The Zoske Family

Fruit Snacks GIVEAWAY!! - 4 Winners!!

2012-01-23T14:24:00.003-06:00

Miss Kaydi LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Fruit Snacks. They are, by far, one of her favorite snacks - which I love because they are so easy to pack for her when we're away from home. And let me tell you - she spends a lot of time away from home - waiting for Kylee to be done at dance, waiting for me to finish up after school, waiting for Kaden at whatever sports practice... As long as I have a package of fruit snacks and books for her, she's a happy girl. So I was thrilled when we were sent some of the new Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks to try. At first I was a little worried, because Kaydi can be picky about her fruit snacks. I still have a huge box that I bought of Halloween ones that she doesn't care for but that wasn't the case this time. She now has a new favorite - she LOVES the Ocean Spray fruit snacks and I love that they...

* are made with real fruit juice and natural colors and flavors,

* have only 80 calories, are gluten free, contain

100% of the Daily Value of Vitamin C,

* have two varieties - Assorted Fruits and Berries & Cherries

* and include Double Box Tops year round!

* You can also get $1.10 off 2 boxes with an Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks coupon. (while supplies last)

To enter this giveaway, please go here and leave a comment sharing which fruit flavor you would like to see Ocean Spray come out with next.

Giveaway ends January 31, 2012. 4 winners will be chosen using random.org and will be contacted via email.

Disclosure: Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks, information, and giveaway have been provided by Ocean Spray through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are mine (and Kaydi's).

My Many Colored Days

2011-12-28T17:31:00.002-06:00

by Kaden Zoske

On my red days I feel fast like a bear in Minnesota.
On my yellow days I feel happy like a dog with a bone
on a warm sunny day.
On my gray days I feel slow like a turtle in a dirty pond.
On my brown days I feel sad like a fish who just got caught.
On my orange days I feel mad like a monkey with no bananas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2011-12-21T00:05:00.000-06:00

From Our Family To Yours!!

Please stop back after Christmas to read about our highlights of 2011 and our wishes for 2012!

Christmas Chat

2011-12-18T23:17:00.001-06:00

If you could indulge in only one type of cookie or candy this holiday season, what would you choose?

Chad - frosted sugar cookies
Dena - Ritz crackers with peanut butter dipped in white chocolate
Kylee - Lindor Truffles
Kaden - Oreo ice cream dessert
Kaydi - chocolate chip cookies (or anything with frosting)

If you were to file a complaint with the Better Christmas Bureau, what would your complaint be?

Chad - no crowds
Dena - store clerks must be friendly and helpful
Kylee - no homework for the month of December and no school for at least two weeks
Kaden - no clothes for gifts

Burger King Giveaway

2011-12-07T13:31:00.002-06:00

Please go here to enter a giveaway for a $25 gift card to Burger King and read about the new BK Crown Program.

Big G Cereals & DC Comics Giveaway!!

2011-11-26T12:12:00.008-06:00

We love cereal - for breakfast, snacks, and recipes - so I was thrilled when I was contacted about this giveaway. Kaden was excited about the comic books and Green Lantern action figure. He has read all of the comic books and added the Green Lantern figure to his Super Hero collection. Our family couldn't go wrong with the participating cereals, my favorite being Honey Nut Cheerios, Chad & Kaden's Cocoa Puffs, Kylee's Rees's Puffs, and Kaydi loves Trix & Lucky Charms. They all agreed it's hard to choose a favorite though.

Big G cereals and DC Comics have joined forces to create a powerful breakfast for you and your favorite little sidekicks. Available now, specially marked Big G cereal boxes will feature collectable DC Super Hero comic books starring members from the Justice League, from Batman to Wonder Woman to Green Lantern!

Each box will be packed with action, adventure, and delicious cereal, not to mention a cut-out DC Super Hero mask your child can use to help the Justice League fight crime at breakfast time!

*Collect all four comics - there's one in each specially-marked
Big G cereal box.

*Participating Big G cereal include: Cinnamon Toast Crunch (17 oz.), Lucky Charms (16 oz.), Honey Nut Cheerios (17 oz.), Trix (14.8 oz.), Golden Grahams (16 oz.), Reese's Puffs (18 oz.) and
Cocoa Puffs (16.5 oz.).

Let Big G cereals and DC Entertainment feed your family's bodies and minds while also giving them a super start to their day! Visit www.BigGCerealHeroes.com for more information on Big G cereals and DC Comics.

One lucky reader will win this great gift package...

*1 box of participating Big G cereal

*1 set of the collectable DC Super Hero comic books

*1 Green Lantern action figure

To enter go here and leave a comment.

Winner will be drawn by random number generator on December 2nd.

Disclosure: Product, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills and DC ENTERTAINMENT through My BlogSpark.

The Joffrey Ballet - Chicago

2011-11-22T08:15:00.001-06:00

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
-Harriet Tubman

SNOW!!

2011-11-09T22:52:00.002-06:00

We had our first snow today. The kids had a great time
sledding and snow boarding after school.
And YES, I had a smile on my face all day
and started playing Christmas music at school.

More Halloween

2011-11-09T22:39:00.001-06:00

The kids had fun carving pumpkins on Halloween before they went Trick-or-Treating.

SMILE!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Kylee LOVES seasoning and baking the pumpkin seeds.

Another gangster pic - so Kaden!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-31T22:49:00.001-05:00

Kylee - the Big Sis - Kaydi - the Butterfly - Kaden - the Gangster

Kaden went Trick-or-Treating with his Best Buds.

Kaydi's coloring sheet for the Hubbard Care Center Coloring Contest.

Kaden won 2nd Place in his class!

Kaydi trick-or-treating at the Care Center -
LOVE that the Care Center does this.

Now what to do with all the candy?!

Chad was so bummed that there weren't any Almond Joys.

Union Invitational - LaPorte City

2011-10-11T23:31:00.002-05:00

"Who aims at excellence will be above average;

who aims at average will be far short of it."

-Burmese Saying

Congrats Kylee on your personal best of the year: 17:27 minutes!!
(LOVE Coach Damon's (her track coach) expression!)

Labor Day

2011-09-19T22:16:00.005-05:00

We celebrated Labor Day at Adventureland Park.

