Enjoy The Little Things In Life, For One Day You'll Look Back and Realize They Were The Big Things

Reality Bites!

2012-10-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Oh the Terrible Twos- I swear I'm going to have gray hair...or no hair by the time Meghan is 3. We are having major problems at daycare right now with biting. What is a parent to do- she totally gets it; when we talk to her she says "mommy I can't bite, it hurts my friends, and if I do, I will go on time out". Yet she gets so caught up in the moment all she wants to do is dig those little teeth right in!

Before I was a parent, I looked at other parents and thought "control you kid!" and now I feel like people are saying that to me. When we first started at our daycare there was one mean kid who picked on all the other kids- it actually made me a little nervous that this kid was around my baby. Now I'm the one who has the kid that parents are nervous for their kid to be around.

I know she is a good kid and she is very loving, but all common sense goes out the window when she is worked up. I have honestly started to do deep breathing with her to calm her down. Besides putting a nasty flavor in her mouth (which I am 100% against) or file down her teeth, I don't know what to do.

About a month ago one of the daycare ladies said to me "I said an extra prayer for Meggy to have a good day today, I know she is a good kid". Which then of course throws me into tears, because my kid is so bad she needs extra prayers!!

Are any of you parents of biters or recovering biters?? Any advice you can offer this parent?

Friday Night Photo Shoot

2012-09-28T20:19:00.001-07:00

I have recently taken some photo classes where we go to Nicollet Island and take photos. Right now the leaves are so pretty, I really wanted to take some photos of Meghan. It started out a little rough; first I turned on my camera and realized I didn't have a card it in (really, how do you forget that?!), thank goodness I have learned to carry a spare (not the first time this has happened). Then after about 3 pictures Meghan says she wants to go home... Are you kidding me, we just got here! Once I started using some of the tricks I learned in my classes, Meghan got into it. She started picking places to take pictures and saying "I want to sit here" or my favorite "I want to lay here!" in the middle of the sidewalk...sure why not! So here is a handful of my favorites.

First Day of Fall

2012-09-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of fall and what better way to spend it than outdoors. This morning Andrea and I went to watch Jordan run her first half marathon (a trail run to top it off!)- The Surely Loppet Trail Run.

Big smiles at the finish

Jordan, Tim and Grandma!

Jim, Natalie, and Jordan

Natalie and Jordan

Enjoying some watermelon

Andy and Jordan

In the afternoon Michael, Noreen, Meghan and myself went to Aamott's Apple Orchard- it was
busy! We bought a ton of apples (ok more like 10 pds of apples) a delicious apple pie, made with 2 gingers whiskey (if you are out there you HAVE to check this out!), and Kettle Corn (which Meghan calls "sweetie popcorn). We also did a hayride, and jumped in a pile of hay. Michael and I relived an old photo of us. This was probably right before we got married.

2006

2012

Women Rock 2012- 1st Half Marathon

2012-09-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

My 5 months of training is done; in April I started to train for my first half marathon- I have never in my life ran more than a 5k. Since I started running a few years ago I have always been in awe of people that run half and full marathons, running 13.1-26.2 miles seems crazy, yet awesome. In March one of my neighbors (who I have done most of my running with) knows my love of firemen and sent me the info on Team Ortho's first ever all women run...with firemen at the finish, and was all down hill. This seemed like the perfect run to do- 13.1 miles down hill and firemen at the finish...yes, please! And so training began...

Sara started doing runs with me, although she hated running and complained the whole time. After about 3 weeks of running with me I said to Sara "how can you do all this training with me and not do the half marathon?" Sara's response "watch me!" In early June Sara ended up signing up for the half marathon with me!

In May I had trouble with my IT band, due to increase in mileage and old shoes- so I had a month of physical therapy with no running. After four weeks I was feeling better and started running again.

I had a few mental block, which I think mostly had to due with running the same route over and over. Once I changed up my location and started running by work, I loved it, the miles flew by- I was up to 12 miles two weeks before the run. After my 12 mile run, the next morning I was having so much pain in the front of my thigh I could barely walk. I went to the doctor and he said it was my hip flexor. If I rested for the week and a half before my run I should be fine. Going from running 3-4 times a week to nothing a week and a half before my run freaked me out, but after reading a few running articles I found that many people have some of their best runs after taking a week or two off before their run, due to an injury. I did try to do a little running the week before the run and noticed a "hitch" in my run. After the week and a half rest I was having almost no pain while walking, but since I hadn't ran in a week and a half I was worried about my "hitch" and if I would be able to go the full 13.1 miles.

