Happy Birthday Papa Ed

We celebrated Papa Ed's birthday a day early because he had to go back to work tonight. We had an early dinner at the Texas Road House and headed over to their house for dessert and presents.

The highlight of Papa's birthday is always the card he gets from Uncle Vic. Every year the card is loaded full of junk, but it is always a great laugh! The things in the card are always so random! However, this year someone opened the side of the envelope and stole my Dad's root beer money! So this year there was an expired calendar, a bread tie, a rubber band, a dirty adult joke, a police card of his son John in Montana, 11 cents (what was left of the root beer money), a wet wipe, a ticket for the train at the zoo, and an article from the 1999 newspaper. My Dad keeps every card and the envelops they come in. On a less interesting note Papa also got a couple of shirts and a table for some saw he has.

Libby was excited that Papa turned 4 like her and Maison enjoyed serenading Papa with his alien mask.

The Schmidt Family Christmas

We left Rolfe late Christmas Eve night and dropped the kids off at Grama Shari and Papa Ed's house, so Santa would know where to drop the gifts off. We got to their house a little after midnight and the kids woke up long enough to grab their i-dogs, get into the house, and into bed. Jason, Izzy, and I headed home to sleep in our own bed. (There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed)

We got the call early the next morning informing us that Santa had left presents all over the place. We didn't even have time to shower. We loaded up Izzy and headed over. Santa brought Maison and Libby each their own computer that hooks up to our computer, soaps, and thermos mugs for hot coco. Izzy got some bath soap and a cool rain forest mat to play on. Daddy got some almonds, 4lbs of Twizzlers and Cyclone season tickets to share with Mommy. Mommy got her family calendar, tarts from Yankee Candle, and chocolate sticks that the kids ate! (Those dirty rats ate my sticks last year too!)

We were going to take a break so everyone could get cleaned up, but the kids were much too excited! They got lots of great things! Maison got his K'nex, a cool mug that plays xmas music, some movies, a Wall-E ornament, lots of tape and some other things I can't remember right now! Libs got her Easy Bake oven, food, a decorator, movies, her fairy ornament, a cool dance outfit, dress-up clothes, a mug that plays xmas music, a cool make-up kit, and lots of other things I again can't remember either! Izzy got a homemade blanket, clothes, toys, socks, her first ornament, and a hat and gloves. Jason and I got a Willow Tree Nativity, he got a new razor, and some gift cards. I too got some gift cards, but most importantly a mini banana bread loaf pan! (Mine rusted out and I haven't been able to replace it. Leave it to my mom to give me hers! The best present ever!)

All in all it was a great Christmas! However, I don't think the kids will eat turkey anytime soon which is unfortunate because Jason's folks gave us a great smoked turkey! We had turkey at Thanksgiving, our family Christmas, the Allen Christmas, and the Schmidt Christmas! Gobble Gobble!

Now, where are we going to put everything? Good Will here we come!

The Allen Family Christmas

We headed to Rolfe late Sunday afternoon for Christmas. The kids spent a few days with Grammy and Papa before their cousins Sydney Lynn, Hayley, and Addy arrived. The kids woke up early on Christmas Eve morning to open presents.

Everyone got everything they wanted plus more! Maison was really excited about his i-dog, zero gravity car, and helicopter! Libby was really really excited about her potty girl, i-dog, doll clothes and her pink reindeer sweatshirt (John Deere) from Papa! I think it will take a while for everything to sink in! They always get such great things and so many things, I think they forget what they have gotten. Poor Izzy slept through most of the present opening, but she got some really great things as well! It will be interesting to see how the kids react when we unpack it all. It will be like Christmas all over again! Maybe we should put some of it away for next Christmas. I wonder if they would even notice?

This year Uncle Rog and Papa Dan rented a big bouncy house for the kids to play in at the barn! The kids probably spent 10 or more hours bouncing around in that thing! The adults even joined in on the fun.

One of Santa's helpers dropped some gifts off at the barn for the kids. Maison and Libby got these really cool alien masks that can disguise their voices. Unfortunately, the grab bag event didn't go so well. Maison got a Dalmatian that he wanted but a few of the adults kept taking it away, which wasn't really all that fun. With the help of his Mom and Dad he was able to keep hold of it. Libby was lucky in her draw in that she got the last number, but not fully understanding how the whole thing works she also was reduced to tears. The good news is that she got the last gift which was an ornament that we made of the kids singing "Jingle Bells" which turned out to be a great gift for her Christmas tree! This kids weren't too traumatized and will soon forget when they have another whole round of gift opening tomorrow!

Our Family Christmas

We decided to do something a little different this year. We only bought one gift for our whole family, which was a Wii. We bought it a week or so before Christmas. We decided it was meant to be after a series of weird circumstances.

