September 27th. Wow. Already? How did that happen? It's been a great month. So great I can't even remember it. Between the start of confirmation, a Jr. High retreat to bible camp, and two hayrides in a row, it's been busy. I can't keep up!
The kiddo's are keeping busy. We've been going for walks often and spending a lot of time with family. This time of year always makes me savor family time. Many evenings a week we head over to Jeff's parents and spend a little time there. We've also been over at my mom and dad's often. My grandparents were just in town last week, and we enjoyed a few evenings there as well.
Today, we were barely at home. Jeff and I desperately needed a new bed. BAD! Ours is at least 10 years old (we got it second hand when we got married) and we've been waking up with sore backs and limbs for a bit too long...that makes us sound old, but really, we didn't pick the bed out! So, we spent most of the day shopping for a bed and it'll be delivered this week. We also took the kids to the farmers market and they each picked out a pumpkin and helped us pick out some other fall decorations.
This week is going to be a little on the slow side, I think. I am really hoping to spend some time at home. I think I'll keep the kids here for some of the day on my days off! And, I am taking Thursday, Friday and Saturday OFF - OFF - OFF. I've been working 45 + weeks most of the time lately, so I think I've earned it. I just have to get my head wrapped around this ministry stuff. The people at the church keep telling me to take comp days, but I just am struggling with it seeming like I'm not working. Clearly, I'm having a hard time adjusting to the salary thing. With teaching, I had to be there M - F 7:30 - 4:30. 'Nuff said, right? This position has such strange and sporadic hours, but I still feel like I need to be there every day during the week. I think I just have to get over my fear of looking lazy...it'll come!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday and Sunday
With working so much, we are making a conscious effort to make the weekends count. I think we succeeded yesterday! We had a wonderful day as a family. Of course that means that the house is a disaster, but Jeff assures me that my standards are too high and as a result a disaster to me is immaculate to most people...okay, whatever!
So, what did we do - well, really, my idea of a great Saturday! We got up early, went out to breakfast as a family - which went surprisingly well despite horrible service. The kids did fantastic while we waited 50 minutes for food (no joke!). We are REALLY not the type to complain, but it was not easy for two little boys and a baby to wait that long! After that, we took the kids to Toys R Us for a "Day with Thomas" event, where they read stories. We bought each of the kids a little treat and purchased the movie "Cars" for the boys. This is the 3rd copy we've owned - hopefully we'll be able to keep this one from little hands :)
After Toys R Us, Lucas got to spend some time with Grandpa Lyle and they practiced riding his new bike while Jeff, Alex, Lisa and I did some errands and visited a few homes on the parade of homes. That was a lot of fun. We saw some nice homes, but for the price - yeah, we'll stay put for at least a bunch more years. It's fun to dream though!
In the evening, Jeff and I took the boys to a hockey game. The Fargo Force is the new team here -it's a USHL team. Alex was in heaven, Lucas was a little unsure. He didn't like the checking and loud noise of the puck, but it was fun to be there as a family! Lis got to spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa, but we look forward to taking her with in the future.
Today we cleaned out the storage room...icky. One of those jobs you keep putting off but needs to get done. YUCK. So much cat hair and junk everywhere. Of course this makes it sound like I live in a pigsty, but that's where the cat resides and we had gotten into a really bad habit of just tossing stuff in there when we are done with it. So now, it's clean, vaccumed, dusted and I can access the fall decorations... I hope I actually get to those tomorrow. My favorite time of year and I haven't gotten the pumpkins out yet.
Looks like scrapbooks will have to wait another week, but it wasn't for lack of trying. I had to wait 3 hours for the backups (see previous posts) to load on to the new computer - might as well clean!
Happy Monday!
So, what did we do - well, really, my idea of a great Saturday! We got up early, went out to breakfast as a family - which went surprisingly well despite horrible service. The kids did fantastic while we waited 50 minutes for food (no joke!). We are REALLY not the type to complain, but it was not easy for two little boys and a baby to wait that long! After that, we took the kids to Toys R Us for a "Day with Thomas" event, where they read stories. We bought each of the kids a little treat and purchased the movie "Cars" for the boys. This is the 3rd copy we've owned - hopefully we'll be able to keep this one from little hands :)
After Toys R Us, Lucas got to spend some time with Grandpa Lyle and they practiced riding his new bike while Jeff, Alex, Lisa and I did some errands and visited a few homes on the parade of homes. That was a lot of fun. We saw some nice homes, but for the price - yeah, we'll stay put for at least a bunch more years. It's fun to dream though!
In the evening, Jeff and I took the boys to a hockey game. The Fargo Force is the new team here -it's a USHL team. Alex was in heaven, Lucas was a little unsure. He didn't like the checking and loud noise of the puck, but it was fun to be there as a family! Lis got to spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa, but we look forward to taking her with in the future.
