Sunday Snapshot - JACK-O-Lanterns

Halloween is tomorrow!  As you know from a few posts back (here) we have had our pumpkins for some time.  What we haven't had though, until today, was the chance to carve them.  As usual life, and its busy schedule got in the way, often.  It's probably for the best though because we only recently got into some cool, fall-esque weather this past week and the heat and humidity that we get isn't so pumpkin-friendly.  Today though, being the last minute, carving our jack-o-lanterns was a top priority of mine.

However, when it came time to get down to business, I was met with an unexpected setback.  Apparently Braeden finds football far more interesting than pumpkin-carving.  I'd be lying if I said it didn't bother me, it did.  But I moved on with Jack as my eager and willing sidekick.  Together we cleaned, designed, and carved both of our pumpkins.  He is a hoot and we had a great time together.  Amy helped with the seed removal process and I was able to persuade her into not only cleaning and roasting the seeds, but also with taking pictures of Jack and I working.

All in all it was a lot of fun, maybe not the exact process I had planned out, but life rarely works according to our plans right?  In this instance the experience was great and I got some good one-on-one time with Jack.  Hence the title of this post!

All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

 Even though we've done this many times, at first he was hesitant to get in the pumpkin!

 But he was curious, as always, about the insides.

 He designed, I carved!

 2nd pumpkin - time for him to get involved!

 

Gooey!

 

The finished products and my coworker!

 

Runner's High

Ok, if you know me and you read the title to this post you know that it can't possibly have anything to do with me. You're right. I don't run. I just don't see the point. I'm happy walking, I have a car, and I'm never being chased. Therefore, running never seems to be a worthy option. People talk about getting a "runner's high" but I have no clue what that is all about. When I run I feel horrible. But alas some people, for some reason, enjoy running. Apparently, and through no thanks to my genes, the boys seem to be some of those people. We've known for some time hat Braeden is a pretty good runner, he won 2nd place in Pre-K for the most laps run throughout the year in PE and I've heard from several people that he loves to run and is quite good at it. Today we found that Jack may possibly be following in his footsteps.

See, today was our Fun Run and Buddy Field Day at Trinity. This is a great day and serves as a major fundraiser for our PE department. You know the drill, the kids get people to sponsor them per lap or with a flat fee. Well we donated a flat fee for both boys this year. We were just so busy we may try sponsors next year. Anyway, 8 times around our field is a mile. Braeden ran 18 laps and Jack ran 16! Yes, that's right they both ran 2 miles! I walked, yes walked, 1/2 mile (told you they didn't get it from me). In my defense though I was taking pictures for my classroom blog, taking pictures for the yearbook, and socializing with kids and parents. So, I'm super proud of them both and a bit in awe that they have, somehow, found another athletic endeavor they love. Who knows? Maybe there are future track stars in our midst? We shall see.

So, sports aren't my thing. That's ok, I'm cool with it. But my boys, that's a different story, especially Braeden. They can't seem to get enough of them. Maybe it'll pay off, literally, in the long run. For now though it's just all fun and games, that an apparently running!

All is well, running the race, in Drosche Land.

Sunday Snapshot - #3

I'm back! It's been 2 weeks of missed Sunday Snapshot posts, but I'm back now, and with a bang! Today's picture isn't anything fancy or staged, and there's only one picture. But the subject of today's post is pretty special! I'll go ahead and end the suspense that I know is killing you!

Yes. We. Are.

Amy is 5 weeks along and, according to our calculations, is due in June. The picture here is from when we first found out, which is why the lines are not super dark. But it was there every time we tested, and we tested frequently for a few days as we were so excited. She has been to the doctor once for initial blood work. At first we were scared because her hormone levels were on the low side and we had to get the retested. Luckily the second time she went in we got good news of higher levels!

So, we begin another exciting adventure here in Drosche Land. One that will end with a population increase! More baby talk, lots more, to come in the next 8 or so months; but for now a simple picture to kick off the fun!

All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land!

iHere, iAwesome!

IT CAME!

ON SATURDAY!

Can you tell I am happy?  I wanted to post this blog for a few days but it has been busy here.  This was also originally going to be a Sunday Snapshot but it didn't happen.  2 weeks without a Sunday Snapshot, wow!  This week had better be good right?!  It's killing me that I've missed 2 weeks, but oh well.  On with this post.

