The month is May has officially become one of the busiest months for our household. Which explains my lack of blogging. But finally, I have a precious few minutes to catch up a bit. The big dance performances were last weekend and they were a hit. We have had practices, rehearsals, games, etc literally every night of the week for the past month. So combining that with school projects, my race training and people needing picture appts, the month has flown by. The girls played soccer too this spring and seemed to really enjoy another aspect totally opposite from dance. Now things are calming down a bit and school ends tomorrow. Then the real fun begins!

OH MY GOSH...IT CAME!

I opened my mailbox to find the return addressed envelope I sent to Brett Favre and here it is! Signed, sealed and delivered. It even smelled of the sharpie marker still. 4 months later and Brett pulled through. I was so excited, I called my husband at work and said, "Guess what came in the mail today?" He answered, "Our check from President Bush." I said it's better than that, it's Brett Favre!

So tonight we are going to give this big surprise to the biggest Packer fan I know. And I gotta tell you, after all this anticipation, I can hardly wait!

Scheew. It's been crazy around here! With all 3 kids in soccer, one in track and 2 in dance, there is always something going on. And my appointment book is really filling up. My name is out there and people keep calling. That is a good thing and it's good I can schedule around the rest of the families schedule. Anyhoo, this weekend I only scheduled one photo shoot to get caught up on the rest of laundry and to have some good 'ol fashioned playtime. My husband and I decided to take the night off of cooking and go out for supper. And just for something really off the wall, we drove to Vermillion to this great little chinese restaurant. "Chae's" if you're wondering. It was a great evening...good food, good service, good little eaters.

So with all the practices, games and rehearsals and marathon training, my husband and I were especially enjoying the night together. And a little something, something called a romantic moment even occurred after supper. We all got a fortune cookie and read each out loud. Mine was kind of silly, the kids didn't understand theirs but then my husband read his...

"Happy life is just in front of you"

He looked up and guess who was sitting directly across from him....me.

It was a really sweet moment, kind of gushy almost. Aaawwwwww, was all my daughter could say. She loves the romantic thing too. My hubby put the fortune in his pocket and I set it up in our bedroom, reminding us that even with all the chaos of everyday life, we are so happy.

So there you go, a little romantic story for you, one I won't soon forget.

My son turned 11 on Tuesday...Happy Birthday! I may a little biased but...isn't he just HANDSOME? I look at this picture and stare in disbelief at how big he is getting. He's one awesome 11 yr. old. I love him to pieces...

Just a quick note to say......

WE'RE OFF!

Looks like God listened and didn't give us as much snow as predicted. Still windy as heck but with a little help from above, we can handle that one too. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. See ya when we get back!

As i'm sitting here waiting for my Shrimp Bisque to come to a boil, i'm also watching the snow come down and wishing it would go away. I've had myself in a bubble all day, not wanting to face the fact that my weekend is being washed away. But it's hitting me straight in the nose now (sorry, Karen) It's snowing and blowing and my dad has already called to say he doesn't want me on the roads. My husband has no comment at this point. I think he was looking foward to a weekend without us girls, I was looking forward to a weekend WITH the girls. I asked him ,"Why do we live in South Dakota?" His answer, "The hunting." Grrrrr. Not the response I needed. So, my bisque is simmering nicely now and I'm remaining optimistic. You just never know what could happen. This is South Dakota afterall.

This blasted snow they're predicting is ruining our weekend! Carey and I need some prayers, anything, in hopes the moisture comes down as rain or the whole thing just shifts southward. There's shopping and lots of girl-time at stake here. And, of course not mention our sanity! But like my son said on the way from practice tonight...if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. He's got the right idea. That calmed me for a minute or two...

...but there will be tears shed if this blasted storm keeps me home!

the sun feels so good. I am sitting in it right now, absorbing the warmth before I venture on a much-needed run. I've been looking forward to this run all day...time to myself and time to zone out in my own little world. This is my favorite day of the week. When i get back and cleaned up, it's out to eat. We have made it a tradition that Friday nights we give me a break from cooking and go out to eat. i'm looking forward to that too. I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine too and doing something you've saved up to do for when the weather gets warmer.

Here's to a warmer and sunnier weekend!

I cannot wait to go to bed tonight. I mean I really can't wait. You see, I had one of those parties over Easter break where you invite friends over, have some food, buy some things and reap the rewards of being a hostess. My good friend started selling for Private Quarters. There are only 4 reps in SD so it's a fairly new business which ended up being great for both of us. So the company sells bedding that 4 star luxery hotels have, down comforters, feather beds, blankets, towels, robes, pillows...all the things that truly help you have a great nights sleep. They specialize in the 7 layer bed. AAAAAHHHHH. Well, my party was a great one. LOTS of fun and the show was so awesome. I learned you are never supposed to use fabric softener on your towels. It builds up and eventually has a waxy feel so the water isn't absorbed as well. Anyhoo, with the total sales from my party, I got a whole new bed. Literally. Spa sheets and 600 counts sheets, a down blanket, a mattress pad that rocks, a new down comforter, a sarong for me and another awesome blanket for the basement. So all these boxes came from UPS today...it was like xmas. I made my new bed and it is like 5 inches higher with all the stuff on it but oh, so comfy. I'm not expecting my hubby and I to be jumping out of bed in the morning too quickly...I think it's going to be just too relaxing. But it will be so worth it. There is nothing like a great bed.

Off to bed I go...I'll let you know exactly how hard it was to get out of bed tomorrow morning. ZZZZZZZZZZ........................

First snow day of the year. The kids were pretty excited. Except for my son, who was supposed to start track today. He's old enough now to understand today has to be made up at the end of year. I am so ready for spring, I can hardly stand it. Luckily I have food in the fridge and movies we just rented. I hope this stuff doesn't stick around long or my sanity will be tested for sure. Spring...where are you??