Jess, Myself and Sara

Saturday morning I was up at 5 am getting ready for the run. Michael was going to drive Sara, Jess (a neighbor who did the full marathon) and me to the run that started at 7:30 am. We took a few pictures and hopped on the shuttle to the Ford Plant, we arrive to the start line at 7:20. We all had to do one last bathroom trip before the start, the lines were so long we were worried we were going to miss the start. Thank goodness the shuttles were taking forever and the race started late, we made it just in time.

As I was waiting for the start I did a facebook post "In line ready to run!". The facebook comments and "likes" came in, it was such a great way to start a run of this distance, knowing the amount of support I had behind me. Not to mention the awesome post my husband did "Good luck today babe! Run your ass off and finish strong! Love you!" This just about brought me to tears before I even started to run. I knew that this was going to be an emotional journey for me, since I'm such a sap anyways!

Bang! We were off and running! I found a pace group I really liked (pace group: there is a pacer who is there to finish the race in a certain time and help runners keep that time), it was a 12 min 30 sec mile pace with a finish time of 2 hours and 45 mins. I knew that I would not finish in the time, most of my long runs my pace has been about 13:30 miles, but if I could stay with them for a while it would help me. I stayed with this group until about mile 5.5. There was a big hill and I knew that this is where I am going to lose this group. They did get ahead of me but if I could still see the balloons of the pace group, I was at a good time. Realistically I knew if I finished it would be about 3 hours, and I would really like to get under 3 hours.

At mile 6 I was having to get into my own groove, the pace group was too far ahead. I had a plan going into this run that I was going to be running 3 minutes and walking for 1, now that my group was gone, I had to do this on my own. Then what do I hear, "Go Summer!!" what, who knows me out here? I find the voice, it's Mike (Jess's husband) he is on the side of the road with is daughter Clare and Jess's Dad, so awesome to hear someone cheer for you! Ok, I got this, I have over and hour done, I'm almost half way and I'm feeling great.

Then comes mile 9... oh how I still hate you mile 9. My last water stop was at mile 8.5 and there wasn't another water stop until mile 10.5- I had water with me so that wasn't a big deal it's that there is nobody there... I mean nobody. It's quite and a big empty road with a wall on one side and trees on the other (trees that block a view from anything!). It was lonely, yes there were other runners there, but we were all focusing on our running. Then it happens... my leg starts to hurt, I know I can finish the run, but don't think I will be running any more of this. I start to tear up, I send Michael a text and say "the pain is so bad I can barely walk" he sends me a text back saying "You can do it!", "You're too close to stop now!", "I love you babe!" to which I start crying some more. Now mind you I'm not all out bawling, but there are a few tears. At mile 9.5 an angel appears, ok not really, more so this women who her and I had been chasing each other back and forth for most of the race. She comes behind me and says "how are you doing?" I tell her I'm hurting bad, she says to me "we got this, let's kick this hills ass!" (yes a course that claimed it was a down hill course had 3 huge hills!) so we were off! I could see the next water stop, so knew that there were people to cheer, I got this, only 3 miles left. I got back on my 3 mins running/ 1 min walking. I look next to me what do I see... the 3 hour pacer! Oh hell no! I tell the woman "you are not passing me, I'm going to beat you, that is all I want is to beat you!" she tells me she is about 2 min ahead of schedule and I should get under 3 hours, Thank God!

Whoa, suddenly to my left is my husband running at me "come on baby, you got this, you are going to finish under 3 hours, push it". I see the finish line, not far ahead and Michael is still running with me, I tell him to go away this is my race to finish! I look into the crowd and hear "Go Summer!" It's my family and friends, cheering for me!

