A Look Back

2011-01-23T20:40:00.000-06:00

Jake

2010-09-11T21:54:00.002-05:00

Jacob

2010-09-11T17:32:00.002-05:00

September 2003

2008 Kindergarden - Jacob

2009-07-29T10:49:00.002-05:00

On this day........

2009-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

40 years ago Neil Armstrong was the first man to step on the moon. The first word spoken on the moon? "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."

This podium is where President Kennedy spoke at Rice Univeristy in Houston to announce that the United States would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade.

Birthday Themes updated

2009-06-02T09:04:00.002-05:00

Jacob
1. Hot Wheels
2. Spiderman
3. Bob the Builder
4. Thomas the Train
5. Transformers
6. Transformers (two years running)

Josh
1. Thomas the Train
2. Cars
3. Sponge Bob
4. Hot Wheels

Josh loves to swing

2009-05-27T00:06:00.001-05:00

Easter 2005

2009-05-06T11:55:00.001-05:00

April 2005

Mike & Jake

Napkin Rings!

2009-04-22T23:45:00.002-05:00

Who knew napkin rings could be so fun/funny? 12-25-2002

Josh

2009-04-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

03/2008

Look out

2009-04-05T21:53:00.002-05:00

Natural Science Museum

July 1999

2009-01-25T07:15:00.004-06:00

This was from our first apartment just after we were married. I believe it was as we were moving in since there is a washing machine in our living room.

A Look Back at 2008

2009-01-01T19:37:00.005-06:00

This is the second year I've written a recap at year end and it seems this year was just as eventful as the previous year.

2008 began with me in Houston and Jill & the boys trying to sell the house in Frisco to complete our relocation.
The beginning of January we made a trip to New Orleans, LA to attend the BCS Championship game between Ohio State and LSU. While the team we were hoping to win didn't, we thoroughly enjoyed the sites New Orleans had to offer. Jacob turned 5 years old and had a transformer birthday party at Grandma & Grandpa Dentons. At the end of January we finally sold our house after 70 showings over a four month period.

The boys & Jill moved into her parents home in Van Alstyne, until we purchased our new house. At the end of February, we purchased our new home in Cypress, about 30 miles northwest of Houston, TX.

March brought a host of visitors to the new house. Jill's parents, my parents, Great Grandpa Denton, John & Alex, and Missy. We had never experienced having anyone stay at our house as overnight guests. Prior to moving to Houston, all family & friends stayed at one of our parents house while visiting Dallas. While we have had our share of visitors over the past 10 months, we still get extremely excited with everyone who comes to town to visit. Also in March we experienced our first Houston Rodeo. I never knew how big a deal a rodeo could be, but the whole city turns upside down about the Rodeo.

Josh turned 3 years old in April and had a Sponge Bob birthday party at Grandma & Grandpa Patton's. Jacob graduated from preschool in May and couldn't be more excited about moving up to elementary school.

In June, both the boys began swim lessons at our community athletic club. Jacob can now swim on his own and Josh is very close to swimming on his own. No doubt both will be swimming all over the place next summer.

We made a few trips to the Houston zoo in July and also took an extended trip to Dallas to see all of the grandparents. Later in the month, Great Aunt Marie from Michigan passed away. We were fortunate enough to visit her each of the last 4 years while we made our fall trip to Ohio and Michigan. At the end of July we made a quick trip to Galveston beach and spent a day there with Aunt Missy. The boys had a blast in the sand and in the water.

Jacob began kindergarten at the end of August and also rode his first bus. He had been waiting for this time since we moved here. He would always see the bus and ask if he could ride. Josh also began pre-school at the beginning of September. Both of the boys schools would be suspended soon after due to Hurricane Ike. Ike arrived September 12th and completely destroyed Galveston beach. Houston also sustained significant damage and 90% power outage. We lost power for about 36 hours. School did not resume for 10 days and most businesses and gas stations had no power for at least 6 days. This caused an incredible halt in everyday life because there were very few gas stations open and the ones that were open had over a 1 hour wait with mile long lines. You can still see effects from Ike as many buildings have missing letters or boarded up windows throughout the city.
At the end of September, Josh became the first boy to receive stitches. Anyone who wagered on who would be first one with stitches no doubt won that bet. He split open his chin while playing at the playground. He was proud of his stitches and made sure to show everyone them.

