As Donkey puts it, "Really?" and Shrek answers, "Really, really."

I'm only hours away from 2012! Where did 2011 go?!?

Let's recap...

My year literally started with my going to work, getting pulled around in slush, spinning my car around to face the DIRECTION I came from, totalling a power pole and my car, and getting a ride in the ambulance. Finally found out I had an incomplete fracture on the right side of the head of my right tibia, did soft tissue damage to my left ankle, and have essentially been off work since then. All we can figure is my right knee hit the steering column and my left ankle hit the emergency brake. I miss my Impala... Driving a Suburban is NOT the same!

I'm not remembering anything that happened in February, other than I got to be on crutches for what seemed forever. I also got to drive myself to physical therapy.

I tried working for a 4 hour shift in March. Ended up having my knee swell to the size of a basketball and stay that way for 3 days after... That was the end of working this year for me.

March also saw Traci and the girls come for a visit (and FINALLY get to celebrate Christmas with them--I fully blame my accident since we were going to head to the East side of WI the weekend following my accident.) We had a lot of fun. Hopefully, they can come again.

I don't remember anything for April and May saw Monster finish Kindergarten. I remember him being little!!! Now he's 7 and following in my footsteps a bit too much... (I need to pray more often then speak.)

The garden got planted with 17 tomato plants, a couple pepper plants that didn't want to do anything, some celery I let go too far, 2.5 rows of strawberries that will be bountiful in 2012, and way too many squash/pumpkins...

June, July, and August saw me working in the flower garden and garden. We also got to spend quite a bit of time at Traci's while Luke worked on her downstairs bathroom and guest room. We're glad she likes how they have turned out, even though they aren't fully finished.

September saw Monster start 1st grade... When the days were decent, we walked up to school. Then I'd take Peanut and we'd go get Monster after school. I got 3 miles of walking in those days at least...

September also saw Luke and I celebrate our 7th anniversary. It seems so short, but then again, it seems like forever. I love you, Luke!

September also saw us getting involved in Cub Scouts. Monster joined and has earned his Bobcat Badge. He is working on his Tiger Cub Badge (only 2 more requirements! YEAH!)

October saw the Tiger Cubs without a leader. Monster asked if I would, and since I have time while Peanut and I are home, I became the Tiger Cub Den Leader. I am the leader for 8 1st graders. Luckily, I have 2 people I can turn to if I have questions or need help. Thank you, Jenny and Staci!  Also, I luck out that the Tiger Cubs have to have an adult partner at all their meetings.

I also got to take the boys to Cub World (a 6 hour day camp for Cub Scouts) North of Rice Lake, WI, in October. Monster got to do wall climbing, shoot a junior compound bow (where he shot the target with 3 of 5 arrows), make a paper boat, make a pinecone birdfeeder, do an obstacle course, and several other activities. It was a long day since I didn't know exactly where I was going, so we got up and left really early. (I think we left the house by 6 AM, and luckily, because we left so early when I got lost we still made it to Cub World in time.)

November saw the boys celebrate their birthdays. Monster turned 7 and Peanut 4. Where DID the time go?!?

December saw Peanut try to eat a Christmas tree light bulb and therefore a trip to the Urgent Care. Luckily, he's fine. We got hit with the stomach flu. Monster was sick for 1.5 days, Peanut 1 day, and me 1.5 days. Luke only felt icky; he didn't vomit.

We did Christmas morning/day just us four. The boys made out like farming bandits.
Then we did Christmas with Luke's family on the 26th, and we all got very nice gifts.

Hopefully, we'll get to do the Seefeldt family Christmas January 6-8th. *fingers crossed and lots of prayers being said*

Alright. Here goes... I'm 2 hours 4 minutes away. I don't think I'll make it awake, so I'll say it now:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2 gift openings down, 1 to go...

We made it through another gift opening. I think we need to move gift opening to no later than 10 am. All 8 of the kids got cranky and tired because NONE of them could get naps while there were gifts to open... Needless to say, we all got a lot of nice gifts. (How do you let people know that less is actually more?) Thank goodness one of the boys' and my New Year's Resolutions is to go through the toys and figure out what they truly play with and donate the rest.

Now, to get the boys to sign thank you cards for all the gifts they received. And for all of us to feel better again. Peanut ended up with diarrhea today. I'm not feeling good. Luke said he isn't feeling good.  Oh the joys of family get-togethers...

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Have a safe and Happy New Year! God Bless!

Merry Christmas!

Ok, I'm hoping the bout of stomach flu is done going through the house. Monster was sick Wednesday and Thursday, Peanut Friday, and me Friday night. Hopefully, Luke only gets the upset stomach he had.

We didn't have Christmas with the Albers family yesterday due to people being sick, so that has been changed to the 26th. (What a way to keep people off the streets with the ungrateful unhappy people exchanging/returning gifts and all the After-Christmas "bargains". As if materialism is any form of bargain...)

