its a bird, no its a plane, no...

...its Jett the Spy!

This Saturday was Jett's SURPRISE spy party! If you have been around Jett for the past six months or so you know that being a SPY is all he talks about... Some of the family members even have spy names... He has such a great imagination!

This year Jett's birthday theme was "Spy Party" it was also a surprise, sort of... Jett being the oh so smart child that he is saw Ivey's (ok really her mom's) car and said "What's Ivey doing here? Is this some kind of surprise for me??" Smart, I know.

Anyway, Nikki planned out all kinds of things...first the kids had to become secrete spy's by getting their name badges and finger prints done and then the kids went on a secrete spy mission with clues written in invisible ink - you had to use the special spy pen to read... So creative that Nikki is!

Spy's on a Mission!

Found it!!!

The Spy Mo-ville ((yes that's how he says it))

And cause I love him so good.... Here's a picture of my Boo.... ((its not a "great" one cause I took it with my phone))

Pick-Me-Up...

In an effort to live a more positive life, I am going to try and post a inspirational bible verse every day, mainly for myself... but I hope that is uplifts anyone else who may read it as well...

Luke 6:27-31

27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Update...

Diezel seems to be feeling a little better today... He's been up and moving around and even ate a little something.... He's not walking very well but it could just be from he stitches and or the bite wounds... at any rate, he seems as though he will be just find in a week or so...

Also, Kevin's back is getting much better, Praise the Lord! But please keep praying for him... he has a LOT on his plate right now, there are many things going on and WE sure could use the prayers... Thanks again for all the love and support...

Its a sad day...

...in the Bradford house....
Athen's bff, Diezel was MIA last night. We later found out today that it was because another dog had attacked him. We just got back from the doggie ER... Vet said that he's lucky to be alive. Diezel SHOULD make it, we are going to have to watch him thru the night and tomorrow and take him back to Vet on Monday.

Then I posed this question, does God answer prayers for animals as he does for humans? Since and animal has no soul ((some would disagree, but no - they don't.)) does he "heal" them? On the other hand, animals are his creature, so..... Dunno. I believe I am going to submit it to the question and answer box at church, stay tuned for the answer...
However, it can't hurt to say a prayer tonight for Diezel.((Just say one for my family in general...)) He's in a good bit of pain. Plus we are going to have to keep Athen and him apart... Athen is going to be crushed, Diezel - no so much...

Thank You

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all your encouraging comments to Kevin. I have passed them along. He and I are SO very proud for this life changing decision. Its so encouraging to have friends and family as we have. Please continue to pray for our family.

Happy BIRTHday!

Not only is today my Jettie-Man's SIXTH birthday Day - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JETT!
It was also Kevin's "Birth"day... Tonight Kevin was baptized!!
Soooo many prayers were answered tonight. I couldn't be more proud of Kevin, he has come SUCH a L-O-N-G way in the last six years, I do good work =)

Thank you to all the family and friends that have supported Kevin and prayed for him, don't stop...

((Guess I should have saved my "**BREAKING NEWS**" post for tonight huh???))

I love you Kevin, and I am PROUD to be your wife!

**Breaking News**

**Breaking News**

Athen can spell his name!!! At bath time we spell out his name with his foam letters… I tell him “A-T-H-E-N” and he gets them and sticks them to the wall… Well last night I said “spell your name” and be proceeded to pick up and stick “A-T-H-N” ok, so he “forgot” the E… but really, it was just an over sight cause he was so excited… as am I!!! My baby is so smart, I am VERY PROUD of him!!!
I am such a proud momma!
It occurred to me that maybe I should add to the “to do” list that whole potty training thing…?
I will try and get a picture up tonight of his name that HE spelled... =)

A-L-L boy....

my oh my... that's about all I can say.... {note the placement of his left hand...}

A Trip to the ER...

as "they" say.... Want the good news or the bad news first?
Lets start with "bad" and follow up with GOOD....

