A Night Out

We'll the wife and I got to have a little night out for no other reason than some concert she wanted to go to. It was nice, we don't often go out without the little girl (because the couple time we do she's all we talk about anyways). We went to the Funshine music festival at the Fairground this last Friday. They were having several band like Phillip Phillips, Smashing Pumpkins (I like) and Train (the reason she wanted to go). 

So we went and they also had some Carney rides that were free with admission. So we went on one. Then as we were sitting waiting for one of the shows to start we realized that in 13 years of being together, that was our first Carney ride.  Anyways thats all I really ahd for this post. wanted to document a First...

Enjoy...

She Turned TWO

Oh My Oh My, My little girl is already two years old. This is an awesome time. We had an awesome party for here. I know this post is a week late, see all the rest of my posts? Get used to it  ;).

We had her party on her Birthday, which was a day I normally work So awesome Day Off!
My awesome wife themed it Dr Seuss which turned out to be pretty neat I think. We had it at my awesome Parents house, Thanks for letting us use the place (Our house is way to small).  There was a Bounce house with dueling slides, took a pool and filled it with Balls for her to small to bounce Friends and we had the swing set as well. With a bubble machine going I think the kids all had a great time.

The Adults got to have some fun as well with Green Deviled eggs and the bounce house :-) Melissa knows I enjoyed the Bounce house and actually it was very exciting. Never had one for my Birthdays :-). Mom, Next year??????

I think the pictures will do more justice than my typing so take a look at a few....

 

  

 

Many more on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/houzvicka

Almost 2

Well the little girl is almost two now. Does that make me old? Doubtful. She has changed so much in the last year. It's truly amazing, and wonderful how she is growing. You can see the little girl getting smarter and understanding more and more. You can see her frustration when her daddy can't understand what shes trying to say because while she may think she saying something specific, my ears are incapable of understanding the words. Like every other woman it's the mans fault they can't understand.

 

Thanks to my wonderful sister we have some great 2 year old pictures. Well technically shes 1 and 9/10 but whatever, right? Here are a couple for your enjoyment:

 

As you can plainly see she is awesome. Mommy is planning her Birthday bash, and it is going to be an awesome one. Thanks again to the awesome sisters connections there shall be a bounce house within budget. Cool stuff there. Benefit of being an outgoing freely communicating person.

 

Now onto the life report. I'm well into school now. Only 2 classes so the workload while heavy in my mind in reality isn't that bad at all. A good start to the return to the education wheel. I may even attempt 3 classes next session. Dropping back into the school world is a little different. They say we are preparing you for the real world, but being in the real world already, they are wrong. Out of all the places I've worked Not a single one has been even closely similar to academia.

 

Academia is truly a world of its own. Other things going on, some plans didn't end up working out as I had hoped, but life is what life is. So other routes I am pursuing. We will see when, where and how life's road is paved. As of now it is the same but with the focus on this great little girl and school. I don't mind those at all. so now to come to an abrupt end with this blog as I have work to do that is calling. Enjoy your day and life.



 

The End of 2012

What an awesome year it was. I mean it had some pretty crappy times. Actually it had some really horrible times. The Christmas letter will be posted soon after this so the details will all be there (Ive decided to post it first so strike that). But if you take out the crappy times we survived to certain death of the world multiple times. I think 3 or 4 counting the Mayan's and that other dude at least twice for some reason I keep thinking there was one more... But anyway I or one of you must of saved the world from certain doom because were still here..  Awesome by the way.

Then we get to family stuff. Riley is amazing if when she pouting and causing problems. Would give up anything for that little girl. Melissa is awesome puts up with my crap day in and day out and she only slightly insane. Well comparatively she is fully sane or a saint not sure which. Christmas was awesome, Riley had a blast after the big day because on the big day I think she got way overwhelmed. Derek on the other hand seems to be amazed it was all for him. Riley is great with it now and still asks on occasion if she gets to do the advent calendar. We took 99% of her old toys and put them in a future give away box and she hasn't missed any. Yes that's how crazy the Grandparents went.... You know who you are! She got a few new books that she love to read and shes started singing. Not when she hears the camera click, but we will get it on video eventually.... Future YouTube sensation!!!!! She likes some of the songs Melissa listens too so not its not just ABC songs however she has been doing twinkle twinkle little star, Shes more into Train...  The band and the cool ones on a track...