We were going to by one for Maison last year for his birthday, but ever since the Wii came out, we haven't been able to come across one anywhere! I have never seen one in the store before. Needless to say, Maison didn't get it for his birthday. However, while we were in North Dakota, I was shopping at the Wal-Mart there when on the loud speaker I heard..."Attention shoppers, we just received a large shipment of Wiis. Anyone interested should make their way back to electronics." I called Jason, but we decided to pass just because we didn't want to spend money we didn't have. We kicked ourselves afterwards because we decided the Wii would be a more practical gift than anything we had seen in the store!

So there Libby and I are grocery shopping one Friday afternoon when I made a pit stop in the electronic department just to see if they had a Wii. Low and behold, there one was! I couldn't believe it! I called Jason immediately and we decided to get it. As I am flagging an employee down, a man came down the isle looking for a Wii I assumed. I couldn't help myself and loudly stated..."I called it!" Lucky for me, he found my enthusiasm funny! I bought the Wii and accessories right in front of Libby and she didn't even notice! She was busy playing Mario Cart.

That night the kids had a sleepover at Grama Shari and Papa Ed's, so Jason and I decided to get the whole thing set up. We even played a game of golf. We unplugged the counsel and put it in the game closet. Hoping that the obvious would be less obvious. Seems like the sneaker we try to be, the faster the kids catch on.

We wrapped the empty boxes and decided to make clues for the kids to find their present. The clues were adapted from the story "The Night Before Christmas". We thought it was clever, but the kids seemed to tire of the clues rather quickly. When they finally opened their gift, the reaction was not what we thought it was going to be. They wanted to play right a way, but Libby asked where the rest of the presents were. I told her that was it and she says with both hands on her hips..."You know, kids like lots of presents for Christmas."

We assumed it was a bigger hit than we thought primarily because they wouldn't let Jason and I play, so we got up early the next morning and played 9 holes of golf. Jason was 11 over and I was only 26 over. Is there such a thing called a septuple bogey? There should be!

Maison's Christmas Program

Maison ended up not having school today because of the snow and ice we received last night. Fortunately, they were able to have their program tonight. Part of me hoped it would be postponed just because with the holiday's I did absolutely nothing about a costume.

Maison was assigned the role of Joseph for the program, and my plan was for him to just wear his bathrobe and some flip flops. Jason had other plans. It was around 2pm and Jason asked what Maison was going to wear. I'm not sure exactly what he said, but I heard "can't you whip something up quick?" I went into panic mode, scooped up Maison and headed to Wal-Mart. What in the world could I just "whip up" at the last second?

We headed over to the women's pajamas thinking I could find something long and white. No such luck, but the scrubs caught my eye. I found a nice brown scrub shirt, xl, which would work perfectly. We dashed over to the fabric department and he picked out some cream colored fabric, I didn't even know what it was at that point, but we got the lady to cut it into two different sections; one for his head and one to drape. I happened to look over to see what Maison was doing and saw some white cord which would be perfect for a belt! Maison picked out some trim to wear around his head and we dashed to the the sewing isle. Knowing I didn't have time to sew, or could even thread a bobbin at this point (it has been quite a while since I took Home EC, is that even p.c. anymore?) I located this great stuff that is like tape, but when ironed it acts like super glue! Now for the shoes. For some reason, I didn't know why other than I was thinking about 8th grade Home EC, but I remembered these shoes I used to wear that had a hard plastic soles with laces that tied up your leg! I found some craft foam and leather ribbon, perfect for Jesus sandals!

We headed home and I broke out the iron! The final product wasn't too bad and Maison was the most authentic character in the play. When we got there, I looked at Jason and said..."See, the bathrobe and flip flops would have been just fine!" I got the pat on the back and a "way to go Mom." (P.S. Maison wants everyone to know his beard isn't real!)

Libby's Christmas Party

Libby had her first Christmas party at school today! She was super excited! We volunteered to bring the sweet treat so Libby decided she wanted to bring M & M cookies. Yummy. They were a big hit!

Libby and her school friends decorated mini Christmas trees and painted their cinnamon ornaments. Before we could go home, we had to drive out in the freezing cold to one of Daddy's job sites so the boys could see and smell her ornaments!

Cutie Pie

Libby is once again in dance this year and is loving it! I was a little worried about their outfit this year, Cutie Pie, because it is anti-pink! For anyone that knows Libby, everything has to be some shade of pink, which now includes red and purple.

Jason, Maison, Izzy and I were joined at Libby's dress rehearsal by Grama Shari and her friend Sheri. Unfortunately Sheri's friend (husband) had an important meeting at the local pub that couldn't be missed!

The day of her performance she was really excited and got all dressed up. She even talked me into a little makeup! Her class did very well considering the gym was packed and there was standing room only! I am so surprised how a large crowd doesn't even phase her!

