Chapter 5 ... and the story continues ....

Jody had surgery....finally

2010-10-13T11:18:00.002-05:00

after many years of troubles with illness, at 30 yrs old. she has finally had her tonsils out yesterday! She seems to be handling things well, with three kids; resting, I am sure. I was over there last night while Brady and Jeremy went to Cub scout meeting. She has a tupperware party this coming Saturday, so I am sure she will be back on her feet by then... we'll wait and see if I need to go with as her voice or not. Keep her in your prayers.

Our family pictures

2010-07-24T13:33:00.003-05:00

Brady is 8½ yrs, Madalynn is 4½ yrs and Carter is 2½ yrs
Photo taken on June 24, 2010.

read the post in reverse!!! can't figure this out...and my thought process only goes one way today!

2010-07-24T13:21:00.005-05:00

Our new timeout closet/cabinet!!

Brady relaxing......

same old sink, new faucets :-0

New dishwasher..thanks to Dianne

look at the new floor (former Gma Jeanie Room)

Maddy was hoping that this PINK wall would stay in the kitchen.... this is an adhesive for the mesh netting...quite the project...which we left to the professionals :-)

expanded the pantry a couple of feet :-) with our growing family, this is going to be put to good use!

The dumpster can only be filled to the top, level.... so you make do at 2am!!!!, to make sure it is level and not overfilled!!

more pictures....

2010-07-24T13:12:00.008-05:00

island...sink and dishwasher with barstools on the other side...

kitchen cabinets by stove and refrigerator...

look at all the room we will have for making Gpa Earl COOKIES!!

Brady inspecting the sander-man work...he sure does look guilty of something..

wow, time flies when you are having fun...even when you are not...

2010-07-24T12:22:00.011-05:00

View from the former Gma Jeanie Room looking into the kitchen.

View looking into the former Gma Jeanie Room...

This is what it looked like after the floor was tore up and ready for the sander-man to do his tricks.

Insulation...not too bad..but it could be a nasty job!

kitchen floor .. look at the beautiful hardwood floor shining through... ok, you have to use your imagination -- just a little... the floors turned out great!

kitchen view looking into the former Gma Jeanie Room.

Maddy taking a rest in the sitting area.... that will be demolished next!
Lubbie helping out the demo team.... destroying the sitting area in the former Gma Jeanie room.

We felt that an update was in order....four months without a post was unacceptable.

Another school year has ended... summer school came and left.... swim lessons.... baseball..... softball... birthday parties... bon fires .... working .... weddings.... fry outs... bike riding and Rosie running (with all the kids & both dogs) with a layover at the local DQ .... camping..... outings.... jumping on the trampoline.... working.... swimming in Elkhart Lake.... TORNADOS.... a mystery day trip to Wisconsin Dells enjoying a waterpark and with a picnic lunch back at the van before heading home..... Tupperware Parties... golfing.... working.....a few cold beverages and snacks, you name it, it has been done these past four months.... Maddy said the only thing we haven't done yet this summer is boating...that's because Scott moved to Eagle River in June and the boats went with him! Though Maddy will take a trip up there with Rosie before too long.

YES, even home REMODELING..... you didn't think we would let a few months go by without a project now did you??

Jody and Jeremy now have a functioning kitchen with dining room (you can fit the dining room table with both leaves in, and still be able to walk around!!! YIPPEE) ..... a lot of work, but oh so worth it all... Many will be able to enjoy this project for years to come!! See the before and after pictures to get a good appreciation of the fruits of our labors!!!

We knocked out the wall that separated the kitchen from the former Gma Jeanie Room, took all the nasty wallpaper down, tore up the kitchen flooring (lineoleum {sp?}and tile and lots and lots of staples!!) we ended up taking the plaster wall down to the studs (oh fun!) -- back in the day, their theory must have been "just use longer nails {4"}, they will hold it in place forever!" and lots of them, added insulation, removed the two closets and sitting bench, removed the old sofit in the kitchen ... VACUUM, VACUUM, VACUUM... the dust was horrible!

