Thursday, December 29, 2011

Treasure

This sweet grandpa of mine is quite the treasure!


He turned 95 at the beginning of December and is such a special guy. Today the boys and I met Mom, Drake, and Braden at the care center for a visit with Grandpa. He was pretty quiet today, but a couple of weeks ago when we were there he was FULL of stories about the olden days and could hardly spit them out fast enough.  Aaron and I were chuckling quite a bit with everything he was telling us. A lot of times you hear the same stories over and over again, but this time was different.  We heard some colorful stories from his past that I had never heard before.  I sure wish I would've had a tape recorder with me. These stories are simply priceless and a window into such a special guy's life!

Last year I bought him a small Christmas tree for his room, and we decided to leave it up all year long and switch out the lights and ornaments for the different holidays and seasons.  So today, we took down the Christmas ornaments and colored lights and put on white lights with silver and blue snowflakes and icicles.  


He loves his little tree, and it's such a simple thing to do to make him happy!  Next up will be red lights and heart ornaments with each family member's pictures.  

Monday, December 26, 2011

Confession time

I have a confession to make.

Well, two really.

First, I like tradition.  I don't like to waver from tradition.  Traditions tend to hold special memories. That's why I like to make the same type of cookies at Christmas.  Certain cookies are just meant to be made at this time.

Second, I'm addicted to Pinterest.  There, I said it.  I waste spend quality time perusing this site for, hmmm, anything that looks interesting to me. Don't tell Aaron.  I'm sure he has NO idea!  Well, this poses a big problem when you stumble across an amazing looking cookie that is just begging to be made at Christmas.  However, it definitely isn't in my traditional holiday baking routine.  You see the problem?

Well, I decided to break tradition and squeeze it into my baking schedule.  A Red Velvet Cheesecake cookie.  Go ahead and drool.



OH MY HEAVENS!  

One bite and you might just think you've died and gone to Heaven!  You can find the recipe here.  You might notice the beautiful drizzle that goes across this gal's cookie.  Apparently I'm drizzle impaired :(  I just ate those two disasters so you wouldn't have to see how pitiful my drizzling abilities are! A nice little dollop with some pearl sprinkles was my solution.

Baker beware...these are dangerously delicious!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Gingerbread Houses

What a blessing Grandma Ween is.  She willingly makes gingerbread houses each year with her grandkids at Christmas time.  In previous years, Austin and Carter made one together.  This year though, she had one for each of them to make.  Even better, she had supplies for Austin to make an ISU cottage and Carter to make an UNI cottage.  How thoughtful!  Somehow she found purple and yellow licorice to make it all work pretty swell.

They look rip roaring ready to go!  (Ignore the clothes on the couch in the background.  We should just all be happy it was actually getting done!)


It always amazes me that there is any candy left after my boys have done these.  I think their motto is eat one, put one on the house, eat one, put one on the house, etc.


This year, both boys were pretty independent with their gingerbread cottages until the icing decorator broke :(  Then Grandma Ween got to flex her muscles.


Both Austin and Carter had so much fun designing their own houses.  It's a terrific tradition that I am so thankful to Ween for doing with the kids.  I know they will look back on this time fondly in the future.




Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Meet Chip

Here he is...


Yes, I know he looks quite similar to Carter, but we are changing his name to Chip.  Notice the bottom teeth :(Just last night he chipped these two permanent teeth for the 2nd time ~ yes you read that right!  THE 2nd TIME!


Sigh.

Let's see, the first chipped tooth came a little over a year ago at a friend's house.  Four of them were playing tag and Carter oh so gracefully ran into a friend's elbow. You just have to love when they bring him home to you with the other part of his tooth in a baggie!

Chip number two followed less than 6 months after the first one. Austin and Carter were playing Madden 11 on the Wii. Carter scored a touchdown and was jumping up and down celebrating and somehow ~ I still can't figure out how ~ his chin came down on top of Austin's head.