So I called UPS again on Saturday morning, inquiring where my iPhone was and why it wasn't with me.  I was nice, the UPS lady was nice, but we didn't get anywhere.  I was told that due to the stipulations that Apple placed on their shipping (any package not delivered Friday 10/14 could only be delivered on Monday 10/17) I was not able to move the delivery to Saturday.  Bummer.  The worst part was the fact that Saturday morning it was here in Houston.  So, another strike-out and no iPhone.  I was frustrated but did my best (Amy might remember it differently) to deal with it.  I had moved on, mostly, when just a hour later the doorbell rang!  Who could it be?  We weren't expecting anyone .  Lo and behold it was the UPS man!  WOO HOO!  I laughed when I opened the door and told him he was my hero.  Amy said I needed to thank him and then call UPS to apologize for harassing them for the past 2 days.  I was just happy.  Very happy.

I quickly got to work setting it up and just a few minutes later I was ready to roll.  I have already grown to love my new iPhone and my addiction has been revived and strengthened.  Not only is it a totally AWESOME phone, but it is so nice to have one that won't die after 5 minutes of use!  Ahhhh, life is good.

The rest of the weekend was nice and relaxing.  Braeden had a T-Ball game that his cousins came to, then they came and played at the house so that was a lot of fun.  Sunday was typical - church and Costco, with some quality couch time sprinkled in for good measure.  Sunday night I had to go to the opening of the TX District LCMS Church Workers Conference.  We had no school yesterday and today due to the conference as well so I have been busy with that.  Amy and the boys have gone to school as usual, regular school for Jack and holiday childcare for Braeden.  Tomorrow we will all get back into out usual routine which is good because the remainder of this month is packed and busy!  

Oh, there was also other good news from Saturday that I hinted at last week!  That was originally going to be Saturday's post but with the iPhone delivery and conference it has been pushed back.  I'll mention it here but let it have its own post for another time, maybe tomorrow.  Drum-roll please!  We got cable! WOO HOO!  I know, it was a big weekend for technology in Drosche Land!  Yes, I know Dave Ramsey wouldn't approve, but we decided to treat ourselves.  Amy has worked it out and all is well.  It has been wonderful to have it back, plus having a DVR!  How did we go a year and a half without it?  Crazy!  Yes, I know, I am spoiled.  I have an extremely loving and generous wife who takes good care of me!  I'm lucky.  Very luck! 

All is well, iWell in fact, in Drosche Land.

 Even the box is beautiful!

 

 iAwesome!

  iLove!

iBummer

So, not the post you were expecting today huh? Well it's definitely not the one I was expecting to write today either. As you now, I've been tracking my iPhone's status several times a day for the past week. I've followed it through China, to Anchorage, to it's extended stay in Louisville (2 days?), and last night it became a Texan, arriving in Dallas. I totally expected to have it tonight. Possibly to be blogging from it? Via voice? Imagine my surprise when I checked on it this morning and found out it was suddenly in Staten Island, NY! I know, right?! Well, I obviously could not call UPS during the day so I was left to repeatedly check the status and it was clear UPS had realized the error. As soon as school let out I was on the phone, not mine though because it would have died, with UPS. They were aware of the problem and I could expect delivery on Monday. WHAT?! Seriously? I then proceeded to speak with a manager, attempting to get it expedited for a Saturday delivery to me. Apparently that needs approval, despite the fact the delay is due to an error on their part. I never did hear back from UPS to find out if I could expect it tomorrow. Odds are pointing toward Monday though. My latest check on the website says it is once again en route to me from Staten Island, with delivery by the end of the day on Monday. So, we shall see if some miracle occurs and brings my wayward iPhone 4S home tomorrow. If not, iWait some more. Until then I do have the fun of updating the iPad to IOS 5 and playing around with that!

Bummed, yes. But at the end of the day it will get here and it's not that big of a deal. Yes, I did just say that and yes, I meant it. There are far more pressing things in life than a delayed delivery, no matter how anticipated it is. I'm lucky to even be getting it, thanks Amy!, so I'll count my, many, blessings. Not all is lost though. Tomorrow does hold some excitement that I will be posting about tomorrow some time. Plus the weekend looks like it might, fingers crossed, contain a substantial amount of rest and relaxation! You can't go wrong there!

