Tulips in the Mud

Peter's Pumpkins

2010-10-17T21:58:00.004-04:00

Had a blast today with our group of good friends...we hit the pumpkin patch (Peter's Pumpkins in Shakopee) and then headed over to the McGuires for Maid Rites and the vikes game. It was a fun time filled with good friends. We feel blessed each and every time we have a chance to get together with them!

Fall Frenzie

2010-09-27T20:22:00.004-04:00

Fall is upon us here in MN. School has begun, the leaves are turning bright colors and we have made our first trip to the apple orchard (yes, first...there is sure to be at least one more!) We had a raucous time full of tears, apple donuts, spilt apple cider, tumbles down the hill, bags full of hail damaged apples, and yes a few giggles. I think we are still searching for our orchard home, but enjoyed Aamodts during this years search.

Other news... Anna is now going 2 days per week to the JCC (Jewish Community Center) for school. She is becoming very worldly as she celebrated sukkot and other Jewish holidays this month. We have been thrilled to see her artwork, hear her new words, and learn of the fun she is having. She still goes to Kelly's the other 3 days and can not wait to play with her girlfriends there.

Alix is now in 8th grade and is a little disenchanted with life in Jr. High. Last year it was fun and new and this year...it's just school. She is already looking ahead with apprehension to high school. She will be visiting Central (the local public school) and Cretin-Derham Hall (the local private HS) and deciding for herself which feels like home. We are sure she will make an informed decision based on what is right for her.

Steve is running the TC 10 miler this weekend. I had to bow out due to some heel problems. I'm sure he will rock the race. We are proud of him no matter what his time!!

We are also enjoying the new cabin. It is beautiful and roomy and wonderful and pictures are coming soon!!

Cabin Fun 2010

2010-07-11T20:31:00.002-04:00

Jet skiing, water fun, boating...summer has finally TRULY begun now that we've made it to the cabin for the first time!!

Happy Birthday to Anna!!

2010-07-11T20:23:00.002-04:00

My little baby has become a big girl. We celebrated birthday #2 Elmo style! Of course Anna was still not really aware of what was going on, but she gladly accepted and played with all of her new toys and even ate some Elmo Cupcakes that I made just for the occassion...although we had to practically drag her away from her toy kitchen to even look at them. It was a great day filled with lots of great family...the perfect way to celebrate the big day.

It's hard to believe how big Anna is getting. In the past month we have gotten rid of the nuk-y, learned to use the potty (mostly) and have learned words at a rate that is incredible to think about. It's hard to believe how much changes so quickly!

South Dakota

2010-07-11T19:59:00.003-04:00

Summer came upon us none too quickly...school lasted until mid-june this year :( But as soon as it did come we had fun in the works. We (Steve, Krisin, Anna and Alix... and auntie Amy) headed out to Custer State Park in South Dakota to meet up with my brother, Sis-in-law and adorable nephew.

Day 1...drove halfway and stayed over in Mitchell South Dakota
Day 2...headed to the Corn Palace (you can't miss that), then headed on our way for the rest of the 5+ hours to Custer State Park. On the way we hit Wall Drug and the badlands which is always one of my most favorite places to see. It's amazing to think that anything so beautiful happened by "accident". It was a great drive...until we hit the park. It's a BEAUTIFUL park and I can not recommend it enough, but a little warning may have been nice for auntie amy who was pulling the trailer. There are several narrow (8') tunnels that we had to pass through and we prayed the whole way through. Good thing I wasn't pulling the trailer or we probably would've been stuck half way!! We get to camp after mike, lindsay and marek and just before the rain arrives. We quickly popped up the trailer and get ready for our stay. And thank goodness for that trailer...it rained every night...hard!! Hail at least 2 nights...but we were safe and sound!!
Day 3...Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse...underwhelming, both of 'em. But it was nice to show the girls those important places in history. We stopped for lunch in Custer before heading home for a nap. Campfire...and rain.
Day 4...1880s train from Hill City to Keystone. A great old steam train and a beautiful ride, just a little long for a couple of adorable little kids. Headed back for naps and then dinner at the cowboy dinner put on by Blue Bell Lodge...this was the highlight of the trip. We were pulled through Custer State Park in a wagon with a great guide who told us stories and had a sing along, on the way we saw buffalo, antelope, groundhogs, etc. When we arrived we ate steak dinners in a prarie while we were serenaded by songs. The rain/hail chased us home early, but it was still worth every penny!
Day 5...playing in Sylvan Lake...the best day. Relaxed in the beautiful sunshine while the kids played in the lake...grilled some yummy food and just enjoyed the beauty of the day and spending it with family!!
Day 6..pack up and drive about 11 hours in the car...anna was a saint the whole way (I'm sure Alix was too, but she drove with amy, so I can't be sure ;)
A delightful vacation!!

My Little Munchie!

2010-05-27T15:17:00.003-04:00

13 short years ago my little munchie appeared in the world...what a glorious day that was!! I can't believe that such a blessing was given to me, and that she has turned out so smart, beautiful, and amazing (despite my parenting). I am so proud of the young lady has become, and I know she will only continue to amaze this world by sharing her love and gifts with those who surround her. Tonight we have family over to welcome her to teenager-hood, and this weekend she and 2 of her "Besties" will head to the Water Park of America for a day of splashing about followed by a giggling goofy girl's night at the hotel. Pray for me ;)

Pictures to come!!

Mastoidectomy, Mastoidshectomy...

2010-05-18T16:16:00.003-04:00

Not much of a blogger lately, but never fear summer is soon upon us!! I promise to get back into the swing of things...

The big news these days is my ear surgery. The good ol' ENT (who I went to see after many recurring ear infections...out of the blue) diagnosed me (with the help of a CT scan) with needing a mastoidectomy. Basically, ear surgery. So last Thursday I went in to have a hole cut behind my ear so they could go into my mastoid bone and get out all the infection that had become trapped in the air cells. Dont' ask me how they do it...one website said something about drilling and so I stopped reading. Honestly, I didn't do too much research on it...ignorance is bliss, right?! Anyway, apparently all went well...although I sit here 5 days later with a numb ear and the side of my head that feels as if someone wapped it with a baseball bat. Other than that my jaw is just sore. But all in the name of healing, right?! I guess the hard part is that when I went in for surgery, I felt just fine. Some undetectable (to me) hearing loss, but no pain. So, to trade no pain for pain is kind of anticlimactic ;) In the long run though, I know it is the right choice...it will leave me with a healthy ear that should be able to work perfectly, and hopefully reverse the hearing loss I was having.

Here's a wonderful picture of me with my gorgeous headwrap on after the surgery...I think I look like a wrestler ;)

Finally Back

2010-04-08T19:44:00.008-04:00

Our computer is finally back...well, the one that could be repaired, not the one that bit the dust in a big fall :( And so the blog is back as well...I know you are so grateful ;) I'm sure a lot has happened since I posted last, but I'm not sure where to start, so I'll start with what is most recent.

Alix became a world traveler and joined her gammy on a trip to Paris...yes, that Paris!! What a lucky girl!! I believe they had a wonderful trip exploring the city of light together. They saw Notre Dame, the Eiffel tower (of course), the Louvre, and of course did some shopping. I think it was the trip of a lifetime for the pre-teen.

A couple of weeks before Easter we had a wonderful Egg Hunt at one of our friend's house (the Schloos!) and hung out with our friends, searched for eggs, and played, and played, and played. It was a COLD, but sunny day and everyone had such a blast. It's always so enjoyable to be surrounded by great friends.

We had a wonderful Easter with Steve's side of the family...and look forward to visiting with Kristin's side at the Bulldog for a burger the following weekend. It was fun to see Anna run around and search for eggs...and she is so lucky to have such a great big sister to help her on all her adventures.

Spring in Minnesota came VERY early this year. We had a lot of fun splashing in puddles and hanging out in the backyard (sometimes in shorts even) before it even turned April. On the rare day it was not gorgeous we hung out at the indoor park where Anna likes to slide and have her big sissy push her in one of the sliding chairs.

Easter...An egg hunt with our friends a week before, and a gorgeous spring day for the actual event(rarely does that happen!)

Alix in Paris!!

Ringing in the New Year

2010-01-01T20:11:00.004-05:00

What a great New Year's Eve we had this year! We were thinking it would end up being just a quiet night for us and maybe another couple, but it turned into a "rockin'" party for several of our favorite families. I can not think of a better way to spend my NYE then with our good friends and their kids, so it was a pleasant surprise when as the day drew nearer more people signed on for a fun laid back night at our house. We ate some good food, drank some yummy drinks, played some fun games (which i did not even come close to winning), rocked it out with Survivor and Duran Duran, and had some seriously funny moments--which make me laugh out loud to even think about. I even made it to the new year...who would've thunk it?! Here are some pics of the fun.

Happy HOHOHOlidays!

2009-12-29T21:20:00.007-05:00

What a wonderful Christmas we had!! Our Christmas celebration started, as usual, with the beautiful Christmas Pageant at our church. This year we were joined by my brother Mike, sister-in-law Lindsay, and nephew Marek from Colorado...a special treat!! Another treat was that Alix was an acolyte in the pageant...otherwise known as a candle carrier. Marek said it best when he said, "Awix, you did a willy willy good job in the pageant". And that she did...she carried that candle like a pro. After the pageant we all trudged through the snow to gammy and gampy's house. The whole gang assembled to eat, drink and be merry. It was a new experience for us...more than one child in our midst. A lot of commotion. I don't know what people with lots of kids do...have a headache maybe?!?! It was a joy to see the kids faces as they opened each present. Anna's favorite seemed to be her baby doll that reall moved and cooed. Alix didn't get too many big gifts...they were all awaiting her arrival on Christmas. Once the kids went to bed the adults got to play the dice game/number game/no rules game. Lots of fun gifts were in the pile--everything from a pineapple cutter to a underwear!! It's amazing what you can buy for $15 ;) WE all went home tired, and full, and happy. It was, as always, a truly magnificent Christmas Eve!!

Christmas Day brought stockings and Santa gifts...Alix finally got something fun (Wii and Rockband 2) and we went crazy rockin' out when the family came over for brunch. It was a lazy morning of family and fun (not without a few tears and a little hollering, but that's a different story for another day)...and we couldn't have asked for a better way to start off Christmas Day. Later that day Alix left us :( to go to her dad's house, and we took a nap before heading to the Penz side of the family. There we had an delicious meal, good conversation, and a dog fight. Do not worry, no dogs were harmed in this tale ;) Every Christmas needs a little excitement and we got ours. It didn't overshadow the wonderful day spent enjoying family though!! We always feel so blessed when we can share holidays with all parts of our family.

Christmas Day Fun

Anna playing with her new top...it makes her giggle EVERY time you spin it!

Grandpa Ed and Anna looking at all the fun captured on film

Steve and the girls on Christmas Eve

Everyone gets a turn...this time it's mom and the girls

nana (great grandma) and her great grand kiddos

Gammy and Alix

Alix and Marek getting ready to open a gift...Alix loves her little buddy!

Anna and her sit and spin...she decided she wanted to play with all her toys while she sit and spinned

Anna all dressed up and ready to go celebrate Christmas Eve!!

YUMMY! Let me at it!

Anna and her "real" baby

Auntie Lynn and Katy sittin' back and enjoying the night

Christmas Morning
Eating some brunch on a lazy Christmas Morning

Alix and Marek rockin' the drums

Trying to get a stocking picture...Anna wanted none of it, but Alix held tight ;)

Alix on Christmas morning...waiting patiently to open gifts

Our Family Rockband...we ROCK!

Razzle Hollidazzle

2009-12-18T11:23:00.002-05:00

We took Anna to her first Hollidazzle parade this past Thursday. We have tried to go every year for the past few and find it a "fun" family tradition to carry on. Sometimes our "fun" includes tears over wearing fluffy snowpants that are just not cool, other years it includes the fun of peering over 5 rows of other on-lookers because the weather is so nice and we are late, and some years (as in this year) it includs a 1.5 year old who does not like to sit still, had a short nap, and was up past her bedtime. We arrived on time...despite a disagreement in the car about which way to take. We found spots right up front, on the curb, and spread out our blanket to sit on. We let Anna wander around the street (don't worry, it is closed off) while Steve and Alix went inside to get us some hot coffee/chocolate treats. All seemed to be going well. Then...the parade started. Seems like that should be where the excitement really begins. But for Anna, it was where the excitement ended. She did not want to sit still...she writhed, squirmed, squealed (not with delight)with all her might trying to get free. When she didn't get her freedom the tears started. Luckily, just at this point along came the lights...she froze...and stared...and with open mouth quietly watched the float. Until there was a break before the next float. Then she started to squirm, squeal, make a run for it again. Then more lights...awe, quiet, and open mouth. Then break...squeal, writhe, cry. And repeat 10 or so more times. Good "fun" times that we'll remember for a lifetime. I'd show you all pictures of it, but unfortunately to add to our fun the camera was out of battery so all we have are fuzzy, dark pictures from Steve's camera. Enjoy...

