Dear Daddy,

We sure miss you. We wanted to write to tell you that everything is going well at home. Doodle has become a "reader rabbit" while you've been away. He read 2 whole books yesterday!



Bella has been strengthening her leg muscles continually...



Noodle has been climbing higher than ever...



And lots of things are growing, like the plants:



and Mama:



We can't wait for you to get home. Mom makes us work a lot more than you do.
Love,
Noodle, Doodle and Bella

High Aspirations

So in school the past couple of days Doodle and I have been talking about jobs. Yesterday we focused on how every job is important. After all, what if garbage collectors and firefighters didn't do their job?

Today we talked about how there are some jobs that most anyone is able to do such as a store clerk, dog walker, or cleaning person. We talked about how some people have to have a lot of specific training for their job such as a nurse, electrician or teacher. (I'm not meaning to start a fight over which jobs are harder or anything... after all ALL JOBS ARE IMPORTANT!!!)

So they had a page where Doodle then had to draw a picture of a skilled field he may want to work in someday. Their examples were a dentist, juggler (Special talent/skill?) and a police officer.

He came to me with pride in his eyes and said, " I came up with a really good one. I really want to play football or work in a bait shop, but if I have to go to special training I want to work here!"

And showed me his sweet little drawing of a red building with golden arches.

"Cause not everyone knows what a double cheeseburger is!"

Our Weekly Update

I promised a break from the fruit venue and here it is... the baby is a jumbo shrimp this week. Three inches from crown to rump. I'm sad to say that I think this is where BabyCenter breaks from the food analogies and just gives length and weight approximations from here on out. We'll continue to keep you updated, as I am sure Thursday brings anticipation throughout Blogland as to the development of our little fetus. :)

In other news we had a great Easter!


Though the boys look less than enthused, I assure you their Easter baskets were found, and not filled with coal, or rabbit pellets, or whatever the bad Easter omen would be.

We are headed into the weekend again! Where does the time go? I'm off to tidy the house. And that only makes it sound like a small, pleasant job.

Happy Thursday, All!

And the fruit salad continues...

Well, the fig has now hit lime status, but I guess not the girth of a lime, but rather the LENGTH of a lime (Knowing our Dahl babies, it very well COULD be the girth of a lime as well). All is well. Still haven't had a lick of "morning" sickness (Thank you, Lord!) and am not to worried about it hitting as we begin week 12! I see the doctor next Tuesday for the first of many in and out visits, Lord willing. Stay tuned as next week we break out of the fruit comparisons!

In other news, the rumor is true and I turned 31 on Tuesday. I have great friends and a great family and that's about all I have to say on that.

We are excited for the coming Easter weekend. A time to see extended family and celebrate the Lord's resurrection! Bella and I are having a packing/laundry extravaganza tomorrow as the guys all party at school. Doodle was invited in to our friend and Pastor's wife's 1st grade classroom for the day. He is thrilled. He and Noodle both get to attend a birthday party following school. Can the day get any better? Jake has to say farewell to his first student teacher tomorrow. He was thankful to have him and I'm sure will be sad to see him go.

We wish you all the happiest of Easter weekends! Travel safe, enjoy family and eat the ears first!

An eight-year hickey

So my driver's license expires tomorrow and I loaded up the troops and headed to the DMV. I hurried them through lunch, hollering into the dining room as I primped- determined that the notorious "nightmare photo" wouldn't be so bad. At one point, while craning to keep the kids on task I burned my neck with the curling iron, but didn't think much of it as I packed books, snacks and sleeping bags for the full afternoon wait I was sure was awaiting us.
We were pleased when we took number 98 and they were on 86. Two chapters of Little House later I was up to bat. All went very smoothly. I got to take the vision restriction off the back of my license, "yes, I will give my organs," "yes, I weigh that... usually," and then off to the little photo curtain, "Cheese" and "Here you go, Molly. Your photo turned out nice!"

"Whew," I thought, "cause I don't renew this for eight more years!"
Then I looked.
And maybe it's just because I'm not into the whole public-display-of-vacuum-like affection thing, but I just don't think the burn gives a "nice" look to the photo.

Contest plug

I have to admit that I sign up for contests. Not like hundreds or anything, but here and there. I think I get it from my dad who religiously entered the Readers Digest Sweepstakes, and more recently that Dream Home one on HGTV. He hasn't won yet, but ya know... SOMEONE has to win, right? The Lord provides. It's not a desparation thing- but just entering a contest here or there for say, a $1000 Gap Gift Card Drawing. I won't even have a chance if I don't enter. I see it as opening the door for His provision. :)

So here are two that are too good to keep to myself.
Try not to laugh when the title for this one pops up! It's gas(oline) for life! Over $50 worth of gas each week for I think like 35 years!