Kaden brought along his best friend Tyler.

Chad and the boys are on there somewhere...

Kylee & Kaden were great at riding with Kaydi but
of course Kaden had to add some
drama for the camera.

I think Kaydi would have rode this motorcycle
all day if she could have.
I hope she's not getting any ideas for the future.

Everyone had a GREAT TIME!

BCLUW Cross Country Meet

2011-09-18T21:31:00.001-05:00

And they're off...

Kylee ran the course in 18:53 minutes

Having fun with Emily afterwards.

Thanks Emily for the photos!

Ballard Invitational

2011-09-15T19:47:00.003-05:00

The South Hardin Varsity Girls Cross Country Team placed 3rd among 10 teams in Huxley.

They are currently ranked 20th in the state
in Class 2A.

CONGRATS TIGER LADIES!!

Kylee ran the course this time in 19.15 minutes.

Where Were You On That September Day?

2011-09-11T00:34:00.003-05:00

I was teaching Kindergarten in the same room I still teach in. We were in a teacher's meeting when the first plane hit. As the morning went on, I remember other teachers coming in and telling me the news. We all wanted to be in the office watching it on tv but knew we needed to stay in our classrooms.

Some things I will never forget...
*Praying and hoping that Kaden would not be born on that day,
that terrible day in history. (He was born on the 24th.)
*The children that were born and never got to meet their fathers.
*The silence and the disbelief in the waiting room that afternoon at McFarland Clinic. Everyone was glued to the televisions - it was one day that no one was in a hurry for their appointment.
*The innocence of my kindergartners and knowing what they would go home and see on tv.
*Their conversations in the days to follow.
*Watching television during 2 am feedings with Kaden in the weeks after his birth and hearing about terrorist cells in Spain and other European countries and thinking "I CAN NOT GO TO SPAIN. I have to stay with my family." (I was suppose to go with the high school spanish club the following summer. I did not go, neither did most of the students.)
*Most importantly, those that died trying to save others
and those still fighting for our country.

Cross Country

2011-09-08T22:06:00.005-05:00

Kylee had her first Cross Country meet today at Saylorville Lake.

She ran 2.5 miles in 19.32 minutes and placed 28 out of 71 runners.
Not bad for her first meet ever!

Way to go Ky!

The Tigers placed 3rd out of 10 teams.

CONGRATS!!

Another Dancer In The Family!!

2011-08-29T00:21:00.001-05:00

1st Day of School

2011-08-24T23:17:00.001-05:00

Kaydi - Preschool

Kaden - 4th Grade

Kylee - 9th Grade

Since Kylee is off to high school, today was her first time ever getting on a bus in the morning from home. In the past she always rode to school with me :-)

Speaking of high school, did you notice the black bag she is holding in the pictures above?

That is her laptop - yep, every student at her high school gets one.

How cool is that?

And here is Kaydi pretending to be the teacher.

Wonder where she gets that?

Notice I didn't get a picture of Kaden. When we got to school I had barely put the vehicle in "park" and he was off. He could not wait to get to school this morning. He kept watching the time and asking if we should be going or if we were going to be late. For him, it's all about socializing!

The kids all had a great first day. Kylee told me everything and Kaden told me not much of anything except that he is very excited that they get an hour for art this year versus 30 minutes.

Vacation Day #9 - Headin' Home!

2011-08-17T07:59:00.002-05:00

Vacation Day #8 - Colorado Springs

2011-08-17T07:58:00.007-05:00

Breakfast at the hotel
Hiking at the Garden of the Gods
Lunch at the Garden of the Gods Cafe
Rock Ledge Historic Ranch (like Living History Farms)
Focus on the Family Center
Started the drive home
Had an interesting supper at Dairy Queen in Fort Morgan, Colorado
Let's just say we won't be going back :-) to eat there again

Vacation Day #7 - Colorado Springs

2011-08-17T07:58:00.006-05:00

Breakfast at the hotel with a beautiful view the mountains

Drove up Pikes Peak

Deli Lunch

Garden of the Gods

Flying W Ranch and Chuckwagon Supper

Kids enjoyed popcorn at the hotel and Kaden went swimming

Vacation - Day #6 - Dillon to Denver to Colorado Springs

2011-08-10T14:04:00.000-05:00

breakfast at the hotel
drove through the Johnson Tunnel
hurried to Denver to get to the Mile High Stadium, the Garmin took us to a residential area!
made it just in time to take the stadium tour - one of Kaden's highlights of the trip
had lunch at Casa Bonita
Dena and the kids got SCARED in the cave tunnels
drove to Colorado Springs in rush hour traffic - NOT one of Chad's highlights
supper at The Airplane Restaurant
kids went swimming at the hotel

Vacation - Day #5 - Rocky Mountain National Park

2011-08-10T13:58:00.000-05:00

ate breakfast at The Donut Haus
spent most of the day going through Rocky Mountain National Park
saw a coyote, marmots, deer, elk, moose and chipmunks :-)
rode the shuttle bus and hiked around Bear Lake
the bus ride was a favorite of Kaydi's
had a Domino's Pizza Picnic for lunch
had fun playing in the snow and enjoyed a family snowball fight!
drove through the Eisenhower Tunnel
supper at Ruby Tuesday's in Dillon, Colorado
Kylee and Kaden went swimming at the hotel in Dillon

Vacation Day #4 - Wyoming & Estes Park, Colorado

2011-08-03T00:41:00.002-05:00

Breakfast at the hotel
Left about 9:45 am for Estes Park, Colorado!
Kylee drove for an hour in Wyoming :)
had lunch at a Outpost Cafe in Lusk, Wyoming
arrived in Estes Park around 5:45 pm
Kids played on a playground by the Big Thompson River
Enjoyed the River Walk
Sat by the river while eating supper at Poppy's Pizza
and then enjoyed shopping
Kylee bought fun knee-high socks, Kaden bought a Mountain Dude t-shirt and Dallas Cowboys socks, and Kaydi bought a "happy bunny" hat and a stuffed pink moose.
Rode Go-Karts!! Kaden with Chad, Kaydi with Dena, and Kylee rode solo.

