It was a productive weekend in our household. Our only weekend home this month.
Our monthly weigh in wasn't as successful as we wanted but given we've been on the road, and sick with various stages of the crud for over a month, we weren't surprised. The scale still dropped but not as much as I'd like. Just reinforces my return to my workout routine!
Mike made major progress moving items from our very cluttered, cozy, two car garage into his large, empty shop in the back yard. We took down some questionable shelves - just barely attached to the garage wall - and moved camping gear, storage items and yard supplies to a pair of very sturdy shelving units. Mike even took a load of saved wine bottles to the recycle bin. He kept what he needs for bottling the next two batches he is creating and the rest are gon-zo.
I worked my way around the yard with a rake and leaf bags. Our flower beds are clear of winter leaves and twigs and the grass shows encouraging signs of life. My shoulders are protesting a bit this week but it was so worth the effort. Now I can start picking my way around the flower beds pulling a few weeds.
We also managed a major clearing of dust bunnies, spills and grime from inside the house. Apparently our maid has taken on new clients and left us in the 'dust'... (just kidding - I would be the sort of person who would clean for the cleaning lady arrival.)
We started our list for our short week at home. I work all four days and Mike has a list of errands and chores to keep him out of trouble at home. Thursday he will pick me up after work and we will head south for Reno. Friday we will find ourselves in Lemoore, CA. We haven't been back since Erin was a baby. Sunday we will head f0r the San Diego area, meet up with Tonya, Dan and family for a week of vacation together, visit with our grandson Adam and his wife Alexis and see three lacrosse games. The University of Idaho boys are heading south this coming weekend too - to play Claremont McKenna College on Monday, SDSU on Wednesday night and UCSD on Friday night.
We are very excited to have this opportunity to return to California, visit with family and many friends AND watch our favorite Vandal team!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Peeesah and a Movie...
When our gang was much younger a favorite Saturday night dinner was making homemade pizzas. We made our dough, chopped up all of our favorite ingredients, and made our individual oddly shaped pizzas.
Taten loves pizza. When pizza commercials come on TV, Tate comes running into the room yelling "Peeeesah". When he's asked what he wants to eat, his answer... "peeesah".
It only seemed natural to have our own pizza and movie night. We watched "Where the Wild Things Are". I was surprised at how Taten followed the movie, laughing when the character joked and played.
I think it went very well.
Taten loves pizza. When pizza commercials come on TV, Tate comes running into the room yelling "Peeeesah". When he's asked what he wants to eat, his answer... "peeesah".
It only seemed natural to have our own pizza and movie night. We watched "Where the Wild Things Are". I was surprised at how Taten followed the movie, laughing when the character joked and played.
I think it went very well.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Weekend in Portland...
This weekend found us on the road again - que sorpresa!
After an incredible series of odd events my work day was over, the car loaded, Matt finished and we headed west for Portland with Matt, Brit and Taten.
The road was "dry and dusty" - the trip uneventful. We tracked progress with the boy's team, as well as Erin and Chris, making the trip from Northern Idaho. Our only hiccup occurred about 50 miles from Portland when we drove through pounding rain and standing water on the road.
We arrived about 10:30pm local time and settled in quickly. The boys were hosted by two of the team's Portland families. Thank you Harringtons and Ballards. You are truly all stars. Erin and Chris stayed closer to downtown and met up with friends.
Saturday morning arrived sunshine, beautiful temperatures and news of a Tsunami advisory for the Oregon Coast. Honestly, it seems adventure follows us wherever we go!
We met up with our Oregon family in Gresham for breakfast before going our separate ways. Erin, Chris and friends went to the Portland Zoo. We were joined by Jorgan and Savannah on a trip to Tillamook. We have never been and wanted to try something different.
The drive over was so pretty. There wasn't much activity in the cheese factory but we enjoyed looking around and had fun together. Besides - there was ice cream at the end! Who can say no to ice cream?
The kids returned to Portland with the little ones for an evening of swimming at the hotel. Mike and I headed to Corvallis for the lacrosse game at Oregon State University.
