the Culwell Crew

Joshua's Birthday and MVP

2010-10-31T21:42:00.002-05:00

Joshua had his 8th Birthday on the 25th. Cody took him for the weekend on a man trip to Waco and they watched Baylor beat KSU. Then he got what he wanted for so long a BB/Pellet gun! Yes I know what y'all are all thinking bad choice. Wednesday I received a call from the school his stomach hurt and he needed to come home. I went picked him up and he came home and slept all afternoon. Went back to school on Thursday feeling fine. I told him Friday night I was glad he was feeling better he said "I had BB gun fever." ?What? He then said "That's why my stomach hurt all that pumping his gun made his tummy hurt."

Aidan and his teammates played in a football tournament this past weekend called the monster bowl. They lost both games. There was a small highlight, ok big one. Aidan was awarded the MVP award, one of three, for the tournament for showing sportmanship and Christian attitude. I was very proud of him. They might have not given it to him if they knew the crazy women in the stands yelling was his mom. :)

Sports

2010-09-26T20:14:00.007-05:00

Aidan in his first tackle football game as the quarterback.

Joshua and his best buddies after his flag football game.

Aidan?

Really Aidan?

Oh dear...

2010-09-18T22:24:00.003-05:00

Cody's cousin Bryn comes to stay very often, which we love. Maude however is constantly asking about marriage and when she can have a wedding so she can be in it. She will ask what color of dress and so on. Well last night she was chatting with Bryn about the same thing. Bryn asked Maude if she could be in her wedding when she got big. Maude said "You will be dead from smoking" (Now we be a good time to state Bryn does not smoke) Bryn said "I don't smoke" Maude then said "You will be dead because you are so Smokin' HOT" Oh dear.... Also nice time to say Bryn is very pretty and I wonder if Maude overheard someone say that, who knows?

My blue eyed boy

2010-09-14T22:30:00.003-05:00

Joshua took a spelling test a week or so ago. He brings home his papers for us check so we can see grades. Well on this spelling test they could write two short i sound words for bonus. They had to be spelled correctly, so like most 2nd graders I would have picked two small words that were easy to spell. Joshua picked....

important and different

Amazing Day

2010-09-13T13:56:00.008-05:00

Aidan was baptized yesterday on September 12, 2010. As parents we are thrilled for his decision to become a Christian. I think it's every parents proudest moment to watch their child take on Christ in baptism. You know the old saying 'it takes a village to raise a child' well I believe that is true in becoming a Christian. Bible class teachers, high school boys, friends, family and church family play a part in his every thought and decision. We have been blessed to be apart of a wonderful congregation that has helped him and us in every way to become more faithful.

Cody and Aidan

Brothers

First Communion

Good Friends to support

Mimi and Granddad

Cousins

Mema, GreyPa and Annie

Summer into School

2010-09-09T13:04:00.020-05:00

Here we go recap of the summer...
First two weeks basketball camp, week in San Diego hitting Padres game Earthquake Sea World and Zoo, then going to Disneyland, July 4th, WT basketball camp, Red River and LOTS of swimming. And I wonder where our summer went? We enjoyed every minute of it and now busy with school. Aidan is playing tackle football, first game this Saturday and for the next 9! He also will be baptized this Sunday the 12th. Cody and I couldn't be more thrilled with his decision and have prayed for all of our children to know God and have a relationship with Him like we have been so fortunate to have. So if you can drop him a note of encouragement it would mean so much to him and us!

Joshua won Hot Shot award I believe that is his second time to win that award at that camp.

Maude was chosen as Most improved and the Hustler award at Nazareth basketball camp. At the first of the week she couldn't even make it up to the basket and by the end she was making it in. Also found out she is left handed when it comes to sports.

Aidan was named MVP and won layup, ball handling and free throw competition. He also attended Nazareth and WTAMU camp this summer. (and I wonder why I had no time to blog)

Aidan sported a blackeye for the whole trip to San Diego/Disneyland He was hit in the eye with a baseball bat and this time not by his brother:)

The boys took in a Padres game while Maude and I enjoyed roomservice and an EARTHQUAKE!!! 5.7 to be exact and we were on the 12th floor. She asked if I could turn on the weather and see where it touched down. Ahh my Texas girl!

Beach in San Diego

Disneyland

Joshua trying to talk her into letting him pull her tooth.

Aidan enjoying the mountain air at lunch in Taos.

Joshua (notice the tape on the chin from 4 feet fall in our front yard when a bridge gave away)

Maude enjoying the mountains (Maude lost her first tooth and second this summer! She is the only one who has not cried having a tooth pulled out of all 3)

End of summer trip to Red River

First day of school

Comparing

2010-05-28T15:16:00.004-05:00

First day of school picture and last day of school. We survived!!! Joshua had his end of school party today and had a ton of fun. He has such a great group of boys in his class. Very happy for him. He also received the Math award this morning. So all around good day.

Ending our first school year...

2010-05-27T15:44:00.003-05:00

I didn't worry too much about Joshua and Maude when we moved. They both are very social. I had concern with Aidan, he is very shy and takes a while to warm up. He also has had the same best friend for the 3 years. I have been very excited to see him grow and fit right in. He had his award ceremony yesterday and did very well. He received A honors, high Honors, Student Council, High AR Pts and was commended on both TAKS test. Yeah for Aidan!!
Maude had her end of school party today and had a blast. I can not believe she just finished kindergarten. They are growing up way too fast!!
We have one more award assembly tomorrow and one more party... Then it's SUMMER TIME!!

Aidan's track meet

2010-05-23T17:07:00.003-05:00

Aidan had his first Baker Elementary track meet this past Thursday. He was soo nervous that morning. Their P.E. teacher had worked with them and they all did so well. Aidan won long jump, the football throw and the 200. He got second in the 400 and the hurdles. Aidan has always been somewhat calm and level headed. We rarely see him go crazy like some other kids in the house. Maude and I had gone down on the track for the football throw to watch and take pictures. When they announced that he had won he threw his arms up and yelled 'yes'. Then quickly realized what he had done and got embarrassed. It was good to see him excited! Love that boy!

Joshuaism

2010-05-11T17:38:00.003-05:00

This afternoon Maude was giving me details about recess activity. There was a girl that was not nice at recess. Maude was going on and on about it and she said "I don't know why she is so grouchy?" Joshua was sitting close by and said "She is grouchy because she is the last born..."

Chocolate Cake

2010-05-06T14:34:00.002-05:00

Very few times I get serious when I write. Today is one of those days.

My Grandmother made the best Chocolate cake ever! One of my most vivid memories I have over and over of my Grandmother is in her kitchen. Her sitting me up on the kitchen cabinet and cooking. She could clean a batter bowl like no one I have ever seen. There was rarely a drop to lick. I can close my eyes and rush back to that moment. Everyone has those memories that make you smile and miss someone dearly in the same moment. Well I have only attempted to make her famous cake once before. Just never thought it would be the same. The past two weeks I have made it twice. The kids and Cody have gladly participated on my attempts. So for two weeks I have thought nonstop about Maude (my grandmother) and my Maude and how to pass down those memories and talk about them with my children. I have always wanted that thing that you bake and everyone knows it is yours. Strange I know but I guess that comes from to many pot lucks at church. You know a perfect comfort food. Cody said last night I had nailed it this week and it was perfect. What a supportive husband. The chocolate cake would be and hopefully will be my thing.

And every time I make it I am sure I will drift away into her arms for a moment on the kitchen counter...

Track meet!

2010-05-05T16:47:00.004-05:00

Joshua and Maude had their track meet today. They both did really well and had a ton of fun. We were proud of Maude for actually competing in an athletic event. She was surprisingly fast and determined. Joshua was not so surprising he makes everything a competition and loves to compete. The group of boys are in Joshua's class. They are going to be a fast and talented group of boys. Finally was a perfect day to be outside.
Aidan went to the one room school house in Oklahoma. (wish I had a picture) They had to dress in period clothing. They also had to take a bucket lunch and the menu had to be from that time. Wax paper to wrap sandwich, tin cup to drink water, no tennis shoes or lunchables. Aidan has been looking forward to this day for a month and I don't think he was disappointed. He couldn't stop talking about all the stuff they did from writing on slates to playing marbles. I think he will remember this day for a long time. So a very eventful and fun day for the family. Looking forward to SUMMER after a great day outside!

