First day of school pics finally up! Madison started 5th grade, Emerson started 3rd grade and Brody started 8th grade. Kudos to Brody for posing for me...he think he's getting a bit too old for these first day of school pictures. You can never get too old for them, right? The last picture is from a few weeks ago when my brother and his family were here from chicago...we celebrated my dad's 70th bday...he's in the red shirt and to me, looks fabulous! We had such a great time together. These get togethers are only once, maybe twice a year so it's always very special. My dad teared up a little. He called it a gem of a day. We all spent time at the lake, Wild Water West in SF and just being together for 3 whole days. The kids had a blast, especially the girlies...for not seeing each other very often, these cousins pack in so much, it's like no time has passed. Morgan was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when she was 2 years old and is such a trooper with it. She teaches my girls all about her disease and how she has to check her blood quite often. It's good for my kids to see that even with diabetes, she can eat and do everything they do. It's so wonderful how she inspires us. I love it. I love getting to see them. My brother is the coolest guy ever. He's the goods. We already are looking forward to next summer and our next visit. Sure wished they lived closer. But chicago is always a fun place to get to go visit! Hope all is going well...a new month is around the corner!

My return to blogging has been loooonnnggg overdue! I don't even know what to say at this point! Business is crazy busy, school is back in session as of today and Riverboat Days is this weekend which means a 5K for Brody and I, 2 dance recitals for the girls and lots of fabulous food that is not at all good for you for Seth and I. It will be a great weekend. Marathon training is creeping right along and I squeeze in those long runs every chance I get. Sometimes it's in the dark, in the humidity and with a million bugs but I get it done. I swear once Oct. 10 is over, I'm going to give my poor knees a break and do something a bit more gentle on the ol' joints.

My big bro' and his family were here two weekends ago and it was an awesome visit! We hit the beach more than once, celebrated my dad's 70th birthday and dodged the big storm that closed a couple of campgrounds. It's been a whirlwind.

The kids started school today and it always makes me a bit sad...to see them growing up. How time flies. To say out loud that I have an 8th grader makes my stomach turn. There are times where if I am not looking at his face, I may not think it's him talking because his voice just keeps getting lower and lower! Standing on flat feet he can stare directly into my eyes. Only a couple of more inches and I'll be peering UP at him! My Madison is in her last year of elementary school...sniff sniff! And Emerson in bringing up the rear and started 3rd grade. Thank God i have those little girls to still have in elementary school. Now talk to me next year at this time and I won't be quite so cheery...Brody will start high school and Madison will start middle school on the same day. I don't think about that right now so I will change the subject....

I also started my school day job at my elementary school. I have the same position, a paraprofessional, and LOVE it! I love the teachers...we have our little family in our school. It fits in perfectly with running my business and still being with my kids. There is nothing better than working school hours! I am a bit more stressed once I go back to school as this is my busy time of year for seniors. But once pics start slowing down in November, then I have school to keep me busy. Then school gets out and my business picks up again.

Life is good right now. I like being at this point in my life. The kids are at a really cool age and I am so content with how my career path is heading. I am finally just content. And it only took 39 years to get to this point. There is something to be said for FAITH isn't there?!

So my return to blogging has not created the most interesting post and I apologize for the lack of creativity. But if I haven't said it lately, I think about you bloggirls everyday!!!

I have been swamped with photo appts which explains my lack of blogging! Lots of seniors and families! Business has been great, I'm blessed! And then throw in this crazy training for the marathon, my time seems to always be cut short. However, I did manage to bring my kids to a new location for some test shots...kudos to Brody for agreeing without too much bribing! He even took the camera and took some shots himself. I think he may be enjoying the photography thing more than he would admit! They all did a fantabulous job at doing this for mom. So the one where they are not smiling? It was their idea! Ya don't think they get their picture taken alot do you?! Anyway, got some new shots for my studio.

Big news? My brother and his family from Chicago are coming this weekend! I am so excited to see them. This comes only once a year so we soak it in every chance we get. They have 2 boys, 16 and 13 and Morgan is 10. The kids will be glued to each other the entire time. It's funny how it seems like no time has passed when we get together. Last year we were racing down waterslides together at the Dells. This year will be a bit more calm but so fun. Lots of pics will be taken of course!

