Thinking Out Loud

Once again I am stealing the blog post idea from my SIL, Bri! She finds the best ideas. I love them!

Tonight I am thinking about why my dog insists on going outside 5 minutes after he was just out. I think he just wants some attention, otherwise he is seeing the neighbor dogs and wants to say hi. I'm also thinking that the new Star Wars sweatshirt that I got my older dog (not because I like to dress up my dog, he actually shivers when he's cold) is AWESOME!

I'm also thinking that listening to my 8-year-old daughter give her daddy WiiU tips is hilarious! A year ago it was the other way around and now she is telling him what to do. Too funny!

I'm sitting here looking at our 1st artificial tree, and it looks great! I can't believe Mr. Christmas caved on the tree, but he did. With all of the traveling we are doing this year, it just wasn't worth the expense of a real tree when no one will be here to enjoy it.

This in turn makes me think about Christmas. I am done shopping, but I need to send some of our gifts. That thought makes me sad, because it means that some of our family will not be with us. I wish we could all come home for Christmas. I miss the little kids running around and being loud, ripping open their presents as soon as they get the "GO" signal. TJ is always so sad on Christmas because her cousins are all far away. She hates being the only kid at Christmas.

At least some of her cousins are coming right after Christmas. She's very excited for that! As are we!

I just had the thought that I did not tell the blog world I am working at a middle school here in Ankeny, as a Special Education Aide. I am really enjoying it. The hours are perfect with TJ, and the kids that I am working with are great. I was really overwhelmed to begin with, but now I'm getting in the swing of it and it's great!

Also we went on the Santa Express last Sunday! It was a lot of fun. The ride was beautiful. TJ kept saying we need to do this in the fall, the leaves will be so pretty. She's absolutely right! They do a pumpkin ride for Halloween, so I think we will be going to that also.

We also did some shopping with my cousins and aunt! We had a great time! While we were out we stopped at Scheel's. TJ caught a Moose while we were there! LOL! Uncle Joe was impressed!

Those are the main thoughts I have going on in my mind right now. If I wrote down everything I was thinking I would never stop! Women/Mothers! We just can't shut it off.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Take care.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! I am linking up with my SIL, Bri, again! Today I am writing about some of my current favorites in life. So here we go!

Well these 2 are ALWAYS my favorite, but my writer took TJ and I to a new restaurant last night. 

Drake Diner, it was wonderful! 

 My morning coffee has taken a holiday turn, 

candy cane coffee with mocha latte added as a creamer. 

DELICIOUS! 

Monday I start a new job at Prairie Ridge Middle School! I will be working in the Special Education department. I'm nervous but very excited! Plus it will be nice to for TJ and I to be on the same schedule.

Dr. Brett and an ice pack are definitely on my favorite list. I threw my back out on Wednesday, walking up the stairs! LAME! Anyways, I have been living on an ice pack and had my first adjustment with Dr. Brett. He is very nice, and he not only knows where DARLINGTON is, he has been there! SMALL WORLD!

My final favorite, we just received Prep and Landing from our Disney Movie Rewards and the Blu-Ray version of White Christmas has arrived! I am so excited for both! My writer is a stickler for no Christmas until after Thanksgiving! It's been difficult with these sitting on the table!

Have a wonderful weekend! We aren't sure what we are up to, but I think finding TJ a chair for her room is definitely on the list. I will post photos if we are able to find one and agree on it.

Happy Veterans' Day!

Happy Veterans Day! A special thank you to all the who have served or are serving! And extra special thank you to all of those in my family! I do not have everyone's pictures, but here are some of them. Starting at the top left and going around: my uncle, Dave (Army), my brother, Matt (USMC), my brother-in-law, Rob (USMC), my future sister-in-law, Holli (USMC, at boot camp now), my grandfathers, Don and Bob (both Army). We are so proud of all of you and can never say THANK YOU enough!