Thinking ahead there is a lot on the horizon for the year. Potentially some huge life changes. Hopefully for the better. But all has been done that can be so part of it is out of my hands now. Have to wait for the stars. The other part however is fully in my hands. My classes and pursuit of the Bachelors in Business administration degree have started. I had to drop one of the classes that needed a physical presence Just in case this other thing works out, but Ill make it up next semester once all the current going on's are confirmed.

Anyways hopefully big blogger news to come from that. I'm extremely excited if it all works out. Puts me on a path for great things and goals I wanted to accomplish for a while. Either way the School is a fantastic step no matter the outcome.

Now on to the pictures. Thanks to a great Friend who for Christmas renewed My Flickr for me I ahve started re-posting pictures regularly. Check them out and look for more to come soon.

Have a great time.. I promise more to come soon and a Happy new year to all. Take a step in the direction you want to go. Even if you fail your closer for the next try.....


Josh

Christmas Letter 2012

2012, what a year it was, you will be thought of, missed and forgotten. This little letter here is being written later than I normally would write it. It’s Odd I’m normally right on top of stuff like this. ;-)

The year of 30, 31 & 1 respectively started out as most years do with anticipation forward thought and hope. The year provided many things and took away a few at the same time. Starting out Melissa and I celebrated a birthday in our 30’s, the beginning of the end the end of the beginning however you feel about it, it was exciting. A new year a new child, Melissa a gallbladder short. We had Riley’s 1st birthday to look forward too, Derek’s 1st Birthday the birth of close friends 1st children, blue skies and butterflies all around (Its Florida we have those in the winter).

March arrived it was time to get Riley’s birthday in gear, We had many things to do, our daughters 1st birthday would have to be a day not forgotten. We decided to have it in a local park not too far from our house, invite everyone we knew. Made kick butt image invites and used a Ladybug theme. Lady bug cake, table cloths everything. Its only March so the days not too hot and definitely not cold. We had a great time everyone came, almost.  Riley’s Grandfather John (Melissa’s dad) was ill. Little did we know the birthday party wouldn’t be the only thing he would miss. He went downhill very fast what was supposed to be a long term Hospice rehab stay almost overnight turned into a short term placement. It was his time to walk with the angels, to the shock of his family and friends on March 27th we sadly said until we meet again John.

Time moves, never sits still, Riley is walking fully before her birthday which makes for interesting moments of her falling flat on her face as she tries to run. (Babies out there slow down enjoy life). July we celebrate Derek’s 1st Birthday. Outside at a nice park as well, Florida warmth filling the air. Derek had an awesome day turning one. Heathers blog rings with words to describe it.  Family trips to local places this year, aquarium, parks and a couple small city events.  Pictures to enjoy below.

This September also contained another sad day. Melissa’s Grandfather (Don Johnson) joined his son in the task of watching family from afar. Adding to the list of great people watching Riley and others to make sure we are well and ready to be welcomed in the years to come.

In October Riley cleaned her own pumpkin and went as a Cheerleader for halloween. She enjoyed the candy (I enjoyed it more) and the trick or treating with her friends for their first time. While she showed them the ropes and came home with pictures and memories for mommy and daddy. November she was a flower girl in Uncle Trevor’s and Aunt Cassandra's wedding. Congratulation to the two of them, while Riley & Derek took the trophy for cuteness you two looked pretty styling yourself.  As I reach the end of the page I reflect on the year with joy and sadness. I can never fit everything into this letter both not to bore you and to leave some mystery in life. I can not wait to see what the new year brings, hopefully more happiness than sadness, but as long as there is laughter and family it will be another great year in the journey we call life. Merry Christmas and any other holiday you celebrate and Happy New year. (I rescind the last comment if the world ends before new years or christmas, I have a feeling another one of these will be sent next year. Sorry)

Love Josh, Melissa & Riley - 2012

“Here is the world.  Beautiful and terrible things will happen.  Don't be afraid. “ -Frederick Buechner

My Girl

My favorite Posts; Riley Updates :-) Yea!!!!!!


