The Nadwodnys

Well...

2011-04-26T18:30:00.000-05:00

April (almost May already)!!! Jeez - Facebook is just toooo easy, huh?

Well...what have we been doing? In March we went back to our beloved Florida for Spring Break. Although we didn't go to Destin. We went to Estero, which is between Ft. Myers and Naples. It was nice. We didn't stay right on the beach and we all REALLY missed that. But the condo and grounds were absolutely beautiful. We went with some friends and had a good time! It's been a long time since we've actually vactionned with another family so it was different.

Below is a view of one of the pools on the property...pretty serene...

Ron and Dylan got the chance to canoe.

Riley had a MAJOR allergy attack that wiped him out for a good day and a half! (sorry, i could NOT get this picture rotated the right way :-( )

We saw some alligators and rode some go karts...

Ron and Dylan took in a spring training baseball game between the NY Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

And, of course, we enjoyed the beach!

February was pretty snowy here in Texas! We had 5 snow days where school (and work for mom) were closed! I'll have to find those pictues and post a separate snow post when it's nice and HOT here! :-) That'll be good, huh?

April has been a "get the house and yard under control" time. We've been able to donate ALOT of big items that we needed to get rid of. We've been working HARD on the yard - mostlythe back yard - to get things cleaned up and in shape for future projects.

And since the beginning of the year I've been training for my very first 5K that I completed just this past weekend. :-) 39 minutes!!! Yea!

I was a little slower than I would have liked but I have to admit I was not prepared for how hilly mile 2 was. :-( I'm contemplating another one at the end of next month so...we'll see... ;-)

Well...I'm soooo sure there is a lot more I missed but quickly that's some of what's been going on in our happy little home. More soon (I hope!)

Where the heck...?

2011-01-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

Where are The Nadwodnys?

Oh...we're still here.

I just have to say... working in payroll and human resouces at the end/beginning of any year is OUT OF CONTROL! Open Enrollment for insurance as well as wrapping up all the paychecks and decutions then making sure that all the next year stuff is correct...well...CRAZY, BUSY stuff people! But...seriously - I love my job!!! Time sure flies though! :-)

Dylan has wrapped up his 1st marching season with his high school band and I am THRILLED to say that they WON STATE!!! They are the Texas Class 5A State Champions! So proud and excited to be a part of the Marcus High School Band. GREAT JOB Everyone!

The above picture was taken just after the medallion cermoney at the school. They received their gold UIL medal for the State Championships and the other medal is for placing 1st in the State 5A Bands of America Competition. It was held the same weekend in October that the UIL competition was. We went down there to cheer them on. It was a BLAST! So memorable.

Dylan also has been doing well in high school. Still making good grades and making us very proud of his accomplishments! We are blessed!

Riley is playing the saxophone and doing really well at that. I think he sounds GREAT and he really seems to enjoy it. He also is doing good with his studies. He's holding all A's and a couple of B's in his classes. He LOVES to play videos in his spare time - what 12 year old guy doesn't. He's still a reader! Momma loves that! :-)

The above picture is just one of him practicing - in his room.

Well, short and sweet gotta run for now. Hopefully I will post again soon (for my momma! :-))

It's a Band thing!

2010-10-31T21:06:00.000-05:00

Ooops...missed blogging that whole first month of school. Sorry.

Well, we're off and running - or marching should I say. Dylan is in the Marcus High School Band - and loving it! They are 2 games away from finishing the regular football season (marching season) and they are also two competitions away from being done with the marching competition part of their school year too. They have done SO well! One show they placed 2nd, two shows they placed 1st. They have also qualified to go to the state UIL competition. So exciting!!! Ron and I will be heading down to San Antonio for a day to watch that competition! Exciting! There are several other local high schools that made the state competition too and it's really interesting to see all the performances. We're wishing everyone good luck!

By the way - Riley is playing saxophone in the middle school band and is sounding REALLY good! I cannot wait to see his music career unfold! (These boys make us really proud!)

Well, short and sweet...here's some pictures, of course! :-)

Dylan in his "shadow" uniform - his "role" in the show with his brother Riley.

Dylan is 3rd from the right. (they were capturing their Christmas card entire band photo)

A picture of the entire band at the end of the performance. (they were trying to capture a shot for their Christmas card)

This is one of the final formations....LOVE when they march in lines toward us and play loudly! Cool!!!

This is just before they move into formation to begin their show. (I get a little choked up! It's quite a show. ALL of these kiddos should be SOOOOO proud!)

A momentous occasion

2010-09-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

We officially have a high shooler (Dylan is in 9th) and a middle schooler (Riley is in 6th)
Oh my goodness!!!

Came and went

2010-09-10T09:47:00.000-05:00

Well...August 2010 came and went...

Dylan started high school band camp (plays the trumpet). Every day for 3 weeks! Outside in the morning and evening. Yes, people...in Texas...in 100 degree weather. So proud of him for doing this! It was quite a thrill to see him perform the school song and fight song at the first game with the entire band. Makes a momma proud.

Dylan also turned 15 last week. So now the driving instructions begin. I truly an amazed, daily, that I am about to have a grown up as a child. It's crazy! It really seems like just yesterday I was holding my sweet first born son in my arms.

Riley started middle school and will turn 11 in just a few weeks. That's a shock to my system too. He really was my baby just a few short years ago. But he's making a momma proud too. He is also in band. Playing the saxophone just like his dad! :-)

They are both smart, good kids. They truly are the best of both of us parents and make us so happy!

Ron and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on August 18th. While it was VERY hard to leave the boys behind (in capable hands - thanks MiMi) Ron and I spent a week in Key West, Florida. Other than the humidity it was beautiful. We had the beach to ourselves most mornings and enjoyed beautiful sunrises and sunsets in our oceanfront room. We had a blast touring Duvall Street and Mallory Square. The lighthouse was pretty cool. Hemmingway house was very interesting as was The Little White House. I really didn't realize there was so much to do there. I was looking forward to a quiet week on the beach but was excited to actually have so much shopping and dining so close at hand. We'll try a very laid back beach vacation for our 25th - promise!

Anyway - as the school year kicks off and the year winds down my work life is crazy busy - but it's all good! We are very blessed to both have jobs and we love our quiet little life.

I'll leave ya'll with pics from our trip as well as our boys on the first day of school! Enjoy!

A beautiful sunrise in Key West

Key Lime Pie!

Sunset at Mallory Square over Palm Island

1st night...ready to relax!

THE gathering place at sunset

Yummy Seafood!

Lunch view in Key Largo.

Front of The Little White House

Back of The Little White House

On our 20th anniversary in Key West (not loving that my hair was up but the humidity...AYE!!!)

At the beginning of a road! (the end was on the other side of the street...yeah...we took a picture there too! :-)

Our resort. Southernmost on The Beach Key West.

Hemmingway House

We climbed to the top of the Key West Lighthouse.

I AM an island girl!

My relaxed hubby!

A beautiful spot!

Our beautiful ocean front room.

Us at the southernmost point in the continental U.S.!

Only 4 bags packed! Ready to go! (surprised myself!!! we did ship a box home though!)

Summer Lovin'

2010-07-09T08:01:00.003-05:00

Ooops! Where did June go? The boys got out of school. Dylan had high school band camp right away (going to be a freshman in high school). Then he got braces. Riley's just chilling. I've been working 4 long days to have some Friday free time and weekends off... The month is just gone!

Ron and I are planning to go to Key West for our 20th anniversary next month. Yea! :)

But...I'm sad we aren't going back to Destin this year. :(

This is the first time in a LONG time that we haven't went.

We're taking the boys to Schlitterbahn later this month so that should be fun.