Today's project...getting a picture for a photo contest I want to enter. The theme is pets. The 3 catagories are capturing your pet with a little friend, dressing up your pet or pets when they're babies. I chose the first catagory because #1, Ridge is just way too big to be in the puppy catagory and #2, there is no way my hubby would let us dress Ridge up in some crazy tutu. So, my little girl volunteered to pose with Ridge. It didn't go as well as I had hoped. As you can tell from the first photo, Ridge's tongue got in the way! But, I'll enter a few and hope for the best. First place is a digital camera! I hope we at least get an honorable mention after what we went through... :)

My baby girl has a diagnoses...Vasovagal Syncope. A big word for a little girl. Two years ago, she had a seizure-like episode. Come to find out, she had minor little episodes periodically since she was only about 1 yrs. old. It was the hardest thing to witness and the hardest thing to watch her go through the tests. An EEG, blood work to test for diabetes, epilepsy and some other diseases I can't even remember. After they all came back negative, we had to make the choice to give her a CAT scan, which would reveal any tumors in her brain. That was bad, but even worse was the 3 day wait for the results. In those horribly long 3 days, i would watch her play, dance, run and hope, pray and literally cry for no tumors. The scan came back all normal. no tumors. but still, we didn't know what would cause her to react like she had. The doctors told us to carry on as normal, they couldn't find anything physically wrong with her. We went for a whole year and then it happened again. Then again it happened just last December. She lost her tooth, saw blood and fell to the floor in a seizure-like state. Minutes later, she was back to her normal self. Then just last week, I got a call from the school nurse. She had went down on the playground. My heart went into my throat. By the time I got there she was awake. I took her home, she ate lunch and was running around like nothing had happened. After doing some research at Mayo Clinic, we have finally nailed down her condition. Vasovagal Syncope. It's a nerve in her neck that is triggered by something like the sight of blood, dehydration, hunger and several others. These are the 3 I notice that could be the culprits for her reactions. It causes her to basically faint. 85% of children outgrow it. Scheww. I can't tell you how glad I am to know a name for this thing. She is a bright, beautiful little girl who brightens up your day just by walking in the room. It's not often, but it may happen. I just thank God for giving us the name and the peace of mind that comes with it. There's no better feeling than that.

Run and play, little one, you're going to be just fine.

I finally get it. After 37 years of wondering what I am supposed to be doing with my life, I finally get it. It's taken me a long time to figure it out but factors contributing to the light bulb going off include...my kids, my husband, Beth Moore, friends that have reappeared in my life and most of all, just listening to what has been said to me for all these years. And accepting it.

It's funny how I pushed God out of my life. I never wanted to listen. I thought I knew what was right for me. I thought I knew what would make me feel complete. But I didn't. Over the last few years I started to realize, this is my plan. This is what I am to do. And everyday, I get it more and more. I was not destined to live the life of a millionaire, or even a thousand-aire. I wasn't meant to live the life of a famous person. I am here to raise my children in our humble home, in our humble town and live a humble life. And I love it.

You see, I get it. I get the plan. It is so clear to me now. That acceptance is what makes me feel so fulfilled, so complete. And you know what, I am so happy about where I am. Even though it took me so long to figure it out, now I can instill what I've learned into these 3 little kids running around me right now in hopes they will get it long before I did. See what I mean? It's all in the plans. Can't wait to see what else my journey has before me.

This little girl is from one of my photo shoots this weekend...she is anxiously awaiting spring too.

I almost inherited a $7000.00 painting today.

You see, I enrolled my girls in art classes at a local downtown gallery. They love them and are so excited for me to see their work when I pick them up. So today, the gallery owner, a total sweetheart, asked if I had seen this new piece she just got in. It was this huge, huge canvas painting of something I can't even remember because the price tag had my attention. $7000.00. I just kept looking at it wondering why it was so spendy when all of a sudden my littlest one came out of the workroom, came barrelling towards me and the painting. She went right up to it with her hands in a rather rough way. The painting swayed a bit back and forth. At this point, my heart is in my throat and I'm not breathing. Finally, my voice squeeked out, "Oh we don't touch $7000.00 paintings," Scheww. We got out of there in a hurry after that one.

Note to self: Exposing children to art galleries BEFORE taking art classes is a good thing!

...my girls...

Why didn't I think of this earlier???

This was a great little pastime for my girlies this weekend...give 'em a pile of shaving cream on the table and let them "fingerpaint" away! Bonus: the shaving cream eventually disappears, easy cleanup and smooth little hands. They loved writing words in the cream, drawing pictures and mostly being able to be free to be messy! Again, I ask...why didn't I think of this years ago??

You know you're getting old when entertainment is watching the laundry spin in the new washer and dryer....

I've never been very good at expressing what I'm thinking. I can write them but when it comes to words, it just doesn't come out right. There are so many things I think and when i try and speak them, my choice of words do not express what I mean. Sometimes I find myself not saying anything and later wishing I would've said this or should've said that. Maybe because I'm afraid I'll really say the wrong thing. I don't know, I just wish sometimes that I could shout out who I am and what I believe in. I want my friends and my family to really know who I am. Right now, I don't think they do because I never truly express it.

Maybe one day, my words will come and all these thoughts and dreams I have for me, my kids, my friends, will come out. And maybe I'll even make sense. Know what I mean?!

So...all is well in our household. Despite the fact the Mr. Favre has left us. My boy took the news like a pro, after the tears flowed a bit, he felt better. He said he felt like someone died and in a way, I understood how he felt. But he is so glad we went to that game and he is so glad he has pictures of it and he is so glad he can still wear his #4 jersey. And he's always going to be a Packer fan. I told him one day we'll go see all those Favre memoribilia in the Hall of Fame. And we'll even still make it to Lambeau Field. We watched the big retirement speech today and after listening to it, I was thankful once again for my young sports fanatic to look up to a guy like Brett Favre. He is such a humble man, never once boasting about all his accomplishments. He is like a silent Christian. He's someone who never talks about his faith but it shows in everything he does. That's the kind of person my boy thinks is the greatest athlete ever and I couldn't be happier about it.

It's going to be a sad afternoon after school. Just came home, turned on the TV which was already on SportsCenter as usual and there it was, all over the news..Brett Favre is retiring. My heart just sank. My boy's heart is going to sink even lower. It makes me cry to even think about how he is going to take this news. I know he is going to cry and I need to prepare myself to talk about the positives. About how we got to see him play in person, how we got to see him break the record for the most touchdowns passed ever in NFL history, about all the school papers he has written about Favre, about how just watching the games, he has learned to play football even better, about how he knows every statistcal fact by memory. and more importantly, about how he learned how being a hero like Brett Favre isn't just about breaking records but being a good person, believing in God and making the right choices in life.

I know, I know, maybe he'll take it better than what I am anticipating. But when you look up to a team and it's quarterback as much as my son does, this is going to be a big deal in his young life. So be thinking of us and although there are alot of worse things that could happen, it's still going to be a sad night for my little man. He'll always love Brett Favre, on the field or off. And he'll still be wearing his cheesehead every chance he gets. Speaking for my young Packer-roid...Go Packers!

