Birthday Boy!!

Yesterday was Reece's 9th Birthday.
He was so excited he had been jumping around all week anouncing it to anyone that would listen. He was so happy on Friday he got up with NO PROBLEM! If fact he was up before me! I waited til Duner got home from work and we opened the presents from Aunt Sara and us.
The first one he opened was Auntie Sara Guitar. As soon as he pulled it from the bag I had them in Duner says "Hey Reece, You got a guitar!' (Reece hadn't even opened it yet!) Yes it was a guitar. I had to hit Duner.

Next he open the Robosepian that we got him. It was pretty neat. I thought about not getting it. I was a little worried about it after I bought it I saw these Roboraptors flying off the shelves at Linens-n-Things. But they were half off so I can see why.

The final present of the morning was a Pokeman video for Gameboy. He liked that too. He wasn't able to play with the Robot since I had no batteries for it in advance. I will have to stock up prior to christmas to make sure I am ready that day.

After School, The boys called Grandma to bring batteries over so they could play with the toy. I told the boys to pick up the house a little since Reece was having a friend sleep over. His best bud, Jacob came over with a great gift card for Game Stop. I have seen the store but I think I have only been in there once or twice. Reece will love it! I have to wait til after St Nick comes, since they are getting some more PS2 games from him.
Grandma and Grandpa brought over Zebbie and the batteries, along with his Mega Blocks Jeff Gordon Nascar. He tried to put it together last night while Jacob and Brock played some games downstairs, but got frustrated when some pieces weren't working together. He gets so worked up when something doesn't go right. He sometimes needs to take 5 and come back later.

We had spaghetti for Supper and German chocolate cake for Dessert.
The desert didn't make it though the night. I knew it wouldn't. I saw the empty plate in the sink this am.

I think he had a Happy Birthday....

Doctor Time

So We start off the week by going to the doctor for Dad. He had some dizzy spells that we wanted to make sure were nothing since his mom had a HUGE brain tumor and didn't know it for a long time. Dr Elmer, I just love, was very common person speaking. It is nice to understand some doctors. I work with a Dr that is very similar.

He came in apologizing for being late. (At that time he was 15 minutes late only) Apparently he had 2 people run in with Chest pain. They must have been on special that day.
The doctor asked him about his diet and Duner told him about how much soda he drinks. The Dr. tried to tell Duner that 1) the Caffiene is bad for you, he can drink 4 cans of pepsi in a day easy. 2) If he continues drinking that much soda he should switch to the diet kind before his pancrease goes bad from too much sugar input. I didn't realize the second one that is a good point. I had been randomly buying caffeine free pepsi for a while now. When I was in WW they drilled us about how for every 1 can of caffeine you need double the amount of water to replace the fluid lost from dehydration from caffeine. I don't know if it is really that bad, but I do know the more water you drink (and the less caffeine) the easier it is to drop weight.
I had to chuckle when they weighed Duner he was 10 lbs heavier then last time he was on the scale. (with steel toed shoes) But I am sure he will lose that weight again. He has done it before.

Well, He did a CT scan, just to be safe, it was scheduled for the very next day. We spent more time waiting in line to check in then we did getting the actual test done! After we get to the counter she said "ok have a seat". We waited 10 minutes, another lady calls us up to verify everything, address, phone, insurance... and gives us a buzzer thing that we are to put in a basket when it goes off and take an elevator to the 'radiology dept' on the second floor. We go to the elevator, follow the yellow arrows on the ground and are met by a woman that says "Randy?" and takes Duner away. Zebbie and I sit waiting again in the waiting room. Luckily an episode of Little house on the Prarie was on. Zeb was tired and laid down with his head on my lap.
I waited for another 10 minutes and he was done that quick.

We found out what we didn't know already... He is normal. Who would have thought that? : }
But that is a good thing.

O Christmas Tree...