2 Months Old

Well, Izabella finally has her nickname. We've all been calling her Izzy, except for Libby of course. Sometimes when Libby thinks I'm not paying attention, I hear her singing songs to Izzy. Grama Shari taught the kids the Name Game song, which has become Libby's favorite song to sing to Izzy. Libby's version goes something like this... Izzy, Izzy Bo Bizzy, banana fanna fo Fizzy, me my Mo Wizzy, Izzy. So needless to say Libs calls poor Izzy...Izzy Mo Wizzy "You know Mama, because she pees so much."

Izzy weighs a little over 10 lbs and is 22 1/4 inches long. So she is basically in the 45th percentile for height and weight, and in the 70th percentile for her head! Nothing new. Both Maison and Libby were little Hamburglers as well.

We have been taking her to the chiropractor which has helped with the colic tremendously! Dr. Sheri told us her back was completely out of alignment! Ouch! Fast delivery was good for me, but not for her! We were taking her 3 times a week for awhile, but are down to once a week. Hopefully soon it will just be once a month!

Izzy is becoming less and less of a baby blob! She is smiling and talking more, but pooping less. Her Doctor says breastfed babies can go 10 to 14 days without a poop! I don't know about you, but if I didn't poop for 14 days, I would be in the E.R.!

It is amazing how quickly they change!

Thanksgiving Week

We took a family trip up to North Dakota for Thanksgiving. It was Izzy's first major road trip and to our surprise, she did really really well in the car! We made the trip in about 13hrs. Not too bad considering all of the stops we made.

Seems like almost every time we go that way Maison gets car sick. We were there a whole day before it kicked in. Of course it happened while I was trying to take a shower! He ended up barfing all over the toilet seat lid and the floor! Yuck! Jason was stuck cleaning it up because I was conveniently in the middle of a shower. To my dismay, he threw a bunch of paper towels into the toilet which plugged it up! I told him if I had to go to the front desk and ask for a plunger I was going to tell them he pooped up the toilet! Luckily for Jason, he managed to get the toilet to flush without the assistance of a plunger!

The kids enjoyed a dip in the pool after everyone was feeling better!

For Grama's birthday we all had dinner at the Elk's Club. Our family was late as usual. Not because we wanted to be but because I can't seem to get us all ready in a timely fashion. I like to blame it on the baby. It wasn't so bad because we had the birthday girl with us. In the video below, about 95% of the pictures were taken by Maison. He really loves photography and video!

After dinner we headed over to Uncle Don and Aunt Cindy's house for cake, ice cream, and presents. Poor Libby, the Noodle Man even tried to steal her cake! (For those who may not know or remember, a couple of summers ago when the kids and I took our yearly summer drive up, we had spaghetti at Uncle Don and Aunt Cindy's house for dinner one night. Libby was sitting in between our cousin Brent and I when one of her noodles hit the floor. Brent picked it up and put it on his plate, obviously not wanting to eat it, but Libby freaked out and accused him of stealing her noodles.) The rest is history.

Brent and Stuart stole Libby's purse and were really giving her a hard time. Stuart even made Libby cry! That night when we headed back to the hotel, she practiced up her Kung Fu moves to show them who was boss the next day.

On Thanksgiving everyone tried to talk Libby into leaving her purse at the hotel so the boys wouldn't get it, but we all knew she liked the teasing. When we got to Uncle Don and Aunt Cindy's house the fight was on. Brent and Stuart were no match for Libby's sweet Kung Fu moves! All in all we had a great time! The kids are already discussing our next trip. Unfortunately it won't be anytime soon. Mommy can't handle another 13hr trip in the van with 3 kids all by herself! Maybe this summer.

1 Month Old

Hard to believe Izabella is 1 month old already! It has been quite an adjustment, more for me than anyone! Unfortunately she has been quite colicky and has a horrible case of infant acne! (I have a hard time resiting pimple popping!)

The kids absolutely love her and at times seem to love her more than she can handle. We still haven't decided on a nick name but have DEFINITELY ruled out Bell or Bella. We all know how kids can tease each other and we didn't want Bell or Bella to turn into Belly, which then has the possibility of turning in to Jelly, and the final blow...Jelly Belly. Sound all a little premature and crazy? I assure you it's not. My folks were going to name me Stephanie, but obviously didn't because they didn't want kids to call me Step on Me. Whew! Close call for me! I only had to deal with Crusty Sh*t. Way to go Mom and Dad! That one was much easier to deal with! (Denote lots and lots of sarcasm in the last two sentences)

Libby first wanted to call her Bizzy Bee, which I thought was really cute. Maison wanted to call her Izzy, which Libby has conveniently changed to Izzy Mo Wizzy (because of all her dirty diapers, but mostly just because it annoys her brother!) Jason still likes calling her Libby and I have been calling her Baby Sis. Why do names have to be so difficult?

