Husker Football

So this weekend was a blur! Oh my goodness. But Sunday morning was a "treat".

To explain, I need to tell you a bit about Saturday. Saturday, we went down to UNL campus. We thought we could take Zach to Memorial Stadium. Nope, they were locked up. Only can get into the stadium during weekdays. So, then we went to the union to eat and check out the bookstore. Bought our son a Husker Football then went to LSC for an open house. After that, watched the Huskers lose yet another football game. (fire the coach already) and then to the Gala (I mentioned on Sunday). Well after it was all set and done...we didn't get back to our beds until after midnight. Luckily, our son slept and we just crashed.

Sunday morning was a mess. So, my husband got up to go to church. The choir practices at 7:30 am before the first service (why so early is beyond me). So my son and I decided to join him at 8:30 am when the first service started. First getting my son out of bed has always been a chore since he turned 2 years old. After what seemed like hours of poking and pulling, he finally got dressed. Then, he discovered...that wonderful Husker Football we bought him the day before was not anywhere to be seen. I tried to explain to him that it was probably at his friend's house (where he was when we were at the Gala) and that we would get it later. This is where the fun began. Tears. Screaming that he wanted to go to Lincoln to get the ball then. He was concerned they would not find it. I'm looking at the clock.....it's 8 am. I have 30 minutes to get to church. It takes me 20-25. I'm not sure I'll get there. I try to get him downstairs. He reluctantly goes, but when he gets downstairs, realizes that there is a toy food hidden under the chair. I look at the clock....8:07 am....."Leave the toy" "No, I put it away" "It's ok this time, just leave it" "Mom, I got the toy. I put it away" "Please just leave the toy on the arm of the chair" "See mom, I put it away. Yeah for me!!! Where's my Husker Football?" As I open the garage door, he sees the car. I tell him to get into his carseat. This starts the Why questions. I don't care who you are....if you start hearing the why question....you just want to beat your head against the wall and pray God will take you now. Because one why turns into a 100 and you just don't have the time....especially when you see it's 8:11 and you needed to be gone a while back.

So, I finally get him into the carseat (yes, I did remember to buckle him in) and we are off. I see that it is 8:13 am and thinking.....great! Walking in late. At least I am there. I hit the road. I think that all is good then my 4 1/2 year old bursts into tears. "What's wrong?" "I don't have my Husker Football" By this point, I am praying that someone has left a football for us at church. I begged to ask the question..."Would you like me to call K & T and see if they can look for it?" "Yes!" So, yes, at 8:21 am on Sunday morning, I called and left a message to make sure the precious Husker Football is safe. Got to church on time.....yes I tend to speed a little sometimes....and my son tells my husband that the football is not here. He is completely lost to what happened but is glad we got there.

Later, after church, Sunday School and the grocery store....we get home.....a worried child was relieved to hear that his football was found and is being taken good care of until he can get it back. Our friends left a kind message....Bless them for that!!!! Since he listened to the message...not one little peep about the football. How funny is that!

So moral of the story. Don't buy your son any gifts!

My Story

I was asked to write a quick story of my time at the Lutheran Student Center in Lincoln, NE for a dinner on Saturday, Oct 27. I thought I would share it.

I moved to Nebraska from South Dakota in the fall of 1993. I didn’t choose University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) as my college until after I went to work at Carol Joy Holling Camp that following summer. At camp, I met my future brother in law. Between camp and him, I got to thinking about my faith in a new light. That fall, I attending Lutheran Student Center (LSC) because a friend suggested it. And even though I was in my second year at Concordia College in Seward, I loved it and started to attend more regularly. Once or twice a month, a friend of mine and I would jump in her car and travel 33 minutes to go to church at LSC. The services helped me so much and related to me. And who wouldn’t drive that distance to worship with such a great group of people: where the service was lead by the pastor who had such a booming voice there was no need for a microphone and the intern such a curly hair that he looked just like Weird Al (Pastor Mike). I loved the atmosphere and felt welcomed by all.

A year later to move from Seward to Lincoln and began attending LSC full time and soon joined UNL. A year after officially becoming an UNL student, I met my now husband and later that year I was hired to be an Outreach Director. I loved the position, staff, and all the perks of being a member of the LSC staff. You know we got a free parking spot and to a college student on a limited budget, that helped a ton! A few years later, I was voted in as a student board member of the LSC Council.