We're also painting lots of stuff around here (the home). We're tackling bathroom cabinets, the boys bedrooms, the shed. We're staining and finishing the awning in the backyard we started a while back. We're also repainting the main areas of the house when we get done with all of the above. So...yeah...it's the year of taking care of some house things more so than the vacation relaxing thing. It's all good! We gotta take care of the place AND we're planning a BIG family trip for next year! ;-)

Anyway...just a quick update so you know we haven't fallen off the planet. And on that note...a pic of Destin to stare at anyway...sigh...

Under the big top

2010-06-05T08:49:00.009-05:00

No we didn't go to the circus. :-) Ron and I went to see Jimmy Buffett on his Under The Big Top Tour.

Ron LOVES his music. It's the most played on his ipod. ;-) I like it too - just not THAT much.

We had a great time listening to the music and people watching. Those parrotheads (his fans) are INTERESTING!!!

I would go again.

Stuck in the snow? Heck no! It's spring - almost summer here!

2010-05-05T21:00:00.001-05:00

Soooo...yeah....those snow pictues have been up waaaay toooo long!

Recently I went to Fredericksburg with some friends. We had a wonderful drive down seeing all the bluebonnets! Beautiful! We had a great time shopping too, of course.

While we were there we stopped at a "flower farm". The beautiful red poppies caught our eye from the road. What a joy to walk through the rows and rows of flowers. A real treat! It was a true reminder that spring is here. It'll be summer soon.

Here's a slide show of some of the pictures I took. (Yes - lots of poppy pictures - sorry. They were amazing!)

Snow Scenes

2010-03-04T20:42:00.009-06:00

This was a pretty snowy winter here in the DFW area. One day we even broke the record and it snowed 12 inches in one day! The most ever! So before spring break hits in a few weeks take a moment to look at some of the pictures I captured. We sure had a blast!

Sweet...Sprinkles.

2010-02-10T17:58:00.003-06:00

It's going to be a SWEET Valentine's here at The Nadwodny house with yummy cupcakes from Sprinkles.

Why did we not order more than one cinnamon sugar? That one was shared by three of us and it was AMAZING! I'm looking forward to trying the pumpkin one. The black and white ones were sweet!! Too sweet!!! We also got plain 'ole vanilla and chocolate. And of course we are saving the red velvet ones for last...should be oh so good!!! {{licking my lips}}

Here's hoping all your Valentines are just as sweet - with or without cupcakes. ;-)

Better late than never?

2010-02-04T21:00:00.000-06:00

Busy bee me - just getting around to posting Christmas pictures. Aye! Enjoy a peek at "my side" of the family. So, so, so blessed!!!

Off and running

2010-01-10T17:33:00.003-06:00

Figuratively not literally - not yet.

The month is slipping by too fast for me. I've been getting the house in shape (inside) and getting ready at work for the first payrolls of the year so I've kind of missed the first few days of 2010. I've got to remedy that. Soon!

I have to admit...I've slid on the diet and exercise the last month. Holidays are great on the family time but rough on the scale! But finally my eating habits are back on track. Now for my exercise habits. Let's go!!! I've got to start running again. But it's really hard when it is...

yep 15 degrees outside. In Texas no less! Jeez!!! I think I will get on the elliptical in my bedroom but it is just not as enticing as walking/jogging outdoors. I LOVE IT! Just gotta DO IT!

Okay - gotta run... :( not outside - inside - to finish up some work work and home work. :)

Blessings everyone! Happy 2010!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T20:03:00.007-06:00

Oh no!

2009-12-22T20:59:00.013-06:00

Oh no!!! I'm addicted. I have bought an espresso maker, just like the Mr. Coffee one above, and found pumpkin spice coffee flavoring (thanks Coffee Mate!) so that I can make pumpkin spice lattes at home.

Ron seriously thinks I have lost it. Starting to drink coffee after all these years. The boys all think it smells like Starbucks in the house. ;) My sister - she's laughing at me. I called her to make sure what kind of coffee to buy while I was at the store and only after we hung up did she call me back to remind me that I need a coffee maker to make coffee. {{giggles}} Don't worry - I was one step ahead of her. We had already figured out that lattes are made with espresso and milk so I was actually on the right track buying the espresso machine.

So...big thanks to my co-worker, Carrie. It's official...I'm a coffee drinker. Maybe not "straight up" coffee but close, huh?

When they take the pumpkin spice flavoring off the shelves and I run out I'm thinking vanilla lattes...maybe?

Happy Birthday Denise!

2009-12-04T00:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful wife, best friend and awesome mom to our boys.

Love you! Ron

Believing

2009-12-01T20:35:00.004-06:00

If you know me well you know that I am a Christian so this is not news that I believe in Jesus. I am just re-afirming that I believe in God, His grace, His mercy and His power. I believe in HIS plan. Amen!

2009-11-26T00:05:00.000-06:00

Happy Fall Ya'll!

2009-11-22T11:48:00.004-06:00

More photos from our photo shoot. Enjoy. :)

Family Photo Shoot - sneak peek

2009-11-08T16:06:00.004-06:00

Love my friend, Andrea Hughes.

Had a professional family photo shoot for the first time EVER. Here's a sneek peak. Can't wait to see all the rest.

Fall is in the air

2009-11-05T17:48:00.002-06:00

The leaves have started falling off the trees in our yard. It looks like there is alot on the ground BUT there is MORE in the trees. Aye!

I'm still pretty busy (at home and work) but there is light at the end of the tunnel. My 30 plus meetings regarding insurance re-enrollment end tomorrow. We move, at work, next week. Thanksgiving - and a few days off - don't seem so far away.

Yeah...I think I'll make it through this busy time and enjoy the fall that is in the air soon enough.

:-)

Silly

2009-10-28T21:20:00.001-05:00

Ok - this is silly. Absolutely ridiculous.

But I just HAD to...

I wore this skirt from Coldwater Creek that had the above pattern I took a picture of and realized that I matched my blog today. :-)

Silly, I know. But made me want to post SOMETHING! {{giggle}}

Neglected

2009-10-27T21:37:00.002-05:00

My poor, poor blog.

I am a very busy bee right now and am neglecting my poor, poor blog.

Since I work in payroll/human resources at my job/church this is a very busy time for insurance re-enrollment and our finance department in general.

AND we are moving facilities in about 2 weeks!

AND the boys are keeping me busy with everyday "STUFF" when I am home.

Awww...my poor, poor blog. I'll come visit again soon! Promise. :)

U2 ... & me too...

2009-10-12T22:57:00.006-05:00

So...Ron and Dylan are at the U2 concert tonight.

He emailed me this picture of the view from their seats.

Cool! My lucky 14 year old son! All the other concerts he attends will probably NEVER live up to his first one!

I'm a little worried about him...he's going to be TIRED!!! He has to be up at 6 to be at school by 7 a.m. for band practice. Aye....ugh... Sure hope he'll be able to sleep...Oh I'm worried about Ron too...he has to be up early for his 40 minute drive to work. I get up shortly after him to start my day. (what am I still doing up by the way???)

And...what were Riley and I doing tonight? We just had some dinner. Riley played and I worked...on our computers...at home.

Here's some silly pictures we took while waiting for his boneless wings at KFC.
(big step for me...don't like posting unflattering pics of myself...but hey...keeping it real...if I'm going to post silly pictures of Riley I should post silly pictures of myself too!) I think I'm better at silly faces - what do you think?

AND...random...here's Riley's homemade cookie cake for his birthday. Dad made it! He's so GREAT!!! It was yummy!!!

Happy 11th Birthday Riley!

2009-10-08T16:26:00.002-05:00

How is our little man 11 already? Wow!

He is smart, silly, loving. He makes us proud!

Praying that he has an awesome year filled with many blessings!

Oh no!

2009-09-30T19:00:00.000-05:00

I have a Starbucks gift card and I'm not afraid to use it!

I have NEVER drank coffee. Never have liked it. Oh...I have loved the smell of it and the idea of it but have never like the taste and aftertaste of it. BUT...

