Figuring It Out

Viva Las Vegas!

2013-11-06T15:16:00.000-06:00

Here and there

2013-09-25T14:59:00.001-05:00

We went to the Vikings with the Kuel's-had a blast! But they lost. Poor guys can't get it together.

Our men

Cleveland Brown's fans that left floating when the game ended.

Me and the dude.

View from the parking ramp, those Vikings fans know how to tailgate!

Heading out-Alex smiles this same goofy smile as his dad.

Lucy and Alex at the Homecoming Parade.

Kris rangling the kids in.

Anthony and his BFF Carson playing around.

I was downtown getting my hair done and look what was outside? ESPN College setting up!

Crazy hair day for school!

My new piece of furniture that i am in love with and I got for a steal!

So true!

2013-09-16T09:19:00.001-05:00

Contentment

2013-09-13T10:40:00.003-05:00

con·tent·ment

kənˈtentmənt/

noun

noun: contentment

1.

a state of happiness and satisfaction.

"he found contentment in living a simple life in the country"

synonyms: contentedness, content, satisfaction, gratification, fulfillment, happiness, pleasure, cheerfulness; More

Too funny not to share...

2013-09-11T15:00:00.002-05:00

So Monday night I am busy dishing up homemade chili for everyone. I might add that it was indeed tasty! We are going around the table talking about the events of all of our days. What was your favorite part? Do you have homework? What did you eat at lunch? Anthony interjects,"Mom...did you know I have to watch a movie now that I am in 4th grade?" I think I know were this going but pause for a minute, Erik and I both make eye contact. "Yeah the 5th graders told us to day at recess, AND it is about my balls..." I swiftly turn around to dish up another bowl of chili even though everyone has already been served. I swallow my laughter-yes, I know I am very mature. Turn around and say,"that is great honey, if you have any questions once you have seen it feel free to follow up with any questions to your father and of course mommy if you need to." Erik looks down takes a bite of his chili, slyly changes the subject and secretly glares at me. Never a dull moment around here!

First day of school kindergarten and 4th grade!

2013-09-05T13:22:00.001-05:00

This little guy was hesitant. I told him I would meet him at school to make sure he was settled in okay. "Okay Mama.." After dropping off Talia I thought maybe he would be okay and I headed to go to work. Yeah, nope-turned around. No way was I going to let him be afraid on his own. Sure glad I pulled around because I am in stride going to his classroom I hear him say,"Hi Mama!" As a teacher is trying to figure out where he and 3 others belong. We walked to his classroom arm and arm. Found his locker, put away his bag, and snacks for the week. We approached his teacher, she greeted him,"Happy first day of kindergarten!" He sheepishly smiles and stands behing my leg. He looks up and whispers,"I think I want to go home." Mama stood her ground and walked him to an open seat got on her knees to look him in the eye. "You got this buddy. I promise you are going to make lots of friends." He still was not sold but let me walk out. My heart was in a million little proud pieces.

This guy on the other hand would not let me stand with him at the bus stop. He let me walk him to it and walk back to the house. "Mom, what are you doing-I AM FINE! Really, you don't have to stand and watch me." I look at him with a look of sadness and turn to walk to the front door to watch him. "But MOM, I LOVE YOU!"

They both are loving being in school and with their friends. Sleeping good at night and eating me out of house and home when we get home. I am so proud of my boys. Before I had kids I always prayed I would have boys because I always wanted a brother. Thank you God for making that prayer come true-even on the days they test me. I simply would not want it any other way.

Our summer in a nutshell

2013-08-29T09:12:00.000-05:00

My girl turned two!

2013-07-31T09:33:00.002-05:00

My baby girl, my biggest fan, and my buddy is TWO!

Do you notice a trend in these pictures? Everyone loves to hug Talia.

She has completed our family of five and every single day I say thank you, I will be forever grateful.

Do you think we look alike?

Some say yes, others say nope, that girl looks like her daddy.

Either way I think she is beautiful, smart, and funny. I am so excited to see the places this little chic will go!

Happy Birthday Talia! This family loves you more than you could ever know.

Have a great 4th of July!!!

2013-07-02T10:50:00.002-05:00

We got our dancing pants on!

2013-06-01T19:20:00.001-05:00

SOOOOO many big things around here that I am dying to share but not quite ready. We are moving and a shaking in every aspect around here. All good and exciting!