While on the council, Melissa E. and I decided to have some fun. We suggested the pancake breakfast during finals week. Without a second thought, it took off! We had a pretty good turn out the 1^st time. The second time was even better! It was a great time! I learned some tips on making pancakes and am proud that I was one of the ones who started this tradition.

There were so many things I loved and still miss about LSC. The social interaction is a big one! I miss sitting at the big round table and chatting with people that walked in the door. Wednesday night vespers. Theology Class. Sunday Night Suppers. Christmas Service with candlelight. I especially loved the candlelight service. So much in fact that I convinced my husband to have it at our wedding. It was so special, not because that Pastor Larry Meyer married us or that the entire service was candlelight, but it was at LSC.

Even thought my husband and I have graduated and moved on with our lives, LSC holds a special spot in our hearts. I can still remember Pastor Larry giving me a hard time for choosing LSC over the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) campus ministry. I was born a simple country girl and had been raised LCMS all my life and even chose a LCMS college in Seward. But I knew that LSC was special place. It was not only a place that we worshiped, but also the home that my husband and I shared for so many years and that we grew up into adults. I’m honored that I was a part of it all and feel so blessed that I found such a wonderful place.

It's a Pumpkin/Apple Friday Five

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All Hallows Eve (Halloween) is near. As a child, Halloween was one of my favorite holidays. We didn’t yet worry about razor blades in apples or popcorn balls or some of the other concerns people have with Halloween these days. Halloween was a chance to be mildly scared, and better yet, to dress up and pretend to be something we really weren’t. Let’s talk about that a bit, but then let’s add in some food ideas for this year. Where I live the leaves are falling, the temperature is chilly and pumpkins are for sale everywhere, along with many kids of apples. What's more, the "Holiday Season" will soon be upon us. ACK! I could use a new idea for dessert. So, here we go…

1. How did you celebrate this time of year when you were a child? We lived in the country and didn't really celebrate Halloween. It's more fun with my son now.

2. Do you and/or your family “celebrate” Halloween? Why or why not? And if you do, has it changed from what you used to do? We do celebrate and each year my son gets more and more excited to dress up. This year he is buzz lightyear. Last year, mom and dad picked the costume and he was a lion.

2. Candy apples: Do you prefer red cinnamon or caramel covered? Or something else? Caramel if those are my choices. Not sure about the coating covered apples.

3. Pumpkins: Do you make Jack O’ Lanterns? Any ideas of what else to do with them? We carve the Jack O' Lanterns with the kiddos at daycare. Lots of fun.

4. Do you decorate your home for fall or Halloween? If so, what do you do? Bonus points for pictures. A little. Just the porch so the kiddos know we are open for treats.

5. Do you like pretending to be something different? Does a costume bring our an alternate personality? Not really...but I enjoy watching the kiddos.

So, today is a new day!

I am having a better day today. All my kiddos are asleep. My house is somewhat clean. I am resting. And most of all, I found my ring! Yes! It was in the lawn, near a hose that my husband laid out on the lawn to completely empty out of water. It was supposed to freeze last night....it didn't, but he thought it would be good to get the water out of all our hoses. Well....it was near the hose, so I suppose I would have found it later or he would have. But during nap time...when all the kiddos were asleep...I stepped outside for a breather and a quick look. Yep....as I knelt down to pat some wet grass that glistened in the sunlight, I noticed something a few inches away. Yep...my ring. Plain ole beautiful ring!!! My hand doesn't feel naked anymore and tonight I will head to the local jeweler to get it resized so this will not happen again! =)

Isn't it something how the littlest blessing just makes your day so much better! =)

I just want to scream

Have you ever had one of those days, where you thought was going good, then something completely avoidable happened. I lost my wedding ring. I am so sad, angry, frustrated.....etc. My own fault. I was raking up leaves for my son and jumping in them with him (not like there are a lot of leaves). But in the process of raking, jumping, and throwing leaves, the ring fell off. I don't know if it flew a ways or fell or just came off while raking...but it's gone.

