Talbot Family News

Happy Halloween!!

2010-11-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

I AM GLADIATOR!!!

Payton's first successful shoe tie!

2010-08-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Payton's been fighting me tooth and nail about learning to tie his shoes. He refused to try, didn't want anything to do with it, and insisted on Velcro Skechers. Well, he figured it out!!!

4th of July

2010-08-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

4th of July in Melba - They had a mechanical bull that Payton just HAD to ride.

Payton's First Race

2010-06-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Payton ran a one mile fun run on June 19th. He seemed to have fun, but at the end he says, "Mom, that was a loooong way! Whew!"

He and I are going to do a two mile fun run/walk in Melba on July 3. Little short for me, but Payton wants to do a race together.

Easter

2010-04-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

Had a terrific Easter. The Easter Bunny brought Payton an IPod shuffle (I know, he's spoiled). He's been walking around the house singing "Blue, blue, blue sweat shoes." LOL.

Picture #1 - Payton showing off his loose tooth.

Picture #2 - Payton showing off his cuteness.

Picture #3 - Family photo

Picture #4 - Payton, Lauren and Luke in their Easter finery.

Bath Time Payton

2010-03-21T02:42:00.000-07:00

This kid cracks me up!

State Bowling Tournament

2010-03-21T02:32:00.000-07:00

Mom, Brenda, Carrie and I all went up to Lewiston, Idaho last weekend to bowl in the state women's bowling tournament. We bowled team together. Brenda and I bowled doubles, and Mom and Carrie bowled doubles, and we all bowled singles. Brenda and I also bowled with the High Five team, which is the five people with the highest averages from each bowling alley in the state.

We didn't do great in the regular tournament. Not bad, but not great. But in High Five, we BLEW EVERYONE AWAY!! We bowled 12 games of Baker System, where each person on the team bowls 2 frames of the game. We only had two games under 200, and our high game was 280! Eleven strikes and one spare!

Wow! I need to update!

2010-03-04T13:28:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately, I prefer to use pictures, and I hadn't been able to find the power cord to my camera since we moved. I found it last night! Yay!

Super quick updates:

Payton is almost SIX! He is doing swimming lessons, bowling and Judo. He loves living next door to Grandma and Papa.

Tami just turned 35 two days ago. She's been jogging since last September, and has signed up for a 10K race in May. She started MBA classes in January. She has also started back to Judo. (Like how I referred to myself in the 3rd person? :)

Ray has started working out at an MMA gym. His work is pretty same 'ol, same 'ol.

Better posts to come!

Christmas.....finally!

2010-01-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

So, it's almost exactly a month since Christmas, and I'm finally getting the photos up. That's not too bad, right?

300!

2009-12-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

I bowled a perfect 300 game Tuesday night, in league. I will be awarded a ring, a jacket and $100. My series was 146, 300, 244 for 690. I still almost can't believe it. I'll have to post pictures of my ring when I get it!

Dallas Cowboys Stadium - Ray's Birthday

2009-12-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

Ray's birthday present this year, for his 40th, was a trip down to Dallas to watch the Cowboys play in their new stadium. I hate the Cowboys, but that new stadium was amazing! We toured the stadium Saturday, and went to the game Sunday. Even though it was the Cowboys, it was a lot of fun. I just cheered for Orlando Scandrick, since he's a former BSU Bronco.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

The first Thanksgiving at our new house, and my very first turkey, ever! Everything turned out great. The kids seemed to have a great time. I still haven't found my camera from moving, so Carrie took these pictures. Somehow, I didn't get any pictures of Luke.

Early Snow Morning

2009-12-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

I got up early, because of the snow, so I could get to work on time. Then I realized, I couldn't leave early, I had to wait for Payton to get on the bus. So we spent about a half-hour playing out in the dark, in the snow. Payton had a ball!

2009-11-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Payton: Mom, I have two hearts.

Me: No, honey, you only have one.

Payton: No, I asked Jesus into my heart two times, so I have two.

No arguin' with that logic!

He's a Winner!

2009-10-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Payton bowled in his first bowling tournament Saturday. He was all psyched to win a "trophy." I kept trying to explain to him that someone else may win, and he kept telling me "no." He was insistent that he was going to win. Payton was right, and I was wrong.

Halloween Preview

2009-10-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Payton is so excited to be a NINJA this year!

Kindergarten photo

2009-10-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is Payton's very first real school photo. Notice the owie's on each side of his nose. He did that the day before school photos, of course. He rubbed Grandma's robe on each side of his nose so much, he gave himself rug burn (or robe burn, as the case may be.)

