Hollee's Blog

The world's worst blogger.

2009-12-21T20:17:00.002-06:00

Yup, that's me!

So it's been a while, but I won't bore you with excuses! Instead, I want to share some good stuff, which is funny, because all those that I care about knowing, already know.

Remember waaaaay back this summer, around my birthday (hint: July 29) I posted that I was looking forward to turning 32 because positive life changes have happened when I've been aged even years? Well... So far, in the 5 months I've been another even number:

- I found a new job. Not just a new job, but a GOOD job. A state job! State wages! State benefits! State retirement! PLUS - I actually like the job!

- I found a place to live on my own again! It was great living with my mom, really it was, but it's time for me to grow up again and do it on my own. So the boys and I are living in a big ol' house, which is great! I like the house, for now. We're just renting, so it's temporary, and that's fine.

AND! The biggest news of all!!!

- Tom and I are engaged! Wohooooo! My ring is BEAUTIFUL! Man, he did a great job - a little detail - 1 1/2 carats of near flawless, colorless diamonds in a two ring set. The biggest one is .55 carats and is beautiful! Yup, I'm spoiled! My grandma teases me that she is going to go blind from the sparkle! :)

So, 32's been great so far! And with a fall 2010 wedding in the works, I'm guessing 33 and every year after will be too! I really lucked out this time, sometimes I have to pinch myself because I don't believe I deserve this wonderful man who loves me and my kids so very much!

Here's to being 32 and all the good things that have come with it! And, Jacob's very first words after we told him we were getting married and going to be a real family? "MOM! Can we have our wedding at the baseball field?" Yup, we've created a monster!

Coming out of my comfort zone...

2009-10-17T20:22:00.002-05:00

I've become a germ-freak. Which is weird for me. I've NEVER worried about germs before. I mean NEVER, EVER. Don't get me wrong, I've always done the necessary stuff - like washing my hands after using the potty and before I cook, however - I'm a total believer in the 5 second rule and I've never worried about shopping cart germs. NOW - all I think about are germs.

I wonder who has touched this shopping cart before me, and what is on their hands? The kids chasing Jacob around the playground - have they recently wiped their boogie little noses on their hands and are now trying to TOUCH my kid? And even if it's 3 a.m. when Robert has to pee, I make him wash with soap and water, knowing it will cause a tantrum.

I think all the news about H1N1 is getting to me. It's good to be cautious, that's for sure, but how much is too much. Seriously, my hands are CRACKED and BLEEDING from all the washing and anti-bacterial hand sanitizer I'm using.

Then I worry about the anti-bacterial scare. You know the one - if I use too much anti-bacterial products, am I actually destroying my body's ability to take care of the bad stuff on its own?

Ugh. So, I'll continue to wash. And scrub. And keep Lysol wipes within 5 feet of me at all times. We've had our flu vaccines and I'm sure we'll get our H1N1 vaccines, if and when we can.

Then maybe, just maybe, when the H1N1 and flu scare are over, I'll go back to not thinking about what is crawling around on this very keyboard....

Long, over-due, random update.

2009-09-10T21:55:00.004-05:00

I haven't been a good blogger lately - I could come up with excuses, but I won't - just when I do have extra time, I'm not on the computer. Especially since I got my iPhone and can check my email and Facebook stuff right in the palm of my hand!! :)

Anyways - here are a few things just to update...

* Twins game (Aug. 24) was FUN! My favortie parts include:

When we were walking to the Twins game, Tom and Jacob were holding hands, a little bit ahead of Robert and I (their legs move much faster than Robert's!) and when they rounded the corner to see the 'Dome - Jacob got more excited than I can recall ever seeing him - seriously, in his mind, clouds parted and angels sang - he squeezed Tom's hand and yelled "There it is! There it is! There's the Metrodome!!!" It was great.

Of course, every Mauer hit, every Cuddyer catch, every Span dive - Jacob cheered with the rest of the Dome. Robert was more interested in the little girl behind him coloring during the whole game!

And we bought all the typical 'Dome stuff - 2 foam fingers, a hat for Robert, Snowcone, Cotton Candy, hot dogs, nachos, Gatorade - How could we not?

This one breaks my heart:

Jacob was having a moment one day - just angry, crying, mad - I asked him what was wrong and he just cried louder and yelled "I miss Grandpa!! I want Grandpa to come home! I want to hug him! I want him to rub my cheek with his rough fingers! It's not fair that Jesus won't let him come home!" I'm glad, though, that he remembers my Dad so well.

* School began! Jacob is off to Kindergarten, Robert is in Happy Days Preschool. Some cute things:

At Jacob's orientation on Tuesday, his teacher asked the kids to draw themselves. Jacob drew a picture of Grandpa Dale. Jacob said "I knew Grandpa was with me, because he is in the sunshine. But I sure wish I could hug him today." Yup, I cried.

After Robert's first day, I asked him how his day was and he said "I stayed at school ALL MYSELF!" He is so proud!

On September 19 we surprised my mom and kidnapped her, literally kidnapped her! The boys told her "Get in the truck, WOMAN!" and we took her to the Twins game! Totally by surprise, she had NO IDEA! Despite losing the brakes on the truck and renting a van to get home, we had a GREAT time!

AND - I got a new job! :) I enjoy my job at the Lodge, but the new one is DOUBLE the pay and excellent benefits! I'll be working for the Minnesota Department of Revenue as a tax collector. How fun, eh!?

We're gonna win, TWINS...

2009-08-21T11:19:00.002-05:00

In January, during the Twins Caravan visit to Ely, Jacob got 4 tickets to a Twins game for this season. So on Monday, Tom and I will be taking the boys to their first Twins game.

The boys have become a little obsessed with the Twins. By a little, I really mean A LOT! Jacob has been sleeping with his Twins hat on, and even 3 year old Robert will sit to watch a game on TV.

They both have a pretty good case of Joe Mauer Mania (but really, who doesn't?) and they also love Justin Morneau (again, who doesn't?). Here's hoping there's at least one home run hit - because the boys LOVE to see home runs!

Tom was able to get us AWESOME seats (I think) on the first base side, lower level and on the aisle - the man is brillant - being on the aisle is a blessing - I don't want to be "that mom" in and out of the middle of the aisle with my kid, now I don't have to be!

I think I'm as excited as they are - just to see their reaction will be priceless! And, just when it couldn't get any better, we are going to hang with Stacy and maybe some others on Sunday and spend some time at Gameworks on Monday before the game!

I think when we head home on Tuesday we will be wiped out, but as we fall asleep in the car, I'm guessing there will be smiles on everyone's faces!

Yup, I'm 32....

2009-08-06T11:29:00.003-05:00

I've been 32 for a little over a week, and it's been a great week. I'm excited to be 32 and this is why: in my recent personal history, most major life changes have occured while I was aged an even number. For example:

22 - graduate college.
24 - got married.
26 - had Jacob and moved back to Ely.
28 - had Robert.
30 - got divorced and met Tommy.

And all of them were positive life changes, or turned out for the better, anyway.

I can't wait to see what 32 has in store for me...

Some things are carved in stone

2009-07-20T11:27:00.004-05:00

A beautiful granite called Blue Pearl to be more precise.

My Dad's footstone was installed on Saturday. I think it came out pretty nice considering what it means.

I spent 30 minutes crying my eyes out at the cemetary on Saturday. It wasn't the first time, and I'm sure it won't be the last.

Oh no he didn't...

2009-07-09T21:43:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we went to the beach. The boys and I, my mom, my sister and her three kids. A very nice day to spend outside in the sun, letting the kids play in the water, and have a little picnic.

WELL - my brother-in-law stopped by and told me my kid was gettin' naked. WHAT?! I looked and there is Robert, suit at his ankles, peeing - in the middle of the BEACH!! Right at the edge of the water, letting it fly.

Nice.

Did I mention the beach was very busy...

Yup - I'm the mother of THAT kid!

Love and Marriage

2009-06-11T21:55:00.008-05:00

Last Saturday, at a graduation party, a friend of ours was talking about a friend of his, whose parents would be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary over the 4th of July. They are both 94 and still living together in their family home, seemingly doing pretty well.

Sunday, June 14, was my parents' 34th wedding anniversary. It was a hard day for my mom, to have made it to 34 years without my dad here to help her celebrate. In the time since my dad has passed I've heard many, many people tell my mom that she and my dad were obvious soul mates. That they were fortunate to have actually found the loves of their lives. I believe that is true, I do, but there was a lot more to it than that.

My parents marriage was a recipe for disaster at the beginning. My dad had been married twice before (to the same woman) and he had a son. He was 30. Mom was 22. They met at a wedding on the day my dad was legally able to get married again, in September 1974 (apparently there was a waiting period back then). By New Year's Eve they were engaged and planning an April wedding. My mom, wanting to get married near her grandparent's anniversary, suggested June. When they did make their trip down the aisle in June 1975, my sister was five months in the making.

My parents were married and parents within 13 months of meeting each other. Their marriage lasted 33 1/2 years before death parted them.

Soul mates? Possibly. Loves of each others lives? Definately. However, the thing that made it work for 34 years, that makes the other couple mentioned make it to 70 years, that makes a young couple make it to 7 years is more than that. It is taking to heart and living up to the vows made. "For better, for worse. In sickness and health. For richer, for poorer."

During my 30-something years on the planet, I've witnessed my parents, my grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends live up to this. They stuck by each other even when it would have been easier to run. My parents, along with all couples, went through hard times - financial, health, kids - everyday stresses that make many couples give up. It would be easier to run away and give up. It takes hard work, dedication, commitment and love to stick it through.

Now, of course, the world isn't as ideal as I dream it would be, and maybe that's for the better. Divorces happen. I'm living proof of that, and I'm sure I am in a better place now than I was when I was married. BUT we gave up. Ex-hubby first, then myself. Things got tough. It wasn't a Ward and June Cleaver marriage, we had our hard times, I wasn't a perfect wife and Lord knows he wasn't a perfect husband, things got hard and he ran to the arms of someone else. Apparently, we didn't have the love and commitment to stick it through.

My parents and all couples that make it 'til death do them part do so because they stick it through. They vow to love someone through everything life throws at them. Even when it would be easier to run, they stick it out and make it work.

If I am to marry again some day (don't read too much into that, nothing is being planned), I will use my parents as an example of love and marriage. I will stick by that person in good times and in bad, through sickness and health, for richer for poorer. Because sticking together through the hard times, makes the good times even more sweeter.

And I hope, if I make it to my own 34th wedding anniversary, or 50th, or 70th - that I am surrounded by family and friends, and loving that person more than I did the day we say our vows.

A few pictures, if you will

2009-06-02T08:17:00.007-05:00

Jacob finished pre-school this year, and the last day of class the kids entertained us with a fantastic program.

In true Jacob-fashion, his hands are in his pockets and he is not looking up! What can I say? He's a shy kid!

Look! LOOK! He is PARTICIPATING!!! "Not I said the Duck!" was Jacob's line! He did so well! I was so proud, I cried!! Yup, I'm that kind of mom!

Here is Jacob and the world's greatest preschool teacher!! I had heard varying remarks about her, but I couldn't be happier with how the year went! Jacob thrived in her class (he participated in the end-of-year program, for Pete's sake, that's huge!) and he is more than ready for kindergarten! She is terrific and has done a great job.

And the Assistant Teacher! She's a little bit more goofy, but so much fun! Jacob loved her free-spirit!
After the program, his teacher had made a wonderful slide show. Robert didn't seem to like it much.

Time to celebrate with a little ice cream!

During the singing portion, the kids had the audience participate. This photo cracks me up because there is Tom, not participating, Kellen's mom, Andrea, participating and Kellen's dad, Ben, not participating. Are guys just too cool to sing with their thumbs up, knees together, feet apart, bottoms up and tongues out? Apparently!!

More photos soon. I promise! Cute ones of boys, worms, hockey jerseys and baseball helmets! :) Stay tuned!

Wait just a second....

2009-05-26T12:05:00.002-05:00

If I am reading a book, and I don't like what it says, I stop reading. If I am watching TV and I am uncomfortable watching what is on, I change the channel. If you don't like what I write, don't read my blog.

Ok, so I offended someone. I am sorry that person was offended, truly I am, as I did not intend to offend. But I am NOT sorry for my thoughts and my words. That is how I felt. I put MY thoughts and MY feelings into MY own words and put them on MY blog. If you don't like what I say, don't read it.

The person I offended is a person who wouldn't give me the time of day if I asked. One of my counters shows me the ISP address of every computer that hits on my blog (yes, it is free and legal) and all evidence is pointing that she has never been on my blog before. But now she hops on and is offended by one post?

I felt akward. I felt tense. I felt as though the people I was in contact with made me feel that way. Feelings are not wrong. Opinions are not wrong. And I was expressing how I felt.

So there.

I did it again.

2009-05-22T19:49:00.003-05:00

I offended someone.

So first of all, right out of the gate, I need to apologize. To the person (you know who you are) that left a comment stating I offended you and others, please accept my apology. I was simply sharing my thoughts and my feelings and I did not mean to offend anyone. I made a mistake in thinking that my personal blog was intended for my personal feelings. I didn't take into account that many people read my blog and anyone can google all kinds of different things and get on my blog. I should've known better, and again, I am truly sorry.

Ok - so I'm thinking about making my blog private. I'm not sure yet. But it's a thought.

I started the blog eons ago when ex-hubby and I were still married. When we separated, I changed it completely, even the address. It started as a way to keep in touch with many friends and family that I have all over and to keep my friends current in my life. With pictures of the boys, cute anecdotes, and the occasional rant about my life.

Well, it's the rants about my life that continually offend people, when I truly don't mean to offend anyone. This last one in particular, I really didn't mean to offend.

Make it private or not?

I have two counters on my blog, one you can see and one isn't so obvious and I love checking them! I love to see where people are from and which posts they like to read. If I make it private, I know I will lose a lot of readers. It is fun to see where people are when they think about me!! (A little vain, I know!) That is one reason to keep in public.

Another reason is, I think there are some people that like to read and I don't necessarily need to know who they are. I get many hits from Duluth, Minneapolis, etc... and I have a few clues to who they are, but I don't know for sure, and if they want to stay anonymous, I should let them.

But, if I was to make it private, I would be able to express my feelings more freely. I would have control over who read it and therefore could express myself to those few people I would trust enough to be completely honest with (trust me, that list gets smaller by the day).

So, I'm a little torn. What's the point of venting my feelings to my friends if I'm going to offend someone everytime? But the point of this blog is to communicate with people I trust, many of whom really do care about me (again, those of you I'm talking about here know who you are) and like to keep tabs on my life, publically or anonymously.

I am asking for advice. Private or public?? Vent freely or keep my feelings tucked away?? Leave a comment or drop an email and please let me know your opinion. I don't want to offend more people, especially unintentionally but I'm not sure I want to keep my feelings locked up.

Please, give me your thoughts.... I will allow anonymous comments on this post, but if they are rude or offensive, I will delete them (if you need my email address, leave a comment and I'll send it to you!)

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T13:47:00.002-05:00

My Mother's Day was a great day! The boys were home for the day. My neice Corral was confirmed. My sister hosted a fabulous lunch after church. The boys went back to their dad's house at 5 and then Tommy and I took my mom and my grandma to the nearby casino for a nice dinner and a little gambling. Of course, we brought Tom's grandma her free sundae from Dairy Queen, too!

Saturday I was delivered the most beautiful bunch of lillies! White Lillies are my favorite flower, and knowing this, Tom picked up Jake from daycare one day and took him to the flower store to pick something out for mothers day. Tom said Jake was very proud to be there picking stuff out and he helped Tom sign the card. They were beautiful! My dad always remembered to give me something on Mother's Day, but the boys' dad never did (even while we were married), so it was nice to get such beautiful flowers, and my favorites to boot!

Jacob and Robert told everyone how they got the flowers for mom on her special day! Somebody asked if Tom helped and Jake said "Well, Tom just paid. That's why I brought him with!" How cute is that!

After I brought the boys back to their dad (who, by the way, never even wished me a Happy Mother's Day. Jerk. He seems to forget that it was ME who made him a dad. Anyways...I digress), Tom and I were thinking about dinner. After he gave me a beautiful card that made me cry the good kind of cry, I suggested Fortune Bay and he told me to call mom and invite her and grandma. How sweet. It is so nice to be with someone who thinks of my family too. We invited his grandma along, too, but she decided to stay home.

It was fun to watch my grandma playing slots! She would put in quarters and cash out EVERY time she won! She was on an old machine that still paid out in actual quarters, not tickets, so every so often there would be a "ting, ting, ting" and a giggle from Grandma!

Then, as if the day couldn't get any better, I then find out I received an award! Apparently Stacy nominated me for the award - you can see the video here. The funny thing is, however, she won the same award! Check it out on her blog!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas! I hope you enjoyed the day with your loved ones and snuggled the little ones that make your life what it is! I know I did!

Elizabeth Edwards Rocks

2009-05-08T20:37:00.003-05:00

My favorite quote from Elizabeth Edwards when recently interviewed by Oprah:

"Women need to respect other women, I spent years building this life and then
she thinks she likes this life and is just going to step in and throw me and
everything I worked for away.....if this is the life you want then go BUILD IT
YOURSELF!"

This was in reference to to her husband cheating on her. More specifically to the home wrecker he cheated with.

What a strong woman. She has gone through so much - lost a son in a car accident, breast cancer, supporting her husband's political career all the while he is cheating on her, raising a family - I'm a big fan of her strength. I hope in the face of adversity, I can stand tall and fight back like she has. She is a woman to look up to...

It's baseball season, Baby!

2009-04-22T18:53:00.002-05:00

Being that Tommy is a baseball coach, the boys have become quite fond of baseball. Maybe I said that wrong. They have become obsessed with baseball.

When we still had snow - we had to drive by the field at least 2-3 times EACH DAY to check if the "pitcher's hill" was still covered.

Last Friday night, Tom's team, the BEST Beavers played Ely - of course, we sat through the whole thing. Even though it got cold. And windy. And late. And Jake had to pee in the parking lot because the bathrooms aren't open yet. But we couldn't leave!

If there is any game going on - we stop and watch. Yesterday, we watched Vermilion Community College get beat by Itasca CC. We didn't know a single player on the field. But we were in the bleachers. The boys were acting up a little so we left and Jacob had the biggest tantrum of his life because he wanted to watch the game.

We got home a little later and Jake was laying on the floor in the living room. I asked him what he was doing and he said "Just watchin' a little baseball." The Cubs were playing the Reds.

Every meal I make - I mean EVERY meal - is dissected by my little sluggers wondering what part of their baseball talents will be improved on by each item - "Will potatoes make me run faster?" "Will the meat make me hit harder?" "Will the vegetables make me throw stronger?"

And, EVERY meal needs to be a "baseball player's" meal. I have to tell Jacob and Robert which player's mom or dad I got the recipe from before they will eat it. "Mom, who eats this?" "Jacob, I saw Josh's mom and she gave me the recipe." "Mom, does Ben eat this?" "Yes, Jake. I saw his dad and he told me how to make it."

But I love organized sports. I think they give more character and responsibility to today's youth than anything else. I think kids involved in any way with any kind of team will learn valuable life lessons they won't get anywhere else.

I've gotten to know a few of the parents and other fans. I like attending games. I love watching Tom coach. And I really love to share it all with the boys! A hot dog in the bleachers on a hot summer night listening to the crack of the bat and cheering our guys to run, run, run.... nothing beats it! I love watching the boys get excited for good plays and cheering on the players.

Tom coaches two teams. The BEST (Babbitt-Embarrass-Soudan-Tower) Beavers is a high school team and he coaches the Ely American Legion baseball team in the summer, which is made up of kids from all over the area. Baseball season is in full swing from now through July - and you know what - I wouldn't change it if I could!

