Debbie's Mizzou Crew

February

2012-02-12T20:19:00.000-06:00

For as long as I can remember, I have loved the month of February. I don't know why. Dean and I started dating on February 6, 1993. We were engaged on February 4, 1995. February is short...clean....red and pink...full of hearts and love....FUN!!!

Jeffery had his basketball tournament and his team placed 1st....he was so happy and we were so proud and happy for him.

Another reason that I love February, Dean's birthday is the 10th!! Birthdays are a big deal in our house. We both had the day off and went shopping and to lunch and when the kids came home, we went out for dinner. Of course, we had cake, ice cream and gifts later. I love watching the kids think what to buy their Dad. They really want it to be special and something that he loves. They do a great job!!

My Dad lives in Florida and has a local orange grove send us a box every year. I went to the post office to pick them up yesterday....they even smell good!!

Katie could. not. wait. for me to get home so she could dive right in.....YUM!!!!

We also took Joseph to freshman enrollment. What??? It just sounds wrong. I'm definitely not old enough to have a freshman in high school and this child is definitely not old enough to go to high school. **sigh**

Oh heavens, maybe I don't like February after all.....just kidding :)

We have a busy but fun week coming up. Doing some home improvements, Valentine's Day and Katie has a jazz concert Friday night.

Have a Great Week!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

Ballgames, Band Concert & Taxes...Oh My!

2012-01-15T21:11:00.000-06:00

Sunday evening always comes so quickly. Saturday and Sunday are definitely the fastest days of the week! We had a busy weekend and for the most part...it was a lot of fun.

Jeffery had 2 basketball games Saturday morning....

(He's in the white jersey #1)

Katie had a band concert Saturday evening........

And then we took the kids to Red Onion to celebrate Saturday night.

We had such a good time at dinner...a lot of fun and laughs with our kids...they are growing up way too fast!

I spent most of Saturday afternoon working on taxes and I think I finished them up today.......YAY!!! Dean spent the day cleaning out the boys' dresser and closet. They went through clothes and Katie and I made a trip to the Goodwill. Feels so good to get that done. I have no idea how they accumulate so much stuff but it was A LOT!!!

The kids are out of school tomorrow so we have a 3 day weekend - WOOHOO :) Going to start some projects around the house...after 11 years, it's definitely time to start updating a few things. I'll keep you posted on that.

But for now - I'm off to enjoy the last little but of our Sunday evening.

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

Number Crunching

2012-01-14T17:06:00.000-06:00

So, what kind are you? Do you file your taxes as soon as you receive all of your documents or do you wait until April 14 to start preparing? For some reason, we have received most everything fairly early this year and I started working on them this afternoon.

Last year must've just flown by as it seems like I just did this!! Oh well.....better go.....I'm on the hunt for more deductions and credits :)

Cheers~

Debbie & the Crew

More Honors...

2012-01-12T21:30:00.000-06:00

Jeffery walked up to Dean and I last weekend and asked if we would attend the honor roll assembly on Tuesday. He informed us that our "attendance has been sparse" at these assemblies during his 4th and 5th grade years.

Needlesss to say, we were both in attendance Tuesday afternoon and so proud of our All A Honor Roll kiddo!!

Congratulations Jeffery...we love you ;)
Cheers Debbie & The Crew

It's An Honor

2012-01-07T18:42:00.001-06:00

Katie tried out for all-district honor band today. She worked so hard getting ready. Here she is practing one of her pieces last night........................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUekI_MgHt4

And............she made 2nd chair alto sax!! We are so proud....great job Katie!!!

Debbie & The Crew

One Down.......

2012-01-05T22:06:00.001-06:00

....and many more to go. But, it's a start!!!

First, I emptied the entire cabinet -

And then, put it all back together again. Ahhhhh, (sigh) relief!

Now, on to the next one which needs to be our master closet but I'm really not sure I'm brave enough to post that "before" pic!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

Time to Organize

2012-01-04T15:17:00.001-06:00

Yes....it's wonderful when your kids get old enough to empty the dishwasher. But then, this happens.....

They "open and throw". It irritated me at first but it's one of those battles I chose not to fight......until now.

They are old enough to stack things neatly now so I'm going now to get that cabinet organized.
(after pics will come soon)

Cheers
Debbie & The Crew

Only Child

2012-01-02T18:08:00.001-06:00

Christmas Vacation 2011 is over :( We had a great vacation. I love celebrating the holidays but what I love most is that Dean and I are both able to be home during the kids' entire break. It's like a "staycation" every year and I love it! This year, my brother and sister in law let the kids take turns going home with them in Arkansas between Christmas and New Year's. Joseph and Katie left Monday and it was just Jeffery home with Dean and I. The biggest surprise was that he admits he didn't like being an only child! We took him to Logan's for lunch one day and of course, ice cream.

