So Here's How The Project Was Documented...

No matter what kind of day I am having, this picture ALWAYS cheers me up (click on picture to enlarge). I think we've all been here. If you work in an office, you can definitely relate. The real question is where in the chain do you fall?

My favorite part, besides the roller coaster, is in the "documented" square - not only only was the project NOT documented, but the sweet irony is that it was not documented incorrectly. I mean, where are those shadows coming from?

Boing! Boing! Boing!

So a few weeks ago I walked into Rocketship's school to find a large flyer on the door announcing:

Next Week - Bounce House!

I had heard the stories and rumors about how every now and again the BH comes in for a day and the kids just go NUTS! I was told they are known to play, jump, and bounce until they are simply out of breath (and presumably ready for a long nap!). And of course they all talk about it for days after it is deflated and is carted off!

Well, now that E is finally old enough to enjoy the fun, her turn came and she can now attest that all those rumors are indeed true. I borrowed this physical picture off the wall (I'd been waiting for them to be developed - remember those days?) and I scanned it for this post. I must say, she does look a bit sweaty!

So Many Dynamos!

Happy Palindrome Day!

Lost?

Well, what do you think I am referring to? Have you ever heard of a palindrome? By definition. a palindrome is a word, phrase, number or other sequence of units that can be read the same way in either direction (forward or backwards). It is also important to note that the adjustment of punctuation and spaces between words is generally permitted for palindromes.

Now, perhaps my reference to today will make more sense. It's the date today - 01/11/10!

Want more examples of palindromes? Sure, here you go:

A Santa at Nasa!

Was it a rat I saw?

Name no one man

Madam, I'm Adam

Red rum, Sir, is murder!

A man, a plan, a canal, panama (interesting, huh?)

Go hang a salami! I'm a lasagna hog!

Can you make up a palindrome of your own?

Now, I guess if you want to get technical (perfectly Okay here, BTW), today isn't really a real palindrome day. That is because I have neglected the "20" in the year "2010". If included, the date would read 01/11/2010, and therefore today would not count. Going by this rule, the next palindrome day would fall near the end of next year (11/02/2011). But who can wait that long to celebrate palindromes!

Two Thousand Ten - It's YOUR Year!

Happy New Year!

Well, here we are, trying to survive a brand new week, in a brand new year. Historically, it has always been difficult to go back to work after a holiday break, and today was no different. Between having to set our alarms (ugh!), wake before dark, not know any of the vital items are (like keys, lunches, kid shoes, etc.) and battling commutes on icy roads, today was a definitely a rough welcome back. Funny enough though, a little routine is just what we need to help us to feel "normal" again.

Christmas was great this year - perhaps the best yet. As usual we had several actual Christmases with our families and plenty of opportunities to share in the company of each other. E had a great time at all of them and really enjoyed opening her gifts (and some of the others when she wasn't watched!)

One of her favorite gifts this year was the combination whiteboard/chalkboard by Melissa & Doug. She plays with it every day and has really taken to drawing large circles with the chalk. Here are some pictures of her using it:

She LOVES playing with letters and numbers. She has a little foam alphabet that she plays with in the tub. She is always saying "more" "more" "more" when we count with her or sing the alphabet song and she is really learning a lot of them. It is truly a pleasure to watch her grow, bit mentally and physically. Speaking of physically, man is E in a growth spurt lately. We think she has grown a few inches in just the last month!

Now that the Christmas lights are are all boxed away for the year, it is really time to focus on the new year and get down to business. Those of you who I've spent time with over the past few weeks have probably picked up on my newest saying. I honestly mean it when I say "2010 is going to be YOUR year!". It is going to be yours and it is going to be mine. I don't know how to describe it really, but I guess what I am trying to say is we are going to own this year!

Have you ever felt this way? Do you feel this way now? If so, what is your plan for 2010? I mean, seriously, stand up and get going!

Let's get out there and be our best!

Thanksgiving Blessings

Happy Thanksgiving!

From our turkey table to yours! May you take the time today to reflect on everything each of us has to be thankful for. I know if we were to list them all here, it would take quite a bit of time! For the short (and most important) list though, we are thankful for our faith, our family, the love that we share for each other, our spiritual gifts, our hopes, values and dreams. May we always feel this way in our lives, not just on Thanksgiving.

Many Blessings!

The Last Day

So, although I haven't posted it here yet, many of you are already aware of our most recent blessing; I found a job! Or, more accurately, a job found me!

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.

Today is our last weekday together. With Monday as my first day (yes, I would LOVE to start on the short Thanksgiving week, sure no problem!), I will miss being with her terribly during the days. On the flip side though, there is a large part of me that knows heading back into the mix is, without a doubt, the right thing to do.

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.

What Are You Staring At? Do I have Food On My Face?

So what if my favorite movie is "There's Something About Mary"?