Happy Halloween

Bible Study

I've been attending and actively participating in my first ever bible study. We are reading the book "The Bad Girls of the Bible". I have no idea why I haven't joined in a bible study before....it's making great changes in my life and the life of my family. Recently the subject of being content has been discussed at church. What would you grab from your home if you only had 10 minutes? I was having a hard time of thinking of what would be impossible to replace. We all agreed we'd grab our cat, Mr. Whiskers...and of course the kids would have their 10 minutes to grab things. They were so smart and said clothes, underwear, their pillow and special blanket. Jeff said clothes, wallet.....I looked around and all I wanted was my family.

This has been eye opening - as I tend to be a bit of a pack rat. I've been under the thought that "I just might need it for school"...but things stay in boxes and clutter our lives and our home. I've cleaned out two junk drawers and have one drawer for our misc. things. Jeff now has a drawer for just his stuff - so it stays off our counter top.

I have a plan to really go over the boxes in the basement and clean it out. I would be so embarrassed if I died tomorrow and someone had to deal with that terrible mess.

The other change has been to do our daily devotionals at supper. Jenna loves finding the verse from her new bible and reading it for us before I read the story that goes along with it. It has lead to some great family discussions - and a little bit of sibling happiness.

The best part is Jeff is supporting this change. I've had some rather long and hard days at school and he now takes time to email me at work to see how I'm doing - feeling. He is such an amazing person. I truly believe God brought us together 20 years ago at the UWRF Student Center. I love him more deeply each day.

So, what would you grab if you had 10 minutes before a tornado destroyed your home????? What do you thank God for???? Can you see the blessings he has brought you?

Jeff had a birthday

Today is Jeff's 45th Birthday! We celebrated by going to church and celebrating Jenna receiving her 3rd grade bible. We watched the Viking win! Jeff got a purple #4 jersey from us for his big day.

We had steak for supper, enjoyed some cake, and ended the night with some TV.

Lordy Lordy I'm finally 40!

Well - it's official. I have entered a new decade! Friday I turned 40. The day started great with lots of love, hugs, and kisses from my family. My parents were visiting from WI - so I'm so glad I got to spend this week with them.

I ventured to school where I noticed the flags were at 1/2 staff. Of course I knew it was because of 9/11 - but I did chuckle to myself as I thought...."I'm mourning the end of my 30's".

Entering my classroom - I notice A LOT of black hanging down. My wonderful co-workers decorated my classroom. Lots of black streamers....balloons that say '40' on them....and a black curtain that you need to walk through to get into my door.

My co-workers slowly started to come to my room to wish me well....when I noticed EVERYONE WAS WEARING BLACK!!!!! How sneaky is that?!?!?!?! My teaching partner (Melody) was wearing navy - with a red and white star...(cause she knew I wanted everyone to be in red, white, and blue for Patriot Day.) However, everyone else was in black to help support me in getting over the hill.

Now my students started to enter. The first student handed me a photograph with cookies writing out the number 40 - and then gave me a bag of the cookies used in the picture. I was handed 40 pencils, a "happy 40th birthday sign", 40 gel pens, 20 Hershey Hugs and 20 Hershey kisses to equal 40 hugs and kisses, 40 pieces of popcorn (about 4 times), 40 sunflower seeds, 40 sticks of Juicy Fruit Gum (3 times), and lots and lots of hugs and hand drawn pictures.

We had a wonderful day with a spelling pre-test, an hour of 'specials', a movie, then off to our fieldtrip to the Durham. We came back in time to enjoy some cupcakes my mom made - and time to clean up the classroom for the end of the day.

It was a great day at school followed by a wonderful evening at home. Mom had made a big pot of chili....with garden fresh tomatoes. Jeff and I ran some errands to get ready for the big party the following day.

I'm so blessed to have such an amazing family and wonderful co-workers. They made me feel very special and really helped me to start my 40's with a smile on my face!

September 2, 2009

The school year has started up and I'm LOVING my 3rd grade class. It took about 1 1/2 weeks to get them to know and follow the procedures...'train' them as I like to say...but so far so good.

Joe is busy with foot ball. Jackson has started in band - playing the trombone. Jenna is - loving every second of learning! She works hard and plays hard!

Jeff is still working strong on his MBA. I do believe the light is on at the end of the tunnel for him.....December he will be done and we plan on a BIG celebration to reward him for all of his hard work. It will be great for him to not have any homework.

