Making Memories...

Our Life in Pictures

2011-02-04T16:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010

Big Boy Bedroom

Birthday Boy (3 years old)

Fun in the Snow

Fun Times

We have been busy! :)

2010-07-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Jake and I went to the big apple for a week in March to celebrate 5 years!

Colt stayed with his Grammie and Grumps and had a blast. It was a very fun trip! We were exhausted because we were on the go the entire trip! Walking over the Brooklyn bridge at night and going to the David Letterman Show were just a few of the things that we did.

We took Colt to the zoo for the second time in May.

One trip to the zoo a year is all this mom can handle!

He had a lot of fun. He liked feeding the birds.

I am happy to report that we have been daddy (aka pacifier) free for 48 hours and counting! I am no longer Josh...I am MOM!!! He finally stopped calling me Josh and started calling me mom at the begining of the summer! I know it sounds like he is a teenager but hey, you should of seen the looks I would get when he called me Josh!

We have been to the lake a few times this summer.
He likes to fish with his daddy!

Colton got to go and stay with Garage and Nae at the end of the school year. It sure was quiet around here! He is currently 40 pounds and 40 inches tall! He is almost to big for me to carry around! Lots of people ask me how old he is! We go swimming almost every day and have met a lot of new friends at the pool this summer!

What's been going on?

2010-02-05T19:32:00.001-08:00

In the last few months we have celebrated Christmas, someones second birthday, and 5 years of marriage! Wow! It has been a busy few months. Here are a few pictures from Colton's birthday. :)

Colton's litte buddy helped him open up some of his birthday presents.

Colton's 2nd birthday party's theme was cars. I just love his cake!

Love, love, love this picture! Where have the last 2 year gone?

He is such a serious little man.

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!!!

Colton we love you more then you will ever know! Thank you for making us stop and enjoy life, even when it gets really hectic. At the age of two, you are wise beyond your years, this is a little scary at times and it defiantly keeps us on our toes. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you little man. Love you always and forever! :) Mommy and Daddy

Colton's New Toy

2009-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Colton's Nana and Poopaw bought him a gas powered four wheeler!

Watch out world! :)

Long Time No Post!

2009-11-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

We went to a ranch with Jacob's company and Colton got to see some ponies,

he would not ride them thought. He only likes things that have engines!

Colton had fun helping Grumps celebrate his 58th birthday!

Colton helped decorate some Halloween cookies.

His favorite part was eating the M&Ms and icing.

This was his first year to go trick or treating.

He was a train conductor.

The train conductor with Nana and Poopaw.

This was Colton's first year to trick or treat. He did such a good job! He would walk up to the door hold out his Thomas the Train bucket, get some candy and say bye bye. All our neighbors thought he was too cute. He had so much fun. He filled up his bucket to the top but insisted on carrying it to each house even though it was heavy. He was so tired by the time we got home, but not too tired to eat some candy! :)

What has Colton been up to?

2009-09-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Climbing on to everything!

Who needs a center piece when you can have Colton James on your table.

Trying out big boy underwear!

Sitting in a big boy chair to eat!

Colton is now 20 months old. He is a little pistol, but we would not have it any other way! (My mom reminds me often that I wanted a boy!) He is talking up a storm. The other night I said what does Poopaw call you and he said Boudreaux, as plain as day. He enjoys mooing like a cow and playing with cars. He still loves the movie Cars!

Two Left Feet!

2009-08-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Colton put his shoes on all by himself!

I think he did a pretty good job for a 19 month old! :)

Kitchen

2009-08-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

Breakfast nook

Pantry

I heart my pantry, this picture doesn't even show all of it.

You could put a twin size mattress on the floor and use it for a bedroom!
We needed a big food closet because we have a growing boy on our hands! ;)

Living Room/Family Room what ever you want to call it!

2009-08-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

There are 6 windows in the living room. I really like the curtains. the lady that lived here before us left them, thank goodness!

View of the living room

from the stairs. I do miss my wood floors at my old house!

View from the breakfast nook.

Staircase

I can't decide what to hang above the fireplace or put on top of the media stand.

Dinner and A Movie to Celebrate 19 months old!

2009-08-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

Colton slept until 11:30, I guess turning 19 months old is a hard job.

He helped make a pizza.
This boy had worked up an appetite swimming with friends all day.

He waited patiently for his pizza pie to be done.
Don't worry the oven was not hot!

Colton played in his playroom waiting
for the feature presentation to begin.

In honor of his 19 month birthday, we let him pick the movie....

Cars! (such a cute movie)

Colton provided some extra sound effects...mmm his car sound!

What a fun day we had celebrating 19 months! :) We love you so much Colton!

Crazy Hair Day!

2009-07-30T14:56:00.000-07:00

18 months old + a few days

2009-07-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

So what does a boy do when he is 18 months old...

He spent some time a both sets of grandparents house, playing in his diaper with the water hose. This seems to be Colt's favorite past time this summer. If only we all looked so cute in our underwear! :)

He went camping for the first time with his Poopaw and Nana. I think we might have a future sandcastle builder on our hands.

He doesn't want to get his picture made for his 18 month snap shot.
(Little stinker!!!)

He got his first real kiss from another girl besides his Mama on the 4th of July! Colton is now love struck! He wants to kiss all his toys and anyone who is willing to kiss him back!

Colton's stats at 18 months old...

