I hope Bono is proud. Not only am I supporting his cause, I'm finally sitting up all by myself.
All in a day's work.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Look!
I hope Bono is proud. Not only am I supporting his cause, I'm finally sitting up all by myself.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
32!!!!!
The mommy brain/lack of creativity strikes again. This is a very similar post as the one I wrote last year for Wade's birthday with a few edits and updates. It all still fits, so why not go green and recycle?
32 years ago today, Robert Wade Strzinek (a.k.a. Strz, Wader, Spaz, Wadely, George, etc.) was brought into this world. Many of you would probably agree that the world was never the same...for the better, of course! As a birthday tribute, here are 32 reasons to celebrate Wade (in no particular order):
1. He gives 110% to whatever he commits to.
2. His music taste is pretty eclectic and ranges from the Beatles to U2 to Wayne Newton (yep, Wayne Newton).
3. He is one of the most honest people I know. In fact, I've never caught him in a lie.
4. He is a great VBS emcee...the kids love him.
5. He can laugh at himself.
6. He is romantic.
7. He is well read. I really have no idea how he makes it through so many books so fast.
8. He knows no stranger and can make friends immediately.
9. He is a history buff and really knows what he's talking about.
10. He can communicate to all ages...from the 5-year-olds in a Sunday School class to grandparents.
11. He appreciates and desires family time.
12. He is a wonderful, fun uncle.
13. He knows how to play the drums.
14. He takes his job seriously and does a great job at it.
15. He doesn't act like he's 32.
16. He speaks French.
17. He teaches me that it’s OK to take risks.
18. He always dresses nice and is put together.
19. He rode his bike 150 miles in 2 days for charity 2 years in a row!
20. He’s funny.
21. He does dishes.
22. He will be so embarrassed by this, but, he is a good kisser!
23. He’s a creative and entertaining blogger.
24. He can laugh with me for hours after watching an episode of “The Office.”
25. He can laugh with me for hours after watching an episode of “The Colbert Report.”
26. He loves my family and fits in perfectly with our quirkiness.
27. He’s a great dog dad. Macy looks around the house for him when he’s gone.
28. He can always remember and quote lines from movies.
29. He does great yard work.
30. He is trustworthy.
31. His faith is genuine, real, and his own.
32. This last year has shown me an entire new side of Wade--a wonderful, loving, compassionate, and hands-on Daddy.
Sounds like a pretty good guy to me. Happy Birthday Wade…love you!
32 years ago today, Robert Wade Strzinek (a.k.a. Strz, Wader, Spaz, Wadely, George, etc.) was brought into this world. Many of you would probably agree that the world was never the same...for the better, of course! As a birthday tribute, here are 32 reasons to celebrate Wade (in no particular order):
1. He gives 110% to whatever he commits to.
2. His music taste is pretty eclectic and ranges from the Beatles to U2 to Wayne Newton (yep, Wayne Newton).
3. He is one of the most honest people I know. In fact, I've never caught him in a lie.
4. He is a great VBS emcee...the kids love him.
5. He can laugh at himself.
6. He is romantic.
7. He is well read. I really have no idea how he makes it through so many books so fast.
8. He knows no stranger and can make friends immediately.
9. He is a history buff and really knows what he's talking about.
10. He can communicate to all ages...from the 5-year-olds in a Sunday School class to grandparents.
11. He appreciates and desires family time.
12. He is a wonderful, fun uncle.
13. He knows how to play the drums.
14. He takes his job seriously and does a great job at it.
15. He doesn't act like he's 32.
16. He speaks French.
17. He teaches me that it’s OK to take risks.
18. He always dresses nice and is put together.
19. He rode his bike 150 miles in 2 days for charity 2 years in a row!
20. He’s funny.
21. He does dishes.
22. He will be so embarrassed by this, but, he is a good kisser!
23. He’s a creative and entertaining blogger.
24. He can laugh with me for hours after watching an episode of “The Office.”
25. He can laugh with me for hours after watching an episode of “The Colbert Report.”
26. He loves my family and fits in perfectly with our quirkiness.
27. He’s a great dog dad. Macy looks around the house for him when he’s gone.
28. He can always remember and quote lines from movies.
29. He does great yard work.
30. He is trustworthy.
31. His faith is genuine, real, and his own.
32. This last year has shown me an entire new side of Wade--a wonderful, loving, compassionate, and hands-on Daddy.
Sounds like a pretty good guy to me. Happy Birthday Wade…love you!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
I Am Woman...