All is well, iWaiting (still), in Drosche Land.

iWait

Ok, I'm back. It's been a few days since I've posted so that means it's time for a recap!

We'll begin with the title of this post! Yes, I did order my new iPhone 4S on Friday morning! Thanks to my wonderful wife who understands and supports my Apple addiction and loves me in spite of it! I am obviously stoked about my new phone. There of course is the fact that I need a new phone anyway since mine is dying, but there's the fact that the new iPhone is going to be awesome and I cannot wait to play with it! It shipped on Monday and spent the night in Anchorage, AK. It arrived in Louisville, KY yesterday and apparently is enjoying a mini vacation there before heading to Houston! I might be checking the UPS website several (ok tons) times throughout the day. It should be here by Friday, although I do have the hope that a slight miracle will occur and it will arrive a day early! We shall see though, either way my wait is almost over!

This past weekend was very busy. My cousin had her baby and he is super adorable. After Braeden's game last Saturday we headed to East Texas for a visit with my cousins and their families. It was only a brief overnight trip but it was nice. As an only child I was very close to my cousins and they were like siblings to me. Of course as we've grown up we don't see each other as often as we'd like, but hopefully that will change. The trip also reminded Amy of how much she enjoys the country. She has always said that one day she would like to move to the country. I go back and forth. I love the city, but there is something wonderful and peaceful about the country. Who knows, maybe one day we will have a vacation home, then we can have the best of both worlds! I took my camera with the hopes of getting some good pictures for a Sunday Snapshot but that obviously didn't happen since there was no post. I just didn't have the time and my iPhone is unreliable so even that was out of the question (although no trot much longer!).

We returned Sunday afternoon in the wonderful and much-needed deluge. The remainder of the weekend was spent getting caught up on laundry and prepping for the upcoming week. S far, so good. Amy did point out over the weekend that last week was the first week this school year that all members of the Drosche family made it through an entire week at school! It only took 8 weeks! Hopefully the plague/bad luck/curse or whatever has passed over our house and has moved on. This weekend should be more of the same: T-Ball and relaxing. We do have exciting plans for Saturday, but I'll save that for a post of its own!

I think that just about catches us up. It is getting late and I think it's time for me to check the UPS website for the status of my iPhone! Hopefully it has left Louisville!

All is well, still iWaiting, in Drosche Land.

iReady

So, unless you live under a rock you already know about the death of Steve Jobs yesterday, just one day after the announcement of the new iPhone 4S. Sad. Leads to mixed feelings about the new iPhone.

Obviously since I was in the classroom all day on Tuesday, I couldn't stay as up to date as I'd have liked on the announcements but I did have a friend text me highlights. I have to admit, at first I was a bit disappointed at the fact that there is no iPhone 5. But, in agreement with a blog I read, technically the iPhone 4S is the iPhone 5 everyone was hoping for and expecting, just with a different name. I'm totally stoked about it and cannot wait. Tomorrow is the big day when preorders begin! I still haven't worked out all the plans with Amy so we will see what we decide to do about getting a new phone. Luckily though, my contract is up so we wouldn't end up paying an overly exorbitant price for a new one. We will see what we decide tomorrow. I will admit though that the thought has crossed my mind to stay up until midnight to see the moment when they go on sale! The only reason I haven't made a firm decision to do so is because I can't find any concrete information on what time exactly it will go on sale. Knowing my luck it would be midnight PST and, although I love staying up late, 2:00 am is too late for me, especially now that I am the ripe old age of 30! A quick check first thing tomorrow morning will have to suffice!

In the mean time my poor iPhone continues on its slow path of self-destruction, showing no rhyme or reason in its pattern of sudden shutdown. I have to admit that I am so looking forward to the day when I do have a new phone and am no longer forced to remain within a charger's cord length of an outlet to use my phone for longer than a few minutes! Frustrating as it is though, I still love my iPhone and a part of me will miss it whenever I do finally upgrade. I am a total Apple addict. I don't see myself owning any other type of phone or computer ever.

So, with all the excitement of a kid on Christmas Eve I will head to bed tonight eager to see what the early morning hours bring! I can't wait. Hey, at least I'm admitting of and comfortable with my nerdy addiction!

