a wonderful life tour" as we referred to it. She took us to see where my granddad (who passed away 9 years ago) grew up, where she grew up, the hospital where my mom was born, the house they brought my mom home to, etc. We even went to the cemetery where my great grandparents were laid to rest. We noticed what looked like the original "Steak 'n' Shake" & my mom hollered out, "Hey, Nana use to take me to that "Steak 'n' Shake" when we all would come over to Springfield to visit her." With that being said, we stopped & had lunch there.

Later that afternoon, we headed back to Pittsburg. My mom's siblings joined us & we had a little party for her at grandmom's house. My dad took us all out to dinner at none other than Pittsburg's famous, "Chicken Annie's."

We had such a fun day, despite the miserable weather. I know my mom enjoyed it... she was smiling the entire trip.

Mom's 50th birthday

2008-11-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

Party Hardy this Halloween

2008-11-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

Our next door neighbor, Clyde, threw a halloween party Saturday night. Jeff went as the OKC Thunder & I was a witch. Someone at the party took off their afro wig & Jeff found the wig laying around...next thing I know, Jeff's wearing it. Clyde had all sorts of yummy drinks, & all sorts of yucky drinks too. But by the end of the night the drinks were kickin' in & everyone was dancing, including "afro- Thunder- man"!!!! We meet a lot of very friendly people, a few more neighbors, & all around had a good time.

more halloween pics

2008-10-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

Best Day Ever-Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

So...the day started off very, very, sweet. Jeff went to get get Landon out of his bed & the first thing Landon asked Jeff was, "Is it time to trick or treat?" Landon has been so excited about trick or treating this halloween!
Jeff & I took Landon trick or treating in our surrounding neighborhood, & he surprised us as he walked up to the very 1st house on HIS OWN, candy bucket & all, & shouted out, "Trick or Treat!" Jeff & I just LAUGHED!!! We couldn't wrap our brains around Landon's independence & excitement. As soon as he received his 1st piece of candy for the night, he was HOOKED! Landon walked over to Jeff & I & the 1st thing he said to us was, "Daddy, I want to get more candy!" hahahaha...
We took him to "maybe" 10 homes & his bucket was completely FULL! I told Jeff, "I think he's got enough." Around that same time, Landon told us he was done. We took Landon back home, & he enjoyed passing out more candy to others kids as they came around. Out in front of our neighborhood there's a little church. The church was hosting a halloween carnival. I took Landon down there for a while & the two of us had so so much fun. He jumped on the infatibles for a while & he really got into the "pop the balloon with the pine cone" game. the church also passed out candy & prizes. The kid currently has 2 buckets FULL of candy! hahaha....
The night ended with Landon calling my parents to tell them about his night. Landon told my mom, "It was the best day ever!"

Seek Peek before Halloween

2008-10-30T07:33:00.001-07:00

Giddy Up...Cowboy!

more Vegas pics

2008-10-27T15:03:00.001-07:00

VIVA..LAS VEGAS!

2008-10-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

I just returned from Las Vegas! One of my dearest friend from PSU, Kelli, lives in Las Vegas, & got married there this weekend. Kelli & I have been friends for over 11 years now & she was even a bridesmaid in my wedding. Out of the 11 years that I have known Kelli, there has not been 1 month that has not gone by where I have not spoken with her at least once. She's a very genuine, caring, & spirited person. When Kelli makes a friend, she keeps a friend. I was so excited to share in such an amazing day...the next chapter in her live! The wedding ceremony was absolutely beautiful! The wedding was outdoors surrounded by the dessert mountains, & you could see & feel God's presence. He truly created the most perfect day for Kelli & Mark. I can't say even kind words about the man she chose to marry, her husband Mark. He's very sincere, welcoming, & one heck of cook!(God definitely created Mark for Kelli...even poppin' popcorn in the microwave is a challenge for her...hahaha!)

It was funny to reconnect with friends that I haven't seen in several years. Matt, Melissa, Kylie, Lori....

Plus, as always, my college side-kick, & partner in crime, Ms. Jen, was there with her husband Mike, a.k.a Grandpa. Most of my time spent in Vegas was with Jen & Mike of course. (Jen was my college room mate & my best friend) Unfortunately, Jeff was unable to attend. He got the opportunity to go on a brothers trip to New York City a weeks back, which didn't allow him to accompany me in Vegas. Sooooo....as usual, when Jeff can't make a trip, I always call on my back up date....good o' Stacy! She never lets me down....California, Cancun, Atlanta, Phoenix, Boston.

The entire weekend, Stac & I couldn't go anywhere with out someone asking us, "you must be sisters". Throughout the course of our 20 year friendship, we have always been asked that same question no matter where we are. Personally I liked the comment one couple made towards us. We're going down the elevator with an older couple & the wife says, "you must be sisters?" Stacy & I laughed of course, & explain that we are not, & the husband says, "I would have never known based on the matching drinks you both have in your hands"....hahahaha! We're both red heads with big smiles....Everyone assumes we are sister.