At least each of those only involved ONE tooth each time. This time, it's TWO!!! Apparently a basketball to the mouth will do that to a person. Carter and his friend were playing basketball outside having a hey day until the dreaded incident. I knew something bad had happened because I could hear the wailing from inside the house.

After the second time, I made sure our amazing dentist was put into my cell phone for such an emergency.  The first time I interrupted tomato canning, the second time dinner out, and this time supervising Cub Scouts serving food at Food for First. Let's just say, Dr. Craig and Dr. Debbie Grandgenett are pretty amazing people and never ever make us feel bad for needing after hour care!  They still speak to us even when they see us out in public :)

I guess a new mouth guard will appear in "Chip's" stocking this year!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Holiday Q & A v.2

This Question and Answer session brought to you by Austin.



Q: What are you most looking forward to over break?
A: No snow, no school, and Christmas

Q: What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
A: Opening presents

Q: What is your favorite Christmas song?
A: Jingle Bells and Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Q: Do you believe in Santa?
A: No

Q: How long have you not believed in Santa?
A: Since 3rd grade

Q: Who or what made you not believe in Santa?
A: Friends :(

Q: If you knew you were only getting one present this Christmas, what would you ask for?
A: an xBox 360 

Q: What's your favorite thing about going to Grandma Ween's for Christmas?
A: Fudgens

Q: What's your favorite thing about going to the cabin for Christmas?
A: Seeing my family and presents

Q: Why do we celebrate Christmas?
A: Jesus' birth

Q: What's your favorite holiday cookie?
A: Almond bark pretzels

Q: What are you getting your mom for Christmas?
A: Not telling

Q: What do you want to do for New Year's Eve?
A:  Stay up all night and hang out at Papa and Grandma Di's

Q: Will you be excited to go back to school after two weeks?
A:  NO!!!!!!!!!!  (That was his typing!)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Holiday Q & A

This Question and Answer session brought to you by Carter.



Q: What are you most looking forward to over break?
A: Christmas

Q: What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
A: Our neighbors come over after we open our gifts on Christmas morning.

Q: What is your favorite Christmas song?
A: Jingle Bell Rock

Q: Do you believe in Santa?
A: No.

Q: How long have you not believed in Santa?
A: 2 years

Q: Who or what made you not believe in Santa?
A: Austin :(

Q: If you knew you were only getting one present this Christmas, what would you ask for?
A: A four wheeler

Q: What's your favorite thing about going to Grandma Ween's for Christmas?
A: Fudgens

Q: What's your favorite thing about going to the cabin for Christmas?
A: Cool gifts and family

Q: Why do we celebrate Christmas?
A: Jesus' birthday

Q: What's your favorite holiday cookie?
A: Sugar cookies with frosting

Q: What are you getting your mom for Christmas?
A: Don't know :(

Q: What do you want to do for New Year's Eve?
A:  Go to Grandma Di's and spend the night at the cabin

Q: Will you be excited to go back to school after two weeks?
A:  NO!!!!!!!!!!  (That was his typing!)

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Cookie Exchange


I love getting help with my holiday baking!  A friend organized a cookie exchange that I went to last night.  It was so much fun.  I met new people, tasted some great food and drinks and came away with 10 dozen different types of cookies...well make that 9 dozen as I'm looking at the picture realizing I missed picking up the plate of frosted sugar cookies :(  How did I manage to do that?  Must have been the good drinks time I was having!  I'm also noticing that some little elves have already hit the stash of goodies as not all plates have their full dozen still on them.  

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Cats aren't the only ones with 9 lives

This guy (Oreo)


and this guy (Bugsy)


are not friends.  Oreo lies in wait and paws at the Bugsy's cage on a daily basis.  He's patiently waiting.  Waiting for the moment that little one is no longer protected by his colorful little cage.  That moment, unfortunately, came on Saturday.

Somehow, a small area of tubing was knocked off the side of Bugsy's cage.  I think we know who the culprit was...he has BIG, STRONG paws!  Bugsy must have been a curious one and stumbled out of his cage right into the deep cavernous mouth of Oreo!  Oopsie daisy!

