Push, push, push

I have pushed myself too much, and wound up in urgent care. The pain was so intense. On a positive note, I really liked the new doc. She was nice and great. She gave me a shot that took away the migraine. It didn't at first. I had to sit there for 20 minutes before they would let me go. I still had the migraine when I left. After an hour, it was better. I guess I need to focus on sleep. Interrupting my sleep pattern too much is what set it off. With all that is in the next two weeks, it will be hard to try to relax. I am such a planner and want to stay organized. Just have to slow down and enjoy time with my people.

Just keep swimming

Migraines are not my friend. Can't shake this one. I need to with the week I am facing. Kids meet their teachers this week. We're hosting a birthday party for Six and Three. My parents are in town, but only until Thursday. I don't want to waste their visit being ill.

Looking forward to seeing our friends again. I have to come up with cake ideas for the kids. Six has his own plan, I'm just supposed to supply the cake and frosting. Chocolate cake with half orange and half brown frosting. It should be interesting. We left the things we planned to put on top of Three's cake in MN. Starting from scratch with that idea. Maybe this is a good year for a Barbie cake? We will see what she thinks of that idea.

Have to start my list and check it twice. The count down to school begins. I have quite a few items they need, but it is not organized. Maybe I will worry about that on the weekend. N will have to work. My focus will be school prep and getting them on the right schedule.

Home again, home again

We made it back to MI last night. It was questionable at some times, but we manged to make the trip all in one VERY LONG day. The kids did really well. Traveling in a van seems to make life much easier. They were happy to be home and show G & G around our house. They've been here before, but Three said "Do you remember where our bathroom is?" They noted any changes N made while we were gone.

Now to enjoy G & G, their time in MI. Birthday party this week and then we need to get organized with those school supplies! It's all right around the corner.

New pajamas!

Watching ET for the first time. This face continued on Six for the entire beginning of the movie, but turned to giggles and smiles later on.

Grandma got Three some new pj's. She really needed them. She calls footed pajamas baby jammies. The pair she insisted on bringing had two holes in each foot. Grandma got her these and a bonus is that Baby Orchid has the same monkey on some of her clothing!

Guess who's coming to Grandma's tonight?

We finally got Seven's tooth out. It did include a trip our favorite dentist. I guess it was really stuck and would have taken awhile to come out. We were pretty patient and probably couldn't wait any longer. It was a great moment for Seven. He looks much different now. The tooth fairy will be here tonight. Thanks to Delphinium's son L, we are now aware that the MN tooth fairy brings $6! We'll see if she finds her way to Grandma's house.

Dilly bars all around, and a little nature too

Uncle DV found this baby snapping turtle at the park next to the river. Boy was he a big hit! And I mean the turtle, of course Uncle DV was a big hit too since he found him.

We've been doing so much lately, it's hard to believe we fit it all into one day. Today was a busy one. Not only did we see Great Aunt B and Great Grandma, we also played with friends at the park. When we had been to see Baby Orchid, Uncle T went and got dilly bars for everyone. My kids had never had dilly bars. He brought all chocolate, except a red for Auntie Orchid. When the children learned there were different flavors, they were interested in sampling them all some day. Thus, today, we decided they needed to be a part of our date with friends at the park.

First butterscotch dilly bar!

A bald eagle flew by. He was being chased by two crows. The crows made lots of noise. This was the best picture I got. I had to zoom as far as I could and then try to catch the bird on camera. It was difficult because the bird was moving so fast.

