Gust Gab

Let them be Little...Her first dance...

2012-01-27T15:12:00.001-06:00

Last fall there was a school dance that I didn't make it a priority to attend...We weren't told about it with too much notice (I don't know about you but I need a couple/few weeks of notice for most everything around here...we are always penciling things in on our calendars and the sooner, the better if we have any hope of attending!)

Anyhoo -
Our kindergartender was pretty disappointed we didn't make the fall dance, so I hunted up the dates for the 'winter dance' and put it on the calendar...
Not only was it something she really wanted to do, it's also a major fundraiser for our school's PTO - Anything for a good cause right?

So...
I played a little new age telephone, wrote a note on paper and gave it to my 6 year old, to give to her new 6 year old BFF from school, to give to her mom...offering to pick up said friend and bring her to the dance with us.
To our delight - she responded via email and it wasn't long before me, my kindergartener and her BFF and the soon to be kindergartener little brother were off to the school dance.
What could a school dance for kindergarten kids possibly be like I wondered....boys on one side, girls on the other?
We certainly didn't have dances when we were SIX!
Well, this school dance was for the whole school - grades K-6...
Even more awkward?

No. Not-so-much.

I cannot get over how much FUN this Friday night was!

We arrived at the school about 15 minutes after the 2 hour dance started...
It was already rocking...
The gym was a hopping, lights were turned down, disco ball on, DJ spinning tunes like Tik Tok by Ke$ha, Firework by Katy Perry and Gaga's PokerFace...(None of this my kind of music - but me oh my did the kids have a BLAST!)
They also played We're not going to take it - Twisted Sister!
WHAT?

The whole night was so much fun...Maybe it was seeing my kids enter 'the next stage' in their lives...the chapter that involves hanging out with friends while Mom hangs back...The part where for two hours, they don't need me, except for to check in with me from time to time.

I sat alone, hanging out on the sidelines, handing out money for Crazy Hair Paint ($2.00), bottled water (.50), glow in the dark items ($2.00-$3.00) and popcorn, candy and chip treats (.50)...
(Admission was $5.00 per family)
(Note to self, go early, get a table or a seat and bring along a kindle or an ipad like dozens of other parents did...another note to self: get a kindle or an ipad like other parents did!)

I wandered around, making sure the kids were doing ok, were having fun, and were being good...

I snapped some pictures and some videos - at the request of the kids...
And now, excuse me while I wipe away some tears...
The 6 year old has requested that I don't share them all with you here in my blog land.
WHAT?
I KNOW!

She's having some self esteem issues...
She isn't a big fan of compliments at all, and for that reason, chooses play clothes most days over her adorable jeans and sweaters...over her cowboy boots and hats that she previously adored. BOO!

So, I present you...
The night in pictures...but only the pictures allowed by the 6 year old residing in this house.
I guess this marks the day where I now take the kids' privacy into account before blogging...and that's ok with me. And it's not like I never have...but now comes the time when I actually ask them before using my own judgement...

We have the pictures and videos saved at home and the kids enjoy seeing them over and over - they just aren't ready to share them all just yet!
Which is too bad...cuz 6 year old jamming out to some of today's hottest hits?
Does life get any better than this?

Also, no, it wasn't snowing in the gym - please ignore the dirty filthy lens on my point and shoot -
There was too much action and it was too dark for my cell phone to take any pictures...so I had to use the crusty old point and shoot...it's better than nothing...

D and H's best boyfriend from school jammin' -

Break Dancing!

The Class of 2024 having fun on a Friday night!

The older kids (probably 3-6 grade or so, hung out at the front of the gym, near the DJ and danced and sang, the younger kids did just fine on their own with the wide open spaces that the back of the gym allowed them.

Crazy Hair Paint - $2.00

H and her BFF~ M~ in her kindy class - born just 1 day apart ~

For the days leading up to the dance, she walked around the house singing about this boy...
H and M, sitting in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G

WHAT? I KNOW? Oh my heart...
She just loves him and he's the sweetest little thing...

At first, D wasn't so sure he wanted to go to a crummy old school dance. What he forgets is, he has just as many friends at school as she does - including a good buddy from daycare who is in kindy this year...

They showed off their breakdancing skills all night long!

Ah yes...I am in no hurry to have them grow up...

Let them be little I say...

But I sure am enjoying the new experiences that life is bringing their way...and seeing life through their eyes.

And helping the school to raise a few funds for the PTO?

Everyone wins...

Help Kickin' the Habit ~

2012-01-20T10:01:00.001-06:00

Sure - I know Soda/Pop (whatever you want to call it) isn't good for you -
But...I like it...

We like to keep a small variety of cans on hand for a caffeine fix or a special treat every now and again...

Turns out old man winter is helping us kick the habit!

These were in our garage overnight - temps dropped to something ridiculous below zero...

Oh well - at least I didn't leave it in my car this time...I've done THAT before!

***Using the Verizon Razr 4g to capture all of life's moments, including the above photos for this post! Lightning fast so I don't miss a thing!

