living with the johnsons...

After church fun...

2011-11-07T23:54:00.006-06:00

Gage and I enjoyed going to Sunday School by ourselves, while Daddy & Pawpaw were out of town... after church we headed to Schlotsky's for some lunch- BOY loves him some Schlotsky's! Momma does too!

After lunch, we played outside for a bit... we played with his Tonka truck, and golf club and don't forget scooping poop with his "shobel".

Funny side story: Around Halloween, I painted my nails a dark color, burgundy/brown. One morning Gage caught a glimpse of my painted finger nail and grabbed it. He looked at me confused, and looked at Ryan, then back at me, and said "POOP!". Gee, thanks Gage!

After his nap, we headed back outside to paint and color with markers. Fun day!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T22:12:00.004-05:00

While Daddy was at "work" aka class, Gage helped Pawpaw hand out candy. He did well and listened closely to Pawpaw's instruction. Way to go Gage! I was super surprised that he wasn't too shy to hand out candy... but he did well and dropped a piece of candy in the kids bags.

When Daddy finished class we headed over to our Pastors house- he and his lovely wife have a little boy who is just a few months younger than Gage. They had a good time walking the neighborhood and Trick or Treating. Again, Gage surprised me and actually went up to the door, he didn't say anything except "dank dou" (thank you)!

"Pun-ken"

2011-10-29T22:49:00.007-05:00

Graves in Roswell is FAR from Jackson's Orchard in BG... but it was still nice to get out in the crisp air- pick out pumpkins, get fresh roasted green chile and see LOTS of tractors!

The Johnson 7 do Alto

2011-10-29T22:38:00.004-05:00

Inside, outside, upside down

2011-10-29T22:27:00.003-05:00

The best of friends...

2011-10-29T22:20:00.002-05:00

Backyard action

2011-10-29T22:13:00.000-05:00

Turtle Marathon 2011

2011-10-29T22:01:00.004-05:00

The Turtle was much different this year for obvious reasons... but it was great nonetheless. It was a happy day. Over 350 participated, the largest group thus far. $6000 was raised for the NM MS Society in honor of mom. I managed to run the 5k pushing Gage in the jogging stroller and actually completed it in a decent time. SCORE! Cheers to my annual workout!

Galveston

2011-09-12T22:14:00.005-05:00

Hubs and I enjoyed a much needed vacay while Big & Honey kept sweet G man for us! It was very short, but it was a great break and we got to visit with some special friends!

2011-09-12T21:56:00.003-05:00

Last pics from KY will be posted as soon as I can figure out how to upload them from my phone... so here we begin with our journey in NM! :)

After a few days of being in the Alien City, we headed to the mountain and pointed out "howles" in the deck...

Rode on Daddy's "showda's"...

Rode Pawpaw's "big bikes"...

Walked down the driveway with Daddy....

And balanced on rocks...

And relaxed to a cup of "juish"!

Backyard (and a lil' frontyard) fun

2011-08-08T13:17:00.006-05:00

We love Dirt

2011-07-26T20:42:00.002-05:00

OW-SHIDE!

2011-07-26T20:32:00.003-05:00

This boy is wild, crazy, funny and much, MUCH more!

Doesn't this pic below crack you up?! Looks like a little hillbilly baby- belly out, backwards hat. Score. He'd fit right in at Nascar... w/ Uncle Ben.

Being serious, filling up his pool

Daddy spraying G w/ the hose

Rub a Dub Dub

2011-07-26T20:23:00.004-05:00

Gage-man is in the TUB and is having a BIG time! (Kentuckians talk... "big time" = "great time")

Pool party

2011-06-17T19:55:00.005-05:00

Our neighbors little boy had a birthday party last weekend- they had 3 inflatables, a pool and corn hole (aka bean bag toss). Gage had a blast! He ate his first cupcake and had some ice cream. Happy boy? Yup, I think so!

Pre-game protein shake with Dadda.

Oh, those LIPS! They are ALWAYS puckered out.

18 months!!!

2011-06-05T21:04:00.005-05:00

It's hard to believe our precious Gage is 18 months old today! I can't believe I gave birth to him 1 1/2 years ago! Where did the time go?! The amount of joy and happiness Gage brings to our home can't be measured. He's full of personality. We hear him in the mornings in his crib saying: "cah-cah" and "airpane". Ha! I'm SO thankful for our sweet boy. Can't believe the Lord trusted US with this little boy!

Things Gage is up to these days:
-Wearing 12-18 month or 18-24 month shirts and 6-12 month shorts! Skinny boy with a big head, so basically he's like a lollipop.
-Size 4 and 5 shoe
-Size 3 diaper
-Weighs about 22 lbs (his appt is later this month)
-Sometimes he's a picky eater and sometimes he'll eat anything
-He LOVES his dadda
-What he's saying: cah-cah (car), airpane, shush (shoes), daaa (dog), dadda, mamma, pawpaw, owshide (outside), juish (juice), cacka (cracker), fishhh, eyesh (eyes), etc....
-animal sounds: cow, dog, cat, frog, lion, duck, etc....

Cisco

2011-06-05T20:48:00.005-05:00

Bye Bye!

2011-05-17T21:36:00.003-05:00

***Scroll down to the very bottom of my page to PAUSE the music so you can hear G in the video below***

Around

2011-05-07T22:20:00.007-05:00

"AIRPANE!!!"

Skyping with Big & Honey.

G's Kentucky Derby Horse!

