Monday, July 14, 2008
honesty
Today, in a fit of honesty I told my supervisor that I had applied for an internal transfer for a County position with a department closer to our home. Right now I travel about 20 miles to get to work. The job I applied for is about 6 miles. She told me she understands & that the gas prices are hurting everyone. I didn't want her to be surprised if I get a call about the job. Not sure I will, but just in case I want to be honest with everyone about what I'm after... a job closer to home. An administrative job closer to home. A flexible, administrative job closer to home. An office with windows that has a flexible, administrative job closer to home.
New construction in the 'hood
Madison & I have been taking the dogs for a walk each evening. Each night we comment on how much new construction has been going on in our neighborhood. Once we were the only house on the street. Here is the view from in front of our house tonight. 
There are 12 new homes under construction on our street alone! Sometimes it's annoying to come home to hammers pounding & mexican music blaring from the sites, but at least we're getting it all over with at once. How exciting that we'll be getting new neighbors!
In addition to the new construction homes, these large boulders appeared today on the empty lot next door to us. We were going to climb on them so you could see how big they are, but Madison & I both chickened out because there are snakes in the fields sometimes. Yikes!
There are 12 new homes under construction on our street alone! Sometimes it's annoying to come home to hammers pounding & mexican music blaring from the sites, but at least we're getting it all over with at once. How exciting that we'll be getting new neighbors!
In addition to the new construction homes, these large boulders appeared today on the empty lot next door to us. We were going to climb on them so you could see how big they are, but Madison & I both chickened out because there are snakes in the fields sometimes. Yikes!Recap of the weekend
Friday:
Scott & Dillon came home! They got in @ 6:30pm.
Jared worked until 7:30pm.
Madison went to an over-nighter 'lock-in' at her friend's church. She left at 8:30pm.
We had 2 over-night guests.... Dillon's friend Cody -and- we babysat Dominique from next door.
Saturday:
Madison got home @ 7:30am. She hadn't slept all night.... she was totally wired until she hit the pillow, then she slept ALL DAY.
Jared worked 10am - 7:30pm.
Dillon & Cody worked concessions at the Stony Point Alumni baseball game from 10:30am - 2:00pm.
Scott & I went shopping for curtains in the living room/dining room. We found an awesome deal! I LOVE Goodwill!! We also got Scott some new orthopedic-type everyday shoes (NOT cheap!). I guess the savings on the curtains was used up on the shoes. Oh well!
We declared Saturday night as F.F.F. night! We haven't had one in many, many months. F.F.F. means: FORCED FAMILY FUN. That means the kids can not have friends over, no interrupting phone calls, no TV.... We play games & eat & be silly for the night. This FFF night we had grilled fajitas for supper & played 'Oodles of Doodles'. Madison & I won by a hair. We concluded the night with homemade ice cream. Yum!
Sunday:
Church at 11:15am - Scott went to his ministry leadership class & the kids sat in the front row with the other youth, which meant I got to worship with my good friend, Valerie. What a blessing to worship with those who love you!
We slam-washed all of Scott & Dillon's clothes so they could pack & leave for Houston again. They left at 5:20pm. :(
Madison & I took Macey to Pet Smart to buy dog food. Macey's toenails are too long that she couldn't get any traction on the cement floors so it was funny to see her slide around. We also met a very lovey cat that tried to play with Macey while we were there. I love to visit the animals at pet stores, but it breaks my heart to leave them there. I could never work at a pet store.
Jared got picked up by some friends & went to see a movie. He got home at 11:00pm.
Madison & I decided to go for a swim at 9pm. The water was so warm that it felt like a bath!
Pretty good weekend. Nothing too exciting & Nothing too boring. Typical weekend. :)
Scott & Dillon came home! They got in @ 6:30pm.
Jared worked until 7:30pm.
Madison went to an over-nighter 'lock-in' at her friend's church. She left at 8:30pm.
We had 2 over-night guests.... Dillon's friend Cody -and- we babysat Dominique from next door.
