Way-Back Wednesday!

I am stealing this idea from one of my favorite blogger friends Gina! My Potato was just days from being 6 months old in April 2009. I miss his fat head and rolly polly limbs. He was/is such a happy baby.

Clayton started to climb the stairs at this age and I thought I had my first heart attack when I found him upstairs. Needless to say I went out that day and bought the sturdiest baby gate they make. Well today he is just inches from climbing over it. He gets to the top then has a tiny panic attack and we run to his rescue. Clayton at this time was still being watched by his Nana and Papaw. He was not quite crawling but he did a mean body surf on the floor or on you if you let him. His Papaw taught him that and we still blame that for his late crawling lol. It was so cute though.

As far as food was concerned he would eat and drink anything that you put in his face except sweet peas! He still preferred his bottle warmed which was a headache sometimes but necessary to help with his colic. Mr was becoming a pro at the diaper changing and of course was the only one that got shot each time Potato's worm was set free. It was kind of funny to me, of course! Mr would not feed him for fear of getting a sneeze full of carrots or worse banana sprayed.

Clayton loved to watch himself in the mirror. He still thinks/knows he is gorgeous God's gift to women and can have any woman he wants. I know that he was God's gift for the hubby and I. He makes us happy each day and we find that now we crave his attention just as much as he wants ours.

Day 1: Bring your teacher a drawing!‏

I have never seen two adult ladies be so happy to receive a piece of paper of scribble art. Well my mini Picasso worked on three drawings this week for the 1st Day of Teachers Appreciation Week. He constructed three original masterpieces for Ms Judy, Ms Silvia, and one for the receptionist that kept Mommy sane the first couple weeks that Potato started day-care. I know that teachers do not get the recognition they deserve so the Randolph's got together and are ready to spoil these two wonderful teachers and show them just how much they mean to us and our son.

Ms Silvia, she is the cuddler and enabler. Clayton knows that if he wants something or has a boo-boo of some sort Ms Silvia will fix his problem. She is the one that spoils him in the since that if he feels like staying up and doing art, reading, or singing while the others are trying to sleep.She is the one that when he falls and hurts his lip she sits with him and gives him all the TLC he needs until HE is ready to play again. She is the one that writes very detailed notes to us panicked parents telling us exactly what he ate, drank, how many times she changed his diapers, and how his overall day was. How do you tell this wonderful woman just how much she means to us.

Ms Judy, she is the spunky little lady that is yelling in excitement when Clayton enters the door. Judy is teaching Potato how to make friends.Everyday when he walks in she gives him a big hug after she calls his name loudly making sure all the other babies know he has arrived. Then in a rush you see about 10 babies running to the door to give hugs! At this point you don't give a damn about germs or whose nose is running because when I look down and see my baby boy returning the hugs with a huge teethy grin all other worries go out the door. Ms Judy is the Art expert. She helps Clayton develop is coloring skills and learning the letters of the alphabet.

One of the most incredible things about them is that they are teaching my child the word of God. They make sure to have children's Christian music on while they have free play and they teach them scripture. Well they teach them about Jesus and that he saved us. What more can a parent ask for?! I have put my trust in these ladies and so far they have not let me down.

This week is going to be a great week for them and Clayton. He will be able to make them happy not only with his smile but with tokens of friendship. I will blog about each day and how they react to each gift. Please make sure to read.

Butterflies Day Care-Weekly Update

This past week has been Clayton's best ever! Everyday we arrived at day-care there was a very confident boy walking to his classroom. There wasn't a tear or tantrum in sight. What a sigh of relief for Mr and I. We did not realize that when we put Potato in Butterflies that is was going to take an emotional toll on our family. Mr along with myself were constantly trying to reassure people that this was the best thing for our baby. I am not so sure why it took so long or caused us so much anxiety, but we had to set our boundaries as the parents. Along with all of that the day care is not cheap by any means, but you also get what you pay for and we pay a good penny. I am very proud to say that so far we have been doing it all on our own. It is a struggle each month but its made us realize that we spend a little to frivolously. Along with getting a financial planner we have set a budget for ourselves and so far it is working wonders. Credit cards are getting paid off and plans are being made for our future. The sense of accomplishment is enough to give me a little pep in my step each day!Anyway back to what this blog is about: Potato's weekly day-care update.