Tried to shut off the water in the kitchen, but due to the age of the home, they didn't install them...so main shut off it was... that is extremely difficult when the house has three bathrooms and three times as many people wanting to use a toilet with the water off!!!

We can't forget to mention that we had to prime and paint the ceiling and walls too -- three coats on ceiling and two on the walls!!!

ALL IN A DAYS WORK......

We will try to post again before school starts again and with the furniture back in the kitchen....!!! LOL

more...more...more

2010-03-21T19:27:00.002-05:00

Wow, to think it's spring already. Where has the time gone?? Maddy said we should start getting ready to go boating....boy would she be in for a rude awakening if we go now....give the girl one day of 60 degrees and she is already thinking it's summer :-}

Kids have Spring break this week, I pray that Jody will survive it!! She is "kid sitting" for me ... as teenagers can lose the priviledge of staying home while mom works. We will wait and see how well this works......being a parent is a hard job, sure is nice to have the support and love from your family to keep you sane!!!

Seasons come and seasons go.... I can't wait for this "season" to end and begin a new one!!!

God is in control and His will be done!

Time Flies When Your Having Fun!

2010-01-20T13:29:00.004-06:00

Here I quickly find ourselves in a new year. In December I got to go to Myrtle Beach thanks to my hard work in Tupperware. It was an all expense paid trip. We also got to she the Hemingway plant were the Tupperware is made and packaged. It was a great time away with no kids!! We had a good Christmas. We had Jeremy's family at our home for Christmas. Then we went to Brad's girlfriends for the Helmer Christmas. Thanks Dianne. We also got to have some cousin come over to our house and play. The Sutton and The Ramminger's with all their kids. A great time was had visiting. The new year is starting off pretty good. Just starting to get back into the swing of things with my Tupperware and the kids back to school is great. Next week my little Lubby (Carter) will be turning 2. Time sure has gone fast with having him. Keeps me busy everyday. He is a little character. You never know what he is going to do. It is also very interesting to finally here him really start to say words. Last week he finally said Rosie, which the assistant has been trying to get him to say for almost 6 months now. I think it is the highlight of her day to hear her Lubby say her name. Rosie and Lubby definitely have a great bond. Nothing that others will understand.

Pictures of this summer activity!

2009-09-08T16:24:00.009-05:00

it's been over two months.....

2009-08-23T14:43:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that it has been over two months since we last posted. The inspector will have to add our pictures.

We have been on the go all summer. Jody has had MANY tupperware parties that have kept her out of trouble, in addition to her lovely children to keep her on her toes. She also spent 10 LONG days in Florida for her Tupperware Jublilee..NO KIDS, just her and Jeremy!

We all (Jody, Brady, Maddy, Carter, Scott, Josh, Nicole and I) left on August 19 for a short vacation in Wisconsin Dells. Jeremy joined us on the 20th. We window shopped in town, went to Mt. Olympus for two days of indoor/outdoor fun. Ate TOO much food. The adults went to a Broadway Theatre (Fabulous 50's) while the wonderful teenagers stayed at the hotel with the kids (including one that was SICK!!)

The final day of our vacation was the best weather wise and we took a DUCK boat ride down the Wisconsin River followed by 18-holes of mini-golf.

We have a few weeks left of summer before school starts back up. I am sure we will be out on the boat at least once more before the summer is over. I have a couple of camping trips planned and we also have the annual trash pick up at the Sheboygan County Fair. A long weekend to Eagle River before the end of September as well, so it is go, go, go!

Hope you all are enjoying your summer as well.

OLLIE

2009-06-07T19:25:00.002-05:00

I had promised the kids for the past seven years..that once we buy a home, we would get another dog. With Nicole's allergies, I was looking in the way of low-shedding...low maintenance...well, what turns out NOT to be the Chocolate Labradoodle that I was looking at, as it is actually a Yellow Labrador, named OLLIE.... he is 3 months old and is doing well so far!!! pictures will be posted later...I must get my own digital camera!!!

