Soccer mom Minnesota

February....already???

2012-02-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is already February. It has been a strange winter. And we are getting emails about soccer signups already. Plus, Kaitlyn decided she wants to try to play again this fall. Yea!
Nothing too exciting to report. Got a cold from Ava. Enjoying (my favorite) coke from McDonalds. Super tired because I couldn't sleep last night. Even after the Nyquil. Yuck.

Tomorrow

2011-09-23T12:41:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is another soccer day. The day that Ava brings the snack. Because, by now, we have determined that the best day for the kids her age is snack day when they get to pass out the treat for everyone! She did so awesome last week. Scored two goals and was so excited. I will be watching Emma play tomorrow and Travis will be with Ava. Hopefully we won't need blankets and sweatshirts and jackets but it has been awfully cool so far this year. I can't wait.

What month is it?

2011-09-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ava scored 2 goals on Saturday!!! When she gets going with that ball, she is amazing. She spends her time worrying about getting a break so she can play her sisters ipod but when she is on the field, watch out! Emma is still trying to find her place on this team but seems to be doing okay. They had pictures on Saturday and it was absolute chaos. But they look so cute. I still haven't seen one of Kaitlyn's volleyball games yet but will hopefully catch some this week. Other than that, not much else to say except that it was C O L D this weekend. I would like to see it warm up a little bit. Fall soccer last year was beautiful. I am not looking forward to a cold and rainy season.

Summer ends

2011-08-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am getting anxious for the end of summer. My kids going back to school and this year my baby girl starts Kindergarten. September 6 will be a rough day. Isn't it funny how fast it goes. My oldest is in her last year of middle school and even though Ava has been in the schools for 2 years with preschool and daycare, she is a big kindergartner this year. Mom will cry because I am a crier but I am looking forward to an exciting year for all 3 girls. Emma can't wait for school. She is my little learner.
Along with a new school year comes new adventures as well. Fall soccer is right around the corner as well along with a new sport for Kaitlyn. She is going to play volleyball instead of soccer. That is something different for us as it has ALWAYS been soccer but she wants to try something different. Everyone says she is so tall and she will be good at it. I hope she doesn't have my grace and poise or else she may just be falling all over the volleyball court. I am definitely a klutz. We will see how it goes!
Emma starts a softball hitting clinic in October right after soccer ends so I am thinking we will have a spring and summer spent at softball fields. She will have fun. Ava just wants to play soccer again. Mom, did you sign me up. Mom, when does soccer start.
Well, that is my update for now. School starting, sports starting, time to get in the Renaissance Festival and hopefully the state fair but only time will tell. More again soon I hope!

Not quite yet.....

2011-05-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess it was too cold and the fields were too wet last night for soccer to start. So, I guess we wait until tomorrow. Yesterday was a crazy day and made me think I was going to have to run like Taz. Hopefully instead it will be a little more relaxed tomorrow.

Another year!

2011-05-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

I heard on the news today a new word that perfectly describes the weather today. It is "Sprinter" in Minnesota right now. Technically, spring but feels more like winter. What a great day for my girls to start soccer. Kaitlyn is thinking of giving it up (but she doesn't play now anyway) but Emma is excited to play and it is Ava's first year playing. Should be fun! Wish me luck that all goes well and we don't turn into popsicles.

It is beginning to look alot like.....

2010-12-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

There are presents under my tree! And some sick children in my house! Mom and Dad are also ill today. It is December 20 and Mom and Kaitlyn celebrate their birthdays on December 22 and Christmas is just days away. All 3 kids got sick last night and I am just hoping with everything I have that Travis and I don't get sick as well! Hope all is well with everyone in this snowy, holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-14T06:48:00.001-08:00

It has been awhile but I thought it was time to update everyone on what has been going on! It has been a cold and snowy winter so far and it isn't even winter yet! Only 10 shopping days left til Christmas and I still have to get presents for my dad, my brother, my sister in law, Ellie, Nick, Noah, not to mention my own kids, in laws, blah blah blah. I thought it was a good idea to post something today but am starting to think I am just too crabby. I think I need some chocolate! Better go now and hope I can come back in a better mood.