35 inches tall
29 pounds
on the go constantly
talks all the time
favorite words are ride, garage, and Hosh (Hoss)
speaks in sentences sometimes
got a stye on his eye
loves to be outside

Home Sweet Home

2009-07-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

We are all moved in to our new house. We closed on both houses on

July 16th and have been going non stop since. We are very excited about the neighborhood. There is a community pool and several kids for Colton to play with. I will post pictures of the inside as soon as I remember to buy camera batteries!

Summer Time Fun

2009-06-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

Colton did not know what to think about the frog that we

found in the backyard.

Colton likes to play with the water hose to beat the summer heat!

Don't worry this white boy had on sunscreen. :)

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T16:21:00.001-07:00

Daddy and Colton

Jacob gets all A's in the Daddy department from me!

Thank you for everything that you do for Colton and I!

We love you so very much! :) P.S. We are so proud of you for getting accepted to the MBA program at Tech! (2 and 1/2 years will be over before you know it!)

Poopaw and Colton

Grumps and Colton

Papa and Colton

Happy Father's Day!

Colton is so blessed to have
all these wonderful men in his life!

Dallas Aquarium

2009-06-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a really cool picture.

I actually took it, not Jacob. I never take good pictures!

Looking at the sharks in the tunnel.

I bet he could use a cool drink, in this weather!

What a life!

Looking at the really big fish!

Hey Monkey! Do you see what I see?

My boys checking out some flamingos!

We took Little Mister to the Dallas Aquarium today. Jacob and I both agreed when we left that the Fort Worth Zoo was much better. The best part of the aquarium were the sharks. It was really cool to watch them swim over you. Colton enjoyed walking around with his "monkey" on his back! :) Erica

Where will we live? ...That is the question!

2009-06-08T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Making Memories Team will be officially homeless on July 17th. (If everything goes as planned.)We put our house up for sale about a week ago and got a really good offer on Saturday, so we took it! Jacob and I have been contemplating selling our house for a while now. We LOVE our house...but it is just getting too small. We are going to miss our wood floors, our trees, but these are just things, in the big scheme of things that don't really matter. Our baby boy (and someday a future baby) matters the most and this is who we are doing this for! We aren't sure where we will be moving but we do now it will be some where in Northwest ISD. I know that the dear Lord above will help us find just what we are looking for!

Happy house hunting to us! :)

17 Months Old

2009-06-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

At 17 months Colton likes to...

say the words hot, choo choo, and lots of words we can't understand

play outside

go for wagon rides

feed himself

dip his french fries in ranch or ketchup

throw fits

read

be chased by the crab

take baths

sleep in

play in his room

laugh

watch youtube, especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Slow down baby boy you are growing up way to fast! Thank you for making me slow down and enjoy life! I love you so much. :) Mama

Outdoors+A swing set+One little boy=FUN!

2009-05-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Nana and Poopaw for Colton's swing set! I know that he is going to enjoy it so much! Thank you to Poopaw, Papa and Daddy for building it! Over the Memorial Day weekend Nana, Poopaw, Gigi and Papa all came to visit. We had a really nice time with them. While they were all here we celebrated Poopaw's 48th birthday, which is tomorrow! Happy Birthday Poopaw! We love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

You are the Greatest Mom Ever!

We love you!

JCS and CJS

Teacher's Helper

2009-05-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Colton found my teacher bag and decided to help himself to it.

I wish he would of graded the papers in it!

Colton loves his food!

2009-05-03T18:22:00.001-07:00

Colotn likes to eat corn on the cob.

He got to use corn holders under adult supervision!

He likes to feed himself!

As you can tell I striped him down to nothing but a diaper.

What a mess, but so much fun!

I made my little buckaroo cowboy cookies for his 16 month birthday.

He is such a big boy at 16 months. We are having so much fun with him.

He is all over the place. He loves to play with his blocks, ride his 4-wheeler, ride his horses, and play with any kind of ball. He is very talkative, these are some of the words we can make out, bye bye, hi, hello, chicka chicka boom boom, Mama, Dada, more, good, and all gone.

He likes to be read to, his favorite book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. As you can tell he likes to eat and he likes to drink rootbeer

What does a boy do when his Nana comes to town?

2009-04-26T16:18:00.001-07:00

He feeds himself yogurt.

He takes a ride on Nana's suitcase.

He gets some lovin from Nana.

He colors his Poopaw a picture with Nana's help.

He has her read his favorite book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom over and over again!

Beat Of My Heart

2009-04-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

I love this little boy so much!

He is the beat of my heart!

What could it be?

2009-04-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

It's a rock, its a ball...

Its an Easter egg, Colton James!

Look what I found in it!

That marshmellow bunny, sure was yummy!

Running Changes Everything!

2009-04-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Today was the day that I have been working towards for the last 4 months, the Big D half marathon! I was physically prepared for the race, but I got mentally tired around mile 8. I am not sure of my exact time but it was around 1hour and 50 minutes. I would like to thank Jacob for helping me reach this goal, he has never once complained about me leaving Colton and him when I had to go for a run. Thank you to my parent's and in-laws for coming into town to watch me run and to keep Colton, so Jacob and I could go into Dallas and spend the night. My sweet friend Anna (thank you) also came and watched me run, but the picture I have with her is to horrible of me to post!

My bib number 1067.

Some random runner and me!

The start line, look at all those crazy runners!