This past Thursday is when we picked him up, and Nicole decided not to go by her dad's house, instead she did a great job caring for OLLIE at Jody's home.

I instead had already accepted the invite of friends to go camping this past weekend. I had a very relaxing and enjoyable time at Long Lake (only 20 mins. from our house, but far enough away from the ins and outs of everyday life). It rained, and rained...but I loved every minute of it and am looking forward to the next time I am able to go. I promised that we wouldn't get the ranger called out on us the next time. Apparently some of us in the group were a bit loud for the other campers...HELLO, it's camping and it was only midnight...party poopers!

School is in it's final week for this year!!! Yippeee... I am excited for summer to begin... lots of outdoor stuff to finish up (projects!!) and more camping to be done...hoping to go on a road-trip to Northern Wisconsin before the summer is over.

That's all for now... hope you all are doing well and enjoying LIFE!!
Rosemary

updates for all

2009-05-24T22:57:00.003-05:00

time flies when you are having fun ... and even when you are not.

The rememberance gathering for my father this past Saturday was a lot of fun.. enjoying the memories that everyone shared of the relationships that they all had with my dad...everyone a different facet. It was beautiful...a bit of rain for about 45 mins... and then was sunshine. Lots of food and Beverages!!! I know my dad would have loved every minute of it!

Things (projects wise) at our home are coming along. As I mentioned before I made a promise last Saturday not to do any BIG projects for 30 days... that is a lot longer than I had anticipated... so far, so good.... small is good, for now.... though I am PLANNING BIG projects!!! I let you know what I come up with....

the inspector will have to finish our post later.. .Nicole just called, she is done having a girls night with friends!!!

Love Ya Dad

2009-05-21T21:09:00.002-05:00

Rosemary here....
On May 18, 2009, my father passed away. For the last year he had been battling lung cancer. As it goes, last week he received a clean bill of health, and was cancer free. However, the damage was far to great for his already weak heart to bear.
Today, May 21, 2009, we had his funeral, followed by a 21 gun military salute!!! He would have been so proud of this day.
This coming Saturday, we will host a gathering of rememberance in his honor...starting at 3pm...at our home, call if you need directions!

quick update

2009-05-17T18:22:00.005-05:00

Just a very quick update...we finishing Nicole's flooring...our first time mitering (fitting corners) for the quarter round. All in all, we did a great job (that was after the frustration level was HIGH, then I decided that we had nothing to lose and everything to gain by finishing this project on time!)
Then at 1am we decided that it wouldn't be a finished project unless her bed was assembled. she has boxes to organize...we do have to put back on the closet doors.... but it's done!
I've made a promise that after this big project was finished, I would rest, and not do any BIG project for 30 days. I have plenty of small projects to keep me out of trouble.

We also finished the new clothes line project at Jody & Jeremy's house..... FIVE LINES!!!

Pictures will be posted shortly. We have not seen any updates on the cousin's blogs????????

an update

2009-05-05T18:35:00.003-05:00

The project list continues ... however we are making progress ... even though some of our "projects" were not on my list in my notebook!! We had the furnace which I spoke of in the other post...the pump on the new furnace broke the next day, the garage door broke (not fixed yet!), the living room window leaks (not fixed yet!), chimney leaks, we had a pipe in the wall of the kitchen bust, leaks from the bathroom tub, ended up painting and installing chair rails, as the wallpaper issue could not be resolved to my standards .... a new bathroom sink will be installed this week.... the basement bathroom sink and toilet are running...not over the floor anymore....
all this being said.....
it really is a wonderful home ... and you are all welcomed to come and visit anytime!! JUST DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING, IT COULD BREAK...
though the water heater that was installed in 1985, which I was told to replace first, still is running strong, as of this mornings shower!!
and lastly, our beds arrive this weekend and I can't forget the last big project is Nicole's flooring will be installed next week.... stay tuned for more pictures... I do check the quality of those pictures before posting... just incase the Inspector decides to post any X'rated photos...
OK, my break time is over, I must head over to DivorceCare class.
for more pictures go to my facebook account....

