DAY 243

"To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with." -Mark Twain

DAY 242

“Nobody says you must laugh, but a sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected, and smile through the day." -Ann Landers

Today in primary the children got to cut and color a picture of themselves to put on the bulletin board to go along with "The Family Is Of God" theme. Pokey made two and when I looked at her picture I realized it was her and her brother holding hands. It was a very sweet moment. Unfortunately it was short lived. Little Man saw it and, in trying to grab it from her, accidentally scratched her with scissors. He says he doesn't like when she does "that", but we have been unable to decipher the that in "that". We're also not sure how to reinforce love and kindness. Haldan suggested we make them hug each other before bed and say one thing they love (or even like) about their sibling. We tried this tonight and we'll have to see how it goes. Any other thoughts?

DAY 241

"Be still and know that I am God." -Psalms 46:10

DAY 240

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.

Down came the rain and washed the spider out.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.

And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.

The sun came out today and so did Charlie (as Little Man calls him). We've been watching him all day and decided it would be best photographed at night. I probably should have set out a tripod, but am very tired tonight. This photo was done in a manual setting, handheld and is untouched, unedited, and uncropped. Nature at it's best. I was thinking of using it closer to Halloween, but couldn't resist. As I was taking pictures a bat flew in front of one of them. I would have used it, but it was very blurry.

In other news:

There was only minor flooding reported from the rains. The most memorable one was the Westdale Mall. Several of the city offices which relocated to the mall after the floods last year suffered some water damage. Cedar Rapids wasn't hit too hard. Palo, Central City, Monticello, and Shellsburg were hit the hardest. The sun has been out all day doing it's job to dry things out. It's just been a scary reminder of the water we experienced last year

Little Man and Pokey got through their first week of school and I'm happy to report all went well. They both like their teachers very much and are working on establishing friends. Pokey had a playdate with a little girl named Gabby today.

We have hired a realtor in Utah to do a short sale on our home there. We are praying that we will be able to get someone to make an offer quickly and that it will not be too painful. We have really thought through all of our options and have done extensive research.

DAY 239

"8 inches of rain in 2.5 days makes for a long night."

For some reason my laptop that I keep in my bedroom turned on all by itself at 3AM and woke me. That was when I heard some strange noises and realized it was the sump pump. Haldan and I got up in the nick of time... 5 minutes later would have been too late. It appeared that the sump pump couldn't pump the water out fast enough, but upon further inspection we learned that wasn't exactly the case. Our sump pump's discharge isn't even a foot from the house and consequently was pumping the water outside the house and then right back in. It was dumping into the window well. Haldan rushed outside to start dumping water and find a way to redirect the water while I gathered every towel in the house. In less than 2 minutes water was back 3 feet in the house and spreading quickly. It took a couple hours to get it all taken care of, but I feel so blessed. I know it could have been so much worse. I do still have towels to wash. It ended up being about 4 loads and it's taking about 3 dry cycles to get them dry due to dryer issues, but I can deal with that. Not only were we able to catch it in time, but Haldan was even able to figure out the problem this time. The last time it flooded it was worse and we just assumed it was due to the rain itself filling up the window well. Once we were ready to go back to bed Haldan looked at me and said, "tender mercies". I do think we must have had an angel watching over us because had it not been for that computer turning on we would have slept through it and I can't even begin to imagine how bad it might have been. I know that I am not alone in my short night's sleep. I know several people that had similar experiences in the wee hours of the morning. And although it seems like it is pouring buckets in our life right now (literally)... we are plowing through the challenges handed us and trying to keep the faith. Adversity and difficulties are an inescapable part of life. The important thing is not what happens but how we accept and choose to deal with them, at least that's what I'm constantly reminding myself these days.

DAY 238

"Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while." -Kin Hubbard

It rained all day; actually poured buckets on the way to school. It was one of those dark mornings that you wish you could pull the covers back over your head and go back to sleep, but being just the second day of school and all I decided to get my lazy behind up. The kids played a little outside before I drove them over to the school. Wish I could have been in on whatever it was that was so funny between them. I love to see that sort of interaction between them though. It has been so rare lately that it's sort of refreshing.

Other updates:

• Still waiting for the official results of Haldan's exam.
• The children seem to be liking their new teachers, but Pokey is a little sad about her friends moving. There are very few girls in her class. Both 3rd grade classes seem to be sparse in the girl department.
• Decided to wait a bit on piano lessons after learning the teacher we wanted was $34/hour. With 1 week of Aug and 4 weeks of Sept and a couple books it came to $200. I guess I want to know they are serious about it before we use a teacher with a music degree. I'm actually thinking about trying to teach them myself... again. Undecided. I'm still not sure how families have 5 or 6 + children in these activites.