Maybe we should have named him Michael.......Phelps

2009-10-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

He's five! (and has no fear!)

Bad Mom!

2009-09-21T11:16:00.001-07:00

Payton brought home his first homework assignment Wednesday afternoon. Except I didn't know about it (Grandma picked him up). I didn't know about it until about 6:20 Monday morning. We had to leave at 6:45. It was a work sheet. He had to write his uppercase and lowercase M's about five times each. He had to write the word "mom" three times. He had to draw a picture of his mom. He had to find three things in newspapers or magazines that start with M, cut them out, and paste them to the page. And he had to write down his phone number.

Any guesses how great our Monday morning went? Payton needs about 30 minutes of waking up time in the morning before he's bearable. If you noticed above, we had about 25 minutes....and he wasn't dressed, teeth weren't brushed, he hadn't had breakfast, etc.

There was yelling and tears. It wasn't good. I have to make sure and check his backpack each night. I don't want him to hate school work. Ugh.

The Saga of the First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

The saga of the first day of kindergarten.....wake up early to make sure we have plenty of time. Bath, dress, breakfast, brushing of teeth/hair, etc. Then into the car to go to school. Out of the car to get grapes, cuz Payton's still hungry. Back into the car. Out of the car to get forgotten study material for the test I had that morning. Back into the car. Head toward Kuna. Forget where I'm going (headed to daycare instead of school), cuz I'm driving on autopilot. Turn on the wrong road. Argh. Take a circular detour toward Indian Creek Elementary. Get to school just as the bell is ringing. Walk with Payton to his classroom. About 70 people standing around outside the door to his classroom. Talk about nuts. Parents were videotaping, for Pete's sake! Snapped a couple of quick pictures, cuz my camera battery was almost dead, and I was told by a couple different people that I had to. Then I got the heck out of there! Next year, Payton can ride the bus!

Payton's growing up!

2009-07-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's the small things that remind you how big your child is getting. Payton poured his own glass of Kool-Aid from the pitcher this evening. He got the pitcher out of the fridge, poured his drink, spilled a small amount, and cleaned it up, all by himself. My baby's getting big!

I love the Oregon Coast!!!

2009-07-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

I always love leaving the 100 degree Idaho heat and heading for the Oregon Coast every summer. Better yet, the whole family comes and we always have a blast. Golfing, fishing, hot tubbing, building sand castles, eating at the original Mo's, chasing waves, playing cards, shopping at the Tanger Outlets, going to the aquarium, seeing extended family......I love it all!
We missed the reunion this year, because I had to be home in time for school Monday morning. Also missed the ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. But, Payton stayed with Grandma and Papa after Ray and I left, and he got to do all that good stuff, too. I am so blessed! There are lots more pix at faulhaberfamily.shutterfly.com.

Eva wants some MMMMMMMILK!!!!!

4th of July

2009-07-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

I love the 4th of July. It's just about my favorite holiday. Ryan put his pickup in the Melba parade, and Luke and Payton got to throw candy.

(Note: this way you end up with ZERO parade candy to take home. Yay!)

I didn't get a chance to take a lot of photos, but here's a couple.

Payton's Pirate Room

2009-06-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Step 1 in Payton's pirate room in the new house.

I spent $60 on EBay to outfit this pirate room, including sheets, this blanket, storage bins and a pirate flag.

3 Strikes and You're.......

2009-06-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ready for T-Ball!

Tig in the Tub

2009-06-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

Tig loves bath time. She usually waits until Payton is out of the bath before getting in, though.

"Rank" conversation

2009-05-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

Payton and I had the following conversation yesterday.

Payton: "Mom, are you a deputy sheriff?"

Me: "Yes."

Payton: " Nuh-uh. You're a lieutenant."

Me: "I'm both. Everyone starts out as deputy. Then if you do a good job as a deputy, you might get promoted to corporal. If you do a good job as corporal, you might get promoted to sergeant. If you do a good job as sergeant, you might get promoted to lieutenant. If you do a good job as lieutenant, you might get promoted to captain."

Payton: "You keep trying hard, Mom. You'll get to captain someday."

This was said with a totally serious tone, completely straight face. What a funny kid! Hopefully he's psychic.

Lauren Beth

2009-05-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

She's here! Lauren Beth was born 5-21-09 (on her due date!) at 1:01 a.m. She was 8 lbs, 6 oz. And, of course, she's gorgeous!

