5 Burtons and 1 dog

Wow, I'm way behind.

2009-04-16T11:36:00.006-05:00

I sort of forgot about this blog for awhile. Sorry about that. 'Ill just post some pictures to get back into the groove.

Abby chilling with Ben and Jerry.

This is what happens when we let them stay up and read instead of going to bed.

Willow's bringing back the faux-hawk.

Luke just went off the diving board at the Y.

Willow really enjoyed hunting for eggs once she knew there were treats inside.

Luke is too cool.

Emily and Abby have matching Panda LPS's. (I love those two girls together!)

Willow is checking out her Easter loot.

Best Offense

2009-02-12T08:45:00.003-06:00

This past Saturday Abby won "best Offense" at her Upwards basketball game. She scored her first basket in a game and managed to score another two baskets despite only playing half of the game. She also had at least three good steals and some assists. She seems to get better and more comfortable each week. Her next game is Saturday the 21st at 9am.

Willow in January

2009-02-09T13:18:00.005-06:00

Wearing Abby's old bike helmut. She saw the humor in it.

Listening to Jason's ipod.

Eating Chick-fil-A after Abby's basketball game.

Playing in the snow. She's not sure if she likes it or not.

Potty-training gone terribly wrong.
Actually, we were at Jenny's house and we heard a terrible scream. This is how we found her. I won't win any awards for this one.

Luke in January

2009-02-07T13:41:00.003-06:00

Riding his birthday bike (December)

Watching the Evansville Aces

Eating at Chick-fil-A after one of Abby's basketball games

Looking a lot like Wolverine in the ice

Abigail in January

2009-02-05T09:44:00.006-06:00

Trying out her new rollerblades on a rare warm winter day (technically December 27).
Playing some D in one of her first Upwards Basketball games.

Sledding and looking good doing it.

Playing with Jason in the snow on the rare occasion they both have the day off.

Storm Video and Pictures

2009-02-03T18:04:00.003-06:00

As promised, here is a video of the tree on fire. This was one of ignitions in the middle of a series. It got progressively bigger each time it reignited before finally blowing out the power. I was no longer videoing since I was running to get a fire extinguisher at that point.

And a few pictures, some of the beauty and some of the beast of a mess I have to clean up. I'll post ones with the kids later.

Winter Update

2009-01-31T15:14:00.002-06:00

Tuesday night was incredible. We didn't notice a thing until the power went out around 10:40pm. Then we realized it sounded and looked like we were under attack outside. Every few minutes, sometimes even seconds, we heard loud crashing sounds. There would be a crackling, then a shattering sound like dozens of plates smashing. Or there would be a crackling and a loud thump. With the ice-covered ground, every sound in the nearest mile echoed and sounded like it was in the backyard, whether it was a clump of ice or a giant limb. Also, the sky was flashing greens and blues all over. All of this lasted the entire night. Our power came back on around 11:45pm so we tried to get some sleep, but every crash brought me back to the kitchen to see if it was in our yard. We had already lost several large limbs from each big tree in the backyard and some from the front. I think the electricity went off a few more times during the night, including one outage that lasted from around 3:30 to 7 or so. But the important thing is that we had power...and a huge mess in the backyard.
Wednesday: We didn't have cable, though so no tv or internet. That nearly drove Jason crazy as he stayed home from work. The kids sledded down the hill in the backyard and Jason and I cleared the driveway behind the van. The rest of the day we played Lego Batman. We also had another large limb fall.(Abby and Luke were off of school all week.)
Jason went to work Thursday. Still no cable.
Friday I went to school and Jason went to work and the kids went to Jenny's. The roads were fine, or at least, good enough. When we got home we found another giant limb had fallen on our fence. Amazingly it wedged itself into the gaps between fill boards and only one was broken and one was bent(!). Friday night around 9pm or so, Jason called to me from the kitchen. I knew something was wrong because he used my name. When I got there we saw that there was a limb on the power line that was sparking. It caught on fire and quickly went out. Embers kept falling and then it caught on fire again and quickly went out. Then the fire came back bigger and went out so we called Vectren. While Jason was on the phone, the fire came back really big so we called the fire department. I ran to get shoes and a fire extinguisher in case it fell on the fence. As I reached the stairs I saw a big blue flash and a heard a small boom as the lights went out. They came back on and then the flash and boom and lights out again. This time they stayed out. With the power out the fire went out. Two guys from the fire department stopped by and left since there wasn't anything to do. We survived a chilly night without power and went to the Donut Bank for some breakfast and wifi. The Bacon's kindly opened their home to us so that is where I sit now trying to recap all of this. When I get home, if we have cable, I will post some pictures to enhance the story.

Abby's Latest Milestone

2009-01-25T15:59:00.003-06:00

That's right. Abby lost her first tooth Saturday. It was getting pretty wiggly to the point that she couldn't eat an apple. I told her it needed to come out before school Monday. If she didn't get it out I would pull it out with a dental floss lasso. So she pulled it out in the van on the way to church. She's got timing.

December 2008 Pictures

2008-12-29T14:14:00.005-06:00

I apologize for getting so far behind on posting. Here are a few pictures from December in backwards order:

Abby and Luke took advantage of the great weather the other day. And yes, they are wearing pajamas.

Abby on the way home after one of several Christmas get-togethers.

Abby and her new sweater, one of many articles of clothing she got for Christmas.

Luke and his latest set of overpriced Legos.

Willow loved her new Christmas pillow. This was the first present she opened. She loved all her presents.

Luke and his Christmas concussion. According to Abby, he was jumping on the couch and then fell and hit his head on the coffee table. Much blood and screaming followed. We wrapped his head up and went about our business.

Willow loves to box. She hits the bag and says, "Boom boom!" Then she switches gloves and startes over again.

