Merry Christmas!

Here are a couple pics from the Muchkins in Texas. Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends. I am so thankful for being part of such a loving family!

Mueller Blog

The Muellers have a new blog! I fixed the link to the right. Just click on it to see the updated pictures. Thanks Sara!

INTRODUCING - ARCHER BRENNAN MCCROSKEY

We are excited to welcome the newest McCroskey addition - Archer to the family!
Archer was born at 10am this morning and is 7lbs. 14oz and is 19 inches long.
Erin is doing very well and Chris is one proud pops.

Archer Brennan McCroskey

Erin and Chris had a little baby boy this morning! Archer Brennan McCroskey is adorable and the family couldn't be happier! Here are a couple of his first pictures.

Congratulations Erin, Chris & Connor! Henry, Jameson and Archer are going to have some fun together!

Erin & Chris will post more details and pictures later. Don't you just want to kiss those cheeks!

2 New Additions!!!

Hello Family...

I would like to let everyone know about 2 new additions to the family...Henry Manning Mohr and Jameson William Layton.

Josh and Lindsay welcomed Henry into their family on October 11th via C-Section. He was a big boy at 8 lbs 12 oz and 20 and 3/4 inches long. At his 2 week check up he weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 13 oz and measured in at 22 inches long!!

Bill and Tracy welcomed Jameson into their family on October 12th. He weighed in at 7 lbs and 9 oz (still a big boy considering he was 2 weeks early!!!) and was 19 and 1/2 inches long. Nolan is a great big brother, he loves his baby brother a lot!!

Both families are doing great...can't wait to hear about the next new addition to the family (any day now Erin!!!).

Love to everyone,
Lindsay

Baby McCroskey

One week or less until Baby McCroskey will be welcomed into this world! I'm flying home on Halloween and am hoping to be there for the birth. I've missed both nephews being born and I hope to make at least one! Because life is all about me! Right?!

If Erin hasn't had the baby by Thursday, November 1st, she's going to be induced. Hang in there Erin! I know you feel like you're about to pop.

Can't wait for a new little niece or nephew! Dad and Auntie think it's a girl. They're usually right. We'll see!

So keep Erin, Chris, Connor and the soon-to-be-born baby in your prayers!

It's Official

It's official. I'm divorced. Thank you for all the love and support you have all offered these past few years. Family is definitely a strong connection and you all are wonderful! Again, thanks for the love.

School is going well. I'm really enjoying this year and my students, though frustrating at times, are really great kids. My peers are awesome not only as teachers but also as friends. My administration is a great leadership board who care about the KIDS and their TEACHERS. While that includes test scores, it's not all about test scores.

Mary Kay is going to pick up. I'm going to make it pick up. I'm ready to see some positive things come from this company for me, and I'm going to make that happen. Need a makeover? Facial? New products? I'm your gal.

So here I am. Officially single again and honestly happy about it. It's not easy, but it's getting better all the time. Yay for the Beatles. =)

New babies.....

I hear there are some new babies in the family! I think someone should post pictures and introduce the new little guys. Anyone check this blog anymore?

Well, hope everyone's doing well. And Erin, I hope your new little one comes soon and is a happy, healthy baby too!

Congrats to Jessie!

Who just completed the Chicago Half-Marathon!!!! Yesterday morning she awoke bright and early to run 13.1 miles! That girl is crazy! She was alive and well when I saw her that afternoon. She's A-Mazing!

Updates, anyone?

Hmmm.... this thing hasn't been written on in awhile...

SURGERY: For those who didn't know I had sinus surgery last week to help rid me of my once-every-other-month sinus infections that I've had for eons now. Recovery's going well - the splints are out, the stitch (yes, 1 stitch) is out, and next week I get to have them suck the rest of my sinuses out. HAHAHA I can already feel a positive difference though!

FRIEND'S WEDDING: If you ever get the chance, attend a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. One of my best friends from college married an Indian man a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing! Beautiful ceremony, and his family could give us Lindsay's a run for out money as to who can stay out on the dance floor longest!

BRIDGE: For those of you who haven't read Heidi's blog, she, Stacy, Taylor, and all our other family and friends in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area are all OK after the bridge collapse. Lots of crazy stories about people going over the bridge 30 mins. prior to, or being pulled over before they hit the bridge around 6:00 (when it fell), but all are well.

YOUR TURN! What's going on in the lives of the rest of our family??? =)

What's New?

Everyone needs to update their blogs. You're killing me here! Or at least update this one. Kudos to Kate for being the most frequent updater. Did anyone forget how to login so they can share pictures and wonderful updates with the family? Let me know and I'll help you along.

As for me, I will be performing in a 10 minute play this Monday night. I get to play a college-aged girl (aw, youth!) and reveal to my best friend, Don, that I have feelings for him. I play a total dork...you know, type casting. Actually, I don't play a dork. I play a nerd. Well, not a nerd. An outcast. Maybe not an outcast. More like a socially awkward person unless I'm with my best friend. So yes, type casting!

Friend Update

THANK YOU for your prayers! Renee's surgery was completed today and as far as anyone can tell was 100% successful. I appreciate all your support - I'll let you know if anything else pops up. THANK YOU!!!

Prayer Request

Hey there, fam! I wanted to request your prayers for my friend Renee in Minnesota. She's in the hospital right now awaiting news on whether or not she'll be having brain surgery Friday. They've discovered what they think is an abnormal blood vessel in her brain that has begun leaking. They're double-checking that tomorrow and then will most likely proceed with the surgery Friday. Just lots of prayers please that she'll feel better and the doctors will be able to fix the blood vessel, let alone that all goes well. Thanks!

Toy? What Toy?

I had to share this with you all because it made me laugh SO HARD. And the fact that Coda stood still long enough for me to get the camera, take pictures, and STILL try to get her to pay attention to what's on her head. Note: On her head is one of her toys, no longer filled with stuffing as she had pulled all of that out long ago. Why is it on her head? I was trying to distract her from trying to find the laser pointer light as mom (aka me) had had enough of that game. Coda didn't care, and doesn't care so long as she's focused on "the light". =)

Katy's in the Paper!

Yes, my face can be seen in the June 8, 2007 issue of the Daily Herald, a Chicago suburb newspaper. I couldn't believe the size of our picture! I've included scanned photos of the paper for your viewing pleasure. My favorite part is where the journalist describes me as "very slender." I about passed out from sheer delight. She can say whatever she wants about me after that comment. And I'll overlook the fact that she said "Orender stumbled frequently over her lines." Come on! It was one scene and I somehow made it through! But she did say I was "very slender." She is forgiven. But again, I must bring up that one of my characters stumbles over lines on purpose! Maybe I'm too good of an actress. Yes, that must be it.

And the show got two stars. She told Paul that she actually gave us two and a half stars. How generous.

You can also amuse yourself with the local happenings in the suburb area. I left the surrounding articles and advertisements in the scanned photos so you wouldn't think I completely made this up myself.

Medicare in a nutshell

Here's a health care joke I received this morning from a co-worker... That's what happens when you work in a hospital -- I'm sure there are other dorky jokes floating around about other industries. Feel free to share those!

Medicare in a Nutshell

The phone rings and the lady of the house answers, "Hello."

"Mrs. Ward, please."

"Speaking."

"Mrs. Ward, this is Doctor Jones at the Medical Testing Laboratory. When your doctor sent your husband's biopsy to the lab yesterday, a biopsy from another Mr. Ward arrived as well, and we are now uncertain which one is your husband's. Frankly the results are either bad or terrible."

"What do you mean?" Mrs. Ward asks nervously.

"Well, one of the specimens tested positive for Alzheimer's and the other one tested positive for AIDS. We can't tell which are your husbands."

"That's dreadful! Can't you do the test again?" questioned Mrs. Ward.

"Normally we can, but Medicare will only pay for these expensive tests one time. The people at Medicare recommend that you drop your husband off somewhere in the middle of town. If he finds his way home, don't sleep with him."

Erin's Birthday!

Happy birthday to Erin. Happy birthday to Erin. Happy birthday dear Erin. Happy birthday to you!!!!!!!

I will go against my better judgment and eat a piece of cake today in honor of you. And then maybe I'll have some Ben & Jerry's in honor of you too. And then tomorrow I'll have nachos followed by some Krispy Kreme's on friday. I love celebrating you!

New Job

I've done it. I've loved their products and now I've joined their ranks. I'm officially a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant (which still really cracks me up, by the way)! OK. So at first I thought - ummmm... not so much. But with the hours that I get to set and the discount I get for me??? Oh yeah, and the GIRL TIME that I haven't had in FOREVER??? I'm excited now folks, and there's no telling how soon you'll see me in a pink Cadillac! So if you want to check out my site, it's http://www.marykay.com/kgabriel. Otherwise, enjoy life as you normally would! =)

PS: I have NOT given up my teaching position at my Middle School East - that's not going anywhere anytime soon!

Josh, Angie, Piper, Quinn Blog

Hey, Family! We just started our own blog! I know you all have been waiting, well, here it is: "Minding Our P's & Q's"
www.mindingourpsqs.blogspot.com
Enjoy!
Josh & Angie

School's Out!

Yippee!!! Free for the summer! Gotta say though - I'm thrilled with my new school. This past year has made me actually want to come back and teach ANOTHER year. Considering I was ready to leave the profession alltogether last spring I'm very happy. Good times at the middle school. Crazy kids though, I've gotta say. While I remember being that age, it's strange realizing that I too was THAT AWKWARD. We all were. Don't deny it. Even the "cool" kids were awkward. And that's OK! Thankfully we had family, friends, and teachers (slight plug) who were willing to deal with us and try to help us through the onset of puberty.

So yeah. If you're in the area or I'm in yours, let's get together! Because I don't have to be at school!!!! YEEEEEEE-HAW!

The Lindsay Clan

Jessie prompted me to do a little research today on the Lindsay Clan. I know what the Lindsay plaid looks like and I know that the crest has a swan on it. But I didn't know that the clan motto is "Endure Fort" or "Suffer Bravely." That's a new little nugget of information. Why does it have to have the word "suffer" in it? I think I prefer the word "endure."

Heavy Chicago! It's Coming Soon!

Please come see my show!

Show dates:

Opens: Friday, May 25th 10:30 p.m.

Friday, June 1st 10:30 p.m.

Friday, June 8th 10:30 p.m.

Friday, June 15th 10:30 p.m.

Closes: Friday, June 22nd 10:30 p.m.

It's at the Live Bait theater on Clark & Irving Park. Tickets are $10.

Visit our website: www.myspace.com/heavychicago

Jessie's Picture Blog

Someone has a picture blog and her name is JESSIE! Check out her new picture page. That girl is such a delight. I tell you what!

It's Begun...

Well, the time has arrived. Tomorrow Beth and Bob will make the drive to what is to be their new home - Albequerque, New Mexico. No, I can not spell it. I don't think. Anyways... Bob is moving into the temporary apartment while Mom finishes selling the house here in Texas. Then she'll follow shortly.

Prayers for both of them with all the travel, the house(s), and joy for their new adventure! I'll definitely miss having them so close. It's nice having your parents 30 minutes down the road! If you want to check out their new place, just follow the link! http://www.fsbonm.com/?x=860

Good luck to them both!!!

Hammy Pull

Oh goodness! It has been A WHILE since anyone has posted anything! I guess it's up to me then. I pulled a hammy doing this Tuesday night:
















Not so smart. Sometimes I pretend that I'm still 17.

Easter Weekend

I hope you all had a fantastic Easter weekend! Here are some pictures for you to peruse during your free time. Did I mention it snowed in Dallas...in April?!!! It's true y'all. I ain't lying.

Come visit us in Chicago soon!

A new chapter in my life

I just wanted to give you all a little update. I submitted my official acceptance to the University of Minnesota today, so I will be starting graduate school in September for speech-language pathology. So in three years, I will have my master's and a new career. It's a little scary since I haven't said anything to my current boss or anyone at work, but I will have to turn in my notice at some point. As of now, I plan on waiting to do that until July or August. So wish me luck on saving money for tuition, etc.! I have 5 months to keep on working and saving money....then I'll be a poor college student again. At that point, I will be looking forward to any and all family gatherings where free food is involved.

Wow.

After all the cute baby pics on here, I thought you might find the following amusing. It's me. Looking like a mutated dog, I might add. This was what went into getting my hair just right for my role in H.M.S. Pinafore. The performances are completed, and thankfully I don't have to cry trying to get my hair to detangle anymore. Who-hoo!
















Of course, I have to show you the final product. I'm in the teal. Hooray for the Pinafore chorus girls!!!

Warning

This is for those of you who haven't kept up with the individual blogs some of us have. I've noticed a trend that seems to run in our family that we should all be aware of. Not maintaing our balance. Katy's had the issue, Alyse has, and now so have I. I can tell my own story though.

For those of you who didn't know, I was in a show this past weekend. Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore. Too much fun! We're finished as of this afternoon, and I can say it was well worth the time to get back on stage. Anyhow... back to the inability to stay on two feet... OPENING NIGHT. The finale of Act 1. My partner turns, picks me up for a lift, I'm coming down, and my character shoes have no tread. So I fall flat on my back onstage in front of the entire audience. It was amazing! My parents especially loved it - it was reminicent (yes, I know I'm misspelling that - help me) of my senior year in The Mouse that Roared in HS. Thankfully I have the Lindsay ability to laugh at ones' self (what else COULD I do?) and was not seriously injured. New bruise though! Not on my butt this time! Katy, you should congratulate me. =)

Alright. So you've been warned. Watch out for ice, shoes without tread, or just walking around your home. I think we're at a slight disadvantage and need to all be more attentive to this obvious "talent" we possess. And we needed another new post on this blog. =)

CIAO!

New Blogger

FYI...We couldn't hold out any longer. We had to change over to the new google blogger. This won't mean anything unless you post. If you already have a log-in you should receive an email that asks you to create a blogger account. Just do it. Put in your email and then create a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can post away! And please do!

Andrew's Blog

Yet another Lindsay has started a blog! View the world from the eyes and heart of a teenage boy! Scary, I know! But it's sure to be fun!

Breckenridge, CO

You can check out pictures from our recent ski trip to Colorado here! Cousin Kate joined the Orender kiddos on the slope. Connor loves her and she was a saving grace to all of us sick kids. Plus she's hilarious! Ask her about her bruised butt. She'll probably show it to you.

The Orenders Head Home !

Alicia and I packed up today and headed for our 900 square feet of ranch property in Irving, TX. What a joyful day that is a historical landmark for us and Liam.

Alicia is doing a fantastic job feeding and adjusting to the physical changes. Liam is cute as ever - I now understand the love a parent develops for their child. Last night as I held Liam between feedings, I turned to Alicia and said to her with amazement, "I have never fallen in love this fast before in my life."

Here are a few more pics to help you understand why!

Welcome Liam to the Family

Hey Lindsay Clan! It is about time that Alicia and I add some love to the family. It came in the form of William Joseph Orender (Liam) on Thursday, March 8th at 8:08am.

What a spectacular experience it is to be blessed with a life. We are proud to have him as a part of the family and look forward to the next family reunion so we can join the cool kids in the "Baby Compound"!

He's Here!

Liam Joseph Orender was born at 8:08 am today! He's 19 inches and 6 lbs. 7 oz. Here are a few of the early pictures. I'm sure Patrick & Alicia will post more on this site and Lonestar Liam. Congratulations!!

Good Luck!

Just wanted to wish Alicia and Patrick good luck tomorrow! I know there are many of us out here thinking good thoughts and sending up prayers for you both - we can't wait to welcome Li'l Liam into the world! Love you both!!!

Not Much Longer!

Check out Liam's blog for news on his arrival. He will be here in only a few days! Pray for safety for both Alicia & Liam...and for Patrick too :-)

Is he a Lindsay or What!?

Hudson, Tucker, Paige, Jake

The Mueller boys just love their cousins and costums in Springfield, IL!

Andrew

In exactly one hour Andrew will be appendix free. Please pray for a safe surgery and a quick recovery for him. I know he isn't that excited...well maybe a little excited to miss even more school.

Leave him a Get Well Soon comment :-)

Quinn William Lindsay

Our son, Quinn William Lindsay, was born Feb 15th at 3:48 AM. He weighed 8 lbs, 7 oz and is 21 inches long. Angie did a great job delivering (what a star!). And Josh and Piper are very excited.

Liam's Blog

Check out Liam's new blog created by Patrick. I put a link to it to the right so you can easily access it at anytime. It's going to be adorable and I can guarantee there will be lots and lots of pictures! Right Patrick? Keep me entertained!

Hopefully we'll see frequent updates...unlike this blog. sigh.

XLI

COLTS WIN!!!

Yeah Indianapolis!!!

Update on Katy

I received three long stemmed roses on Friday night (the two foot long stems). Unfortch it's not going to work out. But I did trip and fall this morning only to be laughed at by someone in a car.

Dakota - no, not the state

I GOT A PUPPY! She's 7 mos. old and I've named her Dakota, after the county in MN where I grew up. We call her Coda for short (musical term for those who didn't know that), and she is ADORABLE! Very friendly - I like to call her my cuddlebug. She's all about snuggling up and giving kisses. And chewing her rawhide to smitherings. WOW that dog can chew!

I've got more pics of her on my blog at http://keepingupwithkate.blogspot.com, but here's one for now! =)

If you can't tell, I'm rather excited. She's a cutie!!!

Baby Countdown

Oh yeah, new babies are about to be had in the family! We've got about a month until Piper has a new brother or sister. Angie looks fabulous for being so close to giving birth. Little Liam is due in less than two months. Other than extreme morning sickness for most of her pregnancy and a bout with kidney stones, Alicia's feeling great and looking just as FINE!

I'm praying for you guys! Let the fun begin!

Go Colts!

If anyone was watching the game yesterday, then you saw what an amazing comeback that was. You also probably noticed just how much passion the Colts put into the game. I mean, it's that kind of passion and intensity that wins games....such as the upcoming Superbowl. Katy, bring it on!

GO COLTS!

I think this would be the perfect opportunity to have a little family poll. Respond to my post if you're rooting for the Colts; respond to Katy's post if you're rooting for the Bears (boo). :)

Just for a little motivation, here's a photo of a great team leader.

Go Bears!

GO BEARS GO BEARS GO BEARS GO BEARS!

Such an exciting game yesterday. It's been a LONG time since I was invested in a SuperBowl team. It's been what? Over 10 years since the last Cowboy SuperBowl victory? It's a joy to actually care about one of the teams in the SuperBowl. Yay!

I'm sure I'll have a few rivals from the family. Some of you have lived in Indiana. The Colts will be tough to beat but what an awesome game! There's nothing quite like the Bears fans!

Port Aransas

Steve and I arrived last Thursday, January 11 in time to attend our first of the year high school basketball game. Girls played OK and won; boy played three good quarters and lost.

Weather is 36 here today, not as windy as yesterday, but a very damp chill in the air. Those in Dallas are in a world of cold that those of us from Minnesota/Illinois can only smile at the thought of. We check the internet every morning to assure ourselves that it's 50 degrees colder at home than it is here. That keeps us warm.

Once the weather clears up we would love to see any of you that would like to make the trip. We have a guest room with its own bath and a water view that we think is awsome. The restautants in town and nearby are terrific. Walks/runs on the beach can supplement working out at a wonderful fitness center. Or we are particulary good at sitting around sipping wine.

Happy New Year to everyone,
With love to all,
Mary Anne

This is a test...

Angie and I were wondering how many people are reading this blog on a regular basis. We do and would like to hear from more people. SO please respond with a, "Here!" if you read this. Thanks!