Mont & I wore our hiking ponchos. The Petries preferrred trash bags.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
More California stuff
As the other posts slide down the list I thought I'd start a new one.
Questions:
What day are the McCardles arriving in Southern California? Kelsey ~ can you find out for me?
When I found out they're staying in San Diego I wondered if maybe some/all of us could do a little beach thing at Mission Bay and pop in to see the changes to Gigi's house? We're considering leaving on Thursday and arriving late Friday or early Saturday, so maybe Sunday would work for that? Just kicking around ideas.
Also, those of you who have been to California Adventure... is it something we should do or should we consider skipping it?
Questions:
What day are the McCardles arriving in Southern California? Kelsey ~ can you find out for me?
When I found out they're staying in San Diego I wondered if maybe some/all of us could do a little beach thing at Mission Bay and pop in to see the changes to Gigi's house? We're considering leaving on Thursday and arriving late Friday or early Saturday, so maybe Sunday would work for that? Just kicking around ideas.
Also, those of you who have been to California Adventure... is it something we should do or should we consider skipping it?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
ALL RIGHT, NATHAN, WHAT'S MMTWGR?
You are not off the hook, McCardle. Don't give us any "I tried to post it and it got lost"!
Uncle Grump
Uncle Grump
Our search is getting INTERESTING! ;-) - -
Background:
Mike & I are SO tickled to be going to N&T's in April!! We will be there over Spring Break and are tickled that the kids will be out of school so we can see them all better! The 2nd week there we are hoping to take a quick jaunt to Indiana so I too can meet the McCardle cousins with whom Mike corresponds, and to see the original (McC) family farm complete with graveyard.
Enter our initial attempt at finding a "suitable" place to stay while there, checking the 'net for possibilties for our 2 night stay in a nearby small town in Indiana where Best Westerns are unheard of ! ;-)
Marilyn:
"Hello, may I please speak with someone who can give me information about your motel"?
Desk:
"The manager is not here Ma'am." (SILENCE)
Marilyn: (AMAZED!)
"Is there anyone at your front desk who is knowledgeable?"
Desk:
"No Ma'am" (SILENCE)
Marilyn" (Aghast but trying not to show it - the poorly trained guy at the front desk can't help this scene!)
"Thank you. Goodbye".
Desk:
"Goodbye" (No referral to a ph # or times to reach mgr. NOTHING!)
- - And we haven't done much better since! LOL! THIS should be interesting indeed! :-)
Mike & I are SO tickled to be going to N&T's in April!! We will be there over Spring Break and are tickled that the kids will be out of school so we can see them all better! The 2nd week there we are hoping to take a quick jaunt to Indiana so I too can meet the McCardle cousins with whom Mike corresponds, and to see the original (McC) family farm complete with graveyard.
Enter our initial attempt at finding a "suitable" place to stay while there, checking the 'net for possibilties for our 2 night stay in a nearby small town in Indiana where Best Westerns are unheard of ! ;-)
Marilyn:
"Hello, may I please speak with someone who can give me information about your motel"?
Desk:
"The manager is not here Ma'am." (SILENCE)
Marilyn: (AMAZED!)
"Is there anyone at your front desk who is knowledgeable?"
Desk:
"No Ma'am" (SILENCE)
Marilyn" (Aghast but trying not to show it - the poorly trained guy at the front desk can't help this scene!)
"Thank you. Goodbye".
Desk:
"Goodbye" (No referral to a ph # or times to reach mgr. NOTHING!)
- - And we haven't done much better since! LOL! THIS should be interesting indeed! :-)
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Every year, for the last three years, Archer and I have driven up to the hills at the crack of dawn, hiked several miles in snowshoes with massive amounts of camera gear, and questioned our mental stability, all in the name of a few pictures that not many other people have. This year the weather was great, as long as we were in the trees. However, the second we walked out to Brainerd lake, we were met with 30-50 mph winds. That made the 20 degree weather dip below zero in a most painful fashion.
Archer showing off a symbol of the 6 feet of snow at 10500 feet.
Me facing the wind at the lake. Click to really get the feeling of the environment.
One of the photos I took while in the blizzard.