Great Grandma Marie

When we first arrived to visit Great Grandma today, I caught a glimpse of the grandmother I knew and remembered. The thing was, she remembered me! We walked in on a rather dull round of Bingo. She was happy to clear her card and walk with us back to her wing. She knew Uncle DV and was thrilled to see the children. I was surprised on what a great day she was having. The last few times we have been there, she does not know who we are. I was very excited to spend some time with her when she knew us. Something happened though, once we arrived to the room she eats lunch, she changed. She sat down in her usual chair and could not remember us anymore. She would ask ever 15 minutes who my parents were and where I lived. Each time, I repeated myself. Each time, she was shocked we lived in MI and made a comment about what a journey that is. She was still marveled by the kids and surprised to see how big they were. She couldn't get past telling us who sat where during meal time there. We went to her room as she suggested, but she seemed a little irritated with the kids moving her stuffed animals around. It gets to the point where I am not sure our visit is benefiting her in any way. She seemed to enjoy doing a puzzle with the boys. We left shortly after walking her back to her room. She is remarkably well for 91. Many who live there, do not walk. She does well on her feet. I miss her terribly and wish I could visit more. The relatives that do visit frequently are no longer recognized either. I will continue to send pictures of us and try to keep the connection going. She is the last of 17 children in her family. Her oldest sister lived to 102. She may still be with us for years to come. I will treasure each visit we have.

Three didn't want her picture taken today. Frowns all around on that girls face.

Monkey tails

Grandma had this great idea, she was determined to make monkey tails during our visit. This was met with enthusiasm boy Six and Three. Seven, does not like bananas. Poor Grandma had some issues with this project. In the end, Three ate half the banana and licked the chocolate off the entire thing. Six did pretty well and enjoyed his. Grandma did not forget Seven, he received a graham cracker with the chocolate spread on the inside of two pieces. Uncle DV did not join in as he had some reason why frozen bananas and chocolate should not exist together.

OPERATION: LOOSE TOOTH

BIG EYES for Six!

Dear Seven, oh dear Seven. His front tooth is STILL hanging there. We've been feeding the boy corn on the cob every day and it still has not come out. I pulled on it tonight, I mean really pulled. I hope we can work on it tomorrow. Delphinium's son informed Seven the MN Tooth Fairy pays $6.00 for a tooth. You'd think that was motivation to pull it out! We've even been praying for him to lose it. So far, no luck, it is still with him.

Great Aunt B

Today we went to the great town of Greenbush. We had a wonderful meal with Great Aunt B. She is as wonderful as can be. The kids were great and ate all she put in front of them. She makes the best meatballs and corn. In typical Six fashion, he had issues with the size of the meatballs. This time, he gave her his stamp of approval. She had potatoes, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, beats, onions, and homemade pickles, all from her garden. It was delicious. A meal at her house is always enjoyed. For dessert, she had an apple pie filled with apples from her sisters tree. It was quite the spread. In the past my kids have been thrilled with how the table is set when we arrive. She pulls out all the stops.

Uncle DV came with us. He was terrific. He took the kids to the playground while I helped clean up the kitchen. There was a bowl of ice cream waiting for them when they got back. Another great day in MN.

Movie night with Uncle DV

We are making some great memories this summer. Tonight, they are enjoying Garfield with Uncle DV. I am thankful for all the time they get to spend with him. He has made our visit easier in many ways. I hope they look back on this summer with happy thoughts.

Three belongs in the garden

During this trip, one thing I discovered is how much Three loves the garden. She is out there, just like it's her home. She tries any and all vegetables. She is eager to pick everything that is ready. Kitchen prep is also a favorite time for her. Grandma has her washing and cutting vegetables. The privilege of using a small knife makes her feel so big and important. It is amazing the amount of preparation that needs to be done to get a meal on the table. Training her early I guess, we will see how long she is interested. N loves to garden, too. I look forward to the day we can plant our own garden. I love how all we need from the store is the meat and we find the rest of our meal right outside our door. Three has discovered she loves fresh green peppers. She doesn't care for them cooked, but loves to eat them raw. She was thrilled with green beans too. Today we try our corn from the garden. We are also enjoying some from ND. Three came in with cabbage for me, green peppers, beans, potatoes, onion, cucumbers, and tomatoes. What a meal this will be. Grilled pork chops will make it complete. The only thing I feel is missing is the spinach. I hadn't realized how much I am used to eating spinach. We bought it once, but left the rest at Orchids. Hope everyone else has a great meal today! What a blessing to be with your family this Sunday afternoon.

