Easter Eggstravaganza!

Ok, I know I am a week behind but I have been busy!

What a difference a year makes!

Our Easter weekend starting out in a very interesting way. Wanting to leave early on Thursday I worked early and late on Mon, Tues and Wed in order to allow us to be out of town by 3:30. I got home, we pack the car, including Kaden and Molly buckled in, Elmo playing and then as we pull out of the driveway we hear a terribly screeching noise. Half the garage door is coming down and half isn’t…not a good thing. After some attempts to remedy the situation we ended up causing one side of the garage to come off completely. Fantastic. I begin calling numbers while Jon unloaded Molly and a crying Kaden who wanted to watch “ELMO!” After calling 3 places, only one could come Thursday night, but it will be an hour and a half…pushing our leaving time to 6:00. The time we would have left anyway had I not gotten off early.
Anyway we now have a silently moving garage door which is great.

My plan for getting to Abilene early so that Kaden could get to bed early so that we could easily leave for Monahans the next morning was thwarted. He did go to sleep easily but was awakened and cried for about an hour at midnight. He never does this…ever…. After everyone, including Molly, tried to rock him back to sleep..... he would go to sleep but as soon as a muscle twitched to lie him down he was up and screaming, I finally got in bed, which was in the same room as him, and just sang for about 10 minutes. This seemed to appease him and he finally went to sleep.
We….I….. awoke the next morning at 6:45 to get ready to head to Monahans to visit Papa Jack. Thank goodness for the portable DVD player. ELMO…..is not my friend…at least not when I watch the same 3 episodes approximately 5 times. However, it was better than screaming. The whole 3 hours there Kaden’s eyes didn’t even blink slowly….fun right. We had a great visit. He played “outide” and visited with Papa. After a failed attempt to get him to nap he finally collapsed in my lap. This never happens! He slept almost an hour but my bladder could wait no longer, I tried to switch him to Daddy but he woke up. Another napless trip back filled with more Elmo and the 2nd viewing of the “arf arf movie” (101 Dalmatians) We made it back around 10. Another late night! This time he did go and stay asleep…until 9 the next morning! Halleluiah!

Saturday was Aunt Allison’s birthday. We started off the morning with French toast, ham and eggs for her birthday breakfast. It was enjoyed by all!
We then had Kaden’s first Easter egg hunt as a trial run for the big one later in the afternoon.

The eggs had Elmo on them, double bonus so he did enjoy finding them. It took a little while for him to figure out that the green paper inside was a good thing, Mommy and Daddy helped him hold it. He liked holding them and wasn’t so sure about putting them in the bucket but eventually got down the routine. Around 1 we went to the Church of the Christ Eggstravaganza.

They had a big slide which he loved


















and a train ride which he didn’t.







Aunt Allison got the pleasure of taking that little ride. The driver was whipping them around like it was rollercoaster. Mommy was very happy to miss out on that fun time. We were so involved in the big slide that we almost missed the small kid egg hunt…Kaden did manage to get a few “chalk eggs” as we call them. He happily opened it by himself and munched away while we tried to encourage him to pick up more. Oh, well!

After a quick trip to the park and a visit to a family friends birthday party we headed home for a much needed nap! Daddy joined Kaden in napping, while I went shopping with Allison. Big sale at Dillard’s.
We concluded the day with a family dinner for Allison’s birthday. Kaden ate lots of broccoli cheese casserole…until the second helping was a little hot, this kid doesn’t like hot food. He played with Uncle Brent, Aunt Kris and the rest of the gang and entertained us all with a viewing of “Boo!” (Blue’s Clues). After another while of refusing to go to sleep, I joined him for a serenade and he finally went to sleep.

