I NEVER in a million years thought I would confess this. My mom and dad will never believe it. I used to GROAN loudly when I had to do this chore. I judicously traded with Jeff to avoid this chore. I have purchased houses based on their ability to do this chore. And yet, here I am.
I like hand washing my dishes.
There it is out. It has been a month since I decided my dishwasher was only worthy of being a dryer rack, except for extreme moments when if I pre scrub enough I can break down and use it. But otherwise my dishes are cleaner. I enjoy that quiet, methodical time. It is calming somehow. And I enjoy that the girls sit at the table to do their homework while I wash and rinse chatting with me about their day. Or they all leave me alone in the somewhat silent kitchen to listen to the clinks of plates and silverware.
A good way to end the day.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Rolling Good Time
We had another family wedding on the Pickrell side this weekend in Omaha. I decided to hitchhike with my parents and leave the kids at home with Jeff. And then my sister Sarah made the same smart decision. I have to say the trip lived up to my expectations. I don't even remember the last time the four of us (parents and sisters) had been alone like that together, if ever. We had a BLAST! We didn't stop laughing until we fell into bed on Friday night at my Grandma Plymesser's house. All six hours to Iowa were spent giggling. And the rest of the weekend followed suit!
This side of the family is well known for having a good time and for talking up a storm, and this event did not disappoint. Even though our yummy excursion to Applebees made us some of the last to arrive to the wedding, we still got in some time quickly before it started to chat with relatives we hadn't seen in ages, and some we just saw this summer. Jessica and Josh's wedding was beautiful. Guess who I forgot to get pictures of? You'll just have to imagine/remember how fabulous they looked. And once the wedding was over? We started talking again and didn't stop all night. Well, I did. I fell asleep as soon as we started the car ride home. No surprise.
And speaking of looking fabulous....Aunt Rochelle and Mom seem to have very similar taste. We all had a good chuckle when we realized they had the same outfit on (the jackets had different patterns but the same trim). I LOVE this photo more because it reminds me of photos of my grandma Picky and great aunt Doris laughing.
My amazing aunts and uncle: Fred, Brenda, Rochelle, Peggy, and Connie. This family unit has had a huge impact on me and how important family is to me. I wish I got to see them a lot more than I do.
My brother Cliff and my super cutie nephew Cole.
And then Naomi snuggling her sweet boy. He was such a trooper that night!
Me with my very special dad! A very rare photo opportunity. (This picture also makes me feel very very short and very Plymesser!)
Ha Sarah!!! Got you! This is for posting the picture of my big ole mouth on facebook. Heeeheee. I especially like her red tongue from the super delicious mints at the reception!
Me with my mom, one of my very best friends! Wait, maybe I do look more like her. Or maybe I am the mutt child of the fam. Hee hee
Ross and Johanna, half of the Hesseltines in purple.
John, who is more like an older brother than a cousin, and his sweet wife Sue--parents of the bride.
And the other half of the purple Hesseltines, Renee (Tanner's Godmother) and Rochelle (my very own Godmother).
Yes, a very good weekend indeed. Sunday was lovely spent at church in Fontanelle and then lunch with Grandma again. I actually enjoyed the old school traditional Lutheran liturgy. Felt good to realize I still had it memorized. Felt comfy.
This side of the family is well known for having a good time and for talking up a storm, and this event did not disappoint. Even though our yummy excursion to Applebees made us some of the last to arrive to the wedding, we still got in some time quickly before it started to chat with relatives we hadn't seen in ages, and some we just saw this summer. Jessica and Josh's wedding was beautiful. Guess who I forgot to get pictures of? You'll just have to imagine/remember how fabulous they looked. And once the wedding was over? We started talking again and didn't stop all night. Well, I did. I fell asleep as soon as we started the car ride home. No surprise.
And speaking of looking fabulous....Aunt Rochelle and Mom seem to have very similar taste. We all had a good chuckle when we realized they had the same outfit on (the jackets had different patterns but the same trim). I LOVE this photo more because it reminds me of photos of my grandma Picky and great aunt Doris laughing.
My amazing aunts and uncle: Fred, Brenda, Rochelle, Peggy, and Connie. This family unit has had a huge impact on me and how important family is to me. I wish I got to see them a lot more than I do. 
My brother Cliff and my super cutie nephew Cole.
