My wife made these 'bones' last night for a snack at our little Halloween shindig. She took Pillsbury refrigerated bread sticks, cut them lengthwise at the ends just a bit, then balled up the two fringes to make them look like bones. She sprinkled them with garlic powder and a little kosher salt then baked them. They turned out wonderful. Add a side of "pizza sauce blood" and there wasn't a single one left by the end of the night. Irelyn went as a Vampire Bat Georgia went as...
posted @ 11/1/2009 8:45:35 AM | Feedback (4)
Some pics from the daughter's Mad Science party this weekend. I decorated the cake myself All the kids had a great time. Disappearing water, melting Styrofoam heads with acetone, the needle through the balloon without popping, making their own slime, and of course, FIRE! I highly recommend this for your kids.
posted @ 9/21/2009 9:54:54 AM | Feedback (1)
The oldest is having her 'friend' party today. The theme is Science. We've hired a company to come over and do experiments, all the kids get to make 'slime', and I've got a volcano ready to 'splode all over the place. Gonna be darned good fun!
posted @ 9/19/2009 12:55:36 PM | Feedback (8)
Aahhhhhh.... Ain't done nuthin' but sit on the beach or just float in the ocean. Today, I was swimming with Georgia and I noticed a large, dark shape swimming our way. Not wanting to alarm her, I just started swimming towards the shore, an it turned out to be a manatee!Later, there were some dolphins swimming near by, and the girls loved that. Plenty of time left, too.
posted @ 8/12/2009 5:56:44 PM | Feedback (6)
This weekend, my oldest daughter was in her first play, 101 Dalmatians. She had been going every weekday to drama camp for two weeks, and this Saturday was their performance. Georgia had several parts. She was Narrator #1, a puppy, and one of the boxers. As Narrator #1, she had the first line and had a solo speaking part (the only one, if I recall). With her puppy outfit that she made and her makeup, she was just too cute She did really well. She nailed her lines, sang loudly enough, and...
posted @ 8/3/2009 8:35:40 AM | Feedback (4)
The third installment of "The Best Things To Ever Happen To Me" was born Happy birthday Irelyn!
posted @ 7/18/2009 9:08:16 AM | Feedback (4)
My youngest, Irelyn Mackenna (or iMac, for short), is the world's slowest eater. It's along the line of one bite every 5 minutes or so. The good part is that like her sister, she'll eat pretty much anything. Heck, my girls' favorite thing to eat is asparagus. Picky isn't a word we use to describe their eating habits. Frozen molasses is how I'd describe iMac's eating speed though.
posted @ 3/25/2009 9:03:26 PM | Feedback (2)
Georgia, my oldest (at 6½) doesn't like shopping at all. Any time my wife goes shopping, Georgia looks for excuses to not go. That, and she loves asparagus. I don't think she's human. Today was no different. I'm heading out to Tenoroc with Greg to do a little sporting clays and because I'm not going to be here, the girls will have to go shopping with mama. Georgia absolutely didn't want to go and when I jokingly told her she could go with me, she jumped on the opportunity (don't worry Greg, I...
posted @ 3/8/2009 10:56:25 AM | Feedback (11)
AND pink eye!!! My poor daughter…
posted @ 3/4/2009 3:51:58 PM | Feedback (7)
That's how my oldest would be if I showed her this. She won't shoot the air gun, but she still wants the Pink Davy Crickett .22.
posted @ 2/16/2009 12:59:58 PM | Feedback (2)
Just sitting here at the park, soaking up the wonderful sunshine and watching my girls play. Seems like all the world's problems are a million miles away, and that's a good thing. That, and I'm in shorts. Makes thinking about leaving Florida much harder.
posted @ 1/25/2009 12:58:13 PM | Feedback (2)
Took the family to the Florida Aquarium today. Georgia seemed more excited to see 'food' than 'fish'. She'd see a crab and go "Yum! Crab legs!" The shrimp didn't fare much better, and the grouper had her drooling. It's heartwarming to hear her point out cattle as we drive by a farm and instead of going "Mooooo" she goes "Mmmmm.. Hamburgers!"
