The Pharr Phamily, est. 2004

Super Clean Up

2010-10-30T22:21:00.004-05:00

Everyone, meet Super Clean Up, the newest superhero to come to Earth. I am so lucky that he has chosen to live at my house! He wears colorful pants, a cape, and rainboots. He is a big helper around the house, doing everything from picking up toys, to sweeping the floors. There are a couple of drawbacks, however, to Super Clean Up....he only comes out "sometimes in the fall" and is "usually nocturnal". In other words, when you really need him, he may not be available. Oh well. He is pretty cute to have around anyway.

Camera Fun

2010-04-07T21:15:00.007-05:00

Recently Jeremy bought me a new camera. We lost our other one at Disneyworld. That is the 2nd camera we have lost at Disneyworld. Anyway, we bought a really nice camera this time and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have absolutely no talent when it comes to taking pictures, but this camera is phenomenal! Here are some of the first pictures I have taken. My boys
Josiah and Caroline, 2 of the sweetest babies ever

My happy baby

Isn't she beautiful?

Sweet Solomon

Easter with the Pharrs

2010-04-04T21:25:00.014-05:00

The entire Pharr family came over for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt. It was a little crazy, but we all had so much fun! Happy Easter! Solomon and Kingston, my 2 big boys
Sweet Caroline and Amanda (my niece and sister-in-law)

Caleb, Paisley, Solomon, Kington, Caleb and Xander are looking at the fish

Ready, set, hunt eggs! Look at the intensity of Kingston!

Solomon and me

My 2 awesome brother-in-laws, Phillip and Brian, relaxing in the backyard

My sweet family...I am so blessed!

Caroline

Kamry and Josiah

Meemaw (Jeremy's grandmother) and Josiah. He loved playing with her hand.

Kamry

I love this picture. First, it shows the damage that 6 kids (the oldest is barely 5) can do to a bedroom. It also shows how worn out we all were at 4:30. Solomon fell asleep between the bed and the wall.

The Messiah Complex

2010-03-29T12:02:00.002-05:00

It is really hard to pay attention to the sermons at church with a 2 year old and an infant. Therefore, I didn't realize that yesterday was Palm Sunday until I saw Kingston hand a large leaf to Solomon this morning and tell him, "When I walk by, throw this down in front of me and shout "Hosanna!"

Happy 6 months, Josiah!

2010-03-15T15:07:00.003-05:00

You are the perfect addition to our family. We all love you so much.

Spring Program

2010-03-15T08:38:00.002-05:00

During the spring program at Otter Creek, Solomon's class sang the little prayer song, "God Our Father". Solomon bowed his head and folded his hands and prayed while he sang. He was the only one and it was precious. He also sang a great rendition of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider".

We Will Miss You, Mimi

2010-02-07T18:19:00.002-06:00

We lost someone very special to our family this morning. My great aunt, Mimi, is no longer with us. She was more of a grandmother to me than a great aunt. She came to all our birthday parties, sent us all birthday cards, and babysat for us. Kingston and Solomon were crazy about her. She will be missed so much by all of us.

Kingstonisms

2010-02-05T16:43:00.003-06:00

Kingston frequently gives lectures on the Solar System to an imaginary classroom. Recently, he told me that he needs a pointer so that he "can point at things and the other boys and girls will know what (he) is talking about". Anyway, this morning we printed off some coloring pages of the planets (www.alfy.com if anyone is looking for some good educational pages). After he had colored them and cut them out, he wanted to give me a lecture. He even takes on a very "professor" voice when he does it.
When he was ready he told me and I said, "Ok, but lets put your clothes on first".
Kingston: "Awww man."
Me: "But Kingston, teachers don't teach in their pjs!"
Kingston: "Oh, Momma! I'm not a real teacher....I'm a scientist!"

Driving back from Disneyworld last weekend turned into a loooong trip! Because of the snow, we had to detour across Georgia to Alabama to go up I-65. They had closed down Mt. Eagle. All week at Disneyworld I had worn a pair of Merrell shoes that I did not wear with socks. The car was completely quiet: Jeremy listening to his ipod, Solomon and Josiah asleep and I was reading. I took my shoes off and I hear a quiet little voice from the back say, "I smell something stinky". I kinda laughed hoping Jeremy didn't hear and said, "Do you?". I heard Kingston say, "It smells like a goat".

Baking Cookies for Santa

2009-12-23T20:42:00.006-06:00

Kingston, Solomon and I made candycane shortbread cookies for Santa and they were soooo good! Best of all, we had so much fun making them. Christmas seems magical this year!

Cool Christmas Cards

2009-12-15T11:59:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to put the word out there that we have got the best Christmas cards this year. We stumbled upon (on my friend Marie's Facebook page, but her blog is also awesome - www.mckiney-oatescereal.wordpress.com) a guy making Christmas cards to look like vintage album covers. I couldn't resist. It was a little more expensive than regular Christmas cards, but this is one that I intend on framing and pulling out every year to hang on the wall! Anyway, he is now going to start doing birth announcements, save the dates, graduation announcements, etc., so check out his website: www.artinstero.wordpress.com

I'm really happy with how ours turned out and he has been super easy to work with!

In Our House, You Make A Mess, You Clean It Up

2009-12-06T22:31:00.003-06:00

Josiah

2009-12-03T22:23:00.002-06:00

My sweet, sweet Josiah!! What a dream baby! At his 2 month check-up, he weighed in at a chunky little 12 lbs. He is getting rolls on his thighs and he loves to be talked to. He "talks" back and smiles so big when his brothers talk to him. I have noticed that he braces himself a little when Solomon approaches! He has also been sleeping 10 hours straight during the night! Did I mention he is a dream baby?

Thankful

2009-11-27T03:27:00.004-06:00

It is Thanksgiving and I have too much to be thankful for. Let me make 2 top 5 lists, 1 for very serious subjects and the other for inanimate objects:

1. Grace

2. A husband who is intelligent, faithful, loving, patient, kind, thoughtful, and a wonderful Dad

3. Healthy, beautiful, happy boys

4. Supportive family, on both sides, that I am confident will love all 5 of us for all of our lives no matter what

5. Friendships: I have very old friendships and a few recent ones, but I am very selective with who I spend my time with. Therefore, I cherish every one of my friendships and I think that I have the best group of friends that can be found.

1. Blueberry lattes from Dunkin' Donuts

2. Toothpaste

3. Dark chocolate

4. Fleece pullovers

5. My ipod

Happy Thanksgiving!

Playing in the Sand and Terrorizing Seagulls while Eating Flaming Hot Cheetos

2009-11-12T22:49:00.008-06:00

We finally got sunshine in Florida after weathering the storm, Hurricane Ida. The weather was perfect and the sand was packed down, so it wasn't blowing around everywhere. There were literally 2 other people on the beach! The boys had so much fun playing in the sand.
The boys chased this poor little seagull all the way down the beach and back again. He was running for his life, but they were having so much fun. If you look closely, you can see Solomon carrying his bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos as he chases. He was not giving those up. Kingston was telling the seagulls that they were "not allowed" to come near our sight and then exactly why they were not to come near us.

Our setup...Josiah is asleep on the little pillow under the umbrella

Chattanooooooga!

2009-11-12T01:07:00.010-06:00

Chattanooga is one of our favorite places to visit as a family and I strongly encourage any of you who have never explored the city to go for a weekend. We took the kids (again) for a day trip to the Children's Creative Discovery Museum and to the Tennessee Aquarium. They had a blast and we love watching them have so much fun! By the way, the Children's Museum in Chattanooga is for kids of all ages. The Adventure Science Center in Nashville seems to be more for older kids, but the one in Chattanooga was great for kids even as young as Solomon. It is definitely worth the money, or the free passes that we had!

Solomon really enjoyed the water play. By the end, he was so wet that we had to go to the giftshop and get him a t-shirt.

