Hello from Utah!

Lots to tell...Jon and Emilee moved into their new house, taking boxes over during the week and moving the big stuff this weekend. Jon came down to get a table we were giving them and he looked happy, tired, and covered on one side with yogurt, courtesy of little Sammypants. Between Dave's knee and my back we are not much help on the moving front, so David made baskets of food to sustain them during the process.

Speaking of my back and my back surgery, can I just tell you all how wonderful it has gone? I am so strong and pain free. Hannah and I have skied three times so far. The first time I got run over in the lift line and knocked on my behind, but survived no worse for the wear, so I have decided I am disaster proof (knock wood.) We had a 6+ hour flight home from our trip to Washington and that would have killed me last year, but this year it was comfortable and pain free. I have a farewell appointment with my surgeon tomorrow and Dave and I were just debating about what kind of flowers I should take to him.

On the less happy but still hopeful front, our sweet dog Bart had a tumor removed on Thursday. He came through the surgery really well and seems to be feeling great. There is a good chance the tumor will reoccur, but we hope to have at least a few more great years with him. He is such a sweetie, as Don will attest, and a great walking buddy/protector for me. He is also amazingly tolerant of Hannah's kitten, who makes erratic leaps at his face, snuggles in his doggie bed, and bats at his tail like it's a speed bag in boxing. Ok everybody, send him your positive energy!

Happy Monday!

Sisters (including Carolyn)-Julie-Monica-nieces-mom (dad you too, you could maybe help with the cooking) are all invited to help me with some to do things at the salon the first weekend in May. We are going to redo the reception area with new sofa, rug, ect. Would like to do something new with the windows, ordering lettering to go on walls, need to add curb appeal to the outside. Lots of fun stuff!! Tony told me yesterday I need to come up with a budget before then so if we are all working on it we don't go crazy. :-) Would love and appreciate any and all help!!
Otherwise things are going as expected. I lost the previous owner a couple of weeks ago, it is hard to work where you made the decisions and suddenly some one else is. The same thing happened over and over at JCPenney whenever we would bring on a new manager. I have hired 2 new stylists one is starting this week and one in May. We will have to work very hard building them but that is what this is all about.
Tony and I spent the day at the salon yesterday. He was trying to connect our internet (success!!) and I was taking the tinting off the windows so that people could see in. (not so fun)
We were to go out for a belated anniversary dinner but we were both too tired. Some other day maybe. It really is just nice being home.
I am jealous of Susan and family having mom and dad coming down for a few days. They were such a huge help when they were here. Tony and I both loved being spoiled!!!
It's good to hear Dale is feeling better. Maybe you'll venture over this way now. Although you sound booked for awhile.
Not alot going on here but I sooooooo enjoy reading what everyone is up too.
Sorry you missed out on the house Bryan and Nikki. The one you are suppose to have is out there yet.
Jessie what size were all the shoes.....I may have to come over and shop at your house.
Hannah I will get my check in the mail. Love the pictures of you playing ball and I remember well your dad's ball playing days.
Take care everyone and make it a GREAT week!

Sunday Morning

Have really enjoyed reading and viewing pictures this week. I finally have managed time to actually sit down and write--another busy week at school--seems like when one item is crossed off my list, another appears--oh well. Things are quiet on Jersey Street. Dale's new medication seems to be making him feel much more like his old self--he'll see the doctor tomorrow to check on whether he needs some further tests.
I've put a pineapple upside down cake in the oven to take to Mom's for dinner today. Dale is barbecuing pork steaks (Mom and Dad were hungry for barbecue and it's one of Nikki's favorite meals). Mom is fixing the potatoes and vegetables. Dinner is at 12. Bryan and Rocky both worked this morning, so I'm sue they'll be hungry!! Then, I think Nikki and Bryan have some Open Houses to go to--Dale and I have some sorting to do and then, it's over to school to set up for the week. We're giving Achievement Tests this week and part of next week so I'll have to rearrange my room along with my usual teaching schedule.
Hannah--I put a check for you in the mail yesterday.
Sisters--Did I miss something? What's this about KC the first weekend in May?
Sara--How great of Grandma and Grandpa to come down for your birthday!! Are they going to cook you something special? Know Grandma's also been thinking about those curtains you need.
Hannah and Emilee--how was your birthday dinner?
David Midget's--Got any trip details for us?
Checked April calendar and our weekends seem to be filling up. Next week is Callie's baptism (Val and John are grandparents for those of you who do not know. Callie was born to Jen and James on March 4 at 11:42 AM weighing in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and is 19 1/2 inches long.)
The following weekend we have a birthday party for David Moldenhauer to go to--seems like he was just born and now he's turning six!! The following week I'm up for choir duties at Our Redeemer (last one of the season, hurray!!). April promises to be a busy one!!
Need to check on my cake. Have a great week everyone. Love to all!!!

Same old, same old

Nothing really going on here to post about...had a nice trip down to arkansas and i love my new stuff, and actually mom I counted we came out with 14 pairs :-) also, we have a vcr you can have, it's nothing fancy but it works, we never watch vhs movies so they never get used.
ive been doing some thinking and i am seriously considering going back to school. if at all possible i would like to go back to my original plan (anyone remember which one that was?)...........and go for a pharmacy degree. i have been looking into schools, it looks like there is one in Springfield as well as the St Louis College of Pharmacy. I am going to do more checking and see if one offers some sort of classes where I would only have to go to the actual school once or twice a week in the late evening if possible. On that note we are probably going to look into selling my jeep for something that gets better gas mileage. I love it and will be sad to see it go but if I do get to go back to school will need something different.
Haven't had much time to further our remodeling projects, will probably start in again next weekend. Rocky had/has to work at Titan both this morning and tomorrow morning 5-11, and today he is working at the pet store 12-9 and tomorrow 1-4. its quite boring around here, spent the afternoon with lisa lori payton and savannah playing out in aunt marcias front yard. well lori sat in a chair and watched the rest of us as she is still on a sort of "bed rest" for one more week. we are taking bets on how long it will be once she is allowed to go back to normal activity before the baby is born, lisa gives her one day at work. the dr did another ultra sound and has decided he thinks that given another week the baby will be fine if born preemie.
well not much else to tell, the silence in this house is killing me, i think i may head back over to marcias to hang out with the girls til rock gets off....