I was happy to see my sweet Colton when I finished running 13 miles! Look at his shirt, his Nana made it for him. It says, My Mom Ran 13 Miles!

Official Results:

It took me 1 hour, 49 minutes and 23 seconds to run a half marathon. I came in 11th in my age group (25-29) out of 233. Overall I came in 225 out of 1819! :)

What did Colton do for Spring Break?

2009-03-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

He rode the 4 wheeler everyday with his Poopaw.

He spent lots of time with his Nana.

He saw his Papa and Gigi.

He played with Malanee.

He rode his first tractor with Aunt and Uncle M.

Zoo

2009-03-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

Grammie and Grumps took us to

the Forth Worth Zoo for the first time.
Thanks for taking us, we had a really good time

looking at all the cool animals! :)

Our first trip to the zoo as a family.

The monkeys were a big hit with

the Smith Family.

We heard the lion roar! Way cool!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-18T17:45:00.002-07:00

Where have the last 14 months went?

2009-03-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that he is 14 months old today!

Thanks to Nana for reminding his forgetful mother!

I wish time would slow down. :)

25 Random Things About Me

2009-03-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

1. I can't go to sleep if the closet door is open in our room.

2. I am a horrible speller, my second graders are helping me out with this.

3. I hated to run in high school.

3. Jacob and I met in a pasture.

4. I will not eat pork chops, all because I dissected a baby pig in the 8th grade.

5. I could eat cereal for every meal.

6. I feel that I have an old soul. My most dearest friends are 15+ years older then me.

7. I talk to my mom everyday, even if it is just to say hi.

8. I hate birds, they are so gross.

9. I love to watch 48 Hours Mysteries and Dateline.

10. I would love to be a detective, but I am a chicken and hate blood.

11. I don't consider myself a democrat or a republican.

12. I collect JFK memorabilia.

13. I don't like to lose.

14. I absolutely love being an only child.

15. On April 5th I will accomplish something I never thought I would!

16. If I have another baby someday, I want a little brother for Colton and Hoss.

17. I had never had surgery of any kind until I had an emergency c-section.

18. I hated being pregnant but loved the end result more then anything I could imagine.

19. I love the smell and look of a clean bathroom.

20. If I am ever a millionaire I will have fresh sheets and new socks every day.

21. I would move back to Lubbock if teachers made as much money there as they do here.

22. I don't much care for the sport of baseball.

23. I hate to fold laundry.

24. I wish we would of traveled a little more before Colton was born.

25. Someday I want a house that has a wrap around porch with 2 white rocking chairs on it that over looks a huge open pasture.

Lazy Sunday

2009-03-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

Colton is just like me, he doesn't like to sit still.

So this is a very rare happening at our house, but I will take it any time I can get it!

Bad Day...

2009-02-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

You know you are having a bad day when you get stuck in your lawnmower and your mom makes you sit there until she gets her camera to take your picture!

Happy 5th Birthday Mall Puppy!

2009-02-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

We love you Hoss! We could not of asked for a better dog!

It seems like just yesterday that we were picking you out at the mall!

You no longer look like the pictures above, but you are still our "little puppy!" :)

Booboo and Bubbles

2009-02-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

Colton got his first head scrape at the park today.
He was such a trooper, he only cried for a few minutes. :)

Colton likes to catch bubbles in the kitchen.

Happy Valentines!

2009-02-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

I love...

watching you grow and change every day

the talks we have on the way to school as we drink our coffee and milk

rocking you to sleep every night

when you come running to me, when I pick you up at the end of the day

watching you play

taking you on wagon rides

watching you gobble up all your food

reading you stories

chasing you through the house when we play tag

watching you and your Daddy play

bath time

watching you sleep

snuggling with you even if it is just for a minutes because you are one busy boy

listening to you laugh and talk

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

HANDSOME, LITTLE, BIG, BOY

2009-02-01T15:03:00.001-08:00

On the way to get his much needed haircut!

Bye bye, long hair!

The butterscotch sucker seemed to distract him from what was going on.

Our handsome, little big boy!

Colton got his first and much needed haircut today. I have been ready to take him for awhile, but Jacob has been a little bit stubborn on this issue! So today I said we are taking him, because he is starting to look like a little girl, a pretty one I might add. So off we went to Cool Cuts for Kids. Colton did an awesome job, he did not cry at all, he just set in the car and and sucked on a buttterscotch sucker. If you notice he is wearing his Pitsburgh Steelers jersery for the big game tonight!

How you got your name...

2009-01-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

Today as you lay sleeping in your bed taking your morning nap, I was taking advantage of having the day off and doing some cleaning. As I was cleaning I came a across a list that your dad and I had made of possible names for our little "spot". (Deep down I knew you were a boy from the moment I found out that I was having a baby.) We had always thought that we were going to name a little boy Colby Lane, which is the middle names of both your daddy and I. But I had a little boy with the same first name when I taught first grade and I just couldn't name my future baby this! So before we knew if your were going to be a boy or a girl we came up with some names on which we really could not agree. Your Daddy liked the name Karson for either a boy or a girl. I liked the name Karlee Brooke for a girl and Wyatt or Cash for a boy.

One day we were looking at a baby name book and saw the name Colton and I just knew that was going to be your name. I liked this name because I had never had a student named this nor did I know anyone named this. I had to convince your Daddy, but after I nagged at him for a couple of days, he to liked it. So that is how you got your first name.

