Bakery Blog

Summer Time!

2009-06-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

School is out for the summer.
I love not having to use an alarm clock!
Now, if the weather would warm up a bit things would be great!
53 degrees and rain is much more like April then June.

Here are a few picks from the last few weeks.

Amanda's 1st dance recital

Emily's new motorized scooter.

Emily's 12th Birthday party.

Emily and Amanda playing in the yard.

Amanda at the MN zoo.

I guess I need more pictures of Benji!

Peace.

25 months NO SMOKING!!!!!

2009-04-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

HOLY CRAP LOOK AT THIS! Your Quit Date is: Friday, March 16, 2007 at 12:00:00 AM
Test Time Smoke-Free: 762 days, 4 hours, 50 minutes and 51 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 22866
Lifetime Saved: 5 months, 24 days, 16 hours
Money Saved: $4,572.00 GO ME!!!!!! Peace.

Spring!!!

2009-04-15T08:10:00.001-07:00

I guess I took the winter off!
Now its the middle of April & we
are gonna reach a high of 66 today!

Things that have been going on here...

Had a BLAST in Arizona at Werdean's for the Viks game!

Christmas was wonderful!

Mine and Pete's 13 anniversary!

I got rid of my mini van!!!!! YEAH!!!
On to Yukon Denali! LOVE IT!!!!

Spring Break in Florida was great!

Bear got a crazy hair cut!

Pool is open!

Planing for our 4th of July bash!

I am missing a TON of photos on my computer.
I will have to figure it out and then post more pics.
Enjoy this awesome spring weather!

Peace.

1st snow fall

2008-11-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

YUCK! It's here, will it stay? Who Knows.
It's cold, it's wet and I much prefer sunny and 90 degrees.
Here are a few shots of the the nastiness from this morning.

My new deck was finished just in time.

Bear liked it. After just a few moments of
looking around he was running and jumping
all over the place.

We had a little dog door put in for him today
and I have been trying to get him to use it.
It's not really working. He's not so sure about it.

Emily has her first 6th grade dance today after school
from 2:30 to 5:30. I sure hope she has fun.
I remember them so vividly. I had all my "citizenship"
points so I could go. Man, it was a big deal.

Well, stay dry and stay warm.
Enjoy your Friday.
Peace.

Deck is done!

2008-11-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the new deck. I think it's 16 X16.
Next spring I will have to stain the bottom half.
The rest of it is made of that Trex stuff.
It turned out so great!
The stairs lead right to the pool!

163 days till pool opening!

Peace.

74 degrees and sunny!

2008-11-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

Gotta love these bonus days in November.
It's 2:30 and it's 74 degrees.
Gotta enjoy it while we can, 10 day outlook
has "snow showers" in it!

I just got home from my new gym.
I canceled my Lifetime membership
and moved over to Fitness 19 where my
brother Scott is a Personal Trainer and now
he is my personal trainer. He kicked my butt
this morning! I will see him twice a week
and have a go at it myself twice a week.
I have a 20 year class reunion in August
to get ready for! I am sick and tired of being
sick and tired, if you know what I mean!?

Our Deck is almost done, I'll go out and take
some pictures and post them later.

Enjoy your Monday!
Love & Peace.

Out with the old!

2008-10-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

We are having a new deck put on the house.

Insurance is paying for a new roof and siding
due to some hail damage last summer.
So, we bit the bullet and decided to take
off the falling down eye soar of a deck
and put up a new one while the house was
being re done.

1/2 of the old deck going to the dump.

Dale taking down the 2nd half of the old one.

And again .

So, now we have to move the dish on to the
brand new roof. Thanks Andy!

The siding goes one next week.

Peace.

Thank you Jen, Olivia and Mom!

2008-10-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Look at what Amanda and I got on
our door step last Saturday.

Happy Birthday to Anne from Mom!

This one was to me from Jen!

And this one was Happy Birthday to Amanda from Olivia!

(I don't know how to flip this pic.....)

All the flowers are so great! Big, plump and healthy.
They all look as good today as the did on Saturday!
Thanks so much for thinking of us! :)

I had a crazy night out for my birthday on Saturday
night. Pete had a big limo pick us up and take us and
some friends out to party like rock stars. Only, I forgot
not only am I not a rock star I'm 38 not 28!
That stuff is hard to do! I think I am back
to normal today, 3 days later.
I'll post some photos of the night soon.

Needless to say my actual birthday was spent mostly
in bed or on the couch. I did manage a shower
at about 3pm and then we went out to dinner
with the kids. I was back in bed for the night
at 9pm. Oh, and it was so cold... It SNOWED!

Peace.

Amanda's 8!

2008-10-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Amanda is now eight years old,
My baby is not a baby anymore!

We went to Outback, Amanda's favorite place
to go out to eat at (not for steak, for Mac n' cheese)
on the eve of her special day! She was so cute and sweet!
I hope she is out of her whinny stage now!

This Saturday is her "kid" party and we are going
to Skateville in Burnsville. Should be cute, 12 girls
on roller skates, most of who have never done it before.

I will try to update more often.
Facebook is getting in the way.

That's it from Chanhassen for now.
Peace.

School!

2008-09-05T07:31:00.001-07:00

WOW! 6 am comes WAY to early!
This has been harder on me than Emily.
Her bus comes at 6:50. She is really enjoying
school. She said to me yesterday "Mom, it's really cool
you don't have to get in line, you just go"
She is also liking all the lunch choices.

Down to the bus stop she goes, my big 6 th grader!

Benji gets up at 7 am

And off at 7:45, but not on a bus this year.
His friend is picking him up and bringing him home.
He is really digging that! 11th grade, wow.

Then my baby Amanda, 2 nd grade this year.
She gets up about 8:15. So far so good
with her too. She is loving her new teacher.

Then she is on the bus at 9:05

By the time I get everyone off I need a nap!
I do get to spend a little time with each one
of them while they eat which is a nice way to
start the day. Then Em is home at 2:40, Benji at
3:25 and Amanda at 4pm. So I have 5 1/2 hours
to do whatever it is I do that seems to take all day.
Like bolgs and Facebook!

Oh and yes, I did make my annual big batch of
chocolate chip cookies on the first day of school.

Bear is a little board but he and I are getting in
some good bonding time. We all just love him!

Peace out.

Hummmm....

2008-08-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Barack Hussein Obama

Sadam Hussein
Osama Bin Laden

Joe Biden

creepy....

Go McCain!

BEAR!

2008-07-21T06:59:00.001-07:00

Well, not a real bear, a puppy named Bear!
Please welcome the newest member
of the Baker family. Mr. Teddy Bear!

Bear is a Cockapoo, born April 16th in Mo.
He flew up here last Thursday the 17th
on an American Airlines Cargo flight.
We picked him up at MSP airport at about
11:30 that morning. We were all so excited
meet him and see him in person.