Happy day to you!! :)

So last weekend with Seth was nothing less than INCREDIBLE! It was like we were dating again! We hung out together all weekend with no stresses of work, no kids interrupting, no phones ringing, no supper to cook, no nothing. Just us. We ran the nature trail together, shot our bows at the archery range, went to the beach for 3 hours and floated on our floaties, ate out the entire weekend and sat outside around the bonfire just talking. That was the best part...just talking. We missed the kids, don't get me wrong and were so happy to see them again sunday night but it was nice to just have us for awhile. It was nice to have Seth all to myself. It truly reminded me of when we were dating and why I fell in love with him in the first place. It made us happy and giddy, the kids were giddy with their time with grandma and grandpa and my mom and dad were giddy with spending quality time with the kids. Everyone was just happy! And that's a good thing.

I've been busy with appts. all week...lots of seniors in session! I've been putting off a painting job in my house for months. My ceilings and walls in my kitchen, studio and hallway have been calling out a new color. After a long time deliberating, I decided on colors, bought the paint, and was waiting for the right time to start the project. That time came yesterday when one of my seniors rescheduled to next week. That left my Friday open and a prime time to start painting. So painting I did. Brody helped a little bit and I kept going and going. I am so incredibly HAPPY with the result! I'm not quite done yet but so far, I am ecstatic with how it looks. Especially my studio. It looks so professional! I'll post pics once it's completely done.

Here is a pic I'll post now for you...it's my dad and stepmom's little dog, Jessie. She's not just any dog, she is queen bee of the house! They LOVE this dog so much and she has done so much for dad after his surgery. She is not too fond of my family...we steal the attention when we come! She just points her nose in the air when we come around. It's kind of funny. At any rate, she is getting old and not in the best of health. My dad really wanted a picture of her before anything happened. So I brought my camera and snapped some shots of her. They turned out pretty good! I enlarged this one and had it mounted...dad and Cheryl will probably cry. I can't wait for them to see it. And I couldn't wait for you to see it either! Have a happy weekend!!!

I am so loving summer! I just wish it would slow down a bit so I can enjoy it longer. These kids of mine are growing up fast and before long, I won't have these summer months with them. We have taken in each day to the fullest, or at least try to. Fishing, swimming, hiking, beaching, eating, running, playing...I love the age of the kids right now. It's easy to take them anywhere and enjoy everything. They are still young enough to appreciate it and they still think mom and dad are cool. We've been having some wonderful summer memories. Okay so there are the occasional spats and disagreements...but all in all, I couldn't have asked for a better summer.

Today the kids are going to SF. The girls are going to stay with my mom and Brody is going to stay with my dad. They are going to have a blast and it's some time apart from each other. Even though Brody is a great big brother, he still needs that male bonding time away from the girls! I scheduled the whole weekend off from photo appointments. Anyway, that leaves me. And Seth. For the weekend. With no kids. And no work. Just us. Um...I don't know if that has ever happened. Seriously. I don't even know if we will know what to do. It will be quiet. So quiet. But, I am so excited for the time. We are going to shoot in an archery tournament together tomorrow and go out to eat of course. We'll probably hit the beach and actually relax! It's all kind of spontaneous which is good for the soul. I hope the wind stays away so we can be outside as much as possible. It will be a good weekend for everyone. That is my hope anyway!

Happy Weekend to you, my blog friends!

My kids have become lake bums. Well, maybe not so much of the bum part because they swim and play pretty hard when we're there. They easily could hit the beach everyday and we pretty much have since the weather (and water) turned warm. I am even sporting tan lines again which I haven't seen in awhile. It's not healthy I know, but I have to admit, I like it! It's nice being so close to the lake. There is even a beach we can just ride our bikes to instead of driving to our usual spot. So when the chores are done at home, we can take a dip in no time flat. It's fun to watch how each one of them is so different in the water...Emerson doesn't stop to take a breath, Madison is a bit more timid and doesn't like to get her head wet. It messes up her hair you know. Brody does the american crawl to the buoys and tries to impress the girls. It's quite the deal to watch and I love doing it. That explains my tan lines! Sunday we all went to the nice beach about 4 miles away with Seth. We took the cooler, floaties and all the beach goods and spent the afternoon in the sun. The weather was a picture perfect beach day. So if you can't find us home working, you'll know where we'll be. Come visit us!