As I lay on the couch one day watching T.V. it just hit me, that your middle name had to be James. This is a family name on my side. Two of the men who mean the most to me in this world also share this name with you. You are named after your Poopaw and your Papa. You also had a great great grandad named James. I figured you would always have your Daddy's last name so you needed something from me.Your Daddy being the great guy that he is said that he thought James would be a perfect middle name. I am sure you will live up to your middle name. I already see characteristics that you share with these two men that I call Dad and Grandad, you share your spunk, your temper, and your determination with them!

So sweet little boy if you ever wonder how your name came about, you can read this post and know. You weren't named after a movie star or an athlete you were named out of love by your Mom and Dad! We love you Colton James Smith!

Colton's One Year Picture

2009-01-24T16:05:00.000-08:00

Colton is getting to be such a big boy! He now prefers walking or running to crawling. He never sits still! Colton likes to play in his room with his blocks or you can find him reading all of his board books. He weights 23 pounds and is 29 inches long. Colton has such a good personality, the majority of the time he is a really happy little boy. He can say, mama, dada, bite, bye, ball and papa.

Happy 4 years Jake!

2009-01-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

First Comes Love...

Then Comes Marriage...

Then comes Jacob and Erica pushing a baby carriage!

Happy 4 years!

I can't wait to see what the future holds for us!

I love you forever and always! :) Erica

The Party

2009-01-09T19:25:00.001-08:00

We had Colton's party of the 27th of December, since everyone was still here after Christmas. We decided to just have family at his first birthday. Colton feasted on hotdogs and a choclate Elmo cupcake, then opened up his presents. What a great first birthday Little Mister had! :)

Even Hoss had some birthday fun!

Happy First Birthday!

2009-01-03T19:14:00.001-08:00

Colton James we love you with all our heart and soul! You have been a blessing from God! -Mama and Daddy

Colton's First Christmas

2008-12-28T13:02:00.001-08:00

Colton had a wonderful first Christmas. Nana, Poopaw, Grumps, Grammie, GiGi, Papa, Maw Maw, and Aunt Brandi all came to our house for Christmas. I was a little afraid that it was going to be like the movie Christmas Vacation but it turned out much better! Colton did not really know what was going on, he acted like he was a little over whelmed by all the presents he got. He would open a present and want to play with it but there would be another one to open. Santa brought him a red wagon, an Elmo Chair, books, pajamas, and Elmo house shoes. He got so many toys and clothes from everyone. He surprised us all by riding his Little Quad all by him self! We showed him once were the button was and off he went! We had a lot of fun playing GiGi and Papa's Wii. GiGi is a bowling champ! We also had a lot of fun playing with Elmo Live, he is so cute. It was so much fun having everyone here to spend Colton's first Christmas with. Maw Maw said that this was the best Christmas she has had in years, I thought that was so sweet! We have 361 more days to get ready for next year!

In the drivers seat!

2008-12-14T18:01:00.001-08:00

Colton and his Daddy back the truck in for me every night, so it will be easier to get him in his car seat in the mornings. I hope Colton is a better driver then I am! :)

Update

2008-12-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

December is going by so fast! We have been busy lately, getting ready for a house full of family we are going to have for the holidays. Sparky also know as Jacob has been busy putting up lights and the Christmas tree. Colton loves to unplug it every chance he gets. We finally found a toy box that we liked for Colton's birthday. Jacob is going to stain it, so it matches his bedroom furniture. I can not believe we are buying his first birthday present already. I will post pictures of it later. He is such a busy body. He took his first steps on Thanksgiving day, but starting this past Monday he has really taken off, at times he runs! I ran in a 5k race today. It was also a Reindeer Romp. I am very proud of my self I ran it in 20:22! That is the fastest time I have ever ran in my life! :) Erica

Reindeer Romp

2008-12-06T08:24:00.001-08:00

Gunnar, Dina, Leah, Anna and I

Anna and I with Coach Knick!

Before the race.

After the race.

My friends Anna, Leah and I traveled to Denton on Friday night to the Reindeer Romp. Anna and I were running in the race and Lea went with us for moral support and to coach us. Dina and her son Gunnar, who is 4 were doing the 2.5 walk, also joined us. It was so cold, I thought my hands and feet were going to fall of. My nose was so cold it turned bright red, how fitting since it was the Reindeer Romp. The race was 4.2 cold miles! It was through a park and neighborhood that was all decorated for Christmas. I am not for sure what my exact time was but it was around 36 minutes and 17 seconds. Anna was only seconds behind me! She is such a trooper and she kept me on my toes! :)

Happy 11 Months Colton James

2008-12-03T14:35:00.001-08:00

Today is your 11 month birthday! You have brought so much love into your family's life. When you first came into this world you kept us up all night, now you keep us on our toes...

We love you so much!

I guess we need to Colton Proof the house! :)

Thanksgiving Day for a 10 month old...

2008-12-01T14:40:00.001-08:00

I want some turkey and ham!

Colton's first Thanksgiving meal.

Fun and games in the laundry basket.

All that turkey and fun made him so tired!