Jacob will be signing up for tee-ball this summer! And hey, at least it's not hockey! :)

A couple of Ahhhh moments....

2009-04-13T21:29:00.002-05:00

If these don't make you say "Ahhhh" and maybe even tear up a bit, please check your pulse!

One day last week, Robert and I were driving home after dropping Jacob off at school. He saw a jet stream high up in the sky and said "Mama! Look! A rocket!!" Because I think a little innocence is a magical thing, I agreed that it was indeed a rocket. He said "Mom, is that rocket going to Heaven to pick up Bampa Dale and bring him home?" Holding back tears, I told Robert that Grandpa now lived in Heaven, with Jesus and he couldn't come home. But that is a wonderful thing! His heart is fixed, he can play without getting short of breath, and best of all, he is not hurting any more and he is happy. Sweet Robert replied with "When he is done with Jesus, can he come back here?" I keep trying to explain... but running out of ideas.

Then, the next day we were heading uptown to run a few errands and we were getting into the van. Jacob was standing next to the open door on his side of the van with the most angelic look on his face. Seriously, the most beautiful, peaceful look. I shivered and said "Jake, let's hurry. The wind is cold." Jacob looked up and said "Mom, I like the wind. The wind is Grandpa flapping his angel wings." Yup, I was crying again.

I love their innocence. I hope they stay that tender for a long, long time.

How to deal....

2009-04-06T10:42:00.002-05:00

I need some advice. I'm having a hard time with how the boys are feeling with the passing of my dad. I know how I feel. I can kind of fathom how everyone else feels. But I don't know about my boys and I don't think they are understanding the finality of death.

Jacob thinks it's pretty cool that Bampa is in Heaven and that he is the one to send down the rain, and the snow, and the sun, and the wind. And it is so sweet and innocent, and touching. Jacob truly believes that Bampa sent the rain so he can have more mud to run his trucks through in the driveway. Yesterday, Jake was telling Tom how Bampa sent more rain to make mud. Then he said "And I told him Thank You, but he didn't answer back." Well, that made me cry! How do I let him believe that Bampa is with him at all times, but he doesn't answer when he says Thank You?

The other day, Robert was in the bath. Part of the bathtub is broken and Jake said we should call Uncle Dale to come fix it. Robert got angry and said "NO! Grandpa will fix it!" Jake told him Grandpa was in Heaven and Robert said "When Grandpa is done at Heaven and comes home he will fix it!" Again, I didn't know what to say. I cried again, which I don't think helps the boys any, either, but I have a hard time hiding it.

Coming up sometime this spring, my dad will be buried at the Ely Cemetery. As soon as the city can dig, they will call us and give us a few options for dates. We have decided to have a small service. I'm wondering if that will help the boys to realize he is gone? But at the same time, I don't want them to think of Grandpa as in a box in the ground. I want them to continue to think he helps give us rain, sunshine, wind. I want them to feel him with them at all times. I've tried to explain body vs. soul, but of course, they don't get it. Hell, I'm not sure I do sometimes.

I am going to be bringing them to the graveside service. I think it is something they should be at and I'm not going to leave them out over my insecurities and shortcomings as a mother.

I would appreciate any advice at this point - really - I'm stuck.

Cheaper and more effective than therapy

2009-03-27T09:22:00.002-05:00

I get to see two of my girls this weekend!

Stacy, who lives in the cities, and I will be taking in a cool lunch at the Melting Pot fondue restaurant in Minneapolis tomorrow! Tom is in the cities right now for basketball and man-bonding time, so I decided to head down for a day, see Stacy, than come home with Tom on Sunday. The best part about lunch on Saturday, is that this restaurant is known for long lunches! In other words - some awesome quality time with just Stacy!

On Monday, my friend Cora, an English teacher in Altona, Manitoba, will begin spring break and she plans on heading somewhere south and tropical. Like ELY! Ok, we are not tropical, but we are south of Manitoba. Currently plans are for her to arrive on Monday and we will spend tons of time catching up, giggling, remembering when, and just enjoying seeing each other! My boys will come home Tuesday night, so she will get to see them, too, and she will head back north on Wednesday.

This is going to be so great for me, and I hope for them as well. These girls make me smile, make me laugh, and make me feel good about myself - hell, I must be ok to have friends this damn cool! Don't be surprised if you hear laughing from afar!

Ice Cream

2009-03-23T08:30:00.003-05:00

I cried eating ice cream the other day. Weird, huh? Here's the story.

When I was young, by young I mean pre-teenage drama years, my dad and I loved the same kind of ice cream. Chocolate Marshmallow. Yes, it is as good as it sounds. Every time dad and I were in charge of picking the ice cream, it was Chocolate Marshmallow. Sounds crazy, I know, but it was our thing.

Well, at some point, we couldn't find it any where. It was gone, and it literally had been years since I've even seen it, let alone tasted the wonderfully sticky and sweet stuff.

My nephews were selling Schawann's products as a fundraiser for hockey, and I will buy almost anything to help kids raise some money for their activities. I don't think I've ever turned down a frozen pizza or a magazine subscription being sold by someone under the age of 21.

Anyway, I was flipping through the catalog and there it was - Chocolate Marshmallow ice cream. Of course, despite the over-priced product that is Schwann's, I ordered a full gallon. The day it came it, Mom, the boys and I all had a little bit of the wonderous stuff, and I had wet eyes. I couldn't stop thinking about my dad. How he and I were the only ones in our family that would go crazy for this stuff. How he and I agreed that although all ice cream was good to a point, this was THE ice cream to search for, that all other ice cream would be lacking when it came to Chocolate Marshmallow. And in a weird way, it was our "thing". I don't know if ice cream can be someone's "thing", but in this case, it was.

It's funny how silly things can trigger a memory, fond or otherwise. In this case, the fondest of memories flowed with each spoonful. And, for that night, I didn't count the carbs.

Still down

2009-03-17T09:32:00.002-05:00

In weight that is.

I checked this morning and my weight is still down 14 pounds from October. I feel so relieved by that, because I really fell off the wagon of good health there for a while. My total weight loss had been 15 pounds, but when my dad was sick, I gained some back. Hopefully now, I'm back on the right track!

So maybe this treadmill thing is actually trying to help me, not kill me like I'm so sure of most days! :)

Lord, lift us up where we belong

2009-03-11T20:12:00.003-05:00

There are a few parts of my body that have always remained small while the rest of me grew. My fingers, for an example. I'm at the biggest I've ever been and I still can wear a size 7 ring. That hasn't changed since high school, my class ring was a 7.

My ankles and feet. Other than when I was preggo - I've always had boney ankles and feet.

And, of course, the little ladies. While I was pregnant with Robert they did go up a size and I called Stacy the second I tried on a little-bit-bigger undergarment.

But even though they were small, until I had my kids they were somewhat, well for lack of a better word, perky. I could wear a big sweater without a bra and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. But now that I am in my early-very early- thirties, gravity has taken toll on my already small chest.

The reason I'm thinking about this today is because I just got off the treadmill after 45 minutes of sweating and making it burn, baby, burn. I'm working really hard to get into a cute little dress for Tommy Z's wedding (Tom is a groomsman in that wedding in June) and as much as I'm hoping to order that dress and to look good in it, part of it will be missing. The upper part.

Now, I should be fair. My little ladies have been through quite a bit at their young age. I've had 4 mammograms. I wasn't able to nurse my kids - as hard as I tried it just didn't work. And about a year and a half ago I had a benign lump removed from my right side. So they are tired, they are worn out, and they are heading south.

So I will seek out something to wear, probably from Victoria's Secret, that will be uber-expensive and will have more scientific engineering in it than a space shuttle launch, but if it works, and hopefully it will work, I should be able to at least LOOK like I'm filling out the empty spaces where clevage should be.

If only Victoria made something for this butt!

I WILL

2009-03-05T21:01:00.005-06:00

So, after my dad passing away and losing my job all within 5 days of each other, I haven't been very good about taking care of my health. (For more on my health, click here). But I have decided that I need to get back on track health-wise (physical, mental and emotional) so here we go. Consider this a better late than never New Year's resolution of sorts:

* I will watch what I am eating again, trying very hard to remain under 160 carbs per day.
* I will write down everything that goes into my mouth.
* I will watch portion sizes and measure when necessary.
* I will avoid the baked goods aisle at the grocery store.
* I will try very hard to resist chocolate in any form. (It is so hard to resist, but I will try.)
* I will do some form of exercise everyday. Now that I'm at my mom's that is easier because she has a treadmill in the basement.
* I will be more present with my kids. But that I mean I will be more tuned in to what they are doing and play more with them, instead of watching them.
* I will not deny myself when it comes to matters of sugar. I have an evil sweet tooth, and there will be times I will just have to give in.
* I will not feel guilty when I do give in, however, I will be conscience of it.
* I will see my friends more.
* I will spend time with loved ones more.
* I will go to Vegas with Tom again (at some point, hopefully during a slow sports time).
* I will get into that cute little black dress for a wedding in which Tom is a groomsman in June.
* I will spend less time watching TV and more time reading.
* I will finish the blanket I started crocheting for Tom for Christmas 2008 by Christmas 2009.
* I will blog more. I know my fans are really missing me! :)

I think that is it for now. Most of my "I wills" seem pretty reasonable, so here's hoping I can stick to them. Wish me luck! Hey, and leave a comment for support. You know, if you want. No pressure. :)

So, I'm not yet June Cleaver....

2009-02-23T21:43:00.002-06:00

But, today I did learn how to flip an egg without using a spatula. You know, just with a flip of the pan. For safety sake, I tried it over the sink.

What have I become!?

I'm clipping coupons! I'm reading sales ads! I'm vacuuming (gasp)! I'm telling my kids "because I said so"! I say "flush the toilet and wash your hands with SOAP this time" more times than I can count! I'm dying for the phone to ring or for someone over the age of 5 to make some kind of contact with me! I make a fresh pot of coffee at noon-ish in case Tom stops by after lunch! Give me an apron, I think that's all I need!

The big move to my mom's is happening at the end of this week. Here's hoping for more blog activity then! I know I'm looking forward to having access to the internet again, and I'm sure you are all biting your nails waiting to see what will be posted next!

Hang tight my dear blog readers! I have thoughts to blog swimming around in this head that I can't wait to share! Until then...

Do You Miss Me?

2009-02-12T19:00:00.002-06:00

Well, if you don't, you should!

Since I've been laid off, my internet access has been slim. Sorry about that. I'm going through withdrawl without constant internet. I've thought about using part of my tax return to buy myself a laptop, however, one of my two voices of reason (Tom and Stacy) has suggested that maybe I should SAVE my tax return. Someday, I may need that to buy groceries. Hmmmm. Tom is probably right - sigh.

But I am moving in to my mom's by the end of the month and she has a computer so I should be back in the swing soon!

Other than the lack of internet, I really enjoy being home with the boys. I love this mom thing! And I am constantly busy! Seriously, cooking, dishes, cleaning and I love it! I spend a lot of time snuggling and loving them!

I'm still on the job hunt, and I have a few irons in the fire, I think. Will keep you posted.

Hope all is well, and hoping to share more with you all soon!

25 random things about me

2009-01-29T22:55:00.001-06:00

I was tagged to do this on Facebook. Enjoy!

1. I love doing this sort of thing. It's one of my quirks.

2. I hate wearing socks. Regardless of the weather. Right now, I am barefoot inside my Mukluks and the temperature outside is about -10. It started when I was pregnant with Robert and my feet were HUGE! The only thing that fit my feet were my mukluks with no socks. I hate wearing slippers - can't stand anything on my feet.

3. I also can't sleep with my feet covered. This has been since I was pregnant with Jacob. But I need the sheets tucked in at the foot of the bed. I stick my feet out the side.

4. My boys are my entire life. I love being a mom more than anything in the world.

5. The thing that scares me most in the whole world is something happening to my boys. I can't imagine how horrible it would be if they were hurt or worse....

6. I am divorced and although it was hard at first, I am in a better place than I was when I was married. I am a stronger, more confident mother and person. Although I don't regret marrying my ex, I also don't regret divorcing him.

7. I loved everything about my pregnancies! EVERYTHING! I never had an ounce of morning sickness, the idea of a person growing inside me was amazing, I loved the whole thing! Yes, even labor and delivery! Robert's delivery was completely DRUG FREE and I loved it! There was something amazing about my body working that way and accomplishing that. I know women give birth everyday, but it is still amazing to me and I'm so proud of doing it! Plus, you get a baby when you are done!

8. I would love more kids some day. I've always wanted 4 or 5. If I'm done at 2, that's ok, but I would love more.

9. I've always wanted to be an at-home mom. Complete with the apron, white picket fence, mini van and a dog. Seriously. I would love nothing more than weeks filled with play-dates and soccer practices.

10. My dad dying is that hardest thing I've ever gone through. Thinking of others I know who have lost their parents at younger ages has helped me deal with this. I'm also able to lean on my family, friends and Tom which is a huge help, too.

11. I like writing, and I think I'm ok at it, but I'm not very confident in it.

12. I've been to Europe on two separate occasions. Once at 16, touring 3 countries. The second time at 21 going to school at Oxford University and touring 7 countries. I would go again in a second. I saw the most amazing things - the top of the Eiffel Tower, Mona Lisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Roman Ruins, Venus Di Milo, Sistene Chapel, the statue of David, Monet's Water Lillies, AMAZING, stuff. Wouldn't hesitate to go again.

13. My brother, sister, Tom, brother-in-law and I were with my dad until very close to the end of his life. We left just before he flat-lined - we left his room when his blood pressure was 28/4 and his heart rate was 187. I wouldn't trade that for anything. We were able to tell him it was okay to rest, that we loved him and that we knew he loved us. Although it was scary and I still see it every time I close my eyes, I'm so thankful we were there for those moments. I like to think it helped him let go.

14. The inappropriate use of quotation marks is my biggest pet peeve. Seriously, drives me "crazy". :)

15. I am blessed with many very close friends. Two from high school I'm very close with, many from college and other random friendships that have blossomed throughout my life. My friendships are one of my most prized possessions.

16. My sister and I are as different as night and day, but she is one of my best friends.

17. My brother is a pretty good guy, too. He's been great helping out with "guy stuff" since I've become a single mom. He always comes a-running when the boys lock me out of the bathroom or if I need garbage taken out or the door fixed. And although he is younger than me, he would have been a great big brother as he is always looking out for me.

18. My dream job would be as director of a large daycare center that serviced many, many families.

19. Before I die, I hope to see all 50 states and 6 of the 7 continents. I don't need to see Antarctica. It's cold enough here.

20. Although I live in a very outdoorsy area of the country, I'm not a very outdoorsy person. I'd rather stay in a hotel than camp, and fishing is fine once in a while if it is hot out, I don't have to touch the bait or the fish and I can bring a book!

21. I love to cook! But I hate baking cookies. I can handle cakes, bars, pie, cheesecake, but I cannot handle baking cookies!

22. I'm very patient with kids, not always with adults.

23. I'm sometimes a little too wordy and I talk too much. That's not a surprise to most, I'm sure.

24. My favorite place to read is in Tom's bed, when he is not there.

25. I would love a nice camera and I would love to learn how to use it! I'm impressed with photography and would love to learn more about it.

He's now a star and an angel

2009-01-21T11:00:00.003-06:00

The boys are pretty sure that Grandpa has become a star and their special angel.

The other night, well, some night before the funeral, Jacob looked up into the sky and said "Look, mom, there's Grandpa and Kelsey" (my sister's dog that died recently). I asked him which one was Grandpa and he said "The brightest one!" That kid can make is Mama cry - he is so tender. So I talked to their dad about all of this, and we agreed (which is rare) on a star that we can point out to the boys to be Grandpa and we chose the middle star of Orion's belt. It's easy to find and easy to point out.

The boys and I say prayers every night, a modified version of "now I lay me down to sleep". It goes "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Angels watch me through the night. And keep me in their blessed sight." Robert asked me the other night, after we said prayers, if Grandpa was an angel, I told him he was and Robert said "my special angel." He then asked me why he can't give Grandpa kisses anymore. That made me a little teary, so I told him we could send him kisses in our prayers and Robert said "like this!" and blew kisses up towards the sky. Ahhhhhhh.

Last night after I tucked Jacob in, I was almost out his door when he said "Hey, Mom, is Grandpa going to watch over me tonight, since he is now an angel?" I said that of course Grandpa will always look over him and help protect him and Jake said "Good, I'll sleep better now." How sweet is that!

So, I guess the boys are doing ok, probably better adjusted than their Mama.

My thoughts into words

2009-01-19T11:55:00.006-06:00

So, I need to vent. This may be long-winded and boring, but I need to vent. So, don't feel obligated to read it, I understand.

Also, I've had a hard time putting words and punctuation together lately to make anything seem coherent, so please, don't judge me by my grammar today! I'm usually pretty good in the English department (hell, I think research papers are fun), but I seem to be missing some skills as of late, so bear with me.

First of all, my dad died. Yup. He's gone. I was not ready for this. He has battled heart disease for 14 years, it's not like we didn't know it was coming eventually, I was just hoping for many, many more years. With every procedure, every stent, every hospital stay - he bounced right back. Even the pastor said it at Dad's funeral - he'd get the phone call that Dad was in the hospital, and before you knew it, he was back in church on Sunday. That's how he was. He bounced right back - every time. This time, he didn't.

It started with a staph infection that landed him in the hospital for part of Christmas Eve and in St. Mary's on Christmas Day. He was sent home on Dec. 29, thinking he was bouncing back. Well, Jan. 2 he had a minor stroke and was life-flighted to Duluth. While dealing with the stroke, he had some confusion, some weakness, but Dad was still there. Little mistakes, like he called my Tommy the wrong name - called him Dave, but nothing major. And he caught himself each and every time. Again, we were thinking he'd bounce back.

Wednesday, January 7 - Mom had come home for a day, and was planning to head back to Duluth on Thursday. At about 6:25, I got a call from Dr. Baker - a life changing call. Dad had a massive heart attack. We'll skip some details, but Dad was rushed into an angiogram, with everyone (including doctors) expecting the worst.

Some how, he lived. The doctor performing the angiogram said Dad was the strongest person he had ever seen, there is no reason he made it through the surgery. However, I think I know the reason why.

Now I'm going to get cheesy - consider yourself warned. My dad always looked out for us - his family. His wife and 3 kids came first, no matter what. I think that by him surviving a massive heart attack and the surgery was his way of preparing us for what was coming. He was never able to come off the ventilator, he was never able to tell us with words exactly that, but I think that was it. Every doctor we spoke to said that heart attack would've killed a healthy man, and my dad was far from healthy. But somehow he survived for three more days, letting us prepare to say good-bye.

It wasn't easy to say good-bye, but we got to say good-bye. We held his hands and spoke to him until his very final moments. We were able to tell him it was okay for him to allow his body rest - that we would be okay and we will take care of mom. We were able to tell him that we loved him and we knew he loved us.

If his massive heart attack had taken him Wednesday night, we wouldn't have been able to say good-bye. And that would've been worse than it already was. His surviving for three days was his way of taking care of us one last time.

The three days in the hospital, I prepared myself for what was coming. The three days after he passed, I prepared myself for the funeral. But that's where my preparations stopped. Now, this is that part that is really bugging me - I did not prepare myself for immediately after the funeral. The pall bearers put dad into the hearse and brought him to the cemetery, into the building where he will be kept until spring when he can be buried. They left him in that building. And it is driving me crazy. He is in that building, in the cold, in the dark. I know, I know - he's not there, just his body. I do truly believe that his heart, soul and spirit are in heaven, but it is bugging the crap out of me that he was left in that building. All dressed up in his suit, with some flowers and his hard hat next to him - put into a wooden box and left in a building. And he's still there - not going anywhere. Not being taken care of. Frozen. Alone. In the dark. This is what is bugging me the most right now.