Willow loved her new barrettes. She wanted to wear all of them at the same time. I eventually had to hide them.

Willow was actually willing to wear a dress. She liked it even. I'm disappointed.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T09:26:00.000-06:00

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/ANh8vNGACHmIswPJGo1B

Luke-isms

2008-12-09T11:40:00.000-06:00

"Camden is really puffed up about coming over." (instead of pumped up)

"I'm just neating up my drawer."

"You should have named me Timmy. I like that name."

"It's a good thing I've got long-sleeve socks on."

Happy Birthday Luke

2008-12-05T19:21:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday Luke: The Big 5

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

Marriage is like boxing...

2008-12-01T20:08:00.002-06:00

Jason and I were sparring with the boxing gloves. Luke asked me if I was winning. I jokingly said, "No. Nobody wins. It's like marriage." Jason quickly added, "Yeah, you just keep going until somebody gets hurt." (Okay, it may be a little sad, but I thought it was funny.)

Predictions for Abby

2008-11-09T12:56:00.003-06:00

Abby will swim and play basketball and tennis at Castle High School. She'll graduate with a 3.8 GPA and get a swimming scholarship to the University of Florida where she will major in English literature. She will write her first young adult novel before she even graduates. She creates a wildly popular character in a series of best-selling books that are made into movies. She also writes and illustrates many children's books. She will be about 5'7" tall and, thanks to swimming, she will be skinny and strong. She will marry a veterinarian she met in college and have two boys and girl and lots of pets. They will live in Florida. We'll visit them often and play lots of golf and go to Gators games. She and her husband will go on lots of short term mission trips and she will start an organization that helps with child literacy in third world countries.

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T18:30:00.005-05:00

Abigail Lane is Hermione Granger of the Harry Potter series. She's wearing my old USI grad gown with at least 15 safety pins. We ratted her hair to get it big and messy.

Luke is Robin (Teen Titans version) again this year. We lost the mask so we made one out electrical tape, cling wrap and a head band.

Willow started out as a fairy. She was absolutely ticked off at having to wear a dress. She cried and screamed and pulled at it. (I'm so proud. That's my girl!)

So I put her in her cutest PJ's and she went as a baby.

This was Willow's first year and she loved it. We started out at a nursing home and she was very uncomfortable, of course. When we got in the car I gave her some Jr. Mints and she fell in love. She was ready to go trick or treating again to get that rush of easy candy. She loved walking door to door and holding out her bag. Every once in awhile I heard her whisper "Thank you" or "bye".

Now we are home and ready to eat some Halloween pizza and play games.

Peace on Earth...

2008-10-26T10:18:00.002-05:00

We know there are many of you out there anxiously awaiting the Burton Christmas lists. I know most people would have to say they wish for world peace, but we want cash. Actually, if you are interested, we have updated our amazon wish lists, note the links on the right. If you would like the honor of being Favorite Person of 2009, we would really enjoy Holiday World season passes...or cash. Whatever. Peace.

There was a race.

2008-10-12T15:59:00.002-05:00

btw

Tomorrow's the Day

2008-10-11T11:22:00.002-05:00

We run tomorrow. Be there.

Run like the devil's chasing you

2008-10-06T09:41:00.006-05:00

This Sunday is the big day. The Half Marathon. I will be running non-stop for two hours and 10 minutes through the streets of Evansville. I would love to have some people on the side to look forward to. Friends make the best mile markers. So if you are free and the weather is good, please find a place on the course and say hi.

I start on Reitz Hill at 7am. (I know, that's early for me too.) We work our way to north on Barker to cross the Lloyd and head towards Harmony Way. We run along the south side of Golfmoor and along Maryland and Columbia to Fulton. We go north along Fulton to Ulhorn and over to Garvin park. We run along the Pigeon Greenway and through Bosse Field. Then we run south on Main street all the way to downtown. It gets a little complicated after that. We are on MLKJ, Bellemeade, Powell, Kentucky and so on. We run through the park on Bayard
and around a park near Kentucky (Akin Park). Those are both good, shady spots. Eventually we get on Riverside (not the pretty part) and work our way towards the river. We finish right on the sidewalk by the river downtown. 13.1 miles of fun.

Here's a good map with vague directions: http://evansvillehalfmarathon.org/course/CourseMap.pdf

I wouldn't recommend being at the starting line. It's very crowded. But I thought it was fun last year to drive to a spot, wait for Jason to go by, pack up and drive a little farther ahead and wait for Jason and so on...until it reached 95 degrees. Then it lost it's fun. This Sunday is supposed to be around 70. Come and say hi.

If you are running too, leave a comment.

Everyone Deserves a Big Breakfast

2008-09-30T09:57:00.005-05:00

I have great memories of big breakfasts with my parents. If we went to church on Saturday night, my mom would make us a big breakfast on Sunday morning with eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage or bacon, toast...you name it. It was like a buffet only we ate everything.

I woke up Sunday morning thinking about that since we had gone to church the night before. I wondered why I never made big breakfasts for my family. Then I realized it's because I'm tired in the morning. I just want a cup of coffee. I felt bad.

Everyone deserves a big breakfast every once in awhile. But it doesn't have to be in the morning.

So later we we went to the store and got sausage and biscuits. I made milk and sausage gravy from scratch just like my moms. I thought it was delicious, if I do say so myself. Luke and Willow also loved it. Abby and Jason, not so much. I also made sausage patties and links and fried eggs. It was very filling and worth it for the memories. I doubt it meant anything to the others, but it was special for me.

Free Not-Necessarily-Fire Wood

2008-09-18T10:53:00.001-05:00

Free wood. Think of the possibilities!

