Visit with my cousin

Last week, we enjoyed a wonderful weekend together with my cousin (Katy) and her husband (Todd). It was a lot of fun to get to know her husband better and reconnect with her after many years. My dad recently told me that Katy reminds him of his Grandma Arlt. It was fun to imagine what my Great Grandma Arlt might have been like.

On the night they arrived, we went out for burgers and ice cream - not the healthiest of dinners, but it was good. Andrew, of course, refused to eat anything at dinner, but he did find his dad's cup of rootbeer rather exciting. I still can't believe how fast he is growing up.

After church, we made dinner together. It reminded me of the times we spent at my Grandma's house. I wish we lived a little closer so we could get together more often. Katy and Todd live in Little Rock, which is about 5 hours from Dallas. We're hoping that they can come for Thanksgiving.

Katy and Todd spent a lot of time with our kids, which I really appreciated. I don't have a picture of Todd because he was the man behind the camera - I'll have to look through my photos. Laurel had so much fun playing with Todd and Katy - she's looking forward to another visit already.

Still alive, just behind . . .

Well, much has transpired in our family over the past few months and I've neglected to record much of the happenings in our lives. I've been very busy writing my masters thesis for the past while and I'm happy to say that I turned it in last Thursday. It felt so great - I can't even explain how good it felt. I'll probably have multiple edits, but that should pale in comparison to the hours of reading and typing over a computer. I never thought I could write so much, but I did and I'm thrilled that it's over (at least the hard part).

While I was writing, Andrew learned to walk. The picture above is proof of that. He took his first steps on February 3 while we were in SLC.

I have many more pictures to share, but I chose these two for good reason. First, it is a big deal that Andrew is now walking. Second, this picture of me and Laurel is great because we are at a park, watching dogs, and just enjoying the beautiful weather. That is something I haven't been able to enjoy for awhile and I have to say that it is a great feeling. I hope I don't take free time for granted again - unfortunately, I'll probably forget, but at least I'll have this post to remind me.

Monopoly Money

It's been quite awhile since I've written anything on this blog - I'm not sure anyone even reads this thing anymore. Anyway, is it just me or is anyone else worried about all of the money our government is spending and printing to "stimulate" the economy? My sister sent me this video clip from Glenn Beck and I thought I'd post it here for anyone interested in seeing the fiscal direction our country is going. I don't care if you're a Republican or a Democrat, because they both have their problems - this should scare anyone, no matter what your political affiliation is. If you don't know what hyperinflation is, just ask my dad who lived through it in post-war Germany. He remembers taking a wagon full of Deutsch Marks to buy one small loaf of bread . . . it took thousands of Marks to buy bread because the inflation was so bad. Too much money had been printed by the government. Is this really what's best for our country? As Beck so aptly puts it, it truly is an "Inconvenient Debt."

Andrew's First Haircut

Our little Andrew was due for his first haircut while my parents were in town. I was glad that my dad was able to assist in the haircut. One of my earliest childhood memories is watching my brothers sit on the tall red stool in the center of our kitchen while dad cut their hair.
This picture is a little out of order, but this was the final result of the haircut - I can see a big resemblance between Andrew and his Papa.

Poor little Andrew did not enjoy his haircut - we tried everything to calm him down, including a bottle . . . it still didn't work!

Mom decided to try her hand at cutting Andrew's hair - it was hard to not cut him AND get a straight line.

Oh the trauma and sadness - little does he know that haircuts should be the least of his worries in this life!

Papa and Grandma Madrian visit Texas

Whenever Grandma and Papa come, there is always fun to be had by all . . . There were wagon rides around the neighborhood . . .

There were just a few meals in our unfinished kitchen - my parents were good sports as they ate from a crockpot, used plastic utensils, and endured toxic fumes from our cabinet project . . .

Grandma Madrian showed up with her box of goodies and projects fit for a 5 year old girl . . . Laurel loves her time with Grandma and particularly enjoys the fun art projects Grandma always does with her whenever they are together . . .

Here is another project these two did together - words cannot express how much Laurel enjoys playing with her Grandparents!

There is always room for the kids on Papa's lap . . . Laurel and Andrew enjoyed their time with Papa. He read them stories and also assisted in putting together a beautiful gingerbread house with Grandma and the kids . . .

Here is one of our final moments together before they returned back to Utah . . . they had a very long drive ahead of them and we were sad to see them go . . .

We will miss you Grandma and Papa Madrian! We are so glad that you came to visit us in Texas!

We love and miss you!!!

Happy Birthday Grandma Madrian and Laurel!

November 18th is a special day in our family because Laurel and my mom share a birthday. We were lucky this year because my parents arrived at our home to celebrate just in time for dinner. Laurel and Grandma Madrian had a great birthday celebration, even though it was spent in our entry way. Our kitchen was still torn apart, so we enjoyed dinner, cake, and ice cream in foyer. You can see in the background that our walls were in the process of being painted.

Here is Laurel standing in front of her gifts

I sent Laurel to preschool with a birthday cake. She chose this cake at our local Kroger because it had pumpkins all over it.

Happy Birthday, Laurel!

Happy Birthday Laurel!!! We are so glad you joined our family. You were worth the long wait we had to get you. You're a strong spirit! I knew that when I was first pregnant with you and nearly lost you. You held on for dear life and we are so glad that you did. Our lives have never been the same.

You've been a good little girl as you've followed mom and dad across the country and back multiple times. Your ability to adjust to your surroundings and friends astounds me. This is a sweet picture of you at Lake Tahoe visiting Grandma and Papa Christensen's place one last time befor leaving for Philadelphia (taken May 2005).

Here you are at a park in Fremont, California. I remember our time in California with great fondness. We made lots of happy memories as a family.

Last, but not least, this is a picture of you taken shortly after you were born. I will never forget your eyes staring right at mine as we saw each other for the first time. Your dark black hair and beautiful face will forever be happy memories for me and your dad. We are so very lucky to have you in our family.