October 2010

Tonight, Kennedy came home and told me she really wanted to fly. So, she put on her butterfly wings, one dance shoe, and preceded to tell me to come outside so I could throw her up in the air. I tried explain to her that humans don't fly..but she was still adamant that she could fly. I picked her up and twirled her around, but that didn't suffice her either. I then said "Kennedy, airplanes fly, insects fly, but humans don't". She said "Well, call an airplane so I can fly." I thought it was so cute and I remember at one time in my life trying to fly by jumping off the roof with pillowcases on my arms. To this day....I still can't not fly.


Other funny things she says: She loves telling Joseph to say "Yes,ma'am" to her. One night Mel and I got such a chuckle from her saying to him " You say...yes, ma'am to me". Joseph followed directions as instructed. She likes to play "bridge". This is basically when she walks along the curb and I hold her hand.

Here we spot a caterpillar outside.





















































August at 8 months....before we know it she will be a year old. I'm having to put everything in the garage that could tumble over on her. She pulls up on anything she can find and the house is starting to be a lot cleaner because everything goes in her mouth.
She is saying "momma" and waves and says "bye-bye". She still wakes up early in the morning ready to see what the day will bring.
























Trey was watching August and sat her down outside our shed. He heard her cry for a second so he rushed outside. Well, she had found a lizard in a bucket and was playing with it. The lizard had bit her finger, which I'm glad for otherwise she might of tried to put it in her mouth.














Kylie helped Kennedy with our Jackolantern for our house. I didn't realize how quickly they wrought and the bugs get to them.


















John turned two this month. The cousins had a great time playing with each other.


























We had our first cool weather, so Trey set up the tent outside. The girls loved playing in. I really think Trey wanted to stay the night in it, but Kennedy preferred staying in her bed.


















Kennedy had her first day of gymnastics. She really enjoyed herself and looked so adorable in her little gym tart. They practice front and back rolls, cartwheels, and doing some bunny hop thing. In May she has a year end performance that I can't wait to see.













October, 19, 2010 the family lost a very special lady. Nettie Bernice Dodson....aka "Granny" went to be with the Lord. Granny was the best apricot jelly maker, sausage stuffer, salomn canner, listener, always had a smile on her face, had a soft spoken voice, loved her children, husband, Jake(the dog), and grandkids. Trey and I plan on planting a tree in her honor.

Her obiturary follows:

Nettie Bernice Dodson September 21, 1927 - October 19, 2010

NETTIE BERNICE DODSON born Sept. 21, 1927 in Sabinal died Tuesday, October 19, 2010.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Thelma Felts, brother James Edward Felts, grandson Timothy Popiden, and son-in-law John Popiden.
She is survived by her husband of 63years Frank Dodson, Sr., son Frank Dodson, Jr and wife Joy of Taylor, TX, daughter Janis Popiden of Los Angeles, CA, and grandchildren: Aimee Dodson Casper and husband Craig, Frank Dodson, III (Trey) and wife Kim, John Michael Popiden and wife Sandra, James Popiden, Kenneth Dodson and wife Laura.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Devine, a 50year member of Devine Chapter #43 Order of the Eastern Star and a Past Worthy Matron, and retired from Devine ISD.
A Private Family service will be held at a later date.Family has requested memorials may be made to the Charity of your choice in her memory. (Preferably to the Eastern Star chapter in Devine or the Devine public library)


Kennedy's school had their first field trip of the year to Zach Scott Theater. This performance was Mariposa, a Monarch butterfly, whose life is perfect until one day she wakes up and finds her family gone! She tries to convince herself that she can get along without them until she meets a preying mantis who explains migration to her. Mariposa’s instinct is awakened and she beings the journey south to join her family. Along the way, she meets butterflies from Canada and Texas who point her in the right direction. Finally in Mexico, she meets a butterfly who teaches her about el Dia de los Muertos and reunites Mariposa with her family in the Oyamel fir trees where they stay until the Spring migration back to Canada.

We had the family over to the house to gather to celebrate granny's life.























We went to Academy to help celebrate daddo's birthday. He wanted to go eat at The Sportsman club on Lake Belton so we all went. The kids all behaved despite the numerous deserts
eaten.


































Kennedy trying on her Strawberry Shortcake outfit that Nana made. She wanted to wear the wig to bed and slept with her new pink shoes.











Kennedy gave Trey this hat to put on while he mowed. She told him it was his Strawberry Shortcake hat.


Kennedy loves to check the mail when she gets home from school.



























