Traveling Circus

Last night Miranda and I took the kids to a traveling circus. It wasn’t really something we planned, but we heard about it (and heard it was cheap) and decided we’d check it out. It was great! We got to sit about 10 feet from the center ring. The elephants walked between us and the ring. Kasen and I also rode an elephant. Miranda says I looked really out of place. That’s OK – I’m amazed at the things I find myself doing for my children. Thought I’d put up a few pics. (Not sure how it happened, but we didn’t get even one picture with Miranda and Kesleigh.)
elephant smKasen smelephant 2 smelephant 3 smdogs smHighwire smmotorcycle smJPG

Proud Parent Pics

Sorry if you’re not interested, but it’s been a while since I posted any “proud parent” pics. Besides – some of these are just too good not to share. I especially like this first one of Kesleigh. She found the Veggie Tales nativity Jesus yesterday and decided to “chew on Jesus.” I figure that’s a pretty good thing. She’s not even a year old and already knows that Jesus tastes good – that “feasting on the Word” is the best way to live.

Kesleigh thinks Jesus tastes good.
Kesleigh thinks Jesus tastes good.
Kasen picked out their Hats
Kasen picked out their Hats
Kesleigh at the Pumpkin Patch
Kesleigh at the Pumpkin Patch
My Sweet little Strawberry
My Sweet little Strawberry
Isn't she Beautiful??
Isn't she Beautiful??
like her Mama.
like her Mama.
All dressed up for the Tomball FUMC Centennial
All dressed up for the Tomball FUMC Centennial
Good Big Brother's read to their Sisters
Good Big Brother's read to their Sisters
Cowboy Kasen
Cowboy Kasen
Kasen at the Pumpkin Patch
Kasen at the Pumpkin Patch

Jr High Shop Class Ingenuity

Last night I woke Miranda and the kids up @ 11pm. I had no idea the power saw could be heard in the back of the house – besides, it was just 2 quick cuts. . .well. . . that was a mistake. Anyway, we’re leaving tomorrow for a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama for vacation. The Mathews (mostly Patti) love the beach and try to take a trip every year. However, it’s been a few years since we’ve had so many births recently.

We will be in the car with two kids under 2 for at least 8 hours. We are gonna need all the help we can get to keep them from crying (or at least distract them enough so they don’t realize they’re strapped into a car seat for that long.) I decided that there was no need to buy a portable DVD player (mostly ’cause I’m cheap) when we have our laptop, so the quest began. How could I set up the laptop in the car for Kasen to watch movies/tv shows/cartoons from itunes? I already have a converter so I can plug in the computer and the audio link could be run through the Aux input. All I needed was a little tabletop. Here’s where my old Jr High Shop Class ingenuity kicked in. Here’s a pic of what I ended up with. It’ll work this time, but maybe next time I should invest in a headrest monitor.

I even arranged for the shelf to be taken out when not in use.

Without the Shelf
Without the Shelf

With the Shelf
With the Shelf
Finished Product
Finished Product