I could barely get that coat buttoned over my growing belly!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve 2009/Snow
This is the first time in a long time that I can remember having snow on Christmas. It didn't stick but there is still a chance for some more flurries tomorrow.
I could barely get that coat buttoned over my growing belly!
I could barely get that coat buttoned over my growing belly!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Christmas decorations
I needed something to put on the front door this year to make it look a little more festive. So, this is my attempt on making a wreath.
I also needed a new ornament for our upcoming event. I found this one on EBAY and it was personalized for us.
I also needed a new ornament for our upcoming event. I found this one on EBAY and it was personalized for us.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Possums aren't cute either!
Brian went to close the garage door earlier and the light was on. We looked out the window on the door and didn't see anything so I opened it a bit to see if anything would run out. As I was shutting the door, I saw some something kind of furry out of the corner of my eye run under the car. I waited a second then went out in the garage to see what it was. As I was just about to the back of the car, I saw it run out of the garage to the front of the house. Brian went and got a flashlight but I didn't see it again after that. I wasn't sure what it was since I really only got a good luck at its tail, but after I looked it up, it was definately a possum. I think it was eating the dog food.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday the 13th-Surprise 50th and 80th Birthday Party
Bethany and I threw Laura a surprise birthday party for her 50th birthday on Friday. She got off of work a little earlier than we were expecting so we thought she was going to figure it out before all the guests arrived. But, due to quick thinking, we were able to stall a little longer until it was ok for her to get to the party. Let's just say, it involved a little white lie about getting food poisoning from Taco Bell and an unnecessary stop at the gas station restroom.
The party also happened to be for Laura's mom, Georgia, as her 80th birthday was the following day. Georgia knew beforehand that we were throwing Laura a party but she did not know it was for her, too. The biggest surprise of the evening, though, was that Lisa and Steve (Laura's siblings and Georgia's other two children) traveled from North Dakota and Maryland to be with them on this special occasion. Here are some pictures of the event.
Georgia's cake
Laura's cake
Georgia
It's a music box. She's listening to the music.
Laura with her supply of adult diapers.
Laura's friend, Mindy and Laura with Dad
A cousin of the siblings and the siblings, Lisa, Steve, and Laura
Me, Laura, and Bethany
Laura with her inflatable walker.
The party also happened to be for Laura's mom, Georgia, as her 80th birthday was the following day. Georgia knew beforehand that we were throwing Laura a party but she did not know it was for her, too. The biggest surprise of the evening, though, was that Lisa and Steve (Laura's siblings and Georgia's other two children) traveled from North Dakota and Maryland to be with them on this special occasion. Here are some pictures of the event.
Georgia's cake
Laura's cake
Georgia
It's a music box. She's listening to the music.
Laura with her supply of adult diapers.
Laura's friend, Mindy and Laura with Dad
A cousin of the siblings and the siblings, Lisa, Steve, and Laura
Me, Laura, and Bethany
Laura with her inflatable walker.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
It's a Boy!
Today was the best birthday ever! We found out the sex of our baby. As you can see by the title, it's a boy! Here are a couple of pictures of our little man.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
New Truck
Here is my new big girl truck! Quite a change from a Ford Ranger. It's a silver 2009 GMC Sierra crew cab with 4 doors. Plenty of space for Brian, me, the baby, and the pups.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Vacation-New York City, New York
Finally, I am going to finish the vacation blogs!
Our view of New York City from our balcony on the cruise at 6am on 9-12-09.
Our last stop on our trip was NYC. Since we didn't board the ship on American soil, we had to be escorted through customs by security (Why? I do not know.) so we could reenter the USA. The only benefit I saw was that we got to bypass everyone else in line and get the heck out of there quicker.
After customs, we took a cab to our hotel for the night but since it was a little after 10 am by then, they did not have a room ready for us yet. No problem, we just left our luggage with the bellhop downstairs and began our sightseeing. We started about walking around some just taking pictures here and there and doing a little bit of shopping.
We got some chocolates from here!
Some of the various Broadway shows playing.
This is where the VMAs were held on 9-13-09. We went home that day.
We did a studio tour here and were able to see where Brian Williams anchors NBC Nightly News and where Saturday Night Live performances are held.
