The Cav 5

Sledding Time

2012-01-12T15:52:00.006-06:00

We have a huge hill in our backyard and it is good for one thing only: SLEDDING!!!

Sledding causes the most lovely rosy red cheeks

Eggstra Special Breakfast

2012-01-12T15:42:00.004-06:00

When is Bryan is home in the morning Brylee and Bryan make an egg breakfast together. This morning Bryan was at the Y so Brylee surprised her Daddy and had eggs waiting for him. She cracked the eggs all by herself, whisked it all up and fried the eggs. Grabbed a spoon to feed her baby and a fork to feed herself. Daddy loved his eggs....eggshell and all!

Future Football Player

2012-01-08T17:57:00.003-06:00

Jake has big plans to play College Football but doesn't want to be too far from home because he is afraid he may get hungry and wants to make sure that I am not working so I can come to all his games.

Waitress in Training

2012-01-08T13:25:00.002-06:00

An Indian Birthday Party

2012-01-07T23:22:00.013-06:00

What I learned tonight....

I must learn more than the 5 Punjabi words that Sonia my neighbor has taught me before the next Indian birthday party. Those five words just did not cut it tonight!

Indian clothes are bright, colorful and beautiful.

When served fruit at an Indian birthday party....be prepared for it to have salt and pepper sprinkled on it.

When told it is your turn when the cake it being served it means that you are to feed the birthday girl a bite of her cake.

When you think it time to sing Happy Birthday....don't sing just clap and I think say Happy Birthday a handful of times.

When it is time for presents the kids go by themselves and rip open all the fun presents.

When served rice be prepared to top it with yogurt...it is yummy.

I love my Indian neighbors and learning all about them!

Happy Birthday Anmol!

The very fun Indian Girl doll Brylee gave Anmol for her birthday.

Anmol and her family.

Seriously how cute is he!

This lovely lady was prim and proper.

so.... much to my surprise when she jumped on the exercise bike and pedaled that bike like no other and laughed and laughed I was a bit shocked. I loved her!

Basketball Boys

2012-01-07T19:24:00.009-06:00

Winter Saturdays Equal Basketball, Basketball and more Basketball

Brett #52....good for 2 points

He's a fighter

J trying to out dribble his good buddy Ty!

Brylee's First Recital

2011-12-11T11:50:00.002-06:00

Brylee's weekend was full of dance rehearsal and her first recital. She had a blast on stage! Brett thought she was going to collapse from laughter. We were not allowed to video during the recital but I was able to take a video at her rehearsal. The brothers were waiting with flowers to give to their Super-Star Sister!

Brylee is the 3rd girl from the left.

Snow Much Fun!

2011-12-06T10:23:00.002-06:00

My little eskimos bundled up and ready for school!

Best Thanksgiving Ever!

2011-11-27T16:46:00.003-06:00

3:45 am on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving Talli began to drive North. 8:00 am the kids and I headed west. 8:30 pm we rang to doorbell and surprised my Mom and Jim. Ryan and Angie were also on their way from Arizona. It had been 8 years since the last time all three kids and my Mom were together. As you can tell she was truly suprised.

Best Thanksgiving Ever!!!

Thanksgiving with family.

Black Friday shopping at Target with Talli and Lori....never again!

Time with my brother, sister and Mom at the same time.

Uncle Ryan taking the kids to Planet Pizza.

Time with cousins and aunt.

Swimming and movies.

All memories stored away until next time!

"Jacob what are you doing?"

2011-10-20T19:27:00.004-05:00

"Mom did you know that if you give an ant a crumb of food they will be your best friend?

Did you know they are excellent swimmers and climbers?

Mom I should keep my ant for a pet because I really love it!"

Great idea buddy!

Currently Brylee is babysitting the ant while Jacob is in the shower.

E-L-E-V-E-N

2011-10-18T21:29:00.004-05:00

FIFTY NINE

2011-10-16T06:00:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

Fifty Nine Fun Facts about my Mom

1. 59 nine years ago the Most Beautiful Woman was born on 10-16-52.

2. I am lucky enough to call her "Mom"

3. She was born and raised in Minot, ND.

4. She will never know how many lives she as touched.

5. She has not one selfish bone in her body.

6. She is the PERFECT mother.

7. Many situations in life I only have to ask myself "what would my Mom do?"

8. She tells me she loves me daily!

9. As a little girl she would take money from under the mattress in her parent's room and throw it in the streets for the homeless.

10. She can't put on her clothes on unless they are ironed... I recently watched her struggle with it, she broke down and pulled out the iron.

11. She likes to take Zumba classes.

12. She tucked us into bed everynight.

13. Her Mother, my Grandma was as beautiful as she is.

14. There used to be a street named "Valker Rd" in Minot

15. On weekends, growing up she would run the vaccuum to wake us up so she could spend time with us.

16. Once we sprayed pledge in the air and told her we dusted our room she then told us we did a great job!

17. She treats her husband like a King.

18. I notice that she smiles at everyone she passes and says hello.

19. We can talk on the phone for hours and never run out of things to talk about.

20. Brett named her Mimi when he was one.

21. Once she turned around got out of her car to give a homeless man some $$ and stopped to listen to his story, how many of us take the time or even notice.

22. Bryee and her have the same middle name, Ann.

23. I believe my sister is alive today because of my Mom's love.

24. My brother's graduation cake read "congratulations Vicki and Ryan!"

25. She would write my english papers for me if I would rub her head and she always got me A's...we are currently working on Talli's master's degree in Social Work.

26. She lives in the town she grew up in.

27. I would love live in the same town as her. We have not lived in the same town for 13 years :(

28. She is the most optimistic, positive person living on Planet Earth!

29. She had two brothers, Greg died in the Vietnam war and Uncle Bryan was the funniest man I have ever known.

30. She physically has the same symptoms has her children do when we are sick..still to this day..for real!

31. She gets up and the first thing she does is read the bible...she is in love with Jesus.

32. She still lets me be her little girl.

33. Dinner was on the table every night when we got home from school.

34. The house was always clean growing up...not sure how she did that one!

35. Just last week she tried to "ground Ryan" from breaking world records flying in the air.

36. She was up showered and dressed before we woke up. I don't even remember seeing her in her pajamas.

37. I have not even one memory of her losing her temper or even being slightly mad or upset...even when Ryan was being his naughtiest. And he was one strong willed little boy.