Great Grandma

We spent some time with Great Grandma on our visit to North Dakota. I do not get to see her enough. She has been a role model and inspiration for me throughout the years. She came to stay with us when Seven was born. I am so thankful to have those memories and shared that time with her. She passed down wonderful recipes for great baked goods. I think of her often when I am baking. I try to call and write as much as I can, but recently I feel to have failed. With internet, its easier to communicate with everyone else, but sometimes those who are not online get left out. I used to be great at mailing cards and pictures. Hopefully that is something I can improve on in the months ahead.

We spent some time with Great Grandma on our visit to North Dakota. I do not get to see her enough. Sometimes the 2 + hour drive holds us back when we journey to MN. It's hard to put the kids back in the car after driving for days. We visited with her and swam at the local pool. The kids found frogs and toads in the yard. Someone in her apartment complex left a bowl of tootsie rolls out in the common area. I am afraid they need to replenish the bowl after our family went through. My cousins came to Great Grandmas for lasagna dinner. Oh, I almost forgot, Morning Glory met us there as well. It was so great to see her. She lives in the area and came to town to meet us at the pool. I didn't even get a picture of her and I. So disappointing. I hope to talk her into coming to MN to see us before we leave. I miss the days we spent together. We have so much in common and have made some great memories together. It's times like this when I realize how much I miss out on by being so far away. I like to think I'd see these people more frequently if I lived in the area. I did see Morning Glory a few times when we lived in MN. Time will tell. We are at our one week mark until we go back to MI. I hope to fit in as many visits as I can. My week is filling up! Should be a good one.

Farm Life is the Life for Who?

This is my cousin. He took the boys for a ride on the green gator. He recently graduated from HS and is moving to college this weekend. It was great to see him before he went away.

We explored North Dakota this week. The kids enjoyed rides on a green gator and loved climbing in and out of tractors. Had we more time, be would have probably got to see some cows and rabbits too. Our trip was only one day, we did not get to fit it all in.

Six and Three checking out soybeans.

My aunt is building a new house on a farm. It was fun to see the house in progress. Next trip out there, I am sure the house will be complete. It's been about three years since I was in Carrington. My uncle built a new house too. His house is on the land my grandparents used to live on. I enjoyed the tour given to me by my cousins. They have grown so much. These are the kids I used to baby sit when they were little. I have such great memories of going out to their house and staying with them during the summer. We had many adventures together. I am not sure how much they remember. We discussed some and it was a great time.

Seven

Three and Grandma are washing the car. I go out to find Seven. Grandma tells me Seven is reading the van. Grandma commented to him that for someone who has spent so much time in the car lately, why does he want to sit in there are read now. Sevens simple reply "I don't have to wear my seat belt now." What a guy.

The knowledge of Six

I am amazed at Six and his ideas. Tonight at Grandma's, he requested a new blanket. After turning down two, I chose one I hated to give up off of my bed. He took one look at it, felt it and said "it feels like jeans." Ok, maybe it seems a little on the stiff side. I had many compliments on this blanket when I first made it. He usually is drawn to the blankets I have made. He has no knowledge of me making these blankets, they just turn out to be the ones he will choose. I was shot down tonight. He did agree to another blanket, the funny thing is that it was made by Grandma. He can pick them out. They are all twin size blankets made with twin flat sheets. The one he chose was from my bed in college. What a boy.

Rose and her garden

We had pizza tonight with Rose. Her flower beds look great. She had some neat plants in them, some I have never seen. The kids played in the yard. We ate outside and tried to avoid the bees. Six had some issues, but we worked it out. His behavior has been questionable. His birthday might make it worse. It's hard to be firm and take away things when its his birthday. He was rude about his gift because we already had it. He did not understand the concept of going to exchange a gift. After the entire thing, I think he has a better understanding. We went to the store and got different cars. Great. We now have many of the new cars from the movie. We are all thrilled, some more than others. They are getting creative with the Lego's and cars.