We just walked by here by got a picture anyway.
Ground Zero of the World Trade Center Site.
Eight years later, and this is pretty much all that has been attempted at a monument to honor the people that lost their lives here.
The Statue of Liberty
So after all of our sightseeing, we went back to the hotel to clean up for dinner, which we enjoyed at Red Lobster. After dinner, everyone was pretty tired so we went to sleep and headed out to the airport the next morning. We almost thought we were going to be delayed on the way back home due to a passenger mix up but it was soon corrected and we were well on our way. We even ended getting back to DFW 15 minutes sooner than expected. Now why couldn't that had happened at the beginning of our trip? Oh well, I guess it was a trip we'll never forget.
Our view of New York City from our balcony on the cruise at 6am on 9-12-09.
Our last stop on our trip was NYC. Since we didn't board the ship on American soil, we had to be escorted through customs by security (Why? I do not know.) so we could reenter the USA. The only benefit I saw was that we got to bypass everyone else in line and get the heck out of there quicker.
After customs, we took a cab to our hotel for the night but since it was a little after 10 am by then, they did not have a room ready for us yet. No problem, we just left our luggage with the bellhop downstairs and began our sightseeing. We started about walking around some just taking pictures here and there and doing a little bit of shopping.
We got some chocolates from here!
Some of the various Broadway shows playing.
This is where the VMAs were held on 9-13-09. We went home that day.
We did a studio tour here and were able to see where Brian Williams anchors NBC Nightly News and where Saturday Night Live performances are held.
We just walked by here by got a picture anyway.
Ground Zero of the World Trade Center Site.
Eight years later, and this is pretty much all that has been attempted at a monument to honor the people that lost their lives here.
The Statue of Liberty
So after all of our sightseeing, we went back to the hotel to clean up for dinner, which we enjoyed at Red Lobster. After dinner, everyone was pretty tired so we went to sleep and headed out to the airport the next morning. We almost thought we were going to be delayed on the way back home due to a passenger mix up but it was soon corrected and we were well on our way. We even ended getting back to DFW 15 minutes sooner than expected. Now why couldn't that had happened at the beginning of our trip? Oh well, I guess it was a trip we'll never forget.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Vacation-Halifax, Nova Scotia
From what we could tell of Halifax, it is pretty much a college town with a few tourist spots here and there. We went on a double-decker bus tour to a few stops around the city and the guide said there were about 5 different campuses in or around Halifax.
Below is a picture of the Citadel. It is a fort where the people of Nova Scotia used to fight battles hundreds of years ago when their enemies came upon shore from the Atlantic.
This picture was not intentional (well, the taking of it was). I just happened to be standing there when Brian decided to get the money shot and it just so happened that it looks like the cannon is aimed directly at my backside.
We enjoyed the music from a bagpipe player.
We also were able to watch the changing of the guards.
On the way back out of Halifax, we were able to enjoy the scenery.
Just before sunset, I snapped this picture of Halifax overlooking the Atlantic.
Up next, New York City aka The Big Apple.
Below is a picture of the Citadel. It is a fort where the people of Nova Scotia used to fight battles hundreds of years ago when their enemies came upon shore from the Atlantic.
This picture was not intentional (well, the taking of it was). I just happened to be standing there when Brian decided to get the money shot and it just so happened that it looks like the cannon is aimed directly at my backside.
We enjoyed the music from a bagpipe player.
We also were able to watch the changing of the guards.
On the way back out of Halifax, we were able to enjoy the scenery.
Just before sunset, I snapped this picture of Halifax overlooking the Atlantic.
Up next, New York City aka The Big Apple.
More of our Vacation
I guess I'll finish the rest of our vacation now that it's been almost two weeks since I put the beginning on here.
So, after we left Montreal and finally got to St. John, we decided to just chill on the cruise for the day since we had already missed the previous two days. We enjoyed the buffets quite a bit and did not feel guilty if we wasted some food. In our minds, we were making up for the food we didn't get to eat the days we were not on the cruise due to the delay in flight and the cruise not letting us on at the terminal when they had not left yet and we were standing there looking at the ship. We also enjoyed a nice sit-down dinner two of the nights we were there so we would not get burnt out on teh bad food from the buffets. It was also nice to have someone wait on us instead of waiting in line with half of the other passengers on the ship.