The letter of the week was E. His art was an elephant cut out.

The theme for the week was animals, Eve, Garden of Eden.

Clayton is best at playing outside. Duh!

He loved reading this week. I read somewhere that if you read to the mat least 20 minutes a day you are doing them wonders. I know that he understands practically everything we say because he is a pointer and nods yes and no when we ask him questions. This gives Mr and I confidence because he is not really saying a lot of words. He will do it when he is ready and every kid is on their own schedule no matter what your books say. He has been saying a few words this week and we could not be happier. Oggy(doggy), Kiddy-Kiddy(Kitty), Aunty or Gaggy(Aunt Claire), Deeedy(Daddy),Boo(then he pops out from behind something), and of course mastered Go-Go.He nods yes and no and sometimes we hear him say the words.

Bible verse- Proverbs 20:11
Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

Friday Fancies!

I always forget Wednesday Wishlist so I will just start my own little thing on Friday and see if it catches on. It is just another day to publish what you love to be able to buy have given to you or a family member! ;-)

I am on the search for a nice men’s watch for Mr. Not as easy as it seems. I have to admit that when it comes to the taste in clothes or jewelry I suffer. Thank God I am getting help in this area! Ok well here are my top picks.
and

or

They are all great watches but I am pretty sure I know which one I should get because it best suits Mr. Which one do you like?

I am always searching for cool gifts for Potato and these caught my eye!

Teach my baby learning kit

Little Tikes Swing Along Castle Climber. This will be small enough to have at our condo.

What I want/need! Same thing right….

Jeep Overland Jogger Stroller- Orange Grey

So many people are shocked that with our family being as techy as we are that we do not have one of these. We DON’T!

It’s the Logitech - C500 Webcam.

Show us your life: How I met my Mr!

I am going to try my best and remember all the details of our first meeting but I am sure Mr will say that I left out a few things. So here goes....

Mr and I went to high school together but we never once bumped into one another. I think I would remember ever running into a 6 foot 6 inch man that did not look like he was suppose to be in the eleventh grade.

We were sort of living a parallel life. He had moved onto college and I was a senior in high school being an academic nerd. One day I was with another friend from high school and she needed to get gas and decided to go to the Sam's gas station. There he was! Not very romantic I know but who cares. He looked so cool, too cool to be working at a Sam's Club gas station. Of course I did not talk to him except for the polite "Hi!" from the inside of my friends truck. I completely ignored him because I surely wasn't talking to someone that looked like he was in his late twenties. That was soooo old.

After high school I went straight to work because that gave me a lot of freedom. I got a job at Sam's Club in the produce department. Well a few weeks there I recognized the guy that was working in the next department. Oh my gosh it was that guy again and I could not remember his name. He was working in the frozen food section where there was a lot of very heavy boxes and he had to use heavy equipment. Which for someone was a huge turn on for me. I loved watching him and today he tells me that he knew I was watching the whole time and that he was showing off :-)! Well time went by and I started to finish my work early and decided that I would help another department. Guess who I was helping! Well there were two other guys that I kinda liked there and they really liked me so Mr had to make his move and make it fast. One day he was helping me toss out old produce and one of the other guys walked by yelling "Kayla give me a kiss!" I just looked at the guy and nervously giggled because at that time I had eyes for only one guy. Well later that day Mr and I sat down to finish going through the produce and he asked "Kayla, I know I have a better chance at getting a kiss from you than that guy......Right?" I nervously giggled again because this just never happens to me. I said "Yes!" This was the beginning of a very wild ride. We got married June 3, 2006 and have a beautiful baby boy.

I could not have asked for a better person to make the journey through life with. He knows my every move before I make it and understands me more than anyone. He brought me out of my shell and showed me that the world is a great place. I would not be the out spoken girl today if it weren't for him. I am blessed. I am blessed.

November 2008 to April 2010

I wanted to post this blogs for Clayton. I want him to see how much he made Mr and I throughout the first 17mths of his life and how much he means to us. Each day is a blessing with our little man.

