31 December 2008

The End of 2008...

Busy year. Two jobs, big trip to Texas, and, oh yeah, growing children. On this last day of the year, we'll try not to become too introspective, but we were busy, that's for sure. And busy yesterday too, what with the carpet cleaning, oil changing, car inspecting, toy playing, Christmas tree/light taking downing, and so much more. Phew! A slower day today. A run, trip to K-mart, and no big New Year's plans. We need a rest!

29 December 2008

Home Again!


We survived another trip up North to the Great White North. Well, this year the Great White was the Great Green as temps soared into the high 60s in Pittsburgh. Our trip to Pittsburgh was nice, as we actually got out to the playground across the street, then we went over to a local library that I never knew existed. And what a library! It was in a large, older building. The floors were wood, they creaked, and the childrens' section was huge! Madison did an awesome job reading to both Lucy and Myra. Cole found lots of military books, and Uncle Gary rented movies. Yup, their library actually rents out movies. So cool!
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We got to finally have a Bull Dogs hotdog. It was alright, and their fries weren't bad. Coming home was a long trip, but we're home now, and have big plans for the week. Photos will be coming soon, as will the changing of the cars' oil, the cleaning of the carpets, and the cleaning of the sinks. Fun times!

24 December 2008

Merry Christmas Eve!

So it starts! After a fun day yesterday (we met Greysen and Emma Kate at Marbles), Christmas Eve is here! This morning we hung out, I went for a 4 miler, then we went to Falls Dam and hiked around. Definitely a lot of fun being out in the open with the girls. And few were out to join us. I envision the rest out at the malls, stuck in traffic, and grumbly. Ahh...the outdoors!
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Once MJ wakes up, we will pack up to head to the Flanigans for Christmas Eve dinner. Mark, Christie, Aidan, and Maeve flew in this morning. Shannon will be up as well, so a nice family gathering. Then after presents tomorrow morning, we are heading up to PA for a few days, and we're looking forward to all those 'free cupoccino stops' at Sheetz! I think there are 7 on the way!

19 December 2008

A SUITE Hockey Game...


Yeah, pretty good pun there, eh? Well, after many opportunities washed out, we finally attended a hockey game from a luxury suite. All four of us went, plus it was Bobblehead Night! As you can see, the girls throughly enjoyed it!

14 December 2008

Tea For Two...or Six...

Tea PartyOur girls experienced the high life last weekend! Kerry, her cousins, and the girls decided to hold a 'high tea' with dress up, cookie decorating, and some serious fun. I love the creativity of my wife, providing all these opportunities for our girls. Neat, neat things! Of course I am a little late in posting, but the meaning is still there!

13 December 2008

What Do My Snow Preferences Say About Me?




Your Snow Test Says You're Independent



You feel like something good will happen to you in the next few days.



You love to work, especially when work is creative. You have the makings of a successful artist.



You are an independent, individualistic person. You thrive when you're doing your own thing.



Your biggest worry in your life is your health. You tend to be a bit of a hypochondriac.



When it comes time to relax, you have difficulty relaxing. You are a bit high strung.

My Linuxy, Christmasy, Baby Girl!

Optimistic View...


No matter if we make the playoffs again, ever, we'll always have this:

Definitely Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

I believe the hint is when you see the zambonis with Christmas lights onChristmas Zambonis
Kerry and I received the pleasure to take in a Canes game while the in-laws watched the girls. It was our first together since before Myra. Hard to believe! We wished the outcome was a little better (Canes lost in OT), but I knew that would happen with the new/old coach. Yup, shortly before that, the Canes fired Stanley Cup winning coach Peter Laviolette to replace him with Paul Maurice. Yes, the Paul Maurice that was fired from the Hurricanes. Yes, the Paul Maurice that was fired from the Toronto Maple Leafs after not making the playoffs at all.
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Players, even from different teams, do get in the holiday spirit! Look at this hugging! {/sarcasm}

Lucy and Myra Boogie to the Bunny Hop

I remember posting the video of Lucy doing the Bunny Hop a few years ago. Now Myra gets involved. And she is quite the little dancer!

04 December 2008

Surfing The Web!

On the computer
Boy, how my girls love the computer! They are actually quite good at navigating around. We spend some time on a variety of websites, including Starfall (www.starfall.com), Sesame Street, and even some YouTube videos. Lucy spends some time on some painting applications, and she especially enjoys TuxPaint, a free, open-source application. Lately, we have been designing cards for family using Open Office.
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We try not to have them use the computer too much, as too much like TV, but I think we also realize these digital resources will be their future. I think, in moderation, we are providing them with the tools they will need as they grow-up. And Daddy likes to share those with his girls! (-:

NCETC 2008


Back to Greensboro for yet another conference. Unfortunately, I believe this may be the last for awhile. I just do not pull as much from the conference like I used to. I guess it is not exclusive to this conference, as I felt this overall at NECC as well. In the future, I plan to open it up to teachers in my district, as I feel that will help us generate more interest in technology. I do certainly enjoy the networking a conference offers though. Lots of my ex-colleagues and 'plurkers' are here, so I do benefit from that sharing of knowledge. Interesting though, how each of the past four years, I've been in a different place for this conference!

Yeah, I Am Old Skool, Fo' Sho'!