HANSON FIVE

A Timeline Of 17 Years Ago

2011-09-13T00:38:00.002-05:00

17 years ago, I lie asleep in my bed in Linglestown, PA. Little did I know that Frick and Frack were ready to bust out of their cozy, little, scrammed living quarters. I awoke around 2 or 3 am. I'm forty now so I'm doing my best to recall the details. I had this feeling of "gas." I contributed it to the white chili I had for dinner. Bear and I had gone out to eat with a sales dude the night before. As I tossed and turned and getting no "relief", I woke Bear up around 6 am. He called the hospital and they said to come in and have me checked since I was at 33 weeks. At this point in my pregnancy, I hadn't had any false labor but just to be safe, they wanted me to come in.

Bear showered and I got the "hospital" bag ready. My bad for not having that sucker ready sooner!!! FAIL!! So by 7 am, we were on our way to the hospital. Driving along the wakening world, Bear turns and says, "The furniture for the living room is to be delivered today! I guess I better call the store when they open." No kidding!!! That was the last thing on my mind as my tummy contracted and I felt like I needed to pass gas!

I don't recall actually getting checked into the hospital but do remember once in my shared room,
with the curtain separating me from the mommy to be next door. My nurse strapped on two fetal monitor bands and we all watched the screen. "Yes, dear, you are having contraction." "Really? I thought it was just gas!" Soon the on call doctor from my OB/GYN group came in and that is when the "you know what" hit the fan with Bear!

Dr. "Know It ALL" was spitting out stats of twins born at 33 weeks. "How survival rates were this percent and birth defects that they could have." Let's just say Bear was NOT too happy. Thank goodness Dr. "Know It ALL's" shift was about to end.

I was put on an IV and given a drug, one I can't spell, to stop the contractions. As the contractions slowed my heartbeat sped up, this drug does that, Bear was making a call to my mom to get on a plane to PA. My due date wasn't until November 3rd. "Please get here in time!" was all I could think of. I need my mommy. The second call Bear made was to Kathy. My sweet friend from church! She appeared shortly after she had Ms. Rachel to school. If your mommy can't be with you, Kathy is the rock you need.

Stay tuned for more on the timeline of 17 years ago...........

31 weeks

9/11/11

2011-09-11T22:22:00.000-05:00

First Day Of School 2011

2011-08-23T20:20:00.000-05:00

Frack

Frick

Frick and Frack

Smack

Frick, Frack and Smack

Rockwall Weekend

2011-08-03T21:48:00.000-05:00

Grapes in Texas

2011-07-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

Summertime

2011-06-07T21:59:00.001-05:00

No More Monkeys Jumping On The Bed....Er....Skateboarding At The Park!

2011-05-30T21:23:00.000-05:00

Sitting here typing this I asked myself, "Where did today go?" Oh, right.....dealing with Smack and his left broken arm.

Let's just say....Smack almost made it 13 years without a broken bone. And the skateboarding move that caused this left broken arm-FAIL!!

Urgent Care does live up to its name. One hour in and out the door. Now I must call the orthopedist first thing in the morning for an appointment.

Ah....the joys of boys!!!!

Hail + Sirens = CLOSET

2011-05-25T22:41:00.000-05:00

Here is how our Tuesday night went. First, I am home and ready to watch/flip between DWTS and IDOL. And then the season finale of GLEE. Let's just say NONE of that happened! Between checking the radar on my IPAD and weather reports on the TV, calling Frick and Frack to say, "Get to QT with the truck, hail is coming!", Smack is getting the vacuum out from under the stairs getting ready for the signal to get in the CLOSET. Oh, forgot to mention, Smack had already brought Phoenix, the bearded dragon, down from his room. Thank goodness for the portable cage.

Bear is in Kansas and texting, "You watching the radar and where are Frick and Frack?" Gave him the update and then the sky grew DARK, the wind was howling and then the sirens started. Oooppss....forgot to shut the garage door. Garage door now shut. Smack and critter are in the closet in their spots. I hand Ruger to Smack to hold. Smack is talented! He can cradle Ruger and watch the RADAR on the IPAD without blinking an eye. Shadow nervously gets in closet and Dakota looks at me like, "YEAH RIGHT!! LIKE WE ALL ARE GONNA FIT IN THERE?!" I shove his BIG behind in the closet and shut the door.

From the glow of the IPAD, I obstacle course it to find a spot to sit. It didn't take long to hear what sounded like bowling balls hitting the roof. I am busy texting Nichol, Bear, neighbor Scott, Frick and Frack, and Tara. It is becoming a sauna in the closet as the dogs are panting and are nervous. Every ping of hail that hits the house, Dakota scratches at the door. Smack and I hear the sirens for what seems like FOREVER and then they did stop, we could hear them still echoing in our ears.

As you can see from the pictures below, it was nasty but we were safe. THANK GOODNESS! So, out go the dogs and Smack and I go and investigate. Frick and Frack arrive home safe and with a full tank of gas!

So, So GRATEFUL!!

2011-05-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

Take a look at this beast!! I know, it's a black thingy. But it's more than a black thingy. It's my new EXTERNAL DRIVE with all my pictures that were CORRUPTED/LOST....never ever to be found AGAIN....RESTORED!! My "hook-up"/awesome friend worked and worked and ran and ran program after program to no avail. I was so close to calling in someone to play "TAPS" as I would have to say goodbye to ALL my digital history and memories starting from 2004. But what to my amazement one day when my IM window popped up and a file was attached of a picture from long, long ago. I almost peed myself, well not really but you get the picture (ha..no pun intended!) Any way, I am over the moon and then some. Thanks awesome friend! You are a rock star!

New Knitting Bag!

2011-05-20T21:11:00.001-05:00

"LOVE IT" is all I can SAY!!!