One of my co-workers/friends, Carrie, turned me on to Pumpkin Spice Lattes and I'm hooked.

After getting hooked I found a gift card I had gotten some time ago in my purse. I seriously thought it was like $5 or $10. But - lo and behold...a HUGE blessing...$20!!! Yippeee!!!

So after calling my coffee loving sister to tell her that "heck" may have frozen over...I was drinking coffee...she proceeded to tell me what I should try next: A tall, nonfat,decaf latte with 1 pump of vanilla - please sweeten with Splenda. {{giggle}} I'm going to try it - probably - soon...if I can get myself to take a break from the Pumpkin Spice. :)

Black and white all over

2009-09-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

This isn't the greatest photo but I took it with my iphone to post on facebook. Ron spent a couple of days last week painting our bedroom a beautiful slate blue color. We have black and white bedding (yep...in love with black and white...just like on my blog - hence: black and white all over). We also have burgandy accents like the pillow, some candles and a couple of other lamps that you cannot see that are burgandy too.

Just had to post because I am IN LOVE with my "new" bedroom. I got the drapes hung and everything straightened up. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my room. I'll try to take some other pictures soon.

BTW - WOO!HOO! Ron finally got an interview last Friday morning AND - GOT THE JOB!

God is good! We feel so blessed. Although it is not "ideal" it's good. Ideal would be working from home or 5 minutes from like me. :) It's about 30 to 45 minutes from home but he can work early hours and still be home by 5 - so not that bad. It was a long but short 5 months out of work and I really think he's ready to be back in the groove. He truly didn't enjoy being a "employee of the state". Not his style AT ALL.

So...that's just a little of what's up in our world. (Feeling like we can finally handle some home improvement stuff around the house so stay tuned for more pics of updates. ;))

Boys & Bikes

2009-09-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

The boys got bikes for their birthdays. Dylan...a few days early. Riley...about a month early. They love 'em! I'm glad! I like to see them outside - especially with the great weather we've been having. Hopefully Ron and I will be able to get new bikes soon so that we can all ride together. So fun!

Happy Birthday Dylan!

2009-09-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy 14th Birthday, Dylan!

You make us very proud to call you our son!

We love you!

Milestones

2009-08-24T19:07:00.004-05:00

As I've mentioned before, I think this is a milestone year for my boys. Dylan and Riley are both in their last year at their respective schools. Dylan in 8th and Riley in 5th.

HOW CAN THIS BE? Yikes!

Here are a couple of their annual 1st day of school posed by mom pictures:

Oh and notice the tickers on the left? We are about 1 week from Dylan's 14th birthday and 1 month from Riley's 11th birthday. Again...I ask...HOW CAN THIS BE? Yikes!

The older you get - the faster time goes. Yep...that's it.

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Anniversary to my husband of 19 years!

Wow! 19 years!

We dated for about 3 years before we got married so…that’s quite a while!

I can still remember being sooooo happy the day we got married.

I wanted to be an “on time” bride. (guess that’s because my ceremony was an hour long! YIKES! What was I thinking!!!) I was constantly asking what time it was. I was READY to walk down the aisle right at 6 p.m..

I had to walk behind the rows of chairs and then up the aisle to Ron. I was SMILING the entire time. I turned the corner to walk up the aisle and believe it or not my smile got even bigger when I saw him standing there waiting for me!

I remember during a song after we lit the unity candle we were looking into each other’s eyes. I leaned forward to tell him that I could see myself in his eyes and he said he had been thinking the exact same thing. Such a sweet moment.

I remember so many great things before and after we got married. I remember also so many trials and low moments too. But mostly I remember our love and that Jesus is in the middle of our love, our lives, our family, everything!

Ron, I love you more than words could ever describe. I thank God for our marriage and our family. Thank you for 19 plus amazing years! Here’s to many, many, many more!

Back into the groove

2009-08-14T06:56:00.012-05:00

Well, we've been home a week and jumped right back in. I'm back at work. Ron is still looking for work. Dylan had a yearbook workshop and band stuff going on for school. Riley...just chillin' out before school starts in only another week. Yep - we're right back into the groove.

Vacation this year in Destin was truly AMAZING! The water was very clear all week. I never saw seaweed...not once. It was beautiful...sunny...every day. It was about 85 to 92 degrees. And with a beach breeze - that's tolerable for me. It only rained on Wednesday evening for about 2 hours. But we had already gotten a whole day of sun in so...all was ok.

There were many yummy seafood restaurants we ate at. There was many late evenings but many sleepy late mornings too. We slept well and we rested/relaxed well too. It truly is like our 2nd home there. We are missing it already.

Here's some pictures. Hope you enjoy.

Destin Vacation 2009

2009-08-05T06:56:00.007-05:00

AMAZING WEEK!

Sunny, sunny days. Clear, clear water. Great seafood to eat for dinner.

We are relaxing! Having some good family time. (still getting our workouts in) Lots of sleep (including naps on the beach for mom and dad - can't beat that ocean breeze!)

This is one of our best years here yet!

So excited we still have 3 whole days left! YEA!!!

Happy Birthday Ron!

2009-07-31T06:00:00.002-05:00

Leaving tomorrow

2009-07-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Going to

for our

to have some

1 week away

2009-07-24T07:00:00.007-05:00

See those countdown tickers on my sidebar? Yeah...kind of over half way down...yeah...over there...

VACATION = 7 days away!!!

Ron's birthday = 7 days away!!!

Yippeee!!!

I've had a crazy busy time at work and Ron has been crazy busy searching for a job while keeping up with the boys this summer.

WE ARE READY !!!

And yep...just after we get back Ron and I will celebrate 19 years of marriage. Wow! I CANNOT believe that we have been married that long. He is the BEST husband I could have ever asked, hoped, dreamed, prayed for! love, Love, LOVE my man!!!

(by the way - he has lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks on a crazy diet...and is keeping it off! Sooooooo Proud!!!) (lost 2 more pounds after he got off too!!!)

Oh yeah, the other tickers? Dylan's 14 birthday is sneaking up on us in September and then Riley's birthday is not long after that in October. He will be 11. I'm trying to stay calm as I realize that these are kind of milestone years for them. Dylan will be in 8th grade and Riley will be in 5th. They will be finishing out their last year at their respective schools. (mom's seriously trying to not cry over every event this year as she watches her boys mature)

Well...back to the vacation...we are going back to Destin (been there about 10 or 12 summers in a row). We will be stopping over in New Orleans to spend the night so it's not such a long time in the car. Also, there is a Louie Armstrong Jazz Festival and for my saxophone player (Ron) and trumpet player (Dylan) it's kind of a cool deal. Also, just a fun way to celebrate Ron's birthday. This may be the last time we go to Destin, for a while anyway, as we are wanting to see some other American sights now that the boys are older. We are going back to the same condo complex that we've been the last 2 years but will be in a different condo. I'll leave ya'll with a sneak peek at the place.

If you feel so led please pray for safe travels and a week of relaxation and no worries of work. Heck - no worries - PERIOD.

Growing up & getting ready

2009-07-15T17:58:00.004-05:00

Look at our boys! Wow! They are growing up so fast.

Dylan is almost 14 and will be in the 8th grade.
Riley is almost 11 and will be in the 5th grade.

And we are about 2 weeks from our annual beach vacation!
We leave on Ron's birthday and will be spending that night in New Orleans. Fun times.

Right after we return we will celebrate our 19th wedding anniversay. How did that come around so fast? 19 years...what??? Wow!

August is a busy month. Dylan has band practices and a yearbook staff workshop then school starts.

Summer is slipping by waaaaaaaay tooooooo fast. :(

I don't care...it's just HOT!

2009-07-09T20:00:00.002-05:00

Just gotta tell you...(like you don't know) it's hot in Texas!

