![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8AiGMED9yVTWvT2mUrASbA2gPBrOHKF9GtKIhjLMT-TYKJVI84mD_jy-yEv9znvF_u1WsY4AWbAWvWS2fw5QV-QhUUcMEI8Y06kgsTd9FliTAlZMV920s3umyo6wcj_Cz4gwjEidXRk/s320/ThanksgivingFeast.jpg)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Blessings
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8AiGMED9yVTWvT2mUrASbA2gPBrOHKF9GtKIhjLMT-TYKJVI84mD_jy-yEv9znvF_u1WsY4AWbAWvWS2fw5QV-QhUUcMEI8Y06kgsTd9FliTAlZMV920s3umyo6wcj_Cz4gwjEidXRk/s320/ThanksgivingFeast.jpg)
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Last Day
There are so many things I(we) am(are) grateful for in our lives, and employment is definitely one of them. Other items on the list include spending the entire summer (5+ months!) with E and really forming what I pray will be a lifelong bond with our daughter. I have memories beyond memories of this summer and plan to dedicate a future post here to all the things her and I took on as part of our normal daily and/or weekly routines.
A big thank you to all of our friends who helped us out during this scaling back time. It is definitely times like this when you know who is really on your side. I received many messages this summer ranging from general encouragement to specific potential job leads. It is one of these private leads - a sort of a friend of a friend told me this once kind of deal - that ultimately led to the opportunity that played out to be my next gig. Thank you. You know who you are.
We are really looking forward to finding a new schedule and settling into our new groove. All this patient waiting has led to this moment, the start of a new chapter. We are truly blessed and could not be more thankful. As a friend of mine always says, "Praises Up, Blessings Down". Amen to that.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
American Soldiers; The Often Overlooked National Treasure
Happy Veteran's Day!
And a big thank you to anyone who has served, is currently serving, or plans to serve this great country of ours! We could not be who we are or where we are without your brave efforts!
I chose to use pictures of the Korean Memorial in Washington D.C., not to single out a specific American conflict, but rather to commemorate a family vacation once observed by us in which we had the pleasure to witness this memorial firsthand. If you have not seen it, I would highly suggest placing it on your "bucket list". It is awesome!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Another Superwoman Joins The Ranks
The witch costume (although appropriate for our toddler at times in terms of her demeanor) with black feathers at the sleeve ends and bottom, was thinner than it looked in the package and certainly SHORTER than it looked in the package. If she were older and tried to wear something like that out of the house, she would’ve been sent “to her room” for a changin’. So it was axed. I consoled S, who had her heart set on the “littlest witch”, that there were a number of years left for E to don a pointed black hat. If you ask me this disguise just becomes more fun with age anyhow as an older child will certainly put up with green face paint and fake nose warts longer than a toddler would anyway.
The bumblebee costume, with glittery wings and antenna headband, was adorable, but only if Halloween occurred in June instead of October. The temperature was in the low 40’s, so the bee was ditched for a more practical, more outrageous, more velvety, full armed and full legged, Superwoman (or Supergirl).
Besides, I am a HUGE fan of taking the total character a bit further than just wearing the costume. I mean, a true job well done is playing the part too, right? That being said, have you ever, EVER, seen a witch run like that?
Doctor Emily came over to play on Halloween and the two girls had a blast. They also stayed up WAY past their bedtimes, but I guess that's to be expected on a year when Halloween lands on a Saturday! S made that headband to complement the outfit, which prompted one parent on "the candy circuit" to pose the question "Did Superwoman wear a headband?". Who knows. All I know is I have Superwoman for a wife and Supergirl on Halloween.
After only a few houses, she already had the routine down; get in wagon, ride to next driveway, hop out and run up to steps, climb steps, mumble something (sometimes "Trick or Treat!") and reach into candy bowl with gloves (retrieving nothing and requiring assistance), go back to wagon, hold on tight to pumpkin handle, repeat. As a parent, it was adorable. We can't wait for next year!
Spook E For Halloween
Yes that's right, it's still clearly the end of October around here. As I download pictures and video of the big night, I remembered how much fun we had decorating the place with items we were too fearful to bring out last year. This translates into our Rocketship seeing many things for the first time - parenting gold. Check out the video.