WOOHOO!

It was the big Roger Haas basketball tournament in Yankton today. My basketball son was up before the sun this morning for his first game at 8am. It was a nail biter to the end but they won, 26-24. Second game tip off was at 9:40...another good game but the boys were pretty tired towards the end. They held on to win, 22-14. That win took them to the championship for their bracket at 3:30...you could tell they were rested, fed and had plenty of gatorade. It was an awesome game with our boys winning 36-17. They took the first place trophy and after he recovered a bit from being winded, he was all smiles. His trophy is proudly displayed in his room and marks the end of his 5th grade basketball season. What a way to end. My excitement has leveled off now too from the games and we have a bit of a break now until soccer season. Schewww. I don't know how much more competition this mom can handle. I think I get more nervous than him.

Way to go #51 and to the rest of the team!!

Got my shirt today for the Mile-A-Day Challenge...I'm happy to say after 2 months, I'm still in.

the last week has been a flurry of activity...

2 dance classes

2 basketball practices

1 washer and dryer bought

1 cabin rented

1 trip to Sioux Falls to see mom and dad

4 stores visited

3 new pairs of shoes

1 new swimsuit

3 photo appointments

3 kids who needed help with homework

24 cookies baked

1 visit from the tooth fairy

1 birthday party attended

1 lunch with great friends

12 roses smelled

2 Charlie's Pizzas devoured

15 miles ran

Hundreds of prayers said

1 mommy ready for bed...

My husband and I are planning our summer vacations...already. Yes, the winter has taken its toll and we're more than ready for warm sun. But since there is quite a bit of the cold, wintry stufff left, I think it makes us both feel better to plan for June/July. So we're online looking for cabins in the Black Hills to book...and it's hard! There are so many and most of them, I don't know whether to trust the pictures or not. Is it really that nice or is it just the photo? It's kind of a frustrating feat. We need something in between Deadwood and Mt. Rushmore for all the touristy stuff. So i'm opening up this blog space for any suggestions/ideas for great cabins for a family of 5. You may just help us narrow this search down a bit and then we'll really feel like summer is on the way!

Haven't published much about Ridge in a long time. He's 2 years old now. I'm surprised he is still with us...last summer was filled with chasing him around the neighborhood, trying to teach him to stay in our yard. I was close two times to giving him away to some family that lives in the country. But over the last few months, he has finally accepted the fact that he doesn't own the house, the Weimeriner down the street doesn't want to be his friend and he has rules to follow, just like the kids. He is becoming a really good family dog, runs with me and loves to hunt those birds.

I just wish that big head wasn't soooo stubborn...

I just found out yesterday that girls weekend is set for April. I marked my calendar and labeled it "mom's weekend away." I was thinking after I wrote that how much I really don't get to "shop" anymore. Really if it weren't for these weekends, I probably wouldn't get to a mall without kids/husband ever. My shopping abilities have been on the decline over the years. I don't even know what the latest trends are. When I was younger, I could spend hours at the mall, trying on clothes, matching shoes and jewelry. I loved planning my outfits for the next day. But now, i'm just lucky to find a shirt and pants that match. I just don't have the time to seriously shop. If I do get to clothing store, I'm always on a time limit..."only have 15 minutes before so and so needs to be picked up". so I end up cruising through, picking up the first black shirt I can find, then putting it back because I always feel like I wear too much black. Then I'm discouraged because I just wasted that precious time and came home with nothing. I really need to get away from black but I can't. I have recently found brown to be a nice color. too bad I can't pair the two up. Then I'd have a wardrobe. I don't even know what looks good on me. Last year, Carey was my deciding factor on some outfits...thank God for her. Lately, believe it or not, I have relied on my husband. He can give it to me straight on what looks good and what maybe needs to be sent back. So I am hoping someday my shopping abilities will come back and I can look like I belong in this century. Please someone send me to "What Not To Wear"!!!!!!

My girls.

Sometimes I wonder what life will be like with them when they get into those teenage years. Because right now, they are just not clicking. Up until about a month ago, life was peachy for them. They played together, daughter 2 did whatever daughter 1 did, etc. They share a room with daughter 1 having the bigger bed. So we often find daughter 2 soundly asleep with her big sister in her bed. It's quite cute. But lately, well...the drama has begun. Drama and girls go together I think. Daughter 1 is very dramatic and the littlest things will get her going. Daughter 2 knows these buttons and pushes them from the minute I pick them up from school. Grrrrrrrr......so they end up both getting into trouble. Lately, I have had to have them play in separate areas of the house. Things are nice quiet then. Seems to work so far.

It still makes me laugh though because they could be tattling on each other, picking on each other 'til bedtime....and I still find the little one sneaking into the older one's bed to sleep. They love each other even through all the drama.

I got a call from my brother last week and I knew there was something wrong by the sound of his voice. He told me he had a brutal week. I couldn't imagine what would cause him to have a shaky voice, a quiet demeanor. He told me the story that I have been reading about all week.

http://www.cbs2chicago.com/ has stories, reports and pictures of Randy Salerno, an anchor for the station and a great friend and neighbor of my brother, Brian. They had planned a snowmobiling trip for weeks, taking a small plane to Wisconsin for a weekend of trail running. Brian said the first night they were, he was behind Randy and another guy. He said the driver was going way too fast, missed a turn and crashed. Brian was the first one on the scene. He said he pulled off Randy's helmet, began CPR. It was late, dark, in the middle of nowhere but my brother said it was too late. His chest hit the tree and there was nothing anyone could do. Now the driver of the Snowmobile has been charged in his death because he had been drinking. This guy was a lifelong friend of Randy's and my brother said he is devastated beyond anything you would ever see. I asked Brian how he was doing. It's been brutal, he said. he can't sleep. When he does, dreams and flashbacks wake him up. He can't focus. He is struggling and my heart just sank. A weekend of fun turned into a tragedy that he can't even describe. Brian wanted me to read up on Randy Salerno, the accident and just pray for everyone involved. So that's what I did. I googled it and it wasn't hard to find. It's been on my mind all weekend.

I'm passing the story onto you for your prayers for a family that you may not know. But I truly think all prayers help, even when they are for strangers. and please pray for Brian, my brother. Pray that he can find peace and comfort. Pray that he can find the reasons behind this tragic accident.