38. You would think the President of the United States was calling her everytime one of her children call.

39. I have saved every letter she has written to me so when she is dancing in heaven with Jesus I can hear her voice.

40. Great now I am crying because I am overwhelmed with the love I have for my Mom!

41. She is so Strong, she has been through more than most and has never let any of it get her in the end.

42. Growing up at the grocery store we were able to put whatever we wanted in the cart.

43. She waited up for me when I was a teenager and I sure loved it when she called Target to see if I had left work even though it was only .5 miles away.

44. She used to pay my brother to brush his teeth and shower.

45. She sent me allowance until I was 30.

46. Her favorite numbers are 3 and 7.

47. She can find beauty in anything I mean anything. I wish I saw the world through her eyes.

48. To this very day she can make me go to the doctor.

49. She is married to Danny Tanner from the TV shoe Full House.

50. We laugh until our stomachs hurt and we are crying.

51. She always puts others before herself.

52. Brett says she is the best Grandma in the World.

53. Jake says everytime she comes she gives him a present.

54. Brylee says she loves her SO MUCH!

55. She is the reason I do not like spaghetti, she made it everytime one of us lost a tooth so we could slurp the noodles that means I ate too much spaghetti growing up with three kids in the house.

56. Today and growing up I have always been proud of my Mom.

57. Her favorite day of the week is trash day.

58. My goal would to be just half....heck I would just settle for just one quarter of the woman she is.

59. I hope 41 years from today I am writing a list of 100 reasons I love my Mom. Her list is endless.

Happy Birthday Mom!

F-I-V-E

2011-10-11T21:21:00.002-05:00

S-E-V-E-N

2011-10-02T21:12:00.001-05:00

School Pictures

2011-09-25T11:46:00.001-05:00

2011-2012

My Preschool Princess

My 1st Grade Super Hero

My 5th Grade Super Smart Boy

Applicious!

2011-09-24T09:26:00.001-05:00

Driving along the river headed toward the Mall of America we found the most amazing apple orchard. It was full of yummy Honey-crisp apples! The kids raced down the hill in the wagon to see who could find the biggest apples. After several picked apples and fresh caramel apples to go we were back on the road Mall of America bound.

Mall of America

2011-09-24T06:03:00.000-05:00

We finally made it to Mall of America. It was a place we promised to take the kids when we moved.

It was a full day of adventures!

Brylee gave Hello Kitty a hug and was in awe of the American Girl store. That American Doll girl is one well dressed doll. Her outfits cost way more than Brylee's! And of course we spent a long time in the Lego store. The kids each made their own Lego figure and we purchased a Stars Wars Lego Advent Calendar set and some Christmas presents...Brett if you are reading this, just kidding about the present part!

The last adventure of the day was taking the kids to Sea Life. How could we not take our Shark loving boy to Sea Life. I was told for a mere $75 I could swim with the sharks and not to worry they were not hungry and would not eat me! Gee no thanks...my luck would be that the sharks were extra hungry that day!

A little after midnight we made it home and the kids with half closed eyes stumbled into bed to dream about all the fun we had.

Painter Girl

2011-09-10T17:05:00.003-05:00

I'm not cut out for this kind of labor....you know the painting kind of labor. I painted for 5 minutes and decided it was time to make dinner.

Me~ "Brylee are you done?"

Brylee~ "I'm not done until Daddy is done."

Someone should warn her that her Dad is never done. He can't sit still and is always working!

Friday Night Lights

2011-09-09T16:24:00.002-05:00

A fun Friday night watching Brett play at half time during the high school game.

Good times!

2 Doors Down

2011-09-07T12:48:00.005-05:00

A beautiful family lives 2 doors down. They moved here from India 3 years ago. They have 2 great kids who I have come to love. The mother knows very little English but if we take our time we can communicate a little. I picture myself living in India with my three children. I can only imagine what she has gone through. I'm sure she left her family behind in India to give her children the gift of living in America. She is beautiful and kind and I can only guess lonely. I invite her to come inside though she never stays longs. I want to learn more about her culture and share mine.

But more than anything I want her family to love Jesus the way I do. I prayed about it while jogging and my answer came through a song. The answer was to simply love them and put on my brave pants and ask if I could take their daughter to Awana. I am overjoyed that they agreed. God is good! Tonight is our first night for Awanas and I pray that God's word be hidden in her heart.

Twins

2011-09-06T22:54:00.003-05:00

Brylee picked out this new school dress because her baby "Crystal Carol" could have a matching dress. She tried to go to school with Brylee but jumped out of her backpack at the last minute.
This was her second day of school. She jumped on the bus and asked if I would meet the bus at school...of course I did. She informed me that when she was a teenager that she would not need me to meet her at school!

Priceless

2011-09-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

Jacob noticed me reading my bible this morning and at lunch opened his mouth and said "Mom you know the bible is worth 200 pieces of gold which is like a million dollars." To which Brett interrupted and said "Actually Jake it is priceless."

Then this Mom smiled and finished cutting strawberries.

Preschool Princess

2011-09-02T21:46:00.018-05:00

Brylee is growing up on me. I have been an emotional wreck inside. I can probably count the number of hours that I have been kid free in the last 10 plus years and let me tell you when I got home the silence about killed me!

She goes to afternoon preschool and all morning she was gitty with excitement and kept saying "I'm so excited!" and let me know that she knew I was going to miss her! Yep she was right!

I was one of those crazy moms who followed the bus to school and convinced myself Brylee needed me to be at the school when she got off the bus. Her assistant teacher rides on the bus to help the kids. How great is that! They have seat-belts and all. I know Brylee was somewhat nervous but as soon as she saw a smiling face greeting her as she climbed the ginormous stairs of the bus she did not even look back. She loved school and wishes she could go on Saturday.

Mrs. G

Orientation Day

A Scavenger Hunt with Daddy.

Mrs. Taylor

You may be confused and think she is ready for the beach but the girl just likes to accessorize.

She started waiting on the porch for the bus 2 hours early.

I stopped following the bus when I realized the bus driver was not sure of her route and was backing the bus up in the neighborhood so I headed to school and joined the other over protective moms on the curb and waited in the rain for 15 minutes.