Birthday and Basketball...

2010-04-24T16:53:00.004-05:00

We finished basketball today. Aidan was able to play the past two tournaments. Today he was able to score several points and seems to be getting back on his feet. Joshua also tagged along and played with the 3rd and 4th graders. He cracks me up, he doesn't miss a beat and never backs down. I guess having an older brother helps you get tough! However, he sat on the bench part of the game and called the other teams pickles the whole time. (Still some youth in him.)He also reported at halftime that Cody had said a bad word and he took a book to read in the huddle about sharks. We won the Wellington tournament last weekend and the Follett tournament this weekend. Very good way to end the season.

Maude celebrated her 6th birthday this past week. The years are passing way to quick!! We celebrated with friends from school getting nails done and eating pizza!

May seems to be completely full already!! All 3 have a ton of stuff going on at school. Before we know summer will be here!! Yeah! I can't wait.

Wow it's been a while....

2010-04-07T13:33:00.003-05:00

I thought I would never let my blog slip but the past year has made a lot of things happen. Let's see if I can catch you up to speed. Aidan finally came out of his boot. He was able to play the last tournament. We had 3 basketball teams the past few months! They were a ton of fun but a ton of time as well. We had two YMCA teams, one for Joshua's age and one for Aidan's age. Then we had a 3rd and 4th grade travel team that would go to towns around this area for tournaments on the weekend. We did well especially for some who had never played!! (Brag time real quick Joshua scored 12 points in 3 minutes in one of his Y games. He loves the game.) The Y is having a tournament here in town this weekend that Joshua's age is going to play in and then we are off to baseball.
This past weekend we went to the Women's Final Four in San Antonio to watch Baylor!! We had a great time on such a short trip. Wish our Lady Bears had won but it looks like they have a good chance of building with all the freshman on the team. The bluebonnet picture the kids were sound asleep after late Sunday night when we pulled off to take it. So their eyes are a little swollen. Makes me a little sad the kids have really changed and growing up! Aidan turned 9 in March and Maude will be 6 in a couple of weeks. (Joshua will be 7 1/2 on the 25 of this month as well.)

Finally good news, kind of...

2010-02-11T21:16:00.003-06:00

The results are in! Yeah! Aidan does NOT have Subtalar Coalition. We are happy about that and thank everyone for the prayers our way. However, Aidan has to go back in a boot for another 6 weeks. His ankle has not healed as quickly as we had hoped. He will get a new boot that will help keep weight off the ankle. He also had blood drawn to rule out juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Just to be sure that is not why it is not healing as quick. He cried over not getting to play basketball and having to go back in the boot. He didn't shed a tear over the blood getting drawn. Joshua played in his spot tonight for his basketball team. We thought we weren't going to have enough players, so we had him suit up. He played really well for a 1st grader with 3rd/4th graders, and scored 2 points. They are all super excited about Valentine Parties tomorrow. So life is good in the Culwell House tonight.

Of Course...

2010-02-08T21:39:00.003-06:00

Aidan broke his growth plate in his ankle over 2 months ago. He came out of the boot a couple of weeks ago and still continues to be in pain and limp. We thought it was just stiff for the first few days. He doesn't want to go back in the boot so he won't tell us it hurts but we can see by his face when he puts any weight on it. He has figured out how to run on his toes and walk without putting weight on it. Last week Cody took him to see an orthopedic. The X-ray showed something called Subtalar Coalition in BOTH ankles and may have been the reason he broke it in the first place. He had a CT scan the same day and still has not ruled it out. So on Wednesday we will be taking him for a MRI. This condition is very rare, of course, less then 1% of the population has it, of course. So like a true Culwell he will probably have it. Still praying that we don't but it would explain not being able to heal. He may have to have surgery to fix or brace of some sort. Thanks for all those who have been praying and continue to pray. Aidan feels very special that so many people care and gets a little grin every time someone lets him know they are praying. I will hopefully have an update the end of this week.

Sledding

2010-02-03T13:29:00.003-06:00

So from my last blog were there any of you that thought 'What are the chances of the Culwell's sledding and playing in the snow without getting hurt?" Sunday afternoon we sledded at Jackson park we took a friend of Joshua's with us. They were doing great, until Aidan had a little mental lapse... Joshua was walking up the hill and Aidan wanted to go down that path he kept yelling for Joshua to move. When Joshua wouldn't being the typical MEAN brother, Aidan took off towards Joshua's legs. He knocked the legs out from under him and flipped him in the air! They survived and were fine. We came home and the boys hadn't had enough so they went to our alley hill behind our house. They built a ramp out of snow that had been pushed off the road. (By the way right now would be a good time to tell you they had been watching the Xtreme winter sports on ESPN for the past two nights.) I was watching thinking coming off the ramp onto cement is probably not a good idea! They would hit the ramp and then coast 3 or 4 feet into the alley. Safe enough, right? Well, Joshua hit the ramp a little to the right and got really good AIR, flipped and landed on the back of his noggin! He had his hood on (really wishing helmet) but it still cut the back of his head open. This is one of his smaller cuts and just required, his always preferred, dermabond. On the way over to the ER to meet Dad, who by the way didn't even bat a eye or ask what happened, Joshua said "I got higher than anybody else, didn't I?" Blood running down his neck... When we got home and were sitting on the couch Joshua reached up and pulled out a tooth!!
Loving life...

Snow!

2010-01-30T18:06:00.005-06:00

Our first snow in Canadian has been very eventful. We have been snowed in for a couple of days now. School was suppose to start at 10:00am yesterday morning. We are use to snow but the hills have not helped us! Yesterday morning we got our kids up to take to school bundled them up and off they tried to go. The suburban got stuck right off the bat. The pickup wouldn't start on Wednesday and still wouldn't start on Friday morning. So we went to the Ranger for help and it wouldn't start!!! So I called Aidan's school to let them know he would be extremely late or wouldn't make it. I was going to walk the two youngest since we are only 2 blocks away. It took us a little bit to get to the top of the street the drifts and steps to the top of our yard took a while. Then we started walking the drifts were waist deep for Maude in some parts and the cars started sliding towards us and we hadn't even made it to the house next door!! So we turned around and stayed home. Today we were pulled out of the field, the pickup and ranger got jumped! We are back in business. I took the kids to a park to sled after they got bored with our alley. Then when we got back to house we pulled them around in the ranger dragging them on their sleds. Someone said "Why does this stuff always happen to you?" I think God and I get along really well and we have a good sense of humor. He would only joke with those of us who take it really well ;)

The picture of Maude is how close she came to sledding into a bench!

Ballet and Tap Recital

2010-01-17T19:20:00.002-06:00

Maude had her Christmas ballet and tap recital today. Yes a little after Christmas, the auditorium they were using was being finished. She did very well and wasn't as scared as I thought she would be. She received flowers from the family and said it was the best day ever. Yeah for best days!!
Aidan came out of his boot this past week. He is still limping around but my floor is looking better! He has been dragging that thing around marking up the floor!
Joshua has had a pretty typical week. He took my razor in the shower and sliced his thumb a few times. He came in the living room buck naked bleeding but not crying. We asked what happened and he couldn't remember exactly. Luckily no stitches but Cody did say "That has to be the dumbest thing you have ever done." Which made him cry, not that he is bleeding but the words. He is fine and now knows the effects of a razor and hopefully will leave it alone.
By my last post I am sure most of you thought that if Cody came down with the stomach but I would be the last to help. Well, Friday night I walked in the door and Aidan threw up. I had Maude go get Cody to see how much medicine I could give him. When Cody walked in he turned and went to the other bathroom and threw up. So I went to Allsup's and got Gatorade, and stayed up with Aidan. They both woke up feeling fine yesterday morning. Short lived thankfully!!

Have an amazing week, I am sure we will.

Get a cup of coffee it's a long one...