Flocked Again-2011

2011-05-20T21:03:00.002-05:00

Coloring Eggs

2011-05-18T21:53:00.000-05:00

In This Flower Pot..........

2011-05-18T21:09:00.000-05:00

Easter Lily and Mom Day Flowers

2011-05-18T20:56:00.000-05:00

"Hanson"ness

2011-05-07T23:12:00.000-05:00

Baseball Shots

2011-04-17T19:27:00.000-05:00

Confirmation For Smack-March 6, 2011

2011-03-06T21:57:00.000-06:00

Let's Stock The Lake!

2011-02-22T22:12:00.000-06:00

MaMa Cink Visit 2010

2011-02-05T22:44:00.000-06:00

Let's Go Snowmobling!!

2011-02-05T22:34:00.000-06:00

Misc Pictures Part One

2011-02-03T13:28:00.000-06:00

Frick And Frack

2011-01-27T22:32:00.000-06:00

Winter On The Prairie

2011-01-27T22:23:00.000-06:00

My Bestie!!

2011-01-16T22:29:00.000-06:00

Autographs.....Anyone??

2011-01-16T20:36:00.001-06:00

When you least expect it, you may find in your local Fed Ex store or on Walgreen's online photo center, the Hanson Five are popping up.....

See below and you'll get the "picture!"

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-13T20:59:00.000-06:00

Wheels!!!!

2010-11-29T21:53:00.000-06:00

Learner's permit....check. Drivetime......check. Getting your driver's license......SCORE!! Getting your first car.....PRICELESS!!(well, maybe not PRICEless) Yip......Frick and Frack are legal drivers. Please send gas money!!!

It's Been Two Weeks.....

2010-11-29T20:55:00.000-06:00

Since Smack's heart was broken into a bazillion pieces. It's a sad story but started out a happy one two years ago with a little boy who visited the pet store everyday wishing and hoping that the Quaker parrot could be his. He would call me everyday after school to say he was heading to the pet store to visit the parrot who was named.....Quaker. My cubby buddy would chuckle when my cell would ring at 3:30 and it be Smack talking about Quaker. My work buddies found it hilarious one day as I made a trip down the hall to the little girl's room and upon my return to my desk, they had plastered my cubby with parrot pictures. I had parrot emails sent from others on how to train a parrot. There were pictures of parrots in my desk drawers, stuck to my crackers, my diet coke can, computer......parrots everywhere.

Bear and I decided that Quaker would be his surprise Christmas gift. The only trick was that we were heading to the frozen tundra and a parrot would so need a parka. So I went into the pet store and talked with the owner and he agreed to keep Quaker there until we returned. Of course, Quaker was paid for and put on hold and all the employees knew the plan. But for some reason it slipped one day when Smack visited that Quaker was sold. Oh my goodness, there were tears. Bear and him made a trip in there and the owner felt so bad but assured Smack that Quaker was still available. Phew!! So Christmas Eve as Smack unwrapped a parrot toy, a confused look appeared on his face. He held the toy and as I said that Quaker was waiting at the pet store back home states and states away, his face lit up like the Christmas tree he was standing by. Oh, he could hardly wait to head back home. I am sure the road trip back home felt like forever.

The morning after we arrived home, Smack was so ready to go get Quaker. We arrived at the pet store and the owner was as excited as Smack was. Quaker was put into cardboard box shaped like a house with windows and an orange roof. Smack smiled all the way home proud as a peacock. The birdcage was set up in the corner in the kitchen. We all gathered around the kitchen table as Smack opened the box and Quaker slowly emerged to his new home.

Quaker started out in the kitchen then was moved to the family room. He was a chatty thing and whenever someone walked into the family room or came in the door, he would say, "Hi, Quaker!" He learned to chirp bark like the dogs when the doorbell rang. Quaker moved from the family room to the guest room and then up to Smack's room.

Smack and Quaker were inseparable and they were best friends.

I have used past tense to tell this story as Quaker passed away November 14, 2010. Smack found him and well.......as you can imagine he was devastated, crushed, shocked, upset, screaming, "Quaker, Quaker, please wake up.....I'm so sorry. Please wake up!!" Smack took two fingers and started chest compressions. It was so sad. Smack's little heart was broken into a million pieces. It hurt so bad seeing my child so upset and suffering.

The next night after work, we had a parrot funeral. Quaker was laid to rest next to Riley, Scott and Mary's dog that passed last year, in their backyard. Smack asked me bring the camera and we said goodbye to Quaker.

Smack is still sad and fights the tears from time to time. We were looking at pictures on my computer and came across the ones of when Quaker first came home. Smack's eyes filled with tears. We had to have a little hug.

Smack misses Quaker. I miss Quaker even tho he was messy and chattered up a storm. But I will never forget when you walked into Smack's room and Quaker would say, "Hi, Quaker!" to you. Rest in peace, QUAKER!! We all loved you!

Stockyards Visit With Papa!!

2010-11-26T22:06:00.002-06:00

Papa's Project At The Hanson Five House

2010-11-26T21:21:00.002-06:00

2010-11-26T19:57:00.000-06:00

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

2010-11-24T09:21:00.000-06:00

I have been such a bad blogger. We have been super busy but with Thanksgiving being tomorrow and a long weekend, I promise to update with all our craziness here. Some has been very sad......some a milestone in growing up. And then some days, well......

Somewhere Over The Rainbow sounds pretty good!!

Does Frick Know How To Carve A Pumpkin Or What?

2010-10-25T21:11:00.001-05:00

And NO stitches needed!!! He rocks it!!! He's so talented!!!

Proof to show that it REALLY is a pumpkin..............

Smack The Skater!!

2010-10-18T21:48:00.000-05:00

Nature Gets Into Decorating For Halloween!!!

