Love you, honey. Thank you for being an amazing husband, a loving father, and a great friend.
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Happy Birthday
Love you, honey. Thank you for being an amazing husband, a loving father, and a great friend.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Happy Anniversary
to my friend,
my rock,
the love of my life.
Thank you for the last 13 years.
I'm looking forward to many,
many more with you.
many more with you.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Jeff Dunham
So, Mark and I had the opportunity to see Jeff Dunham last night.
Mark's fabulous brother, Brian, drove up from Southern California to watch the boys for us. HUGE, huge thank you Brian...you left before we could thank you properly (hope the house hunting goes well).
The show was amazing!
If you've ever seen his show on TV or live, you are probably familiar with "Guitar Guy." This man is extremely talented and opened the show. Jeff then came out and did a short stand up that included some Medford/Klamath Falls, Oregon bashing, which for me was especially funny for me having JUST drove through said areas.
We saw Walter, Achmed, Peanut, Jose, and Bubba J (though Bubba J was an unplanned part of the show). With the exception of Bubba J, most of the material seemed to be new. During Achmed's segment there was a lot of improv...LOVE THAT!...to the point the show ran over (one and a half hours became a full 2 hours...YAY).
Learned that Jeff often gets the punch line a mere 5 seconds before we, the audience, do.
Downside: the worst drink in history at the bar before the show.
Best part: a date! (without worries about what the boys might be doing)
Mark's fabulous brother, Brian, drove up from Southern California to watch the boys for us. HUGE, huge thank you Brian...you left before we could thank you properly (hope the house hunting goes well).
The show was amazing!
If you've ever seen his show on TV or live, you are probably familiar with "Guitar Guy." This man is extremely talented and opened the show. Jeff then came out and did a short stand up that included some Medford/Klamath Falls, Oregon bashing, which for me was especially funny for me having JUST drove through said areas.
We saw Walter, Achmed, Peanut, Jose, and Bubba J (though Bubba J was an unplanned part of the show). With the exception of Bubba J, most of the material seemed to be new. During Achmed's segment there was a lot of improv...LOVE THAT!...to the point the show ran over (one and a half hours became a full 2 hours...YAY).
Learned that Jeff often gets the punch line a mere 5 seconds before we, the audience, do.
Downside: the worst drink in history at the bar before the show.
Best part: a date! (without worries about what the boys might be doing)
Friday, March 19, 2010
A Date Night TONIGHT
We're going to Jeff Dunham tonight! Our first date night since moving to Vegas...just a tad excited, LOL!
Now, what to wear?
Now, what to wear?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Doing the Happy Dance
MARK IS EMPLOYED AGAIN!!
He starts with CEP Exhibits on Monday and there couldn't be a better Christmas gift for us this year than this.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thankful for Mark
Who, despite being out of work, is keeping an amazingly positive attitude.
He's emailed or mailed out resumes to all the exhibit houses locally (and some not so local).
He's registered on two, that I know about anyway, job search sites. He's received four or five requests for additional information from insurance companies recruiting for sales positions.
Today, he also mailed out resumes to Pepsi and multiple locations of UPS, both of whom he's worked for before.
If I thought it would help, I'd post his resume here! And, of course, we are once again opening ourselves to his traveling and/or us relocating.
I'm thankful for my husband and all he's doing to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. Love you, Honey!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Cue scary shark attack music...
The dreaded ax fell on Mark's job yesterday. The merger has turned into more of a hostile take-over. The writing had been on the wall back when he was offered an office (with a door -- think he was reduced to sharing said office by the end of the weekend).
We're still processing the blow. Don't know what this means for us as we relocated for the job. Thankfully, with his severance package we have a bit of a cushion so will enjoy Thanksgiving with family before figuring out what's next.
Positive thoughts are much appreciated!
We're still processing the blow. Don't know what this means for us as we relocated for the job. Thankfully, with his severance package we have a bit of a cushion so will enjoy Thanksgiving with family before figuring out what's next.
Positive thoughts are much appreciated!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Happy Anniversary to Us
12 years...Like all marriages, ours has had its ups and downs; happily I think we've had more ups than downs. And after all is said and done, I'm still glad the first thing I see each morning is Mark's face.
