Grandma's House

St. Louis?

2008-03-11T12:12:00.003-04:00

Rachel, your post is very ironic because the main thing on my mind right now is whether I should move to St. Louis or not! Funny!

The good news is: I got accepted to a PhD program in English there (at St. Louis University). The iffy thing is whether I want to go for it or not.

Our times there probably wouldn't overlap, and I shouldn't read too much into signs, but it's funny!

Let me know how it is!

Meet me in St. Louis

2008-03-06T08:32:00.002-05:00

We're moving to St. Louis.... for the next two months, that is. Scott will be acting as the interim manager at one of CFA's stores in St. Louis from March 10-May 5th-ish. So, this weekend we're packing up our van and heading North, once again. My family only lives a few hours away so the girls and I will probably spend a good amount of that time with them, even though CFA will be getting us a furnished apartment in St. Louis.

I heard IL just got another dumping of snow, though. I'm not too excited about going back to cold weather. I'm quite enjoying the Atlanta temps!

Psalty the Songbook

2008-02-22T11:34:00.004-05:00

I've been looking for car songs for Abby and ran accross this.
Anyone remember this?

it's been a while

2008-01-29T16:41:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted in a long while, so I thought I'd give a quick update...

We've moved to Atlanta, GA. Scott got a new, really great job! We've decided to rent our house in Virginia Beach and we are currently living in Scott's parent's basement until we find a new house in GA. I'm teaching 2 courses this Spring at Regent (online).

Oh, and here's our family picture from Christmas. Lily has blond hair and blue eyes like my sister. Such a change from when she was first born.

We're Prego Again Folks

2008-01-19T14:05:00.000-05:00

Due around July 23rd. Thought the blog needed some action. Hope all is well with you in the New Year. Happy belated B-day D! Did I miss Heather's too?

The Cookie Party:Satelite Edition

2007-12-24T16:44:00.000-05:00

I wanted to start training Sienna early in the art of cookie decorating, we'll get more pics of the finished cookies soon. (hopefully)I added the last picture in case you didn't hear it through the grape vine.

Better things for the Paparazzi

2007-12-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

On Friday Jared and I were driving Randall to the 11th annual cookie party. I can't exactly recall how it happened but we got on the subject of the paparazzi. Randall then said, "The paparazzi shouldn't go after The Royals, they should go after the public...(long pause)...like Isaiah and Elise, and Ben and Simone...for having three kids."

Christmas

2007-12-14T12:45:00.001-05:00

Yay, my exams are over!

What are all y'all's Christmas plans?

(I'm going to Detroit and then to a debutante ball in South Carolina over New Year's.)

Show and Tell

2007-12-05T00:25:00.001-05:00

Here our a few picture taken after Wyatt was born. We thought you might like them.

Congratulations!

2007-12-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

Wyatt James Tennant (aka - shooter)

2007-12-03T00:44:00.000-05:00

Here he is. He is great. Simone and I think that he looks like a combination of Cadence and Eli. Shooter is now his preliminary nickname - both in reference to the manner of his birth and his legendary namesake.

The birth was so great. I can't tell you how much more relaxing it was to be at home, eating my own foods, washing clothes in my own laundry room and sleeping in my own bed. Simone agrees. Although she still is suspicious of the "pain-free" crowd. We think Wyatt does, as well, as he was clearly less distressed immediately after birth then our other babies were. We apologize for a lack of pictures here. Michael took this one, as I am having trouble getting my computer to recognize my camera for some reason.
My favorite part of the birth happened at about 7:00 in the morning when two toe-headed boys came waddling out of their room with inquiring smiles on their faces. We all hopped into bed together in peered at the small wonder. Eli just sucked his fingers rubbed the tag on the back of his shirt. I think he was making a statement. He will not surrender his baby title without a fight!

Simone Tennant-1/2 Mom 1/2 Machine

2007-12-02T22:43:00.000-05:00

We got a text message from the Tennants announcing the birth of their 3rd boy, Wyatt James Tennant. He was born at 3:00am this morning and all is well.

For those who don't know, Simone is 1/2 machine! She's like a rockstar mom. She had this kid at home. Can you believe it, no drugs and NO NURSES! (She did have a mid-wife, just not a team of nurses to jump to her assistance at the push of a button like the hospitals provide) She's amazing.

That's all that I know. We can't wait for pictures and details.

Dress Code Will Be Enforced

2007-11-10T09:32:00.001-05:00

Last night Denise and Missy went with Steve and Lindsey Post out to a dance club that was having an 80's night. They were advertising that, "Dress code will be enforced." When they arrived, looking like this, they realized that they were the only ones in the club who took this seriously. No one else was in 80's garb. In fact several people asked if they could take their picture.

Our Halloween Fun

2007-11-05T21:29:00.000-05:00

So, we decided to recycle Ethanael's costume from last year. It still tickles us - especially since he can walk around at yoda height and we colored his face. Mike and I did a couple gig. I borrowed his work clothes and gear while he dressed as a Latin King complete with genuine Blood tattoos on his forearms. Hope you're amused :)

Texas Fall

2007-11-01T17:03:00.001-04:00

A Texas fall is not without its benefits. It is by far the best time of the year in the south for the following reasons.

1. Lower electrical bills because AC is no longer needed.
2. Lower water bills because the lawn is not getting nuclear radiation from the sun
3. We can open the windows
4. We can shoot at stuff outside.

Included here are some Halloween pictures. Halloween costumes have remained inexpensive pretty much, and with the third boy due in a month, that doesn't seem to be changing. We love the army surplus store.

Just because

2007-10-30T08:50:00.000-04:00

Just to liven up the blog. My niece Elliana and I were messing around with Ceci's MacBook on Saturday and Elliana kept on using the camera to take pictures. Do you see the resemblence?

Marathon-ing

2007-10-11T22:13:00.000-04:00

Hey all. I talked with Sandy at the Naturally Supernatural Conference (best I've ever been to, by the way) a couple weekends ago. She and Becky (?) were planning to run in Chicago. With the warm snap and all the news coverage about heat stroke I'm wondering if they went and how it was. Anyone know?

Bits of News

2007-09-26T10:34:00.000-04:00

YES- The Little Henderson has arrived! Check out Win's blog for her name and cute pictures. www.winfieldbenjaminhenderson.blogspot.com (or see the link)

Thanks Lara for the birthday blog! And thanks to my friends who called, and emailed me too! You guys are the best- I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to y'all, but I loved Cadence's Happy Birthday song.

In other news, I have just been asked to coach Bloomingdale High School Quiz Bowl Team. Yup- it's my dream come true! Ever since I watched the show "Head of the Class" and they took their quiz bowl team to the Soviet Union and took on the Commies and Arvid fell in love with a Russian who was equally as geeky as himself.... sigh. I'm so excited!!!