Digging for dinosaur bones

Kingston being a doctor

Solomon being a patient

Caught Red Handed

2009-11-11T22:57:00.004-06:00

Ever tried on a pair of pants at a store and thought they didn't look as good on you as they did the manequin in the window? Now I know why and I feel a little better about myself for this discovery.

Look at the picture closely:Yes, thats right. That manequin is wearing a size 1 pant that is still folded and clipped!!

Its The End Of The World As We Know It

2009-11-06T22:53:00.002-06:00

My sweet Kingston, he is so thoughtful. I mean, he thinks about things so hard....he contemplates things. Anyway, a few months ago Kingston and I were watching "The Universe" on The History Channel. It was a show about the "inner planets" and they proceeded to say that in a billion or so years (which Kingston has no concept of) the sun is going to turn into a red giant star and swallow up the inner planets and everything on those planets will be completely burned up. They said all this before I realized what was happening and Kingston's eyes got as big as saucers. He looked at me and said, "Is that really going to happen?". I said, "No, Kingston, they don't know what they're talking about". We moved on and I thought (hoped) it had been forgotten about.

Fastforward a couple of months.

I was in the hospital with Josiah and my parents are lovingly caring for Kingston and Solomon. The week that I was in the hospital it rained nonstop, or so I'm told.

Mom was taking Kingston and Solomon to preschool. It was cloudy.

Kingston: "Grandmama, when is the sun going to turn into a red giant?"

Mom: "I don't think that is going to happen" (thinking he is thinking of a Jolly Green Giant or something)

Kingston: "It is! When is that going to happen?"

Mom thinking that since it is raining he is wondering when it is going to shine again: "I guess about noon today."

Kingston gets very quiet and starts just staring out the window for the rest of the way to school.

When they arrive at school, Kingston gets out of the car with his little Solar System backpack and turns around to Mom and says, "So, about noon today?". Mom says, "yes".

His teacher said that he was a little upset at naptime. Poor little guy. He probably thought it was the end and he needed to say his goodbyes. We haven't talked about it.

I'm Gonna Brag For A Moment...

2009-11-02T20:44:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure how I did it. Jeremy got home for dinner and asked what I had done today. I started telling him and I was kind of amazed at myself. I can be pretty hard on myself and look at all the things that I didn't get done or I am not doing right, but today I am going to brag.

After getting up, nursing, and feeding breakfast, I took my car to Andrews Cadillac to get fixed after the 18 wheeler tire flew up in the air and basically took out my hood.

We went home and played Play-Doh.

I cleaned out my cl0set.

We went outside to play.

I folded 3 loads of laundry and put them away.

I made lunch.

I cleaned out another closet.

I cleaned mine and Jeremy's bathroom.

We all piled in the car and made a huge drop-off at Goodwill.

We got Jeremy's oil changed and transmission fluid flushed.

We read books.

I made chili and cornbread for dinner.

I bathed the boys.

I got out the highchair and cleaned it up.

I am pretty proud of myself especially because all of this was done without A) Kingston or Solomon taking a nap, B) turning the TV on to entertain the boys and C) neglecting my children. No doubt tomorrow I will crash. Jeremy called me a superwoman. :)

Cousins In Florida

2009-10-20T17:00:00.011-05:00

Jeremy was traveling for work last week and no one was in the Destin rental, so I called my sister-in-law, Amanda, and our friend Miriam, and we all headed down to get some sunshine for a couple of days. The following are pictures of the boys (there are 5 between Amanda and me) and sweet Caroline, the newest addition to the Pharr family. In case you're wondering, Josiah only had exactly 1 week to be the youngest! My sweet boys, Solomon and Kingston

The 4 Pharr boys: Caleb, Solomon, Caden, and Kingston

Josiah and Caroline nap on a recliner on the beach

playing on the beach

Solomon was a little clingy on the trip and he mostly just stood by my chair. We were laughing and talking one day and I had to snap a couple of pictures of his sweet smile. Josiah naps in the background.

Solomon

The following pictures are of the same boys October of 2008, exactly a year ago. Time flies so fast!

Solomon and Caden

Kingston and Caleb

Solomon, Kingston, Caden, and Caleb

The Innocence Is Refreshing

2009-10-17T22:25:00.002-05:00

The other night on VH1 they had the "Top 100 Songs of the 90's". Since I am musically stuck in the 90's (so says Jeremy), I had to watch. Somewhere in the countdown was the Right Said Fred song, "I'm Too Sexy". Kingston was standing right in front of the tv and I heard him repeat the words. I immediately turned off the tv:

Me: "I'm sorry, Kingston. I shouldn't have had that on. Don't say that, ok? That isn't a nice thing to say."

Kingston: "What isn't nice?"

Me: "What you just said"

Kingston: "But I can say numbers. Thats nice."

Me: "What?"

Kingston: "Two sixty. I'm two sixty."

I just smiled. I love the innocence of children.

A Little Piece of Tennessee Paradise

2009-10-16T15:41:00.013-05:00

Last week Jeremy's company had an executive retreat. Mr. Thompson took everyone to a place called The Inn at Evins Mill located in Smithville, Tennessee. It was such a beautiful place that I had to share photos and let everyone know that if they need a getaway, romantic, alone, or with friends, this place is ideal!! All of the meals were prepared by chefs and were absolutely fantastic! There are a couple of hiking trails that lead down to a waterfall, and masseuse on staff to give in room massages! I will warn that there isn't any television reception in the rooms, but there are 2 separate rooms, one in the inn and one in the mill, that have satellite reception and wireless internet service. These rooms also have fireplaces and books and DVDs that you can take back to your room to watch. I'm really not sure what the cost is, but I strongly recommend The Inn at Evins Mill for a weekend (or just a night) getaway!

This is a picture of our room. It had a vaulted ceiling, a king bed, and look at this loft bed!! How fun if you've got kids!

This was our cabin. Each cabin is divided into 4 private rooms and bathrooms and each has a deck with rocking chairs. The top rooms are the ones with vaulted ceilings and loft beds.

This is another view of our cabin. This is our front porch with the rocking chairs that overlooked the water.

This is the grist mill with a bridge going across a small dam.

Some banjo playing frogs down by the mill

Kingston Knows Who Is Really In Charge

2009-10-02T21:31:00.002-05:00

I was at Target with Kingston and we were looking at toys. I stressed to him that we could look but we were not buying anything. He found something that he wanted:

Kingston: "But when can I get that?"

Me: "Well, you can tell Santa that you want it and maybe he will get it for you for Christmas."

Kingston: "Nah. I'll just tell Jesus. I'll pray about it."

Josiah Phillip Has Joined Our Family!!

2009-09-26T15:00:00.012-05:00

Jeremy and I are so excited to introduce Josiah Phillip Pharr! He was born September 15 at 12:23 pm. He weighed 7 lbs. and 14 oz, and was 19 1/2 in. long. Everything went very well with the birth and he is such a sweet baby! I love having 3 boys! We were so blessed to have so much support around us, so many friends and family members visited and helped celebrate the birth. Even though Josiah is our 3rd child, I am still amazed at what a miracle birth is and how we are able to love each child as much as the last. We are so blessed! Although we had so many people visit, I had to only include pictures of grandparents because there were too many, and I wouldn't want anyone to feel left out! Thank you to all of you who visited!

Here I am getting ready to go to the hospital showing off my big ol' belly!!

Laying on the operating table holding Josiah for the first time, and loving the fact that I'm not pregnant anymore

Our first family photo

Me and my 3 sons

Pappy and Maymie Pharr holding their 9th grandchild

I look sleepy.

Jeremy loving Josiah.

Grandmama Beasley holding her 5th grandchild!

Grandaddy Beasley holding Kingston and Josiah

Kingston and I loving on Josiah

I had to include a picture of Josiah's nursery. I love it!

Drawing

2009-08-12T11:29:00.003-05:00

Kingston is CONSTANTLY drawing pictures of Solar System. Seriously, I have multiple tablets completely filled with nothing but drawings of the Solar System. So today I said, "Kingston, why don't you draw a picture of something other than the Solar System. Why don't you draw a picture of our family or something?". So this is what I got: a picture of my eyes looking up at the moon.

