My sister and her family decided to get our girls digital cameras for Christmas. After having some minor complications with the camera buying process (at no fault of my sisters) the girls are now camera owners!! I knew that they would enjoy having their own cameras, but I didn't realize just how much. Did you know how fun it is to take pictures of a table, or rug, or tree or the air?? Not to mention the pictures they took of themselves, or each other. We drove from Alexandria to Oliva, MN (to pick up the shaggin wagon) and the entire drive they laughed and took pictures! They drained their first set of batteries almost by the time we got to our destination. Thanks Toni and Family!!! What a great idea!
Here is some evidence of their camera fun!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Father Daughter Dance
Oh the fun they had. I think Troy is still sore from all the dancing they did!!!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The Shaggin Wagon!!
We have recently acquired some new toys for our family to play with this summer. One of them being a new camper!!! I must clarify that when I say "new" I mean new to our family. Troy's Grandma decided that since this camper has been parked in her driveway for awhile, and she didn't have any plans to use it, she would give it to us!! I believe the camper is a 1978..which is one year older than me! Its a Gem! Its has a TON of character and personality. The decor is fabulous, which its rich colors of red, brown and orange...... vintage, yes that is the word! It even comes complete with a yellow sink, shower and toilet. Remember the old material, the really heavy dark stuff in those "rich" colors that I mention above? That would be what all the curtains are made out of. Well, all but one curtain. We didn't have the camper for long before I decided it was time to start decorating. I grabbed Troy's sister Michelle and off we went to find some fun things for the camper (along with various Febreze items.) We found a great shower curtain, matching towels and rug, and with the great idea from Michelle, and a LOT of help from their mom, we sewed a curtain out of the same material (all pictured below) We knew that we would buy a camper someday, but now we get to start camping earlier than expected. Troy grew up camping with his family, and while I didn't, I do want those memories for our kids. They were SO excited to ride in our new Shaggin Wagon. So, while some people would pass on this vintage and somewhat "Clampet" style camper, I say bring on the camping!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Sisters
I have a sister. Her name is Toni. Every now and again we will have a small tiff. Not often anymore......although we just had one. She called today and asked when we fought because she had things to tell me. I had been thinking too, I wonder if we are done fighting now? I have things to tell her.
We used to be very different people. I used to think that she was boring (very boring). I on the other hand was very not boring. I was fun! I liked the bar, staying up late, dating, and even at times being a bit irresponsible. I waited for the day that she would be a little irresponsible with me, but instead something amazing happened. I grew up and became that boring person too. Funny though, I don't find it very boring anymore. Don't get me wrong. I still have (and always will have) a bit of a wild side. But now that I'm all grown up like my sis.....I can even get her to find her wilder side every now and again. Now that's fun!! We've even taken sister vaca's...and will again.
Did I mention that shes funny??
To my "Dark and Twisty" sister. I love ya!!
From your "Bright and Shiny" sister.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Father Daughter Dance
Each year Madison's school has a Father Daughter Dance. This was something new to us as her last school never put on such an event. I had mixed feelings the first time she brought home the flyer for this dance. Madison's "dad" (I use the term lightly) has been for the most part nonexistent these last 10 years, and over the last 10 years I've done a great job at wiping tears, and mending a broken heart by telling her "your dad has to work a lot". Let me tell you....this guy has worked 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for a very very long time. As many kids do, she has created an image of what her father is to her. He is a very hard worker, and he has a great job as "vice boss" and if he could he would see her all the time.
Almost 4 years ago I met Troy. He is a fantastic father to his 10 year old. He calls her almost every night, sees her almost every weekend, and any other time he can too. He is a great father to her, and has become a great father to Madison. More of a father than her "dad" has ever been. She loves him very much, but at the same time, while seeing what a great father Troy is to Breanna, she continues to put her "dad" higher on his pedestal. She wants to believe that her dad is like that too....he would be like that too if only he didn't have to work so much. I know that someday she will figure it all out on her own.
