We have made some progress in the housing situation, but actually are still in the RV park. Here's a recap of the last few days for us:
* We have emptied the Allen house of everything belonging to us, repaired the tiny things that the buyers had a problem with, and left our keys there. We are finished with it, besides the final paperwork at closing. This is set for next Monday, but hear that the buyers are pushing for Friday and we certainly won't dispute that! The great news is that we are going to handle it via email and FED Ex, so we don't have to make another trip there for it.
* An offer has been made on a home in Lubbock! We are waiting to hear the owner's response, but are excited that the wheels are turning for the next phase of our lives here to begin. We will keep you informed of the progress and of course post pictures once we actually have a home again!
* I tackled the RV Park laundry facility yesterday. I actually left work early to get the laundry done before I picked Eli up from daycare. It has been a long time since I've been in a laundromat facility where there are multiple machines. I got 3 loads of laundry done in an hour and a half and read several chapters in my book while I waited! That was just the clothes though, so depending on how my work goes today, I may tackle the remaining loads- sheets, towels, jeans. Or maybe tomorrow...
* Eli survived his first day of school here in Lubbock, and so did his Mama. We had a rough morning, but we finally got the day underway and I made it to work. His teachers said he cried a little here and there, but overall did very well for being his first day. Apparently his nickname is "Handsome" already, and that's okay. :) He didn't cry when I left him this morning and that made my morning tons better than yesterday!
* And so Tuesday commences...
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Eli Update sans Photos
by Holly
Some of you have been asking about Eli, so here it is. Sadly, in our temporary housing situation, the computer is dismantled at my parents' house and we just haven't been taking pictures. So... I'm taking queue from Sarah on her list of what her little one is doing and am going to do the same.
* Eli is 15 months old and weighs about 28 lbs
* Is walking very well, sometimes with hands down, sometimes with a toy in hand, sometimes with hands held high
* Has found the joy in being chased, and caught, by the Tickle Monster aka Daddy
* Is much more interested in discovering his surroundings than playing with the humongous basket of toys, either in the trailer or at my parents' house
* Had a fabulous time grocery shopping on Sunday and quite loudly announced our aisle changes to the shoppers around us, all with my lip gloss in hand beating on the mac 'n cheese box as a drum
* Understands what it means to blow your nose, wrinkling his nose and blowing and even sometimes holds a tissue there at the same time
* Will climb anything and has not developed the fear of falling quite yet, which includes the staircase at Nana and Papa's
* Has a time limit of about 3 minutes in any restaurant high chair, maybe 5 if the strap isn't broken, before he is standing up and waving at the people behind his chair
* Is jabbering non-stop and even adds some real words occasionally
* Real words include: mama, dada, ball, papa, uh-oh, bye, bock-bock (Nana has chickens)
* Mimics me blowing on his food and even did it without prompting with a piece of bread at a cafe this weekend
* Takes bottles only in morning and at bedtime, and has switched to sippy cup for all other liquids (you may be thinking he's definitely old enough to be doing this, but his Mama was slow to transition her baby)
* Is very slowly getting over his fear of the shower and only cries now instead of screaming for its duration (there is no tub for him to play in in the trailer)
* Can make any item work as a phone but really wants your cell phone to play with
* Has learned to 'give me five' and blow kisses, and still will wave at anyone who says bye or whenever we put our coats on
* He's absolutely Mama's precious baby and rambunctious little boy all rolled into one cute kid!
Some of you have been asking about Eli, so here it is. Sadly, in our temporary housing situation, the computer is dismantled at my parents' house and we just haven't been taking pictures. So... I'm taking queue from Sarah on her list of what her little one is doing and am going to do the same.
* Eli is 15 months old and weighs about 28 lbs
* Is walking very well, sometimes with hands down, sometimes with a toy in hand, sometimes with hands held high
* Has found the joy in being chased, and caught, by the Tickle Monster aka Daddy
* Is much more interested in discovering his surroundings than playing with the humongous basket of toys, either in the trailer or at my parents' house
* Had a fabulous time grocery shopping on Sunday and quite loudly announced our aisle changes to the shoppers around us, all with my lip gloss in hand beating on the mac 'n cheese box as a drum
* Understands what it means to blow your nose, wrinkling his nose and blowing and even sometimes holds a tissue there at the same time
* Will climb anything and has not developed the fear of falling quite yet, which includes the staircase at Nana and Papa's
* Has a time limit of about 3 minutes in any restaurant high chair, maybe 5 if the strap isn't broken, before he is standing up and waving at the people behind his chair
* Is jabbering non-stop and even adds some real words occasionally
* Real words include: mama, dada, ball, papa, uh-oh, bye, bock-bock (Nana has chickens)
* Mimics me blowing on his food and even did it without prompting with a piece of bread at a cafe this weekend
* Takes bottles only in morning and at bedtime, and has switched to sippy cup for all other liquids (you may be thinking he's definitely old enough to be doing this, but his Mama was slow to transition her baby)
* Is very slowly getting over his fear of the shower and only cries now instead of screaming for its duration (there is no tub for him to play in in the trailer)
* Can make any item work as a phone but really wants your cell phone to play with
* Has learned to 'give me five' and blow kisses, and still will wave at anyone who says bye or whenever we put our coats on
* He's absolutely Mama's precious baby and rambunctious little boy all rolled into one cute kid!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Well, Here We Are
by Holly
I think I'm not yet emotionally rested from all that has happened over the last few weeks, so the title kind of sums up how I feel. We have packed up most of what was in our home and moved to Lubbock to live in my parents' RV, with our stuff in two storage compartments. I am extremely grateful to my parents for coming twice with a trailer to help us pack and move here, and to Justin's parents for following us here on Saturday with a carload of their own. Great families make things much more bearable. So it is with the RV. Yes, its cramped here. Yes, Eli is very confused with his surroundings changing so much. Yes, I'd rather be in a real house with a washer and dryer and dishwasher and enough space to turn around and not run into someone, but above all I'm grateful for my parents' generosity in lending us their beautiful RV and helping us keep our financial status from completely blowing up.
Blessings: family, old friends, new friends, good jobs, our health, God's sustaining hand through it all
Prayer needs: our house to sell quickly at a good price, finding a good daycare for Eli here, patience and strength for myself/Justin/my parents as we shuffle Eli around and have this temporary living situation until our house sells, finding a great church for us here that we love as much as we did PBC
Hope you are all well. We appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers, emails, facebook notes...
I think I'm not yet emotionally rested from all that has happened over the last few weeks, so the title kind of sums up how I feel. We have packed up most of what was in our home and moved to Lubbock to live in my parents' RV, with our stuff in two storage compartments. I am extremely grateful to my parents for coming twice with a trailer to help us pack and move here, and to Justin's parents for following us here on Saturday with a carload of their own. Great families make things much more bearable. So it is with the RV. Yes, its cramped here. Yes, Eli is very confused with his surroundings changing so much. Yes, I'd rather be in a real house with a washer and dryer and dishwasher and enough space to turn around and not run into someone, but above all I'm grateful for my parents' generosity in lending us their beautiful RV and helping us keep our financial status from completely blowing up.
Blessings: family, old friends, new friends, good jobs, our health, God's sustaining hand through it all
Prayer needs: our house to sell quickly at a good price, finding a good daycare for Eli here, patience and strength for myself/Justin/my parents as we shuffle Eli around and have this temporary living situation until our house sells, finding a great church for us here that we love as much as we did PBC
Hope you are all well. We appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers, emails, facebook notes...
Monday, March 09, 2009
Three Year Blog-iversary
Who knew three years ago what this simple website would have seen? We have moved, had a child and now are moving again. We have kept up with friends far and wide. We have watched and waited for posts on our friends' births. We have followed and prayed for people far and wide we would have otherwise been unaware of. What an amazing medium a Blog can serve.
So on this our third anniversary we pray that you are well and following closely in the Lord's plans. May He keep you and bless you.
Blog Stats:
235 Posts
So on this our third anniversary we pray that you are well and following closely in the Lord's plans. May He keep you and bless you.
Blog Stats:
235 Posts
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Good Bye Southwest
By Justin
Today is a difficult day. Today will be my last day as an Employee of Southwest Airlines Company. I have greatly enjoyed my time with this fantastic Company. I will forever view the role Employees can play in a corporate setting differently because of the lessons I have learned here. I will hold the truths of the Southwest Way (A Servants Heart, A Fun-LUVing Attitude, and a Warrior Spirit) close at hand. Most importantly I will miss the great co-workers and friendships I have fostered.
No company on earth can match the fondness and gratitude I have for this cause we call Southwest Airlines.
Goodbye Friend.
Today is a difficult day. Today will be my last day as an Employee of Southwest Airlines Company. I have greatly enjoyed my time with this fantastic Company. I will forever view the role Employees can play in a corporate setting differently because of the lessons I have learned here. I will hold the truths of the Southwest Way (A Servants Heart, A Fun-LUVing Attitude, and a Warrior Spirit) close at hand. Most importantly I will miss the great co-workers and friendships I have fostered.
No company on earth can match the fondness and gratitude I have for this cause we call Southwest Airlines.
Goodbye Friend.
Flying Stats:
I landed in 36 of the 64 cities SWA serves.
I left the airport grounds in 23 of the 36 cities.
I flew approximately 75 one-way Non-Revenue flights
Holly flew approximately 50 one-ways
My Dad flew 7 one ways
My Mom flew 8 one ways
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
3/3
Welcome to the March edition of random pictures. This is Justin feeding our sweet baby boy. when he was just a little guy. He hadn't learned to hold his bottle yet, but you can tell by the out stretched fingers it won't be long.Monday, March 02, 2009
Happy Texas Independence Day
From this Native Texian to you: May your day be filled with joy the size of the Texas sky, may your heart be filled with love that only the prairies and plains can describe. And when the golden sun sets on this joyous day, may you truly grasps the magnificent wonder that is the State of Texas.
I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, & every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country --
VICTORY OR DEATH
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.