We were able to walk out onto the frozen lake and get some photos of the dead trees that are normally poking out of the water.
We hiked a total of 8 miles, and I fell through the snow up to my chest a few times, but it was a blast.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Off to the ball
Freshmen girls travel in packs... here's Amy's pack. From left to right are Rachel, Brittney, Tessa, Christina, Amy and Justyna. Amy, Brittney and Jusytna have all been friends since preschool. Tessa's parents invited all the girls to their house tonight for a nice dinner and then they're driving them all to the dance. The mothers involved were all feeling quite old, frumpy and lumpy compared to the girls. sigh. But don't they look nice? :) (click to enlarge)
Darcy, You're a Star.
Want to know why? Because you are famous at Bethlehem Lutheran School.
Want to know why? Because Cade has to write stories using his spelling words.
Want to know what he wrote? Ok. He had to use the words "taught" and "fault".
So he wrote a nice one about "the time I taught my aunt to eat a pepper." That's right.
Now, did you learn your lesson well? Because, if not, it is certainly not Cade's "fault".
Want to know why? Because Cade has to write stories using his spelling words.
Want to know what he wrote? Ok. He had to use the words "taught" and "fault".
So he wrote a nice one about "the time I taught my aunt to eat a pepper." That's right.
Now, did you learn your lesson well? Because, if not, it is certainly not Cade's "fault".
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Okay...let's talk June '08
***Okay for Gigi to read...no party secrets or surprises, just planning :)***
I have no problem with Darcy's plans for their crowd. But let's talk OFFICIAL PARTY PLANNING. (oooooooo...)
[[[random note for Darc- unless you are emotionally tied to the idea of the Disneyland Hotel, I strongly recommend the Grand Californian, their newest hotel at the resort. Also, if you're booking a hotel stay at the resort and getting park hoppers, call a travel agent who specializes in Disney and see if with your purchase you can get early admission passes and/or some of those magical passes that are like all-day fast passes or things along those lines. The travel agents usually are the ones who can disburse those goodies and they are A GOOD THING. It's worth asking about.]]]
Back to the festivities...
We could do things along the lines of the Oregon reunion...
Thurs officially afternoonish- dinner birthday party (wrong month, right year)
Fri morning breakfast...
OR we could do afternoons/evenings together on Thurs and Friday.
I'm open to suggestions. anyone??
It looks like we won't be able to use the campground's community room because we don't have enough spaces booked, but it will still be a pleasant and affordable place for you to stay that are booked there, and easily accessible for all your desitinations. So the party happenings will likely be here. But with the number attending, we should be fine for space. We might just park the party tent and tables/chairs in the back yard (you know the ones W&K and Mom & Dad...) for those couple days.
Windy has suggested a family talent show for Gigi: the grands who play instruments or sing could do so, maybe we can get some skits or taekwando or gymnastic routines? Adults who could recite/ read tributes/sing/play?
Any other official presentation? I've thought about trying to get the candy recipes all typed up and bound to share...with my spring I'm not sure it will happen, but I can try.
So...feedback???
I have no problem with Darcy's plans for their crowd. But let's talk OFFICIAL PARTY PLANNING. (oooooooo...)
[[[random note for Darc- unless you are emotionally tied to the idea of the Disneyland Hotel, I strongly recommend the Grand Californian, their newest hotel at the resort. Also, if you're booking a hotel stay at the resort and getting park hoppers, call a travel agent who specializes in Disney and see if with your purchase you can get early admission passes and/or some of those magical passes that are like all-day fast passes or things along those lines. The travel agents usually are the ones who can disburse those goodies and they are A GOOD THING. It's worth asking about.]]]
Back to the festivities...
We could do things along the lines of the Oregon reunion...
Thurs officially afternoonish- dinner birthday party (wrong month, right year)
Fri morning breakfast...
OR we could do afternoons/evenings together on Thurs and Friday.
I'm open to suggestions. anyone??
It looks like we won't be able to use the campground's community room because we don't have enough spaces booked, but it will still be a pleasant and affordable place for you to stay that are booked there, and easily accessible for all your desitinations. So the party happenings will likely be here. But with the number attending, we should be fine for space. We might just park the party tent and tables/chairs in the back yard (you know the ones W&K and Mom & Dad...) for those couple days.