Vacation Day #3

2011-08-01T01:12:00.006-05:00

Breakfast at the hotel
Bear Country USA
Lunch in Keystone at Teddy's Deli
Mt. Rushmore
Visited with Nick Clifford - a driller and winchman during the carving of Mt. Rushmore
Enjoyed ice cream & slushies at the Carver's Cafe
Crazy Horse Monument
Black Hills, Custer State Park, & Wildlife Loop
fed the chipmunks, saw a lot of deer, antelope, and buffalo
and the most amazing rainbow
Mt. Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
Domino's Pizza at the hotel

Kylee was a pro at feeding the chipmunks, they crawled right into her hand.
Kaydi talked about the "baby bear" all day and held the pamphlet from Bear Country most of the day calling it her "bear paper."
Kaden loved seeing the buffalo.

Vacation Day #2

2011-08-01T01:11:00.002-05:00

Continental Breakfast at the hotel
Badlands - everyone loved them!
Kylee was the first to spot wildlife - a small herd of antelope
We also saw prairie dogs.
Kaydi got excited about the "rainbow rocks"
Temperature Outside - 104 degrees!!
lunch at Subway in Wall
quick stop at the hotel and then
Big Thunder Mine Tour in Keystone, SD and we panned for gold
Kylee could have stayed there the rest of the day looking for gold.
Storybook Island - Kaden kept saying "This is the best park ever!"
Supper at Colonial House Restaurant
swimming at the pool

Vacation Day #1

2011-07-31T23:50:00.003-05:00

We left home about 10:30 and stopped in Minnesota at the Trail Ridge Stop for lunch. We then continued on and for the next stop in Mitchell, South Dakota to see the Corn Palace. No one was sure about it but decided it was pretty cool after seeing it.

Our next stop was to get gas and Dena spotted a JCPenney's and couldn't let a $10 coupon go to waste, so while Chad filled up the Traverse Dena did some speed shopping a bought a new necklace.

We then continued on to Wall, South Dakota to see Wall Drug and eat supper there. Supper was not too impressive but the kids enjoyed the "Backyard" and looking through the stores.

We arrived in Rapid City about 10:00 and checked into are hotel the Comfort Suites which was very nice.

Things to Remember:
Kaydi calling the binoculars "two eyes."
Kaden stating after each stop "well that was pretty cool."
Kaydi stating "I just want my birthday" every other second.

Flashback Friday

2011-07-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

Hardin County Fair 2008

Guess Who...

2011-07-02T22:45:00.001-05:00

wants to be just like Kylee??

It was so cute - she asked if Kylee was home and I told her no. Wasn't long after that I found her trying to tie Kylee's pointe shoes on - she even had the toe pads on. I'm glad she didn't try standing in them.

Hoo Are You?

2011-06-28T14:33:00.001-05:00

Hooray for Tuesday!! It's time for

1. Do you decorate for the 4th of July?
I love to decorate but for some reason I haven't done much for the 4th here in the new home.
2. Do you buy fireworks for the 4th of July?
Nope, I leave that up to the relatives. I've heard Uncle Kelly has made his purchases and is ready for his annual show. Grandma Dee usually has sparklers for the kids.
3. How do you celebrate the 4th of July?
It seems to change every year but we usually go with my family to the parade and watch fireworks in Iowa Falls.
4. Do you have a family member that is serving our country?
Yes, my cousin Randy and Chad's cousin Matt. Right now they are here in the states, but they have had their share of overseas trips. So grateful for those that serve!
5. Do you dress in red, white or blue on the 4th?
Yes, but it's more fun dressing the kids for the 4th!

Come on over to Night Owl Crafting and join the party!

Mommy & Kaydi

2011-06-19T21:25:00.002-05:00

Baseball

2011-05-23T21:46:00.003-05:00

Kaden had another baseball game tonight. Unfortunately, they lost 3-1 but Kaden had an awesome hit to the outfield which allowed a teammate to score.

8th Grade Graduation

2011-05-21T21:53:00.006-05:00

Walking in - she was SO HAPPY!

Receiving a Presidential Excellence in Education Award (3.5 or higher GPA and top 10% in the nation on ITBS) from Principal Heinz. She also received Band & Vocal awards and a Student Council award.

Receiving her Certificate of Completion from Superintendent Semprini.

Leading the class out afterwards to their class song

"We Will Rock You."

CONGRATULATIONS South Hardin 8th Grade Class of 2011

Flashback Friday - Where has the time gone?

2011-05-19T23:25:00.006-05:00

Our little girl graduates today from 8th Grade!

Congrats Kylee! We love you and are so proud of you!

Kaden & Kaydi

2011-05-19T21:36:00.004-05:00

Kaden had his Social Studies Project Fair today at school. He researched Costa Rica - his poster is in the background. He chose to make Orange Pound Cake - a popular dessert in Costa Rica - to share with guests. Notice the small cup on the table - he was telling people that was his tip jar!

He had his first baseball game of the season last night in Parkersburg - they won 3-2!

Miss Kaydi recieved an award this week at Tiger Tribute. The award was for doing a GREAT job in school. She is the youngest child in the school! It amazes me how she walks around school and does everything like the big kids.

Back To Back NICL Champions!

2011-05-14T00:28:00.003-05:00

The South Hardin 8th Grade Girls Track Team claimed the title of Conference Champions again. (They were the 7th Grade Champions last year.)

Way To Go TIGERS!

2011-05-06T22:17:00.005-05:00

The shoes and tie-dyed socks waiting to take off...

The sprint to a first place finish...

The high five from Coach Damon...

The 4x400 teammates...

The 8th Grade Girls won the track meet Tuesday night in Conrad.

Kylee ran in the 4X800 which placed second and she anchored the Sprint Medley Relay and the 4X400 which both placed FIRST!

WAY TO GO GIRLS!!

Flashback Friday

2011-04-29T23:22:00.002-05:00

March 22, 2008

Congrats Tigers!

2011-04-29T23:09:00.001-05:00

Woo-hoo! The South Hardin Middle School Girls placed second tonight at the Roland-Story track meet. Kylee set a new personal best - 70 seconds for the 400!