I realize more and more everyday how short of time we have on this earth. I told Brian I loved him, which I haven't told him in awhile. It's one of those things that we assume they know but the words aren't said. I am worried for him becuase I know he is taking this very hard and really doesn't know how to overcome it. Thank you for your prayers. They all mean a lot and I know in time, they will be answered.

I was talking to a high school guy at my church a couple of weeks back and he was telling me how his girlfriend wrote to Eli Manning of the New York Giants for a project in school. He ended up sending her back an autograph and a team photo. Wow, I thought that is really cool. Wouldn't that be neat for Brody if he could get something from the Packers?

The thought stuck with me for awhile until I finally did some investigating. Sure enough, on the Packers website, there is an address specifically for Brett Favre. It says he signs autographs, mostly on the offseason. I started getting a little excited now. Hmmmmm, I really want to try this out. My son's birthday is in April. What a great present, huh?!

My hubby and I talked about what to send for a possible autograph. I mean, we may not get it back. Hey, what about a picture of my son in his room that he decorated mostly himself?! This is one of the pictures. It's not his favorite because he says you can't see his Packer lamp but it's good enough for what I need. The kicker is my son has no idea what this picture is for. I thought just in case Favre doesn't send anything back, he won't be heartbroken. So he just thinks I took this picture for the scrapbook. Little does he know, an 8x10 is going in the mail this week. I don't have my hopes up but it would be cool for an autograph. So we'll see what happens.

Cheeshead or no cheesehead, I'll be praying for one awesome birthday present for the little man.

I'm copying Bobbi and her new appliances. I have been wanting a new washer/dryer...you know the new front loader style with all the bells and whistles. After researching them on the internet, I'm ready to go out and shop for them in person. We decided now is the perfect time to invest in a set since this is the point of my life where we have the most laundry. I mean, it never ends. Never. So, I'm excited to check them out. I've discovered you can even get them in colors.

I wonder how sage green would look? Wish me luck.

the funk has left the building. and i have you to thank! you were right...all it took was a little sunshine and a little God-time.

speaking of sunshine, this weekend weather was awesome. got some good running in and decided to go for it and register for the Deadwood half marathon. are you with me carey?? hope so. we are planning a family vacation around the whole event and it will be something we'll all look forward too. at least we'll know it won't be 20 below zero.

I'm in a funk. A funkity, funkity funk, funk, funk. Must the weather. Or maybe it's just being irritable. Either way, I hope the funk ends soon.

Any suggestions?

Well, my son's team put up a good effort but fell short of making it to the SuperBowl. After dressing up his sisters in Packer gear, he faithfully watched the entire game. At the end, he shed a few tears for his team but took it well. I think he felt the agony of defeat last night. But win or lose, he still loves his Packers and Brett Favre. He's a devoted fan. So now he says he'll look forward to next year. I guess we can just watch the SuperBowl and actually enjoy it now that none of "our" teams are playing for the title. I'm kind of glad. These games can get rather stressful!

I'm in the Mile-A-Day Challenge again for 2008. The rules have changed this year and treadmills are included. So, I sent in my fees and hopefully can make it to the end of the year. It's a long ways off but the challenge will be...well....challenging. So far I am still in. I even braved the cold today, bundled up and went on a run outside basically because I was too lazy to drive into town to the fitness center. I ran until my fingertips started tingling. That warm fitness center seemed appealing about then. What was I thinking. My under armour did it's job pretty will though. And I got my miles in. So the challenge is on. We'll see how far it goes.

My ramblings for the day.....

Finally. We're home from a chilly morning filled with basketball camp and dance class. A grocery store and movie gallery stop were also fit in before settling in for the day. My son is anxiously awaiting his teams pursuit to the SuperBowl tomorrow afternoon. He can't wait. For his sake, I'll be cheering on Brett Favre and the Packers. Maybe even sporting a cheesehead. My son has been playing basketball since november and has been asked to be on a traveling team where they go from tournament to tournament, playing other cities, towns and schools. It will make our schedule a bit more packed, forcing me to be extremely time efficient and organized. I love watching him play. He has this energy when he plays that is contagious. I think really neat. Today, his camp performs at the Mount Marty College basketball game. Another trip in to the cold but worth it.

Yesterday was my birthday. 37 years young. My husband graced me with a gift certificate for a massage...or a facial....or a pedicure. Whatever I like. I don't know what I'll choose. I love being pampered like that. It will be a nice treat. We went out for supper, to a movie and had some nice time together. A perfect way to celebrate a birthday.

I picked up my son from basketball practice yesterday and he proceeds to tell me about how his class was split up boys from the girls. They had the class on puberty. What? My boy was learning about what happens when he grows up? He kept talking, I was listening but my mind was bouncing around to can this talk really be happening? I kept thinking, man it seems like just yesterday I was trying to get him potty trained. Now he's got this sample of deoderant and telling me about how his voice will change and hair is going to start growing everywhere. I smiled and said, yep that's what happens as your body starts changing. My mind was still thinking, oh my gosh, I can't believe we are having this conversation. This morning, I smelled a smell of after shave. I laughed to myself as I realized my son was using his sample of deoderant. He was paying attention during the puberty talk! He's growing up, it's me that has to get used to it!

I'm still here, just a tad behind on everything, including blogs and blogging. Be back with ya later. Is there a way more hours can be put into a day?!?

:)

Okay so this is the difference between boys and girls.....

Shoes.

A girl can never have enough shoes, right?! I had my girls clean their closet today because of, well, all their shoes. They even tried hanging up their clean clothes which sort of worked. The top rack was a bit too tall so some just got hung over the bottom rack. They matched up their shoes and I was a bit shocked to see just how many pairs they have. My hubby really wonders if it's necessary for little girls to have 15 pairs of black shoes. Well, yes it is, I told him. Us girls love our shoes.

And then there's my 10 1/2 year old son whose only shoes he really cares about are his high tops for basketball and his new Green Bay Packer shoes he got for Christmas. He really has a strong dislike for either of his Doc Martens and the hiking boots I scored for him at Cabelas. No matter how hard I try, he wears the same shoes day after day. So that's what we go through every morning...the girls spend 10 min. trying to find shoes while my son spends 10 min. polishing up his GB shoes.

Gotta love those shoes.

Two exciting things for these two kiddos...

