The Johnson Family

2012-02-14T07:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all!!!!!

Look at these sweethearts, precious!

Friday Pictures

2012-02-03T12:30:00.000-06:00

Can You Help?

2012-02-01T13:38:00.000-06:00

If you have a few minutes please look at this blog. Denise is a amazing woman we know through adoption. Her son Jaxson was at the AFAA home in Liberia with Opie. Opie remembers him very well, we all do. His story is amazing. Denise is amazing. Truly one of the biggest hearts I know. Please support in any way you can! Let's get this little girl home!

http://millermiracles.blogspot.in/

2012-02-01T07:35:00.000-06:00

Just rambling…….

This past Sunday we took Opie to the Mall of America. We make that trip once a year, and every year we go I remember why we only go once a year. It’s so big, so many people, so over whelming and for not being a mall shopping kind of family…….whew! But we went and we all loved it! We took our time and walked around, Opie got to explore Lego World and even walked out with a fun set. We went to Rain Forest Café which was so lovely! Opie has never been there and he was so sweet to watch. Sipping out of his Rain Forecast Café cup, staring at all the fish and loving when the thunder storms rolled in. The food was excellent and we just sat and took our time. We walked some more….the boys got new hats….and we left. It was priceless watching Opie and being the sweet kid that he is I know he appreciated every second we were there. Such a fun day. One goal knocked off my 2012 goal list! Hooray!!!

Bob and I have finished our bedroom which we are extremely happy about. That has always been the one room in the house I put the least effort into decorating….and cleaning. We had to get a new mattress and with that we picked out a new bedroom set. So of course because of that I had to paint. It’s now our very zen room and we love it. The dogs love it too. I honestly think that they think that new bed is for them….they never get off it! With our bedroom and Opie’s being redone I am feeling spoiled! I do have my eyes on our main and what I would love to do......but I'd like to stay married so will put that on hold for awhile ;)

Friday has been sick for a few months now and yesterday another appointment was made. Bob took him in and this time x-rays were needed. The doc was worried it was going to be heart disease but the good news is that it's just enlarged lymphoids which are from an infection. So meds and a special diet and he should be good to go! Bob and I were a mess yesterday with worry so this was very good news! We think it’s all that damn rabbit poop he’s eating outside. They think it’s candyland out there, so gross! But he’s ok and we are happy….yay for Freaky!!

Nothing else is going on in our lives. Simpletons :) We have super fun plans for this weekend, work is still busy for both of us, we are really loving the super duper nice weather here and I have a few more 2012 goals I am going to knock off the list this month. Everyone is healthy and we are all happy! Onward and upward!!! Life is good!

2012-01-09T08:05:00.000-06:00

It’s been awhile since I have posted. Actually posts are far and few lately….ok that will have to be added to my 2012 goals list…..blog more :) So here’s what’s been going on in the Johnson world!
Taylor
T is still working two jobs. Sleeping when she's not working one of the two jobs. School is going great and the countdown is on for graduation. She’s been out and about with friends, driving here and there and keeping herself busy. She spends every cent she makes. We see little of her. Boo! T's passport came so she is officially Mexico bound. What a hassle that was to get that little blue book! Never a dull moment with T, she keeps us on our toes ;) This is a picture of her hard at work when we went to visit her - darling little hostess!

Opie
Our little guy started basketball last week. I think he was more excited about his new shoes then actually playing. We love to watch him run around the court and his games will start soon. He’s been playing outside with his friends lately and enjoying this freakish MN weather. Playing football or riding skateboards in January with just a sweatshirt one. Rock on! His room was redone, he now has a super cool NFL room which he loves. Just waiting for dad to make the wall décor and he’s all set. Doesn't Opie look adorable in his basketball get-up?!

The old one
Bob’s busy at work, I’m busy at work. We pay bills, cook and clean. We enjoyed another weekend of football and a crock pot of a super delicious (and very stinky) sour kraut dip. Mmmmm! I’m back running and this weather makes it so much more pleasant. My back is still a mess. Bob’s shoulder is still a mess and is now going to the same chiro as me. The joys of age. We went to see the snow cross event this past weekend and we all loved it, super fun!! We have all our camping trips planned out for this spring/summer/fall and Bob and I both even put in for all our vacation time. I got a summons in the mail for jury duty and crossing my fingers when I call later this week they don't need me. Ick. But overall pretty relaxing 2012 so far, just the way we like it! 2012 is going to be a fantastic year!!! I know it!!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T10:48:00.001-06:00

This picture was taken 12/23...this is the gift every Christmas I am so truly thankful for. My family. My family being safe, healthy and home. I adore this group of goons and am so very grateful for them every single day! I have the most amazing husband, so warm and kind and always so giving. Everyday this man tells me I am beautiful and loved. He is my best friend. He's my world. I truly cherish him! My kids...oh how they make me giggle and there is never a boring day. They are so sweet and such great kids. I am very proud of them. I love their silliness, Opie as a cowboy or talking football with Taylor. They are the greatest! And my pups, for their unconditional love and non-judgment. Pretty good looking bunch too! :-)

Christmas Eve at our house with my side of the family. It was a fun day!

Christmas morning. One of my most favorite Christmas days yet. The kids were so very thankful for each and every gift, big or small. They were happy and giddy! They had fun and we had fun giving to them. A perfect day!

Opie's favorite Christmas gift was his cowboy belt and guns, a $10 WalMart purchase I told Bob not to get thinking Opie wouldn't like. Wrong. Obsessed. He loves. He wears this belt and guns and hat now every.single.day!!! He is now asking for cowboy pants, a cowboy shirt and cowboy boots. Oye!

Why it won't upload the pictures the correct way ya got me. Anyways my pups, this picture is now my new favorite oh how sweet they look!

We hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful Christmas with many special memories!!! Cheers!!

Christmas with Bob's Family

2011-12-18T11:55:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from our Christmas celebration with Bob's family yesterday :)

I love this picture, the men snoozing after the feast we had ;)

Vacation

2011-12-16T07:50:00.001-06:00

I have been on vacation this entire week....and even though today is Friday I still have 3 full days left of.....well whatever I want to do :) My vacation checklist went/is something like this.....

Sleep in
Cuddle dogs
Clean
Laundry
Play a sick amount of Angry Birds
Read
Christmas shopping (which by the way is all done, ALL done woot woot)
Wrap Christmas presents
Had a date day with Bob and it was pure bliss!
Fitness
Clean my truck
Naps
Putz in yard (yes I can do that because MN refuses to accept winter)
Tidy up garage
Organize
Watch girly movies
Eat whatever I want
Wine

What a list huh? Here's to 3 more days of happiness! Cheers!!

Vroom Vroom

2011-12-16T07:42:00.000-06:00

Opie went to his friends birthday party....and where else would a boy want his party then a monster truck show!? Bob went with to help monitor the 3 boys and all the boys, even the big ones had a fun time ;)

Thought these pictures were too cute not to post!

The Johnson's 2011 Christmas Card

2011-12-09T07:53:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We hope that this holiday season is filled with love, joy and memories for everyone!! We wish you a very Merry Christmas and blissful New Year!

Cheers!

Bob (young & handsome), Carie (old & wrinkles), Taylor (17), Opie (9), Friday and Daytona

Weekend Snapshots~

2011-12-05T08:34:00.001-06:00

The boys on Sunday acting like fools in purple thinking the Vikings were going to win!

The boys on Saturday, the color they should have wore Sunday ;) Isn't it cute how they always have to match?

The kids, how darn cute are they? T wanted a perm so this past weekend that is what she went and did, got herself an adorable perm. It was one of her Christmas gifts from us and I think she looks so stinkin cute!

December is here!

2011-12-01T14:29:00.001-06:00

And here we are, December 1st. The end of 2011. Almost the new year. It’s been a ride the last few months which is my excuse for the lack of posts. Oh where do I start and can I even remember what’s been going on?

The kids have been great. School is moving along, work is busy for Taylor and the kids are happy and healthy. So first…school. Both kids I think do great in school. T has always received awesome grades. Her senior year being no different. We are crossing our fingers we have a set plan for college. She wants to go to a community college and work towards her nursing degree. To me that is fantastic! A plan, a career and a school picked out. Even the application has been sent. Of course Bob and I had hopes of her going to a University, living that big college life on campus full of fun and friends and classes. But in the end it’s Taylor’s choice. Community college and living at home it is. I hope this all works out for her and we will guide her in anyway we can. Yes, even as she lives at home ;) I am starting to plan her graduation party which I still can not grasp. Yes I am way early but I have no idea how to plan this. Who do I invite, not invite, how much food, when, where, costs….and my head keeps spinning. Either way it'll be a fun day, a proud day!

Opie has done fantastic in school every single year. He works hard and always has done a great job. This year seems a little differant.  We are pretty sure it's just a teaching style. Last year Opie would practice spelling in school, they would go over the words, write them down and 99% of his test were all correct. This year spelling is more for home, for the parents to work with their kids on. Eye roll.  I think it's fine for us to work with him on his words and pracice them but they also really need to study them in class. To learn the words, how to learn the words and for this to be done by his teacher.  So spelling is harder this year. His teacher is also….well less fun. So class is a bit more boring this year. The teaching style is more straight to the point, teaching the kids more responsibility and it’s not as fun of a classroom. I get school is to learn but Opie is also 9. Kids enjoy fun and learn from fun. I really miss the fun art work, colored pictures and stuff from the past few years. Now all he brings home is papers for us to correct for his class (yup)….and spelling words. In all the other areas Opie seems to be doing great. We are proud! He's a very bright kid. He has some really good friends at school and is always such a happy, positive kid.  He's looking forward to basketball season and I think, THINK we might let him try to snowboard this year :)

Taylor still has been working two jobs and has been working a lot of hours. She really does like both jobs and want to be a server when she turns 18. Tips of course!! She came home the other day all giggly cause she got her very own apron thingy that the servers wear. I thought that was pretty cute!
The dogs are as cute as ever :)  Almost every day we find this singing/moving snowman gma gave Opie in Daytona’s kennel. It’s not a chew toy or even look like something a dog would want but being as odd as she is she wants it. And Friday…..he keeps eating the roof of a 1950’s wooden manger set of Opie’s too (Daytona chewed baby Jesus last year). So now this snowman and manger are in Opie’s closet. For no one to see. And when that door is left open…of course the snowman is found in the kennel and Friday is chewing away. Bunch of goons!

Bob and I have been good. Like I said it’s been an odd few months but things are starting to slowly get back to the norm. About a month ago I hurt my back…dumb Sean T yelling at me to do my workout faster on that mean Insanity video….well now it’s chiro appointments. So I’ve been down and out for about a month. Sore. Pain. Crabby. I feel I haven’t done my share around the house and let things slip. But this is the good part....my chiro! So I go to the appointment for the very first time and meet him. First thing he says to me is, “Did you just get your nails done!?”. Um….yea the chip/broken nail look is totally stunning isn't it? ;)  Ok….no biggie. He likes my nails. So he’s going over my injury and what happened and asking some general questions. He says so you are about 27-28 years old right? He says this as he is looking at my sheet with my age on it.  Ok are ya nice or hitting on me? I giggle….think it’s funny and odd. THEN…oh yes THEN he says and you are about 124 pounds? NOW I am really thinking you have got to be kidding me! This guy…is he serious!? So we get to it….cracking and moving and adjusting and he keeps talking and saying odd ball things.  I ask for exercises I can do at home, should I ice or heat and he says see ya later this week and we’ll talk. Which is tonight. I can not wait. Might do my nails now just for this guy!

