My Sweet Grandson

As some of you may not know my mother passed away from lung cancer on November 22nd. When I find the time and the energy to express what she meant to me I would like to share. In the meantime I wanted to share a letter that she wrote to Jacob, her only grandchild, that eloquently summarized her feeling for him.

My Sweet Grandson,

When you were baptized “Jacob” by your parents “Rebecca” and Vincent “Isaac” Porter,the biblical parallel was obvious (Gen. 25: 19 – 26).

Such an auspicious beginning carries a weighty responsibility, mainly to yourself, to strive for the loftiest goals your world will have to offer. During this time you’re destined to bestow blessings on others whose lives you touch, as you have already graced your family with.

When you made me a Grandmother and I held you the first time, I unexpectedly felt like my whole life had been leading up to this moment, the ultimate, miraculous joy that is you, Jacob Harper Porter.

Before you got here, I busily shopped for your first red tricycle, your first set of Lincoln Logs, and more. But I settled for a more practical First Christmas Gift, a fullsize Radio Flyer Rocking Horse! (His name is “Liberty” and he’s waiting for you over here at Nana's Stable.)

Precious Boy, if I got to see you everyday, I would still catch my breath at the wonder of the hand of God in my life. You instill in me the desire to be worthy of of You and all the other blessings I’ve taken for granted. Thank you.

You are progressing at the speed of light it seems: crawling by 4 mos. (remember how you liked to “crawl” up Mom or Dad’s chest when you were a couple of weeks old?)

You’ve got your first TWO teeth coming in now when you’re barely 5 mos.! You’ll be asking for the car keys any day!.

Mom and Dad diligently video/audiograph your every little event. Even before you you arrived, Daddy got nice pix of Mommy’s tummy with you inside which she hopes he didn’t put on YouTube. ( One tape, Jacob’s First Bath, is a study in What NOT to Do With Anybody’s baby!)

Jake, that one-of-a-kind brilliant smile you’re so generous with, melts my heart. I fervently pray that forever in your life and world, you’ll always have reason to use it.

I love you,

Nana

February 20, 2009

Jacob's Potty Chart

This week we have started the potty chart for Jacob. His 2 year birthday was on September 6th, 2010 and I figured it would be a good time to start training him before he hits the terrible two's. I haven't read a single book or article about potty training because I figured I know my son better than any author out there.

What I decided to try was a really simple potty chart with stickers. I know how much he loves stickers and stamps at school for rewards so I thought what better way than to reward him for using the potty. Now let me back up a moment. Jacob isn't really aware of when he is going potty. He doesn't care and then runs away when we try to change him. By the way he hates getting his diaper changed. So I figured why not start off really simple and reward him every time he tells mommy and daddy that he has already gone and he gets a sticker. Really simple here folks. So we will do this for 30 days and see how it goes. I am fully aware that there are going to be many times we forget to remind him to tell us, but at least it's a start.

Then after 30 days we will institute the big potty chart. He will then have to tell us when he has to go potty. During this time we will teach him to use the actual toilet seat in his bathroom. Again if he does tell us he gets another sticker for everytime. I am crossing my fingers that this works.

Does anyone else have any advice for potty training?

Wee Bit Wednesday

Here we go again! {one} have you ever milked a cow or a goat? No and I can't say that I have ever wanted to try.

{two} what sound does your alarm make when it goes off in the morning? ugh, this REALLY annoying buzzing/beeping sound. it’s pretty awful.

{three} chocolate milk or hot chocolate? Definitely hot chocolate! My husband uses milk and I use water to make it.

{four} what is one of the quirkiest things about you? I am very OCD about certain things. Like the way I do laundry, hang clothes, load the dishwasher.

{five} are you more like your mom or your dad? I would have to say I am very much like both of them in very different ways. When it comes to arguing, I am like my dad. My mom and I have very similar tastes in colors, furniture, and shopping.

{six} do you sleep with the TV on? I have a really hard time falling to sleep with silence. I think it's because I never really turn my brain off at night. I always have something I am working on, so having the TV on helps me drown out my personal thoughts. Of course my husband hates it.