I am just so sad and angry right now. I know....it's just a ring. But, it's not. It's the ring my husband gave me when we exchanged our vows. It's the ring where it had imprinted our initials and the date. He took the time to pick it out just to ask me to marry him. He took the time to pay for it. It came from his heart. That means so much. And because I was too busy doing other things, I didn't pay attention and lost it. I am usually so good at making sure my wedding ring is safe. (maybe not other jewelry....but always the wedding ring).

I just want to find it. But it's hard because of the leaves, the darkness, the dew starting to gather and the fact that it's colder out at night. It's supposed to freeze tonight. Great timing!

Goodbye my friends.

It's hard to believe that an era is about to end. This past Sunday, my former employer Roger had a retirement supper. And my other former employer Sunni, who is leaving as well, was in attendance. They are both leaving the camp I learned so much at. No, I was never a camper, but I was a camp councilor. I always wished my children could see the camp they built with both of them still there, but since I only have one child and he is only 4, this will never happen. Ah, such is life.

I did learn more in the 2 summers being a staff member than I had in college itself. Sad isn't it. I got "paid" for camp, and had to pay for school. =)

I learned that :
1. cooking pancakes and French Toast on an open fire is not as easy as it looks.
2. driving a par car was fun till you realized it did not go faster than 15 miles per hour.
3. sleeping on a cot in a Tipi (most comfortable sleep ever!!)
4. make sure you look out for holes while running from kids during game time
5. watch which way you are facing when playing outdoor games with C the camper
6. always take pictures
7. silly names make the week more fun
8. woo-woo
9. if you asthma, you can still blow the fire off your marshmallow, just got to know how
10. morning worship is most often wet, humid, and with a bit of sun in your face. But oh, so beautiful!
11. never underestimate the inner thoughts of a child during Bible study. it can surprise you
12. God is great! He gives us chocolate cake!
13. awesome possum!
14. take a wrong turn and you can end up at the Mahony tower.
15. the joke is the staff lounge and the basement all in one.
16. on certain nights, your tipi can fly and land almost exactly where it was before
17. celebrating your birthday can make other people's day
18. burns on your hands can be treated with lots and lots of ointment and make sure to put plastic bandaid on top then wrap with gauze.
19. after you wrap your hands (see #18) make sure to go light lanterns. Make sure gauze is not too close to the flame due to councilors will not come to your aid and help put out the fire.
20. always remember that no matter how you get to camp and no matter how much you want to leave, you will be always grateful for the friends you met, the stuff you learned, and the faith you hold true to your heart.

Thank you Roger and Sunni for giving me such and opportunity to grow to learn and to live! It was the best years of my life and I seriously would not be where I am today without it!

P.S. Thanks Roger for all the trips to and from camp in the truck. You helped a former councilor find a little camp again. =) God bless your future journey in life.

Today is a great day!

Today is a great day!

Today the Space Shuttle Discovery takes off for the international space station. I know. I'm a geek! But it's fun to watch it take off and even more fun to see the kiddos get excited about it!

These pictures are pictures of it getting ready for launch and of the launch. The lift off was at 10:38 cst. We have been watching tv since 8:30 am.

Exciting stuff!!! (Yes, I'm still a geek)

truth or dare to tell the truth

My friend C who lives in Belgium, once visited me during her time she was in the US. It was the day before I delivered my son. She had her 5 1/2 month old son with her and she fed her son by breastfeeding him. Now, I am not the type of person to complain. I don't get upset if someone whips out their breast to feed their child. So when she asked me if I had a problem, I didn't really. Yes, it felt a bit uncomfortable at first, but it was ok. She asked the other 10 people in the room if it was ok as well. That group included about 5 other guys, one being my husband, who in turn responded that it was fine. Well, really...to them...it wasn't. They did not feel it was the best thing to say no to her when she asked if breastfeeding her child in front of them was ok.

So, a few weeks later, I chatted with C. I told her that customs in the US are different than those from Belgium. The guys and some of the girls had a problem with her whipping it out and feeding her child. And even though it was a precious moment for her to share with her son, the rest of the world was being kind to say that they had no problem for her doing this, but in all actuality, they did. They did not want to see that. They wanted to run and hide. They wanted her to get a bottle out instead. C was upset. She stated something that has been in my mind for years. She told me, "if you had a problem with it, why not tell me so?"