Payton's New House Song

2009-05-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

Payton is a big fan of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. He loves when they "move that bus!" He decided he needs a reaction when he sees his new house (that we are in the process of building). So this is it.

25 Strange Questions

2009-05-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Just for fun. I challenge everyone to copy and paste to their blog, changing the answers of course!

What color socks are you wearing?
Nude (nylons)

If you could get away scot-free, would you kill someone?
It's crossed my mind.

If aliens were attacking the Earth, would you run or make friends?
Neither. Fight back!

What job do you see yourself at 20 years from now?
20 years? Can't I retire before then?

When was the last time you burst into song for no reason?
To annoy my son. It works every time.

What song was it?
Something I made up about him.

Have you ever finger-painted?
Yes. With pudding.

When you die, where do you want to be buried?
Don't want to be buried, want to be cremated.

Do you consider a giant atom-smasher a threat to humanity?
Nope.

Do you want pigs to fly?
Yewww! Pig poop on your head.

If you could be invisible for one day, what would you do?
A testament to motherhood - I would go to my son's daycare, and see what really happens.

Would you rather fist-fight a badger or a koala?
Koala.

What would the theme song of your life be?
Patience by Guns N Roses

You have 70 seconds to live. What do you DO?!
Call family.

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
If a woodchuck could chuck wood, he could tell you, too.

Where was the last place you swore you'd never go to again?
Probably a bad restaurant. Don't really remember.

Does the Taco Bell dog scare you?
Taco Bell scares me. Does that count?

Jedis or ninjas?
Ninjas! Duh!

Would you trust a polar bear with your life?
No.

Would you rather eat moldy meat or drink rotten milk?
Moldy meat. Trust me. I've done both.

Do you wish Pokemon were real?
No frickin' way!

Have you ever played chicken with cars just for the hell of it?
No.

Would you take advice from a talking McDonalds sandwich?
Only if the voices in my head agreed with him.

What would you rather blow up: a puppy or a kitty?
It would depend.

Do you understand what "e=mc2" means?
Of course. Doesn't everyone?

Sibling Rivalry?

2009-05-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

A popular game with Payton and Tig is to play fetch. It's not your normal game of fetch, though. I throw the ball, and Payton and Tig race to see who can get it first and bring it back to me.

Flashback Tuesday

2009-05-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some photos, and found these Easter pictures of Payton. What a cutie!
First picture - Payton is nearly 5.
2nd picture- Payton is nearly 4, with Papa, Luke, 1 1/2, and Eva, 4 months.
3rd picture - Payton, almost 3, with Grandma.
4th picture - Payton is nearly 2.
5th picture - Payton, almost 1.

My baby is FIVE!!!

2009-05-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Lovely start to a Saturday

2009-04-25T03:32:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning I woke up at 2:30, and couldn't go back to sleep. About 3:15 I give up, and go out in the living room to read. As I walk into the living room, I smell what suspiciously smells like dog poo. "Great," I think, "I just bathed that dog last night." I let Tig out of her kennel. The newly-bathed-as-of-7-pm-last-night dog is smeared in dog poo. I let her out of her kennel, and take her straight to the bathroom for another bath. I try to sneak Payton's bedroom door closed, so he won't wake up. No luck! He wakes up. Even better, he always gags at the smell of dog poo. So, between scrubbing a poo-encrusted dog kennel, a poo-smeared dog, and trying to keep Payton from puking into the middle of the mess, I've had a great morning so far. And it's only 4:39. I need a nap.

Lauren's Baby Shower

2009-04-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

Just a couple pix from Baby Lauren's shower.

Easter 2009

2009-04-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Easter was pretty mellow this year. Ray had to work. Brenda and Carrie celebrated with other friends and family. But, the weather was gorgeous and Payton had fun.

Thank you, TayTay!!

2009-04-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

Payton wants to say "THANK YOU!" to Taylor (and Shawna) for the fun Easter card. He loves getting mail addressed to him. Thanks again!

No training wheels

2009-04-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

Payton's been trying to learn to ride his bicycle without training wheels. Hasn't quite got it down yet. Running behind him for hours has been a great workout for me, though!

P.S. Can you believe he's going to be FIVE in a few weeks?!?

Good Wet Fun

2009-03-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

A heavy rain came through yesterday afternoon. It wasn't particularly cold, so Payton and I went out to play.

My, How She's Grown

2009-03-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

A couple pictures to show how much Tig has grown in the last two months. She's sitting next to the same foot stool in both photos.

And a little video of how much fun Payton and Tig have had playing together. Having a dog in the house has totally been worth all the giggles from Payton.