We picked up our Christmas Tree on Saturday last week at one of those cut your own places. We had always talked about doing that but never did. It was fun. I think next year we will go to one that has the sleigh/horse ride and hot cocoa, to really make it something special. The boys liked picking out their tree.
The boys begged me to let the put some lights on the tree Sunday. We were not sure since our Xmas tree stand is on it last leg. We will be grabbing on off clearence this year or early next year. I let them get out the decorations and start loading the tree. Reece was doing a pretty good job. Then it was Brocks turn. He had a hard time doing it. I think he just wanted it to be done. Reece ended up taking over and got a bit lazy and we had what looked like it as a tree made from lights. All of the lights were resting on top of the branch and they were sagging down. Patches of the tree were neon and some pitch black. I ended up trying to fix the tree but just had to start all over. I was not wanting to do that since I had lifted weights that am and my arms were tired.
After I had the lights on I let the kids place all the ornaments. The loved it. I dug out the video camera and dusted it off (it hadn't been used in about 2 years.) I put it on the charger and recorded the kids a bit but they were more interested in being silly on camera, so I taught them how to use it and they went nuts. They had fun wrestling with Zeb and recording each other.

Since we had such an unfamiliar Christmas I think they were very happy to get things started so soon. Even if our tree dies before we open our presents.

Friends and Family

The best week of the year came so slow and went so fast!

I had to send along deli turkey and buns for the Thanksgiving feast at Zeb's School. I had also volunteered to host thanksgiving this year at my house. I bought the unlucky bird Monday and began to thaw out per directions in the fridge. We decided to add some ham to the menu as well. Which was a hit so I am glad we did. Tuesday was filled with appt after appt for some reason, so I was glad when Reece's Boy Scouts ended up getting cancelled.

I had to work only one day this week. Wednesday was it. Yippppeee! That day couldn't go by fast enough. The last 5 minutes my co-workers and I sat and literally counted the minutes. After work I came home and made sure the turkey was defrosting. I ended up throwing it in water just to on the safe side.

I woke up on Thanksgiving morning to Zeb at my bedside, quiet except for the swallowing noise he was making. I quickly hopped up and than the heaves started. I grabbed my garbage can, the closest thing to me and held it up the his throat. After some spitting he said he was ok.

Ok Great, I am supposed to have 5 other people here, make dinner and help a sick child? Yikes!

I quickly when in to rush mode. I made sure Zeb was comfy and thought immediately of my sister, who commonly would fall ill on a hoilday. I then figured I better call my mom and give her an update if to let her know the new saga. I was perfectly fine with throwing it in high gear and having it, but I didn't know how others would feel. She said they didn't mind and he actually seemed to perk up. I found myself having to almost disipline Dad and Zeb for running around chasing each other before the people got there.

After the meal it was on the the planning for our trip. See sisters great blog for that story here...

When she headed off for home, I wasn't as tired as I thought I would be. I lost Reece to a friends house, Brock too. Zeb went hunting with Duner and I was by myself. I quickly ran downstairs, found the toys that I had hid and wrapped them. Yipppeee! Done with that! I then changed the 'theme' of the front of the house to Christmas, and put away some of the thanksgiving/fall decor.

Reece came home about 5 and asked if he could have a friend sleep over. I said sure. He is a adorable quiet little kid. He has the cutest dimples and from what Brock tells me his sister is pretty cute too. (I think that is why he went over there)

We got 3 movies last night.
You, Me and Dupree was very cute.
Monster House, the boys loved it! Zeb got scared, it was so cute. He was hiding in various places. At one point he stood in front of the TV almost paralyzed and said "Scared!", then managed to dart off to his bedroom.
I also rented Match point, I didn't like this. I should know better. I didn't realize it but it was a woody allen film. I have not ever seen one of them I like. They are boring.

Well I had to finish You, Me and Dupree this am since I fell asleep last night, I was more tired then I realized since waking up at 3am for the shopping.

This am I woke up to Reece telling me his friend David had just vomited. Bummer. It was 7.30am. I was still tired, since the kids were still up late and I could here them playing around, once I went to bed. So I called his mom and she picked him up.

All about me and Zebbie...

