tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63895394112853264072024-03-28T00:57:20.120-05:00Thomberg TimesThe online scrap book and mussings of a farm girl whose adult physical address is the Twin Cities metro area. Updates and reflections on my life, my family, my friends, my twins, and my husband (in no particular order).Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.comBlogger747125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-83626005593498226532014-11-04T10:51:00.002-06:002014-11-05T10:39:17.002-06:00Happy Halloween 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So you all know I am kind of disorganized - Right? </div>
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You know - I basically fly by the seat of my pants. </div>
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It gets done, but barely. </div>
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<i>(Um, Yah... That is me)</i></div>
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So - Of course the day before Halloween, on a break from work Thursday, I was scrambling to get to the Party Place, Michael's Craft, Target, Savers and Good Will for the supplies needed for the empending holiday, not 24 hours away. </div>
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<i>(By the way, I volunteered to provide the craft and help at Dean's school Fall Party.)</i></div>
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That evening, after eating the fried chicken dinner I grabbed at Festival and finishing up homework, we finally carved our pumpkins!</div>
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Did I mention I offered to host a neighborhood gathering at our home after trick-or-treating???<br />
<ul>
<li>But we hadn't been to Costco yet,</li>
<li>And we hadn't swept our dirty garage, which would be used for the party,</li>
<li>And the house was a mess,</li>
<li>And we needed to get tables out!</li>
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Oh, and I had hoped to take a full day of PTO on Friday, but the moment you plan for such is the day a meeting cannot be avoided!<br />
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Some how, some way, I arrived at school on time for the Fall Party, with craft in hand. I even managed to change into my leopard/kitty costume in the car on the drive over. <br />
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<i>(Don't worry, I asked Dean's permission before his helper mom showed up dressed as a kitty cat)</i><br />
<i>(Yes, I had to drive with out my seat belt to do this)</i><br />
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Some how, some way, the neighborhood Halloween gathering Friday night went off with out a hitch!<br />
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<i>(or at least I THINK it did. I started "sipping" red wine while the kids were trick or treating with the neighbors as Mark and I SCURRIED to set up the party)</i> <br />
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With neighborhood assistance, there was hot apple cider, orange punch, bobbing for apples, chicken wings, chili cheese dip and snacks, and a fire pit with hay bales.<br />
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<i>(There are no photos because my hands were full holding the plastic wine cup)</i><br />
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Any then there was this smiling Gopher's Cheerleader - Miss Marly!</div>
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She had to remind us last year she was too sick to trick or treat. How could we forget our fear last fall before she was diagnosed and recovered from HSP!<br />
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***Costume Credit/What we wore***<br />
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Marly requested to be a Gopher's Cheerleader. Mark googled and found a Nike minature uniform on line for $45. NO WAY JOSE! I totally lucked out. I found the exact same uniform on E-bay for $12.95 including shipping. I ordered pom poms from Amazon and her shoes are from Wal-Mart.<br />
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Dean is a mummy. His costume is made of grey long johns from Walmart and a white sheet ripped into strips. To make the costume, I used fabric glue to attach the strips while Dean wore the long johns. BEWARE - when the glue dried, I had LITERALLY mummified Dean!!! He couldn't get the costume off or on. We did some ripping, cutting and stitching and were back in business. He wore black knock off Chuck Taylor's from Walmart on his feet, and I made him a headpiece with a handkerchief and sheet strips attached.<br />
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I was a leopard/cat and wore a leopard print dress with wide bell sleeves from Target via Good Will and a half price tag sale. I put on leggings with brown boots a black kitty ear headband. There are no photos.<br />
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Mark did not wear a costume. We ran out of time, because I am disorganzied and fly by the seat of my pants!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-9509999289348176382014-11-03T12:07:00.001-06:002014-11-05T10:39:25.114-06:00Apple Orchard 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another October means another apple orchard visit in the books.</div>
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This year was Pine Haven, outside of White Bear Lake<br />
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Kelly, Pat and Declan joined us.<br />
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We took plenty of photos.<br />
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This was Pat's first trip to the apple orchard. I explained you don't actually PICK APPLES at the Apple Orchard, it is more of a "photo op" thing, where you pay to ride in a wagon, get lost in the corn, and maybe put your kid on a pony, depending on age.<br />
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Ah ha!<br />
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Look at these two handsome fellas!!!!<br />
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See how cute this photo is!<br />
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Dean REALLY, REALLY wanted to take a pumpkin home. Mom is too cheap to pay by the pound!<br />
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Wagon ride "us-ie"!<br />
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Another year in the books.</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-37565636671768197192014-10-31T11:14:00.000-05:002014-11-05T10:39:32.952-06:00A Day on the Farm - 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We made our annual MEA treck home to the farm again this fall. Our day began just like last year. Auntie Jan delivered dinner (roast beef, corn, mashed pototoes and gravy) to the field. Her list to feed included 12 men (or was it 15??)</div>
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We rode in the beet lifter with Michael.<br />
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Then hitched a ride to the beet dump outside Buffalo Lake with Richie. When I was little I LOVED riding to the dump with our hired man, Scott Markraff. Back then, it was a truck and not a semi.</div>
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We stopped at the home farm so the kids could play with Sutton, Saxton and Sawyer, while I sat in the kitchen and gabbed with Shylah. It was perfect. I felt so at home. We also got to load the trunk with gourds.</div>
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Matt gave Dean a combine ride. Marly prefered to drive the mini van around the harvested field. I think it was the highlight of her day. Seriously, the girl doesn't exactly get excited about a combine ride. What is wrong with her???<br />