Kingston's Birthday

2009-07-07T08:05:00.011-05:00

Monday evening we invited some of Kingston's friends to join us at Centennial Park for pizza and cake and to play on the playground. I think everyone had a great time, and Kingston had the best time of all!
Will and Sophie enjoy cake and ice cream.

Ansley smiles at the camera while Abigail and Keaton eat cake.

Jackson and Kingston make their silly faces.

Partygoers: Will, Alex, Keaton, Weston, Ansley, Abigail, Sophie, Maddox, Jackson, and Kingston. I think Solomon is somewhere behind Weston.

Kingston, Jackson, Sophie, and Will

Maddox and Sophie

Little Picassos

2009-07-06T15:34:00.006-05:00

I got some canvases and paints and asked the boys to paint pictures for Josiah's nursery. Kingston painted a solar system, of course, and Solomon's is...well....abstract. I thought they turned out perfectly though.

Solomon's abstract art. :)

Kingston's solar system

Yes, that is a little bit of paint on his lips. He had to taste.

War Path

2009-07-01T08:06:00.002-05:00

Twice in the last week something has happened that really burned me up. Usually, Jeremy just rolls his eyes and laughs at me for getting so "worked up" about something insignificant (to him), but this time he agreed with me. I thought I'd see if any of you other moms also run into this problem.

It happened at Target at Nashville West and Publix in Belle Meade. Kingston has to go to the bathroom, so we head for the "family restroom". It is locked. We wait for a minute and no one comes out. So I say, "Come on, Kingston. We'll go in here". He screams "Nooooo! That one is for girls!!". So we wait and wait outside the family restroom, and out comes A STORE EMPLOYEE!!!! Now, maybe I am blowing this out of proportion, but to me, it is a little like parking in a handicapped parking space. Sure, it is more convenient, but you save it for who it was meant for out of sympathy and understanding for that person!

Store employees better watch out because next time I see this happen, I'm going to straight to store management. Target may not care, but with Publix pride in their customer service, I bet they would.

Opinions, anyone?

Asking the Important Questions

2009-06-30T21:53:00.001-05:00

Sunday we ate lunch with Pappy and Maymie Pharr and she had gotten some Mrs. Winner's chicken to eat:

Kingston to Pappy: "This chicken tastes like eggs"
Thoughtful pause...."Did the chicken have the egg first or did the egg have the first chicken?"

Destin

2009-05-17T21:32:00.009-05:00

We have been in Destin, Florida for almost a week now with the Johns family. We are having so much fun and the kids are wearing themselves out daily! Here are a few pictures from our trip so far....

Kingston, Abigail, Solomon, and Ansley at the beach

playing in the puddle on the beach

four cuties

Kingston has been obsessed with this baby doll of Abigail's. He wants to sleep with it and he feeds it it's bottle on a regular basis. He says her name is "Stella". I guess he is mourning the baby sister he isn't getting, but he is being a great caretaker nontheless and giving me hope!

Tiffany was staying nearby with some of her family, so we hung out a few times! So good to be with such a great friend!

Rebecca and Eric

Jeremy and me

Announcing....

2009-05-05T13:51:00.002-05:00

Pharr boy number 3 coming in September! Yes, thats right, another boy! I think the ultrasound tech felt a little sorry for me, but we are so excited. I'm a little shocked. I was positive it was a girl, but excited nontheless. They said the baby looks "perfect"!! He was funny. During the whole ultrasound he had his hands behind his head like he was all relaxed and we even saw him yawn! What else could we ask for?

The first thing my OB said to me: "Did you tell your husband that he needs to build you your own bathroom?"....great idea! I just hope that by the time our boys are grown we have 4 walls still standing at our house.

As some of you know, Kingston was REALLY wanting a little sister. His eyes were as big as saucers during the ultrasound. I think he was a little shocked, but as we were leaving he began singing a song about having a little brother, so we're all good! Solomon raised his shirt up and pointed at the ultrasound machine and said, "That!". I think he wanted us to look in his tummy too!

On another funny note, I was telling Kingston last night that we were all going to get to see the baby in Mommy's belly. He thought about it for a minute and asked if he was going to have to "get very small to get in there and see it". I realized that he thought the family was going to shrink and go inside my tummy to visit the baby!!! What an imagination!

When The Kids Have Had Too Much Sugar

2009-05-03T16:53:00.003-05:00

Being Not So Thankful

2009-04-24T19:21:00.002-05:00

I have to share this story about Kingston.

Every night we say prayers before bed and Kingston thanks God for whatever random objects he sees around his room, the curtains, Orange the teddy bear, his bulletin board, his clock, etc. I guess he believes that God literally has given us all of those things.

So the other night I was putting him to bed:

Kingston: "I want to sleep with you"

Me: "No, you can't"

Kingston: "Why not?"

Me: "Because I have my own bed to sleep in and you have your own bed. I think it is a nice bed."

Kingston: "I don't like it. I want to send it back to God."

Why Waste A Good Fit Not Being Seen?

2009-03-19T22:04:00.003-05:00

My mom sent me this video and I had to share it! I know all you moms can relate to something like this. I've just never seen a kid quite so funny about it!

Akinosie Chocolate Giveaway

2009-03-11T22:16:00.002-05:00

Ok, I love chocolate, so I am jumping at the chance to win free chocolate...this is pure, organic chocolate too. Let me explain, I really don't care for milk chocolate, but I love dark chocolate, the more bitter, the better. So, if any of you feel like me, go to this website and register! Might as well try.
http://www.nourishingdays.com/?p=1080

Really?

2009-03-01T12:25:00.002-06:00

Saturday morning we pulled through the Starbucks drive-thru. We ordered and then:

Kingston: "Hey! I want one!"
Me: "No, Kingston, but I ordered decaf, so I will share mine with you if you want some."
Kingston: "But I want my own latte!!"

Jeremy looked at me and said, "What just happened?"

Picture Tag

2009-02-23T20:03:00.003-06:00

I was tagged by Kathy to post the 4th photo in the 4th folder on my computer. This is a picture of my niece, Adleigh, and Kingston making cookies at my sister's house in Louisville, Kentucky. The folder said this picture was taken on September 19, 2007. That means Kingston was 2 years and 2 months old and Solomon was less than 2 months old. It must've been his first trip to Louisville! Adleigh was 4 1/2 in this picture. Kingston is wearing Autumn's (my other niece) apron and bakers hat! Isn't it cute! Thanks, Kathy, for making me look up an old picture.

Ok, so I guess I will tag Tara, Amanda, Laura Alsup, and Laura Beth.

Here are the directions:

Go to the 4th album in the place you store your pictures on your computer

Select the 4th picture in that album (no exceptions)

Post it in this post with an explanation and link it back to your tagger

Tag 4 people to do the same thing

Mr. Personality

2009-02-19T19:52:00.003-06:00

Solomon has so much personality, and it is really blossoming lately. He loves glasses of any kind, and hats also. Solomon is also obsessed with my Swiffer vacuum. I can't turn it on without him running to me and screaming.

Where Has The Time Gone?

2009-02-14T20:48:00.009-06:00

I asked Jeremy that question today. I actually said that I couldn't believe that Kingston is almost 4 years old. That leaves me with 1 more year until he starts school. I just can't believe it. It seems like yesterday I was holding him all the time and rocking him and teaching him letters.

I guess I was thinking about it today because Kingston had his very first soccer practice. If he is anything like his father, this is only the beginning of what the next 20 years will be for him. It is like he is growing up right before my eyes and he is caught in between being a baby and a big boy. He wears shin guards and cleats, but he still wants his milk in a sippy cup. He can talk about gravity, but he still wants his white blanket and monkey when he goes to bed at night. There is something strange about my "big boy" bringing me a book and asking me to get him milk and rock him, but the book is a Science book about "Asteroids, Meteors, and Comets". He is getting harder and harder to carry, but yet I know that pretty soon he won't want me to. It is so strange to see him making this transition, and it makes me wonder if I am prepared. I guess I better get prepared, because it is coming whether I am ready or not.

