Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Mike didn't want anything too big planned for his birthday this year, so we kept it pretty low key...rice and beans from Pancheros for supper and of course the traditional ice cream cake from DQ for dessert. The best part of the celebration was that we got to enjoy it at the kitchen counter of our new home. Mike's birthday meal was the first official meal shared together in our house. That alone made the day pretty special. Happy Birthday Dad!

Time

So much to do...so little time. How can that be you may ask? Nobody feels too sorry for the teacher who has her whole summer to herself. Every day an open slate right?! Sleep-in time, time for fun, time to waste, time for just about anything. How can there be all this time when at the end of each day I ask myself, "Where did the time go?"

From sun-up to sun-down there is never a dull moment. Anyone with kids knows that they alone are a full-time job! And boy do they know how to take their sweet time...especially when I need to be somewhere on time. They certainly don't like to hear the words, "Naptime!" Which in the end, means more of "my" time is gone.

This past week, I really didn't take the time to think about my blog. Sad, I know! Never thought there would be a time when this didn't come first. Life has been crazy busy and we've had a nothing but a great time... Nolan played baseball at Sports Sampler, Lilly danced her heart out at Wiggles and Giggles, they both enjoyed the Magic themed story hour at the public library, babysat for a good friend, had a date night w/ my hubby, went to the beach, rode our bikes, played at various parks, had a pizza party, celebrated two grandmother's birthdays, went to auntie Celina's house, went swimming, got to go four-wheeling, watched a movie in the theater, and went out for ice-cream. I am afraid I don't have very many pictures to post this time... too busy to take any!

As I type this entry, I am once again reminded of the time. The computer clock reads 11:55 PM and this is the first chance I've had all day to sit at the computer. I can see that it's time for bed. Tomorrow is going to be another busy day and this mom needs to catch some ZZZzzzzz before it's time to start all over again.

It's times like this, that make me stop and think... Wow...Time is a gift! I am so glad I have the opportunity to be home with my kids during the summer. It is so nice to be able to create my own schedule. Time flies when we're having fun! Life is wonderful! I don't want to miss a single moment.

Pictures to come...my camera is giving me a hard time. :)

A Big Surprise

I was all packed and ready to go to the beach on Saturday, when Mike walked in with a suitcase and told me I had 20 minutes to pack. I looked at him very confused, because this wasn't what we had planned for the day. Of course, I began asking questions because the planner/organizer in me wasn't comfortable at that moment with the quick change in plans. With a little nervousness, excitedness, and extreme curiosity, I did as I was told. He didn't tell me where we were headed, so I put three different outfits into the suitcase and followed him out the door 10 minutes later. He had already packed the kids, rearranged all the weekend plans, and gathered what he needed for our Mystery 10 Year Anniversary Trip.

We had made plans to celebrate our anniversary on the actual day (July 17th), so it really took me by surprise. Mike has always been good a surprising me. He is honestly the best gift giver. He has been known to go above and beyond when it comes to spoiling me. I definitely caught a keeper!

The kids were dropped off at his mom's and we left town at the exact time we had planned to leave for the beach...which I later found out was planned too. My stepmom, Mary, had changed the time on me earlier in the week. At that time, I didn't think anything of it, but could now see that many people were in on this surprise.

Minneapolis became our destination and off we went. Mike told me he had to use the bathroom about 50 minutes into the journey...which I thought nothing of at the time...until I got out of the car. I was about to go into the gas station, when out walks Denell with a dozen roses in her hand. I was SHOCKED! My mind couldn't put together how she got there fast enough. Her and Kevin stood there smiling, and told us we were there to pick them up. This of course excited me even more. It is always fun having good friends nearby...even if it is an anniversary trip.

Back on the highway we went. Mike pulled in the Grave's Hotel downtown Minneapolis...which even blew Denell's socks off! We were both pleasantly surprised by Mike's taste in hotels. (Way to go Mike!) They escorted us up to our room and we toured the hotel. Mike had brought a handful of options, but told me I could choose what I wanted to do. He told me we had 8:00 reservations somewhere and the rest of the day was mine.

I was up for anything...so off we went...having nothing but a good time in downtown Minneapolis. You can view our day below:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It was perfect... like a fairy tale. Mike is an amazing husband and father.

I am so lucky to be his wife!