A big hill to climb.

and yes I followed her into the classroom! Tears shed by Brylee zero, me a few on the way to school!

Where's Waldo?

2011-09-01T21:09:00.005-05:00

Where's Waldo?

Version: Where's Brett?

Approximately 6 hours a week I play a game I call Where's Brett? The goal of this game is to find my son who looks like every other 5th and 6th grade football player. I tried to put a big piece of blue duck tape on the back of his helmet but was told that was very uncool and it was immediately removed. Once in a while I am sure I that I spot him but upon further inspection I am wrong. Friday's agenda includes having his practice jersey screen printed with our last name.

In case you are curious Brett is the 6th player back in the 1st row in the above picture.

Yep....I always win the game when his comes for his water bottle!

My Super Cool 5th Grader and 1st Grader

2011-09-01T21:01:00.000-05:00

I wish I could freeze time or slow it down or something. The good news is that whatever age they are it is my favorite. I was walking around their school peeking in on the kids and thinking how fortunate they are to go to such a great school. Love my 5th and 1st Grade boys~

Rockn' his super cool bow-tie shirt.

Mrs. Wengerter...her first year of teaching. Today she told me that Brett has been her helper, my boy loves, loves school!

Jake chose a Captain American Shirt for his first day.

Mrs. Klinge...way nice...Jake loves her!

They agreed to hold the signs as long as they did not have to bring them to the bus stop.

For some reason they insisted they ride their bikes down to the bus stop that is only a few houses down.

This is the only year that all 3 of my kids will go to the same school. I love having them all in the same building!

Happy 1st Day of School!

Twas the Night Before School

2011-08-31T22:45:00.005-05:00

Twas the night before School, when all through the house
Not a child was stirring, not even a mouse.
The backpacks were hung by the front door with care,
In hopes that the 1st day would with a cheer.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of school books and recess danced in their heads.
And this mama sat down to rest,
and decided this summer was the best!

And then, in a twinkling, I have decided to cherish
each and every stage of my three little ones.
As I drew in my head, all the memories of past.
Down the street the bus will soon shall appear fast.

Brett will dress in his new bow tie shirt and some new Nike Shox.
And my Jakey in his Captain American Shirt will look like a Fox.
My bundle of Joy that is named Brylee will wear her new dress and feel rad.
And they will look like smart kids, as they swing on their book bags.

They will spring on the bus and better give their Mom a wave.
And away they will go down the street toward the school looking brave.
And they will hear me exclaim, I love you and will miss you!
"Happy First Day of School, and to all a Great Day."

Sparkly Manicure

2011-08-27T14:16:00.003-05:00

"It's okay if I get out of the lines, right Mama?"

Huggeling

2011-08-27T14:09:00.003-05:00

Huggle: to Hug and Cuddle your Mama at the same time

For Best Results Huggle often

Definition by: Jacob Ryan

I get a huggle from my Jakey around 100 times a day.

Yes I am a lucky Mom!

A Ball and a Book

2011-08-25T14:24:00.003-05:00

Almost ready for practice!

The constants in his life:

Some type of ball and always a book.

Just the Way I Like it!

2011-08-24T21:00:00.002-05:00

Just the way I like it.....a lazy summer night with kids sitting still just long enough to fill their stomachs with pizza, the windows letting in cool fresh summer air that mixes with the sound of laughter. Ahhhh love it!

My Wonderful Crazy Full Of Life Kids

2011-08-24T12:52:00.018-05:00

I Agree....

2011-08-24T10:29:00.003-05:00

with what Brylee's dress reads....Yep totally all together Daddy's girl. Love the girl, her dress and her pink Gander Mountain hat!

Monday

2011-08-22T16:23:00.005-05:00

Sleeping in waking up with Brylee laying beside me

Laundry

30 minutes on the eliptical

Kids watching cartoons

Taking just my Brylee out to school shop

Hot dogs and carrots for dinner

Talking to my Mom for 1 hour and 24 minutes

Lots of hugs from my Jake

Waiting for Bryan to come home from work

Loving our 2nd to last last Monday of summer vacation

Snow Drill

2011-08-19T10:56:00.001-05:00

In Kansas we had Tornado Drills. It may be August but in Wisconsin we have Snow Drills!

I always said that I would like the snow. What in the world was I thinking????

Oh someone help me! Seriously I know it is August but I know it is coming. The white, fluffy stuff that just piles up as high as buildings.

The snow will be here in a few months and will hang around month after month after month. It makes the palms of my hands sweaty knowing how frigidly cold...(is that a word?) it will be. The amount of snow gear it takes just to get out the door on school days makes my head spin. The energy it takes to keep track of all the hats, scarfs, gloves, snow pants, jackets and hanging it all up strategically to dry in time for the next school day makes me want to take a nap.

I myself do not even own a pair of snow boots. My hope was that because I did own boots that would put me out of commission for shoveling. The day Bryan shoveled for 5 hours off and on I did help. Think a snow blower is calling our names!

On a positive note we are enjoying our summer of 70's and 80's!

It's Football Time

2011-08-16T19:42:00.003-05:00

It is that time of year. Brett's first practice is on Tuesday. Today I am grateful that Brett is playing in WI and not in KS heat.....and I'm sure Brett is too! Wait a minute I'm sure I will be freezing at the end of the season!

Go Vikings!!!!

Brylee Hanging Out....

2011-08-15T15:38:00.000-05:00

with her barbie collection. And someday she will be the very proud owner the very first Barbie and Ken that belonged her her MiMi. Lucky girl!

Brylee's World

2011-08-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

A glimpse into Brylee's world.

Her new friend from church, Rylee and two neighborhood friends, Anmol and Amon.

Rylee and Brylee took swim lessons together for the last two weeks and are taking dance together soon.

Anmol, Amon and Brylee spend hours and hours playing together.

They are all dressed up for the birthday party they were having for Rylee's stuffed puppy.

It is good to be Brylee!

New Rule in the Cav House

2011-08-12T14:08:00.001-05:00

New rule in this house.

For those who chose to say not so nice things about another sibling they must follow up with 10 super nice things that they like about that sibling.

Brett has pretty good control over his mouth but on this day he was busted telling Jake something not so nice.

He chose to write them down you can tell by his handwriting that he was not thrilled to have to do it.
Jake was smiling from ear to ear after hearing the list.