Corvallis has interesting road signage - At least not what we are accustomed to seeing. Perhaps Oregonians are just more insightful or better prepared. The signs to make the turn are AT the turn - no warning. Between the signage and my squeaky navigator voice, we made a few trips through town and around campus despite our maps instructions and GPS.
The Vandals had a nice sized cheering section - over 30 family and friends out to support them at the game played in the stadium under the lights. Erin and Chris arrived and we even tried to convert Brandy and her son TJ. Very exciting game. The team stayed close - within two goals - and outscored the Beavers in the 3rd quarter though still behind.
The fourth quarter went back and forth. I noticed the Oregon coach behaving very agitated. We were sitting behind the score table and asked what was the score. It was 10-9 OSU over Vandals. There were just minutes left in the game and the Idaho boys put one in the goal to tie it up. Game time ran out and we went into overtime.
It was a big deal for this team. They've come a long way. Vandals really have an amazing combination of talent and ambition this year. Oregon State has twice as many players (fresh legs during the game) and have beat Idaho soundly in previous years.
The ball went up and down the field a few times but wound up in the crease, unfortunately - a game winning goal for the Beavers 11-10. Our boys were heartbroken. It was clear they wanted this game. They truly gave it everything they had and this Momma Bear just wanted to make it better. I've never seen Krieg emotional after a loss until now.
We arrived back to Portland about 11pm. The kids had Taten tucked into bed. He tired himself out with Savannah in the pool.
Sunday morning Tate woke with a full blown case of Croup. He felt great. No fever. They dosed him up with cough meds and Tylenol. He talked non-stop of seeing his "Tio" and Ah-Boo (Auntie Boo). We forged on with our plans to attend the lacrosse game at Portland State where we were joined by the Oregon Shaw's. We were a cheering section of 18 total - just for Krieg! With the rest of the traveling crowd, Vandals definitely had some noise!
It wasn't our weekend for maps or directions. Portland State campus is DOWNTOWN. The field we were to find was hidden between a square of buildings - surrounded by construction. Cars park downtown in parking spots which appear to be a lane of traffic stopped at a light. Yes, we sat more than once behind an empty parked car... and despite our efforts, we still ended up with a parking ticket (though anything short of having my car booted would have been doable at that point)!
Game temperatures were in the 60's and the sun was warm. The Vandals played great. They stayed in control for most of the time, though allowed PSU a few goals narrowing the gap, but a victory was in the air for Idaho with a 9-8 win over Portland State.
Once back in the car, Tate was struggling. We stopped at an Urgent Care to have him checked. Sure didn't want to be out in the middle of nowhere with him having trouble breathing. We left with a diagnosis of Croup and Bronchitis and RX to fix him up. The lungs were still clear.
I honestly think the congestion we were all experiencing had as much to do with the local foliage being in bloom as the crud we have shared in our household. Our sudden increase in symptoms seemed a bit coincidental with our arrival. However, the flowering trees and daffodils were gorgeous!
Our 2am arrival back in Boise was welcoming. Even more grateful to know I didn't have to work Monday and a nap was on my "to do" list.
After an incredible series of odd events my work day was over, the car loaded, Matt finished and we headed west for Portland with Matt, Brit and Taten.
The road was "dry and dusty" - the trip uneventful. We tracked progress with the boy's team, as well as Erin and Chris, making the trip from Northern Idaho. Our only hiccup occurred about 50 miles from Portland when we drove through pounding rain and standing water on the road.
We arrived about 10:30pm local time and settled in quickly. The boys were hosted by two of the team's Portland families. Thank you Harringtons and Ballards. You are truly all stars. Erin and Chris stayed closer to downtown and met up with friends.
Saturday morning arrived sunshine, beautiful temperatures and news of a Tsunami advisory for the Oregon Coast. Honestly, it seems adventure follows us wherever we go!
We met up with our Oregon family in Gresham for breakfast before going our separate ways. Erin, Chris and friends went to the Portland Zoo. We were joined by Jorgan and Savannah on a trip to Tillamook. We have never been and wanted to try something different.
The drive over was so pretty. There wasn't much activity in the cheese factory but we enjoyed looking around and had fun together. Besides - there was ice cream at the end! Who can say no to ice cream?
