Mama 26.2

2010-09-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

New Blog -> Mama 13.1 -> go there

2010-08-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

I've been having many troubles uploading photos on this site, so I have a NEW blog, where I will continue what I've started here....

http://mama13point1.blogspot.com/

Marijke

2010-08-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to USA, Marijke!!!

For this school year, we are hosting Marijke, a German exchange student who will be a senior at MHS.

It was a long wait for her, but she finally made it to Cedar Rapids from Chicago.

Random Thoughts

2010-08-02T16:52:00.001-07:00

So, apparently I've been "too busy" to blog. Well, here are some random thoughts:

1. Brooke does NOT have Lyme Disease. The "Western Bloc" test, a more thorough test, revealed that she does NOT have the disease. However, she was instructed by our pediatrician to finish the antibiotics, which she did. This would cover any bacterial infections that may have triggered the Bell's Palsy.

2. Today was school registration day. The girls are going full-time this year. Brooke in 6th and Haley & Moriah in 8th. Luckily, all three are at the same school.

3. Marijke comes THIS SATURDAY! I feel like an expectant mother or something, as I have been "nesting." Last week, I cleaned out the garage--I can park in it again! I've been cleaning a little more than usual. And today, I actually put the new cupboard drawer pulls & knobs on the doors and drawers. They'd been sitting in a bag for about a month and today I managed to get inspired. HGTV was on in the background...maybe that helped?

4. We have now just 1 cat. Blossom, a nine-month old kitten herself, gave birth July 24th to four premature kittens. The girls managed to keep 2 alive for 5 days by feeding them around the clock, but in the end, there were four little graves in the side of our yard. Blossom, who wasn't doing so well herself, ran away the 29th. We suspect she found a bush to die under, poor thing.

5. We are going to Colorado soon! Dan needs a vacation after a tremendously and unusually busy July at work. I'm looking forward to catching up with Diane & Pat, and my good friend, Deb & husband Mike. The girls are looking forward to seeing Rachel, Deb's daughter. And, of course, we all are excited about seeing those fabulous mountains again!

6. Just made brownies...mmmm...chocolate.

Update #2

2010-07-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Brooke's Lyme test came back positive, so she has Lyme Disease. The amoxicillan antibiotic is supposed to take care of it.

Update

2010-07-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Brooke had a follow-up appointment today in Iowa City with an ENT pediatrician.

It went very well.

He was impressed with how the Mercy ER treated Brooke, and believes they/we caught the palsy at the very beginning. So, treating it at the beginning will cause it to go away sooner.

Whew.

Her "funky eardrum" is just fine.

I think she's already getting better. Her eye is blinking farther than it was yesterday.

Brooke has Bell's Palsy

2010-07-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

Friday was quite a day!

After missing Brooke at camp all week, we went to pick her up at 9 am. She looked tired, but that's to be expected after a week at camp, staying up late, getting up early, and non-stop fun.

Unfortunately, I sent her on Sunday with a massive headache. Monday morning, she had thrown up and was still feeling ill. But, by Tuesday, she said she was much better. She stayed at the camp all week, and insisted she was fine.

Apparently, sometime during the week, Tuesday or Wednesday, one of her eyes became swollen and almost shut. But, later in that day, the swelling went back down, and she was ok.

So...it's Friday, and I have an appointment in Iowa City to get the VW looked at, which I had rescheduled due to our visitors earlier in the week. And, of course the 90 minutes I was quoted turned into about 140 minutes of waiting.

I made it back to Muscatine around 3:30. Brooke seemed ok, but I was wondering why her smile was crooked. She said one side of her face felt stiff and bruised. The other side was soft and squishy. By this time, it was about 4 pm. I called our pediatrician, knowing full well the answer I'd get: "it's Friday afternoon. Go to the ER."

Well, we've done the Muscatine ER enough times to know we should try a different ER. Dan said Mercy in Iowa City. Off we go.

Brooke had an MRI of her brain. She had to stay completely still. She did great. She had her blood drawn for blood tests, specifically the Lyme's Disease. And, she had a throat swab. Tests. Tests. Tests.

Conclusion: Bell's Palsy

Course of treatment: A lot of pills

Full Pool

2010-07-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

I think I counted 6 adults and 20 kids!

Case is in the car, while Sam is watering.

At the John Deere Pavillion, Moline, IL

2010-07-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

Case, Moriah, and Fernanda

Case sure enjoyed himself!

No, not our feet!

My dad

Case and Haley

Monopoly!

2010-07-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

Haley, Moriah, and Fernanda played HOURS of Monopoly!

More from our visit

2010-07-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of conversations.

Hartmut's wife, Maleike, and my father, Fritz

We were looking at pictures of Hartmut's houses in Brazil and in Holland.

Brooke's first year at Camp

2010-07-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

Here are only a few of her cabinmates. There will be 11 girls in all, plus the counselor (the tall girl on the left).

Unfortunately, Brooke wasn't feeling well when I dropped her off. She has an ear infection, and has been battling a major headache all day.