He has been tons of fun and a really good boy.

Now, on to puppy training.

Peace.

Happiest day of the year

2008-06-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

According to a formula devised by a psychologist in Wales,

today could be the happiest day of the year.

Cliff Arnall from the University of Cardiff in Wales

cooked up the formula.

It combines things like emotions, stress, and weather, and

comes up with a sort of "happiness quotient."

So here's the formula:

O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He

"O" is time spent outdoors, and N is

time spent in nature

"S" is more socialization in the summer,

things like barbecues and other gatherings

"Cpm" relates to positive memories of

childhood summers, and "T" factors in temperature

"He" is vacation anticipation

When you factor it all together,

June 20 is supposed to be the happiest day of 2008.

It combines a bunch of pleasant activities, with the day

with the most amount of sunshine.

For your planning purposes, Arnall's formula says

the third Monday in January is typically the

gloomiest day of the year.

In addition to the colder weather that day,

debts from Christmas and botched New Year's

resolutions tend to drag down spirits the most on that day.

I thought this was kinda fun!
I know I love today!

Peace.

Kitty has a home

2008-05-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Amanda had a few tears, but in the end was fine.
This kitten was "hers"! So she says.

Then Benji was all...
Mom, can't we just keep her? I like this one!

Then Emily handed the baby girl over to her
best friend Elissa and Elissa took her home.
I think they are going to name her Fergie.
Her and her Mom were so excited.

Spice is a little lost this morning.
She is looking in every room and meowing
like crazy. I have to wait a week or two for her
milk to dry up completely then I will be having her fixed.
Once was enough for me.
Pete and I are glad to be done.
It was fun to do but very stressful at times.
Not to mention how much money we spent
doing this little life lesson for our kids.

On to the next thing.....
SUMMER!

The kids have one week left of school.

Peace.

The long week end

2008-05-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some photos
from our week end.

Friday night we went with a bunch of neighbors to
the Lake Susan Park. Ordered pizza and
hung out, very fun!

Amanda and her friends.

Laurie and me.

A little bird eating my flowers on Saturday.

We had one of the best cakes EVER on Sunday
for Emily's family party.

Monday was a very lazy day. I did some gardening
a little cleaning up from Sunday and a lot of laying around.

I guess I don't have as many photos as I thought!

Better start taking more!

Peace.

Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

May 5th 2008
Today marks the 5th anniversary of quitting
smoking for my dear sweet sister.
Way to go Susan! Love you, mean it!

We had a fun week end.
A mighty slow warm up but I think
we may be on to more spring like weather now.
I think we got up to 74 degrees yesterday.
That was air temp and pool water temp.

So, I let the kids jump in for the first of many
dips in the pool. It was cold, but they stayed
in for a while.

Emily, Amanda, Abby, Bella, Maija and
Buddy the puppy.

Emily's 1st dive of 2008

Amanda's 1st "pretty bird" of 2008

Can't wait for 90 degrees!

Peace.

OMG!!!

2008-04-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am ready to put the house on the market
and move to the Bahamas and sell
rum drinks out of coconuts on the beach!

Enough is enough!

Check this out.
I just took these a minute ago.

31 degrees and snow :(

Hey, it's my 1/2 birthday today!
Find a happy place.

Peace.

Kitten Visit!

2008-04-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

I went over to my sisters yesterday for a new "do".
I took the kittens with for a little visit and to see
what her cats would think.

I think it went well.

I just love these guys,
it is going to be hard to let them go.

Stay dry.

Peace.

Pool, Kittens & Cats

2008-04-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

It's open and clean.

I just love my back yard! Can you tell?
Now, on to getting the garden up and beautiful.

Baby girl. (Gray kitten)
That is mom's foot and ears behind her.

Baby boy. (Mufasa)

Spice (mommy) will be 2 on June 7th

This is Sugar our first cat.
She just turned 5 on April 16th.
She's a bag of bones. So lovable
and snugly!

75 and sunny today. Enjoy it!

Peace.

Not good at this.

2008-04-22T08:44:00.001-07:00

I need to up date this more.
I just feel like I have to put up photos
and I don't have any new good ones right now.

Peterson Pool came and opened the pool yesterday!
It looks great, just very cold water,
I'll have to crank on the heater. As I walk by
my living room window I see the water out of
the corner of my eye and it just makes me smile.
This is such a great time of year. I will take some pool
and kitten pictures and post them soon.

Kittens go to the vet for 1st set of shots today!

Peace.

Happy Sue!

2008-04-06T08:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my SQS!
That's "Sweet Queen Sister"
to those of you that don't know.

Fun and happy memories!
We love you Susan!
Enjoy your day!

Peace.

Kitten update.

2008-04-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Things are moving right along.
The kittens are 5 1/2 weeks old.
They are so much fun now!
Running, jumping & eating like pigs!
They sleep a lot too,
When no one is holding them.

Waiting on spring to show it's face around here.
Snow is melting and the sun is shining today.

Happy April!
Peace.

1 month old

2008-03-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of the kittens at one month.

Playing

Resting

Mommy keeping a close eye on her babies.

I tried to give them some kitten food yesterday
and the had no interest in it what so ever.
I'll try again today with some baby rice cereal.

They are really starting to play now.
The kids are having fun with them.

Time to get back to doing laundry.

Peace.

Hoppy Easter!

2008-03-21T21:32:00.001-07:00

This is one of my all time favorites!

Peace.

Cat's and kittens

2008-03-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the kittens at 3 1/2 weeks old.

This one is all white and is maybe a boy...?
It's really hard to tell right now.

This one is more gray and I think is a girl.
She looks like Yoda.

Lunch!

Mommy.

This is Daddy. His name is Biaggi.
He is one of the best looking cats I have ever seen.
This was taken a while ago. He's much darker now.

They seem to be doing pretty good.
Next week I get to introduce them to
real cat food. That should be fun.

Happy first day of spring!
Moving on to the next count down at the Baker's house.
32 days till pool opening!
Never a dull moment.

Peace.

Happy Easter week!

2008-03-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Check this out.

http://www.toilette-humor.com/easter/egg_toss.html

Here are a few more Mexico shots.

Sea lions

Nightly meeting with Mr. Don Julio

Watch out Benji!

You may see this photo again on a '08 Christmas card.

Peace.

St. Patricks Day

2008-03-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is a fun day. I think everyone is Irish today.
I have a little in me, enough to say I'm Irish.
The girls wore green to school and I think I will make
some potato something for dinner. Maybe I'll go up to
Byerly's and get a grasshopper pie. I love those.

Here are a few more Cabo photos.

Peace.