Life, Life is good even with odd docs and boring teachers :-)

Ohhhhh Myyyyyyyy

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

This morning I ordered Taylor's cap and gown. GRADUATION cap and gown. 7 months from now she will be graduating. Maybe I should have planned this all better and gone to Mexico AFTER the graduation, graduation party, 18th birthday oh my!

Here's to being old.....and broke!

Monday

2011-11-14T07:18:00.001-06:00

Saturday was girls night and as always it was a blast!! It was Tina's birthday yesterday so here is a day late shout out to my very best friend....Happy Birthday Tina!!! You are so amazing, caring, fun, sweet, loving, beautiful, supportive and everything in between. You mean the world to me and I love you and adore you!

This picture was taken a few days before Dora left us. Thought it was cute and forgot I took it. My sweeties!

And another late picture, T on Halloween. I should have just said here is a picture of T before school this morning and wait for the calls from the grandparents with worried tones in their voices ha! She was punk.....she was cute :)

We had a pretty fantastic weekend!! Saturday it was so lovely outside so I headed out for a run and then we spent the day outside. Bob got the Christmas lights up, I did some yard work, we did this and that in the garage and just enjoyed being outside with the sun and warm temps. That night Tina and Holly came over and we had a blast! And thank you Tina, we have now copied you and made Sundays at our house Sunday Fundays :-O Opie got unlimited amount of TV and played while Bob and I sat on the couch and watched a sick amount of sports on TV. Sick meaning about 10 hours of it! I didn't get out of my pjs and we snacked all day on a yummy dip. It was lovely!!!!! I actually hurt today I am sore from being so lazy yesterday. Nice! T worked this weekend and spent time at her dad's so we didn't see much of her. Her car wouldn't/won't start. She said it's probably the battery. Then later told me later her car is shot. Teens!! Really? So since our dishwasher died and a light bulb burnt out house is shot, we must move? Oye! So we'll see this week how she deals with her car issues. Fingers are crossed!!

Happy Monday!

Positives

2011-11-10T08:56:00.001-06:00

The last few ~~weeks~~ months have been a tad nuts but I woke up this morning with the attitude that it's a new day. I told myself only happy thoughts today so I thought I'd blog them :-)

Opie and T are doing great in school
Bob is going to help T apply to a college next week - hooray!!
I just got all the graduation order forms for T's graduation, that is coming up quick!
We are all healthy
I am hosting girl's night Saturday...WAHOO all my ladies!!
Bob bought me a fabulous blanket yesterday, just because he loves me :)
Last night Bob and Opie wrapped the bushes for the winter and to see them two do that was priceless
Everyday is a day closer to Mexico!
Bob and T had an alone day together yesterday doing this and that, that made my happy
I took a week of vacation in January, just for me
I am excited to decorate for the holidays
Thanksgiving is coming up, we get to totally lard out that day

So there are my happy thoughts.....happy Thursday!!!

Dora Dora

2011-11-09T07:04:00.000-06:00

Dora had a cold so Bob and Opie brought her to the vet to get meds. She's had a cold once before so we knew the signs. Turned out she had pneumonia and she died there....while Opie was petting her. Lots of tears and sadness last night. It's amazing how after 4 1/2 years how hard this really was on all of us :(

Goodbye sweet girl.

Our Senior~~~

2011-11-08T15:14:00.000-06:00

It's Been Awhile

2011-11-02T08:21:00.000-05:00

Opie had a fantastic Halloween! Our little vampire loved the night, loved going out with his friends and of course loved all the candy he came home with!! It was a great night!!

T went out for Halloween the Saturday before with her friends. She also had a great time! Senior year, all the parties and fun.....oh my!!!

It's been awhile since I have posted anything. Life has been insane....busy and busy. Here's the low down....

* Working days, nights and weekends....work is crazy busy right now. I am tired.
* Traveled to Greensboro, NC for 4 days for work, work part was great but the hotel was a nightmare! Bailed and went to The Marriott. That is a post I might get to later.
* Opie and T have been happy and healthy and school is going great!!
* T's wisdom teeth are coming out soon, poor girl
* Bob has been doing some fun garage projects :)
* One of Bob's cars is gone now til next spring
* I REALLY dislike winter
* Dogs are good
* Me and T are headed to Mexico in April with my mom/my sister and her family WAHOO!!
* The yard is winter ready....annoyed
* Life has been insane so my workouts must follow, I am doing Insanity
* I have never been so sore in my life
* Opie will be signing up for basketball soon, fun!
* College talks are at a standstill
* T has been working two jobs and a lot of hours, she is loving her paychecks
* I am looking forward to girl's night soon
* Had an awesome pedi date with my sister this past weekend
* My husband rocks, my kids are amazing and my dogs are sweet
* Crazy life right now, stressful but can't complain. Life is still good!

3 Years

2011-10-20T07:34:00.000-05:00

3 years ago today our little guy came into our lives and every since then, our world has been right. His unicorns and rainbows attitude brightens our day every single day and that smile....oh that smile! He is so full of life, love and happiness. Opie will never know the amount of joy he brings to us.

Oswald Paye we love you so much, you make us so happy and proud every.single.day!!

This morning I got an email from Olando's mom asking if I had a group picture of the boys from Liberia. She sent me this one saying she only had this one. Well I thought it was fitting for today's post, it's where it all started :-)

Random Tidbits

2011-10-10T07:41:00.002-05:00

Opie's well check Friday went great, healthy little guy! He did however call us out to the doctor when they went over lifestyle questions....saying dad let's him stay up late on school nights to watch the Twins games and that we don't make him wear a bike helmet...thanks Opie!

T helping with dinner....wish I looked this fancy when I cook :)

All 3 boys going for a ride.

On my run Saturday I came across 5 tiny...tiny snapping turtles. Had to take a picture, they were so tiny.

The trails...I love these trails in the fall. Wish they went on and on....and on.

The big girl....had pictures of everyone else so I couldn't forget her :)

It was a lovely weekend....warm and sunny and a weekend at home. Blissful!

2011-10-06T07:59:00.000-05:00

My kids are so sweet I had to get them their favorite treats….T and her Boo Berry and Franken Berry cereal and Opie some candy. Yup, Jillian Michaels would give me a healthy mom award ribbon :O

There has been a lot of college info coming in the mail these days and T has been reading it all. Lots of talks, confusion, excitement, eye rolls and all of the above. Taylor is pretty sure that she will be going to school to become an RN. We are excited that she knows what she might want to do......and that she didn’t pick a bartender as her career choice. Not kidding, she was considering that. Oye!!! T and Jakey are still happy. School is going great and she is rocking her classes. She has two jobs as a hostess, one she has already started working at and the other she trains tonight. She is very anxious for her paycheck and we are really anxious not to be her ATM anymore. I have been loving, absolutely loving these past few months. I love where T and I are at in our relationship and where we have grown to. I see it with her and Bob too. The universe is right again. Happiness.

Opie has been doing fantastic in school and football. BMX is over and football is only a few more weeks. He picked out his Halloween costume last night which was not so much fun since he’s very blah about Halloween this year. All he wanted for a costume was a make-up kit that makes it look like you have blood all over your face. But we did end up finding a fitting costume. Opie also got to talk to his friend Olando last night on the phone, so sweet. Olando was his very best friend in Liberia at the AFAA home so we love that there is still that connection. Opie has also been my little running buddy lately, riding his bike along side me and keeping me entertained. I love how he said last night, let’s go a little further this time…my little personal trainer :-) He is the sweetest thing!

Dogs are good. Bob is great. I am great. Life is busy and fun and stressful and relaxing. We decided not to go camping this weekend, which would have been our last trip. Instead we will spend the weekend at home (much needed for Bob and I) and get the RV all ready for winter. We’ll putz in the yard and house and nap and run and relax. It’ll be a good weekend for all of that. Life is good!

Lifting Liberia

2011-10-03T13:19:00.000-05:00

This is our little angel that we are sponsoring, Abigail and she is 3 years old. She is in the nursery class and by sponsoring her we will help cover her all expenses such as uniforms, salaries, books etc. We love that we are able to help and really support Lifting Liberia and their goals. Look at that face, what a sweetie!

If any of you would like to know how you can sponsor a child or maybe just give a one time donation the web site is www.liftingliberia.org or you can mail checks to: Lifting Liberia 6330 S. Haven Oaks Pl. Salt Lake City, Ut 84121. I also have a link on the right of our blog homepage. Karen, the founder of Lifting Liberia is really doing something amazing for these kids, giving them hope. Hope for a future!

Homecoming

2011-09-30T07:36:00.001-05:00

It's homecoming week, today being the big day. Kids dressed the part, the game is tonight and everyone is giddy. The girls extremely giddy! GO KNIGHTS!!

My Day Off

2011-09-29T07:37:00.001-05:00

I had a vacation day yesterday, much needed. It went something like this….

1 hour run
2 throbbing bunions while running
251 passing trucks, fingers crossed they don’t kick up rocks at me
Sending texts to my husband while running whining I need new shoes
Receiving texts from Tina telling me to push it, go further, rock it
Finish run, didn’t love but done
Send a picture to Bob of my feet, he tells me to get new shoes
2.5 hours on my lounge chair in the sun
SPF is 2…thinking this is going to take awhile to get some color
3,854 gnats biting me while sunning
Sprayed bug spray on so I could sun uninterrupted by gnats
Sprayed bug spray in my left eyeball
Finally relaxed again, enjoying the sun…..eye still burning and my ipod goes dead
Let the dogs in and out 28 times
Turn around and Daytona is laying on my lounge chair
1 hour nap
Target run with my kids so Opie can spend his bday money and gift cards
Opie takes his time, carefully viewing each and every item Target has to offer
We head to Sports Authority so I can get new running shoes
They discontinued my style, of course, had to try on 94 pairs of shoes
Complain to the sales man they need to make more shoes for people with bunions
Bob meets us at the store, he’s got the cash :-)
Find shoes, socks and a new shirt. Feel spoiled.
Me and Taylor FREAK out in the truck heading out to dinner, beetles in the truck!
We scream like 6 year old girls
Bob saves us, he got the beetles
Eat a delicious dinner, feel spoiled again
Loving my family time
Home and in pjs
Cuddle with my dogs
Cold beer
TV
Bed

Isn’t this how all vacay days are suppose to go?

The Party

2011-09-26T07:47:00.000-05:00

Opie wearing his bday gift from us, new shoes he picked out

A basketball bouncy house for his party was his other gift

The party....

Yes, his goofy friend gave him a barbie as a joke :)

T and Jake

Me and my best ladies

The day after the party....already playing with his new legos

Back in the house

GO BOBBY!

The sad face as the house comes down

Had to throw this in here....va va voom!

The party was a complete ~~chaotic mess~~ success! There were about 20+ kids and about 15-20 adults. There were kids EVERYWHERE!! I had my camera out only here so lack of actual party pictures. We were always having to do this or that or tell that kid no or figure out why this one or that one was crying. OYE! I wish I had a picture of all the boys....it was insane! Bad birthday picture taker mom. Tsk tsk.

