Books, books and more books

The Walleye Festival in town gave me a great opportunity to find cheap books to read. My good friend in MN L, gave me a great collection too. She sent me home with around 15 books or so. I never counted them. I picked up 10 this week. She also gave me the Hunger Games collection. I read the first book. Listening to the boys Lego Hero movie tonight reminded me of the HG book a little. Based far into the future, bossy people in charge, etc. It was defiantly different and I had serious doubts when I started. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I finished rather quickly and have barely been able to get into the second book. Maybe I'll have some time this week.

It will be the first full week of school in a long time. My reward will be good times with some gals at the end of the week. Looking forward to it. May will bring some nights for mom. We have a dance at church, N has a work thing, and the two movies I really can't wait to see. Hope to get a babysitter established and get to experience someone else putting my kids to bed. This will be a first! I had a trial run set up for Thurs, but that didn't work out.

Two out of three are down. The boys were good and get to stay up a little with their dad.

Hope for a quiet, calm Sunday at home.

Walleye Festival

The Walleye Festival is a celebration the town has every year in April. The entire town has garage sales. There are more than 150 garage sales in one weekend. There are other things too, but the garage sales are the main event. There is a carnival, poker tournament, parade, pancake breakfast, and fireworks tonight.

I guess nothing will top my first Walleye Festival experience. This year is my third, and it was not as disappointing as last year, but still not up to my expectations.

I must clarify disappointment, I mean in finding treasures. Our first year here, I found our red bench and some other great pieces. I was not able to acquire anything like that this year or last. I saw a picture that I really wanted, but it was over priced and I wasn't ready to haggle yet.

I wasn't quite on the same page with everyone in our truck either. Didn't help.
I did find 4 Jodi Picoult books, including the newest one on hardcover. They were all for $5. Zinnia and I have been reading her books. I got a shelf to put up in the basement for $3. I also found a chair to go by the front door, but offered it to Zinnia. We will see if she wants it.

N and the boys found some treasures. We did find a Star Wars shirt for each boy, they were very excited. N found some cassette tapes to play in his new old truck. He also got some fishing gear. We finally own a ladder. The boys found some sort of space ship for their Star Wars action figures. Each kid got a new Nerf gun too. We didn't get any new Barbie clothes like I intended. The first house we stopped at had a small box, all for $5. I thought that was too much and didn't bother to haggle. Oh I almost forgot, we did find a great purchase for Julie and her baby. A really nice Bundle Me for $10. We also purchased two TVs. One for the basement and a new one in our bedroom. We were even able to find converter boxes and antennas too. I guess it wasn't such a bad festival after all. Sounds better when I type it all out. Maybe I will find the treasure I am looking for tomorrow. We will see.

Birds of a feather

Finished my afternoon with second grade today. The neighbor boy is in that class. They were all surprised to hear we were neighbors. They are a nice class. It was my fourth time with them this year. We had some time to fill before our next topic and a girl requested I tell them something about myself. So, bring on the German! They were all smiles and thrilled when I told them different things about Germany. Five was thrilled I was able to eat lunch with him. I set up a time next week to teach colors and numbers to his class next week. He was also happy with both of us eating hot lunch. Soft taco, not too bad, but could have used some more spice.

Seven was up during the night. I felt bad and let him go back to bed this morning. N and Three brought him to school at lunch time. N and Three must have had a nice day. I came home, expecting chaos because that is how I left it. Things were cleaned up and food in the crock pot. Three seemed to be happy with spending the day with her daddy.

So, the rest of our day, on to garage sale preparation. Two big days coming up. Should be fun. Sure feels good to get rid of so much. Can't believe the loads brought to Zinnia's house. Looking forward to finding some new treasures too.

As for birds of a feather, sorry for my last entry. Sad, I know. It's the holiday thing. Turns out there are many similarities in my family. Just have to stick together.

Easter Blues

I try to prepare for a field of emotions when it comes to the holidays. I think with our recent trip to MN and all going on in our life, I failed in Easter preparation. I was not able to get in the right place. I disappointed myself many times throughout Holy week. Friday in particular, I forgot it was Good Friday and we had meat for lunch. Didn't even occur to me until after the meal was over.