2010-10-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

I love it when NATURE gets into the spirit of the season.....

I didn't even have to leave the house to get the goods.

It was right outside on my balcony

and as I ever so carefully focused in for the shot......

my hair brushed the window screen and I almost

peed my pants thinking it was a friend of the decorator coming for morning coffee.

Later on in the day, I took another glance.....

It hadn't moved from its spot in hours.....

Yip, you guessed it, it was DEAD!!!

My own private, haunted balcony isn't so scary anymore.

Funny Story

2010-10-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

Saturday afternoon as I was getting all comfy in my bed for a nap (yes, I love my weekend naps) I received a text. The text was from a mom of one of Smack's friends. "I saw your picture at Fed Ex today. Too funny." Of course, I immediately responded, "What pix?" She replies, "Family picture of you guys from a few years ago." AH.....yes.....if you scroll down and see the picture below ABOUT ME, you will remember it was our Christmas card years back. Well.....I just had to stop by Fed Ex today and see for myself. And now you can see too..................Thanks to the nice gentleman, in the chef coat who was sending a fax, for taking these pictures with my phone.

Cowboys

2010-10-05T22:38:00.000-05:00

Me and my little man!!

2010-10-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

Now, if he would only SMILE!!!!

PhotoShop Actions

2010-09-17T23:33:00.001-05:00

Woohee!! I am having a blast playing with some new PhotoShop Actions!

Totally ILL!!

2010-09-15T23:38:00.000-05:00

I am just ILL!! Sad, mad, can't believe it.....not germy ill but just plain ILL! Why? Because I dropped my external hard drive with ALL my pictures on it, that's why!!! Window pops up...."File corrupted or unreadable." OMG!!! Of course, I rushed the drive to my computer hook ups and they are performing all kinds of procedures on it. Pray, Pray, Pray....that the "geek" squad can work a miracle.

First Day Of School 2010

2010-09-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

Frack, Frick

and

Smack

August 23, 2010

Oh, What Treasures One Finds At Grandma's House!!

2010-08-18T22:02:00.000-05:00

I have thought of so many ways to start this post. So I am just gonna type this and see how it goes.

For me, this record player is not the one I had as a child. Nope, my record player was the big, long, brown console and permanent piece of furniture in the FAMILY room. The middle would open and depending on the season, the top ends above the speakers would be decorated with pumpkins, Santas, Easter Eggs, or a couple of plants. Luckily when you opened the middle section, the top would stay up but over the years, one had to use ones head or shoulder to hold the top while one put the vinyl on the turn table. One must be very talented to do so. Inside was the player and the radio and the slot with velvet to hold the vinyls. Vinyls-my boys didn't know what a vinyl was til this summer. And boy did they get a good chuckle reading all the song titles on them.

I can remember how I would save my allowance and when the family made the trip to TOWN (Wahpeton), I couldn't wait til the last stop at Pamida. I was just so giddy and made a mad dash to the music department. I would scan the TOP 10 chart and my palms would sweat hoping my favorite song at the time was on that list. I would then purchase my new 45 and beam from ear to ear.

The ride back to rural America seemed to last a decade but once the car or pickup was unloaded and groceries put away in record speed, I would open the console of the FAMILY room player, put the 45 adapter on the middle peg thing of the turn table, carefully slide the 45 out of the paper sleeve and gently set the 45 on the rubber turn table. Then I would press the silver switch to "ON" and watch the robotic like arm pop up out of its resting place and swing to the right and then swing to the left and drop slowly onto the vinyl. The speakers would sound with scratching noises and then the rockin tune would start to play. HEAVENLY!!! I would sit with my ear to the console speaker and close my eyes and get lost in the song. Then I would repeat and repeat and repeat the song over and over.

I didn't just have 45s. I also had the BIG vinyls. The Carpenter's and Grease were my favorite BIG albums. Record players weren't portable like IPODs back then. So I would take my handheld tape recorder and hold it to the speaker and record my vinyls. Playback wasn't crystal clear and the ring of the telephone or the door shutting could be heard at times but at least I was mobile.

My brother and I got a kick out of Mom yelling, "It's skippin!!" as she played her BIG vinyls while she did bookwork at the desk and he and I would race to the FAMILY room and jump in front of the console til the vibration of us jumping would jump the needle and the music would continue on. Good times!!!

My boys chuckle when they play the 45s but also now know what a vinyl is and what a record player does. Technology has come a long way baby!!! But it is nice to go back and remember and now play with the entertainment that I grew up with and remember the oldies but the goodies.

What speed?

Can you see the needle?

Can you read the artist and song title?

Yip-hahah-a classic!!!

Remember these sleeves?

Smack and S.N.

2010-08-11T21:52:00.001-05:00

I thieved these from H.N. Thanks!

Mini Vacay

2010-08-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

It's So Hot That I Am Trying To Cool Off With These Pictures!

2010-08-03T20:19:00.001-05:00

Catch UP Post!

2010-07-28T20:04:00.003-05:00

In June, Smack's baseball team, the Keller Aces, made a trek to Omaha, Nebraska for the 11U Slumpbuster's Baseball Tournament. The College World Series was also taking place so baseball was everywhere. 32 teams were in their age group. Opening night was a hot one and the boys traded pins with other teams. The Aces were seeded in the third division of their age group and did they rock it!! Not thunder, lightning, rain, or mud stop them. They made it to the championship game with puddles of rain and soaked to the bone. Two outs, a runner on third and one run behind, Smack is up to bat. He hits the ball over second and brings in the run to tie the game. Smack on first then steals second as next batter is at the plate. Catfish whacks the ball and Smack runs his legs off and scores the winning run!! It was totally wicked and mom and dad are super proud. It was Father's Day too so that made it even more special!!! Enjoy the pictures and WAY TO GO ACES!!!! Great memories and great fun!!!