I am a widow this weekend. A hunters widow.
My oldest 2 kids and husband are up at the cabin, enjoying the cold, fending for themselves, badly misbehaving... I am sure. I am glad I am not there. I dropped off Brock today, while I was there I was enjoying the mess and thinking... I am so glad I don't have to pick that up! I really had to fight off the urge to put a paper plate in the garbage. I even caught myself telling the kids to pick up a bowl, that was probably not theirs! Old habits die hard.

Brock baby sat last night for me so I could go for a night out with the girls. Julie and Ang, to be exact. I RARELY get to do this, even though if you ask my mother, I shouldn't have any fun in my life. The mention of me going out with the girls ALWAYS brings a sour look to her face and she becomes quiet and short. I really don't remember the last time I went out with my friends, it was that long ago. They are a riot. They have great comebacks for any one that might approach us. I do not do well, but Julie is always there to save me. I just am so afraid to say the wrong thing, but not Julie, she is such a good friend. Her sister too! She works at the last beverage stand we stopped at. By then it was very late and the Losers were looser than ever. One gentleman came up to me and said "I had been fantizing about you all night". Hmmmm... If I would have been thinking I would have said "Gee, since I don't know you and just walked in the door 5 minutes ago I find that hard to believe, so get lost." But all I had to do was give Julie this Yikes look and she was right there with a comment for him. Apparently it didn't phase him because he then said the exact same thing to her.... We decided to find a different place to sit and he followed us and then Julies sister said " Please leave my friends alone, Sir!' Yeahh!! It is good to know the help, not to mention some free food and beverages...

I heard all about the great deals you can get shopping so I decided to scoop it out. There was some nice clearence stuff I found. Zebbie was bribed into leaving the cabin with me so I had to buy him something. He chose another lighting Mcqueen car. Go figure. I probably spent 15 extra minutes in the store since every time he saw a 'CARS' item he absolutely wanted it. Even if it was a night light. He even said "I will get that if I lose my cars blanket, Mom' as he pointed to a sleeping bag/pillow combo they have out now. No Isle is safe from that stuff! Even clothes, food and toiletries~! I kept picking the WRONG isle. Grrr.
Zeb is watching Nascar racing on TV right now and is saying 'Go Lighting Mcqueen Go!' How cute!

And the First Quarter ends..

The Report Cards are OUT! Brock's came in the mail yesterday and Reece's came via backpack today. This is what they were...
Brocks Grade Report (GPA 3.556)
Reading 6 [Denis] Quarter Grades A-
Written Language 6 [Denis] Quarter Grades B+
Math 6b [George] Quarter Grades B
Social Studies 6 [Thiel] Quarter Grades B
Science 6 [Thiel] Quarter Grades B
Phy Ed 6 [Clark] Quarter Grades A
Choir 6th [Bauer] Quarter Grades A+
Exploring Technology 6 [Lemmers] Quarter Grades A
Computer 6 [Albers] Quarter Grades A
I would have NOT thought this was possible. The way things were going in Jefferson I would have thought them to be C's, maybe some B's. But WOW!
Reece is not doing to bad either, averaged 85 %... He is in a different school they don't do A's and B's, but check marks and scores on activites. I like his report cards this year as opposed to Appleton Schools. It is much easier to read. For the most part he is doing quite well, get a little distracted, but no suprise there. He has begun to make more friends at school. He made friends with some kids and plays football at Recess. He made 2 touch downs today and was very excited about it. Came home and told me right away.. He was hoping to play with one right after school today but we had an appt for Brock to get looked at by an Orthodontist. Brock may need braces, he has a small mouth and a lot of teeth. I am familar with that problem. He was amazed at how old he was. His mouth is quite advanced for his age.??? Maybe it goes along with the 'born before due date (by 4 wks), and taller than average. His Dr said if he continues he will be taller than Duner (he is 6 ft). Duner has a younger brother that is 6'1". I have to discuss it with Duner and see what we want to do. If we proceed we will have to get impressions made and xrays taken then sit down and discuss it with the MD. That is a lot of money and we have 2 other kids that may need them also. We shall see...

Career Abitions...

