tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29974509546301360922024-03-12T19:38:44.354-05:001-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Breathe!This blog will be my stress outlet but also relate things going on in my life. Things in my life include my husband, my 2 boys, being a Cub Scout leader, my faith and experiences, and just everyday occurrances.Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-75218732367754454992012-12-15T07:19:00.002-06:002012-12-15T07:19:44.218-06:00From the mouths of little boysWell, the four of us made a quick decision trip to Texas this week. My husband had an uncle pass away, so we came for the memorial. We drove the entire way--like the entire 1400+ miles way... When there are 2 adults, one 8-year-old, and one 5-year-old in a car for 12.5 and 8 hours, that trip is WAY to long!<br />
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We noticed a speed trap, and my husband said he needs to be careful or he'd get pulled over. (The speed limit from Kansas south ranges from 45 to 75.) Well, a little voice behind him pipes up with, "Hello, officer. Did you know police like donuts?"<br />
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My husband bursts out laughing, but also struggles to make sure our 5-year-old knows NOT to say that if L gets pulled over... We envisioned that scene, and I told L to give me his wallet so I could post bail!<br />
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Needless to say, we can see our youngest being the one who carries fresh donuts in his vehicle to avoid tickets... I sure hope it doesn't happen that way though!<br />
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Other than that, the trip was long. Ok VERY LONG since our portable DVD player is somehow not responding to our dvds. We are not sure what our oldest did to make that happen.<br />
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Hope the return trip goes well. Wish us luck.Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-69735323505112255152012-07-30T14:30:00.000-05:002012-07-30T14:30:44.540-05:00Ok, I'm trying to catch up to my life...So I've been away for a while. A lot has happened and is still going. <br />
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We finished the school year. Monster is now a 2nd grader. I have him and Peanut signed up for summer school July 30-Aug 16 7am to 12pm M-Th.<br />
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We have found an inexpensive activity the boys love: Pedal Tractor Pulls. This is Monster's 3rd year and Peanut's 1st year. The first pull we went to for the year was Durand's Fun Fest in early June. Peanut placed 4th in the 4yr old boys division. Monster placed 3rd in the 7 yr old boys division; this qualified him for the WI State Pedal Tractor Pull in Reedsburg, WI Sept 15. Then we went with Erik's family to Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival to pull again. Monster placed 2nd this time! Peanut tied for 5th, and Erik's boy I placed 7th. We will be attending a few more pulls this summer, to give Monster practice and see if Peanut can qualify for state too. (Peanut really wants to qualify like his big brother!) If Peanut qualifies for State, and either boy gets 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at State, they move on to the National Pedal Tractor Pull! (Last year a boy from Durand placed 4th at National, and he is younger than Monster.)<br />
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Both boys were in swimming lessons. Monster has to redo level 2 next summer, but the plan is to get him in the pool as often as we can and then do 2nd session of lessons. Hopefully, it will work!<br />
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Monster sold enough Popcorn and Evergreen products to attend Cub Scout Resident Camp this summer. He and I went July 8-10. Peanut got to stay with Grandma and Grandpa. He had fun and earned another belt loop: BB Gun Shooting. <br />
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We had Cub Scout Day Camp for our District last week 7/24-26. Monster, Peanut, and I went. Monster was in the Moonmen Den, and Peanut and I were in the Wookie Den. Monster earned more belt loops: Astronomy and Table Tennis. The theme was outerspace! The boys really had fun. Peanut was awarded for his soda-bottle-rocket launch; it was AWESOME! (Now they want to build a launcher for at home...)<br />
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By the end of Monster's 1st year as a Cub Scout, he'll have earned 14 Belt Loops (the Cub Scout equivalent to Boy Scout Merit Badges). That is 1/4 of all he can earn! Plus he's well on his way to earning his Wolf Badge. Yeah Monster!<br />
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Peanut is excited buy scared about starting school 9/11. Luke and I aren't sure if we should cry or be happy---our baby is starting school!!!! Where did the time go?!?<br />
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I'm Monster's Den Leader again this year, so planning meetings and outings has started and getting ready for the 2012-2013 school year schedule... Ready or not, here we all come!<br />Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-19449537274729670022012-02-22T18:57:00.000-06:002012-02-22T18:57:38.347-06:00Youth BlessingPeanut and I joined the 1st through 6th graders (and quite a group of the community) for a Youth Blessing today after Monster was done with catecism. We all received our Ash Crosses. I'd like to attend the Mass tonight but it starts at 7:30 PM and two little boys have an 8 PM bedtime. <br />
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Monster brought home a Lenten Gift box. He put all the money he had in his bank into it. Peanut even put some money in, too. It makes me happy to see that both of the boys enjoy giving to others.<br />
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A major head/chest cold has been running rampant in our house. I ended up with a sinus infection, and I'm hoping I am getting over it. Monster and Luke both have the congestion and coughing going. Peanut actully seems to be the only one NOT to get this cold. Hopefully it stays that way.<br />