2010-01-09T21:54:00.002-06:00

So let's begin on Tuesday...
Tuesday morning I went to get the oil changed on the suburban and my nails done. When I got home I kind of felt funny but nothing bad. Went to pick up the kids did the normal after school homework, snack thing and then started dinner. Cody was on call and had txted me that he would be late. So we went ahead and ate without him. The kids were going to watch a quick episode of Hannah or Icarly or something on Netflix and then bathe and go to bed. Simple evening. When I sat down to watch with them I felt terrible and quickly realized I was going down fast with the stomach bug. Cody walked in about this time. I was off to the bathroom only to come back and ask where the meds were. This is were I thought it was a little interesting. He told me where they were but didn't offer to get them. Didn't really care at the moment... After 3 doses of phengran and a long night about 4:00am I finally was done with throwing up. However 3 doses of phengran I guess make you a little sleepy because I slept till 10:45 Thursday Morning!! So I missed an eventful day by the kids description...
I remember waking up and seeing Maude in front of the mirror brushing her hair Wednesday morning. I asked her where everyone was. Maude said "OH we OVERSLEPT and Daddy said for me to brush my hair and get ready he would be back for me after he took the boys!" Yes Yes the 5 year old was getting herself ready for school. Hair/Crazy Clothes/umm different Necklace and scarf in place and hat. So off they went to school. Also on Wednesday they all 3 had dental appointments in Amarillo and were having to be picked up at noon. So Cody had and extra chore of Mommy duty. So at noon gatorade appeared in the fridge and Cody peeped his head in and asked if I could let the dog in. They made it home safely through the freezing rain that night. And on Thursday made it to school on time. Maude came home coughing her little head off but dressed much better then the day before, however the hair was still not done. So we started her on steroids and breathing treatments. I was up till 2:00 am with her. This was the third night on a twin bed for me and I was beginning to feel it. Also gave me some time to think about how my husband not once came to check on me while I was sick. So the next day (Friday) I asked him if something was wrong. He said "No just didn't want to catch it." Hmmmmmm This is the man who sees sick people for a living!! He walks across a field in the middle of the night to the hospital in 1 degree weather to see people like me!! Maude stayed home with me on Friday and we continued with the breathing treatments and hot showers. I also had her take a bath, which she informed me was her first one since MONDAY! We watched an entire season of Hannah Montana. What say What? Yes I just quoted Miley Cyrus and Maude decided to become an actress. Ahhh Life is good in the Culwell Household.

Side notes.
Joshua when I picked up from school on Thursday: Mommy are you all better?
Me: Yes Joshua I feel much better.
Joshua: Oh good I can hug you again.

Aidan's teacher on Friday said Aidan was a little worried about me being sick and his dad having to take him to his dentist appointment.

Maude's teacher from Maude: Maude did you take anything for your cough today?
Maude: No
Teacher: Is your Mommy still sick?
(Now remember she is an actress now so that might not be real) :)

My husband was very sweet and let me get away for a little girl time this afternoon.

Christmas time...

2009-12-19T16:13:00.003-06:00

Not the best of pictures, they came from my phone. Christmas break has started. We have made 100 cakes balls. The kids had 3 birthday parties and Joshua had a friend over to play. We have started out busy looking forward to relaxing the next couple of days. Aidan will hopefully be off of the crutches Christmas Day and will only have to wear the boot for 4 more weeks after that. I hope to have my cold and Maude's cough gone by next week also! The kids will be making cookies and caroling tomorrow with the church, they are super excited. Merry Christmas!

Tiny Tim

2009-12-13T20:42:00.002-06:00

In keeping with the Christmas theme and not to be outdone by his brother. Aidan stepped in a hole while running in my parents front yard. Breaking his growth plate in his ankle. So now he is on crutches... So we have a "all I want for Chrithmath kid" and a "Tiny Tim." I have been racking my brain thinking what will Maude do that will continue on the Christmas theme... Any ideas? Also here is our Christmas Picture for the year!

All I want for Christmas...

2009-12-09T17:08:00.004-06:00

is my two front teeth!!

Joshua did this in P.E. on Monday with a Hula Hoop. Yes, I said a hula hoop!! They were jumping hula hoop. Apparently it popped up and knocked his two teeth looooose. He said there was lots of blood, of course. The P.E. teacher and school nurse felt very sorry for him. Funny it wasn't too surprising to us...
We wish you a Merry Christhmath!

Santa Letters

2009-12-03T21:48:00.002-06:00

Each year Christmas always surprises me with the kids. This year has been not let me down. We went to the Polar Express the Saturday before Thanksgiving. (Train ride with hot chocolate to the north pole and you get to see Santa) Aidan and Maude had told us what they wanted but Joshua said he wasn't going to tell us. So we were stunned when Santa asked him what he wanted and he popped out with "DIRT BIKE" The cute little elf behind him popped off with "Well we will have to bring you a helmet too!" How could she not see the expressions on our faces of "NOOOO"? For the next few days I sat with him and showed him other things he could consider and told him it was official until he wrote his letter. So this past Monday at school they wrote their letters. He came home and told us what he asked for iPhone, Xbox360 and a dirt bike. No, No and No!! So tonight with my help we sent an email letter to Santa with a revised letter.

Dear Santa,
Can you bring me a Electric scooter, football helmet and pads, Romo and Witten figures? How many elves do you have?
Love, Aidan

Dear Santa,
Can you bring me a panda bear, bath cocker spaniel, Dr. Baby Alive and Dorothy? How is Mrs. Clause?
Love, Maude

Dear Santa,
Can you bring me a electric scooter, football helmet and pads? How fast and far can your reindeer fly? Also how heavy are they?
Love, Joshua

Hair and Little Girls

2009-11-19T14:23:00.002-06:00

For the past year we have grown out Maude's bangs. About a month ago they finally had reached the length of the rest of her hair. Two weeks ago Maude started asking 2-3 times a day to cut her bangs. I kept telling her no. One day she grabbed her bangs and said just cut them right here and showed me how with her fingers. I thought I better have someone cut them or she was about to and that would end really badly. Last night I finally gave in and cut just a few wispy bangs just to make her happy, I thought!!!! She looked in the mirror and screamed!!! She started crying and was very upset too upset to talk. Finally I got her settled down and asked her what was wrong. She said "I want them cut all off so I don't have bangs!" WHAT??!!?? That is what she had!!!! This morning I had to bobby pin them back so no one could see that she had bangs! Please tell me that girls are really this way?

Teeth

2009-11-17T22:51:00.002-06:00

Last week Aidan and Joshua were playing football in the field behind our house. They do this on a daily bases! Aidan tackled Joshua and knocked a baby tooth very loose. On Sunday night it came out with a little help from dad.
Last Friday night we were eating dinner with my parents and Aidan said he had something stuck in his tooth. So like any typical boy he chewed on his straw and stuck it up there to get it out. On Saturday night he woke up in terrible pain!! Apparently he had a cavity in that tooth. I couldn't get him into the dentist till today. It was abscessed and had to be removed! So the tooth fairy will make a trip twice to the Culwell house this week and it is only TUESDAY! When I went in to his room he had written a note to her in very tiny lettering.
Dear tooth fairy,
Can you leave me 20 dollars?
Your friend, Aidan

Did we do it??

sick :(

2009-11-09T15:08:00.002-06:00

Aidan was sick last weekend with croup and missed his first day of school on Monday. He even felt bad enough it didn't bug him to miss school. Then Friday morning Maude was sent home from school with a cough and looking really bad! She wasn't running fever but her teacher and school nurse both agreed she didn't look good. I thought she probably had croup but with her asthma she would need steroids and breathing treatments. So I ran up to the clinic to get some prescriptions. By the time we got there she was running 102 and it wasn't croup. She had the SWINE FLU. We ran to the pharmacy to pick up tamiflu and Motrin. She went from looking bad to sleeping and moaning in a matter of an hour. :( Thankfully she is doing really well 4 days later! Saturday night in Joshua's loving brotherly advice he told her she better hurry and get well, people die from the swine flu. Thankfully she didn't listen to him just brushed it off to big brother being a toot.

Pictures!

2009-10-31T20:41:00.005-05:00

Halloween, Birthday and football pictures!
We had trunk or treat tonight at the church. Kind of bitter sweet, sure miss my routine but it was fun and the kids loved it. Joshua celebrated his 7th Birthday last weekend with friends. He filled out the invitations and gave them out. I was very anxious to see who all came and was very pleasantly surprised. He has some great friends and very sweet kids. Aidan's team also was in the championship game the same day. They were undefeated going into the game. They lost in overtime but played their hearts out. They have been a ton of fun to watch!! That is about it, life is so busy and we are loving it!

odds and ends...