Has a new baby Henderson made her appearance?

2007-09-25T22:06:00.000-04:00

Just wondering how our little girl and mom are doing.

MISSY ROCKS!!!

2007-09-20T10:10:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday to Missy! May everyone in the world treat her like a princess today! Thank God you were born, I don't know what I'd do without you! Everyone deserves lots of exclamation marks on their birthday! And lots of treats! And lots of presents! Missy Rocks!

First Day of Kindergarten

2007-09-13T14:29:00.000-04:00

We had worked up to this moment all summer. Making the decision to send Cadence to public school was a hard one, but it was the option most necessary. He is growing up so fast. No one ever prepares a mom for this day. There are no classes for it. No materials that are handed out by the school district. No sermons. Nothing but country songs. I was certainly unprepared.

I drove very slowly the mile and a half trip to Spring Hill Elementary school, one of the top three exclaimed schools in the grand school district of Pflugerville, Texas. That thought comforted me.
“Now remember, Cadence, to say your ‘yes mamas’ and ‘yes sirs’ when an adult talks to you, okay?”
“Yes, mommy,” Cadence is unusually quiet in the back seat.
“Make sure you eat your sandwich first, honey.” I’m trying to see his face in the review mirror as I drive, trying to read his thoughts and feelings. “Are you feeling okay, Cadence?”
“I’m just a little scared.” He admits softly, staring out the window.
“That is so normal, honey. It’s okay you feel that way. Your teacher is a very nice lady and I bet she gives great hugs. It will be so fun to meet new friends and learn so many new things!” I try to act cheery but secretly wonder if maybe I should just not send him to school… ever. Just keep him home. Really, I’m not totally against sheltering my kid from age 0-18. Seems very safe to me. I wouldn’t miss out on anything he does.
“Remember to be a good listener to your teacher. And make wise choices about how you act when you are with your new friends. You know, like we talked about. Do you remember what we talked about with daddy if there is a mean kid on the playground?”
“Yes, mommy.” Cadence relays the necessary information how how to deal with bullies.
“Good. Good.” I am nervous. There is the school. We got here too fast. I remind him what to do if he has trouble in the bathroom. I carefully pull into a parking spot and climb out of the car. Cadence puts on his new backpack and I hand him his lunch. “Cadence, make sure you put the food you don’t eat for lunch back in the lunch box so I know what you’ve eaten, okay?”
“Okay,” he’s smiling now. He walks beside me as we enter the school. Parents and kids are streaming in around us.
“Do you want to hold my hand?” I ask Cadence as we start down the hall.
“Yeah,” he grabs my hand and counts on me for direction.
He really is too young for this. I could still leave now. Pull him out. Say I’m home schooling him. The “first day of school” feeling is heavy in the school hallway, excitement in the air. I see the office staff in the hall, greeting people. What I am about to do sinks deep into me and I continually choke back tears. I’ve never been on this side of it before… being the parent and not the teacher. I’m on new ground and completely unsure of how to handle my emotions. I’d never cried on a first day of school before.

We turn the corner and head toward his room. Excited, young, kindergarten teachers are greeting their new students. Mrs. Lau is all smiles when Cadence arrives. I help him move a lunch magnet, hang his bag, find his seat. There is an activity on his desk awaiting him and I feel proud of the teacher for thinking of that. He gets right into it after the teacher explains what to do. I guess I don’t need to help him.

“I’m going to go now, okay Cadence?”
“Okay.” He seems fine. He likes this activity. He isn’t going to cry. I think he’ll be okay. I hope he can get all the little food items out of the baggies by himself. Hopefully someone will help him with his shoes if they come off. Worried thoughts.
“Do you want to give me a kiss and a hug?” Cadence reaches over and hugs me tightly, kisses me on the lips only the way my own child can do. He goes back to the activity.

I back away slowly and exit his class. My feet get stuck right outside the classroom and I stand there for a few minutes looking in at Cadence, at his table following directions perfectly. I can’t move. That lump in my throat explodes and I am crying opening. The principle comes by and asks how I’m doing then offers to call me during the day to let me know how Cadence is fairing at school. I whisper a thank you and pull my legs away to leave the school. Other moms seem to be sniffling too. Maybe I am not quite as unusually as I thought.

I get in the car and explode in sobs remembering my little Cadence boy growing from baby to toddler to boy. He’s trying to be a man like his daddy and more and more often I get little glimpses of the man he will be. He makes good choices, asks good questions, other people like him. He is such an incredible little boy. No one told me being a parent on the first day of kindergarten would be so dramatic. No one tells you when you are rocking an infant, cleaning the messes of a toddler, chasing a 3 year old around the playground, that one day you won’t know every little thing that happens in your child’s day. No one reminds you that all the things you teach a child he’ll eventually have to live out all on his own at the young age of five; or that you’ll worry he’ll forget all the precious things you taught him when he is in the care of teachers. When I was a teacher it annoyed me, but now I finally understand how parents think their child is extra special. Well mine is. Does the teacher know? Maybe I should tell her…

Isle Royale... Up North Garden of Eden

2007-09-05T12:02:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago I woke up in my tent to a fog filled morning, listening to the loons sing somewhere over the water. My dad and I the day before, had the most terrifying paddling of our lives as we kayaked around the northeastern point, with 6-8 foot waves coming from two directions, in fact I had two break right over me and my kayak. Fortunately we didn't have to eskimo roll at all. The place we were at was Isle Royale, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. It is a place of wonder, of solitude, and experiencing the beauty of God's creation. To quote a journal entry from a shelter notebook on the island: "I don't see how anyone can look at the beautiful surroundings around them and say that there isn't a God!" I wish I could post all of the pictures but I'll limit it to a few. In the third picture you can also see the Greenland style paddle that I made out of a regular 2x12 from Home Depot. It was the fourth one I have made and I hope to turn it into a nice little side business once I get a few more tools to help cut down the time it takes to make one...currently about 15-20 hours. Our trip included a 56 mile boat ride just to get to the island from Copper Harbor, MI, 3 portages, with kayaks weighing 150+ pounds fully loaded, rocks, trees, cliffs, a fox, and moose dung. I also managed to make 1 pair of underwear last 5 days before I switched to my second pair. When you have limited space for food, clothes, and shelter, it is amazing how many times you can wear clothes over again. For me, the best part was the lack of any stress whatsoever while on the island. Our days consisted of purifying water, paddling, hiking, and plenty of reading while the sun set. After two years of being stressed out over work and graduate school, this was definitely what I needed. I encourage anyone with the opportunity to go hike or kayak the island!

