28 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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A chilly (30-40's), windy day in TN

We can't believe it's New Year's Eve!!?! Where has the year gone?

The kids have a surprise on the way.. Boppa and Gma should be here sometime tonight. Just in time to ring in the New Year with us. Things are going well down here. I'll post more about our trip down and our TN place when time permits.

Happy New Years!!

Dreams Come True

http://www.benstillwater.com/

When I first met this handsome cowboy eight years ago, it was 'up north'. I remember so much about that weekend. But the thing that stands out most, besides being head-over-heels in love with this handsome cowboy, was his guitar playing. Unbelievable!

(I hope he doesn't mind me sharing this.) While we were dating (long distance), besides calling, sending flowers and letters, he would write songs for me. about me. about us. I saved every.single.one. Then one happy day, we became husband and wife. Shortly after, he began to sing some of these songs, and so many, many others that he wrote. The sound of his guitar and voice became a familiar sound to our home. So familiar, that our children were accustomed to his guitar music the very moment they were born. As tiny babies, they'd fall asleep on his lap, while he played and sung.

His dream came true. He published his own songs (words and music) in his very 1st album this month. Of course, he is my husband and the Father to our children, so I have every right to be proud of him, brag about this and promote his work. The road to today has not always been easy. I've heard him sing/play hundreds thousands millions of times with just his guitar and himself. But the moment I listened to a very rough draft of the album in the studio (my heart swelled with pride and my eyes filled with tears), I realized it would be worth every step of the way. Boy! Was it ever!

So the next while, my Internet access will be spotty. And NO! we are not moving to TN, contrary to any rumors you may have heard. We'll be like yo-yo's. Bouncing back and forth as needed. But the main, and most important thing is, we'll be together as a family.

http://www.benstillwater.com/

27 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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This past week has been crazy. (And it has very little to do with the holiday season!) After being gone for nearly 2 weeks, Daddy finally got home this past Saturday. It's been non-stop ever since then. But we are together as a family, and that's all that matters. Christmas day will be spent close to home, at my in-laws. Which is a good thing, because we're gonna be snowed in!

Happy Holidays!

26 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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This past Saturday my family came up for the day. We were lucky to have a perfect winter day. Sunny, no snow, temps above zero. The majority of the day was spent outdoors. Lucky for Gpa, Gma and A. Jessica, I had just bought 2 new sleds the day before. So guess what the kids wanted them to do? And guess what I didn't have to do? Pull sleds :) If I had my act together I could have snagged LOTS of pictures that day. But we were too focused on having fun.

*Me, Carolyn and my sis*

I have long reached the place, where I'm more worried about staying warm, than looking good fashionable. My hubby's 'rabbit' hat (I really don't know if it's rabbit) kept me nice and toasty. Winter has hit hard here. We got dumped with snow, then slammed with frigid way below zero temps for way too long. This wk end it's suppose to be in the low-mid 20's. Break out the flip-flops! A heat wave is coming! Then I won't need this furry thing!

sweet dreams

These are the images I see every night before I lay down to sleep. Every night I (and Daddy) tuck them in. Give them a kiss and a hug good night. I listen to their feeble last-minute attempts to get outta bed. :) I turn off their lights and close their doors with their sweet "I love you Mommy" and "good nights" echoing in my ears. It's in this exact moment that I am thankful to be a their Mommy. Watching them sleep, so peaceful, quiet and calm seems to erase any chaos they may have caused during the day!

Having a bad day?

You need to look at things in a new way...And for goodness sakes... put a smile on your face!

Happy Monday!

25 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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Last week it was our 2 boys and me tagging along with Daddy to TN. (For those wondering about all these trips to TN... he's completing an album)

It's nearly impossible to snag a picture with this guy. I have to take what I get.
The best self-portrait attempt of the 3 of us.

This time the girls stayed behind, and the boys tagged along. 2 hours after we got to the cabin (in TN) Benji wanted to go back home. He missed Jacob (his cousin best friend). The weather didn't help. It was cold (think 20's-30's), dreary and windy (and it snowed). But armed with hats, gloves and boots we braved the playground everyday and walk/ran off energy. On the way home Benji came up with a plan. Next time go, we have to take all the kids. Then he won't get lonely for anybody! (By all the kids, he means take himself, Carolyn, Katie, John, Jacob and Emily)

24 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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Tubby and me.. "CHEESE!!"
I failed miserably at getting pictures last week. We had our 'deer hunter widow/kids' week at our house last week, plus turkey day. And not ONE picture did I get of me and my kids! Next I will do my homework.. I promise :)

23 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Although I have SO much to be thankful for in my life. I am most thankful for my precious family. As a little girl, there wasn't a time when I didn't want a family of my own- a husband and kids.

Eight years ago this month (Nov 2 to be exact) this man became my best friend. Seven months later (June 15, 2002) we became husband and wife. One year and 5 months later (Nov 9, 2003) our dream came true. We became parents.

