The Matthews Family

Home :: Red Sneaker :: Records :: Photos

Thursday, August 31, 2006

First Day of School pic!

HERE

posted by brian 1:48 PM

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

New photos have been posted

http://www.redsneaker.net/photos/noahsbirthday2006/
or see them all at
http://www.redsneaker.net/photos/

posted by brian 10:25 AM

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Annabelle, our 3 year old, was playing solo for just a few minutes before she walks up to my wife and says,” I put paper up my nose.”
That little girl had found some paper somewhere, torn it into small pieces and wadded them up into balls. Then, she methodically shoved one after another up her nose. My wife got all but one out. The remaining one was WAY up there. After a brief conversation with our family doctor, Jen took Annie into have it removed. Turned out that the paper was too far up to try to remove without pushing it back in. A specialist was scheduled.
Today, the day after the nasal fixation incident, Annabelle come up to mommy and asks for a tissue. The wad had worked its way down and was easy for Jen to pop out!
Whew!

posted by brian 11:36 AM

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Annie's Birthday has come and gone. All I have left is some pretty interesting photos.Click here to see the fun

posted by brian 9:47 AM

Monday, January 09, 2006

Annabelle runs up to me and says,"You'r a poopy". So I tell her, "Well then, that makes you a turdlette"

Later Sabrina is dancing around and Annabelle in her classic little sister way, says,"Sabrina, stop dancing". Being the F.O.D. (Father on Duty), I end the possible fight by saying, "She can dance if she wants to." After a brief pause I continue,"She can leave the whole worlds behind, cause if you don't dance then you don't dance and you're no friend of mine. I say....." Yes, I channelled Men Without Hats.

posted by brian 12:43 PM

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Christmas Photos!!!

posted by brian 1:49 PM

Friday, December 23, 2005

I remember when jennifer and I had just Mark and it seemed like work going anywhere. Then Sabrina and Annabelle came along and now any excursion with just one of them is like a date night out.

posted by brian 10:52 AM

Monday, December 12, 2005

Having three children, if any one of them is quiet for too long you can assume:
1. They are getting into something or are doing something they are not suppose to do

or

2. They are dead or mortally wounded.

Sunday, we were making cookies and hadn't heard from Annabelle in quite sometime. We knew she was up in her room, but that was it. So I went up to check on her.
Standing there with the look of guilt on her face, was Annie with her diaper off and big globs of poo in her hands.
Luckily she hadn't touch anything besides her clothes and she didn't have an itchy nose.

posted by brian 11:40 AM

Monday, December 05, 2005

This weekend was one of adventure and peril.
Annabelle moved into Sabrina’s room. Bunk beds.
We moved everything upstairs little by little and this weekend we spontaneously decided to go for it. I have to say, it’s working quite well. Of course there is the usual banter between the girls after we put them to bed. With a baby monitor on, we can hear everything including the 6 year old telling the 2 year old to be quite because she needs her sleep.
Quite amusing.
Old habits are hard to break. Annabelle still forgets and runs into the now empty room when it’s bedtime.
We still tip toe around the now vacant room when they are sleeping. It’s kinda weird.

posted by brian 10:43 AM

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Change is inevitable ...especially with diapers. Like many parents, we are in the throws of potty training.
Jen & I have it down, it's the 2 year old Annabelle that is having some problems.
Technology steps forward with diapers that change color when baby wets and potty chairs that play songs when baby tinkles. Is this a good thing?
Once I pointed out that the diaper changes when she wets, Annabelle now wets just to see the magic.
The potty chair is more fun now to move her hand in and out to make the music play. I think it’s safe to say that Annabelle has outsmarted the product makers and the product makers have outsmarted us by convincing us that these things will actually help. Thus by logic, Annabelle has outsmarted us.
I hate when that happens.

posted by brian 4:04 PM

Saturday, November 19, 2005

I roll over in bed this morning and see our littlest angel, Annabelle standing there. With a huge grin on her face, she says,"Daddy, you're not sexy".
Considering that I just woke up from a hard sleep....I would have to agree.

posted by brian 1:05 PM

Monday, November 14, 2005

This morning, Mark comes into the kitchen to feed Scooby. I say, "Good morning Mark! How did you sleep last night?"
His response was, "I was...NyQuil..unto last....uh...thing"
huh? So i ask again, and he responds, "...Uh...Scooby....Gone here."
Oh I forgot, he had Nyquil last night.

posted by brian 9:46 AM

Monday, November 07, 2005

Halloween Photos are here!!!

Click here!

So are photos from Sabrina's Birthday party
Go Here

All the photos are at: The Photo Page

posted by brian 3:55 PM

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

A cute thing happened last night. I gave Sabrina and Annie a bath. Usually Annabelle pretends to go potty while I hold her on the toilet. Last night, she wasn't waiting. She lifted the lid and promptly went up and into the toilet getting her little bottom cold and wet!
It was the cutest thing.

posted by brian 1:05 PM

Monday, September 05, 2005

I finally updated the photos page.

Camp of the Cross, Annabelle's first Red Sneakers, and a few more.
Oh, and I removed the password protection. I guess I can be a bit paranoid!

Photos Here

posted by brian 10:08 AM

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Wowzers, have I been neglecting this blog lately!
Couple exciting things. Summer is over and Sabrina has started Kindergarten. So far so good! She loves it! Whew!

No crying, no dread. Seems school is a highlight for her. The teacher is very nice and I think will be a great Kindergarten teacher...especially for Sabrina.

Mark started 5th grade....with the same 5th grade teacher both Paul and I had growing up. Weird. Mark really likes it.
Mark did state the other night, "You know I think I finally matured". We will see about that.
I think he's starting to turn an eye to the ladies. First shaving in 4th grade and now skirt chasing. It was really a matter of time.

Well, I will do better updating. I promise!!!

posted by brian 4:07 PM

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Photos of Elijah!

Click Here

posted by brian 10:25 AM

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Quite the memorial day weekend.
Saturday, the entire clan headed to Dickinson to see Jen's very pregnant sister Carrie (by very pregnant, I mean...gonna pop any day).
We spent most of the day which was fun...and then headed home thinking the kids would sleep. Nope. Screamfest 2005.
Thus Sunday there was much "crab-ability" in our children.
Fast forward to Sunday evening, after watching Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace.......it was 11:30 and we get a call from Jen's mom....Carrie was in labor.
The adrenaline rushes. Jen showers and readies herself for her mom to come pick her up for the trek back to the Queen City. About 20 minutes later we get another phone call. The labor is going too fast....there is no way they will make it in time. If you have ever had a baby, you will know how unexciting the next few hours after all the excitement are.....so Jen and her mom decided to head down Monday morning.
Bright and early Monday morning....news is delivered that at 2 am a baby boy arrived...mom and baby are doing very well.
Jen arrived home around 5 pm Monday.....tired and noticeably happy!
Tonight is a preplanned Girls night out....so Jen is going out with her mom and sister for a night of shopping and food. They should have a good relaxing time.
What's that? What did I do with the kids while Jen was in Dickinson? Well, I'm glad you asked.
We got ready and headed to the zoo. We smelled the animals, rode the train and otherwise had a very fun time as I was lead around the zoo by the kids.
Afterwards, we came home for grilled cheese followed by GameCube tournament....which was Mark, his buddy Mitch, Sabrina and I as Annie napped.
Mark and Mitch handed me my butt as these two are professionals at this game. I held my own for a while...or so I thought. I thought I was doing well for the first time ever playing that game. Turns out...they were taking it easy on me.
Thanks Guys!

posted by brian 8:41 AM

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Yesterday Sabrina lost her second tooth ever. The first one came out days prior...and they wer next to each other. The teeth were her lower front teeth...which means Sabrina looks cute and has more of a lisp now. The good news is...she can drink through a straw without opening her teeth!
Last night before bed, we read the toothfairy book and made sure the tooth was safe and her drawing for the tooth fairy was in it's place.
The world is full of magic when you are 5.

posted by brian 10:14 AM

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Last week, The Mandan News came by to interview Jennifer for a story about the upcoming Art Show in Mandan.
Today that paper came out. I went to buy a few copies and there was Jennifer starring me in the face....from the front page.......in the largest photo on a newspaper front page I've ever seen! It's at least a half sheet of the full paper!!
The reporter did a great article on Jennifer as well.

