Summer - Week 4

Another great week at home. We had a balloon fight this afternoon. Everyone had a blast! Jeff gets home early on Friday and he even enjoyed in on the fun! We enjoyed some snow cones after the water war. Mr. Whiskers had a vet appointment this week. He got 2 shots and we were told he's a bit over weight. We need to not feed him so much. One of our weekly highlights was building a tent in our living room. The kids got a tent from my brother's family for their birthdays. We are using Jeff's shoes to hold the stakes in place. The kids are having a great time in it. Jackson slept there last night. Tonight is Jenna's turn. I even took a nap in it the other day.

I attended a training session for the reading series I'll be piloting next year. It looks to be a great series with lots of resources to use! I think I'll be able to use a lot of the differentiation instruction information I received at my most recent seminar. We've been having fun hanging with our neighbors. Our back yard neighbors, Kelli and Tim, have a new beautiful patio. We sit out there most nights.

Jeff had his second class. He is putting a lot of time and effort into his class. We are so proud of him.

Joe and I mowed my friend, Ashley's, lawn. It was hot work, but it looks great now. We are hoping they can sell it soon....so we can not worry about checking in on it.

Finally, I colored my hair today. I tried to get it back my 'natural' shade (what ever that is)...however, it's a bit too dark, so I'll have to re-color later this weekend.

Jeff is off next week and we are looking forward to having some fun family time!

Summer - Week 3

Jeff was out of town for work (Chicago). The BIG event for the week is Vacation Bible School. Jenna and Jackson lead the songs, Jackson was also a "Lab Assistant" and lead some prayers and helped in activities. Joe worked with the pre-schoolers and assisted in games, and I lead a group of elementary students. We brought our neighbor, Drew, along with us - and we all had a great time!

Joe went to the doctor this week to get his 7th grade shots. He didn't do very well after them - and was sick and on the couch most of the next day.

Jeff started his grad class. He is taking some accelerated classes for his MBA. I'm so proud of him...even though he's a bit nervous about it! He should be done in 18 months.

I emptied my desk and we moved it to the basement for Jeff. He set up a nice little work station down there.....the kids wanted to join him and they all set up their own "desk areas". They had fun "playing office". Joe would talk into Jenna's Kerokee machine..."Jeff Gruber line 3, Jeff Gruber line 3". Jenna was the head "E-mailer" and would arrange appointments for Jeff. Jackson just sat on my laptop and played games. Over all it was fun to be in the nice and cool basement!

Summer - Week 2

June 9 - 15

Jaci and the kids spent most of the week in Viroqua. There was so much flooding that you couldn't get to the next town (LaFarge). We also had to go a LONG way to get to town. There was a little damage at my parent's new house (the drainage ditch)....but the "Primmer Dam" was in danger of failing. The kids had a BLAST playing in the stream near the house. We also wen to the Children's museum in LaCrosee and did some other fun shopping.

We decided to leave early because of the bad weather and the flooding....we made it home without any problems. We were glad to be home for the weekend and Father's Day!

Summer - week 1

Our first week of summer vacation found us in Northern Wisconsin with Jeff's family. Jeff and the boys took Grandpa Frank "Up North" fishing. Jenna stayed with Grandma Gruber and "Camp Grandma". While the boys were having fun fishing...Jenna was learning how to sew and bake. I joined my family after my last work day at school...and we headed to Wausau to see Jeff's brother's family. We stopped by Jeff's cousin's cafe and had a great lunch. The kids LOVE to eat at Kristin's Cafe. We got to Nate and Beth's house in time to walk to pick up Erin and Eden from school. We were able to see Eden play in a T-ball game and celebrated with ice cream afterwards. The next day we walked the girls back to school and returned to Ellsworth. (We did stop by Gander Mountain on the way home.)

We were able to celebrate Frank's retirment from the Ellsworth School District with a lovely meal and program. It was such a special day. Another retiring teacher is the sister of one of my Wisconsin co-workers. It really is a small world.

