Family

I have been collecting Demdaco Willow Tree figurines since Seth was born and have somewhere around 30 figurines at this time. They are scattered around the dining room in groupings of family, self awareness, children and marriage.

While sitting at dinner I noticed that two figurines were moved closer to the one that Nick bought for Sam as a wedding gift. (a dad and daughter sitting close to one another). Seth or Sam had moved my little Seth holding my heart and the woman holding a rose next to the father and daugther to signify our family. It made me smile, and I don't plan on changing it back.

Seth ~ Nick ~ Samantha ~ Lori

Heart of Gold - You will always have my heart

Father & Daughter: Celebrating the bond of love between fathers and daughters

Love: Everlasting and true (woman with rose)

I want one!

Seth was consumed by the fish tank at the doctors office. He would run from one side to the other in hopes of getting a close up of the big fish in there. Unfortunatley, it would quick hide in some large rocks whenever Seth came near.

There was a little girl on the other side about Seth's age who kept peeking up at him and waving. I told him that I think she likes him. He smiled and blushed a little.

What made the fish tank even more awesome was that while he was watching the fish, a scoop of food was automatically released from the top. "I want one of these in my room. Please - Please?!"

If only we could afford one of those buddy! The last fish tank we had was always needing to be cleaned and the fish never lived long. I'm sure it didn't help that the kids were feeding them people food. They were pretty good at sharing their toys with our old fish too. I'd find matchbox cars and other miscellaneous toys at the bottom or floating about.

Chicky's Farm

Randolph Child Care and the Kindergarten classes are brought on a field trip to Square Deal Dairy Farm just north of the school. We also pass this farm on our way to and from Nick's parent's house. They are taught how to make butter and are given a tour of the entire farm, including the milking parlor. They have been there three times I believe, and can never wait to go back!

Everytime it is in view of us it is a given that we hear "There's Chicky's Farm" from either Seth or Sam. It sometimes seems to be a contest as to who says it first.

Chicky and her husband own the dairy farm, but do not live there. They live at another farm off of Hwy 56 just outside of town. That is where the baby calves stay until they are big enough to move to the dairy farm.

The tractor is just getting back from spreading manure on a newby field.

Hockey Sounds Fun

This weekend I worked another hockey tournament at Braemar Ice Arena off of 169 and Valley View Road. I have such a good friend, who will sit all day with me working the box. Well, thanks in part to the pay. I write down the details of the goals and penatlies, as well as announce them. I also have to open the penalty box doors for the players coming in and going out. Melanie runs the scoreboard and has the nerve racking job of "Did I start/stop the clock, Phew!" We did a total of 10 games over the course of Saturday and Sunday. Thankfully, the days went by fast. A few painful games of 16-1, 12-0, 10-0 and a few games that had me at the edge of my seat.

Sunday Nick brought the kids up to the rink and kidnapped Melanie's boyfriend Dan (Nick's good friend) and brought him up too. Since today is Sunday and I would be at the rink until 5:30pm, I wouldn't be able to give my babies hugs and kisses before they spend the week with their dad.

Sam asked if she could announce one of the players names, which I would have loved to let her. Just wasn't sure if the parents and coaches would appreciate it. Plus I'd like to be invited back for future tournaments. Seth wanted to push the buzzer, but we missed that opportunity. They hung out in the penatly box for a while before I sent them to the floor above us, which looks down right behind us.

Sam looked at me and said that hockey sounds fun. What do you mean sounds fun? Announcing? the noices?
No - playing hockey sounds fun.
Ahh - yes it is a fun sport and one of the most expensive sports to play.

If I give you kisses can I?

Another day of playing in the sprinker. Someone forgot her towel inside and wanted to come in.

If I give you kisses can I come inside?

Umm... I'll take the kiss, but not the wet floors!

Fun in the Sun

We finally made it to the sprinkler day we were hoping for earlier this week.