I hope to be scanning it this evening and posting it up for all to see!!!

Yea!!! Jennifer!!!!

posted by brian 3:02 PM

Sunday, April 10, 2005

This upcoming Friday is the opening of the Mandan annual Art Show. Jen will have 5 paintings in it. The day before, the Mandan News will publish a story about Jennifer and the Mandan Art show!!!!
Jennifer is the new poster girl for the Mandan Art show!!!
How exciting.
I'll be posting the article here!!!!!

posted by brian 9:44 AM

Friday, April 01, 2005

Greetings from the Matthews' family!!
It is the beginning of the weekend. Sabrina still has 2 loose teeth. Mark is thrilled to be making 50 cents an hour "Baby sitting" Sabrina.
Our weekend will be filled with yard chores. The thaw is here. The bra is coming off the truck....so spring must be here.
Sometime during this weekend, fun will be had. It's just a matter of time. Hey...was that it? Nah. I think it will be sometime Saturday afternoon!!!

posted by brian 11:19 PM

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Click here to see my new painting!!!!!
Jennifer

posted by brian 9:46 PM

Monday, March 28, 2005

Happy Birth Day to you. Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birth Day dear Annabelle, Happy Birthday to you.

posted by brian 10:05 AM

Sabrina has two loose teeth.
Bottom two.
At first she reacted in classic Sabrina style...freaking out.
After that, we've been reading a toothfairy book over and over and over.
Sabrina isn't the kind of girl that will just pull out the loose teeth...they will have to dangle out...
Mark, on the other hand, has been known to pull teeth out that were barely loose just for extra money.
Other than that, Cousin Jon came over Saturday afternoon to play. Sabrina told me that when Jon visits, she "feels like Cinderella".
How sweet.
Upon getting there, the exchange between the two went something like this:
Sabrina: "You wanna go upstairs and listen to music and play fashion dressup?"
Jon:"I'm wearing my running glasses, let's run"

posted by brian 9:16 AM

Saturday, March 12, 2005

The Great weekend that never happened.
Let me set this up.
I took a day of vacation and Mark had Spring break, so we decided to have a fun family weekend!
Bowling Friday morning then buy the kids roller blades and helmets.
Saturday,Go shopping and have fun
Sunday...dred Monday.

Well, we got to go bowling.....1 game. Annabelle was a little crabby possibly due to a large daycare was bowling right beside us and all the little kids intrigued her, but we didn't let her get in with them.
So we headed to the mall to buy helmets and such.
Mark finds the perfect helmet only to find out at the counter it has been recalled and after a good 30 minutes of shopping was for naught.
Saturday night, Annabelle is sick and awake. Annie and I were up until 6:30 am.
I went to bed and woke up at 11.
Jen and I head out to a local craft fair...which was pathetic. Nothing there. Pretty sparse.
So we decide to head to downtown Mandan. We were having a brief retreat from the children, so we hit Mandan Drug and shared a Chocolate Chipper sundae. That redeemed our weekend right there.
We get home...Sabrina isn't feeling well. Her ear hurts and we discover the walk-in clinic is open from 9am-12 noon Sundays....so guess where we may be tomrrow?
So, despite our best efforts, our magical fun weekend has not been so magical, although we have managed to steal away a few moments which have been all worth while.
Where's my Peeps?

posted by brian 9:12 PM

Friday, February 25, 2005

Mark's Big day!
New Photos here
Mark's name was chosen for the new Arts and Science Complex. The press showed up in full force.
Mark will be on the local news tonight (NBC and CBS) and will make an appearance in the Tribune and Mandan News

posted by brian 3:17 PM

Friday, February 11, 2005

During supper this week, Mark was sharing about how his class was talking about genetics in science. We looked for similar traits in all of us...rolling tongues, mid-digital hair, etc.

Sabrina then chimes in, “I have blue jeans.”

posted by brian 10:54 AM

Thursday, January 20, 2005

Another Beautiful Day!

posted by brian 10:39 AM

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

New photos from January 5th and 12th.

Enjoy the 40 below zero photos!!!

posted by brian 4:15 PM

Monday, January 10, 2005

Check out my newest painting! I just finished it a few hours ago!!!!
Click Here

posted by jen 10:49 PM

Thursday, January 06, 2005

Photos posted from Christmas Eve and December 29th

posted by brian 1:56 PM

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

A couple days after Christmas, Sabrina and I headed to a local discount store (Ends in "Mart" and begins with the same letter of the alphabet as King Kobra--do the math) to exchange a non-working toy she received for Christmas.
We ended up parking on the far side of the sotre and began our walk in.
The sidewalk we were on was grey cement with a black tar patch over a crack that ran the entire length of the sidewalk. Sabrina, being 5 years old, began walking only on the black line all the way to the front doors. Before we got to the doors, I looked back and noticed 3 other sets of parents and toddlers doing the exact same thing. And my without my camera!

posted by brian 9:31 PM

Thursday, December 23, 2004

New photos posted for December 20th, 21st, and 22nd!!
I'm a photo-making fool in red sneakers!!!

Check it out!
Don't know the password?
e-mail me at redsneaker@gmail.com and I'll send it to you.

posted by brian 9:31 AM

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

See Jen's display. Special thanks to Paul for the photos!!! If you do not know the password to access the images, send me an e-mail at redsneaker@gmail.com

posted by brian 11:08 AM

Monday, December 20, 2004

I think deep down every parent at some time hopes that their children have children as "unique" as they are so they can understand. I can say, this may have occurred for us.
Picture it. 11:10 am church service, the sanctuary is packed and they are ready for the Pre-kindergarten-2nd grade Christmas program.
Sabrina fits in the Pre-Kindergarten category.
All the children are filed before the congregation dressed in their costumes ready for their songs that they will all sing in unison. I catch Sabrina's eye and we wink at each other.
Now it was sometime between that wink and the first not of the first song that a whirlwind of thoughts must have flooded through Sabrina's head. All of which successfully freaked this little girl out.
She started crying. Ugly crying.
A volunteer parent rushes up to her and whispers something in her ear and she screams above the entire shoir of children that "NO, I want my Daddy."
She then ran over and planted herself on my lap for the remainder of the program.
Now I could have been very upset with her or even disappointed, but at that moment, I realized that she was the little girl of the same guy who made his dad stand in the photo with him for pictures and made his mom stay all day during Kindergarten the first day. I totally understand that she has the same genes that I have that makes me terrified of balloons.
So, it seems I did get a child that acted just like I did growing up.

posted by brian 9:16 AM

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

This morning, Jennifer and I set up her art display in downtown Bismarck in the old Anderson State Fur building on 4th street (I think that's the street)

Everything went very well. The display looks awesome!!
It took about an hour to get set up and lit. Hopefully many people will pass by and enjoy!
Feel free to swing on down and take a peek. I'll be posting photos when I have time during the day to stop down and shoot a few photos.

posted by brian 2:32 PM

Monday, December 13, 2004

It is Christmas time again at the Matthews house.
The kids are giddy with anticipation.
The smell of fresh baked goodies floats through the house.
The decorations are strung from hither to yon.
The cat is eating all the ribbon and bows and leaving us surprised each morning.