Admittedly, I knew this would give her a start, and yes, I did stage this sequence allowing her to set of the motion-activated pumpkin. It was worth every effort just to catch her reaction. Note: similar to most kids, waving her hands in the air (usually wildly) is her way of communicating "all done", or in some cases such as this, "take it away" and/or "get me out of here".
Monday, October 26, 2009
At Least TRY To Keep It On The Paper Child!
Well, singlehandedly I am trying to make the 'net even better. I woke and realized that E's artwork could be captured online (Aha!) for the purposes of sharing AND archiving.
Two minutes on the scanning bed and voila...her first finger painting project ever, made earlier this year:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEHLiuPzo5rDH5QHDe9gUEvLu1g08PZHNsXBhUnJCQ1ac_6iG0SJgwmWhm64ZfZCzP8nKEkawsa4ashPn8BoDLKKNy1bHFxvxvd5qfuIK-zNeE9mT-1SiNQS-3sXls77YWse-haWdu5k/s320/Ellena+Artwork001.jpg)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The New Deal
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFVBG6DKwQKa9RY6I4Kfrhgt-Y7oKeVrNcshLgbDAOd3whY0OHltAKuNsQagc6mNDc9dTthXGWwF-8_9t1apeWs7G3bbPni0f_kYcVxucDJV9mG8Y2dqw-aJn9pZ5T_6YvVSw2OiXqtY/s320/091021+051.jpg)
HAVE happened since last post (list condensed):
· Our Rocketship is at a full-on run almost all the time – usually with a scream as she trots down the hall. Have you ever been behind an annoying driver that was either on the gas or on the brake? Yea, she’s pretty much like that – standing or running.
· We went to the Cider Mill last weekend. E met her girlfriend Emily and the two were quite the pair running around sitting on pumpkins, going down slides, riding ponies and eating sugary donuts (mmmmm!). This is such a tradition here isn’t it? You could tell a LOT of people had the same idea because it was PACKED!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1XRmGeNI87MBRLgu3ojX0AQv_WaVdBefbszwS5XADKFxPkE6SH6K8i48wNRQTP2RSCw2iD8YjFBooQjfNpGhnWxPgGX4Wf4AkidG1m4T3JiVSLxsxXeE4TgSw_Pc-z5p2XdS3O_rEYQ/s320/091021+142.jpg)
· I have pretty much been sucked in to Facebook. Yes, I know, I know, I put up the largest wall of resistance for the longest time, but remember even the toughest of stone will yield to the constant drip of water – or in this case Facebook. It is EVERYWHERE, is it not? About a year ago a friend commented that she couldn’t live just one day without hearing someone mention the site. This statement is completely true! I have to admit though, and I do it here quietly, FB is pretty interesting. If you can get by the whole “everybody knows everything-ness” of it, it can be very informative.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jN9IVMSuR7Kv5mSBjsFr8l8pS3P17MZ3GsAFp1UfcL31W9B4Smu7bn2qTphou9KBUaCHGjeYcfY0k60PpG-yI_NKp0aFp8zq0MSLc4cuiR_TLIi0EX_t4bSnUWRkzreyZHQ_7b91PVk/s320/091021+003.jpg)
· E can get into ALL the doors in the house! We have those handles that are like little levers and she is in and out of everything. Funny actually because I can remember exactly we were when we decided to have those handles installed instead of traditional “knobs”. I kick myself now, but it probably would have only bought us a few more months at best.
· Our (read: My) Craigslist addiction is in full swing. Yes, partly responsible for the scarcity of content on this blog lately is the big CL. We have made many purchases this summer. I have also been working to clean out the garage and basement of unwanted items through both CL and eBay (yes, eBay, we are back together…at least until my monthly statement comes due!). We have also been selling quite a bit lately. It must be my personality type, but I just love meeting strangers through this “virtual garage sale”.
HAVE NOT happened since last post:
· Wipeout has NOT called me. Grrr…waiting patiently here!
· I have not had any job offers, yet. I am still at home, for now. There have been some great opportunities though recently and I personally feel as though I am very, very close.