posted @ 1/19/2009 9:34:37 PM | Feedback (1)
Thirty more to go
posted @ 1/6/2009 7:50:34 AM | Feedback (0)
So the oldest just walked in the office, carrying a Lego lid full of her little sister's toy Tinkerbell set and asked Who ordered the plate of fried fairies?
posted @ 1/3/2009 4:52:21 PM | Feedback (2)
My 3 year old, while trying to get her dressed and teaching her a new word at the same time I'm not modest, I'm cute!
posted @ 1/2/2009 9:35:39 AM | Feedback (2)
My oldest, Georgia, played her very first soccer game today. She scored the first goal for her team. I'm so proud!
posted @ 12/6/2008 6:56:50 PM | Feedback (5)
The other day the Mrs and I were towing our crew around when we passed a funeral. Georgia, my 6 year old, exclaimed "Looks like someone is dying today. And they're throwing a party"
posted @ 12/2/2008 1:15:18 PM | Feedback (4)
The eldest tied her own shoes today. Wow. It goes so fast.
posted @ 11/28/2008 12:18:12 PM | Feedback (3)
I just yelled at my 6 year old to not run with scissors....
posted @ 10/22/2008 6:20:08 PM | Feedback (6)
I'm doing it online instead. If you've got a few bucks to spare, just drop it in the tip jar and I promise it will go to my daughter's school and not ammo. 17th annual Walk-A-Thon! We would like you to be a part of this exciting and fun event. Our goal this year is to raise $5000 to be used to purchase technology related items for our school. The students will walk laps around the school during a 45 minute period. All monied will collected will go toward the support of our technology program....
posted @ 10/22/2008 7:22:51 AM | Feedback (1)
Like a father protecting his daughter INDIANAPOLIS -- A man who police said broke into a home with the intention of sexually assault a 17-year-old girl in her bedroom died early Sunday morning after a struggle with the girl's father. David Meyers, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after officers arrived following a report of a home invasion in the 3500 block of West 79th Street at about 3:20 a.m. Officers said they found Robert McNally, 64, on the floor with his arm around the neck...
posted @ 9/29/2008 7:41:01 AM | Feedback (4)
I was putting away all my gear a few minutes ago and had to load my pistol. I asked Irelyn, who is three, "What does Daddy have in his hands?" She said "a gun". "And what do you do if you see a gun?" I asked. "SHOOT!" she replied, quite enthusiastically.
posted @ 8/25/2008 6:16:02 PM | Feedback (1)
First day of school again. Irelyn goes back to Pre-K, Georgia starts Kindergarten. You can't stop them from growing up, but that doesn't make it any easier.
posted @ 8/18/2008 11:39:28 AM | Feedback (7)
Happy 3rd birthday, Irelyn Mackenna (or, as she's known around the house, iMac)
posted @ 7/18/2008 3:33:01 PM | Feedback (0)
Ls
Irelyn, who turns 3 in 9 days, just decideda few minutes ago to stop pronouncing her 'l's like 'w's. Why? I have no idea. But it's cute to hear her say "lollipop" instead of "wowwipop" and "I love you" rather than "I wuv you". They grow up so fast...
posted @ 7/9/2008 10:06:48 PM | Feedback (0)
Here are two of the three reasons The other reason is the mother of these two beauties, a beauty herself. Thanks babe!
posted @ 6/16/2008 12:13:26 PM | Feedback (1)
I can't believe this was three years ago. Last night, Georgia had her going away ceremony for preschool. In a little over two months, she starts kindergarten. The Mrs. has pictures from first and last days, wearing the same outfit, and it's hard to believe they grow that much in less than a year. If you need me, I'll be the grumpy, melancholy guy moping about the house.
posted @ 5/31/2008 10:54:01 AM | Feedback (1)
Yuri's daughter is soooo cute! Georgia has asked to go to the range with me. She's almost ready, I'm just not sure she'll be able to handle the loud sounds. Of course, I want to take her to an outdoor range to limit that, I just need to find the time. Like Yuri's daughter, mine already wants her own gun. Gotta be pink, too.
posted @ 5/27/2008 7:34:32 AM | Feedback (2)
I had someone comment on why would I ever want to take a picture of my daughter with such a rifle. Simple, I explained - I wanted a photograph that showed the juxtaposition between something that is generally associated with terror and mayhem and something that is innocent and innocuous, like the rifle. It's art, baby.