Riley did the most amazing thing in the world the other day. She went down a slide all by herself. I don't mean we set her on the slide and pushed. She climbed up the steps, waited for her friend's mom to take her friend off the slide, sat down and pushed herself off. The did it again.....  AWESOME!!!!! She is hitting the age where fun is always ready. Now the down side is she is getting better at pouting when we don't do what she wants, but that's to be expected. We try not to cave, actually sometimes I have to stop myself from laughing because its so funny shes worked it out that way.

Anyways here is the video for the slide:

I must post a recent development in the Family. My little Brother was just married this last weekend. So congrats to him and my new sister in law. Your wedding was fun and Riley was an amazing flower girl ;-). Pictures of Riley to come, I just don't have them yet ....

Other awesome Riley things, she is now counting, in order to about 13. does she do it correctly every time no, but she is getting better and is now not just saying the numbers in order like before but can actually point to objects and count them (this only about to 7 or 8). It's still really cool. We are working with her on counting and her abc's  trying not to sing the song but identify the actual letters and some words. mostly with flash cards. I have to say some Disney and Sprout programs really help with this. Thank you television education for speeding up development in this area, while some programs take you back several years I would suggest to all don't think your kid is to young to learn something, they want to learn things....

That's all for now, I'm sure my mother is getting tired of reading already..

Bye

Documentation and the fun it poses

You know those time when you create a document; the document assumes nothing but a basic understanding of the program you use every single day. Basic stuff, I mean things you have to know just to log in and function within the program. You use the thing EVERY DAY, not just once a month or twice a year. I mean every day. So anyways you create this document that is step by step, I mean it almost tells you exactly where and how to click. Gives pictures for every step for those of us that are visual learners. I mean detailed pictures like the tab you're on with a circle around it in red, then arrows for the other 2 items, one on top of the other, that you are editing (by the way the description in the fields themselves is detailed as well). Not just a random picture of the application or something.

Well I created a document of this type, as I do many many times a month; and what happens you ask. Well even if you didn't ask your going to read, They don't understand it. I use they not in a derogatory fashion but to describe a specific subset of a specific group of people. I love the people as people and some have no problem what so ever with anything we give to them in a document. It has to be a cultural thing here, the way they are taught through school. There is in what I can only assume to be the majority a lack of concrete sequential thinking. I myself am a self proclaimed scatter thought, and if you read much of what i post you can likely tell by the way I write here. Now when I write documents my entire thought process shifts to a concrete sequential one, because that's what documentation requires detailed step by step instructions. I've often been accused of making them to details and told not to assume the reader knows nothing. But from what I deal with every (I mean every) day I cant do that. every time I do I get at least one person asking basic stuff.

Back to the good ones, our team never keeps them. Yes we have one or two on the team at most times but in a matter of a year, two if were lucky then they leave, majority of them to other companies and bigger better things. You almost know from the first month who these ones are going to be because they ask questions once maybe twice then you see the results. Drives me nuts! Sometimes you sit and wonder why,how do we stop it, then you realize you can't. It is impossible and you cant blame the people who leave for leaving, half the time your proud of them and congratulate them for getting out. Secretly wishing you were going with them. Since you don't you prepare for the transition period which while tey claim is 2 weeks long you know its more likely for the next 2 years.....

The fun of Life  :-)

Charging on
Josh

Thoughts

My thoughts so scattered fragmented and random. The stuff in my head travels faster than dark, light and all the rest. Anyways. I started a new blog about stuff i'm doing at work\working with. Most wont care and I'm more less just doing it for me. It will grow as I grow and learn about that particular topic. As a matter of fact I think i may make a few more about other topics that I sit and learn about to solve some stupid issue I'm having.

Back to the thoughts. I was looking through old blog posts mostly about Riley. I sit there and look at those pictures and think, That's not the same girl... I find it amazing how she has changed so much so quickly. I was reading the post about the words she knew only a couple of months ago. Now she can count to 10 (kind of, she says the words but doesn't know what shes doing). She can say her ABC's (Kind of again). So many more words. Words that are starting to come together into sentences. She sings songs she hears often. You can tell she likes some things and dislikes others.