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We also stopped in the farm house I grew up in until 8th grade. It has been abandoned for a long time, and will be razed to the ground to fully farm the 80 - But this psychedelic carpet remains in the entry way. My mom had an orange and brown love seat that matched. I eventually took it to college. YIKES!<br />
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Dean is phoning a friend from the laundry room. I wish that odd colored minty green phone was still in the bathroom with the minty green tub, toilet and sink! Alas, those things were gone.<br />
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For all times, this was our phone number. Naturally, I still know my best friends phone number too.<br />
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Too bad I cannot recall Mark's number readily, since I never actually dial it.<br />
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The next day, I found this sugar beet in a zip lock bag, in the pantry, in the snack bin. Oh Dean!!!! You are a funny boy!!!<br />
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It was another blessed trip home.<br />
<span id="goog_946715275"></span><span id="goog_946715276"></span><br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-43712775768502760002014-10-27T11:43:00.004-05:002014-11-04T15:38:41.208-06:00Fall Weekend FUN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A Friday night sleep over with Marly and Dean's dear little friends - Izzi and Alex. </div>
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Dance Party required!</div>
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Dean LOVED playing flag football with the CDAA on Saturday mornings, and spend EVERY OTHER FREE MINUTE obscessively watching college football and cheering on the Gophers with Papa.</div>
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Around town at our beautiful lakes in Minneapolis on a Sunday afternoon, with ice cream from Sabastian Joe's in Uptown.</div>
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Fishing at Lake Calhoun and burgers after at 5 Guys on Hennipen.<br />
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Before we play, there are leaves to rake.<br />
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... and jump in.<br />
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...and enjoy before Dad quickly moves in and quickly cleans up his perfect lawn.<br />
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Ahhh - Those glorious fall sun shine filled weekends ....<br />
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And no shortage of places to play.<br />
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Including the Twin Cities Corn Maze!<br />
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Happy Fall Ya' All!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-46315295147151410062014-10-21T11:30:00.000-05:002014-11-05T10:39:49.787-06:00Ren Fest 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were back at the Renessaince Festival this year. Dad and Chris have taken us a bunch of times, and this year Brett, Rachel and the boys joined us too.</div>
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We waited FOREVER to park. Once inside, it was packed with all the people who parked before us. It was hot too....</div>
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Dean rode the elephant with Papa. Marly refused, and Charlie was scared.<br />
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Fruit smoothly, root beer floats and fruit ice were the perfect treat for the fall heat.<br />
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Peter's favorite part of the day.<br />
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And a giant pickle before we hit the dusty trail.<br />
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Big enough for everyone to pass around!<br />
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I will be honest with you -- The Ren Fest just isn't my cup of tea. I am not sure if it will make it into our fall activities next year. Maybe Dad can just take Dean. Dean enjoys it. Dean enjoys anything and everything with Papa.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-52265244065570930782014-09-30T14:36:00.001-05:002014-09-30T14:43:53.422-05:00The First Day of Second GradeOur school open house occurs the week before school starts. The night BEFORE the open house, the class list comes out ON-LINE. Several weeks before the classroom list is released, the school distric sends a snail mail letter with the log in code to your home. <em>(Just yesterday I found the letter and codes in a pile on my desk at work)</em><br />
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You see where I am going with this... RIGHT????.<br />
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Of course I couldn't find the log in info that evening. OF COURSE, Marly's little bestie's mom texted to compare teachers. Of course I did NOT have the answer.<br />
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BUT - SHhhh... Don't tell...<br />
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I called the school at 8 am the next morning and begged the administrative assistant to tell the Twinner's teachers. They are NOT suppose to do that, but I convinced her when I told her the Help/Support office wasn't answering.<em> (and I think she recognized my voice as a friendly volunteer mom too!)</em><br />
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BELIEVE IT ON NOT - For the second year, Marly was placed with her two besties since kindergarten, leaving the Three Musketeers in tact.<br />
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Dean has too many friends. Who ever he gets, he has friends with him too!<br />
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The kids headed off to school the Tuesday after Labor Day with smiles on their faces and excitement in their steps. Dean's teacher is names Mrs. Ellena and Marly is with Mrs. Dau.<br />
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Here they are with Oliver! I notice the mum's are already in place. I wonder if Mark knew they would show in the first day of school photos??? He is cool like that!<br />
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We always need a silly face photo!<br />
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Dang... I have a bit of a boufant going on above! YIKES!</div>
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Lily the neighbor. We shuttle her to the bus stop with us in the morning, and her mom shuttles them home.<br />
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At the bus stop!<br />
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Everyone had a good first day!<br />
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What they wore:<br />
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Dean is sporting kahki shorts, a plaid shirt from Marshall's, and his personalize "D" "Dean"<br />
t-shirt<br />
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Marlyh is where all Gap Kids.<br />
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Both continue to use their Land's End backpacks.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-69561043121596021182014-09-04T15:07:00.000-05:002014-09-30T14:30:00.372-05:00The REST of Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The kids had a GREAT August. We opted out of A+ childcare at school for the last month. We winged it, and it worked.<br />
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The kids spent time at home on Mondays like normal. They spent time with Auntie Kelly and Declan, and had an overnight or two there. They spent time with my Dad and went swimming at the Condo on a bunch of Fridays. And, the Twinners spent a grand amount of true quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Thompson too. They went on adventures around the area, spent time at the beach in Forest Lake and elsewhere. They got fishing rods and Dean LOVED every MINUTE of fishing. They played bad mitten in our backyard. Grandpa threw a football to Dean, and so much more. I hope their time together was priceless for both parties.<br />
