Something is in the Air

I don't know what hit me today, but I am feeling so great. It's kind of warm and fuzzy like Christmas cheer should be (without the stress), but it has nothing to do with Christmas. Weird, huh?
For the second night in a row, I have consumed WAY too much caffeine, WAY too late at night and here I am at almost 2am, updating all of you on the joy in my heart. :)
Here's a couple things that are currently making me happy:
1) I just watched Julie and Julia. I was so charmed. Now, I love watching the Food Network and almost any cooking show (with the exception of the fake Italian lady and Emeril, and the guy with the spikey, blond hair), but this was just delicious. AND the best part about it was that I didn't feel any pressure to run out and find her cookbook and get to work becoming a great cook. I am never going to boil a cow hoof and make jello out of it. You couldn't pay me enough to make it, let alone eat it.

After watching the movie, I've decided to have a Meryl Streepathon. I think I am going to renew my netflix, just so I can do this. I'm of course going to have to neglect Nathan for quite some time, to get through the movies, but maybe, just maybe he will become a fan and sit quietly and nod along happily with me. OHhhh! I just remembered Out of Africa!!! I'm absolutely going out to rent that tomorrow. Who's coming over?

2) While I am not usually a fan of getting gifts before the actual gift giving day, today, I was thrilled when John gave me my new camcorder! Wahoo! I will be now recording every waking moment of Nathan's days and will begin uploading them. Hopefully, this will not crash the entire internet, but I'm telling you folks, it'll be worth it. I got a tripod with it and can I share my biggest fear? My fear is that I will have the cutest video of Nathan and then I will go and ruin it by walking in front of the camera and bending over to pick him up. I'm just saying. I know it's going to happen and I want the Universe to know that I'm ready!!! Maybe I'll figure out how to edit them down. Hmmm... So, I will have a little video of Christmas morning. Get ready for cutest folks. He's already got his jammies ready.

Other things I've been thinking that have nothing to do with this joy of the season, but not joy of the season feeling.
I've had some experiences lately that have made me realize that no matter how much I want happiness for someone else, I can't make decisions for them and I can't force them to do things that will bring that about. Not an original thought, I know, but I also realized that I don't need to fret and stress about the fact that they have chosen that life. It's been a very liberating realization for me. I'm grateful that for the most part, I am a happy person. I believe it is one of the gifts that God has blessed me with. I love life!

My other thought that keeps haunting me is a frustration that I can't remember interesting thoughts for more than 3 minutes. I had some really interesting commentary about my plethora of CSI/NCIS shows that I watch, but for the life of me, I have no idea what it was. It's annoying, but just go with me for a moment back to a time long gone, when I was more interesting and had a better memory. Okay, I've never had a great memory, but 3 minutes is really lame.

One last thing and then I'm going to stop nursing the diluted Pepsi water and try to go to bed.
I've been sick lately and I have to say that I love dreaming when I'm sick. It's so fun to see the random people that show up in my dreams. I would love to know the science behind that, but I had some fabulous reunions with childhood friends that I haven't thought about in at least 20 years and a plethora of famous, but not-so-famous people, like the lady Flo on those Progressive ads. You know her? The one with the head band and the dark lipstick? And each dream had like 20 random people. Good times!
Next time I post, I will have a fancy video for you. Get ready. I know I've posted videos before, but I'm serious now!

I Should be Embarassed

that I don't post more often.
Here's my deal. Nathan won't stay still. I feel like it's not a very good post, if it doesn't have a picture of Nathan. So, since I can't get any decent pictures of him, I am slacking.
Then today, I realized that I hadn't posted about Thanksgiving.
We had a wonderful day. My friend Nan and her husband Chuck, came to visit us for Thanksgiving. They arrived on Monday and left on Friday. It was a fantastic visit. One of those that when they leave, you feel like they just got there. I mean, when does that happen? Almost never, even when you love the people dearly. So, it was a great treat.

Nanny and Nathan

Nan and Chuck

How do you think he liked Thanksgiving? His favorite thing was the cranberry sauce. Heaven!!

Nathan and Me at the town tree lighting. They line main street with the fire trucks from all the surrounding towns, all decked out with Christmas lights. Santa makes an appearance and hands out candy canes.