HoHOHo

2009-12-13T09:13:00.003-05:00

Anna had her second visit of her short life to Santa this past weekend. Last year she smiled away. This year she was not a fan of the big hairy man in the silly suit...no matter how hard he tried to entice her with his bells and belly laugh. After a while of eyeing him from a distance, and holding on to mommy and daddy with a death grip, she would finally get close enough...with daddy (the elf) to sit next to santa so we could grab a quick photo. I think deep down she really wanted to love him, you can almost see a smile on her face ;)

Long Time No See

2009-12-06T20:28:00.007-05:00

I have lots of excuses, but little time, so I'll just promise to be better from now on and get on to business. A LOT has happened since I last blogged--namely Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Nana's 95th birthday. On top of that we have also started getting ready for Christmas...which is right around the bend. Here are some wonderful pictures to start you off...everything was so long ago that I'm not sure I can even remember what to say about it all, so captions will have to suffice. We'll work ourselves backward...

Our annual girls cookie baking madness. OK, it wasn't really madness since most of us cooked ahead of time, but it sure was fun. Here are some cute shots of the kids and ladies.

What was suppose to be our annual go out and cut down our own tree adventure turned into our go to the tree farm, be told that the cut your own is closed, and then pick one out of the lot adventure...not quite the same, but It actually worked out pretty well, since as you can from Alix's red nose she was not feeling well. Luckily we found about the most perfect tree that you can imagine. It's a siberian fir and smells wonderfully fragrant and a little bit citrusy. Later that night we ate some pizza and decorated the tree. AS you can see in the last picture it was all capped off by an Anna meltdown...

Thanksgiving at Gammy's...oh, so yummy!

Nana turned 95 and had a grand party with all her friends and family. She enjoyed sharing memories and connecting with those she loves. It was a great day!

Pumpkin carving and Halloween...what is there to say?! Alix enjoyed going to a Halloween party as a Hippie with her new Middle School friends while Anna, a pumpkin, settled for a trip around the neighborhod with her Daddy.

This is Anna all bundled up and ready to go running with MOmmy and Daddy.

Basketball in her future?! If Auntie Amy has anything to say about it.

Just pure cuteness...if I do say so myself ;)

Long time...

2009-10-21T20:16:00.005-04:00

Yes, it's been a long time. Back to school means back to business, and then there's that one year old that NEVER sits still...Anyway, the news (in bullet points...because I am lazy tonight):

*We have moved Anna upstairs to her "big girl" bedroom. We are now using her old teeny tiny room as our closet. Ahhh, it is so nice not to have our room so crammed with furniture! It's the walk-in I've always wanted.
*School is off to a good start for everyone. I am having a decent year...lots of kids who talk a LOT and have very LITTLE control of their bodies, but we are managing. Alix is loving Jr. HIgh...my little social butterfly is making new friends and learning how to make grades fit into the mix as well. Anna LOVES, loves, loves daycare and all her little friends (not to mention her caregiver Kelly.) I think she would be bored out of her mind if summer were to last any longer.
*Steve was kind enough to do well at his job and earn us a trip to Hawaii this winter (February). I have already been googling away on surfing lessons and snorkeling trips. I figure since we aren't paying for the trip we can live it up by doing everything we may never have the chance to do again.
*Did I mention, Anna never stops moving...ever. She is picking up some new words here and there. So far we are good with hi, dog, mama, dada, up...and some others that I swear I hear, but are awaiting confirmation by a second source.
*Oh yes, and there was some little thing about Steve running a marathon. He did great and did not embarrass me and my marathon time...so I will let him live ;) We all had a busy day cheering him on.

Here are some pics of our activities and the cute girlies as of late:

What her sister taught her

Orchard fun

Anna and dad going for a ride out to pick apples

Run Steve Run...here he is (the one in green) at mile 16.5

Run Daddy Run...Anna on her way to cheer him on

All the Happenings

2009-09-05T19:40:00.007-04:00

Busy Busy last couple of weeks. I have started back to school :( , Anna has started back to daycare and Alix is soon to start Jr. High at her new school! We are all very excited (even me somewhat) for this year and all that it will bring. But there were a few last things we had to wrap up before we got back to work...

We visited the State Fair so Anna could experience her first mini donut, first ride on the giant slide (with Auntie Amy), first Sweet Martha Cookie, and first visit to ye old mill (a classic!). She had a blast and so did we. She even got to pet her first baby piglet, sheepy, and cow at the Miracle of Birth barn. Luckily she was too distracted to watch the cow giving birth on the TV monitor up over head...YIKES!!

We also finished the basement!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have a few details to wrap up, mostly just decorating, but all the big stuff is done and we have spent the last few nights lounging on our first big boy/girl sofa (not a hand me down!) and sharing some great family time. I'm in love with the bathroom (mix of subway tile and marble accent tiles), the computer area, and the FLOR carpet tiles that were a piece of cake to lay down (minus the few crazy cuts around the edges) and will be easy to take up and clean/change in case of any mishaps (sure to happen with 2 kids and a dog/cat!) We couldn't be any more pleased with the end result. The only thing that would make it better would be if someone would come and paint the trim for me...any takers?!

Well, gotta run eat dinner in front of the TV while I sit on the new couch...yea!!

Fun at The Great Minnesota Get Together

Anna's Crazy Hair...we're trying to grow out those bangs

Our friend Amy was the first of our group to turn 40! We celebrated with a surprise gathering at their place. It was fun to see Anna and Beckett, her son, play together since they were born just a week or so apart!

The before and after of the big basement remodel...began in February and ending in August!

I almost forgot...

2009-08-10T20:58:00.003-04:00

We went to the zoo a few days ago. It was a beautiful day to walk around and see all the outside animals...unless you're a one year old that missed her morning nap. A breakdown ensued shortly after these adorable pictures of Anna at the park at the zoo and her and Alix feeding the giraffes. We walked 10 minutes back to the car with a screaming, writing, child...you know it's bad when even goldfish crackers can't cure the screams. We got a lot of looks of pity and a few "she must be tired" comments, but luckily no dirty looks. Enjoy the pics:

This is the look of a child waiting for her grandmother to figure out how to use the camera...she figured it out, but I'm not sure Alix knew it ;)

Luckily I got to cut me and my expression out of the picture. The giraffes long squirmy tongue kind of grossed me out, but didn't seem to bother Anna.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

my new love

2009-08-09T20:48:00.004-04:00

I have fallen in love again. This time with my new kitchen floor. I finally whined enough that Steve gave in to adding one more project to our plate this summer--a new kitchen floor. And let me tell you, this was one amazing renovation...It started when they stripped down 2 different layers of linoleum and plywood and then tore out the old hardwood floors (I was glad when the confirmed that our gut was right, they were too damaged to be saved.) That left us walking on diagonal board for the next 5days as we waited for the arrival of our tile installer. I was scared to death and had visions of my little one falling through the hole that was uncovered in the diagonal boards and her landing in the basement as I looked down from above. But luckily we made it through the next week without incident. Not that I didn't about have a nervous breakdown trying to cook in the dining room where we had temporarily set up our refrigerator (not to mention also stored our dishwasher) and keeping the kids out of the splintery mess in the kitchen only added to the tension. In the end though we are thrilled at the result! We widened the doorway between our kitchen and dining room (about a foot) and then had some grey porcelain tile laid. Both of these made a huge difference in the look and feel of our tiny kithcen. It feels much bigger and brighter and I catch myself walking by it several times a day just so I can take another look. As for our old white, dirty, grimey, gouged up, linoleum mess we just to call a floor...good riddance!

Yet another project. Right now our TV room is located in one of the bedrooms on the 2nd story, but as we finish up the basement we plan to move TV land downstairs and Alix to the TV room which is bigger than her current room. This leaves a Alix's old bedroom to become a bedroom for Anna, and we'll turn Anna's old digs into a closet-y area for us (at least until the next renovation--a bigger bathroom...don't tell Steve I'm talking about this. He has sworn me off any mention of other projects for the next 6 months ;) Of course Alix could not for a second think of having her bedroom the color of our TV room, so we set off to paint her room the color of her choice...a pale blue. This sounds like an easy enough task, but it meant moving all the furniture into the hallway, not to mention that the walls in our upstairs are tongue and groove pine that we have painted, so not only do we have to roll the walls, but we also have to brush each and every little nook between the panels. OK, it wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't as easy as most flat walls. She loves the result though and has already started to make the TV room her own in anticipation of the basement finishing soon. So now her things are in both the TV room and her own room, furniture she no longer wants is still in the hallway, and I just refuse to go up there at all b/c I don't want to lose my mind.

Other goings on...We had a great neighborhood party this Saturday. Kids galore, must have been at least 20 roaming around the street, firetrucks, bouncy house, great food, and lots of neighbors I hadn't met. Of course Steve is the social butterfly so everyone was old friends with him, but I enjoyed getting to know lots of new folks and seeing all the little kids about Anna's age that she will grow up around. It was a good day.

Tomorrow we have our basement drainage system put in (YEA!) The will come and jackhammer up the concrete along 3 of our walls, put in the system, pour new concrete, and add a sump pump. They say it's a one day job. I'm excited to have the peace of mind it will offer, and even more excited that it leads the way for our last project--the basement bathroom build! I am so ready to put up pictures, put in the flooring, and sit our our brand new sectional in front of the TV. That will truly be cause for a celebration!!

Here are some pics of all the fun:

Hallway mess as we prep for Alix's new room painting

The old paint...and the new (blue)

Our lovely dining room which was also our kitchen once the floor remodel started

Old linoleum--dirty looking (no matter what I tried to do to clean it), gouged up by the dog, utterly disgraceful in all mentionable ways

Old flooring is out and we are left with diagonal boards...a splintery, hole-y mess! (the tile you see is covering the hole where you can see right down into the basement)

New floor! Greyish blue tiles that coordinate flawlessly with our countertop and backsplash accent color

Block Party Happenings

Neglect

2009-07-26T15:16:00.005-04:00

So, I have been told that I have been neglecting the blog. Now, I am not saying that whoever said this, and I will not name names (mom and amy), meant it in any rude way. But I will say that I am still awaiting pictures from one of my most favorite days of summer so far...so, it is not really my fault that you have not all heard/read about it. I will admit however there have been tales to tell that I have been trying to forget about so maybe subconsciously I "forgot" to post about them. Since I am still awaiting the photos from my most favorite day of summer so far (mom,email them already!!) I will keep you in suspense and just tell you about the less memorable and completely more dreadful news within the Bellus-Penz household.

So, as you may remember, we are trying to finish our basement. I just looked back at pictures which were dated early February, so it probably goes without saying that I had hoped to be finished with it all by now. Unfortunately, contractores go...more often than they come. And when they do come, some even find moisture in your basement walls/floor (of the bathroom that is the one place that has yet to be drywalled up) which has gone undetected until now, but which seems to be of concern because of some devilish M word...dare I say it...MOLD. So, I now sit in my half finished basement typing about how we have decided to put a drainage system in the basement before continuing...our thoughts are better safe than sorry. But I digress to the beginning. Once told about the moisture problem (it is a small amount of moisture seen between the plastic put up behind the framing as well as darker "wet" areas of concrete on the floor) we decided to take action. At first we decided that we should try some landscaping to get our slope going away from the house along the water affected area...these are the pictures you see below. It was a spur of the moment project (literally we decided Friday to do the project Saturday) where we tore up an in-ground sand box built like Fort Knox, built a window well, hauled and laid 2 tons of dirt so we could change the grade, put down plastic, and then hauled and laid 2 tons of river rock on top (did you know you could order and get things like that delivered same day?! We did not, but we have the greatest landscaper ever who was kind enough to give us some helpful hints before starting the project). We got it done in one weekend and it is sure to help, but we were left with the feeling that once we sheetrock up the basement completely and finish the bathroom we will never truly know that it is doing the job...or more importantly, if it is NOT doing the job. So...on August 10 they will come in, saw and jack-hammer up around our outside walls, install a drainage system and pour new concrete. The good news is that the system we are getting (similar to drain tile) can be put in despite the fact that we have drywall already up and painted. And since we have yet to get to base mouldings there is nothing for us to take up or do...except wait. This extra project and expense will hopefully at least ease our minds each time we have a hard rain! It was the only thing we could do to more or less "guarantee" that we had taken care of the problem. Of course there is no true guarantee, but at least we have done as much as we can...we didn't want to kick ourselves after sparing the time and expense of the rest of the project only to find out that we have bigger water problems than we thought. So, we wait for August 10th and hopefully 3 days later for our bathroom contractor to come in and finish the job, so we can finally lay flooring, put up the doors, and sit on our couch in front of the TV in our new family room!!

On a less dreadful note (at least hopefully...the project has yet to start so I'm sure something will arise)...tomorrow Project Kristin Happiness commences. We are widening the doorway between our kitchen and living room which will hopefully help to open up the cramped space a bit. Then, and this is my favorite part!, on Wednsday a truly wonderful man (I do not know him, but anyone who comes to do this for me is wonderful) will come to tear out my dreadful, awful, nasty, disgusting excuse for a kitchen floor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited...did I mention how gross this floor currently is?! Then on Monday they will start with the process of laying our new tile floor. Yes, that is right folks, no more white, gouged, dirty (not for lack of cleaning...seriously!) peeling, white linoleum!!! We will have real tile!! I am almost as excited about this as I am for the basement (ok, I'm more excited ;) I will have to get some before and afters for you all! It should be a wonderful week in the Bellus-Penz household!

