Filed under: Friends
The Story of Us:
Rhea, Amy C and Amy J went to grade school together. Rob went to the grade school just next door. I met Amy C in homeroom, Rob in German class, and Rhea in swimming on the first day of high school. I don’t think I met Amy J until Junior year art class. We never hung out as a group in high school, but were all friends with each other separately.
After high school we each went a different way, 4 different States for college, but each summer we would go camping and white water rafting. Then the infamous Europe trip after college graduation. The memories from that month will last a lifetime!
We adopted Ryan into the group while most of us were in grad school. Life has taken each of us far from Racine, back again for some, and then far far away for others. We’ve each taken a different path (except I suppose Rob and I chose the same path) Whenever we all get together, it’s like we just saw each other yesterday, not a year or two ago.
I’m so thankful for these friends. We are each so very different, but when together, we just click. So, let’s start planning that 10 year trip!
I didn’t know this could or should be done, but is can and has. Harrison can attest to that.
Yesterday we had a mouth injury with lots of screaming and blood. Boys were fighting over a dirty Croc shoe; Harry lost that battle. He calmed down, but certainly didn’t let me get a look. Later that evening at my fam’s Christmas, Harry stuck his tongue out at my brother, and the response was severe!
We spent the better part of a half hour trying to get Harrison to stick out his tongue so Grandma could get a look. She never did get that look, but Harry’s Daddy’s response was enough to warrant a call to the triage nurse and subsequent ER visit.
Now, a 16 month old is simply not going to stick their tongue out while a PA xylocaines it and stitches it up. It took a papoose restraint, 2 male RN’s a stragetically placed pillow case and Mom. Harrison Tiger still managed to free 2 legs and his Right arm. He’s fierce. The single stitch was completed toot sweet and in less than 10 minutes, and soon after Harrison was snoozing it up in the ER. We actually had to wake him because after anesthetizing his tongue the PA wanted to make certain he could swallow juice.
Harrison is back to his jovial self eating, drinking and climbing the outside of the stairwell banister. He’s lucky he wasn’t in the ER with a head injury for how risky of behavior he engages in for a 16 month old.
I will remind Harrison of this incident as he ages to discourage any hardware placed through the tongue. And now that I mention it: how did Uncle Russ react so strongly when his very own tongue is pierced?
Filed under: Uncategorized
I’m going to come up with a list of ways we can save money this year.
- Look into refinancing our house. The extra money could be invested in something with a better return *hopefully* than real estate.
- Grocery shop frugally. My current coupon high is $48. I’m not willing to go to multiple stores, but I need to do more stocking up when things are on sale.
- Unplug unused small electricals.
- Rain buckets- I’ve been wanting them for years.
- Use my garden space better, and grow from seed this winter.
- Think “Do I need it or want it?” for new purchases.
Filed under: Uncategorized
One of the things I like best about my husband Rob is his generosity. I wasn’t exactly thrilled when he gave$40 to Wipikidia, but generally it’s one of his better qualities. I have a habit of giving with my time rather than my money, but since having kids I’ve really had to cut back to 1 major project. It makes me a bit sad because there is such a need in our community, and that is where I like to see all our time and/or money be directed.
Today I took 2 huge boxes of toys to the Fire Station. It felt great on so many levels. First of all, the selfish in me loves the decreased clutter in the basement playroom. The boys didn’t play with those toys anyways, they just dumped them on the floor, rode their motorcycles through them, and I was the one to pick them up. Second, the toys we chose to give were mostly like new because they never got played with, so I know it will be easy to give them a “spit and polish” and wrap them up. Third, also a personal level, some of the toys were baby toys and sentimental to me, but my boys are into trucks and blocks, so the toys were just a waste of space.
My current big project is our church’s youth group. This is fun and easy as 7th and 8th grade is my fave age. I love how youth are “their real self” one-on-one, but when group think sets in, they need a little direction. I like to challenge them to be their great selves in a group and not go with the flow.
I like to choose projects that have an impact on people’s lives. Food fills the belly for a day, but teaching youth good life skills can change a life. Being with middle schoolers fills me with energy, but makes me so glad I’m an adult. My goal this year is to encourage service within the youthgroup. But first, I’m working on a lock-in, ’cause that’s what they want. Yikes!
