Day 208: July 26, 2012

Morgan loves to dress herself.

She picks out her own outfit everyday and I've quit arguing - honestly, as long as she has clothes on, I don't care if they match.

Choose your battles.

That said, I might need  to make time to get rid of the clothes that no longer fit...

Today's outfit begs the question: "Does this tutu make my butt look big?"

Day 207: July 25, 2012

Free day at the Elks Pool!
We totally stumbled upon this.. but I'm so glad Sheena called and told me!
The girls had a blast....
Being the youngest of four, Morgan has never really had any fear. She's always figured someone will be there to catch/save her.
Tonight, she proved just how <em>not</em> scared of the water she is.
Oh my.
Thank goodness for lifeguards, friends, and complete strangers.
I can't be mad at her though - check out the look of pure happiness on her face as she ran from the fountains to the pool!
This girl loves life and lives each day to the fullest - I hope she never loses that joy!

Day 197: July 15, 2012

We had a relaxing day today :)

Day 156: June 4, 2012

Lizzy started Jumpstart Kindergarten today – it’s a two week “practice” kindergarten.

She was pretty nervous this morning. She didn’t wander far from me when we walked in the school, and for a few minutes I even wondered how I would sneak out of there, and if she would cry when I left. I was a little sad when I did leave, because she seemed so sad and scared.

I was wrong.

When I picked her up at noon, she came running to the van with a huge smile and a million stories to tell.

She made a clock, colored some pictures, ate a snack, made a new friend and proclaimed “I love this. I am coming back here every single day forever.”

My little Lizzy is all grown up 

Day 155: June 3, 2012

We cut the camping trip short because of rain, but today was a gorgeous day, and Brad finally had a chance to put up the pool.

The girls (and the neighbor boy) jumped right in.

Only Lizzy stayed in – the water was freezing!

Morgan and Brody were happy to be on the dry side of the pool!

It’s going to be a great summer.. just as soon as we get the hole in the pool patched!

Day 154: June 2, 2012

Highlight of the day:

Jake caught a fish, thanks to his buddy Kaleb’s dad.

Jake was so proud of this huge (19 inch, I believe he said.. but you know how fish stories go) Northern and can’t wait to eat it (I never dreamed he’d catch a fish, so I did not pack the proper fish-cleaning tools).

Day 153: June 1, 2012

Remember a few days ago when I said how much I love North Dakota sunsets?

Here’s another one:

This was at New John’s Lake. Obviously it’s a gorgeous sunset, but I also love it because it symbolizes the start of our summer camping season.

Day 152: May 31, 2012

Morgan was very tired this afternoon, so I took advantage of the cuddles and laid down with her.

I asked the big kids to watch Lizzy.

When I dozed off, I heard them watching tv and talking in the living room.

When I awoke, I found the big kids still sitting in front of the tv, but no sign of Lizzy.

They said she told them she was going to her room to rest.

I couldn’t find her there.

In fact, I couldn’t find her anywhere in the house.

Lexi and I were just getting ready for an all out panic, when I checked Lizzy’s room one last time.

That’s when I found her.

She was on the top bunk, snuggled under a blanket and seven stuffed animals, fast asleep.

I’m not sure how she climbed up to the top bunk, as there is no ladder on their bunk beds.

But, on the bright side, I am pretty impressed that she knew she was tired and laid down for a nap without being asked.

Day 151: May 30, 2012

Today was a rainy, cold, and very un-summer-like day.

That didn't stop my little girls from playing outside.

When I refused to enable their crazy behavior (I wouldn't help with shoes and coats), they did it themselves.

These are the shoes Morgan chose to wear:

Day 150: May 29, 2012

570.1.


That's how many miles I drove today.


From Bismarck to Grand Forks, and back.


I'm exhausted.


But, all those miles gave me lots of time to think.