Here we go again!

2010-08-17T09:10:00.001-07:00

Summer is quickly approaching an end and I signed Emma up for soccer again yesterday. Kaitlyn can play it through the school this year so that will be something new. There are alot of things left to do before summer winds down as well. We went to the county fair on Saturday. We have to go to Valleyfair, the state fair (I think!) and we are going to the Renaissance Festival. I am not quite sure when we will do that but they are open after Labor day for quite a few weekends so we have time to figure it out. Thank God there is only one more camping weekend planned.

Also, if anyone is reading this....wish me luck. I am going to try for $10,000 on August 21. So push those good vibes my way!

Soccer is over!

2010-06-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

The girls had their last night of soccer on Wednesday. Of course, I went to Emma's last game and Kaitlyn scored 2 goals. Travis texted me gloating. That is pretty exciting but I wish I could have seen it! Emma's game was exciting to watch. They had a great team this year and went undefeated. As her and one of her teammates lined up to get their custard from Culvers Emma asks the other little girl, Are you playing fall soccer? AARRGHHHHH! Just kidding. If she wants to play, that is fine with me. I just hope we have a nice, warm fall if that is the case. Kaitlyn is still debating on soccer in middle school next year. If she does play, I will try to make it to as many games as I can wearing the orange and black!

Good job girls!

We love soccer!

2010-06-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Last night was another game night for the girls. No practice in between last weeks game and this weeks. It was exciting. Kaitlyn went to her game with my hubby and my mom and I watched Emma along with my father in law. Kaitlyn enjoys soccer and is an athletic player but I am just amazed at Emma's team this year. They have just been steamrolling their opponents this year and it is FUN to watch! I just wish we could be in the same place so we wouldn't have to switch off so much. As long as the girls have fun, that is what matters!

Travis and the oldest 2 girls are going camping this weekend. That will be fun for them and Ava and I have plans to visit Grandma if we can. I think I will also let Sleeping Beauty sleep in if she wants. Travis said at 9 am this morning if he would have let her sleep, she would have still been in bed!

That time again!

2010-04-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I posted so I figured I should say something! Just got my first email about the upcoming soccer season. It is going to be a busy spring for us. The oldest two girls have soccer Monday and Wednesday nights, Ava has swimming lessons on Tuesday and Thursday nights in May and then T-ball Thursday starting June 17! It should be exciting! We got a new vehicle. We bought Trav's grandma's mountaineer so that is pretty exciting. I just ordered some new glasses and pulled out 2 more gray hairs this morning. So with the glasses I am trying to look YOUNGER but the gray hair isn't helping.

I am done whining! I know this isn't a food blog but since I am addicted to them I am going to post a sandwich recipe that we had this weekend and again this week because it was so good. I used the panini grill but you can make it on the stove if you don't have a panini grill. If you don't though, I would definitely recommend getting one!

Sourdough bread-we use Archer Farms from Super Target
garlic mayo
muenster cheese
oven roasted turkey
cooked bacon
tomato slices

Assemble the sandwiches with mayo, cheese, turkey, bacon, tomoatoes, cheese and mayo and grill! They are AWESOME!

Have a good week!

New babies

2010-01-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, the end is getting near and I am getting more and more excited for the new baby. My little brother is going to be a dad and I am going to have a new niece in the upcoming weeks. Every once in awhile I still get baby fever and think that I am young enough, one more wouldn't be a huge deal. And then I go home to my fighting screaming, not listening, won't go to bed girls and I lose all thoughts of a new baby. But this baby, Ellie Noel, will not be mine to keep all the time but I can still cuddle, love and spoil. Hopefully, I will be asked to baby sit. Travis said he will leave if that happens but I know him so well. He will be a puddle with that little girl. And my girls may behave themselves just to have the chance to hold her. We are very excited and I can't wait for Chris and Kristina to welcome their precious bundle, so I can welcome her too!!

Snow, snow, more snow...and did I say snow.