Three had an Easter celebration at preschool. I was very excited to participate. We really enjoyed ourselves last year. The change of it being in the evening was ok, but my disappointment was with the children and lack of good pictures I received. I just wanted a nice picture of the three, smiling. Too much to ask I guess. Didn't happen. They were too silly. As frustrated as I was, I held out for Easter morning. Surely I would get some good pictures then. Well, that failed too. They opened all their baskets without us that morning. They fought about getting dressed and out the door to church. Mass was long, hot and the incense was getting to Five. We left before communion. I was so disappointed and nearly in tears on our way out. I admit, part of it was my fault. The boys should maybe have worn short sleeves, then they might not have been as warm. I should have explained that things might be longer than normal. And, the biggest part, as soon as we sat down, I knew I would be disappointed. I tried to put on my best face, but I fooled no one. I couldn't even look the people ahead of us in the eye during the sign of peace. It was just too disappointing. So many happy families, together. There we sat, alone. Holidays are all about spending time with your family. I have many, many wonderful memories of traveling to grandparents or cousins houses to celebrate the holiday. Graduations, baptism, confirmation, so many great events that bring families together. Yet, here we are, hundreds of miles away, missing out on all of them. Two of my cousins will graduate high school this spring. They were such a big part of my adolescence. I loved going out to spend weeks during the summer months with them. I was at their house the first year of their little lives. I rocked them over and over. My entire Barney education is from time invested with them. They were sweet, adorable boys. Here they are, all grown up. I really wish I could be there when they get their diploma. Both were there for me. They pulled the white runner back at my wedding, preparing my path. I cherish the memories I have of days with my cousins. Best memory yet was when I returned from Germany. They all came to the GF airport with signs to welcome me home. They were all so little, yet had grown so much in the 9 months I was gone. Little Justin came up to me and said "this is my mom and this is my dad." So sweet, he didn't really remember me, but this was important. I was important and I needed to know his mom and dad. Of course his mom is my aunt, who rocked me when I was a baby. Many great years spent with wonderful people. So many camping trips to various parks throughout MN, ND, and SD. I want so much for my kids to know what that is like. We go camping, but the family factor is not there. We are yet alone in MI. Frustrating.

Sorry to play the same old tune, but it has been another holiday. Just seems to keep repeating itself. When will it change? Time will tell. I think the holidays have become worse the older my children are. I do not remember such strong feelings when it was just N and I. We celebrated many holidays together in TX and OK, alone. Perhaps it was the newlywed thing. So much ahead of us, so much to look forward to. I am eager to make my own memories with my kids. We can have our own traditions. I will make the best of it for their sake. Is it selfish to feel this way around every holiday? I really do not want to resent living in MI anymore. I love our little town. The community is nice. I love the church. It would be great to buy a house and start to have things back the way they once were. I just can't bring myself to commit. With a house in TX, I am determined it must be sold before we commit to anything of the sort. So, until that day, I feel stuck in limbo. The daily routine of children, work etc. keeps me busy and the feelings aren't as frequent as in the past. Each time my kids bring up my parents or a comment about something they did, I get a feeling that brings back the same emotion, again and again. A longing to be close to my family. The ability to share my children and their childhood with family. For them to know what its like to be at a family reunion with cousins they know and want to play with. I can teach them how to catch a fish with a butterfly net and licorice, but does it mean the same as it did making that discovery with my cousins? If only one summer they could experience a Russell Reunion. We've managed to get in on some things I did as a child, parades etc. Those are my memories and will never be theirs. I can't recreate my childhood for them to experience.

In the end, I feel selfish for all of this. I should be thinking of all the good, all the blessings in my life. I am thankful for many things. I love that my kids have seen so much of our country at a young age. Although Seven is the only one to remember most of it, the others really enjoy listening to stories of TX and OK.

Breaks my heart every time I say goodbye to my grandmothers. I can't help but think when I leave them, will that be it? Will I see them again? The Lord only knows.

So, for now, I will pray and be thankful. I will focus on my family and try to follow His path. He will send us in the right direction. Just because being in MI wasn't in my plan, or my idea, there has to be some reason why we are here. I guess I am still trying to figure that out.

A new purse

I love getting a new purse for the spring. One year, I found a really great yellow purse. I had so many compliments on it. Miss Megan was my inspiration for that purchase. Another year, I found a nice green one that lasted for a long time. This week, I thought I had found my purse for the season. I love finding things on clearance, marked down. It can be a real steal. I was at the grocery store and saw this cute purse on the end. It was white with leather circles all on the sides. The handles were black with swirly plastic. I was in a hurry. The original price was $24.99. It was marked down to $7! I was really excited, grabbed it and was on my merry way. EB items were also in my trunk when I arrived home. Thus, it all sat in my trunk over night. Too many curious people. I was finally able to smuggle the goods out on Wednesday. Three had an Easter celebration at preschool and I wanted to get out my new purse. My great disappointment was when I unzipped the purse. It smelled horrible of smoke. In one of the little pockets inside, there were small black pieces. I am not at a loss what to do about the purse. I tried wiping the inside out with cleaner. I tried leather cleaner on the dots on the outside. It still smells. Do I return it? Do I wait for a super sunny day and air it outside? Febreeze it? Any suggestions welcome. Disappointed to say the least.

Five is "One in a Million"

Yearbook time in elementary school; I do not recall experiencing this until middle school. We got one year book for the boys to share. Seven took it to school first and Mr. T signed it. He wrote about Seven doing great things. It was nice. Five brought his to Mr. L today. It came home saying that Five is "One in a million!" and that he enjoyed having both Five and Seven in his class. He mentioned how he will never forget how Five likes to be dressed for winter weather. Five beamed when I read it to him.

Tonight is an Easter celebration at Three's school. There is a program first, followed by a soup supper. She is going to wear her Easter dress from Auntie Julie. We even have flowers for her hair.