Because I know you all secretly wish you could read my mind (duh, why else are you reading this?!?!), here are a few of my random thoughts while driving:

• Only in North Dakota can you need sunglasses and windshield wipers at the same time. This happened to me several times while driving home this evening.
• I love the signs near Fargo that read "Be Nice." "Be Polite". And "Have a Nice Day." Love them.
• I also love Caribou Coffee. It's one of my four must-stops every time I go to or through Fargo (the others are Gordmans, Michaels, and Old Navy.. non of which I stopped at today.) I especially love the slogan on their cups: "Life is short. Stay awake for it."
• Radio makes me smile, and most songs (especially those on "oldies" stations, you know like from the 80s and 90s) bring back tons of memories. Some of my favorites I heard today include: "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart's "Forever Young" (even though I'm not a Rod Stewart fan) and "Old Time Rock and Roll." Each song made me think of an old friend and reminded me to text, email, or call them, just to say hi (I'm tired, so that will have to go on tomorrow's to-do list).
• North Dakota sunsets are gorgeous. I've seen a lot of them lately, as I always seem to be driving somewhere and they are all absolutely breath taking. I'm happy to live here.
• My kids really love me. When I walked in tonight, after being gone for only about 15 hours, Jake, Lizzy and Morgan all jumped out of bed and hugged me. They acted like I'd been gone for 15 days instead of 15 hours. Kinda makes a mom feel good.
• I really hope I don't have to drive anywhere too far for a few days. Driving is exhausting!

Day 149: May 28, 2012

After a very productive day of cleaning, Lexi, Lizzy and I did our nails. 


Actually Lexi did mine and Lizzy's, I did Lexi's.


My feet are still ugly, but now I have the nail polish of a 13 year old!

Day 148: May 27, 2012

Water fight!


Jake and Kaleb vs. Lizzy.


I'll let you guess who won...


And a side note: I wonder why they took their shirts off, but not their shoes and socks?

Day 147: May 26, 2012

This may not seem like a big deal, but it is a VERY big deal: Morgan let me put a ponytail in her hair!


It looked so cute, I had to take a picture.. I'm afraid it might be another two years before she lets me do it again!


Now, if only I could get her to wear pants....

Day 146: May 25, 2012

I got some Jake-time tonight!


He got a Barnes and Noble gift card today (thanks Lisa) and decided he likes to pick out books in person, not online, so off we went.


We had so much fun looking at books. I'm so glad I have this kid - no one else in my family would enjoy spending an hour looking at books!


I can't wait for him to finish the books he bought...because I kinda want to read them too! 

Day 145: May 24, 2012

Today, we celebrated.

School's out for summer!

Goodbye 7th grade, 5th  grade and daycare...

Hello 8th grade, 6th grade and kindergarten!

That's reason enough for a stop at Tutti Frutti!

Day 144: May 23, 2012

Jake started working on his first merit badge for Boy Scouts tonight.


He and a few other scouts planted a garden. It's quite a commitment, as they'll have to take care of it all summer.


Jake was so excited, and a little nervous, but it was a wonderful evening and he did a great job (the girls and I kept an eye on him from the park across the street!)

Day 143: May 22, 2012

These girls are always into something.


This is a garbage can we use to haul grass.


There's no grass in it right now, but it was filled with water (until Lizzy jumped in a tipped it over.. she was wet and mad!).


As my mom says, they really should live on a farm... 


jJust minutes before this picture, I looked outside because I was suspicious. I was suspicious because while I was washing dishes, it got very quiet outside where they were playing. 


Quiet is never good. 


I was right. 


Morgan had taken all her clothes off, and Lizzy was just about to start stripping.


Thankfully the three year old neighbor boy wasn't outside for the show. I wonder if his parents look out the window to make sure my girls aren't outside before they let him go out to play?!!?!


PS - Photo credit today goes to Lexi :)

Day 142: May 21, 2012

At 7:30 this evening, I looked at Lexi in a panic: "We haven't done anything picture-worthy yet!"


So we took Morgan outside to the sandbox and swings and started snapping pics.


Our next problem: We have too many cute pictures!


We (I say "we" because this has totally become a family project) finally settled on this one, because this is how Morgan likes to swing: either upside down with her hair hitting the sand, or on her tummy.

Day 141: May 20, 2012

A few months ago I scored three free pallets.
Being the avid Pinterest user that I am, I had all kinds of ideas for these babies.
Today, I finally got Brad and Jake to cut them apart, move a couple of boards and screw them together for me.
I'm planning a couple of different kinds of shelves.... for a couple of different rooms in the house.
Stay tuned!

Day 140: May 19, 2012

Lizzy has been wanting to give me a foot massage and a pedicure for days. 

I kept putting it off, not because I don't enjoy having her rub my feet, but because we have been incredibly busy and her pedicures last a very long time.

Last night I promised her she could give me a foot massage and a pedicure first thing in the morning.