Shagarella Gets a new Do

VCR

Ok-David has a ton of VHS movies that he loves to watch but we need another player for our bedroom. Anyone out there got one that you'd like to sell?? Let me know if ya do! Thanks!
Love Sue

TGIF

Well not much new on the home front here. The house we were really interested in sold, so it's back the the drawing board there. Our house is on the front page of our realtor's website: www.quincyagent.com where she is advertising the open house next Sunday and "it's cheaper than rent!" so hopefully that will intice some interest and a sale.
We'll be doing house hunting this weekend... Skye gets to go to the beauty parlor tomorrow morning. I'll have to take before and after photos because she looks so different every time she comes back.
And.... that's all I have for now.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

P.S.

Good luck on the new job Jules!

And I would LOVE to see Garrison Keiller at the world famous Iowa State Fair, if anyone would like to join me. Mmm.... can't you smell those corn dogs aleady?

Happy Friday Everyone!

Well, gee, you live in the same lil ole town and have to read about them in the blog... Guess that's better than in the weekly newspaper.

Way to go Hannah! Eric makes a pretty good coach if you want some BP time in August.

Brady's practices start on Monday. Here is his game schedule for anyone who'd like to watch:

Indianola Little League- Orioles/Pee Wee Division
05/01/2008 5:00pm
05/05/2008 5:00pm
05/08/2008 5:00pm
05/12/2008 5:00pm
05/15/2008 5:00pm
05/18/2008 2:00pm
05/22/2008 5:00pm
05/29/2008 5:00pm
06/02/2008 5:00pm
06/05/2008 5:00pm
06/09/2008 5:00pm
06/16/2008 5:00pm

Kenz has a meet this weekend in Winterset. She is gearing up for the State Meet in mid-April with extra practices.

Otherwise I'm busy planning, planning. My challenge this week- when your RSVP's exceed the capacity of your banquet rooms. A GOOD problem but the word "problem" still exists. It was last minute scrambling in Seattle last night. One hour after the Denver invite was e-mailed yesterday, we had already exceeded the room capacity. The written invites have not even arrived. Eeks! OK, I have to admit it's really fun :). Beats swearing kids, hands down.

I am up for the KC trip and could do first weekend in May. Carolyn- Have any flier miles to use?

Better end my lunch & get back to my to-do list!

Love,
Les

Touchbase

Well-I feel bad for not posting much this week. It sounds as if everyone has been busy tho-so it's nice to kind of catch up with you all.
Hannah-you look like a natural on the field-I can vaguely remember watching your Dad play (since I am so much younger than him!)-but you do remind me of his "glory days". I was never much for any sport but I know it takes a lot of commitment-maybe that is why I was never much for any sport :) involvement was not a strong suit of mine in my younger years.
And Laurie, you really are becoming a seasoned business traveler. I always enjoy going to other places and meeting new people. I don't know that I could handle that teeny little plane you have to use tho! Hope you are feeling better soon-those strains can really hurt!
We had a great weekend with Jessie and Rocky (and Sara and Chris). We spent hours at my store shopping-the girls did really well! One of Jessica's coworkers sent money for shoes and we had a great time loading up-I think we ended up buying about 12 pairs of shoes between us all! You just can't beat 90% off with another 15% plus 15% plus 10%!
Chrissy-I haven't had a chance to put in for some time off yet to come visit. It will probably be the first week of May if that works for you? Maybe my other sisters (and in laws, daughters, and nieces) can come too and we could have a decorating party over a long weekend!
We are looking forward to Mom and Dad coming down next weekend for a visit. Hey Dad-I have leftover ham in the freezer-any ideas :) hint, hint.
Hope you all are having a wonderful week and looking forward to a great weekend-I'll be at work so no big plans here.
Take care-I love you all!

Garrison Keillor's Coming to IA

Just thought those of you who like Garrison Keillor might be interested to know he is performing at the IA State Fair this year. He'll be there on August 17th. Let me know if anyone is interested...

Good Job Hannah

Way to go, girlie! I bet Brady would love to play against you this summer! It was wonderful to see everyone over the weekend. To bad it was so short. Grandma and Grandpa sorry I didn't see you before I left. My mind was on the pain in my side that has continually gotten worse. After spending most of yesterday with Dr's, getting exrays and CAT scans (no Sassy didn't enjoy it)it turns out I just have a really deep muscle strain. Don't know how I did that as I haven't been to Tae Kwon Do in a week. Work is still good, although it's kind of slow at the moment as we are in testing mode for some new software. My traveling will be ramping up once we hit May and June as I will be in Dallas at least 2 out 4 weeks of the month for training people on new software. Not sure that I'm looking forward to that so much. Julie, I know you check this so I wanted to wish you good luck on your new job. I hope everything goes well for you, you deserve it. Sara, can't wait to here about these theme days you have planned. I'm thinking that we should order tee-shirts that say "I'm a Midget" and on the back Midget Family Reunion 2008, and have a list of all the different places we live... Opinions???