Ugh.

Friday, I was called into the bookkeeping office, which is never a good sign, and was told by my two bosses that I was being laid off. They lost a huge printing contract, and they had to lay me off. They were very nice about it, as nice as could be, anyways. They offered to help bridge the gap concerning health insurance and will accept payments on the premiums. I have already used them both as references for new jobs and Mr. General Manager even offered to lend me a vehicle when needed, because my van is broken. I know it's not their fault - my job here is the most dispensible and two other employees had hours cut.

The bright side of this is that, to me my job wasn't much more than a paycheck. It was ok, it was a steady (albeit small) income, but it wasn't a good fit for me. I dreaded most days at work. Now, beginning Friday, I'll start anew.

I'll apply for unemployment insurance and MinnesotaCare health insurance for the boys. I've already put in a few applications with high hopes. I had already thought about moving back in with my mom and this seals it. She needs help getting back in there and adjusting to life without my dad, and I'm not going to be able to pay rent on unemployment. Her house is plenty big for the boys and I to be there and not get on her nerves.

So here we go. 2009, I'm coming at ya, full force with my head high, my bank account balance low, and an attitude that can't be beat! I have two beautiful healthy little boys, I have a terrific family and I've got Tommy. I'm going to be fine - just may take a while.

Please tell me 2009 is going to get better

2009-01-16T14:54:00.002-06:00

So far this year (2009):

My dad spent two weeks critically ill in the hospital. Had a stroke. Helicopter flight to Duluth. Heart attack. He died the day before Jacob's 5th birthday.

Missed Jacob's fifth birthday party.

My van is ka-put. Need a new tranny, my brother thinks. However, it's been below zero for so long that he can't check it out any more. Still paying on the damn thing, but can't use it.

And now - I've been laid-off. Yup, single mom on an already small income and I'm officially unemployed. My last day is next Friday. Yeah - I get health insurance for the boys and I from MY job. Nice.

Come on, 2009, please get better. I don't know how much more I can take.

Dale Wallace Hartshorn

2009-01-12T13:27:00.000-06:00

Dale Wallace Hartshorn, 65, of Ely passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth with his family at his side.

He was born on December 9, 1943 in Fredric, WI to Wallace and Ellen (Mortson) Hartshorn. He lived in Danbury, WI until he was nine years old when the family moved to Northwest Logging Camp near Isabella. He was confirmed as a Lutheran in Forest Center and he graduated from Silver Bay High School in 1963.

Dale worked as a logger for many years and was then employed by Reserve Mining Company. He has worked as an equipment operator at Northshore Mining in Babbitt for the past 20 years. He loved his job and his co-workers. He looked forward to going to work.

He married Peggy Lewis on June 14, 1975 at First Lutheran Church in Ely.

Dale fought a long, difficult 14 year battle against heart disease. His family would like to thank the medical staff at the Duluth Clinic - Ely, Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center, especially Dr. Leino, Dr. Schwinghamer, Dr. J. Bianco, Dr. Montana, Dr. Peterson and Dr. Lucca for keeping his big ol’ heart ticking.

He loved to deer hunt, fish, spend time at the cabin and his greatest joys were in the moments he spent with his family, especially his granddaughter and five grandsons.

Dale was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Hartshorn, in 1988; his father-in-law, Bill Lewis, in 1998 and his sister-in-law, Linda Hartshorn in 2002.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years Peggy of Ely; three children: Heidi (Chad) Meskill, Hollee (Tom Coombe) Hartshorn and Dale (Mallory Johnson) Hartshorn, all of Ely; six grandchildren: Corral, Louis and Austin Meskill, Jacob and Robert Towley and Alexander Hartshorn, all of Ely; his mother: Ellen Hartshorn of Ely and Danbury, WI; his brothers: Maynard (Lois) Hartshorn of Ely, Lloyd Hartshorn of Needles, CA and Paul (Marge) Hartshorn of Finland, MN; his mother-in-law, Beverly Lewis of Ely; sister-in-law Pat (Mike) Vukelich of Kure Beach, NC; brother-in-law Tom (Doreen) Lewis of Blaine, MN; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends, especially Marshall and Jill Hinden of Ely and his beloved pets Princess and Meow. He is also survived by his son Lonnie Hartshorn and his family of Chisholm.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 14 at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Ely. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

His battle is done.

2009-01-11T14:54:00.003-06:00

After a 14 year battle with heart disease, dad passed away about 10 p.m. last night.

He went knowing he was loved. And we knew he loved us. He was ready to rest, his big ol' heart stopped ticking.

We were able to say good-bye and we were with him until very close to the end.

Thank you all for the love, support, and friendship during this time.

With Love, Hollee

It will be soon, I am afraid.

2009-01-09T12:03:00.001-06:00

Dad's brain is bleeding again. His kidneys have completely shut down.

They cannot even give him a baby aspirin to attempt to protect his heart. We are just waiting at this point.

My boys are with Chris. Jacob will still have his birthday party tomorrow at the bowling alley tomorrow and he will turn 5 on Sunday, possibly with another angel at his side. Not sure how to prepare them for this. I don't know what to do in dealing with them. At this point we are not going to leave the hospital.

We are hoping for days, but it may only be hours.

This sucks.

Our ray of hope has turned into a sliver

2009-01-08T14:32:00.002-06:00

Dad's cardiologist and the critical care doctor were just here. It's not good news.

Simply put, they cannot save dad's brain and his heart. If he is to remain on blood thinners, his brain will continue to bleed. If he comes off blood thinners permanently, it will cause more clots and more cardiac problems.

So, they will be taking him off blood thinners. He won't survive another cardiac event. It is basically inevitable at this point. Of course, we don't know how long. There is a slim possiblity that he will not have another cardiac event, but that is unlikely. His kidneys are also failing.

We are hoping he will be able to come off the machines so we can spend quality time with him. Could be hours, days, weeks. We don't know.

The doctor said dad is at the end of his life.

Still hoping for a miracle

2009-01-08T12:15:00.001-06:00

The nurse thinks Dad is heading in the right direction. They have woken him up a few times and he has responded a little to our voices.

His blood sugar was up over 500 last night and today it's down to 360. Still not good, but at least heading in the right direction. He is still on the ventilator, which is doing all of his breathing for him. When he wakes up, he gets very agitated, so they have to keep him sedated. They are hoping this evening to maybe begin weening him off the sedation, but that's kind of a long shot right now.

He had a massive heart attack last night, and it all happened very quickly. Mom spoke to him at 5:30, by 6:25 the doctor was calling me telling me what was going on. Last night they told me dad was terminal and that we better hurry if we want to see him. So things have improved by leaps and bounds, although he is still very critical.

He had an angioplasty last night, they sucked out a big clot out of his most recent stent, and they are amazed he survived the surgery, now we are worried about surviving the aftermath of the surgery. The lines, tubes, wires, are still up in his leg from the surgery and they are hoping to reduce the size of the angioplasty "balloon" soon and maybe be able to remove it some time today. Just hopes and maybes right now. Also tubes in his nose and mouth and wires in places I didn't know you could put wires!

His blood pressure has been a litte unstable, mostly too low. But when we are in there with him, it seems to stabilize. He has a bloody nose now, they think from all the hoses/tubes being put up his nose and being put on heparin (a blood thinner).

The nurse said our current goal is to get to noon and then hope for 7 p.m. I guess after the 24 hours after surgery, his chances of survival improve. Ugh. This sucks.

I think that is all for now. Thanks for everything. We appreciate it so much.

Please, continue to pray for dad. Please

2009-01-07T23:20:00.000-06:00

Tonight, at about 6:30, Dad's doctor called me. Dad had a major heart attack tonight. Being off his blood thinners caused a large clot to form and got lodged in his most recent stent. We knew this was a risk.

Dale grabbed mom and rushed to Duluth. Heidi and her fam followed me and my 2 grandmas down, expecting the worst.

Dad's cardiologist then called me. They needed to perform an emergency angiogram. I said do it - whatever you have to, just do it.

Not long after Mom and Dale arrived the doctor came out - Dad lived through the surgery. The doctors sucked out the clot that was blocking his stent.

However, he is not out of the woods. He is still fighting the staph infection that started around Christmas. His stroke has made him confused. Before they took him into surgery, he became very agitated. He vomited and aspirated some into his lungs. They had to put him under and needed to intubate him. He is still on the ventilator and is sedated. They are now worried about the possibility of pneumonia.

They have now started him on Heparin. It is a blood thinner, but easier to control. If the bleeding in his brain starts again, well, then I don't know what.

We still have one heck of a battle on our hands. The surgeon came out and told mom that dad is the strongest man he has ever seen. A man this sick should not be alive, yet he is. He continues to fight, he continues to live, he continues to love. And so do we.

Please, please continue to pray for dad. He needs it more than anything.

I am a blogging FOOL!

2009-01-07T11:16:00.003-06:00

I love blogging, about anything. I love to type in my thoughts and send them off into the world. And right now, most of my thoughts surround my dad. Except for the thoughts that want to swear at the snow, worrying about the boys, throw the dishes out the window, wonder what is that smell in the garbage, thinking about cleaning the fridge, trying to decide what to have for dinner, and stretching the budget until next pay day - most of my thoughts are about my dad. It sounds like many people are thinking about my dad, and that feels good. To me, to mom, the Heidi and Dale, to the whole family, but especially to Dad. So again, thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, love and support. We can't say thank you enough.

So, here's the Wednesday update. Mom spoke with dad a gazillion and one times last night and he seems to be doing well. He was able to name three days of the week in a row! Wahoo! He talked about the grandkids and he said there are these girls that keep coming in his room and bugging him. Of course, the girls are his nurses.

The morphine is making him a little goofy. He was really mad at his friend Dick Hill one day, claiming that Dick needed to give him a shot, but he hasn't seen Dick in months. He was also sure an old guy from church, Oiva Lampi (a good ol' Finn name if ever there was one), was the one taking his blood pressure. But most of that is the morphine, we are pretty sure.

Last night when he was talking to mom, she asked how his pain was. He said the pain in his head wasn't too bad, but the chest pains were getting pretty bad. As with anyone, but especially with dad, chest pains equal red flags! So mom told him to tell his nurse and then she called the nurse. Apparently Dad pushed his call button and told the nurse "My wife told me to tell you that I'm having chest pains." That's kind of cute, isn't it!?

Anyways, after some checking and talking with the doctor, they think the chest pains were caused from the steroids he is now on to reduce the swelling in his brain. Also, last night was the first time he ate a meal in days and the combo of the two caused huge acid reflux. A dose of Mylanta and a couple of burps later, he was feeling better. One of the problems he is having is that he can't explain the pain, so panic over acid reflux may seem a little silly, but when dealing with the medical mess that is my father, we don't want to overlook anything!

He will continue to have thick blood for a while, another 7 - 10 days, and then look at thinning it back out. That should take another 7-10+ days. So we are looking at a hospital stay in WEEKS instead of DAYS. But we'll take it. Also, dealing with his blood is very tricky. There will be days where his health will be "critical". He may appear the same, but his blood is such a big issue, that any changes are huge.

I think that is all for now. I will continue to update. Again, thanks for everything!

With love from the cold and snowy north! Hollee

PS - I am SO SICK of snow I could SCREAM!

Happy Tuesday.

2009-01-06T12:39:00.003-06:00

I had left Duluth Sunday night, but I was so full of anxiety that I went back Monday to check on him. Also, Mom and Heidi didn't sleep Sunday night, so they were ready for a break!

Monday afternoon, Dad did pretty well. Still some confusion, but not too bad. He can't remember dates and he couldn't remember his dog's name, but he knows all of us and grandkids, etc. He went for a few walks and we did get him to eat some Jell-O.

Because he was doing so well, we all left Duluth Monday, leaving Dad alone for the first time since the stroke happened on Friday. The nurses assured us that they will do a good job, and of course we know they will! Nurses are awesome. Period.

Mom spoke to him a few times last night and a bunch of times this morning. He is doing pretty well. He knows he is in Duluth, but he isn't sure about the hospital. Mom told him he was on a "different floor" than he had been on before and dad responded with "I'm not on the floor, I'm in a bed!" So some things are kind of funny.

I guess that is the update for now. Again, thanks for all the support. We do share everything with Dad, and he enjoys it all.

Mom will be going back to Duluth tomorrow. I plan on heading down for sure on Sunday. Sunday is Jacob's 5th Birthday, and I think it would be nice for Jake to bring some birthday cake for grandpa!

Also, from what I understand, my nephew Austin had some hockey games this weekend and scored a few goals! He said he did it for Gramps! And Gramps was able to understand, which is even better!

And just for fun, here is a cute picture of Dad and Jacob snuggling and watching Cars!

Monday, Jan. 5

2009-01-05T14:46:00.001-06:00

Dad is having another rough day. Lots of pain, lots of confusion. Then he gets angry. The doctor asked him how old my sister was and dad just answers "Sept. 8". He can't remember his dog's name and he is having a hard time recalling his grandkids' names. The nurse just put braces on his legs and he is calling them "rubber shoes." They are not rubber, and they are not shoes, but if we tell him differently, he gets angry and frustrated. These are just a few examples. He has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Last night Mom and Heidi weren't able to leave.

He also won't eat and his nausea continues.

Now some good news. His CT scan this morning looks good. They won't have to operate, which is really good because it is so risky. It looks like the bleeding has stopped in his brain and his body is beginning to re-absorb the excess blood.

His blood is at a nice thick level, but before he heads home, it will have to be thinned out again. Here's hoping they can do that without too many complications.

Thank you for all the kind words, thoughts, prayers, messages, phone calls, etc.... It is all so wonderful!

My Dad - Sunday, Jan. 4

2009-01-04T12:31:00.000-06:00

Good morning from the neurology floor at St. Mary's.

Dad's body was affected on the right side, mostly some balance issues and his speech has been mildly affected. He can think of the words he wants to say but he can't say them. He also called me his girlfriend and my sister his wife. But the good thing is he is catching himself with most mistakes.

Yesterday, Dad had a great day. He was up walking around (with a walker, his right side has some weakness issues), his pain had subsided and he even sat up for over 3 hours visiting and doing a puzzle. They even decreased is pain killers, only giving him some when needed.

Today is not a good day for dad. He spent the night vomiting. He has only been able to get out of bed once. He went for a small walk and ended up with blinding pain shooting through his head followed by more vomiting. They have increased his pain killers back to the original dosage. I believe they are going to be doing another CT scan some time today as opposed to waiting a day or two as originally planned.

He is also having issues with his blood, it needs to be thick and able to clot to stop the bleeding in his brain, however, thick and clotting blood is very dangerous to his heart valve and his nine stents. So the doctors are between a rock and a hard place right now. The are attemping to thicken his blood right now, even giving him 2 pints of plasma, as his blood has very few to no platelets. After the bleeding has stopped, they will then put him back on blood thinners, hopefully avoiding any clots near his heart. His neuro surgeon calls him a "medical mess." In a few days, if the blood in his brain isn't being re-absorbed by his body, they will have to do surgery to suck out the excess blood. This is dangerous for anyone, especially for dad.

Mom just came in and said dad had to be put on morphine again, trying to fight the pain. He is having some more confusion. The nurse just said possible surgery tomorrow, depending on the scan results.

My plan is to come back to Ely tonight. My mom and sister will be staying tonight, mom isn't planning on leaving dad's room at all. Tom is at the Vikings game today and he will stop by Duluth and pick me up on his way back home.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. It all means so much to me and my family. I've had so many emails, comments, text messages, phone calls - it all means so much and makes this battle easier.

I'll try to continue to update. St. Mary's has computers in all of the waiting rooms, so I should be able to update regularly.

Hollee

My dad.

2009-01-03T16:34:00.000-06:00

Here's some info about Papa Dale:

He had a mild stroke, bleeding in the front left of his brain and down the left side. Thanks to the WONDERFUL Ely doctor (Dr. Peterson and a med student) they were able to stop it before too much damage happened.

He was flown by helicopter to St. Mary's in Duluth. He is having some issues with his speech and his balance. The speech issue is more that he can think of a word but he can't get it out. Balance wise- his right leg is weaker than his left right now, and just a little "off" compared to his left. He is up and walking, using a walker as a precaution. They have decided to reduce his pain meds a bit because they are making him too sleepy and they want him up and moving more.

The biggest worry right now is that he has been on Coumadin (a blood thinner) for almost 14 years, a daily dose of aspirin for just as long and Plavix (another blood thinner) for about one year. He needs to be on all of these because he has an artificial heart valve, a pacemaker and 9 stents, so ANY clot or increased thickness is VERY dangerous for him and all of his heart equipment. However, if his bloodis to remain thinned out, the bleeding in his brain will continue. We are kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. For now, the plan is to remain off of all blood thinners and they are giving him blood plasma with the intention of thickening and clotting his blood. THEN the plan is to put him back on his blood thinners and try to prevent thickening and clotting. His neuro surgeon (Dr. Glazier) said dad is a "medical mess". They will also be performing a CT scan within a couple of days to see how the bleeding and/or if his body is absorbing the excess blood. If the blood spot is getting bigger, or not shrinking fast enough, they will go in and suck out the excess. Again, dangerous for anyone, but especially for dad.

Dad will be in the hospital for a minimum of a week, probably longer. My brother, sister, mom and myself will be here until Sunday night, and if dad is doing well, we will head home. Mom will be coming back throughout the week and if needed, Heidi, Dale and I will too.

So here's hoping they are on the right track with dad and that this will work. AND he is still fighting the staph infection he got over Christmas (that was Christmas Part III). The doc said he is not out of the woods and that he is still critical, but we are hopeful.

Thanks for the prayers and thoughts! I'll try to keep updating as things change!

Love to all.

Christmas Part II

2008-12-31T12:29:00.004-06:00

So now we'll get to Christmas with the boys. It was FABULOUS! I love everything about Christmas.

But first of all, here a few pics of the snow we have! So far, we have had a total snow fall of over 32”. Nice. I'm ready for spring!

You can see snowflakes on Robert's nose and eyelashes. Kinda makes me want to break out in a Julie Andrew's song -

Christmas Eve, Tom, the boys and I went to church with my mom, Grandma, my sister and her whole family. My brother had to work and my dad was at home resting after a visit to the Ely Hospital (more in part III).

After church we went up to my mom's for a prime rib dinner (mmmmm) that included twice baked potatoes, a corn thingy that is awesome, cranberry sauce, green beans, and so much more (oh, and of course a little bit of wine!). After dinner, Mallory (Dale's love) and their son Alex joined us for some presents. And boy-oh-boy were there presents! Of course I forgot the camera that day! Giddy chaos ensued as the kids tore open their packages. My favorite reactions from the boys were:
Jacob when he opened his lite-brite from Nana and Bampa said: "I've waited SO LONG for this!!"
Robert when he opened his package of plain white T-shirts from Nana and Bampa and he jumped up and down yelling "I got shirts! I got shirts!"

After all the chaos had settled, we packed up the van (believe me, it was packed) and headed for home. Santa was able to assemble and put everything out by 1 a.m. (ahem, all by herself - ThankYouVeryMuch) and was awoken by 6:30. Tom spent the night at our house to see the Christmas Morning reaction and boy was there a reaction!

Santa brought the boys a battery powered 4 wheeler to share. Jacob then got a Leapster hand-held learning video game thingy and Robert got a giant rug to play cars on. I'll let the pictures explain:

Jacob got a K'Nex set from Uncle Dale, Auntie Mal and Alex. He loves it!
Robert and his car rug. Santa hit a home run this year!