DAY 237

"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one."

-Malcolm S. Forbes

It's FINALLY here! We survived yet another summer and the kids are another year older. Today as I watched them leave for school I realized this was the last school year they would both be at this elementary school together. They didn't seem to care much, but it's a big deal to me. They are growing up too fast!

The last picture was one of the first I took at the house (hence, the smiles). The top photo was at the school and by then they were done. I shouldn't have tried classroom pics. I got one of Little Man with a sheet of paper hiding his entire face and Pokey with her hand up and some serious attitude. I guess with all of the anxiety maybe it is too much to have mom taking pictures as well. I should know better by now.

Pokey

Age: 8

Grade: 3rd

Teacher: Mrs. Patterson & Mrs. Engelbrecht (co-teachers)

Favorite Food: macaroni

Favorite Friends: Abbi, Rachel, and Sierra M., Kate, and Brooke (last 3 have moved away or will be soon)

Favorite Color: periwinkle and lavender

Favorite Character (TV Show): Hannah Montana

Favorite Primary Song: I love To See the Temple

Favorite Song on Radio: Makes Me Wonder by Maroon Five

Favorite Toys: fashion cutter, polly pockets, littlest pet shops

Favorite Activities: monkey bars, splits, catching bugs, playing with friends, and swimming

Favorite Subjects: gym, recess, reading, and science

Personal Style: capris/jeans, skirts, lips gloss

Strengths: funny, determined, passionate, affectionate

Things I'm Working On: biting nails, getting along with brother, whining less

What I Want to Be: Veterinarian, Teacher, babysitter

Height/ Weight: 49 in 59 lbs

Little Man

Age: 10

Grade: 5th

Teacher: Mr. Cornell

Favorite Food: pizza at Olive Garden

Favorite Friends: Eli, Raymond, & Gunner

Favorite Color: Hot Pink

Favorite Character (TV Show): Dillan Sprouse/ Zac & Cody

Favorite Primary Song: Baptism

Favorite Song on Radio: Crazier by Taylor Swift

Favorite Subjects: math, reading, and gym

Favorite Toys: nintendo DS, legos (Star Wars Clone Wars/Agents)

Favorite Activities: soccer, running, fishing, and air hockey

Personal Style: shorts, t-shirts, ball caps

Strengths: attention to detail, cautious, thoughtful, inquisitive

Things I'm Working On: being a better swimmer/runner, getting along with sister, and making a star wars battle

What I Want to Be: Professional Soccer Player, Engineer

Height/ Weight: 53 in 60 lbs

DAY 236

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Or is it? This is actually pond scum. I think it's beautiful even with the knowledge of what it is. I could see this as a piece of art on my wall in the living room. What do you think?

DAY 235

"If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders." - Abigail Van Buren

So far so good. It's been a week and the kids still love these guys. They make strange noises and poop non-stop. We've had to make new rules just for that reason alone. 1. They are not allowed to run around the house 2. Put them in a separate container when cleaning their home out 3. Hold for short periods 4. Vacuum their bedding when necessary. (It seems to come with them when they pick them up.) I'm sure more will come with time. I'm also pretty sure the excitement will die down. They've already eaten all the snacks Little Man bought and he's not ready to shell out another $3 right now. They're learning that being a pet owner is a big responsibility.

Just a reminder:

Haldan takes his big test tomorrow that determines if he takes the bigger test the end of Sept. Please keep him in your prayers. It's an 8 hour written exam.

DAY 234

Find deals at Old Navy http://www.oldnavyweekly.com/

Today was the $1 socks and $3 t-shirt deal at old navy. Unfortunately if you didn't know about it before now it's too late, but you can go online to the old navy link (above) and print off a coupon for $10 off your next purchase of $50. They also have them available at Great Clips.

I was checking out today when I looked over and saw Little Man posing with the manequins. I had to quick grab my camera and freeze the moment. I'm sure the check out girl thought I was off my rocker, but I probably am and really didn't care what she thought. It was one of those unscripted Little Man moments... he might be a pain in my you know what sometimes, but he can also be funny and thoughtful and tender and... I guess it's those moments that make it all worth it.

We're almost done with school shopping. Just a few more last minute things to find, which could probably wait until after school started if necessary.

Register... check.

Open House... check.

Meet teachers... check.