Friday, February 27, 2009
A Moving Update
By Justin
A few thoughts and a moving update…
A few thoughts and a moving update…
The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way. - Henry David Thoreau
We have fielded many questions of when our last date in Dallas will occur. The best we can guess at this point is that we will be leaving Dallas on Saturday March 7th in the early morning. My (Justin) last day at Southwest Airlines is March 4th.
Our house has had some great showing traffic. In the first week we have had nine showings. The feedback is positive and we feel good about the prospects of a quick sale. Keep praying for the right buyer to fall in love, quickly!
We have also answered many question about our Lubbock living situation. Soon after I married Holly I informed her I would never live in a home with wheels (or once had wheels). Well it is time to eat my crow, as they say. We are going to stay in Holly’s parents RV for at least the first two to four weeks. Our plan is to save some cash while we are trying to sale our house in Allen and avoid a double mortgage situation. We will see how long close quarters living lasts. Pray for patience and wisdom as we decide how to juggle finances, Eli and living situations.
Many thanks for all of your prayers!
Our house has had some great showing traffic. In the first week we have had nine showings. The feedback is positive and we feel good about the prospects of a quick sale. Keep praying for the right buyer to fall in love, quickly!
We have also answered many question about our Lubbock living situation. Soon after I married Holly I informed her I would never live in a home with wheels (or once had wheels). Well it is time to eat my crow, as they say. We are going to stay in Holly’s parents RV for at least the first two to four weeks. Our plan is to save some cash while we are trying to sale our house in Allen and avoid a double mortgage situation. We will see how long close quarters living lasts. Pray for patience and wisdom as we decide how to juggle finances, Eli and living situations.
Many thanks for all of your prayers!
A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. - George Moore
The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes. - Harold B. Lee (1899 - 1973)
Life's a voyage that's homeward bound. - Herman Melville (1819 - 1891)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The End
So the time has come for an end. Five plus years ago Holly and I set out for the Big D. When we arrived I needed a new email address for our new internet service provider. Somehow I just came up with ‘Urban Adventure’.
It seemed to fit. We were newlyweds in a big new town. We had really set out on a real life urban adventure. Over the years I have used the term in many occasions and it seemed to fit when I started blogging as well.
Now things are changing again. Today we are both excited and scared to announce that our Urban Adventure is coming to an end. I (Justin) have accepted a position in the Audit Services department for the Texas Tech University System. Holly and I are packing up and headed west to Lubbock.
In many ways this really does feel like an end. We are closing a very exciting chapter of our lives. It is a chapter filled with great joys, great difficulties and amazing opportunities. In the few short weeks we must close our lives here in Dallas. We have friends to transition with, a church to leave, a house to pack and sell, and grandparents to move into the next phase of this life with.
So as time permits and as you will allow, I plan to effectively close this phase of our blogging and invite you to join us on our next adventure back in West Texas. I promise a title is forthcoming.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Why I love Southwest Airlines, again
By Justin
Yesterday I left at 11:30 for an offsite lunch with my former manager. While headed out of the building I noticed a long extension cord running outside keeping the door ajar. My first thought (being an auditor) was a propped door, that is normally locked, is a security risk. Much to my delight, once outside the door I noticed a horde of people getting ready for a Team event.
Team events are very common at Southwest. I have had the pleasure of some great events. One of the main reason I love my job is the commitment to me personally and the commitment to the Team concept. We take care of each other, and in turn we take care of our passengers.
So I examined the horde and noticed a huge inflatable castle bounce house being inflated. Out front of the house a cart full of brownies was being devoured. Upon my return from lunch three guys were laughing like children as they bumped and rammed their way into each other. What a blessing to work here and know that spending a hour or so around lunch to goof off with your coworkers is not only allowed, but expected.
I can't wait till summer for the slip-n-slide!
Yesterday I left at 11:30 for an offsite lunch with my former manager. While headed out of the building I noticed a long extension cord running outside keeping the door ajar. My first thought (being an auditor) was a propped door, that is normally locked, is a security risk. Much to my delight, once outside the door I noticed a horde of people getting ready for a Team event.Team events are very common at Southwest. I have had the pleasure of some great events. One of the main reason I love my job is the commitment to me personally and the commitment to the Team concept. We take care of each other, and in turn we take care of our passengers.
So I examined the horde and noticed a huge inflatable castle bounce house being inflated. Out front of the house a cart full of brownies was being devoured. Upon my return from lunch three guys were laughing like children as they bumped and rammed their way into each other. What a blessing to work here and know that spending a hour or so around lunch to goof off with your coworkers is not only allowed, but expected.
I can't wait till summer for the slip-n-slide!
Monday, February 02, 2009
2/2 Picture
Its now February and time for my 2nd picture from the 2nd folder in our computer. This just happens to be my handsome hubbie Justin at the Renaissance Festival in North Carolina 2 1/2 years ago. We visited our dear friends Clint and Erin and we had a fabulous weekend at the Festival, eating at an Irish Pub and another fave lunch place of Erin's that I don't remember the name of (famous milkshakes??), driving around Raleigh, lounging in their beautiful home, touring the model homes in their development and playing with their sweet dog Sally. Ah, great memories folks!Friday, January 30, 2009
Winter Beauty
It snowed here a little on Wednesday, but mostly sleeted and then froze. Justin didn't attempt the drive into work and the daycare was closed so both of my boys were home with me. What a nice treat! A twist on working from home: so many employees tried to work remotely due to the weather that the system couldn't support everyone and noone was able to work! So, I ended up taking a vacation day and just enjoyed my family.
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Wednesday was the worst weather day this week but I actually took these photos Thursday morning before it melted. The top one is a bush near the front porch where the rain runs off of the roof. It is a sturdy plant- look at the leaves frozen in huge chunks of ice from the bitter cold runoff! The bottom picture is of a tree at the corner of our house. I think its a tree. Its a large bush-like thing with lots of stems/trunks, but is bigger than a bush. Anyway, its an odd thing to trim but looks cool, and especially so with the ice on its leaves. You may laugh at my horticultural ignorance now. Its okay.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
1/1 Picture
The photo tag got my mind to spinning and I am going to post a random pic (or not so random!) each month, something I might not normally post. Here's how it goes. For January, I post the 1st picture in the 1st folder on my computer. For February, the 2nd picture in the 2nd folder and so on. So this year you will get to see 12 shots of our life that you wouldn't otherwise see. Its going to be fun! Won't you join me and post your own random shots?!
This is in the Metro Center terminal of the D.C. transit system. I thought it was a really cool shot and later realized you aren't supposed to take pictures inside the metro system. Oops. We were in D.C. last April to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and had a wonderful time.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Photo Tag
I was tagged by Sarah M weeks ago and am just getting around to obliging. Here's the deal, you open the fourth photo file on your computer and post the fourth picture in that file and share about it.
So, this is my dear friend Aimee and her sons Noah and Rhett. This was taken about 2 years ago when I drove up to Oklahoma to visit them for a weekend. The picture was actually at Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill" in OK City. Good food, good company. Great weekend memories!
I now tag.... Aimee, McNeely and Abbey. Go!
So, this is my dear friend Aimee and her sons Noah and Rhett. This was taken about 2 years ago when I drove up to Oklahoma to visit them for a weekend. The picture was actually at Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill" in OK City. Good food, good company. Great weekend memories!
I now tag.... Aimee, McNeely and Abbey. Go!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Bowling
By Justin
Bowling has become somewhat of a fascination for us these days. Many nights, on our way to bed, we can not help but to stop by the Wii and play a quick game. Honestly Holly beats me most of the time, but there is a rare occasion that I can pull one out. We love Wii bowling.
Tonight we got the chance to go actual bowling with our friends Brian and Erin. What fun a true game of bowling is. I really enjoy the sport. Growing up in bowling alleys as my parents were part of a league and toured the southwest to bowl tournaments, I have a lot of great bowling memories. My best one is sitting in Don Carter Lanes in Fort Worth and finally figuring out how to time my shoes. I was so excited to tell my mom that I ran on the lane and almost made her slip!
We all should spend more time bowling with friends!
Bowling has become somewhat of a fascination for us these days. Many nights, on our way to bed, we can not help but to stop by the Wii and play a quick game. Honestly Holly beats me most of the time, but there is a rare occasion that I can pull one out. We love Wii bowling.
Tonight we got the chance to go actual bowling with our friends Brian and Erin. What fun a true game of bowling is. I really enjoy the sport. Growing up in bowling alleys as my parents were part of a league and toured the southwest to bowl tournaments, I have a lot of great bowling memories. My best one is sitting in Don Carter Lanes in Fort Worth and finally figuring out how to time my shoes. I was so excited to tell my mom that I ran on the lane and almost made her slip!
We all should spend more time bowling with friends!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Photo Update
Well I finally updated the photos de Eli link above. Feel free to comment on how very cute and adorable our son is! We never tire of hearing it!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Bye Bye Landline
Holly and I are joining the 21st century and doing away with our house phone. Our house phone cost more than our cell phones and rings a whole lot less. If you currently have our phone number with area code 972, that phone will no longer ring on January 15th. Both of our cell phones begin with area code 214. Double check your phone books and make sure you update to our new numbers!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Family in Town
I know, I know, a post without pictures. How dull. Honestly, I never knew how to post pictures till you started seeing an abundance of them on here and now I have a hard time posting without them. But, I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and only took a few photos, of which weren't really blog appropriate b/c they were of my two nephews and my son playing in the bathtub together. I carefully avoided any potentially embarrassing views, but still they are not really shareable material.
My brother and sister-in-law and two nephews came into town to visit for the weekend and go to the Cotton Bowl. It was a sad and miserable game, but only Kelly, Teresa and Jared went and the rest of us enjoyed the beautiful afternoon at the park. We kept Tyler, the younger of the nephews and while he can be quite strong-headed, he was perfect for us and we had a wonderful time. Yesterday evening and most of today was spent in the living room taking turns playing Wii and relaxing.
