Crayons and Keyboards

Long-Hair Hippy Freak, No More.

No longer is my boy welcomed in the rebelious, hippy communes in the DFW area after giving into the man and getting his first official haircut.

Fairly harmless for the most part, a few whimpers at the end, but nothing to brag about. Cool Cuts did a fantastic job, and let Jax watch Nemo and sit in the big red fire engine. Much smoother than when Robyn and I tried to tackle the muff on his head.

I guess some things really are better left to the professionals.

The end product...looks like a new kid.

Vroom, Vroom....

Stimulation Overload

Parade of Lights - 2008

What has become a tradition for us since the arrival of Jaxson, we made our second trip to the Arlington Parade of Lights on Saturday. It is nice to live in a big city but still have activities that feel like "Small Town, America." The parade doesn't have extravagant floats or even top-notch local celebrities, but it does have a unique feeling all it's own.

People line Abrams Street in downtown Arlington, and some set-up shop REAL early to get a seat - Mr. Bruce Wacker was there 2+ hours before the start to make sure we had a spot right in front of city hall in a prime location....we thank you for that.

The mayor showed up, along with local high school marching bands, cub scout packs from around the area, and even Santa was able to hang out for a bit and bring some holiday cheer. Jax is still a little "iffy" of whether or not he likes the big bearded man; we are working on that.

And what's a parade without sparkly souvenirs and Elvis's covered in lights riding motorcycles...if that doesn't say Christmas, I don't know what does. Another huge "thank you" to Mr. Wacker again for buying Jaxson his sparkly thing-a-ma-jigger (not sure of the correct terminology.)

All in all, a good night to welcome in some colder weather and to nudge a bit closer to Christmas.

Watching the Watch Dog

Rock Star In The Works

After a hard night of living on a virtual stage while playing "Guitar Hero" at a friend's house, Jaxson and Sawyer needed to call it an early night.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!!!

Sorry to do this to you kiddo, but this blog is set up to capture all your big moments in life...good, bad, or embarrassing. As you proceeded to find yourself a winner at dinner, I managed to find myself a photo that I am sure will come back and haunt you at your wedding.

Griswald's Go Mexican

Seeing Christmas through the eyes of child is something that I think we all wish we could do again. The twinkle of lights, the colors of garland and tinsel strung on the tree, the sound of wrapping paper being torn in anticipation of what's being revealed. These are all fond memories we experience as children, and that feeling can not be recaptured....or so I thought.

For the last few weeks, Robyn said she had a surprise for Jaxson and I; but we had to go to Campo Verde, a Mexican restaurant in Arlington. Robyn hates surprises, so for her to hold out for that long and the sense of urgency she had to get us there made me think something was up.

Holy Crap.

I didn't know if the surprise was food or something at the restaurant - the only thing I knew was that she said that I had to bring a camera. Walking up to the restaurant, nothing looked out of place or abnormal. A few lights dangled in the wind, some randomly placed beer signs, and a "Special of the Day" banner greeted us. Like I said, nothing abnormal.

Then it all changed.

I opened the firsts set of double doors, then the second set of double doors. Then, there it was in all it's glory. The most hideous, gaudiest, blantant, flamboyant, and gorgeous display of Christmas decorations I had ever seen. I was truly speechless.

Not sure if I walked into a cruel dimension where Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas met the Griswold's who then met Elf, or if this was really happening. But I was impressed.

Read the numbers on the sign that I took a picture of, and just think about how much "stuff" that is. I heard a rumor that it took staff 6 DAYS to hang everything, wow. The pictures just do not do it justice, so please go experience for yourself and enjoy your trip back to childhood.

Killing Time

An early afternoon Saturday strolled turned into a day at the park. As we wandered around the neighborhood killing some time on a lazy day, we made our way to the park at the elementary school down the street.

I think playgrounds were invented by adults that wanted to play, but needed some way to cover it up, so they claimed they were building it for the kids. Each time we come to a playground, the adults end up playing more than the kids.

I guess everybody really is right when they say age is just a number.

What Will Santa Bring This Year??

A Twinkle In His Eyes

The Sunday after Thanksgiving means one thing in our house. Christmas Decorations must go up. Every year it seems to get easier and easier, I learn what mistakes I made the previous year and learn little tricks to make it a much simpler process.

While Jaxson took his afternoon nap, Robyn and I knocked-out the decoration in a mere 2 hours. So, when the little man woke up, he caught his first glimpse of the magic of Christmas. This time a year ago, he was still to small to really notice the lights and to interact with his environment. But this year, daddy had the pleasure to sit back and simple watch the beauty of a child discovering Christmas.

Touch My Food, I Stab You.

Weekend of Family, Football, Food, and Fun

A huge "Thank You," to Chad, Jenn, Jaycee, and Cody for hosting us on Friday night. It was definitely a short and sweet trip to New Braunfels, but worth it in the end.

The dinner was tremendous (thanks Boo for the great sweet potatoes and Pops for the fried turkey), the football games were great to watch (much to the demise of the women) and the time was priceless.

Jax and Chad enjoying the pitiful Texas/Texas A&M game. Damn Aggies.

Deep Thoughts by Jaxson Wheat

Still showing pride, even after a defeat.

Boo with the grandkids.
Cody will be an actor some day, at this moment he is practicing his circa 1973 football coach. (notice the brown shorts with baby blue trim)

Turkey Sprinkled With Snow

Jaxson and Gracie enjoyed each other's company while dining on sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, ham, and a very small amount of turkey. Oh yes, and also a sprinkling of snow on Turkey Day (you have to look closely, but it's there).

