Frankenstein, a Mummy, and Spiders!

Just in time to mail!

We are the 30%

Back in February of 2010, our $3000 free puppy had surgery to repair his torn ACL. Did you know that 30% of dogs who tear one wind up tearing the other? Yep. This week, our dog was became the $4500 puppy.

His first day home he slept almost the entire time, thanks to a hefty round of pain medication. A week later he is moving around and beginning to put weight on it. Now the hard part begins. Rehab is incredibly important, and dogs are ready to run, jump, and climb long before the repair is healed. At least we aren't dealing with snow too.

Some people think $4500 is too much to spend on a pet, and I know others would spend their life savings if it would make a difference. For me, it will be worth every cent to see him blasting across the dog park again!

now I run

Last summer, after years of telling myself and others that I don't run, I started running so that I could be part of my middle daughter's sport. I have come so far from where I started a year ago.

This weekend I ran the 5K while my oldest completed her first half marathon. Not only did she finish, she was within her goal for time and placed in her age group.

 I am so lucky to have kids who inspire and encourage me to be better!

all the things you missed as a kid

Last night the oldest and I were hanging out.

I was watching tv when I heard from over her laptop, "Bath tub crayons? No way!"
"Are you on Pinterest?"
"Um, no?"

Yeah, right.

like singing the alphabet

The youngest and I were watching the WNBA game together, and she noticed the song in the background during one of the time outs.

Her: Aw remember that song? That's um...
Me: Usher?
Her: Yeah. Oh, what's the name of that song?
(waiting while she sings along to the song)
Me: Did you get to the title of the song yet?
(more singing)
Her: Oh, ha, yeah. 

time flies

This morning I woke up really tired - because I started watching youtube videos in bed to fall asleep and 10:30pm became 1:30am.

When I told the youngest, she said, "Yep. I know what you mean. One minute you're watching Jimmy Kimmel and the next you're searching for soccer tricks."

Yeah, kinda. 

Can I have a minute to debate that?

Against our better judgement we watched the pre-election debates tonight. It was everything I thought it would be, and I felt I wasted the whole evening. On the way up to bed the middle daughter says, "Well at least SNL will be good this week!"

Ok, maybe not a total waste.

we know everyone

My husband and I have lived and worked in the same area for so many years, that whenever we go anywhere we always seem to know people. It happens so often that the kids are surprised when we go the mall or dinner and don't run into a co-worker, neighbor, or former student. A few months ago the oldest told me that as a kid she stayed out of trouble because she believed that we knew people everywhere.

Given this, I know I should not find it odd that we have bought things off Craig's list twice... and both times, we knew the seller.

Water anyone?

What? We have athletes.

Today I opened the cabinet and one bottle fell over, then, like the single bowling pin that teeters in slow-mo while everyone stands waiting, sent 15 years of water bottles crashing onto the kitchen floor. I guess this is a sign.

Suit Up!

Since the kids were little, they have wanted a swimming pool. This year the timing, budget, and the stars in the sky aligned... and we bought a pool. I worried that it was too small to actually be much fun, but we spent ALL summer in the pool. And I'm sure it didn't hurt that it was the hottest summer on record.

How small is it?

This weekend we went to visit my dad who lives in a small town in the middle of Iowa. How small is it, you ask?

On a local radio commercial, the announcer said, "We're located a mile past the stop light." A mile. Past the stop light. The light - THE ONLY ONE.

During dinner I asked the server if we could make it to the local race track in ten minutes. She replied, "Ten minutes? Oh, Lord honey, how big do you think town is?"

And you know the blue signs on the highway that tell you what attractions and amenities are coming up at the next exit? I know, you can't tell in the picture, but trust me... it's BLANK.

Small town

This weekend we are visiting my dad, spending some much needed time relaxing. The small town pace is so different and welcome.

When the kids were little they loved that we let them go all over town alone. They had no idea that in a town of 400 people, everybody knows when the grand kids are visiting, and we got updates all day long.

My favorite part of visiting has always been how the kids adapt and find things to do. I love that that hasn't changed as they've grown up.

Lost in a good book

One of the cats

Climbing trees

When I was a kid...

When I was a kid, summer got so hot you could cook an egg on the driveway. Oh wait, that's now.

Hot? Pfft.

This is July 4. This is 104 degrees. This is the electric company trying to restore our power. Good thing our city's celebration has a festival with a beer tent.

Best Parade Plan. Ever.