And then Naomi snuggling her sweet boy. He was such a trooper that night!
Me with my very special dad! A very rare photo opportunity. (This picture also makes me feel very very short and very Plymesser!)
Ha Sarah!!! Got you! This is for posting the picture of my big ole mouth on facebook. Heeeheee. I especially like her red tongue from the super delicious mints at the reception!
Me with my mom, one of my very best friends! Wait, maybe I do look more like her. Or maybe I am the mutt child of the fam. Hee hee
Ross and Johanna, half of the Hesseltines in purple.
John, who is more like an older brother than a cousin, and his sweet wife Sue--parents of the bride.
And the other half of the purple Hesseltines, Renee (Tanner's Godmother) and Rochelle (my very own Godmother). Yes, a very good weekend indeed. Sunday was lovely spent at church in Fontanelle and then lunch with Grandma again. I actually enjoyed the old school traditional Lutheran liturgy. Felt good to realize I still had it memorized. Felt comfy.
Yes, a very good weekend indeed.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Proved My Point
Life definitely is everchanging and you can never know what to expect. Saturday definitely ended differently than I had planned...
Picture day is tomorrow. So yesterday I took Annika to get a haircut. I am obviously not getting the point across to these women, because it is again even shorter than I would like. Now I have to admit it is super cute and totally fits her. But I have been struggling with the boy comments and issues this summer.
This particular occasion sort of pushed me over the edge. Chalk it up to all the other stuff going on and I am somewhat emotionally unstable at this point. More than I even realized I think. So anyway Annika and I ended up having it out. I finally got out of her that she is afraid to be a girl because of my c-sections and doesn't want to have to be cut open. Which led to a very long talk about birth and menstruation, complete with illustrations via the internet. I did manage to skirt the fertilization issue. By then Mommy was somewhat drained.
But we still have the issue of making Annika look at least slightly more girly so people will let her in bathrooms and so she looks female in the class picture. So I struck up a deal. Both girls could get their ears pierced and Annika has to let me put goop in her hair and style it. Done. Everyone headed for the mall, including Daddy for moral support.
The girls were awesome! They weren't afraid and niether one cried! Phoebe chose pink sparkly crowns and Annika has in golden dolphins circling a rhinestone. We also checked out all the cool offerings at Claire's and they can't wait to get earrings that look like candy and animals. Super cute. Super brave. A little girly. Mommy is a little happier. Hopefully my plan works. But at least they like them and look fabulous!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Life Everchanging
I don't think it is possible for change not to occur. There is always the ebb and flow of the everyday. Sometimes the currents are stronger than others.
So changes during September:
1. Babysitting has come to an end. Like most endings it has been stressful. One child was my decision, and the other was the parents. Either way, it is over. I am not ready to watch another family's child for awhile. It will be interesting to see how Tanner and I do all by ourselves. It has been a long time since I only had one child at home!
2. School is in full swing. The girls are both doing well and enjoying it. Right now it is pretty easy for both of them, hopefully it will get more challenging. Dance and gymnastics are going very well.
3. Jeff's company slowed down for a couple weeks, but is picking up again. He knows that the two middle weeks of the month are going to have less jobs (another very natural ebb and flow). But he is not used to being at home that much without a huge pile of work in front of him. He is starting to realize why being a stay at home dad or early retirement may not be as wonderful as he would think. LOL!
4. Tanner is now to the pretending stage. He loves Diego and hears animals in trouble and sees them on our shoulders all the time. It is a lot of fun.
Some things never change. Tanner still spends most of his time digging in the dirt. Jeff is engrossed in football and baseball (Twins clinching was a big celebration in our house). The girls have had lots of playdates (although we are getting a bit overwhelmed with those). And me. I have been reading. The Hunger Games series has had me riveted. Excellent, well written books and lots to think about. My scrapping mojo is back--been getting kind of artsy on my pages.
Who knows what October may bring?
So changes during September:
1. Babysitting has come to an end. Like most endings it has been stressful. One child was my decision, and the other was the parents. Either way, it is over. I am not ready to watch another family's child for awhile. It will be interesting to see how Tanner and I do all by ourselves. It has been a long time since I only had one child at home!
2. School is in full swing. The girls are both doing well and enjoying it. Right now it is pretty easy for both of them, hopefully it will get more challenging. Dance and gymnastics are going very well.
