TyToo Fun!!!!

Today, while running a few errands, we discovered someone left their already purchased tatoo behind, at the "Dollar Tree". The cashier offered it to Ty and needless to say, he was more than thrilled. I wasn't planning on putting it on him, but he didn't have to know that :) Unfortunately, Tyson forgets nothing and he reminded me, almost 5 hours later, to apply it to his chest. For some reason, Ty refuses to put tatoos on his arm or face, but rather insists on having them on his chest. Here's a little "TyToo" (aka Tatoo) Friday night fun from our home to yours!!!!!

Never, Say "Never!!!"

Often times, I wonder if I have let go of so many things I said I would never let my child do (when I was pregnant). I decided a while back, that as long as "it's" in moderation, I wanted Tyson to be able to enjoy the little things in life that every kid should get to experience. This world is an amazing creation of God's works, but it is also filled with so much stress, so many challenges, and unfortunate destruction at times. I feel it is my duty to make Tyson's childhood, if nothing else, enjoyable and stressfree. So you may be wondering, what is it that she let's her son do, IN MODERATION OF COURSE, that was once thought of as an absolute "no-no"? I'll tell you.

The biggest subject I battle, with myself, is television. I definitely do NOT plop Ty in front of the television all day long, but I do allow him 2 (1/2 hours) shows in the early a.m., while I take care of my morning responsibilities, and then 1 (1/2 hour) show at lunch, and often times, 1 (1/2 hour) show at night, before bed. Tyson's days are filled with all sorts of activities (ie. School on Tuesdays and Thursdays, "Wee Read" and Melody Makers, and major playtime after dinner with daddy/mommy! etc.), which helps him grow both intellectually and physically. I guess I look at television as a time to let his little brain "rest". Afterall, he's got the rest of his life to succumb to all of life's intense demands. I cannot deny that by letting Ty watch television, it provides me with an opportunity for some well-deserved "me time". I have a few friends who are still holding out on letting their child(ren) watch tv, but I constantly remind myself that I am not them, I am me, and that comparing is unhealthy.

On top of television, I have allowed Tyson to indulge in some sugary items that I never imagined letting him have before. These items include juice, ice cream, cotton candy, regular candy, and cookies. One thing I am really adimate about not allowing him to have is soda or tea and so far I have been successful with that "no-no". Ty's never tasted either beverage. I'm sure it is only a matter of time, but I feel he is too young for caffeine, even more than the sugar. In our household, our pantry and refrigerator are filled with products made with splenda more than anything else. At times, I hear people voice their concern about giving their children artificial substances, but according to my doctor and my health concious brother, splenda is a natural form of sugar, so I feel comfortable giving that to TY. Juice is only given to Ty diluted, unless in a juice box and only about 3 times a week. Candy, cookies, and ice cream are very limited and usually given to Ty on the weekneds or at special events such as a birthday party. Any sweets offered to him in our home, 95% of the time, are sugar-free, fat-free, AND low carb simply because that's the way Darren and I eat. So I try not to fret a 3-day-a-week splurge.

So, am I a horrible parent for letting my child enjoy cotton candy at a special event such as Sesame Street Live or an ice cream cone at Maggie Moos on the weekend? I don't think so, mostly because again it's only in moderation. My mother always used to tell me, "Never, say never!" I never fully appreciated that widely used phrase of hers until NOW. You'll wind up eating your words if you say "NEVER!" Trust me. Bottom line, I cannot worry about what others are doing or what research says. If it works for my household, I feel that's all that really matters. AND.... if my BIGGEST fault, as a parent, is letting my child watch television or eat some sugary foods once in a while, then I feel I am doing a pretty good job.


This picture was taken at Maggie Moos ice cream parlor last weekend. He was enjoying a cup of their electric blue, cotton candy ice cream. Personally, I don't recommend it ONLY because it turned his poop the same color as his tongue, for days! And I'm not lying or exaggerating. I think that's a sign of way TOO MUCH FOOD COLORING.