2009-10-30T15:02:00.002-05:00

This week was red ribbon week at school. We made it and everyone came home drug free! Funniest comment didn't even come from the kids it came from my mom. "Oh yeah this is the week the kids are on drugs." Hope not!

And this is another bit of odd information not coming from the kids. Wal-mart is now selling caskets and urns. So at my funeral if I have a rollback sticker stuck to my casket you have permission to kick my husband as you walk by!!

Wasp and Bees

2009-10-20T23:04:00.004-05:00

I know shocking two post in one day. Who knew Joshua would set a record for stings in 7 years. 1st was a wasp sting on the hand at a family reunion a few years ago. 2nd was at baseball practice stung by a bee. 3rd was on the top of his head again at family reunion (bad luck at John and Lucy's). Today he was stung 4 times on the back of his leg while walking home. Stinger was stuck in his skin and apparently hurt when I put a bag of ice on it! The scream was probably heard clearly around Canadian. We ran over to the clinic to have it removed. (not a normal procedure for a clinic but I couldn't find my tweezers!!) I have been stung once in my life, Cody NEVER and my dad numerous times. Hmmmmmm who have we always thought he takes after? By the way Joshua isn't 7 yet, he turns 7 Sunday!!

Fall Foliage

2009-10-20T14:06:00.004-05:00

This is our first year in Canadian for Fall Foliage weekend. I didn't know what to expect but I was amazed with the number of people here. Also there was a ton to do so much we didn't get it all done. The trees I think in the next week or so will really be at there peak. The reds have really started to come out. So if you missed it this past weekend you can still come up or down depending on were you live. These pictures are from the wagon bridge in Canadian. It is the longest one in Texas (I think). The tree pics are from one of our trees but I will try to find a place to take a picture to show the real beauty.

SPIDERS...

2009-10-16T15:20:00.002-05:00

We are being overrun with tarantulas!!!! Aidan found one the other day and captured it in a glass jar. The next morning he got up early and put it in his backpack to take to school without our knowledge. That afternoon after school he was upset because his tarantula almost died while he was playing football at recess from the sun. So he released it on the PLAYGROUND!! So this is an apology to the staff and children of Baker Elementary, we as the parents of Aidan had no idea and are very sorry! Then there was #2 tarantula he stayed for a couple of days and then was released into the wild (alley). And hopefully the last one (doubtful) #3 arrived yesterday and was found by the ever so GIRLY Maude! She was going out to swing and enjoy a snack in the very warm sunny afternoon when a TARANTULA was doing the same. So the BLOOD CURLING scream awakend all of my senses when she found him under her swing eating a dead bird!!!!! She came in screaming crying and shaking, the boys couldn't push her out of the way quick enough to go see.

bragging...

2009-10-09T10:53:00.003-05:00

I am very proud of our kids and their transition into the new schools. Earlier this week Maude and I were walking by the Principal's office.
Maude - My picture is on his wall!
Me - Really? Why?
Maude - Oh I got student of the week...
Sure enough she did but actually it is Kitten of the week.
Then today they have an end of six weeks awards. I went with Joshua and Maude to theirs and Cody went with Aidan to his. They have an attendance parade for the little ones. It was very cute. The high school band came and played. The parents clapped and the kids walked around the cafeteria through bubbles. Cody texted me that Aidan had received the Top Cat Award for third grade!! We had parent/teacher conferences this past week also to discuss report cards. Everyone is doing well. Joshua had a 100 average!! I don't think he will be able to beat that. His teacher also told us he was such a sweet boy and a really good helper with other students. So life is good in the Culwell house.

God and a 6 year old...

2009-09-24T20:44:00.003-05:00

I haven't felt well for almost a week now. Just cold stuff but today Joshua came home and said his throat hurt. Tonight he said the teachers told them not to come to school if they didn't feel good (swine flu), so he didn't think he should. I said why don't we pray that we both feel better in the morning or we might have to go in and get tested (big q-tip up the nose). He was tested this past February so I thought it might perk him up to want to go to school. So I prayed that we would both be better by morning. When I said amen I opened my eyes to two big blue eyes. He said "You know God might just say be brave..." Man I love that kid!

Also for those who don't know Canadian was featured in the New York Times Newspaper this past week. There is a picture of Aidan in the slide show at the pep rally. So here is that link. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/sports/22canadian.html?_r=2&ref=sports It was a great story.

Growing...

2009-09-21T08:09:00.003-05:00

Maude, Joshua and I walk to their school every morning. This morning Joshua's legs hurt going up the two staircases it takes to leave our front yard. Then about a block away he stopped and said his knee hurt. He has been eating us out of the house for about a week now. So I told him his bones were growing and that is why they were aching. He said "Well, I hope I stop growing by recess!"

There was lots of talk about the Texas Tech vs. ut game around town and in our house Saturday. So Maude was talking about the kids at school that wore ut shirts to school for college day. Then she stopped and asked "Is it ok that we are still friends with them even though they like ut?"

School

2009-09-15T14:17:00.002-05:00

Can't say I blame him...
I hate to get up some mornings too!

Wildcat Homecoming!

2009-09-11T18:02:00.005-05:00

The kids had a great week at school. It was homecoming week so each day they dressed up in crazy things. Today was spirit day! I went up to Aidan's school to be monitor of lunch and recess while the teachers had a birthday lunch for September birthdays. Enjoyed getting to meet and see the kids that Aidan has become friends with.

30 years ago...

2009-09-01T14:23:00.002-05:00

30 years ago today my parents started working in Tulia for State Farm Insurance. My Dad's name is on the sign out front but it takes a family to run a business. I am thankful for their courage to move our family to a small town and take over a business. In our family we have all joked with the numbers of hours we spent sitting waiting on dad in the car while he took pictures. I wouldn't have it any other way we were together. I know my parents are thinking is the same girl who complained hour after hour 'why does dad have to talk so much?' Well all those talks put food on the table and clothes on our backs. I can appreciate it much more now that I am married and have kids of my own. I can't write enough words to say how much I love them or appreciate them, so I won't try. THANKS MOM and DAD For the past 30 years of HARD HARD work. Love you both!!!

Sunday afternoon

2009-08-31T11:13:00.002-05:00

How do you spend your Sunday afternoon?
Aidan stopped by to watch some Lone Ranger on his way outside to play football with Cody. Then there is the Lone Ranger himself that shot his cap gun every time the bad guys came on. Then there is Tonto's wife, who really enjoyed the 4 episodes of the Lone Ranger and insist that she is Tonto's wife.

School Nurse

2009-08-27T21:31:00.002-05:00

Only 4 days, so this actually a record, and Joshua found the school nurse. Yep, he fell got two band aids for this one. Not two bad last year he came home one time with 8 or 10 band aids. I had already picked up Aidan so on the walk home he lectured Joshua on not acting crazy. It has been funny to hear Maude and Joshua come out of school they sound like a old married couple. They get to see each other at recess, so they play together with the ton of friends they have made. Tomorrow will post picture of FRIDAY and making it a whole week without tears (not including me)

First Day of School

2009-08-24T08:48:00.004-05:00

Kindergarten, 1st grade and 3rd grade!! No hugs this morning everyone was excited and confident. Aidan went right in and sat down with the 3rd grade class and never looked back. Joshua saw a friend that is in his class and ran off without a good bye. Then Maude and I looked and looked for her class then her teacher appeared and she was in line talking away to her and didn't every look back. I will have to say I looked back a bunch and teared up on the way home...Hope to give an after school report and pictures of how they look after school. Maude spilled chocolate silk milk all over her first day of school clothes so we did a quick change.

