We have wheels

Mason has a new found freedom...he has wheels. He's learned that the world is great in motion. We've taken him outside and that is where he prefers to go wheeling. But he will take any time he gets in his walker. He's also getting crazy good at chasing us.


Mason is also very curious about what lies behind closed doors, but isn't so curious to start pulling open those cabinet doors. He just rolls up and taps them with his finger. He will however run across the kitchen when we open the fridge. He is quite mesmerized by what's behind that door.


Along with Mason's wheeling-freedom has also come the painful realization that I have a shadow and I must where shoes when I have that shadow. I've been in the kitchen and had Mason bang into my bare heels several times. He is so proud of himself to arrive at his intended target, but my heels are taking a beating. These actions have lead me to apologize to my mother once again for my own behavior as a child. You see, I was famous for running into her heels with the shopping cart. She's received many apologies since I've become a parent.

Double trip to Choke Canyon

We have been having some amazing weather the past few days, so we decided to capitalize on it. This past Sunday (Valentine's Day) we had a visit from Grandmommy and Cranky in the afternoon. I use the word we VERY LOOSELY, the main attraction of every visit is Mason. JP called them before they drove down and told Bill to bring his camera and be ready to drive to Choke Canyon for an afternoon drive. We had a great time. Mason loved being outside and even sat on Mommy's lap while driving in the park. We saw lots of birds and a few deer that were bedded down for the afternoon.

When Monday rolled around, I dropped Mason off at Granny Leigh's and got a call from Mom. Long story short, she called for a "Girl Day." A Girl Day is a day when Mom, Maureen and I skip our usual routine and enjoy some outdoor time and each other's company. When we finally gathered together, we decided to head down to Choke Canyon for a day in the wilderness. Again, the weather was gorgeous and we were looked forward to a great time together.
We had the best time. We laughed so hard and probably scared some wildlife if not some of the other people in the state park. We took just about every trail we could find. I ran the numbers in my head (because that is what I do) and we walked over 3.5 miles that afternoon. And we had several opportunities to take some great pictures of the deer and turkey.

Both trips to Choke Canyon were so rejuvenating. After Monday, I felt like life was in balance again. It's amazing how healing nature can be.

Making progress

It's been a while since I've commented on Mason's progress...is that any indication as to how we are doing?!?! We are still working on his crawling skills. He's figured out how to wiggle backwards. As a matter of fact, he's gotten real good at finding his way under the furniture.


He's still such a content child...he can play with his toys on the floors for hours and be happy as a clam. His curiosity dial hasn't been cranked up, which may be keeping him stationery. He's also doing better with his balance. He squeals when offered the opportunity to walk. He gets the biggest smile on his face and walks with great purpose.


He is getting to spend the day with his cousin Layton twice a week. Granny Leigh gets the boys on Monday and Grammy D gets the boys on Thursday. Every time Mason sees Layton, he squeals with delight...someone different to play with that is his size and caliber.

And he is loosing his baby-looks. I've had so many comment on that fact the past few weeks. We are really starting to see the little boy he will become in his face and body now. He clearly has his daddy's sense of humor...loves to make you laugh. He's picked up on the fact that laughter begets laughter, so he's started to do a "fake" laugh and look at JP or I to see how we will respond. Those wheels in his brain are forever turning.

And a funny side note. I watch the morning news when feeding him in the morning. When the local news comes on, they have a little jingle that signals when the weather forecast is coming on. When he hears that, Mason stops whatever he is doing and looks directly at the TV from his highchair and "watches" the weather forecast. He won't break his gaze until the weather discussion is over...amazing!

Wedding Cake

My step-sister Tamara got married this past weekend. As a wedding gift to the couple, I volunteered to tackle the wedding cake. It's been a few years since I've done such a large baking project, but I really did have fun doing it.

At one point when I was baking cake after cake, JP thought he'd come home to a crazy baker, but he was a great help. And as with any project I tackle, there was a bit of drama as I'm finishing it off. Icing always throws you a curve ball when you aren't looking. After working some baking magic, I got the icing to cooperate and I'm really proud of the end product.

A sea of spice cake. This was the point of no return!!

The layers assembled and dirty iced. The largest layer (16") required my baking assistant. Thank God he is a calming force in my life because me man-handled that top layer to get it sandwiched.

The bride LOVES purple, so I went on a mad hunt for purple cake decorations. I found the coolest M&M's that fit the bill. These are the premium M&M's that are called Triple Chocolate. They had the prettiest finish and the variations of color made for a beautiful border around the cakes. While lovely, it was a tedious task.

Finished layers. And I couldn't have done it without JP. He served as bartender (notice the beer stein in the picture...he kept it full) and "holiday" finder. Let me explain. He'd survey the finished cake and alert me to any "holidays" in the icing coverage (man-speak for "the cake is still showing"). I think he was amazed to watch the process unfold in his kitchen.

FINAL ASSEMBLY!!! I was so glad to have it finished and looking great. And it was moist and tasted great as well...BONUS!!