The Boyd Blog

The Cake!

2009-03-08T19:20:00.004-06:00

Sorry that this is sideways...I forgot to turn it before posting! This was taken while we were singing "Happy Birthday" to him. He was just beaming!

Taylor's 3!

2009-03-08T19:06:00.004-06:00

We can't believe our little one is THREE! On March 2nd we celebrated with grandma and grandpa as well as Aunt Janet, Uncle Tim, Jonathon, Laura, Amber and Jared. It was a fun evening. Taylor was so excited...it made our evening! Here are a few pictures ...

By Special Request

2008-12-19T20:13:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures that "someone" asked to see on our blog. That "someone" will remain anonymous. Your wish is our command...here are your pictures. They turned out pretty good! Merry Christmas...and see you in a few days! (I guess that makes you not so anonymous after all...lol)

The first picture I took, I didn't pay too close attention to the fact that Landon was shirtless...so I had him put a shirt on for the next ones. I think that their smiles are the best in the shirtless picture and Taylor was actually smiling with his eyes open.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T09:26:00.003-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~JFK

New Pictures

2008-11-20T15:01:00.002-06:00

Well...it has been another month since we posted anything, so here are a few new pictures of what the boys have been up to since the last post.

Landon lost his two upper front teeth. He is so excited because he can sing "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth".

The boys got a box of clothes from a friend and it included a few Halloween costumes. Superheroes...of course. These pictures were from the first night. The costumes have been worn quite frequently.

Taylor (a.k.a. Spiderman)

Landon and Taylor (The Incredible Hulk and Spiderman, respectively)

Here are the boys getting ready to go outside and play.

But before they do...they have to make funny faces...of course.

In other news, no new leads on the job search. I (Mark) have been working for Dad on and off while getting the unemployment checks, so bills have been getting paid. Resumes are going out and some leads are being explored. Well...until next month...haha.

Smiles

2008-10-13T07:27:00.002-06:00

This picture doesn't showcase any one thing...except smiles. I love the looks on the boys faces. This was taken while Mark was opening his birthday gifts back in August. Taylor already looks much older. Time does fly.

Anyone Hiring?

2008-09-23T11:40:00.001-06:00

We just wanted all of you to be praying for us. Mark has 2 more days of work and then he is laid off. His company has held on to most of its employees as long as they could in this market. Mark is one of two people who do his particular job. The other guy has more experience and has been there longer. It only made sense that Mark would be the one to go. His boss laid 3 other people off the same day. It's tough, but God has a plan and we are at peace. However, we do need him to be working. So, our request would be that he would find a suitable job quickly and one that would come close to matching his current salary.

What IS that?

2008-09-08T08:04:00.002-06:00

Are you wondering what in the world is he doing...what is that on his head? Take another look...Is it clearer now? No...well scroll to the next picture...

Yes, he has a toilet seat on his head! This came off of his unused potty chair. You can see we are not quite ready to be potty trained yet!

Ah...the life of a 2 1/2 year old! He was having so much fun...and so was I. This will be a picture to haunt him for years!

Scroll down two more post to get the right order...

2008-08-26T19:45:00.002-06:00

That's my seat! I have a placemat with my name on it!

This is my class...there are a lot of us. Can you find me?

Another look at this class of mine. I'm easier to spot in this picture.

Time for School - continued...

2008-08-26T19:35:00.003-06:00

Let's do this together.... This is Mason...we went to Pre-School together!

We have entered the building and now they want our picture...I'm all smiles!

Here I go walking the hall to get to my classroom. Look at my face...I'm being silly already!

I'm trying to find my cubbie...it has my picture on it...

This is my friend Mason...I'm so glad he is in my class!

Time for School, Time for School!

2008-08-26T19:22:00.002-06:00

We are on our way to school for the first day! I am ready with my backpack, lunch box, and water bottle. The sunglasses...well I just look cool in them!

We have arrived at the school...I am smiling because I am SOOOO excited!

This tree was just asking to have it's picture taken with me and all of my cool new things. The sun was shining and the grass was wet...Yeah!

I am so ready to go into my class. Doesn't he look so big! I can't believe he is going to school!

Cabin on the Lake

2008-08-23T10:47:00.004-06:00

Above was Landon and Taylor's room. What you don't see is the large closet and the mirrored dresser.

The kitchen as it looks standing in the livingroom

The livingroom. The view from the large window by my feet was great! It was all lake!

Our room...very small. Just enough room to walk around the bed.

Landon looking all sun burned in our living room. Behind him is the bathroom...also very small.

Fun times

2008-06-10T11:02:00.002-06:00

My pirate and cowboy are always there to protect me!
Sunday afternoon with daddy! He's so much cooler than mommy!
Bath time smiles.

T-ball and Landon

2008-06-10T10:56:00.002-06:00

Landon in the dug out before the game began.
Here he is waiting on the base to run...
A not so close up picture of his team.
He's coming home!

