One of my All-Time Favorite Pictures of the Boys

I am not sure why, but it seems to capture the essense of their relationship.

Beware of the Butterflies!

Recently, Tante treated the boys and I to a fun-filled day in Chattanooooooooga! And what a day we had! It included a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium, a walk through the beautiful downtown area to the fountain park, ice cream at Clumpies, and was topped off with a lovely little dinner prepared by Tante's daughter, Jena, at her apartment. Oh and a bit of Wii action for Biz and Jena's hubby, Brian, who just so happens to manage Clumpies. Yeah, Brian's cool rating skyrocketed up the Biz scale that day! As a bonus, we also got to spend the entire day with Baby Maggie and her mommy, Rachel, who were with us on our trip.

Biz's first shot of the penguins


The boys really enjoyed the aquarium. There was so much to see. We were especially delighted to stumble upon the penguins...dada's favorite animal. Biz was the first to spot them and excitedly began calling, "I found them! I found them! Dada will be so happy!" Biz had been given specific instructions to get pictures of the penguins, if we found any. That he did and many pictures were captured. Many. I had to drag Seth away from one of the penguins. He made friends with this guy, and was totally convinced he was real. I didn't have the heart to tell him otherwise.

Another Workman family favorite was the jelly fish exhibit. It was the final stop on our aquarium tour. Those are some cool creatures. Even Sethie, who had long since expired by the time we made it to the jelly fish area, was in awe as they danced around the tanks. Who knew there were so many different kinds of jelly fish?

The huge turtles were also a hit with the boys, but one particular area was NOT a fan favorite. My rough and tumble Biz, who did not bat an eye when he saw the sharks, alligators and all of the other scary looking sea life, nearly flipped out inside the little oh so humid butterly sanctuary. As soon as we entered, he got a very uneasy look on his face and began clinging to my arm. As we walked deeper into the garden, he began voicing his urgent need to leave this place. I was a bit baffled, because it was a room with lots of plant life and trees, but nothing looked very threatening from my angle. In Biz's defense, I don't think he quite gets the fact that all things that fly around are not out to sting or bite you. It is something that we have explained to him many times, but it has yet to click. Seeing all of those butterflies flying around nearly sent Biz over the edge, so we made our exit quickly. As we walked out the door, Biz clearly stated, " I am NOT going in there ever again." Noted.

I tried to capture a picture of the scary beasts.

What a great day we had. Thanks again, Tante!! Needless to say, we all slept VERY well that night.

Bluegrass Fest

As we made our way toward the downtown Franklin square on Saturday, we were greeted with the sounds of sweet Bluegrass music. "This is what it will sound like when I enter through the pearly gates," said my Bluegrass loving beau. (Yes, he really said that!)

I remember when Eric and I were first married, we were on the long trek from Kentucky to Iowa and we had a slight dispute about our differing musical tastes. I grew up on Country music, as did Eric, for the most part, but the enjoyment of the music did not carry over into Eric's adult years, as it had mine. I couldn't understand why he would not just give in and listen to it with me without cringing. Of course, that was in the early years of our marriage when I naively thought we must have the same opinion on everything in order to have a healthy relationship. (I have long since abandoned that way of thinking, by the way.) I had endured the little innocent pokes and funny jabs by my dear husband at my choice in music any time I selected a country station on the radio. Usually I let his snide remarks just slide off my back. After all, I liked the music style, but I wouldn't have classified myself as a DIE HARD fan. However, all rationale was thrown to the wayside on this particular occasion. Although his comment was innocent (whatever it was), it was unwelcomed and sent me over the edge and I went to battle for the entire genre of Country music. Maybe I was already in a bad mood. Maybe I just had a lot of pent up energy from being in the car too long. I can't remember. But whatever the case, I chose that moment to single-handedly champion the cause of Country music in protest of my husband's negative attitude. I recall Keith Urban playing on the radio and being the recipient of my valiant and ever so lengthy attempt to defend his honor along with the rest of the Country music establishment. Eric was speechless. Probably more from confusion as to where all of the passion had originated. Or maybe because he was only kidding around and was baffled at my reaction. Whatever the reason, I don't recall many more snide remarks directed at my choice in music after that social exchange.

It is funny to think about that argument now. Especially since my husband has long since become a country music fan. Not long after we moved to Nashville, Eric started coming around to the Country music side. In this town, do you really have a choice? It could have been that he gave in to the whole, "if you can't beat them, join them" mentality, but then again, my husband has never been much of a conformist. Or did my powerful soliloquy in the car years earlier really make him change his attitude? No, I don't think it was Nashville or me. The credit goes to a man named Jerry House. I think Eric's genuine re-interest began when he started listening to Jerry House and the House Foundation in the mornings on a local radio station. In order to listen to their show, it is impossible to avoid a little Country music. Those guys are hilarious!!! So it is definitely worth it to endure a little twang in order to partake in their show.