Wild Hogs

2011-05-07T22:06:00.002-05:00

Chasing

2011-05-07T22:01:00.003-05:00

Gage...

can you just...

stay put...

for one second, so I can...

your picture!

And he giggled the entire time of course!
Happy boy?
I think so!

Easter

2011-04-28T15:30:00.010-05:00

Honey came to visit Easter weekend and we had us some fun! Did the usual (and I'm talking about Honey): cleaning, reading books, cooking, REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT.

Starting my year of firsts... first Easter without Mom. "I can only imagine" what your first Easter in Heaven was like, Mom. Miss you everyday, all the time.

No peeps, this isn't Christmas morning, it's Easter... went a little overboard this year! :)

As you've seen on the news, we had us some storms, lots of them! Rain, rain and MORE rain. (which is why you see G riding his toys in the garage!)

Ride em' horsey!

G's new Bunny is from his Great Pawpaw and Mawmaw Posey. You press his hand, his cheeks light up and he sings, "here comes Peter Cottontail..."

Pugs walk babies, babies don't walk pugs!

2011-04-28T15:28:00.001-05:00

Riding my 4-wheeler

2011-04-24T19:48:00.002-05:00

More pics from Easter weekend to come.... later. :)

Playin' around

2011-04-05T20:14:00.004-05:00

I thought Gage looked so cute on Sunday for church I sat him on this stool and told him to SMILE and this is what I got! Ha. What a sweetheart.

Gage with his new Crocs and Nike athletic shorts.

Poor thing, I made him wait 10 seconds so I could take a picture. He wanted to go outside SO bad.

Ryan teaching Gage to JUMP!

Zoooooooooooooooo

2011-04-02T19:34:00.007-05:00

We had so much fun today at the Nashville Zoo. We saw lots of neat animals and things, but Gage's favorite part was the exhibit called, Unseen New World. This exhibit was indoors and housed the frogs, fish, spiders, snakes, etc.

After the zoo went to lunch @ CHIPOTLE. Yum. Yum. Yum! After that amazing lunch, we went shopping in Frankin. We had a GREEEAT family day with beautiful weather!

Gage hanging out at the Meerkats exhibit. They were behind this pane of glass and one kept running back and forth... you can see him to the left of Gage.

Loving Turtles...

Gators!

There was an area where bamboo was grown and I thought it was the neatest things. So pretty!

Johnson familia.

Flamingos!

Hummmm, he needs an orthodontist! Quite an underbite. Poor guy.

Back to life in BG

2011-03-24T20:46:00.003-05:00

Yesterday in BG it was 75 degrees........ today, it was 45!

Beginning of March in Roswell

2011-03-24T20:33:00.003-05:00

Is this not THE sweetest little boy you've ever seen?

Letting Cali out to potty

We miss you, Lola!

What a mess!

Hanging w/ Pawpaw @ the cabin

The park by Mawmaw and Pawpaw's house

2011-03-24T20:20:00.004-05:00

It's been a WHILE...

2011-03-24T20:00:00.006-05:00

A few cute pics from the rest of February...

G @ WKU senior night

We love to look out our bedroom window

It was super windy, but it finally was warm enough to go outside and play

My dog neighbor, Bullet

Mom finally brought in my airplane from the garage

Breakfast and cartoons

MOWWWWWHAWK!!!
(mohawk)

Pawpaw comes to BG

2011-02-17T12:32:00.003-06:00

Dad came for a nice 4 night visit. We saw 2 WKU games, ran lots and lots or errands and ate lots of foooood. We had a grand ole time. I ended up flying back with him to NM and spent the week in Roswell. Do you think I took pictures? Nope, not a single ONE... in NM that is. I took a couple when he was here and a couple on the plane. Way to go #1 mom. Way to go.

Yup, that would be a barf bag.

Learning all about the emergency exits.

Before the game I asked Dad to change Gage's diaper. Well, I quickly realized this was his FIRST Gage diaper change. Don't ask how he dodged the ball on that one for so long. Anyhoo, we are at the game, G is standing there holding onto the railing and Dad lifts up his shirt b/c his pants are sagging, and this is what we got. CRACK. A whole lotta crack. (I took this picture later at home.)

I like to walk in my diaper

2011-01-31T23:07:00.005-06:00

(for the dum dums: go to the bottom of the blog to pause the music so you can hear the videos)

Big & Honey

2011-01-30T17:05:00.008-06:00

Big Daddy & Honey came for an awesome visit last weekend and were able to stay 5 nights and... cooked, cleaned, grocery & clothes shopped, played, babysat, read books, dropped off dry cleaning & shoe repairs, dealt with dirty and I mean dirty diapers, gave baths, dogsat, gave massages, hugged, laughed, cried (when they had to leave), etc, etc! Actually, Honey did all that, Big played with Gage. :) Oh, Big & Ryan drank coffee, lots, of coffee... that's just what the Johnson boys do! :)

WKU is finally on a 4 game winning streak, so they got to enjoy one of those home games. And, Gage enjoyed the game too... can you tell?

Bye Bye Baby

2011-01-30T16:46:00.004-06:00

As you can see, we have a little boy on our hands...

"And I was WALKING!!!!............."

2011-01-15T09:25:00.002-06:00

2011-01-15T09:20:00.004-06:00

Ya... so my mom doesn't know how to turn the video upright...

Snow is white and so are my teeeeeth!

2011-01-12T19:49:00.004-06:00

We've had a cold few weeks, or should I say months. We haven't been totally dumped on by snow yet (maybe before Christmas we did), but we have been dusted by snow many a time. This was Gage man and I in the house, staying warm, playing with our new camera.