Near the end of the week, Jeff and I took the kids to IKEA and MOA for some fun. Jeff admitted that he actually had fun at both places! SHOCKER!!

Saturday the kids and I headed to Viroqua for a wedding, family reunion, and some flooding fun!


The Gruber Cousins - Joe, Erin, Jackson, Jenna, Cade, Eden


Pile on Joe!!!!


Erin, Eden, and Cade at their school.


The Cafe!!!


Filling up the van gas tank....gas prices stink!!!

Mom on the loose - part 3 (The wedding)

I felt so lucky to be able to attend the wedding reception for my friend, Jen and her new hubby Erik. Jen and I worked at Adams School together - and got even closer when we were both living in in Minnesota. She looked so beautiful and happy on this special day.


The happy couple - Jen and Erik


Me and Jen


Jen and Tiana. Tiana was my 'date' for the evening. We had a blast visiting. Tiana was Joe's third grade teacher at Adams School.


Jen, Amy, and Tiana


Me and Amy. Amy and I are great friends from Adams School. Amy was Jackson's kindergarten teacher. We would always invite Amy over when we had "Taco Night" at our house (nearly every week). Amy looked so beautiful as a bridesmaid!

Mom on the loose - Part 2

Wisconsin's State Capitol


Wisconsin's State Capitol


Wisconsin's State Capitol


Laura Loizzo and I taught at Adams School. I had her daughter, Jessica, in my class when I was pregnant with Jenna. Jessica was on the Janesville Craig Jr. Prom court the day after this picture was taken.


Dottie May and I taught at Adams School. She is an amazing special education teacher! She invited Jackson and me to her house one summer day (and we went with Grandma Linda)....we had such a great time. Jackson was able to ride her neighbor's horse. The horse had an "M" brand on it...and Jackson thought he was riding a McDonald's horse. LOL


The Adler Family. Jodi, Lauren, and Katelyn


Jodi Adler and I taught at Adams School. Jodi was Joe's first grade teacher. I'll never forget doing gingerbread houses with our 4th and 1st grade buddies. It was a CRAZY time!


Lauren Adler is now a kindergartener. She was at the same baby sitter's in Janesville with Jackson and Jenna. When she was born I brought the kids to see her. Lauren's grandma Kathy asked Jackson what his name was (he was 3) and he replied "Billy Blazes". (Billy Blazes was his favorite Rescue Hero at the time.)


Karen Biege and I taught 4th grade together. I loved always going into her class to 'bug' her or tell her class the lamest joke I could find. She hosted this wonderful get together.....I can't wait to do it again this summer. She is my 'soul sister'.


Stacy Kelley and I go WAY back. We were pregnant at the same time. Our kids (Jackson and Kayley) have been the best of friends since....forever. Stacy is now a principal and I admire her so much!


This is my friend Linda McWilliams. We call her "Grandma Linda". She has always been there for me. She even took me to the hospital when I need to deliver Jenna. Linda made all the great food for our get together.....taco's and fruit pizza. She is the best cook ever! She and her hubby, Glenn, have made the trek to Omaha - twice. They haul their camper out here...and we always have a good time!


The Kelley Family! Monty, TJ, and Stacy


TJ is nearly two in this picture. I loved holding him when he was a baby....I've missed watching him grow up like I was able to see his big sister....Kayley!

Mom on the loose!

I have been so lucky to get some time to myself lately. One weekend I spent in Wisconsin/Minnesota for my cousin Erik's wedding. After the Friday night wedding I was able to spend some time with my friend Starla (IKEA!!) and then we went to Rochester MN for a sorority sister weekend. Here are some pics from that crazy weekend.


My mom holding Claire (my cousin - Amanda's new baby).


Me with my cousins - Amanda (center) and Kala.


Starla and I having our hot cocoa (on our way into IKEA!!)


SAM's Club!!!


My sorority sisters...MJ, Rae, Jen and me!