Daddy and Nathan

Another haircut

Nathan's hair has been getting a little long. I was hesitant to cut it because I kind of messed up the last few times. He had stair steps going on behind his ears. So, I let his hair grow a little bit. Yesterday, I decided that we had enough. I looked at him at church and realized that he was Farah Fawcett. The feathering, while beautiful, was not manly.
This morning, I pulled out the clippers and went at it. While he is still adorable, he looks like a boy instead of a baby.

A little fuzzy

It's a little fuzzy because he's always moving, but this is my biggest joy!

Nathan and his truck

Nathan scooting around with his favorite truck.

Stopping for a moment to admire his reflection in the dishwasher.



What just happened?

Momma, if you love me, why don't you help me?

I shouldn't chuckle at this last picture, but I can't help it. I think it's funny when his world comes unglued because he truck tipped over. :)

New Calendar, New Year

The other week, I happened upon the perfect calendar. I know that shouldn't be such a big deal, but everytime I see it, it makes me smile. In the front part, are the monthly calendars and in the back are weekly calendars that allow enough space for journal entries. Not the lengthy and soul searching, entries, but the 'reading a new book, Nathan is so cute, and laundry is never-ending' kind of entries. This is the only way for me to be truly successful at journaling. I have a set space and not much that I can write. That way, I don't get overwhelmed and never feel like I have to catch up on the last 18 months.
So, I can't wait for January 1st. I am going to be a journal keeper. With the excitement of a new calendar and a new year, I've already been thinking about the New and Improved Amanda of 2010. I'm trying to come up with a unique goal that hasn't actually been on my list every year since the 80's. Any ideas?
I'm hoping that when 2010 is over, I'll be kinder, more organized, more thoughtful, smarter, more beautiful :) and perhaps funnier. Those are all hard to measure, so I'll have to do some reworking on those. I'll be letting you know.

MEOW

Two weekends ago, I went with two of my very favorite WI gals to Chicago for the day. We left all men and children here and spent the day shopping, laughing and relaxing. Our main purpose in going was to see CATS. It was such a fun day, but I was lame and didn't take my camera out much. So, Lori took all the pictures and emailed them to me. I am even more lame because for some reason I can't download and save the pictures and show them to you. Both of the girls have private blogs, so I can't even send you their way to check them out. So, you will have to trust me when I tell you that it was a hilarious day. I was also looking more spectacular than at any time you have ever seen me. Just picture it. I was glowing, sparkling and admired by all. I might eventually post the pictures from that day and while you might not agree with my description of my appearance, you will never mention that. True friends!

So distracted

My life has been so distracting lately. Today, I feel like I keep walking from one room to the next. I can't even think of anything I've gotten done. It's 1:45pm and I not only have not taken a shower, but I don't even have my bra on. (Sorry any male readers, if there are any)
This may be a common occurence in my life, but never to this extent. For example, last week I purchased a People magazine on Thursday. It is now Tuesday and I just looked over and saw it sitting on my desk- UNREAD!!!!!!!
Hello??? What is my world coming to? That's 6 days with a guilty pleasure magazine and I still haven't reviewed 'Who wears it best' or the how celebrities are just like us page.
Help!

Pre-Winter Blitz

Here on the ranch, we have a lot of things to do before winter hits. Some of my CA friends may be thinking that winter will never come, but I assure you that here in the frozen north, we are fast approaching the days of despair.
We have so many things to get done in preparation for winter, yet most of them are outside things and we unfortunately have had rain almost daily for about 793 days. Maybe not exactly that many, but close.
So, here's my pre-winter to-do list:
1) Stain/seal the deck
2) Trim the apple trees
3) Final grass mowing of the year
4) Final hedge trimming
5) Rake leaves
6) Take final trip to the dump to empty all our yard waste
7) Finish cleaning out the garage, so I never have to park in the driveway again.
8) Burn day: burn stuff that we don't want to take to the dump
9) Get ready to go on vacation for our anniversary

If anyone needs a little extra help getting into heaven, feel free to come on over and give service with #'s 1-8. We will not be taking you along on our vacation, but we would love you more than we already do.

Hello, my friends

Well, I haven't posted in quite awhile. I'm sure that you have all been missing me terribly. Actually, I think the move to go private has lost me some blogging friends. So, if you read this post, please leave a message just so I know that people still realize I exist.