And here's one for the "all the rage" Dyson vacuum.

After all, someone's got to win!

Wrapping up the Week

Well, here you have it. I am carrying a wee one the size of a fig this week. That translates to T-202 days until the addition (physical house addition) must be finished! Ahhh...

For those who don't know the minute-by-minute plans of the Dahl family... We had been looking to do a kitchen remodel this summer and after news of the fig hit, decided quickly that an additional bedroom trumped the need for pretty countertops and floors. So we are looking at (and praying for) putting on an "east wing" master bedroom. Your prayers for wisdom would be greatly appreciated as we begin this project. We are newbies at the building process and it seems a bit daunting at this end.

This weekend holds some time with my mom as she is headed up for a short visit. We hope to shop in the morning and she'll spend some time with Jake and the kids as I head into work tomorrow night.

We've had a rainy, cold end of the week. The days have rushed by and I've spend most of my time in the kitchen, it seems. My aunt had sent me a subscription to "Cooking Light" for about 5 years and I recently compiled two cookbooks of what I thought our family would enjoy from them. So far we have not been disappointed... Mango and Raspberry Crisp, Chocolate Zucchini Bread, Cuban Picadillo, Beef and Barley Soup, Pork Tenderloin Enchiladas, Chicken/Cheesy Noodle Bake... they've all been very good. And what better place to be on a rainy spring day than a warm kitchen? (OK, a comfy chair in front of a fire. Or bed. There are better places.)

De- I am contemplating the Real Moms post. I'm not ignoring you! :)

Take Care. Happy Weekend.

Spring has sprung

Ahh, we enjoyed the beginning of this week when temperatures soared into the upper 70's!! Doodle pulled out his bat and ball and gave me a lesson on the "correct stance" to take when at bat. The poor guy needs to pull up a better pitcher from the minors. He stayed calm and kept giving me pointers. "Mommy, maybe I should just stand over here (moves four ft. to the right), cause it seems like that's where your pitches usually go." I could just squeeze him!! (And did!)



OK! WHO KNOWS HOW TO FIX THIS! I CAN'T SEEM TO "BLOG THIS" FROM PICASA, AND WHEN I LOAD IT FROM BLOGGER, THEY ARE UNALTERED- EVEN UNTURNED! HELP? ANYONE?
***Edited*** Thanks, Tammy!

This is Bella on our beautiful Monday. Contrary to how it appears, she is covered- she just had her leotard ("dancing outfit") on under her poncho. "Cause it's kind of like shorts, right, Mom?" Yeah, kind of. Like the kind you don't wear in public... unless you're five and in your own yard.

Bwhahahaha!

Ok, Shannon linked to this, but if for some sad reason you didn't catch it there- and are in need of a deep abdominal workout... ENJOY.

In which I compare my child to a citrus fruit

This is the size of the baby this week- we're back up to ten weeks. :) She/He is a kumquat. the kids are amazed at the updates in physical development we get each week from Babycenter. Ellie always gushes, "OH, Awww... I just love our baby!!" and gives my very normal abdomen a big cold kiss. I hope the love continues.

Jake and the kids are off to the Basketball banquet at school- a pizza buffet for which I am grateful (not to be in the midst of supper preparation, I mean). After a busy day I am staying home! I hope to go for a walk and then return to pack for a get-away this weekend! Me, and as De put it, forty of my closest friends! :)

We did school today from 8 -10:30!!! Now to some that isn't a biggie at all, but lately we've been starting so late that it takes the whole morning. We're getting down there... 25 lessons in the curriculum to go, but much reading and writing and spelling to teach in the "off-season." (Oh, and gestating and building on an addition, and spring cleaning, and purging of junk, and...) Yeah, we're really never "done."

Life is rolling along here at the Dahl house. We have friends visiting today and you wouldn't know there are any kids here. A gray, drizzly day + Little House + Pollys = quiet. Ahhh.

I am off to get Teriyaki Chicken prepped for supper.

Oh- I got these for my kids for Easter today. Check out the website... The words on these CD's are straight from Scripture, yet a bit more appealing to a little bit older kids than Steve Green's classics "Hide 'em in your Heart." I'm excited to get them! Thank you, Girltalk ladies for the suggestion!

A Wicked good time

We had a great time in Madison. My sister had lots of fun on the agenda for the kids. We mini-golfed, visited the library, went bowling and went to a movie. I got to catch up with my best friend from high school one evening while the kids were in my sister's care. Jake watched more basketball than I previously thought was possible between the State Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

The highlight however came on Saturday when my mom and sister, aunt, cousin and I headed down to Chicago for Wicked. It was SUCH a fun day! We were seeing green and loving it!


