Monday Memories

Thanksgiving brings back such fond memories. We use to have big Thanksgiving dinners. It was always my favorite holiday growing up. It was a time when family got together for a full day and just hung out and ate until we could eat no more!!
We would spend the whole day in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up after dinner. The guys would usually go out front for a game of football and my dad and grandpa would play the piano and sing. Thanksgiving brings back such wonderful memories of family.


Thanksgiving 1986

My dad and grandpa

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving this year!

How about those Vikings!?!

We had a great time at the Viking's game yesterday. Les was given 4-- 40 yard line, row 14 seats. It was fun watching Brett and the Vikings up so close. Brett has sure turned the Vikings into a fun team to watch. They had what they needed to get it done except for the missing quarterback. I hope we can make a good run at the Super Bowl this year!

The Dome was so loud and it was a sea of purple. I have been to a lot of NFL football games, but Viking fans are off the hook. It was like going to a Halloween party. Tons of fun!

GO VIKINGS!!

Days till Thanksgiving~ 20

Days till Christmas~ 49

Days till New Years Eve~ 55

2009 went by so fast for me, I really hope 2010 goes by a little slower! It is hard for me to believe the boys are going to be juniors next year and the following year seniors! 2 1/2 more years and they will be packing to go away to college....unreal! Anyone who has children that are not in high school yet, take the time to enjoy every minute because once they enter high school the years go by so fast. With the holidays approaching us, I wanted to take the time to wish everyone a happy holiday season. God Bless all of you!

Happy Halloween~

I am not much of a Halloween person now that my kids are 16 and past the age of wanting to dress up. I must say I am happy those years are over with!!! Andrew has a hockey game in St. Paul at 2:00 and our football team starts playoffs tomorrow night. I am tempted to put a big bowl of candy by the front door and go out for the evening.
I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

The Twins new stadium is ready for 2010 baseball season. I tried to get some pictures from the freeway, but really did not have much luck. It is such a beautiful ball park! I am looking so forward to baseball games outdoors again, like in the S.F. Bay Area.
The boys are not use to going to baseball games outdoors coming from Florida so, this will be a real treat for them. We are excited for the 2010 season to start and hope the twin cities don't have snow in April!

Random Pictures

Rochester, Minnesota at the Mayo Clinic. What an amazing place!

Never a dull moment in my life, look at Austin in the background.

The drive to Rochester

Sota

Our first snow fall in Oct.

Andrew playing Elite II~#21

He had a goal and an assist

Boys first day of 10th grade, I think Austin wanted to go play golf instead!

50!

I have never talked about my age, but last year I turned the big 50!!!! For my birthday my husband gave me a girl trip that I was never able to take, last summer was to busy!! Also, my best friend was busy getting her daughter into college. Well, I just booked up the trip for June, 2010. For my trip I picked Colorado for 5 nights. We plan to go see some beautiful scenery at the Dinosaur National Monument and Colorado National Monument. We are staying at the Gateway Resort and Spa. I have never been to a spa that pampers, but I guess turning 50 it is time! I have turned into a big Keith Urban fan! He has a concert there the last night of our trip so that is a big bonus. The trip I picked for my 50th is all about scenery and relaxation, proves I am getting old! Ugh!!

Dinosaur National Monument~

Colorado National Monument~
Keith Urban

Had to Laugh!

Austin was the biggest Brett Favre fan!! Now that Brett plays for the Vikings he is not very happy with Brett. Every week he gets more and more upset watching Brett's magic on the field playing for the Vikings. I walked into his room last night to go on facebook and this is what he had for his screen saver. I had to laugh!


GO VIKINGS!!!!

Last night was the first night the boys did not keep me up coughing all night. Life in our home has not been much fun! Thank goodness they did not miss any school with the H1N1 Flu, they had the fever part of the flu over MEA week. Their school is really being hit hard right now with it.
Is the Swine Flu hitting your state hard?

I finally had some free time today to book our hotels for our California trip. I can't wait for spring break! 5 more months, Ugh!! I am really excited with the hotels I booked, even though I was raised across the bay from S.F. I never stayed in a hotel in the city. Les and I thought it would be fun to stay down by the Wharf so we picked a really beautiful hotel that looks out over the Golden Gate Bridge. I am sure there are some great photo opportunities. I just found out my brother and sister-in-law are going to meet us there. From there we are heading down to Carmel to stay a block from the beach, again great photo ops. We did not book a hotel for the wine country, we thought it would be best to play that one by ear. The last one we booked was Harvey's in Lake Tahoe right on the lake. Can you tell I am overly excited about this trip? I will take lots of pictures to share.
This weekend we are going to Rochester for hockey. I am hoping there are some beautiful trees there. The trees in our area froze after getting hit with snow and really never turned the beautiful colors like they do.
I also hope everyone is enjoying fall and looking forward to the holidays that are coming so fast!

Pictures of the boys last week while at the doctors office.

Vikings Game

I hope I feel better by Sunday! Les was given to candy apples and 2 tickets for the Vikings Game this Sunday. These are my 2 favorite players along with Brett Favre.
GO VIKINGS!!!!


Sorry about the quality of these pictures, I am in the market for a new cell phone that takes better pictures.

H1N1/Swine Flu

Andrew and I have the H1N1 flu. The boys have not had school since Wednesday so we are just laying around trying to get over this! I am hoping Austin does not get it as soon as school starts back up! I am also hoping my fever breaks by Sunday because Les was given 2 tickets to the Vikings Game and I really want to go!!!!

Early Birthday Present

My birthday is not until December, but I got an early gift from Les and the boys. I can now video the boys playing hockey and other family events. This little camcorder fits in the palm of my hand and is so easy to use. It is high def and with one switch of a button I can upload to facebook, blogs or YouTube. I also got a share station that I can hook up to the camera and burn a DVD from what I took a video of. I am hoping in time I will be able to put some video's on my blog.

Let It Snow!

We had a very busy weekend filled with hockey. We are getting snow today and several days this week. Next weekend we are suppose to jump back up to the 60's so that will be nice!
Have a good week!


Taken this morning with my cell phone

Snow???

Looks like winter has hit Minnesota~

Saturday-
Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers in the morning...then partly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Highs around 40. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.

I have teacher conferences today. The boys are enjoying their day off from school by relaxing and playing golf.

Happy Thursday!

Go Twins!

The Viking game was fabulous last night! Austin ended up watching it downstairs alone and not very happy with the Vikings winning the game. They meet again in GB in a few weeks, I am hoping they can win that one too. Tonight the Twins play the Tigers to see who goes to the playoffs. This will be the last game played in the Metrodome if they happen to lose. Next year they will be playing in their new outdoor stadium.
The chicken last night was a huge success! I just love my new Fix-It and Forget -it 5- ingredient favorites cookbook. The recipes are so simple and have been a big hit in our house!
GO TWINS!!!!

Monday Night Football~

The Packer Cake was hard to buy, but I bought it for Austin. I have chicken in the crock pot with 2 soup sauces poured over it. It is suppose to cook for 6-8 hours before mixing sour cream in. I am hoping it turns out for our football party.

GO VIKINGS!!!!!!

So Excited!!!

I am so excited, We are going to my home state for 11 days! I just got off the phone booking our flights to Northern California and to stay 11 days!! The flights were free because we had earned points over the past 5 years so we saved $1,800 on flights. We are not going to tell the boys, but at the time of our trip surprise them. We plan on seeing San Francisco,(Lafayette my home town) St. Helena, (I went to high school in a town called Angwin right above St. Helena on a hill) Tahoe, and Carmel.

St. Helena
San Francisco
Tahoe
Carmel

This was the first time the boys left in my car by themselves. I took it with my cell phone so the quality is not the best. Austin had the sun in his eyes and had just blinked too. I spent the weekend with Austin while Les took Andrew to Fargo for a hockey tournament. He had a good time out driving around and going to friends house. It was homecoming weekend, but he did not want to go this year. I am hoping they decide to go to the dances next year. I thought I knew what stress was, but the boys having their license puts a whole different outlook on stress!!! All I can do is pray about it!

The weather here in Minnesota has finally cooled off with temps in the 50's. I am looking forward to the boys having 2 short weeks after this one, they get Thursday and Friday off two weeks in a row. I am hoping to do some short day trips to look at the fall colors here in Minnesota.

Hey, how about those Vikings?!? Next week should be a good one on Monday Night Football they play the Packers. My husband is going to try and get tickets for Austin to go. As you know Austin is the biggest Packer fan! I asked my husband if he would not be embarrassed taking him to the game dressed in his Packer clothes, I know I would be.

Have a good week!

Cooking~

I bought this cookbook yesterday and it looks amazing! It is recipes with only 5 ingredients and all the meals are made in a slow-cooker. I am looking forward to making some meals out of it. Our winter is always so busy with the hockey season and what a perfect way to make meals and have them ready after hockey.

Any meals that call for only 5 ingredients I love!

I love this time of year, these pictures were taken last year at peak. I hope everyone enjoys the beauty of all the colors this fall.

Happy Thursday!

My Mother & Best Friend~

My sister emailed this picture to me yesterday and it brought back such beautiful memories of my mother. She was such a beautiful person on the inside and out! A day does not go by that I don't think of her and miss her!! Even though she has been gone since May of 07', I still find myself on days going to the phone to call her.

My Mom~

16!!

Andrew and Austin just passed their Minnesota Driver's License test! I am so happy for them, but so stressed over them driving alone. UGH!!!!

Last weekend we went to the Twins game. The game was packed with 44,000 people attending the game. While watching the game out of no where this HUGE bouquet of flowers was put in my lap and a video camera in my face. I was picked fan of the game and was so embarrassed. Andrew, Austin, and Les were crawling under their seats so the camera would not get them. They gave me 2 tickets to the Renaissance festival and a 45 dollar gift card to Bachman's to purchase some flowers or a plant. I always take my camera to the games, but this time I left it at home or I would have a picture to post.

It it very boring right now in our home with just school, hockey, hockey, and more hockey. Andrew and I are going to Wisconsin in a couple weeks so I hope to get some pictures of our little trip. I hope everyone is enjoying fall and back into the swing of school.

Have a good week!

GO VIKINGS!

Labor Day Weekend~2009

Make a Smilebox slideshow

10th Grade~

The boys started 10th grade this morning. It always takes me a little while to get back into the swing of the school schedule. We had a good summer and I am hoping 10th grade will be a good year for the boys.

