33+3

Friday is here, and this is our last day to get our family trip to Adventureland in. It turned out that Danny was feeling a little better and wanted to venture out, so we started slow with a ride to Panora for a little work for Danny and a little swimming lesson for the girls.












We went back to Perry and ran errands while waiting for Danny to finish a few things at work. It was 4pm before we left for Altoona, but we were not going to let that get us down!

We stayed until the park closed at 10pm and had may firsts:
1)We all went on a water ride together.
2)Skylar rode the Galleon with me, then with Danny
3) I won Danny a prize
4)Danny won me a prize on Skee ball
5) We got our family portrait taken as PIRATES at the old fashioned photo shop
6) I tried mini donuts (YUM!!!)
7) Eliza had an 'accident' on the frog hopper.(It was about her 6th ride. and her bladder had enough...)
8) Eliza rode the Skylift chairs

Finally, the big story of the day is that Danny won the JUMBO prize at one game. You know that elusive prize that calls people to the game, but you never see any more than the small prize being given out? We were about to leave the park and saw a set of games we hadn't tried yet. Their prize was very cute. A shark with big eyes and a short little body. Sort of an animated looking animal. Anyway, Danny got a little demo from the game tender and gave it a shot. The object was to hook all three fish, but the closer the hook got to them, the more likely it was that they would jump off of the table. Well, Danny hooked the first one no problem...then the second... The gal working the game said,
"No one has done that all day, and I have never seen all 3 go." Next second passes, and he has hooked the 3rd fish. HERO AWARD FOR THE DAY GOES TO DANNY CUNNINGHAM!!! Amazing how a silly carnival game can make you feel so GOOD... : ) I will have to post a pic of the prize soon!

33+2

Day 5 of birthday week is looking up a little.

Danny is still feeling ill, but Skylar is feeling better! The sky is looking gray and there is some lightning, so swimming lessons are cancelled. We needed an excuse to sleep in anyway. : )

The girls and I decided to go to Blank Park Zoo after the skies cleared after lunch, then do a little mall time. Skylar's favorite at the zoo was the new mine. We bought a bag of rock and strained it through the water trough they built to discover real gemstones. She got several big stones, and had fun showing them off and admiring them.

Eliza's favorite was the tiger. This was the first time I have been to the zoo with the girls and stood and watched an animal for a significant amount of time. Usually we buzz by, snap a photo, and keep moving. Well, this time Eliza was mesmerized. The tiger was pacing back and forth in him enclosure and moved really close to the glass on each pass. When she was finally ready to move on the tiger stopped and looked right at us. It was actually a little creepy.

My favorite was the giraffes. There were 3 giraffes, and we were the only patrons watching them when we first arrived. The largest one moved toward us from the far back of his habitat and sort of watched us. Next thing we know the other 2 were moving close as well. We watched them eat grass, try to step over sticks in their way, and interact with each other. It was pretty interesting to see, since I normally only see one giraffe sort of standing there quietly when we visit the zoo.

We headed to the mall after the zoo for a new purse for myself. The Gift Certificate I received from Dad was burning a hole in my pocket. I also promised the girls they could play in the play area and have a pretzel. These are both treats since I am usually so rushed at the mall that I say no to both. Such a mean mom... We ended up buying a few new school outfits and shoes also, so it was a pretty enjoyable girl's day.

33+1

Well, day 4 of birthday week isn't shaping up to be too exciting. Right after the Drive-in Danny fell ill, and it was a restless night for both of us. We stayed in Newton overnight hoping to pick up my car from Ankeny(after a much needed oil change) then the kids from Panora.

Well, it turns out my car's alignment was off and ruined the tires. We needed to replace the tires, and the car wouldn't be ready for a day or so. I guess it was a blessing in disguise because Danny was in no shape to drive, and I didn't have to work anyway.

Finally, as we got closer to home, I got a call for Grandma Jo saying Skylar was sick through the night too.

I guess it is movie day and nursing day at home today. Wish the whole family felt better, but I couldn't really say it was horrible to stay in and watch movies together. We saw Monster House, Penelope, and Definitely, Maybe.

33 on the 22nd

Today is the day, and there couldn't be more meetings and deadlines at work. Why does that always happen? Of all days...I wish this would be a slow one where everything is ready and under control. However, quarter end info is still not finalized, and there were many errors we found way too late that we now have to wade through. Usually I would blame it on my procrastination, but that is honestly not the case this time. What a fun day ...NOT!

After 6 o'clock hit though, look out! I was out of there to meet Danny for our birthday celebration. We planned to go to Newton to the Valle Drive - In. http://www.drive-ins.com/theater/iatvall

First, we went to A&W and bought some dinner.




















Danny filled the back of his pickup with an air mattress, pillows, and lots of blankets. We bought snacks, toured around taking photos and chatting with the owner, then settled in for the double feature.