· Christmas shopping (ugh!) has not begun yet even though I have seen decorations out in some stores already (including full Christmas card displays!). As usual, we will wait until there is more panic in the air. Soon the local radio station will begin broadcasting “Wall-to-Wall” Christmas music until December 26th. Last year they started BEFORE Halloween if you can believe it!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Rock That Horse, Girl!
What's that? Plastic chaps?
Now, let's not get carried away...
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thai Meet Ellena, Ellena Meet Thai
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtG80D_iFoIYrqdaeHc-Y6zKnlDmhAp-BTQwmLcd2JdX3-9SxEZC2SX_SKvx2S8tLPqnZ5SdHaZMABI3uY1QVcotMAb6v6QZDe-F1QjB5iVhAaf3YLNoCnj4Fm0eM_suPMMfvr2OxTth0/s320/090923+261.jpg)
I am also a culprit. Love it. The hotter, the better. One of the things I sacrificed when I boarded the ship to the land of unemployment was sweet, deliciously-wonderful Thai goodness.
This all changed recently. The family packed up last weekend for an "outing" to a local restaurant we had never been to. When we got there, we naturally asked if there were any child boosters on hand. Alas, there were not! But I am proud to say that our little Rocketship stood on her chair for the entire meal! She loved the appetizers, the soup and especially her noodles! Man, does she love noodles! She will definitely want to be coming back and we will be happy to take her!
Yep, 'nother one hooked Thailand. Happy?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Hope For Today, And Always
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs0troTLo6U2PsReYjqHaZUqpIzOYNwFMAfepSmCzZiJxNFFLt_HpA5mQ0Vrcgso52tXhc2l3LEwNaTumRcUIBcvGzSm9eOh7D90KbcDO6GJgAj9v-a_O50J1OHllJIvHWRKDdzF4gQM/s320/World+Trade+Center+Tribute.jpg)
We will never forget you...ever.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Explained: Cat Probability
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWb-5sjsY76Sqj_qdUK0gXHRwL751tSCIS3PezTgEWyXn4Qma7m8ZSvxDYsnEKroCLkQ6Mdq_bRuUlMI9-NvnDBgpCN4bepiU3g8-GvhR7E8NZLMe9OZq-LtthfVcs2kAGR89ObQLwdg/s320/probability+of+a+cat.jpg)
This is, of course, according to Cheeseburger, one of our favorite internet hot spots. We (read: I) can't get enough actually now that I think about it!
Dog lovers: revert to Hot Dog for all your canine wittiness needs.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
You Are A Fruitcake...Welcome To The Family!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3r2EFukfG2n8cSOXPeJvlHkf4U0HMVUfBtHWgJMUaYpn3-c9U93Dva7mdnULJS8EoaYO-bTCY-TGs0PnhQ4nPYptXcSBq4lKAV1nPGLqBUJV92HRxce0u1p5FgO01IH3619oLSUdMZUg/s320/quirky.jpg)
Today I think you should know that your mother and I have always had a pact together - yes, even before you were born - to embrace our child/children for who they really are and also for who they become. We intend to continue doing so. Always. And in these current days it seems even so much more important for us to remember this agreement. This is because as you grow and develop, we can really start to see the inner you breaking out from within.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsMb-OoWxkF7-9a2-ergEzsn5kL0xmZd_jNda7nSmO8O3czddk5yQGqVJmgx_-HTKz7coSdVh-6nSYaMsHO7l26p13pPdPKsxm-JylgiXBxY7iCHHj0BHCFFzZXiCAGu-lIPQqv9y4jM/s320/visor.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OJvolbAx0GF3VVos65-xYJZp6hbPlJLGeiinRv_q6OrPATey9Arv65hBXwTE5cMbh993h3EyFz2G_3EH6lteR6F1tmJm_QxNujGg8w6oiOzcHcBhGUwUhWNRQIFhDKii9rZ3IFFymXc/s320/quirky+2.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZjsnSRVD5h9A_Y3wC3-0cndhS_YKN1ZwQgMrhwbqESyvwRP8FJfBujlRLvh0yd5-RD1aT2yIVAMirV7shSfu9x7Af9tK-GXJuxvph2_Y3wGdFzgK9JbnBoPBk9goBGXiyJNJ7lqFz4E/s320/Backed+against+a+wall.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV0c8PPZ09qHAEMvDySDhs0kpHEJiLPKZnHl0bt8NoQC_pXbfyAWAZUXByx9dA5vyg0p4iGv4xA8qjlWx9Kt-HAjdJiObBvmGVl7AuiCzmwCh47xjkr-rpTnpItU3VVWBOrVNugp6XEU/s320/hot+mess.jpg)
