The blog may be taking a bit of a backseat this week. We've got a lot going on, and I just can't justify finding much extra computer time!
*Swimming lessons M-Th am
*Teaching VBS M-Th pm
*Watching 2 boys for some friends during the day T-Th
*Host 1st grade book club Wed pm
*Tutor the student I've been working with this summer Th am
*Brian ref baseketball Th pm
*Driving to/from a birthday party Fri pm
*VBS carnival Fri pm
*Leave for a week in CO on Saturday noon.
I'm not complaining about any of these at all...I just need to keep organized and stay off the computer this week!
7.28.2008
7.26.2008
Simplify
A couple of weeks ago I went to an Uppercase Living party. Each person received a small sample of the product, and I chose the word "Simplify". I didn't know where in my house to put it, so I chose in my bathroom above the lightswitch.
I actually kind of like having it there. I see it everyday, and I like how it reminds me to keep things simple!
I had to laugh at myself this morning. I was about to hop in the shower, and I noticed that it hadn't been cleaned in a while. So, in an effort to keep things simple, I grabbed my cleaning spray and sponge, brought them in the shower with me, and cleaned away! It was pretty efficient if I do say so myself!
**UPDATE**
I had NO idea so many other people did this! It makes me wonder what other efficiency tips I'm missing out on!
I actually kind of like having it there. I see it everyday, and I like how it reminds me to keep things simple!
I had to laugh at myself this morning. I was about to hop in the shower, and I noticed that it hadn't been cleaned in a while. So, in an effort to keep things simple, I grabbed my cleaning spray and sponge, brought them in the shower with me, and cleaned away! It was pretty efficient if I do say so myself!
**UPDATE**
I had NO idea so many other people did this! It makes me wonder what other efficiency tips I'm missing out on!
7.24.2008
Brian's Baseball Heaven
This gal I teach with at Burnsville High School has told me about her husband's love for baseball memorabilia. She invited our family over for a visit to view his collection of signed jerseys, baseballs, pictures, figures, etc. (Pete Rose, Ted Williams, Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris to name a few have signed his stuff) Needless to say, his collection blew me away. I'm pretty sure it is worth 100's of thousands of dollars. IN HIS BASEMENT NO LESS!
So how did this guy who is near retirement age collect all this stuff and have access to so many resources like signatures of hall of famers? His uncle was a lawyer for the Chicago Cubs way back when. He was in charge of a case that brought in to being the phrase that must be said during every radio and telecast of every MLB game. "This game cannot be rebroadcast or disseminated without written consent from the Commissioner..." His uncle actually wrote that exact script for MLB and the Cubs. WOW!! His uncle then started a law firm in NYC and represented MLB baseball in many historic cases including the Curt Flood lawsuit against MLB regarding free agency. Look it up on google if you want to know the details of that one. His uncle was later asked to be the commissioner of baseball and turned it down, but did assign Bowie Kuhn (his assistant to the job for MLB) DOUBLE WOW!! And there's more...the reason why the Washington Senators moved to MN was because this guy assigned them to MN and the New York Giants to San Fransisco. SO...to take this all into perspective, this lady I teach with is married to the nephew of one of the most influential people in baseball. This guy we visited is very good friends with the starting catcher from the 1961 Yankees, so that has also helped him a great deal in collecting the amazing memorabilia. He told me this story when we were visiting and while he was pitching tennis balls to Ben in his backyard. The guy just is an absolute baseball lover. He often drives to small towns on Sundays to watch amateur teams play even though he doesn't know a soul on either team. He just wants to watch baseball. His collection should be put on display in a museum somewhere. I'm sure it will be sometime in the future...it is just too valuable to keep stored in his basement.
He also has a signed baseball of all the hitters who have hit 500 HRs up to Eddie Murray. He has a signed baseball of all the 300 win pitchers. He has a signed baseball of the entire 1961 Yankees. And the list goes on...amazing stuff. The most amazing thing I saw was the signed authentic jersey of Pete Rose. He signed it "The hit king, Pete Rose #14" COOL STUFF.
I wish you could see it. It was incredible. -Brian
I was so blown away that I forgot to take pictures until the end. These don't do the collection justice at all, but here is a tiny glimpse of what he has.