We went to Grumps and Grammie's house for Thanksgiving. We got to see Aunt Brandi and Maw-Maw to. Thanksgiving was a very big day for Little Mister, he took his first steps! He was holding on to the Christmas tree box that was in the middle of the floor, then he let go and took two steps towards the TV and turned the channel, the Jonas Brothers were playing at the Dallas Cowboy's half time show. I guess he doesn't like them! It was priceless! He gobbled up all the Thanksgiving food that we had to feast on. He is such a good eater! :)

How much does your turkey weigh?

2008-11-19T15:15:00.001-08:00

Our turkey weighs 23 pounds and 13 ounces!

What a big boy we have on our hands. :)

2008-11-11T18:45:00.001-08:00

Not only is our sweet little boy 10 months old our favorite football team is 10-0!!! Wreck'em Tech!

Happy 10 Months!

2008-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Cute

Oink, the sound that your favorite farm animal makes.

Loved

Ten months old

On the go

Never sits still

Pumpkin Time

2008-10-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

We took Colton to the pumpkin patch on Sunday! It was hot and crowded. I guess lots of people wait until the last minute, just like us. Colton rode a train, got his picture made with Snoopy and Charlie Brown and went on his first hay ride. He was very intrigued by the hay, he thought it tasted yummy! :)

Happy Halloween

I bet Colton is thinking, Hoss I am so glad she dressed you up and not me!

Colton getting attacked by the Great Big Pumpkin!

Fun And Games In Abilene

2008-10-19T15:31:00.001-07:00

Colton and Momma riding the bull for 8 seconds.

Colton driving a school bus.

Grumps, Grammie and Daddy getting ready to race in the gocarts.

Colton decide to take a nap after all the fun and games.

Colton playing with the bus that Grammie got him.

Enjoying the morning sun.

Pulling some weeds for Grammie and Grumps.

We went to Grammie and Grump's house this weekend. Grump's company had a get together at a game place called Prime Time. We had a lot of fun. Colton loved all the loud sounds and lights. Colton had a lot of fun getting hugs and kisses from Grumps and Grammie. Colton is getting to be such a big boy. I think he is going to be walking before long. He will grab a hold of his "lawn mower" and take about three steps before he falls down. :)

9 Things That Colton Can Do

2008-10-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

Colton can...

1. Crawl all over the place.

2. Pull up on anything and everything.

3. Feed himself wieners, cheese, bananas, puffs, beans and green beans.

(Maybe this is why he weights 21 pounds!)

4. Drink out of a sippy cup.

5. Drag out all his toys.

6. Sleep through the night, most of the time.

7. Bite you with his 4 teeth.

8. Get into anything and everything within seconds.

9. Giggle and laugh.

To Colton

Colton you are so much fun, I am so glad that you are my son! Last year at this time I was scared to death to meet you, now I don't want to leave you! It seems like everyday you accomplish something new, even if it is chewing on a shoe! At nine months, I am so glad that you are mine!

I love you so much! - Momma

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, COLTON SCREAMS FOR ICE CREAM!

2008-09-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Nana decided to chase the ice cream truck and get Colton his first Sponge Bob Square Pants ice cream. As you can tell he loved it! After this he went straight to the tub. :)

First 5K

2008-09-21T12:56:00.001-07:00

Team Hughes

Colton and his Momma after the race.

So I finally ran my first 5K after having Colton. The race benefited the Community Store House in Keller, it was the annual Race In The Dark. Several other teachers from my school participated. I ran it in 25 minutes and 31 seconds, not my fastest time, but it was not my slowest! It was a lot of fun and it gave me the fever to run some more! I told Colton he would be running them with me someday and beatting me! :)

1st Football Season

2008-09-13T14:08:00.001-07:00

Colton is getting ready for the Texas Tech/SMU game. He is wearing his new Texas Tech gear that Anna gave him, a fellow Texas Tech Alumni!

Colton looks so excited to watch his first game on TV.

Colton pulling up.

Colton is very excited about his 1st football season. Okay, maybe his Dad is excited about Colton's 1st football season! Colton is now crawling like a pro and pulling up on anything and everything. He is getting in another tooth, this one is on the top. He had to go to the doctor on Monday for his first cold. The doctor gave him some antibiotics and he is good to go now. This is the first time he has had to go to the doctor for being sick! We have been so fortunate. :)

8 is Great! :)

2008-09-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

Colton is 8 months old! He is getting to be such a big boy! He is crawling, has 2 teeth, and is pulling up in his bed! He is also baby talking, I think he is going to be a talker like his mom! What a busy busy little boy! Colton James, we love you to the moon and back!

Not One But Two!!!

2008-08-23T16:32:00.001-07:00

Colton has not one, but two teeth on the bottom! I felt his first tooth on Wednesday and last night Jacob discovered the other one. He will not let us look in his mouth and you can't see them when he smiles, but you can fill them! He is also starting to army crawl, I am sure he will be doing the real thing soon! I can't believe how fast he is changing!

Colton's Low Rider

2008-08-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

A WEEK IN PICTURES...

2008-08-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Nana put Colton in one of his toy baskets!

Grumps fed Colton! For the record he is not allowed to feed him anymore!!! :)

Colton in his new big boy car seat!

Playing with his new tool bench!