The counselor called this evening to ask permission to administer ear drops and ibuprofen.

Hopefully, she'll be better in the morning and have an enjoyable week!

Visitors from Holland/Brazil

2010-07-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Dan is talking to Hartmut and his wife Maladje, while Fernanda is sitting with Haley and Moriah during our boat excursion on the "Pearl Button" paddleboat. We had about an hour ride in the light sprinkling rain on the Mississippi River.

Here we are taking cover from the rain at the front of the boat on the second level.

After our boat ride, we came back home to watch the disappointing loss of the Netherlands to Spain in the World Cup.

We had a barbeque supper and the girls (minus Brooke) went to the movie, "Eclipse."

Brooke began her week at camp this afternoon.

Case, the aspiring artist

2010-07-09T13:46:00.003-07:00

...drew these all by himself!

This is Moriah

This is Haley

Photos by Haley

Sporting some new shoes

2010-07-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

New Hair Do

2010-07-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Haley and Moriah decided to get a fresh look for their hair, and it looks fabulous! Behind Haley is their hairstylist, Vicki. She did a fantastic job!

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

Every July 4th, Muscatine hosts a parade. This year's theme was Mark Twain, famous American author, who lived in Muscatine for some time. This was the coolest entry in the parade, in my opinion.

We were joined by friends Katie and Emma at the parade. From L to R: Katie, Emma, Haley, Brooke, Moriah.

Earlier in the day, we went to ToyStory3, the movie. Even Case went, and we all thought it was a VERY good movie. Highly recommendable.

Later in the day, we went to fireworks.

Happy Independence Day!

Ring! Ring!

2010-07-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

The girls have phones now. They are so excited and are quickly getting the hang of texting. We upgraded our phone plan and have unlimited texting and free calls amongst our phones, free incoming calls, etc. The girls each purchased their own phone and are paying the monthly insurance fee from their earnings.

C U L8R!

Messy

2010-07-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that having a boy just means mess. Here's the evidence of the writing on the wall...and the floor...

2010-06-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Soccer Summary Spring 2010

2010-06-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Mystics U10 Soccer Team finished the season at the Muscatine Summer Classic this weekend. From left to right: Tessa, Brittany, Brooke, Hannah, Annabelle, Allison H., Chloe, Allison M., Callie, Hunter, Moriah (not pictured: Paige)

Brooke scored a goal with assist from Tessa in the final 30 seconds of the last game! Yeah! She had many shots on goal this tournament and finally, one got past the keeper!

Our final league record was 3-3-2.

Our tournament record was 1-2.

04/18/10 - Sun	12:00 PM	MCS Mystics	DSC Wildfire	Bettendorf 5	0-3
04/25/10 - Sun	4:30 PM	NSSC Extreme	MCS Mystics	Bettendorf 4	2-2
05/01/10 - Sat	4:30 PM	MCS Mystics	EISA Buzz	Muscatine TBA - Medium 1	5-1

05/02/10 - Sun	3:00 PM	MCS Mystics	MU 99G Maroon	Muscatine TBA - Medium 1	5-1

05/16/10 - Sun	1:30 PM	QCS QC Tigers	MCS Mystics	Muscatine TBA - Medium 1	1-3

05/22/10 - Sat	1:30 PM	RIFC Rebels	MCS Mystics	Bettendorf 7	3-3

05/23/10 - Sun	12:00 PM	EMSSC Firecrackers	MCS Mystics	Muscatine TBA - Medium 1	2-1

06/06/10 - Sun	12:00 PM	MCS Mystics	GSC Spitfire	Muscatine TBA - Medium 1	2-3

Severe Weather

2010-06-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

A pic from my phone of downtown Muscatine as the storm approached fast and furiously.

Sleepover Success

2010-06-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

4/5 of the kids ranked this Last-Day-of-School-First-Day-of-Summer-Sleepover "the best one yet." Among the various activities, which included an exchange of items-no-longer-wanted, swimming in the pool, makeovers, telling stories, playing tennis, and a modeling show, was the Iron Chef Cook-off. They did something similar last time with the brownies (see March 19 entry).

This time around, the rules were changed up. Each team was made by drawing names from a hat. It was a little worrisome when both sets of sisters ended up on the same team, but it worked out very well!

Each team was given these ingredients: Box of macaroni 'n cheese, toothpicks, Cool Whip, hot dogs, Refrigerator biscuits (crescent rolls), bananas, yellow cake mix, 9 eggs, stick of butter, bag of mini-marshmallows, a loaf of bread, and a Wild Card. The Wild Card could be used towards any other ingredient in the house. They also each had access to Pam spray, oil, and milk. Each team could ask permission from the other team to add one extra ingredient if they so desired....so one team asked for shredded cheese and the other asked for smoky cheddar cheese. The Wild Card for Dining Room team was used for a can of tomato paste, while the Kitchen team used theirs for syrup.