What's up with September

2008-09-17T10:51:00.004-05:00

Abby and Luke are back in swimming lessons at the Y. They love them, especially Abby. I'm hoping she will get to the point where she swims on a team and eventually gets a scholarship from a division 1 school. No pressure. Luke likes it too, but he's a bit terrified of the diving board. I'll let you know if he ever gets up the nerve to jump off.

I have spent my free time this week cleaning up after the hurricane. It feels so weird to say that so I keep saying it when I can. A hurricane hit Indiana. I can't imagine what it's like on the coast. We lost 2 large limbs and several medium and small limbs out of one tree (that tree will have to be put down), 1 large limb out of another tree and 2 medium limbs out of another tree. Amazingly, nothing was damaged but the trees and my newly planted grass seed.

A Little Behind

2008-09-16T09:06:00.005-05:00

I've gotten a little behind on the posting. Here are some August pictures to get us caught up.

Willow moved to a forward facing car seat and loves it.

Luke had his first day of pre-school. I forgot to pick him up the first day. I guess I won't be winning mom of the year now.

We finally got around to working on the backyard. We bought 26 tons of dirt and my dad spread it all out with a tractor. We then bought and spread grass seed and straw and commenced with the watering.

And just for laughs:

To my friends and family:

2008-09-02T15:13:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone who has donated to Race for the Cure so far. In just 9 days, you have given $215 out of my $300 goal. I have two and half more weeks to get the rest. That sounds doable. Thanks again everybody!

Race for the Cure

2008-08-25T17:09:00.002-05:00

September 21, 2008. That morning I will be running in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. And what is the point of running? How will that find a cure for breast cancer? It won't, but lots of money might. Normally when I run a race, I do it for me. I pay the fee and get a free t-shirt. Good enough. But this race is different. Yes, I pay a fee and get a t-shirt, but this isn't just a race. I want it to matter. Please consider helping me run with purpose by donating to Race for the Cure.

Please visit my Race page to make an online donation.

If you know me personally and would rather just give me the money, that will work too.

I have less than 4 weeks to make this work. Please help me out. If you make a donation of $25 I will write your name on the back of my running shirt, like NASCAR. I will consider business ad space as well. For $50 I will write your name on my skin like a tattoo.

You might feel bad if you don't donate. That's all I'm saying.

Run?

2008-08-19T19:39:00.001-05:00

Does anybody want to run with me (Laura) this weekend? Seriously. The long runs are a lot better with company. Please?

I have a new respect for Monopoly.

2008-08-15T14:19:00.002-05:00

Here is an interesting story about the game Monopoly.

Willow's Ears (Part 2)

2008-08-12T12:05:00.006-05:00

This morning we took Willow to the hospital to have tubes put into her eardrums. We arrived at Deaconess Gateway around 6am. That is a really nice hospital. And everyone we met was great. Willow got lots of attention everywhere we went.

We went back into the pre-op area and got a little hospital gown. There was a bright little crib bed. It was cute but also really sad as I thought about all the little babies that had been there before.

We had a lot of time to kill in between people coming in to ask us if she was allergic to anything and when the last time was that she ate. Might I suggest the first person write this info down for the next 5 people so they don't have to ask?

The anesthesiologist was a bit late because her schedule was wrong, but she was really nice and she carried Willow back to the surgery area around 7:50am. Willow didn't cry, surprisingly. They said for her age it was best to knock her out and then put in the IV.

We went to get some caffeine and magazines. I took a few sips and saw a couple of minutes of the USA basketball team before Dr. Logan came in and said she was all done. This was 8:10am. I asked if she was awake and he said she was and that she was "pissed". That's our Willow.

A few minutes later a nurse came and asked me to come back there and help her calm down. She was screaming terribly when I got into the recovery area. She calmed down for a second when I get to her but then she kept crying because she had a blood pressure cuff on her that was squeezing her arm and a heart rate monitor taped to her toe. She hates that stuff. They tried to giver her some water with a bottle but she didn't know what that was. She's never had a bottle before and she didn't care for it.

They got her vitals and we were wheeled together back to the room. She was crying a lot but I could tell it was mostly because she was so tired and hungry. She finally got to drink some apple juice from her sippy cup.

I tried desperately for almost an hour to get her to sleep but she fought it the whole time. She was still a bit out of it. She had just fallen asleep when a nurse came in. She woke up but didn't cry. I could tell she was different. I guess the drugs had worn off and she was more aware. She just laid there for a few minutes and then we got up and got ready to leave. Everyone wanted to say bye and ask about her. One conversation went like this:
"Does she have any brothers or sisters?"
"One of each."
"She has the most beautiful eyes. What are their names?"
I wanted so badly to say that we hadn't named her eyes, but since everyone was so nice, I just answered with the kids' names.

They wheeled us out, Willow on my lap in a wheelchair. Everyone in the lobby stared and smiled. They probably thought she was sick. It made me so thankful for her health. I'm not strong enough to be one of those moms who deals with that kind of stuff.

On the way home Willow snacked on animal crackers and apple juice. I was going to put her in bed, but she wanted waffles. She scarfed them down and wanted more animal crackers.

Right now she is taking a very long nap. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her. Now pray that I'm not so careless that I let water get in her ears. And pray that this is the last time we have to do this.

2008-08-11T08:42:00.002-05:00

Today is Abby's first day of second grade. The main difference for her this year is that she will be riding the bus to and from school everyday. The last two years we drove her in the morning and she rode the bus home. She and Jason walked down to the corner and waited together for the bus. She has a new backpack, new lunchbox, new clothes from Memaw and new shoes. She was definitely ready to go. (Luke starts pre-school in two weeks.)

