Ring out the old...!

31 December 2006

An evening hosted by the Holzweisses to say so long 2006 and welcome 2007!

Thanks be to God!

The Party Continues!

26 December 2006

Aunt Catherine, Uncle Michael and the cousins stayed the night, so Kristofer hosted his first slumber party, as well! A full house and lots of fun!

Thanks be to God!

Happy Birthday, Kristofer!

26 December 2006

Cici's was the place to be with eleven kids and ten adults (including Chris, who came into town just for the party!) celebrating a 7th birthday! It was a hit with the Birthday Boy (and Mama didn't have to clean up)! Thomas made his third appearance as a cake...we suppose the train interest may be life-long!

Thanks be to God!

The Christmas Duck!

25 December 2006

Amidst the gifts and play, Mama was able to roast a duck and get all the trimmings together for our family feast!

Thanks be to God!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

25 December 2006

Trucks, Trucks and more Trucks might have been the theme today. Both boys got them and some other stuff...the biggest hits are the Army Men set Santa brought for Kristofer and the "cell phone" Gran & Papa gave Andrew! And Gran & Papa came to stay a couple of days!

Thanks be to God!

Hangin' with the Holzweisses!

23 December 2006

We got well in time to have our good friends over for some Christmas cheer!

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Completes the interCOM site!

16 December 2006

22 months later and lots of frustration, Daddy gets it done and it looks great! Check it out: www.intercomcity.net

Thanks be to God!

Virus, virus everywhere!

15-22 December 2006

Yuck! The boys got sick and Mama and Daddy spent several sleepless nights with them, then one truly icky day of feeling sick themselves and somehow, by God's grace, we made it through and got well for Christmas!

Thanks be to God!

Santa's Wonderland and Santa's Lap!

13 December 2006

We made our traditional trip to a local Christmas drive-through light display, Santa's Wonderland, with our Aggies CJ and Randy. After enjoying the lights we went to the "town" and the boys got to sit in the Jolly old elf's lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Andrew was okay since Bobo was there. They also got to play in the "snow" by the bonfire.

Thanks be to God!

Daddy is the MDM MVP of 2006!

9 December 2006

Ending the year with runaway points, Daddy clinched the year's MVP! Congratulations for keeping your head in the game!

Thanks be to God!

MDM Poker Year-End Event!

9 December 2006

The guys (& gals) converged on San Antonio's Rivercenter Hooter's to complete a year of travel, chips, points and cash. It was a marathon day of poker beginning with a satellite tourney at 3:00pm and ending with the "Chips and Chicks III" won by Jason  Jett around 3:00am!

Thanks be to God!

Boys Stay with Gran & Papa!

8-10 December 2006

The boys spent the weekend with Gran & Papa while Mama & Daddy spent the weekend in downtown San Antonio for some much needed recreation! The boys had a ball! Gran & Papa can't wait to have them stay again!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Helps Daddy put up the Outside Lights!

December 2006

Kristofer was a big help this year with getting the outside decorations put up. He placed the candy canes all by himself!

Thanks be to God!

Successful Science Fair Coordination for Mama!

7 December 2006

The judges all showed up and almost all of the students had their projects completed! It's been a long semester getting things set up and done, but well worth it! Now, on to Regionals...

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer writes to Santa!

6 December 2006

Kristofer completed his very first self-written letter to Santa! (Watch for pdf of the letter.)

Thanks be to God!

Happy Birthday, Rachel!

1-3 December 2006

Rachel turned 8 and had a specific request for her friend Kristofer to be present at her skating party. Kristofer got to roller skate for the first time ever, and did really well...he got up each time he fell and eventually made it all the way around the rink without touching the wall (but still holding Daddy's hand)!

Thanks be to God!

It's A Boy!...

29 November 2006

Introducing...Nathaniel Madison! (Very healthy and active!)

Look in on our Family Tree (Cowles side) for the origin of the name. Nathaniel comes from a long line and Madison is Um-Dad's middle name.

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer and Daddy go train hunting!

26 November 2006

They went with Bob and his boys, Jake and Nick, on their traditional Sunday morning train hunt. Over hill and dale, using Bob's really cool train scanner to listen in on what trains are in the area, they find trains to watch. Kristofer was excited about seeing the cars get shunted!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew says his first sentence!