After a busy weekend and unexpectedly getting to spend the day with my fellow bloggirl, Rani...this week has been a nice transition to yet another weekend. We have been to the lake, to the pool and thru the spinklers in hopes of staying cool! I have been trying to get my runs in early so I don't have to battle the humidity as much but apparantly I haven't been getting out early enough. I come home looking like a drowned rat! I got an email saying the Chicago Marathon is 4 months away...I swallowed the lump in my throat. I just can't believe how fast this summer is going and how fast that time is coming. So I guess I'm officially in training. As long as I can fit in pool/lake/sprinkler time, I'm okay with whatever training schedule I have to do!

So back to Rani...it was so cool! I am in Scotland, SD to do a wedding shoot. It was my husband's boss's son getting married. I talked to the bride a couple of times before. Her last name was Gordon but I never thought anything about it. I went to the church to do my pre-wedding church shots when nobody is there. I grab the bulletin to photograph it and see the names Gavin, Maleah, Addison Gordon...my mind thinks for a second and then it clicked. Rani's kids! The bride and Rani's husband are brother/sister! I couldn't wait to see Rani! Not more than 5 minutes later, Rani walks in, sees me and we both just screamed!!! What a small world! So lucky me, I got to spend the day with Rani and her beautiful family. And let me tell you, after seeing her cutie kids in pictures all these years, they are even CUTER in person!! We could not have planned it any better. I love surprises...especially this kind!

Well, enough blogging for now, friends. Must get to some computer work that does not involve my social circle. Although that is more fun! :) Happy Wednesday!

So I went got my new "do" today. I didn't go really short but 3 inches cut off is alot for

me. I also opted to get rid of highlights and just go back to dark. Brody is now calling me "goth-mom". Should I take that as a compliment? I think I needed something new. I actually think I may go a tad funkier for the next cut. I like the color (I think). It may help if my 13 yr old doesn't act scared when he sees me. Silly boy. The girls wanted to take the pics. They of course build my ego when all else fails. Enough pampering for me today...it's playtime with the kids!

I'm in a funk. So I'm playing with these pictures I took the other day of the girls at the lake. It was much too cold to actually swim but playing around in the sand and water was just fine with them. Their smiles somehow manage to de-funk me. But then again...how could they not?! Happy Saturday to you all!

We're back from the beautiful Black Hills and finally out of vacation mode. Amazing how long it takes to get back to reality and caught up with everyday life again. It was a great get away. I love the cabin-life...totally relaxing. And with the beauty of the Black Hills surrounding us, "home" feels so far away. Our rented cabin was very cute and cozy. The owner actually works in the athletic department at SDSU so we quickly bonded as Jackrabbit alumni! Highlights included wine tasting at the Prairie Berry Winery, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Roughlock Falls, Saloon No.10 in Deadwood, visiting a mine in Lead and of course the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Half Marathon. We tried to see some different things than from 2 years ago when we did all the "touristy" stuff in Rapid. It was great to wake up to deer and turkey in the backyard of the cabin. I think those people who own cabins in the hills are so lucky...to have a retreat like that on the top of Deer Mountain would be amazing. Maybe one day, we'll be lucky enough to have our own.

I finished the half marathon in my 2nd best time ever but let me tell you, it was not easy! I think it was all the vacationing before the race, not being totally acclimated with the altitude and having a hard time getting my mental game on. The 2% incline from mile 6-7 really kicked me. It took another mile to get back in to pace! But I kept praying, thinking about friends, thinking about the kids and Seth waiting at the finish line...that all kept me going. I ended up with a couple of blisters and sore quads from the hills but it was all worth it. This was my 10th half marathon and it is the most beautiful, most well-organized race I do. I just love it. Love the people I meet, love the energy, love the volunteers. It's one I'll be doing as long as I can. Another amazing thing...at the end of the race, I'm hanging out slamming down oranges and someone yells "DeAnn.." I turn and here is our college friend Jen Ham coming at me!!! She saw me come in while waiting for her sister! I couldn't believe it. I was so surprised, we chatted and chatted while my mouth was full of oranges. You just never know who you will see when you're on vacation!

So, our family vacation has come to an end and it was a good one. The best part is creating memories for the kids. That's what means the most to me. Summer is just the best.

It was the best weekend ever!

Celebrated 16 years with my fabulous hubby for starters. Hard to believe we've made it that far...honestly, it still seems like year one at times. We laugh, we joke, we reminisce, we still hold hands. It's been really cool. I think he's made me a better me. Can't wait to see what the next 16 years will bring!