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Our community library does not offer story time on a weekly basis. I wish it did, just for something Peanut could look forward to. Next week starts the spring story time. He'll get to go from 6 PM through 7 PM for 3 weeks on Thursday evenings. Hopefully he'll sit well and listen to the librarian. He hasn't wanted to since turning 3. (Our story time is for 3 to 5 year olds.) I guess I'll find out next week.<br />
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Happy Lent everyone!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-74208865991821541502012-02-12T18:45:00.000-06:002012-02-12T18:45:49.594-06:00Did anyone get the license plate on the truck?Ok, I feel awful. I went to Luke's sister's son's 1st birthday party yesterday evening. We got there about 4pm, and I was ready to go home at 6:30pm. I had a migraine starting. Got home around 9:30pm, put the boys to bed, and went home myself. I didn't wake up until 7:15am this morning. But I woke up with my back muscles spasaming. They felt a little better by 9 AM when Luke said the family was going to split wood. Now, I feel like I got caught between a truck and a wall. My back muscles really hurt right now... I think I need a full body massage... And if my in-laws are taking the boys camping this weekend. I'm scheduling one for Friday afternoon or Monday morning. <br />
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We survived our Blue & Gold Banquet (Cub Scout annual banquet). I had made a very full 5 quart slow cooker full of spaghetti casserole (16 oz elbow maccaroni, 2 pounds browned hamburger, and 3 26.5 oz cans of spaghetti sauce with 1 26.5 oz can of water). I thought for sure I would be bringing 1/2 of it home. I brought home a dirty slow cooker; it was completely gone... Monster has earned his Tiger Badge, and he earned 4 belt loop awards--archery, flag football, ultimate frisbee, and basketball, and the Outdoor Activity Award badge. Out of 8 boys in our den, 6 have earned their Tiger badges. Good job Tiger Cubs! All the active families are looking forward to this summer when we start working on their Wolf requirements. I hope we all have fun!<br />
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Well, I'm off to give two boys their ultimate clean-up shower. They both ended up filthy from playing while Luke and I were splitting wood today!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-79073438217407901032012-02-02T13:57:00.000-06:002012-02-02T13:57:20.491-06:00I read this in a magazine...I found this in a magazine I bought today for some recipes. I had to pass it on.<br />
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<strong>A MOMENT FOR YOU!</strong><br />
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You deserve to be happy. Joy isn't something you should have to wait for, wish for, or work for. It's something you can feel right now! And all it takes is giving yourself permission to take a break, letting yourself relax--and opening your eyes and your heart. Look for reasons to smile, and you'll find so many!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-16711787145199077792012-02-01T16:19:00.000-06:002012-02-01T16:19:01.703-06:00A little one's prayer and the Seefeldt humorThis morning Peanut, Monster, and I were at the table while the boys finished their breakfast and vitamins. I looked over at Peanut. He had his hands folded in prayer, head bowed, and was saying a prayer. He had to start over because Monster and I were talking at the moment. Here's my 4-year-old's prayer:<br />
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<em>"Dear God, Please let it snow 10 times for me. Please? Thank you. Love, "</em><br />
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I just had to smile and tell him he did a very good job. He said it so solemnly... Where'd he learn to do that so fast?!?<br />
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Ok, my siblings, mom, and I all have a strange sense of humor. Last week while they were visiting, I had Erik check my computer to see what could be cleaned off it to help it run better. Well, Luke had put some things on my desktop in a fold titled <strong>LUKES JUNK</strong>. Erik, with our family's sense of humor, promptly said," I don't want to see his junk! I refuse to open that folder. It's indecent!" To which I burst out laughing. He quickly added, "Luke's junk belongs in his pants!" I laughed harder... Erik put Luke's Junk in Luke's Undies in Luke's Pants. So now I have a folder on my computer called Lukes pants...Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-58348530923107772672012-01-28T17:03:00.000-06:002012-01-28T17:03:08.256-06:00Sledding fun!This morning started with Peanut joining me shortly after 6 AM. He decided he wanted his leftover Mac & Cheese and some leftover hamburger helper for breakfast. He was in a very good mood. Then Monster decided he'd get up. He was grumpy... After 30 minutes of his tantrums, I gave him 2 choices: 1) go back to bed and come back out when he's in a better mood or 2) eat breakfast and improve his mood. Luke came down shortly after Monster decided to go back to bed... The boys are grounded from video games, computer games, and the TV for the morning. After Monster ate, I made them both get dressed to go out and play.<br />
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I decided I'd go sledding too. While sledding and pushing the boys down our driveway hill, I decided snowpants, gloves, hat, winter coat, and winter boots was too much clothes. Next time I go out I'll just do mittens, hat, boots, and coat. NO snowpants. Well, first Luke got to push the boys down the hill because I was getting more snowmelt salt. Each boy ended up almost to our chicken coop (at the end of our driveway...). Luke was cold so he decided to go back inside while his car warmed up. I pushed the boys for another 30 minutes until Luke came out to leave. We learned if Peanut is lying down in the sled he goes the farthest, but he has to have his feet at the front of the sled. Plus, pushing his sled when he's lying down is very difficult, even for me. Take almost 41" and cut it in half. Then try to push it down a hill. Or worse yet have the almost 41" be shrunk down to about 6" and then push it down a hill. We all had fun. <br />