I awoke to the sounds of her preparing my pedicure - she filled a bucket with warm water, got the towels ready, and made me get out of bed for my spa day.

While it wasn't the best foot massage/pedicure I've ever had, it was nice and a great way to start my day!

Day 139: May 18, 2012

I promised the girls a picnic today.


We stopped at the grocery store and bought chicken, fruit, slushies, and knoephla soup (their choices) then headed home to our picnic spot: the trampoline (also their choice.. I got a little sick while eating!)

Day 138: May 17, 2012

5th Grade All-City Track Meet.


90 degrees.


No wind.


Yet, still a great time!


Aside from almost passing out between races, Jake did great. He ran the 400 meter relay, the 800 meter run, and the 1600 meter run (which he didn't know was a mile until he'd already signed up!) 


But his favorite was the discus.


He threw 56 feet and some odd inches, which is pretty impressive for an 11 year old. And it was good enough for 10th place.


But if you ask him, he will tell you he was first in discus.... meaning he was the first to throw! Sounds more impressive when you leave out "to throw"!


Anyway, I'm proud of him.


His goal was to finish his races strong, and not to walk. He did that.. the ribbon for discus is just icing on the cake!

Day 137: May 16, 2012

It was a very long drive home from Fargo this evening.


I had to stop twice to re-buckle seat belts. I'm pretty sure Morgan was responsible for both unbuckling incidents, as Lizzy was sleeping.


Anyway, I was annoyed at having to stop the second time, until I looked at the sky.


I tried to figure out the message the big guy was sending me:

• Calm down, they're just kids. 
• I'm watching you - be nice.
• Don't be in a hurry to get home - enjoy this time with your girls.
• Wash your windshield - you can't see the sun through all those bugs!

At any rate, it was a beautiful site, and the rest of the trip was much more enjoyable.

Day 136: May 15, 2011

Look out Aunties and cousins... you've got some competition for the title of "Lizzy's favorites".


She and Morgan spent the day with Auntie Jess and Kaden. 


God bless them.


They've still got one more day of Lizzy and Morgan!

Day 135: May 14, 2012

Lizzy has been begging to run through the crazy flower sprinkler since February.


Today, I finally let her.


Looks like it was worth the wait.

Day 134: May 13, 2012

Last night, Bob escaped.
A very nice man from quite a few blocks away brought him home.
We had a great conversation with him - turns out Bob could have been his dog's twin. He just put his 10 year old black lab to sleep not long ago. When he walked outside and saw Bob walking in the area where his dog's kennel was, he did a double take. So did his teenage son and all the neighbors. He told us this story, and others about his beloved Jess, with tears in his eyes.
Bob still had his tags on (last time he got out, he had rubbed them off of his collar, and it cost me $35 to get him out of the pound). The man said he didn't want to call the pound, so he called the police, had them look up Bob's license which gave him our names. Then he used the old fashioned phone book to track us down.
As he left, and as I thanked him and apologized for the millionth time, the man told me he was glad Bob visited him today. It was the nudge he needed to go get his dog's ashes on Monday. He is going to spread them at the lake, where Jess was the happiest. He said he had been putting off doing that, but Bob made him realize it was time.
Today, at Wal-Mart, Jake spent $5 of his own money for a new tag for Bob. This one has his name, and our phone numbers, just in case he escapes again.

Day 133: May 12, 2012

I hate the ice cream truck.
I hate the music and I hate the overpriced ice cream.
But how do you tell your kids (and their friends) no when they hear the music a mile away?
Today, $8.25 later, the kids got their first ice cream truck treat of 2012.
It was a perfect day for ice cream... and we were outside almost all day. 
They deserved it.
Good thing Brad left his wallet where I could find it, and there was money in it!

Day 132: May 11, 2012

Tonight wasn't our first campfire of the season, but it was the first time we broke out the marshmallows.

Lizzy couldn't get enough!

Day 131: May 10, 2012

One.


More. 


Cake.


I can do this.


Jake made and decorated his own cake for his friend party tomorrow.


I thought it would be funny to write "Jake's Cake".


He obviously didn't agree.

Day 130: May 9, 2012

They missed me!

It is so good to be home! I know, I was only gone three days, but for me, that's a very long time. I never go anywhere.

It was a much needed break, but I was so happy to see my family tonight..even though Jake was the only one to give me a hug when I walked in.

The little girls made up for it later.

Six feet relaxing and watching tv together are way better than the two feet from earlier this week!

