Yay for the weekend!

We've had a REALLY relaxed weekend so far...it's been GREAT! Corbin spent some time with Pie-Pie (my Dad) today working on his pinewood derby car for AWANA's. They are making it to look like the Bumblebee Camaro on Transformers...as you can imagine, he is totally stoked! And Derek and I have been trying to get the laundry caught up after being gone over Spring Break...the last load is going to be in the dryer very soon...HOORAY!!!
Well...just thought I would share some LO's I did last night of the boys (this is one of my favorite pictures taken by Lissa Anglin)



and Remi...



Well...that is all for tonight! We will be busy most of the day tomorrow...have a blessed rest of your weekend!
Em

The phone just rang...

And on the other end was my awesome, little Corbin...he made an 86 on his TAKS test!!
This has a been a huge burden for him all year...and he passed with flying colors!! We knew he could do it...and in the end he finally gained the confidence, also!
Thanks to those who encouraged and prayed for him!
EM

I've been tagged...

Ok, so I'm supposed to post 7 random facts about me...Norma tagged me this afternoon...so here goes:

1. I once had turquoise hair and a tongue ring.

2. Singing is my passion. I used to dress up and "perform" for my parents and their friends when I was little.

3. I was once in a commercial for a local department store I worked at.

4. When I was in HS I owned over a hundred pairs of shoes.

5. Any Cub fans out there?? I dated Kerry Wood's brother in college (my closest encounter with anyone famous)

6. I can fall asleep anywhere, anytime if I get still enough.

7. I am still friends with my elementary school buddies.

Ok...I'm supposed to tag others...but it looks like just about everyone else has been tagged already! So, oh well...there ya go!

New York City, baby...

OK...FINALLY the moment you have all been waiting for...Hee Hee..J/K! But really, here are some pics and a little summary of my trip!


The first night was pretty uneventful, we went to Rockefeller Center...this is where the ice-skating rink is and during Christmas they have the big giant tree...well in place of the tree (since it is not Christmas...duh!) they had this...



the electric fountain...It actually kinda looks like water at night...pretty cool!!

We then went to "The Top of the Rock" aka: the top of Rockefeller Center and you could see over the entire city. It was amazing and very surreal...It took me a while to actually realize I was there. Here is a shot from the top...it was St. Patty's Day, so the Empire State building was green!! It was a different color everyday! :)















The next day we went to see Lady Liberty...This is when my more grown-up, sentimental side started coming into play...I almost cried. My mom ALWAYS dreamed of going to NYC, but she never had the chance before she died...I kept thinking what she would have thought if she had seen her...they would have had a lot in common, both strong, both beautiful. This is also the only thing Corbin asked me take a picture of, so I got several shots of her...here are my faves...

We also passed by Ellis Island, but unfortunately did not have the chance to stop there and look around...



We then ended up at Battery Park, where the The Sphere is now located. Its original home was in between the two towers...here is a before (copied off a website)
























and after...



We went and saw the Blue Man Group that night...and it was HILARIOUS!! I laughed soo hard the entire time...if you ever have the chance to go, you should!!

The next day we took a tour...it was very cold and rainy...and our last stop was ground zero...another sentimental moment for me...It was VERY difficult to keep my composure, but I didn't want to seem like a psycho tourist...so I managed. You can't really see anything from the pics...there's A LOT of construction going on and they are in the process of bringing down the last building that was unable to be stabalized. Here is the best picture I have...




The rest of the day was spent seeing Phantom of the Opera (AWESOME!) and Mary Poppins (also AWESOME!). I have ALWAYS wanted to actually go to NY and see a Broadway musical...so this was a dream come true! I wanna see more!

Sooo...most of the remaining time there was spent shopping and eating! We went to Tiffany's, Macy's, Trump Tower...EVERYWHERE! I almost bought a ring at Tiffany's...I fell in love with it and just wanted to splurge on something...I never buy anything of substance for myself and I was ready! As I was walking up to get the ring, I said, "Ok Lord, if I'm making the wrong decision they won't have my size, and I'll just walk away." Soo, guess what...they didn't have my size!! HA! So I went to Anthropologie and bought some earrings, a shirt and 3 pot holders....and saved a TON of cash! :)

All in all it was a fabulous trip...Despite almost getting runover by a cabbie:P!

