In honor of Jack

I thought I would post some shots from when we took Jack to Great America for the McDonalds Family Day. He was three and we had a great time enjoying the rides with no crowds.

Happy 8th Birthday!

xo!
- M & B

Happy Birthday Jack!

Happy Birthday today to Jack Marquardt! Teressa and Tom's oldest son is 8 years old today! I was going to scan a picture of Jack (along with Teressa, Tom and Justin) that I have from Stacey and David's wedding, but I am being lazy today...so if anyone has a picture of Jack, post away!

Happy 8th Birthday to Jack!!!

The Garage is GONE

Here are some pictures of what the homestead looks like without the garage! I left for work on Tuesday, and when I got home, it was all gone. Then, on Wednesday, the cement trucks came and laid the footing for the block that will form the foundation of the structure. One of the cement trucks got stuck in the former alley driveway. They had to use the other cement truck to get him out. They will start laying block next Monday, so I'll have more pictures then.

Pick your Honda

In lieu of my job offer (and as a ploy to get some lagging bloggers to comment) I want you to pick what Honda product you would most like. Cars, generators, engines, jets... let me know what you want and why.. and I think saying you want the jet cause you'd sell it for the most money is lame. I'm going to pick the acura TL because it's pretty. i think they have an S-type too so I'd take that. Cool people. comment me up. And that means everyone.

Happy Birthday, Chloe!

Happy Happy Birthday little Chloe. It's hard to believe that you're already 5 years old! Uncle Brandon and I can remember meeting you for the first time. You were so tiny and small. Now you're growing up and going to kindergarden. I hope you have a fabulous day. We're thinking about you and love you very much!

Kisses!
- Aunt Margie & Uncle Brandon

Let's Hear It for KARL!

Just got a call from the little brother. He got an offer from Honda! He's going to have a job after he graduates. The haircut must have worked.

We love you, Karl and are so incredibly proud of you!

xo
-M

Hey Dad...

My friends want some of your mexican lasagne. They told me to get the recipe, but I don't think they understand you just walk up and down the isles at the grocery store and load in stuff you like. So you should whip up a batch and send it overnight mail. ;)

This Did Happen to Us...

...and it could happen to you too!

NEVER DRIVE EVER EVER IF YOU ARE FEELING DROWSY! PULL OVER FOR A NAP!

Meridth and I were extremely lucky that we weren't hurt and I just wish I could say the same of the L100. I was sleepy, drifted out of the left lane toward the meridian, overcorrected and ended up travelling latereally into an embankment of soft dirt on the right shoulder. We hit it going relatively slowly and tipped oved and rolled just 180 degrees. In other words, we were super-duper lucky. None of the airbages deployed. None of the glass smashed out. There were no other cars involved and we managed to miss all the signs. Meridth and I are a bit banged up and I figure we'll be black and blue for a while, but none the worse for wear. Anyway, more pics:

Getting Better

Oh and I made this cake over the weekend. Strawberry with Whipped Cream frosting.

xo!
-M

More

I thought that I'd post some additional house pictures even though I'm somewhat disappointed with the comments of my last post. Or should I say lack of comments. (Thanks, "Chard for being the only one!) I know it's summer and all but I'd thought more of you would respond.

Maybe you guys don't really want to visit me? Maybe I'm just needy? Maybe I'm bored? Whatever the reason, you all are my family, so... I think you're obligated. Step up, respond and visit soon. Included are shots of the dining room, kitchen, and living room.

xo!
-M

Guest Room Ready

Hope all is well. I wanted to publish these pictures of the guest room in hopes that it might persuade some of you to visit your dear old sister Margie.



We actually had our first house guests, friends Alex and Maggie Cudaback, this past weekend. They're from the DC area and are looking to relocate here too. They spent some time looking at houses and they too think Wake Forest / North Raleigh is where they'd like to end up. Now they're just waiting for their house to sell in VA. Let's hope it goes smoothly. Brandon and I need some NC friends.

Other than that, things here are moving along smoothly. We're totally set-up with what we have and are just waiting for the right time (and money) to fill some of our empty spaces. I'll post some other pictures shortly.

Plan to visit soon!
-M

Lunchables

I was putting out lunchables today at work just to turn around and see kids destroy my beautiful work. I just need some love from my family to let me know I'm doing something substantial with my life. Thanks in advance.

Betsey's NPR post about the high school in LA made me think of this graph from my Race and Ethnic relations class (as a sociology major I'm full of fun stats like this), and since you can't post pictures under comments I'll just post it here. I know you (Betsey) commented about how the students were racially dividing themselves, but the fact that caught my eye was that the white kid who pulled a gun isn't getting in any trouble. I just hope there's more the story than what was in the article which could explain the differences in charging.

Corny smile

Here I am looking silly.

A question for Karl

Not to take away from dad's very bad poison ivy, but inquiring minds want to know....Karl, are you planning on cutting your hair for the Honda interview?