Wishing you all a peaceful, contemplative Christmas Eve.
Showing posts with label Brandon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brandon. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Christmas Eve
A pretty quiet Christmas Eve around here. We went to church at 5:00PM, and as Lucy said, "the whole family is here!" Brandon was working but was able to join us about 10 minutes into the service. She was elated that her big brother was there, and so was I. After church we had a good solid family meal at Perkins. :)
Wishing you all a peaceful, contemplative Christmas Eve.
Wishing you all a peaceful, contemplative Christmas Eve.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Happy Friday the 13th
Lastnight Lucy and I were happily wrapping gifts on the livingroom floor while listening to Christmas music. Brandon had just gotten home and was sitting in the kitchen, about 3 bites into his late meal. In the midst of our unassuming festiveness, came the ring of the doorbell. I wondered who on earth would be stopping by this time of night (just a shade before 8PM - and yes, it makes me feel old to say that).
I opened up the door to a young man saying, "Your car is on fire."
I looked toward the driveway, where Brandon and Husband's cars were parked.
Indeed, he was right. A small flame was visible from underneath Brandon's car.
I thanked this neighborhood saint and summoned Husband, who ran out to move his car while I called 9-1-1. The boys went out and stood at the end of the driveway, while Lucy and I stood in the front window. It had been about 5 minutes (i.e. FOREVER) and the police were there, but no fire truck. The fire was quite large by this time, and things started popping. I called again, and they assured they were on their way and said Lucy and I should exit the house, just in case. We could smell the burning rubber downstairs as we went out the back door with Buddy. Trudging through the snow, we made it to the front to see the car pretty engulfed. The fire truck came up just as we approached the curb, and Buddy answered with his best howls. Lucy was upset, I was stressed and felt so bad for the big kid; he's had a string of bad luck with cars and life in general, and I knew he could not afford this setback on many levels. I won't elaborate, but this is his 4th car in about 2.5 years. Enough said.
Lucy and I went to stand in the neighbor's driveway, and I noticed a vehicle parked there, with a guy leaning out of his window recording the events on his cell phone. I approached him and asked him if he didn't think it was a bit weird that he was recording everything. He did not think so, and apparently also didn't appreciate me suggesting otherwise. While I stood there in the cold trying to calm my frantic, crying 4-year-old, he continued to make comments (and record). I had a few words for him myself (clean ones, mind the children...) but my most effective barb was to stand directly in front of his camera shot. He eventually left, but not without a last jab. I found out a bit later this was the same guy who had earlier pulled IN our driveway to ask if they could help, as the firetruck was screaming down the street to our house. Husband basically said thanks, but get the hell out of the way. Apparently they sought refuge in the neighbor's driveway (they weren't home), where they could still get a good view.
I appreciate people's concern, I really do. Several people came out to ask if they could help, and I realize there is some level of allure and excitement that people might want to observe, maybe snap a photo or two. But why take a video? What are you going to use it for? And if the owner of the property asks you to stop, why wouldn't you? It just doesn't sit right with me.
Lots of water and chemicals and a saw to the hood later (that's a pretty painful sound to hear, by the way), the fire was out and the car was completely totaled. It was a relatively inexpensive car to begin with, so the loss was not covered by insurance and the local Cars for Kids got a donation. Now we search for a different car. Again.
It wasn't until one of the firemen mentioned it, that we realized it was Friday the 13th. I'd say we're good for a few years' worth of bad luck, don't you think?
I opened up the door to a young man saying, "Your car is on fire."
I looked toward the driveway, where Brandon and Husband's cars were parked.
Indeed, he was right. A small flame was visible from underneath Brandon's car.
I thanked this neighborhood saint and summoned Husband, who ran out to move his car while I called 9-1-1. The boys went out and stood at the end of the driveway, while Lucy and I stood in the front window. It had been about 5 minutes (i.e. FOREVER) and the police were there, but no fire truck. The fire was quite large by this time, and things started popping. I called again, and they assured they were on their way and said Lucy and I should exit the house, just in case. We could smell the burning rubber downstairs as we went out the back door with Buddy. Trudging through the snow, we made it to the front to see the car pretty engulfed. The fire truck came up just as we approached the curb, and Buddy answered with his best howls. Lucy was upset, I was stressed and felt so bad for the big kid; he's had a string of bad luck with cars and life in general, and I knew he could not afford this setback on many levels. I won't elaborate, but this is his 4th car in about 2.5 years. Enough said.