Another working from home day thanks to the State Fair and all the traffic up by work.

She was caught and held captive. Apparently she was enjoying being held captive.

About an hour later it was quiet.

It was either nap time or they were sun bathing.

Since neither of my children enjoy nap times, they must be sun bathing.

Basic Training

While picking up some cubicle shelves for the kids we ran across a rug that would potentially match the bedding we picked out for the baby. We carried the rug into the infant isles and there before I eyes, sat a changing table marked at $29. Originally priced at $119. We didn't really need to buy one because Sommer still has the one I used before, which was my mom's from when we were babies. We couldn't pass up the deal.

After getting it assembled, I told Sam she needed to practice diapering a baby. I sent her off to get the preemie diapers that we bought for Chloe.

I showed her how to hold both feet with just three fingers, how to put a diaper under the baby with just one hand, and how to put the diaper on so the baby wouldn't leak out from any side.

But first, I had to see how she thought it was done.

We turned her baby to the side and there staring right at our face was the baby's butt crack.

Failed attempt, but cute nonetheless.

The Things that Thrill the Young

It's that time!

Every three years our septic system has to be pumped.

They just so happened to come pump on a day I was working from home

and a day that the kids were here with me.

He backed up and I told the kids they could watch but not to bug him.

Keep back, or you could get sprayed like Robin Williams did in RV.

The next thing I know I see this out the bedroom window.

20 questions later, he was done and heading off to his next house.

I would think it would be kind of nasty to hang out there and watch the tanks be pumped.

Apparently not for a 6 & 7 year old.

(Note the word "Beautiful" written on the window. It was there when we bought the house and I can't bear to wash it off.

It is also accompanied by a heart and the statement "Smile Becuz it Happened".)



Earning your keep

Earlier that day, we ran to Northfield to buy tickets to the State Fair and pick me up a wrist brace.

Sam wanted to use her allowance to buy a $20 pillow pet, which I have been refusing to buy her since they came out around Christmas of last year. She was short $5. Well, save up more of your allowance and we'll come back once you have $20. Knowing that she didn't have much of a choice, she agreed.

They both earned $5 this morning for cleaning their room in under four hours. (typically it takes same 8-10 hours to clean her room since she prefers to play.)

Seth wanted a helicopter but only had the $5 he just earned a few hours ago. He too agreed to save up his money and come back later to buy it.

After getting home, they wanted to run in the sprinkler.

I thought it would be a good idea, so out to the yard we went.

To the kid dismay, I put them to work instead. Here's the deal... If you fill this five gallon pail to the top with the fallen walnuts, I'll give you each another $5. I had just picked up a full pail of buckets less than a week ago and they were once again all over the yard. So to prevent them from rolling an ankle, we needed to get them picked up before running in the sprinkler.

 I was inside working and the kids came in. Big issues! They picked up every walnut in the yard and the pail is only 3/4 of the way full. I walked outside and pointed out all of the ones they missed. Even after those there was room for a few more. To ensure they each earn their $5, they grabbed the low hanging branches and pulled the walnuts off. Whatever works! They will fall soon enough anyways.

For Sale: 3 LARGE Walnut Trees. You cut & You haul

Eye Spy

...with my two eyes

Today Seth and I headed to the cities for a quick doctor appointment.

Seth loves to play Eye Spy. He is so clever with the objects he is trying to get me to guess.

It took a little while but he has stopped picking the stripes on the road, the trees, grass and the sky.



Randolph is expanding

Randolph Independent School District 195 is expanding.

The Elementary is getting an addition for some additional class rooms by the main entrance (two dark windows are new. A flower garden used to sit there, which Sam said was her favorite thing about the front of the school. RCC has moved to the old Kindergarten rooms, and the Kindergarten rooms have moved to the old 1st Grade rooms.

The southwest side of the school is getting two new floors. I'm not sure who is going there. All I do know is that it's getting close to the start of school and there is still a lot to be done.



