12/31 - Fredel had given the kids snowman soup for Christmas (hot
chocolate with marshmallows and peppermint) and so we made it in the
morning. We started moving stuff in our room getting ready to paint the
walls. You don't notice how dirty walls are until you do this. Also
don't realize how much dust and stuff gets behind furniture.
We took the kids to grandparents in the afternoon. Greg and I headed
to see the Hobbit. Very exciting how many movies we got to see - kids
and adults over the holidays. Then we headed to Blue Fish for some
dinner. They said it was a 2 1/2 hour wait, but that the sushi bar
area was open for immediate seating. We took that. We had some good
Sushi then headed to Juan and Marissa's for the annual New Years Party.
We had a great time with friends eating, drinking, setting off poppers
with kids (their neighborhood kids are much older than ours). We ended
up staying until about 3am. Staying up that late is getting harder....
12/30 - We found out that A&M was having an hour football
practice that was open to the public. Greg and I decided to take
Landon for a little while. The Allen Eagles coach was there so Greg and
Landon got their picture with him. He's an Aggie was there to see a
few of the guys that went to Allen. We got to see some of the players
and coaches up close, and then watched some of practice. They were
doing drills, and had motivational music playing loud during practice.
It was fun to see. Landon liked seeing Johnny Football practice. We
left early because it was cold.
12/29 - Kasey was feeling better so we all went out to lunch at
Freebirds. Landon made his name out of foil. With new legos, we
decided that Landon needed a new larger lego shelf. We found one at
Container store and got that for him.
12/28 - Kasey wasn't feeling well today so we spent most of the
day hanging out at the house. Greg and Landon got out some going to see
a few movies in the theater - Monsters Inc and Rise of the Guardians
again, and I got to have dinner just me and Landon.
12/27 - Kasey woke up at 6am getting sick. She got sick several
times during the day. Greg took Landon out of the house to run errands
and see a movie and be away from Kasey. She was actually ok when she
wasn't getting sick. Poor thing. That's just how she gets sick.
12/26 - with the snow and freezing temperatures we just stayed
inside. We slept in, kids were in pajamas all day, I didn't shower
until almost 3pm. We never have days like that so it was nice. We
watched some movies and ate left overs.
12/25 - I told both kids they could get up and go see what Santa
brought, but they should go back to bed. There were some crazy storms
over night. It hailed, thundered and rained most of the night. Kasey
really doesn't like storms so she ended up in our bed. Between her and
Greg both giving off heat I was pretty warm. None of us really slept
very well. Kids actually let us sleep in until about 8:30. We needed
more than that.
We got up for a small breakfast. Opened our family and Santa gifts
and stockings. Kids seemed happy, and I always enjoy seeing them get
excited. Next year we all should just give Greg money :)
We got
ready, finished sweet potatoes and headed to Richardson for lunch. I
had left my purse at my parents and left one of mom's gifts at home. I
headed back home and met them on the way back to Richardson before the
weather got to bad. Glad I got to say Merry Christmas in person even
for just a minute. It was supposed to keep getting cooler and maybe
snow. It rained all day long then about 1:30/2pm it started snowing.
Big snow. It took a little while, but started sticking on the grass.
We had lunch with Greg's family and then opened presents with
everyone. Landon spent time with cousins playing new Star Wars Angry
Birds game he got.
We headed home and then the 4 of us went
outside to play in the snow. In Allen we had 3-4 inches in our back
yard so the kids had fun. Hard to make snowmen, but we made
snowballs, snow angels and Kids just had fun.
12/24 - We wanted to have breakfast and not each much else til Christmas Eve dinner. I made eggs, sausage and biscuits.
We
did it last year and signed up to do it again. A friend from high
school owns a Pizza place in
McKinney (Durkins), and he has people
deliver pizza to fire stations on Christmas Eve just to say thanks. We
got to check out the new fire station in Allen with the new big fire
truck and nice area. We also delivered to one other Allen station.
