Cody's Birthday

Day 261/Post 92
I wanted to include all of Cody's birthday pics. So, I put them in a little video. I hope you enjoy! Happy Birthday Cody! We love you!!!!!!

Cody's Day

Day 260/Post 91

Well, today is Cody's Birthday party! It seems like this year is really flying by! Every

one is getting so big!! How does this happen? Well, here the gang is in front of one of dad's favorite vehicles. :)

Speaking of Birthdays...

Day 246/Post 90

Well, I didn't get my birthday picture up for my special day. So, I thought I would post one of those. I needed to take a break from Hurricane Ike. I'll post more of those pics later.

More school damage!!!

Day 245/Post 89

We went to Mom's school too. It was damaged pretty heavily. One of the buildings had some trees fall on it. It will take a few months to get the rooms back in order.

On another note...Today is Mom's birthday but we didn't have much of a party for her 60th! We were hoping that power would come back on for it!!! We made her a psuedo-cake out of Reeses peanut butter cups smashed between some cookies. She seemed to like it - but, I'm sure she's had better birthdays. Maybe next year will be better...:)

School took a toll too!

Day 244/Post 88

Homes were not the only thing that got damage. Schools too were hit hard. This is my school's marquee after the storm.

Where will the lines stop?

Day 243/Post 87

The gas lines are long here in Houston! Mom & I spent 5 hours the other day waiting to fill our portable gas tanks for the generator. We had already been in 5 other lines but gas ran out before we reached the pump. Eggs, milk, bread are other hot commodoties. Ice is also a rarity, but with our generator we've been making our own ice the old fashion way - with ice trays! :) The only tough part is that you have to make sure you boil your water before you freeze it. Yes, everyone around here is in a Boil Water area. I'm so grateful that we have water though. It makes the bathroom situation much nicer!!!!

Power Crews Comin'

Day 242/Post 86

Everywhere you look - there are power crews staging to go into areas that need assistance. We are still without power but thankful that we have a home still and even more grateful that other states and communities are sending help!

Not so Lucky

Day 241/Post 85

Well, we were very fortunate at our house! We had some minor damage but nothing like some of our neighbors. I've uploaded some of our more unfortunate neighbors.

When will power return?

Day 240/Post 84

I took some pics of the power lines that came down with all the trees in the area. It will take some time for power crews to get everything running. This is right outside our subdivision (on the road). It's absolutely incredible the destruction that took place so far inland.

And the rain came down...

Day 239/Post 83

The rain came down with Hurricane Ike at our door. The wind howled through the doors and whistled through the windows. This picture is taken right outside our subdivision. No-it's not a lake! We are actually driving on the road. That's a drainage ditch that overflowed its banks. I'll be posting a few more pics depicting why it took so long for power to come back on. :)

The Calm Before the Storm

Day 237/Post 82

Well, we have been preparing for the storm. School has let out for Friday & kids were being checked out all afternoon to evacuate. I decided to take a picture from our home before the storm hit. It was such a beautiful sunset. It's hard to imagine that a storm is heading this way!

Wii Time

Day 217/Post 81

Today the boys went shopping with me & received a special reward for their hard work last school year. They decided on the new Mario Cart for the Wii. They have been having a blast playing. Here are my little "Indy Boys".

Friends for Life

Day 216/Post 80

Last year, Cody made a very special friend. Cody loved his school counselor, Ms. Wall. The first thing he wanted to do this summer was e-mail her to see how she was doing. Then, he found out about the Meet the Teacher Night - so, we had to go back to visit & get a picture. :) She was a wonderful person that is passionate about kids. I will forever be grateful.

Brotherly Love

Day 215/Post 79

Here's the Dr Pepper plant being displayed with such brotherly love. Aren't they wonderful!? They must have absolutely phenomenal parents!!!

Angel Face

Day 214/Post 78

Well, you can't have one without the other, right? Here's the little "angel". Doesn't he look absolutely innocent? :) Who does he think he's kidding?

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Day 213/Post 77

Well, I can dress them up but rarely take them out! :) Here's Daddy & one of HIS boys & he wonders where they get it?

Dr Pepper. Texas? Can that be?