I should also mention that we had a truly wonderful family day today. Anna, Steve and I did one of our most favoritest things--riding our bikes to the Farmer's Market in downtown St. Paul. We had a great ride on a beautiful day, bought lots of fresh veggies for our dinner, drank some coffee and played with the puppy sitting next to us (well, we mostly drank coffee, and anna mostly played with the puppy) at the little coffee shop across the street from the market, and then rode home. Once home we all (including Alix) headed to Highland pool for a little swimming. Mostly Anna did the swimming and we did the chasing. This girl is NOT afraid of water. She will toddle around, fall down, go under, "float" until we reach her and pick her up, then smile and do it all again. She also LOVES to go down the slides in the kiddie pool. I am constantly amazed at how fearless she is and how much fun she has in the water. We have a ball just watching her!! Then it was to DQ for a sundae and home for a nap. Tonight it's beer can chicken and grilled veggies from the market...YUM! It was one wonderful day!

Here are the pictures of our landscaping:

OK, this isn't landscaping, but look how CUTE anna is ;)

Before

Tearing out the Sandbox

Our new window well...and we built it ourselves. Yea us!

After the grading, plastic and rocks...FINISHED! One long and unexpected weekend project!

Peachariffic

2009-06-28T22:26:00.007-04:00

My little peach had her first birthday party and what a blast it was!! As always I decided that a theme was needed, so I figured what better a theme for my little peach than a peach theme. And that is exactly what we had, a Peachariffic First Birthday Party!! We had almost all of our favorite people in attendance: Gammy and Gampy, Grandma and Grandpa, Nana, Uncle John, "Aunt" Susan and Kids, Kelly and Mike (honoree family members and Anna's daycare providers), Auntie Amy and of course big sis Alix and Mom and Dad. The weather was beautiful and we all enjoyed hanging out on the patio having some white peach sangria and watching the little peach herself toddle about. Soon came everyone's favorite, some present opening...but Anna didn't really get it. She kind of roamed around while Alix unwrapped the present and showed them to her. So many generous and wonderful gifts...Anna is one lucky girl!! We will have many fun filled days playing with our new sand toys, water mat, bumbly cube and cell phone, table and chairs, pony rider toy...and on and on. After all that excitement we took a break for a little dinner: Pork with Peach salsa, spinach and peach/strawberry salad, and corn (there had to be one unpeach dish...we didn't want to go totally crazy with the theme ;) It was all delicious if I do say so myself!! We quickly followed up all that eating with more eating. Dessert didn't have any peaches in it...ha! Of course it did...we had cupcakes with homemade mascarpone frosting (YUM!) that I put a little peach puree into. It was topped with a peach and served with peach pie ice-cream (thanks Edy's!!). Anna dug into the cupcake, but only seemed intrigued by the frosting...who can blame her?! When she was done she got her last present...a water table, where she played and washed the goo off her fingers all at the same time (she's a multi-tasker!) Slowly the party wound down...as did everyone's energy. It was a big exciting wonderfully peacharrific day!!! A wonderful way to celebrate my little peach and all the joy she brings to everyone she has met this past year.

OH YES! And in other big news: you may have noticed that my not so little girl had an event of her own occur in her life. If you didn't catch it in the previous pics of Anna's party, Miss Alix has decided to go Pink! Her new pinkalicious hair is oh so adorable and I think it totally fits her...

New Background

2009-06-21T22:07:00.000-04:00

Do you like it? I borrowed it from http://simplychicblogs.blogspot.com

Cabin Fun!

2009-06-21T19:59:00.005-04:00

What a beautiful weekend to head up to the cabin for the first time of the season. Last year we only made it up once due to...well, due to being due...and than doing lots of taking care of an infant. But this year we hope to do better. We had an absolutely spectacular Saturday...lots of family time on the boat, in the water, eating, reading, and talking by the fire (even Alix talked...chatted...without a scowl...it was a beautiful moment). Anna and Daddy did lots of napping too. I think we all went to bed feeling like it was a really nice family day!

It was perhaps a little bit too much closeness, because Sunday brought Father's Day, a nice breakfast at Peggy Sue's and then a little tension. I think it might have been the change in air pressure with the incoming rain (I blame everything on changes in the weather ;) Oh well, not every day can be perfect, right?! So,after lunch we headed home...to more tension due to a dripping water valve and wet dry wall (hmmm, quite an oxymoron there, huh). After some dinner and a little time to calm down the night ended with lots of happy memories from our weekend excursion and a feeling of how lucky we are to have such opportunities to get away and enjoy nature...and each other.

The girls enjoying the leisure of the hammock!

Dad and Anna enjoying the boat ride

Watermelon Face!

Anna loves the water...wasn't sure about the sand at first, but she came around.

Ride 'em Anna!

Anna is showing Dad the ropes on how to drive the boat.

BBQ'n

Pure Cuteness!

Anna's first campfire...or is it just smoke. Either way, she enjoyed the marshmallows and the graham crackers.

Pure Beauty!

Pure Beauty Part 2

Let Summer Begin!!

2009-06-10T22:06:00.007-04:00

Alix and I are both finally out of school and today we enjoyed our first day of summer vacation! Here is the excitement from day 1: Our drywall was started!! Anna went from walking 2-3 steps to a whole lot more (and being more brave about letting go of one object and heading toward another!) And, most importantly, the sun reappeared...finally after about a week of cloudy, rainy, yucky weather!

We're looking for a lot more excitement as the 80 days of summer pass by...Anna turns 1 soon, Alix will go to a tennis and writing camp, we'll get to hear about our family's amazing trips abroad (parents in Italy celebrating year 40 together and Amy in Kenya helping give a group of students their first experience with computers!), trips to the pool...and more trips to the pool, cabin adventures, and so much more...Stay Tuned!!

Here is what we've been up to:

We have walls!! And ceilings!!! I can't stop walking downstairs to look at it.

This is the 20 sq feet of tile I special ordered and then didn't like because it didn't match the other tile like I thought it would, but can't return...ahh, the joys of remodeling. Anyone need some gray hex tile??? I did order what I should have ordered all along. It means that our shower won't be done for 6-8 weeks, but it also means I won't have to regret putting in something that didn't match well, so I guess it'll balance out.

Alix being a ham...as usual

Steve's trip to the Boundary waters with his friend Chad, and Chad's Brother and Cousin (or was it uncle?). They say they had a good time, but I can't figure out how since it was cold, there were mosquitos, and they had to poo in a hole. I will take their word for it. The picture with the pinecones is Steve winning big as they were playing poker.

Anna walking

Anna's favorite past time...climbing up her little slide. We're still working on what to do once she gets up there :)

What a busy weekend!

2009-06-01T22:10:00.004-04:00

What a weekend...anna's first long travel in the car, my cousin's wedding in Omaha, good visit with friends, and lots and lots of gin.

It all began Thursday as we headed out on our 6 hour journey to Omaha, NE for my little cousin Sara's wedding. (OK, so she's not so little anymore...when did all my little cousins grow into adults?!?!) I wasn't too worried about this part of the trip, since it would be at night. Anna was sure to sleep, right?! Well, she did fall asleep about an hour in...then she woke up. She was sure to fall asleep again soon, right?! As each moment passed I was even more sure that she would fall asleep at any second. It was after 8, and her bedtime is 7, so she must be tired. Only, I guess she wasn't because she sat in the backseat for about an hour and a half (until 9:30) just staring into space with her eyes wide open. At least she was quiet. Not sure what she was waiting for...i would've fallen asleep well before then if I hadn't felt guilty for leaving steve to drive in the dark alone. Finally asleep, and stayed that way until we arrived in Omaha around midnight. Off to bed we went...a long day was finally over.

Friday we were lucky enough to be invited over to my dear friends Brandi and Eric's house. Brandi and I were college roomies for a while and she had met Eric working at Boys town in college. Now they live and work in Omaha and have 2 sweet little boys. They had us, and another college friend--Emily, over for a DELICIOUS lunch. I must get the recipe for those yummy panini sandwiches!!!!!!!! Lots of good talk later and it was time to take my 2 tired girls back to the hotel. Later that night it was more good conversation and food as we hit the rehearsal dinner at Sara's in-laws home. It was a beautiful sunny evening in a beautiful setting, add in some great italian food, some wonderful family and it was the perfect ending to our first day in Omaha.

Saturday was very busy. We hit the mall...I mean is a vacation complete without some shopping?! Then it was off to the wedding at St. Bernard's. It was a beautiful catholic ceremony (which says a lot since catholic masses are not really my cup o' tea). The priest was witty and made the homily very personal which I really appreciated. Another highlight was when my cousin-in-law (is there such a thing?) Gini, sang the Ava Maria. I swear it was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard! Then I think I almost started bawling when sara waved up to her school kids (she teaches 3rd grade) as she walked out of the church newly married. I think they were just as excited as anyone there...what a memory for them! Later that night...after a nap and a swim...we headed out to celebrate the big event. It was another great opportunity to catch up with relatives we see much too rarely, drink some...ok, a lot...of cocktails, and dance a dance for two--yes, I actually danced. Grabbed a cab home and called it a night.

Sunday was the day I was dreading. Up and out by 8am. I was nervous all week about how Anna would do on this drive. Night driving in one thing...almost guaranteed a lot of sleep time, but day time driving was a whole different deal. We had no idea what to expect from Anna during this time of day. Luckily, we had about a repeat performance...up for a while, asleep for an hour, up for a while, asleep for another couple of hours until we pull into home. Amazing...6 hours and only a few wimpers. I'll take it!

It was a great weekend,couldn't have asked for a nicer time, but so glad to be home again. It's our last week of school and it doesn't seem possible, but summer vacation is right around the bend. Ahhhhhh...I can't wait!

Some pics from the weekend...unfortunately, no good wedding pics (we need a new camera...they all turned out too dark!!!) or pics of the college friends (I must be better at remmebering to use the camera!) But some cute ones of anna outside the church and a few cute ones at the reception...enjoy...

Birthday fun!

2009-05-22T21:51:00.006-04:00

So,I have been a total slacker lately. School and springtime has gotten the bast of me. Not really much has been new either, so I haven't had much to spout on and on about. What IS new is that Alix has turned 12!! We had a great family celebration this week, where we all enjoyed Alix's birthday dinner choice of crepes and trifle...YUMMY! She received some wonderful gifts and is growing into quite the young lady!! I am so proud.

Anna is growing up too. She has taken her first steps and although she doesn't seem too eager to do more than that, I'm sure it's just around the corner. Her new favorite trick is climbing UP her little slide outside. She is quite good at it and is keeping us on our toes since she can't quite figure out how to get down once she gets to the platform.

The basement...well, what do they say? "Slow and steady wins the race", right?! If that is the case then we are true winners ;) Dry wall goes up the first week in June, bathroom is finished a week or two later, and then it's all the finishing touches. We are using FLOR carpet tiles for the flooring, which should be interesting. I just pray it looks nice. We figure with a dog, cat, and 2 kids it is safer than regular carpet. This was just reinforced a week or so ago when Alix broke a whole bottle of red finger nail polish ALL over our living room area rug...which we had to throw out. I can't imagine what we would've done if it had been a whole room full of rug...I'll keep you updated as things come together.

Summer begins for us all on June 9th...YEA summer!! Alix is doing a week long tennis program and 2 weeks of a writing camp. Anna is going to daycare one day a week so she doesn't forget her friends over the summer. I am just going to try to work in some pool time now that Anna is old enough to get out in the sun. We all are hoping to visit the cabin more often this year than last as well...fingers crossed!!

Here are some recent pics:

I can't quite pull myself up...how about a little help Dino?

Dorky Daddy and Anna

The birthday girl...what do you think she's wishing for???

More birthday fun

Hmmm, that ended up being one BIG bag...maybe it'll be a beach bag?! I must choose those patterns more carefully.

Let's ride!

Reading is fun!

I'm cute ;)

What's happenin?

2009-04-22T22:47:00.004-04:00

Life is busy...but good. Steve and friends/family have finished framing the basement and we are looking forward to drywall bids and the electrician and plumber returning to continue their work. It's so fun to see the rooms come into focus. It won't be a big space down there, but it should be a nice one! I am currently stressing about couches and flooring (linoleum--looks like wood, carpet, carpet squares, cork...so many choices, so few that are perfect for our space.) Steve thinks I'm crazy b/c there's no place right now to put either, but I like the pretty stuff. As for the rest of the family: Alix is getting ready to finish up sixth grade and is currently playing volleyball. She spends most of her time thinking I'm a general pain in her... It's ok, the feeling is mutual ;) Anna is still cruisin' around, chasing the dog, and laughing. As for me, I am still trying my hand at sewing. I have done a couple more pinafores, my first successful purse, a bib and burp cloth for a friend's baby, and whatnot. Little by little I am getting more proficient. I am also counting down the days to the end of the year. I had a pretty good one (especially since I was told it was going to be a nightmare) so I'm not dieing to be done, but it sure will be nice!!

The bathroom...ready to go to drywall and finishing touches!

The laundry room...backs up to bathroom...Steve's favorite place (nothing better than a laundry doing husband!! I'm so lucky!)

My first successful purse. Now that I know what I'm doing I want to make a more summery one!! Here I come Crafty Planet!!

Anna looking cute in her springy pinafore (a reject from another project I did for a friend's baby) and her cute pink flower...

Easter

2009-04-14T22:34:00.002-04:00

Hop, Hop, Hop...Easter has come and gone and what a great day it was. A quick jaunt to Gammy's after church for some brunch (and a nap for Anna). We enjoyed spending some time with Nana and Auntie Amy as well. Then off to Steve's family gathering at the Hamer house. The girls enjoyed the egg hunt (Anna got her first egg!) and we enjoyed some yummy ham and good conversation. Anna looked adorable in her Easter outfit (made with love) and Alix looked beautiful all grown up looking and with her adorable shoes. OUr girls are so beautiful...and smart ;)

What we've been up to...