2009-12-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

That is what we are looking forward to this Christmas. We live in Minnesota, come to expect it every year. I am grateful that we don't have far to go to celebrate with our families but am not looking forward to getting there. My girls have been misbehaving and the threats of sticks and rocks in their stockings doesn't seem to have stuck yet. Of course, that would never happen but we can threaten them. I am finishing shopping tonight and then I am going home to start cooking. Kind of. I am relying on tastefully simple this year for a couple of things. So easy and so yummy! But I am making my grandmas wild rice soup recipe, some jimmy dean dip and for Saturday at the in laws, cream cheese wontons. This is also the first Christmas that we have plans to go to the movies on Christmas Day as our usual plans have changed. I will leave everyone today with Merry Christmas wishes and hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Party and car rides

2009-07-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, it is that time of the year again. Mama Cook is having her annual pink party tonight. NO MEN ALLOWED!! Travis took the older girls to Wisconsin camping and I get to bring Ava with me tomorrow. Please lord, give me strength. I am sure it will be fine but since she is a daddy's girl, think of me and pray that my ride goes well.

We all need friends!

2009-06-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

So, last night, I stepped out into the garage. Kaitlyn and Emma are gone until Saturday and Ava was talking to Travis outside. Ava yelled at me as I stood on the step...."MOVE MOM! YOU'RE STEPPING ON SAM!" I look around to see if maybe there is a bug on my foot or a doll that I somehow missed. Ava has a new friend. His name is Sam and ONLY Ava can see him. Sam ate some pizza with her last night. He also slept with her and I had to give him a kiss good night. This morning, I had to leave early so I didn't hear anymore but when I talked to Travis later, I found out Sam stayed home to watch the babies for Ava but he did have breakfast with her. I wonder if he at wathles (Ava for waffles) as well? Just wanted to share my cute kid story.

May in Minnesota

2009-05-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

I am not going to soccer tonight. I have just a couple descriptive words. Windy, dry, hot, dirty. Gotta love springtime in MN!

Spring colds

2009-05-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

I hate getting sick when the weather starts getting nice. It started last week in my house with the littlest child. Then the middle one got a little stuffy and I got called at work on Friday to pick up the oldest child at school. I love my ice water. I get a big mug of it every night to take to bed with me. For some reason, all of my family things that it is a community mug of water. So, when I went to bed Sunday night, I could feel the scratchiness in the back of my throat. By the time I got out of bed on Monday I knew it. I had a cold. And I felt HORRIBLE. I came to work and everyone avoided me. There was no cold medicine at home at all. I stopped at the pharmacy on my way to soccer Monday night. I bought Dayquil, Nyquil and cough drops. I took the Nyquil Monday and Tuesday night and I woke up today feeling SO MUCH BETTER. I still sound horrible but don't care about that. I hope this is it for me and the rest of the spring and summer I will be healthy.

Still, it is hard to resist those blue eyes that looked up at me last night (the one that gave me her cold I am guessing) and said, Mommy, me have a drink?

April 29,2009

2009-04-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

Spring soccer starts today. The kids are excited. Travis is coaching. And I get to look forward to 2 months of chasing Ava around trying to keep her sane so I can maintain some sanity as well. I am not kidding. That kid has more energy than 5 kids combined and her goal in life is too be angelically naughty. Snacks and books only last thru about 1/2 of the hour that soccer goes on and for Kaitlyn's age group, she will get flattened if she runs out onto that field. Wish me luck!

Polar Bear Plunge

2009-03-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it. Saturday February 28 we went to Crystal Lake in Burnsville and jumped in the water. I went with a team of my co-workers and it was alot of fun. I never thought I would do something like that but I did it and will do it again. My friend Stephanie showed up to watch and Travis brought Kaitlyn and Emma as well. I think the amount of alcohol we all drank before helped us along but I really did have a good time. It was for a great cause and I was surrounded by great friends. What more can a girl ask for? Kaitlyn wants to jump next year!

Time for soup!

2009-02-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

I love this time of the year because I love to make soups. My favorite as well as my families I think is my grandmas wild rice soup. I cook it in my large crockpot but you can certainly use the stove.