1 Year quit!

2008-03-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Your Quit Date is: Friday, March 16, 2007 at 12:00:00 AM
Time Smoke-Free: 366 days, 4 hours, 9 minutes and 25 seconds

Cigarettes NOT smoked: 10985

Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 23 days, 21 hours

Money Saved: $2,196.00

I did it!! I can hardly believe it.
I am now a Dr. of Quitology!

Mexico was AWESOME! 83 degrees and sunny every day.
Kids were good, hotel was great. We did a ton of stuff!
Glass bottom boat ride to lovers beach, Spa, horse back riding,
para sailing, deep sea puking, oh I mean fishing.
Pete, Susan and Benji went Scuba diving. Pete and Mark went golfing.
It was a trip pack full of good times!
Here are a few pics .

The kittens are good. Well, the ones that are alive are good.
We lost one while we were gone. He was just way to weak.
The two that are left are doing really good.
Here's some photos from yesterday.

I hope everyone is enjoying this early spring.
I love that it is still light out during dinner.

Peace.

1 Day to go!

2008-03-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Yup we are going to leave this....

For this.....

I talked to Peterson Pools yesterday and set up our
pool opening for Monday April 21st. Then you will find
me here in the back yard!

Now, on to a kitten update.
Jen will have Spice and her babies at her house.
Thanks Jen & Olivia!
Here they are at 9 days old.

Thank you to all who are watching our home
and our cats! We love you all!
Peace.

Out of the woods?

2008-03-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

I think we may be out of the woods!
Spice ate this morning for the first time in a week!

I have forced a little baby food, and kitten formula
down her with an eye dropper but other than that
she has only had a little water.

sleeping babies

Benji ( I need to get a photo shop program.)

Emily loving on "her" kitten.

Amanda and "her" kitten.

It has been a crazy week I tell you.
Me with influenza, a cat that will not eat
so, not producing enough milk, $200.00+
dollar vet bills to rehydrate mom and babies,
$50.00+ on tiny bottles and kitten formula, having to
get up twice a night to feed and check on them. UGH!!!
I don't know why I did this!!!?!!!
She gave me a bunch of meow's and loves this morning.
Kittens seem happy and it looks like she may be making
more milk! The kittens eyes should open any day now.
I can't wait to see that. Then they will start to look more
like kittens and less like rats. :)

Is it time to go to Mexico yet? 3 days!
I fell a bit better today after over doing it on Saturday.
Yesterday, I stayed in my PJ's and sat on the couch all day.
I will take it easy today too. I want to be healthy in Mexico.

This morning I talked to the guy that is re-doing our wood
floors while we are gone. We confirmed dates and he is coming
over tomorrow so I can give him keys and codes and such.
It's going to be so cool to come home to new floors. I have
wanted to do this since we moved in almost three years ago.

Hey Tonya, It was good to see you and finally meet Jacob!
He is very cute, keep up the good work and know that I am
only a phone call away if I can help in any way!

Peace.

Virus?

2008-02-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

DO NOT CLICK ON THE 1 COMMENT
ON THE KITTENS! BLOG BELOW!

I do not know who it is and it has messed
with my computer.

I'm sorry to anyone it has effected.

Virus # 2 belongs to me. :(
I tested positive yesterday to the
influenza A & B virus! I feel like I was
hit by a truck. The Doc gave me Tamiflu
so I hope it does indeed lessen the
effects and duration of this nasty crap.

The kittens are doing well. They have not
changed to much. I will post some more
photos soon. I am posting from the kids
computer cuz' mine is messed up and the
pics are on my computer.

Peace.

Kittens!

2008-02-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Three live kitty's! Delivered on her due date.
One didn't make it :( For a total of four births.
Spice is doing well as a 1st time mother.
Sugar however is freaking out a bit.

Here are two of them just hours old.

Having some dinner here.

And here at one day old.

Starting to take shape now.

Gotta run, the cookies are here, the cookies are here!
That's Girl Scout cookies and I am the "cookie mom"
so I get to sort out 5o cases of cookies for our troop.
I love the GS cookies!

I'll post more soon.

How's the weather and the new airport Susan?

9 days till Mexico!

Peace.

Waiting for Spice

2008-02-24T16:49:00.001-08:00

I feel like a expecting father pacing the floor!
She has been acting kinda funny all day.
I hope everything goes well, I am getting nervous.

I'll post more as it happens.

Peace.

Doctor Pete

2008-02-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

Who is better that my husband?
NO ONE!
Today marks ONE YEAR of no smoking!
Which earns him a QPhD and henceforth shall
be known as a Doctor of Quitology!

I am so proud of him!
Way to go Pete!!!!
I love you!

It's a COLD one!

2008-02-20T05:33:00.001-08:00

WOW! -13 and a wind chill of -29.
This "should" be the end of the sub-zero crap.

Emily woke up at 7am with a head ache so bad she
could hardly move. Soar throat, head ache and fever.
Hummmmm, Strep? Sure sounds like it. I gave her
some Motrin and a cold drink of water an told her to go
back to sleep. I need my kids to all be healthy
at the same time in. 15 days till Mexico!

My sister-in-law Nicki is coming over this morning
to paint my laundry room/ garage entry. I am very
excited to have the Laura Ashley wall paper down
and make the room more "us". Nicki is so talented.
It's fun to watch her so effortlessly go to work and
transform a room in a matter of hours.

I had my main level carpets cleaned yesterday.
They look great, but all the moisture in the house
is on the windows and is now frozen. I'll have to
keep an eye on them.

This Saturday Pete and I are hosting a portion
of a neighborhood progressive dinner. We're having
a Mexican night. Serving tacos with all the fixings,
Spanish rice, refried beans etc. etc. and margaritas!
It looks like the weather is going to warm up some for us.
About 30 people are coming. We're looking forward to it.
Hopefully no one will spill on my carpet. :)

Now, on to Spice. 5 days till her due date.
Hopefully I will be able to keep her off the freshly
cleaned carpet as well. And hopefully she will not deliver
in the middle of the progressive dinner.
Here is a photo Susan took of the x-ray.
It looks like 4 or 5 kittens!

It's a little hard to see. Look for spines, skulls and legs.
It's really cool. (If you click on the image it will get bigger.)
I hope shes a good mommy and I hope I know what to do
as they start to come.

Well, keep warm everyone.
I must go wake up my healthy child and get her off to school.

Peace.

11 months!

2008-02-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

This is info that Quitnet sends me every month on my anniversary. Your Quit Date is: Friday, March 16, 2007
Time Smoke-Free: 337 days, 4 hours, 9 minutes and 19 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 10115
Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 17 days, 6 hours
Money Saved: $2,022.00

WHO'S BETTER THAN YOU TODAY?
You've made it! A whole 11 months without a cigarette!
In that time, you've successfully navigated the physical chaos
of withdrawal, the emotional highs and lows of early quit,
and the pitfalls of relapse!

Wow, I am proud of myself! 10,115 cigs not smoked! YUCK!!!