Now on to my update.
1. Nathan is just a cute as ever.
2. I gave him his second haircut and I'm thinking I need to take a lesson.
3. I let Nathan fall off the couch today. Nice, huh? I actually placed him down and put on his socks and then forgot that he moves. I ran to get my coat and returned just in time to see him lose balance and face plant into the hardwood floors. John, if you are reading this, I'm sorry that I was a bad mother today.
4. One of my Counselors in my church assignment got snagged from me and I'm feeling REALLY lost.
5. I'm sick of processing apples.
6. I'm ready for a tropical vacation. This is kind of an ongoing update. Close eyes, visualize anywhere but Wisconsin. Aaaahhh!
7. I've started working out with a Personal Trainer 2x a week. He is kicking my trash, but I feel pretty amazing. I'm almost ready for my bikini. Stop laughing everyone!!!
8. I am in a book club with some fun ladies. I've got to work on not being such a loud mouth, because I'm sure not everyone thinks that I am as insightful as I think I am. Let's take a vote!
9. The high is 43 degrees for today. Someone want to cry with me?
10. Drum roll please! Nan and her husband Chuck are coming out for Thanksgiving!! Pure joy and 4 days of non-stop laughter are on their way!

Help the little babies!!

Most of you know this, but my best friend, Bronwyn, lives in Tunisia. She is having a good time there, but she has a heartbreaking little story. I am completely stealing her post and using it as mine for today. Yep, I just copied and pasted! I'm posting it here, in case anyone wants to help out. Makes me cry to think of little babies suffering as I watch my own, grow up so easily and with so much love and health.

Here's what she posted yesterday:

I've been to the hospital again today to visit the orphan babies, and it occurred to me that many of you would love to do this, and many of you really can help if you want to! There were nine babies today, one of them only three pounds, most of them just skin and bones. One of the little boys had a sad little hair lip, that may or may not get operated on. Several of them were coughy and congested and had trouble eating comfortably. These are not things that any of us can do anything about, but there is something! One of the little boys had the worst diaper rash I've ever seen. The rash extended almost to his belly button, and there were oozing sores on his poor little bum. His crying calmed a little bit when I put cream on the sore areas, which cream we had to supply ourselves. So the first thing people could send if you want to be involved, is diaper cream. After that he seemed content just to be held. It's pretty sweet to have a crying baby calm right down when picked up and snugged a little bit. They so need to be touched and held!

Another thing these babies need is clothes. Some of them had decent little outfits, but many of them were wrapped in nothing more than hospital-cloth-turned-shirt. We bring newborn outfits to dress those that don't have outfits, but we didn't have enough today and I thought how sweet it would be to be able to dress each baby in something cute and whole. Any of you mothers with newborn onesies and clothes that you are done with who would like to send them to me for these sweet babies, I promise they will be put to good use. I have a few that I will take as well, but not enough. Please only send newborn or premie sizes since nearly all of the babies are premature, and they never stay in the hospital longer than a month or so.

I'm so excited about the chance to do something small for these babies who will undoubtedly have hard lives.
Thanks in advance for your help! I always hug my baby a little tighter after visiting the hospital. The life of any child is such a precious thing. If you pray, remember to pray for these babies tonight!

If you are interested, let me know and I will give you her address. It is a US address, even though she lives in Tunisia.

I'm Back!!

I'm leavin' on a jet plane.

Granny raises monarch butterflies each year. Here we are letting some of them go.


My new favorite person: Aunt Sue. They had such a blast together. He misses her already.

Mom and I at the Boston Temple

Uncle Pat playing guitar for Nathan

Nathan with cousin Kathryn. We went up to Boston to visit her.

Lunch with Heidi and Nancy. We haven't seen each other in 15 years. It was so great to visit and catch up.

Sue and I getting pedicures and manicures. Boy did I need that!!

Sue and Nathan making pancakes together.

Why I love Skype

I am a Skyper. I love it. I mostly just skype with my CA friend Nan and Bronwyn in Tunisia.
Sidenote: I like saying "Bronwyn in Tunisia". It makes me feel very fancy. First of all, to have a real-life friend that lives in Africa is pretty cool, and second of all I feel great that I know where Tunisia is. Most people don't, with of course the exception of Rachel. Hi Bronwyn. Hi Rachel. End of sidenote.
Extra sidenote: I don't actually like it that Brownyn is in Tunisia. I wish she was in Wisconsin, but since that is never going to happen, I love Skype.