So - I spent yesterday at Cedar Point with teenagers

2007-08-28T00:16:00.000-04:00

Two Christmas's ago I had the idea that it would be fun to take my brother Evan (now 14) and my cousin's kids Michael and Lynne (almost 15 and 16) to Cedar Point for a day of fun and adventure. Last summer I was pregnant and having a newborn, so this was the time. Evan's been babysitting a couple times a week for free all summer and Mikey and Lynne's dad died prematurely a couple months ago, so it seemed like an especially good idea to follow through. My Michael was going to come, but the weather, some work things, and his remembrance of his experiences there last year changed that plan last night. Additionally, Evan asked last night if his next door neighbor Samantha (13) could come too. I was so nervous to try to converse with adolescents who I don't know well for the most part and who are culturally so different from me. I think it went o.k., but spending hours in line with hot, impatient, thirsty, hungry, immature kids wanting to do different things was a challenge. Especially as they spit into the ponds to watch the fish eat it, loudly complained and hung on/hit each other during our waits. When we got in the car to go home though, they all fell asleep after about 15 minutes and reminded me of my baby. I can feel so tender toward them when they're not talking or moving :) God bless those of you who have relationships with teenagers who aren't able to talk about real or serious things.

drywall and paint

2007-08-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

Hello, friends. As some of you may know, I was working quite a bit these past couple of weeks getting the upstairs apartment ready for Fitz and Jessica. My biggest project was the ceiling in the larger bedroom.
When I bought the house, there was a dropped ceiling covering a crumbling plaster one. It was rather ugly, there was an odd "recessed light" in it. The decision to remove it was confirmed by the presence of mouse poopies and a small hole in the corner leading to the attic. We never found any mice, but it still was good to get that hole plugged.

Before we first moved in, we removed the dropped ceiling and the old plaster. We put up the drywall, but never finished it off. So when Josh and Catie moved out, there was my opportunity to get my room dusty!
So, here are some pictures!

And our blog is rated...

2007-07-29T23:22:00.001-04:00

My brother-in-law showed me this website that gives a rating to blogs based on content. And "Grandma's House"has gotten a PG rating because the word "dick" has been used 5 times. I think this has to do with my last post- sorry guys! My dad's Bible blog received an "R" rating because in quoting verses, he used the word "death" 12 times. LOL

The web address for this is
http://mingle2.com/blog-rating

Tennis Anyone?

2007-07-15T23:12:00.001-04:00

My sister Becky is my ideal tennis partner. She's naturally more athletic, but I'm slightly more skilled (having played a year in high school). And we get really competitive with each other- even slightly taunting. So, I took the Ferry to Milwaukee Friday night for the express purpose of playing tennis on Saturday. We had an epic 3-hour battle yesterday... which I LOST in 3 sets. We also were asked to play doubles against two men in their 70's named Dick and Steve. They are part of a senior's social club that meets to play tennis. Most of the septuagenarian gang went to Culver's for lunch, but Steve and Dick wanted more action. As Dick told Becky and I, "I get my kicks on the court". So we played them... and lost.... BIG TIME. Steve and Dick beat us 6 games to 0. Steve was trying to give us pointers like, "you two should be moving like you're on a string. If one of you goes to the net, the other should drop back." Thanks Steve. Maybe we'll practice and have a rematch in another 5 years. That way, Dick and Steve will be 80 years old and perhaps beatable.

Guess who's moving to Chicago!

2007-07-14T21:51:00.000-04:00

It starts with an E and ends with a -mily.

Monday I leave for my cross country adventure.

Come visit me in Chicago.

We are all in the same boat

2007-07-10T21:02:00.001-04:00

Redheads get their break the same way that every model does--Photoshop. ;-)

The Captain's Reunion

2007-07-09T10:56:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of this weekend at the Henderson's, courtesy of Bruce (a.k.a The Captain).

We started off the weekend with a Tigers game. They wollopped the Red Sox.

After the game we spent several hours of the warm July night in the pool, playing diving board quiz and Marco Polo.(Who knew that Dave Roberts could fly?)On Saturday morning we went sailing on Jared's parent's Lightning sailboat and we had a huge potluck picnic.

It wouldn't be a weekend at the Henderson's without a group photo on the clubhouse.

Two blessings!

2007-07-04T15:50:00.000-04:00

I got two jobs recently, after a lot of waiting and wondering "what in the world do I want to do?" I still don't really know, but I interviewed for two great jobs on the same day, and then, in a fashion, was offered both and able to accept both! I'm very excited to have movement in this area, as most of my work lately has been of the waitressing sort (which isn't bad and has a lot of benefits).

I wrote more about it on my blog: http://denisemariegalloway.blogspot.com/ so I won't repeat myself here. Yay! God answers our prayers and desires.

Summer Photos

2007-06-26T17:29:00.000-04:00

Link to some summer photos. Check it out! http://picasaweb.google.com/benjamin.tennant

http://picasaweb.google.com/benjamin.tennant

On Tour

2007-06-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

I heard that Benjamin and Simone were doing a little speaking tour. Wow, your names and titles are on a church sign! When and how did you get those titles?

Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

2007-06-20T08:28:00.000-04:00

I don't personally, but since staying home with the baby, I've become kind of hooked on the show. It seems to me that with lifelines I would probably be able to get to $16,000-$25,000, which seemed like just the right amount to get out of debt and be free and clear. Then I don't mind living with our income :) Plus, who wouldn't like to visit New York city? I was obsessed for a while, but haven't been watching as much now. I do like the online game when I'm bored though. Would you like to play? Go to www.millionairetv.com. If you regularly get past $25,000 let me know so you can be my "phone a friend" :) P.S. the baby is hypmotized by the lights and music.

Seafoam Anyone?. . .Simone?

2007-06-16T08:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday our friend Josh offered me a piece of dark chocolate seafoam. I couldn't help thinking about Simone.

Beauty

2007-06-11T23:13:00.000-04:00

I feel like Jesus and my husband have helped me to be pretty healthy in this area. Still, I find this interesting. Hope you do too. Go to this page.

The Holland Sentinel

2007-06-08T09:16:00.000-04:00

Check out my column in the Holland Sentinel today!
http://hollandsentinel.com/lifestyles/

Click on the article called "Pop Culture: It Makes Me Happy." I'm part of a rotating group that will write this column on "pop culture." I think the newspaper hard copy even has my photo at the top!

For Benjamin

2007-06-02T20:32:00.000-04:00

Go Tigers!!

2007-05-30T12:34:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, 14 members of the LaBarge family (plus Scott) headed to Detroit, where we tailgated and took in the Sunday night Tiger's game. Some of you may know that 92 East became fans of the Tiger's during last year's playoff's. Even though the Tiger's lost, we had a great time reviving our family tradition of going to a summer Tiger's game.

