Christmas Card

Framed In Snowflakes Christmas Card

Create personalized Christmas cards. at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

So, about that PIE...

 

Okay, so I know I'm like almost a month late posting this. Now, look down at your shoes... If you're mad, you have those same shoes to get glad in. :) Morgan got to go first, since Lauren is her kiddo (and I made her). Will (Morgan's husband) helped her girls, Madison and Lauren, put a pie in her face:



 

 

Bahahahahaha! I mean... umm... yeah. Good times. Do you hear all the people in the background? Bunch of punks if you ask me. Hehe. After Morgan got "pied," it was my turn. Aaron (my husband), Madison, and Lauren did the honors:

 

 

 

FYI, if you inhale as a pie is coming at your face, whipped cream can, and WILL go up your nose. And you will smell it for days after. This may or may not have happened to me.

 

 

Just because I know you all will get a kick out of it, here are a few still shots (Courtesy of Mindy DeLaRosa - Thanks Mindy!!):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

We are definitely sisters...
 

The majority of Lauren's Love Patrol.
 

 

And little miss rock star herself, Lauren!

 

 

Again, a HUGE THANKYOU to all of those who helped us meet our $4000 goal for this year's Buddy Walk! Without your support, this pie-to-face blog would not be possible! We were so happy to be able to turn in all of that money to the Down Syndrome League of Victoria, and can't wait to see the organization making greater strides for individuals with Down Syndrome. 

 

 

P.S. Photos courtesy of Mindy DeLaRosa and Videos courtesy of iPhone video cameras that were rolling. :)

 



 

Where, Oh Where Can My Baby Be?!

Milestone warning. Grab your tissues.

Okay, so I didn't actually cry, but I wanted to!

Last night before my nephew's 3rd (oh my gosh!) birthday celebration at Chuck E. Cheese, Aaron, Landon, and I trekked around to a few furniture stores, Target, and Wally World.

After tossing the idea around for a bit, we ended up buying a new bed for Landon. We went with a toddler bed, and figure since it wasn't too expensive, we'll use that to transition to a larger bed a little later.

Landon kept telling us it was "too big" while it was in the cart (to be fair, the box was pretty long), and that he didn't like it. We paid for it anyway, and after our nephew's little "party," went home to put it together. Why don't they just sell the durn things already put together (Yes, I said durn. No, that was not a typo.)?! There are a million little parts to keep track of while trying to put it together with a toddler running around. Not cool. As we were putting it together, I was thinking about the first time we put him in his crib (Night one home from the hospital!):

He's come a long way from that itty bitty (Ha! 9lb 5oz!) newborn we fell in love with!

Now he's a walking (running), talking, handsome (still!), sweet little big boy who sleeps in a toddler bed!

He actually did better than I expected last night - since it was the first night in his new bed, we moved our little TV in there and put his favorite movie on (Toy Story) so he could get used to the smaller bed.

After giving goodnight kisses and squeezes ("hugs" to you common folk) to Mommy and Daddy, he settled in for the night. He did ask me to sit down in his room as I was leaving, so I did - but just for a couple of minutes. Then, I got up and told him I would be back to check on him in a few minutes. He called for me for a minute, but then got engrossed in his movie again.

Aaron and I went back to check on him a while later, and found him conked out:

So, being the wonderful parents that we are, we used Aaron's phone with the flash on it to take a picture! :) No worries though, he didn't wake up. We left a pillow and blanket next to the bed, just in case he fell out (off?) - I'll probably leave those for a while...

Landon did wake up a couple times early this morning, but one of those times was when he would normally wake up anyway. I was so concerned he would fall out of the bed, or be scared, but for a first night in his big boy bed, he did GREAT! I'm so proud of him!!

I'm really trying to savor all of these moments and milestones with him. They are all just passing by so quickly. Can I get a rewind button?

Drumroll, Please...

Oh, wait! You don't know what the drumroll is for!!!

 

That's because I've been a lazy blogger. Still love me? (Umm... don't answer that.)

 

So, what is the drumroll for? I'm so glad you asked! In case you weren't aware, October is Down Syndrome Awareness month (let me make you "aware" hehe). We celebrate every year at our local Buddy Walk - put on by our local Down Syndrome League and the National Down Syndrome Society. We have a team that was put together to support and raise money in honor of my niece, Lauren, who has Down Syndrome.