Izabella has received lots of wonderful gifts and has accepted many visitors. Great Uncle Bill and Aunt Pat came to visit a couple of weeks ago. (FYI Libby has a pair of butterfly tights that she is absolutely certain Aunt Pat stitched just for her, which is a story all on its own!) Great Aunt Janis and cousins Georgia, Ella, and Ian came to visit a couple of nights ago as well.

Happy Halloween

Click play for a Halloween treat!

Halloween was quite an ordeal this year. There were a total of 3 celebrations! The weather was perfect...65 degrees and no wind, which meant no coats!

Earlier this fall, Libby had talked Grama Mary into buying her a horsey suit (this has proved to be the best purchase ever!) because she wanted to be a cowgirl this year for Halloween. We already had the hat (a gift from Grama Shari and Papa Ed), Grama Mary provided the horsey, all she needed was a cowgirl shirt. We went to the local cowgirl clothing store and found the perfect shirt; pink pearl snaps and pink sparkly horsies! It was made just for her. Washing and ironing will of course be a whole different story!

Maison wanted to be an apparition this year! We spray painted his hair white, put on his skeleton shirt, and found a ghost robe! Libby was really scared of him and he got her good a couple of times.

Little Izzy was a sleepy pumpkin! She slept through all of the events including trick-or-treating!

Izabella Rose

Well, a new addition in our family wouldn't be the same without some drama! This pregnancy had been SO incredibly different than the other two! With Maison, I had diabetes, placenta previa, and LOTS of complications which resulted in a exciting ambulance ride and an early delivery, two months early!


With Libby, I had diabetes, with less complications, labored for almost a week, and had her a month early. She had beautiful hair which all fell out due to extreme eczema, and was left with a Donald Trump comb-over for months!


On October 9th I went in for my weekly check-up and was dilated to a 3 and was almost fully effaced. My doctor thought I would be ready for delivery on Sunday or Monday, and if that didn't happen she was going to induce me on the 16th, because the baby according to ultra-sound weighed 6lbs 8oz. Earlier in the week my brother informed me that he had no intention of sharing his birthday with anyone, which is on the 16th. No pressure there! (I think he secretly would have loved to share his birthday, but was unwilling to admit this to his arch nemesis!)


Once the weekend hit, I was feeling a little depressed as my contractions remained irregular and everyone kept calling to check on me! Hasn't anyone ever heard of that old adage about water not boiling when the pot is watched? My mom was calling daily, my brother actually called to check on me, my friends were calling, my dad called, my grama called, got an email from my aunt Cindy, and a lady from the gym I go to even called. I was beginning to feel like it would never happen because everyone, including me, wanted it to happen.


My plan was to mow the lawn on Sunday if nothing happened, but Jason talked me into a lunch date instead. We settled on Olive Garden. I hadn't eaten there in a long time. Of course I ordered the Rosemary chicken with broccoli, served on pasta in a heavy garlic cream sauce. As I sat and fully enjoyed my lunch, I leaned across the table and said, "I shouldn't be eating all of this! I know I will be in the bathroom all night!" Did that stop me? NO WAY! I unfortunately ate the whole thing!


I was looking forward to seeing the kids Monday as they had gone to Indianapolis with my mom for the weekend to visit my dad. They had been gone since early Friday morning. That night around 2:30am I woke up saying to myself, "I knew it! I should have never eaten that food!" So I was in and out of the bathroom for almost an hour. Finally, when I went in to go again, nothing happened. I sat there thinking..."Am I in labor?" I was quite hesitant, and laid back down in bed as I didn't want to go to the hospital just to be sent home because I had to poop! My contractions became more regular, but not very strong. I decided to get up and pack a bag. (You would think with my history, I would have packed a bag a month ago!) So I packed a bag, cleaned up the kitchen and the house, and charged the batteries for the camera. I woke Jason up around 3:45am and told him I think we needed to go. I decided to jump in the shower quick to wash my hair just because it had been a couple of days, and it was nasty. Time I got out of the shower, the contractions were definitely getting stronger! I think we left the house around 4:15am. Before we were out of the development, I realized I had forgotten my pillow, but decided to forgo it.


