Mike's Big 40 Celebration

Mike and Mom

Well, the big 40 finally came for my brother Mike. We had a nice birthday party for him and all the family and his friends downtown in Austin at a really cool place--J. Black's Feel Good Lounge.
We decorated the inside, ate lots of food and enjoyed some good refreshments. It was fun seeing all of Mike's old friends, Roger, Brandon, Todd, Mike, and some of his co-workers. Everyone else from the family was there hanging out and having a good time.
The pictures were difficult to take since the lighting inside was so low, but I salvaged a few, enjoy...and Happy Birthday Mike.

Nickie and Lory

Hello 2009

My Dad's Burial Site

Well, I hope that 2009 is better for me than 2008. Losing my Dad has been very difficult and hard to deal with. I think about him everyday, all the time. I think I had an anxiety attack as everything just hit me all at once like a ton of bricks. Luckily I had Lory there to help me, follow me to the hospital and stay with me for the next few days.
I have tried to stay busy with work and preparing for all my racquetball events for 2009. I will be going to Austin this weeknd for Mike's birthday and also for the Longhorn Open Racquetball Tournament. My doubles partner Eddie injured his shoulder so no doubles for us. I am thinking about buying a new digital camera so I can post some great quality pictures. It always feels good to buy a new toy.

2008 Year In Review

Wow, I can't believe 2008 is already gone and here we are in 2009. I bought my Flip Video in August and have had fun with it since day one. Here are some of my favorite clips from some of the videos I shot while traveling for racquetball or with family. I hope you all enjoy it and leave me a comment if you like.

Christmas Slide Show

Christmas Eve Toy Assembly

Found a little time to make a short video of my brother Mike putting together a Little Tikes Shopping Cart for Bella on Christmas eve. Actually, Ava and Bella are getting these for Christmas so he put two of them together. Lucky you Daniel.

I hope Bella looks at this one day so she can see that her Dad is one of Santa's helpers. :-)

Car Break In At Work

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I get to work and am starting to have a good day when one of the staff comes and let's me know that someone saw a blue car with a broken window out in the parking lot. I ran out to find that it was my car and and also another employees car. I left some Christmas gifts in the backseat for Baby Bella and Brandy and that is what they took. At least they didn't get Josh's gift and a few other things so all was not lost. After a call to my insurance agent my new piece of glass was installed the next day. I was impressed about the procedure for filing a report, it was quick and easy and can be looked at on-line. Go to the Arlington Police Department Search Public Reports link, (click here) then type my report number and last name in the box. Case# 080087141.

It will say report has been located and then click on the link to view the report.

Here is another picture of the inside, the backseat drivers side window.

Cowboy Christmas Tree

Look at this Dallas Cowboy Christmas tree that my roommates friend decorated for the holidays for one of the guest bedrooms in the house. Checkout all the cool ornaments, the little footballs, and the miniature Dallas Cowboy helmets. I thought this was fitting since my Cowboys beat those New York Giants 20-8 and kept them out of the endzone. I am trying to get some shopping done for my family before the rush hits this weekend.

Western Christmas Tree

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My roommate (Tina) has been busy decorating the inside of her house with lots of Christmas decorations and a tree like no other. She has a good friend that comes and helps her add that magic touch and they are really good at what they do. I had to post a picture of the Christmas tree in the living room. It is about 12 feet tall and has the coolest ornaments you will ever see on any tree.
Makes me thing back when I was a kid, my Mom and Dad would let us put lots of ornaments and icicles, we put lights outside around the house and my parents would have Christmas parties for their friends. Lots of cool gifts, go-carts, motorcycles, all the newest electronics and games.
I remember one year, maybe 1979, Nickie, Mike and I found some gifts in the attic and we opened them up, I remember playing the Space Invaders game and a few others we got. I don't think my Mom and Dad ever knew we did that...hahahaha.
I am planning on going to Austin for Christmas, and trying to plan a trip to see my Aunt Helen in Haslet who I have not seen in over 30 years. :-) I will have photos from that.
I am hosting a racquetball tournament this weekend at my club so I am trying to finalize all the details.

Wanna see the official tournament site? -- click here

One More Turkey Video

I am still finding more video from our Thanksgiving dinner at my Uncle Gilbert and Aunt Geraldine's house, so I thought I would put it up so everyone can see how we have all grown up. I remember when Trey and Josh were both small little guys and now look at them.
Uncle Steve and Uncle Roy are still funny and always find a way to joke about something, the only thing that has changed about them is just a little more gray.
I hope one day Bella and Ava see this video of themselves and enjoy the moments we shared as a family. Grandpa Chuck and Grandma Donna were also lending a hand in the helping with Bella and Ava. Aunt Geraldine and Twila were awesome in the kitchen too!!

Baby Bella Drives

One of the best things about holidays is spending time with my nieces and nephews. We woke up early one morning and baby Isabella was riding her little electric bike. She is one year-old and already walking and driving. She also has a pink electric mustang in the garage ready for her to cruise around in. And she knows how to use an iPhone.....amazing huh? But even more amazing is that Lauren, who is only eight years-old was texting me from Brandy's phone.