3. Jeff's company slowed down for a couple weeks, but is picking up again. He knows that the two middle weeks of the month are going to have less jobs (another very natural ebb and flow). But he is not used to being at home that much without a huge pile of work in front of him. He is starting to realize why being a stay at home dad or early retirement may not be as wonderful as he would think. LOL!
4. Tanner is now to the pretending stage. He loves Diego and hears animals in trouble and sees them on our shoulders all the time. It is a lot of fun.
Some things never change. Tanner still spends most of his time digging in the dirt. Jeff is engrossed in football and baseball (Twins clinching was a big celebration in our house). The girls have had lots of playdates (although we are getting a bit overwhelmed with those). And me. I have been reading. The Hunger Games series has had me riveted. Excellent, well written books and lots to think about. My scrapping mojo is back--been getting kind of artsy on my pages.
Who knows what October may bring?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Firsts and Last
We have seen the last of diapers!!!!!!! Tan truly IS the man in his Lightning McQueen undies. He has very few accidents and is staying dry and clean even at night. I'm not sure who is most excited: Tan milking us for rewards and loving his adoring audiences, Mommy because it went so well and fast, or Daddy who is finally free of diaper bills.
And we had the first day of school. Annika is officially a kindergartener. And loves it. It was more of a struggle to get her back home than anything! Check out her flaming Converse!
And Phoebe already adores second grade. Her favorite thing from today? Her teacher writes the schedule for the day on the board so she knows exactly what is happening. And she has her outfits for the next week already picked out. Yes, I must claim this girl. Sorry about the pic. Not sure why it didn't flip.
And we had the first day of school. Annika is officially a kindergartener. And loves it. It was more of a struggle to get her back home than anything! Check out her flaming Converse!
And Phoebe already adores second grade. Her favorite thing from today? Her teacher writes the schedule for the day on the board so she knows exactly what is happening. And she has her outfits for the next week already picked out. Yes, I must claim this girl. Sorry about the pic. Not sure why it didn't flip.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Important Times
**Quick note on the playlist: I have added and moved around. I tend to pick songs that I like to sing to or that move me emotionally. I also turn it on whenever I am scrapping. So if you don't prefer a song, you can use the buttons on the playlist box to turn it off or change the song, or just click a song. (Dad, Over the Rainbow just got moved down a little.)
I remember spending the night with my grandparents as a child and have wonderful memories of those times. I want our kids to have those same kinds of special memories, and thankfully all of their grandparents are more than willing to oblige.
The girls went back to Iowa for a week for what they all called, "Granny Camp." They went on Sunday and then I showed up Thursday night and stayed the weekend. They did all sorts of crafts: decorated pillows, dug for fossils, painted little frames, and played and played.
Granny got a new parakeet while we were there, Dexter.
They went swimming almost every day with cousins at the Nevada pool. I think they have nearly perfected handstands and somersaults.
Tanner loved getting in on the action for the last few days.
And then on Saturday Granny kept Tanner for some one on one tractor time and I took the girls to the State Fair. Another of my fave summer memories I wanted to share with them.
The first of our many foods we shared: a footlong freshly dipped and fried corndog. The only way to eat them.
With the biggest pumpkin. We also saw the other veggies, flowers, the butter cow, watched them judge brownies, and the cakes.
Of course we had to stop and make spin art and get homemade ice cream cones. We hit the midway for one ride, went down the giant slide, saw the Bill Riley talent show, a hypnotist, ALL the animals (including the birth of four different kinds--interesting), all of the arts and crafts in the culture building, saw my cousins at their booth, got tattoos in the Varied Industries building, and MORE!
More food! Grater taters, a giant cup of melon, fresh lemonade, a funnel cake, a pork tenderloin, and a caramel apple. Good thing we shared it all! The girls loved it all!
The week before the girls spent the week at my parents. They rode bikes, went school shopping, and more swimming and helping in the garden. They also made the cutest stuffed animals (that I need to post). The girls made drawings and then they cut them out of felt and sewed them. Super cute.
This is our favorite bistro patio in the summer. :)
Mom and Dad with happy grandkids.
It was evening, and I need to do this pic with sun, but this is one of my fave views looking from the swing down over the patio, to the pool and garden beyond.
Phoebe took some pretty amazing pictures of flowers and veggies. Again, kind of dark, but super composition.
