From Sippy to Sucky

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Big Guy In A Little Car

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My Memorial Day Checklist

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Being that I am almost two years old, a few weeks short of 21 months, I think it is about time I take charge of my weekends from this point on. Memorial Day is the start of summer, so from now on, it will be known as the start of Jaxson time.

I think the best way to approach this is to make a list. I like checking things off a list, makes me feel like I have accomplished something for the day.

My Memorial Day Checklist:

1. Clean Mimi and Papi's patio in time for the big party for Uncle Peeb's and Aunt KeiKei (sounds like Key-Key)



2. Get some hoop-time with T.J.

3. Be the center of attention at all times.




4. Learn how to party like a rock-star.



5. Go cliff diving with Dad.



6. Eat. Eat. Eat.

7. Tend to the rock garden with Cody-Man.


8. Try on one of those dorky life vest, but at least I am safe.





9. See how I 'measure' up in this world.



10. Send a special "thank you" to Mimi, Papi, Boo, and Pops for hosting parties, entertaining families, and watching and caring for me and my parents. We love you all and thank you.

Tub Time, Via the Sink

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Uncle Peeb's tried to clean the fun out of this kid, but it ain't coming off.





Magic

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You didn't see it, but he just made a rock disappear. Chris Angel, your next.

Looks Good, Even If It Ain't Rangers Gear

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The times, they are a changin'

If you ever played tee-ball / baseball / softball in little league growing up, you will appreciate this - or be angry.

Rewind yourself back to those times. The day your brought home your jersey for the first time was special. No doubt about it. You would go pick it up at the fields, make your mom/dad speed home, leap from the car as it is still moving in the driveway, and then run inside and slip into your new uniform for the first time. The smell of fresh polyester pants, the sticky feel of the cheap iron-on letters, the brilliant colors from your shirt - beautiful. Then, oh man, you brought out the hat. Cheap material on the front followed up with the trucker style mesh on the back with the snap fastener with the ever so cool 'rope' that went across the top portioin of the bill that tied the whole style together - heaven. You would put it on, realize it was either too big or small, then adjust, and plop that bad-boy back down on your head.

You were set. Life was good. Life was simple.

Oh, how the times are changin.

Upon my arrival to the great land of Fenway Park last Friday, I had one thought in mind. Get my boy a hat FROM Fenway Park. Not some piece bought off the street or in a chain store, but a legitimate Red Sox hat from Fenway.

After my first lap around the park, snapping photos, and enjoying the moment with my new friends I met at Cheers (yes, that Cheers - ask me the story later. It's a good one), we headed to the big pro-shop at Fenway. Found the hat rack...and holy crap. Lot's of hats.

After I bugged the lady behind the counter as to what hat would fit a 20-month old kid, we decided on the FITTED hat. Fitted hat for a 20-month old, you gotta be freaking kidding me.

When I was a kid, I don't think those two words were possible to be said together. We didn't get fitted hats till we were in junior high, even that was a big deal.

Kids these days, they just don't know how good they have it.



Beantown Bound...

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Jax -

Though we may be half a country apart, I will miss you and momma dearly. Make sure you tuck her in well and don't let the Boogie-Man scare her too much.

I love you guys and I will update while I am away and show you all the cool places I will take you one day.

I'll try not to touch to many Red Sox fans while I am up there, you know how they can be (wink, wink).

-Dad.

To All My Moms...

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To Boo: Thank you for making me who I am today. You raised me to show respect, be truthful, and most importantly, to be me. Without those, I could not be the dad that I aim to be. Your love is the greatest thing you have taught me. The love between a mother and her boys is unique, and I know I can speak for both Chad and I when I say 'Thank You.' Your sacrifices were great, and we will always be grateful for what you have given us.

To Mamaw: You were there for me as a young boy and showed me how to enjoy Saturday mornings with cartoons and orange juice.

To GeeGee: Thank you for teaching me the difference between roses and weeds, and that I was only suppose to pull the weeds, not the roses - but you still were grateful for me being there.

To Robyn: Thank you for being the mother to my son. He will never be able to comprehend your love for him and how much he means to you. Words can not express a love that great. And thank you for helping me to understand how much my mother loves me.

To Denise (MiMi): Thank you for showing Robyn how to love. You have done a good job and I can only hope that love that strong is felt by us all.

Thank you to all the moms of the world. You truly make the world a special place.

In The Driver's Seat

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Pre-Mom's Day List: 25 Lessons Mom Taught Me.

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I know for a fact I heard many of these more than one time:

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE . "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION . "You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL ;. "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC . " Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC . "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT . "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS . "Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM . "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10.. My mother taught me about STAMINA . "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER . "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY . "If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE . "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION . "Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY . "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION . "Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING . "You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE . "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP . "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR . "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT . "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS. "You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS . "Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM . "When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

Love to all the moms, especially mine.

*note: Jacked this from another website, but figured we would all enjoy.

Begging For Forgiveness

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This little idea may come in handy for our next travel, via airplane. An upfront apology note from the kiddo, cookies, and earplugs. Genius.


Photo and story courtesy of daddytypes.com

Strolling

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Mrs. Baird Was A Good Woman

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After all these years, her powered donuts are still king - at least in the convenience store / free donut category.


Two fisting.

Mayfest-ing with the Sumpters

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Of all the years I have lived in Fort Worth, I can count on one hand the times I have been to Mayfest. It is one of those things that becomes so familiar that you just put it aside and forget about it. I am certain, as a young kid, we were there yearly; but in my older years I have failed to keep the tradition going.

I was way over due and the little guy, and Robyn, were due for their first. Mayfest is family focused, much like the state fair; but on a much, much smaller scale.


The weather was perfect, the crowd was minimal, beer was cold, and the corn dogs were excellent.

Best part was the 'Frisbee Dog' show, followed closely by the large mural of my girlfriend, Marilyn Monroe.


Unique Sense Of Style

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Late evening runs to Target, post bath, amount to more than impulse buys. They always amount to mismatched 'styling.'
Plaid shoes and fish pajamas are classics, even when paired together. Needless to say, the ladies were impressed.