On Wednesday, we went bowling and then to Del Rio for dinner.

He did pretty well for as little time as he's actually spent in a bowling alley.

We picked up Joseph and Katie on Thursday and and left Jeffery. He came home to us on Saturday....felt good to have everyone home in their own beds!!

I don't like winter weather.......AT ALL as I don't like being cold AT ALL. Guess I'm getting old....ha! I do like a good snow storm if I don't have to get out in it!! This winter has been extremely mild so far. We've had no snow (well...maybe a flurry for 10 minutes but that's it) and it sure doesn't look like that's going to change this week.........

I'm so looking forward to getting back to our schedule and routine. The kids go to school and Dean heads back to work tomorrow. My new schedule starts with me working at home and building my business. So excited!!

Here's to a great week!!

Cheers
Debbie & The Crew

Hello 2012!

2012-01-01T18:18:00.000-06:00

Last night we bid farewell to 2011 with friends and their families at our house and I didn't get one stinkin' picture. Well, yes I did. Here is a pic of 3 of us with our matching bracelets. Cute - huh?

Of course there were 10 kids here and not one picture of them ringing in the new year. They spent most of the time downstairs playing "human ping-pong". Sounds fun! Don't know how to play and from the name of the game...don't want to learn but they have a great time.

Honestly, our family was not sad to see 2011 go. There was much sadness, destruction and loss but with that came personal growth, spritual growth and our family grew closer as well. God does great things with terrible situations and we saw that firsthand.

On to 2012! I'm so excited and can't wait to see what this year holds for me and our family. I have a new job and am jumping back into my Melaleuca business with both feet and can't wait to begin.

Here's to a fabulous year!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

Christmas - 2011

2011-12-28T13:16:00.001-06:00

We had a very nice Christmas and are getting ready to celebrate the arrival of 2012!!

The kids are allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve and it's always pajamas.

We opened gifts on Christmas morning and then went to Grandma's for lunch, crazy santa and relaxing!!

Here we are....my side of the family minus my Dad...who is in Florida weedeating :)

Grandma with all 7 grandkids, Jacob, Coleton, Katie, Joseph, Jeffery, Madison & Kristofer.

Merry Christmas!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Gang

Christmas - 7 Days Away

2011-12-18T12:43:00.001-06:00

My daughter just informed me that Christmas is only 7 days away!!! Where does the time go?? The year is almot over.

I love looking at pictures through the years and see how much the kids have changed. I just found this one from 2003. I remember it well. It was before Katie's program in 1st grade and I was desperately trying to get a picture for Christmas cards. I don't think I ever got one...therefore, did not send cards that year. Ha! Looking back, I should've just used the funniest one.

Katie had hit her front tooth on something and it was gray/brown but they wouldn't pull it since it was a baby tooth so I didn't want that rotten snaggle tooth to show. (It got knocked out by a softball the following May - yea!!!)

'Tis the season!!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

Million Moms

2011-12-15T20:01:00.000-06:00

Hi,

The Million Moms Challenge seeks to engage a million Americans with millions of moms in the developing world facing issues impacting pregnancy, childbirth and children's health.

I've raised my hands to bring awareness to these important issues, and I thought you would like to join me.

http://action.millionmomschallenge.org/join-me

The Million Moms Challenge is a joint venture between ABC News and the UN Foundation in conjunction with Baby Center and world class partners around the world including many NGOs.

You don't have to be a mom to help a mom, you just have to be one in a million.

I hope you'll join me now:

http://action.millionmomschallenge.org/join-me

An Addiction.....

2011-12-14T04:25:00.000-06:00

My name is Debbie Dankelson and I'm addicted to Pinterest. Is there a 12 step program available?

It's the "simplest" things that make me feel so silly for not thinking of on my own. Like this magazine rack under the bathroom sink to hold my curling iron/straightner....uh..of course!

Then...this chalkboard. I can do that! Why haven't I? My New Year's Resolution should be to pick one thing from a Pinterest board and just do it! Cheap, easy and so cute!

Just....love....simple.

And the food on Pinterest...Oh. My. Goodness. Can't wait to try these bars.

Happy Pinning!

A Little Sugar.......

2011-12-12T18:37:00.001-06:00

Even Sugar enjoys the lights from the Christmas tree. She's so dark, it's hard to see her but she LOVES her family time on the couch in the evening!!