We love you. And yes, you fit right in.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Recipe: Chunky Tomato Salad
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTzmoYLIVIOacfp4EuSsmjAgigv85iZVcScF7K6ofE8xj_5QDJh5XA0HzY3KvJeRvR0jGHeCbezVPjegZYDOBuS33lmw0gS41q1fvCMiZYYdX94E-lrPu-0fHryjl2-w350BV2Kntk4o/s320/Chunky+Tomato+Salad.jpg)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2 large tomatoes, preferably heirloom, seeded and coarsely chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Are you ready for this? Simply toss together the tomatoes, basil, shallots, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper directly into the serving bowl you plan to use. This salad is especially tasty if chilled in the fridge before eaten. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Triple-Orange Daylily Bulbs: Revisted
During her stay, she "nursed" these bulbs & stems in a pan of water of our deck where they could receive the best sunlight. Then they were planted. After she left I watched and waited for something I could report out on, but nothing came. I was concerned the neighborhood deer might have found them irresistible because I never saw a thing, but I was told it would take just over a year for the blooms (I guess good things DO come to those who are patient...).
Well, the good news did come! One has popped up to say hi! Perhaps I am just getting older, but I was prompted to ask her about the exact history of this flower, especially since I knew it had some family meaning. Here, in Grandma Gigi's own words is the account of the Triple-Orange:
~~~~~
My mother loved flowers. It didn't matter what kind they were, as long as they bloomed, they grew in her yard. I think I was about 8 years old that spring when she found the triple-orange daylily bulbs in a seed catalog. They were expensive, & we were on a limited income, so she told me we'd have to save our money. One day she said we had enough, so we ordered them. I remember "helping" her fill out the order form, then I got to carry the envelope out to the mail box. I think I was as excited as she was about them. She would look every day for the bulbs to arrive in the mail, & one day, there they were. I remember the package being kind of bulky - the mail box wouldn't even shut all the way! I carried the package very carefully. I was kind of disappointed when she removed those ugly brown bulbs from the package; was this what all the fuss was about? Mother told me that we'd have to wait for a little while, but the wait would be worth it. We planted them the same day we received them. Mother had so many other daylilies - all colors & shapes, but she said THESE were special; the blooms were to have a triple layer of petals on each blossom & be a beautiful bright orange! They came up right on schedule, but I had to wait the rest of that year, plus part of the next spring, before they finally sent up tall, green bloom shoots. I watched the buds grow fat. One morning there were three opened, & they were everything the seed catalog (& mother) said they'd be! Yes, they were worth the wait! Mother called all her friends & told them to come see them. Such are memories made of. I found that those triple-orange daylilies proved to be very user-friendly. They are healthy & hardy, & I found that they would grow in all types of soil. Through the years I've made it a point of carrying a bulb or two of those lilies to just about every place I've ever lived, & left them for the future owner to enjoy. I have also made it a tradition to bring them to family, no matter WHERE they live! Every time I see a bloom, I'm taken back to that summer when I was a child & "me & mommy" planted daylilies together.