Back to the original story.
So, last night, Nan and I were Skyping. When we were together we were possibly the two most ridiculous people on the planet. It's more challenging to get that way over the telephone, but much easier with video chatting.
It was getting late and we had been talking for quite awhile. We had relived some of our funnier teaching moments, talked about Diet sodas and were trying not to end the call. You know how it is. You really don't have anything else to say, but you're sure if you just hang on another few seconds, something great is about to happen? Well, luckily we had faith in that moment and waited just a little bit longer before hanging up.
In our attempt to create more conversation, Nan pulls out this pocket reading light. You push a button and the whole thing unfolds all by itself. It's cool and a little freaky at the same time. Mr. Roboto.
Anyway, this then becomes the game of 'Who has the weirder thing on their computer desk?'
Nan: Previously mentioned reading light
Me: Tire pressure gauge
Nan: Kitchen towel
Me: Teeny tiny screwdriver
Nan: Needle nosed pliers
Me: Desitin
Nan: Holder for drapery rod
Me: Tape Measure
Nan: Oven mitt
We went on like this for quite some time and it seemed to get more and more entertaining. Until THE moment. I looked around and THEN.....wait for it

Me: Firecrackers!!!

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, I had a block of fireworks sitting by my computer. Now, I'm not sure how they came to be by my computer or how I might put them to good use without leaving the room, but oh so grateful that they were there.
It's been so long since Nan and I laughed like that.
This moment, brought to you by Skype.
If you don't have Skype, you should and then you should leave a comment and you too can play such fun games with your WI friend.

Look what I did!!!!

Several years ago, I let John pick a quilt that I would make him. He chose a beautiful quilt that requires me to do lots and lots of triangles. Even though I call myself a quilter, I'm a total poser. I've made a few strip quilts and then proceeded to tie them. I've given them as gifts and had no complaints, but really I need to get on the ball if I want to be one of those old lady quilters with some mad skills. After 2 years of staring at the fabric, I decided to conquer my fear. Here's what I did. I know, I know. I'm pretty amazing! Who knew I had it in me? I'm pretty sure that after that one square, I'm destined for greatness. Now let's see if I can keep at it and maybe by our 10th wedding anniversary, he'll have his quilt! (P.S. This is not John's quilt. Just a practice square. His is much more masculine)
Oh, and just a glimpse of Nathan's day. He was watching a little Sesame Street on my computer, while I worked.

I'm pretty sure that that whole 'don't let your kids watch tv until they're two' business, doesn't count if they are watching it on the computer. Right? And besides, Nathan never watches other tv like NCIS or The Real Housewives...

Two Fer

I know, I know, two posts in one day. I should just wait until tomorrow and then I'll be on a blogging roll. I will however, forget by tomorrow what I wanted to blog about, so here goes.
Wisconsinites seem to have a hard time with hours of operation for businesses. Today and many times in the past, I have seen this on business doors: Hours: 3-close.

Yeah, I assume that they'll be open until they close, but when might that be exactly? Is it just one of those 'we don't get much business, so we go home when we want to' things? I'm going to put up a sign in the kitchen Hours: open-close. Then I have the liberty to never be in the kitchen. Also one for the laundry room.

I Double Dog Dare You

I've been feeling a bit mean and cranky today. I am blaming the fact that I vacuumed and washed the floors, so Nathan could drag himself around. After the floors were dry, I set him down and off he went. I picked him up a few minutes later and his shirt was dirty!! WHAT THE HECK!!!!! Why exactly should I clean?
So,I go to the mailbox, hoping for presents or really early Birthday cards to make my day. Instead I find another paper from our insurance company. It's one of those lovely Explanation of Benefits papers, that tells you what the doctor charged the insurance company and then what they are going to charge you.
So, a few weeks ago I went to the eye doctor because the corner of my eye was red and puffy. I had pink eye the week before and was concerned that maybe my eye plug was infected. (Eye plugs because I have dry eyes. These keep my tears from draining off.)
Also important to know: I had Lasiks done several years back and I don't require glasses or contacts.
So the Explanation of Benefits paper says that I had an Eye Exam and then a Vision Service. Well, my eye exam is covered at 100%, but they pay nothing on my Vision Service. I'm kind of confused about what kind of extra service I received. Now a nurse did come in to hold Nathan while they were looking at my eyeball, but that was about it.
So, you are all wondering what the Visions Service is, huh? Well, it's the 'Which is better, A or B, part of the visit. Now I don't know that much about Optometry, but I would have thought that that was part of the Eye Exam. Hmm...if not, what was the Eye Exam and why did I get the A or B part since I was not there for new contacts.
Someone is just trying to make an extra buck. And what kind of crap insurance doesn't pay for Vision Service. Hmm??
I really should call back and apologize to the poor woman in billing that I was mean to. I won't, but I should.
Whose next? I've still got a little bit of spitfire in me, yet! Warning: Do not cross me today. I'm on the warpath.