They proceeded to hug it out a brotherly love punch was thrown then all was good again.

1. You're cool

2. You're awesome

3. You're good with pokemon cards

4. You're good a swimming

5. Like the color of your hair....me too!

6. You like legos

7. You are good at building

8. You like Cartoon Network

9. You're my bro

10. You're the best bro....my favorite!

The Comb

2011-08-11T13:40:00.002-05:00

Brylee happened to take a long 3 hour refreshing nap on this particular day. Which meant she was not tired at bedtime. We put the boys to sleep and Bryan was in bed which gave me some Brylee time. Just us.

I love to have my hair brushed.....she told me she would brush it if I gave her a google dollars. We settled on a piece of candy.

She kept asking me does it hurt are you sure....nope not at all.

"Mama I think it is stuck." yep I agreed. A few minutes later when I could not get the very stuck comb out of my hair I decided to wake Brett up because I knew Bryan had to work early the next morning. Brett had not such gentle hands. Brylee insisted that it did not look that bad. I had to wake Bryan up. He tried for a few minutes and told me I had to find a girl to do this kind of work. Ummmm hello the only girl in the house was Brylee you know the one who put the comb in my hair. He thought cutting it out was a good idea. No thanks! I try to untangle it myself again. It is really stuck. I tell Bryan he is my only hope. He gets up for the second time and tells me hold still and not ask what he is using. Good thing I had no idea he was using a steak knife to cut the comb out of my hair don't think I would of gone for that idea.

An hour later and I am free of the green comb. My sweet Brylee says "Don't worrry Mama I didn't really like that comb Daddy cut."

Thanks for combing my hair Brylee!

F-O-R-T-Y

2011-08-07T12:51:00.018-05:00

Brylee gave her Daddy bananas wrapped them up and all....who doesn't love bananas?

The boys gave their Dad the Color Nook

Now 40 fun facts about my Birthday Man

1. He has a really cool birthday date...8-8

2. He has one younger sister her name is Jenny

3. Until Jr. High he had hair whiter than Jake

4. He loves to run and can run fast

5. He loves to fish and can fish for hours upon hours upon hours

6. and gets up way too early in the morning to duck hunt

7. His favorite person to hunt with is his Dad

8. He is good Carpenter because his Dad is a good teacher

9. Brylee has her Dad wrapped around her finger and only has to say pretty please and he melts

10. He gets to play a Parents vs Kids kickball game on his birthday

11. He can't sit still for more than 30 seconds without getting antsy

12. His version of sleeeping in is 6:30 am

13. Brett wants to add he is addicted to fishing not just likes it

14. Brett says he is too old

15. Jake says Dad is awesome

16. He is a great provider

17. He graduated from Kansas State

18. He loves the Wild Cats

19. He likes new Asics running shoes

20. He loves to take his boys to Super Hero movies

21. His daughter gave him bananas for a birthday present

22. His Savior is Jesus Christ

23. He listens to really loud Christian Metal and it hurts my ears

24. He married a great girl...me :)

25. Brylee says she loves when her Daddy swims with her

26. He is a hands on parent

27. He loves Yellow cake and Chocolate Frosting on his birthday

28. He has a bowl of ice cream almost every night

29. He has a Great Mom!

30. He sold his prized brand new truck to help us become debt free

31. He loves to open presents

32. He likes to grill

33. He will spend hours preparing a great meal

34. He grew up in Hutchinson, KS and his parents still live in his childhood home

35. He favorite pop is Caffeine Free Diet Mt. Dew

36. Brett says his Dad is Awesome

37. He is up a 5 am to be at the Y before work

38. He works at Gander Mountain

39. He likes technology

40. Brett says he makes the best under-cooked cheese pizza

Summer Fun!

2011-08-06T10:41:00.008-05:00

I am feeling panicked that summer is coming to an end. I do so enjoy the long lazy summer days of sleeping in, swimming like fish until dinner time, traveling home to family and friends, late night movies and watching my kids be each others best friends. Oh summer how I love you!

This is the first summer in 7 years that my boys have made the choice to not play baseball. Instead of a summer spent at the ball field the boys played basketball Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and were on the same kickball team on Monday nights and Miss. Brylee had gymnastics on Monday afternoon. And next week will be the last week of swim lessons.

Brylee picking flowers for her hair at a kickball game

Fun playing a game in the rain

Always excited to play!

I'm sure this is the only time they will ever be on the same team....

Brett running to first

Sweet kick Jake!

Brylee loves the bar

Last day

Yep she is awesome

Swim lessons with friends...

Brotherly Love

2011-08-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

Brett helping Jake with sight words while Brylee was at gymnastics. They are the best of friends!

Date Night

2011-07-28T18:40:00.007-05:00

There is nothing more special than a Daddy and his Daughter.

Bryan makes sure that he takes his baby girl out for a date every so often.

Brylee's goal for her date was to look 5 keep in mind she is 4.75 years old.

Pretty easy goal to accomplish.

It included:

A pony tail with two rubber bands

1 Barbie head band

Her favorite dress

Her new earrings

1 gold necklace

1 cupcake ring

1 homemade bracelet

Sparkle lip-gloss

1 homemade tattoo of a scary monster

1 Star Wars tattoo...she does have brothers

and her most Fanciest High Heels

I do believe she accomplished her goal of looking 5 year old.

It is off to Applebees for strawberry lemonade and mac and cheese and then Target to buy a coloring book.

Brave Brylee

2011-07-27T18:22:00.012-05:00

Brylee had her ears pierced today!

Many times she has walked into Claries but changed her mind.

We walked past Claries today and she said she was ready.

Told Brett to give her high five and jumped into the chair.

Her eyes were huge when they shot the guns, I thought she was going to cry....but no tears just a huge smile when it was over.

The look of oh my that hurt....I wanted to scoop her up in my arms :(

Looking at her brothers to see what they think....So proud!

Wichita Bound

2011-07-26T12:34:00.000-05:00

After just under 2000 miles and 9 crazy fun filled days in Kansas this is how I felt.

I love being in Wichita! It feels so right to be there. Guess I am still homesick!

Talli is back in Wichita we I got to help her finish moving into her apartment. My Mom met us in Wichita and below is some of the fun we had.....

The last morning together.

