HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year! We are spending a night filled with fireworks, friends, food, and fun (games doesn't start with f!!). Hope you all have something fun (and safe) to do to ring in the new year. See you in 2008!

Christmas Eve and Morning

We had a lovely day yesterday at Sam's parents in Fremont. Jerry made the kids sleds so they had lots of fun trying those out. Sam's mom cooked a delicious prime rib. Yummy!! We even got a surprise visit from the man in red. Camden kept looking out the door for him after he left. Last night we went to church. Camden was a shepherd in the program. We couldn't really see him on stage but we did get to see him coming and going.

Big hits this morning were webkinz, drums and a microphone. It is going to be loud around here!!! I got a nice surprise of a plane ticket to go visit a friend in Chicago. I can't wait!!

We are off to Kearney this morning and then on to Hershey.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas!!

Our Christmas Letter

I did not manage my time properly this month so a Christmas letter was not sent out in our cards this year. I am one of those people who truly enjoys getting Christmas letters (and pictures and cards!!). I love reading about what you have all been up to. This year we have taped all of our cards and pictures to the back of our front door. The kids have spent a lot of time looking at you all. It makes for a very colorful door.

As for our update.....

• Claremarie is in 2nd grade. She doesn't seem to like school as much this year but she is doing great. The picture in our Christmas card was taken about 5 minutes before she lost one of her two front teeth. She looks adorable. This winter she is looking forward to cheerleading. I am going to be the coach of her team so that should be interesting and fun. She said that the highlights of her year were her Hannah Montana birthday party, going to the Hannah Montana concert (do you see a theme developing???) and going to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun.
• Camden is 3 and is our little comedian. He is great company for me while dad and sissy are away during the day. We joined a new gym this last year and Camden loves to play there so he is always asking if we can go to the gym. (Quite a little accountability partner!) Camden gets to sing on Christmas Eve at our church and he is very excited about it. He loves singing and music. Camden's highlights of the year were getting a big boy bed and going to Adventureland.
• Sam and I stay busy with work (mostly him), church activities, and the kids schedules. We went to Kansas City to see the Yankees play this summer and of course we suffered through the Husker's football season. My parents celebrated their 40th anniversary in June so we helped with that. We also visited a few more Nebraska towns in our quest to see them all. The kids and I completed our first 5K run in June. I know some of you who are runners are right now saying, "Wow, big deal." It was a big deal for us and we are planning on running in several more this summer.

For the most part we have had a pretty uneventful year. The older we get the more we appreciate that. We are counting among our blessings this year, friends and family, both near and far. We love you all and we wish you Merry Christmas. Our hope is that you will all find time to celebrate our real HOPE who was born so many years ago.

Love, Sherilyn, Sam, Claremarie and Camden

P.S. For those of you who are visiting our blog for the first time, please let us know you were here. We would love to hear from you!! We also want to hear from our regular readers but I thought maybe the newbies might need a little encouragement to post!! :-)

Visit with Santa

We braved the mall tonight so the kids could see Santa and I could continue my hunt for a plain black sweater for Camden (after 2 months of looking I finally found one!!). It wasn't as busy as I thought it would be and the line for Santa was short. When I got home I re-looked at this picture and am so mad that I didn't take another one. After I took it I only checked to make sure Camden was looking at the camera because he is usually the one I have problems with and now in this picture Claremarie isn't looking. Oh well. Claremarie's first request was a real swimming pool for the backyard. Sam told her that even if he brings one we aren't going to have enough room for it. So, she changed to a Hannah Montana barbie doll. Much more manageable. Camden wasn't too talkative and he said he wanted a race car. Santa then asked if they had been good and they both said yes. The funny part was that he then said to Camden, "Now I don't want you to be getting into your sister's room and all her stuff anymore." We were laughing so hard because that is really what happens around here on a daily basis. Then he said to Claremarie, "And, if you would clean up your room when your mom asks you to your little brother wouldn't be able to get into your stuff." This guy is a good Santa!!!