So, why do we keep our thoughts, fears, emotions to ourselves?

In college, I had this great friend. He shared so much with me and vice versa. He shared his dating nightmares and even cried on my shoulder. At times, he was my only friend. Years ago, I sent a few venting emails to a friend of mine. They weren't the most caring or thought-through emails, but I needed to vent. Instead of taking them as I was mad, trying to make him understand that hurt I felt, and be open and honest with him, he took them as I hate his guts, his actions, and that just wanted to hurt him. After reading them later, I don't blame him. But as a human, I have a hard time showing my anger in anything else but mean words. I used the most unorthodox way to tell him my frustration. I emailed him. There was no way for him to know how hurt I was. All he read was anger. There was no way for him to see the tears that spilled down my cheeks as I typed. There was only anger. There was no way for him to realize I love him so much and didn't want to hurt him or our relationship as friends. There was just anger.

Then, I think about my friend K. We have been through a lot. We watched each other give birth to beautiful baby boys. She is expecting again and I couldn't be more happy if I tired! =) Sometimes I burst at the seams just thinking about how lucky she is. And how happy I am for her and her husband. But with every friendship, there was a time I was angry with her. So angry that I couldn't even talk to her. So angry, I had to distance myself to make myself not hurt. But the most wonderful thing happened. We talked about it. We probably had our longest conversation to date that day. We spill our guts out and cried together. We know (most of the time) when to push and when to back off. I can be open and honest with her, and I hope she tells me off when I push her too far or take her for granted or even piss her off. She is a wonderful friend.

So, why can I talk to my other friend the way I talk to K? Why do I walk the thin line? Why don't I call him and tell him how much I miss his friendship and wish he was still a pillar in my life? I think there is too much pain for both of us. I think he would tell me that I'm crazy or tell me things are fine when deep inside I know they are not. We are both married with a child of our own. We both have great lives that we live, but don't talk about anything anymore but the light topics. How I wish my friends could just be honest with me. Tell me you are having a hard day. Tell me you doubts about being a parent, spouse....etc. Tell me you sometimes/a lot of the time hate your job. Tell me you're scared to raise/discipline your child. Tell me you hate winter/summer. You're favorite color is black or even purple. Tell me you just wish you could spend all day in bed with nobody to bother you or that you want to go drinking to take your mind off things. Trust me, I've been there too. Sometimes I wake up just wondering why? I feel like strangling my son when he asks the question why all the time, but at least he asks. At least he opens his mouth and shares his thoughts. He's not afraid if he will offend. He just wants the reassurance that we are not only listening and willing to tell him, but that we care.

Maybe being truthful isn't so bad.

The Friday Five: Homage to the Top Chef!

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This Fall my family has been energetically watching Top Chef on the Bravo channel. My teenage daughter watches with the dream of some day being a chef. My husband watches because he loves reality shows and I mean, really loves them. Plus the whole competition thing really works for him. Me, I love cooking and good food. Every so often I get an idea from this group of talented young chefs who are competing for big money and honors galore.

The winner for this season was Hung. Not the fan favorite, but he won fair and square. In his bio, he says if he were a food "I would be spicy chili - it takes a while to get used to, but once you eat it you always come back for more!" With that in mind, here is this week’s Friday Five.

1. If you were a food, what would you be? I would be mashed potatoes. Filled with rich and yummy ingredients, hugged with warm layer of substance and very filling.
   


2. What is one of the most memorable meals you ever had? And where? This past Thanksgiving. My husband and I did the hosting at our home. Quite a treat even though it was a bit of work. So much fun! We had 3 members of my family and 3 members of my husband's side. With the 3 of us, we had a total of 9 present. The food was great! The company was awesome! The day warmer than usual and it made for a relaxing and low key day, even though all were coming to our house for the 1st time! Once the nervousness went away, all was so wonderful. I would host again in a heartbeat. =)
   


3. What is your favorite comfort food from childhood? It's always been mashed potatoes. I think it has been this since I was 12. I had my tonsils removed and it was practically the only thing I could eat. My very rude siblings thought it would be fun to make popcorn the day I came home from the surgery. Yes, it was mean, but I got spoiled that week with all the soft food and I definitely ate my share of the yummy yummy MP. Mmmmm...mouth watering just thinking of them. =)
   


4. When going to a church potluck, what one recipe from your kitchen is sure to be a hit? Tatortot Hotdish. Anywhere you go, there is a version of this. Doesn't matter how you make it, with lots of veggies or with little. It's a good dish and sure to please a crowd.
   


