We've moved

Hey! The NEW blog is up and running! Hence ending my posts here. Thanks for a great two years!! Please share and keep up with our new adventures at :

http://www.experience-sainthoggmann.blogspot.com/

Is it just me??

Lately, I gotta tell ya, I am feeling totally overwhelmed. I remember a time where I felt I did all the mass amounts of things on my plate, and did them well, and never had an issue. Maybe I'm just getting old. Or maybe I am not physcially capable of being as OC as my brain is.

I recall a time in my life when I had insomnia. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe it started when I was around 9 years old. It was freaky at first. Then I adjusted and man, did having 19 or 20 hour days ROCK! I know now that it's not physically healthy to not sleep. It's been ten years since my schedule regulated and I now need like 8 hrs sleep (though I rarely get that-it's a denial thing), and I still miss all that time.

Seems like no matter how much I get done, I am never caught up and my list is near a mile long. I always feel like I am running crazy trying to keep up with the kids (who are not allowed more than 1 extra-curricular activity/semester), my school work, the house, yard, life.. and somehow there is never enough time for funner stuff. I know, I have to MAKE time, but that other stuff has to be done, my OC Line says so! I am not near as bad as I once was, but it's who I am. I certainly cannot focus like I once did which makes things worse!

I feel like a hamster stuck in a wheel! And it bugs me like you wouldn't believe! I use to do crafts and cooking and trips to the park/library. I realize that now some of my time is taken up with my own education, and soon working too. I think if they are gonna use cloning for anything other than growing me a new organ, it should be to clone moms! LOL

I am not sure how to get it all sorted, accomplished, and keep my sanity. I know I can't do it all, and I'm aging myself terribly, but I sure want to give it a good go!

There.. and now I'm going to go work on a paper that is due Friday and another that is due Sunday. I have been saying this since Monday. See what I mean??

Party Snip-its!

Here are a few shots from the reception that our friend forwarded over. The top one is of Todd with his best man, Doc (L), and groomsman, Dave (R).






In this photo, it's the fam swinging around during the Chicken Dance! BTW, beer enables Todd to dance A LOT! We all had a great time. Alex hardly ever left floor and 'break dancing' is now his new forte!







Not only did our DJ play the Chicken Dance, which Todd told him not to when he was hired, he had this fabulous hat for the groom to wear! I think he set himself up for this one!

Tangles and Up-dos

A few shots from our trip to the salon prior to the ceremony!

Marriage Blessing

Well as many of you know, we not only celebrated our 1st anniversary this past Saturday the 13th, we did so by having our formal Blessing in the Catholic Church.

The day started out rather drizzly and stayed as such until nearly 2pm. Which had me worried as we had planned our photos to take place outdoors in a local park. LUCKILY! It turned out lovely!

The Ceremony was beautiful and went off very well! I am still awaiting candid photos from several friends and our formal ones

will be available online in mid-October.

We had a fantastic day! Thanks to all who joined in with us!

That's one BIG cupcake!

I forgot these photos were still on my camera! While we did a 'group' bday for the girls while Doug was in town, we did do a little celebration on Becca's actual bday. I found this great mold for a GIANT cupcake! FUN!

School's back!

So...this being our first summer in Marshall, I can tell you, it's a little too long. The district doesn't have spring break, so the kids get out the last days of May and go back after Labor Day. 13 weeks. Even my kids were complaining! It was a rainy day, which is the first time I ever remember it raining for the first day of school!

Here's the pre-bus photo for 2008-2009! Michaela is in 10th, Rebecca is in 4th and Alex is a 1st grader!

Birthday! Birthday!

At the end of August Michaela turned 15 and Rebecca turned 10 at the beginning of September. The end phase of summer was very busy with kids returning from summer visits with dads and getting ready for school and of course, the preparations for the first day of school and this weekend's marriage blessing for Todd & I. We did a group birthday while Doug was here visiting the beginning of September. Here's a couple shots!