Creamy Wild Rice Soup

1 cup wild rice (make 4 cups prepared-make sure you do pre cook it according to package directions)

9 strips of cooked bacon (chopped) or 2 cups of cubed ham
2 cans cream soup (I use chicken, grandma uses potato)
1 small onion chopped
1 pound cubed velveeta
4 cups milk
Add cooked rice

Cook until bubbly.
You can also add carrots, chicken, whatever sounds good.

This soup is creamy and delicious and will warm your heart and belly on a cold day.

What now?

2009-02-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

It is February and it is raining. Just a heads up if you are reading this....I am participating at the South Metro Polar Plunge on February 28. If you are interested in donating, leave me a comment and I will guide you through.

The girls are skating still and soccer is right around the corner again. Mom is in Texas today visiting Grandma and Grandpa and I wish I was with her. Just wanted to drop a quick note because I am still around. Facebook is an addiction....but I am still learning.

Kisses and Hugs for all on the upcoming Valentines Day.

Winter is coming

2008-10-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well, Halloween is right around the corner and of course I am not ready for it. I have watched Halloweentown and Halloweentown High way too many times for an adult to see those movies but I love it. We are still busy all the time it seems like but nothing seems to be going on. Hunting season is starting also. That means that I will try to get my house cleaned and will be cooking way too much wild game. Pheasant noodle soup is on the menu for tonight. Actually, I already made it but am going to send it up North this weekend. Next thing will be Christmas. Where has the year gone? Anyway, I haven't written in awhile so I thought I would just babble.

New Kids on the Block Tuesday. I am really excited. You got the right stuff, baby!!
Hasta!

Oh yeah, by the way, I volunteered to be cookie mom for Girl Scouts this year so Kaitlyn will not be selling to anybody this year. Ha ha. Just Kidding.

Truck

2008-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my husband may cry today. We leased a truck 39 months ago in preparation for the new baby (Ava) and he was convinced we needed a bigger vehicle. So we traded in the 4 door pickup for an extended cab. As the mother of 3 girls, I am pretty much convinced that this had more to do with what he wanted and not what was practical for a family of 5 with a dog but there wasn't much arguing. I went with him to pick up the new truck and drop off the old one. All good things come to an end though. The truck is going back to the dealer today. We are going to try our hand at no car payment for a few months at least and just use my car and Travis has a work van for his job. Wish me luck!! My sister in law pointed out this weekend, if he has to haul stuff, you can use a trailer with a mini van!

Sick of summer!

2008-08-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

This should actually be sick in the summer. Kaitlyn is feeling much better now. Strep didn't travel through my house but I have a summer cold right now. Just a heads up to everyone about my doctors visit. I didn't find anything out but do need to go back in 2 weeks and hopefully will get an answer of nothing wrong. It causes me to stress for a couple more weeks and go in for probably the most uncomfortable appointment ever for me but I need to know what is up.

I love food!

2008-08-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

It is fair time. And I love food. This whole week I have been thinking alot about it. We went to mom and dads for his birthday on Wednesday. Mom made homemade eggrolls and crazy cake. Yum. Then last night, I worked at the fair and had a hot dog from Greg's Meats with a Mountain Dew. Double yum. I forget how good that meat is until I get to eat it again. Plus, their buns are fresh bakery buns and they are awesome!! Travis and I are going to the casino and planning on getting ruebens to eat and I am thinking about the state fair already. Plus, I love to cook. I love to try different recipes and see what I can add to them to make them my own. Look at my blog list! It is mostly food bloggers. So, that is all I wanted to say today. Now I am going to run and get a snack cause my big butt is hungry.

update, parties

2008-08-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Favre is traded to the New York Jets. It was fun to think about while it lasted.

It was my dad's birthday last night. We went down for egg rolls and cake. Or, if I put it in the order my kids prefer, cake and egg rolls and Grandpa's popsicles. They were wild as usual and Grandma says yes to alot more than I do. Between my dad, brother and myself and all of our issues, it was not a huge night of excitement but I told Dad we would have a birthday cocktail once he is feeling better. Mom fell on the deck but didn't break anything. Chris said she saved the cake. Ava was right there waiting though. Someone set the cake down and Ava was all over it. Reminded me of Dad's 50th birthday. I went to the local bakery and got him a cake with that good sugary frosting that we both like so much. We walked into the kitchen to find Emma with a chair pulled up to the counter and alot of frosting missing from the top of the cake. Fun stuff. Happy Birthday dad.