We had a nice time at Madden's, I will be posting some pictures soon.
Have a good week~

Les spent the last 4 days up in the Boundary Waters with his company. He stayed at Ludlows and had a fabulous time! They fished, golfed, and relaxed for 4 days. He took this picture with his blackberry while playing a round of golf. After seeing this I am looking so forward to spending 4 days on Gull Lake with the boys before they start school. I love it up north on all the beautiful Minnesota lakes!

Thursday Thought

I am living in my car lately!!!

Counting down the days until we go again!

We took the boys to Cragun's Resort for their 16th birthday. It is under 2 hours from our home which is really nice. We have decided to go to Madden's before school starts which is right next door to Cragun's, we hear it is a nicer resort. I love taking vacations and short weekend getaways, but it seems like I am always thrilled to get home. When we went up to Gull Lake before I did not want to come home, it was so amazing and so relaxing! We are thinking it would be the perfect retirement place for 9 months out of the year. No, we are not thinking about retirement yet, just dreaming.



For all you people that live in Minnesota, I will let you know which one we liked better.

I Need A Pen!

This sweet child of mine has a big problem with taking things apart. I have no idea why he loves taking things apart. It is only small things like pens, remote controls and stuff like that. These pictures were taken at the beginning of the summer. I must say after listening to me scream all summer not to take things apart, he has gotten better. I am hoping it was just a phase he went through or maybe a boy thing.
Sponge, all of our pens, remote control

Disposable camera

Driving Already!!??

This was the car the boys drove for behind the wheel. They were going to drive the Vet, but once they drove this car it was all they wanted to drive. They are done with their lessons now, they just need to take the driving test. Most of their friends failed at least once, they are really strict on kids here in Minnesota . I have a feeling our boys will have to take it twice too. I feel sorry for them we own 2 big SUV's and they have to parallel park on the test.
They love this car~

Heading to Minneapolis~

Now this is the kind of car they want!

Monday Memories

Some of my favorite memories are family trips we have taken over the years. I only wish I had a family picture of each trip. I posted our trip to Cragun's on a slide show a couple post ago. We had so much fun on that trip! We are going back before the boys start school, but this time staying at Madden's Resort. I can't think of a better way to end our wonderful summer.

Georgia~
Key West~ very humid

Georgia~

Niagara Falls~

Ice skating on a frozen river~

The Dells~

Have a wonderful week!

Welcome to Blogging!

This was taken in 05' when Bonnie came to visit me in EP.
I have a very good friend that has started blogging. Please stop by and welcome her into the world of blogging.

http://www.1determinedpk.blogspot.com/

Bonnie and I have been friends since our children started Kindergarten. She has a beautiful daughter Andrew and Austin's age.

Bonnie, I know you will love blogging and will meet some really special people!

Summer 09'

Our summer trip to Cragun's, we had a blast!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Monday Memories

We had a busy day today. The boys had to go get their school pictures taken, pick up their schedules, put money in their lunch accounts, and hand in school forms. This will be the last year I will be going with them because next year they will be driving themselves. I was very proud of the boys today because they talked to me while at school, last year they did not want to be seen with me! Maybe 16 is going to be a good year after all.
For all you moms out there, I just want to say I hope this school year is a huge success for your children and the year runs really smooth for you.

Where have the years gone????

First day of Kindergarten
Andrew

Austin

Second day of Kindergarten~ They are so excited!

Never mind I think I know where the years have gone....Right to my face...Time for Botox!!

24 Days Left!

With the summer coming to an end, I wanted to do a quick post to my blog. We have had a wonderful summer. I will be posting some pictures once the boys start school on September 8th. I have decided once I start blogging again that I will be blogging about our family only. I know that might be a boring blog for some to follow, but it is all I have the time and energy to blog about right now. I love keeping up on all the blogs I have come to love over the past year and will still follow them faithfully. I will be posting pictures and events in our lives throughout the years.

I hope everyone had an awesome summer!!

For the boys 16th birthday we took them to Cragun's Resort. We had a fabulous time fishing, boating, tubing, golfing, hiking, and relaxing! These were taken with my cell phone, I don't know why I did not get a picture of Andrew driving the boat. I have a lot of pictures to post of our trip and will do that soon.

Cragun's on Gull Lake~
Austin~

Les~ Me~

Wordless Wednesday

Alligator Found In Minnesota Pond

This is one of the reasons I was happy to leave Florida. Minnesota has lots of ponds and lakes without alligators unlike Florida. A lot of people that live in Florida deal with the alligators and still go swimming, but being from California they gave me the creeps!
YIKES, This gives me the creeps again!!!

An alligator spotted in a local Eagan pond.
A family reported seeing the 3-foot alligator and called police.
Hennepin County Animal Control officials had the day off because of the Fourth of July holiday, leaving Eagan police to apprehend the creature. No one was injured.
Police said someone likely was raising it as a pet and then attempted to get rid of it."

2005 was a July 4th I will always remember! My mom was back visiting us for the summer. This area never lacks in stuff to do on July 4th. We started the day off at Lake Minnetonka and ended the day at the EP celebration.





This is the 2009 celebration for EP. The boys usually walk down to Round Lake for the fireworks. Les and I usually hang out at the house start a fire (for s'mores) and watch the fireworks from the front yard.


Have a fun and safe night!

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

Memories

I came across this picture yesterday and had to laugh! The things I use to do to keep the twins entertained when they were little. I can't believe, I taped those to our ceiling fan so they would fly around the room. The boys would watch them for hours. Pictures like this bring back such fond memories. I would not want to go back to those days, but I am so happy I have pictures to take me back for just a moment.

Baseball 2009

Andrew-Age 15
Austin-Age 15

Baseball season is coming to an end, playoffs start next week.

Good luck boys!

Trying to get a new picture for my header is not the easiest thing to do when I am trying to get a good picture of the boys! I think I will leave the hockey one up until I can get a good summer picture of them. But, that may NEVER happen!
Austin putting his hat back on after Andrew threw it over our deck.

"Today's Rumor"

This is Austin's bedroom, he is the biggest Brett Favre fan! Rumor has it he is in EP for a few days and he just bought a house 2 minutes from ours. I would love for Austin to run into him someday! Hope the rumor is true.

So much for taking a blogging break. It seems like every time I say I am going to take a break, I blog more!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Michael Jackson too, a sad day!! I know he was not a perfect person, but who is?
Our local Minnesota news said he passed away a hour ago so, I tuned into Fox and CNN and they said he was in a coma for a hour before saying he passed away.
WCCO you rock for news!

This makes me so sad, Farrah Fawcett dead at 62. She has battled cancer since 2006 and really put up a good fight. She was such a beautiful lady!

This is my sister-in-laws dog. He is the cutest little 6 pounds I have ever seen! Our whole family fell in love with Radar Joe. I thought once Sota leaves us and goes to doggie Heaven, I would never get another dog. But, after seeing Radar Joe I have changed my mind.

I took this picture and framed it with a frame from Picnik

Dave and Andrea, We had a great time! THANKS!!
Andrea & Dave (sister-in-law & brother-in-law)

On our drive from Minnesota to Ohio we stopped at a few universities.
Andrew

Andrew

Austin

Austin

Stanley Cup~ Game 7

We watched game 7 while visiting in Ohio.
Can you tell our family loves hockey?!

Andrea, Lydia, and Lauren
Lauren and Lydia

Had some betting going on

Now I see why I never won, my kids scratched my name off the list and put their names down twice.

Andrea happy the Penguins won

Andrew and David made a bet that if the Red Wings lost they would jump in the cold pool. They were the only two for the Red Wings.

David

Austin joining David and Andrew for a swim

Dave after getting pushed in the pool by his daughter (Lauren)

Sarah after getting pushed in the pool

I knew as long as I had my camera around my neck I was safe.

Pictures taken with my new lens.
Andrew

Sota

Done Deal

Breaking news this morning, Favre and the Vikings have reached an agreement. A number 4 jersey has been ordered for Brett.

YAHOO!!!!!

I am going to take a small blogging break, but will post pictures throughout the summer. I came across a really cool site for all you picture lovers. www.picnik.com has some really cool stuff! I have never been able to figure out how to put my site on my pictures with the program I bought, but Picnik is so easy and free! We are trying to stay cool here in Minnesota, temperatures are hitting the 90's today. I will be checking blogs over the summer, but I will only be posting pictures.
Happy summer!

18 year old Belgian teen says she requested 3 stars on her face, but woke up to find 56. My first questions is, how do you fall asleep getting a tattoo on your face? My second question is, why would you even let this guy put a tattoo on YOUR FACE?

The boys had a great time at Cedar Point. I usually don't buy pictures that are taken during rides, but I thought this was so funny. I could not believe Andrew knew where the camera was. Austin (look at his hair standing up) is laughing so hard while holding his shoulder from being thrown around. If you like roller coasters, Cedar Point is the place for you!
I hope everyone has a very nice Father's Day and weekend. More pictures on my other blog. www.lifewithphotos.blogspot.com I will be posting more soon.

Our trip

I posted several pictures to my other blog. www.lifewithphotos.blogspot.com
I still have several to put on this blog tomorrow.

Austin, David (cousin), and Andrew going golfing in Euclid, Ohio.

I have come to the conclusion that our boys need to be lawyers, all they do is argue THEIR point! It is going to be a long summer!

I will be posting pictures from our trip later today.

HOME

We are home from a 7 day road trip. We had a great time! We drove to Cleveland, Chicago, and Madison.  We stopped at several neat spots on the trip like Cedar Point, a few colleges, and the most fun was seeing family in Euclid!! My husband's sister and family live in Euclid, Ohio. My boys are so happy to be home, but keep saying they want to go back to Euclid!  They really enjoyed spending time with their cousins, aunt, uncle and grandma. I have a ton of pictures to post and will do that this week. I hope everyone is having a relaxing summer! I will try and get caught up on blogs this week.

The boys get out for summer tomorrow at 10:45 and will be out until September 8.

Does anyone watch this show and find it funny? The boys had it on last night for the first time and I could not find humor in it at all! I am thinking I must not have a sense of humor, I was the only one not laughing.

It is still raining here in Minnesota with very cold temperatures for June. I had to put our heater back on. The boys are so excited with only a half of day left tomorrow. I will be posting lots of pictures next week.

Have a good week.

Weekend Movies.

We rented these movies over the weekend. I thought they were both pretty good.

NEW IN TOWN took place in New Ulm, Minnesota. Because we live in Minnesota we got a good laugh out of it. It is a cute movie.

This movie really makes you appreciate what you have.