My New Trick

Here's Nathan's newest accomplishment.

I went in this morning to get him from his nap and this is what I saw.

He's at it again this afternoon. Standing up, crying, so I come in and get him. As soon as he saw me, this is what I got.




I layed him down again and tucked him in. He immediately starte crying, but once I got the camera out, he just started smiling. He's a star.



He's been in his crib 40 minutes now and still crying. At least he's laying down though.

We'll be lowering the crib as soon as John gets home.

I don't ever want to blog again

I'm so in love with these pictures, I don't want to blog anymore, cause then they'll get pushed down. :( Good thing I've got the living, breathing version here with me or you'd never hear from me again!

Pictures...Read next post, first!

Just a bit of cuteness!

Whenever I tell Max to go lay down, this is what I get. Max just loves Nathan.

Nathan in his new stroller. We love it. We were off for a walk and it was a little chilly so the jammies stayed on. As I've said, I'm a big fan of jammies. Trying to pass along important ideas to Nathan. His favorite way to ride in the stroller is with his feet up. He's all about chillin'.

Nathan and his girlfriend Ruby. I shouldn't be that mom that has her son spoken for before he can speak for himself, but I am. Ruby's mom and I are already collecting photos for their reception slide show. Nice, huh?

I couldn't help it. Nathan just loved having his head under the faucet. He wasn't too happy when I turned the water off.

Problem: Laundry and baby need to get upstairs. Solution:
You can tell how he felt about it.

Aaahhhh!



Wisconsin State Fair. Is there really only one set of those Clyesdales? I've seen them at most Fairs I've been to?

Charlotte's wedding luncheon. Beautiful bride.

Third time is NOT the charm. Maybe 4th?

The blog Gods are apparently not my friends these days since I have been having no luck posting.
Yesterday, I typed up the REALLY long and very anticipated post, only to have it lost when the internet fritzed. So today, I got brave and decided to give it another chance. Another long and witty (if I do say so myself) post. Poof! Gone! Who knows. So, here I sit, typing a pretend post because I imagine that as soon as I hit the 'publish post' button, this will be lost. Since I have been witty three times in the last two days, I really have nothing else to give. This may be a bit dry. I'll do my best.

Thing 1: I am kind-of a big deal! (300 bonus points for naming that movie.) After what seems like a lifetime, I have returned to the world of gym workout classes. After my third failed attempt at posting this morning, I got mad and headed off to a kickboxing class. I'm the woman!! Between the rage of blogging and picturing someone trying to steal Nathan, I was kicking some serious trash in that class. Unfortunately, I am quite out of shape and in reality, the class kicked my trash. I'm already having pain as I sit down in chairs. I might not actually get out of bed tomorrow. Anyone want to sign up for lunch bunch at my house? I will let you bring the lunch. Meet me at my bedside. Perhaps a flower on the tray? Vases are above the stove. Aaahhhh! That sounds heavenly. Jammies All Day- Day! I declare it.

Thing 2: This last week has been a bit of a nightmare here on the ranch. Nathan had decided last week that he was kind of over naps. For 3 days, he slept only 30 minutes each day. I tried to explain to John how this was going to be problematic if it continued. He didn't understand until I started sobbing uncontrollably. The good man that he is, had me call a babysitter and took me out. We've already been over how I felt about G.I.Joe, but I do always enjoy date nights.
Good news for all those concerned about my sanity: Nathan is back to taking naps. He was at 3 naps a day and it seems to be that he has dropped the 1pm nap and has settled on 2. This actually works better for MY schedule as I can leave the house now without neglecting at least one of his naps. So, I am a happy and showered woman once again!