Saturday:
Madison got home @ 7:30am. She hadn't slept all night.... she was totally wired until she hit the pillow, then she slept ALL DAY.
Jared worked 10am - 7:30pm.
Dillon & Cody worked concessions at the Stony Point Alumni baseball game from 10:30am - 2:00pm.
Scott & I went shopping for curtains in the living room/dining room. We found an awesome deal! I LOVE Goodwill!! We also got Scott some new orthopedic-type everyday shoes (NOT cheap!). I guess the savings on the curtains was used up on the shoes. Oh well!
We declared Saturday night as F.F.F. night! We haven't had one in many, many months. F.F.F. means: FORCED FAMILY FUN. That means the kids can not have friends over, no interrupting phone calls, no TV.... We play games & eat & be silly for the night. This FFF night we had grilled fajitas for supper & played 'Oodles of Doodles'. Madison & I won by a hair. We concluded the night with homemade ice cream. Yum!
Sunday:
Church at 11:15am - Scott went to his ministry leadership class & the kids sat in the front row with the other youth, which meant I got to worship with my good friend, Valerie. What a blessing to worship with those who love you!
We slam-washed all of Scott & Dillon's clothes so they could pack & leave for Houston again. They left at 5:20pm. :(
Madison & I took Macey to Pet Smart to buy dog food. Macey's toenails are too long that she couldn't get any traction on the cement floors so it was funny to see her slide around. We also met a very lovey cat that tried to play with Macey while we were there. I love to visit the animals at pet stores, but it breaks my heart to leave them there. I could never work at a pet store.
Jared got picked up by some friends & went to see a movie. He got home at 11:00pm.
Madison & I decided to go for a swim at 9pm. The water was so warm that it felt like a bath!
Pretty good weekend. Nothing too exciting & Nothing too boring. Typical weekend. :)
Friday, July 11, 2008
A new perspective
I've got a new perspective on blogging.... thanks to my mom. :)
And the Webster's definition (see below).
So I'm going to try to 'blog' more like a journal... or a letter... like from me to you.
I'll try not to bore you to death.
And for Damon's sake I'll keep entries short & include as many pictures as I can.
Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry:
blog
Part of Speech:
n
Definition:
an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called Weblog, Web log
Example:
Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author.
Etymology:
shortened form of Weblog
Usage:
blog, blogged, blogging v, blogger n
Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.7)Copyright © 2003-2008 Lexico Publishing Group, LLC
And the Webster's definition (see below).
So I'm going to try to 'blog' more like a journal... or a letter... like from me to you.
I'll try not to bore you to death.
And for Damon's sake I'll keep entries short & include as many pictures as I can.
Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry:
blog
Part of Speech:
n
Definition:
an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called Weblog, Web log
Example:
Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author.
Etymology:
shortened form of Weblog
Usage:
blog, blogged, blogging v, blogger n
Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.7)Copyright © 2003-2008 Lexico Publishing Group, LLC
Saturday, July 5, 2008
concert for jared
Jared is in Selma, TX today (suburb of San Antonio). He is at the Vans Warped Tour, which is an all day music festival with 70 bands. I recognized many of the bands as rock christian bands, so this is why I agreed to let him go. Yes, I know you were wondering why on earth I would agree to let him go to something titled 'warped'.... but I gotta start letting him make his own choices.... this part of parenting is not so fun.Hope you're enjoying it too
Ahhh.... the treasure of a few days off from work....
We enjoyed doing absolutely nothing yesterday. If we didn't have to eat we probably wouldn't have gotten out of bed (except to go to the bathroom).
We had a few guests over to watch the fireworks from our driveway. A woman we met from Stony Point choir (the mom of Dillon's good friend) came over with a youngster she's babysitting. Madison had her friend overnight too. So we had a nice small crowd.
The fireworks were shot off from Old Settlers Park which is located next door to our neighborhood. They were almost too far away. Typically the ones shot off from Dell Diamonds are closer & more enjoyable. But it was nice to not have crowds to deal with.