"Just Kaydi"

2011-04-25T23:19:00.003-05:00

Whenever we call Kaydi "cutie" or "princess" she lets us know immediately that she is "just Kaydi."

Today on the way home from school, out of the blue, she stated "I'm not Kaydi Lorraine or Kaydi Zoske - I'm just Kaydi!"

So Chad and I are thinking that she's shooting for stardom and going to be known to the world by her first name only - KAYDI. Don't you think she has the "celebrity look" mastered?

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T22:53:00.002-05:00

Kaydi at the Hubbard Easter Egg Hunt

And he's off...

Flashback Fridy

2011-04-22T23:35:00.002-05:00

Track Season Has Officially Started

2011-04-15T23:44:00.005-05:00

Distance Medley Relay

4X400 Meter Realy

Kylee had her first meet this past Monday at South Hamilton.

She ran the 400 in both the Distance Medley Relay and

the 4x400 Meter Relay.

South Hardin placed 2nd overall out of 7 teams.

(1st place went to Gilbert.)

Kylee was thrilled that she ran a personal best of 71 seconds.

4X400 Relay Team

2011-04-11T00:24:00.005-05:00

Dearest Kylee,

We were so proud of you today.

You did awesome on your confirmation questioning.

You practiced, practiced, & practiced until you got it perfect - and then you practiced some more!

You didn't go to your best friend's birthday party because you knew it wasn't what was best (even though you so wanted to go). You didn't give us any attitude about studying, you knew the importance.

And then your dance recital - WOW - you truly do get more and more graceful by the day!

It is so evident how much you LOVE DANCE!

It seems just like yesterday that you were getting baptized and learning butterfly fingers in dance. We are so proud of the young lady you have become.

We love you!

Spring Fever!

2011-04-09T23:33:00.003-05:00

Us girls enjoyed some time on the front porch this evening. I helped Kylee study for confirmation and Kaydi chased "butterflies" around. It was the perfect ending to a CRAZY day.

The guys, including Kaden's friend Justin, were at Arenacross motorcycle racing at Wells Fargo.

Flashback Friday

2011-04-08T18:50:00.003-05:00

This photo was taken 5 years ago after one of Kylee's dance competitions in Kansas City. We met my cousin Randy's family for supper. It's hard to believe how much the kids have grown.

The Craziness Continues (or Far From Perfect)

2011-03-31T20:42:00.021-05:00

Well I never had a chance to finish this post but here's a glimpse of the craziness.

After concert, run around to talk to different parents about...

-Washington DC trip

-Kylee missing track tomorrow

-Birthday Party

-Baseball

-Baseball Sign-Up

Speed home from concert at 8:35 because Kaydi says after we get in the car that she can't wait to use the bathroom! (Rethink giving her pop at the concert.) Get home safely, yeah - no bathroom mess tonight to clean up.

Go to get scotch tape for wrapping birthday gift for Kaden's friend, can't find any. (How can that be, I'm sure there were 3 rolls in the drawer last time I looked??) Add scotch tape to Walmart list, wonder if using packing tape is appropriate. Get lucky, find some in my teacher bag in the closet that the kids aren't aware of. Wonder if I am ever going to make it to Walmart.

Listen to Kaden explain why he needs the football just like he's giving his friend. Then listen to Kaydi say she needs one too.

Remember to get camera for Chad to take this weekend - realize at some point during the last week Kaydi took 30+ pictures on it - wonder where adult supervision was??

Wonder why Kaydi is yelling very loudly for me, find her in the bathroom and discover a poopy mess to clean up. Realize we're out of flushable wipes, add it to the Walmart list.

Hope that Grey's Anatomy got recorded and wonder if I'll ever get to watch it.

Go ask Kylee to pack her clothes for the weekend. Hope everything she needs is clean. Explain why she shouldn't wear her very best, new jeans to a cattle fitting workshop, try to keep smiling and ignore teenager attitude.

Ask Kaden to get out of his record breaking long shower.

Go pack Kaydi's backpack in hopes that I won't forget something for tomorrow. Realize that we left her coat at the music concert. Send email to school about it.

Go tell Kaden to get out of the shower NOW!

Help him pack for his overnight birthday party at a friends house tomorrow.

Get headache from Kaden's "AXE" shampoo/body wash.

Grandpa Larry calls to tell him the Slam Dunk Contest is on tv.

Try to keep him focused on packing.

Tuck Kaydi into bed. Realize the summer pajamas she put on by herself are too small. Decide not to pick that battle. She chooses the book The Town Mouse & Country Mouse for her bedtime story. As I'm reading it, have memories of Mrs. Peterson - love the quote from the book "This is the life for me." Give Kaydi hugs and kisses and tell her good-night. She says she won't go to sleep until she has her "lips" aka chapstick. Go on a search for some and remember she has previously claimed the ones in the Traverse and bathroom, find one for her and then add chapstick to the Walmart list.

Give in to Kylee packing good jeans for weekend trip.

Kylee asks if I can help her with an algebra problem and I tell her I'll send Daddy to help.

Tuck Kaden into bed. Forget to ask Chad to help Kylee with math.

Make sure backpacks and Kaden's suitcase are ready to go in the Locker Room.

Sit down at 10:00 to watch Grey's Anatomy - The Music Event. LOVE IT, get up during first commercial and see the gifts that need to be wrapped - oh phooey! Grey's will have to wait.

While wrapping, think of things that need to be done. Go to check "Don't Forget" list in my purse and clean out the purse instead. Forget to check the "Don't Forget" list.

Return to Grey's at 10:40.

Go to bed at 11:30. Oops - remember to fill out a permission slip for Kylee.

Help Kylee decide whether to skip dance or band contest in May, but really have no advice for her.

Get ready for bed at 11:40. Talk to Kylee for a little bit, watch Kaydi and Kaden sleep for awhile. While brushing teeth, remember I don't have a SMART activity to share with the teachers tomorrow morning at our 7:40 meeting. Go back downstairs to brainstorm. Find some ideas.

Go to bed at 12:10.

I'm Gonna Miss This, Right??

2011-03-30T23:27:00.007-05:00

A glimpse into my day...

7:45 - 3:30 Teach Preschool - HOPE & PRAY that I'm doing everything I can for these precious children.