Rob Vila - Alternately Titled...Demolition Man...

2012-01-17T21:21:00.001-06:00

Well, after spending countless hours applying to be on this DIY show or that one...and even managing to get a scout out to our house for an interview once...

I'm giving up...
Besides...Who needs their help anyway?

I AM married to Rob...Rob Vila.
Ladies and Gentleman...

I bring you deconstruction...via my very own demolition man...err, men.

A peek inside the door of our 'master bath' - I use the term Master loosely...as it's also the ONLY bath on the main level of our home...
Small vanity, pocket door leading to one of the two bedrooms on the upper level of our house...(broken for the last year or so by an overzealous child who loved opening and closing that door fifty seven hundred times a day...) and then closet...

From the closet you move over to the monstosity of a whirlpool tub...
A nice tub...a big tub...
But also a tub that takes up a ton of space - We've never really loved this tub...especially when I was 9 months pregnant leaning over it to bathe a 1 year old...oh my those were the days...

Next to the tub...the toilet...

And next to the toilet - behind the door...a shower...
Nicely hidden...so many folks never even knew we had a shower in this room - of course -we've used it as a broom closet for the last 10 years...storing the vacuum and other random junk...
It's leaked since the day we moved in.
And by leaked - I mean, water runs through the floor and into our lower level. Awesome.

We tried to fix it to no avail...so we did what any other person would do...We ignored it in hopes it would go away...It didn't. We are currently on our 11th year in this house...

Here's the skylight which I love...a person can never have enough natural light...

(But what we don't love is the cottage cheese ceiling ~)

And so...finally...after all these years of not loving this bathroom...
We finally decided to go for it...
The hubs got to work...

um...hello? Nasty.

Even though he was doing just fine without my help...I offered and he did need me to help get these gigantic mirrors off of the walls...I couldn't believe they came off in one piece...but they did! Until of course...
I set one side of the smaller one down on the garage floor too quickly...and the corner busted right off...
GRRRRR.
No matter - We weren't planning on re-using these mirrors anyway - but I did find someone to take the larger one...by large - I mean huge...60x64 inches!

Every project needs a Foreman...

With his own tools on his waistband - (tape measure)

And Hammer...

And then the real fun began...

If I'm being honest - I guess I thought we'd take turns with a sledge hammer and then we'd just sweep it all up and toss it out...
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

My husband literally worked this out of here tile by tile by tile...hammer and crowbar...

He worked sooo hard...by. himself!!
Talk about sweat equity!!

I offered to help but...he wasn't really interested in having me help...I don't know why........................

And then on to more tile on the step of the awesome whirlpool tub...

And once the step was gone...it was almost like...ok wait...this totally changes the feel in here...should we just keep it?
And...the answer is no...no thank you.

As if that tile weren't a ton of work...he then got to work getting rid of the cottage cheese...(If only it were that easy huh ladies?)

What. a. mess.

But a billion times better...

Safety Glasses!

And then...I took the kiddos out for some fun...and came home to find...A giant empty spot (and a fun little hole) where the whirlpool once sat!

And now...it sits in our garage...Anyone need a whirlpool tub? Can you even believe he busted that thing out of there while we were gone?

He had the help of our wonderful friend and neighbor Denny - for SURE this could not be done by one person ~ and how lucky are we to have friends willing to take on this project! YIKES!

They also popped out the vanity...Which now, when I look at it - seems it was alarmingly tiny. Did four people really utilize this vanity space for teeth brushing and getting ready?

Well ladies and gentlemen...
There you have it...
The before...

& you should know...this was our first major take on ever...it went a little better than we thought...or I should say...he thought...and I am so so proud of my hubs for taking on this project...(Especially with me!YIKES!)

And the after...?
Well...the reconstruction begins in about 12 hours...

Birthday Wishes...

2012-01-15T20:18:00.001-06:00

Our handsome little man celebrated the big FIVE at the end of December...
Every year, for every birthday...
we've thrown celebrations at our house that have been quaint and marvelous and wonderful - We have been so so blessed with our friends and our neighbors celebrating with us year after year - 10 parties thus far, if you add up the six we've had for the girl and the four we've had for the boy...

This little boy - he's all grown up...
Five now ya know...

And this year he wanted a party 'at the gymnastics place' ~

He's still in that 'before school age' - where you aren't quite sure who to invite...What to do for the big birthday occassion...

Our friends range in age from 6 months to 13 years old...

What to do...

What to do.

Well, because his birthday falls over what is known as the holiday break - I decided to see if I could pull together every parent's nightmare - and schedule a weekday birthday party...

Something pretty simple...yet fun.

We took advantage of open playtime at the local gymnastics place - and even though it was overrun with kids looking to burn off some steam - way more kids than we've ever seen there...

We still managed to have a great time!

D&H's buddy B came to show off his climbing skills -

And Monkey See, Monkey Do wasn't too far behind -

Little G had fun jumping...

