Mess Makers

Seth & Sam have a big sticky mess to clean up after school today. Elf made a mess. He set out their toothpaste and brushes, along with a Dino-floss and cup for each. Brushy, Flossy, and Spit written all over the sink.

Seth brought the picture to school for show and tell.

Nick has stated that Elf needs to be grounded. He probably will be saying that often over the next 27 days.

Girl Scouts

I recently took over as Girl Scouts Brownie Troop Leader, which is 2nd and 3rd grade girls. We have four, or five, girls so far and are hoping for a successful fall sign-up. We had our first meeting where the girls learned the GS hand sign, GS Promise and earned their first badge, Playing Fair. We had a fun meeting.

Today we had Emma Dibble, Isabel Siple, McKenzie Farrington, and Sam.

Potty Dance McFluffy Pants

Our fifth trip to the doctors in a week and a half. It's Seth's turn to get checked for pneumonia. Last night he developed a fever, chills, headache, stomach ache and nausea.

While waiting for Seth to be called they were reading magazines. Both got a kick out of the cat doing the potty dance.

Between the cat and Mr. McFluffy Pants, the squirrel, running around outside, we were kept pretty entertained.

Elf must be feeling under the weather too.

He's Back...

Last year Elf joined our family. He flies in on Thanksgiving and hangs out until Christmas Day to see the children's faces as they open presents from Santa.

Sam found him yesterday morning sitting on Adelynn's crib. She covered her mouth with both hands and started jumping up and down. Once the excitement passes, she began to look closer. "Why does he look so fake?" "He's made out of plastic!" "He even has a tag!" The tag is for note taking I said.

This morning as I was trying to sleep until at least 9am, Sam peeked her head into our room and asked if we've seen him. "No, babes, I haven't been out of bed."

A half hour later when I crawled out of bed, she pointed him out. Seth woke up at 6am from his alarm to get ready for trapping with Grandpa Jim. He hung out in the dining room for an hour and didn't see him. But on his behalf, I'm sure he was still sleepy and too excited about trapping to think about the search.

Not a goodbye, instead, I'll see you later

Indy is a wonderful dog for the kids. He's incredibly mellow and seems to enjoy being an oversized pillow for the kids. During the day we've had to kennel him because he'd chew around the house. He's since outgrown that puppy phase, so we allowed him in the basement when we're not home. Then came Belle. She hated the kennel. After trying a few things, we ended up realizing that Indy soothes Belle. When we are not home, the two kennel-up together.

During the fall we picked up a 6'x12' outdoor kennel. Perfect option we thought. Until one day we came home to find the dogs out of their kennel. It didn't take long to determine the escape artist was Indy. He pulled the fencing apart so his head could stick out. He would move the kennel off the pad, which would allow the door to swing open easily, and eventually, he became so talented, he could open the door with a quick jerk of the neck. Nick built a nice insulated dog house hoping that would calm Indy. The panel with the door was flipped around so the pre-cut hole now lined up with the dog house and his last hole was now 5' off the ground. After one eight hour stretch while we were at work, Indy pulled the fence apart enough to make a hole big enough for all three of them to escape.

Grandma Lorraine has been looking for a dog to keep her company since Pups passed away not too long ago. Their first attempt was a failure. The dog bit Grandma and one of her caretakers. On Thanksgiving, Nick mentioned to his mom that maybe Grandma would want Indy as a companion. Today, Linda stopped by to pick up Indy. Wait, what? We only asked Seth once what his thoughts were around having to find Indy a new home. His response at that time was "If we have to, then okay." I wasn't ready for this decision to be finalized, nor did I feel Seth was given enough time to really think about what this meant. I was taken back that this was happening so quick after being just a brief two minute conversation with Seth.