Happy Birthday America!
We enjoyed doing absolutely nothing yesterday. If we didn't have to eat we probably wouldn't have gotten out of bed (except to go to the bathroom).
We had a few guests over to watch the fireworks from our driveway. A woman we met from Stony Point choir (the mom of Dillon's good friend) came over with a youngster she's babysitting. Madison had her friend overnight too. So we had a nice small crowd.
The fireworks were shot off from Old Settlers Park which is located next door to our neighborhood. They were almost too far away. Typically the ones shot off from Dell Diamonds are closer & more enjoyable. But it was nice to not have crowds to deal with.
Happy Birthday America!
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Cole Kids are HOME!!
Jared, Dillon & Madison returned home today from a Christian Youth Conference in South Padre Island. This conference is called Student Life @ the Beach (http://beach.studentlife.com/).
They had a really good time & got to know other youth from the church we've been attending (Austin Stone). We are SO THANKFUL for the scholarships through ASCC that allowed the kids to go & have an awesome time with God & friends.
Dillon has been sleeping since he got home at 4:30 (minus 2 hours for supper & a visit). He and his roommates decided to try & stay up all night to watch the sun rise over the beach. I think he was somewhat successful, based on his droopy eyes.
Dillon has been sleeping since he got home at 4:30 (minus 2 hours for supper & a visit). He and his roommates decided to try & stay up all night to watch the sun rise over the beach. I think he was somewhat successful, based on his droopy eyes.
Here are some of the pics Dillon took of the sun rise on Friday morning. Pretty Amazing!! 
Long distance commute
Scott has started his job in Houston.
He leaves on Sunday evenings & returns on Friday evenings.
So he left last night.
Seems lonely & quiet here.
I guess I've sorta gotten used to him being around.
There certainly are plenty of things I can think of to do.
Hmpf.
I think I'll call Scott & see what he's up to.
He leaves on Sunday evenings & returns on Friday evenings.
So he left last night.
Seems lonely & quiet here.
I guess I've sorta gotten used to him being around.
There certainly are plenty of things I can think of to do.
Hmpf.
I think I'll call Scott & see what he's up to.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
no more shots for Scott!
Scott's doctor removed him from insulin shots today! YAY! He will continue to take an oral insulin boost each day, but the shots are gone.
If he can continue with a healthy lifestyle then it's possible the diabetes may subside and he won't have to use insulin at all! Let's make that our goal. :)
IT'S A JOB!!!!
Scott starts a new job tomorrow!
He will be Project Manager for the business we've been trying to buy in Houston.
The purchase negotiations have been dragging on & on & on... so the owner/seller decided to get Scott over there and get him started doing some management stuff. We're very thankful because it gives Scott an income plus it gets him familiar with the business.
Scott will leave this afternoon & take up residence in the room he rented last fall in a suburb north of Houston called Humble (pronounced 'um-ble').
It will take some vehicular adjustment to have Scott working again. Especially since I'm a full-time employee in another city... transportation could be an issue since Jared has a local part-time job & Dillon has football M-Th. Hmmm.....
Congrats Scott!!
He will be Project Manager for the business we've been trying to buy in Houston.
The purchase negotiations have been dragging on & on & on... so the owner/seller decided to get Scott over there and get him started doing some management stuff. We're very thankful because it gives Scott an income plus it gets him familiar with the business.
Scott will leave this afternoon & take up residence in the room he rented last fall in a suburb north of Houston called Humble (pronounced 'um-ble').
It will take some vehicular adjustment to have Scott working again. Especially since I'm a full-time employee in another city... transportation could be an issue since Jared has a local part-time job & Dillon has football M-Th. Hmmm.....
Congrats Scott!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
New fun at the Cole house!
Dillon's good friend, Cody, gave him an old go cart. Now we can't get Dillon & our neighbor, Pat, off the go cart. Thanks Cody. No really, THANKS!! Now if someone would give me a ride.... stay tuned.... :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
try this!