In October, Jacob ran his first Fun Run. While watching the summer olympics earlier in the year, he told us he was going to be a runner so we signed him up for the 1/4 mile run. He definitely had fun and even turned to us right before the finish line and jumped up and down. We had to wave him to go on to the finish line. Jill's brother, Tim, married Andi in Ft. Worth, TX and we were able to visit with many of Jill's relatives. That same week I found out my company was going out of business and would begin liquidation immediately. I was let go on the first of November. Luckily, I had been in touch with numerous companies and had an offer extended to me a couple of days prior from another company. I accepted the position and began training in Dallas for 4 weeks.
I was gone the entire month of November in Dallas. Jill & the boys were able to travel to Dallas the week of Thanksgiving. I came back to Houston the first week of December just in time for the busy holiday season.

A few days after I came home we received snow in Houston. When we were moving here we were told we will never see snow. Well we did and we took pictures because it definitely did not stick around.
Jill's parents came down to visit Christmas day. My parents and sister came to visit a few days later. The boys experienced 3 Christmas gift exchanges and I think they still believe they are going to wake up and find more presents each morning.

All in all 2008 was an enjoyable year, despite the country's economical struggles. The auto industry, home mortgages, banks, and nearly everything else directly or indirectly will likely see tough times in the coming months. Despite them, we have many reasons to be thankful and look forward to an exciting 2009, Happy New Year!

New Additions

2008-11-02T22:36:00.004-06:00

We had a busy weekend and added a few items to our house. Barstools & under the cabinet lighting are now featured in our kitchen.

Did Santa Already Come?

2008-10-31T06:04:00.003-06:00

"Is it Halloween?" were the first words out of Josh's mouth this morning. I told him that it is Halloween. His next question was, "Did Santa make it last night?"
Poor kid must have had dreams all night about Santa bringing him toys for Halloween.

May The Force Be With You

2008-09-07T19:13:00.004-05:00

Josh received this Yoda toy from a McDonalds Happy Meal several weeks ago. When you press the button it says "May the force be with you." Josh didn't seem to hear it that way and continues to say "Come with me, Come with you" every times he hears it. He'll even say it when he is not playing with the toy in a Yoda-like voice. This makes us laugh every time. Today at the grocery store, when Josh was lagging behind I couldn't pass up saying to him, "Come with me, come with you."
Along the same lines, Josh was listening to a boxing game that counts to 10 and then says "knockout, K.O." Joshua repeats "Knockout, K-JO." and skips 5 every time he counts too fast.

Rain Lamp finds a home

2008-08-08T13:44:00.003-05:00

We were finally were able to put up the rain lamp in our new home. This is the same lamp we referenced last year in this post.

9 years ago

2008-07-20T10:52:00.003-05:00

06-26-99

My how time flies. This was over 9 years ago. From left to right: Melissa, Mel, Jill, Mike, Chris, & Marie.

2008-07-13T09:40:00.002-05:00

09-09-05

Egg relay race

2008-07-09T05:12:00.002-05:00

When was the last time you competed in an Egg Relay Race? Well, we had one this past March in Cypress, TX. Looks like Josh had a slight lead over Grandpa.

08-11-07

2008-06-29T15:00:00.002-05:00

Just Hanging Around

2008-06-15T22:44:00.003-05:00

07-25-07

Can I get a glass of water?

2008-05-25T21:20:00.002-05:00

Jacob has reverted back to coming out of his room multiple times after going to bed with various excuses. "Can I get a glass of water?" "Do you know speed racer's number?" "Hey Dad, I bet you've never seen this" "I forgot my blanket" "I need to sleep with my ninja turtle" "Where is my bear" ...... The list goes on and on.

Birthday Themes

2008-04-27T10:18:00.004-05:00

Josh's 3rd birthday is today. We were trying to remember all of the boys birthday themes and I thought I would type them up here for us to remember.