5. What’s the strangest thing you ever willingly ate? I'm not a strange eater, but I have to say the most disgusting drink I have ever had was this Moxie. Sorry M! But I think that stuff tastes nasty and why anyone would request it to be given to them by the case load is beyond me. Do you have any of that left? Have you had to open any to any celebrations lately? =)
   

Bonus question: What’s your favorite drink to order when looking forward to a great meal? I don't have a favorite drink...but I have to say if I am celebrating, anything cold and fruity with alcohol would be great for me. Please, no beer.

Thank God for the Weekend

So, it finally came! After countless hours of work, kiddos running around like crazy, and plenty of poopy diapers with rashes on their butts....the WEEKEND IS HERE!!!! I'm so excited!

My husband, son, and I planned a trip away from home. My husband teaches one weekend a month and since it is 1 hour or more away from our home, they offer a free weekend at a hotel in the town of his class. Completely free for the family to stay (nothing extra) and so, we packed up the cars and headed west. Headed west to get out of dodge. Not that dodge was so bad, but we all need a break away from the house sometimes.

This past week was a good one. Busy but very good. I really count my week starting on Saturday night. That's when my sister sent me a text message asking for a favor. The way she worded it, it kind of freaked me out. I thought something bad happened, but after the shock and giving her a hard time, realized she needed me to record SNL on Saturday night. See, Jon Bon Jovi hosted the show. Need I say anymore? I'm a fan, but if you think I'm a big fan, you should meet my sister. She has practically every album the guy and band have ever made. She has even purchased cds that people taped at the actual concerts. Her first concert was in Omaha almost 2 years ago with myself and my friend K. It was a blast and in a heartbeat we would all go again. But it's hard to believe that for the past 13 years, she has had a thing for him. And only 2 years ago got to see him perform. Anywho, back to my weekend. I recorded it and while the show was airing, my sis and I sent texts back and forth. Must have been around 100 between the 2 of us. But it was a good and fun night.

The next day, we just got ready for the stressful. Anyone who ever said that Parent/Teacher Conferences only affect the teacher has never been married to one. It's like this cloud goes over the household. One moment you are laughing at a funny joke and the next you worry about how things are going and wondering what stress you can take off the situation. It was pretty intense this year on top of the PTC, my husband is teaching a new grade, so things have changed a bit from 1st to 4th grade. And on top of that, he is teaching the class this weekend (hence why I have time to blog) and so the preparation he has had to endure this week has been a truckload. He handled himself quite well. Right now he is getting last minute things done and looking pretty good. PTC went "pretty good" per my husband. And now, the last load of the week is almost here. I think he deserves an award. I'll have to get my creative hat on. =)

Then, my week progressed to the kiddos increasing in number, then today. Everyday this week, I seemed to have more kiddos or stress involving the kiddos. My day today was by far the best! Yesterday, I had 9 kiddos and they were great (check out my blog from yesterday Day's End to see about the day), then today I had 5 kiddos. 4 were there most of the time (1 of them being my son) and the 5th one popped in and out so fast, it was hard to believe he was there. =) They all listened pretty well. They all (even my son) took a 1 1/2 to 2 hour nap. And my husband even let me get out of the house for a few hours to get my hair cut and run a few quick errands. It was great! A great day after a busy (although good) Thursday.

So this leads us to the weekend.
Time to be pampered.
Time to be with family.
Time to relax.
Time to have some fun.

Weekend, I'm ready for ya! Thank God you came!

Day's End

So, today was quite a day!

1. Woke up at 6 am (ish) and helped get my son ready to go. My hubby and him were off to the foot guy to get his new inserts for his shoes. My son has worn a plastic brace (DAFO) for the past 2-3 years. This year, we have graduated to the insert. We all just love it now! No drawing more attention to my son's feet and starting more conversation. My son can finally put on his own shoes and take them off so much easier. It's all good! They left at 6:30 am and were back around 8 am. Quick trip but so worth it!

