1. Wear cheap clothing: you never know when you'll "run into" a cabinet and rip it...
2. "Don't swear, because God doesn't like it, and you want God to like you because hell is SCARY!"~student
3. Don't bring apples with my lunch because my student will play Annoying Orange with it and yell "Apple...what??...knife" and slice right through it and then proceed to eat it.
4. No matter how hard we all try throughout the day to keep the room clean, it will still be destroyed come 3pm.
5. www.buildyourwildself.com is the best website for kids to play on! You can even set it as your desktop and learn some cool things about the animal parts you picked. (It kept our kids engaged for 45 minutes!) Way to go Ms. Jess with that idea!
Today was such a Monday. We were all tired and still full from Thanksgiving......
Thank goodness I have such a loving husband...he's meeting me in Rochester with a nice, not ripped shirt to wear to class!
Happy Monday!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Christmas is coming, ready or not!
Today I finished putting up my nutcrackers in our upstairs sitting room. I know I'll be fussing with them until they look just right, but here they are as of now.
Then Cher came out to help us find the perfect tree. She ended up helping way more than I did. I couldn't find my 2nd mitten in my car....
Alan and Cher are going to bring it down to our house sometime this week, then we can get going on the decorating!
Here's one wall of the fireplace.
Here's the other
Some more...
and the window watchers.
Here is my smallest and my biggest nutcracker. The small guy is on the big guy's head.
Tonight we went out to my in-laws and chopped down our Christmas tree. I decided that I had been gone from Luna too much over break, so she came along with us! Here she is meeting her brother Sprout.
Then Cher came out to help us find the perfect tree. She ended up helping way more than I did. I couldn't find my 2nd mitten in my car....
Alan and Cher are going to bring it down to our house sometime this week, then we can get going on the decorating!
They are here!
Well folks, over the last 4 weeks I have been patiently (some may say I was not so patient) waiting for our "professional" wedding pictures. This morning our photographer came to Bethel and dropped them off for me during church. I couldn't wait to get home to look at them, so before I left the church parking lot I had my laptop out and I was looking! They turned out nicely! Here are a few of my favorites:
My beautiful necklace by Lynn from Oak Hill Designs! LOVE IT!
Our first time seeing each other.
Formal
Smidt Family
My bodyguards
The photographer wanted to try something new
Our nephew
Father daughter dance
Megster
Not quite sure why we're making those faces
The back of Megster
Fun at Soldier's Field
I love this man! :)
Hokey Pokey
Natalie and I dancing up a storm
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thanksgiving on the Rez
We have now returned. Laura and I are catching up on our emails and facebooks that we missed over the Thanksgiving week. We were unable to use the internet for gmail and Facebook...It was actually kind of nice! Here's the short version of our trip:
We arrived in Vermillion, SD around 4:30 on Tuesday evening. I took Laura on a tour of the town until Uncle Dave and Aunt Diane got home from work. It hasn't changed too much since I was there last May. Dave and Diane took us out for supper to The Pub, where Jacque used to work. Then we had some nice conversation until bedtime.
We woke up and hit the road around 9am Wednesday morning. Jacque told us to give her a call when we reached Winner, SD. When I did, she said "Look around you. This is your last look at civilization for a while." It was true. As we left Winner, the houses came few and far inbetween. The landscape began to change from flat prairies to beautiful rolling hills however. We arrived at Jacque and Whoopie's a little before 3. Our first night was spent conversing, taking a trip to Springcreek (where the South Dakota Smidt's had lived for many years), eating, and drinking!
Thanksgiving day was so nice and relaxing for us. Jacque did a wonderful job cooking (and cleaning up the entire meal...) She's a wonderful hostess. Her friend Brooke also joined us for the meal! Delicous! Laura and I spent the morning before we ate on the computer. Jacque introduced us to pinterest.com, and we're both addicted!! So much fun....Then we went out onto BIA 5 and had saw some beautiful scenery. That evening we went to bed in preparation for our early departure on Friday.