Payton the Pro Bowler

2009-02-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

Payton's been bowling on a league for two years now. He's on the PeeWee league, which bowls one game with bumpers. He bowled his highest game ever today, a 132! He had one strike and four spares. His highest game before today was a 94. WOW!

School Photos

2009-02-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

Payton's preschool did old-fashioned photos. They wanted $60 for a package so I didn't buy any, but they gave us one free 8X10. What do you think? The hat is something, isn't it?

2009-02-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

Boy, I really need a new post. Things have been busy, but nothing's really been happening. I'll have to find something. Sorry, faithful readers. LOL

Tig's First Walk

2009-01-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

Payton is warming up to Tig. He wasn't too sure of her to start. The only dogs he has really been exposed to are Cargo, Brenda's dog, who's a spaz (sorry, Bren), and Choppie, my mother-in-law's teacup chihuahua. Choppie weighs about eight pounds, so she doesn't really count as a dog (sorry, Pat).
Payton took Tig on her first walk this morning after church. We walked over to the school and back. It was frigid! But Payton had a blast and Tig seemed to have fun running around with Payton.

Tig

2009-01-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Talbot Family welcomes its newest member, Tig (short for Antigone). She an English mastiff, eleven weeks old. She is the sweetest thing. When we went to pick her out, she walked right up to Ray, sat down, and accepted some petting. Then she rolled over, gave him her tummy, and let him give her a tummy rub. She's already coming when she's called.
Our cat, Coleman, is not happy with us right now, needless to say. You can see her in the last picture, peering out from under the dishwasher.

Eva's 1st Birthday

2009-01-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

Eva turned ONE on Dec. 30th, and we celebrated on Saturday. It's so nice to spend time with such a sweet little girl. (Meaning she is nothing like my rowdy, rambunctious son, LOL.)

And weren't Carrie's cupcakes the cutest?

AWWWW........

2008-12-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

Payton has been practicing writing his alphabet lately. He is very interested in learning to read and write right now. The other day, we were at Office Max. They had a dry erase board with letter outlines on it, so Payton could trace the letters and learn to write.
We were practicing on that board, when Payton says, "How do you spell 'Mom'?" I told him, and he wrote it in scraggly, uneven little letters. It was awesome. I love this kid!

I thought it was my Christmas gift

2008-12-28T05:20:00.000-08:00

Ray got ME an elliptical machine for Christmas. Someone, however, has been on it much more than I have.

Reviving old fun

2008-12-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, as soon as there was enough snow, we would tie an inner tube to the four-wheeler, and take turns whipping everyone around on the tube. Dad decided Payton and Luke should continue the tradition.

And, of course, no snow play is complete without a snowman. Which Payton promptly Kung Fu kicked over as soon as this photo was taken.

To Grandmother's House We Go

2008-12-26T20:01:00.000-08:00

After opening presents at home, we headed out to Grandma and Papa's house.

Christmas morning

2008-12-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

I was so excited for Christmas, and Payton's reaction to Christmas morning, that I was up at 5:30. I was able to catch Payton's first reaction on video. It wasn't quite what I was expecting.

(A little background.....I sent Payton to pre-school wearing jeans with rips at the knees. He got sent to time out. During time out, he ripped the holes completely across the knees, and down to the hem. Think of a "T" shaped rip. Yep, grounded from video games for a week. Total bummer, since he got 2 new video games for Christmas.)

But, we had a terrific Christmas morning.

White Christmas

2008-12-21T10:52:00.000-08:00

Another storm is rolling through. Payton, of course, has to be out in it. Here's some photos and video. Can you see the snow on his eyelashes in the 2nd photo?

Have a Charming Christmas

2008-12-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

I decided Payton needed a suit to wear to church the Sunday before Christmas. So, Brenda, Lukey, Payton and I went to Burlington Coat Factory to buy the boys Christmas clothes. I found a navy suit with a yellow shirt and blue and yellow tie. (Whoever invented those zipper ties is the MAN!) I had Payton try the suit on in the dressing room, I got it on him, and put him in front of the mirror to check it out. His little chest puffed up and he says........."I look like Prince Charming!" Totally cracked me up. Then Lukey, who was wearing a dark red shirt, black and red tie, and black slacks saw Payton in his suit. Lukey says, "Mommy, I want jacket." So Lukey ended up with a suit for Christmas, too. Cute stinkin' boys!