They guys gave the kids tours and let them see the trucks. They were
all very nice and appreciative of the pizza and fudge we brought them.
We went by Steiners for a little bit to exchange gifts for the kids. Landon and Kasey were glad to see Elizabeth.
We
headed to my parents for Christmas Eve. We had a good time everyone
opening gifts, had great dinner of tacos/enchiladas and fixings, yummy
dessert (Greg's apple pie and Red Velvet swirl cake). Then we all
played bunco. Landon and Kasey tied to win. We had a really good
time. There is a big pink fussy dice that Kasey was super excited to
get.
I read the kids night before Christmas on the way home so they could
get in bed. Of course we had things to do to get ready for Christmas
morning.
12/23 - Greg and I got to sleep in because the kids
were at the grandparents. We got ready, and went to get them around
11ish. It was kind of last day of warmer weather so we got home and
took the kids to a park near the house for bike rides. Landon is doing
great on his own even getting better at turning corners. Kasey likes to
go slow and talk the entire time about her kids and dad, and what' is
going on with life.
After we got home, kids and I watched Polar Express which I love, and
then we just ate cereal at home. We all were hanging in our bed a
little later watching parts of Sound of Music.
Greg made 2 apple pies, made dough for homemade biscuits, cooked sweet potatoes.
12/22 - We had our annual friend holiday dinner with the
Steiners, Doug and the Solis'. We went to Steve Fields in Plano which
was great. Very good dinner, drinks and company.
Greg and I decided to go see Lincoln afterwards. After being up late all week, I fell asleep several times, oops.
12/21
- Had kind of a crazy week. Always a lot working, getting teacher
gifts ready and normal kids activities. I ended up staying up til 1am
several days this week to get fudge ready for teachers or write notes to
them.
Friday I worked a little in the morning to finish a couple things up
and then took the afternoon off. I smiled a lot when I was on vacation
for a while. Work has been pretty crazy so it felt good to have another
focus. Greg and I picked up Kasey from school, took her to her swim
class, had a great lunch at Zorbas, and then we headed back for Landon's
school holiday party. We were a few minutes late because of traffic.
Kids had run at the party. They got to have cookies. Several people
brought different cookies, we were the only ones that made cookies.
They also got to make hot chocolate. They could add marshmallows,
peppermint and chocolate and sprinkles. Several of the kids wanted all
of it. They had little dough toss in snowman's mouth and body.
Landon and one of his friends were pretty confident because they were
baseball players. Then all the kids got in a circle with their book and
Greg read a story. Every time the story said left they passed left,
and every time it said right they passed the books right. It was cute
and kids had fun. Kasey really wanted to play but didn't get to, then
Landon wasn't thrilled about the book he got because it was to easy. So
Landon gave Kasey his book and all was well again.
12/16 - Happy 12th Anniversary to Greg and I :) We went to brunch at
Bonnie Ruths which is always great. We spent a lot of time cleaning
the house (not as fun). Then we went to Greg's moms to help with her
computer. Landon and I played some football in the backyard. He's to
fast for me :) Kasey and Grandma were raking leaving.
12/15 - I got up to go work out, and Greg slept through me getting up
which is good. I got the kids after work out, and then we headed
home. We all went to Elkas for lunch, and got to see the Kearns there.
We did some clean up at the house in the afternoon, and then headed out
to Kasey's Christmas dance performance. Her class did a little ballet
performance which was really cute. We gave her flowers and she got her
picture with Santa.
After the performance we headed to the Cooks house for a Christmas
party. The kids had fun playing and we had a good time as well.
12/14
- After a long week, the kids were at the grandparents and Greg and I
went out for our 12 year anniversary. We went to dinner at a nice
restaurant called Mignon. We know the owner of the restaurant because
he used to own a burger place up by the soccer stadium that we went to
several times. We went early so there were very few people in the
restaurant when we got there. They took us to the back for a little
table kind of in a cove with a big circular booth that had a little
Christmas tree and a candle on the table. It was perfect. We had a
great dinner. The owner comped our desserts with yummy crepes. We
were headed to the movie but had some extra time. We decided to have a
MacCallum's 12 after dinner. We figured it was fitting for our 12 year
anniversary. After that we headed to see the new James Bond movie. We
joke because now with kids getting to see adult movies is sometimes
rare. Overall it was a great celebration for us.