Judges: expert food tasters Dan & Linda Steele :)

"Dining Room Team" and "Kitchen Team"
Moriah, Moriah, Sydney Case, Brooke, Haley

Working on the side dish - cheesy mac with dogs

Working on the presentation of foods

Dining Room Team: Pigs in a blanket, cheesy mac 'n dogs, & pizza

Kitchen Team: Smoky Pigs in blankets, smoky mac, and smoky eggs on bread

Dining Room Team: Braised Marshmallows on Yellow Banana Cake with Cool Whip

Kitchen Team: Yellow Marshmallow Cake frosted with Cool Whip & banana slices, topped with syrups

And the tasting commences...

And the judging continues...

Soccer Weekend

2010-06-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, I only wish I had a video camera for what happened before this picture. It would've been shown on ESPN for sure. Tessa kicked and made a goal from almost the half-way mark. The wind helped push the ball, but it was a perfect arc and it went high and wide. The goalie didn't have a chance. Seriously, it was a goal of a lifetime.

Anyways, here's Brooke (closest purple player) playing her final spring Illowa game. We had a scrimmage after this in Burlington and still have several tournaments this summer. Then, I think, this fall the U11 girls will be a different league, which probably means driving farther.

This is our team: U10 Mystics

This is the pizza party after the scrimmage in Burlington at the RecPlex. This is an annual/semi-annual thing we've begun with the Burlington Yellow Elite team. Our scrimmage ended in a tie 3-3.

Actually....

2010-06-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

THIS was the best deal of the day. We easily quadrupled the amount of Brio tracks and trains/cars this morning as a result of yard-sale-ing. We just discovered that among all the tracks, there is a Thomas the Train engine! Case is sooo excited!

Nice Day

2010-06-04T15:48:00.001-07:00

It was a nice day for swimming, and the girls invited some neighbor girls over for a fun time.

Deal of the Day

2010-06-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

Scored some great patio furniture at a yard sale today. 4 of these chairs, the little table, and a lounge chair.

Catch Me if You Can!

2010-06-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Jenna's Big Day!

2010-05-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

Moriah, Rebekah, Haley, Jenna, Brooke, and Lydia

Jenna was a beautiful bride!

Here's Oscar (Dan's dad/Jenna's grandpa) and Wynne with Jenna & Andrew.

Fred the Fire truck

2010-05-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

I took Case to a Safety Day at Blain's Farm & Fleet Saturday morning, where he met "Freddy the Firetruck." The truck actually speaks to you, asks your name, squirts you, and so on. I was looking around to see if someone was powering it, but didn't see anyone obvious. It sort of freaked Case out at first.

It's Safe to Say...

2010-05-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

...that Brooke is now "all better."

Whew!

Poor Brooke!

2010-05-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hit by what I think is a migraine, followed by a couple rounds of vomit....uggh!

Some New Pics

2010-05-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Case's Room

Brooke will share her room with Moriah when Marijke joins us in August. Brooke's sitting on the bed Moriah will use.

Here's Brooke with Case this morning, before Brooke became horribly ill.

Here's our dining room. MUCH smaller than the previous dining room on Mulberry, but very bright and conveniently located off the kitchen, living room, and the screened porch.

Living Room

From the hallway/kitchen looking into the living room

Family Room/Music Room/Spillover room - guest room

Guest room view from hallway

Haley & Moriah's room - soon to be Haley & Marijke's room in August!

Barnstormers Game!

2010-05-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I don't know who the guy in the way background is, but he managed to wave at my camera...hmm, why didn't Case?

The players were warming up...

The game was broadcast live on the NFL network...our kids got a LOT of air time!

I might be biased, and I might not be, but I truly think this is a cute looking family!!!

More from Friday night

2010-05-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Go Barnstormers!

This is the look Case gave most of the night.

That's Kurt Warner speaking!

Art Show

2010-05-21T13:03:00.001-07:00

So, for the past couple of months on Fridays afternoons, I've been teaching two classes of art to the Homeschool Students who are enrolled in the Home School Assistance Program.

We studied kinetic art and artists like Marcel Duchamp, Steven Gerberich, Alexander Calder, and Eric Carle.

These are pictures before the show was completely hung....a lot of artwork!

The Art Open House

2010-05-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

2010-05-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

New Couch, Mom? New House?

2010-05-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

After more than 6 weeks of waiting, we finally have the new couch! This has a double bed pull out that is actually an air mattress! It seems way more comfortable than the old mattresses of older sleeper sofas.

So...for those of you visiting in the new few weeks (you know who you are!), we have a place for you to sleep now!!!

My Country 'tis of Thee

2010-05-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

I saw this the other day. A flag all twisted around the pole, unable to unfurl itself despite the mighty wind that was washing over it.

It reminded me of how our country seems to be right now.

The optimist in me believes that a great and mighty Wind will come along and the flag will once again fly.

...election day is coming soon...