Being a mother is one of the hardest thing I've done. The responsibility, at times is frightening and overwhelming.The benefits, however, are endless, amazing and truly indescribable.
While the road we have traveled to get to where are today hasn't always been easy. It has been worth every single step of every single mile. I am thankful today.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

confession, confusion, congratulations

Remember this buck? My early-morning good luck kiss was taking credit for his opening morning buck. Well, something has been brought to my attention....The credit may have to go to this little man.You see, Benji colored a picture of a BIG buck for Daddy to take hunting opening morning. For good luck. So while the jury is out to decide if the good luck was because of Benji's picture or my good luck kiss, or a combo of both, or maybe the fact that the mighty hunter is just that good...

The mighty hunter has scored again. And yet again. Bucks, of course. So who ever gets credit for giving him the good luck, we all will be happy this coming year for the venison he's putting in our freezer. And he'll have 2 nice mounts to admire for years to come. Hunting 2009 has been a success. But we still have 5 more days to go. Anyone want some venison? :0)

I kissed him good luck VERY EARLY this morning.....

And look... a great big 10 point buck!

deer hunter widow

For 9 straight days in a row I will be a 'deer hunter' widow, with about 75% of the WI female population! (well, if you get technical, I'm not a 100% widow. He hunts around here and is home at night.. well.. he does sleep here for a little bit anyways.) Opening morning to a grown man is like Christmas morning to a little kid. He's excited it's his favorite time of year. And I'm excited for our deer hunter widow week. My sil(s) and their kids head over here for a week of ...... what else... fun and lots of food.

I stole this from Neisha
THE HUNTER

one gun is not enough
to feel supreme and tough

doe's won't do at all
for hanging upon his wall

early to bed, early to rise
makes the big buck a worthy prize

bringing home meat
his chest he beats

me hunter, you wife
you cook venison all your life

So 'deer' Hubby... Good luck... and bring home that big buck!

22 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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I'm alittle bit hesitant to put these pictures up for the 52 wk challenge. Yet, I don't want to sugar-coat our lives, by posting only certain photos. (I'm more hestitant, for the fact that some of these photos could will be used as blackmail in the upcoming year. I guess it's a small price to pay for an afternoon full of memories.) We are a family of six. 4 kids (6 yrs, almost 5 yrs, 3-1/2 yrs, 26 mos) Perfection isn't something that goes hand in hand with our house. Our house is rarely picture perfect. Our meals wouldn't stand a chance in any recipe contest. Our attire will never star in fashion magizines.

Yet, our life is perfect. That not-so-picture-perfect-house.. is our home. Those not-so-award-winning-meals.. we eat together as a family of six around the table every night. Those 'mismatched' clothes... are picked out with love and proudness by each little member of our family.

Larissa (my niece) Benji, Carolyn and yours truly... doing what we do best.. having fun, goofin' around! Sweet kisses for my boy.. that is now SIX!
Not-so-sweet kisses licks for Mommy in return
Benji: I promise Mom, this time I WILL kiss you.

JUST KIDDING!

melt-in-your-mouth-sweetness

Forever my baby.

21 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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Benji's 6th Birthday Party....

I always have to laugh at our attempts at family pictures. With 4 kids (and 2 grown ups) it takes some time, patience's and skill to capture the 'perfect' picture. Or does it? The following 3 pictures are not what you would consider perfect. But, in my eyes they couldn't have captured our family more perfectly.

The normally smiley Katie.. pouting (likely mad she had to get off of Boppa's lap). Benji is doing his goofy smile. John is thinking about the frosting. Carolyn is demonstrating her 'princess' smile.

Trying to get Katie bug to smile. John is perfectly smiling. Carolyn is licking frosting already. Benji is thinking about licking frosting.
Alright.. we gave up on smiling. We are content to have all 4 sitting together in one spot. Eating frosting off both cakes.
I'm sure between Gma Linda, A. Tanya and A. Heather they maybe got a picture of everyone smiling.. at the same time. I have some adorable pictures of Boppa, Benji and all the cousins to post on the kids blog soon. What's not to be adorable with 1 Boppa, 2 bday cakes, 9 grand kids and trick candles!

Benji's Story

Dear Benji:

Today you are turning six! How is that possible!? It was just yesterday when you changed our lives forever. We went from 'husband and wife' to 'daddy and mommy'. Your due date was 11-10-03.
At the time, we were milking cows with Uncle Joe and Aunt Heather. You would be proud to know your mother did chores ALL by herself quite often, while Daddy worked late in the woods. Your pregnancy was an enjoyable one. NO morning sickness, no problems, no troubles. I loved every minute of it.
Late Wed. Nov 5, I was awakened by contractions. Every 10 minutes. Being 1st time parents we were all ready to run into the hospital right then. But we were told to wait until they get closer together. Thurs morning they stopped. Then to start up later that day. Then stop. Then start. Always 10 minutes apart. By Friday night it was constant. Every 10 minutes. Finally Saturday (Nov 8- Boppa Ben's bday!) night, Daddy was getting concerned worried anxious. And I was more than ready to go.
The hospital graciously allowed us to come in for observation. IF nothing progressed, they'd send us home at midnight. I wasn't dilated very far when we arrived (maybe 2cm), but contractions were getting somewhat stronger, but still 10 or so minutes apart. At midnight, we got the option to go home, or to spend the night there. We chose to spend the night.
About 3:30 am (Sun. Nov 9) my water broke while I was going to the bathroom. That gave us a 'do NOT go home-go directly to labor suite' pass. Contractions picked up from there. From 3:30am till about 2:00 pm I did everything I knew possible to stay calm, focused and work with my body to get things going. (In the meantime, my parents and sister, left right after Sunday mtg. and were driving speeding 3 hours to meet their 1st grand baby.. niece/nephew.)
I wish I had wrote more down because the 'little, important' details, that I swore I'd NEVER forget are already fuzzy. Somewhere late morning, they realized my water hadn't really broken. It was just the 'fore-bag', so they re-broke my water. Around 2:00 pm I was FINALLY allowed to start pushing. Daddy was talking to Boppa Ben when I was giving the okay, so they started out on the short 1/2 hr drive. I still remember so clear the Dr (I got the 0n-call Dr.. who later became my Dr for Katie and John) saying in his forgein accent/broken english: baby #1 take long time out. push and push for days. baby #2 #3 #4 will fall right out. no worry. You certainly made this Mommy work labor for her baby. But it was worth every hour, every minute, every second. And I'd do it all over again. In a heart beat. Just to have you! The very moment you were born... the hours preceding were forgotten.
At 4:00pm exactly, you were born! A boy! 7#12 oz. 20" (exactly the same size as Mommy was!) One of the proudest moments of my life. You made me a Mommy. And your Daddy... well, he was QUITE proud of his new son! Oh the feelings of seeing and holding you for the very first time! We were a FAMILY!! Once the DR gave you (and mommy) a quick look, we handed you off to the not-so-patiently waiting grandparents/aunt about ready to break thru that hospital room door!
It seems like in just the blink of an eye you went from newborn to big brother to the 6 year old you are today. There is no denying, you are your Father's son. From looks, to 'attitude', to likes/dislikes. We love each and every trait that makes you the special boy you are. Like when you fall asleep in our bed and rub our ears (or any body's ears.. at given anytime). Or how you used to stutter when you were little.. or when you got real excited. Or how you can gallop like a horse. Or how you love your little brother SO much. Or your blueberry blue eyes that just make us putty in your hands. Or your new way to reason with us (6 yr old logic). Or how you rub someone's back/shoulder when they are hurt/upset. I could go on and on. Today is your special day. It's your 6th birthday! So to my (not-so-little-anymore) cowboy... Happy birthday Benji!! We all love you SO much!

Love, Hugs & Kisses,

Mommy

blog.friends.birthdays

Today one of my blogger friend's has a birthday. Happy Birthday Neisha! I've seen her for about 7 years at our annual church conv. I've never really talked to her. (Unless you count a passing "hello", or a friendly smile as I chased after my kids) Sometime last year I came across her blog. And as they say, the rest is history. I've been a loyal stalker follower ever since. This fall I was looking forward to seeing her. Unfortunately, plans didn't go as planned. So we've yet to 'meet'. But I'm certain when we finally do, it'll be like we've been friends forever.

Although I've been known to waste spend too much time on the computer I don't completely regret it. Because of blogs I've gotten to know countless number of amazing women. Most are mothers, like me. I find it strange and amazing at the same time, how you can feel so connected to a person (and their lives) if you've never met them.

I may never met any of them in real life. Yet, I am content with that. Because thru their blogs, I feel that we have already met and been introduced. So if some lucky day down the road our paths should cross, it wouldn't require any intros, just a long-awaited reunion of 2 great friends.

20 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!
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So I'm cheating a little this week. These pictures aren't from THIS week, but I haven't posted them yet, so they are NEW pictures! Daddy snagged my camera, and I can't find my older camera, so... this is what you get.

Some more pics from last week in TN. Did I mention we had perfect, gorgeous weather while we were there??

We stayed about an hour south (east) of Nashville, at the Henry Horton State Park. Of course we've only been there twice (and during the off season- Oct/Nov). But even during the weekend, it's been quiet. There are plenty of cars parked by cabins/lodge rooms... but the playground was ALWAYS empty, the walking trails were deserted, the restaurant, which is delicious and reasonable, is never full. But one thing you can always count on is a big, hearty helping of southern hospitality!
sigh... I'm ready to go back already!

19 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Thanks for playing along! Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!
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Whew.. we are home! (as of this afternoon)

Carolyn, John and me tagged along with Daddy to TN. (Benji and Katie wanted to stay with Boppa when given the choices: TN or Boppa's house) The kids did great traveling. The weather was perfect. Sunny, upper 60's. And the fall colors... were AWESOME. We rented a cabin house at a state park. With plenty of great weather and plenty of space to run we spent most days outside. (except for wednesday. it rained.all.day.long. we were quite glad we had the cabin then!!)Almost half-way home.. quick bite to eat!

As always.. it's good to be back home. But couldn't someone else do the unpacking and laundry for me?