Gage LOVES getting/having his teeth brushed... can you tell?

Gifts

2011-01-11T12:06:00.007-06:00

Loving my...

New crochet hats I got for my birthday from Avery!

My Harley from the Penas!

My toothbrush from my mom and dad!

My Ferrari tracksuit from my FGA and FGU and my Nike's from Aunt Sharon!

Travel

2011-01-01T23:24:00.002-06:00

1 stroller
1 car seat
1 baby
2 adults
1 backpack
1 carry on
4 large suitcases
=
one hell of a good time

Christmas with the Johnson's

2010-12-31T21:03:00.007-06:00

Ryan flew to TX and we met him there to spend the few days he had away from work with his family. We had a great time and it flew by waaay too fast. But, we were thankful for the 4 days he DID have off and enjoyed every moment. Enjoy a few photos...

Christmas with the Mooney's

2010-12-31T20:45:00.007-06:00

Gage and I flew to NM to spend Christmas with my family a week before Ryan came (b/c WKU had a couple games and Ryan had to stay). We had the most special time and were so thankful to spend that time with my family. Just wish Ryan was there. Here's a few shots...

We like SLEEP

2010-12-31T20:40:00.002-06:00

12 months!!!

2010-12-12T20:28:00.004-06:00

What Gage is up to:
-wearing size 3 diaper
-wearing size 4 shoe
-you wear 12-18 month tops and 12 month pants
-weighs 20 lbs 4 oz and is 29.5 inches tall
-you have 12 teeth!!!
-starting cow's milk
-still not standing or walking alone, but does with help
-saying "mamma" and "dadda"
-takes 2 naps a day- they are each at least 1.5 hours long
-sleeping from 7pm-7am
-took your first picture with Santa!
-you are a picky eater one day and a great eater the next! I never know what you'll eat!
-you continue to be THE happiest, sweetest boy, in the WORLD!
-they compliment you at daycare at how sweet of a little boy you are!
-you still LOVE the grocery store and any shopping with mommy
-you are totally in love with your daddy

Gage Matthew,
How did a year already fly by since you blessed us with your love? How did you grow so quickly from a little (or maybe big, 9 pounder) baby to a little boy!? Wait, how were you a 9 pound baby!? Ha! I still can't believe you were so big. I'll never forget that special moment with Daddy when we heard your cries for the first time. You've been nothing but a complete blessing and JOY from the moment we laid our eyes on you. You ARE the most handsome little guy I've ever seen. Sometimes you get a little shy around people, but are sure to give them a sweet smile before burying your head in my chest. Words can't express how very much we love you and how much you've richly blessed our lives. Happy 1st Birthday to our sweet Gage.

Lunch with Dada & visit to Santa

2010-12-02T21:44:00.006-06:00

Today we met Ryan for lunch @ Chick-fil-a. Man, I NEVER get tired of that place. I LURV it. Really, I do. Those Fries, that Tea. Yum. No butts about it... ha! You'll see below.

After lunch Gage and I went to the mall for a quick pic with Santa. He actually did pretty well, but had a minor meltdown for about 2.5 seconds.

Thanksgiving/make believe birthday

2010-12-02T21:18:00.006-06:00

THANKFULLY we were not alone @ Thanksgiving, but were joined by Big Daddy, Honey & Uncle Garrett. We cannot thank them enough for driving OVERNIGHT to and from BG to see us! Thanksgiving meal was pretty yummy, especially since it was prepared by Honey and yours truly. We rock! Unfortunately, I didn't get to sit and eat and eat and eat like I had hoped, because... Gage woke up RIGHT before we ate with a temperature of 103.7. Yeah, not cool. Basically he had/has ANOTHER (count them, 3) ear infection. He's doing much better thanks to ole Amoxicillin. Ugh. Saturday morning, we had a mini birthday party for Gagey. I swear, Honey keeps saying she's gonna retire next year, but at the rate she's going with gift purchases for Gage, it ain't gonna happen. Saturday night we went to a WKU game that went into DOUBLE overtime ending with South Carolina winning. Boo. The Johnson's left for TX Saturday evening after the game, with Lola. It was a sad, sad night. Again, we have survived. Somehow.

We are SO thankful that our family visits us every month. I don't think I would survive if they didn't! Thank you!

(this first picture cracks me up b/c when we are reading books to Gage, sometimes he leans is REALLY close. We don't know if he's trying to see it it's real, smell it, maybe he can't see well, or perhaps he just wants to take a closer look... that's what I think. He's just observant! ha!)

What a week

2010-12-02T21:12:00.002-06:00

Ryan was gone for a week in early/mid November for a tournament in Puerto Rico. It was a ROUGH week had by all, to say the least. I survived only because of this guy...

Pawpaw's Visit

2010-12-02T20:58:00.007-06:00

Dad rode his Harley to BG (early November) for a visit and stayed a few nights. We shopped, we ate (a lot), we played, trimmed trees (dad did)... we had so much fun.

We LOVE you Dad/Pawpaw/Lip and thank you for coming to see us!!!

(Peeps- I did a HORRIBLE job of taking pics when pops was here. Better luck next time!)

(spot the boy who's teething in this pic)

11 months!!!