Dear Potato,

You have brought laughter, joy, tears, and growth into daddy and mommies world. The happiness that you give us each day makes us stronger. The day you were born God gave us the most beautiful and precious gift. The gift of unconditional love. No matter how little sleep we got, dirty diapers we changed, or how much you fussed at us; you were and still are our life's treasure.

Potato you grew to be a plump and juicy little baby. Everyone wanted your kisses and hugs. Your eyelashes were/are longer than mine and your hair was straight as a board. When you get mad and start to cry you whole head breaks out into red splotches that scared that crap out of us at first. You would not crawl until 8 months but at 6 months you were climbing the stairs. I do believe I cried from fear when I caught you the first time upstairs when I knew that I had you downstairs just seconds before.

When you turned one you decided that it was time to walk. I thought you never would! Your Parrain Tanner taught you that sticking out your tongue was the cool thing to do at this age and now you don't stop. You were master of the clapping, wave, and blowing kisses.

Now you run! You tell mommy and daddy yes and no. Clayton, you actually pointed and told daddy what type of juice you wanted. You could not resist closing an open door. Ah and I can't leave out the fact that you are a ladies man. The women that come into your life do not leave with out big hearts and kisses because you bring them so much joy. Your Aunt Sammy practically claims you on her taxes and has referred to you as "My Child!" Your daddy and I are so truly blessed and completely wrapped around your fat fingers. We try not to give in to your every pointed finger and try not to laugh at you when you tell us or any other grown-up to "GO! GO!" You are such a serious little boy with such a great future ahead. We are glad to be able to guide you and strive to do the best for you each day.

PS. Your mother rambles!

Mommy Wars!

It's seems like everyday my patience is tried by other mothers. I have learned that the only advise I will be dealing out will be when asked and then promptly followed by "It worked for us but it could be different for you!"

I read this article today and I realize that I have heard everything or at least I feel like I have. Mr knows how to handle each situation but I take everything to heart and feel like somethings should not be said. I am finally getting guidance and developing a backbone when it comes to snippy moms that think they can do better! Please go check out this article!

Mommy Wars!

Sunshine Award!

Big thanks go out to my friend Gina. She has honored me with my first reward and I could not wait to pass along the happiness. Gina has a hot mess of a little boy, Ish. I love reading her blog because not only does she have at least one post a week about free things but its always funny to read how the King is running his household. Please go check out her blog, The Ish Blog!

I don't follow to many blogs because I am very new and love searching and reading about every ones life adventures. The following blogs have got me through the past few months and kept a smile on my face.

1.) Kristen at The Wilson's, this woman is true blue and full of incredible advise about life and babies. She has the cutest, fattest, hunk of chunk.

2.) Stephanie at Adventures of the Brummett Bunch, I joke and call this woman "SUPER MOM" but in all honesty I don't know how she is able to run after two beautiful twins girls, two preteen boys, and a hubby. I mean I would lose my mind!

Thanks again Gina!

Enjoy the reward and pass it on!

Butterflies Day Care-Weekly Update

This past week Potato attended day-care for the full week for the first time in a while. Between being sick and/or us going on our family vacation Potato has been out at least one day each week. Thankfully he had a great week with much progress.

Butterflies weekly calendar says that the theme for the week was Plants & Flowers and the letter was Qq!! What fun?!? First Corinthians 16:13 was the bible verse of the week. "Be on your guard; stand firm in faith; be men of courage; be strong. Butterflies is also working on a web site: www.Butterfliespreschools.com. It also tells you who is the student of the week and I can't wait until my Potato can tell them his favorite color, movie, pet, and movie.

Clayton's weekly progress notes told me that the thing he liked best was being back at school. I personally think that Ms Silvia and Ms Julie were lost without their Potato kisses! What he was really good at this week was playing outside. No kidding!

Mr and I are so happy that our little man is adjusting well to school. It has been such a blessing and Clayton is developing such a little personality and HAS FRIENDS! I can't wait to see how he does this week.

Rythms on the River

Every city has there ritzy neighborhood. Ours would be called River Ranch. Very high end and classy people. Well during certain seasons they have a band come and perform in their town square on Thursday evenings. My sister-n-law and I took the babies and decided they needed to dance. It was a beautiful day and we deserved a little relaxation.