2 of my favorite people in the entire world

Talli with her monkeys

Mom in all her glory

We took over McDonald's with the Suttons and Mugglins

Love me some Angela and Tina

A quick breakfast at Ihop before MiMi's flight

Talli looking wonderful. If you have not seen Tal in a while you would not recognize her. She is amazing!

My Mama

Yep 9 kids and 1 teenager in Talli's tiny apartment. Thanks Heather for all your help!!!

A quick trip to Hutchinson

Feathers all around for the girls....thanks Heather!

Orange Leaf with my favorite kids and neighborhood boys

I seriously miss Trenten and Trever. I hope they will be friends forever.

Trever is Jake's hero

Rides with Grandpa

A super fun Grandpa

Brett counting Grandpa's money

Jake trying to get Grandpa's money out of the jar

Dropped by the Merrimans in our pajamas and got to catch up with my amazing friend Rebecca.

Sibling Love

2011-07-11T16:49:00.001-05:00

I love walking in a room and all three of my kids are playing together.

The brothers were helping Brylee organize her cards.

She may never win a pokemon card game because she only collects the cute cards but she does it to be with her brothers.

My loves.

Brothers for life.

Out of the Mouth of Brylee

2011-07-11T11:10:00.001-05:00

"Mom how do you grow on your birthday?"

"Never mind I know Jesus stretches us."

Good to know Brylee :)

4th Fun

2011-07-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

4th Fun....well kinda of.

The kids had fun with the fireworks that we bought. Brett had fun lighting them.

But we were the only one in the neighborhood shooting them off. The only ones!!!

We all agreed that we missed the 4th fun that we had on Jewell St.

My Biker Girl

2011-07-04T11:42:00.000-05:00

Now she can keep up with her brothers and neighborhood friends!

Kansas Company

2011-07-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

Our favorite couple come to visit from Kansas.

I loved it!

The first night there was a power outage so Brett and Travis filled the night with Connect 4.

Travis of course practiced his mad Connect 4 skills on Brett.

Oh and roasting marshmallows by candle light.

Bryan and Travis fished for hours on end but brought back enough for a fish fry.

Rachael and I went for morning runs and got to hang out with our kiddos!

Thanks for coming to visit us!!!!

Transformers

2011-06-30T14:41:00.000-05:00

Jacob is absolutely in love with Transformers. When Transformers 3 came out and Bryan was out of town the boy about lost it.

He has more transformers than I can count. The first thing out of mouth in the morning is about transformers. When I am angry or sad he tries to cheer me up with Transformers.

I love this boy as much as he loves transformers.

Time with Josh a Roo

2011-06-29T14:48:00.000-05:00

We had the best time with Josh. He happened to be in Minnesota so jumped in the car and picked him up for the night. He had us cracking up the whole time. I sure miss him and I know Brett misses his buddy too!

You Will Never Guess What is so Exciting....

2011-06-04T18:07:00.001-05:00

unless you were in the car!

Quick Trip to Minot

2011-06-04T15:49:00.001-05:00

On the last day of school we picked the boys up and headed straight toward Minot. 1st stop, help Talli pack her car....cause she was moving back to Kansas. Then onward to Minot for few fun filled days. I love Minot!

Last Day of School

2011-06-03T18:15:00.001-05:00

Brett's last day of 5th Grade and Jake's last day of Kindergarten. And Brylee clearly wishing she was in the middle of boys for the last day of school picture.

Olympic Day...Viking Style

2011-05-26T19:36:00.000-05:00

Beauty Shop

2011-05-22T12:33:00.004-05:00

A favorite pastime of Bryee's

Talli and Mom Wisconsin Style

2011-05-20T19:45:00.002-05:00

Presents of course

Dinner with a side of Angry Birds

Flowers and Bubbles

Mimi and her boy

Brett is.....

2011-05-18T18:10:00.000-05:00

Brett is.....

Courageous

Wise beyond years

Loving

Creative

Persevering

Honest

My Treasure and my Joy

He is one amazing 10 year old!

The Girl with Impeccable Style

2011-05-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

She peeked over my shoulder and said "Can I wear that today?" Of course Brylee. It is a great outfit!

Love the Hat

Love the boots

Love the clip on earrings

Love the juice pouch accessory

But most of all love the girl with all the style.

Gone Fishin'

2011-05-12T10:39:00.003-05:00

First you must pick the purse that matches the fishing pole and tackle box your dad insisted that you have and make your hair pretty before you go fishing.

It is then followed by Jake making sure you really want to go because he would prefer to go with Dad alone and then laughing at the purse you insist on bringing.

But he really is a great brother and will hold the slimy fish that you catch.

I can tell by his face he just caught a fish

Must be a heavy one!

Oh my goodness Brett is fishing. Not is favorite thing to do....but once and awhile he can be talked into it. He had the only catch of the night!

Jumping for Joy

2011-05-11T19:56:00.000-05:00

Two Peas in a Pod

2011-05-11T19:30:00.000-05:00

They Came North!

2011-05-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

The snow melted and they kept true to their word. Grandma and Grandpa came North! It was wonderful spending a few days with them. I miss living just a quick car ride away. Ummmm....don't forget to come again soon!

Reading with Grandma

Baseball with Grandpa

Sue hung a new bird feeder

Watching a barge come down the river and a quick trip to Grandad's bluff.

Miss you guys!

Gander Mountain Grand Opening

2011-05-01T15:26:00.004-05:00

The main reason we moved north instead of south was for Bryan to have the opportunity to open a new Gander Mountain store and of course to be a tad closer to my family in ND. I literally have not seen him in 4 or 5 weeks. He has been putting in 100 plus hour work weeks. And not once have I heard him complain! Not sure how he operates on such little sleep.....But it looks like all the hard work paid off. The kids and I braved the crowd and tracked down my hard working man.

Jake loves these guys. I know I should know their names but they have their own tv show on the history channel hunting crocodiles or maybe alligartors. The line to meet them was outrageous. I think I heard 500 plus people drove from all over to meet them.

Bow hunting for the kiddos! Both boys want their own bows now.

I'm sure I should know his name too. Bry said he just won over half a million fishing. Not bad for a days work!

and more very cool fishing guys who gave the kids new tackle!

Thanks for working so hard for your family Bryan!

Maybe we will see you soon!

Brylee Who?