We call ourselves "Lauren's Love Patrol" - and this year, we set a big goal! In the past, we have done bake sales, sold candles, sold car air fresheners, etc. etc. etc. to raise money for our team to turn in to help the DSLV (local league) and NDSS raise awareness for inclusion for those individuals with Down Syndrome. We have done well with all of these fundraisers, but just felt like we could do more.

 

 

We decided on doing a donation campaign amongst family and friends, coworkers, and on Facebook. A goal of $4000 was set, since Lauren turned 4 years old this year.

 

 

 

 

As an extra incentive for those donating, it was decided that if the goal was met, two certain people would get a pie to the face. Since it happened to be my idea, I got suckered into being one of those volunteers. My sister (and Lauren's mom), Morgan, would be the other pie-to-face recipient if we reached the goal.  

 

 

 

 

Lauren (with a little help) would arguably be the cutest kiddo ever to put a pie in someone's face - of course, that is if we reached the $4000 goal.

 

 

Oh yeah, so, back to the drumroll!!! We started off with small donations, and then started receiving some bigger donations as well. Morgan created this nifty little ribbon to color in to show the progress on our goal: 

 

 

Well... guess what?! We have something to cheer about!!!

 

 

 

We met our goal of $4000!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE SO EXCITED!!! So far, our grand total is..... $4,214.00 -- By far the most our team has ever raised! And we still have a few donations coming in. There's definitely time left if anyone else would like to make a donation as well. Dad says if we reach $5000, he'll take a pie in the face as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to make a donation, just let me know, and I'll tell you how. Also, a BIG THANK YOU to all of the friends and family who have donated so far! You guys are all such great blessings!!

 

If you are going to be in Victoria this Saturday and need something to do, come and join Dsl Victoria and take part in our 4th annual Buddy Walk at Riverside Park (by Rosebud Stadium) from 8-2. Wristbands for the bounce houses and games are only $5 each.

 

Plus, you can watch Morgan and I (and possibly our Dad) get a pie to the face - in person!

 

 

(P.S. - I really like exclamation points huh? :) hehe)

 

 











 

I'll Never Forget

9/11. I’ll never forget.

 

It was my senior year, and as usual I was sitting in my first block Accounting class, drinking a Dr. Pepper and eating white powdered donuts from the vending machine down the hall –Probably wondering what we’d be doing for my Dad’s birthday that evening.  As usual, the 4^th chair at our table was empty -- that kid was always late! Mrs. Hankins had told him if he was late again, he was getting ISS (In School Suspension), no questions asked. As usual, about 4 minutes into class, just after Mrs. H took roll, he came running in the classroom door. He didn’t throw his backpack on the floor and slunk into his chair half asleep as usual though. Instead, he ran past Mrs. H - straight over to the TV mounted on the wall in the corner and turned it on, looking for the remote to change the channel. Mrs. H and the rest of our class were kind of just staring at him, thinking he had lost his mind.

 

Mrs. H finally found her voice and told him to “go straight to the office,” that she “would send a note and…” He interrupted her as he had found the remote and said “Just hang on a second, you have to see this! –There, LOOK!” We all looked at the TV, and saw a burning tower. Dark black smoke was billowing out of the windows. Mrs. H was walking to turn off the TV when the second plane hit. There was a cry that echoed across the room, then silence – we were stunned. Mrs. Hankins walked across the hall and turned the TV on in the next classroom, and slowly, down the hall, the rest of the students glued their eyes to the news. “That kid” did not get sent to the office that day. He did not get ISS that day. We did not learn anything about Accounting that day (or any other school subject for that matter). We talked in the hallways… Was it a terrorist attack? What about the people?! They needed to hurry and evacuate! Can you imagine the crowded stairways?! Then… the unthinkable happened. The first tower fell. Most of the girls and even some of the guys were crying by then. It was all just so surreal. Surely we’d wake up and realize it was just an awful nightmare… We also heard about a plane going down in a field, and another flying into the pentagon. There was no way this was a coincidence! This nightmare is REAL. Will we declare war? Who do we declare war on? Where is the President? Kids were already being pulled out of classes by their parents. Going home to process the news as a family…

 

I had a half days at school that year, as I was in the co-op work program. This meant I could leave school just before lunch every day and go to work at the daycare at our church school. I worked with the 3 and 4 year olds in the extended care program – lunch, nap, and afternoon playtime. I had my sister’s car that day, so I drove straight to work. When I got there, I could tell all the teachers knew what was going on, by their red-rimmed eyes and long faces… but the kids… oh the innocence! They didn’t understand why their teachers were sad that day. They didn’t know that people all over the world had lost loved ones that day. Many parents came early to get their kiddos that day. While the kids were napping, we had the radio on very low at the teacher’s desk – our only source of information that day. We couldn’t very well let 3 and 4 year olds watch people trying to escape the flames by jumping out of windows. The images were disturbing and devastating enough for grownups.