A Picture or Two

2008-06-10T10:52:00.003-06:00

I think they were watching some T.V.
Outside at the Middle School for Landon's opening day for T-Ball.
He loves to wave. Who knows if he is saying "hi" or "bye"?

its been a long time

2008-05-20T15:28:00.003-06:00

Hello all.

As you know it has been forever since we have blogged. Our internet connection is all goofed up and we are unable to be on for any length of time. So that is why Landon's first lost tooth picture is just now being posted. He has since lost another tooth and has two more that are loose. He actually is already getting new teeth in the place of the old ones.

Our rabbit, Joey, is very sick. He may not make it. We will see just how well the antibiotics work. He's been on them for 4 days now. I'll give him another 5 or 6 and if he isn't any better we will probably put him out of his misery.

I will also post pictures hopefully soon of Landon's first T-ball game. He had lots of fun this past Saturday. Taylor, Mommy and Daddy all got sun burned pretty bad.

Taylor is coming down with something. Not sure what, but he isn't himself today. Landon was feeling bad on Sunday but seems to be better now. Who knows. Those of you who have children know that it is always something.

Yesterday was Miles' 4th birthday! We went to the grave and hung a plant. Mark took a couple pictures and I will probably post those as well. It was a very rough day...I miss him so. Today isn' t much better. There is no way to explain grief. Last year this time, I didn't struggle hardly at all, but not so this year. Thankfully I have a wonderful Savior who is there for me and comforts me with His promises of eternity.

I will publish this before the computer shuts down on me. More later...to be continued!

My Tooth is GONE!

2008-04-15T09:19:00.002-06:00

Landon Lost His FIRST tooth! Take a look. The one on the right side of the one he lost is really loose too. It'll be gone soon too I am sure!

Easter Morning

2008-04-15T09:05:00.003-06:00

Once again, Taylor's famous smile....drives Mommy crazy...what do you do?
Opening thier Easter Bags
A quick picture after church ...before everyone got more comfortable
Isn't he handsome! Thanks to Nanny!
I love this color on Landon. Nanny got them coordinating outfits.

"How You Doin'?"

2008-03-15T17:41:00.006-06:00

I am sure only some of you will "get" the title...

On Thursday, we brought home another member of the family...Joey.

He is a 2 year old Dutch rabbit (that means when he talks we can't understand him...get it...Dutch...nevermind). Anyway, he is very people friendly (a good thing) and litter-box trained (a VERY good thing). He has adjusted well and pretty much keeps to the living room when out of his cage.

The boys are adjusting to him as well and are learning quickly that the best way to interact with Joey is to sit still and let him come to them. Landon is better at this than Taylor, but Taylor is learning too.

Joey is very sociable and friendly...two things that I (Mark) did not expect. I thought that rabbits were just benign creatures that would run at the sight of say...Taylor. But Joey takes it all in stride. He isn't skittish, he doesn't bite and he loves a good nose or cheek rub (but who doesn't).

He has mastered the couch, thanks to Sonja. He hops up onto it with ease and after a few tries, has mastered the dismount without the undignified impromptu rollover when hitting the floor.

Well, anyone who lives near us is welcome to come and visit us to see him. He does belong to Sonja...it was her birthday present. That meant alot to her...and to me because since it is HERS, I don't have to clean out the cage...hahahaha! It is not a bad job because, surprisingly, rabbits are very clean animals. Sonja told me to put that in there...but it IS true.

"Say Cheese!"

2008-02-24T22:29:00.003-06:00

Wrapped in mommy's blanket, Taylor settles in for a movie. He of course gives daddy his famous smile when his picture is being taken. He sat for the entire show with this blanket wrapped around him and in his little rocker.

One evening we put Landon to bed in our room and then had to move him to his bed later on...This is how we found him in our bed. He was so cute, of course we had to take a couple pictures. He never knew a thing. They are so very sweet when they are sleeping!

G.G. (great grandma) got him a game boy for Christmas. I caught him playing the other day and snapped this picture.

Titus and Jill...adorable!

2008-02-21T08:33:00.002-06:00

Most people think that thier own kids are the cutest...I have to say that this little guy is just adorable! He is just so very sweet. They really don't get much cuter than Titus!
Always happy! Really, very rarely does he cry. He smiles so easily and just makes your heart glad! In this picture I had just put his P.J.'s on him and was getting him ready for bed. He is tired, yet still smiling! "Time to slow down". They play so hard together when Jill and Titus come. This was a cool down time before bed.
Always the performers! This is one of those things where you can see yourself singing on T.V. Jill had a blast!

Ready to Smile?

2008-02-21T08:24:00.002-06:00

These are thier little New Testiments. Obviously we have a very charismatic reader in Taylor.
Aww... He loves this hat! I couldn't resist this picture.
Eating raisins at the kitchen table...."Smile please.." this is what I get from Taylor! Don't you want to squeeze them...they are so cute!

Its a wonderful thing!