Stacy met Kelli while Stacy was during her rotation in Phoenix, & Kelli was working for Pulte Homes in the Phoenix area at that time. Stacy threw a bachlerotte party for me out in Phoenix, with Kelli's help in 2003. So Stacy was just as excited as I was to share in Kelli's day.

We did stay on the Strip, we took in a show, we gambled, we shopped, we laid out by the pool, we ate wonderful food, we danced, we saw Elvis, & we even drank a little too much! (hahahahaha...go figure....Jen, Kari, Stacy...no way!)

The hardest part of my trip is the same with every trip, saying good-bye to Stacy. . It involves a lot of tears & a lot of hugs, & promises that we will see each other very soon. But, the sweetest part of my trip was returning home & seeing this sweet little boy running towards me as I'm exiting the airport security area, shouting out "MOMMMMMY!!!!!" It's sure is nice to come home.

It was an incredible weekend, & it's going to take a few days to get rested up!

silly comments from Landon

2008-10-20T11:48:00.001-07:00

Landon has quite the personality these days.
The other day he shared a "knock-knock' joke with Jeff & I.
He said to us, "knock-knock'....Jeff responded, "who's there"...& Landon said, 'Somebody else." Then he took off running down the hall. Jeff & I sat there just crackin' up! We were like..."what did he say?" Jeff asked me, "What do you teach him when I'm not around?" hahahaha...
Landon's into imagination play right now & he's always telling me, you can't go in my room or you can't sit there, my baby is asleep.
This morning Landon started up with the whole "my baby" thing & Jeff asked him, "would you like to have a baby brother or sister?" & Landon told him he wanted to have a sister. I was THRILLED to hear him say he wanted a sister! Then Jeff asked Landon, "What do you want to name her?" Neither Jeff or I thought he would understand what Jeff was asking him, but out of no where Landon responded, "Natasha." hahahahaha..... Jeff & I could not stop laughing....NATASHA....where in the world did he come up with that name! hahahaha....

Judah, take 5!

2008-10-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Landon & I went up to Wichita this weekend to help my family celebrate my nephew's 5th birthday! Judah is turning 5 years old on the 21st.

His birthday bash was held at a children's gym, similar to Gymboree, called My Gym.

It was a COOL place. The kids played in the ball pit, jump on the trampoline, & even took turns down the zip-line! There was never a dull moment at this particular party.

Good times.....

My son was probably one of the youngest kids at the party, but you would have never known. He acts like such a big boy. I went out into the gym to help him on some of the equipment, & he asked me to leave several times. hahahahaha....

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

My parents & my sister's family came over from Wichita this weekend. We took the kids to the pumpkin patch. Landon & I have been watching "It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown." In the cartoon, the characters all roll their pumpkins because they are to heavy to carry & while we were at the pumpkin patch, that's what Landon was doing too. I think the adults had more fun on the slides than the kids....(um,...Kenton) We went on a hayride, & my dad just kinda' stood around & watched all of us have fun. I later told him, "thanks for paying for the fun dad." (he paid for our admission) hahaha.... I even took a picture of him just hangin' out by our pumpkins.

It was a fun weekend. Landon & his cousin Judah had a BLAST playing together.

Besides the wind, we were able to sit outside most of the afternoon & watch the kids play. It was a pretty weekend.

more pumpkin patch pics

2008-10-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty mommy....

2008-10-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

I made the mistake of leaving my purse on the floor the other day. Landon found my purse & then discovered my lipstick. He told me, "Look mommy, I'm pretty." hahahaha

MOPS play date

2008-10-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

We went to play with our friends from MOPS last week.

I don't have to...

2008-10-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Last week I read about an event here in the city that involved a halloween costume contest for kids. Since I was missing the most important piece to Landon's halloween costume he's wearing this year, I asked him if he would wear his puppy-dog costume to the children's carnival I was planning on taking him to, instead. He agreed to wear the costume until I actually put it on him. When we were just about to leave, I asked him if I could take his picture. He told me no, He didn't want to have his picture taken, & that he did not want to wear that costume. Jeff & I tried everything in our power to get him to stand up & take 1 picture, & his response was, "I don't have to...." hahahahaha...

I took pictures of him laying on the floor, refusing to take his picture.

Uncle Mac's visit

2008-10-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

Jeff's little brother, Matthew, or as Landon calls him, Mac, came to OKC last week to visit us. While he was here, Landon & Mac got a lot of play time in together. AND, of course, Matt brought over his XBox and after Landon went to bed, we'd break out the Guitar Hero!!!!

There's never a "dull" moment when Uncle Mac is around....