All of these thoughts made me so glad that I spent Valentine's Day with all 3 of my Valentine's. It was the best Valentine's Day I've ever had, and I know pretty soon 2 of my boys will not want to spend Valentine's Day with their mom.

By the way, we realized during soccer practice today that Kingston isn't very competitive. He actually had no interest in going after the ball that everyone else was kicking. He preferred to kick his own ball by himself. On the other hand, the coach asked for suggestions for a team name, and Kingston's suggestion was accepted!! The team is called the Comets!

Rock Star

2009-02-11T08:37:00.003-06:00

Something About Myself...

2009-01-17T23:30:00.006-06:00

Jeremy got me some Nike Shox for Christmas along with a Nike + ipod chip that goes in my shoes and tracks all of my exercise. I really love it and I have downloaded my workouts onto http://www.nikeplus.com/ where you can set goals, track your improvements, join "challenges", etc. It is really great, and I highly recommend it if any of you out there are considering exercising or do already. Anyway, I wanted to share a couple of my goals with you and also a couple of the challenges that I joined. I could use some "cheering on"!! Just click on the Nike swoosh below.

2 Boys + 1 Clothes Hamper = Hours of Entertainment

2009-01-16T14:28:00.003-06:00

Smart-mouth 3 year old

2009-01-06T20:11:00.002-06:00

Kingston has been extra funny lately and had quite a smart little mouth, so I thought I'd share:

Yesterday morning I was laying in bed and I hear little footsteps coming around to my side of the bed:
Kingston: "Mommy, get up"
Me: "Ok. Just give me a minute"
Kingston: "Why?" (This question is getting asked on a more frequent basis than I would like)
Me: "Because it just takes me a minute to wake up."
Kingston: "That's not the point, Mommy. Just get up"

Beasley Christmas 2008

2009-01-06T19:55:00.018-06:00

We gathered at my parents house to celebrate Christmas with my parents, siblings, nieces, grandmother, cousins, their children, aunts and uncles. We had so much fun opening presents and eating great food. I regret not getting more pictures. I'm missing some important people, but maybe I'll do better next year!!

My sister-in-law, Lacy and niece, Adleigh

Jeremy helping Solomon try on his new "squeaky" shoes

Solomon trying on his new gloves and hat

My brother, Ben, really laughing about something

My niece, Autumn, Kingston, and Adleigh

Solomon and Autumn

Sweet Adleigh

Kingston reading (of course) a solar system book. My sister, Rachel, gave it to him and he loves it. He does get a little upset when people don't include Pluto as a planet.

Kingston and Lacy

My brother-in-law, Jeremy and Solomon

Adleigh, Kingston, Autumn, Solomon, and my cousin's son, Nash

Autumn and Nash...they were born about 3 weeks apart, so they love being together

I've Had Enough...or did at the Adventure Science Center

2009-01-05T21:53:00.003-06:00

Occasionally little things really irritate me, ok, well maybe a little more than occasionally, but there are a few things that really burn me up. I am fed up with inconsiderate people, and nowhere is it more noticeable than parking lots. I guess parking lots are especially bad during the holidays, and so I was ripe to get angry this past weekend. We went to the Adventure Science Center on Saturday and the top parking lot was completely full, so we pulled down to the one across the street. In the FRONT row of the parking lot was a little bitty two-seater Mazda straddling the line taking up two spaces. Jeremy noticed it first and said "Look at that jerk", and I got fired up! I started thinking of ways to block the person in, etc. Jeremy suggested pulling into the space at an angle where we wouldn't block in the car in the other space next to us. I wish I had gotten a picture of how close we were to the other car. I thought it was hilarious so I took a picture. I guess the thing that irritates me so much is not only is the person selfish enough to take up two spaces, but there clearly wasn't a child riding in the car either. So this person took up two spaces ON THE FRONT ROW when all around him were parents trying carry their children all the way up the hill to the science center!! AMAZING!! I was a little worried about my car getting keyed, but it didn't get a scratch. I just hope this person will think twice before doing something so idiotic next time.

Artist or Astronaut?

2008-12-10T19:18:00.004-06:00

Ok, indulge me. I have to show off for just a minute. I know that Kingston is really interested in the Solar System, and it drives me crazy for the most part, but I think his drawings are really good! I get about 5 of these a day that are expected to go on the fridge, but lately they've been extraordinarily good, I think. I know I'm biased. He is a pretty good colorer too and he takes great pride in staying in the lines.

Creative Messes

2008-11-26T18:47:00.006-06:00

Ever since Solomon could walk he has been fascinated with crayons and whenever he can get his hands on them, he loves to eat them. It doesn't matter how many times I tell him "no" or how many times I take them away, he always takes bites. Anyway, on this particular day, he managed to eat a whole jumbo green crayon before I noticed. All I found was the soggy paper wrapper stuck to his shirt. This was his reaction when I took the last little bit of green crayon and the paper away. I am such a mean mommy.Later that day, we got out the Play-Doh so Kingston could make a solar system. When we were finished, I asked Kingson to please clean it up and put it in the containers.

He is very pleased with his creation.

Church?

2008-11-03T22:23:00.004-06:00

Kingston had a fever on Sunday, so he missed church. I guess he really missed it. On Monday afternoon, he said to me, "maybe our home can be church". I told him that God doesn't care where we worship, and so we could also do it here at home. He wanted to. I had to capture it. The "pulpit" is his armchair turned over. He does a pretty good job leading singing, but the dancing might be too much for some Church of Christ elders!!

I'm not sure what these songs are. I'm pretty sure he started making them up after he sang "Jesus Loves Me" a couple of times. Once, while singing a song that was made up and included made up words, he looked at me and said, "You need to sing with me."

The Sweetest Thing

2008-11-03T17:48:00.002-06:00

Monday night I gave the boys a bath together. Jeremy was working late, so when they finished, I started putting clothes in the dirty basket, hanging up towels, etc. I heard Kingston saying "Come on" and I peeked into the bathroom and I saw him helping Solomon onto the step stool to look out the window. Then he put his arm around Solomon and pointed and said, "That is the moon!". I snapped this picture before they moved or fell off. It just might be my favorite picture ever.

Ghouls at Grassmere and Trunk or Treat

2008-10-27T19:36:00.014-05:00

We had a really fun weekend last weekend. Friday night we went to Ghouls at Grassmere with the Johns Family and then Saturday we had Trunk or Treat at Woodson Chapel. Kingston is really getting into this candy thing.Had to throw this picture in of a sweet Saturday morning.
This is Kingston's good friend, Jacob. He really wasn't too sure about the face paint.

Jeremy and Solomon a.k.a. Captain America

Kingston and Mrs. Kim

Kingston and his other good friend, Jacob. Again, not too sure about the face paint.

Kingston goes for the pinata.

Me and Rebecca at Ghouls at Grassmere

Solomon, Abigail, Kingston and Ansley at Grassmere

Kingston goes down the big slide

Abigail goes in for a kiss, as Solomon leans in to get it!!

Kingston and Abigail....do they look like they're up to something?

I think this picture is hilarious. He looks so big and proud with his arm around Abigail.

It's A Beautiful Life

2008-10-20T21:09:00.010-05:00

Jeremy took the day off work today and we had a great family day. We went to the zoo pretty early and we went to Dick's Sporting Goods to get Kingston a soccer ball and net. Jeremy is signing him up to play in the spring. We also went to Opry Mills and strolled around. We all had so much fun and were tired when we got home, but it was a perfect day. I had to share some pictures.I wanted to take a picture of Kingston but he was running from me.
Solomon was mad too, maybe because I had him bundled up so much!

Kingston with a family favorite, the meerkats.

You can't see it well because of the glare, but the Snow Leopard was walking right by the glass. Solomon didn't like it very much and immediately turned around and started grabbing at Jeremy.