While little E tried things out too -

D & P used the parallel bars...

And E checked out the ball pit -

The easy fav...is always the runway trampoline...

That drops you into a foam pit of blocks...

After spending a couple of hours running around - We headed over to our house for CAKE POPS!

And pizza - A huge huge thank you to the Hubs who had the pizza hot and ready to go when we got here! THANK YOU THANK YOU!

After pizza and cake pops...we headed downstairs to play a little Kinect...(and wait patiently for our turns)

I was worried that it wouldn't feel like a birthday party to our boy, the kind that he is used to having. but he loved every second of it and then some. Sure, he missed some of the people that he is used to having at his party...and he brought it up a few times...but I think we've officially entered the birthday party of little friends, more so than the birthday parties of mom and dad's friends...

Happy Five little man...Happy Five.

Disney Dreams...

2012-01-12T19:32:00.000-06:00

Someone is Disney Dreamin' -

Though - that happens more often than not around here...
Remember the other time I captured something similar?

Hard to believe it's been two years ago this month that we took our awesome family vacation to Disney World!
I'd been hoping to get on an every other year big kicking vacation schedule - but alas...other things are taking precedence...
So until then...we dream...

When you wish upon a star...

Practicing Penmanship ~

2012-01-10T19:50:00.001-06:00

We had one of those days around here - you know the ones -

THOSE days?

I brought a certain little six, going on sixteen year old to her room to hang out alone for a bit...

When she agreed to doing better...

She came out holding a note...

She debated about sharing it with me...

But then, she couldn't contain herself...

She shared the note with me...

quite proud of herself...

and then proceeded to quickly rip it up.

I told her to head back to her room to hang out for a bit longer...

& when I went to check on her...

I found this in pieces down the hallway.

It reads

'I do not like you'

WHAT?

It's one of those things...do you laugh?

Or do you cry? I laughed, believe it or not...

It was pretty damn cute.

She hung out in her room a few more minutes...and then returned to the kitchen with a new note ~

In case you aren't versed in kindergarten penmanship - it says

'I do not like bad attitudes'

I asked her if she was talking about mine, or hers...

She said both...

A little sleep for both of us, and all will be right in our world...

I hope.

Because I have a feeling the 'best' is yet to come!

Ah yes, six, going on sixteen!

That droid razr by verizon sure captured, (pretty clearly, considering)...the moment for me huh?
This is the reason for this here blog...capturing the moments, big and small...funny and not funny. Snippets in time that might otherwise be forgotten!

Holiday in Pictures...

2012-01-06T19:46:00.001-06:00

Easily one of my favorite parts of the holiday season...

Is the mail!

Love love LOOOVE the holiday cards -

And...we are still enjoying them and will for a few more weeks yet...

Holiday Baking Fun...

2012-01-04T20:02:00.000-06:00

When all you want to do is open a present or two or twenty...

Your mom finds things to distract you with...like making a mess in the kitchen!

Even though we made a big ol mess...and the cookies were mostly unedible afterwards...it was having fun, and being together that counted...

World's Toughest Rodeo - My Bucket List...& a Give Away!

2012-01-04T07:34:00.002-06:00

It's a New Year & I'm seeing people's New Year's Resolutions everywhere I look these days ~

I myself, didn't make any...or rather, didn't put them out there for all the world to see...

Sure, I have them - I'm just not sharing them.

What I don't mind sharing however, is my own, personal - BUCKET LIST!

Who doesn't have a Bucket List, right?

Sure, I've got things on my Bucket List that will take some extensive planning (and money),

like an Alaskan Cruise or spending a couple of weeks driving to Banff...

But...I also have other, more attainable Bucket List items...

Like...Taking in a Real. Live. Rodeo!

That's right! I've always wanted to go to a REAL Rodeo...

Is it the North Dakotan in me? I doubt it - I didn't grow up in the cowboy part of the state...But I do love watching rodeos & bull riding on television.

So do my kiddos!

That's why I'm thrilled to be taking my family to The World's Toughest Rodeo in St. Paul on February 3rd!

Event Details as taken from the website:

World’s Toughest Rodeo stampedes into Saint Paul with two thrilling shows

Friday-Saturday, Feb. 3-4 at Xcel Energy Center starting at 7:30 p.m. each night.

The toughest cowboys in the world show off their skill in action-packed events that will entertain the whole family. Before the rodeo each night, children are invited to enjoy the "Cowboy Kids' Zone" where real life cowboys teach these future cowpokes how to properly lasso a steer, barrel race and even clown around.

The first 500 children (12 and under) Friday night will also receive a free cowboy hat.

Watch as nationally televised “Toughest Cowboy” competitor Charlie Barker from Ranger, TX tests his might and skill in the rodeo triathlon as he attempts to compete on up to six animals in a single night! See champion cowboys prove their grit in bull riding, bareback, saddle bronc and barrel racing exhibitions of power and agility. There is something for everyone – from barrel racing cowgirls to the wild antics of the rodeo clowns. The 2012 World's Toughest Rodeo will also feature Anthony Lucia, a nationally known trick and fancy roper that will be showcased at the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this December in Las Vegas.