Last Christmas

2008-12-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

This is going to be our last Christmas in this house, God willing. I took a couple of pictures for prosperity. Ignore the burnt-out lights, I'm going to fix those.......

And a video of naked Batman, just because it's funny.

Thanksgiving Recap

2008-12-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

We had a quiet little Thanksgiving this year. Brenda and Carrie celebrated with their in-laws, so it was just Mom and Dad, Ray and I, Payton and Heather for Thanksgiving. We ate delicious turkey....Thanks, Mom! And watching football, of course.
I am thankful for so many things. I am thankful for good, steady jobs for Ray and I during this economic downturn. Isn't it amazing how well God provides for us. I am thankful for a happy, mostly healthy, functional (verses dis-functional) family.
And, I'm thankful for my new house, WOO HOO, that Ryan is currently making up plans on. We are going to have land, and space and storage. I won't know what to do with myself. I'll post some pictures when the actual ground breaking begins!

Flashback Saturday

2008-10-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

To steal an idea from Shauna, I'm having flashback Saturday today. Mainly because I found this really cute video of Payton and Luke. Check out our cute boys!

Pumpkin Pickin'

2008-10-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Payton's pre-school went to Linder Farms to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Besides pumpkin pickin', we went on hay ride where we saw a zebra and a camel. All in all, lots of fun!

To decorate Payton's perfect pumpkin, we found little plastic decorations at Wal-Mart. You just stick 'em into the pumpkin. No messy pumpking carving. YEA!!! Cuz' I hate carving pumpkins, it's nasty.

For all Boise State Bronco Fans!

2008-10-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Go Orange! Go Big Blue! Fight, fight, BSU!

Swimming Lessons

2008-10-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

Payton has been in swimming lessons on and off since he was ten months old. He has really started to improve!

Zoo Boise

2008-10-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

We went to Zoo Boise on Columbus Day. Us government employees don't have to work those obscure holidays, LOL. Zoo Boise recently acquired two giraffes and three lions. We had to go check them out! (Doesn't it look like Payton is climbing into the giraffe's butt on the slide?)

Holy smokes! How cute is that picture?!?

Monster Spray!

2008-09-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

So, like Monsters, Inc., Payton as gotten to the age where there are monsters in his closet and giant spiders trying to crawl into his bed. After waking me up at 3:30, 4:00, and 4:30 Monday morning, I decided something needed to change. I went and "bought" Monster Spray. Monster Spray consists of a can of Oust air freshener, with a homemade label taped on the can. The label says this:

Monster Spray

Guaranteed to remove from any room all monsters, spiders, spookies, scaries and any type of creepies.

Directions: Spray a two second burst in the room to repel all monsters. Repeat as necessary.

At bedtime Monday night, I presented Payton with this can of Monster Spray. I read the label to him. We sprayed the room, as needed. I didn't hear a peep out of him all night. When I got him up in the morning, he told me "There was one spider arm trying to climb into my bed, but I sprayed one drop of my Monster Spray on it, and it went away." WOO HOO! It worked!!! He keeps it under his pillow for those middle of the night monsters. Too bad he won't always be this gullible.

We got promoted!

2008-09-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

The word has gotten around, but I'll post it here anyway. Ray and I both got promoted Sept. 1. I was promoted to Lieutenant, and Ray was promoted into my Sergeant's position. Our bosses pulled us into the Sheriff's office at the same time, and promoted us together. How cool is that? So, I am now back in the jail, after eight years. Ray is a patrol sergeant. We're settling into our roles. Ray a little easier than me, LOL. After two days at my new job, my boss had to leave the state for a family emergency. I had to handle a jail inspection, on my own. Yee Haw. But, it went OK. Nothing like trial by fire.

Photos I've been meaning to post

2008-08-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post these photos for, oh, four and five months. Just never got around to it. Obviously, they are Heather's 1st Prom picture, with her friend, Ashley. (They went stag.) The other is Payton's 1st (pre-)school picture. I almost didn't order the pictures, thinking they were just trying to suck more money out of me. Then I decided they could be his four-year-old photos, since they were taken about two weeks before his birthday. I was so glad I ordered them, because they turned out sooo cute!

Not sneaky enough!