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Then, just before Luke left for the morning, I had him push me and my sled. I go my momentum up, and then Peanut saw he could reach out for a HUGGIE! Well, I grabbed him with one arm and proceeded to make my sled spin a 180. He looked at me laughing and said, "Huggie?!?" I guess the one arm hug did't work as well. (I pushed the boys for another 15 minutes after that, then went in to fold clean clothes and do some house cleaning.)<br />
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While cleaning, I discovered that I don't stick with cleaning one thing until it is done. I am totally hit or miss with my cleaning because I do a little of this, then have to throw something away and something else catches my eye, so I clean that for a little while, then head back to cleaning number 1, get distracted, and start in on number 3... I work at all the different things until I end up getting them all done one right after another... (Final steps to clean for all the different things all done successively.) My mom said I shouldn't clean like she does... Aaah, the truth comes out from where I got it from!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-39037414055874518142012-01-26T17:49:00.000-06:002012-01-26T17:49:57.497-06:00Lots of company! Good times.This week started with a phone call from our school district's administrator: school's delayed 2 hours due to 1/4" of ice covered by wet snow. So I let the boys sleep. Then we get another phone call: "Due to weather conditions, school has been cancelled." So I got both boys at home on Monday. I kicked them outside to play. While Peanut was taking a nap, Monster decided to wait outside for my brother and his family to arrive. The trip for them from Des Moines, IA to our house was slow but ok otherwise. They were at our house until Wednesday morning. The boys had fun playing with their cousin, playing with their Birthday and Christmas gifts, and having fun with their Aunt and Uncle! Luke and I enjoyed their visit too. (Luke was nice enough to allow them to sleep in our bed, despite his having to work.) My Mom was wonderful and let them borrow her vehicle (bigger), so I got to send a whole bunch of stuff across state with them. *happy dance, happy dance*<br />
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So today, I'm working on getting the house back to its normal state. The big thing was getting dishes done. I'm not used to having to do dishes for 7 people for supper, 6 for breakfast, and 5 for lunch. We kept running out of forks and spoons! :-)<br />
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Monster had a sledding party today for being part of one of the two classes that brought in the most money during the school's Penny War during American Education Week. (First and Second grades each had 2 ice cream buckets of money!) The Penny War proceeds went to help the Pepin County Food Pantry. I took all 4 of our sleds into town for the sledding party. From what I could tell all the first graders had a lot of fun. Peanut was upset because we couldn't stay for sledding because I had errands to run. Then Monster got mad because Peanut and I had to get home and couldn't have lunch with him. <br />
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Monday 1/30 is a Tiger Den meeting and a doctor's appointment for me. After that, it's back to the normal daily routine.Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-76962525508494244112012-01-18T04:44:00.000-06:002012-01-18T04:44:31.343-06:00Yup, it IS 4:27 AM and I'm blogging...I blame my sister. I think she gave me her cold via the phone... My head feels like it's going to explode, my ears are blocked and hurt so I can hardly put in my hearing aids, my throat is nice and sore from nasal drip (though I don't think it is just dripping...), and my nose is getting sore from blowing it. I <strong><em>HATE</em></strong> headcolds... I'd make some tea right now, but I don't want to wake anyone up. Elderberry juice and Dayquil here I come...<br />
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I think some frustration at my husband is going to worked off on laundry today... And working on fixing his quilt. Along with sporadic doses of prayer. <br />
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<em>Lord, please help me to be more patient with my family and myself. Help me to step back from situations where Satan is prodding me into hasty reactions. Be with me as I evaluate and re-evaluate what I'm doing as a person, a mom, and a wife. Also, please be with my husband so he understands that things Monster does now will help him become a better person as he grows. Monster's activities now ARE worthwhile, especially for a 7-year-old boy! Please help Luke see that his parents made him grow up way too soon. Help Luke understand he only gets to be in the boys' lives as their DADDY for a short while; he'll always be their father, but being a DADDY is SO important! Help Luke and I re-evaluate how we deal with each other and with each of the boys. I am trying very hard to give my children the best advantage of Catholic faith, a loving home, and activities that will enrich their lives, but I need your help and guidance. This I pray, in Jesus' name. Amen</em><br />
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I want a day where I don't get frustrated with Luke. I want a day where I don't get frustrated with the boys. I want a day where I don't get frustrated with myself.Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-45114704020626867222012-01-12T20:39:00.000-06:002012-01-12T20:39:58.103-06:00I received bad news today...I am the Tiger Den Leader for our local Cub Scout Pack. I have 8 boys in the Den, one of which is Monster. The other 7 are wonderful boys, and I enjoy the time I get to spend with them and their parent helper. This afternoon, though, I received bad news about one parent helper: he was killed in a car accident yesterday afternoon. <br />
