Life in Omaha: July 2009

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

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!

Monday, July 06, 2009

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.

Jeff and Jaci

We met April 10. 1989 in the UWRF student center and had our first date that same day (watching the movie BIG in my dorm room). We were married on August 22, 1992.

Here are some wacky facts about us:

1. We have lived in 8 different places in 17 years.

Together we have lived in 1/2 of a house in Sycamore, IL (for one week), an apartment in Roselle IL, we bought a town house in Streamwood IL, then moved to an apartment and two houses in Janesville, WI, another small tri-level house in Cottage Grove, MN, and our beautiful home in Omaha, NE.

In one year's time we moved two times - I wouldn't recommend it!

2. We are both graduates of UWRF. Jaci in Elementary Education and Jeff in Food Science.

3. Jeff also has his Masters in Business Administration.

4. Jeff is a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity.

5. Jaci is a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority.

Joe

Joe is our 16 year old. He is a Sophomore at Millard West High School. Go Wildcats! He loves his computer and his Iphone. He is obsessed with flying after getting to fly a helicopter in Alaska. He gets good grades and has a wicked sense of humor. He has the love of random facts - and will willingly share any and all with you. He is a responsible kid, who gets along well with his little brother and sister. He loves to watch TV (detective shows, mostly). He has a great interest in US History, especially World War 2. He's learning to speak French and likes to travel.

Jackson

Jackson is our 12 year old 7th grader. He goes to Beadle Middle School. He loves the great outdoors. He's 100% boy. He would love to be home-schooled by his grandpas...just so he could spend more time with them! He is a kid who works hard in school.....and loves most subjects. He is a singer with a beautiful voice. He has shown great responsibility with the family dog, Gus - and has earned the honor of having his own dog, Rusty. He is a natural when it comes to training dogs. He is Jeff's mini-me. He is willing to do any task asked. He just got a cell phone and loves texting his friends.

Jenna

Jenna is the baby of the family...and our little girl. She has had more medical issues than her two older brothers put together. She was the first to get stitches, break a leg, cut her own hair (twice)....you get the picture. She loves to sing and spends many hours in her room with her kereokee machine. Jenna is in 5th grade and attends Grace Abbott Elementary School. She loves her morning drives with her mom...and all of the singing in the car that we do. She is a gal with a wicked fashion sense. She loves to shop - the more clothes the better. She is organized and is a good student. She loves to read - and will do it without being told. She is a mini-me of Jaci - but better fashion sense!!

Life in Omaha