Tuesday, September 28, 2004

No Air Conditioning??

Well the time has finally come where we can open our windows and enjoy the fresh air and not swaet to death. I was sick of not being able to have open windows and always running the air conditioner. It also is a killer in the electric bill department too. It is now only a balmy 87 degrees and it is actually getting down to about 65 at night, so it is actually nice to sleep not freezing cold from the air conditioner kicking in in the middle of the night. I enjoy the warmth, since I am always cold anyways. We have also been making good use of our fans. Some people think that we are crazy for not keeping it on, but most of them understand because they have been cooped up for the whole summer, we have only been here 2 months.

This past weekend brought us time to do a lot of nothing. There was no football on Friday, so we rented some movies that we still haven't watched, but maybe we will get to them this Friday. But have no fear, there is always football on Saturdays. We once again got to watch Wisconsin. We then went over to where Tavis is staying and had a BBQ, but it was like brats and hamburgers, not Texas BBQ. We did for some reason use the big smoker. It was quite funny, the three Yankees trying to figure out the smoker while the one Texan just stood in the window and watched the whole thing. Sunday took us to church and then to Pete's new place. It is a nice place and close to everything. We even made a trip to Ikea. Pete and I dropped Chad off in the cafe they have, because there was a television there and Pete and I got some stuff for his apartment. We went back to his place and he cooked us some baby back ribs. They were really good. We also played Phase 10. Which of course I won, after being way behind. Monday brought us back to the work week. I actually had all five kids there, the twins went home a little early when Kate decided she didn't like what she ate and threw it up. Chad had Parent/Teacher conferences yesterday and then Pete came over for dinner on his way home from his volleyball game in The Woodlands. Today Tuesday, brings a day of laundry and cleaning for me, then to Athletic Period. I think Tavis is coming over for dinner tonight (Jen is still in Wisconsin finishing up house stuff). Tomorrow is my last day for the work week, because there is no school on Friday. We are looking forward to Astroworld this weekend with the Key Club and I will have a fun time just trying to get Chad on the roller coasters.

Friday, September 24, 2004


A Baby's Mind

Aren't you glad that you can't always remember things before you were about 3 years old. At work each day I think about all the things that the kids do and wonder why they do them, but then it makes sense, they don't remember it anyways. Like who really wants to be in a dirty diaper, scream your head off just because your mommy left you for a few hours or get all messy when eating your applesauce. It makes perfect sense to them, but then in 3 years, they won't remember it anyways.It is fun watching my kids at school.
I have only been having one on Fridays, so I usually combine with the class next door and we have some fun. It makes things a lot easier if there are two adults in the room too. I really like the teacher next door, her name is Allison and her mom actually works over at Concordia. We have a good time together and laughing at all the silly things some of the kids do. Or even just the habits they have gotten into to go to sleep. Like one of the boys in her class puts on pacifier in his mouth and another one between his toes. It is funny what some kids do.
Well besides work, we haven't been doing too much. It will be a pretty slow weekend. No football tonight and no real plans for the rest of the weekend. It is nice that the Astros are in Milwaukee, becuase now we can watch them this weekend.
Pete got to move into his new apartment this week. Tavis and Jen Schlicker will actually get to move into their own place next week. They were looking for a house, but haven't found one yet, so they are moving into an apartment for the time being.
Next weekend we are going to Astroworld with the Key Club from Concordia. I know that I will have fun, but with Chad not all that thrilled about roller coasters, it could be a long day.
A baby's mind-try to think of your earliest memory. I remember when the stereo fell on me when we lived in the duplex. There are only a few things I remember about the duplex, and we moved out of there when I was three.

Sunday, September 19, 2004

Our First Visitors
It all started on a hot September day 4 days ago...

Well we have gotten and lost our first real visitors. (Pete you don't count, because you live here now) We have had a pretty fun weekend, with lots of laughing at each other, other people, and things we see. Mom and dad got here on Thursday night and after Chad and I drove around the airport several times, we finally found them and took them home.