Last night/this morning, I learned that you do not go to SGMC's ER and say that anything NEAR your "Chest" hurts unless you are prepared to stay for oh, about 12 hours. That was shorter than what it could have been.... (helps to know folks)

Let me back up a bit, last Thursday Kevin told me that it felt like something was stuck in this throat... by Sunday night he couldn't breathe very well or swallow his own spit. Off to the ER we go, I wasn't about to go all night with him not being able to breathe well and run the risk of him stop breathing all together while he slept.... ((note to self: just invest in one of those things you put on your finger to know what you are getting enough oxygen to your brain - its HAS to cost less than a 12hr vacation at SGCM)) So at SGMC they as Kevin what is wrong he tells him "I can't breathe well and my "chest" hurts thus started our LONG trip thru tests in the Chest Pain center. I kept telling them it wasn't his heart and wasn't his "chest" that's just the best way he could describe it. At one point the nurse asked "And who are you? What relation to him?" Guess how well that went over with me?!?!?!
So 12 hours later, we know it wasn't his heart... HELLO!!! I am pretty sure at hour ONE I had all ready clued them in to that little bit of information...
They think ((which I already knew)) that its something to do with his GI track. I think more accurate its Esophageal Ulcer. And if you are wondering, his back is doing a bit better, he is undergoing treatment at Dr. Pridgens and seems to be helping. this will be his second full week. Pray for my little Kevin....


Now on to Good New - ATHEN
He knows all his ABC's by sight
He knows all his numbers by sight
He can count to 9
He knows most all of his colors
He knows most all his common shapes
He knows LOTS of animals, not just barn yard animals but elephant, tiger, lion, alligator....
He knows the characters names on Dora/Diego, MMCH (of course) and Handy Manny
He knows in which order the letters of his name goes in... I have to tell him "A-T-H-E-N" but he knows that the A goes first and then the T goes BEHIND the A, if he puts in front he looks at it and goes "Nope" and corrects himself...
He's VERY smart.
Last night his Papa said "Do you know this two year old knows how to count to ten?" I said "Did you know more importantly that he knows his numbers by sight?"
I think its more important that he knows his numbers and letters by sign than by being able to sing some song or just be able count in order...
We are currently working on learning the sounds letters make and the lower case abc's...

And for your viewing pleasure...Athen got some new clothes... =)

.....now I know my ABC's......

Yeppers! Athen knows 95% of his ABC's. All with OUT learning the song. He knows them by their letters. He also knows his number 1-9 "O" and "zero" are the same to him.. =)
We are still working on colors and shapes... then we are on to what sounds the letters make and also learning to spell his name... he says "A for Athen"
Athen is really talking up a storm theses days.... he says all kids of things... he's newest is "no, quit" and "Aw, man!" and "um, lets see...." and "lets find ____" lol, I could go on and on...

Maw

Another mom’s blog reminded me of this…

The other night “maw” aka my grandma called and Athen was sitting in the floor doing his puzzles and says “Oh! Pone (phone)” and climes up on the couch to reach the cordless phone. Which he did, and started talking “ello?” only to be talking to no one cause he didn’t turn the phone ON. So the answering machine picks up and “Maw” starts talking… “Hey Tiffany, its Grandma….” and Athen goes “HEY! MAW, HEY!” but not on the phone, nope – he’s talking into the answering machine. And when she doesn’t talk back he squinches (sp?) his little eye brows… ((If you know him, you can just picture him doing this cause he does it all the time… ))
So I get the phone and answer it, he NEEDS to talk to Maw…

Athen: Hey Maw!
Grandma: Hey
Athen: What you do’n?
Grandma: ____? (don’t know, couldn’t hear her)
Athen: You wanna play? Puzzles?
Grandma: ____ ( I am guess she didn’t know what he said and that she asked where diesel was)
Athen: There, deizel there (Athen pointing)
Grandma: ____ (she must have asked about Kevin, thus Athen’s response)
Athen: Dada in chair, back broke, hurt.

He’s so funny! I have gotten some video of him doing his ABC’s… they are kinda long but I will try and post some soon.

He’s new thing is at dinner (or whenever he’s eating) he closes his eyes, rubs his tummy and says “hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, da’s good!” “good cooker momma”
I am going to try and get that on video as well…

Got to love him!

Gifted, I know...

At christmas, Papa (aka Pawpaw as Athen calls him) gave Jett and Athen these shirts with the Flash Foods logo on there (that would be the company that Daddy works for, thus the shirts) Anyway, Athen calls it his "PawPaw shirt" well, the other day Kevin get a letter from Flash Foods (he also does some work for them) and of course it had the Flash Foods logo on it... Athen was looking for paper to write on and he got the letter that Kevin had gotten in the mail. I told him "No, that's Dada's paper" and he in turn told me "NO Momma! Da's PawPaws paper!"
Now isn't that some good reasoning skills? He gets that ALL from me! I take FULL credit for that... I just think that is to smart! So gifted my child...

a bit more...

