Today was a pretty laid back day. Lamar and I ran some errands, mainly to the grocery store (OK we went to all three in town). We now have enough food to feed a small army between both houses. Lamar helped Vane with some home projects that Mary Ann wanted done. I successfully took a nap and did laundry.
We wanted to do an easy dinner, so I made some French Onion Soup and then some of the Butterscotch Pudding that I wrote about last week.
We went to church tonight. Shianne helped light candles with her grandparents and then helped read for part of the service. She looked so grown up - at least from my vantage point - I was in the next room looking through a small window with Nora Beth. Being quiet in church was just to difficult for Nora Beth to handle, she wanted everyone to hear her sing!
After we came home from church, I dished up the pudding while Nora Beth put on her own performance in front of the tree. I am not sure what she was singing - a tune that she made up on her own, but she owned her performance. We then enjoyed the pudding and let the girls open one present each. They were so excited to do this.
Now one part that I skipped over was the big announcement that Lamar and I did over dinner. We have been keeping a secret, and we are no longer able to stay quiet. We are expecting a baby....yes, I am PREGNANT!!!!! The new little Lindsay should be joining us sometime in late July. We are very excited about this, although there will be many changes around our house in the next few months to help accommodate the new baby.
It is late on Christmas Eve. I am ready for bed. I am sure to have two girls up early in the morning to see what is under the tree.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Holiday Trip, Day 4
We left Minneapolis this morning and took our time driving to Mankato - yes that city from Little House on The Prairie. We stopped to visit Deb, a friend of Lamar's from Church Camp. We cut the visit short so we could get back on the road. The forecast did not look pretty and we wanted to make it to Creston tonight.
The roads actually looked good. We had no problems driving until we hit Osceola, about 30 minutes from Lamar's home town. This is where the freezing rain hit and the roads were covered in a sheet of ice. We drove very slowly and made it into his parents driveway safely. It was such a relief to make it inside. Nora Beth was about at her breaking point of being good.
Looking back at our time in Minneapolis, it was not quite what I was looking forward to. I was hoping the city would be more decorated for the holiday. We barely found any decorations. Having been in Chicago at Christmas time before, I was blown away by the beautiful storefronts and decorations. I really wanted the girls to experience this. It looks like I will be advocating for a trip to Chicago or New York for Christmas in the next few years. That would be a fun trip.
The roads actually looked good. We had no problems driving until we hit Osceola, about 30 minutes from Lamar's home town. This is where the freezing rain hit and the roads were covered in a sheet of ice. We drove very slowly and made it into his parents driveway safely. It was such a relief to make it inside. Nora Beth was about at her breaking point of being good.
Looking back at our time in Minneapolis, it was not quite what I was looking forward to. I was hoping the city would be more decorated for the holiday. We barely found any decorations. Having been in Chicago at Christmas time before, I was blown away by the beautiful storefronts and decorations. I really wanted the girls to experience this. It looks like I will be advocating for a trip to Chicago or New York for Christmas in the next few years. That would be a fun trip.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Holiday Trip, Day 3
Today was a day that I just gave into touristy stuff. We went to the Mall of America. Now I have been there before, so I was not disillusioned to what this place really is. It is a mall - on a very grand scale. It has all the stores you can find just about anywhere else. The big difference is the fact that there is an amusement park in the center of the mall. Now from a child's perspective, this place is amazing!
We arrived, at the Rainforest Cafe - a huge hit with the girls, then walked around the first two levels to let the food sit a bit before we went on any rides. We let the girls ride on anything they wanted. Lamar and Shianne did the roller coasters, while I stayed with Nora Beth and did the kiddie rides. Both girls had a great time. It was great to see so many smiles and giggles from them.
We gave each girl an allotted amount of money to spend on anything they wanted. Nora Beth made a doll and found some pink clothes for her at the doll making store and Shianne found a funky watch she is really happy with. They each were really careful with their choices.
For dinner we went to Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co. Another touristy location, but we had a great time. Nora did not venture far from her standard of mac and cheese, but Shianne loved her plate shrimp.
We made it back to the hotel tired and with full bellies. We all went to bed early. We have to get up in the morning and make our way to Creston, with a stop to see a friend on the way. The roads look terrible today, so it will be slow driving.
We arrived, at the Rainforest Cafe - a huge hit with the girls, then walked around the first two levels to let the food sit a bit before we went on any rides. We let the girls ride on anything they wanted. Lamar and Shianne did the roller coasters, while I stayed with Nora Beth and did the kiddie rides. Both girls had a great time. It was great to see so many smiles and giggles from them.
We gave each girl an allotted amount of money to spend on anything they wanted. Nora Beth made a doll and found some pink clothes for her at the doll making store and Shianne found a funky watch she is really happy with. They each were really careful with their choices.
For dinner we went to Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co. Another touristy location, but we had a great time. Nora did not venture far from her standard of mac and cheese, but Shianne loved her plate shrimp.