Pictures Updated of Rosemary's Home

2009-05-05T17:32:00.004-05:00

Living Room

Rosemary's Room

Living Room

Nicole's Room

Nice Hard Wood Floors

Josh's Room

Hallway

Finding the nice hardwood flooring!!

Nicole's Room

Living Room in Progress

Electric Blue in Nicole's Room

First Paint in the Room

BLOGGING...WHAT'S THAT...

2009-04-29T20:13:00.003-05:00

NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE HAVE BEEN BUSY THESE LAST TWO WEEKS SINCE I CLOSED ON OUR NEW HOME!!

WE CLOSED ON APRIL 13, AND TWO HOURS LATER THE HOUSE WAS STILL FREEZING COLD!! 1030 AT NIGHT I CALLED THE HOME WARRANTY PEOPLE....LONG STORY SHORT.... WE HAD THE FURNANCE PEOPLE IN ON TUESDAY AND GAVE US THE BAD NEWS OF A BROKEN FURNACE...WEDNESDAY IT WAS INSTALLED.....WE CONTINUED TO DO AS MUCH AS WE COULD IN THE FREEZING COLD 57 DEGREES!!!! I AM STILL FIGHTING TO GET THE FURNACE CLAIM COVERED...THEY ARE DENYING IT..SAYING I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT IT WAS BAD...THOUGH I HAD A HOME INSPECTION...HAD A CLEAR SELLER'S CONDITION REPORT..AND WHY AGAIN DO WE BUY HOME WARRANTIES??????

SCRAPPING, STEAMING, SCRAPPING AND SANDING THE WALLPAPER WAS ALL OFF AFTER 5 DAYS!!!! WE PAINTED A TOTAL OF 14 COLORS IN MY HOME. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SURPRISE TO FIND HARDWOOD UNDER THE LIVING ROOM AND HALLWAY CARPETING!!!

I WILL TELL YOU IT HAS BEEN ONE HECK OF A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE...ALL OF OUR PAINTING IS DONE (TOUCH UPS ARE NECESSARY)...

CROWN MOULDING IS IN THE FINAL STAGES OF BEING INSTALLED....CHAIR RAIL IS UP AND OUR NEW BEDS WILL ARRIVE IN THREE WEEKS....

THE NEW KITCHEN SINK IS GOING TO GET LOTS OF USE...KIDS GET READY FOR THE DISHES AGAIN.....

BUT THE REST OF OUR "HOUSEHOLD" STUFF IS IN THE NEW GARAGE...AND WILL BE ORGANIZED BY THE END OF NEXT WEEK. PICTURES WILL BE POSTED WITH THE "AFTER" LOOK ... MAYBE THE INSPECTOR WILL DO THAT ...HINT HINT

WM Conference in Appleton, WI

2009-03-31T22:35:00.003-05:00

Mary, Darcy, Trish, Rosemary
Me & Annabell

Rosemary and I with Amy Roloff from the TV show "Little People Big World". She was one of our guest speakers.

Kirk Cameron signing autographs. He was our other guest speaker.

Newest Pictures of the Family!

2009-03-26T09:43:00.002-05:00

Brady 7 1/2, Maddy 3 1/2, Carter 1

pictures of 313

2009-03-16T18:56:00.006-05:00

Maddy in the laundry shoot.

another pink bathroom.

kids play area in the basement.

Nicole's bedroom.

Nicole's room.

Rosemary's closet...ALL MINE!

my room.

Joshua's room.

Joshua's room

PINK bathroom on main level.

313..... Maddy on porch, ready to greet you when you stop in to visit!

the bid is in....

2009-03-12T19:47:00.003-05:00

Assistant put an Offer in on a home today. Hopefully we will have pictures to post and lots of painting to do!!! Maddie hopes we get the house, cause the bathrooms are PINK!!! and Brady loves the YELLOW kitchen countertop!!!!!

another snowfall...