But Opie had an awesome time :-) He loved every bit of the day, loved having all his buddies over and felt spoiled. They would bounce, then play guns, then football, then bounce...then wrestle....so.many.boys!

The next day he spent lots of time in the house with the neighbor kids which was nice....simple and fun. Then Bob and I spent time in there with him and had lots of laughs. It was fun, we can still do flips at our old age ;) I know Opie enjoyed this entire weekend....we all did. No matter how stressful parties can be for our kids the pure joy on their faces makes it all worth it!!

Here's to a nice calm week! Aaawwww.....

Birthday Boy!

2011-09-23T10:31:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, September 24th Opie will be 9 years old! We have a party planned, lots of people coming and a fun surprise for Opie :) It's so cute how excited he is, oh it's going to be a fun day WAHOOO!!!

Happy Birthday sweet, sweet boy! You are truly the best and we are so very proud of you. You make us smile every single day! We love you!

My Girls

2011-09-19T07:13:00.001-05:00

As always ladies night was a blast, I cherish these nights! Am giddy for what we have on the radar next :-)

Speed Blogging

2011-09-16T07:42:00.000-05:00

• Work has been busy, so so busy.

• For Bob too!

• Opie is loving school, just not the spelling tests :O

• Taylor thinks her senior year is the best by far, having the time of her life

• College talks still going on, and on and on.........and on

• We had our first frost, totally annoying

• I might take that back, allergies have been better

• Dogs are good

• Opie got 2nd place this Wednesday in BMX

• Taylor is still looking for a job

• Me and my little guy get a movie night tonight, Lion King in 3D

• Opie’s birthday is the 24th, party planning going on

• PLEASE let the 24th be nice outside, I WILL NOT and CAN NOT have all those boys in my house...

• I have two bedrooms in mind to re-do and re-decorate, fun winter projects

• We turned on the heat in the house, 30’s at night is too cold for me

• I miss summer already

• Opie and T have been having fun hanging out after school. Cartoons and chips!

• Bob gets a man night tonight

• I need a ladies night

• Everyone is healthy and happy
• Life is good!

First Day Of School

2011-09-06T08:15:00.000-05:00

Off to 3rd grade!

I was asked not to walk to the bus stop with Opie....had to watch from a distance. Moms are no longer cool once ya hit 3rd grade?

And my senior :)

It's a happy day!!

2nd Place - HOORAY!!!

2011-09-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

Perfect

2011-08-31T07:50:00.000-05:00

And this is what perfect is like....

3 full days of sun with blue skies and perfect temps

A view of a river that is absolutely beautiful

Watching the boys fish the river

Spending time with Opie at the beach, alone, with no one else around and the pure joy in his eyes

Watching Opie trying to catch fish with his hands ;)

Soaking up the sun with a great book and with that view

Finishing the book

Tubing and having so many laughs and loving every single minute of it

Campfires at night

Walking the shoreline and the sand in my toes

Watching the boys with their RC cars

Feeling at total peace

Seeing a mama deer and her two babies

Just being away from home...with my boys and dogs.

It was as perfect as it gets!! Pure serenity!!

Our Life….

2011-08-25T13:52:00.008-05:00

I had this past Friday off and I had the day off bliss! Loved everything I accomplished! I want a repeat :)

Saturday I had a fabulous long run, to date probably my favorite. Friends came over for a BBQ and it was lovely!

Sunday we spent most of the day in Bob’s hometown with his parents and going to a car show. Grandma’s food was delicious!!

Taylor said to Bob and I on Sunday evening, “Jake and I are dating, it’s facebook official!”. Aw ok, I get it, if it’s not on facebook it’s not official?

The cute neighbor boy stopped by on his bike and I told him how much I liked his new hair cut. His reply, “I had to cut it, I have lice!”. Good to know, keep biking!

I opened up T’s window sometime this weekend, and later somehow the screen popped open. Saw a frog or toad poop down there. Freaked out all day for Bob to come home and capture this thing….only to find out it wasn’t poop it was a piece of mulch. Sigh....

We have lots of frogs, grasshoppers and crickets in our yard. We have to manually move frogs while mowing. Mans work!

We have a very exciting 4 day camping trip coming up.

Opie placed 3rd in his BMX race last night, hooray!

I am so ready for the kids to start school….their brains are mush.

Bob has been working lots of OT….nice for the checkbook but hate how much less time I have with him.

It’s a tad depressing to see the summer ending…I gave in and bought mums, my garden has less color in it, grass isn’t growing as fast….so sad. I hate winter.

I mowed fancy lines the other day, almost positive my neighbors thought I was drunk!

Opie got his wish, he now has an earring in each ear.

Still working on T about college. Oye!

And still working on Bob to not look like he is annoyed taking pictures when taking pictures :O

Here’s to a fantastic weekend!!!!!!!

Weekend Pictures

2011-08-15T07:34:00.001-05:00

Now back to work :O

Friday

2011-08-12T07:44:00.001-05:00

This week has been a bit nuts, leaving me to feel a little loco. BMX, football, work (work has been insanely busy) and just life. Then there is the usual stuff of cleaning and mowing and fitness and cooking. Ok, I lied. I haven't cooked squat this week. There have been two days after work I crashed for a good hour. I had some issues to deal with and some talks to be had but am feeling strong and hopeful. But today is Friday!! We will celebrate!

We are looking forward to today and this weekend. The older we get I feel our weekends are more valuable. Today my sweet babe is coming over to hang with us. I just might have to cook tonight. I'm thinking if the rain holds out we'll hit the trails, the kids bike and I can run and then a movie. We miss Taylor so any time spent with her is blissful. Opie has a birthday party tomorrow at an indoor trampoline park. How cool is that!? Or don't I get out enough and these have been around for awhile? Either way, we drop off and two hours later pick up SO that means Bob and I get a lunch date. WOOT WOOT! Fancy smancy...I get to do my hair and wear heels. Then we are hoping for a play date Sunday at our house. Of course I'll do some yard work this week, Bob will putz in the garage, we'll run, nap, eat, chat and breath. Aw the weekends! The two days we get to unwind, clear our heads, breath and hang out.

Here's to a great weekend...and being hopeful!

Sneak Peak

2011-08-11T12:56:00.000-05:00

Aw yes, that time of year and that time in my life when my daughter is having senior pictures done. This is just one of her pictures, what a beauty! Ok there was my calm, happy moment. Now onto her being a senior. A senior! This FREAKS me out!! That is all I have to say about that. **I will willingly accept paid therapy sessions or bottles of wine.

Football

2011-08-11T11:25:00.000-05:00

Because BMX isn't enough Opie also had football camp this week. 4 days of football, 1 1/2 hours a day of drills, running, throwing, catching, games, tackling and fun! He had the time of his life. Football is his sport and I am a football mom. I could have stayed another 8 hours and watched him. So proud! The kid has skillz! And I thought it was pretty darn cute his team was the "shirtless" team. Nothing like showing off his guns ;)

And this picture tells it like it is...after 1 1/2 hours it's time for a break :-)

BMX Race

2011-08-11T11:13:00.000-05:00

Opie's first BMX race was last night and we could not be more proud! He had so much fun and he peddled his little heart out.

Taylor and her friend came with so Opie had lots of cheerleaders on the side. There were 3 kids in his class which was perfect, first time out and not so crazy packed. Since this was his very first race he got a "My First Race" trophy. He also placed 3rd so got a trophy for that. Oh how giddy he was :-)

Way to go Opie!!!!

Camping

2011-08-04T07:22:00.001-05:00

We took a few days, Sunday - Tuesday, and headed out camping. Sunday was ~~hot~~ very steamy and sunny so Bob and Opie went to the beach while I stayed with the pups and replenished my vitamin D. Monday and Tuesday were wet. At some points a bit nasty. But with an RV it's all good and we made the best of it. Not too hard when we have AC, a TV, video games and movies. It was still a fun and relaxing trip and as always, so very nice to get away.

The kids laying around

Game time

And when the storm came the two peas in a pod were under the kitchen table

Probably my new favorite picture :)

Rain is gone so a little outside time!

He's so fast on that thing, skillz!

Our site. We love going camping week days...see anyone around us?

This campground has a gorgeous rain garden filled with native plants, so beautiful.

We are looking forward to head out camping again soon.....without rain hopefully ;)

Opie's New Sport

2011-07-29T07:27:00.000-05:00

And that would be BMX...

Last night was Opie's first night trying out BMX and he looooooved it! It was just a night for kids to ride, no races so it was a perfect time for him to hop on his bike and try it out. And it's history from there. He did really well for his first time, only went down twice and only made me gasp 58 times. It was really fun to watch! He loved it and is wanting to make this another sport of his. He's super excited, so is dad ;)

Love that about him, he will try any sport and give it his all. His talent is multiple sports wows me every time! If the kid tried ballet he would rock at it! YAY Opie! So proud!

Tonight is ladies night which I am pretty giddy for. I am hosting a purse party so purses galore, wine and good chats. A few of my gals are bringing their boys so Opie will have fun running around too. Cheers!

Wednesday

2011-07-27T08:27:00.003-05:00

Taylor's fun snapshots from the lake. Hot, humid but it still looks like they had a blast!

Opie's last soccer game of the season was on Monday. This is where I am totally going to brag! They won, 4-0. OUR SON, yes the rock star with soccer skillz scored 3 of those 4 goals. HOLLA!!!!!!!!!! That's our boy!!!

Thank you gma and gpa H, Suzi and Hunter for coming to Opie's last game. I know it meant a ton to him to have fans on the sidelines :-)

Things have been pretty darn good this summer. No complaints. The end of the season soccer jamboree is tonight which Opie is pretty pumped about. He loves soccer, we love watching him and now he's all grown and will move onto traveling soccer. We are all super excited for that!

We have been hanging around home a lot. Camping trips have been slim. We are behind by a few but trips we always pick up towards the end of summer and fall. Parks are packed too. So we'll be planning a few more here soon, we are missing it. I miss getting away and going places where I feel totally at ease. Where Opie can play, meet new kids and we can breath. Where I can run a new trail, where we can play at a new beach/pool and see new things. And we are enjoying the days where Opie still thinks it's cool to camp with his parents, not begging to bring a friend and we all still have fun :)

We have done a few yard projects and have a few more. Those are always exciting, well at least for me. Bob would rather be doing something, anything else. Every year I say, "Oh honey I have no projects this year just want to buy a few flowers..." and before I know it we are replacing trees, building gardens, extending this or that. I won't even kid myself for next year and say that to him. I enjoy it. It makes me so happy. MN we are so limited to nice days and pretty yards that in the summer that is all I want to do. I would mow every day if I could that is how much I love being out there. Someday, someday we will live in a place where it's summer year round. Yup, we will!

Bob's favorite car show was this past weekend and he LOOOOOOOOOOOVED it! He took Opie two days and then the last day he went solo with friends for a man day. Bob loved it, Opie loved it and I am glad they had such a great time. Bob's friends came with their kids so Opie had kids to run around with. This car show also has a few things for kids to do (bouncy houses and such). It's always fun for Bob to have his cars in the show too, I know it makes him giddy :)

Over all life right now for us has been mellow and simple. A few hiccups as I like to call them but overall fantastic. Our kids are healthy and happy, we are healthy and happy and life is just good. I will get some girl time Friday night (surrounded by purses OMG how blissful does that sound!?) and this weekend looks lovely. Maybe a trip to the farmer's market, or a movie, maybe camping or maybe the beach. It's a weekend we have zero plans so it's ours to do whatever with. Love those weekends! Love life!