We made it back to the hotel tired and with full bellies. We all went to bed early. We have to get up in the morning and make our way to Creston, with a stop to see a friend on the way. The roads look terrible today, so it will be slow driving.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Holiday Trip, Day 2
We had a wonderful morning of sleeping in, not something we usually get to do. The whole morning was very laid back as we got ready to walk to the Metrodome for the much anticipated Viking game. Today's game was against the Falcons.
The walk was short, only 4 blocks, but very cold. It was -33 with the wind chill factored in. Nora Beth did not like this temperature and insisted that Lamar carry her since her legs would not work in cold weather according to her.
While waiting for the gates to open (the longest 15 minutes ever!) the Viking Ragnar came out to greet the crowd. Nora Beth was scared of him, Lamar was just about at his feet showering him with kisses!
Since we arrived to the game so early to watch the warm up, Shianne and I went exploring the stadium. We came back with some face paint.
We had great seats, 6th row on the corner where the players come onto the field. We had a great view of the field and Lamar was able to talk to players as they came out on the field.
Unfortunately, the game did not favor the Vikings. The Falcons won 24-17. Not a pretty game for the Vikes.
The walk was short, only 4 blocks, but very cold. It was -33 with the wind chill factored in. Nora Beth did not like this temperature and insisted that Lamar carry her since her legs would not work in cold weather according to her.
While waiting for the gates to open (the longest 15 minutes ever!) the Viking Ragnar came out to greet the crowd. Nora Beth was scared of him, Lamar was just about at his feet showering him with kisses!
Since we arrived to the game so early to watch the warm up, Shianne and I went exploring the stadium. We came back with some face paint.
We had great seats, 6th row on the corner where the players come onto the field. We had a great view of the field and Lamar was able to talk to players as they came out on the field.
Unfortunately, the game did not favor the Vikings. The Falcons won 24-17. Not a pretty game for the Vikes.When the game was over, we were able to get on the field. We had met a sports agent from Corvallis on our way in and he got us down on the field. The girls had a great time running around. We were able to meet Esera Tuaolo, a former Beaver and Viking player who was being interviewed on the field.
The walk back to the hotel was even colder than the walk there, we did not have the adrenaline of the game anticipation to keep us warm. The girls got into the pool to finish out the evening. Tomorrow we are going to the Mall of America.
The walk back to the hotel was even colder than the walk there, we did not have the adrenaline of the game anticipation to keep us warm. The girls got into the pool to finish out the evening. Tomorrow we are going to the Mall of America.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Holiday Trip, Day 1
We spent the night last night in Portland so we did not have to deal with questionable roads early this morning. We arrived at PDX at 4:30 AM and found a packed house! We are not the only family trying to get out of town today. An hour and a half later, we are finally through the check in process (with two very tired girls) and we are rushing to get to our plane. We get on the plane and all seems to be well with our trip.
The plane is de-iced and the plane approaches the runway....then stops! The pilot comes on and announces that we have to wait on the runway for about 1 hour until we are cleared to take off because of weather in Minneapolis. The groans from the plane were in stereo.
We finally take off and have a smooth flight. Nora Beth is kept happy watching movies on my laptop and Shianne reads while I sleep. Lamar talked football with everyone around who would talk and played with his new MP3 player.
Upon approaching Minneapolis, we get the word that there is to much snow on the runways and we would have to circle for another hour until they are cleared. At this point we are all tired and hungry.
Luggage and rental car went smoothly. We make it out of the airport and realize that driving was not going to be any fun. Snow everywhere! No one driving in actual lanes - it was a free for all on the freeway.
We arrived at the hotel, unloaded and headed to the downtown area to find some food. We end up getting lost in the skyway system, but finally find a place to eat. There was going to be a parade downtown that we thought the girls would like. As soon as we stepped outside we realized that we did not have it in us to brave the cold. -13 is just too cold for me to be outside. Back to the hotel we went for dessert and a warm bath.
Tomorrow we are going to the Viking Game - a highlight for Lamar.
So the day did not go as planned, there were some delays, but as a whole, not a complete loss. We arrived safely and are warmly snuggled into bed tonight.
The plane is de-iced and the plane approaches the runway....then stops! The pilot comes on and announces that we have to wait on the runway for about 1 hour until we are cleared to take off because of weather in Minneapolis. The groans from the plane were in stereo.
We finally take off and have a smooth flight. Nora Beth is kept happy watching movies on my laptop and Shianne reads while I sleep. Lamar talked football with everyone around who would talk and played with his new MP3 player.
Upon approaching Minneapolis, we get the word that there is to much snow on the runways and we would have to circle for another hour until they are cleared. At this point we are all tired and hungry.
Luggage and rental car went smoothly. We make it out of the airport and realize that driving was not going to be any fun. Snow everywhere! No one driving in actual lanes - it was a free for all on the freeway.