Friday Fancies!

I completely spaced on Wednesday and did not write my wish list so I made today my "fancies" will have to work. I was reading a local paper and found out that, Caroline & Company, a sort of boutique in our city has finally made it to where we can order items online. Wahoo! They have so many unique items. The items you find yourself saying "Man that is cool. I wish I had one!" But you just can't make yourself spend the money. Here are a few things that I would love to have but I know would never buy them myself. One day.....lottery....hmmm ;-)! Have a great weekend.

I would love to use this for picnics in the park.

I really don't have to explain this one.

It's summer time and I like to have a nice cold glass of white wine by the pool.

Mini Vacation III

Alright its time to wrap up my mini blog series.


Saturday was our departure day from San Antonio. Mr and I decided we would not leave until we absolutely had to because we wanted to get in more time with Richey. On our adventure list that day was Sea World, laying pool side, and then back to Lulu's Cafe for a cinnamon roll and great food.

We had entirely too much fun in Sea World and I was so busy that I did not take any pictures. "Shamoo" and his girl friend had a baby and we were able to see her debut!

I did get pictures of the dinner highlights!

Mini Vacation Part II

I wanted to continue my earlier post about our little family vacation to San Antonio. Thursday night Potato of course was rejecting the pack-n-play that the hotel provided. I think I jinxed myself when I told my sister-n-law that my baby sleeps any where and with no problem. Ha! I hope she is laughing at me now. So with only 3 hours of sleep Mr and I woke up at 7am so that we could slam the hotel breakfast then head to the base for Richards graduation. Needless to say it was a very long day.

Photos from Thursday:

It was a beautiful Friday morning and I just knew it was going to be nice and warm like it was on Thursday. Not the case! When we sat in the bleachers and the wind kicked up and the temperature dropped we were all huddled together. The graduation ceremony was beautiful. All of the flights of soldiers came out and lined up then the did a march of the state flags that represented the Airman's home state. Then they had an airplane solute, which Potato was very excited about.

Richey was tapping a drum in the band.

On a side note while we were sitting in the stands freezing our exposed toes off Potato was charming all of the ladies. He had several grown women and a couple teenagers cooing at him. I never knew how much of a charmer he was until he, somehow, was able to bat his eyelashes enough to get a woman to donate her blanket to him. I mean come on that is some serious talent. I used to think that he had my girlfriends wrapped up because they just loved him but these women definitely could not get enough of him and had a hard time focusing on why we were all there.

After graduation we got down from the bleachers and attempted to walk around and get the blood flowing. There were old fighter planes lined up so I wanted to take Clayton around to look at them but he was only interested in one and that is where he stayed.

Then it was time to head out and go visit some more of the city. We decided to go explore The River Walk and The Alamo. There is no way that I can possibly describe either except BREATH TAKING!

After all of that we decided that the evening would be spent by the pool vegging out!

I know this post was long but I have so much to share. Part III will come soon so please keep an eye out!

Mini Vacation

At 3 a.m. Thursday morning the Randolph family headed to San Antonio, Texas. The weather was gorgeous and well we had an exceptional time. Our trip had been scheduled for a while now. We were going to watch my little "brother" graduate from the Lackland Air Force Base! What an honor?! I will have many pictures and a couple videos for you later. As of right now I am going to soak up some sun and finish unpacking! YAY.....

These pictures are from the coin ceremony on Thursday morning. Which meant that they completed the graduation requirements and declaring them Airmen!

Happy Hippity Hoppity Easter!

Today was a wonderful day. The Romping Randolphs headed to the Wilson's! My brother and sister-n-law had quite a spread for our Easter Brunch. Honey baked ham, an incredible potato casserole, green bean casserole, and a sugar cookie pizza does not even describe all that was to eat. I had everything of course along with a new white wine. We definitely put the fun in disfunctional but I guess that's what family is all about.

Then we headed to the Smith house to see if the bunny had showed and he DID! Fried chicken, mac-n-cheese, and corn on the cob was for their Easter dinner. My mom always makes the best fried chicken!

There were so many pictures taken but not by me because for once I was the one in the picture. I could not help but try and get all the loving I could from my two beautiful nephews and the BEST Potato!

More to come......