Rambling, Jumbled Thoughts

Thanks to those of you who have called, texted (is that a word?), or e-mailed to make sure we are all ok. We are and we don't know any of the victims. Sam's parents have a friend who was working on the third floor at the time of the shooting but she is ok, although I can't imagine the horrific scene she witnessed. I do shop at Von Maur occasionally and when I go there I am always on the third floor because that is where the kids clothes are. They have a nice little kiddie area set up with a tv and a thomas train table. Many times I have let the kids play there while I look around (I am always within yelling distance). They also have the best bathrooms in the mall. I know all of you with little ones will understand why that is so important. I'm so thankful that I was not there yesterday. I can only imagine how scary that would have been to have something like that happen while I am over looking at clothes and my kids are over playing. I don't think I will do that anymore.

I have just been thinking so much about the families that lost loved ones and just how shocking this must be for them. Holidays are so hard when you have an empty place at the table but losing someone this close to Christmas will probably be almost unbearable for them. I don't know how you get through something like this without faith and hope. This verse kept coming to mind all day as I was thinking about everything. "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed." II Cor. 4:8-9. We live in a world that has a lot of evil in it and it is easy to get to worrying about everything that can go wrong. I'm so glad that I can turn everything over to the One who gives me peace even when everything around is so tumultuous.

When something happens, such as the shooting in Omaha yesterday, it really brings into focus the small things in life and makes them much sweeter. It shouldn't take a tragedy to do that but for some reason it does sometimes. Today I just cherished a couple moments I had with Camden and Claremarie. Camden and I were walking down the staircase at our church (it is a pretty tall staircase) and he said to me, "Mommy, be really careful when you are walking down the stairs in your high heel boots. I don't want you to fall." Some of you probably won't find that all too interesting but to hear my three year old son, with his sensitive heart, say those words to me just really touched me. Also this morning, before Claremarie left for school, she gave me the longest, tightest hug. I just really tried to soak it all in, her little arms around my neck and her soft cheek pressed against mine, and be thankful that she still wants to hug her mommy.

Thanks for letting me ramble on and on. So many thoughts running through my head, it is good to get some of them down...............

Thanksgiving Day Pictures

Thanksgiving Pictures

The pictures in the slideshow are from Thanksgiving Day. This year we added a new event to our gathering: Thanksgiving Wrestling! Doesn't every family need this kind of entertainment???

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY (so far....)

Question of the Day:
Camden: Mom, can you teach me how to run like a pilgrim?
Mom: What?
(If any of you have any ideas on this one please let me know!!)

Encouraging story of the Day:
Claremarie told me that today one of her friends got hurt on the playground. She said that after they took her into the office to get ice she and three of her friends stood in a circle and said a prayer for her. I was glad to hear this because this morning Claremarie was disappointed that I wasn't going to Moms In Touch (a group of moms who gets together and prayers for the requests of the school). I think she thought that meant I wouldn't be praying for her today. I told her that even if I don't go I am constantly praying for her. We discussed the verse "Pray without ceasing" and what that means. I also told her that we can all pray anytime, anywhere. It is good to know that sometimes things do sink in!!!

I'M THANKFUL.....

We live in a country and in a time where abundance is all around and yet it is all too easy to focus on what we don't have. This is just a partial list of my blessings in my attempt to focus on what I do have. I never want to take these things for granted. Thank you Lord for all your blessings.

I'm thankful.........
for a wonderful husband who is a complement to me in every way and my best friend,
for a sweet daughter who is kind and gentle and a friend to all,
for an awesome son who is sensitive and makes me laugh every day,
that all of the above are healthy and thriving,
for having grown up in a Christian home,
for my mom, dad, and sister,
for having in-laws who I like and get along with,
for a large extended family,
for lots of great girlfriends who have been such a blessing in the last year,
for the internet so I can stay in touch with my long-distance friends,
for a roof over my head, food on my table, & transportation to get me where I need/want to go,
that I still have my Grandma here to visit and that my kids have gotten the chance to know their Great Grandma,
for being able to send Claremarie to a Christian school,
that this football season is almost over,
for not having had another kidney stone this year,
for not having had any major back problems this year,
that I live in a country where I can openly worship in the way I choose,
that men and women far braver than I think I could ever be are defending our freedom,
for my ancestors who set off on what must have been a scary journey to come to this new land,
that God sent His Son to be the bridge between me and Him,
and that I can talk to my Heavenly Father anytime I want to.