Bonfire at Dave and Ceci's

2007-05-27T07:48:00.001-04:00

I bought some new software that lets me create some pretty cool slideshows. Enjoy!

On Friday night we went over to the Roberts' house for a bonfire. All of the kids had a great time running around and playing together. Ellie loved searching for Josh Hauch as he hid in different places around the backyard. She was a bit disappointed when Dave told her that it was bedtime. See if YOU can find Josh in the picture below (he's there!). Dave was of the belief that the neighbor's wood pile had better wood, and availed himself of some of it. Heather was laughing at a story about bleeding testicles that Matt was telling-ask Matt. Ceci started riding her new bike and making Matt jealous. It was a perfect evening and we all had a great time.

Official Launch

2007-05-23T00:28:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody, today is our official launch of the Rachel Henderson Photography website. Woo-hoo! The site has been up for a few months, but has been sort of under construction and not totally presentable. Now it's re-skinned with Rachel's new logo and colors, and we're pretty pleased with how it looks. But mostly what makes it a great site is Rachel's amazing pictures.

So, anyway, we thought we'd share with yall and invite any feedback you have. Also, if any of you have blogs or websites and would like to link to Rachel's site, we'd really appreciate it - the more links the better our Google rankings!

Senior Year

2007-05-19T22:17:00.000-04:00

I have several photographers whose blogs I check regularly. Tonight I checked one of my favorites and found this. Pretty funny huh?

(Look closely)

Urban Cowboy

2007-05-17T19:19:00.000-04:00

I came home the other day to find these boots waiting for me. They are just what I needed to finish off my Urdan Cowboy look! I tried them on and they fit and feel great, so I think I'll keep them. You might not think so, but they are actually super comfortable. Thank you, thank you to those of you who were part of getting them for me. I like them!

Netflix Anyone?

2007-05-15T10:05:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. We have free one month memberships to netflix if anyone is interested. It's pretty convenient for us, although we live about a twenty minute drive from the nearest blockbuster....

Trip to Chicagoland

2007-05-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

Jared and I traveled to Chicagoland to visit Elizabeth Tworek and attend a photography conference. Tworek showed us around her church. They just completed a new building and have been there about 6 months or so. The facility is amazing. They are a church that really supports and values the arts and their building design reflects that. It's pretty cool to see Elizabeth in a church with a large stage for dancers, lots of art, and even a worship arts pastor.
The photography conference was great! Both Jared and I learned a lot. My parents came to Holland and stayed with Win and had a great time exploring Tulip Time.

Just Keeping Up

2007-05-08T14:39:00.000-04:00

Hi friends. I might have sent a link to these pictures to some of you, but I thought I'd post some of my favorites. I'm so in love with this baby! Ethanael has 5 1/2 teeth, crawls all over, pulls himself up, walks with help and is making more noises though Mom is still his only intelligible word. Someone at church called him Moose last week because he is like a brick and weighs more than most of the children who are older than him. He loves bathtime and I'm excited for the pool to open because I think he'll get a real kick out of it.

In other news, Michael's been working hard to help our friend Tony to expand his moving company to Tampa, Florida. We will be half owners of that location and it should be up and running in a month or so if all continues to go well. Neither of us needs to move to Florida however, because we have a reliable guy who wanted to move their anyway and Michael has figured out how to institute technological accountability. Hopefully it will do well and I won't have to continue working into 2008.

am currently obsessed with...

2007-05-01T14:13:00.000-04:00

1. Moleskine journals. because I started noticing the use of them. According to their website, Da Vinci, van Gogh (his Moleskine is pictured left), Picasso, and Bruce Chatwin used them. According to my brother-in-law Dave, both he and Rob Bell use them. According to their website, "moleskine is a family of notebooks for different functions, according with a free mindstyle, both basic and emotional." for example, the main character in National Treasure uses a Moleskine... because, apparantly, he's cool like that. check them out at www.moleskine.com

2. my new cruiser bicycle I bought for $99 off of Amazon. It rides like a dream (and I didn't even know I liked bikes!)

3. Amazon.com apparantly, you can even buy bikes!

Question for blog friends? What are you currently obsessed with?

Greatest Video Ever

2007-05-01T12:19:00.000-04:00

Take On Me - Google Video
For some reason, this 80's video by the Scandinavian band A-ha has the most profound effect on me. Take a few minutes to watch and see if you agree: the greatest video ever. (Click on grey words above to view video)

5 Bucks a Ride

2007-05-01T09:48:00.000-04:00

Jared and Josh have started charging 5 buck to anyone wishing to ride their mopeds. Jason sprung for it when he heard that Lisa and he could ride at the same time. ;-)
Here is Jared instructing Lisa how to use the throttle. Lisa is riding Jared's bike and Jason is on Josh's.

Lily Katherine Wozniak

2007-04-28T21:01:00.000-04:00

Here she is...

born April 15th at 4:01 p.m.

8 lbs 6 oz 21 inches

Never really noticed

2007-04-28T00:59:00.000-04:00

Do you know that phenomenon where you learn a new word, one that you have never heard before in your life, and that same week you hear it a everywhere? Well Jared and I just had a game introduced to us, one that I had heard of many times, but never really took interest in. It's like your mind just overlooks things that are unfamiliar.

Scott and Josh Rumpsa brought over Settlers of Catan and taught us how to play. It was so much fun! Missy schooled us all with her secret strategy that she refused to reveal. Missy delivering the fatal blow as she plays the winning card.

He's a SHE!

2007-04-26T21:53:00.000-04:00

Here she is, our new little girl. We had our ultrasound today and found out that we are most likely (90% according to the technician) having a baby girl. Being used to talking about Win we'd been referring to her as he. Now we know better. We are very excited to put little dresses on a cute baby little baby girl.

The ultrasound went well and everything appears healthy and good. I've noticed that she is a very wiggly little baby, always kicking and flipping. She was up to her normal tricks for the show today, so much so that the technician was having a difficult time getting proper pictures of all of her organs and parts. We are most likely going to have another one scheduled in a couple of weeks to get a better look.

My New Ride

2007-04-25T19:36:00.000-04:00

Oh yes, I am the proud owner of this brand new (to me) 1978 German-made Sachs Westlake moped. Pedal-start, gets 130-150 miles per gallon (yes that's right), tops out at about 30 miles per hour. It rocks. Straight from the late 70's oil crisis. Josh Powell let me ride his 1978 Puch, and I fell in love.

Tennant 1-2-3

2007-04-23T23:26:00.000-04:00

The last few months have been pretty monumental for the Tennant family. This is what we call the Tennant 1-2-3.

