Four
Five
And Six today! Happy Birthday, Katie! We love you!!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Six flags with friends
Yesterday, the girls and I went to six flags with some friends. Theo didn't want to go. Something about it being 100 outside. But we wound up having a great time. The heat wasn't as bad as I was afraid it would be since there was a lot of shade and those cool mister fans. Plus we went on a couple of water rides.
The girls loved the rides and there were lots of bigger rides that even Lizzy could go on. Katie even got to go on the Tony Hawk big spin ride which was pretty scary! Lizzy cried only on one ride, the one that went in the water, but later declared it her favorite. I was surprised that they weren't afraid of the conquistador one - the giant rocking ship that goes back and forth. They really loved it and went three times!
And the best part? We got in totally free with reading tickets! Thanks Alisha for your extra tickets!
Click here to download photos.
The girls loved the rides and there were lots of bigger rides that even Lizzy could go on. Katie even got to go on the Tony Hawk big spin ride which was pretty scary! Lizzy cried only on one ride, the one that went in the water, but later declared it her favorite. I was surprised that they weren't afraid of the conquistador one - the giant rocking ship that goes back and forth. They really loved it and went three times!
And the best part? We got in totally free with reading tickets! Thanks Alisha for your extra tickets!
Click here to download photos.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Texas Sage
God painted us a picture this morning when I went outside. These pretty bushes are called Texas Sage (I think - I get plant names confused), and they bloom when it will rain. Which sure enough, it did. Who needs the weatherman?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
New Car
So we finally broke down and bought a second car. We knew we had to in the fall anyways since the girls are going to be in more activities, so we thought we may as well have it for VBS too. It was more than I wanted to spend on a used car, but Theo wanted a Honda after all the trouble we had with our van. Well, it was a great couple of months with no car payments but all good things must end.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
What's wrong with this picture?
I was showing pictures to the girls today and we noticed this for the first time. Maybe I should be more careful about who I let take care of my children! :) But then considering the child, maybe she was doing me a favor. Consider the following.
The other day, she colored all over my floor, in the grout no less, where it doesn't come out. After making her clean it up, we were talking later and I sighed and told her "Lizzy, I'm getting so sick and tired of you coloring all over everything." Lizzy replied. "I'm getting sick of you being so bossy."
Last Sunday getting out of the car after church, Lizzy tells us in a singsong, I'm so special kind of voice, that "My teacher gave me new panties!" I immediately thought she had an accident, but if only we were so lucky. Nope, Lizzy had decided not to wear any panties that Sunday. Under her dress. With no tights. Apparently she gave a peep show to everyone in her class. We'll have to be more vigilant in our underwear checks from now on.
Last week she shoved a giant wad of tape up her nose. I have no idea how she scrunched it down small enough to get in there, but it was so far in I couldn't even see it. Finally she got it down far enough I could get it out with tweezers. For a while there I thought I was going to have to take her to the hospital.
But I guess without onery Lizzy I couldn't have sweet snuggly Lizzy either so I guess we'll keep her for now.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Fishing
The girls got to go fishing at the pond downtown with our Sunday School Class. This was our first time fishing. It was pretty fun since we used corn instead of worms. We didn't catch anything but Katie got a nibble once.
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Saturday, July 18, 2009
Jersey Shore and home
The next day we went to the Jersey Shore. Of course no vacation is complete without someone getting sick, so Katie got the honors and barfed oreos all over the backseat. So glad it was a rental! She sweetly asked "Can I have something to wipe myself with?" and Lizzy, always self-absorbed goes "Can I have something to cover my nose with?"
We decided to go to Atlantic city since we always used to go to Point Pleasant but never made it that far south. We enjoyed the beach and the boardwalk. The girls loved the sand, and I got to go swimming in the ocean. Theo enjoyed sitting under the umbrella I made him rent.
After a nap at the hotel we headed back to the boardwalk to see the nightlife in A.C. It was very crowded. I got to gamble for the first time ever! I lost $10. Theo took the girls to the candy shop. He was supposed to go try it next but he decided he couldn't afford to loose any more.