12/13 - The dealership called Greg just after 11 (they had told us
the night before it would be between 1-2pm). They looked at our records
that we were loyal customers to them and offered to either give money
back or give us a 2012 loaner car with 2600 miles on it for the same
price. After discussing, and looking at it we took the newer car.
It's not maroon, it's black, but I'd rather deal with that then worry
about things going wrong because of a major wreck with the other one.
I had taken today off. I spent the morning judging the science fair
at Landon's school which was interesting. Then I went to meet Greg at
the dealership to check out the possible new car. Then I headed to get
my hair cut. It had been 4 months since I'd gotten a hair cut. I guess
it's been a little crazy. Then I went to get Landon from school and he
went around with me to do some Christmas shopping. We met up with Kasey
and Greg for Landon's baseball hitting clinic, and then we went to
dinner as a family. Now I know why Greg doesn't have time to get as
much done during the day as one might expect :)
12/12 - We thought it would be fun because of 12 being such a big
deal for A&M, but it turned out to be a rough day. I got a call
from my mom that my uncle's health had taken a turn for the worse, and
later that afternoon she called back that he had passed away. This was
an uncle that was very special to me. He was my mom's only sibling. I
grew up going to his house in Nevada, and I have so many memories of
those times. I remember hearing the easter bunny outside the room we
were sleeping in, getting into make up more than I should, playing games
with the family, eating tacos, going to death valley, play with fun and
different toys etc. As I grew up and my aunt and uncle came back to
Texas we still got to visit them. I went to their house during college
to relax and do laundry.
We went on a family cruise in 1999 after I
graduated that was great fun. My uncle drove me from my wedding
ceremony to our wedding reception. After Landon and Kasey were born we
have kept going down to visit and spend great times with family. He
was always encouraging to me and a great man to set example for many.
He was married for 58 years to my wonderful Aunt, had 4 great children,
and several grandchildren. Family was so important to him, and he will
be missed very much. We know he's in a better place now. My uncle was
such a significant part of my moms life as well. It's been tough on the
whole family.
On top of this, we had a car issue. We decided to get a used car
because mine needed more that $1500 in repairs, and we were close to
getting a new one anyway. We had bought a used car 2011 Acura MDX on
12/11, which looked great on paper and in person and it was maroon which
is great for any Aggie. Greg was clearing out the glove box and found
several pages of detailed paperwork that the car had been in a head on
collision and had over $6000 in damage that was fixed at the dealership
we bought it from. Of course Carmax report and everything else had
nothing about this.
Greg decided to take the MDX back to the dealership and confront them
with it. He asked for money back. Of course at 8pm at night the key
people weren't there so they said they would get back to us the next
day.
12/11 - I picked Kasey up and was talking to her on the way home. We
talked about what she should give Landon for Christmas, what she
wanted, and what she wanted to give Greg. She wanted to give him a
costume because he didn't have any. I asked what she would get. She
said a ghost, Elmo or Cookie monster. I explained daddy probably didn't
want a costume.
After dinner she got a chocolate that Grammy had given us. She came
running in with it saying she loved chocolate. I was so proud.
12/8
- We had a busy day. Kasey, Grammy and I had lunch with another family
with daughter, mom and grandmother. We went to Chocolate Angel in
Plano which is always good. Then we headed to Eisemann center to see
another friend from the neighborhood in the nutcracker. Kasey wasn't to
into the first half, but she did good the 2nd half. We let the kids
walk around at intermission. Kasey practiced dance some. We had a good
time and got some good pictures.