Dogs and More

2011-07-20T08:25:00.002-05:00

This week....

Bomber is here with us for a week. She is the most gentle, loving, sweet, precious dog. We LOVE her!

Friday got a haircut and with that came a blue mowhawk and a blue tail, we are dorks like that

I was sick Monday, S.I.C.K. In MN it has been 100 degrees and 80% humidity. On Monday I think I was the ONLY person in MN to take a hot bath, have two bowls of soup and the space heater on. I am better today, thankfully!

Because of the heat this week Opie's final week of soccer has been pushed to next week. Last game and the end of the year jamboree.

Bob's favorite car show is this week and he'll have both cars in the show this year :)

Taylor is up at the cabin for a week with her BFF Abby and my family. She has text me many times that it's SO hot there with no AC and her room is on the top floor. I couldn't do it.

We are truly disappointed! How rude of the movie industry to come out with a Captain America movie, Opie's FAVORITE superhero and it's rated R? What's next, a rated R Dora the Explored movie? Come on! Correction, just looked at it again and it's PG-13. Either my sickness took over my eyesight or the website was wrong...either way HOORAY!

Bob and I had a wonderful date this past weekend and a BBQ with some super cool friends. It was a fun weekend.

I have a fun appointment tonight, more ink :-)

We ~~dislike~~ hate the ~~IRS~~ H&R Block. Do it right or close your doors.

Happy Wednesday!

Special Gifts From Liberia

2011-07-13T14:26:00.002-05:00

My totally awesome friend who was in Liberia not too long ago came back with a couple gifts for Opie. We received them today and Opie is so very happy! He got a mask and a necklace (which he is wearing in the picture). He was thrilled and told me right away, "I can't wait to wear this necklace and tell people it's from Liberia where I am from!"

Thank you so much Jen, Opie loves the gifts! We love you!

Can you Help?

2011-07-11T14:46:00.002-05:00

See below in bold, is anyone out there willing to help? I also have a link to the right on this blog for Lifting Liberia.

Hello,

I hope you are all doing well. I have just returned from three and a half weeks in Liberia and am happy to report that things are progressing nicely. We are planning to open a couple of classes this September with the goal of adding additional classes after the first of the year. If you are on Facebook please “like” Lifting Liberia, NGO for regular updates and photos.

Construction costs have risen dramatically and we are over budget right now. I can’t tell you how important your continued support means. Please consider sponsoring a student for just $20 a month. Please contact me at HelpUs@LiftingLiberia.org to be matched with a student. You will receive the child’s picture, name, and updates on their progress. I will be traveling back to Liberia in September and am hopeful to have sponsors for all 90 students.

Other urgent needs include a generator, used laptops, playground equipment, funding for a well, and a sponsor for the feeding program ($200 per month). Please contact me if you are able to help with any of these. As always we are looking for continued support for our construction costs so if your church, school, club, or community organization is looking for a charity to help please think of me!

Bringing hope to Liberia one child at a time,

Karen Mathot Monson
President
Lifting Liberia, Inc.
One child at a time, One school at a time.
www.LiftingLiberia.org
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lifting-Liberia/188402757866176?ref=ts
801-231-6404

4th of July Weekend

2011-07-05T07:50:00.003-05:00

We were so lucky T came to hang out with us for awhile :)

The kids thought the smoke bombs were sooooooo omg cool!

T and the little ladies of the neighborhood

Bike races

Yes, that is a line. The kids had a hard time not being ON TOP of the fireworks

And that one was a little louder than what they were expecting, that will get them to move! Thanks to the wonderful selection of fireworks at Target the kids had a great time! It was a very lovely and blissful weekend. But in a way, it's great to be back to the routine after 10 days of vacation :-)

My Garden

2011-07-05T07:43:00.000-05:00

Weekend Project

2011-07-05T07:38:00.001-05:00

Because of Mother Nature taking out our 8/9 year old tree we had to replace it. That gave me the reason to expand that spot a little and make it a small garden/tree area. It was a lot of work but super fun, and I love any kind of yard project. And thanks to the truck and a rope the tree came right up. Of course Bob and I did this on a day it was 100 out, with 100% humidity but we did it. It's done. We are happy :)

before

after

5 Days of Bliss

2011-07-01T08:11:00.001-05:00

We had 5 days of vacation and let me tell you, FUN FUN FUN! Lots of swimming, time spent at the park, walks, sun and relaxing. We went to Crow Wing Campground and what a fantastic place! The pool was heated and clean and had two slides. The park was huge and had lots of fun things. The view of the lake was beautiful, the showers were so clean, the store was cute and had lots of fun stuff and our site was tidy and perfect. They had a fenced in dog park which was awesome for Daytona since she needs to run. The dogs loved it, we didn't...too.many.mosquitoes. Esh! They also had a dog washing station so each dog got a rinse down. We would defiantly go back. Fabulous memories! Life is good!

You can click on the pictures to make them larger

Ready? Watch me!

WAHOO!

It was so cute how he flew of the slide to the shallow side, he swam so fast! Such a good little swimmer, dad taught him well :)

Our view, it was way too weedy of a lake to swim but the view was so pretty.

Our campsite

The park

Opie met a friend, Jimmy and they had lots of fun playing, swimming and fishing.

Opie caught 1 sunny but I missed that

Mama and her babies that slept right by us

This is Gracie (the back of her head), that's Gracie with an IE! At least that what she told me. Her and Opie played a lot too.....sweet :)

By the end of every day Opie and the dogs were e.x.h.a.u.s.t.e.d! It was such a fun vacation! It was sunny and warm every day, some days did get a tad windy by the lake. The Emerson's came to visit us one evening too so Opie had another friend to play with. Such a good time, so good.

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!

Better

2011-06-24T09:44:00.000-05:00

Bitter is gone, better is in the house! I am over the trees and onto a new garden plans. All is good. The glass is back to being half full :-)

I am on vacation all of next week. All week. That is 10 days off. Bob is too. Blissful! Time together and alone and some fun. The weather looks like it's finally going to be nice so we will soak up some rays, replenish our vitamin D deficiencies and relax. Breath. Smell the roses. Ahhhhh.....

Kids are great. Husband is great. Dogs are great. Sun is out today and it's Friday. We have a fun week planned and a fun 4th of July weekend planned of projects.

And my baby, oh my hot sweet buns husband will be 35 on Monday - so an early shout out to that awesome man HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! What a stud, what a great man and what a great husband and father. Love that man to pieces. Adore!

So until my vacation is over I refuse to type or log on or post or check anything. That's the reason for the early shout out. So yay! Happy Friday! Cheers!

2011-06-21T08:21:00.003-05:00

So instead of spending our money to line our backyard to create a privacy fence from the neighbors who think dandelions are a beautiful perennial, we get to replace a tree. Again. Wait another 10 years for it to be of normal size. Spend more $ on a tree. Again. Cause MN is stormy. Again. Another one bites the dust. I don’t know if it’s just me but 10 years and all the roofs and siding and lost trees and lost plants and damage….enough already!

Oh yea, the neighbor's garbage can made it out just fine....what the?

The willow is now down half it's size

Bitter.

The Weekend

2011-06-20T07:47:00.000-05:00

Bob and Opie went to Bob's favorite car show this weekend, the boys had so much fun. Gma and Gpa were there too, a fun day for the two.

Opie got to rock climb at the car show and said it was SO.MUCH.FUN and he was SO HIGH ON THE WALL. Yes, he told me about it just like that ;)

This is one of my most favorite plants. The sun opens all the flowers and none ever fall off or die..they just open and close all summer long. The simple things in life that make me smile.

Daytona and her love interest. She loves when he comes over for a visit, that's when the flirting takes place ;) Her eyes look weird....

Here's a better picture of my gal

And the most handsome man of the weekend! VA VA VOOM! THIS GUY make me blush still after all these years. Such a stud. So in love. Happiness!

From Cheryl - AFAA

2011-06-17T11:36:00.001-05:00

Please help if you are able. Remember, AFAA is who gave us our son and made it possible.

6/17/2011
Some of you know why AFAA was started. Eighteen seconds of a "60 Minutes" story is truly why many of you have an "African Angel" in your life. I had three biological, almost adult "kids" when I watched the 1985 story about the cycle of famine in Mali, West Africa. Diane Sawyer "interviewed" a child, who said, "I see many children's die every day." I looked in to that child's eyes and I could not walk away and forget - I decided that some way, some how, I would find the child. It wasn't easy but when I found "Mohammed" my then husband and I borrowed $12,000, used every dime we had saved for a better car and maxed out our credit cards . . . because Mohammed was my son and I had to bring my son home.

Mohammed walked in to his new home, crippled with major back, leg & foot problems & wanted to clean. He thought he had been brought to America to be my "house boy". I told him he was here to be "my son" & he said, "I don't really know what that means but if you teach me, I promise to learn." Then Mohammed started talking about missing his friend "Nimit" who he helped learn to walk again, after Nimit had been found dying, alone in the Sahara.

I looked at Nimit through Mohammed's eyes and knew I had to do something and thus "Americans for African Adoptions, Inc." was born.

Since 1986 I have looked into the eyes of many African children. I have spent time in African countries at war, and Mali during a famine that killed many, many thousands of children. I have looked into the eyes of many hungry African children. I have looked into eyes filled with terror because of the horrors of war.

Yesterday I finished working with our accounting person for our year, 8/1/09 to 7/31/10. The information reinforced what I knew - changes must be made with our AFAA foster homes, OR we must quickly start closing them. We are financially hurting - badly.

For the most part, adoption fees, foster care, sponsorships and donations carried AFAA for all but the last few years. (In 2007 I took a $20,000 personal credit card loan for AFAA.) African lawyers now charge more than American lawyers. Expenses in Africa have escalated. My heart says not to walk away from the homes, and I know how much they are needed, BUT the funding isn't there to support the homes.

The children need YOU - you who adopted an African Angel; you who are wanting to adopt an African Angel; you who sometimes sponsored an African Angel; you whose African Angel is grown and hopefully wants to give back, you who know me and hopefully can help.

We keep increasing adoption fees but they do not come close to what many agencies are charging, and more and more families cannot afford to adopt. I could not sleep at night, if we raised our fees to the $25,000 range, like many agencies are doing.

The Ugandan foster home rent is now due - $5,000 every 6 months. The Liberian foster home rent is due in 6 weeks - $2,500 every 6 months. The AFAA/Liberian House is in bad shape and the landlord is in the US; old and insisting she is broke. AFAA must cover the expenses to try to keep the house running but the house needs a lot. The last time I looked at buying a house in Liberia the range was a minimum of $75,000. The range to buy a house in Uganda is about $100,000, thus we keep paying rent. AFAA owns the small piece of Nigerian land and the very tiny cinder block house were Mohammed's African mother cares for 8 Nigerian children. AFAA pays the house rent in Addis Ababa for Kelem's African mother and half-sister to live in two small rooms, and we pay her sister's school fees.

I just learned that "Oretha", our Liberian representative is now trying to sell our AFAA car for the AFAA House rent because we keep spending so very much money on keeping it running - some of the money from your donations, and the darn car is down yet again.