New Blog

2008-08-09T09:36:00.002-05:00

I, Laura, have started a new blog about going back to college.

http://wifemomstudent.blogspot.com/

Willow's Ears

2008-08-07T11:06:00.004-05:00

Despite her obsession with food, Willow is the smallest of the children (at her age). She had her 12 month check up Monday. She is 28 3/4 inches which is around the 40th percentile. (For comparison, Luke was 32 and Abby was 29). Willow's weight is 18 pounds, 4 ounces. This is around the 10th percentile. (Luke was 23 lbs, Abby 19 and 5). We didn't discuss this at the doctor's visit, however, because we were focused on her ears, which were still infected.

Willow has had at least 8 ear infections since December. The last several were since the beginning of July. We go in, get a prescription for antibiotics, take it for a week and then the fever comes back (while still on the antibiotics) and we start over again. The fluid in her ears hasn't drained for months and the medicine no longer works to keep it from getting infected.

We met with an ear, nose and throat specialist Wednesday. Now that Willow is one, she can safely have tubes put in her ears to help them drain until her ears mature. We have the surgery scheduled for Tuesday, August 12th. It's only supposed to take 5 minutes and then we'll go home a bit later. I really think this will make things a lot better for her. She will have a lot less pain and she will be able to hear better. I'll post later about how it went.

Super Luke

2008-08-07T11:00:00.004-05:00

Abby: Luke, what do you want to be when you grow up?

Luke: A superhero.

Mom: Superheroes don't get paid any money. What job do you want to do to make money?

Luke: A guard at a castle.

Now that I think about it, that may be a really good alter-ego.

Happy 1st Birthday, Willow!

2008-08-03T21:07:00.004-05:00

Luke-isms

2008-07-14T17:45:00.003-05:00

"Baa Baa black sheep
Happy any wah
Yes there's
Yes there's
Three bags full
One for my master
And one for my Dave
And one for the little girl
Who lives down the lane."

From "Wiki Wiki" at VBS:
"...are the keys you need for seeking Christian and a TV..." (Christianity)

And for supper tonight:
"corn-a-ba-cob"

Quote of the day

2008-07-08T12:30:00.001-05:00

"Marriage is like one long game of truth or dare." Laura

"...where no one wins." Jason

Luke's Photo's

2008-06-30T16:06:00.003-05:00

Photowalking
Downtown Newburgh
June 29, 2008
by Luke Burton
(he had some other good ones, but his Fisher Price camera is not so good so they didn't work)

Abigail's Photos

2008-06-30T15:55:00.002-05:00

Photowalking
Downtown Newburgh, June 29, 2008
by Abigail Burton

News?

2008-06-20T15:10:00.002-05:00

"I guess they're right, old people, though slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose. Don't you go dyin' on me!"

The Three Teeth

2008-06-20T15:08:00.003-05:00

These are the three teeth. They have been together for awhile now with no new neighbors to speak of. I just thought I'd show them off.

Truth Where You Least Expect It

2008-06-20T12:57:00.002-05:00

"Surround yourself with human beings, my dear James. They are easier to fight for than principles."

(Mathis to Bond) Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

First Swim of the Season

2008-06-17T10:35:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the Collins' we went swimming last week for the first time this year. Abby loved it. Luke was a bit fearful but eventually did jump off the diving board. Willow hated the inflatable ring but loved being held in the water.

Iron Chef Newburgh

2008-06-17T10:28:00.002-05:00

This is what Jason grills for us. So far it's all been awesome.

When Harry Met Abby

2008-06-17T10:18:00.004-05:00

Abigail finally decided to try Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In about three days she's on page 245 and loving it. I love seeing her read like that, not wanting to put the book down. (She normally finishes every book I get her on the same day and then has 6 days not reading anything.) I'm so proud of her.

Happy Birthday Jason!

2008-05-28T09:59:00.002-05:00

Willow likes Memaw and Papaw

2008-05-20T16:29:00.004-05:00

Willow with Memaw and Papaw

Gus Gus

2008-05-20T16:22:00.002-05:00

Presenting Gus Gus. He is the mouse from Abby's first grade classroom. He was born in October. He's a boy. Now you know as much as I do. He will be staying with us until one of the children drops him.

Baby Karaoke

2008-05-19T11:25:00.003-05:00

Willow loves to sing (and fall).

Miscellaneous Pictures

2008-05-19T11:07:00.003-05:00

This is Willow modeling her Jordyn original onesie. Thanks Jordy! I highly recommend one for all the babies you know.

Here is Abigail with her new mp3 player.

This is Luke and one of his guns.

recovering nicely

2008-05-13T13:49:00.001-05:00

recovering from blood sample
Originally uploaded by bigticket

So I had a physical/checkup thing today. I haven't been to the doctor in 6 years it turns out. I will be doing this on a yearly basis now. I guess I was starting to feel old so I wanted to make sure everything is in working order. They took some blood and of course I passed out. This pic is me resting until I could manage to stand without feeling woozy. I'm such a wuss. Anyway, so far so good. Just need to start exercising and eating a low fat diet. Just like everyone else.

The Animal Halfway House

2008-05-12T14:14:00.005-05:00

This is Luke's friend, Toad. According to Luke he is "so crazy". He may have run away or died from Shaken Toad Syndrome. We haven't seen him all week.

This is Abby's friend, Susie. We found her/him in my parents' driveway. We decided to keep her for a little while for some educational observation. Then we will release her into the wild, or the pond behind our house.

Next week we will have a more permanent addition to our house. Gus Gus, the mouse in Abby's classroom, will come to live with us. (Shhh...I haven't told Jason yet.) I guess if we don't like him, we can always get a snake.

2008-05-08T15:26:00.003-05:00

Happy 7th Birthday, Abigail!