Tried today for the second time in 3 days to eat at our new Chuy's in Plano but the wait made us look for an alternative yet again. We went to Abuelo's on Thursday and had absolutely no wait and immediate service. Went to Carabba's today and same thing. These three restaurants are within walking distance and while the service and quality are comparable it shows just how alluring a new restaurant can be. We have eaten at the new Chuy's once, actually on their opening day and happened in at about 10 till 5 and were seated immediately. No way that would have happened if people were aware they were finally open. Poor advertising I say. We were just driving by and thought it was worth a shot to see if they were open yet. Well worth the wait in my opinion, but both times we were on a deadline so we couldn't stay.
Alright, Happy New Year to you all and hope it started off with a bang of the good sort. I'm going to round my weekend off tomorrow by putting up my Christmas decorations. Sigh. Another wonderful Christmas season already over.
My brother and sister-in-law and two nephews came into town to visit for the weekend and go to the Cotton Bowl. It was a sad and miserable game, but only Kelly, Teresa and Jared went and the rest of us enjoyed the beautiful afternoon at the park. We kept Tyler, the younger of the nephews and while he can be quite strong-headed, he was perfect for us and we had a wonderful time. Yesterday evening and most of today was spent in the living room taking turns playing Wii and relaxing.
Tried today for the second time in 3 days to eat at our new Chuy's in Plano but the wait made us look for an alternative yet again. We went to Abuelo's on Thursday and had absolutely no wait and immediate service. Went to Carabba's today and same thing. These three restaurants are within walking distance and while the service and quality are comparable it shows just how alluring a new restaurant can be. We have eaten at the new Chuy's once, actually on their opening day and happened in at about 10 till 5 and were seated immediately. No way that would have happened if people were aware they were finally open. Poor advertising I say. We were just driving by and thought it was worth a shot to see if they were open yet. Well worth the wait in my opinion, but both times we were on a deadline so we couldn't stay.
Alright, Happy New Year to you all and hope it started off with a bang of the good sort. I'm going to round my weekend off tomorrow by putting up my Christmas decorations. Sigh. Another wonderful Christmas season already over.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Our Christmas
We had a good Christmas, full of family and joy and abundant blessings. Here are just a few snapshots of our festivities.
Eli drawing out a block labeled with a profession, a prediction of his future occupation. This was a Red Envelope version of a Chinese tradition, given to us by Aimee before Eli was born. His pick? Peacekeeper. I think I'm okay with that.
Opening gifts from Santa, with a little help from Daddy. This one was a farmer and animals on a tractor. He also got luggage from us, but that's not really exciting to a one year old!
Where Eli spent most of his Christmas evening while the rest of us opened presents with Holly's parents. We weren't complaining, it was way past his bedtime! All he needed was a handful of bows and a big gift to sit on. Nevermind that it wasn't even his, but Nana's and Papa's.
Getting reaquainted with his cousins, Jared in the Romo jersey and Tyler in Crabtree's. What a precious photo that I don't even remember taking!
Celebrating Christmas at Pops and Grandma's. Eli has just opened his Leap Frog Fridge DJ that counts down the hits. He also got the Leap Frog Fridge Carwash which is entertaining even for me.
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Eli drawing out a block labeled with a profession, a prediction of his future occupation. This was a Red Envelope version of a Chinese tradition, given to us by Aimee before Eli was born. His pick? Peacekeeper. I think I'm okay with that.
Opening gifts from Santa, with a little help from Daddy. This one was a farmer and animals on a tractor. He also got luggage from us, but that's not really exciting to a one year old!
Where Eli spent most of his Christmas evening while the rest of us opened presents with Holly's parents. We weren't complaining, it was way past his bedtime! All he needed was a handful of bows and a big gift to sit on. Nevermind that it wasn't even his, but Nana's and Papa's.
Getting reaquainted with his cousins, Jared in the Romo jersey and Tyler in Crabtree's. What a precious photo that I don't even remember taking!
Celebrating Christmas at Pops and Grandma's. Eli has just opened his Leap Frog Fridge DJ that counts down the hits. He also got the Leap Frog Fridge Carwash which is entertaining even for me. .
Presents and abundant food aside, we did have a nice Christmas. Our plans changed unexpectedly when Justin's grandad passed away on Christmas Eve. We came back to the Dallas area from West Texas on Friday evening for the Saturday funeral. Sunday was spent with Justin's parents and grandmother.
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Hope you all had a joyous Christmas and have had a Happy New Year so far!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Champions
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Congratulations to the Allen Eagle Football team on their Texas University Interscholastic League 5A Division 1 State Championship win. It was a thrilling game to watch, even if we only caught the last three minutes of the fourth quarter on TV.We would also like to send a shout out to the Muleshoe Mules. The cross county rivals of Holly's alma mater (the Friona Chieftains) won the Texas UIL 3A Division 1 title.
High School Football in Texas, like no other!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Eli's Birthday Party!
We celebrated Eli's 1st birthday a week early since it is so close to Christmas and we wanted our families to be able to come. He did great even without an afternoon nap, ate up his yummy cake and entertained everyone.
This is the super soft teddy bear from Justin's grandmother Nannie. Eli loves it, hugs it close and lays his head on it like a pillow. So sweet.
Eli found his deflated balloons the next morning and was tangled in them before we could even get to him- he had a ball before we cut him loose!
The fabulous monkey cakes that our Nabbey made for Eli. The little one was all his, as you'll see below. What a very special gift Abbey- thank you for helping us make this special day even more so. And they tasted great! The monkey heads were chocolate and the party hats were white- crowd pleasers!
A couple of minutes into the festivities, Eli realized that he wasn't going to get Mama's 'look' and the mid-meal clean up that usually follows when he makes a mess.
And a few minutes later...
This is the super soft teddy bear from Justin's grandmother Nannie. Eli loves it, hugs it close and lays his head on it like a pillow. So sweet.
Eli found his deflated balloons the next morning and was tangled in them before we could even get to him- he had a ball before we cut him loose!
The fabulous monkey cakes that our Nabbey made for Eli. The little one was all his, as you'll see below. What a very special gift Abbey- thank you for helping us make this special day even more so. And they tasted great! The monkey heads were chocolate and the party hats were white- crowd pleasers!
A couple of minutes into the festivities, Eli realized that he wasn't going to get Mama's 'look' and the mid-meal clean up that usually follows when he makes a mess. 
And a few minutes later...
It really was a great party to celebrate a great year. We love you precious Eli and pray that each year brings more joy and love to you and that you know how very special you are. Happy birthday little monkey!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Our Little Monkey
We have an open floorplan that doesn't allow much opportunity for the use of baby gates so we made our own. This doesn't work unless you are in Eli jail with him, but if you are wanting to lounge and passively play, he will stay corralled. 
This was a new one this week. We had decorated the Christmas tree and hadn't put the ornament tubs back in the garage yet. Justin was in the living room with Eli, but was watching TV. He glanced over to check on him and Eli was standing on one tub, trying his best to pull the curtain off of the back door! No curtain shown in the picture? Right, b/c I tucked it over the rod so he wouldn't get it.
So if anyone was wondering why we needed a gate around our Christmas tree, here you go! :)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
December Joys
These are a few of my favorite things!
Eli checking out the new Eli-proof fence around the Christmas tree. It makes me a little sad to block him from it, but then I know it won't hurt him to have boundaries. He doesn't cry though- just stands there looking over the fence and smiling. :)
I love Christmas place settings and have several sets. This is my newest collection that Justin gave me for Christmas last year. They have yet to be used! The small snowman at the left of the placemat is a pouch to place the silverware in. Now, isn't that clever! In the background you can see my small tree with the S'more ornaments that I collect, and my snowman lamps.
This is a tealight holder that I was given by my supervisor at our Christmas lunch at Benihana last Friday. The gifts were all different and we drew numbers, but I think I got the best gift there! This was also my first time at Benihana and it was wonderful. After a fabulous meal, I ended it with green tea ice cream. If you haven't tried this, please do! Its divine!
I think this is a beautiful shot, but there is a funny story to go with it. I have a huge green glass vase that I have used in the past to display pine cones or Christmas ornament balls, but I decided to use candy canes this year. Well, my ziploc bag of old candy canes didn't even fill it halfway so I purchased a couple more dozen canes. The vase still isn't full, but if you come to my house, please only eat the ones on top, the bright red ones. The ones below are 2-3 years old!
Eli checking out the new Eli-proof fence around the Christmas tree. It makes me a little sad to block him from it, but then I know it won't hurt him to have boundaries. He doesn't cry though- just stands there looking over the fence and smiling. :)
I love Christmas place settings and have several sets. This is my newest collection that Justin gave me for Christmas last year. They have yet to be used! The small snowman at the left of the placemat is a pouch to place the silverware in. Now, isn't that clever! In the background you can see my small tree with the S'more ornaments that I collect, and my snowman lamps.
This is a tealight holder that I was given by my supervisor at our Christmas lunch at Benihana last Friday. The gifts were all different and we drew numbers, but I think I got the best gift there! This was also my first time at Benihana and it was wonderful. After a fabulous meal, I ended it with green tea ice cream. If you haven't tried this, please do! Its divine!
I think this is a beautiful shot, but there is a funny story to go with it. I have a huge green glass vase that I have used in the past to display pine cones or Christmas ornament balls, but I decided to use candy canes this year. Well, my ziploc bag of old candy canes didn't even fill it halfway so I purchased a couple more dozen canes. The vase still isn't full, but if you come to my house, please only eat the ones on top, the bright red ones. The ones below are 2-3 years old!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Tomato Experiment
Have you ever seen anything like this? I bought a bag of tomatoes on the vine and grabbed one to chop for a salad. When I cut it open, the seeds were sprouting! It really looked like alfafa sprouts but I hadn't bought any of those in months. My mom happened to be here at the time and as an avid gardener I felt sure she had come across this, but she had not. We did not eat the tomato. It may have been fine but it freaked me out a little. So, the other two tomatoes were left on the counter to 'develop' for a couple of weeks to see what might happen. See below.
You can see the bumps on the tomato's skin where the sprouts were growing and struggling to break through. On the last tomato, Justin sliced tiny holes above a few of these bumps to see if the sprouts would grow out and continue. The did a little, but then dried out and stopped.