Jason took the back way to the hospital which included a very dark and windy road on the outskirts of town. The moon was high and full and the deer were out. There I was with one hand on the Oh Crap handle and the other digging into the arm rest, panting like a dog, watching out for deer! After what felt like eternity, we made it to the hospital. We decided to park in the ramp thinking we would avoid having to moving the car later. Jason went to the second level where the sky walk was located, we got the bag, he wheeled me to the entrance...and it was locked! The doors wouldn't be open until 5am. I looked at my watch and we were about 15mins. early. After some hesitation, we headed back to the van and made our way to the emergency entrance. Jason left the van running and we hobbled in. The receptionist got me a wheelchair and up to the 3rd floor we headed. As we headed toward the elevator, Jason slowed only for the rubber handles to pull off the wheelchair and I ran into the wall by the elevator. We got upstairs and at this point, I was really huffing and puffing. They ironically put us in the same room we had Libby in, I got my clothes off, the gown on, laid down, the nurse checked me and I was at 8cm to 9cm. At this point it was about 4:50am. One of the nurses asked Jason to go move the car. So he left quickly. I was in so much pain and knew in my heart of hearts this was going to be al natural! I had one nurse trying to put an IV in, another asking me about domestic abuse, and another trying to hook a monitor up. The nurse gave up on the IV, I quit answering questions because I was screaming my head off, and the other nurse was telling me not to push. At that point, Jason claimed he could hear me screaming all the way down the hallway, came in the room and replaced the nurse, who was laying on me to hold me down, I screamed a little more, got the token "OH SXXT" in, and there she was, followed by my doctor entering the room. She was officially born at 5:02am, only 12mins after we entered the delivery room! I looked over at Jason and he was teary, not because he was emotional after the birth of our third child, but teary because of how much pain he perceived me to be in! (You know it must have been bad if it mades other people's eyes water!)


She looked perfect and just like Libby! She had a tiny bruise by her eye and one on her collar bone, lots of fluid in her ears, and a broken blood vessel in her eye! All due to her prompt arrival. Apparently during "normal" labor, there is time for the fluid to be squished out of all orifices and time for the eyeballs to decompress. There was no time for decomression of any kind! She was much too excited to wait!


All in all everything went fine! I don't know whether to commend women who opt to give birth naturally or question their sanity!

Honey Creek Apple Orchard

A new apple orchard in Swisher opened this year. We decided to take the kids up there to pick some apples and get a couple of pumkins. The kids had such a great time picking apples that we ended up with $16 worth the apples at a $1.50 a pound. I have lots of baking to do now!

Disney on Ice

We took the kids and Grama Mary up to Cedar Rapids to see Disney on Ice. The kids absolutely loved it! They talked Grama Mary into cotton candy, popcorn, and hand held lights! Everyone took turns wearing the Dash mask that came with the cotton candy.

The whole premise behind the show was that the Incredible family wanted to take a vacation and just be a regular family, so they decide to go to Disneyland. When they get there, the dad, Bob, keeps destroying the rides because he thinks they are in danger. They destroyed the Jungle Book Ride, the Tea cups, the Haunted Mansion, the Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear, and a Small World (which might not be so bad, considering how annoying that song is!) Syndrome shows up and kidnaps Mickey and Minnie, so the rest of the show becomes a rescue mission by the Incredible family, where they continue to destroy more rides.

In the end, the Incredibles save Mickey and Minnie and the Light Parade goes on! YEAH!

Popcorn

It's that time of year again. Maison's pack is out selling popcorn. He is REALLY excited about participating this year. Grama Mary took him out for awhile this morning and he did really great, dispite it being a game day.

Maison made a sign for Grama Mary and sent some popcorn home with her to sell at the Bud Barn. He is quite the thinker! Hopefully it will sell!

Back to School

Maison had his Back to School Night tonight. We went to school and learned about his day and looked over some of the things he has been working on at school. His most recent project has been creating his own newspaper.











His main story was about RAGBRAI and how his Great Uncle Dan brought his team here to stay the night. His hero is his Dad. His cartoon was a drawing of Alvin and the Chipmunks swimming in soup and his favorite book is any one that he can read. He did a great job!

The Cyclones vs. The Golden Flashes

Double click the play button for some football follies!

Jason and I decided to take the kids to a football game. This was Maison's second game and Libby's first. We met Jason's friend Eric, his boys Jackson and Bronson, and Eric's Dad for the game.

We first had to make a trip to the Strawberry Patch at the mall, which sells ISU clothing for adults and kids. Maison and Libby wanted/needed new chicken shirts. (Cy, is the school's mascot. He is a Cardinal, but for some reason the kids think he is a chicken) ISU changed their logo along with their color pallet because of last year's coaching change. So of course Jason and I also needed new sweatshirts so we wouldn't jinx the team with our old stuff. So after spending a small fortune, we headed over to the game.

Jason's work, Country Landscapes Inc, shares a tailgating tent with a couple of other businesses, so we headed over to grab a bite to eat. The kids had a great time playing with Jackson and Bronson. Libby had to make a trip to the port-a-potty. Next think I know, I have all 4 kids with me, not realizing this would be the first trip EVER for all of them! So they each head into their own Johnny, and pretty soon everyone within earshot is getting a play-by-play announcement of what's in the toilet, what color it is, and how disgusting it is! Libby peeks out of her Johnny with her pants around her ankles asking me for help because she is afraid she will fall in the hole and get "that green poop all over her new cheerleader suit!" Everyone was dying!