OK, so I'm not quite roaring, but I was pretty proud today. I've always considered myself to be one of those independent kinda women (Destiny's Child song now in my head). I like to be able to take care of myself to some degree.
That is with the exception of anything having to do with cars. I hate dealing with buying a car, fixing a car, or even putting gas in a car. It's for the birds...or for people into cars at least. Anyway, today marked a breakthrough in my complete car cluelessness.
I jump started a car all by myself!
I know that sounds pathetic, but it really is quite an accomplishment for me. Someone was at our house this morning and when trying to leave realized their car wouldn't start. Uh-oh...this is car-related, so I better call Wade. He wasn't available, so I decided I was a big girl and could figure it out.
Before you knew it...I managed to match the color-coded jumper cables to the battery, start the car, start the other car, and presto! To my own complete amazement, it really worked!
I'm sure I wasn't the most graceful car-jumper-starter, as I was sweating bullets in the 100 degree heat. But hey, that made it feel even more authentic. Before Wade gets too excited about my new found skill, I'm pretty sure this is where it stops. No side-of-the-road tire changes for me...that's what AAA is for!
That is with the exception of anything having to do with cars. I hate dealing with buying a car, fixing a car, or even putting gas in a car. It's for the birds...or for people into cars at least. Anyway, today marked a breakthrough in my complete car cluelessness.
I jump started a car all by myself!
I know that sounds pathetic, but it really is quite an accomplishment for me. Someone was at our house this morning and when trying to leave realized their car wouldn't start. Uh-oh...this is car-related, so I better call Wade. He wasn't available, so I decided I was a big girl and could figure it out.
Before you knew it...I managed to match the color-coded jumper cables to the battery, start the car, start the other car, and presto! To my own complete amazement, it really worked!
I'm sure I wasn't the most graceful car-jumper-starter, as I was sweating bullets in the 100 degree heat. But hey, that made it feel even more authentic. Before Wade gets too excited about my new found skill, I'm pretty sure this is where it stops. No side-of-the-road tire changes for me...that's what AAA is for!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Another New Chapter
The past week or so has been tough and the waterworks have flowed at times as Wade & I closed a chapter in our lives. I know that sounds melodramatic, but it really is how it feels. Today was our last Sunday at our church.
Lately most things for us seem to be moving more west, so we knew this day was coming. We were able to do the 30+ minute commute (with no traffic) to Lewisville a lot easier before Tate was here. As with many things in life, things changed after Tate, and it seemed to be time for this change.
As we shared the news with our friends at the lake last weekend and others this past week and today, so many have been very supportive and understanding, saying it’s the right decision to make for our family. Thank you for helping making it somewhat easier. :)
There are probably some people that might not understand why changing churches would be so difficult. After all, we’re not moving away. But, the people at this church have truly been an extended family for us the past 8 years.
We will cherish the memories and friendships. Although I know that the friendships will not go away (they better not!), I am sad to know they won’t be quite the same. I’m confident that we’ll find a new church that 8 years from now we’ll feel similar about. But right now, I think back to so many important memories.
This is the only church that Wade and I have known as a married couple. So as the church has grown, we’ve grown up along the way. We’ve had so much fun and have created lifelong friendships that I’m forever grateful for.
I think back to the early years of being married, the early years our careers, the days of wanting and losing a baby, and the recent months of learning to be parents. Our church family has helped us get through so many of those life events. They haven’t always been easy times, but we have so many memories of laughing, crying, singing, praying, working hard, and just being around great people.
But, we know it’s time and this is a new chapter for our new family of three. As sad as I’ve been, there is some eagerness to see where we will end up. This part scares me, because I seem to get shy (that may surprise some of you) in places where I don’t know a lot of people. But, it really is a good thing. It seems almost selfish to think that we could be so blessed yet again, but our hope and prayer is to find someplace closer to home, but one where we can create many more special memories.