When I cross the finish the clocks says 3:01:45, I was so bummed I didn't make it. I take my necklace given to me by a fireman, which I honestly didn't pay any attention to! I head over to the first aid booth and get my leg iced up. I go to the side lines where Micheal finds me, he is pushing Meghan in her stroller and she says to me "way to go mommy!" and I lost it, what a wonderful feeling that was! Micheal then tells me "The clock was about 2 mins off! You did it, you did it under 3 hours, " So my official time was 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 36 seconds!

I wish I could say I ended the race feeling great, but I have to admit that once I was walking around, I wasn't feeling too well, kind of sick and weak (I actually threw up a little!)

I just have to throw in some thanks you in here too! (I feel like I just finished a CD and need to thank my manager)

Thank you to my AWESOME husband who watched Meghan many, many nights a week for many hours and he never complained (even when she was super crabby!), I know it was time consuming and you were such a champ. You defiantly carried me through the run on Saturday and were my biggest supporter (even though you don't get running!)

Meghan- I hope one day when you are reading this you know you can do anything (yes, cheesy I know, but stick to it, and you can do it!)

Sara- I'm so happy you sucked it up and signed up for the run, it was great to have you be part of this!

Yup, big dork! cant believe I'm posting this pic

Start of the run!

Mark, Noreen, Jordan, Andrea and Mike- Thank you for getting up super early and cheering for me, it was awesome to have support there at the finish

I'm back

2012-08-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

I know I have been slacking on posts...but believe me when I say I have been blogging, just not adding the pictures so I havent been posting. So I am now realizing that not all my post need photos- this is a journal for Meghan to look back on and see the things she did...not all need visuals.

Here is a quick run down on funny/cute stories of Meghan and the fam:

The Olympics were just on and what can I say, I love them! If I'm not at work or sleeping, I was watching them. Meghan ended up getting hooked on them too! When we would watch gymnastics or diving she would say "mommy, I want to do that!", when swimming came on she turned to me and said "Mommy, I want to do that, will you help me swim?"... of course honey, I will help you become an Olympic swimmer!

I'm happy to report that my 2yr 2month of might finally be out of 12-18 month clothing, but only because her 12 month pant are getting too short on her. We got to buy 2T pants last weekend... although they need to be the adjustable waste and tightened all the way!! Which reminds me we need to go back to the Dr in October for a weight check- he is still wanting to watch that. With how much this girl has been asking for Macaroni and Cheese- she has got to be putting on some weight; that brings me to another story

All Meghan has been asking for the past month is Macaroni and Cheese- it's getting crazy, but the girl eats it, and I cant deny a skinny girl her Mac and Cheese! One morning I asked her what she would like to wear to daycare "my macaroni and cheese shirt and pants!" Sorry kiddo you don't own a mac and cheese shirt or pants!

I promise, I have more photos and stories to come.

I Heart Faces- August- pet faces

2012-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wishful Thinking!

Color Run

2012-07-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Meghan and Mommy

Today Sara, myself and Mike (a friend from Michael's hockey team) did the color run at the state fair grounds. It was so much fun- each kilometer was a different color powder that you ran threw. Even though it was so hot, it was a blast.

Meghan, Mark and Noreen were at the finish line to cheer us on. I grabbed Meghan and ran across the finish line with her. I think she was a little overwhelmed with all the color and people.

Michael did not see us finish the run because he became super star volunteer! He passed out water to all the runner for 3 hours (he ended up doing it for so long because he thought we were coming back to get him)
At the end of the run is the color throw: each person is given a color packet, every 15 mins they do a big color throw, where everyone gathers and throws their powder in the air... it is so pretty!

Before

After

In the Color Throw

Meghan was not a fan of this!

Birthday boy!

Rock Star Volunteer!

Sara's awesome nail polish

yes, this all came out!

Color throw

Horses, Wedding, ER and Cars!

2012-06-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

We had a busy weekend!!

Friday night was our annual Canterbury Downs trip for Kelly's Birthday. Michael and I brought Meghan and two of his hockey friends, we met up with the college girls, husbands and kids. Meghan, Brexton and Adrian had a blast playing together... Meghan even learned what a combine was... thanks to Kelly, who likes to teach everyone what a combine is!

We have learning more and more that Meghan is a... very aggressive girl with the boys! The whole group happened to look over at the right time to catch Meghan grabbing Bexton's face and planting a BIG kiss on his lips (wish I would have gotten a picture of that!)