We had previously gone on a cruise in 2004 to Cozumel and Playa del Carmen out of New Orleans so we were able to join the Past Guest Reception on September 9. Basically, it was the cruiseline's way of thanking us for choosing them again and paying their salaries. By going to the recetion, we were provided a one-time pass to have free alcohol and some special-made appetizers that would otherwise be extra if we were not there. Of course, being in my condition, I did not participate in the alcohol but everyone else took advantage of the freebies.
Of course, we couldn't resist playing a little CHING CHING while in the Atlantic. I almost lost $20 in the slot machine because I forgot to cash out, but some nice gentleman that was sitting beside Brian and I told me when I came back by that it was still on the machine so I better get before someone else did. A couple days after that, Brian sat down at a slot machine and someone else had done the same thing. We never saw anyone sitting there so Brian was able to play off of $22 that was not our own. We did play a game of bingo as well because you can win a decent jackpot (if you actually win). But, at $20 per game per person, we only played one game each and decided our money was better spent doing something else.
On our first full day on the cruise, we ported in Halifax, Nova Scotia where we were actually able to do some sightseeing. On to the next blog for that update.
So, after we left Montreal and finally got to St. John, we decided to just chill on the cruise for the day since we had already missed the previous two days. We enjoyed the buffets quite a bit and did not feel guilty if we wasted some food. In our minds, we were making up for the food we didn't get to eat the days we were not on the cruise due to the delay in flight and the cruise not letting us on at the terminal when they had not left yet and we were standing there looking at the ship. We also enjoyed a nice sit-down dinner two of the nights we were there so we would not get burnt out on teh bad food from the buffets. It was also nice to have someone wait on us instead of waiting in line with half of the other passengers on the ship.
We had previously gone on a cruise in 2004 to Cozumel and Playa del Carmen out of New Orleans so we were able to join the Past Guest Reception on September 9. Basically, it was the cruiseline's way of thanking us for choosing them again and paying their salaries. By going to the recetion, we were provided a one-time pass to have free alcohol and some special-made appetizers that would otherwise be extra if we were not there. Of course, being in my condition, I did not participate in the alcohol but everyone else took advantage of the freebies.
Of course, we couldn't resist playing a little CHING CHING while in the Atlantic. I almost lost $20 in the slot machine because I forgot to cash out, but some nice gentleman that was sitting beside Brian and I told me when I came back by that it was still on the machine so I better get before someone else did. A couple days after that, Brian sat down at a slot machine and someone else had done the same thing. We never saw anyone sitting there so Brian was able to play off of $22 that was not our own. We did play a game of bingo as well because you can win a decent jackpot (if you actually win). But, at $20 per game per person, we only played one game each and decided our money was better spent doing something else.
On our first full day on the cruise, we ported in Halifax, Nova Scotia where we were actually able to do some sightseeing. On to the next blog for that update.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Vacation-Montreal
Montreal-the not so great view from our room.
Montreal Town Hall undergoing renovations.
Further on down the way, at the green overhand, is where we ate that day for an early dinner. Even further past, was a Dairy Queen and Subway in one building. I didn't know there were DQ's that far north.
Just a picture of the city of Montreal as we were walking.
Our cab driver on the way back to our hotel from the city acted like he didn't understand us and took us to the wrong hotel the first time even after he repeated the name back to us twice before we took off. We finally got to the right hotel but he still charged us the fare from when he went the wrong way. How rude!
Montreal Town Hall undergoing renovations.
Further on down the way, at the green overhand, is where we ate that day for an early dinner. Even further past, was a Dairy Queen and Subway in one building. I didn't know there were DQ's that far north.
Just a picture of the city of Montreal as we were walking.
Our cab driver on the way back to our hotel from the city acted like he didn't understand us and took us to the wrong hotel the first time even after he repeated the name back to us twice before we took off. We finally got to the right hotel but he still charged us the fare from when he went the wrong way. How rude!
Canada/New York Vacation-The Beginnings
Brian and I had been planning this vacation with his parents since June. Little did we know that about 1 week after it was booked, I got pregnant. So, this will probably be our last vacation for awhile.
