Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Old Videos
I was going through some older photos the other day (I was looking for photos of things that were stolen in the burglary for proof for insurance) and I came across some old videos. They're fairly lengthy - 2+ minutes - but they feature Nicklas and Seeger so of course I think they're well worth watching.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Random Thought Friday
I know it's been awhile since I've been all wordy and stuff so I thought I'd spend a few minutes updating ya'll on recent thoughts/actions.
1. You may have gathered from a previous post that our home was burglarized last week. It came as quite an unexpected shock to us and we lost around $5,000 worth of things. A bummer - yes - but it could have been SO MUCH WORSE. People who have experienced something similar have told me that they felt so violated. It's not about the stuff but the thought of strangers rifling through their homes. I can't say that I feel that way. Yes, the thieves went through our things, combing through the house but that doesn't really bother me. If anything I feel thankful - thankful that they didn't trash the place, thankful that the Polack discovered the break-in (and not Nicklas who is the first one home sometimes), thankful that Freddy wasn't hurt, thankful that there wasn't damage, thankful that they didn't take anything that can't be replaced. Yes, we filed a police report. No, there are no leads. Yes, we're working with our insurance company and will get everything replaced. And in the midst of feeling like it could have been so much worse and feeling truly lucky about that, my friends from work stepped up and gave us a sizable monetary gift. To help with the insurance deductible. So those feelings of thankfulness have grown exponentially and are mixed in with humbleness and amazement and blessedness and so many other emotions.
2. I believe in karma so when the burglary first happened, I went through any bad deeds I may have acted upon (no one is perfect afterall) and while I couldn't find anything that warrants the actions that occurred against me and my family, what I take away from this entire situation is evidence that people are truly good and caring and thoughtful and this is all a reminder to me that I should always strive to be all that AND MORE. I feel closer to my family - to Mike (yes I'm using his real name because that's how serious I am right now), to Nicklas, to Seeger - because we've endured this shock together. And I feel closer to my work friends.
Good overcomes evil.
3. Seeger has really enjoyed going to Nick's baseball games this year because he's friended the brother of Nick's team mate. He loves to spend time at the playground with this new friend though he told us yesterday that one thing that bothers him about this friend is how much he litters. He'll throw gum wrappers and other trash on the ground and Seeger really hates this. The Polack and I talked through this with Seeger, suggesting different ways he can address this.
4. Nicklas hasn't had a hit yet this season. I keep waiting and hoping and cheering and encouraging him but the bat hasn't connected with the ball yet. He did get on a base a few times last night because he was walked. And a ball was hit to him in outfield and he ALMOST caught it. It was thisclose.
5. Today is the last day of school of the boys. They are super excited and I'm picking each of them up from school so that I can help them carry their things home. I'm also headed to the school soon for the fifth grade poetry reading and then the second grade beach party.
6. We're headed to that Lake this evening. It's supposed to be 90+ degrees this weekend so I think we picked an appropriate place to be though both the boys were invited to end of the year parties that they will miss. Nicklas decided that he wants to host an end-of-elementary-school party next year.
7. I was able to spend a little bit of time in the sun yesterday and even though I wore sunscreen, I was pink in a few places.
8. Though the boys are out of school this week, the Polack still has another week to go. This means the boys are going to spend part of next week in Lafayette with their mimi and papa. They are super excited, especially since they get to spend time with the cousins.
9. I get great satisfaction on school days where I have several tasks to complete before going to work in the morning. I went to bed last night knowing that I needed to pack everyone, buy bagels, load my car with boxes, gather Seeger's beach party items, and bring seasons 1 and 2 of Dexter - all before dropping Nicklas off at school by 7:30. And of course, I didn't go to bed until 11:30 so I knew it would be tough getting up in the morning. I felt like superwoman when I accomplished it all with 10 minutes to spare.