Things 3,4 &5: Recent Happenings

Last weekend, we had our first ever block party. Fantastic fun. Love my neighbors.

Two weekends ago, we were a touch busy. We had a wedding lucheon to go to for a sister missionary that served in our area. it was so fun to see her and her new husband. She looked beautiful! We only wished our visit could have been longer.

We also had to fit in the Wisconsin State Fair. As you all know (or should know) I am obsessed with Fairs. I have loved them since I was just a little girl. Luckily, my mom understands the importance of fairs. Off we went. Nathan had fun. I kept trying to show him the animals, but he was more interested in trying to get hold of the cages and I don't think he ever saw the animals. He's just always on the look-out for something he can put in his mouth.

Thing 6: In a couple weeks, I am going to CT to visit the homestead. My mom is flying Nathan and I out for a week long visit. Nathan will be meeting his aunt, uncle and hopefully cousin for the first time. Should be a fantastic time. Can't wait.

Alrighty, well I'm going to give this a whirl. If it doesn't post this time, I'm going to go back to hand-written letters. Down with technology.

Sorry

Okay, so this is not the long-awaited post about Nathan and all of our recent monumental life experiences.
I however must jump in here and post in warning to all those that I love dearly. I am going to start a phone chain for those that don't read my blog.
WARNING: DO NOT SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY ON G.I. JOE!!!!!!
Many of you will not need this warning, you simply are not in the market for this kind of film. Those of you that are contemplating to go, or not to go...DON'T GO!
First of all, the movie opens with 10 minutes of shoot 'em up, blow 'em up, zap 'em up sequence. Now I get those scenes and why they are kind of important to a movie, but sometimes it helps if they warm you up a little bit. Nope! Not this movie.
After you get through that bit, you start to try and follow the plot.
Okay, okay, okay...I get it. Protecting some war heads that will, of course, destroy the universe. Okay, okay, blah, blah, blah...and then BRENDAN FRASIER???? WHAT? Why on earth???
If anyone knows me at all, you know how I feel about Brendan Frasier. I feel that his acting is on par with Keanu Reeves. As soon as he came on the screen, John and I were both ready to go home.
I kept rolling my eyes and had no problem getting up and leaving to use the bathroom during a very crucial part of the movie. You really have to care about a movie to sit still with a full bladder.
So, towards the end, John just leans over and says "Are you ready?" Out we went. If anyone managed to get through it, I hope the ending justified some of the movie. I couldn't waste another minute of my life waiting to find out.

P.S. Did I ever blog about my experience with Manheim Steamroller?

Preparing you

Get ready because I am going to be posting one monster of a post when I can get myself going and pictures downloaded to the computer. Most of it will include cute pictures of Nathan and an update on his varied and busy schedule as well as his many accomplishments that seem to be setting him apart from the crowd.
For now, this will have to tide you over.

Please?

I was going to put the title as Aaaaahhhhh, but apparently I have already used that one.
Just a bit of my day:

Crying (Nathan, not me. Almost me, but not)
Normal nap time each day =5 hrs
Total nap time today= 1hr 20mins

Seriously?

And Rachel Thinks She's 80?

I spent a good part of my day in a shoe store being convinced that spending $140 on an ugly pair of shoes was in fact a great idea. As some of you know, I am now an orthotic wearing 32 year old. Today, as I walked by a shoe store, I spotted some Danskos. I had previously be informed that those are some good shoes. I thought I'd check it out. The shoe salesman was extremely knowledgable and actually has the same foot problem that I have.
Option A: Huge Dansko clogs. UGLY!!! I kept saying that I didn't like the way they look and he kept making me try them on. He said that they are the standard for people with bad feet.
Option B: REALLY Ugly Israeli shoes for $176. Hello??? They are pointed like elf shoes, but when I tell you they feel like slippers, I'm not kidding
Option C: Yet another pair of really exciting tennis shoes to wear with oh so many inappropriate outfits. Wait, my outfits aren't inappropriate, but wearing sneakers with everything is highly inappropriate. If anyone sees me at a wedding with a dress and sneakers, hide me away for an intervention.
Option D: Sandals that I can apparently wear without orthotics. I am now, not allowed to walk barefoot in my own home. Unless of course I want to be in pain all day. SUCKS!!! So, I am going back to the store tomorrow to buy a pair of sandals for $140!!! I mentioned this to John and he was slightly confused since winter is on the way. Don't worry my dear bread-winner, there will be more shoes to come.

