thE EvEry dAy ShaNanAgiNs

in Week 3

2009-07-22T00:31:00.002-05:00

I've overcome the wanting to stop when I'm almost there, and don't find anything turning into cramps or pains either. The other night while I was out, I didn't want to stop running. I wanted to just keep going! I'm pretty sure this is a good sign.
The weather has been terrible! Well terrible for July. It's summer, which means no jackets, no socks/tennis shoes needed, and the sun's out for you to play in. Instead summer is currently sweatshirts with hoods up and throwing the flip flops into the back of the closet which also means no flip flop tan line, one of my favorite things about summer. How long will this last!!??
Ok I here a little one stirring so I better call it quits for the night, and off to the land of dreams filled with sunshine and waves rushing over my feet while I dig them into the sand....

Running Update

2009-07-07T12:27:00.002-05:00

Last week was week one. I ran 5 out of the 6 days (started on Monday). I'm not exactly doing it like it's mapped out on the site, only because I don't have anything to gauge 90 seconds or whatever the time is. So I have a one mile loop that I alternate running/walking.

Last night I ran .5 mile without stopping and without feeling like I was going to die. I thought that was a great accomplishment! I walked about 2.5 blocks and then ran the rest of the way home (and I made it up the Culver's hill without death too!).

The rest of the week I close, which means two things I'd have to run at like 1 a.m. after work, or get up at 6 to run before Abe leaves for work. Oh I guess there is a 3rd option, run during the hottest time of the day. Not sure which one is the best or which one will really happen....

Maybe today..

2009-06-29T14:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I bought a new pair of running shoes.
The lady at the shoe store was so helpful! I actually got shoes that will help my flat feet instead of just picking a pair that I liked the colors of and was in my price range. Unfortunately, the choices available to me didn't fall in either of these categories! These were the best of the 3, and the cheapest although they were still in the $100 range. The runner-up was a Saucony pair that was royal blue and white. So these will be just for running and not every day wear.

This morning was supposed to be the start of my couch to 5k. Husband was successful at getting up and running before 6, and then it was my turn. Well, I AM NOT a morning person so I opted to stay in bed and sleep. Hopefully I can do it after work tonight so I can stay on track.

On a side note: Last night at the store the clerk said, "I didn't know you were expecting." And it left me wondering do I really look like I am?? Anyone knowing me should please say "no" you look great or I may punch you!

SUMMER!

2009-06-21T20:54:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone enjoyed their first day of summer!!

We started with key lime pie for breakfast. :)

Then we spent the rest of the day playing in the yard.

It was a perfect first day of summer!

Schools out for Summer!

2009-06-12T11:26:00.003-05:00

And it's finally starting to look like summer around here too! The sun is finally out after weeks of hiding, and we can play outside without coats on. Now I need to reorganize the choas and figure out some sort of summer schedule to avoid feeling to overwelmed. I've got flowers waiting to be planted, a garden that needs planting, and a house to clean. Life is full of things to do!

Leigha hanging out with her teacher at the end of the year picnic....

Good-bye 4k, hello kindergarten!

When it comes down to picking...

2009-05-19T13:04:00.002-05:00

When it comes down to picking what I'm going to do with my "free time" now that the weather is warming up, kids are almost done with school, and hubby has potential of another lay-off so I'm back to work, blogging isn't high on the list. Unfortunately for my family, neither are laundry or dishes.
Things are bad when cereal is being eaten out of your Tupperware with plastic disposable spoons, and when your eldest needs socks you give her a pair of yours. Yeah that's kinda what it's like around here.
Last weekend we did get to go out by ourselves, his parents took the girls. Abe took me to some fabric shops in search of cream/polka dot material. We went out to eat and then to golf shops for him. Of course it was a pretty leisure filled day until reality hit and I needed to stop playing with putters and looking at hybrids and come home and get ready for work. Ahh the beauty of restaurant work...it's never 9-5 five days a week!
And now I need to accomplish some inside work, got all my weeding done and lawn mowed this morning, before I head to work tonight.

A Week in Review

2009-04-24T11:59:00.004-05:00

There was bike riding

Sidewalks drawn on

Cookies were made

Princess hair was done, prince and princess outfits found, and a tea party was had

Canucks Sweep Series

2009-04-22T00:04:00.002-05:00

I love this because it's so intense, and because they made it to the next round! They beat the Blues tonight 3-2 in OT, sweeping the series 4-0.

Smile

2009-04-17T08:34:00.001-05:00

This brought one to our faces!

Circus

2009-04-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Leigha's 4k class had their circus this week. It was quite the show! There were clowns, lions and tigers, strong men, dancers, and acrobats. I asked a little boy, front row third from left, where he got his muscles expecting "from eating vegetables"..instead "my mom ordered them for me." If it were only that easy!

Her talent amazes me!!

This was after many tears of not wanting to wear her clown shoes (her shoes inside a pair of Abe's- it was awesome but she wanted nothing to do with it) and not wanting her face painted. The clown behind her isn't exactly angry, they hug themselves in line and make a bubble in their mouth.

Library Love

2009-04-01T09:57:00.006-05:00

Seeing these on the table just makes me smile!!!

Sara really liked this one

The line continues through the house, and there are tons of things to find on each page

The toy box was one of her favorite pages

The only down side to having these books....I had to "order" them from other libraries so when they came in, they all came at the same time, and I haven't been able to spend quality time with any of them. And then when I would crack one open, I felt like I was cheating on the other ones and they weren't getting their fair share of my attention. The plus side is that all of these are now on my wish list along with the Denyse Schmidt book (hint hint..and you know who you are)

2009-04-01T09:55:00.000-05:00

Cuz that's how she rolls

5

2009-03-21T00:50:00.009-05:00

I can't believe she's 5!

It was yesterday and I had her cradled in my arms, I swear it was.