Friday brought a day of work for both Chad and I, dad went to see his Interstate friend Roger who lives in College Station and mom stayed around the house realxing. When we got home, we went to get some Mexican food and then to the Concordia football game. That game was actually quick this week and I think the other team was thankful, because when we left at the beginning of the 4th quarter, CLHS was winning 47-0. We did get to see the Sonic Hot Dog (Sonic is a Drive-In type fast food place), it wasn't like the mascot hot dogs were are used to seeing, but it did make for a few good laughs.

Saturday we managed to get up a reasonable time, of course dad had already been to McDonald's for coffee. Amy did call to see how everything was going. We decided after much debate to go see Mr. 3000 at noon and then get some lunch. I would recommend this movie, especially if you are a Brewers' fan. They really do a good job of showing Milwaukee in it's true fashion. Also some very funny cameo appearence by the Sausages. We then went to eat and go get Pete to go to the Astros game. We got down there fine and the stadium is a great facility. We got to sit in the front row right along the third base side, so Chad did manage to get one foul ball as it rolled along the wall. We managed to make 3 friends while we were there. One, the cockroach who was as big as my palm, the security guard Carlos, who strikingly looks a lot like James Rivas, and a man who traded us a beer for one of the free Astros coffeemugs they were handing out. We also all got booed by our whole section when Chad got the ball and they all saw that we were Brewers' fans. The night did end up bad for the Brewers, but we still managed to have a great time. The 7th inning stretch was the most fun all night, we sang "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" and then, not the Beer Barrel Polka, but "The Stars at Night, Are Big and Bright.....Deep In the Heart of Texas", it was the awesomest thing, for 40,000 people to be singing and clapping to that song.

Sunday we went to church (Chad and I had to sing at both services), came home to fire up the grill with some brats and Chad was in heaven because the Lions were actually on TV (they were playing the Texans). Pete came over and we ate and then played a few hands of Phase 10. Then it was about that time to take mom and dad to the airport. Now it is a couple hours of realxing before starting the week again. But at least we get to watch the Brewers' game (hopefully they can pull out one win down here). Mom and dad, it was great to have you here, hopefully you will get down here again soon.

I hope that everyone enjoyed their weekend, even if the Packers did lose. Have a great week and hopefully we will hear from you soon. Enjoy the pictures from the weekend below.



The Brewers' Fans who got booed for getting the ball in the third inning Posted by Hello


Muscle-man Jenkins Posted by Hello


They call this the superteam?? Posted by Hello


They breed them big here Posted by Hello


Enjoying a beer at "The Juice Box" (Minute Maid Park) Posted by Hello


Pete on top of a large ball (baseball that is) Posted by Hello


The Sonic Hot Dog.. looks a little different then the #4 Hot Dog Posted by Hello


We left at the end of the 3rd quarter (we were winning 47-0) Posted by Hello


Friday Night Lights Posted by Hello


Is this James Rivas' long lost brother?? Posted by Hello

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Just another Tuesday

Well, Tuesdays and Thursdays are my days off from work, but it sure doesn't feel that way. I am usually trying to get things done around the house, like laundry and grocery shopping. Then when I think I am able to enjoy my day off, I remember that I go over to Concordia on both days in the afternoon to help with Athletic Period for basketball. I figure at least it keeps me busy. I am enjoying Athletic Period, I get to have the team to myself on Thursdays and we have some fun conditioning and doing some drills. On Tuesdays we split the girls in half and I get to work with the girls who aren't on the same level as the varsity girls. So I am working with the freshmen and sophomores. It is good practice, the girls are great. I think we have a lot of fun. It is nice because Athletic Period isn't as intense as a practice would be, but you are still at least accomplishing things that help them.

Chad had the Freshmen retreat on Sunday to Monday, so Jen and Shelby Schlicker stayed over on Sunday night. He said that the retreat was okay, he didn't get much sleep though. He is finally in the groove of school and is getting used to all the differences here.