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I sent an e-mail to my Tiger Cub's mom and included him and his sister on it too. I want to let them know Monster and I <strong>and </strong>the rest of the Tiger Cubs and their parents feel this tragedy, too. Our Den is a small portion of each Tiger Cub's family. I wanted to let the family know we were here for them and would do anything to help. I can be at the house in minutes as they live only a few miles away. <br />
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As a Pack, we'll be sending flowers. All Pack members and families are being asked to attend the Wake if they can and/or are comfortable doing so. If the Pack members do attend, they are being asked to wear their uniforms in show of support--showing that my Tiger Cub is part of our Den AND part of our Pack. Monster and I will be attending the Wake. I may go to the funeral if I can have someone watch Peanut. I want to show my complete support for my Cub's family. <br />
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His dad will be deeply missed. From only being with him a few times for meetings, I learned he had a heart of gold, was able to smile often, joked easily with others, and doted on his family. <br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><em>Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, You willingly gave Yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life. Listen to our prayers; look with love on Your people who mourn and pray for their dead brother. Lord Jesus, You alone are holy and compassionate; iforgive our brother his sins.</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><em>By dying You opened the gates of life for those who believe in You; do not let Your brother be parted from You, but by Your glorious power give him light, joy, and peace in Heaven where You live for ever and ever. Amen.</em></span></div>Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-91569397059814069912012-01-10T17:02:00.000-06:002012-01-10T17:02:01.275-06:00Love the little helpers...Monster has the pre-school and after breakfast on weekends chore to take care of our dog, Toby. He's been grumbling about it for the past 2 months, but he has been doing a good job. The first couple of times the dog got out of his kennel. Lately, Monster has been sure to keep the door latched. For some reason unknown to me, yesterday he just pushed the door shut without latching it. Toby was excited and jumped on the door. It bounced open, and out he ran. I almost caught him, but he had more power and speed than I could handle one-handed. He ended up hyper-extending my left thumb. Then after I caught him at the neighbors and put him on his leash, Toby wanted to join Monster on the school bus. Retro-spectively, I <strong><em>SHOULD</em></strong> have let him... *sigh*<br />
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Oh, well. My thumb is feeling better, and Toby stayed in his kennel today. After school, I made Monster help me throw down wood for our furnace. I think we really need to split more wood and stack it. We are starting to run low. <br />
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Tomorrow I am working on my husband's quilt that I have been trying to remake for the past few years. I <strong>WILL</strong> have it done by Valentine's Day. Then onto Monster's. <br />
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Peanut keeps asking me why I have to say things to him over and over and over and over again. I told him it's because he doesn't listen the first time. If he'd listen and do what he's told, I wouldn't have to repeat everything. <br />
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I want to visit my family, but it is not working out to get over there. So, I get to mail all the Christmas presents. I have a box for my parents' presents. My younger brother and his family are coming to visit, so that's one less box to find. Now, I have to find a box big enough for my 3 nieces' gifts (and some stuff for my sister). Hmmm. That will be the tricky one.<br />
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Well, I guess I best make supper. Peanut is complaining he's <strong><em>HUNGRY</em></strong> (like that isn't something new... he's ALWAYS hungry!).Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-76014379071504558362012-01-07T09:13:00.000-06:002012-01-07T09:13:23.424-06:00Last week I hung picturesI received a very nice Birthday/Christmas gift in 2011. It is a picture frame that has our last name, the established year, Luke's name and my name, and the boys' names and birthdates. My sister-in-law put a photo collage of 3 pictures we've had taken or took our selves. It came in a very large though thin box. It was taking up a LOT of counter space, which is a huge commodity in my kitchen. I got frustrated my husband wasn't hanging pictures like I've asked him to since we moved into our house, so I got out the little box of nails I have, a hammer, and lugged a chair into the living room. I hung that picture frame and 11 others one morning last week, while Luke was gone and the boys were with him and Grandpa A. (I also hung a glued puzzle and the boys' clock in their room.) Luke comes home and asks why I stopped. I told him I wasn't going to hang the big nature prints we own and didn't want to put family pictures in those spaces. (He didn't take the hint; the nature prints are still behind my couch...)<br />
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This morning while everyone was still sleeping (at 7 AM--a miracle in my house!) I was looking at the pictures and realized I'm missing one of our family when Monster was one. I know I have it, I just need to find it. Otherwise every year from our marriage to present is accounted for on the wall. We even have pictures of my sister-in-law's wedding (which Luke was an usher and I was a bride's maid). <br />
