Family Picture Attempt

This year Joe and I took a majority of the week between Christmas and New Years off. Typically the kids split their break time between us and daycare, but this year we were with them everyday. It was a great combination of relaxing, playing hard and getting things done.

I had a pretty specific list of things I wanted to try to do while I was off. Set up my new computer (which arrived Christmas Eve!) was number one. I have wanted/needed this for so long, but the whole getting it set up part is about the furthest thing from fun for me. I work for a software company. When I get a new computer, someone else sets it up for me. Despite my dread, it was quick and painless. Of course I haven't actually transferred any files from my old PC yet...

Running a close 2nd on the to do list was to take a picture of the four of us. I was dreading this almost as much as setting up the computer. The thought of trying to get us all looking decent, finding good light and background, dealing with the tripod (which I hate) and actually locating the remote for my camera were just a few of the reasons I found for why this wouldn't work. And here's just one reason my husband is awesome; he knew I wanted to do this, and he encouraged and helped me make it happen. We were nearly late for Christmas Eve dinner because he insisted I continue to try to get 'the shot'. Which I never actually got. While I was hoping for something amazingly perfect, the light was challenging and cutting off my own head was a recurring theme (it's really hard to compose a picture with an imaginary person in it). But, it was fun. I love Joe for pushing me to do the things I love.

Ava's forever the helper. Here's my test shot. Probably my favorite picture out of all 61 that I took.

New #1 on my to do...get someone else to take our picture.

tagged

For the love of God, apparently I was “tagged” by Gina a couple weeks ago. I just now noticed. It’s like getting a chain letter…what if I break the chain and wreck the game?! So here it goes.

RULE #1 : People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2 : Tag 4 people to do this quiz and they cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family?
I love them but they drive me nuts…I guess that means family.

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
Have enough money to end all worries and travel.

3. What is the one thing most hated by you?
Compulsive liars. That’s actually Gina’s answer, but I’ll go with it. I tend to get irritated a lot but not truly hate all that much. I can’t really list off many people I know who fit the “compulsive liar” mold, but I do hate being taken advantage of, had, sold, mislead for the purpose of other’s gain, etc.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Spend more time with my family and give them things they want, travel more to more exciting places, pursue more hobbies, maybe even further my education just for fun – ha!

5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
Talking it out. I can’t keep anything to myself. I rarely hold a grudge unless I’m darn good and mad. Usually Joe or Carrie get the brunt of it, and they are both very good listeners.

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Being loved.

7. What is your bedtime routine?
The usual…brush, maybe floss, wash face, blah, blah, blah

8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?
We met at the Superior Airport (yes, there is an airport in Superior!). Joe had a plane at the time that he kept there. I lived in the apartment above the hanger.

9. If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?
An artist, a photographer or maybe a writer. I would love to learn more about how to pursue passions like that.

10. What kinds of books do you buy?
I rarely buy books. I’m more of an exchange kind of person. Hence the reason I’m passing on the free Kindle from work (gasp!)

11. How would you see yourself in ten years time?
OMG! My oldest child will be graduating. Let’s just not talk about that right now.

12. What’s your fear?
Wasting time. Not seizing the moment or appreciating the little things quite enough. There is so much good around me. I am afraid I may have already wasted time not making the most of it.

13. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space?
Are you flippin’ crazy?!?

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor?
Marriage is hard work, but I’m happily finding it is so worth it. Married, but poor it is.

15. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Hit the snooze, about 5 times. Unless it’s a weekend, then tell my kids to go watch TV.

16. If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be?
There are actually a lot of really awesome things about my husband. His ability to live in chaos, while truly a gift, drives me up the wall.

17. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
Seriously? I’m good with my name. Thanks Mom.

18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
Yes. Time heals all wounds.

19. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?
I can’t think of anything I wouldn’t be sick of after 6 months. Maybe chips & salsa.

I tag Carla, Amy, my niece Anna…this is so sad, I don’t know anyone else with a blog that hasn’t already been tagged.

spooktacular!

We went to my parent's for Halloween weekend. Which meant I got out of attending sugar infused carnivals and kid parties at home. There was a downtown business trick-or-treat in my hometown. A perfect Saturday afternoon outing. Gabe chose to recycle his storm trooper costume from last year, minus the missing mask (which of course I found bright and early the day AFTER Halloween). Ava went as an witch. She was a witch 2 years ago and, thanks to a new Old Navy witch skirt ($2.98), she was set!


We managed to get back in time for local trick-or-treating, joining Carla and company. It was a lovely evening to stroll the neighborhood. Ah...on to the next holiday.

my girls

A couple weekends ago I met up with my college roommates for a wonderful weekend in Bayfield. We get together each fall. No matter where it is we meet, we always manage to have a great time. Lezlie invited us to stay at her brother-in-law's lake cottage. It was so gorgeous...4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a beautiful view of the lake, complete with spectacular sunrise each morning. We went to Madeline Island for lunch, enjoyed the scenery and met some interesting locals. Back in Bayfield, somehow we talked right through the dinner hour...well Lez napped a little too (she doesn't do well when we feed her vodka before noon).

We stayed up late, talked non-stop and Sunday morning enjoyed our books in the cozy living room. I love these girls so much. Love that we can pick right up where we left off the last time without hesitation. Love that we can practically predict each other's behavior and typically finish each other's sentences. Love that they are so easy to be around. I am so blessed to have these beautiful, sweet, funny, caring, humble, thoughtful, crazy, charismatic women in my life. Thanks for a lovely weekend girls. One that was so good for my spirit and my soul. I love you all and can't wait for the next one!

big picture

I have so many pictures still in my camera...end of summer, back to school, birthdays, girls weekend...but here I am again posting another picture from my phone of our house. This project consumes our lives right now. Hopefully soon I'll be able to get back to my camera and add variety to my posts. For now, if you even care anymore, here's the big picture of the remodel. This is what you see when you drive in our driveway. The parts that are in blue, along with the entire back side are still unfinished. Slowly but surely it's coming together. We are so thankful for all our friends who have given up time with their families to help us out. They are more ready for this project to be done than we are, I'm sure. Thanks for sticking with us guys! This couldn't have happened without all of you! (The hilarious part is I'm certain not one of them reads any blog, ever. I just keep feeding them in hopes they will come back.)

remodel update

How do you feel about red siding? I wasn't sure how I felt, but that's what Joe picked. I know, so weird that I'm letting my husband make this kind of choice. After all, isn't color a "girl thing"? He's been very involved in the exterior design of the house. I think he's doing pretty good so far. What do you think?

my baby is 7 (updated)

For the record, I did not forget my daughter's birthday. Unfortunately, I had to be out of town for work that day, which absolutely killed me! She's seven now. I cannot believe it myself. I barely remember that chubby little baby. She's so grown up, but she'll always be my baby.

Dear Ava,

From the moment your dad said, "it's a girl!" and I said, "SHUT UP!" I knew we were really lucky to have you. Life has been so much more fun with you in it. You are an incredibly special little girl that I would be utterly lost without.

Ava...funny, fun, dramatic, quirky, weird, lovable, girly, helpful, outgoing, spirited, sweet, ruthless, relentless, crazy, cute, curly, cuddly... These are just a few of the adjectives I can easily use to describe you. I love being your mom.

Love,
Mom


Update:
I finally got around to getting Ava's birthday pictures off my camera. I completely forgot to mention the highlight of her party. She wanted the spanking machine...15+ people, grandparents included, lined the hallway so Ava could scoot through. HILARIOUS. No picture, but trust me it was very funny. I love that crazy kid. And I love this picture. She's so happy and a little embarrassed with everyone singing to her.