Sunday, May 27, 2012

Cussing Carpenters

Good help is hard to find.
CHEAP, Good help is especially hard to find.

So when I came across this quartet of workers in Texas I became pretty ecstatic.
They promised me they could get the work done in a timely manner.
As far as pay went, they preferred to be reimbursed with beer, diet soda and endless snacks.
Definitely do-able.

Shortly into their first work shift, when I set about having them install additional clothing rods in the closets, I quickly understood the saying:
"You get what you pay for."

Please don't misunderstand me.
The work was getting done.
But ear plugs were a must for this job.
The ear plugs weren't for the workers, but for me,
To tune out the workers.

My ears were bleeding from the constant shouts of:
S$%T
C*@P
DA!&*T
(and that was just from the small one.)

I guess that's to be expected when you hire a company with the name:
The Cussing Carpenters.

These four were indeed a rowdy bunch of potty mouths...
But at least the work got done.
Cheaply.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Baseball

Houston has a lot to offer us Murphy's that we are excited about.
Especially Major League Baseball.
But even more exciting than MLB games are the company bought tickets that allow us to enjoy baseball for free.
So even if we only have a subpar team like the Houston Astros to root for (except for when the Giants are in town),
I say, PLAY BALL!
I can never get enough of this great American past time...
My dad took me to my first game at the age of 10.
I have been to many games since then.
Part of our tradition is to show up right when the gates open and watch batting practice.
It's the best chance you have to chat to the players and if you are lucky enough, catch a fly ball.
Wanna see lucky?...
Other baseball must haves:
hot dogs, peanuts and cotton candy...
Three cheers for baseball!
Three cheers for Houston!

For it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Saying Goodbye

The last moments of this little life adventure, with a pit stop in Arkansas, is about to come to an end.
Our one year in Arkansas turned into six and a half years and boy how life has changed.
We moved in December 2005 with just our four legged baby, Sasha and a baby on the way.
We knew nobody.

For a short time, it was just Joe and me.
Then came Lily.

We began to meet people.
Some were neighbors.
Some were from Gymboree, where I took Lily twice a week for music and play.

Our family of three became a family of four in December 2007.
We continued to meet more people.
Although our closest friends remained those first neighbors and Gymboree friends we met early on.

The kids got older and soon started school.
Aside from those lifelong friends we met early on, it was the people we met in our last year in Arkansas that will also hold a special place in our hearts.
They helped me get through the long, hot summers with play dates at the pool.
They worked side by side with me to make Sophia's first year of school easier on me and extremely memorable for her.
These friends love my kids and family, just as I love theirs.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but it's time to take our six years of memories and box them up...
and never let go of those that have been by our side during this journey.

From those Gymboree friends (Deschamps, Hines, Paylor's)
to our neighbors (Needham's, Kippendorf's, Buttrey's)
to our gym pals and my lunch buddies (Kristi, Charla, Alana)
and our precious school friends (Koch's, Tong's, Mrs. Jan and Mrs. Renee).
You have all left an indelible mark on our lives and hearts.
Thank you for sharing this journey with our family!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Woo Pig Sooie

In a state where there is not a whole lot to do, like Arkansas, these people take their college sports seriously.
A favorite around here are the Arkansas Razorbacks.
They are also known as the hogs.
Everywhere you go, there is hogs paraphernalia to be found.
The airport is no exception...
One last call for the hogs:
WOO PIG SOOIE!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Kindergarten Luau

Because their school would not (do not get me started),
today we celebrated our kindergarteners impending graduation.
It's a huge milestone in a kid's life and they were celebrated in grand style, with a luau...
It was going to be Lily's final time partying with some of her closest friends...
The kids and parents sent Lily home with a memento of her kindergarten experience.
So thoughtful of these wonderful people...
All of these kids are beyond special.
I hate having to say goodbye.
But I can't wait to see my Lily grow.

Monday, May 7, 2012

All About My Mom

As if Sophia making strides in her Speech Therapy isn't enough to warm my heart, today she brings home this...
Just to make sure that these are really are her answers, I quiz her.
And yes, she really does want to take me on a Disney Cruise and yes again, she really does think I am as pretty as a princess.
I love this kid.
She truly melts my heart.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Trolley

Just last week, as I drove downtown, I was thinking to myself that I am bummed because I never got to take the girls on a trolley ride.
Then low and behold, we receive a birthday invitation.
The location of the party...
On a Trolley...

The trolley ride was to celebrate Trey's 7th birthday...
Trey punched each ticket before the kids climbed aboard...
I think some of us parents were looking forward to this ride as much as the kids...
Maybe not...
This party was a fantastic idea.
It gave us another Little Rock must see and do to check off our list.