November?

Really, can it be November? And the end of November at that! Where has time gone? Hard to believe it has been three weeks since I posted.....

What have we been up to?

First weekend in Nov.....we went to the Wilderness in WI Dells! Kids had a great time and continue to say "I Love the Big Water Park"

Second weekend: We celebrated Ellie's 1st Birthday. Hard to believe one whole year has passed by already. Ellie, we love you.......

This weekend we will have breakfast with Santa on Sat at the WI Club. Michael is so excited for Christmas this year. He has been asking me "take me to Christmas Mom" "Take me to Christmas Eve"

I think this Christmas will be priceless, how can it not be with a three and four year old? The Magic, The Innocence, The Pure Joy......Mom and Dad cannot wait either.

Happy 95th Grandma Sally!

October 30, 1913!

Happy 95th Grandma Sally! We love and miss you so much!

Perhaps they are not stars in the sky
rather openings for our loved ones
to shine down on us and let us
know they are happy.

On this date......

October 18, 2001. 7 years ago. Mike & I drove to Northbrook, IL and picked up at 34lb, 12 week old baby. He was orginally name Andre' but since Mike worked for Budweiser he wanted to rename our little boy, "Bud". I simply said that name is too generic and we agreed on Auggie (after August Busch). I rode in the way back of our green Excursion with a lively, loving, pee pee breath, innocent puppy. That 1.5 hour drive is where Auggie and I bonded for the first time. I was hesitant to get another puppy for not that long ago, we lost our dog Zeus whom I loved so much. Little did I know that Auggie would become my dog of all dogs, my once in a lifetime best friend. I honestly believe we all have ONE dog that stands out from all the rest and although I will LOVE every animal that comes into my life with all my heart, Auggie will always be a part of me.


He is the kindest, gentle giant. Alot of people cringe when I say we have a rottweiler but they are great dogs (it is the WRONG people who have the dogs you hear about on the news) My kids have used Auggie as a step stool and can take food out of his mouth. Now that Augs is 7, his age is starting to show. Not one grey hair but arthritic in the hips. With the weather getting colder he is stiff moving at times and gingerly lays down and gets up. Some days there is no sign of it and other days it is starting to bother him. He loves to sleep on his dog bed with his "blanket" to keep his bones warm. And still loves his daily walks to the barn.

My LouLou, I love THAT dog! October 18, 2001.....what a wonderful day.....

The Lil' Buddy is 3!

October 14, 2005.....could it really be 3 years ago that we brought home little Michael Bones? I know I am a few days behind in my posting but I wanted to post the whole day of MJJ's 3rd birthday.

Michael chose to go to the pet store and the park. More then anything this is how he wanted to celebrate HIS day. It was a great morning. We went to the pet store and we got there right when it opened so he and Gracie were able to see baby birds (parrots) being hand feed with droppers, They also got to see the fish get fed breakfast, this was exciting too because we saw Nemo and Marlin, Dorothy was not around on Tuesday. He also got to pick a special treat out of the treat jar and pet the kitties.

Afer the pet store we went to the park (by our old house) and the kids played and played. Michael re-named the park, the Packer Park, because he was running laps around the park and I guess in his eyes this is what the Packers do. (How 'bout them Packers by the way?) We ate fish crackers and juice boxes and sang to the top of our lungs Happy Birthday to Michael!

We drove by the old house for old times sake and I told Gracie this was the house you were born in. She asked if we could go in and when I replied "no" she was a bit miffed and confused and then asked "do you have anymore old houses? Ones we can go in?" Good question but "no".


Oh, I almost forgot. He picked me a handful of dandelions and said "der for you Mom, fur your bwirthday" I loved them more then a dozen roses! Thank you Michael!