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On another note, Peanut has been asking me for clothes for his stuffed Sheepy for the last several months. (He wants her to have a snowsuit to be able to take her outside to play, but I won't go that far...) I asked Grandma A if she could help me. She borrowed New Sheepy, because Peanut cannot go without his Sheepy (same sheep, just one is very well loved and the other is a newer version!). She came over yesterday and showed Peanut Sheepy's jacket, pants, and sweat suit. She said she's working on a nightgown for her too. Peanut was woken up from his nap and was cranky while Grandma was here. After he woke up more, we called her, and Peanut apologized, said "Thank You", and told her the clothes fit Sheepy very well. Peanut really likes that Sheepy now has clothes. <br />
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So now we have pictures up, not all, but most. And Sheepy has clothes. And now at 9:09 AM everyone is awake. I need to get dressed, but I try to be nice when I get up before Luke and not turn on lights to get clothes. So I'm off to officially start my day, and we'll see how the day goes.Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-43553920254703211102012-01-04T17:50:00.000-06:002012-01-04T17:50:36.425-06:00Wednesday's WonderingsThis week has been interesting so far. Besides what I wrote on Monday, I got to give Monster a haircut besides Peanut. I had to use the scissors on him too, just to use the clippers (or "hair combine" as Peanut renamed it). Then while Monster is taking his shower which turned into a play bath that he wanted to make a relax bath after 30 minutes of playing, Peanut decided a new Mega Roll of Charmin Ultra Strong needed to go in the bathtub. It ended up in the garbage can. <strong>THEN</strong> Peanut put in his "sack of toys" (a blaze orange hat with Johnnie Tractor characters) as a gift for Monster. Needless to say that was the end of the entire bathroom usage for the night. I was told by Luke that he knows I didn't like the constant yelling as I was growing up, so don't do it to our children... At this point, I said 3 Our Fathers, and decided slow breathing was in order... <br />
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Then today, it wasn't even 6 AM and Monster was having a fit about getting dressed for school--"I don't like school..." Peanut was being cranky. I told him I was going to cancel his nap. He grouchily said, "No cancelling my nap!" All this despite his constant telling me he is never tired come nap time. As Luke was walking out the door, laughing at me, I told him, "Have a good day, dear. It has to be better than mine is going so far..."<br />
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I am currently baking the Wednesday night pizzas and dealing with two boys that can't seem to make anything they do together work. I think tonight is going to be <strong><em><u>MY</u></em></strong> relaxing bath night. <br />
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One disadvantage to having a wood furnace. No one restocks the wood used except the people using it. This said, I know Luke and I at least will be splitting wood this weekend. We only have maybe six racks of wood left from what we started this fall with. That amount won't last long, and this weekend's temps aren't supposed to be too bad. So, I guess we go to Traci's some other weekend. *sigh* <br />
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Now I need to find boxes to put Christmas presents in, so I can mail them to the appropriate families... Darn flu, colds, weather, etc.!!! At least (all things going well) we'll get to see my brother, his wife, and their son later this month when <em>they</em> come for a visit. Yeah! Someone for me to talk with, and someone for Peanut to play with!<br />
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Well, pizzas are almost done. God bless!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-76109761737565796012012-01-02T13:48:00.000-06:002012-01-02T13:48:02.138-06:00Cold weather, fly-away sleds, lots of hair, and it's only Monday...Ok, we may not have the snow to match the temperature, but good grief it is <strong><em><u>COLD</u></em></strong>! I think it was about maybe 7F this morning when Monster finally got out the door to take care of our dog and get on the bus. This wasn't counting the wind chill.... That had to be well under 0F... BRRRRRRRRRR (The cold and wind did NOT help my soft tissue issues in my left knee and right ankle... The hot shower I took after coming in helped reverse that though.)<br />
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While Monster was getting ready to go this morning, I noticed that one of our sleds was MIA. Luke found it after he went to start his car. It had flown well over 100 feet and was almost in the creek. Luckily, Luke doesn't mow the grass right up to the creek. The long grass was all that saved our sled. So after my shower, with hair still wet..., I totally bundled up: full hat, warmest gloves I own, winter coat, and winter boots. I went and saved all of our sleds (4 total) with a few extra toys and put them up by the house again... Next time the boys leave things out and they end up MIA, I'm not retrieving/saving. <br />
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Then I decided it was finally time to cut Peanut's hair. I got out the clipper, put on a 5/8 inch guard, and attempted to cut his hair. I had to resort to scissors and then use the clippers (or hair combine, as he calls it). The pile of hair I ended up with was huge!!! I have put on my calendar that every last Sunday of each month is hair cut day for Luke, Monster, and Peanut. I WILL stick to that. It isn't cool when you have to cut hair just to run the clippers through it... Tonight, Monster's hair gets cut. <br />
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All of this and it is only 1:35 PM on Monday. I have to go change sheets on 4 beds and wash the dirty ones... I wish beds were easier to make... Oh, well. Off I go. These are my Monday Musings. We'll see how many other events occur this week...<br />
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Happy New Year, everyone!<br />