I asked Seth if it was okay for Indy to go live with Grandma Lorraine at her farm. Amazingly, Seth was completely okay. Not a tear, not a fight, just a big boy saying it would be okay. "As long as I get to see him all the time." At 11:30am, Indy rode off to his new trial home. At 5:00pm we pulled up to the farm and visited Indy. It was like he was at home. He stretched out under the table and enjoyed the warmth of the home. With the number of caretakers that Grandma has, he will have to earn his right to stay. No forms of aggression. Although we heard he growled at one of Nick's aunts, we don't know what exactly happened. It's unheard of for him to show any signs of aggression. The closest is that he stands a few yards off the sidewalk and barks at people walking by.

I'm not sure who was more saddened today. Seth, or myself. We have had Indy since he was a puppy. He became Seth 's dog within a year. Slept at the foot of the bed and all-in-all has been a great dog for Seth.

Another Level of Trust

Sam's sick with pneumonia.
Addy's sleeping.
Nick's repairing the kennel from Indy making a hole through the fencing.

I was in need of newspaper for Black Friday and Nick wanted some caffeine.

Solution: Pull out Seth's bike from the shed, give him $5 and send him a half mile away to the gas station in town.

This school year, Seth and Sam walk to and from school by themselves. He's done great, so why not up that level of trust.

He was back in 15 minutes. What a big boy :)

Box Thief

Grandma Linda bought Adelynn a new car seat. Adelynn loves her new box. As soon as Seth saw the box, he tried to declare it his. The whole time Adelynn stood by the side of the box trying to get him out.

In, out... In... out. That has been her routine for the evening.

Cheesy Potatoes

I'm not much of one who enjoys cooking. Occasionally I'll get in the mood, but not often at all.

We were asked to bring cheesy potatoes to Thanksgiving at Nick's Aunt Anita's house. Ah man I though. Nick pulled out a family recipe book that I haven't seen in years and luckily there was a recipe inside.

My new goal is to make one dish a week from this book. I want my kids to grow up talking about at least one of my dinners they loved to have.

Tonight I did a trial run. It seems blah which might have to do with not putting onions in it. Or the missed butter that wasn't called out in the directions.

Sam asked if we could tell Aunt Anita that she likes her recipe and how she went for seconds with a heaping plate she may not be able to finish.

Braiding with Little Bear

Sam's been sick with some unknown bug that has made her sick with a headache, stomach ache, fever and sore throat for a week now. I'm not a parent who lets their kids stay home sick and have free play all day. Wake up, quiet time, tv for a hour and a half, lunch, nap and more quiet time. No running around playing, it's the couch or bed.

Sam has been sleeping on the couch by our room and hangs out on the couch all day. She has been braiding and re-braiding her horses tail and main. Today she was teaching little bear how to braid. Next class: French braids.

Chicken

Seth asked "Mom, where does chicken come from? Chicken?" I looked over at him and didn't say a thing.

"I answered my own question didn't I?"

11 Months

I can't believe that my baby is 11 months old already. She's grown so much. Yesterday she mastered giving high-fives and giving kisses.

To this day she remains such a sweet, mellow baby. Wakes at 7am during the week, and 8am on the weekends. A hour and a half later she's ready far a nap. We give her puppy, nuk and kisses nite-nite. She puts herself to sleep at both naps and bedtime. Crying is rare.

Mario Kart

Well, it's getting to be wii time of the year. It's pretty fun watching them play together. Definite improvement over the last year with behavior of not coming in first.

Seth does pretty good not crashing or driving off the edge. Sam, on the other hand, seems to enjoy the cliffs. The picture shows her flying off a cliff to the level below. One of the only boards that doesn't make her start over.

Our First Glimps

At my first OB appointment last week we weren't able to hear our new little one's heart beat so we were given two options; wait a week and come back or schedule an ultrasound. We decided to wait. Today I was training at the HealthEast Woodbury Clinic and figured I'd schedule an appointment to check for fetal heart tones. The Nurse Midwife student called out 160 beats per minute and the seasoned Nurse Midwife called out 150 beats per minute. The numbers didn't matter to me, just hearing the beats was all I needed. Through further discussion about how I go 16 days over with my pregnancies, it was suggested that I still go get an ultrasound. Nick was working in Cottage Grove today so I made the appointment for 4:15pm.