2008-08-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

One of Payton's favorite tricks is to sneak toys into his bed at night, and play with them rather than go to sleep. I don't have any photos, so I hope I can tell this story and do it justice.
Payton likes to sleep just in his jammie bottoms. I don't know where he got it from. So, he is wearing Lightening McQueen jammie shorts, and nothing else. Got a mental picture? OK, good. He's been put to bed about fifteen to twenty minutes earlier, book, prayers, kiss, hug, etc. He comes out from his bedroom, holding his crotch, the international sign for "I have to go potty." Ray tells him to go. (There are usually anywhere from three to eight potty trips each night before he falls asleep.) From where Ray is sitting, he can see Payton, but I can't.
Payton closes the bathroom door to go potty this time. An anomaly. He usually never closes the door. Hmmm, something's up. We hear Payton peeing, and the toilet flush. We wait for him to come out of the bathroom.....nothing. Remember, all he has to do is pull up his jammie shorts. Ray calls, "OK, Payton, get to bed." I didn't see what happened next, Ray told me this part.
The bathroom door opens, and Payton side-steps out, with his back to the living room. Still got a mental picture? Ray tells Payton to come here. Payton turns and walks into the living room.....with a large bulge in his shorts (not that, you sickos LOL). Ray asks Payton what is in his shorts.
Payton pulls his newest Transformer out of his shorts, and hands it to Ray. In a completely serious voice, Payton says "I was just bringing this to you, Dad. And it's wet." (cuz he'd been playing with it in his bath earlier. Sickos!) Ray's trying hard not to bust up, and I'm not doing very well holding in my laughter either. It was so funny! Ray sent Payton to bed, and we both lost it! Maybe you had to be there. But kids say and do the darnedest things, don't they?

The Saga of the New Bed

2008-08-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

When we bought a crib, before Payton was born, we spent a little extra and bought the crib that converts to a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed. I thought I was being exceptionally thrifty. We would only need to purchase a full-size mattress eventually, and that would get Payton through until he moved out. So, Payton is now too tall for his toddler bed, and we went looking for a full-size mattress, to convert his toddler bed.
We shouldn't have taken Payton mattress shopping with us. At the second store we went to, they had a loft bed with a SLIDE! I threw a blanket over the slide part, hoping he wouldn't notice. It didn't work. Once he saw that bed, we couldn't get him off of it. I left the store without buying the bed, exercising some restraint. But, Ray and I discussed it. Buying the bed was going to be a couple a hundred dollars more than buying a mattress. And, we could use the full-size bed with Payton's crib frame in the guest room when we build our new house. So, we asked Payton if he would have at least two hundred dollars worth of fun on the slide bed. Guess what he said?

Oregon Coast Vacation

2008-07-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

We spent a week at the Oregon Coast, splitting the time between a beach rental and G'ma and G'pa Faulhaber's house. Here are some pix!

Payton's Pool

2008-06-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

With record high temperatures here, we broke out Payton's pool. Here's a video of my little water baby.

Payton's Punishment

2008-06-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

I thought long and hard about a punishment that was suitable for a four-year-old, and yet encompassed the damage done to two blankets, two pillows, a pillowcase and a head of hair. So, I decided, since Payton liked cutting with his scissors so much, I would allow him to continue with that as his punishment. Look closely, and you can see the infamous safety scissors.

I'm going to KILL my son!

2008-06-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

I got up this morning, and saw Payton's blankets and pillows on the couch, ripped up. Heather told me that Payton brought them out of his room at about 9:15 last night, and said they got ripped. Heather went into his room, and found Payton's safety scissors. He had cut open two pillows, cut a pillowcase and two blankets to shreds. And, of course, he cut his hair! I'm still livid, but everyone else thinks the story is funny. So, here are the pictures of Payton's haircut, and my fix of Payton's haircut.

Payton's Recital

2008-05-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Payton takes a class at pre-school, called Musical Kids. It helps teach them rhythm, hand-eye coordination, impulse control, etc. They had their first "recital" and I'd thought I'd share. (His teacher is Devri. I can't remember her last name, but she went to school with us. I think she graduated the same year as Brenda.)

Running to the Emergency Room

2008-05-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Payton got sent to his room, for doing something naughty. When he came out, he tells me "I have something in my nose." After some frantic questioning, I learn Payton has stuck a small rubber stopper up his nose. Trying to get him to blow it out didn't work, so we drove him to the ER. Being the caring mom that I am, I took my camera!

The doctor wrapped Payton up in a "Payton burrito," and used a small tool to get the stopper out. Just thought I'd share our little mis-adventure with everyone. KIDS!!!

Tag - I'm it!!

2008-05-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Carrie, so being one who loves a good game of tag...I'm it, so here goes. Now that you know this much about me...tell me something about you!