Drop off supplies... check.

School shopping... check.

Hair cuts... check.

Regular Bedtime schedule... check.

Little Man is starting soccer soon and I signed Pokey up for ice skating yesterday. I just need to find a piano teacher. I think getting the kids ready for school is a funny thing. One week ago I was a little sad about it coming so soon. But somehow over the last 6 days I've become ready. The children have been extra difficult, perhaps due to anxiety. Whatever the reason... it has helped me prepare emotionally and even look forward to the new school year to start.

DAY 233

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination." -Henry David Thoreau

A little out of focus, but just love sunsets! I love that I can be in my hometown of Cedar Rapids, IA and capture a sunset that takes me away to an exotic place.

DAY 232

"Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella." Pepper Giardino

Unfortunately it was the one day I forgot. I usually always have one in my purse. Haldan had a day off. (I guess they decided a break would be nice in the middle of all these tests.) He has his last performance exam tomorrow and his written on Monday. I know what he'll be doing this weekend. Tonight was a much needed break for both of us. He managed to get a sitter at the last minute and we went out. This cloud showed up out of no where and by the time we got done with dinner it was pouring. Luckily it didn't last long. I love the unexpected weather though. I remember when we lived in Washington and I would get homesick for a good old fashioned thunderstorm. It rained plenty there, but never stormed. When you grow up in the midwest it's just something you have and it becomes a part of you. The rain cloud came and went as quick as it came.

DAY 231

“Don't let anyone tell you that you have to be a certain way. Be unique.” Melissa Etheridge

Today Pokey had her 2nd Activity Days and it was at the mall on a modesty quest. I did a little school shopping there as well and ran into them a couple times. I was there at Justice when Pokey tried on this entire outfit from head to toe. It had lots of sparkles and I'm not sure the skirt passed the modesty guidelines, but she paired it with a some leggings. When she tried it on for Daddy tonight he thought it looked very "blossom-ish" (for those who know what that show is). Luckily she didn't. It's the first outfit that she's ever completely picked out and I had a 40% off coupon so I went ahead and purchased it. She definitely knows what she likes. I wish I could have been more sure of that at age 8. I'm realizing more and more we have different taste and I'm trying to be ok with that and let her have her originality.

DAY 230 Mystery Photo

Can you guess what this is a photo of?

If you guessed a mouse in an electrical box you guessed it! We seem to be cursed with mice these days. I'm actually relieved though that it is only mice and that it was an inexpensive fix. Two days ago we had some friends from church over and as they were leaving all the lights in the entry inside and out and the dining room went out. We assumed it tripped a breaker, so we got a new one only to discover that it wasn't the problem. I started worrying about huge electrician bills. Haldan gave it a couple hours this morning and after pulling the lights off he found the culprit... a mouse nest with babies and a mama mouse. I've learned that mice must be good climbers and they can live in exptremely small spaces. I guess we should have replaced that bulb sooner. Haldan managed to get the babies out, but when it came to getting the mama mouse out he refused unless I let him stab it with a screw driver. I was dripping wet, just out of the shower when Haldan came in to report. I didn't want him to stab the mouse, so I got dressed and headed out to save it from a painful death. It took a good 15 minutes, but she finally came out and then flew out of my hands 6 feet up on the ladder and ran away as fast as possible. We caught her once more only to learn our net had a hole. She was one fast little thing. I'm hoping she doesn't make another home in our lights or near the house. I'm a little sad that I've broken up 2 mouse families now. I just can't have them eating through all my wires and wire nuts.

Here's a labeled version of the same picture if you couldn't see it before. Once I got all the nest out it was easier to see her and get to her, but she kept getting caught in the wires.

Here's a short clip to enjoy. You can pause the music on bottom of screen to hear it better.

DAY 229

"How much wood could a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood..."

Went to my friend Missy's house today in Iowa City and this critter crawled up on the deck right outside the door. I've been trying to decide what it is... think it's a wood chuck or groundhog, but looks more like a prairie dog on it's hind feet.

They also had some baby bunnies under their front tree. Too cute.

We were there the better part of the day and the kids had so much fun with Sydney and Nelson. The girls managed to get wet multiple times. The boys built a giant battle station out of legos. They play really well together and I get to catch up with my old friend. Win win.