He was okay if Jeremy was holding him at a safe distance.

Solomon (and Kingston, that is him in the background) had so much fun at the revamped "playin' ground".

Kingston chose to ride the zebra on the carousel. Jeremy sat on the bench with Solomon who screamed the whole time.

The Little Pharr Men

2008-10-18T08:52:00.005-05:00

We are still in Destin and staying in a house with Shane and Amanda. I had to post these pictures of the little Pharr men, my boys and nephews. Kingston and Caleb

Solomon and Caden

Solomon, Kingston, Caden and Caleb

Destin, The First Half

2008-10-15T22:05:00.018-05:00

We have been in Destin since Friday, the 10th. We came down with our good friends the Johns Family, Sharpe Family, and Flanigan Family. The kids all had such a great time, and the adults did too, although it was a little wild the night we all tried to eat at a restaurant. We had 8 adults and 9 children (7 of them 3 and under!!). Kingston, Abigail, and Ansley all slept in the same room, which worked better than we thought it would, but still didn't work very well. We had a monitor in the room and heard some hilarious conversations, mostly betwee Kingston and Abigail. They seemed to stick together and Kingston told us one morning that "Abigail smells like flowers". Uh oh. The Pharr family will all be down tomorrow, so we will have a whole new batch of pictures!

Rebecca and Rebekah

Abigail, Kingston, and Ansley

Jeremy, Solomon, Kingston, me, Rebecca, Abigail, Eric, and Ansley

my little family

Abigail

Will, Kingston,Weston, Keaton, Abigail, Ansley, Solomon, Sophie, and Maddox

The Ladies' Man, Solomon with Ansley, Sophie, and Maddox

Ansley, Abigail, and Sophie

Sophie and Will

Keaton and Kingston

Its not working.

2008-09-26T21:17:00.002-05:00

Kingston and I started talking about the seasons changing and it turned into a conversation about Christmas. I told him that during the winter is when Christmas comes and Santa comes and brings toys to good little boys. "Santa has elves that watch and if they see you throwing a fit, they will go back and tell Santa and he might not bring you any presents." There was a long pause during which Kingston looked like he was thinking.

Kingston: "I don't want any more presents".

How does this not work on him?

It Starts Early!!

2008-09-21T17:25:00.008-05:00

Our sweet friend Mary turned 30 last week so we had a surprise birthday party for her on Saturday. Her niece, Jacqueline came to the party and Kingston was so excited to have a playmate. Kingston can be overwhelming though, and Jacqueline wasn't as enthusiastic about him as he was about her. He finall got her to ride in his "Arctic Cat" with him though.As soon as he stopped for a second she got out.

He was disappointed.

She runs and he chases her.

He finally gets her back and is quite pleased with himself.

They ride off into the sunset.

Later that night he told me that Jacqueline kept putting her "eyebrowns" down at him and looking at him like this (see below). He said that he finally said, "Jacqueline, keep your eyebrowns up when you look at me!"

More Solar System Talk...

2008-09-10T22:00:00.000-05:00

I was in the kitchen today and I could hear Kingston "reading" a book about space to himself out loud:

"And on Friday God created all the circles in space and telescopes so that we can look at them. Then at night he created astronauts to walk on the moon."

Great Day!

2008-09-10T13:19:00.000-05:00

Kingston got rewarded today for good behavior and we went to the Adventure Science Center. But first, he got to feed Solomon some applesauce at breakfast. They both thought that was hilarious. I gave Kingston the choice between the zoo and the science center, and he chose the latter, of course. He stood and stared at the planets for hours and listened to the woman talk about each one.

Kingston's First Day of Preschool!!

2008-09-09T10:52:00.001-05:00

Today was Kingston's first day of real preschool. Besides Solomon eating Kingston's black crayon for a snack, the morning went great. Oh, and besides Solomon tearing up Kingston's "Earth and Beyond" book, which those of you who know Kingston, know that is devastating. Kingston liked his new teacher and she said "The teachers upstairs told me that he knows everything there is to know about the Solar System". Great.

More Destin

2008-09-05T16:01:00.000-05:00

My sweet Aunt Twyla came down to Destin to visit during her Labor Day break. She is a kindergarten teacher, so we were very excited that she had a chance to come down. Unfortunately, her trip was cut short by Gustav, but we had a couple of really great days.
Solomon fell asleep while Twyla was holding him on the beach. She said she was singing Jimmy Buffet songs to him.

Jeremy and Solomon looking at the fish. This was before Gustav rolled in, so the water was crystal clear.

Twyla and Solomon

My 3 men

Kingston and Twyla walk on the beach

Yay, Destin!!

2008-09-03T20:17:00.001-05:00

We are having a great time in Destin. The weather has been great despite Gustav, and we are all enjoying a break from the real world. My parents came down on Sunday. They have never been to Destin before, and we are having a great time showing them the town!

Solomon has become very attached to my Dad and wants to be in his arms at all times. He even gets angry if Kingston is playing with Dad.

Solomon has curly hair, but it only shows up when it gets wet or it is humid outside. Needless to say, it has been curly most of our time here.

Gustav Blows Over

2008-09-01T17:07:00.001-05:00

We decided that Gustav wouldn't scare us away from the Gulf and we chose wisely. We expected really nasty weather on Monday, but it really wasn't too bad. It rained off and on until 12:30 and then the rain stopped and the sun was at least visible somewhere behind the clouds, but the wind continued to blow pretty hard. We went down to the beach to see the enormous waves (for Destin, at least). For any of you who know Destin, you know that the waves are never this big. To give you a point of reference, the waves in the picture below are bigger than the guy.

Pharr Family Cookout

2008-08-17T23:21:00.001-05:00

Saturday night we all went over to Maymie and Pappy's to cookout. We got some great pictures of the kids that I had to share. They are all growing up so fast and they are all so sweet.Xander, Kingston, Paisley, and Caleb
Xander and Kingston: they are becoming big buddies and love being together.

Caleb and Caden

Kingston and Paisley

Kingston, Xander, Paisley, Solomon, Caden, and Caleb

Paisley and Caden: Poor Paisley, she is way outnumbered, but she plays mother to all of the boys and she loves the babies!

Kingston and Paisley

Elvis Mania

2008-07-29T22:21:00.001-05:00

On Saturday Jeremy, Rachel, Autumn, Adleigh, Jeremy, me, Kingston, Solomon, Ben, Lacy and Twyla all headed to Memphis for the day. We went to Graceland and then to Rendezvous to eat ribs. While at Graceland, Lacy asked Autumn and Kingston to give her their best Elvis pose. She said that Kingston thought hard about what to do and then swung his arms around and did this: Look how serious!! Anyway, apparently he thanked God for Elvis when he prayed at his grandparents house last night. Elvis mania has apparently hit the Pharr house!

God talks to Kingston

2008-07-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

Kingston never wants to pray, not when we eat, not at bedtime, not when something is bothering him...never! We were reading a book about Daniel and the Lions Den and there was a picture of Daniel praying and I said, "Look, Kingston! Daniel is praying like you do!".
Kingston: "But I don't like to"
Me: "Why not, Kingston?"
Kingston: "Because I can't"
Me: "Why?"
Kingston: "Because God told me I can't pray"
I give up. He is clearly acting on a higher authority.

Kingston is 3!!

2008-07-15T14:31:00.000-05:00

Kingston turned 3 on July 5th and we had a party at our house complete with hot dogs, a blow up pool and a Bob the Builder cake. Kingston had a great time. I think this was the first time that he really understood that there was a party for him, and he enjoyed every minute of it.
The Pharr Family

Me and Solomon

Maddox Sharpe

Kingston and Caleb (Shane and Amanda's son) ride his new "Arctic Cat"

Maymie Pharr and Caden Pharr

Mom and Dad with Solomon

Will Flanigan and Kingston...I love how they're both tired of smiling so they're giving me their fake smiles

Kingston enjoys his cake. I think this was his favorite part. Anytime someone has asked "What did you get for your birthday?", he replies, "A Bob the Builder cake".