Kiddo #1: Lost her front tooth and now has lisp! She took her tooth to school for show n tell and still has it in the bag. For some reason that only the little one can tell you, she doesn't want to part with her tooth just yet. This may not seem like a very exciting thing to blog about but you must know, I have realized that since this is my last baby in the house, every little "first" is a big deal. Because it's my "last".

Kiddo #2: We're in basketball season now. My son is practicing everyday. He won the hoop shoot for his age at his school and competed last Saturday with all the other schools in Yankton and surrounding area for the state title. He was so nervous but we were so proud. I told him on the way, whether he wins or loses this contest, he is still a winner. Getting to this point was hard. He didn't win the title but we were sitting in the stands watching him, our hearts were busting with pride. Way to go, bud.

The sledding was fun! The kids had a blast and didn't want to go home...even after an hour and a half. I, on the other hand, was freezing and finally lured them home with a promise of hot chocolate.

I went down a couple of times but the snow flying up my pants and in my face kind of made me, well, cold. So I opted to take pictures instead. So now I guess the snow is worthwhile...for sledding anyways!

enough snow already...

I'm ready for some warmth. The plan is to go sledding and snowboarding tomorrow. Maybe that will make all this snow worthwhile.

How long 'til summer? :)

We got the Wii.

It's not only for the kids, but for us adults too. The kids play the kids, the adults play the kids and even the adults play the adults. It's such an interactive game that's really a lot of family fun.

So, we love the Wii. And the Wii loves us. And now to find it a permanent home in the game room. I know how hard it was to find this little system this holiday season and we're very thankful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MADISON! She turned 8 yesterday, we had the girl party today. Party place? A spa of course. Pedicures and pretty toes were the highlight of these little girls' day. They all had a blast with all this pampering. I think they all want more. Isn't being a girl great!!

GAME ON. TONIGHT. MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL. VIKINGS VS. BEARS.

The brats are on, the chips and dip are waiting and the TV is ready to rock. It's a big game for us Vikings fans (minus the Packer-roid of the house) :)

My brother is a huge Bears fan so we'll be on the phone tomorrow saying either better luck next year or congrats.

I hope the Vikes can get another win. We'll be here cheering them on!

GO VIKES!

Tonight we took a break from all the hustle and bustle of the season and invited our friends over for a Christmas party. I got out the Christmas dishes I got last year and never used along with all the other holiday plates and decorative dinnerware. My table looked pretty cool. I wish coming up with a menu was that easy. At the last minute, I decided to make it easy and cook up 3 different kinds of pasta, two different kinds of sauces, grilled chicken bites to throw in the sauce if desired, Rani's awesome crab rangoons and breadsticks. Heidi brought the dessert and appetizers. We fed the kids first so our sauces were kind of cold and the breadsticks were left in the oven a bit too long but hey, those were some pretty dishes! HA! The kids disappeared together and us adults had some good laughs over supper, wine and beer. A fun way to end the week before a busy weekend and a great way to just spend time with friends. Even if it wasn't the perfect meal!

My 7 yr. old asked me if I was grumpy today. Her question made me stop and think. Yes. I am grumpy. I must have shown it if she asked me. I felt guilty for feeling grumpy. I tried to smile and told her the grumpy monster is bugging me today. She said she knows the feeling.

Unfortunately, the nagging monster didn't go away. I thought I'd make a list of why I am grumpy, thinking maybe it will help make me beat the mood:

1. Too much multi-tasking, trying to get too many things done in too short of time.
2. After literally running on the treadmill and from store to store, my son coming home from basketball wondering where supper was.
3. My daughters arguing again over who said what.
4. My son's eyes rolling when I told him what was for supper.
5. My dog being right in front of my feet at all times.
6. Decided to watch Christmas Vacation to lighten the mood...ended up with daughters arguing again before the opening tune even began.
7. Took older daughter to time away, listened to some crying, some negotiating and finally, let her come back to movie time.
8. Son wanting help with math homework. I had no idea how to show him, he got frustrated, finally finished on his own.
9. Ended up turning movie off after disagreements continued and putting kids to bed.
10.Decided I need to not multi-task so much as this is where the monster begin to rear his ugly head.
11. Going to bed to put the monster to sleep for good. Here's to a new happy day tomorrow!

Sigh!

This is a little past due since Thanksgiving was a couple weeks ago already. But here is my masterpiece of the dinner.

It's not the turkey, not the potatoes but this pumpkin pie. What makes it so special? Well, this was my first attempt (actually 2nd) at making a pie from scratch. My first attempt was about 10 years ago and it failed miserably. I gave up the effort until this year. This year I said the pie deserves another try. And it was good. So good, there were no leftovers. So good my son is asking for another. If you look real close, you can see where it almost spilled over the edge and the many pie "checks" in the middle. See the knife marks? If it comes out clean, it's done. So I kept checking. Not perfect looking, but good.

I have found a new love in pie baking. Who knows, maybe I'll get really crazy and try one of those merangue pies. (I can't even spell it) Then again, maybe i'll just stick to pumpkin for awhile. It's a safe bet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EMERSON!

She turned 6 yrs. old yesterday and we had the party inspite of the ice storm. The snow didn't put a damper on the fun these little girls had together. Doesn't being 6 look like so much fun?!?

I think back to when I was a teenager, even when I was in my 20's, and I just can't believe how I thought I knew what life was all about. It kind of makes me cringe a little. As I sit here at 36 yrs. old, I look back and realize I knew very little about life and how every circumstance that happened throughout the years molded who I am today. I realize more and more everyday that the people I have met, the places I've been, the situations i've been through, have all been for a purpose. Little did I know that one day, this light bulb would go off and I see how everything comes twofold. My friend Karen came into my life in college. I never knew why she came into my life back then. all I know was she was great to be around and I thought she was such a good, fun person. Over the last couple of years she has come back into my life. And now I realize why.

Her path was meant to have crossed mine. I have been reading her journal, if you will, intently since she has been caring for her mom and I am convinced, her story has made my light shine. I have never met anyone like her before. I have never known anyone with her courage, strength and faith. I have never known anyone with a heart like hers. I think about her mom and how happy she much be to have Karen with her, how much peace that is giving her. I think if I had never met Karen, the light would have never gone off and I wouldn't be sitting here tonight thinking about why this friend came into my life so many years ago. God knew I needed a person like Karen and in His own sweet time, He showed me why.