Ben staring at valuable Pete Rose card (upper right-hand corner)
Entire '61 Yankees starting line-up
Click to enlarge Mickey Mantle case
So how did this guy who is near retirement age collect all this stuff and have access to so many resources like signatures of hall of famers? His uncle was a lawyer for the Chicago Cubs way back when. He was in charge of a case that brought in to being the phrase that must be said during every radio and telecast of every MLB game. "This game cannot be rebroadcast or disseminated without written consent from the Commissioner..." His uncle actually wrote that exact script for MLB and the Cubs. WOW!! His uncle then started a law firm in NYC and represented MLB baseball in many historic cases including the Curt Flood lawsuit against MLB regarding free agency. Look it up on google if you want to know the details of that one. His uncle was later asked to be the commissioner of baseball and turned it down, but did assign Bowie Kuhn (his assistant to the job for MLB) DOUBLE WOW!! And there's more...the reason why the Washington Senators moved to MN was because this guy assigned them to MN and the New York Giants to San Fransisco. SO...to take this all into perspective, this lady I teach with is married to the nephew of one of the most influential people in baseball. This guy we visited is very good friends with the starting catcher from the 1961 Yankees, so that has also helped him a great deal in collecting the amazing memorabilia. He told me this story when we were visiting and while he was pitching tennis balls to Ben in his backyard. The guy just is an absolute baseball lover. He often drives to small towns on Sundays to watch amateur teams play even though he doesn't know a soul on either team. He just wants to watch baseball. His collection should be put on display in a museum somewhere. I'm sure it will be sometime in the future...it is just too valuable to keep stored in his basement.
He also has a signed baseball of all the hitters who have hit 500 HRs up to Eddie Murray. He has a signed baseball of all the 300 win pitchers. He has a signed baseball of the entire 1961 Yankees. And the list goes on...amazing stuff. The most amazing thing I saw was the signed authentic jersey of Pete Rose. He signed it "The hit king, Pete Rose #14" COOL STUFF.
I wish you could see it. It was incredible. -Brian
I was so blown away that I forgot to take pictures until the end. These don't do the collection justice at all, but here is a tiny glimpse of what he has.
Ben staring at valuable Pete Rose card (upper right-hand corner)
Entire '61 Yankees starting line-up
Click to enlarge Mickey Mantle case
7.21.2008
OUCH!!
**UPDATE #2**
Brian is doing fine from his bee stings. He has some minor irritation and swelling on his arm (4 stings on the same arm and one on the temple.)
As a coincidence today, a door-to-door pest control company came by, and needless to say, they got our business. We have considered having someone do a house spray before b/c of ants in the garage, small wasps around the windows etc..., but this nest takes the cake!
By the way, if you haven't clicked on the pictures of the nest to enlarge them, you should! Pretty impressive what those little buggers can make!
Interesting information about wasps.
**UPDATE**
New picture of the culprit at the bottom of this post!
Our neighbors call Brian Edward Scissorhands because he likes to prune trees, and sometimes he prunes them a little too much.
Tonight, his love of pruning trees came back to bite him...quite literally.
While pruning a tree in the back yard, Brian was suddenly attacked by what seemed like a swarm of bees and was stung a WHOPPING 5 times!!
Yes...5 times!
I would post a picture of him, but he and Jason just left for the Batman movie. I guess after what he's just been through, he deserves a night out.
Thank goodness he's not allergic to bees!
Does this give you the creeps or what?!
Brian is doing fine from his bee stings. He has some minor irritation and swelling on his arm (4 stings on the same arm and one on the temple.)
As a coincidence today, a door-to-door pest control company came by, and needless to say, they got our business. We have considered having someone do a house spray before b/c of ants in the garage, small wasps around the windows etc..., but this nest takes the cake!
By the way, if you haven't clicked on the pictures of the nest to enlarge them, you should! Pretty impressive what those little buggers can make!
Interesting information about wasps.
**UPDATE**
New picture of the culprit at the bottom of this post!
Our neighbors call Brian Edward Scissorhands because he likes to prune trees, and sometimes he prunes them a little too much.
Tonight, his love of pruning trees came back to bite him...quite literally.
While pruning a tree in the back yard, Brian was suddenly attacked by what seemed like a swarm of bees and was stung a WHOPPING 5 times!!