Jacob's birthdays:

Hot Wheels
Spiderman
Bob the Builder
Thomas the Train
Transformers

Josh's birthdays:

Thomas the Train
Cars
Sponge Bob Square Pants

This picture makes me laugh

2008-04-06T08:22:00.002-05:00

Josh decided to get a different perspective.

Sold

2008-01-26T08:20:00.000-06:00

4 months & 70 showings after listing our house we have finally sold it! We are still looking at a few different homes near Houston and should decide soon.

Metairie, Louisiana

2008-01-12T16:41:00.000-06:00

While we were visiting the New Orleans area last weekend, we spent one afternoon in Metairie. Both Mom & Dad lived in Metairie before they were married and Mom even taught at an elementary school there. So we drove around to see if we could find any of their old stomping grounds back in 1969. Here is a picture of her school and a picture of one of his apartments!

A Look Back at 2007

2007-12-31T14:54:00.000-06:00

2007 was probably one of the most eventful years of our lives.

We began the year celebrating Jacob's 4th birthday at McDonalds. Grandma Patton won a drawing for a birthday party there and Jacob wouldn't think of having his party anywhere else. Thomas the Train was the theme of the party and Grandma Kay Kay made the cake.

At the beginning of February, Jill & I took our first trip to Las Vegas together. We spent 4 days seeing all of the sights and donating some of our money to the state of Nevada. Later that same month, Larry, Jill's dad, found out he had colon cancer. He fought through months of chemo treatments and beat it. In fact, he found out last Friday he is completely clean!

In March, Jacob began his 3rd soccer season with the Tigers. He has thoroughly enjoyed playing with this team and made several friends including Ethan, Zoe, & Natalie.

Joshua celebrated his 2nd birthday in April by inviting all of the family over to our house. Grandma Kay Kay made a Lightning McQueen cake and there were enough "cars" around the house for everyone to play with.

At the beginning of May, Jacob graduated from his Awannas church class and received his Bear Award in the cubbies group. This month also marked the first of several trips to the Dallas zoo. We had purchased a membership in October 2006 and this was the first time in 2007 we were able to visit and the weather was fantastic.

The water spray ground that was built a year earlier finally opened up in June now that all water restrictions were lifted in the city. We received a ridiculous amount of rain the first half of the year and all of the lakes that were 10 to 25 feet below normal were actually overflowing. The water park took the place of the normal playground as the kids favorite place to go outdoors for the summer.

The end of June & first of July marked the first time we traveled to another country as a family of 4. With new laws in place, we were all required to get passports to travel to Cancun, Mexico. We had a party of 18 other family members join us including Jill's Grandpa Denton, the Cramers of Ohio, Michigan, & Indiana and the Dentons of Texas.

In August, we headed over to Shreveport, Louisiana to visit John, Beverly & family. The boys had a blast going to the Sci-Port Discovery Center and stood with 20 feet of a passing train.

Once we came back to Frisco, we officially found out we were going to be moving to Houston. I received a promotion and began training the last week of August in Dallas.

The third week of September I began commuting to Houston on Tuesdays and returning to Dallas on Fridays. We put our house up for sale on September 24th and it has been viewed by potential buyers 50 times through the remainder of the year. We have had 2 offers on the house but neither was willing to accept any counter offering. We seem to be in the top 2 or 3 of everyone's house hunting list, but it looks like we will be selling the house in 2008.

Our October vacation took us to Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to visit at least 25 relatives over the course of 1 week. The boys dressed as Power Rangers for Halloween and Jacob completed his 4th and final season with the Tigers.

November & December continued my commute to Houston as Jill & the boys made several trips to visit. They even surprised me by showing up on my birthday along with my parents & sister. Wow, what a great surprise! The holidays are nearly over and we were able to spend time with both Grandparents & siblings.

What a year! Here's hoping 2008 is a little less hectic. Happy New Year to all!

A picture is worth.....

2007-12-30T21:03:00.000-06:00

This picture was taken by Jill on 03-01-03 and soon after became a framed picture in our house. This house is located just outside of Birmingham, Alabama.

Jacob loves cars

2007-12-30T09:14:00.001-06:00

Here is Jacob in Grandma Patton's car.