Go Vikes!

2008-08-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this Friday the Vikings season starts with their first pre season game against Seattle. My hubby and I are going to the game. Should be fun. There is alot of talking going on right now about Brett Favre being reinstated for the Packers and the rumor I have heard is that he wants to be traded.....to the Vikings. Holy bleep! I don't know if it is true or not but I am thinking, come on over! I am just curious to see what other people think about this. Fill in the comment section and let me know!! In case you are not familiar, the Vikings and Packers are big rivals in the division and they are our neighboring state. Could be funny if it were to ever actually happen. But, I will not hold my breath!

Where is summer going?

2008-07-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we have already passed mid July. School starts again here on August 25. Summer is just flying by. Proof that life doesn't seem to even slow down is our schedule for the rest of summer. This past weekend, I spent Saturday night doing something I have wanted to do for a VERY LONG TIME!! I went to see.....NEIL DIAMOND with my mom. It was fabulous. That man can sing!! He did Sweet Caroline and then encored the chorus not once but twice after and I told mom that was worth admission. And he ended the show with Coming to America which is a great song!! I couldn't keep it a secret cause I didn't want her to buy tickets as well. I figured it was a good Mothers Day present and his new cd came out right before Mothers Day. It was fun. A memory I will always have.
So, back to the rest of the summer. This weekend is my mom's party. It is a no miss event for me. I am not sure about the rest of the weekend yet but I am sure we will hang out around the house and try to get something done. I think Travis and his sister might be planning a camping weekend and then the next week is the Vikings game and Bone Lake for the day. Sister in laws baby show the weekend after and then we roll right up to family vacation and school starting.

Just as I think a busy stressful summer might be ending, I have given myself a quit date to stop smoking. that date is August 31 and is looming closer and closer. Wish me luck that I make it past day one.

Then we start over again with soccer and dance and all that fun stuff.

Last night of soccer

2008-06-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2008 was the last night of spring soccer. Both girls went to their games and were very excited. Grandma Pam and Uncle Chris along with Cookie and Sam split their time so they could watch both the girls in their last game. They got to see more of Emma playing than I did all year. I can't wait til they can play at the same place so I can watch them both. Oh well, I guess there is always fall soccer. Kaitlyn's Grandma Annette and Grandpa Bob came up to watch her as well. She played great. It all comes together at the end. She went after that ball and kept going. Red faced and sweaty, she was a sight to see. I was proud of her. They grow up so fast. At the very end of the game, she went after the ball along with a member from the opposing team. Kaitlyn blocked to ball with a very loud, hard hit to the back of her hand. That is where her season ended. She is fine now and no swelling or anything. I hope she wants to play again. It is fun to watch them. I just wish we didn't have to sit through the cold and the rain as often as we do. So, now summer is just summer. Until school starts again. And dance. And soccer. And girl scouts. I don't want to think about it right now!

I am SO excited!!

2008-06-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, just a quick little note on what happened to me today. I thought my day was going to start out bad since I got pulled over on my way to work. No front license plate on my car. The police officer was very nice, didn't even give me a written warning. So, I continued on to work. I listened to KDWB this morning and I heard one of the dj's say that they would be giving away New Kids on the Block tickets during his show. Well, I heard those touchtones, got through once. Wasn't the winner. Called right back a few times and then I heard it ringing. I WON NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK TICKETS!!!!!!!!! I called my good friend from high school/middle school when they were the "it" group for young girls our age and told her we were going to fulfill the dream that we never got to then. We are going to the concert. 16+ years after we begged our parents to let us go with friends that obviously had way cooler parents then we did. Mom, Dad, you are forgiven. Anybody know where I can get a topless hat like Joey always wore?

