birhtday pics

alix's scrap blog

alix's scrap blog

Last Friday of the YEAR!!

Woohoo, tomorrow is my last Friday of work (with kids...still have to come next Friday, but work without kids is like...like...like...well, I can't think of the right anology, but it is G-O-O-D!!) Only 5 days left of school with kids...not that I'm counting down or anything :)

7 more days! 33 more days!!

Freedom will come to me in 7 more school days...they can not go by fast enough!!

33 days or so until baby Lou-lu arrives. My back hurts, I can't breathe, sleeping is a chore...ugh...I didn't have any of this with Alix. I guess that's what 11 years difference will do to a body...I am no spring chicken anymore :( If I can just hold on to get my classroom cleaned up and everything stored away then I look forward to having the rest of the time to lay wallowing in my self-misery ;) I so wish I felt at least good enough to go for a walk with the dog, or down to the coffee store. I feel like such a slug. Enough whining...oh, who I am kidding. There is more to come...

Happy Birthday to Alix!

My li'l munchkin turned 11 today!!! We had celebrated Alix's big day with family and friends last week, so most of the fun had already taken place...but we did manage a little "celebrating" today as we enjoyed a quiet day with a nice dinner (spaghetti with Auntie Amy) and a waffle cone from Izzy's for dessert...YUMMY!! I can't believe she has grown so big so fast...she makes me proud each and every day with the young lady she is becoming (and each and every day we work on that "becoming" part...we'll get there though ;) She is a wonderful student, an avid reader, a prolific writer, a caring friend, a creative mind, a fashion diva, and so much more!! She has had to deal with a lot of things in her young 11 years and I admire her for how she has handled it all--it can't be easy for a girl that age to have her life change so many times and in so many ways. I know there are more changes on her horizon and I know she will deal with them well...I can't wait to see her as a big sister (I know she'll be great!) My dream for her is that she will openly share with others her beautiful smile, her amazing sense of humor, and her wonderful gifts, so everyone can enjoy the special girl she is.

Alix's bedding before her birthday present from Mom and Steve

Alix's bedding after


During Alix's sleepover party we went on a "scavenger hunt" at the mall. The kids were given a list of fun things to find/do while at the mall and for each they accomplished they earned points. This is the girls at Sephora with their eyeshadow on (can you see it? ;) getting ready to walk like they're on a runway.

Here are the girls in line at Caribou...ready to ask for a glass of "diet-water". The girl at the counter politely said, we don't carry that and smiled as the girls ran away.


Friends at the sleepover...they had such a good time playing games, watching movies, making pizza and crafts, not to mention dancing and shooting "commercials" with the video camera.


Alix blowing out her candles

18 days...18 days...18 days...

18 days...18 days...18 days...18 days...18 days...18 days...18 days...18 days...This is what I keep repeating to myself as I struggle through one more day of kids...only 18 days left and it will be summer!!! 18 days...18 days...18 days...18 days...18 days...I CAN NOT wait. I have been super wiped out lately...energy is gone...and I am ready for a little less energy to be spent on solving 10 year olds' problems and more trying to get ready for Lou-lu's arrival!

A bored Dino is an organized Dino.

Alix and I were upstairs cleaning and came down to quite a sight. Dino had taken about 12 socks (his favorite play toy) and had spread them out... evenly, in a straight line, leading from the dining room into the kitchen and ending with his second favorite toy...his frisbee. It was quite amazing really. He is such a talented doggie ;)

Dino-boy's sock trail!

My Handsome Sweetie Rocks!

Steve ran his first 1/2 marathon today (Sunday May,4) around Lake Minnetonka. I wish I could've seen more of his effort, but it's so hard when he zips right by...and when I am too directionally challenged to get anywhere beside the start and finish lines. Dino and I saw him off though, and were there to greet him to the finish line about 1:53 later. He did so AWESOME!!! Honestly I'm a little jealous b/c I think my one and only 1/2 marathon attempt (at Grandma's a few years ago) was slower than his *pout*. To think...a couple of years ago he couldn't keep up on 3 mile runs, and now he's outrunning me. Oh well, luckily there are SO MANY other things I am still better at than him ;) Truly though, I am SO proud of him and his accomplishment!! Yea Steve!!

Shower--It's raining books!!!!!!!!!!