04-10-05 Jacob 2 years old

Our kids at their best

2007-12-11T21:15:00.000-06:00

Here are probably two of the funniest photos we have of our boys. These were taken earlier this year for their passport pictures. I'm sure we will enjoy them for years to come. I personally think they look like they are getting booked into jail.

Jacob & Great Grandpa

2007-12-01T16:40:00.000-06:00

Jacob (10 months old) & Great Grandpa Denton

11-27-03

Our Favorite Burger Joint

2007-11-10T16:41:00.000-06:00

When we move, the fast food I will miss the most will be Scotty P's. It's a local burger joint that is delicious. I always eat the #2, Preston Trail Burger with chili and cheese and an order of cardiac fries. Man am I hungry.

Jake's old sayings

2007-09-15T07:31:00.000-05:00

While packing, I came across a notebook that had some of Jacob's funny things he said when he was younger.

One of his first phrases came from Dora the Explorer:

"Ahhh maaaan"

"MomDad" one word said as fast as he can, we thought we were 1 person

He said this for a month every morning:
"It's a great day MomDad, the sun is out"

"I'm going bishin" He thought he was going fishing

We told him, you're kidding me, so often he finally started saying this to us:
"I'm kidding you"

"I tooted right out of my butt" I think he explained this one pretty clearly

Josh

2007-08-25T23:45:00.000-05:00

08-25-05 - Josh 4 months old

Brothers

2007-08-18T16:07:00.000-05:00

08-08-05 - Josh 4 months old, Jacob 2.5 years old

Fireman Josh

2007-08-03T07:09:00.000-05:00

This was a birthday party the boys attended last year at a Frisco firehouse. They were given a tour of the entire facility including the fire engines. The engines were the boys favorite but the firemen were a very close second.

09-30-06 - Josh 17 months old

Big Brother

2007-07-26T18:57:00.000-05:00

Jacob has always looked out for his brother and even though they may fight every day, he backs him up if anyone else tries to mess with him.
08-25-05 - Jacob 2.5 years old and Joshua 4 months old

Water Baby

2007-07-21T23:10:00.000-05:00

Joshua is floating on a chair at Grandpa & Grandma Patton's pool.

07-18-06 - Joshua 15 months old

Carnival

2007-07-18T08:01:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken at Aunt Missy's school carnival. Jacob was able to go into this animal area to pet them. He was very interested in all of the animals.

04-24-04 - Jacob 15 months old

His first pony ride was successful although he was a little nervous about getting on.

Play Time

2007-07-14T22:31:00.000-05:00

Josh playing with a few toys when we still had curtains. As Josh grew older, he decided trying to swing from these curtains would be a good idea. Needless to say, we do not have any curtains on this window for now.

01-11-06 - Joshua 9 months old

The Boys

2007-07-14T00:32:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken at the pumpkin patch in Celina, TX.

10-14-05 -Jacob almost 3 yrs and Joshua 6 months

1995 All Star Game

2007-07-10T17:33:00.000-05:00

Since the Baseball All Star Game is tonight I thought I would look back at a previous game.

I was fortunate enough to attend the 1995 All Star Game in Arlington, TX with my Dad. Mom & Dad framed this poster and ticket from the game for me Christmas of '95. The other ticket was the first regular season game at The Ballpark in Arlington. The first game at The Ballpark was 4-11-94 and the All-Star game was 7-11-95. In case anyone was wondering, the Rangers lost 4-3 to the Brewers and the National League beat the American League 3-2.

Officer Joshua

2007-07-08T22:31:00.001-05:00

Josh was at a birthday party and found a ride that he liked.
02-19-06 - Joshua 10 months old

Rain Lamp

2007-07-05T11:09:00.000-05:00

This rain lamp hangs in our formal living room and was a topic of discussion last week in Mexico. It came from Jill's Grandma & Grandpa Denton. Here is some historical background information regarding rain lamps.

Swing Batter

2007-07-02T22:07:00.000-05:00

Jacob attended a birthday party at the fire station and this was his swing at the pinata. Even though he doesn't seem to have much interest in baseball, he has a great left handed swing.