The next day we went the Absecon Lighthouse, 3rd tallest in the US and climbed all 228 stairs to the top. Then we went to see Lucy the giant Elephant. The girls really enjoyed her and we all got a kick looking out the back window aka the "pane in her butt".
After that we went to Wildwood beach, and stayed in a really crappy hotel, but at least it still cost an arm and a leg. We enjoyed the beach during the day and then went on a few rides on the pier that evening. The girls really enjoyed the tilt-a-whirl.
Finally we made it to our final destination, Cape May. The houses there are beautiful. We wanted to rent one of the bike carts that we saw roaming around but we ran out of time because we spent so much time at the point watching guess what!!!??? Dolphins!!!! There was a whole school of dolphins and I don't think I would have ever noticed them except for the whale watching boat that came so close. Then 3 of them flipped up and out of the water. It was so cool. You can see their backs in a couple of the pictures. Then after taking a quick peak at the Cape May lighthouse and deciding not to climb it too we headed for Philly.
When we finally arrived in Philadelphia after wandering lost for 2 hours in South Jersey, we got to take a tour of Independence hall. Then we went to see the Liberty Bell where of course Lizzy fell and hit her head.
After that we got in the car for the long drive back to Buffalo. We left Philly at 6:30 and finally reached Buffalo at 3 in the morning. Our flight left at 6am so we had a long day. When we got back to Dallas the place was like an oven, after getting spoiled by the cooler temps and of course our a.c. in the car had quit while we were gone.
All in all we had an awesome trip. I am so glad we went and had a great time and so glad we are finally home. Thanks, Pam for watching Jackie!!!!
We decided to go to Atlantic city since we always used to go to Point Pleasant but never made it that far south. We enjoyed the beach and the boardwalk. The girls loved the sand, and I got to go swimming in the ocean. Theo enjoyed sitting under the umbrella I made him rent.
After a nap at the hotel we headed back to the boardwalk to see the nightlife in A.C. It was very crowded. I got to gamble for the first time ever! I lost $10. Theo took the girls to the candy shop. He was supposed to go try it next but he decided he couldn't afford to loose any more.
The next day we went the Absecon Lighthouse, 3rd tallest in the US and climbed all 228 stairs to the top. Then we went to see Lucy the giant Elephant. The girls really enjoyed her and we all got a kick looking out the back window aka the "pane in her butt".
After that we went to Wildwood beach, and stayed in a really crappy hotel, but at least it still cost an arm and a leg. We enjoyed the beach during the day and then went on a few rides on the pier that evening. The girls really enjoyed the tilt-a-whirl.
Finally we made it to our final destination, Cape May. The houses there are beautiful. We wanted to rent one of the bike carts that we saw roaming around but we ran out of time because we spent so much time at the point watching guess what!!!??? Dolphins!!!! There was a whole school of dolphins and I don't think I would have ever noticed them except for the whale watching boat that came so close. Then 3 of them flipped up and out of the water. It was so cool. You can see their backs in a couple of the pictures. Then after taking a quick peak at the Cape May lighthouse and deciding not to climb it too we headed for Philly.
When we finally arrived in Philadelphia after wandering lost for 2 hours in South Jersey, we got to take a tour of Independence hall. Then we went to see the Liberty Bell where of course Lizzy fell and hit her head.
After that we got in the car for the long drive back to Buffalo. We left Philly at 6:30 and finally reached Buffalo at 3 in the morning. Our flight left at 6am so we had a long day. When we got back to Dallas the place was like an oven, after getting spoiled by the cooler temps and of course our a.c. in the car had quit while we were gone.
All in all we had an awesome trip. I am so glad we went and had a great time and so glad we are finally home. Thanks, Pam for watching Jackie!!!!
Central Park
On our final day in NYC we started the day by taking the subway to the American Musuem of Natural History. We just stayed in the lobby. We went thru before and the best part is the big dino's in the lobby.