2009-04-05T22:50:00.006-04:00

Family day at Underwater World, sewing (and ripping and sewing again), framing, cookie eating...we've been busy!

Framing Fun! We're on our way now!

Anna's first cookie...chocolate chip, YUM!

cute bag...bad advice. The interfacing is MUCH too thick (thanks lady from Joann Fabrics) and so the bag is much too stiff. Cute design...cute fabric...but all a waste since I can't even finish it due to the thickness. Ugh.

My first bag...went well up to the straps (oops, I guess I should read the directions more carefully)...next time.

Underwater world fun (watch out Anna, that giant fishie is going to eat you up!), followed by crepes...yummy! The empty plate(s) in front of Alix tell the story!

More mess ups...the first is the final product (darned adorable if I do say so myself.) But before we got there I put the "sides"on backwards...had to cut it apart at the shoulder seams. It's no longer reversible, but just as cute.

Which is Funnier...Dogs or Cats?

2009-03-31T11:50:00.002-04:00

Which is funnier...dogs or cats? Anna will tell you about 30 seconds into the video. I know she's my baby, but I just think she's so darned cute!

Education for All Comes to an End

2009-03-27T15:52:00.002-04:00

Today was the last day of the Education for All Scholarship drive!!! Students and staff really pulled through in the end and I am quite pleased with the over $600 we raised for a Pullman Elementary parent to use to help defer educational expenses. I look forward to sharing the results of the winner of the actual scholarship when one is chosen. We will give parents another week or so after Spring Break to hand in their applications before a panel decides on who will receive the funds. I know it will go to a worthy individual who is setting a good example for our students by being a lifelong learner!

When I look back to how this all started I'm amazed that we ever made it to the end. It's hard to believe that it was many many months ago that I received that envelope with $40 in it...and that we turned that into $600, and a sustainable schlolarship! There were ups and down along the way, and of course I have things I wish I would have done differently, but all in all I am pleased with the outcome. Next year I'll have all the basics taken care of and be able to concentrate on my goal of finding different ways to involve the Pullman Community in a deeper way.

A big thank you to everyone who read about my vision and helped it become a reality. I have such an amazing support system-- without the encouragement and donations of you all it wouldn't have been 1/2 as successful. Thank you for the deepest part of my heart!!

Homemade Easter Outfit

2009-03-20T14:35:00.002-04:00

So, I decided I wanted to make Anna's Easter dress this year...i don't know what got into me! My mother helped me on my first ever sewing experience and if I do say so myself--it turned out beautifully! I then decided it needed some little pants (it is Easter in MN after all), so I had a wonderful lady from Etsy.com (one of my favorite shopping places...all homemade stuff!) make me a pair of capri length bloomers. The bloomers came today, so we tried it all on...pretty darned cute, huh?!

Work in Progress

2009-03-18T23:58:00.001-04:00

I have changed the name of the blog...it might stick, it might not. What do you think of it? leave me a comment if you like/dislike it. My feelings won't be hurt...I just got too tired to think too hard about it any more. Also, the header is a work in progress. I can get the photo to fit well without being distorted...sorry it's so big right now...

Let there be Teethies!

2009-03-18T21:36:00.001-04:00

Anna had not been eating well the past couple of days (very unusual for our own human garbage disposal) and had been a little bit irritable lately (very unusual for our little bundle of smiles). We were all a wonder about what could be wrong with our Lil Peach...then today we get the answer...Teethies!! It was very exciting to feel her first tooth poking through...and I could write more, but I am off to the baby book to record at least her first tooth before I forget. All I know is that if the all we get for teething is a little fussy and a little less hungry, we'll take it. We are SO lucky!

Getting Ready for Easter

2009-03-17T23:07:00.004-04:00

No time to write...already past my bedtime. Just wanted to share a few recent pix of Anna as she prepares for Easter!

My lil bunny girl

Carrot Head...Anna says, "I don't think orange is my color, but I'm still cute!"

Daddy and lil bunny

More of bunny girl...

Monkeying Around

2009-03-01T22:19:00.006-05:00

Family day...I got to pick this month, so we headed to the minnesota zoo, and oh what fun we had...well, mostly. Anna seemed more interested in the people than the animals, Alix seemed more interested in when it was over than what was we were looking at, so that left Steve and I to be interested in the animals...which we were. We saw wolves and eagles, fish and sharks, tapirs and pythons...but no lions and tigers and bears...oh my! Here are a couple of our memories. FYI, inside the zoo is not the best place to take pictures.

Steve and Anna viewing some sort of animal

Peek!

Anna--stop monkeying around!

trapsing through the jungle

Fishies are so cool!

Is that Alix actually having fun?!

Sisterly love

Update--Education for All...SUCCESS?!

2009-02-23T11:57:00.002-05:00

So...apparently you can just go online type in a few (literally) things and get yourself and EIN (Employee Identification Number), which is what is needed by the bank to open an account that would allow me to use the name of my scholarship. Who knew that I would've wasted so much time and energy over something that could've possibly been resolved months ago with a mere 5 min., online, application. Thank goodness for Google...it saved the day. At least I think...one more trip to the Bank will tell the whole story...

Education for All--another setback

2009-02-23T08:40:00.003-05:00

I shared my vision with PTA this past week. My goal was that they'd be willing to jump on board and help with some procedural things--namely to be a name we could use for people to write checks to when making a donation. I walked in this Monday morning to this disappointing response.

Yes, I did some research and the PTA Board discussed it as well. We feel we need to pass on running this through PTA, at least for this year. Maybe with some more documented procedures and policies we can relook at it next year.

Questions/Comments/Concerns:

This endeavor does not fit with the mission of the PTA. It is not a PTA sponsored program or student activity. It sets a good example and is educationally based, but it doesn't provide a direct benefit to the students as a whole.
Is this a personal endeavor or is it a Pullman sponsored event? Is it something that could be run through the school itself? We know the school has strict guidelines on what can be advertised for and participated in (do it for one, do it for all). Does this fit those parameters?
Each time the PTA accepts a donation and it is deposited in the bank account, it is considered PTA money and we take on any possible tax liability/implications associated with it, including the possibility of bounced checks and any fees associated with them.
It is a great idea and a worthwhile cause, but since it is not PTA-based, we feel we cannot take this on at this point.

I guess I look into making this a true non-profit and registering it with the state...honestly though, right now I just want to donate the money that we have to someone and be done with it all. Ugh!

Anna 7 1/2 mos...Alix 11, going on 16

2009-02-22T21:34:00.005-05:00

Here's some recent pix of anna and alix...my 2 beauties!

Anna's off

She's up

success!!

Will someone please post bail already!

Peace out.

Male Perm

2009-02-16T16:14:00.004-05:00

What people won't do for a friend. Here is a story about two friends of mine from HS. A great story of friendship standing the test of time and distance, and then becoming bonded even stronger by one very unlikely source--the male perm

Education for All Report

2009-02-10T16:06:00.003-05:00

well, it is conference day (ugh!) and i put out the education for all information in the lobby. I honestly will be thrilled if even one person stops and reads it ;) Hopefully the info will get posted to our school's website as well. I will go to PTA to talk to them about using their account for people to write checks to...and then hopefully get forms out to parents at the end of Feb, with donations due by end of march. Stay tuned!

Hello Everyone

2009-02-07T16:59:00.006-05:00

hi everyone, it's anna. I just turned 7 mos so I thought it was about time to start blogging. I have learned to do a lot of cool things the past month, but mommy thinks I am growing up too fast. sometimes I see her get tears in her eyes when she looks at me. I know she is excited for all my new tricks, but I also know that she will miss all the baby things I used to do (even though I thought laying around and "cuddling" was kind of boring.) I am ready to get out into the world and be a mover and a shaker...hopefully mommy and daddy can keep up!! I'm not one to brag, but just this month

*I got really good at sitting up by myself...and can now even sometimes bring myself from tummy to sitting.
*I learned to crawl...I started kind of slow, but I am super fast now!
*I can pull myself to standing on just about anything. My favorite place to stand is my musical table and my crib, but if there's something to grab onto I can get up (unless I bump my head and start to cry instead.) Mommy thought this was cute at first, but now I think she gets annoyed when it's time to go to bed and I want to play the crib stand up game. (I personally think it funny the way she has to keep coming in to put me back down...ha, ha...who's in charge now?!)
*I can cruise around furniture, slowly but surely. Usually I'd rather just hang around my musical table (did I mention it's my favorite?!) but if I'm motivated enough I can move around to get other places too. Mommy once said that she can see the wheels turning in my head when it comes time for me to reach and turn to get to my next spot. Sometimes I'm not sure if I can make it, but luckily I'm a daredevil so I go for it anyway. By the way, did you know it hurts when you fall backwards and hit your head? OUCH!
*I can wave...mommy knows this trick (she's seen me do it several times when someone comes into view and says hi to me), but daddy isn't quite so convinced. Kelly (my daycare mom) has seen it though, so the girls win this fight...again! I think I'm going to keep this one a secret for a while, but soon enough I'll let everyone see.
*I can stand unassisted for short periods of time...when they can trick me into standing still long enough. Usually I'd rather be bouncing, walking, or standing at my musical table.

Boy, I've come a long way in one short month...I wonder what tricks I'll learn this next month?

Good talking to you all. Hopefully I'll learn to do some of my signs soon enough, that way when I see you in person I can at least say hello and tell you the important things (like I want "more".)

Lots of love,
anna

here I go...watch what I do next

I'm on my way up...watch out you crazy doggie!

And success!! (see I don't even need two hands anymore.)

These are just me being cute:

On again, off again

2009-02-04T16:39:00.002-05:00

Education for All is in the "off again" mode until I can make it to a PTA meeting to pitch them the idea of allowing us to collect the money under their name and then have them cut the checks for us. I'm hoping they say yes, but the meeting isn't until mid-february...so no getting letters out to families this week :( That means no drawing by the end of the month...and so on. Disappointing...just when I thought all systems were a GO for getting this operation up and running. Dumb bank!

Arrrrghhh...

2009-02-03T22:57:00.003-05:00

Who knew it would be so hard to try to give away some money for a good cause?! First, we can't have a raffle...it's gambling. Then I can't open a bank acct. under my scholarship's name (b/c I'm not a business). I can either apply for an EIN (employee identification number) with the state (I can't imagine that's easy)...or I can open an account under my name, meaning people would have to write out donation checks to me...and I can only imagine that most would not feel comfortable with this (heck, even I don't feel comfortable with this!) My principal didn't seem like it would be an option for him to have the school open an account, so I went from trying to launch this donation drive next week, to waiting (again) to figure it all out. Perhaps I can talk PTA into taking this on...with my help...so they can create a line item for it and dole out the money from their acct once funds are received. Plus that way they could carry on if I have to go to another school next year. I guess I don't know what other choices I have right now.

I am super bummed. As much as I'm excited to raise money for this cause, I am just as excited to stop planning and start doing. I didn't realize how much would have to be put into all of of this...how disappointing if people don't buy into it.

One good thing. I've already received several donations from wonderful people who support my cause. Thankfully they were kind enough to leave their checks blank... I only hope that my school community supports this cause as well. I know it's important to me, but I desperately want it to be important to them too.

Education For All

2009-01-30T22:22:00.002-05:00

I have created a flyer for my pursuit to begin a scholarship for an ongoing education scholarhship in my school community (a program I've entitled...Education for All), but I can't find a way to post it here. I sure wish I were more techie! I will have to see if I can host it on my school website and attach a link. Until I work out the kinks, here is the main text. Check back soon for updates on seeing the "real" thing! Until then, please let me know if you have any questions or have any ideas of how I can improve what I've said. This flyer will go out to families at my school Feb.6th. Thanks for everyones guidance and support as I've been getting this program rolling. Here's hoping it's a success (meaning we can offer at least one person some money toward their educational pursuits!) Yea for lifelong learning!!!!

Education For All
scholarships for adult ongoing education

Who: People who believe in the power of education

Why: There is no better way to teach our children then through our example. Education can be a catalyst for growth, change, and empowerment. Our goal is to support adult learners in our community who seek to better their lives, and that of their families and community, through ongoing educational endeavors (GED, technical training, college classes, etc). It is their example that will guide our children to strive for success in education and in life.

Where: Pullman School Community
St. Paul Park, MN

When: Donations can be received at Pullman through February 26.

How: In an envelope, enclose your donation and Thank You Drawing* entry(ies). Return it to the school office or your child’s teacher. Drawing will take place at Pullman’s STAR program on February 27 and winners will be notified by phone. All donations will go directly to one or more adult education scholarships in the Pullman community.

Pullman Elementary School
C/O Education for All
1260 Selby Ave.
St. Paul Park, MN 55071

*Thank You Drawing--a chance to win one of 2 great gifts!
·A family fun basket filled with--Cold Stone and Blockbuster Gift Cards, dominoes game, popcorn, movie theater candy, and 6-pack of IBC rootbeer
·Autographed Joe Mauer baseball bat!

For each $5 donated please fill out one box below (duplicate forms can be printed or found in the office.) Return the entries with your donations. We will separate and add to drawing to be held on February 27th. Thank you and Good Luck!

Name:
Phone:

Name:
Phone:

Name:
Phone:

Name:
Phone:

Name:
Phone:

Name:
Phone:

She's Such a Trip...

2009-01-29T21:21:00.008-05:00

Here you go, more Anna "fun"...

Want to know what Anna thinks of the world...just click and see!