I love

all her nonsense stories, although hard to pick out fact from fiction

her cute nose

her need for the perfect clomp shoes

that apparently the school feeds them mac in cheese every day

her giggles that never stop

that she's a robot, yes she feels like a robot (don't we all sometimes?)

that she IS going to be a ballerina when she grows up

her kisses she gives

the cuddles we get to have together

that she's all mine

Happy 5th Birthday Leigha Belle!

Her cake thanks to Jewel and Family Fun magazine

And when asked what it's like - "Being 5 is fun!"

Birthday girl all partied out!

End of Season

2009-03-18T11:13:00.003-05:00

It seems like yesterday we were down at the rink sweeping and helping get it ready to open, and now it's time to close the doors until next fall. The girls had a great year. There may have been some crying, kicking, and protesting when she would realize there was practice, but she came around and skated every line change the last couple of games. I think the season just got a little long for her, 5 1/2 months, but she'll be back next year. Eve will move up a level next year so now we'll have to figure out how to juggle all the scheduling conflicts that will come with that. Abe got elected to the board for the next three years, and I know that he will help the league out by spreading his passion for the game to others.

Leigha is number 7, and I'm on the far right

Eve and Abe lining up at the face off

Most of the family-Sara was cheering from the bleachers

Until next year...

What My Week Has Been Like

2009-03-17T13:00:00.003-05:00

First let me preface this to say I AM NOT a morning person.
For the last week, including yesterday and today, I have got 8 kids to school with the 2 year old in tow. My FIL had them dressed and fed so I only had to do every one's hair, and of course get my 3 completely ready, and off to school by 8. And looking back, we weren't late once!!!
And when I felt relief that last Friday was the last day of babysitting and early morning dash offs to the in-laws were done, I had to continue this week. And again, had to push back my plan for actually getting Eve's room together- this really has changed my routine of things. Also I'm trying to get ready for Leigha's birthday party on Saturday, yes this is the year of on time parties! Of course my house is still near disaster level with hockey gear tripping you when you come through the front door, hopefully I can address this tomorrow.
The potty training is going well. She has no problem telling us, and everyone else within 2 aisles at the store, "I HAVE TO GO POTTY!!" And she doesn't stop saying it until you take her so there's no getting around it. Of course there are the many, many, many false alarms, but what can I do? I know I will keep taking her.
All right now I'm going to try to sneak in a shower, yes really nice to start my day now, and a quick craft project before the afternoon chaos starts.

I Guess it's Time

2009-03-10T13:03:00.001-05:00

I had her completely dressed, and the outfit matched it was great. While I was doing dishes she took off her pants and diaper went potty on the toilet, went upstairs to her room, got undies (and even had them on the right way!), took off the long sleeve shirt, got a new shirt, and came back down stairs. She stood in the doorway and looked me right in the eyes and said "Underwear." She did excellent yesterday with only one accident that somehow only dribbled down her leg a bit. Goodbye baby, hello big girl! (Insert all tears here because she is my last little one, and this is just one more step towards being a big girl. And now tears aside, have you noticed how potty training is kind of like breastfeeding? It seems like you are doing one thing all day long!)

Hello Sun

2009-03-06T07:09:00.002-06:00

"Mama, pleeeeeease can I ride my bike?"
This bike ride only lasted a short time because she claimed "those little wheels are NOT working."

I couldn't keep her out of the puddles or the slush.

I think 5 seconds after this she fell right on her butt.

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-02-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

This is what my 29 looks like!

Today I'll spend it with my family at a hockey game and then skating with the players.

A party had been mentioned by newly adopted hockey family member, but let's be serious S, when people found out you'ld be there, they would already have plans to find stop sign yellow, match things with cougar blue, and poorly shovel sidewalks for friends. Besides, I'll already be spending my day with the most important people anyway!

Bath Time

2009-02-27T14:01:00.005-06:00

It's must be in their genes, that all kids love baths. Wait, kids love playing in the tub maybe not so much the cleaning part of the bath. Unfortunately, Wisconsin winters don't really make baths very enjoyable. The kids can play for a bit, and before I can get to the washing up they've turned into teeth chattering blue prunes. I try to trick them into taking showers, Sara I can usually get excited by asking her if she wants to shower with mom, yes the beauty of having girls. And I can get her done in minutes so this really helps the day out.

Leigha on the other hand would rather climb her bed today. She is using a tie from a dress I made as her rope, I told her this doesn't look like a good idea and she IS going to get hurt, she climbs anyway.
I can usually get Eve and Leigha to shower together, but this sometimes turns into a giggle fest followed by a very wet floor, yes the floor gets soaked even with showers. I'm thinking eventually they'll master keeping more of the water IN the shower than out. I did. :)

A project from February

The girls working on their ATC, and Sara just painting up a big blue blob.

Because we Need to be Practical

2009-02-24T09:40:00.001-06:00

You know garbage spies or garbage cans not much difference

2009-02-17T11:16:00.002-06:00

Doesn't everyone wear hockey skates and p.j.s around the house?

shoulder pads
breezers aka hockey pants

new skates

And these are my recent "gifts" from Abe. I'm so very excited!! We played again on Sunday night in the amateur hockey league at the rink. I think I might finally be getting the stopping thing down (which is slightly important in successful hockey playing). I"ll keep you posted on my progress, because my goal IS to ref mites by next season.

Finally Giving In

2009-02-05T13:36:00.003-06:00

"Mom, me play with tah-toe?"

And after days of asking, I finally let them play with play dough. I seriously think it was created by the devil, because no mom would inflict the amount of clean-up this requires on another mom. Aside from the clean-up, there is always the chunks that get stuck on their clothes and socks. I unfortunately limit play dough playing. And I feel very guilty for this, because I can remember playing with this stuff for hours and making all sorts of things. Of course when I was little all of mine was inevitable that redish-brown color that mixing all the colors together creates, another pet peeve of mine that also limits the number of colors they can play with. When will I through this all into the wind and just let play be play with all the colors and all the do-dads that our play dough factory has (shhh...they didn't get to play with this today..the clean-up is crazy!)?