Lately most things for us seem to be moving more west, so we knew this day was coming. We were able to do the 30+ minute commute (with no traffic) to Lewisville a lot easier before Tate was here. As with many things in life, things changed after Tate, and it seemed to be time for this change.
As we shared the news with our friends at the lake last weekend and others this past week and today, so many have been very supportive and understanding, saying it’s the right decision to make for our family. Thank you for helping making it somewhat easier. :)
There are probably some people that might not understand why changing churches would be so difficult. After all, we’re not moving away. But, the people at this church have truly been an extended family for us the past 8 years.
We will cherish the memories and friendships. Although I know that the friendships will not go away (they better not!), I am sad to know they won’t be quite the same. I’m confident that we’ll find a new church that 8 years from now we’ll feel similar about. But right now, I think back to so many important memories.
This is the only church that Wade and I have known as a married couple. So as the church has grown, we’ve grown up along the way. We’ve had so much fun and have created lifelong friendships that I’m forever grateful for.
I think back to the early years of being married, the early years our careers, the days of wanting and losing a baby, and the recent months of learning to be parents. Our church family has helped us get through so many of those life events. They haven’t always been easy times, but we have so many memories of laughing, crying, singing, praying, working hard, and just being around great people.
But, we know it’s time and this is a new chapter for our new family of three. As sad as I’ve been, there is some eagerness to see where we will end up. This part scares me, because I seem to get shy (that may surprise some of you) in places where I don’t know a lot of people. But, it really is a good thing. It seems almost selfish to think that we could be so blessed yet again, but our hope and prayer is to find someplace closer to home, but one where we can create many more special memories.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Lake Weekend
What do you get when you combine a lake, 8 kids (6 of which are all under the age of 3) and 12 adults (there could've been 4 more adults and 4 more kiddos...we missed you guys!)? Complete chaos? Well yes, plus a lot of fun. We just got back from our 4th annual trip to Lake Brownwood with our great group of friends from church.
It was a bittersweet trip for reasons I'll blog about later (not enough energy tonight), but I was reminded of what a unique and special group of friends this is. We've all gone through together what's felt like just about every life experience...loss of a parent, desire for babies, birth of babies, loss of babies, a parent's cancer diagnosis, marriage, job changes, and all of the other ups and downs of life you can imagine. They are a special group, and one that I am so thankful for.
The dynamic has changed a lot with the addition of 10 kids in the last 3 years from the original 2 we started with. But, we still had a great time water skiing, swimming, tubing, eating (good every year), and catching up.
This is also the lake where I learned to water ski several years ago. For someone who is not very athletic or sporty, I've been surprised at how much I enjoy it. So since I was pregnant last summer and couldn't ski, I was determined to this year, even despite my recent weird back/hip pain. Yeah, not the smartest decision on my part. I did have one really good run and got up on the first try. The second try...not so much. Still hurting today.
Isn't it fun getting old?
It was a bittersweet trip for reasons I'll blog about later (not enough energy tonight), but I was reminded of what a unique and special group of friends this is. We've all gone through together what's felt like just about every life experience...loss of a parent, desire for babies, birth of babies, loss of babies, a parent's cancer diagnosis, marriage, job changes, and all of the other ups and downs of life you can imagine. They are a special group, and one that I am so thankful for.
The dynamic has changed a lot with the addition of 10 kids in the last 3 years from the original 2 we started with. But, we still had a great time water skiing, swimming, tubing, eating (good every year), and catching up.
This is also the lake where I learned to water ski several years ago. For someone who is not very athletic or sporty, I've been surprised at how much I enjoy it. So since I was pregnant last summer and couldn't ski, I was determined to this year, even despite my recent weird back/hip pain. Yeah, not the smartest decision on my part. I did have one really good run and got up on the first try. The second try...not so much. Still hurting today.
Isn't it fun getting old?
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Happy 8 Months Baby Tate!
Another month has flown by, and Tate is now 8 months old.