Windy has suggested a family talent show for Gigi: the grands who play instruments or sing could do so, maybe we can get some skits or taekwando or gymnastic routines? Adults who could recite/ read tributes/sing/play?
Any other official presentation? I've thought about trying to get the candy recipes all typed up and bound to share...with my spring I'm not sure it will happen, but I can try.
So...feedback???
A Good Day
Wednesday was a good day - made up of little nonthing things -mostly.
At the nursing home a new lady was wheeled into the service. I asked her if she would like a song book. NO - she was very religious and didn't want anything that wasn't. I assured her we were singing hymns. NO, that was about Jesus & she was Jewish - Orthodox, but she would stay - 'cause she didn't have anything against that stuff- some of her friends were that way. Then she asked if we would sing her favorite hymn - "Rock of Ages". As I was playing it I was sure there must be a Jewish hymn by that name. Why on earth would an orthodox Jew want that hymn. But when we finished she clapped. She took off before I could talk to her so I still have not figured that one out.
Then I went to Henry's and Von's and never had to stand in line or hunt for a parking place - but the best was yet to come.
Next stop Costco - gasp -gas was less than 3 bucks!!! and there was no line - I pulled right up to a pump. Never happens. Then I got a close parking space empty right before my eyes and no line at the cash registers.
Oh if every day could be so easy.
Today was pretty cool, too. I had made 2 aprons for our missions convention quilt sale - smaller items often sell 'cause not everyone can afford a quilt. They sold already. Cool - An $11 investment turned into $40 for missions.
At the nursing home a new lady was wheeled into the service. I asked her if she would like a song book. NO - she was very religious and didn't want anything that wasn't. I assured her we were singing hymns. NO, that was about Jesus & she was Jewish - Orthodox, but she would stay - 'cause she didn't have anything against that stuff- some of her friends were that way. Then she asked if we would sing her favorite hymn - "Rock of Ages". As I was playing it I was sure there must be a Jewish hymn by that name. Why on earth would an orthodox Jew want that hymn. But when we finished she clapped. She took off before I could talk to her so I still have not figured that one out.
Then I went to Henry's and Von's and never had to stand in line or hunt for a parking place - but the best was yet to come.
Next stop Costco - gasp -gas was less than 3 bucks!!! and there was no line - I pulled right up to a pump. Never happens. Then I got a close parking space empty right before my eyes and no line at the cash registers.
Oh if every day could be so easy.
Today was pretty cool, too. I had made 2 aprons for our missions convention quilt sale - smaller items often sell 'cause not everyone can afford a quilt. They sold already. Cool - An $11 investment turned into $40 for missions.
We Are Not Dead
The boys and I have been checking out martial arts options for a while, but the Aikido and Judo I am familiar with are not very popular here in Denver, or are far away and expensive. I finally caved in and let them do Tae Kwon Do like their friends. Here they are sporting their new uniforms. Cade is blocking a blow from above, ready for a follow up strike with the other hand. Heath is doing a "tiger claw" punch to the nose of his unfortunate opponent. Maybe I'll post a little video sometime in the coming weeks.
I am expecting a call from a violin teacher later this evening. That has been quite an adventure, as well. When that is finally sorted, I'll let you know.
KJ
Can we talk June '08?
I'm trying to nail down a few things for our trip and have a couple of questions.
We are driving down, we've decided almost for sure, which means we would arrive Saturday 6/7 and depart Saturday 6/14. I'm thinking that fits with the dates we already discussed, yes?
Our two objectives are to see all of you and to do the Disney thing. My preference would be to do a 3 day park hopper ~ one day with anyone who might like to do a group thing, one day in Disneyland on our own, and one day for California Adventure. I'd really like to do 2 nights at the Disneyland Hotel because we likely won't do this again anytime soon.
Heidi, would it work if we locked up the RV for two nights, or is that too risky? Or maybe Jordan or someone could stay there those 2 nights? We wouldn't want to do that unless you were really okay with it, obviously. We'd still pay for all the nights, of course.