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie

I always get depressed when Sundays arrive. Our weekend was so much fun. We had NOTHING major planned, but it just turned out great! Friday we went out to eat, took Ty to the ice cream parlor (Maggie Moos, YUMMY), and then stopped by Granee and Grandad's house for some playtime.

Lastnight, Darren and I took Ty to a really cute movie called, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie. For those of you who have children, I thought I would share. I attached a link for a description of the movie as well. We are always looking for a variety of things to do with Tyson so he doesn't get bored. The movie was approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes long. Ty sat through the entire movie. Although, once he was done with his popcorn, his attention span was not as high.

If you've never heard of the Veggie Tales before, I highly recommend buying a few of their books or movies. I am sure you can find them online, but I typically find them at a Christian book store. The cartoon characters are vegetables, hence the reason they are called Veggie Tales, who teach children life lessons and bible stories.

THE ONLY COMPLAINT: Movies are so expensive now a days. Call me cheap, but even though Tyson got in for free, 2 tickets, a medium popcorn and two drinks, cost well over $30 (and that was matinee prices too).


http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809826054/details

Shower Cap Heaven!

As I prepared to take a shower, Tyson watched me put on my shower cap! He insisted that he and Daddy did too. Needless to say, we took a family shower in our fancy new shower. Those days are definitely numbered as Ty becomes more curious than ever!

Tip: Don't Underestimate A Child's Abilities

Typically, I am a leader, not a follower. However, after watching a video clip of Tyson's friend, Gavin, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, (he just turned 3 years of age) I was bound and determined to see if Tyson could recite it as well. No lie, after 3 days of repeating the pledge (approximatly 15 times total) Tyson is now able to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. See the video clip. It's cute. He says all the words very precisely, except for America. Instead of America he says, "Americob". Funny!

Although Tyson is still considered a "toddler", it won't be long before he is considered a "preschooler" (4 months to be exact). I assume it doesn't hurt to continue teaching him things that ultimately will prepare him for kindergarten. He is like a giant sponge, absorbing all of the information we try to teach him. Currently, he is able to spell his entire name, write the letter T & Y, recite the pledge of Allegiance and alphabet (easy one I know), and count to 18+. Usually, he says, "Eleventeen", for eleven. I personally, think that's cute though.

NEVER underestimate a child's abilities. They are a lot smarter than you think. A child can ask questions that a wiseman cannot answer. Think about that one for second.

Kelley Reese, thanks for the idea. Sorry to be a copykat!

Video Clips of the First Snow of 2008

The First Snow of 2008

Today, it snowed approximately 5”. Darren and I didn’t expect that much so we proceeded with our typical morning routine (working out) and getting ready for our day. Luckily, Darren didn’t have to go in to work until 9:30 ish, so we spent the morning playing in the fluffy white snow. And boy do I mean fluffy. It was so fluffy we were unable to get our snowman to stand upright, so we made a snowman lying on the ground. He was still so cute! Ty enjoyed eating the snow the best (no yellow snow though), he made his first snow Angel, and went sleigh riding. Tyson was a complete daredevil when it came to the sleigh riding. He didn’t mind riding with us, but most of the time he insisted on going by himself.

Too bad Ty doesn’t like chocolate. It was a perfect day for hot cocoa. Daddy and Ty did find some time to warm up next to the cozy fireplace though. It felt great to feel the cold breeze and have some fun as a family! We sure hope this isn't the last time it snows this year. have some fun as a family. We sure hope this isn’t the last time it snows this year!




For more PICS, request my ofoto album

Our "Frosty the Snowman"
(We used a play carrot, oreos, play broom, mommy's hat, & daddy's scarf)

My Other Baby!

I never thought I would let something "take the place" of the amount of time I used to spend with my dog, Ninja.

Needless to say, Ninja has taken a back seat for Tyson. Unfortunately, dogs are not our whole life, but they can make our lives whole. Often days, I feel extremely guilty and sad that I cannot simply find the time to play fetch, scratch his belly, or comb through his thick, beautiful coat. I have even had to, ALMOST, completely eliminate our once a month visits to PetSmart (Oh boy how he loved peeing all over the store and sniffing the dog poop in the parking lot).