Friday morning, we were on the road by 4:45 am CST. We went to see the sun rise over the Badlands. Just a little sidenote: It is incredibly creepy to be driving through Badlands National Park when it is pitch black out, but once the sun started to rise, it was a breathtaking site. We then went along to Wall Drug. After looking around there, and seeing my childhood hero Annie Oakley, we made our way through the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. We ended our day with a stop in Rapid City for supper/lunch at the Firehouse Brewery and a shopping trip at Target. We were back to the Rez by 8:00pm CST. We switched timezones to Mountain Time for a good part of the day. It was strange to wake up in one timezone, travel to another, and come back to the original timezone. Maybe it's because Minnesota isn't close to another timezone, but it just felt strange!
On the way back from the Rez, Laura and I calculated how many hours we had been in the car. Overall, it was at least 29 hours! Yikes! It was so worth it though.
Tony and I stopped by and had a Thanksgiving after dinner drink with my parents last night, and tonight we're having dinner with Tony's parents. Thanksgiving family time continues!
We arrived in Vermillion, SD around 4:30 on Tuesday evening. I took Laura on a tour of the town until Uncle Dave and Aunt Diane got home from work. It hasn't changed too much since I was there last May. Dave and Diane took us out for supper to The Pub, where Jacque used to work. Then we had some nice conversation until bedtime.
We woke up and hit the road around 9am Wednesday morning. Jacque told us to give her a call when we reached Winner, SD. When I did, she said "Look around you. This is your last look at civilization for a while." It was true. As we left Winner, the houses came few and far inbetween. The landscape began to change from flat prairies to beautiful rolling hills however. We arrived at Jacque and Whoopie's a little before 3. Our first night was spent conversing, taking a trip to Springcreek (where the South Dakota Smidt's had lived for many years), eating, and drinking!
Thanksgiving day was so nice and relaxing for us. Jacque did a wonderful job cooking (and cleaning up the entire meal...) She's a wonderful hostess. Her friend Brooke also joined us for the meal! Delicous! Laura and I spent the morning before we ate on the computer. Jacque introduced us to pinterest.com, and we're both addicted!! So much fun....Then we went out onto BIA 5 and had saw some beautiful scenery. That evening we went to bed in preparation for our early departure on Friday.
Friday morning, we were on the road by 4:45 am CST. We went to see the sun rise over the Badlands. Just a little sidenote: It is incredibly creepy to be driving through Badlands National Park when it is pitch black out, but once the sun started to rise, it was a breathtaking site. We then went along to Wall Drug. After looking around there, and seeing my childhood hero Annie Oakley, we made our way through the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. We ended our day with a stop in Rapid City for supper/lunch at the Firehouse Brewery and a shopping trip at Target. We were back to the Rez by 8:00pm CST. We switched timezones to Mountain Time for a good part of the day. It was strange to wake up in one timezone, travel to another, and come back to the original timezone. Maybe it's because Minnesota isn't close to another timezone, but it just felt strange!
On the way back from the Rez, Laura and I calculated how many hours we had been in the car. Overall, it was at least 29 hours! Yikes! It was so worth it though.
Tony and I stopped by and had a Thanksgiving after dinner drink with my parents last night, and tonight we're having dinner with Tony's parents. Thanksgiving family time continues!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
South Dakota Bound...
And we're off! (well not exactly....but in 4 hours, we're off!)
South Dakota beware!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Road Trip!
Poor Luna. It's finally Saturday. She's so excited that "mom" and "dad" will be home all day to play with her, but they wake up early and take off! They don't leave a note, they don't call to check in...
Ok, that might have been a bit corny, but I always have to mention my naughty little kitty on here!
Yesterday Tony was talking about going to this folk music shop in Red Wing soon. I suggested we go Saturday and make a day of it. That's just what we did!
Our day began with a nice drive to River Falls. We stopped at the University Center so I could buy a new Alumni shirt. It was my first time EVER being in the UC and not knowing anyone. I didn't even know the front desk workers! It was a very sad realization for me...---side note:while we were at the UC, I used a computer and ordered our Lady Antebellum tickets!! It will be Tony's first country concert!---While in River Falls, we made a stop at my old Residence Life supervisor's house. I used to babysit his son Heathley, and now they have a little 5 month old, Ainsley, who I've never met. We had a great visit with Jason and Hallie.