RHSM vs North Summit

We had a great time at Hannah's first home softball game. It was windy and trying to rain, but our girl was HOT. Her first at bat she said to me through the fence, "I want to hit one..." Second pitch...line drive toward third. It even sounded right. See the photos for what happens next. Hint: stealing second, stealing third. Yeah, Spring has arrived!!!! 

Softball game and swing for life

First and foremost, for all of you wonderful people who would like to help me with Swing for Life, make checks out to "Swing for Life". Thank you all sooooo much for helping me.

Second, we had another game today, Varsity did well, JV ..... um... didn't do so hot. It's hard to not get frustrated but what can you do? I had to come late because of a dentist appointment so I only got one at bats. BUT at that one, I crushed it down passed third and short for a solid base hit. Then I stole second and third ( I have a nice burn from the first steel), and got stranded at third. Oh well I did well and that's what matters.  

Fairy Tale

Gather round children. Tonight I would like to share the story of the Queen and Her Quandry.
Once upon a time, in the land of Illini, there lived a wise old King and his Queen. Together they ruled over the tribe of Strackeljahn, and under their lead the tribe flourished and grew. But within the castle walls the Queen was troubled. For the last few weeks now, the Queen would climb in to bed with her head on her pillows and the blankets tucked snuggly around her. Yet every morning without fail she would awake laying at the foot of the bed. Perplexed the Queen asked her husband what could be causing this phenomenon. "I havn't the slightest idea!" said the king with a smug grin on his face. "Perhaps I'm moving in my sleep to get away from the kings retched snoring." the Queen thought to herself. In the coming days the problem did not seem to repeat itself and was soon forgotten. Within a couple of weeks however, the problem returned to plague the Queen once again. Not knowing what to think about it, the Queen decided to just keep it to herself and try to get used to waking up at the Kings feet.
After a time the Queen's family was gathered for a feast. At her side was the devistatingly handsome Prince Bryan, and his bride the beautiful Princess of the North. Also present was her Daughter the Princess of Illini. The Princess was living abroad in the uncivilized land of Iowa (Everyone knows civilization begins with the opening of a starbucks in town) where she had been taken in by a tribe of Indianolan's. There she studied the unusual art of war the region was famous for. This peculiar band of wariors made a practice of displaying their proficiency through the wearing of a colored belt. With different colors representing different levels of achievment. This had two purposes. Firstly to prevent a person who was not very talented from picking fight with a great warrior. And lastly to ensure that all who began the training must finish. For the highest level of proficiency was rewarded with the black belt. And that was the only belt that did not clash with positively every outfit a person might want to wear.
But back to our story. After the feast the Princess happened to look into the Queen's chambers. It was then that she noticed that the bed was leaning from head to foot. In fact it wasn't just that it was leaning but rather it appeared to be at such a precarious angle that one could easily ski down its slope. The Queen was shocked, she had not noticed the slope (despite the swedish yoddelers that appeared to be living upon it). She confronted the King and demanded and explanation. "It helps stop me from snoring!" the King confessed.
The moral of the story? Mom and Dad are old and need a Craftmatic adjustable bed.

This post has been brought to you by the fine people of Starbucks. "Starbucks, selling you bean soaked, caffiene loaded, dirty water for just 3 dollars and ounce for 35 years"
Partnered with Craftmatic adjustable beds. Now introducing the sport model. Going from flat to folded like a taco in less than a second, the sport bed is perfect for those who just can't wait to be comfortable.
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Just Listed....

Well it's official. We're on the market as of today. The realtors from Vickie's agency did a walk through this morning and we already had a showing at 1pm this afternoon. No word back on that yet. Will let you know. You can view the info online, not currently through realtor's website, but this site will guide you to it.

http://www.cbmays.com/content/area_listings/area_listings.php

Click on link
select Residential - search
Quincy, IL 1 bed 1 bath
5th lisiting down
1617 Center Avenue - $46,500

Let us know what you all think!! (photos could be a little better... heh)

Love,

Nikki & Bryan

Is it over yet?

Well....it has been a very long week already for us!! Monday afternoon found me leaving work in the middle of the afternoon to race to the hospital. My cousin Lori, who like her sister Lisa has always been more like a sister to me had been in the ER the night before having contractions and being 2 cm dialated. She has 10 weeks to go with her pregnancy. Our lovely Blessing sent her home and just said to call her doctor and try and get in the next day. She went to her doctor at one that afternoon and he told her she was in labor, had been since last night and needed to get to the hospital IMMEDIATELY. Needless to see it gave us all a scare as we patiently waited in the waiting room. Her dr did not think they would be able to stop it at this point and that the baby would be coming. Luckily, they gave her and the baby a shot and were able to stop things, she had to go back on Tuesday for a second shot and has orders to do nothing and go back to the dr on Thursday. All is calm for now, but they have to hold off at least another 5 weeks or they said the baby would have to be flown to Springfield for being too premature. So please keep her in your prayers! Now today her sister is in the hospital, she went to the ER last night for severe dehydration even though she is drinking and was not sick, but is now having severe pains and they think there is something going on with her kidneys. They have so far diagnosed her with a bad small intestine infection and will be doing more tests in the morning so please keep her in your prayers as well that it is not more serious. So.....other then visiting the hospital far too many times in one week, the only other news around here is my new project :-) I have left the bathroom to Rocky (he is just about finished by the way and ready to begin putting up the new drywall and shower door) and ripped the carpet off our stairs. Turns out there are pretty nice hardwood floors underneath, that I believe (with Grandpa's advice and expertise) I should be able to refinish very nicely. So.....sometime next weekend I'll probably be calling you Grandpa to come take a look and let me know what you think. Other then that we are getting ready for our trip down south, I'm ready for a weekend away, it's been far too stressful of a week!! Well, I'm off to bed early....had to be at work at 7 today and have to again tomorrow for meetings......I know most of you are thinking 7 is not that early, but it is for me!!
luv you all and have a happy easter!!