Lottie and I and the St. Patty's Day fountain


Lottie, Sara, Me, Mom and Char right after the show!

In which I apologize for neglect- the 18 step plan...

1. I apologize for my delinquency as a Blogger in the past weeks.
2. The ticker at the very bottom of the page is the accurate one.
3. I am at the "tree trunk," "thick middled" stage of pregnancy which feels yucky.
4. But I'm not sick!
5. Doodle was invited to go to school this morning for "Waffle Wednesday."
6. That is why I am blogging at this time of day.
7. I went out late last night and slept very hard upon my return.
8. I am still in a bit of a zone.
9. I need to get out of this zone as I need to pack to get 5 people out of the house in T-minus 8 hours.
10. Here I sit.
11. Thinking surely a milked-down latte wouldn't hurt the kidney bean.
12. The baby is kidney bean-sized this week, moving into a grape on Thursday.
13. I get to see my sissy tomorrow!
14. We are invading her house for FOUR nights!
15. It doesn't seem like I missed telling you about much over the past two+ weeks.
16. It just really flew by.
17. And I'm sorry.
18. For being a delinquent Blogger.

A Winter Wonderland

The kids spent a long late afternoon in the snow yesterday after God dumped us with a foot of fresh powder. Their specialty was "tunnel creation." Here they are with their handiwork!

Delayed Gratification

Well, a visit to my OB and an ultrasound of this peanut brought to light that the peanut is actually lentil-sized yet. Dr. Bob pushed the due date back (insert shrieking "Nooooo...) to Oct 18th, and scheduled another ultrasound in two weeks to check on the little legume. Not exactly the words I was going for. I was hoping more for, "Man, I think you're about 6 months along! No weight gain yet."

On another note, little Bella had her 5-year-old shots. She is terrified of medical procedures. It wasn't pretty, but our nurse was good and for now Bella is completely vaccinated. Hopefully at 12 it won't be quite as traumatic.

I could curl up and nap, but have things to gather for church tonight.
And a lasagna to pop in, thanks to De. What a treat! Thank you so much!!

Well, all is well at the Dahl house. Everyone (Daddy especially) is excited about the baby. Bella and I are headed to the doctors' offices tomorrow. Her to the pediatrician for her 5-year check-up and I to the OB. At least at this point we all have a great relationship with him and there is little anxiety. I'm thankful for our doctor.

Bella had a grumpy day. She has a bit of a cold and just wants her daddy on days like today, which leaves us all wishing he were here. She went to bed early, so hopefully the morning will bring a more chipper Bella.

Doodle and I have been plugging away with school. We are working hard with some high-frequency words. Reading them is easy for him, but spelling is a totally different story. A couple of times I have said, "Close your eyes and picture it," and he seems to do better. I do not learn like he does. He's got me stumped some days. I'm not giving up on him, though. The day will come too soon when he doesn't WANT to curl up in a ball on my lap and "do school just cuddling." :) I'll be sad when it does.

Noodle is doing well in school. He's been jumping rope with a bunch of other 3rd graders at recess for quite awhile now and really seems to enjoy it. Ahh, the sweet innocence. I'd like to bottle him up. :)

I'm off to bed. I'm trying to plug my way through Wicked before we go to see the show in Chicago in March. Very different book. I'm interested in how it will be done onstage.
Good Night for now...

The big news

I'm putting this ticker on the bottom of our page, so you can keep track of where we are at!

Happy Birthday, my Bella!

Our sweetheart, our valentine!
We love you so much, precious girl.
For now, enjoy the thought that all the pink and red, hearts and flowers of this day are all about you.
I won't tell you otherwise.
You are loved.
You are cherished.
You will always be our sweetheart.
We love you, Bellagirl.
(even though you're sideways and your mother can't seem to get you upright.)

A princess and Her Tea Party

Bella had a tea party with her friends this weekend to celebrate turning *FIVE*. Here she is with her fine maidens- in a sea of pink and purple...

And here they are enjoying "tea." We had juice (some had real tea- OH, the faces!), finger sandwiches, grapes and pink cupcakes! What a beautiful group of princesses! Thank you for joining us, beautiful princesses!

A little update

Ahhh... It's Friday.
It's been a weekful! We were busy every night this week. Good things, just busy.
Add together one truck that didn't start (circa 1985, windchills of
-20- it's no surprise, just inconvenient), two away games, one church night, one "working-mama" night, and parent-teacher conferences (1 parent + 1 teacher/parent)- well, that all equals one wife and one husband that didn't see much of each other!

The kids are tucked snugly in their beds. I drank a hot mug o'joe TOO late in the evening (which leaves me able to be awake for my DH's arrival home).