2009-02-22T18:49:00.001-06:00

we got a few inches of snow last night...probably the last of the season.....

100th post

2009-02-21T19:46:00.009-06:00

Nicole, Novalee and Joshua zzzzz's on the trip home from shopping.

Windmills - Eden, Wisconsin

Joshua, Rosemary and Nicole getting ready to get our picture updated for the church directory.

Brady & Carter - Carter's 1st haircut.

Brady, Madalynn and Carter....in snowmen pj's... The Jeep...where he seems to be when he gets most of his "business" done...

MORE POOP!!!!!

Lubbie has a bath!!

doggie go in...and doggie go out.....

we have been thinking for the last week or so what we would post for this blogging milestone...however, we feel that just sticking to our "normal" day would probably be the best... as it is, that is what we do best, the most of and enjoy every moment. here are some recent pictures of US.....

Carter's First Sledding Experience!

2009-02-07T13:52:00.002-06:00

He really enjoyed himself.

Carter's First Hair Cut..

2009-02-06T08:22:00.005-06:00

I the inspector made the assistant wait until Carter was one years old to get his first hair cut. With Brady he had had his first one by the time he was 6 weeks old, so I wanted to wait with this child. We had a snack for him and he sat just fine. He had to look around at all the people, but was not moving too bad. The lady cutting said that she wished all her kids sat this good.

Inspired by Amy

2009-01-26T22:00:00.002-06:00

We were so inspired by our cousin, Amy, we decided to change up our blog a little bit...we'll look for more cute additions soon...we are still working on Lubbie's video ... however, we are getting quite frustrated at it taking SOOO long!!! We'll try uploading it before bed...then we'll check it in the morning...we'll beat this computer at its own game!!! LOL

video still coming...

2009-01-25T17:23:00.003-06:00

We've waited almost one hour for the video of Carter eating his 2½ pieces of birthday cake!! We will try again later.....it's time for a new computer!

A sister's love...

2009-01-24T20:55:00.012-06:00

wait Rosie, I have to put on my lipstick first...

baking sure does make a girl thirsty!!

more lipstick....more pictures.

ta dah..we are finished...oops forgot the sprinkles..

what a great multitasker..even helped make lasagna!!

Lubbie inspecting the frosting.

filling tin the butt crack

ooh this is good stuff.

yep, they all agreed it was good batter.

Rosie I need my lipstick on for the picture.

see, I can multitask like the rest of them...

I need more Rootbeer!

drinking rootbeer so she can burp....

a few items needed for making Carter's cake...

all ready to start baking.................

oops forgot to post the finished basement picts.

2009-01-23T19:35:00.001-06:00

The purple area is Jody's tupperware ... we are still working on organizing and how the area will best be user friendly..without being too friendly for KIDS!!

I would rather cut my arm off than choose just a few photos!!

2009-01-18T00:22:00.005-06:00

Hope you enjoy the pictures...and if you know of a way to "tag" the photos, let us know and we'd be happy to do so!!! Otherwise, comment if you have questions!!

more from the Pelkie Christmas

2009-01-18T00:14:00.003-06:00

here's the last of the basement project..for now

2009-01-18T00:10:00.002-06:00

We finished another project!!!

2009-01-17T23:58:00.003-06:00

Jan. 17-Pelkies

2009-01-17T20:51:00.002-06:00

Jan. 17 - Pelkie Christmas

2009-01-17T20:44:00.001-06:00

January 17 - Pelkie Christmas

2009-01-17T20:11:00.003-06:00

Basement Project

2009-01-16T03:10:00.003-06:00

We just finished up (3:10am) with the first coat of paint in the basement. This was a PROJECT Jeremy was to do, but we thought we'd help him out! Pictures will be posted after a short nap... just a wink or two before kids are up (though school is cancelled for the second day in a row -- too cold!) and I have to work!!
I'll give you a heads up...it's primary colors..PURPLE, RED, YELLOW, BLUE, ORANGE and GREEN!!!
it will be a lively playroom.....