When I left work I went to get in my car which is parked by a metal building. Now that's not my first choice of a place to park...it's just where staff is suppose to park where I work. Anyway, I get in my car and leave the door open while I start the car in an attempt to let some of the heat out. I had forgotten to leave my moonroof cracked open. {{grimace}} Well - the temperature gauge comes on and says 113. HOLY COW!!! That's HOT! And let me tell you - the air that comes out of the vents feels like 113 degrees. {{grimace}}{{grimace}} (hee...hee...double grimace - get it?) Okay...well...

I realize that the temperature gauge in the car is not 100 percent accurate. It is ~~I think~~ located in the front of my car - which is facing the metal building. Note to self, "Self, back your car in next time."

I only live about 5 minutes from work and by the time I get down the street ~~almost home~~ the temperature gauge says 107. Ummm...yeah...still HOT! I think, while at a stop light, I will check my iphone and see what The Weather Channel says the temperature in my town is. Hmmm...102 and feels like 104. Again...HOT! I finally get home and pull in my garage. The temperature gauge immediately drops to 105. By this point I don't care what the "real" temperature is. I just think/know:

It is:

Air condition/pool...here I come!!!

We believe...

2009-07-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

We believe there is a reason for everything. Ron was let go from "big blue" at the end of April. I'm sad to say that he still has had no success in finding a job. He is in the computer programming/technology field and it's pretty rough out there right now with so much being sent overseas...(cheaper labor)...among lots of other reasons. We know God provides. His timing in all situations is more perfect than we can ever imagine. It's just hard when you are walking right through the middle of it...can I get an Amen?

Ron is prepared to change job fields and is even contemplating going back to school. We are ready to go where God leads us.

I have professed that this blog is "for fun" so family and friends can "peek at our lives and ~~limited~~ adventures". But right now - I'll be "real". Would you pray for Ron's job situation? Would you pray whatever the Lord leads you to? We would soooooo appreciate it.

Thanks, in advance, to those of you that read our little blog.

2009-07-04T09:36:00.001-05:00

Sun, pool, BBQ, fireworks, family! Yea!!!

Off to camp!

2009-06-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

My teenager, Dylan, is off to middle school church camp tonight.

We are going to miss him! Riley, his little brother, doesn't think so but I know in a few days he will feel a little differently. ;)

They are going to a camp put on by Student Life at a beach about 10 hours away. Alot of middle school and high school students from across the country will be at this camp. I've been praying for a safe trip! Will you take a moment and say one too if you feel led? Thanks!
I'm also praying that the leaders and kids have a very blessed time of worship, time in The Word and fellowship/fun! God Bless our Student Ministry! They are AWESOME!!!

I cannot get over how fast Dylan is growing up. His voice is changing. He's getting a little taller. He's sleeping later...never has done that! Of course, he is trying to stay up later too!

He really makes me proud! He is a sensitive soul. He loves photography. He enjoys Nascar, baseball, computer games, reading, texting (of course!) and his favorite foods. He has had straight A's except for math but that has been a very solid middle B. He's been taking Pre-AP match since entering middle school and he's trying really hard - so I can't complain. He is getting tutored in Algebra so when school starts in the fall he'll have a good foundation to keep going with! He also plays the trumpet! He's working really hard this summer on his music and even though he made 2nd chair of Concert band he's hoping to prove worthy of moving up, if the opportunity presents itself, to the Symphonic Band.

He also volunteers at church helping with AV stuff for the student services on Saturday nights! He loves the Lord and really likes church. We feel blessed beyond words!

REALITY CHECK: Ron and I were talking about the fact that we'll probably save his truck (paid for!!!) for Dylan...umm...he'll be driving in 2 years. HOLY MOLY!!!

Anyway...thanks for listening...just taking a moment to reflect on the man/person Dylan is becoming while wishing him well at camp!

We love you, Dylan! Have an AMAZING time!

Summer, swimming, sad, stuff..

2009-06-21T20:44:00.025-05:00

Summer - Yes! Loving it!

The boys love sleeping late and playing on the computer and game systems. They love Ron being off right now and taking them to a movie every now and then. They love swimming with us both after I get home from work. (and with the dogs...we have a couple of water dogs it seems) They like Taco Tuesdays from Rosas and Dad grilling burgers, hot dogs, fish and chicken more than just on the weekends.

Here's Kaite looking at the pool..ready to get in!

Why sad you say?

Something ate the yummy grapes growing on the vines in our backyard. Dang! :(

(see previous post for picture of my beautiful long lost grapes)

But, we did get to enjoy some red potatoes we had planted. I guess the critters didn't get to them because they were in the ground. :)

Oh...really cool...Riley and I got to go up to our church's new building. (The old Albertson's on the corner of Morriss and 407 will be The Village Church by the end of this year.) I am on staff in the finance department and they had told us they would be raising a very, very, very large and heavy beam into place last week. We popped by and were able to go just inside the front doors to see what was going on ...it is cool! We use to shop there when it was Albertson's. We also got to go in when they had taken everything out before they started retrofitting the building to be our church. So...to be able to see where it is at about half way through - well...COOL!

Dylan and Riley near the front of the store after all grocery stuff was taken out but before construction began.

Riley near front of building.

Riley in about the same spot as the previous picture.

The large beam is on the ground and was being raised up into the long hole (skylight) in the roof. Apparently it will be in the ceiling of what will be the sanctuary.

Well...other than drawing your attention to the countdowns for our vacation, Ron's birthday and our anniversay on the sidebar...that's about all the newsy/picture stuff I have for now.

P.S. Hope Ron, PaPa Fred, Papa Mitch, Uncle Matt, Uncle Monte, Uncle Dale and Uncle Eddie had a GREAT FATHER'S DAY!!! Love ya'll!!!

Summertime randomness

2009-06-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

We love summer! We love water, beach, sand, sun, waves!

Of course we won't make our annual trek to Destin, FL until the first week of August (probably the last time for a while) but we'll still be soaking up sun and water in the our pool out back!

I've got lots of iphone photos to post so here goes some randomness:

mmmmm.....grapes growing in the backyard!

Riley's teacher got married the day after school got out for the summer.

She's so pretty! He just loved having her for a teacher!

Riley and a couple of his classmates/friends at the reception.

Riley and his friend/classmate enjoying cupcakes at the end of year party.

For the teacher's end of the year gift one of the room moms had the idea to put together a cookbook with the kids favorite recipes. Each page had a student's picture then how they think their favorite dish is made and then (written by the parent) how it is really made. She LOVED it! Although she was laughing here she soon shed a sweet tear.

Riley tossing water balloons in a game at the party.

Riley's teacher right in the thick of the game.
(uh...everyone ended up chasing her with the leftover water balloons)

Oh - by the way ... (grandmas and grandpas) ... Dylan brought home his TAKS scores and got commended on all three of his too!

And here - barely seen on the blog - is Kitty Kitty just "hanging around". Her name is actually Clover but she doens't know that. We've always called her Kitty Kitty and I guess she just thinks that is what her name is. :)

So...anyway...here come the lazy but still crazy days of summer! Bring 'em on, I say!!!

2009-06-06T08:32:00.000-05:00

Braggin' (mostly for the grandparents sake)

2009-05-29T16:04:00.005-05:00

Riley and I were up at the crack of dawn today to get to his school by 7 a.m.. (school doesn't start until 8)

They were having an awards ceremony for students that had 100 or more AR (accelerated reader) points.

Of course one of my maniac readers would get an award like this.

Both the boys LOVE to read! Always have and I pray they always will.

Riley with his certificate and medal. He also got a free dinner at Chili's.

A close up of the medal.

72 students got awards! Riley had a little over 106 points. The top person had 605 points...JEEPERS! I challanged Riley to be the top person next year...hmmm...we'lll see.

On another note. He also brought home his TAKS (Texas Assesment of Knowledge and Skills) test scores today. He got "Commended" on all three tests, reading, writing and math! Translation --- very high marks!