Saturday we had a wedding to go attend: Michael's friend Mickey got married at Fort Snelling and had the reception at the Ramada. Meghan had some much fun dancing with the kids. Again, very aggressive with getting the boys to dance with here.

On Friday we noticed that Meghan had a red bump on her neck, we thought her car seat strap just rubbed her. On Saturday the bump was getting bigger, redder and harder. We sent a picture to Kerriann, who said it looked like it was her lymph node and we should take her in. So, 9pm we headed to the ER. The doctors were unsure if it was a lymph node or infected bug bite. They decided to try benadryl to see if that helped with the swelling, which it did! So we were discharged at midnight with benadryl and antibiotics

Sunday was Back to the 50's! My dad was in town, so Michael, Meghan and I met him there. We saw a beautiful cars (I think my new favorite color is orange!), and even had pronto pups (my favorite!). After the car show we went back to Grandpa Anderson's house and spent some time there. Meghan had a great time playing with her grandpa... and she got her first birthday card, which she was very excited about!

Meghan and Grandpa

Meghan sitting in 'Pink Lipstix'

Meghan taking a picture of the cars

Little Louie

2012-06-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Michael's old neighbor friend Kristen (and Steve) had an adorable baby boy on Friday June 15. We drove out to River Falls to meet the little Louie and see how Kristen and Steve were doing. We saw Kristen a week before she was due, Meghan helped encourage Louie to arrive by yelling "Come out baby!" to Kristen's belly. Meghan had been so excited to meet Louie since I keep telling her the baby came out, we need to meet him.

She did a pretty good job with him (I think as well as a 2 year old can do), but when Michael was holding Louie, Meghan had a melt down, she could have cared less when I was holding him, but she did not want to share her daddy!

Meghan has a Pottery Barn blanket with her name on it, that she loves. We thought it would be the perfect gift for for Louie, so Meghan had to bring her blanket to show Louie that she had one just like him; it was very cute!

Mpls Nights- St. Anthony Main

2012-06-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

I recently bought a photo safari on Social Living, from Midwest Photo Safari, I did the "Mpls Nights- St. Anthony Main". It started promptly at 8:32; we were able to get fabulous photos of the sun going down and the lights glowing on the water. The Stone Arch festival was going on, so it was really busy, but we still managed to get great photo. I loved this class and strongly recommend it to anyone, it was a blast- and time flew by, I was shocked when I got in my car and it was 11pm! So here are the photos, enjoy!

How to Stay Cool in Hot Weather

2012-06-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Daddy was out golfing this weekend for a bachelor party and Mark was working, so Meghan and I spent a hot 90 degree day breaking in the kiddie pool at Grandma's house!

Meghan had so much fun with her new pool, I'm shocked at how much she is starting to like the water!

We has some snacks, while sitting pool side- taking in the sun!

Since it was so hot, we had to make sure we stayed well hydrated; even if that does mean drinking right from the pool or the dog's water bowl!

Believe it or not, there was even a little swimming!

Meghan had a great time hanging out by the pool!

Sara came to visit us too!

As always, the sand/water table had to be played with, which means Meghan in standing in the table!

Little Baywatch move!

Oh it is so much work to be this cute!

After our long day at Grandma's we went home.

Once we walked in the back door Meghan found her Dora umbrella and we were back outside...waiting for rain!

June 'I heart faces' photo challenge- All Boy

2012-06-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

One of the cutest little boys I know

Beautiful Saturday in the June

2012-06-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning we were planning to watch Mark and Noreen take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise (meaning we had to get up at 4 am!). We got a call late Friday night saying the balloon ride was going to be canceled due to high winds. Since we went to be so early, Meghan was up and ready to go at 6 am on Saturday. We knew it was suppose to be a beautiful day, and I refused to spend it indoors.

Daycare recently took the older kids to a place called Tamarack Nature Center, and I have heard from other parents this was a great place to take kids. We called the family to see if they wanted to join, Sara came along for the adventure!

We had no idea what to expect, but it was awesome! There were 4 main areas for the kids to play with. There was a rock climbing area (which reminded me of The Flintstones... do kids even know who The Flintstones are anymore?!)