Tomorrow is Princess Bella's FIFTH birthday tea... We did some preparations today and I really should do a little more cleaning in the morning (but I might not- consider yourselves warned!:)). Tomorrow's the boys' last morning of basketball, though. Excuse? maybe. Priorities? definitely. :) (I'm learning, people, I'm learning!)

I really need to post photos soon. Is it bad that I think Noodle's birthday photos from a month ago (Has it really been a month?!?) are still on the camera? Ooh- I'll get on that.

G'night all.

From the Frozen Tundra...

School was cancelled due to an air temp of -20, wind chills up to 50 below here in the northwoods (But not before my diligent husband was at his desk getting report cards finished at 5:45am!). The kids are still snuggled in their beds, I got to have a quiet devotion hour and ahh... another day is before us.

Going with the "freezing" theme of the day, I thought you fellow Wiconsinites might enjoy this- and you who don't hail from the cheese-state may come to appreciate how hard core we are!

Cold vs. COLD
60 above zero:
Floridians turn on the heat.
People in Wisconsin plant gardens.

50 above zero:
Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Eagle River sunbathe.

40 above zero:
Italian & European cars won't start.
People in Wisconsin drive with the windows down.

32 above zero:
Distilled water freezes.
The water in Green Bay gets thicker.

20 above zero:
Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.
People in Wisconsin throw on a flannel shirt.


15 above zero:
New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Wisconsin have the last cookout before it gets cold.



Zero:
People in Miami all die.
Wisconsin people close the windows.


10 below zero:
Californians fly away to Mexico
People in Wisconsin get out their winter coats.


25 below zero:
Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Wisconsin are selling cookies door to door.



40 below zero:
Washington DC runs out of hot air.
People in Wisconsin let the dogs sleep indoors.


100 below zero:
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Wisconsin people get upset because they can't start the Mini-Van.



460 below zero:
ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale.)
People in Wisconsin start saying..."Cold 'nuff fer ya?"


500 below zero:
Hell freezes over.
Wisconsin public schools will open 2 hours late.

A new "layout"

Those who have updated to blogger beta, check out the "customized look" section. I've been playing with mine, can you tell? On the homepage I just clicked on "Customize your look" and then had fun with different colors from there.

I wish I could use fonts I have stored on my computer- their choices are very limited.

It allows for a few more choices than the old templates- and it was kind of fun. Definitely much easier than before!

Enjoy!

A contest!

I have a confession to make. I LOVE contests. I dream of winning something big. I don't play the lottery or go to casinos- but I do like to sign up to win things. Like this.
Good luck, ya'll.

Hmmm...

Banana tagged me with an interesting thought... "What are 5 things I'd like to do before I die?"

Many who know me well know traveling is at the top of my list. Traveling with my family? Even better. With the exception of the first one, maybe, I'd like to do each one with Jake and the kids at my side.

1) Hike the AT. Probably just part, but I'd love to do it. My brother-in-law did it start to finish, but mom and wife doesn't equal bachelor. I will also never attain his physical fitness level. I'd be satisfied with portions of it. :) (By the time my mothering responsibilities lighten my body will... well, not have lightened.)

2) Visit South America. Machu Picchu and a rainforest.

3) Go on a safari in Africa.

4) Travel through New England in fall... Slowly.

5) See each of my kids into adulthood- Serving the Lord and joyful.

OK, I'm back

After a rocky week of circumstances and illness (the kids), I'm back.

God is so good. He gives strength, peace and hope.

My "theme" for this year (and beyond) is...

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His
Glory and grace.

Until further notice...

... "Doodles" will be on hold. No plans for when I will resume at this point. Just know I need to be done for awhile.

For the love of my kids...

I haven't posted a photo of the kidlets for a bit- here's one with my little (6'5") brother when we got to see him at Christmas.

My parents will be here in a couple hours to help us celebrate Noodle's big 0-9! Nine years ago tonight Jaker and I went out to eat at a nice, quiet, Italian restaurant for what would be our last night not being parents. For the rest of our living, breathing days on this earth we will be parents- What a priviledge. A job that is scary and sweet, crazy and rewarding... and all those emotions can land in ten minutes of time!

I have been attached this week to this song off of MWS's most recent CD. Parents, if you HAVEN'T heard it, grab a box of tissues. The piano music is just a beautiful as the words. GET THIS SONG!!!