So Proud!!!

Ummm....did I mention that Dylan got "Lamar Leader" this final six weeks at his school? They only award 2 students from each grade level each six weeks this award. And he was one of the ones that got it the final six weeks of school for the 7th grade. The award has to do with good citizenship and grades.

Very Proud!!!

I love these boys so much! I must say - they make their dad and I very, very, very proud to be their parents.

Gotta Run - treating them to a yummy dinner out!

Thankful Thursday

2009-05-28T19:24:00.006-05:00

This is not original...I saw it on someone's elses blog and thought that it would be a good exercise for me to remember how blessed I am.

So...this Thursday I am thankful for:

*God

*an AMAZING husband who is a WONDERFUL father to...

*2 sons who make their dad and I VERY proud

*friends who listen

*friends who make me laugh

*a GREAT family

*a job I LOVE

*summer (kids out of school) will soon be here

*holidays that make the work week shorter - more weekend relaxing time!

*a day off alone with my hubby (tomorrow)

There's more I'm sure but these are the few that popped into my head before I headed out the door for my walk/jog tonight.

Boys + pool + day off from school = FUN

2009-05-26T14:06:00.002-05:00

3 days off...

2009-05-23T10:44:00.002-05:00

We're in the pool!

2009-05-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

This is Riley - soaking up some sun and fun!

Last Friday after school and work him and I had some fun in the sun - for the first time this "summer".

I had a little bit better picture I took on my iphone but my finger was in the way...darn.

We're looking forward to many more good times this year but I just had to post a pic of our first foray into the pool.

Birds of a feather

2009-05-09T15:50:00.007-05:00

A couple of days a week I work from home. My boss/friend, Sheila, and I share an office - until the old Albertson's on 407 and Morriss is retrofitted for our new Flower Mound Village Church Campus. And then....my own office! Yeah!!!

Anyway...at home I have a desk in the corner of my living room that looks out onto our backyard. Here's a snapshot of it...

The window there on the left, where I have the drape propped open, looks directly out onto a couple of birdfeeders.

Last week when I was working at home I decided that I would try to snap a picture of every bird (eventually ended up catching a couple of squirrels too) that popped by to snag some feed. Ummm...yes Sheila, I was working more than snapping photos. I promise!

So, here is who I caught eating from the feeders.

(LOVE the face on this guy - {{giggle}})

(not the same critter as above - you can tell by the fingers)

I think I need a picture when I post

2009-04-25T14:52:00.004-05:00

Yeah...that's no excuse for not posting for a few weeks. :(

I'll also readily admit Facebook and Twitter are distracting and addictive. I've been spending probably too much time perusing those sites catching up with current and old friends.

The above pictures were taken when we went to the Rangers baseball game. There was a storm moving in. Ron took some pictures before the storm made it to where we were. Oh...and we had to leave the game a little early and the Rangers lost. :( :(

This past week Dylan had 3 baseball games: Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Unfortunately we lost Monday night's game but Thursday and Saturday we came from behind to WIN! His team definitely has developed a "never give up" attitude. So proud of them.

This next week - Monday will be Ron's last day with IBM. We're doing okay. He's actually going to take some training that will possibly lead into a whole different field. Please say prayers for lots of contacts and good opportunities. Also, while he's training we've developed a "honey do" list. He doesn't like to sit still, that's for sure.

Also coming up both boys have TAKS testing at school. And then only 4 to 5 weeks left. They both have field trips coming up; Dylan to Austin for the day and Riley to The Rangers Baseball Park. Riley has Field Day too! Looks like May will fly by.

What about me? Ummm...working out like crazy (summer's coming very fast), gardening, working, cleaning, baseball, ya know...the mom stuff! I LOVE being a mom. Our boys make us very, very, very proud!

Okay - that calls for another picture...of my boys! :)

2009-04-12T09:07:00.001-05:00

How does this happen?

2009-04-06T22:08:00.002-05:00

Dylan is 13 and growing up fast!

Took the above picture last week at the school's induction ceremony for the National Junior Honor Society.

Way to go! We are so proud!

Spring Break 09 (and a little extra)

2009-03-28T14:45:00.011-05:00

So...this year we explored around Texas just a little for part of our Spring Break.

We went to Granbury. We shopped on the square, ate at an old soda shop, and went to a drive in move.

Oh yeah, we met my sister and her family there! They only live 20 minutes from us in Roanoke but we both planned to go down there separately and only days before realized we were staying at the same hotel and going to the same drive in. Fun for the kids - for sure.

After Granbury we drove down to Dublin. We went to the Dublin Dr. Pepper plant where they still make and bottle Dublin Dr. Pepper one day a week. Dublin Dr. Pepper is the best soda! It is made from pure sugar not corn syrup. Not all Dr. Pepper is Dublin Dr. Pepper. You have to make sure that the can or bottle says that it is made with Imperial Sugar. YUMMY!!!

When we left Dublin we drove up to Glen Rose and went to Dinosaur Valley. Saw the dinosaur tracks and walked by the river for a bit. Then we headed home.

A short trip but nice to get away for just a little bit.

A couple of days after getting home it was time to get back to school and work AND baseball. Yep, Dylan has decided to play baseball "one more season". It's the recreational league and he likes the game so I guess I'm glad. He learns how to be a part of a team, lose graciously and win graciously. He learns how to not take things too seriously. He learns how to try your best. Yep, there's something to be said for team sports.

Anyway...enjoy the pictures below from Spring break and Dylan's first baseball game.

My sister and her husband.

The kiddos waiting for the movie to start.

Riley in front of the Dr. Pepper plant.

Riley and Dylan enjoying an ice cold Dr. Pepper while waiting for the tour.

I love this picture...you can see Dylan and Riley in the reflection of the window.

Classic...

Here's where you buy tickets for the tour, a drink, a Dr. Pepper float or souvenirs.

Another shot of the Dr. Pepper plant/shop.

Dinosaur tracks???

More tracks???

Oh yeah...we were a little too early for the movie so we went down the road 5 minutes and drove through a "windmill farm" that my sister found. {{giggle giggle}}

And...on the way home we drove through Arlington to take a peek at the new stadium the Cowboys will play in. Ron calls it "Jerryworld" {{giggle!}} It is HUGE. And it was sooo funny to me to see people parking across the street (like us) and looking and taking pictures.

Look at the concentration on his face. Wow!

Gosh...he seems taller and thinner than last year! (tear)

(P.S. SOOO frustrated that I keep trying to make the spacing right on this post and then when I save it - KLABOOEY...everything goes back out of whack. I GIVE UP!) {{sigh}}

I'll get back to you...

2009-03-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'll get back with pictures from our spring break of 2009 but I just had to post that my oldest son, Dylan, will be inducted into the National Junior Honor Society tonight. So proud of him!

***UPDATE*** As of 4:00 p.m. they cancelled due to rain? Umm...the ceremony was suppose to be inside...??? Whatever...

Spring Forward...Yea!

2009-03-07T11:38:00.001-06:00

I LOVE it when we get to spring forward - our clocks...

I think we are not suppose to because we are losing an hour sleep or something, right?

But I LOVE that it will be lighter later. I get to walk/jog a little later in the evening. I won't be so rushed when I get home from work. YEA!

Family Silliness

2009-03-02T21:00:00.001-06:00

This "silly" picture was taken at my staff Christmas party in 2008. (hey - i match my blog...)

One season ends and another begins

2009-02-23T19:58:00.010-06:00

Riley's basketball season is over. Dylan's baseball season is about to start.

Here's some pictures from the final basketball practice. They had a short time of "practice" and then the kids vs. parents/siblings game.

There are also pictures from his last game. Riley's team played one of his best buddies team and they just happen to be in the same class at school - so they invited their teacher and she came. So fun!