10 & 20 Days!

2008-02-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

The count down is really on now.

10 days till Spice has her kittens,
20 days till we go to Cabo San Lucas.

I went shopping (shocker!) and bought the kids new swim suits
and a couple outfits for the trip and gave them to them for Valentines Day.
They loved them and are getting very excited! Me too!

On to Spice, We go in to the vet today for an x-ray of her belly.
They tell me we will count skulls and spines. I cant wait to see
the little things. I'll try to get a copy of it and scan it into my
computer to post here on the blog. I will also be talking to them
about keeping Spice and the kittens for me while we are in Mexico.

More later.
Peace.

Baby Reese is here!

2008-02-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Reese!
Congratulations Michael, Kiki and Owen!

Reese Craig

Born 2-4-08
at 4:03 pm
7lbs 10oz
21 inches long

LOVE HER ALREADY!!!!

Peace to the Craig's today and always!

Crazy Boy!

2008-01-30T07:56:00.001-08:00

Here is my crazy son from yesterday!

He will be the next sick one in the house.

Amanda is still not doing very good so we are going to
the doctor today. She will be seeing Dr. Neis , pronounced Nice :)

Another burzzen' day today. Keep warm!

Peace.

Deep freeze....again

2008-01-29T14:54:00.000-08:00

I think the high was 41 degrees yesterday.
Stuff was melting all over the place. I was loving it!
Today -7 right now with a wind chill of -25! YUCK!!
I think I could pack for a warm weather destination
in about 2 minutes right now. Go down stairs get a
suit case, go upstairs toss in some t-shirts, shorts,
maybe a dress or two, some flip flops and a suit or two
and done! Out of here! Anyway back to reality!

Amanda is still home sick, I think I will take her to
her Dr. tomorrow. Yesterday we went to the minute clinic
at the CVS pharmacy. Not a lot of help in this case.

Benji came home from his Dads today and Emily is a play
practice. I need to make some dinner now and spray
some Lysol around. Trying to keep the germs to a
minimum around here.

Look what Benji thought would be a good idea to do when
he got home today in our nice Minnesota weather.

Oh bummer, Blogger will not let me add photos today!
I'll post Benji and his craziness at a later date.

Peace.

SUNDAY!

2008-01-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

You know you live in Minnesota when You think 37 degrees is nice.
What a difference a few days can make. From -20 to + 37.
I think I'll go out and open up the pool! Hahahahahaha!
All the Christmas stuff is down and put away, bring on spring.

I went out and bought some swim suits for me and the girls
last week for our trip to Mexico in 39 days and counting!
We are all looking very forward to a week in the sun.

It really seams as though Spice is pregnant. She is getting
pretty chubby and her little nipples are big. She is much different
than last time. I will post more as it happens. She is due Feb. 25th.
I cant wait to post photos of the kittens! 29 days and counting!

Even though its nicer out we are still stuck in the house.
Amanda is very sick. I am not sure what she has. She has not
moved all weekend. Yep, my Amanda is calm and quiet.
No one wants their kid to be sick but I sure like the peace
and quiet. I just hope Emily does not get it. She has the
big 5th grade play next week and she would be devastated
if she missed it.

Peace.

Staying Inside!

2008-01-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

My girls call it burzen! Half Burrr and half Freezing!
We like the word and we use it all the time. It works real
well for the negative degrees we are having today.
Needless to say Benji is not going snowboarding today
and Emily is not going with church ice skating.
The girls are inside doing crafts with friends over &
Benji is at a local church (not Westwood) for a day of
battle of the bands. Pete and I are reading. I think I will
bake some brownies or something....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICKI!!!

Stay warm.
Peace.

More Christmas

2008-01-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

I took Benji out yesterday and he used his Christmas money
to buy a new snowboard! Now he has a new full set.
The board, the bindings and the boots.
He is VERY happy with his purchase and can't wait
to get to Highland. Maybe this week end if it's not to cold.

Enough about Benji....
On to ME! I have a brand new Sue-do!
It is pretty dark but I really like it.
It will be fun to wash it and "do" it tomorrow.
Thanks Susan! Wonderful job as always!

Lots to do... Gotta go pick Benji up
and get back here to make some dinner!

Love to all who read!
Peace.

It's been a while!

2008-01-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I am not a very good blogger!

December, Christmas and New Years Eve have come and gone.
Here are a few shots from Christmas Morning.

Emily with her new Rock Band game!

Amanda in her new chair with her DS!

Benji with his new video ipod!

Christmas was wonderful!

New Years Eve at the Hilton for the Miracle of Mitch Foundation
with all of us was a blast for all (except Benji, he ended up in the
room with the stomach flu! YUCK! Poor guy.)

As for 2008 for the Bakers...

Emily made it to advanced 2 in gymnastics,
even with a broken big toe.
(She is so happy, and mom and dad are very proud of her!)

I get to have another niece around the 6th of February!
(Thanks Michael & Kindra)

Pete & I will celebrate our 12th wedding Anniversary!
(I love you Pete!)

Pete's one year of no smoking Feb.23rd!
(Who's better than you?!)

Hopefully Spice will have her first litter of kittens
around the 25th of February.
(This is our 2nd try)

March 6th we are going to Mexico with Susan and our neighbors.
(WE CANT WAIT!!!)

My one year of no smoking March 16th.
(YEAH ME!!!)

End of April Pete and I are going to Las Vegas!
(I have never been there)

Also, at the end of April we will open the pool.
and that is where you will find me all summer!
(One of my favorite things to do)

My oldest niece will graduate from high school!
(Wow! I feel old!)

Emily will go back to Camp Ajawah for 2 weeks again this summer.
(She can't wait, she LOVED it last year!)

Both Emily & Amanda want to go to Gymnastics camp
at Lake Owen.....Who knows maybe Benji will do the skateboard
camp at he same time andI would have all 3 kids at the
same camp at the same time.
(You will find me by th pool that week for sure!)

Benji will turn 16 and get his drivers license.
(WOW! Now I really feel old!)

Then before you know it we will be going back to school shopping
and I'll have to close the pool and it will be the holidays all over again!

I am sure I have forgot a ton of important things.
Oh well, hopefully I will update more often and be adding to our
ever growing list of things we do in 2008.

Whatever it is you do this year, do your very best!
And make sure to Praise Him for all you have and all you are!

Peace out.

1st Big Snowfall!

2007-12-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

The kid are very excited, it's starting to snow!
Here is Benji and Emily watching the
1st few flakes coming down.

These were taken at about 9am

These were taken at 11am

I will post more tomorrow.
They say we will get about 9 inches today,
two over night and maybe 1 or 2 tomorrow.

Peace.

No school again!

2007-11-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

I think I would be better off doing home school!
It seems they are home more than even I was.