The only thing anyone has come up with so far is that perhaps these were organic tomatoes (I would love to buy organic, but can't sacrifice the $ at the checkout) that I bought by mistake and they didn't have chemicals to prevent this sprouting. Let me know if anyone else has an explanation or if you have seen this!
You can see the bumps on the tomato's skin where the sprouts were growing and struggling to break through. On the last tomato, Justin sliced tiny holes above a few of these bumps to see if the sprouts would grow out and continue. The did a little, but then dried out and stopped. The only thing anyone has come up with so far is that perhaps these were organic tomatoes (I would love to buy organic, but can't sacrifice the $ at the checkout) that I bought by mistake and they didn't have chemicals to prevent this sprouting. Let me know if anyone else has an explanation or if you have seen this!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Thanksgiving
We spent Thanksgiving with Justin's family this year. Of course I have tons of pictures of Eli and a few of everyone else, but none of me and Justin. So it is with the scrapper, isn't it? Had some yummy food, a relaxing afternoon on the patio with gorgeous weather and an abundance of conversation. On a sidenote, I made a sugar-free pumpkin pie for myself and the couple of diabetics in the family, and the mystery is that it disappeared and we still don't know where it went! Perhaps it tasted normal enough that people wanting pumpkin didn't realize they were eating the 'special' one and licked the plate clean!
Playing with Aunt Dana and Uncle Shawn. The clapping followed some serious pulling of Shawn's hair. Way to go Eli!
Playing on Nannie's woodpile with Pops. Look at me way up here!
Riding in the wagon with my cousin Lyric. She doesn't seem too sure about this.
Playing with Aunt Dana and Uncle Shawn. The clapping followed some serious pulling of Shawn's hair. Way to go Eli!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
With Thanksgiving
I guess I waited till the last day of November to make my 'thankful list' but I say it still counts. Here's my top 20, not necessarily in order.
1. Justin, for loving me for who I am but always encouraging me to be more than I think I can be
2. Eli, for bringing joy to my life every time I look at him
3. Family, for always being there for us and loving us unconditionally
4. Friends, for being there when our family can't be, for laughing with us, for understanding when we can only manage a brief meeting/phone call/email
5. Knowing that God has my path laid before me, will never fail me, has a better plan for my life than I could ever dream of
6. Security and safety
7. Good jobs
8. The freedom and ability to learn new things, often with just a click of a mouse
9. Generosity of others, and particularly our friends who have given us not one, not two, but three carseats
10. WeightWatchers for being so simple to follow with so many resources that my journey this year has been an easy and often fun one
11. Our health
12. The bumper sticker I saw yesterday that said "Its okay to say Merry Christmas"
13. Our three branch government
14. The joy of scrapbooking
15. Support and compassion of our congregation at PBC
16. The phone conversation I had with my almost-6 year old nephew this week
17. Sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce (why are these only holiday foods???)
18. The teachers I had growing up, a couple of which I can still hear guiding me through life at 30 years old
19. Eli's 4 hour nap today that allowed me to paint my toenails and scrap a few pages
20. Precious time to ponder the joy of Christmas and anticipate celebrating my Savior's birth
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with those that you love, and look forward to a very Merry Christmas centered on the true reason for our Christmas season.
1. Justin, for loving me for who I am but always encouraging me to be more than I think I can be
2. Eli, for bringing joy to my life every time I look at him
3. Family, for always being there for us and loving us unconditionally
4. Friends, for being there when our family can't be, for laughing with us, for understanding when we can only manage a brief meeting/phone call/email
5. Knowing that God has my path laid before me, will never fail me, has a better plan for my life than I could ever dream of
6. Security and safety
7. Good jobs
8. The freedom and ability to learn new things, often with just a click of a mouse
9. Generosity of others, and particularly our friends who have given us not one, not two, but three carseats
10. WeightWatchers for being so simple to follow with so many resources that my journey this year has been an easy and often fun one
11. Our health
12. The bumper sticker I saw yesterday that said "Its okay to say Merry Christmas"
13. Our three branch government
14. The joy of scrapbooking
15. Support and compassion of our congregation at PBC
16. The phone conversation I had with my almost-6 year old nephew this week
17. Sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce (why are these only holiday foods???)
18. The teachers I had growing up, a couple of which I can still hear guiding me through life at 30 years old
19. Eli's 4 hour nap today that allowed me to paint my toenails and scrap a few pages
20. Precious time to ponder the joy of Christmas and anticipate celebrating my Savior's birth
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with those that you love, and look forward to a very Merry Christmas centered on the true reason for our Christmas season.
New Orleans
Justin, Eli and I took a day trip to New Orleans last Saturday with our friend Jenise. It was a very long day, but a lot of fun and well worth it. Justin loved the architecture, I loved the food and music, and Eli loved being held a lot. That may be all he loved since he didn't get good naps and the food was too spicy for him, but we'll say a good time was had by all!
Holly and Justin in front of a paddleboat. There was pipe organ music playing that reached several streets over and was fun to listen to.
A street band we heard- just like in the movies!
A lovely shot that I took. The city is obviously still being rebuilt and restored, but they are doing a great job and the spirit of the people has not been affected!
Eli sporting his new winter coat and hat. The coat has a hood on it, but I had to buy him a toboggan that tied under his chin to keep him from pulling it off. Even then it lasted only so long.
Holly and Justin in front of a paddleboat. There was pipe organ music playing that reached several streets over and was fun to listen to.
A street band we heard- just like in the movies!
A lovely shot that I took. The city is obviously still being rebuilt and restored, but they are doing a great job and the spirit of the people has not been affected!
Eli sporting his new winter coat and hat. The coat has a hood on it, but I had to buy him a toboggan that tied under his chin to keep him from pulling it off. Even then it lasted only so long.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Holiday Recipe Series- Part V
Because I'm too tired from a three hour attempt at getting Eli to sleep tonight... Here's the easiest and yummiest snack for the holidays.
White Chocolate Popcorn
1 bag of microwaveable popcorn
1 1/2 squares of almond bark, chopped
1. Pop popcorn as directed in microwave and place in a large bowl.
2. Melt almond bark in a saucepan on low-medium heat till smooth, but be careful not to scorch.
3. Pour almond bark over popcorn and stir with a wooden spoon till coated. Spread evenly on wax paper or foil laid on the counter till dry and cool.
Enjoy!
White Chocolate Popcorn
1 bag of microwaveable popcorn
1 1/2 squares of almond bark, chopped
1. Pop popcorn as directed in microwave and place in a large bowl.
2. Melt almond bark in a saucepan on low-medium heat till smooth, but be careful not to scorch.
3. Pour almond bark over popcorn and stir with a wooden spoon till coated. Spread evenly on wax paper or foil laid on the counter till dry and cool.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Holiday Recipe Series- Parts III and IV
Pecan Tartlets
cooking spray
3 large eggs
1/8 tsp salt
1 Tbsp butter, melted
1/3 cup dark corn syrup
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup chopped pecans
24 pecan halves
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place twelve 3 oz ramekins in a baking pan or on a cookie sheet; coat ramekins with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, beat eggs with salt. Add melted butter, corn syrup, sugar and vanilla; beat well. Blend in chopped pecans and spoon batter halfway up ramekins. Place 2 pecan halves on top of each ramekin.
3. Bake for about 17 minutes. Reduce oven temp to 350 degrees and bake until a knife or toothpick comes out clean, about 15-20 minutes more. Remove from oven and allow to cool; serve in ramekins with a spoon, either warm or cool.
Yields 1 ramekin per serving. 3 WeightWatchers points per serving.
Crustless Pumpkin Pie
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1 12 oz can fat free evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves)
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup Splenda
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray pie plate with cooking spray.
2. Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth. Pour into pie plate.
3. Bake 15 minutes at 400, then reduce heat to 325 and bake an additional 40 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean.
Yields 8 servings. 1 point (or Core) for Weight Watchers per serving. 3 points for 1/4 of pie.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Good Night Scouts
By Justin
So no one can remember how we started this tradition, but every year on the Monday before Thanksgiving my Boy Scout troop has its feast. It is a great tradition. No matter how long you have been away or where your life has taken you, you can count on old friends showing up for the event. Some years there are surprise guests. Some years the crowd is thin. Yet one thing has remained constant, the fellowship and brotherhood given and received by all.
It is odd that some things have remained the same through the years. Herb still makes coffee and wassail. Dad always brings the turkey and dressing made by some woman of my family. I always take corn. It is weird how it just happens.
Two lasting traditions have held true through the entire life of this event. First, we go around the table and each of us voice what we are thankful for. Often they are the same. Some years someone brings a special poem to share their thanks. Some years someone brings story with a prop. It is a moving time of really feeling the bond we all share. The second lasting tradition is the group close that has end every Scout meeting in my memory:
"And now, may the Great Master of all Scouts, be with Us till we meet again. Good Night Scouts"
~Good Night Brothers~
So no one can remember how we started this tradition, but every year on the Monday before Thanksgiving my Boy Scout troop has its feast. It is a great tradition. No matter how long you have been away or where your life has taken you, you can count on old friends showing up for the event. Some years there are surprise guests. Some years the crowd is thin. Yet one thing has remained constant, the fellowship and brotherhood given and received by all.
It is odd that some things have remained the same through the years. Herb still makes coffee and wassail. Dad always brings the turkey and dressing made by some woman of my family. I always take corn. It is weird how it just happens.
Two lasting traditions have held true through the entire life of this event. First, we go around the table and each of us voice what we are thankful for. Often they are the same. Some years someone brings a special poem to share their thanks. Some years someone brings story with a prop. It is a moving time of really feeling the bond we all share. The second lasting tradition is the group close that has end every Scout meeting in my memory:
"And now, may the Great Master of all Scouts, be with Us till we meet again. Good Night Scouts"
~Good Night Brothers~
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Holiday Recipe Series Part II
By Justin
Hot and Creamy Grilled Cheeses
3 Slices of plastic cheese or some left over velveeta
2 pieces of Mrs. Bairds' Thin Sliced White Bread
butter
Heat a pan over medium heat and melt a small smidgen of butter. Don't skimp and use Pam. And don't think your non-stick pan is okay. It's Christmas, have some butter.
