Life is good here. Just not so good at keeping up on the ol' blog. I've been reading yours, stalking I guess. And you're all in my prayers.

I knew the month of July would go fast. But this fast? Crazy. Last weekend, we went to my high school reunion. It was a weekend planned with events...golfing, Canaries game with all the food (Brody even got to be batboy for the night!) Nutty's north, picnic, tour of the pavilion and the Sugar Daddys' playing at wileys for us. And more food there too. I graduated with about 500+ people and about half came for the festivities. I went to everything, except golfing, and saw as many people as i could. I stayed out until 2 am both nights, just catching up with my girlfriends from 20 years ago. It was the best weekend, so much fun having the kids play together and us moms talking like no time had ever passed between us. It was awesome seeing people I haven't seen in years. People came from all over...CA, Washington, Phoenix, Colorado, Illinois. So the next reunion is supposed to be in 10 years but we may make it 5.

So, here's a shout out to all my Washington Warriors. You guys rock! I'm proud to be a 1989 WHSH graduate!

We made it back from wisconsin dells and man oh man, it was awesome! I have never felt so young! We waterparked it up for 3 days, non-stop. We made our home at the Wilderness Territory. The cabins were beautiful. This particular resort gave us 3 waterparks, over a million sq. feet of body slides, tube slides, the hurricane (name says it all) hot springs, lazy rivers, worlds largest wave pool, slides that made you scream, slides that made you really wet and cabinas for the times when you just wanted to relax. They were indoor, outdoor, some that were a little of both...it's undescribable really. Even our littlest, emerson, went down the black hole body slide like it was a walk in the park! It was a little unnerving sending her down this big dark hole, not knowing how she would react. But at the bottom her smile was bigger than i had ever seen it. It's definitely a vacation we'll be doing again. But even with all the fun, the truly best part was spending this vacation with my brother, sister-in-law and their kiddos. You would think the kids just saw each other last week. It was like no time had passed. Morgan cried when we left. that's the worst part, saying goodbye. I hate that part. But we'll be back again. Together. And we'll have just as much fun as we did this time. So for now, I have the memories. That's just the best.

Gosh, could the time possible go any faster?! Seems like I can't keep up with the days. Or the late nights. This summer has been one of the best so far. Relaxing, fun, busy but not too busy...I just wish it wasn't going so fast! What's filling the days?

*Brody finished up his golf league, took the test and passed to the birdie level! Must be that new driver of his. He's quite the golfer and really enjoys it. Now he's in an athletic training program at Mount Marty College.

*The girls are doing their dance classes, ballet and dance team and can't get enough of the water. They never seem to run out of energy!

*Still finding time to run everyday and just ran a race last weekend with Brody. He shaved 3 minutes off his first 5K time! I won my age group (it helps to be old!) and got a nice gift card to Runner's Block.

*We had our annual 4th of July party at our house and besides a few firecracker misfires and a burnt hand by one of the guests (he's fine, long story!) it was another fun evening.

*Now we are heading out this afternoon for Wisconsin Dells. We're meeting my brother and his family up there, staying in a cabin and bond with the waterparks. I've never been there but hear it's a blast. It's a long drive but we're ready for the adventure.

*Then it's off to Sioux Falls the following weekend for my 20th reunion. I can't wait to see my bestest friends from high school! It will be a good time. Then i go back to Sioux Falls for my dad's retirement. He just got an award to honor him for 50 years in banking. I'm so proud of him. What an accomplishment.

So that is July in a nutshell. Even with all the activities of summertime, my most favorite times are those hot summer nights when Seth and I sit outside, watch the kids play and just...be. I sure love summer. Must get back to last minute packing. Pray for our safe journey to Wisconsin and for good weather! See you when we get back!

My most favorite pictures to take..happy moments. A couple getting married in two short months and our newest nephew, Cayden. Seth's sister, Shana, just had him 2 weeks ago and I was blessed to be able to photograph him. Isn't he the cutest? Today I have a wedding to shoot. more happiness.

Here's to more happy moments...

Okay. okay...enough of the monkey (yes, karen you can look now :)) june is in full swing but the weather sure doesn't feel like it! with the exception of a few days here and there, it's been rainy and cloudy. sure hope i can get a tan before my class reunion. at any rate, this past weekend was a nice one and we took advantage of it. i kept my weekend free of photo appointments and we played!