She is a little person and it freaks me out a little. How does it happen? Are we doing the right stuff? Plans never really work out and I always want to do more for the girl. We try to treat her like a little kid and a grown up at the same time. It's impossible to do the right thing honestly because everyone has a different opinion of what the right thing is. So I guess I'll just keep doing. If she turns out wonderful the Great!. If she turns out horrible well then I'm sorry. I think she will turn out pretty doggone good though.

I have on in the background the show through the wormhole with morgan freeman. It's distracting, but it brings up more things I've thought about and if I was smarter I would probably pursue. I always thought we were just a piece of a bigger being. Amazes me to this day that we look like our models of molecules that make us up. Why can't we just be a very small part of a unimaginable human or ferret like creature. One of an infinite number of universes, cosmoses, If time is relative it wouldn't mean a thing to us. A billion years to us could be a second to something so large. Anyways see how my brain jumps.. Don't even want to get into the cubits they are talking about now.....


I'm out enjoy....

Updates Updates.. read all about it

Updates: Well a ton but not social worthy. So onto the stuff that is. Riley has increased her vocabulary significantly. Shes start to form sentences. Well kind of, lets just say they are not always complete. I without doubt know she didnt get that from me. Shes counting kind of, she says the numbers not always in order and not always with the right finger combination. Thats counting right? In a parent lose grip with reality and the fact that my child is the best ever, it is amazing.

Other than Riley life goes on, days pass and the stars catch up to us. Ton of politics going on today in history and honestly I don't want to deal with them. I'm guessing everyone thinks the current election is the most pivotal point in history. There's only one way to find out, continue to live through history. If it is I'll let you know when I'm through with history. Maybe if this blog hasn't been merged into another website or deleted all together you can let me know.

So hopefully before I type enough to incriminate myself for thought crime I should stop this post, I don't have much else to say without offering evidence for more thought crime anyways.

A little behind on the posts

I've been very bad at keeping this up to date. Busy lately with all kinds of stuff. It seems like its only going to get even more busy but I'll try harder. Riley is now down for a nap. Hopefully I have enough time to complete this while shes sleeping. She is a busy little girl My god makes me feel old how much more energy she has to run around. Wish I had that too. Need to start exercising again. I find it odd how a few hours after you finish exercising you feel like you have more energy, (This is after the first couple weeks).

Anyway, we had Riley's One year old pictures taken. My sister did them shes pretty dang gone good with the camera. A little photo shop by me trying to reduce the bruise she got the day before while climbing them falling from the table. Oh yeah she climbs on everything now. I need to bubble wrap the floors. Ill post a few picture on this blog post but most of you will want to click the link to photos on my site.

She saying a few more words  my favorite is still tank you  which is now sounding more like Thank you :(...
She wants to do everything by herself. Using spoons is still the hard one. Forks shes almost got down. Getting her to realize you cant flip the spoon upside down while bringing it to her mouth is the issue. She will get it soon.

She is getting a lot better at those box puzzles where you place the shape in the cube. Starting to get a few right consistently but some she really tries to force in the wrong spot. Her new thing is to pull every last toy our of the toy tub and play in the tub. But while shes doing that half the toys are being thrown around the living room. Lucky when they are not slammed in your lap while your not looking.

She loves being read to. I have read more book in the last 6 months than I have in my life. Yes some of then I've read 16 times in the same day but all in all she loves bringing us books to read her. Just got her a new one yesterday. Giraffes Can't Dance I recommend it to anyone. Its cute and has a great rhythm.

We don't have the one with the CD but that looks interesting.

In other news our TV has given out and we put in place an old 19". Every wonder why kids sat so close to the TV? I think its because they were just so small and they want to see the details. Now when we had the 50" there she would on occasion run up to the TV and put her fingers all over it, I assume thinking that she could touch whatever was there, but now she is constantly at the TV. I sound like my mother used to " Stand back Josh" except I'm saying Riley and Melissa is saying Josh these days. ;)


Ohh she waking.. I'm gone before she adds her own track to this blog. I'll be back sooner than last time.. Promise.