Turkey Trotting

The tradition continued this year, as the entire family (both Wheat's and Coon's) headed to the westside of Fort Worth for the Turkey Trot. Unfortunately, Robyn had to work (T-Day was her holiday to work), but she was with us in spirit.

Jaxson wasn't too fond of turkey, the edible kind or the large one made of fabric that crossed his path at the starting line - don't worry Jax, I took care of him after you turned your back. (wink, wink)

Boo, Mimi, Papi, and Pops took care of Jax while I participated in the 10K (which I had a personal best of 49':42"), and the little guy was a trooper to say the least in the cold weather.

Stuck

We turn our backs for 5 seconds, and this is where he ends up. Still not sure how he was so sly and stealth-like as he slipped into place.

One Step At A Time

Throughout my race, when times got tough and my body wanted to stop, the one thing that kept me going was knowing that my beautiful family was waiting for me at the finish line.

"Inspired" can barely begin to define how I felt step after step, knowing that the only way to see them, was to finish.

Robyn and Jaxson made the trip north with me to Tulsa, and that is the only way I would want it to be for my first of hopefully many marathons.

Thank you both for all the love and support, I truly could not have done it without you.

I love you.

Dear Daddy,

You are THE man!!! Today you ran your first marathon! I admire you so much! It takes such strength and discipline to accomplish such a huge goal! I am so lucky to have a Dad as great as you! You are the best role model a kid could ask for!

I am sorry I kept you up last night! Even on the night before your big event you were so helpful in taking good care of me.

I love you so much! YOU ROCK!!!!!

26.2....Whooohooo!

Love,

Jaxson (and Mommy)

Our Day Is Coming.....

The Little Bambino, as previously noted, will be walking in the very near future. It will be a wonderful moment, and piece of history that will undoubtedly change all of our lives. So, as a precursor to this occasion, I have decided to post some pictures of what lies ahead for us.

I have received two different emails, one from Robyn and one from a co-worker, both showing boys in all their glorious ways. If you have a son, know a son, or you are a son - you will truly appreciate these images. And I know for a fact, there every boy and/or man out there, has either tried one of these images or it has crossed their minds at least one time.

Down and Dirty

As adults, I think it good for us to head back to our childhood roots and play in some mud and muck. Since Jaxson has come along and as he entered the years of toddler-hood, I have begun to realize the older I get the more I want to be a kid again.

On Saturday, in honor of Veteran's day and wrapping up my training for the Route 66 Marathon, three friends and I ran in the Metroplex Marine Mud Run. (benefiting Toys for Tots).

What a blast. Here's the set-up. The race was a 10K, that included 15 separate obstacles that resembled marine's basic training camp. Mud pits that are waist deep, cargo net climbing, 30 foot wall climbing, bear crawling through elbow deep mud...a boy's dream.

Time wasn't an issue for us, we were there for the overall experience and the simple goal of just finishing with all our limbs still attached. Best part of the race, crossing the finish line and seeing the family waiting with American flag in hand and camera ready for the photo finish....

Late Night Happenings

Now into our fourth day of coughing and sneezing for Jaxson, last night was the worst by far. The cough would start and continue for 30 minutes or so, usually capped off by a session of gagging and the inevitable vomit. (Just what you all wanted to hear I am sure.)

Some of the greatest moments are times that are not planned, and just happen. Mr. Cough woke up last night about 10:30pm, coughing and wheezing - trying to work out the junk. I sat up with him, reading books, and passing the time. Then all hell broke loose and he got worse, so I woke up momma - that's what you do when you don't know what else to do. After a change of clothes, a cup of juice, and a warm bath; the worse part passed, but Jax wasn't ready to go back to bed, so he made a beeline for the door, pantless. Then he went pass the door. Then he went pass the door again, and again.....

Check YES or NO

Politics are not my strong suit by any means; however, I do try and stay informed on the major issues - especially in my community. I believe that if you have the privilege to vote, you should. We are lucky to have that opportunity in our country, therefore we should not take it lightly.

Jaxson had a cold today, and needed to stay home from school - so I had Mr. Mom duties. It all worked out well because it gave us the chance to head up to the elementary school down the street to cast our votes in this year's local elections. To be honest, a few items on the ballot were mysteries to me, but I did the best I could at deciphering the proposition explanations.

Part of being a successful parent, is showing your children that you have pride in your neighborhood, your surrounding communities, and your country. I know Jaxson didn't understand the signifigance, but today was hopefully just a small step in his long journey of growing up to be a leader and a successful individual.

My Boy Bleeds Blue and Silver

The boys once again made us proud last night, and it is hard to tell who enjoyed the game more - Jax or Papi.

Wall of Challanges

Saturday was the annual kids photo shoot for my firm. Every year all the kiddos gather together for a photo shoot to use in the next year's marketing brochures and various materials. Click here for last year's event.

With our firm wide trip to Colorado earlier this year, the marketing team decided to play off of that event and held the picture taking extravaganza at Summit Climbing Gym in Grapevine, TX. I have never been to an indoor rock climbing gym, I do have to say that it was a pretty rad little place. Various types of challenging walls, invert climbing angles, walls for adults, walls for kids - all these items made it a great place for the kids to run around.

It actually ended up being a pretty moving experience for me, seeing Jax stare up at the tallest walls and curious as to what is little mind was thinking. Saturday seemed like a foreshadowing in many ways to what will lie ahead for Jax. Throughout his life, he will face challenges, steep climbs, impossible looking odds; but, with support from the one's he loves and a helping hand in time of needs, those obstacles can be conquered and his life line will hold tight.