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The kids also went to a Twin's game with Mark.<br />
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We babysat Charlie and Peter for an overnight</div>
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Dad took Dean and Mark to the first Gopher football game of the season. Dean goes to EVERY football game he can with Papa. He is dedicated and true fan.<br />
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Of course we went broke at the State Fair.</div>
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Mark and I went to Toby Keith the first night of the Fair with Jess and her boyfriend Bill, and caught up with the Hentges too. Those outdoor concerts are so much fun!</div>
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As usual, we took a Friday off work, headed to the park and ride, hit the Fair as a family, and met my Dad. Marly was getting cranky by time we took this photo. Dean could hang out at the Fair until sundown if given the chance. (Dean has on Gopher ears from the U of M building in this photo). Shortly after this, it started to pour. We booked it across the fair, sloshed through the parking lot, and caught the bus back to our car. We didn't even get to go down the Giant Slide.</div>
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As the free days of summer drew to a close, Dean started flag football practice! He is having a grand time.</div>
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And to wrap up August and the carefree days, we had the H-we's, Jess & Bill, and Sam for a Labor Day barbecue. We also spent time basking in the sun on the beach and in the water at Brett and Rachel's.... </div>
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... and then it's BACK TO SCHOOL!</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-51386833880268726142014-08-22T15:53:00.000-05:002014-08-22T15:53:12.390-05:00Peace Lutheran Bible School 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My kids attended Bible School at our church for the first time this year. Last year, I couldn't seem to make it work efficiently with childcare. This year wasn't so "efficient" in getting the kids picked up, but it was worth it.</div>
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I LOVED Bible School at our tiny church in the middle of the country. My mom played a big role in Bible School. I think she coordinated the crafts, the lunch, and the music. She use to bring our stereo and speakers to church for the week of Bible School each summer. She played the music from the stereo, and new the counter for each song so she could rewind and F fwd for us to sing and practice.<br />
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I remember taking trips to Willmar to get crafts. I remember my making the Kool-Aid for lunch. My mom INSISTED on making the Kool-Aid. A sugar beet farmers wife will NOT let watered down Kool-Aid be served to church going children!<br />
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I remember playing on the grassy lawn each day - To Late for Supper and Duck Duck Grey Duck. I remember riding the church bell rope up and down to call the kids back in after break.<br />
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I remember my cousin coming some years, even though they went to another church.<br />
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I remember the Bible School Sunday Program, when it was hosted outside, and the men dame and set up benches. I remember when the worship moved inside and my mom would put huge bouquets of pink peonies on the alter. I remember the big pot luck picnic following the service, which my mom brought fried chicken and that rice bake to. I remember the games for kids, and TOO MUCH CANDY.<br />
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I cherish my memories. I wanted my kids to have those memories too. And by weeks-end, Peace Lutheran VBS had given my kids something "remember" too.<br />
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We will again be back next year!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-57352121404264050372014-08-04T15:55:00.000-05:002014-08-13T15:57:48.360-05:00CDAA Soccer 2014Last summer Marly played soccer. This summer Dean was in on the action!<br />
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Marly and Dean were placed on the same team with the Champlin Dayton Athletic Association, making life very easy and convenient for Mark and me!<br />
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Marly with her Bestie - Izzi. The other mustateer (Alex) doesn't like HOT SOCCER! (Marly and Izzi always request to be placed together).<br />
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The kids played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Although they don't keep score at this age, Dean DOES! <i>(oh... and you MIGHT catch him doing the "sprinkler" move if he should happen to score!)</i><br />
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Declan and Kelly were spectators one July evening.<br />
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The season wrapped up with a "jamboree" the first Saturday in August, and those ANNOYING trophies for all.<br />
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<i>Disclaimor - I told me kids they did NOT earn a trophy for skill, score, wins, or sportsmanship. I told them they receive a trophy solely because mom's and dad's PAY for trophies!!!! I told them I believed they were meaningless pieces of plastic!**</i><br />
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<i>**(there you have my two cents!!!!!!!!!!)</i><br />
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-80671104312446071712014-08-01T15:57:00.000-05:002014-08-15T15:09:02.433-05:00Ya Ya 2014I am pleased as punch Gretch and my Ya-Ya week has truly become a REAL tradition. This year we were VERY sloooow to pinpoint a time or secure a place. Still - it became a priortity to get away for 4 nights at the end of July <i>(just days after the Thomberg's returned from our family vacation).</i><br />
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Yes the "Ya-Ya" title is based on the book "The Devine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood". In the book, the four inseparable women regularly took their kids off to the lake for time away each summer, while the husband's stayed back and worked. In the book, the kids swam and played during those steamy, hot, simple days by the water. In the book, the mom's drank (a LOT)... but of course this is fiction, right?<br />
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One rule G and I have for our Ya-Ya time is low cost/no cost lodging. The first year was State Park tent camping. Last year G was able to cash in her in-laws time share points at Breezy Point. This year we stayed at the lake place of my childhood neighbors, whose kids I baby-sat for. <i>(You follow that???</i>) THANK YOU to Linda and Mike B for letting us use your lodging on Lake Osakis.<br />
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The kids built forts, played hide-and -go seek, traipsed along the shore line, and ran wild across the adjoining lake lots. Gretchen cooked all of our meals. I built fires late in the afternoon. We played Bag-o <i>(and had a cocktail)</i>, and there were s'mores at dark.<br />
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I love our Ya-Ya time together. Us two just fit. <i>(...and I promise she likes doing all the cooking!)</i><br />
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The kids swam every day and jumped off the neighbor's dock over and over. Marly became notorious for little dips here and there - morning, afternoon and evening. We went to a nearby public beach on Saturday. Sunday we Geo-cashed at Lake Carlos State Park and had a picnic. The kids asked to go to the playground in town one morning, so we did.<br />
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Basically, there is NO agenda and NO schedule. Imagination is helpful. The "freinds" played, <i>and fought!!! </i>The moms do NOT fight, but either of us may yell at the "friends" from time to time each day. <i>(Which may drive us to mix a cocktail....)</i><br />
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Oh - and it is my tradition to make "Kiddie Cocktails" every night at 5 pm for the "friends". Kiddie Cocktails require some sort of carbonated beverage, some sort of fruit juice, and some sort of garnish. Sprite, Cranberry juice, and a maraschino cherry OR Mountain Dew <i>(Yes... in a pinch)</i> and OJ and a wedge of lime OR some concoction with lemonade and a gummy worm on the last night. The kids REQUEST their cocktails, yet rarely finish their beverage on ice. But it is FUN!<br />
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The only paid activity this year was the Runestone Museum and Fort Alexandria in town. Twenty bucks for our "family".<br />
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Above is Miss P acting the part of a studious prairie girl at the Fort. Unfortunately, there is no great group shot with the MOM's this year, since the men didn't join us at any point.<br />
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Our last night there (Monday) the girls put on a "Dance Production" on the dock. I pulled the car up on the grass, opened the windows, and blasted the radio. <i>(very high tech) </i>The "friends" lined up all the chairs in front, which were reserved for Gretchen, me, Lizzy the doll, and a few stuffed animals. Gretchen and I had tickets, and I'll be darned if the kids didn't ASK FOR A DONATION during the "intermission". <i>(Umm yeah.. I guess my kids get what mom does at work, and my belief in giving back!)</i><br />
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Of course you wonder why the dock was on dry land? You see, we have all been praying for Daniel B. <i>(the neighbor I babysat for as a child)</i>. He is grown <i>(of course)</i> and battling cancer. He had a stem cell transplant at the end of June, and is recovering. You can guess where Linda and Mike spend all of their free time, and it isn't at their new lake home.</div>
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Anyway - It was another GRAND Ya-Ya trip. I can't wait to see what next year will bring!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-27951287533502707072014-07-21T14:49:00.000-05:002014-08-14T10:27:49.609-05:00Summer Vacation 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dad and Chris took us back UP NORTH for our summer family vacation. The Lutsen area will ALWAYS be a tried and true family favorite, from which we will never tire. With Peter being barely a year, Brett and Rachel and the boys opted out, but we hope to all gather together somewhere next summer.</div>
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In the mean time.... The Thomberg four-some headed north and kicked off vacation with an over-night in Duluth. We stayed in the Sheraton down-town and spent time in Canal Park. We rode the Suri bikes along the Lake Walk, and had the pleasure of meeting up with the Walter crew at Grandma's the first night for supper. Carol, Loren and Jeff, Jared, wives and kids were vacationing in Duluth at the SAME TIME, which was soooo cool (So dang cool I don't have a SINGLE photo!)<br />
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We kicked off Sunday by heading up the block from our hotel to the Duluth Coffee Company on Superior Street. We walked out with a SUPURB latte (with perfect frothe), before cruising another two hours up the shore and checked in for a week at Bluefin Bay.<br />
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I highly recommend this resort as the perfect destination for families and multiple generations.<br />
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You can walk to the Coho for coffee or treat, there is an indoor and outdoor (YEAR ROUND) pool, a bar with acoustic music every other night for the adults, a good restaurant, bikes for check out any time (adjacent to a major trail system within easy distance to Temperance River State Park), nightly campfires, a great kids program, and of course - a place to play on the rocks. I think we may be back next year!<br />
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Wednesday we headed south on 61 to the Split Rock LightHouse to meet the Walter Crew. Once again, I cannot seem to locate any photos, but is was SO MUCH FUN. It was an AWESOME time to connect with cousin's I don't get to spend regular family time with.<br />
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We all ate lunch, then spent the afternoon hiking at Gooseberry. (Okay the kids and grandkids hiked, the older adults were driven down to the lake shore by Mark). All the grandkids played by the water, and of course one had to fall in (Marly this time...) It was THE - BEST - DAY and I need to locate some photos!<br />
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You can bet we went down the Alpine Slide on afternoon.<br />
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At age 7 you are instructed to ride solo. Dean was all for it. Marly opted to pretend to be 6.<br />
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Mark and I also kayaked on Lake Superior at the resort that same morning.</div>
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Saturday we headed in to Grand Marais and sailed abourd the Schooner Hjordis through the North HouseFolk School. Unfortunately is was cloudy, raining, cold and foggie!</div>
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Oh well, afterward we got lunch, a hot latte, donuts at the "World's Greatest Donuts", threw more rocks on the beach and it was yet another grand day!<br />
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There was also plenty of time for naps, relaxing, a cocktail in the late afternoon, a meal out at Lutsen Resort, Naruralist talks in the evening, a puzzle on the coffee table, walks and whatever else you did or didn't want to do.</div>
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and of course, we spent time being just plain silly. Below are Marly and Nana. They are pointing at one the crafty projects Nana brought with to entertain the kids.<br />
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A grand, wonderful, memorable time was had by all.</div>
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(Sunday is was time to get back and return home to Oliver the dog!)</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-27093134389101681142014-06-28T14:08:00.000-05:002014-07-09T14:10:20.581-05:00MARK!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
MARK!</div>
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With his Twinners on Father's Day in Wayzata, looking good in his Father's Day Ray Bans!</div>
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With his silly son Dean!</div>
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With his dog Oliver intensely work on our patio one morning this summer!<br />
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With his wife at Bruno Mars at Xcel Energy Center!</div>
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With a cardboard banjo playing hard a work one day!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-24711235344060623152014-06-15T14:33:00.000-05:002014-07-09T14:34:22.436-05:00Happy Father's Day Dad/Papa 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey Kids, Can we all please get a picture with Papa!</div>
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Charlie, Can you please stand up?</div>
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Charlie, Please will you stand for just a minute!</div>
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Charlie - Stop!</div>
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Charlie - Get in the PICTURE NOW!</div>
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Look how good Peter is Charlie!</div>
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Dean - Do you always have to be silly?</div>
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And... We give up!</div>
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But - Look at the smile on my Dad's face in every photo!</div>
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Happy Father's Day Grandpa David!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-4103246597909338802014-06-13T11:49:00.000-05:002014-07-09T14:16:14.601-05:00Last Day of First Grade!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The days leading up to the last day of first grade included:</div>
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Chaperoning both kids trip to the Coon Rapids Dam.<br />
Here is Marly with her BESTIES - Izzi and Alex!<br />
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Track and Field Day - I volunteered and sold lunch tickets to parents.<br />
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MN Zoo field trip.<br />
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And the LAST DAY of First Grade at CBPA with Mrs. Dahl for Marly and Mrs. Gotz for Dean.<br />
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The Twinner's year end gift to their teachers included a gift certificate to the liquor store. I kid you not!!! Teachers have a TOUGH JOB!<br />
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Of course our new puppy Oliver made the shot on their last morning!<br />
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What we wore - Marly is wearing a Matilda Jane skirt, and Dean is wearing a thrifted Hawaiian shirt and his "too cool for school" fedora from Children's Place!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-30010291501045665722014-06-06T11:56:00.000-05:002014-07-09T14:16:31.732-05:00Oliver the Dog!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet our new pet - Oliver the miniature schnauzer puppy!<br />
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Mark has talked about a puppy for a year or two now, and in last 6 months, the discussion has ramped up. Last Christmas, Mark began noting some darling Facebook photos of a friends new puppy on my Facebook Feed. Each time, Mark would comment something like,<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>"Hey - Did you see Kathyrn's puppy?"</i></li>
<li><i>"Isn't he soooo cute?"</i></li>
<li><i>"Can you find out where she got him?"</i></li>
<li><i>"I started following that breeder on Facebook for you where Kathryn got the dog."</i></li>
<li><i>"Did you see 'Marly's Schnauzers' has a new litter of puppies?"</i></li>
<li><i>"Maybe we should get one of those new puppies..."</i></li>
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Then one night this spring he said, <i>"Oh, by the way... I sent a down payment on that black and white puppy on Facebook..."</i><br />
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Fast forward 8 weeks.<br />
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Mark and I took a "date day" of PTO from work and headed to Lakeville with kennel in car to pick up the dog we had already named "Oliver". The kids had NO IDEA, although we had taken a family vote on a dog name, if we were to ever get a dog.<br />
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After school, I picked Dean up from the bus stop, and then cruised back to school to get Marly from her reading tutor, then headed home. The kids walked in the door, and 4 pound Oliver was sitting at the top of the steps. Mark had the video rolling on the I-phone.... and there was......<br />
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....NO REACTION.<br />
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Dean asked, <i>"What is that?"</i><br />
Then both kids circled the tiny puppy. <br />
Marly asked,<i> "Whose dog is this?"</i><br />
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It wasn't until we were eating supper on the patio (with Oliver on the floor near us), that Marly began to believe this was OUR DOG - Forever!!!<br />
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Dean offered to "re-enact" there arrival home from school, with more excitement and drama. Dad declined the offer. After supper Marly took Oliver around to many neighbor's, rang door-bells, and introduced her NEW PUPPY Oliver!<br />
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He is here to stay, and has made regular trips to the bus stop, been to the Champlin Parade, and meet all the neighborhood pouches!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-87435337339116648042014-06-03T11:39:00.000-05:002014-07-09T14:14:53.466-05:00Mother's Day 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This Mother's Day I choose to do something unusual for me! We spent the day as a the Thomberg Foursome. You know we normally have brunch or lunch with the other Mother's or women in our lives, and have hosted many times myself.</div>
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This year, I choose a day surrounded by the three individuals that make me a mom - Mark, Marly and Dean. We started off at church, where our family greeted and Mark and I served Communion.<br />
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The kids made this "bling" for me at Sunday School.<br />
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From there, we headed to Taylor's Falls for a picnic with cheese, salomi, olives and more from Byerly's. We hiked along the bluff. After I got a Latte from a coffee shop on Main Street and we headed across to the Wisconsin side heading south.<br />
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Back in town at Stillwater we got ice cream, hung out by the River, and meander home.<br />
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We continued our yearly burger tradition, but this time we went simply and picked it up at Sonic Burger.<br />
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It was a WONDERFUL and AMAZING day and I had a fantastic time!<br />
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...and I may have purchased these Maui Jim's off e-bay as a gift too!!!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-84425820492104065242014-05-11T20:54:00.001-05:002014-05-19T11:37:39.365-05:00Am I my Mother? Mother's Day reflectionsI spent years after my mom died having people tell me I looked just like her. I think on one or two occasions after she died, I may have startled one or two people I love, tricking them into thinking SHE was there, as if she always should be.<br />
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To this day, when I return home, I sometimes have older adults I don't know tell me they know me. Oh yes - You are Marlys's daughter!<i> (I am SURE my mom was always skinnier than I am now. I weigh too much and my face is much rounder then it should be.)</i><br />
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But - what I REALLY wonder is if I am JUST LIKE HER on the INSIDE. Is my heart hers? As time passes, we naturally tend to idolize those who leave us too soon. We remember ALL their best attributes. We remember the smiles. We remember the good. We remember the nice things they did. For me, this is most certainly true of my mom.<br />
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I remember her for much MORE then what she was to me, or Brett, or my Dad. I remember what she was to her parents, the women (and men) from our family, my cousins, her friends, our neighbors, the church, and to Brett's and my friends.<br />
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I remember her doing whatever needed to be done at our tiny country church. I remember her adding lots of sugar <i>(the sugar beet farmer's wife brought from home) </i>to the red Kool-Aid at Bible School. She spent time in the kitchen there every day, and soooo much more, from music to crafts and programming. She helped with Sunday School for years and years and years. I remember her mowing the lawn around the grave stones in the cemetery, and serving at every funeral.<br />
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I remember her caring for her mom and dad. I remember every Saturday in my younger years at my grandparents' house, doing the weekly cleaning, shopping, then setting grandma's hair. I remember adding most every Sunday for more than 12 years visiting my grandma at the nursing home when she needed much more care, then later my grandpa. She set grandma's hair at the Buffalo Lake Nursing Home too<i> (and other ladies as well, if the regular beautician went on vacation, or there was no beautican. My mom was known for her back-combing skills).</i><br />
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I remember haircuts and perms for any and all (men and women, young and old) in the middle of our kitchen, and on a moments notice if necessary <i>(after 10 pm when my cousin Matt was working late in the field planting the night before prom)</i>. I remember hair cuts in England for a few college friends when she came to visit me at the castle I lived in while studying abroad. I remember my mom working her stain-removing-laundry-magic in our castle laundry room for my friend Amy, who had accidentally washed her wardrobe with a tube of red lipstick. My mom kept at it<i> (during her English family vacation)</i> until everything was spotless. In fact, she came prepared with some Shackley products! This was EXACTLY what she wanted to be doing and how she found the most satisfaction.<br />
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I remember her dotting on all my brother's friends, and especially Steve after his little brother died from an ATV accident. I remember her visiting my sorority house and calmly trapping a bat my friend Holly discovered in her kitchen cupboard. She scooped it into a Tupperware and promptly tossed it into a snow bank with a smirk on her face. Then my mom and dad took us ALL out to eat, since Holly only had mac' n cheese in the cupboard.<br />
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I remember her sitting with her sister Toots several nights each week, at the bedside of my uncle Jon who died of cancer in hospice care. When another aunt was sore from cancer treatments, my mom came by to wash her hair and do some cleaning at her house. I remember she ALWAYS offered to be the "kitchen crew" for showers, graduations or open houses, including the neighbor kid's down the road. I remember how much my girl cousin's seemed to enjoy their aunt's company, even when they were teen-agers.<br />
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I could go on and on...<br />
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Today I am just shy of 40. That means I am about 8 or 9 years younger then my mom was when she died. I have kids of my own, but so often I still I feel like that 20 something I was when she left us. I wonder how to "grow up" to be like her.<br />
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Am I like her? Do I care enough? Do I give enough? Am I as self-less as she seemed to be? <i>(NO!) </i> Do I give enough of my time to family, with out even thinking about it? Can I sense what my friend's or family need, and somehow react to it in a way you barely notice she was there? Am I the kind of mom my mom would want me to be? Am I teaching my kids to care for others like she demonstrated to me most every day, so naturally?<br />
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I know I "feel" so much emotion from others all around me... but then what.<br />
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This Mother's Day I will put it all down here. I will reflect. I will try harder...<br />
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While I continue to dye my hair red with the same brand of L'oreal color my mom used on her own short do, I will do my best to model her in the ways of the heart too.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-74565023721015424582014-05-11T20:49:00.002-05:002014-05-11T20:54:36.500-05:00Easter 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We started our Easter with the usual search for baskets, hunt for candy filled eggs, and those requisite pictures in our Sunday pastels finest, before heading to Peace Lutheran for church.</div>
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Believe it or not, most of the kids attire this Easter was THRIFTED (and last year no less)!!!<br />
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Looking fine!</div>
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Back inside, we hosted Sunday dinner for the Thompson Family. The napkins are handkerchiefs from Micheal's Craft, tied with some twine string, with a friendly little Peep added to each plate.<br />
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We served the usual ham, cheesy potatoes and all those tasty, fattening items to go with it. Not to toot my own horn, but the ham was delicious. I slathered it in a creamed honey before I put it in the oven, then basted is several times in the last half hour with more honey, the juices, and the dried mix that came with it.<br />
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Pat coordinated family photos. Of course Marly was in Crocs by this point and Dean had ditched his vest.</div>
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Cousins! Declan's First Easter</div>
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We spent the beautiful, warm, sunny April afternoon playing games on the lawn.<br />
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We even had an egg toss.</div>
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<span id="goog_998071113"></span><span id="goog_998071114"></span>...which was a hit for young and old.</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-40034100808216889592014-04-30T21:13:00.003-05:002014-04-30T22:47:49.032-05:00BEER-cation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In early April, Jeremy and boys planned a "beer pong tournament" for us. That's code for beer tasting around Minneapolis. Jeremy was serious about our adventure. He even sent us all an app called "untappd" to download in advance, in preperation.<br />
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Our couples Beer-cation started on a sunny spring Saturday at Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub in south Minneapolis. BEST Onion Rings EVER. Good beer too.<br />
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Next stop - Harriett Island Brewery (which is nothing more then a garage, with a leaky ceiling and some thrift store tables and chairs). Least favorite beer of our 5 visits, and it had nothing to do with the atmosphere.<br />
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Beer-cation happened to coordinate with our wedding annivesary. We make a cute couple in this photo. Next up we cruised to Steel Toe Brewery in St. Louis Park, and then on to Nord'east Mpls.<br />
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Indeed!</div>
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We actually spent time in a que at a majority of the brew pubs we visited. Beer sampling is THE hot ticket in town!</div>
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Our beer scene is notable nationwide.</div>
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The real theme of the day was "FUN with FRIENDS.</div>
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We had an absolute BLAST.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Great beer. Great smiles. Great laughs. </span></div>
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Great couples.</div>
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Aftre Indeed, we were on to Dangerous Man...then walked two blocks for dinner reso's at NE Social. We dined at Mark's FAVORITE restaurant for his 41st Birthday and our 11th Anniversary.<br />
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Believe it our NOT, the night was still not over. </div>
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We headed back to the Lyon's for an over-night, but not before stopping at King's Wine bar for... a GLASS OF WINE!!!!??????Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-25020243518395264312014-04-30T20:37:00.000-05:002014-04-30T22:50:25.718-05:00Coco Beach - Orlando 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took one day away from the Orlando park action to spend a day at the beach!</div>
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It was cloudy and cool, so Coco Beach was quiet in general when we arrived mid-morning.</div>
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The kids ran and played. Mark and I relaxed and rested.</div>
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The kids buried me in the sand.</div>
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We headed to the the touristy peir for lunch. It was less than 70 degrees, so the spring breakers were still tucked inside nursing their hang overs.<br />
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After lunch ( & cocktails), the kids spent the rest of the afternoon frolicking in the chilly surf. I drifted off and snoozed on my towel, and returned to Orlando with a nice sunburn!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-78466878230566695062014-04-13T22:11:00.000-05:002014-04-13T22:14:36.061-05:00battle wounds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Marly got her first ever battle wound and stitches this week.</div>
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I got a call from the school nurse around 11 am on Monday.</div>
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Marly had fallen in class and probably needed stitches on her head.</div>
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The nurse was calm. I was calm. I will admit I actually chuckled. Every parent eventually gets a call like this, right??? These things happen. Many adults have a story about that nearly invisible scar, only they can see.</div>
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I finished up the e mail I was working on, stopped to say good-bye to my co-workers, and alerted them I probably wouldn't be back.</div>
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When I picked up Marly, she was so silent and looked terrified. We headed back across the river <i>(I cross the Mississippi multiple times a day)</i> to Urgent Care. </div>
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Marly had been hearing everyone whisper "stitches" and was scared. We got an awesome doctor who was also a grandpa. Marly only cried when it was just the two of us, otherwise - she was a total TOUGH-ee. The doctor returned. Marly hopped up on the table without hesitation, asked for my hand, squeezed tight when he injected the Novocaine, didn't move, didn't cry, and didn't flinch. The very brave patient came home with five or six stitches in the two gashes on her forehead (caused by a run in with a bookcase).</div>
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Ice cream makes EVERYTHING better. On the way home we stopped at McDonald's and got lunch and a Shamrock Shake. Us girls enjoyed a lovely spring lunch date on the patio back at home, and we were both SMILING!<br />
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Saturday we returned to the clinic to get the stitches out. The same lovely nurse as Monday assisted us. She said Marly was probably the bravest/toughest/calmest girl to get stitches she had seen. I have been told from time to time, I have a high threshold for pain. (I really don't know how one can know that about themself....maybe I just KEEP CALM).<br />
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Marly is like me. She can KEEP CALM!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-53555530844856716122014-04-11T20:42:00.000-05:002014-04-13T22:11:32.225-05:00We are FAMILY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The safari ride at Animal Kingdom.</div>
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After lunch at the Tusker House. Somehow we "magically' missed the rain.</div>
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3D show in Fantasy Land at the Magic Kingdom</div>
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The water sculpture at Epcot</div>
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Marly got us at Animal Kingdom. Mom with map (of course).</div>
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Who the heck knows????</div>
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The Jungle Ride at Magic Kingdom</div>
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At one of the awesome parades.</div>
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CRABBY Marly on the shuttle bus at 9:00 am to the Animal Kingdom. </div>
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Don't worry... It didn't last.</div>
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Marly declared our family friendly rental "The BEST, most luxurious car EVER"!! </div>
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We "might" have ridden the tea cups on two separate visits to the park.</div>
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My dad RARELY looks happy in photos. (like almost NEVER). </div>
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This is the last day of our vacation, just before we left the Magic Kingdom.</div>
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He kind of looks happy. WOW.</div>
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He swears he had a FANTASTIC time!</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-33907536803869842452014-04-08T21:40:00.003-05:002014-04-08T22:36:26.067-05:00Mickey and Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mickey at the Tusker House lunch at Animal Kingdom.</div>
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Pluto at our hotel breakfast!</div>
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Donald!</div>
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...and Daisy too!</div>
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Princesses? This girl is GA GA for Daisy and MINNIE!</div>
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We used our third FastPass at the Animal Kingdon to meet MINNIE! Marly had been asking to meet her at least ten times a day since we met Mickey the first night. She couldn't have been happier to meet Minnie. She was almost as excited to see Minnie in her RED polka dot dress with her trademark YELLOW shoes, from across the plaza, greeting guests, on our next visit back at the Magic Kingdom.<br />
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Notice Minnie in the background below at Epcot. Marly "might" have brought home Minnie sequin ears, this dress with pink ears, a Minnie key chain for her backpack<i> (and a second one with Daisy)</i>, a Minnie pillow pet<i> (from Nana)</i>, and a Minnie stuffed animal <i>(purchase with the last of the birthday money she brought, on our LAST day, just before heading to the airport)</i>. </div>
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<i>Just say'n</i></div>
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Goofy is a cool cat <i>(dog)</i> too. Not to be confused with Pluto <i>(the other dog)</i>. We told the kids we would buy them ONE stuffed animal at Disney, and one t-shirt. Dean picked Pluto for his stuffed animal. Marly picked the lovely Lady. I wonder if the various dogs is a twin thing?<i> </i>When I was kid, mom and dad bought me Chip, and Brett picked Donald.<i> </i><br />
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Hugs from Mickey are the best!</div>
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Mickey and Minnie topiaries at Epcot for the Spring Flower Show!</div>
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Donald and Daisy, Mickey and Minnie, and so many friends at the parades!</div>
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Mickey for a snack.</div>
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Just Mickey's ears.</div>
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Mickey for breakfast!</div>
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And finally, you can even find Mickey on the man hole covers!</div>
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So long Mickey and Friends! We will miss you, and hope to return again!</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-2580150808775041952014-04-03T22:39:00.002-05:002014-04-08T21:49:40.860-05:00Disney Magic!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let me begin by telling you I was completely nervous and terribly anxious for our vacation destination this winter. The build up, the cost, the lines, the peek season crowds, the reservations you are recommended to make months in advance, the smartphone apps, the huge guide book devoted entirely to perfecting your family's trip to this ONE MASSIVE PARK. It had me in a bit of a tizzy!</div>
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Our destination - Walt Disney World!</div>
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This spring break, we got to experience the true MAGIC of Disney on a family vacation with Nana and Papa! And indeed, MAGICAL it was... just like everyone assured me.</div>
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Departing Sunday, we faced multiple delays and missed flights attempting to leave Minnesota. Despite landing in Orlando way after 1 am, then checking into our hotel way after 2 am, the kids were at the pool by 10 am on Monday.</div>
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Papa and Nana spent a wee bit more time resting. But by late afternoon, we had boarded the hotel shuttle, picked up our pre-purchased passes at the gates of Disney, then hopped on the ferry to the Magic Kingdom!</div>
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What an AWESOME vacation Dad and Nana!<br />
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No longer tired, we were all giddy, giddy, GIDDY! We didn't get more then 20 feet inside the park before Marly found the sparkly Minnie Ears she wanted. Moments after we witnessed our first MAGICAL parade, as Mickey, Minnie and more floated right by. Yes - THE Mickey and THE Minnie Mouse!</div>
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Then we took Sheldon and Michelle's advice and got our first Mickey snack - the carameled apples. At the counter, I asked if the apples could be sliced for us. Of Course - 4, 6 or 8 slices?</div>
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Then it was time for our first family photo in front of the castle!</div>
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Soon after, Dean found the perfect LED Mickey ears! Look at the sheer joy on his face.</div>
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Our first ride? "It's a Small World" of course!<i> (also our first experience using Disney FastPass plus, picked from my smartphone, before we even picked up our official tickets or entered our thumb print. I am sure when Marly and Dean return as adults, they will tell their children about the now antiquated technology we used on our trip.)</i><br />
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Just one problem - Dean lost his rather heavy LED ears in the water before getting on the ride. But guess what??? By the time we got off, a cast member had fished them out.<br />
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The one more problem - The ears didn't light up any more. But, guess what??? A cast member presented him with a yellow carbon copy certificate for a replacement. At a nearby gift shop, Dean stood in line to get his new ears. He turned in the plain yellow copy, and the lovely lady at the counter said, "We hear your first pair of ears took a SWIM without you! Enjoy your new pair and have a wonderful visit!"<br />
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MAGICAL indeed!<br />
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After the sun set, we rode the tea cups, were mesmerized by the parade of lights <i>(like Holidazzle on steroids with every cool Disney character and princess)</i>, and stayed for the awesome fireworks going off over the castle. Dean's LED lights changed color in time with the parade and fireworks.<br />
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...and then <i>(could it get any better),</i> as we were leaving the park at 11 pm feeling happy, happy, HAPPY, I noticed there was but a mere ten minute wait to meet Mickey's Magic show. A chance to meet Mickey in person, our first night? Heck YAH! The next thing we know, Mickey is chatting with Marly and Dean, and showing them a magic trick.<br />
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I cannot even describe the MAGIC of seeing Mickey tell your kids a joke, then pull them close in a hug that leaves your precious 7 year-olds mystified, mesmerized*, amazed, happy*, and in complete AWE!<br />
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The perfect end to our perfectly MAGICAL first day at Disney's Magic Kingdom!</div>
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(Marly's only concern - WHEN was she going to meet MINNIE!!!)<br />
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<i>*Yes - I ran out of adjectives and need a thesaurus for my Disney posts!</i></div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6389539411285326407.post-70324862364233529482014-03-31T21:20:00.000-05:002014-04-08T21:21:16.246-05:00Happy Valentine's Day/Happy Birthday!Happy Valentine's Day to You! Happy 39th Birthday to me!<br />
A play by play of the day...<br />
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Dressed in red and ready for Valentine's Day.<br />
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Funny faces!</div>
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Marly and Dean were ready for the school party with Pop Rocks and custom labels from an Etsy seller.<br />
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Mom was ready to help host Dean's school party and prepared with the craft</div>
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For the craft project, I traced hearts on white vases from the Dollar Spot at Target. The kids decorated them, made a label for a loved one, and got to add mums to take home. Dean brought his home for Dad.<br />
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Back at home, I had my own beautiful tulips from Mark.<br />
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Friends arrived, we hired a babysitter for 6 kids, and we headed out for a Valentine/Birthday dinner at Maverick's.<br />
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Cheers to me!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910513716342880657noreply@blogger.com0