2010-11-11T20:10:00.007-06:00

Gage,

You're 11 months old!!! I cannot believe you will be a year old in a few short weeks. Where has the time gone? How have you grown so quickly? How have you changed from a baby to a little boy so quickly? It is always bitter sweet watching you grow and change. It's more exciting than it is sad of course. It's just sad that it all goes by in the blink of an eye. Trust me, you won't understand until you have your own baby. Anyways, you are the sweetest, happiest, most fun, goofy little boy! Saying you bring JOY to our home is an understatement. Words don't do it justice. I am SO thankful I get to stay home with you part-time. We love you Gagey!

What you're up to:
-still wearing size 3 diapers
-you weigh 20 pounds
-wearing 12 month and 12-18 month clothes and size 4 shoe
-still taking 4, 6oz bottles a day along with breakfast, lunch and dinner
-you have 9 teeth, two of those are molars
-you LOVE bath time and CRY every time you have to get out, it never fails
-you take 2 naps a day, each 1-2+ hours
-you go to bed around 7:30pm and sleep until 6am
-you are still just pulling to stand and don't seem to care to learn to walk. You have stood alone with shoes on twice, but only for about 2 seconds
-you are CLIMBING up and on everything!
-you LOVE books
-you LOVE basketballs!
-you enjoy and do well at daycare 3 times a week
-you just had pink eye and an ear infection
-your hair is OUT of control and it's stringy, almost turning into a mullet... but I'm not cutting that sweet baby hair!
-you are figuring out your voice and love to hear yourself
-you are saying "mama" and "dada"
-you LOVE "where's Gage" and chasing daddy and him chasing you
-you continue to be such a happy little boy, but we sure are seeing a personality coming out!

WE LOVE YOU SO SO SO SO SO MUCH GAGE!!!

Exhibition game numero uno

2010-11-01T20:49:00.003-05:00

WKU played Campbellsville in Bowling Green on Halloween night. I am S-U-P-E-R proud of my hubby and his accomplishment of working with a D-1 school right out of the gate (of grad school). Oh, and if you think I know what a "D-1" school means, I have you fooled. I know it's something good. That's about it. I'm learning people, I'm learning.

Gage really enjoyed the game. He: pointed at the light when I said "where's the light!?", he turned his head left and right and left and right as the players ran by, he clapped his hands, he had him some fun!

WKU: 80, Campbellsville: 57
(oh, and Ryan looked DYNAMITE in his suit)

JAWS!!!

2010-11-01T20:23:00.004-05:00

So, I used to watch scary Jaws movies with my dad when I was little, thus making me TERRRRRIFIED of any open water. Unless I've had a Bloody Mary or two @ Lake Cisco, I refuse to go in the water. Anyways, Gage was the cutest little Shark I've ever seen and he didn't even try to gnaw my leg off. In downtown Bowling Green @ the Town Square they had Scare at the Square. We missed most of it since Ryan was working, but made it just in time for the Thriller dance lesson.

SHARK ATTACK!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I bet that scared you)

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-28T21:20:00.003-05:00

Hopefully since his dress rehearsal didn't go so well, the real Halloween day/night will go much smoother! :)

Fall

2010-10-24T11:55:00.004-05:00

Leaves are changing and falling quickly here. There are some of the most beautiful colored trees in Kentucky that I've ever seen. They are BRIGHT red and orange. Saturday, I snapped a couple of G in the front yard, then we went to Jackson's Orchard again. I only took pics driving down the hill though. Enjoy.

The Pena's do BG

2010-10-19T20:49:00.007-05:00

The Pena's made the cross country trip to BG for Fall Break. We has SOOO much fun. On Friday they hung out in BG, but didn't get to do a whole lot due to the insane traffic here. But later that night WKU hosted Hilltopper Hysteria- the kickoff for the basketball season. Saturday, Gage and I went to Louisville with them and Ryan had to stay in BG for two-a-days. In Louisville, we ate some yummy food, went to the Louisville Slugger Museum, walked around downtown, drive across the state line to Indiana and stopped to see where the Kentucky Derby takes place, Churchill Downs. On Sunday, they went to Nashville, then flew back to TX Monday.

THANK YOU Pena clan for spending your Fall Break with us!

Who's next?!

Water baby

2010-10-19T20:44:00.001-05:00

Gage man loves bath time... can you tell?

Before church...

2010-10-10T12:18:00.002-05:00

10 months!!!

2010-10-05T21:13:00.005-05:00

Our little boy is 10 months old today!!! Time flies. Gage started his first daycare and was there for only 2 days and got a cold and an ear infection! Sheesh! Other than that, he's doing wonderful and is MORE than a joy to have in our home. We love you sweet boy!!!!!!!!

What he's up to:
-taking 4, 6oz bottles
-eating 3 meals a day
-taking about 2 naps a day
-wearing size 3 diapers
-he's 19 lbs, 29 inches
-he still has 6 teeth
-he's still a VERY happy guy
-we are still working on getting him to sleep through the night again, he does about 2 times a week
-he's pulling to stand and can scoot down the length of the couch or around the ottoman
-I still think he's close to saying 'mamma"

Honey does it Kentucky style

2010-10-05T20:50:00.006-05:00

Honey came for a VERY nice visit. We had SO much fun. We did lots of things, mostly she did... she's our "Josephina"... the woman cooks, she cleans, she babysits, she does laundry, buys too many Gage sized clothes, and on and on and on.
One of the neatest things we did was visited Jackson's Orchard. The family orchard had so many fun things for kids... petting zoo, giant slide, maze, hay ride, etc. Gage enjoyed the petting zoo, pictures with pumpkins and watching other kids.
We miss you already Honey. We have some laundry that needs washed...