A big reason the month has gone so fast is that we’ve been out of town just about every weekend. So Tate has put on the miles in the car seat and has been all over Texas overnighting it in the Pack & Play. He’s done great, and I am so thankful that he is such a good sleeper.
Now that the true Texas summer has arrived (heat index over 100), Tate has had a blast swimming as much as possible. The second he hits the water, his legs go into high gear kicking. He loves it, but doesn’t quite enjoy when Grandpa puts him underwater. Maybe next summer.
He hasn’t had any major physical developments or milestones this month. I’m thinking he may be a late bloomer on some of those. He is still so close to sitting up on his own for an extended period of time. He can sit up for a little bit, but then once those legs get kicking, he falls over to his back. But, this has not stopped him from rolling all over the place. I think the days of the play mat are just about over.
It has been lots of fun watching him continue to discover new things. He seems to really enjoy being outside and watching people. And he continues to find his voice---often as loud as possible.
Each day I realize that I love this little boy more than I could've ever dreamed possible.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Future Wrestler or Body Contortionist?
One of Tate's favorite things lately is to play on the guest room bed, especially after I've stripped the sheets down, and roll all over the place. Whatever works is my motto!!
This video cracked me up. He seems to be a pretty determined little guy, while almost the entire time, keeping his thumb in his mouth. Is that talent or what?
This video cracked me up. He seems to be a pretty determined little guy, while almost the entire time, keeping his thumb in his mouth. Is that talent or what?
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
TCB (as Elvis says) in Memphis
Yes, I did some “taking care of business” Elvis-style in Memphis this past weekend. It was a fun-filled long weekend with one of my bestest friends ever, Paige. I headed to Little Rock to see her, Bert, and little Anna. And then the 2 of us took a quick rode trip to Memphis. I had never been there but really enjoyed the city. In just over 24 hours, we packed in about as much as possible.
We did the obligatory (although many people I’ve talked to didn’t seem to feel quite as obligated) tour of Graceland. My impressions…the ‘70s were a rough period for home decorating, Elvis really was revolutionary (and cute), and extravagance has taken on a whole new meaning in 2007 (he bought Graceland for only $100,000!!).
Then we enjoyed some classic Memphis barbecue at the famous Rendevous restaurant. We kept hearing about the “sausage and cheese” appetizer, so we were in a wild and crazy mood and ordered one. It pretty much tasted just like sausage and just like a stick of cheese. Strange?? The pork ribs were very impressive, though.
Then we headed down to the famous Beale Street (the birthplace of Rock 'N Roll and home of blues) for a night out on the town. We found a fun little quaint club and listened to some authentic blues music. Honestly, I didn’t understand most of what he was saying/singing, but he sure was having fun. And I have a whole new appreciation for the harmonica!
So the 2 crazy party girls that we are (ha!), we were rushing back to the hotel around 11:00 p.m. and crashed. :)
So the 2 crazy party girls that we are (ha!), we were rushing back to the hotel around 11:00 p.m. and crashed. :)
The next day included a humbling visit to the Civil Rights Museum. If you are ever in Memphis, you must visit this museum. It is very well done and includes a sobering view of past ignorance.
During part of the tour, you walk through a similar bus that Rosa Parks stood her ground by sitting in her seat. I’ve heard that story for years, but walking through that bus just put it in a whole new perspective for me. I can’t imagine the humiliation and shame African Americans must have felt to be told they were second-class citizens just because of the color of their skin. And the most horrific thing to me is that this was only 40-50 years ago!
The museum was built adjacent to the Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. It became eerily quiet as you walk through the hotel room and hear his powerful words on the audio tour. I was again reminded of the incredible and brave work he did in such a short lifetime.
There is so much more information in the museum that was very informative, while at times, very disturbing. But as difficult as it is to see and learn about, it is our history. Check out their website.
We finished off Memphis with lunch at the Arcade Restaurant, which is the oldest cafe in the city. The movies The Client and Great Balls of Fire were also filmed there. Fun!