The time came and warm gel was squeezed onto my stomach. In a matter of seconds we saw our baby. S/he was active as every, waving back and forth to us. The ultrasound tech said "You are much further along than 12 weeks, 6 days. I would say you are about 15 weeks. I was excited that I was just bumped three weeks out, yet confused as to how we would have conceived that much sooner. As she continued to measure, the weeks began to shrink back down. I wasn't 12.6 weeks anymore, now I was moved to 13.3 weeks. Which moved our due date from Friday, May 24th to Monday, May 20th.

It was a great day. Nick was just thrilled with being able to see his second baby growing. Yet another miracle happening before his very eyes. We asked to find out the gender, but it's still a bit too early.

Carpenter Extraordinare

Seth has been working on a project with his Uncle Billy. He called saying it was finished and to let Nick know so he could earn his belt loop for Cub Scouts. I told him that we needed to see it so Nick could make sure it met the 'criteria'. Dave stopped by with Seth on his way to school and he quickly ran it into the house. I was very surprised. I figured it was going to be a big bulky crooked bid house. Instead it was the cutest bird house that I have ever seen. I am so proud of him! Seth's next project is to build his momma a bird house. I'm sure we'll use Uncle Billy's blue prints and bring it to one of the spring Pack Meetings to have the scouts build one as well.

The Latest Crave

When I was admitted to United Hospital I was introduced to a tasty drink of Sprite and Cranberry juice. Not too long ago Pepsi came out with Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash. I'm addicted. It's just that good.

Sam asked why I bought so many liters. Two reasons I said.

1. They were only $1
2. I like it and know that you two will drink them up before I get my first glass.

A++

Seth has been doing great in school since he started getting one-on-one help in Special Ed with reading with dyslexia. He absolutely loves it.

Math isn't included, but he doesn't seem to need it. He still has Mrs. Karen help read his word problems. It's just a matter of helping him break down the facts and solve what they are asking of you.

Awesome job buddy :)

Veteran's

Nick joined the National Guard shortly before graduating high school. He served in Iraq from 2005-2006. He is selfless and we're lucky to have him home with us today. In 2008 he chose to not re-enlist. His knee was causing him too much pain and he didn't want to leave us knowing he's have to go back to Iraq in the coming year. Today he serves as a volunteer firefighter/first responder. It's his way of finding a path that allows him to give back and help our community.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Hi!

This morning Adelynn hung out with me in bed and drank her bottle.

She'd crawl over to me stand up beside me and bounce on the bed. I was laying on my stomach so I couldn't see her too well. She's crouch down, lean forward and put her face just a few inches from mine. "Hi" she'd say. Then back to bouncing she went. After a little while, she'd crouch down, lean forward and put her face just a few inches from mine. "Hi" she'd say. That same process repeated at least three more times.

Yesterday I was burning our scrap wood and fallen twigs with Adelynn. She learned "hot" and did a good job saying it.

Words so far:
Ma Ma
Dah
Uh-oh (which was short lived)
Hi
Hot

Overloaded?

Why yes, I think we just might be!

Nick and I are very active in our community as well as in our children's lives. There isn't much time for hanging out at home. When we are at home, we're usually working on a project or cleaning the house.

Nick's List
Tousley Ford Parts - Nick has a job he really likes it. (well, most days) The downfalls - It's 45 minutes away and he works 9-6pm. That means, he is out of the house from 8am to 7pm Monday through Friday, with a Saturday shift of 7-4pm once a month. He has little paid time off. I hate him working there to be honest, and he knows it. He gets home so late, which cuts out us going anywhere on the weeknight. It's a job and he wouldn't get paid like he does by working at the Ford dealership in Northfield.
Volunteer Firefighter/First Responder - Meetings monthly on the 1st & 3rd Thursday and the 3rd Monday of each month. Meetings run from 7-9:30pm which means three days a month I will only see him for the brief and chaotic hour in the morning.
Cub Master & Den Leader -  Round Table Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month from 6:30-9pm. (another night without seeing my husband) Leader Meetings on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Pack Meetings on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Monthly activity outside of the Pack Meeting for scouts to participate in if interested.