Orchestra Trip to Six Flags

2010-05-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

Moriah and Haley are on their way to Gurnee, Illinois. First, for the Middle School Orchestra to participate in the "Music in the Parks" orchestra competition. After their performance, they'll head over to Six Flags and have fun until the 4 hour bus ride home around 7 pm tonight.

They texted this picture from 6:30 am in the back of the bus.

Big Bed!

2010-05-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

I found a twin/twin bunk bed through Craigslist for a very low price! We have one twin bed set up in Case's room, and the other in Brooke's room. Moriah will use that bed when Marijke comes to share the twins' current bedroom with Haley.

Case likes the big bed, but he's not ready to sleep there yet. We want to make progress with potty training first. For now, he thinks it's pretty cool.

Country Critters

2010-05-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

I paused before posting this. Some of you might get the idea that we live with mice, chipmunks, and other rodents. Somehow today, a chipmunk got into the house (perhaps through the open door?). It was a scene right out of Christmas Vacation, according to Dan. (Case and I were lucky enough not to witness it!)

Dan trapped the little fuzzy guy in the den, then let in the cats, and let them do the rest.

Thank You for....

2010-05-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

Haley is helping Case learn how to pray.

¹ O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

² From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

Psalm 8:1-2

Tractor Ride

2010-05-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

2010-05-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

We're wrapping up our school year, but still it is very busy around here. I love it out in the "country" in our new home, but it does mean I'm spending way more time behind the wheel of the car driving kids here and there. I don't mind, because I'm getting a lot of reading done (while waiting) but it does mean less time in the house to clean and decorate. Oh well!

Last Wednesday I made a whirl-wind trip to Mason City. My dad is doing really well. We went to DirecTV and here is the dish being installed.

While I was away for the day, the kids got to play! Here's Case in his first real experience in the pool. (The first time was a few weeks ago when he accidentally fell in next to Moriah, who scooped him right out. He was staying away from the water until now.)

On my way home, I'm always fascinated by the enormousness (?) of the windmills near Charles City. Of course, it's not Iowa unless there are orange cones in the road!

Here's Case at the park in a swing. He loves the swing! We are "killing time" before Chemistry Class, which all three girls have been taking through the Home School Program. They finished up the year with polymers.

Finally, I thought the reflection in the pool was pretty cool, so I quickly snapped a picture. We're enjoying the pool. And by the way, the plants around the pool in the backyard and along the fence, and in the front yard were all taken care of by Dan, Oscar, and Wynne in one day (Saturday). What was supposed to be "an hour or so" turned out to be nearly an entire day! There were a lot of weeds and overgrowth, but it's looking so nice now. Thank you!

This weekend, Brooke had two soccer games. 5-1 and 5-1 were the final scores of each game! The Mystics are looking more and more like a true soccer team, working together, passing, looking for open spots, defending, and so on.

So...this week. I have one final class to teach at the Art Center on Friday. I have had a lot of fun teaching art this spring. I will take pictures at the open house to show what the students have been working on.

Have another great week!

This Week in Pictures

2010-04-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't have pictures from the strong winds or rain storms we've had recently. No pictures from me trying to get all the droppings from the oak tree east of the house that dropped a ton of stuff into the pool, and me trying to vaccuum it all out. No pictures of me teaching art at the Art Center on Friday afternoon, or me stressing on Thursday, the day before, getting ready.

But...I do have a few pictures of some other things, such as....

Case watering the garden Brooke and I recently planted. There are four purchased pepper plants in the middle, while the rows he's watering are seeds...hot peppers, red peppers, green peppers, and peas. We still need to get some tomato plants and onions.

Haley at Bass Day 2010, hosted by the University of Iowa. All Bass, all day. It was a long day, but she learned some new techniques and was introduced to some very challenging music. At the end, they gave a concert and it sounded really great! I brought things to do, like watch the DVD of Avatar, which by the way, I give 4 1/2 stars. It was a really great movie, a little predictable, but the realism was excellent.

While Haley was at Bass Day, Dan was doing Clean Up Muscatine Day with some people from work, and the other 3 kids went to Grandma and Grandpa's, where they were introduced to "real" Monopoly (not Monopoly Jr, which is what they'd previously played). They loved it so much, that on Monday, we bought our own game. They have been playing the game non-stop, providing lots of entertaining comments and facial gestures along the way! I like this picture, because as you can see, we're multi-tasking: playing Monopoly, and learning a history lesson from Glenn Beck in the background!

That summarizes the week, briefly. It's already Tuesday, and we're into another week with many things ahead. Wednesday I'll be in Mason City, Dan will be home taxiing the girls to their various classes, and possibly working a new water heater....(another story).

Today was "Wildlife" Day

2010-04-16T19:26:00.001-07:00

If you look carefully, there are 3 wild turkeys on the side of the road...I slowed down and took a picture quickly on my way home this morning.

This is the snake Moriah discovered today.

Haley is documenting the event. (Notice there is a shovel involved....hmmm, why could that be?)

Pool is now OPEN!

2010-04-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

"I think we're gonna like it here...."