Unusual signage

As many of you know, I have a liking for unusual signage.. the stuff you don't see every day. In early September, Todd and I took a roadtrip to Wyoming. The semi was captured in Kansas I believe. We covered A LOT of miles in a few days and a lot of things are blending together! And the blasting signs were found in the high desert area of southern Wyoming.

Cicada invasion

So...late summer we get these Cicadas. A seemingly harmless, beetle-like bug. I hear they bite. All I know is that this beetle thing climbs out of the ground (they hibernate there for up to 17 years for some species) and they shed their shell (photo one) leaving it on the tree. Then they unfurl their wings and are bright green right after shedding but quickly turn a dark brown. They are quite large and make this constant buzzing sound during the day. We had quite the infestation of them this summer and Alex was most intrigued by them.

A rarity

Griffin has this odd fear of cameras and their flashes. Mostly I recall this becoming an issue after moving to MN and experiencing such incredible storms. I think the flash reminds him of the lightning and he usually runs from the camera. I use to take photos of him all the time when he was a pup in Washington. Here's a RARE photo of the Fearful Wonder nestled in a cubby of our coffee table!

I believe

I was on my way north of Marshall to a town called Herman at the end of August for a friend's baby shower. She had twins the end of June (8 weeks early) and they are adorable! Tara Jo was in the dental hygiene class behind me.

Anyway... on the way I have to pass through Appleton, MN. My sister and her exhusband use to own this house there. So I stopped by. It hasn't changed much in the 10 years since they had it. And it still give me the creeps. Michaela and I lived here with them for a few months after Ray and I separated. And it was in this house I first accepted the possibilty of ghosts or some such entities. The wierdest stuff use to happen here. Cupboards slamming, the sounds of something falling down the stairs, doors blowing open when it was calm outside; just to name a few and harmless items.

Long road home

Just a few final shots of our last leg of our Montana trip. The hardest thing about this trip is space. The three kids did pretty good in the back of the car (a Chrysler 300), but truly after a few trips this summer, it reinforced the need for us to replace my van that died back in December.

Crystal Cavern

Our final major stop was at Crystal Cavern! It is has the largest mapped area of any other cavern in the world. The actual tour route, which takes 1.5 hrs and 700+ stairs and cover half a mile, is only a VERY small portion of the cave. Though we had to wait nearly 2 hours after arrival before we could get in on a tour, it turned out to be WELL worth it!

Devil's Tower

Also made a stop at Devil's Tower Monument from the Close Encounters movie fame. Just this odd rock sticking up out of nowhere. Unlike last time we were there, we actually went inside the park service entrance and did the 3 mile hike around the formation. And right inside the gate is a VERY large prairie dog town! They were funny to watch, but of course, all Todd could think about was having them at the end of his barrel LOL

Bergsing Blitz

Of course, one of our highlights home is always going to see Max, Nikki & their boys, Drew and Zack. Rebecca and Alex can never wait to get there and always cry when we go. While this is great, my favorite part is Grandma Linda's ribs.. OMG!!! MMMMMMMM MMMM!!! We BBQ'd with them on 4th of July.. Todd and Max took the kids out 4-wheelin' while Nikki and I went shopping at a local art & crafts fair.

Rock Heads '08

On our trek to Montana to visit my Dad for 4th of July, we stopped in at Mount Rushmore. Michaela had missed seeing it in 2005 when we moved across the country as she was at her dad's at the time. I particularly like the profile photo of Todd - looks like he's posing for his spot on the mountain!

Coincidence and Freedom

Oddly, just a couple days after Todd tore his left bicep tendon, our neighbor around the corner tore is right bicep tendon!! So had to get them for a photo! It was taken 2 days before Todd's brace was taken off. The next day just happened to be our local Toys 4 Tots ride. After receiving the Doc's ok, we spent 4+ hours the next day on the motorcycle. Todd was thrilled, and burnt at day's end!

Hey! I'm not dead!