We also found out that Seth will have Mrs. Lindahl for 2nd Grade this year with JoHanna, and Sam will have Mr. Schmidt for 1st Grade.

Sam wanted Mrs. Thielbar, who Seth had, but she'll cope.

It's Chicken BBQ Time

Every year the Randolph/Hampton Volunteer Fire Department puts on an event that more then quadruples our population.

The Chicken BBQ started off for just the fire department and their families.

Over the course of the years, it was opened up to where the fire fighters cook the food and their wives/family members serve the food to our community.

The chicken is cooked over water tanks for cattle. (These are used only for the annual bbq)

The fire fighters travel to southern Minnesota to pick fresh sweet corn that morning.

The food is delish!

This year we over 2,300 people. Not bad for a town with a population of around 400.

44th Annual
Randolph-Hampton Fire District
Chicken Barbecue

Saturday, August 20th, 2011
Serving from 3-8 p.m.

Adults $11.00
12 & under $7.00

Music by

"SO BIG"

Street Dance 7 - 11 p.m.


This year was Year 2 for Nick being in the kitchen making the seasoned sauce and dishing out the cole slaw and baked beans for the serving line. Last year I helped Nick while enjoying a few refreshing beverages.

This year I was asked to help with running the "bank". Making change for the Meal Ticket line, counting and redistributing the used meal tickets. Luckily there was a window so Howard Otte and I could people watch.

Something of Interest?



If we forget to close our bathroom door tight while showering, we may end up with a spectator.

She will pull the shower door open and if room, she'll jump up on the edge of the tub. She'll tolerate being splashed, but not too much.

As soon as you hop out, she hops in.

See - we do get along.

 Often we...

fight

taddle

whine

cry

and throw tantrums

This morning we are bonding

"Wait... take my picture with Chloe" Seth

Chloe is in the process of slithering away.

A Change in Taste

I've never really been one to snack on vegetables

until just recently...

I go through health kicks while pregnant.

Radishes and Green Onions to dip in salt

Cucumbers and Onions in Vinager with salt

Raw Green Beans

Snow Peas and Pea Pods right from the bag.

Not all at once, they take turns as the weeks pass by.

Conflicted

Just about a year ago, this little girly came to live with us.

Who ever knew such a cute little face would make so such bad habits tolerable.

We would let her outside to go to the bathroom and after being out for an ample amount of time, she would sneak off to a room we weren't in and relieve herself (both ways).

Her wet spots are so small that it is hard to see on certain rugs that she did anything at all. We've been woken to an unpleasant surprise of accidents on our bed. This was the start of her sleeping in the kennel at night rather than in bed with us. Thankfully, she only pees on carpet, rugs and clothes or bags lying on the ground. With a house full of hard wood floors, her spots are limited.

I bought a book to learn how to train small dogs. Have I put any of what I've read so far to use? Nope. I really need to dedicate some time to getting her habits corrected. Sometimes it is just easier to pay someone else to do it for you. I'm holding off on that option. But something needs to happen before our baby arrives this winter. That and we've purchased a few new replacement rugs that can't go on the floor until we know her habits have been broken.

When we go out of town, Grandma Linda watches our dogs for us. We hear about how Chloe sleeps on her lap at night and snuggles with her all the time. A perfect lap dog! I asked the kids if they would be okay with Chloe going to live with Grandma and Grandpa Schiller. We only live a little over five miles from them, so we can visit Chloe often. They both agreed. (surprisingly)

Unfortunately, Linda doesn't agree. Especially with Chloe's bad habits.

As much as I talk about finding her a new home. She is just too cute and way too good with the kids to just say goodbye to her. Oh, the things we get ourselves into.



A Presidental Visit

President Obama came to visit Minnesota.

Where was his location of choice?
Cannon Falls!

Just 8 miles from our house. Less as the crow flies.

I had trainings at work so I couldn't go.

Not to say I would have gone if I was working from home that day.