That afternoon after some drama at home, Landon and I went to target
to look for some things for his Christmas list. We also got a few toys
to donate and birthday gifts. Then we met up with several boys from
his cub scout troop (and their dads - which was part of the drama) to
see an Allen Americans hockey game. At 2nd intermission the boys got to
go onto the ice and pick up pucks that everyone was throwing onto the
ice trying to hit a little can in the middle of the ice. They also got
to give 5 to the team as they walked in and out of the ice. I think
they had fun, and of course Landon stayed up late again and didn't sleep
in again.
12/6-12/7 - Thursday night Greg got sick. He was
freezing and didn't feel well. By next morning he was a little better
but didn't feel to well. I took car in for oil change. It needs about
$1500 worth of work, we are considering trading it in and getting a new
car
Friday night we had neighborhood party which was fun. It was nice
outside. They had snacks, a candy shop, hay rides in the neighborhood,
crafts for the kids, a puppet show and Santa. It was fun to visit and
let the kids run around. Of course they got to stay up later than
usual.
12/3 - Kasey had her 4 year old dr appointment today. I wasn't going
to be able to go then several meetings got cancelled so I got to go.
We got her from school a little early and went. She weighs 40lbs 3.2 oz
(83%) and is 40.55 in tall (68%). She was funny answering questions.
She was asking her about good foods to eat, and what else you need to
do. Kasey said exercise first which I was a little surprised, but we do
say that a lot. Then she asked what you do to keep your teeth healthy.
Kasey said keep chewing. Anyway, she's doing great! Unfortunately she
got 3 shots at that visit. She had a tough time and cried. We pulled
out the blanket for a 1 day special occasion. We got to go to lunch,
and she did ok. I ended up working from home the rest of the day which
was nice. I kind of needed a lower key day after last week and weekend.
12/1- 12/2 - We thought when sports seasons ended that our
schedule would slow down. Not the case. Saturday I went to work out,
then we met up with the cub scout troup for a short hike and
nature/weather discussion. That afternoon we had a baby shower for
some good friends having their first baby. Landon and Kasey wanted to
help out - picking up pencils from games, getting gifts to open and
helping clean up wrapping. Greg was not so much into shower activities
:)
Saturday night we made cakes and started making food for Kasey's
parties the next day. The first cake got stuck in the pan, but it was
great. The 2nd cake was to runny. The 3rd one turned out just right. I
did simple decoration. I made two Rapunzel suns out of Fondant, and
then iced the cake and put Rapunzel, Ryder, Pascal and Maximus on the
cake. I thought it turned out cute.
Sunday we had two parties for Kasey. One at a great place called
Kreative Kidz Parties. She had Rapunzel and a cute Knight hosting the
party. All the girls got to dress up, play games, be princesses. Then
they got to have cake. The decorations were awesome and I thought it
was really neat. Kasey had a good time. I didn't have to do anything
at the party other than take pictures and help with the parachute. They
did everything else even making the party favors. YEA!
During Kasey's party Landon was with his cub scout den in a parade.
He probably enjoyed that more than being at a princess party. That
evening we had family party. We made strawberry shortcake, chicken
enchiladas, homemade guacamole, and nachos. Good stuff. Kasey was
super excited to open all of her presents. She had a good time, but we
were all pretty tired at the end of the day.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Christmas Letter 2012
Hello family and friends:
I hope this letter finds Everyone doing well. I’ve decided to save some trees and write a blog Christmas letter
What a Year!
Most recently my company laid off 1700 people world wide (just from my overall organization and its support functions). I feel very blessed that I still have a job and was not part of the layoff. From being at TI for so long many friends I have worked with for years have been affected so it’s been tough. We’ll see what’s in store for next year with a much smaller group. I’m still involved at the schools. I’m President of the Preschool board and doing newsletter for Elementary PTA. I try to volunteer at Landon’s school when I can. I'm working out more. One of our neighborhood friends does a boot camp early in the morning that I do a few days a week, and then I do aerobics once or twice depending on schedules.