Riley explaining his way out of something with coach and dad.

Ron dribbling/shooting during practice.

Dylan dribbling/shooting during practice.

Riley trying to guard Dylan.

Umm...not really sure what they were up to here...

Dylan and Riley waiting thier turn in "knockout".

Riley and Dylan up during "knockout".

Ron and Coach waiting their turn during "knockout".

#29 is my kiddo - trying to block a pass his friend is trying to throw in.

Riley, in blue, going for the ball.

Riley, in blue, with hims arms up, right in front of ref, going for ball again.

The team at the after party.

Riley accepting his trophy from the coach.

Riley, his friend and his teacher after the game.

Beautiful Sky

2009-02-19T12:30:00.005-06:00

Last week I went to walk/jog one evening. I quickly called back home to tell Dylan he should try to get some shots of the sky. The sun was setting and had amazing shades of pink, yellow and blue all throughout.

(He's been taking lots of random shots so that he can enter the Reflections contest next year - no matter what the theme is...he should have something that fits it.)

Anyway...here's a couple of his pictures. Enjoy

Better late than never...

2009-02-14T20:39:00.002-06:00

Graphics & Myspace Layouts

I got a little creative :)

2009-02-12T13:00:00.002-06:00

I was blog surfing and landed on Tip Junkie. I saw what looked like an easy and affordable craft idea for a Valentine's Day teacher gift.

And...I did it! Customized hand sanitizer dispensers.

One is for Riley's teacher, one is for the teacher that he rotates to for math and one for his speech teacher (from which he got dismissed earlier this week since he has learned strategies to control his stutter).

Look...

It's over...

2009-01-30T18:01:00.002-06:00

I did it! I survived three rounds of dental appointments to get all my teeth beautifully white and cavity free! (I will NEVER put off going to the dentist again!)

I faced my fear (and my terrible gag reflex) and went to the dentist after a terribly long absence. I am SO glad I did!

Don't ask me what I was thinking taking my kids every six months and not practicing what I preached. Something just finally hit me and I decided I didn't want to set a bad example (or lose my teeth!)

That "something" was actually watching my boss go through years of stuff with her teeth (braces, dental implants, etc...) I figured if she was that brave I could deal with some cavities.

I am planning on getting my wisdom teeth taken out at the beginning of the summer (finally) and then from here on out it is brush, floss and visit my dentist (gag reflex and all) very regularly! (finally a grown up in my 40's - go figure) Better late than never! SO TRUE!

Only in the south...

2009-01-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

will the school district close because it "might" ice. (and it didn't) :)

Of course, last night the ice did come. Oh boy did it come!

Here's some pictures Dylan took of the {{coldness}} outside!

igoogle

2009-01-22T20:12:00.004-06:00

Okay - this is cool! It lets you add all your pertinent stuff onto one page. I set it as my home page so when I open Internet Explorer it goes right to my iGoogle and I see lots of "my" information all in one spot that I often refer to on the web. I added our family calendar, a link to our blog, a link to facebook and a couple other gadgets...which are my two favorites:

1) My Listy...I/We can create lists like grocery and to do that we can both add to, access and print - love it!
2) A Diet Diary - I/We can both log in separately and track our calories and weight. Convenient!

I'm trying to find an exercise tracker or a diet diary with an exercise tracker...so that I can see when and how long I've worked out.

I might even put a link to a "game" so I can get to a quick stress reliver. :)

All of the above I set on my "personal page" but there's also a home page with quick links to movies, weather, date and time - all in your area. And there's links to news, youtube, etc...

I am getting organized and having fun! Take a peek - this might work for you too!

It's a love/hate relationship...really...

2009-01-18T20:05:00.002-06:00

Yep...love/hate...me and the scale. You too? Really? No surprise there, huh?

Yea for my sister!!! Diane. She's loving her scale right now! Great job, girl.

Me? A little love and a little hate...at a good number for me but stuck for a week or two now. UGH!

April 2008 at my yearly checkup with my Dr. she said that I was the heaviest I've ever been. She's been my doctor since I was 16 and she said this in a loving & caring manner. It really woke me up to hear her say that I'm over 40 and heavier than ever...sooo... A year later...April 2009 I'd like to be the lightest I've ever been.

My goal is 10 pounds in 10 weeks. Sounds reachable, huh? But over the course of a year...that would be 30 pounds less! Than last year! YES! I can do it!

(no, those are not my feet and scale in the above pic...clip art...:))

Captured

2009-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Captured a few photos of my boys when we went to the park today. I love my boys!

Can I have that hour back?

2009-01-11T11:39:00.003-06:00

Can I have that hour back?

You know...the one that we lost when we had to "fall back" in October? You know...that one where it is lighter later...from about 6:30 to 7:30 - after dinner but before bed time.

I cannot wait to "spring forward" around Easter so I can have that hour back.

I like that hour alot! I use to walk/jog during that hour. I don't like trying to walk outside right now before it gets dark. I don't like the elliptical machine in my bedroom near as much as walking outdoors...soaking up fresh air while listening to my mp3 player as I lap the streets of my neighborhood. That seems easier to me than my elliptical...oh I'll get on it if it's really cold outside or time got away from me and I don't get out before the darkness settles in...way too early right now aroung 5:30 - 6:00 p.m... It just seems hard to count off the minutes while on the elliptical - even if I'm watching something I've Tivo'd.

So...I really can't wait to get that hour back. I really like that hour!

Friday? Already?

2009-01-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

How is it Friday already?
I have had sooooo much to do at work I can hardly believe the weekend is just about here.
Boy, am I glad.

We got a pool table last year and over the Christmas break we all rediscovered how great it is to connect as a family and share some really fun times (trying to beat Ron - he's pretty good).

I'm actually looking forward to this weekend even though Ron will be playing in the band at church and gone a majority of it... We don't have to take down decorations or clean or do the lawn or anything. We've got a wedding to go to tonight. Riley has a basketball game tomorrow. Other than that we plan on just spending some quality time together. I like it!

Hope you all have a great weekend too!

Reality

2009-01-04T11:38:00.005-06:00

Well, the description of my blog says that this is mostly for fun and so that my family and friends can take a peek at our pictures and adventures.

This post, though, is serious and real.

As of today we are facing the reality that Ron could lose his job with IBM within 30 days. Hard. Real. Scary. We are believing that God that has a plan. We are walking in faith.

Yep - this is real. Please pray for our situation and for Ron. It's very hard. But, believe me we are okay. We are making it. We are praying. We believe that the Lord is with us.

Also real - I have to go back to work - in the office - tomorrow. The kids go back to school. Time is slipping away - so very fast.

I have to clean out my briefcase so it matches my very clean email inbox. (That took a while to accomplish.)

I have to finish cleaning my room. (The last room I tackled "straightening up" over the break.)

I have to file my secondary dental insurance so that I have the $$ to pay for the next two rounds of work I have to have done at the end of the month.

I have got to get off this computer now...

:)

2009-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T02:00:00.000-06:00

Getting ready

2008-12-23T15:45:00.005-06:00

Finishing work, wrapping presents, cleaning, baking, etc... getting ready for Christmas. How about you?

Below is a picture of my side of the family a few days ago at our Christmas get together.

The Sporman Family

Fun Holiday Stuff

2008-12-20T18:59:00.004-06:00

I popped over to blogthings.com because I saw "quiz results" on another blog.

So much fun stuff there. Here's a couple results from Christmas quizzes I took.

What holiday drink are you?
You Are Cider

You Are Cider

Your holiday personality is cozy.
The holidays are your favorite time to stay home, stay warm, and spend time with those you love.

You don't need a lot to make you happy over the holidays.
Seeing an old relative or favorite holiday film is enough to make your day.

The wrapping paper test.

You Are Generous and Loving

ou Are Generous and Loving

You approach the holidays in a warm, caring fashion.
You make sure everyone is taken care of, and you connect with all the people you know.