So much fun!

Meghan walking in the stream

There was a great stream area for the kids to walk and play in, it was only about 6 inches at the deepest part, but Meghan (and Sara) had a great time playing in the water. Note to self, next time bring a swimsuit for the kid!

Meghan playing her xylophone

Checking out what the other kids are doing

There was a sticks and logs area where the kids could build forts with sticks and climb on big logs (or Sara could climb on them!) Meghan found a xylophone that she really enjoyed

playing, and singing!!

Helping daddy fill the watering can

There was a garden area, where the kids job was to water the vegetable. Meghan and Michael had a lot of fun pumping the water into the watering cans and watering all the vegetables.

She can do it herself!

Make sure to get the water on the plant

Smelling the pretty flower

Once we were done with the play area, we decided that since it was such a nice day out, we weren't ready to go home. The park had great walking trails, we started with a little loop which then turned into probably 2-3 miles of walking. Thank goodness Meghan fell asleep about 10 mins into the walk, she got a great nap!

I have found I kind of like taking nature pictures!

This might be our Christmas card. It was great, Meghan
grabbed our faces and pulled us all together

On the way home, Sara thought it would be a good idea to stop for ice cream, and really who turns down ice cream on a hot day! So thanks to google we found a cute little ice cream shop called "The Village Scoop"... Love it!!!

Meghan enjoyed a blue moon (no not the beer) ice cream with a little scoop of cotton candy.

Standing in the water table

We stopped back at Mark and Noreen's to see what they were up to. Meghan ended up pulling out her water and sand table and played in that for an hour or so. She even went as far a taking her pull up off and taking a bath in her water table. Oh to be a free spirited 2 year old with no cares! I'm sure when she is old and reading this she is not going to be happy!

Meghan figuring out how to get
into the water table

She is in and pull up is off!

Meghan was on a time out, and looked over at me with this
little grin! I love this picture

Fun in the Sun (with the college girls)

2012-05-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today Meghan and I went to Kelly's house to get together with the college girls and their kiddos.
Quick run down of everyone. Kelly has Kendra (6) and Adrian (2 in July). Dana has Ajay (3) and Logan (3 months). Sarah has Brexton (2 in Sept), and Tiffany.

Ok, Kelly told me that she better see a blog about our day, so here we go (might I add, I took over 700 pictures, don't worry I will weed out a lot)

Originally our plan was to take the kids to the zoo, but with my hip and Anne being 8 months pregnant (Anne didn't got, but she has Tessa who will be 2 in June), and the temp going to be 85 and possible rain, we thought we might plan something with a little less walking. Plan B- go to a gymnastics center for a few hours with the kids during open gym then hang out at Kelly's. Well Plan C happend- Kelly has been with out a water heat for .. 2 weeks and her water heater guy was going to come between 12-3 (gym time). Since it was so hot out we put all the kiddos in swimsuits and got out the pool and the really awesome water slide! The little kids (well Meghan and Brexton) were not fans but the other kids loved it.

Kelly being the daycare provider she is thought it would be a good idea to go inside and do an art project, which then ended up playing with shaving cream, and from there it was back in the pool! A few more hours in there, and then we hit the road

I bet we weren't even a mile from Kelly's house and Meghan was asleep.

Adrian (aka Moose)

Kendra

Meghan

Brexton

Meghan and Brexton

Logan chillin' on the swing

Ajay

Meghan's swimsuit was a little big!

Logan 4 wheeling

Brexton liked to look at the water, but was a little unsure of it

Our attempt to get a picture of all the kids

And their done!

Time for finger paint

Brexton loved the shaving cream

Meghan wasn't sure about the shaving cream

Ajay enjoyed it too

Now Meghan is starting to like it

Yeah, that's fun!

Brexton is ready for more!

Huge sneeze!

Once Meghan got into it she loved it!

Time to clean up!

Running though the water

All the kids started running
though the water

Popsicles!!!

I love this picture

Oh the mess!

Brexton played with this bucket
for at least 20, it was hilarious!

All the little bellies!

How's your Popsicle?

Last day of gymanstics

2012-05-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hanging from the bar
(look at that determination!)