Last year she asked her "dad" to take her. After sometime of hearing "I'm not sure", "maybe", and "I have to see if I can get off work" she asked Troy if he would take her to the dance. He of course said yes, and they had a great time. She was so excited! I think she was very proud to have him with her.
Well, a year has gone by, and the flyer was sent home on Friday for the dance. The first thing she did was grab the flyer and ask Troy if he would be able to take her to the dance. There was not and has not been any question of if her "dad" would be able to take her. Troy and Madison will be arm and arm at the Father Daughter Dance. And thanks to Breanna for having no problem lending her dad to Madison for the night.
We have come a LONG way over the last 4 years. I will be the first to tell you how hard it has been at times to blend our family into one.....how I have thought it maybe easier to just throw in the towel. And while I'm sure we will still have our ups and downs going forward I feel so blessed to have Troy and Breanna in our lives. I love them both so much.
On a side note: Tammy, Breannas mom, has given the final okay, for Breanna to come to Texas with Madison and I. GIRLS TRIP!!! Its nice to know that Tammy trusts me enough to know that I'm not going to try and sell Breanna while were gone. :) In writing to her penpal, Breanna also talked about her stepmom Deb, and her stepsister Madison. I love it!
Almost 4 years ago I met Troy. He is a fantastic father to his 10 year old. He calls her almost every night, sees her almost every weekend, and any other time he can too. He is a great father to her, and has become a great father to Madison. More of a father than her "dad" has ever been. She loves him very much, but at the same time, while seeing what a great father Troy is to Breanna, she continues to put her "dad" higher on his pedestal. She wants to believe that her dad is like that too....he would be like that too if only he didn't have to work so much. I know that someday she will figure it all out on her own.
Last year she asked her "dad" to take her. After sometime of hearing "I'm not sure", "maybe", and "I have to see if I can get off work" she asked Troy if he would take her to the dance. He of course said yes, and they had a great time. She was so excited! I think she was very proud to have him with her.
Well, a year has gone by, and the flyer was sent home on Friday for the dance. The first thing she did was grab the flyer and ask Troy if he would be able to take her to the dance. There was not and has not been any question of if her "dad" would be able to take her. Troy and Madison will be arm and arm at the Father Daughter Dance. And thanks to Breanna for having no problem lending her dad to Madison for the night.
We have come a LONG way over the last 4 years. I will be the first to tell you how hard it has been at times to blend our family into one.....how I have thought it maybe easier to just throw in the towel. And while I'm sure we will still have our ups and downs going forward I feel so blessed to have Troy and Breanna in our lives. I love them both so much.
On a side note: Tammy, Breannas mom, has given the final okay, for Breanna to come to Texas with Madison and I. GIRLS TRIP!!! Its nice to know that Tammy trusts me enough to know that I'm not going to try and sell Breanna while were gone. :) In writing to her penpal, Breanna also talked about her stepmom Deb, and her stepsister Madison. I love it!
Friday, March 23, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACY!!!
This is Stacy (and Sophie) on the day of her wedding! Today is her b-day. Happy Birthday to her! Those of you who read the comments know her as the one who was only 47 steps away, but has moved on to bigger and better opportunities and is loving it!
Hugs and Kisses to you. I wish you a day of all things great and beautiful!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Pay It Forward
My newphew (a junior in high school) left last Friday for "Spring Break" with a group of college students from the University of MN.
I must clarify the definition of his "Spring Break". Patrick boarded a bus with this group of kids last Friday to travel states from here to Texas completing various community service projects. He has had a wonderful experience! He has done projects from building a 5 mile bison fence in Colorado, to working at a "lock in" for "children at risk", and cleaning apartment homes for disabled and single parents.
I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud that he is taking the time to help others, and that he is loving every minute of his trip.
To read about his experience..visit his blog at patrickfogarty.blogspot.com
I love you Patrick!!
I must clarify the definition of his "Spring Break". Patrick boarded a bus with this group of kids last Friday to travel states from here to Texas completing various community service projects. He has had a wonderful experience! He has done projects from building a 5 mile bison fence in Colorado, to working at a "lock in" for "children at risk", and cleaning apartment homes for disabled and single parents.