25 November 2006

"Bye-bye, Daddy!" He's repeated phrases that we say before, but this was his own syntax. And we know it wasn't just a fluke, because he said it over and over again. Then he said, "Night-night, Daddy!"

Thanks be to God!

Happy Turkey Day!

21-22 November 2006

We went to Gran and Papa's house in San Antonio. And Wednesday night got to see Mama's Uncle Doug, Aunt Lynn and cousins, Brian and Brandon. (Kristofer thought Brandon's hair looked like Luke Skywalker's.) It has been 5 years since we saw them, so it was a very special visit. Kristofer says that now Brian is one of his "old friends"!

:)

Thanksgiving Day we had a traditional, wonderful turkey dinner with the Millses and Gran and Papa and Bubba. Then, the Henriquezes arrived for dessert and all the grandkids got a chance to get crazy with each other!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer and Daddy ride a BIG train!

16 November 2006

They were special guests, courtesy of our good friend, Bob Holzweiss, on the Union Pacific "4141" from College Station to College Station while it turned around at a junction. Very exciting stuff!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer: military genius, successful businessman, lover of history.

8-9 November 2006

Daddy and Kristofer have deep conversations (over lunch usually). Kristofer is learning American History, particularly colonial America and the American Revolution. So, reading Sam the Minuteman got him thinking..."Daddy, why didn't the minutemen just shoot the [Redcoat] officers?" A discussion of men of honor ensued.

Then, the next day's lesson focused on profit, because George Washington used crop rotation to increase his plantation's profit!

Thanks be to God!

Happy Halloween...twice!

31 October 2006

We had to postpone the much looked forward to Halloween party due to Kristofer running a fever the day before and morning of Halloween. So, we trick-or-treated at two neighbors homes, then stayed home and hung out and gave out candy...Then on Saturday, Nov. 4th we had our party and saw double! (See our pictures in albums.)

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Says "Andrew"!

7 October 2006

Now he knows and can say everybody's name!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew's First Professional Haircut!

6 October 2006

Andrew & Kristofer went with Mama and came back looking sharp!

Andrew got a certificate with a lock of his hair framed nicely!

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Wins Ol' School Tourney Two!

30 September 2006

After giving in on the first Tourney of the event Uncle Rob hosted for the MDM Poker League, Daddy increased his Leaderboard lead overall with a resounding win in the second tourney of the night!

Going into the final event of the season, Daddy leads the league on the Leaderboard by 8.8 points with a total of 76.8 going into the final qualifying tournament at the end of October.

Thanks be to God!

Um-Dad & The Alamo!

30 September 2006

We went to The Alamo with Um-Dad, to supplement Kristofer's learning of the historic place and battle!

No doubts we were with the expert, especially when you hear a stranger say to Um-Dad while he's explaining something to us, "You should work here."

Kristofer got a chance to show off his reading skills to Um-Dad, too.

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Begins Learning To Ride A Bike!

30 September 2006

We were in San Antonio for several reasons this weekend, and one of them was for Kristofer to be taught how to ride a bike by Um-Dad!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Says "Daddy"!

29 September 2006

Andrew finally said "Daddy" for the first time.

Whew!

Thanks be to God!

Sono Luminus!

20 September 2006

We got to see our baby on the sonogram!

As a result, the doctor's due date has been adjusted to April 5th. Kristofer & Daddy aren't too sure...

Thanks be to God!

Cale Moving!

10 September 2006

Our good family friend Cale Harfoush is moving to Feorgetown to pursue post-graduate studies in philosophy!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Says "More"!

8 September 2006

He now says "Mama," "Amen," "Hello," and "Hi," as well!

Actually, he says more. This is just what we know you can understand without our interpretation.

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Tries To Jump!

8 September 2006

He's been watching Kristofer jump all the time and is now starting to try it himself!

Thanks be to God!

Godparents!

7 September 2006

Mama & Daddy's good friends, Bob & Peggy Holzweiss have honored us by agrreing to be our new baby's Godparents!

Kristofer's glad, too, because he gets along great with Jake & Nick, the Holzweiss boys!

Thanks be to God!

Baby!

6 August 2006

Daddy & Mama had known for nearly two months what Dr. Damian officially confirmed today...we're having a baby!

Everyone went to the appointment, so when we told kristofer right there, he was ecstatic and so happy he almost cried!