09-30-06 - Jacob 3.5 years old

Header Picture

2007-06-22T22:36:00.001-05:00

I wanted to include this picture to give a little context to the picture in the blog header. We just entered the Dallas Zoo and they spotted these foot massage barrels and the climbing began. Believe it or not, this was their reaction when I asked them to smile for a picture.

05-19-07 - Ages 2 & 4

Family Vacation

2007-06-21T00:25:00.000-05:00

07-25-03 - Jacob 6 months old

This was also while we were in the Dominican Republic. We wore matching outfits one night to dinner.

Dominican Republic

2007-06-20T08:59:00.000-05:00

This was taken during our trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

07-25-03 - Jacob 6 months old

MIchigan tour

2007-06-16T23:56:00.000-05:00

Here is Jacob visiting with Great Aunt Marie in Monroe, Michigan. Jacob had a great time driving his cars around her room.

10-13-04 - Jacob 21 months old

Bad Luck

2007-06-15T23:38:00.000-05:00

While visiting family in Ohio we got to attend an Ohio State football game. We must be bad luck because the Buckeyes had an 18 game home winning streak snapped that dated back to 2001. Ohio State 13, Wisconsin 24.
We did make up for it later that year when we went to the Alamo Bowl and OSU stomped Oklahoma State. We drove there & back the same day, 9 hours roundtrip, and we had a blast.

10-09-04

Jacob's first goal

2007-06-14T08:49:00.000-05:00

This was Jacob's first soccer game and he also scored his first goal. It must have been an incredible break away as you can see there is no other player in view.

03-04-06 - Jacob 3 years old

Way Back

2007-06-13T23:35:00.000-05:00

My mom sent this picture out and I thought it fit right in with this blog about the past. From left to right is Missy, Michelle, Michael, Conor, & Damian. Great memories & Great Carpet! Thanks Mom!

1979

Our House Today

2007-06-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

This is our house today.

06-12-07

Our House Then

2007-06-11T17:26:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of our house in 2001.

07-06-01

Jacob's first Christmas

2007-06-10T18:23:00.000-05:00

Grandma & Jacob are playing with some new toys & books.

12-25-03 - Jacob 11 months old

Mad Man

2007-06-04T20:33:00.000-05:00

Joshua is upset over Jacob playing with a toy before he got to it.

01-27-06 - Joshua 9 months old

Tractors

2007-06-03T11:24:00.000-05:00

Jacob has loved riding tractors ever since his Uncle Ron took him on a ride when he was 10 months old. This is a kid tractor at the pumpkin farm in Celina, TX

10-14-05 - Jacob almost 3 years old

Smile

2007-06-01T22:24:00.000-05:00

Josh likes making a mess of his bed and rolling around it.

10-18-05 - Joshua 6 months old

Halloween 2005

2007-05-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

This is Jacob & his friend Kenny at the Stonebriar Church Carnival.

10-28-05 - Jacob almost 3 years old

Josh in the Pumpkins

2007-05-29T07:27:00.001-05:00

Josh had a blast picking out a pumpkin when we went to the petting zoo farm and pumpkin patch.

10-14-05 - Joshua 6 months old

Texas Rangers

2007-05-28T21:33:00.001-05:00

This was Jacob's first Major League Baseball game. Unfortunately, the Texas Rangers lost to the New York Yankees this night. Some things never seem to change.

08-11-04 - Jacob 17 months old

Big Smile

2007-05-23T23:43:00.001-05:00

Josh always seems to have a big smile to anyone that looks his direction.
08-17-05 - Josh 4 months old

Follow the Light

2007-05-21T20:02:00.001-05:00

Jacob looks mesmerized by all the candles(55 in theory). The name of the birthday person will be withheld to protect the elderly....I mean innocent.

09-23-05 - Jacob 32 months old

Josh in the bushes

2007-05-19T07:43:00.000-05:00

Josh thinks it is hilarious when he runs into the bushes. I think he is going to be an outdoorsman.

08-25-06 - Joshua 16 months old

Helping Hand

2007-05-18T08:50:00.001-05:00

Jacob was helping Dad build the Christmas Tree.