First Words

Riley is speaking better and better everyday. This post is mostly so I can remember some of her first words.
She is using many frequently and now that I'm trying to type this out my mind is going blank, but without doubt some will come to me.
Tato = Potato
Tank you = Thank you
No = Its her favorite
ball
phish= fish
shoe
up
down - this also means up most of the time
ow = ouch
go
yeah
juice
milk = in sign only
da = dad
ma = mama
I had to cheat a little and call the wife. Make sure I had at least most of them. So above is the basic list of what she says often. I wont include Shi* well because she uses it too well and I have no idea where she got it from. Thankfully she isn't using it like she was before. At least I think its developed into one of the other above words.

Looking forward to the next few words.....

Baking Bread

Baking Bread

Well it's memorial day weekend. Took a few hours and studied for a cert, now sitting waiting for something to happen. The little girl and wife at home watching the rain come and go. Little tropical storm to the north east of us let a downpour of rain just as I was walking out the door. I mean those clouds opened up. Sheets of water flying off the roof with no chance of the gutter capturing it.

All that grading of the yard I did last week put to the test, we will see what it looks like later tonight. Made some bread last night. My first attempt at it. Didn't realize I was making enough for 3 large loafs. Had to find out if I could refrigerate and/or freeze the dough without to much going wrong. You can by the way, Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks and Freeze for a long time. Thank goodness. So I sat there and waited for the second rise of the bread after I put it in the loaf pan. And waited and waited and waited. 1230 in the morning came around and I said screw it I'm baking it. It did come to the top of the loaf pan but not 1 inch over the top. So the bread is a little dense but dang it tastes good. A honey wheat bread.

In other baking news made a banana bread loaf as well. Now that turned out perfect I think. Riley agreed so that's all that matters. The picture above is her enjoying some of the bread, Do not know if it was the banana or the wheat but who cares shes cute...

Like usual life goes on, trying to figure out a few things, we will see what happens. Sometimes you just have to pursue everything and see whats in store. This is the game plan for now. Lets see what the big one thinks....

Talk soon.

Little girl

My daughter is now 1 and its turning from a helpless infant into a little girl. She now asks for things, not always with words, she knows signs for milk and more. She's eatinga lot of what we are eating, she still does some baby foods but that's more for our own ease. She seems to love all foods, haven't found anything she won't eat. She likes some foods better than others but will eat anything we give her. She knows what she should do now and chooses to test those boundaries daily. Trying to be consistent every time we see her doing something she shouldn't be. She's a personality w shallsee where it leads her.

RileyVideosBlog

Video Blog entry - Riley's first birthday. Look for more videos to be added as I get them.

Video of Riley Eating her smash cake


The light version of her smash cake



Riley Enjoying her pre birthday storm game


Hope you all enjoy....

Here is the link to a large number of pictures..

Flickr Images

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Just Another day

Its just another day, really just making this post so my mother, who checks it periodically can't say I haven't said anything. Riley its doing great, she is officially a walker now. 5 to 10 steps its all I need to say that and that is what she's doing. Video is on you tube but not listed I'll add the link when I update this from my PC and not my phone. Doing this with the Swype style keyboard, still not that used to it. anyways that's all for now, see you son......

http://youtu.be/hWNeVaf9W38

http://www.Houzvicka.us

1st Birthday

It's an interesting thing to know my daughter is turning 1 in 2 months. The time really does seem to fly by. Looking at her baby picture you see all the changes just in her face. Its amazing. Now she stands on her own, crawls, plays with toys. To think a couple of months before that she could hold anything without her death monkey grip being used. Now she can pick up tiny objects and put them directly in he mouth. It is awesome and scary at the exact same time. I always look forward to the next day and what new things it bring. Shes just today for the first time actually said stuff to me through the phone. Words?  no not at all but they were for her.

Back to the birthday, we've reserved a pavilion at a local park, one close to the playground that has swings and all that fun stuff for little ones. No big big plans other than some cake and snacks. Created the invites, still need to have them printed. Apparently they are to low quality for wally world to print them as post cards... That's ok printing them as pictures saves me 70 cents per card, and we were considering mailing them in an envelope anyways. Melissa should be designing the rest of the fun, she has been excited to do this for months. Now that I've made the reservation she will go into over drive....