The Damages are in:(

2009-01-15T15:12:00.004-06:00

Today the Assistant got her estimates for the damage to her car. The range is from $2700-$1300. The only thing that was holding her headlight in were the wires connected to it.

Hit and Run...some people

2009-01-14T13:00:00.003-06:00

Real brief, I was at Jody's on Monday, January 12, painting the basement and while doing so, SOMEONE hit my car!! Damage to the drivers front panel and headlight.... I have insurance...however, last year when I told them to remove the LIEN (as I had the car paid off), they removed the COLLISION!! so really, there isn't insurance coverage on the hit and run...now the red tape starts,

more updates to come, I'll get the first estimate tomorrow...

Surgery Was a Success!

2009-01-13T09:25:00.002-06:00

Saturday morning was the true test. I got out of bed and I was able to see as if I had had my contacts or glasses on, however I did not. Yeah!! I can see 15/20. Which is 100% better then before without any corrective lens.

This week the Assistant and I are working on painting the real "toy room" in my basement. The kids are going to have a real toy room to play with there toys that have been in boxes for 8 months. They can hardly wait. We will post pictures of our finished project.

My Other Eye!

2009-01-08T21:01:00.001-06:00

Friday I am going to be having my other eye surgery done. I can't hardly wait for it. Also, the day that I can get of bed and be able to see without any glasses or contacts. Hope you all have a good weekend!

Let's do this again each month!!

2009-01-03T21:08:00.005-06:00

Assistant showing you the goodies that we ate. OKAY, I never said that they were all pretty pictures. LOL

Jody showing Anna a HAIR raising issue!! Anna and Rosemary being silly for the camera.

Maren and Jody enjoying our movies .. chick flicks!

and we continued the party until 2am!!

2009-01-03T21:02:00.002-06:00

Can you see me through my Margarita ..
Maren and Jody trying to hide!

A lot of laughing and other "noises" were going on....

at least once a month we should do this!!!

2009-01-03T20:57:00.001-06:00

One, two, three GO!! Anna and Maren to the race

Everyone needs a girls night out ....

2009-01-03T20:52:00.003-06:00

We were invited to Anna's house for a LADIES ONLY NIGHT OUT .. and boy oh boy did we have fun. So much that it will take many posts to show you how much fun we really had. Sorry, no videos ...

ANOTHER teenager!!

2009-01-03T20:46:00.002-06:00

On Dec. 31st we celebrated Nicole's 13th birthday.. Maddy made her cupcakes!! This time we didn't have to add the candles together to get the correct age!! LOL

The candles were a little much for our cupcakes...but so much fun!!

The Assistant is officially the Mother of two Teenagers!!

2009-01-03T20:03:00.005-06:00

Here's Joshua on his 16th birthday (on Dec. 18th) .. notice the candles (add them all together - creativity at our best!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!!

And she thought we were geeks....

2008-12-27T23:16:00.002-06:00

We needed to rearrange our TOY ROOM after the Christmas Party. We usually don't get many comments on our blog, however, our cousin (who will remain nameless), said we were GEEKS! So we thought she and a few others might like to see the rest of our TOY ROOM.

Now let's get scrappn!!

2008-12-27T23:12:00.001-06:00

Before and After Santa!!

2008-12-25T22:48:00.006-06:00

Christmas

2008-12-25T22:21:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! This morning we spent it at our home. We had 20 people in our house to celebrate Christmas with the Popelka's/Helmer's. Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed opening all of the presents. Then in the evening we headed to Jeremy's mom and step dads to celebrate with his side of the family. It was a short night, everyone was way tired, no naps today. So it was home to bed by 8:30pm. Opps forgot to rotate the picture for you all.

Our New Toy!!!

2008-12-21T22:50:00.003-06:00

Our latest project, we had to open one of our Christmas present early. We could not resist. They are our paper holders, so now we can see our paper much better and keep it more organized!!

Bye Bye Girl...