I have been thinking about Karen and her mom a lot and I pray for her comfort, for these last days together to be filled with peace. The light has gone off. It's not about the clothes you wear, the square footage of your house, the car you drive, the vacations you take...it's so much more than that. It all comes down to the life after this one on earth, where we will all be together again.

You are one amazing person, Karen and I am so grateful to have met you in college and that we can still call each other friends. I pray for you and your mom everyday.

i'm nervous to do this but I think we are going to give my son his own laptop. I just got a new laptop and wasn't quite sure what to do with the extra one. My son has convinced us having his own would be great for homework, playing his own games and he'd even let his sisters come into his room to play their games. Sounds great, but this whole idea kind of worries me at the same time. This whole internet thing in his room....gives me the shivers.

So, my bh and I set some strict rules....his door stays OPEN when on the computer, time limit searching NFL.com and printing Brett Favre posters and letting his sisters play when it's their turn. And my all-time rule, no food or drink at the computer. He agreed whole-heartedly and he's such a great kid, he deserves this bit of added responsibility. So we're going to to do it. He's getting the laptop and my bh and I can enjoy our own computer without Dora popping up asking us to help get rid of Swiper.

Getting his own computer...another sign of my son growing up.

I have a special assignment for my family this year. Before we eat our Thanksgiving meal, we are going to go around the table and say what we are truly thankful for. I want this to be a serious thing so I am giving them a few days to think.

So today my youngest says, "Can we say we're thankful for clowns? Because that's not being silly because what if I really am thankful for clowns?"

I say,"Okay but try and think of something else to go with clowns."

I am really wondering what kind of can of worms I have opened with this task. I'll be interested to hear the responses. And of course, I'll fill you in.

Here was my project for the weekend. My husband loved it. Whew, I'm glad it turned out. I'm glad it's done and now we can just sit back, relax and enjoy it.

So as you know from my previous post, my hubby is out in the wilderness again. Not only is it hunting season, but it's redecorating season. For me. For some reason, when hunting season rolls around, I also get the itch to repaint, move furniture around, etc. Well it's no different this weekend. I'm kind of doing a scene from that old show "While You Were Out".

I've been wanting to redo my basement for the last few months. It's our family room, toy room and office all in one big space. Now that we have this bathroom down here, I decided this room needed a new look to match. My dilema as usual is choosing paint color. I'm terrible at it. I cannot for the life of me pick a color from an itty bitty piece of paper. I know I wanted a shade of brown.....and there are 1000 different shades. So instead of causing anxiety in my life about it, I called a girl I know who owns her own decorating business. I told her I wanted my space to feel like a den, a log cabin. She came over and told me exactly what color to use on the walls, how to move the furniture and what kind of pillows to put on the couch. Awesome. All my decisions were instantly answered for me. So tonight I started the project. 4 hours later, my walls are pretty much done. Sitting back and looking at it, I totally love it. My son was amazed at the difference. I can't wait for my husband to see it. Once I have it all the way done, it really is going to feel like you came in from the wilderness. Especially with these animal antlers on the wall. I think he'll love it. Tomorrow I'll post a photo for you to see. Yep, I think I should have been on that show. I think this will become my favorite room in the house.

Another deer...that's ours, on the left. Today mountain man left for somewhere a couple of hours away to attempt a whack at another unsuspecting deer. I seriously think at this rate, I should turn my house into a lodge. Or maybe a meat locker. Either way, my man is having a great time. Know how I can tell?

Look at the smile... :)

The greatest joy of my business is giving people a photo they will have for the rest of their lives. Nothing is more fulfilling than to take pictures of a family before the husband and father leaves for Iraq...or the 50th wedding anniversary where all the children and grandchildren have traveled for miles to help celebrate...or the child who has never had a professional picture taken...or preserving the memories of a wedding, where there is nothing but happiness. Giving that gift to people is what makes doing what I do so cool.

But I had a different request this week that has been heavy on my heart. It's a sad request, a request that I have never given any thought to before. It came from the OB unit at our hospital and they want to bring a national service to Yankton for families who experience the greatest sadness a family could go through. They want me to be a professional photographer they call upon at the family's request to preserve memories and through those memories would help the family heal. My first thought was no way, I can't do that. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this is the ultimate gift for someone. This would be their only treasured memory. If I say no, families would never have this precious gift. A part of me would be very sad about that. I feel like God has put this in front of me for some reason. I could give this ultimate gift to people I don't even know and they would carry that memory on for the rest of their lives. But can I handle it? Can I put myself in that position and emotionally handle it?

I have to be honest...I really feel like God is speaking to me. And it's almost strange. I feel different this week. I feel like I am supposed to do this. I feel like he is telling me to do this. I went to the website of this organization that was founded in 2005. There are 3000 photographers worldwide affliated with them. The photos are beautiful. The stories are beautiful. It made me understand these families needed this to help heal, to help keep the memory. As I was searching the site, I came across this quote...

You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.

For a half hour of my time, a family could begin to heal. Please pray for me and that I make the right decision, that I do what God wants me to do. Not only for me, but for families out there that need this organization in our town.

That's it. I'm doomed to go to any more movies. Not with dry eyes anyway. I took the kids on a date day today...pizza and a movie. Hunting man is sitting in trees all weekend so the kids and I spent the afternoon together. Pizza was awesome and we all decided the movie, "Game Plan" was the one to see. We figured it had a little girl in a ballerina dress and the Rock as a football player so I was covering all the bases! The movie was great and I would recommend it to anyone. But this was a Disney movie and halfway through, my eyes start welling up with tears. Luckily I had plenty of extra napkins from the popcorn bucket to quickly wisk the tears away before the kids saw. Too late. They noticed. It seems like every movie I go to, I always end up crying. And it's not even a sad movie! Just very sweet. And it involves an 8 yr. old girl. I get so sentimental and just can't help the tears.

So I have decided that every and any movie I go to, I must bring extra napkins...some for my buttery hands and some for my tear-stained cheeks. Because it seems as I get older, my sentimental side gets stronger. I'll be waiting to see if there is a movie that DOESN'T make me cry.

I'm on a roll...

Bargain #3: This awesome featherbed I got from HSN (I really need to get to bed earlier so I don't get sucked into these deals) It came with two down pillows. I've been wanting one of these and figured what the heck, I mean it came with two pillows to boot! We put it on last night and it is like sleeping on clouds. On those cold winter nights, it will be great to snuggle up in our bed. I would have attached a photo but it would have also included my sleeping husband...didn't think that would be such a good idea. He didn't come with the bargain anyway! Now I'm off to that comfy bed for some much needed zzzzz's...sweet dreams!