Yes, I know...I have not blogged at all this summer. I am not even sure what happened to summer. Last I recall it was the first week of June, my kids were on eachothers' nerves and I was wondering how I was even going to survive the next 12 weeks. Summer in Marshall is TOO long. The kids have no spring break, get out the end of May and don't go back until after Labor Day. EGADS!

We did quite a bit this summer. Michaela spent three weeks in North Carolina with her father and his family. They went to the Atlanta Aquarium, Biltmore Estate and spent a week in ND at Marmarth digging Dinos. Chan came to stay with us for a week, great fun! She took the first part of driver's ed, which she is not at all interested in, and upon turning 15 a couple weeks ago, is now preparing for a permit! 10th grade is off to a roaring start as well!

Rebecca and Alex went to Washington for 2 weeks to see their dad and had a GREAT time! They saw their friends, bbq'd and got spoiled by dad. We've been blessed to have several long visits from Doug this summer. He's recovering well from his heart attack this spring (#2) and work is keeping him very busy. Currently he's working on a plan to make a trip to NZ with the kids to visit all the rellies there! Becca turned 10 yesterday and is loving 4th grade! She's also started playing the viola. Alex is in 1st grade this year and is still a ball of constant energy!

Todd has made a splendid recovery from his injury. We've enjoyed several trips and tool-arounds on the motorcyle. He's enjoying life back at Pete's. He didn't get to shoot as much this summer, but hopefully there is more time for that coming up. He's being kept pretty busy by the four of us, his permit to carry classes, firearms safety training and is itching to get out and do some hunting!

I spent the summer working part-time at our local plant nursery (landscaping is a secret love of mine) and in turn did a complete planting and sprucing of our yard! LOTS of work and time, but it looks so much better! We took a trip to Montana in July to visit my dad and really didn't want to come back! The Blessing of the marriage is in 8 days, been VERY busy doing work for that and am not even done. It's going to be a great day, but I am looking forward to having it out of the way! I'm too old for all this wedding planning and stressing. I've been on a trap team this summer, but honestly haven't had enough time to really get into it. I have several rounds to finish yet. My classes started back up on August 25th. And they've had me running I tell you! (Reading back over this, I can see how I didn't get to my blog!)

So there's a quick 'catch-up' and I will be making some quick posts with photos so you can have a peeky-see of the happenings.

BIG announcements coming soon! Also, a new blog site!

First Buzz

I received a text message from Todd last weekend who was at his parents' house getting a haircut. Alex was wanting his hair cut 'just like Todd'. After I gave the go ahead, the hair started flying! Alex loves his new cut and Grandma Cookie sent home the severed mop in a baggie labeled: "Alex's First Buzz Cut"!

She and he

Here's a recent photo taken at our family/engagement session in Minneapolis earlier this month. If you'd like to view other photos, please visit http://www.kofoto.net/

Here I am!

This is for my brother, Tim, who says I am not pictured on my blog. Obviously, he didn't go back far enough as I do appear somewhat regularly!! :)

On the road again...

Now, as you may recall, Alex learned to ride a two-wheeler right before we moved from Eagan. That bike was rather small, so we got him a new bike when we moved into the house; which he refused to ride. Period. So, got it down a week ago and within 15 minutes he was cruising all over the place. I took him on a rather lengthy ride the other day and he kept right up!

Fun in the Sun

Of course, with the afore mentioned good weather, it's been great for water fun. The kids have enjoyed watergun fights and of course a run in our new yard toy. Got this thing at Wal-mart and it really shoots the water! Very fun! The only thing missing in these adventures are the Shawleys!

Summer's glow

Pretty cool, huh, Jer??

Been having some fine days. And by this I mean, mild temps and NO wind (a rarity for Marshall). So we've had plenty of opportunity to sit around the firepit in the yard on some of these nites to enjoy the company of family and friends and, of course, consume copious amounts of s'mores!