10. Have a wonderful weekend and hug your loved ones! I'm doing much more of that lately.
1. You may have gathered from a previous post that our home was burglarized last week. It came as quite an unexpected shock to us and we lost around $5,000 worth of things. A bummer - yes - but it could have been SO MUCH WORSE. People who have experienced something similar have told me that they felt so violated. It's not about the stuff but the thought of strangers rifling through their homes. I can't say that I feel that way. Yes, the thieves went through our things, combing through the house but that doesn't really bother me. If anything I feel thankful - thankful that they didn't trash the place, thankful that the Polack discovered the break-in (and not Nicklas who is the first one home sometimes), thankful that Freddy wasn't hurt, thankful that there wasn't damage, thankful that they didn't take anything that can't be replaced. Yes, we filed a police report. No, there are no leads. Yes, we're working with our insurance company and will get everything replaced. And in the midst of feeling like it could have been so much worse and feeling truly lucky about that, my friends from work stepped up and gave us a sizable monetary gift. To help with the insurance deductible. So those feelings of thankfulness have grown exponentially and are mixed in with humbleness and amazement and blessedness and so many other emotions.
2. I believe in karma so when the burglary first happened, I went through any bad deeds I may have acted upon (no one is perfect afterall) and while I couldn't find anything that warrants the actions that occurred against me and my family, what I take away from this entire situation is evidence that people are truly good and caring and thoughtful and this is all a reminder to me that I should always strive to be all that AND MORE. I feel closer to my family - to Mike (yes I'm using his real name because that's how serious I am right now), to Nicklas, to Seeger - because we've endured this shock together. And I feel closer to my work friends.
Good overcomes evil.
3. Seeger has really enjoyed going to Nick's baseball games this year because he's friended the brother of Nick's team mate. He loves to spend time at the playground with this new friend though he told us yesterday that one thing that bothers him about this friend is how much he litters. He'll throw gum wrappers and other trash on the ground and Seeger really hates this. The Polack and I talked through this with Seeger, suggesting different ways he can address this.
4. Nicklas hasn't had a hit yet this season. I keep waiting and hoping and cheering and encouraging him but the bat hasn't connected with the ball yet. He did get on a base a few times last night because he was walked. And a ball was hit to him in outfield and he ALMOST caught it. It was thisclose.
5. Today is the last day of school of the boys. They are super excited and I'm picking each of them up from school so that I can help them carry their things home. I'm also headed to the school soon for the fifth grade poetry reading and then the second grade beach party.
6. We're headed to that Lake this evening. It's supposed to be 90+ degrees this weekend so I think we picked an appropriate place to be though both the boys were invited to end of the year parties that they will miss. Nicklas decided that he wants to host an end-of-elementary-school party next year.
7. I was able to spend a little bit of time in the sun yesterday and even though I wore sunscreen, I was pink in a few places.
8. Though the boys are out of school this week, the Polack still has another week to go. This means the boys are going to spend part of next week in Lafayette with their mimi and papa. They are super excited, especially since they get to spend time with the cousins.
9. I get great satisfaction on school days where I have several tasks to complete before going to work in the morning. I went to bed last night knowing that I needed to pack everyone, buy bagels, load my car with boxes, gather Seeger's beach party items, and bring seasons 1 and 2 of Dexter - all before dropping Nicklas off at school by 7:30. And of course, I didn't go to bed until 11:30 so I knew it would be tough getting up in the morning. I felt like superwoman when I accomplished it all with 10 minutes to spare.
10. Have a wonderful weekend and hug your loved ones! I'm doing much more of that lately.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Best and Worst
Natalie's worst - very tired today
Seeger's worst - that he doesn't know we're Zane is
Nicklas - super tired this morning because yesterday was a long, long day
Mike's worst - breaking down to turn on the air conditioning
Seeger's best - finally has a new ninja from Ninjago
Natalie's best - getting outdoor stuff taking care of
Nick's best - last week of school
Mike's best - tomorrow is his last Monday at school and that dinner is so good he's getting seconds
Seeger's worst - that he doesn't know we're Zane is
Nicklas - super tired this morning because yesterday was a long, long day
Mike's worst - breaking down to turn on the air conditioning
Seeger's best - finally has a new ninja from Ninjago
Natalie's best - getting outdoor stuff taking care of
Nick's best - last week of school
Mike's best - tomorrow is his last Monday at school and that dinner is so good he's getting seconds
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Burglary
We've had a break-in. Apparently an unlocked door leads to stolen televisions, a Nintendo ds, various Wii accessories, and a lockbox filled with savings bonds, passports, social security cards, and birth certificates.