Day 212/Post 76

We took a little detour on our way back home to Dublin. It's known as Dr. Pepper, Texas. It's home to the world's oldest Dr Pepper bottling plant. It was established in 1891.

It's also known for it's famous Dublin Dr Pepper. It still makes the Dr Pepper with Imperial Sugar not fructose syrup. Wow! Now, it can give a shot of energy. :)

Is that a rocking chair?

Day 211/Post 75

Well, we were driving along in West Texas & happened upon the world's largest cedar rocking chair. Yep, we had to turn around for this Kodak moment! That's the boys & I in the far left corner. Can you imagine - Paul Bunyun could be rocked here!

The Famous Pops!

Day 210/Post 74

We visited the coolest place - Pops! It's on the famous Route 66. Clay says he wants to live within 10 minutes of the place. The place is full of different soda bottles & has a little diner area too. It's so cool! If you ever get the chance to go - make a "pit stop". Just be ready to wait for your meal. :)

Arby Time?

Day 209/Post 73

Clay was such a hoot at Discovery Land! He asked us why they had Arby hats there? We laughed & explained they were the Discovery Land fans. He continued to make the joke - saying..."I'm thinking Arbys..." What a clown! :)

Hail to the Chief - oh, wait - that's dad!

Day 208/Post 72

Daddy was being spoiled by the boys with their fan waving. It was sooooo hot! We really felt for the singers and dancers there.

Tulsa Time

Day 207/Post 71

We headed over to Tulsa with Uncle Bob, Aunt Margie, Peggy, Wade, GG & our family to see the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". It was extremely hot! Well, over 100 degrees & yes, it's an outdoor amphitheater. Peggy had taken me when I was in high school & I loved it. I wanted the boys to experience it too! I don't remember it being that hot though! Guess, your memory fades, huh? :) The kids loved it! In fact, it was #2 on their favorites this round.

Family Time - Cousin Style

Day 206/Post 70

We always head out to Aunt Margarette's for a "little" meal during our time in Oklahoma. This time was no different. "Little" is very relative when you are talking about the family meal. :)

Anyway, some of the cousins decided to have a little dip & get cooled off. As you can see, we bring "family time" to a whole new level here. FYI-those are cousins. One seems to be having more fun than the other.

Spelunker

Day 205/Post 69

I'm always learning new things & this year was no different. We all learned the word - spelunker. It's a person who studies caves. Apparently, it is very common to other people. 'But, to us "city folk" it was new! :) Thanks Aunt Cheryl & GG for helping us learn.

Alabaster Caves

Day 204/Post 68

Well, we've not posted in a few days. We've been on vacation. This year we decided to visit some "different" type of locations. The next couple of days will be of our trip to the Alabaster Caverns near Freedom, Oklahoma.

VBS Time

Day 196/Post 67

Today began Vacation Bible School at our church. This is right after we returned home from VBS and our famous McDonalds lunch. Cody thoroughly enjoyed his first day. Nana Puddin' was there too! He comes to our school too. We can't wait to see him again.

Blue Bell Time

Day 190/Post 66

Here's another pic from our Blue Bell Trip. Cody couldn't wait for the ice cream & just look at that "rockin'" hair cut of Clay's! :)

We eat all we can & we sell the rest...

Day 189/Post 65

Well, summer is going by wayyyyy too fast! So, I thought it was time for one of "Mom's Famous Field Trips". Today we went to the Blue Bell Factory in Brenham. Each boy took a friend. So, Mom laid out the ground rules & off we went! The boys seemed to have a good time. Their favorite part ----- the ice cream samples, of course!

This picture is taken in front of one of the original ice cream delivery trucks. Wow! See how some things really change. :)

Breakfast Time

Day 177/Post 64

Meal time is a big deal around this place! We always must have specific breakfast foods around like pancakes. :) Here you can see breakfast at the Strike place! Of course no summer breakfast would be complete without the breakfast meal of choice - Reeses! Oh, no! Will Mom see this picture?

Father's Day

Day 176/Post 63

Well, it's been a while since Pat's been on the blog & we can't have that! :) Here he is gloating after his big celebration day!

Father's Day

Day 175/Post 62

Well, Father's Day was a big success for Pat! He really loaded up while the "gang" waited.