Anyway it's a nice cold sunny day here in Chanhassen.
The old "calm before the storm" We could get a foot of snow
tomorrow and I hope we do! I love the big snow storms,
I hate the cold but a bunch of snow is fun. If it has to be cold
at least we should have some snow on the ground.

Benji wants to go snowboarding so bad. And the girls want
to take lessons. I am not sure I want to take them to lessons
so I'll have to look into Saturdays for Pete to take them.
Ya, that sounds good and I'll stay home all by myself
and sit by the fire with a hot chocolate and read a book!
I think thats the ticket! Enjoy your day. TGIF!

Peace.

Monday again...

2007-11-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

The weekends go way to fast! I just love the weekends!
I know I have said that before I just like no alarm clocks
and no home work. We kept busy with some last minute
yard stuff, putting up our Boy Scout wreath and swags,
tossing moldy pumpkins. The weather was yucky so we
did not put up any lights. I hope it does not get worse
next weekend or I'll never get Pete to hang them.

I also did some sewing on a borrowed machine. I made some
lounge pants for the kids out of fleece. It was fun and they think it's
cool that I made them. I am not a sewer AT ALL so this was a big
deal for me to do. I even asked Pete to get me a sewing machine for
Christmas. I think it will be fun to have one here and do
little projects with the kids. Even Benji was getting in to it.

Well, I gotta go get Amanda from her Brownie meeting now.
Have a great week and a Happy Thanksgiving if I don't blog
again by then. (Which I most likely will not since I will be hosting
25 or so people for Turkey day.)

What are you thankful for?
Peace!

TGIF

2007-11-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

It has been a while I guess.
I am back on my own time zone and on my own computer!
It is VERY nice to be home. I came home to clean kids and
a clean house. Can't ask for more than that! Thanks again Susan!!!

Halloween was fun.
Here is Amanda and Emily

And here they are with some friends.

Amanda got her ears pierced, its so cute!
She is so happy and proud of her new earring's.
I'll have to take a picture and post it this week end.

Some of my neighborhood friends and I are going out
for a girls night out at Floyd's in Victoria. It should be
a good time. I am looking forward to it. And, now that
there is no smoking in Minnesota it will be smoke free inside.
I am so happy to not be smoking!

I was at the gym today and met with a new trainer (mine quit)
and we did a body age test on me and it said I was only 33!!!!
6 months ago I did the test and was 34 so at least I am
going in the right direction with something in my life.

Gotta go do more laundry and picking up around here
before the week end officially starts.

Love to all.
Peace.

Photos from weekend

2007-10-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame

Sacre-Coeur (Church)

Pete Thinking...

The Winged Victory

Mona Lisa

Saturday night dinner (nummy!)

Benji's painting

Peace.

Weekend in Paris

2007-10-28T02:12:00.000-07:00

Lets start out with Friday night.
We went on a dinner cruise on the Seine River.
It was nice, relaxing and very expensive! 275.00
Euros! So, over $300.00 dollars. The food was good,
but not $300.00 good.

Saturday we got a little bit of a late start but
managed to pack in a full day of sight seeing,
eating, shopping and walking. We started at the
Louvre and saw the Winged Victory and
the Mona Lisa. We had a nice lunch in a cute
cafe there at the Louvre. Boy, did I need food
and a coke bad! After I ate things were much
better. What I did not know untill later as I sat
in bed reading Carole's Paris book is that the
Last Supper painting is at the Louvre. I would have
liked to have seen that in person. We left the Louvre
and walked down some fun streets. We bought
some really cool paintings from an artist on the street.
Then we walked to Saint Chapelle a really cool
church Pete wanted to see. You had to walk up this really
narrow, sprial stair case. Not easy. The stained glass was
awesome and I hope the pictures do it some justice.

From there we walked and walked. I was well
medicated and did fine as far as my back went.
We had dinner in a little Italian place on one of the
funnest street I have ever been on. We bought Benji
one of those spray paint prints like he got in Mexico.
I hope he likes it. We then stopped by Notre Dame
and took some night photos. Pete told me Notre Dame is
his favorite place in the whole world. You learn something
new about your husband all the time I guess. We were going
to bike back but we were told it was a good 20 minute ride
so we took a cab and came back to the hotel and rented a movie.
I'll post photos later. We are ready to go out again today.
I want to go up in the Eiffel Tower, not sure Pete wants to do that.

Peace.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-10-26T03:21:00.000-07:00

I awoke to the phone ringing at 10 am.

Pete was not in the room so I thought it was him.

Nope, I was wrong it was Jen. She said Happy Birthday,

How are you? I have some real bad news. She sounded bad.

She told me they had to go back home to Holland right away

this morning. Her knee down to her toes are three times

the size they should be. It started a few days before I

got here and she almost did'nt come down at all.

She has been walking all over Paris and not

complaining a bit. We are quite the pair, her with her

leg and me with my back. I tell ya. We really should buy

some stock in Alive. Anyway, this morning it just really got

to be way to much for her, she is in pain and just needs to go see

her doctor. They came over to our hotel and said good bye.

We hugged and cried. I miss them so much.

They will be home in the states on December 22nd for 2 weeks.

Get better Jen!

As I hung up with Jen, Pete walked in with some beautiful

flowers for me. He had been runing all over Paris trying to find

a florest that was open. He was all hot and sweaty and out of breath.

How sweet is he huh?

Right now he is out with some work
friends having lunch and will be back soon and we will

have the rest of today and the weekend on our own.

Not sure what we will do. Maybe dinner up in the Eiffel

Tower tonight.

Yesterday, Pete and I had breakfast together and then

he worked all day and I spent the day with the Wilsons.

I was walking down to meet them at their hotel. I was about

half way there when I hear someone yell "Hey, Anne!" from

across the street. It was Jen, Matt and Olivia coming to meet me.

It was very strange to be alone on the streets of Paris and

have someone yell your name out. We laughed about it all

day long. It would have been very easy to have missed eachother.

We all bought tickets to ride a bus all over. The tour
had 4 routes and like 50 stops. We saw Notre Dame,

The Arc De Triomphe, walked the Champs Elissas,

(not sure how to spell that, it's where Dad got his comb.)

had some awesome "French" onion soup lunch,

which the just call "onion soup" by the way. It was a full day.

Jam packed with Ibuprofen, food, friends and fun!

$orry Je$$ica, No birthday pur$e from this place.

This was the 1st night together.

These guards are all over in groups of three

around the Eiffel Tower.

Gotta go get some lunch now.

Love to all.

Peace.

Paris France

2007-10-24T03:17:00.000-07:00

Here is the view from our room at the Hilton.
Once again, Pete said to me.... oh honey Im so sorry
about the view! He's to good to me!

Here is the three guys Pete came to see.
We all went out to dinner last night.
Really fun guys!

Pete has left to go to the show and I am
waiting for Jen to get here! I can't wait!