How to Say Goodbye

tell me when
the time we had slipped away
tomorrow turned to yesterday
and i don't know how

tell me what
can stop this river of tears
it's been building up for years
for this moment now

here i stand
arms open wide
i've held you close, kept you safe
till you could fly
tell me where
the road ahead is gonna bend
and how to harness up the wind
and how to say goodbye

tell me why
why does following your dreams
take you far away from me
and i knew that it would

tell me how
to fill the space you left behind
how to laugh instead of cry
and how to say goodbye

 

Weekend update

Well, Doodle laid low for about an hour Wednesday (just enough time for me to decide we weren't doing school) and then was back to his normal self. So, I don't think he had a stomach virus. We did school Thursday and Friday, and he did well. It takes both of us a bit to get back in the swing of things.

Friday night we went to the Bulldog game, then came home and watched 24 (surprise, surprise!). Jake and the boys got a last minute invite to go fishing in the morning, so our plans of a family day to EC were foiled. Doodle lives to fish (we hope it morphs into a strong desire to fish for men!) and Jake just couldn't pass up this chance to get him out on the ice. Bella and I continued with our plans to shop- so we ate breakfast, loaded up and headed down- only for a stop after a bought of carsickness (her, not me) A package of wipes and a cute new outfit later and we were back in business. I spent my gift card to Eddie Bauer on a cute new pair of pants and a purple shirt (thanks mom!) and Bella found a magnetic Cinderella paper doll set that she bought. We had lunch together and headed home.

We had (they brought in!) friends for supper and then sent our hubbies out for a movie and appetizers. Often the dad around this house doesn't get any guy-time to speak of and it was SO fun to enable it!

Today I got some great mommy-time as my adventurous friend and I hit the trail to the south and did a 4 1/2 mile hike. It. Was. Great. and I could be persuaded to do it again at the drop of a hat. What a gorgeous world our Lord has made!

So, here I sit. All is well with the Dahls. Just Doodling away in our corner of the world. Running the earth- Watching the sky.

Ha ha ha...

I should have known as soon as I typed,"I mean it this time," that I was setting myself up! We are in fact NOT doing school today, either.

My sweet student just threw up.

A new addiction

So we were going to start back with school today, but then I looked around at my house, which looked as though it had thrown up, more than likely due to the obscene amount of sleeping in yours truly has enjoyed over the past week. Ahh. So... we're starting back with school tomorrow. I mean it this time.

And yes, Jaker and I are new addicts to a highly acclaimed series... you guessed it-


Yes, I know we are 5 seasons behind and living under a rock and all that for not having gotten hooked earlier, but enjoying it none-the-less. Thanks, Lottie! :)

Happy New Year!

We had a good, but whirlwind-like holiday season with visits to both sides of the family and friends up-north as well. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everyone for having us and for all the amazing gifts! We have all enjoyed a couple days at home now- and man, can we sleep in!
If you have an infant, please skip the next line, as I don't want to hurt feelings-

We have slept until 8:45, 9:00 and 9:40 the past three days. All of us. Ahhh!!!

We got a new game- Whoonu- a Cranium game. It is so much fun! The gist of it is each person has a turn to rank their favorite things. The other day Dawson was ranking 6 things and put "breakfast in bed" as his most favorite. The funny part is, he has never HAD breakfast in bed- just thought it sounded "totally awesome." So, this morning, we put an end to his wonder and served up eggs, toast, oranges and yes, grape juice (his fave) in bed. He was thrilled. I wish I had taken a photo of his face. :)

We brought in the new year in style with friends and games... It was a lot of fun! :) Thanks to all who were here!!!

Tomorrow is back to reality. School. Ahhh. I have some prepping to do. :)

Right now we're still in pj's and spent the morning straightening up and doing each other's hair (just Ellie and I!). The girls are off to watch a new Strawberry Shortcake movie while the boys finish cheering my Badgers to victory over those Razorbacks.

Happy New Year!

A Bloggityville Birthday Announcement!

Go on over and wish this sweet lady a happy birthday today!!!

Tiptoe-ing through the plague

The people around us are falling like flies to a yucky stomach virus. Friday night we had visitors and Saturday morning got a call that their daughter had been sick throughout the night. Saturday the boys played football with friends and after they got home one of the other boys got sick. We went to a party last night and one of the kids who stayed with our kids got sick in the night.

Tis' the season. I'm not sure if we are the carriers and are spreading it to those around us, or if we are iron-wall resilient to whatever this yuck is. I have been staring quizzically at my kids all day... bracing myself for what seems sure to come.

I just hope they don't do it behind the Christmas tree...

Just another day in paradise

I was going to post about the nice little day we had yesterday... but it will have to wait as I have been alerted to the fact that the kitten puked behind- yes *BEHIND*- the Christmas tree.

I quote... "Mom, I thought there was an ornament down behind the tree, but then I got closer and it looked weird, and I realized it wasn't a weird ornament, it was just puke. And I think Mango did it 'cause she was behind the tree. And she was eating the branch."