Overall, I don't know how much of the game the kids watched, but they had a blast and we won!

First Day of School

Last night proved to be more of a challenge for Libby than Maison. The kids and I ran a few errands and got home around 8:30pm. I got Libby into the shower first, but yet she somehow managed to be the last into her jammies. Maison wouldn't admit to his excitedness, but brushed his teeth 3 times and gargled twice. (He wanted to make sure his teeth were nice and clean!)

Maison hopped into bed without much fuss before 9pm, while his sister was in and out of our room what seemed like a half dozen times! Finally sometime around 10:30pm things were quiet.

I got up around 5am and headed to the gym, came home around 6am, made banana bread, played with the dogs, woke Jason up, and was in the shower around 7am. Maison was up before 7:15am, when his alarm was set to go off, and had his first banana bread loaf. Time I was dressed and had Libby up, I think he brushed his teeth another couple of times. Libby on the other hand was her usual slow poke self. Despite her slowness, we had plenty of time for a couple of pictures before Daddy met us at the house.

We got to Maison's school and it was a whirlwind. There were kids, adults, and school supplies all over the place. Maison picked out his locker and we got him unpacked and somewhat situated. There was absolutely no fuss and when we tried to say goodbye, he just pretended we weren't there. I was okay with that because I was expecting a tearful goodbye from Libby later this morning.

Not realizing the time, we left in a flash because we had 5 minutes to get Libby to her first day of school. Not a great way to start off the year. We made the 5 mile trip back to North Liberty with 0 minutes to spare. Got her out of the van and into the school. She picks a great spot to hang her backpack, turns to look at us, and says "can I go play with my friends now?" I didn't know what to say, other than yes, but I was so let down. I didn't want major theatrics, but a little heartfelt whine would have been appreciated. Off she went and back to the van for us. As we were driving away I said to Jason, "can't believe neither one of the kids are going to miss me!?" In between work calls, he says "I miss you already." It just wasn't the same.

Raingutter Regatta

Click play, but hold on to your hats, it's windy!

Maison raced in his first Raingutter Regatta for Cub scouts today. It was a double elimination, and needless to say, he was eliminated twice rather quickly. It was a great race and a great experience. He and Daddy worked hard on the boat and it looked great! It was of course red, white, and blue, and numbered 44. Maison asked why number 44 and I replied that number 44 was Daddy's favorite number. Maison responds, "that's too bad, because I like number 45." Just had to be one higher. Daddy had to clear the air by saying his favorite number was actually 43. I guess I can't say I have a favorite number. What does a number actually do for you anyway? All in all, it was a great race!

Libby's 4th Birthday

Click play for some birthday party fun.

Libby had quite a busy birthday weekend. On Saturday, we went to Maison's school for a clean-up day, then headed over to watch him race his boat, back to the school for more cleaning, over to Grama Shari's and Papa Ed's, then to the Texas Road House for dinner, finally home for birthday cake and presents.

Hard to believe she is 4 already! On Saturday when she woke up, she says "am I still four?" My reply was yes and she was sad for a minute because "I won't ever be three again?" I said, "no, but in a year you'll be five." That seemed to cheer her up rather quickly! Thanks for all the great gifts and cards. Everything was so perfect for her...sparkly, girly, or princessy!

Cedar Rapids Kernels Game

The district that Maison's Cub Scout Pack belongs to had the opportunity to attend a Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball game. We have never taken the kids to a baseball game and I haven't attended a game since high school, so it was pretty exciting. All the scouts from the district were invited onto the field before the game for a parade around the bases.

The kids had a great time eating cotton candy, learning "hey batter, batter, batter" and "we want a pitcher", and dancing during the 7th inning stretch. I really don't know how much of the game they watched, but they, including B, really seemed to enjoy it. Papa Ed even managed to squeeze in a nap. (How anyone could sleep with all of the noise is beyond me!)

The kids enjoyed the fireworks the most! As we entered the stadium, we were handed special glasses to make the fireworks more enjoyable. I managed to get a video clip of the more enjoyable fireworks. I have to admit, the glasses were pretty cool!

Click the play button for some summer baseball fun.

Digital Photography

Double click the play button to enjoy some photo's of the kids

We used our "bonus" money from the government to buy a new computer as well as some digital photography editing software. I have been toying with the idea of starting up an at home business that would include photography, but I haven't really sat down and put the whole thing together yet. Lots of ideas, but I need to narrow it down.