We spent yesterday at the horse track. I had never been before and really had no interest in going. I have been to the dog track in Florida and left the track in tears seeing how the dogs were treated. I really enjoyed the horse races though! We have a friend that had a horse in the race yesterday so, we decided to go watch. Their horse won, it was so exciting! I almost had a picture to post of me in the winners circle with them, but I could not get down there fast enough to get in the picture. It was a great day!
We have been getting rain all weekend, which is a good thing.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

Tagged

I have been tagged by Lissa over at http://www.whoosthatgirl.com/

8 things I am looking forward to.

1. Seeing our boys graduate from high school.
2. Seeing them finish college
3. Going home to Northern California next summer
4. Getting a new SUV
5. Getting better at photography
6. Achieving my idea weight and maintaining it.
7. Going to Scotland some day, but I am not looking forward to flying over water for that long.
8. Heaven


8 things I did yesterday.

1. 8 loads of laundry- does that count for 8 things?
2. Cleaned the house
3. Yard work
4. Picked the boys up from school and started to take them to hockey until I had a problem with my car.
5. Sat in the sun for one hour.
6. Cooked dinner/cleaned up
7. Watched a DVD music concert
8. Cleaned the house again!


8 things I wish I could do.

1. Travel more
2. Win the lottery
3. Spend a day with my mom and grandma
4. Turn my age back
5. Take better pictures
6. See my family more
7. See my friend that lives in Colorado more
8. Dance like they do on Dancing with the Stars.

8 shows I watch- I don't watch much TV so this is hard.

1. Dancing with the Stars
2. American Idol
3. Bachelor
4. NHL
5. NFL
6. Twins baseball
7. News
8. Today Show


8 people tagged.

1. Tami http://www.millersandboys.blogspot.com/
2. Trish http://www.tblank0216.blogspot.com/
3. Emma http://www.emmacmiller.blogspot.com/
4. Jennifer and Sandi http://www.mntxconnection.blogspot.com/
5. Candice http://www.ccluv.blogspot.com/
6. Kelley http://www.osmundson.blogspot.com/
7. I don't know your first name (sorry) http://www.thedailydeanchronicals.blogspot.com/
8. Tripletmama http://www.lovingmytriplets.blogspot.com/

This is the only thing left on my wish list to complete my camera bag. I would like to have it for the 2009 winter hockey season. After I get this, I AM DONE!!! My camera bag will be complete!

My new Nikon lens 50mm f/1.8

I just got a call, the lens (above) I got for Mother's Day came in. That pretty much completes my camera bag except for the camcorder. I am thrilled with what I have and seem to be learning little things about the camera I got for Mother's Day in 2008. I keep saying I need to take the 18 classes that came with the camera, but it is finding the time to do this. They are on Saturday morning early so the time works for me, but it is just doing it.

My new Nikon P90 I bought with a gift card I got for Christmas~I love this camera! It has an amazing zoom!

Nikon 18-55mm~I love this everyday lens. This is usually the lens that is on my camera.

Nikon 70-300 zoom~ This is the lens I bought mostly to cover my boys in sports.

My Nikon D300~ This camera never leaves my side. This was such an amazing Mother's Day gift!

I was really hoping to make it to summer before the Swine flu hit the EP school district, but did not make it. I just got an email saying there are 2 cases in the school district. My boys are so bad with putting their fingers in their mouths. They are 15, at what age do they stop putting their fingers in their mouths?!? They seem to always catch everything that goes around, I just pray they don't catch this! I have to say this has been the worst year since they were born for being sick, I can't handle another sickness!

FRIDAY

* ND is the only state in the US that has never had an earthquake.

* Bees kill more people a year than snakes do

* 35,000 people in the us will die from the flu annually

* 40% of women have hurled footwear at a man

* If you put a T-bone steak in a bowl of coca-cola it will dissolve in 2-3 days.

* The average human eats 8 spiders in their lifetime at night.

* The best diamonds are colored blue/white

-----------------------------------------------------

With school almost over I don't know how much I will be posting, but I will be checking on all the blogs I follow over the summer. Today is the boys last day of school with Monday and Tuesday being special days for just finals. They have 2 on Monday and 2 on Tuesday. The boys don't go back to school until September 8, which makes for a long summer. We leave for Cedar Point (Ohio) next week, the boys are looking forward to going on all the roller coaster rides. From there we are going to my sister-in-laws house in Euclid and the final stop will be Chicago. It is going to be a fast trip because the boys have to be back for a 2 month hockey camp. It will be good to see family and Chicago. I have never been to Chicago and I hear it is a nice city. The Minnesota Twins are going to be in town when we are there so, I am sure Austin will have us sitting in a sports restaurant watching that. This is the first time we are leaving Sota at the house and having someone stay and take care of him so, I am somewhat nervous about that. Having a dog puts a whole different spin on traveling. I will be taking a lot of pictures on our trip and will post them when we return.

Minnesota needs rain so bad! It looks like we have rain in our forecast starting tomorrow and ending on Tuesday. I really hope we get a lot!

Have a fun weekend!

I am seriously thinking about starting ballroom dancing in September, after the boys go back to school. I found this studio (below) 5 minutes from our house. I have the worst rhythm of anyone, but what a great form of exercise. I asked the boys if they wanted to take it with me, they looked at me like I was from another planet. I know Les would never even consider taking ballroom dancing, but they said I don't need a partner. I am pretty excited about it!
I will keep you posted once I start the lessons.

Happy Wednesday!

I saw this over at http://www.emmacmiller.blogspot.com/ and thought it was so funny. I have reconnected with so many friends through facebook. I hope I never become this addicted though!

Monday Memories 91'

The night before moving to Florida, Les and I took my mother-in-law out to eat in the city (SF). We ate at the top of the Bank of America, the sites were awesome! This night is a night that I will never forget! The camera I had was just a instant one so the pictures are not that great. Our family is planning to visit Northern California next year for 10 days in August. We want to visit SF, Carmel, Napa Valley, and Tahoe. If you have never been, it is worth a visit!

GO PITTSBURGH PENGUINS!!!

Finally a toy that Sota does not tear apart in the matter of minutes. This dog toy keeps Sota entertained and he loves it. For anyone that has a dog that tears toys apart in  minutes, this is the dog toy you need to buy. I stuff it will all kinds of neat treats and he spends time trying to get the treats out. They come in a bunch of different sizes and actually have a chew bone on one side and a place to stuff treats on the other side. For once a toy that says indestructible stands up to what it says.

Friday

* The FDA allows an average of 30 or more insect fragments and one or more rodent hairs per 100 grams of peanut butter.

* Surgeons who listen to music during operations perform better than those who don't.

* Our eyes are always the same size from birth , but our nose and ears never stop growing.

* For people that are lactose intolerant, chocolate aids in helping milk digest easier.

* The worlds youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in china in 1910.

* Most lipstick contains fish scales. 

* Mosquito's prefer children to adults and blonde's to brunettes.

* It is physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.

* Pound for pound hamburgers cost more than new cars.

* Woman say that the part of a mans body that they admire the most is his bum.

We have another busy weekend ahead of us. It is filled with baseball practice, baseball games, golf, studying for finals, and Schooner Days.  Schooner Days is a carnival and a huge Bingo tent that is set up at the EP Community Center. The boys enjoy going and hanging out with friends.

They only have one more full week of school and their last two days the following week are just finals. I am looking so forward to some time of not worrying about school, homework, bedtime, and schedules!

Have a nice weekend.

Thursday Thought

Random pictures taken with my new Nikon P90. I am very happy with it for a point and shoot camera. I wanted a point and shoot for when my Nikon D300 is getting cleaned. I sent my D300 away to be cleaned and was without it for over 3 weeks. I decided at that time I needed another camera.
I have done a lot of posting today so be sure and scroll down.

EP Varsity Choir

The boys last choir concert was in an EP church. IT WAS FABULOUS!!!
This picture was taken during the rehearsal right before the concert.

EP Baseball

Austin #4

Andrew #8

Andrew

Austin

Austin

Andrew

This was parked outside the EP high school 3 days before prom and was moved at 6:00 the night of prom. It was put there to let the kids know drinking on prom and getting behind the wheel is not worth it. A girl was killed in this car because the driver had been drinking. This is where I park everyday to pick the boys up from school. It was interesting to hear the different comments from the kids as they passed by. My boys have made a bet that they will never drink, I am hoping that is one bet they keep!

Bingo With The Elderly

We had a nice relaxing Memorial Day weekend. The weather was perfect with temperatures in the 70's. I bought my Nikon P90 and ordered my new lens. We went to the Twin's game on Sunday night and I was able to try out my new camera. I posted several pictures on my other blog and will post some on here soon. My other blog is www.lifewithphotos.blogspot.com
I hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Remember Our Troops

Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day!

This was enough to bring me out of my intermission! Having twins is hard enough, but with two different dads? YIKES!


Mother gives birth to twins with different dads - Parenting & Family: "Mother gives birth to twins with different dads
‘One-in-a-million’ occurrence involves two eggs and two different fathers"

I always take my memory card to Walgreen's and have them burn a CD for me. Their photo department has been down for 3 days. I will have a LOT of pictures to post next Tuesday. I am looking so forward to a weekend of no hockey or baseball for the boys. We are going to the Twins vs. Brewers game on Sunday along with doing some yard work and maybe taking a short road trip. I plan on getting my Mother's Day gift which is a new lens (Nikon 50mm f/1.8D) for my Nikon D300 camera and using a gift card that I got for Christmas buying the Nikon CoolPix P90 (point and shoot). I will be done buying camera stuff after that. It will be class time in the fall to learn the ins and outs of the two cameras.
I will be back blogging next Tuesday.

Have a safe and fun Memorial Day!

Can someone remind me where I live!

The boys choir concert (which was fabulous) got out around 9:15 last night. It was still 89 degrees outside. I enjoy summer, but come on lets ease into it slowly!

Eden Prairie weather forecast for today, 90's again. We have rain on the way, THANK GOODNESS!

I have a lot of pictures to post and will try and do that today or tomorrow.

Happy Wednesday!

It takes a lot for me to get excited over a book. My brother sent me this book last week and I cannot put it down. Every book I get Les takes and reads at night before I have the chance to open it. I have this one hidden in my car and read it every day while waiting in line to pick the boys up from school. It is such a great book! I am on a 7 day fast right now and so exctied about it. I thought fasting meant NOTHING to eat, but this book has taught me the real meaning of fasting.

It has been a while since I have posted pictures of the boys. I hope to get several this weekend and will post some by Tuesday.

FRIDAY

*On average we lose 11 oz. of weight while we are asleep at night.

*In Cleveland, Ohio it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license.

*There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.

*28.1 % of people pee in the pool.

*S.F. cable cars are the only Mobile national monuments.

*Horses and rabbits cannot vomit.