President Obama turning off of Hwy 52 Cannon Falls.

The Presidental Speach at Lower Hannah's Bend with the river and the Cannon Fair Grounds behind him.

Photos courtesy of Fox News

Dakota County Fair

We left Chetek and hauled home so we could get to the last day of the fair

and have some fun before Dave's weekend started.

We made the laps through the animal barns and high tailed it to the rides.

18 tickets for $20 is what we went with.

9 tickets down in just one ride!

On Sam's next ride she happened to be sat next to her good friend Trevor Preston. They became inseparable! (Whose Dad filled us in on the "secret" wristband. Unlimited rides for $25 each. Nothin' like throwing $70 down on rides!

 

Lower netted walkway: Seth, Sam & Trevor

 

While Nick was with Sam and Trevor, I stopped at a few big boy rides for my fearless boy, Seth.

I can handle watching him drop from the Sun, but there is something about watching him hang upside down that makes me cringe. I do have to say. I am pretty proud of Seth for going on those rides by himself. It's a huge step from the rides he has been on at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America.

 Sam has always wanted a convertable. She finally got to drive one. Seth wasn't allowed to ride, because he was too big!

Down the big slide landing after catching air. Seth had a thing about switching directions after catching air. On purpose or accident, we'll never know.

We then headed to the pony rides for a quick spin before catching the bank getting robbed in the Old Dakota Village. Right next to the ponies were inflatable bungie jumpers. I told the kids they had a choice. Do they want to go on the ponies or would they rather jump higher than they ever have before.

Seth convinced Sam to jump. They could have each chosen their own activity, but I guess I should have clarified that to begin with.

 

Left: Sam doing a flip.

Above: Seth touching the sky. He wouldn't flip for us. Said it was his first time. He tried to with the guidance of his supervisor, but just couldn't do it. Cute to watch him try.

We started to head for the bank robbery, when all of a sudden, tears filled someone's eyes.

I tried to say no. I really did. She was given a choice and picked jumping. I just couldn't see her being that sad. I caved.

Nick took Seth through the wolf/wild animal park.

Then off to the robbery. But due to unexpected pony rides, we missed it. Nick was sad, but he held back the tears.

As we ventured around the grounds we came across the kids farm area. I love how Sam crawled right under the cow to milk it. To top that off, Seth was trying to squirt the milk at Sam. What a pah-tooshey!

Our final destination was more than we expected! I saw a line of kids at the Lumber Jack area. Signed a waiver and said go-for-it!

I had a little convincing to do, since they wanted their swimsuits which were in the truck. Get wet! We have dry clothes for you in the truck.

First Round:

Seth couldn't keep up with Sam's quick feet.

Second Round:

Seth mastered taking his sister down

 The announcer asked all of the kids to get in the water. On the count of three - splash as much as you can while your parents take pictures.

After the two minutes were up, he filled them in on a secret. While they were splashing he threw five $1 coins into the water. Objective: Find the coin(s) and it is yours to keep!

Seth walked around feeling with his feet, while Sam dove to the bottom time and again.

Nobody was finding them, until Sam flew up from under the water with her hand held high in the air. She was the first (and only) child to find a coin!

2nd Annual Chetek Vacation

Bill, Jodi, Josh and JoHanna have lake property in Chetek, Wisconsin on the Chetek chain of lakes.

Last year we took up the four-wheelers and dirt bikes. It was non-stop riding.

This year we left them home.

Seth rode up with Jodi and Josh. JoHanna rode up with Nick, Sam and I.

Bill had to work, so he missed out on the fun.

Friday night we had a fire and the the kids were hyper!

Jodi graciously let Nick and I sleep in the bedroom, rather than on the fold-out couch.

hmm... another plus side of being pregnant.

Nick and I chuckled as we listened to the kids keep Jodi busy with midnight snacks and movies.