Enjoy the images you may have of me dealing with said pile... *BEHIND* the tree in the corner. Mmmm...

Ahhhh...

Tonight was the Kidquest and Bible Buddies Christmas program at church. The kids did so well in each of their parts! I will have to share photos soon... but not tonight. I'm pooped.

Just one more holiday production ahead of us now. Sunday both Jake and I are in the Christmas Cantata at church. I've really enjoyed taking part in the theatrical end of it this year and last. Someday I wouldn't mind doing a community production... maybe when my kids can be in one too! :)

We got cookie dough made today... and will maybe cut out and bake sugar and gingerbread cookies tomorrow evening. Doodle, Bella and I are headed to "A Little Princess Christmas" tomorrow morning (Daws kind of groaned at the title, but when he found out it was a play, he was excited- Meanwhile his sister was planning what she was going to wear... She thought she got to be the princess) !
I am off to bed. Good night one and all...

This is our snowman the other night with his biggest fans...

Our kiddos with ALL FOUR grandparents. Here. In our house. AT THE SAME TIME!!!

 

Noodle's Christmas concert?

Alright, grandparents, this is a feeble attempt to let you see Noodle in his "snowman finery" at the Christmas concert last night. Mind you I tried to use my digital camera's video feature- and I was up in the bleachers, so it's not the best quality, but here's our boy! ( when I downloaded the video to" youtube" The sound doesn't match up with the video... not sure why this is!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YPOvxZLXGY

And don't miss this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prnRlKrlorI

Dahl family update...

We are all alive and well- we've just been hither and yon far too much to keep you updated!

I am back on the bean and it's a good thing. I'll have to post a photo of this new pot. Starbucks sent me a voucher for the next model up (which DOESN'T have the same electrical problems) at a discounted price. The machine kind of looks like an alien space ship, but it makes a great cup of joe, so I'm not complaining.

After my woeful tale of not being able to go with my family to meet Hannah, see the new house and see my sisters-in-law... I ended up being able to go. It was such a wonderful trip! Jaker and I talked the entire way down while the kids slept (except for the occasional shrieking of the eel- I mean, Bella. It was wonderful to take a morning walk with my SIL's, see our beautiful nieces, and enjoy family time. We found out the trip was only 4.5 hours, which is an ol' hat- that's how long it takes to go to my Mom and Dad's- So look out, Seversons, we just might come see you more often! :)

We got back Sunday night. Monday and Tuesday the dust flew as I got our house ready for friends to use while we were away. Tuesday night the younger two kids finished swimming lessons. Doodle passed on to level 3 and Bella said as we got into the car, "I thing I'm starting to like level 2!" (A good thing seeing as how I think she may be in it for awhile!)

Right after lessons we took another 4.5 hour journey to Mom and Dad's for the Thanksgiving holiday! Oh, it was fun. My brother was there (PTL!) and it was the first time all 10 of us (immediate family) were together for a year and a half. Thank you, God! We enjoyed a huge feast with extended family, played multiple games of canasta- our family game- and had a great "day-after-Thanksgiving" shopping spree.
I had NO Christmas gifts bought before the day began and have a lot done now, so I consider it a successful day. The crowds weren't even that annoying, and except for Kohls, the lines weren't long. I think unless you're up before 5 and rushing to be the first one in- that day is overrated. It's not that bad.

So this week we're settling back into school. My goal is to be halfway done with our curriculum by Christmas, which means 20 lessons between now and then. It's doable, but with all the holiday festivities and preparations, I know it's also a hard time of year to stay on track. So, we'll do our best and try to enjoy the season first and foremost. Take Care... Happy Monday!

Striving to exist in the java-free zone

My coffee maker was recalled. It was a beauty of a model that Jaker got me for Mother's Day this year. Oof I've loved that appliance. UPS came yesterday with a coffin box to send it back in.

So this morning I made myself a big 'ol cup of tea. I like tea. When
I choose to drink it. Since I am being forced to by the impending headache NO caffeine would bring on... well, Let's just say the tea isn't cutting it.

So, if your reading this over a steaming cup of java (Fannie, Ringmaster...) take you next sip for me. I'm not sure how long my Java-free life will last- you'll be the first ones to know when I'm back on the bean.

For the Love of Scrabble

Always a game fan, here's my official Scrabble score...

Pholph's Scrabble Generator My Scrabble© Score is: 18. What is your score? Get it here.

We had such a good weekend- With many thanks to Poppy and NC!
Oh, and a very happy anniversary to them, too! (the 13th- NOT the 24th!) :)

This week is looking great... a lot of school and a lot of cleaning! I was SO looking forward to a trip to Iowa to see our newest niecethis weekend, but due to an uncooperative work schedule will not be able to go. I am very sad not to be able to meet Hannah, not to be able to see the new house, and not to be able to see the "sisters from afar." I know that God has a reason. He has a plan. I'm going to roll with it.