2008-02-13T07:53:00.001-06:00

MY MOM IS COMING!

we are all very excited...February 27th is the big day. I can't wait!

Uncle Phillip

2008-01-31T22:18:00.000-06:00

This may be a boring blog for some of you. However, I am trying to make a very loud and obvious point to a beloved family member. So, please bare with me.....

Phillip,

Please, please update your blog. At least tell us who won your contest! You can't do this to us. You tell us you are back and then you tease us with a title contest...and then you go AWOL! Come on - who does something so cruel?
Maybe I need to appeal to your emotional side...we miss you so much and really want to know what is happening with you, even if you believe it to be boring, it will be exciting for us! We need to see that smile of yours - it brings such joy to us...really!
Is it working??? Will you blog? Will you at least e-mail?

O.K. sorry everyone else, but it had to be done. Extreme measures will be taken when they are needed. Hopefully this will work and we will all hear from the far away soldier, Staff Sergeant Phillip Boyd!

Walking Down Memory Lane in the Snow!

2007-12-08T15:18:00.000-06:00

A trip down memory lane...This was Landon and Taylor a little more than a year ago. Can you believe how tiny Taylor was. Landon has changed so much in the last year. He is such a little man now, not such a little boy anymore. Of course they are both still as cute as ever!

Now on to the present! It has been snowing for a while now and it really is pretty. Its really cold and we had to get boots for the boys! I couldn't believe the cost of simple snow boots for kids. Unbelievable. Oh well, they are only small once.

Mark and Landon used the snow from where the snow plow piled it at the end of our driveway and built a fort! Landon had so much fun. It's pretty cool. I remember doing the same thing in West Va. when I was in 7th grade. Remember that Scotty?

We are almost done with our Christmas shopping. It has been fun this year. Landon is more aware and really into it. It's fun seeing him get excited. I am really ready for it this year too.

Well that is all for now. I hope you have a smile or two from traveling down memory lane...

Just a Glimpse

2007-11-16T08:49:00.000-06:00

Hello All. I only have a few minutes before I head over to the church to finish up for Sunday's service. Then the boys and I are off to DeKalb to do some massive grocery shopping. I did want to leave you with just a few pictures from our last week.

One Thurdsay evening I snapped this picture of Taylor, Titus, Landon and Jill. These are Tom and Tiffany's kids. Titus is so adorable. This picture just doesn't do him justice.

Taylor being content playing with his animals at the kitchen table.

Breakfast on the coach! More of these pictures to come!

This is just Taylor being silly. I asked him to smile and this is what I got!

Landon S. Boyd - Preschool Picture

2007-11-03T10:58:00.000-06:00

This is our "little' boy! Not so little anymore. This was taken in September at his preschool. I think it is great. Of course I guess I am a litte bias.

Childhood...what fun!

2007-09-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

He's proud to be reading in his own chair.
Taylor is impatient when it comes to waiting on his food. He tried to put himself in his chair!
This is Landon and his friend Morgan. She came over one Sunday after church... and for some reason they thought it was fun to make the bathroom thier hideout. She was enjoying an apple as a pre-lunch snack.

Landon's Birthday...Taylor's Personality

2007-09-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

Landon turned 5! This was his birthday cake made by his Aunt Amy!

He loved it!
Taylor is enjoying a book at grandma's house!
Super Taylor!
Super Taylor is quite funny! I love this picture!
He likes to tell us all about the books he reads

Bananas & Worms!

2007-09-08T10:05:00.000-06:00

Bananas and a movie!

We took a fishing trip out to the place where Mark grew up. There is a pond on the property that the boys used to fish when they were kids. Landon caught several bluegills.

Here is one of the worms that worked real hard to get a fish on the hook. See that worm, Nanny?

Here is a picture of part of the lake...it looks nice and calm which is true, but it was also about 90° outside. Here is a picture that shows how we all felt...notice the matted down sweaty hair?

It was still fun, even though 2 of us got a mild case of poison ivy.

A Few Pictures

2007-08-16T14:12:00.000-06:00

Summer days at home!

Always the silly one...

I'm cool in my glasses!

"I think I'll read this farm book again!"

Curls...curls...curl - after a bath

A New Member...

2007-08-11T19:49:00.000-06:00

...of the family of GOD! Not our earthly family...no, no, no!

Our Landon accepted Christ as his Savior on Wednesday night! We are very excited and happy as is he. He likes telling people, but he says it embarrasses him a little. He was very sad to realize his sins, however very ready to have those forgiven by Jesus. At the end of his prayer he simply said again "thank you Jesus for forgiving me." A very touching moment for a parent. Mark was the lucky one to be able to pray with him. I have to admit I myself was a little dissappointed (isn't that terrible!) that it wasn't me that was there with him. That only lasted a little while and then of course I was so happy to know that Landon will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus...and me that dissappointment was replaced with gladness!

The boys and I are battling colds and coughs...not fun! Mark has been able to work quite a bit for his dad and for that we are thankful. It makes for a really long week for him, but its always wonderful to have the money that is needed at the end of the month!