We went to the early service with mom (8:15). Kaden looked precious in his little vest and tie. He was a good boy in the nursery and got lots of compliments on his new outfit. After a quick nap we went my cousins’ house for another egg hunt and a big lunch. Kaden discovered his new favorite toy. The trampoline. He had a great time jumping and being flipped by daddy! For his third and final hunt of the year he did much better. He would pick them up and drop them carefully into the basket. He should be a pro next year. We finally returned home around 7:30 on Sunday. Kaden went to bed early and Mommy and Daddy collapsed. It was fun weekend but boy was it busy!

Mommy's cousins!

For more pics visit www.kadenrhodes.myphotoalbum.com

Random Quips

Kaden is talking more and more everyday. It is crazy to think that a few months ago he was pointing and grunting. Here are a few cute random stories.

After being in Abilene for Easter weekend Kaden’s schedule was ever so slightly off. We arrived home around 7:30 on Sunday, gave him a bath and then put him to bed. He fussed for a while and we were watching him on the monitor. Pretty soon he was throwing a big fit for a while when he just sat down defiantly in his bed. Now he had eaten some French toast on the way home and when I offered dinner he refused. So at this point I didn’t know if he was hungry or what. I didn’t know whether or not to go in because after sleeping in the same room with us for the weekend, he was starting to get in a routine of waking in the middle of the night. Then I notice he didn’t have a blanket. Now he doesn’t have a particular blanket that he sleeps with. We have made sure that he didn’t get attached to any certain one, but he likes to have a blanket. Mostly he wads it underneath of himself, doesn’t quite understand the cover up concept yet.
Anyway as we were debating whether he was hungry or missing his blanket we hear a direct response from the Munchkin. Sitting defiantly straight up in bed we hear one of his new favorite words “Cold…cold!” (pronounced “code”) needless to say we couldn’t resist, he got a blanket and a Danimals drinkable yogurt. (these are awesome by the way) After receiving both he went straight to sleep. This boy knows what he wants.


After getting dressed yesterday morning Kaden was walking around playing of course with Elmo. He walked over and put him on his dump truck. Then he looked at me and said “Elmo, ridin!” So cute!

Before bed we usually read some books. Last night Kaden pulled out his Eric Carle alphabet book. Curious to see if he was retaining any information I pointed to the first page and he said “A!’ (Please imagine this being said in a thick Texas accent. So cute!) I pointed to the next and he said “B!” (again cute accent)
Then I pointed to the c…he say “Car!” (another favorite word)
Impressed I asked “no, what letter?” he says “Cookie!”
Ok, we know these were most likely lucky guesses but impressive none the less!

Another phrase we hear these days is “Outide!Outide! (Outside)” This boy loves playing outside! This is quickly followed by “Unt ide! (Want ride)” This is usually in reference to either his “Way (Wagon) or his four wheeler. He doesn’t have a word for it yet just points mostly.

Much like his mommy, he loves to get the mail. He excitedly walks to the mail box with me when we get home. He then holds out his arms to receive and carry it inside.

On the way to Abilene he was getting tired…since we didn’t arrive until nearly 9. I worked early everyday to allow us to leave early. As we pulled out of the driveway at 3:30..the garage door broke. So 2 ½ hours and $150 later we finally headed out. Good news is our garage door now opens very quietly. He was trying to keep himself awake by any means possible. Including shaking his head, babbling, etc. Finally he started saying “Mama!” over and over. When I would ask him what I wanted he would just giggle. We now play this game with him by calling his name until he says ”yeah?” then we say “never mind”. He thinks it’s hilarious. Someday we will probably regret teaching him this game but it is so funny to watch his sense of humor develop

He is also expanding his palette.... to purple crayons. yum!

JON'S DIFFERENT NAMES!