Wilson Visit

2010-07-19T21:44:00.000-05:00

Daisies-One Of My Favs!!

2010-06-28T21:22:00.003-05:00

Container Garden

2010-06-28T21:14:00.003-05:00

My White Knight!

2010-06-28T20:56:00.002-05:00

My "WHITE KNIGHT" has finally arrived. That is what I call my new ride. After years of hand me down company vehicles, the silver "mini van" bullet's dashboard was like a video game. I was constantly grabbing the owner's manual to see what new colorful indicator symbol meant. The mechanics at the shop knew me by first name and when the driver's side window went down three inches and stayed that way for weeks, it was time to bite the "bullet" (so to speak) and find a new chariot for me. I love my new Honda Pilot. It is a totally different ride than the "mini" and cleaner too. The "new car" smell is heavenly and I think someone should bottle the scent and make it a perfume......ok...maybe not but ah....inhale...hold....exhale!!!

And The Winner Is........ME!!!

2010-05-11T13:01:00.003-05:00

I don't post many pictures of myself on my blog. Probably because I am the one always taking the pictures. So....here goes!

I received an award at work for one of the seven keys we have adopted at our campus. The category I won was (ready for this) "Pay Fantastic Attention To Detail." My whole fam damily was there and I am sure they were thinking, "Guess they haven't seen the inside of our house or her closet!" Well, anyway.........I like my award and LOVE my job!!

Really?

2010-05-03T21:32:00.003-05:00

What goes on in an eleven year old's mind at times? Well, let's see.......
11 year old brain: I'm jumping on my trampoline, shooting the basketball at the hoop. Up and down, shoot! He SCORES!!! HHMMM.....I should really have a mark on the tarp that I am bouncing on like a free throw line. (Hard, hard thinking) Light bulb goes off....I am off to dad's shop. Running, running, digging thru the shop shelf. HEE HEE!! Run faster legs....shake, shake, SHAKE.....point, point, POINT....I for sure will know where to stand/bounce to shoot the basketball!!
Yup-Florescent ORANGE spray paint.......gotta love an eleven year old's thinkin'!! Sort of McGuyver-like.

"We've Been FLOCKED?"

2010-05-03T20:58:00.004-05:00

HUH? Yeah...that is what I said too last nite when Smack and Frick came and said "COME AND SEE OUTSIDE." One would think that with FIVE....FIVE (5) dogs, one of the four legged, man's bff would make a good watchdog. Dakota will start barking at a leaf blowing across the yard but NOTHING (NADA) when it is 9:30 pm on a Sunday, pitch black out does one hear a WOOF! So, out we ran and this is what we found. AAHHHAHAHAHAH!! Pretty funny!

EASTER 2010

2010-04-07T22:26:00.004-05:00

Spring Clean Up For My Tiny, Orphan Garden

2010-04-07T21:04:00.010-05:00

My tiny, orphan garden is my theory. I call it my tiny, orphan garden because it has many different, single plants/flowers. And as the garden grows each year, its colors, textures, size and fragrant blooms remind me of my boys. Just as they were babies, toddlers, boys and young men, as my garden grows, so does my crew. They seem to change overnite just as a flower starts to bloom and their true beauty is right there for all to see.

For some weird reason, I can't comment below the pictures. The first is the BEFORE shot. The second is the AFTER shot and the third is the TWO WEEKS AFTER shot. The very last picture is my patio table. It looks like someone grated up sidewalk chalk and sprinkled it all around. What it really is......POLLEN!!! You know that stuff that makes you go ACCHHHOOOOO!! Oh, bless me!! My eyes gets itchy, nose gets stuffy, throat tickles and you go thru a box of Kleenex in day. YEAH, POLLEN....I hate the "P" word!!!

Happy Birthday, Mama Cink!

2010-03-22T19:46:00.003-05:00

I'll be the first to admit, I am not good at sending birthday, anniversary, etc..cards. So this is my birthday greeting to MaMa Cink. She will be 93 (I think)!! That is truly amazing!!!

Ah...Spring Break!

2010-03-16T12:50:00.002-05:00

Day TWO of Spring Break-oh...I should back up and recap Day ONE.

Day ONE of Spring Break-took van into shop. Sweet talked it to keep running and not stall on the way. Made it to shop. Now it is the thermostat and water pump. Silver bullet spent night at shop...waiting on hose for water pump. Went thru some boxes of frames and decided Tuesday will be a fun day and work on pictures to print. Took a nap kinda. Between the lawn mower and kids in and out of house..well, you get the point. Then Nichol and I ran to Sam's Club for the basic staples that keeps everyone nourished. Frick and Frack had an away game but I stayed home since van was to be ready for pick up and then that changed. They lost 10-4-ouch! Smack played with neighbor kid. Then ate Alfredo noodles and watched Desperate Housewives from Sunday. And of course, did mountains of laundry.

Day TWO of Spring Break-still waiting for call that van is ready. Crew is gone to new lease and come back Wed night. Cleaned my bathroom, washed some blankets so they are ready for night or cold baseball games, had a little lunch and am thinking a nap is in order. But you know the minute I drift off to dreamland, the shop will call and say the van is ready. Need to stop at Sam's after I get van because, yes, there yesterday, forgot the dang bag of dog food!!! GGRRR!!!

Frick and Frack Baseball

2010-03-08T19:35:00.004-06:00

A Little Baseball Anyone?

2010-03-07T20:15:00.003-06:00

Random Pictures

2010-02-22T22:44:00.001-06:00

My Brother and I

SIL and I

She so cute!

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!

Random Things

2010-02-22T22:34:00.005-06:00

Baseball has arrived and scrimmages and games have started. Well, kind of started. Winter here has been a brutal one for all and games have been cancelled due to snow, rain, and frigid temps.