11-30-05 - Jacob almost 3 years old

Two of a Kind

2007-05-17T08:31:00.000-05:00

You'll notice this was during Jacob's bruised forehead stage. It seemed like he hit his head constantly for a good 9 months on the sidewalk, fireplace, and table. We thought that bruise would be permanant.

09-12-05

The Boys

2007-05-16T07:59:00.000-05:00

Jacob & Joshua playing around in the chair

05-11-06

Looking Sharp

2007-05-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

01-13-06 - Joshua 9 months old

Columbus Zoo

2007-05-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

We went to the Columbus Zoo while visiting relatives in Ohio & Michigan. Jacob had a blast riding the pony and seeing the elephants. Mom, Dad, Jacob, & Great Grandpa Denton bundled up that morning for the cold weather, but later in the day it warmed up to 65 degrees and was a great day for the zoo.

10-11-04 - Jacob 22 months old

Airplane

2007-05-10T00:16:00.000-05:00

This was Joshua's first trip on a plane. We were on our way to Myrtle Beach, SC.

07-16-05 - Joshua 3 months old

Fuelman

2007-05-08T07:17:00.000-05:00

This was at a gas station off of I-20 in Mississippi and we couldn't resist. I'm sure we had just changed his diaper.

03-02-03 - Jacob 7 weeks old

Jacob & Mom

2007-05-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of Jacob & Mom while we were visiting Birmingham, AL for my cousins wedding. Jacob traveled very well and didn't cry once on the 12 hour trip.

03-01-2003 - Jacob 7 weeks old

Brothers

2007-05-06T17:29:00.000-05:00

Jacob & Joshua enjoy each others company most of the time.

10-12-05

Bounce Seat

2007-05-04T10:40:00.000-05:00

Joshua loved to bounce in this seat, and climb it, and jump from it, and run from across the room jump on it face first and let it fling him up into the air.

08-28-05 - Joshua 4 months old

Jacob's First Haircut

2007-05-02T22:47:00.001-05:00

Jacob was not a happy camper at his first haircut.

12-08-04 - Jacob 23 months old

Ballplayer

2007-05-01T08:08:00.000-05:00

Joshua already follows his brother's lead and hits the ball off the tee.

05-11-06 - Joshua 1 year old

Cowboy Jake

2007-04-30T20:48:00.000-05:00

The boys always like to ride the rocking horse, especially when the other one is on it.

09-12-06 - Jacob 3 years old

Robin

2007-04-29T18:14:00.000-05:00

This was Joshua's costume for Halloween 2006. Can you guess who Jacob was?

09-25-06 - Joshua 17 months old

Beach Bum

2007-04-28T22:57:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Jacob didn't like the sand at first, but eventually grew to love it.

06-10-2004 - Jacob 17 months old

Happy Birthday

2007-04-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

Today is Joshua's Birthday. I posted a picture from last year when he turned 1 as well as today, his 2nd birthday.

Jacob the Builder

2007-04-26T06:08:00.000-05:00

Jacob has always been a big fan of Bob the Builder. Can he fix it, Yes he can!

06/14/05 - Jacob 2 years old

Hear me, Hear me

2007-04-25T06:16:00.000-05:00

Joshua is definitely the more vocal of the two boys. You will hear him from any place in the house or outside the house if he wants you to.

12/30/05 - Joshua 8 months old

Leaves

2007-04-24T07:39:00.000-05:00

Every year Jacob finds his way into the leaf pile before we bag them up. Usually causing us to re-rake them all back into a pile.

12-29-05 - Jacob almost 3 years old

Superman

2007-04-23T06:07:00.000-05:00

Joshua began lifting his head up the day he was born. He seems to have amazing neck & upper body strength.

10/03/05 - Joshua 5 months old

Reading is Fun

2007-04-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

This picture was an early hint the Jacob was interested in reading, or should I say being read to.

11-27-03 - Jacob 10 months old

Joshua's Birthday

2007-04-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

04-27-05 - Joshua

A Look Back

2007-04-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

I am using this blog site to Look Back at pictures we have taken in the past. Prior to posting pictures online we had taken thousands of pictures of the family and I am going to pick one picture a day or every couple of days to post. They may not be in chronological order but I will post the date of the picture if it is known.

01/10/03 - Jacob