Ma an Pa Primmer will be coming out to Omaha next week to see Joe in a football game, enjoy school lunch with Jenna, and do some things around the house. We will also be having the 3rd "JACK" party - come dressed as your favorite "Jack". I'm so excited for my sorority sisters to come down to celebrate the Jack Party with me. They were there for the first one in 1991 - in college (at the Green House with the WOP Washer!)...another "Jack Party" occurred in 1999 when I turned 30...so this "Jack Party" is to help usher in the 4th decade of my life! YIKES! I can't believe I will be 40 in a little over a week. I sure don't feel 40.

Jeff and I celebrated our 17th Wedding Anniversary with a wonderful dinner out. Friends of our took Jack and Jenna for a few hours and Joe chose to stay home - solo.

God sure has been good to us!

Pierce County Fair

We had a wonderful time at the Pierce County Fair a few weeks ago. Cousin fun was had by all! Here are some pictures of the kids.












After the fair sis - in - law, Beth and I took niece Abby to IKEA. I need a few things for the school year....it was a great trip and everyone was asleep (worn out by the fair) by the time we got home.

First Day of School

Last week we had our first day of school. I'm just a little slow at getting the picture put up here.

Joe is 13 and in 8th grade. Jackson is 10 and in 5th grade. Jenna is 8 and in 3rd grade.

RIP Rusty

Sad news...on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 Rusty had to be put to sleep. He was diagnosed with Leukemia about 1 1/2 weeks earlier. He just didn't get better on the meds that were prescribed. Of course, we miss him terribly. Jackson is just heart broken. He was such a good dog. We were able to baby sit him many times over the past 10 years....once for 3 1/2 weeks when my parents went to Alaska.

Here are some pictures of good old Rusty boy.

A wonderful visit with Jeff and Dianne

This past weekend we had the pleasure to have Jeff and Dianne Albarado visit us from Ellsworth, WI. Jeff and Jeff have been friends since Jr. High. Each was in eachother's weddings. Jeff is the Godfather to their son, Josh. This week they are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. The started out their celebration by coming to Omaha. We had such a great time hanging out and visiting. Saturday we toured Omaha. We did the ConAgra company store, Bass Pro Shop, Jeff's lab at ConAgra, and my school. Dianne and I did a little shopping...then we headed to the Old Market area. While in the Old Market area we started our 'double date' with some beer tasting at "UpStream Brewery".



12 different beers. Some good...some not so good.



They seemed to enjoy it. After the taste testing we ordered a wonderful meal. We ate so much we decided to go walk to the pedestrian bridge. Jeff claimed it was just 5 blocks....that became a running joke.....since it was far more than 5 blocks.







On Sunday we went to Mahoney State Park. We walked (about 5 blocks) to the top of the observation tower. Very cool view of the Platte River from there. We also enjoyed a picnic lunch. Jackson and Jenna enjoyed the paddle boats while we sat on the deck and enjoyed watching them.







We loved the visit and can't wait to see them again!

Back at it

I really would have liked to have pictures of the basement up by now...but the kids have made some amazing forts - and it doesn't look too clean down there...perhaps at the end of the week.

I've taken Joe and Jackson's computers because of fighting and poor behavior choices. It's going on 5 days now....it's amazing how much more creative the kids get when not stuck to a computer screen. When asked when they will get the computers back I reply...."when I think you can be nice and loving."

Today I was so very productive. Joe and I watch our neighbor girl (Drew) and today she arrived just after 7 AM. We are also taking care of the neighbor's dog this week while they are on vacation. I got up early and greeted Drew and together we went and took care of Trooper, the dog. By the time we got back - the kids were all up. I then headed out the door to get to the grocery store. Today is my friend's (who is also Drew's mom) birthday. We made a cake for her to help her celebrate. Jenna and Drew then did a few arts and craft projects. I cooked a lasagna for supper.....whew! I feel so productive. I also have plans to tackle the linen closet.

We had a great 4th of July weekend. It wasn't the warmest.....but today is making up for it. Friday we went to our friend's lake house. The kids went tubing and swimming. Jackson also went fishing. We had a fun time. We also celebrated a 1st birthday with our neighbor's the Speikers. Their little girl, Savanna, turned 1 on Friday.