Lesson learned.
Day Sixteen - What You're Reading
I've been reason a lot of dystopian books lately however I took a break for the Fifty Shades trilogy.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Weekend Recap
Whew weee, I'm still recovering from a busy weekend. Friday night, we scarfed down dinner and headed to Monroe County Martial Arts where Nicklas tested for his green belt.
Seeger started tae kwon do about four months ahead of Nicklas and so far, he's achieved his belts sooner than Nicklas. So I was a little surprised that Nicklas tested before Seeger for this next level. I was worried about Seeger being upset and although he was bummed, he was in pretty good spirits. While waiting for the testing, we played around on my phone.
Nicklas did GREAT during the test. The Polack and I were both really impressed with his kicks and punches. Here he is during the promotion. Yay, Nicklas The Green Belt!
After TKD, the boys headed to the baseball fields for Nick's game and I went to a friends house for a Stella and Dot party. Yes, I purchased a few things. On Saturday, the family got going pretty early because we were helping with the school's Learning Festival. I was in charge of the Fitness Trail/Obstacle Course. The Polack and the boys helped and we all enjoyed the activities in between our volunteer duties. My favorite was the clay painting. Look at all the fish drying!
Seeger opted to paint a flower pot.
I was happy that Nicklas chose a fish. He made it for me for Mother's Day.
After the Learning Festival, Seeger and I hopped in to the Polack's car and we drove to Fort Wayne. My original plan was to celebrate my brother's fiance's graduation and visit for Mother's Day. After the plans were made, we realized Nicklas had baseball games on Saturday and Sunday. So he and the Polack stayed home and Seeger and I decided to go. In the midst of all this planning, the Polack's car starting having issues. Major issues. He loves his Sebring and though it only had around 93,000 miles, it was 12 years old and it wasn't doing well. So I decided trade it in for a nearly new car. My plan was to test drive some cars from my brother's car lot (he's a car salesman). After six tests, these were my top two.
I ended up choosing the Mazda for it's low miles and sporty feel. It will be my car and the Polack will take the Highlander. I love the new car though I'm getting to used to driving a manual. After figuring out I was starting in third, not first, driving it has been pretty smooth.
After I bought the car, I headed to dinner with my family and Kathryn's family and friends. After dinner, Seeger and I stayed at Uncle Jake's (while the most of the rest of the group headed out for a night of fun.) Here is Seeger asleep on the chair. He's so cute when he's sleeping!
Sunday morning, I got up before everyone and headed to the store to buy some things for our Mother's Day brunch. I wanted to make Crack Potatoes, a recipe from Pinterest.
While at the store, Nicklas texted me.
That morning, Seeger received a belated birthday present. He's super excited to try his new skateboard.
After brunch, we took a quick family photo.
Then Mom, Seeger, and I headed to the (three) dollar theater to see Big Miracle. I was great spending time with my mom and we all teared up a bit at the movie. After the movie, Seeger and I drove home where the Polack had a yummy steak dinner waiting for me. After dinner, we took a drive in the new car and made it home in time to watch the season finale of Survivor. It was a great ending to a great weekend.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Day Thirteen - Mum
There are several "mums" cheering on their kids at at the baseball field tonight.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Random Thoughts
Right now I'm....
: happy about spending Memorial Day weekend at the Lake.
: remembering Seeger's excitment about getting to purchase books at his school's book fair this morning.
: looking foward to lunch with the Polack who has today off.
: wishing I was home quilting.
: figuring out a way to watch the most recent America's Next Top Model episode (go Sophie!) some time today.
: wondering what Nicklas thinks about the "family reproductive unit" lessons he has been receiving this week.