My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you will have time to reflect on your many blessings!

The "B" Word

I knew it was coming sometime but I was hoping it wouldn't start this year. Yes, I finally heard it on the car ride home today. "Mom, Matilda (name has been changed :-) says George (name also changed) is my BOYFRIEND." NO!! I scream on the inside but on the outside remain relatively calm as I want Claremarie to continue to share with me on these car rides home after school. She goes on to tell me that she hopes George doesn't think she is his girlfriend (Thank you Lord. I wasn't ready for that.) and that she just really likes to play tag and hide and go seek with him. The conversation ended by me saying that I'm glad she can play with both boys and girls. She has never really been one to talk about boyfriends and girlfriends and I was hoping it would not start in 2nd grade.

I am so not ready for her to grow up in this world full of complicated relationships that can bring the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It was a great reminder for me to make sure she is grounded with the truth from the ONE who will never let her down and that Sam and I need to be faithful in praying for her future mate.

So for now we are safe but I guess I need to start preparing. Who knows when the "B" word will pop up again............

The Giant

Yesterday I picked Camden up and hugged him and he tightly wrapped his little arms around my neck and said, "Mom, someday I'm going to grow up and be a giant and then you won't be able to pick me up like this anymore." I started to pretend cry (on the inside my heart really was crying) and he said, "When I am a giant you can't cry about it."

It has been a rough couple of weeks with the kiddos (due to illness and sleeping issues) but moments like that help keep me going.

VACATION

Two football games, a brunch with extended family in Burwell, NE, a birthday party for my sister, Rhonda, a weiner roast, 4 books read by me and 1 by Sam, 2 movies watched without interruption, 1 movie at the theater, playing in two different parks (the kids not us), free babysitting by the grandparents, haircuts from Aunt Arlene, lots of good home-cooked breakfasts (waffles, pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon, etc.), being able to play outside on their own (again the kids not us), and a visit with my Grandma. This is what we did on our vacation. Not what most people would call an exciting vacation but to us it was a wonderful break and a nice change from our daily routine.

Halloween

Here are the costumes the kids picked for this year. Not sure where the pirate idea came from but it turned out pretty cute. We only hit a few houses because Sam and Claremarie had to get to Awana. Camden didn't get to go because he has been sick. He stayed home and helped me hand out candy. I did post a few more pictures of Park Halloween fun.

Do it for the children!

I showed Claremarie the blog about the Hannah concert. She was highly disappointed that there was only one "compliment". Come on people. Help make her day and leave a "compliment." Kids....always good for a laugh in between the crying and yelling and vomiting and coughing and doctor visits, but enough about our weekend.......

It's Hannah Time

For the last week it has been all Hannah (Montana) all the time around our house and also in Omaha. Sam said even at Menards all the adults were talking about it. It was a great show, kind of like watching high school musical live. We had pretty good seats. For those of you familiar with the Qwest, we were sitting in the first row of the upper level in the middle of the venue. The show was very family friendly. I especially appreciated the fact that Hannah/Miley and all her dancers wore very modest clothing all night. They all changed about 10 times and I think the most racy it got was sleeveless. Claremarie has been so excited about going. Even though Camden loves Hannah too we decided to let Claremarie invite her friend Lauren. (Camden was fine. He got to play with his friend Ben all night.) Sam and I also went. There were so many little girls and a surprising number of boys as well. The Jonas Brothers were first (another Disney creation) then Miley came out for awhile followed by Hannah Montana and then Miley closed down the show. The Hannah portion of the show was definitely the most popular. Claremarie and Lauren loved the lights, fireworks, and confetti at the end. All in all a very fun night.

Before we went to the show, we gave them both Hannah t-shirts that I got at Younkers, face tattoos and hair glitter (from Nobbies). On the way to the concert we let them open little gift bags that had a Hannah activity book, Hannah rings (Nobbies) and glow bracelets and necklaces. This saved us a lot of time (no standing in line to purchase things at the concert) and money (t-shirts were $30-50 and glow necklaces were $10, I paid less than $25/per kid for everything). The girls loved everything. Claremarie has been telling everyone that the concert was "AWESOME".