Auntie Heidi, Uncle Chad and the kids gave the boys these cool pillows and matching blankets. Tom bought the boys the movie Wall-E, so they break out the pillows, blankets and snuggle on in! Jake said Auntie Heidi made a good choice because he loves "all the sports" and Robert calls his the Kermit Blanket! The blankets and pillows go to bed with the boys, too!
The Christmas festivities were wonderful. The tree will come down tomorrow, assuming Mommy isn't too tired from New Year's Eve! 2008 was a terrific year for the boys and I, and I'm guessing 2009 will be too!

Have a safe, healthy and happy new year!

Stay tuned for Part III - Grandpa Dale takes a Christmas trip to St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth. (He's ok).

Christmas Season part I

2008-12-29T11:53:00.003-06:00

Happy Hollee-days! :) (sorry, couldn't resist using the seasonality of my name!)

The Christmas season was very eventful, too much for one post, so I'll try to get them all in soon, but it will take a few different posts. I'll try to do this in chronological order.

I will begin with the weekend before Christmas, the Tom and Hollee's 2nd Annual Hollidazzle Weekend! This year and last year, as part of my Christmas gift from Tommy, he has taken me to Minneapolis for a weekend of fun, shopping, eating fabulous meals and the Hollidazzle parade.

Tom and I headed down to Minneapolis for the weekend of Dec. 19 - 21, joining our friends Stacy and Dave (the infamous Auntie Schtaschy) for a few drinks on Friday. Because we were arriving a bit late, they had a fabulous dinner at Murray's (Tom and I went there last year for Hollidazzle Weekend Dinner) then met us at the Lyon's Pub nearby. After a few Captain Cokes, Stacy's buzzed smile came out and a couple of Limon 7's later, so did mine! (I did have a bit of guilt, as Stacy had to get up with her 2 1/2 year old twin girls the next morning and I was able to sleep as long as I'd like, but I got over it quickly.)

Stacy and I entertained David J and Tommy by singing along to the fabulous music blaring, and being fabulous ourselves, I'm sure the boys really enjoyed it as much as we did. The four of us also had a great time making fun of middle-aged-man-wearing-a-pink-shirt-and-dancing-by-himself.

Because the aforementioned twins don't know what the term "hang-over" means, Dave and Stacy headed home before closing, but we still had a ton of fun! We talked about finding a weekend where they could get a babysitter and maybe spend the night in Minneapolis, so they don't have to worry about driving home or waking up to kids.

Tom and I stayed at the Hotel Minneapolis on Friday night. It was nice, but the room was SMALL.

Saturday we slept in and then hauled our butts to the Hyatt where we would spend Saturday night. Thankfully, they let us check in a little early. Tom had a game to broadcast at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, so I went shopping! Huge sales at Macy's and of course I hit Target as well. Then I wandered back to the Hyatt and took a much deserved nap until Tommy got back. Then we bundled up and headed down the street for the Hollidazzle parade! Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello of WCCO were the Grand Marshals. Don Shelby was the night before - my timing was just a little off, I guess.

After freezing during the fabulous Hollidazzle, we headed to the Newsroom Bar for a quick hot drink to warm up and then went back to the Hyatt to get ready for dinner! We had a fabulous meal at the Capital Grille. I mean fabulous!! We split a wedge salad then Tom had a ribeye and I had tenderloin and lobster. Mmmmm. We also shared mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. We took our time and ended up being there for 3 hours! Unfortunately, we were too stuffed for dessert.

We then hooked up with friends and newly engaged couple Tommy Z. and Amanda. We went to a bar called Prohibition. It was very cool, modern, contemporary. I felt a little out of place in my black flowy pants and sparkly red sweater next to the uber-blonde with fishnet stockings and a skirt so short she was showing stuff that will dimple when she has kids (trust me, it will happen), but it was fun anyways.

The walk back to the hotel was horribly cold. Seriously, should've gotten a cab for a 5 block walk. We had to stop in another bar (Brit's Pub) just to warm up and it was only a block from our hotel.

Sunday, we woke up late and headed over to Ike's for the most amazing brunch EVER. I've talked about it before. A caramel roll as big as your head is brought to your table as soon as you sit down and that's only the beginning. Then they bring on eggs any way you like 'em, pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage and bacon all served family style until you beg them to stop. Sure, it's a $50 breakfast, but worth every penny. It is SO good and lasts all day!

We spent the afternoon wandering around Minneapolis, shopping and such. A stop at Toys-R-Us on the way home completed our 2nd Annual Hollee and Tom's Hollidazzle weekend. We plan on doing this every year - it's been so fun the last two years, we plan to make it a tradition.

Not Me Monday!

2008-12-22T15:51:00.003-06:00

I think I only have one confession to make - at least only one I'm going to share publicly!

NOT ME! I did not wait WAY too long to order Christmas Cards and JUST get them out in the mail today! I wouldn't do that! I am much more organized than that.

But, if you are a member of my Holiday Card Send To list and your card arrives a little bit late, it was NOT ME! Must be the post office! :)

So for those of you who can't wait until Mr. Postman delivers the goods, here is a tasty tid-bit. A preview, if you will, of what our card will look like. This is NOT our card, because after I spent way too long slaving with Photoshop to make this blasted thing, I found out it would have been much more expensive to order my own than to use a Shutterfly design. So you will get the Shutterfly design in the mail. Which I think looks really nice anyway! :)

But I am kinda proud of this one anyway! I did it ALL BY MYSELF! Honestly! I know a few graphic designers (Andrea, Hope and Lisa) who are rolling their eyes right now because this is elementary for them, but remember, I'm creatively challenged. You need a 15 page paper on the life and times of Ghandi, I'm your gal. I can rock that out in a few days, max. Anything creative - forget it - I can barely draw a stick figure!

So, if I don't blog in the meantime, Merry Christmas to my dear friends and family! I blessed by all of you!

Dear Rachel Ray

2008-12-18T11:14:00.002-06:00

I think you're great. Really I do. You wear a tastefully cute outfit and make something that looks great and I'm sure tastes awesome as well, in only 30 minutes. That's amazing.

Here's the problem, though. Your show isn't realistic. Not in my case anyway. You see, my cooking time is much different; here's what I mean.

I leave work at 4, pick up the boys and arrive at home hopefully by 4:30 at the latest. It's winter here in northern Minnesota which means the process of leaving work and arriving home can be quite lengthy. Van needs to warm up, boys need to be bundled and loaded into the van. Chances are I may have to scrape the windows.....again. Most days Robert (almost 3) argues with me over which door he will use to enter the van and Jacob (almost 5) is mad about Robert using the wrong door. (Yes, my kids have issues.)

When we arrive home, it continues. Boys need to be UN-bundled and their outdoor gear needs to be hung up or it will still be wet and cold the following morning.

Jacob is pretty good about entertaining himself for a while. He builds miscellaneous structures using cardboard boxes and blankets.

Robert is a big fan of yours, even knowing you by name. This is adorable, I'll admit, but however, it is a challenge to have an almost 3 year old under my feet "helping" me prepare some culinary success, or at the very least, something edible.

About the time I find something in Mother Hubbard's cupboard, it's close to 5 and I've tripped over Robert and fixed Jacob's structure 2 or 3 times. My hair is in a pony tail (not cute and stylish like yours) and my clothes are a mess.

I like to have dinner at about 6. And, according to your smiling face and your cute little outfit (showing off some cleavage I might add), I should still have plenty of time to prepare a 30 minute meal.

Chances are anything in the form of protein in my house is frozen. Sorry, but that's my frugal nature and I only shop once or twice a month. That also leads to fresh veggies and/or herbs. Yeah, right. Fresh parsley, dill, rosemary, etc are NOT going to be found in my house. They are expensive and don't last long. The cheap stuff is dried, lasts forever, and stacks nicely in my cabinet. I do buy fresh veggies, but those are a delicacy in my house. My boys will attack a bag of carrots until they are all gone. Not a bad habit, I know, but leaves the fresh fixin' choices limited. (And why is your hair down when you are preparing food! GROSS - put it up!)

Ok, so let's use, for an example, frozen hamburger. Ok, what can we do with that? I can brown it, smother it with cream-of-something soup, add some canned and/or frozen veggies and some form of potato. There. Just like grandma used to make. EXCEPT - now it is after 5 and my spectacular casserole ala Hollee takes over an hour to get all nice and bubbly. Crap. That blows my 6 p.m. dinner all off kilter.

Back to the drawing board - searching Mother Hubbard's cupboards for something to feed the monsters and alcohol for Mama.

By this point, Jacob's structure has taken on a life of its own, filling the better part of the living room. Robert is still standing on a chair and stealing kitchen tools out of the drawer before I can stop him. He is also begging for candy.

Still searching for that bottle of rum..... oh, and dinner. Ok, back to the frozen not-sirloin-but-came-from-a-cow-ground-beef. I could brown it, add some canned (bleh) spaghetti sauce, boil a noodle or two and make cheap-o spaghetti. Ok. Done. EXCEPT, Jake doesn't like onions. Or mushrooms. And he will dissect anything on plate searching for the smallest trace of the evilness that is onions and mushrooms. Crap. And Jacob will only eat "baseball player food." Cute, eh? Yeah, the first 5,328 times. Now it's a pain to try to explain which player eats this crap.

Where is that rum... oh and it's 5:30. The natives are getting restless - time to feed them. Back to the search. By now, Jake is using his bow and foam arrow down the hall to shoot the big stuffed bear grandpa bought him. Robert has taken everything I need into his kitchen. He is also running back and forth to the bathroom and filling a Spiderman cup with water which will end up all over the house. Jacob is mad because Robert is getting in the way while he is trying to "bear hunt". Wrestling ensues. Crying commences. This is great.

Ok, I give up. Dinner tonight is processed-individually-wrapped-American-grilled-cheese sandwiches and tomato soup - from a CAN!

Kiss my *** Rachel. I'd like to see you make this fabulous meal in 30 minutes with two kids hanging off of you, bare cupboards, a tiny budget, very few (if any) fresh ingredients, a knife set that has a hard time cutting through hot butter in July and pots and pans that aren't bad, but are not Rachel Ray quality. OH - and then I need to clean up the mess, do the dishes, bathe the kids, get them in their jammies, read to and off to bed. Then laundry and other things I can only do after the boys are sleeping, because they like to "help."

By the way - love your show. Robert and I will be tuning in again soon, and dodging the foam arrows Jake is shooting at miscellaneous stuffed animals. I'll try to remember the fresh parsley at my small neighborhood grocery store...

Tag - you're it!

2008-12-15T08:40:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, depending on the size and/or shape of the gift. Wrapping presents is an art - I love it!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Fake. For many reasons: no needles, no watering, comes in a box, goes back into a box and Robert has asthma, so real trees drive the poor guy crazy.

3. When do you put up the tree? As soon after Thanksgiving as I can.

4. When do you take the tree down? After New Year's, but before Jake's birthday (Jan. 11)

5. Do you like eggnog? Ick. NO! Even the name is gross! Want some Nog I made out of Eggs -- bleh!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Barbie dream house - complete with an elevator. My mom has the funniest picture of my sister and I in front of the Barbie dream house. I had monster piggy tails (I've always had monster thick hair), a blue nightgown, closed eyes, a giant cheesy smile and a nose so red it would rival Rudolph's - I was always sick on Christmas!

7. Hardest person to buy for? The boys just because there is so much they want. But Santa only brings 3 gifts for each. It's Jesus' birthday and he only got three - thanks for that idea, Stacy.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom. Seriously, I could hot glue sequins to a napkin and she would cry.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? I had one, but lost custody of it. I would love the Willow Tree angels nativity scene if anyone needs a gift idea!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Better get them ordered!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A giant, shiny necklace I got from an ex-boyfriend while I was in college. It was huge, ugly and bought from a kiosk in a mall. Ick. I felt like a PIMP!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Christmas Story, Rudolph (the original) and Charlie Brown's Christmas.

13. When do you start shopping? Whenever the budget allows. Never soon enough. Although I am almost done!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so. But there is nothing wrong with doing it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Everything.

16. Lights on the tree? TONS!!

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh come all ye faithful and O Holy Night - my favorite versions are Celine Dion's and Josh Groban's - gives me goose bumps.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? A little of both.

9. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's (and don't cheat by looking them up)? Yes
I can!! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen (and
Rudolph).

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel. We named her Annie the Angel. She's really crooked and I can't straighten her out, it looks like Annie had too much NOG!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Depends on the boys' schedule. Christmas Eve they are with me, so we will open then. But Santa stuff on Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Materialism. Christmas is about magic, love, snow, cold, church service, hymns, lights, twinkles, family, friends, joy, candles. Bake some cookies or make some decorations together - the memory and joy will last a lot longer than anything you can buy.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Anything with meaning.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Prime Rib.... mmmmmm.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? The list is long - but mostly, just for my kids to have a great holiday season and for them to enjoy the magic of Christmas, Santa, giving, etc. To spend time with my loved ones. To watch the joy in the faces of the boys when they see what Santa has brought. Of course, I do want some things too - mukluks, a new camera, food processor, propane, groceries (haha!). :)

Ok, blogging buddies - your turn! I want to see them all! Andrea, Stacy, Hope, Ginger, Maurey - you've been tagged! Now get to work - I'll be looking! :)

It's that time of the year....

2008-12-12T15:36:00.002-06:00

Where I blog my complaints about the weather.

Woke up this morning, turned on the news and it was -26. That's cold, people, too freakin' cold. When I retire, I'm so going to be a snow bird.

So I was thinking about bringing the boys to the basketball game tonight. I think they would enjoy it, it would be fun - you know, all that.

Then I checked the weather - and although it is warming up, it's only 5 degrees right now. So, bundle the boys up, warm up the van, drag them outside, to the school, to sit in a gym with a bunch of people and watch a game where I know none of the kids, Tom will be broadcasting on the radio (listen at wely.com), get impatient as my kids start to get antsy, then drag them out to the cold van for a cold ride home to run into the house, still freezing ---- OR ---- stay home, wrap presents, make cookies and watch Mickey Saves Santa?

Ummm, yeah - option 2!

Happy weekend, and stay warm! Actually, the temps will be pretty nice this weekend, up around 20, I believe, however - snow is on its way. I better get a shovel...

It's WEDNESDAY!

2008-12-10T15:44:00.003-06:00

Do you know what that means, people? It's Top Chef night on Bravo! Only the greatest of the work-day TV nights. I'm not a big TV watcher any more - short of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, the occasional Franklin and miscellaneous sports and news shows when Tom is over - but when if comes to Bravo! reality shows, I can't stop. I'm completely addicted!

So tonight, come 9 p.m., I will devote my full attention to Top Chef. I will send text messages to Stacy about the contestants and their crazy eyes or sexy foreign accents (we can't talk on the phone because we are watching Top Chef). I will only use the bathroom or switch loads of laundry during commercial breaks.

If, in the instance, that something horrific happens and I can't devote the hour necessary to watch this show, fear not friends, for it is replayed at 10. And, IF for some reason I cannot stay up until 11 like the show demands of me, the DVR is set. Top Chef is mine -all mine- any time I want it!

At 9 p.m. the boys will be tucked into their beds, the dishes will be done and the laundry will wait for commercial breaks, because from 9-10, I'm all yours Bravo!, I'm all yours! Stacy, have your cell phone handy, because I'm sure there will be something I will HAVE to tell you! Via text, of course, I'm watching TV!

Not Me Monday

2008-12-08T12:50:00.004-06:00

Here it is again! Not me Monday! This is probably a pretty boring edition - but fun nonetheless!

I did not spend over an hour talking to Stacy on the phone yesterday afternoon. I have other things to do than spend an hour being silly and talking about our normal, boring dinners as if we were Top Chef contestants. Pan seared pork baked on a bed of new potatoes with a delicate aged cheddar and creme' fresh sauce. (Pork chops and cheesy potatoes).

Also, while on the phone talking to Stacy, I did not laugh my pants off when she referred to my sweet little Grandma as a Mutha F-ing P-I-M-P! Even if the kids do call her G-nana and she rocks out the homemade mac and cheese like it's nobody's business, I should not encourage people saying that about our elders. (Note* However, my grandma would think it is funny!).

After attempting our Christmas photos last week, I did not give Lisa, our amazingly talented graphic artist two of them and have her put them together as if they were one. It shouldn't matter if both kids are looking away and/or have their eyes closed. (Still contemplating a re-take).

They both look so CRABBY!

On Thursday when our amazingly talented and beautiful graphic designer, Lisa, told me she was expecting her third bundle of joy - I did not jump up and down and get all excited, almost to the point of tears. Because, you see, Lisa is 10 weeks pregnant - and had her tubes tied 8 weeks ago! Talk about timing!

I think that is all for now. Happy Monday!

Healthy Hollee

2008-12-04T17:21:00.002-06:00

WA Hoo!!!

I had an appointment with Elana the Wonder-Nutritionist yesterday, and I was actually nervous to go! This last month I've had a hard time sticking to my healthier lifestyle. I have plenty of excuses as to why I got a little lazy, but I'll spare you.

So when I got to the clinic, I admitted I was nervous about the results. I didn't think I had gained anything, but I was SURE I hadn't lost any more, either. Well turns out, I was wrong!

I've lost a total of 15 pounds!! In two months! As much as I'd like to drive my fist through Denise Austin's smiling face or use a sledge hammer on the treadmill, at least I know it is working.

Only 35 more to go to my first goal. I'm actually hoping for 5 more before Christmas, but I'm not putting additional pressure on myself.

Here's hoping this continues!

Time flies

2008-12-03T11:17:00.004-06:00

Wasn't Halloween just last week??? Seriously, where did November go - I can't believe it's DECEMBER!

Well better late than never, right! Here are some Halloween pics.

Pumpkins...

And Pumpkin Guts!

Spiderman and the Hulk with their finished products. Robert's is Mickey Mouse. Jake's was a much more difficult Pluto holding a jack-o-lantern.

This was the only time all night Robert wore the mask! :)

This winter, the Ely City Council approved flooding part of the park to make a skating rink! It is fabulous! Tom and I took the boys there twice this weekend and they LOVED it! Especially Jake. Which is great, because last year I signed Jacob up for hockey and he wouldn't go NEAR the ice, now he loves it. But this has no pressure, no expectations, just FUN! And he is doing great!

And a couple of funny Bert-O moments. Here, he was putting his PJ's on himself and got a little confused - what comes first, the pants or the pull-up??

Some day, he is going to hate me for this one - but how funny is this! He insisted on wearing his hat in the house one day and he needs to read to go potty!

Have a good day! Happy Wednesday.

Not ME! Monday

2008-12-01T10:11:00.002-06:00

It's Monday! That means it's time for NOT ME! Monday! I love this - I always feel better afterwards!

I did not let my kids go to daycare in their pajamas today. Just because we all over slept a little bit and because I was hoping avoiding another 2 year old tantrum doesn't mean I would let my children leave the home in their pajamas. And I did not let Jacob wear "Grandpa's Magic Socks" out the door. That would just be wrong! (note: "Grandpa's Magic Socks" are an old pair of my dad's wool socks that Jake wears when his legs are "growing" or really, really tired. He needed them last night.)

I did not let clean laundry pile up all week without folding until last night. I did not spend the entire Vikings game folding and folding and folding.

While watching the Vikings game last night, I did not yell out a WooHOO! at the Vikings 99 yard pass and run touchdown. The kids were sleeping, and I wouldn't want to risk waking them up over a silly football play - even if it was awesome!

I did not threaten to take down the Christmas tree if the boys ran around it "one more time!" That is silly, I wouldn't threaten to take down the tree, because I won't take down the tree over the boys running around and I don't threaten with things I can't follow through on.