It may be brief, but if you hang in there long enough you'll Anna's newest trick caught on tape. She really is getting better at standing unassisted, this video does not do it justice. She'd be set, if only she could hold still for a second...

We bought Anna a walker a couple of days ago (just like nana's ;) She has only used it once or twice and sometimes likes to suck on it more than she likes to walk with it, but she's kind of funny when she gets going. Sometimes her legs end up way out behind the rest of her, but she rarely falls (if she does it's usually backwards). I think she really enjoys the freedom of being able to get from here to there.

Anna's update and new "trick"

2009-01-21T20:48:00.004-05:00

We visited the doctor for our 6 mos check-up on Monday. We were a little late, but it seems that our doctor also has kids and so her vacations from work often mesh with my vacations from school, but that's alright because we LOVE her! Dr. Jaeger gave Anna a clean bill of health and let us know that she was right on schedule. She was also sure that Anna was going to a mover and shaker and keep us on our toes. We would have to agree! Anna weighed in at 18lbs (85th %) and 26.5 inches (75th %) her head measured right in the middle at the 80th percentile. Anna got her four shots and she was none to happy about that. She already felt pretty crappy due to the cold we've been passing around the family, so it kind of added insult to injury. She has since recovered (from the shots, not the cold) and is back to her usual perky self.

Anna has also been working on some new "tricks". Enjoy the video below of her latest (enjoy the "comb-over" she has going on as well ;)

She also has something in the works that is sure to be videotaped soon...stay tuned.

My new Joe Mauer baseball bat has arrived!

2009-01-08T21:27:00.006-05:00

Too bad I have to give it away! OK, it's not really too bad since it's going to a good cause (we'll draw one winner from those who donate), but it's kind of fun to have it in my house. This week we had our staff meeting and I received the opportunity to share my plan for the scholarship. Everyone seemed very enthusiastic and I heard a lot of positive feedback, so I went away from it all feeling like I am headed in the right direction! I have recently given some thought to trying to set up a fundraiser pancake breakfast at Applebees. I'm not sure how deep I want to get into this project, but at the same time I feel that since I started this I should go big, or go home...so, I am going to call tomorrow (if I say it I have to do it, right?!)--hopefully the meetings at school will subside and I'll actually have time to get it done. It would be wonderful to actually be able to give someone a meaningful amount of money towards their educational pursuits. Honestly, my biggest concern at this time is that our school community will not pull through, I don't mean the teachers/staff, but the actual families. Money is tight and most of our families are in the low-mid to low income range, so it may not be the best time to ask for donations. It is important to me that the Pullman community buys into the idea that lifelong education is important and worth sacrificing for...so I have my fingers crossed. I guess time will tell. I'll keep everyone updated on how things are going. Thanks for everyone's interest and support!

Oh yes, and I also received my very first donation from one of my sister's students. Amy had read them my plan and apparently her student donated in her parent's name as their Christmas gift. I couldn't be more grateful that she cared enough to share in my endeavor. I promise to make it a donation she, and her parents, can be proud of!

Anna Turns 6 mos!

2009-01-01T21:33:00.003-05:00

Anna is turning 6 mos...it's amazing how the time flied by! My little girl now sits by herself (quite proficiently--mom doesn't even have to worry about tipping anymore), gets up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth (crawling is sure to come soon!), scoots backwards as far as the room will let her, stands while holding on to something (and at times will even travel down a table unassisted to get an object), rolls over and over and over, loves to stand and bounce and bounce and bounce and bounce...did I mention she likes to bounce?! She is learning sign language, loves to eat her fruits and veggies, and smiles almost CONSTANTLY! Anna is a true joy...we are very blessed!!

The Christmas Details

2009-01-01T20:45:00.002-05:00

I just spent about an hour reliving every christmas detail for you, but then my stupid computer malfunctioned just as I hit publish, so now you get this.

Opened presents, Alix got her beloved cell phone (cute story about this, maybe I'll post the video of her reaction), Alix and Anna both beautiful, pageant--Amazing as usua-- brings a tear to my eye each year, Dinner at my house, Gammy's house, Penz's house, Mike/Lindsay/Marek in town from CO (Marek's growing so big!) and we had a nice visit...blah, blah, blah.

I am cranky. I need a glass of wine and a bowl of popcorn. Damn computers!

The holidays

2008-12-29T16:45:00.004-05:00

details to come, for now just some pictures!

Bah Humbug

2008-12-22T08:37:00.006-05:00

We took Anna to see Santa this past Sunday. I didn't realize that these days Santa cost (for the cheapest choice) $25!!! That exorbitant cost does not seem to be in the Christmas spirit...arrrggghhhhh. I remembered it wasn't exactly 50cents for a photo, but I was not expecting $25. And if I recall correctly they used to allow you to take your own pix if you wanted. Not at this Santa--no personal photography allowed! This was no place fancy either...we did not trudge to Bloomingdale's for our Santa picture...just the regular old middle of the mall Santa. And you would think for that price they'd at least put all the pictures they took of Anna onto he CD, but no...just one...they were nice enough to let us choose. I opted for the CD, so at least I could email the picture to everyone I know. I may email it to some people a couple of times, just so I feel got my money's worth. The lady tried to upsell me...for another $10 I could have one 4x6 and 3 wallets. Um, no thanks, there's this place called Target or proex where I can do that myself for about $1. Santa must be making a haul on the deal. I am not bitter though ;) Steve joked that there must be some site on the internet like cheapgas.com (where you can track the lowest gas prices in your area), only for Santas (cheapsanta.com) We are definitely going to go a different route next year! But she does look cute!

Basket Update

2008-12-10T22:13:00.002-05:00

Still working on it. I decided to wait until after the Holidays when it wouldn't get lost in the shuffle. My wonderful big sis was kind enough to follow up with some contacts and get me an autographed bat by Joe Mauer--sure to be a big draw for the kids!! My mom was kind enough to donate a game to my family night basket as well...so it is looking good for a drawing prize as well. Speaking of which, I got the ok from my principal to have a drawing, but not a raffle. So, I am considering putting names in the drawing for every $5 of donations my students, or anyone interested, brings/sends in. I look forward to how it'll all turn out...should be interesting!

Becoming the Griswolds

2008-12-10T21:38:00.003-05:00

I will admit, I've never seen Christmas Vacation all the way through (*gasp*) However, I know enough about the Vacation series to know that we had a very Griswold-ish experience as we went to pick out our Christmas tree. We thought it would be such a great idea to cut down our own tree this year, so we piled into the car (late of course) and headed out to Champlin to the Rum River Tree Farm. I had visions of sleigh rides, santa visits, a nice family hike, in my head...

We decided we should stop and get food because it was after 1 and we hadn't eaten since breakfast...and if you know anything about Alix you know you do NOT want her blood sugar to drop ;) We pulled into Mc Donalds (a rare treat since I detest the place) and we sit at the drive through for a few minutes. We say "hello...hello" to which we get no reply. So crankily we drive around to the window to see a closed sign on it. When does McDonald's ever close in the middle of the afternoon??? Of course we should have known it was an omen and headed back right then, but no such luck. We go on our way vowing to stop at the next place. Off we head, all's looking well until the sign over the freeway tells us that the freeway has been shut down and we must exit...nice. Traffic is at a standstill and so we sit, hungrily waiting to get back on our way...and we sit...and we sit. Finally we start to move and luckily we get to the spot of the closure and they are letting us past! Hurray! Food is sure to be just around the corner. Fast forward a half hour--still no food. It seems remarkable that you could go that long without passing a fast food place...but that's just what happened. Anna is starting to get fussy now...she's hungry too. Finally we find a "fast" food place in a DQ. Well, apparently DQ falls into the food category, but not the "fast food" category. 10 min later our food comes to the window. I have since traded seats with Alix and have begun feeding Anna in the back seat. She is quiet. We are all fed...and happy. Until Anna starts to wail just seconds later. When we get to Rum River area we are once again diverted due to an accident, but at least we keep moving and arrive at the tree farm...whew!! We get our saw and head out into the field. Now we are driving around the fields...wondering what to do. We've never done this before and we aren't sure if we look for a parking lot, pull over the side, or what. To top it off we see no twine around, so we call back to the main building and they tell us we have to return to the gate to get twine...Ugh, we're never going to get our tree! Then the tide turns...we see people pulled over on the side of the road, so we stop. We see a bucket of twine, so don't have to go all the way back! We pile out of the car...stuff Anna into her snow suit which she loves--NOT! We put Alix in charge of the dog, who is now trapsing all around in the snow--including over the saw which I had thrown there...luckily no blood was shed. We did not need a trip to the animal ER on top of everything else. We are yelling at Alix about getting the dog off the saw, we are trying to buckle Anna down enough so she doesn't roll out of the car seat as we put it on the sled, and we are trying to figure out what kind of trees these are all at the same time (we never do find out...we figured at this point we'd cut down anything if it meant we could go home.) We stumbled through the snow, pulling the dog and Anna along as we go. Steve pulls Anna into a tree branch that dumps snow all over her faces...wails begin again. We can't agree on a tree...no too big, no too small, no crooked, not enough branches, looks like it has too many dead needles...Finally we just give up and settle on the nearest one. Then begins the chore of cutting it down. Steve lays down in the snow and begins cutting. After a many minutes the frustration sets in and I offer to try. I cut for a while, but very little progress is being made. So we decide that I'll hold Anna in one hand while pushing the tree with the other, all as Steve cuts. A matter of minutes later we hear the "cracking" of the tree as it thumps to the ground. Who knew all it needed was a push?! We haul it to the car, tie it on, try to get feeling back in our hands, look for the camera which dumped out of my pocket somewhere along the way, brush all the snow off it once we find it (and hope it still works). After we pay (for which i forgot the coupon at home), we head out on our journey home with no smiles on our face...not anywhere near being in the Christmas spirit. We bypassed the petting zoo and Santa...we were all ready to be home...and NoW. The ride back consisted of plenty of 11 year old whining (I apparently should not be singing my own words to the songs, and on top of that if we had listened to her we wouldn't be out in the middle of nowhere cutting down a christmas tree anyway)...some adult yelling...followed by silence. Gooooooood Times!! At least we got a good story, a beautiful tree, and some family memories that won't fade for quite some time. I should mention that the night was saved by the decorating. Our tree looks beautiful!

November News

2008-11-28T22:13:00.008-05:00

What a wonderful Turkey Day! We had the pleasure of celebrating with both of our families on the big day, and it was well worth the busy schedule and tired eyes once it was over. The only downside was that Uncle Mike, Aunt Lindsay and Marek were not in town to share the day, but we look forward to sharing some time with them after Christmas!! There is nothing better than being surrounded by family and friends that you love...This time of year proves that!

Here are some pix from the big day as well as other misc. Anna pictures...

Fun at the Penz's

The Bellus Clan's Thanksgiving

Did her daddy or big sis teach her that?!

Smiles all around!

Sweet Potatoes are YUMMY! I am still getting a hang of the whole spoon thing...

snooze city

Anna's new trick...Can you do this? would you want to? Ewwwww....

I look good in hats!

Look at me...standing on my own!!

Scholarship Update...BUMMER!

2008-11-18T11:47:00.002-05:00

I just chatted with my principal about the idea for my $40. He was very excited and we both thought the more we could get the kids involved the better. It is very important to me that my students realize how important life-long education can be...even if that means starting that process by hooking them in with a basket full of goodies. All was well...that is until he remembered that we probably can't do a school wide raffle. Apparently there is some gambling rule and raffles fall under it as a no-no. BUMMER! I could still do a raffle with adults in the building, my friends/family outside of the building, maybe even my church...but I wouldn't get the kid buy in which is what I was really hoping for. My principal is going to double check...and also check on whether or not if the parents made a "donation" we could put their names into a drawing. I'm not sure how that's different, but I'll hold onto a little hope. I would welcome any other creative ideas on how to make this work, so that I can make it a school-wide project. Argggh, of course it would've been just too easy if it had worked out without issue...

The beginnings of a plan

2008-11-12T22:40:00.002-05:00

As you may have read in my last post...my church handed out money to each family that was in attendance a few Sundays ago. My family got an evelope with $40 in it. Our mission was to try to find some way to use the money to help our community in what they would hope to be a meaningful and sustainable way. This was about a month ago...enter life, school, baby...and as you can imagine the grand ideas that were rushing through my head when I first received the money soon got overtaken by what to make for dinner and trying to figure out the sixth grade math homework that Alix brought home.

This past week at church they read a couple of the ways people had "spent" their money. One teacher put it toward a fund for her more needy students to help them buy sketch books for their projects. Another family sent it to their local school district to help fund field trips for kids in need. It reminded me that not only had I not followed up with my plan, but honestly I didn't even remember where I had put the money. I decided that if I verbalized my plan in a public forum (like here!) I would be forced to follow through...so here I go...my plan...

I began by thinking about what was most important to me, and the rest of my family. Of course the first thing I thought of was education. I am a firm believer in life-long education. And yet, when I ask my students how many are thinking about college I at most get a hand or two. Almost all of my students would be the first in their family to go to college, or for that matter to undertake any educational pursuit past high school, so there is no example set for them. As a matter of fact one of the biggest challenges I face is the fact that education is not a priority for a lot of my families. Many have probably had bad experiences with education, or their lives are in such turmoil, that they come to parenthood without knowledge of how to help their students with academics, or the willingness to do so. So...I have always been impressed when I run across parents who are going to school at night and speak of the example they hope they are setting for their students. I hear parents mention that they hope their fourth graders watch them do homework, go to class, and strive for success...all in hopes of creating a better future for their families. They hope the example they are setting is a powerful one for their students...and I'm sure it is! I also imagine how hard it must be for them...many of extremely limited budgets...to find the funding to make continued education on any level a real possibility. I want to support this example. I think it is a powerful gift to their children, and will be one step toward their student wanting to follow the same path of making education a priority in their life. OK, now for serious, I am ready to share my plan...

