October 24th marks the one year anniversary that our family was struck by tragedy when my beloved cousin Josh Baker went to heaven. Though are hearts are filled with sadness we can only look back on all the great memories that he left with us and all the lives that he touched. Sitting back and reflecting on Josh's life, many memories come to mind. One funny memory in particular stands out the most, which occurred at our family hunting camp.
It occurred around 10 PM one winter night. It was a dark gloomy night, the moon wasn't out at all. Josh, myself, and Joey (his older brother) went riding on one of the Four-Wheelers we have at the camp. Prior to going riding we had all three been talking about the popular scary movie at the time, The Blair Witch Project. The movie kind of freaked me and Josh out a bit.
While out riding we would stop and listen to the trees howl in the wind. We would listen to creatures moving all around us in the woods. Those of you who know Josh will be able to vouch to the fact that he was easily spooked, and he would jump out of his skin every time we would hear an armadillo. However, we all acted tough in our own way like nothing scared us and Josh would act the toughest.
Joey got the most ingenious idea; one he didn't share with me. While we were out driving at least a mile or two from the camp, just the three of us in the pitch black woods, the four wheeler suddenly stalls. At first we were like what is going on? Joey is just as serious as he can be. Josh being tough is like what is going on? Everything is cool until we start to hear things moving in the woods. Josh begins to freak out. I have to admit I was a little uneasy to, it was a long walk back to the camp.
After a minute or so of trying to restart the four-wheeler we looked down at the fuel switch and saw that it had been turned off. Then Joey busted out laughing. He had shut the switch off to scare the mess out of Josh and boy did it work. Needless to say Josh wasn't happy, but we all got some good laughs out of it later.
Many years later I look back on the many times that the whole family would get together and all of us cousins would have a blast. Josh always was the center of attention and was always fun to be around. Christmas in particular will never be the same. However, we can all always share the fondest of memories that we had with Josh and cherish them in our hearts. We love you Josh and know that you are well taken care of by our Father. Thank you for all the childhood memories.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Two and a Half Foot Dinosaur
Wow! So it has been a little while since our last post, only 5 months. A lot has happened since then: Caden learned to walk, had his first birthday, learned what No means, learned to say No, He knows what he wants and knows how to get it, and continues to be a blessing everyday.
Today was a day full of adventure. At 1:30PM we met with one of Amanda's friends Kim, who is a photographer, to take family pictures out in Plant City. I have to say that it was quite entertaining. The pictures were fall themed, expectedly there were several pumpkins that Caden decided would be good to throw at his parents and Kim. To complete our photo shoot we decided to dress Caden in his Halloween costume, which is a little dinosaur. I have to say that he wasn't to excited about this at first considering the fact that it was almost 90 degrees outside. However, after Amanda and myself acting like complete idiots we gave Kim the time needed to get some really awesome pictures of Caden. We also decided that photographers need assitants who can take pictures of the parents who try overly hard to get their children to smile. It was really hilarious to see a two and a half foot little dinosaur walking through the woods, wasn't real scary though (will post more photos once they are finished).
After our photo shoot it was off to find Isabelle, our friend's daughter, a birthday present. I have to say that boys get the short end of the stick when it comes to clothes in retail stores; there is sooooo much stuff for girls.
From there it was off to Grandma's house (Amanda's mother's house) we went. While I gave Corolla (our family vehicle) a bath, Caden's Grandma gave him singing lessons. This was absolutely hilarious. He held the microphone to his mouth and jabbered away thinking he was singing. Unfortunately I don't have the video, though Amanda has it posted on Facebook (will post later).
Last but not least we attended a Sweet Sixteen birthday party at Caden's other Grandma's house (my mom a.k.a JuJu). I just can't wait until Caden is 16 ;). While there Caden and I saw the craziest snake headed catepillar looking thing that was demolishing my mom's garden. Oh yeah, and we checked out JuJu's pepper farm. And Caden chased around my mom's toy poodle and tried to extract her hair.
Pretty good day I have to say. Looking forward to tomorrow; teaching Children's Church and then to Isabelle's party.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Caden and The Pickle
It is always highly entertaining to see the reactions that our little ones make to new foods. This is Caden and the pickle test. Hope you enjoy.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Electrical Savvy Veterinary Vampire
Taking bets on Caden’s future career. Amanda and I are certain he will pursue one of three careers; an electrician, veterinarian, or a vampire (if that is a career, I threw that one in).
With the many safety hazards that electricity and 8 month olds can bring we are always watchful. Caden hones in on electrical cords when he sees them and off he goes. Some of his favorite things to do are to chew on live wires, unplug and attempt to re-plug wires, and play with electrical sockets. Not to worry, we by no means condone this behavior or allow him to even attempt it, but nonetheless he has an addiction to cords when we he sees them he at least tries to crawl as fast as he can to them, or pitches a fit when we remove a cord that he works so hard to reach (let me know if you have the number for our local Electrical Wire Addict Anonymous group).