Ah yes! Christmas time.

posted by brian 9:41 AM

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Jennifer is going to be setting up a display of her artwork in the Anderson's Fur window downtown Bismarck.
You can see all of Jen's paintings here!!

posted by brian 11:52 AM

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

Well, I went to visit Paul in the hospital tonight.
Here's a couple pics.

Pic 1
Pic 2

Everything went well.
I won't delve into details I know nothing about.

The good news is...he was still alive and kickin!
No hot nurses giving him sponge baths...unles the guy named Randy is "Hot".

The other good news is, since Paul is now facing at least 10 days of extreme "Crappiness", his loving wife also doubles as a nurse in real life. Bonus.
No worries for me. If Jeri can't take care of him...nobody can!

As for me....I get light headed thinking of giving blood.

yeeeach!

posted by brian 9:07 PM

Thursday, November 18, 2004

As we are putting Annabelle to bed last night....we discovered her bunny is missing. The bunny she has had since birth and sleeps with every night.
Panic!
We look through the van...outside in the yard...anyplace we have been that she could have dropped it....we put her to bed without it...thinking it was going to be a rough night....
Turns out...she slept just fine.
Sabrina, on the other hand, still has a melt down if she can't find her bear.
Good news...the MIA Bunny has been found at church. Jen retrieved it and Annie has clutched onto it since.

posted by brian 11:33 AM

Sunday, November 14, 2004

QUICK NOTE!
Tonight is the first episode of Family Trading Spaces in Bismarck, ND.
The show will be on TLC at 6 pm Central Time.

posted by brian 1:19 PM

Picture it. We are in church and from no where comes the sentence "Go Potty now" over and over again in a fairly loud voice. Yes that's our Annabelle telling us, and everyone around, what she would like to do now.

posted by brian 1:01 PM

Saturday, November 06, 2004

Today we have Mark's "Friend" birthday party. Mark and 3 of his buddies and Sabrina are going to "The Incredibles" that just came out.

I swear I had no influence on which movie, but it's the one I would have chosen.

posted by brian 11:47 AM

Sunday, October 31, 2004

Happy Halloween!!!
My favorite holiday is here!!!
The candy, the costumes, and an endless loop of "The Monster Mash" makes this the best holiday in my book.
This year, Mark is going as a skeleton.....the scary version and Sabrina is going at Stephanie from the Nick Jr. shoe "Lazytown".
Jen is Stephanie's Mom and I will be "Stephanie's Mom's creepy boyfriend who hangs around all the time smelling like nachos."
I can't wait!

posted by brian 2:49 PM

Thursday, October 14, 2004

Ladies and gentlemen!
The sitehas moved to the new domain!!!
Woo Hoo!!!
Update your bookmarks!
http://family.redsneaker.net

Or

if you want the very top level.....http://www.redsneaker.net

posted by brian 4:28 PM

Well, like a good American I have post poned getting my driver's license renewed until just before it expires. That's right. I've waited long enough and planned on doing the deed today, but a nasty pimple sprouted up....and knowing that I am a vain person, I am post poning the photo op once again pending poppage.

posted by brian 3:44 PM

Sunday, October 03, 2004

I recently won tickets to a Broadway production (traveling Broadway Production) of Fosse (rhymes with Posse) and a gift certificate to an upper scale restaurant.
My wife and I took full advantage of my good luck and had a date night.
The meal was excellent!
We headed to the production, which if you aren't familiar with this particular show, is like a "Greatest Hits" of Bob Fosse's choreography. Lots and lots dancing from many different broadway shows. There really was no story line or plot, just lots and lots and lots of dancing. Plus...Underwear dancing. Big plus for us.
Now to get tickets to see the "Full Monty"!!!

posted by brian 9:15 PM

Sunday, September 26, 2004

This last week has been a display of balance.
Annabelle has been not feeling well....which has menat Jen and I have had little to no sleep, plus a very stressful day for Jen while she stays home with the girls. With all that sleep depravation, the tendency to be very crabby surfaces regardless of one's best intentions. On the other hand, today we went to Dickinson to get Jen's paintings.
For Christmas last year, I bought Jen art supplies. Her love of oil painting had only been in reference to her high school days. I saw several of her high school paintings and knew....she needed to paint.
Jen began painting again after christmas....and entered 3 paintings into the Badlands Art Association show in Dickinson.
After much anticipation, we went to the show...Jen's first show ever.
We walk around as see that one of her paintings has a ribbon on it. Honorable Mention. Wow! That was great! We walked on with grins smeared across our faces. We found her second painting...it too had a ribbon. Juror's Choice!
We then left to visit with Jen's sister Carrie and her Hubby Jeremy.
A couple hours later, Jen and I return to the show to pick up the paintings.
As we go collect the paintings, it turns out the third painting that did not receive a ribbon now had one on it. People's Choice. The most precious award an artist can get at an art show...People's choice. As we go to collect or paperwork from the staff, the ladies comment how Jen beat herself out for People's choice...you see two of her paintings had tied for People's choice...so the judges had the onlookers applaud for their choice....and the ribbon was hung on that painting. So Jen did very well, taking home 3 of the 7 awards given at the show. This verifies what I have known for quite some time....Jennifer is extremely talented and gifted.
Curious?
Here's the Honorable Mention
Here's the Juror's Choice
and
Finally, here's the People's Choice

posted by brian 8:55 PM

Saturday, September 25, 2004

While driving int he van with the entire family the other night, Sabrina looked out of the van window to see a billboard of Dr. Phil in a Milk ad.
Sabrina the chimes,"Look, It's Dr. Seuss".
Well, at least she got the Doctor part right!

posted by brian 9:36 PM

Monday, September 13, 2004

Well we made it!
We took the kids to Sesame Street Live Sunday afternoon.
Despite the shock when the lights went out and the loud noises, the kids did well. Mark sported a lackluster interest ( understandaby so).
Sabrina was into it! Talking along and responding. She was in heaven.
Annabelle loved parts...danced along with the music, but too much dialog and she was...well....bored and moved onto other more interesting things, like pulling the girls hair seated in front of us, or running in the space between me and Mark.
All in all, it was a good time.
Jen had her first bout with the new members meetings at our church. She was railroaded into chairing this committee, and she came into it with guns blazing.
Jen is as organized as they come so every bit of organizing and aranging for other ladies to bake and serve goodies at the church functions was documented. Letters are going out today. Those ladies better watch out...no excuse that they forgot now!!!

posted by brian 10:01 AM

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

First things first. Sabrina points out the window of the van and says, "Look, a Racoon".
We look and can't see anything. "Where honey?"
"Over there....it's gonna be a butterfly!"