As we left Jason's house, it began to snow. I had white knuckles all the way to Hudson. Tony decided he should drive after that. Apparently I get a little nervous, even when the roads aren't that bad at all...In Hudson we ate at my FAVORITE restaurant: The Winzerstube. This was Tony's introduction to the amazingness that is real German food. He ordered a schnitzel, and I ordered the only thing I've ever ordered there: Ungarischer Gulasch mit Spatzle. Fantastic!
Our next stop was Red Wing. Tony heard about this folk music shop that he really wanted to visit. They specialize in handmade harps. The light on in the lower level is the harp making shop. It was a very interesting store. We had a great time looking at all the different instruments they carry. Tony even tried out a concertina. He's interested in learning how to play one. Imagine that, my husband wanting to learn a new instrument... We left empty handed but with promises to return.
As we were getting close to Pine Island, I suggested we stop at Tony's parent's house. I figured Cher would not be home yet from her girls week in the Duluth area, but at least we could visit with Alan for a bit. This is my car after our short little visit with him!
Tonight was a real treat for Tony. We went to St. Charles' High School production of "Loving Lorna Doone". It was condensed quite a bit. They actually finished it in just over 2 hours! I felt honored to be sitting next to one of the music writers! Aaron did a great job, as always, directing! Anthony and Lee (the orignal Lorna Doone and John Ridd) were also in the audience!
When we were leaving St. Charles, Tony asked if my grandpa was working tonight. He's a custodian at a rest area on I90. Sure enough, he was working! We stopped in to keep him company for a bit!
Over all: Best Saturday since our wedding :) We actually got to spend some quality time together!
Ok, that might have been a bit corny, but I always have to mention my naughty little kitty on here!
Yesterday Tony was talking about going to this folk music shop in Red Wing soon. I suggested we go Saturday and make a day of it. That's just what we did!
This is how we left Luna. She's ready to pounce on those pesky birds at any moment. Too bad the screen and glass are in the way!
Our day began with a nice drive to River Falls. We stopped at the University Center so I could buy a new Alumni shirt. It was my first time EVER being in the UC and not knowing anyone. I didn't even know the front desk workers! It was a very sad realization for me...---side note:while we were at the UC, I used a computer and ordered our Lady Antebellum tickets!! It will be Tony's first country concert!---While in River Falls, we made a stop at my old Residence Life supervisor's house. I used to babysit his son Heathley, and now they have a little 5 month old, Ainsley, who I've never met. We had a great visit with Jason and Hallie.
As we left Jason's house, it began to snow. I had white knuckles all the way to Hudson. Tony decided he should drive after that. Apparently I get a little nervous, even when the roads aren't that bad at all...In Hudson we ate at my FAVORITE restaurant: The Winzerstube. This was Tony's introduction to the amazingness that is real German food. He ordered a schnitzel, and I ordered the only thing I've ever ordered there: Ungarischer Gulasch mit Spatzle. Fantastic!
Tony had a big smile after his first few bites. He cleaned the plate (minus the little bit of cabbage that was left). He's not really a cabbage man apparently.
I purposely eat really fast so I get full really fast so I can take a lot home to eat the next day. It's a trick I perfected in my 4 years at UWRF.
This is how the streets of Hudson looked when we were heading back to our car. My shoes were a little slick, so I held onto Tony's arm for dear life!
Mr. and Mrs. Knutson, enjoying a nice wintry day. This was the first time I've seen it snow this year.
Our next stop was Red Wing. Tony heard about this folk music shop that he really wanted to visit. They specialize in handmade harps. The light on in the lower level is the harp making shop. It was a very interesting store. We had a great time looking at all the different instruments they carry. Tony even tried out a concertina. He's interested in learning how to play one. Imagine that, my husband wanting to learn a new instrument... We left empty handed but with promises to return.
As we were getting close to Pine Island, I suggested we stop at Tony's parent's house. I figured Cher would not be home yet from her girls week in the Duluth area, but at least we could visit with Alan for a bit. This is my car after our short little visit with him!
I tried to capture the giant snowflakes, but my camera is just a cheap little snapshot one. You can kind of get the idea though.
Tonight was a real treat for Tony. We went to St. Charles' High School production of "Loving Lorna Doone". It was condensed quite a bit. They actually finished it in just over 2 hours! I felt honored to be sitting next to one of the music writers! Aaron did a great job, as always, directing! Anthony and Lee (the orignal Lorna Doone and John Ridd) were also in the audience!