Meghan practicing a forward roll

(although she doesn't need this to do one)

This evening was Meghan's last day of gymnastics ('nastics). So we took a few photos of her doing some of her favorite things. Also because it was the last day she got a completion certificate.

Meghan getting her certificate from "Miss Amy"

Such a proud little girl

Happy Mother's Day

2012-05-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

We had a busy weekend! Friday I get home from work and Meghan greets me at the back door with a homemade flower, card and hershey kisses yelling "Happy Mother Day!". Great end to my day!

Saturday the whole family went out to the Mall of America. We were doing the race for the cure in celebration of my mother in law who had breast cancer 2 years ago. Meghan did a kids run, I thought this would be a great opportunity for her to "run with me", which she asks to do every time I go running. We even got her little nike running shorts. She did great, I was so proud of her, she only stopped twice and wanted me to carried her (both of which were only about 10 feet). The whole evening she said "I running!" So proud of my little peanut!

Meghan and Grandma making a bracelet before
the kids run

Meghan and Mommy getting

ready to run

And she's off!

crossing the finish line

Running like a winner

walking with grandma after the run

Meghan was very proud of herself
(so was mommy)

post run ice cream!

Meghan and grandma
after the run

Grandma, Meghan and Mommy after the run

flowers in celebration and in memory

This was Michael's old co-workers son,
enjoying a post run ice cream

Saturday evening we played in the pool at the hotel. Meghan started off nervous about it, held on to daddy for dear life! After about 10 mins in the pool with us, she was ready for grandma to bring her back to the hotel room. Daddy was able to talk Meghan into trying to jump off the edge of the pool, before she went back to the room. Well, that 1 jump lead to 50 more; we had to drag her out of the pool. She was shivering, lips purple and after every jump she puts her finger up to her cheek, tilts her head and says "one more time". Come on, how can you say no to that! Note to self: get a picture of her "one more time" pose!!

When I was in the hot tub Saturday night at 9:30 I finally realized there is no way I can run and walk the race for the cure. It was hard for me to accept, but I was not going to be running in the morning.

Sara and Louise starting the run

Sunday Noreen and I got up early to see Sara and Louise off on their run (they had great times!). 8:30 we were meeting the rest of the family. We had a great group: Noreen, Mark, Sara, Myself, Meghan, Louise, Grandma Seeger and Trish. The walk started at 9:00 and was 3.1 miles, I love doing this walk, the strength of the survivors and the families that are celebrating loved ones is so beautiful. I tried to get a good mix of photos from the walk. Some of them I think turned out great.

Team Noreen's Knockers

Meghan enjoying her stroller ride

Snuggle time with daddy!

some cute team signs

Meghan yelling in the tunnel

Noreen's new shoes

nice break from the stroller ride

woman's drum line along the course

Another drum line, nothing like a little bit
of YMCA to get you going!

mile 1

Hug a survivor

hug a survivor

PEEPS!

VIkings cheerleaders

more vikings cheerleaders

More signs

fun hats

I love this picture, this girl looked right at me when I took it

Announcers are announcing "Noreen Seeger, 2 years!"

We were walking by these women at the end of the walk,
I loved their glass. My first bold photography move:
I asked to take their picture!
(most of the lilacs in the background, I added, there are

port-a-potties behind them!)

Sunday afternoon we went to Uncle Bob's and Aunt Netti's house for lunch, Chris and Grandma Kroening were there also. We had "beer butt chicken" which Meghan enjoyed saying over and over. Meghan had great time playing with everyone, not sure how much Chris enjoyed it though! I found Meghan and Chris in the library laying on the floor reading to Meghan (so cute!). Meghan also enjoyed giving Chris commands: "jump!" she would say and they would jump off the step, "march", and they would march around the kitchen, she would turn and check on him to make sure he was still doing it.

Sunday night we had dinner at Outback and went home for an early bed, we were all very tired from this weekends activities, but we had a great time!

It feels like summer!!

2012-05-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Monday was gorgeous out, what better way to spend it than outside. And if we are outside, mom is taking pictures for sure!!! Here is a few pictures of Meghan playing outside. We love to play with chalk, or as Meghan calls it "chalkboard"

I love those big blue eyes

Meghan showing me what a bird does "tweet tweet"

Really mom, another picture!