World’s Toughest Rodeo is an exciting spectacle families won’t soon forget.

Rising country star Justin Moore will perform Saturday night, Feb. 4, for the popular “Party On The Dirt” following World’s Toughest Rodeo. K102 contest winners get access to the “dirt dance,” but all rodeo fans are welcome to stay and enjoy the live entertainment. Since releasing his debut self-titled album in 2009, Moore has toured with some of country’s hottest stars including Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert. He is currently on the road promoting his second album, “Outlaws Like Me,” which features the No. 1 single “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” Moore was recently nominated for an American Country Award (ACA) for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Tell me this doesn't sound like an AWESOME family date night?

I for one, cannot wait!

And, even better than me checking this off my Bucket List?

Winning 4 tickets for yourself! That's what!

That's right!

Thanks to the fine folks at the beautiful Xcel Energy Center & WTR,

I've got a pack of FOUR tickets to give away for Friday, February 3rd!

YAY!

What do you have to do to win?

Easy - Simply pick one or more of the following Rafflecopter options and you are all set!

(I'd love to hear what's on your bucket list...)

Winner will be announced on Monday, January 16th ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For those of you who would like to purchase tickets:

Ticket Prices: $17 / $22 / $32 / $47 / $80 (Gold Buckle Seating)*
Kids 12 and under start at $9.50**
$5 Adult Discount for Advance Friday Night Purchase***
Call 651-312-3486 for Group Ticket Information (12+)
"Like" the World’s Toughest Rodeo on Facebook for special seating and discounts.
*Prices increase $2 day of show for Saturday rodeo
**No discounts for Gold Buckle Seating
***24 hours prior to event – close of business on Thursday, Feb. 2

It's Not What is Under Your Tree...

2012-01-03T19:48:00.001-06:00

It's not what is under your tree that counts...It's who is around it...

I know this to be true...I want nothing for Christmas except to be surrounded by friends and family...

This Christmas - Our tree was surrounded by lovely family...

Of course, getting everyone to look is always a fun game in and of itself!

My Wish ~ Happy Birthday Buddy!

2011-12-29T20:57:00.001-06:00

My Wish - Rascal Flatts
I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

Man...You are Five.
Five. Alive.

Four seems like yesterday -
But three wasn't too long ago either...
And two? Can we really be three years past that?
Because I am pretty sure I was just planning your first birthday party...

I can hardly believe it myself...but it's true ~ Five. Years. Old.

What an amazing roller coaster we've been on...mostly up...mostly, KEEPING up, really I suppose.

From your arrival three and a half weeks early...you've just never ever really stopped...
Your days begin far earlier than they should -
It's not uncommon to hear 'Mom? Mom...When is tomorrow going to be ready?' - At about 5:30 am...
I can sometimes hold you off for an hour, and on really special occasions, you will sleep in til around 7...It's almost heaven like when that happens!

Running, digging, playing, skating, swimming,
baseball, basketball, base jumping off the couches...
Moving. Moving. Moving.

Always in a constant state of motion you are...
Even in your sleep...We hear you giggling out loud.
Lots of fitful giggles, all out belly laughs!

Oh how I wish I knew what you were dreaming about - You are never able to tell us...but from the sounds of things - it's mostly good.
How on earth you fall asleep so soundly...and dream such marvelous dreams when it's all we can do to get you asleep by 11 pm a lot of nights...and you are up by 6 or 7 most days...well, yikes!

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small...

You love playing baseball with Daddy.
You used your own money to buy an amazing set of wrenches at Menards this summer - real wrenches...and you love to help out around the house. Both WITH your tools...and without. You are my buddy in the kitchen - always helping with the recipes...tasting everything along the way...including fresh green peppers and other random stuff! You'll try anything - twice!

You....you HATE...losing. When I say HATE...I'm talking...H.A.T.E....losing.

I'm not so sure what we are going to do about this - but me oh my oh me...
Not taking first place sends you into fits...sometimes tears, sometimes just plain anger 'There is NO SECOND PLACE' aye aye aye...

After months and months of asking...and you promising me that you won't ever look in the barrel and you won't ever point it at anyone...We finally caved and agreed to let the nerf gun go on your Christmas list...

Probably a good thing - since your other dreams...besides the night vision goggles you so desperately wanted...which sadly, you didn't get...

was hitting school....Because when you are five, you can go to school!
Now that you are officially five - you just don't understand why you AREN'T going to school - and continually ask me how much longer...
(Why do we tell our children they will go to school when they are five?)

It's going to be a long 8 months isn't it little man?
You are soo ready for new challenges - I can't wait to watch you learn & grow in your new environment!

Here's to having fun, making memories...and all of your wishes and dreams coming true...

We love you Derek Robert.

xxoo
Your Mama...

Happy Holidays from Us to You!