Story time

2008-09-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm no longer teaching preschool 4 days a week now. It was too hard on Landon. His teacher would usually bring him to me during class time & he would tell me every time, "I'm ready to go home." I decided this just isn't the right time to teach, & Landon & I are back at home.
I've been trying to stay busy, & we've been going over to the library more. One of the things I just love about Norman, OK is the cities community activities. The public library is terrific in Norman. Their children's section is incredible. I'm obviously not the only person who feels this way because every time we go over to the library, it's full of other children & their families. In the past, Landon would never sit still for story time, he just wanted to go play in the children's area, but now, he's very attentive.The librarians, are full of energy, & they make the story time experience not only fun for the kids, but also the adults.
I took a picture of Landon getting into the music portion of story time today.

workin' out the wiggles

2008-09-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Anyone who in familar with my son knows that he is a very active "little man". I can't take my eyes off of him for a minute....even at home. Last week we borrowed this mini trampoline from Jeff's parents. Every day before nap time & bed time, I pull it out into the living room, turn on upbeat music, & I have Landon jump for nearly 20 minutes. It works out his "wiggles" & he's usually ready for bed by the time he's done. It's been good exercise for me & him both!

Hair cut @ home...in underwear

2008-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a hair cut at home....you can dress in anything garment you like, just be comfortable!

hahahahaha....

Gramma's Birthday

2008-09-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

We went to Tulsa on Wednesday to help celebrate Gramma Lyndia's birthday. We took her out to dinner....Casa Bonita. (just the place every grandma wants to go to eat, right?) The food was awful of course, but we had so much FUN while we were there. Landon enjoyed the arcade area, & I think the adults enjoyed the magic show more than Landon did.

Afterwards, we went over to Auntie Ann's house. (gramma's sister) Landon thought Auntie Ann's cat, Miss Daisy, was sooooo sweet. He just wanted to pet her the entire visit.

Happy Birthday Gramma!

Jack's Party

2008-09-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Landon was invited to Jack's Birthday party on Saturday. Jack's mommy & I use to teach the two year old at Go Kids together. Jack & Landon have been in the same class for the last year together.

Landon & Jack were hitting each other with birthday balloons & LAUGHING!

We had such a GOOD time...

Dr. GrabUp

2008-09-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been working with Landon on learning his full name.

When he pronounces our last name he says, "GrabUp".

Landon's really into imagination play. Yesterday he was in the bath tub playing & he told me he was Dr. GrabUp. He shouted for daddy to come into the bathroom. When Jeff arrived, he told him to sit down... he wanted to listen to his heart to see if it was broken! hahahaha....Jeff & I started LAUGHING!!!

Zoo Day!

2008-09-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

Ms. Rose called me this week(she & I use to work together at Gymboree). She invited Landon & I to join her & her daughter, Greta, at the OKC Zoo. Out of the three years we have lived in the OKC area, this visit was probably the most unique. The animals were more active than usually. I assume it was because of the beautiful weather....

The bears were playing together, the snakes were moving around rather than laying in one spot curled up, & the condor had it wings spread completely out. (Rose & I were standing there in disbelief that the condors wingspan was nearly 10 feet wide!!!) Landon loved watching the snakes & the sea lion most of all.

I was very proud of Landon for listening to me when I asked him to stop or to wait for me. But I did have a make one time out spot while we were at the zoo. The picture of him on his bottom, crying is him in time out. hahahahaha!

Never did forget that time...

2008-09-17T21:44:00.001-07:00

The other night I was talking to Lacy on the phone & the conversation was about our fondest memories of Judah & I told her of mine. Prior to being a parent, or a wife for that matter, I was visiting my married, little sister one fall weekend. I learned quickly that boys are a handful! While visiting, Judah, her son, he happened to get something on his pants. Tired of changing him for the numerous time that particular day, she just picked him up & scrubbed the "mess" off his pants. I just remember laughing ...yet, now I find myself doing the same thing frequently with Landon. Lacy & I are nearly 5 years apart, but we have changed rolls. To me she's the older sister & I'm the younger sister because of our life experiences. hahaha...

Emmanuel

2008-09-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was looking through pictures....this is one of my most favorite photos...I love it. Landon was only 5 days old. We just brought him home from the hospital on Thanksgiving day. My mom noticed the doubled rainbow outside that Friday following. Althought tired, I agree to have my picture taken holding Landon in the mist of the rain & the double rainbow.

Every time I look at this photo I see God's blessing. One rainbow for Landon & one rainbow for Jeff & I. (since we are married, Jeff & I are one in God's eyes)

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors."-Luke 2:14

Landon waved to President Bush today!