Because of the stomach flu, Christmas with the Seefeldt family is post-poned until next weekend. (Which actually works better,  because then we won't arrive late at Traci's.)

Monster and Peanut made out like farming bandits this morning. Below are some of the pictures showing opening gifts and what they got. Daddy and Santa sure know how to pick out gifts for the boys.

The boys waiting for Daddy to come downstairs so they can begin.

Monster is ready to start!

Peanut's Santa gift: a gator!

Monster got a bale wagon.

Monster's Santa gift: a New Holland (blue) tractor.

Peanut got a forage wagon

Peanut got a John Deere 6140D scale size (Daddy oopsed on this one...)

Ha, ha! Daddy got to "help" with all the twist ties/cable ties that each implement and tractor had!

The boys with their gifts from Mama & Daddy and Santa. They really like them all.

The best Christmas present available in our home: a lapful of little boys. Our greatest blessing!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. Remember, the Reason for the Season is Christ, so please show your thanks to our Father, God the Almighty!

God Bless everyone!

Christmas plans completely changed

Yesterday at 12:05 PM I got a phone call from school: Monster just threw up all over himself. Could I come get him? By the time I got to school, he had done it again. By 12:15 PM when we got home, he did it again. By 2:30 PM I figure he had thrown up at least 20 times. He rested from when he got home but didn't get any rest since his stomach was rebelling and then he started a fever. 5 PM last night his temp was 101.5 F. At 7:30 PM it was 102.5 F. He got a dose of ibuprofen and got to sleep on the couch while I slept in Luke's chair. (I'll sit in it but will never sleep in it again...) He's got a slight low-grade temp this morning and is still throwing up when he tries to drink too much.

So much for going to have Christmas with my family... I guess we'll see if we can have it with Luke's. If not, we have our own Christmas.

Peanut is a very lucky little boy. His eating glass Christmas tree lights actually ended just fine. No complications. It might have helped he's been eating apples and frosted mini wheats, which essentially go right through him, so I'm sure took all the glass with. Thank You, God, for watching over my over-zealous child.

I want to apologize to my family for not being able to make it this weekend. We were all looking forward to it. Keep praying we'll all feel better and can come next weekend.

Lord, please help Monster feel better quickly. He knows he doesn't feel good, but is really getting bored. Also, help Peanut be patient while Monster is recovering. Sometimes the attention doesn't need to be on him 100% of the time. Help me, Lord, be patient with my children and husband while everyone is stressed and trying to make sure recovery is possible. This I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Merry Christmas to the Seefeldt families: Mom & Dad and all my siblings and their families.
Merry Christmas to the Albers families: J & M and Luke's siblings and their families.

May God bless us all and keep us happy, healthy, safe, and with full knowledge that each of us is extremely loved.

Our Christmas present to each other will go to the hospital instead...

I love my children. Really, I do! Yesterday, though, Luke and I found out what turns a parent's hair gray...

Peanut, Monster, and I had just gotten home from church, which both of the boys fully enjoyed the Children's Liturgy (so WANT to go to church now). I went to change my clothes and then to the bathroom. I come out to Peanut crying, running towards me, yelling, "It hurts! It hurts!" I got him calmed down enough to for him to tell me what was wrong, only to find out it was a parent's nightmare. We have miniature lights on our Christmas tree. For some unknown reason, he decided to see what they TASTE like! All we can figure out is he bit a light, spit out at least 75% of the glass from the bulb, and then swallowed the small pieces he couldn't get off his tongue. Thank You, God, that there were no pieces larger than 1/8th of an inch. But STILL!!! We called our clinic and  found out they wanted us to bring Peanut in for a check-over. So all of us (Luke included) climbed in the Burb and drove 30 minutes to our clinic/hospital. We were told the bulb portion of our lights were plastic, which they're NOT. Anyway, we get to watch him closely for the next 1/2 week or more to see if he spikes a fever, has bloody stool, or complains of abdominal pain. (He wasn't force to purge his stomach.) Please pray for him that none of those symptoms show up. I really don't want to deal with a body cavity infection or any other infections. 

All this while, Luke is getting a no-caffine headache so needs to go home when it is super sunny out. Well, we got home, I'm making lunch for everyone, only to hear Luke tell Peanut, "Get that out of your mouth!" Lord, didn't we JUST go through all of that?!? Peanut put the cord for a lighted Christmas decoration in his mouth promptly after just having had glass in his mouth... (I think I said at least 5 "Our Father"s at that point. It was that or burst into tears.)

I'm thankful that the lights on our tree our newer so don't have lead in them, but how grateful can you truly be that your 4 year-old decided to try a glass bulb?!?

I think I'm going to buy a box of haircolor next time I go shopping... That way no one will see how many gray hairs my children have given me...

Thankfully, they have given me so much more joy and happiness versus the gray hairs. Thank You, God!

To whom ever reads this, please say a prayer for my children--that they survive their explorations as children and that Luke and I don't kill them for their explorations as children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

              Faith Hope Joy Love

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I think my give a darn is busted...again or is it still busted?!?