All I can say is AWESOME!!! I talked to Dad at one point in the evening and asked why he never told me about Drive-ins before. I was just captivated by the whole experience. The sound was great, the picture was perfect, lounging under the stars on a beautiful summer night was amazing. Having snacks and movie theater popcorn nearby was just a bonus!!!

We saw the Dark Knight and Journey to the Center of the Earth. The Dark Knight was unbelievable. Heath Ledger's performance made us sad that he is gone...he gave such a wonderful performance. Journey to the Center of the Earth was really pretty fluffy and silly, but we watched it nonetheless.

If you have never been to a Drive In, GO!!!! I enjoyed the whole experience immensely.

Monday of birthday week

Well, the day started out with a bang (and a loud siren). I was awakened by the tornado sirens at 3:10 am . We had 2 extra girls, Sydney and Halle, in the house too. I ran for Halle and Eliza and Danny woke Sydney and Skylar, and we all headed to the basement. Half way down the stairs, the electricity went off too.

After bedding down in the basement for a few minutes, we decided we better get the girls in the closet under the stairs. The wind was really bending the trees onto the deck and toward the house, the sky was an odd color, and the wind noise was extremely scary. It is the closest I every want to be to actually being in a tornado. Here is what hunkering down in our closet looked like.

After we got some candles going and Danny got some water out of sump pump basin, we decided the storm had let up enough to try and get at least a few hours of sleep. What a start to the week.!?!?!

After a long chaotic day at work, I did come home to a fun surprise in the mail. My pajama pants I ordered from Target.

Like the pose? : ) Happy early birthday to me! Lovin' those owls still!

My birthday week begins!

I don't know why my birthday means so much to me, but I have always loved it. It is one day a year I always put high expectations on, therefore, sometimes I am disappointed. This year I am celebrating all week! No way could I be disappointed with a whole week of activities planned, right!?! At least a couple of the days have to work out!

Sunday's plan was to attend the I-Cubs game with Danny in Aviva's season ticket seats. Baseball games are one of my favorite simple pleasures, and going to the I-Cubs around my birthday has become a tradition.

It was about 100 degrees and humid, but the seats were great! There was a guy sitting behind us that knew everything about everything, screamed when he talked, and swore like a sailor that we could have done withougt though. Guess it takes all kinds. I was pretty proud of enduring him and the heat without " incident ". : )

The I-Cubs won 2-1, and I enjoyed the start to my birthday week very much!!!

Farewell to the Peterson's

We spent a fun filled day in Marion with Liz, Hailey, and Hayden (sister in law, niece and nephew) yesterday. Dan went ahead and started work in Colorado on July 1, but the rest of the family is moving from Iowa to Colorado next week. We went over for an early birthday party for our niece and her Iowa friends (and I suppose to say good-bye for now...but I don't want to think about it).

Liz planned a fun party at a gymnastics place for the girls, and they had a blast. Even Hayden rolled around on the mats squealing, running, and falling down. The kids could literally bounce off of everything even the walls in the foam pit. However, I forgot my camera!! I hope I have pictures to add to this post sometime.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at Dan, Liz, Hailey, and Hayden' s home with Grandma and Grandpa Peterson and Aunt Janelle. The kids had a lot of fun and wore themselves and Grandpa and Grandma out. It was an extremely warm day, but that doesn't stop the kids from going outside. It does keep this AC mama (Danny's words...not mine, but true) inside.

Hayden is changing and growing so fast, and I will miss them all dearly!!! Hopefully we will work out a way to share photos regularly and visit lots too.

Love you guys and miss you already! Hope Colorado treats you well, or I will come beat it up. : )

D-Day

Decision day has come and gone. We have decided to turn this opportunity down in hopes that the next one makes more sense to us timing wise. Wrapping our heads around what to do with the business, the house, and moving into a new culture is a lot of commitment with not a lot of time to decide.

I am holding out hope that we will be ready the next time, and that the position offered fits well. I have always dreamed of doing this. Immersing myself into a new culture seems like such a challenge and adventure...I just have to get all our lives in order to accept the chance next time.

Interesting Opportunity?

What would you do , if your boss's boss presented the opportunity to you and 3 of your co-workers the chance to work on a large project for 12-18 months in the UK? There will be no black mark on your record for a no answer, and this isn't the only opportunity you will ever be given. There will be other chances most likely. The power is in your hands to negotiate the terms, and you have the chance to take the whole family and pick up stakes, just travel yourself 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off or anything in between? You have 4 days to state how firm your interest is in order to work through ALL of the specifics.

Well, this is what happened to me at 8:15 this morning.

The furthest we have gotten is that I think it sounds exciting, and the family would have to come with me in order to make it happen.

These next 3 days of thinking will be long ones...