You think the holidays are all about personal relationships, and you enjoy making the people you love smile.
You'll go the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy.

Of all the types, you are the most likely to have the most types of wrapping paper.
You're also the most likely to include a homemade gift - even if it's just cookies or a funny card.

What Christmas ornament are you?
You Are an Angel

You Are an Angel

A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas.

I survived - round one.

2008-12-19T19:17:00.002-06:00

I'm going for a bright, white, cavity free smile!

So...I hate the dentist (mostly because I have a TERRIBLE gag reflex) and have not been going as regular as I should have. Yuck...terrible admission. Anyway, I survived round one and have two more visits before I have a beautiful ,white, cavity free smile. YEA!

I won't be missing visits anymore! Seriously!

(on a side note - does anyone really "like" going to the dentist???)

I hate going to the dentist!

2008-12-18T19:54:00.003-06:00

Ugh...gotta go get some dental work done tomorrow.

I hate going to the dentist!

Just had to get that out of my system.

Thanks.

My boys...

2008-12-15T20:49:00.003-06:00

Dylan had a formal band concert this weekend and Riley had a basketball game.

We took pictures and here's a couple.

I love that Riley likes to run around on a basketball court more than standing around on a baseball field. It's so indicitive of his personality. He's really great at defense...working on the offense/shooting baskets, etc...

I love that my oldest is growing into such a young man. There's something about a tuxedo that makes a guy look so handsome - especially if it's your son.

I love my boys!

Dylan

Riley (with the ball)

2008-12-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Not getting out of the 30's today in the DFW area!

Brrrrr!

Yeah - dangerous...

2008-12-13T23:00:00.001-06:00

Glitter Graphics...yeah...I'm in trouble!

So fun!

2008-12-13T09:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my friend, Andrea, who I am going to see at her Sip-n-see baby shower today...little Hannah is already here...I went exploring and found a fun new site to check out to "bling my blog".

It is Glitter-Graphics.com.

I thought I liked widgets and gadgets but you should check out her blog!

I don't have a lot of time to explore right now but found this one favorite pretty quick.

Stay tuned for more bling!

glitter-graphics.com

Jingle Bell Jog

2008-12-07T19:34:00.000-06:00

Riley's school (and Dylan's former school) has a tradition of doing a Jingle Bell Jog every year.

They "jog" with Marcus Cross Country runners (runners from one of our local high schools).

I always go to watch and take pictures but this year I decided to "jog" too...since I have been jogging. Okay...I was at a slower pace but still - I jogged.

Ron's been working from home so he went and took pictures. Here's a few from the jog on Friday, December 5th:

Riley and his "partner" Jake.

Riley jogging.

Mom jogging.

Riley and Mom.

We're the same age on the same day

2008-12-05T10:00:00.000-06:00

My sister, Diane, is 363 days older than me. Yep, her birthday is on December 6th.

So...for one day every year she and I are the same age on the same day.

Of course I have to call and reminder her every year on December 5th of this! :)
So Silly!

She called me this year and when I didn't answer the phone she left a message wanting to know if I was getting my hair colored or buying a cane. When I called her back and told her how funny she was she said she just wanted to know if they were having a two for one sale.
She's as silly as I am!

Below is a picture of her and her husband Matt.

Love ya, girl!

Happy Birthday...

2008-12-04T22:11:00.000-06:00

To Me!

Yep...today was my birthday. I held on to 40 all day...I was born at 6 p.m. see and I was not going to turn 41 until then. But - now I'm 41. Jeez...

Thanks to some ladies I work with my office was bathed in banners and confetti.

Thanks to my family I got some sweet gifts.

Also thanks to my family - we went to dinner and walked around the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine.

Here we all are with Mrs. Claus and Dasher. The boys got to pet a real reindeer!

On Dasher!

The star at the top of the glass ceiling in the Gaylord Texan.

Big Gingerbread house. Neat.

Love all my "boys"!

Dylan, me and Riley.

It was a good day!

Sneak Peek

2008-11-29T18:46:00.001-06:00

Trying to get holiday pictures...

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-26T13:30:00.000-06:00

(okay - not really wordless...but still...kind of...)

Blogger

2008-11-25T20:00:00.000-06:00

So...ya'll think I'm something using my blog roll and adding the most recent post thingy, huh?

I know somne of you check here first to see if anyone else has updated. :)

I just noticed that Blogger has done an update (I think they did anyway because I didn't change anything that I know of) and if you have pictures on your most recent post it will show a picture too.

Technology...cool!

My Space - Face Book ... am I too old?

Redemption

2008-11-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

Think this is going to be a "deep" post?

NOT!

Did you catch the 2 hour "24" special? This past Sunday night? It was titled "Redemption".

CANNOT WAIT for the season to start on January 11th and 12th!!!

Here's another one for the road (picture)...Yeah Jack Bauer!

Turkey Day - Early

2008-11-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

Turkey Day - take one - my side of the family.

Yep - that big bird we had fed 9 adults and 7 kids. Plus two more adults - my brother in law and nephew had to work and couldn't make it. :( Aunt Chris took home plates for them both though.

We are use to a couple of days of leftovers but had only enough for two left over meals. Awww... But...we'll have more. Another turkey awaits us on Thanksgiving day. Yum!!!

Here's a few family pics from Saturday and our family feast.

That's my mom - I think she's looking pretty good. Kind of surprised her - that's why she wasn't "smiling".

My sisters. Chris and Diane.

The kids...minus Jacob. He had to work. Our cousins son was at the "grown up" table. He hadn't warmed up to the other kiddos yet. (We can be a bit much!)

Doogie and Katie - "focused" on Ron carving the turkey.

Finally Friday

2008-11-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

TGIF is all I have to say!
What a week!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's a ... Butterball.

2008-11-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

I opened the fridge when I got home from work yesterday and Ron had been to the store and bought.....yes.....one of our Thanksgiving turkeys.

There's nothing like a butterball!

My side of the family is coming over this Saturday to have dinner. We are all soooooo silly! I can't wait.

We'll probably cook another just for us on Thanksgiving day (or to share with part of his side of the family...haven't made arrangements with them yet). Can't wait for that either.

I think I better watch out for turkey overload...???...NAH! Can't ever have too much turkey. You can have too much dressing and potatoes though, right?! Oh and gravy...mmmmmmmmmmmm...gravy...

Goodness gracious...I cannot wait.

Praying for my boys

2008-11-11T20:15:00.000-06:00

While blog surfing tonight i found the following on Angie Smith's blog

"I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, those in need, etc., etc. As a mother, it has been so pivotal for my children to hear me praying out loud over them, and I want to commit to do this every day..."

This mother spoke my hearts desire!

Check out specifically the entry for November 5th.

I may not be able to do the seven prayers a day but I WILL be praying many of these many times over my beautiful boys!

My mother in law taught me well - well before our marriage and before we even thought about having children to pray for them and their spouses and their children. I have and am so glad I found these beautiful prayers to help me continue to do so.

Be blessed!

Way to barter baby!

2008-11-09T19:00:00.000-06:00

My husband is so great!
We bartered with my manicurist.
He rebuilt her computer - she gave us an elliptical machine.

Not exactly like the one above but at least you get the idea.

It's getting cooler outside and darker earlier. Hard to motivate myself to keep walking. But having lost 25 pounds...you better believe I'm gonna keep going. So...me and our elliptical...well...we're getting to know each other pretty well!

Thanks again baby. You're the best!

Dog Tired

2008-11-05T21:48:00.000-06:00

Gotta post about the puppies every so often.

Katie (top picture) and Doogie (bottom picture) usually sleep with the boys. One with each kiddo...rotate every night to other kiddo's room.