3:30 - Hug Kaden & Kaydi good-bye and then run around like a crazy person trying to catch up on school work and get things ready for preschool registration.

Think - don't eat anything because the second you put something in your mouth a parent will walk in and you won't be able to greet them.

Wonder - should I go to the teacher meeting at 4:00, if I do parents will show up early for registration and I won't be there to greet them, decide to not attend.

4:30 - 6:30 Preschool Registration

6:30 - 7:30 Preschool Parent Advisory Committee

7:30 - Remember that I haven't filled out Kaydi's preschool forms.

Pick up classrooms, put registration materials away.

Debate whether or not to go to Walmart to buy a birthday gift needed for Friday and toilet paper.

Reply to school emails.

8:00 Leave Radcliffe, realize I need gas - head for Hubbard, still debating about Walmart.

Call a parent between Radcliffe & Hubbard. Get gas, realize I should eat something - get puppy chow and milk.

8:30 Start thinking of everything that needs to be done at home and decide Walmart will have to wait.

8:45 Arrive home and once again run around like a crazy person.

Remind Kylee to make sure clothes are clean for track pictures and music concert.

Hug Kaydi goodnight and read her a book.

Hug Kaden goodnight and he asks if I can charge his ipod.

Discuss concert attire with Kylee and try my best to ignore teenager attitude.

Wonder if she will wear what she agrees to.

Go to basement to wash her track jersey.

Run upstairs to Kaydi yelling for Mommy to kill the ladybug on her ceiling.

Find Chad and send him to do pest control.

Sit down for 2 minutes to read the latest James Patterson.

Wish, wish, wish to get out the foot massage gift that a parent gave me, but realize I'm to lazy to get it put together and have to many things to do.

Kaden comes back downstairs to have me read a Garfield comic and asks if he can go to Walmart with me before Friday to pick out the birthday gift. Smile and tell him, we'll try.

Check home email and wonder where the Netflix movie is that I misplaced.

Remember I need to fill out track picture order form.

Buzzer on washer goes off - proceed to wash Kylee's black pants & tank top for music concert.

Kaden (who should be in bed asleep by now) finds me to remind me to charge his ipod.

Fill out track picture form.

Charge Kaden's ipod.

Find Kaydi's library book that's due tomorrow and put in her backpack.

Realize I haven't ordered Kylee's confirmation invitations and have her help design them on the computer. Get one figured out and realize the shipping time will take too long or be too costly so start over with another company.

Remember that I didn't put a check in the picture order form, continue to do so and put it in Kylee's backpack hoping she finds it and remembers to turn it in.

Kylee complains she has no jeans that fit or are clean. (For the record, the majority of her jeans are clean - just not the one pair she wants to wear.)

Remember that she will have to pack tomorrow night for her weekend trip and hope that enough jeans that do fit her are clean and work with her cowboy boots.

Start thinking about Kylee's track shorts - realize they are in the laundry basket upstairs, proceed to wash them.

Find Netflix movie.

Brainstorm plan for a preschool art project for the benefit auction.

Wonder if Iowa Falls Walmart is open 24 hours?

Remember to pay a bill that I had forgotten for the past 2 days.

Realize I should go throw Kylee's jeans in the washer.

Go to bed at 12:25 and hope to stay awake to read for a few minutes and not think of everything I need to do tomorrow.

Class of 2015

2011-03-30T23:12:00.002-05:00

I cannot have a high schooler already - can I??

Last night we had Kylee's High School Parent Meeting & Registration.

As I sat down and looked around the auditorium I realized there are still many families I don't know.

-Hopefully...

* I will get to know them during the next four years.

* the next four years will go very S..L..O..W..

* Kylee will have the time of her life.

* her good friends will continue to be there for her and vice versa.

* she won't worry about the little things, especially things that aren't meant to be.

For the record I was doing pretty good until they played a slide show and the song "You're Gonna Miss This."

Game Night

2011-01-30T20:31:00.002-06:00

Grandpa Jim & Grandma Dee came over for game night.

We played Apples To Apples - Grandpa Jim won!

Preschool Pictures

2011-01-28T10:12:00.004-06:00

A sweet boy asked Kaydi to marry him this week at preschool

during lunch. She said "no".

We're thinking she wants to get her college degree first

or maybe she's playing hard to get?

Kaden's Favorites

2011-01-25T18:30:00.005-06:00

Color - Red

TV Show - Chase

Movie - A Team

Sports Team - Dallas Cowboys & Chicago Cubs

Sport to Play - Football

Board Game - Whoonu

Card Game - Apples to Apples

Activity - playing video games

Food - Tacos

Dessert - Oreo Ice Cream Cake

Beverage - Mt. Dew

Store - Best Buy

Singer - Eminem

Song - Love The Way You Lie

Restaurant - 54th Street (Kansas City area)

Candy - Jolly Ranchers

Celebrity - Tony Romo

Super Hero - Batman

Villain - Joker

Shoe Brand - Nike

Cereal - Captain Crunch

Game System - Wii

Wii Game - Madden NFL 11

Comic Strip - Garfield

Magazine - Boy's Life

Car - Camaro

Animal - Dog

Place to Go - Minnesota

Book - Swindle

School Subject - "Does recess count?" "No"

"Then PE or Physical Education."

Kylee's Quote of the Day

2011-01-24T21:43:00.001-06:00

Kylee - "Mom, thank you for not home schooling me."

Me - "You're welcome."

Sunday School

2011-01-23T23:23:00.003-06:00

Kaydi started Sunday School today!

She was so excited to finally get to go to "church school" like big brother and sister.

Back "Home" Again

2011-01-23T22:43:00.009-06:00

On Saturday, we were invited by the ISU College of Human Sciences (Dena's alma mater) to a pre-game reception and the women's basketball game at Iowa State.

As soon as I got off the elevator in Scheman and was greeted by Dynette Mosher, the college alumni relations coordinator, I felt like I was back "home" again.

It was so nice to see familiar faces and be surrounded by red and gold.

Despite the Cyclones losing, it was a GREAT game.

Kaydi was all smiles trying to keep an eye out for Cy.