DAY 228

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” -Epicurus

Yes, Little Man has won and he got not one, but two guinea pigs. We went to the pet store yesterday with the idea of getting a $35 guinea pig, but the one Little Man wanted was sick. So, they pulled some babies out of the back (they were only 26 days old) and they were willing to let us adopt one for $10. Due to the fact that she was so young and never away from her mama they recommended getting a pair. We ended up getting two of them. Don't worry- we made sure that they were both females. Little man paid for both, but we got him started with the supplies. From now on he's on his own though. He will be responsible for food, all supplies, and cleaning the container weekly. We'll see how long that lasts. He named the black one Koko- not sure on spelling yet (he has one black foot and 3 pink ones) and Pokey named the brown fuzzy one Penelope, Penny for short. When she can show more responsiblility and is able to pay Little Man $10 she will be able to have Penny. I'm not sure she understands that she will also have half the responsibilities. We'll have to cross that bridge later. Unfortunately they are not going to be able to live in the tree house like I had hoped. We learned that they are very sensitive to heat and cold and that they could die easily. Bummer. I would have let them stay in the garage in the winter. Oh well. Little Man will house them in his room, but I've warned him that if I smell them they are gone. They are funny little creatures. They make many strange noises and we haven't figured them out yet. I'm a little overwhelmed and not quite sure I should have caved so quickly, but I have to admit they are pretty cute little things. I prefer the little wooly one. She is much more active too. Little man did think long and hard about what he wanted and even did a little research about them prior to purchasing. Ask me in a week how it's going.

By the way, if you haven't followed the blog, Little Man crashed on his scooter a few days ago. I am pleased with how quickly it all seems to be healing, but I'm not sure it'll be healed before the end of the month for photos.

DAY 227

Duane Arnold Annual Softball Tournament

We went and watched Haldan play ball today. The game we watched was a close one, but they finished at 10-11. I think the ump might have been a little biased. Haldan had a good time and it was a needed study break.

DAY 226

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." -Russell Baker

Pokey went to her friend Brooke's birthday party tonight. She would be the one in back with the glow in the dark goggles. The only one with goggles. I'm glad she was invited because now that her Dad has accepted a job in Arkansas a move is inevitable. She has been a good friend to Pokey and I know she'll be missed.

In other news:

• Little Man completed his Bear Badge and started Webelos this week.
• Little Man will end up with some good scars on his hand from his scooter crash. Not great for my family picture plan for next week. It might have to be postponed a little.
• 3 frogs, 2 butterflies, and 1 katydid were all captured via Little Man's net this week.
• Haldan passed his 1st of three final exams for his senior reactor operator program. It was a week long exam that included both performance and written portions. The next two matter substantially and are job dependent. He's been putting in tons of study hours, but I'm sure he could use your thoughts and prayers. They are next week and the last week of September (if he passes the second one).
• Little Man got $40 for his birthday and is dead set on getting a guinea pig. Heaven help us all. I've tried to sway him, but can't think of another pet that is interactive and smells any better. I have a feeling "G-Force" was a contributing factor.
• Lost Pokey for about 45 minutes this week. The missionaries were in the area and helped find her.
• Only one week of summer left!

DAY 225

I'm so proud of Little Man. He wiped out on his scooter today. He didn't have a helmet on at the time and I was very concerned. It took a little while to calm him and get him cleaned up. Luckily we had "transformers" band-aids in the house and we must have used at least a dozen of them. He managed to get almost every part of his body: his head, shoulder, elbow, hand, fingers, knees, and ankles. But just a short while later he put his helmet on and got back on that scooter to try it all over again. He didn't let defeat get the best of him... a great example to me of how we should all deal with failures.

DAY 224

“Rivalry adds so much to the charms of one's conquests” -Louisa May Alcott

I've got two extremely competitive kids and although there are days I want to pull my hair out and scream... the qualities that most drive me crazy now could serve them well in other endeavors throughout their lives, at least that's my hope. I know that they love each other even if it isn't always expressed with words.

DAY 223

Easy Corn Shucking tip

You know when you shuck corn and all that corn silk is all stuck between the kernels and you have to work like crazy getting it out? And running under water doesn't do the trick? And picking it off one strand at a time is way too tedious and time consuming.

After removing the husk, wrap a rubber band around the ear of corn. Not too tightly. Just sort of semi-snug. With one hand, grip the base of the ear. Wrap the other hand around the rubber band and roll it up and down the ear. A few good passes should do the trick. Toss the rubber band and silk strands. Then rinse the ear. Any remaining silk will come off during boiling.

The winners are...

July 1st Place Nature/Scenery Category is:

July 2nd Place Nature/Scenery Category is:

July 1st Place People/Other Category is:

July 2nd Place People/Other Category is:

Thanks again for all the votes. It's been a very interesting challenge and it's great to have so much support.