We were to depart from DFW at 0900 on Labor Day. 3 hours later, we were finally taking off headed to New York which is a 3.5 hour flight. Mechanical problems and stupidity on the airport staff's part were the reason why they did not pull in another plane in sooner to get everyone to their destination. Once we figured that we were going to be cutting in close, we called the cruise line and told them of our situation. Carnival said that usually, the latest they could allow passengers on the ship was 4:15 pm. Mind you, that New York is 1 hour ahead of us so that put us getting to LaGuardia at around 4:30 pm. They said we could try to get on the cruise and they would email the ship but they could not promise they would allow us to board.
When we all finally get our luggage, we haul butt outside to find a cab which we find almost immediately. The guy asks where we need to be, I tell him the cruise terminal and that we need to be there before they leave in about 25 minutes. We proceed to go almost 90 mph in New York City in about 30 mph speed zone. I'm not going to lie, I almost messed my pants! I thought we were going to die! In between cutting other cars off and almost running over a few dozen people, he got us there...about 5 minutes too late! The ship was still there but the customs agents were leaving and the ship was beginning to pull up anchor. We asked if they would still let us on but they said if they dropped the anchor while it was already motion, it would be a $5000 fine. We were pissed! We had already spent $2000 per couple for this vacation and now we were possibly going to have to go back home because AA can't maintain their planes! Back to the airport we go.
So after 2 hours standing at the counter at LaGuardia, two very nice and patient ladies finally figured out how to get us to the next port the cruise would be stopping at. Problem was, it was two days from then so we were going to have to stay somewhere for two days before we could meet up with them. They arranged for us to stay at a hotel close to the airport that night (cost free) and gave us meal vouchers for the next 2 days. The next day, we flew from NYC to Montreal, Quebec (nowhere close to where we were supposed to be) and stay the night there. They had to do it this way because there was not a direct flight from NYC to St. John, New Brunswick (the next port) since it was a small airport. We spent Tuesday, Sept. 8 doing some sightseeing in Montreal and trying get over the fact that they speak English and French (kind of weird when you're used to hearing Spanish). Wednesday, we got up and were back to the Montreal airport to fly to St. John. Did I mention that the planes became smaller everytime we flew? The plane from Montreal to St. John was about a 20-seater and it shook a bit when they first started it up. Anna (Brian's mom) looked at us when this happened and said, "Just in case, I love y'all!" We all had to laugh just a little. To top it all off, there were chickens in the cargo hold that was on the other side of our seats (we were at the back) and they squawked for the entire 1.5 hour flight to St. John! Obviously, we made it there and took a cab out to the ship that was already ported by then. We decided that since we had been on a wild goose chase for the past two days, then we would forego sightseeing that day and stay on the ship, just in case. Good thing is from what other passengers told us, we didn't miss much as St. John was merely just a small, quaint town. Besides, we got the gist of it on the ride from the airport. And thus began our vacation. More to follow...
We were to depart from DFW at 0900 on Labor Day. 3 hours later, we were finally taking off headed to New York which is a 3.5 hour flight. Mechanical problems and stupidity on the airport staff's part were the reason why they did not pull in another plane in sooner to get everyone to their destination. Once we figured that we were going to be cutting in close, we called the cruise line and told them of our situation. Carnival said that usually, the latest they could allow passengers on the ship was 4:15 pm. Mind you, that New York is 1 hour ahead of us so that put us getting to LaGuardia at around 4:30 pm. They said we could try to get on the cruise and they would email the ship but they could not promise they would allow us to board.
When we all finally get our luggage, we haul butt outside to find a cab which we find almost immediately. The guy asks where we need to be, I tell him the cruise terminal and that we need to be there before they leave in about 25 minutes. We proceed to go almost 90 mph in New York City in about 30 mph speed zone. I'm not going to lie, I almost messed my pants! I thought we were going to die! In between cutting other cars off and almost running over a few dozen people, he got us there...about 5 minutes too late! The ship was still there but the customs agents were leaving and the ship was beginning to pull up anchor. We asked if they would still let us on but they said if they dropped the anchor while it was already motion, it would be a $5000 fine. We were pissed! We had already spent $2000 per couple for this vacation and now we were possibly going to have to go back home because AA can't maintain their planes! Back to the airport we go.
