Sunday, December 13, 2009
The Torture
Here is the result of 1-1/2 hours of torture. This is not the image we are going to use for our Christmas Cards this year.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Rock Star
Caden is entering his rock star phase. He likes his hair spiked. He loves playing guitar hero and rock band. Or just strumming on a play guitar. Maybe he'll make it to the top and support his mom and dad.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Vacation Update
Sorry no pictures - those will come shortly.
This was by far the easiest plane ride to date (except for waking up at 5:00am for a 7:55am flight). All three kids were no trouble. Madison watched a movie, Collin and Caden played on the Nintendo gameboy and Nintendo DS. Kerry and I were able to watch the movie on the plane because the kids were so easy. We didn't have to bribe with candy like we usually do.
We are having a great time in California. The kids are wearing themselves out every day. We've been swimming at the pool twice and once at the ocean. The kids love the diving board. Collin will try twists and one attempt at a flip/cartwheel. Caden jumps fearlessly and looks so excited when he launches.
The beach was so much better than last year. We started at a beach inside a harbor that was protected - no waves. It was nice and peaceful. And the kids got bored. So we went a few miles away and parked at crowded beach with rocks on the shore and lots of surfers. Much more exciting with the waves. Madison and Caden spent a lot of time sitting and letting the waves wash over them. They also collected rocks. For some reason all of my kids have a fascination with rocks. And we built a small sand castle.
In the evenings we are riding skateboards and shooting basketball. The kids either ride 3 wide on three skateboards, or sometimes will all sit on the same board holding on tightly to each other. The road is blacktop and their hands and feet get very messy.
The neighbors have let us use their basketball goal. At it's shortest settings, Collin is getting pretty accurate. Madison does well for herself and Caden made it through the hoop once, but backwards. Still counts in our book.
The five of us are all staying in one bedroom and so far it's worked out just fine. The kids are so worn out at the end of the day they are sleeping good and not waking up too early. Kerry and I sleep in the big bed, the kids on air matresses on the floor. It's been so nice outside we can leave the windows open all night and enjoy the cool breeze.
Tomorrow we are heading up to Big Bear for a couple of days in the mountains and will spend the night with Kerry's aunt. That will make for a full house.
This was by far the easiest plane ride to date (except for waking up at 5:00am for a 7:55am flight). All three kids were no trouble. Madison watched a movie, Collin and Caden played on the Nintendo gameboy and Nintendo DS. Kerry and I were able to watch the movie on the plane because the kids were so easy. We didn't have to bribe with candy like we usually do.
We are having a great time in California. The kids are wearing themselves out every day. We've been swimming at the pool twice and once at the ocean. The kids love the diving board. Collin will try twists and one attempt at a flip/cartwheel. Caden jumps fearlessly and looks so excited when he launches.
The beach was so much better than last year. We started at a beach inside a harbor that was protected - no waves. It was nice and peaceful. And the kids got bored. So we went a few miles away and parked at crowded beach with rocks on the shore and lots of surfers. Much more exciting with the waves. Madison and Caden spent a lot of time sitting and letting the waves wash over them. They also collected rocks. For some reason all of my kids have a fascination with rocks. And we built a small sand castle.
In the evenings we are riding skateboards and shooting basketball. The kids either ride 3 wide on three skateboards, or sometimes will all sit on the same board holding on tightly to each other. The road is blacktop and their hands and feet get very messy.
The neighbors have let us use their basketball goal. At it's shortest settings, Collin is getting pretty accurate. Madison does well for herself and Caden made it through the hoop once, but backwards. Still counts in our book.
The five of us are all staying in one bedroom and so far it's worked out just fine. The kids are so worn out at the end of the day they are sleeping good and not waking up too early. Kerry and I sleep in the big bed, the kids on air matresses on the floor. It's been so nice outside we can leave the windows open all night and enjoy the cool breeze.
Tomorrow we are heading up to Big Bear for a couple of days in the mountains and will spend the night with Kerry's aunt. That will make for a full house.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Kids Pictures
Our summer pictures. I still have the work camera after a trip to Houston, so we decided to punish the kids by making them dress up, fixing their hair, and forcing them to sit still and smile. Here are a few of the almost 200 pictures we captured.
This is Caden's fighting face.
Collin.
No problems getting good pictures of Madison. We had plenty to choose from.
This is Caden's fighting face.
Collin.
No problems getting good pictures of Madison. We had plenty to choose from.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Weekend Project
Last weekend I decided to build a desk to get our 2nd computer off of the card table. My goals were to keep it simple and inexpensive, yet functional. I was able to build this with a minimal amount of cuts. When you suck at cutting a straight line like I do (using a circular saw and straight edge) this becomes very important. All pieces started off as 2'x4' sheets of MDF. The top and backs were not cut at all. The sides were only cut to the proper height (so 1 cut), and the bottom shelf was cut into a U (1 complex cut with a jig saw). Total cost so far is about $60.
The top is set off the back by 1-1/2" and acts as a continuous cable pass. The bottom shelf wraps around so I have a place for the CPU and other junk. Below is the almost final version. I added a center brace from the floor to the underside of the top for strength. I still have some clean-up work to do, including painting the desk.