Next item,
At soccer practice last night, Trevor and I sat and watched as 2 highschool or college girls (I'm so old I can't tell the difference now) try to coax 10 9 year olds to cooperate. Good luck.
Trevor tells me how poorly these girls are doing because they only got 3 drills in 1 hour practice.
I'm not one to judge. I'm not even qualified to watch the TV show Coach, let alone actually do it.
This is why I'm sitting down quietly.
After practice, the coaches confide in the kids, they've never coached before.

posted by brian 4:21 PM

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Tomorrow is the first day of 4th grade for Mark. All of us will be going with him. Check out his new classroom and his new teacher....Mr. Bartz.
Mr. Bartz was also my 4th grade teacher.
I found a few other tidbits of info on Mr. Bartz via my buddy the internet.
All good stuff.
WHEW!

posted by brian 2:48 PM

Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Visitors.
Yesterday, Tareq (4th from the left) had his wife Sabrina (3rd from the left) and her parents visit.
Pam (far right) joined in for a nice photo op!
All the way from Pennsylvania they came to drive through Teddy Roosevelt National Park...and get stopped by a herd of bison for almost an hour.

posted by brian 3:49 PM

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

It is Back to School time here in the Matthew's house.
Mark is getting ready for 4th grade. Sabrina ia anxiously waiting this year out until she can go to kindergarten!
This year, Mark will not only go to the same elementary school I attended, he will have my 4th grade teacher.
This is a good thing. Mr. Bartz was one of my favorite elementary school teachers.
The awkward thing will be....Parent/Teacher conferences.
I'll end up calling him "Mr. Bartz"....I grab my old desk and start shooting spitballs.
OK, I never did that...but I will bring an "Encyclopedia Brown" book to read for old time sake!

posted by brian 11:30 AM

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Tonight Mark played what could have been his final baseball game of the year. It's the tournament. And for 9 year olds, this is a big deal!!!
For some 30 year olds this is a big deal.
Mark was having a hard time...never getting on base....strinking out a bunch.
I know how that feels. I've never gotten on base. (Please all references to making moves on girlfriends aside, this is a 9 year olds baseball game)
Tonight in the game before the championship, Mark had the hit of the night! A double and two runs plus on the next play Mark scored. Final score 5 to 0!
This is huge for Mark and I doubt he will be able to sleep much tonight.
I know I wouldn't if I were him.
Boo Ya Mark!

posted by brian 9:45 PM

Monday, July 26, 2004

Carrie and Jeremy are officially living in Dickinson. After moving to Minneapolis, then moving to Bismarck....then moving to Mandan. They have a house and a future in Dickinson now.
The Ford Girls aren't all in one town now.
The good news is....we have a place to go when picking up and dropping of Mark with Craig and.....OK that's all I have for now.
In other news, it's tattoo week!
Jen, Melissa and her mom are all getting tattoos tomorrow. A very nice butterfly.....if I do say so myself!
I have to say I was a bit jealous at first....but as I thought about it....the kind of tattoo I would get isn't cheap and can't be done in 45 minutes. Plus this is Jen's first.....so that is always exciting.
When I met Jen, I was the only tattooed person in the family. Since then, Melissa, Jen's mom and dad have since gotten them.
This will be Melissas 3rd tattoo and Jen's mom's 2nd.
As always, I'm a bad influence on them!

posted by brian 11:39 AM

Sunday, July 11, 2004

As with all good things, sisters share! Sabrina was sick last week. Annabelle's turn now.
Last night we had a discussion about how to handle a 1 year old puking uncontrollably.
At least with Sabrina, she knew how to use a bucket...but she also knew how to cry for attention.

Annie...pukes and then wants to play.

This is not going to be a fun day.

posted by brian 7:23 AM

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Like a finely honed machine, Jen and I form a pretty good vomit pit crew.
Delegation of responsibilities happens in seconds.
The calm nurturing vocal tones never rise above "sweet".
And, thanks to Jennifer, supplies are always stored where they should be in a bathroom any where in the house.
If you haven't guessed, one of the kids is sick. Namely Sabrina. Just woke up puking in the middle of the night (i.e. why I'm posting at 3am)
Not sure what it could be. Bug or food poisoning.
A girl at gymnastics Monday night spontaneously puked in the middle of the gym floor for no apparent reason.
This could very well be related.

Jennifer is sleeping with Sabrina right now and I'm hearing the tell-tale sounds through the baby monitor that I'm needed.

posted by brian 3:17 AM

Monday, July 05, 2004

'Tis the 5th of July and it's raining out. Perfect.
We had an All-American 4th of July.
Barbecue, volleyball, fireworks, etc.
We also threw in a little Halloween:
Blankets and kids complaining how cold they are, hot chocolate, and drizzling rain.
OK, after I posted last nightafter reading a weather service report it was 31, we also checked a few others, including our own thermometer and determined it was probably around 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Could have fooled me!
We had a wind chill....on Independence day!
Today is the 5th....a day off to do whatever we want. No public displays of anything but affection.

posted by brian 9:50 AM

Friday, July 02, 2004

Scooby Killed in North Dakota!!!!!

posted by brian 4:06 PM

Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Happy birthday to you!!! Happy Birthday to you....Happy Birthday Dad....Happy 55th birthday to you!!!!!!

Whew. I almost ran out of breath.
People at work are starting to poke their heads in to find out why I'm singing.

None of their darn business!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

posted by brian 2:56 PM

Saturday, June 26, 2004

I'm home!!!! YEAH!!
Yesterday...Annie took her first steps.

At first I was a little bummed because I missed it, but I would have missed it anyway because I would have been at work.
Jen missed it too. Sabrina was the one who reported it...and Jen confirmed. 3-4 steps!

How Exciting!!!!

posted by brian 8:53 AM

Friday, June 18, 2004

Today was an eventful day.
Jennifer worked the rummage sale....and I stayed home with the girls.
What did we do?
Well, once we had lunch (and the scary MDU guy named Spike left)(Side note, he wasn't scary, but Sabrina literally hid while he was here)
we napped.
Then off to the zoo.
First thing we do, buy corn to feed the sheep. THis is what Sabrina wanted to do first. I gave her the corn and the goat went nuts! Just a little excited. Sabrina freaked out like it bit her hand off and wouldn't feed another animal!
We saw some more animals....she kept her distance.
We ended up on the train ride around the zoo, which calmed everyone down.
We went over to Henry and Rhonda's for supper.....sat in the driveway in living room furniture. All we needed was a car on cinder blocks and the property value would have made noise as it dropped!
Tomorrow, the rummage sale goes on until 2....so Sabrina and Annie and I will play games and watch Monster's Inc. in the morning...until it's nap time.
By the time we all wake up....Jen will be home!!!!

Yet another eventful weekend!!!!!
Not the last. It should be a fast few weeks through July....but once we hit August.....it should slow down.

posted by brian 9:06 PM

Friday, June 11, 2004

Today Henry and Rhonda move into their new house!
After a long day yesterday, today will surely be long as well, but having everything in the house for later arrangement will be a huge step!
Plus......inbetween unpacking sessions, they can go for a ride in their new Mustang!!!(maybe come pick me up too.)

posted by brian 1:35 PM

Wednesday, June 09, 2004

Happy Birthday Jennifer!!!!!
Many people have thought Jen was 27 since I met her...when she was 19.
Well people, she's finally 27! Now tell her she looks like she's 24.

posted by brian 9:19 AM

Monday, June 07, 2004

Well, I haven't had one of these posts in quite some time...middle of the night up with a child post.
I can't say I missed them, but like a familiar face, it's comfortable enough.
For Annie, this is all new. The last time she saw this at night was back many months ago and for a 14 month old, that's almost a lifetime!
Of course you would expect that coming from a 385 month old, now wouldn't you!
Earlier I was laying on the couch with her...it was the only thing that would stop her from crying. Out of nowhere, she pulls out her pacifier from her mouth and says "To" then a pause then "To go" in a sharp stacatto voice. I whisper,"Do you want to go to bed?" ans with that, she arches her back and tries to sit up as if to say,"Yeah, I'm ready now, snap to it, old man." ( of course having 371 months seniority on her, I decide not to pull rank and chastise her...I just got up and put her back in bed.