Beautiful Spring Day

2010-04-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, we got alot accomplished today!

Here Dan is working on hanging a swing, Case is playing with the cats, and girls are jumping on the trampoline.

It was so beautiful! Spring is finally here, and boy, am I glad. :)

Dan worked outside ALL day, working on the timber in the back. He also put up a swing for Case, which Case is now very fond of.

Brooke, too - as shown in the picture.

I worked on getting the pool clean. Figuring out how to do the Kreepy Krauler. Cleaning out skimmers.

But, the COOLEST thing I did today was use Skype! Our exchange student's mom called and we were able to talk for 20 minutes for free with the use of our computers. I know this technology has been around for awhile now, and I'm just now using it, but WOW! It was very cool!

Twins are busy babysitting again tonight.

I'm relaxing with Dan as we watch the NASCAR race. Go Joey Legano. Or Kyle Busch.

Sprint Cup Car

2010-04-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

"You did what in your cup?" (from Cars)

Brooke and I were able to see the Cheerios car at Wal-Mart today!

The car is a lot smaller than I thought it would be. There's only the one seat for the driver, and there's a cup holder that's welded or bolted right in place for him. (Cup holders are very important to me when looking at cars!)

The Calm Before the Storm

2010-04-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

...and it hailed twice!

For the Fun of It

2010-04-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

So, it was Good Friday, and our van needed a checkup in Iowa City. So, we passed time by going shopping. We were actually looking for some dresses for upcoming weddings, and stumbled onto the Prom Dress Section. We gooed and gaaed over the beautiful dresses. On a whim, I said, "Wanna try 'em on?"

"We can?" asked Haley.

"Sure! Why not?"

I just happened to have my camera!

Wow - look out boys in a few years. Gulp.

While we were having a girls' morning, Case and Dad were helping install tile in the fields around Oscar & Wynne's.

A Game of Cat and Mouse?

2010-04-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

So, here they are playing with the mouse.

Now, if they'd just get to the mice before the mouse traps do, I'll be very impressed.

About a Week Before Easter

2010-04-05T10:58:00.001-07:00

We went to Wynne's sister's house to see the many, many baby chicks. Case was frightened at first, clinging to Grandpa's leg.

Then, he decided maybe they weren't all that scarey as he uses one finger to touch the bird.

Here, Brooke is showing Case how to actually pet the chicks.

Brooke is loving it. She should have a little farm someday.

Finally, we were able to see the sheep and lambs. It was a pretty entertaining morning!

No foolin'!!!

2010-04-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

It's April Fools Day.

And it's 81 Degrees.

No, really!!!

Thursdays are a little bit crazy for me.

Drop off Haley and Moriah at school early.

Pick them up before lunch.

Drop off Brooke around lunch for orchestra.

Drop off Haley and Moriah for Chemistry class.

Pick up Brooke from orchestra.

Bring Case and Brooke home for naptime.

Pick up Haley and Moriah from Chemistry.

Somewhere in there, manage to get a cute picture of Case at the park. :)

So Now...

2010-03-31T05:38:00.000-07:00

We have cats!

We picked them up from some friend's who also live in the country.

They haven't seen mice in their house for years.

I hope we'll be able to say that, too.

Because, 3 nights in a row, 3 mice in a row. All in the kitchen. Ick. Ick. Ick.

Dan is great at removing the bodies.

Me? I just get grossed out!

So...welcome cats.

Mice

2010-03-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

We have mice. Ick. I will spare you any pictures of huge Country Mice - they grow bigger out here in the country, I think!

Anyways, Brooke gets her wish - we will be acquiring a cat....soon.

Thomas the Train

2010-03-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Case discovered a new program he likes because it involves a talking train!!!

Spring Day

2010-03-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

The big news in Muscatine today is that the house three doors down from our old house on Mulberry Avenue was being MOVED. It's a large Victorian house that will be moved 3/4 mile to its new location on Iowa Avenue. A film crew from TLC (The Learning Channel) has been in Muscatine for the past 10 days filming the process. So, now the house is "parked" in the Art Center parking lot and will make its way up Cedar Street, then up Fulliam, and turn onto Iowa tomorrow...

(picture courtesy of Dan's phone - view from Mulberry Ave)

Next, it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL today. I/we spent most of the afternoon outside in our backyard, skimming off the leaves of the pool, raking leaves from our garden, discovering the strawberry plants in the corner, and all the great plants that are beginning to push through the dirt.

Now I'm tired and dirty, enjoying American Idol, looking forward to a tall glass of water and a warm shower.

"Best Sleepover Ever"

2010-03-19T07:43:00.001-07:00

So they girls had their BFF's over Wednesday night, and they all decided it would be fun to do a Baking Contest. The kitchen was transformed into a Food Network studio! Three teams: Dan & Brooke, Moriah Squared, Haley & Sydney. They each started with a brownie mix and from there, got creative. I had the rough task of judging!