Brock spent all day Saturday at the Red Cross going thru Baby sitting training.
He was supposed to bring a lunch, so I had him pack one Friday night before bed. He didn't want to since he wouldn't know what he would be hungry for... I laughed. Brock not hungry? Is that possible. I think not! I told him just make a sandwhich because by the time lunch comes on Saturday he would gladly eat cardboard if that is what they offered him. He also grabbed a granola bar, goldfish crackers and a soda. The entire walk into the building was filled with Brock telling me how he was going to blame me if anyone asked why he had a lunch. Paranoid?
He was terrified when we got there. I was introducing him to his teacher and as I turned to look at him I couldn't find him. He was hiding behind me! I asked his teacher, who was VERY welcoming and happy, where we can put his lunch and she directed us to a table FILLED with other lunches. See lots of others!
About 3:30pm I returned to pick him up and waited in the parking lot til I saw other parents leaving with their kids. I didn't want to get out of my warm car til I had to.
When I walked in Brock was trying to call my cell. He couldn't wait to ask if I could buy him a first aid kid and bag for $15! I luckily left my purse in the car. "It can fit my new book' he said.
As we proceeded home he told me that since I was family I got a discount of .50 cents. He would normally charge 1.00 but since I was Mom he would only charge half that.
He is already asking my if I have to leave to do anything... We ran out of paper towel to today he told me and immediately followed that with I will watch Reece and Zeb!

Sometimes you have to think out of the box...

I was frustrated by the lack of inexpensive curtain valances at Target the other day while shopping.
I had a dollar amount in mind but I was definitly not going to spend 20 bucks for 'show'. I can't believe what they get these days for them! I thought 'What else can I use for a quick fix?'. I didn't have much time to throw something together so I came up with this...
SEW Simple!!
I can't say enough about how important it is to buy ANY cheap fabric that you like! Even if you don't have impending plans for it! I picked up this cafe' material for our last house, but never made anything with it. I just love how it turned out for our dining room! It even compliments nicely to the existing shades in the living room!

Only How many days til Christmas???

Today the local ads for best Buy, Target, Shopko and Circuit City were all about the pending release of the movie Cars. I have a 4 yr old that sqeals with delight everytime the commercials came on TV recently. He absolutely LOVES that movie. We go to stores and have to stop at each end cap that had Lighting McQueen (Red race car) or Tater (tow truck) or any other Cars character on it. His favorite by far is Lighting Mc Queen. He has a raceway, pillow case and blanket so far. This christmas he will be easy to buy for. He wants the movie, video game, soundtrack, and animated car. This week might be a good week to buy the movie at Best Buy it is only 14.99, and the PS2 game is onl 19.99 (normally) 39.99! The soundtrack just about everywhere was 9.99. Zeb once heard a song from the movie and I had to wait to turn off the radio until the song was done.

Reece is a Legoholic. He loves Legos and cars. He just loves to build 'space themed' vehicles. He can really be creative with his legos. They have gotten some of the Magnetix, he likes them but not as much as the Legs.
This weekend they have created a gravitational race track, similar to the one used at Boy Scouts Box Car Derby.

Brock will be getting things for hunting this year, he is very ho hum about what he wants. When Reece mentions something he says "oh yeah, I want that too!"

Of course, they will be getting smaller gifts this year due to the Pool table and air hockey tables that they are getting from us.

Happy Halloween!!

Brock in Costume... Big Mouth.


Reece in Costume... a pirate


The Zebbster... Lighting Mc Queen's pit crew.



The Family portrait.

Maybe I will type more after we thaw out.

Thank you George and Erla!

