Seven

Today is the day! Our Adelynn June turns seven years old! 

What does this girl live for?

• Reading and getting 100% on her AR books. She’s the highest reader in her class and gets to test out in the hallway. (That must be a big deal). 
• Hockey! “I was born to play games!” She also helps the younger kids in the Learn to Skate program.
• Coloring and lots of it!
• Taylor Swift on her Amazon Alexa.
• Cleaning, unpacking, laundry, dishes, you name it and she wants to help.

For her birthday she got a heart shaped necklace that said “I love you more” from Grandma Loken. A new fancy coat, a hockey hat and Sam made her a blanket in her FACs class.

Inspection Day

Today we met the fire inspector. We should have studied!

What work has been done on your home? By who? What year? Permits pulled (he knew that answer)? He wanted to know every little bit of work we did to the house even down to painting the kitchen ceiling.

Nick recounted the moments leading up to the fire and each step taken once discovered. The cause seemed clear that there was an arc in the electrical line between the junctions box and the attic light. Next was who did the electrical work in 2008? Not us! We bought the house Spring 2009.

Our insurance adjuster stopped by and spoke to the fire inspector. We were told to stay out of that room until the fire investigation was complete. What does this mean? No demo work until all is cleared. How long? Upwards of two months depending on how long the investigation with insurance and statute of limitation was cleared. Good. This will be great.

Our potential contractor stopped by as well and met the other two gentlemen. Three times we had to walk through and point out damage, explain how we felt it started and wait to hear their plans.

My house was a mess. Strangers tromping through at their leisure. I dislike this. I’ve always disliked having people over when my house is a mess. With four kids and three pets who don’t understand where they let their waste go, makes for a yuck house. 

StayBridge Suites

Today is an exciting day! We get to take our next step in bringing some sense of “home” back to our family.

We checked into Staybridge Suites in Eagan this afternoon. It’s tight but so much better than I expected. We have a central living area with an almost full kitchen. (Minus an oven)

Through the far door is a room with two queen beds and a full bath.

The other door off of the living area led to a master suite.

For the first time in 9 years, we had a second bathroom. This is going to be great!!

The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, three complimentary dinners, laundry on each floor, light housekeeping and did I mention two bathrooms?!

Frustrations

We recently bought the girls loft beds, new mattresses, new shelving for clothes. Their room didn’t smell like smoke much but the water came pouring in.

Back to the beginning we go! Plus side, we can reevaluate a lot of purchases.

Can’t Come Back

It’s a beautiful day outside. The bigs are loving their time with the Taylor’s and riding the bus to school. Nick and I are still at a loss of what to do. I have a need to clean the house but can’t. We aren’t allowed inside the house until the Fire Marshall comes.

Now what? I guess we could take advantage of the weather, clear our minds a bit and kayak down the Cannon River. Our neighbor Troy drove us to the launch site so we wouldn’t have to deal with two cars.

It was a great float... until the severe weather came rushing in. We pulled out on a high bank and called the Roberge’s to see if they could give us a lift home. 

What To Take

Nick and I returned home to pack to some things. The bigs were at the Taylor’s house and the littles were hanging with Grandma Schiller.

We found a hotel that would fit the six of us and allow pets. Closest was in Eagan which was great for work but not so much for the next month of school. Downfall, can’t check in until Monday.

I was at a loss. What am I supposed to grab. How do I know what we’ll need? I can’t take a lot since we have to live out of our cars for the weekend. Summer clothes? Kids stuff? Ugh! This sucks!

Water had a chance to settle into the plaster and our ceilings started to crack. We are pretty fortunate for having plaster walls and ceilings. If they had been sheetrock, the fire would have spread more rapidly and the water weight would have dropped any ceilings on the main level that were intact the night before. 

The Fire

I was getting ready to leave for dinner in Madison when I got a call from Nick. Our house was on fire. It took a bit to determine the severity and whether or not I needed to go back to my hotel and pack up for a long drive home or if it was minor enough where me coming home wouldn’t be of benefit.

The attic light started on fire. Seth noticed a loss of power in his room and the breaker kept tripping. He called for Nick who confirmed something was going on and then let the littles know he’d be right back outside. Then Nick saw smoke and hollered upstairs for Seth to get out.

I came home. Packed up and started the four hour drive in the pouring rain. My drive was full of phone calls with family, friends, insurance and work.