After a couple of photo shoots, a run and Brody's mowing job, we packed up and headed to Mitchell to visit the Grosdidier's. I wish I could tell you how much fun we had in words! It was the BEST! Carey made us burgers, dogs, salad and Josh's blue jello rocked! We ate, drank corona and talked and talked. I think the hubby's had more in common than they thought! The kiddos had a blast. Jace and Josh are awesome boys...I think my girls have a slight crush. hehe! Brody thought being with BOYS was the cat's meow (as he put it) I can't wait to do it again. Even the kids are asking when we can get together again. So, Carey, next time it's my turn. We can't let so much time pass before seeing each other! Your house is BEAUTIFUL and you deserve every square foot of it! It's just amazing. I was thinking on the drive home when the kids all fell asleep, how lucky I am to have met Carey. We really are like two peas in a pod. I am in awe how much our thoughts are so similar. We were meant to be friends and I am so incredibly blessed to have her in my life. She makes me feel like a million bucks! THANK YOU, Carey for an awesome evening! It really was the best part of the weekend! I love you!

Then came Sunday...more running, more work around the house and just relaxing together. Seth made ribs on the grill, built a bonfire and ate under the gazebo while it's up and the wind hasn't take it down yet! My dad came yesterday for a few hours to visit and it's always nice to see him. I still get so excited when I know he's coming...just like a little girl! He's the best! And now today, I'm packing for the hills. We leave tomorrow. So anxious to get there and see the cabin. I wish the race were earlier...I'm nervous about it. I always get nervous before races but I'm just sure I'm ready for this one. I'm thankful there are no hills! AFter the last race, hills are the last thing I want to tackle!

So, summer is officially here so far, I'm LoViNg it! I just hope it doesn't go by too fast. Happy June to you all!!

My dancing girls

Geez...

That's the only word I can come up with how fast this last month has passed! I don't even know what happened, it's all a blur. And here it is, our last day of school tomorrow, summer is around the corner and I can't keep up!

Geez...

I just spent the last 1/2 hour catching up with all your blogs. I think I've forgotten about mine, obviously. FB has been my priority lately due to my lack of blogging time. But I couldn't stay away any longer. I feel close to you all again. I very much dislike not being in touch. I didn't physically comment on your posts (call me the blog stalker) but the comments are in my head and I can't wait to get back into blogging...now that school is out tomorrow and summer vacation is here!

So what has been taking up my blogging time?

Track practices
Track meets
Dance rehearsals
Dance recitals
Running
Date nights with hubby
Date nights with kiddos
Date nights with both hubby and kiddos
Trying to help daughter with math homework
Putting together wagon for other daughters book parade
Praying for our friend Susan who is fighting cancer
Attending Saturday for Susan to raise money for her
Seeing off our pastor to Afghanistan
Seeing off our best friend for his second deployment to Afghanistan
Spending time with my mom and dad
Planting flowers and trying to keep them alive
Photo appointments
Getting new windows on our house

Geez...

So that's where the month went. Life is good and I am reminded by reading your blogs how ridicously blessed I am. I missed you! But I'm back. Thanks for waiting and thanks for making me feel so cozy tonight.

River Rat 1/2 Marathon is done! I conquered the Chalkstone Hill at mile 9 which is known for it's mile long incline that is straight up (for lack of a better term). It wasn't a pretty sight...I was drooling, my nose was all snotty...seriously, I was hoping there wasn't any photographers at the top. At any rate, I really felt pretty good until the last couple of miles when my legs started telling me that hill was brutal. But a runners club friend of mine who is pictured in this photo, caught up with me and ran with me to the end. He actually paced me faster which i was so thankful for. 1:46:30 was my finishing time. I won my age group and put me on a post-race high for 2 days. That is the Missouri river in the background of this photo. so pretty huh?! Sometimes I think I'm surrounded by so much beauty and I don't even take the time to really "see" it. So after celebrating and thanking God for providing the break in the weather for the race and for giving me the strength to finish, it's on to the Deadwood race. Thank you thank you thank you...you guys get me through those moments when I think I won't make it.

We took Brody turkey hunting on Saturday...that's what he chose to do for his 13th birthday. No parties with friends but hunting with mom and dad. So we packed up the gear, had a sitter for the girls, and off to the wilderness we went.