School starts this week. Can't believe summer is already gone! We accomplished most of the stuff I wanted to this year. Maybe next year we'll do even more.
I remember spending the night with my grandparents as a child and have wonderful memories of those times. I want our kids to have those same kinds of special memories, and thankfully all of their grandparents are more than willing to oblige.
The girls went back to Iowa for a week for what they all called, "Granny Camp." They went on Sunday and then I showed up Thursday night and stayed the weekend. They did all sorts of crafts: decorated pillows, dug for fossils, painted little frames, and played and played.
Granny got a new parakeet while we were there, Dexter.
They went swimming almost every day with cousins at the Nevada pool. I think they have nearly perfected handstands and somersaults.
Tanner loved getting in on the action for the last few days.
And then on Saturday Granny kept Tanner for some one on one tractor time and I took the girls to the State Fair. Another of my fave summer memories I wanted to share with them.
The first of our many foods we shared: a footlong freshly dipped and fried corndog. The only way to eat them.With the biggest pumpkin. We also saw the other veggies, flowers, the butter cow, watched them judge brownies, and the cakes.
Of course we had to stop and make spin art and get homemade ice cream cones. We hit the midway for one ride, went down the giant slide, saw the Bill Riley talent show, a hypnotist, ALL the animals (including the birth of four different kinds--interesting), all of the arts and crafts in the culture building, saw my cousins at their booth, got tattoos in the Varied Industries building, and MORE!More food! Grater taters, a giant cup of melon, fresh lemonade, a funnel cake, a pork tenderloin, and a caramel apple. Good thing we shared it all! The girls loved it all!
The week before the girls spent the week at my parents. They rode bikes, went school shopping, and more swimming and helping in the garden. They also made the cutest stuffed animals (that I need to post). The girls made drawings and then they cut them out of felt and sewed them. Super cute.This is our favorite bistro patio in the summer. :)
Mom and Dad with happy grandkids.
It was evening, and I need to do this pic with sun, but this is one of my fave views looking from the swing down over the patio, to the pool and garden beyond.
Phoebe took some pretty amazing pictures of flowers and veggies. Again, kind of dark, but super composition.
School starts this week. Can't believe summer is already gone! We accomplished most of the stuff I wanted to this year. Maybe next year we'll do even more.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Recently
Recently we have:
1. Our good friends the Vasey's visited from Iowa. They drug us to the Bears Family Fun Night. No, not really, I am just kidding. We loved it and had a great time. Jeff did wear his Minnesota shirt to at least show a little of his true allegiance (he was smart enough not to wear Vikings gear). It will be interested to see what teams the kids choose to follow.
Hear we are outside getting ready to go in Soldier Field.
Tanner was quite impressed with the big bear and the fireworks.
We had FABULOUS tickets. Third row off the 45 yard line.
Jeff of course had to work, so he just took Justin with him. They enjoyed it being the two of them like old times working and joking around together. I did not put their silly pictures on here. Not family appropriate. Just like old times. :)
And then we scored super cheap tickets to the Camp Rock/Jonas Brothers concert on the lawn. The kids LOOOVED it! I wish you could have seen them dancing. They out shone the Disney dancers for sure.
It was a great weekend. We had a good time hanging out and catching up.
1. Our good friends the Vasey's visited from Iowa. They drug us to the Bears Family Fun Night. No, not really, I am just kidding. We loved it and had a great time. Jeff did wear his Minnesota shirt to at least show a little of his true allegiance (he was smart enough not to wear Vikings gear). It will be interested to see what teams the kids choose to follow.
Hear we are outside getting ready to go in Soldier Field.
Tanner was quite impressed with the big bear and the fireworks.
We had FABULOUS tickets. Third row off the 45 yard line.
Jeff of course had to work, so he just took Justin with him. They enjoyed it being the two of them like old times working and joking around together. I did not put their silly pictures on here. Not family appropriate. Just like old times. :)
And then we scored super cheap tickets to the Camp Rock/Jonas Brothers concert on the lawn. The kids LOOOVED it! I wish you could have seen them dancing. They out shone the Disney dancers for sure. 
It was a great weekend. We had a good time hanging out and catching up.2. I also realized that we have lived here for TWO whole years! Can you believe it? And we are staying! You might actually be able to write our names in your address books in pencil instead of just a post it note now. Hee hee. But really, we like it here and are glad we have a great home and some roots.
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