Caption Of The Week IV

Birthday Weekend Recap

First of all: Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday! Facebook really brings people together, huh? :o)

How did I spend my birthday? Well, I was lucky enough to celebrate my special day 3 days! And here is a brief recap of everything:

On Thursday, my actual birthday, we made a point to take Brylee to storytime at the library again. It has been the first time to go since they started up again on January 10, and of course Brylee was very excited to be there. This time, there were a total of 3 families there, the other two we had never been with before. After the storytime, Brylee walked around, being silly and showing her personality. One of the little girls was sitting in the middle of the room, not moving, but just taking everything in. Brylee walked up to her, bowed towards her and started talking at her...really loudly. All of the parents in the room cracked up. It was almost as if Brylee had approached someone who spoke another language, and the louder you talk, the more likely they will understand you. What a silly girl!










Brylee loves her 'boons', and the one from her birthday had finally met its deflated end, so for my birthday, I bought her another balloon, which we clipped to her as she walked around her t-ma and b-pa's house.













I don't know what has happened to me, as I have seemed to leave my camera behind quite a bit lately. On Saturday, we had a game night, which was preceeded by a geo-caching afternoon, introducing geo-caching to interested people, or just helping them get more caches under their beginner belts.

The geo-caching party consisted of: Dad, Cary, Bill, Whitney, her mom Shirley, my cousin Stacy, and myself. With 7 people, we decided to split into 2 groups to hunt a total of 6 caches, which of course, with mine and Cary's help, turned into a competition. Stacy, Cary and I made one group, while dad led the others.

Stacy is trying to earn a geo-caching merit badge with the Girl Scouts, so Cary and I took her to the locations where the caches were and she helped search. We finished before everyone else, finding a cache that had been 'disassembled' by people or animals, changing one cache to another one (which was more difficult), and even stopping by my dad's office to try to find the reported-missing Pootwaddle cache...which we excitedly found!

The evening ended with pizza, Sort It Out, Wii, and just lots of fun!










Sunday morning brought Cary and I back to my parents' house where we met Bill for church. He has been checking out churches and last weekend went to Fellowship, and this week we changed it up a little and took him to Live Oak with Pastor Brad.













It was adorable to walk into the church and watch Brylee walk herself into her room that she typically goes to. She met another little girl and became instant 'friends' (well, as much of friends as toddlers are), and later shared the room with a little boy.










After church, we parted ways with Bill and my parents and Cary, Brylee and I drove out to Cary's parents house, where the day was to be spent with Brad, Faith, and Helen to celebrate my birthday. Bring on the cheese casserole and strawberry cake!

What a fun day! I love this family: they love to tell stories (and twisting the truth around in some very funny cases), play games (we taught Brad, Faith, and Helen how to play Scribblish), and have a lot of fun! Brylee adores her cousin Helen, and I loved seeing the familiar smile come on her face when Helen walked in the door!
































The presents I walked away with this year (and yet again feel like I don't deserve them!):

From the hubby:









I won't go to sleep at night until I do a full hunt on a page...I have loved I Spy for years, and I am FINALLY the proud owner of 2 books! I can't wait for Brylee to be old enough to go through them with me again!

From my parents:



















Yes, Brylee did receive shoes and shirts for my birthday, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The little girl loved getting her special flashy shoes and walking through the mall with them on. She even tried to refuse to have her hand held, and loved to stop walking just to see the shoes sparkle!

From Brad, Faith, and Helen:









We found out tonight that it makes great hamburgers!

And from Brenda and Gary:












The long-desired bird feeder! I have been wanting one for several months now, and can't wait to buy the bird seed and get it up!

I had a wonderful birthday, and thank you to everyone who yet again made it special. I couldn't ask for a better life!

Jenn's Birthday Story

Today is my birthday! To me, it really isn't a big deal...however, I know there was a story written about the night I was born, and I want to put it up so that it is always readable, and maybe someday Brylee (and other children) will express an interest in reading it.

This was written by Melinda Sipes-Hosea on January 21, 1978 at 12:15 a.m. (It's long, but I enjoyed reading it!)