AFAA NEEDS help. AFAA NEEDS churches to sponsor an AFAA House - either to repair the one we rent in Liberia and take over the expense of running the house, OR to buy a new house, OR to buy land and build a house. AFAA needs the same in Uganda.

AFAA NEEDS (which means the children NEED) leaders in multiple churches to work with their missions groups to help the children.

AFAA NEEDS groups, sororities, fraternities, etc. to fund raise for the children.

AFAA NEEDS employers to do matching donations.

AFAA NEEDS a volunteer IT person and a volunteer grant writer.

AFAA NEEDS sponsors to cover school fees for a teenage Ugandan boy who came to our foster home and asked if he could do "anything", to earn a little to feed his grandparents, siblings and himself.) I hired "Kasidye". I then put Kasidye in a day school that you and I would not put our dog in but it was school. I then moved him to a $75 a month boarding school - not a pretty school but Kasidye is in school.

Mohammed took over school fees and expenses for his nieces and nephews, being raised by his African mother, but $600 to $750 a month is a huge chunk for him to cover.

AFAA NEEDS donations - July 1 is almost here and we must send $6,000 to Uganda to keep our program running there; $3,000 to Liberia to keep the AFAA program running there, $2,000 a month to Lesotho for our program and $350 a month to Ethiopia to keep that little program running. Every month, same money, month after month.

PLEASE, PLEASE - we NEED your help, the children NEED your help!

We NEED church mission groups to take over the expenses in running the foster homes and to repair the homes. The little Nigerian AFAA House was flooded when the Nigerian government opened a dam - funds are needed to repair the damage.

I have a poster of a beautiful African child, who is being asked, "What would you like to be when you grow up?" Her answer is, "Alive". PLEASE help us keep the children alive.

If you would like to see our tax return I will e-mail it to you.

PLEASE PLEASE HELP - the Angels of Africa NEED you and please remember that your donations are tax deductible. As always,

Peace, good food & clean water,

Cheryl

AFAA - 8910 Timberwood Drive - Indianapolis, IN 46234

Follower?

2011-06-17T10:01:00.000-05:00

If you follow this blog we'd like you to sign in as a follower. I put a gadget on the right side towards the bottom. We like to know who's out there reading and give shout outs :)

Happy Friday!

Friday Tidbits

2011-06-17T07:41:00.000-05:00

The boys, thinking they are so cool ;)

T pretending a trip to Lowes with mom is so much fun

And my man....with his new snazy tool box. To Bob this IS the coolest thing! So Happy Father's Day, or glad you finally bought yourself something or yay me for bossing him to buy it. And heck no, the counters are never, never ever that cluttered...ew never. Yup, Mr. and Mrs. Type A. Oh Bobby, he is so happy! YAY!

In other tidbit news the kids are doing great! Soccer and working, Kids Play and sleeping in, hanging with friends and watching TV...aw to be a kid again. My garden is starting to bloom, oh I see so many buds! I walk out there daily probably more like 12 to see what's popping up. Some plants I don't even remember what they are or what color the flowers are so it'll be a nice surprise. I let one plant grow and grow and it got pretty big, thinking wow it's kind of ugly. Oh yea, it was a weed. Still learning :) Dogs are good. Home is good. Jobs are good. Health is good. It's Friday, it's Father's Day weekend and life is good!

Happy Father's Day (early) to all you rock star dads out there!!!

Fun Night

2011-06-15T07:15:00.000-05:00

The 17 year old

Aw yes, how else would the picture be? Daytona must be front and center, she is the princess, if she stands on top of everyone they might pet her.....can you even seen Friday? Good grief!

What a sweet big sis to play superheros

Still sweet even though it didn't last long ;)

And the man of the house doing manly things, replacing a dishwasher :-)

It was a fun night, simple and sweet. The kids had fun, I had fun, and of course it looks like Bob is having a total blast. Life is pretty darn good these days ;)

The All Star

2011-06-14T07:16:00.000-05:00

free rodent, comes with bag of food...any takers?

Opie loves soccer and we really love watching him play. We are pretty disappointed in his team this year. Not cause they can't play but it seems they either act like 2 year olds on the field and do everything but play soccer or are kind of rude. He has yet to learn anything and it's more "free time" running with the ball than anything. Kind of painful for Bob and I to watch, knowing Opie WANTS to learn and IS serious. Guess we'll wait for traveling for those two things. But at least Opie is out on the filed, with his ball and having fun. That's the bright side ;)

Kids got their report cards in the mail and ROCK ON T and Opie!! FABULOUS report cards. We are so proud, as always, of our kids!! SO proud!

Camping Weekend

2011-06-13T07:39:00.002-05:00

We had out first camping trip this past weekend, close to home but far enough to feel like we got away. It was a beautiful campground, the weather was perfect and the 3 of us, I mean 5 of us had a great time. Ok Daytona wanted to be back home so make that 4. It was T’s birthday, shocker that a 17 year old would rather hang out with friends than come camping with two super cool adults!

We spent the weekend relaxing, walking the dogs, hiking, biking, running, eating, napping, reading and not having a care in the world. The dogs loved their walks and Opie loved riding his bike. And of course Opie played lots of video games. I mean who doesn't bring a TV and gaming system with when camping? Bob’s friend lives close to where we were so he came to visit. Nice to have company while sitting by the fire. The campground was very peaceful, most people were gone during the day and only there in the evening. In a way felt like we had the place to ourselves. We’d definitely go there again, we even have our next site picked out.

We saw lots of turtles, a lot and they were all laying eggs which was kind of cool to see. The snapper was huge, neat to see but we stayed our distance. The lake was gorgeous, the sky was blue aw….a perfect weekend!!!

Our next trip is the big one, 5 days/4 nights. We are all excited….well maybe not Daytona ;)

Birthday Girl

2011-06-13T07:21:00.001-05:00

HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY TAYLOR CHRISTINE!!!!

WOW, 17! So grown up, so beautiful, so sweet!! 17 years old!

T had a great birthday! She spent the day (yesterday was her actual b-day) with Taylor and was taken out to a fancy dinner. She was very loved and got lots of birthday wishes. It was a good day!

This is my favorite pix of T so I am using it again. Such a beauty!

2011-06-08T10:14:00.000-05:00

Some recent pics...from my phone so quality isn't the greatest. T chopped her hair, how adorable huh?

2011-06-07T08:16:00.000-05:00

Oh what a FANTASTIC weekend!! It was lovely, a little bit of everything and lots of happiness!

Saturday was my girls day and Bob’s boys day. Girls day was a run with my best friend, hours in the sun, lots of chit chat, good laughs and enjoying the ladies in my life. Loved every single moment of it. Bob had just as great of a day playing and doing boy stuff. Opie spent time with the grandparents and then at his cousins where he had a sleep over. He had the best time. It was a good day all around for all of us!

Sunday was more sun and more fun hanging at home. We loved watching Opie run around playing with his friends. We just hung out and even T hung out with us for awhile, this was a super duper fantastic treat!! Friends stopped over, we had yummy steak and Opie was in bed by 7:30. We were all a wee bit tired from the weekend and all the fun we had.

I think I had the best things in life this weekend at one time or another. I would love a rinse and repeat soon…..but I’m thinking my skin needs a UV break. Yes I am a 35 year old woman who loves to sit on the patio and bake in the sun. No judging please ;)

Opie started soccer last night, go team Inter Milan! He’s #7 and loved playing. Of course the first night it was about 100 degrees out, but they managed and had fun. It’s also his first day of his summer program today and was pretty excited. I can’t wait to hear about his day. Busy boy this week, lots of new fun things. T is out of school so working more hours and also babysitting a lot. She is loving the money and loving her free time wit her friends. She is turning 17 on the 12th. Let the summer begin!!!

Life has been very good lately. I feel there there is always our highs and our lows. I had my lows for a few months there with some life challenges but lately, it's so so good. I like this non-stressful life. I like when things go smooth. I like when there is no conflict. So I gotta let some things go, relax a bit, ignore a bit and enjoy this time. My family is healthy and happy and safe. We have a nice home with nice jobs and great people in our lives. My kids are so happy. I love my marriage and I am so happy with life in general. Life is good!!

2011-06-03T12:31:00.001-05:00

Friday's speed blogging.....

WAHOO it's Friday
The kids are officially done with school, as of yesterday and one is excited and one is sad (the one who loves school is sad)
I have a 3rd grader now
I have a senior now
Bob and I are old
Girls day and night tomorrow HOLLA! Anyone know a yummy summer cocktail drink to sip while on the patio soaking up the sun?
Bob will have boys day and night tomorrow, gooooooood riddens ;)
Opie gets to spend the day with grandma and grandpa and also part of the day with his cousins
I gained 2 lbs which is annoying, those cocktails on the patio won't help that situation
I get to run with one of my favorite people tomorrow
Dogs are good
2 camping trips have been booked
Soccer starts next week
T's 17th birthday is right around the corner
Bob's birthday is after that
Anyone want a smelly rodent?
We are all healthy, happy and for the most part sane.

Happy Friday - cheers!!

Happiness is...

2011-05-27T07:16:00.001-05:00

Finally, my lilac bush bloomed for the first time this year and I now have wonderful smelling fresh cut flowers in my kitchen...aw the good life!

And my garden so far....

Of course I had to toss in a picture of my insanely handsome son and the pups =)

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial weekend! Hope it's fun, safe and full of sunshine!!

Cheers!

2011-05-25T07:55:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else besides me super excited for this coming weekend? Oh a 3 day weekend, ya know coming off a long vacation this is just what I needed ;) Even though it looks like it'll be wet (shocker) I am still looking forward to it. Memorial weekend is the weekend that kicks off the summer, everyone is out, there are BBQs, it's the perfect weekend to buy flowers, to work in the yard or lay in the sun. Aw! And it's almost here! Happiness!!

The kids are getting super excited too, as it means school is just that much closer to being done with. Opie will be done with 2nd grade and off to 3rd and Taylor will be done with 11th grade and moving onto her senior year. GULP! Now HOW did that happen? Where did that time go? I don't know how to look for colleges or what to do or how to advise! AUNTIE DAWN!!!! HEEELLLPPP!!! It also means many of her friends, and boyfriend, graduate this year. Time sure does fly. I miss my little girl who demanded us to play Barbies with her. Taylor's birthday is also right around the corner, June 12th. She will be 17 and just as every year I received the list of birthday gifts....she wants window tint for her car, a stereo for her car, clothes, make-up, she wants her nails done, iPod nano and/or cash. Sigh.....

So here's to a great Memorial weekend that is just right around the corner. My goal is take several great shots and when I do I'll post them, rain or shine!! Cheers!!

Back!

2011-05-23T08:06:00.000-05:00

And I am back. Yup, back to the normal life.

ALL of last week…ok actually it started Friday the 13th at about 3:30 I went on vacation, and it lasted until this morning at the sound of my alarm clock. A vacation! I had the entire week off last week of work, and every day went something like this….a lovely morning run, tanning on the patio for hours, a nap, yard work, reading and the night usually ended with a bath and a glass of wine. Yes, almost every single day was a rinse and repeat. It was LOVELY!!! I had no plans, no appointments, no one home during the day it was all about me, me and me. Monday as I laid in the sun with my dogs next to me, iPod in my ear and the sun shinning on me I had a perma smile. I was so happy. SO.HAPPY. It was the perfect weather week, I mean perfect! And this vacation came at the perfect time, I was in much need of a mental break and needed to recharge my batteries. It was such a healthy week too and my runs totally rocked. I actually got the scale to love me and toss me a number that made me literally scream with joy! And greedy me is already planning my next week off. Lovely. Pure bliss! Wonderful! LOVED IT!