2008-09-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

This morning Landon & I were playing in the living room. I had the Today Show on when our local news channel broke in to broadcast the arrival of President Bush in Oklahoma City. President Bush landed at Tinker Air Force Base & was only going to be in OKC for about four hours this morning. He was passing out a few awards, & raising money for the McCain Campaign at a luncheon in NE OKC. The media followed President Bush as he was escorts throughout the city & I noticed that there were people along the highway waiving to him as his brigade of cars passed by.
Around 11:00 am I thought I would take Landon up to the base in hopes to get a glimpse of President Bush driving by & to watch Air Force One take off. Out of all days, Jeff needed my camera. I ended up stopping at the store to buy a disposable camera, PLUS I picked up a few America Flags.
When I arrived at the base, I noticed several people sitting out in front of Oklahoma Welcome Center which is directly in front of Tinker A.F.B. AND to top it off, there is a playgroup next to the welcome center. It was perfect! Landon played on the playground while we waited for President Bush to drive by. You couldn't park on the same street as the base. There were police officers & fire fighters lined up all long the access road.
Around one o'clock the east bound lane on I-40 had stopped, & moments later, here came nearly 30 police motorcylce officers, 3 black limousines waiving the American Flag, tailed by several police cars, white SUV's, & EMSA. There's an 8 foot fence that protects the park from the passing cars on the hwy, so I handed Landon the American Flags that I purchased this morning, & we ran up to the fence to waive at President Bush as he drove by. Landon waved his flags & shouted out "Hi President Bush!" hahahaha! He was so precious.
We walked back to the other end of the welcome center & a few moments later, Air Force One took off. The plane was off in the distance, but there's no mistaking what plane was taking off...Air Force One is massive!
One of my memories of growing up in Wichita involves the Air Force One. Obviously Wichita is known for it's aircraft, & when I was in grade school & part of junior high, Boeing was building the current Air Force One back in the late 80's. Before it was painted, the plane's steel was like a mirror & it was green! Air Force One would do touch & go's over Wichita. It would start out at McConnell A.F.B. & land at Wichita's, Mid-Continent airport. My grade school was close to the airport & I can still remember playing outside during recess & watching Air Force One fly over our school's playground. The plane was fairly low to the ground because it was approaching the airport, & I remember my school mates & I could see ourselves (like looking into a mirror) from the mirror-like steel on the Air Force One, expect we were green. hahahaha!
I told Landon today that his Great Grandpa John, & his Mr. Randy (my dad) helped build Air Force One. He looked a little puzzled when I told him that. hahahaha!
One the way home Landon kept asking me repeatedly, "Where did President Bush go?" hahaha!
I look forward to sharing with Landon when he gets older, that when he was 2 years old, he waved at an American President.
Pictures will follow soon....

In Between The Lions

2008-09-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

The PBS show "In Between The Lions" came to the OKC Zoo today. I took Landon & his friend, Eve, to the show. Landon's best pal, Joshua, & Joshua's brother, Jonah, joined us as well. I was very impressed with the show. The music was GREAT...it definitely had Jonah "groovin'." (He's only 1) Landon was a little "freaked out" when the show started up. He dug his head into my chest & had a "death grip" on my neck! hahahahaha....Once he realized it was okay, he got into the show more. The kids even received free books for coming out to the show! Afterwards, Jen (Joshua & Jonah's mommy) & I took the kids into the zoo.

It was raining off & on throughout the day, but it was very refreshing. I think Jen & I got more of a workout then the kids. I felt like most of the day involved pushing strollers uphill. hahahaha!

We got home late afternoon & both Landon & Eve "pooped out." I think Eve would have kept on sleeping way into the night if I hadn't have waken her up nearly 2 hours into her nap. I was afraid she'd stay up until midnight. I don't think her mom & dad would have appreciated that! Her afternoon slumber reassured me that we had a GREAT DAY!

actin' like a big boy

2008-09-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

I don't think that Landon realizes that he's only 2. (almost 3) I think he's just convinced that he's a short man in a tall world. (similar to his daddy....hahaha) The other day I took Landon & the dogs out for a walk & when we returned home some of the neighborhood boys were playing "gotcha" or guns..whatever you want to call it. Landon wanted to go into the house & get his laser gun his Mr. Randy & NeeNee got for him, & join the boys. A little anxious, mainly because the boys are older, I told Landon he could play for just a little bit as long as the boys played in our yard where I could watch. Two of the boys playing belong to a neighbor of mine, who I know, & her boys are very gentle & friendly towards Landon. Billy & Ryan were so sweet. They helped Landon created a "base" to hide behind. They would holler out "I'll cover you Landon, GO!" hahahaha....I enjoyed watching Landon play with the neighborhood kids& I couldn't stop laughing!

Where's Jeff steak?