{seven} if you were a crayon, what color would you be? My color choices are always changing. If we are talking design wise I would have to say either gray or a light blue color.

{eight} ross, joey, or chandler? I would have to say Chandler. He would always keep me laughing.

{nine} do you play any musical instruments? I have no musical talents whatsoever. Ask my husband and he would tell you I can't even keep a beat.

{ten} what’s the worst thing you’ve ever cooked/baked? Well it wasn't something that I actually cooked or even baked. It was cheese fondue. Last Valentine's Day my husband and I decided that we wanted to try making it at home. We got a recipe online and then headed to grocery store. It had a couple of different cheeses that neither one of us had even heard of before. We put it all together and added some white wine like the recipe called for and melted it. It stunk the house up. We could barely get through one bit before we called it quits.

Wordless Wednesday

First Time to Tailgate

We took Jacob to his first TCU tailgate this past Saturday. We had everything all set up and ready to go and boy was he ready for some football. He got to wear his own TCU purple football jersey. He did rather well at the tailgate. He played a little football in the grass area, sometimes he would sit in his purple chair, but mostly he would go from person to person asking for food.

The game and weather were perfect. We have five seats so that we can have enough moving room for all the adults and Jacob. He mostly sat with Mimi and Big Daddy becasue he can always see us at home. It was funny listening to my mom explain football to Jacob. She basically used really easy words like the Purple Monsters are attacking the Yellow Bad Guys. And then he would say "ARRGGGHHH!"

We stayed until the end of the 3rd quarter because we had already passed nap time and he was getting pretty restless at that point. But all in all he did really well, so we definitely will be taking him back for many more games to come. Big Daddy and Jacob even made it on the Faces in the crowd website. That's where we got the above picture. We really didn't take too many pictures because it's hard when you are chasing after a 2 year old.

GO TCU!!!

Sleep Talking

A picture is worth a thousand words. I had to write a quick post about something that Jacob did last night. As Vince and I were watching TV last night about to fall asleep, we could hear Jacob over the baby monitor. He was talking up a storm all by himself. I went in there to check on him and to make sure that everything was okay. When I went into his room and looked at him, I noticed that he had had an accident so I had to change him. I pulled him out of his crib and changed all of his clothes and sheets and put him back to bed. The entire time he sat in his rocking chair with his eyes wide open, but he was still sleeping. I put him back into bed and he closed his eyes. I sat with him for about 5 minutes and the entire time he was talking in his sleep. He never opened his eyes or looked at me, but just kept on jabbering. He would say the cutest things. I even caught him making the "choo choo" noise and hand motion. How cute!

Fabulous Headbands!

I think I found some of the cutest handbands I have ever seen. Whippy Cake! Visit their link and tell me what you think.

I love how soft and bold they are. Such pretty colors and textures. I can definitely see myself wearing a few of things on the weekends with the right outfit. And the most fabulous thing is that they are interchangeable. How awesome is that girls. All you have to do is order the headband and you can change out all the different styles. Here are a few of my favorites.

This is my favorite because it's purple and I could definetly wear it to the home games.

I love this one because it's so big.

This is so romantic and beautiful.

And last, but not least I could wear this one to work without looking to out of place. So tell me, which one do you like most?

Wee Bit Wednesday

I can't believe I actually remembered to do this today. Of course you can tell that I haven't blogged since last week as well. But I have been super busy! But enough about that let's get on to the questions.

{one} grilled or fried? I prefer fried, I am a Southern girl. But if I am watching what I eat, then grilled.

{two} if you could change one thing about where you live, without worrying about money, what would you change? I would buy a new house with everything that I ever wanted, wood floors, new cabinets, window shutters, spa bathroom, and of course a beautiful landscaped yard for my husband.

{three} what is your favorite time of day? if I'm not working, then the late afternoon if the weather is nice and breezy.

{four} what’s your favorite cereal? Some brand called Oh's!

{five} do you open your mouth when you put mascara on? I can't seem to remember.

{six} if you could make any fictional character come to life, which would it be? probably something English and romantic, like Emma from Jane Austin's book.

{seven} what are your favorite pizza toppings? Really just cheese and pepperoni. I really don't care for pizza that much.