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<strong>Prayer Intentions:</strong> That the weather is good and we're healthy, so we can travel across state to visit my family. That my oldest sister's ankle responds to being casted and heals. That my other sister's family all feel better (and that we don't end up with the nasty colds...). <br />
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<strong>Things that Make Me Smile:</strong> Peanut singing <em>Old MacDonald has a Farm</em> when on that "farm there's a Kid---end of song". Actually <strong>SEEING</strong> Peanut after his haircut (I should have taken before, after, and the hair pile pictures. Oh well.). Knowing that we have plenty of food and have the money to get more as needed. My screwed up attempt to fix Luke's quilt (so it's inside out... I don't see a problem with that. Really....*rolling eyes*).<br />
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God bless, everyone!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-11830433731746258402011-12-31T21:58:00.000-06:002011-12-31T21:58:07.819-06:00As Donkey puts it, "Really?" and Shrek answers, "Really, really."I'm only <strong><em>hours</em></strong><u> </u>away from 2012! Where did 2011 go?!?<br />
<br />
Let's recap...<br />
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My year literally started with my going to work, getting pulled around in slush, spinning my car around to face the <strong>DIRECTION</strong> 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 <strong><em><u>NOT</u></em></strong> the same!<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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March also saw Traci and the girls come for a visit (and <strong><em>FINALLY</em></strong> 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.<br />
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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.)<br />
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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... <br />
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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.<br />
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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... <br />
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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!<br />
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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!) <br />
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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. <br />
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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.)<br />
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November saw the boys celebrate their birthdays. Monster turned 7 and Peanut 4. Where <span style="color: red;"><strong><em>DID</em></strong></span><span style="color: black;"> the time go?!?</span><br />
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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. <br />
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We did Christmas morning/day just us four. The boys made out like farming bandits. <br />
Then we did Christmas with Luke's family on the 26th, and we all got very nice gifts. <br />
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Hopefully, we'll get to do the Seefeldt family Christmas January 6-8th. *fingers crossed and lots of prayers being said*<br />
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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: <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!</span></div>Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-6942735379034281042011-12-26T17:27:00.000-06:002011-12-26T17:27:23.517-06:002 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 <strong>lot</strong> 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. <br />
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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 <strong><em>joys</em></strong> of family get-togethers... <br />
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I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Have a safe and Happy New Year! God Bless!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-69865226111056464072011-12-25T14:57:00.000-06:002011-12-25T14:57:42.188-06:00Merry 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. <br />
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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 <strike>ungrateful</strike> unhappy people exchanging/returning gifts and all the After-Christmas "bargains". As if materialism is any form of bargain...)<br />
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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.)<br />
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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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1_LZ-nNzH0/TveLzV3USRI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ajl3pbnqzFg/s1600/100_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1_LZ-nNzH0/TveLzV3USRI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ajl3pbnqzFg/s320/100_2014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys waiting for Daddy to come downstairs so they can begin.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymjGpYd_9mc/TveL3j5QFzI/AAAAAAAAAEw/gN_bxgq0TI0/s1600/100_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymjGpYd_9mc/TveL3j5QFzI/AAAAAAAAAEw/gN_bxgq0TI0/s320/100_2015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWAtjU8zDy0/TveL8mh0YrI/AAAAAAAAAE4/u5e6EQ2earo/s1600/100_2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWAtjU8zDy0/TveL8mh0YrI/AAAAAAAAAE4/u5e6EQ2earo/s320/100_2016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monster is ready to start!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2vEH7juLj8/TveMAg-WbTI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ZgwF1_sr9O8/s1600/100_2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2vEH7juLj8/TveMAg-WbTI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ZgwF1_sr9O8/s320/100_2017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peanut's Santa gift: a gator!