Andrew, of course, was as excited as he always is when everyone else around him is excited!

I

t's another Easter baby...due on April 14th!

Thanks be to God!

Rosses Moving!

5 September 2006

Mr. Ross came by to tell us he and Audrey were moving to California for a year and then Hawaii, and then they'd be back after that to settle down and grow up!

Daddy gave them exclusive rights to all the boxes we have from our move!

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Wins VGA Planets Game: "To Infinity And Beyond!"!

1 September 2006

Daddy wins his first solo attempt at VGA Planets, smoking Daren, Joe, Eddie and Mama!

He continues playing to see how long it takes someone to actually come in second...or even make a move that's worthy of his skill level!

Thanks be to God!

To Rusk & Back!

27 August 2006

We went with the Vriezelaars on the Texas Historical Train ride from Palestine, Texas to Rusk, TX and back!

Thanks be to God!

Wenck's Moving!

26 August 2006

The Wencks, after a year and a half of uncertainty, finally found a house to move into and a place to call home - all at the same address!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Gives Us Five For The First Time!

25 August 2006

Walking through the post office, Andrew saw Daddy and Kristofer playing "Up High, Down Low...Too Slow!" and wanted in on the action!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer starts First Grade With Grand Canyon Goal!

22 August 2006

With basically writing skills keeping him from being done with first grade, Kristofer set the goal to be finished with this level by Christmas!

Daddy made good on the goal setting by telling Kristofer we would all go to the Grand Canyon if he made that goal...and if Kristofer got all As, we'd ride in a helicopter when we got there!

Thanks be to God!

Mama Starts School!

22 August 2006

This is Mama's third year at St. Michael's Academy, and she still has a whacky schedule!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Makes His Breakfast (3 Biscuits & Math with Thomas)!

21 August 2006

Kristofer decided to go through his entire morning routine by himself, making breakfast and taking care of his testing and dosage, as well as making sure the carb count was right!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew says "kri kri kri"!

14 August 2006

His vocabulary is expanding, and he said his brother's name for the first time today. He gets the first syllable out and says it for the other two syllables of kristofer's name!

Thanks be to God!

The Wencks Come Over!

13 August 2006

We had fun with Fred, Cheryl, Adam, Fallon, and Faith coming over for dinner and visiting, cooking burgers and dogs on the grill!

Thanks be to God!

The Villasmil's Going Away Party!

12 August 2006

We had a great time south of Navasota at Lake Winona with friends to send off Larry, Yanelys, and Salomon to their next chapter in Rochester.

I

t was another long drive home for Daddy!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew is officially saying "Hello"!

8 August 2006

There's no doubt about it, he says a distinctive "Hello" when you walk in or say "Hello" to him!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Makes His Own Snack!

6 August 2006

We were as far away from the kitchen as we could be and Kristofer was hungry. So, we told him he could go down and make hiself a snack.

Which he did...two hot dogs from the kitchen to the microwave to the plate to his tummy!

He's got a way with fish sticks, too

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer & Mama go to Sea World!

2 August 2006

Not only did they get to see Shamu, but Kristofer rode a roller coaster for the first time!

The added bonus was getting to see Bubba in his costume. He'd given them the free passes, too!

Thanks be to God!

Home Alone!

30 July - 3 August 2006

Daddy, Uncle Daren, and Uncle Calvin have their houses all to themselves as the wives and kids head out to see family.

What a sad sack we were!

Thanks be to God!

Mama & The Boys Go To San Antonio!

30 July 2006

Uncle Calvin takes them back with him so they can have a week with Gran & Papa before the hectic Fall starts.

Daddy stayed home for an unnecessary reminder of how much he loves his Bunnies !

Thanks be to God!

High Steaks Blowout!

29 July 2006

Having invited MDM League Members and Guests to a high stakes buy-in, only three takers showed up - Calvin "Undertaker" Kleypas,, Jeff "Taxman" Fountain, and Larry.

We lowered the buy-ins to the usual $20 and commenced to teach Larry how to play No-Limit Hold 'Em.

He then, after quickly becoming short stacked, proceeded to win the tournament, earning him the nickname Scary Larry.

He promised to host a game in Rochester once he got settled, to make it truly a national league!

Thanks be to God!

Larry's Leaving!

29 July 2006

Having earned his Ph. D., Larry informs us that he has accepted a teaching position in Rochester, New York!