Here's some pictures and a bit more about Athen...



He's learning his letter very well... "A for Athen" "D for Diezel" "M for Momma" "N for Aunt Ninnie (Nikki)" "S for Susan" "P for papa" "G for Grammie"....


He can also now fully do his ABC puzzle. I am very proud, its kinda hard cause the shapes are just as the letter are.

Athen also knows some of his colors and numbers.


Here's a picture of his hair cut, pardon the dirty face, he was eating at the time...



((Sorry he has a mouth full...))
Saying "CHEESE" just for you Aunt Ninnie!!

A day late and a dollar short....

Yeah well I am a day late with Athen's 27 month birthday update, chalk it up to me being a working mom...

Here are just some random comments and "conversations" we have had...

Athen: "Want sum, momma?" "Pice (pacie) mouth momma"
Me: "No, I don't want your pacie in my mouth, pacies are for babies. Are you a baby?"
Athen: "No"
Me: "are you a big boy?"
Athen: "No, I Athen!"

That kid makes me laugh...

He likes to say "No, Athen do it" , "What you do'n?", "diezel, come here diezel"
"Athen need medicine" "I want some" "Cup needs ice" "Put da in bag" "Watch movie, ddd (dvd)", "I wanna cooey (cookie)"

I will try and post a new picture, Athen got his hair cut yesterday... =)

Yep, one of THOSE mom's....

Yes, I was the soon-to-be mom that said " I wont' let a TV babysit my kid" "I will spend time with them, read to them, teach them all kinds of things..."

Well you know what happened? L-I-F-E. This is the only way I get anything done ie: supper cooked, dishes done, laundry done...

So, yeah I am one of those mom's that lets the tv babysit their child... Does it count that I try and only let him watch educational things...? I am sure it counts for something, ok maybe not as much as me sitting down with him.... but still.

Know what else, I even let him have a snack when we get home so he will sit and watch his dvd, I know... call DFCS. Does it count is a "healthy" snack? ((that would be 100% fruit and veggie juice in that cup- not yoohoo, NANA))

So, they say confession is good for the soul.... so there ya have it...

And for your viewing pleasure....lyle lovett

Look out Billy-Ray!!!

Business in the front.... P-A-R-T-A in the back!

a bit out of it....

I find myself complaining (to myself) when people do not update their blogs. Most of which is only cause I like to keep up with folks. Then it occurred to me, I do not keep up with my own. I know, shame on me... something about a speck and a plank, I know.

With that said, here's a small update on the fam....

Athen is doing just fine, he's learning all kinds of new things... he's working on numbers, colors, and letters... He's sentences are getting longer and you can understand more of what he is saying. He's still really into MMCH and Handy Manny.

Now to Kevin, well............. he's not doing so well. He has a herniated disc. Its pretty bad. All the doctors are saying surgery... He is trying Physical Therapy right now and has an appointment with a pain management doctor in March.

this is actual MRI of his back... ((don't ask me what it is, but it looks bad...))

So, that's pretty much all that's been going on at our house. We are to be on our cruise right now, but due to Kevin's back we couldn't go.... such is life.

Hope all is doing well and be looking for an Athen update around the end of next week, say sometime around the 27th =)

In the spirit of blogging...

For those non-check writers out there, today is January 27. Marking 26 months ago the little man made his GRAND entrance…. In keeping with the spirit of blogging I am going to list Athen’s new things… However, at some point you have to stop counting the months…. With that said, I am just going to list random things that he is saying and doing at his 26 month old mark…