Willow's surprise

2008-05-07T16:39:00.004-05:00

Willow had her 9 month checkup yesterday. She weighed 16 pounds-15 ounces and is 27.5 inches tall. That puts her in the 50th percentile on height and 25th percentile on weight. She had to have her blood drawn for a routine test called CBC. That was not fun but I guess it's better than shots. Her iron was a little low, but they weren't concerned. I'm not sure what that means. Also, I posted earlier about her ear infections. Her ear wasn't draining and she prescribed low-dose antibiotics to keep it from getting infected. I didn't give her the meds because I wanted to see how it cleared up on it's own. That turned out fine. Her ears were great. The doctor asked me if she had any teeth and I laughed and said, "No, I doubt she'll get any for a few months." (Since Abby got hers at 18 months and Luke at 11 months) The doctor reached in her mouth and said, "She's got one." Yep, there it was. I'm positive that she got it over night. It wasn't there Monday, but Monday night she couldn't sleep well. I had to hold her for awhile and she finally slept around 1am. It was very odd for her. Now I understand. So since then she has struggled to sleep and her nose is running and she coughs occasionally (all normal for teething), but fortunately she has no fever. I've never experienced teething before. My other kids' teeth just showed up. I don't like it. I'll try to get a picture of it soon.

Her newest trick is shaking her head no. I'm going to have a heck of a time with this kid. I can feel it.

Here's a video of Willow at Abby's T-ball game (See other post today):

Abby's first T-ball game

2008-05-07T16:33:00.001-05:00

We finally had Abby's first T-ball game Tuesday night. This is one of her plate appearances (last batter goes all the way around).

She played short, center and first. I think she fielded pretty well at all three positions. It was a little rough at first for lack of practice but still good.

iron man

2008-05-06T14:58:00.003-05:00

I saw Iron Man last week and I've had time to reflect on it. It might be the best superhero movie ever made. I really have no complaints with it. Highly recommend it. If you do see it, stay until the end. There is a scene after the credits, apparently. I left before the credits were done. Shame on me.

Sorry...

2008-05-02T12:07:00.003-05:00

Luke and I played a very tight game of Sorry today. We were both down to one pawn, each in the safety zone. He got the card he needed and won. I said, "Winner, winner, chicken dinner." He said, "No you're the chicken dinner because chicken dinner means dead meat."

Luke's first T-ball game 4-20-2008

2008-04-23T09:35:00.007-05:00

This is Luke's first ever plate appearance in T-ball. (Listen to the crowd response.)

Luke fielded at the pitcher's position. He fielded a lot of hits. People called him "the Vacuum" because of how he pulled in all of the balls hit to him. He walked around looking sad and tired most of the game but if a ball was hit near him, a switch was flipped and he went hard after it.

Abby has her first game May 3. Luke plays again tonight, Sunday and next Wednesday.

Is this the family we've become? I'm a hot-dog eating, mini-van driving, burned on the back of my neck T-ball mom.

Pictures too cute not to post them...

2008-04-23T09:17:00.002-05:00

2008-04-15T11:28:00.004-05:00

We've been a bit sick around here lately. Willow had some stomach thing last Wednesday that made her puke all morning and since then she has had diarrhea on a regular basis. Each of those times it managed to leak and ruin her clothes. Then I got sick with a cold or something Friday that just sucked the life out of me for days. I'm still tired. Jason got sick Sunday night. He tried to go to work Monday but couldn't. That same morning Luke threw up all his breakfast. So I had a basket full of poopy and puke clothes. I was downstairs pre-treating this disgusting mess like a good mom. And what do I get as a reward? Willow decides to crawl for the first time and I missed it. Jason, however, was recording her when she did it. (Did I mention I missed her rolling over for the first time, as well?)

I feel some redemption, though, as Willow has started saying her first real word: "Mama". She had been saying mamama and other sounds indiscriminately for months, but over the past few days, I have become convinced that she knows what she is saying and she even says it on command and smiles at me. She also started waving last week and clapping a few weeks before that. Things are starting to happen quickly. It's about to get exciting and scary. How do I hide the dog food?

More Spring Break Photos

2008-04-12T23:05:00.002-05:00

At the Children's Museum of Evansville (cMoe):

Time to blog the photos...

2008-04-11T14:54:00.003-05:00

It's that time again. Time to blog some photos after the monthly cleaning of the camera card.

Tuesday of Spring Break at Fortress of Fun:

upcoming movie release dates

2008-04-09T10:00:00.002-05:00

Here are some of the movies I'm looking forward to this year. Won't be seeing them all at the theater, but some I think I'll have to (Batman, I'm looking at you).

The Forbidden Kingdom - 4/18/08 (Jet Li and Jackie Chan) (rental)
Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? - 4/18/08 (Morgan Spurlock) (rental)
Iron Man - 5/2/08 (theater)
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - 5/16/08 (theater)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 5/22/08 (theater)
Kung Fu Panda - 6/6/08 (Jack Black, animated) (undecided)
The Incredible Hulk - 6/13/08 (low expectations but Ed Norton so who knows) (rental)
Get Smart - 6/20/08 (perfect casting with Steve Carell and the Rock) (rental)
The Love Guru - 6/20/08 (Mike Myers, so I'll give it a chance) (rental)
WALL*E - 6/27/08 (Pixar) (theater)
Wanted - 6/27/08 (rental)
Hancock - 7/2/08 (Will Smith, superhero) (rental)
The Dark Knight - 7/18/08 (Batman) (theater)
Quantum of Solace - 11/7/08 (Bond) (theater)
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - 11/21/08 (rental)

I'm sure there are others but these were the main ones. Anyone have any other movies they are looking forward to seeing?

No Way

2008-04-04T12:41:00.004-05:00

http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=8118221

NKOTB...I never thought my life would come full circle at the age of 30. (I was not a fan, but I likes me some Wahlberg, preferably the Marky Mark kind.