She is proud and excited to go see her friends. Should be a good time. I will post pictures soon.

Monsters in the Kitchen

I promised Monster cupcakes for a treat at school in honor of Seven's birthday. Wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, but as it turns out, they look pretty good. It took me all morning to get them done. Three of course was a huge obstacle I was constantly trying to occupy. It was our typical Monday. Really ready for her to attend preschool tomorrow. She hasn't been there for three weeks!

We brought Seven a happy meal for lunch. It wasn't in my original plans, but when the time allowed us to make it, we did. He was thrilled and the entire lunch room sang to him. It was nice.
The kids in his classroom loved the cupcakes. They kept asking if I bought them or made them. Some even said "Good job!" with real enthusiasm. They are all sweet kids. Three passed out a plate to each kid. Mr. T followed and named each child when she gave them a plate. We read the book Glad Monster, Sad Monster to the class. They seemed to enjoy it. When I was finished reading, Mr. T asked them to make faces of the feelings described in the book.

We headed out the door early to retrieve Five. Mr. Lupcke answered the door with many greetings for Seven. Apparently he had been informed that cupcakes were in the works at our house this afternoon and would be arriving at school sometime throughout the day. Always a pleasant conversation with him, and we were out the door early!

N was home when we returned, ready to play with the boat. Not sure what he did, but I ran to the grocery store for some meat. Baths, meal time, homework and in that order, our night was complete.

It's raining, it's pouring...

I had so many blog thoughts come to me while driving back from MN. Can I think of them now? No. On this rainy day I plan to redo the basement. I brought back many items to work on and need to create a workspace. The garage sale at the end of the month will help lighten the load in the basement. For now, I need to make do and figure something out. Sure wish I had a nice table to work on. Looking forward to the rest of this month. Easter and Walleye Festival, two of my favorite holidays. Kids are off of school for both. I started my list today of what to look for during the festival. Now it's just to figure out room in the budget.

Six is now Seven!

I am so proud of Six. He became Seven today. I could never be more proud of him. He is such a great boy. Due to our schedule, today was spent in the car. Seven is a real trooper, he doesn't complain and makes the best of the situation. We stopped at a water park hotel last night in honor of his birthday. We spent a relaxing night at the hotel and they all swam this morning too. I will write more and post more soon. It's late and we are tired. Well, the adults in the house are tired. Someone else might need to put these kids to sleep.

Julie's Baby Shower

We had a terrific time at Julie's baby shower. Many friends and family were able to attend. Both great Grandma's were there! Three had a great time. It took her a little while to warm up, but she did and was happy to participate eventually. I'll post some pictures when we get back to MI.

So much to say, so little time

I am so very tired after a day at the water park. Due to errands beyond my control, most of the fam wasn't able to join us as originally planned. Uncle D and I took the troops to a day at the water park. We were slightly disappointed when we pulled into the parking lot and saw 4 school buses! The place was crawling with teenagers. I said to Uncle D, hopefully they will be gone by 3 o'clock. It was even better, I think they left by 1! We had the entire park to ourselves. I couldn't believe it. The kids had a great time. We made many trips on the lazy river. Uncle D made many trips down the various water slides. In the end, he would commit to only the red one because you got to sit in a tube. Today was N's birthday. He spent it figuring out the boat and truck. We didn't see him all day. We met back at my parents house for a wonderful dinner. Walleye, Cole slaw, potatoes, the works. It was great. We followed up with a ice cream Oreo cake. Some relatives stopped by for a quick visit. It was a fun surprise to know they are in town. I am looking forward to tomorrow, but I still have quite a bit of work to do. Desserts are underway in the kitchen as I type. I should be in there helping, but have to google some prices online first. Distractions. Looking forward to the shower tomorrow. Should be another great day!

On the road again

Tomorrow is our departure day. I hope the weather cooperates. While swimming, the snow came down. It was terrible stuff. Mr. D came back in the building and carried Three and Five to the car. Our shoes were soaked. Six ran as fast as he could. Now, my job is to load the car. I have three loads of laundry to do and I need to give the fish tank some attention. We are very excited. Six can't wait since he will turn seven while we are gone. I promised to make him cupcakes when we get back for him to take to school. Nothing like a project when returning from a long trip.

Praying for good weather, healthy kids and a happy family.

March is reading month for Five and Six

Six had a proud moment today. He was in the top five kids from his class who read the most in the month of March. The reward: lunch in the classroom with his teacher. He was so happy of his accomplishment. He read 380 minutes. He averaged 10 minutes a day, but every once in awhile, he got in much more. The most was 40 minutes one day.
Five did this too and logged more hours. It takes him longer to read. His class will figure out who read how much after spring break.

We are leaving soon for our trip. Nothing like the threat of a snowstorm in April to look forward to. Hopefully it all hits this weekend and will be clear by Monday. The kids are so excited. We are packed, but have a couple of loads of laundry to do. I have things lined up for Julie, items we are bringing for her baby! So excited about that too.