She didn't want to have her picture taken with him but she sure got excited every time she would spot him.

She was happy until the very end of the game...

Was this face about the Cyclones losing

or because Daddy spilled her popcorn?! I'll let you guess.

She was smiling again when she got to run around on the floor

with a balloon after the game with Kaden.

They were especially excited to see Coach Schaben!

One of Kaden's favorite parts of the game was seeing Coach Fennelly get a technical and Coach Schaben pushing him off the court. He had fun discussing it with her.

After the game, I ran into a friend that I haven't seen in years. Lora lived two floors above me in Maple Residence Hall and spotted me in the crowd as we were getting ready to leave. It was nice getting to say a quick hello to her.

Before leaving, we decided to check out the new Johnny Orr statue and that's when another friend from the past spotted me. I. could. not. believe. it! I was on the State 4-H Council with these friends, Troy and Beth. I have not seen them in quite some time either so it was nice catching up with them. Our state council days were AWESOME!!

When I got home I had an email from my cousin Kim that she was also at the game. Her daughter had performed in the half-time show. I'm thrilled I got to see the routine, but bummed I didn't get a chance to talk with them.

Wishes for 2011

2011-01-12T14:47:00.004-06:00

We made our wish list again...

GO TO-

Leech Lake

a zoo

an amusement park

Wayne, Nebraska during the off season

a guided owl or nature hike

Living History Farms or something similar

a Science Center or Children's Museum

Missouri to visit the Tidman's

Dubuque to visit the Kadolph's

an Iowa State football game

the Mall of America

the NASCAR races with Uncle Brent

an Iowa Cubs game

the Iowa State Fair

a parade

EAT AT-

Legends

Spaghetti Works

GO-

hiking

ice skating

scrapbooking

bowling (and eat pizza) at Perfect Games

mini golfing

AND-

vacation out west (Colorado, South Dakota)

finish the basement

family movie nights at the movie theater (more often)

guys night at Taco John's

guys night to see Green Hornet

make a new recipe every week

We'll see what wishes come true...

GO CYCLONES!

2011-01-11T22:23:00.006-06:00

On Saturday we had our good friends, the Spiehs family, over to watch the Iowa State vs. Nebraska game. Yes, they are Nebraska fans, but we still had a great time despite the cyclones losing by one point.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T01:30:00.002-06:00

From our family to yours.

Seeing Santa

2010-12-22T23:01:00.003-06:00

We went to Ames tonight to see Santa. I wasn't sure how it would go with Kaydi (or with Kaden and Kylee.) In the past Kaydi has wanted nothing to do with him, the Easter Bunny, Cy, etc... Kaden had informed me several times in the past few weeks that he was NOT going to see Santa this year and Kylee, well she's a teenager, so her opinion and thoughts change minute by minute. Well, other than the long line and the mall policy of no personal photos, it was PERFECT. Kaydi was so excited and hopped right up on Santa's lap and Kaden sat right next to him. Santa asked them what they wanted for Christmas and Kaydi replied "presents", Kaden said with no hesitation "Madden NFL 11", and Kylee just smiled and said "I don't know." Santa then asked Kaden if he had been good and he replied "maybe." (loved the innocence of Kaydi and the magic in her eyes and Kaden's honesty - the twinkles in his eyes giving away his thoughts - "I wonder how much Santa really knows!") They continued to visit with him for awhile and then we went on shopping. Every chance Kaydi had throughout the rest of the evening, she would go back and wave to Santa.

Kylee

2010-12-17T23:37:00.007-06:00

Kylee turned 14 (yes, 14!!) in November.

She is an 8th Grader at South Hardin Middle School.

She is our MISS ENERGETIC, also known as the

Drama Queen and Sunshine.

She is ALWAYS DANCING! Dancing on stage, at school, at home, in the shower...

We're starting to wonder if she remembers how to walk??

She was in the Nutcracker again this year at Iowa State

and had the role of a Flower.

She also plays volleyball

and runs track. (The 400m is her favorite.)

Her team was the District Champions this past spring.

She also is very active in 4-H. She gave up training at the Joffrey Ballet this summer to show cattle at the county fair.

Kylee is a VERY. BUSY. GIRL. She is a class representative for the Middle School Student Council, a member of the Iowa Youth Ballet program, in the school band (trumpet) and chorus.

She takes her catechism studies very seriously and is looking forward to being confirmed this spring.

When she's not at one of her activities she can be found scrapbooking or doing crafts in her room, often past bedtime!

She's becoming more and more like her mom, although she won't admit to it.

(staying up too late, being organized, dislikes getting up in the morning, very talkative)

Kaden

2010-12-16T22:08:00.010-06:00

Kaden turned 9 in September. He is our MR. SOCIAL,

whether it be with classmates, teachers, the WSC

women's basketball team...

He wants to do everything JUST. LIKE. HIS. DAD.

He is 100% farm boy and helps the Grandpas, Uncle Brent, & Chad

every chance he gets. His favorite farm activities include

building fence, riding in the machinery, running errands on the

four-wheeler and burning ANYTHING.

He enjoys being in 4-H, doing Clover Kid projects,

and having bucket calves.

He also likes Boy Scouts.

He LOVES football - his favorite team being the Dallas Cowboys.

(wonder why?!)

He also LOVES baseball and follows the Chicago Cubs.

Coincidence that his favorite teams are also those of

Uncles Chris & Kelly?? I think not.

Kaden is also Mr. Technology.

When he's not doing one of his other activities,

he can be found on the computer using iTunes, You Tube, Netflix, etc.

Kaydi

2010-12-14T00:36:00.007-06:00

Kaydi, otherwise known as Sparkle or Princess, turned 3 in August.

She is our MISS INDEPENDENT.

She LOVES big brother Kaden but also can give him quite the attitude!

Lucky for her, he would do ANYTHING for her (and does).

She absolutely ADORES big sister Kylee, often imitating her every move.

Big sis is already teaching her dance routines!

Her favorites are puzzles, art supplies and books,

which she NEVER leaves home without!

She also LOVES the outdoors...

and has no fear of animals -

which of course can be good and not so good!

She is a very happy and loving girl.