Landon will be starting preschool August 28th. He will be going Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. It is at a church just up the road from us. He is really excited. He missed starting Kindergarden this year by 3 days! Oh well, I've been told many times that it better to be the oldest in the class instead of the youngest.

We'll try not to wait another two months before we post again!

Nothing New

2007-06-20T20:29:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

Life is just moving right along here in the Boyd household. Summer is in full swing and we have already had a sun burn for both of the boys. Not too bad on Landon, not good for Taylor and his exzema. Poor guy. He's taking it well. Especially since it came only two days after getting shots.

Mark has been able to work a full week this week. This is a wonderful thing, although I do miss him being home early in the mornings. Landon got training wheels for his bike this weekend. Now we just need to get a intertube for the back tire and he will be a biking fool. He is so ready to get going. There will be pictures when it actually happens. I had the evaluation from my sleep apnia test today...found out that I don't sleep much! Shock!! No really I do have a severe apnia and will have to be put on a machine called a CPAP. This feeds air into my nose which opens the air passages. I will be tested on that machine on July 3rd. You can pray that this will help. I am glad to have an answer for the reason I am always so very tired. I just pray that this treatment along with loosing weight will cure the problem and I can go back to being a normal sleeper. Pray that I will remain motivated to loose the weight that I need to. The Dr. did not tell me to loose weight, but I know that this is one of the problems.

We are excited to be headed home to VA the first part of July. We will be home from the 6th thru the 14th. We hope to be able to do some fun things with the boys while we are there. Take a trip to the zoo, explore some caverns and hike in the woods. It will be wonderful as well to just be with family that we haven't seen since Christmas.

A note from the Lord, to leave you with...Micah 6:6-8 "With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." (ESV)

More Pictures!

2007-05-25T20:52:00.000-06:00

This is one happy little boy!

He loves to stand on the couch and bounce.

He enjoys going through the pan cupboard. He finds lots of new hats there! This happens to be his favorite!

And here is where he got the idea from...

surprised?

The child loves his food! This is chicken and noodles he is enjoying.

See all my teeth? This is why I enjoy eating so much!

In case you hadn't noticed...the boy has curls! Auburn...of course! Aren't they cute?

And then there is the big brother...what a cutie!

Always the silly one!

This is the typical attire for Landon around the house.

His dentist appointment is in two weeks...just kidding, these came from his cousin Jonathon. Landon obviously loves them!

Like father - like son!

...and they say I'm the hillbilly!

Here's the House...finally.

2007-05-25T19:17:00.001-06:00

As promised (oh, so long ago), here are the pictures of the new place. We will begin our tour as we enter the front door...

The first room we see is the living room...

To the right, we see the Hall Bath...(yes, it looks just like a hall bath)

Landon's room is next. A bit crowded, but he likes it.

This is still his room, looking the other way...the entry door is to the right.

Back through the Living Room, we move to the Kitchen. Nice and Roomy.

Through the Kitchen, and to the right is the Laundry Room/Back Entry.

Then comes the Master Bedrooom that we share with...

...Taylor!

Finally...there is the Master Bath. It is pretty big. We like that.

Just some pictures

2007-05-15T07:26:00.000-06:00

Not the cutest expression on Taylor's face, but at least it is the two of them together!

Our last picture of our precious Mia before we moved. We miss her so. In this picture, it's almost like she knew something was up. What a great dog!

He just loves to make others laugh. The only problem is that it's hard to get anything accomplised.

He's been attacked! This was in the process of us packing up the previous house.

This is Landon and his cousin Laura being quite silly. You can catch just a glimpse of our new place in this picture.

This is how he used to crawl on the kitchen floor...he didn't like for his bare knees to touch the floor. This also is at the previous house.

He's such a big boy in his "new" carseat. He loves it!

Always content and happy...this is an older picture, taken at our previous home.

Daddy and Taylor taking a snooze at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Just being silly...imagine that!

O.K. here Goes...

2007-03-22T12:07:00.000-06:00

We are moved! Most of you already knew that. We have almost gotten ourselves completly settled. We are to the point that neither of us wants to do anymore. However, there is more to be done. Just little things here and there. I keep finding bins that we though were empty, but have miscellanious things in them. One of the things that I am not sure where it is, is the USB cord for the camera. I would be downloading pictures if I could find that. I will find it, just give me some more time.

Landon is enjoying his room. He has a huge window in there and he really likes it. Right now we just have a sheet covering it. Eventually we will put up curtains. How? I'm not sure yet. Taylor is adjusting. He enjoys being able to see outside. I've had the doors and windows open quite a bit, so he loves it. Just this week I am trying to cut out his bedtime bottle. It isn't going well. He does fine at night, but come 4am he thinks it is time to be up. Not Good! Definatley a work in progress.