posted @ 4/27/2008 8:22:18 PM | Feedback (7)
Georgia asked if I would teach her how to field strip an AR. I think I might just do that!
posted @ 4/24/2008 10:04:50 PM | Feedback (12)
As in, the youngest has officially transitioned out of diapers. Until you've got kids, this is a milestone you truly cannot appreciate in full.
posted @ 4/18/2008 1:18:34 PM | Feedback (6)
Went to Disney World on Sunday (first time since I was like 5 or 6!) with the oldest. Went to Downtown Disney today for Bibbidy Bobbiby Boutique (for Georgia, not me. Although I seriously considered scheduling a session for myself before I get my next driver's license picture). I'm toast. We were at DW from 9AM to 10PM. Georgia was a trooper and didn't complain, but I had to hold her every here and there and let me tell you, they're making 5 year olds out of lead these days. And the poor thing...
posted @ 3/31/2008 7:49:37 PM | Feedback (5)
Went to a drive in theater last night down in Ruskin, Fl. to see Horton Hears a Who with the family. I think the last movie I saw at a drive in was Mary Poppins or Jaws. The coolest thing was that the owner didn't mind people walking into the projector room so I got to see an old school projector with all the film AND Georgia (my oldest) got to actually start the movie! He let her flip the switch and open the shutter with the light. Great, great, great movie by the way. I highly recommend it....
posted @ 3/22/2008 5:06:28 PM | Feedback (4)
If I was smiling any wider, I'd give the Cheshire Cat the creeps. I had pulled out the .22 rifle to examine it. It's a cheap Armscor M1600 that I got many years ago. Surprisingly accurate for an inexpensive rifle, and I got it in my head that I should paint it in some sort of girlie colors and give it to my daughters. The Hello Kitty thing has been done to death, so I'm thinking Care Bears or My Little Pony. Of course, I have a plethora of themes to choose from off of Noggin. Wow Wow Wubbzy...
posted @ 2/7/2008 7:47:49 PM | Feedback (10)
Took the family to Busch Gardens today. Everyone had a blast. Still chuckled as they prodded through my wife's bag which was full of food for the kids and didn't bother to pat me down. I could have carried a 50BMG in and they'd have never noticed. But let's admit the truth, shall we? I only wrote this to post pictures of my kids! I mean, they're just so damned cute!
posted @ 1/27/2008 10:09:18 PM | Feedback (8)
Took the crumb snatchers to the Winter Wonderland at the local zoo Friday night. We ended up getting their faces painted and they were so cute the face painting lady wanted the picture for her web site. We're sending this out in our Christmas cards. If you put your coffee or tea near the screen, this picture will sweeten it. I promise.
posted @ 12/10/2007 2:38:15 PM | Feedback (4)
Spent Thanksgiving up in General Coffee State Park in Georgia with the Mrs' family. It was good to have just a few days with everyone, especially since I got to spend so much of it with the girls. The park had a small "farm" with lots of animals, canoes, and plenty of trails. They were happy and that made me happy. It's hard for a lot of people without kids to understand, but it's times like these that make those memories that last forever and always put a smile in your heart when you think...
posted @ 11/26/2007 8:51:19 AM | Feedback (1)
Georgia loved it. I, on the other hand, was motion sick for hours. Getting old sucks. Of course, the lack of stomach fortitude is well balanced by the sheer look of joy on your children's faces when they get to partake in even the most simplistic of rides.
posted @ 11/20/2007 8:25:06 AM | Feedback (0)
The other night my 5 year old was writing MOM and DAD on little pieces of paper. She folded them up, shuffled them around, then started picking them up, one at a time. This is what I heard "That's one vote for Daddy. That's two votes for Daddy. That's one vote for Mommy. Daddy, you have been voted off the island."
posted @ 11/14/2007 2:07:35 PM | Feedback (3)
Watching football, my oldest keeps calling 'em "The Indianapolis Clots".
posted @ 11/4/2007 5:25:35 PM | Feedback (0)
It's not about the dressing up or the spooky kitsch, it's about the loot... 
