Latest Happenings

I participate in a recycling group called Freecycle, where we post things that we don't want/need anymore to give away to other folks in the Rochester area, kind of a trading thing. It's really a great idea, and I highly recommend checking it out for other local venues. Anyway, the other night I saw a posting that was a couple of weeks old for one of those playhouses for kids and noticed that it looked like it was still available. So I emailed the people about it, and they called me back a few hours later and told me we could have it! So off I went in the good old Dodge Caravan, and the guy helped me squeeze the playhouse in the van - it was pretty tight! Almost thought I'd have to drive home with the back roped shut, and that didn't sound like much fun to me. First thing the next morning Livi noticed the new playhouse, but we had to go into town for doctor appointments and all so I promised her we'd play in it after we got home. So when we got home 8 hours later, she made a beeline to the playhouse, and both her and Zach just love it!!! Nothing fancy, pretty sturdy and the price was definitely right.

So since that first day with the playhouse it has been raining constantly, which the kids aren't any too thrilled about, but what can you do? I mean it's kind of like teasing them to have those beautiful sunshiny days to play outside all day, and then take it away for the rest of the week. Although Maddie's much happier now that it's not so hot outside; she's a bit sensitive to the heat (and it was only 80 degrees in the house those days).

This morning Scott had to work his first Saturday at the bank 9 am - 12 noon. Tough schedule! Anyway, so it's me and the kids like usual. So the morning started out as usual with Maddie waking up and eating in bed while I try to wake up a bit. Then Scott got up to take a shower, which woke Livi up; so I am re-awakened by Livi crawling into bed with Maddie and me, and she's just staring at me, so I look at her and say "Good morning," and she looks at me and whispers, "Mama, I went on the big girl potty all by myself; give me five," and holds her hand out expectantly. It was kind of cute that's what she wanted. Soon Scott left for work, and the girls and I got up. Pretty soon I hear Zach talking down in his room. So I'm carrying Maddie in one arm, and walk into Zach's room and smile big at him. He smiles at me, but then he spots Maddie, and he gets this big grin on his face. And Maddie is just beaming at him, of course. Zach says, "Ma-Lyn" and then gently grabs her head and gives her the most precious delicate hug. And not just a moment or so; they hugged for 15 seconds or so, and then I pulled away to try to pick him up, but was quickly informed that he was not finished hugging his baby sister; so they hugged for a few more seconds. Oh, it was so sweet! If I'd had a camera to capture this moment. It was just one of those moments that you will hold onto forever.

posted by Elena

Job's been going good. I am still glad to have made the switch to banking. My co-worker has been working with me about learning some useful Arabic phrases. I butcher them.

Recently, Forbes magazine ranked our very own Kevin McHale as the #1 GM in sports. I suppose that we Minnesotans could have lived with maybe in the top 30 or so, but number one? Zero championships, 1 playoff series win, mega-contracts to fringe players. I know that wins weren't what they were measuring (obviously) but one would think that it would have had some sort of effect. Number one. This was weeks ago and our talk radio is still all over it. Other teams have been mocking us about it. Oh well.

We put up a storm door over the weekend. That was something we should have done a long time ago. On nice days the wind whips through there cooling off the house and next winter it should help keep the house warmer.

I saw Travis and his kids today at Menard's. I was buying some parts for the garbage disposal (it was originally put in in 1990). I was sure I had plenty of drain pieces but didn't have the right ones of course. They were buying some stuff for their basement. Michelle is in Bangladesh for a few weeks teaching people some basic safety/1st aid techniques for birthing at home. Then in July they're going to China for a couple of weeks to pick up their adopted boy.

On Sunday it was just a beautiful day. Olivia stripped to her panties and ran the trail laughing like a banshee. Zach and I chased as best we could. We stopped to look at the deer footprints, deer trails and deer poop. Madeline had her first big outdoor adventure. The only other times she has been outside were to get in the van. She really enjoyed being on the trail and going into the woods a bit. We had fun finding old animal bones and strange rocks.

We've been hearing turkeys squawk at us but haven't seen any yet this spring. There was a pheasant that lived nearby for awhile. He strutted around our bird feeders and ate plenty of sunflower seeds.

Zach is so proud of himself. He climbed up the swing set ladder all by himself. He is still hesitant to slide down by himself though.

Yesterday I had the two older kids outside with me. They were dressed in their winter coats, shorts and sandals.

More Pictures



This was taken March 2nd.
The snowdrifts are as tall as Livi
and the icicle is about as tall too!



Maddie meets Great-Grandma Anderegg



Visiting Great-Grandma


And the rest of these were taken today: March 26th!
Only 3 weeks after the first picture above!!!
Just unbelievable the wonderful weather
we've been having: 73 degrees today!
Spring is here!





Trying to go for a walk on the trail



Livi found a pet worm!



Time for a nap!

posted by Elena