Everyone keeps asking how we got tickets and how much we paid. Even though I feel that the latter is kind of a personal question I also don't want everyone thinking we spent hundreds of dollars for the tickets. So, we got the tickets in the presale by having a free, temporary membership in the Miley Cyrus fan club and they were $40.00 a piece.

VACATION

This blog is going dark for the week as we are out of town and only have minimal access to the internet. What a week to be gone especially due to the events in Husker Nation today. I guess there will be plenty of time to hash things over next week. Check back for an update and for vacation photos this weekend.

Halloween is coming!

I really have no intention of turning this into a political blog, especially since some of you are not of the same mind as I am. I may start another one where I can vent. I think I may need a place to do that over the coming year!!! With that being said, this picture is too good not to share.

The "Problem"

On the way home from Awana on Wed. night Sam and Claremarie were reminiscing about the days before she was in school. Every Wed. when Sam was home with her they would have bowtie pasta with ham and alfredo sauce for lunch. They were discussing how good that always used to be and Claremarie says somewhat disgustedly, "Yeah, we don't get to have that anymore ever since your alcohol problem." Sam said he was laughing so hard he could hardly drive. He did correct her by saying, "You mean my cholesterol problem." She just said, "All I know is that I don't get alfredo anymore!"

Weekend Plans

We are heading to Lincoln for the game. The kids are excited because Aunt Rhonda has some fun things planned for them. Hopefully Sam and I will be excited after the game!! Have a nice weekend everyone.

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT P

I apologize, in advance, to those of you whose sensibilties I am sure to offend (and my mom)over this post but it just has to be done. Over the last couple of months with Camden potty training and with Geordi becoming acclimated to his new home, (and actually since I had my kidney stones last December) I have been living in the land of urine. I'm sorry. I know it is a gross topic but I have to get it off of my chest. So here it goes.....

Things I have learned about P..........

10. The average output for an adult every day should be 1.5 liters.

9. According to my urologist, everyone should drink an 8 ounce glass of water before they go to bed and as soon as they wake up and everyone should have to get up at least once a night to use the restroom (for good kidney health).

8. According to Survivorman, if you are ever stranded in the Kalahari dessert, you can build yourself a urine still and drink the condensation that forms.

7. Dog P is very yellow!!

6. Fire hydrant is to dog what toilet is to 3 year old boy. They both pee all over it.

5. Dog P has a very strange texture.

4. For urine on carpet, spray area thoroughly and allow to set for 5 minutes. Blot area with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary.

3. If your son p's on the carpet or the bathroom floor chances are your new dog will do the same in the very same spot.

2. According to Bear Grylls, if you are in the Australian Outback and you are very dehydrated you may drink your own urine. However you must do it within the hour or then it becomes unsanitary and gross.

And now....Drumroll please.......

1. If you get a new dog and he is p'ing on the carpet, the alpha male of the house may want to P on the dog to show his dominance. Did Sam do this???? See the evidence.

An Afternoon at the Park

The kids have been wanting to go our neighborhood park all week and it is such a beautiful day here today we went over after school. Usually the park is crawling with kids and parents. However, today there was only a youngish man, who seemed strangely out of place, with two kids. I figured that more people would show up soon and sent the kids on their way to play as I settled in to read a book. After a few minutes the man started watching my every move. Needless to say that creeped me out but I tried to stay calm. All of sudden he moved over to the section of the park that we were playing in and stood right in front of me still looking at me. Now I am starting to freak on the inside thinking what should I do now. I looked around to see if anyone else was heading to the park but our entire neighborhood seemed eerily quiet today. I decided to call Sam on my cell phone thinking that the guy would back off but still he stood there watching. I walked away from the weirdo and quietly explained the situation to Sam, who is 18 miles away in Bellevue and I'm sure feeling quite helpless. The creep again takes another step towards me as I say to Sam, "Now you are going to be here in about 5 minutes right." At that point the guy says to me as I'm on the phone, "Do you have any water?" I say no. He says, "They need a drinking fountain here. We are thirsty as hell (yes i have to use the word because I'm quoting)." I say, "I'm sorry I don't have anything with me." Now he just starts staring at my backpack which I stupidly left on the bench which he is standing right in front of. All the while Sam is saying, "What's going on? What is happening?" Sam is telling me to leave the park and I'm thinking how am I going to get my kids out of here without a total scene and them asking why are we leaving etc. My next move is to get the kids to the swings which are on the other side of the park. This seemed to be a good move because although he kept his eyes on us he did not follow us and then they soon left. Now you are all probably thinking, "Well that story sure was anti-climatic." And yes it is but I'm thankful that nothing bad happened because something just didn't feel right in the park today. I'll never know what was going on in that man's head. Was he thinking something sinister? Was he the pedophile who I know lives around here? Was he just a creep? Was he thinking I was one hot mama? OR Was he simply an uncle bringing his niece and nephew to the park trying to make small talk with another person because like me sometimes he's starved for adult conversation? Only God knows for sure. Tonight I'm very grateful that you all won't be reading about us in the World Herald tomorrow but I'm sad that the reality of keeping my kids safe in this world we live in means always having your guard up especially when there are strangers around.