: bummed that I'll miss Bloomington's Dancing with the Celebrities event that I've been working hard on.
: counting this list to see if I've reached 10 thoughts yet.
: not looking forward to driving to Fort Wayne tomorrow although I know I will definitely enjoy family time.
: excited that Nicklas is testing for his green belt tonight.
: sad that Seeger is NOT testing for HIS green belt yet.
: loving the new clothes the Polack bought for me for Mother's Day (and the compliments I've received from wearing outfit #1 today).
: happy about spending Memorial Day weekend at the Lake.
: remembering Seeger's excitment about getting to purchase books at his school's book fair this morning.
: looking foward to lunch with the Polack who has today off.
: wishing I was home quilting.
: figuring out a way to watch the most recent America's Next Top Model episode (go Sophie!) some time today.
: wondering what Nicklas thinks about the "family reproductive unit" lessons he has been receiving this week.
: bummed that I'll miss Bloomington's Dancing with the Celebrities event that I've been working hard on.
: counting this list to see if I've reached 10 thoughts yet.
: not looking forward to driving to Fort Wayne tomorrow although I know I will definitely enjoy family time.
: excited that Nicklas is testing for his green belt tonight.
: sad that Seeger is NOT testing for HIS green belt yet.
: loving the new clothes the Polack bought for me for Mother's Day (and the compliments I've received from wearing outfit #1 today).
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Day Ten - A Favorite Word
Hint - its not "Kroger" and its not "spice".
My other favorite word is noggin.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Top 10 Great Things About this Week (and it's only WEDNESDAY!)
1. I exercised my right to vote yesterday.
2. Seeger wants to create a website. I can't wait to help him get started.
3. I've finalized plans for Memorial Day and I'm super excited.
4. I'm reading a great book, one that's hard to put down.
5. I saw a trailer for the movie, The Host. It's based off my favorite book of all time.
6. I woke up before my alarm this morning. I think this means that I'm caught up on sleep.
7. Nicklas has been in a great mood - happy and smiling and laughing - the past few days.
8. We have a free weekend coming up and I have all sorts of ideas of what we should do to take advantage of it.
9. I attended the PTO meeting last night. I'm happy to be an involved parent at my kids school.
10. We're having a strawberry shortcake festival at work today. Yum!
2. Seeger wants to create a website. I can't wait to help him get started.
3. I've finalized plans for Memorial Day and I'm super excited.
4. I'm reading a great book, one that's hard to put down.
5. I saw a trailer for the movie, The Host. It's based off my favorite book of all time.
6. I woke up before my alarm this morning. I think this means that I'm caught up on sleep.
7. Nicklas has been in a great mood - happy and smiling and laughing - the past few days.
8. We have a free weekend coming up and I have all sorts of ideas of what we should do to take advantage of it.
9. I attended the PTO meeting last night. I'm happy to be an involved parent at my kids school.
10. We're having a strawberry shortcake festival at work today. Yum!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Day Eight - A Smell That You Adore
Seeger has the best smell. I am constantly sniffing his head. One time, I banged my elbow on the table and Seeger knew it hurt so he came up to me a said, "Quick mom, smell my hair!"
I wonder how much longer he'll let me go around randomly sniffing his head?
Monday, May 7, 2012
Day Seven - Someone That Inspires You
The Polack: thoughtful, loving, funny, caring. All traits I look to.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Day Four - Fun!
Watching Downton Abbey at lunch with friends.
I'm also wearing a Fun! polka dot dress today.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Best and Worst
Seeger's worst - couldn't study for spelling test so he got -5
Nick's worst - all people think about is winning
Natalie's worst - stressful day at work
Bobbie's worst - went to get gas and go to bank and she forgot her wallet
Mike's worst - left the leftovers at home and had to buy lunch
Tom's worst - lost his keys
Seeger's best - traded his unknown Bey Blade for Pegasus
Natalie's best - family dinner
Nick's best - having mimi and papa here for his first baseball game
Bobbie's best - hearing good news about family
Mike's best - Short Stop
Tom's best - enjoying being a part of Nick's presentation
Nick's worst - all people think about is winning
Natalie's worst - stressful day at work
Bobbie's worst - went to get gas and go to bank and she forgot her wallet
Mike's worst - left the leftovers at home and had to buy lunch
Tom's worst - lost his keys
Seeger's best - traded his unknown Bey Blade for Pegasus
Natalie's best - family dinner
Nick's best - having mimi and papa here for his first baseball game
Bobbie's best - hearing good news about family
Mike's best - Short Stop
Tom's best - enjoying being a part of Nick's presentation
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Day Two - Skyline
I've taken three skyline photos today and it's only 9am. I'm rockin' it.
Skyline photo taken outside my house before leaving for school/work:
Skyline photo taken at the boys' school after dropping them off:
Skyline photo of the HPER building (and a bit of the Art Museum) as I walked to my office from the parking lot:
If I could take a skyline photo from anywhere in the country, here is what it would look like:
This is a photo of the Chicago Skyline bridge. As a child, my family would occasionally visit my aunt and uncle in Chicago. As we approached the Chicago Skyline bridge from Indiana, I would get so excited because it was such a cool bridge to drive on. Plus, I knew it meant our trip was almost over. Anytime I drive to Chicago, I still take the Skyline and I still get excited.
Skyline photo taken outside my house before leaving for school/work:
Skyline photo taken at the boys' school after dropping them off:
Skyline photo of the HPER building (and a bit of the Art Museum) as I walked to my office from the parking lot:
If I could take a skyline photo from anywhere in the country, here is what it would look like:
This is a photo of the Chicago Skyline bridge. As a child, my family would occasionally visit my aunt and uncle in Chicago. As we approached the Chicago Skyline bridge from Indiana, I would get so excited because it was such a cool bridge to drive on. Plus, I knew it meant our trip was almost over. Anytime I drive to Chicago, I still take the Skyline and I still get excited.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May Photo-A-Day Challenge
Sometimes I need a reason to blog and since I really enjoyed Carmen's photos during the March Photo-A-Day Challenge, I decided to participate in one for May.
Here are the prompts:
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Today's photo is a peace sign made by me, surrounded by my family photos. Not the best start but I'll get better - I promise!
Here are the prompts:
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Today's photo is a peace sign made by me, surrounded by my family photos. Not the best start but I'll get better - I promise!
Random Thought Thursday
I started this post last Thursday but alas, work got in the way and I never completed it. I'm publishing is unfinished.
This week's post is going to be photo heavy.
You're excited. I know!
Seeger always surprises me. Now that he's 8, he's decided the Baby Bear should be called Kid Bear. It doesn't have the same ring to it but the symbolism has hit me. My baby is growing up. Here is a photo of him (and the Polack and Nicklas ) with Baby Bear circa 2008:
He was a chub! And here is a picture of him the other night - with KID Bear:
Tomorrow is my intern's last day. I'm sad about this but happy because she found a job planning events for the Law School. She'll still be on campus and she promised that we would have lunch often. Since I won't be at work tomorrow, she brought in flowers for me today. Isn't she awesome?
I had no idea that this game existed:
A few weeks ago, we were driving home from Lafayette and we saw gas was significantly cheaper. Too bad it was a mistake:
This week's post is going to be photo heavy.
You're excited. I know!
Seeger always surprises me. Now that he's 8, he's decided the Baby Bear should be called Kid Bear. It doesn't have the same ring to it but the symbolism has hit me. My baby is growing up. Here is a photo of him (and the Polack and Nicklas ) with Baby Bear circa 2008:
He was a chub! And here is a picture of him the other night - with KID Bear:
Tomorrow is my intern's last day. I'm sad about this but happy because she found a job planning events for the Law School. She'll still be on campus and she promised that we would have lunch often. Since I won't be at work tomorrow, she brought in flowers for me today. Isn't she awesome?
I had no idea that this game existed:
A few weeks ago, we were driving home from Lafayette and we saw gas was significantly cheaper. Too bad it was a mistake:
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