Monday, November 26, 2007

Sad News.

I was shocked and saddened to see an email pop in to my box on Friday...
She was 58 and it wasn't exactly expected. I had just heard on the Sunday before that she was even sick.

It said...

Some of you we have tried to contact, others we have already had the opportunity to talk to. For those of you who have not heard the unfortunate news, our mom passed away today while at AMC in Appleton. Most of you knew how sick she was, but it still comes as an unpleasant surprise. She had a rough night at home last night with shortness of breath and being exhausted. This morning she was scheduled for some lab work at the hospital but she was so weak that dad called Gold Cross Ambulance non-emergency to take her for her appointment.

While she was at the hospital, she went into cardiac arrest. They tried several times to revive her, and even got her pulse back once or twice, but it didn't last. They tried everything they could for her, but in the end it just wasn't enough. They don't know exactly what caused her death, but they speculate that her heart threw another blood clot that went into her lung. The nurse said she put up a good fight and did not suffer. There will also be an autopsy to find the final cause. Dr. Hari from Froedtert even called today to talk to dad and say how unexpected this was and that dad can call him anytime if he needs anything.


I will be attending the visitation, but I am unable to go to the funeral. My Mom suggested that I bring Zeb with since it is something he will need to experience sooner or later. It will be his first experience with death. I am going to research online what to expect from him so I am better prepared. I don't remember how the kids acted when Duner's Uncle David died. Reece was really young, and Zeb wasn't around yet. Brock's always been care free.


She was a nice person and will be surely missed by those that knew her. I feel bad for them. This time of year is extra hard with the loss of a loved one.

Unfortunately, they will get reminders every year when Media and Marketing talk of Black Friday...

also known as the day of her passing.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Reece's Gift

With Many Thanks, Again to Auntie Sara, Reece was able to spend some birthday money at Target.
On Thanksgiving he had gotten a gift card for his Birthday that is coming up on December 1. I had to work til 5pm and when I got home I made sure that he had the house picked up and some food in him for supper. (Delay tactics really is what they were) I was avoiding any lines and large groups. When we finally headed out, it wasn't bad AT ALL! No lines, no Large groups of people. We headed for the Toy department. After much consideration, he picked out a game called Battleground: Crossbows and Catapults. He had seen that on TV and really wanted that. He also picked out Star Wars Droids Battle Pack Legos. He even had enough money left over for a Popcorn combo he just loves! (You can get a small popcorn and medium soda for a buck, at Target!)

Friday, November 23, 2007

The Hunt.

After a day of turkey and stuffing, it was time do some serious planning. I was able to have sometime off and wanted to make the most of the after thanksgiving day deals.

I had scoped out the 'ad's' online and in the paper. I had narrowed my plan to Toys R us, Dick's Sporting goods, Target and possibly Wal-mart.

It didn't take long for me to be asleep once I finally decided the plan of action. I was rather annoyed when I woke up at 2:40 am, unable to go to sleep. Yes. 2:40am.
I stayed in be until 3 am, then I got up and discovered that Zeb had woken up and was watching TV. I hopped on the computer, hoping that some deals would be available, so I wouldn't be have to go out in the cold.

Of course, nothing was 'Currently Available Online'. *sigh*...
Ok, time to get my butt to the store.
My theory was to sit in my car, when the line began moving walk up. I wanted to get a Zune MP3 player, Robo-reptile, some kind of Lego set and batteries.
I was craving a warm beverage, so I stopped at Starbucks Coffee. Yes at 3:30am. I got a Grande Mocha and headed to Toys R Us. Adrenaline setting in.

4AM I pull in the parking lot. Not bad. Not quiet half full, but it didn't open until 5am. My plan to sit in my car disappeared as I pulled in the parking lot. Temp outside is 20 degrees, I did not have my winter jacket, no mittens, or hat. Wasn't dressed in Layers. I really had planned to stay in my car.
I began seeing the MP3 player fly off the shelves. I grabbed my coffee and made my way to the line.

Since I was by myself, I wanted to pass time, so I began talking to the couple behind me. The were from a city an hour away. They didn't have a clue what they were going to be going in for they just picked Toys R us because they wanted to.

As my toes chilled more and more the crowd began to get restless, especially after they came out and gave away all the tickets for the Zune. Only 16 were in the store. They were gone. Okay, one of my big ticket items gone. A handful of people left the line, some flipping the bird to the crowd as they drove off. Jerks!
Some were beginning to complain others were 'in there space', or complaining about the people that joined the line on the way in the store. I was not feeling a warm and cozy holiday spirit there! Geez.
I grabbed a cart from outside and some yelled at me as I tried to get in the store with it, since they couldn't squeeze themselves in past my large cart. Excuuuuuuse Me!
I walked in, going over my list in my head. Robo, lego, batteries.
I found the robo-reptile right away. I turned to my right, and there was the lego display. What Karma! On to the checkout. No Lines and the batteries are right there! Woo Hoo!
As I walked out, the line of people was still entering the store. I heard a few people say "Oh, now those are gone." As I walked past with my Large Robo-Reptile.