Caleb

Kingston, Will and Sophie in the pool

Paisley and Xander enjoy the riding toys

Me and Caden...His middle name is Wyatt and Kingston calls him "Caden Quiet"

Jeremy manning the grill

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T20:19:00.001-05:00

We had a great Father's Day. The Pharr Clan came over and we grilled out, the kids played outside, and the guys watched golf on tv, of course.

This is Pappy Pharr with all 6 of his grandchildren, Xander Layton (2), Paisley Layton (3), Solomon Pharr (10 months), Caden Pharr (6 months), Kingston Pharr (2), and Caleb Pharr (1). Aren't they all beautiful? Aren't we going to have fun when all of those boys are about 10 years old?

Solomon says "that's enough".

Pappy is making Solomon feel better and Solomon is considering it. I had to wake him up from his nap for pictures.

Here is all the dads! Brian Layton with Xander, Jeremy with Paisley and Kingston, Pappy with Solomon, and Shane with Caleb and Caden......

and then there's Zach.

San Francisco

2008-05-28T21:19:00.000-05:00

Jeremy and I spent a long Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco. We had a great time and it was good to be away from home and along for a while.San Francisco skyline - I took this picture from a boat headed to Alcatraz

The Golden Gate Bridge

Jeremy at Alcatraz in solitary confinement

Alcatraz

Jeremy and I took in an Oakland A's baseball game on Sunday.

I thought this picture was so pretty and it shows how gorgeous the Muir Wood Forest was.

This is a hollowed out Red Wood tree at Muir Wood. This shows how enormous the trees were!

Bridge at the Japanese Tea Garden

We thought the weather would be pleasant, but it ended up being quite chilly in the evenings, down in the 40's.

at the entrance to Chinatown

riding a cable car

These Sea Lions all gather and lay around at Pier 39. They were really entertaining to watch, but they sure smelled bad.

Golden Gate Bridge

Jeremy in front of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Square

Jeremy's first view of the Pacific Ocean

Cool Guys

2008-05-06T22:03:00.001-05:00

Kingston and his cousin, Xander Layton play on Kingston's new swingset. This picture will be priceless when they get older.

I got my paper and I was free!

2008-05-03T18:43:00.001-05:00

Yay!! I graduated Saturday with my Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy! Jeremy, me and the boys
This is my dear Aunt Twyla. She supports me and inspires me.

Dad with Solomon, me and Kingston

Mom, me, Kingston, Solomon, and Dad. My parents have been so supportive. My mom babysat for me every Monday for 3 years so I could go to class!

Solomander Update

2008-05-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

Solomon turned 9 months old on April 30th. He is happy and healthy. His pediatrician called him "verbal" because he kept squealing as loudly as possible. Some of you know what I am talking about.

Welcome Spring!

2008-05-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

This has been the neatest thing. A robin laid her eggs in a nest in the corner of our porch. We waited and watched until one day there were little beaks peeking up over the edge of the nest. Here is the story in pictures:

Can you see the little beak sticking up below? There are actually 4 birds in that little nest!

One day I kept standing at the door trying to watch the mama bird feed the little ones. She wouldn't come near as long as I was standing there, but she sat on the fence and waited until I left.

Here is the mama bird feeding one of the little ones.

2 of the little ones waiting to be fed.

Here is all 4 of them! They are quickly outgrowing the nest and they have feathers now!

Is it just me, or is one of them giving me the evil eye?

Our First Family Vacation

2008-04-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

The four of us went on our very first family vacation together. We went to our new beach house in Destin. I have to be honest, Jeremy and I were a little apprehensive about how much "vacation" it was going to be without the help of Maymie or Grandmama, but it was surprisingly relaxing. We had a really great time and we can't wait to go back!Kingston shows off his new swimsuit.
Kingston does a little jig in his new swimsuit. He is so excited to go to the pool.

Kingston rides the carousel at a little kiddie amusement park.

This is Solomon's favorite place, in the backpack.

Kingston and I snuggle

Solomon on the beach

Kingston on the beach

Solomon in his big hat. He hated it and constantly tried to pull it off, but I loved it.

Kingston sat on a phonebook on a "big chair" and ate his cereal.

Adventures in Motherhood!!

2008-04-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

So today I guess I had several more adventures of motherhood. We met our friends the Sharpes for lunch at McDonald's in Green Hills because they have a huge play area. Kingston is usually pretty well behaved except every week he gets to the top of the play area and can't get down. For the most part though he gets along really well with the other kids. Today, however, I heard him scream his high-pitched, ear-piercing, "I'm mad" scream, and I looked just in time to see him slap at another little boy who was about 3. I yelled "Kingston Thomas Pharr!" and asked what happened. He said "that boy hit me in the face". I proceeded to give him the motherly speech about how that little boy didn't mean to and he shouldn't ever scream at or hit anyone else. So I followed Kingston over to where the little boy was standing and Kingston looked at him and said "I'm sorry". The little boy proceeding to kick Kingston in the knee. We gathered up our stuff and left.

We were in Green Hills and I have been meaning to stop and get some Estee Lauder lipstick for about 2 months, so I decided now was a convenient time. I broke my rule of trying not to take both of the kids anywhere that it is inappropriate for them to scream. I got my lipstick without any incident, but I pushed my luck. I saw a rack of dresses for $29 and decided to take a look. I'm browsing and I hear "I'm hiding from you" and I look...Kingston has escaped from the stroller. He is in the middle of a rack of clothing peeking at me from behind dresses. I go over to get him and he is laughing and runs to the other side of the rack where I can't reach him. We do this little dance for about a minute and I say "Fine. Solomon and I are leaving". Kingston proceeds to come outside of his hideout and knocks over the WHOLE 2 iron racks and sends dresses flying in a 6 foot radius. Humiliated, I set the racks up and put all the dresses back on.

I keep pushing my luck. I go to the dressing room. By this time, Solomon is screaming and Kingston spots himself in the mirror. Any of you that know Kingston know that he has no version of an inside voice, so he is talking to himself and laughing at his own replies in the mirror. When I come out of the dressing room, there were about 7 women standing in the vicinity staring at me. You know those scenes in movies when someone walks into a bar and everyone stares? It was like that. I'm pretty sure that we could be heard all over the Green Hills Macy's store.

I learned my lesson.

Easter

2008-03-23T21:48:00.001-05:00

The Pharr Family came over to our house for Easter lunch. We had a great time. Everyone made it except for Shane and Amanda. Caleb and Caden were sick, and we really missed them. Of course, we made pictures and the kids had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.Xander, Sharon, Zach, Jeremy, Solomon, Paisley, Phill, Kingston, me, Tara, Brian, Lacy and Phillip

Kingston, Xander, and Paisley get ready to hunt eggs

They're off!

Zach, Sharon, and Phill. Zach just got back from a mission trip to Guatemala on Saturday, so he wasn't up for a lot of eating or dressing up!

Lacy and Phillip

Tara, Xander, Paisley and Brian

My sweet family

Happy Easter!

Solomon got new sunglasses in his Easter basket

So many kids...

2008-03-23T21:42:00.001-05:00

Saturday night some friends from church came over for pizza. We had so much fun, but combined we all have 9 kids!! I had to line them up for a photo shoot! They are: Maddox Sharpe, Keaton Sharpe, Will Flanigan, Solomon, Kingston, Abigail Johns (it may actually be Ansley...I can't tell), Weston Sharpe, Sophie Flanigan, and Ansley Johns (or Abigail).

Adleigh's Party

2008-03-23T21:21:00.000-05:00

Saturday my family got together to celebrate Adleigh's 5th birthday. Adleigh is my sister's youngest daughter. She is hilarious and so creative. She wanted everyone to dress up as a movie character. We had so much fun. Only Adleigh could throw such a great party!!Adleigh is a princess
Autumn watches while Adleigh blows out her candles

Cousin Paula with sweet Solomon

Jeremy, Adleigh's dad dressed up as Batman....his bat ears never stood up straight though

Granny Jo and Adleigh

Kingston went at Bob the Builder

Dad and J-Daddy, Adleigh's 2 grandfathers both dressed as pirates

Great Great Aunt Mimi and Kingston (she went as Wendy, Bob's other builder)

Twyla was Cruella DeVille!