Let me back up a bit................................
Flights were good , slept a bit.
Got in to Paris and took a taxi
to the Hotel. Went to the hotel bar and split a
hamberger, walked over to the "Lady" as
they call the Eiffel Tower. Then came up to
our room and took showers and got ready for
dinner. Before we left I was checking out the
mini fridge in our room telling Pete
all that was in it. Coke, OJ, pulling stuff out
looking at the different lables and oh
look Pete a 4 pack of condoms. Hee- hee.
Then I read the warning..............................
Waaa waaa wwaaaaaaaaa

COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM!
Your room will be automaticlly charged for items
as they are taken out! OOOOOOPSS!!!!
10 Euros for condoms we dont need, 6 Euros
for a can of coke. And who knows what else.
Note to self, DONT TOUCH THE MINI FRIGE!
The fornt desk took off the charges thank God,
what a waste of money!

Dinner was nice, It was midnight when we got back to
the room for a quick call home and hit the sack.

I woke up 6 hours later to go to the bath room and
my back went out! I could hardly stand back up!
I took 3 Advils and fell back asleep till 11:30
and had to take 3 more. Thats where I am at now
Pete gone, waiting for Jen and I cant do anything!
It hurts to sit, stand, lay. I can't belive this.
Lower right side, and down the leg! I need to get in the
shower so I will be ready when the Wilsons arrive.
The Advil seems to be helping so I will log off
now and get cleaned up.

Hope all is well with all of my loyal readers!
Miss you already!
Love and hugs!

Peace

Happy Birthday Amanda!

2007-10-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Amanda in now 7 years old!
My baby is seven, I can hardly believe it.
Pete and I woke her up for school this morning
singing happy birthday to her. She awoke with a
HUGE smile on her face. Love her!

Here she is opening a few gifts this
morning from mom and dad.

Tonight we will take her out to dinner at Outback
and then head to the airport for Paris and Susan will be in
charge for a week! Thanks Susan, my SQS!
(Why is this all underlined?)

Gotta run, need to pack.
See you soon Jen!!!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

I found this on my quit smoking support site.
It's kinda funny, check it out.

http://www.dedge.com/flash/hangman/hangman.swf

It's another Friday of cleaning up and doing laundry.
Getting the house ready for a birthday party and
for leaving the place under Aunt Susan's control for a week.
Writing notes, planing outfits and so on.....

Benji had his 4 wisdom teeth taken out on Wednesday.
He is doing well, a bit swollen and soar but so far so good.
His 12 year molars were stuck so they had to come out
so that the ortho could finish his braces.
He was put "under" for the extractions and when
he came to he was so funny! Laughing, loud, swearing,
hugging me telling me how much he loved me.
He said to me, no he yelled to me "Mom, what the
hell did they do to me? This is fun! Hahahahahaha!"
He is back to normal now. Here is a photo of him
at Amanda's party yesterday. Can you see the puffy checks?

Gotta run, Amanda has a party to
be at in 35 min. in Eden Prairie
and I am still in my PJ's

Peace.

Amanda's "kid" party

2007-10-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Amanda's 7th birthday party was today
at the Country Club Lanes in Excelsior.
We had a nice time, a good little group
of girls. We were short a few due to MEA
weekend travels and illness. Amanda had
a good time.

She had high score of 98.

The cake was so cute and nummy too.

The girls were all very well behaved and I
think they all had a good time.

Susan met us there to be the official photographer.
And joined in on the bowling fun.

If our family didn't have enough October birthdays...
Amanda's friends sure made it that way.
We went to Ericka Akerberg's 10th birthday party on Monday night.
Then Amanda was at the AmericInn at a swimming party
last night for a friend of hers, her kid party today then another
friends party tomorrow at Pump it up. We have Saturday off
and then Amanda's family party on Sunday.
And her actual birthday is Monday the 22nd.
We will take her out to dinner before we head to the airport
and Susan heads home with the kids to put them to bed.
The never ending birthday! Man, she's a lucky girl!

Well, I must go to the lumber yard now.
We need more wood for the ark we have to build.

Peace!

Happy Birthday to Laurie!

2007-10-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Today is the 3rd Craig birthday this month.
This is Laurie's day! Happy Birthday!

Laurie is getting a very cold and windy
birthday this year. A high of 53 degrees
and I don't think we will hit that mark.
The wind is crazy. In Australia they say
its rather "blowy" out. I like that one.
It is VERY blowy here today.

Amanda has soccer tonight. That should be fun.
I'll need to get out the parkas and blankets.
I am very thankful this is the last of the
Tuesday soccer games! The 1st game it was
like 80 degrees now 50, nice. Then the last
game is on Saturday when they will be playing
2 games. Her first ever "tournament"
That will be another fun morning.
With a high of 58 degrees for that day.
Then we are done with soccer.
Forever as far as I am concerned.

13 days till Amanda turns 7 years old
and I leave that evening for Paris France.
to spend a week with my pal Jen!
I Can't wait to see you Jen!
I better start making lists for Susan
and start packing! I better sign out...

Peace.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2007-10-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Niners B-day.
And it is beautiful out! 86 degrees and sunny!
Here is a photo from last year around this time.

The kids are getting ready to jump in the pool,
for most likely the last time this year.
Then in to clean up and head over to Michael & Kiki's
house for cake & ice cream. Thanks for hosting M & K!

Enjoy the rest of your week end.

Peace.

Mr.Jimmy

2007-10-04T08:55:00.001-07:00

"Mr. Jimmy" Hutmacher dies at 75
Excelsior's Jimmy Hutmacher has died at the age of 75.
If the name isn't familiar, that's OK.
You may recognize Hutmacher by another name
Mister Jimmy.

Even though I did not personally know "Mr. Jimmy"
I feel as though I did. I would always wave and say
"Hi" to him. May he rest in peace.

I think I have a cold coming on. The gym was very
hard today. Not feeling so hot. But, I look good!
I went and had a Sue-do done yesterday. Love it!
Thanks Susan!

Oh, and the big news of our house yesterday was......
Benji passed his drivers ed class and his permit test!
He drove me all over the place yesterday.
He really does pretty good. I was very impressed.
This morning he asked me "Whats going on tonight?"
I said "well, not very much, Emily has gymnastics at 5pm"
He says "Can I drive you guys there?" He's just a bit
excited.

Well, we are out of milk and a bunch of other stuff
so off to Cub I go. 78 degrees and sunny today! YAH!!!

Peace.

200 Days!

2007-10-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

Smoke free for 200 days and loving it.
Yesterday was the 1st day of the state wide
smoking ban. I am glad I quit. Other wise I
would have been mad about that, but now
who cares. It's just one more reason to add to
the long list of reasons why I quit and will not start again.
N.O.P.E! Not one puff ever! I like that saying.