My friend Valerie sent me this link (http://www.wordle.net/) to make 'word clouds'. Here is a couple I made - you can make different colors & fonts. It's pretty cool!Visitors from Iowa
We have enjoyed having visitors from Waterloo, Iowa. Ingrid & her Mom, Carol, arrived last Saturday & we enjoyed giving them the 'Austin' experience.
They got to go to Rudy's for barbeque, watch the Congress Street bats, a trip to San Antonio, Six Flags- Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, and concluded with a beautiful sunset and the Oasis. Here are a few pics from dinner at the Oasis.
They got to go to Rudy's for barbeque, watch the Congress Street bats, a trip to San Antonio, Six Flags- Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, and concluded with a beautiful sunset and the Oasis. Here are a few pics from dinner at the Oasis.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Madison's helping with VBS
Madison is helping with VBS this week. She gets up @ 6am each day to be in downtown Austin by 8:15am. She's having a great week! Good job Madison!!Thursday, June 12, 2008
jared's b-day
2 of Jared's b-day gifts can be seen here: A dorm-size fridge (under the tv) and the blue baby pool (under the lounge chair). 
We had fun with a birthday cookie provided by Aunt Jeannetta. 17 sparkler candles. Fun! 
We had many cousins here for Jared's dinner: Margaux!
Here's a bunch of cousins: starting from left: Hannah, Josh, Margaux, Jared, Andrew, Benji, Dillon & Madison!
We had many cousins here for Jared's dinner: Margaux!
Here's a bunch of cousins: starting from left: Hannah, Josh, Margaux, Jared, Andrew, Benji, Dillon & Madison!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Jared's fun day at Six Flags
The kids in Jared's orchestra decided to take a trip to San Antonio to Six Flags as an 'end of year' trip. Here's a few silly pics of Jared & his friends. 
Does this boy need a haircut, or what?!
Does this boy need a haircut, or what?!June update on Scott
Scott went to the surgeon on Monday for a follow-up visit. Good news! The doctor has released Scott to return to work... with restrictions, of course. He can lift up to 30lbs. As for sitting/standing, um, I don't know. I think Scott has to determine what he can tolerate. Anyways, this is good news so Scott can get himself a JOB! YAY!
Scott has needed his daytime insulin shots only 2 or 3 times in the past 2 WEEKS! He gives himself a long-lasting shot at bedtime but his blood sugar has been within normal range (sometimes lower than normal) all day, everyday. The surgeon thinks Scott will be able to quit the insulin shots all together soon. Let's hope so! The next endocrinologist appointment is in 3 weeks.
Each day Scott has been able to tolerate more & more physical activity. He tries to get in the pool each day to do some aquatic therapy that he learned after the back surgery in 2006. It has really paid off. He won't tell me how much weight he's lost, but his pants are all too loose now, especially his swim trunks! We're going to have to velcro those things on him soon. :)
Good Job Scott! The Road to Recovery has been long for you, but we're proud of your improvements!
Scott has needed his daytime insulin shots only 2 or 3 times in the past 2 WEEKS! He gives himself a long-lasting shot at bedtime but his blood sugar has been within normal range (sometimes lower than normal) all day, everyday. The surgeon thinks Scott will be able to quit the insulin shots all together soon. Let's hope so! The next endocrinologist appointment is in 3 weeks.
Each day Scott has been able to tolerate more & more physical activity. He tries to get in the pool each day to do some aquatic therapy that he learned after the back surgery in 2006. It has really paid off. He won't tell me how much weight he's lost, but his pants are all too loose now, especially his swim trunks! We're going to have to velcro those things on him soon. :)
Good Job Scott! The Road to Recovery has been long for you, but we're proud of your improvements!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
I'm going on a date!!
Saturday night we'll be going to see the Austin Pops perform at the Riverbend Centre in Austin!
Madison's orchestra teacher gave us tickets.What a beautiful facility! I can't wait!
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