It is the longest drive home Daddy has ever had from his Saturday Accountability Group Breakfast.

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer's Barf Logic!

28 July 2006

The emphasis here should be on the word "logic."

When coming out of a heavy session at CiCi's Pizza, Kristofer wanted to ride on Daddy's shoulders the short distance to the car. Daddy, being full and tired as well, told him he couldn't ride on his shoulders because he weighed too much from all that pizza.

"Well, Daddy, I could throw up and then I would be lighter and you could carry me."

Critical thinking and logic are being taught very effectively at The Viola Institute!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew's First Happy Meal!

26 July 2006

We went to McDonald's with Bob Holzsweiss and his boys. Bob bought us dinner for some favor we did (I don't remember what!), and so we hold him responsible for indoctrinating Andrew in the ways of Ronald!

Andrew ate the entire meal, BTW!

Thanks be to God!

Field Trip to Space Center Houston and The Johnson Space Center!

23 - 24 July 2006

We spent two days with our Adopted Aggie C.J., who took us to Space Center Houston, where Kristofer trained to be a Super Hero, and then we went to Johnson Space Center the next day, where C.J. works and will one day be trained as one of the first astronauts to go to Mars!

We got to actually sit in the Mission Control Center that was used from Mercury through the first Shuttle flights...the same one that took men to the moon and that was recreated in the movie Apollo 13!

This was another awe-inspiring event in our family, to see what men and limited technology can do with a dream and a country like ours.

C.J. even got Kristofer some things signed by astronauts, and we got to actually see an astronaut training for a space walk in the Neutral Bouyancy lab - the big swimming pool.

The added bonus was being able to visit with C.J. and share our stories of the Shuttle Launch, which she had seen at the same time we did, from about three miles away from where we were watching!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer goes to Garage for first time By Himself!

18 July 2006

The garage is separated from the house, and is quite dark, even in the middle of the day when kristofer went out to get something out of Vinny.

Daddy watched him from the kitchen window, as apprehensive as Kristofer was, while Kristofer unlocked the door, disappeared, and returned, locking the door behind him, after thirty seconds or so.

Whew!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer comes up with a really cool invention!

18 July 2006

We'd tell you what it is online, but someone out there would steal it!

Let's just say it has to do with doing someone a flavor when they go swimming!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer does backward somersault!

16 July 2006

We're pretty sure he could do one before this time...he just never tried it before!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew gets "on The Wagon"!

8 July 2006

Andrew finished up the last of the formula in Florida, and we left the empty can there, switching him off the bottle and over to sippy cups and milk & juice and all that other stuff!

Thanks be to God!

STS-126 Shuttle Launch!

4 July 2006

We made it to Cape Canaveral on July 2nd with an hour to spare before launch, but the weather was bad and they postponed until July 4...the day we had planned to not go to to Disney parks because of anticipated crowds.

We found a spot on a causeway some seven miles from the launch, and witnessed the most awe-inspiring event of human achievement conceivable.

STS-126 will always be a special part of our family history!

Thanks be to God!

Disney World!

3 - 8 July 2006

Gran & Papa paid for the condos and the tickets for their entire family, kids & grandkids, to spend the week together at Disney World! All we had to do was get there and feed ourselves.

0This was the best vacation ever!

Thanks be to God!

Road Trip to Disney World!

1 July 2006

When Theresa's wedding was over, we heard the news we were hoping for: The Space Shuttle launch was delayed until July 2. Since we were due in Orlando for our Disney trip late Sunday...we decided to Road Trip it all in one day, leaving town at 5:30PM hoping to arrive in time for the launch in 20 hours!

Thanks be to God!

Melissa's having a baby!

1 July 2006

Our other first Adopted Aggie, Melissa, who was married in February, is pregnant! She's due at the beginning of January!

Daddy predicts it to be December 28.

Thanks be to God!

Theresa gets married!

1 July 2006

One of our first Adopted Aggies, Theresa Chapman, became Theresa K...(I can't spell it!) on a beautifully thunderstormed day!

Thanks be to God!

Brushing It Off!

26 June 2006

Kristofer's second tooth came out while he was brushing his teeth tonight before bed.

Being an old pro now, he took it in stride, and put it in his tooth pillow...which always seems to be packed for travel when we need it!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer participates in his first Family Decision Meeting!