Ok, I just don't care today. It is drizzly outside so is a dreary day. I did my errands this morning. All I HAVE to do the rest of the day are: pick up Monster from CCD, make Wednesday night pizza, put dishes in dishwasher, add soap, and push the button, read to the boys and put them to bed, take a shower, and put me to bed. To bad there's a list a mile long that I should do. My give a darn is busted. (Catholic upbringing and two little boys really do change how a person things and speaks. Besides, if I swear, both boys think it is ok. But if Luke swears, they know it's naughty and don't dare repeat what Daddy said. Not fair!!!!)

Tomorrow I am going to do laundry, as it's piling up again, take treats up to Monster's school for the teachers, make Beer and Cheddar soup with homemade bread, and get my Christmas cards mailed. Pictures will have to wait until I have a nice professionally done one of the boys. (Unless I can get Luke to join us for a family picture.... *fingers crossed, saying a prayer*)

I hate dreary days. I'm a carb-addict and dreary days always meant munching on something that made me sluggish. AKA CARBS! Today's has been Snowball treats (peanut butter, corn flakes, powdered sugar all mixed then rolled into balls, dipped in powdered sugar glaze, then rolled in coconut). I need to get the treats out of the house. They're evil, and I have no will-power, I swear it!

*big deep breath in---hold it, hold it, hold it---slowly let it out*

Dear God, help each person in our family understand the true meaning of Christmas. Fill us with joy. Make us more loving. Amen.

Cookies & treats for teachers

Well, I volunteered through our PTO to bring in 6-7 dozen cookies and/or treats for the teachers this Thursday. I made 16 ivory bark dipped sandwich cookies, 38 hint of mint chocolate chip bars, and 30+ snowball treats (peanut butter, powdered sugar, and this year's have corn flakes, dipped in powdered sugar glaze then rolled in coconut). I have a total of 4 containers to take to school on Thursday.  Now onto baking 4 dozen white chocolate macadamia nut cookies and making another batch of snowballs. The first are a Christmas gift; the second are for the boys.

The Tiger Cub meeting last night went well. We made a Food Pyramid and discussed the MyPlate idea of eating. We also made Reindeer puppets (Thank you, Traci!). All the boys got to decide how they wanted their puppets to look. Monster made his look a bit in need of a hunter: one antler is under the ear while the other is on top of the head. I think we need to call in Daddy or Grandpa to put it out of its misery...

My MIL gave me a good idea for the adults in Luke's family for Christmas gifts: supply some non-perishable groceries in a basket or bucket. I can handle that, I just need to talk with Luke about the idea.

I have come to the conclusion that I really dispise the word "No", especially when kids learn to spell it and then spell it for their answers... Peanut is now doing that.

Monster needs to find out the spelling of his CCD teachers' names for me. That way I can make sure I spell them correctly on the gifts Monster is giving them for Christmas.

The boys got to decorate the Christmas tree on Sunday night. I put together the tree, put on the lights and garland, and then let the boys put on the ornaments. I also put on the star. Next year, hopefully, we'll get a better looking artificial tree or (if I am unlucky) a real tree (Luke wants it). Only 10 more days (everything permitting) that we go across state for Christmas with my family. We've had a late or even non-existant Christmas with my family the entire time we've been married. This year I said we were spending Christmas with my family. Sorry, Lord, but I got tired of making my family always second fiddle. Please forgive me. Amen

Dear God, help each person in our family understand the true meaning of Christmas. Fill us with joy. Make us more loving. Amen.

Dear Lord, one more request: please fill Luke's heart with love and understanding. Help him find the truth not his biased view of Catholicism. Help him to fulfill his duty as not only a Christian but hopefully a Catholic father and husband. I ask for your help in this, in Jesus's name. Amen.

Guadete, or Joy, does not come from what we do, but who we love

I need to remember my title this coming week. My "to do" list is getting longer, but I need to step back and breathe deeply a few times and just let life take its own course. I'm here, so I'll go for the ride but I can turn my boat to shore if need be.

We received a handout from Church of what the 4 weeks of Advent mean. This is week 3. The week of Joy. We're asked to set aside some time this week to do at least one thing with those we love just for the sheer joy of it. Whatever it is, do it as a family and simply enjoy the time together.

Last night Grandpa A took the boys and I to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Wabasha, MN. Wabasha is lucky in being one of only 140 stops the Holiday Train makes. The train is lit up with Christmas lights in designs such as snowflakes, snowmen, candy canes, and the boxcars are outlined. I'm not sure how many cars it had, but it was a cool sight. I have never seen it before. Monster liked it because he got to see the locomotive this year. I guess in previous years he hasn't gotten to. I learned a lesson though; when you have a 36 pound Peanut (said shaking my head, because he did NOT feel that light last night) on your shoulders and the band from the train says they want to see people dancing, your shoulders and neck lose. Or at least mine did.