Please forgive my crazy pictures...they were not cooperating with me AND for this lengthy post!! ARGH!
Em

Easter

We had a BUSY weekend...I still haven't finished unpacking! And the week has been just as busy so far! Sorry I haven't updated!
We had a lot of family in town and we had a lot of fun hanging out, playing cards, a little Rock Band, and just visiting! My brother and his family came over to our house on Monday and we hung out all afternoon and then we had small group that night. This morning we had some friends over for breakfast, then I had Bible study and I had Bunko tonight! Whew! Derek is leaving tomorrow for the rest of the week...so I think it will probably be crazy around here until this weekend! But it does make the time go by fast...I guess that's good and bad...
Anywho...I wanted to post some pics of us from Easter. The pictures really did not turn out all that great, and I'm not sure why and Bryson was NOT cooperating...but I still think they're pretty cute!



























Hope you all had a Happy Easter!
I will post some NYC pics soon!

Ember

I'm back...

and still in one piece! WHEW!
I had a blast in NYC! It was quite a trip and I can't wait to go back and take Derek with me! I'll post more later with some pics. I am pooped right now, so I think I'm gonna try to get some more rest after lunch!

Ember

Spring Break!!

Sorry I've been so out of touch the last few days! We have had a lot going on...
Anywho...I just wanted to let you know that I will not be posting all next week. I had initally planned on taking my computer, but changed my mind today...soo, I will tell you all about NYC when I get back. I don't think I will have much time while I'm there anyway...

A few updates...
Derek's sister's surgery went well and the mass was not cancer!! Last we heard she was recovering well and would go home soon! That is a huge praise...thanks for all of your prayers! Also, our friend that was having the breathing problems is doing somewhat better. They still don't have a diagnosis, but they do know her lungs and heart are in great shape! Another HUGE praise!! She has another appt. tomorrow, so hopefully they will be able to pinpoint the problem and fix it!

That's all I have folks!
'til next week...

Em

I don't know...

I hate the pressure of trying to come up with a catchy title...my brain just didn't have one today!! :)

So...today Derek and I went and ate lunch with Corbin at his school. They are having a special week for parents to hang during lunch, so we decided to take advantage of it! Corbin was SO excited to see us and even more excited to see his favorite meal...Subway! Another little boy from his class asked to sit with us, of course we said yes, and he talked our ears off. He was cute, and asked us what he thought we'd get him for his B-day next week...kids are soo funny! Anywho, after we ate we went to the playground for a little friendly game of...teatherball?? Yep...they all line up to get a piece of the action. Here's Corbin ...
















On to some scrappy news...I have been asked to be on a Design Team for a new sketch blog called Triple the Sketch. The "founder", Patter Cross, also heads up the Scripture Challenge that I am involved with at CMK. I couldn't be more excited and honored to be a part of something so incredibly awesome...Go check it out here for all of the exciting info and to subscribe to the blog!

Also, yesterday my layout down there...the one with Corbin and I on Valentine's Day was named LayOut of the Day @ CMK!! I was pretty excited about that, too!

All and all it has been a really great week. We haven't heard yet how Derek's sister's surgery went, but hopefully everything went well. We also have a good friend who has been having some issues with her breathing. They have run several tests and still don't have any idea what is causing the problem. Please pray for her, she goes back to the DR on Monday...so pray she has a restful weekend and that her breathing problems go away!

Only 3 more days until NYC!!


Ember

"O" Who??

Just wanted to share a few things...
Derek just HAD to send a picture of Bryson to one of our friends today...who just happens to be an OU fan...Soo, this is what he sent him:



















I think this is Derek's favorite shirt and would probably try to wear it himself if it weren't so tiny!


And I also did a scrapbook page today of Corbin and I on Valentine's Day. We had strawberry floats, which were REALLY good, to drink and his teacher snapped a pic of us sharing!! She had all the mom's that were there do this with their kiddo...SOO cute!!
























One more thing...Derek's sister is having surgery on Thursday to remove a mass on her thyroid. They are not sure if it is cancer at this time, but will know more during and after the surgery. Please pray for her, her daughter, family, friends and all doctors and nurses involved.

Ember

Long time no blog...

Well, kinda! I feel like I haven't been here in FOREVER!!

Things have been a little out of wack...so let me try and catch up...

Derek is home...he didn't have any problems on either flights Friday. What a huge blessing!! We were all very excited for him to be home. He was supposed to go on a trip this week, too...but he didn't end up going and he's still here with us this week!! YAY!!