I heart faces photo challenge: May 2012

2012-05-09T19:56:00.001-07:00

I'm entering my first photo contest,
This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

We saw Dora!

2012-05-09T19:25:00.001-07:00

This is a picture I took Saturday night,while I was "scrapbooking" I wanted to try a slow shutter to get the "flowing" picture.

Sunday afternoon the family took a trip to the Mall of America to meet Dora. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out. In December when we met Santa, that was a disaster!

When we got to Nickelodeon Universe we stocked up on Dora supplies: Dora, Boots, Swiper and Backpack. Meghan was already in heaven and hadn't even met Dora. As we were waiting, Meghan was sitting in her stroller hugging and kissing all of her new stuffed animals. Sponge Bob was there, who I didn't think she knew, but she kept calling him "Bob". She did great with "Bob", even high-fived him, so I hoped she would be just as good with Dora.

At 4pm was Dora's arrival time. When Dora turned the corner, Meghan's eye got enormous, her smile was ear to ear, she looked at Dora and whispered "Dora!" Michael's sister, Sara, took Meghan in line (I wanted to take pictures) to meet Dora. Meghan kept her distance most of the time, but was so excited. As we were trying to leave, Meghan kept standing by the railing yelling "Bye Dora!, Bye" (Meghan is very good at the long Minnesota good-bye, it takes us 10 mins to leave any where because she has to say good- bye to everyone about 8 times)

Monday at daycare the first thing she said when she walked through the door was "I meet Dora!!". From what I have been told that was all she talked about at daycare on Monday.

Monday I went to the doctor about my knee, I'm having some pain and swelling after running. I wanted to see the doctor before the pain got too bad. He is sending me to PT (physical therapy) for gait training (basically learning to run with proper body alignment). I went for a 4 1/2 mile run on Monday; after my run I had bad knee pain and swelling that night and Tuesday. I call the doctor to see if I could got to a different location for PT, since I couldn't get in for 2 weeks. He told me the best thing to do would be to stop running so the swelling goes down and I can get the most out of my PT. So there you have it, 2 week break from running; although the Race for the Cure is on Sunday, I think I am going to run that!

Meghan had gymnastics last night and did a great job. We have one more week left, we are trying to find a different activity for the summer, but there are very few activities at this age. (these photos are from the early spring class, but she is still cute to look at!)

Clare

Wednesday night it was so nice out I wanted to work on planting my herb garden with Meghan, but we got side tracked and spent most of the evening with Meghan's best friend, Clare. Clare and Meghan are 3 months apart; her parents (Mike and Jess) and us are great friends, along with the neighbors in the middle (Sam and Louise). Last week Louise taught the girls how to blow the seeds off of dandelions (are the still called dandelions when they aren't yellow flowers?). So the girls spent most of the night doing that. I'm happy that Since Louise taught them this, they did this in her yard!

An unproductive Saturday

2012-05-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

While I am gone "scrapbooking" for the weekend (I have done one page..if that!) I have asked Michael to send me pictures of what Meghan is doing. This morning this was what I got.

Meghan made cookies for breakfast, my kind of girl!!

Meghan got a Dora Fiesta Dress

I got a text this afternoon of Meghan in a Dora Fiesta Dress (great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo) that Grandma got her. Meghan has a little obsession with Dora the Explorer. Wednesday morning she went into the bathroom and got her Dora bath toy; I over heard her in the bathroom telling Dora that she lobed (loved) her and that Dora is her best friend. She lost her Sleeping Beauty ChapStick last week and kept telling us that "Swiper (the fox who swipes things in Dora) took my Beauty!" Thursday night she asked Michael if Swiper took Mommy.

I have found out that the Mall of America has Dora visit on Sunday from 4-8, so we have planned a trip to the Mall to see Dora and Boots. We haven't told Meghan yet, we are going to surprise her. I'm very interested to see how she will react; is she going to be so excited or completely freak out, cry and scream!

We'll see, I will let you know how that adventure goes!