Today includes watching Mass on TV, hopefully ship off one if not both boys with Grandpa A, finish 5 beadie angels, making a Food Pyramid for our Tiger Scout meeting tomorrow night, and to start making 3 batches of cookies that will be divided up for the teachers at Monster's school and Luke's parents and siblings. There might be some left for us, but I don't care if there are. We're making Chocolate Mint Chocolate Chip cookies, Snowballs, and White Chocolate covered sandwich cookies. Yeah, I know. Not the traditional Christmas cookies. Guess what, too bad. I don't like rolling out cookie dough and never really liked the cookies with the candied cherries in them and simply do NOT feel like making a ton of cookies when all they'll do is sit in the freezer slowly getting eaten.  (Besides I, personally, don't need any cookies. If I was a Mama bear, I'd be hybernating off the padding right now.)

I enjoyed going to see the Holiday Train, but Luke told me he wanted some just us time. I just can't win them all. Oh well.

Today, I am thankful Monster tried basketball yesterday, even if he didn't like it. I'm thankful for an evening out with my boys where they were both good. I'm thankful for my loving husband, even if he doesn't tell me verbally. I'm thankful the boys and I are starting to feel better after an icky stomach malady this week. I'm thankful for the ability to make the cookies for the teachers and Luke's family. I'm thankful for the bountiful food and warm home we have. I'm thankful for the ability to be able to purchase more food as needed.

Dear God, help each person in our family understand the true meaning of Christmas. Fill us with joy. Make us more loving. Amen.

Lord, I ask You today to help me be a better wife, mom, and overall person. Help me be patient with my children and others. Help me be more charitable to those truly in need. Come into my heart, and help me see Your ways so that I may live to be the person You created me to be. I ask these thing in Your name. Amen.

Two sick little boys

Ok, I just remembered what else I hate about cold weather: having to put up with people that are sick. Monster and Peanut both aren't feeling good today. So I called school and left a message, and I called the bus garage and left a message for our bus driver. Now, I'm at home with two little boys that aren't feeling well and if they don't rest will get cranky with each other and me... Happy, happy, joy, joy... *big sigh*

Today, I'm going to hopefully work on beadies. I also need to get health forms filled out for the 2011 Polar Adventure Day for Cub Scouts. I need to fill one out for Monster, me, Peanut, and most likely Grandma A.

I suppose the boys and I could decorate the Christmas tree today, if they rest and take naps. I'm in the Christmas spirit, but not the decorating mode...

I think my give a darn is busted...

Monster and I just got home from our Cub Scout pack meeting for the month. I made Luke entertain Peanut at home. Peanut cried, "But I'll miss you, Mama." (He did notice we were gone, Luke said Peanut threw a fit the entire time we were gone.)

The Cub Scouts did a service project: they decorated homemade cards and made ornaments for the residents of our local nursing home/long-term care facility. The boys sang 4 or 5 songs for quite a few of the residents and then were able to give a card and an ornament to each resident. Monster felt really good doing so. I told him we'd go visit the nursing home I used to work at and deliver cards to all the residents there too. He misses some of the residents. (Plus it helps him earn more during his Tiger Cub year.)  I'm very grateful he is starting to learn and realize that it doesn't have to be about him all the time. He is even wanting to give his own money when we get to church for tithing. He loves donating to Salvation Army too.

I'm grateful for little boy laughter. Peanut's giggles and Monster's true laughter are a balm on the soul. (Especially when Luke is the reason for the giggles and laughter!)

I love when Peanut figures out he can do somersaults and backwards somersaults, with or without help. He gets very excited about his accomplishments.

Monster has been having a hard time lately. He doesn't seem to play with other kids at school. I asked why, but didn't get a true answer. I told him today to try to play with the other kids. He doesn't need to single out a person, sometimes just being part of the group is all he would need. I'm going to talk to Luke about it tonight. (I still think the Catholic School would be the best for at least Monster, since his early years were not spent with kids. He spent almost everyday at the farm with me, so he was only around adults. I worry that didn't do him good in terms of being a true part of his class...Please pray that Luke learns to accept that idea, and we can enroll both boys in the Catholic School.)

Tomorrow I am going to work on beadies for my aunt. After those are done and mailed, I think I'll work on making gift baskets for the 3 adult couples in Luke's family for Christmas. Good thing I have a cd of over 475 ideas, and if those aren't enough I can always look online. (Wish me luck!)

Winter is here, if unofficially. My cuticles and hands are drying out and cracking. My feet are starting to. Time to slather on the thick lotion nightly on my feet then put on socks, and slather on lotion as many times as I can during the day on my hands. Bedtime might even involve bacitracin ointment and band-aids. The only true thing I hate about cold weather. (I'm not envying but really wishing I could get a pedicure (and a bonus manicure) like my sister and sister-in-law got Saturday.)

Well, it's time to get to little boys to brush their teeth, get into bed, get their stories read, and turn off the lights.