storms, kids and my hot bed

2008-06-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

There have been quite a few storms around here lately but we have been very lucky. Last night, soccer was cancelled. Travis took Kaitlyn to her dads house. We came up with a plan to have her go down there for today and tomorrow so then she doesn't have to miss out on the fun stuff we do on the weekends since he still isn't working. So, Travis and I had some burgers for supper. Ava WOULD NOT go to bed. She kept coming out and saying "hunder, hunder" every time she heard a rumble. It was cute but it was like 10 o'clock before she finally went to bed. The a/c was turned off and my husband opened a whole 1 window so it was hot in the house last night. Last thing I want is the two girls crawling into my bed when all I am using is a sheet to cover up since I am already steaming in bed. I heard some commotion during the night and Travis talking to Ava. Wake up this morning and here she is, on the floor, next to the bed. Thank goodness. She was close enough to not be scared but she wasn't heating us up all night.

Sun is shining today!!

Time for soccer!

2008-06-03T08:34:00.001-07:00

Okay, we had the dance recital for the girls on Sunday. They did awesome. Kaitlyn had a small hiccup in hers and poor Emma! They all have their own "number spots" which is where they are supposed to stand during the dance. Unfortunately, someone else ended up in her number spot for part of the dance. She had a look of terror and confusion on her face and there was a little bit of crying but then she kept going and did great. They were both wonderful and I was so proud of them. I had to miss the finale when little miss no-pants (Ava) decided she had to go potty when all she really had to do was get out of her seat and run around. We had two dilemmas. We realized when we got there that the girls forgot their light up sticks for the finale (they were able to borrow them) but that wasn't a big deal. The other dilemma.....Ava. No pants. Literally. She had to go potty before we left the house and since she is potty training, go for it. Great! She has a habit of taking off her undies when she goes. and since I was loaded down with my purse, camera, make up bag and jazz shoes, I didn't grab the diaper bag. All my fault huh? Especially since my lovely husband didn't grab anything except the kids! So, we got to the auditorium and he informed me that Ava had a bare butt. She was wearing a dress. Luckily, she was very good and because she pottied before we left, no accidents. But, she did moon a few people on purpose including grandpa more than once. What a cutie?

So, now we are just focusing on soccer. That ends at the end of the month but the summer is already filling up with amazing speed. Can't wait to see what happens! And cross your fingers that it is always nice on Mondays and Wednesdays. Ava and I sat in the rain watching Kaitlyn play soccer for an hour last night. We were all wet when we got home.

I survived!!

2008-05-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I was dreading this weekend and truth be told, I am SO GLAD to be back at work. Sad isn't it? This morning, as I was contemplating playing hooky and convincing Travis to do the same, I realized that I really wanted to get back to a little bit of normal and come to work today. We have a beautiful new front door that was installed yesterday thanks to my husband and father in law. I moved some of Emmas furniture into Ava's room and then later this week, we are getting new carpet installed in her room and the living room. Halleluia! Of course when Travis is out there working on the door, I am really trying to get stuff done inside. Which is difficult as long as Ava is awake. She is non stop on and I am relieved when she falls asleep. So of course, we got in a yelling match (in front of his dad) because he thought I should be outside playing with the girls and inside doing stuff around the house. HELLO!?!? I know I am magical but can't be in two places at once. Well, I took the girls to get their dance pictures done (and left Ava at home!) and when I got home, I had a husband that apologized because he didn't realize that I had moved the furniture out of Emma's room yesterday. Duh! Don't assume that I am doing nothing because that is what it looks like to you. The upstairs mountain at the Johnson house, otherwise known as laundry, was folded. Most of her room was cleared out. At least what i could move with Kaitlyn's help. Girls ate and got all prettied up for pictures. I even had Kaitlyn go make our bed (cause I am not so good at that) and hung up some of our clothes. I deserved that glass of wine with dinner last night! It was an early to bed night and I wish it was a stay in bed and play footsie morning but I am here, hard at work. Wish me luck for the rest of today!