25 June 2006

We decided tocontinue our membership at St. Mary's Catholic Church in College Station, after spending the last month exploring the community at St. Joseph Church, which is right next door!

We're just too much in love with the St. Mary's community...it was a unanimous decision!

Thanks be to God!

Larry Alfonso Villasmil Urdaneta Submits His Dissertation!

18 June 2006

Larry, Yanelys, and their son Solomon are some of our family's best friends, and we are SO proud of this accomplishment!

Can't wait to call him Doctor Larry. And Mrs. Doctor, too!!

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Starts A Founding Father's Quest!

20 June 2006

Daddy started reading the biographies of the Founding Fathers, starting with David MucCullough's "John Adams."!

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Finidshes The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People!

20 June 2006

...and wonders where all those new words in the book came from since he first read it in college 13 years ago.

It was enlightening and uplifting to reacquaint with an old, trusted friend!

Thanks be to God!

Happy Father's Day!

18 June 2006

Daddy got to sleep in until he woke up...which was 1:50 in the afternoon.

He also got wonderful cards from The Boys and Mama, and along with Um-Dad & Papa got a special prayer said for him at St. Joseph Church!

Thanks be to God!

Vinnie Moves In!

11 June 2006

Daddy got the garage settled and everything moved into it, and Vinnie The Van got to park inside for the first time since Valentine's Day!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Seals A Ziploc On His Own!

7 June 2006

Sometimes the little things in life are worth savoring th most!

Thanks be to God!

A Gap In Coverage!

3 June 2006

Kristofer has a second tooth loose, and this one looks like it might take awhile to come out.

It's the other lower front tooth...making for some good looking grins in the near future!

Thanks be to God!

A Note About May 2006

May was a hectic month. Some of our dates may be a little off, and if we are uncertain about them, we just left the date out. The May updates have been added as of mid-June.

Kristofer Goes To Adoration With Daddy!

30 May 2006

Kristofer got up at 1:45AM and went to 2AM Adoration with Daddy. With the chapel so close, they walked, as Daddy does every time.

Kristofer was quite enthralled with the way the world looked so late at night...and he didn't sleep in any later the next day!!

Thanks be to God!

Hangin' With The White Boyz - Summer 2006!

26 - 29 May 2006

For the first time in our years-long tradition of the White Boyz and their families getting together, we had a house big enough to host!

Everybody came and had a great time!

Thanks be to God!

Move Day!

20 May 2006

We did it. We finally moved!

117 Boxes

310 Yards of Tape

700 Square Yards of Wrapping Paper

6 Markers

5 Dollies

15 Movers

26 Feet of Truck

10 Pounds of Beef

5 Puunds of Pork

5 Pounds of Chicken

One Gallon of Potato Salad

I Quart of Macaroni Salad

1 Pint of Cole Slaw

120 Cans of Soda

24 Bottle of Water

1 Homemade Ramp

9 Hours

12 Bottles of Avia Merlot

438 Days of Planning, Packing, & Moving.

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Learns The Fourth Rule Of Business!

23 May2006

The rules are getting more complex, and Kristofer is soaking them up!

Relationships Count is the rule, and it came about in the asking when Kristofer asked Daddy why the lady at the bank asked him how the move went.

Thanks be to God!

Stand Up!

May 2006

Andrew learned to stand up on his own this month. More self-taight, really.

One day, we just noticed he could do it!

Thanks be to God!

Toothless!

5 May 2006

Kristofer's first loose tooth, after a week of wiggling, finally was loose enough to come out just after we arrived at Enchanted Rock.

Kristofer bravely twisted and yanked, and out it came with just a little fight.

The tooth fairy was good to him that night. She even found him in the cramped quarters of our van!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Learns The Third Rule Of Business!

5 May 2006

Since the Second Rule came easy to him, Kristofer has been asking for the last two weeks to learn the third rule:

Quality Comes First: Good business is done with Quality in mind. People will pay more for quality. The better the quality, the higher the customer satisfaction.

Kristofer was able to understand immediately the difference in the quality of products, services, and companies, and was able to pik out the best quality examples in several situations.

Smart kid.

Thanks be to God!

Caught Between A Rock And A Wet Place!