*Coca-Cola was originally green.

*40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year

*On average when asked for a color, 3 out of 5 people will say red.

*Mosquitoes are attracted to people who have recently eaten bananas.

Saturday the boys are going to play Bingo at a retirement home with the elderly. They have their first baseball game of the season...GO EP MAROON!
Only 16 more days of school and counting!
I will post some pictures next week.
Have a good weekend!

I was a little surprised to see Kris go through. I really thought it would be Danny and Adam in the final. I think a lot of the girl voters vote for Kris. I hope Adam can win, he has a lot of talent. If he can keep the screaming under control, I don't think anyone can come near his singing ability.

Today is Les's birthday, we will celebrate it with dinner and cake. He is getting a golf bag for his birthday that he has been wanting.

Weekend hurry up and get here!

Spring time in Minnesota is such a beautiful time. This is taken with my cell phone which is not a very good camera phone. I ended up with the free phone when we bought the boys their cell phones.
I can't believe the boys only have 4 more weeks of school and 2 days of finals.
This is a big summer for the boys, they turn 16. Oh boy!

Monday Memories

I hope everyone had a fabulous Mother's Day! Mother's Day has not been the same since my mom passed away in May of 07'. When I think about Mother's Day I think of my mom, not of me. I have posted a few pictures of my mom and me for Monday Memories. She was not only a mother to me, but my best friend and I miss her tons!

05'-Mom and me.

05'-Mom, me, Andrew and Austin.88'-Mom and me.79'- My mom, sister and me.
Have a great week!

Happy Mother's Day!

I became a mother on July 30, 1993. Andrew and Austin have brought such happiness to my life!! Twins are such a blessing and I feel so blessed! They sure put a whole different spin on life! I have posted a few pictures of the boys and me over the years. I realize after looking through my pictures, I need to get some new ones. They are at the age where taking pictures is not cool. We have a busy summer ahead of us, my goal is to take lots of family pictures.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Mother's Day!

Summer 2009!

MSN listed the 14 best destinations to visit in the summer of 2009-

San Francisco- MY HOME! I was so happy to see S.F. listed. S.F. is such a great city to visit. There is so much to see in Northern California, Napa Valley, Carmel, Tahoe, and S.F.
Denver- I lived in Colorado for 2 years. It is a beautiful city and state!

Chicago- I have never been, I hear it is a very nice city. We are going to visit Chicago in June.

San Diego- I spent a lot of time in San Diego growing up, I agree it is a fun place to visit.

Tampa- lived there for 12 years. Florida is always a fun place to visit.

Las Vegas- I have been to Vegas and I agree it is a fun place.

New York- I have never been to New York City, but have always wanted to go around the Christmas Holidays.

Charleston, S. C.-Never been

Kauai- I have been to Kauai and would love to go back! It is so beautiful!! If we ever go back to Hawaii this is the island I would go to. We spent time on the islands of Oahu and Kauai and Kauai is breath taking! So, I highly agree!

Paris-Never been

Atlanta- Been a few times.

Minneapolis-I don't have to travel far to get to one of the 14 best destinations for summer of 2009. Great state and great city! If you visit in the winter make sure you pack extremely warm clothes!
Not bad, all 4 places I have lived are 14 best destinations!

Jamaica, I have been to 15 islands and Jamaica I rate in the top 2!

Dallas- I was there, but only for a short time. We are going to Houston this summer for a long weekend. I am hoping I like Houston for a getaway.

Can you tell I like to travel? I missed my calling, I should have opened a travel agency!

Happy Mother's Day

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! We have another busy weekend with community service, baseball, and yard work.
Enjoy!

New Car/SUV

I need a new automobile so bad!! The last new automobile I got was when the boys were in kindergarten. It still is in great shape, but the boys will need a car to drive next year. What a perfect excuse for me to get a new one!

The Range Rover is just a dream!





My parents gave me a Camero the year I graduated from high school. It was such a great car and gave me no problems. The 2010 Camero has just hit the showrooms. But, is it built for twins, 2 huge hockey bags, and sticks? I guess I am still young at heart because I would love to have one!

More practical is the Chrysler Aspen. I have a Dodge Durango and they look similar. I would have all kinds of room for kids and their hockey gear.

Decisions, decisions.....It will take me forever to make up my mind! If I wait 3 years the boys will be going off to college and I can get any size car I want. On the other hand we will be paying for twins to go to college and I will end up with a Smart Car!

I received a text from a friend the other day that I thought was so sad. It was a picture of a cow standing by her baby calf that had been hit in Colorado. She stood there for 3 days without moving. Everyday I would send a text asking if the mama cow had left. I was thrilled on the third day to get a text back saying the mama cow had finally left. I just could not help, but think what was going through this mama cows head. I have always had a really big heart for animals and I just found this to be very interesting.

Now that I have wrecked your day, I hope everyone is having a great Thursday.

Minneapolis taken with my cell phone.

Have a good day!

Community Service

After the boys got home from golf Saturday, we volunteered 2 hours at Feed My Staving Children. For health class the boys have to do 5 hours of community service. They are doing 2 more hours at FMSC and 1 hour at a elderly home playing bingo. FMSC is 5 minutes from our home so the boys usually end up volunteering a few times each year. This last time the boys spent time putting labels on bags and serving up the food for a sample taste.

Summer Sports~

The boys start baseball tonight.

Getting ready to go golfing with 2 buddies on Saturday.

Never a dull moment with Andrew!

Random Spring Pictures

The duck is back nesting

Everything is blooming

Enjoy spring!

I do love blogging, I have just been out of things to blog about! Spring has finally hit Minnesota, my allergies are out of control! The boys have a playoff game tonight, if they win they will be in the Showcase High School Championship Game on Sunday. Baseball starts next week and I am so ready for it! SUN and SEEDS!
I can hardly believe the school year is almost over and the boys will be done with 9th grade. I have a feeling they will be seniors before I know it. I have started taking pictures again and will be posting some next week.
The boys finally got new tennis shoes last week. What is with the price of tennis shoes these days? Les bought the boys new baseball shoes in a size 7 and 8. Andrew was throwing a fit because he could not get his foot into the shoe. Poor Les, I don't think he realized the kids feet grew so much . Andrew is in a 10 1/2 and Austin is in a 9 1/2 So, the baseball shoes have to go back.
Everyone is talking about Brett maybe coming out of retirement AGAIN! I would love to see him come to the Vikings for a couple of years, I think it would be good for the team.
Have a great weekend and I will post pictures next week.
Remember stay healthy wash your hands. This flu is turning into a nightmare across the US.
This was in the Pioneer Press today.

There is little doubt that if the Vikings could sign quarterback Brett Favre, they would sell out their remaining season tickets within 48 hours. For that and other reasons, it will be surprising if Favre isn't with the Vikings in training camp.

Back in February, Favre asked for his release from the New York Jets. The Jets said no. So Favre, now 39, said he would retire. End of issue.
But after last weekend's NFL draft, after the Jets chose QB Mark Sanchez from Southern California, Favre asked again for his release. His request was granted.
And that has become the juicy question. Why did Favre now want to get released from the Jets?
There could be two motives: wanting to play for the Vikings, who have wanted him for a year, and a $20 million pot of gold.
The $20 million isn't a new playing contract. The Vikings probably could sign Favre for about $7 million for the coming season, with about $3 million more available in performance bonuses, such as winning the Super Bowl.
The $20 million, remember, is what the Packers, for whom Favre played 16 seasons, offered Favre nearly a year ago to retire from Green Bay. The 10-year marketing deal would have made Favre an ambassador for the franchise.
Now that the future hall of famer has been released by the Jets, Favre could have new leverage: Give me the $20 million and I'll stay retired. If not, I'll sign with the Vikings and make life miserable for the Packers.

I have been so bad at blogging the past few weeks. I am hoping spring gets me motivated.

Monday Memory 98'

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Our weekend was busy, but having Andrew and Austin under roof always makes for busy days! Andrew had a hockey game on Saturday which they won. From there about 30 of us went out for drinks and dinner. Today Austin gets his cast off so it will be good having him back out on the ice. The weather has been perfect here in Minnesota until today. It is only going to be 45 today with it warming up on Thursday to 85. We found out on Saturday that a baseball coach that helped Les coach the boys last season passed away at 52 from a sudden heart attack. It makes you realize how precious life is and how in a spilt second you can be gone. I have been very lazy updating because I have been without my camera which I got back last week. There has really been nothing to post about either, going from winter into spring seems like such a down time in our schedule. The boys have tryouts this weekend for baseball. They only play in house baseball so the tryouts are pretty low key which is nice after the hockey tryouts that they go through. I have been hooked spending any free time on facebook. I just started facebooking the end of February, but have really enjoyed it and have gotten back in touch with so many classmates from the past. When I say the past, I am talking about first grade. If you don't have facebook give it a try it is a lot of fun!

Happy Monday to everyone!

I hope everyone had a really nice Easter. With summer right around the corner we are trying to plan a couple get away trips. I REALLY want to go back home to the S.F. Bay Area, but with the boys taking a summer hockey camp we are not able to make the trip.
We are taking the boys to Cedar Point before going to my sister-in-laws (Cleveland/Euclid) for a couple days. From there we are going to stop off at Chicago before heading home. Later in the summer we are taking the boys to Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands.
Where are you going for your summer vacation???

Cedar Point
Cleveland~Euclid

ChicagoMt Rushmore

Have a great week!

Happy Easter

They will whip Him and kill Him, but on
the third day he will rise again. Luke 18:33

If anyone is looking for a good book to read.

John 3:16

Have a nice Easter.

Driving through the state of Iowa.
This was 5 hours before game time. They do some major tailgating in Iowa! That truck was loaded with beer.

USHL game Des Moines

State Capital

Downtown

The river

Austin

Andrew- What a nutBoys will be boys!

Austin, Me, Andrew on the river trying to stay warm and dry. When Andrew and Austin are around water you never know who will end up swimming

When did that happen? I look short next to my boys.

I Have A Fan!

I was given an award today from http://www.thedailydeanchronicals.com/ I am a big fan of her site too! Stop by her site, I am sure you will become a fan too.

Thank you so much!

Now, here are the rules:

1. Leave a comment or email for your favorite blogger telling them that you are a fan of their site.

2. Feel free to copy and paste the award, or you can get the code at Sited and Blogged to present to your blog friend or post on your site when it is awarded to you.

3. When you receive more than one fan, put the number of fans you have received under the image.

4. The more fans you receive the better! So, what are you waiting for...tell someone you're a fan of all their blog....Have fun!