TGIF

2008-05-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

This has been quite a week. Started off with a nasty bug at 3 am Monday morning. I got out of bed to call into work and then went back to bed except for the constant bathroom breaks. Not pretty at all. Weird thing happened though Monday night. Travis is coaching Emmas soccer team so I was forced to go to Kaitlyn's game with Ava and I think she tuned in on mommy not feeling well so she cuddled with me the whole time. As I was spacing out, I noticed 3 police officers walking across the field next to Kaitlyn's. They walked up to a guy and eventually he got out of his chair and they took him away. Handcuffs and all. Through my neighbors great investigating, we found out that he showed up to his daughters soccer game....DRUNK!! And he was abusive to the coaches. Nice. Anyway, Travis took Kaitlyn to dance after soccer and Ava and I had a salad and cuddled.
Tuesday was pretty low key and not much going on. Then Wednesday came. We had to work overtime so I was at work til 6:30 pm. The neighbor took Ava. Grandma took Emma to her dance class. Travis coached Emmas team and I got to go get Kaitlyn from soccer as soon as I got done with work. Wearing 3 inch spike dress shoes walking across a soccer field where you sink in constantly is not something I would recommend to anyone. I went home and ate some enchiladas and went to bed super early.
Yesterday, I was supposed to work til 6:30 again but they let us go an hour earlier so I only stayed til 5:30. We had Kaitlyn's spring program and it was great. I tell you, I have one talented kid. I think all my kids are talented. But she looked so cute up there playing her recorder. The other too sat with dad and grandpa and their two grandmas and were super good. We hung out later that night and talked with the neighbors.
This morning, I did NOT want to get out of bed but here I am. I get to go to Emmas program at school today. The weekend is jam packed. Kaitlyn has her girl scouts outing at Carleton tonight. Tomorrow are soccer pictures and Emma has a birthday party to go to. Sunday Travis and his dad are putting in a new front door. (Thursday I get my new carpet!) Sunday we also have dance pictures. Anyone up for a vacation?

It is about time

2008-03-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't done this for awhile. Finally got the password thing figured out. This is going to be about time. Why don't we have enough of it. I seriously feel like I have lost touch with my life. I just got to spend the evening with an old friend talking and taking our time at Chipotle and it was great because we didn't have our kids. I hadn't seen her since my birthday party on September 1 2007. Sad huh? I have another friend like that. I can't even keep up with my emails. And the nights where I used to go out dancing, doesn't happen anymore. My single friends don't ever ask me to do anything and if I don't plan something in advance, it doesn't happen. I do have the time though to go get groceries and diapers. I do have the time to go to dance and hopefully will have the time for soccer in another month. I make the time to get my kids if daycare is closed. We do have time to take family outings to the zoo. I do have time to visit with my mom from time to time. So, for all of my friends out there that I don't seem to have time for, I love you and I hope you bear with me but......if you are anything like me, you understand why I don't have any time. Let's make a date! Sometime in the next year......

Why do kids fight sleep?

2008-01-29T08:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, so, last week I got a phone call from my husband telling me about how he was painting his parents laundry room. Just the fact that he called me randomly and wanted to talk was amazing but since I was working, I asked him if that is ALL he called for. Much to my happiness, it wasn't. He said he got a sitter (Grandpa and Grandma) for the 2 little kids on Saturday night. Kaitlyn was going to be in Hastings and they said that they would keep them overnight. Woo hoo! So, Saturday came and we dropped the girls off. We went and saw The Bucket List. Great movie and it wasn't something my kids would have picked to see. Last show I saw before that was Alvin and the Chipmunks. Big difference. We left the theater to go for dinner at the Olive Garden. We were able to wait patiently for our table without worrying about kids running around and actually had a conversation. I even got to order a glass of wine with my meal. After all that excitement, we ran to Target. Travis had bought a waffle maker and some mixes but no eggs to make waffles so that was the main thing we went for. Well, 30 minutes and $50 later, we left Target to head for home. My hubby and I, a dvd and a bottle of wine sounded really good! Now, I don't know exactly why but Travis and I settled in to watch the movie Suberbad and I fell asleep. I don't do that....ever!! He is the one that always falls asleep. Well, long story short, I missed the whole movie, wine was chilled but never opened and I finally went upstairs and climbed into bed. What a GREAT night! Thanks honey.

Have a holly jolly Christmas!