We found Jesus

2009-08-21T23:29:00.003-05:00

I know some of you are saying finally...
We went to meet the teacher last night for Joshua and Maude. When we went to Joshua's class his teacher gave him a treasure map to search the room. It was a cute way to explore the room. He found his locker and checked it out inside and out. Then he looked to the left and found that Maggie would be the locker on the left. Then he looked to the right and Holy Moly Jesus was going to be in the locker on the right!!!! He was so excited! I quickly said the kid might like for you to call him 'heysus'instead of Jesus. (I may be wrong)

Aidan

2009-08-19T18:21:00.002-05:00

Well, we have hit a new age. I don't know if I am ready for it. We took the kids to VBS the other night. When we walked in there sat 4 girls in the 3rd grade row. All 4 scooted every which way and said "Aidan Aidan sit here." Funny thing is he had no clue. (such his father's child) He has also started wanting to sit with us and listen in on adult conversation and put his two cents in. This has been harder on me than the girl attention.
Aidan has been able to take art lessons from Amy Winton this summer. They had them in the Citadel's art gallery where the Leyendecker art has been on display for the summer. I don't know if he will every realize what a lucky young man he is for getting to experience both. Hopefully he will one day.
(I know this is a shock three post in one day)

Maude

2009-08-19T18:11:00.006-05:00

One thing I have been amazed with is our youth group at church. There are tons of kids all ages. We have a huge high school group that are so sweet to our kids. The high/jr high group took the younger kids to Wellington a few weeks ago and played with them all day. They played freeze tag for hours and bowled, they did whatever the little kids wanted. Maude loves older kids so this has been right up her alley! She climbed the rock wall and got a little scared and one of the high school boys climbed up and carried her down. Well today we were in Alexander's (our sonic) and there was a boy from the youth group ordering. He said hello Maude, she just grinned and then as we were leaving she went up and SLAPPED his hiney!!! I was so shocked and he was too!

Long Ranger...

2009-08-19T16:48:00.003-05:00

Wish I had the one of him asleep with his teddy bear and the mask on. I am sure I will capture that one soon. Nothing like bright blue eyes staring at you through a black mask! By the way I know it is the Lone Ranger, but when a six year old keeps calling himself the Long Ranger it kind of sticks. He has lots of different "Tontos", whoever is willing to be his sidekick!

Part 3 of Red River Pictures...

2009-08-16T22:58:00.003-05:00

I know I know to many pictures. I had my blog printed to book form and the only thing I didn't like was when I used slideshows it didn't print all of those pictures. So I am back to boring pictures...

Red River Part 2 of Pictures

2009-08-16T22:47:00.006-05:00

Red River Part 1 of Pictures

2009-08-16T22:38:00.003-05:00

We had so much fun this year. The boys were old enough to White Water Raft. So Cody and his cousin Bryn took them on the Race Course. (funny thing Cody and Bryn got thrown out, kids couldn't tell me quick enough) Maude and I rode the Sloooow one in fact we just paddled to help us move along. Another crazy add on to the Rafting was it was pouring rain while we rafted, so it was a bit chilly!!! Then we Rangered for a couple of days and I think it is safe to say we may be addicted to it! We loved it!

Hmm...

2009-08-05T23:21:00.003-05:00

Things I will not do again EVER...
1.Try on bathing suits with a 5 and 6 year old in the dressing room.
(poor lady next to us got an earful and let us leave it at that)
2.Try to explain that our Shitzu is not our Cocker Spaniels Dad. That wasn't the hard part it was that I used their names. So I heard Baylor is a Sh*t the rest of our walk.
3. Try to take a bike ride with a kid that is still on training wheels. Once again the training wheels no big deal. HILLS a big deal on training wheels.

Crazy kids!

2009-07-31T11:49:00.002-05:00

We went shopping yesterday. We also met up with some really good friends for lunch. While at the mall I am pretty sure I said don't run 20 times before the Mall Cop told him to stop. So he slowed up for a while... Until coming off the escalator when he knocked a mannequin down but to his mom's cat like reflexes I was able to catch her mid fall. Then today as I was drying my extremeley SHORT hair when I heard thud thud thud 17 times. Joshua had been playing with a golf ball on the stairs. So I didn't think anything of it. Until the screams of Aidan. Apparently he took a box to the top of the stairs and was contemplating going down the stairs when his brother gave him some encouragment by pushing him down! We have tile floor at the bottom of the stairs. Aidan landed on his head! While I was taking care of him, Joshua was getting ice packs and saying he was sorry a million times. Apparently the tears of Aidan were not enough to make Joshua think twice (rarely anything is) because in the midst of the tears and me checking on Aidan I heard thud thud thud 17 times! Joshua was laying at the bottom of the stairs in a box! BUT he didn't dare cry I could see it in his eyes he was hurt but he knew I was not a happy Mom!

Random Pictures

2009-07-27T13:57:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Before and After

2009-07-25T19:23:00.004-05:00

It is amazing what paint, carpet and new ceiling fan will do!

Canadian Wildcats!

2009-07-20T16:47:00.003-05:00

The kids supporting their new Canadian Wildcats shirts and/or hats. Also a picture of Maude's new backpack with her name on it! Plus a picture of my dad in the parade hitting his grandson with a piece of gum. What are the chances? Apparently pretty good in this family because he was later hit by Cody's dad in the head with a piece of candy. All unintentionally, we think.

things that don't mix

2009-07-19T21:37:00.001-05:00

a five year old's long hair and her brother's silly string

Boys vs Girls rooms

2009-07-09T15:05:00.002-05:00

We're back baby...

2009-07-07T18:58:00.002-05:00

and I don't know if that is a good thing.

Today I slammed Joshua's hand in the car door after swimming lessons. He screamed and I mean SCREAMED all the way to the hospital. He is fine! not even a bruise little rascal.
Then I was in the garage going through the maze of boxes when Joshua said "Hey Mom look what Aidan and I found the other day." as I raised up to look down the barrel of a BB gun. Guess we had failed to tell him the rule about guns!!! Like not pointing it at anyone!!! When you find a gun no matter play or not, go find an adult and tell them. We had this talk and then him and Cody had the talk so hopefully I won't be looking at a gun in my face for a long time maybe like NEVER!

wow it has been a little while....

2009-07-06T16:44:00.007-05:00

Nothing to funny going on around here. I know that is crazy! Maude has hit a new stage that she adds an accessory to whatever outfit she is wearing. Like black and hot pink zebra print gloves or wedding shoes with denim shorts and t-shirt or plaid headband with floral shirt. Oh how kindergarten is going to be sooo much fun! Aidan has also hit a new stage of talking to adults!!!! I just keep looking at him like who are you? Joshua has been loving the pool here. He is so cute, he goes off the diving board with who ever is going from High school boys to jr. high boys. He can swim really well but the other day he was soo tired from going constantly off the diving board. He started to bob up and down and then panicked. Aidan jumped in swam over and got his arm and pulled him to the side. When they got there Aidan patted him on the back and asked if he was ok. It did my heart good to see that they love each other!!! We are kind of getting settled in. Faces are becoming more familiar and I don't feel like I am in a sea of strangers. This past weekend was the big 4th of July celebration. We are trying to recoup from it. Cody's mom and cousin came to stay with us for the weekend. We had a lot of fun!
>

Cat vs. Treehouse

2009-06-28T14:21:00.002-05:00

This note is from Frosty...
If your owners have one of these in their home BEWARE!! I repeat do not try to climb, it is not a REAL TREE!! I have decided to not go outside until I am use to the area they have moved me to, so in my longing to climb a tree I tried this one. I repeat it is not real and will drop you as well as the branch will break off and drop down on you. BEWARE!!

Excuses...

2009-06-23T18:12:00.005-05:00

The past month has been a whirlwind of emotions and travel. There have been so many things that the kids have said that have been really funny and I have thought oh I have to blog that... And here we are my brain is completely fried and I can't remember a thing including my new phone numbers and address. I filled up the car today and it asked for my zip and my mind just stood still for minutes thinking of all the zip codes we have lived in. This past week we drove to Dallas for my baby cousin's wedding and the next morning we flew out for Walt Disney World with all of my family. We had a great time it was a little warm but the lines weren't too bad. The kids enjoyed having cousins and grandparents there to do everything with. Maude rode everything she was tall enough to ride and cried about things she wasn't tall enough to do. Joshua was chosen to be trained as a Jedi (that is all we need is him thinking he is a real Jedi). He got to go on stage and fight Darth Vader. Aidan wanted to do every ride that was the craziest and scariest. What a great new age! Here are a few of the pictures. I will try my hardest to remember some of the funny things.

New house funnies

2009-06-09T22:51:00.003-05:00

Just caught Joshua with his foot in the toilet telling Maude..."No matter how many times I flush it my foot will not go down!"

Focus on the View...