1) Simone completed her first Olympic distance triathlon. That's a 1 mile swim, 26 mile bike ride, and a 6 mile run. Yeah Simone! (especially considering #3 was already in effect)

2) We bought our 2nd house! (meaning, the 2nd one we have ever owned) We moved in, and we like it. We now live in Pflugerville. Our pfamily has lots of pfun here.

3) We are having our 3rd baby in early December! You guys didn't think we were done did you? We just gave ya'll some time to catch up :)

There is also a picture of Daddy and Cadence sparring. Both Daddy and Cadence viciously and quite purposefully struck each other during the action. It's all part of the training.

An announcment....

2007-04-15T23:31:00.000-04:00

That's right! She said yes!! Earlier this afternoon (Sunday April 15) I proposed to my (then) girlfriend Lisa and now she's my fiancee!! Rachel took the beautiful picture of the ring. Lisa has the bigger one and I'll give her the other one later.

Snow? In April? In VIRGINIA???

2007-04-12T10:12:00.000-04:00

I wish I had a picture to post, but my digital ran out of battery power so I had to grab an old fashioned film camera and haven't developed it yet...
But it snowed from 8 am 'til around 2 p.m. in here in Virginia Beach last Saturday, April 7th. --And not just little spits of flakes, but huge chunky ones! I couldn't believe my eyes! I don't think I've ever seen snow in Illinois in April before, let alone in Virginia!! Abby, poor kid, was a little afraid of the snow landing in her hair as she is not accustomed to this strange white stuff. Today it will be 75 degrees. Further proof that the weather in Virginia is just as strange as anywhere else. You never know what you're gonna get.

On that Note

2007-04-04T22:28:00.000-04:00

Josh and Catie (Brownwell) Hauch had their baby yesterday. Her name is Soe (like Chloe) Ann. She was 6 lbs 13 ozs, more than a pound heavier than her older brother Noelen was. As you can see she was born with a hairstyle. Catie said that they were going to have to put it into pigtails within a month.

Rachel are you going to have a baby any day?

2007-04-03T21:57:00.000-04:00

I Stand in Awe of the Pros...

2007-03-30T08:53:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make.....I don't understand how you women can shave your legs without falling over or slipping. Let me explain myself. As a cyclist I find that the spandex biking shorts I wear tear at the leg hair about 6 inches above my knee. Last week I had the bright idea of shaving just that 6 inch part. With that said, I am totally secure in my manhood to admit that yes, I have experienced the awkwardness of trying to wield a razor while standing on one leg in an environment in which water is present. I don't know how you do it. I raise my Bic Mach 5 to you as a sign of respect and awe!

Another complete waste of time...

2007-03-29T15:46:00.000-04:00

Click here for a complete waste of time.

Becky LaBarge Becomes Becky Young

2007-03-13T18:58:00.000-04:00

Here they are. Missy's sister's wedding pictures are done and ready for viewing. This slideshow is about 8 minutes long. Enjoy! If you want to see all of the pictures go to Pictage and search for the Young LaBarge wedding. If it prompts you for a password or "event key" use LABARGE.

and so it continues

2007-03-12T10:01:00.001-04:00

Life for the Kelley's continues as normal. Jeff is still working two jobs and we are trying (ie. alternately stressing and praying and relaxing) to figure out what comes next. We're planning to be in Holland the last two weeks in June and Missy is on the look out for a place to stay, I'm super pumped. Yesterday I had a photo shoot of sorts with Sienna, I know this is not much compared to what Rachel is up to (those pictures on your site are great) but it's not too bad for a six year old digital point and shoot. Once in a while to get a really awesome picture and here are a couple of mine. Aren't the pigtails the most adorable thing in the universe? More pictures coming soon on our website.

I tried again, I hope it works. I don't know why my pictures don't rotate, in iphoto and in my preview they are, oh well. You'll just have to rotate your head. :)

The joys of coaching...

2007-03-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

Last night, both of the teams I coach had a game in Fennville. Apparantly a girl quit because she wanted to ride the bus home with her boyfriend. She didn't tell me though- she just didn't show up. I started 6 players and (the inevitable), one girl is sulking on the bench because she didn't start. So the girl's mother (who's in the stands) sends a messenger with a NexTel, so they can "chat" about how unjust I am. I look over at my player and say, "don't talk on the phone during the game".
She then hands me the phone (in the middle of a game) where the mom is looking at me from the stands and yelling at me over the NExtel saying "don't you yell at my daughter". "I'm in the middle of a game" I say. "I can't talk to you!"So after the game, (which both my teams won), the mom comes up to me. The conversation is as follows:

Angry mother- "don't you tell me when I can and can not talk to my daughter. I'll talk to her anytime I please".
Me- "it's a pretty normal rule that you can't talk on a phone during a game".
Angry mother- "don't get smart with me. If you had a daughter, you could talk to her anytime you wanted."
Me- "I think we just have two different views of the situation. In my opinion, that kind of thing is not acceptable. You're not doing you're daugther any favors by making her think that she can do whatever she wants".
Angry mother (who is even angrier)- "I'll do what I want!!!! She's MY DAUGHTER!!!!! SHe told me that you don't like black people!!!!"
Me- rolling my eyes...
Angry mother- "Are you rolling your eyes at me?!!?? Don't get smart with me!!"

So all this time, there is another mother waiting throughout the crazy conversation. After angry mother finally leaves, she comes up to me. I think she's going to say something like, "don't worry- she's just irrational, good game, etc." The conversation is as follows:

Mother #2- "I was waiting for your conversation to be done. WHat I want to tell you is- why is one of the players wearing spandex when everyone else is wearing shorts? Does she think she's better than everyone else?"

This morning, two of my players got suspended for 5 days for trying to pull each other's hair out. Apparently, one of them called the other one a "skank".

I love coaching 8th grade girls!

Brooke's Wedding

2007-03-01T09:36:00.000-05:00

I don't have pictures of the bride yet, but here's a picture of me with Abby. (And me 8 months pregnant).

Incredible Talent...

2007-02-27T11:36:00.000-05:00

Come Visit Texas!

2007-02-23T16:29:00.000-05:00

Ahh, yes. Come experience the beautiful Texan hillside ...always accompanied by two wild warrior boys, romping through the woods, forever racing whomever will take them on.

Visit the Alamo in San Antonio, as these local touristis refreshed their Mexican/Texan history reading the inspiring stories of rag-tag country men fighting for their freedom. (Anna came for a visit and saw the Alamo for the first time!) These two lucky gals got a rare picture infront of the Alamo with no other tourists crowding out the picture!