Take Care, all. Have a great week.

Off!

Noodle is off of school tomorrow. We are headed (mommy and kiddos) on an outing to the south. We need to pick up a part for a broken seatbelt in the van, do some big-town grocery shopping, then a play lunch outing (hopefully as a reward for good behavior!). I'm excited to spend some special time with them as in the evening... WE'RE OFF- Jake and I- to the couples retreat with our church. Basketball starts Monday and I'm excited for some alone time with this handsome guy...

 

Happy Weekend! 

In the words of David...

... There is such relevance and truth.
David was so real.
He didn't pretend that everything was always great.
He wasn't afraid to cry out to his God.
When others hurt him, he ran to the One who wouldn't bring more pain, but healing.

His words ring with truth...

Psalm 29:11 "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses His people with peace."

Psalm 27: 14 "Wait for the Lord: be srtong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Psalm 25, Psalm 31... thank you, David. Thank you, Lord.



"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
2 Cor. 12:9

"Skullatins" and the Fairy

We trick-or-treated this year with two scary "skullatins" (according to the boys) and a beautiful (NOT GRUMPY!) fairy. We had a lot of fun! I drove the van for tired and/or cold gremlins while Jake and a couple other friends walked the neighborhood with the two skeletons, the fairy, two pirates, two princesses, two pumpkins and a fireman. Here are our little munchkins, gorgeous and horribly scary, respectively:


  

Dreaming in Purple

My dear husband, as I type, is in the Metrodome cheering for his Vikings in Monday Night Football action against the Patriots. I am so happy for him! Don't get me wrong- I despise the Vikings (Every good child from the Packer Belt does), but I love my husband. I wish each of you could have seen his face when he found out he was going to get to go to see his team- like a child on Christmas morn... Priceless.

He went to the game with a Patriots fan. I hope it doesn't get ugly.

If you're watching the game look high into the stands- upper deck... in one of the end zones. Look for the grin as big as the Rockies. That's my Jaker. :)

I've got three tired troopers tucked into bed. It was a beaut of a day in the northwoods, so we took a hike and took huge deep breaths of Indian Summer air as tomorrow's high is supposed to be 39.

I'm scrapping... and about to correct some 5th grade math. All in a good day's work, my friends, all in a good day's work.

G'night.

Just one hundred years ago...

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
I found it on another blog... AMAZING INFORMATION!
The year is 1906.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some of the U.S. statistics for the Year 1906:
************************************
The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

A three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars.

There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California.

With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!

The average wage in the US. was 22 cents per hour.

The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year. A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at home.

Ninety percent of all U.S. doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."?

Eighteen percent of households in the U.S. had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. !

Now I forwarded this from someone else without typing it myself, and sent it to you and others all over the United States, possibly the world, in a matter of seconds! Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.

Thankful Tuesday

I'm sitting here thinking how thankful I am- so with no disrespect intended to Banana for it only being a Tuesday, here goes.

1. I'm thankful for friends. They ARE a gift from God. We don't NEED them... we only NEED Him, but He gives us friends because He knows they can bring us such joy.

2. I'm thankful for the bible study I'm doing right now, entitled Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh De Moss. It's a great book. It's very simply written and liberating. I'm learning so much- and the simple fact is I wouldn't say I believe these lies, but there are some that I live. Our actions are the fruit of our heart. I'm thankful that God isn't finished with me yet.

3. I'm thankful that today isn't what it looked to be at 5am. Doodle came flying into our room, "Mommy- I'm sick!" and stood queasily at the toilet for the next 10 minutes while I scratched his back and prayed he'd feel better. Thankfully he does, and it didn't take the emptying of his stomach to get there. He went back to bed with a towel and bucket and seems to be great.

4. I'm thankful for my husband. Before going into work for the 4th straight night I told him we needed to go on a date. He set it all up while I was at work and last night we enjoyed a quiet dinner and conversation. Ahhh... He even said that it would be easier to shop with him last night than 3 kids on my own tonight, and we got groceries, too! (We know how to party.)

5. I'm thankful for grocery fairies who stop by with gifts- even when they are in more need than you are. :) Thank you, sweet grocery angel- you know who you are. :)

6. I'm thankful for the amazing provision of God. We have SO much. Not just us- the majority of our country. We are blessed beyond words with things . Most of which will be gone in the blink of an eye.

So, I'm thankful. With good reason. God IS good.

Our weekend and Underwater Adventures!