The kids returned to Portland with the little ones for an evening of swimming at the hotel. Mike and I headed to Corvallis for the lacrosse game at Oregon State University.
Corvallis has interesting road signage - At least not what we are accustomed to seeing. Perhaps Oregonians are just more insightful or better prepared. The signs to make the turn are AT the turn - no warning. Between the signage and my squeaky navigator voice, we made a few trips through town and around campus despite our maps instructions and GPS.
The Vandals had a nice sized cheering section - over 30 family and friends out to support them at the game played in the stadium under the lights. Erin and Chris arrived and we even tried to convert Brandy and her son TJ. Very exciting game. The team stayed close - within two goals - and outscored the Beavers in the 3rd quarter though still behind.
The fourth quarter went back and forth. I noticed the Oregon coach behaving very agitated. We were sitting behind the score table and asked what was the score. It was 10-9 OSU over Vandals. There were just minutes left in the game and the Idaho boys put one in the goal to tie it up. Game time ran out and we went into overtime.
It was a big deal for this team. They've come a long way. Vandals really have an amazing combination of talent and ambition this year. Oregon State has twice as many players (fresh legs during the game) and have beat Idaho soundly in previous years.
The ball went up and down the field a few times but wound up in the crease, unfortunately - a game winning goal for the Beavers 11-10. Our boys were heartbroken. It was clear they wanted this game. They truly gave it everything they had and this Momma Bear just wanted to make it better. I've never seen Krieg emotional after a loss until now.
We arrived back to Portland about 11pm. The kids had Taten tucked into bed. He tired himself out with Savannah in the pool.
Sunday morning Tate woke with a full blown case of Croup. He felt great. No fever. They dosed him up with cough meds and Tylenol. He talked non-stop of seeing his "Tio" and Ah-Boo (Auntie Boo). We forged on with our plans to attend the lacrosse game at Portland State where we were joined by the Oregon Shaw's. We were a cheering section of 18 total - just for Krieg! With the rest of the traveling crowd, Vandals definitely had some noise!
It wasn't our weekend for maps or directions. Portland State campus is DOWNTOWN. The field we were to find was hidden between a square of buildings - surrounded by construction. Cars park downtown in parking spots which appear to be a lane of traffic stopped at a light. Yes, we sat more than once behind an empty parked car... and despite our efforts, we still ended up with a parking ticket (though anything short of having my car booted would have been doable at that point)!
The Ore-Ida Shaw Cheering Section with Krieg
Game temperatures were in the 60's and the sun was warm. The Vandals played great. They stayed in control for most of the time, though allowed PSU a few goals narrowing the gap, but a victory was in the air for Idaho with a 9-8 win over Portland State.
Once back in the car, Tate was struggling. We stopped at an Urgent Care to have him checked. Sure didn't want to be out in the middle of nowhere with him having trouble breathing. We left with a diagnosis of Croup and Bronchitis and RX to fix him up. The lungs were still clear.
I honestly think the congestion we were all experiencing had as much to do with the local foliage being in bloom as the crud we have shared in our household. Our sudden increase in symptoms seemed a bit coincidental with our arrival. However, the flowering trees and daffodils were gorgeous!
Our 2am arrival back in Boise was welcoming. Even more grateful to know I didn't have to work Monday and a nap was on my "to do" list.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
We we went went to to Walla Walla...
This weekend was the season opener for University of Idaho Men's Lacrosse! Saturday morning we loaded up the car and headed west in snowflakes and sunshine. A mere 4-1/2 hours later we were pulling into Walla Walla and walking across the grassy field to the first game of Krieg's last year of lacrosse. Whoa. I said that didn't I?
The Vandals played a great game at Whitman College. Whitman may have come out a tad too comfortable as they played in the finals last year and UI is considered a small scale team. With the exception of a brief struggle in the 3rd quarter, allowing Whitman to get 4 of their 5 goals, the Vandals dominated.
The Vandals played a great game at Whitman College. Whitman may have come out a tad too comfortable as they played in the finals last year and UI is considered a small scale team. With the exception of a brief struggle in the 3rd quarter, allowing Whitman to get 4 of their 5 goals, the Vandals dominated.