Hump Day-finally!

Wow-sounds like everyone has lots of stuff going on as always! Bryan and Nikki I hope you get a quick sale on the house. I know you have put a lot of work into it-I haven't seen it since last summer but would love to see some pics! Maybe your neighbor Jennifer has a single friend looking for a place-that would be perfect! I cannot believe the difference in the housing market between Quincy and Jonesboro-I checked some out on the web and they are considerably higher there! You can get a brand new (or almost new) 3/2 here for around $100K-seems like they were way more than that there.
I hope everyone has a great Easter weekend! We'll be thinking of you all-we are looking forward to Jess and Rocky coming tho! I have a stockroom full of clearance shoes that I know my girls are going to love digging through-some are 90% off plus my 15% plus 15% for Associate days!! I have been working on our menu too-I think ham is main course (with a roast for Sara). It is a rare occasion when I cook anymore-it just doesn't seem worth it for David and I. The kids come over once in a while although it is hard for Sara and I to line up our schedules.
Sara is scheming up some great "theme days" for the lake-lots of fun activities to go along with the menus. We'll have to post them and let everyone vote for their favorites!
Carolyn, David and Hannah-I hope you are having a great time in DC-are the cherry trees blooming there yet?
Happy Anny Chris and Tony-hope you have a romantic evening together!
Drive safely in your travels this weekend! Love you all!!!

Yay!! Easter Break!!!!

I wasn't sure I'd make it with a full schedule these past two weeks, but I did!!! I finished my last tutoring session at 3:45 PM and walked out of the school at 4 PM without papers, etc.!!!! I get to enjoy the rest of the day without any scheduled plans! and to top it off the weather has turned warm and gorgeous!!
Last time I wrote I was helping prepare for our annual school dinner and auction--it went well. We raised over $20,000 for the school. My kid's picture, I'll have to get Nikki to help me send it out to you, sold for $150, not bad for a first grade painting, though, not quite as good as last year. My bedtime story went very well--the President of our PTL talked me into offering to come over and read a bedtime story--sounded like a silly idea, but I agreed. I now am contracted to read TWO bedtime stories to two different families--wait till you hear the price, $450 per visit!!! (I'm worried about our parents)---anyone know any good stories worth that price? Bryan figured out that he and Laurie owe me millions for all the stories I read to them--my comment--pay up!!
I've also been busy with the usual spring meetings as we prepare to close out one school year and go into the next one--I've had budget meetings, preschool/kindergarten roundup, call meetings for teachers, new curriculum meetings, and staffings on students who will need additional help---I think Leslie is having more fun planning her parties!!
Dale and I have begun our house cleaning--one closet now has a new carpet and is completely empty. Boxes are packed and being packed for Laurie and Leslie's garage sale--the trash service is busy carting away our throw aways. We've actually made quite a mess upstairs. We'll spend Thursday and Friday cleaning it up as we prepare for Laurie and Leslie's Easter visit.
I have to say I am looking forward to "company" coming--the weather's been so bad that it's been a while since we've had a chance to visit with people. I'll have to talk with Mom to see about Easter dinner--their house or mine---ham or something else......
Carolyn, I've been thinking about you company's sales drive---what about working towards a charity drive--people picking a favorite charity and the company donating a set amount of money for so many points to the winner(s) choice? This kind of drive can lead to some good publicity for your company, at least, I think it can.
Glad to hear that Chris had a good visit with Mom and Dad. I know Leslie said she'd like to "sign" up for them, too. I told Mom before she left that I was sure her other children would like to have them over to cook for them, too. She mentioned the high price of gas...I laughed and told her, I'm sure all theywould have to ask for was a gas card and it would be sent!!!! Home cooked meals at the end of the day are nice to come home to, I know...Dale is great at preparing them!
Emilee and Hannah hope you had a great birthday. I know you won't celebrate it until next week. I'm sure you'll have a great dinner since my brother is a super chef!!
Happy anniversary Chris and Tony. Take time to celebrate. I can't believe it's been thirty two years. Seems like yesterday. Might I suggest a good fried chicken dinner.......
Susan, hope you enjoy your visit with Jessica. I know she's looking forward to seeing you. This will give her some time off from taking something else apart in her house. I asked her the other day if they were fixing what she was taking apart....she said yes.
Well, hope you all have a great Easter. Dale says supper is ready. Love to all of you.

On the market...

As some of you may know Bryan and I have found the perfect house. Problem is... we're already in one and we need the equity from it to use towards the down payment on the new. Tonight we (Bryan, myself, Grandma and Grandpa) are meeting with the realtor to get this house on the market. We are hopeful for a quick sale so that we can make an offer on the other home I had mentioned in a previous blog.
Will post pictures when we have some available.

Leslie, I may be interested in the computer desk/hutch. Do you have a photo? Maybe we could swap and you can sell the one I have and keep that and whatever else you'd want moneywise for yours.

Let me know!!!

Thanks!!!!

Nikki

PS I hope everyone has safe travels this weekend and a Happy Easter!

MMmmmmm...

We, in Iowa, are completely envious!