I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud that he is taking the time to help others, and that he is loving every minute of his trip.
To read about his experience..visit his blog at patrickfogarty.blogspot.com
I love you Patrick!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
HG's Must Haves For Your Kitchen....
1.Pam Cooking Spray:
They say: A spritz of this stuff can save you crazy amounts of calories and fat grams when whipping up your favorite dish. Ooooh, and they have "fun" flavors too.
I say: I do agree, this is a "must have".
2. Steamer.
They say:
Steaming foods ROCKS. First off, it helps to retain the vitamins and other good-for-you stuff found in natural foods. Secondly, it's super-easy to do. And, best of all, it's a great low-cal and low-fat cooking method, since you don't need to add any oil, sauce, or butter to get going.
I say:
Steaming may "ROCK", but who says you don't add any oil, sauce or butter??? What about the cheese??
3. Blender
They say: Smoothies and shakes from the local coffee shop or burger joint can contain absurd amounts of fat, calories, and sugars. But it only takes a few minutes, some key ingredients, and a blender to whip up your very own guilt-free versions! We also use our blender to grind up those Fiber One breadcrumbs (the KEY ingredient in our Lord of the Onion Rings recipe). Blenders are a girl's best friend!
I say:
Screw the Fiber One breadcrumbs! Margarita anyone?? Blender, a girls best friend? I say that would be the local Caribou.
4. Food Processor
They say:
Food processors make prepping veggies a breeze. You can also make soups, sauces and awesome chopped salads with these super-handy appliances. Life without a food processor is like, well, life without a thing that chops, hacks, dices and liquefies really well.
I say:
More crap in the cupboard?? How about salad and or soup from a bag, already chopped, hacked and liquefied.
5. Spices & Extracts
They say:
Keeping a stocked spice rack will help you add zazzle to your cooking while barely affecting calorie and fat counts.
I say:
I will agree with this one. Although don't ask me to use the food processor that I wont' be getting to make my own spices.
6. Non Stick Frying Pan
They say:
Investing in a good nonstick pan is a MUST. You can basically cook up anything (seafood, pancakes, veggie burgers, and more) without the use of any oil or butter. Another bonus? These pans are easy to clean, so no more using that as your excuse to order in!
I say:
Well duh!!
7. Measuring cups and spoons.
They say:
It's WAY too easy to overdo your portion sizes when you're eyeballing it. Measuring out ingredients will do more than get your baked goods to taste right; it'll keep you from accidentally causing increases in the fat and calories and not even knowing it. Even when you're not re-creating your favorite recipes, measuring utensils are super-handy. Sure you buy low-calorie cereal, but when was the last time you checked how much of the stuff you're filling your bowl with? Yikes! Break these out to keep yourself in check.
I say:
Again, duh to the measuring contents of a recipe. To the measuring of the food I eat......well, maybe I would be less worried about stuffing myself into a swim suit this summer if I measured out my portions. If I use the 1/2 cup, how many scoops can I have???
Deb's Must Haves For Your Kitchen:
A Microwave
Kraft Mac & Cheese
Butter, noodles, and parm cheese
Hamburger
A Microwave
Wine
Paper Plates
A personal chef!
Max
This is our family pet Max. He wanted to take a moment to say hello. His hobbies include: getting constent attention, licking, eating, sleeping, getting some more attention from whoever is there to give it, loving, and then licking somemore.
He is a very good dog. I love him, and would love for him to get a buddy. That will never happen, and I've come to terms with that.
Max would like me to tell you all to please come over and see him. He loves you, and would love to get some attention from you. Whoever you are. It doesn't matter.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Happy Birthday Madison!!
Today my baby turns 10. Wow, 10 years that have flown by so fast. I brought her Subway at school today. And DQ treats for her class.
I walked in, and she says "look its my awesome mom"! "She is the coolest"! "I bet you all wish you had a mom as cool as mine"! And then, we sat down to eat, and kids started fighting over who got to sit by me. Okay, so it didn't go exactly like that, but at the age of 10 she does still hug me in front of her friends. She doesn't get embarrassed when I come to school, and I'm pretty sure that she does think that T man and I are pretty cool. Can you blame her??