Four Things You Might/Might Not Want To Know About Me!
You all probably know this....but I'm so proud of it. I am the first female patrol sergeant my agency has ever had. I was also the first female CERT Team (it's like SWAT, only for the jail) commander ever in Idaho, when I worked in the jail. I have a third degree brown belt in Judo. I need to get back to practicing. When I learn my kata, I will be promoted to black belt. Hmmmm, what else? I've lost 13 pounds in the last 5 weeks, using SparkPeople.com. It's totally free, check it out.

Four jobs I've held:
Topping corn, age 11 & 12 (Thanks, Mom!); Red Steer Restaurant; Bowladrome, Twin Falls; Canyon County Sheriff's Office

Four movies I could watch over and over:
Grease, all the Indiana Jones movies, The Replacements ~ That's actually five.

Places I've lived (in order):
Nampa, Idaho; Filer, Idaho; Caldwell, Idaho; Nampa, Idaho

Four TV shows I like:
What Not to Wear, Wheel of Fortune, The Biggest Loser.....I don't watch a whole lot of TV.....Ten Years Younger, I guess

Four favorite foods:
Cherry Cheesecake, Pork Fried Rice, Papa John's Spinach Alfredo Pizza, Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Where I would rather be:
Oregon Coast ~ I'm counting the days 'til vacation!!!

Four people I am tagging:

Shauna

Brenda

Melissa

Nicole

My baby is FOUR!!!

2008-05-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

Payton turned four on the 2nd of May. We had a family party at our house, with a dinosaur theme. Payton raked in the goodies, a new bike with helmet and pads, several cars, a couple dinosaurs, some summer clothes and a FISHING POLE! (Thanks to everyone. Thank you cards are coming soon.)
He's been bugging us to go fishing for weeks. We knew Grandma and Papa were getting him a fishing pole, so we had to keep putting him off. He's been practicing his casting in the front yard, getting ready for his first fishing trip.

Check out the photos and videos.

Karaoke Payton

2008-04-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

Payton has a little karaoke machine that projects his image onto the television as he sings. He loves it! (Mom, on the other, regrets buying it, just a little bit. It's loud and a bit annoying)

Happy Easter!!!

2008-03-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

We had an excellent Easter. After church, we all went out to Mom and Dad's for Easter dinner and an Easter egg hunt. Check out the photos.
Mom, Dad, Luke, Eva and Payton

Luke, Eva, and Payton
Payton and Tami
Easter Egg Huntin'

And a video of some Easter Egg huntin'!

Payton and Luke at the playground

2008-03-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Luke spent the day at our house, and I took Payton and him to the school playground down the block. Here's some pix.

Payton got up the courage to go down the fireman's pole all by himself for the 1st time.

The Dancing Cowboy

2008-03-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Payton, the dancing cowboy. How come no one warned me how much energy one little boy can have? : )

Or that they were so inclined to violence? I'm not opposed to guns (obviously, with my job). But I remember when Payton was about 18 months old, he began running around the house, pretending to shoot using anything as a gun, because he didn't have any toy guns at that time. It must be in the testosterone, or something, because we didn't teach him that. Now, one of his favorite things is to beat on his "sissy." She thinks it's pretty funny, most of the time.

(By the way, he's almost FOUR! When did that happen?)

Payton the Bowler

2008-02-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

Payton and Heather bowl on a league on Thursday afternoons. Payton is on the PeeWee league, three to five-year-olds, who only bowl one game. He loves it. (The video is side-ways. Couldn't figure out how to turn it.)

Cool-treat Mom!

2008-02-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

So, I went to pick Payton up at day care a couple of days ago. One of the teachers asked me, "What treats are you going to bring to the Valentine's party?" I said I hadn't even thought about it. The teacher replied, "Oh, you always bring the neatest treats."

ME?!? I'm the cool-treat mom?!? Those of you who know me, I'm about as domesticated as a (insert your favorite wild animal here). So, I started thinking about it. I made "spider treats" for Halloween: Ritz crackers, peanut butter, pretzels sticks for legs, and raisins for eyes. "Christmas Hedgehogs" for Christmas. They were supposed to be Aunt Pam's Christmas mice. However, I didn't realize you had to hand-dip the chocolate covered cherries. If you use the chocolate covered cherries you buy at the store, Christmas mice turn into Christmas hedgehogs :). So, for Valentine's, we have rocket ships. Rolls of Rolo's covered in construction paper, with a Hershey Kiss hot glued to one end, and construction paper "fire" glued to the other. I'M THE COOL-TREAT MOM!!! WOW!

More for Payton

2008-01-07T16:56:00.000-08:00

This one is The Cat in the Hat. The other is Puff the Magic Dragon.