Secondly, Caden has a fascination with dogs. Red ones, black ones, white ones, big ones, little ones, and all in between; he loves them all. Every evening we take our ritual walk around the neighborhood, Caden usually cruises in his little Red Flyer wagon. While on our stroll Caden’s little eyes are scanning every direction looking for his canine friends. As soon as he sees one in the distance he locks eyes on it and begins kicking his feet back and forth. Sometimes he even talks to the canines (the next Dog whisperer perhaps). Oh on a few occasions he has actually makes physical contact with a dog or two. Usually these encounters end up with Caden getting a little to excited and the dog becoming a little lighter because of the hair extraction service that Caden offers (free of charge I have to mention). Maybe one day in the future we can get him a little friend (poor poor dog).
Lastly, we are considering letting Caden audition for the next Twilight movie, although we are afraid he may take it a little too serious. This is because Caden sometimes enjoys chewing on people. Whether it is a shoulder, arm, or maybe even my face Caden has the urge to sink his newly grown teeth into me, his mom, and sometimes random strangers (just kidding about the strangers, we taught him to not bite strangers). Amanda taught Caden how to give her kisses, aww…yeah sounds cute and it is when he does it with her (actually it is one of the cutest things ever). Fifty percent of the time that I ask him to give me a kiss he tries to extract portions of my nose. At least I know that he only likes kissing women.
Life is great with our little guy. Only complaint is that he is growing way to fast!
With the many safety hazards that electricity and 8 month olds can bring we are always watchful. Caden hones in on electrical cords when he sees them and off he goes. Some of his favorite things to do are to chew on live wires, unplug and attempt to re-plug wires, and play with electrical sockets. Not to worry, we by no means condone this behavior or allow him to even attempt it, but nonetheless he has an addiction to cords when we he sees them he at least tries to crawl as fast as he can to them, or pitches a fit when we remove a cord that he works so hard to reach (let me know if you have the number for our local Electrical Wire Addict Anonymous group).
Secondly, Caden has a fascination with dogs. Red ones, black ones, white ones, big ones, little ones, and all in between; he loves them all. Every evening we take our ritual walk around the neighborhood, Caden usually cruises in his little Red Flyer wagon. While on our stroll Caden’s little eyes are scanning every direction looking for his canine friends. As soon as he sees one in the distance he locks eyes on it and begins kicking his feet back and forth. Sometimes he even talks to the canines (the next Dog whisperer perhaps). Oh on a few occasions he has actually makes physical contact with a dog or two. Usually these encounters end up with Caden getting a little to excited and the dog becoming a little lighter because of the hair extraction service that Caden offers (free of charge I have to mention). Maybe one day in the future we can get him a little friend (poor poor dog).
Lastly, we are considering letting Caden audition for the next Twilight movie, although we are afraid he may take it a little too serious. This is because Caden sometimes enjoys chewing on people. Whether it is a shoulder, arm, or maybe even my face Caden has the urge to sink his newly grown teeth into me, his mom, and sometimes random strangers (just kidding about the strangers, we taught him to not bite strangers). Amanda taught Caden how to give her kisses, aww…yeah sounds cute and it is when he does it with her (actually it is one of the cutest things ever). Fifty percent of the time that I ask him to give me a kiss he tries to extract portions of my nose. At least I know that he only likes kissing women.
Life is great with our little guy. Only complaint is that he is growing way to fast!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Pre-Mother's Day and The Family Grows
This morning, as Mother’s Day approaches, I thought about how awesome mothers truly are. After seeing Amanda’s unwavering devotion to taking care of Caden, myself (sometimes more of a kid than Caden), and her faithfulness to God I could not thank God for how blessed I truly am. Thank you to all the mothers.
Today the family went over to my mom’s house to celebrate a pre-Mother’s Day celebration. Caden and Wesley (my brother’s son) steal the show; it’s amazing how the little one’s light up the room. Caden flirts with all the ladies, his smile melts their hearts ( I try to tell him that he’s flirting with family, but I think he is just practicing for his long-distance girlfriend Reagan) and Wesley is so darn cute everyone just wants to hold him (wait until he is 20lbs, that will stop real fast). Anyways, It was good to hangout with the family. I almost forgot by the way, my cousin Jamie is pregnant, so awesome. Caden, Wesley, and _____ shall one day be a very interesting trio, can’t wait to see the trouble they brew up. Congratulations Jamie and Alex!
Today the family went over to my mom’s house to celebrate a pre-Mother’s Day celebration. Caden and Wesley (my brother’s son) steal the show; it’s amazing how the little one’s light up the room. Caden flirts with all the ladies, his smile melts their hearts ( I try to tell him that he’s flirting with family, but I think he is just practicing for his long-distance girlfriend Reagan) and Wesley is so darn cute everyone just wants to hold him (wait until he is 20lbs, that will stop real fast). Anyways, It was good to hangout with the family. I almost forgot by the way, my cousin Jamie is pregnant, so awesome. Caden, Wesley, and _____ shall one day be a very interesting trio, can’t wait to see the trouble they brew up. Congratulations Jamie and Alex!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Future Farmer of America or the Next Michael Jackson?