DAY 222

"Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest." -Larry Lorenzoni

Little Man celebrated his 10th birthday today at the ballpark with nine of his friends from school. The weather cooporated and we made it through the game without any rain. Little Man got to throw out the first pitch, go in the dugout with all of the players and get their autographs, he got an autographed picture of Joe Winters (our local weather man) that read "Glad we found you after the fun run." (Several years ago he got lost after a race and Joe Winters used his loud speaker to initiate a search party). All the boys got to have lunch and cake and even though the game turned out 5-7, I think everyone had a pretty good time. I guess there are a few perks to living in a smaller city. We couldn't have afforded a birthday party with a professional team.

Here's a copy of his invites sent out. I'm so relieved to finally have this one behind me. I think the parties are finally over, at least for a couple months. (Sigh.)

DAY 221

"You are to do the choosing here and now during this exciting and wonderful time on earth. Moral agency, the freedom to choose, is certainly one of God's greatest gifts next to life itself. We have the honorable right to choose; therefore, we need to choose the right. This is not always easy."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

8 years ago today this little girl came into our lives. She came with a definite mind of her own from the very start. She is also sweet, funny, ornery, determined, and often daydreaming.

She actually celebrated her birthday earlier in the week, so today she was able to have her baptism on her actual birthday. It was a very special program and we're proud of her decision. The shoes were new and she insisted on wearing them to church earlier in the day, so by the time of the baptism she had blisters forming and she didn't want to keep them on. That's why they are only half on in the photo. After the baptism we were having refreshments when the tornado sirens went off. I was concerned because I had just taken a picture of this outside.

It appeared to be a wicked looking wall cloud. We all went to the gym for a bit until we were able to determine that it was safe. It turned out to be due to 80 mile per hour winds; only a tornado watch. It will make it very memorable all the same.

A special thanks to all that helped with the baptism in any way. There were so many generous people who put in time and effort to make it a success. A special thanks to Vicki Garbett who made the beautiful baptism dress for Pokey, Kathryn Oliviera who helped in the kitchen until everyone was gone, the valiant girls for singing on such short notice, Emily Goddard for playing the piano, family for all of the endless acts of service rendered and participating in the program, those who supplied yummy treats, and all those who attended. Thanks!!

I wanted to share the program, but it is in a file I am unable to download, so I thought I'd share the cover picture.

It read, "It's Great to Be Eight" along the bottom. Maybe I'll share it later once I convert it to different file, but I have it in publisher right now and I don't have that on my computer here at home.

The picture was taken at the balloon fields last weekend. When everyone else was watching the balloons land she was off in a field picking weeds. Totally Pokey!!

Pokey, we love you and are glad that you are part of our family. I can hardly believe how fast the last eight years have flown by, but I'm thankful to have been a part of them.

DAY 220

"There is an absurdity in it, particularly in the relationship between the siblings." -John Madden

10 years ago today Little Man was born. He has filled our lives with unexpected joy and surprises. His mind has always been very busy and he definitely keeps us on our toes. He can be so mischievous, but then turn around and do the most thoughtful things. Although it is his actual birthday we decided to have a family celebration for both children today. It started with a special breakfast. Haldan made Little Man a giant pancake and Pokey a large pancake comprised of several smaller flower shaped ones. Then they finally got to open presents... the much anticipated event. Litte Man had this idea some time ago to get a large box and hide inside it and jump out for Pokey. I didn't have a box, so he took it upon himself to find one at a neighbor's and then tied it to his scooter and dragged it home. He didn't have time to wrap it or decorate it like he would have liked, but he had a blast jumping out of that box. Haldan and his Dad carried him up the stairs and then Pokey got to open it. He was so excited to see her face and she was so disappointed to see his. The moment was priceless. Wish I would have captured it on video. Little Man gave Pokey a webkinz, some money, and a very sweet card. Pokey gave Little Man $10, which is very generous and a little out of character for her. After she had wrapped it I suggested maybe she do less, especially considering it was the $10 that she had lost and had just found again. She wanted to do the $10 though. But then the next day she wanted to change it from $10 to 25 cents. I had to laugh. But in the end she actually gave him all $10. Other gifts included: legos, pet shops, and books. Then the children wanted to feed the ducks and catch a frog. We went over to Ellis and they couldn't have picked a warmer day. It was only 89, but with the humidity the temp was 101 degrees. It felt pretty accurate. We have had such a mild summer so far that we have become a little spoiled. The kids agreed upon the Olive Garden for dinner where they were sung to and received cake. To finish the evening we went to Planet X and the kids enjoyed some put-put. It was a very full day and I'm looking forward to my bed, hopefully soon.