Moriah & Moriah with Peanut Butter Eruption

Sydney & Haley with Sundae Delight

Dan & Brooke with Sensationally Sticky

A Few Things We've Done

2010-03-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Orchestra Concert a few weeks ago. All three girls played. They are making progress!

Furniture shopping. Of course, the kids prefer to just hang out in the massage chairs. After trying one, I think that may be a good purchase!!

We have moved!!!

2010-03-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

So, there's two more things (besides the mountain of boxes that are still full and need to be empty) to do.

Close on our old house today at 4:30 pm.

Close on our new house tomorrow morning at 10 am.

I'm not worried about the latter closing.

The old house is SPOTLESS. It is much cleaner than it was when we purchased it nearly 7 years ago. My mother-in-law and I have spent way too many hours scrubbing, cleaning 104 year old wood, touching up paint, washing windows, sweeping, and so on for the buyers of this home. They may or may not appreciate it when they move in. (Wynne spent an entire day on the kitchen cabinets, stove, and refrigerator!) I tried to have a Golden Rule attitude: Do unto others as you would want done to do....a clean house is good. But, my attitude wasn't always there.

So...hoping their final walk-through is pleasant for them, and they are committed fully to the purchase of the house.

In other news....I'm tired!!! Moving sure is a LOT of work!

...and we're moving

2010-03-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

We made more than 40 trips to the new house, nearly 20 were in the van packed like this. The other half were in Mark & Amy's tent trailer.

Case helped whenever he could. Although it looks like he's putting together a bedframe, he's actually squishing ladybugs with a pair of vice grips!

To Do

2010-02-19T12:03:00.001-08:00

Wow, I forgot how much there is to do when you move.

Besides pack.

Call utilities companies. Check.

Call banks. Check.

Call Newspaper subscription. Check.

Go to Post Office -

Call Dish Network -

Arrange pest inspection -

Figure out room arrangements -

Call phone company - oh, that's right, we're all cellular now....whew, don't have to do that!

2010-02-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

(it's not the best quality picture - I stole it from the Assessor's website - but here's our new house)

House is SOLD!!!

House is BOUGHT!!!

We got the call when we were meeting with the Reed's finalizing our paperwork on the house we are buying. The Buyers of our house requested a bunch of stuff and we gave in. Paperwork has been signed.

We will be moving stuff in just a few weeks. Aggh! Panic! I have already sold a bunch of big furniture items on Craigslist. Now, I have a TON of stuff to take to Goodwill, and/or give it a shot on Craigslist again.

To those of you who check my blog regularly and have been praying for this day - Thank you!!! I'm sure it was through the collective prayers of many many many people that led to the positive outcome. I never thought it would actually happen. So many sleepless nights fretting.

Other great news: We are going to be a host family to a student from Germany for the 2010-11 school year! We haven't figured out bedrooms yet. Even the girls are asking where they will be sleeping....hmmm, I'm still working on that.

In other general news: Today is the last day the girls will be taking the ITBS tests. Even though school was canceled Tuesday, our tests were not. After testing & an orchestra class, we will be driving to Grandma's to pick up Case, where he has been since Monday. We all miss him terribly, but it would have been impossible to take him to the test, where "mum" is the word.

Keep Praying!

2010-02-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Radon test was great!

Inspection is not over. Plumbers coming in 30 minutes to do something about a sewer pipe...??? And then tomorrow, the buyers are concerned about the garage foundation (there's a basement under the garage), so are having a foundation guy come look at that, too.

This has been stressful. The buyers have until Friday to pull out of the deal without any penalty. I would assume they want this house, since they're paying a fortune in inspections.

We have gotten rid of several large pieces of furniture through the use of Craigslist! So, that was fun, too. Less to move. I've started packing, so I sure hope this deal works out! Please continue to pray for me, the buyers, and the whole process. Thank you!

House Update

2010-02-06T18:59:00.001-08:00

So, we are waiting for Monday when the buyers will have had a chance to look at the inspection and for the radon test to be completed. What's crazy is, is that this deal has been orchestrated through realtors (ugghh...that means a huge amount of money goes to someone else!) and now we have TWO more families interested in the house (without realtors!!!)!!!! So...if the deal goes South, I guess we have another option - and more bargaining power without the realtor fees to contend with. But, I sure would like this entire process to be over with.

Keep praying that these buyers will treat us as they would want to be treated, and that the inspection turns out wonderfully.

I'm not the only one who likes popcorn!

2010-02-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

Update

2010-02-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

So the inspection is Friday at noon....will take several hours. Buyers will be here around 4 pm to go over "deficiencies" with the inspector, and will also have another company do a scope of the sewer pipes. These buyers are very thorough...I'm trying hard to turn over all my anxieties to God (Phil. 4:6).

It will help that I'll be taking my dad to doctor's appointments Friday. So, I'll be focusing on that instead.

Staying Guarded

2010-01-29T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am not jumping on any couches just yet.

We have an offer on the house.

The buyers have requested an inspection.