After that we crossed the street and enjoyed the day in central park. The weather was beautiful. After lunch, we rented a canoe, and other than getting stuck in the mud for 15 minutes didn't do too badly. Then we took a peddlecab (Theo calls them rickshaws - not sure which is right) to FAO Schwartz. This was the first place on our vacation we hadn't been before. Not sure why... it was a great store. The girls had lots of fun. They got to play on the big piano, and choose a teddy bear.
We went back to the hotel early and met Theo's best friend from India who moved to NJ after we moved out.
After that we crossed the street and enjoyed the day in central park. The weather was beautiful. After lunch, we rented a canoe, and other than getting stuck in the mud for 15 minutes didn't do too badly. Then we took a peddlecab (Theo calls them rickshaws - not sure which is right) to FAO Schwartz. This was the first place on our vacation we hadn't been before. Not sure why... it was a great store. The girls had lots of fun. They got to play on the big piano, and choose a teddy bear.
We went back to the hotel early and met Theo's best friend from India who moved to NJ after we moved out.
Midtown
The next day we headed out to the Empire State Building. Since it was kind of cloudy, not really a great day for viewing there was no line! They had opened up the 102nd floor. The last time we went we could only go for the 86th. I stood with my mouth hanging open as Theo forked over an additional $30 so we could go to the 102nd. Who was this man and what had he done with my husband? Then my real husband returned making us stay for almost 2 hours to get his $70 worth out of our visit. It was nicer at the very top though because it was not as crowded. Plus it was not so cold and windy.
After we finally drug Theo down, and purchased our magnet (we collect magnets wherever we go) we headed for Time's Square. I love Time's square. All the lights, and tourists it is so much fun. We had lunch at Olive Garden, and then went to the M&M and Hersey stores. Then we went up to the American Girl store, and over to St. Patricks cathedral. After that we went to ToysRUs, where we rode on the ferris wheel. The girls were so excited to get the Little Pony car. Theo took pictures but they didn't really come out since he had it on the wrong setting. Then we took them upstairs to see the giant dinosaur. Lizzy was scared to death of him. So to make up for scareing her we got them both a little stuffed animal.
Then we went out to rest and wait for the dark so we could see the lights better. They have closed down the street and added a bunch of lawn chairs. Apparently the lawn chairs are temporary over the summer but they are going to leave the street closed. It is so much nicer for tourists - not so crowded and a place to sit, but must be terrible for drivers.
Then on the way back to the motel we saw a guy doing portraits. He was actually doing a great job for the little girl. We had Katie's done when she was little but it didn't turn out that great. This guy could draw well, so we stopped and had their portraits drawn. They turned out really cute and I can't wait to hang them in their rooms.
After we finally drug Theo down, and purchased our magnet (we collect magnets wherever we go) we headed for Time's Square. I love Time's square. All the lights, and tourists it is so much fun. We had lunch at Olive Garden, and then went to the M&M and Hersey stores. Then we went up to the American Girl store, and over to St. Patricks cathedral. After that we went to ToysRUs, where we rode on the ferris wheel. The girls were so excited to get the Little Pony car. Theo took pictures but they didn't really come out since he had it on the wrong setting. Then we took them upstairs to see the giant dinosaur. Lizzy was scared to death of him. So to make up for scareing her we got them both a little stuffed animal.
Then we went out to rest and wait for the dark so we could see the lights better. They have closed down the street and added a bunch of lawn chairs. Apparently the lawn chairs are temporary over the summer but they are going to leave the street closed. It is so much nicer for tourists - not so crowded and a place to sit, but must be terrible for drivers.