I had to include this one of Sara too. She has Eve's underwear around her waist with Leigha's pajama pants. I tried to take them off and she insisted,"Underwear on." ...whatever.

And I leave the room for 5 seconds and half a box of toothpicks gets used! She was on a roll today. She drew all over herself, Sara, and her bedspread. It's been quite the day!

Skating Races

2009-02-03T12:02:00.006-06:00

On Sunday the girls participated in the skating races here in town. Leigha got a first in each of her events! Maybe I should mention she was the only competitor in the 4 year old class, but she still got as many cheers from the crowd as all the other kids so that was awesome. Eve got a first in the 2 length race, to the end and back. She even hockey stopped at the finish which was so cool to see her spraying ice up on the competition!

Leigha on her way back to cross the finish line

7-9 yr old class lining up

Eve on her way back for the win

Leigha competing in the 2 oval

Eve in her 2 oval race

2009-01-27T06:27:00.002-06:00

So I think I will be taking a brief absence. It has become apparent to me, that I am way to sidetracked/angry/confused/feeling lost that I have nothing I feel like sharing, which is probably when you should share. I'm not even sure what exactly provoked this wonderful time in my life, but it's here and now I have to work through it.

What do they say about a kept promise?

2009-01-19T22:23:00.005-06:00

Dear Self,

You're awesome!! It may need a shelf or two, and we know you want a bookcase for your fabric for easy access, but way to go!

So are you going to tackle photos next? Gees...calm down I was just wondering.

-Jess

The top box has things to fix (ugg..)

The bottom is fabric for future projects..like after all the fixing

Eventually I'd like my sewing machine on my desk

There's one stack of pictures that needs attention
Jannie- don't look to close because I see your present I forgot!

I Promise

2009-01-16T14:58:00.005-06:00

Dear Self,
I promise that when Monday rolls around, and we know it will, I am going to clean this closet. Yeah that's what is in these pics...recognize it? Didn't think so. So Monday...it's a date.
-Jess

The following is not for clean freaks with bad hearts or anal organizers with high blood pressure- unless you are willing to come take care of this for me......

Sometimes It's Good to Disappear

2009-01-14T13:02:00.002-06:00

I like my blog, it keeps me sane. I like reading other people's blogs, it makes me feel like I have tons of friends.
But alas, blogging everyday while we were gone turned into more work than fun. And fun is what this is all about right? Besides I'm sure that no one really wants to hear how for the last week and a half I have seriously have done nothing but a bit of laundry (ask my husband if you think I'm joking). Oh I may have made an actual dinner once that didn't include opening the box and inserting it in the oven for 12-15 min or until cheese was golden brown.
Ugg why can't I kick this and actually get this year started? I have plans and goals that I want to get a jump on. I'm way over committing to working out and totally unreal things along those lines. I want to paint a room upstairs and get Eve in her own room, and put Sara in with Leigha. My closet has exploded from what I believe must have been a terrible tornado! Or maybe it was me just throwing stuff in there and never putting it away, I like the first choice better. So I pretty much rotate the same couple outfits because I can't actually get to wear the rest of my stuff is hanging. And I see her pretty clean closet and want to cry! And be jealous because she probably hasn't worn the same 3 things over and over.
But instead of actually doing anything to get either project started, I'd rather sleep and stay in pj's all day long. Besides who wants to do anything when it's -15 outside!

NLCV Day 11

2009-01-04T12:29:00.003-06:00

It was yet another early morning today to end our trip, and to beat the weather. It was another continental breakfast (I can't wait to get home!!). We fueled up and hit the road. Of course what part of the driving adventure would be complete with something not malfunctioning. Abe replaced the brake light, but a little ways down the road it stopped working again. We made a stop for lunch at McDonalds, yes I know I was sooo excited about this, and made it home about 5:30. Aside from the snow, cold, and slippery sidewalks, it's never felt so good to be home.

I don't think Leigha slept the whole way home, but she did watch a lot of Ducktales!

Now these 2 are a different story!

Home Sweet Home

NLCV Day 10

2009-01-03T09:45:00.007-06:00

Well day ten has come and gone, and no one has been lost or left behind at any of our stops.
This morning we left for Lambert's Home of the Throwed Rolls. In my opinion, and of course the only one that matters here, it wasn't worth the stop. And because I wanted something healthy and "clean" this was also not the place to go. Abe ordered catfish that tasted like the bottom of the pond, and the girls didn't even touch the chicken. That was just most excellent. The kids did like watching the rolls get thrown across the dining area. Grandma even got hit in the head by one!
After this we went to Meremec Caverns. I'm pretty sure this was one of the best things we've seen the whole trip. Leigha really enjoyed the "adventure" as she put it. It was pretty amazing to see what stalagmites and stalagtites look like way up close. I took pictures, but of course being able to see it up close, but no touching, is way cooler. There's history of the James brothers here and we got to see some of that also.
Once we were all loaded back up, we drove to a hotel for the night. The kids got to go swimming and we ordered pizza for supper afterwards.

Here's what Sara did at lunch. And you thought onions were only for eating!

This is Loot Rock where the James brothers would split their loot and then escape out of the cavern through a side tunnel.

This is the world's 3rd largest stalagmite. It's 28 feet tall and has an active and inactive side to it. This is the active side.

I wish you could see how great this really was! This is part of the straw room. Many of the stalagtites in this area are skinny "straws" with water running through the centers eventually plugging the end shut.

This is the Stage Curtain and it's nearly 70 feet tall!! This part of the cave was found in 1933.

I so wanted this hat! I thought it would be perfect for hockey games, but $14 for a prop? So I take along this memory instead, but how cool is this!! I think it's going on my Christmas list for next year.

NLCV Day Nine

2009-01-02T08:46:00.003-06:00

Today was a day filled with driving, and if you were me, sleeping. Because I slept through Texas, I can't recall any highlights of the day. I can say that when one hits a tumble weed, it's loud and they break into pieces and go flying out from under your car with much force. We made it from New Mexico to Oklahoma City and stayed for the night. We actually got in early enough that we ate at a normal hour and got to go swimming. The kids were very excited. Sara figured out floating and that's how she spent her time in the water, that is after she finally stopped crying about being in the water.