Our anniversary present to each other. We've talked about getting one of these outdoor fireplaces for years. Last night we enjoyed this for the first of likely MANY evenings.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I was right...
A Backyard Battle update.
No one on the HOA board actually LIVES in our neighborhood. Two of the members were so new to the board they didn't even know where the neighborhood was. Yeah, that makes sense. Last night's meeting was a joke of monumental proportions. The three board members and four home owners with violations. Mark had been expecting a turn out of twenty or so people. Sad that more home owners aren't taking an interest in the HOA.
Mark being Mark, was kind enough to point out to the HOA just how messed up their system is. Should be interesting to see if they take any of his suggestions to heart. I think it was about 10 pm by the time Mark got home. At least we now seem to be in compliance with their knit-picky bylaws.
No one on the HOA board actually LIVES in our neighborhood. Two of the members were so new to the board they didn't even know where the neighborhood was. Yeah, that makes sense. Last night's meeting was a joke of monumental proportions. The three board members and four home owners with violations. Mark had been expecting a turn out of twenty or so people. Sad that more home owners aren't taking an interest in the HOA.
Mark being Mark, was kind enough to point out to the HOA just how messed up their system is. Should be interesting to see if they take any of his suggestions to heart. I think it was about 10 pm by the time Mark got home. At least we now seem to be in compliance with their knit-picky bylaws.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Backyard Battle
I'm not anti HOA (Home Owner Association)-- truly I'm not -- but the one we have here is driving us crazy and costing our landlord dollars. Mark thinks people who live in our development are part of the HOA but I don't think so, because if they are they aren't very neighborly. We had one in Oregon, not the best but better than this group.
I think HOAs have a place. They keep neighborhoods from turning into used car lots and hobbyist garages. They help homes maintain value by holding owners responsible for upkeep. I like that my neighbor can't park his RV on the street for weeks on end. But the fees and charges can be extreme.
Anyway, I guess this HOA gives home owners two years to landscape their backyards. I have no idea when our landlord purchased this house or why he didn't comply with the two year guidelines but we agreed to landscape the backyard in exchange of one month's rent. First up was the patio which Mark completed in the unbelievable heat of July. We've got trees planned but were advised to wait until the temperature came down before planting. So Mark has been doing what he can to prep the backyard for the plants when they get delivered. So not sitting on butts here.
Landlord got a final notice about the backyard and one about a missing plant in the front yard (one that died last summer, we didn't bother replacing because it didn't affect the look of the yard in our mind) last week. A notice, threatening fines. Mark submitted the backyard plan to them yesterday -- was told he needed to pay a fee (talk about nickling and diming to death) which of course he referred back to our landlord.
Long story short...we aren't the only people feed up with this. There is actually one owner who is talking about suing the HOA. We talked with him a few weeks ago and gave him our email but so far haven't heard back, our landlord is on board if it happens though. Tonight is an HOA board meeting. Mark is going on behalf of our landlord. He's taking documentation and these photos of the backyard (taken yesterday morning):
I think HOAs have a place. They keep neighborhoods from turning into used car lots and hobbyist garages. They help homes maintain value by holding owners responsible for upkeep. I like that my neighbor can't park his RV on the street for weeks on end. But the fees and charges can be extreme.
Anyway, I guess this HOA gives home owners two years to landscape their backyards. I have no idea when our landlord purchased this house or why he didn't comply with the two year guidelines but we agreed to landscape the backyard in exchange of one month's rent. First up was the patio which Mark completed in the unbelievable heat of July. We've got trees planned but were advised to wait until the temperature came down before planting. So Mark has been doing what he can to prep the backyard for the plants when they get delivered. So not sitting on butts here.
Landlord got a final notice about the backyard and one about a missing plant in the front yard (one that died last summer, we didn't bother replacing because it didn't affect the look of the yard in our mind) last week. A notice, threatening fines. Mark submitted the backyard plan to them yesterday -- was told he needed to pay a fee (talk about nickling and diming to death) which of course he referred back to our landlord.