Jake's Pool

2008-08-07T17:51:00.001-07:00

Jacob is so proud of his pool. After searching all over the metroplex for a pool, he finally ordered one online. Every store that he went to, told him that pools were seasonal and that they had already taken them off the shelves. Never mind the 105 degree heat, we have been having! As soon as he got home from work he had to fill it up and get in! Lesson learned, buy your pool when it is 45 degrees outside! :)

Luck Number 7

2008-08-06T12:41:00.001-07:00

Colton, you are 7 months old! These last 7 months have flown by, even though we have had a few sleepless nights! You mean the world to us, we are so lucky to be your parents! When I think back to our life before you came along, I think about how boring it was! Here are 7 things about you, that we just can't get enough of!

7. Your love for the outdoors and water!

6. Your strong will!

5. When you chase Hoss around in your walker!

4. The way you light up, when someone you love walks in the room!

3. Your beautiful blue eyes and big smile!

2. Your giggle! It is the best sound in the world, I wish I could bottle it up and give everyone some!

1. YOU!

Swimming Skills

2008-08-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

Colton with Coach L.

Colton's certificate for participating in the class. He got so excited that he tore it!

Colton officially has 8 days of swimming class under his belt! Colton really enjoyed the class. The teacher was very impessed with his skills! He learned to float on his back, how to scoop his arms, kick his legs, and go under water and hold his breath. :)

Aunt Magen and Uncle Micah Come To Town!

2008-07-31T13:52:00.001-07:00

Aunt Magen and Uncle Micah came and stayed the night with us. We were so happy to see them. Colton loves them very much!

Little Fish

2008-07-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

Colton is taking a swim class at the Keller Pointe. He is having so much fun. He is the youngest in his class, but you would never know it! He really likes swimming in the lazy river and playing with the swim toys. :)

Happy Half A Year, Sweet Boy!

2008-07-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

This post is a little late, since his 6 month birthday was on July 3rd. He now weighs in at 17 pounds, 5 ounces and is 26 1/2 inches long! (He sure has come along way from 4 pounds, 9 ounces!) Some of his favorite things are, pulling Mama's hair, anything red, playing in the water, eating, being outside, and funny noises! I never could of imagined 6 months ago how much joy this little boy could bring to this family! Colton, your Mama and Daddy love you with all our heart and soul! This video has some of my favorite pictures from the last 6 months. :)

A Week With Grammie

2008-07-13T20:16:00.001-07:00

Grammie giving Colton a drink.

Grammie feeding Colton.

Colton riding his pretend horse (aka as Grammie's leg).

Colton laughing with Grumps.

Grammie and Colton looking for Grumps at the airport.

Colton found Grumps!

Grumps and Grammie bought Colton a swing for the backyard, he loves it!

Grammie came and stayed the week with Colton, while I was at a workshop. Colton and Grammie enjoyed spending time together. On Friday we went to the airport and picked up Grumps. Thank you Grammie for staying with Colton, we appreciate it! :) And Colton had fun with you!

This boy loves Watermelon!

2008-07-07T18:19:00.001-07:00

Colton loves watermelon! He was so cute chomping on the watermelon. I think it felt good on his gums. We are still waiting for some teeth to come in. Don't worry it was a seedless watermelon!

A week in Shamrock...

2008-07-07T18:00:00.001-07:00

Colton loved riding the four wheeler with his Poopaw.

Hanging out in the pool.

Colton loves Aunt Magen.

Colton loves being spoiled by Nana.

Colton loves his GiGi and Papa.

Colton and I went to Shamrock for the week. We had fun swimming and riding the four wheeler. It is always nice to go home and spend time with family and friends.

Red Raider Freshman Class of 2026

2008-06-24T12:31:00.001-07:00

Colton sitting on the Texas Tech seal.

Colton riding on Will Roger's boot.

Guns Up!!

We took Colton to visit his future college, Texas Tech!
This fall will have to take him to his first Red Raider football game.

A Working Mom's Life Saver...The Crockpot

2008-06-18T09:41:00.001-07:00

Yummy!!! This is a such a quick and easy recipe. All you need is a package of McCormick's Italian Herb Chicken Seasoning, chicken breast, fresh mushrooms, one can of stewed tomatoes, and one can of tomato paste. Follow the recipe on the back of the seasoning package and in a few hours you have a meal. This is definitely a meal we will be having when school starts!

A Letter to Daddy,

2008-06-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Jacob always washes the bottles! :)

Daddy feeding Colton in the hospital.

Daddy feeding Colton big boy food.

Colton and Daddy playing Play Station.

Dear Daddy,

I just want to wish you a very Happy First Fathers Day! I am so glad that you are my Daddy. When God gave me to you, I hit the jack pot! I have so much fun with you and I know we are going to have a lot more fun when I get big enough to go and do big boy things, like fishing and playing golf.

Your number one fan,

Colton James

P.S. I loved you before I meet you, I loved you when I married you, and I love you even more now that you are such a good Daddy to our sweet boy! - Erica

P.S. Thanks for always playing frisbee with me and teaching me new tricks. - Hoss

COLTON LOVES HIS HORSE

2008-06-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Colton received a package in the mail from his Gigi and Papa the other day. In the package was his new best friend Mr. Horsey! When you squeeze Horsey's tummy he makes kissing sounds. It did not take long for this little cowboy and his horse to become fast friends!

Sleepy Boy

2008-06-07T20:24:00.001-07:00

Taking a cat nap on mama.

Sleeping while swinging with his favorite blanket.

Sleeping in his new wammers. (our word for pjs)

Napping in daddy's lap.