Our community has a big Independence Day parade, and our family is usually connected with at least one group that's marching. I took this picture from the route with my phone:

a soundtrack for life

The youngest and I were in the car talking, and she said, "Wouldn't it be cool if there could be a soundtrack for epic moments. Like as the player starts driving to the hoop with the ball, the theme song comes on."

I gotta admit - that would be awesome.

Time for a little trim

and your little dog too

Tonight I came home from the grocery store to find middle and youngest daughter watching The Wizard of Oz on tv, dubbed the "Wizzer da Boz" by the youngest when she was little. The kids used to watch that movie all the time. The middle one said, "This movie is messed up. I don't remember it being this dark. I just remember her shoes. I loved those shoes."

So I had to share this picture of the three of them from one Halloween.... 

Wow, what a bucket list!

Our middle daughter's summer bucket list showed up on the laundry room door this morning. I hope some of these include me!

That's a wrap.

My husband is retiring from teaching after 30 years and tomorrow is his last day. This is what his students had made as a retirement gift.

Let me just set this here....

Middle daughter cleaned her room today. Can you tell?

Today on my drive into work

About the only thing we agree on in Wisconsin right now is the need to vote.

Now that's flocked...

I'd like to thank the high school kids who helped with our yard last night.

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for....

While my daughter was waiting for her travel arrangements to be finalized she had lots of time. So she found herself a Barnes and Noble and picked this up, because we want to see the movie... and everyone knows you have to read the book first because the book is always better than the movie.

Today in the garden...

I've got mail... and good mail, not the bill kind!

My oldest is doing a study abroad trip this month, but before she left she sent me this. I already know what it is, and I was hoping it would get here soon! Ah the suspense.

This week in the garden

This week in the garden we have Maltese with my new teal bistro table in the background.

I missed a whole season...

Just like that track season is over. Maybe because the weather was so nice, it seemed to go so fast. Welcome to softball season.

Put that in the win column!

To you that might sound like a dryer running, but it's really the sweet sound of victory.

Mom vs the dryer

God loves pole vault, I guess.

on guard

The thing about Border Collies is they like their herd all together where they are supposed to be, and get anxious when one is missing, like still not back from the track meet. :)

Both, I think.

I stopped for coffee in the afternoon during a pouring rain, and as I got to the counter I got a text from my daughter.

"Oh sorry," I said to the barista, "my daughter was supposed to have a track meet in this rain but it's canceled."

Without looking up she wishfully said, "The meet or the rain?"

Maybe proofreading is a 400 level class....

My daughter sent this to me today. They are posted all over her dorms at school.

Just pick a station... Haha!

Earlier this week I used my husband's car for an errand. When I got in the car all the radio presets were set to the same country station. In our family, there could be a perfectly logical explanation. I figured that our middle daughter, who often uses that car, got tired of the top 40 stations playing the same three songs and set them all to country. Or that she was getting revenge on a sibling for something.

Not so.

Last night the oldest and I had his car again, and she commented on the limited listening options. "Yeah, I know, I think your sisters were messing with it." "No, it's Dad doing that."

Turns out when the kids ask him to change the station, Mr. Technology holds the button down too long it it resets to the station they are already on. "Doesn't he notice it's the same station? Or don't you say something?" "Yeah, we tried to tell him and then he did it again so another one was set the the same station."

Ok, country it is...

Floppy sock

This morning I woke up early and was trying to be so quiet so everyone else could sleep in for the first Sunday in ages. I made coffee and didn't even disturb the dogs. As I turned to get the cream I stepped in a giant puddle of cold water leaking from the fridge - my sister's family calls this floppy sock, and I hate floppy sock.

The fridge had been leaking for a while, like for-a-year while. A friend said it was probably a clogged drain tube, so we just wiped up the water in the bottom of the fridge once a week until we had time to deal with it, which was today because I HATE FLOPPY SOCK!

So I got on google. That brings the list of things fixed through the magic of google to: the dryer belt, the dryer blower wheel, the car stereo, and the fridge.

And because that wasn't enough fun for one day, later in the afternoon the washer overflowed the wash sink in the laundry room, to the point that we were using quilts to mop it up and the basement is scattered with plastic bins while the storage area dries out. Floppy sock again, for the second time in one day.

So glad we don't have a dishwasher....

and in this corner....

Two of the kids had friends sleep over last night. I'm not sure how they decided who would get which room, but this is what I found when I woke up this morning:

In the living room

In the family room

Brrrr.