We ventured off to a park to play t-ball. It was fun. Six is pretty competitive as is Rose's son, Little J. Little A is as cute as can be. She won't be two until the winter. Three loved following her around. Little A is all about shoes. She stole Three and Sevens shoes when they took them off to climb up the slide. Three helped her pick out her shoes to wear outside. She is so sweet. It was great to spend time with them. Rose and I went out to China King on Tuesday night. That was a real treat. We were the last ones in the place. I love China King. N and I tried to go there when he was here, but it was closed. The family was on vacation. The reopened early and I made it at least once before I leave. It seems to be a tradition with my friends to try to get to China King when we are home.

Tomorrow we head out to the open fields of North Dakota. We will get to see as many friends and relatives as we can. Great Grandma will be waiting for us. If it's not too wet, there may be combine rides! Tractors too! The outdoor pool is open and we are excited to check it out. We have been there once before, but the boys were only 3 and 4 years old. It's been awhile for all of us. In the past, we've met Great Grandma here or in GF. Mum wants to leave early in the morning. My group is still awake and its after 9pm. I hope we can make it in her time frame.

Five is now Six!

Happy Birthday to Six! So proud to call him Six.

He has grown so much in the last year.

He picked out Spiderman cupcakes for on his birthday.

It's my job to come up with a great cake creation for the festivities in Michigan.

We even found orange candles on sale to top off this event!

We spent the day at the water park. It was great, but exhausting.

Everyone was tired when we got home. Six went non stop!

He loved the BIG Yellow Slide! I only caught video and a photo of him at the bottom of the slide.

Uncle DV and Grandpa were real troopers about following the kids.

When someone wanted to go to the lazy river, they were up to the job.

Uncle DV took them on slide after slide. We played pretend pirates on the river.

The boys always tried to take over our ship. Everyone giggled.

Grandpa got us pizza, fuel to keep us going.

I managed to get some video clips of them finishing the water slides and also getting a very Large bucket of water dumped on top of them. These will come in handy and be great when we are back in MI. They love to see themselves on the computer. We were there from 10:25 am to well after 6pm. Intense and great, all at the same time.

They were asleep almost as soon as their heads hit their pillows. What a day!

Legoland

During our visit to the Mpls area, we made it to the Mall of America. Throughout the past few weeks, Three and Five have been misbehaving. Sometimes, I feel like I have no idea who they are. Seven does everything I ask. He doesn't complain much and is such a good kid. Three and Five had pushed me to my limit.

As a reward for such good behavior, Seven, Uncle DV and I went to the MOA. This is a very big deal to my children. Seven realized how lucky he was. Sometimes, this is a weak spot for me. I always try to make things even, regardless what we are doing. I have a hard time seperating the children. Seven did deserve this reward. I almost caved at the last minute and let Five come with, but I didn't. I am so glad that I didn't cave. It would have taken away some of the pride I saw in Seven that day.

Northrup

Northrup is the name of a school that used to be across from Daffodil's house. While we never attended elementary school there, we did skate in the out door rink and play on the playground throughout our childhood years. Eventually, the school was torn down and half of the land was sold. A large apartment complex was built on one side. The other, the city still owns. Daffodil's mom worked with the Kiwanas. They put in new playground equipment. Like most MN parks, it is a great place to take the kids for a few hours. Today, we met Daffodil's mom there for a little picnic. She brought rhubarb muffins and cookies. We brought her some of my homemade cards. She and Five are birthday buddies. We have met at the park in the years before, also at the library during the winter months. We try to see her during each of our visits. This visit, we will get to meet twice! She always comes with things for my kids that will keep them busy at home and during the drive back to MI. I hope my kids remember these visits. I treasure them with each person we seek to meet up with while in MN. They are all special and we discuss them throughout the year. It is great they have these memories and can make a connection when we talk about the individuals later when we are home.

Seven, a pro at mastering all playground equipment.

Three, as sweet as can be. Had to be lifted on to the giant rock. She sat there like a little lady, most of the time. The weather cooperated and it was another beautiful day in MN.