And if any of you know my Eric, you know that he doesn't usually do things halfway, he usually goes forward 110%. Not only did he embrace Country music, he went one step further and leaped right overboard and became a Bluegrass enthusiast, as well. Now, I am not opposed to banjo music, but I have always been one to take my "pickin' and grinnin" in small doses. But I am coming around more and more. It is kind of like when your child has a favorite TV show-let's say Curious George-and at first, you watch it with them because they enjoy it, even though there is a list of other shows you would prefer to watch. Then after a while, you become accustomed to inviting George into your home every morning...a choice you would have never made yourself, but it isn't a bad choice and you begin enjoying it. Then, there is the morning that your child is not even home and you find yourself watching George alone and enjoying it. This is kind of how I feel about Bluegrass music.

I am not even sure when Eric began listening to Bluegrass, but one day he told me that his days at work go better when he has Bluegrass streaming through his computer. I think it is just his speed and style. Looking at him, you wouldn't guess it, but really knowing him, you would. Remember, entertainment wise, Eric and I are 60-year-olds trapped in 30-year-old bodies.

Eric was very delighted to find out that among all of Franklin's downtown festivals (and there are many), there is a little Bluegrass one, as well. We ventured downtown for a little while on Saturday to check it out and listen to some good music. And of course to get a funnel cake, too. Much to his daddy's dismay, Caleb instantly began covering his ears at the music. But we did have to drag him away kicking and screaming when it was time to go. So, maybe our brief time amid the music turned our oldest into a fan, too.

Or maybe it was that big cannon that he was playing on that made it hard to leave.

We will just say it was the music.

Rainy Day Fort

Fort Designer and Blanket Decorator: Biz

Master Cushion Pusher: Sethie

And a couple more rainy day shots.

New Kid in Town

Tante's first grand baby was born in May, which means the boys have a new "cousin." Since her family lives in Michigan, the boys had to wait a couple of months to actually meet sweet little Maggie. But what a sweet first meeting it was!

Caleb was VERY eager to meet her, especially since Tante had informed him that Maggie was very excited to meet her new cousins. The first visit of Maggie to our house coincided with Sethie's nap time, so Caleb got to spend some extra special time having her all to himself. It was so cute to watch him dote all over that precious girl. Especially during this season when he is not particularly fond of little girls. Maggie Elizabeth is definitely the exception to that rule!!

He pulled out all the stops in entertaining her. He brought out all of Sethie's baby toys and showed her how to play with them, made funny faces, let her wear his cowboy hat, and even put on a puppet show for her. Of course, that all took place after he had a chance to cuddle with her. As soon as Tante walked in the door, Caleb was on the couch ready to have Maggie in his arms. He even made sure she did not leave empty handed. He brought her a jar of baby food peaches and a toy lady bug, that I am pretty sure belonged to his little brother.




And that little brother was not left out of the mix. Seth had actually met Baby Maggie a couple days earlier when her family came swimming at our community pool and the following Monday, he and Caleb got to spend lots of time with her during our adventure in Chattanooga. Seth really enjoyed kissing her toes and making sure he knew her whereabouts at all times.

She is just so sweet! It is impossible not to cover that soft little beauty in kisses. And no, having all of that sweetness in my arms did not make me yearn for another little one of my own. I am quite content with the two active little guys that God gave me.

But it did make me long even more to become an aunt!

A Conversation between Buddies

I overheard the following conversation yesterday, while Jack was trying to show Caleb how to hit a golf ball off a tee:

Jack: Caleb, stand back, so you don't get whacked in the head with the club.

Caleb: It's okay, Jack, I have a really tough head.

Jack: Yeah, but this would really put a crack in it.

After taking to a moment to ponder his good buddy's wise words and probably weighing the pros and cons of actually being whacked in the head with an iron club, Caleb stepped back and said: Okay, buddy, I better move out of the way.

Thank goodness, good sense prevailed!

Chip Off the Old Block

"Mom, I wook just wike Pepaw!!!"

VERY practical

Biz very excitedly rushed out of his room after getting dressed (Yes, it is 2:45 in the afternoon and my boys are just NOW getting dressed). He couldn't wait to show me that he had put his T-shirt and shorts OVER his pjs, instead of taking his pjs off.

His explanation: "Momma, look!! I put my clothes on over my pajamas, so that I can save time when it is time for bed tonight."

A smart idea, albeit a bit hot and cumbersome. But I do like the practical way that little mind is working. I wonder who he gets that from?

I think I may just let him continue wearing his interesting ensemble for the rest of the day. After all, we aren't that far away from bedtime.

That's my WHOLE name!

Caleb has been working on writing his full name this week. He is still having a little trouble with the concept that although we call him Caleb, it isn't his first name. But that's okay for now. He brought me into the playroom this morning to show me the "surprise" he had written on his board.

A job well done!!

One Wild Ride

Eric took the afternoon off yesterday. This meant two things:

1. Lots of fun outdoors

2. Sonic 1/2 priced Happy Hour!!!

Both were enjoyed very much!!