Today the oldest participated in a polar plunge for charity. 42 degrees. Couldn't pay me enough.

All sugared up!

Today one of my coworkers organized a cupcake extravaganza, and I ate cupcakes ALL day, and I mean ALL day. Before I fall over into a cupcake coma, here are the recipes for my two contributions:

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes from Joylicious

1 package graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
12 Tbs unsalted butter
1 cup + 2 Tbs sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
4 large egg whites
2 cups chopped fresh strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix graham cracker crumbs with butter using a food processor. The mixture should hold together when pressed with fingers, add more butter if needed. Press about 1 tablespoon of the crushed graham cracker into the bottom of each prepared muffin tin and bake for 3-5 minutes or until slightly browned.

In a medium bowl beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks appear, about 3-4 minutes, be careful not to overbeat. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the vanilla and beat on a low-speed. Add half the flour mixture, then mix in the sour cream or yogurt. Add remaining flour and mix until just blended.

Gently fold 1/3 of the egg into the batter until combined. Do not over-mix the egg whites or the cake will fall flat. Add remaining egg and fold in the chopped strawberries. Fill each muffin tin about 3/4 of the way and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Top with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries.


Chocolate Hazelnutella

Make chocolate cupcakes using a box mix or your own recipe and let them cool completely.

Filling:
4 tablespoons softened butter
1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts
1/2 cup of Nutella
1 cup of rice krispies crushed in food processor
2 to 3 tablespoon of heavy cream
1 cup of powdered sugar

Use a spoon to scoop out the inside of the cupcakes (save the pieces for later).Mix butter and Nutella together until well blended. Add powdered sugar, rice krispies, and nuts. And heavy cream  a little at a time until the filling is spoon-able, but thick. Use a spoon to fill the cupcakes. Replace the little pieces you cut out (like a jack-o-lantern).

Frosting (white butter cream):
1 stick butter
2-3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
up to 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Soften the butter, but don't melt it. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. It should be really thick still. SLOWLY, as in a teaspoon at a time, add cream until the frosting is the texture you want. I replaced the vanilla and most of the cream with Hazelnut flavored Torani syrup (like the Starbucks coffee syrups). Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.

Yum, yum, yum.

 A preview of things to come....Tomorrow more pics and recipes!

Strawberry Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Butter Cream

Overheard at Starbucks today...

Dad: (to teenage son dancing around) What's up buddy? Have to go the bathroom?

Teenage son: Daaad (roll eyes).

Dad: Are you nervous? Got a crush on a girl here? Having a baby?

Teenage daughter: (look at Dad with raised eyebrows and OMG expression).

Teenage son: Dad, seriously?

Dad: (with dude, I'm a cool dad face) Whoa, good thing you're not having a baby because when your mom and I---

Teenage daughter: DAD. STOP. TALKING.

sleep-shopping

This morning I went in to wake up middle girl and after the third time she snoozed me I said, "Honey, you have get up right now."
"But everything's on sale."
"Huh?"
"Oh, haha. I was dreaming that I was shopping and everything in the store was on sale."

headed North

This guest post, from my youngest daughter....


Welllllllll.................... so here's the story! My mother, being the crazy adventurous child at heart she still is, decides, HEY. Let's go see the Northern lights! So we all packed up and got ready to head out with a box of cereal and iced tea in hand. We headed North, picking up my sister on the way, and set out to find the Northern lights. However, me just being done with my softball practice, and my sister just finishing her exams, dropped off fairly early. We both woke up, briefly, to look when we had gotten as far North as our time would allow us to go in order to get back in time. We didn't end up seeing any more than a red haze out in the sky; the northern lights were actually, as we would find out later, best visible on the other side of the planet! So we turned around and headed home, stopping only at a little truck stop with bakery treats, some of which were larger than myself! We got home around 4 in the morning and didn't make it far into the house before we dropped off fell into a practical hibernation. Although we did not get to see the Northern lights as expected, I realized that it isn't the destination that is the most important, but rather the events that occur on the trip there. yep, i run deep. :)

Just a little?

Seeing the Northern lights is on my bucket list. I added it last fall, and it's the only concrete thing on there so far. So when the news started forecasting one of the best displays yet, I jumped on the chance to see them. The kids had off school the next day, and I had just cleared my work schedule earlier in the day - it seemed as though the stars, or at least the super-charged electrons hurtling toward Earth, were lining up for me.