I want to take the $40 and buy gifts for a gift basket--perhaps a Blockbuster card, some candy, sodas, maybe a board game. How will that help you ask? Good question. I hope to sell raffle tickets ($1 each) for a drawing for this basket. I have hopes that if every family in my school bought even one ticket we would raise several hundred dollars for a scholarship fund. The money we made would go to a parent of one of our school's students to help support their ongoing education. Heck, what if my church let me sell tickets? What if I could get my sister's school to sell tickets? What if friends and family members jumped on board and bought tickets? Together we could turn $40 in hundreds...but more importantly we could impact a family in a very meaningful way. Why would anyone do this for someone in a community they don't even live in? Because one day my students might be your neighbor...or pass you when walking down the street...or serve you lunch...and I can almost guarantee you that the person they will become after seeing their parents reaching for the stars and bettering themselves, is a much better person than who you might meet if they had to watch their parents live a life without meaning and hope. To make the scholarship sustainable, I will take out the first $40 and set it aside for next years basket, the rest will go directly to one of the parent applicants in our school community who requests funds for ongoing education needs.

So, what will really happen with this? I guess God only knows...only time will tell. But I can dream big...and even if I only raise $50, I know it will go toward a good cause...a cause that will pay dividends for their family for many years to come.

Now to put the plan into action...stay tuned...

A little of this, a little of that

2008-11-10T16:11:00.003-05:00

For once I am not going to write an update about Anna or Alix. I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, with the election and all. I must say that it's been a long time since I've been as moved by something as I was by this election. Honestly I usually go into election with an attitude of--heck, how bad could one person make it in 4 years? (Is Julie cringing right now?!) Sure, I always wanted "my guy" to win, but I never felt despaired if they didn't. This time was different though. I felt this election deep in my soul. It wasn't because of the tough economic times, or the fight to keep our rights, or even the war. It was about my need to feel proud of my country...and the lack of that feeling in my life right now. I wanted to be proud to be an American...not because we're the biggest or the strongest, but because we are a land of hope for people. I knew that Barack offered that hope. I hate to even use the word, "hope", since that was his buzz phrase and has been so overused...but I can think of no word that describes it better... what I felt was indeed "hope". I saw this hope when people of all races, economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and religions joined together in very grass root ways to support the candidate. I felt that hope when I watched the masses and masses of people waiting in line for hours to hear a man they couldn't even see (because they were at the back of the crowd) speak. I felt that hope when we moved beyond race to nominate him as our democratic choice despite concerns that the race hurdle might be too tall. I felt that hope when I heard my students talk about politics like they actually cared. I felt that hope when I read that one of my friends children looked at Obama and said mommy look, he's my color. I felt that hope when I began to look at Barack and not even notice that he was black anymore...all I saw was the future of our country and the promise that it held. I only hope that everyone else who felt this hope doesn't let it dwindle in the aftermath of the election, but instead takes to heart what they can do to make our country a place that is worth being hopeful about...not just these next four years, but for a lifetime.

Speaking of what we can do to make the hope survive...Our church gave out money to it's congregation about a month ago. Our family took an envelope out of the offering that had $40 in it. We were asked to use the money in a way that would allow it to give something back to the community in a meaningful and hopefully sustaining way. I had big plans for our $40, but then I let the ball drop. I think it is time again to get the ball rolling. I will post more about my plans soon. Please check back and offer any input/ideas that you might have.

OK then...

2008-11-05T08:54:00.002-05:00

Apparently at least 3 people read my blog...life is good!!

I must post my thoughts on the new president elect, but my students just walked through the doors. I'm not sure I can wrap my head around it right now, so I'll let it sink in and get back to it in a little while. For now I'll just leave it at...Wow and Yea!!!!!!

Does anyone read this?

2008-11-03T18:49:00.003-05:00

I wonder if I'm wasting my time or if anyone really reads my nonsense...did you know you can hit the comment button below each post and post a comment? You are welcome to do that at any time...

BOO!

2008-11-01T09:58:00.003-05:00

Halloween is about my least favorite holiday (right after St. Patrick's Day and New Year's Eve), so it came and went without much fanfare from me. It was however Anna's first Halloween so we dressed her up as good parents do--she was a butterfly? a bug? some such thing with antennaes and wings. It was a gift when she was first born and fit the purpose, so we just went with it. She sure looked cute whatever she was. Alix went as the devil (no costume required...but we bought one anyway ;) She went trick-or-treating with her good friend Anna (thankfully!!) Then they came back, ate lots of candy, watched some movies, and Anna slept over. Steve and I drank wine and passed out candy to the neighbor kids (for a neighborhood with lots of kids we sure don't get many! maybe it's all the steps?!) I do enjoy seeing all the little ones dressed up (so proud that they get to be batman or a princess for the night) and too shy to say "trick-or-treat" as they knock on the door. All in all, not a bad Halloween.

Baby girl is changing so fast!

2008-10-25T21:03:00.002-04:00

I just got done putting my little one to sleep for the night, and as I swaddled her up I realized that she is no longer that little lump of a baby that used to lay on my chest for hours on end and find joy in life by just sleeping it away. Sure she's still a baby to most passerbys, but to me she is my little peach who smiles and giggles and like to have conversations about all sorts of nonsense. She's my big girl who rolls over and tries to stand up and finds pure joy in the simplest things. Each day that goes by she grows and changes and becomes more of a little individual...it is so fun watching the person she is becoming. I am not certain yet what will come as each day passes, but I truly hope she never loses that beautiful smile that comes so easily and for what seems to be for no reason at all...

My little punkin's picking pumpkins

2008-10-20T21:29:00.004-04:00

OK, so we didn't actually pick the pumpkins...we got lazy after the apple orchard and decided to go to the local nursery to get out pumpkins. We found just the right ones to help us celebrate Anna's first Halloween! Unfortunately Anna was less than enthusiastic about the adventure--she's not feeling well--so no smiles to remember the event. We did stay away from tears just long enough to get a few photos:

Apple Orchard and Loose Meat

2008-10-20T21:06:00.005-04:00

The gang, minus a few...not naming any names, Julie Ring and Amy Cook...all went to our annual apple orchard fest, followed by the famous maid-rite sandwiches at Chad and Nicole's. I must say this year I was underwhelmed by the actual orchard. We got about 5 min on the tractor after at least 3 times that long of waiting, followed by one apple stop, and then a walk past the broken down tractor to another waiting one for the last 2 minutes back to the apple lodge. After browsing the goods in the "market", we got a not so good deal on some honeycrisp and then we finally got smart and headed off to the Mc Guires where things took a turn in a positive direction. It was fun to hang out with everyone and catch up after what seems like much too long of an absence. The two pregnant ladies had cute little bellies (maybe not even as large as my non-pregnant one...sad but true) and it's always fun to see how much the little kiddos have grown. I hadn't seen Beckett since he was born a week after Anna and it was fun to see them together again...they grow so fast! Beckett is kickin' Anna's butt in the rolling over department...Anna seems content to just lay on her back and look up at the ceiling fan or lights...but they were both adorable and are sure to grow up enjoying each other's company at group gatherings. We finally headed home after a great afternoon of fall fun. Here are a few pix:

Sawyer eating his apple in front of the tractor

Alix picking the best apple on the tree

The Schloo girls...cute as ever!

Anna's first tractor ride

Anna's so advanced...picking her first apple

the kids

the kids...and the adults holding the kids

Jump Anna Jump

2008-10-17T16:38:00.005-04:00

For Christmas Steve and I received a wonderful gift...a video camera! Unfortunately it turns out we are not so techie and the video format used by the camera is not compatible with most internet programs (like blogger), so I've never been able to get the video off the camera and share it with you all. Well, yesterday I decided to sit down and spend part of my day off figuring out how to convert my videos to a different format...and voooila...here we are. I am now a video conversion maniac (OK, not quite, but at least I can do it.) I posted my first video yesterday and had to keep the ball rolling today...

Our video du jour is titled, Jump Anna Jump. Miss Anna loves her jumperoo, but up until recently she wasn't really tall enough to make it go for any bit of time. She'd be able to get a small push and make it bounce one, but that was it. Now her tippy toes touch and she can make it go like crazy...this is just a short sampling...enjoy!

Anna Speaks

2008-10-16T19:34:00.003-04:00

Anna shares her first story with you all...

Steve's first business trip

2008-10-13T21:38:00.002-04:00

I believe that Steve is on his first business trip since Anna was born. She misses him very much...as a matter of fact a little bit more each second...but then again we all do.

I miss daddy

I miss him more

I really, really, really miss him!!

New Kitchen Floor

2008-10-07T13:10:00.006-04:00

We are in the process of picking out some new kitchen floor. We will go with a stone looking laminate b/c there is no heat in the kitchen (darned old house) and we think tile would be too cold in the winter time. We are down to two--Steve and I like one, my mother (who has impeccable taste) likes the other. So, I decided I must put it to a vote. Choose which one you like and vote on the sidebar!

SIDE BY SIDE (TILE #1 ON LEFT, #2 ON RIGHT)

ANOTHER SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

TILE #1

TILE #2

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!

So Much Going On...

2008-10-05T18:50:00.004-04:00

It's my mom's birthday today...wooohooo! I can't say enough wonderful things about her. She means so much to me and continually shows me through her words and deeds that she is the type of woman I hope to become--strong, smart, and caring. Her love, support, and friendship are three things that have gotten me through some trying times in my life--job changes, layoffs, boy troubles, the arrival of a little one when I was all alone, and so much more. And now that things seem almost too good to be true, I feel blessed to be able to share these moments with her too! Happy Birthday Mom--have a wonderful year!!

Other happenings:

Steve ran the TC 10 mile race this Sunday. It was a miserable, cold, and almost rainy event. He was hoping to run the 10 miles in 80 minutes...way faster than I could ever run it (damn him!) Anna and I woke up early and dropped him off at the Metrodome, then hurried home to get our umbrella, snowsuit, and stroller and waited for daddy at mile 5 (Summit and Cretin). He arrived right on schedule and we even got a picture (he's the one in the white hat/shirt to your left.) Then we jumped in the car and hurried our way to the finish line. I actually had to jog from my parking spot to the finish line to make it in time, but just minutes after we arrived Steve ran by...YEA!! He finished just over his goal at 80min 20sec (seems like close enough to me). It then promptly started to rain and so off we went home to change and then a nice breakfast. Steve did and awesome job, and I am so thrilled for him--despite the fact that he is now faster than I am and we won't be able to run together anymore :( I guess I'll just have to kick him in the shins by "accident" so that he's hurt enough that he can lower himself to my speed ;) Anyway here are some pics:

Anna at her first race...all bundled up to watch daddy

Run Daddy Run!!

Steve and Anna after the race

My sister-in-law Lindsay and nephew Marek came in town this past weekend. It was fun to see them again. It rarely happens that we get to see them twice in such a short period of time (they were in town in August as well) so it was an extra special treat. Marek is such a cutie and growing bigger each time we see him. His vocabulary at 1 1/2 is amazing, although I'm not sure my brother Mike has taught him the word anarchy yet (this was the first word her tried to teach Alix 10 years ago.) Maybe that's because Mike has grown up a bit since then and is now a suit wearin' bank man (who would've thunk it?!) Here are some pix of the cutie Marek and his momma (Auntie Amy is sneakin' in there too)

3 months old!!

2008-10-02T16:05:00.003-04:00

Anna is 3 months today!! And it was her first day at real daycare!! I will have to post some sort of 3 mo. old picture soon. Oh how time flies...

Steve is crawling through the window

2008-10-01T13:44:00.003-04:00

As I stated some posts ago...they say-- everytime a door closes (Cash Systmes Inc.) a window opens (Concur). Today Steve is crawling through that window as he leaves his old job behind (ok, he left it behind a while ago) and begins life with Concur. It is his first day at his new job...Woohooo!! I know he'll do great...they are lucky to have him!! I got an email from his new account at Concur, so it looks like he's already slacking ;) Updates to follow...

Anna Catherine Bellus Penz's Dedication

2008-09-28T20:56:00.011-04:00

This past Sunday Anna took part in our church's Celebration of New Lives. Think Baptism, but without the fancy gowns (although she did look purty in her argyle dress!), cleansing away of original sin (this is not an idea that our church embraces) and the godparents (I'm counting on everyone to help Anna along her spiritual path.) This ceremony signified a public commitment to the child by both us as her parents and by the congregation. I feel so proud that Anna will have the support of such wonderful people as she grows and begins to follow her own spiritual path...I know doing so will allow her to live a life full of integrity and joy! We followed up the event with a small family gathering at our house. It was fun to have everyone together for the day!

Wow, that's not a great picture (but it's the only one we have of the actual ceremony)

The "after party"

Our latest progression--Anna in her bumbo seat

I like it...wait....no I don't...get me out of here!!

More Pictures:

Bath Time Fun...this is actually one of Anna's favorite places. She LOVES the water and splashing around. We like to do funky stuff with her hair. Good times for everyone ;)

Sleeping...there is no bad place to do it!