Back Yard Fun

We finally were able to locate a pool to set up. The kids were thrilled. The weather was perfect. The pool temperature was rather cold, but that did not stop my children. They could belong to a polar bear club. It was great fun to watch them enjoy themselves so much. A great memory they have of Uncle DV was last year when he returned from the store and tossed the watermelon into the pool. The kids thought that was the craziest thing they had ever seen. This year, they wanted a watermelon in the pool.

Uncle DV supplied us with some entertainment.

We all enjoyed some great grilled food and an afternoon outside. It was a fantastic day.

Daffodil

This was our first visit to Daffodil's house. She has been my friend since we were in nursery school. We brought McDonalds breakfast over to her house Sat am before we left the Mpls area. We were excited to see Stella again. So excited that we didn't get one picture of her. I snapped this picture of Daffodil and the boys on her front porch.

Five has recently shown an interest in the piano. His Godmother would be the perfect teacher.

Daffodil and I have had many adventures together. My Mum used to watch her and her little brother during summer vacation. We would venture off to parks for fun. We were the older sisters, that left us to guide the younger siblings. It was great to have a friend over every day during summer vacation. We started out walking home from school together. Eventually we were able to ride bikes. When we were really old enough, we led the group to the pool. This was a big deal, the pool was on the other side of town. We had to cross many busy roads, railroad tracks and the river. Last spring we were able to visit with her little brother, KO. He and DV would play together all summer. KO shared remembering trying to make mountain dew Popsicles. I have no memory of this, but apparently Daffodil and I were the leaders in that project as well as many others. With more traumatic experiences, Daffodil and I were almost abducted once. We were playing dress up. We were standing in front of my neighbors yard. We were next to the street, poking sticks in ant hills and a burgundy car pulls up to us. We stepped back. I remember thinking the car was pulling into the neighbors driveway. It was an old man. He never opened a door or window, he just patted his hand on the seat and motioned for us to get in. We took off and ran to my house. I remember us laughing in the back yard of my neighbor. We then told my mom what happened. The police were called and Daffodil and I took a ride with a police officer. We drove around town looking for the car. That was all that ever came of that experience. I don't think the car was seen in town right after that. We were too young to know about license plates or trying to remember one. It is an experience that stands out in my mind. I hadn't thought of it for a very long time. Last year I took a course at our church about abductors and abusers. This experience came to mind during the discussions of how abductors think, etc. We were lucky to be old enough to realize what was happening and get away from the situation immediately. I am not sure how she remembers it, but that is what I can recall. We were friends throughout elementary school, then on to middle school. We fell into the same group and ate lunch together throughout high school. While we did drift apart throughout some of those later years, we always remained good friends. We both ventured of to Europe during college. This was something others did not do, bonding us with that experience. She has always been there to lend an ear for me. She took me out on my 21st birthday. She stood by me when I married N. She even came to see us in TX after we were first married. She is one in a million, a friend I will never forget or want to be without. I am proud to know her and thankful we try to see each other every opportunity we have.

Forever Friends

These are the children of all the friends who came to the spray park to see us.

It was very special to spend the day with them. Made me remember how much I miss that area. Life was good in MN. It is hard to believe 3 years have past. The kids have grown. Some of these you see were in an ECFE class together before they were one year old. They learned to walk together and were each others first interaction with friends. I met many of these moms through the MN ECFE program. Bonding with other moms who are experiencing the same thing you are is special. It helps to discuss the things going on and share thoughts/ideas with your fellow moms. I would not survive without this. Each place I have lived has brought me in touch with many people. It's always great to come back and see how things have changed. To this day, I still wait for the return trip to TX. The MN gang was fabulous and growing. There were two sweet baby girls there also. My kids had fun and brought up different memories they had from our life there. Mostly, they were able to remember who was who by remembering what toys they owned or had in common with us. It was a wonderful day.

friendly flowers

Still working on flowers for friends. Suggestions welcome.

Adventures in Minneapolis Day One

We left Wednesday after work, a caravan of two. Grandma's van with Three, Five, Seven, Uncle DV, G, and myself. N followed in our car, filled to the max. 10 years later, I bring my wedding dress home.