Saturday i woke up at 3:45 a.m. which i haven't done since the kids were babies, and got ready for a half marathon in Viborg, SD. to be honest with you, i wasn't totally awake until i actually got to Swan Lake where the marathon took place. it was dark the whole drive there but i really enjoyed it. the peacefulness, the sun just starting to come up and i had klove cranked on the radio. it was cool. once i got to swan lake, i met some people i knew, and some i didn't know. lots of hard core marathoners were there. these guys were running a marathon in every state. some were from canada, washington, california, all over. this was their stop in SD. this tiny little town of Viborg. it was fun chatting pre-race.

So the gun went off at 6 a.m. and i was on my way. funny thing is i forgot my watch which i always use to see how i'm doing timewise (probably due to the 3:45 a.m. wake up time) so i had to go without. my half-marathon goal over the last year was to finish in the 1:40's. i had no idea how i was doing the entire race. so coming over the hill in the last stretch, i saw the clock. immediately i got the adreline rush...it said 1:46:16...so i booked it and crossed at 1:46:38. they handed me a medal and ribbon...first place for my age group. and it wasn't even 8 o'clock yet! it was a great race, loved the route, water/gatorade every 2 miles, nice people, beautiful weather. so thanks to god, friends, family and jon bon jovi, i made my personal record. and maybe because i wasn't staring at my watch the whole time. who knows? either way, i was really happy.

Got home from running and stumbled to the door (little stiff from the drive home!) we decided to take the ol' boat out fishing. the girls had a blast! they haven't been on the little boat for a couple of years so they thought it was pretty neat. it's not a fancy boat by any means. actually it's pretty old but it runs and it works for us. we fished and fished, broke a few lines, ate some snacks and brody caught the biggest fish. it was the only keeper anyway. we're eating it for supper tonight. by the time we got home, i was literally exhausted. i don't even remember going to bed.

It was a long day but such a great day. lots of memories were made and that's what matters. i love summer!

Two posts in one day...i don't think i've ever accomplished that before. although maybe it's not an accomplishment but rather too much time spent on the computer! i'm been busy working on photo appts. from last week and needed another blog break.

you all know my fascination with monkeys...this one just makes me laugh everytime i look at it. he was one of my favorites from the zoo.

don't you wish we could "hang out" like this?!?!

:)

Question for the day...what does one do with 5 baby bunnies found in our yard (by the dog no less) that my little girls are in love with? I mean, I really don't want to take care of 5 bunnies. Do they eat lettuce? Leaves? So after the girls (and the dog) had their fun with them, they put them back in their hole in the ground. I convinced them the mommy bunny would come back to feed her babies and take care of them. I told them the babies would be much happier with their mommy. So the girls agreed but regularly checked in on them, making sure nothing was bothering them (mainly the dog). So last night as we were sitting outside, we saw the mommy bunny hop up to the hole and she immediately started tending to the babies. The girls just sat and watched. They were so happy the mom came back. And so was I. I don't know what the status is of the bunnies this morning. I'm sure I'll have my loyal bunny watchers (that includes the dog) heading out soon to give them a checkup.

Okay, I'll admit it...they are pretty darn cute...

If you are wondering what the flowers have anything to do with our bunny find, that one is for Bobbi...I have no green in my thumb whatsoever, but finally planted flowers in the huge pot I

had. I have to admit, I'm kinda proud of them! Nothing has died yet and they are actually growing! The lady at the flower shop told me exactly how to plant them so I did have a little help. Nonetheless, I'm going back today to get more. No backforty by any means, but I have a start!

Here it is, June already and I'm already wishing the time would somehow slow down. Summer has been in full force at our house and we've been soaking up every minute. Here's a breakdown:

Seth and I celebrated an amazing anniversary...15 years and counting. I couldn't have asked for a better day. We're going to the tropics with another couple next April to celebrate both our anniversaries but Seth still surprised me with gifts. He's the best. He loved the watch I got him with our anniversary date engraved on the back. We went to Omaha this last weekend for a zoo day. It was so much fun, the first time we have ever went without a stroller! The kids walked the whole 6 hours with a couple ice cream breaks. Seth and two friends reshingled our house a few weeks ago now...they did a great job. Our house looks like a totally different place. We bought a gazebo last weekend too...it was almost as difficult to put up as the shingles but we did it and thankfully it passed wind test, especially after yesterday. Sprinklers, 3D sidewalk chalk, bike rides, Brody's golf league, flower planting (Bobbi would be so proud)...that's what our summer has been all about so far. I can't wait to see what the rest has to bring us.