Halloween 2007...a ghostly fun time had by all! Except for the youngest developing a stomach ache about half through trick or treating. I honestly was holding my breath after she said this while we were standing in the doorway of a friend of mine...the doorway of a really, really, nice house...I am accustomed to the after affects of my children saying they have a stomachache. Throwing up usually happens next. But, my girl held up strong to finish up the block. She was not about to give in. We figured it must have been too much party-ing. She never did throw up but the stomachache kind of put a damper on her night. As for the other two, this will be the last trick or treating for my oldest...he has decided he's just too old. Gosh, I didn't know you could get too old. I sported my cat attire the entire day. Maybe that's why he was a little embarrassed when I showed up at his class. ( Oops, must remember he is in 5th grade now.) My middle child loved every minute. She lead the way and memorized every candy in her bucket. Whew. I'm glad it's over and now we can move on to the next holiday. I just hope it doesn't involve candy!

http://www.photographybydeann.com/

It's not fancy, it's not the coolest website, but I think it shows my stuff pretty well. It's better than what I had and the best part is, I can update my photos anytime I want. Which lately has been a couple of times a week. My goal is to keep it fresh, with new pictures every week. You know, change them around a bit.

So for now, this is what I will use. Even if it's not the fanciest site in the world. It's simple. Kinda like my business.

Thanks for checking it out. I hope you like it.

There is nothing more exciting than getting a great bargain. I love it. It's kind of like an adreline rush! Here's my bargains of the week:

Bargain #1: I noticed a fashion trend of skinny pants coming into style. Just when I started liking the bootcut, they bring back the tapered pants. Anyway, I thought I'd try some. On a whim, I found a pair on Ebay, new with tags for $10. The tag said $55. I thought if they don't fit, I'm only out a few bucks. So I bid, won, got them today and I LOVE them. Comfy, cute and maybe will put me in, as least a little bit, with the fashion scene.

Bargain #2: Needed new blinds for our bedrooms. I began shopping for those wooden ones and found they were not cheap, especially for 3 sets. So I waited for a while before ordering, I knew I could get some cheaper somewhere. Then I get this magazine in the mail from an outlet and had the exact blinds I wanted for half the price! I ordered, haven't gotten them yet, and if they don't work, I guess I can put them on Ebay!

nothing like a couple of bargains to make a woman happy all day...

A sneak peek at the family Christmas card 2007. Funny what bribes will do...

It's 1:30 a.m. and I'm working late tonight, getting caught up on all the appointments I've had the last couple of weeks. People have definitely started thinking about the covers of their holiday cards. It's been great, I've met some really neat people and have received some nice thank you's in the mail from people liking their finished pictures. I honestly could take pictures everyday, I just enjoy it so much. When I get behind a camera, I kind of lose myself in the real world and just get caught up in the action in front of the lens. I've done lots of weddings this fall, some seniors and a ton of kids (secretly, they're my favorites). I did a family last week and the dad is leaving for Iraq for the second time on Wednesday. I got him with his family, his wife and just his kids. It will be a great CD he'll get to take with him. I'm glad I got to do that for him. Another family had their full bred St. Bernard with them...she was huge and the sweetest 160-pound dog I've ever met. She posed very well. So with all the families I've been doing, I started thinking about our family and how we need a photo for the xmas card. And if you know the boys in my family, they don't like me mentioning it. My girls are all for it, hair done, smiles on, trying to pose us. So I brought it up one night during a Charlie's Pizza supper and surprisingly enough, they didn't balk. Before anyone could change their mind, I dressed us up, set the timer, bribed my son with a buck, my hubby with a backrub and snapped away. We actually had fun, waiting for the little beeper to go off before the camera flashed. We got the photo. It looks pretty good considering I have ten seconds to get in position! I was going to post the photo but blogger is having a technical difficulty, so it will wait until the next time. Hope you are all sleeping well...


Good night!

My Packer-roid son finally got to see his hero play in person. As you can see, the rest of us, including my dad, cheer for the Vikings. It was quite a sight. No one, not even us, can figure out where the Packer mania came from. He is the only cheesehead in the family. Nonetheless, we got to see Brett Favre break the record for the most touchdowns thrown in a career, which was Dan Marino's until then. (Just in case you wanted to know!) I love NFL football games and even though I'm not a huge Packer fan, I loved watching my son's face when Favre came through the tunnel. And I loved getting to enjoy it all with my dad. I hope we get to do it again next year.

And yes, the Packers ended up winning that day. But I didn't care. It will always be a great memory.

The last month has been so busy and I'm so glad I finally get a breather. It's been a whirlwind, like fall always is. I had many late nights working on customers pictures, helping kids with school projects and making sure I had my pom-poms for all the soccer and football games. Needless to say, my blogging has been next to nothing. One night, I tried to start a new post and I didn't even know where to start. My mind was bouncing around so I decided to wait until life just mellowed out a bit.

So here I am, catching up on my blog-girls posts and savoring the quiet time. I missed blogging. A lot. I hope to never get into that funk again. It's your blogs that add a little something special to each day. I'm sorry I haven't been posting but I have been reading yours and loving it all.

Another great time in the mountains of Colorado for my hubby. He got his elk, his second one, and is completely hooked on this kind of hunting. Yes, we get to eat it and it's awesome. Very healthy and very lean. I'm proud of my bh. Not many people get even one elk in their lifetime and here he has come home with two within 3 trips. He knows his stuff. Next time he says I get to go with. The hot tub in the log cabin sounds perfect to me!

Way to go, honey. Thanks for bringing home our food and incredible stories.

My 5-yr. old baby girl says to me,"Do you know there is a little man that lives in the oven? Yep, he does. He's a little green man and he looks over the food and when it's done, he makes the buzzer ring."

Pause.

"There's a little man in the micowave too. Except he's red."

And that was the end of the story about the little men that tell me when the food is cooked. :)

Paradise City.

This will mean more at the end of this blog. Race day was over a week ago already. Here's my rambling thoughts, mile by mile.

Mile 1: I can't believe how many people are here. This is awesome. I wonder where Rachel is? I'm glad we got to ride the shuttle bus to the starting line. I must get together with her again this fall.

Mile 2: Wow, I feel so good. The weather is perfect and people keep passing me. I wonder where all the Yankton folks are?