I am thankful for a wonderful husband, two boys that are the light of my life (despite their frustrating moments), and being able to help others that are in need. I am also thankful for full cupboards and the ability to buy more as needed. I am also thankful for the Cub Scout Pack 54, as the boys truly made the residents of our nursing home very happy tonight!

Sometimes our shed is too far away...

Ok, we got about 3 inches of snow Saturday into Sunday. Well, when Luke finally got up, he and Peanut went out to plow snow. That was well and good. No problems there. Then Luke decided to "play" in the snow with his snowmobile; that must not have been as fun as he wanted because he proceeded to get out the four-wheeler and tear around the yard. Peanut saw what Daddy was doing, so HE got out the boys' Power Wheels four-wheeler and wanted to do the same thing. Well, needless to say, Luke was trying to spray snow at me while I was on the porch, and I asked him where Peanut was. Luke said "in the shed". As he's saying this, I see Peanut through the windows bringing something out of the shed. Low and behold, he's riding the little four wheeler and proceeds out the door about 2 feet before he totally is stopped by the plastic wheels spinning in the snow... He tried SO hard to make that four wheeler go in the snow like Daddy was doing; he was on it, spinning the tires. Then he'd get off and push or try to push the four wheeler to get it unstuck, then he was back on it spinning the wheels, then he'd get off and *huff* and go back to pushing it. I wish our house was closer to the shed so I could have gotten some pictures... My camera wouldn't zoom in well enough to understand what was going on.  A few minutes later, they both came in, after Daddy had to put away BOTH four wheelers. Peanut was mad at Daddy, but was excited to tell me what he had done. (Luke had been spinning snow, grass clumps, and dirt up with his four-wheeler while going in circles around Peanut. Luke said the boys' four-wheeler needs to be cleaned now...) Peanut came in very wet, but he had had a lot of fun.

Today, we may try going sledding. I'm not sure I want to use Luke's snow mobile trails, but I've got snowpants and boots, so playing outside with Peanut today just may be the thing I need... (first, I need to get a bit more sleep)

Oh, the other day, Peanut and I were just leaving to do some errands. He started having a fit. I asked what was wrong. He told me, "I don't want to be 4 all day anymore!" (picture a crying meltdown during this) I asked why not. "It's not my favorite number!!!" (his favorite number for some reason is 3... I was also on the phone with my MIL at this time, and she started laughing! She told me her favorite number was 45 so she was going to be that old from now on. I mentioned she would not get her Senior Discounts; she paused and said she'd have to rethink her favorite number...)  Oh, the joys of everyday life...  Thank you, Lord!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Ok, it's now the 3rd snow fall of the 2011-2012 snow season. (We don't call it winter because I personally have seen snow fall and stay as early as mid-Oct.!) Luke looked outside and decided we should go shopping, then thankfully went back to his recorded tv show.

I'm working on Cub Scout planning for our next Den meeting. There's a lot to do: help the boys learn about the importance of the Food Pyramid but also how the My Plate Portion is important too. We're making reindeer felt puppets for a Christmas craft, which also counts as an elective. I also get to hand out Instant Tiger Recognition totems to several boys that have earned their Bobcat badge. I also need to see how the other boys are doing in their journeys.

My MIL and I went for a 1.5 mile walk just before the snow started falling steadily. It felt good to get out without the boys--they're napping and Luke home.

Now I need to figure out Christmas gifts for the adults in Luke's family...and I don't feel like making anything...2 of 6 done, really not sure what to do for the other 4. I personally like the Seefeldt tradition: all college age and younger children get a gift of $20 max value and the adults do a name exchange with a $25 limit. I think it makes life easier. Oh well.


Hope to make it to church tomorrow morning. If not, I'll have to watch on tv; wouldn't be the first time.

I survived the week! Yeah! *Happy dance, happy dance*

My husband has been gone since 6 AM Monday morning. He had to go to South Carolina for a class for work. He gets home tonight (weather permitting)--LATE! (Good thing I don't have to pick him up from the airport in the Citites...) The boys have missed him a LOT!!!! I have missed him, too. But I have survived the week as a single mom without killing or hurting my children in any way! I'm so proud of myself... *happy dance, happy dance*

Peanut has been in training pants for the past 2 weeks again because he relapsed into pooping in his pants. I told him he could have underwear again when he goes a week straight without pooping in his pants. He's on day 4 of 7! Yeah!

Monster has been excited about his BB gun. He got to get it with a gift certificate he won and his birthday money. He can't wait until this weekend: Daddy told him they would make a target, Daddy would help him shoot, and then Monster gets to try on his own! Wow. Time flew by... I remember being in the hospital with Monster, and now he's learning how to shoot. Seven years went by way too fast!

December is busy for me in that I need to make 6 Christmas presents, make Beadie angels, make 3 special Beadies for 3 special nieces, hopefully finish a beaded banner for Monster's teacher (if I don't finish this by Christmas, he can give it to her at the end of the year...), remake my husband's quilt, do Cub Scout stuff with the Pack, our Den, and Monster, and make Christmas cookies/desserts somewhere in there. On the calendar I don't have much written down, but the above will fill in where things aren't written...