It's another rainy Tuesday, so maybe Amanda's soccer
will get rained out again and I'll be able to pick Benji up
from his last drivers ed class without leaving Amanda
to play soccer with no parent there.

Yesterday I wrote out and mailed all Amanda's
"kid party" invites. We will be going bowling and
having pizza for lunch at Country Club Lanes
in Excelsior over MEA break.
She is very excited. She really is going to miss
having Olivia there. She keeps telling me it is not going
to be the same with out her there.
I am hoping she will be so excited and busy on the
day that she kinda forgets. I'm sure she wont, but
I'll pray it does not make her sad on her day.

Here is a photo of Amanda & Olivia in Mexico
last March when our families vacationed together.
We had so much fun! Can't wait for Paris!
21 days and counting.................................

And here is one Jenny took of
Emily, Amanda & Olivia.

Children of the corn!

Emily and Amanda still talk about this day.
Thanks for the hike Jen!

Gotta go get something done in this messy
room we call an office. Can't even see the desk.

Peace.

Where in the world?

2007-10-01T19:41:00.001-07:00

I thought this was kind neat.
Try it out for yourself.

Birthday Month!

2007-10-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Lets start out with Gary, his birthday is today Oct. 1st
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY!
Oct. 6th ~My mother, Niners
Oct. 9th ~Laurie
Oct. 22nd ~Amanda
Oct. 25th ~Aunt Cindy
Oct. 26th ~Mine

Thats just family, add another 6 friends in and the party never ends.
All the birthday cake kinda gets ya ready for holiday goodies.

On to the Homecoming dance.
He is not talking a whole lot, he is such a boy!
I did get out of him that he had a lot of fun, he did dance,
he was about in the middle as far as his out fit. Some had tuxs
and some had on jeans. He ended up cleaning his black
shoes and just wearing them. So I will be making another trip
to the EP mall to return the shoes HE picked out.

Here he is...

Thats my boy, love him!

Gotta run, tons to do, its Monday!

Peace.

Chaska Homecoming

2007-09-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight is Chaska's homecoming football game & tomorrow
night is "The Dance". Benji's first high school dance.
He is going solo, no date. He and some friends are all going
together. I have been to Von Maur twice this week trying to
pick out shoes and an outfit. Needless to say we will be making
one more trip tomorrow for him to pick out the tie and shoes.
I did ok on the shirt and pants.
I will post some photos of him Sunday or Monday.

Where has the week gone? It's Friday already.
(Well, I guess I know where it went. I was shopping for
Benji all week. Oh, and I brought a van full of Joe's books
to the Chan Library. And when I say a van full, I mean FULL!)
I just love Fridays. I try to get the house picked up
and a little laundry done so I can enjoy the week end
with out house work hanging over my head.
This morning I cleaned my room and washed the
sheets from our bed, opened the window to let
some fresh fall air fill the room. I love it!
As much as I love hot summer days by the pool,
I love fall too. Bright blue sky. Fall week ends are good.
I like having every one home and no alarm clock
or homework to do. Maybe a bon fire.

Well, I gotta go get a few more things done around this house.
What do you think I do, sit around and write blogs all day?

Peace.

Laundry & Lunch

2007-09-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Man can we get stuff dirty!
Monday is clean up the mess you
made over the week end day for the Bakers.

At noon I'm off to Bluff Creek Elementary
to have lunch with Emily & Amanda.
They love it when I come up to the school.
So, while they want me I will be there.
I don't think Benji would welcome me
at his lunch table at the high school.

All is well here in Chanhassen, the weather has
been great. The kids were all in the pool yesterday.
It may be one of the last times they swim in it
this year :( Closing the pool is hard for me.

We emptied Joe's storage locker into our garage
yesterday. Benji now has Joe's bedroom set.
It fits great and looks awesome in his room.
Benji is digging it too. More space for his ever
growing clothes.

Joe had books, books and more books!
I'll be dropping them off at the Chan library, household
goods will go to Good will and all the empty boxes
and old paperwork to the garbage man.

Let me just say one thing here...
THROW AWAY EMPTY BOXES PEOPLE!
I see no need to save every box from
every small appliance, computer program, etc....
you own! Holy cow! I know lets pay $175.000 a month
to store boxes. Joe must have been up in Heaven
looking down and laughing his butt off at us.
Love & miss you Joe!

Today marks the 3 year anniversary of the death of
Andy & Shari's dear sweet baby Jacob. Jacob was 9 1/2
days old when he passed away. Cute, tiny guy. Boy oh boy
has he been missed. Keep them in your prayers today.
Today will be a hard day.

Peace!

Presidential Library

2007-09-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Crawford, Texas -- A tragic flood this morning destroyed the
personal library of President George W. Bush. The flood began in
the presidential bathroom where both books were kept. Both his
books have been lost. A presidential spokesman said the president
was devastated, as he had almost finished coloring the second one.
The White House tried to call FEMA, but there was no answer.

While I do not agree with this.... It is funny!

Keep smiling!
Peace.

Drivers Ed

2007-09-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Could it be? My little boy is taking drivers ed?
He's only 2 1/2 years old, how can it be?
Yep, he starts today. 30 hours of class time.
He is very excited about it. Me, not so much.
I am not sure how I feel about it. It will be nice to
just let him drive to his Dads and not need a ride.

I forgot to post some photos last week of
a visit we had from Pete's sister Nettie
and her 4 leg friends. My kids were crazy
excited. Nettie was trying to beat Laurie
out of the aunt of the year spot from last
weeks golf cart driving. Thanks Nettie,
It was fun! Even though I really do not
like horses at all. They scare me to death!
It is way to big of an animal to trust as far as
I'm concerned! Can you tell by the look on my
face I am less that thrilled?!

Must get back to my Monday chores now...
The laundry never ends!
Peace!

Smoke free living!

2007-09-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Toady marks 6months of no smoking for me!
GO ME!!! I never thought I would be able
to do it but, here I am.......I'm doing it!
N.O.P.E. = Not One Puff Ever
Now I just need to get rid of the 30 lbs
I put on in the last 6 mos.

Owen Patrick Craig

2007-09-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

I was blessed with an invite to baby sit my
2 1/2 year old nephew Owen today. He is so
funny! And very busy! We played kitchen, trains,
trucks, puzzles, cars, colored, danced and ran
around and I pushed him on his swing.
All in an hours time! No wonder kids take naps,
they don't stop moving! I just can't get enough of him.
I also can't wait to meet the next little Craig.
Here is a few shots I took of him today.
Check out the eye lashes!

Have a great week end!
Peace!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-09-12T13:01:00.001-07:00

Pampering ME!

