Crazy Days

Well it has been a crazy couple of days.
1. We have been trying to potty train davis, hopefully a whole other post on that soon. He is doing well. We are just learning that there is no formula and that kids are different.
2. We painted 3 rooms in our home over the last week. I know, maybe not the best week to do this trying to potty train and all. We mainly painted at night. I think it gave Katie and I a sense of accomplishment after long days of sitting near a potty!

In the midst of it all we did manage to get in a day on the lake Sunday at Muma and Papa's house.
It was great. Katie and I had about an hour long ride and then we went and picked up Davis. He loved being on the boat with his puddle jumpers. Hopefully many more of these days ahead.

Farming

Katies grandfather, Poppy, had a great garden in his backyard when Katie was a child.
My family owned a produce business where tomatoes were some of the largest product.

Here is mine and Katie's attempt at farming.

Unfortunatley our largest tomato plant snapped last night. We know that we used to small of a string to hold up the plant. Eventually the weight of the plant against the small string just snapped it!
Here is a picture of a couple of the tomatoes that were on the fallen stalk! Katie is thinking she may try to fry them up and have some fried green tomatoes.

We still have 3 other plants that have smaller produce on them. We will see how we fair this season. We are thinking about putting a raised bed in the back corner of our yard next year.

Rain

It has been very dry in Knoxville this summer.
We need rain.
I can't make it rain.
That fact resizes me.
As much as I would like to think that I am in control, God uses nature to constantly remind me of how out of control and dependent on Him I am.

When it does rain it is a physical reminder of how badly I need His refreshing.

Happy 4th

The 4th was on Sunday.
Didn't see a single firework.
I'm a dad.
I know bottle rockets are cool, but if you shoot another one off at 11pm near my house with 2 sleeping children, I will strap you to the next rocket. But no really, what do you expect this one to do that the last 237 didn't do? It will probably shoot up in the air with no accuracy, make a loud noise and have very little show.
I digress...

We found Annie IN the cabinet under our tv the other day. She is crazy and I love her.

A couple of pics I took of Davis outside yesterday. He is growing up incredibly fast. He's got his dad's short fuse.
It makes me love him all the more.
He reminds me daily of my need for grace and patience from my Heavenly Father.

A guest post

This is a post from a blog I read occassionaly.

Thought it was fitting for here.

"An open letter to people without kids."

Dear people without kids,

Hello! I hope you’ve been enjoying doing whatever the heck you want, whenever the heck you want to. There are a few things that those of us with kids would like you to know though. I hope you’ll take a few moments to read the following letter and, more importantly, heed the advice.

Right this second, you are at your most idealistic about parenting. You’ve read all the books, taken all the classes, and discussed all of the popular parenting philosophies. Little do you know, you’ll forget all about your promise to “never shove candy in your kid’s face to get him to shut up” the first time you’re baby decides to freak out in an airplane. I know. I was you.

You close the door too loud. It’s a proven fact that, when a kid is sleeping, the single loudest thing in a house is a closing door. From now on, twist the knob, open, twist the knob again, close. If it makes it easier, pretend you’re a spy or something.

The current TV volume is what we have chosen to be the maximum acceptable volume (also known as the Dan Buice Rule). When our kids are sleeping, take our subtle hints. We’ve chosen volume level 27 for a reason. We’re whispering to each other for a reason. We’re “calling it a night” and escorting you to the door for a reason.

Don’t parent my kids. If I haven’t put a stop to what my kid is doing, don’t feel the need. Chances are, he’s probably used to doing that thing because his parents have previously approved of it.

Men, it is never OK to touch a pregnant woman’s stomach without an invitation. I don’t go around touching your wife’s abs just because I heard she’s been working out, do I? Same thing.

When a baby is freaking out in public, feel sorry for the parents. Sure, you’re natural tendency is to get mad at the infant who is incapable of controlling his emotions. But let me challenge you to redirect that anger into something more worthwhile – sympathy for the parents. They’re the ones in pain.*

Thanks for your time. Enjoy the movie theater!
Tyler

Anything I need to add? This is just a work in progress, so all you parents out there, feel free to give your input.

*It should be noted that I LOVE being a parent and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Most of my advice is a direct result of my own pre-kid ignorance.