Today we cleaned out the storage room...icky. One of those jobs you keep putting off but needs to get done. YUCK. So much cat hair and junk everywhere. Of course this makes it sound like I live in a pigsty, but that's where the cat resides and we had gotten into a really bad habit of just tossing stuff in there when we are done with it. So now, it's clean, vaccumed, dusted and I can access the fall decorations... I hope I actually get to those tomorrow. My favorite time of year and I haven't gotten the pumpkins out yet.
Looks like scrapbooks will have to wait another week, but it wasn't for lack of trying. I had to wait 3 hours for the backups (see previous posts) to load on to the new computer - might as well clean!
Happy Monday!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Into the Fall...
Well, Labor Day came and went. Rally Sunday has come and gone. It's now September 9th and I am wondering where September has gone. I am trying to enjoy it but with a 70 + work week last week, it's a little tough. So, we'll back up and start where we left off.
On August 27th I posted that Lisa had her 9 month pictures taken. I took it easy that week, as best as I could. It was one of those weeks where I ran so much, I felt like I was working a lot, but I got a ton done - lots of important personal stuff - like hair cuts, dentist appointments, cavities filled, a trip to the orthodontist, and I squeezed in a pedicure. Yeah - fun! It's good that I did, because I won't have any chance in the next few months.
Sunday the 31st we went down to Mpls for the weekend. We had a great time getting together with all of Jeff's extended family. We had a good day and then took the kids to a hotel water park. They had so much fun. The boys played, and played in the water. It was so cute. We got home Monday and enjoyed semi-quiet before craziness began.
I always have known that the church year starts in September, but now actually being employed by a church is making me realize how totally insane it is. My goodness! The work right now is actually overwhelming. I am totally swamped and it feels good - though I am trying to enjoy the time I have with the kids. I think we've been doing a pretty good job. Lucas started preschool.
I stayed home on Friday to take him to his first day. I also have Monday's off so we had fun, the three kids and I. Even on days I work, we read lots of stories, play outside, go on walks, and have supper as a family. Despite feeling so busy on the job, I love the fall, because at night, we hunker down. The kiddo's get footie jammies, we hang out in the basement as a family and start eating soup again. It's the little things!
I know that everyone is busy this time of year. I just have to remember to keep a balance. The only thing that I wish I had time to do that I don't (or haven't so far!) is getting anything done at home...no fall decorations out yet or scrapping, but hopefully this weekend will allow for that. And, I really, really hope my mom and I can go to the parade of homes this weekend. It's kind of a tradition!
So - happy fall to you, dear friends and family. As we head into this busy and nutso time of year, remember to savor the falling leaves, the colors of harvest, the comforting smell of autumn, and the oddly reminicent sound of a football game on in the background...I still love fall! Don't go to fast, September - November!
Oh - and as a side note...ALL 7000 + pictures are now backed up. Whew~
On August 27th I posted that Lisa had her 9 month pictures taken. I took it easy that week, as best as I could. It was one of those weeks where I ran so much, I felt like I was working a lot, but I got a ton done - lots of important personal stuff - like hair cuts, dentist appointments, cavities filled, a trip to the orthodontist, and I squeezed in a pedicure. Yeah - fun! It's good that I did, because I won't have any chance in the next few months.
Sunday the 31st we went down to Mpls for the weekend. We had a great time getting together with all of Jeff's extended family. We had a good day and then took the kids to a hotel water park. They had so much fun. The boys played, and played in the water. It was so cute. We got home Monday and enjoyed semi-quiet before craziness began.
I always have known that the church year starts in September, but now actually being employed by a church is making me realize how totally insane it is. My goodness! The work right now is actually overwhelming. I am totally swamped and it feels good - though I am trying to enjoy the time I have with the kids. I think we've been doing a pretty good job. Lucas started preschool.
I stayed home on Friday to take him to his first day. I also have Monday's off so we had fun, the three kids and I. Even on days I work, we read lots of stories, play outside, go on walks, and have supper as a family. Despite feeling so busy on the job, I love the fall, because at night, we hunker down. The kiddo's get footie jammies, we hang out in the basement as a family and start eating soup again. It's the little things!
I know that everyone is busy this time of year. I just have to remember to keep a balance. The only thing that I wish I had time to do that I don't (or haven't so far!) is getting anything done at home...no fall decorations out yet or scrapping, but hopefully this weekend will allow for that. And, I really, really hope my mom and I can go to the parade of homes this weekend. It's kind of a tradition!
So - happy fall to you, dear friends and family. As we head into this busy and nutso time of year, remember to savor the falling leaves, the colors of harvest, the comforting smell of autumn, and the oddly reminicent sound of a football game on in the background...I still love fall! Don't go to fast, September - November!