We are hacking away this week at work and preparing for our little Spring Break trip to the water park on Thursday & Friday and on to Q-city after that. The kids are home with our next door neighbor, Andrea, who is a freshman in college this year. Lucky for them, as Andrea knows the neighborhood kids & families ...as the doorbell rings... and rings.. and rings. She's offered to nanny this summer as our beloved Tracy graduates but the kids have asked to try the school daycare this summer and are on the waiting list. They have a number of friends that go that tell them it is SOOO COOOOLLLL. We will see when that alarm goes off this summer!

Well, our Simpson Women lost in the first round of the Sweet 16. It was a great season though and they are reaping awards and records. They certainly made my job easier this month. I am busy planning events in Denver, Boston & New York.

Eric is working on the basement every spare minute as he just wants to be DONE! The stone on the bar is now 1/2 done. We also re-arranged our den to be more of an office. Poor guy doesn't lack projects! If anyone wants a computer desk w/ a hutch, we have one. Let us know before the garage sale in May.

Love to each of you!
Les

Special Visitors

How blessed our we with our parents?? Mom and Dad arrived at our house last Thursday and were with us until Monday morning. During that whole time they spoiled Tony and me. We would arrive home each evening to a wonderful smelling house. Thursday night Dad cooked trying out a new recipe. It was fabulous!! A stew made with pork, parsnips, sweet potatoes, apples, and a few other ingredients that made the sauce hmmmmmmmmmmm.
Friday night Mom made and Elvis Presley roast. She has cooked this for Sunday dinner for the folks in Quincy and what a hit that was!!!! I actually used her leftovers to make another roast yesterday. Mom not as great as yours, the gravy was a little runny but the flavor was still there.
Then Saturday night as I was giving Mom a perm, Dad made a quiche that we all gobbled up.
It was a wonderful visit that I hated to see come to an end. Not just for all the yummy food but being able to spend that time with them is very special.
I think Susan and David are next to be able to have this same experience. Enjoy!!
Someday I will be able to return this favor to my kids and their families. I have to tell you I am looking forward to that!!
I'm off to the salon.........everyone make it a Blessed Day!
Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you both!!

Update Softball

We got back last night at 2:00 am. It's a six hour drive down to St George. We had a double header Friday afternoon and three games yesterday. I played all five of them, the first three as second and the last two as third.

In our last game, against East, a 4a (big) school, we, a 2a (small) school, lost 11-12. It was a great game, our pitcher, Alexis was great getting at least five strike outs. I got three out at third, a force at third, a play at home at a foul fly ball. Over all a really good game. 

Swing for Life is in mid April, and I'll check who to make checks out to as soon as I can. 

Just a minute before I have to get ready for work.
Happy Birthday Emilee and Hannah!!!! God bless you both!!! We are with you in our thoughts and prayers.
Hannah have a wonderful vacation and I will get a check in the mail too.

Hannah

Hi Hannah-

Does the check get made out to "Swing for Life?" When will you be back from DC and what is your deadline?

Happy Birthday, Utah Girls

Just thought I'd pop in to wish Emilee and Hannah a Happy Birthday this weekend. Hope you both have good ones. Nothing's really going on around here this week so not much to post.

Spring Fever

After our big snowfall last week spring has finally appeared to arrive in the south. The daffodils are blooming and the trees are budding and spring is in the air-yeah!! Of course today is my day off and it is raining (sigh) but at least it is warm!!
It has been a really busy week for me. They pulled 15 people including all of the key carriers and managers except for myself and one other out of our store to help "clean up" the Little Rock market for some big guns who were coming to visit. They were gone all week which meant no days off for anyone. Actually I had the easier part-the ones who went worked anywhere from 13 to 17 hour days cleaning up other peoples messes-all I had to do was run the store here! It was fun to watch our people come back yesterday-they all grabbed us and hugged us and told us how much they LOVE our store! I guess they know now that even though we set higher expectations and really push everyone in the long run it pays off! They actually had some of the folks from the stores they were working in walk out because our staff was working them too hard! The team we have built in our store is the most awesome team I have ever worked with. They truly want to be the best at everything and all we have to do is challenge them and they always step up!!
Vacation in DC sounds like great fun! We always said we would like to go back since we really didn't get to spend much time there when we did go. Hope you all have a wonderful spring break!! And Happy Birthday to the birthday girls in Utah!! Wish we could be there for the party but we'll be there in thought! Hannah-I will drop a check in the mail at the end of the week for your benefit-that way it won't sit while you're away.
Chrissy-did you ever get any info on the benefit walk? Now that it is warmer I can't wait to get out and walk! If nothing else I can be ready to join Carolyn on her hikes in August!
Hope you all have a great weekend and spring break for those lucky enough to have one!!! Love you all!!

Swing for Life

As mom mentioned, I have to collect Swing for Life money for the upcoming event. I would love your help in collecting!!! BUT we collect flat fees, we don't do the per-hit thing anymore. Coach's expectations are high and I have a real hard time talking to strangers. Any help would be appreciated!

March Madness

No Mom, not basketball. Life! Hannah has had finals this week, compounded by a softball game Monday (not pretty, don't ask, but Hannah played her part well) and a big feature of her school on the local TV news on Tuesday morning. They all had to be there at 5:45, and mug, pitch, dunk teachers, etc. for an hour for the local "back to you" segments of the morning news. Her coach is a breast cancer survivor and leads a huge fund raiser called Swing for Life every year. The TV spot was promoting that. BTW, Hannah will be hitting all of you up for per-hit pledges in the near future. Brace yourselves! More finals tomorrow, and then she's off to the Spring Warm Up Varsity Softball tournament in southern Utah. Looks like a crazy schedule--perfect for a soon-to-be-15-year-old (Sunday!) 