Flashback Friday

2010-06-11T23:11:00.005-05:00

Kylee - Dance Competition 2007

Kaden - Ring Bearer at Eric Zoske's Wedding - May 2007

Kaydi The Artist

2010-06-10T23:08:00.003-05:00

Kaydi could sit for hours with markers and paper. She LOVES drawing.

Tonight she was SO EXCITED because she had drawn a perfect heart. She was jumping up and down yelling "Heart, I did it!"

Kaden - The Music Lover

2010-06-09T14:02:00.002-05:00

Kaden received an iTunes gift card recently and was THRILLED! He couldn't wait to purchase some songs. It didn't take him long to select some of his favorites...

*Ladies Love Country Boys

*Chrome

*Baby

*Burn It To The Ground

*Born To Be Wild

*Ice Ice Baby

*Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue

*Rock n Roll All Nite

*I Got My Game On

*Swing

*Twist & Shout

Flashback Friday

2010-06-04T22:02:00.004-05:00

South Padre - December 2006

The Money Game

2010-03-22T23:09:00.004-05:00

The other day Kaden asked me "how big is a foot?" I showed him and then he continued with "did you know that they make foot long hot dogs." I told him yes and he said "I have to have one of those and then play the money game with Uncle Chris." I said "money game?" and he said "yeah, when Uncle Chris bets me a dollar that I can't eat something and then I do and he has to pay me."

Time In The Car

2010-03-15T23:45:00.003-05:00

Somedays I HATE driving Kylee to dance because of the distance, an hour one way, and other days I LOVE the time we have together in the car discussing EVERYTHING. This past weekend she informed me of her future career plans. She would like to do more babysitting in the near future and when she is 16 she would like to work at a Movie Theater and Pizza Ranch. Then she would like to attend ISU (YEAH - GO STATE! - no biased opinions here - HA!) and major in Costume Design and Dance and have her own dance studio someday. Of course she would design all of the costumes.

Muffins For Moms

2010-03-15T23:09:00.003-05:00

Friday morning was the annual Muffins For Moms at school.

Kaden and I enjoyed spending some time together in his classroom.

I hope he always thinks that I "rock" and am fun and exciting.

The picture is of him and I baking together.

After 'Muffins For Moms' it was time for 'Tiger Tribute.'

Kaden received a Super Scientist Award in "recognition of his ability to clearly demonstrate an understanding of Solids and Liquids by performing investigations, making observations and applying what was learned in both oral and written assessments."

GOOD JOB KADEN!

Kaden's 2nd Annual Sledding Party - March 7, 2010

2010-03-08T22:26:00.015-06:00

The Friends

The Smiles

The Race

The Climb

Pinewood Derby 2010

2010-02-28T23:26:00.004-06:00

And they're off...

Kaden won first place (for the 2nd year) in his den.

One proud Mommy.

Of course I would have been proud even if he wouldn't have won.

Snowboarding!

2010-02-23T23:11:00.004-06:00

Early school dismissal means time to snowboard with Dad!

WILDCATS WIN!

2010-02-12T22:48:00.002-06:00

The Wayne State Wildcats beat Winona State 76-61!
They are now 18 and 4.
GO WILDCATS!
Good luck tomorrow.

SNOW DAY!

2010-02-09T23:15:00.004-06:00

Family Wishes for 2010

2010-02-09T18:56:00.003-06:00

Every year we make list as a family on New Year's Day of things we would like to do during the coming year. We go out to eat at a restaurant and while we're waiting for our food we go around the table and everyone gets to add ANYTHING they want to the list. Not every wish will come true, but most will...

GO TO-

Leech Lake

the zoo

an amusement park

Wayne, Nebraska during the off season

Olive Garden

a museum

Missouri to visit the Tidman's

Dubuque to visit the Kadolph's

Embassy Suites for our anniversary

an Iowa State football game

the Mega Mall - take advantage of the "Teacher Get Away" deal

the NASCAR races with Uncle Brent

South Dakota

GO-

hiking

ice skating

scrapbooking

AND-

Finish the House (again)

Have an Open House

Have a Girls Weekend

Guys Night at Taco John's

The Family Jar

2010-02-08T22:42:00.006-06:00

At Christmastime I gave the children a jar with slips of paper in it with different fun family activities. Every week, or as soon as we finish the current ones, Kylee and Kaden each draw out a paper with an activity. So far we have done the following...

Out to Eat - Parents' Choice - We chose Old Chicago.

Movie Night - Kaden's Choice - He chose "The Rookie".

Color a special picture for someone far away and mail it to him/her.

Movie Night - Dena' s Choice - I chose "National Treasure 2".

Go out to eat at a place you have never been to before. - We went to Old Main in Ames.

Kaden plans supper menu. - He did his on a snow day and chose hot dogs and chips.

Kylee plans supper menu. - She made menus with her plan.

Kids make supper for Mom & Dad. - They did this one tonight.

They decided to make Homemade Pizza and they did it ALL by themselves.

They didn't even want us in the kitchen. It was delicious, especially since they decided to put twice as much cheese on it.

The kids LOVE doing these things. Kylee told me one day though, "Mom, you're doing this because you're a teacher - only a teacher would do this." I told her she was probably right.

I'm doing it because I want make sure we have family time but also to teach them - how to make decisions, how to accept someone else's decision, how to plan nutritious meals and how to make time for these things.

Disclaimer - Hot dogs would not normally be considered nutritious but they are Kaden's favorite and we NEVER have them and it was a snow day so I let him put them on his menu. He was elated!

More Exciting Than A Birthday Or Christmas

2010-01-28T23:38:00.004-06:00

It's true. The children were more excited today than almost any other day I can remember in the past year. Why you might ask? They got their bedrooms back! They have real beds to sleep on. (Well, except Kaydi, hers didn't arrive yet but she was just as giddy as Kylee and Kaden to be back in her room.) We've been sleeping in the basement on air mattresses for 172 days! Can you imagine? Last night I stood for the longest time watching them all sleep beside each other. Kylee and Kaden had been sleeping at one end of the family room on their air mattresses and Kaydi had been at the other end of the room in a play pen. She decided a couple nights ago that she was going to sleep in between them and made her own bed right there. I wish I would have taken a picture, but I didn't. They were so peaceful, together. We are truly blessed to have each other and so thankful to have beds and bedrooms. It really is the small things in life that matter. The small things might actually be the big things! Well, I'm off to try out my new bed and as Chad said, enjoy the incredible view out our bedroom window in the morning. Sweet Dreams - I know mine will be.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTY!