But please, summer, don't go so fast. We want you to stick around for awhile!

This is Madison's dress rehearsal a week ago in preparation for the big shows this weekend. It's a tear jerker. I have watched her practice and learn this dance since last October and I have to tell you, I never get tired of watching it and it always brings tears to my eyes. She just looks so grown up and is really turning into a dancer. I just had to share it with you. It's my amateur video taping and since it was dress rehearsal, there is no background up, no smoke effects and you hear her teacher at the end. But nonetheless, it's a special song with special meaning. By the way, the older dancer that comes out is dancing with her dad.

Enjoy...

spring turkey hunting 2009

cost of tags: $75.00

ammunition: $100.00

camouflage pants: $30.00

packed lunches: $15.00

being in the wilderness with my most favorite boys: priceless

spring turkey hunt 2009 tally:

brody: 1

mom: 0

dad: 0

brody loves that tally!!

Here's the question of the day...

If Brett Favre really goes to Minnesota to play for the Vikings, does that mean Seth and I will have to cheer for him which technically would go against our Packer rivalry for all these years and will Brody kind of cheer him on because his autograph is in his room but yet won't because he's a viking and not a packer?!

Oh the confusion. vikings...packers...vikings...packers...personally I think the guy should find another job so our lives will be easier during football season!

another athleta magazine in the mail today...i may have started something here. a new magazine a week, just to tempt me. maybe it was the number of items from the first order?! now those athleta marketing people have me on their list, thinking they'll get me to order everytime.

bad thing is, they're probably right. pretty smart marketing move!

this is the time of year where we have a practice, rehearsal, game, dancing for the old people...it's something every night. so, i am squeezing in a quick post to let you know i am still here. exciting news to share:

brody and i ran in a 5K this last Saturday, his first one. it was such a great time doing a race with him. we started together, and i didn't see him again until i was at the turn around point. i finished and waited for him at the finish line. finally, he came around the corner. i cheered him on til he crossed the line. he was so proud, ran the entire race without stopping. he ended up medaling in his age group...30:02. and i ended up medaling for 1st in female overall, 23:16. honestly, that was one of the best races i have run. it was cool being the first girl to come in, with 3 guys ahead of me. i think having him there was my inspiration. brody's ready for another one. i think i may have created another race fanatic.

:)

Alright...who went and put me on the mailing list to Athleta? I've never gotten the magazine before but it came today, tempting me with almost everything in it!!!

It's been a long week. Finally, Easter break has begun. The holiday has a bit of a damper this year...our church and preschool burned Saturday. It's pretty much a total loss. I've been spending the last 3 days helping along with numerous friends in helping to relocate the school. It's so sad. Everything is just gone. But with generous donations, things are going to keep rolling for the preschool. And for the 85 kids that go there. We've been cleaning the building someone has let us use but it's been vacant for a year. Lots of cleaning and repainting. And redoing everything. So we found out yesterday that someone started this fire on purpose. On purpose. Someone is out there thinking it's funny to burn down a place where kids and families spend a great part of their life. My kids are sad. Brody doesn't want the church to change at all when they rebuild. Madison cried.

But there are signs of hope. Like the eternity candle that never extinguished. The kids' artwork that covered the hallways is curled and black, but still hanging on the wall. So Easter will be different this year. But not forgotten. Just more appreciated. They're going gut the church and rebuild it. It will be months before we're back. But all 1200 of us families will be back. I just hope they catch the people that did this. And soon.

So I went to get the oil changed in the ol' jeepster and the guy started telling me afterwards that there's a bit of corrosion starting on the battery. "nothing major," he says, "just put a little baking soda on it or a can of Coke will eat 'er up in seconds."

I gulped.