My wonderful teammates at school were kind enough to take their time and energy to throw me a beautiful and amazing baby shower. They opened their home and hearts to me after knowing me for just this short amount of time and it was very special! Being a teacher, they decided to shower me with books and now my book shelf is overflowing with wonderful stories. I can not wait to have my little one in my arms and sit with him/her and share these wonderful books as we snuggle together! I was thrilled by the variety of fun new books and good ol' standbys along with the generous other gifts that came along with them all--check out those precious spit rags that my friend Bridget made...and then there's the cute tote that Meegan made to match my room...damn, I need to learn to be crafty ;) I had a wonderful afternoon. It's been wonderful the way that the folks at Pullman have welcomed me into their school with open arms. I am thrilled that I am able to be back for at least one more year!

Love those beautiful flowers left over from the shower...sure look good in the baby's room!



books, books and more books!

cutest burp clothes ever...too cute for spit!

And this adorable tote...with these cute sayings...too cute!!

Deadliest Catch

Ah, the season begins (and I don't just mean Steve's favorite show on the Discovery channel about crab catching on the Bering Sea, although, that season has also begun...unfortunately for me ;) Last night the dog had to go out about 4:00 and would not come back in...he's stubborn that way sometime. No worries, Steve thought, I'll just leave him out there and "teach him a lesson" Yes, because dogs do not like to be outside when no humans are watching ;) Well, When I get up for work this morning I go out to get our doggie friend...and he is not there! Panic ensues, b/c Dino has gotten out before and the outcome was not pretty. I check the gate, and it is indeed open (I wonder who left the gate by the hose open??? Hmmmm...I won't mention any names, but a wonderful man I live with did mention trying to water the grass a bit before work yesterday ;) This led to a mad search in my PJs and after a few calls down the street to our friend Dino he trotted back down the street in the morning dawn with something in his mouth. It looked like a rag and I almost went to grab it...then I decided to just get him inside the gate instead. Good thing I did, because our doggie Dino has been taking lessons from our other furry friend, Honey-cat, and came home with a nicely chewed up Bunny in his clenches. Finally, I lured Dino away with a rawhide and got him inside safely...whew! I left the chewed up bunnny in the backyard for Steve to clean up. I'm pretty sure I remember my doctor mentioning some rule against touching dead bunnies when you're pregnant ;) Great...now we have 2 bunny killers in the house...just what I needed!

78 days...38 days...and the countdowns begin!

77 days until Lou-lu is "expected" to arrive...let's hope this one makes an apppearance earlier than his/her sister did (15 days late...ugh!) It's nice to see my weekends packed full of activities, and I hope that will make the time fly by...it seemed to be creeping all winter.

38 school days left until Summer Vacation!! Woohoooooooo!! (that's 8 weeks...8 weeks...that sounds SO short...YEA!) And there is more good news-- I will be back at the same grade level and school next year!! I was thinking I'd have to bid into another position (my job was a one year temporary position), but for one time in my life HR was my friend and it looks like my principal will be able to realign me back into my position for another one year temporary stint. I would've loved a full time position, but with a baby on the way I'll take what I can get. Sure beats having to pack up and haul my stuff to a new building and perhaps work with a new grade/staff next year! This will be the first time in about 5 years that I have been in the same school/grade for 2 years in a row!!

I should also mention it is only 39 days until my sweet little munchkin turns 11 years old! I can not believe that she is so big...where does the time go?! Next thing I know she'll be driving Lou-lu to kindergarten...yes, I did say "driving"! Oh my!!

Prepartum blues (It's my blog...I can whine if I want to ;)

For some reason I have been a bit depressed lately...or maybe I'm just tired...that is, tired of this big belly! I know...some people would love to be pregnant...and others just love being pregnant, but I can't help thinking that right now I would give just about anything to feel "normal" again. I'm tired of looking in the mirror, or catching a quick glance at my reflection, and seeing this HUGE lady walk by and wondering, "who is that?!" I'm tired of other people asking me, "when are you due?!" in that way that you know means, "how could you possibly be that big and still have 2 1/2 mos. to go?!" I'm tired of looking at cute "little" pregnant ladies and wishing I could be one of them, looking so put together with that glow I hear so much about...I'm tired of not having any clothes that fit or flatter my new figure. I'm tired...just plain tired...and I know there is more 2.5 more months of growing belly...awkward comments...sideways glances of shock...ugly outfits...to come.