Just a little fun...

2010-09-27T20:02:00.006-05:00

Laughin'...

Playin' with pugs...

Eatin' puffs...

Playin' "where's Gage!?"...

Nappin'...

Makin' a mess...

And, POOPIN'!...

Roswell Trip

2010-09-17T20:11:00.008-05:00

Gage and I flew to NM for a week and had soooo much fun! Gage is quite the frequent flyer! Trying to get a cheaper flight, on our way to NM we had a detour from Nashville to Chicago to DFW to Roswell. What a day! It was an experience, but next time, I'll just pay for the quickest flight not the cheapest! However, it's good to know that Chicago is less than an hour and a half flight from Nashville! We are going to have to make a trip to Chicago!

The Turtle Marathon was a huge success and had such a great turn out! Over 300!

After the Turtle, Gage, Dad and I went to the cabin for the day and ate @ Case Blanca!!! Yum, I miss me some REAL Mexican food! Gage enjoyed rice, beans, guac and a tortilla!

We visited my FA & FU @ their office... Gage was a little taken back by FU's Elk- it was pretty funny. (FA= Favorite Aunt, FU= Favorite Uncle)

Gage's Great Pawpaw and Mawmaw Posey were in Roswell and we had an awesome time with them.

Dad officially is old. JK. He has retired from OB and it was SOOOO nice to have him there every night and on the weekend! We are SO proud of him and his HARD work and he deserves nothing but the best! Way to go pappy.

Gage loved sitting with Mom and smiling at her, patting her arms and talking to her. Every night we layed in bed with her and Gage fell asleep.

Enjoy in no particular order...

9 months!

2010-09-13T16:09:00.011-05:00

Our sweet, cuddly little guy turned 9 months old on the 5th!!! It seems like he's changing every minute! He's the sweetest guy ever and we are very often asked if he's always that good... we say, "yup! pretty much!" Couldn't be happier! Gage brings enormous amounts of joy to our home!

What Gage is up to:
-we are working on getting back on a schedule, but he is taking 2-3 naps a day
-he still drinks about 4-5 6 oz bottles a day, sometimes 8 oz
-he doesn't want anything to do with baby food, but wants our food instead
-he loves: eggs, chicken, ground beef, sweet and baked potatoes, corn, etc.
-he's crawling ALL over the place
-he's pulling up to stand and can maneuver himself around a little
-he has 4 choppers on top and 2 on the bottom
-he wears a size 3 diaper
-he wears 3-6 or 6-9 mos shorts/pants and 6-12 mos shirts
-we haven't been to the doc yet, but he weighs about 19 lbs

Update:
Weight: 18.75 pounds... 16th percentile
Heigth: 29 inches... 68th percentile
Head... 89th percentile! Thanks Dad! ha!

G and I flew to NM and spent a wonderful week with my parents. I'll upload those pics later. But, while we were there, Ashton took Gage's 9 mos shots. Here are just a few...

The Lone Star state

2010-08-25T08:57:00.005-05:00

On a very last minute decision, we took off to Texas to see Ryan's parents. This was Ryan's last opportunity to head back that way before the season started. We had a GREAT time.

I like to feed MYSELF!

2010-08-17T13:48:00.003-05:00

Having fun

2010-08-15T20:34:00.007-05:00

Gage, Gager, Gagey... whatever you want to call him, he's a blast!

Here's a run down of the last week:

Garrett & Jayln came for a visit...

I crawl quicker than the speed of light!

I am learning to stand with help...

I love to kick my feet up!

My mom is convinced I can now say, "mamma!"

I love playing with my dad.

I'm close to having 4 teeth on the top!

Mooney boys take on Kentucky

2010-08-10T22:37:00.009-05:00

Dad, Uncle Wayne and Uncle Jim rode their Harley's in this intense summer heat across the country to hang out with us in BG. Thank you for coming!!! We had SUCH a great time. Their activities consisted of: LOTS of greasy food, Corvette Museum tour, driving around BG, viewing our new home, Lost River Cave boat ride, tour through Mammoth Cave, tour of WKU campus and basketball facility, etc...
I know it's been said a bagillion times, but can someone say Gage looks like a Mooney?!

Happy 4 years to us & 8 months to Gage!

2010-08-05T11:08:00.006-05:00

Today marks 4 years since Ryan and I got married. Today also marks 8 months since our son was born. What an exciting day!

Those 4 years have been eventful to say the least. A partial recap: Ryan completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees, I've had 5 jobs @ the same company, we've lived in 3 apartments, rented one home, lived in a hotel, bought 2 homes (we will close on one @ the end of this month), lived in 3 cities and 2 states, but the biggest blessing of all... Gage! Gage brightens our every day. He makes us laugh and also makes us cry (only happy tears so far). He amazes us every day on how quickly he changes. He is so excited about life and learning new things. We are so blessed with where the Lord has brought us and are thankful that we trusted His plan for our life. For many more happy, loving memories to come...

What Gage is up to:
-he's crawling!!!
-has pulled up to his knees once
-has become quite independent and wants to feed himself
-he prefers regular food to baby food
-responds well to his name
-smiles and squeals!
-cut his two top teeth, and now has a total of 4 teeth
-loves the grocery store and sits in the cart well
-hates getting in his car seat- we will probably go to a big boy car seat soon
-LOVES the pool
-still takes 6 oz bottles but can handle 8 oz bottles
-he loves baby yogurt, eat lunch and dinner between bottles
-LOVES his daddy and playing "super Gage!"