For Payton

2008-01-07T03:54:00.000-08:00

I have to go out of town, so these are for Payton.

EVA'S HERE!

2008-01-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Eva, like Payton and Luke, decided to come early. She was born Dec 30 at 1:12 p.m. She weighed 7lbs, 3 oz, and was 20 (?) inches long. Isn't she gorgeous?
She started crying, and Payton sang "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" to her. She stopped crying, until Payton stopped singing. Then, she started crying again. Payton started singing, crying stopped. It was pretty funny.

Heather's 17th Birthday

2008-01-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

Heather turned 17 three days after Christmas. Talk about a busy week. We keep telling her she's getting luggage for her birthday next year, LOL.

Christmas Morning

2007-12-27T05:35:00.000-08:00

Payton and Heather must have been pretty good kids this year. Santa came to our house, ate the prerequisite cookies, and drank iced tea (Payton's choice), and left lots of presents.

Later, we went out to Grandma and Papa's house, for more presents.
And, of course, despite all the cool toys, Payton found a cheap, easy way to entertain himself. All he needed was a set of stairs and a lack of fear.

Jingle Bells

2007-12-22T07:08:00.001-08:00

Jingle bells, Batman smells. Robin laid an egg. Batmobile lost a wheel, and the Joker got AWAY!!

Santa's lap

2007-12-15T07:33:00.001-08:00

A day prior to going to see Santa, I asked Payton if he was going to sit on Santa's lap. He said he was, and was going to ask Santa for "dinosaurs, a red one and a green one." That lasted until we walked into the mall, and saw Santa in the flesh. Then, Payton was hanging onto my neck with a death grip, crying. We put Luke onto Santa's lap (more crying there). But, when Payton saw Santa give Luke a candy cane, we were GOLDEN. You can see the result in the picture. After Payton and Luke were done with their photos, Santa walked up to Carrie (8 months preggo), and said "when's your little girl due?" SANTA KNOWS!!!

Putting up the Christmas tree

2007-12-08T07:41:00.001-08:00

Payton was big enough this year to help put up the Christmas tree. He was so excited. His patience was pretty short, however. He couldn't wait very well while I put on the lights. Once he got to start putting ornaments on, though, he was a Christmas decorating machine.

I've been working with him on the reason for the season, so to speak. He doesn't quite have it yet. He kind of understands that it is Jesus' birthday celebration. He wants Santa to come right now! We had to make a paper chain, where he can rip off one chain each night, to see Christmas get closer and closer.
Merry Christmas everyone!! (I also put up a couple of "first snow" pix)

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-26T04:27:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at Aunt Jackie's house. Lots of cousins were able to make it, and the house was packed. We ate great food, played games, and watched football. Aunt Jackie set the garage up for the kids, with toys, their own tv, and space heaters. They had a terrific time, and we didn't have to have them underfoot the whole time. They also played outside, climbing the tree and playing fetch with the dog. With healthy kids like these, who wouldn't be thankful?

Cabin Fever

2007-11-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

After being locked in the house all day because of the weather, Payton had a serious dose of cabin fever. We put on his rain coat and boots and went out to splash in the puddles (before Mom pulled her hair out). Payton loves to find big puddles and splash, and he found a great one this time. Unfortunately, he dressed himself this morning, and he decided underwear wasn't going to be part of his outfit. See for yourself!

Graduation!!!!

2007-11-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

I finally completed my goal of earning my bachelor's degree. I graduated from George Fox University in June (they have a Boise center). I majored in "management and organizational leadership," which is a business degree. There is a lot that translates nicely into my current job in law enforcement. Now, I am contemplating going back for my master's degree after Payton is in school full-time.

GiGi's Birthday!!

2007-11-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

We made a quick run over to the coast, to surprise GiGi on her 80th birthday. We stayed in a nice little cabin in Netarts, and went to the beach, even though it was raining. Try telling a 3-year-old he can't go to the beach because of the rain. We went to Fred Meyer, bought the boys raincoats and rain boots, and they had a ball.
At GiGi's party, Luke helped GiGi open her gifts. Payton helped by licking the frosting off her candles. I was so glad we were able to make it!

Ghosts of Halloweens' Past

2007-11-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

Payton's prior Halloween costumes. Way too cute, wasn't he?

(The lil' pumpkin is Lukas at 10 weeks.) Bamm-Bamm is 18 months. Yoda is 2 1/2. Superman is 3 1/2 years old.
At 6 months, he was the little pig.