Day 129: May 8, 2012

Who says you can't have fun on a work trip to Dickinson?

Thanks to two fun co-workers, I had a nice supper tonight, great conversation, and even got to meet the Blues Brothers!

Day 128: May 7, 2012

Last night at this time, I was dreaming of this.

Now that I'm here, and it's tonight.. I'm bored!

I'm all alone in a hotel room.... no kids, no Brad, no one needing anything. I haven't heard the word "mom" once today (I left very early, while they were all still sleeping).

Since getting done with my class five hours ago, I have gone to Walmart (in Dickinson.. quite an experience), had a snack, worked out, watched tv, painted my toenails, taken a shower, and even read my book.

Whew.

That's more "me" time than I usually get in a month.

Now, I'm just bored.

But I have learned that "Undercover Boss" is a pretty addicting show!

Day 127: May 6, 2012

Happy birthday to Jake!
I love how excited he was for his birthday. 
I also love this kid.

Day 126: May 5, 2012

Instead of doing laundry and cleaning the house today, I played outside with the kids.


Excellent choice.


Lexi shot some footage for the awesome basketball video she's working on, Jake shot baskets, and the girls and I drew with sidewalk chalk.  At one point, my neighbor suggested I might be too old to be playing with sidewalk chalk. The nerve! Obviously I had children so I could play sidewalk chalk (and Barbies) forever.


Here's one of our many masterpieces:

Too bad it rained and our artwork is gone :(

Day 125: May 4, 2012

I spent today at Lexi's track meet.
I'm sad, because it's the last one I'll be able to go to this year.
Even though she didn't have a great day (she is so hard on herself.. wonder who she gets that from?), and the weather wasn't the greatest, it was still fun hanging out with her and her friends.
Some of those friends I've known for years, others I just met this year, some I just met today!
This picture pretty much sums up these girls: they are bananas!
And I mean that in a good way!
Today, I almost wished I was 13 again...

Day 124: May 3, 2012

Jake had a rough day at school today.


The perfect cure: a game of Garbage, on the trampoline, in the sun, with his favorite mom!


This is why I love having my afternoons off!

Day 123: May 2, 2012

God is good.


And Lizzy is pretty sure there's a pot of gold in the neighbor's yard!

Day 122: May 1, 2012

Who says Kerzmans can't run?


Lexi ran in the Throwers 800 meter relay today - and did great... better than Brad and I could ever do anyway!


It was a fun track meet to watch. Everything was a relay, even the throwing and jumping events. 


Lexi's throwing events were not her best, but everyone is allowed an "off" day, right?


I'm still proud, regardless of how fast she ran or how far she threw. She did her best, had fun, and got some exercise. 

Day 121: April 30, 2012

It was a beautiful day out today, and for once, we were home to enjoy it (an hour of it anyway!).

The little girls and I jumped on the trampoline together, then snuggled in the sunshine.

I couldn't help but think that this must be what heaven is like - relaxing, peaceful, and surrounded by people you love, and people who think you're the most amazing person ever.

Then I looked to the sky, and saw heaven :)

Day 120: April 29, 2012

Wow.


13 year old girls are exhausting!


But we had a fun 13th birthday party with Lexi's friends today - Lucky 13, Vegas style!


Lexi blessed with a great bunch of friends, from all different parts of her life: old elementary school friends, new middle school friends, basketball friends, track friends. And they're all so nice to Lizzy and Morgan (and Jake!). Love them!


We had fun hanging out with them this afternoon - hope they had fun too!

Day 119: April 28, 2012

I curse the day I learned how to make cake pops.


I had no idea I'd be making them all the time.


They are time consuming, but the kids love them. How can I not make my daughter's (and her friends') favorite dessert for her birthday party?


And while I'm still no Bakerella, my cake pops are looking better with each attempt.


These, dare I say, are even kinda pretty and creative!


Yes, those are dice - in honor of the "Lucky 13" Vegas party tomorrow!

Day 118: April 27, 2012

Lexi's big 13th birthday bash is Sunday, so we spent this Friday night getting ready for the party.


It takes the whole family, plus Uncle Mat, to get ready for a party!


It's going to be so great.. I think I'm more excited than Lexi is!

Day 117: April 26, 2012

My grandpa says if you can't fix it with electrical tape or wire, it's not worth fixing.


He would be very proud of the project Brad and I just did.


I saw the idea on Pinterest (of course) and Brad took it from there.