Mark is enjoying the short comute to work. I love the trip across the yard to church. It is so very convenient. Also starting next week there is a lady here two doors down that does daycare. She is going to start watching Landon and Taylor for me on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. Mark will have them on Friday's. It is great to not have to worry about the car situation. Marcia (mark's mom) will take the kids every other Monday. This will help with the cost of daycare. Although this lady is very reasonable.

The Lord has been very gracious to us concerning this whole move. He truly is an AWESOME GOD! That has become a cliche. However, it is so true when you grasp the full magnitute of Who He is. What a truly amazing God we serve! He has provided so much for us. I am honored and awed to be called a child of His.

Life is happening all around me....There is moon sand on my kitchen table and floor. A high chair tray full of pear juice...a smoke detector that keeps going off because the dryer is running...and Taylor is ....well somewhere. I think he has wondered into Landon's room. So I must return to being a mom....

Pictures will come soon, I promise.

We've Moved!

2007-03-09T13:29:00.000-06:00

Not much to report just now...but wanted to get you all up to date.

We have moved out of the old house, but not yet into the new. Mark has been working all his extra time on the place. The walls are freshly painted, so are the ceilings. The carpet is all new and the bathrooms are all cleaned. The refrigerator took me about 5 hours total to get cleaned, but it is done.

Hopefully by Sunday evening we will be sleeping there. We are working all weekend on it...unpacking boxes. I hate that part! Where do you put everything?!

We'll keep you posted and will try to take some pictures to post. We are having a birthday party for Taylor this weekend with Mark's family. We've just been too crazy to do it before now. He is getting so big and smart. Gotta love him.

Until Later.

O.K. Here is the update!

2007-02-20T21:34:00.000-06:00

We are packing, packing, packing. This only after a horrible week of sickness. I have never been so glad for a week to be over with in my life. It started out last weekend, with me being sick and then it just got worse. Landon was very sick (from both ends) on Wed. and then came me again with a bad head cold and self diagnosed bronchitis. Taylor followed up with throwing up and the runs. Mark ended up with all of the above on Friday evening. His weekend was shot with being ill. Finally today...we are all back on track. Mark still has the head cold, and I still have the cough and sniffles, but all in all...we're o.k.

We have surprisingly gotten quite a bit done. There isn't much left to be packed. Most of it is stuff that has to wait at least until this weekend. I am happy to say that my mom and 11 year old cousin are coming tomorrow night. They will be staying until Monday and that will be a huge help.

We have an appointment on Friday to measure for carpet for the new place. The previous owners were heavy smokers, so we wanted to be safe and replace the carpet and padding. Mark and some other guys will paint the place out on Wednesday next week and probably Thurs. Hopefully we will be able to move completely in by Saturday, March 3rd. In the meantime, we will be staying at Mark's parents home.

The last hurdle we have to cross is getting rid of our dog. She can't go with us to the new home, park rules. So, we must find a home for her. It is very sad. We love our dog. She is really a part of our family. So, if you would pray that we would find a loving home for her. Time is running out. Landon and I are having a hard time with this decision. I know it is for the best, but it is very hard to give her up. We have had her for 8 years now. So sad....

O.k. enough...I'll post some new pictures at a later time. We do have some recent ones. Taylor is really growing. He climbed up all the stairs today. By himself. Big boy now! Landon is such a big help with Taylor. He loves his little brother and it shows. I am very thankful for that. God truly is Good, No GREAT!

Sold! To the lady in the pink shirt...

2007-01-27T22:16:00.000-06:00

Yes, the rumors are true. We have finally signed a contract for the sale of our house. We are closing on the 28th of February. We are still working out the details for the mobile home, but that IS our next home for the next few years. Thanks for all of your prayers concerning the sale of the house. God is good, and He provided the money we needed through the sale. Now, all we have to do is get everything packed up and ready to go. Ugh! I am sure that the one month we left ourselves will seem like one week, but it is all good.

P.S. I made that whole thing up about the pink shirt. Details...

What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?

2007-01-24T22:17:00.000-06:00

All right...where's the comment area for the last post? C'mon...who took it? How are people supposed to comment when there is no comment area?
Actually, I may have done it myself. That is the reason for this post. Feel free to post comments on the last post here (if you have any - I am not inferring that you should, just that there is now a place to put them if you have them...after all, this is a blog.)

We're Still Here!

2007-01-23T14:37:00.000-06:00

That title could mean a couple of things. We are still here...we haven't posted in a while. We're still here...we still live in the same house!

The house selling thing is getting old! I know God has a plan and His is the perfect plan, but we all know how hard it is to wait sometimes. This Saturday we have another open house. Prayerfully this will be the ONE. There is a couple that will be coming thru for the second time. When they came through the first time they were already deciding who would have what room. They have 3 children. So, they were very interested, just had commited not to place an offer on their first look at a home. Smart people. I think that's good! :)

The boys are doing well. Taylor is pulling up on things and walking around the couch. He is all over the floor crawling. It is a daily battle to keep him from putting non-food items in his mouth. Why does dirt and dog hair seem so appetizing to a 10 month old? On a more appealing note...it has been fun to see Taylor and Landon play. They role around on the floor together and play cars together. Landon is wonderful with him. Always watching out for the things Taylor does put into his mouth and if he is near the stairs or not. We have a gate up, but Taylor likes to tempt fate so to speak.