2011-12-24T12:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays from Ours to Yours!

And yes, of course I designed two different cards! I can't help myself!

Merry Fine:Black Christmas Cards
Check out our collection of Christmas cards and holiday cards.

Santa Hat Cake Pops - Try this at Home!

2011-12-18T21:19:00.001-06:00

The little man has a birthday just a few days after Christmas -
Something I really tried to avoid...but hey - when babies are ready - babies are ready - even if it's almost a month early...

There is no daycare (or school) over his birthday - so he's been very excited to bring treats to daycare early - (We typically push his birthday celebrations out to January - but at the ripe age of five, he's now feeling a little bad about that!)
Sure, I could go to the local bakery and grab some cupcakes for the group - but, that's what so many other kids do...
The first year at this daycare, we attempted cake pops...remember how funny THAT was?

I've attempted them a time or two since then, and even had some girlfriends over for some official instructions one night...

They aren't THAT hard, well, at least not as hard as they used to be...
So, for the little man's birthday treats for daycare - we decided to make these adorable Santa Hat Cake Pops we found by searching the interwebs...

oh my oh my oh my!

the interwebs told me to make a cone shape instead of a ball ~ um, ok, easier said than done - but whatever!

Then, I read that you should stick the brim of the 'hat' in the white candy melts...so, I did...

And then, because you are supposed to add your sprinkles when the candy melts are still melty, I did!

And then, I melted up the nice red candy melts...(You'll notice I'm not using the deep glass cup that was mentioned in cake pop class, because I wasn't using sticks and making smallish hats, I thought that would be ok - and overall, it was.)

And then...this happened...Santa Hat Cake Pops turned Volcanoes? Derek of course, loved them!

Certainly not my best work, if I do say so myself! HA HA!

Perhaps, I should exercise more patience and hold them upside down longer while the red dried, so that it wouldn't run down onto my beautiful white sparkly sprinkled brim of the hat...but I was sort of squishing the brims and worried they were about to fall apart...

Instead, I scrapped the volcanoes - feeding them to my children (and possibly myself)

And created the red top off the hat first, sticking the little candy coated chocolate ball on top while the red was still drying...
And THEN, created the brim, after the red had run down and dried all it needed to...

The finished product?

Viola!

Santa Hat Cake Pops!

If you look closely, you'll see that they certainly aren't perfect, but what is really? Right?

And now they are boxed up and ready to share with our daycare friends as we celebrate two very special birthdays this month - the birth of Jesus, and the birth of our own precious little boy!

The Works!

2011-12-18T19:14:00.000-06:00

Our family is always looking for something fun and exciting to do ~
The more affordable the better...

Enter in ~

The Works!

The Works is a new place that opened up in Bloomington, Minnesota - the kiddos and I were super excited to explore this place that isn't all that far from our home...
BONUS!

I didn't bring my camera on this particular morning - I just wanted to live in the moment...
Thank God for cell phone cameras - this is easily the best picture of the two of them together I've ever gotten! AND...I took a couple dozen others as well! HA HA! I should have known!

And now - The Works - in Pictures. (And Videos!)

The laser Harp (or Harper if you ask D - ) was a huge hit!

But the most fun of all, was surely the foam bricks...we built and we built and we built...

And then they got brave, and dug out a little hole on the bottom to crawl inside with...

And then, much to D's dismay - I told them to knock it all over so we could go home...

We loved loved loved our outing to The Works and can't wait to go back...

We paid our own admission to the works - Just $6 per person, and we were not compensated in any way, shape or form for this post. We had a great time there, and I'm confident you and your kiddos will too! In fact, I hesitated even writing this post because I'd love to keep this place all to ourselves! That wouldn't be very nice now would it! HA!

Presents for Everyone - Including Myself~!

2011-12-18T17:48:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.walgreens.com/beauty.

You'd never know it if you took a look outside, (no snow and FORTY PLUS DEGREES TEMPS ON DECEMBER 18TH IN MINNESOTA! YES! PLEASE!!)

But...
Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!

This time next week we will be winding down our holiday festivities...
It seems to have snuck up on us this year, and, just as I have in previous years, I find myself trying not to fall victim to the commercialism that seems to surround my favorite time of year.

The gifts are purchased and wrapped, the stockings are hung -
and that seems to be where I get hung up...the stockings, the Santa thing.

I see various posts around the social media sites of some pretty awesome (and extravagant) gifts that Jolly Ol St. Nick is leaving all of the good little girls and boys ~ And so, I feel a little caught up in the rush...

A quick chat with my husband and I am talked off my ledge...
And I bring you, stocking stuffers we have come to know and love around the Gust House!

Who doesn't love fun AND useful gifts? We have made this a tradition at our house...one that so far the kids don't seem to mind:

Fresh tubes of 'his and her' toothpaste - Always a fun surprise!

Fresh Toothbrushes! Who can't use these?

Another Fav around here - Character Band Aids!