~~~~~
Here are pictures of the actual flower, which has bloomed here in our backyard.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyZ9IYi_TpLgYW3iX9yn9q9KeEmvhIupdyXAXBfmGvOvIF1dH09iEvRGt_WN9fwpr_TJXmRwcCZtWdpMuqmW8VGLlKUsTZbtMzuyerRtzRg4R-zt6LJTqkCiB6jofysEzfCqLVeZ15Kk/s320/Triple+Orange+Daylily+2.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLte_KyKGy3t8MuxtqF64rCeIUsPLBJOnhi57bxpv0EwBY0BRuSdZVxpXouNoD7YxgqHYmYL_5tb1u-6TrvBZtfeAwctTiA99RneAU4iMhuMnjUqEO4rwbN5Rd-BhvweqbausuUL2nIkI/s320/Triple+Orange+Daylily.jpg)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
To Another Six...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCe7T4ZxNeFF82WTq5MnL6Z2kzLugOrVXPMLqgova-V1QqV7CX8R6QKZH-L_2KpYuCG3d06CYFS2Q3v-G_Sk8poydwHQO2kLtxwWI8QGI-5Zimojz5nR1le21WN832d-sjZnUBfKOH3XI/s320/finger+heart.jpg)
I certainly can't properly express my feelings for you here, but I can say that the last six years have been the best part of the ride so far. If I think back to our wedding day, I remember trying to predict the future with you. I never, ever could have seen something so bright as what we have - a wonderfully happy marriage, a beautiful & energetic little girl, a strong & growing faith and commitment towards our Lord and each other - it seems so unreal. But I know that it is. I look forward to another six (and more!) with you. I know the best is yet to come. I love you.
L
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Sack Lunches
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my
assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. I'm glad I have a
good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap, I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and
filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to
start a conversation.
"Where are you headed?" I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
"Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then
we're being deployed to Afghanistan."
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack
lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours
before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help
pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.
"No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base."
His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill.
"Take a lunch to all those soldiers." She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me.
"My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for
him." Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers
were seated.
Then she stopped at my seat and asked, "Which do you like better - beef or chicken?"
"Chicken," I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. "This is your thanks."
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane,
heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. "I saw what you did.
I want to be part of it. Here, take this." He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down
the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked. I hoped he was
not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on
my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, "I want to shake your hand."
Quickly unfastening my seat belt I stood and took the Captain's hand.
With a booming voice he said, "I was a soldier and I was a military pilot.
Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot." I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs.
A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his
hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip
to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. "It will take you some time to reach the base. You will be wanting another sandwich. God Bless You."
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their
fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a
prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all
for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals .... it seemed so little.
********
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check
made payable to, "The United States of America", for an amount, "up to and
including my life."
That is the meaning of Honor .....
Friday, August 14, 2009
Look Out, Rachel Ray!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXWd8ryXPC9f36XXpd47pN9GIHFP2OIVJb7oVtZ6WjOSy0P6Hy4NuH2L8PmqwCvisuHjfnT3kw0Lyn_PYRqzzIBRfaZR-ZjmyM72evqywYvcIXaJbxK5HcwgFtXJhmjpJSrZVDQj8z6M/s320/Look+out+Rachel+Ray.jpg)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Superman To The Rescue!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEvE1u6_Ar0JlztXkkAVniXQa60zZRJYspGCmGoR6n_EMUBmpK0nWkLY1vFVCdtW2sDDVymClgP9hau0nMxbVE-rS1WD08kCgQ6rsLs22-CCk5Ap3u2LsH4eW1E0dt5IF4tXreywC4cg/s320/090731+First+Ice+Cream+1.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdVl_ejdsArUz00x-e09pvPANybbLyO-x7xlJP6J61ClyapEHK4NOIXH9fmJpC19QzB3Dg5I7av3R4-GO-tcTulH5N42CguII3Mn-c_OoIx_bgZ5uETJQ5ovhU7h0YcmLYAnzYiOQVU4/s320/090731+First+Ice+Cream+2.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJsm2IBAREs2UCVectrYlTN1p3BKFdaiSCjsh-jVEfRW87N6OwJS8KZEDcV9-MaSrPIf1QdXOEhkLjhTGywwSgeyepBWOG21yr7Yqa1YGtK-8Y1HvAYt5FgbuD6koShNFssMWFsuZ47c/s320/090731+First+Ice+Cream+3.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgeB5XQ2a5uMCRJBDhVBylVzDa09pDr9voww7A9NM9hYTRzeF5wgn-omxwftUh4BIGlRn3EHP7QVoUUfI0S48r6dgDkFHut3mai-1tbqRANvxo343aG8_Jun2MU_P55mvSmCO-0BbUVI/s320/090731+First+Ice+Cream+4.jpg)
Here are E and her cousins (Cole upper, Mick lower), together and astonishingly still enough for a group picture:
Monday, August 10, 2009
Look Who's Mallin'
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoR9Z0TvN4tzqOajsGNRdLBwOqreR-xu4Us05y8NkPfclDhXsyOU4tfDCXgKqIRuWdCe4Q7s7kad9XMwz2FKBmk-fla9Xr9O-wkxR8Pz3HNCmq2Htyq1ieQcVxkyKo1vepyw-Q8zM11w/s320/0308091604.jpg)
She sat up and observed the surroundings the entire time we were there. She even wanted to lean forward, so I eventually found myself unbuckling the seat belt, until she almost fell out of the front! Oops, I guess those belts really were there for a reason!