Cheers
Debbie & The Crew

Time of Year to Remember

2011-12-11T15:38:00.001-06:00

'Tis the season for the hustle and bustle and shopping and recitals and parties and.......oh my, the list goes on and on.

This year was a bit different for our family in that our immediate area suffered a devastating tornado and many lives, homes and businesses were lost. Our town was turned upside down and there was unimagineable loss and destruction. On top of that, our family has since lost 3 close friends and family members. Our kids have been through a lot and we've been through a lot as a family but there are others that have been through so much more.

It's easy to get caught up in the craziness of the season but I've been trying to make a point to slow down, enjoy each other, spend more time together, laugh more with the kids and let the little things go. They are just that.....little things!

As for our family, we will be getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and holding fast to the promise of seeing those we have lost again......one day.

Cheers
Debbie & The Crew

REMEMBERING

2011-09-11T21:44:00.001-05:00

Debbie & The Crew

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-21T13:39:00.001-05:00

Joseph - 8th....Katie -7th....Jeffery - 5th

4 More Years!

2010-12-28T20:12:00.003-06:00

We had a very nice Christmas (I should get those pictures up soon)!! Dean usually takes this week off between Christmas and New Year's so it's a vacation for all of us!!

Today was a special day in that Dean was sworn into office for the fourth time!!

3 kiddos very proud of their Dad!!

Katie at Applebee's afterward....

Dean and the boys.............

What a fun day we had.......very proud of Dean and our family!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

Fa La La La La!!

2010-12-12T21:23:00.002-06:00

Katie on her way to her first choir program of the season (at the mall). She has 6 more this week at different places around town :)

'Tis The Season!!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

Back to School!

2010-08-18T21:34:00.007-05:00

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 2010

Joseph - 7th Grade...12 years old (13 in 10 days)

Katie - 6th Grade.....11 years old

Jeffery - 4th Grade.....9 years old

Everyone had a great day - it's going to be a fun year!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

2010-08-16T16:35:00.000-05:00

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 2004

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

It's Coming.....

2010-08-15T18:20:00.003-05:00

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 2009

Here we go....the countdown is on......they are excited, nervous, happy, sad and ready :)

Summer!

2010-08-15T13:32:00.003-05:00

It's over - back to work tomorrow :( The kids are going back Wednesday :( With school and all the activities, deck nights at the Dank's will be over soon.

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

She Did It!!

2010-08-12T21:06:00.005-05:00

Katie has always had a bit....okay, alot......of "white coat phobia". There is no reasonable explanation as Katie has always been our healthiest and has been on antibiotics only a couple of times and not since she was very young. Anyway, the boys have continued to get their physicals every year and I let her slide since she FREAKS out and hasn't had any problems. Well, I knew she needed 2 immunizations this year so I told her there was no getting out of it. The boys went last month and I scheduled her separately. It was kind of funny though as the doctor's office canceled once and we had to cancel once so the anticipation was KILLING her :)

Today was the day and she did great.....nothin' but a thing. She is very healthy...no problems and isn't scared of needles any longer.....HOORAY!!!

She did it!!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew

Kansas City

2010-08-11T20:56:00.005-05:00

Dean had to work in Kansas City for a week last month so the kids and I decided to make a vacation of it :)

Our room overlooked the plaza.....so nice to look out at night.

Katie could very well be London Tipton. She has always LOVED staying in a hotel. Princess Katie in her element.........

We had to watch Jeffery carefully so he didn't open the $20 Jelly Bellies in the mini bar :)

Instead, pop-tarts in bed worked well....

We spent one day at an indoor waterpark. They had a great time!!

We did walk to dinner on the Plaza a couple of times but it was SO hot and humid (still is)!! That's why the pictures aren't great - every time we went out, my lens fogged over.

Dinner at a mexican restaurant.....just being silly....

Who needs amusement parks when you have outdoor escalators.

We spent one of our days at Crown Center and had lunch at the Crayola Cafe.

Still at Crown Center at the Hallmark Visitors Center. I'm not much of a museum person but we had a good time.

We were able to watch employees in the working vault at the Federal Reserve. (No pictures allowed) Here are the kids with a gold bar worth almost 1/2 million dollars.

We had a great time and it was so nice to get away. We did miss Dean during the day as he didn't get back to the hotel until about 6:00 - 6:30 just in time to head out for dinner.

Now, we are gearing up for school. I go back Monday and the kids start Wednesday. They are so excited - can't believe they will be in 4th, 6th and 7th grade!! Joey will be 13 in a couple of weeks.....time is going so fast it scares me!!

Football practice has started and that means Fall (cooler temps) is very close!!

Cheers~

Debbie & The Crew