The house was built in 1906.

Praying. Hoping. Would you mind doing the same?

The Sun Will Come Out...

2010-01-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it must be "tomorrow" because the sun finally did come up! Something we haven't seen for several weeks now.

Sunrise in Iowa, Tuesday, January 26th. It was beautiful. Roads were still a little "iffy" at the beginning of my travels from Mason City.

The Sun Dog off to the right was intriguing me all the way home.

Ice Day

2010-01-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I WAS going to go grocery shopping today, but looks like we're iced in all day! Wow! For public school kids, I'm sure this is a fun day, but for us, it's just another day of school. In fact, we're getting more school done today than we normally would.

We just finished a book that I read aloud about Robert Upton. It was very interesting, and there was a theme of conversion within, as he struggled as a boy with what conversion was. Obviously, by the end of the book, he experienced it himself and went on to become one of history's important preachers.

Case is definitely two. He is alternating climbing on anything and jumping off, and throwing his entire body onto the floor in a tantrum. He has discovered PBS Kids on tv, which occasionally captures his attention for as long as five minutes.

Brooke was given a cookbook from her Aunt Diane & Uncle Pat, and now she's constantly reading it and trying to figure out what she'll make next. The other day, she made biscuits that were really yummy. As she was cleaning up, she put away the powdered sugar container, and I asked what she needed that for (it's not in the recipe)...and she said it was the sugar she used. "Oh no! I ruined the biscuits!" But, it was a happy mistake, as the biscuits were just fine!

And in process right now is a layered cake. Here's Haley and Brooke before the cake went into the oven. It is now cooling, and Haley is putting the ingredients together for the lemon frosting. Mmmmm....I'll let you know how it tastes!

Like a Postcard

2010-01-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

It was so sunny and such a perfect day that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take this picture at the top of the run. Fresh tracks in the snow, a gorgeous blue sky, and mountain peaks in the 12,000-14,000' range off in the horizon. Can you smell the crisp, clean air? It just doesn't get much better than this!

Group Shots

2010-01-11T13:23:00.001-08:00

This is our group. A perfect dozen! Lots of fun, laughter, and good times in the Rocky Mountains!

Poor Case didn't get the chance this year. We're hoping next year, though!

Yeah, that's right. Black diamonds! We love to ski!

Moriah and Dan

2010-01-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Views from 11,500'

2010-01-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

Read!

2009-11-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

"read read!" is a familiar saying that Case says. Here's Grandma reading a book to Case, and he's thoroughly enjoying it!

Trick or Treat!

2009-10-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

So, here we have a little hunter, Mary Ingalls, a Harvard graduate, and the Wicked Witch.

It was a fun time going trick or treating. Case didn't like the idea at first, but once he saw candy was involved, then he seemed to be all on board!

Fall Soccer Celebration

2009-10-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of our team, the Mystics (U10), after our last game of the season. We are celebrating our coach, Fred Levinson (in purple), for a fantastic season!

Our league schedule looked like this, and we ended up 3w-4l-1t:

8/29/09 FCA Freedom (East Moline) Lost 2-7
8/30/09 NSSC Extreme (Bettendorf) Lost 0-3
9/13/09 Firecrackers (East Moline) Lost 0-3
9/19/09 BSA Kixx (Bettendorf) Won 2-1
10/3/09 EISA Buzz (Bettendorf) Won 3-0
10/17/09 RIFC Rebels (Rock Island) Disappointing loss 1-2
10/24/09 MU 99G Maroon (Moline) Tied 3-3
10/25/09 QCS Tigers (Quad Cities) Won 6-2

We are making progress! We used to be beaten every time and usually ended the games with the mercy rule 0-10. It was exciting to see progress made, and defense getting stronger. Looking forward to the indoor season and the spring season!

Ah, to be a kid...

2009-10-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Case is investigating his new cars from a garage sale this afternoon.

Ok, so I would rather have a hot tub, but the foot massager will have to do!

Case's Birthday

2009-10-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Monday was Case's 2nd birthday, and we celebrated for three days!

Here's Case with Opa's presents - a John Deere tractor and a bunch of new HotWheels!

Haley made a wacky cake and all three girls decorated the cake.

I believe Case thinks the cake is a race track...?

What? I don't have a car with compacted chocolate cake in my hand.

2009-10-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've updated!!!

Well, we had a showing today. Haven't heard back from realtors yet, so not sure about how it turned out.

For MONTHS, nothing, then a phone call last night....house a wreck, a sleepover in progress, projects started & quickly (if you call 8 hours quick) putting the house in order.

Soccer season has been in full swing, and we have four more games.

Haley and Moriah had a babysitting job last night (during those 8 hours previously mentioned) and thoroughly enjoyed it.

School is going by quickly, and this year seems so much better for me, as the kids are doing more learning on their own.

Case is almost two! He's becoming more bold.

Life is good.

It's a Zoo out there

2009-09-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Lunch time - Don't Feed the Animals!