I got home about midnight and Nick showed me around by flashlight. The main level stink like smoke and burnt debris scattered on the floor leading upstairs, all of which was being tracked down from upstairs. As I went upstairs I had to cover my face with my shirt to breath.

The hallway attic access door was down, the roof black. Sam’s old bedroom ceiling was full of holes from the fire department as they tried to stay ahead of the fire. The attic was charred. Our belongings inside were soaked with water and fire extinguisher contents.

It could have been worse. Our fire department acted fast with the help of the Cannon Falls Fire Department.  Damage seemed minimal. Our house looked fine from the outside minus a few broken windows and plywood covering a hole on our roof. 

Nobody was hurt, our pets were safe, or upcoming days suddenly became unknown. As of tonight, all we knew is that we couldn’t sleep in our house again for months.

I Made These For Mommy

It’s been a long month of travel between Cale’s wedding, Colorado and now a week at Epic. All of which were without my kiddos.

Today I got a picture from Nick that made me miss them more. I’m sure it’s a Mother’s Day present and of course Adelynn couldn’t wait to give them to me.

The unfortunate thing is she never got to give me them. The next post will explain why.

Don’t Let Them Go

It’s that time again! I’m back out at Epic for another conference so that means it’s time to get another tattoo. I went back and forth a few times on whether or not I should get one since I have plans for a mountain tattoo later this month. You can’t break tradition right?

Why butterflies? They are beautiful and kids love chasing them. You want them to land beside you. They are fragile and when you catch one, you don’t want to let go. It’s like love. Chase those butterflies and do whatever it takes to not let them go.

The Middle

One of my most favorite quotes about life. 

Minneapolis

I’ve flown a lot over my life but I don’t ever recall flying over Minneapolis. If you look past the smog it’s a pretty view. Much like the mountains, they look still but it is full of life. 

Nothing is what it seems. Take a moment and look deeper. Life is moving fast.

Majestic Mountains

I’ve learned a lot about where my passions lie in the last year. Everything I love and that brings me peace lead back to one thing.

Nature.

Nature is like an automobile accident for me. I can’t help but to look and look hard. What’s going on in there? What would it be like to hike up one? Think of all the wildlife! The simplicity of living. A block from technology so you focus on family, friends and keeping our world beautiful.

I absolutely love the mountains. They are majestic. They are hugged with snow and are full of life. Full of wonder. Full of opportunities.

I took this picture at a spa just west of Denver. It was more relaxing to look at the mountains for the hour than it was to get my 80 minute massage.

Girls Weekend

This weekend is year 10 for Beth’s annual girls weekend trip. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend four years.

We leave on Friday mornings and return Sunday afternoons. Beth and her grandmother share their birthday dinner with the girls and their immediate family. On Saturdays we spend a few hours at the spa before the limo comes to pick us up for a night in the big city.

I started off only knowing Beth. But over these last four trips I have made more and more friends. This group is full of laughter and kindness. It’s too bad we only get together once to twice a year.

Hilton Head

We left Cape Canaveral for Titusville to load up and say our goodbyes. Five hours later we arrived at The Beach Houses in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It’s beautiful here with the trees, large wrapped porches and southern style.

Our room overlooks the ocean and the Tiki Hut where live music plays.

We ate ahi tuna and crab stuffed NY Strip at Bombaras. I would have loved to get more time here. I’ll be on out must return list.

Today has remained constant with high winds but waves are not as large as in Cocoa Beach. We listened to live music and walked the beach.

What The Trap is Going On?

Seth is back for another season of trap with tonight being his first practice. Usually the grass is green and the sun is warm. Not this year. They needed the shovel.

Seth did pretty good with 16/25 on both rounds.

He really enjoys shooting trap. This season he’s shooting with the 12g Winchester SXP. Last year he used his old gun, 20g Remington 870. 

Masked

For Easter Sam got a facial set. She was so generous and treated all but Nick to either a clay or charcoal mask. We are all beautiful now. 

Easter Sunday

This year was pretty laid back. We stayed home, dyed Easter eggs, made slime, crafts and lots of messes.

Sam and I played messy Easter bunny for a friend. It’s all about the memories. Right?!

We’re Campers!

Grandpa Russ and Lori came up to the cities for the RV show last weekend. A few days later I got a call asking if we want to buy his toy hauler.

Absolutely! I’ve had enough of our tents blowing down and getting damaged from storms.

We’re excited to use it and already have a few trips planned.

Pizza~n~Cream

There’s nothing better than some deliciously creamy ice cream. I think it’s worth another drive to Rushford.