I just remember thinking this was such a big change for her. And it was - she hasn't been the same at the mall since. She really, REALLY enjoys it! I believe I overheard someone once describing that as normal behavior for a little girl!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
"Starlight", as made famous by the band Muse
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-hD7Jfy85_X9yO6xj-RI_T0QCOIUqZF6SGlywNawBCm7AIradnFQEK6ZH20xc5T1T29O1ivGKiMP66OudqKbg-Q4Mal7QlclYVXTxBqHNdUGsv3iCMc5P3nYvMpo8mEDpNbKrhKqZpI/s320/Love.jpg)
"Starlight"
Far away
This ship is taking me far away
Far away from the memories
Of the people who care if I live or die
Starlight
I will be chasing the starlight
Until the end of my life
I don't know if it's worth it anymore
Hold you in my arms
I just wanted to hold
You in my arms
My life
You electrify my life
Let's conspire to re-ignite
All the souls that would die just to feel alive
But I'll never let you go
If you promised not to fade away
Never fade away
Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations
Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations
Hold you in my arms
I just wanted to hold
You in my arms
Far away
This ship is taking me far away
Far away from the memories
Of the people who care if I live or die
And I'll never let you go
If you promise not to fade away
Never fade away
Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations
Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations
Hold you in my arms
I just wanted to hold
You in my arms
I just wanted to hold
I love music. I mean, I REALLY love music. Those of you that know me (really know me) already know that. I have always been attracted to that little piece of our brain that tells us if we like a certain song or melody. Isn't that crazy? I mean we usually know this after hearing only a snippet of the work!
I believe most people like a song if they find the tune catchy or if they've heard it enough it becomes familiar to them. Personally, I feel as though there are two reasons to find a song desirable, either I like the tune or I like the lyrics. A "flawless" song for me captures my attention on both accounts.
I chose to post these Muse lyrics for that last reason. No matter how many times I enjoy this song, I have no reason to discount it from the status of "flawless".
Monday, August 3, 2009
Heart-melter Rating: 10
"Please" is the newest word/phrase most commonly heard at our household. I do believe we enjoy it more than anything else E has spoken to date, yes even including "mama" or "dada".
Here is a sampling:
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Long Walks on the Deck
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5b5toq_l9L-vBM-vgBM6cU11OX8Iz2m9fHrrFyRro6yHMVcesbAup17x2wLYSnZWnJwPrMJs8vmaEbztjM5yLsUD-ie3ttBsuC2txO8gOKjeNrjx2ictT7UcPU2u7vC-TelRtr-7rvQ/s320/Sun+and+sand.jpg)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Don't Mess With Texas - Part III
It just occurred to me to scrounge around in all the blog drafts I (we) have begun, but have never seen the light of day. Imagine my surprise when I uncovered this one; the third and final installment from our San Antonio / Houston getaway from earlier in the year!
Hmm...let me see if I can remember what we did. Just kidding, we had such a good time, I will never forget!
After arriving at "Auntie" Megan and "Uncle" Drew's home in Houston, Grandma Gigi babysat little E (much littler at the time!) while this fearless foursome navigated the Houston traffic and experienced the World Renowned Houston Rodeo.