When we were leaving St. Charles, Tony asked if my grandpa was working tonight. He's a custodian at a rest area on I90. Sure enough, he was working! We stopped in to keep him company for a bit!
Over all: Best Saturday since our wedding :) We actually got to spend some quality time together!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Happy 27th Anniversary!
When Jacque, my maid of honor/best friend/cousin, gave her speech at our wedding, she was right on with one thing for sure: that I need to look to the relationships around me to learn how to have a loving and successful marriage with Tony.
Tomorrow, my parents are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary! I didn't know if I'd make it on the blog tomorrow, so it's an early congratulatory blog post!
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! I'm excited to celebrate with you tonight, and we'll let you celebrate on your own tomorrow night at Red Lobster! Love you!
Tomorrow, my parents are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary! I didn't know if I'd make it on the blog tomorrow, so it's an early congratulatory blog post!
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! I'm excited to celebrate with you tonight, and we'll let you celebrate on your own tomorrow night at Red Lobster! Love you!
Here's a picture of our family when we celebrated Mom and Dad's 25th wedding anniversary at Red Lobster.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Blasts from Thanksgiving Pasts
I have spent every Thanksgiving meal with my parents since I was born. I have also spent almost all of them with the Smidts and Aunt Elinor. Last year I added the Knutsons/Sutters to my Thanksgiving gathering list. However, this year I will be making a Thanksgiving first; I am traveling to the "Rez
to spend the holiday with my wonderful Godcousin Jacque. Our cousin Laura is making the trek with me. I'm SO excited to see where Jacque lives and teaches! I can only imagine the shenanigans the three of us will get into out there.
I was looking through some past Thanksgiving pictures on my computer tonight, and I thought I'd share a few. My cousins and I LOVE to have photo shoots; so even though to many of you, these pictures will just look like silly times, these are Thanksgiving to me.
It was so much fun to look back at previous Thanksgivings. I can't wait to see what Thanksgiving will bring this year! It'll be great to see my oldest and best friend!
to spend the holiday with my wonderful Godcousin Jacque. Our cousin Laura is making the trek with me. I'm SO excited to see where Jacque lives and teaches! I can only imagine the shenanigans the three of us will get into out there.
I was looking through some past Thanksgiving pictures on my computer tonight, and I thought I'd share a few. My cousins and I LOVE to have photo shoots; so even though to many of you, these pictures will just look like silly times, these are Thanksgiving to me.
This was SO much fun. This was Thanksgiving 2009. We raked HUGE piles of leaves around Marybeth and Norby's house and had a blast jumping in them. I think we were out there for hours.
They retaliated against me since I got Connor and Megan to bury Laura and Michelle.
I can't remember the year of this one. It was probably 2007 or 08. I showed up to Marybeth and Norby's with the same jeans as Michelle! Grandma thought we should take a behind picture.
Amy, Rob, Mark and Christa had to work the day after Thanksgiving one year, so Michelle and I babysat the kiddos. We took over 50 pictures just playing around on Connor's bed. Here's one of them. Don't the kiddos look SO young?
Here's another shot. It's hard to believe that this is little Kaylee who was one of our bridesmaids!
I got in on some of the pictures as well.
This is Thanksgiving 2009 again. This is the kid table. Somehow Will got moved up in the world, but I stayed back. It's ok, we have more fun at the kid table. We took solo pictures of everyone and their favorite Thanksgiving food. I share two of those a little down the blog post...
I'm so glad we took this picture. This ended up being the last Thanksgiving that we had our wonderful Grandma Jeannette with us. Two months later she passed away. She loved getting in on our famous cousin photos.
Connor loves JELLO jigglers. That's actually an understatement. He will only eat JELLO and buns on Thanksgiving. Every year after we pray, we say what we're thankful for. Every year Connor does not disappoint us. He's thankful for BUNS!
We tried starting a new family tradition. Friendship bracelet making. I wore mine for almost a year afterwards.
My favorite food is BUNS! I'm a bread girl...
It was so much fun to look back at previous Thanksgivings. I can't wait to see what Thanksgiving will bring this year! It'll be great to see my oldest and best friend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)