We CONCUR...Steve's new job is just about perfect

2008-09-25T08:52:00.002-04:00

Whew...Steve found a new job! In this economy, and at the end of the fiscal year (which I hear it is...not that I understand why the fiscal year would be different than the calendar year, but my lack of business knowledge is not really the subject here), we were thinking that now might not be the best time to be looking for something, and the job search might be a long haul...BUT we got lucky and Steve was able to find something just as his severance ran out! After numerous interviews and speaking to over 9 people in the company, he has been named a new account manager for Concur Enterprises which is based out of Washington, but has an office in Eden Prarie, MN (as well as other places around the country). It seems like a great fit for him and fulfills exactly what he was looking for... it's such a blessing that he didn't have to settle for something just to have a job!! He starts Wednesday!

I think we both feel truly blessed that during this "adventure" Steve was able to leave a job that was less than perfect, spend a bit of extra time with Anna, AND find a new position that should be a good fit...all without us having to dip too far into our savings! Life IS good!!

Thanks everyone for your support and good wishes during this stressful time. Just knowing that we have so many loved ones that will be there for us no matter what made a world of difference! Sometimes I wonder how we got so lucky to have so many wonderful people in our lives!!!!!

Giddyup...and away we go!

2008-09-21T08:39:00.002-04:00

After one year and 3 months Steve and I finally got our wedding carriage ride. If you remember way back to the day on June 22nd, the carriage was suppose to come and whisk us away from our reception and on to the rest of our lives. Well, the carriage must have turned back into a pumpkin because it never arrived that night. However, all is well that ends well...just last night (after a great dinner at Nyes to celebrate my mother-in-law and brother-in-law's birthdays) Rolley (the white belgian) and Annie (the driver) pulled up with our carriage and whisked not only Steve and I, but also Alix and Anna, away for a family adventure. It was a great trip along Main street (Alix waved to just about everyone at St. Anthony Main ;), across the Stone Arch Bridge, along some great bike paths near the river, and finally back across the river home. The most amazing, and honestly a little crazy, part though was to think about the fact that we sat there with another little human being that wasn't even in our lives the last time we were suppose to ride that carriage. It was a beautiful evening full of sunsets, warm fall temps, beautiful scenery, lots of smiles...a wonderful way to celebrate family.

Alix and Anna

Alix as we pass over the stone arch bridge

The family

Some scenery from along the way

Rolley and Annie--our horse and driver

Alix the future photographer

2008-09-18T20:35:00.007-04:00

Some big sisters poke their little sisters, some rock them to sleep, some call them names, others take their picture...Here is a progression that alix created...cracks me up!!

no news is good news

2008-09-18T20:35:00.003-04:00

No news on Steve's job prospects...you know the old saying, "no news is good news", so we are happy as can be ;)

I will pass the time posting pictures of Anna--I just can't help it, she's so darned cute!!

Anna's newest favorite pasttime--her jumperoo. She LOVES making it bounce. I think she is tired of laying on the ground and is ready to finally see all that's going on around her.

I love my tummy time so much!!

An early Saturday morning walk to our favorite spot--the coffee shop!

Big Shots

2008-09-02T19:37:00.005-04:00

Alix is now one of the "big shots" at her school...6th grade. It's hard to believe it, but my little girl isn't so little anymore. Her school is K-6, so it's not until next year that she'll transition to all of the craziness of Jr. High...thankfully! For now I am lucky that she LOVES school and is a hard worker (most of the time ;) Here she is on her first day of sixth grade...

Anna also had "big shots" today. It was her first well visit and not only did she get a clean bill of health, but she also got 3 shots (and she was none too happy about it according to dad, who was the one to take her to the appointment. Luckily, I was at work and missed all the screaming.) Apparently she is growing, growing, growing...2 inches in length (80th percentile) and up almost 2.5 lbs (90th percentile). A healthy and happy little girl!

Here she is 2 mos. old today!!

and a sly little wink just for fun

Way to go Lou-lu!!

2008-09-02T08:31:00.001-04:00

Go Lou-lu!! 7.5 hours last night. That makes 2- 7 hour nights this week. Keep it up little lu! This could not be better timing. Baby starts to sleep through the night (fingers crossed this is not just a fluke) and I go back to work all at the same time?! Is it too good to be true? If my luck keeps up like this the next thing you know Steve will have a job.

And the cuteness continues

2008-08-31T07:44:00.005-04:00

The Bellus-Penz household has been taking it day by day...Kristin back at work, Alix waiting for school (yes, she actually looks forward to it), and Steve as he looks for new work. Nothing very exciting has happened lately on any of these fronts, so for now I'll just share some more cute pix of little Anna who will turn 2 mos old on tuesday Sept 2nd! She is a great little baby...very little crying, sleeping 7 hours at a time first time last night!), giving her mom/dad/big sis smiles all the time!

my onesie says it all, "bad hair day!"

nature girl
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our friend Jen gave us this onesie that says, "My name is Lu-Lu and I'm a ladybug". So cute! Especially since my little girl will always be Lou-lu to me!!

Uncle Mike, Aunt Lindsay, and good bud Marek sent Anna this adorable shirt to go with her "rocker hair"!

Daddy is a wonderful daddy, but he is still learning front from back on Anna's little outfits ;)

It's hard to see, but this is the way the cute outfit should look (are you paying attention, daddy?!) The cute heart pockets and ruffle detail along the neck go in the front...buttons in the back.

Anna in one of her favorite spots...playing in her rainforest activity gym. It is SO fun to kick the rattle and make it make noise...goooooood times!!

Up in the woods

2008-08-17T18:07:00.011-04:00

Steve, Anna, Dino and I took a jaunt up to the Bellus cabin this past weekend (Amy joined us too!) We had beautiful weather and a few cold brews (not to mention some very tasty spanish wine)... what more could you want out of a weekend (well, besides having Alix there with us)? We needed a little relaxation after Steve's job news, and with my upcoming start to the school year, so it was perfect timing. During the weekend, Anna got her first chance to take a dip in the lake, as did Dino. Neither one was too fond of it. Dino is not a water loving dog, but I was able to pull him far enough out on his leash to know that he can at least swim a little bit. Anna on the other hand doesn't mind water...in a bathtub...but apparently lake water left a little to be desired in her mind. Both found their first boat rides, walks in the northwoods, and cabin sunrises to be much more enjoyable...lots of smiles all around. There was one scary moment with Anna and a run in with a bear, but luckily all turned out well (see the picture below for the story.) All in all I think Anna and Dino enjoyed what is sure to be the first of many cabin adventures.

Some pictures of the fun:

Anna and Steve enjoying sunrise at the cabin...Steve's story is that Anna crawled over to beg him (in perfect spanish nonetheless) to take her to see the sunrise, so while I was sleeping they headed down to the lake together (and with Dino) to check it out. Now there are several oddities to the story which makes it almost unbelievable...but despite the crazy story, the pictures are BEAUTIFUL!

I left Anna in the bedroom unattended for just a moment and when I returned I found her being attacked by a northwoods bear. No worries though, we came to find out he was a friendly bear and only wanted hugs.

Pure leisure!

So you see Anna, back in the day all trees looked like that. That's just how it was. It's not like these days where... (And the crazy dad stories begin.)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Walkin' in the woods...you can't tell it here, but Anna couldn't get enough of looking at all the trees along the way.

There's gotta be a window to crawl through somewhere!

2008-08-15T18:22:00.004-04:00

I guess they say, when a door closes a window opens. So, Steve is now looking for this elusive open window. Yep, the failing Cash Systems Inc.(Steve's employer) was bought by what is apparently the biggest cash access business around. what does that mean? Who knows. All I know is that it leaves my wonderful hubby out of a job as of today. I know that losing a job is never fun, and hunting for a new job is even less fun, but I've also come to realize that this crazy little thing we call life has a way of working itself out in the long run. Steve is one of the hardest working people I know...any company should find themselves lucky to have him. The best part of all this madness is that this gives Steve a wonderful oportunity to find a job where he feels fulfilled and challenged. Here's to new opportunities that await...now, where is that damn open window???

Meetin' and Greetin'

2008-08-15T13:28:00.006-04:00

On August 10th we held a family meet and greet BBQ for Anna. This was a great chance for us to be forced to clean our home, as well as have our extended family over so they could meet Anna before our next scheduled get together in November for Thanksgiving...when she'll look much different and not be a "baby" anymore. It was a beautiful day, filled with wonderful family...the makings of a great memory!

We were also lucky enough that this event brought my bro (Mike) our sis-in-law (Lindsay) and our one and a half year old nephew (Marek) to town for a visit. It is so hard to go months at a time without seeing them, especially now that there is a little one to watch grow up! Last time we saw Marek it was Christmas and he couldn't even walk...now he's walking/running and talking up a storm. We had a chance to go up to the cabin where his favorite activity was cutting the grass with his plastic mower...he must have said, "mowing, mowing" about a hundred times throughout the weekend...he was so excited to cut that grass...what a cutie!!! We also enjoyed a fun time on his first trip to the zoo. It's amazing to think that in a little over a year that's what Anna will be like.

Enjoying some good company on the patio during the meet and greet BBQ

Anna meets Mackenzie at the BBQ

BBQ fun

Big Kisses from Marek to baby Anna

Marek...such a big boy!

our trip to the zoo

2008-08-07T16:55:00.004-04:00

only a couple of days left of summer and today was too beautiful to pass up getting outside and just enjoying something fun, so...Anna's first trip to the zoo!! She loved it so much that she just couldn't contain her glee and slept through it all. The rest of us actually kept our eyes open and it reminded me just how much I enjoy the simplicity of the Como Zoo...it brings back treasured memories of my childhood and I'm so happy to be able to pass those memories along to my children too.

getting ready...is that a smile???

Anna and Alix enjoying the view of the lillypads

What's a trip to the zoo without a ride on the carousel?

Gammy and her 2 grandgirls after our picnic

Power to the People!

zzzz...I love the zoo...zzzzzz

momma and baby...too cute!

Much awaited Patio Photos

2008-08-07T16:38:00.004-04:00

The old patio...green, red and yellow pavers that only a previous owner could love. During their removal we found out that they had actually been placed right on top of a layer of bright green pavers--bad taste on top of bad taste...nice.

Getting ready for the new beautiful patio

Our new lovely patio complete with a privacy screen (thanks Steve, Ed and Dad!) I couldn't be happier!!

Bad Doggie...B-A-D!!

2008-08-02T21:35:00.003-04:00

Why doggie???? why???? Why must you tear two ginormous holes into our sod (and that does not count the one you did earlier in the day) right before we have to host 40 friends/family back there??? :( Why have you decided to become a digger now? Could you not wait just one more week??? I guess those seams that have not yet grown together are just too tempting to a doggie like you. Please stop digging doggie...I am too tired to deal with all this right now. If you stop I promise to give you as many yummy doggie treats as you want...and the good kind too...not those crummy milkbones. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease??? Thank you.

*sigh* Why can't things just fall into place without any issues...just once???? Let's just hope we locate all the dug up holes before one of our guests falls into it next weekend and then decides to sue us for the $10 we have left to our names. *sigh*

Quick Update

2008-07-27T20:45:00.003-04:00

Well, this will have to be short and sweet because we are just minutes away from the Design Star and Food Network Star Season Finale...and if you know me, you know nothing stands in the way of my reality TV ;) So, here goes a quick update...

*Our friends Chad and Nicole held a wonderful shower for us this past Sunday. It was so kind of everyone to come and greet Ms. Anna, even though most had already seen her
at least once. Unfortunately, I don't have a single picture from the event...so you will have to take my word for how pretty/handsome everyone looked (especially me ;) and what a great time was had as we leisured on the McGuire deck on a perfect afternoon. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives!

*Anna is growing big and strong...she is mostly a wonderful, quiet, little girl...although last night was a different story. She is still sleeping A TON and I can't wait for her to be awake a little more often (I know, I know...I'll eat those words later) so we can gaze into those beautiful blue eyes.

*Our patio is done!! Woohooooooo!! Steve, his dad, and my dad all worked this weekend on putting up our privacy screen after our contractor finished our beautiful new patio. It looks AMAZING and I can't wait to sit out there and enjoy our beautiful backyard. It has come SO far from when we first moved in--I will post before and after pictures as soon as i can!

I will include a few more photos...my favorite is Anna wearing her "bad hair day" t-shirt...very fitting since she has uncontrollable wild-child hair. It truly is a riot!

Anna in her "bad hair day" onesie. I think they made that just for her!

Anna Chillin' in her sling. I kid you not, this thing is a lifesaver--if Anna is fussy all you have to do is put her in the sling and she falls asleep immediately! Make fun of it if you will, but I couldn't be happier with this purchase!

Tummy Time...I am SO strong!

more cute baby pics...

2008-07-17T16:48:00.003-04:00

If I do say so myself ;)

Good buddies already

I don't care how cute mommy says I look, I do NOT like this bathrobe!

Naked and Happy!

Kisses all around

Life would be good if...