Well, tonight really was quite the hectic night. Your uncle Doug and I were there to help take care of your mom and dad. It was really cold today and there was still a lot of ice on the roads. Your mom was taken to the hospital at about 9:15 a.m. (January 20th). Your dad called Uncle Doug (who called me later) to come to the hospital in Lewisville. So Uncle Doug and I picked up something at McDonald's and drove out to Lewisville. We got to the hospital and met Grandma Wilson. Your dad was in the Labor Room with your mom....but you decided then to take your ever lovin' time. Your dad and mom were both pretty hungry (your mom slipped in a bite at 12:00 noon) and Doug and I were well-armed with "Marathons", "Forever Yours", Tootsie Rolls--in both the large and small sizes. Your dad (a Dr. Pepper freak--if I ever saw one--was in our good hands. Between the labor and waiting rooms we slipped mouthfuls of the aforementioned into your ole dad. Your mom was in the labor room from 9:45 that morning with slight contractions. About 12 noon her contractions came 8 minutes apart. At two they were 6 minutes apart, and around 3:30 she was having contractions at 2 minute intervals. Your mom by this time seemed to be fighting the pain and/or was not breathing properly. Amazingly your dad stepped in (without having child-birth lessons)and coached your mom into the right breathing techniques. Oh I'm sure the doctor or nurse told him a little bit of what he should do about breathing right. Well, sweetheart, during this time your two grandmothers walked in and out to check on your mom. Your aunts' Amy and Kelly were wandering about the waiting room. We took your dad out to eat a hamburger at Burger King around one o'clock and later he and Doug went to the bank at about three-fifteen. Well, something to do between contractions. I should mention, that besides you, there were three other sets of parents having babies also. You were not alone. Uncle Eric arrived about 4:00 p.m., then Uncle David around 4:30. They left to pick up Eric's wife and came back at 5:30 p.m. At this time we were really frantic. Everybody was pacing!! I had ot seen your mom and wanted very badly to make sure she was okay. I read a book while I waited, as Doug read comic books. Finally your Grandma Wilson came up to me and asked if I was your mom's sister. Puzzled a little I nodded and said yes. She said "good" and together we went to see your mom. Well Little Lady, your mom was the most beautiful mom in that whole hospital. She lay in Labor Room 2 with your dad on her right. I walked in very relieved and extremely excited to see the one by whom you were to be born. She looked very calm and relaxed. Although she had thrown up some and the contractions were immensely painful, she looked great. She lay in bed with the covers pulled up the bed to her shoulders. The hospital gown was white with blue flowers. Your dad wore blue jeans and a yellow t-shirt. The room was a little small with pale orange walls. I stayed only a second, long enough to wish her luck, and tell her I loved and was praying for you all. I gave her a finger kiss and left. My fingers ached a little from being crossed for the three of you. I have to mention that on that day, there were the most babies born at one time on January 20th, 1978. Also, the moms in the Labor rooms 1, 2, 3 & 4 were named (in order): Debbie, Tressia, Debbie, and Teresa! All the more confusing was that the other Teresa was also named Teresa Lynn (Bates). Your grandmas' just hoped that you all wouldn't get mixed up--no problem though. Everyone knew the "only girl" was Tressia Lynn and William Bryan Jarvis' little daughter. Well Debbie in Room 3 was first to have a baby (they were racing). She had an 8lb 3/4oz little boy. Next, in went Bridget's sister, Debbie of Room 1, to have another 8lb boy. Well at about 6:25 your dad and mom were whisked off to the labor room and you were born at 6:39--and you weren't even spanked. Your dad left the delivery room to come tell us. He walked extremely proud--as a father walks--steady and sure, yet holding in tons of emotions. He held the smask and cap in his hand as he announced the arrival of a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Your grandmothers cried and we cheered. Anxiously we turned to the big windows to see you. After what seemed forever a nurse appeared with a pink flannel blanket, in which nestled a tiny 7lb 1 oz baby girl. She showed us your face, then dropped the blanket from your front, in order to disprove any doubt about your sex. Then you were placed in an incubator to be examined. After you, the other Teresa had her 9lb 13oz baby boy. So, by the time you were one hour old, you already had the boys swarming around you--not to mention the 'aunts', 'uncles', 'grandmas', and 'grandpas' and the wishes of those who could not come. Your mom went back to the Labor Room to wait for a hospital room. Your dad joined you mom. There and then we each (grandma's & pa's Wilson and Jarvis) come to talk to your mom. I finally was able to see her. I tied one of the three blue bows I wore for you guys into her hair. We talked of the baby (you), how it felt, how hungry and tired your mom was, and other things. Later, Aunt Amy and Kelly & Uncle Doug crowded in also. We talked and laughed till a nurse came to throw us out. I was able to stay a few more minutes, told your dad and mom how happy we were for them, and gave her two kisses on the forehead for Doug and I. I left with two blue bows in my hair. During the time I was with your mom I liked to keep a hand on her shoulder or blanket. It was reassurance that everything was all right and that it was really happening. You were later brought to see your mom and dad in a pink blanket. You displayed ("visibly displayed") signs of hunger. Your mom later whispered that besides a smile on your dad's face, there were also tears in his eyes when he saw and held you. Later in the nursery the nurse filled out your card (to be placed in your hospital crib of clear plastic). I got a piece of notebook paper and wrote, "Could you put the name of the baby on her card"--Jennifer Marie. She made out a new card with your name on the card--and taped it to the incubator--no other baby had it's full name on his card. We all know who the most beautiful baby was. Your feet and hands were purple, but the rest of you was a beautiful pink. Your hair was a light brownish color, and your eyes were dark brown. All the others stayed purple or were very pale; you were very healthy and beautiful. By 10:00 you were no longer purple at all, just pure skin of pink-peach--absolutely perfect. A lady stopped to comment on you, her own 6 month old baby boy Aaron, in her arms. Doug fell in love with you instantly, to say the least for your own parents. Your great grandma's Hodges and Frazier were notified, along with Robbie, Jody, my mother, Melissa, Chris and Uncle Doug's parents. The whole world knew! Doug and your dad went out for your mom and her roommate some food!! I brushed your mom's hair while we waited for them. Your om was feeling great, and looked even better. She was very happy with Bryan and Jennifer written all over her face! Your dad came back, and definitely left--after your dad bade you good night with lots of love. We later bought him a Canadian Bacon Pizza and box of Cracker Jacks. The C.B. friends also congratulated your parents many times. Frosty Blonde asked if you were 'ugly like your daddy or pretty like your mommy"...You definitely were beautiful. Well, I am finishing this--I hope as you finally read this, it will answer questions you might ask--be good little one--and remember--the joy that shone on your mom's and dad's faces will shine forever because of their love for you--I say no more.