Lucy and I went to stand in the neighbor's driveway, and I noticed a vehicle parked there, with a guy leaning out of his window recording the events on his cell phone. I approached him and asked him if he didn't think it was a bit weird that he was recording everything. He did not think so, and apparently also didn't appreciate me suggesting otherwise. While I stood there in the cold trying to calm my frantic, crying 4-year-old, he continued to make comments (and record). I had a few words for him myself (clean ones, mind the children...) but my most effective barb was to stand directly in front of his camera shot. He eventually left, but not without a last jab. I found out a bit later this was the same guy who had earlier pulled IN our driveway to ask if they could help, as the firetruck was screaming down the street to our house. Husband basically said thanks, but get the hell out of the way. Apparently they sought refuge in the neighbor's driveway (they weren't home), where they could still get a good view.
I appreciate people's concern, I really do. Several people came out to ask if they could help, and I realize there is some level of allure and excitement that people might want to observe, maybe snap a photo or two. But why take a video? What are you going to use it for? And if the owner of the property asks you to stop, why wouldn't you? It just doesn't sit right with me.
Lots of water and chemicals and a saw to the hood later (that's a pretty painful sound to hear, by the way), the fire was out and the car was completely totaled. It was a relatively inexpensive car to begin with, so the loss was not covered by insurance and the local Cars for Kids got a donation. Now we search for a different car. Again.
It wasn't until one of the firemen mentioned it, that we realized it was Friday the 13th. I'd say we're good for a few years' worth of bad luck, don't you think?
Monday, July 22, 2013
The Big Kid's Birthday
Brandon turned 20 today. Yeah, chew on that for a bit.
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| He actually consented to letting us take him out to dinner. Somebody else was pretty happy about that, too. |
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| Somebody needs a haircut. We're getting close to Ronald McDonald territory. |
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas Tour 2012 - Stop #4 (Home!)
Christmas morning we woke up at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and hurried to see that Santa had eaten the cookies and milk we left out for him. Santa also left Lucy a couple of small gifts and a note that he had also stopped at our house! We had some breakfast and were then anxious to pack up and get home, to see what Santa brought, but also to see our Daddy. We talked to him via FaceTime every day we were gone, but it just was not the same not having him there. So after saying goodbyes to Grandma and Grandpa we hit the road, jack!
Christmas morning we woke up at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and hurried to see that Santa had eaten the cookies and milk we left out for him. Santa also left Lucy a couple of small gifts and a note that he had also stopped at our house! We had some breakfast and were then anxious to pack up and get home, to see what Santa brought, but also to see our Daddy. We talked to him via FaceTime every day we were gone, but it just was not the same not having him there. So after saying goodbyes to Grandma and Grandpa we hit the road, jack!
And oh my goodness, Santa sure did come! Daddy was waiting for us and we didn't waste any time getting after those presents. Lucy's big gift was a dollhouse, and if Santa had any doubts, I think the squeal of "it's just what I wanted!!" upon opening was just the insurance he needed. ;)
Brandon came over just in time to open his gifts, and the kids opened their stockings together. We ate dinner and just had some great, quiet, family time. It was a perfect end to Christmas Tour 2012.
Monday, September 03, 2012
State Fair
This year Husband said early in the summer that he'd like to go to the State Fair.
What's that you say?
Ordinarily, my dearly betrothed has a significant disdain for anything involving large crowds. So I was surprised when he wanted to go to the fair, but completely up for it. Lucy and I had gone two years ago, when she was too little to remember it. This was precisely why Husband wanted to go; to see our girl enjoy herself.
A bonus was that Brandon also came with us, so it was a true family event. We went the Sunday before Labor Day, or the day before the fair ended. It turned out to be a lovely day, and not too crowded by State Fair standards (yet). We left early in the morning and arrived just before 8AM. We hit the high points and a few attractions - Little Farmhands, food, butterfly house, sky ride, Midway games.
My favorites were riding the SkyRide with Lucy (she was SO excited!) and seeing my husband light up when we hit the Midway...and Brandon picking up on it, too. We were out by just a little past noon, right when it was really starting to get crowded and hot. All in all, a perfect day.
This year Husband said early in the summer that he'd like to go to the State Fair.
What's that you say?
Ordinarily, my dearly betrothed has a significant disdain for anything involving large crowds. So I was surprised when he wanted to go to the fair, but completely up for it. Lucy and I had gone two years ago, when she was too little to remember it. This was precisely why Husband wanted to go; to see our girl enjoy herself.
A bonus was that Brandon also came with us, so it was a true family event. We went the Sunday before Labor Day, or the day before the fair ended. It turned out to be a lovely day, and not too crowded by State Fair standards (yet). We left early in the morning and arrived just before 8AM. We hit the high points and a few attractions - Little Farmhands, food, butterfly house, sky ride, Midway games.