Here are my fine co-piloting skills being displayed

At the restaurant we ate at

3 girls in the tub, rub-a-dub-dub

NLCV Day Eight

2008-12-31T18:44:00.005-06:00

I would like to say that today was productive, and that we made it to our destination goal of Amarillo, but I'd be lying. And if I said that today was the best day of my vacation, I'd be lying again.

We stayed last night at the Wigwam Motel, and then went out for breakfast. And just as we headed out on the highway, our truck started to chug, and we barely made it to the gas station. It actually died once just off the exit ramp right before the gas station. Here is where the day got excellent. (Do you hear my sarcasm?)

After the tow truck came, we all piled into the mini van, yes all 1o of us, like Mexicans and drove around Holbrook, aka the town with nothing to do in it, population 5085. We visited a rock shop, a wanna-be Wal-Mart (as described by the auto mechanic), and ate lunch outside at Taco Bell.

So then what's a family to do when we have more time to kill than things to do? You drive the streets of said foreign small town. We ended up at a park where the kids got to play until we could pick the truck up.

We finally were able to leave at 5, slightly behind schedule. I do need to say that if you are ever broke down in the Holbrook area, call Scotty and Son. He had 3 guys out there working on the truck so we could get on the road tonight and it was a very reasonable bill.

So now we are currently headed for Albuquerque. We plan on staying at the same hotel because we know that it's somewhat clean and that it's in an ok part of town, lessons we've learned along the way. Hopefully tomorrow is filled with more fun adventures.

Sunrise over Wigwam Village

Freezing outside our tee-pee

You just can't make these things up. I can only imagine the stories they'll tell about this!

NLCV Day Seven

2008-12-31T07:57:00.006-06:00

We had a little bit of a delay to our morning, but we still managed to make it to Hoover Dam. We took a tour of part of the dam. We stood in one of the diversion tunnels that they used while making the dam, and we also saw the generators. It was pretty amazing to see how it was made, and still functions, without any of our modern technology. The dam has enough cement to pave a 2 lane highway with curb and gutter from New York City to San Fransisco!

"Welcome to the hotel California..." Well actually just the side of the highway in California, but we were there.

This is Lake Mead, on the other side of the dam. It is the largest man-made lake and has enough water to cover the state of Pennsylvania 3 inches deep!

In this picture we are in Nevada and Arizona

The Colorado River was once a destructive force and they created the dam to tame it and still allow each of the 7 states it flows through access to it.

Our sunset as we drove to the Wigwam Hotel

LFCV Day Six

2008-12-29T22:37:00.006-06:00

I need to start off by saying the weather is great! There's a breeze, but the sun warms you up. Today we drove around and went to a few shops, and then we found a park for lunch that was down by the lake. The girls were just itching to be able to run so we spent the afternoon here. We went and saw the London Bridge that was moved here from London in 1971. We walked across it and underneath it. We also drove around the island, which once was connected with the main land and became an island after the bridge was reconstructed and it was drudged out underneath it.

Silly Sara playing on the jungle gym

Eve just hanging around

Leigha getting pushed on a swing

Enjoying the winter sun on the beach

Playing on the beach

This picture was a lot harder to get than you think!

The London Bridge

Greetings from London

Where I'd like to live.....

Where I'd end up living.

LFCV Day Five

2008-12-29T00:03:00.009-06:00

I've now reached the point of the vacation where I can't remember what day it is. Which isn't really a bad thing, unless you are blogging and are using some number system correlating with what day it is. But I'm pretty sure that I'm right on here.
We finally had a lazy morning! And by this I mean that it wasn't a 8 a.m. and we were on the road. It was 8 a.m. and we are all just hanging out in the room. We finally did leave around lunch to go to Oatman. Up there we saw wild burrows and walked the street of shops. Although the burrows are wild and walk free through the streets, stores, or where ever they want to walk, they have no problem being fed carrots from your hand.
The night ended with me putting 5 teen thousand quarters into washers and dryers that did neither wash or dry. This put hating doing laundry at a whole new level!

This is just one of the many mountains Abe wanted to climb. He thought that he could do it with 2 Monsters and 3 Sundrops. I told him I didn't think so.

This cactus was so nice to pose with us in this picture.

All the girls with a wild burrow in Oatman.

Here's Grandpa with the burrow that bit him in the butt. Guess that will teach him not to keep carrots in his pocket.

Grandpa Fritsch, Grandma Teddy, and the family

And I'll leave you with this. Talk amongst yourselves......

NLCV Day Four

2008-12-28T07:53:00.006-06:00

Today was just like home....cold, snow, had to warm the car up before you leave, you know all the good stuff. We did have a ski hill right behind our hotel, I told Abe we should have brought the skis!
We had breakfast and then headed over to the Grand Canyon. On the way up, we commented how nobody must be there because we were the only ones on the road. We were VERY wrong!!! It was packed. Naturally, Leigha was the one that was always a little to close to the edge for comfort! Imagine that.
After the canyon we drove over to Lake Havasu City, our final destination. We are going to be staying 3 nights here. We will visit with Abe's grandpa, and get to see my grandma too before we leave.
Today we started out with winter jackets, hats, mittens and ended our day in sweatshirts.

Abe and the girls at the Grand Canyon

Just one of the incredible views we got to see at the Grand Canyon

Abe's pretty much in love with this place!

Now here is somewhere I could retire! The palm trees, the sun it's all a little to inviting right now. I'm still debating if I'd miss the snow...