posted @ 11/2/2007 2:44:35 PM | Feedback (2)
Took the girls to a train museum yesterday. You get to take a train ride to a "pumpkin patch" and they had a hay ride and face painting. It was cheesy, but the girls had a great time and that's what counts. I wonder if either of my girls will get my skin coloring. I was lighter as a child, but as I got older I kept getting darker and darker. The joys of being from a mixed marriage!
posted @ 10/29/2007 12:40:30 PM | Feedback (10)
Around our house, tomorrow is a day of celebration. While September 11th, 2001 was a tragic day, September 11th, 2002 saw the birth of my first child, Georgia Noelle. Tomorrow she turns 5. Man does time fly when you're an old fart. Anyway, Georgia's favorite color is pink. Pink pink pink. Everything she wants is pink, including wanting pink highlights in her hair. So the Mrs. and me said "Why not?". We're cool parents, so this Saturday Georgia got her birthday wish. Getting ready Foiled!...
posted @ 9/10/2007 9:15:47 AM | Feedback (3)
The other day my oldest daughter was drawing, as she is wont to do. She was proud of her masterpiece (which was a bunch of concentric circles) and showed it to me, so I asked her what it was. Targets. For me to take to the range.
posted @ 8/20/2007 9:54:15 AM | Feedback (6)
Granted, I'm probably the only one who uses his child's potty training for humorous effect.
posted @ 7/26/2007 8:23:16 PM | Feedback (2)
The third of the three best things to happen to me in life came into the world. Happy Birthday Irelyn Mackenna.
posted @ 7/18/2007 8:31:21 AM | Feedback (3)
If they're so inclined and want one, this absolutely rocks It's a single shot, bolt action .22 from Crickett Rifle. And it's PINK! How cute would that be to have my daughter at the range, plinking away with a pink rifle? Heck, I'd even pay extra to get Hello Kitty engraved on the butt stock.
posted @ 6/28/2007 3:37:49 PM | Feedback (3)
Knowing that these pictures of your 5 year old little girl helping you clean your Mosin Nagant M44 is going to cause several members of the Million Mom March to suddenly moisturize their Depends. Update: The bolt has been removed from the rifle, rendering it useless and impossible to fire. Hence why the muzzle placement isn't a major concern. However, Rule #2 is still important to remember (Never aim the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy). *Sigh* I'm just sad she's too small...
posted @ 6/20/2007 10:34:20 AM | Feedback (10)
Yesterday, the Mrs. and I were furniture shopping. Georgia was at summer camp and Irelyn was merrily burbling the way only a 2 year old can burble in her car seat. I think it's a natural instinct that whenever parents pass small groups of bovines that we yell at our kids "Look Honey! Cows!" As if cows were some sort of rare sighting that should be written down in the annals of the child's history so that one day they could sit with their grandchildren and tell them that long ago, they once saw...
posted @ 6/13/2007 12:14:56 PM | Feedback (2)
So, last night I had bath duty for the two girls. Usually the Mrs. and I swap days so that the other can get 25 minutes of time away. Normally I bring a book with me. The girls are old enough to play without drowning each other, so our presence is just in case of "soap in eyes" or a "sharing incident". However, last night I had no book. So I cleaned my rifle. The best part was Georgia commenting on how she liked the new synthetic stock and asking me what the bolt was and how it worked. She even...
posted @ 6/13/2007 12:05:29 PM | Feedback (0)
This is what she got to do last night. Her Aunt & Uncle (and cousin) took her to see the shuttle launch. I'm royally jealous. I live in Florida and I've yet to attend a launch. Next time though, I'm making an extra effort.
posted @ 6/9/2007 1:07:28 PM | Feedback (1)
Just a picture of a friendly sea turtle that wanted to say hello to Irelyn
posted @ 4/1/2007 9:43:33 PM | Feedback (0)
Sometimes, being a professional photographer isn't all it's cracked up to be. Take for example, trying to photograph your two daughters, aged 4 and 1, for your Christmas cards. And this was the best shot from the group.
posted @ 11/25/2006 9:39:08 PM | Feedback (2)
posted @ 11/6/2006 10:59:50 AM | Feedback (32)
Isn't Irelyn just too cute?