Kentucky

2010-08-02T21:32:00.002-05:00

Things I've learned, things I'm confused by:
-I get why KFC started in Kentucky... the state looks like a chicken leg.
-People don't have fences here... as in no privacy fences, those tall wooden sticks that keep yours dogs in your yard. There are no fences like we are used to in NM and TX. IF they have a fence, it's usually a chain link fence. So strange. It's like the houses are all just floating around in the yard. Strange people, strange.
-When watching the local news on the weather one night, we got pretty overwhelmed when they showed the map of Kentucky and its surrounding states, and NM and TX weren't on the screen!
-On the news they say we live in South Central Kentucky, yet Ryan works for Western Kentucky. Humm.
-Coming from Lubbock and Austin, we have been spoiled with the No Smoking laws... there are NO restrictions to smoking here- ANYWHERE. We had to rent an apartment for 2 months while we decided where to live, were SO excited to stop living in a hotel and walk into our (way overrated, very expensive) SMOKED in apartment. Disgusting. I can smell myself when I go out in public. I feel like I need to tell everyone that is around me that, "no, I don't smoke". I told my apartment that it wasn't acceptable for us to live in a smoked in apartment and was told "they can't discriminate against smoking". Well, we've since learned they this is Tobacco country.
-We feel like we are in the heart of America... we are "close" to: Cincinnati, Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Charlotte, etc.
-We are closer to Washington DC than both of our families and are closer to NYC than we are to Roswell.
-I am surprised at how much I like it here. I am happy here and am thankful for our opportunity to come here.
-It's overwhelming to think how far we are from our families and old friends.
-Time to make new friends.
-Bowling Green (BG) is like living back in Roswell. People and the pace of life here it like a snail farm. Slower than Christmas.
-People here really are very kind and accommodating.
-When I say we are from Austin, people look at us funny, then I remember how far away we are and then quickly say "Texas!".
-People in the USA STILL don't remember NM is a state... a girl @ my apartment said "her dad is driving here from Mexico"...
-I feel like I am right @ home in Cisco- there are some country folk here. Our cable guy showed up in: a baseball hat, shirt that had wolves on it, cutoff jean shorts, white socks and calf high boots.
-We know several people from WKU that in turn know/are related to long time friends from Roswell. It's a small world after all.
-I still don't know what a flurry blob is (aka Big Red). Google: Big Red.
-BG doesn't have: Taco Bueno, Taco Cabana, Chipotle.
-It only takes 15 minutes to get across town.
-There is a Mennonite community here.
-Home of Fruit of the Loom.
-Home of the National Corvette Museum.
-Kentucky Derby! Mint Julep, big hat, here I come!
-My 80 (almost) year old grandfather told me he almost went to college @ WKU and was "hitch-hiking through BG selling Bibles once".
-I thought Bowling Green was an interesting name and had never heard of it, now I learn there is a BG in the following: KY, OH, MO, VA & FL!

That's all I can think of right now.
G-night!

27

2010-07-28T21:38:00.004-05:00

I'll be getting old pretty soon, too soon. I can hear my husband already making fun of me.

Dad, when's my birthday? I know you know it's in September, but WHEN in September? Just messing with you old man.

Anyhoo, anyone who wants to buy me a gift (or perhaps now), I'd like a Cricut machine. Just a basic one. I found this one on Amazon for less than $110.00. Who loves me? I have LOTS of cool projects I want to do! Perhaps the lucky person who buys me one will get a unique gift personalized with the Cricut machine? Better hurry!

It's never fun to be woken up...Mr. Independent...a Pug lover

2010-07-27T21:58:00.004-05:00

He is his mothers son. He didn't like waking up yesterday from his nap and surely didn't like me laughing at him or taking his picture. Sorry baby, it was just too cute.

Another reason G belongs to me... he's turned into Mr. Independent! He doesn't want help eating, which means, he's going to turn into a baby Cheeto (b/c that's all he can feed himself). As I once told my parents, "you are what you eat". Well Gage, you are officially a baby Cheeto. Congratulations.

One last reason (as least for tonight) that G comes from my womb, he sure loves a Pug! He misses his sisters and can't wait until they come back to live with us!

(Dad, notice G is sporting a Beatles t-shirt!)

Never too young for a yearbook photo...

2010-07-25T22:01:00.001-05:00

G in 1968

Happy kid?

2010-07-24T20:36:00.003-05:00

You think he's happy? And that he enjoys his bath time?

Big eater

2010-07-24T20:22:00.002-05:00

G is doing GREAT at feeding himself and prefers to do so. Definitely seeing Mr. Independent coming out... hum, I wonder who he gets it from?

I took this first picture because I love his toes/feet... he's a little monkey and puts them up under the tray when he eats.

Babywise, where you at!?

2010-07-23T13:32:00.006-05:00

I type this as my son is screaming/crying at the top of his lungs. Where oh where did my Babywise baby go!? This transition to KY has jacked his poor routine up! According to the book, got to tough it out for 3 or so days to get it back in check. I don't know that I can last that long. It's only been 15+ minutes and I want to give up and go get him. But, NO. I am the adult and I am in charge. It's time for a nap!
Anyways, all is good here. Enjoy a few recent pics...
uHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. BEFORE I could upload those pics, I gave. I couldn't take it anymore. Picked up the little booger, sat down and just held him, and out he was. Poor guy is not only jacked up from the move, but is also cutting this two top teeth and the right one came in yesterday. Poor baby. I don't know WHAT in the world people do with constantly fussy babies. I seriously, seriously think I would go crazy, well, more crazy than I already am. We have SUCH a good baby. I guess the Lord wanted to make it easy on me since I barfed every day for 40 weeks.