Greg is still working part time, it’s basically his adult or sanity time. :) He’s also been coaching a lot this year. He was head coach for Landon’s baseball team in Spring and Fall. He also helped coach soccer both seasons and flag football in this fall. Greg has become the morning dropoff helper at the preschool – interesting comments from the kids on him wearing a lot of A&M gear or a few kids that are scared of him.
We lost our dog Lady this year. Greg brought her home right after we got married in January 2001, and we were very sad to lose her this year. She was our first baby.
Kasey is now 4, but wants to be at least 10. She does a lot of pretending. She has her own children and husband (but she calls him her dad). They get sick and do silly things, and go to school and all kinds of things. She talks about it a lot. We sometimes have to check if she’s talking about the pretend world or the real one. I think it’s cute – I had an imaginary friend growing up and I turned out pretty normal :) Kasey is in preschool and they are doing Letter people so she’s learning sounds and words more. She spells NO really well. She is currently taking dance - she really like it and tries and follows instructions most of the time. I got to see her class a few weeks ago and was really proud of her. I told her I was a dancer for many years. She’s also taking swim lessons. This spring she was on her first soccer team. She had taken soccer tots so she had skills and when she wanted to was able to score goals. Then other times she just didn’t want to run. Right now she doesn’t want to play soccer again. We’ll probably try tball in the spring. Kasey loves Rapunzel, playing pretend, playing games, and driving her brother crazy. She’s got a personality and will tell you how it is or tell you if you are doing something wrong. Kasey is in size 6 clothes and size 10 shoe. She like dresses right now, and sometimes wearing clothes that don’t match (but she picks them out). At her 4 year old appointment she was being asked about the right foods to eat, and that we need to exercise, and she asked what we do to keep our teeth clean - she said keep chewing with them.
Landon is 6 ½ now. This fall he played 3 sports at the same time, and since those sports have ended he has more energy than he knows what to do with. We’re very proud of him. In soccer he was able to score a few goals, and enjoyed playing defense and goalie. In Flag football he pulled some flags and was able to get several 2 point conversions. In baseball, he ended up getting the most hits on the team, and sometimes tried to play every position on the field no matter where he was (all to help the team). Landon is also in gymnastics which has been great for building strength, and he’s improved in this as well. Landon is in first grade and doing really well. He enjoys school, his teacher likes him, and he’s taken off reading a ton from this summer. He’s reading the Magic Tree House books and getting close to the end of the series. This fall he entered a recycling coloring contest and won 2nd place for 1st grade at his school. His class also did a turkey decoration contest and he won first place. He really enjoys hanging out with friends, and playing outside. He also likes watching A&M no huddle football games on tv. He loves being Johnny Football right now. We got him a little A&M SEC football and he carries it around a lot making Johnny Football moves. This Winter he’s going to try out basketball. Landon lost his first tooth in August, but he hasn’t really been toothless because the adult tooth grew in behind the baby tooth. Landon wears size 7 clothes and 1 ½ shoe.
Landon sang Take me out to the ball game in talent show with some of his baseball team mates, he wrote a book on dolphins at the end of kindergarten, & he loves legos (he can put 8-14 year old ones together by himself in a few hours)
In February we got to go to Great Wolf Lodge for the weekend in Grapevine. In June we all went to College Station for the A&M baseball regional. Also in June Greg and I went to Lake Tahoe just the two of us for a long weekend. This August we went to Watercolor, Florida for a family vacation. We went with our good friends the Steiners and Doug. We spent most of the time at the beach relaxing and enjoying the sun. The waves got a little rough one day, but we all had a great time. Even with 4 kids sports this fall we still made it to College Station for several A&M football games (we still have season tickets for all of us). Greg and I got to see the first A&M SEC game in College Station against Florida. We also have season tickets to the Allen Eagle High School games – we just went to the first one in the new $70M stadium and sold the rest to our neighbor.
We hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year. May God Bless you this coming year.
Love, Dana, Greg,
Landon and Kasey Myers
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