My second question is a scheduling question... which days should we plan to do Disney? I'm thinking Monday 6/9, Tuesday 6/10 and Wednesday 6/11 with the hotel stay being Monday and Tuesday. Will that conflict with any official plans? That would leave us free Sunday, Thursday and Friday. Is that enough? We could certainly shorten the Disney thing to 2 days if necessary, but 3 would be my first choice.
Feedback please?
We are driving down, we've decided almost for sure, which means we would arrive Saturday 6/7 and depart Saturday 6/14. I'm thinking that fits with the dates we already discussed, yes?
Our two objectives are to see all of you and to do the Disney thing. My preference would be to do a 3 day park hopper ~ one day with anyone who might like to do a group thing, one day in Disneyland on our own, and one day for California Adventure. I'd really like to do 2 nights at the Disneyland Hotel because we likely won't do this again anytime soon.
Heidi, would it work if we locked up the RV for two nights, or is that too risky? Or maybe Jordan or someone could stay there those 2 nights? We wouldn't want to do that unless you were really okay with it, obviously. We'd still pay for all the nights, of course.
My second question is a scheduling question... which days should we plan to do Disney? I'm thinking Monday 6/9, Tuesday 6/10 and Wednesday 6/11 with the hotel stay being Monday and Tuesday. Will that conflict with any official plans? That would leave us free Sunday, Thursday and Friday. Is that enough? We could certainly shorten the Disney thing to 2 days if necessary, but 3 would be my first choice.
Feedback please?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Hey there hi there ho there
I guess I haven't posted much lately. :-) Now that it's back to the grindstone, I have less free time and am trying to get to bed earlier. It was working until last night. Mark is in Toronto and the bed is somehow not as comfortable without him in it.
The next 6 months are going to be a whirlwind. I'm teaching a full adjunct load as usual, but the difference is that I have 3 students who are giving senior recitals this semester and another 2 that aren't my students but who have asked me to sit on the faculty committee for theirs. For each of them that's a hearing, extra rehearsals, advising on their senior thesis papers and the research for their full program info.
It's more daunting since it's coming at the same time I'm taking on some new ventures as well. I'll be teaching 2 group voice classes for the school in Costa Mesa (I've capped the classes at 20 each) and I've also officially joined the worship team at church as well. Since they're excited to have my expertise on board, they've made me a team leader and I will also be team-teaching the group bible study and giving mini-lectures to teach about hymns at the hymn-sing series we'll be starting.
The good news is that one inflexible aspect of my schedule is that I will never do anything that will prevent me from taking Jake to school every day and picking him up every afternoon. I teach at the univ from 10-2 Mon-Thurs, and volunteer in Jake's class on Friday. I scheduled the group classes so that they are the same evening as worship study/rehearsal so I'm only gone one evening. Jake loves his "man night" with Daddy. And I've stopped accepting new private students and consolidated my remaining into one afternoon so I only teach at home one afternoon per week.
I'm still a little scared thinking of it all.
And then...the day after Jake graduates from kindergarten is the 2-day Gigi party!
The next 6 months are going to be a whirlwind. I'm teaching a full adjunct load as usual, but the difference is that I have 3 students who are giving senior recitals this semester and another 2 that aren't my students but who have asked me to sit on the faculty committee for theirs. For each of them that's a hearing, extra rehearsals, advising on their senior thesis papers and the research for their full program info.
It's more daunting since it's coming at the same time I'm taking on some new ventures as well. I'll be teaching 2 group voice classes for the school in Costa Mesa (I've capped the classes at 20 each) and I've also officially joined the worship team at church as well. Since they're excited to have my expertise on board, they've made me a team leader and I will also be team-teaching the group bible study and giving mini-lectures to teach about hymns at the hymn-sing series we'll be starting.
The good news is that one inflexible aspect of my schedule is that I will never do anything that will prevent me from taking Jake to school every day and picking him up every afternoon. I teach at the univ from 10-2 Mon-Thurs, and volunteer in Jake's class on Friday. I scheduled the group classes so that they are the same evening as worship study/rehearsal so I'm only gone one evening. Jake loves his "man night" with Daddy. And I've stopped accepting new private students and consolidated my remaining into one afternoon so I only teach at home one afternoon per week.