Well, for a little while Katie seems to think that she needs to be near mom - me. She barks for me or Ron to come get her and bring her to our room in the middle of the night...no she doesn't get to sleep on our bed...I think she just wants to be in our room??? Anyway, it is never at a convenient time. Ive been feeling like we have a baby that wakes us up for feedings...RIDICULOUS when your youngest child is 10 and you've been sleeping pretty good for YEARS.

So...a couple nights a week we have to have both the dogs sleep in our room. So well all can sleep all night and are not so DOG TIRED! :)

(yes...I think only a dog lover would put up with this...)

Halloween fun

2008-11-01T10:13:00.001-05:00

Thanks Ron/Dad for helping carve these cool pumpkins for Halloween!

Crazy Tomatoes

2008-10-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

A few posts ago I was talking about the veggies that didn't come through in our garden because it was so dang hot. Well...it cooled off and we had several melons...that some critters took off with. :(

But, we have 55 little plum tomatoes! We picked them off the plants before it froze earlier this week. They are sitting in the sun on our window sill, waiting to turn red and be eaten. One has already turned red and I let Riley eat that first one. "It was GOOD!" he said.

Can't wait to eat some more! Yummy! (Crazy tomatoes!)

Glorified Camper

2008-10-25T11:45:00.000-05:00

Yep...that would be me. A glorified camper as my husband would say. I'm not very woodsy and don't do the whole tent thing but a cabin and a real bathroom out in the country...I'm good to go.

So...our staff retreat this past week was good. I heard from the Lord. LOVE THAT.

Even though I prefer the beach and the sun...the woods and the cool breezes were amazing. God reminded me in so many ways to try to remember to see things through his eyes and not my own. Also, that there is a reason for EVERYTHING: every pine cone, every tree, every fallen log, every moment. There is a reason.

I'm very bummed that I decided to take our old camera instead of our new one. I am trying to figure out how to recover some photos off of a seemingly corrupted data card. Ugh...wish me luck! There were so many beautiful nature shots and lots of rose pictures from when Sheila and I stopped in Tyler at the Rose Garden on the way back home.

But...here's a few photos I took during many quiet moments I had the pleasure of spending time alone with our amazing God.

Enjoy!

And...I'm back

2008-10-24T17:44:00.000-05:00

I was away at our staff retreat this week. And...I'm back.

Sooooooo good to be home!

My husband is amazing and took such wonderful care of our boys and our home! He's the absolute best.

Thank you, honey! I LOVE YOU!

Trisomy 18

2008-10-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

What is Trisomy 18?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trisomy 18 or Edwards Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 18th chromosome. It is named after John H. Edwards, who first described the syndrome in 1960.[1] It is the most common autosomal trisomy, after Down Syndrome, that carries to term.
Trisomy 18 is caused by the presence of three — as opposed to two — copies of chromosome 18 in a fetus or infant's cells. The incidence of the syndrome is estimated as one in 3,000 pregnancies and approximately one in 6,000 live births. The incidence increases as the mother's age increases. The syndrome has a very low rate of survival, resulting from heart abnormalities, kidney malformations, and other internal organs.

What does this have to do with me or my family? Nothing. I'm not pregnant. Actually, we are DONE having children. I don't know anyone pregnant that has an unborn child with this disorder. I never have personally. But...

I follow some other blogs and quite a few months ago stumbled across a blog then other blogs that were linked to that blog and got caught up reading, and praying fervently for these families. I don't know why but I'm suppose to be praying for all these moms, dads, children, siblings and other family members. I know that there are many disorders, many diseases, many disasters, many people and things that need prayer. I don't know why and don't know if I'll ever understand why I've felt my heart breaking for these families. All I know is that I'm suppose to be praying for these people. If you feel so led...check in and pray for them occasionally too.

They are:

http://thespectacularvernacular.blogspot.com/
http://thestanfieldjourney.blogspot.com/
http://tristanasher.blogspot.com/
http://poppyjoy.blogspot.com/
http://fahmer.blogspot.com/
http://evajanette.blogspot.com/
http://marygracesummons.blogspot.com/
http://jonathanjarededwards.blogspot.com/
http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/
http://thenaplespaiges.blogspot.com/

Also, the first family on the list will be on Oprah on Tuesday, October 28th. The show is about "Miracle Children".

Thanks for listening.

Happy Birthday Dad/PaPa

2008-10-19T16:38:00.001-05:00

Today is my dad's 70th birthday! I can't believe that's right. He can't be that number. Not yet...I can't be 40 - really? Can I? Jeez...

I love that my dad has been married to my mom for 48 years and that he made it through raising 3 girls! Talk about a survivor! He's one amazing man!

Here's a picture of him today at his celebration with his 6 grandkids.

I love you Dad!

It was nice.

2008-10-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

Wimberley was nice. Lots of rest and quiet time. I enjoyed it. I really like Fredericksburg more for the shopping but Wimberley was a cute, quiet and friendly little town.

There were lots of deer outside of our very secluded cabin. We took lots of pictures...here's just a few. Just seemed crazy how close they were.

We have a hot tub hook up at our house - was there when we bought it - now we want one. It was very relaxing to sit under the stars, listen to music and enjoy each other's company.

While we were out and about in Wimberley we read about and then stopped at the Visitors Center to find out about "Mount Baldy". It is a small climb that when you reach the top you have an amazing panoramic view of the Hill Country. We walked up 220 stone steps. Not a big deal. Beautiful views. Worth the climb. Until the next day when my calves were screaming. What's the deal with that? I walk/jog. Been doing that longer than my sweet husband that joined me in the evenings walking/jogging about 2/3 months ago. He didn't hurt at all. Okay - whatever. It was still worth it. Very pretty.

Oh and my husband did let me shop at my favorite Fresh Produce clothing outlet! Got some new clothes! Yea!

Really glad to be home with my boys though! Love them!

Quiet time

2008-10-10T08:01:00.001-05:00

Ron and I are off for 2 days of rest and relaxation!

We're only going about 4 hours away (to Wimberley, Texas). We've never been there so maybe we'll uncover another little gem of a place to go - like Fredericksburg, Texas.

I'll miss my boys but I am loving lots of one on one time alone with my hubby!

See ya'll later!

The Nadwodnys

Well...

Where the heck...?

It's a Band thing!

A momentous occasion

Came and went

Summer Lovin'

Under the big top

Stuck in the snow? Heck no! It's spring - almost summer here!

Snow Scenes

Sweet...Sprinkles.

Better late than never?

Off and running

Merry Christmas

Oh no!

Happy Birthday Denise!

Believing

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Family Photo Shoot - sneak peek

Fall is in the air

Silly

Neglected

U2 ... & me too...

Happy 11th Birthday Riley!

Oh no!

Black and white all over

Boys & Bikes

Happy Birthday Dylan!

Milestones

Happy Anniversary

Back into the groove

Destin Vacation 2009

Happy Birthday Ron!

Leaving tomorrow

1 week away

Growing up & getting ready

I don't care...it's just HOT!

We believe...

Off to camp!

Summer, swimming, sad, stuff..

Summertime randomness

Braggin' (mostly for the grandparents sake)

Thankful Thursday

Boys + pool + day off from school = FUN

3 days off...

We're in the pool!

Birds of a feather

I think I need a picture when I post

How does this happen?

Spring Break 09 (and a little extra)

I'll get back to you...

Spring Forward...Yea!

Family Silliness

One season ends and another begins

Beautiful Sky

Better late than never...

I got a little creative :)

It's over...

Only in the south...

igoogle

It's a love/hate relationship...really...

Captured

Can I have that hour back?

Friday? Already?

Reality

Merry Christmas

Getting ready

Fun Holiday Stuff

I survived - round one.

I hate going to the dentist!

My boys...

{{COLD}}

Yeah - dangerous...

So fun!

Jingle Bell Jog

We're the same age on the same day

Happy Birthday...

Sneak Peek

Wordless Wednesday

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