Colton fights sleep but once he gives in, he sleeps like a rock! I love to take pictures of him sleeping, he always looks so peaceful. I love this boy so much! I can't wait to spend the summer spoiling him even more! :)

COLTON IS 5 MONTHS OLD

2008-06-03T17:46:00.001-07:00

Colton is getting to be such a big boy. He has started to develop a personality. He defiantly has his mamas temper! Here are some things that Colton has done so far: slept through the night, rolled over, and had a few deep down belly giggles! His favorite toys are a bunny rattle, his baby Einstein gym and his mamas hair, which he pulls often! He loves bath time and watching Baby Einstein movies and America's Funniest Home Videos with his dad.

Happy Birthday Poopaw

2008-05-28T19:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Poopaw from Spot!

The Giggle Monster

2008-05-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Tummy Time...

Pictures really do add 10 pounds! He is really not as big as he looks in this picture.

Colton had his first deep down belly giggle today! I took Colton over to the neighbors, to check out their garage sale. Our neighbor Sharon was holding him and he just started to giggle and giggle. It was the best sound I had ever heard! Jacob did not get to hear him but I am sure their will be more giggles to come!

Little Mr. Takes Charge

2008-05-19T18:25:00.001-07:00

While I was feeding Colton his peas and carrots, he decided to take the spoon away from me and feed himself. I guess he thought he could do better and get the job done faster then I was! He seems to favor squash and dislike peas. I don't really blame him for not liking the peas, they smell horrible. Next week we move on to fruits. :)

Fun In The Park

2008-05-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Colton is waiting for his Mom and Dad to finish eating.

Big Bubba and Dad looking for some ducks to feed.

We went to the park today to enjoy the beautiful weather. We had a picnic and fed the ducks. The ducks seemed very picky and did not eat much. They probably get tired of all the bread they are fed. I didn't get any pictures of the ducks because I am scared of birds! I don't think Colton was not very impressed with the park, he just slept. I am sure their will be a day when Colton will be too excited to sleep, when we visit the park.

I've Been Tagged

2008-05-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

What Was I Doing Ten Years Ago: May, 1998 - I was a junior in high school, getting ready to be a lifeguard for the summer. I am sure I was going to bed way to early to be 17 years old! :) I love sleep!

Things On My To-Do List Today: Workout, Do laundry, take care of Colton and the other 18 children I take care of daily! (Find something to gripe about to my dear friends Leah and Anna!)

5 Places I Have Traveled: Mexico, New York City, Washington D.C., South Dakota, and Wyoming

5 Snacks Or Treats I Enjoy: Yogurt, Fiber One Bars, Fat Free Cool Whip, Bananas, and Coffee

What Would I Do If I Were A Billionaire: Quit working, take care of my family, and I would give some money to animal shelters.

Places I've Lived: Hobbs New Mexico, McLean TX, Shamrock TX, Amarillo TX, Lubbock TX

Jobs I've Had: Lifeguard, Summer help for Enbridge, a student worker in a Proffesional Development Center for Amarillo College, A mulitasker for a doctor, I worked at his house and at his allergy clinic, a teacher

Tag... you're it...I don't usally do stuff like this, I only doing it for my dear friend Leah! So I am not going to tag anybody, If you want to do it, please feel free to!

Grumps and Grammy's House

2008-05-11T19:55:00.001-07:00

Colton sitting with Grammy in the backyard.

Colton, Hoss, and Grumps

Colton wearing his shades and Texas Tech hat.

Colton with Grumps and Grammy

Colton with Maw Maw

Colton with Aunt Brandi

Colton with James Allen, Jacob's best friend.

Colton went to his Grumps and Grammy's house in Abilene for the first time this weekend. He was not a happy camper on the ride to Abilene. He must of worn himself out because he slept through the night for the first time. It scared me, I kept waking up to check on him every few hours. Grammy got Colton several new toys that he loves to play with. He also got to go and visit Maw Maw's retirement home and meet several of her friends. They all thought that he was the cutest thing ever. Colton also meet James Allen one of his dad's best friends since kindergarten. What a fun and busy trip Little Mr had!

Colton and Dad love Mom

2008-05-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Erica has no idea that I am writing this, but I am because she has been the best Mom that any little boy or husband could ask for. It took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to do it, but I want everyone to know how blessed Colton and I are to have her.
Mom we love you,
Jacob & Colton

BIG DAY...

2008-05-05T18:32:00.001-07:00

BEFORE THE FIRST TASTE...

WAITING PATIENTLY...

GIVE ME SOME FOOD...

THIS ISN'T THE CHICKEN FRY I ORDERED!

WHAT AN EXCITING DAY LITTLE MR. HAD. TODAY WAS HIS FIRST DAY AT MS. TIFFANY'S HOUSE. I WAS DEFINITELY MORE TRAUMATIZED THEN HE WAS. HE WAS SMILING AND COOING AS I WAS WALKING OUT THE DOOR CRYING LIKE A BABY. THEN HE HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTOR AND GET 4 SHOTS. HE WEIGHED IN AT 15 POUNDS AND 24 1/2 INCHES LONG. TO FINISH THE DAY OUT, HE HAD HIS FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH FOOD! WHAT AN EXCITING DAY IN THE LIFE OF A 4 MONTH OLD!

I'D RATHER BE HANGIN WITH NANA

2008-05-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Nana came and stayed a week with Colton. They had a good time hangin out. I love to watch Colton with his Nana, they have so much fun together. Thank you so much for coming and staying with him, we enjoyed having you here! We will see you in June. :)

HAPPY 4 MONTH BIRTHDAY BABY BOY

2008-05-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Go Steelers!