Oh - and as a side note...ALL 7000 + pictures are now backed up. Whew~
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
New Pictures
Lisa had her 9 month pictures taken yesterday! They turned out so well...
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpage.aspx?e=4050845
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpage.aspx?e=4050845
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Backed Up!
Well, I talked to the guys at the computer place today, and the back up worked. Whew...we still have pictures of the kids and our masters theses. We'll call that luck.
We've had a good couple of days. Busy - as always. My dad retires Friday after 29 years working at the same place, so we celebrated yesterday. His coworkers threw him quite the party. There were a lot of people there, both former and current employees, and quite a few of mom and dad's friends. Jeff and I had the kids there for most of the party, both of my brothers made it and dad enjoyed showing them - and maybe Ross, Steve and I - off.
It's strange to think that when my dad started this job, I wasn't even born yet! People just don't stick with one job these days. I think the last stats I read showed that the average person works/does 8 different careers in their life! Our generation jumps around and changes jobs so fast. Jeff has worked at 2 banks already in 6 years. I've done more than a few different things since graduating college. I taught, I worked as an interior designer, went back to cooking for a (very) short while and am now at the church. So really, to think of 29 years is really unreal for our generation.
I am proud of my dad. He's worked REALLY hard all these years. He stayed at the same place because it was best for his family. He pulled some pretty strange hours sometimes and was basically on call for as long as I can remember. But its really cool to see all that he accomplished. His building is gorgeous. He oversaw many, many, many remodels, moves, building changes and additions. Being at BCBSND yesterday, and observing how awesome the place looks, I felt really proud. Even more, though - was the number of people who came to wish him well. I feel pretty confident saying that he's earned and maintained a lot of respect of the years. I'm proud of him...
Now - I wonder what he'll do next :)
We've had a good couple of days. Busy - as always. My dad retires Friday after 29 years working at the same place, so we celebrated yesterday. His coworkers threw him quite the party. There were a lot of people there, both former and current employees, and quite a few of mom and dad's friends. Jeff and I had the kids there for most of the party, both of my brothers made it and dad enjoyed showing them - and maybe Ross, Steve and I - off.
It's strange to think that when my dad started this job, I wasn't even born yet! People just don't stick with one job these days. I think the last stats I read showed that the average person works/does 8 different careers in their life! Our generation jumps around and changes jobs so fast. Jeff has worked at 2 banks already in 6 years. I've done more than a few different things since graduating college. I taught, I worked as an interior designer, went back to cooking for a (very) short while and am now at the church. So really, to think of 29 years is really unreal for our generation.
I am proud of my dad. He's worked REALLY hard all these years. He stayed at the same place because it was best for his family. He pulled some pretty strange hours sometimes and was basically on call for as long as I can remember. But its really cool to see all that he accomplished. His building is gorgeous. He oversaw many, many, many remodels, moves, building changes and additions. Being at BCBSND yesterday, and observing how awesome the place looks, I felt really proud. Even more, though - was the number of people who came to wish him well. I feel pretty confident saying that he's earned and maintained a lot of respect of the years. I'm proud of him...
Now - I wonder what he'll do next :)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Back-Up Plan
Bad luck on Wednesday leads to a long weekend. Every road to where I live is under construction. Last Wednesday, the workers hit the electrical lines (or something like that) and we lost power. The subsequent power outage fried our computer. We were unable to get a picture. I took it into Best Buy to the Geek Squad and was told that they could fix the power supply, but that it may not actually fix the whole problem. So, instead of spending over $200 on that, I opted for the $90 plan to save my entire Hard drive on a disk and we'll just transfer it all to the lap top we got a month ago.
Why a long weekend you may wonder. Answer: 7000+ pictures of our children over the past three years and NONE of them from the past 2 were backed up to a disk. Which means... if they can not back up the Hard Drive, we have no pictures of Lisa and very, very few of Alex. The guy told me that he was very confident that they'd be able to recover all the pics, but still - I am a wreck and just kicking myself. I had told myself THAT DAY that I need to get on the computer and back everything up to a disk. When I got home, too late. Pray that they will be successful. I am so worried about this.
AND - a reminder to all...back up your pictures and docs. It's not just the pictures - it was also all of our resumes, and our Masters work...including my 1/2 finished thesis. Also - did you know that one power surge can ruin your surge protector and if so, your computer is not covered? So, if you ever come home to a power outage, you should change your surge protector strip (according to the guy).
Let's all hope that our situation falls into that 84% success rate the Geek Squad has and NOT the 16% failure rate.
Grrrrr....
