Finishing up the deck

Here are some recent pictures of our deck. Jeff and the boys did an amazing job. We just LOVE it! It's such a wonderful retreat!






Jenna even loves it to lay down and play her DS. Notice it's plugged in and charging!

1.5

The count down is on. We had our multiplication ice-cream party. We cleaned out our desks. My report cards are nearly finished! 1.5 days to go until I'm home with my kiddos! I can't wait!

Remember When?????????

Life was crazier? You were more tired? Kisses came often? Toys were played with? Meals were smaller?

NOW...life is still crazy....not as tired....fewer kisses....fewer toys......need to butcher a cow to feed these kids!

Here's my latest book

My dear friend, Julie, convinced me to read this book and lead a book discussion on it for our church's adult ministry. It won't happen until August....it'll give me plenty of time to read it (on my trip to Alaska) and make plans for the discussion.

Have you read it? Have you seen the movie? What do you think?

3.5 days to go

With just 3.5 days left in the school year - we are finding ourselves so happy to have beautiful weather, very little homework, and are enjoying each other's company. Joe commented this evening that he is bored and wished he had some fun homework to do. Jackson's homework consisted in finding the definition of "share cropper". Jenna spent the afternoon playing in the basement with her barbies. I've stayed on top of all of my correcting - and my report cards will be done by Friday! Life is good!

Jeff is taking Friday off to finish a few deck things. We are planning on sticking close to home over Memorial Day weekend. I have plans to clean up the basement, perhaps paint the first floor bathroom, paint Jenna's room, and go to our friends' lake house.

My parents have taken their dog, Shadow, to a breeder to meet her new mate. Hopefully, we'll have puppies after our trip to Alaska! Jeff hasn't complained any more about getting a puppy when I mention it...so he must be board with the idea!

Jackson and Jenna will be pug baby-sitting right after school gets out. It will be nice to have this good dog practice for our kids. I like the idea of them being more responsible.

Our niece, Ella, will be graduating from high school in two weeks. We are so excited to see her in her cap and gown. She was only 3 months old when Jeff and I got married. She is the first on either side to go through this! Next year we will have two HS graduations...niece, Abby and nephew, Jeremy.

HE MADE IT!!

Thanks to my parents, who read this blog, I am reminded that I never shared the results of Jackson's Middle School Show Choir tryout....HE MADE IT!!!

He's rather excited to be part of the Beadle MS "Show Dogs". His BFF, Alex, is the one who shared the audition info with us - and Alex made it too!

Putting on the ROOF

We put the roof on the deck today. It was an all day project. I'm so proud of the boys for being helpful and hard working! I think Jeff loved having his two big guys there to help out.

Jackson went to the doctor today where we discovered he has an ear infection as well as a sinus infection.

Jenna biked around the neighborhood looking at the many garage sales. She spent her own money on play money, a roll of tickets, and a bracelet.

Jackson, Jenna, and I went to my friend - Jill's house to meet her two cute pug dogs. We will be dog sitting for a few days in June. I know we will all have a blast with Chase and Chloe!

Looks like a family movie night tonight.

Rain Rain Go Away

Jenna loves sponge rollers






Lots of rain falling on the prairie this week. Sure doesn't feel like summer is coming. I've been wearing my sweaters again.

Today at school we got I-Pods. They are already set up with our reading CD materials. We aren't allowed to use them for anything but the Reading Series...no apps, no personal music.....but I think the I-Pods will be easier than digging for CD's. I like our new docking stations that can charge the I-Pod. It's a CD / Radio docking station. I can't wait to try it out tomorrow!

The 4th and 5th grade teams got SMART BOARDS today. I had fun learning about it from my friend, Christy. I kind of wish we were getting one...but at least the projectors will be more readily available for the 3rd grade team.

Jeff was in Missouri today - just a day trip, but a lot of road time. The kids and I went to Hy-Vee for Chineese. I don't need to go there for a while. Jenna was cranky about not liking her selection.

We will find out tomorrow if Jackson made the Beadle Middle School Show Choir. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Rainy Monday

Flowers from Jeff and the kids.







Still doing the countdown for the start of summer. It's a rainy day and looks to be a long wet week. Jackson has his Beadle Middle School Show Choir audition tonight after school. He needs to sing "My Country 'Tis Of Thee".

Mr. Whiskers is going to spend some time with Grandma Gruber while we are in Alaska. We are going to miss our cutie pie cat!

Happy Mother's Day

A few more recent pictures of the deck.








We did a little more work on the deck today. It was just some trim around the posts that are attached to the house. Jackson added some topsoil to his garden area and planted some radishes. They should be ready to be eaten before we leave for Alaska.