posted by brian 1:43 AM

Monday, May 31, 2004

Update on Annabelle.
She is now 14 months old and pulling her self up to furniture....walking along and even walking behind a push toy. Also this week, she has learned how to crawl up stairs. It was a big week of learning for Annabelle, but she still squeezed in some quality crying time and fussy-eating time.
Good to know, the good times aren't totally behind us!

posted by brian 9:33 PM

Thursday, May 27, 2004

I'm home!
Here's the reader's digest version.
Boarded a plane in Hartford.
Stalled for 3 hours due to weather.
Everyone on board missed their connecting flights, most everyone was able to catch a later flight.
My flight was at 10:15.
I board the flight and after about 45 minutes, a mechanical problem was found, we remained on board for another 20 minutes.
We had to switch planes, so we deplaned, and waited for another hour in the airport.
Finally boarding the new plane, we arrived in Bismarck at 1 am. We prepare to deplane and the jeyway is non functional, so we deplane using the rickety staircase all the way down to the ground.....
Besides that, it all went pretty well.

posted by brian 9:25 PM

Sunday, May 23, 2004

Greetings from Conneticut!
It's been beautiful weather all weekend....and tonight is a family barbecue...and it's thunderstorming. Go figure!
Seeing all of Dad's toys (i.e. DVD burner, Audio CD burner, Direct Drive turntable, make me think I can make lots of room in my luggage for the way home. Think he'll miss it? Of course.
I'll just add them to the wish list and when that lottery comes through, we can start checking off items from that list!

posted by brian 4:16 PM

Monday, May 17, 2004

Take a look out my hotel window.

posted by brian 4:55 PM

Sunday, May 16, 2004

Aloha from New Jersey!
Or should I say "Yo!"
After 2 flights and a taxi ride...I made it!!!
I'm in the hotel and AMEN!
Curious? It's a hotel room. Take a look.

posted by brian 9:17 PM

Thursday, May 13, 2004

In just a few days I will be leaving my loving family and the state for New Jersey.
I'm both excited and dreading it at the same time. Being away from family is never fun, but at the end of my trip is Dad! That makes it worth it!
I get to meet the other part of the family!
Plus I get to ride a train. If I'm lucky I'll get mugged by one of the nice hoodlums.

posted by brian 9:48 PM

Sunday, May 09, 2004

Mother's Day. It's Mother's day and Jen is fast alseep. The kids and I have been working on and off since the first one got up at 6:45 this morning.
Today we show her how much we appreciate her being "the Mom" but also to give her some items to keep to remember this stage in being a mother.
Hopefully she likes it.
It's raining outside. The ground and soggy so no picnic outside today.
The budget is tight, so no trip to the zoo for a season pass today.
But in about an hour, we are going to jump in bed with her and surprise her with her mother's day pop corn ball.

posted by brian 9:51 AM

Tuesday, May 04, 2004

Yes it's true the stomach flu is over. This week is head cold week. Yes every member fo the family has a cold. Runny nose, sore throat, coughing, head achey. What we need is the Sniffeling, sneezing, stuffy head, wake up on the kitchen floor medicine.

posted by brian 9:13 PM

Saturday, May 01, 2004

Good news!!! I am typing with one hand which means the other is around Annie. yes, the girls made huge strides in the last day. keeping things do wn and sleeping OK. I say OK because we still aren't back where we were.
THat's OK. SOme is better than none....Yeah! No Puke!

posted by brian 3:24 PM

Thursday, April 29, 2004

Is there any more?
That is the question we ask ourselves each time Sabrina vomits.
OK, so the number of times has reduced dramatically, but she is still one whipped puppy. The good news is, she was talking today. Yesterday....all she did was look...then slowly move her eyes.
Pretty sad. At one point she said "Dad, I don't love you. I don't even like you a little bit."
That didn't phase me. I figure it was prep for when she gets into high school.
She also told Jen the same thing later....and later today, she told me she loved me again.
Vomiting can be rather emotional for a 4 year old.
Tomorrow, hopefully this will be much better! Hopefully.
Annabelle still has her moments, but it's hard to tell if she isn't feeling well or if she is testing us with her temper tantrums. time will tell.

posted by brian 9:42 PM

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Here's an update:
This morning went as normal. Jen took care of the girls and the house, and the dog. I got ready and went to work. Sabrina seemed sick, but not like yesterday......until after 10. She had puked three times and wasn't keeping anything down....so I came home from work to help out.
I called the clinic who asked our doctor what to do. He suggested going to the ER since the "wrist-rubbing" medicine wasn't cutting the mustard.
Jen took Sabrina. They were gone for a few hours....came back. Diagnosis...Stomach flu.
Luckily Sabrina wasn't dehydrated enough to require an IV.
Since the Wrist medicine to stop the vomiting didn't work, they prescribed someting much stronger taken in a suppository form. Makes perfect sense. If the problem is vomiting....no oral meds. You start working your way away from the mouth. I'm sure there were test meds that were to be put on the lips or ears. the one that worked...wrists. Sabrina needed the suppository. Although she is only 4 years old, she took it like a trooper. By this time tomorrow, hopefully she will be feeling much better. Annabelle, on the otherhand seems to be making a swift recovery. Thank God!! First solid poop since Saturday! Amen!

posted by brian 9:43 PM

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

It's Tuesday evening and let me reflect on the last 24 hours. Last night at this time I had just gotten back from Pauls house with Sabrina....Sabrina was eating a snack and Jen and I were busily working on moving into the den. Sabrina went to bed around 10:00ish. 2 hours past her bedtime. The lights went out in the Matthews house.
3:14 am. The lights come back on after hearing Sabrina puking in her room followed by blood curdling screams. The Mom and Dad SWAT team launch into action. Within in a few minutes, Sabrina was being calmed down and her puke was being cleaned up (Jen gets all the credit). With Sabrina in her new pajamas and sitting on the toilet because diarrhea also hit her....she pukes again. This continues on for 2+ hours. Meanwhile Annabelle gets up. Wide awake and cranky. She is having tummy cramps and doesn't like it one bit. Finally in bed to rest just before 6:00. I had already called in to work to tell them I was not going to be in.
Flash to 8 am. Jen has been up for about 15 minutes and Sabrina needs some morale support in the bathroom. I get out of bed. The vomiting and diarrhea continues throughout the day. Jen is able to procure some medication to subdue the vomiting. It seems to have worked. Sabrina is able to now hold down a 10 oz container Pedialite. Jennifer and I take turns with each child. Walking around with Annabelle or sitting in the bathroom holding the pail while Sabrina sits on the throne. This continues throughout the day. Flash to 6:30 pm. Bathtime. The girls now smell human again and seem to be making some improvements, albeit small ones.
8pm. The girls are now in bed, and Jennifer and I continue on the den. We have ADHD (Attention Deficit Home Decorating) so no matter what, we are somehow spurred to continue. Hopefully tomorrow at this time I will be able to report that both girls have made stunning recoveries and Jennifer and I are just working on the den. No vomiting. No diarrhea. No crying unless it is from me when Jennifer says "It's time to get off the computer now".
Cross your fingers.