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUxenxpQAxo/TveMEkdFuVI/AAAAAAAAAFI/bE5Xibck0D4/s1600/100_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUxenxpQAxo/TveMEkdFuVI/AAAAAAAAAFI/bE5Xibck0D4/s320/100_2020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monster got a bale wagon.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIhEt6GJl5Y/TveMJFGYP5I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/iB9Tv-mICAg/s1600/100_2024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIhEt6GJl5Y/TveMJFGYP5I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/iB9Tv-mICAg/s320/100_2024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monster's Santa gift: a New Holland (blue) tractor.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXCc9BM7NiM/TveMNnafa7I/AAAAAAAAAFY/vNMg4oYl7LY/s1600/100_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXCc9BM7NiM/TveMNnafa7I/AAAAAAAAAFY/vNMg4oYl7LY/s320/100_2029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peanut got a forage wagon</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcXfnZ1yCMw/TveMRw2RrnI/AAAAAAAAAFg/iqWrASi98Ts/s1600/100_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcXfnZ1yCMw/TveMRw2RrnI/AAAAAAAAAFg/iqWrASi98Ts/s320/100_2025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peanut got a John Deere 6140D scale size (Daddy oopsed on this one...)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRkbZ-KxHY0/TveMVyT9xzI/AAAAAAAAAFo/2b02qx4hKRA/s1600/100_2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRkbZ-KxHY0/TveMVyT9xzI/AAAAAAAAAFo/2b02qx4hKRA/s320/100_2030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ha, ha! Daddy got to "help" with all the twist ties/cable ties that each implement and tractor had!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3W8naMV-S5A/TveMa__7bbI/AAAAAAAAAFw/ZFjR3eUgr9Q/s1600/100_2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3W8naMV-S5A/TveMa__7bbI/AAAAAAAAAFw/ZFjR3eUgr9Q/s320/100_2031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys with their gifts from Mama & Daddy and Santa. They really like them all.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjz9VRcfcxI/TveMfV4IXzI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Dbi8tQ0w7xg/s1600/100_2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjz9VRcfcxI/TveMfV4IXzI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Dbi8tQ0w7xg/s320/100_2034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best Christmas present available in our home: a lapful of little boys. Our greatest blessing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">God Bless everyone!</div>Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-78952640813147167932011-12-22T12:24:00.000-06:002011-12-22T12:24:47.534-06:00Christmas plans completely changedYesterday 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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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Merry Christmas to the Seefeldt families: Mom & Dad and all my siblings and their families.<br />
Merry Christmas to the Albers families: J & M and Luke's siblings and their families.<br />
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May God bless us all and keep us happy, healthy, safe, and with full knowledge that each of us is extremely loved.Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-31834109480331519552011-12-19T12:22:00.000-06:002011-12-19T12:22:51.817-06:00Our 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... <br />
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Peanut, Monster, and I had just gotten home from church, which both of the boys fully enjoyed the Children's Liturgy (so <em><strong>WANT</strong> </em>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 <strong><em><u>TASTE</u></em></strong> 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 <strong>STILL!!!</strong> 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. <br />
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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 <strong><em><u>JUST</u></em></strong> 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.)<br />
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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?!? <br />
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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...<br />
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Thankfully, they have given me so much more joy and happiness versus the gray hairs. Thank You, God!<br />
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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.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Brush Script MT;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Brush Script MT;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Brush Script MT;"> Faith Hope Joy Love<br />
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-37109321600992384812011-12-14T14:33:00.001-06:002011-12-14T14:36:02.953-06:00I 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 <strong><em><u>HAVE</u></em></strong> 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 <em>should</em> 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!!!!)<br />
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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*)<br />
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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!<br />
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*big deep breath in---hold it, hold it, hold it---slowly let it out*<br />
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<em>Dear God, help each person in our family understand the true meaning of Christmas. Fill us with joy. Make us more loving. Amen.</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDz2qYm0XBJCkAdBaN5jw9A2PxTiQ1XLzWHaQmiiWepE-Zn870RJ1GX-NbHvGlRvvUEjfW9hCVyDFoQJk1spj0q73Q8ZpQ775uG_EaSW9dljt2ErX54hhaeqNVMMva5aBKD2PVITUEwQ/s1600/Stained+glass+nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDz2qYm0XBJCkAdBaN5jw9A2PxTiQ1XLzWHaQmiiWepE-Zn870RJ1GX-NbHvGlRvvUEjfW9hCVyDFoQJk1spj0q73Q8ZpQ775uG_EaSW9dljt2ErX54hhaeqNVMMva5aBKD2PVITUEwQ/s1600/Stained+glass+nativity.jpg" /></a></div>Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-85319004585077837592011-12-13T18:18:00.000-06:002011-12-13T18:18:16.959-06:00Cookies & treats for teachersWell, 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.<br />