2008-07-17T15:58:00.002-04:00

I could just NOT look pregnant anymore!! Ugh, I am not used to feeling this self-conscious about my body. Everyone says, "it took 9 months to gain the weight, so you shouldn't expect to lose it all right away"...I wish that helped me feel better, but it just doesn't ;) Poor baby Anna is not going to have any pictures with her mommy anytime soon! I guess for now I'll just keep doin' what I've been doin'...lots of walks and pretending I still love my maternity clothes enough that I just can't give them up yet ;)

Baby Crack Machine

2008-07-16T09:17:00.007-04:00

Call it what you will (I call it the baby crack machine), but this is the best thing since wine with screw off tops (easy access to wine, what could be better?!) . Really it's name is the Homedics Sound Spa Lullaby. What is a sound spa lullaby you might ask...it's a white noise/lullaby machine that projects cute pictures onto the ceiling (unfortunately Lou-lu can only see 15 inches in front of her face, so this part of the machine is only enjoyed by mom right now...let me tell you though, those darned sheep floating on the ceiling are super cute ;) My happiness comes from the fact that the ocean setting puts my little one to sleep in a matter of seconds, then I set the timer and voila--instant nap time with no fuss!! The only issue so far.. not too soon after the timer goes off and the ocean waves cease to roar...she begins to stir in their place and soon she is roaring...naptime abruptly cut short. I guess our energy police (a.k.a Steve) may have to just look the other way as I play the thing all night...and all day. That is, unless he wants a cranky(er) wife around the house.

Well Traveled Baby

2008-07-14T15:42:00.005-04:00

Anna is about 12 days old today and is probably about as well traveled as they come at this point in life. We have made a trip to a friend's cabin to celebrate the 4th of July weekend...the Mall of America...the dogpark...numerous stores (Barnes and Noble, Menards, and Target to name a few)...2 restaurants...more coffee shops than I should admit to...Grandma's house...an art fair...a ton of walks...to the hospital to meet our new friend Beckett after his birth...and the list goes on. It is good to get out and about, but I must admit I forgot how tiring it just getting ready to take an infant everywhere, not to mention carrying a little one around from place to place. You would think with all the technology these days they could find a way to make those car seat carriers lighter! Luckily Anna takes it all in stride... guess she figures, why should she care where she sleeps?! Here are just a few pix from our travels, as well as some of our other "firsts".

Anna got a chance to meet her first out of town relatives when Uncle Richie and Aunt Catherine (Anna's middle namesake) came into town from New Jersey

You might not be able to tell, but this is Anna in her baby bjorn during her first trip to the dog park...can you tell Mommy took this herself while wearing the carrier ? ;) I think the dog park bores Anna.

About a week after Anna was born she got to make a return trip to the hospital...this time to meet her new friend Beckett who was born to our good friends, the Newtons. It will be so fun to watch the two of them grow up together!

Here is Anna the day after leaving the hospital...she is chillin' at our friend's (the Zimmel-Lammer's) cabin on the fifth of July.

Here is dad with his first diaper change!

Anna's first bath! She wasn't thrilled with this whole bath thing. She has since gotten better...it's definitely more fun now that she can sit in the water!

Home from the Hospital

2008-07-05T11:28:00.002-04:00

We made it home...yea! Everyone survived their first night and slept amazingly well, even the little one who slept all day. I think we were all just plain tuckered out after all the excitement the past couple of days.

Both sets of grandparents came over to have a little Happy 4th of July BBQ...but I guess we were too tired to think of taking any pictures...ooops! Above are a couple of pics from Anna's first day home. She is a little less red, perhaps a bit more yellow...I wonder what color tomorrow will bring ;)

Anna update

2008-07-04T07:54:00.004-04:00

Daddy and Anna...we all think she looks like him

Nana (Kristin's grandma) and Anna-- about 95 year age difference!

Nassar and Anna sharing a hug (Nassar is my hippo and "focal point" that Alix brought me before I had anna...named after the spanish word meaning to be born...nacer)

Gampy Jim and Anna sharing some quiet time

Anna on mommy's belly...yes, it's still that big :(

The family has survived Anna's first full day and a half of existence...whew! Anna is beautiful and wonderful and sometimes very noisy...just like her big sister ;) We have had a wonderful day and a half meeting our relatives and friends. I feel so blessed to have had so many people come and meet our beauty...being surrounded by loved ones at times like this is a wonderful experience...and I would be SO bored sitting her alone!... so although we were busy here at the hospital, I wouldn't have had it any other way!!!

Anna is doing well, but is quite jaundice. We will chat with the doctor today about getting her back to normal, and since jaundice is quite normal I am not too concerned. Luckily she checks out well in all other aspects--including lung capacity (she has her mommy's voice level ;)

This mommy is ready to get back out into the world. I am not one for hanging out in one place for too long, so I look forward to getting out and doing just as soon as we leave the hospital. It looks like today might be a good one for getting out and enjoying some sun on a walk, which will only help that jaundice. I can't wait!

Right now Anna is hanging out in her sling (which appropriately has a firework design to celebrate the big day!) She LOVES it and it is the quietest she's been since last night...if only I had thought about using it earlier. It also frees up my hands, so I can quickly type this message. Win/win for both of us!

Thanks to everyone who sent well-wishes our way these past few days...it means so much to us to know that so many people were thinking of us. We feel very blessed, not only to have Anna in our lives, but to have all of you in our lives as well!!

Announcing: Anna Catherine Bellus Penz

2008-07-03T12:54:00.002-04:00

No time for blogging...
Anna Catherine Bellus Penz arrived last night 7-2-08 at 5:26. We were a little nervous during the birth (cord wrapped around neck and a low heart rate for a while) but in the end she finally got herself out and all is well (even scored a 9 on her Apgars!) She was 8lbs10oz and a little over 21 inches long. She has a TON of hair and is as beautiful as her big sister! More to come...

Don't Ask...

2008-06-30T08:39:00.003-04:00

If you do I might bite your head off (just ask my mom ;). Yes, the baby is still inside. No, I haven't really had any meaningful contractions...no more than usual...nothing worth timing. I must make one good incubator--first Alix won't come out and now Lou-lu. Here is an eviction notice to little Lou-lu...

Dear Baby Lou-lu,

I am issuing 2 day notice for EVICTION. You will have 2 days in which to gather your belongings and promptly vacate the premises. After which, you will be physically removed from the property.

You are being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made!

Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper AND lower levels of the home. On top of which, the landlord has received numerous complaints about nightly disturbances.

You are also exceeding your rental agreement and are thereby creating double occupancy in a single unit rental dwelling. This is not allowed.

After 2 days, if you do not comply with the notice, it will result in immediate and forceful removal at my discretion. Please gather your placenta and leave!!!

Sincerely,
Your landlord and mother

See you on July 2nd...with my baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

almost 40 week update

2008-06-27T13:56:00.002-04:00

I had my last appt. at the doctor today!! I got to hang out with my favorite nurse, Sue, and she let me know that I was almost 2cm dilated and about 50% effaced. She said she could feel little Lou-lu's head so it was down nice and low...no doubt about that as Lou-lu has been head-butting my cervix (and painfully so) for the past couple of days. We are all set for induction next Wednesday morning... unless Lou-lu decides to grace us with his/her presence sometime before then (I'm not holding my breath on that though since I haven't had many contractions at all.) I will eat some spicy chinese food tonight nonetheless...it can't hurt, right?! Other than that I think it's just chillin' at home as Steve, Alix and I enjoy our last weekend without a baby in the house. It's hard to imagine that in no more than 4 short days our lives will change forever...after 10 long months of waiting, it sure seems surreal to think that there will be an end, and a baby here in the house, so soon...YIKES!!

Crafty Girls...Ha!

2008-06-24T16:14:00.003-04:00

Here are the much awaited (I'm sure ;) glove animals that Alix and I made. We learned a thing or two along the way and no doubt if there were ever to be a "next time" (which there will not be) then they'd turn out much better ;) Oh well...they were made with love! Alix has named hers Finn and mine will lovingly be called Lou-lu, so when we call the baby an actual name the nickname will live on.

So today...

2008-06-24T14:17:00.002-04:00

Lou-lu is still inside...damn him/her! I think I'll really freak out if s/he comes before the Second of JUly. I just don't feel like anything is going on that would give me an inkling that labor is anywhere in my future...although I did bake Chocolate Chunk cookies yesterday--from scratch! That has to be some sort of nesting thing, right?! Alix actually laughed when she came home and I told her. She couldn't believe that I would do such a thing...hmmm, I guess I don't bake much ;)

Today to keep busy...Alix and I went to Lake Nokomis this morning. She rollerbladed (ummm...I don't know what's gotten into her either...usually I have to beg her to do anything active with me) and and Dino and I walked along. It is a gorgeous summer day here and we were all happy as could be just laying under a tree after the fun. We also finally got to our glove animals started (Alix ditched me for a friend yesterday). We have completed the bottom half...they are proving that we are definitely NOT crafty, but it is keeping us busy ;)

7 more days until induction (well, if you don't count today or the induction day...which of course I don't ;)

Celebrating One Glorious Year! (and Lou-lu update)

2008-06-23T09:49:00.004-04:00

Who knew that a year could fly by so fast and be so wonderful?! Steve and I celebrated our one year anniversary this past weekend!! We had a wonderful dinner outside under the trees at WA Frost and enjoyed one last evening to ourselves before our life gets even busier with the arrival of little Lou-lu. Honestly, this has been the best year of my life...and I owe it all to the wonderful new family Alix,Steve, Lou-lu and I have created together. I feel so truly blessed and I don't think any words I could write could accurately portray my emotions as I think back over the past year and look forward to the next one...two...three...hundred!! Thank you Steve for being my best friend, my partner, my lover, my confidant... my everything!

Lou-lu update: Not much to update...week 39 is upon us and I have made a list of things to do everyday to keep myself busy. Today I've walked 3 miles, am going to the grocery store, and Alix and I are making glove animals that we saw on Martha Stewart. I'll have to post our crafty results...should be quite a sight since Alix and I are not at all crafty!! Lou-lu shows no signs of wanting to come out early...and although it was nice of her/him to wait and let Steve and I celebrate our first anniversary together (and alone)...and I guess I'll live through 8 more days (at most)...it sure would be nice if s/he decided to surprise me and prove me wrong--if s/he has any Bellus in her/him then a challenge may be all it takes to get some action ;)

Apparently my baby wants to come out as...

2008-06-20T12:57:00.003-04:00

an adult! Almost 39week appointment today, and I got the dreaded, "no progress" from the doc (still 1cm). Can't say I'm surprised...why wouldn't Lou-lu want to hang out with me as long as possible ;) Anyway, it seems as if my uterus is pretty darned comfy b/c Alix was late and this one isn't looking to come out anytime soon. At least induction is scheduled so that there is still an end in sight. And so the waiting game continues...only 12 days left until the little one shows up, whether s/he's ready or not!

Misc. doodads

2008-06-16T13:23:00.004-04:00

Steve's parents were kind enough to get us a wonderful baby swing. I put it together and set it out in the living room...only to walk out the next morning and find Honey curled up inside it...so cute!!

A new paver patio is on the way at the end of the month, but you know how once you add a new couch you decide that the paint doesn't really go, or you need a new chair to match the new couch? Well, I decided that a new patio is no good if you have to sit and look at your neighbors house/landscaping (which leaves a little to be desired). So...Steve and my dad went to work at the privacy screen that will not only hopefully look great, but also give both the neighbor and us a little privacy. We will have to wait to finish some of the work until the pavers are in, but I have my posts and it is fun to at least see how big it will be and imagine how it will look in the end! Yeah for progress!!

Tick Tock

2008-06-13T22:26:00.004-04:00

Tick Tock...just shy of 38 week update...

Progress is progress, right?! I am now 1cm and the cervix has begun to soften up a bit more, not to mention the baby has dropped a bit lower. All good signs, since with Alix (who was 2weeks late) I never got any of that ;) I don't put too much stock in any of the internal info though, since people can walk around at 3cm for weeks and others go into labor with never having had any progress to speak of. Nonetheless, mentally, minimal progress is easier to hear than no progress. So, for now, I'll keep trying out each and every old wives tale and walk lots in hopes of getting little lou-lu to show up here a little earlier. I don't really have any other way to kill the time anyway. If Lou-lu doesn't arrive by the due date I will be induced on July 2nd. So, if nothing else there is a "for-sure" end in sight. I'm sure time will fly by between now and then...HA!

On a less happy note...I tested positive for Strep B. I know the majority of newborns are born healthy with the help of antibiotics (to me) during labor, but it is scarey to think about nonetheless (can result in meningitis, kidney problems, sepsis, etc in babies). My doctor told me not to wait too long before coming to the hospital so they can be sure to get at least one round of antibiotics in my system before lou-lu make his/her appearance (it takes 4 hours)...so I will now err on the side of caution when the time does arrive. Last time Alix came pretty fast once the contractions started and I don't want to take any chances!!

And so...time goes on...there is little excitement in our lives between now and baby's arrival, so I don't even have much to keep me busy. I guess I'll just take it easy and look forward to each morning I have to sleep in!

Booooooo!Yea!

2008-06-05T18:06:00.003-04:00

Boo! to "softening up a bit" and "baby's head is down pretty low" but no real progress dilation-wise. I guess I didn't expect there to be much progress at my 37 week appt...but still a girl can dream, right?! At least Steve can go on his man trip up north without worrying about being called to dad duty. And at least I can be glad that I have a lot to still do before baby arrives (sterilize bottles, wash stuff, buy necessities like wipes, pack a hospital bag, etc) and that I have plenty of time to do it. And at least I have work next Monday/Tuesday to keep me busy until my next appt...after that it's all sitting around with all day to dwell on the fact that I have nothing to keep me busy while I await baby's arrival. I do NOT look forward to that!

How your baby's growing:
Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Did I mention...another Yea for the last day of school with kids!! Life is goooooood! Now 3 more teacher days and true freedom is mine!