Snow Shots From Work!

2010-02-12T20:47:00.003-06:00

A SNOW Event DID Happen.....

2010-02-11T12:32:00.003-06:00

This is what we woke up to this morning. Smack had no idea that the white stuff had fallen and when he found out, asked if school was closed. NOPE!! He was not a happy camper. I told him I wouldn't be surprised if they closed early tho. That seemed to help for the time being. More of the white stuff is coming so the boys' schools are closing one hour early today and are already closed for FRIDAY!! Talk about a nice long weekend. More pictures from my camera camera later. I took these with my phone. The white stuff is HEAVY and of course, very, very, WHITE!!

Snow Event

2010-02-10T11:58:00.005-06:00

The weather people are calling for a SNOW EVENT here in the DFW area. It has been the talk since Monday morning. Everyone is waiting with great anticipation if the white, fluffy, stuff will fall to the ground. I am sure it will start out with rain and then turn to the white stuff. Being from the frozen tundra, I don't get all worked up about it. I grew up with the white stuff. And common sense tells you that if the temperature is freezing and there was rain before the temp dropped...then there will be ICE. So DON'T DRIVE people. Stay home all day! Wear your PJs...cuddle up under a big blanket and nap, read, watch a movie or do a little fun project. A snow day is one of life's simple pleasures. A free day....it's like stopping and smelling the roses. So ENJOY IT!!

Just a few shots of what a SNOW EVENT brought last time.

Winter In Texas

2010-02-08T21:30:00.003-06:00

It never fails, 5:00 pm on a Sunday you find yourself calling your neighbor asking if you can send Frick and Frack over to fill some containers with water. Why?? Because of the wonderful insulation job our builder did in our garage. The water line blew an ice chunk the size of a regular ice cube from your freezer out into our driveway. Water, water everywhere. Frick came running into the house announcing the water is shut off. Soon Nichol and I were going thru the Tupperware cabinet finding pitchers and big bowls to send over to the neighbors who also sent back with Frick and Frack more containers full of water. A trip to Lowe's and some soldering and we had water!! PHEW!!

My Little Baker!!!

2010-02-08T21:28:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to ME!!! Hee Hee!

2010-02-08T21:26:00.002-06:00

What a nice surprise to have these delivered to my work!! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

1000 pieces.....PHEW!!

2010-02-08T20:23:00.002-06:00

It has become a "tradition" that at Christmas a little project, to drive some crazy, unfolds or spills onto the dining room table. A sharp knife is used to cut the seal around the bottom of the box that holds a challenge for some. Once the seal is cut and the top of the box is removed, the 1000 inter-locking pieces are dumped including the fine cardboard dust onto the dining room table. Then the sorting begins....the outside pieces are slid to one area while the rest get flipped to the colored side. Of course, the outside edge is the easiest part of the 1000 piece challenge and before long....VIOLA....the border is ready for its many other pieces to join it (the remaining 900 pieces that is.) Your eyes start crossing and the colors start blurring. The glare from the chandelier starts giving you a headache and before long you are thinking I have done enough for right now. But you can't stop.....just 5 more minutes then 5 minutes turn into 15 minutes until 1 1/2 hours and two glasses of wine later you are checking the floor to make sure no pieces have fallen and hoping if one or two did, Ruger hasn't chewed them. You stretch like a cat and definitely decide to call it a night but not until another glass of wine is gone....the one that will get rid of that headache!!!

Ruger is 3!!

2010-02-08T20:04:00.003-06:00

What a better way to celebrate Ruger turning 3 than with a glazed doughnut. Of course, no CHOCOLATE for the four legged punk (he did share the rest of the dozen with the rest of the pack.) Smack was all excited and couldn't wait for me to come home with the doughnuts. And from the doughnut sticking out of Ruger's chops, he certainly enjoyed it!

My Brother and I on Christmas Nite!

2009-12-28T21:07:00.000-06:00

Christmas Morning 2009

2009-12-28T18:08:00.007-06:00

Hank with tennis ball in his stocking.

Stocking LOOT!

Frack and cross necklace.

Smack with new BUCK knife.

"Where's Waldo?"

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-28T00:20:00.001-06:00

Ah..yes!! Christmas Eve was a hit. Smack said that this Christmas felt like a REAL Christmas....."SNOW, family, presents under the tree, and a REAL Christmas tree." Bear's reply, "What? So the other Christmases were fake?" HAHHAAH!! Only Smack!!! We had oyster stew and chicken fried rice. Nice combo? Really, Eric and Bear had oyster stew. Others feasted on the rice. One of my favorite holiday movies, A Christmas Story, was playing in the background and even though many complained, "OMG-24 hours of it!" They were caught many times sitting any watching. And, of course, the SNOW made it feel like Christmas. Reminded me of being a kid in the frozen tundra and looking out the front window watching the snow fall on Christmas Eve. The snow all glittery from the moon shining down. And then I am shivered back to reality. Glad that it will only be around for a few days and not for 4 months!!

2009-12-27T23:44:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-27T16:48:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving 2009 and Eric's B-day!
Double celebration and double the dessert!!

You Never Know When You Will Be Recognized!!