I had some kind of crud and slept almost the entire weekend. It was nice to get caught up on sleep!! I'm feeling much better today!

Next week is Spring Break, and I am going to New York City. It will be my first time there and I can't wait! I haven't even started packing yet...EEEK!! But I will soon!

I guess that is about it...not a whole heck of a lot going on...which is a good thing :)

Have a great week!!
Ember

Counting down the hours...

Until my DH is home!! It should be 12 more hours, but the weather in Dallas is a little nasty...Please pray for no complications tomorrow! Bryson is really missing him, he just doesn't really understand why he's gone...he keeps asking if he can go see him :(

Well...we survived the TAKS test. Corbin thinks he did really well, I think they get the grades back in a few weeks, so we'll see. Thanks for all that prayed for him during this time. It was MUCH appreciated!!

Soooo...

Today was KDO at our church and I was able to get some stuff done around the house and then go...yep, you guessed it, scrap! This weeks challenge was to stamp ON the picture...I think I went a little swirl crazy...:D
























It's from our trip to Hawaii, in 2005. I'm starting to wonder if I will EVER be caught up. I still have quite a ways to go...which I think is a good thing...although Derek might disagree!!:D

I'll leave you with some Brysie cuteness...He calls his VeggieTales movie PonyTails! :P

Em

Nerver...Voting...TAKS test

Ok...so I just realized today that instead of my address saying "never"adullmoment...it says "nerver"adullmoment. HOW ANNOYING!!! Well, I've already sent out the info and neveradullmoment is already taken, so I'm gonna have to leave it. **sigh**

Today was a pretty busy day...Bible study, lunch, visitor, errands, another visitor, grocery store, Corbin's reading tutor, dinner, bath for Bry, another visitor...now I'm ready to go to my scraproom, but I think I should probably just go to bed. We'll see.
Speaking of scrapping...I've decided to share that on here also! Here is a layout I did of Remi (our Jack Russell) yesterday:
























She's such a pretty princess!! I love it!

Today was the TX primary and I went to vote and couldn't. I was a little upset! I thought when you changed your address on your license it also changed your voter registration...??? Whatever...I went ahead and registered so I can be ready to vote in Nov.

Tomorrow is the TAKS test for Corbin...so be thinking and praying for him. Up until about a month ago he was having some serious anxiety and acting completely ridiculous at school. I met with his teacher, the counselor, the principal and then a had SERIOUS talk with him and he's been fine ever since. He told me tonight the TAKS test use to be his worst enemy and now it is his best friend. He's so silly!

3 more days until Derek comes home. Can't wait...I think the boy's feelings are mutual!! We miss you Honey/Dad!! :D

Until next time...
Ember

Ok....here is the after!

So after a long week working hard...here is the almost finished product:



They did a GREAT job!! Thanks Honey, Chad and Tye...and Dad and Tina for helping with the carpet and water clean up!!
Now we just need to work on those doors...

Moving on...

Yesterday was a BEAUTIFUL day...The boys and I went to my dad's for lunch after church and Bryson was outside swinging and playing football and now this is what it looks like:


We didn't get a ton of snow or anything...but the wind is ridiculous! Derek is in New Orleans all week and I saw on the news that they were under T-storm or Tornado watches. The weather is really being kinda silly right now...I'm ready for Spring!!

Happy Monday!
Ember

Yep...We're bloggin'

I am REALLY horrible at keeping in touch with people, sending pictures, etc., etc...
I've been thinking about doing this for a while, but just felt like it would be a waste of time. It's free...so I'm gonna give it a whirl!
I am going to try VERY hard to keep it updated. Hope you all enjoy taking a peek into our crazy lives :)

Here's the damage

So...I thought I would share some pictures of our lovely room after gallons of water meandered its way through...



Looks pretty awesome, eh?!

The guys finally got all the new flooring down and all the new trim put up and then quickly realized a small problem....the bedroom and bathroom doors would not open...?? Hmmmm...well, you see, they are pocket doors and they were both open when the new trim was nailed in and the nails just so happen to be long enough to reach into the doors as well. How lucky for us!! So, now the trim will have to be re-removed and re-nailed...I'm hoping it doesn't brake AGAIN and the we don't have to replace it AGAIN! Meanwhile, I am without curtains, blinds and closing doors in my bedroom and bathroom! WOO-HOOO!!