The Candy Wrapper Speaks

Something funny just happened to me and I wanted to share it. Last night at Walmart, I convinced myself that I needed Dove chocolate candy with almonds. Having never purchased them, I was somewhat delighted today that each piece had a different saying written inside the wrapper. So delighted that I kept eating them (it was only 4, okay, maybe 5) just to see what they said. Finally, I told myself- "Okay, one last piece. Then I will put them away!". The last wrapper said "Keep the promises you make to yourself." I didn't think much of it until a little later when, before I knew it, I had another piece open. As I put the candy in my mouth I noticed the wrapper, "Keep the promises you make to yourself"- AGAIN. I couldn't help laugh aloud, it got my attention. This time, I will stop eating the candy!! I am afraid to see what the next piece might say- ha!!

It's a brisk morning here in Cookeville, and my favorite time of day. Lincoln and Catherine, especially, show that they do love each other by sharing hugs and kisses and even sharing the "big" rocking chair. Just moments after this picture, however, was their first arguement of the day. It was over who would hold Coleman in their lap first. I interferred quickly before they thought to play tug-of-war with Coleman's arms. Coleman was placed on the floor to play, with strict directions to L. and Cat. to "leave him alone". (Catherine is the one who plays tackle and steamroller on him. Coleman is only 3 lbs away from being as "heavy" as she is. Once he begins to walk, it will be on!!)

Funny Catherine Story
(I know, I go 2 months without posting and I do 2 in one night. I am on a roll!)

Tonight we had a meal before church. After we eat, the kids run around the gym and get all wound up before class. At some point, Catherine left the gym, and went to the bathroom. And because we are such great parents, we had no idea that she had left the gym. Anyway, this is what we were told:

2 men were taking care of business in the men's bathroom- of course. To their great surprise, the door opened and in walked Catherine all alone. She cruised right by them, making eye contact, and turned into the stall. Without closing the door, she pulled down her pants, hopped on the toilet, and began to go to the bathroom. One of the men quickly exited the bathroom and alerted Brad to Catherine's location. Brad walked in to find her still sitting on the toilet. She looked at him and said "I go poop."

Can you imagine the surprise those men felt? Of course, Catherine doesn't know boy vs girl bathroom or that it is a private affair. Who cares that those men are there. When she has to go, she takes herself. Always has. Lincoln wanted me right there with a book. Catherine says "You go!" and points past me out the door. Lincoln still wishes I helped him clean up, Catherine takes care of herself which you might think is great, but let your mind think on that just a little. At least once a day, it isn't so great! :)

Here's a Halloween pic. This was taken at their Mother's Day Out party.

Our trip to Washington D.C.

Brad ran his first marathon 2 weeks ago in our nation's capital. We flew north on Friday, with our friends Chris and Alison, and came home on Monday. My parents kept the kids, so we had a nice, needed vacation. As you scroll down, you will see that we visited some of our favorite attractions. We also visited the Lincoln memorial but I didn't include Mr. Lincoln's picture.

Yes, this is Mr. John McCain. We saw him at the DC airport on our way out. Even though we aren't HUGE McCain fans presidential wise, he is a good guy. Couldn't pass up the opportunity. I actually shied out (can you believe it?) and was watching our stuff?

This (above) is the WWII memorial.


I was SO very proud of Brad. This was his first running experience except for sprints in basketball. Brad and Chris have been training since January. It was an awesome experience for him. He hasn't been running since, but I did hear him say that he and Chris were eyeing the Music City Marathon in the spring. Woo hoo! It is fun traveling along! :)

There was something funny that shows that I am in mommy land 24/7- I was awakened in the middle of the night by a thud above us at the hotel. In that second, I had thrown off the covers, and had a foot out of bed before I really awoke and realized that what I heard WAS NOT Lincoln or Catherine falling out of bed. I was in a hotel, the kids were in Tullahoma. So, I crawled back in the covers and went back to sleep. Brad and I got a laugh out of it the next morning.