Here's the view out our back door over Lake Havasu

NLCV Day Three

2008-12-27T05:59:00.020-06:00

I love being able to step outside at 7 a.m. in December without a coat! We drove from Albuquerque to the Petrified Forest. The roads where icy and snow covered it was just like home. We even got to see a car backwards in the ditch. Because of the snow the colors were a bit muted at the Painted Desert, but we could still see the reds and browns. The girls became official Junior Rangers here with official badges and patches! From here we hopped in the car and headed to Flagstaff for the night. The lesson we learned after arriving at the hotel is...we will no longer book hotels by looking on the internet or at stupid hotel books! Great view of the mountain, but that was about it.

P.S. I hate wearing my coat in December in Arizona!!!!

Here's the view from our hotel this morning

Wow! This was yet another awesome picture opt that I actual got!

Dear Wisconsin, I'm sorry that I said I had a hard time remembering cold weather and snow. Thanks for reminding me.

See, when I think of Arizona I always thought warm and sun. That's why old people go here to retire right? Well, I WILL NOT be retiring here! Abe might though.

Here we are at the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Behind is is part of the Painted Desert. Can you feel the wind? I think Eve's face says it all.

Part of the Painted Desert

Chillin' with some old wood. This wood had amazing colors!

Abe and his dad in front of the largest piece of petrified wood in the park.

As you can see as I was once again not ready here, hence the back window picture. This is right from the movie Cars! This is on Route 66, and you can get your own wigwam, cozy cone, for $54 a night. Check out their site here.

One majestic mountain on our way into Flagstaff.

I asked Abe if we just a higher standard of clean, or was it all in my head. Apparently Sara agrees with me! Here she's cleaning the luggage stand, although only in her diaper, maybe she's found her calling.

I'm so glad we took Elizabeth's advice with food!! We ordered food from New Jersey Pizza Company (as opposed to Papa Johns), and it was awesome!! Their ingredients are top quality, much of it organic, from small family farmers, ranchers, and artisan cheese makers. Their ham is actually from Nueskes! Our pizza is half 4 cheese (housemade mozz, ricotta, reggiano, and cheddar) half morotto (extra virgin, greens, fruit, blue cheese, housemade mozz, toasted nuts)

Fruit & Nut Salad- farm greens, seasonal fruits- ours was apples and pomegranate, nuts, and artisan cheese

NLCV Day Two

2008-12-25T19:40:00.011-06:00

Merry Christmas!!
If you know me, I am not a morning person, but alas, when the alarm was going off at 5 I got up and hopped in the shower. We had planned on a quick continental breakfast and then hit the road by 7. We did fairly well, on the road by 7:45. I know you're thinking that it's almost an hour later, but for 4 adults with 6 kids that's pretty good for being on time. Today was A LOT of driving, but that makes tomorrow a little bit more relaxed (hopefully).

Here is the quietest part of my day!

The girls in front of the tree in the lobby with their sock monkeys from Grandma and Grandpa.

Welcome to Oklahoma. It really is a lot harder to take pictures of signs than you think! But I'm sure that I'll improve.

This wasn't even the best sign we saw! And we still had no idea what kind of smoke we were looking out for. But the sign of the day was, "Be careful Hitchhikers may be escaped inmates." And that was just so unexpected so I totally missed that photo op!

Here's making lunch road trip style. At this gas station, Abe gave up his sandwich to feed a homeless cowboy. Well, he probably wasn't a real cowboy, but he had a cowboy hat, but he was really homeless. This made us really appreciate the things we have, and make us see how much we take simple things for granite.

"Can we say that Texas is dumb?" No, but we can say that it has a ton of cops!!

Wide open range of Texas. It was just miles of land as far as you could see without any interruptions. Today it got up to 70! So how's the snow up there? This seriously made me question why I stay in Wisconsin and freeze half the year when there are so many other possibilities.

Recognizing the Lone Star State

Not sure what was more strange: The large leaning water tower, or the small replica that was on top of the sign right next to it.

See now this is a better picture! I'm not sure if this is the land of enchantment, I thought that was Disney World. It started to get more rocky and Abe was really enjoying the scenery.

After we drove 750 miles, this was the best way for it to end. Good night!

National Lundt's Christmas Vacation Day One

2008-12-24T17:40:00.014-06:00

Because I didn't go to sleep until 5 A.M. (in the car for brief periods on and off), I am unable to share any pictures of the first part of this trip. You know the cars flipped over, the white outs, the 8-10 inches of snow that was falling as we drove through southern Wisconsin and into Illinois. I was barely functioning so I can only say that the trip would get better. I mean what could be worse than being jostled awake and seeing a truck upside down in the ditch? Completely rhetorical, no need to answer.
We stopped somewhere, I think it was Farmersville population 800, for gas/lunch, and then we headed to the arch in St. Louis.

A view as we entered into the city. In case you haven't seen this in person, those are sky scrapers around it.

This is the Busch Staduim where the Cardinals play baseball.

We couldn't peel her away from the window! Up here you are 630 feet above the ground. The girls loved every minute of it. Noone wanted to leave when it was time to ride back down, although I was more than ready.

Here we are in the tram getting ready to go back down. It's hard to tell because it's all white in there. It reminded us of Willie Wonka's glass elevator. Luckily we didn't burst through the ceiling!

The fam outside the arch.

Daddy and Sara

Here we take a Monster break. Thank you dear Alexa for my present. See it's still wrapped! This was long overdue for the day, but very much enjoyed! The arch is in the background (in case you thought this was an ad I downloaded for Monster...it's not...it's just us enjoying it!).

And this little project is an attempt to keep me from getting car sick. It was going to be mittens, but now hopefully it'll be booties for Baby Olivia.

Puttin' on the Foil Coach!!!

2008-12-22T21:47:00.010-06:00

I can only start this off by saying, sometimes one simple little joke can turn into a full blown night of craziness!!

Abe is always trying to get us to wear hockey socks to games because he says they look just like leg warmers and they'd be cool. So Saturday morning Abe is egging on Shana to wear hockey socks and she comes back with,"I will if you will." Well I don't know how we exactly we ended up with this......but we did.....

Yes we are wearing helmets, breezers, hockey socks, Abe went with gloves, and we opted for the foil.