I'm still a little scared thinking of it all.
And then...the day after Jake graduates from kindergarten is the 2-day Gigi party!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Air Sarah
Well, maybe, just maybe, she can't dunk yet, but she sure had a great time. Go Sarah! And we really enjoyed watching her. mb
Pictures
The picture is easy, M&M. Just as easy as posting one on the blog. Just go to your profile and then select from your picture source.
Stan & 'Bert - We're expecting a post. Once you are listed you should have an east time posting - Except for the rare times when the lines are jammed for some reason. Then usually a while later it goes again.
Stan & 'Bert - We're expecting a post. Once you are listed you should have an east time posting - Except for the rare times when the lines are jammed for some reason. Then usually a while later it goes again.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Amy's first semi-formal
I don't have a picture yet, but Amy and I went shopping today with Eileen and Justyna for semi-formal dresses for the winter SnowBall this Saturday. I didn't think Amy would find one she was willing to wear, but lo and behold she did. Of course she looks like a knockout in it. She's been wearing the shoes around the house all evening practicing in them as the heels are probably 4 inches, at least. She and a group of her friends (all girls) are going to the dance together and having group pictures taken.
I'll post pictures for you on Saturday.
I'll post pictures for you on Saturday.
NO More Pink!! hallelujah
... Or - What a way to spend a 4-day weekend.
Our project for Mont's 4 day weekend (MLK Jr day + his Tuesday off) was to refloor and repaint the front bathroom. The floor wouldn't look clean anymore and the walls still had lots of patches where things have changed - so after 3+ yrs we tackled it. We had just the right amount of flooring left from our 'designed to sell' Rexford house bathroom and kept it to redo this floor. Took us a while, HUH? Now the walls are a very soft chocolate accent wall and matching off white tone. Should look great. Considering the small size it has consumed a lot of time. Tomorrow Mont will finish the 2nd coat of paint where needed.
Did you know this about Gigi? She told me since she could never wear pink as a child due to her red hair, when they did this house, she went all out with having as much pink as she wanted. She likes the new look to the bathroom , though. The colors make the tile look very nice - better than the pink did. Now my lovely gray shower curtain won't go. Rats!
P.S. Did anyone enjoy the NFL playoffs this weekend?? Poor Chargers. SD tried hard to get spirited, though, before the game.
Our project for Mont's 4 day weekend (MLK Jr day + his Tuesday off) was to refloor and repaint the front bathroom. The floor wouldn't look clean anymore and the walls still had lots of patches where things have changed - so after 3+ yrs we tackled it. We had just the right amount of flooring left from our 'designed to sell' Rexford house bathroom and kept it to redo this floor. Took us a while, HUH? Now the walls are a very soft chocolate accent wall and matching off white tone. Should look great. Considering the small size it has consumed a lot of time. Tomorrow Mont will finish the 2nd coat of paint where needed.
Did you know this about Gigi? She told me since she could never wear pink as a child due to her red hair, when they did this house, she went all out with having as much pink as she wanted. She likes the new look to the bathroom , though. The colors make the tile look very nice - better than the pink did. Now my lovely gray shower curtain won't go. Rats!
P.S. Did anyone enjoy the NFL playoffs this weekend?? Poor Chargers. SD tried hard to get spirited, though, before the game.
Welcome!!
Hey...looks like Stan & Bert made it on! Welcome! Hopefully, posting will go well for you!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Happy Birthday!
Bet you didn't know it's almost time to celebrate Tolkien's birthday, did you? I happen to know that because tomorrow night we're going to a large party in Portland to celebrate. No, we're not becoming obsessive... we have a gift card to stay a night at a quirky hotel in Portland (click the title of the thread for a link) and it just so happens they're throwing a big Tolkien bash tomorrow and we thought, what the heck.
Here's their description of it: "Celebrate Tolkien's birthday by coming dressed as your favorite Hobbit, elf, wizard, ent or other character from one of his amazing novels. We'll have Hobbit-inspired food specials, the entire film trilogy in the Theater, a performance of "Rings Greatest Hits" by Willamette Radio Workshop, jugglers, a balloon guy and much more. This is a one-of-a-kind party that you won't find anywhere else in Portland!"