That evening we went to Grandma Jean's for pizza and cake. Uncle Bob, Uncle Eddie, Uncle Jack, Jim, Logan and Lydia, Mom, Dad and Gracie and Grandma Jean were all in attendance. The kids ran around outside and had a great time. Michael did get a few gifts (well, it is his real birthday, you know) And the helicopter was by far his favorite. He also loves his new Tommy the Train computer. Michael had two pieces of cake and really enjoyed his day. Mom did too, I just want to know, how can my 7lb 8oz little buddy be 3 already? He brightens our days and makes us belly laugh. He is the sweetest little boy, just don't ask him to share one of his 10,000+ cars!




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Where Have We Been?

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I know I promised I would keep up with updating this blog and I haven't done such a good job. Just busy, but a good busy.

Back on Oct 3rd Mike and I went to New Glarus to see the new brewery that was built. It was a trip the Beechwood employees could take and it was alot of fun. We took the kids and Auggie to Aunt Kim, Uncle Jerry and Cousin Karlie's house. Grandma Marilyn was there and they all spent the night together while Mike and I went to New Glarus. We had a great time, it was freezing cold but alot of fun! Huge Thank YOU's to Kim, Jerry and Grandma for taking care of our tribe while we were able to get out together!

On Sat, the 4th we went to the Badger game with Kim, Jerry, Mary and Bob. Again, a great time. My cheeks hurt for a week from laughing so hard. This is a FUN group! Again, a big thank you to Grandma for taking care of all the kids and Auggie. We OWE you big time, Grandma! Boo Hoo to the Badgers for losing :(

Last Sunday, the boys (Joey & John) and my Dad (Papa) left for WY for their yearly hunting trip. We had a cookout on Sat night to wish them well. Gracie and MJJ carved a pumpkin with Uncle Chee Chee and then had a blast running around with the Greene children (Daniel and George. (See the picture of "George and Gracie" below.....I just had to take one. It has been a long time since the Burns were on TV but those names still go together





The kids and I have also been to 2 pumpkin farms.....lots to do and lots of fun!

Here are few pics from all the miscellaneous updates. Hope all is well with you all! Check back in soon!

Birthday Party!

This past Sat, Sept 27th at 4pm we celebrated Grace Jean turning 4 and Michael Joseph-James turning 3. It was a P-A-R-T-Y......PARTY! You would have thought it was Christmas by the amount of presents they received (which threw all my idle threats that "mis-behavin' will not be rewarded with presents" right out the window.) Everyone was far too generous, all the gifts were really cool! We had Tinkerbell and Buzz Lightyear everything (plates, cake plates, cakes, napkins, blowhorns, treatbags, and signs) The Buzz Lightyear items didn't show up until 245pm on Sat via USPS, but this is a whole other story (not worth the time or my blood pressure, let's just say that a lady from TN is real lucky the Buzz items showed up)

We had tacos for dinner, the kids broke a pinta and filled treatbags with ample amounts of candy and we also played pin the tail on the donkey. A great time was had by all..........especially my babies.....who are now 3 & 4!

4 Year Old Check-Up

Gracie had her four year old check-up today and she did great! She is such a lil' old lady and very matter of fact......she is four now, you know! She is 43" tall and 43lbs, 95% for height and 90% for weight. She is a good head taller then most of the kids in her class including the boys.........maybe she will be a runway model!

She talked great with Dr Paley, wrote her name and drew a picture of herself. She also did great with the hearing test and her vision was 20/30 (which Dr Paley said was normal for four years old and not a concern at this point). She was excited to get her shots even after I said they might pinch a little bit but once they were under way she was surprised that they "hurt". A few tears were shed but not bad at all, mostly just welled up. She got FOUR shots, two in each arm.....but the pretty band-aids and CareBear sticker took care of the pain quickly. Michael however, announced "I do not need a check-up", might not be as easy next month for his 3 year appt.

Great Job Gracie......but you can stop growing up now!

Update

Well.......Hello!!!! It has been a LONG time since I posted. I had every intention of keeping this blog updated all summer long and with a blink of a eye here we are in the middle of September and I haven't posted since July.