Why a long weekend you may wonder. Answer: 7000+ pictures of our children over the past three years and NONE of them from the past 2 were backed up to a disk. Which means... if they can not back up the Hard Drive, we have no pictures of Lisa and very, very few of Alex. The guy told me that he was very confident that they'd be able to recover all the pics, but still - I am a wreck and just kicking myself. I had told myself THAT DAY that I need to get on the computer and back everything up to a disk. When I got home, too late. Pray that they will be successful. I am so worried about this.
AND - a reminder to all...back up your pictures and docs. It's not just the pictures - it was also all of our resumes, and our Masters work...including my 1/2 finished thesis. Also - did you know that one power surge can ruin your surge protector and if so, your computer is not covered? So, if you ever come home to a power outage, you should change your surge protector strip (according to the guy).
Let's all hope that our situation falls into that 84% success rate the Geek Squad has and NOT the 16% failure rate.
Grrrrr....
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Proof that I am officially domesticated.
Last weekend, we put in a new door. Our patio doors on the North Side of the house leaked a lot, to the tune of about $100 more per month in heating costs. Summer 2007 we purchased two French doors, but of course, life happened and they never got installed. So - on my comp days (264 hours straight of work earns one a few days off, I guess) we decided to get one of the doors in. It was a long process, this being a 35 year old house. Nothing is really plumb, level, or square. Previous owners do things that make you scratch your head and go "what the ____ were they thinking." Doors have to be removed in teeny, tiny pieces.
But, the process was awesome. Jeff and I usually have a lot of help from dads when we tackle these projects, but we started this one on our own, and my brother came out to help - so we really feel good about ourselves - it's a feeling of accomplishment, the "I did that" thing.
Checking for level (above)
Teeny, tiny pieces (below)
What the _____ were they thinking. In this case, the old door was about 6 inches narrower than the opening and to cover the problem, they'd drywalled over the opening, which left us with a too narrow door as well... (above)
Finishing touches (below)
Today, Jeff and his dad finished trimming out the door and I'll stain tomorrow. It looks really nice, I'm pumped. Now, we just have to do the other door!
Of course, nothing ever goes as you plan. The same day we were working on the doors and feeling really good about that...the stove died. DIED! That's about $2000 we weren't counting on at all. But thanks to awesome credit scores and a good No Interest for 2 years deal at Sears, we were able to purchase new appliances. The stove is here, and I will say I'm actually pumped about this. I'd been looking forward to new appliances (read back to my MAY 07 posts from when we repainted the kitchen) and they kind of do complete the make over - but it still sucks to have to charge stuff. Anyway, here's the stove. My "freezer on the bottom" fridge should arrive next week...
Today, we spent outside cleaning the van and garage...LONG project. I have decided to no longer allow food/beverages in my vehicle. What a mess. Four hours I cleaned it, but other than stained carpet, it looks and smells new! And that feeling of cleaning is so good - rejuvenating. Jeff worked hard in the garage, and it's organized again - at least for the next few weeks!
And the very, very, very best part of the past week + for us --- Lucas' birthday party. He turned 4 while I was in Mexico (Aug. 3) and we celebrated with a party last Saturday - here's the birthday boy, one of the five of us and because it's my blog - one of he and I too :)
But, the process was awesome. Jeff and I usually have a lot of help from dads when we tackle these projects, but we started this one on our own, and my brother came out to help - so we really feel good about ourselves - it's a feeling of accomplishment, the "I did that" thing.
Checking for level (above)
Teeny, tiny pieces (below)
What the _____ were they thinking. In this case, the old door was about 6 inches narrower than the opening and to cover the problem, they'd drywalled over the opening, which left us with a too narrow door as well... (above)
Finishing touches (below)
Today, Jeff and his dad finished trimming out the door and I'll stain tomorrow. It looks really nice, I'm pumped. Now, we just have to do the other door!
Of course, nothing ever goes as you plan. The same day we were working on the doors and feeling really good about that...the stove died. DIED! That's about $2000 we weren't counting on at all. But thanks to awesome credit scores and a good No Interest for 2 years deal at Sears, we were able to purchase new appliances. The stove is here, and I will say I'm actually pumped about this. I'd been looking forward to new appliances (read back to my MAY 07 posts from when we repainted the kitchen) and they kind of do complete the make over - but it still sucks to have to charge stuff. Anyway, here's the stove. My "freezer on the bottom" fridge should arrive next week...
Today, we spent outside cleaning the van and garage...LONG project. I have decided to no longer allow food/beverages in my vehicle. What a mess. Four hours I cleaned it, but other than stained carpet, it looks and smells new! And that feeling of cleaning is so good - rejuvenating. Jeff worked hard in the garage, and it's organized again - at least for the next few weeks!
And the very, very, very best part of the past week + for us --- Lucas' birthday party. He turned 4 while I was in Mexico (Aug. 3) and we celebrated with a party last Saturday - here's the birthday boy, one of the five of us and because it's my blog - one of he and I too :)
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