Food Inspections

2008-04-04T12:39:00.001-05:00

I like to read the local food inspections. Here's a good one this week:

China Express, 1505 S. Governor
Owner/operator fails to demonstrate knowledge for proper food temperatures. To be corrected.
Using common cloth towel to dry hands. Corrected
Food worker failed to wash hands before cooking food and after handling money. Corrected.
Large pan of BBQ pork measured at 69-71 degrees Fahrenheit and stored at room temperature. Corrected.
Improper cooling methods for bulk foods. Corrected.
Rice cooker soiled. Corrected.
3 non-critical violations.

Ear infections

2008-04-03T15:12:00.002-05:00

Willow has had three ear infections since Christmas. The first time it was her left ear and she was given amoxicillin. About 2 or 3 weeks later we went back with double ear infections. Her doctor wasn't sure if these were new or if they didn't clear up from before. So she gave her augmentin. We went back for a follow up two weeks later and she was clear. Her last one was two weeks ago in both ears and we just had a follow up doctor's visit to make sure they went away. The right side was clear but the left still had fluid in it. Her doctor believes this will probably drain on it's own but recommended antibiotics for a month to keep the fluid infection free while it has a chance to drain. She doesn't want another infection because then we will "have to start talking about tubes" and nobody wants that. She seems to be concerned that her left ear has the most trouble. Each of her infections was preceded by a cold, but cold season is pretty much over. Also, she hates medicine. She's at an age (8 months) where she can physically prevent us from giving it to her but too young to obey us (if that makes sense). She turns her head and spits it out and we make a big mess. (I know I can mix it in something if I need to.) I'm really just wondering if it's worth it to get this antibiotic. My other two kids never had ear infection issues or colds even. Abby just had breathing problems and Luke has Luke problems. Does anybody (of the 4 of you who actually reads this blog) have any experience/advice in this area?

Spring Break plans

2008-03-25T15:22:00.003-05:00

Anyone who wants to join us is welcome. (like that'll happen) Plans are subject to change without notice, meaning you might want to let me know if you are coming.

Wednesday: "Alvin and the Chipmunks" at the cheap theater, 2:10pm.

Thursday: Mesker Park Zoo, around 10am

Friday: Children's Museum, around 10am

Laura's thoughts today...

2008-03-13T16:51:00.003-05:00

I need to do a little spring cleaning in my brain.

Soon, around July or so, I'll be done nursing Willow. She's the last one. It's like graduating high school. I'm going to have to start growing up at that point. I'm going to have to decide what I want to be when I grow up. I'm getting the itch to start leaving the house by myself to do things I think I once liked to do. I've forgotten who I am and what I like. I have to redefine me. Here are some of the characteristics I'm considering.

I've decided I need this:

Unfortunately I never leave the house alone. I'm not sure when I could use it but I think I would like myself and my lifestyle more if I had one. People would think I was a guy but then I'd take off my helmet and then they would think, "That's a cool chick."

I'm going learn to play the drums this year. Yes, I've said that before. I'm saying it again. I'll probably never get to use this talent, but I think just knowing I am a drummer is good enough for me. Like any good nerd, I've already got my drumming books and dvd to help me learn.

I've also decided to start wall-climbing again at Vertical eXcape. I really enjoyed that back in the day. I miss it. The problem is that I can't do it alone. Jason doesn't like climbing and that's okay. Someone's got to stay with the kids. Maybe this will be an opportunity to develop some friendships. Yikes.

When I was a kid, say pre-school age, I wondered how the stoplights worked. How did they switch and how did they know when there was traffic? I imagined there was a little monkey inside with a lantern. He could see out and lift and lower the lantern to the appropriate light. Smart monkey. His talents were wasted.

I am going to take more photos this year and use them as "art" around the house. I've seen the crap at the stores. I can do better than that and it will mean more to me.

I'm going to need some better clothes. I need things that are still comfortable but fit me better. I'm tired of dressing like Jason.

I want to go back to school and get a completely different degree than elementary education. What a waste of time. Sorry mom and dad. Thanks for paying for the degree that's sitting in my filing cabinet. I hope you don't mind if I get a new one. And thanks in advance to all those people who will be babysitting while I'm in class. Uh, Jenny, you live pretty close to Ivy Tech. We'll be in touch.

This is going to be an expensive mid-life crisis. That doesn't sound right. It's more of a metamorphosis. Thanks for listening.

Baby Abby

2008-03-07T12:41:00.005-06:00

I had to get some Abigail shots in here. Our camera wasn't very good back then and we didn't have a way to get digital video so I have slim picking for the blog. I think Willow looks a lot like Abby's baby pictures despite the obvious eye color and dimple differences.

30 years ago

2008-03-05T15:22:00.004-06:00

I guess you can tell I'm looking through old photos and videos, but none as old as this. This is my family 30 years ago. That's my dad, Don (aka Papaw), my mom, Betty (aka Memaw), my sister, Jenny (aka Jennifer Bacon) and me. Pretty attractive family. My mom was my age in this picture. Do you see any resemblance?

Luke and Papaw

2008-03-05T15:13:00.003-06:00

This is one of my favorite videos. This is Papaw (my dad) making Luke laugh. Luke is about 18 months old.

Not peek-a-boo

2008-03-05T13:01:00.003-06:00

Willow and her friends hanging out: (I wanted to show the video of Willow playing Peek-a-Boo but it was too big so this one will have to do for now.)

2008-02-29T16:54:00.003-06:00

She's like Daisy Head Maisy, but with a fake rose...and her name's Willow. But otherwise, it's sort of almost like it.

Just try to resist the power of the cuteness. The cute force is strong with this child.

The kids finally got to play in the snow rather than on the ice. Luke has wanted to throw a snowball since last summer. Thanks for the needless 2 hour school delay!

Echo...