What am I thinking?

I was sooo hoping to be in bed by 10:30, tonight. Why am I still up? Started a new book, took a bath, YW planning, blog checking and I'm still awake. I need an intervention from someone who understands the importance of going to bed early. Please come to my rescue. I think only an in-person intervention will work. So, who's coming out for a visit to save your favorite Mid-Westerner? In-towners welcome, as well, but you have to bring treats. :)

Just Because

In the last couple of days, I have been encouraged by several friends to update my blog.
I must apologize for my lack of posts. I do, however, have a very good reason. I am boring. There it is. I have realized that I have two options. One: be one of those mommy bloggers (I know some punctuation belongs here to make it work, but I don't know what that is, so I will ask my grammactically brilliant friends) only blogging about how cute my baby is and interesting tidbits about his growth/devlopment or I can not blog.
I have chosen the not blogging route recently.

What have you missed? Hmm..
1. I am quite a bowler and would like to join a league. I of course will have to buy my own bowling ball because I have a man-size thumb, but need a ball the weight of a children's ball. I went bowling with John and scored 121 and then went later with my friend and her kids, and scored a 143. I know, I know. I'll make t-shirts for the fan club. Just email me your sizes.

2. I am busy playing mom of the year. I don't know when applications should be submitted, but I'm working on things.
Motherly accomplishments:
Nathan has 4 teeth
He has learned how to get his legs stuck in the crib. I am very good at yelling for John to get him out. See what a good mom I am?
He now rolls from back to front
He continues to be the cutest little 7 month old that I know
We read, sing, nap, go to play group, go for rides in the stroller
We play with the puppies. He still thinks dog kisses are funny. Who am I to ruin that for him?

You can see, I've been busy. I know that most of the things I listed have required no effort on my part, so I might really not win Mother of the Year. If you have any ideas for padding my resume, let me know.

3. I have joined a book club. We had our first meeting this week and based on the treats alone, it's gonna be good. The company was fantastic too! We are reading The Time Traveler's Wife for our first book. I'm finding it interesting, but lots of questions.

4. We have been busy planning, unplanning and replanning our trip to the WI State Fair. Today is the day. John is currently in the driveway fixing the brakes in preparation for our trek east. Wish us luck. I'm just hoping that the cotton candy doesn't taste like hand lotion.

I am prepared to take lots of pictures and do lots of people watching today at the fair. So, hopefully I will have a little jump start when it comes to my pathetic blog.

Those Sheep are Tap Dancing

One of my all-time favorite videos. Good times and your welcome.

Aaaaahhhh!

I think the dogs are in the basement eating a wrapper out of the trash. Or maybe it's a diaper. Can anyone remind me why I have dogs?

What Workout?

The best possible way to pass 30 minutes on the eliptical is to watch Paula Deen making cinnamon rolls. Do I still get credit for the work out?

Happy 4th!

While this year we celebrated the 3rd Annual Johnson Family Fourth Spectacular, we really should have called it the 2nd Annual Light a Friend on Fire Day. We have now celebrated the 4th with friends for three years here in Wisconsin, and somehow manage to keep people on their toes, literally. Last year we burned a friend's arm and this year we got a toe. Anyone with good advice on how to keep fireworks from tipping over, bring it on.
We still managed to have a good time as the burn was minor. We had really good food, homemade raspberry ice cream and lots of fantastic fireworks, but most importantly we had a great day with some of our best Wisconsin friends.
Here are a few pictures from our day.

Happy, Happy Birthday!

I love you girl!! Have a very Happy Birthday! Pretend we're eating cake and ice cream together.

Nathan's accomplishment of the day: He is now a roller. He rolled over today! And, he did it over and over again. He seemed so proud of himself. Too cute.

Amanda's accomplishment of the day: dusted. Not nearly as monumental, but certainly worth celebrating.

Here are a few of Nathan's new hobbies. He's hard at work, becoming a genius!

Nathan and the Pups

This is the first time Nathan tried to pet the dogs. It's like he gets it now that they are our pets.

What was this?

Rachel, was this your birthday?