I am GLAD to be back in Minnesota! We had a good time, but I am not a farm girl. We saw a lot of Iowa on the roadtrip! We stayed in Des Moines and drove through Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. We can never seem to leave town without taking in a hockey game. We went to a USHL game and had a great time. The best part about the trip was eating at a Texas Roadhouse. They are the best steakhouses around, I wish we had one here in EP! I used my husbands camera on the trip, that was a real stressor! By the time the camera took the picture it was to late. I will post what I captured this week.
Have a good week~

Road Trip!

For spring break I would love to be going to Kauai! I was there once and it is beautiful!!!! We hope to take the boys there for their senior trip.

Instead we are off on a road trip to Des Moines, Iowa. I won't be packing any shorts for this trip!

I will post pictures next week.

Just a quick update~

The boys are enjoying their spring break. Monday Austin had a cast put on his right thumb all the way up to his elbow. It has to stay on for 3 weeks and maybe even 2 weeks longer after that. The break was right at the top of the growth plate so they want to make sure they let it heal right. We got more snow last night!! We are leaving on a road trip tomorrow for a few days. I think we are going to hop on 35 heading south and drop into Iowa. I have only been in the upper part of Iowa so it will be something new to see. I wanted to head north and help the people of Fargo for a few days, but with Austin being in a cast helping out would be hard for him. I am going to miss not having my camera on the road trip, but I will take my old point and shoot along. Looking out the window it is hard for me to believe it is April. I am hoping spring is near!

I will be updating with pictures soon.

Happy April Fools!

Weather here in EP, Minnesota is really nice today. I went for a 2 mile walk in just a sweatshirt. No coat, YAY!!! It is hard to believe that just 3-4 hours northwest of here they are having great flooding problems. Please remember to keep the people of Fargo and Grand Forks, North Dakota in your prayers

The boys spring break starts today after school. I took my camera in yesterday to get cleaned and found out it is going to take 3-6 weeks! UGH! I have no idea how I will survive that long without a camera! Austin broke his thumb playing hockey the other night. We are going to the orthopedic surgeon on Monday to get a cast put on. I am hoping it will only be on for a couple of weeks. I won't be blogging much this next week with it being spring break and all. I am hoping we get some spring weather over the break, but the weather has really dropped the past few days so I doubt that is going to happen. I am looking so forward to seeing some flowers and green trees soon. Spring is such a pretty time of year in Minnesota with all the trees, flowers, and grasses coming back to life.

I am so ready for the boys to have some down time, this week could not have come at a better time. If anyone else has spring break next week, enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday 94'

The following destinations draw large numbers of college students during spring break:

Spring Break In the USA
Panama City, Florida
Daytona, Florida
South Beach, Miami, Florida
Key West, Florida
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
South Padre Island, Texas
Spring Break in Mexico and the Caribbean
Acapulco, Mexico
Cancun, Mexico
Mazatlan, Mexico
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Nassau, Bahamas
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Negril, Jamaica

I think I will stay in Minnesota and take in the last days of our winter snow! The boys spring break starts on Thursday after school. We may do a few road trips close to EP, but I am looking forward to staying home and relaxing with the boys. Where are you going over spring break???

“Erin was an eye doctor, a surgeon, in St. Helena and Napa, and Amy was a dental hygienist in Angwin, but she was a full-time mom to three children,” said Naylor. “Everybody in town knows them — they were really, truly an amazing family.”
Six of the seven adults who died Sunday afternoon in a plane crash in Butte, Mont. had attended Pacific Union College, a Seventh-day Adventist liberal arts college in Angwin."We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our prayers are with the victims’ families. This is a very personal tragedy for Pacific Union College and our local community," noted Dr. Richard Osborn, PUC president. "There are many on our campus who remember them as students. Our alumni are also grieving this loss, as are many in the St. Helena and Angwin communities who knew and loved the Jacobson family."
Dr. Erin Jacobson graduated from PUC in 1996, while his wife, Amy Feldkamp Jacobson, attended PUC from 1993-95. The Jacobsons and their three preschool-aged children died in the plane crash. Erin Jacobson was an opthamologist with the Eye Care Center of Napa Valley and worked at St. Helena Hospital and Queen of the Valley Medical Center.Vanessa Feldkamp Pullen, Amy Jacobson's sister, attended PUC, 1989-90. Vanessa Pullen's husband Michael attended PUC from 1988-91. The Pullens and their two children died in the plane crash. The Pullens lived in Lodi in northern California.
Brent Ching graduated from PUC in 1993. His wife, Kristen Mautz Ching, attended PUC from 1996-97. The Chings and their two children died in the crash. Brent Ching was a dentist in Chico and the family lived in Durham.
I attended PUC Prep for high school and my brothers and sisters attended PUC. I lived in Angwin for 4 years while going to school. My grandfather developed a large part of St. Helena so this has really hit close to home for me. Even though I was not blessed enough to know these wonderful families, I am very saddened by the news. Please keep them in your prayers.

7 Things I Love~
I have been tagged by Tami over at www.ttmillersandboys.blogspot.com to name 7 things I love~

1. I love my family. Les, Andrew, Austin, and this also includes my whole family!
2. I love my friends. Friends are so important to me and I am so lucky because I have such wonderful friends!
3. I love photography, I carry my camera with me at all times!
4. I love watching my boys play sports, especially hockey.
5. I love to lay in the sun, there is nothing more relaxing!
6. I love going on walks, that too is very relaxing.
7. I love blogging and facebook. I have met such wonderful people from blogging and I have gotten back in touch with friends that I have not seen in years through facebook. It has been fun!

I am suppose to tag 7 people, but I am going to let anyone that reads this join in on the fun. I hope I am not breaking the Kreativ Blogger award rules to much.
Have a good Monday!

What states have you been to?

Put an X by the states you have been to. The average is 8.
Being in the airport doesn't count! The ones in red I have lived in too.

* Alabama X
* Alaska
* Arizona X
* Arkansas X
* California X
* Colorado X
* Connecticut
* Delaware
* Florida X
* Georgia X
* Hawaii X
* Idaho X
* Illinois X
* Indiana X
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Kentucky X
* Louisiana X
* Maine
* Maryland
* Massachusetts
* Michigan X
* Minnesota X
* Mississippi X
* Missouri
* Montana
* Nebraska
* Nevada X
* New Hampshire
* New Jersey
* New Mexico X
* New York X
* North Carolina X
* North Dakota X
* Ohio X
* Oklahoma
* Oregon X
* Pennsylvania X
* Rhode Island
* South Carolina X
* South Dakota X
* Tennessee X
* Texas X
* Utah X
* Vermont
* Virginia X
* Washington X
* West Virginia X
* Wisconsin X
* Wyoming X

Palm Springs~

We had a fabulous time in Palm Springs. I took 420 pictures, but will only post a few taken of the sites. We spent the days by the pool, shopping, golfing, relaxing, eating, going on tours and just having a blast! The weather was perfect with highs in the 70's and lows in the high 40's. We were able to see my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew which was a nice treat. I saw a friend that I had not seen in 25 years. Tony and I use to be such good friends while I was at Loma Linda University. He and his wife met us for dinner one night, which was a total highlight of the trip. I know I was against going and leaving the boys, but we had an awesome time! On the slideshow I put Sony Bono I meant to put Sonny.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Have a nice St. Patrick's Day! Be safe!

State Champs - Boys Varsity Hockey
Congratulations to the boys hockey team for winning the state championship Saturday night! This is the first state championship for the boys varsity hockey program.

We had a fabulous time in Palm Springs!!!! I will post about the trip along with some pictures this week. I am trying to get back in the swing here in EP. The weather is beautiful here with temps. in the 60's. YAY, spring has sprung!

Am I Ready?

When I was at Loma Linda University I use to go to Palm Springs every weekend to lay in the sun. I swore when I graduated from dental hygiene I would move to Palm Springs and spend the rest of my life there. It is funny how my life took a totally different road. I left my home state of California to take dental hygiene in Rangely, Colorado. After graduating, I got married and we moved to Florida. Florida did not work out for us, I am not saying it is not a nice state, but it was not for us. So, we headed to Minnesota and I have loved every minute of it and that includes snow storms. Minnesota is a beautiful state in the spring, summer and fall and I actually love it in the winter! But, that could be because I am a hockey mom! The reason for this post is the boys were born in 93' and Les and I have not been alone on a trip once since they were born. Les has been given a trip from his company everything paid for to Palm Springs. Am I ready to leave the boys? NO!!!! We are leaving Monday and will be returning early Saturday. I plan to walk everyday, try and remember how to relax, sleep, read, visit my sister and her family, and text the boys! This is where we are staying for the 5 days. I will will be bringing back some pictures to share. Have a good week and if you live in Minnesota enjoy the snow storm on Tuesday!!!!

What's In A Name???

This is officially known as a "Premios Dardo" blog award aka a smoking typewriter award. This award is: "given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing... created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web."
TAMI, Thanks so much!
The first part of accepting the award includes posting the picture and linking back to the blogger who awarded me. http://www.ttmillersandboys.blogpsot.com/

Tami is a blogging and Facebook friend who lives in PA. She has become a special friend who I hope to meet someday. The love of ice hockey and watching our boys play the sport is what brought us together as blogging friends. I am hoping someday the Philadelphia Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightning make it into the Stanley Cup and we can meet at game 7. That would be so cool! Tami, you are a very special person!

Next comes the fun task of putting my name in a Google search and sharing the results.

I am using my maiden name only because I try and keep my last name off my blog.

JUDY VOELKER~

1. Classmates.com-was not me, it was a person who lives in Hilbert, WI.

2. Judy Voelker on Portfolio.com was a Business Manager for Eaton Senior Programs, Inc. I am glad I am not that Judy Voelker.

3. Judy Voelker is a doctor that travels to Thailand regularly conducting archaeological research. Again, I am glad I am not that Judy Voelker.

4. Judy Voelker gave $50.00 to the cure of Diabetes.

5. Judy Voelker was given $41.700 in Louisiana for Federal Assistance.

6. Judy Voelker is listed as a missing person.

7. Judy Voelker on Facebook is not me, but I would like to own her coat.

8. Judy Voelker on Myspace.com is from Kentucky.

9. Another Judy Voelker from kentucky is a professor.

10. Many of the Judy Voelker's on Google live in Germany and I did not understand what they were saying under the name because it was in German.

Judy Voelker seems to be a very boring name. I hope the ladies below have fun with their names.

I am passing this award onto:

http://www.emmacmiller.blogspot.com/

http://www.whoosthatgirl.com/

http://www.ccluv.blogspot.com/

and a new blogging friend from Minnesota:

http://www.thedailydeanchronicals.com/

Living in Minnesota we can count on 2 things! Hockey and snow!