2. Got myself and the house ready for the daycare clan coming this morning. I had 9 kiddos (7 kiddos 2 and older & 2 babies). Yes it was a hectic day, but I have to say I enjoyed today more than most of my other days. Even though it rained and we were stuck inside, the kiddos listened. Let me say it again, they listened. Yes, I did have to say a few reminders and let them know if they were going too far, but they slept/rested, ate, played, and got along. There was hardly any of them complaining and it was all a good time.

3. My husband has had Parent/Teacher conferences yesterday and today. It's good to have them for the teacher and parent, but as a wife of a teacher, it gets pretty lonely. Last night, I didn't see him until 7:30 then we rushed to our son's conference. After getting home, we didn't have much time to slow down and then off to bed for the night. Today, I have seen him for the brief few minutes this morning when the left to get the inserts and then to drop my son back home, then I haven't seen him since. Conferences are over, but he went out with some teachers to "vent" about how things are going/not going and catch up on their lives. He worked 3 years in the same grade with these teachers and this year he is in a new grade. It's hard to transition when you had such great co-workers to work each day with then get moved to a new team. He likes his new team, but very much misses his previous one. It's good for him to go out tonight, but again, I miss him.

4. My son, our friend and her kiddos and 2 kiddos from daycare (their parents are both teachers and have the p/t conference thing tonight as well) went up to the Children's Museum for a night of Halloween fun. The kiddos had fun and were very well behaved. They listened, played well together and stayed out of trouble. The only thing we could have asked for was more time. We got there 1 hour before the CM closed. But it was a good time for all! Even my friend said she was surprised how well behaved the kiddos were. I was glad I didn't lose my son. He is quite short and with him being Buzz Lightyear this Halloween season, he blends in with other kiddos too. I was glad for the extra set of eyes. =)

Well....I'm winding down from my day. A good day......a bit long now that I sit and reflect, but quite a fun and good day. Today will be better because I go from 9 kiddos to 4 kiddos (and 1 more popping in for a 2 hours and popping back out). It's a good week. I wish most weeks could be so good. =)

A PRE-SCHOOL TEST FOR YOU

I already knew I was dumber than the fifth graders, now it's the preschoolers turn!!??

A PRE-SCHOOL TEST FOR YOU

Which way is the bus below traveling? To the left or to the right?

Can't make up your mind? Look carefully at the picture again.

Still don't know?
Pre-schoolers all over the United States were shown this picture asked the same question.
90% of the pre-schooler's gave this answer. "The bus is traveling to the left."

When asked, "Why do you think the bus is traveling to the left?"

They answered: "Because you can't see the door to get on the bus."

How do you feel now ??? I know, me too.

So, we bought a house?

A few weekends ago, we went to our former college church in Lincoln, NE. They have an annual woodworking auction to help support their annual budget. We have been wanting to go for years and finally scheduled into our calendar and went this past September.

My husband and I told each other that we were just going to check it out. Before we knew it, we were not only purchasing a planter (that we have no idea what we are going to do with) but we also purchased a playhouse (this will be useful for the daycare) and spent more money than we ever thought we would (don't worry, we didn't break the bank).

So, we were nervous about the purchase, but felt good about it. All is going well. We had arrangements for the college faternaty that built the house to deliver it to us. As it turns out, it came yesterday. As it pulled up into our driveway on the trailer, our son's eyes went big and he started jumping up and down screaming "my house, that's my house mom!!!" My husband and my mouths dropped. This playhouse is quite larger than we remember. As we talked to the leader of the delivery team, the house weighs around 1200 lbs. Yes, it weighs around 1200 lbs.

Our thought of putting it up on the highest part of our lawn (by the swingset) is gone. Now we are left to ponder what to do with it! It's on the trailer still and will be for a few days/weeks/months, until we determine what exactly to do with it. Although we think we have a plan, we still have to get it off the trailer still. Hmmmm..........

What were we thinking???

Oh what a night....

So, it's amazing to look at your child and seen the innocence. Tonight my son was coloring and he just looked at me and said, "Mom, are you a girl?"

I thought, where did that come from? But, I continued on and and said, "Yes, I am a girl. Are you a girl?"
"No, I'm a boy!"
My husband and I looked at each other. He asked our son, "why are you a boy?"
Our son thought for a moment and said, "Because, I am."