Postscript

Right now Sam is upstairs re-watching the carnage that was the Nebraska game on ESPNU. I can't believe he is doing that to himself. He says he is only going to watch until the first USC injury. (By the way we won that battle 3-1.) I think he is trying to figure out what went wrong. I don't think I can relive it so I guess it is lights out for me!!

Out of the Darkness Walk

Today was the Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention and awareness. There were about 1,000 people there. It seemed to catch the organizers a little off guard as many of them had not preregistered. They had a little ceremony before the walk started and we did a balloon release while someone sang. Sam ended up walking with me and it was so awesome to have him there. I posted some pictures here with captions so you can get a better idea of what it was like.

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who donated in Anthony's memory. The more I learn about the organization the more I like what they are doing. Maybe next year we can get a team together to walk.

Anthony was a very competitive person so in honor of him we decided to pass as many people as we could (even though it wasn't a race). It was a very nice day and we walked for a good cause, in memory of a great person, but tonight we find ourselves really missing him and wishing he were still here.

Game Day

It was such an exciting week around here with everyone talking about USC coming to play. Sam always gets so pumped up for the games, especially the big ones, and he almost always has me convinced that we are going to win. As a realist I knew that our chances were slim but I also believe that on any given day any team can beat another. We headed to Lincoln on Friday night (after dropping the kids off at the grandparents in Fremont. Thanks Jerry and Helen!). We picked up Rhonda and then headed for her company's tailgate party. On Saturday morning we set the alarms early and headed down to the stadium for the gameday broadcast. (Yes! for those of you wondering I did get my Lamar's fix.) We had gone back in 2001 when they were here for the Notre Dame game and remembered how fun it was so decided to go again. We weren't alone as I guess they are saying there were about 15,000 people this time around. Not the record but like the 2nd most people ever or something like that. People were pumped and primed and there were lots of signs. I have posted pictures here if you want to take a look at some of them. I tried to type in captions on most. Anyway, some of the signs were funny and some were pretty R rated as you can imagine due to the name of USC's mascot. We didn't take a sign but we did take some newspapers and were prepared to take part in the "let's ignore Herbstreit by reading our papers when he talks" protest but it didn't really materialize. At the beginning and during breaks the guys did talk to the crowd a little bit. Fowler said they were excited to be here and that it was a great turn out. I think Corso also said something similar at one point. They did a story on the USC kicker who died last year and the crowd was quiet and respectful for the most part and when it was done everyone clapped. When they went to commercial Fowler thanked the crowd for their response and Corso clapped his hands to us. Herbstreit didn't say much but there were lots of signs slamming him for the way he acted during the debate last year of which college football team is the greatest of all time. During the broadcast Fowler acknowledged that and said wow these people really hold a grudge. At the end of the broadcast, Fowler said, "OK people, you have a long day ahead of you. Pace yourselves." Anyway, it was a blast to go and be a part of it.