Every night and every nap, G sleep like this.

G has very successfully mastered crawling backwards.

Wow, don't ask who I think he looks like in this picture. I have NO clue. He hair is definitely getting lighter!

Sweetest guy, ever.

7 months and growing, growing, growing

2010-07-12T14:36:00.007-05:00

As you will see in the below pictures, we are working with what we have in order to get this post out before Gage turns 8 months old! Since all of our things are in storage, we had to make due... we are staying in a hotel that happens to be next to Cracker Barrel (where I got the sock monkey that appears in G's monthly pictures), so we walked over for b-fast and took a quick picture with one of their sock monkeys. Hope they don't mind that we didn't buy him. We pretty much have a sock monkey colony already. But hey, we love sock monkeys so if you see a unique one, send it our way!

What precious Gage is up to:
-2 bottom teeth
-continues to sleep through the night
-discovering opening and closing his hand this week- like he's waiving
-rolls over quickly and turns left and right very fast!
-sits up well
-pulling his legs under him like a crawling position, will rock back and forth then falls forward on his face
-loves crackers, puffs, squash, bananas, squash, apples, mashed potatoes
-LOVES the water and spent his first weekend at Lake Cisco on June 19th
-He's been to NM, TX, AR, TN & KY
-working on picking foods up with his fingers and just now is putting them in his mouth
-He's lived in Austin, TX and Bowling Green, KY
-is 17 lbs 9 ounces
-loves his jumper and is strengthening his legs
-He's a very long, skinny boy
-People CONSTANTLY say, "what a beautiful little GIRL".... we've heard it so much, we just laugh and say "thank you!"... then we get in the car we tease G saying "you're a little girl, you're a little girl!" He doesn't seem to mind. Story: we were @ Staples in Austin and G was in the carseat in the shopping car looking up at Ryan. This girl behind me said, "aww how sweet. She's so in love. She's staring right into your eyes! What a pretty little girl!"... we said "thank you!" I guess people don't notice the red and blue he's constantly wearing.
-LOVES his Pug sisters and we can't wait to get them to KY with us!
-is happy about 95% of the time. He wakes up with a huge smile on his face.

Gage,
You are the most special boy. THE most precious gift. WE are so thankful we get to call YOU OUR son. It's so very exciting to see you grow and discover new things everyday. You are such a trooper and did/do so well in the car as we go through this transition to KY. We are so thankful to have you with us in KY. We LOVE seeing your huge smile with those little bottom teeth shining so bright! Gage, we love you SO very much. You sure are one special little boy.
Daddy & Mommy

I Love You More
By: Laura Duksta

Walking outdoors one day a little boy turned to his mother and asked, "Mommy, just how much do you love me?"
Surprised by the question but with no delay, she replied...
I love you higher than the highest bird ever flew.
I love you taller than the tallest tree ever grew.
I love you longer than the longest path ever wound.
I love you prettier than the prettiest flower ever found.
I love you mightier than the mightiest wind ever blew.
I love you fuller than the fullest moon ever knew.
I love you brighter than the brightest star ever shown.
I love you more, so much more than you've ever known.

So, I'm a little behind

2010-07-10T00:27:00.000-05:00

It's not like we just moved across the country or anything!

Enjoy 4 new posts w/ pics below.

Pugs, cheeks and baths oh my!

2010-07-09T23:57:00.001-05:00

Gage looks like he's riding a bucking Bronco... I mean PUG! :)

Oh those cheeeeeks! He got those from his mamma. She had the same ones when she was a baby.

Gage LOVES bath time! He ate a few bubbles this evening. Whoops!

Emily turned ONE!

2010-07-09T23:36:00.000-05:00

Gage's special little cousin, Emily, turned ONE year old at the end of June. Ryan had already left for Kentucky, but Josephina (Ryan's mom), I mean, Honey (also Ryan's mom), Gage and I went to Mineral Wells for the day. We had a GREAT time with family! We love you sweet Emily!

As you will see in the photos, she probably isn't more than 2 pounds heavier than Gage and she's almost 6 months older than him. She takes toys and pacifiers away from him without a care in the world, while poor little Gage man cries and cries. I keep telling him he needs to toughen up, or cousin Emily will run over him the rest of his life! Ha! They are so cute together.

(Definition: Josephina. noun. A little short lady also known as a grandmother, mother, mother-in-law, housekeeper, nanny, baker, cook, sugar mamma, chauffeur, etc.)

We COULDN'T have survived for the 1.5 weeks that Ryan was gone, if Honey/Josephina wasn't here. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy...

The next chapter...