Butter one side of each slice. Place one slice down with the butter side down after your pan is nice and warm. Put your cheese on this slice and cover with the other side with the butter side up. Flip when you want. Keep flipping till golden brown.
Best enjoyed with a Coke.
Happy Holidays.
Hot and Creamy Grilled Cheeses
3 Slices of plastic cheese or some left over velveeta
2 pieces of Mrs. Bairds' Thin Sliced White Bread
butter
Heat a pan over medium heat and melt a small smidgen of butter. Don't skimp and use Pam. And don't think your non-stick pan is okay. It's Christmas, have some butter.
Butter one side of each slice. Place one slice down with the butter side down after your pan is nice and warm. Put your cheese on this slice and cover with the other side with the butter side up. Flip when you want. Keep flipping till golden brown.
Best enjoyed with a Coke.
Happy Holidays.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Holiday Recipe Series- Part I
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
(18 servings, 3 points per serving for WeightWatchers)
cooking spray
9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
3 Tbsp butter
16 oz fat free cream cheese
1 cup sugar
2 cups fat free sour cream
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
3 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1. Preheat oven to 325. Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
2. Crush graham crackers in a ziploc or grind in food processor, then place in bowl.
3. Melt butter and pour over graham cracker crumbs. Mix with fork till blended.
4. Press crumb mixture evenly onto bottom of prepared pan and place in refrigerator.
5. Beat cream cheese with mixer till smooth, then add sugar and mix well.
6. Mix in 1 cup sour cream, then add cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Add remaining sour cream and mix till just combined.
7. Slowly beat in each egg one at a time until incorporated, then mix in pumpkin.
8. Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pan over graham cracker crust, spread evenly and smooth top.
9. Bake until set at edges, about 30 minutes. The very center will be a little loose. Cool completely and refrigerate overnight before cutting and serving.
Note: For best results, all ingredients should be room temperature and mixed as little as possible, only until each ingredient is just combined.
Enjoy!
(18 servings, 3 points per serving for WeightWatchers)
cooking spray
9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
3 Tbsp butter
16 oz fat free cream cheese
1 cup sugar
2 cups fat free sour cream
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
3 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1. Preheat oven to 325. Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
2. Crush graham crackers in a ziploc or grind in food processor, then place in bowl.
3. Melt butter and pour over graham cracker crumbs. Mix with fork till blended.
4. Press crumb mixture evenly onto bottom of prepared pan and place in refrigerator.
5. Beat cream cheese with mixer till smooth, then add sugar and mix well.
6. Mix in 1 cup sour cream, then add cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Add remaining sour cream and mix till just combined.
7. Slowly beat in each egg one at a time until incorporated, then mix in pumpkin.
8. Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pan over graham cracker crust, spread evenly and smooth top.
9. Bake until set at edges, about 30 minutes. The very center will be a little loose. Cool completely and refrigerate overnight before cutting and serving.
Note: For best results, all ingredients should be room temperature and mixed as little as possible, only until each ingredient is just combined.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Boy Scout Popcorn
I've found that trying to blog every day in a given month (I know, I'm failing, but still trying to get most days) has made me scramble for topics. I do have things to say such as what I've done today or what new things Eli is doing or what Justin and I talked about over dinner, but I suspect those might emit a yawn from you.
So, I'll share a little happening that occurred. Two years ago, a cute little Cub Scout came to our door selling popcorn. Justin being the Eagle Scout and all around nice guy he is, ordered a good amount of popcorn and gave the kid a check. We never heard from him again, but the check sure was cashed. I would like to think that there was just an oversight, that they truly couldn't reconcile why they had an extra order of popcorn and weren't trying to take our money.
Fast forward two years. A different cute little Cub Scout came to the door a couple of weeks ago with the same goal. Justin answered the door again, and when all was said and done he had ordered a huge tin of three bags of flavored popcorn and gave the kid a check. I shook my head as I would have saved payment this time until the goods were delivered, but oh, well. I didn't ask any questions really, until the popcorn was delivered by the very cute kid a few days ago and I asked Justin what kind he had bought. Yeah. Two bags of Cheddar and one bag of White Cheddar. Seriously. They sell plain, buttered, caramel, chocolate, anything you can dream of, and we get three bags of fake-cheese powder dusted popcorn.
Well, this is good news for me on WeightWatchers. There is absolutely no temptation whatsoever to sneak a few bites of Justin's popcorn while he is at work. I'll just continue with my 98% fat free mini bag and pretend its just what I was craving.
So, I'll share a little happening that occurred. Two years ago, a cute little Cub Scout came to our door selling popcorn. Justin being the Eagle Scout and all around nice guy he is, ordered a good amount of popcorn and gave the kid a check. We never heard from him again, but the check sure was cashed. I would like to think that there was just an oversight, that they truly couldn't reconcile why they had an extra order of popcorn and weren't trying to take our money.
Fast forward two years. A different cute little Cub Scout came to the door a couple of weeks ago with the same goal. Justin answered the door again, and when all was said and done he had ordered a huge tin of three bags of flavored popcorn and gave the kid a check. I shook my head as I would have saved payment this time until the goods were delivered, but oh, well. I didn't ask any questions really, until the popcorn was delivered by the very cute kid a few days ago and I asked Justin what kind he had bought. Yeah. Two bags of Cheddar and one bag of White Cheddar. Seriously. They sell plain, buttered, caramel, chocolate, anything you can dream of, and we get three bags of fake-cheese powder dusted popcorn.
Well, this is good news for me on WeightWatchers. There is absolutely no temptation whatsoever to sneak a few bites of Justin's popcorn while he is at work. I'll just continue with my 98% fat free mini bag and pretend its just what I was craving.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Quite the Sale!
by Holly
My mom is in town visiting for a few days and I took the day off of work today to spend with her and Eli. After a slow morning of breakfast, loooong nap for Eli and finally getting our stuff together, we left the house around 11am. Lunch was at Boston Market and it was fabulous! All I can say is Sweet Potato Casserole rocks! Next up was The Container Store for a few 'necessities' in organization. Then Kohl's. And more Kohl's.
We were in Kohl's about an hour and a half before Eli lost it and was unconsolable. He'd already had two bottles and wasn't about to be distracted by toys and such. We proceeded to check out, each armed with our 15% off entire purchase coupon, and saved lots of money on our already sale-priced items. Guess what happened as we finished our transactions? Eli fell asleep in the stroller. Sooo.... I took our bags to the car and we kept shopping! About an hour later, we finished up again and checked out, again with our 15% off coupons. (they were good all day.) We again saved a lot, and were thrilled with our purchases.
After that we met Justin at our brand new Chuy's in Plano and had the best food! Mom was gracious enough to take Eli home for bedtime and Justin and I went back to Kohl's. Yes, you read that right. Justin needs a new suit and we got some toys for Eli and our nephews for Christmas. Once again, the coupon!!
To sum it up, we got great deals anyway, but those coupons were so great I decided they were bloggable. Here's to your great bargain of the weekend!
My mom is in town visiting for a few days and I took the day off of work today to spend with her and Eli. After a slow morning of breakfast, loooong nap for Eli and finally getting our stuff together, we left the house around 11am. Lunch was at Boston Market and it was fabulous! All I can say is Sweet Potato Casserole rocks! Next up was The Container Store for a few 'necessities' in organization. Then Kohl's. And more Kohl's.
We were in Kohl's about an hour and a half before Eli lost it and was unconsolable. He'd already had two bottles and wasn't about to be distracted by toys and such. We proceeded to check out, each armed with our 15% off entire purchase coupon, and saved lots of money on our already sale-priced items. Guess what happened as we finished our transactions? Eli fell asleep in the stroller. Sooo.... I took our bags to the car and we kept shopping! About an hour later, we finished up again and checked out, again with our 15% off coupons. (they were good all day.) We again saved a lot, and were thrilled with our purchases.
After that we met Justin at our brand new Chuy's in Plano and had the best food! Mom was gracious enough to take Eli home for bedtime and Justin and I went back to Kohl's. Yes, you read that right. Justin needs a new suit and we got some toys for Eli and our nephews for Christmas. Once again, the coupon!!
To sum it up, we got great deals anyway, but those coupons were so great I decided they were bloggable. Here's to your great bargain of the weekend!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A New Blogger
By Justin
A great friend of ours has finally bit the bullet and joined us in the blogging world. Jenise is a close friend that I work with and have for a while. We seem to follow each other around. Jenise is an avid traveler with a great hand at writing. These two will no doubt bring great posts in the future. More than most, Jenise is also a deep hearted Texan like me! So her blog title is correctly named 'Come Back to Texas', which she often does on her worldly adventures.
Surf on over and welcome Jenise to the sphere!
http://comebacktexas.blogspot.com/
A great friend of ours has finally bit the bullet and joined us in the blogging world. Jenise is a close friend that I work with and have for a while. We seem to follow each other around. Jenise is an avid traveler with a great hand at writing. These two will no doubt bring great posts in the future. More than most, Jenise is also a deep hearted Texan like me! So her blog title is correctly named 'Come Back to Texas', which she often does on her worldly adventures.
Surf on over and welcome Jenise to the sphere!
http://comebacktexas.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Nana is Here
By Justin
Holly's Mom flew in this afternoon and Eli couldn't be happier. I enjoy Nana visits as well. Who can complain about a extra set of hands around?
Holly's Mom flew in this afternoon and Eli couldn't be happier. I enjoy Nana visits as well. Who can complain about a extra set of hands around?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Narrow Gate
by Justin
So I was wondering how are we suppose to make life decisions in light of being Christians and being in this world? I feel like I work hard to spend time in prayer, in the Bible and in contemplation. Yet I still don't know how we are to KNOW the right path to take. I guess I am really not asking for any comments, as much as laying out thoughts in my head.