Carter just happened to find Oreo with the hamster in his mouth and needless to say, CHAOS ensued!  Instead of trying to get the hamster out of Oreo's mouth, Carter decided to check first which hamster it was ~ his or Austin's.  Brilliant Carter, brilliant!  He hollered at Austin, and Austin came running.  Austin realized it was his hamster and grabbed Oreo's jaws, prying little Bugsy out of a death grip.

Aaron came upstairs to see what all the ruckus was about and saw the critter laying on the bedroom floor with a sobbing Austin looking over him.  Aaron was sure he was a goner. There was a streak of blood, and Bugsy was gasping for breath.  Aaron gently stroked the little critter and told Austin that he didn't think he was going to make it.  That made Austin sob even harder. He told Austin they could go to the pet store and get another one if he wanted.

Just then, Bugsy slowly rolled onto his four tiny legs and wobbled a bit.  The three guys stared in amazement.  Aaron scooped him up and put him back in his cage.  A few minutes later, he was miraculously running on his hamster wheel and seems to be on the mend! Apparently cats aren't the only ones with nine lives.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Giving Thanks

 Austin and carter a cozy home  loyal friends
an amazing husband two sweet kitty cats love
my family our health good weather my career
humor great grandparents for my children babies
genuine co-workers children who get along faith in God
advanced medicine to treat cancer in friends
caring neighbors forgiveness memories made

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Cyclone Nation!




Holy Moly!  That was a win for the ages!  

Friday, October 28, 2011

Lift her up

Please lift up my friend Arlyce with your prayers.  She is such a trooper as she is fighting this nasty cancer with everything she has. Here is her update from today.

Not in Control
House arrest!  That's what I'm on until at least next Tuesday.  I went into the doctor today to get my treatment.  ALL of my counts are way below where it should be.  So, I'm missing the women's symposium at my church tonight, missing Jen's birthday supper, and missing out on my weekend of starting to feel good.

However, when they say if you fever gets to 100,5, you need to get into the emergency room. Things change mighty quickly.  Then they talk about if I should fall, then I need to get into the emergency room to check for bleeding.  OR... if you get a cut and it doesn't stop bleeding.  This is followed up by "we don't want to worry you... BUT..."

I'm supposed to stay away from anyone that is sick.  Dave is starting to get a cold.  I'm not sure what God is teaching me through this one.

At least I know why I feel like I can't function.  I can't sleep, but I'm exhausted.  My legs feel like lead and I just want to collapse.  

So, I'm not sure I will be making it next week to Rock Valley.  It will completely depend on blood work on Tuesday.  This really saddens me, but I'm okay with staying home if I need to.  I don't want any transfusions or end up hospitalized because of it.

What I'm asking for today is prayer.  Pray that my white blood count, platelets, and hemoglobin increase.  Pray that I won't fall or have an elevated temperature.  Pray that those around me stay healthy.  Also pray for my mental health.  It was a downer to hear that my counts are so low and knowing that with each treatment it most likely will be lower yet.  However, God can change that.  

Also pray for safety as Dave, Glen, and Brent go hunting this weekend.  Dave doesn't want to leave me, but I told him that he was better off away from me with a cold.  

Praises:

Debbie- Biopsy negative.  Liver scan okay:)  Not sure what is next but continue to keep her in your prayers.

I'm loved by so many.

My nephew Michael is engaged.

My grand dog Jazz won two majors.  She is now a champion.

When I was down today about my test results, Anya was there and was so wonderful.  I love Bliss!

For my wonderful friend, she knows who  I'm talking about.  She NEVER forgets me.  Going to the mailbox knowing that you are thinking about me makes my heart sing.

Kringla that was placed on my car at home while I was at treatment.

Thanks for each of your prayers.  

God is good- ALL the time!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Family pics

I finally have a few moments to sit down and share a few of the family pictures we had taken before the ISU game this past weekend.  It had been over 4 years since we'd last done this on this side of the family...WAY TOO LONG to go without an updated family picture!

All 10 of us...


The 4 of us...


Nate's crew...


Ween and her boys that have become men...(I'm fearful this will happen to mine too!)



