Country Livin'

Well, it's been a busy couple of weeks in the McGhee family. First of all, Hudson is still growing like a weed - he's into everything, and has added lots of new words to his almost-two-year-old vocabulary, like "Aww man!" and "I love you!" (I think). Every day is a new discovery for our little man - keep 'em coming, Hudson!

Hudson and I were lucky enough to attend a benefit for our friend Rylynn on Sunday. Her family and friends really outdid themselves with the auctions, raffles, BBQ, bake sale, and kid's games they put together to collect money for Ry and her new miracle heart. We had a great time - Hudson especially loved the bouncy house. He was NOT happy when we had to head home :)

So these days, we really are doing some country living. My dad just left for a three week Carnival cruise (don't get me started with the level of my jealousy), so the McGhee's have moved to the ranch for a while. I've gotta say, I'm loving it. Kelly and our precious Anna don't have to drive so much, and it's just nice to be out of town for a while - sort of a free vacation. Now if we can just keep Hudson out of the pool, the rodents out of the yard, and the wet Molly dog out of the house, we'll be batting a thousand.

So until next time, from me to you,
Judith Ann

Kelly-isims

Here's a little background...ever since I met my husband Kelly (in the Crystal Bar in Alpine, six years this month), he has made me laugh - humor is one of the best things about our relationship. And I've always said, "I HAVE to write this stuff down!" Well, this blog is the perfect place. So here's the first (of what will surely turn out to be numerous) of what I like to call "Kelly-isms"...

We were on our way to watch the Aggies play Baylor in College Station, on a chartered bus from home with loads of fun, loud, excited fans and former students. This trip become an annual tradition in our small town, and Kelly and I were so lucky to be included this year - we had a blast! So about halfway to CS, we pull over for a potty break and a cold beverage check (keep in mind this is at eight-thirty in the morning). As we begin loading back onto the bus, Kelly sits down, looks at me, and says, "What the hell kinda bus doesn't have cup holders?" I looked at my friend Cindy and we gave each other the Oh-Lord-here-he-goes-again look before bursting out into laughter. Oh Kelly, I am so blessed to have you with me on this crazy ride of life. What a goober.

In other news, Hudson now knows all about Vicks for Babies. He was playing in his room on Sunday, and I didn't hear anything from him for about ten minutes...so naturally, I knew something was up. Well, The Boy didn't let me down. I walked into his room, and low and behold, he was standing on the twin bed next to his crib, jumping and smiling. By then, the smell of Vicks was pretty strong, and I was wondering what was going on. And as I walked toward him, I could see that he'd worried away the lid of the tub of Vicks (a small tub, that had only been used once, so it was completely full) and had smeared it all over himself, his face, the bed, his crib, and anything else within reach. Needless to say, we hit the bathtub running. So, any mommies out there who are wondering what kind of damage a whole lotta Vicks can do, please rest assured that it's pretty harmless, especially after a nice warm bath. Oh, Hudson John, I've gotta say, you sure do keep us on our toes.

That's about it for now, and my bed is calling my name on this Monday after a long and fabulous weekend. So, from me to you,

Where Kelly proposed...September 2007

Hudson at nine months old - it's insane how much bigger he is now! Gig' em, big guy!



Judith Ann

New Milestones for The Hudster

I've got to start this update by bragging a bit about Hudson. He's growing so fast, I just know if I don't set it down in writing, I'll never remember all that he's doing these days...

So two weeks ago, we had a very big day. Hudson shared his first complete (verbal) thought with us! After his bath (his favorite part of the day, I might add), I laid him down on the bed to get dressed in his PJs and start our nighttime ritual. As soon as he was down, out pops, "Nite Nite, Daddy"! Kelly wasn't even in the room yet, but he got there fast! It was so precious.Kelly was absolutely elated about it. I love that the two men in my life already share a bond with one another. I think I'm going to be outnumbered for the next decade or so :)

Then two days ago, we got another addition to Hudson's ever-growing vocabulary. Not only did my dad (grandpa name = Bobbert) get a "Bye, bye Bob", but I finally got my very own good night from him. Yay! I think Robert was probably more excited that I was. It was so sweet.

I get questions sometimes about Hudson's feet. He was born with his feet facing each other, especially his left one. Technically, he was classified as having club feet. We were so worried when we first found this out, and when we were told that he'd have to have surgery and would need to wear special shoes until he was three years old...but I  must say, after the initial shock and efforts to figure things out, we have had no problems whatsoever. His feet look completely normal now, and he walks (and runs :) just like every other perfectly healthy toddler on the planet. Wearing his shoes with their connecting bar hasn't even been much of an issue - it's just part of our nightly routine.  Although, I must say, I'm a little worried about what we'll do when it's time to potty train our little monster....stay tuned!

In closing, I want to say a big shout-out to Rylynn, our very own little angel on this earth. This baby girl is two years old, and was in desperate need for a heart transplant - and she got one about a week ago! This gift is the answer to so many prayers out there, and proof that God hears us all. The McGhee's feel blessed to know her, her sweet parents, and her uplifting story, and we thank Him every day for the miracles he gives us. Go Rylynn Go!!!

From me to you...

Judith Ann

The first of many, I hope...

Hi! I'm not really sure what I'm doing, but I'll give it my best shot. So, here's my attempt at making a change. Today, everyone seems obsessed with Facebook. And I'll be the first to admit, I am one of the worst. It's great to be able to keep in touch with those special friends that I miss so much.

But I've come to realize that I've become, frankly, obcessed. And I'm addicted to enough things already (cigarrettes, good music, reality TV, the list goes on...), so why make it worse? So...I'm saying goodbye to FB and hello to blogging! This makes more sense, right? More personal, or something, I don't know.

And the main reason I'm going to try this, is for Hudson's sake. He is hysterical, and this will give me an outlet to remember our funny moments, and to share with family and friends who love us.  And if no one every reads them, then that's okay - at least I'll have them to look back on and be grateful. Plus, one day, I want to be able to show Hudson how much, and how quickly, he's grown. He's almost two years old (what?!?), and every day flies by so quickly that often, I'll glance up and the time is just...gone. How is this possible? I hear my English students (11th and 12th grade) complaining about how time just crawls by, and I think, "Are you kidding? Hold on to it! Don't waste it!" I remember how they feel, though. When I couldn't wait to be 16, or 18, or 21. (The year I was 20 years old was the longest in my life!) Good grief. What was I thinking? ;)

So here's my attempt to slow things down. I'm a teacher in a small town, and I've been married for a little longer than three years to the love of  my  life, Kelly. We are the parents of the most precious, sweet, stubborn, into-everything, wild little man ever. Hudson has reminded us of how blessed we are, and boy does he keep us on our toes!

So that's it. If I can ever figure out how to post this thing, then YAY!...and I'll post again soon.

From me to you,

Judith Ann