Starla, Julie, and me


Becky driving my van


Jen, Becky, Julie, Starla, and Rae


Our YUMMY pizza


The "SKJENKE BOM".....the grill was closed, so we had to have pizza. It was still all good!

Joe got confirmed

Today Joe was confirmed at Living Faith United Methodist Church. Joe had to read his own belief statement. He also received a bible from our church. We celebrated afterwards with a lunch at Olive Garden. It was so nice to have Grandpa Primmer here to celebrate with us.

Enjoy the pictures:

Jackson turned 9!!

Well, our Jackers has hit the big milestone of being a 9 year old! It's the last year before he hits "double digits". We celebrated on Monday with burgers and brats on the grill. Jackson picked a DQ cake for his special cake. He brought confetti cupcakes with yellow frosting and yellow and "blaze" orange sprinkles for his school treat.

Jackson seemed to like his "Indiana Jones" Legos...but really loved his "UnderArmor" shirt. For some (unknown) reason he thinks these shirts are the BEST. I have a few 5th graders who love to wear it. So he wore it today and said he felt "a little sweaty".

Today we cleaned up the house a little - getting ready for Grandpa Primmer's visit. My dad will be here to do a science presentation for each grade level at my school. He will be without the dogs - since my mom is taking care of them this week. We are bummed that we won't be seeing Rusty and Shadow. We are hoping for a puppy from them soon. Today I asked Jenna where Grandpa should sleep when he gets here (he usually stays in her room and Jenna has to bunk with Jack)....Jenna decided that Grandpa should "Sleep on the floor"....after we all laughted out loud at this...she clarified her answer...."he can have an air mattress!!!". She didn't seem too bothered when we said he'll be in her room. Jackson had a different answer to the same question. He tried to explain that "he's tired of having Jenna in his room and Grandpa should be in Jenna's room." To which we explained...if Grandpa was in Jenna's room that would mean Jenna would be in his room (he has the bunk)...he slowly smiled at his mistake.

Yesterday we learned that a college friend's son, (3 year old) Jack, passed away while waiting for a second heart transplant. It's hard to imagine how difficult this time is for the Corbo family (Todd, Robin, and son (twin brother to Jack), Cooper. I emailed another college friend - Keith (who is in Iraq) about the situation. He and Todd were close friends. Jeff and I, my brother(Don), Todd, and Keith were all on the UWRF Student Senate. It seems as if it was such a long time ago.....but some fun memories!

The good news is that Keith should be home in 6 weeks. He'll be located in Colorado when he returns....hopefully we'll get out that way and be able to meet his family.

There is a lot going on at school this week too. I'm feeling a bit CRAZY. Middle School visits, district testing, Science Day. We are in the home stretch - less than 7 weeks....but I feel as if I have so much to do still.

Slow and Steady wins the race!!!!

Last weekend of sprng break

Well, our spring break is over. Our weather was so cold and rainy that we didn't want to go out of the house. Joe was at a confirmation retreat and Jeff, the kids, and I watched movies. We all enjoyed watching "The Game Plan" - a very funny Disney movie.

Saturday was the same terrible weather...only a few snow flakes decided to fall. Joe had to attend his confirmation retreat again....He seemed to enjoy it. His confirmation date is next Sunday - April 20. We watched more movies...."Hairspray" and "We are Marshall". "We are Marshall" was a tear jerker....

Today, Sunday, April 13 we attended church. Jackson and Jenna's children's choir sang a song from their Easter program. I also sang with the adult choir. We also had communion...which means church went long.

After a lunch of "left overs" and folding of 4 loads of laundry we all went swimming at the Y. It was nice and refreshing. After the Y we went to celebrate Jackson's birthday at Dave and Busters. The food was great and the games were fun! We decided to save most of our points...but the kids did leave with a whooopie cushion. Jenna's lasted until we got home, then it broke.

Kids were all in bed early....and it was time for one last movie for Jeff and I. This time we watched "The Kingdom". Everyone is sad the we all need to go back to school tomorrow. We are living for the summer!

Here's some pics from the weekend.