Sara banging on the glass with Daddy

True hockey fans

Shana, Abe, me, and Sara checking out my socks

Shana and Abe

Oh yes, this is where the fans of the game stand, and yes there we are!! I even said when we left home that if some 7 year old "that comes to all the games" wins and we don't that it's totally rigged....apparently not rigged!

Hey Shana we're suppossed to look into the camera not at yourself on the screen! Rookie!

And after the game....

This is one of their favorite players!

Leigha with one of the Gambler Girls. We've seen her do some pretty fancy figure skating moves during breaks.

Abe, Ryan Furne, Taylor Johnson, Shana, Jess

Sara has mad skills-skating while thumb sucking!

Here's Abe's mad skills. In his defense, he's dancing to the Christmas music.

The girls with the team, Coach Cooper, and some other random kids.

Leigha is standing on the left (thumb in her mouth) white shirt, Eve is to her right and Sara is sitting on her lap.

Christmas Program

2008-12-18T12:22:00.005-06:00

Here are some pics from the girls Christmas program. This year's theme was a country Christmas. It was neat because all 3 girls got to be in the program for the 2nd time, the first was in 2006 when Sara got to be baby Jesus.

2006- Eve was Mary(first in back row), Leigha was a lamb(front row 2nd from the left), Sara was Jesus (hello the only babe in pic)

Fastforward 2 years:

Eve in the red hat

Leigha w/ the gold box and Hope (niece) an angel

Leigha center and Hope to her right

Here's Sara w/ the hat on..not sure exactly what she was....

Eve 2nd from left

My Friday Night

2008-12-09T13:47:00.002-06:00

While Abe and Eve were in Minnesota for a Canucks game, Leigha and I went to the Gamblers game. She got to sit on Ace's lap, and was on the jumbo tv above the ice for a whole break, like 1 minute, and the whole time she just smiled right into the camera! I also got a puck that fell between the net and the glass. I guess I should add that a little boy was also trying to get said puck, but alas he lacked the speed of a true hockey fan. And yes, I did feel slightly guilty that I beat a little boy to the puck but not enough to give it to him in case you were wondering. Afterwards, like true geeks, my sister and I went around to a different section to try to catch one of the helmets the 3 top players throw, but we lucked out in this department. Oh well there's always this weeks game......

Enjoy Life

2008-12-04T08:22:00.003-06:00

Some girls like thier "oger"

How she managed to get yogurt from her eyebrows to underneath her chin I'll never know!

My Thanksgiving Break

2008-12-01T02:27:00.007-06:00

Over the Thanksgiving break we got to go to 2 Gambler games!! The Wednesday night game was a last minute thing, but most things in our lives are. And then Friday we went down early so I could go to Jo-Ann's (thank you Abe <3!!). He shared his love of Jo-Ann hotties with me and I shared my love of fabric. And I know that I just went through the whole "I don't need anything" thing, but I need a new jacket. Well, I want one that fits and doesn't make me look 300 lbs. Enter my dream jacket from Liquid:

I should have just bought it on Friday when we were out, now who knows if I'll ever convince myself again to spend that much on a jacket. On Saturday we watched Hancock with Shana, and then she spent the night at our house to avoid her family. Sunday she took the girls to church so we could cut up deer...yuck. After we were done we got ready and headed to Shawano for open skate. Tonight was the first time in awhile that my ankles actually hurt. I bet Abe is doing the "I told you so" dance in his head because he's been trying to get me to buy new skates for over a year now and I won't spend the money on them. There's to many other things I don't want to want before I want skates. (Does that even make sense? Think it's time for bed!!!)

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-23T03:02:00.000-06:00

Here is another amazing give-away from Grosgrain. This red jacket is so cute! I think Leigha's blonde hair and blue eyes would be the perfect match!!

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

Where Have I Been

2008-11-19T12:49:00.004-06:00

Well every day I think "take 10 minutes and update." But if you blog you know that there is no real possibility to actually just take 10 minutes. Next thing you know you're looking at this blog, and then this one, and then one you've never seen before. And of course they mention etsy shops so then you have to check that out too.
Last Friday I had to work concessions down at the rink, and then we all skated during the open skate. We took our niece, Faith, for her first time skating, and she loved it. Before we left she was asking when we could go again. Of course I have no pics to document this event. But I do have some for this....

Our first Hockey Game of the Season

Leigha told me she is the 3rd from left in the back row and Eve is to her left.

Leigha

Eve

After there game in Point, we headed to Green Bay to watch the Gamblers. We made it in record time to the game too! The Gamblers ended up losing 2-3. They had 2 other goals not count, and of course there was a little bit of fighting. When we got back into town we stopped at the Shell and this is what we saw...

I almost had a heart attack, and apparently had to take a picture of something that was only a faint memory. This is also where our night got sorta strange. To give the condensed version: At the gas station there was a young gf/bf with car troubles. Abe tried to help them, and also had to go home twice to get what they might need- wrenches, jumper cables etc. It still wouldn't start, and this was close to midnight. Their ride was coming from 1 1/2 hours away so Abe offered for them to come to our house and wait. She had been huddled up in a sleeping bag for over 20 minutes before we even tried to help them, so they decided to come over. Before they got in I told Eve to NEVER go to a stranger's house no matter what. I ended up renting a movie to occupy our time with them. It was kinda funny because while on the phone his dad asked him why he went and he said Abe didn't look like the ax murderer type. And then trying to be discreet her dad text her, which apparently he never does, "Don't eat or drink anything they give you!" So I offered them soda- in unopened cans, and popcorn still sealed in the plastic wrapper. Yes this was to funny and even when I think back to that night I still laugh. I'm just glad they did come over instead of turning into popsicles while they waited in their car. After they left Abe and I both agreed that we would have never went to someone's house if asked, but it worked out for them.

Fall?

2008-11-06T13:18:00.004-06:00

This is the oddest weather I can remember for November. Although, I think the weather is back on track.
Last week was beautiful! The girls got to ride their bikes and play at the park. We even got some playing in the leaves done.