2008-09-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Landon & I were laying low this weekend. Both of us were a little under the weather. By Sunday evening, Landon had a lot of restless energy. He kept letting the dogs in & out from the back yard. I started to make dinner when Jeff called to tell me he had two families show up at closing time & he would be late getting home from work. By 6:00 pm I was ready for a parental break. I seriously needed Jeff home. Landon was running around going wild! Of course it didn't help that I was trying to make dinner either. I had told Jeff prior to him leaving for work that day, that I had bought steaks & that was what I was planning on making for dinner that evening. I know he was eager to get home to enjoy one of his most favorite meals. Knowing Jeff was going to be late, I went ahead & served Landon & I dinner. I figured that might keep Landon busy for a minute or two. By 7:00, Jeff called to tell me he was only 3 minutes away from home. A sense of relief came over me!But, once again, Landon unlocked the back door while I wasn't looking & let the dogs in the house. (I don't mind the dogs in the house, but when it's nice outside, that's were they belong) Again, I put the dogs outside in the back yard, & told Landon to join me in the front yard to look for daddy's car driving up the street. A few moments later, Jeff arrived home. We played with Landon outside for a minute & Jeff told me, "I'm starving!" I reminded him that I made steaks. We went inside the house, Jeff went to change out of his work clothes, & I went into the kitchen to put his dinner plate together. When I got to the stove, I noticed that Jeff's steak was missing. I stood in front of the stove dumbfounded! I kept thinking to myself, "I know I made him a steak....it was right here." I turned around, & I looked under the table. There I found our newly adopted dog, Sassy... she was nearly done eating Jeff's entire steak!!!!! I knew Sassy knew she was in trouble. Even though she was still eating Jeff's steak, her tail was tucked under her bottom. I shouted out, "Sassy!" She took off running. hahahaha! Just as I caught her, Jeff came into the kitchen & said, "What's wrong?" I pointed at the pan on the stove. "Sassy ate your steak." I started to laugh...When I put the dogs out before taking Landon out into the front yard to watch for Jeff, I didn't noticed that Sassy didn't run out into the back yard with Tuffy & Speck. She obviously was still in the house. I guess Sassy couldn't control herself with the smell of steak lingering in the air & absolutely no human around. She somehow found a way to jump onto the counter top, walk over to the stove & run off with Jeff's steak. hahahahaha!
Jeff's facial expression reminded me of the "Old Man" from the 80's Christmas Story with Peter Billingsly In the movie, the neighbors, the Bumpses, had coon dogs that busted into Ralphies's mothers' kitchen & ate the families' turkey Christmas dinner. I began to laugh even more when Jeff's next response after discovering that the dog had eaten his steak was, "I guess I'll just go to Taco Bell for dinner." hahahahahaha....

Grandparent's Day

2008-09-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

Friday was Grandparent day at Go Kids. Landon's Gramma, Lyndia, joined him & his classmates. The kids song to the Grandparents, shared a snacked, & made a card especially for their grandparents. Afterwards, Gramma Lyndia took Landon to lunch, Taco Bell, (his favorite) & then to Target. He came home with all sorts of "goodies".

What a special day!

Cleveland County Fair

2008-09-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

We took Landon over to the county fair this week. I think it took a whole 20 minutes to view the entire fair...hahahaha!

Three Amigo's

2008-09-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

Jeff said to me the other night, "How come you're the one that bring all these damn dogs home, yet they all lay on top of me?" I just laughed at him & took pictures of our "Three Amigo's."

We found Sassy a month ago, & we've fallen in love with her. She's so sweet, very gentle towards Landon, & we're convinced that both Speck & Sassy have a little "love affair' going on. She kisses Speck, chases Speck, she always sitting next to Speck, she even puts her arm around him too. The other day she was laying side by side with Speck in the backyard stroking his head with her paw! I was crackin' up.

She dominates the relationship like most women do, & today I found Sassy laying next to Tuffy with her arm on Tuffy head starring at Speck. Jeff said, "I think she's trying to make Speck jealous."hahahahaha....

We're enjoying our doxie troop here at the Grattopp house.

POOL PARTY!!!

2008-09-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Doug & Aunt Jan, or as Landon calls them, Aunt Doug & Uncle Jan, hosted a Labor Day pool party at their home in Tulsa. Landon & I drove to Tulsa on Sunday to "party". Landon, my little water-bug, had soooooo much fun swimming. He was the 1st one in the pool, & almost the last one to get out. I had to bribe him with cupcakes just to get him out of the pool to take a break & drink some water. My parents join us, as well as my grandmom, Barbara. Doug's brother & his kids were there with their kids. Landon got to swim with Kip & Jack. We had a GREAT time! Jan & Doug made a nice dinner for all of us too! I'm still full from yesterday.