We really love our puzzles around here - it's something we can all sit around and work on together - all the while, holding a conversation and accomplishing a task that doesn't involve running around from here to there to everywhere - and, it feels sort of like a 'toy' - yet, it isn't really! (and we have a LOT of toys around here!)Win-Win!

A 'toy' or 2 for good measure!

A little something for boys & men of all ages to find in their stockings!

Tired of sharing your loofah? Why not have Santa deliver this?

And...What about YOU...or ME? I have a stocking hung by the chimney with care too - Santa can't forget about me can he? Ah yes, presents for everyone, including myself:

Winter in MN does a number on our skin - hand creme is a must & a very useful gift!

A MUST for all faces seeing the light of day in our dry frozen tundra!

So, there you have it - some useful, thoughtful, won't get tossed aside and go ununsed presents for everyone, including myself!

For some money saving coupons from Walgreens - Feel free to CLICK HERE ~

Advent Calendars -

2011-12-16T20:40:00.000-06:00

The kiddos are at an age now where the countdown to Christmas really means something - and it's nice for Mom and Dad to have a tangible assistant to help with the official Christmas countdown...

Enter - the (chocolate) advent calendar!

Pretending to hang her chocolate ornament - but everyone knows that would not be safe with Bosco the wonder dog around here right?

He might look innocent, but don't let him fool you!

Yes, the countdown is on...one piece of chocolate at a time!

Here one minute, gone the next ~

2011-12-14T21:51:00.001-06:00

It's mid~December and today we got some pretty significant rainfall.
Temps hovered around the 40 degree mark ~ in Minnesota...
In December.

I. Love. This!

Sure, a white Christmas would be nice ~ but it's coming - we all know it is.
What's the rush?

Every day we have that is snow free gets us that much closer to coming out on the other side ~
you know, SPRING!
After last winter, I just don't understand why everyone is complaining about no snow...

I'm not - that's for sure.

We did have some, for a couple of days...
Just long enough for me to capture this video...

You may or may not remember that we got D this snowboard 2 years ago for his 3rd birthday - he hopped right on the dang thing, propped up on two chairs...on. his. own! How did he even know to do that I wonder....

He's going to be our extreme sports guy, this one...

Derek's 3rd Birthday 2009

I don't think I need to tell you that there's a certain little man who is pretty disappointed that the snow has all disappeared ~ How is a kid supposed to practice his snowboarding skills on the grass?

I've been thinking of sending him to ski school or a snowboarding 'class' over at Buck Hill ~

Has anyone been?

It's been about, oh, 15 or so years since I've been on skis...I don't think I'm much help to teach him how...I held my own on skis, even on the black diamonds that I accidentally ended up on...

But, this is my baby we're talking about...

Do I send him to a class?

Or perhaps a spring break vacay to Colorado is in order for us this year?

Or maybe a trip to Lutsen do the trick?

In the meantime...

We'll just have to watch our video and remember the December of 2011 - when the snow was here one minute, gone the next!

Alvin & the Chipmunks - Chip Wrecked!

2011-12-13T20:46:00.000-06:00

Last weekend the family and I were the lucky guests of a screening of Alvin and the Chipmunks - Chipwrecked!

They kids LOVED the movie - and I did too!

I managed to snap a couple of photos before I had to surrender my cell phone -
(in case, you know, I bootlegged a copy of the movie or something, ::Sigh::)

Yes, Rob and I do let the children dress themselves...is it that obvious? HA HA!

The greatest gift of all -

2011-12-12T19:23:00.000-06:00

All my life I wished for a sibling to share both the good times and the bad with -

The greatest gift I could have given these two is each other -
Sure, they argue sometimes...
But overall - they are there to look out for and protect each other - especially when the terrors of the night get the best of you...

This is how I found them (again) on a recent morning...

November 28, 2011

Online Scrapbook -

2011-12-11T19:26:00.000-06:00

I can count on my fingers how many projects I've actually kept over the last six years...

But that doesn't mean I don't keep them - just in a non-traditional sense...

one of my latest favs?

I love the little Angel up in the corner -
She drew me and her...and our guardian angel Grandma Gladys -

Man, I love this kid!

Santa Visit 2011

2011-12-10T21:39:00.000-06:00

Cub Foods - Your Questions Answered by Heidi Diller - Dietitian!

2011-12-07T05:51:00.005-06:00

Remember how I asked you all to come up with your best, most pressing dietary/food related questions for Cub Foods Dietitian Heidi Diller?

You asked...Heidi answered!
What fun this was!

Without further ado...Here are ALL of your questions, and Heidi's candid answers!

Q: How, oh how, can I make sure to include more veggies every day? I am getting a bit bored with carrot sticks and hummus, but don't want too much fuss.