But of course this past weekend was a wash out. Rain. Lots of it. Storms. But I won’t complain since I had all those other days of sun ;) It was a good weekend with the boys just hanging out and doing this and that. Opie spent lots of time with his neighborhood buddies, Bob did this and that and I did this and that. We are a boring and simple family and I love it. I wouldn’t change a thing.

And now it’s Monday….and everything is right back to where it left off. Work with lots of catch up to do, laundry to do, house to clean, dinner to cook. Even have a cranky neighbor at it again. Sigh...

In Bobby news….on Saturday the 14th Bob ran his first 5k. When he started to run on the mill and said I think I’d like to try a 5k I signed him up for one that day. That was back in January. And he totally rocked this 5k!! No walking and pushed hard. YAY BOBBY!!!!!!! SO proud of him!!!

In Opie news Opie got fufu this past Friday as a surprise for dinner. WHAT a happy boy he was. And what a fast eater he was! That is his favorite Liberian food and it’s always so much fun to see the joy on his face when he gets to have it.

Happy Monday!!

Opie helping dad put together a storage shelf for his room.

Opie eating fufu

Opie and his 3 furry BFFs....yes that is the rodent with Friday in the doggy bed.

2011-05-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

This weekend was one of those perfect weekends, the kind you want to freeze the time. I never wanted it to end, I wanted to take a picture of every second of everyday of the weekend and I want a repeat of it this coming weekend. Get how amazing it was? There was a moment I was sitting outside and it was so....perfect. I was watching Opie run through the sprinkler with his friend and they were having such a blast. The sun was on me, it was warm out, Bob was working on his car, I could hear the birds. It was that moment I thought WOW, this IS the good life!!

We spent every second we could outside and we got a lot done. We also got in lots of r&r time too. Opie loved playing with his friends and running between all the friend's houses. Bob finished his car project. I just did this and that. We even go to light up the patio which was so relaxing and fun. Bob thought it was a huge fire hazard ;) I had the fire bowl lit, the tiki torches lit, candles lit and had a fire going. AW! My kind of evening!

Mother’s Day was fantastic as well! It was a rainy day but still perfect, besides one little downer. We spent the morning cleaning….one of our favorite things to do, we had a fun Target trip, I watched a girly movie and it was just simple. I adore my family and what they did for me on this day, I felt so spoiled and loved and adored. Why can’t Mother’s Day be more often…maybe once a week?

Now this week looks pretty good too. Some rain but that is ok. I have all of next week off, yes a whole week of vacation so the weather can do it’s thing this week and bring on the sun and heat for when I am on vacation. I have nothing planned but runs, sun and books. I might garden a little but just want the week for me. It’s a much needed mental vacation.

Bob and I also have a 5k this coming weekend which we are totally excited about. Bob has never ran a 5k, a new runner and all so it’s exciting. He’ll totally rock too, I just know it.

I am trying tp post pictures from this weekend, Opie and flower and the dogs and fun but it’s not letting me….dumb internet ;)

Happy Tuesday!

2011-05-06T08:20:00.000-05:00

It's Friday...and OF COURSE today is going to be sunny and 70. Of course, how else would it be? ;)

It's been a great week. Happiness all around. Kids are good and my husband is the best. I see more green outside and the air is a tad warmer each day. I feel great and life is just good. One thing I do miss is running. Oh it's been driving me batty not being able to run. Trying to let my foot heal and then I'll be back at it, full force. Until then my Jillian DVDs are getting lots and lots of us. Gotta love Jillian!

We are looking forward to a peaceful weekend at home. We have no plans and hope the weather is good. Mother's Day I am hoping to go hiking but we will have to see if Mother Nature wants me to.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you lovely mothers out there!! This Mother's Day is extra special for two ladies I adore (A and J)....they have their African Angels home with them!

Cheers!

2011-05-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

This past Friday had a forecast of sunny skies and temps in the 70's. So Bob and I did what we had to do, we took the day off from work. Yes, a date day. A sunny day with temps in the 70s and to do this and that outside. Alone. Just the two of us. Happiness!

It was partly sunny.

It was NOT 70.

The wind picked up at about 1:00p.

Clouds came.

It got cold.

Well, before 1p we did really enjoy the day and being outside. Bob got all his man stuff done that he wanted to...the RV, car, mower and this and that.

I got to mow, planted two trees and some bulbs, got the patio all tidy and washed the truck. I also took care of the birds and picked up the yard. The normal “spring” stuff we do.

It was so fun, peaceful and we loved it. Til 1:00p. Even those the day turned out to be crap it was nice to be home with my man all day, to hang out and to have that time.

I have no idea what her intentions are or why she must fool with us like this but it’s May 2nd. We all really do want spring. Sunny skies. We want the trees to have leaves on them, flowers to bud and some of us REALLY want those powerful UV rays. This is making me cranky. I dislike. This coming Friday looks beautiful, but I won’t fall for her cruel joke again.

The rest of the weekend was rain and clouds and wind and cold. We hung out inside and had a pretty mellow weekend. We had family pictures on Sunday which was fun. You have no idea how hard it is to get a picture with 10 people in it and everyone looks good. 4 is even a challenge. Nice knowing we don’t have to do that again…at least for a couple of years =)

Happy Monday!

My Family

2011-05-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T08:24:00.001-05:00

I love this last pictures, goof balls!

Easter as every year was a hit at mom’s! The kids were more than excited running about to find their eggs, they loved their baskets, the company was good, food was good and this year it was my side and Bob’s all in one. Special! It was also Hunter’s birthday so there was ice cream cake too. Clipboard you may ask? Yea that is Uncle Eric and the clipboard is because there are so many kids/eggs it has to be written down. He was in charge. You have to know my 6 months in advance pre-planning mom, it’s her favorite holiday and she goes way over board ;) It's like Christmas in the spring. She loves it!! And yes the deck has no railings….it was only for pictures they sat out there. I was gasping even for those 4 minutes.

It was a good day!

2011-04-22T07:44:00.000-05:00

So yesterday out of the blue Opie asks me..."Is it really you and dad who take my teeth and give me money? Tell me the truth mom." First, he always says "tell me the truth"....like we lie so often. I said, telling him the truth, that no way would we give him money for this tooth. Why would we want his tooth? And why would we give him money when we give him so much already? He was content with my answer. He didn't push anymore. I think a bit happy that I told him the truth so for now....we still have a little boy who still believes ;)

It's funny the things Opie says or asks, sometimes surprising too. A couple weeks ago he told us how angry he was at a kid at school for calling him Oswald. Huh? Well it seems Opie does NOT like anyone to call him Oswald, he doesn't like that name. This was new to us. For as long as Opie has been home Oswald is only used on paperwork, that's it. Or sometimes I say Oswald Paye...guess he was probably cringing when I said that. So we told him how special the name Oswald is. It's one thing that he was born with, that he could take from Liberia to America and it's special because that is the name his birth mom gave him. Ok....he said he kind of likes it....but still doesn't want people to call him that.  Opie it remains :)

On a funny note, with how Opie still will mix up words......a while ago he asked for bunions. Yes, bunions. What the..........duh mom those salty rings that are sooooo good! AW yes Opie, here are some Funyuns! But if you DO want bunions I got some big painful ones I can give ya!

So in other news...T started her new job. Her second job. She loves it. Why wouldn't she? Working at a store that all teens and cute clothes? School is going great and her junior year is just flying by. A senior next year....a SENIOR! Stress. Heart rate increasing. Blood pressure is up. I am starting to sweat. SO.NOT.READY!

Dogs are doing better. Daytona is back on track again and her normal oddball self. Friday still has soreness from time to time but he seems better. My babes!

And finally, it's Easter weekend! It'll be a great weekend and everyone in this house is super excited! I am finally getting my first tattoo re-done and so happy!!! So long tinerkbell and hello pretty flowers! Easter is at my mom/dad's and it's everyone, Bob's family and all. I am so excited to see the kids giggle and run during their egg hunt and have a blast. Grandma...I mean the Easter Bunny ALWAYS does such a good job at hiding eggs and doing fun baskets. It's a blast!  Good food, good company and lots of love. Family time is so precious!!

Happy Easter and Happy Earth Day!! Remember to think green!!

FINALLY HOME!

2011-04-20T07:19:00.001-05:00

Welcome home to your forever family Mason!!!

We are so SO very happy and love you all dearly!

Sweet boy!!

REALLY?

2011-04-20T07:15:00.000-05:00

April 20th...really? I mean really!!!!!!!!!!!????????????

I am bitter.

My Mom

2011-04-15T10:28:00.001-05:00

My mom is the most generous, caring, loving, fun, giving, adorable, cheerful, beautiful, funny and amazing person. She is the really the most fantastic mom and grandma!

Happy Birthday Mom!
We love you so very much....you mean everything to us!

2011-04-15T10:04:00.002-05:00

TGIF!!

It’s been a busy week…work, dogs, kids, this and that. Love that it’s Friday, needed it to be Friday!

Friday had a vet appointment yesterday. His yearly check-up but also because he’s sore and we aren’t sure where or why. He stopped going up and down the stairs, on the couch and off the bed. Not like him. Doc says it’s probably a sore neck and gave him pain meds and restrictions for 2 weeks. Poor baby. Daytona is having stomach issues again. That dog has one touchy stomach. So I get the fun job of collecting poop and bringing it in. She is on meds and no treats or vitamins or anything but her 3 cups a day of food. Frontline and heartworm and meds and visits and poop cup….it sure adds up. Hoping next week is a better week for the pups.

Kids are great! T starts her new job next week and is excited. Prom is this weekend which she decided not to go to this year. She is finally getting how expensive things are and we are finally not dishing out to her at every demand. She’s been to 3 proms already and said she’ll make her senior prom a tad more fancy =)

Opie is doing great. School is good and he’s been playing hard outside. The boys play tackle football as often as they can. Tackle, as in throwing each other down as hard as they can and not a care in the world who gets hurt. I often find myself yelling “Be careful!!!!!! Someone is going to lose an eye!” but they look at me like a deer in headlights and continue to show their man power. Helmets and pads I think will be required this summer. And who can keep up with the wear and tear on his clothes!? I am in aw of how hard boys really are on their clothes. New jeans…they last 3 days before they look 10 years old and have holes. T-shirts…the same. Shoes…the same. Oye!

Bob has been busy at work and also working on his car as often as he can. He is loving his new hours and so are the rest of us! Home at 4:30, it’s odd to eat dinner in the daylight. We love our extra time with the world’s greatest man =) Love it!

All is good with me…work has been busy. Free time is cleaning and cooking and running and napping and in the yard when it’s nice. Mellow. Simple. Good. And that is how we hope the weekend is. With of course running to the store to get Opie new clothes….shocker!

Cheers!

Birthday Boy

2011-04-13T07:12:00.000-05:00

Happy 6th Birthday Friday Saturday Johnson!! You are sooooooooooooooo loved and will get lots of extra hugs and kisses today!!