We have all definitely changed over the last 4 years!  Our kids are growing up way too fast.  Anyone know how to slow that down?






Saturday, October 22, 2011

Cousins


Aren't they cute?  The four Clayberg cousins were together today for the Iowa State football game.  It has been awhile since we've had a picture of the four of them together.  They are growing up far too quickly, and we don't get to see these guys nearly enough.  I loved my snuggle time with both my niece and nephew at the game and the chance to hang out for a little bit afterwards.  Nate and Kelly...how about you guys move a little closer?  We love spending time with you guys!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Pepperhead

Who is the man behind the pepper?


I think the lack of hair might give it away :)


Monday, October 10, 2011

Bears Football

Mom was so kind to snap a quick picture of the 4 of us between games on Sunday.  Carter's team had just gotten their first win of the season, and Austin was getting ready to warm up before his game.  


Aaron and I both love watching the boys play.  While it keeps us extremely busy and away from the house quite frequently, it's so much fun watching the boys grow and improve year after year. Aaron has been helping as a part of the chain gang for home games.  He likes that up close and personal view this little gig gets him! Personally, I would like to be the announcer, but nobody is crazy enough to turn the mike over to me :)  Maybe one of these days I'll sweet talk them into it!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Hello again

It's been a L......O......N......G time since we've had a Saturday with little on our schedule for the day.  It has been such a treat to be at home today with the windows open and a breeze blowing in and actually getting a few things done around the house.  I wish I could have accomplished more, but I decided to give myself permission to just get a few things done throughout the day and then sit back with the family and enjoy watching the ISU game on TV.  Now, if ISU would just cooperate and pull out a win, it will truly be a great day!

On another note, we have two friends of ours that are fighting the nasty beast that is cancer.  I would ask you please to keep them in your prayers.  I have asked for my friend Arlyce before.  She is now halfway done with her chemo treatments for breast cancer.  It has not been an easy road for her, but she has the most amazing outlook on life and reliance on God.  Here's a list of her most recent prayer requests:


1. Please pray for my step mom Ruth and the family as she lays her mom to rest tomorrow.  

2. Be with the family of Dan Christie.  He died in a farm accident this week.

3.  Be with the Niblock family as they lost their wife/mother/grandmother.  

4.  Pray that infection stays out of my body.

5.  Pray for farmers out harvesting.

6.  Give thanks that I was able to go to school to visit

7.  Give thanks that my leg pain is tolerable.  

8.  Give thanks for those that lift us up each and every day.

9.  Pray for the quick healing of Don after his surgery.

10.  Give thanks for salvation.


I would also ask you to keep a good friend of Aaron's from high school, Eric, in your prayers.  He has recently been diagnosed with esophageal cancer that has spread to other parts of his body.  He is looking at a 50/50 chance of making it another 10 months with treatment.  He has wife and two young boys that are trying to soak up every moment of every day together. You can follow his progress at www.blesiecare.com if you are so inclined.

I hope that you have been enjoying this beautiful fall weather!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Are you ready

for some football?

These boys are!



We are two games into their tackle football season and were thrilled that the grandparents were able to come out and enjoy the beautiful weather and watch the grandsons play!  Sadly, they did not get to see any wins today, but sometimes that's how life goes.  We'll get back up, dust the jerseys and ourselves off, and move forward into another week.

As you can see, the boys were on the ground and need a little dusting off!  That's Carter after making a diving tackle of a Norwalk Viking.


Austin is chasing after the ball and ready to get in on the action.


This sport is a ton of hard work and requires dedication.  We are so proud of them for working so hard and sticking with it through thick and thin.  Look out Bengals, we'll be ready for you next weekend!





Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Prayers please

I have two families in need of some prayer warriors to storm Heaven for them right now.  The first one would be my good friend Arlyce who is in the midst of waging a strong battle against breast cancer.  She is one of the most loving and caring people I know.  She always puts others first and is still doing that despite being knocked down pretty hard with her chemo treatments right now.  Here are a list of prayer requests directly from her mouth:

1. Found out that a past friend from Sanborn is needing your prayers.  His name is Bryan and will be going to Mayo on Tuesday for leukemia.  Pray for peace and for the doctors to know what plan of action they should do.