Free Counter

I question the methods that are used to get these! If I were going to change my name I would never use these methods but here is what I came up with. -JON

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car):

CDF150

(This sounds like I am in a bad StarWars cover band)


2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe):

Phish Food Flip Flop

(I am not sure that this gives me any street cred)


3. YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal):

BLUE HIPPO

(This just makes me sound like I am sad about being fat)

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born):

Stephen Lubbock

(I am pretty sure that this character would never get a girl because he would be the dumb west Texas hick)


5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name):

Rhojo

(I think that is Klingon for Dog... Btw I know that I am making both a Star Wars and Star Trek joke at the same time and it is probably looked down on by respective fans of each but that is the point)



6. SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink):

Green Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper

(I am sure that if anyone had to call for me the by the time they got my name out the super villan would have finished their diabolical scheme and gotten away)


7. NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers):

Steve Jack

(This would make a perfect name for the guy in the pit crew but never the driver)



8. STRIPPER NAME ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent,favorite candy):

Escape Sour Patch Kids

(If you are visiting strippers named Escape Sour Patch Kids you are about 5 seconds away from Chris Hansen walking through your door and telling you you are on to catch a predator)



9. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter):

Hendrix Hono lu lu

(This weather guy would definately be the weekend early morning shift that only really "morning" people could stand)


10. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower):

Fall Chrysanthemum

(I don't think that the Russians are too worried by a guy named Fall Chrysanthemum. I am very sure that he would never be a double 0 and pretty sure that he could never make it into the CIA or NSA.)



11. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing rightnow):

Banana Underwear

(THIS IS NOT A CARTOON THAT I WOULD LET MY KID WATCH! BUT WHILE WRITING THIS POST I HAVE TO FOLLOW THE RULES AND THIS IS ALL I HAVE ON)


HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree):

Pop Tart Red Oak

(This is the hippy that likes the Idea of being a hippy but still likes the comfort of modern life... and when no one is looking he litters.)


This just goes to show you how sometimes the rules set you up to fail!

Just for fun on this blustry day!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car): Fluffy Endeavor

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Phish Food Slippers

3. YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Red Dog

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born): Jill Abilene

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name):Rhoan

6. SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Green Tea

7. NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers): Leo Carl

8. STRIPPER NAME ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent,favorite candy):Princess Chocolate

9. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Jones Jackson

10. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Christmas Rose

11. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing rightnow): Orange Watch

HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Wheat Chex Magnolia

17-17th month Kadenisms!

1. Kaden was so funny this morning. He had on his monkey pajamas so of course he was telling me what they say “ee Ee”. I noticed the pants had bananas on them so I asked him what monkeys eat, showing him the shorts. I was thinking he would pick up on the “Nana’s” but he ok course said “cookies?” I am telling you he can’t stop thinking about them!

2. If I sing “How much is that Doggie in the window? He will fill in appropriate “arf, arfs” so cute! I am working on getting it on film.

3. Typical conversation:
Kaden do you want to play
“NO!”
Do you want juice?
“No!”
Do you want to read?
“No!”
Do you want a million dollars?”
“No!”
You want a cookie?
“Cookie?”

4. He associates Allison’s dog (Hallie AKA Bobo ) with panting because she is always chasing him. If you ask him what Molly says he say “arf!” But If you ask him what Hallie says he say “huh huh” (I don’t know how to type a panting noise). Anyway he of course associates Hallie with Allison so if you say Aunt Allison is coming over, or if he sees her, he will pant. We think it is funny; Allison would like him to go back to calling her “Ason”.

5. Another cookie story. Kaden had to get his ears cleaned a few weeks ago because they were trying to check the ear drum for infection and his right ear had a lot of gunk. He, of course, was screaming bloody murder as the doc held him down,( He hates being restrained!) amongst the screams I heard a very audible “Mama, Dada…..cookie!”

6. His new favorite animal name he can say Is Hippo pronounced “Ippo, Ippo!”

7. He finally knows what cows say. We worked on this for weeks coming home from Ms. Joyce’s house; there are usually a few out. Last week I asked what does the cow say and he said “Moow!” So cute!

