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!)...