Scrapbooking weekend is not going too great, but I'm getting a lot of other things done. I have been going through my photos that are saved in 4 different placed on my computer and have 7 of the same picture, half of which are blurry. I even took a nap today, I couldn't tell you the last time I did that, it was great. And of course I'm taking pictures of things around the house, the girls that I am with are finding this quite entertaining.

This is the one time I have used my cricut all weekend. I am working on my pregnancy journal. Some how doing a scrapbook from 3 years ago, that is mostly a journal is not getting me too excited. But look, I'm working on my photo skills!

A neat piece of fence that has been turned
into a flag and used as decoration outside.

This is a HUGE tree in the front yard.

Out back is a tub (I guess that is what you would call it)
this is the spout on the bottom of the tub.

I had to stop on the way into town to take a picture of the Wanamingo sign, there is a story to this name. We drive to Rochester a lot because we have family there. On the way down there is a sign for the turn off to Wanamingo. When ever we see the sign Michael does this whole act like he is an announcer on Univision (the spanish channel). His voice gets really deep, kind of like the moviephone guy, and says "Wwwwaaannnaaamigo!" This has now become the joke everytime we see the sign, I think I drive him a little crazy making him do it every time we drive by, but it still makes me laugh!

I can't wait to let you know how Dora goes tomorrow!!!

Here We Go!

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So a little about me and my family. My name is Summer, my husband, Michael, and I have been married a little over 5 years. We have a daughter, Meghan, who will be 2 in June, and lets not forget the dog, Shamrock, he is 5.

Easter 2012 in Rochester, MN

Michael and I met in Jr. High. I had a huge crush on him and he had no idea who I was. We went to different High Schools but would see each other at local hang outs. When I moved into my first apartment, I was over at our neighbors place (who I also knew from Jr. High) and who walks in...yup, Michael. Bad news, I was at this party with my boyfriend, who instantly got pushed aside. Michael and I started hanging out, 5 years later we got married, 2 years after that we found out we were having a baby! So long story super short, that's us.

Meghan and Daddy Dancing

So why am I finally breaking down and doing this blog? I have been wanting to do a blog for about 2 years now, ever since Meghan was born, I'm finally doing it. I want something for her to read when she is older, and great way to see the little things we do.. the little things in life that someday will mean a lot (hence the title!). I am a scrapbooker, if you want to call it that. I'm actually on a scrapbooking retreat this weekend. I'm really poky with scrapping, I'm currently working on my pregnancy scrapbook (yes, I did say my daughter will be 2 next month). So in comes the blog, work on it every few days and it's done.

Also I'm really trying to get into photography, but really bad at printing pictures, again another reason to blog vs scrapbook. I have been reading a lot of blogs about photography and people sharing their knowledge, but all of them are really good at what they do. So starting a blog now, I can see myself grow as a "photographer".

Another big thing that is happening is I have signed up for a Half Marathon, Woman Rock. This will be my first 1/2 marathon, the most I have ran for is a 5k (3.1 miles). With my training I am currently up to 4.5 miles (the most I have ever run, go me!!). Why did I choose this 1/2 Marathon, well, it's women only, which means they are little less ridiculously fast; it's a down hill course, AND top reason... FIREMEN!! Oh yes, firemen all over the course cheering and at the finish line to give you your finishers pendant...thank you very much!! Only 119 days away, countdown has started.

A quick run down of this week: Last week our church was having a garage sale; we scored big time! Play food, pots and pans for $3!! Now that Meghan had all this food, she needed a kitchen to use it all. So after gymnastics ('nastics!! as she calls it) we went to Toys R Us and bought a kitchen. Because we got home so late Micheal put it together while she was sleeping. On Wednesday morning, it was like Christmas, of course, we had to go to daycare so she only got to play with it for a few minutes. After daycare though we had bananas, hamburgers and hot dogs cooked for us all night long!

Meghan first seeing her kitchen
(please don't judge my photography skills on this photo)

So this weekend I'm in Matorville, Mn. I am doing a scrapbooking retreat with 7 other woman, I can't say I have been doing much scrapping. I've downloaded icloud (I finally got an iphone), I am working on updating the firmware in my camera, downloading awesome songs for running, and now realizing I need to organize my computer. We are staying at a house that used to be a cheese mill in the middle of no where.

Here are a few photos from where we are staying.