Soooo... we're off to party with the hobbits tomorrow. No costumes here, just ogling. :) I'll let you know how it goes.
Here's their description of it: "Celebrate Tolkien's birthday by coming dressed as your favorite Hobbit, elf, wizard, ent or other character from one of his amazing novels. We'll have Hobbit-inspired food specials, the entire film trilogy in the Theater, a performance of "Rings Greatest Hits" by Willamette Radio Workshop, jugglers, a balloon guy and much more. This is a one-of-a-kind party that you won't find anywhere else in Portland!"
Soooo... we're off to party with the hobbits tomorrow. No costumes here, just ogling. :) I'll let you know how it goes.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Competition
I just had my first competition on Friday and I got third in the whole meet-out of 92 gymnasts. All of my scores were in the 8's:
bars: 8.825
beam: 8.4
floor: 8.925
vault: 8.85
all-around: 35.025
In my age group (12) there were 9 girls and I placed 4th on bars, 3rd on beam, and 1st on floor. I also won all-around in my age group. I am really close to making level 5 (I'm a level 4 right now) but to score out I need a 35.5 twice or a 36.
Monique went on Saturday morning and didnt place on any events but got 7th in all-around of her age-group. her scores are:
vault: 8.7
bars: 8.55
beam: 8.75
floor: 7.85
all-around: 33.85
She did really good but lots of the level 2s looked like they had competed before and were scoring like 38's on all-around.
My team (level 4) placed 2nd in the meet and my coach chose me to take home the trophy-I have to bring it back though.
Monique's team (level 2) place 4th in the meet.
bars: 8.825
beam: 8.4
floor: 8.925
vault: 8.85
all-around: 35.025
In my age group (12) there were 9 girls and I placed 4th on bars, 3rd on beam, and 1st on floor. I also won all-around in my age group. I am really close to making level 5 (I'm a level 4 right now) but to score out I need a 35.5 twice or a 36.
Monique went on Saturday morning and didnt place on any events but got 7th in all-around of her age-group. her scores are:
vault: 8.7
bars: 8.55
beam: 8.75
floor: 7.85
all-around: 33.85
She did really good but lots of the level 2s looked like they had competed before and were scoring like 38's on all-around.
My team (level 4) placed 2nd in the meet and my coach chose me to take home the trophy-I have to bring it back though.
Monique's team (level 2) place 4th in the meet.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Parish Church, Mark, England
Here it is - where the Counsell's went to Church in Mark. I copied it off a magnet sent to us from Cousins Brian & Teresa Wadman (his Mom was a Counsell) & that is why it isn't a good picture. MB
HBD
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARCY!!
What a little cutie you have always been. (Does that make me seem old?)
We love you. Mont & Evie
ps - stop with the birthdays -I'm starting to feel old. Heidi told me she only has a few more yrs to her 20th college reunion. NO WAY!
What a little cutie you have always been. (Does that make me seem old?)
We love you. Mont & Evie
ps - stop with the birthdays -I'm starting to feel old. Heidi told me she only has a few more yrs to her 20th college reunion. NO WAY!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
N&T's 1st Christmas visit Part 3
Emma (6) & Ethan(2) after church that 1st full day in town - a forecast for their entire visit "home"!Amy(14) towers over GiGi! Caleb's 12th BD!
Rose Bowl game with some of "the guys".
Monday, January 07, 2008
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Rewind: Adventure on I-15
This is a bit of backtracking to Thanksgiving. When we broke down on the 15 and had to be towed, it turned into a bit of a tow truck/amiable dirtbag convention. In this picture, you can see the Excursion loaded onto one truck, the trailer hooked up to another, another one just hanging out for good measure, and the white pickup barely visible behind the trailer was also from the tow company, for good measure.
While standing around on the side of the road waiting for the hour (at least) for them to get this all figured out, Jake began to amuse himself by kicking things. One thing he kicked ws a bag of poop. Yes, that is what I said...a bag of poop. Rather fresh in fact. It splattered up him well enough that we were all completely grossed out, and had to change him and seal the offending pants in plastic as well as possible. I never thought I would have to tell my kid "No kicking strange poop," but apparently I should have thought of it earlier.