Today is Mother's Day. I taught Sunday School this morning. The lesson was "we can tell people about Jesus wherever we are." based on Acts 16: 16-34. Paul and Silas were still praying and singing about Jesus - even though they were in prison. Later on, by their actions - the Jailer and his family were able to be saved because they now believe in God.

Where is the most unusual place you have talked about Jesus?

Jeff made me a delicious steak dinner. The kids cleaned (most of) the dishes up. Now we will end out night by folding laundry and watching "The Amazing Race".

There are only 16.5 days of school left. So much to do before then. I hope I can get it all done, stay calm, and maintain happiness.

Working on the deck

It was a cool day in Nebraska today. At least we didn't have any snow like they did in Wisconsin! We all helped Jeff work on the deck. We have the supports up and connected. The next step is to put on the roof.

Here are some pictures so far:

Piano Recital

Jenna had her piano recital tonight. She played "Camptown Races" and "When you Wish Upon A Star". She did an amazing job!



We celebrated with some ice cream sundae's at home.





It's turned very cold today. Our friends and family in WI might be getting some snow. Next week we will be in the low 60's. Some rain is also expected. I can't believe that we only have 16.5 days left of school....It will certainly go fast! Jackson had his sneak peak at Middle School today. He got to each lunch at Beadle, tour, and meet some teachers. I'm so proud of him - as he is going to audition for the MS show choir. They are only allowing future 6th grade boys to audition....along with current 6th and 7th grade boys and girls. Jackson's BFF, Alex, is also auditioning. Keeping my fingers crossed that it works out for both of them.

Because of the 'sneak peak' day - Joe only had 1/2 day of school. He claimed he was bored...but at least he had a quiet house to himself!

We have no big plans for the weekend. I signed the kids up for 'kidsbowlfree.com' and we have our free passes for 2 games of bowling each and every day of the summer. It might be a fun thing to do tomorrow - if it continues to be so cold and icky!

What a difference 3 years can make!

Three years ago I was sitting in an unknown lunchroom, listening to some unknown principals talking about this great unknown school. I met some nameless faces of some unknown staff - people who could possibly be Joe's teacher. My husband was my supporter thought this changing time.

Today I sat in this same room with principals I knew and recognized, happy to be back in the Multi-purpose room where Joe eats at each day, smiling at some teachers who have made not only an incredible impact on Joe - but on me as well. I was able to sit with my best friend and her husband as I offered my knowledge and support.

A few things have changed at Beadle Middle School during the past three years that Joe has attended. From what I see - they are good changes.

My tears of uneasiness, fear, and worry of three years ago were replace with a calm and certain feeling that Jackson will also not only grow - but thrive in such a caring, progressive, and academic place.

I'm happy to be able to continue my time as being a Beadle Bulldog Parent.....in fact I'm looking forward to being back in two years...... in the same lunch room - getting re-acquainted with familiar faces - when I return to get Jenna ready for Middle School!

Birthdays

Well, the birthdays have come and gone. Jenna is now 9 and Jackson is 11. My parents were here in April for Jackson's Millard Minnesinger Concert, Joe's track meet, and Jenna's birthday. We dyed Easter eggs and celebrated Easter with church service and a yummy ham meal. The week after Easter Jeff took off to spend Spring Break with us. We got a lot of things done around the house...but not the new deck as we had hoped. Jackson, Jenna, and I went to Kearney, NE with the Dukart family for the state "Destination Imagination" competition. We had a great time touring this new part of the state. The Arch Museum was a huge highlight. The school year is coming to a close....we are at 25 1/2 days of school left. So much to do before our summer vacation to Alaska!

Joe has registered for High School, Jackson is starting his Middle School orientation, Jenna will be joining me at Abbott Elementary!

Snow Days

Today is Thursday, January 7. We are on day two of snow days. We were suppose to be back at school on Wednesday - but the snow is flying, the winds are blowing, and the wind chill is dropping. We have already used up the four built in days for our snow days. I have no idea what the plan will be now for making up today and (most likely) tomorrow.

The kids are doing well. They are actually getting along well. It's so nice to have older kids who can get up and make their own breakfasts......they are loving the new monopoly game (electronic banking with credit cards), their DS's, and computers.

Jeff and I have a healthy eating habit started. Today I went to the store for more fruits and veggies. It's nice to see the kids excited for snap peas and yogurt. I purchased some apple cinnamon granola today. A sweet treat for me!

Ma and Pa Primmer will be here this weekend. Shadow will be joining them and spending the week. We can't wait for 'our dog' to get here. Ma and Pa will be heading to Arizona for a week of vacation with Aunt Jo and Uncle Tom.

Truly we've been a bit lazy....but it's been nice!

signs of love

I've been married for over 17 years and have known Jeff for over 20. It's rare that he brings flowers, asks me out on a 'date', opens the car door for me....etc. However, today he showed me a sign of his love in the simplest way.