{eight} are you a heavy or a light sleeper? depends on if I have a lot of things going through my mind. I'm so OCD and antsy, I can't stop moving when I have things I want to finish up.

{nine} what is your favorite board game? Probably just good old checkers.

{ten} what star/celebrity do most people say you look like? A lot of people use to say that I looked like Natalie Portman or Ashley Judd. But they are so much prettier than me, probably because they have people who can do their hair, clothes and make-up. Wouldn't it be so much easier if we all had a styling team following us around.

Until next time.

Wee Bit Wednesday

I completely forgot about doing this yesterday. So I am only a day behind for anyone that actually reads this blog.

{one} what is your biggest pet peeve? Tardiness. I am always at least 15 minutes early to everything. I grew up a millitary brat so there was never an excuse for being late. If you are a family member in my household you better have a good excuse for not being on time.

{two} what is your favorite dessert? I love sweet and tart desserts. Things like Key Lime Pie.

{three} what is the first thing you notice about people? their skin.

{four} are you usually late, early or right on time? early. Refer to question #1

{five} have you ever fired a gun? I have only fired a gun one time. My uncle took me to an outdoor shooting range. There were so many types of guns to shoot. My very first one was some kind of semi-automatic. Pretty cool and I've got the pictures to prove it.

{six} are you right-handed or left-handed? right.

{seven} which do you prefer: coke or pepsi? Coke. It's a bad habit that I have.

{eight} do you dance crazy when no one is looking? maybe. okay, yes.

{nine} what’s your favorite movie snack? Sour patch kids

{ten} do you scream on roller coasters? I think I do. I haven't been on an actual roller coaster since I was a little kid. It's been so long and no I am not going to tell you how long. Just a little bit more information on little old me! Have a great weekend.

Growing Up!

Oh the joys of growing up to be a big boy. I am so proud of the things that my husband teaches my son. I am going to come home one of these days and he will be drinking milk straight out of the jug. Sorry the photo isn't the world's best, it was taken with Vince's phone.

Wee Bit Wednesday

I thought I would procrastinate just a little and actually put something on my blog today. {one} what is your happiest childhood memory? It would probably have to be going to see my grandmother. She always made every visit so special

{two} what is your middle name? Gail

{three} what’s the habit you’re most proud of breaking? laziness, just ask my husband, I never sit down. I am always up doing something.

{four} what do you order when you order Chinese food? Always chicken fried rice. I am so adventurous.

{five} what’s the best bargain you’ve ever found at a garage sale or thrift store? I recently bought a china hutch from craigslist. I had never seen it in person and had my husband pick it for me. It actually turned out to be a beautiful piece once I had refinished it.

{six} what’s the best costume you’ve ever worn? it wasn't the best costume, but it was definitely the most memorable. My mother decided to make me a pumpkin costume. Well pumpkins are suppose to be round and large. Well mine was slightly flat and droopy. I was so embarrassed.

{seven} who’s your favorite game show host? I don't really watch any game shows, but I do remember watching Wheel of Fortune with my grandmother, so I would have to say Pat Sajak.

{eight} what’s your favorite breakfast food? breakfast tacos, I live in Texas.

{nine} what’s your least favorite word? panties, I just hate that word!

{ten} describe something that happened to you for which you have no explanation. This is a hard one. I will have to get back to you.

My new Website

Come and take a look at my new design website.

www.mypaintedperfection.blogspot.com

I will be updating soon with all kinds of pictures and options.  Also see my updates on facebook and become a fan.

My hobby

My newest hobby is my start up small business. If you know me, then you of course know that I am always working on some kind of project. Just ask my husband, he swears we have lost square footage in our house because of the multiple times I have painted the walls. I digress.