For years we had heard about the sheer size of this event, but it seriously needs to be witnessed firsthand to be believed! There were people everywhere (repeating this; EVERYWHERE!), but oddly enough it wasn't the kind of crowd that annoys easily. It was more of a large group just eating & drinking, enjoying the sun and hanging out. There was a lot of denim jeans on hand; many with chewing tobacco rings in the rear pockets.
The livestock building was stuffed with prize-winning animals of all breeds (BTW, I had two preemptive zanax to keep my esophagus open!), an exhibit where live animal births could be witnessed (from chicken eggs to cows!), and historic tractors galore (both restored and un-restored!)
The roof of this massive structure contains a split in it and it opens in both the North & South directions, like the sunroof on a car!
Inside the large building we found our seats and enjoyed the bulls & blood, dust & mud, the roar of the Sunday crowd....oops oh wait, that's a Garth Brooks song! But that's what they call it...they call the thing rodeo!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5ZQxrq74hEm-VyM1aal0mf1gNNVi8Ac_h1w8n_ZoinNIMqdjZAsrS882zRUwGTC1VWu3-UlpNcbUvDV9Ox96EM_ACGKnetk0g373iayzg3Y8cmrpdRhXH4DkPcBfDDezvT_zjH1YPT4/s320/090321+185.jpg)
Uncle Drew and E watching the tube, probably ESPN's Sportscenter!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7pfWVZq9bA8wkj5BBYU4NZvEYAf3e3nve3RihBSSSjDPt0wlDklRxG8IFTqqzORNYi9GUe93CcgWJmiGPoHDsBfmPmS1yRIWvBAqCVXddfywqT2l_tZKziYd-RMW_PX6iTKCMf7n-Eg/s320/090321+156.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__j08KhufQfhwdtM2PfjaKvYj0LCDdSuMYoFo2nJ-Ate_NZxnLjJ937HetVMcpuIh72Ra0O_elQJSghFQxmk4-L1KDAXInCH15S8bq2MXWjoVK2mJARpILAC3sKUi_OivhvXThYpwSFA/s320/090321+211.jpg)
In the shuttle on the way back to the valu-parking lot. Take a look at those little red eyes! Yes pun'kin, we pretty much always feel this way after a vacation. It was a fun experience, but it's nice to be back home! If I remember correctly, she was asleep before we paid to have the car released from the lot!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Summer is Here: Pontoon Boat Experience
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Ncx6gOvJkT44_NXaJj7fHCaSwep0gegc0ijE32DGfarTA3_9KWzoGGGH9F62s6uSvUe0wBktFRfqklAL6rZFGxI2SM2FX7GOfYeCFLqRti1SspwpWWdeEpXiXMn0XvzGJfw5G1CSZM/s320/pontoon+boat.jpg)
E and I were able to visit a whole gaggle of good friends this week. We met some at the park earlier in the week (J and K shout out!). Then we went to see a new 8-day old little baby (Charlie) that was the 3rd (LwH opinion: YiKeS!) for another set of friends. And finally, the "work" week was capped off for us as we visited one of E's little girlfriends, Emily.
Emily's dad Brian - a friend of mine since high school - had knee surgery earlier in the week, so we stopped by as an excuse to let the girls play together. Emily and Ellena, about 6 months apart, with Emily being older) get along great together.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZQZ7C1i465o8jXSSnr4pZbUo3MwUgbEnMkqlf919tJbv2OR2so4I9zpxtkawfxagBjolwzeCAK2dq0kKwJ5I0B3KT4r5i_mUDoo109MSz5RV9f3pkBLDtvT2PbVMOGWduTCPGfc_YHc/s320/Sitting+Pretty.jpg)
Emily invited Ellena out of "her" pontoon boat for a few laps on the lake. Now for us, Summer officially begins when we get to go on a boat!