2011-04-30T17:20:00.003-05:00

This is my Crazy, Goofy Girl her name is:

Brylee Ann

she informed me today that her name is:

Brylee Ant

and Jacob quickly corrected her and informed her that her name is:

Brylee And

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

2011-04-24T11:04:00.002-05:00

He rose and conquered the grave!

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

My Gander Man

2011-04-24T10:56:00.000-05:00

ONALASKA - The big new Gander Mountain Co. store that opened last Sunday in Onalaska's Crossing Meadows Shopping Center is attracting customers with its expanded staff and merchandise selection, and the chain's soon-to-open second firearms academy.

The new 57,120-square-foot store, built at the former Walmart store site, replaced a 33,000-square-foot store that opened in 1995 along Hwy. 16 in Onalaska. The Walmart building was demolished in 2006, two years after Walmart moved to a larger building in the Market Place shopping center in Onalaska.

The new Gander Mountain will celebrate its grand opening next weekend. Some highlights will include appearances Saturday by fishing celebrities Dean Rojas, Brian "Bro" Brosdahl, Tom Neustrom, Tony Roach and Tommy Skarlis, and the Landry family, stars of The History Channel's "Swamp People" documentary series.

The store's Gander Mtn. Academy firearms academy will open by the end of this week. It will be the first in the Midwest for the St. Paul-based chain, which has 116 stores in 23 states. The chain's first firearms academy opened in February in Lake Mary, Fla., and more are planned.

The firearms academy is expected to attract area law enforcement agencies, as well as the public. It will offer a variety of classes, for beginners to advanced enthusiasts. Classes include basic firearms ownership and safety, concealed-carry fundamentals and permit requirements, marksmanship, self-defense for women and family firearms safety.

The academy also has a live range where gun owners will use real bullets, as well as a virtual range where participants will use actual firearms that use laser technology and realistic recoil but no bullets. And there are two interactive high-definition simulators, featuring scenarios that range from hunting to self-defense.

Extended hours will be available for law enforcement agencies that want to send personnel to the academy.

The academy will feature highly trained instructors in a safe environment, store manager Bryan Cavanaugh said. It occupies about 5,000 square feet of space.

The Onalaska store features the chain's latest store prototype, said Joe Herter, district manager. The Onalaska store it replaced was the chain's standard size, when it opened.

"It's all about the customer," Herter said of the reason for building a much larger store in Onalaska.

Customers had been asking for a wider variety of products, Cavanaugh said.

The new store features a much broader selection of merchandise. For one thing, Herter said, "You'll see a lot more name brands in apparel" than at the old store. "And our firearms assortment is much broader." So is the selection of merchandise for camping.

The new store has a full-service firearms department, as well as a full-service footwear department.

The new Gander Mountain had a staff of about 85 employees early last week, and Cavanaugh said that number soon will increase to about 90. About 50 to 55 employees worked at the smaller Gander Mountain on Hwy. 16, he said.

Cavanaugh, who became local store manager in late August, said the old Onalaska store closed March 21 in preparation for the move to the new, larger location. TCI Architects/Engineers/Contractor of La Crosse was general contractor for the new store.

Onalaska Mayor Mike Giese said he is pleased by Gander Mountain's decision to build a larger store, and in Onalaska. "It certainly helps to invigorate the whole area," he said.

The new store is very visible from Interstate 90 and should help attract more visitors to the area, Giese said.

"I don't think it will sit vacant for terribly long," he said of the former Gander Mountain location, north of Woodman's Food Market.

Page After Page After Page....

2011-04-20T18:33:00.004-05:00

Brett is still my reader. He reads a Crazy amount of pages daily. I record the number of pages he reads for school. Some days he reads 500 pages. He never leaves the house without a couple books.

He has an amazing vocabulary and sometimes makes me giggle. The words that come out of his mouth sound like words of a grown man.

And his love for reading has rubbed off on 2 very important little people in this house!

A Beautiful Spring Day

2011-04-19T16:03:00.001-05:00

Wisconsin Style.

Today I miss Wichita!

Wonder how many times it will snow in May?

Auntie Style

2011-04-17T16:05:00.001-05:00

I love that Talli can only go at the maximum of 2 months without seeing the kids.

The best Auntie in the world will jump in her car drive 9 hours one way just to spend a couple days with them.....

There was lots of:

Reading with Jake

Begging and pleading of Brett to do Talli's homework.

Dehydrating of food for Talli to take home.

and Board games with Brylee
Miss you Talli!
Until next time Tal....5222!

Work it Girl!

2011-04-12T19:07:00.000-05:00

Real Men Wear Pink

2011-04-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

Jake was pleasing his Mama by wearing the pink shirt I layed out for him. I saw him zipping his jacket up all the way and then making sure there was no pink showing. He then told me he would wear the pink shirt if he did not have to take his jacket off at school.

For Jake it goes:

"Real Men Wear Pink if No One Sees"

A quick change of shirts and Jake was able to take his jacket off!

The Boy Who is NOT Crazy About Ties

2011-04-12T16:18:00.002-05:00

Alphabop!

Jake's Kindergarten Concert

Spring 2011

Jake was pumped for his concert! Excited to play the drums!

But there was one problem.....

His music teacher asked for the boys to wear ties.

I knew this was not going to go over well with Jake.

Jake does not wear ties, button down shirts or khakis.

It only took him 1 hour to agree to wear the tie and brush his hair. Not bad I reserved 1.5 hours for the battle.

Proof of the Tie Battle:

When it was time for him to shine....He rocked it.....all was good.....tie and all!

My Girl.....

2011-04-06T22:05:00.003-05:00

Is growing up way too fast!

What am I going to do when she starts 5 day a week preschool in the fall? How is it posible that my sweet girl is already 4 1/2?

Why does time go by so fast?

How can I freeze time?

Oh how I love this girl!

Preschool? Really? It does not seem possible Brylee starts school in the fall. In WI preschool is part of the public school system and means she will go to school 5 days a week for half days. Maybe because she is my last baby but I am already having a hard time.

Brylee is 100% ready....me not so much!

*Sob* *Sigh*

Out of the Mouth of Jake

2011-04-06T01:01:00.000-05:00

I love my Jakey!

My favorite comment out of his mouth this week:

"You know lady bugs don't have to be married to have babies."