posted @ 11/4/2006 9:54:54 AM | Feedback (1)
As a father of two small children, when birthdays roll around the question of “What should I get your kid?” is inevitable. Usually the parents have a list of what to get their rugrats handy. Of course, if you’re (a) forgetful, (b) a procrastinator or (c) male, it’s usually the day before the party when it hits you that you’ll need to buy a gift. If you are at a loss or completely out of ideas, here’s something that every child needs, regardless of gender or age – A pack of batteries....
posted @ 7/26/2006 10:37:00 AM | Feedback (2)
Just haven’t had the time to blog it, but last Tuesday in the SaaM household saw a little girl celebrate her first birthday. With the emergence of her second tooth, nonetheless.
posted @ 7/21/2006 12:24:00 PM | Feedback (0)
How can you get any cuter than a picture of a baby standing next to your new keg?
posted @ 7/6/2006 9:41:00 AM | Feedback (0)
Georgia sure does love a good carousel ride (click for fullsize)
posted @ 6/12/2006 1:52:00 PM | Feedback (1)
My (almost) 4 year old, Georgia, is sick today. Didn’t even want to go to dance class. The Mrs. and I had the following email conversation. Wife: I just checked her temp. I gave her tylenol at 9:30 and her temp just now is 102. Yuck! Me:  Ugh. Keep me informed, ok? Wife:  She hasn't eaten anything and only had a couple sips of juice. She says she's not hungry or thirsty. She's very pathetic. I'm just letting her lay on the couch and watch t.v. Me:  Oh my God, honey. It sounds very,...
posted @ 6/7/2006 1:26:00 PM | Feedback (1)
But I simply cannot get enough of my little girls. (click to enlarge)  
posted @ 3/29/2006 7:16:00 PM | Feedback (5)
I love my girls. I really, really do.
posted @ 3/16/2006 2:30:00 PM | Feedback (1)
I took a few days off of work this week. We wanted to take Georgia to the Plant City Strawberry Festival on Thursday and Friday was my 5 year wedding anniversary. Georgia had a blast. She rode a whole slew of rides, but of course her favorites were the ones she got to ride with Daddy! And yes, her lips are actually blue from her first snowcone!
posted @ 3/11/2006 9:03:00 AM | Feedback (1)
Heard Irelyn crying on the monitor early this morning (a little bit before 5 am). Normally she doesn’t wake up to eat until closer to 6, but babies aren’t known for their ability to tell time. I heard my wife (eventually) get up and leave the room which kicked in my ‘go back to sleep mode’. 30 seconds later she’s yelling for my help. Turns out, 7 month old Irelyn decided to heave herself over the edge of her crib. 7 months old. Did I mention she’s only 7 months old and figured out how hoist...
posted @ 3/2/2006 12:27:00 PM | Feedback (3)
It’s no secret I love my daughters. This is why my cube is often referred to as ‘the shrine’ (click to enlarge)
posted @ 3/1/2006 11:07:00 AM | Feedback (1)
“Georgia, where are your pants?” Man, I hope she grows out of this stage real quick. I’d hate to ask her that when she comes home from a date.
posted @ 2/28/2006 9:38:00 AM | Feedback (0)
Click for full size
posted @ 2/24/2006 7:40:00 PM | Feedback (1)
I forget how freakin’ huge my camera is sometimes….
posted @ 1/26/2006 7:13:00 PM | Feedback (1)
Make sour-puss faces
posted @ 1/26/2006 5:26:00 PM | Feedback (0)
Came up with a new nickname for Irelyn Mackenna. iMac Mrs. Marble isn’t thrilled with it. The rest of the family seems ok with it though. Georgia gets called ‘Little Ms. G’, but usually only when referencing her, not talking to her directly. Maybe if I was more like Lileks and called her Gnat or something, I’d get more readers. Or if I was a better writer, or something.Who knows?
posted @ 1/23/2006 9:43:00 AM | Feedback (2)
Irelyn Mackenna – Already 6 months old! Can you believe it?
posted @ 1/17/2006 8:14:00 PM | Feedback (7)
Irelyn officially started crawling last month. Not even 5 & 1/2 months old yet. It’s not like she’s speed crawling across the floor, but it’s definitely up on all fours with a flump forward. Guess I need to start vacuuming more. I wonder if those Roombas are worth it?