2010-01-26T09:13:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Christy,

Happy Birthday to you!

We hope it's a great day and all your wishes come true!

Thank You Kaden

2010-01-24T23:08:00.007-06:00

The conversation went something like this tonight as

Kaden walked into Kaydi's room...

Kaydi - "GO!" "OUT!"

as she pushed Kaden out of her room and closed the door.

Kaden then knocks and says "Please."

Kaydi then opens the door and says "NO WAY,"

shuts the door on him again and locks it.

At Christmas time we took the kids to Valley West Mall to ride the train. While in line waiting to purchase the tickets Kylee informs us that she's not riding it, so then Kaden says that he's not riding it if Kylee isn't. In the mean time, Kaydi is getting very excited. We told Kaden that Kaydi wasn't big enough to ride it yet by herself, so being the great big brother that he is, he rode it with her.

THANK YOU KADEN for being such a great brother!

Your sisters adore you,

even if they won't let you in their rooms!

P.S. Kylee couldn't resist riding the train after seeing

Kaden and Kaydi on it.

I'm glad "my little girl" is still there on occasion.

For My Teenager

2010-01-18T19:56:00.008-06:00

Ky - I have so many wishes for you.

I want you to be safe, smart, cautious, and wise beyond your years.

You will always be my little girl. Please don't grow up too fast.

Get your feet wet with new experiences, but never get in over your head.

Realize how capable you are! Your possibilities are unlimited.

You are LOVED beyond words, and I will love you beyond all time.

So many treasures await you in your journey through life,

and being blessed with you...

has been mine.

Love, Mom

The Wildcats Beat The Peacocks! 68-82

2010-01-18T19:41:00.006-06:00

Could there really ever be a contest between a wildcat and a peacock?

Kylee had fun doing some artwork for the Wildcats to enjoy.

Kaydi wanted to get in on the coaching action!

Who Lives In A Pineapple Under The Sea?

2010-01-16T08:37:00.003-06:00

August 2009

Wishin We Were Here...

2010-01-14T21:09:00.004-06:00

Miscommunication!

2010-01-12T22:02:00.003-06:00

Last night I was FREEZING when I went to bed. I teased Chad that he needed to go get the hair dryer and thaw me out and he replied "your just getting wimpy in your old age." "Excuse me?" So I went to sleep, hoping that I wasn't getting sick. Both Chad and I FROZE the rest of the night and were too cold to get up and check the thermostat. This morning when we got up and checked, it was set on 60! Combine that with being in the basement - FREEZING! So later in the day I asked Kylee if she changed it (she is always cold and never changes it but I thought I would ask). She replied, "yes, you told me to last night." I then remembered that I had asked her to "turn the temperature down on the stove" or something like that referring to the ground beef I was browning while also running around the house doing laundry, ironing, checking email/mail, etc. When I returned to the kitchen a little later, Kylee had told me that she had turned the stove off since the meat was making a crackling sound. Mystery Solved - I now know why the house was freezing and the meat was burnt - she must have only heard "turn the temperature down".

Knitting Compared To Golfing

2010-01-11T23:00:00.006-06:00

So Kylee and I went to our knitting class tonight. Kylee loves to sew/craft/make and knitting is on my list of 40 things to try/learn/do before I'm 40. (more on that another day and for those wondering, I have 2 years and 3 months) I think the comment Kylee made on the way home sums up how it went...

Kylee-"I think knitting must be a lot like golfing is for Dad,

but just not as dangerous."

Dena - "What do you mean?"

Kylee-"Throwing knitting needles isn't as vicious

as throwing golf clubs."

Anyway, it was a great experience for me as a student - an excellent reminder to me as a teacher that some learn things quicker/easier than others. So even though I didn't do so well at the knitting it was a evening of learning.

You Told Your Teacher What???

2010-01-10T23:08:00.003-06:00

Kaden happened to mention in conversation this weekend that his teacher asked him what his dad likes and he said, "Smirnoff Ice"! WHAT?? Chad and I about died. Chad does like it, but only has it about twice a year - occasionally after a long day farming on a hot summer day and on our annual trip to Leech Lake - when we finally put our feet up and relax. Oh Kaden, we are never sure what you are going to say but we still love you!

Monster Jam 2010

2010-01-09T18:05:00.004-06:00

Friday evening Chad and Kaden and friends enjoyed going to Monster Jam in Des Moines. Unfortunately, the camera was forgotten so these pictures are from 2008 when Uncle Kelly took Kaden to it.

Grave Digger, Kaden's favorite, was there both times.

Our Prima Ballerina

2010-01-04T23:36:00.003-06:00

Kylee recently auditioned for and was accepted into the Iowa Youth Ballet program.

Congrats Kylee! We love watching you dance.

The Voracious Reader

2010-01-04T23:22:00.005-06:00

Kaden recently received an award at school for being a voracious reader - in other words, reading whenever and wherever he can get his hands on a book. We're so proud of you!

After the awards program, Chad stayed and read one of his favorite Christmas books - The Night Before Christmas in Texas to Kaden's class. I'm pretty sure they both enjoyed this!

Miss Independent

2010-01-04T23:08:00.006-06:00

The Good News -

Kaydi wants to do everything by herself these days.

The Bad News -

Kaydi wants to do everything by herself these days.

WSC

2009-11-28T21:41:00.002-06:00

The Best Night Of My Life

2009-11-28T18:09:00.001-06:00

that's what Kaden had to say about his and Kylee's night of fun.
things haven't quite gone as planned this fall - due to the storm.
anyway, Kylee and Kaden each got to take a friend to Perfect Games in Ames and have a night of fun
Kaydi got to have fun with Grandma Dee and Grandpa Jim, so Chad and I got in on the fun too!

there were good friends
and good foodthere was bowling and laser tag
and car racingthere was a lot of FUN and SILLINESS!