It's good to have life back to whatever normal is. The holidays' are GREAT, but when there are kids involved it is really good to be back on your normal daily schedule. They do so much better. Mark's job is tough, but going alright. Being a mommy is tough, but of course I love it. I look forward to the day when I can put more much needed hours in at the church...however, I am loving being with Taylor as he changes and learns so many new things.

For those of you T.V. watchers...we are addicted to 24! If you don't watch it you should. Be aware though, if you start, you won't be able to quit. It is awesome. We also are into American Idol. I know, I know...but we find it funny and entertaining.

Well, I should be getting some much needed laundry done. Chat later all.

Merry Stitches and a Happy New Year!

2006-12-29T22:03:00.000-06:00

Alright...here it is for those that haven't heard the story or for those who have and want the un-embellished version.
Sonja's Mom and Stepdad have some land where they will someday build a house. We told Landon about it and, of course, he wanted desperately to visit "the jungle" (his words). So, we arrived at her Mom's house on Friday (12/22) and didn't make it to "the jungle" until Wednesday. Needless to say, he was excited.
We drove up to the land and had to walk about 50 feet through a field of weeds to get to "the jungle". There were thorn branches scattered through the field and when I hit the first one, I made a comment, Landon was now a little more concerned about running into one of the thorn branches. I told him that I was looking for them and would walk around them. I said that if he would follow my path, he wouldn't run into any.
He proceeded to stop and say loudly (with hand gestures), "Ok, everyone (Me, Sonja, and Nikki - Sonja's 11 year old second cousin), we have to walk ONLY where my Daddy walks, Ok?"
We didn't run into any more thorn branches.
So, we finally made it to "the jungle". There was moss on the ground and that musty, forest smell (or jungle smell, if you prefer). The first thing that I saw was an old log laying on the ground and I proceeded to walk on it, balancing easily (Rush Limbaugh says it's not bragging if you can do it). Landon, of course, followed and did an admirable job.
Farther into the woods...by farther, I am talking like 20 feet...I spied another log. The "jungle" sloped uphill the farther you went back and this tree had fallen downhill (gravity...hello) and was propped up so that the farther you came downhill, the higher you were off of the ground. (See cudely drawn picture below if you don't understand)

I thought it would be fun to see if he could balance on the log and see how high he would go. I was holding his hand as he went, Mom...don't worry. Anyway, he was eager to try. He got a little timid as he got higher, but he took a moment to let the pee finish running out of his pantleg and pressed on. (For those of you who really know me, you will, of course, realize that was a quick embellishment to get a cheap laugh. For those of you who don't know me that well...that was a quick embellishment to get a cheap laugh. Welcome to the world of Mark's humor.)
Anyway, back to the story, dry pants and all. On this log were broken branches that were sticking up (pun intended) in the path that Landon was walking. As the good Dad, I was breaking them off so he wouldn't trip on them. They all broke off easily as this was a dead log.
His feet were about even with my thighs, when I tried to break off another branch. It didn't break off like the others, so I applied a bit more pressure and "Snap!", it broke. Unlike the others, however, the way it broke did not move my hand AWAY from the part left on the log. In fact, the others did not leave any part in the log, they broke off clean and smooth. This one left some sort of sharp thingy that my hand drove into at a high velocity. Needless to say, it also pulled back at the same velocity and was tenderly cradled in my other hand. Yes, the other hand that was doing the other "good Dad" thing...helping my four year old son balance on a log three feet off of the ground. My instincts told me to help my injured hand, while Landon's repetitious cry of "daddy, Daddy, DADDY!" reminded me to grab him before he fell backward off the log onto the ground or he flew away due to the rate of flapping his arms were doing to keep what was left of his balance.
With Landon safely in my arms, my attention went back to my hand, now a tightly clenched fist. I opened it gingerly, since there was an acute piercing pain that coincided with any movement. I closed it upon seeing that there was a not so neat hole between my thumb and index finger. You know, that web-like stretch of skin that makes the "L" for loser when placed on your forehead.

I said out loud that we had to go and Landon started to cry. Not for me and my injured hand, but because we had only been in the jungle for about four minutes when this happened. I told Sonja we had to go and she thought that something had happened to Landon. I opened my hand up (again, gingerly). She said, "ok, let's go" and we all proceeded to trek back to the car, with the crying four year old in tow. I was doing okay, except for the pain. No fainting from a little blood here!

Sonja got mad (really) when I rolled my eyes up and pretended to start going down ala Phillip. Bad move, guys. Don't pretend to faint if your wife asks if you are alright. But this is me we are talking about, so it happened and was followed by several "sorry's".