DAY 219

"A boy is Truth with dirt on it's face,

Beauty with a cut on its finger,

Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair,

and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket."

- Author Unknown

This is Little Man trying to catch a frog down at the creek. I admit that it happened earlier in the week, but it's been a little busy around here and with the rainy day today I didn't manage any great photos. We did finish swim lessons today. They have both been advised to take Guppy again. Pokey has become a little fish this summer. Now she needs to work on her dive and technique more. Little Man has also improved greatly. He finally did 7 bobs today and didn't hold his breath under the water. I'm so proud of their accomplishments. We went as a family to see "G-Force". We rushed home to quickly clean before Grandma and Grandpa Barnes' arrival. I also made some cookies tonight that were supposed to be for the baptism, but didn't turn out as expected. I created a new type of cookie, more like a brownie or crisp depending on the pan used.

DAY 218

"An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Anything longer than that, and you start to age quickly." -Gene Perret

Grandpa Rasmussen arrived today and joined the clan. After some BBQ chicken we took the boat out for a joy ride. It turned out to be the same time that the ski team was doing their pyramids and stunts in the water (That's what I call perfectly timed dumb luck). It turned out to be a better boating experience than the last. The kids have really enjoyed having their grandparents around to play with, but I'm sure after a few more days they will be ready to go home.

DAY 217

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

DAY 216

"Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it." -Bill Cosby

Today as I watched Little Man in the pool I was happy to see him in this place for the first time that I can remember... peace in the water. He is so filled with anxiety and fear when it comes to water. It's so painful to watch. He's made amazing strides over the last year or two, but we take each day and celebrate every accomplishment, big and small.

Other highlights of the day:

I finalized the assignments for the baptism and finished the program. It took me way too long!

Marilyn (Grandma Rasmussen) arrived from Seattle at 4PM. The kids were so excited that was all they talked about all morning and they about talked her ear off on the way home from the airport.

DAY 215

Happy Birthday, Pokey!

This isn't her actual birthday, but today we had the friend's party at the Cedar Rapids Bowling Center. With Pokey's baptism and Connor's birthday so close I thought I'd spread it out over a week to allow a couple days between. We have friend parties every other year and we usually do a themed party at home. This year was a little different. Loved the assistant that served drinks, cut the cake, and did all the clean up! Below are the invites we sent for Pokey's party.

I tried to get pictures of Pokey today, but she wasn't all that into it. Maybe I can get some on her actual birthday. I wanted to doctor the photo, but then I realized that all of the imperfections are what makes her who she is. The red rings under her eyes are from her swim goggles (can't swim without them), the red mark on her chin is from opening the gogurt box (a little accident prone), the lack of teeth- attitude! Add a little drama and that's our Pokey!

After a busy day I decided to try this idea I'd seen a while back. It's called "Muffin Tin Mondays". It's meant to be a fun lunch idea, but we actually had it for dinner. Since Haldan started nights we typically have our larger meal for lunch and a lighter one in the evening since it's just the kids and I. I thought this was a fun alternative and a great way to add a few healthier food items. This was just what I could come up with in my house at the last minute. You can find out more about the original "Muffin Tin Mondays" here and see some unique ideas.

I've had a headache for 6 straight days now. The mini adjustment Mike Zmoos gave me last night doesn't seem to be doing the trick. I tried to work out today, but after about 30 minutes I realized I just couldn't do it. Any ideas out there for headache remedies? It would sure make my week ahead more tolerable.

Easy Party Favor Idea

These were the party favors used for Pokey's party. I wanted something simple and easy. After a little thought I came up with this idea. It was easy, but did take a little time to complete. Take a picture, put 4 on a page, print & cut, then adhere them to your bags. Voila! If you're crafty you could make them fun and frilly. That's not really my thing.

Moments By Months July 2009

I can't believe how fast July flew by. Please vote on your favorite pics. There are two categories: Nature/Scenery and People/Other. It would appear that there were not as many scenery pics this month. I try to mix it up, but some days are easier than others. I had more pictures inspired by the memories than quality photos, but I would still like to know what your favorites are. It's always fun for me.





You can click on the July tab to the right to view all of July pictures or use the calendar as a quick review. (Many pictures had to be condensed to fit the calendar.) Send me a comment or email me at lish@mchsi.com. I would love to hear your favorites.