We are looking forward to mom and dad coming down on Thursday. We are also looking forward to going to the Brewers/Astros game on Saturday. I'm not sure what else we have planned, but I know that Chad is looking forward to watching not just the Michigan State game, but also the Lions will actually be on, because the Texans play them on Sunday. We are also planning on going to the Concordia game on Friday night.

Things here are good. Some days it still feels weird that we live in Texas, but I am getting used to that. It will all come with time. I am hoping that we will get some more visitors (especially when it starts to get cold up in the north). I hope that all is going well for everyone. We will talk to you soon.

Saturday, September 11, 2004

The Weekend

Do you ever wonder where the weekend actually goes. I am sitting here at 5pm on Saturday and I feel as if my weekend is over even though I have a day and a half left. Maybe it is because I do not have pressing issues to take care of; no practices or games to be at, no visiting of nieces or nephews, no classes to prepare for. It feels as if this weekend is just here. I think that now we have settled into our place and are getting used to being here, it is just one of those days where you feel as if you should be doing something, but then you think about it and realize that you really don't have anything to do.

Last night, we did not have any football to attend, so we had the Schlickers over. We entertained ourselves by watching Shelby (their 18 month daughter) rip anything in her reach off our shelves. We did have a good time. It was nice to relax and just visit with them. Today however, has been filled with watching college football and for the second week in a row, we have even gotten to watch the Wisconsin game.

Chad and I are now both singing in the choir at Trinity and have to sing at the early service tomorrow. Then Chad has the Freshman Retreat tomorrow afternoon until Monday afternoon. I think that Jen and Shleby might come over, because Tavis also has to be at the retreat.

For anyone who cares, Christa and Paul Kieper had their baby on Thursday morning. It is a boy, Isaac Martin. I am going to go over there on Tuesday to see how everyone is. I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying their weekend. We will talk to you soon.


Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Days filled with drool, diapers, and naps

I began work today, that is an understatement when you spend the majority of the day wiping noses, bottoms, and trying to get the kids to not call you momma. It was a pretty alright day. I had three kids today, but normally it would be five. (the twins are on vacation) I have one that looks like a clone of Chad's brother Josh and even has his personality. I have one who looks like a girl, but isn't. Then I have the adorable one, but he doesn't walk yet, so it makes for interesting outside time on the playground. Overall I had a good day, it was a good start and I hope that it continues that way. On Friday I will just have two, my Josh clone and the one who cried the whole day yesterday. I figure at least I only have those two, so if she is a crier again, it will be easier to handle.

I have also been going to Concordia on Tuesdays to help with Athletic Period 8th hour. Really it is so I can take the basketball girls and do some drills with them. I now will also be going on Thursdays to do conditioning and agility drills. I am excited for basketball, but the head coach may take some time to get used to. He is a very nice person and knows a good amount, but he is disorganized and only cares about his varsity starters. There are three really talented girls on the team, 2 pretty good and them the rest just need some extra work, so guess who gets to work extra, that's right me. He tells me he likes to concentrate on defense and I am thinking that is because it is easier. So he is always looking for new offenses and doesn't always see that it doesn't need to be real elaborate. I feel as if I am going to be the one, who is always asking, "what about this?", "what if we tried this?". I think that it will be a good time, the girls seem pretty excited for the season and are ready to work hard.

Chad is getting used to everything here. We are lucky enough to not have a football game this weekend, so that means we will actually be home Friday night. He has the freshmen retreat this weekend. We are looking forward to mom and dad being here next weekend and to go to the Brewers/Astros game.

Well I hope everyone is doing good. I will write more of the saga and woes of being one and a half and having to be away from your mommy for 5 hours.

Monday, September 06, 2004

Day of Labor

On Labor Day, do we really do any labor?? This is a day where most people just relax and maybe invite some people over for a BBQ. Today should really be called "Say good-bye to summer", since that is what so many people associate Labor Day with, the end of summer. Remember, now that Labor Day is over, you need to put your whites away and start getting ready for fall and winter. If any of you are like me, I will probably still wear white. I am hoping by doing so, one of those makeover shows sees me and I get a new wardrobe. I hope that everyone had a non-laboring Labor Day.