And he set the girl straight at recess who told him that "Girls go to college to get knowledge and boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider."

It sounds like he convinced her that both boys and girls can go to college to get knowledge. And they are friends again.

Love my Kindergarten boy!

Fashonista

2011-03-10T18:50:00.000-06:00

The days are over that I get to dress my Brylee in her cute clothes that all coordinate.

Check out this particular ensemble she so very carefully put together. It consisted of a fall sweater, summer dress, christmas heels and some lovely striped tights topped off with her barbie sunglasses and matching purse. It took her an hour to pick out just the right pieces. There were many tears over high heels that were not making the right clicking noise and her hair that was not cooperating. Currently My Princess in need of help placing the flower in her hair she has chosen to match her shirt.
Until next time....

32 Years!

2011-03-09T08:40:00.001-06:00

A day spent with my 3 favorite kids in the world. Best present ever!

Brylee my Barbie Ballerina

2011-03-07T22:17:00.000-06:00

Green Eggs and Ham

2011-03-05T22:21:00.000-06:00

After celebrating Dr. Suess's birthday all last week at school.....

Jake fell in love with Dr. Suess books. He was pumped to try some green eggs and ham until the plate was put in front of him. Brett was brave and tryed some green eggs. Jake not so much!

Jacob can now read! I am proud of him! Tonight he read me Green Eggs and Ham.

Go Jake!!!

I Hate Medicine

2011-02-27T21:30:00.000-06:00

All three of my kids have gone or are going through a stage that involves refusing to take medicine to the point I would rather they just get a shot. After a long night of rocking Brylee and watching her pull on her ears I knew she had an ear infection. Arghhh.....that meant there would be medicine involved.

The first dose involved me holding Brylee down and her losing a few doses because she was gagging and spitting it all over the kitchen that resulted in a full melt down.

The next morning I may or may not of sat her on the kitchen counter and told her that she could not get down until she took her medicine. I was not going to hold her down 2 times a day for the next 10 days.

30 minutes later Brett came to her rescue and begged and pleaded for another 20 minutes.

So I may or may not of offered him a reward of $5 at the end of the 10 days.

Brett is my hero and Brylee is a lucky girl to have such a patient brother!!

The joys of parenthood.

Inside our Wisconsin Walls

2011-02-20T13:17:00.010-06:00

74 days later our house is unpacked! Every box has been opened and sorted. Many, many trips to Goodwill and finally our house is uncluttered! It feels so good to have a clean and unpacked house!!!

Skyping the the Grandparents

2011-02-20T11:38:00.004-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa are new to the Skype world. I love seeing their beautiful faces while we talk.

I also love the way they love each other.

Grandpa was telling me that on Valentines day he painted Grandma's toenails.

I told him what a good husband he was and he replied that he saved $30 everytime he does it and he only had one complaint. Grandma must not cut her nails so short because it makes it hard for him to paint.

He even showed me his good work!

I love them!

7 Day Heat Wave

2011-02-20T11:25:00.004-06:00

You know you live in Wisconsin when you look out the window and Bryan is enjoying a heat wave of 39 degrees shoveling snow in short sleeves....

I also enjoyed seeing spots grass this last week but that was short lived. Today another 15" will fall.

For now I will dream of the next heat wave and will look forward to watching people wear flip-flops and shorts sleeves the next time it nears 40 degrees.

Brett's New Buddies

2011-02-18T10:34:00.001-06:00

I told Brett when all the boxes were unpacked he could have a party with his new buddies. They are all goofy, fun 10 year old boys!
It was nice to put a face to the boys that I hear about!
And even better all the boxes are unpacked!!!

My Dad-e-o

2011-01-19T19:57:00.000-06:00

Another visit has come and gone.....

His visits are never long but the kids always know what to expect and so do I....

Lots of laughter and a few tears when Grandpa wins the war! The boys are already planning their attact for the next visit and Brylee is still waiting and wants her Grandpa to come back over tonight.

A Lesson in Cinnamon

2011-01-08T19:41:00.000-06:00

A post for Rebecca because she asked so nice :)

When we first moved to this lovely Ice Box we were sitting in a restaurant and I offered the kids $50 to whoever could tell me who was singing the song playing in the background. Brett shocked his mama and guessed it. What???? A Johnny Cash song. How in the world does he know him??? First I made him feel sorry for me, second pleaded with him to settle for $40 and then I opened my wallet and paid up.

Now you know taking money from me is Brett's favorite game. But remember this mama learned her leason.

On a cold snowy weekend day Brett was ready to take my money again.

For $5 the deal was.....

Swallow one simple teaspoon of cinnamon. Easy Peasy...right???
Jake was ready to take my $$$ too
my poor boys
Look at those faces the money is already burning a hole in their pocket. Talli is the amazing photographer that captured the cinnamon breather...Look at this super cool picture of Brett not taking my money. That is right! I am a mean mom. Silly boy you can't swallow cinnamon!!!!
I had one mad boy! "It burns, my throat hurts, gag, spit."
At this point I feel bad and I open my wallet and he took my money again.
The end!

Talli-Alli

2011-01-06T20:32:00.000-06:00

The first familar face in Wisconsin! Talli drove 8.5 hours to spend the weekend with us.

We all miss her like crazy!!!

Ummm check out the pictures of her. She is super healthy and looks amazing. I sure like the new and improved Talli!!!!She came bearing presents

Jakey could not get enough Auntie lovn'
only took Brylee .5 seconds to warm up.
Brett is almost as big as Talli.

Pictures compliments of Brylee. Do you see how great Talli looks!!!???

Lunch with Jake, he was pretty sure he wanted to sample the coleslaw until he saw it!

Then luch with Brett.

Brylee tagged along while Talli and I saw Little Fockers. Mom of the year stuff at its best. Good thing she feel asleep 10 minutes into the movie. And Talli loves the way she says the movie title ;)

and last but not least we went out and had a very expensive but not very tasty dinner!!!

Miss you Talli!!!!!!!!!

Miss. Mommy

2011-01-04T22:33:00.002-06:00

Brylee is such a little Mommy. We play Mom, Teenager and Baby hour upon hour while the boys are in school. The girl cracks me up. It is her favorite game in the whole world. She likes to be the Mom and a Baby Doctor. But sometimes a Hair Cutter Girl.