2009-06-08T21:46:00.004-05:00

My new motto for a little bit anyway. I would be lying if I said it hasn't been hard. I would be lying if I said I haven't cried. So in the midst of it all I have seen the silver lining in it all. Which is pretty much me in a nut shell always searching for the good in whatever hand you are dealt. So here it is...
I am focusing on the beauty of God I get to see each day as I back out of my drive.(which is on a hill, everything here is on a hill not fair to those of us who are running!hmm Amanda!)

Funny things we have heard unpacking.
Maude "Why are there so many pictures of the boys and not me?"
Joshua "Why can't we climb the boxes or close each other in them?"
Aidan "Keep out of MY room!" He now has his own room.
Maude "People here are real nice they keep bringing us food."
Mom "Turn that water off that is the neighbors yard not ours!"as a river runs down the side of the house.
Aidan "Mom they packed an empty box."
Kids "Can we make s'mores?" it kind of feels very cabinish...

New address...

2009-06-06T16:06:00.003-05:00

We have moved into our home in Canadian. Our new email address is melcody13@att.net, if you would like our new home address and phone number please email me. We are in the process of unloading 187 boxes. The kids have been great helping ;)Cody is a worker and never stops! I am taking a break to write this note and back to unpacking for me.

Not all things are free or are they...

2009-06-03T21:13:00.002-05:00

Today I took the boys to pick out new bikes at Wal-mart. We had sold their 4 bikes in the garage sale we had a couple of weeks ago. They picked out two really cool bikes. We checked out and as we were walking out I thought that it was really cheap. When I looked at the receipt I noticed we hadn't been charged for one. So I made the boys turn around and we went back in to pay for Joshua's bike. When we walked back in they asked why we were back, I explained we hadn't payed for one of the bikes. The sales people were stunned! They thanked me over and over for coming back in. We went to the back of the line and waited our turn. There was a sales lady needing a price on a Gerber daisy right before we checked out. Once we checked out the ladies kept thanking me for coming back. We got to the car and I looked at the receipt and I had payed for one bike and one Gerber daisy! So I got out free the first time and the second time payed for something I didn't even get! My crazy life lives on...

hmm... this could be our life

2009-05-26T22:11:00.002-05:00

Many people consider it good luck if bird poop strikes you from above. The thought behind the superstition is that the odds of bird poop landing on your head are very slim – like winning the lottery.
What are the odds? Well, today while at the zoo a bird flew by and pooped on Joshua's head. You know what if it is going to happen it is going to happen to him.

We are still surviving in complete chaos but still surviving. Last Thursday we had a second going away party. Cody's grandmother suffered a mini stroke the same day and is home doing well. The boys first baseball game together. Friday/Saturday we had a garage sale. In the middle of that I took Joshua, I thought to get a cavity filled but ended up being a crown with a root canal and antibiotics. We squeezed dinner with Cody's family in Friday night. Sunday had a barbecue. Monday was surprised with GREAT friends with a wonderful lunch and movie. Tuesday zoo and back to the doctor with Maude, showed house tonight. The rest of the week looks just as busy. Hope to keep everyone updated with pictures soon. Stick with me through the crazy life I am sure something will pop up that will be very funny...

First of the going away parties...

2009-05-20T18:12:00.002-05:00

I am sure this is only going to get harder.
One of the pictures is of Cody with his cousin and sister they both work at the hospital. Cody's sister's Husband also works there but he was actually working.

Update on the head...

2009-05-19T23:41:00.003-05:00

We were proud of Aidan when he got the stitches in last Tuesday, he didn't cry once. Then Cody took them out on Sunday and it was a whole different story. Something about your dad taking them out that you feel you can scream and cry. He still is going strong.
On a side note tomorrow will be Cody's last day of work. Wish us luck with all of the going away parties that start tomorrow. It will be many long days with school ending, garage sale and packing. Remind us to stay focused on God and he will guide us through this time of transition and let us not to get too busy that we lose sight of that.

You have to be KIDDING ME!!!

2009-05-12T21:56:00.004-05:00

My day hopefully not normal day...
Took 4 five year olds to preschool in Happy.
Did Meals on Wheels.
Had lunch with my mom
Picked up kids from Happy.
Picked up my kids dropped off preschoolers.
Got home had call on the house they wanted to see it in 30 minutes.
Put kids in shower
Dressed them for Music program
Sent them with my mom.
Showed house.
While showing house fixed the Baird girl's hair (mom out of town)
Took kids to Music Program
After Program talking with other parents then...
Aidan apparently fell while running (you know the thing we tell our kids not to do in building ref. church Joshua story tooth)
ER 5 stitches later
Home
Sonic vanilla shake and burgers
Home

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T16:37:00.004-05:00

Any guess what Cody and the kids gave me for Mother's Day?

Have a great Friday!

2009-05-08T00:05:00.004-05:00

There are a few people we take stuff (cakeballs, cookies, door knob thingies and flowers) to every holiday. We have accumulated some different people over the past couple of years. Some are from church, some are from my meals on wheels route and some are from Cody telling us might need something. With all that said here is the story.
We gave flowers today for Mother's day. The kids usually do really well but it was a little hot outside today so they were a little cranky. They were going to do it all by themselves (they say I talk to much). So I was willing to let them go in by themselves. We had been to 3 homes and we were on our 4th, Maude didn't want to go in. So we were sitting in the car while the boys went in. They never returned. So I hopped out with Maude. When I stepped in there sat the boys on the floor holding the flowers watching t.v. and Mrs. So&so wasn't there. I asked the boys what they were doing. Without taking there eyes off Jeopardy they replied "She is in the bathtub, we were just waiting." So of course I asked how they knew that... Joshua replied "I went in there and saw her cloths" So I yelled from the door and sure enough she was in the tub, told her we would return not to rush and get out.
Also on a side note Joshua went and got candy out of her fridge before we left. He said "I know she would want us to have some."

And you thought I was exaggerating....

2009-05-07T18:43:00.002-05:00

Remember the crush story just a few days ago. Well, today this is how my son came home. 6 band-aids, count them 2 on each knee and 2 on the hip.

Conspiracy Theory

2009-05-06T09:07:00.002-05:00

A conspiracy theory is a term that has come to refer to any tentative theory which explains a historical or current event as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful Machiavellian conspirators.

I think this may be our children. I think they are meeting in secret to plot against a good night sleep. EVERY night someone has come to get in bed with us in the middle of the night. Last night it was Aidan, he hasn't been in our bed in a couple of years. I think when they are brushing their teeth they decide on who they are sendind in. There was some confusion the other night because two came in. I am breaking up the club tonight!

random dinner conversation

2009-05-04T19:44:00.004-05:00

Me: Who put cat food in the freezer?
Kids all together: I didn't do it!
Joshua: I think Aidan did it he is the tallest.
Kids: We put hail in there. And maybe some other stuff...
Me: Please stop shoveling your food in your mouth, you are not a dinosaur.
Someone places two frozen gummy on the table.(I am thinking to self maybe I should clean out freezer.)
Kids: How many bites do we have to take of theeeseee green beans?(note to self they don't like the waxy ones)

Seriously!!!!!

2009-05-03T21:07:00.003-05:00

In a matter of minutes we went from this to this...

They (all 3 of them) were going to wrestle in their Underroos. I bought Maude batman PJ's because they didn't have girl superhero underroos. She was extremely HAPPY!

We thought maybe broken but being the typical Dr. Daddy he said we would wait to x-ray till Monday. Why waste money for an ER visit? Well, glad we didn't, he was to the monkey bars today. I think he is OK.

The crush...

2009-04-29T22:55:00.003-05:00

that we never saw coming.
I think I have mentioned before how Joshua met the school nurse the first week of school and how Aidan didn't even know where she was. (Besides that one time when I mis-gave him his antibiotic and he had a tummy ache and was sent home but we don't talk about that)
Well, Joshua had the flu that one week and I sent him back to school to early. He went to the nurse and she sent him home with a high fever. Then a few weeks later he got sick again and had to go back to her. Also remember this is the kid that has a new cut every few days so he gets to go get band-aids daily. Well, he came home today and said I went to see the nurse today to have my cut cleaned but she said it was all healed and she sent me back. So then I told the teacher my tummy hurt so I could go back and she wouldn't let me.
I asked if his tummy still hurt.
He said "no, and it didn't really hurt at school I just wanted to go see the nurse."
I asked if he went to see her all the time.
He said "yes I like her she is really nice, I don't like her like I want to marry her but I like her like a Grandma."