2008-02-28T14:11:00.001-06:00

I'm glad we have this blog to write to each other, Jason.

I think I shall never see a poem lovely as a...

2008-02-22T10:43:00.002-06:00

How does something like this happen?
(Coolest thing in Keensburg, Illinois)

Soundtrack for your life

2008-02-20T13:33:00.002-06:00

open your favorite mp3 player or music player on shuffle and hit play. Whatever order the songs are go with the following categories:

Laura's
Opening credits:
One Thing - Pillar
(Unfortunately this one doesn't make any sense.)

Waking up:
My Way - limp bizkit
("it's my way, my way
or the highway someday you'll see things my way", I wasn't like that as a kid, but I am now to my great shame. Maybe it should be under Fight Song.)

1st Day of School:
The Day Before You - Matthew West
Weird, that's a love song, one too early.

Falling in Love:
Funkytown - Lipps, Inc
(Oh, that's too funny. Those were my vows.)

Fight Song:
Psalm 40 - Toby Mac
(Well, that's disappointing. Please see Waking Up.)

Breaking Up:
Where the Streets Have No Name - U2
("Oh, and I see love
See our love turn to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind" I guess it works. I'll take a U2 song where ever I can get it.)

Life:
Hero - Superchick
(Hmmm, I like the chorus since I'm a bit obsessed with superheroes, but the rest of the song is too depressing.)

Getting Back Together:
This is Your Life - Switchfoot
("this is your life and today is all you've got now" Really? This song may talk me out of getting back together.)

Wedding:
When It's Love - Van Halen
("When it's love, baby
You can feel it, yeah
We'll make it last forever" That would have been perfect...ten years earlier.)

Birth of a Child:
His Cheeseburger - Veggie Tales
(You can't make this stuff up. That really came up.)

Death Scene:
Overdue - Tree 63
(Only the title applies)

Funeral Song:
Alien - Third Day
(That makes no sense. Don't play that one.)

Ending Credits:
Sooner or Later - Switchfoot
("I'm a believer, help me believe" That songs not bad, but not a very good summary.)

Jason's

Opening credits:
The Cliffs of Insanity - Princess Bride Soundtrack
(set the tone)

Waking up:
Sail Away - Enya
(hmmm, how'd that get in there)

1st Day of School:
The Things We Did Last Summer - Frank Sinatra
(not bad)

Falling in Love:
New World - Toby Mac
(falling in love to a narnia song? hmmm)

Fight Song:
Fade to Black - Metallica
(cool, that's intense)

Breaking Up:
You Really Got Me Now - Van Halen
(you got me so I don't know what I'm doing)

Life:
Wallace Courts Murron - Braveheart Soundtrack
(I don't know what to do with this one)

Getting Back Together:
Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz
(fitting)

Wedding:
Bullet-time - Matrix Soundtrack
(no idea)

Birth of a Child:
Drink With Me - Les Miserables
(pay no attention to this one)

Death Scene:
How Great - David Crowder Band
(don't take this the wrong way)

Funeral Song:
Rock on the Radio - Firehouse
(yikes, wussy band)

Ending Credits:
Shock Me - Kiss
(foreboding)

10 songs

2008-02-20T09:13:00.002-06:00

Got this idea from David Crowder's blog.

Get your favorite MP3 player or computer music player. Set to shuffle. Hit play. List the first 10 songs that come up. No cheating. Here's my list:

A Foggy Day - Willie Nelson and Frank Sinatra
Javert's Suicide - Les Miserables 10th Anniversary
Letter to Sarah - Michael W. Smith
Blue Moon of Kentucky - Elvis Presley
The Biz vs The Nuge - The Beastie Boys
Rolling Stone - Out of Eden
Redemption (Theme from Rocky II) - Bill Conti
Slow & Low - The Beastie Boys
Saved - Third Day
Lion - Rebecca St. James

The many hats we wear

2008-02-18T07:39:00.003-06:00

Click on the picture for a bigger size.

Willow and ice

2008-02-15T16:27:00.003-06:00

As of February 3, Willow is 6 months old. She had her checkup on the 11th. She is 26 inches long and weighs 15 and half pounds. She is the smallest of the crew coming in a pound less than Abby at 6 months and almost 2 1/2 pounds less than Luke at 6 months. Luke was 2 1/2 inches taller too. It's going to be fun watching how different they all are. Willow seems to be physically the slowest of the three as well. She is just now sitting on her own and when she falls, she falls hard. There's no bracing the fall. She has no desire to roll around. I think she will love crawling when she gets to that point, but for now rolling around on the floor seems demeaning to her. She is also the clingiest, I mean most social of the three. When we are interacting with her, she has a face of pure delight. Her smiles are the biggest, most joyful smiles I've ever seen. But if she feels she is not getting the personal attention she needs, she will fill the house with screams that could make the Black Canary envious. As most of you know, she hates most people who don't live with her, but I think that may be getting somewhat better. She actually played with her Grandma Mary. And more recently, she let Jordy and Michelle Cundiff hold her. She also has the most unique baby voice of the three. It's sort of horse sounding, but I love it.

Here's the ice part:

Yeehaw...

2008-02-11T21:18:00.000-06:00

new band

2008-01-18T09:05:00.000-06:00

This is cool timewaster I saw on datawhat.

1 - Go to Wikipedia's random article page - The first article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to the Random Quotations page - The last four words of the last quote is the album title.

3 - Go to Flickr's Interesting photo page - Third picture, no matter what it is, is your album cover.

Here's mine:

don't make em, can't break em

2008-01-07T09:55:00.000-06:00

I haven't thought too much about resolutions or goals for the year. Anyone have any good ones, or good suggestions. Or even bad ones I guess. I always find it hard to do vague resolutions like be a better person, or be funnier, or whatever. I need quantifiable tasks that I can check off, you know? You know.