Eve and Leigha got chalk out and decorated our steps and sidewalk for one last time last week too.

Over the weekend we saw snow flurries, but it didn't stay, although the cooler temps did (28 degrees!!).

Have a great week!

Time for Catch Up

2008-11-04T23:31:00.003-06:00

Let's get updated on the life of Jesse:
Went to a hockey game on Friday with the girls and Shana. The Gamblers won 4-1. It was a pretty good game.
Saturday Abe and Eve had eye dr. appointments. They each got new glasses. Eve switched from plastic to some metal ones, and Abe went from his silver metal frames to some "nerdy" black Banana Republic frames, which we pick up this coming Saturday.
Janet and Royski came over and we played some Apples to Apples and ate lots of taco dip. Thanks Jannie!! That was followed by Janet and I attempting to play LIFE with a very decrepit board/wheel combo. Needless to say, she made it to the Millionaire Estates and a new game of LIFE goes on the Christmas list.
Sunday we had church in the morning, and then went out to eat with Shana, Steve, and Lisa. Since we didn't have a p.m. service, we rented some movies and got some brownies to bake and went over to Shana's. (Watched "Guess Who?" - it was sorta funny)
Monday was cleaning day. I am so happy to say that it's been almost 2 months and I've stuck to my no exceptions Monday cleaning. It's hard, especially when my sewing machine is staring at me, but I make myself do it and then just maintain the rest of the week so I have time for fun things. Abe decided to take vacation on Tuesday, so we rented "The Lazarus Project". It was very good. I started to freak myself out because Abe fell asleep and the movie seemed scary. It's not scary at all, just a mind twister. I also got 3 Christmas presents made during the movie!
Abe went to school with Leigha, she was star of the day. Then he surprised Eve at school with Happy Meals for lunch. He was home in time to get Leigha off the bus, and then we were off to the polls. Since I had to work at 4, golf was out and we rented yet another movie, "Tortured". It's not for one with a weak stomach, but the story line was good if you can get past the...well...torture. It also seemed open ended, like sequel here we come but who knows.
Work was slow. Very slow. I had all my stuff done by 8, so I watched a lot of the election. I was at the store when a friend text me the outcome. Yeah just gotta remember- it's God's will.

Carrots Part 2

2008-10-29T12:21:00.003-05:00

So this was the second year we planted a garden. The first time was just beans so that was manageable. This year we went all out. We put up fence, got stakes for rows, bought our own tiller etc. etc.. We planted 5 varieties of lettuce, and 13 other vegetables. Needless to say much of the summer was spent in the garden weeding.
After the overwhelming amount of lettuce we had, I even gave it to people I didn't like just to get rid of it, I thought nothing would be more time consuming and just something to dread. Then came carrots....

This basket is only half the carrots too! When I'm done, yeah I know but I needed a break from it, I'll have frozen about 150 cups of carrots. Carrots were way more work than beans because, case you haven't noticed, they are way more dirty! So after scrubbing them and peeling the crazy "hairs" off, I had to chop them and blanche them.

Can you taste them? Leigha helped me bag them, and didn't care for the smell very much. It kinda went unnoticed by me after so many batches of carrots!

My Clowns

2008-10-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

And yes they left the house like this. Abe was sooo happy to see this when he got out of work!

Carrots

2008-10-27T23:31:00.004-05:00

With the weather being so wonderful, I thought I better get my carrots out of the garden. I got the girls to help me too. It was pretty windy so we worked fast.

Leigha brought out the basket for the carrots. Needless to say, I underestimated and it was heaped when we were done.
Eve finally figured out how to pull them without the tops breaking off.
Leigha's trying her luck.

Still trying to figure out this whole picture thing. This is from the beginning of the pulling, because in the end we were cold, dirty, and not smiling. But this was followed by making chocolate chip cookies and that's something to smile about!

On the agenda for tomorrow....carrots.

Some of the best things

2008-10-21T14:09:00.001-05:00

If you can't think that one of the best things is your 4 year old getting off the bus and announcing that she pooped in her underwear at school, then what is?

What time is it?

2008-10-17T05:13:00.002-05:00

"Where's E?"
"Sleeping"
"Where's Lala?"
"Sleeping"

Why is this the conversation I'm having with Sara, my 2 yr old, at 4:45 a.m.? Of course she had been awake already for 15 minutes but those were spent in pure spunkyness. Once we determined that her and I were the only ones up, she become content on watching me do the dishes and talk about what dad did (spilt coffee on the counter).

Well, unfortunantly I need to depart from here and get back to sewing name plates for hockey and mending jerseys. If only you could see the look of anticipation on my face.

Debating on Being Unpopular

2008-10-10T09:02:00.002-05:00

I know that some, yeah you, wouldn't think twice about sharing your opinion on something that you're passionate about. I'm currently faced with whether I want to have a relationship severed because of the way I feel and to date have kept pretty much to myself.
I've wrote the email/blog post countless times in my head. Each time with revisions to display my opinion that could displace my family structure. And if you know me, it already is disfunctional.
Unfortunantly, I believe that sharing my opinion wouldn't actually change anything. They are still going to do what they want. And, now I feel the anger rising so I need to switch gears and think about something else. How 'bout those Packers?

And on to the Next

2008-10-05T23:01:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the alterations on PJ's skirts. I think I did a pretty good job for it being my first time trying to tackle a project like that. Abe thought it was funny that when I have things that need to be fixed, I bring them to my grandma or to the cleaners. And here I was doing the same kind of job I out-source for someone else! Guess I'll have to suck it up and start doing my own too.
So now the next project to cross off the list is getting all my blankets etc sewn for the craft fair at the end of the month. I look at what I have done and think it's not enough to take, but if I don't take it, I have a lot of stuff laying around here just taking up space. Needless to say, I switched gears back into sewing mode and spent all day working on getting things together.

Finally Satisfied

2008-10-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

On a daily basis I get emails from stores/sites that I've signed up for their newsletters. It's just so great to find out what's new and what I could save 20% on IF I use such and such a card. And love the free shipping on orders OVER $50.