Take a peek at the Old Navy models standing in the archways. This particular gal in green just received her big break and was invited as an extra, along with her two young boys, in the new TV show "Friday Night Lights," airs on CBS on Wed 8/7 central (This is true, the boys and I joined the cast of FNL in January and are waiting to see ourselves on TV!)

Read inspiring quotes from Davey Crockett. Yeah, this is a good one.

The ever enchanting River Walk. Take a leisurely stroll by the water, a drink at a cozy table, the breeze always warm and the company always enjoyable. Spanish architecture touring over you on every side.

So come and visit Texas. These adventures are yours to be had. Lodging and food are free, your tour guide inexperienced but extremely enthusiastic (need I remind you she is a superstar now). We can't guarantee you will not get wrestled down by two flamboyant young boys, but we will guarantee you will have the trip of a life time with the whole Tennant Family.

For Matt, Simone and Jared...

2007-02-22T08:55:00.000-05:00

For this many birthdays, a huge party is called for. Matt, Simone and Jared- I got you a special surprise for your birthdays. I paid an an Asian man to hang from an intricite pully system outside a high rise window with a sign that reads "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" I realize it's a slightly extravagant gift, but only the best for you three.

For no reason

2007-02-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

I got all my sisters and me...

2007-02-13T10:28:00.000-05:00

Becky got married this weekend. It was a whirlwind extravaganza of activity that went AMAZINGLY WELL and left my entire family completely exhausted. We did everything- from setting up the reception to tearing it down until the wee hours after the reception. My 3 & 4 year old nieces were running around asking "how can we help?" God is so good to give people families!!!! These pictures are from Beck's bachlorette dinner on Thursday night. It was one of the nicest times I've had with all my sisters. Ceci and I are comparing whose wrap dress is better (isn't is obvious) in the second picture. Beverly Katt made the cake and 300 cupcakes for the wedding!! Rachel was the photographer- and she did an AMAZING job (and, of course, she stayed to help my family clean up the reception... talk about a full-service photographer!!). Hopefully, we will post a slideshow of Becky's wedding pictures soon. I can't wait to show you guys.

Discipline?

2007-02-10T21:51:00.000-05:00

my baby boy is 6 1/2 months old. he has his first tooth. he sits up a little until he falls and hits his head. he also recently developed a will. i've cried more in the last 2 weeks than i have since i lived in holland. teaching him not to whine and have a tantrum when he wants something doesn't seem to be working. i feel like this came on too fast. i thought i had another few months. while he was mad crying in his bed tonight i thought "I wonder if God cries and feels angry and thinks, 'I just want to snuggle and love on them. They're making it hard on themselves and it kills me, but when they keep stubornly raging, I have no choice but to discipline them because that's what a good dad does'."

Call 1-800-MELISSA for a Babysitter

2007-02-06T22:35:00.000-05:00

Missy and Matt have had a week off school for snow and other heat related reasons. Today Missy spent her 7th day of joblessness babysitting her nieces Ellie and Mallory. All of this time off seems to have worn her out a bit. Ellie and Win are giving her a back rub with an electric massager. Anybody need a babysitter?

To be fair she has been really quite busy, getting all sorts of things done that can only be done during weekday hours.

Just to Brag

2007-02-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

I finally finished this sweater that I started knitting for Sienna this summer. I took a long break to make ten hats and a scarf for Christmas but recently got motivated to finish it. My first sweater, I'm so proud. It helps that it's small, I don't think I could tackle one for an adult. Next project: learn to make socks.

Fun in the sun!

2007-02-06T00:06:00.001-05:00

Here are some fun pictures of the boys messing around outside the apartment. While you are cold, we are having fun in the sun!

Making a house a home

2007-02-04T15:31:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been putting some time into making my house more like a house. I recenty painted my living room red. It is the same red that my dinning room is, so there is some continuity there. I was a little worried that it would be too dark, but I love it. I also have hung some things on the walls. The cat art is from some dear friends, the three Japanese art pieces are from Joel, and the paintings I did myself. My first attempt and I learned a lot from it. If i had it to do over, I would use thicker masking tape and a darker base color. I think they need a frame or something too. Anyway, like I said before: some people have kids, I have a house.

The biggest challenges often come in small packages

2007-01-30T15:39:00.000-05:00

I was just writing to my family, and realized that I have more sympathetic ears than I normally take advantage of. I'm sure all you teachers in particular can relate. Here's what I was writing...the background is that I teach in an inner city school, and though many, if not most of the kids have problems, this one student has severe issues (has-tortured-animals kinds of issues).
She is a little girl I lovingly refer to as "my runt." She got passed around from class to class, and even school to school, until she ended up with me. Well, on an average day, she is simply annoying and disruptive. As I feared, her presence has completely altered the dynamic of my classroom. She certainly functions far better with us than she has anywhere else, but unfortunately, because of her, we are noticeably less efficient than we used to be. Even considering the other trouble kids, we were building a system that worked for us. Still, everyone needs a home, a place to feel welcome, and I am more than happy to provide this place for her. But it is so difficult! She doesn't do herself any favors, either. She creates conflict and is a constant disruption and distraction. She is not emotionally in touch, so she feels no guilt or remorse... imagine trying to discipline and mold her behavior so that she can be successful! Without a doubt one of my most challenging tasks. Thankfully, she will finally receive her psychological consultation in a couple of weeks. I truly hope it leads to her receiving the services she needs, because even though I know I am a significant and positive presence for her, she needs more than I can give her. Anyway, point being, I had to be so hard on her today. I spoke more forcefully than I've had to speak to any child, or any person for that matter. She was completely out of control, and I knew I had to do it, but I literally had to brace myself. Even though they were just a few words, they took so much out of me. I let her sit in the office alone until the end of the day (devastating for her, because she thrives on attention). When I picked her up she acknowledged her words and actions, and apologized and promised she would never behave that way again. Sadly, I've heard it all many times before. I told her I accepted her apology, but I wasn't sure I believed her anymore. She says tomorrow she's going to show me that she means it.
I'm trying to remain hopeful. I hate feeling this jaded.

Christmas Jammies and old doggies

2007-01-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

I just thought I'd share this photo. Abby was fascinated with her Paw-Paw's(grandpa) 13 year-old black lab and spent the morning wearing him out by following him around in her Christmas jammies. The poor doggie had to sleep for days to recooperate after we left.

o the world And the people of holland Michigan

2007-01-23T13:56:00.000-05:00

please save the planets and the animals plaese do not plut trash and the garbage reclyle cans and glass and newspapers so that we can live a better life throw away bombs or god will get mad at yuo. So please be nice to the world or we will lose it and be nice to yuor neighbores and they will be nice to yuo aand will trust yuo sometimes. And stop killing elephants and tigers and whales. Tiger are losing there habit and there wo,nt any left to see in the wild.