Have a safe and fun weekend!

The same week I fell on the ice, my car window blew up in my face and I ran into a garbage can. This week has been better for me, but I need some spring weather! Not hot weather, just 55 degrees would be awesome! The boys are going downtown to the high school hockey tournament tonight and I get to go to teacher conferences. They get tomorrow off so I am sure tonight will be a late one.
Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday~

The Bachelor~

Jason is one mixed up guy!

Did anyone happen to watch the Bachelor last night? What a strange ending! A week ago my husband told me the ending was on the radio. I wonder if this was a push from ABC to get ratings?

A break is always nice!

I have to admit having a weekend off from running the boys to practice and games was pretty nice. Our high school is still in the running, the high school tournament is huge here in Minnesota and takes place at the Excel. They have a very large hockey convention every year during the state tournament. Some of the stuff people try and sell is comical! I am a hockey nut, but I don't know if I would go as far as decorating my house in all hockey stuff.
Last week was not a good week for me. I fell, had a car window blow up on me and was wondering when the third thing would hit. Well, Friday someone in our family stuck the big trash can behind my car. I did not see it,backed up into it and blew out my light. I am hoping this is a better week for me.
Have a good Monday!

Suggestions Please

I am thinking about buying a laptop computer. Any suggestions on a good one?

Minnesota sunset~
What a storm we had last night, EP got 6.7 inches of snow. Both boys lost their games which means their EP hockey season is over. In 3 weeks they will be starting up all over again, but for my husband's high school team. They will be on the same team which will be SUPER! I was warming up my car to take Andrew to his game last night when the passenger window blew up. Glass flew all over me hitting me in the face and covering me. I had to call a friend to pick us up and take us to the game. I am wondering what is next? I first fell and now the car window blew up on me, don't things usually happen in three's? I hope not! I have a ton of pictures to post and will try and do that over the weekend.

I am so happy it is Friday! It has been a long busy week for us.
Have a nice weekend.

BFF Award~

Tami, Thank you for the award!

This BFF award goes to 4 friends nominated for being a great blogging friend. My 4 BFFs are listed below. In order to nominate a BFF you must list their blog and a reason why they were nominated~

Lissa, http://www.whooosthatgirl.com/ I really enjoy Lissa's blog. She has a very interesting blog! I think she takes the best pictures too! Lissa and I started being blogging friends awhile ago and have twins, photography, and the love of Colorado in common.

Candice, http://www.ccluv.blogspot.com/ Candice and I became blogging friends because we have twins. She has the cutest girl twins and little boy. I love reading about their journey through school, vacations, church, and just life. Candice always has a way of lifting my mood with her post.

Tripletmama (she prefers over name in the blogging world) http://www.lovingmytriplets.blogspot.com/ I don't remember how we became blogging friends. We have been following each others blogs for some time now. I love reading about her triplets and all the great food she cooks. I usually come away from her blog with a smile on my face.

Tami, http://www.ttmillersandboys.blogspot.com/ I received this award from Tami, but wanted to send it back to her. She is such a wonderful blogging friend. I just love her blog! We seem to have so much in common. We are both hockey moms! Tami's blog has brought so much joy into my blogging journey.

Thanks ladies for being such awesome blogging friends! I have so many more great blogs that I follow. I want to say thank you to everyone for letting me follow your blogs and leaving me comments that brighten my days. All of you are such a blessing in my life!

More Snow!

Both boys won their games tonight so they both have another game tomorrow night. We are expecting 6-8 inches of snow tomorrow. I guess I will be throwing my SUV back into 4-wheel drive to get to the game. Andrew's team plays Burnsville and we don't know who Austin's team plays yet. Both boys have to win 2 more games to get out of districts. It has been a long week!!!

My luck ran out yesterday! We moved to Minnesota 8/03 and I have never slipped on ice until yesterday. I did not slip once, but got up only to go down again. I went down like a ton of bricks to end the fall with hitting my head. A man tried to help me, but he slipped too. I had to finally crawl off the huge patch of clear ice to get up. I am sure it would be a highlight on America's Most Funny Video's. I am bruised from head to toe on my left side and very stiff today. I hope I can go another 5 years without slipping again! The Wild lost last night in a shootout. We had fabulous seats and really enjoyed the game. The boys have another playoff game tonight so, we are in for another night of hockey. I took some pictures at the game last night and will be posting them soon.

Happy Wednesday!

Well, the boys lost their games last night. They get tonight off so we are going to watch the Wild play the L.A. Kings. Andrew's team has to play two more games to get out of districts. If they lose a game they are done. Austin's team has to play three more games to get out of districts, if they lose a game they are done. I will be posting some pictures soon. I also will be posting on something besides hockey once the season comes to an end. It is just very busy here with playoffs in full swing. I am heading out the door to my Bible study class. I am looking so forward to March and spring. I hope to have some time to visit everyone's blogs later this week.

Happy Tuesday!

Playoff update~Austin

EP-3 Jefferson-2

Next playoff game against Burnsville tomorrow night!

Playoff for Andrew~

Tomorrow EP against Edina

Go Eagles!!!!!!!!!

Quick update on the boys playoffs~

Austin's game:

Ep-7 Chaska-2

Next game is tomorrow at 2:00

Andrew starts his playoffs on Monday

GO EAGLES!!!!!!!

Austin has hockey practice tonight at the University of Minnesota. The Mariucci Arena, is where the Gophers play. Andrew has practise here in EP, after he is done we will jump in the car and go downtown to watch Austin. We are expecting 1-3 inches of snow during rush hour so, the drive down should be tons of fun. Austin's team starts playoffs tomorrow against Chaska. Let the fun begin! Their team will be done tomorrow, if not played right. In other words, it is time to shorten the bench! Andrew's team starts playoffs either on Sunday or Monday.
Have a good weekend!

Addicted

I know it is not good for my skin, but with it only being 15 degrees in EP today I needed something to warm me up! It only takes 15 minutes out of my day and can really change my outlook on Minnesota in February.
It is so relaxing!

Sota

Every morning Sota pulls a towel out of the dirty hamper and takes it to his kennel to use for a pillow.
Just when I thought the puppy days were behind us, Sota decided to tear up a trash bag.
Always begging for food!

Austin had a game against Grand Rapids last weekend.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I was posting a Happy birthday to the special people in my life (for one year), but I ran into a problem with posting from Pyzam and stopped mid January. I wanted to send out a big group happy birthday to:


Paulette (sister-in-law)~January 25th~Paulette, you are more like a sister to me than a sister-in-law. You are truly a God send to our family. I love you and miss you so much! I hope to see you soon.


Joshua (Nephew)~ February 7th~ Josh, You are the neatest nephew and kid. Alright, I know you are an adult now, but you will always be a kid to me. I love you so much! COME SEE US!!!


Cindy (Best Friend)~February 18th (Today)~ Cindy, Our friendship means the world to me! We seem to always have such a good time together. I wish we could see more of each other! I miss you and hope you have an amazing birthday!


Matthew(Nephew)~February 20th~ Matthew, I can't believe you are turning 30. I remember the days of you going on vacation with Les and I when you were 10. I love you so much! I know you like all those tropical places for vacations, but Minnesota is a nice change in the winter....Come see us.

Valentine's Day

We spent the whole day in ice rinks watching the boys play hockey. I cooked a nice dinner and we watched a movie. Austin and I ended the day getting sick, but for the most part it was nice.
Peach Rose~ Modesty, gratitude, admiration and sympathy.
I asked Les why he picked peach roses? He said, " That was the color we had in our wedding." Perfect answer!

American Idol

Good Luck Casey!
Eden Prairie’s own Casey Carlson is in the final 36 of American Idol.
Carlson is a 2006 Eden Prairie High School graduate who participated in EPHS Theater and was one of the Valedictorians of her class. In 2004, she served as a student commission member for the City’s Arts and Culture commission.
This is the same high school that Andrew and Austin go to.
EP is rooting for Casey to win American Idol 2009.

Go Girl

Why did I not think of that?

There are a lot of Twin Cities businesses, but this one is kind of delicate. Minnetonka's

Go-Girl.com sells a device that lets women to go to the bathroom standing up -- or, as they would say, just "Go Girl."

Facebook/Sick Again!

I have been thinking about starting up a facebook. I have received a couple of friend request through email. I hope to have it up and running by the end of the month. The cold bug has attacked Austin and I again. He has a temp. and a very bad sore throat. I took him to urgent care yesterday, after looking at the lung x-ray the doctor said he has a touch of pneumonia. He was started right away on an antibiotic. I too have a sore throat and just feel worn out, the doctor said I have a sinus infection and started me on an antibiotic too. It has been the worst year of being sick since the kids have been born. I think is has to do with being so busy and run down. Our schedules with hockey keep up us very late on most nights and so busy on the weekends. Playoffs start next week so the season is just about over. I need to get the boys registered for 10th grade and baseball by Friday. With everything going on this month, I still hope to be up and running on Facebook soon. My kids crackup that I am starting one, Andrew said the other day I will be able to take all my friends from Facebook on the back of a motorcycle ride. They have so many friends on their Facebook! I went to a small private school until going into Dental Hygiene in Colorado, They go to a high school with 3,800 kids. So, it is a tiny bit different in the amount of friends I have and the amount they have. Through Facebook I hope to connect with some of my old school friends and blogging friends.

Do you have Facebook and do you like it?

10 warning signs that you may be addicted to Facebook
1. Facebook is your home page.
2. You update your status more than twice a day.
3. You have over 500 "friends" half of whom you've never actually met.
4. As soon as you step away from your computer you're on FB on your phone.
5. You are a FB stalker. You qualify as a FB stalker if you
a) click on someone's profile more than once a day even if they haven't messaged or tagged you in a photo.
b) have dragged and dropped more than 3 FB photos (not from your own profile)
c) actually go to a place mentioned on someone's page in hopes of seeing them in real life...creepy!
6. You change your profile picture more than a 12-year=old girl.
7. You have checked your FB page while reading this article.
8. You clean up your "wall" so it looks like you spend less time on FB.
9. You are a member of more than 10 groups and respond to every event invitation "attending" even if you have no intention of going.
10. You change your relationship status just to mess with people.

Barbie celebrates 50 this year. I remember the days of playing with Barbies. Having 2 boys, I had no idea she had changed so much......