We hopped in the car at 10pm and drove North, as far as we could. No sign of the Northern lights, this time. This was still one of the better all-nighters I've spent.

Maybe next time....

at least it's something...

Snow. Finally. It's just an inch or two, but it's still snow.

time to share the gifts!

Not all of these have been given yet, but the ones that are left are going to people who won't see this, so now I can share. It appears as though my quilting tutor is doing a good job!

My first quilt - for the oldest's BF who has never had one.

I-spy - for my grandson with fabric I've collected over years.

Stars - started for my granddaughter when she was a baby.

Tag blankie - for the newest little family member.

over the river...

My other sister and her husband moved into a beautiful new home, and so it was her turn to host Christmas. They made ham and potatoes, and we opened gifts that we exchanged names for. This was the view on the drive out to her house:

Jesus would have a smart phone, I know it....

The kids and I went to midnight service at the church where I grew up, and where my sister and her family still goes - it's a very relaxed format. As I was taking this picture, the middle daughter leaned over and said, "I think taking pictures in church is frowned upon."

Because it was Christmas, I didn't point out that we were all wearing jeans and hoodies, and that the people in front of us were dancing....

all aboard!

The oldest planned a surprise for the rest of us today. She took us to dinner and then to the Polar Express at the IMAX theater. We saw the movie in the theater as a family when it was released, and we have watched it on dvd hundreds of times since, and there were still things we caught this time that we never heard or saw before. The two funniest memories of the night:

1) The middle daughter walked into the IMAX and her brain went into math mode. All she could think of was how fast the sound waves would travel across the dome, and the formulas to calculate things. She could not clear her brain until the movie started. And she was pissed that she couldn't turn it off. Hilarious!

2) As we are wrapping up dinner hubby pulls out his phone and announces that he has "this cool calculator" on his phone that can figure out what the tip should be. No one had the heart to tell him that we all have a tip calculator on our phones - or we all sat in the same stunned silence, while he demonstrated it for us....

it's points either way....

At work we had a gag gift exchange, so middle daughter and I made a trip to the local Goodwill store looking for a good one. We found a pillow in the shape of a hamburger. It was perfect.

In the exchange we did, once you opened your gift, you could trade with someone else who already opened theirs to get a "better" gift. 

When I picked the kids up at school I reported back that my co-worker chose the burger, and when it was the boss's turn she swiped it from my co-worker. Apparently it was a hit.

The middle kid says, "Maybe it will earn you some brownie points - or more like hamburger points."

so that's what the ironing board is for

Ok, so when I started quilting again, I forgot why I quit in the first place. Part of it was finding time to work on it with little kids running around. The other reason is that I stopped taking classes after the intro, and didn't learn how to actually finish one.

I'd like to introduce my new quilting tutor, YouTube:

Ms Money

I was talking with our coach at a rock climbing competition when the middle daughter came springing up with some papers in her hands. "Whatcha got there?" asked the coach. "Oh, an application to work here - college isn't gonna pay for itself."

I love that girl.

well, at least it's one more

My co-workers decorated my cube for my birthday - hub and kids left me a starbucks gift card and texted me messages all day, and my sister, my other sister, my dad and sooo many friends on FB wished me a happy birthday - which was really nice because I spent my day at work, and then at night went to my other job, and was still in a meeting at midnight when my birthday ended.

st nick...

I did not want the oldest to miss St. Nick just because she is away at school - it's always been such an event in our home.... So I made arrangements for the info desk in her dorm building to deliver a package to her mailbox that night. In the box was a small, wrapped item for each day, like an advent. That night when she got caught up on the days, she sent me this picture:

cookie day

My BFF organized a cookie exchange at her house this weekend. Way easier than baking all of these alone - which is what the two of us used to do.

i forgot about these

Last year when the oldest was choosing colleges, one of them was on the other side of the country with a very aggressive program and intense schedule. We knew if she wound up there, we would not see her during the semester, possibly not for Thanksgiving, and only a few days for Christmas.

As I was putting the Christmas stuff away, I realized that this Christmas was one of the "lasts" for us. For the first time it hit me that she would be graduating, and the possibilities she had to choose from was overwhelming to me. I was missing her already.

I put some ornaments in one of the leftover cookie tins to send to her - wherever she was the next year. I put the tin back in with the rest of the decorations and packed them away. This year, when I pulled  them out, there was the tin on top.

As it turns out, she chose the college 45 minutes away and is home nearly every weekend, but the sense of "lasts" has not gone away.