It was apparent during the Fall games this team is a united front. They run, they think, they play lacrosse. They want this to be a season to remember - and I have absolutely NO DOUBT that it will.
Of course, I sound like a completely proud, very biased parent. Heck! Guilty as charged. I've seen the way Krieg has grown with lacrosse, ever since our first visit to Idaho and his first sighting of lacrosse player.
We witnessed a very distressed Whitman coaching staff, several questionable calls late in the game - just a bit extreme. Crazy penalties. Four Vandals in the penalty box and UI still stole the ball and made a run on the goal as time ran out. The Vandals beat Whitman College 15-5.
After the game we followed the caravan 2-1/2 hours back to Moscow, did some quick grocery shopping while the guys cleaned up, made dinner and watched the Olympics with some of our favorite people.
We spent the night with Erin and her roomies. My first visit this year to her new place. It's so nice to see she finally lives in a nice place - and we don't have to fret about her safety.
After breakfast out with the kids we had a pleasant uneventful 5-1/2 hour trip back to Boise - to prepare for week #2!
I-D-A-H-O... Idaho Idaho Go Go Go!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Olympic Games
Yes. I admit. I've spent a few hours recently observing the Olympic games. It would be difficult not to get caught up in the emotion and excitement at times. Go U.S.A.
There has also been a great deal more activity in our household these past weeks. Though not quite Olympians, we have discovered that we can work out four or five times a week and still watch a few of our favorite events.
Sadly I am not an Olympic caliber athlete. Despite the fact I was born in Wisconsin I do not enjoy the cold, winter sports.
While I did grow up skating away many winter hours on the frozen pond in our city park, I am certain I would not be a candidate for figure skating. I have trouble envisioning myself leaping or spinning - at least not on purpose.
The downhill skiing and snowboarding events are very exciting. The falls are frightening - thus ending my desire to participate. I have downhill skied - many times growing up in Wisconsin... and even twice here in Idaho. Any similarity to these experiences ends right there! While I was way cool shushing my way down what I considered quite a daring hill in Wisconsin, I barely survived the next slope up from the bunny hill in Idaho. I proudly waved as my sons zipped past me while they descended from their much higher starting points and continued to snow plow myself to the bottom. In my defense, gravity and I are no longer on speaking terms and falling seems much harsher in my current decade.
Friday I watched women Olympians run and throw themselves onto plastic (fiberglass) sleds and propel their bodies at a bazillion miles per hour through ice coated trenches. This was horrific! Did I mention they went head first and steered with their feet, all the while wearing Spandex for God's sake! Rest assured after watching the Skeleton event I automatically disqualified myself from the race, before even warming up, for the following reasons:
1. I would never be able to hold my head up at that angle to see where I was going (nor would I care to see). I am only assuming they also have their eyes open!
2. My size 10-1/2 feet would no doubt prevent my rocket like propelling down the ice. I would be the athlete to leave two toe trenches in the path and eventually arrive at the bottom with a 4 minute time.
Oh - And... most importantly 3. There is something SO wrong about grown women, even athletic FIT grown women, jiggling down a icy slope in SPANDEX! It's not at all flattering and I don't think changing a camera view is going to make an ounce of difference. Nope Skeleton is not for me!
Perhaps I shall try hockey. It's similar to lacrosse and soccer, both of which I'm familiar. No one would really notice if my flailing arms and legs were intentional or just lack of coordination. There is lots of padding AND a helmet to cover my head if I'm having a bad hair day. Not to mention - you get sticks - and if I'm having a really crappy day sticks would be a nice advantage! Hmmm, maybe my Olympian debut is still possible.
There has also been a great deal more activity in our household these past weeks. Though not quite Olympians, we have discovered that we can work out four or five times a week and still watch a few of our favorite events.
Sadly I am not an Olympic caliber athlete. Despite the fact I was born in Wisconsin I do not enjoy the cold, winter sports.
While I did grow up skating away many winter hours on the frozen pond in our city park, I am certain I would not be a candidate for figure skating. I have trouble envisioning myself leaping or spinning - at least not on purpose.