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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... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcY7wFpG3uzpo1MthZS39VHckbsSA5y8NX8KCKcQ0nhPz6xVcMUFQHeoEqWjC_YldLocwY4duTj_8Qxy-Y4X5oBz-O3H2OEn1YblfV4-Jqq5ic6AcpAvpAj-fMOXSowrWXqwuP1q3gOo/s1600/100_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcY7wFpG3uzpo1MthZS39VHckbsSA5y8NX8KCKcQ0nhPz6xVcMUFQHeoEqWjC_YldLocwY4duTj_8Qxy-Y4X5oBz-O3H2OEn1YblfV4-Jqq5ic6AcpAvpAj-fMOXSowrWXqwuP1q3gOo/s320/100_2006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWlTZBMwt2dTlVxpv9ldKJDdGruIZIqt_jeGWqEDF9E3bczT8DTAyu5U9pHlVDt5Jum1AiycTDMdTaS2bwgFKyoujxt31jZZVl31XQpb8pW0z3SK1ApO1R7L-GSHZkfMQMYI9n0gL4r8/s1600/100_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWlTZBMwt2dTlVxpv9ldKJDdGruIZIqt_jeGWqEDF9E3bczT8DTAyu5U9pHlVDt5Jum1AiycTDMdTaS2bwgFKyoujxt31jZZVl31XQpb8pW0z3SK1ApO1R7L-GSHZkfMQMYI9n0gL4r8/s320/100_2009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <em>Sorry, Lord, but I got tired of making my family always second fiddle. Please forgive me. Amen</em><br />
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<em>Dear God, help each person in our family understand the true meaning of Christmas. Fill us with joy. Make us more loving. Amen.</em><br />
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<em>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.</em>Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-61727047347155950772011-12-11T07:23:00.000-06:002011-12-11T07:23:10.013-06:00Guadete, or Joy, does not come from what we do, but who we loveI 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.<br />
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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 <strong>with</strong> those we love just for the sheer joy of it. Whatever it is, do it as a family and simply enjoy the time together.<br />
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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 <strong>NOT</strong> 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.<br />
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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.)<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bUi3B4rJGf3TqtkNtTISYLOSI-D5uWYd52aPc76OCSIzN0VwgCWo6l1v7Oej7FTroOKFBnTiknRd75YRSyvmCnFUQaejuH6Hb8d5eM71kSKRpSriWc9urtvHUj4yMqPNQu2mRw2Ao_0/s1600/Prepare+candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bUi3B4rJGf3TqtkNtTISYLOSI-D5uWYd52aPc76OCSIzN0VwgCWo6l1v7Oej7FTroOKFBnTiknRd75YRSyvmCnFUQaejuH6Hb8d5eM71kSKRpSriWc9urtvHUj4yMqPNQu2mRw2Ao_0/s1600/Prepare+candle.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipct2FMetTKu9UJpaWUihFJG8nSjbsIe7ptfNG-9TOlChaFN-MeS3vqyBXjtmX-oOOTbKdiCw_GYs0gXSdg7rxkjvkFwVKm8JpSi72nPq8Bxz_8_UNiQMSvB0CRwC5dCe2BNxNMHUJvOw/s1600/Rejoice+candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipct2FMetTKu9UJpaWUihFJG8nSjbsIe7ptfNG-9TOlChaFN-MeS3vqyBXjtmX-oOOTbKdiCw_GYs0gXSdg7rxkjvkFwVKm8JpSi72nPq8Bxz_8_UNiQMSvB0CRwC5dCe2BNxNMHUJvOw/s1600/Rejoice+candle.jpg" /></a></div><em>Dear God, help each person in our family understand the true meaning of Christmas. Fill us with joy. Make us more loving. Amen.</em><br />
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<em>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.</em>Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-68953908877150932312011-12-06T06:46:00.000-06:002011-12-06T06:46:46.212-06:00Two sick little boysOk, 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*<br />
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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. <br />
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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...Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-78705433585741933892011-12-05T19:57:00.000-06:002011-12-05T19:57:25.783-06:00I 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.)<br />
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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.<br />
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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!)<br />
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I love when Peanut figures out he can do somersaults and backwards somersaults, with or without help. He gets very excited about his accomplishments.<br />
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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.)<br />
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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!)<br />
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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.)<br />
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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. <br />
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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!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997450954630136092.post-79218106866160295922011-12-05T03:13:00.000-06:002011-12-05T03:13:36.366-06:00Sometimes 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 <strong><em>HE</em></strong> 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 <em>something</em> 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 <strong>SO</strong> 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 <strong><em>he</em></strong> 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. <br />
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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)<br />
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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!Krista Albershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371077499940877210noreply@blogger.com0