2.  Pray for side-effects to be minimal for me this week.  I would love to go to Ames on Thursday to see the pink fire truck and to Saturday's ISU/Iowa game.

3.  Pray for my classroom that they will strive this year.

4.  Pray that I can get my fluid intake.  Since Dt. Coke is no longer on my list of tastes, I need to drink more water:)

5. Pray that God use me to further his Kingdom.  God is good-ALL the time.

6.  Pray for those that are currently taking treatments.  May doctors find a cure for cancer.



The second request would be for the Boylston family.  Sweet Quinn, a second grader at Carter's elementary, lost his battle with brain cancer this last week.  I have had the privilege of having his older brother and sister either in class or mock trial.  They are one of a kind people who are living a nightmare right now.  


Please pray for God's loving arms to surround both of these families.



Thursday, September 1, 2011

So happy together part 2

Love is in the air :)  Today marks four years of wedded bliss for Loween and Doug!


I swear it was just yesterday that we were watching these two tie the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony.  I am so happy that love has found both of them again!



Monday, August 29, 2011

So happy together

Today marks 41 years of wedded bliss for my mom and dad!  I think I can speak for both Tim and Kasie and Aaron and I when I say that their marriage is a source of inspiration.  Marriage is not an easy task and to have made it successfully through 41 years together is quite an accomplishment.  We are so proud of you and continue to admire the commitment you've made to each other through the help of Christ.


He stills looks at her adoringly :)


So happy together...


Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  We love you so much :)





Sunday, August 28, 2011

Just the 10 of us

Heidi truly is an amazing photographer!  We were so blessed to be able to have her take pictures for an early birthday present for mom. If she can make the 10 of us on my side of the fam look presentable, you know she's good :)


Austin's giving me quite the look in this picture.


I'm trying to decide between the top one and this one for an enlargement.  What do you think?


Ace and his "mini me's".


At least they pretend to love me every now and then!


Thanks Heidi for capturing the family for us!  We love the pictures :)  She's responsible for the ones on the blog header too ~ she's a rock star.







Sunday, August 14, 2011

Farewell

It's that time to say a fond farewell to...


the daily scent of sunscreen scrapbooking   morning walks with the neighbor puppies the aquatic center  leisurely reading lunches with my boys $1 movies in the afternoon lounging all morning no set bedtimes Freedom no alarm clock  natural sunlight The lazy river not wearing make-up  being carefree 

Good-bye summer ~ I will miss you!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Woo Hoo!

This guy, MY hubby, is a rock star!


Why you ask?  Let me tell you.  He just passed his Series 24 exam!  YEAH!  (insert whoops and hollers here - go ahead and kick your leg up and do a cheer if you must) 

He's been diligently studying and was motivated to pass this 4 hour, 150 question exam (about financial things that do not make any sense to me) that he has been referring to as "the widow maker".  I don't know about you, but to me it doesn't sound pleasant.  He kept telling us that NO ONE passes it the first time.  I think he was exaggerating because I knew all along that he would pass.  There truly was no doubt in my mind but apparently there was in his!  I was so proud and excited when he called and told me he "over studied" :)  

What does that all mean?  Hmmm...it would just be easier for you to ask the superstar himself!



Friday, August 5, 2011

Home Sweet Home

There's no place like home :)

Austin and Carter are home from camp and so excited to be here! (Ace and I are quite tickled they are home too!)  They have been gone from the house for almost two weeks straight with RAGBRAI and then church camp.  They have had two amazingly fun weeks, but they are exhausted and a bit stinky. When Austin walked in he said, "Ah, it smells like home.  I've missed that!"  This mama's heart is so happy :)

I love my boys!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Movers and Shakers

As if RAGBRAI wasn't enough action for the boys, they have now headed off to Riverside Bible Camp for the week.  It was a fast and furious day of unpacking, laundry and repacking on Sunday to get the boys ready to go.  They were nervous and excited all at the same time.