We were expecting him to say something off the wall, but he just spoke like it is. He doesn't need to know the reason. He doesn't need to know that girls are given different blessings than boys. Or that women have babies and boys don't. Or that boys do different things than girls (even though that gap is closing more and more each day). He just thinks one thing. He is a boy, because he is. No doubt about it, there is a reason he is a boy and it doesn't have to do with his kid intuition, but until he figures that out, Dad and Mom are just going to let this be. He's a boy. Dad's a boy. And mom, she's "just a girl". =)

Hmmmmm.....

NEWS BRIEF:

The Nebraska Cornhusker's football practice was delayed nearly 2 hours after a player Reported finding an unknown white powdery substance on the practice field.

Head coach Callahan immediately suspended practice while Lincoln Police and federal investigators were called to investigate. After a complete Analysis, FBI forensic experts determined that the white substance unknown to the players was the goal line.

Practice was resumed after special agents decided the team was unlikely to encounter the substance again.

Busy

As I sit here and take a look at my schedule, I find myself very thankful for the free time I have. With Halloween almost upon us, I am trying to get things ready for a daycare party. Last year we didn't do much (I'm not much of a munchkin party planner), but this year I am determined to find some fun things to do. We'll just have to see. It might be slap-stick, but it will be fun.

Then, I am working on getting my menus planed for the next few weeks. That takes time to figure out.

On top of that, I am to be taking classes/reading up on information for my continuing education that I have to take as a licensed daycare provider. 12 hours throughout the year. So far, I have 6, and I have until September. So, I have plenty of time. But I am one of those people...either I get it done early or am running late. I would rather have it done and not worry about it. Thursday I have another class. I'll be off again on an another adventure of learning.

Last weekend was his first weekend officially camping in a campground. Last summer, my husband, son and I camped out in our backyard and our son did quite well. This year we decided to take the leap to a real campground. Even though we forgot the camera and nix the camera taking, we bring back lots of great memories. We cooked hotdogs, roasted marshmellows, walked by the Platte river and threw sticks into it, played with our lanterns, ran around and in the tent like a wild animals, watched the fire dance to the noise of the crickets and locusts, and all fell asleep to the humm of the railroad track being used by the local Choo-Choo. It was a blast, tiring, but a blast!!

This weekend we are going to a hot-air balloon extravengaza. It will be the first time our 4 year old has seen beautiful these in person. I'm sure it will bring lots of fun.

Then the weekend later is to hopefully go up to see family. My husband's schedule is so crazy! He has parent teacher conferences on 10/17 & 10/18. Then 10/19 he is off of work, but then he teaches his college class on 10/20 & 10/21. Poor guy!! When it rains, it pours. On top of that he is still getting used to teaching 4th grade.

Then to put the cherry on top of it all, I found out it's a free weekend on the Starz channel. I have been counting on this weekend for a few weeks. Now I look at my schedule and ask myself, "Where will I find the time to watch all those movies??"

Oh the joys of a busy and fun life! =)

Friday Five: Thankfulness List

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Welcome to the Friday Five!

This one is going to be veeeery simple: List at least five things (people, places, graces, miracles...) for which you are thankful. You may elaborate as you wish, or keep it simple.

Hat tip to Princess Mindy for the idea. Oh...and if you know The Veggie Tales' hit "Thankfulness Song," please hum it as you post.

1. God. I have to say that I am foremost thankful that I have faith in God. Each day I ask for guidance, patience, stronger faith, and thank Him for all the blessings he has bestowed on me. Each day, I find myself needing more strength and at the same time feel so blessed for the things that he has given me already.

2. My Husband. Each day, he gives me so much joy, peace, and love. Even though he can't fix any problems I have, he makes me (or at least tries to) feel better about them. He is my best friend. I have a hard time thinking of life without him and feel blessed that I have him!