Long story short...we aren't the only people feed up with this. There is actually one owner who is talking about suing the HOA. We talked with him a few weeks ago and gave him our email but so far haven't heard back, our landlord is on board if it happens though. Tonight is an HOA board meeting. Mark is going on behalf of our landlord. He's taking documentation and these photos of the backyard (taken yesterday morning):
That's the 'play' area. We've got a load of sand coming in to fill it and it is where the pool will go in the summer and the trampoline in the winter.
The MOUNDS of rock and rubble and construction left overs Mark dug up is staggering. These three (small, medium, and large) piles are of the rock he thinks he can reuse within the landscaping.
Better view of the rocks.
We'll be creating a rock garden in this area. We've ordered a palm for the corner.
Because of the slope along this fence Mark created a planter box/retaining wall. He picked up some Russian Sage to plant there as soon as we get our dirt delivery.
That diagonal piece of wood in the corner is marking where a shade tree will go. My pick is a Pink Dawn Chitalpa...I fell in love with one we saw back in July. Hope we can find another one.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
With apologies to Toni McGee Causey
Praising God, Universe, or Elves (I am covering all bases, I cannot afford to be picky here) ... Mark survived yet ANOTHER round of lay-offs at work today.
Five people across the US were let go from Mark's department. Eight people total were let go from the Las Vegas office.
When is this going to end?!
Five people across the US were let go from Mark's department. Eight people total were let go from the Las Vegas office.
When is this going to end?!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Paver Patio
The boring BEFORE picture.
Robbie and Ian were all excited about the dump truck coming after we ordered the gravel and sand for the paver base. The truck showed up super early but the boys got to see it anyway.
The MID-WAY picture. The gravel laid out. Mark end up leveling about a quarter of the sand then placing the pavers before moving on to the next section which is why I don't have a picture of the sand stage. I also don't have a picture of ME carrying 147 pavers from the pallets on the driveway to the back, LOL, still wondering how many calories I burned up that morning!
Here's Robbie helping Mark load the wheelbarrow with sand.
The FINISHED picture. It's like we've added a new room to the house! Mark is calling this one of his Bucket List
things -- he's done it and will never do it again. He had some frustrations with it, mostly pavers breaking, but I think he did a fabulous job with it. Currently, Mark is working on the play area for the boys. We'll load it up with sand and have the trampoline up during the "winter" and the pool during the "summer" and anytime we don't have one of those up, it'll be the world's largest sand box, LOL.
Next weekend we'll work on some of the plants we're planting and hopefully, I'll soon have raised garden boxes so I can plant some veggies!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Mark's Vacation Plan
FINALLY
A day at Disneyland, a night at the Home Run Hitting Contest, a day at the All Star Game, and a day at Sea World...yeah, that could work.
A day at Disneyland, a night at the Home Run Hitting Contest, a day at the All Star Game, and a day at Sea World...yeah, that could work.
Friday, July 17, 2009
For All You Woodworkers...
I give you a car made of wood!
This beauty was at the Woodworking & Furniture show Mark worked earlier this week. Eat your hearts out Dad/Frank and Paul!
This beauty was at the Woodworking & Furniture show Mark worked earlier this week. Eat your hearts out Dad/Frank and Paul!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mark's Father's Day
A quiet morning at home with breakfast, cards, and presents. Then a couple hours of golf on TV followed by a couple of hours at the park.
Had to stop for "wurpees" (slurpees) on the way to the park.
These two were more interested in the slurpees than the splash pads at first. The party poopers, LOL.
These two were all about getting wet!
Then Dad got into the mix with "Who will fight me?" and Ian joined the game.
Still being a party pooper.
Then I dared the oldest to run through the splash pads without getting wet. He waited until they shut down to recycle the water -- the stinker.
No visit to the park is complete without some swing time.
Now we're back at the house, Mark is watching one sport or other on TV and the kids are getting ready for some quiet time (naps for those I can convince because I want one, LOL). Later we'll be BBQing up some ribs.
Hope all you dads out there have a good one today!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Happy Anniversary
to us! Eleven years.
Our celebration involved pizza for the boys, while we enjoyed a yummy Two-Cheese Fondue (recipe compliments of my mother-in-law) and a nice bottle of wine.
