Sunday, February 24, 2008

The Last Lecture

So, I guess this video has been flying around the internet for some time now. I must be a bit behind because I only watched it this morning. This man does not say anything that we don't already know - but sometimes we all need a reminder.




I pray that we all live our dream every single day, that we value relationships over things, and that we take each day as it comes.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The Terrible Twos

They sure are terrible.


I do not have to worry about anyone ever pushing Madison around throughout her life. She certainly is a strong willed little girl who stands her ground.


She even pleads her case when I give her a timeout. (Maybe she'll grow up to be a lawyer???)


The terrible twos have started in a BIG way. In it's path are a very frustrated Mommy and a frustrated daycare provider.


For some reason, the terrible twos are making Madison very WILD. She runs non-stop from the moment she wakes up until she drops in her crib at night. Naps - yea, they don't really happen. She hardly takes time to eat.


Most oft heard terrible twos phrases:

"Yes it iiiisssss"

"I do it!"

"I walk!"

"I go to hockey game!"

"Go that way!" (Madison tries to tell me where to go when we are driving in the car)

"Mommy, I am talking!" (trying to teach her to not interrupt others using this phrase has backfired on me!!!)

My all time favorite:

"Mommy, what are you talking about?"

Sunday, February 17, 2008

My Sweet Girl


We were getting ready to host Mike's family for birthday cake this afternoon when I caught Madison lying on the glass coffee table.

I was about to scold her for it.

But she looked so darn cute - I had to grab my camera and snap a few pictures!

In other news, baby boy Tigue was born to Trevor and Amanda on Friday February 15. 7 lbs 2 oz. 19 inches long.

No name yet - I will post more when I have a picture and know his name!

I hope to be able to see him soon.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Blessings

God always has a way of putting things into perspective. Things happen that make your worries seem petty compared to others.



My nephews - Mason and Riley. These are my favorite pictures of them. They are two wonderful little blessings. They are my brother's little helpers in the garage and Madison's favorite playmates. Their little faces put things back in perspective for me. We Love You, Mason and Riley!!!

Monday, February 11, 2008

What do your movies say about you?

My friend, Nicole, http://crummylife.blogspot.com, posted this link on her blog. http://www.cinescopes.com/index.html.

Enter your top ten favorite movies and see what your favorites say about you!

My top ten were:

PCU
Office Space
Animal House
The Patriot
I am Legend
Dazed and Confused
Good Will Hunting
Knocked Up
Napolean Dynamite
Big Daddy

It says:
You are the Invincible OptimistHappy-go-lucky and full of great stories, Invincible Optimists can make anyone keel over with laughter. With the power of positive thinking and their upbeat attitude, they're unsinkable even in tough times. If something bad happens to a friend, they're the best at providing words of encouragement. Broken leg? It's an excuse not to work hard. Invincible Optimists love movies about heroes who march over their adversaries with their comic brilliance and affirmative energy.

However, if I removed Knocked Up and replace it with 50 First Dates, it changes dramatically.

It says:
You are the Loyal WarriorLoyal Warriors are never as happy as when they are in the company of loved ones. Strong, loving and secure individuals, they care deeply for friends and family and aren't afraid to show it. Their value of teamwork and dedication make them fantastic leaders in casual and serious situations. They're social chameleons and can adapt easily to any place they find themselves. Loyal Warriors love movies about heroes who battle within a unit and ultimately, lead their team through struggle to great success.

The loyal warrior sounds a lot more like me than the invincible optimist.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Failed Cookie Experiment

I don't claim to be a expert cook or baker. I wouldn't say that I am a good cook or baker - but I do like to experiment and try new receipes. A friend of mine sent a recipe home with Mike for the Girl Scout Samoa cookies.

If you know me - you know that I LOVE cookies. Good 'ole chocolate chip are my favorite. A close second are Kwik Trip's button cookies. When it comes to girl scout cookies, nothing beats a box of samoas.

Last night we decided it would be fun to make the samoas as a family. Madison and I mixed and rolled. Then we cut them out with a makeshift cookie cutter. (Okay, it was a round glass, I don't own cookie cutters!) Mike browned the coconut and melted caramels for the chewy carmely-coconuty topping.

The caramel topping was impossible to spread. We were supposed to mix the coconut in with the caramel. We did that, but I wonder if it would be easier to spread the caramel on the cookie and then sprinkle coconut on top. Or, it might be easier to try ice cream topping caramel rather than kraft caramel candies.

After all that, you're supposed to dip the bottoms in melted chocolates and put chocolate drizzle over the top.

The non-spreadable caramel ended up looking like my cat yacked on the tops of the cookies. Despite that, I was determined to finish these cookies.

Unfortunately, the caramel was SO HARD after it set up that we couldn't even bite it!

That just goes to show - You can't mess with the girl scouts.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Hello Snow Family

Monday brought more snow to Southeastern Minnesota. We have had more snow this winter than I ever remember getting in this part of the state. The whole way home from daycare, Madison kept saying she want to "shobel with the orange shobel." Are one point in the car she said "Mommy! I need a hug!" I said "I'm sorry Madison, but I am driving. I will give you a hug when we get home." She responded with "No, I have to shobel snow!" I guess her shovelling was more important that the hug.

It was pretty warm on Monday, which made for nice sticky snowman makin' snow!
Mike and Madison decided to build a snow family. As you can see in the picture, there is Daddy, Mommy, and baby snowman. (yes, our Christmas decorations are still up - it's been too wet and snowy to get the put away and I think they are frozen into the ground!)

Madison really liked the snow family and decided to share her love by hugging each of them! It was pretty cute.
They were both proud of their creation and it seems that headwear for the snow family was more important than a hat for Madison. Good thing it was warm with little wind!