On Saturday, I did not feed the boys Little Caeser's Crazy Bread for dinner then get a babysitter to come over and go out to dinner with Tom. I would give them a much more nutritious meal than yummy, cheesy, garlicky bread!

On Friday, I did not spend a fair amount of time at work working on my "Christmas 2008" play list on my iPod. Even if the two powers that be were gone, I still wouldn't use company time and resources (iTunes, huge music library) for my own personal Christmas musical enjoyment.

Ok, I think that is all the Not Me moments from the past week. I feel so much better now! :)

Thanks

2008-11-28T08:56:00.002-06:00

So I'm a day late and probably a dollar short, but here is my list of things I am thankful for. Not necessarily in any order, except number 1, because in my life, they are number 1.

1. Jacob and Robert. I love being a mom, but I really love being their mom. I don't remember who I was before they were born. They define everything I am, every decision I make revolves around them and my life is what it is because of them. I can't even try to imagine (nor would I want to) what my life would be like with out them. I am so blessed because of these two little guys.

2. Tom. For many, many reasons. For showing me what love and respect really are. For one of my best years on record. For giving me and showing me so many things I've never had before...

3. My family. They are crazy, loud, fun and, most importantly, loving. I never go a day without knowing that I am loved by my family. My dad always knows when I need a hug. My mom always knows when I need a kick in the ass. My sister always knows when to take the boys so I can have a break. My brother always comes to rescue me when the boys lock me out of the bathroom. Chad (bro-in-law) is good at fixing my car. Mal (Dale's Hottie) takes care of my boys when I'm a work. I have three nephews and one niece, that I love so dearly and they all make me smile. Both of my grandmas live in town and my boys know how special they are to these sweet old ladies. I'm very fortunate to have this crazy family.

4. My friends. I am fortunate to have so many friends and they are all so wonderful for so many reasons. Stacy, my external voice of reason, my sister from another mother, the one I talk to a gazillion times a week, Robert's godmother and the one I called at 4 a.m. when Jacob was born. The one my boys refer to as Auntie Schtaschy. Cora, who makes me smile just by dropping a single email and any time spent with her is gut-hurting funny. Andrea, Hope, Donna and Ginger - college girlfriends who will remain lifelong girlfriends. I rarely see them, yet they are huge parts of my heart and of my life. Thank goodness for blogs, email and Facebook, so I can stay in contact with them almost daily - except for Ginger who never updates her blog! :) Cheryl and Megan - I've known them so long that I don't remember ever NOT knowing them. We grew up together and we share our pasts and will always be part of each other's futures. We were all bridesmaids in each other's weddings, and visits may be few and far between, but they are always fun, loving and familiar.

5. My job. It drives me crazy and as much as I hope for a new one, I have a job. There are many without employment this season. And I've met wonderful people through my job - Lisa, Ann and of course, Tom.

6. In a weird way - the ex-hubby and his home-wrecker. Although I can't stand the chick, nor will I ever, and he put me through more pain than anyone should ever have to go through, in a weird way, I am grateful for her lack of morals and his unfaithfulness. Without that, I wouldn't be where I am. I'm a stronger, more confident person and mother. I'm closer to my family. I'm in a relationship that is more than I ever thought I deserved. My life is good - and I'm grateful for the crap I've gotten through to get me to this point. In the words of Kayne West - Now that that don't kill me, can only make me stronger -

I'm sure there are many more things I should include, but I've come to a loss of words. This is not an exhaustive list, just some things I am grateful for. It's been a fabulous year and I have many things to be thankful for. Thanks to all those who are part of my life - especially to those in numbers 1 - 4, I'd be lost without you all!

Happy Thanksgiving.

I laughed until I cried

2008-11-25T14:43:00.003-06:00

I will sometimes visit the site www.overheardinminneapolis.com Check it out sometime, I'll bookmark it for your convenience - it cracks me up something fierce. Not kidding, every, EVERY time I look at it I laugh.

The one today that made me laugh until I had tears was:

Little girl dressed as a pink care bear: Excuse me.
Mom who’s busy paying: What are you excusing?
Little girl: I felt my butt tooted.
Overheard in Target, downtown Minneapolis

Here are some other things that made me laugh today:

When Robert was getting dressed this morning and I told him "Good job, Robert" after he pulled his underwear all the way up he looked at me and said "Mama, you can't smile at me!" Such a cute little crab!

When Jake woke up and came and sat on my lap I asked him "Did you sleep ok?" He said "No. I slept almost good, not ok." Apparently there is a bigger difference between ok and almost good than I thought.

I got an email from Stacy that said, in part: "I am all about freakin' positivity today- damn it!"

That may be it for now - I'll let you know if I'm missing any! :)

Happy Tuesday!

I am sick and tired and paranoid

2008-11-24T13:43:00.002-06:00

I'm sick. I've had this yucky whatever it is since last Tuesday. Yup, going on a week.
Sore throat, tight chest, very weak, no appetite and when I cough - ewwww, gross.

I've had pneumonia twice and I'm paranoid about it. Both times it kicked my butt. Thanksgiving 2003 I was uber-preggo with Jake and ended up in the hospital for 5 days with the crap. Although it was nice to get waited on hand and foot.

Then I got it in the summer of 2006. Didn't have to be in the hospital, but I still felt miserable for over a week.

So this weekend the boys are with their dad and Tommy is in Las Vegas, so I figured it would be a good time to get some rest, and I did, but last night I felt worse. I tried walking Sally and lost any breath I may have had within a few blocks. I had no energy. I was miserable.

So, being the paranoid freak that I am, I called my mom and told her I had pneumonia, so she and dad showed up and drove me to the hospital. Well, it's not pneumonia like I had diagnosed myself with - but it is nasty, this virus that has a hold and won't let go. The doctor told me to go home take some advil, some robutussin, a hot shower and eat some chicken soup, preferably made by a loved one.

So I went back to Tom's (I'm babysitting Sally), made some tea, took a hot bath and went to bed. I think I'm feeling better today, but I'm still pooped. The boys come home tonight and I can't wait to see them, I just hope they are ok with Mac and Cheese for supper!

I ask why....

2008-11-20T09:22:00.003-06:00

If you have answers to these questions, please help me!

1. WHY do packages of cheap socks come in resealable packages? Seriously, who re-seals their package of socks? Do socks need to stay so fresh that they come in zip-lock bags? Are there people who are upset if their socks aren't fresh coming out of the package? Seriously, I don't get it.

2. WHY are there "stuffing bags"? You know, those plastic-y bags that you put your stuffing into, seal it up, then put the bag inside the turkey. Isn't the point of cooking your stuffing inside your turkey to actually have the stuffing inside the turkey, not inside a plastic-y bag shoved inside the turkey? If you didn't want your stuffing to touch your turkey, wouldn't you put it in a different dish to cook, instead of a plastic-y bag thing to stick inside your turkey? I don't get it.

3. WHY do networks torture me so? Why are all the good shows on at the same time? And why to they play commercials at the same time? How am I supposed to get annoyed with the Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo, yet watch Ace of Cakes on Food Network and marvel at their money making talent? Seriously, I don't get it.

I think that is all for today. If there is more I don't get - I'll let you know!

Happy Thursday!

Made her mommy and daddy jealous (grandpa, too)

2008-11-19T15:15:00.004-06:00

My niece Corral, the sweet little thing who is 13 years old and still isn't close to 100 pounds, made her parents and 2 grandpas jealous.

Why?

Because, that sweet little thing shot this monster buck this weekend!

Her second season hunting, her first deer - a ten point buck! Dropped it with the first shot! (from what I understand, that's a good thing).

I'm not big on hunting, but even I'm impressed!

Now the question is - which deer head comes down to put Cor's up - Chad's or Heidi's? :)

Call Dr. Phil now -

2008-11-17T12:22:00.004-06:00

This is what Santa is thinking about bringing for Jacob:

This is what Jacob wants Santa to bring him:

Maybe it's just me, but the wild, crazy coaster ride-on thing looks like an ER visit just waiting to happen!

And the train set is $50. The coaster is $250.

I think he'll get over it, after some therapy and a visit on a talk show!

Sniff, sniff

2008-11-14T10:35:00.004-06:00

Not only am I a freak, but I'm a sap too.

This photo totally makes me tear up and get all misty

This is Jake's school photo. He is in his second year of Happy Days Preschool and will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. He'll be 5 (YES, FIVE!!!!) in January! Yup this Mama is pretty much a blubbering fool just thinking about it!

To top it all off - Robert will begin his first year of Happy Days Preschool next fall. He'll be 3 (THREE!!!) in January.

Someone, please, pass a tissue! I'm not ready for my babies to grow up!

See! I told you....

2008-11-13T10:45:00.001-06:00

I'm a freak.

I just called my brother to go to my house to make sure that my curling iron was unplugged.

I'm a freak. My grandma is the same way. I can't help it. It's genetic.

There has GOT to be medication for this!

I'm a freak

2008-11-12T09:09:00.004-06:00

My boys came home last night after their weekend with their dad. Six days without them - ugh - that is so hard! I feel like part of me is missing whenever they are gone --

So I realized last night then when I'm in "Mom Mode" I'm a bit of a freak. My house is actually cleaner when they are home. I spend a lot less time watching TV, if I watch any at all (other than Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). I'm in bed earlier. And although I feel a little more stress - it's wonderful.

But I also have "issues" I've inherited from my Grandma L and my mom. Those "issues" are very evident when the boys are home.
• I check the stove about 4,001 times to make sure it is off.
• I do at least 2 loads of laundry A NIGHT.
• I make sure the coffee pot is shut off - it has automatic shut off, of course it's shut off!
• I check, check, double check the locks on the door.
• Dishes are done.
• I make sure it is warm enough in the house and that the boys are covered with an appropriate number of blankets.

When the boys are not home - I don't worry about the dishes or the door. I don't worry about the stove, because chances are I didn't cook. Fall asleep on the couch watching TV. Brush my teeth, go to bed, fall asleep right away!

So, this was my routine last night, after Tom left at 10 p.m. (I did watch TV with Tom for a bit. Recorded election night coverage he is finally able to watch. I tried not to spoil the end for him - haha!)
• Took laundry load #1 out of the dryer and put laundry load #2 from the washer into the dryer.
• Checked on the boys. Recovered them. Gave them a kiss on the forehead.
• Finished dishes. Loaded the dishwasher and hand washed pots, pans, etc.
• Checked on the boys - didn't I hear someone cough?
• Set coffee pot to turn on and begin brewing at 6:30.
• Double checked that I indeed locked and dead-bolted the door after Tom left.
• Change the coffee pot setting to begin at 5:30 - boys are home, I get up earlier.
• Check on the boys - is it cold in here?
• Double checked the sliding glass door. I haven't used it since Halloween, but who knows, maybe it some how got unlocked.
• Brushed my teeth, washed my face, etc...
• Checked on the boys, kissed them again.
• Hit the hay, 11:00. Called Tom to say good night.
• 11:05 - Did I shut the stove off? Of course I did. Did I turn the oven off? Of course I did - or did I? Should I go check it? No, it's fine. But, what if...
• 11:07 - got out of bed, checked the stove and oven. Yup, both off.
• 11:11 - Are the doors locked? Yes, you check, check, double checked them. You are beginning to act like your grandma!
• 11:15 - got out of bed, checked the doors. Yup, still locked. Both of them.
• 11:25 - Is the coffee pot shut off? Of course it is, you set it for morning - but what if ... oh, screw it! It has automatic shut off!
• 11:30 - I should've checked on the boys when I checked the doors. They're ok - right?
• 11:31 - Was that a cough? Is someone coughing - or is that snoring?
• 11:32 - Get up, check on the boys ONE MORE TIME. Kiss them again.
• 11:34 - I'm craving candy corn....hmmm.... No, teeth are brushed - no candy.
• 11:40 Time to sleep. I wonder if Tom is still up? Of course he is - go to sleep.
Finally fall asleep....
• 3:15 - Sense a presence in my room. Nope, can't be doors are locked...right?
• 3:16 - roll over, still feeling like someone or something is there - open my eyes. There is Robert, face to face with me. "Robert, time to go back to your bed." "No! My scheeepy you, Mama."
• 3:17 - Robert crawls into bed with me, his head on my chest, his legs on my legs. His cold sippy cup resting against my side.
• 5:15 - Move Robert because he is cutting off circulation to the lower part of my body and my feet are freezing.
• 6:00 alarm rings once. Hit snooze.
• 6:07 alarm rings twice. Hit snooze.
• 6:10 both boys wake up and start the day....

I'm guessing a similar routine will happen again tonight! And I love it!

Have a good day, ya'll! I still need to post Halloween pics, don't I? Soon, soon.

Healthy Hollee

2008-11-10T11:42:00.002-06:00

I had my second meeting with Elana the Wonder-Nutritionist last Wednesday.

So far, things are going well. My weight loss has, of course, slowed down. I lost 10 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. Then only 1 more pound the next 1 1/2 week - but that's ok. I'm still losing, and 11 pounds in 4 weeks isn't bad!

Elana was very happy with the results. I do have to work on working out more. I'm still not very consistent - but I am trying.

The other thing I need to work on, is to make sure I'm getting enough carbs. Sigh! I thought I was doing so well staying under 160, some days even under 100! Well, that's getting into unhealthy levels, so I have to try to get 120 carbs a day, but stay under 160. That's going to be tough.

She wants to meet with me again the first Wednesday in December, to see how things go over Thanksgiving! YIKES! I'm already a little nervous about stuffing, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie - Mom, can we just have turkey this year and NOTHING else! :) Guess I'll have to bring along my handy-dandy measuring cup and my food guide!

I should run for governor!

2008-11-06T21:00:00.003-06:00

My friend Andrea is a really, REALLY great person and a very talented graphic artist - I mean amazingly talented. But sometimes, she uses her talent to perform EVIL! For example:

Isn't that the funniest thing ever! I laughed until I had tears and my stomach hurt! Oh, wow! That's just too much!

Look out Tim Pawlenty, here I come! You BETCHA!!!

YES, WE CAN!

2008-11-05T11:33:00.003-06:00

Yes, we did!
I am so happy. Proud. Optimistic. Hopeful. Excited. Emotional. READY for CHANGE!

Maybe I'm foolishly optimistic. Maybe I'm delusional. Maybe I'm remembering what it was like when Bill Clinton was in the White House (my first vote, by the way, was in Nov. 1996 for Bill!).

But I can't help but think that this is amazing. That this is IT! After 8 years of W and all the failed policies that came with him, I am ready for this man - his ideas, his upbringing, his experience and his plans - to make this the America we can be proud of again. The America that can be proud of our president, not ashamed.

Back to the America that can create jobs, fund education, look out for those less fortunate, and make people feel good about themselves again.

Back to the America that can look beyond racial stereotypes and elect the first African-American to the highest office.

Back to the America where kids will go to schools supported by the government. Where teachers will be given the credit they deserve, beyond standardized tests.

Back to the America where a woman can walk into a clinic and receive the counseling, compassion and care she needs to make a difficult decision, one that will effect her whole life for the rest of her life - leaving wounds that can't be healed, without criticism or fear of breaking a law.

Back to the America where sport guns are not taken away from sportsmen and women, but where a felon, or a child, or someone with a history of violent crimes against others, may have to pass a background check and possibly be denied the privilege of gun-ownership.

This is it. The time is now.

Let's DO THIS THING!

Here's looking forward to the next four (maybe eight?) years!

I voted!

2008-11-04T08:47:00.003-06:00

I was at the polls and cast my ballot by 8 a.m.! I'm not going to tell you who I voted for right now, because I'm sure you all know by now, and regardless of who you vote for, I just want everyone to VOTE!

I mean it! Do it! There is NO EXCUSE not to! None, what so ever. Many people have fought to give us this right and it is our responsibility to use that right. This is our chance to have our voices heard.

Whoever you vote for, just vote. I hope you have become informed and vote for the candidate that you think will serve us best.

GO VOTE! NOW!

And if you have voted - let me know and I'll get off your back! :)

NOT ME! Monday

2008-11-03T14:24:00.002-06:00

Ah, so glad it's Monday! Here are some things I DID NOT do:

1. I DID NOT spend a good amount of time here at work working on my resume (and blogging for that matter)! I am a dedicated, loyal employee that WORKS while at work.

2. I DID NOT fall asleep on Saturday on the couch while Robert took a nap and Jacob watched "The Incredibles." Jacob, then, did not wake me up by saying "Mom, Robert is up now!" (Seriously, though, I did think Jake was sleeping too.)

3. I DID NOT have a little bit of a buzz on Saturday night and call Stacy at like 1:30 a.m.! Yeah, I'm responsible, and I wouldn't call someone - especially someone with toddler-aged twins - at 1:30 in the morning! That's CRAZY!

4. I DID NOT indulge myself in candy, cookies and cupcakes that were a result of a successful trick-or-treating adventure on Friday night. Nope, I didn't. AND, when Tom told me he was bringing over some FRESH cinnamon rolls that his Grandma Dolly made, I did not get all excited with glee and pounce on them as soon as he walked in the door. Mmmmmm!

Ok, whew, I feel much better now. Thanks!

Look for Halloween photos soon! Jake was the Incredible Hulk and Robert was Spiderman (sans the mask, he didn't like that part!)

Healthy Hollee

2008-10-31T10:31:00.002-05:00

Wednesday I was completely discouraged when I stepped on the scale and noticed I had actually gained a pound! I almost cried and headed right for the cookies! I stopped myself, however, and chowed down on carrot sticks (mmmm, right?).

So last night, I figured I check again, and I had lost 2 pounds! :) So my total weight loss right now is at 11 pounds! :) Yay! My jeans are getting too big around the waist and baggy in the butt!

I meet with my nutritionist next week, here's hoping I'm still on track - assuming that Halloween doesn't get the best of me! Damn candy corn - I can't resist it! :)

A nice story for a dreary day...

2008-10-30T09:39:00.003-05:00

Isn't this a nice feel-good story? Maybe there is hope for this country after all! There are good people in this world, hopefully the original owner will hold up to her end of the deal...

From Fox News:

DALLAS — A Texas woman went to a housing auction distraught about the prospect of watching strangers bid on her foreclosed home.

Then one of those strangers bought it back for her.

Now Tracy Orr can return to her Pottsboro home, making payments to the woman who unexpectedly and impulsively bought it for her.

"It means so much to all of us," Orr told Dallas television station WFAA. "It's not just a house."

Marilyn Mock said she was acting on instinct on Saturday when she decided to buy a house she had never seen for a woman she had never met. Mock was at the foreclosure auction to help her 27-year-old son bid on a house when she struck up a conversation with Orr, who was crying about losing her home.

Orr had bought the house for $80,000 in 2004 but fell behind on the payments. She lost her job a month after taking out the loan, and earlier this year she lost the house. On the spot, Mock decided to buy it, eventually bidding $30,000.

"She didn't even know if I had a job or was a nut case," Orr said in a story for Wednesday's online edition of The Dallas Morning News. "She didn't even see a picture of the house."

Mock told a crying Orr she could stay in the house, making payments to her instead of a bank.

"She needed help. That was it," Mock told the newspaper. "I just happened to be there and anybody else would have done the same thing."

Orr said she hopes others will do as Mock did.

"More than my house, she gave me something inside, and that's more important than material or financial things," she said.

Kayla's Wedding

2008-10-28T10:00:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, Tom, my entire family and I attended the wedding of the most amazing, strong and beautiful person I know.

My family has known Kayla and her family for longer than I can remember. Kayla's mom wore my mom's wedding dress. I babysat Kayla and her brothers. My brother and Kayla's oldest brother are very good friends. They are a wonderful family.

Late December, 2006, Kayla was in a 4 wheeler accident, with very serious injuries and leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. She was only 23 and a recent college graduate.