Almost done, but this will be your favorite part, Phillip. So, we get back to her Mom's (a two minute drive) and we head into the house. We brought Taylor in and Nikki was left to get Landon out and distract him from the commotion that would follow.
Time to clean out the wound (or laceration as the doctor would later call it). I did not look because I didn't want to faint. So, I held out my arm and let Sonja start to rinse it out with water. Now, I've never had anyone light a match and hold it onto an open wound of mine, but that is what it felt like. Then came the peroxide. I've never held my hand under a sewing machine needle at full bore either, but that's what the peroxide felt like.
Then I felt hot...and remembered a certain other blog I had read. I sat down and Sonja was talking to me. I remember mumbling that I felt like I was going to throw up. I didn't. Then I woke up with a pillow under my head. Yes, I fainted. You're welcome, Phillip. That makes two of us. Of course, mine was from intense pain from a jagged laceration in my hand, but who's pointing that minor difference out.
Long story (and I mean that) shorter, we went to the urgent care (twenty-five minutes away) and a very nice doctor gave me four shots in the open wound (I only felt two) and stitched me up with 5 stitches. I have pictures below IF you want to see them. By the way, Landon did not come along. When we left for the urgent care, he was getting into a truck with Nanny and Papaw Harris, flashlight in hand, to finish his excursion into "the jungle".

Ok, here are a few pictures of the repair job (not of the fainting...sorry, folks)

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For those of you still here and with enough intestinal fortitude to brave the pictures (they weren't bad, though. "Merely a flesh wound..."), the trip went well up until that point. Taylor developed a barking cough, which Landon inherited the next day and when we finally got home, we were welcomed into our house by the lovely overpowering smell of thawed meat and blood because our refridgerator stopped working while we were gone. Nice. So, we put it outside on the porch and got Arby's for dinner.
I am sure that we will be talking to and seeing you family members soon. C ya Phillip. The castle was pretty cool.

Open House Update!

2006-12-10T22:07:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to update you all on the open house. We did have good input...however, no contracts. The one couple that we thought would put a contract in, decided it just wasn't for them. But...as our realtor was about to leave another lady came in to look. She was very interested and said she would be calling back. So, we will pray and see. I have to admit I myself am getting a little discouraged. But as we know, God is in control and He sees the big picture. Just too bad we can't see that picture as well.
We spent a wonderful, relaxing and fun day at grandma's and grandpa's eating a turkey dinner and then playing board games. No nap for me, but a fun day none-the-less. We finished the evening watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition and eating pizza. The kids are now in bed and we are on our way. It's late.

P.S. Good Morning, Phillip! :)

Parade of Home

2006-12-08T21:28:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's that time again, folks! Another open house for the Boyd's! We are told that there are two families returning to look at the house. They both were just here earlier in the week, so hopefully, this is a good sign.
Maybe...just maybe, we will get that call that says, "You have a contract to look at!"
We will definitely keep everyone posted on the details.
Mom and Dad, we really WERE told that it was Sunday. But we will still be up for that turkey dinner on Sunday if the offer still stands...(it better!)

Here are a couple of pictures of the boys...

Taylor is one happy kid most of the time. This is a very common face around our house. (Notice the curl on the top of his head. It shows up every once in a while.)

Again...the boy has some big smiles. Always a welcome sight after a hard day's work.

Here is the Snow King! Landon loves playing outside in the snow (which is something that we have no shortage of since December 1st. Winter came in with a bang.) The picture below will give you an idea of the amount of snow that we had to deal with last week. Just another Illinois winter.

All right, enough about us...C ya later!

2006-12-04T14:35:00.000-06:00

Just a glimpse into our lives with the great children God has blessed us with!

Aren't they cute! The first picture was taken at Grampa and Granma's house last week and the "happy Taylor" one was a week or so ago at our house. Landon in the snow was taken just this morning. He was very cold and ready to come in. He has been having lots of fun in the mounds of snow that we recieved this past weekend.

More to come...Have a blessed day~

Twas the night before Thanksgiving

2006-11-22T23:09:00.000-06:00

Well, it is the night before Thanksgiving and all thru the house you smell...nothing! We will be heading to Mark's cousin's home tomorrow for the day. I am taking pies! They will be made in the morning. A pumpkin and a maderine orange. I am ready to eat that wonderful meal...we always eat too much.

Taylor has developed the funny side of his personality just these last two days. It is so fun! We will try to get pictures up this weekend for all to see. He is such a joy to have. God is truly good!

We had a showing today on our house. I haven't heard how it went yet, so that probably means no contract. There will be an open house this Saturday so hopefully that will produce a buyer. We have gone down a little on the price and put in an incentive of up to $1000 if the buyer would close by Dec. 15th. Maybe that will be a draw. Please pray so.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving...remember to thank God for your many blessings, no matter how cheesy you think that may be. :)

Let Us!