We got to the stadium right when the gates opened. You could just tell everyone was excited. It was fun to "star" watch on the sidelines. We saw Will Ferrel, Larry the cable guy, Keanu Reeves, Rush Limbaugh, and the guy who is from NE who was on Survivor. When the tunnel walk and game started it was SO loud and so much fun. After we scored to tie it at 7 everyone was jumping around and giving each other high fives. That was one fun game for about 22 minutes. I guess you know how it all turned out. Anyone want our tickets to Ball State??

Just kidding!

SATURDAY SURPRISE

I woke up this morning (late, because both kids decided they needed to be up from 1-3am last night) excited to read the game day sports section but instead was surprised, pleasantly I might add, by what I saw on the front page. According to several sources who talked to the Omaha World Herald, Chuck Hagel is resigning on Monday and will not seek re-election to the Senate or make a run for President. I respect the man for his military service BUT listening to him for the last few years has just been painful and infuriating. I'm all for politicians who want to speak their mind but he just went too far in the things he said, especially about the war. It always felt like he was speaking out of turn and just trying to get himself on TV and of course he always had willing accomplices in the media. They never turn down a soundbite from a republican who is speaking out against President Bush. When I would see Hagel blabbering on TV, I definitely didn't feel like he was representing me, a member of his constituency, at all. Some of you may ask, "But what if a democrat gets elected to his seat?" To that I say well then at least we will know what we are getting instead of some "poser". Of course some of you may say that all politicians are "posers" and you may have a point, but that will be debated on another post!!

Out of the Darkness

Sherilyn, Sam, and Anthony watching the National Championship Game in Jan. 1996

On September 16, 2007 I will be participating in the Out of the Darkness walk. The purpose of this walk is to raise money for suicide prevention and awareness. As many of you know I lost my cousin, Anthony Grothen to this several years back.

What I like about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is that they are doing reseach to get a better understanding of the psychosocial, clinical, epidemiological, neurobiological and genetic aspects of suicide. They are trying to determine why suicide occurs and how best to prevent it. They are also publicizing the magnitude of the problems of depression and suicide, advocating for polices and legislation that can help prevent suicide and working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. In addition, they work with survivors of suicide.

I feel it is a worthy cause and certainly one that means a lot to me. Please feel free to view my webpage or the Out of the Darkness website for more information.

Anthony was one of a kind. We had many great times together. We were so sad to lose him but we know that he fought as hard as he could against his illness. We also know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we will see him again someday!

COUSINS

Last Sunday the kids and I traveled to Kearney

for a gathering of my mom's family. My cousin Kristina is home from China for a while and my aunt and uncle from Tennessee also were here to visit we Nebraska folk!! After I told Claremarie that we were going she was so excited all week to see her "cousins". Actually, they are her second cousins, my cousin's children. Every day during the week she would say when do I get to go see my cousins, I can't wait to see my cousins, etc. For her birthday her Uncle Troy gave her a tie dye craft kit. We decided to make some shirts before school started and right away she said, "Can I make one for each of my cousins?" I thought that was so sweet of her so of course I agreed. I'm posting a picture of them all in their shirts. Anyway, the point of this story is that they all had a great time together that day. I know Claremarie and Camden especially enjoyed it. However, I feel sad for them that they may never have any first cousins (NO! Rhonda I'm not giving up hope!). My cousins (12 on my mom's side and 57 (yes first cousins) on my dad's side) have always meant so much to me that I really want my kids to experience the cousin relationship too. I'm not sure that Claremarie and Camden are as important to their second cousins as their second cousins are to them but I'm glad they are in their lives to give them a taste of how special "cousinship" is. I'm so very thankful for each of my cousins!! The definition of a cousin is one who is "a child of one's aunt or uncle". I have found my cousins to be so much more than that. Throughout my life they have been my childhood and adult playmates, people who I have looked up to, confidants, and most of all friends. What a blessing to have people in my life who have so many of the same life experiences (and weird relatives :-)) that I have. I'm not sure that I have ever let them know the way I feel so.....COUSINS this post is for all of you. I love you guys!!

The Taylor Cousins are the picture on the top of the page. The Holmes Cousins are the picture on the bottom of the page. Please see the pictures on the right also!!