Sunday, September 05, 2004


My favorite brother-in-law: Joel Posted by Hello

Ode To Joel

To my brother-in-law Joel:What a funny guy he is. So he says to me today, "the reason I don't have a blog is because I wouldn't update it everyday, so I don't know why you have one if you don't update it." Well my apologies to you Joel. I did not read in the blog owners manual that you have to update it everyday, but now that I know you are anxiously waiting to hear how life in Texas is, I'll make sure I always write something for the day.

Joel you would love Texas (and we are expecting a visit sometime). Why you might ask, because everything in Texas is big. That includes the food and portion sizes. You see Joel likes to eat. Now as you can see from his picture, he's a pretty fit guy, but he needs to make sure he eats at least 7 times a day. There have been times when we are all home and we have to plan things around Joel's eating schedule. The portions here in Texas are Joel sized. If you want a steak you can't get like a 6oz steak, the smallest one they have is 16oz. BBQ back home is brats, burgers and maybe some chicken. Here BBQ is like the ribs Fred Flintstone would get at the beginning of the cartoon (you all know what I am talking about-when they put the ribs on the side of the car and the car tips over). Joel has a good sized gas grill, but that is nothing compared to the size of pits here (that can't even call them grills they are so big). You see here in Texas people need to get in there F5500 diesel trucks and they pull their pits behind them to an open field, where there is no fear of starting buildings on fire and they begin their BBQs. So Joel, I am inviting you down to experience a Texas sized BBQ with all the trimmings and a challenge to see if it can fill you up.

So this brings me to the thought that I wonder if other people think. Living here now for a month, we have noticed that every person drives a truck (most without a gun rack and confederate flag). I wonder if people who drive the big F5500's feel that they are more macho then those people driving the rangers. I have a feeling that the bigger your truck and the more is sounds like a semi, the better you feel about yourself. There are trucks here that you need a ladder to get into. This afternoon Pete, Chad, and I went to Sonic for some lunch and we were sitting outside and during the 30 minutes we were there at least 5 trucks came through the drive-thru that sounded like they were semis, as I would turn to look at each driver I would see that all of them were smaller men with a big cowboy hat and a big truck. So here is what I am wondering, so you think that by having a bigger truck those men feel that once they step out of their truck, people will not notice they are still 5 feet tall because they have such a large truck??Disclaimer: This is not intended to offend Joel, you know that I love you and just have to give you a hard time since we haven't seen you in like 2 months. I just haven't been the same without being at mom and dad's and getting annoyed with all your questions. And just a quick note for you, if you are planning on getting anything done Monday morning remember that whatever it is, it probably opens around 9ish. Take care, we'll talk soon.

Thursday, September 02, 2004


It's a lot more confusing than it looks Posted by Hello

The Airport

Already this morning I have been to and back from Bush Intercontinental Airport. Tavis (the Choir teacher), is flying back to Sheboygan to drive back with his wife and daughter, who will now actually be living down here for good. That airport is very spread out and not very efficient. It was kind of like Walt Disney World. You see the sign that says Welcome to _________ (in this case Bush Intercontinental Airport) and you are like alright, I am here. No, the people who planned these places just like to make you think you are there. Needless to say, we drove another 2 miles before we even got to the terminal we needed to get to. Then you have the rent-a-cops directing traffic and they are trying to get you to move even before passengers are out of the car. This morning they were no different, but you need to remember that we were there at 7am and besides us, there were three other cars. The rent-a-cops were still trying to get us to go before Tavis even opened the door to get his bag. As all this is happening, I am just hoping that Chad got up, got ready, and was to school on time. When I passed Concordia on the way home, the car was there, so he was at least there.

We are looking forward to the long weekend. Pete is coming over on Saturday and we are going to attempt to grill some ribs. It may be a disaster, but we will have fun. Besides the football game on Friday, we don't have major plans. I hope that you all enjoy your extra day(s) off.