We enjoyed a long weekend as a family- This time headed north (IN THE SNOW!) to an indoor waterpark on the shore of Lake Superior. We enjoyed a full day of play on Thursday, then my sis and her husband joined us for Friday. The only bummer was that Ellie had ear trouble Thursday night, then again Friday night. We found some homeopathic drops at the pharmacy that worked very well- So it's a blessing to have something other than antibiotics that may help!

Friday we stopped for yummy coffee drinks and smoothies, then drove the scenic route to the northern-most tip of Sconnie. We stopped on the shore for photos- and nearly got blown away- literally. We stopped in tourist-y little Bayfield and hit some shops, then off to our aunt's house for a delicious dinner and rousing game of Canasta. Oh, we had fun! [Except for a near-death choking incident that left me without a voice the next day! :)]

 
 

















Yesterday we had the chance to meet HM and her girls at the Mall of America. We went to Underwater Adventures- the underground aquarium. The kids loved it- especially Doodle. He must have said, "Mom! LOOK AT THIS!" about 100 times.

Bella conquered her fear of the "esalater"...

 













And the kids had a chance to touch sharks and stingrays (stingers were removed, people!)...

  

Favorite photos from the weekend...

We had a wonderful trip "up north" this weekend to see the Mangelsen family and be the proud sponsors of baby Grace at her baby dedication (according to us and her parents). It was a relaxing time with lots of bumming, 4-wheeler riding, fishing and game room time (think Pole Position, Ms. Pac Man, foosball, darts and pool... Our boys' dream room!). We got to check out H and J's newest (soon-to-be)acquisition- the cutest kitchen store EVER! So friends and family- let me know what's on your wish list {Within reason, or I'll just give you directions :)} Mom, you and I are going to have a BALL there! Here's a photo of each of our pumpkins...

Bella- making "clay balls" from a cool clay deposit in H and J's beach:

 












Noodle- maxing and relaxing in the hammock:

 












Doodle- hard at his favorite pastime (for the record he never caught a fish, and never gave up trying. His attention span is not lacking.):

  

We're having a great week at the Dahl house. Noodle finished up soccer this week- I think they even had a winning record! He really had fun and learned a lot from a great pair of coaches. School for Noodle is going well. He likes his teacher a lot and seems to be enjoying third grade.

Doodle is reading more and more... We're working through a chapter book together. He reads a page, I read a page, etc. Next comes the "adored by many" Magic Tree House Series... Then we'll be talking bookworm. I'm really proud of how much effort he's putting in.

Bella and I are reading "Little House in the Big Woods" and having so much fun with it- I am truly not sure who is enjoying it more- I think it might be me.

We're looking forward to the Bulldog Homecoming game tomorrow night, and a rousing Boy Scout Spaghetti Supper beforehand. Hoo Yaa! Even better (I know- hard to beat), we get to spend a weekend with the Mangelsens at their cabin. I'm so excited. :)Rumor has it Jacob turned 30 this week (hee hee hee...)

School pictures came in yesterday. Oh boy- don't laugh. Doodle has a great toothless smile- but his dear mother didn't check his face beforehand and if you look close there's PEANUT BUTTER on his CHEEK! Mom of the year, folks. Look NO further.

On that note- I'm headed to bed. Have a great weekend one and all and we'll try to post a photo update early next week.

I found this on Jodi's blog and it looked fun. I laughed out loud at the memories some brought on!

If you care to give it a try, copy and paste it- then put each one you have done in bold. Let me know if you play along!

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula(A fifth grade teacher in our school had one- incidently he was a finalist for Christa McAuliffe's position on the Challenger)
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree (The redwoods!)
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris (Sadly we were on the last leg of our trip and were only UNDER Paris!)
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea (Does Lake Winnebago count?)
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game (Nolan Ryan's 300th major league win with my Uncle Larry!)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (probably- I don't remember a specific time)
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk (No comment... I wasn't a very good caretaker, right HoJo?)
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country (Mexico- at some girl's 16th b-day- Think Deana Carter "And We Danced Anyway")
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero (Doesn't every Mommy?)
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class (It was short-lived)
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music (Lottie, are you laughing right now? Remember the "Mrs. Dern" song?
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children - still raising!
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour (hee hee.. I was close with a local favorite- Vic Ferrari!)
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge (drove it!)
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth (watched and helped are very different...)
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild (Right, Joyce?)
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours in 48 hours (it's called jet lag!)
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head (ONLY the bottom half! I know- I can't believe it either.)
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

Apple Pickin' time!

Last week we enjoyed a beautiful evening of apple picking! The boys each brought a friend and in short order we had 2 bushels picked! It was a fun time, with beautiful apples to show for it.