In college I heard many great speakers. Few, if any, really stick in my head, but one has remained through the years. I can't remember her name, only that she was a new regional director for IVCF in Texas and she was from Colorado. She gave a great talk over Mathew 7:13:
In college I heard many great speakers. Few, if any, really stick in my head, but one has remained through the years. I can't remember her name, only that she was a new regional director for IVCF in Texas and she was from Colorado. She gave a great talk over Mathew 7:13:
"Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it."
Her talk was a great illustration of what the path of the narrow gate would look like in contrast to the wide gate many follow. She talked of how worn and easy the wide path would be, worn down as it would by the many people. She related the narrow path to hard walking across unfamiliar and lonely places with a few people. Best of all she drew a great picture of how the world might just walk through the wide gate because 'that is just the way everyone is going, we should go with the flow'. The world doesn't stop to truly consider the narrow gate and its path.
She, in true IV fashion, ended with a challenge as college students to stop and consider our paths as we trudge around campus. She was trying to warn us to live our lives as Christians and be wary of the world and its mentality of the wide path. For some reason, and often for good ones, I think about that picture a lot in my head.
I think of the paths. I think of the narrow gate. I wonder if it is rusted shut or takes a shove to get through it. I think how easy the wide gate would be. I bet someone has propped it open with a rock, making an the path even easier.
More than anything I wonder if I have already passed the gate and am down the wrong path...
She, in true IV fashion, ended with a challenge as college students to stop and consider our paths as we trudge around campus. She was trying to warn us to live our lives as Christians and be wary of the world and its mentality of the wide path. For some reason, and often for good ones, I think about that picture a lot in my head.
I think of the paths. I think of the narrow gate. I wonder if it is rusted shut or takes a shove to get through it. I think how easy the wide gate would be. I bet someone has propped it open with a rock, making an the path even easier.
More than anything I wonder if I have already passed the gate and am down the wrong path...
Sunday, November 09, 2008
His and Hers Styles
(post inspired by Aimee's post on her View- see Houston's blog)
The two front rooms of our home are Justin's office and Holly's scrapbook room. Its interesting that these rooms can be so close, so open, and yet so very different. They are open as Holly's room was intended to be a formal dining room and has no doorway framed, and Justin's has French doors that we never close. They are separated by our tiled entryway.
Justin's room: is painted bright blue with 5 yellow horizontal stripes on two walls, has a modern Ikea light fixture, 3 dark stained bookshelves, two desks with computers, filing cabinet, aquarium and the requisite office clutter that goes along with such a space.
Holly's room: is still builder off-white, has a traditional chandelier, china cabinet, sewing cabinet, two desks, two scrapbook organizer carts, chair and requisite crafting clutter that goes along with such a space.
They both have snippets of Eli paraphenalia. A glimpse into our lives and styles. Here's the kicker though: I spend considerably more time in Justin's room b/c I work in here, and rarely do I make time to spend scrapping in my own sanctuary.
sigh
The two front rooms of our home are Justin's office and Holly's scrapbook room. Its interesting that these rooms can be so close, so open, and yet so very different. They are open as Holly's room was intended to be a formal dining room and has no doorway framed, and Justin's has French doors that we never close. They are separated by our tiled entryway.
Justin's room: is painted bright blue with 5 yellow horizontal stripes on two walls, has a modern Ikea light fixture, 3 dark stained bookshelves, two desks with computers, filing cabinet, aquarium and the requisite office clutter that goes along with such a space.
Holly's room: is still builder off-white, has a traditional chandelier, china cabinet, sewing cabinet, two desks, two scrapbook organizer carts, chair and requisite crafting clutter that goes along with such a space.
They both have snippets of Eli paraphenalia. A glimpse into our lives and styles. Here's the kicker though: I spend considerably more time in Justin's room b/c I work in here, and rarely do I make time to spend scrapping in my own sanctuary.
sigh
Saturday, November 08, 2008
November 8th in History
(adapted from PR-Inside.com)
Today is Saturday, November 8, the 313th day of 2008. There are 53 days left in the year.
Highlights in history on this date:
1519 - Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortez reaches Mexico City with his small Spanish force and 1,000 Tlaxcaltec allies. The Aztecs, believing he is an incarnation of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, receive him with great honor.
1793 - The Louvre Museum in Paris opens to the public.
1892 - Former U.S. President Grover Cleveland beats incumbent Benjamin Harrison and becomes the first U.S. president to win nonconsecutive terms in the White House.
1895 - Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, German physicist, discovers X-rays.
1960 - Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy defeats Vice President Richard M. Nixon for the U.S. presidency.
1993 - Russian President Boris Yeltsin approves a draft constitution that will give him increased powers at the parliament's expense.
1997 - Chinese engineers divert the Yangtze River from its natural course, clearing way for the construction of the enormous Three Gorges dam.
Today's Birthdays:
Edmund Halley, British astronomer (1656-1742)
John Milton, English poet (1608-1674)
Hermann Rorschach, Swiss psychiatrist (1884-1922)
Margaret Mitchell, U.S. author (1900-1949)
Katharine Hepburn, U.S. actress (1907-2003)
Alain Delon, French actor (1932--)
Mary Hart, U.S. television host (1950--)
Parker Posey, U.S. actress (1968--)
Thought For Today:
"Man is born to live, not to prepare for life." -Boris Pasternak, Russian author (1890-1960).
Today is Saturday, November 8, the 313th day of 2008. There are 53 days left in the year.
Highlights in history on this date:
1519 - Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortez reaches Mexico City with his small Spanish force and 1,000 Tlaxcaltec allies. The Aztecs, believing he is an incarnation of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, receive him with great honor.
1793 - The Louvre Museum in Paris opens to the public.
1892 - Former U.S. President Grover Cleveland beats incumbent Benjamin Harrison and becomes the first U.S. president to win nonconsecutive terms in the White House.
1895 - Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, German physicist, discovers X-rays.
1960 - Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy defeats Vice President Richard M. Nixon for the U.S. presidency.
1993 - Russian President Boris Yeltsin approves a draft constitution that will give him increased powers at the parliament's expense.
1997 - Chinese engineers divert the Yangtze River from its natural course, clearing way for the construction of the enormous Three Gorges dam.
Today's Birthdays:
Edmund Halley, British astronomer (1656-1742)
John Milton, English poet (1608-1674)
Hermann Rorschach, Swiss psychiatrist (1884-1922)
Margaret Mitchell, U.S. author (1900-1949)
Katharine Hepburn, U.S. actress (1907-2003)
Alain Delon, French actor (1932--)
Mary Hart, U.S. television host (1950--)
Parker Posey, U.S. actress (1968--)
Thought For Today:
"Man is born to live, not to prepare for life." -Boris Pasternak, Russian author (1890-1960).
Friday, November 07, 2008
A New Friend!
We met some friends in the Fort Worth vicinity a couple of weeks ago, a mini reunion of sorts. Justin's Scouting friends Armand, Scott and Ethan were there with their families (spouses, parents,...). We missed the Johnson's!
Armand and Jelaine were there with their new baby Trey, pictured below. What a sweetie!
Eli was pretty excited to meet his new friend and clapped for him, after doing some poking and prodding to make sure he was okay. Thanks for calling guys! Great to see you all.
Armand and Jelaine were there with their new baby Trey, pictured below. What a sweetie!
Eli was pretty excited to meet his new friend and clapped for him, after doing some poking and prodding to make sure he was okay. Thanks for calling guys! Great to see you all.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Is it Friday yet?
So we're not having the greatest of weeks, but we're muddling along. Eli began throwing up on Friday but we thought it was b/c he had a lot of drainage and didn't take any action until I got called to pick him up early from daycare on Tuesday. We went straight to the doctor (after the third episode of puking in the car seat, and I must say our carseat cover is the cleanest car seat cover in the universe now!) and found out he has two ear infections and a stomach virus. Oh, and he's teething again. Geez.
He's doing much better but is not daycare-approved, so I'm working half days this week and getting my work done in the evenings after he goes to bed.
Justin followed up on Wednesday with his own rendition of the stomach virus. He was in bed (and the bathroom) all day and attempted work for a few hours this morning but came back home. He seems better now, but you know how the after-effects of a stomach virus are.
I'm not having any of those symptoms but feel tired, nauseated and achy. I'm hoping its from taking care of my boys and working and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning up messes, and not actually the bug for me. We'll see.
That's our week for you. Oh, and our presidential candidate lost.
He's doing much better but is not daycare-approved, so I'm working half days this week and getting my work done in the evenings after he goes to bed.
Justin followed up on Wednesday with his own rendition of the stomach virus. He was in bed (and the bathroom) all day and attempted work for a few hours this morning but came back home. He seems better now, but you know how the after-effects of a stomach virus are.
I'm not having any of those symptoms but feel tired, nauseated and achy. I'm hoping its from taking care of my boys and working and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning up messes, and not actually the bug for me. We'll see.
That's our week for you. Oh, and our presidential candidate lost.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
The Election
By Justin
How can you sum it up. My guy lost. My hope of a split Presidency and Congress did not happen. Now we have four years to determine if President-Elect Obama really is a genuine guy, bent on restoring hope to everyone. Or is he a left wing pawn bent on giving tax breaks and my money to others. Will he govern from the middle or slash and burn from the left. Will he really reach across the isle or will he just let Pelosi and Reed run the country from the top seat. Will he respect the Constitution and the rights laid out there-in? Or will he decide that national healthcare, paid for by you and me, really is in the 'common good' doctrine. Will he respect the lives of the unborn? Will he find a way to dig us out of this debt hole? Will he cut and run or leave with honor?
I don't know. But I know his time is limited in my head. There are mountains to climb, and as a person who didn't vote for him, he has precious little time to get his ship on track for me to vote for him in 2012.
How can you sum it up. My guy lost. My hope of a split Presidency and Congress did not happen. Now we have four years to determine if President-Elect Obama really is a genuine guy, bent on restoring hope to everyone. Or is he a left wing pawn bent on giving tax breaks and my money to others. Will he govern from the middle or slash and burn from the left. Will he really reach across the isle or will he just let Pelosi and Reed run the country from the top seat. Will he respect the Constitution and the rights laid out there-in? Or will he decide that national healthcare, paid for by you and me, really is in the 'common good' doctrine. Will he respect the lives of the unborn? Will he find a way to dig us out of this debt hole? Will he cut and run or leave with honor?