Saturday was lots of fun with the neighborhood war zone....I mean fireworks. We grilled out burgers and brats. I made some potato salad and brownies. We were just missing the sweet corn.

Sunday we played at the state park. We went swimming and the kids had a blast jumping off diving board.

In the evening I joined my friends / neighbors for a birthday celebration at "The Melting Pot". It's a great fondu joint. We just enjoyed a cheese and dessert meal....but it was all good. Great conversation all evening long.

Jeff leaves for New Jersey tomorrow for a few days.....I'm taking the kids to see the Jonas Brothers in concert tomorrow. I just told Jenna about it and she is now watching the Jonas Brothers Concert/Movie on DVD. She's going to have a blast. I hope the boys like it.....Jeff won't be home - so they must come with me. More on our big night out later this week.

Bay Beach with the Strands

We had a blast hanging with Auntie Sarah and cousins Mac and Anna. Bay Beach is such a great place to go to. Here are some pictures of our day.

HS get together

I got together with some of my High School friends while I was in Clintonville. Lori has been my friend since I was two. She lives one street over from my parents. Nancy and I have been friends she she moved to Clintonville our sophomore year in High School. Nancy lives just out the back door from my parents. Kiki and I never really hung out in HS, but we've been in band together since 7th grade. Kiki came all the way from Appleton to spend time with us. Another dear friend - Jolene - joined us for a bit with her 3 boys, but had to leave prior to our picture being taken. It was a great visit with everyone. These women are amazing ladies. It was so amazing to share life's perspectives and stories. We sure have change in the past 'ahem' few (20 +) years.





I can't believe we talked for over 3 hours and closed Pizza Hut down!!!! Can't wait to do this again!

My mom is retired

We had a great time helping my mom celebrate her retirement from teaching. Here are a few pictures!

basement work

Well, the basement is nearly back to normal. We had some drywall company here to fix up the parts that were cut out. Jeff and I repainted the walls (same color...but what a difference a coat of fresh paint makes!) Jeff put the wooden floor back in place (with Jackson's assistance) and Jeff and I painted two walls in the wood room a nice brown color (called "ice tea"). Today Jeff and Jackson tore out the carpet on the stairs then continued to put the wood trim around the perimeter of the basement while Joe and I tore out way too many staples from the stairs that were left from the carpet. We moved our stuff back to the wood room so it would be out of the way for the new carpet on Wednesday. I'm ready to have our extra space back. The kids are in need of a place to go to get away from each other. I'll get pictures up when it's all finished.

Summer has arrived

Well, our basement has dried out. There is about 2 feet of dry wall cut out all around. We have a date set to get that replaced, repaired, taped and finished. 2 weeks from now. Jeff and I will have to repaint the walls. We will then get to order carpet. They dry wall guy said that the basement will never be the same. I'm a bit bummed by that...but I will be eager to get our basement back in order and cleaned up.

School has ended. It was a great last week with my wonderful class. I was able to do some 'sentimental' ceremony things as well as my funny "Candy Bar" Awards. I've moved into my new 3rd grade room. It was a full weekend affair! I love my new room. I'm so glad I'll be ready for school in August and I won't need to spend much time in my room prior to our first days back (August 6).

Jeff has been off this week. I've love him being home and getting to spend more time with him. We joined a special bowling program. www.kidsbowlfree.com

We get 2 free games of bowling everyday - Jeff and I also get 2 games. The family pass was just under $25.00. We are all enjoying our time together!

Friday we will head to Wisconsin for a week....then it's back home for the summer.

Kids have done well this year at school and I can't believe we will have an 8th grader, 5th grader, and a 3rd grader.

Water Damage

A hole in the pipe that leads to the outside of the house has popped.


























There was no shut off valve.....we made a few holes in the ceiling before we realized that.













Finally Jeff and his dad put one in.

















The drywall is wet and had to be removed.


















The carpet is gone as well.















Thanks to our awesome friends/neighbors who helped haul everything up the stairs.


















A lot of it has been given to Good Will. Thanks to my friend, Starla, who was here for the weekend - who totally helped us clean and organize. We had a great time together!



Talk about some FFF! It was great to see our kids being so helpful in taking care of our house and being willing to part with some of their childhood toys! We hope they bless another child's home/life. We are thankful we had a house full of family/friends so we realized the mess - otherwise we probably wouldn't have been in the basement until after some mold had started to grow.