I thought I would switch it up for a change and blog about "my other baby!" I took Ninja for a car ride the other day and to my surprise, look what I spotted, after returning to my vehicle, from Kroger? I think this is Ninja's way of saying, "Hey, I'm your baby too!" Thank goodness I don't leave home without my camera. In this situation, the picture is so much funnier than the story.

I dedicate this blog to you Ninja :) Although you now are not the biggest priority in my life, I do want you to know that I still love you. You’re the most unconditionally loving thing in my life. You greet me with the biggest hellos, even better than my own husband does, and your easily satisfied.

Cole & Kailer's 3rd Birthday Party!

Yesterday, we were invited to our next door neighbors' TWIN's birthday party. Cole had a Cars themed party and Kailer had a Princess themed party. This was the first time I have attended a twins birthday party. It was really interesting to watch. Mommy and Daddy BOTH had to play a part in the entire event vs. just mommy (sorry you daddies, but you get away with murder sometimes).

We are very happy to have Rob, Robin, Cole, and Kailer right next door. Not only are they our age and Ty's age, but they are Cave Spring Graduates as well as Hokie grads/fans!!!!!!!

Ty brought Kailer a pink rose in honor of her special day.

Cole and Kailer

Blowing out their candles "nsync". That's what twins do!!!

2007 is Over and 2008 is a New Beginning!

It's been a while since I've had the time to document and update "All About My Ty Guy". The ending of 2007 was very exciting, memorable, and successful. TY was able to see and do so much more this holiday season now that he's a "big boy!" Tyson's biggest success this holiday season was giving up his binky to Santa. He was only using binkie during nap time and bed time (and occassionally in the car on the way home from school) for almost 6 months or more, but giving binkie up during those precious times, I thought, would be tough. He handled it very well.

Santa was extremely good to our entire household this year. We were very blessed with many "things" and we were also able to enjoy some love, companionship, and relaxation with family as well.

Darren and I continue to work on our self-improvement. That's been our goal for over 6 months now. Daily, we progress and improve.

I believe in making New Year's Resolutions because there is always room for improvement in one's life. It also holds you accountable to become a better person. My resolutions are to read a daily devotional or a portion of a self-help book, to pray daily (at night) and to pray with Ty before going to bed. I am pretty close to joining a bible study with my pal Jill Higginbotham. Ultimately, I am working on becoming more spiritual. It feels great!!!!

One event that I took Tyson too over the Holidays and forgot to share the pictures was "Sesame Street Live". This was his second time going and everytime his reactions are even more exciting to witness. Ty and I went with Jill, Piper, and Ashton. It was a nice break away from the typical evening routine.

Tyson waits for his "first date" with Piper. Shhh... don't tell Mr. Rob.
Piper brought along her "bodyguard" Ashton and her chaperone Mommy Jill.
Let's keep things in perspective though, I will always be Ty's first true love :)
The night ended with a hug.
The characters were all there, even Mr. Noodles.

I definitely plan to start blogging weekly, if not daily. The holidays were just too busy to keep up with it. How often I blog, will depend on how much I have to report on.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed the updates. I know it was overwhelming, but I just couldn't elliminate any of it. To me, it was all worth sharing. It's great to get such wonderful feedback from many of you. There's something awesome about hearing people say, "I must admit, I REALLY missed getting your pictures over the Holidays" and "Thanks for sharing, please keep the pictures coming!" Hopefully, everyone else feels the same.

In the next few months, we have some exciting things planned. We are headed to Charlotte, NC to see the "Doodlebops Live". Ty is really looking forward to it. At the end of February, we are flying to Georgia to finally meet our nephew "Yill" aka Will. It will be our first family trip on an airplane together, Ty's third plane ride. I cannot wait to hold, hug, and kiss our little nephew.

Stay tuned for the next update (hopefully tomorrow).