Uncle Dean and Aunt Barbara

Mom was Fiona...I think she should've won the award for best costume!

Jeremy, me, Ben and Lacy went as Fred, Velma, Shaggy and Daphne from Scooby Doo. Autumn was the Scooby Doo Mummy!!

Jeremy and Rachel as Batman and Catwoman

The Scooby Doo gang

Future Professor?

2008-03-16T22:13:00.000-05:00

Kingston dressed in his blazer and bowtie on Sunday. It was too cute not to share.

The Smiths Visit The Pharrs

2008-03-16T21:56:00.001-05:00

Our good friends, Micah and Amy Smith came to visit for the weekend with their kids, Ella who is 3 years old, and Jonah who is 4 months old. We hadn't seen them in a year, so we were so excited about visiting and Kingston and Ella playing together. We had a great weekend, which was unbelievably relaxing considering all of the children that were running around.

All the kids together. Poor Jonah and Solomon!

Solomon and Jonah

Solomon kept eyeing Jonah's ears like he wanted to grab them...see the next picture.

Ella, Amy, Jonah, and Micah

Ella was showing out for the camera while eating her cheese dinner

Kingston and Ella playing in the playroom. Kingston is zooming his cars on the table. Ella has a "baby" wrapped in a blanket and is packing fruit in a basket for a picnic. A few minutes later, Ella had a blanket and Kingston was following her every command carrying the baby and fruit basket.

Kingston plays on his "Bob the Builder laptop commuter"

The playroom was completely destroyed at the end of the day

Playing in the playroom

How to confine your children and eating prunes

2008-03-09T22:44:00.001-05:00

Sweet baby Solomon wants to do everything by himself already. I gave up on Saturday. He kept grabbing the spoon when it got close to his mouth, so I resigned and let him handle things. As you can see, he was very pleased with himself. I'm positive this will not be our last battle in which I have to concede defeat.

Jeremy and I needed to do some work on the new house this weekend and our children were going crazy, so we got creative with ways to confine them!! It worked. They thought it was great fun to sit in a sink together, and we gave Kingston a sucker to keep him from talking our ears off!

A Fine Fella

2008-03-05T19:11:00.000-06:00

Solomon went to bed early Tuesday night, so Kingston and I decided to bake some sugar cookies. He was so excited. These "alone" moments are much more rare than they used to be and I miss them. I think he does too. While we were rolling the dough he was standing on his ladder looking at me with the happiest little eyes in the world. He patted me, laid his head on my shoulder and said "Mama, you're a fine fella". I'm pretty sure tears welled up in my eyes. I was thinking, he had no idea what that phrase meant, but he obviously has felt love when it has been said to him. He clearly knows that the person / people who say that to him love him. I think I have heard my dad say it, and I heard Maymie Pharr say it to him the other day. I had to share the story!

They even tasted good! He was so proud of himself!!

Can you tell which ones Kingston decorated?

Disney 2008 Part 2

2008-03-04T20:49:00.000-06:00

Lacy and Rachel on the carousel

Autumn on the Dr. Seuss carousel at Universal Studios

Adleigh posing (of course) on the carousel

Kingston rides his first carousel

The family and Goofy

I had to include this picture because Kingston is copying Minnie's little leg kick

Mom and Dad and the kids

Baby elephants on the safari ride at Animal Planet

Ben and Solomon ride a dinosaur ride

My sweet Solomon

Mater and Lightning McQueen were at MGM

Autumn and Kingston ride the monorail

Breakfast with Pooh! I have to take a moment to talk about what Adleigh ate. She is known in our family for the way and how much she eats. This breakfast was an all you can eat buffet. Her first plate was french toast, toast, a bagel, cereal, and a biscuit. She ate every bite, all that bread, and once when I looked at her she was licking the inside of a butter container. Her second plate was sausage, bacon, eggs, and another biscuit with sausage gravy...ate every bite. Then she announced she wanted dessert. Dad went with her and she said she wanted 8 donut holes. He gave her 3.

Jeremy, Me, Ben, and Rachel went back late one night after the kids went to bed. Magic Kingdom stayed open until 12 am. The castle can barely be seen in the background.

Sweet Adleigh meets Mickey

Autumn and Kingston enjoying their ice cream. Doesn't Kingston have beautiful lips?

Typical Adleigh

On the 3rd day we went to Magic Kingdom. Dad and Kingston spent lots of time together!

Dad, Mom, Adleigh, Autumn, Anniston (Autumn's friend who lives in Orlando), Rachel, Jeremy, me and the boys.

Adleigh, Solomon and Autumn...they loooove him! They act like little mothers.

Autumn, Adleigh, and my sister, Rachel

Our week started with 2 days at Sea World! Kingston loved the dolphins.

We went to Orlando again, but this time with the Beasley side of the family. We spent 2 days at Sea World, and then a day at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and MGM each. Then we spent a day at Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure. We had so much fun all being together.

Lazy Saturday

2008-01-12T15:29:00.001-06:00

Just playing around the house and happened to catch some really cute pictures of the boys. In their mother's opinion, they are too cute to keep to myself!!

Disneyworld with the Pharr Phamily

2008-01-06T20:40:00.001-06:00

DISNEYWORLD WITH THE PHARR PHAMILY!!

We left on New Year's Eve to go down to Orlando and we got home on Sunday, January 6th! We went to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios and Universal Studios! The weather was much colder than I thought possible in Florida and the parks were incredibly crowded, but we had a great time!!

Kingston, Xander, Solomon, and Paisley

Ok, I don't really approve of playing in the balls, but I had to temporarily abandon my germaphobic tendencies when I saw how excited he was!

Kingston and Zach take a rest on the sidewalk at Universal

Kingston is too tired to even move...this was the scene every evening back at the hotel

Yay! The family met Mickey Mouse!

Kingston was so thrilled to meet Mickey Mouse. He really just didn't know what to do!

This is hilarious! Kingston and Paisley were sitting outside of the new Mt. Everest ride at Animal Kingdom enjoying their Mickey suckers. Right when I snapped this picture, the roller coaster came flying out of the mountain...

Xander and Kingston look like they are up to something....I have a feeling this is going to be a common scene in the years to come

Solomon and his enormous cheeks!

Jeremy and I at Epcot

The guys and Paisley, Jeremy, Kingston, Brian, Paisley, Zach and Phillip

The family with Donald and Daisy

Xander, Kingston, and Paisley try to sit still while waiting for dinner at the Polynesian Resort

Kingston on Jeremy's shoulders getting his first look at the castle

Kingston waiting for the bus

waiting for the bus

Christmas

2007-12-28T21:23:00.000-06:00

Christmas was so fun this year with 2 babies! Of course, Solomon had no clue what was going on and Kingston got spoiled rotten! He is still asking to open presents. When I began taking the tree down, Kingston started hollering "Christmas is not over!". Despite how hectic it was, it was the best Christmas ever!

Sweet little Solomon

Kingston and Paisley are the best of friends!

All the Pharr (and Layton) kids: Xander, Kingston, Caleb, Paisley and Solomon

Mom, Solomon, and Autumn

Me and Solomon

Rachel, Lacy (my sister-in-law) and me

Christmas at my parents' house!

This is my sister's family: Adleigh, Jeremy, Autumn and Rachel. Can you tell who the ham is in the family?

Baby Feet and Decorating the Tree

2007-12-03T22:27:00.001-06:00

Baby feet are the cutest things in the world and Solomon loves to play with his feet. This is one of my favorite things that babies do, and Kingston never really did, so I had to share these pictures. As you can see, I was trying to change his diaper, but he insisted on playing with his feet, so I used it as a photo op.