Welcome Home

David and MaryBeth, along w/ her sister and the twins came to MN last week to visit. It has been close to two years since we've last seen them, so we were very anxious for them to arrive. Of course, they too were excited about seeing everyone...and the weather was perfect here in MN (unlike the high temp. in TX). The twins, Ana and Rita (who are now 2 1/2) really enjoy being outside, so we were happy the weather cooperated.
They were able to stay right here at our apartment the first week of their vacation. The guest suite in which they resided was right next door! They arrived on Tuesday, June 30th and were with us until July 8th. There was never a dull moment. We had a lot of family get togethers, day trips, meals, and fun while they were here. It was really hard to say good-bye on their last day. Thankfully, I captured close to 300 special moments that we can all look back on. We are so happy you could come home. You're already missed!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Life is a Gift

Living Life

By: Bonnie Mohr

Life is not a race~ but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you", "I love you", and "Great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental. Search for your purpose and do it as best as you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things in life really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself~plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.

This piece touches my heart in many ways. Life is a gift...Owen's life is a gift. Today our family went to celebrate a gift that God so graciously gave us. A miracle is probably more accurate. We went to see our godson, Owen proudly walk the track with numerous other cancer survivors at the Relay for Life in Becker tonight. He is a shining example of God's greatest gift...life. Owen's family has been so touched by this gift, that words cannot even come close to describing the gratefulness felt within our hearts. The piece above is a great reminder to stop and live life with a smile on our face. Smile because God is good! Thank you God for the gifts you give us...thank you for the gift of Owen.

Happy Birthday Grandma Mary!!!

The kids and I were excited to help Grandma Mary celebrate her birthday today. We met her on her lunch break and took her to Subway. It was nice for her to get away from the office...and nice for us to see her on her special day. Glad it worked out...but to be honest, nothing quite beats her annual "beach party". Can't wait to celebrate w/ the whole family next weekend. Until then...Happy Birthday to you!!!

Celebrating the 4th

I've got a rocket in my pocket. I cannot stop to play.

Away it goes! I've burned my toes...

It's Independence Day!

The American Spirit

We started our 4th of July celebration at the St. Joe parade.

Of course, it was hot... just like every year we go, but the kids love it!

Little Miss Independence

(literally) :)

You're My Yankee Doodle "Dandy"

Mike and I, along with four other couples and their kids
had a great time at the Privatsky picnic.

Pint-Sized Patriots

Nolan simply adores MaKenna...
the two of them started daycare together when they were
just a few months old.

The kids swam in the pool, ran through the sprinkler, rode on the slip
and slide, played in the sandbox, and chased each other around the yard
all afternoon.

A Grand Old Friend

A holiday wouldn't be complete w/out my dearest friend Darnell!

KaBoom Time!

The guys talked us out of buckling up 10 kids and heading down to the park for the fireworks this year. The thought of hauling 10 kids, lawn chairs, and bug spray did sound like a lot of work, so we all sat back and watched a show put on by our hubbies. Good thing the local police were at the park patrolling...that table had about $500 worth of illegal fireworks. The guys were in heaven...and the kids were in ahhhh!

United We Stand!

WOW...our dads can really put on a show!

Diamonds in the Sky

It was a perfect day...thanks everyone for the fun memories!

Pampering Our Girls

Lilly invited two of her girlfriends over for a little pampering tonight. It just so happens both of these girls have brothers about the same age as Nolan, so Mike and I thought it would be fun to split them up and do "boy" things w/ the fathers & "girl" things w/ the mothers. Mike planned a Star Wars movie night in the apartment's theater complete with popcorn, snacks, juice boxes, and light sabers, and I hosted a princess party.

Unfortunately, Mike didn't take a camera to the movie theater...not that you can take pictures in the dark. Who am I fooling? He also thinks snapping an enormous amount of pictures (like I so often do) ruins the moment. :) I on the other hand, feel that the pictures retell the story and capture special moments such as this:

Maggie(5), Molly(4), and Lilly(3) all got pedicures from their mothers at the start of the party. We soaked and massaged their tiny toes before putting on their favorite polish. They thought it tickled, but seemed to really enjoy the fact that their moms were pampering them.

Look at those pretty toes. Each one chose a shade of pink. To be a little more glamorous, we added a clear, glitter top coat.

The girls spent close to a half an hour preparing for the ball. They dug through Lilly's dress up box and tried just about every combination on before coming out to strut their stuff.

The girls were all seated around the round table for a tea party. We taught them the word etiquette and showed them how to eat and drink like a real princess.