2009-12-16T21:49:00.006-06:00

This evening, Bear received a call from our northern friends, Otto and Amy. Seems Amy was glancing through the Brookstone catalog and RECOGNIZED three boys. Of course, we haven't received the catalog for years so I ran to the computer and typed in Brookstone. Bear, Frack, Smack, and I were all huddled around the computer as I clicked my way through to the digital picture frames. This is what we saw...............

http://www.brookstone.com/digital-picture-frames_my-life-potable-digital-photo-album.html?bkiid=categoryLandingPage_electronics_digital_photography|C4CategoryProdList1FDT|6910209

I then quickly dialed my friend Eileen, who took that picture two years ago. I didn't even ask how she was doing, just told her to get to her computer. How bossy of me??!!! But I did ask her how was she as her computer searched for the site. And then we both were laughing and the boys were asking how much do they get paid for their picture being used? KIDS!!!! Anyway, I had to share the best laugh of the day with you. Oh, I am getting a new laptop for Christmas and my blogging will improve. My old one is too slow and I get frustrated WAITING and then the dang thing will freeze on me and well, then I just give up. 2010 will be a better blogging year for me.

Break

2009-11-28T00:22:00.003-06:00

Yes, I have been sort of on a "break" from blogging. So, it is time to POST!!! Yes, Darla, here is some new tidbits-heehee!!

Frick and Frack are still growing like weeds. My grocery bill has doubled and their social life, well, is always last minute. They are doing excellent in school and have made me feel real OLD by getting their learner's permit. (Every grey hair now is because of that and who gets to drive. What happened to those days of "shotgun"??)

Smack is still smack but with a sweet, smarty pants side. He made the select 11U Keller Aces and is excited to have Coach Cody mold him. I have to admit, I have missed baseball so much. Not the 8 am games, be there at 7 am but the GAME. He learned a great lesson that "YES" honey does attract bees. When I asked him, once I got the swarm out of the driveway, "What lesson did you learn?" His reply, "Next time, do it in the cul-de-sac!!" That's my boy!!

My brother has arrived to STAY-YAY! And Nichol is so happy to have him here as are we. She has found a job and loves it. She is the best and I am so lucky and blessed to have her here.

Bear and the boys hunt at the lease on the weekends. Smack dropped a doe last weekend with Scott and all I am told is, "What happens at the lease, STAYS at the lease!" OY!!!

Hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. With the awesome weather, it makes it hard to get into the spirit but Nichol reminds us daily that she is giddy with the Christmas spirit and I cannot wait to see her in action!!!

Smack has been the real baker lately. Here is a quick shot of his latest. More to come.........

Fall Is In The AIR!!

2009-10-28T21:51:00.004-05:00

Week Four....Final Cake!!

2009-10-28T21:30:00.002-05:00

We graduated from our FIRST course in cake decorating. As you can see, ROSES were the topic. Mine look like mini cabbages and Nichol's look like ROSES. So I guess PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE is ahead of me!!!

Ab's

Nichol's

No CLOWNING Around Here!!!

2009-10-26T22:18:00.003-05:00

Week three of cake decorating class.

Nichol's

Ab's

Oscars........Trinity River Style

2009-10-19T23:23:00.002-05:00

Today at work, we had an appreciation event Oscar style. We recognized those who helped make TR what it is today.....red carpet and all. It was fun and more pix will follow of the day but for now some quick shots I had to share!!!

My Little Brother.....Ok.....TALL, Little Brother!!!

2009-10-13T22:42:00.003-05:00

My brother came and graced up with his presence for two weeks. It didn't seem like two weeks, but it WAS!! Time always goes by so fast and the next thing you know, did I take a picture with my TALL, little brother....ah...nope!! So, with everyone else in bed except him and I....we both are night owls...I grabbed the camera and after 10 shots with the camera held out in front of us, I got this one!!!! I love my TALL, little brother!!!

Having So Much Fun With SIL (Sister-in-Law)

2009-10-13T22:23:00.003-05:00

When my brother married Nichol, I didn't just get a sister-in-law, I got a sister and a friend!! How lucky and blessed that I have her so close. Close, meaning right here....not up in the frozen tundra. Honestly, I am a bit giddy having someone so close to my heart and RIGHT here!!! Someone that gets my quirky ways. Someone who likes to watch and recite word for word from movies like "Dirty Dancing" or "The Goonies." Someone who breaks into song from "Mama Mia" out of the blue. Someone who says the exact same thing at the exact same time as me. Yip....having a SIL is the best thing ever especially when we are learning to do this.......

Ab's Cake

Nichol's Cake

Doggy Daycare!!

2009-10-13T21:54:00.004-05:00

Having dogs is just like having kiddos. They must eat, sleep, play and of course go duty. Having dogs is also like having a daycare. Breakfast, outside time, lining up for a drink out of the water fountain...er, water bowl, sharing toys, getting treats for good behavior, dinner and plenty-o-naps!! There isn't any back talk, no grounding when they bark too much. Having dogs is just like having kiddos, you love them with all your heart!!

Ruger-aka: The Bruiser!!

Shadow-aka: The Loyal One!

Dakota-aka: The One That Barks At Airplanes!

Hank-aka: The Tank!!

And Gus-aka: The Bus!!

Some Of My Favorite Things About FALL!!

2009-10-13T21:22:00.003-05:00

The squirrels are having a hay-day in the side yard. The mower isn't a fan of these tho..........

Shasta Daisies are one of my favorite flowers. So plain and simple and beautiful.

And Mums.....they speak for themselves.

This one makes me just HAPPY!

Back To School

2009-10-02T23:24:00.001-05:00

Fourth of July Annual Parade 2009

2009-09-08T00:04:00.000-05:00

A Start!!!

2009-09-01T22:21:00.008-05:00

A few quick shots to post and then to bed. If I had a genie, she (yes, it would be a she cuz she would totally understand what it is like to be a she) would grant my first wish. And that wish would be to have all my file folders of pictures sorted and editted!! One can wish right? So, here are just a few......I need to get back into the blogging world.

I'm Here...Really I Am!!

2009-08-06T22:51:00.002-05:00

Where, oh, where to start? I haven't been a good blogger this summer. Maybe it has to do with working tons, boys being gone, projects, visiting with neighbors....oh, the excuses!!!