2006-11-15T21:49:00.000-06:00

We just returned from a wonderful weekend retreat with 14 teens. Tom and Tiffany, Mark and I took these teens down South a little ways to a camp for an overnight retreat. What fun! The kids were wonderful and we got to see our college friend Billy Hearn.

Billy was the speaker at the retreat and he did a wonderful job. We caught up on "old" friends and talked of "times gone by". It was a lot of fun remembering college stories and talking about our mutual friends. Makes you realize how quickly life changes.

The theme for the weekend was "Let Us" taken from Hebrews 10:22-25. We got a cool shirt and everything! Hebrews 10:22-25 says this: "Let us draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

May you find yourself encouraged to Draw Near to God, Hold Tight to Jesus, Encourage One Another & Go to Church ....even more as you see the Day approaching.

House For Sale

2006-11-03T12:21:00.000-06:00

Well, we had a showing yesterday and we have another one today. Our realtor is having an open house for us tomorrow, so hopefully there will be alot of traffic. She also said that one of the couples that went through the house last week are eager to put an offer in on the house. They just need to get their financing in order to make it happen. Who knows what that entails or how long that will take.
Taylor is finally getting over his cold, as I am (Mark). Sonja is just getting started, which means Landon will probably get it too. Then, I am sure it will hit Taylor and I one more time. Hopefully not...
My brother Phillip made it to Germany this past week and is settling in. Pray that he will make friends quickly (usually not a problem for him) and that he can find a good church to attend.
Till next time...

See Tim Sleep

2006-10-29T16:49:00.000-06:00

This is Tim. Tim falls asleep at 8:00 in the evening. Tim will also kill me for posting this picture on my site. It's worth it!

Taylor Jackson

2006-10-29T16:35:00.000-06:00

As requested, here are some recent pictures of Taylor. The top one is a little intense, but he was enjoying himself. He is actually wrestling with a cold right now. That's a miserable thing for a little guy. Nighttime is pretty bad as he wakes up quite frequently...which means we do as well. Everyone is a little more tired than usual. At least we got that extra hour this weekend!
I think I got this picture thing down now...

Hi, Ho Silver, Asleep?

2006-10-29T16:28:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when your 4 year old is put down for a nap and he doesn't quite fall asleep right away. I guess you could call it "creative sleep". He got the Lone Ranger getup from Papaw Harris and, as you can see, he likes it alot.
This was also my test to get a picture on the blog and I guess it worked.

A Rainy Day

2006-10-26T13:30:00.000-06:00

Well, it is a really yuckie day here in illinois! The weather is calling for a quiet day, laying on the couch, reading a great book! Funny how life doesn't allow you to do as you feel. Landon has been playing non-stop today. Good for me, it allows me to get more done. Taylor started scooting around yesterday. That will prove to be interesting! It is fun to see him learning new things.

We had a home inspection done yesterday on the mobile home. All turned out well. I was very pleased with the results. The inspector said we should't fly away should a tornado come through, so that was comforting. :)
Really it is very soundly bolted down. All the major things are in great shape and it's a great thing for us. Now we just need to really pray that our house sells. We have had three couples look at it and all of them say "it's a great house", but no one has put in an offer yet...that is what really matters. So keep up the prayers. We have to have a contract by December 16th, which sounds like a long time away, but really it isn't.

Mark's brother, Phillip is in from Washington, D.C. He leaves on Tuesday for Germany. Friday evening we are having a Thanksgiving Dinner since he will not be able to come home for a while.

O.K. that's it for now, I must go back to being a Mommy! ...

We're Still Here...

2006-10-23T12:07:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the lack of updates...
We have been at my parents house all weekend while they are in California. Our house was clean and open for showing over the weekend. We do have a contract on the trailer. We have to sell our house by December 19th to keep the contract.
So, you can pray for the house to sell quickly now. The quicker, the better for us.
We'll keep things updated more regularly...or at least try to, in the future.

Wait and See..

2006-10-17T08:42:00.000-06:00

Well, the offer is in and we will find out today or tonight what the response will be. Keep praying that our house will sell quickly (and for a good price). The quicker it sells, the better it will be for the other contract on the trailer we are wanting to buy. You can pray for my(Mark) family. My grandma died last week and the visitation is tonight, funeral tomorrow. There are certain people in my family that may use this as an opportunity to make a scene and cause further disruption to the family. The whole issue has been going on for years and this is the a prime opportunity for some grand-standing.
So, pray that the ones responsible for past disruptions will be considerate enough to respect the situation and put their issues to rest.
Gotta go.

By Special Request...

2006-10-14T10:18:00.000-06:00

Alright...here it is. The Boyd Blog. You asked for it , you got it.
It's a little busy around here today. That's because Sonja is at a women's retreat and I am here with the boys...alone.
Don't worry...I've got it all under control. No problems here. Landon's his normal hyper self and Taylor is laid back as usual.
Well, it's not much of an initial blog, but it'll have to do. Gotta go.