The boys and I watched the Legend of the Seeker. It looks like it could be a good family show.
I think we were all in bed by 9pm...such a happening family LOL
Our celebration involved pizza for the boys, while we enjoyed a yummy Two-Cheese Fondue (recipe compliments of my mother-in-law) and a nice bottle of wine.
The boys and I watched the Legend of the Seeker. It looks like it could be a good family show.
I think we were all in bed by 9pm...such a happening family LOL
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
R.I.P.
Anaheim Angels...
Poor Mark, his boys lost last night and are now done for the year. No World Series dreams this year.
Plus side...hockey starts this weekend LOL (and any who know me know I'm rolling my eyes at the thought!)
Poor Mark, his boys lost last night and are now done for the year. No World Series dreams this year.
Plus side...hockey starts this weekend LOL (and any who know me know I'm rolling my eyes at the thought!)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, November 2, 2007
Lots of catching up
Thursday, October 25th 
The boys' school had a Fall Harvest Festival...somehow Cam roped me into manning one of the 3rd grade booths. When I agreed to it, I understood that Cam was suppose to man the booth WITH me...yeah that lasted about a minute LOL. Cam and Alex, decked out as the Scream and Hercules ditched me and the Fish Races booth to check out the festival with their assorted friends. They did come back to the booth to check in with me every once in awhile...I'll give them that, though Alex was usually after money LOL.
Once I'd served my time...I rounded up the boys and we picked up Mark and the two younger ones to go out to Mark's office for the Halloween celebration there. We got to see Mark's cubical...brave man displaying all that Ram stuff LOL The boys got to go around to the different departments and "Trick or Treat" and everyone came home with candy.
(As you can see by the photo at Mark's office, Alex changed from Hercules to Fireman.)
Friday, October 26th
The computer crashed.
Saturday and Sunday the older boys complained about how much we were ruining their lives by not "doing" Halloween this year. The younger boys had a blast with all the costumes...Robbie especially liked this horse one.
Monday, October 29th
The computer was worse than we thought...required a completely new hard drive. Luckily they thought they could save all our data. A very good thing as I had about 3 months of non backed up photos on there... The computer would be gone till Wednesday or Thursday while the techs restored our data to the new drive, etc.
Tuesday, October 30th
The boys really whined about not going Trick or Treating and that we planned on being dark for Halloween. We just don't know enough people in the neighborhood for us to be comfortable with the whole Halloween scene. (I did give in a bit...we decorated inside the house.) "But we can go around with Ryan and he can introduce us" was Cam's theme song...course Ryan wasn't even going to be here as he spends Halloween with his father. Yeap...great argument there Cam-man.
Wednesday, October 31st...Halloween
The school went all out for Halloween...when was the last time you heard of a public school going all out for any holiday? PC anyone... Anyway, the school set up a parade, the kids got to wear costumes and have a party in their individual classes. Alex was Spiderman for this little event...Cam was still the Scream.
At home however, the boys complained so much (not even cards from Nana & Papa cheered them up) they messed up a pizza dinner followed by a movie night. We got another of Cam's famous "Camisms"
"You are ruining your children's lives and children are the future of the earth!"
Said with such drama he collapsed to the floor in a fit of what turned out to be laughter as Mark asked for his notebook. Mark has started a notebook for Camisms and it has such gems as:
"Just because you went to college doesn't mean your smarter than me."
"Why am I responsible for what I'm not responsible for."
"Taking baths is bad for your health."
Never a dull moment. Anyway...Halloween around here turned out to be a quiet affair. Very few Trick or Treaters out and it was a beautiful evening. I'm guessing in a large city the neighborhood Halloween isn't very popular that most go to the parties and such. Such a huge difference to St. Helens where it felt like bus loads of kids were dropped off at one end of the development and picked up at the other.
Thursday, November 1st
The computer is back...running better than it had been in quite awhile. We lost a few programs...most of which is not a loss. I had to do some updating as they just reinstalled the operating disks that came with the computer. You never realize how much you depend on something till it's gone and this was only for a week LOL It appears that all our data was saved...this situation just encourages me to go through all the files and delete what can be and back up what needs to be. I guess I have my work laid out for the next few months LOL
Bigger news...it's been 10 years. Wow! There are days where I can't believe it's been that long and others where I can't believe it's only been that long. Who would have though a blind date could turn out so well. Just a quiet night at home and a bottle of wine and four boys running around LOL I wouldn't have it any other way.