Kayla spent months in the hospital. Her life was completely changed, but Kayla wasn't. Her beautiful smile never left her face. She never gave up. She remained her happy self throughout the entire ordeal.

Not long after Kayla came home from the hospital, she started dating Pete, and not long after that, there was a diamond on her left hand. This past weekend, they vowed to begin their life together.

The amazing thing is - Kayla was determined to walk down the aisle. AND SHE DID! With braces on her legs, a cane and the arm of her dad, Kayla walked to her groom! There was not a dry eye in the room as we watched this amazing girl walk down the aisle. After the ceremony, she walked back up the aisle with her new husband and at the end, she sat back down in her wheelchair. The entire crowd (which was huge) clapped and cheered for this amazing girl! And in true Kayla fashion, she wiped her brow, said "WHEW" then laughed her adorable laugh.

During the reception, she stood to dance the first dance with her husband. It was a beautiful moment. Again, the room was filled with happy tears.

During the dollar dance, I got in the bride's line. When it was my turn, I gave my dollar and danced with the bride. Unable to hide my emotions, I told Kayla how proud I was of her. I wiped away a tear and said "Kay, you're amazing!" She replied with "Yeah, well I try!" I gave her a kiss and walked away laughing.

Here are a few photos, and I've posted a link to more from the wonderful day.

Getting ready to stand.

On the arm of her daddy, she's walkin' down the aisle!!

The new Mr. and Mrs.

These are horribly dark, I know, but I didn't want to get in the way of others taking pics.
The first dance, she is STANDING! The song was "When you say nothing at all". LOVE that song!

And of course, the father/daughter dance. Look at her smile! It has never left her face!

For more photos click Kayla's Wedding

Congrats Kay and Pete! Much love to you!

Swimming

2008-10-24T09:02:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday, the boys and I went to Corral's final home swim meet of the year. I just love watching competitive swimming and it makes me feel all nostalgic about my years in swimming.

Watching those girls glide through the water made me remember what it was like to feel the cool water rush over my back and across my feet. To feel yourself glide through the water with every stroke and every kick. Sprinting like there is no tomorrow during a short race, and pacing yourself but trying to stay ahead for the long distance match-ups.

I swam long distance, as did my sister. Heidi was great, I was ok. When Heidi was in 9th grade, she broke 6 records in one year, I never broke a record. But I loved it! There was nothing better than spending 500 yards pulling myself through the water trying to improve my time and hopefully beat the chick next to me.

On Tuesday, Cor swam the 300 yard freestyle - the junior varsity version of the 500 yard freestyle. She also swam backstroke and in two relays. Other than the backstroke, she had the same swimming line-up as her Mama and her Aunt, 15 +/- years ago! It looks like her coach, Rose, is still trying to help her find her niche. Rose was the coach of a rival team when Heidi and I were in swimming. Apparently, Rose was pumped to have "Heidi's daughter" on her team! :)

I was so proud to be sitting next to my sister and watching my niece and goddaughter do so well! Heidi and I would nudge each other at every good turn, and then talk about what she did wrong when she missed a turn (too much breathing, Cor! Keep your head in the water!)! We watched her dive in and encouraged all the boys to cheer her on! (Her two brothers and my two boys).

It was fabulous to watch her for so many reasons. I was so proud of her. I was remembering what it was like to be in that situation. I was remembering the feel of the diving blocks under my feet and the thrill of anticipation waiting for the starting gun to fire. I was loving the smell of chlorine and watching the girls cheer each other on. I remembered what it was like to ride on the bus with my best friends talking about school and boys and the upcoming meets. I remembered pushing our coach into the pool after we won a tough meet (like when I was a senior and we beat International Falls for the first time in 15 years! We kicked their butts! Then we pushed Mr. E. into the diving pool.) I was watching the relays and remembering how we would argue about what order we would swim in - none of us wanted to be 1st or 4th! I remembered what it was like to be able to walk around in a swim suit in front of a ton of people and not be embarrassed! I remembered the time when... over and over again, my head was filled with "that time when...".

Corral's 8th grade swimming season is just about over. And I hope she is looking forward to 9th grade, because it will only get better with each passing year.

And I hope when she is in her 30s, she has someone to go and watch, that she has someone to be so proud of, like I was of her on Tuesday.

Love you, Corral - can't wait until your next season! :)

Healthy Hollee Adventures - Part I

2008-10-22T10:45:00.007-05:00

For the first time in my life, I'm actually trying to get healthy. Mostly trying to lose some weight. A lot of weight.

I've always been the bigger girl. In high school and college, it wasn't too bad, but once graduated and headed onto the road of life, things kind of snowballed. I became less active, I was eating out a lot, and my waistline grew and grew and grew. I've always loved food, often too much. If there is candy nearby, I'll eat it. If there is a cookie in the house, it's mine. I'm from the clean-your-plate club, if you don't eat it, you waste it.

For a while, I thought it was ok. That's just who I am. The bigger girl. I've been in five weddings, in all of them I was the biggest bridesmaid. I shop in the plus size department. I'm on the smaller end of plus size, but it's still plus size, that's just me.

While I was trying to get pregnant with Jacob, my Ob/Gyn discovered that I had Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Basically, my ovaries have many cysts that affect all kinds of things. My hormones are out of whack, I have unsightly hair growth and I'm insulin resistant, among other problems. After treatment with fertility drugs (only one round of Clomid), I became pregnant and the PCOS kind of went to the wayside.

While I was pregnant with Jake, I felt fabulous! Never a bit of morning sickness, never really fatigued, it was great! I gained a whopping 7 pounds during the entire pregnancy!

The day Jacob was born, I weighed 30 pounds LESS than I did before I got pregnant! The day I went home from the hospital, I put on jeans - skinny jeans! Two weeks later I went bridesmaid dress shopping with Stacy and I was wearing a size I hadn't worn since college. It was FABULOUS!

But, by the time Stacy got married in August (Jake was born in January), I was back to my old size. Big.

When pregnant with Robert, kind of the same thing, but not quite as extreme. Still no morning sickness or fatigue, but I had pre-eclampsia, so I gained more weight, a total of about 15 pounds, I think. Still went home weighing less than pre-pregnancy.

But, not long after, right back up to BIG.

Why were my pregnancies so great and my non-pregnant body not so great? My doctor believes it is because when I was pregnant, for the first time ever, my hormones were actually "normal". Pregnant normal, of course, but normal nonetheless.

This past spring, I read an article about PCOS and the link it held with other health issues - weight gain, possible diabetes, etc, etc. My dad has HUGE heart and vascular health problems and I realized I needed to nip this thing in the bud now. Not later, now.

So I went to my family doctor who set me on the right path to get things straightened out. TONS of blood work, other exams - a full check up. She referred me to an endocrinologist who spent over an hour visiting with me about my issues and what we need to do to help me get healthy. He determined I was a text book case of PCOS and we took action from there. Part of PCOS is that my body is insulin resistant, meaning I make insulin and I secrete insulin, but my body doesn't use it right. So I began a medication called Metformin, typically used to treat diabetes, but it also helps with PCOS and the insulin resistance.

The next step was to see a nutritionist. A nice long visit with her and I'm on my way. She put me on a reduced carb diet (160 grams a day) and insisted that I do some form of exercise everyday. Something for at least 30 minutes a day. If I follow her recommendations, she promised I would see results.

So, almost 3 weeks later, I'm feeling great. At last check a few days ago, I've lost 10 pounds! My clothes, for the first time in a long time, are actually getting a bit big on me.

It has been hard, really, really hard for me - the lazy, big girl who would rather watch TV than go for a walk. But I do it! Tom, my family, my friends and my co-workers have all been so supportive. Offering compliments and messages of "Way to Go!", "Good Job!" and my favorite "Honey, I'm so proud of you!" (Stacy and Tommy both call me honey!)

I'm measuring my food, eating smaller portions and watching my carbs.

I'm doing some form of exercise everyday. I take a nice, brisk walk for 30-45 minutes everyday when the boys are with their dad. When the boys are home, I have Denise Austin aerobic work-outs recorded on my DVR and I'll do one of those everyday. My sister and I are planning to drive to Babbitt to use their pool and my parents have offered to move their treadmill to my house so I can use that when the boys are home.

So, whether you like it or not, I'm taking you on this adventure with me! I plan on updating on issues, weight loss and so on. Right now, I'm not comfortable with revealing my true weight or clothing size. Maybe after I reach my goal, I will share that info.

My current goal is 50 pounds in 1 year. I'm not sure if that is reasonable or not, but that's what I'm shooting for. So far, I think I'm off to a good start. Only 40 to go! So, here we go - here's hoping that I can continue to update with good news! :)

Have I become cheap?

2008-10-20T13:02:00.002-05:00

Seriously, the price of things is driving me crazy!

$5 for a gallon of milk. In my house, when the boys are home, it is not unusual to go through a full gallon in less than 2 days!

$5 for shredded cheese - seriously, it's cheese! A home with 2 kids cannot function without cheese.

And this is my latest beef about prices - underwear for little boys is ridiculously expensive. Seriously, like $8 for 3 pair! $8 for little pieces of cotton with some elastic and a graphic of Lightning McQueen on the butt. Thats crazy! And Robert is potty trained now (thank heaven) so the amount of underwear needed in my house has doubled.

Even on eBay, things seem out of hand. Jake needs pajamas and they both need undies. So I figured I check out what eBay has - still crazy prices + shipping.

What is this world coming to? Have I become FRUGAL for the first time in my life? I'm purposely seeking out sales and clipping coupons! It's double coupon WEEK at Pamida this week and I've got a mitt full of coupons and tomorrow is payday - look out Pamida Ladies, here I come!

Now if only I could find coupons for PJs and underwear!! :)

Politics from the eyes of a 4 year old

2008-10-16T08:20:00.003-05:00

Jacob tells me during the debate last night: "Look, Mom! It's DA-rock Obama! He is wearing a red tie!"

After I explained a little about voting, etc. Jacob said "I think you should pick DA-rock Obama, he's smart!"

A little politician in the making? The next Keith Olbermann, possibly? Or just a cute kid? You can vote here! :)

Oh YEAH! Baseball Pics!

2008-10-13T15:42:00.004-05:00

I almost forgot!! I have baseball pics to blog after our fun weekend with the boys!

My 3 favorite boys, heading to the field. Look at Jake's outfit! An old Legion Baseball jersey that he can't get enough of! Loves this thing and wears it EVERY time we go to the field for ANY reason!

Jake hits...

Jake Runs...

Jake slides into home! But he missed the plate!
Throwing the ball back to Tom. This kid has an ARM! The Coach is convinced Jake will be a good pitcher considering his height and his strong arm!

And we don't go anywhere without the adult size Twins hat!

A swing and a miss for Robert. He's sticking his tongue out - how cute!
Tom is pitching - trying to actually hit the bat with the ball, instead of the ball with the bat...

Run Robert, Run!!! He made it to first and skipped the rest of the bases! :)
Gotta go! I've been hired to tutor a co-worker's daughter in social studies! Oh, be still my heart! Should be fun!

NOT ME! Monday

2008-10-13T09:16:00.004-05:00

So, I got this idea from Stacy, who got this idea from www.mycharmingkids.net. It's a chance to be brutally honest without taking blame. So, here we go! Not me....

On Thursday, I did not, while dining out with my grandma and my mom, eat that huge chocolate brownie hunk of love with raspberry sauce drizzled all over the top... mmmm. Nope, I didn't do it. I am on a strict diet set forth by my nutritionist, and I would not cheat and eat my daily allowance of carbs in one blissful moment!

On Friday, I did not have an anxiety attack while at work and leave for the day at 1 p.m. Furthermore, when Sweet Tommy came to check on me, I did not, DID NOT break apart as soon as I saw him walk in the door and spend the next 20 minutes crying and sobbing like a blubbering fool for no apparent reason. That would just be silly and immature. I wouldn't do that. After the aforementioned mental breakdown, I did not then sleep from 1:30 until 4:30! That would be a huge waste of time.

On Friday evening, I did not go out to dinner with Lisa, which did not end up in drinking a little too much. Also, on Saturday morning, I did not wake up with one heck of a headache. And I did not sleep in until 10. I'm not like that.

Whew, I feel much better now that I've expressed all the things I have not done! What are your "Not me" Monday moments?

Dear Boob One and Boob Two:

2008-10-10T08:27:00.002-05:00

Well, ladies, it's that time of the month again. No, not that time of the month, that's another body part entirely, but the time where you and I spend a little time giving each of you a good looksy and feelsy. I know, it's a little awkward for all three of us, but remember, last year at about this time? It's a good thing we do this regularly.

Last October is when, while holding Robert, we noticed Ms. Rightie (geographic description, not political) hurt a little when he bumped me just right. So that night, trying to fall into slumber, I decided that I had better check it out.

That's when we found it - the lump! Sore, size of a grape maybe, but it was there - the lump in Ms. Rightie.

At first, of course you'll remember, that we thought if we just ignore it, it will go away. Well, we finally came to our senses and called the doctor. An office visit and mammogram later (you girls were so tough), Family Doc decided we needed to see a surgeon.

After a visit with the frog-like surgeon (and felt up by yet another doctor) it was decided to have the lump removed. So, November 30 we went to the hospital, put under some dreamy medication, and had the lump removed.

After a week or so of soreness and milking it for all it was worth, the biopsy results came back - it was a cyst. Benign. Not cancer. Wow, what beautiful words. What a relief.

Sure, Ms. Rightie now has an unsightly scar and I've noticed that a little of her shape has changed, and is in fact, a smidge smaller than Ms. Lefty, but the lump is gone.

So now, Lovely Lady Lumps, it's that time where I will check you out and make sure that you are lump free. And as awkward as it is for the three of us, it's worth the peace of mind, don't you think?

We should remind all of our friends to check out their TaTas, after all, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It's a little weird, but worth it. See you later girlies, here's hoping we are still lump free!

So ladies, check out your little ladies. You'll be happy you did!

Fun with Photoshop

2008-10-09T15:00:00.003-05:00

This is one of my favorite photos of our day in Two Harbors:

And this is what happens when a play a little bit with photoshop! This is just more fun than anything, but it was fun! And I did it all by myself, I didn't need to use Lisa and her talent one single bit! (It would be MUCH better if Lisa did help me!).

Happy Thursday!

I'm so not a photographer...

2008-10-06T11:31:00.006-05:00

But I borrowed a camera from work (a nice one), we loaded up the van, and Tom, the boys and I headed to Two Harbors and to Gooseberry Falls on Saturday to check out the leaves. Tom and I talked about doing this and he suggested I borrow a camera from work to take some nice shots of the boys.

I got some pretty cute ones, I think, considering I've had absolutely NO TRAINING of any kind in photography other than Nick reminding me to "watch my light" (meaning the sun) and I've never used anything other than a regular old point and shoot, and really, didn't have much of an idea on how to use this Canon Rebel something or other with an extra flash and two lenses, one of which is huge.

So here are a few that I'll share now. These are straight out of the camera, no photoshop done to any of them. I'm hoping to "play" a little with some of them, since at work here I have a nice version of photoshop, and maybe use one for Christmas - we'll see!

So, here are some shots of a tree up at my parents house. Again, straight from the camera. No tweaking of any kind - yet. I just like the colors of the tree, and to me, the sun flare is an extra bonus!

And here is one of Robert getting some lovin' from Princess, my dad's spoiled little yippy lap dog, that we all love so dearly!

Here is Jake in Two Harbors throwing rocks into the lake.

Don't let that sweet little smile fool you, the devil is in there somewhere! (but, apparently, I wasn't "watching my light" as his face is all shadowing, but it's still cute!)

I thought this one is pretty darn cute, too! This is in Two Harbors.

And this is at Gooseberry Falls. I really like it, even if the shadows are funny, they look so sweet, don't they?!

Sunday, we spent some time at the baseball field to let the boys run the bases before the bases are removed for the winter. Look for those photos soon - I took about 200 that day, so I have to go through them yet!

And I'll post some more of our day on the North Shore soon, too!

Happy Monday!

Tuesday Randoms

2008-09-30T12:58:00.003-05:00

Jake is at school and I realized I haven't yet posted his first day of school picture. Here it is!

Yuppers, I cried that day! I hid it from Jake, but made sure he knew how proud I am of him, and I truly am! He has gotten to be such a big boy. Where has my baby gone?

The other day, Jacob and I were snuggling before bedtime and he always wants to hear the story of him. So I was telling him how God decided it was time for me to be a mom and how he grew in my tummy, and my tummy grew, and he kicked me, and I didn't know if he was a boy or a girl. Then he asked me, very adorably: "You didn't know I was Jacob?" and I said "No, I wasn't sure if you were Jacob or a girl" and then he thought for a moment and said "Mom, did you love me before you knew I was your Jacob?" Holy cow did I have tears flowing then - how sweet of him! And of course, I told him I did. I don't think I'm ready for him to turn 5!!

Robert is getting to be quite a sweetheart, too! I was holding him last night and talking about his birthday (in January) and I told him he would be 3. He told me "No, mom, me 4!" And it breaks my heart to tell him otherwise, because he is dying to go to school and thinks he can when he is 4. I tried to tell him he can start at 3, but I wasn't able to reason with him very well. Then he told me "Sing ball game song!" So I started "Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd...." and he does the big finish "...The old BALL GAME!!!" It is too cute!

I read an article about politics that I enjoyed. So I'll share it. Warning to all my republican friends, it is about Sarah Palin, just FYI! You can read it for yourself here.

Have a good day and Happy Tuesday!

Oh, how I love these things!!

2008-09-29T08:55:00.002-05:00

Seriously I love these things! So I'm blogging it! And I hope all of my Blog-o-licious friends do it too! Because these are so fun! Enjoy!

1. What time did you get up this morning? Well, I showered last night so I could sleep in this morning. So the alarm went off at 6:40, at 6:47, at 6:54, then alarm #2 went off at 7, then at 7:07 and that's when I got up. I know that sentence probably drove Stacy crazy because I know my hitting snooze habit about sent her to a mental institution when we lived together!

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds - the bigger the better!! And set in platinum, please!

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I have no idea - I think I better get my butt to a movie!

4. What is your favorite TV show? Shear Genius, Top Chef and almost ANYTHING on Food Network.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Toast, usually.

6. What is your middle name? Jean

7. What food do you dislike? Peas and black olives

8. What is your favorite CD at this moment? I love my Daughtry CD - he is so yummy!

9. What kind of car do you drive? Windstar – I so love my mini van!

10. Favorite sandwich? Big, thick multi grain bread with turkey and cheddar, mmmmm!

11. What characteristic do you despise? lying

12. Favorite item of clothing? Pink pajama pants and a big t shirt.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Hawaii

14. Favorite brand of clothing? Whatever is cute, fits and is on sale!!

15. Where would you retire to? A house with a big porch and a big yard to watch all my grand-babies run around in!

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? 30 surprise party

17. Favorite sport to watch? Football and baseball.

18. Furthest place you are sending this? Everywhere!! I'm blogging it, baby!

19. Person you expect to send it back first? Don’t know, but I hope my blogging friends do it!

20. When is your birthday? July 29

21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning, once I finally get my butt out of bed!

22. What is your shoe size? 8 1/2 or 9

23. Pets? No, can't have pets at my house - unless you count the damn fruit flies I can't seem to get rid of (ugh!).

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? NO

25. What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher and a mom

26. How are you today? Okay for a Monday AM, and happy because my boys come home tonight!

27. What is your favorite candy? Any thing chocolate

28. What is your favorite flower? White Lily and Red Rose!

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Saturday - we are going to go on a drive with the boys to look at leaves!