There is really only two things I miss about the old house we had. That is our old neighbor, George and Erla and Reece's friend Jacob. About 10 days ago we had stopped by their house to visit and let Zeb use the little boys room. Erla was so glad to see us and George, who came home later was having a ball chasing Reece and Zeb around his house, even at his age he still was keeping up pretty well with the boys. George has some memory problems, but he is so silly the kids love it. Zeb used to sneak over to their house for gramhn crackers or windmill cookies, which was George's favorite. This time Erla sent us home with some teddy grahms cookies.
They recently lost a daughter-in-law this spring and it was quite hard on Erla. She broke down and cried while we were there. She said she was like a daughter to her. Their youngest grandchild is now about Brocks age, and he lives in Kentucky. I think they miss them. George even keeps a little peddle car for our kids (and any other that may stop by, I'm sure) at there house. It has seen much better days, but the kids love it!
Today while opening the mail, each of the boys had a Halloween card and each had a message just for them. It was from George and Erla. I wish you could have seen the look on Zeb's face, not when I told him he got the money, but when I told him who it was from. He just lit right up and smiled so big "George and ERLA! Wow!" he said.

As you can see all the kids where pretty happy...

Pumpkins Everywhere!

And now....
Can you spot the fake two pumpkins? They all actually turned out pretty good this year.

Here is who's pumpkins were who's...

Brocks is the one front left. (*glasses and Beret)

Reece had 2 one on the front right (smilie) and one back right (pirate) Ok, so I helped a little...

Zebbie had the small one on the way left... the smilie one with huge eye brows.
Mine was the spider pumpkin next to the pirate.

But I am still going to wait to tell you what the kids will be on Halloween! : )

Yep, We carved our pumpkins out this weekend. I have discovered the BEST tip EVER!!!
Cut the hole from the Bottom of your pumpkin!! It saved us so much time I could not believe it!

And when you lite the pumpkin you don't have to worry about the candle tipping over.
Just put a candle on a plate and set it on top of it! Works Great!

I won't reveal the finished pumpkins until a little later.

I also ordered Zeb a costume today from Disney. Hopefully it comes before Halloween!

Food Pantry Day

Today was Boy Scout Food Pantry day. It means I drive around and find food that people have left on their door step for local pantries in the area. Our area was a mix of rental (duplexs, industrial and residential neighborhoods).

I had to empty out the huntin' stuff out of my truck (hopefully Duner remembers BEFORE going huntin' next time). I headed to Duners work and stuffed his trunk with the stuff and left the hatch open on the Durango so the boys could run and grab quickly. Since Brock was at camp Zeb was eagar and very willing to help out. He grabbed all the homes on the right side and Reece had the left. As Luck had it Reece was a busy guy. All the homes with food seemed to be on the left side today. I think Zeb had a total of 4. But he loved to help out.

One house in peticular gave VERY GENEROUSLY! 48 cans of Campbells soup, 16 Green Giant green beans and 8 cans of Campbell Chunky soup! WoW! I had to get out and load in the 2 cases of Soup, they were way to heavy for Reece.

For brief periods of time I had to drive on a slightly busy road, maybe 10 seconds worth, and Reece informed me that we should NEVER do that again because that was embarassing. When I laughed a little long he said "Ok Mom, It wasn't that funny."

He. He. He.

Ok Brock Time Out...

On Tuesday we had the best confrence's ever for Brock. He has had unbelievable grades so far this year and is doing GREAT. All of the teachers had only good things to say about him. One of them said he is always willing to go help out the other kids in class. (aka teachers pet) Ha. Ha. Just Kidding. That was his Tech Ed Teacher (aka Shop Class).

His LD teacher looks like she is a smoker. She looks, to me like my Aunt Beverly used to. She died when I was Brocks' age, so I don't remember her that much. His gym teacher said he was always on time an suited up for gym which is 4 out of 10 points of a daily grade for that class. He is currently getting an A+. His Choir teacher said he was a typical 'please to have in class'. He loves to sing. I noticed that just the other day when he was in the shower he was singing to the radio in the shower.

Tonight I had told Brock that he will be riding home from school with a friend that he is going to go to camp with and then sat down to eat supper. Brock was working on his homework, then 10 minutes later he says "Mom, I am going to ride home with Jesse?" ??? Hmmmm.???
I think he is working a little to hard, but I think it set in.

Fun with the Camera

It has been a busy few weeks for us...
Family Portrait by Zebbie. Brock is doing his best to hide from the camera, too bad his legs are a little too long.