-Kevin has taught him to say “What’s Up?” (I am not a fan of this)
-Knows some of his colors “orange, blue, black, and white” – note he doesn’t know red, odd don’t you think?
-Can put together his color, shape, and number puzzles – not so much the ABC’s that’s a hard one…
-Says “puzzle play” when he wants to do his puzzles
-Can count to six
-Counts letters like they are numbers
-If he gets a puzzle piece wrong he says “nope”
-Likes to tell me which way to drive “ go da-a-way”
-If we are in the car we are either going to “Carolyn/Johnny’s”, “Class” (aka church), or “Grammie/Papa’s”
-Branching out on which cartoons he likes…
-Tells random people “Hey” and does so until he gets a response
-Thinks bath time is also “potty time”
-MUST have his elmo and mickey books with him while he is on the potty (thanks Nana and Grandma Becky)
-Is a bit of a copy cat
-Knows all his clothes – shoes, socks, hat, jacket, shirt, pants
-You are either at “wurk” or at “home”
-Likes to talk on the phone
-Says “You hear me?!?!”
-Puts his finger on his chin and says “hmm, lets see…”
-Can say “Wal-Mart” (although I try to take him there as little as possible)
-When its bed time he all of a sudden is “hungry, needs to eat”
-Likes a little cup of something when he goes to bed
-Has five pacies in the bed with him
-Only wants to be covered up with his George blanket
-Calls a DVD a “DDD”
-Can say “Susan”
-Calls Grandpa Buddy “Pa” – I am guess the same reason he still calls my grandma “Ma” must be the only part of the name he hears…?
-Likes to take Ms Ann things to her room DURING church
-Likes class, not so much church ( which I think he likes the treats he gets in class MOST of all, thanks Mrs Buffy)

That’s all I can come up with off the top of my head… I will add more at they come to me… and maybe a picture or two of him and his new shirt his Aunt Ninny got him…

This is as much as I could get out of him... he was yet again being SILLY!

Bed Head...

Little Helper...

Since I LOATH unloading the dishwasher, I enlisted some help.... he's for hire too!

(extra bouse points if someone can tell me what that is playing in the background...)

Kids say the darnest things....

Athen was in the bath tub when he said "Momma, teetee broke - need medicine!"

Then he said "Where'd teetee go?" "OH! there'd it is!"

He cracks me up!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Kristin (today) and Louisee (tomorrow)












Hope y'all enjoy your days (and the picture)!!!

splish splash...

...athen taken a bath....

I was trying to get him to talk for the camera but, of course, he wouldn't - he just wanted to be silly....

His hair TRIPS me out... lol, I swear that Will Ferrell is my baby daddy....

After his bath I blow his hair dry, this is as good as it got "straight" that is...























He's watch "Manny/tools" aka Handy Manny".
Athen says lots of things now...
The other day at church Brody (who is maybe all of 6-8 months old) leaned over the pew and pulled Athen's hair... only to hear Athen say: "da's Athens hair, BayBay..... ((some other "words")) YOU HEAR ME?!?!" and all the mean while pointing his finger... I just don't know where he would have picked that up from, I must talk to daycare ;)
Then that night at church we were the only ones in the "training" room and Athen wasn't wanting to "sit still" so his Daddy told him, "you get up again and you are getting a spanking" well, you guessed it... he got up-again. So, Kevin made good on his promise and spanked him... he cried out so load that the people in the auditorium could hear him (I could see them turning around) so I took him out and sat in a chair in the lobby. Jason just happens to come out that way and stops and speaks to Athen and Athen says "Dada pank!" yeah... he's a bit of a tattle tell...
Oh boy, what fun we have in store of us...

A New Year...

After reading other blogs where they have reflected, I thought it might be a good idea for me to do the same was well....
Last year was way better than the year before. After having Athen I had mad post pardon... which took me till August to figure out, and till October to get it all worked out...
Last year I have made an AWESOME friend, my BFF Jill, aka Susan. I am going to miss her SOOO much when she leaves for school... who ever heard of such? Higher education and all...
Last year Athen got to meet his Nana. She was able to become not only a part of our lives but her own as well...
Last year Kevin started his own business........ get back with me after this year on that one ;)
Last year our little baby grew up to be a little boy... he has learned so much and brought everyone he meets so much joy...
Last year we went to Disney World for the first time... It was a start of a journey I have decided to take, one new thing a year... last year Disney, this year a CRUISE!
Last year I learned never to say never, and that life's choices have consequences.
Last year I learned that just because you think someone has hit their rock bottom doesn't mean that they feel the same and only till then will they do something about their own lives...
Last year I learned that just because people have the same blood running thru them doesn't make them "family"
Last year my mom turned 50, and I learned that I couldn't become the woman she is in her short 50 years in my whole life time...
Last year my sister turned 30, I learned that she is much stronger than I ever gave her credit for...
and last, last year I learned how to pray again and believe in that prayer....

Here's to the next year and learning so much more....

More friends....

