J-E-L-L-O

What a mess!

What an ORANGE mess!

What a jello-jiggler orange mess!

And oh, what FUN!!

The "world of food" is too yummy not to try new things here and there so last week, the new food was JELLO! I am bad about giving him something new, him not eating it, and then not giving it to him ever again. Well, Russ has convinced me to give him the "new" food every night for a week before deciding whether or not he likes it, so that is what we've done and I must admit that he was right... it worked! (This week is mandarin oranges and it is Thursday night and he still doesn't like them... oh, well)

So JELLO... what kid doesn't like jello??? The first night he would just touch it and every now and then, he would attempt to pick it up without success... it was pretty cute. The second night, he did pick it up, but wasn't able to put it in his mouth before it slipped right through his fingers and then the third night was the MESS!

I forgot to put some on his plate so I just went and got the cup out of the fridge and I took a bite before giving him a bite. Of course, he immediately wanted the cup and spoon, so I gave it to him...

He quickly became the orange-jello-jiggler-of-a-mess! And I must say that he loved every minute of it and in the end he ate and liked the jello! So, mission accomplished!

He fed himself, the floor, and me!

Good stuff!

Not long after making the mess, he began to drop pieces back into the cup.

I am hopeful that this is a sign of the good to come with regard to picking up after himself, however I am not holding my breath!

Take note of the orange jello on his nose and face.

And suddenly, he began to "drink" the jello!

Jello is fun and yummy, too!

Lawson's Latest

Our summer break is quickly coming to an end as today is officially the last day of summer break for teachers. Tomorrow and Friday are training days and then next week is the big week!

The past week or so has been busy and I haven't taken the time to run upstairs to post a few note-worthy events... no matter how busy you are, life still goes on and memories are still made... I am thankful we captured these memories!

Lawson is doing very well and is growing, learning, and developing more and more each day! His "fits" are becoming less frequent and he has added two new words to his vocabulary this week. "Uh-oh" was a favorite a few months ago, but is STRONG and clear at this point... even when the "uh-oh" is intentional! Gotta love the sound of the sippy cup hitting the floor for the 5th time, followed by the sweet sound of "uh-oh"! : ) As to the two new words, he is saying "bah" for ball and "doh" for dog. Not sure on the word count for 18 months, but at 14 months there are officially 8 words in his vocabulary. He has also added a new noise when asked, "what does a cow say?" and he replies back in his motorcycle-type noise, "bbbmmmvvv". As I said previously, learning. : )

Just a few recent snapshots...

He loves the vacuum cleaner.

Here he is bouncing the "bah"...

As we were growing up, my mom and dad often called us 'curtain climbers' and I am certain it must be hereditary. Lawson will climb up on anything within his reach!

I was putting something away above the refrigerator and as soon as I got down, he started up.

He is so proud of himself!

Sitting in the toy basket...

He has discovered the air coming out of the air vents...

Where is Lawson?

Peek-a-boo!

Following Thane...

When we lived in Mandan, we would often keep our friends' son, Thane. Not having children, we didn't have any toys so he would always arrive with toys in hand. One night he was with us, and for some reason, found my curling iron and flat iron and at that point, the toys were history! He LOVED playing with them, pulling them around by the cord just as Lawson is doing here. He fled with them as I was getting ready one morning this past week and I discovered him in the living room!

Found Dad's shoes...

Don't I look great sportin' Dad's shoes, in my PJs?

Happy Lawson!

Sprinkling the mulch is just as much fun as sprinkling the sand!

Eating supper while dancing and singing to Disney Sing-a-long

Oh, my, goodness!!!

I am convinced that toilet paper needs to be on baby registries for the transition into the "toddler stage"...

I have seen many cute toilet paper pictures including babies, but when you have to clean several rolls up, according to us, it is not so cute. However, he was having a ball!

And oh, yes... he has started holding toilet paper, Kleenex, napkin, whatever to his nose making a "bllllll" noise and I must admit, it is pretty cute.

For some reason, I just love to see him stand on his tip-toes. How cool are our toes that they can raise our height an inch or two and how cool is it that he, along with other babies, just did this without being told. We are fearfully and wonderfully made...

I took this when I noticed what was going on, but was too late to catch the "action" part. He was attempting to reach the DVD player so he moved his radio over, stood on top of it, and sure enough, he reached it!

Riding the ranger with Grandmother and Granddad... He LOVES to ride around the farm!

Cool Farmer Lawson!

Under the table is one of Lawson's favorite little places and yes, he is playing with a Swiffer Duster, which he thoroughly enjoys.

That one belongs specifically to him!

Working on the lawn mower...

Happy 80th Birthday, Daddy Denton!

On Saturday night, July 18th, we celebrated Daddy Denton's 80th birthday with a big party including family and many friends!

He requested a birthday party and was in hopes that it would be a big celebration! His wishes came true! It was a success... many guests, great food, the opportunity to visit with friends and loved ones, the chance to reminisce on fond memories from the past, and most importantly the privilege to celebrate the past 80 years of a very special man!

The Bells...

Uncle James Denton, Aunt Sarah Beth, Dad, Daddy Denton, and Mama B

Daddy Denton with a few of his close friends from Middle Tennessee and Uncle James Denton...

It was a party!

Me and Daddy Denton

More guests...


And some more...

The Birthday Cake Table...

A few of the servers (granddaughters)...

Lindsey, Deena, and McKenzie

Bubba is a family friend and Lawson LOVED him!

This party was the night after we returned from Florida and Lawson was still in the fit-throwing stage. I must admit, I was very worried he might become a little unhappy while we were there. I am forever grateful for the swing set and the paci! We survived the night with no fits!

He LOVED the slide!!!

We know you enjoyed your 80th birthday, Daddy Denton, and we are looking forward to celebrating the 81st!

We love you.