Lori's List
System Analyst @ HealthEast Care System - maybe... We are in the process of a reorg, so I have no idea where I will be placed in the coming month. Right now I train new doctors and clinic staff on how to use our electronic medical records. I the offer them support at the clinics, which is my favorite part. Finding ways to make their life easier.
Field LPN @ Prairie River Home Care - (based out of Rochester), I basically wait to be called when there is someone who needs medical care within their home. I started this position because our friends family member needed help with her wound dressings every three days. They live just down the road from us, and it didn't seem right that her daughter should have to do this work all of the time. Her elderly parents live with her and her family. Another way for me to help others make their life easier. Jo has been in the hospital and transitional care awaiting to come home. I'm sure I'll be out taking care of her within a month. PRHC wasn't sure if they would really need me. But it turns out that they do. I've been caring for a cancer survivor who lives 15 miles from me. Every night I drive over to her house, spend about 15-30 minutes with her and then head home. What is great about this job is that one visit pays roughly the same as what I make at HealthEast. No matter how long or short of a timeframe I'm there.Treasurer for Cub Scouts - Each scout has their own account that I manage their funds out of. Plus the Pack has their own funds as well. I run to the Scout Shop at least weekly to pick up uniforms, awards, achievement buckles, etc. so the parents don't have to be inconvenienced by running to one of the shops themselves. (Hours and locations aren't that great). Since there is one just a few miles from my work that I drive past twice a day, it seems to make sense for me to make their life easier. I also attend all of the pack events and meetings.
Troop Leader for Girl Scouts - I have felt horrible for Sam's experience in Girl Scouts. Her troop leader for the past few years has never scheduled fun events with the girls. They just sell cookies and make crafts once a month. Another mom and I had enough, and have stepped in. We're in the process of trying to keep the girls who have dropped out due to the less than acceptable troop gatherings. We will meet with the girls twice a month plus schedule a fun event each month if they wish to participate.
Church School Teacher - Each Wednesday evening all three kids and I head off to St. Mark's Church. Last year I co-taught 2nd grade with another mom. This year I am teaching the same group as 3rd graders. It has been going well. Except for last week. They were roudy as all could be. I implemented a 'time out' and had each of the 11 students sit on their own pew. Shush! I don't think I was meant to teach kids. I can't even get them to listen to me. Alright, where is that ruler. ;)
Inver Hills College Student - I'm doing it - going back to school to get my RN. I hope to be accepted into the RN program for their Summer of 2014 program. The program will last a year and a half. After I get my RN, I'll continue on to obtain my Masters and then decide where to go from there. Right now, I'd like to be a Certified Nurse Midwife or a Nurse Practicioner. These programs would take another two years of specialized training. If anything, I'll be able to show that I did something for myself. Well, maybe more for my kids to have a better future as I would be able to help pay for their college.
Cannon Falls Soccer Coach - I've coached Sam's soccer team the last two years. Seth would like to try soccer next Summer. I'm sure I'll coach again. I used to say to myself back in High School that I would one day coach. I'm starting with the young kids, and follow my kids as they grow. If they stop, I might just continue up to the junior high kids, where they know the fundamentals of soccer - now we focus on techniques. I've even talked with other parents about finding out how to bring soccer to Randolph High School. That would be the best!

Sam's List
Hip Hop Dancer @ Northfield Dance Academy. She raised enough money to pay for 3/4 of her dance costs for the entire year. Sam dances from 6:30-7:15pm every Tuesday. She has a few recitals scheduled throughout the year.
Girl Scout
Hockey Player - If she could get her way. She did a "Try Hockey For Free" event in Northfield with the Taylors. She did so great and was even put with the older kids because she did so well; and yes, she scored a goal.