1959~Barbie
Barbie today~I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day and weekend. Our weekend was filled with hockey. The boys get tomorrow off from school. Andrew has hockey all day starting off with a scrimmage, film review/pizza and a practice. Austin gets the day off. Our weather has been a little warmer with temps. in the 30's. It feels great to be half way through February and closer to spring. Seems like we have been so busy lately! I hope to post some pictures this week. Have a good Monday and week.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY




The color of a rose~
Lavender -- Enchantment and Uniqueness
Orange -- Fascination
Pink (Dark) -- Thankfulness, Friendship and Admiration
Red -- Love, Respect and Courage
Deep Red -- Beauty and Passion
White -- Innocence, Purity, Secrecy, Silence, Reverence, Humility and (according to some sources) True Love
Yellow -- Joy, Friendship, Jealousy, Hope and Freedom
Black -- Farewell
Red/White -- Unity or Engagement
Yellow/Orange -- Passionate Thoughts
Peach -- Modesty, Gratitude, Admiration and Sympathy
Pink (Pale) -- Grace, Joy and Happiness
Yellow/Red -- Congratulations
Rosebud -- Beauty, Youth and a Heart Innocent of Love
Red Rosebud -- Purity and Loveliness
White Rosebud -- Girlhood
One Dozen Red Roses -- "I Love You"
Single Red Rose in Full Bloom -- "I Love You"
Tea Roses -- "I'll Remember Always
If given a rose today, I hope you get the color you want.

Nadya what were you thinking? Or were you ?

Looks like there are some very angry people over what this woman did! I don't blame them for being angry with her, but they need to remember the children did not have anything to do with this. They are innocent in this mess and will probably not have the best life!



Police said Thursday they will investigate death threats against octuplet mom Nadya Suleman and advise her publicist on how to handle a torrent of other nasty messages that have flooded his office.
Word that the 33-year-old single, unemployed mother is receiving public assistance to care for the 14 children she conceived through in vitro fertilization has stoked furor among many people.
Police Lt. John Romero said officers were meeting with Suleman's publicist Mike Furtney about the flood of angry phone calls and e-mail messages against Suleman, her children and Furtney. Furtney said 500 new e-mails were received early Thursday.



If she did this for attention, she is sure getting it!!


Taxpayers may be covering octuplet mom’s bills
A big share of the financial burden of raising Nadya Suleman’s 14 children could fall on the shoulders of California’s taxpayers, compounding the public furor in a state already billions of dollars in the red.
Even before the 33-year-old single, unemployed mother gave birth to octuplets last month, she had been caring for her six other children with the help of $490 a month in food stamps, plus Social Security disability payments for three of the youngsters. The public aid will almost certainly be increased with the new additions to her family.
Also, the hospital where the octuplets are expected to spend seven to 12 weeks has requested reimbursement from Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, for care of the premature babies, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Brett Favre has announced his retirement AGAIN! My son is the biggest Favre fan so maybe that is why I like him too. I would like to see him in a Viking's jersey to see if he can help the Vikings get into the super bowl.
What are you thoughts? Do you think he should retire?

Blessed

I saw this over at http://www.ttmillersandboys.blogspot.com/ On Tami's site it is called My First Born~ I am going to rename the post to My Pregnancy With Twins~

1. Were you married at the time? Yes, for 5 years.

2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? Thrilled!

3. How old were you? I think I will skip this one!

4. How did you find out? New Years Eve 2002. I took a pregnancy test before going to sit in our hot tub with a glass of wine. It came back positive so the hot tub was turned off and the wine dumped. I did not believe the test and was in shock. I showed Les the results and he said it was a mistake. We drove to the drugstore to get 2 more pregnancy test, both of those showed positive too. I made a doctors appointment to have a blood test to confirm it. I got a call from the doctor telling me they needed to see me right away, that my blood test came back very high.

5. Who did you tell first? I can't remember, I think my mom or my sister-in-law.

6. Did you want to find out the sex? Yes, I did and I kept it from everyone, including Les.

7. I don't think Tami had a number 7 so, I will make one up. When did I find out I was having twins? One month into the pregnancy, I had a ultrasound. Les was with me and my mother-in-law was in the waiting room. She found the heart beat and showed it to us, it was a real emotional moment. She was looking around when she said, "Look, it has a roommate!" I started crying and Les fell against the wall. We brought my mother-in-law in to see the 2 heart beats, she was so happy. I will never forget that moment.

8. Did you deliver late or on time? Andrew and Austin were 5 weeks early.

9. Did you have morning sickness? YES!! I was so sick! I only gained 10 pounds the first 5 months due to being so sick.

10. What did you crave? I hated strawberries and that is what I craved. I really did not want to eat the whole time I was pregnant. I got so full just eating a small amount and nothing tasted good.

11. Who/what irritated you the most? The smell of food and soap and not being able to sleep.

12. What was your first child's sex? Male

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout pregnancy? Around 55 pounds. When I hit 7 months I woke up to my husband telling me I looked like a sumo wrestler. It seem to happen over night.

14. Did you have any complications during pregnancy? Yes, I was put on bed rest the last 3 months. I hated being pregnant! I could not sleep, eat, poop, lets see what else did I not like about being pregnant. Oh yea, I wanted a Diet Coke so bad while being pregnant, but my doctor said there was 2 things I was not allowed to do while being pregnant. # 1 no diet drinks and #2 no skin diving. I thought that was really weird that no drugs, alcohol or smoking was mentioned.

15. Where did you give birth? Dunedin, Florida which is kind of cool, my husband was born in Sterling, Scotland and that is the sister city to Sterling.

16. How many hours were you in labor? 27 hours and not happy! Ohh the pain! I gave birth to Andrew and thought I was done with the pain. I asked the doctor when is the next one coming? He looked at me and said, "You have to go back into labor." I thought I was going to punch him.

17. Who drove you to the hospital? Les. I got up to go to the bathroom and let the dog out. We were having a really bad Florida storm. While going to the bathroom it felt like someone punched me really hard in the stomach. All of a sudden it felt like a flood and I did not know where all the water was coming from. Well, Austin had a infection in his sack and broke it to get out of it. What a smart kid!

18. Who watched? Les, I had told him that we were having the same sex and he was positive we were having girls. One was going to be named Kayla and the other one Kaitlin. When Andrew was born they said you have a son. He smiled from ear to ear knowing hockey was in their future.

19. Was it natural or c-section? Natural

20. Did you take medication to ease the pain? NO!!! I begged for a epidural and they kept telling me as soon as I registered 80 for labor pains they would give me one. It was registering 110 and still would not give me one. After 27 hours of labor I told them that if I did not get something I would jump out the window (we were on the first floor) The nurse was my worst nightmare she told me to deal with it and to go take a shower. When I got up to go shower the bed was covered with blood. Les asked her if that was normal and she said, "No, let me take a look." I wish I could have taken a picture of her face. She said, "Oh my, there is the head." I wanted to punch her too! Andrew was born at 1:38 am and Austin was born at 1:59 am July 30th, 1993.

21. How much did your child weigh? Both of them were alittle over 5lbs. and 17.5 inches.

22. Did your child have any complications? Yes, Andrew had to stay in the hospital (NICU) for a few days, I think close to a week and Austin had to stay in longer. His lungs were not developed and he would not eat.

23. Why did you choose his name? I have always liked the name Andrew since I was a teenager. Les and I were married in St Andrew's Church, Les had a uncle named Andrew. So we named him Andrew Ian. Ian after Les's middle name and uncle. We were going to call Austin, Adam up until 2 months before he was born and changed it to Austin with the help of Days of our Lives soap opera. There was a Austin on the show and I fell in love with that name. So we named him Austin Ryan just because we love the name.

24. How old is your first born today? They are both 15 and it has been such a wonderful journey! I can't wait to see what the next 15 years bring!?!

The Bachelor

The 3 girls left on The Bachelor~

Molly~
Jillian~Melissa~Jason~ the bachelor

Mr. Bean~ I don't see any resemblance! Do you?

I don't watch much television because the television is always tuned into some form of sports in our home. But, I really enjoy The Bachelor that is on Monday nights. Last night I was enjoying the show when the boys walked in from hockey. They decided to watch the last 15 minutes with me. NEVER AGAIN!!! I think the bachelor happens to be a really good looking guy. Andrew asked me if Mr. Bean was the bachelor this time around? The boys comments ended up wrecking the last 15 minutes of the show for me. They were happy to see Naomi not given a rose, they thought she had evil eyes and very scary. I am voting for Melissa and hope he finds a connection with her. My husbands vote is with Jillian, I think he is voting for her because she is Canadian and he thinks he might see hockey at some point on the show.

Twins at 60

CALGARY, Alberta - A 60-year-old woman gave birth to twin boys after undergoing fertility treatments, Canadian national media reported Thursday.
Ranjit Hayer became a mother for the first time.

I know how much energy you need to keep up with twins and I just wonder if a 65 year old women will have the energy to keep up with 5 year old twins much less 15 year old twins when she is 75!

Is this going to far? What are your thoughts on this?

I better never give up my morning coffee! Living in Minnesota we sure get a lot of snow and I would not want to get the bad UV rays!

Have a good week!

Varsity Choir

The boys are getting all their Fine Arts out of the way their first year of high school by taking Varsity Choir for the whole year. They have 4 choir concerts over the year they put on for family and friends. The one in January was so impressive, they brought all the EP choirs together from 7th grade to 12th grade. The pictures are far away, but it gives you an idea of the presentation. The last concert is going to be in a EP church, which should be really nice. The first 2 concerts were during major snow storms. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the last 2 to be during some nice spring weather, even though they are indoors.

Dough Boy

I remember when I was a little girl all I ever wanted for my birthday was the Pillsbury Dough Boy. I thought he would be the best friend/pet. I remember begging my grandma (Baba) for the little roly poly dough boy. It was good to finally hit the age where I realized that having the Pillsbury Dough boy was just a silly dream. I was at the store the other day and saw a book filled with great recipes, it was put out by Pillsbury. http://www.pillsbury.com/

Andrew starts his tournament in White Bear Lake tonight and Austin has a scrimmage against Wayzata tonight and one on Sunday night against Maple Grove. It is going to be a busy weekend for us. The weather in the twin cities is suppose to be in the 30's which is a nice warm up.

TGIF, have a good weekend!

EP

YAY, it was just passed! My one child stresses so much over grades and having a 4.0! I stress over how hard it has become to get into different colleges these days. I hope this will help my kids in 3 years when applying for college.

Eden Prairie High School might drop class rankings from student transcripts, following a trend at other high-achieving schools.
With students feeling mounting pressure to crack the top 10 percent of their class rankings for college admissions, the principal of Eden Prairie High School wants to join other high-achieving schools in the region in eliminating class rank from students' transcripts.
Many colleges use class rank to determine whether an applicant should be considered for admission. Because Eden Prairie has such a competitive student body, ranking in the top 10 percent of the current senior class requires a 3.89 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale.
It encourages colleges to look at all the other aspects, including coursework and GPA.