Friday, November 2nd
The boys are home from school and out playing with friends. Mark's watching a rerun of MASH and I've caught up the blog...a good day in Vegas
The boys' school had a Fall Harvest Festival...somehow Cam roped me into manning one of the 3rd grade booths. When I agreed to it, I understood that Cam was suppose to man the booth WITH me...yeah that lasted about a minute LOL. Cam and Alex, decked out as the Scream and Hercules ditched me and the Fish Races booth to check out the festival with their assorted friends. They did come back to the booth to check in with me every once in awhile...I'll give them that, though Alex was usually after money LOL.
Once I'd served my time...I rounded up the boys and we picked up Mark and the two younger ones to go out to Mark's office for the Halloween celebration there. We got to see Mark's cubical...brave man displaying all that Ram stuff LOL The boys got to go around to the different departments and "Trick or Treat" and everyone came home with candy.
(As you can see by the photo at Mark's office, Alex changed from Hercules to Fireman.)
Friday, October 26th
The computer crashed.
Saturday and Sunday the older boys complained about how much we were ruining their lives by not "doing" Halloween this year. The younger boys had a blast with all the costumes...Robbie especially liked this horse one.
Monday, October 29th
The computer was worse than we thought...required a completely new hard drive. Luckily they thought they could save all our data. A very good thing as I had about 3 months of non backed up photos on there... The computer would be gone till Wednesday or Thursday while the techs restored our data to the new drive, etc.
Tuesday, October 30th
The boys really whined about not going Trick or Treating and that we planned on being dark for Halloween. We just don't know enough people in the neighborhood for us to be comfortable with the whole Halloween scene. (I did give in a bit...we decorated inside the house.) "But we can go around with Ryan and he can introduce us" was Cam's theme song...course Ryan wasn't even going to be here as he spends Halloween with his father. Yeap...great argument there Cam-man.
Wednesday, October 31st...Halloween
The school went all out for Halloween...when was the last time you heard of a public school going all out for any holiday? PC anyone... Anyway, the school set up a parade, the kids got to wear costumes and have a party in their individual classes. Alex was Spiderman for this little event...Cam was still the Scream.
At home however, the boys complained so much (not even cards from Nana & Papa cheered them up) they messed up a pizza dinner followed by a movie night. We got another of Cam's famous "Camisms"
"You are ruining your children's lives and children are the future of the earth!"
Said with such drama he collapsed to the floor in a fit of what turned out to be laughter as Mark asked for his notebook. Mark has started a notebook for Camisms and it has such gems as:
"Just because you went to college doesn't mean your smarter than me."
"Why am I responsible for what I'm not responsible for."
"Taking baths is bad for your health."
Never a dull moment. Anyway...Halloween around here turned out to be a quiet affair. Very few Trick or Treaters out and it was a beautiful evening. I'm guessing in a large city the neighborhood Halloween isn't very popular that most go to the parties and such. Such a huge difference to St. Helens where it felt like bus loads of kids were dropped off at one end of the development and picked up at the other.
Thursday, November 1st
The computer is back...running better than it had been in quite awhile. We lost a few programs...most of which is not a loss. I had to do some updating as they just reinstalled the operating disks that came with the computer. You never realize how much you depend on something till it's gone and this was only for a week LOL It appears that all our data was saved...this situation just encourages me to go through all the files and delete what can be and back up what needs to be. I guess I have my work laid out for the next few months LOL
Bigger news...it's been 10 years. Wow! There are days where I can't believe it's been that long and others where I can't believe it's only been that long. Who would have though a blind date could turn out so well. Just a quiet night at home and a bottle of wine and four boys running around LOL I wouldn't have it any other way.
Friday, November 2nd
The boys are home from school and out playing with friends. Mark's watching a rerun of MASH and I've caught up the blog...a good day in Vegas
Thursday, November 1, 2007
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