Country Boy

Time-out Stockton

Recently, Clark and I decided that we needed to make an addition to our home and purchased a time-out chair for Stockton. So far, it has been a really good buy. Stockton will often kick and scream getting his diaper changed or putting his clothes on, but is a perfect angel after he's had his time-out. It usually takes just a couple of minutes. Sometimes he'll try to act really angry while he's sitting on his chair; other times he tries to change the subject by asking for different things; but the last few times, he just smiles at us and tries to charm his way out of his punishment. In the end, he does what we want him to do, so it isn't much of a concern to me. I have the hardest time not laughing, though.

Well, in church last Sunday, Stockton was behaving really badly. He was being loud and throwing things at the people behind us, so he earned himself a time-out. As I was walking him out of the chapel, he was grinning from ear to ear and saying for everyone to hear, "Time-out, time-out." Well, you can probably guess that he tried to charm his way out his this one. I give you exhibit A, taken on Clark's camera phone:

Now, Stockton won't usually smile for pictures, but a picture in time-out, why not? His smile was even bigger just before this.

I have know idea when Stockton decided time-outs were fun. Clark and I never give into him and usually ignore him completely, but we may have to rethink our strategy. Stockton's behavior last Sunday took three time-outs, the last being an angry time-out.

And So It Begins . . .

We are going to begin potty-training Stockton tomorrow. Yikes! I'm a little apprehensive about the whole process considering bribery has little to no impact with Stockton. Unfortunately, there is no treat or toy that will motivate him. On the plus side, he acts very ready: he doesn't mind sitting on the potty and even asked to go at preschool today, but we have never had any luck catching it. And, considering he is turning three in a couple of weeks, I think it's time to push the matter. I'm open to any suggestions. We're planning to stay home and have a very boring next few days, so we'll see what happens!

Dog Lover

Stockton loves dogs! He has a really cute relationship with our Golden Retriever, Tawny. I would imagine their relationship is all one-sided, though. Usually, Stockton torments Tawny in one way or another--tail-pulling or eye-poking are among his favorite games--but Tawny doesn't seem to mind and is willing to devote many hours to Stockton's amusement.

Last Wednesday in preschool, Stockton's teacher brought in her dog for the kids to play with. Naturally, it was a big hit:

Gardner Village

On Wednesday, Stockton and I went to Gardner Village with our cousins, Thierry, Lisa, and Dana, and their kids. The plan was to go to the petting zoo, and then see the witches around the shops, but Stockton didn't make it to the last part. We still had a lot of fun though. I didn't know that Gardner Village had a petting zoo. Most of the kids loved all the goats and chickens running around, but Stockton didn't even notice them. Instead, he focused all of his attention on the little stream of water running through the yard. Surprise, surprise! Nothing will pull Stockton away from water, and he made that fact well known when I tried to redirect his attention. Luckily, the petting zoo also had pony rides, which, with Stockton newly acquired horseback riding skills, were motivating enough to move on from the excitement of the stream. Whew!

Getcha Head in the Game!

Last week, my brother Tyler was involved with his stake variety show. Though his musical skills are lacking in many ways, I was quite impressed by his performance, and, if truth be told, I've never laughed so hard. It is probably something that is more funny live than on film, though. Anyway, he is the tall, lurpy one in the yellow, sleeveless jersey. The one with the really short shorts and sexy legs! Enjoy!

Rocky VII

Stockton Loves Preschool!

If only I were this creative at home . . .