November News

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!

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

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

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...

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?

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

Anna shares her first story with you all...

Steve's first business trip

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

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...

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!!

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

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

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

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!!!!!