I've come to discover that August(and most kids) loves to play with boxes, get in the bottom cabinet to play with all the tuberware, and loves to take her clothes out of the drawers. She just giggles. We also have to keep a close eye on her because she loves to go to the bathroom and tries to lift the toilet seat up to play in the toilet. She also enjoys getting on her tipy toes to try to reach for any item in the bathtub. Lately, when she takes a bath she dips her face right in the water. She keeps us on our toes.







Happy Halloween...and Trey's 35th birthday! BOO.....

Another practice run at the house of the Halloween costume.

September 2010...look who turns 60

After Concan, we headed over to Clifford and Sherry's house for some skeet shooting and dinner. Kennedy had fun playing with Allison and it was nice to finally meet Katie Jo.

August loves to chew on apples/pears, basically anything she can get her mouth on.

August is pulling up on everything now. Here are a few shots of her pulling up, succeeding, and then playing the drums on the step stool.

We watched Olivia one evening. This is the girls playing dress up after applying makeup.

Mom reading to August.














Mrs. Nobles brought the girls over 7...yes 7....goldfish. Kennedy has been doing a great job feeding them each morning. Mom(Donna) has been the one cleaning the fish bowl each week. It's amazing how quickly the water turns mucky. No names have been given to each of the fish, which could be good. I never was good about keeping the fish alive, but so far this is a record!

Mr. and Mrs. Nobles will be moving to San Marcos soon to be closer to Mr. Nobles doctors and will be living in an assisted living type place. I will miss going over to their house for coffee, cookies, and good company. I teared up the other day when I saw their kids moving their stuff out. Mr. Nobles wants to make sure she doesn't have any expenses to worry about in case something happens to him. Oh...the love between a man and a woman. I'm sure I'll be stopping by San Marcos soon to visit with them.

The girls both had a case of pink eye, my first experience ever with it. They are both doing well. Trey is still studying hard for his test. I'm so ready for it to be here, as is he!

September is a busy birthday month for our family.This year however marked mom and dad's 60th birthday. To commemorate, Mel and I put a list of 60 things we learned or always think of Mom or Dad about....some might need explanation, but mom and dad know what they are about. Congratulations to 60 years of life. I feel special that 35 of those years were spent loving me! I pray for many more.

60 Things we Learned or always heard from Mom!1. No more wire hangers. 2. Shop till you drop.3. Clean, clean, clean…even at 6 a.m on a weekend.4. Unconditional Love5. Never volunteer for being a Girl Scout leader unless you plan on buying all the cookies.6. Chocolate….need I say more. 7. Nana, mom, wife, daughter, friend, sister, aunt, etc.8. Don’t lie; it’s hard to ever gain trust back.9. Animal pancakes and Chocolate fudge. Death by chocolate cake.10. Skipping school for one day and going Christmas shopping is a special treat.11. Be it the first time in a limo, sailing a boat, flying a plane, golf cart, etc. you always taught us to be adventurous and try new things.12. Time???13. Never take your drunk daughter to ihop to sober her up.14. If you travel somewhere and you are grounded, the car engine will be hot!15. Big Red Ice cream…yummy!16. Every family trip is the last one. 17. Mushroom shaped couches can cause a big stink in the family.18. Open a business of your own. 19. When you are faced with trials in your life remember that “This too shall pass.” 20. Roast on Sundays and delicious homemade Mac and cheese.22. Save yourself for someone special. 23. If you burn down the kitchen, just remember.. Mom wanted a new stove/microwave and that your allowance was big enough at the time to pay for it. 24. Hard work pays off.25. Hair brushes are great to use for straightening out the tassels in an area rug.26. The song "He" was your favorite to play on our piano.27. Good party planner.28. If your wreck the car by running the side of a fire hydrant down it, mom made you feel better about it cause. ..she was wanting a new car anyway.29. If you borrow someone’s car, always return it with a full tank of gas.30. Patriot31. Domestic Diva32. Don't ever boil brisket and put Sweet Baby Rays on it.33. Girlfriend!34. When we were or are sick you come over and spoil/pamper us.35. What a great deal!36. Don't mess with my grandkids.37. Like a good neighbor, Statefarm is there.38. Your never too young to work.39. Fresh Start!41. After a dr.'s apt or at the drug store to pick up a prescription we always got some sort of treat to help make us feel better.42. You can do anything you set your mind to.43. Don't drive your car down the neighborhood lawns and then park it in your driveway.44. Forgiving.45. Dr. Shoal46. Sentimental47. Whatever choices we make, you always support us.48. Artist. In 5th grade you helped draw an Indian picture and the teacher showed it to the classroom and told everyone I was a good artist. 49.Let a kid be a kid. Let them get dirty, stay up late, eat chocolate for breakfast(occasionally), be silly, and just veg without asking to many questions.50. Be generous to those around you. If not financially, by giving of your time.51. Don't dwell on the negative. Breathe, face your issue, come up with a solution, and accept it. 52 Asthma, and the importance of keeping your lungs healthy.53. Love, not time, heals all wounds.54. People need to know they are appreciated. So, stop and say "thank you" throughout the day. 55. Making your bed can make the whole room look cleaner. Clean sheets can make you feel like you have a new bed. 56. Hair does not grow back on collectible dolls. 57. Smile and act like your child's gift to you at Christmas is just what you wanted.....I know you really loved the Hobby Hobby tea set!58. There is more than one way to do a project. Be appreciative of someone taking care the way they do it, don't instruct, just accept.59.Like your mother, if you are in the hospital it always makes you feel better having your make up on and looking pretty.60.After 60 years you have never let any trials or hardships turn you bitter. You have shown us all how to pick our heads up and keep trucking. You have perfected the Christian value that "To give is better than to receive."

