Top Coach

I don't add many entries to this blog but I felt compelled to take care of this one, having just returned from the event that inspired it. When I was told that Ashley and I were invited to a party at our church with an 80s theme, I could think of no better idea than to borrow from an idea I'd seen pulled off by a friend of mine up at Reel FX, Justin Harder. The idea: 80s Coach.

So I borrowed the blue stretchy shorts and ridiculously tall socks. I borrowed the awesome white coaches shirt with 'Jeff' on the front. But there were a few items missing. I needed some 80s-style tennis shoes, and one of those old baseball hats with the mesh backing I had worn time and time again on the dusty plains of Midland ball fields.

I couldn't find either, so in passing I mentioned my idea to Ashley, who in turn mentioned that my dad had left some shoes in the upstairs closet (no idea why). They were perfect. They were probably even purchased in the early 80s. A late-night trip to the local Salvation Army yielded the perfect hat to finish it off. Here's the complete look:



So this evening when I put my whole 80s coach ensemble together, when I took a good look in the mirror, when I realized that the hat I'd purchased by chance was in fact a Phillips 66 hat, and even later that night after spending the evening in those clothes and in that role, I realized something.

In my mind, I wasn't really aiming to model after an 80s coach after all.

I was aiming to model after my greatest hero: my dad.

Maybe the silly clothes in today's society aren't the most appropriate tribute (or maybe they are), but I've done pretty well following in my dad's figurative shoes so far and I'm going to stay true with that direction. And I have a feeling I'm going to need those shoes in a few years for my own son.

Oh...and by the way my dad rarely loses in competitive games. It's no surprise my get-up won me the title of 80s Prom King.

Will you BEE my Valentine?

Happy Valentine's Day friends! I already like Valentine's day just like my mom. Dad is not so into it because he said Hallmark (whoever that is) invented it. Well, I learned at school that Hallmark did not invent it. If you want the whole story click this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Valentine
Long story short, a fella named Valentine got put in jail and received lots of fan mail and that's how it all began.
So there's your history lesson and here's a few pics of what dad and I both do not approve of, but something mom got a big kick out of. Here's a big VALENTINE kiss going out to all of you!
XOXO
Luke

Seriously, mom...a bee?
Oh, distracted by some crazy toy with bells, whistles, lights and of course battery operated...aren't they all?

I would let this bee get near
me any day!
And that is all you get my friend!
My Valentine! (2 of 2)

11 months and counting!

My mom keeps shaking her head that almost a year ago she was holding me in her arms for the first time. So as the countdown is officially on, here are 11 fun things about me!

1. I LOVE to be a silly boy and shake my head from side to side. I do this in the highchair, in my crib, on the changing table, in my carseat and just when I'm sitting around. It's a funny feeling that I'm hooked on.
2. I got a new tooth. This time it's on top and it's been a little painful coming through, but we're almost done!
3. I've been practicing taking steps behind anything I can push, however I really just prefer walking with mom or dad, it gets me where I need to be.
4. I've expanded my food selection to include chicken nuggets (they're ok), mac & cheese (still a favorite), yogurt, cheese, and icing! Mom let me have a little sampling at a party and I can't wait for my very own birthday cake!
5. I love music! Anytime something plays a tune for me or someone is rocking on the t.v. I dance along with them...play me some rhythm!
6. I'm a social butterfly. I love talking to mom and dad, but also to myself too. I've definitely got the mama's and dada's down. Some new sounds I'm making are "nana" (should sound like na-na, but it's almost like n0-no), "ba's" and spitting with my tongue...better duck or you might get sprayed.
7. Mom says I'm like changing a wet seals diaper when I'm on the changing table. I just feel like there's a lot I need to look at and do while I'm up there, so being still is really not an option.
8. I really enjoy placing my shape blocks in their slots. Sometimes I get a little frustrated and grunt, but if I focus really hard they go right through.
9. This one makes me sad, but I've started crying when mom or dad drop me off at church. They are hoping this phase doesn't last long. Thankfully I don't cry when I see my teachers at school, but if they try to hand me to a stranger I cry "danger, stranger!"
10. I'm finally a sippy cup pro. I used to only take a few sips here and there, but I love my sippy cup and can almost drink a whole cup in a setting. Now how I convince mom to put soda in there I'm not sure...I'll keep you posted on that one.
11. I'm a happy boy! I think mom is encouraging me to write this, but she said I make her and dad laugh all the time and I agree we have a lot of fun together. I love exploring and checking on my beagle Taylor. I'm a sweet cuddler and love to have my friends and family close by. I couldn't agree more when mom says we are truly blessed!

See you next month friends and family...it's gonna be fun turning one!

Playing with my farm...I really like the pig!

Getting caught with my hand in the cookie jar...well, really just my toy basket!

"Taylor, would you like a wooden pear?"
Sharing with my friends.

A little bedtime reading.
I love helping Dad check his emails, I'm quite proficient with his B-Berry.
(That's short for Black Berry)

My Buddies!

Here are a few pics of my last playdate with Grant and Avery. As you can see we've come a long way over the past few months. Our mommies keep saying they can't believe we're almost a year old...well we are, so you better watch out!

May 2007: 2-3 months old

Grant showing his muscles.

The boys being problem solvers...

which isn't at all entertaining for Avery,

as she enjoys the prettier things in life, like decorating with color!