Landon enjoyed playing with Taco & my cousin Kurt. Landon thought Taco was such a funny dog. Especially when Taco came over to Landon & watched him while Landon was eating cheese slices. (Taco's favorite treat..hahahaha) One of Doug's nephews, Casey, got a work out. Landon kept asking Casey to throw him really high up into the air & Casey would catch Landon before he would hit the pool water. Landon kept shouting out "again...again". Around 6:30 pm Landon had had enough fun, & we didn't even make it a mile from Jan & Doug's house before he fell asleep in the car. It made for a peacefully ride home for me. The only two people missing yesterday were Jeff (working) & my cousin Kristi (Jan & Doug's daugther) who is in Saipan working as a journalist for their local paper. Thanks Jan & Doug for an incredible day....

Touch Down PITT STATE!!!!

2008-08-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

(Here I am at the Homecoming 2005, 7 months pregnant with Landon. Jen, my college room mate & I look like a lesbian couple...hahahahaha! I'm not sure why she wanted to pose with her hand on my belly...hahahaha!)

As almost every one knows, I graduated from Pittsburg State University nine years ago. I'm always braggin' about my school, & tonight I got to share a little bit of my college & childhood experience with Landon. This evening, Pittsburg State University played University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK. Pittsburg is a little over a four hour drive for us now that we live in Norman, so we jumped on the chance to see Pitt State play here in the OKC area. Jeff & I took Landon to his 1st ever Pitt State football game!(unless you count the homecoming game in 2005 when I was 7 months pregnant with Landon) My Aunt Jan & Uncle Doug, who also graduated from PSU, drove over from Tulsa tonight to watch the game as well. Sitting with Jan & Doug at the game tonight was so nice, we were excited to spend some time with our family while we watched the football game. Landon was so cute...he would shout out loud, "Go Pitt State", "Wake up ref", "1st down PITT STATE". hahahaha! But the highlight of Landon's evening was when Gus, the Gorilla, came over to give him a high-five & take a picture with him. Landon thought Gus was pretty "cool".

When I was a kid, I remember going to the games with my family when we'd go over to Pittsburg to visit my grandparent. Of course tonight was nothing like being in Pittsburg on game day since the game was in Edmond, but we sure did have a good time....

TOUCH DOWN PITT STATE.....AND, of course PSU won!

Jeff? What? the Yankees?

2008-08-30T06:04:00.001-07:00

This past week you would have thought that Jeff received the phone call of his life! hahahaha...Jeff's older brother called, & told Jeff, "Let's go to New York in two weeks, visit Yankee stadium before they tear it down, & watch Cody play for the Yankees." Jeff has been on "Cloud 9" ever since Greg called. Greg & Jeff have been talking about going out to New York to see Yankee stadium before they tear it down for so long now, but now it's even more exciting, because Jeff's childhood friend is currently playing for the Yankees...Cody Ransom. Cody got called up a month ago for Jason Giambi, & he's been playing sooooooooo GOOOOOD!!!! Cody's already had two home runs these last few weeks!

Cody has played for the Giants, the Astros, & now the Yankees. Every spring & summer, Jeff & I usually get an opportunity to see Cody play here in OKC. His former farm team, the Round Rock, plays the OKC Redhawks. Cody is always so nice. Even if Jeff & I don't call ahead to let Cody know we're coming to the game, Cody will still leave tickets for us at will call. He assumes Jeff & I will usually make it out to the game if he's playing the Redhawks. AND of course we always come out to watch Cody play.

Jeff spoke to Cody the other night, & he's planning on leaving tickets at will call for Jeff at Yankee Stadium next weekend.

So now it's turned into a brothers weekend. Greg, Jeff, & Matthew are flying out to New York to see a Yankees game. I asked Jeff is he's going to wear his cubs t-shirt. He laughed...he told me he just playing on watching the game, not getting beat up. hahahahaha...

The pictures above are Jeff talking to Cody before the ball game here in OKC last summer, Landon watching Cody play with daddy, & of course Cody.

Be watching out for Cody playing for the YANKEES....

around of golf

2008-08-30T05:50:00.000-07:00

Landon & Jeff invited me to join them while they golfed this past week. I had so much fun just watching Landon. He truly gets into playing golf with his daddy. Every time he'd hit the ball into the hole, he'd throw his arms up & shout out "YES"!!!!! hahahahaha...Jeff & I really got a kick out of watching Landon give up after so many tries of hitting his ball with club towards the hole, & watching him pick up the ball with his hands, walk over to the cup, & just drop the ball into the hole. hahahahaha...so funny!

Landon @ Papa & Gramma's

2008-08-24T11:31:00.001-07:00

Landon loves to spend time at Gramma & Papa's. He rides on the "tractor" with Papa, he pulls weeds for Gramma, he even watches Spongebob with uncle Mac.

He gets a little spoiled when he's out there.

H was so upset when we had to leave to go back home.