At least somebody was having fun!
Jake's first tow truck drive. He looks happy.
From the tow truck hauling the trailer, looking through the windshield to the tow truck hauling the Excursion.
While standing around on the side of the road waiting for the hour (at least) for them to get this all figured out, Jake began to amuse himself by kicking things. One thing he kicked ws a bag of poop. Yes, that is what I said...a bag of poop. Rather fresh in fact. It splattered up him well enough that we were all completely grossed out, and had to change him and seal the offending pants in plastic as well as possible. I never thought I would have to tell my kid "No kicking strange poop," but apparently I should have thought of it earlier.
At least somebody was having fun!
Jake's first tow truck drive. He looks happy.
From the tow truck hauling the trailer, looking through the windshield to the tow truck hauling the Excursion.
Bowling
We had fun bowling on a rainy Friday - which turned out to be dry til night time - but we planned for wet. I was the high scorer this time - I got into my zone. But Heath has quite interesting form. He was shot-putting it and when we tried to get him to roll it a bit more, the ball went a few yards and stopped dead in the lane. But he did get the hang of it. Jakie launched one into the gutter that stuck due to the kid rails. But they all do very well. Cade has beautiful form - really! except he has a wicked hook that depresses his score somewhat.
Heidi has more pictures - I quit after these 2 but Heidi got good ones of every body.
Heath at Work
Well if your guests want to stay a long time there is nothing to do but put them to work!
Heath loves to vacuum - and does a very good job - I think dad has taught him well. Thye day before he did the fam room floor for me!
They left last evening - and it has sure been quiet today - a mixed blessing!
We enjoyed their visit immensely - but I have to admit it was nice to have absolute quiet til late this morning. They are good about quiet in the early morning - but Grandma always hears them anyway.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Part 2 N&T's 1st Or. Christmas visit 2007
Emma sweetly explains the coasters she made for GiGi.Amy's puzzle gets a work out by GiGi, Monique, & Amy! Even with the helping hands of many, it took several days to complete!
Kelsey enjoy her gift from the Family Stocking, "Benny Beaver", as Josh looks on, while George "vegges". (Note our snow outside!)
Teresa reads Ethan's book (a gift) to Ethan and Emma. Had been a favorite of his daddy's as a child AND of Grammas when she taught preschool/KG. mc
Part 1 - N&T's 1st Or. Christmas visit 2007
What a super time we shared!
10 yr old Josh catching up w GiGi!
Emma (6) & Sarah (8) delight at being together again! (Notice our "White Christmas" through the window behind them! )
Aunt Darcy FINALLY gets a hug from Ethan! - She was beginning to get a "complex" ;-)
Darcy & an amazed Gi Gi enjoying Heidi's book! (Darcy's gift!) mc
Friday, January 04, 2008
ONE more time! - WELCOME Elizabeth Alexandra!
An absolutely overflowing with JOY Grandma Nadine called ON Baby's due date to say that Shep had called from the hosp. anouncing that Elizabeth Alexandra, weighing 8 lbs 14 oz., had arrived sometime between 12noon & 2p EST Dec. 31, 2007! Both Mama & Baby were doing well. She didn't have any more details at that time & I could hear the happy commotion of tot voices and pattering feet which she needed to get back to. SisN asked me to put it on the blog for her, but (juno) wasn't cooperating, sigh, so in my frustration, after being either "kicked off" repeatedly, or having it not "take" (and not even be auto saved draft wise, I emailed instead!)
So NOW it is "official! WELCOME lil Elizabeth Alexandra! (What a LOVELY name!)
I since have caught a larnygitisy "bug" & haven't been able to talk on the phone as some of you have heard me "whine" about, so I won't know more detail till it is behind me and I can talk to her again! (I missed work Wed. & tonight Fri. but may be able to return on Saturday - slowly but surely I detect "hope"!) mc
So NOW it is "official! WELCOME lil Elizabeth Alexandra! (What a LOVELY name!)