2nd: Hubby comes home late
5th: Cub Scout Pack meeting at local long term care facility--giving residents handmade ornaments and cards
       made by the Cub Scouts
8th: Junior kindergarden Christmas program at 4 pm (me going alone); Christmas make and take at       
       Elmwood Library--Grandma A is taking boys hopefully 4-6pm
12th: Den Meeting--making Reindeer puppets that my sister Traci came up with and learning about the food
         pyramid and plate portions
13th:  High school Christmas concert--really want to go but need when it is; brother-in-law's birthday
15th: Kindergarten Christmas program at 1:30pm, oldest nephew's birthday (on my side)
16th: 2nd oldest niece's birthday (my side)
17th: Den goes to Pepin County Old Courthouse Museum for a Tiger Cub badge requirement; Show Choir
         has a concert today too...really want to go but need to know when it is
23rd or 24th: weather permitting go to East side of state for Christmas with my family for the first time in
         years; spend weekend at Traci's
23rd: Monster's last day of school until January 2, 2012
27th: Monster has a Cub Scout Polar Activities day at L.E. Phillips Scout Reservation in Rice Lake,
         registration starts at 9:15am---means getting up super early and being out the door by 7:30am---good
         thing it's cold out so I can enjoy my coffee fully on the way up there...(trying to get hubby to come with
         us, guess we'll see)
Sometime the end of the month: Hubby planning on going to Eastern WI and finishing Traci's bathroom and
        bedroom projects

That's December's outlook. I'm sure more will show up as the month progresses, but until then, it is managable. Now, on to making cookies for hubby and boys.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all

Thanksgiving is here and we all slept in. That hasn't happened since...wait, I can't remember it ever happening. I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and filling Thanksgiving, whether today or whenever you are enjoying it.

Today I am thankful for 2 healthy children, a husband that works his butt off putting in LOOONNGG hours because he has a wonderful heart, and for there being a bountiful amount of canned food, frozen food, stocked cupboards, and the money to get more food as needed.

I'm thankful for pumpkin-o-bobs. Our porch was made bright because of the large one's appetite.

I'm thankful for my wonderful family. Everyone is healthy, and we're all blessed in so many ways!

I'm thankful for our community choir as they provide a break in the normal for people that do not have an easy way to get out and enjoy the school Christmas programs.

I'm thankful for my husband's large family, and my large one, too. Our parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews all provide warmth in our lives. God Bless!

I'm thankful for 2 little adventuresome boys that are willing to try anything, even the fish that Daddy cooked that Mama should have thrown out long before it got icky! (But the ice cream for supper made up for it!)

I'm thankful for a Cub Scout when asked whether he wanted to climb the easy climbing wall or the hard one, he chose the hard one--and did a really good job!

I'm thankful for being able to watch Monster and Peanut grow into the wonderful, though at times frustrating, boys they are. Thank you, God!

I'm thankful for all my friends and family. May God bless you all and provide all you need, even if it isn't what you want. May you all find peace and love abiding in your hearts today and everyday, to be able to provide for those that desparately need our love and compassion. May God keep all our troops, here at home and those many, many miles away, safe. Let our troops know they are loved and missed greatly! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I feel miserable...

Ok, there's a virus going around on the West side of WI. It affects a person's balance badly and makes said person very tired... Well, guess what, I caught it. I never realized how hard it is to just walk around the house let alone look to the side. I gave Monster instructions that if Daddy isn't home and I fall to call Grandma right away. This is the 2nd full day of this awful feeling.

Despite feeling awful, I did get 6 laundry baskets of clothes folded, hung, and 99.8% put away. I just have to put Luke's and my hanging clothes upstairs in the closet. I think I might make it up the stairs with his work clothes... I hope.

All deliveries are done (except for one item that hasn't come in yet) for school and Cub Scouts. Thank you cards are written, signed by Monster and given out or mailed. Between 2 fundraisers and a birthday, Monster had 47 Thank You cards to sign. He got a comment back that one person he sold to would buy from Monster any time he had a fundraiser, just because the man got the Thank You card. It made Monster feel really good.  I'm hoping he is learning something from a simple Thank You card that is so grossly overlooked these days it seems: People like to feel appreciated.

I have more computer work to do tomorrow and then hopefully get a start on beadies for Traci and for my Aunt. I sure hope I can get the ones done for Traci asap since she has a craft show on 11/30. Wish me luck...

Today I am thankful for a bag of frozen baked potato and cheddar cheese soup that was in my freezer. It made a quick and easy supper I didn't have to think about. I just had to thaw it and warm it up. Thank you, God, for my many blessings.

FREEDOM by Monster

Monster brought home a project from school yesterday. On it FREEDOM is spelt going down, then the kids chose words to define what FREEDOM means to them. This was done for Veteran's Day. This is Monster's:

Freedom
Reward
Elevate
Eagle
Demonstrate
Order
Memory

I think this may be on the front of Veteran's Day cards next year... I'll have to find out if all the Tiger Cubs did this and get copies of what all the boys wrote.