2007-12-20T12:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, it is that time of the year. The stress is setting in and drinking heavily seems like a good option. If only I had some time to do that. I am just kidding. It is Christmas time again in my house. That means Kaitlyn's birthday as well as my mother. Today is December 20 and tonight I am running to the senior citizen center with Kaitlyn for girl scouts. After that is over, I get to go shopping. Then tomorrow is the big party and we are going to the movies. On Saturday, it is time for me and my girls to get manicures and it is out for dinner on her actual birthday. Then we have family stuff on December 23. Hopefully, by the time Christmas Eve is here, we might be able to RELAX!! Yeah, right. I am trying to avoid getting into the holiday mood where all I feel like saying is Bah Humbug. Then my husband is wondering what we should get from Santa for the girls. Are you kidding? Between the two grandmas, there is nothing else to get. Does anybody else feel like this right now? Let me know.

And, Merry Christmas!!

Pictures from Danielle Johnson

2007-11-26T15:26:00.001-08:00

Pictures from Danielle Johnson

Dance, Dance

2007-11-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, it is another day and I am at work again. I am looking forward to next week for the Thanksgiving holiday. I am off on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Okay, I will get back to the point. My kids. Or rather, 2 of my kids. Kaitlyn and Emma. I will say one thing for sure, when my husband puts his mind to something, there ain't any talking him out of it.
Last night was the first night that Kaitlyn and Emma had jazz class at Holly's over in Lakeville. Travis found out from our daycare provider that her daughter teaches there and he should check it out. Well, he did and signed them up on the spot for Nicole's classes. They were excited because they knew their teacher and now they are going to dance. I got there after work, Travis took a busy baby home and I stayed to watch their first night of dance.
Okay, I love my kids and Emma had a blast and was so cute to watch. Kaitlyn tried really hard and did a good job and then got to a new step. Picture this....slippery shoes, wooden floor, and her moms genes. Yep, you guessed it, she fell. And I LAUGHED!! I think her ego was bruised more than her behind but she got up and she wasn't the only one that fell with that step but she was the first one. Poor kid. Anyway, she asked me if anyone laughed and I did admit that I laughed and so did one other mother. I think they both had a really good time and will go back with no problem at all.
So, if I start becoming one of those psycho dance mothers, please please please someone kick some sense into me. I want my kids to have fun but I don't want to be the one to force them to do it. Can't wait for soccer season too! Might as well run every night!!

Here we go.....

2007-10-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Since I am just starting, I will just jump into a day in the life of my family. I have been alternating shifts at work this month so on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's I have been working 8-4:30 and then work the other days 9-5:30. It is confusing but I like working early (soon it will be my normal shift) because I can drop off my kids at daycare and pick them up at the end of the day. Yesterday, I wanted to go early so I could get some gas, a snack and contribute to my bad habit (smoking-yuck, I know) so there was no way that was going to happen. Picture me dropping my kids off, telling my daycare lady I have to go and then running in the gas station parking lot in my stupid heels. Anyway, got to work with minutes to spare and spent my day on the phone. I was happy to get out of there. I picked the kids up and Emma was super excited because she got her book order. We got to the house and Travis was there ready to go to the gym. Here is where the fun started. The older girls went outside and raked to fill up the garbage bag spider for Halloween. That didn't last long. I was inside with Ava vacuuming up goldfish crackers and putting food in front of her until she stopped yelling at me. That kid can EAT!! Not even 2 yet. My dad came over to help fix my car. Travis showed up about the same time dad did. The other kids haven't eaten yet and it is after 7 by this time. I sent Kaitlyn's friends home and asked Travis to turn the grill on. Emma and Kaitlyn sat down and at very well. By the time they finished it was time for bed. Here comes the fun part. I finally settle down with Travis to watch the news in the basement. My mom sense kicks in and I can hear the baby crying. I get upstairs only to find her wearing her pajama top...no diaper...no pants....laying on a very wet bed. She has 3 sheets. She had done the same thing to the other two sheets the night before. One because of a leaky diaper and one because she stripped herself. One in the washing machine, the other just put in the dryer. Somebody grab me a beer!! Luckily, some cuddling with mom and a make shift sheet for her bed and she was all set. Even let me put new pajamas on that she did keep on. All of this fun and it isn't even 10 pm yet. I can't wait for the next day.