Yes...5 times!
I would post a picture of him, but he and Jason just left for the Batman movie. I guess after what he's just been through, he deserves a night out.
Thank goodness he's not allergic to bees!
Does this give you the creeps or what?!
7.19.2008
We're Baa-ack!
We've eaten too much ice cream and fast food, missed too many naps and baths, and have plenty of laundry to keep us busy, but we had a GREAT time in the Black Hills! The hilights include: Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, cave and gold mine tours, Reptile Gardens, swimming and water slide at the pool, visiting Brian's old church camp and even running into people he knew, and last but not least, spending time with our boys and Grandma!
The weather was great, the boys traveled well in the car, everyone stayed healthy...we had no glitches whatsoever! We would love to go back again in a few years. It's well worth the trip!
Are we there yet?
Visiting Opa
Matt rode the waterslide!
Panning for gold
Gold Mine tour
Riding the wagon at Wall Drug
My favorite picture from the trip
Adam, age 20 months: "Guys!"
A shot from a small cavern
Crazy Horse
Cave tour
Our daily dose of ice cream
The weather was great, the boys traveled well in the car, everyone stayed healthy...we had no glitches whatsoever! We would love to go back again in a few years. It's well worth the trip!
Are we there yet?
Visiting Opa
Matt rode the waterslide!
Panning for gold
Gold Mine tour
Riding the wagon at Wall Drug
My favorite picture from the trip
Adam, age 20 months: "Guys!"
A shot from a small cavern
Crazy Horse
Cave tour
Our daily dose of ice cream
7.12.2008
Black Hills...Here We Come!
We are heading out Sunday morning for a road trip to the Black Hills! We'll do a one-night stop in Brandon, SD and pick-up Grandma Marilyn, and then continue driving on Monday. Thank goodness for portable DVD players!
We're prepared to take it slow, be flexible with the boys, and have fun! We aren't sure if we'll have internet access or not, so you'll have to check in periodically during the week to find out.
7.11.2008
10 Years!
It's hard to believe it was 10 years ago today that Brian and I were married. The time has flown by. As we woke up this morning, we said to ourselves, "Who would have thought 10 years ago that we'd be living in a house, have tenure in our teaching jobs, and have 3 beautiful boys?" We have been very blessed!
When we were first married, we kept a journal and tried to write in it every week. We laughed together last night as we read through some of the entries. The hopes and dreams we had as newlyweds, "falling in love more and more each day", thinking about what our future might hold. The last entry in the book is from 2002...I guess we got a little busy with the rest of our lives to write.
I found a journal that I kept before I even met Brian. On January 26, 1997 I wrote:
Qualities I Desire In a Husband:
Christian, considerate, communicates, honest, college educated, family oriented, athletic, funny, tall, listens, values me, driven, sincere, handsome, kind, cultured, patient, down-to-earth
Those of you who know Brian well, know that all of these qualities describe him. (Well, maybe we're not the most "cultured" couple around, but everything else fits him perfectly). I am lucky to be his wife.
When we were first married, we kept a journal and tried to write in it every week. We laughed together last night as we read through some of the entries. The hopes and dreams we had as newlyweds, "falling in love more and more each day", thinking about what our future might hold. The last entry in the book is from 2002...I guess we got a little busy with the rest of our lives to write.
I found a journal that I kept before I even met Brian. On January 26, 1997 I wrote:
Qualities I Desire In a Husband:
Christian, considerate, communicates, honest, college educated, family oriented, athletic, funny, tall, listens, values me, driven, sincere, handsome, kind, cultured, patient, down-to-earth
Those of you who know Brian well, know that all of these qualities describe him. (Well, maybe we're not the most "cultured" couple around, but everything else fits him perfectly). I am lucky to be his wife.
7.08.2008
No Plan B
I got some sad and shocking news from my friend Ginny today. About 2 months ago, she and her boyfriend bought their first home. They had been looking for a while and were so excited to be homeowners.
Ginny recently came home from work and was met with firetrucks, police cars, an ambulance, and onlookers. Her house was on fire, and it has since been declared a total loss, along with everything that was inside, including a beloved cat. Just a couple of weeks ago she had invited me to a housewarming party...and now she is in the process of looking for temporary housing. They are planning on rebuilding, but it certainly does not come with the usual excitement that people have as they are preparing to have a house built.