On to the next store. Dick's Sporting goods. I wasn't there for the Heely's but when I got there at 5:07am (seriously), I had to wait for them to open at 5:30 pm. Bummer... I was hoping my standing in the cold was done.

Heely's are shoes with a roller at the heel so you can skate or walk at any given time. They were half price. They guy I met in line was getting some for his son, I was getting a golf club for Duner, but the Heely's would be a nice idea for Reece.

Thankfully they opened a bit early so I didn't have to stay out side too long. I found what I needed right away. I decided to grab some Heely's for Reece I knew that he would like them. I just grabbed the first pair of Grey Heely's. By the time I reached the check out I had to wait for 2 people. Still not bad.

I was leaving Dick's as the parking lot began to fill up. Sweet! I am just in an out of these places...
I drove to the other side of town, it was 5:45am as I pulled in the Target parking lot. I noticed not a lot of cars were parking on the side of the building, but a ton were in the front. I just went right for the side. I also noticed they TOO WERE NOT YET OPEN. Geez. I was waiting in my car this time. I don't care about the lines. I really wanted to use the bathroom, but I knew they were not going to let anyone in for 10 minutes.
At 6am I headed for the door. They were only letting people in through one door, in order to avoid a stampede. Smart move, I thought, about my experience at Toys R Us. They also had a guy standing at the door like a body guard. I think there was a fight 'cause one guy left before getting in, after some pushing near the front of the line.
I finally got in, even though I needed to use the bathroom, I figured I would go and quickly find the gift first. I was looking for the Star Wars II game Target had in the flyer. Zeb had wanted it. I wasn't able to find it but I wasn't upset. I just looked for the Ten dollar weather station they also had. I was pretty much just taking in all the chaos. I didn't find it, but I didn't want to look to hard. I had to use the bathroom, so I headed to the front of the store and left.
I had gotten most of what I wanted, and that was good.

I wanted to get some PS2 games at Walmart, but I just didn't want to go through ANOTHER store opening. I don't mind one but 3 stresses me out too much. I was happy to be done by 6:20am.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Makin' Cookies

Last night we made some cookies.

Here are some of our pictures from that experience...










"I am going to make a doughnut!" He said.










"I really don't want to do this." He said to Reece before sitting down to cut out the Gingerbread men!

It didn't take long for him to change his mind...











Reece just couldn't wait to get out the dough and start cutting. He just loved to help. He is such a GREAT Helper!













FLOUR POWER???

Yes, it was messy but they turned out some really neat looking gingerbread dudes.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Many Thanks Auntie Sara!

We have returned from a fun weekend at Verona to visit Aunt Sara and Jason. You can read about that adventure on her blog here.

We returned by 11:30 am so we could make it to a Baby Shower for a High School friend.
As much fun as it was, it was good to be back home, but we had to leave again.

After picking up another friend from school we headed to the baby shower. We played a very interesting game of 10 substances of white powder consistency. That was interesting. We had to guess which was what and we were not able to smell them or open up the baggies. There was 5 baby items and 5 cooking items. The women at my table worked together to guess each item. We got 8 right. Powdered milk and laundry detergent really were tough to guess.

Zeb managed to leave with a balloon, bubbles, bowl and plate. I won some floating candles that Zeb had his own ideas on where to put them.

We got home and Zeb immediately headed over to his Moon Sand, that Auntie Sara gave him. She also let him come home with a Rubiks Spaceship.

Brock and Reece were home from the Cabin by then and Zeb couldn't wait to tell them how much fun he had.
"We went to see Bee Movie! And the Zoo! And I got to play Call of Duty 2!" and on and on he went...
Then they started talking about how much fun they had playing on the PS2 and what they played... and then on and on they went....

I think fun was had by all the boys, with many thanks to Aunt Sara for all of the Adventures and trinkets.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Rambling's in Mom's Free time.

There are so few times these days that I can sit down and type out anything, without one of my kids stopping to read what I am writing. Thankfully, these are one of those times.

They are all off to school. I am able to be in a peaceful house. I don't even watch my soap. I read about it from time to time and that seems to be enough for me to catch up and what has happened. Not even a radio. Just me and my thoughts. Ahhhh....

Reece was signed up to play soccer next year with the Rec Dept here. He used to be really good at it. Since we moved here he hasn't been in a league because he was too shy. Hopefully he finds out a friend is on the league this year. We had to bring his birth certificate and pay an insane amount to get him in but I think he really needs this. He likes to be physical, he doesn't like to sit around all day and play video games, like Brock.

Brock went to the Flight School on Saturday. At the last minute Brock was able to go due to a last minute cancellation. He was excited. I only was left with Reece, since Duner had taken Zeb to scout out his hunting area. Zeb is so funny. He gets SO EXCITED about hunting or ANYTHING to do with hunting. The other two could care less. Brock is supposed to go Deer hunting for the first 'Real' season on Saturday. We will see how this plays out. I predict he will only go Saturday AM. Regardless if he sees anything or not, I think he will stay in the Cabin the rest of the Weekend.