Napkin in the lap.

Elbows off the table.

Take small bites. Chew and swallow before taking the next bite.

Don't talk with food in your mouth.

Use your manners.

Dab with the nap. Ask for permission to the leave the table.

Thank the hostess for providing the snack.

The girls thought it was great. After the tea party, they disappeared in Lilly's room and played happily until their brothers crashed their party. Mike told me his went well and that they are planning to see the next movie in the Trilogy...guess that means another fun girls' night is in store.

80's Flash Back

Denell was eager to show us around her hometown.

This is the house Bob Dylan grew up in.

The Hibbing High School

Iron Range

Mining Truck

Bimbo's Bar

Hairball Concert

They may look a little creepy, but boy could they sing!

Denell and I, along w/ two of her co-workers took a road trip to Hibbing, MN this weekend for a short ladies' getaway. Denell and I just about date back to the 80's...lots of hours waitressing at Jimmy's, bridesmaids in each other's weddings, celebrating just about every holiday together, and of course...the joys of motherhood. We've been through it all. Hard to believe that we've been friends for over a decade and I haven't even been to her home-town. She talks very highly of Hibbing, her high school friends, and the home she grew up in, so I know they mean the world to her. It was an honor to be invited to the Iron Range. It was the perfect opportunity to see just where she took root.

We left bright and early on Saturday morning, because she had the whole day planned out for us. I don't think we stopped talking the entire three hour car ride, which made it go remarkably fast. (Good news for me, since I am not a big fan of car rides.) Her mom and dad greeted us when we arrived and served us lunch. We toured her home, which was once her grandmother's and then headed out for a tour of the town. Denell took us on Bob Dylan Drive and showed us the house that he grew up in. Her mom, Kathy, actually graduated with Bob Dylan! We got to see the Hibbing High School. WOW! It was an incredible school...almost looked like it should be in a town 10 times the size of Hibbing. She drove us to the beach where her and her friends used to hang out, across the main drag, and then out to the Iron Range. Mining iron ore is something I teach to my fourth graders, so this stop was very interesting to me.

After touring the town, we did a little shopping. Denell always scores great deals at the Super Walmart, so we of course had to check it out. For supper, her parents took us to a place called Bimbo's. They had great hot wings and pizza...and the atmosphere was perfect. We were then dropped off at an outdoor 80's concert. Hairball played the BEST 80's tunes for close to four hours. We danced, laughed, and squealed from our front row seats the entire time we were there. The music brought me back to my high school days...reminded me of time spent on the beach w/ my cousin and sister, jamming in my friend's cars down Division St., and cranking up the tunes in my own bedroom back home.

I can see why she loves to go home. The saying, "Home is where the Heart is" really makes sense. As we grow older, our lives become busier. Our schedules are constantly overflowing and time seems to go faster. It is almost like we forget what life was like. This weekend also gave me an opportunity to flash back to my high school days. Being in her parents' home reminded me a lot of my grandma's house. It is great to unleash those memories now and then. Thanks Denell for sharing this special part of you with me. It meant a lot...

Here We Go Again!

We are big fans of parades in the summer time...or at least the kids are. So anytime we hear of a parade that is not too far from home, we venture out as a family to take in the marching bands and candy. Tonight's happened to be in Sauk Rapids. I've always enjoyed this one because it's in my home town, and often times I get to bump into people I know. We took my grandma to the parade with us this year, so she too could enjoy all the people and music.

' Mike was so nice to go and put down chairs and blankets for us this morning, because finding a seat at starting time is near impossible. The kids could sit right along the curb or run around in the open grass behind us. This turned out to be a blessing, because the parade lasted close to three hours, and there is no way any of us could have sat still the entire time!

Honoring our Flag

Brandon is beating the heat w/ a yummy ice cream cone.
It turned out to be a VERY HOT night, so ice cold treats hit the spot.

Matt and Ellie tried to get a little relief under Lilly's princess umbrella.

Celina and I moved Grandma back into the shade. Thank goodness there was a little for us all to take a break in. We could still see the bands...that is if we weren't busy talking! It was nice for the three of us to visit and get caught up. :)

The princesses are of course a highlight for Lilly (other than the candy!), when we saw these three walking back to their car at the end of the parade we asked if they would pose for a picture w/ the kids. I believe they were honored to have the kids so in ahhhh over them.

It was a fun night for everyone!