My new focus is re-finishing furniture pieces. Whether it's an old piece that needs a little love or something new that needs a special touch. i love updating furniture adn getting my hands dirty. I have always had the philosophy that home should feel loved, lived in and comfortable. I am not a big believer of having all of my furniture matching and looking like it came off the furniture showroom floor or a model home. And yes, I do know that some people prefer it that way because it makes everything easier to design around. Red goes with red, yellow goes with yellow and beige goes with everything. If you have ever picked up a design magazine and believe me I had so many of them I finally had to throw them out, and looked at all the photos in the homes, none of the furniture matches. But it all flows together in a cohesive mood. All of the furniture and accessories are like instruments to a piece of music. Some are soft, others bold or loud and some are added as a background foundation that keeps the entire piece together.

So that's what I am trying to accomplish with my furniture. Pieces that add character to the look of a room. Something special and one of a kind.

I have been working in our garage for many hours trying to get everything all set up and ready. I am also trying to put together a website that will have all of my information. I promise as soon as I am finished I will let everyone know. So stay tuned in for my new business website.

Busy Summer

This has been one of the most enjoyable summers I have had in a long time. For one thing, Jacob has gotten older and is so much fun to hang out with outside or at the pool. He is at such an age that he gets so tickled at the simpliest things. Vince and I have taken him to our neighborhood pool a few times and he absolutely is in love with the kid's pool area and slides. I think he would go up and down the water slides all day long if we let him. He just cracks me up. I definetly think the swimming lessons have been helping.

Another reason that summer has been busy is that I have joined a monthly Bunco group with a bunch of my girlfriends. It has been so much fun. I really do look forward to getting together with other mommies, taking a break and gossiping about nothing. It also helps that we always have yummy food and beverages every time. It also means that Jacob gets to have special "Daddy Time," no mommy around to keep the boys in line.

Vince has been busy with his triathlon that he plans to enter in August. He usually bikes around 25-45 miles every Saturday morning with my dad on the Trinity River. Then throughout the week he trains by himself at the gym with swimming and running. THis will be his first tralthlon and I think he is going to do great. He will also be entering in some other races like the Hotter than Hell in Wichita Falls, where he will be biking for about 60 miles in the Texas heat and sun. Good Luck. I know I couldn't do it. But this something that he has always wanted to do.

This is also the summer that Vince will get to go to New Mexico with my parents for a fishing trip. He is definetly an outdoors man. This is one trip I don't go on because fishing and camping are just not my idea of a summer vacation. But he enjoys and I fully support him.

Well that's about all we have been up too, other than the usual hussle and bussle of a family of three. As Jacob gets older I know the summers are going to get busier and busier, but I enjoy it.

Saying Goodbye to an old friend

Well this past Memorial Day Vince and I celebrated by purchasing a new vehicle for the Porter family. Poor Vince was overdue for a new car. He practically had no A/C, check engine light was on, and other various issues. So we decided to go take a look at Ford Trucks. We all loaded up into the car and drove over to Mimi and Big Daddy's house so that they could watch Jacob for us for the afternoon. Little did we know it would be through the early evening hours until we finally were able to pick him up.

We first decided to visit Grapevine Ford. The place was packed. Did I forget to mention it was Memorial Day and all the sales. We were able to find a couple of trucks that we liked with all the options that we were considering and finally narrowed it down to one. After a nice test drive, they actually let us off the lot by ourselves, we decided to talk price tag. This is where it got sketchy for me. You can ask my husband, I always play the role of the bigger talker, but when it came time to negotiate there were a few times I had to step away. The tension was just to awkward for me. But it was kind of funny seeing a completely different type of personality with Vince. I know my husband pretty well, but we have never worked or sat in a business meeting together so seeing this shark like business money negotiator personality coming from him was a little unexpected. I almost thought Donald Trump himself might jump out and say "You're Hired." But all joking aside, he got us a great deal on the trade-in and new vehicle. He had already priced out all the options, knew how low he wanted to start negotiating and knew what he was willing to finance.

We finally got the financing office around 4:30 that afternoon and we were almost on our way out the door with the keys to our brand new truck. After an hour of paperwork, we we still had to clean out our old Jeep. We had already had it vacuumed and wiped clean, but we still needed to get our personal items out. We couldn't forget the car seat and garage door opener. We would've been in deep trouble. It was kind of sad saying goodbye to the old car. We have had so many good and bad memories in it. She has taken us to so many tailgates and football games. Many road trips to see friends and family. Lots of trips to the deer lease, always caring precious cargo on the back. Oh wait that was only one time. And last, but not least it was the vehicle that brought us all home from the hospital when Jacob was born.