In a nutshell, our summer was wonderful! My babies are no longer babies and I say that with a heavy heart but also the biggest smile. Watching your children grow up is so bittersweet. So sweet that they are growing, learning and developing into little people but bitter in the fact that my babies are no longer babies. I know all of the mom's and dad's that read this blog know exactly what I am talking about.

We went to the zoo, state fair, swimming in Grandma and Papa's pool, GermanFest, IrishFest, Great America, Noah's Arc, Bellingham, WA for the McNabb Family reunion and lots more.

My Gracie is now a Mon, Weds, Fri am 3K student at St Paul's and loves it. She was the 1st Star of the Week and loved being the line leader. She now rides in a booster carseat and takes ballet and tap on Weds afternoons. MJJ is sleeping in a BIG BOY bed and is working on using the potty. He also takes gymnastics on Fri am's. Where did the time go? How does it happen so fast? I love you little buddies......let's slow it down a bit!
I promise to update more often.....if you all promise to still check in.

Ooh La La.......Tim McGraw!

Ok, so I am a 38 year old (almost) geek of a semi-old lady who has been to 5 Tim McGraw concerts and will continue to go as long as he continues to perform. There is something about this cowboy that gives me the shivers (and I enjoy his music too). Well, July 3rd, my friend's Lisa and Tracy and I went to see Tim McGraw at Summerfest! It was a great concert and we had a great time! He sang alot of his "old stuff" which made us all happy since we are not all that up on new songs these days. We spend alot of time listening to Barney and Sing Alongs when in the car and there is not much time to listen to the radio otherwise. And as much as I like Tim McGraw; I love my hubby and babies more, I am blessed to have such a great life but I have to say it was a nice night out for three middle aged ladies! Told you I was a geek!

Happy Anniversary Grandma & Papa

Well, it all happened today.....39 years ago! June 21st, 1969, Mom and Dad were married at Our Lady of Good Hope church and the rest is history. All I know is we are all so very lucky to have such great parents who are also our best friends. We Love you Grandma and Papa!

Happy Anniversary!

Pool Time

Our first day in Grandma and Papa's pool was yesterday. We met Logan, Lydia and Lisa and swam all morning and then ate "Donalds" poolside. Can't think of a better way to spend a day!

Summer is Finally Here!

Well, it is if you like 65 degrees and overcast skies.....but at least no rain today!

Anyways, today was our first trip of the summer to the zoo. It was a spur of the moment sort of thing and it worked out perfectly. We were going to go to Grandma and Papa's pool but it wasn't very sunny. So, Mom thought maybe today would be a good zoo day. We called Auntie Rin and she and Ellie were excited to join us (this was Ellie's very first trip to the zoo and we were so honored to be apart of it)

Gracie's favorite animal was the giraffe and Michael's favorite was the "fishies and alligators"! We all went for a train ride and GJ & MJJ and mom rode the carousel. Gracie rode a beautiful horse with beautiful red roses and Michael rode the rooster! They also went for a pony ride! (PAPA: "We want a pony")

It was a grand day, we can't wait to go again!

My Children's Father

We had a "simple" but nice Father's Day. Mike was able to cut the lawn (with as much rain as we have had, was quite the accomplishment) and then we celebrated Father's Day and my Dad's birthday at my parent's house. Gracie and Michael gave Daddy a Father's Day balloon with a bag full of goodies (licorice, milk duds, smarties, tootsie rolls.....lots of candy) and if anyone knows Mike they know this is the way to his heart! Gracie colored him a "World's Greatest Dad" picture and he loved it.

Mike and I decided a long time ago that we do not need nor want gifts for Mother's Day or Father's Day, so we just do something "simple" from the kids and enjoy their excitement in giving to us. A long time ago (at least four years ago) we learned from our children that they are our greatest gift to the world and to each other. For a while we were not sure we would have children (Mike never gave up hope, I was just an emotional mess at the thought) and here we are with two beautiful, healthy, trouble causing, sassy, precious little people.