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| This Little Farmhand was grumpy to start...but soon turned the frown upside down! |
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| Mmm...Sweet Martha's Cookies. |
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| Somebody was pretty jazzed about the SkyRide. |
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| Brandon was the big winner at Midway games...although I beat him at Whack-A-Mole! |
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| Best malts are from the Dairy Building. |
Monday, July 23, 2012
This weekend we celebrated Big Brother's 19th birthday with a party at Grandpa's house on Friday night. The photos are on Husband's phone, but we had a fish fry, cake, and lots of fun hanging out. It turned out to be a beautiful night and it was so nice to finally be able to sit outside without sweating through our clothes!
Saturday morning we went to see Ice Age 3 with Daddy, Auntie Marcey, and Uncle Haver. It was a cute movie, althought I think it was a little beyond Lucy. It didn't hold her attention and she kept herself busy throughout by moving from lap to lap, eating popcorn, and various other fidgety activities.
That night Brandon came over and we headed to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner and to celebrate his birthday with just our little family. Lucy is always excited to see her big brother and wanted to play with him the whole time. We could barely leave the house, and when we came back afterwards she didn't want him to go home!
Sunday Lucy and I went to nearby Westwood Nature Center. We'd been there once before but the actual nature center was not open, and we didn't explore the trails very much. This time we were able to go inside and also walk around a lot more to see what the nature center has to offer.
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| I'm sure we scared plenty of animals away in this shocking pink outfit! |
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| She was very worried about this tree stump, and we had to look inside to see if the Lorax was going to come out "speak for the trees!" |
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| Inside the nature center, there were plenty of snakes and bugs and lizards to observe. |
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| We found these friends on the way back to the car! |
This was a beautiful space and there is much more to explore, so we look forward to making this one of our "regular" spots!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Summer Weekend Warriors 6/16 - Celebrating Dad
This weekend was another full one. Friday night we were able to take Husband and my father-in-law out for dinner to a new Chinese buffet that we have come to like. Brandon was also able to come, so it was some really great family time.
Saturday we headed south of the metro for a graduation party for the daughter of some friends. They recently built a house on an acreage, so it was fun to see how everything turned out. Lucy was enthralled by their two cats and of course, wanted to follow the dog around everywhere. It was a nice afternoon with great people, and it felt good to step out of the city for a bit.
Sunday of course, was Father's Day. Lucy and I took Husband out to lunch, and later in the afternoon we went wading in Minnehaha Creek and then had Dairy Queen. We sat on a bench to eat our ice cream, but then had to run to the car because it starting pouring! It was a little adventure. Lucy loved walking in the creek with Daddy.
Lucy and I made supper for Husband and gave him some gifts, including this special piece of art Lucy made.
Parties, creek wading, ice cream, thunderstorms. Summer, summer, summer!
This weekend was another full one. Friday night we were able to take Husband and my father-in-law out for dinner to a new Chinese buffet that we have come to like. Brandon was also able to come, so it was some really great family time.
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| Lucy is thrilled anytime her big brother is around! |
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| Couldn't resist the opportunity to snap this 3-generation pic. |
Sunday of course, was Father's Day. Lucy and I took Husband out to lunch, and later in the afternoon we went wading in Minnehaha Creek and then had Dairy Queen. We sat on a bench to eat our ice cream, but then had to run to the car because it starting pouring! It was a little adventure. Lucy loved walking in the creek with Daddy.
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| Might have to find a frame for this one! |
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| Lucy always finds time to give love to her Daddy. |
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| "Daddy...these are the hands you held when I was 3 years old." |
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Easter 2012
We spent Easter up here in Minnesota this year. We celebrated by going to church, having a little indoor egg hunt at home, and then going to Husband's sister's house. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the holiday.
We spent Easter up here in Minnesota this year. We celebrated by going to church, having a little indoor egg hunt at home, and then going to Husband's sister's house. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the holiday.
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| We made cupcakes and dyed eggs on Saturday. Lucy definitely has a love affair with jelly beans. |
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| Mmmm! |
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| Found one! |
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| I used to get these kind of Easter baskets when I was a kid! This was from Grandpa Lee. |
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| Father and son. |
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| Cousin H's bouncy ball was a big hit! |
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
This past weekend we hosted Brandon's graduation party at our house. We set up in the garage and outside in the driveway. Unfortunately, it rained most of the afternoon...but we had fun anyway. The theme was "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." We had hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and baseball-shaped cookies.
It was a lot of work, but we had great help and Brandon really liked the party, so in my mind it was a hit. We even had some surprise visitors from my family - my Aunt Mary and part of her family, and my Uncle Bob and Aunt Beth! I was not expecting that. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great day!
This past weekend we hosted Brandon's graduation party at our house. We set up in the garage and outside in the driveway. Unfortunately, it rained most of the afternoon...but we had fun anyway. The theme was "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." We had hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and baseball-shaped cookies.
It was a lot of work, but we had great help and Brandon really liked the party, so in my mind it was a hit. We even had some surprise visitors from my family - my Aunt Mary and part of her family, and my Uncle Bob and Aunt Beth! I was not expecting that. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great day!