It is 6:44AM and attention spans are non-existant! Breathe, Krista, Breathe! This too shall pass.

Today's agenda:

Get Monster on bus

Take package for UPS to John Deere shop to drop off

Get boys fluoride prescription from town

Take checks to bank

Do laundry

Make Beadies...

I think there are enough hours in the day...I think.

Today, I am thankful for simply being alive. I'd miss out on so much otherwise. Thank you, God.

Time to buckle down...

Ok, all the Cub Scout popcorn and greenery are delivered! YEAH! *happy dance, happy dance* Thank you cards are written and addressed. Monster just needs to sign them.

The Christmas cards that needed to be decorated for the Long Term Care Residents are colored. Monster just needs to sign them! (Do you see a trend here?!?)

Tomorrow I get to do laundry and buckle down on Beadies. Last time I counted I have 20 to make before the end of the monthd. Then I have a bead banner to make for Monster's teacher. And 3 adult Christmas presents to get or make... (if I make them, I don't have a clue as to what to make...)

It is only 7:23 PM CST, and I'm exhausted. Good thing Monster is old enough to do his own shower. Peanut gets out of it tonight since he got 2 vaccine shots this morning.  Speaking of this morning, Monster is 48.8" tall and weighs 51.9 pounds; not too shabby for a 7 year old. Peanut is 40.5" tall and weighs 33.9 pounds; still a peanut--hence his name... Other than that, annual check-ups went well.

I'm looking over my dining room currently. Oh, wait. I mean my jungle. I counted 28 potted plants on 4 tables, hanging from the ceiling, on a chair, on a cabinet top, and in a stand on the floor. I need a conservatory... (No. Miss Peacock did NOT kill Mr Body in the Conservatory with the Rope!)

I have a huge desire for strawberry margaritas... That or a couple Slow Gin Fizzes. Fuzzy Navel sounds good too...

I think I'm almost to the point for "Big Blue Bug Basher Basher". No, wait. That won't work. Traci doesn't have the Big Blue Bug Basher anymore... Though I feel about that giddy/tired. It's been a long several days...

Well, today I am thankful for the ability to hear what I can... I would miss listening to music, especially traditional Christmas carols, and hearing what my children have to say. Though some times (not very often, mind you) I wish I could go without hearing my children... So close, yet SOOO far away... Thank you, God.

Sadness cured...Frustration high!

Yesterday, I was happy my children got to celebrate another birthday each, but I was sad they aren't little anymore. Peanut solved that dilemma. He told me this morning (while he was having a melt-down after I told him he had to have breakfast before birthday cake--what in the world was I thinking?!?) that he was staying little forever. I told him I needed a "Little Peanut" hug. He ran over and gave me a "little" hug; ok, so it was a big one, but I am not complaining. It made me really smile!

Cub Scout popcorn and wreaths picked up---CHECK!

Cub Scout popcorn and wreaths delivered---all but 3 orders! CHECK!

My kitchen getting counterspace back--CHECK!

A new wave of toys entering the house--CHECK

Some of the new toys already put up for a while--CHECK

Both children having meltdowns this morning--CHECK

Peanut's meltdown ended talking with Aunt Traci and waiting the 4 minutes for his birthday cake--CHECK!!

Monster's meltdown ended by diverting topic to the BB gun he can now afford due to his birthday--CHECK

Taking Peanut to lunch with Monster--CHECK

Knowing I have 6 items to deliver for Cub Scouts--*big smile* CHECK

Thank You cards written for birthday gifts, school fundraiser, & Cub Scout fundraiser--CHECK

Having Monster sign above Thank You cards--will have to do tonight, hopefully... (to be continued)

Having above Thank You cards mailed &/or delivered--depends on when Monster signs them all

Has anyone ever had a moment where you KNOW you had a full glass of whatever you wanted to drink simply empty itself? I swear my Kool-Aid cup was full when I started writing just now... I looked over and it is now empty and Peanut is still taking his nap...(Though I got the normal, "Mama, I'm not tired!!!" complaint 2 minutes before he was sound asleep) I keep telling my husband I want NOT ME and I DON'T KNOW kicked out of the house; they are not a part of our family. I don't need them influencing Monster and Peanut. So far though they either know how to hide REALLY well or my husband hasn't had the get-up-and-go to kick them out. Any one know a good bad influence exterminator?

Getting everything done in the past 4 days that I have done has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Now, I have to make Beadies for Traci and an aunt, make a Bead Banner for Monster's teacher, make family members birthstone angels, and figure out what to make for the adults in Luke's side of the family for Christmas...

Happy & Sad all at Once...

It's official. Monster is now 7, and Peanut is 4! I'm happy they each made another year older, but sad knowing that it's getting more and more difficult to snuggle with both of them simultaneously. I remember Grandma telling me 4 years ago today that Monster woke up at 2 AM and told her he wanted to see his new little brother! Too bad Peanut hadn't joined externally yet! :-) I also remember Peanut "giving" Monster a birthday present when Monster came with Grandma to visit us.