*** updated ****

I have one. I want to take 5000 photos this year. I've read that you don't get to be a good photographer until after your first 10,000 pics. 5000 seems like a doable # to shoot for this year.

Happy Anniversary

2008-01-02T13:10:00.000-06:00

Happy Anniversary to my lovely wife of 3 or 4 years (or 9).

Nine years ago today, Laura and I were married. Some of you were there, some of you weren't born, and some of you are now DEED! But, we both said "I do," and we haven't agreed on a single thing since.

But I'm glad I married you, Laura, because hey, could've been worse.

chili

2007-12-14T09:39:00.000-06:00

We made some chili last night. Been experimenting with some different flavors and such. Not too bad but it still needs some work. Anyone have any ideas on things to put in chili? Anyone use any strange ingredients?

Happy Birthday Luke

2007-12-05T07:32:00.001-06:00

4 Years old today!

Free Vagisil

2007-11-29T22:13:00.000-06:00

I (Laura) went to Target today and came home with two bottles of Vagisil powder that I didn't want or pay for, just a pleasant surprise when I opened the bag. I can just picture the woman in line behind me getting home and saying, "For crying out loud, where's my dang Vagisil?" Now my question is, what do I do with them? Do I take them back to Target and say, "Please, I don't want them," or do I find someone who will take them?

Halloween Costumes

2007-11-12T14:46:00.001-06:00

Maximus Update

2007-11-08T17:36:00.000-06:00

So Max has grown a lot and might not be stopping until Februaryish. He's a pretty good dog. He's going thru his puppy phase though, so he does things he shouldn't, of course. It's hard getting him exercise now because it's dark when I get home. I'd do it in the morning except that I hate the mornings and it is really cold now. Not a good combo. I tried taking him for a run this morning. I rode my bike and he got to run along beside me. Too cold and I forgot to wear gloves. So the trip was not that long. He seemed to enjoy it though. He loves this weather, that's for sure. Sorry Max, I'll bundle up next time. I need one of those cool ninja mask warming things for these trips.

Now that is a cute kid

2007-11-05T16:04:00.001-06:00

group photowalk anyone

2007-10-31T13:01:00.000-05:00

I'd like to get one more photowalk in before it gets too cold. Would anyone like to join us and/or have ideas on where to go? Leave a comment with your thoughts. Thanks.

Some possibilities:

Newburgh Riverfront
Audubon Park (Henderson)
Evansville Main Street/walkway
USS LST 325 Ship Memorial
Angel Mounds
Evansville State Hospital Grounds
Wesselman Park
Mesker Zoo

Free is better of course. I'd say we do this some Saturday in the next couple of weeks.

Pictures in the Park

2007-10-29T11:36:00.000-05:00

We did Pictures in the Park with Todd Burnett again, but this time with parents and the Bacons for my parents' 39th anniversary.

A 5K to bring us all together

2007-10-21T14:13:00.000-05:00

Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race For The Cure

(aka The 18th Annual Old National Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Goodwill Family Center program of Evansville Goodwill Industries)

This Thanksgiving Day, November 22 at 9:00am

Downtown, by the YMCA and riverfront

Get a T-shirt as proof!

Only $20 (by November 9)

A 5K is not 5,000 miles. It's only 3.1 miles.

Eat guilt-free the rest of the day.

Who's man enough? Who's with me?

Please?

(Obviously posted by Laura, not Jason)

Latest Photowalking

2007-10-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, this time we were out at Laura's parents' house and took some photos of some of the stuff around and near where they live. Go here to see all the pics:

http://www.zooomr.com/photos/burton/sets/23786/view-detail/

Examples

Laura:

Jason:

Abby:

Little Willokins

2007-10-12T15:22:00.001-05:00

I forgot to mention this before, but on Monday Willow had her two month appointment with her pediatrician. She is now 11 pounds, 11 ounces and 23 inches long (both are the 75th percentile). She really is great. The smiles she gives us more than make up for the fact that doesn't sleep much. She's more of a power napper.

Evansville Riverfront Photowalking

2007-10-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday Laura, the kids and I went photowalking along the riverfront in Evansville. It was an interesting experience. It's amazing what details I never noticed before even though I've been by the riverfront hundreds of times. We let the kids take pics whenever they wanted to and Laura and I fought over the camera the remainder of the time. If we take up this hobby we'll need to figure out something as far as an extra camera goes. We'll probably do more at other places so if you are interested in joining us on one of these please let me know.

Here are some examples:

Luke did this one:

Abby:

Laura:

Jason:

Here is the remainder of the pics:
http://www.zooomr.com/photos/burton/sets/23526/view-detail/

btw, I used zooomr instead of flickr because zooomr allows for unlimited uploads even on the free account. (they also seem a bit faster)

Jason and the 13

2007-10-10T09:42:00.000-05:00

Jason participated in the Evansville Half-Marathon this past weekend.

Before the race (you can tell by the sort of smile.)

Not walking yet. (2.5 miles)

It was hot out. Even the Gatorade was hot. (4 miles)

He had some help along the way. (6.5 miles, entering Bosse Field)

Just crossing the finish line (guy in the red hat way up there). (13.1 miles)

It wasn't so bad. He lived.

dogs

2007-10-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

We doggysat (?) Glory earlier this summer. She and Max took a liking to Luke's bed.

Luke's first chalk drawing

2007-10-03T22:07:00.000-05:00

Willow in her high chair

2007-10-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

bath time posing

2007-10-03T22:03:00.000-05:00

Now, just imagine you're weightless, in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by tiny little seahorses.

Abby's first day of first grade

2007-10-03T21:56:00.000-05:00

Abby and Willow in August

2007-10-03T21:55:00.000-05:00