But what I can finally love most of all is the day when, while checking emails, I just deleted them without even opening them. Without even feeling like I wanted or needed to. Without even being curious "What's New for Fall."

I can tell you what's new for fall. Being satisfied. I have absolutly no desire for anything more. If you asked me to go shopping, I'd either tell you no or make up an elaborate lie that would leave you wondering why I lied to you. I just don't want. Don't want more stuff, don't want to deal with people, just don't.

I'm content with what I have and don't have for probably the first time for as long as I can remember. I have more than a lot of people. And for that I am so greatful. I look back at all the things I took for grantite, and wish I could kick myself for being stupid and taking advantage of some of the most basic things, things some people long for. (That just spoke to me in so many ways only a few will understand.)

Aside from that recent epifany, all I can say is this is me, and I'm finally happy.

Do we have a pattern?

2008-10-02T21:56:00.002-05:00

k I just spent the most uninterrupted time on the computer that I have had in a long time. I read some blogs, found blogs to look at again, and found ones with layouts so cool it's got me wondering why not me??

I do know that I have a friend, yes I know a shocker, that is going to help me make this be awesome. And I need to add that I can NOT spell that word without the entire cheer running through my head: a-w-e-s-o-m-e, awesome, awesome, awesome are we! Just needed to share that. I'll put the pom pons down now.

So I am almost done with mending/hemming a kazillion skirts for a very lovely lady. But will seriously turn down anyone who asks for any sewing favors for awhile. I want to drive stick pins into my eyes!!!!!!! It's not bad, but just hasn't turned into the easiest of things. Plus after awhile I just think, "One down, 15 more to go.":( I don't want my hobby and something I love to turn into stacks of material I don't want to look at and a sewing machine I can't use cuz I threw it out the window.

Side note for Elizabeth: I do expect to get your projects and do them for you, and whatever else you are scheming up, just don't throw any pheasant skirts my way or I'll sew the bottoms shut!! (All right I wouldn't really do that, but I might think it while I mended away.)

I just realized that the title doesn't really match the context, hmm... Well the pattern I did see was that I actually posted twice within a reasonable amount of time of each other. There, so in conclusion, I believe there may be a pattern.

We All Have 24 Hours

2008-09-30T12:27:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I wonder how some people can seem to accomplish so much in their 24 hours they are given each day, and I can't conquer anything worth mentioning. No concertos here, no Vangough quality work, not even all my laundry will get put away today. And, even with the small amount of skills I do have, I won't be able to accomplish a sewing project today. I guess there's always tomorrow........

Crying in Fleet Farm??

2008-03-25T21:43:00.002-05:00

So my major project is trying to get my bathroom done asap for so many reasons. Any way I ran into a a small problem while installing the lights so I had to go to Fleet for some screws. Ok, I'm there with the one that is to long in hand to see what size it really is. Can't do it on my own so I call someone over to help. Ok have it sized now just have to pick the right box from the trillion hanging in front of me. Selection made and I head to the counter and am asked "find everything ok?" I reply "hope so". Only to get home and find out that they are too big and don't have the right head. Trip 2 to Fleet. Return wrong screws, look for other ones. Again try to narrow it down, and I find myself getting hot and my hands start to sweat. I know what's coming tears, and lots of them in the hardware aisle at Fleet Farm. All I want to do is buy screws, the rights screws, go home and work on my bathroom and feel something got accomplished in the bathroom, which needs to be done by Sunday. Feeling the failure from my inability to make a correct selection I again call for help for some reassurance that this is what I need, and in hopes that knowing someone will be down the aisle I won't ball like a baby. After being told these are the only options I head back up to the counter and head home. Not wanting any more disappointment today I don't even look at the lights/screws to see if they'll work and shut the door on another day of work.

On a side note- I successful flipped the correct breaker, switched an outlet for another color, rewired it, and got the faceplate back on without electricution!! That's gotta count for something!

The intimadation ends here

2008-02-27T09:50:00.002-06:00

This week has been full of accomplishments. I'm not sure what caused it. But I finished 2 sewing projects that I started so long ago well let's just say that one of them was a crib blanket for Sara and she's 1 1/2. I know that you can start to see what I'm saying that all my good ideas and intentions just get stacked up in a plastic tote and sit and taunt me wondering when they'll get used. Well it's now. And maybe Elizabeth is thinking...I once gave her some fabric what will become of it... in the near future (and I'm not just saying that) it will be tranformed into something fun and usable!!!! I think that I'm ready to just get things done and stop drounding in ideas, thoughts, and dreams.
On top of the fun crafty projects that finally can get crossed off the mile long list, I re-caulked my tub and shower. For so long it was, well it was gross and gave me the heebie jeebies and if there was another way to get a clean shower feeling I would have done it. My grandpa came over and helped me on Monday, and by lunch we had it all done. I refuse to let "a man's project" intimadate me anymore. It serously took a knife, caulk and gun, and rubbing alcohol. I use more "tools" to make supper!!!! So next project on the man list is to drywall the holes in the bathroom so I can paint it. I think it is harder to go to the store and explain what I need than to actually do it!!!

A stampin' good night

2008-02-21T14:18:00.002-06:00

Last night I got to go to a friends for a night of stamping. I can't actually remember the last time we got together to do it. The nights usually run into the wee hours of the morning, but we called it a night about 12:30 and I was home by 1. Of course everyone was sleeping when I got home and I tried to be as quiet as possible to keep it that way. I didn't feel like watching Hannah Montana, only the back of my eyelids.
Going to get some pics of the cards I did. Sorta discouraging when it takes so long to only accomplish 7 cards, but if you love it you love it no matter what.

It could be the beginning of the end!

2008-02-19T11:57:00.000-06:00

I did it. Well sorta. I started a blog, and by myself. The real test will be to see if I can sign back in and remember the hundred thousand passwords etc I had to create to start this!!