The downhill skiing and snowboarding events are very exciting. The falls are frightening - thus ending my desire to participate. I have downhill skied - many times growing up in Wisconsin... and even twice here in Idaho. Any similarity to these experiences ends right there! While I was way cool shushing my way down what I considered quite a daring hill in Wisconsin, I barely survived the next slope up from the bunny hill in Idaho. I proudly waved as my sons zipped past me while they descended from their much higher starting points and continued to snow plow myself to the bottom. In my defense, gravity and I are no longer on speaking terms and falling seems much harsher in my current decade.
Friday I watched women Olympians run and throw themselves onto plastic (fiberglass) sleds and propel their bodies at a bazillion miles per hour through ice coated trenches. This was horrific! Did I mention they went head first and steered with their feet, all the while wearing Spandex for God's sake! Rest assured after watching the Skeleton event I automatically disqualified myself from the race, before even warming up, for the following reasons:
1. I would never be able to hold my head up at that angle to see where I was going (nor would I care to see). I am only assuming they also have their eyes open!
2. My size 10-1/2 feet would no doubt prevent my rocket like propelling down the ice. I would be the athlete to leave two toe trenches in the path and eventually arrive at the bottom with a 4 minute time.
Oh - And... most importantly 3. There is something SO wrong about grown women, even athletic FIT grown women, jiggling down a icy slope in SPANDEX! It's not at all flattering and I don't think changing a camera view is going to make an ounce of difference. Nope Skeleton is not for me!
Perhaps I shall try hockey. It's similar to lacrosse and soccer, both of which I'm familiar. No one would really notice if my flailing arms and legs were intentional or just lack of coordination. There is lots of padding AND a helmet to cover my head if I'm having a bad hair day. Not to mention - you get sticks - and if I'm having a really crappy day sticks would be a nice advantage! Hmmm, maybe my Olympian debut is still possible.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
To Wisconsin and back again...
With the first of our many weekend adventures under our belts, we are treading water this week, pretending to be organized, caught up and on top of our 'to do' list.
The reality is we had just barely adjusted to the Central Time Zone when we returned to our regularly scheduled programming.
Our trip to see my folks in Wisconsin was uneventfully (is that a word) full. My sister drove up from the Windy City to spend an overnight. We shared lunch with our cousin and folks, visited Dad's sister, drove to Mad-town to pick up my nephew who hopped a bus from Marquette University to join us. Lots of snow covered farm fields but a great one-on-one chance to catch up with my sister.
Our second full day started with breakfast out, seeing Diana and Kevin off for their return trip, a visit with Dad's brother and sister-in-law to share thoughts on family history and art projects. Yet another meal out and the movie "Nights at Rodanthe" in our comfy clothes at home wrapped in blankets because we weren't use to seeing single digit temperatures.
Sunday we attended church service and, yes, breakfast out. (I'm seeing a pattern here!). I was able to connect with a good friend/former classmate for a visit too. Ironically our last visit in June was interrupted when her son, and Matt's good friend, needed her to bring him a uniform item for his Guard Weekend. We visited in the car while driving the country side. This time our chat started at her kitchen island and was soon detoured when her son needed a ride to their shop in town and then out to a friend's farm where he could pick up his snowmobile. Not being strangers to "road trips" (that was a lifetime ago and shall not be discussed in front of our children), Shelly and I eagerly hopped into the car with Phil and continued our visiting behind the wheel.
Monday we got our ducks in a row, packed our belongings and had one more meal out with the folks before heading back to Milwaukee's airport and our flights to Idaho. We sat through a 3-1/2 hour layover at O'hare and 45 minutes of de-icing before finally getting airborne for Boise. Our late arrival was met by Matt, allowing us to be the very first one's to wish him a midnight birthday greeting.
The good news is I still managed to lose a half pound!
However, Tuesday's 7am work arrival came wa-a-a-ay too early!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Traveling...
Tomorrow at this time we will be flying to Wisconsin. I ask you - WHO goes to Wisconsin in February? Probably the parents of the young lady who flew to Alaska for New Years!
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