Dad's Special Birthday

What was so special about his big day, compared to other birthdays? I'm not sure, but it was a lot of fun to plan and execute!

2 weeks ago, Cary and I put together a cache that is 'All Things Pootwaddle'. It contains stickers of hockey, dogs, fire department, instruments, and of course, clowns! We hid it in some bushes just outside of dad's office where he can look out and see people come to scout it out.

When Cary sent in the request to publish the cache, he requested to have it published on January 17th during business hours. This is a unique request, because most caches are not published until the evening.

We got a response that it would be published at 10:00 on Monday morning. Yay! He'll be at work then!

On Friday, I went to the mall with my parents, where dad said that he was going to go to Desoto on Monday...eek! That would mess up our plans! I convinced him though that we wanted to take him to lunch, and that he needed to go to Desoto afterwards...Thanks, mom, for the help, too!

So, Monday morning came, and Cary, Brylee, and I 'were in the area' around 10:00, and stopped by to see dad at work. (heeheehee) At 10:00, the cache published...and dad's face was priceless as he read more and more and started to figure out what was happening.

5 minutes later, we went to the location where dad proceeded to hunt for the cache, find it, and look through the swag in the container. Brylee was so excited for her poppy, she managed to pee on me. Fun!

As we finished with the container and put it back for the next cachers to find, Cary and I decided to head to my parents house for a quick clean up and change. Just as we were leaving, more cachers pulled crookedly into the parking lot: the GeoSicks. A quick chat and we were off again!

Evening rolled around, and Cary, Brylee and I went to my parents again to have dinner and celebrate dad's birthday, including giving him his other gift, a beautiful hat that Cary and I first spotted at the State Fair. It is a really good looking hat, and seems to fit dad's tastes perfectly!

Happy birthday to the best dad ever!!!








**And yes, I do realize that I had an error in NOT bringing my camera inside for the caching surprise for dad. And once I manage to re-create it so I can get it in pictures, I will get them up here!

To My Favorite Clown, Boat, Geocacher, Sports Enthusiast, Animal Lover, Astronomer, and Teacher...

Happy Birthday!

Caption Of The Week III

What do you think Brylee is thinking? Let me know!

A Tale Of Two Games

Game #1:

Dallas Stars v Detroit Red Wings.

This was a Christmas present to Cary from me this year. I don't know which was the actual present: going to the big rival game, or the All-You-Can-Eat hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, and soda. Either way, the game was huge. And scary!

Our seats put us very top row of AAC, which, view-wise, isn't all bad. But the seats are closer together than lower level seats are, but what made this so bad was that we were surrounded by Red Wings fans. On all sides (well, except the back...which was a wall)!

The game was at first a tight one, the first period ending at 1-0 Red Wings. The second period proved to be better, with it being 3-3. The end of the game? The Stars fans walked away with our heads hung after the 7-3 defeat. Ouch!


And yes, we are camera happy enough to take a picture of the final score:










Sad.

And now, for the second game!

Dallas Stars v Edmonton Oilers

I got a facebook message last week from a family friend telling me that Jamie Langenbrunner is back with the Stars. He has been my favorite player since he scored the 1 goal against the Red Wings in the 5-1 defeat we attended in 1996. I was so excited to see him back after he had risen to great status with the New Jersey Devils (Captain!), and I asked my dad if we could all go to a game for our (dad's and mine) birthday. And dad didn't hesitate to get the tickets!