Maybe a family kayak trip down the Root River is in order this summer.

The Moon and Me

I love the moon. No matter where it is in the sky I will find it, or attempt to given the weather. The moon never looks the same. It varies in color, size, shape and even brightness. Phone cameras never do it justice. That’s okay though. The moon is held tight in my mind and inked in my skin. It tells me that I am never alone.

Promise of a better day. Promise of a greater hope. 

Chick Magnet

The kids are always excited about their crafts made at school. This one was super exciting for Noah. Over the course of three days he was pulling this chick out and showing it to whoever he crossed paths with.

Although he kept referring to it as a duck also. Chick, duck, you made it kid, call it what you like.

Boots n Boys

It felt like a good day to wear my new cowboy boots to work. As I went in the porch I saw Noah putting on his cowboy boots.

Those boots have done some walking in their 10 years of life. They were loved by Seth when he was 3-5 years old and are now carrying Noah through his preschool years.

He’s stinkin cute! I tried finding a picture of Seth in those boots and I’m not having much luck. But I did find him in his brown boots which Sam took over after he grew out of those. I also found Sam in her cute little Mexico dress and her red boots.

I love kids in boots!

Sunday Funday

Today Nick and Belle went up to RJ’s and flushed pheasants with the dogs at the state natural area adjacent to his property. The littles and I kidnapped Anni for the day. We abandoned grocery shopping and grabbed lunch at Applebee’s. We then went to the store and picked up jump ropes for the girls and a Spider-Man kite for Noah. Off to Vermillion Falls to walk the river, jump rope and fly a kite.

We almost lost Noah’s kite to the river when the hook came off the string. I saved the day and according to the littles I almost fell in.

It was chilly out but that didn’t stop them from playing. 

We then headed out on a two mile walk to the top of the Hastings bridge over the Mississippi. Nick and RJ came into town and the four of us ran so we could make it to the top of the bridge. 

Green Mill for dinner and home to cycle kids through the shower before bed.

RHFD Banquet

Tonight was the fire department banquet. We had dinner and played bags, jenga and box hockey with friends. It was also our inaugural game with our jenga set. Nick was a sweet man and went home to get ours after one of the wives got a sliver from the other homemade game. It was so much fun. We closed down the event at headed home. 

A Model Plane

Seth took his art project a step further and decided to make an airplane. How cool is this?!

We are all pleased that it didn’t blow up in the kiln. I’m super pleased it wasn’t another bowl to add to my collection.

Cadet Brunner

Seth went to Red Wing with one of the Sargent and picked up his new uniform for the Civil Air Patrol. 

He’s a cadet now. I’m proud of him and I look forward to seeing where this new adventure takes him. 

I Miss This Place

I have our TV set up to use Shutterfly pictures as our screensaver. I turn it on just to look at pictures. Tonight the cabin came up and all of the memories followed.

Hours of fishing. Dance offs. Hanging out with kids down the road. Learning to ski. Watching my grandpa clean fish and later cleaning thrm with him. Watching grandma make crafts. Square dancing. Mad dashes to the outhouse at dark hoping a bear wouldn’t eat me. Family. The cabin brought us all together and it left me with lasting memories.

Kiss My Plaster

I thought about replacing walls in the house with sheetrock but after tearing down the few sections of wall in the old office this plaster can kiss my rear! The plaster crumbled while the metal lath eats up blades like it hasn’t been fed in a century.

My bedroom closet and the office closet are no more. The other side of the plaster wall is my bedroom. I cannot wait to have a master bathroom.

~ Live ~ Laugh ~ Love ~

It’s easy to get caught up dwelling on the negatives. I need to remind myself to live hard, laugh often and love a lot.

Maybe this tattoo should have been on my wrist. I forget it’s there with our long winters. Even after getting it seven years ago today.

Titans to Tommy

Today Sam wrapped up her one week Titans Spotlight Classic which consisted of one practice and one game. She played with Kyra, Autumn and Bree against another Titan team.

It was a close game with Sam assisting Autumn in a goal. We lost 4-3. Fiona from camp played defense with Sam and had RJ Asher coach.

After that game we headed to Eagan for her first practice on the Tommy Chicago Green team which mostly consisted of second year u12 girls from the Hastings A team.

It looks to be a fun summer season ahead.

Little Swimmers

Last day of swimming lessons for my littles. Adelynn can swim through the deep end on her own. Noah is all about playing.