My friend Louisee, her hubby, Leigh (Louisee's sister) and her Boyfriend (which I think could be joining the family ;) ) came to visit me, I mean Athen... They were VERY entertained by him and all his knowledge... he's so smart and such a show out, I mean off....


HE makes me laugh!!

My boys...

... all three of them, watching some saturday morning cartoons!

Chippendales Called...

... they are missing a member!

Visit with some friends...

My friend Kristin aka "Bob" from elementary school was in town this week for the holidays to see her family. Myself, Athen and my mom had a chance to go over and visit and meet her oh so cute little girl, Kinsey... Here's a couple of pictures of the kido's watching some frosty the snow man sing and dance and what not... Athen didn't seem to mind too much me holding the "Baybay"

New Years Eve....

To "Ring in the New Year" Kevin and Eric thought it would be fun to have a camp fire and camp out...

Well, not so much camping went on other than poor ol' eric sleeping out in a tent by himself. We did however have a camp fire and cooked dinner and made smores... It was lots of work but a lot of fun. I am not sure if anyone actually made it to midnight or not... The only pictures I got was of Athen dressed to be out in 40 degree weather... He's so cute!

Will Ferrell...???

I think Boo looks like Will Ferrell with his hair like this... I am going to let it keep growing.... as long as I don't leave him alone with his Daddy or Papa. He could have hair like Sampson!!!

jump, jump, JUMP!

Here's Athen enjoying his Christmas present and the nice weather...

25 and still alive....

Athen watching "Hot Dog" aka MMCH is our bed this morning... check out that bed head!

Athen's 25 NEW things...

1. Athen can say lots of things “You need help”.
2. “You ok?”
3. “Where’d da _______ go”
4. He’s favorite is DVD is still MICKEY MOUSE CLUB HOUSE
5. He likes Barney
6. Last night one the way to town we were headed the same way we go to church he said “class momma” I told him no, we weren’t going to class and proceeded to turn – just so happens it’s the same way we go to day care… “Carolyn / Johnny momma?”
No, not going to Mrs Carolyn and Mr Johnny’s house… kept driving…. “Nana, Momma?” Can you see we travel the SAME route often!
7. He doesn’t like to say “Sorry” if you tell him to. If its his idea, he’s ok with it.
8. He really likes his trampoline or as he calls it his “Jump”
9. Athen isn’t allowed to say “mine” thus he says “Athen’s”, smart – I KNOW!
10. He can say “You hurt? Got BooBoo?”
11. First thing he says in the morning is “Where’d da moon go?” and then “Where’d da pacie go?”
12. likes to “help” with the laundry
13. Is very particular theses days about who does what for him… “No, momma do” or “No, papa do” even down to changing his dirty diapers… which HEY I’m not complaining there!
14. He has to be the one the throw the dirty diapers in the trash
15. He asks to go to the potty AFTER his toot toot’d and you are changing him…it’s a start I guess…
16. When he sees a McDonald’s sign he says “EAT” which is odd, cause we don’t eat there… we really don’t take him out to eat like that often and when we do its not McDonald’s… I guess he just KNOWS….
17. He’s a terrible sleeping partner…. Every ONCE and a while Kevin will put him in the bed with us if he wakes up in the middle of the night, its not long before his right back in his bed…
18. Still calls my Grandma “Maw”
19. Athen is very strong will, wonder where he gets that from….?
20. I HEAR that he really enjoys a chocolate frosty with Papa
21. He really enjoyed all the Christmas lights and would say “More lights, momma – MORE”
22. If you pray to long at dinner, he will end it for you… “AMEN!!!! “
23. knows lots of his animals… we are going to start working on letters and colors… I know, we are behind…
24. Starting to stutter, drives me CRAZY
25. Will tell on you if you spank him… “Momma pank!”

Merry Christmas!

Well christmas has come and gone, a good time was had by all.....
Athen's "big" gift from us was a trampoline, I will have to get pictures of the "Jump" as Athen calls it tomorrow cause my camera DIED before I got any pictures of him on it... =(




Athen's gift from "Santa" aka Grammie and Papa (note the seat belts!)












Jett and his dress up clothes

(that's Athen's GIANT mickey behind Jett)





















Mouse!!!























Grammie and the boys...
(night and day)






















Aunt Ninnie























Uncle Errrr





















Aunt Sherrr smiling at Athen

Papa and his BooBoo

Papa, very photogenic