Summer Time Chaffeur Service

Day 174/Post 61

Well, Clay has been going to camp during the daytime. So, Memaw & Mom have been the daily taxi service. Here's Clay off to another day...

Learning Movie Making

Day 173/Post 60


Well, I learned something new about video & taught the boys. We used some of our pics and incorporated them into a little short video. Here's the most recent practice that was done this past week. Hope you enjoy!

If you'd like to give it a try, it's very easy. We used animoto to create it. You can try it with a trial version. Go ahead, give it a try!

Soccer Time

Day 101/Post 59

I decided to make another post tonight. That's a first for our blog! :)

Cody has decided to participate in soccer this Spring. It was kind of uncanny to go back to the soccer fields that we had once visited with Mike so many years ago. Here's a picture of the first "official" practice led by Coach Bush. Keep checking the blog - we have lots of upcoming games. :)

Who has more?

Day 101/Post 58

So, let's get counting - right? Who do you think has more eggs?

I'm Proud of my Eggs!

Day 100/Post 57

Well, I after the egg hunt - came the wonderful egg count. We always have to make sure it's equal and fair. Right? By this picture it looks like it all came out ok... or did it?

Too High

Day 99/Post 56

Well, here's another fun Easter picture. This picture is from the Egg Hunting party. The "bunny" got a little carried away with hiding them so high. :)

Easter 2008

Day 98/Post 55

Well, we didn't get the pictures off the camera until this week. Sorry! :( Well, the next few posts should help us catch up on the Easter 2008 update. Some of the pictures are from hunting Easter Eggs & some pictures will be of Easter Egg Decorating. This picture was of the egg decorating at GGs. Of course, we are smart & go to GGs for the messy part! :) Be watching for updates!

Count Down to Disney

Day 97/Post 54

Well, here's another historical Disney post. We can hardly stand it. We are looking forward to some wonderful memories on our upcoming Disney trip. This one is from Animal Kingdom. Look at the difference of them now to back then. Can you believe how much they have grown? Keep checking the blog. Hopefully, we will be able to upload pictures during the trip too.

Family Times Disney Style

Day 96/Post 53

Here's the whole crew from our Disney 2002 trip. This trip was definitely a memorable one! It was our first trips. It was Christmas Disney style. Both Grandmas went on the trip & we were actually at Disney World for Christmas. We had no idea how busy the place would be!! Wow, were we green!

Another Favorite

Day 95/Post 52

Here's another favorite Disney moment. Here Minnie (and Mom) have convinced Cody to give a little kiss. We know that won't ever happen again. He's gotten waaayyy too big for that. After all, that was well over 3 years ago. :)

How Big is Disney?

Day 94/Post 51

Have you ever wondered how big is Disney? Well, here's your chance. See those little people on the blocks? Now, this is from a few years back - 2002 to be exact. But, it's still big! Yep, those are the boys. Can you believe how big Disney can be?

Family Time - Disney Style

Day 93/Post 50

Well, if you're wondering why I'm historically accounting our Disney trips then here's the reason... We're GOING TO DISNEY!!!! Yes, we are on another count down til another trip to Disney. Mom & Dad will be attending a conference in Orlando. So, the kids we'll get to benefit from another trip. Yee haw!!!! Momma is soooooo excited. I'm not sure who can't wait more - the boys or Mom? :)

This is a picture from Downtown Disney. The boys always love using this spot for a photo op location.

Another Favorite Disney Memory

Day 92/Post 49

This is another one of my favorite Disney memories. This one is of Clay in 2005. Clay kept asking Goofy for an autograph & in turn, Goofy kept asking Clay for one. They do both look alike. Don't they?

My Favorite Disney Memory

Day 91/Post 48

This is my very favorite picture of our Disney trips! This was taking on our very first trip to Disney World in 2002. It's of the boys and Pooh. Cody loved Winnie the Pooh & this was a very magical moment. I can't believe how much they have grown since then! Where does the time go?

Disney Days

Day 90/Post 47

Here's a real historical account from one of our Disney trips. This picture is from our very first trip to Disney World. We had such a great time that we continue to go every few years. This is from our 2002 Disney trip.