Then on the way back to the motel we saw a guy doing portraits. He was actually doing a great job for the little girl. We had Katie's done when she was little but it didn't turn out that great. This guy could draw well, so we stopped and had their portraits drawn. They turned out really cute and I can't wait to hang them in their rooms.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Lower Manhattan
On Wednesday morning we headed for the city. First we saw the statue of liberty. We wanted to go in, but the line for the monument was 4 miles long so we decided just to look at the outside. We didn't realize we planned our trip the week they opened up the crown so it was very crowded. Crown tickets were sold out til September so if you go, prepare early plus you had to stand in line with the monument people.
Afterwards, we explored lower manhattan and wall Street, visiting Trinity Church, and St. Paul's church, which is the oldest church there, where George Washington attended. They have gravestones there so old the names are washed away. It miraculously survived 9/11. Then we crossed the street to ground zero, which looks the exact same as the last time. I'm sure they are making progress but the construction work goes so slow. They did put in a museum across the street, so we went to that.
We stayed at a 4 star hotel in Jersey City thanks to Hotwire we got a great rate! Beautiful brand new hotel and we could walk to the Path train to NY. Since we were on the hotwire rate, we got a room with a view of construction instead of the city, but the kids thought that was awesome. It was next door to the mall where I worked when we first got married.
Afterwards, we explored lower manhattan and wall Street, visiting Trinity Church, and St. Paul's church, which is the oldest church there, where George Washington attended. They have gravestones there so old the names are washed away. It miraculously survived 9/11. Then we crossed the street to ground zero, which looks the exact same as the last time. I'm sure they are making progress but the construction work goes so slow. They did put in a museum across the street, so we went to that.
We stayed at a 4 star hotel in Jersey City thanks to Hotwire we got a great rate! Beautiful brand new hotel and we could walk to the Path train to NY. Since we were on the hotwire rate, we got a room with a view of construction instead of the city, but the kids thought that was awesome. It was next door to the mall where I worked when we first got married.
New Jersey Friends
We arrived in NJ on Monday evening. It was a beautiful drive thru Western NY and Pennsylvania. I forgot how green everything was and the mountains were georgeous. On Tuesday morning we were able to go to a Bible study with my old Mops friends. Then we went to lunch with our former pastor. We got to see our old neighbors, and even got to see our old house and the new owners cute new baby!
Mops friend and her family. I couldn't get over how tall her kids are now.
Mops friend and her family. I couldn't get over how tall her kids are now.
Our former neighbors. We really miss having good neighbors like you! Our hearts go out to you on the tragic loss of your sweet daughter.
Then my old Mops leader invited us over for supper which was so sweet! It was great talking with her again. I consider her my mentor and hope I can raise my family as well as she does.
Grandpa's Farm
On Thursday we left Niagara Falls for Grandpa and Grandma's farm about an hour south of Rochester. It is so beautiful and peaceful there. We would move there in a second if it weren't for the terrible winters. Oh and the fact that Rochester only has2 jobs left in the whole town.
They have a great couple staying there now that are really getting the place in shape. Since they can't be there while trucking, they trade free rent for upkeep and the place is really starting to pull together. They have 27 acres so it is a lot of work. Plus they raise golden retrievers and breed bunnies for shows.
On Saturday they had the big family reunion get together. He had a big very scary looking pig roasted and about 65 people showed up. We enjoyed a great picnic with delicious pulled pork sandwiches. (You just had to try really hard not to picture the pig while eating). Then Grandpa took us for a hayride minus the hay. We got to go around his farm and enjoy the beautiful view. He did almost dump us all out of the trailer once but other than that it was a lot of fun.
In the evening we enjoyed a huge fireworks display that rivaled the town's! We could literally see Grandpa's retirement going up in smoke :). One firework got tipped over and shot into the crowd which was kind of scary but no one was hurt. We also had smores over the bonfire and watched the town's fireworks also. It was so cold that day that we were wrapped up in coats and blankets and still shivering. Such a change from Texas where the week before we were dumping ice into our pool!