News from Jon and Emilee is that things are progressing on their house. The had the appraisal this week and although the appraiser lives in their neighborhood and can't officially comment, she said, "Well, I feel much better about you leaving us now that I have seen this great house."  Things are looking good. Emilee is finishing her last paper and compiling her Masters portfolio as we speak. One more test to go in April. Whew. Wish her luck! 

Monday we are off for a spring break trip to Washington, DC. Monday-Friday. We are sooooo excited. Hopefully many pics to come. 

Birthday celebration for the two March girls currently slated for the 23rd or 24th if anyone wants to join us. 

Favorite recent pics: 

To the Birthday Girls

Happy, happy birthdays this weekend Hannah & Emilee!! I hope my brother fixes you both your very favorite dinners and bakes a wonderful cake! Enjoy your days!!

Love,
The Helds x4

Happy Middle of the Week!!!

It's Wednesday! It's almost over!

Not much new here... Bryan and I found a house we really like last weekend. It's off of 36th st and Queen Anne, which is the second street on your right from Broadway behind Boyers and Kmart. It's a nice size rambler with a full finished basement. 3 bedroom 2 bath, one of the baths being a full in the basement. Two car garage brick home. Don't have any pictures as it's a for sale by owner. We're doing a walk through with our realtor on Saturday. Last night we met with a loan officer and were approved for the loan. We just need to get this house sold quickly so we have the money available for the down payment. The back yard is already fenced in and the couple said it's a quiet neighborhood full of a mixture of young and old. So we're definitely hopeful! It's something we both have considered to be more than just a temp. middle home.

That's about all that's new around here.. other than our house is getting a lot of the projects completed. The trim around the floor is completely done in the living room and dining room. Dale and Bryan fixed the window that was missing a small square pane. And Bryan is really busting his butt cleaning. I am very proud of him!!!

Well hope everyone is well.... we wouldn't know because no one has posted in a while..... which defeats the purpose of this blog, doesn't it? SHAME ON YOU!!!!

(Sherry made me out to be the nag in her last post, so I figured I'd take on that position and nag everyone, and not just her. hehe)

Nikki

Grandma Misselhorn's Sugar Cookies

Mom & Kenzie discovered this recipe that tastes just like

Grandma Misselhorn's Sugar Cookies.

3 eggs beaten
2 t vanilla
2 c sugar
1 c shortening
1 c milk
1/2 t baking soda
7 c flour (approximately)
4 t baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix eggs, vanilla, sugar & shortening until smooth. Blend milk and baking soda together then add to mixture. Sift together flour and baking powder. Slowly add to mixture until the dough is the right texture for handling. Roll dough out on floured surface and cut into shapes. Bake 10 minutes.

Hmm....

I'mma thinking Carolyn.... Hmmmm....

Hang in there Ashlee, being home is a great but we all know it's a big adjustment to be on call 24/7! What a beautiful boy, he is!

Brady is done w/ basketball. Wound up 3rd in their tourney and waiting on baseball to start. Eric is now on the Little League board, so that adds a few more nights at the ballpark to his schedule. Mmmm.... hot dogs for dinner again? Simpson women's basketball team won and is in the NCAA Sweet 16 for Division 3. Woo-hoo! Pretty impressive for a group that is there for academics with no scholarships. Kenzie's next meet is Winterset at the end of the month. She landed FIVE front flips off the double mini in a row Tuesday :). A very big deal at our house!

Gotta go do my chores. It's at least in the high 30's today so the kids are playing outside- hooray!

Love you guys!
Leslie

Not Much Going On

Not a lot going on here at the Midget home. Ty eats, sleeps, cries, smiles, and goes to the bathroom.

Benj is working on websites day and night. We take shifts at night to feed Ty. He has his fussy time every night at around the same time and we have no idea what he is upset about.

We got a new camera so I dressed Ty up in a cute Hershey's Kiss outfit. It's hard to get a picture of him holding still. His arms are always flailing around, but I tried.

It's weird being home all day, I am usually so busy at school, it has been an adjustment but a good one. I miss my little guys at school, but I am so glad that I get to be here with Ty. Babies really are full time jobs.

I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Hey creative sisters-in-law!

I need your help. We launched an incentive program at work last month. We will be announcing the sales leaders every month. We used an "Academy Awards" approach last month, announcing the "nominees" or top five, and then "the envelope please," to announce the winner. I am thinking we will use a March Madness approach to announce the leaders for March. Any other great ideas for the next 10 months? I need to come up with something fresh everytime.

The grand prize is an expense-paid trip to Mexico with fellow President's Club winners from throughout the company. Any thoughts? (Besides the obvious--take me, take me!)

Did You Win?

Well, Hannah...how was the first game of the season? Glad to hear you're playing baseball; does that mean that spring is actually coming? Waiting to hear your play by play.

Yay, Hannah!

Way to go Hannah! That is AWESOME!!! Tell your mom to take some pics so we can see you in action!

For all the baseball fans out there...

Exciting news! Our softball season just started and we have our first game today! AH!

We're all really nervous because many of the JV team people, including our pitcher, have only been playing about two weeks. I'm playing second base (infield!!!) and am still confused about some of the things I am supposed to do. Second is very different from short. We have a Varsity tournament in St George next Friday. I was invited!!! I hope this means I'll be playing some Varsity this year.

Varsity freshman year....

sweet.

Hal Way Point!!