I since have caught a larnygitisy "bug" & haven't been able to talk on the phone as some of you have heard me "whine" about, so I won't know more detail till it is behind me and I can talk to her again! (I missed work Wed. & tonight Fri. but may be able to return on Saturday - slowly but surely I detect "hope"!) mc
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
More Pre-Chrsitmas pics
So Why are Grandma & Jordan sitting together looking funny? When we packed the gifts to go up to the Schmidts I tucked Heidi's stocking gift plus some Express coupons that had come in the mail into Jordan's gift bag. And then forgot when we arrived.
So Jordan opened his gift and found a pretty pair of earrings (they matched the blue in his sweatshirt) and some coupons that gave him $20 off a purchase of $100. Wow, weren't we generous??? The funny look on Jordan's face alerted others while I was off in Lala land. So I helped him dig for the rest. Wish we had a pic of the first scene.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Congratulations and Happy New Year!!!!
Congrats to the Mathesons!! Can't wait to see pictures of little Elizabeth Alexandra. Bet that is a busy and tired New Year in VA.
Mont & I actually went out to see fireworks at midnight. They had a display in the harbor in a few locations - thought not Shelter Island like we thougth - but we parked on an overlook anyway so saw the downtown ones just fine. Windy and boys were in sandland already.
We celebrated by watching old favorite Jack Benny movies, plus Bob Hope's 'Son of Plae Face' - ridiculous but GOOD, clever comedy. No kick in the crotch jokes needed for a good laugh. Also by eating junk food we normally aschew. Today is more junk food and Rose Parade and Rose Bowl. Maybe Mont &I will celebrate by taking our first walk since my foot surgery after a few flexi rides for the boys.
Love and Happy 2008 to you ALL!!!!
(pic is from Christmas with the Schmidts)
Happy New Year!
What a day!
Mary & Shep welcomed little Elizabeth Alexandra just hours after Brad & Nika welcomed little Emma Catherine into the world, both on their exact due dates of New Year's Eve!
We had a little party of just ourselves, Jan & Mark and Alli. David, Alyssa and a friend of Alyssa's came over just before midnight in time to participate in honking party blowers and toasting in the new year with a Martinelli's toast. Even though it was just us, we still set a nice spread of appetizers, balloons, candles, etc. I just felt like celebrating even if it was just among ourselves, and it was a really great evening. :)
Tomorrow Jan & I will drive the hour back up to Westwood to see little Emma again in time to make it back for the Rose Bowl party in the afternoon. We are welcoming the Illini with warm santa ana December winds. If we can keep from catching on fire, it should blow away the smog and make the views of the mountains and ocean as lovely as the 75 degree weather! Today on the way back down from Westwood, we passed a motorhome with "GO ILLINI!! BEAT USC!!" painted on the windows. We did the USC victory fingers out the window. :)
I LOVED the account of the Emerald Bowl and now I REALLY hope they get to the Holiday Bowl next year! We watched the game from our trailer while camping and what a show Yvenson Bernard put on!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Mary & Shep welcomed little Elizabeth Alexandra just hours after Brad & Nika welcomed little Emma Catherine into the world, both on their exact due dates of New Year's Eve!
We had a little party of just ourselves, Jan & Mark and Alli. David, Alyssa and a friend of Alyssa's came over just before midnight in time to participate in honking party blowers and toasting in the new year with a Martinelli's toast. Even though it was just us, we still set a nice spread of appetizers, balloons, candles, etc. I just felt like celebrating even if it was just among ourselves, and it was a really great evening. :)
Tomorrow Jan & I will drive the hour back up to Westwood to see little Emma again in time to make it back for the Rose Bowl party in the afternoon. We are welcoming the Illini with warm santa ana December winds. If we can keep from catching on fire, it should blow away the smog and make the views of the mountains and ocean as lovely as the 75 degree weather! Today on the way back down from Westwood, we passed a motorhome with "GO ILLINI!! BEAT USC!!" painted on the windows. We did the USC victory fingers out the window. :)
I LOVED the account of the Emerald Bowl and now I REALLY hope they get to the Holiday Bowl next year! We watched the game from our trailer while camping and what a show Yvenson Bernard put on!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)