Check it out... my new children's art display:

All it took was a little wire, a couple of eye hooks, and some Uppercase Living words. We had this bad boy done in less than 15 minutes.

I'm already wishing it was bigger - check out the artwork I found to fill it up already!

Day 116: April 25, 2012

A lot of people have been saying their allergies are out of control right now.

I'm so glad I don't have allergies!

I love this time of year, and the way these beautiful, flowering trees smell.

I'm also really glad l I got to spend some time outside (and alone!) today!

Day 115: April 24, 2012

Lizzy had her kindergarten open house today.


She was so excited - I think she thought she was starting school.


Much to her disappointment, it was a very boring power point presentation in a very hot gym, followed by a few minutes to scope out the kindergarten rooms and teachers.


Still, Lizzy and her friend Hannah took the whole thing very seriously. They even took "notes" during the power point presentation!


Look out Dorothy Moses Elementary - Lizzy is ready!

Day 114: April 23, 2012

Busy, busy day!


Work, track meet, speech, Lizzy's first day of basketball, and event at school.


I ran from 12:00 until 8:00.


At least it was nice outside.


But.. I have a ton of pictures to choose from today - track, yoga at school, basketball..


And the winner is....


Itty Bitty Basketball!!!


Lizzy was so excited all day - she wore her basketball clothes and shoes to daycare, and all afternoon kept asking me "when is it time for my basketball?"


She did great! She made a ton of baskets, dribbled, passed, and even handled the ball like a pro. Maybe she did learn something by watching her brother and sister play!


But, the part I'm most proud of, is how she listened. She was the first to do what the coaches asked, never cried or argued, and as she said "had good listening ears".


Even Jake commented on how well behaved she was - Jake never notices stuff like that!


Can't wait for next week!

Day 113: April 22, 2012

Lizzy insists she hates basketball, but despite her so-called "hatred", she is starting Itty-Bitty basketball at the Y tomorrow.


She must be getting nervous/excited, because this afternoon she begged Lexi to teach her how to play.


Of course, because she is Lizzy, she had to have just the right outfit, her hair had to be just perfect ("is this how Lexi wears her hair when she plays basketball?") and a water bottle.


I can't wait for tomorrow!

Day 112: April 21, 2012

My girls exhaust me.


After staying up until 2am painting (it was 3am by the time I finished cleaning up ), 7am came way to soon, but I promised the birthday girls they could get feathers in their hair this morning (the final birthday gifts for Lexi and Lizzy).


I kept thinking I'd get a nap at some point today, but I spent the whole day sorting through kitchen stuff, talking myself out of having a rummage sale, thinking of ways to sweet talk Brad into building me a new china hutch-thingy, and trying to put my kitchen back together.


I am just now sitting down, enjoying a nice cold beer, and hiding from the girls.


I'm currently looking for some toothpicks to hold my eyelids open.


I thought my picture of the day would be of the beautiful pink, purple and black feathers in my beautiful daughters' hair... but Morgan had another idea. 


Apparently she was feeling left out, and a little bitter, about not getting a feather. She totally took over the feather picture!

Day 111: April 20, 2012

You know you're getting old, and your life is way too busy, when spending a Friday night painting with a good friend sounds like a blast..and actually turns out to be the best part of the day!

I've been wanting to paint the kitchen for awhile, and for some reason decided I was going to do it tonight. So after sending Brad and Jake off to Boy Scout camp, the girls and I went paint shopping.


I started painting about about 8:30 this evening.


My long-lost BFF who lives a whole three blocks away came to help me a short time later.


We were painting fools. We rocked the paint, gossiped, drank, and had the best time.


Six hours later, my kitchen is freshly painted.


I really wanted to change it up and pick some new colors, but I accidentally bought the wrong color, and ended up with pretty much the same colors as before, just in a semi-gloss instead of a flat finish.


No biggie - I really liked the colors the previous owners had chosen for the kitchen.. and now my kitchen just looks clean!


But even better than the clean-looking kitchen, was the quality time I got to spend with my dear friend Jamie. I've considered her one of my closest friends for about 13 years, but we are both busy with work and our families, so we don't get to see each other much anymore, even though our houses are only three blocks apart.


And, for the record, we are amazing painters - at least we thought so at 2am and after having a few drinks.


I'm anxious to see how good it looks in the daylight!


If it doesn't look good, I'll "just hang a picture there"!