E had only been on a boat one other time (last summer with the Walley's) and she really loved being on the water. She seemed to take to all the running around and looking over the railing that can be had by a child on a pontoon boat.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5j10d09pAWQcJhXdoaTT-4980zaX8ssglMBkm4RURSRZYxC5-HyaPTl4x0A6bHivd3UgN07iNogsBwMRBKZj_QHi5OPe3Cdts_ObLF726ZxwIyl5dDKzxM3sfw5rdhalbV3EnoGkncc/s320/knee+surgery.jpg)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
E is for Everyday!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sZNYEJagIee0m1t-3FwQhxbOl3WxfWPum6STHB7vhuJpKE1_bSB92EGzD84t8Cm9U2Ge5ICLuT2vfZOcgfT8czyJn-vG_Aua-5BK2etOhmT669PPLUs2b_fG01Bn1PH59zjNXKPe1HQ/s320/090721+park.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LVfEUEQziegv_cMXU2LcNdLXiP0iM4bCOxskOUDoGDHKJzYek9hWr38gk0lobt4LtP_vr9oYcJlPs8Nd8b9Yw8e8RTfaSgVjcr-NOs1YhH-sEuhZ1dGAc4MIRhmM4LvZRD6933C10ac/s320/Fountain.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXpdOHAAg_Vo-kKInXoSC4fvFxS9r_5aSscqvp75k0rjsiFQopOiMcJpKGAo1jm0CvfcX3conqSfjaYs-J68ap69VujskKe3bhfltNAT2aihlPxkX5ciJ8BexsNGIwjX9cH1DlcrnhwY/s320/090715+park.jpg)
No matter where we end up however, or how often we play and walk around, the results are similar (See below). She gets a-tuckered.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7-5R2hypdPaVGx_ikLYGXBzYBa1r1xPUwJpyxuoJufqYaBJhyphenhyphenpcDVFFTW0I62gcovdgcJBIg9o__SCMYT_gezbI03evH8r6wml9EJT_quLzz4geQndbNoGVHgl3eeIYtE1D2SIxy93Y/s320/Cowmooflage.jpg)
My Summer Obsession: Wipeout!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXniqwvwx1_ZWThZ2QBdxO4Wz4WpCLx7-DE4loT4mg3PaKVLib04FQqu4x5IilrelaPh9UEShdhlRg2GuHJu3Uu0_KMj2B0q0j9ZW21jgMpycrvVhwFAhGvAJ2kCz6Na-2xr_aCKnpkk/s320/wipeout+big+red+balls.jpg)
If you haven't seen this show, I highly recommend checking it out. It has everything you could ever want in a show! Giant obstacle course? Check. Water? Check. Mud? Check? Fire? Check. Foam-covered, colorfully padded surfaces? Check. Enormous red balls? Check. Sometimes out-of-shape contestants that have no business near a giant obstacle course? Check. Humor? Check. Oh and let's not forget the actual wipeouts! Face plants. Check. Gravity-defying feats? Of course! Back-bending spills? You betcha!
Every Wednesday, I find myself counting down the hours until Wipeout is on the air! I can't quite explain it, but I have such a deep pull to this show. An attraction SO great in fact, that after it aired last night I consciously awoke to find myself submitting my online application!
I would love to challenge the water luge, the wall of fists and, or course the sweeper arm in the final Wipeout Zone!
Cross your fingers!
Q: What is YOUR Summer Obsession? It can be anything that has crept into your veins this Summer! Share it with us!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAbaJuNrP2u402xDI6RMSnAOHnPU5UMQmlUhaVf0hJdORH79b6_ULCi0W2Z6Fsfm2wrDnJ641IMjoAEz9-vBm1zODSxfvFIQRg2NObzVcnHH4x7fiusmMTi8nnI5hBeEYgncmyp1nFBk/s320/wipeout+logo.jpg)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Good Kind of Waiting
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-Dw2AFY0A0EsXQcwyehAdM-6M6KLUjjshBPdIZ9aHCzmUm9SCS8PXSDCwgQc1_WJkVt_DFY5A7GHBV9yzjw0ipKFJE2hFeJtCC8L3VHC2lPwtoMf-FQrfxeZavaqZ_yALDoOEzlH-J0/s320/090716+484.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRUG3mbyWNQE4XBL2gDPT0cb1WlCW8Yva2JcT9D-g6gf2d3J0WsASSpFk-RiOryjWSpXwYdNxSajBqO_1ZnMo-lB6aJ9rkPQnMeweVW4ACskiCwYZZ2zzVSdi5Ik0yHHkEJmWPWDhKrM/s320/090716+487.jpg)