30. What is your full name? Hollee Jean

31. What are you listening to right now? Customer talking to Ann, Misc. Office noises.

32. What was the last thing you ate? I'm eating breakfast right now! Hashbrowns and home-made toast! And coffee.

33. Do you wish on stars? yes

34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? red or purple

35. How is the weather right now? Cloudy, cool - if it was sunny, it would be perfect!

36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Someone leaving a message for a coworker

37. Favorite soft drink? Diet Coke

38. Favorite restaurant? Manny's and Murray's in Mpls. Ely Steakhouse and GEL

39. Real hair color? dark brown

40. What was your favorite toy as a child? dolls

41. Summer or winter? Summer

42. Hugs or kisses? Hugs - A big hug with a kiss on the forehead is about as close to perfection as it can get!

43. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

44. Coffee or tea? coffee

45. Do you want your friends to do this? yes

46. When was the last time you cried? Wednesday. Because I was already missing the boys so much!

47. What is under your bed? I'm guessing sippy cups and blankets, because that's what Robert brings in when he crawls in bed with me.

48. What did you do last night? Walked Sally for the 6th time this weekend, took a shower, watched tv.

49. What are you afraid of? Things that fly (birds, bugs, etc.) and bad things happening to my kids - scares me to death!

50. Salty or sweet? both

51. How many keys on your key ring? 5

52. How many years at your current job? 4

53. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

54. How many towns have you lived in? 4

55. Do you make friends easily? yes

56. How many people will you send this to? A few

57. How many will respond? I hope everyone!!

I love these! Now go!! Do it - and I'll be watching, because I want to read them all! Wahoo! Happy Monday!

I don't mean to get political...

2008-09-24T08:38:00.002-05:00

…but I want to share this. Read if you want, don't read if you don't want to. Just some opinions that agree with my own.

Let Me Get This Straight
I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight ...

If you grow up in Hawaii , raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different."

Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American story.

If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.

Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.

If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.

If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.

If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America 's.

If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now

And here is an article that I enjoyed reading. http://www.newsweek.com/id/160080

Go - read. Become informed on both sides. Make a decision you strongly believe in. And which ever way you vote - go out and VOTE!! Only 6 weeks left - do your homework!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

2008-09-23T09:44:00.004-05:00

On this day in history, September 23

63 B.C. - Caesar Augustus was born in Rome.

1642 - Harvard College in Cambridge, Mass., held its first commencement.

1779 - American commander John Paul Jones is said to have declared, “I have not yet begun to fight!” during a Revolutionary War naval battle.

1806 - The Lewis and Clark expedition returned to St. Louis from the Pacific Northwest.

1846 - The planet Neptune was discovered by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle.

1926 - Jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane was born in Hamlet, N.C.

1930 - Musician Ray Charles was born Ray Charles Robinson in Albany, Ga.

1939 - Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, died at age 83.

1952 - Republican vice-presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon went on TV to deliver what came to be known as the “Checkers” speech as he refuted allegations of improper campaign financing.

1957 - Nine black students who had entered Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas were forced to withdraw because of a white mob outside.

1990 - Iraq threatened to destroy Middle East oil fields and attack Israel if other nations tried to force it from Kuwait.

1999 - The Mars Climate Observer apparently burned up as it was about to go into orbit around the Red Planet.

Also on September 23, 1952, along with Nixon's "Checkers" speech, Bill and Bev Lewis welcomed into this world their second daughter, Peggy Jean. Named after her grandmother, Hilma Jean Neimi, Peggy grew up to be a loving person in a loving home in a loving town.

She graduated Ely Memorial High School in 1970 and married her knight in shining armor (ha ha) Dale Hartshorn on June 14, 1975. A few months later, in October, she became a mom to Heidi. 22 months later, a mom to me. Just short of 3 years later, a mom to Ruggie.

She made her house a home and raised her three monsters with love and respect. I think we turned out ok! :)

She is now the grandmother of six crazy kids, all who love their NaNa dearly. She spoils everyone she knows, and makes everyone who enters her home welcome. She loves family dinners and holidays, and spending time with her family and friends.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I hope you have a terrific day and know you are loved!

Oh, and today is also Bruce Springsteen's Birthday. He is older than mom at 59!

Viva Las Vegas Pictures!

2008-09-19T15:02:00.007-05:00

Ok, finally! Here are some Vegas Pics!! Enjoy!

The Vegas Sign Photo I insisted on getting. Horrible photo. Scary $40 cab ride. Crazy driver. But I got the photo! :)

My Sweet Tommy at the Venetian! Isn't he handsome!? And he's as wonderful as he looks! :)

Me at the Venetian. As Nick would say "Coomber, we'll make a photographer out of you yet!" I think he did a pretty good job! :)

A self-portrait of us at the Piano Bar at Harrah's.

Tom and I (and our drinks and messy table) at the Range Steakhouse. Also at Harrah's.

Tom at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill. We had lunch there one day and they serve all drinks in Mason Jars! How funny!

Ok, now it may be a little weird to take and/or post photos of video poker machines, but check out these hands!! Tom got all of these within 4-5 hours, plus we had dinner in that time!

Royal Flush!! If he had bet $5 instead of $1, he would have won $4,000!!!! He won $250, nothing to sneeze at!

We stopped at the Seahorse bar to celebrate the Royal and he got four 8s!!!

In the Sports Book - Top hand, 4 4's and an ace!

Seriously, the next hand! ANOTHER 4 - 4's and an ace!

And finally, in Caeser's Palace, 4 ACES! NICE!

Have a wonderful weekend, ya'll! I'm planning a super fun weekend with my kiddos! A little time at the park, a family dinner on Sunday! Should be fun!

Love from this family to yours!

Vegas? Who went to Vegas?

2008-09-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

Oh, yeah - I DID! With my sweetie. And it was a great time! I have photos, but not with me here at work. Which is probably a good thing, since I should be WORKING not BLOGGING when I am at work.

Here is a small (very small) recap:

• Ate TERRIFIC food!! I am a sucker for a big ol' steak and potatoes, and our three nights in Vegas, we had amazing, fabulous meals! And I mean dress up, fancy plates and $15 dessert fabulous meals! AWESOME!

• Walked through the Forum Shops at Ceaser's Palace about a gazillion times. By my request of course. We visited some of my friends, Louis Vuitton (where I held a purse for $1,050!), Cartier, FAO Schwartz and of course (clouds are parting, angels are singing) TIFFANY!

We spent maybe a little too much time in Tiffany, only because it was so hard to leave all that sparkle! YES, I did leave everything in the case, I didn't try anything on - although that one, that beautiful diamond ring was calling my name - it was only $31,000. I was tempted - Lord knows I was tempted - but I was a little nervous to hold that much sparkle in my hand! As we were walking out, the very large, very friendly security guard reminded us with a smile and a wink that "We are open 'til 11". We never did go back in! I knew if I did, and if I did try something on, I wouldn't be able to leave without a tantrum that would rival that of a 2 year old. I can see it now "NO! My big diamond! It's mine, MINE!!!" Kicking and screaming, I'd be arrested, Tom would have to bail me out - it would be horrible.

• We gambled a little. I felt like I hit the jackpot when I won $37 on a penny machine!! Tom did MUCH better than I did - I have pictures of that, so I will save the story for the pics.

• Spent some time at the Shadow Bar - that was an experience. Flair bartenders and 5 drinks for $75 was just the beginning! There were huge screens up behind the bar where naked women were dancing BEHIND the screens, so you see their shadow. Hence, Shadow Bar.

• Tried to sit at the pool - but it was just too bloody hot. Period.

• Saw a few prostitutes.

• Slept in - SERIOUSLY - slept in! Nice!

• Got our photo in front of the Vegas sign. Horrible photo but we got it!

• Found a cute, quaint little bar in the Venetian that we were able to sit at and gaze dreamingly at each other - ok, that's cheesy - but it was a quiet little bar with cozy couches!

Ok, seriously - it is 2:39 on Thursday (DEADLINE day) - I really need to quit BLOGGING and start WORKING!

Love to all!

This has to be quick...

2008-08-27T09:41:00.003-05:00

It's Wednesday, the second busiest day of the week here at the Echo, so I have to make this quick, but I just had to share.

Jacob starts preschool on Sept. 8 and has orientation on Sept. 4. For orientation, he has to decorate an "All about me" star including a photo of him, his family, favorite foods, etc...

So we were talking about it yesterday and I had a photo of he, Robert and I from this fall that I asked if he wanted to use for the family part. He said "No, mom. That's not our whole family, Tom isn't in it." (He is also bringing the star to his dad's to include him, too, of course)

That just melted me, because their opinion of Tom and our relationship is so important to both of us, and that proved to me that Jake is happy with where our life and our family is right now.

So, I called Tom and he came over to take a photo of the four of us to use on Jake's star that will hang in his classroom for the fist month of school. So, here it is, the photo of the 4 of us - And I love this photo of me and my 3 favorite guys!!

I know Robert looks a little goofy, but after a few attempts with the timer on the camera and two young boys, this was the best we could get!! :) And Jake is adorable, and it's for his class, so that's what counts, right!

Let's play a guessing game, shall we?

2008-08-22T14:58:00.006-05:00

Guess where I'm going in 9 days...

Guess who I'm going with...

Guess where we are staying...

Guess what I plan on doing....

Guess how excited I am!

Can. Not. Wait!!

We fly out of MPLS on Sunday, Aug 31 and return on Wed. Sept 3. We plan on having a good time, eating some good grub (so want to check out Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill), relaxing by the pool, people watching on the strip and maybe taking in a gambling game or two! I've been to Vegas twice before - Tom goes a couple of times a year. One thing I am insisting on is to get a photo of the two of us in front of the Las Vegas sign!

Oh, and to hang out at the forum shops at Ceasar's Palace

Just to see some of my friends:
Christian Dior
Gianni Versace
Gucci
Harry Winston
Louis Vuitton

And maybe I'll drag Tom to church:

Just to drool, of course! So much sparkle and bling in one place, a girl can dream, can't she?!

We are thinking about taking in a show as well, we are both leaning towards a comedian of some sort - depends on how much we spend at Tiffany! (Kidding, Tommy, I'm kidding!).

We are going to have a great time - Can't wait for a little quality time with Tommy and a little vacation to boot!

But, guess who I'm really going to miss...

It'll be a nice break from reality, but I'll be ready to come home to these two goof balls!

I'm so excited, I could bust! Is it too early to pack??

I'm too old....

2008-08-18T14:37:00.002-05:00

The weekend o' fun was WONDERFUL! I had a great time with my girlies and hope they did too! We ate well. Drank a bit. Slept in. And laughed our 30-something-year-old butts off! Seriously, every visit with them is gut-hurting funny! It was a great time - watch for photos to come (I took the easy way out by telling Cora she could have my batteries if I got emailed photos! That way I didn't have to drag my camera too!)

But, as I knew would happen, I was sad to see it end. But gives us something to look forward to soon! Talk about a Wild hockey game is in the works!

Giddy squeal and evil laugh....

2008-08-13T08:53:00.005-05:00

I'm so excited for this weekend. But I'm already sad that within a few days of it starting, this weekend will be over.

Stacy and Cora, two of my dearest friends, are coming up to see me!!

They came to Ely last year to help celebrate my 30th birthday and we decided we are doing this every year - no matter what! Well, we picked a weekend and after a little discussion of location the Hollee-Stacy-Cora Weekend O' Fun is among us!

Ely won as the location because it is kind of in the middle. (I know, sounds funny because Ely typically isn't in the middle of ANYTHING!). But Cora lives in Canada and is currently moving to the town of Altona, MB, north of North Dakota. Stacy lives in White Bear Lake. So yes, Ely is kind of in the middle!

They will be arriving on Friday and they will have to leave on Sunday, but we intend on having a blast while they are here!

So, being the nostalgic freak that I am, I thought I'd share some photos and memories before the weekend o' fun.

Here is Cora and I during the Fall of 1996 with our best Beavis and Butthead impersonation. I think we did a pretty good job capturing the feel of B & B! (Look at how thin I was - sigh)

Cora and I decide to color her hair. I refer to this as my "John Black Hair" days. If you are a fan of Days of our Lives, you will get that!

Here are a few of us hanging out in the hallway. On the left Stacy, me, Megan (Ely girl). On the right Jeremy (Klomper), Hope and Karen. Ah, good times, people, good times!

Cora and I went to the cities with a few others one weekend and had a little fun. Yes mom, I'm 21 in this pic, you believe me, right?! The chic on the other side of Cora is Megan, Cora's roommate.

For some reason, I'm not even sure where or how it started, but we were a little goofy about rice and Chinese Chefs and such. So, here, Stacy (left) and I use our chopsticks to surprise Cora with a "Rice Up"! We were such dorks!! "Gimme all you RICE!" (please say that with your best Asian accent!)

Continuing with the Asian Theme - "Everybody was Kung Foo Fighting". This was in the apartment Stacy and I shared the last couple of years in B-Town (Bemidji). This was Spring 1999.

And for some reason, every time we'd have a drink or two or several, we would break out the Twister board. If only I was still that flexible! I'm in the black and white pants, Cora in blue pants and Stacy in khakis.

Forever the Dancing Queens!

So, here's hoping this weekend will hurry up and arrive, but then slow way down, as I won't want it to end! I love you, Girlies, and I can't wait to see you!

They are all winners in my book...

2008-08-11T10:57:00.003-05:00

Tom's Legion baseball team ended the season in 4th place in the state. Not bad at all.

They had a terrific season and they are a great bunch of kids. They all have big futures ahead of them, I know it, and it was a pleasure to watch them play ball this summer. I got to know some of the families and some of the kids, and I'm looking forward to spending time at the field again next year!

I'm proud to be a fan of this team! And I'm proud to be the coach's "snap"!! :)

8-8-08

2008-08-08T18:05:00.002-05:00

I've been trying to think of a reason to blog all day because of the date, now I have a reason!!

Tom's Legion Baseball team WON the first round of the state play-offs!!!! SQUEAL!!

Now they play tomorrow. If they win tomorrow (cross your fingers), they go on for the championship game on Sunday. If they lose tomorrow, they will play in the consolation game on Sunday. Either way, they have had an outstanding season! The worst they can do now is 4th in the state, not too shabby if you ask me!!

SQUEAL!! I'm so excited for them, and I'm 7 hours away!! I wasn't able to make the trip to the tournament and it's driving me crazy! Thankfully, Tom's friend Pauly updated me a few times during the game, or I would've been nuts!

Tom is thrilled. The kids are thrilled. The parents are thrilled. And you know what else, these 3 in Ely who are such big fans are thrilled, too! (When I told Jake that they won he goes "OH YEAH!)

So proud of Tommy and his team!

WA HOO!!!!

Wa - Hoo!!!!

2008-08-06T15:52:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, Tom's team won the 8th District, Division II, American Legion Baseball Championship!!! Wa Hoo!!!!

For the 8th time in 12 years, Tom's team is headed to the state tournament! They've played for the championship 11 times in the last 12 years! He's been coaching Ely American Legion Baseball for 15 years, the first two were as Division I teams.

The team is a great bunch of kids! Very respectful, nice kids. They've worked hard all season and they truly deserve this!

So if you're down around the Sacred Heart area of MN and want to watch some young, talented athletes and their super cute coach - there is a heck of a tournament going on!

Tonight, the boys and I are going to bring treats to the team! Jake is insisting on Chocolate Ice Cream!

I have seen most of their games and the boys have seen a few.
Jake's favorite players are:
• Ben, because he hit a foul ball once that actually got stuck in the fence and he drives a blue car which Jake thinks is cool.
• Josh, because he hit another foul ball that knocked Ben's ball out of the fence.
• A.J. because he can run fast like Jake.
• Derek, because he has long hair and only girls are supposed to have long hair and girls don't play baseball. Jake must see it as a form of rebellion! Derek has beautiful hair, he should wear it long!! :)
• Pete because his dad is the pastor at our church.
• The two Tylers, apparently he likes the name Tyler.
• Drew, because he swings the bat around before he gets ready to hit.
• Nick, because he is Jake's cousin Alex's uncle (read that slowly to get it, he is Mallory's brother).
He knows them all by heart, I have a hard time remembering them!

Robert's favorite players: The dilly bars I buy him to try and keep him occupied.

Good luck, boys! You will do great and you've made us proud to be your fans!

FINALLY! More pictures!

2008-07-31T09:53:00.008-05:00

I know you are all probably sick of my ramblings and want to get back to the important things - photos of my kiddos! Well, here are some of the boys, plus some others.

Get comfy, this is a big post!! :)

Who is that masked man hugging my grandma Lewis, you may ask. This was during the 4th of July parade, which is HUGE in Ely. There is a really fun band, the Ely Klown Band and one of the "Klowns" is the son of one of Grandma's oldest and dearest friends. Every year during the parade, he seeks out my grandma and gives her a big ol' squeeze! This is on my deck, as I now live right on the parade route! Very convenient!

The following are from a family reunion I went to with my parents on July 12 in Siren, WI. It was on my grandma H's side of the family. It was nice to see everyone again, as it had been a very long time. Grandma is the oldest of 8 girls, all of their names starting with the letter E! (No Elizabeth and no Emily...WOW) and two brothers, Andrew and Robert. Also, July 12, 2008 would have been my grandpa H's 100th Birthday. He's been gone almost 20 years.

Grandma Ellen Hartshorn, 93 years old. Her shirt says "Born in America. A long, long time ago". How funny is that, and how cute is she!?

Grandma and her 4 boys (from left to right): Uncle Paul (age 56), My dad (age 64), Uncle Lloyd (age 67, I think) and Uncle Maynard (age 70). Notice, Uncle Paul (#4 of the 4 boys) is 8 years younger than my dad (#3 of the 4 boys). My grandpa always used to say "If there had been a pill, there wouldn't be a Paul!" Grandma would just blush and shush him when he said that!

And notice, also, that Grandma has her cane with her. She has an artificial hip and an artificial knee and she thinks her cane makes her look old! I hope I'm in good shape like she is when I'm pushing 94! She still lives on her own, now spending the winters at senior housing here in Ely, only because the septic at her home in Wisconsin freezes up in the winter. Seriously, the only reason, and she needed a lot of convincing.

The remaining E's. There is a 5th E left, but she is in the nursing home, and wasn't able to make it to the reunion.

I don't know the order but the ones pictured here are Elaine, Esther, Ellen (my gma) and Edith (I think). I'll double check with my mom to make sure I have the right names. I just call them all Auntie E.

And they had a birthday cake for all of the July Birthdays, which was a cute touch! And it was GOOD CAKE! MMM!

Here's a photo of Jake's favorite place - the baseball field! On Tuesday we went to the first district play off game, which Tom's team won by 10-run-ruling the other team 12 - 2 in the 5th inning. After the game, Jake got to go out onto the field and run around the bases. He only went to first and back home because the sprinkler was already out by second. But of course he slid into 1st and slid into home! CUTE! And this is Jake's baseball outfit! He sleeps in this the day before a game! :)

Another exciting weekend of baseball here in Ely. And it looks like Tom's team is going to make it to the State Tournament! Wa-hoo!

Robert is learning how to dress himself. Enough said.

He has gotten much better!!

So our routine at night is to give the boys a bath, bring Robert out to the couch, go back and get Jake and bring him to the living room for jammies and story time. Well, apparently, Robert couldn't wait until Jake got there...

Here are pictures of the boys up at the cabin this past week. My favorite place in the world, and becoming the boys' too! Doesn't Jake look big? That is Austin at the end of the dock trying the catch fish in a net! It actually works!

And Robert in his "I'm-a-little-daredevil-and-my-mom-is-paranoid" swim suit. It is awesome! Life jacket built right in! I panic a lot less when he is wearing this! And he is holding the world's greatest fishing bait - shredded cheese! Works like a charm!