8. He now insists on feeding himself. Which I must say is nice! He is getting really good with a spoon!

9. Whenever Jon and/or I put him down at night we usually sing him a few songs. If he is really fighting, it he will start yammering nonsense every time I start to sing. It can’t be that he is not enjoying it…right?

10. He loves to bump heads, he says”bonk!” he thinks it is hilarious but I must say he bonks hard!

11. He throws away his own diapers…most of the time. He had a stinky one the other day; it was in a bag, which he insisted on carrying around the living room for several minutes. When Jon finally took it away, he cried! Can you imagine?

12. He can tell just by looking whether you are handing him juice or milk. Amazing since the cups aren’t’ see through but somehow he knows if I am trying to slip him milk when he wants juice. He doesn’t even have to taste it. It is amazing really…ESP maybe?

13. When we leave we usually say “Bye, Molly”. The other morning we were leaving. He walked through the door, stopped, turned around and said “bye bye, Molly”. It is amazing what they pick up on!

14. At Rio Mambo the other night, awesome brisket tacos by the way, he saw me dip my chip in hot sauce before eating it. He then refused to eat his chip unless he got to dip too. You can guess the look on his face. Though not as funny as when he decided to bite into the lemon from Jon’s tea. ;P

15. He loves to ride the vacuum. It is funny!


16. Two weekends ago we went with Courtney and her little girl Hannah to get pictures taken. He was kissing all over Hannah, she is 7 months. Now if you ask him “Is Hannah your girlfriend?” He says “Yeah!”……. I think we are in trouble!

And finally….
17. He is obsessed with dragging shoes, his and ours, all over the house! It is amazing I can still find pairs!

Who loves you Baby?

I do! Thanks for 9 amazing years! Everyday I love and respect you more. You are a wonderful husband and amazing father. Kaden and I are so lucky to have you as a part of our lives!

Then

May 1999






and Now

January 2008

Chapter 5 ……I Want to Hold Your Hand!

(Still working on pics)
We were officially a couple which generally consisted of us hanging out as a group with various friends. I don’t think we had our 2nd official date until June! Anyway we had been dating about a month when P, Jason’s girlfriend at the time, starting asking me if we had held hands. Having little, ok no, experience in this department I was unaware that we were tragically behind on this next step in our relationship.

We had come close a few times..

Like when we were at the Easter Pageant for Pioneer Drive. All night we both kept our hands on our knees beside each other. I kept waiting for him to grab it but he never did, chicken…we still joke about this today!

After this P made sure to talk to Jon that he needed to get on with it and hold me hand already. It was almost Easter, a month and a half after our 1st date. Jon came over to bring me my Easter present, The Rugrats movie and a Chuckie (From Rugrats) balloon. I had a healthy obsession with the Rugrats! Funny show! My little cousins were visiting and we were swinging on the porch swing. We were going kind of high and when I reached out to grab my cousin who was in front of us, Jon reached out and grabbed my hand. Cheesy right..but I was like finally! That same night he put his arm around me while watching Rugrats…how romantic!

BTW……We did go to Prom together….and that’s not all…

2 weeks before prom Jon informed me that his current date had told him to go ahead and go with me since we were now dating. I was so excited but then I found out later that he kind of dumped her at the last minute. Oops! Turns out she told him it was ok but he had better marry me! Well looks like it worked out!

Prom plan 2 was in full swing. Our original dinner destination fell through and we were now having dinner at a friend of my mom’s house. There were about 12 couples planning to come over for pictures and catered dinner. I was excited to have my dress ready and even found matching hair clips! Wednesday before prom I got the best news of my life, to that point. Jon called about 9:30 pm., I was, of course, asleep, and told me that due to turning in his paperwork late he had not been accepted to A&M. he was of course upset but it became blatantly obvious to me at this point that God was calling the shots and he wanted us together. It was great to know that we would be following similar…if I hadn’t already mentioned, Jon’s 2nd choice, where he had already been accepted, was Baylor!

Almost time to go home so more tomorrow!

Chapter 6 First Kiss