 

Our country came together on that day. We prayed for each other, supported each other, encouraged each other. I remember seeing the American flag EVERYWHERE for months afterward. Heroes were made that day. Whether they wanted the job or not. What can we do for the people that died that day? Aside from vengeance?

 

NEVER FORGET. Remember them. Pray for their families. Honor them the best way we know how. Talk about it with your kids (when they are an appropriate age of course) – Just as we “Remember the Alamo!” and remember Pearl Harbor… now we also Remember 9/11.

 

So... not much today...just a couple pictures... Happy Friday!

Remember that trip with just us three kids and my mom that I talked about? Look what sweet kiddos we were on that adventure! (Okay, so I am the only one being an angel. Morgan and Jarrod are obviously misbehaving in this picture...) I am 87% positive this was taken in Frankfurt, Germany. Also, I'm pretty sure I still have that shirt somewhere.

*Sorry about the picture quality. Again, this is a picture of a picture.

I up and decided I wanted a haircut before our vacation the other day. I knew there was not a chance of getting in to see my regular stylist, so I just went to MasterCuts at the mall. I had to do it RIGHT THEN, or I might have changed my mind. This is a before picture. Mind you, my hair was in need of a good shampoo and/or at least a brush at this point of the day.

Another before picture. I guess I should have asked the guy cutting my hair to take the picture, as this really doesn't show how long it was down my back. Oh well.

And this is 8.5 inches later. I love it so far! Granted, I do this usually once a year, but that's besides the point. :)

And one last picture for today:

Please excuse the mess in the playroom...but, I bought shorts for the first time since I was pregnant (and it had been awhile before that as well!) - and actually feel somewhat comfortable wearing them in public! I still haven't lost any more weight, but I blame that on my wisdom teeth. However, they have now been removed, and operation "Get Healthy" commences again!

And now, VACATION begins today!

The "Cool (OLD) Dude"

So, Father's Day is this weekend... and since I posted about my Mom for Mother's Day, it is only fair that I post about my Dad to honor him as well.

So yeah. When talking to Landon, he refers to himself as a "cool dude." I always remind him that he needs to add the word OLD in there. He never does. I'm pretty sure he will never consider himself old. My mom often says she has 4 kids when anyone asks her - and either she is talking about my dad, or she has some explaining to do. :)


Meet my Dad: (Well, he was not a dad yet...obviously. I just wanted to toss on some OLD pictures of him, cause I actually had time to take pictures of pictures with my iPhone. I know. I am so technologically advanced.)



Aww! See, I really put that picture, cause I think he sometimes still thinks he is that age (what, maybe 12? 13?). Dad was always the one who would take us to McDonald's play-place when we were little and Mom was out of town on bowling trips (Yep. EVERY SINGLE DAY she was gone. - Me thinks he didn't know how want to cook). But that's okay, cause we loved McDonalds.

There are lots of fun stories I remember about Dad... Ever heard of the game "Gotcha Last?" I'm 98% sure he invented it. If you haven't heard of it... well, it's basically tag. But's it's more fun to say "Gotcha Last!"

Dad is almost famous for his phrase "I be getting wet." What do you mean you haven't heard that? Oh, you must never have been camping with us. I can't tell you the number of times we have gotten rained on while camping in this family! Sometimes while sleeping (FYI, tents flood - when they do, you sleep in the mini-van AKA the blue space shuttle), sometimes while eating, but usually while hiking. If you are a St. Louis, a Pierson, or a Worthen, and you are related to me, and you went hiking up that mountain in Ruidosa that summer...you know what I'm talking about! If you weren't there, suffice it to say that we were not merely getting wet. We were getting soaked to the bone. And hiking (read: slipping and sliding) down a drenched mountain trail can be scary!