To include more of ‘any food’ in your life you need to make a plan. Vegetables won’t magically appear in your fridge, or be available at fast food, vending machines or convenience stores. So what I do is make sure I have fresh, frozen and canned veggies available in my kitchen. I only have time to shop once per week so I eat my fresh ones early on and then go to frozen and canned later in the week. Have you tried the “Steamer Frozen Veggies” found in our store? You microwave them right in the bag. Light years better than the old variety. Try different varieties until you find the one you like. Also salads count too—so buy your salad fixins and pre-wash, cut and bag so they are ready to go when you need them. Its all about convenience, so if you have it ready you’ll be more likely to eat them.

Q: What are some good protein alternatives for toddlers who don't care for meat (but dairy is okay...)?

Most food contains protein except for fruit. Did you know that vegetables and bread contain protein? It’s not as hard as you think to get adequate amounts of protein in your diet. My son didn’t like meat either for awhile, but like most food jags this didn’t last forever. So try these alternatives: string cheese, yogurt, canned beans (just hand them a kidney bean or edamame (soy bean) and see what happens , eggs, peanut butter. And quinoa, a whole grain found in our natural food sections, is a complete protein. Serve it like rice!

Q: What are the best foods to eat at holiday parties and what should I stay away from?

Use a small cocktail plate to keep track of how much you are eating vs. grazing near the table. Choose items without sauces and cheese for lower calories. Load up on veggies and fruit –of course  . Be careful of drinks as the calories add up very fast. Did you know that 2 – 6 oz glasses of wine = one margarita in calories. Go easy!

Q: What are healthier Christmas cookie options?

Not sure health applies in the cookie category. That’s an oxymoron-- “healthy cookie”! But you can “health up” the cookies you make by using canola oil instead of butter and cutting back in sugar and adding more spices.

Q: I have vegetarians in the house. How can you prepare a well-balanced meal using just fruit and vegetables?

You can do it but are you also including fish or dairy? You can also find protein from grains and beans. And have you heard of quinoa? It’s a grain that is a complete protein. But I am not sure where you are going with this—vegan? If so make sure you include plenty of beans and take a good Vitamin B12 supplement.

Q: My question is this: Is it possible for someone to eat "too little". I have friends that eat only 1200 calories a day - all the time - and I just feel like it's too low, but is there a "too low?"

Difficult to answer this question in general as I would need more details about the person. However, there are some very sedentary, petite women I know that can live on 1200 calories. Metabolisms vary from person to person, but an intake of 1200 for most of us would be too low. Another thing I need to point out is very few people are accurate in their calorie counting. I have counseled people in the past that “thought“ they were eating 1200 calories per day, but were not. Restaurant calorie counts can be off by 20% as well. Is there a too low? Yes, without adequate intake It’s difficult to get all the nutrients you need for good health. For example, it’s hard to get enough iron or calcium in a diet that low In calories.

Q: Are there any cold cereals you would consider healthy (rather than just healthier than the rest)? My kids would eat cereal day and night but I don't really believe any of it's any good.

Start by looking for our nutrition iQ™ tags in the cereal aisle. That’s a good starting point because the cereals with niQ tags are pre-screened for lower sugar, saturated fat. And then look for one that has an excellent source of fiber and is a whole grain. There are plenty of good cereals out there, and plenty that are more like eating cookies for breakfast. So look for the niQ tags, then zoom in on the ones that have lots of fiber. I like Quaker Oatmeal Squares (kids favorite) and even Cheerios.

Q: Cascadian Farms has new organic cereals in your natural food section. Are these really healthier than the regular non-organic cereals?

Not necessarily. Organic does not always equal healthy. We always should read the read the label and screen for sugar and look for more fiber.

Q: What are the best salad options in the Cub Foods deli for low calorie, yet quick options?

Well, each of our stores are a little different in what they offer so it’s difficult to say exactly. But I like the vegetable based salads like Broccoli with Raisins, cut tomatoes and cucumber and the coleslaw the best.

Q: What organic produce do you recommend to get instead of non-organic ones?

I am on the fence about organic produce. The main thing is cost and we need to eat more fruits and veggies regardless if it’s organic or not. I think the key issue with conventional produce is the pesticide debate. So if you buy something you peel—like a banana, then I wouldn’t buy it organic. Also, I believe “freshness” is a bigger factor than “organic”. For example, I always take a look at the organic berries and apples, but if the conventional look “fresher”, I will buy that instead. I wish I had a clear cut answer for you here, but it’s not easy nor clear.

Q: Are nutritional supplements (Pediasure, etc.) acceptable for children who are extremely picky eaters?

No, I would not recommend this and please check with your medical provider. Picky eating is a choice and fortunately kids will not starve. But when we give in and offer “alternatives” or become “short order cooks for our kids their world of food choices becomes very small. You know the drill, that’s when you are so concerned about their eating that you’ll make an entirely different meal for one child. Or even offer supplements. I once met a women who told me her child would only eat protein bars. Don’t do this either, it just makes the child even more picky. This is because kids are neo-phobic by nature and don’t want to try new foods, but if you stick to your family meal plan and only make one meal, they won’t starve, and they will soon learn that going to bed hungry isn’t fun. You might even notice they eat more in the morning for breakfast. Never the less, this is a tough issue and you might need some nutritional counseling on this. But please do not resort to Pediasure to make up the difference and talk to your doctor.