        I still remember that day. Jacob was in his car seat carrier and I was next to him in the back seat, while Vince was the designated driver. I have never seen him drive so slow and cautious. Thank you Jeep for getting all home safe and sound.

                              We'll miss you old girl.

 

But say hello to our new Texas Limousine!!!

 

VIP's Backyard Bootcamp

Are you looking to tone up and lose weight this summer? Do you want to get in shape for the summer for the pool or the beach? Are you pale from too much office work? Then VIP's Backyard Bootcamp is the perfect exercise program for you.

This program specifically designed by Vince himself is a great program that tones, tightens and tans you for that perfect summer body. Best of all , its only once a week for 2 hours! You might ask yourself these questions :

Can an exercise program that is only 2 hours a week really help me?

My answer is simple, yes it can. My program involves cardio and strength & resistance training to really push yourself to the desired result.

I know , I know, your next question is , Should I already be in good shape to start?

Well eager exercise person, we can specifically design a program to suit your level of fitness from beginner to advanced.

Alright already VIP , When and where are these programs conducted ?

Classes are on Saturdays or Sundays at 2pm or 3pm in the afternoon at the gym of Vince & Rebecca at the front and backyards of the gym.

I am interested, so what is involved in the boot camp?

Now we are talking. There are four simple steps to complete the boot camp workout. The first step is Grass Elimination Push Pull. This involves using a specially designed piece of workout equipment that will be pushed and pulled in strategic designed rows to eliminate unwanted grass growth in the front and backyards of the Gym. The second step is the Weed Eater Power Clean. This involves taking a heavy piece of motorized fitness equipment to eliminate hard to reach unwanted grass growth. The third step is the Edger Crunch whereby you will eliminate the grass along sidewalks, flowerbeds, and trees to form uniform straight lines. The fourth and final step is the Clean Up Cool Down where you will sweep unwanted grass clippings into piles to eliminate via the Outdoor Vacuum or Blower.

Hey this sounds a lot like yard work to me?

The only one being cheated by not taking part in the bootcamp is you. I am a teacher and motivator but I can not do the workout for you.

Okay , Okay, How do I signup , what is it going to cost me, and where do I find this needed fitness equipment?

This is the best part, the class is free and all equipment will be provided for you. If you are interested in joining all you have to do is email Vince at the Bootcamps email address at : vip@MowMyLawn.com

Is this program provided year round?

You got me hear, unfortunately we can only take students from March to maybe Mid October. If we have enough participation I will gladly plant Rye Grass so that we can continue programs throughout the winter. However we will be offering alternative workout during the winter months like the Tree Prune & Flower Bed Rake Workout or our favorite workout The Christmas Decor Attic Climb and Christmas Light Hanging Challenge.

Here are a few words from friends and happy customers:

I have lost 1 lbs just watching VIP perform the Backyard Bootcamp. With my only being 1 & half years old I am too young to perform most of the exercises but my dad promises me that when I am old enough I can workout every week doing the Backyard Bootcamp.

Jake in Keller

I am only been able to perform the Grass Elimination Push Pull in March when its 75 degrees or lower but I can attest that its a tough workout. I have seen students after performing the workout in July and August and they are covered in sweat after the workout. The farmers tan that goes with the students workout is an added bonus.

Rebecca in Internet Land

Hope to see a new crop of students for VIP's Backyard Bootcamp soon!

Swim Lessons

Our little man is set to start swim lessons this Friday for 13 weeks. I hope he enjoys it as much as he did on vacation. I think this will be a good class for him and get him use to being in the water and learning how to possibly breath. The thing I am most scared about is submerging him under water. It literally scares me to death to see him go under and possibly not know how to hold his breath. But I am sure he will be a trooper and enjoy himself like he always does.

The Many Faces of Jake

Can you Hear ME?

Really, the last blog post was from December 10th? How bad are we? Jacob's hearing and language is awesome right now, we need to post and update on aadfll his test and progression thus far but he is doing great: