Happy Birthday Larry

Its official, Lawrence (aka Larry) is 10 years old! I would never have guessed he would be with us this long. He has been lost, chewed on by dogs, lost, lost and sat on by a baby! He has lived in several different places from the time he was small. I bought him in 1998 in Lawrence, KS when Beth was in school at KU. Dad probably was the biggest influence in getting him. I know Mom would never say yes. I then moved him from Tribune to Hutchinson to go live with Jason and Vic while I went to school. He did get lost in Hutchinson shortly after I got to Jason’s. We found him under the stove. Yes, he was so small he could fit under the stove. I remember he would also fit in my shoes and my cup holder in the car! He liked to ride from Hutchinson to Tribune in the back window of my car and lay out in the sun! If my printer was working I would scan in a baby picture of him. The longest he ever got lost was in Goodland 2 years ago; I think it was a couple of weeks. Jill and Brett had the town in charge of finding him and yes, FINALLY, a farmer found him. I thought for sure this time he was gone, it was so sad to think of him going out that way. Before Matt and I moved to Greeley, CO we had a home for him at the zoo in Garden City KS. Normally they don’t take stray animals but I did some creative talking and got him a home. Well, Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Wayne didn’t want to see him go, so they took him in. Now he is with them and destroys the yard, eats Wayne’s garden, and stinks up the back yard. They do have lots of people who like to come over when they are in town to see him. I think they like to show him off to as many people as possible. He is a big fan of any fruits and vegetables and could eat you out of house and home! He was probably less than 1 pound when I got him and now is close to 80 pounds!! Yes, he is a tank, and it is very hard for them to move in for the winter. Grandma and Grandpa made him a cage in the basement so he could hang out for the winter. He does not hibernate! Other than that, hope you all enjoy Lawrence, the turtle.

Tagged

My sister Beth tagged me a while back and I’m just getting around to doing this!
You had to list 3 Joys, 3 Fears, 3 Goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, and 3 facts about yourself.

Joys
Having our baby Joshua is the biggest blessing besides Matt
I love my bulldog I would have a bulldog farm if I could
Having our family close to us when we need them

Fears
Having something bad happen to Matt while he is on the road
Something bad happening to Josh or our other baby Hoss
Someone breaking into our home and hurting us

Goals
To pay off our Yukon by December 2008 and be debt free (besides our house) thanks to http://www.daveramsey.com/
Do better at cooking meals that are healthy
Exercise

Obsessions/Collections
Paying off debt
Paying off debt
Taking pictures of baby Josh

Facts about me
I love to take pictures really I love to take them I took 857 in September
I would have a bulldog farm and save all the dogs if I could
I feel much better if our house is clean and clutter free even if I cause the majority of it

A Busy Couple Weeks

The last two weeks for Josh and I have gone so fast. We started off in Tribune helping Grandma Kathy paint and tidy up for her guests! She had Wayne’s family coming to town and needed to finish the bathroom. Jill and Brett had done most of the remodel but just didn’t have time to paint.

Then on Saturday, The Flatlanders Festival was going on in Goodland. There is always a big car show, so Matt had his jeep downtown with all the Jeep guys! He tried to climb the cars, but he didn’t have enough flex in his jeep. Maybe next year! It's a good excuse for more jeep upgrades.

Then on Sunday we went to Denver to see Aunt Linda, Grandpa and Grandma McKenzie and Great Grandma Nina! We also had a new glider rocker to pick up from Grandma Kathy and Wayne for Josh.

On Monday we talked to Grandma Younger and she was so blue. We decided to pack up and go to Salina and surprise her! Grandma had had knee surgery and needed a little help while Grandpa was at work. Josh loved to hang out all day on Grandma’s lap and he loved when Grandpa would sing to him. We had a great time. The look on her face was nothing I could put into words when she and Grandpa got to see him for the first time! Grandma and I had a good time and it was nice to help her out for the week. I didn’t like to make her do the therapy but it was needed but, we did have fun doing her hair and makeup. She said the gals at therapy said she looked so nice with her hair and makeup done. I think it made her feel really good! Jason and a couple of the kids also came over to see us!!

Matt needs a quick rant

Hey all,

Jena's out of town, so I'm taking over the blog for a minute. I just wanted to share the Dave Ramsey view on the economic bailout that Congress is considering. I'd encourage you to follow this link:

http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/fed_bailout/economic_cleanup_10887.htmlc

You can read, in full detail, a plan that makes a heck of a lot more sense than spending nearly $1 trillion tax payer dollars. Follow the directions on the link and send this to your representatives. The Senate passed the bailout this week and the House is expected to vote tomorrow. I'm happy to say that both Kansas Senators voted "no" and 3 of our 4 Representatives voted "no" on the first bailout plan. I expect them to vote similar tomorrow. Unfortunately, our Governor is in support of the bailout and that will cost her any support from this McKenzie camp.

It drives me nuts that our government thinks we can fix bad debt with more debt. You can't borrow your way out of a bad situation...ask me, I learned the hard way. If you like Dave's plan, send it to your Congress-people, early and often.

Three Months Old

Joshua is three months old today and the time sure went by way to fast! We are on our way to Grandma Kathy's house to help her paint. Joshua is now smiling, cooing and starting to laugh. He is growing up way too fast! He loves to sleep in his swing that Thad is letting him use and really likes to see everything around him. He is is still a very happy baby and not much gets him upset. Sorry not too long of a post we have to get to Tribune!!

Puppy Dog Trails

Zekke and Titus sure love Hoss!! They love to see what they can get him to do. Today they decided to make him a puppy trail of dog food. Hoss really liked this and they took the trail all thru the house!! Hoss did get most of his food picked up. He missed a few but not many! Titus wanted to make him go another round but Hoss was plenty full. They thought they taught him a trick but Hoss used to eat his food this way when his was a puppy. Can you imagine that dog NOT wanting to eat?

Twins

I'm back to Massage Therapy and needed a babysitter on Thursday night! Matt was out of town and Aunt Jill was going to take the challenge. So off I went to my massage client thinking the whole time I bet they will be dressed alike before the night is over. My client Rita asked me if the baby was with Matt and I told her he was with my twin sister and I was sure by now they had the same outfit on. Well an hour and half later I was back to the Beringer house and she had them in a double stroller dressed ALIKE!!! I have to say they did look cute and very happy to go on a stroller ride at 7:30 at night! She had them parked under the street light I guess they must have thought it was the moon!! They really have noticed the moon when it's a clear night and seem to just look at it as long as you let them. Hope you enjoy the TWIN pictures I told Jill she won't ever have to worry about me dressing them alike. I guess I'm the twin who would never dress my twins alike unless it was for a grandma who really wanted a picture.