Seth's List
Cub Scout - Seth was in the top 3 for selling Wreaths and Swags. Next week he'll be able to toss a whip cream pie into a leaders face as well as be awarded with a gift card for his achievement.
Trapping Assistant

Adelynn's List
Giggle Maker
Snuggle Master

Trapping

It's that time of year when every time I turn around someone is wearing blaze orange.

This past weekend Seth disappeared Friday night to go trapping with Grandpa Jim and spent the night to so they could get up early in the morning. He came home close around 3pm and we headed up to Bloomington for our Water Park of America trip. After getting home at 10pm, he decided to sleep in his own bed instead of riding back with Grandma Linda to sleep at their house. We tried to convince him to sleep at Grandma & Grandpa's house so we wouldn't have to wake up at 5am just to get him up and moving. Our efforts didn't work out too well. He wasn't about to sleep on a loveseat again or share a bed with Grandpa Jim.

Today he was off again with Grandpa trapping from 4:30-8:30pm. Seth said Grandpa and him are going to make me a skunk coat with all of the skunks they have been bringing home. Geez thanks. "Grandpa likes to tease you momma. He likes you." Seth says to me.

New Interests

A year ago or so we bought Sam an apron. It has hung on a nail in the kitchen with the apron Nick's Grandma Del made him.

Lately Sam has been all about making me breakfast in the morning. It was finally a weekend I could sleep in past 8am and I was woken with a hug from Sam telling me breakfast was ready.

While I slept, Nick snuck my phone to capture our new chef in action. She sure has developed a passion for cooking. The next day, we baked cookies.

Who Are You Voting For

... Asked Seth during dinner.

Me: "I don't know"
Sam: "You should vote for Mitt Romney."
Me: "Why?"
Sam: "Bexause he's never been president before."

Although she has a point, I won't use that as a basis for my decision.

Seth: "Where are you voting?"
Me: "The firehall"
Sam: "Can we come watch?"
Me: "Nope, you'll be at school."
Sam: "You can go to www.scholasticnews.com/vote and let us vote."

Seth would vote for President Obama.

Addy is keeping her vote a secret.

Mastering the waves

Seth and Sam were given $30 each in the form of a gift card to Water Park of America last Christmas. Well, it's been 11 months and we finally made it.

The place was packed. Getting individual tubes was proving to be difficult so we headed to the 10th floor for the Family Raft ride. The hour of us loaded up and off we went. Within a few seconds I was backwards and my stomach wasn't appreciating it. Watch out kids, momma might throw up on you. They were lucky, I made it to the bottom. Please don't push me backwards next time. We headed over to the tube slides and happened to find four quickly. Down we went. I was facing forward and still felt sick. Guess I'm destined for the lazy river. :( Seth and Sam kept vanishing to rides. On our hunt for them, we found them in line for Cascade Falls. Sam gave it one try and didn't last long. Maybe next time. Seth wiped out in a matter of seconds and went for another try. He mastered it. Next goal is tricks and spraying the line of those waiting.

Seth's board flipped and he was quickly washed up surf to the top.

Anatomy & Physiology

Who wants to dissect a pig?

It seems to be all that I've been doing every Tuesday since August.

This is a kidney. We will need to label each part of the kidney, the vessels, pyramids, cortex, etc. as well as know what everything does. This class is considered a 'hybrid'. We are to self learn the subject for the week and come our 50 minute class to take a quiz weekly, or an exam every three to four weeks. After that class, those who didn't take lab in the morning, head down one floor to the A&P lab room from 4-6pm. I appreciate having less class time, but I also appreciate having lectures. This class offers around 30 minutes of lectures each week. My instructor focuses on the tough areas of the subject and provides a study guide for the quizes/exams. After she finishes with this weeks lecture, she opens up for questions that students may have for the quiz we are taking. (Which is not directly related to the lecture we just finished listening to.)

I'm not sure how I'll make it through a year and a half of college classes while working full time. But that is what I decided to do. Family and then college.

I want life to be easier for my kids - college first - then family. For me, if I would have went to college first, I wouldn't have the family I have today. Life wouldn't be the same...