I don't know. But I know his time is limited in my head. There are mountains to climb, and as a person who didn't vote for him, he has precious little time to get his ship on track for me to vote for him in 2012.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Halloween Pictures!
In reverse order somehow...
Trick-or-treating at our friend Erin's house. She had a special treat for Eli- animal crackers, and a special treat for Mom and Dad- a baby bottle with mini candy bars! Yum. Thanks Erin!
All dressed up for Justin's Halloween party at SWA. Justin was BamBam, as part of the whole Flintstones cast with his friends from his department. Eli was the Sock Monkey and I was 'Justin: Southwest Employee'.
Eli sporting his Sock Monkey With Skinned Nose costume at his daycare's Fall Carnival. The Deputy Sheriff's badge was a prize for pinning the nose on the Scarecrow, with a little help from his teacher.
Well, Eli loves his pumpkin, especially the long stem! A little prickly in the mouth though. His shirt, courtesy of Grandma, says 'Peek-a-Boo!' with jack-o-lanterns and skeletons covering and uncovering their eyes. Very cute.
Trick-or-treating at our friend Erin's house. She had a special treat for Eli- animal crackers, and a special treat for Mom and Dad- a baby bottle with mini candy bars! Yum. Thanks Erin!
All dressed up for Justin's Halloween party at SWA. Justin was BamBam, as part of the whole Flintstones cast with his friends from his department. Eli was the Sock Monkey and I was 'Justin: Southwest Employee'.
Eli sporting his Sock Monkey With Skinned Nose costume at his daycare's Fall Carnival. The Deputy Sheriff's badge was a prize for pinning the nose on the Scarecrow, with a little help from his teacher.
Well, Eli loves his pumpkin, especially the long stem! A little prickly in the mouth though. His shirt, courtesy of Grandma, says 'Peek-a-Boo!' with jack-o-lanterns and skeletons covering and uncovering their eyes. Very cute.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Mondays
by Justin
So you may or may not know that I work four ten hour days each week and have Mondays off to spend it with Eli. Honestly four ten hour days are grueling. I leave the house at 5:15 in the morning to get to work by 6 and leave work at 5 to get home in the neighborhood of 6:15. It is unfortunate that in this scenario I miss absolutely every stick of traffic in the morning, only to be in the thick of it in the afternoon. Catch me any day but Friday afternoon and I will tell you that it is absolutely worth it to spend my Mondays with my son.
What does a typical Monday entail, you ask? Well I am glad you did.
Most Mondays are spent around the house. We wake up and have our bottle. We bug Mommy in her office a little bit and then have our Breakfast. Hopefully we will spend some time playing on the floor and getting into things before our mid morning nap. After nap we try to get outside and take a walk. Then come back for lunch. About twice a month I meet a friend (Rene for those who know him) for lunch somewhere in McKinney or Allen. We have a good time then head hope for hopefully our afternoon nap. We bug mom some more to get through with her work so we can have some family play time and so I can take a child break. Then it is our normal nighttime routine of dinner, play, bath, play, book, bottle, then bed.
Often the schedule changes with things that come up. For example, today we ran a few errands to the AT&T store, The Home Depot and to get my pickup washed (or warshed). Sometimes we try to help mom out and get some of her things done. Other times we just do what we want.
I have learned a few things about my Mondays. One, I could not be a stay at home dad. I would go crazy. I would weigh 300+ pounds. I would not love my child well. Two, Holly is a saint to balance work and mom so well. Seriously, where does she get that energy and zest from? She never seems to want a day of from being a parent like I do! Finally, all the tiredness from work is worth it to have a quality time day (mostly) alone with my son.
Time for bed! Eli went to sleep at 6:15 tonight and hasn't quite learned what daylight savings time is all about. Could be an early morning tomorrow!
So you may or may not know that I work four ten hour days each week and have Mondays off to spend it with Eli. Honestly four ten hour days are grueling. I leave the house at 5:15 in the morning to get to work by 6 and leave work at 5 to get home in the neighborhood of 6:15. It is unfortunate that in this scenario I miss absolutely every stick of traffic in the morning, only to be in the thick of it in the afternoon. Catch me any day but Friday afternoon and I will tell you that it is absolutely worth it to spend my Mondays with my son.
What does a typical Monday entail, you ask? Well I am glad you did.
Most Mondays are spent around the house. We wake up and have our bottle. We bug Mommy in her office a little bit and then have our Breakfast. Hopefully we will spend some time playing on the floor and getting into things before our mid morning nap. After nap we try to get outside and take a walk. Then come back for lunch. About twice a month I meet a friend (Rene for those who know him) for lunch somewhere in McKinney or Allen. We have a good time then head hope for hopefully our afternoon nap. We bug mom some more to get through with her work so we can have some family play time and so I can take a child break. Then it is our normal nighttime routine of dinner, play, bath, play, book, bottle, then bed.
Often the schedule changes with things that come up. For example, today we ran a few errands to the AT&T store, The Home Depot and to get my pickup washed (or warshed). Sometimes we try to help mom out and get some of her things done. Other times we just do what we want.
I have learned a few things about my Mondays. One, I could not be a stay at home dad. I would go crazy. I would weigh 300+ pounds. I would not love my child well. Two, Holly is a saint to balance work and mom so well. Seriously, where does she get that energy and zest from? She never seems to want a day of from being a parent like I do! Finally, all the tiredness from work is worth it to have a quality time day (mostly) alone with my son.
Time for bed! Eli went to sleep at 6:15 tonight and hasn't quite learned what daylight savings time is all about. Could be an early morning tomorrow!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Fiesta!
Our church, Plano Bible Chapel, had its 40th Anniversary party tonight. It was quite a celebration complete with Tex-Mex, a mariachi band and lots of fun at Southfork Ranch. Great to see our friends, eat good food and just enjoy a party without any of the work.
Eli didn't get the memo about the time change, so he was up at 6:30 ready to go. I was not. But Justin and I take turns getting up on the weekends and today was my day. Eli and I had breakfast, played and took an hour long walk in the stroller and still had time to play again before getting ready for church. With the fiesta tonight we only had the 11:00 service and no Sunday School. He never naps in the nursery at church so he was reaching the end of his rope by the time we got back home. After lunch he went down for a nap and so did we. 2 1/2 hours later I woke up and realized we had to leave in 20 minutes for the fiesta! Yikes! Fortunately Eli woke up happy and we were on our way on time.
Okay- pictures tomorrow. And by the way, I never got around to checking on the couch cushions last night. I cleaned half of the bathroom, painted my toenails and watched the last half of the Tech-Texas game. Well worth staying up late for that!
Eli didn't get the memo about the time change, so he was up at 6:30 ready to go. I was not. But Justin and I take turns getting up on the weekends and today was my day. Eli and I had breakfast, played and took an hour long walk in the stroller and still had time to play again before getting ready for church. With the fiesta tonight we only had the 11:00 service and no Sunday School. He never naps in the nursery at church so he was reaching the end of his rope by the time we got back home. After lunch he went down for a nap and so did we. 2 1/2 hours later I woke up and realized we had to leave in 20 minutes for the fiesta! Yikes! Fortunately Eli woke up happy and we were on our way on time.
Okay- pictures tomorrow. And by the way, I never got around to checking on the couch cushions last night. I cleaned half of the bathroom, painted my toenails and watched the last half of the Tech-Texas game. Well worth staying up late for that!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
National Blog Posting Month
by Holly
Okay Aimee and Krista, I'm in. I guess I have it easier than you guys since Justin and I can tag team posting on our shared blog. :) Since I'm exhausted and don't have it in me to walk to the other room to get the camera, no pictures tonight. I'll just let you know what we've been up to.
Last Friday evening was Eli's daycare's fall carnival. I love fall and everything associated with it so even though he didn't know what was going on, we went. He wore his Sock Monkey costume like a pro and even left the hat/head of the monkey on! Halloween continued with Southwest Airlines' humongous Halloween celebration this Friday. Eli and I went for a few hours in the morning and took in all we could before he had had enough. Justin's entire department was in costume, as was most of the company. It really is amazing that the whole headquarters is transformed into skits, spook houses, kiddie play rooms... Well done. Gary Kelly's employee-voted costume turned out to be ZZ Top. It was nice, but I've seen better from him in the past.
Skip forward to Halloween evening itself and we dressed Eli up for the third time in Sock Monkey, strapped him in the stroller and went trick-or-treating. Now, that only entails our friends Erin and Bryan's house, and a quick stop at a neighbor's who walked out to see what Eli was dressed as, but I think that's enough trick-or-treating for a 10-month-old, seeing as he fell asleep before we were back home!
Today was spent doing random stuff. Justin took Eli to visit Grandma, Pops and Nannie and I had most of the day to myself. I weeded the flowerbeds, did some laundry, made fruit dip and then spent the afternoon at my friend Rebecca's baby shower. She is expecting her baby girl Lucy sometime before Thanksgiving. I was in charge of the food for the shower and we planned for 75 so it was a big deal. We ended up having 55, so that's not too bad. Quite a shindig for a little girl that's not even here yet! And now Eli's in bed, Justin is at a birthday/football party and I'm trying to convince myself to clean our bathroom while Eli's not going behind me 'exploring'. Or maybe I need to make sure the couch cushions stay put...
Okay Aimee and Krista, I'm in. I guess I have it easier than you guys since Justin and I can tag team posting on our shared blog. :) Since I'm exhausted and don't have it in me to walk to the other room to get the camera, no pictures tonight. I'll just let you know what we've been up to.
Last Friday evening was Eli's daycare's fall carnival. I love fall and everything associated with it so even though he didn't know what was going on, we went. He wore his Sock Monkey costume like a pro and even left the hat/head of the monkey on! Halloween continued with Southwest Airlines' humongous Halloween celebration this Friday. Eli and I went for a few hours in the morning and took in all we could before he had had enough. Justin's entire department was in costume, as was most of the company. It really is amazing that the whole headquarters is transformed into skits, spook houses, kiddie play rooms... Well done. Gary Kelly's employee-voted costume turned out to be ZZ Top. It was nice, but I've seen better from him in the past.