So after 2 hours standing at the counter at LaGuardia, two very nice and patient ladies finally figured out how to get us to the next port the cruise would be stopping at. Problem was, it was two days from then so we were going to have to stay somewhere for two days before we could meet up with them. They arranged for us to stay at a hotel close to the airport that night (cost free) and gave us meal vouchers for the next 2 days. The next day, we flew from NYC to Montreal, Quebec (nowhere close to where we were supposed to be) and stay the night there. They had to do it this way because there was not a direct flight from NYC to St. John, New Brunswick (the next port) since it was a small airport. We spent Tuesday, Sept. 8 doing some sightseeing in Montreal and trying get over the fact that they speak English and French (kind of weird when you're used to hearing Spanish). Wednesday, we got up and were back to the Montreal airport to fly to St. John. Did I mention that the planes became smaller everytime we flew? The plane from Montreal to St. John was about a 20-seater and it shook a bit when they first started it up. Anna (Brian's mom) looked at us when this happened and said, "Just in case, I love y'all!" We all had to laugh just a little. To top it all off, there were chickens in the cargo hold that was on the other side of our seats (we were at the back) and they squawked for the entire 1.5 hour flight to St. John! Obviously, we made it there and took a cab out to the ship that was already ported by then. We decided that since we had been on a wild goose chase for the past two days, then we would forego sightseeing that day and stay on the ship, just in case. Good thing is from what other passengers told us, we didn't miss much as St. John was merely just a small, quaint town. Besides, we got the gist of it on the ride from the airport. And thus began our vacation. More to follow...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Baby Laird
Here's our first pictures of our little one. The doctor said everything looks fine so far and it looks like its arm and leg buds are beginning to form.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Trip to Illinois
I went on a very quick trip with Brian to Illinois August 10-12; business for him, pleasure for me. I got to spend some time with Aunt Valerie, Brenda, and Baby Jamie at the mall in Schaumburg. It was a nice visit but like I said before, it was a very quick trip.
Baby Jamie
Aunt Valerie, Brenda, & Me (Big Jamie)
Baby Jamie
Aunt Valerie, Brenda, & Me (Big Jamie)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Shutters
On Saturday, we decided to do some touch ups to the shutters on the house since they were looking pretty faded.
Before
Side by side comparison
After
Before
Side by side comparison
After
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Double Rainbow
It rained off and on on August 1 but in between, I got these pictures of a double rainbow. You cannot see the second one too well but it's there. Apparently, several of the neighbors caught a glimpse of the rainbow as they were taking pictures, too.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
We've done it now!
Well, I guess that we finally got on the wagon, the baby making wagon that is. Brian and I are excepting our first child in March. We found out last Saturday but didn't tell the family until this past Friday and Saturday. I'm about 6 weeks according to an online pregnancy calculator but I won't get an official date or anything until August 17. I haven't been sick or anything yet, just a little stomach ache here and there. I'm hoping it stays that way but we'll see.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Air and Hot Air Balloon Show
On Saturday, Brian and I attended the Great Texas Balloon Race. We enjoyed an air show as well as a hot air balloon show. It was blazing hot when we got there but it did cool down as the sun went down. I had never seen hot air balloons up close before and have wanted to attend this event for several years now so this was a real experience for me. We didn't get into bed until 1 am after watching this show and then I had to get up for work at 5 am but my lack of sleep was well worth the experience.
Parachuter with the Texas flag.
Blowing up the balloon.
Balloon glowing and flying with the American flag waving.
Fire glow.
If you ever watch The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, the other members of the show refer to Conan as Coco. This balloon reminded Brian of that as the name on the balloon is Coco. I think I may send this picture to Conan.
Ready, Set, Glow!
This balloon cracked me up!
Parachuter with the Texas flag.
Blowing up the balloon.
Balloon glowing and flying with the American flag waving.
Fire glow.
If you ever watch The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, the other members of the show refer to Conan as Coco. This balloon reminded Brian of that as the name on the balloon is Coco. I think I may send this picture to Conan.
Ready, Set, Glow!
This balloon cracked me up!
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