Promised Nikki I'd get to this last night, but as you know I didn't! This is National Lutheran Schools Week and things are a bit levely for me right now. For all our darling little Lutheran kids, they are of the opinion that this means PARTY WEEK--no classes, no homework. Unforutnately, there is a bit of truth in that since today was the first real day that I managed to teach actual classes!!
The week started off with my directing and Dale playing for our Primary Grades Choir as they sang in the 8 AM worship service. Monday was our school "kick off breakfast" where the ENTIRE school sat down and had a full breakfast together--nothing like eating with 150 kids. We returned to our rooms for an hour's worth of "lessons" which in reality was spent getting our booth ready for Tuesday's Geography Fair before returning to the gym for the annual Primary Grade pillow fight between students and/or teachers. After that fun filled half hour, it was lunch time--and oh boy, we got to eat in our rooms with our teachers!!! After lunch and a quick story, it was off to the movies complete with popcorn and soda!!! (One of the purposes of National Lutheran Schools Week is to teach little Lutherans how to eat, and eat, and eat!!! By the way, this was all done dressed in pajamas, robe and slippers.
Sounds like fun. huh? Well, with all this going on we also had the fortune to have our compouter lab flood--complete with water, mud and smell (which is STILL permeating throughout the school)!! Dale spent the morning with our principal and custodian, moving EVERYTHING out of the room. This required his disassembling every computer!! The entire lab is now setting in our library as we wait for the insurance companies, painters, floor people, etc. to come in and do their "thing". Dale is hoping to restore the lab on Easter weekend with some help from his daughter.
Tuesday was "Vacation Destination" day. The dress--an outfit that displayed your favorite vacation destination--Florida and Disney World was the winner in my class!! Classes had a chance to finish up their booths for the fair. Again, lunch was in our room with the teacher. The afternon marked a trip to such destinations as Florida, Idaho, Virginia, New York, Wisconsin, Hawaii, and San Diego, California. As we learned, you guessed it---we ate foods that represented the various states!!
Today was "Hat and School Spirit Day." Some of our kids spend time during the rest of the year looking for that perfect hat--need I say more. We all go to Chapel and then, for the first time this week, I actually had some sort of regular classroom lessons--complete with, OH NO--HOMEWORK!!! Of course, we did take the time to eat--ice cream sundaes with chocolate, and strawberries, and caramel, and whip cream and sprinkles---yum, yum!!
Tomorrow, is "Sports Day" and everyone wears something representing there favorite sport--I'll luck out here and wear my bowling league shirt--I won't have to go home and change into it (yeah, I know Nikki--I don't wear it that often!). It'll be another short teaching day as WIU is coming in and presenting the play, "Cinderella" to the kids. Food for the day--why pretzels and cheese, of course.
Friday, the day we're all dreading, is "Crazy Day," and it's a great discription of the outfits these kids come up with for the day. We start off with a "fashion show" so everyone can see what everyone is wearing. The day is turned upside down and "anything goes"--classes are backwards, teachers switch classes, whatever "fits." We end the day with the movie "Freaky Friday" and brownies as our snack.
Saturday the parents take their turn as we hold our annual "Spring Fling Dinner and Auction". This is our giant fund raiser for the year and we auction off all the "goodies" that the PTL can find. Each class also submits a special project to auction off--my class has another painting to submit--we did a take off on Van Gogh's daisies. We'll see how well it goes--I can't imagine it breaking last year's Iris record of $825! (At that price, you know it's NOT hanging in my living room!!!!!) The dinner and auction are a lot of fun--Mom and Dad, Nikki and Bryan, and Jessica and Rocky have tickets for it. Chris, Tony, and Laurie usually attend, but our weather has been so iffy, they thought they had better pass. (Sidenote--Chris if you would still like to come, tickets are still available--let me know and I'll turn your name in.)
Anyway, this week by the time I get home, I am REALLY tired!! Oh well....
Well, gotta run..church tonight, then home to nake a cake for a funeral dinner tomorrow. Do hope everyone is staying warm. Love to all.

PS

Nikki- love the new haircut!

Hump Day Ha's

Well, that's the name of our Wednesday night events at SC. For garage sale, first weekend in May is better. Have the Adult Learning Graduation Dinner the 9th so that weekend is out. The 17th is commencement, so that's out, too.

Em, what sizes are the boys? Brady has proudly outgrown his pants from Christmas already. Makes me ponder- just how high are highwaters? Remember mom sewing on material to the bottom of our jeans? We thought it was fashionable & cool. Now I can relate. Lucky for Brady I can't sew. We have size 6 & 7, if you can use them.

Chrissy, let us know how the big show goes!

Kenzie got her new mattress yesterday. You'd think it was Christmas. She will let you try it out if you visit. :)

We are planning to take the kids to Fun City in Burlington March 20-21. Will then head to Quincy later Friday for Easter weekend. Hope the bunny can find us. Memorial Day looks good so far too.

Happy Wednesday!
Love,
The princess

Garage Sale

Good Morning all! Hope the week is going well for everyone. It's kind of slow here at work again. Still working on a new training manual. Not fun! Didn't do much over the weekend. Worked at the zoo, which in a of it self is fun. As Megan and I were sitting in the penguin house, I saw one of our lionesses run by (in the lion exhibit of course.) She was playing with one of her balls. It was funny, I've never seen the cats as active as they were Saturday morning. Of course all this was happening before the zoo opened... Went to Brady's basketball tournament Sunday afternoon. The came in 3rd, but wow when Brady decides to go after a rebound he's all over it. Had TKD (Tae Kwon Do) Monday night. Somehow, I ended up with bruises on my legs. Don't know how that happened as we weren't sparring. Friday night class I'll start working on my board break for this session. Hopefully, it will go better than last belt level. Anyway, Leslie and I will be having a garage sale in the Spring. (Les, I'm thinking the first or second weekend of May) If anyone has anything they want to sell, just tag it with the price and your initials then get it to one of us. I know Mom and Dad have been working hard on sorting things in their house to sell and throw.