Where has the time gone?

Then there's Luke's comment, "Oh it gets better..."

Happy Birthdays, Monster & Peanut!

Immediate check-off list is getting shorter!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH

Ok, first off, I am very thankful that God was able to provide someone to watch Peanut and Monster while I picked up the popcorn and wreaths this morning. It made it astronomically easier! So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Grandma!

We had a Family dance last night at Monster's school, which I had forgotten about until by chance I looked at the calendar at 3:30 pm. The dance started at 6pm. SO, Monster got off the bus and said the Veteran's Day program went well, and he felt proud for being in it. Then the boys played for a bit, at a very scattered supper (Peanut had left-over mac-n-cheese and Monster had cold cereal.) Then we went to the dance. We were all ok until they decided to turn on the strobe lights. We all got really worn out after that. Needless to say I woke up with a migraine, Monster had a headache when he got up, and Peanut was simply himself.

After breakfast it was a frazzled time trying to get them dressed and ready to go to Grandma's. After I finally dropped them off, I went and got Monster's popcorn and wreath orders. I was there at 9 AM. No one else showed for over 20 minutes, which was ok, since I got to talk to an experienced cub scout leader. (I was asked by Monster to be his, and since I have "all the time in the world" (according to my hubby), I am now his den leader.)

I got 12 of 29 orders delivered today, will deliver 1 tomorrow, 13 on Monday (4 to businesses in town and 9 at Monster's school), and 3 on Wednesday after CCD.

Tomorrow is the boys' birthday party at McDonalds. They are very excited and are looking forward to it. Because it is their party, I have them BOTH taking a nap today. (Hopefully, that happens tomorrow to, but we'll see.)

Otherwise, I have dishes going, washer going, dryer going, and I'm finally able to veg for a bit. I may join the boys for a nap.

Thank you, God, for providing everything I need today, and everyday! I am truly blessed.

New day, new outlook?

Let's see. What all do I have to do today?
1. Get William on the bus
2. Do computer work for my FIL
3. Go to the bank and deposit paycheck
4. Go to library and return books
5. Get house ready for company
6. Make sure things are ready for popcorn/wreath pickup
7. Make sure things are ready for boys' party tomorrow

How many of me are there?!?

It is only 6:36 AM and I am tired just looking at what all I have to do... I need to figure out how to tap Peanut's energy and make it usable by me... Too bad in 7 years I haven't figured that out yet.

I think for now I'll drink my coffee, have something for breakfast, and make sure to breathe. Things will fall into place eventually, and if they don't, then I'll deal with them when it is necessary. *Breathing deeply* Thank you, God!

Oh, I started the month listing things I'm thankful for. I think I'll start over and continue it with every entry.

1. I am thankful for my family: my husband, Monster, and Peanut--even though they can irritate the living daylights out of me. I would not wish them gone or not a part of my life ever. Thank you, God.

I need to remember to breathe...

Ok, today is the full moon. Add to that the first "snow" of this season. (It was a dusting that was gone by 9 AM.) What do you get? Two young boys that are enough to drive me batty even before it is 7:30 in the morning.


Hi, I am a mom of 2 boys: Peanut is 4 and Monster is 7. I'm going to use this as an outlet for when I need to BREATHE! This will be my counting / personal time-out blog. Along with other tidbits of my life. My children keep me busy with Monster being in Cub Scouts, and Peanut being at home all day with me. We have a super busy weekend ahead of us with Monster having a Veteran's Day Program at school, which he is part of, tomorrow, and I get to do some computer work for my FIL and go to the library to return books; popcorn order pickup Saturday morning; a family birthday party for the boys Saturday evening; and Monster's school birthday party at McDonald's on Sunday. Not to mention, I have to sew my patches on my Cub Scout leader shirt, make cupcakes for Monster for school Monday, and get all the teachers' popcorn/wreath orders together to deliver Monday. I'm going to have Peanut help me deliver on Monday after we drop things off at school for Monster. Plus we have a Pack meeting Monday night. Tuesday is a education class for me and Grandma after school, which we get to bring the boys to. Wednesday is the boys' annual check-ups and a pot luck dinner for church so no CCD after school but during dinner time... Then I actually have nothing planned for several days! Thank you, God!

When did my life get so  busy? 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Breathe... In...Out....In...Out...In...Out...   I thought I was busy when I was working full-time. I laugh at that memory. I had so much extra time then... Hopefully, we can keep Peanut and Monster out of sports. (Monster isn't coordinated for team sports, but does well with individual sports like archery. Peanut is coordinated for team sports but is at this time bound and determined to do what he wants when he wants to.)  If I can keep them interested in Scouting, which seems to be a good thing for both at the moment since interest is high and Peanut still wants to do what Monster does, we may make it through until each is 18 with no one suffering a break down... God, please help us.