We spent the whole day there...the weather was perfect. We couldn't find those gobblers in the morning so we decided to take a break, eat lunch and wait it out. Brody took this picture and I LOVED it! Isn't the view amazing? So no dead animal pictures on this post...we were close a couple of times, very close one time but no turkeys for us on this day. But really, would it matter when you are spending time outside in this kind of terrain? I think I was praying in this picture. It was so quiet, so serene, just so pretty. Those turkeys are pretty lucky I think to get to live in this all the time!

I've gotten some awesome recipes from Bobbi, Karen and Rani via blogs and I realized, I haven't shared any of mine. I'm not the best cook in the world but I do like to experiment. One of my favorite things to make is italian food. I love pasta! Must be those carbs I crave. This recipe I made last week and I don't have a picture but it is soooo gooood. And even better, soooo easy! If you like pasta dishes, this one is a winner. You can even substitute different ingredients to your taste but it's great just like it is too. I'm already craving it again. So I thought I would share it with YOU since you've shared so many recipes with me. ENJOY!! :)

Chicken Tetrazini

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
7 oz. spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups diced chicken (i just used chicken breasts, browned them up and chopped up..yummo)
Mushrooms (I threw in a handful of portabellos)
3/4 cup parmesan cheese

Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat. Blend in flour and seasonings. Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture is bubbling. Remove from heat. Stir in broth and milk. Heat through. Stir in spaghetti, chicken and mushrooms. Pour into a 2 qt. casserole dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 min. or until bubbly. Serves 6.

Isn't this picture precious? It's like a little cocoon for this 1-week old baby girl. Just had to share...

This was the afternoon of Easter Sunday. We took our usual family bike ride to the park just to hang out. I even got this picture of ALL 3 KIDS SITTING TOGETHER SMILING...this rarely happens. But there was a reason I think. Easter was extra-special this year. If you remember, our church was deliberately set on fire one year ago. With over $2 million of damage, we didn't know when or if we would ever get back to our building. Over the course of the next year, we went to church on the campus of Mount Marty while our home church was being rebuilt. Finally, one year almost to the day, we celebrated not only the resurrection of Jesus, but the resurrection of our church. It has been expanded, added on to, refurbished and looks AMAZING! The kids were so excited when we walked in...all they could say was "wow!" Over 1000 people came to church that morning...it was pretty cool.

They say all things happen for a reason. This reason was clear. Our congregation is closer, we have a whole new bigger building and everyone..at least for that day...was so happy. Even my kids. And it showed.

We're back to reality! Actually have been for about a week now...but it took awhile for it to set in. St. Petersburg, Florida was amazing! We had such a fantastic time. The weather turned out perfect...all sun, 77 degrees, no wind, which meant for some serious tan lines. We ate pounds of seafood, drank a couple of bottles of wine, saw two dolphins, lots of parasailors, became buddies with the cabana boy, laughed like crazy at the Coconut Comedy Club, ran a few miles down the streets of St. Petersburg with Heidi, basked in the sun alllll dayyyy lonnnnggg, found that Corona and wine stayed cold in the white sand, relaxed relaxed relaxed, got dunked in the ocean which was still a tad cold, enjoyed each others friendship and cherished the moments with my husband. It was paradise. This was the first time in my life I have seen a palm tree...I took lots of pictures of them. Our resort was perfect and I seriously have never come across so many friendly, paid back people. They were all so..well..happy! We figured it was because they had this awesome weather all year round. I mean, who wouldn't be happy at a place like this! We decided we are going back..and soon. Plans were being made before we even left for home! We missed the kids though and were happy to get back home to them. The girls brought their seashells I collected for them to school for show 'n tell. They had a great time with my mom. And she loved being in that "mom" role again for a week...taking them to school, making them supper, making sure they read for 15 minutes before bed, etc.

So, the laundry is finally caught up again, things are back to normal and we have these awesome memories we'll cherish forever. Ahhhh....

Vacation time is almost here...1 more day and we're headed south. To Florida. For some fun, relaxation and just to get reacquainted with the sunshine! We're going with another couple whom we have been friends with for 15 years. They are the first people we met when we moved here. Their kids and our kids have been friends for just as long. I'm so excited to get away and enjoy quality time with my hubby and friends. And possibly a few dolphins. Wish us luck in the adventure and pray that our travel is safe and sound. I can't wait to share the photos when we get back...see you next week!