Mike is a wonderful Daddy, who his children adore (their mom too). He is one of the hardest working people I know and one who would give from his heart to everyone he cares about. I am very lucky to have Mike as my husband and father of my babies. I know he loves me and our children more then anything in this world and to me that is the greatest gift. I hope he had a wonderful Father's Day!

First Year of School......COMPLETE!

Oh my goodness, my little 6lb baby girl has finished her first year of school....at St Joesph's 3K program! Gracie loved her school days and her teachers and has learned so much! Next year she will go to school three days a week (M,W,F) and go to 3K again. Since her birthday is Sept 11th, she misses the cut-off by 10 days and for Kindergarten you need to be 5 by Sept 1st. She will also attend St Paul's school here in Grafton. We felt this was the best choice since she will be doing many of the same things she did this year. This way she will have a different teacher and classroom. She is already excited about Mrs Werner.

Gracie was the youngest in her class this year and Mrs Bolstad (pictured with Gracie at their picnic on Tuesday, June 10th) and Miss T (her teachers) complimented Gracie on how mature she was intellectually and socially! That's our baby! How did she get so big so fast? I know we haven't aged at all!

Happy SHAMROCK Day!

Happy St Patrick's Day to all of you! The kids had a great St Patrick's Day! They were dressed in shamrocks galore. We were very lucky and had dinner at Grandma and Papa's house, Chee Chee, Rin, Johnny and Ellie Bellie were all there too! And we heard through the grapevine that the Leprchaun's stopped by and hid chocolate coins in the living room.

Gracie and Michael had a blast looking for "leprachauns" and stuffing there bags full of chocolate coins!

Hope you all had a GREEN SHAMROCK DAY too!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Feb 28th was Mike's Birthday! Both Gracie and Michael were very into Daddy's birthday this year! The kids and I made a birthday cake. They both helped mix the batter and bake the cake and once it cooled we all decorated it, with ALOT of LOVE! Gracie also made Daddy's birthday card and surprised us all when she wanted to sign her name and did it really well! We have been practicing but she never showed alot of interest until Daddy's Big Day!

Birthday's are very special days to us. All about the people we love and we LOVE you Daddy very much! Happy Birthday!

Cousins Make The Best Friends

I had to post this picture of Gracie, Michael and Ellie! This will be one of my all time favorites! And I needed you all to see Ellie, since you haven't seen a picture of her since her birthday (slacker Aunt Heidi). Ellie will be three months old on Feb 15th and is cuter by the day! Auntie Erin (mommy) has gone back to work as of Feb 11th and Uncle Johnny (daddy)is home with Ellie Bellie for the next two weeks. After his paternity Ellie will be hangin' with Aunt Heidi, Gracie and MJJ while mommy and daddy work! We are so looking forward to having you with us, Ellie. Hope you look forward to our days too! We love you!

YES, I rode a camel today!

I know something I did today that you didn't do!!! I rode a camel, yes a camel in the middle of downtown Cedarburg, in the middle of winter! (alot seems wrong with this picture, doesn't it?)

The kids and I went to the Winter Festival in Cedarburg! It was a fun time, making valentines, watching ice sculptors, eating lunch at the Chocolate Factory, seeing a parade and pirates and riding a camel.

Gracie was a definite "NO" when asked if she wanted to ride and MJJ said "YES" so what the heck how often does your child have an opportunity like this? So, I escort MJJ up the stairs to pay the Camel "attendant" and he asks how old MJJ is. I reply "two" and he says "you may want to ride with him" In my head I thought "are you kidding me?" But I ride horses, so why not a camel? Let me tell you it was "different" and I wasn't as comfortable as I thought I might be (made me feel guilty that I would put my child on a camel that I wasn't excited to get on myself). Thankfully, we only went around in a circle twice and got off without getting dumped or spit on. Camels are different creatures and the look in their eyes.....well......kinda creeps me out.

So, MJJ and I can now say we rode a camel.......an accomplishment to be proud of????!!!!!