Growing bigger and smaller around here!

2013-05-30T12:08:00.001-05:00

I looked over yesterday and could not believe how big he has gotten. Big and stinky, not to mention pretty dang funny. He is in love with baseball and hockey camp starts next week.

I know there would be a bond between this girl and her brothers-had no idea how much she would love them. Follow them around every corner, calling for her "brudders". The love is mutual and this poor girl is going to have two big guys on her back. I almost feel sorry for her.

This guys starts all day kindergarten in the fall. Puts a lump in my throat to even think about it.

Flowers make everyday better. I have started a big personal journey of my own to become small as they become big!

Anthony ran the mile for school, he is the second one in on the right. 7:16 was his time-he did awesome! The best part is he must have hugged me three times when I was there and did not care that his friends were all around. Literally shocked me but I took it-gladly!

Touching

2013-05-20T16:42:00.002-05:00

Zach you rock!

This is am amazing article about a special guy I wish I would have known. His friends and family are in my prayers today.

This is how we do it!

2013-05-01T09:22:00.000-05:00

Well I was in a really bad car accident about 2 months ago-no one was hurt but the damage on the van was terrible. FINALLY got my van back! I could not be any happier. While it was being fixed I had the luxury of cruising around in a 1990 Oldsmobile Alero. It was cherry red with a spoiler and a sun roof-definitely brought me back to high school. My Sienna now feels like a piece of luxury. To put into perspective it is like Motel 8 versus The Marquette. So life is good! Cruising in the mini again.

Two Saturdays ago we had Anthony's birthday bash! Great time but with 13- 9 year olds Erik and I were ready to relax, pour an adult beverage, and watch a movie. He told me to hold on before I started the movie because he was going to use the restroom. I cozy in wanting him to hurry because I was very excited to watch "Parental Guidance" which is hilarious by the way. He steps in the hallway, and I hear a squish-weird. He opens the bathroom door and water literally comes puring out. He screams,"MELISSA HELP!" Erik frantically turns off the water but it is too late. The bathroom is completely flooded. It is pouring downstairs in our bathroom, laundry room, and hallway. Water is starting to seep into our kitchen. The floor is shot in the hallway. So one insurance claim closes and another one opens.

So instead of a mini-date night we were calling insurance, water restoration companies, cutting out ceilings and using the wet vac. I am not sure I have ever seen my husband that mad before. I reminded him that things could be worse. We had just celebrated our sons 9 year old birthday and another family in Boston had to send their 8 year old to heaven that same week. That put things into perspective for both of us.

Regardless, our house is now in interim waiting on adjusters and contractors to come to agreement on what the cost shall be. We were needing in a kick in the butt to get moving on some house projects. Whoever ends up buying our house when it is listed is going to have an almost new house. I am looking forward to going to Parade of Homes this weekend so we can start getting our plan together. Whether we buy or build or family is ready for a new space.

It turns out we had a faulty pipe under our sink from Menard's that has been a common cause of claims with our insurance company. Apparently they go into litigation with them often over this. Beware if you have purchased any plumbing supplies from Menard's. They are going into litigation over our pipe as well and they are hoping to get our deductible covered. Wish us luck!

Anthony's 9th Birthday and Dentist Appointment

2013-04-25T14:44:00.001-05:00

Sums it up!

2013-04-16T08:48:00.001-05:00

Our next Christmas card.

I bought the boys new shorts for spring and Alex ran to find his shirt he thought matched perfectly.

He does have boxers on. But my kids are definitely free spirits in their wardrobe choices!

My breakfast date on Saturday. We went and picked up all the things we needed for his bowling party this Saturday.

Again into something she is not suppose to be. Howie ate almost a whole box of treats.

Blessed

Happy 9th Birthday Anthony!

2013-04-15T12:33:00.001-05:00

I once asked a friend who now has 4 beautiful children now what her favorite age was. She told me "every age." She explained,"With each new year come fun things your child can do."

Ever since she said that to me it has completely rang true.

Anthony is 9 today and I love him just the same as I did when he was a newborn in my arms. Just the same as when I held him and stroked his fat roll behind his baby mullet. Just the same as his first steps, first day of school, and first time riding the bus. Just the same as when he danced in the field at Big Bopper and refused to play soccer. Just the same as when we went to gather all the things for his goodie bags and order his cake for his party this weekend. The love for your child is something that radiates out of you. It is such an incredible feeling of love, pride, and an understanding only a child and mother can have.