Zeb and I are heading to Auntie Sara's for the Weekend. Zeb REALLY wants to see Bee Movie and I really want to try a Kick Boxing Class with Aunt Sara. We may do a family swim too. We will see how much time we have and how Zeb's behaving. He keeps Asking when we are going down there. It's hard to explain days or Weeks to a 5 year old.
I had Zeb's conferences today, it seems Zeb has a hard time following directions, keeping his hands to himself and not talking to his friends. No surprise there! Otherwise, he is polite, shares, takes turns, interacts appropriately and seems to enjoy being at school. I believe he likes being at school, but he was none to happy to see his 'friend' Caitlin sitting next to a new boy... Hmmmm. Friends huh? I heard about that all weekend!


I got my new passport photos taken today. Next October, Auntie Sara and I are going to Germany. So, I have to renew my passport. It was 15 years ago this December when I last used it. I have since misplaced it, but since it was within the 15 year mark, so I can just renew it. (Yay, it saves me some Cha-$-ching)
I hope to go in next week to get that taken care of. It seems funny to me that to pay for it I have to make out two checks. One for the government and one for the county. Do they not get along??? Geez.

Well, times up... must get back to work... uh... House work that is.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Too Funny.

It's a good thing they were not on a bike ride...
: - }

Cow falls off cliff and crashes onto van near Manson, Washington
The Associated Press

MANSON, Wash. — Charles and Linda Everson were driving back to their hotel when their minivan was struck by a falling object — a 600-pound cow.

The Eversons were unhurt but the cow, which had fallen off a cliff, had to be euthanized.

The year-old cow fell about 200 feet from the cliff and landed on the hood of the couple’s minivan, causing heavy damage.

A Chelan County fire chief, Arnold Baker, said the couple missed being killed by a matter of inches in the crash Sunday on a highway near Manson.

The Eversons, visiting the area from their home in Westland, Mich., to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, were checked at Lake Chelan Community Hospital as a precaution.

Everson, 49, said he didn’t see the cow falling and didn’t know what happened until afterward.

He said he kept repeating: “I don’t believe this. I don’t believe this.”

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Welcome Fox Cities Triathlon Clubbers!

Since I am the featured member of the Fox Tri Club this week, I will write about my triathlon life. I am not a FAST tri-athlete. I COMPLETE THEM. Not to be confused with compete. It is so nice to have fellow athletes that know our pain. Understand our fears. Not to mention, know our lingo.
Now, I admit, when I am not the last one on the list of finishers I am happy. Ok, I have to admit I would love to be in the top 10, but I am working on that. I am a MOM first. I need to balance the two aspects in my life.

So I was trying to talk my husband in to doing a triathlon, but he is still TOO SCARED! I don't know what to say to get him to just jump on in! He thinks he can't do it unless he has a new bike. Which is strange since he wouldn't let me just BUY a road bike until I proved myself.

I was trying to tell him NOW is the time to get going and pick which one(s) you want to do so you don't have to pay so much to do them. I just sent in my money for the High Cliff Triathlon.

I am trying to get improved in my running. I have improved, SLOWLY! I know it is not going to happen over night. I have lost weight, but only about half way to where I want to be next year. Running is a great way to help lose weight.

This school year it has been tough finding the time to workout. I usually like to get my workout in right in the morning, but since my youngest is in afternoon 4k, we usually stay home until the bus comes to get him. I don't want to leave because I am afraid I will lose track of time an miss the bus. Zeb LOVES the bus.

Speaking of Zeb, we took him to the Dentist yesterday. About 2 weeks ago he fell while riding his scooter and knocked one of his front teeth lose. It is now turning a nice dark color. It was shifted back a little bit, too. According to our dentist he should be ok he told us what to watch for, in case of infection, but otherwise it should just stay there until it is ready to fall out. (crossing our fingers and toes) I really don't what to have it pulled. He was terrified when he found out that his teeth will fall out. He told me he no longer wants to have anymore birthday's. He wants to stay 5 forever!

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Ahhhh... now that was nice.


After a couple of weeks with extra hours put in at work, I was really in need of some piece and quiet. Last night after work Reece comes up to me and tells me that he got yet ANOTHER late slip.

I was furious! On Thursday, the night before his late slip, I told him there would be NO TV, Computer or video games. He needed to find something constructive to do. I was just so sick of the extra noise.

And yet somehow he didn't get his homework done....

I had told the kids to throw a pizza in the oven for supper since I had to go to get some groceries. I was looking forward getting out of the house after that. I really didn't want to come home.

But...

Then today Duner to the boys and the dogs to the cabin to scout out for the upcoming hunting season. I was left alone from 8am until 2pm today.
I was able to clean the bathrooms, organize my desk, put away Halloween Decor, vacuumed up the dog hair in the garage, drop a load off at the thrift store and worked out.

There was No TV. When I was by myself, it was so peaceful, no Lego's magically appearing. No noise. Until I put on my itunes. I had treated myself to Starbucks on Friday and they gave me a free song from itunes. It was a song by John Mayer called Dreaming with a Broken Heart.

Well, needless to say that is no longer the situation. I am now in the company of my kids, since Duner has now gone hunting. I guess we each have different ideas of bliss.