We arrived at the hotel, unloaded and headed to the downtown area to find some food. We end up getting lost in the skyway system, but finally find a place to eat. There was going to be a parade downtown that we thought the girls would like. As soon as we stepped outside we realized that we did not have it in us to brave the cold. -13 is just too cold for me to be outside. Back to the hotel we went for dessert and a warm bath.
Tomorrow we are going to the Viking Game - a highlight for Lamar.
So the day did not go as planned, there were some delays, but as a whole, not a complete loss. We arrived safely and are warmly snuggled into bed tonight.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Snowed In!
The snow started falling on Sunday morning. The girls got up extra early and started asking to go outside and play. It was just a dusting to start out with. I fed them breakfast, bundled them up and sent them outside. The wanted to have a snowball fight and build a snowman.
There was not much to build a snowman with, in fact I think they have equal amounts of bark dust and snow for this creation. They had so much fun.
I think our house looks so pretty with snow around it. I snapped this before the first melt started to happen. Later, the neighborhood kids would claim our driveway as the best place to sled down.
I had one lone flower in the front yard. I think the snow will do it in sometime today. What a contrast, a vivid purple flower with winter snow.
The snow was pretty much gone by noon. Shianne had her winter piano recital today. We trekked out and made it. She did a wonderful job on her 3 songs. Nora Beth was on her best behavior, but did not like the music so she covered her ears. By the end of the recital, the weather was changing again and we could see the snow coming in. We made it home, but any longer and we would have had a problem getting up our driveway.
It is now Wednesday and I have not left the house with the girls. To much ice and no good reason to leave. More snow and ice is moving in today. I am just going to clean around the house, let the girls play in the craft room and I am sure some hot cocoa by the fire will be in order.
There was not much to build a snowman with, in fact I think they have equal amounts of bark dust and snow for this creation. They had so much fun.
I think our house looks so pretty with snow around it. I snapped this before the first melt started to happen. Later, the neighborhood kids would claim our driveway as the best place to sled down.
I had one lone flower in the front yard. I think the snow will do it in sometime today. What a contrast, a vivid purple flower with winter snow.
The snow was pretty much gone by noon. Shianne had her winter piano recital today. We trekked out and made it. She did a wonderful job on her 3 songs. Nora Beth was on her best behavior, but did not like the music so she covered her ears. By the end of the recital, the weather was changing again and we could see the snow coming in. We made it home, but any longer and we would have had a problem getting up our driveway.
It is now Wednesday and I have not left the house with the girls. To much ice and no good reason to leave. More snow and ice is moving in today. I am just going to clean around the house, let the girls play in the craft room and I am sure some hot cocoa by the fire will be in order.
Jasmine, We will miss you
Lamar has had his cat Jasmine for about 15 years. She lived in the TKE house (this explains many of her issues) and has moved around with us over the years. She only likes Lamar. The vet often told us that she would not have any problems if she was able to be alone with Lamar and the rest of us moved out. We did our best to accommodate her over the years. She really did have a great life as the "alpha animal" of the house. She did not have to follow the rules that the other animals had to. Antidepressants also helped.
Jasmines health has been going down hill over the past 2 years, but a drastic decline in the past 3 months. We made an appointment for her to go to the vet before we left on our holiday vacation. On Sunday evening, I noticed a drastic turn in her health. Lamar and I had a discussion and we decided that the most humane thing for us to do was to take her to the emergency vet clinic in town and have her looked at. We both knew that she would not be coming home. We let the girls say goodbye and Lamar left with Jasmine.
Normally this would be an easy drive, but a snow/ice storm had moved in a few hours earlier and the roads were a mess. Lamar passed 4 accidents in the first two miles of the drive. I felt so bad for him driving on the bad roads taking his cat in to the vet. He made it without any incidents, but the vet did not have good news. He found a growth in her abdomen that was taking up half of the space. With Jasmine unable to stand, eat or be comfortable, Lamar officially made the decision to let her go.
It seems unreal for her to not be in the house now, she has been with us so long. We will miss you Jasmine.
Jasmines health has been going down hill over the past 2 years, but a drastic decline in the past 3 months. We made an appointment for her to go to the vet before we left on our holiday vacation. On Sunday evening, I noticed a drastic turn in her health. Lamar and I had a discussion and we decided that the most humane thing for us to do was to take her to the emergency vet clinic in town and have her looked at. We both knew that she would not be coming home. We let the girls say goodbye and Lamar left with Jasmine.
Normally this would be an easy drive, but a snow/ice storm had moved in a few hours earlier and the roads were a mess. Lamar passed 4 accidents in the first two miles of the drive. I felt so bad for him driving on the bad roads taking his cat in to the vet. He made it without any incidents, but the vet did not have good news. He found a growth in her abdomen that was taking up half of the space. With Jasmine unable to stand, eat or be comfortable, Lamar officially made the decision to let her go.
It seems unreal for her to not be in the house now, she has been with us so long. We will miss you Jasmine.
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