What I wouldn't give for summer to come now, so I could be done working and just hole up in my nice little house and not have go out into this big bad ugly world full of people who probably mean well...but just make me feel, "ugh!" about being pregnant?!?!?! To top if off, I think exercising/eating right is just making me feel worse. I have been finding more time to walk, am doing prenatal yoga, have been making good food choices...and although these are all good things, I just know that it won't stop the inevitable...

Did I mention that the coffee shop down the street had my favorite coffee listed on the board this morning, but then after she served it to me said, "It's really Highlander Grogg (the ickiest thing they serve), I just forgot to change the board." If that isn't proof that I need some positive vibes in my life, what is? ;)

The Endings of a Nursery

My wonderful mommy came over today to help create the crib skirt and window valances. She worked hard and did a TERRIFIC job! That, plus the addition of some of the accessories--shelves and pictures--have brought us to the end of the nursery decorating. I'm sure we'll add a few odds and ends here and there, but for now it is DONE...and I LOVE it. I think it's the perfect little (and I do mean little--8x10), gender neutral, colorful spot for baby Lou-lu!!

Just a little side not: Alix and I have a little competition going...the battle of the lion. She moves the little yellow lion to where she likes it, then when she's not looking I move it back to where it really belongs...it's gone on for about 3 days now...and the lion has moved at least 25 times. I am determined to win though, so we'll see who wears down first ;)

Beginnings of a Nursery

We have the beginnings of Lou-lu's nursery!! Alix and I painted the wall a light bluish (slight aqua-y) color and now we've started to add accents of lime green and orange (in the shelves, knobs, throws, etc.) We haven't put anything much up yet, but our plan is to get to that next week during Spring Break. The fabric you see on the dresser will hopefully (with the help of Gammy...she's the best ;) become the crib skirt, and we have some matching curtains...or will they be valances??? Maybe when we meet the little one and know if Lou-lu is a she, or he, so we can add some more gender specific colors--both pink and darker blue are in the fabrics/pictures. But for now, hopefully it's a fairly gender neutral kind of space...yet fun and colorful!

One of my most favorite parts so far is the knobs we painted and put on Alix's 11 year-old dresser. The dresser looked pretty dingy before...it's been through a lot...but it's truly amazing how a little color can bring life back into something. Another favorite...our recliner/rocker...doesn't it look comfy?! Since the room is teeny-tiny (8x10) my parents were kind enough to buy baby lou-lu a great rocker/recliner which will save us having to have an glider and ottoman, not to mention looks like real furniture so we can use it after the baby's room! As for the rest...can you say, "Ikea"? Yes, this room is mostly courtesy of Ikea...so bright and fun...I love that place!

It's off to a good start...if I do say so myself ;) Look for pictures of the final space next week!

25 week belly...sooooooo big.

Ugh, it just keeps getting bigger!!! I have 15w to go...I may burst before I get there :( I went to Dr. appt last week and found out that I'm measuring 1 week ahead, so here's hoping by next appt. it's 2 weeks and I can end this whole thing a little early ;) In a couple of weeks we go back for another ultra sound and the whole gestational diabetes screening...fun, fun!!

Blue is unisex, right?!

Steve went out of town, so Alix and I decided to get crazy and do some nursery painting. Our nursery will be far from traditional with lots of bright colors. Our walls are getting painted a light aquaish-blue (which Alix thinks is too boy-y...although when asked what color she would like her room painted next, her answer is, "blue" ;) And there will be lime green and orange paint accents... with lots of other colors in the bedding. Anyway,that's the long version of me saying... the painting has begun!! One wall done and 3 to go (a big fat pregnant lady and a 10 year old can only move so fast you know.) Here are the first pix of baby Lou-lu's soon to be new digs.


Alix on roller duty

You can't read it in the picture, but Alix painted, "by your big sis Alix" on the wall.


Danger--middle heavy lady on a ladder trying to paint up high...watch out below!!