3 Hour Emotional Rollercoaster

Well, I had a pretty typical crazy day at work today. Quarter end is still in full swing, had many meetings, and had to get my boss up to speed after a week away for her. I caught the elevator at 5:15 and reached for my phone. 3 missed calls from Danny...this can't be good. After all, I hate it when he doesn't pick up too.

It turns out Eliza has been sick with an ear ache all day. The easiest thing would be to go to the clinic in Perry at 7am, but I have a meeting in Des Moines at 8:15 am tomorrow. Therefore, I decide I need to get Eliza to the Urgent Care clinic in Ankeny tonight, and I am late to daycare AGAIN! (emotion=frustration)

When I got to daycare, Eliza's poor pale face and weakness reinforced the decision to go to Ankeny tonight. (emotion=worry)

Skylar, Eliza, and I jump in the car ready to head straight to Ankeny, and Skylar is bursting with something to tell me. She has played and played her Nintendo DS DOGS game and has managed to finally earn enough points with the help of a classmate to buy a new dog! She is a Yorkie and her name is Daisy. (emotion=excitement)

20 minutes outside of Perry I hear uncontrollable sobs coming from the bag seat and Skylar is slumped down in her seat. She cannot place Daisy into a contest until she trains her in her home gym, and the gym won't let her in! This causing the hairs to instantly go up on the back of my neck, but I resist the urge to yell. (hard as that is) (emotion=anger AND frustration)

Instead, Skylar and I proceed to have a 15 minute conversation about why crying won't help, why she should calm down and think of a solution to her problem, and why crying should be reserved for the really big issues only. Nintendo DS issues don't qualify. Her answer to me was, "Mom, sometimes people just cry because they are frustrated. Don't yell at me, if I cry, just let me be frustrated." WOW! Did that sound familiar?!?! I guess she came by her emotions honestly. I am sure my parents and Danny can relate to this conversation. Hopefully someday I will be able to help myself, so I can help her as well. My emotions still win over my head time and time again. (emotion=self reflection, don't know if that is really an emotion)

Well, after waiting for an hour and a half in the waiting room with Eliza, the doctor diagnosed her with swimmer's ear. The whole time we were waiting, Skylar was hugging Eliza and rubbing her back. Too cute! Skylar even told her she would give her anything or do anything to make her feel better. Eliza was pretty cuddly tonight too, which is the only bonus to kids being sick.(emotion=Love)

Skylar read Eliza to sleep tonight and is sleeping in Eliza's room tonight to keep her company while she is sick. (emotion=Pride)

I have had many similar days and am sure I should prepare for a lifetime more with these girls. Just thought blogging it all out would be fun to look at down the road. : ) Do mothers of boys have these issues?!?! Food for thought.

Lazy Sunday

The last day off before another long work week. I am not a big fan of Sundays because they spell the end of the weekend. Once Monday gets here, I am good to go, but something about the anticipation of the end of the weekend makes me sad.



The girls and I woke up this morning and attacked their rooms. We filled one industrial size garbage bag with toys and garbage from their rooms. Eliza's toy box now looks much more manageable, she has a few more puzzles with all of the pieces, and all of her shoes have found matches again. I think the girls get their cleaning skills (or lack thereof) from their mother.



Next, we ate some cereal and curled up to a couple of cartoons before inspiration hit for me to scrapbook and Skylar to play computer games. Skylar has been playing feeding frenzy and webkinz lately.



Eliza spent the day uncleaning everything we cleaned this morning and more. She has yet to master the art of playing with one thing, putting it away, then playing with another. My persuasive yelling and scolding isn't helping it sink in either. : ) One day at a time with that lesson.



I also took some photos of the girls during a dress up session today too. They were literally all dressed up with no place to go, but I couldn't resist their cuteness. I managed to get a few pages done too. Here are some photos of our accomplishments today.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Inaugural Post

I have been envious for a couple of years now of those people who are able to use their blog posts to help with their scrapbook journalling. However, I am not very technologically advanced. Well, I finally decided to give it a whirl. Hope this works out.

I am an Iowan born and raised. I have never lived anywhere else and went to High School and College within 40 miles of each other. I am a farmer's daughter and don't mind getting my hands dirty. However, I chose to become an accountant. A legacy from my Maternal Grandmother. She was a bookkeeper and shared her work with me at a very young age. My love for crafts and the written word come from her as well as my mother. They are both wonderful seamstresses and mom has branched out into many other crafts over the years as well; mom used to write poetry and also writes a mean newsletter. I also love music (listening, singing, and playing it). My Paternal Grandmother got me started on piano lessons, and I was hooked. Dad plays guitar, organ, and sings. Mom and Grandma play piano also. I wish they would have done it more as I grew up, but I now hope to pass this love of music on to my children.

I now live in Perry, Iowa with my husband of 11 years who is also my high school sweetheart. We have 2 wonderful girls, Skylar age 8 and Eliza age 4. They will both be in school next year, and a new chapter in our life will unfold.