Thursday, June 02, 2011
We Have a Graduate!
Brandon graduated from high school tonight!
This was definitely an education for me. The Hopkins High School Class of 2011 was over 850 strong, with 29 countries of birth represented in the graduates. The ceremony was actually very efficient, with the first hour filled with the processional, speeches, and musical performances. The second hour was the presentation of diplomas, and the names were read one after another, with both sides of the stage going. I was expecting about an hour more [score!]
Brandon's mom and sisters were there, as well as Husband and I, Grandpa Lee, and Lucy. She made it through the entire thing with basically just her usual wiggles. I was poised the entire ceremony to get a photo of Brandon receiving his diploma, but of course that very moment was when Lucy decided to fall into my shoulder. So it was a blurry mess, but as I told Brandon, I'm sure someone will try to sell us a photo. :)
As I sat in Lindbergh Center (the gym) I couldn't help but think about how we will likely be sitting here again in 16 years, and wondering how different things will be then. What will the world look like when this little one is ready to graduate?
We'll cross that bridge when we get to it...we are very proud of Brandon - now it's on to the next step!
Brandon graduated from high school tonight!
This was definitely an education for me. The Hopkins High School Class of 2011 was over 850 strong, with 29 countries of birth represented in the graduates. The ceremony was actually very efficient, with the first hour filled with the processional, speeches, and musical performances. The second hour was the presentation of diplomas, and the names were read one after another, with both sides of the stage going. I was expecting about an hour more [score!]Brandon's mom and sisters were there, as well as Husband and I, Grandpa Lee, and Lucy. She made it through the entire thing with basically just her usual wiggles. I was poised the entire ceremony to get a photo of Brandon receiving his diploma, but of course that very moment was when Lucy decided to fall into my shoulder. So it was a blurry mess, but as I told Brandon, I'm sure someone will try to sell us a photo. :)
As I sat in Lindbergh Center (the gym) I couldn't help but think about how we will likely be sitting here again in 16 years, and wondering how different things will be then. What will the world look like when this little one is ready to graduate?
We'll cross that bridge when we get to it...we are very proud of Brandon - now it's on to the next step!
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Rugby Under the Lights
Lastnight Brandon's rugby team played in the high school stadium, under the lights, for the first time ever. It was a gorgeous evening, and it was so exciting to see the boys take the field. They dominated their opponent (Burnsville), winning 17-3. Brandon had a crew there to watch him - Grandpa; Aunt M and Uncle H; his mom, sister and cousin; and me, Husband and Lucy. The little lady had a grand old time climbing all over the bleachers, and amazingly made it through the entire game (the cookies from Auntie helped, I think!) While I wasn't chasing her around, I was able to get a few photos.
Lastnight Brandon's rugby team played in the high school stadium, under the lights, for the first time ever. It was a gorgeous evening, and it was so exciting to see the boys take the field. They dominated their opponent (Burnsville), winning 17-3. Brandon had a crew there to watch him - Grandpa; Aunt M and Uncle H; his mom, sister and cousin; and me, Husband and Lucy. The little lady had a grand old time climbing all over the bleachers, and amazingly made it through the entire game (the cookies from Auntie helped, I think!) While I wasn't chasing her around, I was able to get a few photos.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas Recap
We had a great Christmas at our house. Lucy really had no concept of what was going on, but she enjoyed opening gifts and talking about "Sata" (Santa). We had Husband's family over for the afternoon, so she got more presents and all kinds of attention. It was a blast. Here are some highlights:
A beanbag from Santa. I think she's got the hang of it, huh?!
A gas card for Brandon...driver's license is coming soon!
Grandma and Grandpa and the aunties and uncles showered both kids with lots of gifts. Lucy got some new babies and a little stroller to push them around in.
Of course, Lucy gave some love too! Here she is with her cousin, Miss H. Is this not the CUTEST?!
We travel to Iowa for another Christmas this weekend, and a special anniversary celebration for Grandma and Grandpa. Should be lots of fun!
We had a great Christmas at our house. Lucy really had no concept of what was going on, but she enjoyed opening gifts and talking about "Sata" (Santa). We had Husband's family over for the afternoon, so she got more presents and all kinds of attention. It was a blast. Here are some highlights:
A beanbag from Santa. I think she's got the hang of it, huh?!
A gas card for Brandon...driver's license is coming soon!
Grandma and Grandpa and the aunties and uncles showered both kids with lots of gifts. Lucy got some new babies and a little stroller to push them around in.
Of course, Lucy gave some love too! Here she is with her cousin, Miss H. Is this not the CUTEST?!
We travel to Iowa for another Christmas this weekend, and a special anniversary celebration for Grandma and Grandpa. Should be lots of fun!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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