So, I'll highlight some happenings of this summer.....

1. Frick, Frack and Smack have been up in the "frozen" tundra since the beginning of June!! What's that? STILL? Don't you miss them? Well, duh, yes, I miss them (not the fighting so much) but this is where those memories of summers at grandpa and grandpa's, aunt and uncle's, summer friends and adventures that will be with the crew forever get embedded into there thick skulls. They have bounced around but have mostly spent their time at the lake.

2. Bear and I made our trek up there the end of June and spent a week. Fourth of July at the lake was awesome! Weather great and visits from Karen and kiddos, Uncle Eric and Aunt Nichol and lake friends made it special.

3. Spent time in Milnor and Gwinner. The Jacobson's were great to host the Five. Poor Lynn!! She went thru two Erasers cleaning the shower after the three and theirs went four wheeling!! OY!!! She such a champ!

4. Then time at the Otterson's. We so love them!! And love that they let us "crash" there. Their little kiddos-amazing, cute, well behaved, well mannered, funny...oh, the list could go on and on!! Love making memories with them.

5. Dinner with the Johnson Four!! Great food and laughs!! Sorry, Frick and Frack fell asleep downstairs. Teenagers and getting up at 4:30 am to head to Watertown to move Uncle Eric and Aunt Nichol was hard on their slackin, summer, lazy agenda!!

6. Met my college roommate that I haven't seen in 15 years. We met for lunch and laughed and laughed. Susan is HOT as ever and loved hearing about her family. XOXOXO!!

7. Spent the night with Auntie and Mom. Dinner and Barnes n Noble (course, there was a Starbucks in there. One should never drink a caramel macchiato at 9 pm. I finally fell asleep at 2 am.)

8. Lake TIME!! It was great and I enjoyed some rays and laughter of the boys between the fights.....ugh!

9. Fireworks were once again AWESOME!! Gramps is good about letting the boys run the show but safety first, right Otto?!!

10. Grandma Syd fed us well.....our bellies are always full when we are there.

11. Bear and I worked on many projects! We had cabinets built for the laundry room-FINALLY!! They just need to be painted and I would be paint them but am afraid of the critical eyes that I am married to!! hee hee!!

12. Spent many weekends at Scott and Mary's for pool fun, margaritas, food and BLACK JACK!!! Oh, the laughs!!!

13. Work is crazy!! But FUN! Classes start August 24th. Faculty report Monday, the 10th.

14. I read several books. Love Half Price Books!!

15. And of course, the usual daily stuff.....dogs, parrot, mail, yard work, errands......

Pictures to follow...so many to edit. Love my Photoshop-thank you very much!!!

First Fish Of The Summer!!

2009-06-16T22:47:00.003-05:00

The boys had a blast at my brother and sister in laws place. They always do and I am sure Nichol and Eric are exhausted!!

They arrived at the inlaws this evening and Ebo couldn't wait to "hook" lunch for tomorrow!!

Oh, BTW, he caught it off the DOCK!! I am sure by tomorrow evening, he will have worn a path between Nelson's dock, Gramps' dock and Dewey's dock "hooking" some more nourishment!! Thank goodness they all love fish! I just really hope Ebo is brushing his teeth!! I am not there to remind...er....threaten....DID YOU BRUSH???!!!!!

All Is Quiet Except For.....Bark, Bark, Chirp, Chirp

2009-06-16T00:04:00.002-05:00

The boys have arrived in SD to start off their summer vacay!! So all is so quiet here....except for BARK, BARK, CHIRP,CHIRP!!! Ruger has been my shadow since I got home from work. He misses Smack, I can tell. Quaker is just being a sweet parrot and talking away!!

Friday was most stressful for me. VET visit for all THREE dogs! First Shadow and Ruger at 8:30 am. Arrive and all good. They call our name....Shadow's brakes come on. Ruger started shaking!! Shadow heads for the exit and wouldn't you know it.....the exit door isn't latched and out she went with leash into the parking lot. CRAP!! So tech and I are in parking lot calling her. Shadow at my van ready to go home. Grab her leash and out of the collar she goes into parking lot again.......heart sinks!! She comes back. Tighten collar and tech hands me Ruger who is still shaking. Tech goes to pick Shadow up and she not happy and gets out of collar AGAIN....so tech takes Ruger with him (poor Steve) and puts Ruger in a room and grabs muzzle. I sit on sidewalk and Shadow comes back to me.....put collar back on and muzzle. I think everyone in the waiting room plus staff were at the window EYES THE SIZE OF QUARTERS AND MOUTHS OPEN watching all of this. Finally get inside and then wonder where is my purse? I stand there in the waiting room saying to the tech, "Where's my purse?" What a great guy!! He had grabbed it and put it in the room with Ruger. Weigh Shadow...no problem. Enter exam room and poor Ruger is still shaking and drooling!! Shadow is his sista and he was a bit confused by all this.

Needless to say when we all got home, we all napped!!!

Then 3:00 arrives for Dakota's appointment. Piece of cake!! Last year he weighed 98lbs. Feb. weighed 86lbs.......FRIDAY.......76lbs!!!!!!!! Whoo Hooo!!! Thyroid meds are working!! Now just need to get him shaved down and he'd be a happy camper!!!

It's That Time Of Year.....End Of School!!!

2009-06-01T23:45:00.002-05:00

WOW!! Where did this school year go? I mean it just seemed like we were buying crayons, notebooks, binders, backpacks.....!! But it has been an awesome year. Frick and Frack had their "awards" night last Tuesday. Upon entering the gym, it felt like a sauna!! People fanning themselves with their programs, sweat beading on their brows! Principal gave the opening remarks that included that the AC was broken, in fact, it happened that the part broke late that afternoon. GGRRR!!! In Texas, you need AC!! Well, a mom has to brag on her kiddos right? Frick received "Outstanding Achievement" in HISTORY and SOCCER!! Frack received "Outstanding Achievement" in ENGLISH, MYTHOLOGY and SOCCER!! Oh, and they wouldn't let me bring my camera either.....TEENAGERS!!! Very proud of the TWINKIES!!!