We arrived on time and were able to meet my UND friend Vinca. Vinca and I have quite the history, leading similar lives. We both left the ND/MN area for awhile. We were married on the same day, but hers was a year later. She has two boys and a girl, all just a little younger than mine. We also experienced other similarities in 2009. The connection was altered with the birth of her fourth baby, a girl. I say altered because this sweet girl was born just after my niece. They too have a connection and the world just keeps spinning.

Daffodil met us to see Baby Orchid. It was great to see her. Stories were shared and ideas exchanged. A Moe cousin from my mom's side, Lantana, came to see us and the baby. Memories were exchanged from when I was little. She also brought a book for me to read, very exciting.

It was a great first night. My kids were out as soon as their heads hit their pillows.

Back at Grandma's

We made it back after a fine weekend with Baby Orchid. Will blog tomorrow with pictures.

To meet the new niece

We are waiting for G to get home from work and then we are off to meet the new niece. The kids are very excited. We haven't been in the MPLS area since December of 2010, and that was just a stop at Orchids and drive north the next day.

I am still trying to work out meeting up with everyone. So far, its not working out for all. We do the best we can. Perhaps I will catch them the next time around. I am a little worried about the younger two and their behavior at Orchids house. They both have been throwing tantrums lately. Last spring, it seemed things were getting easier. Three was driving me a little crazy because of all the time we spent together. When all three were together, things flowed well. Sure there were a few spats here and there, but overall, really good, big kids. Guess we just need to get back into the school routine. They do very well when we have a routine. The carefree days of summer are too flexible.

So, off we go on yet another adventure. Excited to get some great pictures and make some wonderful memories.

Adventures with Delphinium and Family

This is their new chicken coop. Three wasn't sure what to think of the chickens,

but she liked the house.

Neighborhood kids and the new seesaw.

Five had some issues, not sure what.

Delphinium and her chickens.

We met when our youngest kids were babies. Our mothers have worked together for many years. We always heard about each other, but it took three kids later to meet. Our kids are all the same age, some just within days. Her group would refer to my group as their "cousins." Too fun and sweet. They enjoy playing together and have a great time. This was the first time we met their chickens. They were hilarious. They all have fun names and personality. Three hid behind me when they turned her direction.

It was a great afternoon, hope we can repeat it again before we leave MN.

Monday at Hugo's

N took the kids fishing. I washed the kitchen floor and walked up to meet them. It was close to lunch time. I knew it was only a matter of time before they got ugly from hunger. We walked to Hugo's for a drink and snack. Everyone was thrilled with their own root beer and a corn dog. We ran into Great Uncle Hnry and Great Aunt Mge. They are always fun to visit with. We saw them yesterday at church, too. Shocked to see we were still in town , I shared with them that we are hanging around for awhile. He said "the town will never be the same." : )

We walked down to the library and spent the afternoon there, reading books and playing on the computer. Upon our return home, Uncle DV said he'd watch the troops while N and I had a lunch date. I love the local Chinese restaurant, but it was closed. We went to the new Mexican restaurant instead. I had promised Uncle DV I'd bring him a dish from the China King. I called to see if he wanted something since we weren't eating Chinese, but he declined. Instead, we brought home stuff for blizzards. Uncle DV was thrilled. Three asked what "thrilled" meant. She's such a little word girl.

Rain in the future tonight. Might have to get creative with indoor activities.

Sunday picnic at the park

We had many picnics at the park throughout my childhood. Hartz Park is one of my favorite parks. We picked up a bucket of chicken and headed to the park after church for a picnic. The kids had a great time. It was hot, but not too hot. N put a line in and tried to catch a fish. We ventured across the bridge and played on the playground. Everyone had fun and it was a great way to spend our Sunday afternoon.

Reading with Grandma

My kids love so many things about coming to Grandma's house. Reading stories with her is one of their favorite things. They've read a few Disney stories this week. In the past, they read many nursery rhymes. When Seven was little, we left heart notes around G's house on Valentines day with little messages. Seven wanted me to write "Put a plum on your thumb." His way of connecting to the nursery rhyme and Grandma.