Family

May 28, 2014

A High School Graduate

Hard to believe we have a High School Graduate in our house!

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From this little guy

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To this handsome young man

Kyle was 10 years old when he came into my life and from the get-go I was accepted into he and his dad’s little corner of the world.  I am eternally grateful for that kid and the joy he has brought to my life.  I love his easy-going personality, humor and outlook on life.   Honestly, the coolest kid I know.

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The last 8 years have been full of adventure and entertainment.  I am sure the one thing Kyle won’t miss once he leaves for college is listening to me crabbing about the million vehicles in our driveway.    I mean, seriously.  How many trucks does a 17 year old need?

Apparently when you have Clint for a father, owning multiple trucks is not only acceptable, but expected.

What’s that saying?  Choose your battles?

I lost that one.

 

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Did I mention we also park trucks in the front yard?

Completely acceptable.

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May 18th, 2014 crept up on all of us!  I can’t believe how fast 8 years went for me.   I can only imagine it felt the same way for his dad and mom as they looked back on 17 years.

Clint is so proud of Kyle.  It shone through in multiple ways on Graduation Day.

 

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In true Kyle fashion, the family found out he was leading the Pledge of Allegiance AND providing the Class Welcome by reading it in the program prior to the ceremony.

Nope… he didn’t tell a single one of us.   Is that a typical boy for you or teenager?

Regardless, I’d say that is pretty awesome to be nominated by your peers to lead the address.

 

 

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He of course did such a great job.  The kid shows no nerves.  Ever.

He is much like his father.

They like the attention. 🙂

 

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What a great moment it was to watch him walk across the stage and receive his diploma!

 

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His charming personality shown through as he convinced this lovely lady to turn and face his family for a photo opp.

 

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Happy kid, I’d say!

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Soon after the ceremony was finished we found ourselves walking around like paparazzi trying to track the man of the hour down.

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My brother has some killer style.

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After a few short minutes, we got to him.

Brace yourselves for proud papa moment #2, my friends.

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🙂

We had the graduation party immediately following the ceremony at Kyle’s moms house.  He had a great showing of support and love.

Party = Success

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Aren’t those cupcakes adorable?

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A few of Kyle’s awards

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And a few other snapshots from the day:

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Proud papa moment #3.  Watching Kyle’s slideshow.  ❤

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Same smile.  Same laugh.

Proud papa moment #4

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Once the party started wrapping up you can bet Kyle was ready to bust out of there for the night.  And rightfully so.  His day!  He totally deserved to go and be with his friends.

Clint tried to keep him around for a little longer.   I have visions of college drop-off in August already in my head.

With that, I will leave you with Proud Papa moment #5.

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Congratulations, Kyle.

We sure do love ya, kid.

February 24, 2014

You’ve Got Mail

I love getting the mail.

Even if it’s just bills hanging out in that little black box, there is still something exciting about walking to my mailbox and getting mail that was sent just to me.  I know… weird.

But, what’s even better is when there is a box to open!

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Yesterday I received my candle order from San Jacinto Candle based out of Texas. I have talked about these candles before, and I can’t say enough great things about them.   Each candle is made with love as they are hand poured with 100% sparkling palm wax.  And the scents are fantastic!

My favorite scents are Dickens Christmas, Pumpkin Pie Spice and Hot Apple Pie.

This round I ordered Birthday Cake and Creme Brulee.  The hubs thinks the birthday cake smells like Angel Food Cake, which happens to be one of his most favorite desserts. =)  I can’t wait to burn them to see what aroma it produces.

And bonus!  I also received a tart and air freshner to test.  How great is that?

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Did I mention that this company is owned and run by my sweet sister, Missy?  If you have been following me for a while, you probably already know that, but I am proud of her and the products she is producing so of course I have to gloat on her a little more!

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Find San Jacinto Products here:

Facebook

Website

Make sure to order one or two.  You won’t be disappointed.

do it

So, I have to tell you, I am just shy of 10 weeks from the Lincoln Half Marathon.

10 weeks!!!

YIKES!  Time to start training, for real!   Sunday I was able to get out and run 3 easy miles.

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I haven’t been out to pound the pavement in a VERY long time, and it felt great!   Not to mention, we had just gotten home from a 10 hour car ride.  We spent the weekend with family skiing in Colorado!  SO FUN!  That recap to come soon.

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My training plan isn’t as strict as it should be.  However, between teaching TurboKick 6 times a week, doing Insanity on my own to build up strength and stamina so I can start teaching it in a few weeks, plus working a Full Time job AND teaching Education classes for a University at night, my open times are slim to none.  Clearly.