Tonight was the big night--and Jamie's first home game as a returning Star.

The seats were high again, but no complaints here. With great view all around, we also noticed that we had a short escape route for Brylee, not sure how she would handle her first hockey game. Just as the hockey players were warming up, Cary and I got out of our seats to go purchase more food before it got too crowded. There we were met by a man who does promotional offers for the Stars...and his promotional offer? Upgraded seats! Of course, we didn't hesitate to say yes to the move, and we met the guy downstairs in section 120 before the game started like good little boys and girls.

The upgraded seats were wonderful!!!! Much more roomy, the drink holders attached to the chairs in front of us instead of on our seats, and you could see the players much more clearly! Don't get me wrong...we have had the lower level seats before, but not lately due to the costs...when I looked at the upgraded tickets, I noticed a $110/person upgrade! YAY!!!!

Let's see what we can think of for the highlights:

Free refills for the drinks (that was a perk from the concession, not the upgraded seats)
Free programs
Free bag of Lay's potato chips
Great view of fights (Jamie got into 2!)
We got to be on the Jumbotron twice: when we got our seats upgraded, and when they were focusing on the cuteness that is Brylee. Yep! Our little one's first game and she got major Star treatment!
We won 3-2!

The conversation with the promotion dude as we waited for the opportunity to go to our seats (they make a big deal of it by announcing it and putting us up on the Jumbotron):

Me: Thanks again for picking us to upgrade
Promotion Dude: No problem. I actually chose you 4 because of your husband's jersey. I saw that it was Hatcher, and knew that he must have been a fan for a long time.
Me: (smirking)....

No. I didn't tell him that it was MY jersey that Cary was wearing. And that's ok. Because I wore my Langenbrunner jersey and got many comments on it:

Some stranger: I bet you thought that you would never be able to get that out of the closet and dust it off again
Me: Are you kidding me? I never stopped wearing it! But, I may be a little louder than I have been in the recent past.
SS: I don't blame you!

Brylee handled the game excellently, looking around at the people around her, eating ice cream, clapping and making noises, fighting sleep, and then eventually falling asleep...only to wake up less than 10 minutes later for the long freezing walk back to the car. The only peep that sounded like crying was when she wanted the straw out of her daddy's drink, and he wouldn't let her have it. But she was quickly distracted again...probably by something shiny.

What an excellent night to make up for the debauchery that was the Stars v Red Wings game. Let's do it again sometime!

Ladies And Gentlemen...She's Done It Again!

The amazing Whitney!!!! (take a bow Whitney...now don't be shy!)






Again, I cannot encourage you enough to contact Whitney for pictures! She has taken pictures of Brylee twice (3 months and 1st birthday), and now more of our families. She can do weddings, family portraits, children, and firemen photos. AND she wants to be a firefighter herself!

Now tell me...is that not talent?!

If you can't figure out how to contact her via this blog post, let me know and I'll help you get in touch with her!

So Excited To Announce...

My favorite hockey player has returned to Dallas!

Welcome back Jamie!



(Also excited because Cary, mom, dad, Brylee, and I are going to a game on Tuesday!!!!)

Meet Snuggysnoogyboo Aemo Munchair

Also known as Moogie...

New Year's Eve 2010

First of all, Happy 2011 to everyone!!!

So far, it looks as though this new year will bring great changes to the McFadden family. First off, we have a tooth!!! Actually, I have 32 and Cary has 32 (I think...he still has 2 baby teeth). It's our little toddler that has her first tooth breaking through! I haven't had an opportunity to take a picture yet as she is stubborn and wants to keep the joy to herself. And she also hasn't really fussed about it breaking through, either. Just middle-of-the-night coughing. And a shiny white bump!!!

Oh!!! I can't wait to wait to see all of the teeth come in, though I will truly miss her gummy smile. ;o)

I never got to show the blogging world the gift I worked many hours on for the grandparents for Christmas:


I made it from Blurb, and it turned out wonderfully!!! The entire book is full of blog posts about Brylee's first year, laid out how we desired. Despite the long hours of taking it from 970 pages to just under 300, it was a great challenge and I loved every moment of it. And one of Cary's presents to me for Christmas? The gift of creating another one! Odd as it may sound, I am looking forward to investing more hours to make a new one!












Our New Year's Eve fun was another game night at my parents' house, where we joined Erica, Austin, Hunter, Bill, Ivan, and my parents for chips and dip, pizza, sweets, and new games! Added to the fun: Scribblish and Sort It Out. What fun games and I recommend them for a laugh or trivia-challenging time!

Dad even showed all of us a new type of fun: tying knots. He gave us a simple pattern to make, and now all I need to do is snatch some rope from dad and start creating!










I hope everyone had a safe and fun New Years, and I pray that 2011 brings you joys and adventures in your lives!