Dad says funny things often. Well, at least he thinks they are funny. Maybe that's where I get it from. I happen to be notorious for saying "My Daddy slapped me!" in the middle of church (Anyone from Sherwood remember that?). Apparently my mom was in the choir, so we were just sitting with Dad, and I was in a chatty mood. My dad asked me several times to be quiet, but I persisted in my conversation (about who knows what - I was about 3 years old). So, Dad did what any father would have done and reached over and (gently?) popped me on the mouth. Now I REALLY had something to say! I said it a couple times, louder each time (had to make sure EVERYONE could hear me!). Any bets on whether or not Dad got as red as a tomato?

Also, do not pronounce FUJI Film as "Fudgie Film." You will get made fun of by your father for the rest of your life. Even if you were only 9 years old when you did it.  

Mom and Dad at a high school dance

His senior picture... (I think)

 



 If you ask me a trivia question and I don't know the answer, instead of saying "Let me Google that," I say "I bet my Dad knows, hold on..." --and he usually does know the answer. He could have probably won Who Wants to Be a Millionaire a few times...and I'm not just saying that cause he's MY dad. (Hey, Dad... you really should have gone on that show. I, er I mean you could be "retired" already!)

He even has proof (so HE says) that he is so smart. Most of his hair has fallen out, and he claims that it is because his brain pushes it out. Either that, or he'll feed you that line about there being only so many perfect heads in the world (the rest are covered with hair).

Don't ask me what Dad does for a living (I promise, it's nothing bad! I just don't know how to explain it!). He works at the same place my mom works. Something to do with Controls and water treatment plants...or something. If you really wanted to know, you'd have to ask him.  

In all seriousness though, I have the best parents in the world. I feel bad for everyone else, really. It just isn't fair. :) Dad is a funny, laid-back kind of guy - most of the time. Unless you don't put his daughter in Drivers Ed after she has signed up for it 3 years in a row. My sister came home from picking up her Junior class schedule, and no Drivers Ed, AGAIN. Dad went back to the school with her, and from what I understand, Morgan thought the veins in his head were going to pop out. He yelled at her school principal... and the school principal got her schedule fixed.

Another time, when we lived overseas, we were playing outside in front of our villa, and some of the local boys about my age (9-10) came over and were talking to us. One of them decided it would be fun to hit me in the head with a small metal pole. Morgan and Jarrod went running with me to our villa, the boys took off to theirs. Dad saw the (tiny bit of) blood on my forehead, asked what happened and was out the door. I've never seen my dad run so fast - he didn't even bother to put shoes on! Needless to say, the boys apologized, and didn't mess with us after that (Also, my head is fine... in my opinion hehe).

So yeah. Best Dad award goes to.... Larry Boyd! (As I say when he gets a strike in bowling..."That's my dad!!)

Now, to bomb the rest of the page with pictures!

Mom, Dad and Morgan.

Look at those hair-do(not)s!

Can't remember if that is Morgan or me. Either way... couch + Dad = sleep

At a wedding. I think for my Uncle Dennis... (That's me trying to eat my hands)

Umm... wow. :) This WAS the 80's...

Everyone at once now... "Awww!"

On the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I'm told this fountain is no longer there :(

Dad is always behind the camera. This is why it is hard to find more recent pictures of him. (We were in the desert in the UAE... riding on camels. We stopped for a break, and dad filmed the dunes)

Swimming at the Hilton in Abu Dhabi

The 90's...

Dad walking me down the aisle. He asked if I wanted to run (TO the altar)

After the father/daughter dance - He smacked me with his hand on my head (that's how I kiss him bye - I kiss my hand then smack his head) so I was fixing to hit him.



I would be completely remiss if I did not mention my husband, Aaron, and the AMAZING father he is to our kiddo, Landon. I can guarantee you Landon will grow up bragging about his dad being the best ever, just like I do about mine! This picture was taken when Aaron held Landon for the first time.

Dad holding his first grandson

My boys!!

"Po" was wearing Landon's hat

My newest favorite of Aaron and Landon. This is in a field near our church.

 So, there you have it. Happy Father's Day (weekend) to all you Dad's out there! Especially all the guys in my circle of family and friends.

P.S. Umm.. shall we forget about the Easter post? I soo wish I wasn't so lazy when it came to uploading pictures!...but it's June already...

P.S.S. Leave a comment and tell me about your Dad and what makes him so special to you! Then, if you haven't already, "follow" me.