I woud help feed the children and teach them to listen to god and i will how to read the bible. And save the poor from illnes and from getting sick.

Plaese do not honk yuor horn in the middlle of the morning os that we can sleep Please tell yuor son to be nice to his kids or yuo will go to jail or move out of yuor huose and i will sell it to win feild.

I will be diver for swimming on the hope college swim team and teach them a new dive from bay waltch on tv. I wish that the show bay waltch was on right now os that Reachel.

Bangladesh os I can save the tigers and talk to the people who live there and need to be careful out there.

My favorite things about tulip time are the street scrubbing and waltching the parades and eating at the food binders and waltch them dutch dance for the public for there injoymentseeing and working there. My friends and going on the rides and the carinval
and seeing the aniamal there at the fair grounds Randall h snow.

The Tennants are missionaries? That is correct?

2007-01-20T13:39:00.000-05:00

Randall stopped by today, as usual, for his daily chat. He mentioned that he missed the Tennents and I agreed. Then this picture passed through on our screen saver. When it caught Randall's eye he said, "That is where the Tennants live. That is their house." I said, "Yes."

some pics

2007-01-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

So you can see us

2007-01-20T11:03:00.000-05:00

Here are some recent captured moments. Checking out daddy. Getting mama kisses. Christmas breakfast. Christmas Eve family portrait - first since the hospital. And below is playing with an ornament snagged from the tree. Ethanael is 6 months now and his new tricks are shaking his head back and forth, tipping it back to look at things upside down, and frequently sticking his little tongue out. Another new development is the offer for me to do the best parts of my old job, part time from home for better pay. Thank you Jesus.

a suggestion and a question

2007-01-20T10:07:00.000-05:00

I was just rocking Sienna to sleep (praise Jesus she is getting back to her normal self!!! for my frustrations, see our blog) and singing to her when Faith Like A Child popped out of my lips (and oldie but goodie) and I was racking my brain to think of another song to sing. Nothing came to mind, nothing except a few cheesy old Hope songs (which I do continue to enjoy) but lets face it, there's no way you can make Ancient of Days sound quietly soothing. So please help a sister in distress and suggest a few SUPER AWESOME worship cd's. Also Jared, is that bungalow still for sale? I'm secretly looking into houses in Holland, though not so secretly because now I've posted it for all the world to see. And here is a picture of Jeff in a tux!! First time I've ever seen him so dressy. We are all dressed up for a wedding that was December 23rd, isn't Sienna's dress awesome!?! And can someone tell me how to rotate pictures? I can't figure it out.

Two Incredible Happenings...

2007-01-17T16:19:00.000-05:00

1) The Tennant family was in the cement city of Dallas, Texas, at a little yuppie neighborhood park on the sunny and cool afternoon of December 16th visiting Simone's relatives and having an early Christmas celebration. Their Cannon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera in its fancy camera bag, loaded with rechargeable batteries and a $60 memory card, was mysteriously stolen after a certain Tennant parent set it down to push two excitable boys on the swings. Lest you have seen exactly how vigorous the pushing of Cad and Eli on a swing is, you know not the intensity of swing pushing in the Tennant family. Much sorrow and grief followed that day. One Tennant parent with a name starting in "S" even asked God to severely punish that suspicious woman (yes, another MOM in the park, can you believe it?!) suspected of stealing our beloved camera we had saved up for. Despite the number on the bottom of the camera, the Tennants did not receive a call reporting it lost. Both Tennant parents were not feeling very celebratory and the long drive back to Austin was a quiet and rather mournful one.

WELL... just this week a small box appeared on Simone's doorstep in mid afternoon. She carefully opened it, wondering what could be inside. Tears came to her eyes and a grand smile escaped her lips. It was a new Cannon camera, even better than their last. She knew who it was from and felt completely overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciate.

HERE IS THE SCOOP: Upon hearing our sad story and desiring to bless us and the work we do here, another set of Tennants that live on Long Island in New York, bought and sent us a new camera. Nathan and Cheryl Tennant and their son Jacob visited us this Christmas and we had many little adventures here in Austin. They are very generous and we feel very blessed.

2) Ben had TWO snow days this week. It snowed only a tiny bit, but there was freezing rain and an inch of ice formed all over the city. Austin shut down, literally. Not even the mall was open. No one went to work... except maybe the Wal-Mart employees. They always work. So we had Ben home a couple extra days and had ourselves a little vacation. We went sledding down some neighborhood hills on boxes. The boys were ecstatic. It is actually COLD. No worries, supposed to be back up to 60 next week. Ben went around helping neighbors carve their cars out of mini icebergs with his ice scraper. No one knew what an "ice scraper" was and Ben had to explain. They were all using hammers and screw drivers to scrape their cars. Exciting, exciting, exciting.

Pictures to come again... as soon as the memory card comes in the mail...

Wolthuis' Photos

2007-01-16T20:39:00.000-05:00

I met Amy Wolthuis in the park a couple of day ago and shot a bunch of photos of their kids. I've been practicing a lot lately.
They have 3 kids now. Sam got cold and went inside after about 3 minutes. Lydia, their reddest, worked the camera like a professional model. After about 15 minutes she said, "I done taking pictures now." She new that she was doing something. Finally, Sophie is their baby and was just along for the ride.

reason enough to get out of bed

2007-01-13T20:25:00.000-05:00

the last week i have been a single parent as jeff was in holland taking classes and having too much fun with friends. it was a hard decision to stay home, but a necessary one. however, i am exhausted, i don't know how some people do it. sienna has been mostly awesome during the day but for over a week she's been waking up at 2 am EVERY MORNING and needing to be held in order to fall back asleep, we are in the process of trying to break this habit but how can you not melt when looking upon her captivating beauty? because she smiles, i can do it.

Jesse and Adriana's Wedding Photos

2007-01-05T20:42:00.001-05:00


I took pictures for another wedding last week. I'm pretty excited about the photos. Here is a 6 minute video of some of the best shots. It's really low quality so that it can be posted. Jesse and Adriana graduated from Hope this year and go to the Vineyard. The wedding and reception were in the Vineyard's sanctuary.

Convenience Store Aficionado.....