posted by brian 9:57 PM

Saturday, April 24, 2004

This weekend has been a weekend of bodily fluids...and I mean that in the "cleanest" way possible.
First, tattoos. No no no, not me. Jen's mom and dad got a couple really nice ones!!!
I'm waiting to get that life-size tattoo of Herve Villechaize across my back. A tattoo of Tatoo.
Next, Sabrina may or may not have a bladder infection. All we know is she pees every 5 minutes all day long and all night too. Next, Annabelle seems to have the flu, so she has it coming out both ends..and none of it is cute or adorable.
Then to top it all off, the cat puked on the couch.
Whoever is writing this script sure has a sick sense of humor. Touché.

posted by brian 9:11 PM

Thursday, April 15, 2004

Today, in a matter of 20 minutes, Jen will be in the Morton County Courthouse for jury duty. Her first time to actually go. She was called once before, but never had to go. There must be plenty of waiting when the instructions from the courthouse included "Bring a book to read".
Jen called yesterday and asked what to expect from today and the receptionist said,"they ask you questions and if they don't like you, you go home and if they like you, you stay". There are so many other places like that......any job interview, elected office, etc. Although I hope that they don't like Jen so she won't be bored or stressed all day, I have to say, it would be pretty hard for them to not like her.....unless they had something against beautiful stay-at-home moms with a great sense of humor.

posted by brian 8:21 AM

Sunday, April 11, 2004

The bunny holiday has come and gone. Much candy was eaten and some delicious turkey!
The summer activities calendars came out and Sabrina and Mark will have swimming lessons at the same time!!! This is great news. Jen won't be spending 2 solid hours trying to keep Annie happy at the pool!
We arrived back from Easter in Dickinson This weekend and we are all tuckered out!!! We left here Saturday morning around 11:30 right on time.....with all of us including Scooby.
Around Richardton, Scooby puked all over the backseat of the van. We pulled into a conveninance store in Richardton.....andpurchased a few items to clean the mess up. When I approached the counter with a roll of paper towels, 2 pine tree air fresheners and asked if they had any plastic bags.....the lady asked what was going on. I told her.She was amused. I returned about 10 minutes later with 2 more pine tree air fresheners in had...shich she found even more amusing.
We made it safe and sound.....and smelling like puke and pine tree air fresheners!
Numm!
Really just having the stomach flu wasn't enough, but traveling in a van scented such was just about enough to bring back the nausia.
Puke clean up in our house is a shift duty. It happened on my shift since Jen had to clean up my vomit a couple days earlier. The next shift is hers, although I hope it isn't for a long long long long time.
Ont he body fluids clean up topic, this is also amusing, while ready a book to Sabrina, I notices her wall was dirty by her bed. I couldn't put my finger on it, but then Sabrina told me. They were her boogers. Not sure if she was saving them or couldn't find a tissue in the middle of the night. At any rate, amusing.

posted by brian 9:39 PM

Thursday, April 08, 2004

Easter is almost here. Sabrina has an acute fascination with everything eggs and bunnies. Annabelle dances to the Toy-R-Us commercial with the singing bunnies. I have had my fill of peeps. There is easter Egg dye under all of our fingernails. Yes, the Season is upon us.

posted by brian 9:11 PM

Sunday, March 28, 2004

Today at this exact time exactly 1 year algo, Annabelle Rose was born. All the anticipation and waiting came to an end and the joy and (sometimes) sleepless nights began. Each diaper and bath in a sink followed up by wrapping her in a little terry cloth hooded towel and then putting lotion on her while she coos (and, sometimes pees). Today she is officailly 1 year old and a happy healthy little girl. She takes baths with her big sister, Sabrina. You can tell already they are going to be the best of friends (as long as they don't take each other's stuff). Happy Birthday Annabelle Rose. Now don't get any older.

posted by brian 3:28 PM

Thursday, March 25, 2004

Well, in just a few days, Annabelle has her first birthday. 1 year ago, we were at the hospital, Jennifer was enduring painful contractions and other pokes and prods while I took advantage of the "Daddy Fridge".
I will never forget the day. Every visitor had to comment about the arsenal of cameras I had ready to go. The anestehsiologist was a curmudgeonly man that I was expecting to tell Jennifer to "Walk it off" when the contractions hit. Not a very sensitive fellow. Karma would place him in a foreign hospital in extreme amount of pain while the nurses prepare sensitive areas of his body for surgery without anesthetic.
Ah yes. The memories.

posted by brian 4:55 PM

Sunday, March 14, 2004

Dear Ndugu,
This weekend my wife Jennifer and I took a break from our basement project to watch "About Schmidt". I took Friday off to work on the basement and we made great progress. IT's Sunday evening which only menas one thing......Monday's doom is impending!
Hope all is well in Tanzania.

posted by brian 6:34 PM

Saturday, March 13, 2004

This morning I gave Annabelle a couple pieces of my Honey Graham Life cereal. She then spits it out and gives me a look as if to say,"What are you trying to do? Kill me?"

posted by brian 9:50 AM

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Well, I'm not sure if this is a pattern or a fluke, but our little princess slept until 6:45am.
We are quite elated!!!

posted by brian 4:57 PM

Tuesday, March 09, 2004

I am happy to report for the first time since she was born, Annabelle slept through the night!

posted by brian 4:24 PM

Monday, March 08, 2004

Status report.
We (Jen and myself) worked like sweaty gremlins this weekend to make progress on our beloved basement. The walls are done. The ceiling is done. The lighting is all in place. The trim is in process and the floor is on order.
We are quite possibly nearing completion of this long project.
Just a few more evenings of seeing my bride covered in dust and paint......after that who knows.

posted by brian 4:12 PM

Tuesday, March 02, 2004

Welcome to the Matthew's house. Home of Brian, Jennifer, Mark, Sabrina, Annabelle, Scooby, Mouse, and our newest member...Mocha. Mocha is a puppy. Mocha is a loner. Mocha is a stuffed dog Mark was sent home with to treat and care for like a real puppy. So Mark brings him everywhere....asks us to watch him while he goes to Basketball practice....and has him under the table at supper time.
Mocha (if that is his real name) is a quiet dog. Even when tripped over, he does not make a sound. I was a little concerned when I saw Scooby sizing Mocha up....but then after he pulled him over and made him a pillow...I knew all was right in the Matthew's home.

posted by brian 9:29 PM

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

It was a prod moment in the Matthews house. Jen and Sabrina were on the computer....playing games on Nickjr.com...Jen went out to check for games on SeasameStreet.com. There weren't as many activities to do......like at NickJr.com....so Sabrina, in her knowledgable and definite voice said, "let's just go back to .com"
A single tear ran down my cheek as I beamed with pride! It was her first .com!

posted by brian 11:48 AM

Wednesday, February 18, 2004

MIDCO SUCKS!
Yes that's right..they lost my web sites and my e-mail addresses.......everything. Intalking to the support technicians...they informed me that they do not back up their servers at all....even in the event of a disaster.
Huh.

posted by brian 2:21 PM

Saturday, February 14, 2004

Today is our 6th Anniversary.....and I think an e-mail from my dad said it best: "WOW!!!! SIX WHOLE YEARS!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Seems like it was just yesterday, but six years, two kids, three jobs and two houses later. WOW!!!"
I concur.

6 years down...many many many more to go!!!!

posted by brian 6:38 PM

Sunday, January 25, 2004

Last night Mark, Jeremy and I went to the "Rolling Thunder Monster Truck Challenge.
It was.......
Lawn mower races (2 whopping divisions), something called the "Dakota Legends" which was racing these miniture cars about the size of a Cooper Mini, Freestyle motocross....so 3 guys on motorcycles jumping off ramps.....Monster trucks crushing cars and the demolition derby.
I was as loud as a Kiss concert in parts. Thank goodness for ear plugs!!!