I always hugged my mom and dad in front of my friends. I never went through that "my parents are so embarrassing" phase. I also told them I loved them everyday...sometimes more than once a day. If you get the chance, hug your mom or dad today, or call them and tell them you love them. Just because. Just because someday you may not have that opportunity.
For Grammy Jan and Papa....a big thank you from Mad Dog. She will be calling. We are just waiting so they can both call.
For those of you who don't know, (not sure who that would be, but just in case) We celebrate two birthdays, two days apart. That means two 10 year olds in two days. Its almost to much to take, when you want them to be 3 again. I can't imagine what it will feel like when we have two 16 year olds in two days. Oh my!
I walked in, and she says "look its my awesome mom"! "She is the coolest"! "I bet you all wish you had a mom as cool as mine"! And then, we sat down to eat, and kids started fighting over who got to sit by me. Okay, so it didn't go exactly like that, but at the age of 10 she does still hug me in front of her friends. She doesn't get embarrassed when I come to school, and I'm pretty sure that she does think that T man and I are pretty cool. Can you blame her??
I always hugged my mom and dad in front of my friends. I never went through that "my parents are so embarrassing" phase. I also told them I loved them everyday...sometimes more than once a day. If you get the chance, hug your mom or dad today, or call them and tell them you love them. Just because. Just because someday you may not have that opportunity.
For Grammy Jan and Papa....a big thank you from Mad Dog. She will be calling. We are just waiting so they can both call.
For those of you who don't know, (not sure who that would be, but just in case) We celebrate two birthdays, two days apart. That means two 10 year olds in two days. Its almost to much to take, when you want them to be 3 again. I can't imagine what it will feel like when we have two 16 year olds in two days. Oh my!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Happy Friday!
Good Morning, and happy Friday.
So, they are talking about a monster storm hitting us this weekend. At times they make it sound like feet of snow, and rain and blizzards, and getting stuck in your home. My personal opinion? We will end up with somewhere around 4 inches (WOW!!) and be stuck driving with a bunch of idiots. They are everywhere. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm ready for winter to be over...I want sun and 80's just as much as the next person. The fact is; its only the end of February and no matter how you look at it, we have plenty of winter to go. Having said that...I'm ready for feet of snow!!! It would be nice if it could hold off for all the travels this weekend. I never said the snow had good timing.
So, I went to my very first Meat Raffle last night!!! I bought some tickets, and then some more....and never won a thing. It was an enjoyable evening though. I do struggle with the way this place does things....we entered the establishment at around 6:45 or so, to find two men standing in the doorway checking IDs, and charging $6 cover. For what? For the band that is going to start playing in about 2 1/2 hours! So anybody who stopped in for the meat raffle or even to eat dinner had to pay $6 to get in the door...even if they wanted nothing to do with the band that was going to be playing hours later. I have to say I'm not much of a fan of this place. I did find out much later that if you leave before the band starts you will get your $6 back, but I still find that to be a pain.
So, they are talking about a monster storm hitting us this weekend. At times they make it sound like feet of snow, and rain and blizzards, and getting stuck in your home. My personal opinion? We will end up with somewhere around 4 inches (WOW!!) and be stuck driving with a bunch of idiots. They are everywhere. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm ready for winter to be over...I want sun and 80's just as much as the next person. The fact is; its only the end of February and no matter how you look at it, we have plenty of winter to go. Having said that...I'm ready for feet of snow!!! It would be nice if it could hold off for all the travels this weekend. I never said the snow had good timing.