The best part of this is that I can easily modify the desk to suit my needs. I'm going to add a monitor stand that allows the keyboard to slide under the monitor and free up desk space, and possibly a false panel at the bottom to hide the many cables and power cords that add clutter.
The top is set off the back by 1-1/2" and acts as a continuous cable pass. The bottom shelf wraps around so I have a place for the CPU and other junk. Below is the almost final version. I added a center brace from the floor to the underside of the top for strength. I still have some clean-up work to do, including painting the desk.
The best part of this is that I can easily modify the desk to suit my needs. I'm going to add a monitor stand that allows the keyboard to slide under the monitor and free up desk space, and possibly a false panel at the bottom to hide the many cables and power cords that add clutter.
10 Years At Acoustic Dimensions
Last month was my 10 year anniversary at Acoustic Dimensions. It's hard to believe that 10 years ago Kerry and I left Oklahoma after just buying a house and moved down to Dallas. Neither of us have any regrets over the decision. We have wonderful friends here in Texas and are very happy.
To celebrate, the company threw me a surprise lunch party. I spent most of the morning talking on the phone, oblivious to the happenings and plannings around me. Elaborate early warning systems were setup to alert people to my presence to make sure I didn't find the banners and pictures they were printing. The systems were never used (which is good because I don't think they really worked). Kerry was able to sneak herself and the kids into the back room without me knowing, even though she parked right outside my office window. The kids loved coming to my work and had a great time playing in my office.
To celebrate, the company threw me a surprise lunch party. I spent most of the morning talking on the phone, oblivious to the happenings and plannings around me. Elaborate early warning systems were setup to alert people to my presence to make sure I didn't find the banners and pictures they were printing. The systems were never used (which is good because I don't think they really worked). Kerry was able to sneak herself and the kids into the back room without me knowing, even though she parked right outside my office window. The kids loved coming to my work and had a great time playing in my office.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Madison Turns 7
Madison had her birthday party at Color Me Mine. She invited all of her friends in her first grade class. It was strictly girls only - so I took Caden (Collin was spending the night at a friends) to McD's for nuggets, fries, and air hockey. Yes one of the McDonald's in Frisco has air hockey. Caden met another boy named Caden who was 4, but was scared to cross the bridge on the playset. Caden tried and tried to get him to cross, and was very patient and encouraging. It was truly a heartwarming and encouraging sight.
Anyway, back to the birthday party. They appeared to have a great time, and Madison scored some serious arts and crafts. She's making charm bracelets and ankle bracelets as I type.
Oh, and did you notice she got her ears pierced (again).
Anyway, back to the birthday party. They appeared to have a great time, and Madison scored some serious arts and crafts. She's making charm bracelets and ankle bracelets as I type.
Oh, and did you notice she got her ears pierced (again).
Friday, April 17, 2009
Collin's Baseball Pictures
Collin likes playing baseball. He is on a good team and the coach is great - well organized and structured. Kerry love's having a son in baseball - she thinks the uniforms are soooo cute. We were supposed to go to a Frisco Roughriders baseball game tonight, but Collin is running a fever and it was sprinkling up until gametime.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Daddy Daughter Dance
The Daddy Daughter Dance in Frisco is big stuff. This year there were 4 dances. We went with the usual crowd, which was Madison and myself, Scott w/ Morgan and little Madison, Bob w/ Sophie and Shay. We met up with a number of people at the dance. Madison enjoyed this dance better than a few years ago. But the line to get food/drink was soooo long. We quick got pictures, danced a few times, then were spirited off to the Purple Cow for purple milkshakes. It was a real treat to spend the evening with Madison and have some time just to ourselves.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Texas Winds
Today was another day on the road bike. I've been reasonably successful at riding every weekend, but I need to figure out a mid-week workout if I'm going to make any real improvements.
Today's ride was cool but not cold. Winds from the north. Strong winds. Since I always head north to avoid traffic, the ride started off with a bad headwind. I never felt that good, my legs seemed drained from the beginning. I caught a bit of luck about half way into the ride. Two riders passed me and asked me to hop on. We worked together for the next few miles headed north, which gave my legs a break. Then we turned around, with the winds at our back, and flew.
They turned off with about 3 miles left on my ride. And wouldn't you know it, the winds shifted again to a steady cross wind. I just couldn't catch a break.
Anyway it was a great workout and I enjoyed the company.
Today's ride was cool but not cold. Winds from the north. Strong winds. Since I always head north to avoid traffic, the ride started off with a bad headwind. I never felt that good, my legs seemed drained from the beginning. I caught a bit of luck about half way into the ride. Two riders passed me and asked me to hop on. We worked together for the next few miles headed north, which gave my legs a break. Then we turned around, with the winds at our back, and flew.
They turned off with about 3 miles left on my ride. And wouldn't you know it, the winds shifted again to a steady cross wind. I just couldn't catch a break.
Anyway it was a great workout and I enjoyed the company.
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