Football Pictures

2011-04-13T07:10:00.000-05:00

2011-04-11T07:37:00.000-05:00

What another fabulous week and weekend! Sunny, warm, everyone is healthy, happy....oh this spring is so good! Tulips are starting to pop up and the grass is looking so green. Happiness!

I ran my first race of the year Saturday and I loved it, it was so much fun and the weather was perfect. By far one of my favorites. We spent the rest of the day outside doing this and that. Cousins Tucker and Riley came over and spent the night. The boys had fun. It was a good day.

We took Friday to the pet store on Sunday for his birthday (which is this Wednesday). He took a dump in the aisle right away. Thanks buddy! We got all the pets some fun stuff. We spent the rest of the day inside just hanging out. We all took a nap, watched some TV, Opie played with his friends....a really relaxing Sunday. It was a gooood weekend!

Nothing really new or super duper exciting is going on over here. We are just enjoying spring and all the clean up and summer preparations it comes with. We are looking forward to this week which we have zero I mean ZIP on the agenda. AW a week and weekend to do what we want and no plans yay!! Here's to the good life!!

AW!

2011-04-05T08:06:00.000-05:00

It was the perfect weekend here for the Johnson tribe. Perfect! Saturday we had sun and 50s which meant outside all.day.long. ALL.DAY.LONG. Opie played hard with his friends while Bob and I did lots of yard stuff and outside stuff. It was fabulous!!! I think we are so far the only neighbors who have our patio set out and the winter stuff put away. We were all in bed by 8. All that fresh air and all ;) Spring is here, it is!!!!

Sunday was our anniversary (yes I thought it was Saturday). Bob and I had a date, so off to grandma's Opie went and Bob and I went and grabbed lunch. Time alone with Bob is always fun and I cherish it, it doesn't come around often. After that we just walked around Lowe's. It was a fun date, very fun! Back home and outside we were.

It was the perfect spring weekend, fun and warm and sunny and fun!!

Now THIS coming weekend they are saying 60's! Oh I have my outside to-do list all ready and I can not wait! I have a race Saturday am and then the rest of the weekend we are home and outside and enjoying the weather. Aw the simple things in life =)

9 Years

2011-03-31T10:55:00.000-05:00

I love this man. I cherish this man. I adore this man. He is my very best friend, the light in my life and he truly is the best husband. I am so very lucky to be married to him and I cherish each and every day I have with him. And not to mention he's pretty darn handsome too!

Saturday is our 9 year anniversary, with the rest of this week and weekend busy I don't plan on blogging. So my shout out is today....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY YA STUD ;)

YOU ARE SO LOVED!!

Skype

2011-03-30T07:32:00.000-05:00

Opie and his best friend from Liberia saw each other last night and got to talk thanks to Skype. Opie loved it!! It was cute to hear them talk, the questions they asked each other, how Opie had to show Olando the dogs and Olando did the same and how smiley Olando is. It was also fun for us to see Kristi and for all of us to be connected in this super cool way. Both boys were extremely happy and I'm sure will be chatting again very soon. I am not a tech person but this Skype thing is pretty cool! Now I am trying to find other kids that are home from Liberia for Opie to chit chat with and see. It means a lot to us that Opie stay connected with some of his friends from Liberia.

In other news this week the weather is in the 40's, AW spring! Saturday is going to be 50 and yes, we will be spending out day outside!! It's that time of year I am obsessing about getting outside in my garden and laying in the sun and running and mowing and watering and buying flowers and and and... Summer is my hobby! All of it! I get a wee bit cranky towards the end of winter.....(lie I am cranky all winter). I truly believe I am meant to live on a tropical island with access to UV rays 365 days a year. But until the kids are grown this is home. Snow and all.

This and That

2011-03-29T11:48:00.000-05:00

• Bob got earlier hours at work, hooray!

• The sun is out and I hear the birds

• Found a picture of Opie in our paperwork, the oldest picture we have of him. Adorable!

• I got to paint this past weekend, one wall but I got to paint

• Bob worked on his Mustang this past weekend, that makes him a happy man

• Daytona is off her meds and special diet and is A-OK

• We have a fun April coming up with almost every weekend booked

• I have my first race of the year next weekend

• Prom is right around the corner, T is still undecided if she is going

• Friday’s birthday is coming up

• Opie has his spring pictures tomorrow

• Daytona has pretty light purple nails

• It’s going to be 50 and sunny Saturday

• Life is good!

She Smiles Now

2011-03-21T08:46:00.000-05:00

Taylor is smiling as she is signing her very first tax form. She thinks it's exciting as she will get about $75 back. Smile now Taylor....you just wait. Someday you will be crying ;)

Both of the kids rocked their 2 tri in school with awesome grades! We are so very proud of them and how well they both do in school. We are lucky, our kids have always done well in school. We are proud!!

It was a good weekend here....snow is almost gone, temps were warm, a little rain and mellow days at home. Opie played with his friends, Bob and I did this and that, T worked most of the weekend and it was just a nice weekend. Here's to a great week!!

Cell Phone or PSP

2011-03-17T12:20:00.002-05:00

Opie: Mom, I think you should buy me a cell phone.

Me: Oh really!?

Opie: I need a cell phone, for my friends house so I can call you and tell you if I am going to play there or outside and you don’t have to worry about me.

Me: Nope! (with I am laughing)

Opie: OR if you don’t buy me a cell phone you have to buy me a PSP.

Me: Oh ok! That sounds like a deal. (laughing)

Opie: I will not get my other ear pierced, so you can buy me a cell phone or a PSP. That is a good deal.

Me: Oh is that how it works?! HA! No and no and no, ask again when you are 16.

Gotta love how kids think. Buying Opie a cell phone would be for ME ya know, so I wouldn’t worry and so I would know where he is. Oh we must buy him a cell phone now since it’s for me ;)

It’s been so spring like here the past few days, temps in the 40’s and the sun has been out. A lot of snow has melted which brings a smile to my face!!! I have been out as often and it takes all effort not to throw on some gloves and spring clean. Yea yea…it’s too early. But with the snow melting I see what the dogs have left me, the mess the birds made over the winter with seed and just all that needs to be cleaned up. I can not wait. I love this kind of work. I can’t wait to put some gloves on and get to work!! As for now the only work I can do is pooper scooper duty…gross but it’s something to get me out. I’ve hit the pavement, dogs have been walked, windows are open….aw spring. I am so ready for you!!

2011-03-14T07:26:00.000-05:00

What a fabulous weekend! Opie played hard with his friends all weekend and had a blast!! Video games, playing outside, basketball and he even went to a sleep over. It was a great weekend for him. T worked and also had fun with her friends. Bob and I hung out, I found a guy who is going to my tattoo (yay!), we watched two really good movies and we had my family over Sunday. Oh how the dogs LOVED up on Paulina!! It was so cute, they wouldn't leave her side =) I think Paulina felt pretty darn special!

Happy Monday!!

Just Because....

2011-03-10T14:30:00.000-06:00

2011-03-10T08:10:00.002-06:00

Finally, FINALLY after a long journey Opie's best friend from Liberia is home! Olando is home and with his forever family safe and sound. What a joyous time! This was a long wait for his family and we are all so happy it's over, he is home. I'm going to learn how to Skype so Opie and Olando can see each other chat. It'll be nice for them and also for all of his other friends home from Liberia too. Skype...yea I'll have to ask my teen to show me how this works ;)

Daytona seems to be feeling better. She is only eating raw food, won't touch her day food so I guess we'll have to get her something different. Maybe she was like "ohhh my gawwwwd you guys this bison flavor is so gross I am totally going to vomit this up!".......if you know Bob you know how Daytona's voice sounds ;) So we are happy and I hope whatever it was is gone and done with.

And once again, like previous years, we will be doing the annual walk for the Humane Society. It's a fun day for us and the dogs and it's all for such a good cause. If you want to donate please click on the link. Any amount helps.

http://events.animalhumanesociety.org/site/TR?px=1493558&pg=personal&fr_id=1150&et=W14xos1VdkeU6V8bCbP12w..&s_tafId=18641

Happy and Not So Happy

2011-03-09T07:37:00.000-06:00

Daytona is not so happy. She is sick. She won't eat breakfast and she threw up....for reasons unknown. I was in and out a lot yesterday so it may be stress. Yes, she is that obsessed with me that she does get stressed out when I leave. I was in and out a lot. The last time Bob said she was crying when I left. Poor babe :(

Happy is Friday who got a haircut yesterday! He loves going to see his groomer Tammy and is always so happy and hyper after haircuts.

Our dogs....our babies =)

Aw!

2011-03-08T09:32:00.002-06:00

Lovely!

2011-03-07T07:29:00.001-06:00

The way to describe the weekend! Opie's last game was fantastic! He did an awesome job this year and we are so proud of him. Thank you grandma, grandpa, Hunter, Suzi and Chuck for coming. Thanks grandma for treating us all to breakfast after, it was such a fun morning =)

Going to the tattoo shop was fun, it was easy and we really like the guy and the shop. Didn't love his work. Onto the next place this coming weekend whose work we do love...hope we like him. Sigh...... The we had a beer after at some small bar below the shop. Totally enjoyed my alone time with Bob, such a treat!

Date night was wonderful! We had such a fabulous time with Brian and Holly, dinner was delicious and I felt so spoiled going out. Hoping we can do this every other month or so =)

Sunday was a lazy R&R day for all of us....nap, run, kids over, Bob doing his thing in the garage, laundry, cleaning, hair colored....LOVELY weekend!!!!

Fridays are Good!

2011-03-04T08:20:00.001-06:00

And it’s Friday! YAY!!! KA-RAZY week and glad it’s coming to an end…..

I have to jot down a few things here, that Opie has said because I never want to forget them!

**Reading a book yesterday Opie gets stuck on a word, the word in kindergarten. He says “Oh, well I didn’t remember kindergarten cause I am older now”. Aw ok…that’s it ;)

**At the hotel this past weekend I told both Bob and Opie I am Queen B and he tells me…”well dad is queen A!”.

**Taking to Opie about the two dads on the show Modern Family and how they adopted a little girl. Opie saying “oh two dads like Taylor has two dads and two moms!?” Yea not what I meant...will save discussion for a later date =)

Aw the good times, the innocent things Opie says and thinks….what he gets and doesn’t get. I would pay to keep him at this simple age for several more years. It’s always a laugh at our house and plenty of smiles!!

In other fun news we have an exciting weekend ahead of us. Tomorrow is Opie’s last basketball game. I’m kind of excited about this…selfish me is thinking ok great, basketball is over so that means soccer is coming up which means SUMMER! WAHOO! So grandma and grandpa are coming to the game as well as Bob’s sister and family. Opie will feel so proud! Then off to breakfast we go with everyone. After that Opie will spend the day and night with his two cousins Tucker and Riley at my sister's. He asks all.the.time to go there and play, he adores his cousins. So Bob and I will have the day and evening to ourselves. We will spend a few hours running around the city trying to find a tattoo place, yes tattoo place so they can fix me. I have 4 tattoos from younger years that make me go what the %$#@ was I thinking? Obviously I wasn’t. I did find a place close to home, met with the guy, put down $60 deposit who then refused to help me or work with me. He’s fired and I’m $60 down. Grrrr…. So off we go to find someone who will work with me and will fix me. Up first…tinker bell which annoyingly displays on my ankle. Yes, tinker bell. No offense to anyone who has a tinker ball tattoo but that would be right up there with a tweety bird tattoo on my bicep. Yes, she will be covered up first. This should be an interesting outing. Hoping to get this done…soon. Not a fan socks in the summer ;)

After that we have a double date, an adult double date with some close friends. DATE! Meaning I will ditch my lounge pants and top knot for some heels and earrings. Sooooo excited! SO excited!!!!