The hidden meaning of Austin~

Austin~ means Majestic.
I did not agree with a lot of the things about Austin, but I highlighted the part I do agree with in red. Maybe when he gets older more things will apply to him. It was a fun thing to do, it will be interesting to see what it says about my name!
What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

You Are Bold and Fearless
You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

AUSTIN, I LOVE YOU!!!!

The hidden meaning of Andrew~

Andrew~means Strong Manly
I saw this over at Tami's blog http://www.ttmillersandboys.blogspot.com/ and decided to look up the hidden meaning in the names Andrew and Austin. I did not agree with much of Andrew's, but what I did agree with I highlighted in red. I think this fits Austin better, did we give the twins the wrong names? Next I will do Austin.
What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

You Are Bold and Fearless
You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts.You know what you want and how to get it. You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator!

ANDREW, I LOVE YOU!!!

Wordless Wednesday 94'

Same old stuff

Not much is going on here in our home. Austin and Les have been sick with head colds. Last night Austin's team met for dinner at Buca's, he was able to attend even though he has a bad cough. The boys play back to back games tonight against Chaska. Andrew's team starts their last in season tournament in White Bear Lake Friday night. On Monday his team is doing a service project meeting at a rest home to talk with the residents. The season is winding down with playoffs starting on Saturday the 21st for both boys. I wish I could say I am sad that the season is coming to a end, but I am not. I am so ready for the high school spring team to start up and for the boys to be back on the same team. I have been in a funk lately, I am so in need of spring to arrive. With that said, I am off to the tanning salon that always seems to boost my spirits.
I hope everyone is having a good week.

I believe it, we live in Minnesota! If there is only 6 more weeks of winter I will be thrilled!

You don't do your kids any favors by doing them favors.
Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators~ NHL

A very good friend of ours went to Las Vegas over the holidays. While there he saw these and sent us two. The boys had a blast trying to get the pearls out. They gave me the pearls once they were able to get them out. The pearls are beautiful, I am thinking about having them made into earrings.

It feels like a heat wave here in EP. It is clear/sunny and 38°F. Makes me want to do what this man is doing.

I am so happy tomorrow is February, one more step to spring.

Super Bowl

We have seen many games there. In fact, we still have season tickets for the Bucs. Every year some friends of ours buy the the whole season since they live there and we are now up in Viking territory. Tampa is a great place to have the Super Bowl because of the weather and all the things to do while visiting. I was living there the last time the Super Bowl was in town and the excitement was pretty insane. I really don't care who wins the Super Bowl this year. I am hoping the Vikings can some day get in it. I grew up a HUGE 49er fan so I know how exciting it is to have the team you love and back playing in the Super Bowl. I know some of you are saying, "How do you go from loving the 49ers to backing the Vikings?" I try and back the team where I live, even though sometimes it is very hard to do.

I hope everyone has a fun Super Bowl Sunday.

I guess I would like to see the Cardinals win!

In my Life

I saw this over at~ Life As A Physician Assistant Student. She has a very interesting blog. Click on In my life to visit it.

I thought it would be fun to do. Play along by copying and pasting into your own blog. Highlight the things you have done!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5.Watched a meteor shower

6. Been to Disneyland/world (Both)

7. Climbed a mountain

8. Held a praying mantis

9. Sang a solo

10. Bungee jumped

11. Visited Paris

12. Watched a lightning storm at sea

13. Taught yourself an art from scratch

14. Adopted a child

15. Had food poisoning

16. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

17. Grown your own vegetables

18. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

19. Slept on an overnight train

20. Had a pillow fight

21. Hitch hiked

22. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

23. Built a snow fort

24. Held a lamb

25. Gone skinny dipping

26. Run a Marathon

27. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

28. Seen a total eclipse

29. Watched a sunrise or sunset

30. Hit a home run

31. Been on a cruise (two)

32. Seen Niagara Falls in person

33. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

34. Seen an Amish community

35. Learned a new language (Sign language)

36. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

37. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

38. Gone rock climbing

39. Seen Michelangelo’s David

40. Sung karaoke

41. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

42. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant

43. Visited Africa

44. Walked on a beach by moonlight

45. Been transported in an ambulance

46. Had your portrait painted

47. Gone deep sea fishing

48. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

49. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

50. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (Mexico)

51. Kissed in the rain

52. Played in the mud

53. Gone to a drive-in theater

54. Been in a movie

55. Visited the Great Wall of China

56. Started a business

57. Taken a martial arts class

58. Visited Russia

59. Served at a soup kitchen

60. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

61. Gone whale watching (West coast)

62. Gotten flowers for no reason

63. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma

64. Gone sky diving

65. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

66. Bounced a check

67. Flown in a helicopter (Over the S.F. Bay)

68. Saved a favorite childhood toy

69. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

70. Eaten Caviar

71. Pieced a quilt

72. Stood in Times Square

73. Toured the Everglades

74. Been fired from a job

75. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

76. Broken a bone (arm)

77. Been on a speeding motorcycle

78. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

79. Published a book

80. Visited the Vatican

81. Bought a brand new car (Durango)

82. Walked in Jerusalem

83. Had your picture in the newspaper

84. Read the entire Bible

85. Visited the White House

86. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

87. Had chickenpox

88. Saved someone’s life (had to use the heimlich maneuver)

89. Sat on a jury

90. Met someone famous

91. Joined a book club

92. Lost a loved one

93. Had a baby (Twins)

94. Seen the Alamo in person

95. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

96. Been involved in a lawsuit

97. Owned a cell phone

98. Been stung by a bee

99. Have gone horseback riding (I took lessons)

100. Attended a Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Have a great weekend and enjoy Super Bowl Sunday!

Zamboni DUI

What next? This happened back in November, but I just heard about it.
An Ontario woman was charged with impaired driving after operating a Zamboni erratically at a hockey rink in Kingsville, Ont. An off-duty police officer who was there to watch his son's hockey game arrested the woman as she got off the ice resurfacer.
The sergeant observed the 34-year-old driver operating the machine in an erratic manner and missing large portions of the ice surface.
On more than one occasion the Zamboni struck the boards and at one point, the machine was stopped and the woman was seen slumped over the steering wheel.
During the arrest, the officer found a flask of vodka in the woman's pants pocket.

Here are some random pictures. Some of them I have on my other site (www.lifewithphotos.blogspot.com) and decided to put them on this one too.

Andrew can't leave the driveway unless he is driving!

Les and Austin heading out to a weekend tournament~

Andrew playing around with a icicleAndrew going to the warming hut to lace up his skates and play pond hockey~Moon/Airplane~

Being on a diet is not much fun! I love bread and treat myself to 40 calorie bread once in awhile. I am beginning to think the reason it is 4o calories is because there are holes all over it. It is light alright!
It is almost the weekend, YAY!!!!

This is sad! I was a huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan growing up. I saw the the band several times during my early teenage years before the plane crash, that's right way back in 77' and several times after. There is not a person out there that can play the piano like Billy Powell. The band will never be the same without him and he will be missed!
© Retna Ltd.
Billy Powell
Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist dies at Florida home
Jan. 28, 2009, 12:53 PM EST
ORANGE PARK, Fla. (AP) -- A keyboardist for the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has died at his northeast Florida home.
Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett says 56-year-old keyboard player Billy Powell called 911 about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m.
Cornett says no foul play is suspected and an autopsy will not be performed.
He says Powell missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. A heart attack is suspected.
Powell was one of two surviving band members who were with the group before a 1977 plane crash that killed three of its members.

What a week! I can't seem to get caught up with the laundry. Les has been out of town so much this month, I have really become the hockey mom. The boys only have 4 weeks left until districts start. If they don't make it out of districts their season is over Feb. 28th. They will be starting a spring league the end of March that Les will be coaching, but life is a lot easier when they are on the same team.

I have some pictures to post and will try and do that soon.

Happy Wednesday!

Winter fun in Minnesota

JANUARY U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Minneapolis (Jan. 23 to Jan. 25)
The interesting thing about Minnesota is that in the 80-degree sunshine of summer you can go inside to watch baseball (and be sure to catch the Twins' final season in the Metrodome this year), and during the depths of winter you can brave 30-below temps to watch hockey outside. The annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships started in 2006 and have grown to include 248 teams competing for the coveted Golden Shovel (players are occasionally required to shovel snow from the 25 rinks). Past competitors include NHL vets Brian Bellows and Mike Crowley, as well as Gov. Tim Pawlenty. It's amateur sports at its best -- that is, plenty of beer, which we can only assume will be cold.

written by:Jim Caple

Les and Austin are leaving today for a hockey tournament in Fargo, ND. Andrew has a game here in EP. This weekend is the Pond Hockey Championships in Minneapolis. There are 248 teams that play on 25 outdoor sheets of ice. This weekend is also the start of the 2009 Winter Carnival in St. Paul. They are having all kinds of entertainment including a Blues festival.

Have a good weekend!

Best in breed:
The American Kennel Club lists the most popular pooches in America
1: Labrador Retriever.
The gentle, intelligent and family-friendly Labrador retriever is the most popular breed in the United States for the 18th consecutive year, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics. Because of his aptitude to please his master, they excel as guide dogs for the blind, as part of search-and-rescue teams, and in narcotics detection with law enforcement.


Sota is such a good dog. I have had so many different breeds of dogs, Sota is in a league of his own. The only downside of a lab is they shed a lot.

I have a blogger's block! I do need something exciting to blog about.

I hope everyone is having a good week!

President Obama promises ‘hope over fear’
SWORN IN AS 44TH US PRESIDENT

The other day I was home sick for the S.F. Bay Area. I clicked onto http://www.kfog.com/ and was able to listen to the radio station I listened to while living there. It took me back home hearing about the traffic going over the Bay Bridge. I do miss the Bay Area, but just to go back for a visit. Minnesota has been a perfect place to raise our boys. If you like Classic Rock check out KFOG you can click on listen live and stream it through your computer.

This weekend was another busy one! All my pet peeves hit me at once over the weekend.
1. Procrastination
2. Puck hogs ( Tami, you will know what this is)
3. Slow drivers
4. Being late
5. Having a drive-thru mess up our order
6. Dishes in the sink
7. Unmade beds
8. Telemarketers
9. Junk emails
10. People who lie

Does everyone have pet peeves? Maybe they just seem to bother me more when I am so busy and running in a 100 different directions.
Happy Monday!