Smack had his "award" day today and received awards in CITIZENSHIP (they must be talking about some other kid cuz when he is home, he is not very CITIZENSHIP like) and STUDENT COUNCIL REP!! Little Smack will be heading into 6th grade next year. And all three passed their TAKS!! Smack scored 100 on MATH and SCIENCE!!! Proud parents to say the least!!!

They have one more week here in TX and then they are off to the unfrozen tundra!!! People just are shocked that they are gone for the entire summer but I remind them that the boys don't get to see their grandparents, aunts and uncles but once or twice a year. This is their time to make some memories. I can't be selfish and hoard them all to myself!!! Plus they still want to "hang" with them. My project list is growing daily with time I'll have to hopefully (not be lazy and watch movies) accomplish that said LIST when they are away. Bear and I will be making our way up to the unfrozen tundra the end of June thru July 4th. I mean come on, I live for decorating for the 4th of July "BOAT" parade!!

Randomness!!

2009-05-25T22:22:00.003-05:00

If anyone has the answers to these 5 Random things, please let me know....
1. It has been, like what, 10 years since I bought formula. So how does a can of Enfamil Next Step show up in my mailbox? Where were the "freebies" when Frick and Frack were sucking it down?
2. Why does Dakota bark at planes and helicopters? Does he think he can "herd" them to the landing field?
3. Why is it that whenever there is a "HOLIDAY" weekend and a cookout involved, does the only raincloud in the sky open up just as all the food is set out?
4. Have you ever noticed the lever on paper towel dispensers in public restrooms are on the right? Or why is the gear shifter in your car on the right and not the left? Only reason I am asking is that when my right thumb required stitches, my left hand had to "grow" up and take charge. I feel your pain you lefties out there.
5. Why is it on the weekend, I have good hairdays while during the work week, my hair looks like crapola?

5 Things I learned this week...
1. If you are in a conversation and you think everyone knows you are joking around, never assume that everyone knows it and will not be offended!!!
2. It is ok to cry. It doesn't mean you are weak or a sissy. Sometimes there is nothing better than a good cry.
3. Never let your 10 year old have a sleepover or sleepout more than three nights in a roll.....cuz there is "HECK" to pay!!
4. Try not to hit your "SNOOZE" button more than 6 times on a working day. And if you do and you are a lady, there is NOTHING wrong with having a hair-clippy day!!
5. Even if you are having a crapola day, a smile and some chocolate always helps!!

Shave And A Haircut!!

2009-05-03T22:53:00.004-05:00

Here are some "before/after" shots of two who were in need of some grooming!!!

Practice, Practice, Practice.....

2009-04-20T23:05:00.004-05:00

Many of you know that I like to take pictures!! I am by no means a professional and have lots to learn but was lucky enough that the planets were in line so I could practice on this most BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, KIND, LOVING subject.......er......subjects??

THIS is what I came home to on FRIDAY!!!

2009-04-20T22:59:00.002-05:00

It seems that Dakota (that is who we are blaming it on) has a little thunder and lightning anxiety problem. See last Friday, April 17th, thunder boomers came a callin. It was during the day and Bear is usually home but......was out of town. Boys were at school and I was at work. Needless to say, when Frick and Frack got home from school, this is what they found......................

Dakota tried to open the bedroom door with his TEETH. What a great way to celebrate our 16th year Anniversary!! OOYYY!!!

Montage of Pix

2009-04-19T22:42:00.002-05:00

A Little Catch UP Post!!

2009-04-19T13:42:00.002-05:00

I haven't written anything in quite awhile. My excuse.....TIME!!! Where does it go? Let's see....if Bear is out of town, Monday's are...work til 4:30, speed racer it home to pick up Smack for soccer for 5 pm practice, drop him off, swing by Middle School and pick up Frick and Frack from soccer practice, drop them off at home, go in house and straighten up from morning rush, pick up Smack from soccer and go HOME. Then it's time to find something to eat...ugh!! Homework and then try to watch my favorite shows. I could give up the shows but it is my downtime. But usually DVR cuz QUAKER decides it is RAINFOREST time and starts his chirping and vocab lessons. Tuesday's it is pick up Frick and Frack from soccer then to their baseball practice then home.....aahhh. Wednesday's are the same as Monday's but after picking up Frick and Frack, we get home they shower and then drop them off at church for youth night, then get Smack. Pick Frick and Frack up at 8:30 pm. Then duct tape Smack to chair to do his homework!! Not really but it has crossed my mind several times. Thursday's soccer practice for Frick and Frack but now games have started so Tuesday's are now game day. Friday, sweet, sweet, Friday!!! Prepare for weekend.....Smack's soccer game or Frick and Frack's baseball tournaments. And if no tournaments, sleepovers or sleepouts, yard work, laundry, brushing dogs, cleaning house.....you know, the domesticated stuff. So now I am off to fold laundry and then, ready for this, take a NAP!!!!

More Baseball

2009-04-04T23:17:00.004-05:00

And With Springtime..This Happens!!!

2009-03-31T00:02:00.002-05:00

WOW!! What a MONDAY night!!! This occurred around 11:00 pm. Ebo slept thru it and the dogs were nervous. OOPPSS....I didn't even think to check Quaker.....better do that before bed.

Sometimes, I just amaze myself!!!

It's That Time Of Year...AACCHHOO...SPRINGTIME!!

2009-03-29T23:31:00.003-05:00