A HUGE thank you to Heidi for taking the time to address everyone's questions! And what GREAT questions they were! I myself, have a picky eater in my house - I wonder where she gets that from? ::Looks around sheepishly::
I loved reading your questions and even more so, Heidi's honest answers...

And now...for the fun part...the winner of the $20 Cub Foods gift card...is comment # 7!
Congratulations Jen! Email me your address and your gift certificate will be on it's way!

Thanks again to all who dropped by and asked questions!

Holiday Comforts ~

2011-12-05T13:44:00.001-06:00

This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.

December has arrived ~

in a few short weeks it will be Christmas - & oh, how I love love love me some Christmas. The festive lights, the glorious music that can be sung by people spanning generations, the smell of fresh evergreen in your home (during a time when your windows have been closed up for what feels like forever.)

I love it all -

This year marks the 2nd holiday season since my mom passed away - a very short, yet very long, 7 week battle with cancer took her from us much too early. Even though this is my favorite holiday and I just love Christmas, I approach the season with a sense of sadness, a sense of loss, a sense of something...missing.

There is. Something that no matter how hard we try, can never be replaced...

So to keep the spirits bright (I've got two little kiddos to think about here!), and keep enjoying the season that I have loved forever ~

How do I find comfort?

It's not as hard as it seems -

By simply continuing to do the things we did together, and remembering her in our hearts.

Even when my mom was here, I took comfort in sitting in that church pew for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve - listening to the carolers sing like angels 'Oh Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining..........A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices'

There's something about sitting in the darkened church, listening to the music...and then...one lit candle lights another which lights another until hundreds of people are smiling, singing, rejoicing, remembering...basking in the glow of the flickering candles.

Afterwards, in the wee hours of Christmas morning, we take the long way home to view the holiday lights around town, until finally collapsing in bed, exhausted from the day. I can't do this with my Mom anymore - but I can do this with my own family and carry on the tradition!

Perhaps my own children will find comfort in the slowing down, the quiet visiting, the accomplishment of finishing the task at hand...

Another thing that brings me comfort this time of year...When the weather outside is frightful, the fire, so delightful -

As silly as it might sound - is sitting inside the warm cozy house putting together a jigsaw puzzle...This is another 'together' thing I enjoyed doing with my Mom...and something the whole family can do! Just this weekend we pulled out one of our puzzles...

Even our dog chilled with us while we worked on the puzzle...

Something is missing, yes...but something feels the same, quiet & comforting....

How do you find comfort during this extra hectic, extra busy time of year?
Do you have something special that brings you peace and solace?

Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic's Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective

Current Give Aways...

2011-12-04T19:49:00.001-06:00

It's been a busy time for give aways around these here parts...

Current give aways include:

$20 gift card for Cub Foods - Just leave a question in the comments for dietitian Heidi Diller & be entered to win! Heidi will be answering your questions (which will be posted along with the winner next week!)

Chex Party Mix-Change Give Away!
Win an awesome Chex Prize pack that includes a $20 visa gift card to purchase ingredients to make your own Chex Party Mix at home!

Also, who wants to win a $50 gift card for EdenFantasys.com? Treat yourself to something awesome - buy something to put in your husband's stocking, or, maybe shop for that upcoming bridal shower or bachelorette party? $50 goes a long way over there! Check it out!

Disney on Ice - Treasure Trove (Discount Tickets!)

2011-11-30T17:11:00.002-06:00

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS TREASURE TROVE

IS COMING TO SAINT PAUL'S XCEL ENERGY CENTER, DEC. 8-11, 2011

Discover endless riches when Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove comes to town!

Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with its newest skating spectacular. Get tangled up in Disney’s 50^th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your other favorite Disney princesses –Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook and his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’ Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice and the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army Of Cards.

Be sure to see this show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Show Times:

Thursday, Dec. 8 - 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9 - 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10 - 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 11 - 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

AND...I'm pleased to share with you...

SHOW SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES

4 tickets for $44 on select show! A total savings of $20!

Discount valid on all weekend evening performances (Friday 7 p.m. / Saturday 7 p.m. / Sunday 5 p.m.) Offer in effect Monday, November 28 @ 10 a.m. through Wednesday, November 7 at 10 p.m.

Offer Valid toward regularly-priced $16 tickets only, excludes VIP and Front Row Seats. Offer subject to ticket availability. For best seats redeem as soon as possible. Valid on up to 12 discounted tickets. Not to be used in conjunction with any other discounts, premiums or rebates.

To Redeem:

Call 1-800-745-3000 Use code: MOM or online by clicking HERE!

with code: MOM. (Offer subject to service and handling charges)

My family has had the opportunity to attend a few of these shows over the past few years and it NEVER disappoints. The skating spectacular has proven to be something for all ages...and this time around, with the additional of Rapunzel? We are so VERY VERY excited!