All is well, iWaiting, in Drosche Land.

iAnticipation

So, it is no secret that I love my iPhone, well all Apple products really.  I am never, ever without my phone and use it all day every day.  It might be a slight addiction, but let's not get into labels.  Anyway, all was fine and dandy until the end of the summer when I began to experience problems with my beloved iPhone.  It started to randomly shut down.  Then when I turned it back on the power would be dramatically lower than before it turned off.  Weird I thought, at first, must be some fluke.  Well, not so much.  It got worse.  Instead of being a randomly occurring incident, it became daily.  There was no rhyme or reason to when it would turn off, 100% battery power or 20% power, it didn't discriminate.  Then it  happened that I could no longer turn it back on unless I plugged it into an outlet.  Yikes!  This meant that if I was out and about and it died, I was out of luck!  OH NO!  You can imagine my distress.

I have been forced to not use it so much when out unless totally necessary and I always have a charger with me, always.  Sad really.  No more Facebooking, texting, browsing the Internet, playing games, etc. whenever I want.  Nope, I'm at the mercy of my dying iPhone.  This summer was my 2-year anniversary of having my iPhone which meant that I am due for an upgrade, but I knew that the new iPhone was coming soon so I didn't want to waste my upgrade on a soon-to-be outdated phone!  Well, the day I have been eagerly anticipating, scouring my Mac blogs (not on my iPhone of course), and researching has come. Tomorrow Apple will make their big announcement.  I am super excited and can hardly wait.  I'm all read up on the rumors of what to expect, and am stoked about all the possibilities.  But really, I am mostly looking forward to soon getting a phone I can use any time I want to do anything  I want!  

Well, in reading this post it does sound as though I have a slight problem/addiction.  I guess it could be worse though, in the scheme of things.  I will have to find a way to follow the announcements throughout the day tomorrow so I can keep informed.  Hopefully I will be able to start counting down the days until I am once again fully connected!  I should end this post because it's just getting me all excited! Ha!   Maybe just a slight problem!

All is well, iWaiting, in Drosche Land.   

Sunday Snapshot - Pumpkin Patch

Today we took our annual family trip to Dewberry Farm to get our pumpkins for this year.  We have been doing this since Braeden's first Halloween and it is one of my favorite family traditions.  Over the years it is amazing to see how much they have expanded and grown.  They were well-known when we began going, but have since developed from a working farm to a definite local tradition.  New games and activities are added each year and it only gets better.  When we first started going it was a long, rural drive, but worth it.  Ironically when we moved to Cypress we found that we were now only about 15 minutes away from them! 

Each year we head out and enjoy a day of feeding goats, watching pig races, eating snow cones, riding the corn (now cow) train, hand-picking pumpkins, and just generally having some farm fun!  This year was no different except for the fact that the pumpkin selection has been severely affected by the recent drought.  In fact, they didn't even have a crop this year.  Instead they had pumpkins brought in from elsewhere and laid in a field.  The boys didn't mind, to them they still picked their pumpkins out of the field at the farm, but Amy and I were a little bummed.  Nonetheless we had a ton of fun.  At dinner tonight we shared our favorite highlights from the day.  Amy - the train ride, Braeden - the snow cones, Jack - the bumpy slides, and Me - successfully bringing my family through the corn maze, thus saving us all from being lost forever!

So, the pumpkin shortage aside, it was a typical fun Drosche day at the pumpkin farm!  As you can see for yourself below!

All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

Jack on his favorite bumpy slide!

 

 I had to include this one too!

 Braeden enjoying his snow cone!

 Amy's favorite corn/cow train ride!

 Jack and I on the train!

The boys and I in the corn maze

 

Me, victorious, having rescued all Drosches from the corn maze!

 

  My adorable boys in the obligatory pumpkin patch picture!

She Came!

Well, the Tooth Fairy came and visited our toothless wonder!  Friday morning arrived and he leaped out of bed to come and ask us if he could check!  Sure enough, she had come when he was asleep!  He was so proud and excited, it was a momentous occasion.  He thoroughly enjoyed his money and was thrilled at the fairy dust everywhere.  I think that after this visit from her, he is not so fearful of losing more teeth!

 Proudly displaying his payment!

Fairy Dust!  It was everywhere, she got a little heavy-winged with it!  :)