Sometimes I do feel overwhelmed by the need. There are calls from help at work, church, and close to the family. Rob and I have spent a bit of time talking about how we can help meet those needs, and it’s been fun to stragetize. We don’t have as much money at the Gates’, but wouldn’t it be fun if we did have our own foundation and could really make a difference in Racine.
What do you do to give back for all the blessings you recieve? And how does that bless you in return?
Filed under: Family
Christmas Eve was a snowstorm, so we went sledding!!! Gosh is it hard to carry a kid and a sled through knee deep snow. Noah most enjoyed rolling down the hill and eating snow. Harrison tolerated 2 runs, but prefers to be held when outside. He’s not so certain that he loves the snow. We had cinnamon rolls for lunch and took a 3 hour nap before church. What a holiday!
Christmas morning we slept in to nearly 6:30; I’m fairly certain that won’t always be the case. It’s sad how 6:30 am is likened to sleeping in these days. Noah and I made popover batter the night before, so we put them in the oven and proceded to open gifts. The boys received Bruder construction trucks to share, much to Harrison’s dismay…
After breakfast, Rob took us to Caddy Vista Woods for a Christmas hike complete with bonfire and roasted hotdogs. Rob got to try his new snowshoes, Noah helped to start the fire, and Harrison just took it all in.
Merry Christmas 2008!
Filed under: Family
I heard about these kid-friendly chopsticks from some of my RFC friends, and was able to find some on-line for a reasonable price.
I was first exposed to chopsticks as a young girl after my Dad went on a business trip to China. We were gifted with 2 sets of chopsticks from our friend Rhea who spent the last 2 years in Japan. Noah loves to use these chopsticks, but he uses them more of like a skewer. So, I thought zoosticks would be most appreciated, and they were!
Noah was actually able to manipulate the chopsticks and pick up pieces of his stirfry. Harrison tried his best, but needed a little help… So fun!
Filed under: Family
Last night, we bundled up in the car, doled out candy canes and drove around looking at the lights. Noah, in particular, is a big fan of the Zoo Lights. We tend to drive past them in broad daylight, and he’s been asking for weeks to go look at them at night.
Two winters ago, Rob and I used to drive around to get Noah to sleep. After the weather turned too cold to stoller walk, that is. We would drive around Racine looking for houses to buy. I loved those car rides, it was quiet, Rob and I had wonderful conversations, and Noah would fall asleep. He’s the kind of kid that once asleep he stays asleep, nothing like our Harrison.
This was the first time we’ve driven around in nearly two years, and everyone enjoyed it. We are so lucky to have such a cool light display in our own town. I think we’ll have to make it a Holiday tradition.
Filed under: Family
It has been really, really cold. Bone chilling cold. Too cold to go outside and play much to the disappointment of N, but H doesn’t mind too much – he’s really not a fan of the cold.
There have been Jenga games galore. Noah is actually quite good and makes risky moves that surprise us.
Ultimate fighting is always in season. It’s not really encouraged, but it seems whenever there are 2 or more men/boys in one room, wresting is the sport of choice.
And of course, the ever popular, let’s empty out the shoes. This is the only time he’s lined them up nice instead of throwing them in a big pile. Honestly, most days I’m home I feel like I just follow them from room to room picking up. Well, not really, but what is it about little boys that makes them want to empty out closets and dresser drawers and dump everything in a big pile and then move it to another location?
Filed under: Family
I’ll admit, I’ve only ever lived in the Midwest, but there are things to love about every season. Right now, I’m loving the snow. It’s beautiful and white, it clings to our trees, and we have snowflakes covering most of our windows.
Take a look at our beautiful seasons:
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Filed under: Food
I saw the receipe in this months Better Homes and Gardens, and was infatuated with the idea. Who doesn’t love angle food cake, and well, anything pan-fried is yummy!
To make this yummy dessert, you’ll need one angle food cake cut into wedges. Butter both sides lightly and pan fry until lightly browned. We served with strawberry preserves. I think chocolate sauce would be good too. Rob said it tasted sweet almost like cotton candy. It was good, although, honestly I just prefer plain old angle food.