I have no doubt I'll post more before then, I have a couple food things I'd like to try... Good day everyone and enjoy life...

The year in review

Every year (at least the last 2) we have been sending out a Christmas letter. Vanity letter whatever. Its not one of those I'm better than you letters others send out, its just a review of the year for those family member who care. Obviously its limited by space and postage, so I wanted to share the slightly extended version.

2011 the most exciting and eventful year in my life thus far. With so much more on the horizon I say to this year goodbye and to all our loved ones and friends a very Merry Christmas and a joyous new year.

This year started with great news on the agenda. Little miss Riley was on her way, determined to make her presence into the world on schedule for March 18th 2011.  During the wait Melissa hit a big (for us young folk) step in her life. This year she turned 30. While pregnant this brought up many emotions throughout the month. But these all pass with every kick that little Riley provides. (I kinda think she was saying quiet up there, but thats just me). January flew by at a pace only seen in stories then February with a Baby shower behind us we only needed wait for the day.  

Then bad news, our little Dachshund our “child” for years passed. He went fairly painless in my arms, what exactly caused it we will never know, seizure?, heart attack?... A great dog, our first together. Ruffels will always be loved and missed. We know he was waiting until his mommy could handle it. He waited until Riley was ready to pop. So I will always thank him for that.

Days later final preparations made on her room, unknown pains, unexpected early hospital visit, sent home with an everything okay. Looking back this was likely the first signs of her Gall bladder issues. She had that removed this December with no incident.

Then on the 16th of March a uncomfortable feeling and pain of which she had never felt, a call to the doctor and a car ride to the hospital. 9:30 pm after a quick check and a conference with the doctor via that wonderful device the telephone, we were in for the night. 2:30 in the morning and Melissa could no longer handle the pain it was epidural time, 8:00 am everything slowed after the water was broke a little medical assistance and at 12:21 pm on the 17th of March she was born 6 lbs 15 oz and 20 inches long. Eyes going everywhere looking at the world ready to explore. It was the start and she didn't want to miss a second. Really it was amazing. This little package of curiosity. Even today she looks at everything trying to suck it all in. At no time does she want to close her eyes for fear of missing something, anything, she ever curious and always observant.

Shortly after the birth of Riley we also lost another dog. Our last one, Otis the beagle. Died of what I can only think was a broken heart. With his best friend Ruffels gone and so much attention on Riley, I think the stress was just to much for him.  We will miss his constant bark, anxiety through thunderstorms, and all the love and companionship he gave. He was a great dog, I wish he was still with us today. The day he passed was Riley’s first roll. This was truly said, Ruffels was older and had issues, his young death was (said to say) expected, Otis though I had no doubt would be Riley's first dog, her first pet. Now the house even though filled with a beautiful little girl seem empty without a pet that wants your attention constantly. He truly, even through all the yelling and stubbornness a beagle offers was a great companion.

Life moving along a little more, my sister also pregnant introduces us to Derek Danger Leduc July 5th. A bald little man that provides our family with another little one to enjoy. Four months younger than Riley and almost as cute, but much more handsome. So far he is enjoying the lightning games with his mom and dad and providing them with tons of fun and excitement all their own. He is an amazing little boy. Almost now the size of Riley and trying to catch up fast, I am very happy to be an uncle and for Riley to be so involved and in the radius of his life. I have no doubt they will be great friends and competitive throughout life (or at least us brother and sister will be).

Her first Halloween she went as a little lady bug, and enjoyed collecting candy for her mom and dad in the mall. Cute beyond cute...

We spent a little bit of time up in Ohio this fall visiting family and friends, enjoy the fall leaves and the long road trip to get there and back. Riley was amazing, she went up there with only the slightest complaint about the drive. It took me longer than planned and an extra few stops in each direction, but we did not want our baby cooped up in a car for so long. Visited near every rest stop and even stoped in a very small snow flurry on the way back home. All in all a good trip, and a great drive.  That's all the space I have until next year stay safe and enjoy the ride. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Thanks Giving was a thankful day, as is every other. Enjoyed it with Aunt Leigh, Uncle Adam, Gram, Cuz, Sister, Bobo, Cass, Dave, Mom, Dad, Mel, Riley and Derek. Always festive times when everyone gets together. I hope i didn't leave anyone out that was there. If I did sorry... Anyways we had a delightful Turkey and all the traditional fix-ins, great to do and who doesn't love the food... Blessed as always.