Case: "Puppy!"
Me: "No...that's a Bear!"

A Couple of Monkeys
watching
A Couple of Monkeys

Case: "Horsey!"
Me: "Giraffe"

We went to the zoo today with the home school group. It was a busy day! It was fun to watch Case see all the new animals. Had beautiful weather and a great day.

What Case Does While We Do School

2009-09-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Field Trip

2009-09-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

This is from the first day of school (August 20th) - a field trip with the Home School Assistant Program. There are many trips ahead, and many that we won't take part in due to our school schedule, having a toddler, and so on. Some coming up include the Niabi Zoo, Bison Ridge Farm, Galesburg, and more.

He CAN fall asleep in the car!

2009-08-16T17:58:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when you go out to eat and then drive around for an hour while your house is open for an open house, and it's normally nap time for you....Of course, after only a 10 minute nap, he thought he was good for the rest of the day. What a crabby-patty he turned out to be.

Open House Update

2009-08-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

We've had two open houses and two showings and one price reduction in the past two weeks. Still no offers, but I'm a little more hopeful since there are still some "interested" parties who have come through.

It's always been very hard to be patient for me, especially with school starting this week - I wanted this whole process to be over by now! But, I'm hopeful that this will make a great home for the next people, and I'm still hopeful we'll be able to move to the place we have an offer on. I'm nervous that the sellers will sell to someone else, though. It's all truly in God's hands, and I know that....must remind myself occasionally!

If You Can't Go to Krispy Kreme....

2009-08-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

...then by all means let Krispy Kreme come to you! Thank you, Paula Deen!

Corn!

2009-08-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

I was able to get 21 pints of corn ready for the freezer this year. Mmmm. It's sooooo good.

Thank you, Darrell and Carmen!

Getting Ready

2009-07-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

...for an open house this Sunday.

May the next owner of this house be someone who comes through Sunday!

Let's Go!

2009-07-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Case tests out the massive engine on his new pick-up truck. "Mmm, good traction, nice gear ratio....glad I went with the 3/4 ton."

Camp Week

2009-07-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we dropped Haley and Moriah off at camp for the week. Here is a group shot of their cabin-mates. They apparently have 2 counselors (far left, and far right).

Brooke got to spend some time with a friend from Florida on Monday. She invited another friend - a soccer pal - over for swimming and an overnight. She had tennis this morning. This afternoon, she's feeling a little lonely.

No movement regarding the house yet. Depending on whom you talk you, the real estate market is either in a slump or is doing very well. I'm still trying to remain optimistic....especially since we have placed an offer on our next home (contingency, of course). Surely someone wants a house this big with tons of character??

2009-07-03T13:18:00.001-07:00

Now that's the biggest ant I've ever seen!

Brooke apparently likes digging in the ginormous pile of sand at Grandma & Grandpa's!

Vroom Vroom!

2009-07-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Case's first time in a car cart at Best Buy. He liked it!

Tennis, Anyone?

2009-07-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Tennis Clinics are going well for everyone...including Case! He's spending about 30 minutes every other day chasing a ball and holding a racquet.

We Have Signed

2009-07-01T15:55:00.001-07:00

...a contract for the services of a Realtor.

I hope they have connections (i.e. a Buyer).

We are now listed on the mls site: www.muscatinemls.com and you can put in the street name search field "Mulberry" and there we are...1420 Mulberry...the giant Victorian.

Now the hard part...waiting....oh yeah, we've been doing that for 2 months already.

Waiting some more...

Signs Signs Everywhere Signs

2009-06-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our sign will soon be removed from our front yard. You know, the one that says, "Hey, House for Sale!" It has our phone number on it, and our website: www.1420mulberry.com

Not because we've sold the house.

It will actually be replaced by another sign next Wednesday or Thursday.

Unless someone makes us an offer before then. :)

Unlikely.

We have been persuaded to list with a Realtor.

And can you believe he actually thinks we have priced our house too low????

It's going up in price.

Well....we'll see how this will all unfold.

Meanwhile, we are waiting for a buyer so we can move!

...tick...tock...

Exploring & Experimenting

2009-06-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

So, I graduated from college with a BA in Art & Design. Wouldn't know it, though, because it's been a long time since I've picked up my art supplies and done something creative. Well...it's summer, and dog-gone-it, I'm going to explore what's left of my creative side.

So far, I've only done two experiments in pastel painting:

The soccer weekend inspired me. 11 x 14 pastel

Sunset in Iowa. 11 x 14 pastel

If you have any composition ideas, please let me know. That's the hardest part...what to draw??? Hmmm....

Photos from Spring Soccer Tourney

2009-06-25T05:22:00.001-07:00

These are photos from the last of the three games the Mystics played this weekend (June 20-21). I forgot my camera the other two times.

Brooke is in purple and is just to the left of the ref.

Here's Brooke trying to delay the offensive player. Brooke played great defense this game.

...until she got injured! Here she is icing her foot. It looked like the bone that runs on the outside of the foot was broken.