NEBRASKA SPORTS WEEKEND

The big day finally arrived. We got up early and headed to Lincoln. The game was great. Who knows what it means for the year but it was definitely fun to see some scoring again. Sam only got the defense cheer started once so he has room to improve on that during the season. The kiddos and Geordi stayed at Aunt Rhonda's (thanks rhonda).

Today, Sunday, we went to watch the Nebraska volleyball team (#1) play Penn State (#3). The Huskers made short work of them in three sets.

It was a great weekend to be a Husker! Go Big Red!!!

GIRLS DAY OUT

Today Claremarie and I enjoyed our annual Girls Day Out. Last year I decided that every year before school starts just her and I will do something fun together. (I remember one year my mom took each of us kids out separately to buy school clothes and eat lunch together. It has always been a special memory.) Last year we had manicures, did lunch, and of course, shopping. This year we went to a paint your own pottery place and to lunch. We had a good time. Claremarie always hears me talking about going to Wheatfield's with my friends so she wanted to go there. She ordered the kid's cheese fondue platter with a shirley temple to drink. The cupcake in the picture was her dessert.

You can see Camden's repsonse to being left at home in the picture below. Sam and Camden enjoyed some dude time including haircuts and watching an old NE football game on TV.

My hope is that Claremarie will remember these fun times when she is older instead of some of my less than stellar mom moments. This hasn't been the greatest week with the kiddos as Sam had to work almost every night, Camden is potty training and Claremarie had a minor health problem. Those things combined with the excessive heat made for some cranky times on everyone's part. That is not to say we didn't have any fun this week. Camden passed his first swimming class so he will be able to move on to Level 1. We made it to the pool once and the splash park once to keep cool and we got to go to the Amazing Pizza Machine one night with some friends. I guess the key is to focus on the good and forget the bad which is what I hope my kids will be able to do also!!

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

I haven't posted all week because I've been busy helping at a conference at our church called the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. It is for leaders of all walks of life. There are speakers and some music. It is actually held in Chicago and then sent all around the country via satellite. Some of the speakers included Colin Powell, Former congressman Floyd Flake, and Jimmy Carter (we were supposed to focus on him as a person and a leader not on him as a politician!!) As a volunteer we got to listen to all the sessions. My favorite speakers were a man, who used to work for Gallup, named Marcus Buckingham (he talked about building up our strengths not our weaknesses) and Carly Fiorina who used to be the CEO of HP. The most surprising interview was one that was with a filmmaker named Richard Curtis (Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral). He has a passion to make films about the happiness of being in love and he also raises money for people with AIDS and people in poverty. The content of this conference was exceptional. I really hope Sam can go next year! Anyway, I am tired after 4 days but I will look back on the time fondly because I got the chance to get to know some people at our church who I have never really been around before.

HUSKER FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN

THE COUNTDOWN IS OVER!!!

SEPTEMBER 1, 2007

KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY

I just read on the internet that blogging is "so, two years ago". I guess that makes me very behind the times. Hopefully those who know and love us will appreciate this way for us to keep you updated on what is going on in our lives. So whether it is "so, two years ago" or not we will keep posting!!

You just never know

We have been sitting here watching the news about the bridge collapse in Minneapolis tonight. We were remembering all the times we drove over that bridge especially going to and from Twins games. I feel terrible for all those unsuspecting people who were probably either on their way home from work or on their way to the baseball game and could never even dream in their worst nightmare what was about to happen to them. I guess it just goes to show that not a single one of us knows when life will end and eternity will begin. We just have to be ready at any time.

We pray that no one we know from our years in Minnesota was on the bridge when it collapsed.

Never say Never!!

It finally happened. I gave in and said yes to getting a dog. It is not just any dog though. We got him from some friends who moved and couldn't take him with them, so he is somewhat of a known quantity. His name is Geordie. He is a 5 year old Maltese who is already house trained and is very obedient overall. I know some of you are probably in shock reading this because I had vowed to never have a house pet but our kids love dogs and I finally just couldn't say no anymore. Someday you think I would learn, "Never say never!!"

There is somewhat of a learning curve as neither Sam nor I have ever had a house dog. I have asked a lot of questions and yes, have been mocked by some for my ignorance but I will persevere into this new world of being a pet owner!!!