Happy Birthday Buddy!

You amaze me every day.

Happy Friday!

2013-04-12T12:32:00.002-05:00

Some of my favorite ecards I have come across lately!

Cheers to a happy Friday! I hope you all are safe and warm this weekend.

xoxo

Spring

2013-04-05T15:10:00.003-05:00

Please come visit us soon.

Thanks,

Howie

Not to be outdone by his brother.

2013-04-03T11:08:00.001-05:00

Alex got a stitch in his head after running into the metal gate at school. He never even knew anything was wrong until he took his hat off and his teacher noticed a trail of oozing blood. This one has me on pins and needles all the time. Full of bumps and bruises but he could careless, our little bull in the china shop.

Easter 2013

2013-04-01T16:38:00.001-05:00

This one.

2013-03-28T16:25:00.002-05:00

She maybe little and sweet.

But she sure is bossy.

She now sings all the time.

Especially Itsy Bitsy and Rock a Bye Baby.

My favorite is when it gets to,"on the TREE TOPPPPP!"

She says down when she means up and down when she means up.

Howie or "Owwwieee" is her favorite pal.

Whenever we change her clothes she comes waiting for applause.

Her brothers still treat her like a queen.

They cater to all of her requests only getting annoyed when she tries to invade their rooms.

I can't blame them I feel the same way when I see trails of my makeup, necklaces, and nightstand treasures.

I cannot believe how fast she is grown.

We all deserve...

2013-03-26T11:24:00.005-05:00

To decide what we want to do with our very own bodies.

To marry the person that puts butterflies in our tummies and hope in our heart.

Know that we are all made as equals.

To make the same wage or salary because of our skill set not our gender.

To be loved unconditionally.

To have an opionion.

We live in the land of the free.

Spring we can't wait to see you again!

2013-03-25T10:59:00.001-05:00

We are going a little stir crazy!

Can you see poor Anthony's shiner? Alex got him good with his head on Friday night.

So we play outside as much as we can and with the Xbox to burn off our indoor steam.

Another pic of Anthony's shiner above and one that poor Alex earned on his forehead at school.

Howie is over it too. C'mon spring, show your face-we dare you!

We entertain ourselves with mismatched clothes and lots of tunes.

Wearing monkey hats and silly faces to pass the time.

We had a blast our first hockey season!

So we ask with so much glee, spring come and join us-WE ARE BEGGING TO SEE GREEN!

Pretty in Pink

2013-03-12T11:20:00.000-05:00

Taking a break

2013-03-05T16:35:00.001-06:00

I have decided to take a break from Facebook, FB, whatever you want to call it. While I love all the pictures and celebrations I think it is important to shut down being too attainable. When I get home at night I am going to make a conscious effort to put my phone on the charger and answer it if it RINGS! If you need to text me go for it, I am just going to try not respond unless I hear my phone ringing. With my new gig at EB it is not required I bring my computer home every night but I have my email coming to me on my phone. I am also going to make a conscious effort to curb checking that until I hit the night time routine of brushing my teeth. Not that I think that any of the above is bad, I just feel like unplugging for awhile and focusing on the voices in my house. Reading a book on my off time and writing out cards. I love writing! Full sentences with lots of adjectives and really just getting back in touch with me. Write out our bucket list and plan our trip for the year. I did book a trip for Erik and I to go to Vegas in October. We leave on Monday at 6 am and will arrive back in Fargo at midnight on Friday. I will be attending the LinkedIn conference for work for a couple of the days but the rest of the time we are going to relax by the pool, order room service, and take in a few shows.

I am feeling guilty today because I did not get Anthony's report card in for hockey. He is an awesome student and I should give him chances to celebrate that. Completely gapped it out. So instead of the
7 pm ceremony at MHS I think we will be at Cherry Berry. I can't decide whether I should tell him or not because I know he is going to be upset with me.

So now I have the mom guilt's. I plan on taking a half day Wed-Fri this week for spring break (already planned, not due to mom guilt) so just he and I can hang out. I thought we could do a movie, hit up the new Courts Plus indoor park, and a trip to Barnes & Noble. I cannot believe how he has changed this year!