I am so excited to be tagged by Bri (my sister-in-law and fellow blogger) to answer these questions and thought you might enjoy getting to know me. If you don't want to, that's ok too! ;)

Four names that people call me, other than my real name:

• Kate: My real name is Katie, believe it or not, most people do not. However, all of my family and some friends call me Kate.
• Mom/Mommy: I have a daughter. I'm Mom most of the time, but when she wants something I'm Mommy. 
• Bebe: My writer calls me this, I'm not sure why he uses the 2 "e" version, but it's unique to us. 
• Katydid: My mom often calls me this, though she did it most when I was younger. 

Four jobs I have had: 

• Dialysis Technician: This is the job I just left. I miss the girls I worked with, we worked 12 hour days for 8 years together! I also miss the amazing patients. They come 3 days a week for 4-5 hours, so we got to know each other VERY well. And you must be VERY, VERY comfortable with blood. It's a constant in dialysis! 
• CNA: I love caring for people, especially elderly. They have so much knowledge and are a ton of fun! I love that I can carry my medical knowledge to my family. First Aid never ends when you have an accident-prone child. 
• Babysitter: I had an extended family that I would babysit some or all of the children, anytime! I loved them all so much. Now they are growing up, going to college, and getting married (AHHH!). My daughter is named after one of these beautiful children. They all made a tremendous impact on me and have grown into amazing adults. I'm so proud! 
• Mom/Wife: I am extremely proud of this job. I love every minute! My husband and I may argue but we have been together 21 years (tomorrow)!! I was 14 and he was 17! I love him more every day. He has proved over and over, that I made an amazing choice at such a young age. That does not happen very often!         My daughter is my miracle child. We tried for 3 years and FINALLY got pregnant! She will be our only child (unless we adopt), because of my chemo treatments, but she is almost perfect and I couldn't ask for a more amazing child. 

Four movies I’ve watched more than once:

• Sound of Music or any musical
• Gone with the Wind
• Quiet Man
• White Christmas

Can you tell that I like the Classics?!?! 

Four books I’d recommend:

• Harry Potter books- the movies are wonderful too!
• Hunger Games books- the movies are wonderful too!
• Fifty Shades of Grey books- not for the faint of heart, can't wait for the movie!
• Killing Kennedy, Lincoln, Patton by Bill O'Rielly, Love these books! They are great reads!

Four places I have lived:

• Darlington, WI: This is where my husband and I grew up and we lived here last year! Love it and miss it terribly!
• Green Bay, WI: I went there for 2 years of college and loved it!
• Dubuque, IA: We lived there for 5 years prior to moving to Darlington. We loved it there also!
• Des Moines, IA:  My writer got a new job and this is our most recent adventure. We are just getting to know the area and while I miss home, I think this city is going to be great!

Four places I have been:

• Switzerland: I won an essay contest with Lion Club and spent a month in Switzerland. It was a trip of a lifetime. Amazing! 
• Washington D.C.: my sister and her family lived there and we spent many days exploring the Nation's capital. Love it there! SO much history!
• San Diego, CA: My brother graduated from USMC boot camp and we went to attend his graduation. It was a beautiful ceremony. The area is gorgeous and we had fun visiting some of the many sites. 
• Beaufort, SC: my sister and her husband were stationed there. It's hot! But we had a great time visiting and going to Savannah, GA. My sister and I also did a movie site tour, there are a LOT of movies filmed near Beaufort/Savannah. 

Four places I would rather be right now:

• On a warm beach: the weather just changed today to 10 degrees, and while I love winter, a nice warm beach sounds lovely!
• With all or any of my family: we are so spread out, and I love when we all get together (immediate or in-law)
• Snuggled in my bed, watching TV or reading a book: it's definitely my favorite place in the house. Especially when it's cold out!
• With my little family: I realized when we were living apart for 2 months, that we work best together. I love when we are all together, whether we are going somewhere or spending a day at home. We are all happier together. 

Four things I won’t eat:

• Seafood: I am trying to branch out with my fish intake, but I really don't like anything but Tuna. 
• Veggies: I am not a veggie fan. I like the basics, but nothing fancy. NO carrots or tomatoes! 
• Chocolate: I will eat it if it's the only choice, but I would rather vanilla or sugary candies. 
• LIVER: UGH! I don't think anyone needs an explanation!