Mile 3: I feel like I am going really fast but my watch says I'm okay. Water break up ahead. I think I'll pass that one. Why does my nose run when I run? Kinda embarrasing to have snot all over my face. Hey, I think I know that person from high school...

Mile 4: Okay this is cool. Augustana Viking football players standing in a row cheering us on. That's so neat for them to get up so early to do that. Thank you. Too bad they can't hear me. More football players. They're from USF. Thank you too. Hope they didn't notice my snotty nose.

Mile 5: I really feel like I'm going fast. Oh my gosh, my watch says I did a 7 minute mile. Slow down, I'll won't make it to the end at that pace. Must have been those football players...

Mile 6: I am feeling really, really good. Totally in control. I am sure glad I have my ipod music. This song reminds me of my youngest daughter, she loves to sing this one. Oh I hope they are having fun swimming with grandma. The halfway clock just clocked me at 52 minutes. That means if I keep this pace, I can break my goal of 2 hours! Keep going, just keep going.

Mile 7: I think I know that person too. Wow, these trails are really pretty. I am so glad I got to meet Rani and Bobbi in person. They are such great people. I wonder what they are doing right now? Thank you God for all you do for me and for bringing me to where I am today. Oh this song reminds me of my other daughter! She can sing really loud and I love it. Still feeling good, still feeling good. Sure could use some Gatorade, water is making me feel nausous.

Mile 8: Now I really could use some Gatorade. I wonder how the kiddos are doing at the pool. The hotel was a great idea, we had a blast. I wonder how bh is going in the mountains. I'm sure he is wondering why I didn't answer the phone last night. Too tired, honey, too tired. That pasta buffet with my dad must have worked because I'm still feeling pretty good. Don't check my watch anymore. This song reminds me of my son. He is getting to be such a big boy. I hope he will still let me hug and kiss him before he doesn't want that anymore.
My legs are starting to tighten up, that's never happened before. ugh.

Mile 9: I think I am feeling some cramping in my lower calfs. That doesn't feel good at all. Maybe those carbs from last night are wearing off. I can't stop now or I'll never be able to get going again. So just keep going. Like my bh says, work through the pain, work through the pain. Keep going keep going. Now that guy is really happy. He must run these all the time. Like Carey, I wonder how that girl has such a little butt. Okay God, I really need that Gatorade now. Please don't let it be just water. Ick. Oh thank you. Powerade pit up ahead. How do people drink while they run? Mine ends up all over my face. Oh well, at this point, who's looking?

Mile 10: That last mile must have been measured wrong. That took forever. This must be the point where I hit the wall. I read if you do just keep running and you'll get through it. I can do it. My legs aren't that bad. The tightening feeling seems to be getting worse. Hmmmm, wonder why that is happening. Only a few more miles. I sure feel like prayers are being said for me right now. I'm so blessed to have such amazing people in my life. Man, now that would be a perfect photographic background. This mile is longer than the last. I think they need to measure again.

Mile 11: I think i'm past the wall. Whew. That was rough. Thank god for my music. I wonder where the song Paradise City is? I still love that song. Makes me feel old but I love it. That's funny, in between Newsboys, Switchfoot, 3rd Day and Mercy Me, there's this old Guns N Roses song. If that would just pop up, that would get me going. Wow, I think I am going to break my goal! This is so exciting. Keep running, keep running. Where is Rachel?

Mile 12: It's my song, Paradise City. I feel the adrenaline creeping through my body. My pace picks up a bit. One mile. I think it's so great how all these people are out here cheering us on. Complete strangers. I wish they knew how much I appreciate it. My cramping legs hurt but I must concentrate on the song. I can't wait to see my dad at the finish line. I sure love him. I must have the greatest dad ever. Everything good in me comes from him. One mile left, one mile left...

Mile 13: I'm turning the corner now. Oh thank you God, for getting me through the wall. The people are all over the place clapping, ringing bells. My song is up probably too loud but I don't care. I am totally pumped up and feeling good, except for those darn cramps. Where's my dad? Where is he? There he is! Hey dad, over here!! I go even faster, smile and cross the finish line in my personal best time of 1:53:45. I can't believe it. I really can't believe i did it.

After the race, I limped to the massage therapy tent for some professional treatment. My dad looked worried but soon the legs were fine again. Sore but fine. I am convinced the only reason I broke the 2 hour mark was because of my friends, my family, my blog family, my God and of course...good 'ol Paradise City!

Well, the husband is probably sleeping with the wildlife somewhere in the mountains of Colorado. So with him gone, the kids and I are heading to Sioux Falls tomorrow. After my son's soccer game, we'll be staying in a suite, complete with pool and hot tub. Oohh how the kids are excited. it's kind of like a weekend with just mom. And grandma and grandpa too. The big race is Sunday morning. It's what I've been running around town like a crazy woman for the past 6 months for. I'm excited for it and I can't wait to see all the other people there, including the 14 others from Yankton.

So I know I've said before that I totally am in God-mode when I run. And the other day, while I was running, I realized how blessed I am for this whole blog thing and how many awesome people I have met through this. There are so many times when I read your blogs and don't always get to comment but I just want you to know, that so many of your stories, your advice, your experiences, have totally made such a difference in my life! Know that when I am in the zone of running 13.1 miles, i will be thinking of YOU and YOU will get me to the finish line!! :))

It's that time of year again. My hunter-husband just left for Colorado in search of the biggest elk in the mountains. He went with his hunting buddy and hopefully will find their way through the rugged terrain, meet up with their guide and begin the quest. I'm glad the day is here. He's been waiting a long time for this one. Now I just hope he doesn't come home next week empy handed.

Good luck, my mountain man, bring home the big one.

It's been a crazy week, explaining why my blog is a little outdated. Here was my week in a nutshell...

2 lunch dates with friends

4 football practices

3 soccer practices

1 lunch date with husband

1 wedding shoot

2 wedding consultations

3 family shoots

1 senior shoot

2 photo shoots from previous week to deliver

5 days of school

3 kids to get ready in the morning for those 5 days of school

1 word of the week project due for 2nd grader

6 math problems to help solve for 5th grader

1 school carnival

1 Yankton Bucks football game

1 grill out at friends new house

1 tree stand to help assemble

1 yard to mow

1 yard to mow again

1 Jeep to wash

3 games of Monopoly

2 games of playing makeover

25 miles of running

1,000 prayers of thanks for our happy, busy life!