I feel helpless in what to do for her.
It got me thinking about how fragile and unexpected life can be. From disasters such as this, to diseases, premature deaths, accidents, job loss...the list can go on and on.
A few months ago my sister introduced me to a blog called Bring the Rain. This blog is so worth reading. A woman, who happens to be the wife of a Christian recording artist, found out about halfway through her 4th pregnancy that the baby would not live. Her story is unbelieveable, her faith is amazing, and her writing will make you laugh and cry.
One of the posts on her blog includes a video. It is called "Rocked to My Core" and is about 22 minutes long. It's worth your time to watch it. The underlying message in the video is that we may try to plan out our lives, but when something unexpected happens, we switch into Plan B mode. According to God however, there is no Plan B. I love that line. From before we were born He's had our lives mapped out. He has known all along the good and bad that we would face in our lives.
It doesn't mean I understand why so many hurtful things happen, but it does provide comfort knowing that God has always been, and will always be in control!
Ginny recently came home from work and was met with firetrucks, police cars, an ambulance, and onlookers. Her house was on fire, and it has since been declared a total loss, along with everything that was inside, including a beloved cat. Just a couple of weeks ago she had invited me to a housewarming party...and now she is in the process of looking for temporary housing. They are planning on rebuilding, but it certainly does not come with the usual excitement that people have as they are preparing to have a house built.
I feel helpless in what to do for her.
It got me thinking about how fragile and unexpected life can be. From disasters such as this, to diseases, premature deaths, accidents, job loss...the list can go on and on.
A few months ago my sister introduced me to a blog called Bring the Rain. This blog is so worth reading. A woman, who happens to be the wife of a Christian recording artist, found out about halfway through her 4th pregnancy that the baby would not live. Her story is unbelieveable, her faith is amazing, and her writing will make you laugh and cry.
One of the posts on her blog includes a video. It is called "Rocked to My Core" and is about 22 minutes long. It's worth your time to watch it. The underlying message in the video is that we may try to plan out our lives, but when something unexpected happens, we switch into Plan B mode. According to God however, there is no Plan B. I love that line. From before we were born He's had our lives mapped out. He has known all along the good and bad that we would face in our lives.
It doesn't mean I understand why so many hurtful things happen, but it does provide comfort knowing that God has always been, and will always be in control!
7.06.2008
Happy 34th
Yes, I know it's a bit vain to say happy birthday to myself, but this is our family journal and now I'll be able to look back years from now and see how I celebrated my 34th birthday!
July 4th:
*Celebrated my bday, dad's bday, & 4th of July at our house
July 6th:
*Worked as the helper in children's church
*Went to mall with the whole crew to get VBS clothing supplies
*Ate lunch at mall food court (remember my cooking post?)
*Floated in pool with my sister
*Supervised neighbor kids and our boys swimming and jumping on tramp
*Dinner with new neighbors next door (yes, they cooked)...we brought the cake
*Hosted 1st grade sleepover
If you would have told me when I was 17 that this was how I'd be celebrating my bday 17 years in the future, I would have rolled my eyes in disgust! Now I know that priorities and perspectives definitely change as you get older and once you have children of your own. It was a great day and I enjoyed every part of it!
July 4th:
*Celebrated my bday, dad's bday, & 4th of July at our house
July 6th:
*Worked as the helper in children's church
*Went to mall with the whole crew to get VBS clothing supplies
*Ate lunch at mall food court (remember my cooking post?)
*Floated in pool with my sister
*Supervised neighbor kids and our boys swimming and jumping on tramp
*Dinner with new neighbors next door (yes, they cooked)...we brought the cake
*Hosted 1st grade sleepover
If you would have told me when I was 17 that this was how I'd be celebrating my bday 17 years in the future, I would have rolled my eyes in disgust! Now I know that priorities and perspectives definitely change as you get older and once you have children of your own. It was a great day and I enjoyed every part of it!
7.05.2008
Family Photographers
I absolutely LOVE having good photographers in our family! Dad has always been interested in photography, Brian D in CO began working on it a couple of years ago, and now Holly has purchased a good camera!