I drink a Coke everyday. Have been for as long as can remember. I couldn't help but think, "omg, what do you think it's doing to my insides then? how can something I live for everyday dissolve something as gross as corrosion on a car battery? That can't be good."

The thought crossed my mind that maybe I should change my habit. That thought lasted a mili-second. I figured, maybe that's why I never get stomach aches...the Coke is kicking all the icky stuff away!! I'm not giving it up. Not yet anyway. It's my one little treat everyday. Remember I experience a minor anxiety attack if there just happens to be no Coke in the fridge, which isn't often.

So I went to the pop machine, got my 50-cent ice cold Coke, went home and enjoyed every drop.

Corrosion, schmosion...

Today was an amazing day. In more ways than i can probably express. For one, we had no school. Even though the forecasted blizzard didn't come, I sure loved being home with the kids without having to be somewhere by this time, get picked up by this time, etc. Snow days are an an excuse to HAVE to stay home and inside. Honestly, I think one day like that can only happen every once in awhile or we all may go a little stir crazy. But by the looks of things, school will be on again tomorrow and we'll be back to the regualr schedule. I'm scheduled to run another 5K this Sat. in Vermillion but another round of snow may be heading our way so we will see. We'll see if I hit my personal goal of winning my age group.

So you may be asking why this was such an amazing day. It's because I finally let go of a burden that has been on my heart for quite some time. I've prayed faithfully about this stronghold, asking for strength and courage to overcome it. Over the last few weeks, I've noticed signs of how to finally let it go. From people in everyday conversation talking about how God forgave a prostitute in the bible. I remember Beth Moore talking about strongholds in one of her studies. That started the transformation but it seemed to always be there, hovering around. He forgives even the worst people if they ask. I realized I need to be like that. Can you imagine what he goes through everyday? Listening to people doubt him, talk about him, sinning, even going against him. And what does he do? He forgives. I know we are supposed to be like God, we can't be him by any means, but we can strive to be like him. After months and months of this stronghold on me, it was released. I knew it because I recognized it. I knew why I've been in the right place at the right time to hear I've heard. It made me think, it opened my eyes. Once again, prayers were answered in HIS time. He knew it would happen, it just had to be in his time. There is nothing better than to forgive.

So that was my day. I feel light. I feel un-jumbled (refer to previous post). I wish I could find the bible verse to go along with this. I know there is one.

I feel like such a loser! I mean, here all my faithful blog girls keep up with their posts and I'm just plain behind. I seem to have lost the touch for writing on this thing, just can't seem to nail down one thing to blog about. I love reading yours, they all seem to have such meaning, such inspiration. I especially love how you can pull these awesome verses out of the bible and right them down and really think about the meaning. I have never been able to do that. I wish I could associate life...things...with bible verses. Maybe some things would make more sense to me.

I love the posts I've been catching up on. It makes me happy to hear about everyone's happiness, new hairdos which by the way are beautiful, new house in a new town, killer lasagna, kids, families and a newfound album. I need to regroup and get my thoughts out of my head and in a post. Everything right now is in a jumble. Is there a bible verse for that?? I would love to know!

We did it. The final tally from the 2008 Mile-A-Day Challenge. 12 of us completed it. Pictured is 6 of us, celebrating with beer and food. And it was a challenge. But fun for the most part. Except for those days when you're running in the dark so you can get your mile in. Or those days when it's raining...or snowing...or the dreaded "dreadmill" is just the last thing you want to jump on to. So far 2009 is starting off great, no mulligans yet. So we'll see if my stamina keeps up for yet another year. I've got a loooonnnnggg way to go!!

Here is the chair. The chair that was almost thrown away. The chair that I knew had potential. And thanks to you, the chair has new life. Everyone who has come over for pictures has said what an awesome chair it is. Funny how we come across something we weren't even looking for and made a whole new use for it. I love that part the most about this find. I'm looking forward to all the many little kids who get to sit on this chair. I think the chair is looking forward to that too!!

NO SCHOOL TODAY!

It was such a beautiful day, I managed to talk the kiddos into posing for some pictures. They kind of complain at first, but after we start shooting, they really get into it. My favorite is the bottom one. I tried to be, well, creative. Just wanted to share these with ya. Hope you're having a great week!