You can't really tell but he has on a Red Raider shirt!

Born to Ride!

Nana and I took Colton to get his 4 month pictures made this weekend. I can't believe that he is 4 months old. He is know eating 6 ounces about every 5 to 6 hours and only waking up once during the night. He is sleeping in his pack and play or his big boy bed! He is laughing and cooing all the time, at anything that is silly. It is so much fun to watch him discover the world around him each day.

A WEEK WITH GIGI AND PAPA

2008-04-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Colton's Gigi and Papa came and stayed with him during the day while his mom and dad worked this last week. He had so much fun with them. He enjoyed watching his Gigi cook delicious meals every night. He and Papa loved to sit in the garage and watch the leaves fall from the trees. Gigi and Papa loved to sing nursery rhymes to him. Thank you so much for coming up to keep Colton. We loved having you both here. We love yall!

This is Colton's new favorite facial expression!

Gigi and Papa thought Colton's new facial expression was hilarious.

Number 55

2008-04-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

Colton's Poopaw and Nana got him a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, #55 Joey Porter. This is Poopaw's favorite team. Poopaw had to share some Steeler triva with Colton.

Priceless Pictures

2008-04-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh! I love this baby boy so much! These pictures are priceless. I love his huge grin! I have to go back to work on Monday the 7th. I am feeling bitter sweet about it. I am anxious to see how big my kids have gotten and how much they have changed in the last three months. I work with such an awesome 2nd grade team, they will help me get through each day of missing my baby! He will be staying at home with his Daddy for two weeks, his GiGi and Great Grandad one week, and his Nana one week, then he will go to a wonderl lady that is only three blocks from the school. We are so lucky to have found such a wonderful person to watch our baby.

Happy 12 Weeks Sweet Boy!!!

2008-03-31T09:04:00.001-07:00

It is amazing how much he has changed since we brought him home! He is really starting to develop a personality. He is very impatient, like his mom! I think he is going to have his dad's laugh that is contagious! :) One of his favorite things to do is lay in his bed and look at the fan and lights. He is still sleeping in his vibrating chair but he will take some of his naps in big boy bed. He must of been very excited about turning 12 weeks old because we stayed up partying from 2:15 to 5:30 last night! :)

Dad's Team

2008-03-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

I really like this picture! Colton in wearing an out fit that his Gigi got him. I can't believe in a few days he is going to be 3 months old. Where has the time gone? He is holding his head up pretty good and smiling a lot. He enjoys playing with his baby gym, he is really interested in the red bird that hangs down. I am just waiting for him to giggle! I went to a baby sell last night and while I was there Jacob got to change his first "dirty" diaper. I wish I could of gotten some pictures of that! :)

St. Patricks Parade

2008-03-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

Colton sleeping in the back of the 1951 Chevrolet.

1951 Chevrolet

Colton slept through the parade!

Colton wearing his shirt that his Nana had made for him for St. Patricks.

Colton enjoyed his first St. Patricks day. He was even in the parade. He rode in a 1951 Chevrolet driven by his Great Grandad. His Poopaw can't wait until he can ride on the motorcycle with him and throw candy!

Happy St. Patricks

2008-03-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

I am sure Colton will recieve many kisses wearing this outfit!

Colton will be going to his first St. Patricks celebration in my hometown of Shamrock Texas. There is a parade, a motorcycle rally, an arts and craft fair and several other actvities that go on during this two day celebration. I am sure he will sleep through most of it! I will post pictures from his first celebration when we return home.

Vibrating Chair Junkie

2008-03-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

Colton is doing some thinking in his chair.

Relaxing in his favorite chair!

I hate to admit this but Colton is a vibrating chair junkie. I also hate to admit that his Dad and I are enablers! He loves his chair, he spends every sleeping moment in it and some of his awake moments as well! He is so addicted, he had to have two. I am hoping there is a twelve step program that can help him kick this habit before he is over the weight limit of twenty-five pounds. :)

"Best of Friends"

2008-03-06T14:29:00.001-08:00

Hoss is so excited!

Colton looking up to his big brother!

These are not the best pictures in the world but they are a start!

Doctors Visit

2008-03-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Then...

Now...

Colton went for his 2 month check up today. He has gotten so big, he is up to 10 pounds 5 ounces and 21 1/4 inches long! Way to go Colton! It is hard to believe that he was 4 pounds 9 ounces and 18 inches long when he came home on January 7. I am hoping that he keeps this up so he can be a linebacker for the Red Raiders!

2008-02-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Sleeping in his new PJ's.

After his bath I spiked his hair like Jacob's.

Life as we know it has definitely changed, for the best I might add. I can't imagine our lives with out Colton. I never knew I could love something so much until I saw him for the first time. I am so thankful that God is letting Jacob and I be his parents. I know I am going to enjoy seeing him change through out the years. Colton is now 2 months old. It just seems like yesterday that he was being born. Motherhood did come naturally. I wish I would have listened to everyone who told me that it would. This would of saved me a lot of sleepless nights before he was born! I think that Hoss has figured out that his new little brother is here to stay. He did give Colton a big lick the other day! :) When you want an update on what is going on in Smithville, you can check out this page. I will update when ever I get a chance!