Note to self...

2009-04-29T12:31:00.004-05:00

Don't forget the 5 year old in the bath when the jets are on...

Nursing Home Round 2

2009-04-22T21:54:00.002-05:00

Sunday I took some kids to the nursing home to take some cookies to widows from church. I told one of the little boys "I bet you would like one of those scooters to zoom around on." He remarked with a look like oh dear "Those are for OLD SIIICK people."
Well, tonight all the kids went with their teacher to sing songs. When we got home Aidan told us that Joshua was hanging on some metal things at the nursing home and it broke off the window!!! We sent Joshua to bed. I went into talk to him later. Reminded him that we don't hang, push buttons (2 fire alarms), jump (cracked tooth), and act crazy in buildings. Then I asked why he was acting this way when he knew better. He replied "God just made me this way! I don't know why." Who could argue with that? God did make him that way... full of energy and full of love for God!

Aidan's results and Superman

2009-04-21T09:50:00.003-05:00

We got Aidan's results this morning and they came back clear. We thank everyone for the continued prayers.

We ran to Canadian yesterday. Cody had spent Saturday and Sunday with Joshua around the house. I asked if they had had some good conversations. Cody said that kid comes up with the most random things. On the way home the sun was setting and Joshua was looking out the window. He said "Dad did you grow up like Superman?" Cody and I both answered "On a farm..?" "NO, did you come to earth in a fire ball as a baby?"

(Bruce and Amanda, I like our question better than Lexi's)

life...

2009-04-19T21:37:00.002-05:00

We had Maude's 5th birthday party yesterday. (I will post pictures later) When we got home Aidan was being a typical brother and tripped Maude as she walked by, she fell into the couch bruised up her nose pretty bad and it bleed, not good when you are a girl... Then a few short hours later the dogs got into a fight I leaned down to separate them by grabbing their collars. Baylor got me on the arm didn't really break the skin but made me cry it hurt soo bad. Still have tingling feeling in my thumb. Then this morning Cody was getting into the shower when he stepped on Barbie, which made him slip and fall hard into the iron tub. All in 24 hours! Crazy... there you have it LIFE in the Culwell house...

Hail and a tooth..

2009-04-16T18:27:00.003-05:00

In the midst of a tornado warning and massive hail storm. Joshua lost his first tooth (the one he knocked out a couple of years ago doesn't count.)

A 4 year old and a funeral..

2009-04-14T12:20:00.003-05:00

The great thing about living in a small time is you get to help with all different things. I have been able to help at our church with funeral lunches. Maude comes with me pretty often. Yesterday we helped with a funeral. We helped put the flowers out before the funeral and Maude studied Mr. George several times but never asked a question. We helped with the lunch and then we went and sat at the back to listen to the my dad (who did the funeral). Then the questions flooded in...
Maude: Was he married?
Me: Yes
Maude: Ohh, I bet his wife is sad.
Me: Well, sweetie she just died two months ago.
Maude: Ohh, that is sad. OH OH but that means they are in heaven together with God!
Me: Yes
Maude: Well that is really really good. God will be happy he has them with him.
When we pray to God we will tell him to tell them "Hi" for us.
Me: yes yes we can
She amazes me...

Also, thanks to everyone for the prayers. Aidan is home and doing great we will have the results late this week or early next week. (you know doctors it will probably be late next week.)
for those who don't know Aidan had a mole on the bottom of his foot that was removed this morning. He has had it since he was one and recently it has changed size, color and has 'fingers'.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T15:18:00.001-05:00

4-4-4

2009-04-10T22:34:00.003-05:00

1.Choose the fourth folder where you store pictures on your computer.

2. Choose the fourth picture.

3. Explain that picture.

4. Tag 4 other people.

My picture is of Joshua looking into some hole at Walt Disney World.

I tag Lael, Tammy, Monica and Sharla.

Girlfriends...

2009-04-06T13:29:00.003-05:00

I love watching Maude and Allie they remind me of how girlfriends should be. They are always telling each other how cute they look. They tell the truth no matter what! They giggle until they fall asleep. They wake up giggling. They take each other's hands when one is sad and stay until they are giggling again and the tears are wiped away. They look out for one another (especially when brothers are near). At the young age of 4 they have it figured out, now if they just won't listen to the world.

April Fool's kind of...not so much

2009-04-01T14:44:00.002-05:00

Maude and I ran to Wal-mart this morning after getting her hair cut. We had the oil changed and got a zillion groceries. On the way back I called Cody and asked him if he needed anything before we left Plainview. We talked a couple of minutes and I asked him if there had been any funny April Fool's jokes at work, he said not really. Well, a few minutes later he called me and said the school called and he was on the way up to the school. Joshua had fallen and hit his head, Cody said he would call back and tell me how he was and we hung up. So there I sat thinking the worst and then I thought I bet Cody is pulling an April Fool's joke on me or was he? So then the mind games started working. Finally a call from Cody and it wasn't a joke. Joshua was going to be fine just a knot to match the one from Friday where he fell out of a chair and from Saturday when he pulled a basketball goal over on him in the swimming pool. So 3 knots on his head and we are not even done with the week. Poor kid, he has been to that nurses office so many times... Aidan has been in that school for 3 years and I still don't think he knows were the office is.

I think we are finally getting it

2009-03-30T21:15:00.001-05:00

maybe...
Maude right before Christmas starting throwing these HUGE fits out of no where. We were completely stunned. The first fit came at a Target and then they just started randomly coming. With her we had always been able to talk to her and she for the most part obeyed. These were screaming, kicking, yelling uncontrollable fits. Her most prized object is her doll Bryn. So we made a contract stating that if she had another fit Bryn would be taken away for a while. We have had really good luck with this. Then tonight she refused to get out of the tub and started screaming then yelled at Cody "to GET OUT!" That pretty much took Bryn away in that minute. She cried sadly not mad when that happened and told her daddy how very sorry she was over and over. He said one night without Bryn. She came in while I was in the bath real sad asked with her voice quivering "Tonight when you see Bryn will you take care of her."

The fights...

2009-03-25T10:39:00.002-05:00

From what I hear we have just begun...
Aidan turned 8 on March 12th and along with 8 came attitude. Over Christmas break I noticed him changing from sweet big brother to Maude to ornery big brother. He constantly picks on her and can't wait to make her scream or cry. Then we decided to move so that added a whole other dynamic. So here we are watching our 8 year old trying to deal with emotions. Yesterday it went down in the front drive with everyone to watch.
Aidan was playing basketball in the drive and Maude was scooting around on a scooter thingy. She hopped off to go grab a little pony, who knows why the little pony wanted any part of this. Anywho, Aidan went and hopped onto the scooter. Of course, Maude started crying she ran in to tell me when I had been watching from the kitchen sink hoping this would work itself out without my help. I told her I would be right out to help. When I went out I was amazed to see my daughter, who doesn't like playing ball, throwing a basketball with great strength across the street. Aidan of course hopped off and ran to get his ball, mad might I add. She ran with delight and got back on her scooter. Then Aidan launched the ball right into her head! He went to sit on his bed, when I went into talk to him I asked him "where he thought she would learn to do such a thing?" He replied, "you told her too, so I would get off the scooter." Good thought but no she came up with it all on her own and it worked until she was nailed in the head.
Brothers and a sister! We have just begun...

San Antonio Spring Break

2009-03-22T22:19:00.003-05:00

10 more weeks and school is out. Yeah! I love being around my kids. Weeks like this, it makes me miss them. They were great on the trip and are getting older and easier to travel with besides the few times we had to pull a kid out of the river at the riverwalk. and that one time all the buttons were pushed on the elevator... and that one other time someone left my sunglasses on a park bench....and maybe that one time when one of the boys told me he was so happy that his tee tee was happy too.

We are such rookies...

2009-03-19T23:17:00.004-05:00

as parents. We now know it is not a good idea to let your kids get their faces painted when you are staying at a hotel. You have to stop and get rags, soap and eye makeup remover. You will forget to tell them not to touch it on the way back to the hotel. You forget tell them not to open their eyes while washing their faces with soap. Then your kids will stain the tub or it will look that way until you get down on your hands and knees and clean a hotel tub. You will be asked to keep it down by the hotel manager, apparently the screaming from soap in eyes was loud. Was it worth these faces?

Man of the Year....