The girls really enjoyed the farm. Lizzy, our animal lover, couldn't be kept inside. Everytime we turned around she was out with the dogs or bunnies or chickens. They had the sweetest little baby bunnies when we went. Soooo soft. We chose one that we carried around all day and fell in love with. We called her Daisy, but Grandpa said she had "bad marks" and called her supper. We wanted to take her home with us, but apparently the airlines frown upon bunnies in your carryon luggage.
On Sunday we got to go to church on our anniversary where we were married. It was nice to see old friends again, but we really missed Cyndy, our Pastors wife, who passed away last year.
Monday we headed down to NJ.
They have a great couple staying there now that are really getting the place in shape. Since they can't be there while trucking, they trade free rent for upkeep and the place is really starting to pull together. They have 27 acres so it is a lot of work. Plus they raise golden retrievers and breed bunnies for shows.
On Saturday they had the big family reunion get together. He had a big very scary looking pig roasted and about 65 people showed up. We enjoyed a great picnic with delicious pulled pork sandwiches. (You just had to try really hard not to picture the pig while eating). Then Grandpa took us for a hayride minus the hay. We got to go around his farm and enjoy the beautiful view. He did almost dump us all out of the trailer once but other than that it was a lot of fun.
In the evening we enjoyed a huge fireworks display that rivaled the town's! We could literally see Grandpa's retirement going up in smoke :). One firework got tipped over and shot into the crowd which was kind of scary but no one was hurt. We also had smores over the bonfire and watched the town's fireworks also. It was so cold that day that we were wrapped up in coats and blankets and still shivering. Such a change from Texas where the week before we were dumping ice into our pool!
The girls really enjoyed the farm. Lizzy, our animal lover, couldn't be kept inside. Everytime we turned around she was out with the dogs or bunnies or chickens. They had the sweetest little baby bunnies when we went. Soooo soft. We chose one that we carried around all day and fell in love with. We called her Daisy, but Grandpa said she had "bad marks" and called her supper. We wanted to take her home with us, but apparently the airlines frown upon bunnies in your carryon luggage.
On Sunday we got to go to church on our anniversary where we were married. It was nice to see old friends again, but we really missed Cyndy, our Pastors wife, who passed away last year.
Monday we headed down to NJ.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Niagara Falls
Here is a slide show of our time in Niagara Falls. Click on it to make it larger. We arrived Tuesday night after our flight was cancelled and we had to wait at the philly airport for a while. Our luggage was delayed but they delivered it the next day so it wasn't too bad. We had one hairy moment in the plane where it dropped and there was a chorus of "oh my god!" thruout the plane. At the end of the flight the attendant announced "We made it" and everyone cheered.
Niagara Falls was beautiful. It was cool because we went there on our honeymoon and it was the week of our 7th anniversary when we went this time. We got to go on the Ferris wheel and it wasn't even too scary since it was all enclosed. Normally I am very afraid of Ferris wheels. Then we went on the maid of the mist boat which was really fun. We got totally soaked and had a blast.
We also went to Skylon tower and had lunch at the revolving restaurant. On our honeymoon we couldn't go to the Canadian side since we didn't have a visa for Theo so he had promised me on our first anniversary we would go to a revolving restaurant. Finally he kept his promise. The view was amazing and it was worth it to be able to sit and enjoy it. Afterward we went to the observation deck, but it was crowded and windy, so I am glad we sprang for the restaurant.
We walked along the river by the top of the falls where Lizzy seemed intent on flinging herself over. I am sure on the American side there would be an 8 foot electric fence to keep you from falling in the river and going over, but on the Canadian side there is a "no trespassing" sign. If you are stupid enough to fall in that is your problem - not theirs.
We thought we would miss the fireworks since we were there on a weekday but it turns out it was canada day so we got to see them after all. Very nice display (almost as big as Grandpa's).
We were there all day Wednesday and half the day on Thursday and then headed for Grandpa's farm, about 3 hours away. I'll post that later.
Niagara Falls was beautiful. It was cool because we went there on our honeymoon and it was the week of our 7th anniversary when we went this time. We got to go on the Ferris wheel and it wasn't even too scary since it was all enclosed. Normally I am very afraid of Ferris wheels. Then we went on the maid of the mist boat which was really fun. We got totally soaked and had a blast.