So, I went to my very first Meat Raffle last night!!! I bought some tickets, and then some more....and never won a thing. It was an enjoyable evening though. I do struggle with the way this place does things....we entered the establishment at around 6:45 or so, to find two men standing in the doorway checking IDs, and charging $6 cover. For what? For the band that is going to start playing in about 2 1/2 hours! So anybody who stopped in for the meat raffle or even to eat dinner had to pay $6 to get in the door...even if they wanted nothing to do with the band that was going to be playing hours later. I have to say I'm not much of a fan of this place. I did find out much later that if you leave before the band starts you will get your $6 back, but I still find that to be a pain.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Wow, how fun is this. I had 3 comments!!! 3! Thanks to my dear friends and to my wonderful sis. Evidentally my "wake up" method isn't very popular. I may have to try the pizza and harps. Maybe the little miss would appreciate that a bit more. Thanks for the advice!! :)
So, its the day after Valentines Day. And guess what everyone.......are you ready for this. I'M NOT ENGAGED. Whew...now hopefully most of you will read this before the phone calls start coming in. Soon, I'm just going to start directing them to Troy....maybe some type of call forwarding method to his cell phone. Any other ideas?? Don't get me wrong, I knew that I wouldn't be...but some of you just don't listen.
We had a wonderful evening full of Colorado Bulldogs (mmm, calorie fest), a visit from a beautiful baby girl who actually seemed to enjoy our house for the first time!! I think our cooties may be dissipating. Oh and babies parents came too. (Love you guys ;) Then the two of us had a wonderful meal. A coworker of Troy's, who someday would like to open a restaurant, prepared meals for all the guys at the job site and their wives (significant others). It was a super fab Mexican dish of some sort, accompanied by home made salsa, and all the fixins. Hats off to Phil!
I hope you all had a wonderful evening. Till later.....
So, its the day after Valentines Day. And guess what everyone.......are you ready for this. I'M NOT ENGAGED. Whew...now hopefully most of you will read this before the phone calls start coming in. Soon, I'm just going to start directing them to Troy....maybe some type of call forwarding method to his cell phone. Any other ideas?? Don't get me wrong, I knew that I wouldn't be...but some of you just don't listen.
We had a wonderful evening full of Colorado Bulldogs (mmm, calorie fest), a visit from a beautiful baby girl who actually seemed to enjoy our house for the first time!! I think our cooties may be dissipating. Oh and babies parents came too. (Love you guys ;) Then the two of us had a wonderful meal. A coworker of Troy's, who someday would like to open a restaurant, prepared meals for all the guys at the job site and their wives (significant others). It was a super fab Mexican dish of some sort, accompanied by home made salsa, and all the fixins. Hats off to Phil!
I hope you all had a wonderful evening. Till later.....
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Why not??
Okay, so I read a few blogs every now and again, and I enjoy it. But, what do I have to write about?? That's what I'm still asking myself even now as I'm writing this.
My very first blog post. What a great day to start a blog. Valentines Day!! I love Valentines Day....yep I think its silly that some think this is the one day a year to be romantic and buy flowers and all that, yada yada. But....its so fun for the kids!! I woke my daughter up this morning by flipping on the light (as I always do... mean I know) and she pulled the covers over her face with a crabby look (as she always does) and then I said Happy Valentines Day!!! This made her sit up in bed, smile and give me a big hug. She had a Valentine shirt to wear, she was having a party at school, and was getting to go roller skating. What a day! I remember getting to celebrate at school. Bringing home all those Valentines that you look through over and over again, and not to mention all that candy you get to eat. Those were the days. Monday I mailed out a gift for Breanna. She received it yesterday, and called Troy last night and thanked him a few times. I still think its fun to get packages in the mail. It was really fun as a child.
My very first blog post. What a great day to start a blog. Valentines Day!! I love Valentines Day....yep I think its silly that some think this is the one day a year to be romantic and buy flowers and all that, yada yada. But....its so fun for the kids!! I woke my daughter up this morning by flipping on the light (as I always do... mean I know) and she pulled the covers over her face with a crabby look (as she always does) and then I said Happy Valentines Day!!! This made her sit up in bed, smile and give me a big hug. She had a Valentine shirt to wear, she was having a party at school, and was getting to go roller skating. What a day! I remember getting to celebrate at school. Bringing home all those Valentines that you look through over and over again, and not to mention all that candy you get to eat. Those were the days. Monday I mailed out a gift for Breanna. She received it yesterday, and called Troy last night and thanked him a few times. I still think its fun to get packages in the mail. It was really fun as a child.
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