The kid's pictures have been my first attempt. I learned lots from just this attempt. First important point, sunny days are not ideal! Too much squinting and shadows. All in all, not to shabby.

Swimming Lessons

Double Click the Play Button to See the Fishies in Action

This was Maison's second round of swimming lessons for the summer. He advanced to Level II. This was Libby's first class, Tadpoles, and she passed with flying colors. The kids are looking forward to the fall to continue their swimming adventures!

Get Grossed Out @ Your Library

Maison and Libby were involved in the summer reading program at our library. Every Tuesday Maison met in the Rec. Center for a story and activity. This summer's theme was gross. They read books like Walter the Farting Dog, The Gas We Pass, Guts, etc. They loved it.

Libby was supposed to be read to for 20min. each day and Maison was encouraged to read 30 books at his reading level. For each 5 books (Maison) or for 100 min (Libby) they received a raffle ticket for a prize drawing when the program was over.

Maison ended up reading 50 books this summer and Libby heard 600 min worth of stories! At the finale each received a t-shirt and a mug full of goodies. Neither one won anything from the raffle, but Libby won a door prize in her age group! Before they finished calling her name, her hand was up in the air and she says "that's me!" She won a scooter and a helmet. Unfortunately, she has a helmet and a scooter just like the one she won. We opted to return them to the store where she picked out a backpack for school and decided it would be a great reward for Maison to get a new L-Max game for all his hard work. All in all, everyone was a winner!

RAGBRAI XXXVI

RAGBRAI

Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa

August 26-31, 1973

The Register's bicycling tradition began with an idea (a kind of a challenge) between Des Moines Register feature writer/copy editor John Karras, an avid bicyclist, and Don Kaul, author of The Des Moines Register's "Over The Coffee" column. Karras suggested to Kaul that he ride his bicycle across Iowa and write columns about what he saw from that perspective. Kaul, also an accomplished rider, lived in Washington, D.C., and wrote his column from The Register's Washington Bureau.

Kaul liked the idea but issued the challenge that he would ride across Iowa if Karras rode with him. Karras agreed and the plan was approved by the managing editor. Coordination of the ride was assigned to Don Benson, public relations director, and the RAGBRAI trio was formed. Benson served as coordinator of the ride until his retirement in 1991, when Jim Green took over the duties.

Kaul and Karras then invited 'a few friends' (the public) to ride along. The route was laid out on maps and readers were told that the ride would start in Sioux City on August 26 and end on August 31 in Davenport. Overnight stops were scheduled in Storm Lake, Fort Dodge, Ames, Des Moines and Williamsburg. (Year One's overnight towns had the largest average population of any RAGBRAI through RAGBRAI XXIV.) The ride was informally referred to as ' The Great Six-Day Bicycle Ride' and was scheduled to tie in with a Register and Tribune circulation sales meeting in Des Moines.

An estimated 300 people showed up for the start of the ride in Sioux City. By actual count, 114 riders made the entire distance that first year. The number swelled to 500 riders on the stretch of the route between Ames and Des Moines. In fact, the ride has become so popular that RAGBRAI officials now limit the number of week-long riders to 8,500 in order to maintain a sense of control and insure fewer injuries. And so it began and continues.

This year's route:

Our Part:

We invited Jason's Uncle Danny and his team to stay at our place on Thursday for the overnight. Tuesday the kids and I spent the day preparing food (Spring Salad & Watermelon), picking up dog doo, mowing, and cleaning up the garage. (I don't recall the garage looking so great!) Wednesday we spent the day cleaning the house, upstairs and downstairs, and making a banner in the driveway out of chalk. Thursday morning I hit Wal-Mart around 4:30am to pick up some final things, headed to the gym, and came home to make signs. The kids and I got our signs out around 10am and just in time, because shortly after Team Pump's bus arrived.

We had around 20 riders, 1 school bus, two trucks, and about 8 tents in the yard. The kids had a blast and the weather was great. It didn't get much over 70 degrees and we were able to have a fire!

Pack Picnic

Maison's pack had a picnic today in the park. Complete with hotdogs, other delicious sides, and a water fight. Our kids must have been the driest! Maison was also able to pick up his boat for the Raingutter Regatta coming up in August.

Maison: Level 1 Completed

The past week, Maison started and completed his first swimming lessons at our pool. He was the best in his class! On the last day of class Maison received a certificate, a certified Red Cross card, and a sucker. Not too bad. He will begin Level II next week.

VBS: Power Lab

Day 1: This is Fizz

Jesus gives us the power to be Thankful.

Bible Story: WOW! Jesus heals 10 lepers. (Luke 17:11-19)

Power Verse: Always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

Activity: The kids made shrinky dinks of each day's bible buddy.


Day 2: This is Sparki

Jesus gives us the power to Help others.