Mark was doing fine considering it lasted until 10:30pm.
Mark promptly fell deep into slumber when we got home....and was up by, what I'm guesing was 7:20. Grumpiness ensued. He much better now.
Sabrina had trouble falling to sleep because we were gone....so I guess she kept coming downstairs to talk to Jen.
She's happier, but has a cold today.....and before Lunch both kids were free from their early morning grumps.

We have a nice accumulation of snow....so I am waiting my turn at the shovel. Jen and Mark are taking the first shift and I will pull the last shift.....shoveling all that white stuff.

Today's plans include, besides shoveling, planning for some family room design changes.
Yes, as with many major projects, when you get part way into them, you have wonderful ideas which involve redoing some of the work. Nothing major that isn't easily redone......so Jen and I will sit down to finalize the redesign today.

posted by brian 12:26 PM

Friday, January 16, 2004

I love updating this web site. I'm just not sure why I dont' do it more often!!!
The family is doing very well!
Annabelle is sitting up on her own and saying "Daddy" and "Mama" and "Giggle".
Sabrina is back in gymnastics. She now says things like "Daddy, will you please get me more chocolate milk?" with the puppy dog eyes.
Mark.......I'm not really sure what he says....since Christmas break he has been up in his room playing Game Cube! He comes down for meals and the occassional shower.
There's the weekly update!

posted by brian 3:01 PM

Friday, January 09, 2004

Well, my plans are finalized. I will be attending a class in Latham NY in April.
In planning it, I am flying out early to visit my dad!
It's very exciting! Plus I get a lay over in Detroit. Who doesn't want a layover in Detroit?!!!

posted by brian 4:52 PM

Tuesday, January 06, 2004

Greetings from balmy North Dakota!

posted by brian 3:51 PM

Friday, January 02, 2004

New photos posted.....finally!

posted by brian 9:18 AM

Monday, December 29, 2003

Christmas has come and gone and that means one thing in the Matthew's house........redecorate!
Yes that's right......take down the holiday decorations and replace them with:
A) Our old decorations that are getting a little boring
B) The new decorations we receved for Christmas
C) The new Decorations but also repaint and reaccessorize.

If you guessed C, you would be right. I like to think of it as warming up to do the family room. Since pausing the progress in the basement in December, this will be a way to gear back up.
Specifically, we are repainting the dining room, hanging all the new decorations and putting down a new area rug (it is a modest rug...one not likely to run for any sort of public office. I would categorize it as a school marm rug.

posted by brian 10:21 PM

Tuesday, December 23, 2003

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!!
Of course it's the last day of school and of work before a well deserved Christmas break, which will make this a very long ardous day!

posted by brian 10:23 AM

Monday, December 22, 2003

Today is officially the Beginning of winter. The Winter Solstice. Traditionally this is referred to as "The Shortest day of the year". I thought that was quite amusing since tomorrow, which will be my last day before a nice long stint of days off, will be the LONGEST day of the year!!!!!

posted by brian 4:24 PM

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

Tonight is Sabrina's 1st Christmas Program at church. I'm more excited than a sugar junkie at a Pixy Stick factory!
Sunday is Mark's program. The older kids have a little higher production quality. Laser light shows, fog machines, go-go dancers, live tigers, and giant inflattable pigs. I am anticipating quite the show! I heard Phish might show up for a cameo.

posted by brian 10:50 AM

Monday, December 15, 2003

9 days until Christmas Eve!
Tick tock tick tock!
I swear I'm more anxious now than when I was little. Sleepless nights. Crazy!
This year I'm hoping for an Official Red Ryder Carbine action 200 shot range air rifle with a compass in the stock and a thing that tells time!

posted by brian 11:41 AM

Monday, December 08, 2003

A new week is upon us. With just days before Christmas, we are completely done with our gift shopping. That may not sound impressive, but that also includes my gifts to Jen....whcih typically are left to the last minute. I have been a goold boy this year and was able to purchase and receive all the items prior to the Christmas rush.

Jen doesn't know it, but I got her a special one of a kind ceramic elephant lamp. When you pull the trunk, the light goes on.

posted by brian 4:46 PM

Monday, December 01, 2003

ah yes, blogging in the middle of the night hasn't been myroutine for quite sometime.Annabelle is gettingolder andthankgoodness is not needing so much attention at night. I just noticed that when I'm tiredthespace bar is optional.
Spelling seems to be not so important as well.
Anyway, I think Annabelle is getting the idea. I checked on her, coverd her up and left the room. repeat in increasing increments. At first she was very upset at me leaving...now I thinkshe's got the concept and isjust fighting to stay awake.
shhhhhhh. she stopped talking. i'm going to try to go back to bed now. thanks for listening.

posted by brian 3:50 AM

Saturday, November 29, 2003

I began wrapping Jen's Christmas presents this evening. I wrapped the gifts I gave her before we were married so she would expect the world's worst wrapping techniques. Tonight, I have reached an all time low. I can't even describe it....but the wrapping is truly horrendous!
In a fe weeks Jen will find out exactly how badly I have done. Until then, it will remain an eyesore underneath the tree!!!

posted by brian 10:11 PM

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Thanksgiving is coming up very shortly.
What does that mean in this house? Lots of food....a movie...more food.....family....and sometime during the whole thing a chair will break because I ate too much food!!!

posted by brian 9:50 PM

Friday, November 14, 2003

Well, just when we thought the family was coming out of this illness, yours truely gets hit. I left work yesterday at 10:00 and ended up at the clinic where I found out I have an ear infection and a sinus infection.
Long story short, I have a few bottles of medicine including antibiotic capsules, antibiotic ear drops, a day time decogestant and a night time decogestant. It's been 24 hours since the first doses and the preassure has gone down. Hopefully I will be able to hear out of the ear tomorrow.

posted by brian 4:52 PM

Thursday, November 06, 2003

For the last few months, we have been remodeling our basement. First what was a 1960's rec room was converted into two rooms, one became my wood shop.
Next the middle of the basement was gutted. Wallboard, ceiling...everything.
That room is becoming our family room. A room that will be heavily used by the kids (hopefully). At the north end of the family room is a delapitated half bath with a sink and toilet raised 6 inches above the floor.
As I begin the bathroom remodel, I take out the toilet (which was resting on a sewer drain that had no end to attach to). I then rip out the entire false floor and begin framining in the walls.
The plan was to reuse the old toilet and sink to save money. They aren't the prettiest set nor the newest, but they work....until tonight. That was when I brushed up against the toilet that fell over like a drunk weeble only it didn't wobble...it smashed into several billion pieces. That may sound like an exageration, but I swear I saw that toilet burst like an exploding atom bomb, leaving behind a dirty linoleum Hiroshima.
The remodel goes on even though the bathroom has officially surrendered.

posted by brian 9:40 PM

Monday, November 03, 2003

Annabelle has an ear infection. On Antibiotics.
Sabrina went to Gymnastics. Displayed underwear proudly.
Mark got a GameCube. Still playing.
Jen Shoveled all our walks. Still cold.

posted by brian 10:47 PM

Sunday, November 02, 2003

It is the Birthday weekend. Thursday Night, Mark went to a Birthday party at a classmates house, last night was Mark's big Birthday party (photos will be posted soon) at the bowling alley, and today, Mark goes to another Birthday party. Oy! Plus MOnday (Mark and Sabrina's real Birthday, we are taking them to Space Aliens and then out for Brother Bear. A good time will be had by all.
I got to thinking....how come all these kids have birthdays so close to each other.
It's pretty simple. Valentine's day was 9 months prior.

posted by brian 11:50 AM

Friday, October 31, 2003

Happy Halloween!

posted by brian 10:43 AM

Thursday, October 30, 2003

Illness runs rampant through the Matthews House. I'm not sure if it's my ill-secured collection of infectious diseases or if it's just nature's way of saying "Buy more Tylenol".
Annabelle is under the weather. This means quite a bit more work for Jen during the day and for both of us in the evening.