5 - 6 May 2006

Mama, Daddy, & Kristofer went to Enchanted Rock with Mama's Earth Science classes for an overnight camping field trip while Gran came up to stay with Andrew.

We got several inches of rain overnight and at the first sprinkle decided to spend the night in the van. It was cramped, but it was dry! A look at the tent the next morning proved our decision to be prudent!

Thanks be to God!

That's Two Small Steps For A Boy...!

3 May 2006

Andrew officially walked today at 5:27PM, taking two steps towards Daddy before wobbling in surprise and being picked up by Daddy in a big celebration.

Mama called right at that same time so she got to celebrate while Daddy & Kristofer danced around the house with Andrew.

Thanks be to God!

Daddy & Um-Dad Get Together!

30 April 2006

Daddy & Um-Dad had a long visit over breakfast in San Antonio. IT made some people mad because of a miscommunication, but it was the right thing to do.

Thanks be to God!

The Tooth Is Looth!!

29 April 2006

Kristofer woke up this morning with a loose tooth in front. Just in time to hop in the car and go see all his family in San Antonio, so he had a neat thing to show them all!

Let the wiggling begin!

Thanks be to God!

We Have A Web Site Policy!

22 April 2006

We've posted a site policy at the behest of Daddy's brother Jean-Marc O'Connor. We're not sure it will please him.

Read it here.

Thanks be to God!

Bye, Bye Baby!

22 April 2006

Andrew said his first official words today. While leaving our lunch with the Vriezelaars, he said "bah bah" as he waved while Daddy was holding him.

Thanks be to God!

No McDonald's in Buffalo!

22 April 2006

We drove to Buffalo, roughly halfway between our house and the Vriezelaar's new digs in Lindale, to meet them for some boxes and lunch. We expected to meet at a McDonald's, just assuming there was one there since it is one of the major cities of East texas right on the junction of a major state highway and Interstate 45.

Guess what? No McDonald's!

So we met at Sonic which, thankfully, has a playground, too!

Thanks be to God!

Happy Easter!

16 April 2006

HE IS RISEN! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

Mass was bookended by an egg hunt at home that both boys enjoyed and opening of baskets and presents left by Hare E. Bunny, and then an egg hunt after Mass put on by the Knights Of Columbus.

It was a joyful and peace filled day!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Gets His First Haircut!

15 April 2006

After 12 1/2 months, Andrew finally had to saddle up to Mama's barber chair on Easter Eve.

He took it with the usual squabbling, but the results were worth it...he said so himself! ;)

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Learns The Second Rule Of Business!

9 April 2006

Having learned and mastered the first rule (People go into business to make money.), he picked up quickly on the second rule:

Location, Location, Location: Where you are determines who you do business with.

He quickly surmised that since our company servers are on the Internet, that we do business with the entire world.

Smart kid.

Thanks be to God!

Our Email Addresses Have Changed!

8 April 2006

Can't reach us by email? We sent out a message but may have missed you!

Contact us here and we'll send you our new addresses!

Thanks be to God!

Packing Gets Into Gear!

8 April 2006

We've started the final packing process for moving. Six weeks until we're outta here.

The garage is set for staging all the boxes, and Vinnie the Van is permanently parked outside as a result.

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Makes A Wrong Turn In The Middle Of The Night!

6 April 2006

After getting up to go potty, and making it all the way back to his bedroom door, Kristofer sleepwalks to the living room and heads for the couch.

The picture tells the rest of the story, and qualifies for our Picture Of The Month!

Thanks be to God!

Mama Makes A Mentos Volcano!

5 April 2006

Here's how:

Take a full, unopened 2-Liter bottle of diet soda.

Unroll a packet of Mentos into a sleeve you make with a piece of paper (loose enough that they can all pour out VERY quickly - you can't do this from the Mentos package, it's too tight.).

Place the bottle upright outside on the sidewalk or patio, away from the house and people.

Open the bottle.

Pour in the Mentos, quickly all at once right after the other.

Stand back and watch a ten to fifteen foot geyser erupt!

Taste the diet soda. It's flat. No carbonation left whatsoever - if there's even any soda left in the bottle!

We did this before it was such a big hit on the Internet...

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Buckles Himself In For The first Time!

5 April 2006

In his new booster seat, Kristofer is certainly a big boy!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Goes To Adoration!

5 April 2006

Andrew decided staying up late was for him this night, so Daddy took him to his hour of Adoration with him at 2AM today.