My training will definitely be weekend warrior style.  Anyone else do that?  Not sure this is the best plan, but I am going to give it a go.  My only goal is to beat last years time of 2:10.  I am determined and competitive enough that I will do it, I have no doubts. 🙂

Speaking of my Education classes… I scheduled their Final Test Review for last night.  I transferred tests questions into a Jeopardy PowerPoint.  Who knew that playing Jeopardy would still be fun for College Juniors as it was when I taught 7th and 8th graders.   Studying made fun!   It’s good for all ages!

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We were taking a mini-break in this photo.  =)

I hope you all had a great Monday and that Tuesday is off to a good start as well.

Cheers!

January 30, 2014

Making Him Feel Special on his Birthday!

Yesterday was Clint’s 39th Birthday!  One more year until I get to throw a kick-ass 40th.  I am going to start planning now!

Until then, let me recap his 39th.

Present Time!  Why yes, I used leftover Christmas wrapping paper.  It’s called being resourceful, people!

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Following up the opening with a cheese-tastic grin!

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I ordered him a Samsung Chromebook.  Pretty awesome!   He has broken two laptops in the last few years… fingers crossed this one lasts a little while.  The Chromebook fits his needs perfectly.  The three main staples my friends: YouTube, Craigslist and Facebook. Super high-tech he is.

Next up, dinner at Brother Sebastian’s.  

 

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Brother Sebastian’s was gorgeous in architecture and ambiance.  The restaurant is divided into multiple dining rooms.  Our room had 6 booths and a fireplace in the middle.  Cozy, comfortable and relaxing.

 

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Each room had the below window’s allowing you to see what people were up to on the other side.  We caught a pretty spectacular comb-over but thought it to be mildly inappropriate to take his picture.  So the window is all you get. 

 

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Clint ordered a Ribeye accompanied by rice and green beans.  He was very excited.  Can’t you tell? 

 

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Clint’s expert culinary review:  “Steak was damn good. Nice flavor, very tender, could have used a little more fat.  I like fat on my steak”

Oh boy….

 

I had the Chicken Oskar – chicken, crab, asparagus and hollandaise sauce with a baked potato and green beans. 

 

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My expert culinary review: “Delicious.  Just delicious”

 

I don’t think we are going to be asked to do any important restaurant reviews anytime soon, however, I HIGHLY recommend Brother Sebastian’s in Omaha, NE.

 

Happy 39th Birthday, Clint!

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January 19, 2014

Weekend in Review

Friday Recap:

An evening with my Biker B!tch Crew for some good eats and drinks at The Classic Cafe in Malvern, Iowa.   Was so good to see these beautiful women and have a night of laid back conversation and a few good belly laughs.

ImageAshley, Kayla, Regeana, Liz, Lara, Anna, Tyree, Me, Baby Kaeleen (future Biker girl) and Sara

 

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Thanks Hy-Vee!  Frosting = the best part of the entire cookie

 

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Liz doubling it up.  How else do you numb the pain of a recent tooth extraction? 

 

Saturday:

Spent the good part of the morning and afternoon at the Med Center visiting my brother.  You know what is absolutely fantastic about the below photo?  The fact that Gabe isn’t in that bed but rather sitting in the chair next to me.  Pretty phenomenal considering 24 hours prior to that he took it upon himself to pull out his ventilation tube while he was still half sedated.  Talk about panic mode for the nurses, but he was clearly done with it and ready to fight on his own.  Simply AWESOME! 

ImageGabe managed to stay awake from 10-2pm that day.  He had a packed room with mom, Dave, me, Grandma and her friend, Pat, as well as our Uncle and Aunt Kam and Sarah.  A little after 2 hit and he was ready to lay down again.  Can’t say I blame him. 

It was so very good to see him awake, talking, laughing and eating.  The kid is a fighter and a half!

 

Sunday:

Today I was able to watch my cousin, Megan, play league volleyball.  She is a powerhouse!  Awesome to see her play!

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This afternoon I went for an easy jog around Zorinsky lake thanks to the fantastic weather we had around here.  I am absolutely LOVING my new Asics Kayano’s.  They are a dream to run in.

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I came up with a new recipe tonight using ground Turkey.  I have been hesitant to cook with Turkey for a while now (lack of flavor) but these turned out great.  Recipe coming soon!

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And, the best part of the day!? 

GABRIEL IS HOME!  

The doctors are truly amazed by his recovery.  Considering we damn near lost him last week, it is a miracle he is doing so well less than 48 hours after leaving the ICU.  Thank you all so much for the thoughts, prayers and well wishes.  They were all felt.

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