Kingston helped us decorate the Christmas tree. Can you see the Big Bird? We got him some Sesame Street ornaments to put on the tree himself.

Personal Space

2007-11-25T19:14:00.000-06:00

I just had to document my thoughts and my experience. I don't know how many of you go shopping on "Black Friday", but just the thought of it makes me shudder. I hate crowds. I hate shopping, and the combination makes me want to go into a coma. However, my husband wants a Wii for Christmas. It is pretty much the only thing he has asked for, so I went to a local electronics store, and no, it was not Best Buy. I'm not a lunatic. I went to FYE. Anyway, I stood in line and personal space was nonexistent. Now I will admit, I looooove my personal space, not just with strangers in the supermarket line, but in my classes, with my friends, pretty much all the time everywhere!! Anyway, there were people all around me. One woman kept creeping up next to me and finally cut me in line! Then there was a guy standing behind me in line who was standing so close that I could smell his breath. It literally made my stomach turn. I stood in that line, mad that I was even in it and becoming more angry by the second at this person literally breathing down my neck. Next year, I am considering shopping with a "personal space hoola hoop".

Football and the Pumpkin Patch and Trunk or Treat

2007-11-19T20:48:00.001-06:00

I know this is so late, but things have been wild around our home. Enjoy the pictures and everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Solomon

Aunt Twyla and Kingston watch the Titans game

Our sweet boys having a lazy morning

Kingston, Xander, and Paisley at the pumpkin patch

We visited my Granny for church

Kingston's friend, Will Flanigan

Solomon as Yoda

Eric and Rebecca with Abigail and Ansley

Darth Vader Kingston

Kingston's friends, Abigail and Ansley at Trunk or Treat.

We're all Titans fans!!

Music and Molasses

2007-10-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

For those of you who aren't aware, every October there is a Music & Molasses Festival at the Ellington Agricultural Center. There are lots of animals to see, pony rides for the kids, farm activities for the kids, lots of food, and bluegrass music. We met our friends Kirk and Julianne there. A fun time was had by all. I strongly recommend going next year for those of you who have never been.

Kingston paints the barn.

The horse was turning this thing that squeezes sorghum juice out of sorghum cane. They then boil the juice to make sorghum. 4 gallons juice = 1 gallon sorghum

Kingston and the goat check each other out.

I don't know if you can tell or not, but this guy was using actual shears to shear the sheep, no electric razor here!

This is a Bluegrass trio. I love the little girl dancing in front. She kept trying to get Kingston to dance with her. He looks like he is running away.

Solomon liked the Bluegrass music.

I kept telling Kingston to look at me and say cheese, but he kept saying cheese while he was looking at the wheel. I kept nagging him to look at me and this is what I got...he is already smarting off!!

Kirk milked a goat. I love the way the goat is looking at me unappreciatively.

Kirk and Julianne

I wanted Solomon to see the horse, but he appears to be sound asleep!

Murphy's Law

2007-10-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

We arrived back home from Destin on Sunday just before 5:00. Our good friends from Indianapolis were in town for the weekend, and Sunday evening was the only time we could get together with them, so Jeff, Sarah, Ethan, and Sam all arrived at our house at 6:00. We had a great time, and as usually happens with them, we stay up late (for us anyway). They left our house around 10:45 after we had eaten, Solomon and Sam were sound asleep, and Ethan and Kingston had pulled out every toy out of every crevice they could find. Kingston didn't go to bed until 11:15, and Jeremy had to be at the aiport Monday morning at 4 am. This means that I had to get up and take him. Those of you that have children see the predicament I was in...kids went to bed late...I really don't want to wake them up at 4, put them in the car and drive to the airport only to come right back home. We called Zach to come sleep in the basement so I wouldn't have to get them up. I told Zach that the monitors would be on, but they probably wouldn't wake up while I was gone. Solomon woke up to eat, and I looked at the clock...3:20...perfect! I can nurse him and he'll go right back to sleep so I can leave and he for sure won't wake up while I'm gone. Here is the series of events. Keep in mind that we got home from the trip @ 5, company from 6 - 10:45, put Kingston in bed, clean up dishes, unpack necessities, and I'm in bed at 12:30. I am exhausted.

3:40 - Kingston wakes up and is screaming for me. He won't take Jeremy as a substitute.
3:50 - Solomon goes back to sleep. I put him in bed and head to Kingston's room to settle the matter.
3:59 - Kingston wants "Mama rock you". I don't have time. I sway back and forth a few times, give him a few pats on the back and he lays down contented.
4:10 - Run out the door and head to the airport.
4:45 - Get back home.
5:00 - Kingston is screaming "I'm wet!". I change his diaper, give him milk, and he falls back asleep in the chair.
5:30 - Solomon wakes up crying. I feed him.
6:00 - Bathe Solomon. I might as well stay up. If I try to go back to sleep, I am only going to become angry. Sleepy + angry = bad mothering
6:15 - Jeremy calls...his flight is canceled. The next flight is at 11:45...I could have gotten some sleep.
3:00 - Jeremy calls...his luggage is lost. By the way, this is his 3rd time to fly Delta Airlines and their 3rd time to lose his luggage. On a business trip, this results in him having to go buy new pants, shirt and tie. Luckily, he went prepared this time just in case and wore work clothes to the airport.

When it rains, it pours!!

Destin

2007-10-16T07:04:00.000-05:00

We left Wednesday for our annual Fall Break trip to Destin, Florida with the Pharr family. This year was so much fun. The weather was great and we had lots of good seafood. We came home on Sunday. Solomon did great on the drive down, but on the way back he screamed literally until we were 10 minutes from the house!!

Our annual family picture on the beach outside of The Back Porch. I was so excited to catch a family picture where Solomon has his eyes open!!

Paisley and Xander

Zach brought some college friends. I am convinced that none of them will EVER want children after this weekend.

Dinner at the Crab Trap...Kingston was so tired that he played with his trucks the whole time and hardly spoke to anyone.

Zach and Kingston goof off one night on the beach!

Solomon gets ready for the beach!

Greetings from Destin

2007-10-11T21:43:00.000-05:00

We are in Destin this week with Jeremy's family...our yearly trip.

I was trying to get a picture of Kingston and Paisley together...you can see how well it turned out.

Jeremy and Kingston hung out at the beach.

Work Day at the Beasley's

2007-10-08T22:55:00.000-05:00

Saturday we had a work day my parents' house! Dad had torn down their privacy fence, and we worked on putting up a new one. The girls pressure washed the pool and got it ready to paint. Mom hung out in the house with all the kids. We had a great time!!

Kingston Loves Solomon

2007-10-08T22:51:00.000-05:00

Kingston loves to snuggle with Solomon, but sometimes, it can be too much!!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-08T22:31:00.000-05:00

Great Aunt Twyla came and took us to a pumpkin patch in Nolensville. It was really hot, but we had a great time!!

Pictures

2007-09-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, Tara, Amanda and I took the kids to have a group portrait made for Maymie's birthday. They people at Portrait Innovations were so nice and helpful, and I thought we got some great pictures! Kingston and Solomon's pictueres turned out great also.

Solomon's Birth

2007-09-16T23:49:00.001-05:00

Pappy and Maymie welcome their fourth grandson!

Kingston gets to hold his baby brother for the first time.

We're trying to calm him down. Notice my manicured nails?

I was happy that he was finally here, but Solomon doesn't seem too thrilled!

Kingston and Girls

2007-09-16T23:21:00.000-05:00

The Johns Family came over to visit....perfect time for photos of Kingston with his girlfriends!

Kingston's 2nd Birthday Party

2007-09-16T23:18:00.000-05:00

I'm new at this

2007-09-16T23:05:00.000-05:00

Some of our friends and family have blogs and I love to look at them, so I figured it would be a good place to add thoughts and pictures of our family also.

This was a really busy summer. Kingston started preschool, turned 2, and then Solomon was born. We have finally gotten back to our lives (sorta). I started my practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy at Lipscomb University 2 days a week and Kingston is back in school.