Andrew was quite at home for that hour!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew is Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise!

4 April 2006

Andrew's one-year checkup (complete with MMR and Chicken Pox shots) was passed with flying colors.

He's 28.5 inches tall and weighs 23 pounds 15 ounces.

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Visits Uncle Daren At His New House!

1 April 2006

Daddy went to Tyler to help do some "make-ready" stuff, see the house, and hang with GMD foran overnight stay.

Thanks be to God!

Mama & Daddy Present The "Family Of Origin" Talk To Engaged Couples!

1 April 2006

Part of their discerned vocation is counseling and teaching engaged couples about married life and what they need to do to make it work.

This talk focusses on different family roots and childhoods and how married couples can make the marriage work no matter how different they were grwoing up.

Thanks be to God!

Happy Birthday Andrew!

27 March 2006

Andrew celebrated his first birthday and Gran & Papa came to the party!

He had a three-tiered banana cake with banana ice cream (Kristofer suggested hose were his favorite flavors!) and his big brother gave him his big truck that kristofer used to get confidence in walking.

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Makes Up His First REAL Joke!

26 March 2006

As we're leaving Chursh, Kristofer starts walking down the sidewalk with one foot sideways, perpendicular to the other...think how Igor would walk.

Mama said to kristofer, "That sure is a silly walk, Kristofer."

And he replied, "Yeah, I call it my side walk!"

We all laughed...a lot!

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Holds The MDM League Leaderboard!

25 March 2006

Daddy kept his streak alive by coming in second at the second tourney of the night.

Without that play, he would have lost the leaderboard leader position to Union Dave, who played strong but had to leave after the first game.

Thanks be to God!

Day Out With Thomas II!

25 March 2006

We went to Grapevine again with The Vriezelaars and all of us rode on Clarabelle as Thomas puffed cheerily along.

We spent the night before at Ashley's old house for the last time since they are moving away.

Thanks be to God!

We Say Goodbye To Myranda!

24 March 2006

Daddy held Myranda in his arms as he euthanized her today at 12:08PM.

The last words she heard were, "I love you."

It was the hardest thing Daddy has ever done.

Thanks be to God!

Chris Has A Kneed For Prayers!

22 March 2006

Uncle Chris, Mama and Daddy's friend and business partner, tore his ACL while playing basketball.

He made the three-point shot, though!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew's Balancing Act!

20 March 2006

Andrew has been able to balance on his own for up to 20 seconds. He's letting go of things he pulls up on, and soon he'll be standing on his own and then walking!

Thanks be to God!

Uncle Michael Gets Older!

17 - 19 March 2006

Uncle Mike turned 34 on St. Patrick's Day, and we were in San Antonio so we celebrated his birthday with him and the whole family on Sunday.

Thanks be to God!

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do!

17 - 18 March 2006

We went to San Antonio to help Gran & Papa work on the house before they moved in completely. Particularly, we helped them remove the tile so they could lay down some new tile.

Whew!

Mama & Daddy & Andrew were the first to sleep in the new house!

Thanks be to God!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

16 March 2006

Our house, in the middle of the street...

We have signed our lease and have an official move-in date: May 20th.

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Learns He Has High Blood Pressure!

16 March 2006

Daddy gets to take medicine to lower it and checks his blood pressure every day.

Thanks be to God!

Gran & Papa Seal The Deal!

9 March 2006

San Antonio has its newest residents. Gran & Papa closed on a house and are in the process of moving in, with a little help from everyone.

The house is only two streets away from where Daddy's best friend Daren lived when they met in high school!

Thanks be to God!

We Go Vote!

7 March 2006

It's always a family affair, and this time is no different as The boyz join Daddy & Mama in the voting booths.

They've gone with us every time since they were born, and Kristofer is now operating the machine and pressing the Cast Ballot button.

He and Daddy take awhile to vote, because Kristofer learns how to make some decisions about the candidates with Daddy's counseling.

Thanks be to God!

Typical News In Tyler, Too!

3 March 2006

Ashley's family has closed on their house in Tyler, Texas. Looks like we're going to be living about 45 miles closer to them...with no drive through downtown Dallas to get there!

Thanks be to God!

We Found A Place to Move To!