2007-09-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

I have spent the past 15 years putting
babies and others before myself.
Not that I minded that much, I have
three lovely children and a fantastic family
and better friends than anyone on earth!
I just think I am way over due for some
real "ME" time!
So, now that all my kids are in school all day
(9am to 4pm) I am doing things for me.
I figure some mani, pedi's and things are
good for a girl. Today I am going to the gym
but, not to work out! I am going to the Lifetime
Spa for a 60 minute massage. Then I think I'll
go do some shopping or something. And yes,
I think I will drive the Porsche!

Take care of you!
Peace!

Steamboat Day's in Carver Mn

2007-09-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here is Emily on her
1st Helicopter ride.

And here is Amanda.

The three of us went up over
Chaska and Carver on Sunday after we
watched the parade and caught all the candy
we could, I even caught a jello shot! Lisa's Place was
actually giving out jello shots to all the adults
that were along the parade route! Only in Carver!
Anyway, it was a very fun day the girls had
a blast. Laurie won aunt of the year cuz' she let
them drive all over in a golf cart. I wish I
would have got a photo of that too.
All I had was my camera on my phone
so the chopper photos are not real good.

Went to the gym again today. It seems so hard to
get there but once I go I feel great!
I plan to go again on Thursday morning.
There... now I have to go cuz' I wrote it down.

It's a cool one here today. High of only like 60 degrees.
At least the sun is out. It looks nice but its not really.
It's pretty windy and deceiving looking out.
My poor pool looks sad! It is saying hay why is it so
cold out? I want you guys out here! So, I go out and give a little
love tap to let it know we are still here. Man, I just love summer!
I wish it was 85 to 95 degrees every day of the year! I have
let all my annual flowers die so all I have now are the few
mums I just got. . I am kinda sick of watering!

A Happy 9 year anniversary shot out to Susan and Gary today!
Love you guys!

Blog on!
Peace!

Ahhhhhhh the weekend!

2007-09-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

I gotta say it is nice to sleep in a little.
I love having the kids back in school but I
hate having to set an alarm! I like to wake up
when I am done sleeping. Yes, I have been aloud
to turn into a princesses! (Thanks Pete!)

So, I woke up at 8:45 sat around a bit then it
was time for a shower and off to Amanda's soccer game.
They won like 12 to 4 or something like that. She was thrilled!

Benji just left to go to Greg's for a few days so I think
I'll load up the girls and head out to our church (Westwood)
They are having a car show in the parking lot. Then we can
head over and have some fun at Apple Day in Excelsior.
It is such a nice early fall day. Temps about 70 degrees
and a few clouds. I just want to be out side today.

Tomorrow is the start of a new season for church and the Vikings.
I have lots more faith in the church opener that the good ol' Viks!
Don't get me wrong I am a big Vikings fan I just not so sure about
how they will do this year. Tomorrow is also the Carver Steamboat
Days parade. My brother Tim is the parade director. So, I think I'll take the
girls out to catch some candy at the parade then home to catch the
end of the Viks game.

Till next time....
Love and hugs!
Blog on!

Spice is in heat again!

2007-09-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

This is Spice the day we got her.
About a year ago.

And here she is now.
Can you hear her???????
MEOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spice tried all night long to get in my room.
She puts one paw under my door and shakes it
back and forth. She is making me mental! At about
5 this morning I put a blanket up next to the door.
That helped a little. As soon as the breeder calls
me back I'll bring her in again. Sugar is getting a
bit annoyed as well. Right now it sounds as if
Spice is yelling Mooooooommmm! It is very funny
if your not trying to sleep.

Off to the gym this morning. I can't ride a bike
every place I go like the Dutch folk do.

Have an awesome day!
Love & Hugs!

2nd day of school

2007-09-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

This is a photo from the first
day of school last year.

Did I have tired kids last night or what!?
That was a long day for all 3 of them.
To top it all off Amanda had soccer at 6pm,
so that screws up the whole night.

Yesterday morning, well...
The bus came early so I did not take nearly the amount
of photos I normally take on the 1st day of school.
When all the kids were off to school my friend & neighbor
Tiffany and I had mimosas on her front porch and toasted
our first graders first day. It was lots of fun. I had to come
home and have a little rest before I made the cookie dough.
Then Tiffany called and said "lets go to lunch" So, I covered
up the cookie dough and picked her up in the Porsche and off
we went. Came home, made cookies and before I knew it, in
walked Benji and 15 minutes later the girls were home.
They all had good safe & fun 1st days.

Today I have to run out to Goodwill and drop off a van load of
"stuff". Then I thought I would check out Trader Joe's and see
what its like. I have to get out of the house so I don't eat all the
cookies I made yesterday. Gonna be another HOT one today!
90+ degrees and HUMID!

Make good choices!
Peace out!

Labor Day 2007

2007-09-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

Should be another beautiful day her in Chanhassen.
84 degrees and partly cloudy.
We are going to have Pete's family over today for an early dinner
of marinated chicken on the grill, some fruit and maybe
some squash. (I LOVE squash!)

So, yesterday the Shakopee Craig's came over along with
Kindra's mom and step dad for an afternoon at the pool.
We are all sitting around or in the pool when Kiki (thats
what the kids call Kindra) and Owen walk out and he has a
t-shirt on that says big brother. I yell WHAT! Yep, Kiki is pregnant
and due the beginning of February! She has known since May!
I said you B*tch! How could you keep it to your self so long!
Needless to say, we are all very happy! It was fun that Kiki's
mom and my mom found out at the same time.

School starts tomorrow and I have made a tradition of making
home made choc. chip cookies on the 1st day of school.
When I put Benji on the kindergarten bus 10 years ago.
I totally lost it! Started bawling! Went in the house and called
Jenny (Hi Jen) who had already put her 1st kid on the kindergarten bus.
She calmed me down and said soon I would be out running errands
and have to fly back home to find my child off the bus and walking
home already. Sure enough that did happen. With all three of my
kids no less. Any way after talking with Jen I made Benji cookies
and now I do it every year and the kids really look forward to it.
So yesterday I went to the store and got the choc. chips so I am ready to go.

One day of summer left and off to school!
(Does not make me cry anymore)
Enjoy your day!

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

We should have a nice day here in Bakersville. Sunny and 85 degrees.
People by the pool and doing a little bit of putting on the green.
Do a little BBQ around 5 or so. My nieces G & J are here for the
weekend and I think they may have some friends over her too.
My favorite little guy Owen in coming over for a swim later.
I made him some orange jello. Last time he was here I had made some
and he loved it! So, I hope he still does. You know how kids go in and out of
things they like.

2 days till school starts!

1st Blog

2007-08-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here we go.....................................
This is crazy!
Keeping in touch with people over the internet on something called a BLOG?!
You have got to be kidding me!? It sounds like I am going to hack up a hair ball.

Today in Chanhassen it's about 78 degrees and sunny.
Kids are ready to go back to school and I am ready to have them go!
The count down is on. 5 days to go.