We also went to Skylon tower and had lunch at the revolving restaurant. On our honeymoon we couldn't go to the Canadian side since we didn't have a visa for Theo so he had promised me on our first anniversary we would go to a revolving restaurant. Finally he kept his promise. The view was amazing and it was worth it to be able to sit and enjoy it. Afterward we went to the observation deck, but it was crowded and windy, so I am glad we sprang for the restaurant.
We walked along the river by the top of the falls where Lizzy seemed intent on flinging herself over. I am sure on the American side there would be an 8 foot electric fence to keep you from falling in the river and going over, but on the Canadian side there is a "no trespassing" sign. If you are stupid enough to fall in that is your problem - not theirs.
We thought we would miss the fireworks since we were there on a weekday but it turns out it was canada day so we got to see them after all. Very nice display (almost as big as Grandpa's).
We were there all day Wednesday and half the day on Thursday and then headed for Grandpa's farm, about 3 hours away. I'll post that later.
Back from Vacation!
We are back from vacation! We had an awesome time. But the best part of traveling is coming home. We visited Niagara Falls, Grandpa's farm, New Jersey, New York City, Atlantic City, Wildwood, Cape May and Philadelphia. I'm going to post an entry for each stop with pictures.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Hermie and Friends
After four wonderful peaceful days while the girls were at Music camp at church, they had their performance last night. It was a great show and such cute music. I hope they do it again next year. So you would think that since I had the place to myself for four days, the house would be clean, but no, I started reading Twilight (I know everyone else already read it but I am behind the times). So my house is a disaster, but I did enjoy my little break.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Happy Father's Day!
Dear Theo,
Thank you for being a wonderful husband and father. You are such a blessing to us. The girls don’t realize how lucky they are but I do.
Happy Father’s Day!
We love you!
Dear Jerry,
Thank you for being such a great father, and grandfather to our family. We love and appreciate you and all you do and look forward to many years to come!
Happy Father’s Day!
Love,
Theo, Becky, Katie and Lizzy
Theo, Becky, Katie and Lizzy
Summer Fun Party
Last night we had our Summer Fun Party for our Sunday School Class. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. We didn't even burn the hamburgers. Thanks to all those who came!
To download photos, click here.
To download photos, click here.
Canopies
Hanger: $0
Tulle:$4
String $1
Making your daughter feel like a princess: Priceless
30 years of counseling when they realize they aren't actually princesses: $54,306.34
I should have done just pink instead of pink and brown. Looks more like the grim reaper approaching than a canopy.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Finished lawn edging
After loosing a tree our lawn guy told us that our yard was eroding and we would loose all of our trees eventually if we didn't put in something to block our yard from escaping, it so here is the bedding we have spent every spare minute on this last week and a half. It was a ton of work but I think it turned out pretty good considering we never did anything like this before. I even got to use a circular saw for the first time and I still have both arms! Hopefully it will hold up. We saved over $500 doing it ourselves. (Although we may now spend that in massages for our aching backs!) I even got a spot to put my compost pile. Now if we can keep the dog from running thru it when she barks at the cars who dare to drive thru her alley. Can't wait to put in some plants next spring.
And while I had out the camera I took a picture of the lawn furniture I scored off of craigslist the other day. Whoo hoo I love craigslist! got such a great deal that the new cushions cost more than the set itself. I smushed the two pics together on the computer because I couldn't get the whole thing in the shot without falling in the pool.
Dirt
Here is our dirt delivery for the lawn edging that we did. The girls had a great time. It didn't take them long to make a giant dirt slide.
They were a huge help shoveling all of the dirt with their plastic shovels.
They were a huge help shoveling all of the dirt with their plastic shovels.
Even I helped. I did the first 20 wheelbarrels full, and then Theo finished on Saturday. Hurray for husbands!
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