2007-01-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

I have come to the realization that I am a "Convenience Store Aficionado." I find myself planning trips around them! Speedway automatically keeps track of your fountain drink and coffee purchases.....every 7th one is free. (I earn a free one every 1.5 weeks on average). At Wesco by D&W, you can purchase a popcorn bucket for $6.99 and bring it in for unlimited free, buttery, movie-quality, popcorn refills for the remainder of 2007! Want to become a convenience store aficionado like me? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Get a Speedway or Wesco (or both) membership card. They are free!
Step 2: Revolve your errands around the closest Speedway or Wesco gas station in order to use rewards cards on items such as fountain drinks, coffee, and popcorn.
Step 3: Memorize all Speedway and Wesco locations between Holland and any long distance trips you may have planned.
Step 4: Purchase a large 64 oz. mug from Speedway to fill with the beverage of your choice...only $.94 for each refill!
Step 5: Look for the local chapter of "FPDA" (Fountain Pop Drinkers Anonymous) and try to admit you don't have a problem

President Ford's Procession

2007-01-02T20:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends! Happy New Year to you all! I am doing well. I had a great Christmas-- I spent a couple of days at my parents house taking full advantage of their cable and exercise equipment. I spent every morning running on my mom's mini-trampoline and watching "Hitler's Henchmen" on the History Channel. How great! Today, my sister Carrie and my nieces Raleigh & Sydney waited with 50 other bystanders off the Gerald Ford Highway to see the procession of President Ford's coffin on the way to the museum for the funeral. We taped it, and then came back to Carrie's house and saw ourselves on the news. It was very cool.

Merry Christmas and Technical Stuff

2006-12-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

Blogger has changed. You may have noticed a couple of changes in Grandma's House, especially when you sign in. You also might notice that your name no longer appears in the contributers list. They are no longer a beta site. When they updated the blog it reset the list of contributors. When you sign in to blogger the next time follow the link that brings you to "New Blogger Account" and set up one of their new accounts. You sign up using your regular email address and it is pretty easy.
Merry Christmas!

Cutting Edge Media

2006-12-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Check out this link to some up and coming reporters. These reporters aren't afraid to tackle the tough issues that ordinary reporters are too scared of.
http://www.bdalecards.org/TeacherWebs/swier/swier2/6th%20Grade%20Newspapers/Encore%202.pdf

Rocky Mountain Christmas

2006-12-20T12:41:00.000-05:00

I have been on a (minor) quest lately to find a good, quality Christmas album. I must say, it's a little difficult. I somehow struck out with Diana Ross & Placido Domingo live in Vienna, for example (something about opera mixed with cheesy American pop carols is just not right).

My personal (and really only) favorite is John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas, pictured at left. It's the perfect blend of classic (O Holy Night, What Child is This) and idiosyncratic (Please Daddy don't Get Drunk this Christmas, Christmas for Cowboys), all in a charming, consistent style.

So I'm wondering...does anyone else have favorites or recommendations?

Virtual Christmas Card For You

2006-12-20T11:51:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas friends. This quote is from the testimony of a woman in our church who finished treatment for breast cancer this year. She said this is what she heard the Lord telling her recently. She spoke on joy at our advent gathering. This picture captures that for me. It looks like a baby's birthday party :) I'm enjoying imagining Jesus as a baby the same age as mine; learning the same things. The incarnation is a wonder. God as an infant.

Tenth Annual

2006-12-17T13:50:00.000-05:00

This year's Cookie Party was a smash hit! We had a great time eating enormous amounts of dough, building 3D cookie sculptures, and lobbying Bob for votes. There were 32 participants filling the LaBarge household with Christmas cheer. Can you believe it, TEN years?

Here is some of what's been happening with the Tennants

2006-12-11T00:50:00.000-05:00

We so wish we could be in town for the cookie party and other various events. But, alas, we are here - where it is warm. Although we have had to bust out the coats a few days. I am up for some hunting in a couple of weeks and Simone is off to a retreat for a few days, so we are looking forward to my break. Much love to everyone.

Two Sweet Austin Boys

2006-12-09T21:49:00.000-05:00

C'mon. Cadence looks exactly like Texas freshman quarterback Colt McCoy. Don't you think? Just the fact that his parents named him Colt makes me like Texas more. How are things in Austin? Go Longhorns.

Fitz and Jessica

2006-12-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

This Saturday Howard Harold Fitzgerald III married Jessica Dore. It was a wonderful wedding. They are very much in love and it really showed. They got married in Park Church on a snowy, December Saturday. Their wedding was like a blast from the past. Even Winston was there.
I was the secondary photographer for the wedding. Here are some shots from the wedding and a few from the reception.

I love EBAY

2006-12-06T17:10:00.000-05:00

I recently decided to sell off my Lucy & Me Bear collection from when I was little. Lucy & Me Bears are little ceramic bears dressed up in different "outfits" like a hamburger, a turkey, baby Jesus, Benjamin Franklin... You know, all the normal stuff that bears should be dressed like. Rachel kindly took pictures of my bears (see the action shot on the left). I had hoped to make a couple of bucks on the venture-- but the little guys are selling okay. I've been getting bids from people who's handles read "Iluvbears" and "bearhome" and "psychobear". It has been so much fun!!

Growing

2006-11-25T12:54:00.000-05:00

Jared's Family is growing by leaps and bounds. Win is Henderson grandkid number 6 out of 9 (2 are in utero). Ezra, Eden, Chloe, Jordan, Kiah, Winfield and Luke had a blast playing together over Thanksgiving.

2006-11-18T13:56:00.000-05:00

OK Go - Here It Goes Again

Are you in tune with pop culture? Have you already seen this wonderous video that makes me happy daily? Do you think Missy should marry the man with the pink/red pants? Does this inspire you to dance on treadmills with all your friends and family? If you answered yes to all these questions, you rock.

10th Annual Cookie Party!! Horray!!

2006-11-16T12:33:00.000-05:00

The 10th Annual Cookie Party is Announced for Friday, December 15th at 6:30pm at my parent's house.

An extrememly special brown "10th Annual Cookie Party" t-shirt is available for the measly price of $10.

I have sent an email with specific details, but please let me know if you want to order a t-shirt, and the sizes. If you have any questions, call or email me. If you didn't get an email- let me know.

No, the picture of Lara, Sienna and the frickn' huge gingerbread man was not taken at the cookie party. However, I feel the size of the gingerbread man embodies the size and spirit of the cookie party. Don't you agree?

Me Ra and Me

2006-11-14T15:28:00.000-05:00

Last night Jared took me out to dinner and suprised me with an early Christmas present. It's huge! He is sending me to Seattle for a photography workshop called "Documenting a Child's Life." It's run by a photographer, named Me Ra Koh, whose work I love. Check out her her blog and website, Dan Bos wrote the music for it

This is Fall in Texas

2006-11-14T00:43:00.000-05:00

This is Cadence and Eli with their friends Cameron and Carrie. Simone gets together with their Mom, Cindy, every week.

Cindy is a web designer and took these pictures. Aren't they good? And isn't Eli cute? This is a great shot of his smile - something we see everyday. What you can't see is his belly laugh.