posted @ 1/4/2006 1:54:00 PM | Feedback (1)
Today is Georgia’s first day of preschoolShe took to it like a fish to water. Mommy and Daddy of course had a little bit harder of a time letting go. It’s hard to believe she’s already starting pre-k.I’ll be all sad today ;0)
posted @ 1/4/2006 9:32:00 AM | Feedback (7)
So for Christmas my daughter got Word Whammer™ Fridge Phonics™ Set from Leapfrog. Basically it’s a set of letter magnets and a magnetic box that you can put 3 of the letters in to spell various words. One of the modes is a game where the voice tells you to spell a word and you try to find the letters and put them in the right order. The very first word it asked to spell? WAR Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
posted @ 12/31/2005 1:54:00 PM | Feedback (5)
That little kids suddenly reach an age where they can no longer smile normally for a picture and instead end up looking like something straight out of a psycho movie?
posted @ 12/22/2005 9:52:00 AM | Feedback (6)
Seems like some people have to show off their kids. I guess it’s the ‘in’ thing now. Being that Sharp as a Marble® Industries is all about the bandwagon, allow me present to you my kids (the big ugly one is me, by the way) (click for full size) If you don’t have kids, I highly recommend them.
posted @ 10/17/2005 8:54:00 PM | Feedback (4)
Or in this case, over. Last night, Irelyn was trying desperately to flip from her back to her tummy. Kept getting all the way there then springing right back as she couldn’t get her arm out of the way. She did this for about 30 minutes straight, teasing us the whole time. Today my wife went on a shopping extravaganza and was worried she was going to miss the first time. She did, but then again so did I as I walked out of the room to return to Irelyn sitting on her stomach. Kids, they...
posted @ 10/9/2005 5:00:00 PM | Feedback (1)
*Sigh* She’s already 2 months old? The next thing you know, she’ll be sending me pictures of her 2 month old.  
posted @ 9/19/2005 9:10:00 AM | Feedback (4)
I posit that anything, shrunk down to infant size, will become automatically cute. For example. check out these slippers someone bought Irelyn.
posted @ 8/30/2005 8:51:00 AM | Feedback (0)
Dear God, what is it that causes infant fingernails to (a) grow an inch a day and (b) hone themselves down to lethal edges? It’s not like you can just clip them that easy either.
posted @ 8/22/2005 9:30:00 AM | Feedback (3)
Irelyn Mackenna, already one month old!
posted @ 8/19/2005 9:35:00 AM | Feedback (3)
I go and buy a wide screen HDTV, and I can’t even sit down to watch it anymore….
posted @ 8/13/2005 8:40:00 AM | Feedback (5)
Just a cute picture of my little one, snoozing on mommy’s shoulder Click for full size
posted @ 8/9/2005 10:37:00 PM | Feedback (4)
Just love this shot. I’ll have to keep it for reference when, in a few years, I can’t keep them from tearing each other’s throats out.
posted @ 8/8/2005 10:00:00 AM | Feedback (1)
Georgia was walking around sans pants this evening. When we asked her why she was naked from the waist down, her response was “I’m married”. I can’t tell if I should be worrying or not.
posted @ 7/26/2005 8:16:00 PM | Feedback (5)
Took this shot yesterday of Georgia while we were taking Irelyn's photo for her baby announcements. A simple change of color temperature and I now have a new wallpaper for my computer.I'm usually not one for artsy-fartsy pictures, either I like them black & white or in their original colors, but this one just jumped out at me.
posted @ 7/25/2005 8:50:00 AM | Feedback (5)
Well, the Mrs. is having a hell of a time with Pre-labor. She’s had Braxton Hicks contractions (minor, small tightenings of the uterus) since 18 weeks. Most people don’t get them until a few weeks before actual birth. However, the past 2 weeks have seen something more severe than the regular BH type contractions. She’s had full blown, gotta sit down, damn this hurts, ouch my back! type contractions. The problem is they never get regular and they usually start strong and then...
posted @ 7/15/2005 9:30:00 AM | Feedback (0)
Snapped this last night after she had gone to bed. Bueller snuck in and found a warm place to sleep.
posted @ 6/1/2005 7:45:00 AM | Feedback (1)
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