Carter went to Riverside last year for a three day introductory camp and absolutely loved it.  He wanted to go for the full week this year, and Austin wanted to join him. They were torn as to whether or not they wanted to be in the same cabin. They insisted that they wouldn't tell anyone they were brothers if they did indeed end up together.  Shhh...don't tell them, but mom and dad requested they be in the same cabin to alleviate our anxiety a little bit!

  

They made me promise to take only one picture once we got to camp because they didn't want to be embarrassed by their mother.  Apparently it starts already...mom is no longer cool in public settings :(  This was supposed to be the only one of them I could take on their bunk, but I did manage to get one more with their counselor, Trevor.


I sure hope Trevor is rested up and ready for this week because there were 10 boys in their cabin all rip roaring ready to go.

Pulling away from camp, I wasn't sure whether to celebrate or cry, so I did both!  I have never been away from both of my boys for this long unless they were with family, so it's going to be an interesting week.  I have a feeling with as much as I have going on, it's going to go quick though. 



Sunday, July 31, 2011

Team Tandemonium Travelog #7

RAGBRAI day 7 and everyone was ready to be finished.  Aaron, Austin, and Carter were all pretty sore and tired but they were determined to finish up despite the heat and humidity.  You can tell by the looks on their faces that they were just ready to pump this last day out and be done!  I told them I'd drive them to Davenport to do the ceremonial tire dip and we could head home, but Ace wouldn't take me up on that offer.  Crazy man!


Austin and I met up with them in Wilton, which was the halfway point of the day.  We enjoyed once last morning of finding shade and watching the masses of bikes roll through town.  


Everyone seemed a bit slower today and more spread out than earlier in the week.  I can't say as though I blame them!  This was one rider I don't remember seeing throughout the week :)


Check out the tan line on that man!  Yes, I said man.  Needless to say, he drew a lot of attention coming through town in his fluffy leotard.  You definitely see all kinds during this week.

I finally had the pleasure of seeing the banana mobile roll through town.




Carter and Ace were happy to make it to the halfway point.  It was hilarious when Carter realized his little legs were done peddling for the week.  He started dancing up and down and cheering!  Both boys had so much fun, but they were definitely shot by the end of it.  

Austin was ready with his fresh set of legs to help Ace push onward towards the Mississippi River in Davenport.


Of course, Carter was a bit jealous that it was Austin that got to do the shopping with me yesterday.  So, finding a mall in Davenport was a priority before meeting up with the bikers.  Thankfully Kelly's sister was able to guide me right to a mall so I could satisfy my shopper, even though he had his hair gel shopping earlier :)

I never realized that Carter could hang out in a mall for almost two hours looking at things.  He had quite a variety of stores that he insisted on going in.  He was scoping out ideas for his next pair of tennis shoes and picking out of few new shirts for school, but most importantly, he is turning into his Uncle Tim with wearing a ball cap all of the time.  We ended up spending 45 minutes in a store called Lids which is simply full of caps.  I think the boy tried on every single one in the store and would stand in front of the mirror and prance around, wiggle his shoulders, check it out from every angle before finally deciding on one.  Holy cow that was an experience.  Then, when we went to pay for this precious commodity, the guy told us about the sale going on.  Hmmm....it took another 15 minutes to pick out hat #2 and finally get out the door.  His reaction and profuse thanks was worth every minute and penny spent in that store! Finally, his shopping need was satisfied.

Ace texted he was about 5 miles out, so I knew we needed to find a good spot to pick them up.  Aaron made me promise NOT to make him bike uphill once he had made it to the river :)  Thankfully we found a spot about a block or two from where they dipped and waited patiently for them to come to us.

The ceremonial dip ~ they did it!



All in all it was a great week.  We got to spend it as a family, and Ace and I each got some terrific one on one time with each of the boys.  Now, I get to do laundry as quickly as possible and get the boys packed up to leave for camp on Sunday afternoon.  Oh my...I hope they aren't too worn out!