26 February 2006

Here's what the listing says: This is a one of a kind home. It is a 2/2 w/an extra living area, HUGE master suite w/office area or sitting area, seperate dining room, central a/h, w/d connections, HARD WOOD FLOORS, 2 story, Oak Turning Staircase, 2 car GARAGE, fenced yard w/a huge deck, lawn care provided. $1000 security deposit.

The pictures show the outside. We'll get inside pics after we move-in. May 20 is the date.

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Holds The Leaderboard In The MDM League!

25 February 2006

Daddy's still on top, despite only placing second in one of two tourneys at The Agency Mardi Gras Bash. It's early in the season, and players are knocking on the door, especially with strong showings at the table by Union Dave and Tax Man.

Thanks be to God!

BLOOD, SWEAT, AND GEARS GEARS GEARS gears...!

24 February 2006

We went to our first Monster Truck Event in Waco, Texas!

Cousin Landon joined us as we participated in our first redneck all-American event. And it was AWESOME!

Thanks be to God!

The Viola Institute Grows Online!

19 February 2006

Our Home School web site, The Viola Institute, has had some curriculum sites added and some lessons.

So we don't repeat this nearly every week, we'll put updates on that site concerning it specifically.

Thanks be to God!

Mama Lost A Baby!

18 February 2006

Mama's been dieting and has lost 18 pounds!

Daddy has lost the equivalent of a full diaper.

Thanks be to God!

The MDM Poker League is Online!

18 February 2006

Daddy's Poker League, The Miles Don't MAtter Poker League, now has a web presence to keep members and prospective players abreast of schedules and other league information.

Thanks be to God!

It's Official. We're Moving!

15 February 2006

Here's our state of mind on this at this point...

Thanks be to God!

The Viola Institute is Online!

12 February 2006

We've put our Home School, The Viola Institute, online.

This will enable us to teach from the road, of course, but more importantly allows for a more structured curriculum for the boys that they can follow, and we can develop for them in an organized and ongoing fashion.

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Speaks!

8 February 2006

Andrew said his first official word, repeating what we said to him.

You can look him in the eye and, whatever he is doing or noise he is making, if you say "Good!" to him, he wil say "Good!" back to you!

Thanks be to God!

Gran & Papa Move!

6-7 February 2006

Well, it's official. After five years of lobbying and cajoling...everything but tearful begging, we lost.

Gran & Papa closed on the house in Orange on Monday the 6th and were in San Antonio moving into their apartment on the 7th. They'll be there until they can find a suitable house.

We're happy and sad.

Thanks be to God!

Steelers WIN!

5 February 2006

We had a houseful of guests from as far away as Austin to see the Steelers, after 25 years, finally get "One For The Thumb!"

Thanks be to God!

It's Official. We're Not Moving!

1 February 2006

Don't ask.

Thanks be to God!

It's Official. We're Moving!

28 January 2006

Daddy & Mama decided that paying nearly $500 a month in utilities from May to October was too much to take anymore. Since we are not moving to the North Texas area in the near future, we are relocating to another house in either Bryan or College Station!

Today we let our landlord know, making it five years we have lived here.

Thanks be to God!

We Say Goodbye To 4410 Memorial Drive, Orange, Texas 77632!

22 January 2006

We helped Gran & Papa with some packing and fixing of the house Mama grew up in, ready for the closing on the sale scheduled for February 6. Grand and Papa are moving to San Antonio, and this was our last visit to what we will always call Home!

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Wins the First Event Of The 2006 MDM Poker League Season!

21 January 2006

Daddy's poker league got under way this year with an 11 player No-Limit Hold 'Em tournament at The Union Hall in Orange, Texas. Daddy won the first tourney and came in second on a reduced table of eight in the second tourney!

Thanks be to God!

Daddy Puts Together The Family History!

20 January 2006

Daddy got the lineage from cousin Alan, and was able to connect some dots for a small history of the Cowles Family, which he had been missing since Grandmother died!

Thanks be to God!

Andrew Pulls Himself Up For The First Time!

9 January 2006

He grabbed onto the couch and once he saw the buttons on the cushion, he grabbed one and pulled the rest of the way up!

Thanks be to God!

Kristofer Rings In The New Year For The First Time!

1 January 2006

He stayed up and toasted with Mama and Daddy when the clock struck 12, enjoying his 10 year-old vintage sparkling grape juice!

Thanks be to God!