My van has been acting weird the past 3 days. Every time I start it up the radio is on an AM station and the clock starts at noon. I first thought Jeff was driving the van and switched the station on his 'talk radio'....no big deal (didn't even realize the clock thing until today......). This morning was a bit different. I go to start up the van and it doesn't want to turn over very nicely....weird, since the van has been in the garage and not exposed too much to the cold. The radio was on the AM station...weird, since Jeff didn't drive my van yesterday or this morning. The clock was at noon (just realized)....AND the words "LOW BATTERY" are on the radio display.

So I start on my way to my dr. appointment and call Jeff....just to let him know the weirdness of it all. I can tell he's in his truck when he answers. I ask him where he's at.....and find out he's returning to Omaha from a quick meeting in Lincoln. I tell him about the van and he offers to come home to be available to pick me up, if my battery dies. I think about his offer. Now, I don't like putting him out - or have him go out of his way - so normally I'd say "No, don't worry about it." Today was different. Something (God?) made my say "Yes, I'd like you to head over this way". Again it's so unlike him to offer and so unlike me to accept.

I, then, suggest that he drops his truck off at the clinic and pick the van up and buy me a new battery.....which he does. By the time I'm out of my appointment my new battery has been installed, paid for, and hubby is putting 'heet' in my gas tank. We meet up at our local Walmart and exchange vehicles.

Signs of love.....
I love this man!!!

Resolutions

So, what are your resolutions for the new year?

Every year I claim I will lose weight and not bite my nails. Today in church Pastor Mike made me reflect on what are and ARE NOT the temptations that get me off track.

1. Time - NOPE we all have the same 24 hours in a day.
2. Facilities / equipment - NOPE we have a Y membership.
3. Kids - Nope they are old enough to be home for an hour solo.

So what is it? How can I adjust to continue on my goal?
1. Sometimes I'm tried........so how can I fix that? 1. Get up earlier 2. Go to bed earlier
2. Chocolate is yummy..........have a small 'snack' size / 100 calorie treat
3. Sometimes I just don't WANT to.......find a way to be motivated to go

What motivates you? I could use some words of wisdom! Going to the Y isn't a habit for me yet...I'd like it to be.

Happy New Year 2010

I had a long chat with my BFF Starla. She told/suggested me that I should blog more often...so perhaps that's a goal...we'll see how well I do. Ha!

We had an awesome Christmas Vacation. We got to visit both sets of Grandparents and family. There was a huge storm expected in Omaha on Wednesday, Dec. 23....so we changed our original plans to take the van, with the cat, and leave on Wed....and (instead) took the truck (4X4) - left the cat at home with my friend / neighbor checking in on Mr. Whiskers - and left Tuesday the 22nd right after school.

We had no travel / weather problems at all!

We spent a week in Wisconsin and had a blast. However, we did need to head home. We knew there was a lot of snow....so I called my friend / co-worker's husband (who has a snow plow business) and hired him to take care of our driveway. We are so glad we did. The drifts were about 4 feet high. I'll try to get some pics up later.....

Jeff and I are on an "improve yourself" kick. We are pushing the fruit and veggies, reading the bible/devotional book, and - YES - exercising! I actually went to the Y after a long absence. The kids LOVED swimming in the pool. I got a good 40 min walk on the treadmill. I want to build up my endurance and then move on to weights.

Jackson and I had some fun time together on New Years Eve. We got the materials ready for a small NYE party. Jackson picked out some good snacks. Strawberries, raspberries, cheese, jalapano poppers. We had the Dukart boys over for a play date - and Jenna was at their house playing with Anna....so when it came time for the kid switch we invited Julie and Darrin over for some 'snacks' and drinks. We had a great visit and the kids loved it too. Could be a new tradition!

Today Jeff decided to insulate the garage and sheet rock it. I have no idea where he gets his energy from sometime. However, both boys were on board with that big project...so Jenna and I took on one of our own. We cleaned (vacuumed / dusted) the living room and rearranged things a bit. As I was finishing up, Jenna started taking down the decorations from the Christmas tree. That will be our project for tomorrow...the 'fireplace' room.

As I said earlier, I had a great chat with my BFF Starla. I miss her.....she is great at pumping me up to be my very best. Wether it's getting healthier or de-cluttering my house...she is a positive force! I'm thankful for that!

OH OH OH OH....one last thing.....We have made plans to go to Alaska this summer! We'll be going with my parents. We have our tickets and the RV...now just to make the plans! The kids, Ma & Pa, and I will be there 3 weeks....Jeff can only take one week off. We all leave June 17. I'm so excited!

Have a wonderful 2010!

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?