Bragging a little

So this post has no pictures and isn't even about Anne, but hang in there! I need to brag about my hubby a little bit.

Sam started his new job as a Dish Network installer in May and has really enjoyed it. He likes the travel, variety, and outdoor nature of his job.

Every two weeks, the installers (techs, as they're called) are ranked on their job performance. This is done using a complicated formula that combines the number of jobs completed, the difficulty of those jobs, the hours at each job, and the number of "TC12," which is a "trouble call" within the 12 days after initial work is completed. Anyway, they figure out these numbers and rank the techs in each level. Sam is currently a Level 1 tech.

Out of the approximately 1,500 Level 1 techs in the company (that's nationally) my husband ranks #17! Can you believe it? We're talking 98th percentile here. If you need someone to install your satellite tv system, he's your man. We are both so thankful that he has found a job that he enjoys, keeps us fed and sheltered, and that is he is (apparently) really good at! Annie and I are proud of you, Sam!

First Football Game

L-R: Annie (11 mos.), Bennet (4 mos) , Jarek (8 mos), and Stephan (almost 4)

Annie attended her first football game on Friday. We went to see Daddy's team get squashed, 53-14. Good thing we left at halftime when it was only 27-6! More important than football, though, were Annie's friends! Two other coaches' wives were in attendance along with the many sons. We had met Bennet before, but brothers Jarek and Stephan were new friends. It was nice to spend some time with other moms and compare kids. Perhaps the stroller brigade will reunite for Homecoming in a few weeks...

Sunday in Pink

Annie was looking especially cute yesterday, so out came the camera!

Mikey found another person to rub his belly. (Note the Lounging Father in the background--Sunday=football(and Monday, and Friday night...))

Hiding under the blanket
Wait for it, wait for it....
Freedom!

Annie's hair is thickening up, so I indulged in a few frilly clippies for her hair. She didn't try to pull it out at all (though she's never been one to fuss with a hat or anything on her head) She looked way cuter than the picture shows; I'll have to try again another day. Her outfit today does not lend itself to frilly barrettes.

What a bunch of caricatures!

Auntie Sarah and Uncle Ben invited our family to their company picnic yesterday. Although it rained in buckets off-and-on, we had a good time. It was a carnival themed party, and Sam had a dream come true: we had a caricature done. He's always wanted to have one done, but I never wanted to pay for one. Since this was going to be free, we sat right down. Anne cooperated well for a few minutes, but then had to take a walk around the tent with Sarah and Ben while we finished "posing." You'll have to tell us: Did artist Erin do a good job? (I think she did Annie spot-on!)

Day at the Lake, Part 4 (The End!)

Baby's first popsicle. GG Sandy wanted Anne to try these fruit bars, so she indulged in the grape flavor. She liked it pretty well, but Daddy had to finish it for her.

Day at the Lake, Part 3 (Cows!)

So Steve and Mel's campground butts up against some cow pasture land. Sarah and I walked Anne over to see the cows. Here's where they were to start:


Now Grandma starts calling the cows. One comes....

...then they all follow!

This one got too close for comfort to me. Another one licked Melissa on the mouth (sick!)

Annie quietly took it all in. I thought she might try to say "cow" but it didn't happen.

Day at the Lake, Part 2

Wheels! In addition to the fire truck, the family had more wheel-related experiences. Anne LOVED GG Sandy's Rascal scooter. She took lots of rides and even accidentally made it go at one point. She turned up the speed dial, then kicked the throttle lever and lurched it forward! She wants to move in any way possible, I guess.
Sam and Anne with GG Sam and GG Sandy.
Sam also took a ride on Grandma Mel's motorcycle. He said he felt silly because it isn't a "manly bike." He knows I'll never let him get a bike of his own, so he better whoop it up when he can.

A Day at the Lake, Part 1

We went to see Grandpa Steve and Grandma Melissa at their campground yesterday. Sam's grandparents, Sam and Sandy, had come to visit from Sturgeon Lake (wa-a-a-a-y north). They hadn't seen Anne since Christmas, so it was time for another visit. I have lots of pictures to share, so we'll do them in chunks. First is Annie's new fire truck! Great-Grandpa Sam found an old pedal truck at an auction. He bought it and refurbished it for Anne. Her feet don't quite reach the pedals yet, but by next summer she'll be "Flintstone-ing it" down the sidewalk.


Trying to bail out...

Thanks, GG Sam!

Library Humor

Cookie Monster in the Library: A video I've been showing students for the first day of library class.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3ZHPJT2Kp4

Craig Ferguson on Sarah Palin: "She's got kind of a sexy librarian vibe"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5zsownDK2A

New photo tools

I know some of you readers use Picasa to store and edit your pictures on your computer. There's a new version of the software which has many improved functions. Check out the collage I made! Google "Picasa 3 download" and get it for yourself. Thanks again, Ginger and Stephanie, for the great pictures of my baby.