Bible Story: ZAP! Jesus gives sight to a blind man. (John 9:1-41)

Power Verse: When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. (Romans 12:13)

Activity: The kids made bouncy balls.

Day 3: This is Dewd

Jesus give us the power to be Brave.

Bible Story: BAM! Jesus gives Peter the courage to walk on water. (Matthew 14:22-33)


Power Verse: I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. (Psalm 23:4)

Activity: The kids made headbands today.

Day 4: This is Max

Jesus gives us the power to Live Forever.

Bible Story: POW! Jesus dies and comes back to life.
(Luke 23:26-24:53)

Power Verse: Since I live, you also will live. (John 14:19)

Activity: The kids made goo today.

Day 5: This is Electra

Jesus gives us the power to Tell Others About God.

Bible Story: ZING! The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-47)

Power Verse: Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. (Mark 16-15)

Activity: Today the kids decorated balls that could be given to their friends to help start a conversation about Jesus.

Double Click the play button to see the finale.

Cub Scout Camping Trip

Maison had his first Cub Scout Camping trip this Saturday. I think the boys really had a great time!

It's A ...

I had my doctor's appointments today. All went well. Jason and the kids joined me for my ultra-sound. I don't know if the kids fully understood what they were looking at, but they had a good time. Hard to believe how things have changed in 4 short years. They now can do a 4D image, which if you ask me is kind of creepy looking.

90% to 95% IT'S A GIRL

(Jason is holding out for his 5% to 10% for a boy)

The Heritage Center

We took a trip to the Heritage Center by the capital. Some of the displays are unbelievable!

During the Grand Forks flood of 1997, Anheuser-Busch donated canned drinking water from their brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, to aid in relief efforts. Floodwater contaminated the public water system, making the usual sources of water undrinkable. University of North Dakota students, among others, came to call the canned water “Floodweiser”.

Mosasaurs were huge marine lizards, up to 40 feet in length, that inhabited the world's oceans during the cretaceous. This skeleton is one of the mosasaurs called Plioplatecarpus that inhabited the Pierre Sea about 75 million years ago. It was discovered in 1995 by Mike Hanson and Dennis Halvorson on Orville and Beverly Tranby's farm in the Sheyenne River Valley near Cooperstown, in Griggs County, ND.

The Mastodon lived in North America during the last part of the Ice Age, 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. This well preserved mastodon skeleton was excavated at Highgate, Ontario in 1890. This skeleton actually has a history being in the circus.

The Bison Latifrons was the largest of all North American Bison, about 25% larger. It has been radio-carbon dated, its age is estimated at being over 47,500 years old. This is the only skull found in ND.

This is the oldest house ever excavated in North Dakota, 550-410 B.C. Its was occupied during the fall and winter. Clay pots, food, weapons, and tools were found during the excavation in and near the house

The Greatest Show in the West

Saturday night we headed to Medora as it looked to be the only evening without rain for the remainder of our stay. We headed out a little early so the kids would have time to play and we could hit the gift shop as well.

The kids absolutely loved the musical. Last year on our trip the show was cut short due to rain, but we were fortunate to see the entire show this year! This year marks the 50th year for the show! I remember the amphitheater when it was a dirt floor, railroad ties, and portapotties. Now it's concrete, metal chairs, an escalator, and actual bathrooms. Quite an improvement!

The Dakota Zoo

The kids and I headed to North Dakota to visit Great Grama Terry while Jason took some R & R in Canada with his dad, uncle, brother, and cousins. Unfortunately the cold rainy weather followed us all the way there. Hard to believe the kids are wearing jeans and fleece shirts at the end of May!

The rain let up enough for us to enjoy a day at the zoo. We rode the train to get a quick glance at the zoo. The kids enjoyed howling at the wolves, however I don't know that the wolves enjoyed it as much.

The prairie dog exhibit is always a favorite. They love to climb up to get a dog's eye view of what is happening. Man can those things dig! There were quite a few new babies there basking in the sun.

We enjoyed some hot dogs and watching the kids climb a big tree. The reason for the hoods? Tic helmets silly! Maison and Libby were quite concerned with tics falling into their hair while tree climbing. Leave it to our kids to be worried about tics!

http://www.dakotazoo.org/

Tiny Kix Finale

Libby's dance class had their big finale tonight! Each class performed all of their dances throughout the year. We watched this a couple of times just because Libby's facial expressions during some of the dances are absolutely priceless! She is looking forward to participating in the North Liberty Fun Days parade with her class as well as starting up in the fall again. Hard to tell if she likes singing or dancing better!

Den Graduation

Maison and his den graduated tonight from Tiger Cub to Wolf Cubs. It was a great ceremony! Maison will be attending a couple of Scout Camps this summer as well as participating in monthly Pack events. He really enjoys scouts, especially since it's just him and Jason.