Mark's Birthday party is coming. This year, we are bowling with 8 of Mark's friends and cousins.
Ah yes, the bowling alley. Home of rented shoes the single largest source for ER visits for broken toes.
Here' to you, Mr. Bowling Alley owner man!

posted by brian 11:56 AM

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

What's white and fluffy and ticks North Dakotans off?
CarrotTop.

If you falsely answered snow, take note that today is the first snow fall of the season.
It's still snowing out there. A heavy wet snow that will most likely melt away this afternoon, but still waking up to a white yard really puts the limited amount of outdoor time into perspective.
Hurry up before you are quarantined inside for 6 months!

posted by brian 8:44 AM

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Sabrina isn't feeling well at all. 102 fever and just generally not well.
Sabrina has a baby doll that she had been playing with. Typical stuff....feeding, wrapping up in a blanket and putting down for a nap.
Since she was so enthralled with this doll, I played along and asked what the baby's name was. She then responded "David....Matthews".
And that is how Dave Matthews is sleeping with my daughter.

posted by brian 10:34 PM

Wednesday, October 15, 2003

So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.

posted by brian 9:28 PM

Mark's second year of soccer is over! His first year was prior to Kindergarten. This year Mark decided he wanted to give it another "kick" as it were.
Sabrina is in gymnastics...or "Nastics" as she says it. She is having a ball...with the exception of the high balance beam. 3 feet off the ground is really high when you are that tall. Other than that, she's learning cartwheels and somersaults and straddle jumps. I even learned something new...like what the heck is a straddle jump? Isn't that something you put on a horse?
I finished teaching my digital photo class at the college. It's nice to have it over with so I son't have to plan each week which surprisingly takes up scores of time....my third grade teacher made it seem so easy... All Hail Miss Schatz!
With the class over and Soccer done and Nastics almost over....life in the Matthew's house is going to slow down just long enough for the biggest season in this family...Christmas. This evening, I swore I heard Jen listening to Christmas music in the kitchen. She then told me that Christmas music isn't allowed until after Halloween.
Well, at least she's limiting herself.
I'll expound on the vastness of Christmas when married to a Ford girl is later entries. It's really quite amazing.
Now on to important news....my birthday is just a few days away!! That's right! MY day! A day in our house where I sleep in, I don't have to shave, I can wear whatever I want....(this day closely resembles Hobo Day, only there's no sticks with bandana pouches on the end).
Jen and I are going to see a nice romantic movie....like
School of Rock and have a nice meal and then buy power tools!!!
My shop teacher would be proud (and a bit stunned) of my relationship with power tools. Of course you can immediately tell I'm a novice...I have all my fingers intact. Most wood shops have an assortment of things like jigs and such. Mine is a bit different. Instead of the normal crude pushstick, I will have a push stick that resembles a human hand with one finger outstretched, so when it hits the blade, it actually cuts through a finger! It's a little sadistic, I know. I'm allowed. It's almost my birthday dammit!!!
Now to be totally arrogant....the lyrics to the Oompa Loompa song!

Oompa loompa doompety doo
I've got a perfect puzzle for you
Oompa loompa doompety dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

What do you get when you guzzle down sweets
Eating as much as an elephant eats
What are you at, getting terribly fat
What do you think will come of that
I don't like the look of it

Oompa loompa doompety da
If you're not greedy, you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompa Doompety do
Doompety do

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oompa loompa doompety doo
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa loompa doompeda dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

Gum chewing's fine when it's once in a while
It stops you from smoking and brightens your smile
But it's repulsive, revolting and wrong
Chewing and chewing all day long
The way that a cow does

Oompa loompa doompety da
Given good manners you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompa Doompety do

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oompa loompa doompety doo
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa loompa doompety dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

Who do you blame when your kid is a brat
Pampered and spoiled like a siamese cat
Blaming the kids is a lie and a shame
You know exactly who's to blame
The mother and the father

Oompa loompa doompety da
If you're not spoiled then you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompa Doompety do

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oompa loompa doompety doo
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa loompa doompeda dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

What do you get from a glut of TV
A pain in the neck and an IQ of three
Why don't you try simply reading a book
Or could you just not bear to look
You'll get no
You'll get no
You'll get no
You'll get no
You'll get no commercials

Oompa loompa doompety da
If you're not greedy you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the - Oompa -
Oompa Loompa Doompety do

If that song doesn't put a smile on your face, you are chemically imbalanced!

posted by brian 9:25 PM

Sunday, October 12, 2003

What's better than sleeping in on a Sunday? How about sleeping in and eating Krispy Kreme Donuts for lunch!
Now that's just icing on th cake(donut).
Later---cotton candy and taffy for supper!!!

posted by brian 12:16 PM

Friday, October 03, 2003

The truck did it to me again.
Yesterday.....I am heading back to work for a very important Senior Management Meeting and I notice I'm running out of fuel. I stop in at my usual station and fill up. I pay and get back in and . No start. No turn over nothing.
Not again. Jen came to my rescue. The place towed it in and after a new starter and battery cable, I was good to go.
The good news is, I took the afternoon off and ran some errands and finished a few chores of mine.
Jen, like the superhero she is, had been doing chores up until she rescued me from the Gas Station. She then went right back to doing chores.
Yep. I still feel like a slacker.

posted by brian 3:53 PM

Wednesday, October 01, 2003

The joys of owning an old home.
Jen has totally redone the bathroom on the second floor for the kids. It's bright fun colors are very lively! I installed a new sink and discovered a leaky toilet......Ah the joys of an old house.
At lunch today, the Microwave just stopped working....lost power. so did the radio on the same outlet and the refrigerator as well. great! It wasn't a breaker....all breakers are on and it's just those two outlets.....so iit's possibly the outlets or the wiring between them. Ah the joys of an old home!

posted by brian 10:06 PM

Sunday, September 28, 2003

Annabelle officially has a tooth that has cut through!

This also means...teething.....and a rather confused and irritable baby.
Usually Jen and I alternate nights to get up with Annabelle. Tonight will not be one of those nights. No one is going to get very much sleep.....in order for both of us to at least get a little sleep!
Jen walked 6 miles for charity this afternoon.....so this is not exactly great timing. A busier than normal day and now an infant that is more irritable than normal. I guess my 3rd grade teacher was right, there is no such thing as normal.

posted by brian 10:48 PM

The rummage sale is over.....and so is the weekend...well, almost.
It's Sunday afternoon. Yesterday...soccer and Gymnastics. Different children, the same time.
Then a little shopping and family time......last night we were invited over to supper at the home of one on my coworkers. Honey glazed chicken was nummy!!!
We also learned that in Hebrew, "Sabrina" means "Cactus". huh. that's works.
Today, Jen is taking part in the American Heart Walk.....so I am tending to the children. I like to think of it as child wrangling!
So far so good. No melt downs and noone has lost an eye. a success....so far.
After this......I have no idea what's next. maybe a nap...maybe game time. I'm thinking Nintendo!!!

posted by brian