Dad:60 Things we Learned or always heard from Dad!- we had changed a couple of these but I can't remember what we changed them too, now who is the old one?
1. Elvis can take over the car at any minute.
2. It’s at your…….will always get a grin out of Mel or Kim.
3. Can you travel in New York without having to take a toll road?
4. Exercise the brain and the body.
5. Bear Claws, Honey buns, apple pies, chocolate milk, and a little game of Galaxy or Ms. Pac Man at the local convenient store before dropping your kids off for school was always a great way to start the day.
6. The leg lock.
7. Music Lover.... Simon and Garfunkel, Willie, Texas Music, etc.....enjoy the message in the song.
8. No Graceland for the Glover Girls….just keep driving.
9. You are never too old for a game of basketball.
10. When you have anxiety about doing something, always think: What’s the worst that can happen?
11. If you drink enough Big Red you can touch your tongue to your nose.
12. Forgiveness is important.
13. If driving a boat, don’t get to close to your daughter or else you will run over her.
14. Don’t fall asleep when you are letting your youngest child(14) drive and your 16 year old daughter wakes up, it will be hell to pay?
15. Don’t lie….it’s hard to ever gain trust back.
16. You taught each of us how to drive. More specifically a stick shift and lots of time steering the car when we were underage.
17. Daughter, it’s going to be ok.
18. Geesh, Mel!
19. Don’t call dad during a UT football game.
20. Never take your drunk daughter to Ihop to sober her up, it's best to keep her at the house.
21. Never trust your daughter at Aquafest alone, you may have to pick her up with the homeless.
22. Robert Frost....The Road Less Traveled.
23. It's O.K....... Well, I'm glad!
24. Grilled Cheese sandwiches and ginger snap cookies, Best ever!
25. We may stretch but we’ll never break.
26. Recycle
27. Take your time….Slow down!
28. Unconditional love
29. When performing the Heimlich maneuver, the lodged item( ham) can project across the kitchen table.
30. If you are worrying about something that hasn’t happened-wait to worry.
31. Always rinse your dishes off before putting them in the dishwasher.
32. Every good road trip must have one stop for Big Red and Peanut M&M's or Butterfingers.
33. There are no sharks in the lake.(note to self-don't let kids watch Jaws)
34. Expect more from yourself.
35. Lover of nature.
36. Science nerd and Poet.
37. Should we go to David Letterman or attend Granny’s Funeral? Which one shall it be…
38. Papa Bill! Billy! Bruno! Dad! Husband! Son! Principal! Teacher! Friend!
39. Always clean the lint out of the dryer before drying the next load.
40. You taught us both how to mow the lawn and enjoy the peacefulness of it.
41. When painting, make a "W" stroke to insure proper paint wall coverage.
42. Don't let your daughters stain a deck without proper supervision.
43. The Weather Cat, Rock, and dead chicken are good uses to teach science with.
44. I think my daughter French kisses the best! -You would always get such a chuckle out of that move line from The National Lampoons Vacation.
45. Don't hate.
46. Drinking too much Big Red can cause your tongue to be able to touch the tip of your nose.
47. You have to play the lottery if you are ever going to have the chance of winning.
48. We learned our square roots by playing learning games in the car.
49. Never sail a boat without knowing what you are doing.
50. How to locate the North Star and Pleiades .
51. Don't lend money unless you can do so with the understanding that you might not be paid back.
52. Love with all your heart.
53. Just pee on the side of the road if you have to go that badly.
54. It's important to stop on the side of the road to look at geological formations (different layers of the earth to be specific)
55. You should go to a movie by yourself at least once in your life.
56. Communicate, don't keep everything bottled up.
57. Travel.
58. Don't judge others.
59. Treat others with respect.
60. After 60 years, Dad, you still are The Smartest Man in the world.