Have spent a lot of time landscaping thus far this summer. The yard is looking HEAPS better! After I did up the existing beds, I added 3 more. Which are just now ready for tilling after applying Killzall :) I finish up the season at the greehouse this weekend. It's been fun!

Michaela is finishing up Driver's Ed!!! She survived! Now, this is only the classroom portion. Upon her turning 15 in August, I have to sign her up for 'behind the wheel'.

Doug was here visiting for a couple weeks. We all enjoyed that! Thanks again to him for the several projects he helped me with!! Kids are looking forward to their trip to Washington in July.

Next week we'll head out to MT to visit my dad. I haven't been home in two years. Hard to believe! The friends are excited we're coming too. And of course, this will be the first time Dad meets Todd LOLOL The trip will be action packed and too short I am sure!

Todd got his moveable brace on. That's going pretty well. Certainly easier to deal with than the splint.

Last night at trap, I shot an 18 and a 17. My highest scores ever! Thanks to Doc Bruns for lending me his Ruger. It's AMAZING. For the first time ever, I think I knew what it was like to truly love a gun. Now I'm set on saving money to buy it as he offered to sell it to me!!! And of course, it's not cheap.

The marriage blessing is 79 days away. There is still much to be done. I'm trying not to freak, somehow, it will all work out!

My friend, Kim, has finished chemo!!! YIPPEE!!! Now it's on to 33 rounds of radiation. Home stretch Kimmy!

Wii love it!!!

Finally broke down and got a Wii. Kids have been enjoying it HEAPS. Todd and I have hardly touched it! LOL Here's Alex and Doug having a boxing match. Alex really gets into it!

Spaghettios speak to us!

Michaela was recently frantically calling me to the kitchen with instruction to bring the camera. When I arrived she was had just opened a can of Spaghettios and found the letters f -o-r-k on the lid! How funny is that??

Things have been busy here with the end of the school year approaching. Hard to believe. Now the field days, field trips, programs and stacks upon stacks of papers are filling our schedules and table! The kids are excited... I will be too, for about the first 6 weeks.

I had my first day of hygiene shadowing last week in Brookings, SD. I will be filling in there for one of the hygienists that will be on maternity leave beginning in July. Only much to my surprise, there was a patient in my schedule upon my arrival. After some shock, and an apology for the scheduling error, I bucked up and got it done. Was a little weird not having handled anything dental hygiene related for nearly a year, but felt good at the same time. The office members seem very patient and nice. Should be a good experience.

I finished up my first semester at MNSU a couple weeks ago. Walked off with a 4.0 and 10 classes left to go! Decided to take the summer off and will get back to it come September.

Forgot to mention that we got a Chrysler 300 two months ago. A local dealership was having a 'push-pull-drag' sale and we saw it as the perfect way to get rid of my busted minivan. It's pretty fun and I love satellite radio! Still need to replace the minivan (going back to the Honda Odyssey), but that's coming up in the future. I don't have any photos of the new car yet, as the weather has been very unsettled this spring, and every time it's nice, the car is dirty! LOL

I've been working part-time at a local nursery which has been great fun! I pretty much work there for free, but have gotten some great stuff for the yard, which was MUCH needed as there weren't any plantings in the beds.

Summer is filled with a trip to MT to see my dad, the kids will spend time with their dads, driver's ed for Michaela, scout camps and will finish off with the marriage blessing in September. Planning for that is going pretty well, though a bit behind schedule!

Copy cat

Can ya believe this?? Just as we were about to celebrate the removal of Alex's cast, Todd completely tore his distal bicep tendon while at work. Notice they both did in their left arms! Which was cause for much humor around here. Especially when they showed up to the boy scout camp out.

Alex did go on to get his cast off and has made a complete recovery. Todd had surgery on Monday, May 26th (above photo is pre-surgery) and will be in recovery for about 4 months. He will be in a splint for the first 3 weeks before being moved to a moveable brace. He will then go on to physical therapy. He's hoping to return to light duties at work next week.