Four of my favorite foods:

• Potatoes: I love them, any kind and any way!
• Dry Cereal: I can eat this all day!
• Soup/Chili: I love a warm bowl of soup all year long! This makes me miss my dad because he makes the best chili!
• Snacks: This drives my writer crazy! I love crackers, chips, yogurt, cheese, anything that I can grab quick. I would rather that than a meal. He is a meat and potatoes kind of guy and wants a meal. Sometimes because I snack, I forget about meals! Whoops! :)

Four TV shows that I watch:

• Dancing with the Stars: this is really the only reality TV I watch. I'm not a huge reality fan. 
• Modern Family: we love this show and watch it as a family. 
• Last Man Standing: I love Tim Allen and I love that occasionally Mike Rowe is on playing his brother. It's a great show with good family dynamics!
• I Love Lucy/ How I Met Your Mother/Friends: I list these 3 together because I watch a few episodes every night before I go to bed. It's the only way I can get my brain to shut off so I can sleep. I think it's because I know the episodes so well. I don't have to focus on them and I'm able to fall asleep. 

Four things I am looking forward to this year:

• Spending time with family: this seems extra important now that we are living at least 4 hours away from everyone. 
• Watching daughter make new friends: we are hoping that this comes easy and so far it seems to be. 
• Learning our new city: we are so excited to start and continue exploring this area. There is so much to see and do. 
• Getting ready and celebrating Christmas: we all LOVE this time of year and all the traditions that it brings. The tree, decorating, music, movies, gifts, family and friends, everything. 

Four things I’m always saying:

• "I'm the mom, that's the only reason you need": I have an 8 year old girl! 
• "I love you!": I try to say this a lot!
• "I don't know where it is, LOOK!": I have a husband!
• "Get! No! Sit!": I have 2 dogs, a cat, a daughter, and a husband. I say these things a lot! 

Thank you, Bri! I hope you all enjoy the answers! Ask questions or comment, also post your responses if you would like. Or tell me about your favorite active military or Vet! Have a wonderful, warm Veterans Day! Thank a Vet! They deserve all of our love and respect today and every day. 

This Girl LOVES Science!

TJ had 3 requests when moving to Des Moines: 

1) Zombie Burger 2) Cheesecake Factory and 3) The Science Center. 

We were able to do 2 of them this weekend. My girl LOVES Science! She loves anything to do with it, chemistry, paleontology, geology, astronomy, you name it she loves it! 

So the Science Center was an obvious stop for us. We had a great time!

 Comparing heads, I think the dinosaur wins!

Building Paper Rockets! I think Daddy had more fun!

 It landed in the netting! I guess we won't be taking it home! LOL!

Static fun! 

ALWAYS A WISCONSIN GIRL! WE LOVE BUCKY BADGER!!!

TJ playing floating head on the weather map! 

After the Science Center, we headed to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. 

We had a great time and the food was wonderful. Of course we were full, 

so we took our cheesecakes home for later. They were just as good there also. 

TJ tried Lemon Raspberry! It was delicious!

We can't wait to see what the rest of Des Moines has in store for us. 

It's fun exploring and learning everywhere we go. TJ and Daddy are planning a

 Father/Daughter day to Zombie Burger (local fav) and the State Captiol. 

On a side note: This is my new coaster! I love it! 

I'm trying to not be CAPTIVE, but some days I feel like one, especially in a Hawkeye world! LOL! 

I fell off the Earth...

...and landed in Ankeny, IA!

We have made a big move back to Iowa, but farther west. My writer got a job with Lee Enterprises (which has about 7 newspapers) as their Bureau Chief. This is a fancy title for political reporter based out of the state capital, hence the move to the Des Moines area.

We are lucky enough to have some family and friends here. My cousin, Lydia, and her family live about 5 blocks away. And were HUGE helpers in helping us move in and provide meals for us. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

 Erin's college buddy, Mitch, and his wife, Kelsie, also live here. They were kind enough to allow Erin to live with them for the last 2 months. They were EXTREMELY generous and we will never be able to thank them enough. They are also AMAZING foster dog parents. TJ loves all the dogs that they welcome into their home. Thank goodness the zoo here is full or we would have more animals than we could count.