Saturday was beautiful. We hopped on the boat for some fishing and swimming, only to find out the battery was dead. They hooked it to our truck to charge the battery, Nick went off to take a nap,

and Jodi took Josh into town for some new flip-flops.

Attempt #2 was a success! Off we went!

We found a sand-bar and let the kids swim. About a hour and a half later we moved a little down the shoreline and fished. No luck! The girls preferred playing with the waxy worms.

I believe they even wed the waxies.

 Seth was chilly so he covered up in my old Lion King towel. Josh picked up the edge of his towel and complimented him on his cool towel. As Josh was "checking out" the towel, he gracefully slipped it around his shoulder. I just laughed at how sly he was trying to be.



I was watching the radar on my phone because of some very scattered showers all around Western Wisconsin. As I told Nick and Jodi about a cell approaching we looked over our shoulders and darkness was rolling in over the treeline behind us.

We had a choice to make. Head North around the chain in hopes of beating the rain or head South around the chain. North looked more promising. Maybe we should park under this bridge! But Jodi pressed on. I grabbed my large beach towel, curled up underneath it and held what I could over Nick's head. The girls hid under their towel and the inner tube. The boys hid, I mean, attempted to hide under their boogie boards. We were drenched! There was poor visability and Jodi was being pelted by what felt like hail. Finally we made it back (about 20 minutes later).

Nick and Jodi napped, I read a book, and the kids played outside. It was peaceful. NOT!

The four kids were running in and out. Yelling to one another, because not one of them can have a conversation without feeling the need to do it at the top of their lungs. (indoors or outdoors). I had to get up four times to take an ax away, pick up things that fell out of the truck when they opened the back, hear about how the boys tried pushing the girls in the water and knocked a bowl in the lake and more I'm sure.

The kids love being there together, and what makes them happy, makes me happy.

Seth's New Wheels

Seth has been riding his friends dirt bikes and four-wheelers long enough!

Now he has his own and is getting pretty good from what I hear.

I love seeing him so happy!



Santa's Back-up Farm

Just North of Randolph on Lewiston Blvd there is a little paradise for Elk.

 

We drive this dirt road as a shortcut to Hastings.

Every time we pass, we have to slow down for the kids to look at the Reindeer.

The picture to the right is some mommas' and their babies in the background.

"Why are there reindeer here Momma?"

"Well, because when Santa is flying through Minnesota he can stop here if one of his reindeer need can't make it anymore. These are Santa's back-ups."

"Ahhh, that makes sense!"

To be young, and still believe!

 

An Astronautical Day

Seth was given a great opportunity to learn about being an astronaut.

He spent eight hours at the Boy Scout of America Base Camp.

During this time he made mini hover crafts, experienced NASA space shuttle simulator,

view the stars in a portable planetarium and more.

Live NASA Downlink to Highlight Science Activity Day August 9 at Base Camp

Local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and students will speak live to astronauts aboard the International Space Station via satellite on Tuesday, August 9, from 11:55 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. This is the first-ever Boy Scout Council/NASA live in-flight education downlink and only the second within Minnesota.  It takes place at Base Camp, the Council's new facility, located at Fort Snelling. The live, local connection with the International Space Station will feature a 20-minute question-and-answer session with Expedition 28 astronauts Ron Garan Jr., Mike Fossum, and Satoshi Furukawa.

During their talk with the astronauts, they found out that the astronauts need to exercise two hours per day to maintain their muscle strength. This was their first time in outer space. They can do large flips in the air since there is no gravity. The Milky Way is very far away and nobody has been further than the moon. From the time the sunrises to the sunset, it is only 90 minutes.

Pictures will follow once the scout leader of his group emails them to me.

HealthEast Picnic

The Clinics had their annual picnic at Battle Creek Park.

The kids got their face painted

Jumped in the dragon jumper

ate and jumped some more!

On our way home, Sam said a mosquito was in the car

"It keeps biting me! Must be because my blood tastes like cherries!"

Gotta love these moments!