"Soul Fluffer"

At my dad's retirement the other night, we ran into an old family friend whose daughter I had gone to HS with. She was the kind of girl that should've been born in the 60's...she was extremely popular...a friend to everyone...an intellectual...sporty...a real role model when it came to being your own self...a great friend...an INDIVIDUAL (which is sometimes hard to find in HS.) Anyway, her dad said that she was living in Sedona. I asked what she was doing there and he replied, "she's a SOUL FLUFFER". I chuckled. He said for a "small fee"...which didn't sound so small, she would do things like go out to the red rocks and do a private meditation for you...you know, fluff your soul when it seemed that it was a little deflated. Well, first off I thought...I love that term...i need to find a way to work that into my life! Secondly, I thought, "That is not something I would be good at." I wish I was always the sunny side up kind of gal, but most of the time I'd probaby be better at soul stomping than soul fluffing. Still it seemed like the kind of job my friend would be awesome at...and once again I was amazed at what an individual she has remained throughout the years. I guess I was jealous...a bit. My life sometimes seem so "normal", so "run of the mill", and although I am extremely happy at this moment, I do often wonder why it is so easy for some to find, and live, their individuality...while for me it seems like such an ongoing struggle. Well, I guess as long as it remains a struggle and I do not give up creating who I am that all is not lost.

Retirement!!

I wish I was talking about my own, but no such luck. This week my dad retires...it was a long time coming and he is finally taking the plunge to stay home full time with my mom. Watch out world! He deserves it though, so I am glad the day has finally come when he can play golf full time without resorting to calling it a "business meeting."

Seriously though, I admire my pops for numerous reasons...one of which is the great work ethic and ambition he has (and has tried to instill in me.) A man from truly humble beginnings, he was the first person in his family to go to college...and then to graduate school! But he didn't stop there... he went on to become a city planner and hold senior level positions in local government. I still have found memories of taking the bus downtown St. Paul for lunch with Dad and being in awe of City Hall and captivated by the gentle kind nature of Mayor Latimer when he popped in to say hi as I visited my dad's office. When I was little it seemed like such an important place to be, such important people to be surrounded by, and such an important job to hold...and it was. For these were the jobs that built connections as well as an ambition for even great accomplishments. In the end he ended up working at Piper Jaffrey where he was managing director in the public finance group. For 10 years he has specialized in special tax and revenue supported financings for governmental units, special purpose developments and nonprofit organizations (can you tell I stole that from their website--I have no idea what that actually means ;) And through it all...his probably greatest accomplishment was never losing sight of his family. For despite his busy schedule and many obligations, I can't recall him ever missing one of my sporting events, or not being there for a family function. It is from Piper Jaffrey that he will retire this week. They are losing a dedicated worker, a role model, and a great man!! Lucky for me I am not losing anything...quite the opposite. If anything I am gaining more time with a great man--my dad!

OK, enough (and no, I am not just sucking up b/c I will need a sitter very soon ;) I truly admire my dad's accomplishments. But more importantly I truly admire the man he is today...and always has been. I wish him the best on this new adventure called retirement and know he will tackle it with the same vigor he did his numerous jobs the past 40 years.

Congrats Dad!!

OK...this is the only picture I have of my dad on my work computer. He looks pretty good, but if you could just imagine I'm not there I would greatly appreciate it!

24w down...and counting

I have been pregnant for longer than winter has been around...and that seems like forever! To top it off...my stomach is huge, my feet hurt when I wear my heeled boots all day (and they aren't even tall heels), apparently I breathe heavy and am ginormous (info that I learned thanks to my big sis Amy)...and I have 16 weeks left to go. I guess I'll just keep in mind that very soon good things are on the way... it's suppose to be in the 40's next week, spring break is coming soon, summer vacation is right around the corner, and to top it off in 16weeks I'll have a precious little one in my arms.


What is happening to baby Lou-lu:
Fetal development in pregnancy week 24:fetus in sixth month This is another big week for your magical growing baby! Just take a look at the checklist for this week: 1) ears: done; 2) fingernails: done; 3) (if you have a boy) testicles: taking their 3-4 day trip from the abdominal wall to the scrotum; and 4) lungs walls: secreting “surfactant”. What’s that? Well, surfactant is sort of what it sounds like: a surface-activated fat whose main purpose is to assist the your baby's little lungs during inflation (as in, filling with air, not getting more expensive). Just in case you’re curious, your submerged baby is still breathing in amniotic fluid, preparing and rehearsing the lungs an oxygen-filled life outside the womb. By the end of this week, your child will be weighing around 2 lbs and 14 inches long. Your cutie-patootie may even be a little more plump, but isn't anywhere near their full baby-fatted cute-self. Most of the “filling out” is coming up in that long awaited (and slightly dreaded?) third trimester. Woo-hoo! Get ready!