Cyndi's Wedding

2008-08-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went over to Tulsa. My dear friend Cyndi got married on Saturday. Cyndi & I use to work as sales reps for a company called TGI. We became fast friends, & she even helped Jeff & I get plugged into a church family at the Kirk of the Hills. Now, Cyndi is the Kirk's youth pastor! I have to say that of all the weddings I've attended or been a part of, Cyndi's wedding was the most romantic. Her & Dan are truly in love. You can tell that God chose Cyndi to be Dan's, & Dan to be Cyndi's.What a gift from God they both received in each other. After their pastor, Daniel May, (looking back, Jeff & I wished we would have asked Daniel to marry us) announced that Dan & Cyndi are now husband & wife, Dan kissed Cyndi, picked her up, & carried her out of the sanctuary! Every one was laughing, shouting, & shedding tears. It was an incredible ceremony...

I think every one felt the same way...Cyndi has waited so patiently, & you couldn't ask for a better man to come into her life, cherish her, & love her the way Dan does. Jeff & I are very happy for the Cyndi.

Tracy, I apologize that Jeff & I slipped out of the reception without saying good-bye. I couldn't get your attention as we were leaving. We enjoyed seeing you & David. Keep in touch!!!! Next time we're in Tulsa, I'll been Landon by to play with your boys.

Pikes Peak Ascent, take 2

2008-08-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

Today, right now as I type this, all I can think about is my sister, Lacy, & my dad, Randy. They are jogging/climbing up Pikes Peak. As a kid, we spent a great deal of time sitting at the finish line waiting for my uncle's, Doug & Jim, my dad, & my granddad Bob, to finish whatever run they were participating in. The Wichita River Run, the Tulsa Run, the Gorilla Grind, etc. Little did I know that my dad always dreamt of one day running the Pike Peaks Ascent in Colorado. It's a very difficult race, & you have to have qualifying times to even participate in this event. Three years ago, my sister decided to lose a little weight & get more fit. Lacy says it started out by just eating healthier foods & taking a jog around the block. Next thing you know, she's jogging around Wichita. After that, she began entering in races. Then she took on her biggest challenge of all, running the Oklahoma City Marathon in 2007. Some where along the way, my dad broke out his jogging shoes, & started joining her. He eventually told her about his dream of running the Pikes Peak Ascent. So, last summer, my dad & sister did it! It was an enduring experience for each of them.( a bonding experience too) Listening to them talk about how they had to pull their bodies up these huge boulders the last few miles, & how they referred to it as "near death"was enough for me to believe they both are border line crazy. hahaha....OH, yeah, & then my dad asked if I would consider running it with them this year. I just laughed...(secretly, I tried jogging again, & when I got out & started my run, I forgot how much I hated it) My parents asked us to go with them this year, just for support, plus Mantiou Spring is so much FUN! We planned on joining my family, but we were unable to make it at the last minute. So now I'm sitting here wishing I was there.....I mean in Mantiou Springs hanging out with my mom , brother in law, Kenton, & nephew Judah. Not jogging up Pike's Peak this very moment. hahahaha!

Note to parents: Be sure to bring back some of that AWESOME white wine we drank last year....yumm!!!!

It's funny how God can instill something in someone else to help inspire you to complete your dreams.

My dad doesn't look his age at all.....take a guess, how old do you think he is? (only twenty years older than me)

I love that picture of my dad running above.

Look who's here...

2008-08-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend Jeff & I took on a pretty large task. The school I teach at recently purchased new playground equipment & they needed someone to spread sand around the sets. I volunteered Jeff & I to do it. Friday evening we were hard at work when we heard Landon laughing in the corner of the playground. We went over to see what was going on & there was this sweet little dachshund trying to play with Landon. We gave her some water & went back to work. Eventually she was gone & we didn't her another thought. On Sunday morning, we went back to the school to finish up spreading the rest of the sand & about an hour into the process, Jeff hollers out to me, "Look who's here". It was the same sweet little dachshund from Friday evening. She didn't have a collar on, she was thirsty, & dirty. I told Jeff, I can't leave her out here. So we bought her home. You can tell she's been abused, she cowards down when we come close to her, or if we get loud towards Landon for misbehaving. It took her a while before she would let Jeff pet her, she's more scared of him than Landon & I.Plus, her tail is nubbed. She loves Landon. She follows him everywhere, she lays in his lap when he's watching cartoons, & I even found Landon with his arm around her yesterday evening. She gets along with Tuffy very well. She's not sure about Speck. (with good reason, he's a crazy dog...hahaha) We're not planning on keeping her. I hope to find her a good home soon. In the mean time, I've bathed her, bought her a pink collar & pink hair bows, & I've even painted her nails. hahahahaha....(I did it to get under Jeff's skin)