I forgot to post this picture from our pumpkin picking weekend.













I also forgot to post some apple picking pictures and cool mural by Auntie Sara and Reece pictures.....

Its begining to look a lot like Christmas...

Its going to be cold soon, so....














Zeb has now discovered the winter wear.

Good to be HOME

Today I had to run one of our dogs to the Vet to get surgery on his eyes. He had some eye lids that had grown into his eyeball, causing his eyes to drip and get irritated. He was loaded with energy, even though he wasn't able to eat or drink that morning.

I had to feed Thunder without lighting. That was tough for Thunder since he usually eats before emptying his bladder or any other function in the am. It usually takes him10-20 minutes to eat 3 cups of food.

Lighting will be spending the night tonight due to the hyperactivity, just incase he rips some of the stiches. He has 4 in one and 5 in the other.

Then I came home to get Zeb ready for some testing. He had to go to the public school so they can gage his speech disablity. It took almost an hour and he did really good (paying attention and listening) til about 45 minutes in to it. I had to bribe him with Burger King. I should know more within a few weeks.

I got to clean my bathrooms and was clothes and some much needed rugs from the bathrooms. I wish the smell would stay longer after I clean them but with 4 BOYS, I know it doesn't last long. I try to leave the seat up whenever possible but I am trying to get them in the habit of lifting it to be polite. Ya, I know TALL order there. I probably have better chances with the 4 yr old more than any other.

Right now I am listening to the happy giggles and footsteps of the boys as they chase Duner for some much needed Daddy time. It is nice to see them doing something other than TV or computer. I told the boys I wanted to cancel cable. Duner said ok with him. I will be calling tomorrow to see about that.

Opps, I just heard Zeb scream. He was left in the dark in the basement accidentally.
The fun never stops.

Sun, Not fire... REALLY!

I just could not wait to post these! We had some nasty weather go through the area of the Extreme Home Makeover (to the south of us)... It will be aired the sunday after Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see how it affected them.
The first picture is taken facing the west just after the bad stuff cleared.
This was what the opposite direction looked like. Everything had an erie red color to it, even the rainbow...
Cool!

Fall Cleaning??

This week has been a whirl wind of activity! I got my teeth cleaned on Monday and the hygenist told me about a local family getting an Extreme Home Makeover. How exciting and so close!! Only an hour away! It has been fun reading about it and watching news stories on TV about it.

I took the week off so my mom could have some rest while she recovers from surgery. I was busy painting a wall (twice), first I painted it green (same color as Reece's room) but something was wrong with how that looked, then I painted it a deep (not dark) blue. I love it! It works great on that wall. It really makes the fireplace wall pop.

I checked on my mom a couple of times, she was fine for the most part. The usual 'to much togetherness' with the parents. I grabbed some wood to make some workbenches for our basement. They took 2 days since my drill kept dying. I found other projects to work on while I waited.

I painted some frames that I had been wanting to do for some time now. Zeb had fun helping, but that lasted 10 minutes before he got some on his clothes and I sent him out of the basement.
I couldn't keep him away from the cordless drill. He just loved to help and he even yelled a few times at me! He wanted to do it! Shheeesh.

Yesterday we picked up our popcorn for the 'Great Popcorn Grab' and worked a shift at a spot for Octoberfest... Reece and his friend Jacob were so Awesome! The did their best to get attention to sell some. They were yelling 'Get you popcorn here! It only comes once a year, so get it now! Get it while it lasts! Help a scout, buy some popcorn!!'
They got some smiles but that was it. Bummer they tried.

We had a bike ride today from Medina to Hortonville. It was on a trail. Beautiful! I had no idea that it was even there! I don't know how long it goes but it was fun. We had some horses that passed us on the trail as well. Of course the best part was the dilly bars the kids got when we made it to Hortonville. But then we had to ride back, into the wind. I really didn't want to tell Reece how far we had to go because he likes to be dramatic and the sag wagon was at it's limit. He needed to burn some energy anyway. No major injuries, that is always good.

Well I have to get up at the crack of dawn... Night time for me!