Each and everyday is a blessing for Amanda and I especially because of our little guy. The joy and laughter he brings is insurmountable in everyway. Yesterday exemplifies that joy. While visiting Amanda’s grandparent’s house I decided to take Caden out to feed the cows some bread. Usually when Caden sees an animal he just reaches for it as if he would like to rip its hair out and gnaw on the creature. In this scenario we walked up to the fence and called all the cows in from the field. Caden’s anticipation grew as they approached. Once the cows reached the fence I broke a piece of bread from the loaf and tossed it to the cows. All of the sudden Caden broke out in hysterical laughter. Every time I threw a piece of bread his laughter became more and more profuse. Practically in tears I had to run in and get Amanda, her mother, and her grandmother to show them my newfound entertainment.
The joy that Caden brings to our home doesn’t stop there. Recently Caden took up the hobby of dancing. While sitting on the floor last night I got to see Caden break out in his jerky none graceful yet extremely entertaining dancing. He pulls up on one of his toys that is kind of like a little table with various noise mechanisms all over it. Then he pushes its’ buttons and starts to boogie. He looks like a two-and-a-half foot one hundred year old trying to dance, his legs locked in place he begins to jerk his little hips around occasionally checking to make sure that his mother and I are watching him (i'll upload a video soon). We love every moment of it.
I am looking forward to what today will bring and with the weekend coming I can’t be more excited about getting spend more time with the family.
The joy that Caden brings to our home doesn’t stop there. Recently Caden took up the hobby of dancing. While sitting on the floor last night I got to see Caden break out in his jerky none graceful yet extremely entertaining dancing. He pulls up on one of his toys that is kind of like a little table with various noise mechanisms all over it. Then he pushes its’ buttons and starts to boogie. He looks like a two-and-a-half foot one hundred year old trying to dance, his legs locked in place he begins to jerk his little hips around occasionally checking to make sure that his mother and I are watching him (i'll upload a video soon). We love every moment of it.
I am looking forward to what today will bring and with the weekend coming I can’t be more excited about getting spend more time with the family.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
No Fear!
Over the past 8 months 2 weeks and 2 days Caden has went from being our cute almost motionless ball of joy to our no fear untamed adventurous little delight. Into everything, over the past month Caden has learned to sit up, crawl, and stand without any helping hands from mom and dad. He is a boy on a mission. Electrical cords, hair, jewelry, and anything dangerous are a few of his newfound hobbies. A typical day in paradise for Caden is drinking out of mom and dad’s cup, eating mom and dad’s food, and riding through Fishhawk in his Red Flyer wagon sporting nothing but a diaper (much to Caden’s sadness his mother usually makes him wear clothes).
With all of his newfound talents, Caden forgets that he is only 8 months old, usually resulting in him forgetting that he can’t walk yet and that there is such thing as gravity. Not to worry though, his mom and dad are always there to catch him when he steps out in faith. At the Coggins household we are taking precautions to prevent our little explorer from getting into trouble.
Our newest add-on is our Caden Cage, which is a 34 square foot baby gate pen with rubber flooring and minimal hazards, definitely a space killer. The honey-do/ Caden safety list continues to grow. Cabinet locks, door locks, baby gates, cord covers, outlet plugs, and other unforeseeable preventative maintenance mechanisms, are just a few.
Life is most certainly good and there is never a dull moment. Amanda and I look forward to what each and every new day brings. My current prediction is that Caden will be walking in about two or tree weeks. I have started working out more profusely in order to keep up with the little guy.
Our upcoming agenda, Amanda’s first mother’s day and Caden’s first birthday preparations.
With all of his newfound talents, Caden forgets that he is only 8 months old, usually resulting in him forgetting that he can’t walk yet and that there is such thing as gravity. Not to worry though, his mom and dad are always there to catch him when he steps out in faith. At the Coggins household we are taking precautions to prevent our little explorer from getting into trouble.
Our newest add-on is our Caden Cage, which is a 34 square foot baby gate pen with rubber flooring and minimal hazards, definitely a space killer. The honey-do/ Caden safety list continues to grow. Cabinet locks, door locks, baby gates, cord covers, outlet plugs, and other unforeseeable preventative maintenance mechanisms, are just a few.
Life is most certainly good and there is never a dull moment. Amanda and I look forward to what each and every new day brings. My current prediction is that Caden will be walking in about two or tree weeks. I have started working out more profusely in order to keep up with the little guy.
Our upcoming agenda, Amanda’s first mother’s day and Caden’s first birthday preparations.
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