Here, Jake joins Austin at the end of the dock, fishing with a NET. Jake jumped off the dock a couple of weeks ago and landed on a fish hook. Since then, no fish hooks are allowed on the dock! (I don't know why this underlined and I don't know how to fix it! Sorry)

Jake and Louis swimming! Looks like Louis has had some outside time - look how tan he is! That kid has such beautiful skin - totally makes his Auntie Hollee jealous! Haha, look at Jake - he looks like he is cold, but he is loving it!!

And finally, here is a cute one of the boys SOUND asleep in the van after a baseball game. Doesn't Jake look comfy!? I swear the seatbelt is the only thing holding him up!

And on the floor is a PINK back pack. Robert found it at my mom's and loves it! He doesn't go far with out it! It's pink with sparkles and says "Dance" across it in silver letters! Hehe - too cute!!

Whew, that was a lot! Have a good day!!!

31

2008-07-29T10:50:00.003-05:00

Ten years ago today I turned 21.

The doctor that delivered me, when he was only 34, has recently retired.

My dad, who was in his 30s when I was born is quickly approaching retirement.

My niece, Corral, is almost 13. Louis is 9. Austin is 7.

My brother has a son.

My kids are 2 and 4.

My grandma Lewis is in her 80s and grandma Hartshorn is approaching mid-90s.

Princess Diana was married on this day in 1981. She's been gone since 1997. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were married on this day in 2000 in a $1 million celebration. They divorced Spring 2005.

I went to Germany when I was 16 - that was in 1994.

I went to Europe when I was 21 - that was in 1999.

I graduated from high school 13 years ago.

I still enjoy listening to 90s pop music just to feel young again.

I'm not necessarily where I expected to be at this point, but it's ok, because I'm happy where my life is at.

I used to think 31 would be old, but I still feel young.

It's been a great Birthday! Thanks to all my friends and family for the Birthday Wishes. I got some AWESOME presents! A lucky bamboo and a candy bouquet from my sister and her fam. An email (YES a real one) from my favorite celebrity Don Shelby. Our publisher at work bought me lunch. Ann, our salesperson and a dear friend made me an awesome chocolate cake and a beautiful print of my favorite photos of hers. (And she is the one who worked out the Don Shelby email). Lisa put an ad in the paper. And the day isn't over yet!

My parents are making me dinner! There is a ball game tonight that Jake wants to go to. So it will be an eventful Birthday! And a great one at that!!!

It's hard being a mom...

2008-07-25T09:06:00.002-05:00

This week was tough.

The boys came home from their dad's on Tuesday and we went to have dinner at my mom's. While we were there, Jake ended up getting stung by a bee on his leg. Jake is a bit of drama queen, so he was completely FREAKING out. But a little baking soda and water followed by a smooch and a Nutty Bar and he was ok.

That night I gave the boys a bath and while I was reading Robert his bedtime story, I could feel him getting hotter. And hotter. And hotter. I called my mom and she brought over a thermometer and it was reaching 102. Tom happened to stop by at that point and we ended up bringing Robbie to the ER because he was just "not right." My mom stayed with Jake, and Tom came with to the ER. Seriously, how sweet is that!

They ended up taking blood and putting him on antibiotics. It took me, an EMT and Tom to hold Robert down as they took blood and he SCREAMED! I was crying, too! He looked me in the eyes and said "PEAS! No BUD Mama! PEAS STOP!" That totally broke my heart. I am so grateful Tom was there. I would've hated to be there on my own.

That night, he didn't sleep a wink! Seriously, not at all. My mom came over at 7:30 and sent me to bed. I finally made it to work at about 11. I was pooped.

Wednesday, Mom sat with Robert while Jacob and I went to a baseball game. My had to call me home, Robert's temp was now at 103.9! YIKES! So I got home, used a cool washcloth to try and cool him down and called the ER again. (yes, I panic a bit). I talked to the same doctor and he said to keep doing what I've been doing, not much more can be done. Again, another night with little sleep.

Got to work Thursday at about 10. But by the time I got home, Robert was doing great. His fever was just about gone, still wasn't eating much, but was doing a lot better.

Thank you Mom and Dad (aka, Nana and Bampa) for sitting with Jake when Robbie went to the ER and for sitting with the boys while I was at work so I didn't have to take the days completely off. And for sitting with Robbie while I took Jake to the baseball game.

Thank you, Heidi, for taking Jake on Wednesday so he wasn't stuck at home with his sick brother for 2 full days! And Corral for helping babysit.

Thank you, Dale and Mallory, for calling to check on the boys and offering to help where ever you could.

Thank you, Tom, for coming with to the ER. Seriously, that was so sweet of you. You helped more than I think you realize and I really do appreciate it. Also thanks for checking on the boys and their mama and caring so much about the three of us.

So, yes, it's hard being a mom. But, I'm lucky. I have my family, I have wonderful friends and I have Tom. What more can a girl ask for?! :)

Ha ha, he he

2008-07-22T14:57:00.002-05:00

So, I've gotten a couple of comments about Robert singing Low by Flo Rida, my favorite being Andrea's who said she feels like a perverted soccer mom when she is driving alone in the mini-van listening to Sexy Back (by the very sexy Justin Timberlake). Totally made me laugh because....

In March, I traveled to the cities to attend a Bon Jovi concert with Stacy. As I was driving along in my mini-van, jamming away to my iPod, I turned on the song "Go to church" by Snoop Dogg and whoever else. This is not a good song... This is a loud, cuss-filled rap song that I on occasion, really enjoy! (And by cuss filled, I mean words like the F bomb).

So the song is LOUD! I'm singing away. And I'm sure doing a little car dancing and another mini-van passed me and totally laughed at me! I was so mortified! But thought it was totally funny at the same time.

Here's this white chick, single mom of two little boys, jammin' her butt off to an inappropriate rap song while driving her mini-van on a Wednesday morning. So many ironies, I kind of felt like a Saturday Night Live skit!! :)

Boys come home today! Yippee! Happy Tuesday, ya'll!

Is it wrong...

2008-07-21T08:16:00.002-05:00

That Robert can sing "Low" by Flo Rida?

Seriously, if you say "Shortie got..." Robbie will sing "Low, low, low, low...." How cute is that! He also is quite the booty shaker!

And, in my defense, he also knows You are my Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle and 5 little ducks!

And, Jacob's been singing I've been working on the Railroad, as loud as he possibly can... TOO FUNNY! And his favorite songs to listen to from my iPod in the car are Wild Thing Unplugged by Kermit the Frog, and LaLa by Ashlee Simpson.

My kids have TASTE!

I so miss them, can you tell?

Battle Bedtime, Weekend

2008-07-14T15:33:00.003-05:00

Well, I think Mommy is still victorious, though I seem to have lost count.

Friday night, for some reason, both boys insisted on sleeping on their bedroom floors. Not sure why, but I wasn't going to argue. As long as they are in their rooms, they can sleep where they want. Well, Saturday morning I woke up to Jake in bed with me. Little sneak. And somehow, Robert got in my bed without me knowing, too! Sneaky!

Saturday we spent all day in Siren, Wisconsin at a family reunion (more on that later) and by the time we got home, Robbie was literally asking for his bed! Again, he slept on the floor, but whatever. Sunday they both stayed in their bedrooms - ALL - NIGHT - LONG! (I feel like singing along with Lionel Richie!)!

Sunday they went to bed well and at 4:20 this morning, I woke up to both of them in my bed. Sigh. BUT, I stuck to my guns and carried them to their beds where they stayed until it was time to get up!

So, although I've lost track of the score, I think I'm in the lead! And I'm sleeping better when I'm in the bed by myself!

But, they go with their dad on Wednesday for the weekend, here's hoping they come home without losing too much of this!

Thank you for all the tips!

AND - Robert and I have been working on his tantrums! I just tell him, firmly, that I will not listen to screaming, when he is ready to use his words, I will listen. It has helped, a little. Baby steps, right. But the poor kid is so hoarse from screaming! Maybe that's a blessing too!

Battle Bedtime, Round 2

2008-07-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

Score is Mommy - 2, Robert - 0, Jake - 1

Robert went to bed in his own bed last night! He has become obsessed with the kitchen timer, he loves it! So, about a half hour before bedtime, I set the timer and told him when the timer dings, then we will brush teeth, read a book, then Robbie goes to sleep in Robbie's bed. Worked like a charm! I did sit in his room with him for a few minutes, but I didn't talk to him or even look at him. I just sat for a few minutes until he was ready to drift off to sleep. He did wake up at one point during the night and I held him for a few minutes to calm him down and laid him back in his bed. Voila!

Jake ended up in my bed again. The little stinker, I don't even know when he comes in there!! So I'll have to figure something out with him this weekend! So he gets another 1/2 point.

Now if only I could change Robert's tantrums...

Thanks for all the comments and the ideas!! You guys rock! And I'm glad I'm not the only one with this problem! :) Love you all!

Battle Bedtime, Round 1

2008-07-10T09:40:00.002-05:00

Score is: Mommy - 1, Robert - 0, Jacob - 1/2

Robert went to bed ok last night. He wanted me to sit by his bed for a while, but that is fine with me. So I sat on the floor next to him until just before he drifted off to sleep, then I left his room and he slept nicely until about 10:30.

I don't know what happened at 10:30, but he started to yell in his sleep and I went in to check on him and he had the mother of all tantrums for over an hour and a half. Screaming, crying, kicking... the whole bit. Yelling that he wanted to sleep in Mommy's bed. Picture a screaming, hysterical 2 year old yelling "My scheepy Mommy's bed" over and over and over and over. I almost gave up, but I was persistent and told him "No, Robbie sleeps in Robbie's bed."

Finally, we compromised. I got the kitchen timer and told him he could sit in my bed for 5 minutes. When the timer dings, it would be time for Robert to go in his bed. So we sat in my bed together, the timer went off and I brought him to his bed. He insisted on bringing one of my pillows, so I gave it to him and sat by his bed until he was almost asleep again. He didn't wake up then until 6 a.m.! WAHOO, Mama is victorious - kind of!

When I woke up this morning, Robert was in his bed, Jacob was in mine!! I never even noticed he came in there until I woke up. So I awarded him 1/2 point! :)

I need help....

2008-07-09T08:54:00.004-05:00

So, I'm calling out to all moms that read my blog. Please help me! I need some advice on getting my kids to stay in their own beds. What started as a cute extra snuggle every now and then, has turned into mass chaos!!

Robbie now refuses to fall asleep anywhere but in my bed. I carry him to his bed when I go to bed, and within a few hours he is back in mine. And Robbie is not the curl up and snuggle back to sleep type of kid. Robbie kicks, screams, yells, pushes, hollers and flops around until everyone and everything in the bed is just how he wants it. I think we have some OCD issues too! :)

Jacob goes to bed just fine. Always has. BUT, he claims he gets cold in his bed and needs to come into mine. Jacob is the curl up and snuggle back to sleep type of kid, but Robert interrupts that by his pushing, screaming, yelling, etc. Then Jake, the tender one, gets hurt feelings and cries, yells, screams.

So, as in the case last night and this morning, the three of us got very little sleep. At 3:20 a.m. I threatened to go on the couch, which just caused more yelling and screaming. I tried bringing them to their beds, more yelling and screaming. And personally, at 3:20 a.m., after at least two hours of flipping, flopping, tossing, turning, yelling, screaming, crying and kicking, I'm ready to do almost ANYTHING to get a little sleep.

The end result is usually finally falling asleep and then sleeping right through the alarm clock. This morning, I tried to roll over and actually fell out of bed because I had so little room. The boys woke up crabby with a capital C and fought all morning! Seriously, they fought over where they were going to sit on the couch! We have a huge sectional couch with two sides that recline, why do they insist on sitting on the same cushion?

We usually end up out the door frustrated and crabby, and many times running late.

So, if you have any advice, please share. I'm willing to try almost anything! (Except, I don't spank. That was the advice this morning at work, but I refuse to spank my kids, so any other advise will be very welcomed!)

THANKS!!

Things that make me happy

2008-07-01T15:09:00.002-05:00

Since I was so whiny earlier this week, I figured I better post something a little nicer today! These aren't in any particular order, just listed randomly as I think of them!

• Waking up to hugs and kisses from Jakers and Berto! They are great snugglers in the morning, often times leading me to be late for work, but I'm not going to miss a snuggle, smooch or squeeze from the greatest boys on Earth because 8:00 a.m. looms.

• When I tell Jake I love being his mama and he replies with "I love being your boy." Tears every time!

• When Robert says "My yap you, Mama" meaning he wants to sit on my lap, typically during dinner. Or "My hode you" meaning he wants me to carry him, which I always do. I've learned to never turn down a hug when you can get one.

• Getting text messages from Tom at midnight or later, just to tell me that he is walking his dog and to say good night! Even if I'm sleeping, that makes me smile! So I usually text him back, but because I'm half asleep, it's usually jibberish!

• My parents, because they are goofy dorks, but they know it, and they rock.

• Emails from Stacy, because they usually make me laugh. And sending Stacy stuff from Ebay to ask her opinion before I buy.

• Facebook. And my Facebook Flair.

• EBAY!! Holy Cow do I love Ebay. Seriously, how did we live before we could buy a lot of 16 boys shirts, size 5 for $6.50 + shipping? And Google! How did I ever write a research paper without google? And my college days were pre-Google. Seriously, I don't know if I would know where to start now without Google!

• My grandmas. Because they are both so darn cool. They are 82 and 93 and still living on their own. Nice.

• Robert's smile. Because I know it's the devil in there and it is so darn cute!

• Jake's tenderness. He is such a kind, caring boy, and I love it!

• Being so smitten with Tom. I'm still completely smitten. And I love it! He makes me feel like a giddy school girl again!

• Flowers delivered to me. Especially for no reason. This is another reason why my mom rocks, she sometimes does this and says the boys did it! Too cute!

• My DVR. How great is it that the 1 hour of TV I allow before bedtime is something "good" like Mickey Mouse, Blues Clues or Handy Manny all with the push of a button on the remote!

• Bringing Jake to Tom's baseball games. Nothing is better than being at the ball field on a beautiful night, eating hot dogs, and watching Jake enjoy watching the game! Oh, and to watch the cute coach! :)

• Watching Robert ride his bike. And trying to use the potty. And when he says, "No! Jammies ooooooooonnnnnnnnn!" When he doesn't want to get dressed.

• Having a fabulous 4th of July, for the first time in a long time, possibly EVER!

• Turning 31 this month. YIKES!

• Seeing Cheryl at some point in the next week since she will be in Ely!

That may be all for now. I feel better now....thanks!

My thoughts for today

2008-06-30T12:56:00.002-05:00

This is probably a little whiny, so don't feel obligated to read it! :)

So last week, I noticed that my checkbook had a smidge extra in there (after I paid my bills), so I decided to splurge a little and bought a few extra groceries. (So sad that I "splurge" on groceries, but what-ev).

So anyways, literally about an hour later.... my car broke something. HUGE puddle under my van :(. I was picking up the boys from their dad and I asked him if that puddle was from my van - uh, yeah.... he told me to look underneath and there was a faucet of something pouring out from underneath. Nice. But he is a mechanic and he told me I should be fine to get home, but not to drive it anywhere else. So I haven't. That was Thursday. Today is Monday. Van is still parked. Why? you may ask, well because I splurged at the grocery store and I have to wait until pay day to fix the damn thing!

But thankfully, I have a handy brother who has handy friends and they are hopefully checking it out today, maybe able to fix it without paying for towing + parts + labor! This way, I'll only have to pay for parts and offer some free babysitting and I should be good! Cross your fingers that they can fix it!

Cora's birthday was last week and I found her a little something. But I didn't get to the post office the day I intended to, and I keep forgetting it in my broken van! Sorry, C! But it is on it's way, promise!

And I applied for a new job. I won't give details now, but it would be a great job for me. Great fit, better pay, AWESOME benefits. 26 applicants, 4 of us interviewed. But that was almost 2 weeks ago and I still haven't heard anything. I'm beginning to get discouraged and losing hope. sigh.

My house is a mess and laundry is piled up.

But, my boys are great! Tommy is great! I'm making meatloaf and mashed potatoes for supper, and that is a good thing (Martha Stewart would say). The sun is out and it's a beautiful day. Damn it, Hollee, put a smile on! Sigh.

Baseball, cholesterol, and other randoms

2008-06-24T08:50:00.006-05:00

This weekend was the Ely DQ Grill and Chill Classic at the ball park. Tom spent 35 hours at the ball park between Friday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m., and believe it or not, there was still a smile on his face on Sunday night!

My boys were with their dad, so I helped out a little where I could, mostly selling tickets, and watched some baseball... after all, a diamond is a girl's best friend! :) The weather was as unpredictable as it could be. Seriously, sunny and beautiful and without warning pouring rain... and I mean POURING! For about 10-15 minutes. Then the sun would come out again. But Tom's team and ground crew were able to act quickly, cover home plate and the pitcher's mound, and get it all cleaned up fairly quickly to resume action! So rain delay after rain delay, the 6 teams managed to get all the games in except for one, which can be rescheduled.

And things went so smoothly, all of the teams told Tom they would like to come back next year! Good job, Tommy!

Ok, time to move on...

A little history here - last year at my yearly physical Dr. Prigge checked my cholesterol and it was way high! 265! That's crazy, especially for someone my age! So Dr. Prigge told me I needed to nip this in the bud, as I was basically a heart attack waiting to happen. And with my dad's heart problems, I didn't want to add to the risk.

But because of my age and being a woman, we didn't want to go to drugs yet. Dr. Prigge said I had to lower it, and in a year we would check it again and decide if medications would be the best option or not.

So, I had my cholesterol checked last week and are you ready for this (drum roll please) it is down to 196!!!!!! Still not a great number, but a GREAT improvement! Almost 70 points! Wahoo!

Now on to cuter things - my boys!! Here are some fun pictures of them.

Here they are in the infamous kitchen set again. Love these pics because look how big Jacob looks! And Robert is cooking up something fabulous!

Here are some from a recent trip to the Dairy Queen! Notice how dirty Jake's face is! You can't enjoy ice cream without getting chocolate all over your face!! And Robert is just dirty. Always. Period.

And Jake the Snake, the sequel has been released. The title is Robert the Snake. Apparently, Robert wanted to be a snake too, and did the whole squiggle across the carpet on your head to look like a snake and rug burn your head trick. It's not as noticeable as Jake's was, but you can see it up in his hair. Little goof!

What else,

I just finished the book "Middlesex" by Jeffery Eugenides. Now I realize I'm no literary genius, but I don't know how this book won a Pulitzer Prize! The beginning and middle, were so terribly boring. I started and stopped this book a gazillion times. The end of the book was not bad, actually quiet interesting, but I didn't like the actual ending.

I've also been working on a Patricia Cornwell book, but it is a non-fiction. It's called "Portrait of a Killer. Jack the Ripper. Case Closed." Yeah, long title. In this book, Cornwell is convinced she knows who Jack the Ripper is/was, and presents her case against Walter Sickert, an artist. Now, she does present a strong case and I really got into this book in the beginning, but now I'm slowing down. She has gotten very arrogant in the writing of this book, and it's a little annoying. But the history nut in me loves a good history mystery, so I'll continue on.

Also on my reading list for this summer is the Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. I borrowed it from another news guy named Tom (my sweet Tommy!) and Big Russ and Me by Tim Russert. Tom has a copy of this as well, and after Tim Russert died I figured I should add it to the list. And I feel like I should read the Kite Runner, as I loved 1,000 Splendid Suns by the same author. Stacy highly recommended the Memory Keeper's Daughter, so I just may attempt that one too. Wow! Here's hoping for a sunny summer where I can sit on the deck and read! :)

Ok, I think that is all for now. Have a good day, ya'll!!