Skip forward to Halloween evening itself and we dressed Eli up for the third time in Sock Monkey, strapped him in the stroller and went trick-or-treating. Now, that only entails our friends Erin and Bryan's house, and a quick stop at a neighbor's who walked out to see what Eli was dressed as, but I think that's enough trick-or-treating for a 10-month-old, seeing as he fell asleep before we were back home!
Today was spent doing random stuff. Justin took Eli to visit Grandma, Pops and Nannie and I had most of the day to myself. I weeded the flowerbeds, did some laundry, made fruit dip and then spent the afternoon at my friend Rebecca's baby shower. She is expecting her baby girl Lucy sometime before Thanksgiving. I was in charge of the food for the shower and we planned for 75 so it was a big deal. We ended up having 55, so that's not too bad. Quite a shindig for a little girl that's not even here yet! And now Eli's in bed, Justin is at a birthday/football party and I'm trying to convince myself to clean our bathroom while Eli's not going behind me 'exploring'. Or maybe I need to make sure the couch cushions stay put...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thank you for voting for Eli
We want to thank everyone who voted for Eli in the baby photo contest the last two weeks. He did not advance to the top 25 round, but we had fun with it while it lasted. If you want to see the babies that are still in it, the website is the same: http://www.1061kissfm.com/pages/contests/baby/.
Thanks again for your time and help with the votes!
Thanks again for your time and help with the votes!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Round 2!
Thanks to all of you who voted for Eli in the baby contest! He did make it past the cut to Round 2, which is the top 100 babies. There are still a lot of cute babies in the running, so we would appreciate you taking the time to vote again this week. The voting for this round is today, October 20th through Thursday, October 23rd.
You may vote once per email address, per computer, per day so give Eli your full support!
He sends you all a big grin and a sloppy baby kiss as a Thank You!
http://www.1061kissfm.com/pages/contests/baby/
You may vote once per email address, per computer, per day so give Eli your full support!
He sends you all a big grin and a sloppy baby kiss as a Thank You!
http://www.1061kissfm.com/pages/contests/baby/
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Most Kissable Baby Contest!
We have entered Eli into a baby contest- KissFM's Most Kissable Baby Photo Contest. There are so, so many cute babies in the competition, and this first round of voting will narrow it down to the top 100, then the voting will begin again. I am asking you to visit this site: http://www.1061kissfm.com/pages/contests/baby/, smile at all the other cute babies, and scroll down to vote for Eli Noble!
To vote, click on the circle by his name, enter your email address and a confirmation will be emailed to you. Your vote will not be complete until you verify the email, so please follow through so we can count your vote! You can vote once per day, per email address, per computer so if you have more than one, please vote again but you will need to do it on a separate computer! The voting goes through 10/17, so we would love if you would vote everyday! I'll let you know if we make it to the next round and ask for your vote again at that time if we do. Eli's picture is from his 5 month photo shoot and of course he has changed so much since then, but I love that picture. We hope you are all doing well and appreciate you taking a couple of minutes of your time to help us out!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Philadelphia for Holly
Now for Holly's take on Philadelphia. Justin read that if you aren't from Philadelphia, you aren't allowed to call it Philly, so I won't.
Here is Justin with Constitution Cow in the Independence Visitor's Center. Now that's cool!
Holly with the Liberty Bell. Its smaller than I imagined it would be. It was still amazing to see and to think about the history behind it and all of the people that have had contact with it over the last 200+ years.
Here is Justin with Constitution Cow in the Independence Visitor's Center. Now that's cool!
Holly with the Liberty Bell. Its smaller than I imagined it would be. It was still amazing to see and to think about the history behind it and all of the people that have had contact with it over the last 200+ years.
Having a chat with George Washington at the signing of the Constitution at Constitution Center. This was a cool room, with statues of all of the signers standing around having conversations, discussing the importance of this document and what events are about to unfold.
This is the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the site of the first Congress meetings. The head chair is actually the original, where Washington sat to preside. We heard three different times during our stay that the sunburst pattern at the top of the chair was a conundrum for Ben Franklin, as he wasn't sure if the sun was setting or rising over our new country. At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he declared that it was in fact rising.
I enjoyed the history of the town. Our hotel was on 18th and Market, which is just a few blocks from all of these tourist attractions. We rode the Subway a few times, but mainly walked a lot. This was nice since as you read in Justin's post, the Subway system is a bit lacking in cleanliness and clarity.
I was determined to have a Philly cheesesteak, but as we didn't find any offered (besides at the little street corner vendors that were a little scary), I settled for a Philly Cheesesteak Omelette at 'Jones', a fabulous 70's rendition of a diner. Shag carpet, bowl-like chairs, tator tots on the side, you can imagine. It was great- best atmosphere in a restaurant that we found.
We also saw Betsy Ross' house, Christ Church (amazing!), Independence Hall, the Delaware River, the Quaker free Meeting House, Ben Franklin's home site and publishing/postal buildings, Elfreth's Alley (the longest continously inhabited street in America) and so much more.
If you get the chance to go, take the opportunity. Besides cool buildings and such, you can almost feel the presence of those that formed our new nation, and that gives me goose bumps!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Philadelphia
So I am sitting around the house looking at our weekend plans last Wednesday and realize that they are full of chores. Knowing no limits to my desire to rid myself of chores, I decide to pitch the idea of flying out of town at the last minute. Holly bites and we are off to the races to see where we can get too. After some complicated digging I determine that the flights to Philadelphia aren't that full, a key to flying for free! So we make last minute plans to fly Eli out to West Texas and Holly and I b-line to the north east.
I really enjoyed Philadelphia. I love American History just slightly more than Texas History. I also am an immensely proud American and love the utter genius that is our form of government. To see and hear amazing stories about our county's founding and the unexplainable success other than by divine providence, was moving. I have tons to write, but I think it would be too boring. Lets just say that after D.C., I think every American should make a pilgrimage to our nations true first capital.
One of my favorite mental games to play while I travel is the social experiment in my head of "What does this city tell me as a tourist?" Meaning, while traveling about what broad generalities can one pull about the culture of the people inhabiting this city. Below are a few of my observations about Philadelphia.
1. Just like everyone expects that every Texan owns a horse, every street corner in Philadelphia does not sell Cheesesteaks. In fact I never ate one. I never found a place, in my standard milling about, that served them except for a pizza place.
2. Philadelphia is a lot less concerned about tourists. The subway stops were not labeled to relate to local landmarks that tourists would know. For instance, if you didn't know that Independence National Park was at 2nd and Market, you would have been completely lost on the subway.
3. The competition for cab fare is extreme. We could not walk along a street longer than a minute or two (no matter the time of day) without a cab driver honking his horn at us to see if we wanted a ride. Every time we walked out of our hotel the door man asked if we needed a cab. It was genuinely odd.
4. Homelessness is crazy rampant. I was amazed the number of people sitting absolutely everywhere. Dallas has its share, but this was amazing. Not a lot of begging, surprisingly, but still very noticeable.
5. For every Starbucks, there is a Dunkin' Donuts. I mean these people must hype themselves up on this stuff constantly otherwise the economics of it wouldn't support. Suburban Station alone has two DDs and a McDonalds.
6. The subway system is a mode of transportation, not a 'gateway to the city'. It was truly a disgusting place. I really reminded my of Mexico City Metros. The cars were nasty, the stations were nasty and the street level entrances were down right scary. There has been no effort to remotely spruce anything up to make it presentable.
So I don't know what you get when you combine all of that, but I think you get a city focused on bigger issues than tourists and vagrants. Maybe they are trying to solve issues the weekend tourist cannot see or fathom. I don't know, what I do know is that it is worthy of the trip. Just do your research first!
I really enjoyed Philadelphia. I love American History just slightly more than Texas History. I also am an immensely proud American and love the utter genius that is our form of government. To see and hear amazing stories about our county's founding and the unexplainable success other than by divine providence, was moving. I have tons to write, but I think it would be too boring. Lets just say that after D.C., I think every American should make a pilgrimage to our nations true first capital.
One of my favorite mental games to play while I travel is the social experiment in my head of "What does this city tell me as a tourist?" Meaning, while traveling about what broad generalities can one pull about the culture of the people inhabiting this city. Below are a few of my observations about Philadelphia.
1. Just like everyone expects that every Texan owns a horse, every street corner in Philadelphia does not sell Cheesesteaks. In fact I never ate one. I never found a place, in my standard milling about, that served them except for a pizza place.
2. Philadelphia is a lot less concerned about tourists. The subway stops were not labeled to relate to local landmarks that tourists would know. For instance, if you didn't know that Independence National Park was at 2nd and Market, you would have been completely lost on the subway.
3. The competition for cab fare is extreme. We could not walk along a street longer than a minute or two (no matter the time of day) without a cab driver honking his horn at us to see if we wanted a ride. Every time we walked out of our hotel the door man asked if we needed a cab. It was genuinely odd.
4. Homelessness is crazy rampant. I was amazed the number of people sitting absolutely everywhere. Dallas has its share, but this was amazing. Not a lot of begging, surprisingly, but still very noticeable.
5. For every Starbucks, there is a Dunkin' Donuts. I mean these people must hype themselves up on this stuff constantly otherwise the economics of it wouldn't support. Suburban Station alone has two DDs and a McDonalds.
6. The subway system is a mode of transportation, not a 'gateway to the city'. It was truly a disgusting place. I really reminded my of Mexico City Metros. The cars were nasty, the stations were nasty and the street level entrances were down right scary. There has been no effort to remotely spruce anything up to make it presentable.
So I don't know what you get when you combine all of that, but I think you get a city focused on bigger issues than tourists and vagrants. Maybe they are trying to solve issues the weekend tourist cannot see or fathom. I don't know, what I do know is that it is worthy of the trip. Just do your research first!
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