Opie will have a blast, Bob and I will have a blast and I’m sure T will be out and about with her friends. Good weekend for all, very good weekend!

In other news….we will be doing the 2011 Walk for Animals again this year to support and raise funds for the Animal Humane Society. If you want to help please follow this link…..all donations would be greatly appreciated!!!

http://events.animalhumanesociety.org/site/TR?px=1493558&pg=personal&fr_id=1150&et=W14xos1VdkeU6V8bCbP12w..&s_tafId=18641

Cheers!

3 Days of Fun

2011-03-02T07:51:00.000-06:00

We had a fabulous weekend get-a-away this past weekend…Saturday to Monday. We headed up north to a hotel/ water park and had 3 days of play and fun! Since the dogs were with one of us had to always stay in the room with them, hotel rule. So there is a lack of pictures this year, boo!

Opie spent hours, hours in the pool. At one point I was wondering if Bob and Opie would ever return to the room. I think the best was Monday morning, Opie and I had the water park all to ourselves. Not another person was there, it was fabulous! We played water basketball, dodge ball, swam and went down the lazy river too many times to count! It was also pretty nice for Bob and I, with one of having to stay back cause of the dogs. This gave both of us time to breath =)

Opie also played in the arcade and wow, tokens go fast when all you do is press a button and watch the ball land on how many tickets you get. By the time we were done, $15 dollars in tokens got Opie a rainbow slinky (junk), a tiny army tank (junk), a tiny plastic lizard (junk) and a handful of candy (junk).

We love his hotel; this is our second time spending a cold MN winter there and will defiantly do it again next year! Now I will spend the next 6 months looking forward to our summers end week long vacation, hooray! ;)

It's A Happy Day!

2011-02-18T11:13:00.000-06:00

Today is a fantastic day! It's been a fantastic week! I have hit my 10 pound mark...10. I feel great and I am happy! I know I am capable of anything. I will push harder now and know I'll get to my goal. I can do it! Aw life is good, life is sooooo good!

Happy Friday!

Opie Carries……

2011-02-17T09:04:00.001-06:00

When Opie gets something he loves or finds something like a toy he hasn’t seen in awhile he becomes obsessed with it. He will carry it with him at all times, ALL times and for weeks until the toy or object changes. Like recently, it’s his Superman action figure, a new toy gun he bought with his own money and a new matchbox car. He loves them. He carries them everywhere. They come in the car, to basketball, to the grocery store, to bed, to breakfast, to the entry way as he’s getting ready to leave for school, to the couch when he watches TV, in the bathroom when he is getting ready….ok you get it. They are always with him, always. Well now let’s add shoes to this mix. Opie got new basketball shoes yesterday. He wore them all night last night til it was time for bed. This morning he grabbed them, along with his toys and went into our bedroom to lay down and cuddle the dogs. He set the shoes on the ground, his toys on the night stand and into the bed he went.

This is adorable, we love it. We think it’s so stinkin cute that he loves his toys, or shoes so much that he wants them with him all.the.time.

He’s not feeling so hot today…..so is relaxing on the couch. But first he said he needed to get ready so he could wear his shoes….note his new shoes and toys by his side. He makes us smile =)

A+

2011-02-16T08:41:00.000-06:00

Opie's conferences were last night and as always his teacher had nothing but positive things to report! YAY OPIE!!! Opie is doing fantastic in school and has really improved with his reading and math skills. His teacher also told us how very kind and caring and thoughtful Opie is. Yes, we are soooooooo proud!!

After his rock star report we headed to the book fair where as always Opie got to pick out a couple of books. By the time he went to bed he had one book almost finished. He was sleepy and begged to keep reading....aw our little book worm =)

Taylor is off to the zoo today for Spanish class. I'm not sure why, maybe they walk around and point at animals and say their name in Spanish? Either way what a fun day for her! It's going to be almost 50 here today and the sun is out.....lovely day for the zoo! Yes, 50 is warm. 50 is a heat wave to us here in MN in February, a total heat wave. House windows will be open.

Nothing new to report on for Bob or I. Maybe a little more tired and a few more wrinkles ;) I feel I might struggle a little with dropping the last half of the weight I need to. They always say the last 5 is the hardest....heck these last 10 feel like they will be hard. Discipline. I get it. I know what to do. But I am still truly enjoying where I am so far. To wash jeans to TRY to shrink them is a fabulous feeling. Fabulous!

Happy Wednesday!

Weekend and Pictures

2011-02-15T07:18:00.002-06:00

First I want to wish everyone (a day late) a Happy Valentine's Day!! We didn't get a chance to mail cards this year, things have been a little hectic. We love you all and hope you all had a nice day yesterday and got lots of love =)

We had a busy weekend this past weekend, a fun kind of busy weekend. We had Opie's basketball game and of course, he totally rocked! Then we spent the rest of the weekend on the 3rd level. We painted and did some re-decorating. Lots of work taking everything down and putting it back together. It was also the Bud Shootout, vroom vroom!

The kids had a great VDday yesterday. Opie had a school party and came home with lots of cute cards and candy. His treat from us was an Evo Dub City car. T's gift from us was a full tank of gas and I washed her car and got it all shiny. I had yesterday off, a "Carie" day and it was PERFECT! I got to sleep in, went tanning, washed my truck & T's car, worked out, cleaned the house, spent some time outside (even if it was picking up dog doo it was nice to be outside) and the weather was lovely! Warm! Windows were open and it was a happy day!!

So with that here are pictures from this weekend; 3rd level, the dogs, Opie and some of these are Opie's shots, my cute little photographer ;)

2011-02-09T09:18:00.000-06:00

A shot from this weekend, this picture makes me happy =)

Superbowl night

Today, Opie isn't feeling well so is home. Poor babe.

Home

2011-02-09T07:42:00.000-06:00

One of Opie's dear friends from Liberia and his sister are home, finally home =) Here is their story:

http://www.sonowwhatfriends.blogspot.com/

I also have this saved under the blogs we follow on the right. Precious kids, so precious!

Welcome home Theo and Blessing!!!

My List

2011-02-08T12:22:00.003-06:00

So things these last few days, even the last few weeks have been……I won’t even go there. I believe we have experienced every emotion and we are tired. We are exhausted.

But I know we also have the power to not let our emotions take over, to own us. So I am trying.

So to focus on the positive and happy I put together this list, a list of things that make me happy and that are positive……..so here it is…

• Another cold, snowy month has passed. One month closer to spring.
• Opie’s basketball games and how proud he makes us.
• My kitchen and living room are finally done, all the decor I wanted is here and up and it’s done.
• Packers won the SuperBowl!
• I am down 9 pounds and still going strong.
• I get to paint this weekend, I love to paint.
• We have our family vacation coming up, 3 days of total r&r.
• The Daytona 500 is just days away…vroom vroom.
• Getting to see pictures of Opie’s friends in Liberia.
• Hearing “I love you” from the ones I love the most.
• Sitting in a chair with Daytona on my lap…all 53 pounds of her on my lap like she is a lap dog.
• My kids, my husband….my family.
• It being light a little earlier each morning and staying light a little longer each night.
• Creating my “to do” list for my yard and garden.
• Those tight jeans that are now loose.
• Libby.
• Lounge pants, sweatshirts and slippers.
• Opie’s love of drawing lately and the amazing pictures he gives us.
• Doing lists just like this to remind me of happy things and positive things.

One Month Done!

2011-02-01T07:46:00.001-06:00

It's February 1st! I am happy! I am happy because I did it, I made it through one month of my new life style changes BOO-YA!!!!  I went one whole month without junk food, pop, grease, cocktails, fast food, chips and dip (my favorite, I am a total salt freak), no yummy delivery pizza for dinner, I spent hours working out and taking care of ME. I DID IT!!!!!! I am giddy! From here on out it should only get easier....I hope.

I don't really miss a lot of the old stuff I would eat and drink.  I thought I would and have a day I would totally pig out and have a diet dew but I never did. I feel fantastic. A wee bit more tired, not sure why but I will blame it on this looooooong winter.  I lost 8 pounds in the month of January (4lbs in the first week) and feel like great. I am happy. I am proud. I did it!

My goal for February is to relax a tiny bit....meaning when friends come over for the Superbowl to have that bowl of chili and that glass of wine. But to make this a rare event....but enjoy it when it does happen and not to feel guilty and stress about it the next day.  My other goal is to kick up the workouts. Extend them by even 10 minutes or lift heavier weights. I can do it, I will do it!!!

Happy February!!!!!!!!

2011-01-31T08:50:00.001-06:00

I don't know what it is lately but this winter is drrrrraaaaaaaaggggggiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggggggg! Big time! I find myself on the weekends board out of my mind! I clean, do laundry, workout, get this or that done and it's noon and I am like huh...what next? If we were rich I would shop, but we are not. If it was sunny and warm I'd be outside, it is not. If I had a project to do I would, I do not. Opie plays with his friends and T does her own thing. I find myself board. It's annoying. I want spring.....I am being such a huge baby about all this and Bob is annoyed ;) I guess the positive side of this is January IS over after today....esh!

I know I sound like a debbie downer....but I was built for sun and heat and grass and to be outside. Being stuck inside and seeing never ending snow makes me...well it makes me very blah. Ok I need to snap of of this....enough pouting! In a couple weekends I can begin to paint our family room, that will be a fun project. Redecorate a bit...clean, hang things and organize. That will take up one weekend and will be fun. And we also have a weekend get-a-way coming....guess I need to just following my own words when I tell people to "suck it up sally" ;) Ok.....I will!

On a happy note today is Daytona's 1 year "gotcha" day! Aw our baby girl, so sweet!!! T is still looking for a job, our fingers are crossed. She too is board out of her mind and needs an outing, like a job. It would be helpful for our mental state too ha!

There is great news regarding Liberia!! Two of Opie's friends from the AFAA home arrived home this past week =) YAY!!!! We are hoping more at to follow very soon =)

Ok, since this post is all over the place I'll just end it with...Happy Monday!

Fun and Pretty Weekend

2011-01-24T08:15:00.000-06:00

The fun part of this weekend was Opie's basketball game. He rocks and did awesome!!! I took a bunch of pictures yet this is the only one that turned out, why I have issues at his game with pictuers not turning out I have no clue. I'll blame it on the school's lighting ;)

We ran errands this weekend which is always fun, it's always nice to get out. Opie played with friends, Bob went snowmobiling, we cleaned (remember, that is fun for me!), Opie got his hair cut, Bob and I watched 5 hours in a row of Dexter (addicts!), we watched football (YAY PACKERS!!) and we relaxed. It was a fabulous weekend!!

The pretty part of this weekend was, is our girl. Yes, I went there. I painted her nails....oh how fancy she looks!!! *if you click on the picture you can see it bigger and see her mani...or would it be a pedi?

With temps this weekend in the single digits, or sometimes negative it was a great weekend to stay inside. This week looks pleasant, in the 20's which means yes I will open up some windows and get fresh air in this air tight sealed house for 6 months because we live in MN ;)

Here's to a great week!!