Christmas was Riley & Derek's first. What a wonderful day, many memories that will last for all my life. The fact that the bows were as good as the gifts. Who really opened the gifts? Who was really excited about them. Oh the great fairy tails that will be told to her about her first Christmas, until she's able to read this will hold true. What a day.

I think this was one of the first non party New years days we've had. Riley's God parents welcomed their new little girl at the beginning of the month, welcome Reese Olivia, so new years was a sobering experience. Other guests prego and unable to drink it's looking like an exciting future we can all share. The fact I had to go to work in the morning didn't help the fun, but that is part of the life we lead. Dang responsibility...

Anyways with a new year at hand, and goals and dreams on the horizon 2012 is expected to be another great year no matter how horrible it may get.....

“Here is the world.  Beautiful and terrible things will happen.  Don't be afraid. “ -Frederick Buechner

Josh, Melissa & Riley

Lasagna Cupcakes

Lasagna Cupcakes

A little recipe I found somewhere online then lost the link and decided to make a go of it myself. I remember the lady who wrote the original said she copied it from some restaurant she went to so if you find the original please let me know I'd love to link it and comment how great this turned out.

So first thing I did was get those Goya wraps they sell in the freezer section. I've used these before and liked them then. I guess you could use any light pastry. I rolled them thin and used the top of my flour container to cut out the circles that fit into my well sprayed cupcake pan.  Spray it well so they pop out when cooking is done.

 

Now preheat your oven to 375 ish....

For the 12 I made I used about a quarter pound of beef and a couple breakfast sausages, use Italian sausage if you'd prefer that taste. Brown it until 99% cooked.

 Now get some ricotta cheese I used the skim version, some shredded mozzarella. Now I did layers as follows

Ricotta

Mozzarella

Meat

Piece of Goya wrap

Ricotta

Mozzarella

then a top layer of Parmesan mixed with some other cheeses

I left the home made sauce out thinking it would make them to wet to pick up, but you could add it into the cup if you'd like. The sauce I used was homemade but I'm sure canned would be just as good ( :-) )

Bake for about 45 minutes until GB&D.

I liked cutting them in half and then putting a little sauce on top but I'm sure they would be great whole and frozen for lunches etc. Honestly Melissa and I ate every one of them for dinner...  Man I'm fat

    

Enjoy 

Riley for Christmas

I've been asked by many what to get Riley for Christmas. So here is some stuff that I think she would like because as of today she is not saying much more that mamamamamama or dadadadadadad or mmmmaahhhhhhhh hihihihihi sounds. Mind you these are just things I like :-) and think i would have a good time playing with.... I mean she would love. Take the ideas and go with it from there...

She thanks you in advance...


Sit to stand alphabet train (Toys R Us)
KidKraft Wooden Block Set (Wal-Mart)
Sassy - Soft-Sided Toy Box (Wal-Mart)
Books of all kinds.... (children's books, she doesn't need Twilight or Game of thrones)

Ok I think that's enough, you should get a general Idea from that type of stuff. ,she will be 9 months old, rolling crawling and trying to stand. By next Christmas she will be walking and talking so anything good within that time period. She can always use cute cloths 12 months +, Diapers size 3 in Members Mark, wipes, and general tune up items......  She always accepts Love and cards with pictures of the people who love her.