Tuesday :- P

Hey everybody! This weekend was rather uneventful, but maybe that's a good thing for once. Lori and I shopped from 2 in the after noon until 8:45 at night. We didn't get a lot, but at about 7 we went and picked up Payton and Lisa & Savannah and the kids made out like bandits!! So all in all the day was a success, poor Lori was exhausted by the end though. Lisa parked back a ways at wal-mart and as lori was complaining of the long walk, lisa pointed out she had to carry savannah and lori's reply was she had to carry her own kid (referring to the one in her belly as I was carrying Payton at this point) and Payton said no mommy im right here, your belly is too big to carry me, la lala la la la. and made a little song out of it. Lisa & I had a good laugh over that, lori did not. The things that come out of that childs mouth never fail to amuse me! Sunday rocky and i joined grandma & grandpa and sherry & dale for lunch at the golden corral in hannibal, then we basically just worked on the house. the shower walls are just about completely gone now, it is much wider and rocky finally sees how much more open it makes the room feel and agrees i was right to want to do this. We also got a new ceiling fan for the very front room which i think already makes the room look better. however, yes leslie the walls are still white. i am forever trying to convince rocky we should go get some paint but he seems to think we should finish the bathroom first. well, its about time to head to meet for tuesday night dinner, im solo again as rocky is working at the pet store. hope you all have a quick week to reach the weekend!! i know im hoping for it!

Monday is over...

Good evening...

The weekend went by too fast. Bryan and I went up to MN this weekend for my neice's 2nd birthday. It was nice to get a chance to see my family and spend some time with the kiddos!

The house that Bryan and I were interested had an offer put down on it last Friday, so we're back to looking, but that just motivates us to continue our efforts in putting the finishing touches on this house so that when the next house we want comes along we're ready to take it.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Nikki

It just keeps snowing!

We went to the cabin Friday night. So much snow, but beautiful blue skies and clouds Saturday until about 3, then wham. It started snowing and kept it up until we decided we better get out while we still could Sunday at about 11. I snowshoed around the cabin and was at the height of the top of the first floor windows! No kidding. It is amazing. 

Hannah started softball practice last week and was tired and sore, but very happy. Looks like she may be playing 2nd base on the JV team. Great group of kids and fabulous coaches. Plus she has the advantage of weekend workouts with her Dad, who knows a thing or two about throwing, catching, and hitting a ball. Love to you all. Keep your fingers crossed. It looks like Jon and Emilee are getting their house. We will let you know how it plays out. 

Photo captions: Dog says, "Lemme in." Cat says, " Lemme out." Hannah and Dad say, "It's your turn to shovel, no, it's your turn to shovel, no, it's your turn to shovel....." 

The Only One Glad the Weekend is Over!

Hey lil sis! I can understand your feelings about leaving your old job behind. I think it is just natural after so MANY years of doing our jobs that it is downright scary sometimes when we are adjusting to something new. I am still learning after a year and a half-of course we are adjusting to new manager, etc this fall as well. I love my boss dearly, but she is hugely competitive and very much a perfectionist. After Trent who was so laid back you barely knew he was there it is quite an adjustment! I know for me it just makes me work harder to prove whatever it is I feel the need to prove. It really is a good thing that I love what I do and have no other life :)
So my weekend obviously was spent at work-straight through to Wednesday-but then a long weekend. We are using our 'free"night in Tunica Thursday night (is it free if you gamble what you would have spent on the room? My husband seems to think it is still a deal!) Actually we really enjoy just going over and playing the penny slots, it is a great escape place.
The weather is absolutely crazy here-in the 70's this weekend, storms tomorrow, snow on Tuesday and then back to the 60's-no wonder everyone is sick! Sara and I had the sunroof open and windows down on Friday and were loving every minute of it!!
Hope you all have a happy Monday!
Love ya!

I'town

Hi guys! It's Sat night in Indianola. Doesn't get much better :0. Went to see "Fool's Gold" w/ Laurie tonight. I give it 2 out of 4 stars although Matthew McConoghay gets 4 because he rarely had his shirt on.

Kenz had a meet to today. Got a 3rd in tramp & 7th in double mini (touched the darned red stripe again). She did do her flip dismount finally in dm- she had this skill down but since Christmas has choked up. Discovered that's common though.

Simpson women (ranked 10th in the nation) won big today & they start the NCAA tourney next week. Last year they made it to the sweet 16. With luck, they could host the next games up to the Final 4. Big news on campus but it will mean extra work to host that level of games with loads of rules.

Brady has his bball tourney tomorrow. Michelle's boys will be here hanging out for the day as Maria plays vball in town for a tourney. They are going to church with us in the morning. I'll send those Catholic boys home with Luther's small catachism. Just kidding.

Having some panic attacks this weekend about leaving my perfectly good, sane and under control job for this one. I like it but there is so much to do. Decided maybe I'm grieving a bit which I guess is natural after 21 years. I left my beloved boss and staff & now have a male boss which is an definite adjustment. He's a good guy but it's just different. Parts of the new job I really like but I had things at my old job so well under control. I know I need a year under my belt to learn the cycle so will try to be patient. The kids, bless them, rubbed my feet & tucked me in bed last night. It was very sweet.

Love to all,
Les