Our friend...Ollie

2008-08-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

I team teach with a young lady named Chris. She looks a lot like my sister, Lacy & she's the same age as Lacy too. Saturday Ms. Chris was in a little bit of a dilemma. Her daughter, Eve, got invited to a Birthday/Pool party & her husband got called into work. Ms. Chris didn't think she would be able to manage two children at a pool party, so she called & Landon & I to asked if we would watch her 3 month old son, Oliver. (They call him Ollie) Landon & I said YES, without any hesitation. Landon found Ollie to be so funny & vice versa for Ollie with Landon. We read books to Ollie, we song to Ollie, & we even had to give Ollie a bath. (He had a MAJOR blowout after he drank his bottle) Landon didn't understand why we had to be quite & play in his room when Ollie was taking a nap. I was so proud of Landon. He was very gentle towards Ollie, but he had a few moments where he wanted to held & loved on too. We had a nice afternoon with our friend, Ollie.

Watch out Tiger....here comes LANDO!

2008-08-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Jeff takes Landon golfing every Thursday morning & the other day he purchased Landon his first golf club. I also learned that Jeff has purchased Landon a set of clubs that should be ready very soon.

Oh brother.....I just hope Jeff's not one of those annoying parents that yell at their kid for every petty little mistake they make. Mom & Dad, do you remember my when my soccer team use to play Bishop Carroll? Those parents were ruthless.....OH NO....JEFF!!!!

2 boxes of goodies in one day!

2008-08-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

Landon had a BIG day today...we got home from school & there was a package sitting on the porch. It was from his uncle Mac. (Jeff's little brother Matt) Matt went to Chicago last week & picked out a couple T-shirts for Jeff & Landon while he was at the Cubs game. The Grattopp boys are HUGE cubby fans. Their grandpa Dunegan introduce Greg & Jeff to the cubs when they were just "little tikes". Matthew, being 12 years younger than Jeff, fell in line as a Cubs fan as well. Now...here comes the next generation of Cubs fan.

Later that evening, the door bell rang, & it was the UPS man. He had another package for Landon. This time it was from his Mr. Randy & NeeNee. Inside the box was a laser gun that makes wonderful noises (yeah, as long as you cover your ears), 2 airplanes, & an army tank. I called my folks, & my dad says to Landon, "Did you get a box of toys?" Landon says to him, "yeah, & it goes, RRRRRREEEERRRR". He was making airplane noises for my dad. My parents went on vacation & stay with some of our relatives in Virigina. Along the way they collected some pretty cool toys just for Landon....I think they had me in mind when they discovered the laser gun. I can hear my folks thoughts now, "Let's get the most annoying toy in this place, & give it Landon...we'll get Kari back for all the nights she missed her 11:30 pm curfew when she was in high school. Who's the sneaky one now....chuckle, chuckle, laugh, laugh."

Night at the ball park

2008-08-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

Jeff & I have been going to Redhawks games since we began dating. His high school buddy, Cody Randsom, has played ball for almost 10 years now. At least once or twice a year, Cody's triple-A team will play against the Oklahoma Redhawks. What's nice about that is Cody "hooks" us up with AWESOME seats. Tonight was the first night that Jeff & I have ever had to purchase tickets....BUT, with good reason. Jeff is a collector of bobbleheads. He's got some really impressive one's too. But tonight, the Oklahoma Redhawks were giving away Mickey Mantle Bobbleheads to the first 2,500 people attending the game.

Jeff, obviously wanted to go, but wouldn't get off work until 6:00. The game started at 7:05. So I told him I would get down there early & try to get a Bobblehead. Landon & I arrived at 5:00 & there was a long line of people trying to buy tickets. I started to get nervous. The whole point of going to the game was to get Jeff a bobblehead. As luck would have it, Landon & I were one of the last few guest to get a bobblehead. AND they gave one to Landon & one to me. Excited, we actually stayed & watched the game for a while...despite the 107 degree weather. It didn't matter to Landon, he had a blast!!!!

Ihop was promoting their restaurant at the game, & they had a pancake mascot there, which Landon thought was totally funny. He waved at the pancake & I took picture of course. Landon & Jeff were throwing popcorn at each other & trying to catch it in their mouths.

Lately, I've been getting e-mails asking why there are no picture of me posted on our blog. That's because I'm the designated camera-man. So Jeff took a picture of me holding Mickey. Here I am.....I exist.

Little Caddy Landon

2008-08-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Landon was 15 months old in this picture. We took him golfing one afternoon. He like to retrieve the golf balls from the cup. But every time he bent down to pick up the ball he would fall flat on his face.Hahahahaha! He hadn't gasped how to bend yet.

Jeff's takes Landon golfing every Thursday morning. He loves every minute of it.

Tenkiller Lake

2008-08-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

I forgot my camera when we went to the Lake with Jeff's family back in July. Susanne sent this picture to me.
Landon loved jumping off the front of the boat & making a HUGE splash. He's been asking Jeff & I to take him swimming at the lake. He's are little "water bug".