2009-03-13T13:01:00.005-05:00

This was the letter read last night at the Chamber banquet...

The 2009 Man of the Year can be referred to as "Golden"--one-of-a-kind, friendly, positive and a role model. He welcomes newcomers to Tulia in a way that makes them feel he had known them all of their lives.
He is a strong Christian man and a helping hand to so many, including the sick and lonely. You can often find him visiting patients at the hospitals in Tulia and Amarillo, bringing a smile to their face. He is a great sounding board, and a good person to go to for advice, always encouraging spiritual growth.
His business is taking care of people, but it doesn't stop when he leaves the office. Just a few days ago, it was noted that his daughter had been brought up in a home where her father could be called on any time of the day or night--and this training stood her in good stead when she married a man with similar requirements on his time.
If you have met this man, you can say that you have been blessed and your life has been enriched. You can count on him. He has been through trials of his own, but you would never know it, because when he is talking to you, you have his full attention as if you are the most important person in the world. He faithfully serves at Central Church of Christ, where he is a man of strength and comfort to many, including his wife, Irita, daughter Melissa and her husband Cody and their three children Aidan, Joshua, and Maude; and daughter Tammy and her husband Justin, and their children Cole and Jaxon.
Our 2009 Man of the Year.... Bob Colson (My dad)

Might I add that behind every good man is an even better woman.

Pictures

2009-03-10T23:37:00.006-05:00

Quarter machines you got to love 'em...

old vs even older

2009-03-08T22:56:00.003-05:00

My dad had the kids this past Tuesday. Today he was telling us a pretty funny story. He ran up to the hospital to visit a family. He told the kids to stay in the waiting area. Our hospital has an assisted living so sometimes the residents sit there to visit or just get out of their room. Well, there sat a man named Bob (also my dad's name). The kids sat with him and I am sure acted crazy! Dad said he came back in about 5 minutes (really my dad doesn't go anywhere in just 5 minutes so it was probably more like 10 or 15). Anyway back to the funny part. The kids got in the car and Joshua said "that guy's name was Bob too just like you Granddad so that makes you twins." Aidan said "No that guy was much older than Granddad so they aren't twins." Then Joshua replied "Well, Granddad has older hair than him."

Texting...

2009-03-01T13:02:00.002-06:00

Maude is obsessed with texting on my phone. She will type her name and a face :) and send it over and over to my sister and some others. Well, Joshua was home all last week and asked if he could txt Aunt Tammy. So I let him text his name with a face then I walked away. All of the sudden it was time to go pick up kids so we hurried and left meanwhile I forgot he still had my phone.
So here is the texting conversation minus the 20 million faces he texted:
Josh: Josh ":) :):):0
Tammy: Yikes :0
Josh: Love you :)
Tammy: Love you buddy
Josh: Thanks
Josh: :)
Josh: Do you have
Josh: Do you have a cat
Josh: :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) (plus a few more and remember they are cuter txting)
Tammy: Are you kidding me. HeHe
Tammy: :) :) :)
Josh: Can you talk now?
Tammy: Yes
Josh: Call me
Josh: Can you pick up
Josh: Where are you?
Josh: Can't talk right now
Tammy: Call me when u can...I am headed home
Josh: Where are you?
Tammy: My car
Josh: Email me
Tammy: Where r u?
Josh: On a call.
Tammy: Huh?
Tammy: I will email u when I get home
Josh: In a meeting
Josh: Meet me at
Josh: email me
Tammy: I am confused...
Tammy: Joshua?
Josh: you
Tammy: Can I talk to your mom?

Sorry...

2009-02-26T13:36:00.002-06:00

I feel as if I have let some of you down by not telling you that we are moving this summer to Canadian. Cody told his work on Tuesday and the news flew very quickly much quicker than I was ready for. There were several people I wanted to call and tell before they heard it from someone else. Then Joshua stepped in and pretty much has occupied all of my time. It has been actually a blessing. I have been able to stay under the radar and not get too emotional. We will truly miss Tulia and Tulia has been so great for us as a family. It has been a great place for Cody to get on his feet. It is an incredible opportunity for Cody. He will be a partner with a friend of ours he went to medical school and residency with.
It has been a roller coaster of emotion for the past few weeks but we feel as if the Lord has been with us every step of this very hard decision. Canadian is a beautiful town and we hope to get involved like we have been able to do in Tulia.
So if you see us the next few days or months please be supportive or you might get to see me cry uncontrollably. Also we plan on buying or building a house with a guest room-come visit OFTEN!

sick still....

2009-02-25T23:30:00.003-06:00

Joshua was bouncing off the walls yesterday. So of course we sent him back to school today. This morning Cody checked his temp before he woke him up and he was fine. He was grumpy about the shirt we had picked because it had a collar (class picture) and I leaned up to kiss him to check for fever then. So off he went mad about a collared shirt. I got a call from the school about 10:30 from the school nurse, I asked if it was Aidan nope Joshua. He had 103.9 fever and was sick at his stomach. I felt terrible he was shaking and had these puppy dog eyes. He took some Motrin and was good for the day but then started running fever again tonight. :( Poor guy! I guess double flu is hard to get over.

sick....

2009-02-23T10:16:00.004-06:00

Saturday we went to visit some friends of ours. Cody went to medical school with him in Dallas and Residency in Lubbock with him. Yesterday morning we got up and went to church. Joshua layed down the whole time saying his throat and tummy hurt. Cody thought maybe strep throat was coming on. So after church this really really nice couple (they get an extra really because of later in the story) asked us to lunch with his parents. So there we all sat talking and Joshua sat up and threw up all over the table cloth (vinyl thank goodness). Cody and I jumped up and started cleaning and rolling the table cloth. OH so embarrassing! I took Joshua back to our friend's house and Cody stayed with the ever sooo nice family. When I got to the house I told Tony what had happened so we went to the clinic to get some phenergan. Tony decided to check for flu just in case. Joshua tested positive for the A and B strand of the flu... If that kid does something he is going to go all out. He is at home with me for the next 3 days.

Flat Stanley is on his way

2009-02-20T17:01:00.003-06:00

Mattie and Eli he is on his way. We hope he doesn't act too wild! Take care of him.

My class can't wait to hear about were you live.

Love, Joshua

ps send a picture of him with you guys. He loves to take pictures.

Flat Stanley

2009-02-20T14:00:00.002-06:00

Mattie and Eli Tate we are needing to send flat Stanley your way. I can't not find your address... So if you can e-mail it to me that would be great and if you don't read this. Aunt Marilyn can you e-mail it to me.
Thanks, Joshua

Valentine's Ski Trip

2009-02-15T21:35:00.009-06:00

This past weekend we went to Angel Fire with 27 others from our church. We had such a good time. I am a little sore (ok maybe a lot sore) but had the best teachers possible. They were very good and very patient and they just happen to be my closest friends. We laughed for most of the day at my falls. Aidan went with Toby, Justin and Donald for lessons and apparently learned much quicker than his mom. He even mastered a couple of blues from what I hear. Joshua went to ski school, with him being our dare devil I didn't trust him with free range yet. Sure enough while we were waiting in line to register him, he asked "Will they teach me to jump ramps?" I picked him at lunch and we sledded for some of the afternoon. Maude and Emma stayed with Cody for the morning and enjoyed sledding by our hotel. Most of the pictures are of them. I wish I had more of the group but the only time I had the camera was in our condo. So I hope to get some of the rest of us.

try to guess....

2009-02-12T23:08:00.003-06:00

In the morning I find random things in bed with Maude. She plays alot before falling asleep. I usually find lots of babies tucked in but on this morning I found a basset hound and a pony(don't have picture of the pony camera went dead) stuffed into her houseshoe/socks. Doesn't he look snug in his sock?

Heart to Heart

2009-02-10T21:14:00.003-06:00

Sunday night we had RAIN. Sad thing is Joshua came in scared to death because he thought there were spiders crawling in the walls. That's when you know it hasn't rained in a long time...

Monday night we had a special dinner at church called "heart to heart." It was for the people in our church 50 and older. Kids from 4 years old to 5th grade served. They took it very serious, they escorted everyone to there places in the candlelit room, asked drink orders and made sure everyone had everything they needed. Then they read poetry and sang valentine songs. It made for a truly amazing night. I think the children and adults enjoyed it equally.