3. My Son. He drives me crazy, runs around all the time, makes simple tasks harder, and finds so many things to get into that he shouldn't and through all that he is the best thing that ever happened to my husband and I. We were just recalling how we found out we were expecting him. I went to my OBGYN for a routine checkup. The next thing she told me is that I was pregnant (I argued with her, but she just showed me the test and it was definitely positive). Even though my husband and I weren't trying, we were ecstatic (and also very terrified). Through the years we have experienced so much joy and pain (more than most parents face in a lifetime) but we have not only grown closer but we have grown as a family. He is my joy. And each day we wake up to a boy who loves us as much as we love him and wants to be with us too. 4 1/2 and he is still so much fun. I wouldn't trade him for the world.

4. My friend K. She is so much like a sister to me. She has seen me through my best moments and my most painful. She is a blessing to me. I thank God for allowing me to be blessed with such a wonderful friend.

5. My Mom. Though we have not have the greatest relationship in my childhood. The past few years have been a blessing to have her.

A New Day

So, I have a friend getting married this November. I hate to say it, but I was pretty unsure if I would ever see her married. You see, when I was 23, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She didn't discover it until it was almost too late. She was lucky! The cancer they removed was the size of a melon and 3-4 the size of golf balls. That was almost 10 years ago. Wow!! And she is very happy. She found her firefighter. Like I said, they will be getting married in November. I have the invite in front of me. I'm excited for their nuptuals, but nervous too. After living so long alone, it's hard to live with someone. It took my husband and I a few years to work the kinks out. Not to say that we all live the same, but we all do have our habits and ways of doing things. Marriage is hard. For anyone. Each wedding I go to, I say a silent prayer. A prayer of patience, understanding, cooperation, respect, and love. I pray that my husband I can be granted more of each of these important requests and that it be bestowed upon the happy couple.

May God's blessing be upon you my friend. As you start this new adventure. May it never get old, have lots to offer and that you find peace with one another and more love than you can gather. May God grant you a fulfilling life together and help you remember the little things. Don't take each other for granted and may you look together at your future and see hope!

Jokes

I received this email. It was too funny not to post.

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?" "Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life." The child thought about this for a moment, then said, "So why is the groom wearing black?"

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A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!" While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed
herself off, and started running again. As she ran she once again began to pray, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!"

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Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50."

The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100."

The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"

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An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten
instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, "They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them
to take me out when I'm dead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A police recruit was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?" He said,
"Call for backup."

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A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem. A small child replied: "They couldn't get a baby sitter."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After
explaining the commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother," she asked "Is there a commandment that
teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"

Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, "Johnny, what is the matter?" Little Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side I think I'm going to have a wife."

=(

So, it is day 3 1/2 with not much of a voice. I am getting more back, but now I have a cough. This sucks! The daycare kiddos came back today. One says I sound like a frog. Another like Campbell (whoever that is) and another says I sound just "silly". Whatever way I sound, it doesn't sound normal. The kids are talking quieter and listen a bit more. There are still time outs and chasing after them when they are getting into things they shouldn't (since I can't speak louder than a mouse), but it's a pretty good day.

Last night was rough. I woke up at 12:30 am and could not sleep. My hubby closed the window and it was so warm in the bedroom. So, I ventured out to the couch. I slept for 2 hours, then woke up and could not.....I mean COULD NOT go to sleep. I finally went to bed in tears around 4 am. I took some benadryl and that seemed to help, but it didn't kick in for another hour. So, needless to say, I awoke exhausted!!! I'll be happy when I can sleep tonight, but knowing my body.....it will be another rough night.

ahhhhh.....

So, it is an ungodly hour to be up and typing. On Friday, I lost my voice. So, Saturday and Sunday, I struggled telling my son and husband the slightest instructions. We were visiting family and friends, so that wasn't the most fun when I had a hard time talking. But as my husband observed, that didn't stop me either. =)

It hit me again how hard things are sometimes. We went to a woodworking auction (my husband are alumni from the Lutheran Student Center in Lincoln, NE) and they have this each year to bring in extra funds for thing through the year. We saw people we know and love and haven't seen for quite some time. A friend lost her husband, another her children's grandmother, childern were hospitalized, and much change. Change. It's so hard to believe how much change goes on in less than a year. To lose your loved one is hard, but your husband!!! I can't imagine! I love my husband so much and the thought of him not hear just is hard to even imagine. I pray for her and her family to find peace. She looked peaceful yesterday. I pray that she continue to find peace and comfort even in such a cruel world.