2010-07-09T22:48:00.000-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

I'll be the first to admit, it wasn't easy letting go of trying to control the situation and trying to make things happen MY way. It wasn't easy at all. I refused to go anywhere other than Austin, Lubbock or Roswell. I refused to move across the county and be miles and miles from home, from all the people I love the most. I prayed about it for a long time. I asked friends/family to pray for me and for what the Lord wanted us to do. One day, it was clear. I just had to give it up. I had to give it to Him (1 Peter 5:7). But once I did, ahhhh, it was a relief and it was calming. I literally felt a weight lifted from my shoulders and from my heart. The Lord had/has a special plan for us. It just took (mostly me) a little time to let the plan work. He opened doors far better than I/we could have ever chosen. He's taking care of us. He's made the path clear that Bowling Green, Kentucky is where He wants us... at least for now. :) It's not easy being 20 hours from my parents, or 13+ from Ryan's parents, but He already knew that. He knew my family situation and knew it wouldn't be easy. But this was His plan and where He wanted us to be. I guess He never promised an easy life... just help living it. We are far blessed than we ever could have imagined. We were so unbelievably blessed to be in Austin for two years; Ryan got a wonderful education, I had a wonderful job and we met some of the best people in the world. We made some really special friendships that will last a lifetime. Some of those friendships paved the way for us to come to Bowling Green. Austin was one step in the ladder. The next step is now Bowling Green... then, Lord knows where! Ha. Actually the LORD does know where! Maybe it's staying here, we don't know. For now, this is where we are, and we are so happy to be here. We know this is where we are to be and are so thankful for this wonderful opportunity and support from family and friends. Ryan has worked hard interning at UT under the best Strength & Conditioning coach in the nation. He now gets to put his mad skills to action! He is the Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Western Kentucky University Men's Basketball team. I couldn't be more proud of him. He stuck with it (even when I wasn't on board). I am so happy for him that he has such a wonderful opportunity here at Western. We love you Ryan/daddy.

(This picture is so sweet... it was the morning Ryan left for Bowling Green. Gage and I stayed in Austin for an extra week and a half while I finished up work and packing.)

Lake Cisco

2010-07-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

The weekend before Ryan left for Bowling Green, we decided last minute to run to Lake Cisco for a night. It was a nice surprise and we had such a great time. Gage LOVED the water splashing through the dog dock. Lola the Lake Dog returned. Syd still wasn't sure about the water. I enjoyed a Bloody Mary since I didn't get to enjoy one last year since I was preggers. We will sure miss being able to head to Cisco for a weekend at the Lake, but the Lord has different plans for us right now.

What a ham!

2010-06-16T22:49:00.000-05:00

Gage never ceases to make me laugh. Here he is kicking back while eating dinner.

Jamie got Gage a Traditional Taiwanese hat when she visited her sis in Taiwan recently. Love it!

And, the last photo... that used to be Ryan's little gown that says on the back, "where little angel wings grow". Awww.

6 month photos....

2010-06-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

(taken in Roswell by Ashton Coll- Images that Impact)

6 Months old!!!

2010-06-05T10:10:00.000-05:00

I've said it once, and I'll say it again... time flies!!! It's amazing that with a blink of an eye (and no more sleeping in) that Gage is already 6 months old. He is absolutely the best baby I could ever ask for. He's so sweet and oh so happy.

Here's what he's been up to:
-got dedicated at mommy's hometown church, First Baptist Roswell on 5/30
-taking 5 or so, 6 ounce bottles a day
-takes 4 naps a day
-eating oatmeal cereal w/ a fruit in the morning
-eating rice cereal w/ a veggie in the evening
-rolling ALL over the living room
-still working on sitting up on his own
-cut first tooth 5/28 and second tooth 6/2
-still sleeping through the night from 7:30/8pm-6am
-continuing to love bath time w/ mommy
-never takes his eyes off his daddy
-smiling and petting the pugs
-puts feet in mouth
-went to the pool
-took my second trip on a plane
-starting to sleep on side
-enjoys reading a book

Date Night

2010-06-05T10:07:00.001-05:00

For Mother's Day, Ryan got us tickets to see the Barenaked Ladies in concert. We went to dinner @ PF Changes downtown, then headed to the concert. It was a much needed date to say the least. Thank you Honey for taking care of our sweet Gage.

Just a few...

2010-05-30T20:33:00.000-05:00

pics from Roswell.

FBC was very gracious to us and worked in the ceremony a time to dedicate Gage. It was so special and sweet. Pastor Matt is the best. I l.o.v.e.d. having my mom and dad there, and Ben of course and having it at the church that I grew up in! The wonderful Ashton Coll came over before church and took some special pictures of Gage and the family- which I will share soon.

OH MY GOSH, does he look like my dad in this picture or what!?!

This pic cracks me up with same look on their faces. My boys are so cute!

Okay, so this last one really makes me laugh... Gage and I were walking through Hobby Lobby when I ran across a ceramic pug! Can you tell he misses his sisters?
THANK YOU Big Daddy & Honey for keeping our girls!

I'm a Cowboy Baby...

2010-05-25T22:49:00.003-05:00

These sweet boots I'm wearin'... aren't they cool?! They used to be my Uncle Ben's!

UT graduation!

2010-05-23T20:11:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that Ryan has graduated from UT graduate school. So hard to believe we've been here for just under 2 years. Hard to believe how quickly time flies.

We had a wonderful weekend full of family and good times. The party list included: Big Daddy, Honey, Pawpaw Lip, Ryan, Sara, Gage, Garrett, Ben, Aunt Sharon, Melissa, Andy, Emily, Jamie & Trent. Fun times!!!

I am so proud of Ryan and the hard work he put into his studies. He worked hard juggling school, working part time and caring for Gage part time AND putting up with me. I don't know how he did it, but he did it with a smile on his face... well, most of the time!

We love you Ryan. Thank you for working so hard for us!!!...Sara & Gage

***Also, today, Ryan turned 25! Whoot, whoot! Happy Birthday Babe. You can now round up to 30 instead of rounding down to 20!

The next chapter? We don't know. Please pray for our (MY) patience.

Enjoy...

(oh and ONE day I will take the time to figure out how to put these pics in order!)