Even with a good camera, I'm not sure I would be able to take quality shots. Dad, Brian and Holly all have a good eye for seeing creative angles and do an excellent job capturing the moments!
During our 4th of July family BBQ, I asked Holly if she would take some shots of the boys.
I love how these turned out!
Even with a good camera, I'm not sure I would be able to take quality shots. Dad, Brian and Holly all have a good eye for seeing creative angles and do an excellent job capturing the moments!
During our 4th of July family BBQ, I asked Holly if she would take some shots of the boys.
I love how these turned out!
7.02.2008
Fend For Yourself
Most people who know me know that I'm not much of a cook. I just haven't learned to love it like so many others do. I feel guilty about this. I feel like I'm depriving my family. I'm embarrassed to admit how little I cook. I'll go through spurts where I'm doing a good job of planning ahead, but this summer has not been one of those spurts. I REALLY need to improve in this area!!
Close to supper time tonight, and even little Adam was scavenging around for food.
Pathetic...I know!
Close to supper time tonight, and even little Adam was scavenging around for food.
Pathetic...I know!
7.01.2008
WHEW!!
Bear with me! This is a long post, but it is in chronological order! Grandma Marilyn is in town, and boy have we been busy. Of the 90+ pictures I took today, I've conveniently narrowed them down to a mere 23. Enjoy!
June 30, 2008
1. Cooking 4:00-4:30
Ben's friend Alexandra was over and Grandma helped them make a simple, but delicious, ice cream pie!!
2. Baseball Game 6:30-8:30
Ben hits 2 doubles and a triple! And, for the FIRST time, he catches a fly ball!! Only in a little league game can you run over and give your grandma a hug after you make your first catch.
July 1, 2008
1. Swimming lessons 9:30-10:00
2. Playing catch 10:30-11:00
A picture speaks 1,000 words!
3. Reading 11:00-11:30
Here's a great idea: let's all pile into the very back of the car, while it's in the garage, on a hot day, and read Star Wars! Nope...not my idea of a good time.
4. Biking 11:30-12:00
After learning that his cousin had learned to ride her bike without training wheels, Matt decided it was time. Up until today, he always said, "Remind me when I'm 10 to take my training wheels off." Brian still runs alongside for peace of mind, but Matt is on his own now!
5. Lunch 12:00-1:30
Grandma let Matt choose a place to have a "celebration" lunch, and he picked Perkins!
6. Playing outside 2:00-5:00
Fun with water balloons on a hot summer day!
7. Downtown Minneapolis 6:00-9:00
"Hi Apple and Wa-Wa" Adam, age 20 months
Walking over I94 was pretty exciting!
A group of dancers performing in the Sculpture Garden. A very unique group (the boys got a kick out of the bells on the shins), but very friendly!
Yes...this was all in the last 24 hours! What will tomorrow hold?
June 30, 2008
1. Cooking 4:00-4:30
Ben's friend Alexandra was over and Grandma helped them make a simple, but delicious, ice cream pie!!
2. Baseball Game 6:30-8:30
Ben hits 2 doubles and a triple! And, for the FIRST time, he catches a fly ball!! Only in a little league game can you run over and give your grandma a hug after you make your first catch.
July 1, 2008
1. Swimming lessons 9:30-10:00
2. Playing catch 10:30-11:00
A picture speaks 1,000 words!
3. Reading 11:00-11:30
Here's a great idea: let's all pile into the very back of the car, while it's in the garage, on a hot day, and read Star Wars! Nope...not my idea of a good time.
4. Biking 11:30-12:00
After learning that his cousin had learned to ride her bike without training wheels, Matt decided it was time. Up until today, he always said, "Remind me when I'm 10 to take my training wheels off." Brian still runs alongside for peace of mind, but Matt is on his own now!
5. Lunch 12:00-1:30
Grandma let Matt choose a place to have a "celebration" lunch, and he picked Perkins!
6. Playing outside 2:00-5:00
Fun with water balloons on a hot summer day!
7. Downtown Minneapolis 6:00-9:00
"Hi Apple and Wa-Wa" Adam, age 20 months
Walking over I94 was pretty exciting!
A group of dancers performing in the Sculpture Garden. A very unique group (the boys got a kick out of the bells on the shins), but very friendly!
Yes...this was all in the last 24 hours! What will tomorrow hold?
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