The journey

We recently got back from a little "vacation" of visiting family. Regretfully the cost of flight and associated needs of flying prevented us from doing that. So we drove. For Melissa and I this would be a 16-20 hour non stop drive. Well no more is it Melissa and I alone. I had in the plans that we would likely take longer. I figured we would stop at near every rest stop on the way for about half to a full hour for stretch and play time. Well we ended up stomping about that and once for the night each way. The hotels were unplanned but well needed, the one on the way up especially (I did not get enough sleep that day to continue and followed the arrive alive not early policy). Now for the part your all waiting for, how the 7+ month old did on a 2 day drive; well to maintain here status as the most awesome child in the world she would have to be awesome and she was. The ride up was the best. She was so excited at the first rest stop, "what is all of this". I would look back and she would be starring out the window at the trees or playing with her toys. She enjoyed her time when we arrived, similar to being in the at home routine just different and new people around. The drive back went good too. She was done with the car with about 5 or 6 hours left. You could tell she didn't want to do this anymore. I can't blame her, I didn't either. Even after the stop for the night (I didn't want to stop, would of been more than able to finish the drive), but she needed to or it would of been crying all the rest of the way. We made it home on Friday after leaving Thursday, hit a 5 minute flurry of snow specks in Kentucky, and had sunshine the whole way. Love driving and would do it again...... Riley you are awesome.....

Spending the day

Today a normal Saturday for us. Go on up to moms (nana's) meet up with sister and Bobo. We today Bobo decided a trip to Atlanta and six flags would be more fun... Fine can't say I wouldn't of made the same choice :-). Got to hold my nephew a lot more than normal, he's hitting that time now where its not all screams and catching up to Riley in size. Being  that they are 3 months apart he moving along. He starting to show more of that chunk, growing into that noggin of his, amazing how fast they both grow. Exciting to see it happen even though the time is flying, seems like just yesterday Riley was brand new. In the tech world we would be expecting the new model to start showing up. In the people world there is so much more excitement to come....

Still going (ear infection)

Man these ear infection are fun. She doesn't want to eat nearly as much as normal. So we constantly worry she's not getting enough fluids. She's still wetting diapers and its normal color so she must be getting enough. She is so much more fussy than she normally is. Today no pain med so far. She's taken some naps and will eat anything sweet, just not to much her bottles. I'm pretty sure she needs a nap now, but at nana's that's a hard sell. So much for her to do, she finds it mega hard to sleep. I go back to work tomorrow so hopefully she'll take it easy on mommy.

First ear infection

Well I have plans in place now for the previous post more to come about that. Day before last Riley got an ear infection. Ran a fever of 101.9. We took her into the docs, funny she had just seen her the day before at Melissa's regular appointment. Anyways she is on antibiotics, since her fever has come down, today not even noticeable. You can see the pain some times and it just crushes your heat that there is not a thing you can do. We give her as little pain med as possible just enough so she will eat a little bit. So technically this is day 3 of antibiotics, I hope they help clear it up soon the faces she's making are horrid. On a cool side note she now has her first 2 teeth (front bottoms), so at least that pain is done for now. Pictures of the tech to come as soon as I can get a good one. You try getting a kid that doesn't even know what teeth are to smile and show them. Especially with an inner ear infection. Well good day to all, this nap she's taking isn't going to last long... Bye!

Steps in a Direction

To be honest I think I've been pretty lazy when it come to defining a path. I really have been some what content in the hope that the work I've been putting in would get noticed and in some way I'd be rewarded for this work. Instead any reward has been blocked or overlooked at some point. I guess I dont stand out enough from the crowd of fellow opportunity seekers. Blend back into the crowd old boy, the opportunity with the position I am currently in is limited. At least as a direct path and with the life changes now made the priority I am going to have to reach harder than ever. She requires it, and it the best thing for her. So the route I am laying out has got to be direct and clear cut. I've been thinking about it a large amount today since going back to school full time is out of the question right now I'm going to have to go the certification route. ITIL is looking like a decent place to start. A foundations certification will at least get the momentum going and the start up cost doesn't look to be much. The job listings are asking for it so I think that along with a project management coarse or two should kick me off int he right direction. I honestly dont think the ITIL cert would take very much extra education because it is a base process I use daily, so only the book terms and step location would need to be memorized. So I say it today here and now this is where I'm starting. This is the first step in a stagnant water removal process and it must be done! Amazon ITIL study books here I come... 


-Real life is becoming an interesting thing, should of got onto the coaster sooner.

She doesn't want to nap

Guess I can't complain, she sleep at least 8 hours through the night. But when I'm home or even just for Mel, she starts getting grumpy because she's tired. She will take a nap for about five to ten but that's it. Anyone have any great tips? Melissa's really looking for some, me too... ;-) is she worth it? Not a doubt, she's worth everything...