Last night she asked me "Does a Hair Cutter Girl or a Baby Doctor make more money?" After the answer she is sure she will be Doctor when she grows up. The twins...Jack and Krystal Carol. Jack is the naughty baby because he is a boy!!!

My Super Crazy Page Turning Boy

2010-12-23T13:52:00.000-06:00

He is still reading at least 100 pages a day. Has panick attacks when he finishes a book and does not have the next. And is Crazy Smart.

My Ice Fishing Boy

2010-12-17T23:14:00.000-06:00

Another Northern Sport I do not understand...is Ice Fishing a sport?

But my Little Guy sure does look adorable fishing. And my Big Guy aka Bryan sure spends a lot of time doing it.

I only have one question. Who in their right mind drives on the river first? It sure would not be me! Bryan told me last time he drove on the ice it was cracking. And excuse me you stayed there. I am such an indoor girl!!! But I am okay with it as long as I never have to go. I sure do not fit in.

A Glimpse of Brett's World

2010-12-17T22:49:00.000-06:00

I was visiting Jake's class and ran into Brett going to recess.

It still seems very strange to this Kansas girl that kids go outside unless it is negative 5 or colder, sled at recess and are learning to snowshoe in gym class. Such a different world. The kids still get a kick out of all the snow!

The View from Here

2010-12-12T21:08:00.002-06:00

You know plus a few more inches...

and may I add that I am not even scared to drive in the snow anymore and think 15 degress is a heatwave.

Wisconsin 1st Day of School

2010-12-03T13:59:00.000-06:00

We were still living in a hotel for the first week or so they were in school.
Brett walking in a littel nervous and Jake playing it cool. They both have amazing teachers.
Mrs. Martin

Mrs. Sommerfeldt

Wisconsin Wonderland

2010-12-01T13:26:00.021-06:00

15 days ago

676.58 miles away from Wichita

Our new life in Wisconsin began

Well actually I have felt like we have been on vacation.

The kids have not started school yet so our days are relaxed and fun filled.

Well for the most part....buying a house is a pain in the you know what.
But word is we close on the 8th and the kids start school tomorrow.

The La Crosse area is beautiful. Full of bluffs and lots and lots of water.

The only down part is that it is COLD.

This is our temporary home. I used to really like it!! That was until I found out that Gander Mountain is no longer paying for it. I'm sure when we check out I will faint when I see the bill. But we will worry about that another day...
We have seen Tangled in 3D
We walked around the Festival of Lights.
2 out of the 3 children were crying near the end complaining of not being able to feel varying body parts due to the fact that it is freezing here.
But I loved it. It was the most impressive display of lights that I have ever seen!

The kids and I spent Thanksgiving swimming and eating our Thanksgiving dinner in the lobby. Of course Bryan was working.

My kind of Thanksgiving....absolutely no stress. But we did miss our Hutch family :(

Did I mention we spend many, many hours swimming?

Yesterday I enrolled the kids in school.
Brett is excited but kind of nervous and Jake is just kind of going with the flow.

Brett was able to spend some time with his class and the kids were able to ask him questions. Like what is your favorite hair product? His reponse. Water.

Jake is going to be in full day Kindergarten. I'm sure I will have one tired boy. He is very excited to eat lunch at school!

I will miss my boys like crazy!

We played at the Children's Museum and had so much fun we joined for the year!

and the grocery stores have lots of cheese!!!!

Well I must go the pool is calling the kid's name. They will swim until Bryan gets back from hunting on the mighty Mississippi and then off to buy school supplies!!

Love from Wisconsin!

Double Digits!!

2010-10-18T21:21:00.026-05:00

My boy is 10 years old today!

The very best 10 years of my life!

Happy Birthday Brett!

His birthday in pictures....

We started celebrating this weekend with Grandma and Grandpa.

Cool lego ship!
Then celebrate some more with Mimi on skype.

President Brett with his White House from MiMi and Grandpa Jim.

Poor Brett...I woke him up with a flash but I did give him a $100 :)

Ready for school on crazy hair day!

My amazing boy!!!

Perfect day for Books and Bagels before school starts. He is my Super Reader!

well guess it is donuts and books for Brett and Brylee

Brett used "it's my birthday, will you buy me lots of books?" and of course it worked!

Brett reading in his classroom before school starts.

Brylee and I came back to school to bring Brett and Jake lunch and bust him out of school.

Ready to shop!

My lego guy!

Lots of fun spending $100!!!

That's my boy...books, legos and star wars!

Brett's 2 biggests fans.

Time to build.

Double Digits!!!

Hudson and Trevor come over for some of Grandma's famous strawberry cake.

and the party grows!

Goodnight sweet boy.

All I ever wanted was to be a Mom and you were an answer to my prayers.

Thank you God for Brett!

My School Boys

2010-10-13T16:51:00.001-05:00

Jake Kindergarten
Brett 4th Grade

Pictures of a 4 Year Old Princess

2010-10-12T16:38:00.007-05:00

I tried really hard to to walk out with just one pose at Portrait Innovation but Brylee's cuteness was to hard to resist.

Some of my favorites!

My Princess is 4!

2010-10-11T19:38:00.027-05:00

My Baby Girl turned 4 years old today!

A full day of celebrating!

Her day in pictures....

Of course we always start celebrating early with MiMi!
Fun new nails from MiMi and Grandpa Jim...

Mulit-tasking....baking her cake and talking to MiMi

sending the brothers to school....

My favorite 4 year old!

racing to the bus stop....

decorating her cake for 30 whole minutes....

5 cans of sprinkles makes a perfect cake!

Brylee wanted to practice the "fire" to be sure she was ready for tonight. She blew her candles out 20 times.

Upstairs to get ready for shopping....

All ready to go!

First stop manicure and pedicure :)

My very own princess!

Ready, set, shop

time to spend her $100!!!!!

1st stop, barbies....

a quick call to Daddy!!!

and 1 hour later $100 is spent!

the goodies!

Brylee bought her brothers silly string.

Applebees for dinner because the have balloons....

think the pricess is done taking pictures but she got her balloon....

The BIG FOUR!

and one last smile :)

Thank you God for completing our family with one amazing 4 year old!!!!

10-10-10

2010-10-10T18:48:00.001-05:00

10-10-10

The last day of my Baby Girl is 3 years old!!!!