The weekend was so much fun for several reasons. As always, any time I get to spend with my friend and her family is special. We have been friends since our freshman year at ACU. In 13 years of friendship, we have been through some pretty incredible ups and downs in life together. She is a faithful and loyal friend, one of those that you know without a doubt you’ll be friends with your entire life.
It was also fun for me because this was my first extended time away on my own since Tate was born. It felt very strange not having to pack a diaper bag each day or worry about what clothes conceal spit up the best. Of course I missed him, but I didn’t let that take away from a great trip. And it was so fun to see that big gummy smile when I got home.
And it ended up being a celebratory weekend after all for Paige, because she had just received word about a brand new job as “Dr. Reynolds” teaching English classes in the fall at the University of Central Arkansas. Woo-hoo! She has worked long and hard for this, and I’m SO excited for her!
During part of the tour, you walk through a similar bus that Rosa Parks stood her ground by sitting in her seat. I’ve heard that story for years, but walking through that bus just put it in a whole new perspective for me. I can’t imagine the humiliation and shame African Americans must have felt to be told they were second-class citizens just because of the color of their skin. And the most horrific thing to me is that this was only 40-50 years ago!
The museum was built adjacent to the Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. It became eerily quiet as you walk through the hotel room and hear his powerful words on the audio tour. I was again reminded of the incredible and brave work he did in such a short lifetime.
There is so much more information in the museum that was very informative, while at times, very disturbing. But as difficult as it is to see and learn about, it is our history. Check out their website.
We finished off Memphis with lunch at the Arcade Restaurant, which is the oldest cafe in the city. The movies The Client and Great Balls of Fire were also filmed there. Fun!
The weekend was so much fun for several reasons. As always, any time I get to spend with my friend and her family is special. We have been friends since our freshman year at ACU. In 13 years of friendship, we have been through some pretty incredible ups and downs in life together. She is a faithful and loyal friend, one of those that you know without a doubt you’ll be friends with your entire life.
It was also fun for me because this was my first extended time away on my own since Tate was born. It felt very strange not having to pack a diaper bag each day or worry about what clothes conceal spit up the best. Of course I missed him, but I didn’t let that take away from a great trip. And it was so fun to see that big gummy smile when I got home.
And it ended up being a celebratory weekend after all for Paige, because she had just received word about a brand new job as “Dr. Reynolds” teaching English classes in the fall at the University of Central Arkansas. Woo-hoo! She has worked long and hard for this, and I’m SO excited for her!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Misc. Motherhood
Isn’t it 2007? Doesn’t that mean that most dads these days are taking the partnership approach to parenting? If not, please don’t tell Wade. I’ve convinced him it’s the thing to do now. Anyway, if we’ve come this far in having active participating dads, why does the Blue Mesa Grill have a changing table in the women’s restroom but not the men’s restroom?
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I love a good sale! I’ve been eyeing the Target clearance rack lately and was holding out until I knew the prices were at their lowest. Score!
4 pair of shorts, $0.98 each
2 onesies, $0.98 each
1 onesie, $1.48
1 pair of shorts, $1.48
Although I was the only one standing in the aisle, I grabbed those suckers before anyone else had a chance. :) Note to family members, Tate doesn’t need a new pair of shorts until he’s about 3 years old.
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
I love a good sale! I’ve been eyeing the Target clearance rack lately and was holding out until I knew the prices were at their lowest. Score!
4 pair of shorts, $0.98 each
2 onesies, $0.98 each
1 onesie, $1.48
1 pair of shorts, $1.48
Although I was the only one standing in the aisle, I grabbed those suckers before anyone else had a chance. :) Note to family members, Tate doesn’t need a new pair of shorts until he’s about 3 years old.
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I made a promise to myself not to be the mom that goes over the top talking about the over-achieving accomplishments of my child. Easier said than done, right? Humor me for a little, because this one was too cute. I put Tate in the Exersaucer the other day and ran to get the mail. I came right back and as I walked by him, I seriously think he said "ma ma."
It was really hot outside, so maybe I was hallucinating. And yeah, I know he probably didn't mean to say it to me or even associates that word with me yet. But instead of a bout of good timing, I'm thinking "ma ma" is already his first word! :)
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