TJ has done well with the transition. Her new class has been gearing up for her and had written her beautifully sweet letters to welcome her. She has joined in perfectly, and we are extremely grateful.
She misses her Darlington friends terribly, but the welcome from her new friends has helped lessen her sadness.

We are still missing the grandparents, but we will be back to visit as often as possible. And we hope that they will come and visit us. There's definitely lots to do here. We are hoping to hit up the Science Center this weekend and eventually an Iowa Wild game (hockey).  The holidays offered lots to do as well. A lights display inside and out, plus a train ride to Santa's village.

Before we left Darlington, TJ went with the Belangers and Hartwigs to trick or treat. Unfortunately, it was terribly cold and she didn't get to do her full costume, but the weekend before Darlington had a Halloween party and costume contest. TJ won 1st place for her class! She was so excited.

Our Little Lucy-we definitely love her!

My SIL is encouraging me to start blogging again, especially since we are away from family and friends. I will do my best to keep up. Please don't expect something every day, we aren't that interesting, but I will try to update weekly.

We miss you all and hope this blog will help keep us all in touch. Lots of love!

BUDDY WALK!!!

1st Annual DSNOCC Buddy Walk is happening in Jacksonville, NC this October!!! My sister created this group in hopes of connecting families of and children with Down Syndrome, including her own, and she has done an amazing job.  If you would like to show your support, and especially for my beautiful niece, please click on the link and donate. Thank you so much!

http://www.active.com/walking/jacksonville-nc/dsnocc-buddy-walk-2012-ag722

Olympics and more excitement!

Hello Everyone!

Who is LOVING the Olympics? I have enjoyed every minute. I am on vacation this week (I didn't do it on purpose) and I could not be happier! It has been so much fun watching and cheering for Team USA! Gymnastics and Swimming are my favorites, but I love watching all the different sports. Erin and I got wrapped up in fencing yesterday. It was awesome! Unfortunately the American got 4th, after 2 OTs!!!

There is also a lot of excitement happening in our life and the lives around us.

* Our news is that it is our 10th Anniversary on Aug. 3rd! I can't believe it's been 10 years. We have been through so much together and I wouldn't want anyone else by my side. I love you DH!

10 years ago!

* My dad and his wife just got home from 16 days of touring Europe! I am so jealous! I spent a month in Switzerland when I was in high school and it was one of the greatest trips! I hope someday I will go back.

Enjoying some German Beer!

* My SIL is on bedrest with baby #3 and she hit 31 weeks! We are praying and hoping that baby stays there another 4 weeks. I think she is going to have her hands full when this little one gets here!!!

31 weeks and a wheelchair ride!

*My nephew is almost completely potty trained, and my niece is pretty darn close (she is stubborn, it kind of runs in the women in our family). This is huge because he was struggling with it and he needs to be trained by fall for preschool. So YEAH!!!

Potty Time

* My sister, niece and their Down Syndrome Organization are getting ready for their 1st Buddy Walk! So exciting! I will post the link to donate if anyone is interested.

*My brother and his girlfriend are LOVING sunny California! I love the pictures of the beach and the mountains, it's gorgeous!

So cute!

*My In-laws just got home from traveling to Montana to see my SIL! They pulled off an amazing surprise and I know it meant a lot to her.

SURPRISE!

*My BIL also just got home from a year of teaching English in Korea. He is home for a month and then heading back. He really enjoyed being there, but I think there is a special person that is pulling him back. We will miss him, but it is a great opportunity for him.

I love when a guy looks at a girl like this! So sweet!

*AND, the Thirty-One Fall catalog is previewing and I just found a picture of the Wisconsin Badger line. My heart is pounding! Who else wants these?!?!?! Awesome!!!!

Shoooooo.....

I think that's everything. If I missed anyone, please post your exciting news. I would love to hear it!!!