2008-12-19T09:49:00.003-06:00

Maddie Jo really enjoys going bye bye. Here she is waiting for her Rosie to come and pick her up. It is pretty routine for Rosie to take Maddie bye bye after Rosie is done with work. Maddie knows that when she hears the Church bells ring at 5pm she knows that it is Rosie's work bells.

Carter's First Build A Bear!

2008-12-19T09:27:00.002-06:00

Maddie got to make Carter's first Build A Bear. It is tradition in our family for the kids to get a Build A Bear. Carter is going to be getting it for his First Christmas. It is a Puppy Dog, and his name is Andy.

Ginger Bread House!

2008-12-10T16:11:00.003-06:00

Today Brady and his classmates made Ginger Bread Houses at school. They were all given coins to purchase candy to decorate their houses. Here is Brady's house and he is very proud of it, as am I. Now he wants to eat it and share it with his sister.

St. Nick

2008-12-09T18:44:00.003-06:00

St. Nick payed a visit to the house on Friday night. Brady and Maddie got coloring books, reading books, some candy, and a toothbrush holder of Spider Man and Dora. Carter got some chocolate candy and Puffers.

SNOW DAY!!!!

2008-12-09T18:33:00.003-06:00

The kids had a snow day from school today. They all played outside for most of the afternoon, while Jeremy and I took care of the driveway. We got over 10 inches overnight and another 4 today. The Assistant is off to take a drive and test out the roads to see how many donuts she can do.

Enjoying the Wisconsin Winter!!!

2008-12-04T19:48:00.003-06:00

Nicole, Brady, and Madalynn got to enjoy a night of playing out in the snow. Nicole pulled the kids around the yard in the tube. All had enjoyed themselves.
I stayed in the house and opened the window in our scrapbook room and took the pictures through the open window. Rosemary was a baby and was freezing her butt off. It is only 10 degrees outside.

We welcomed winter last night....

2008-12-01T23:16:00.004-06:00

we got quite a few inches of snow overnight...which delayed school today by 2 hrs...sorry no pictures yet!! Also no pictures from the hunters of their successful season!! Tomorrow I-59 and I will go to Milwaukee for a meeting regarding her surgery on Friday...she is hoping to get rid of the need for GLASSES...though she has had to wear them full-time for the past few weeks!! ;-}
Off to enjoy the snow!!!!

Hello

2008-11-29T22:08:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Hope you all were blessed as well. Brian got a deer (shot with a gun this time!!) I-59's house is in transition to SNOWMANVILLE!! around every corner, on every wall...there are more snowmen inside than snow outside.... Lubbie loves the Christmas tree...especially the lights.

Finally returned the overdue book...

2008-11-25T23:27:00.002-06:00

We finally returned Grandma Jane's book. We were planning on keeping it only one week...and that quickly turned into two!! So today during my noon-hour time, Jody, Carter, Madalynn and I took it back to Grandma. We barely got in the front door before Grandma was already jumping for joy that her book was back. Of course, Madalynn showed her all the "projects" that she has been working on and pointing out every picture to Grandma that Grandma was on. After playing with Grandpa Al's bears and bouncing on Grandma's knee, they had to take me back to work.

THE END, FOR NOW...

2008-11-24T23:18:00.002-06:00

that's all ... for this weekend

2008-11-23T20:52:00.004-06:00

Well, we had quite the fun filled and relaxing time of scrapbooking this weekend. Last night (rather this morning) we finished at approximately 2:15am. We have five more to do, as some great-grandchildren already had their own page, being an only child. I'll work on those five tomorrow night, so on Tuesday I can return the book to her. So here's Grandma's new book that we found today. It's not the Royal Blue, which is her favorite color, but rather a Navy blue.

and More...

2008-11-23T20:45:00.001-06:00

More....

2008-11-23T20:41:00.000-06:00

Brady's Toothless Days!

2008-11-23T20:35:00.002-06:00

TOOTHLESS DAYS

Here are more of Great Grandchildren

2008-11-23T20:34:00.001-06:00

Catch the butterflies!!!!!

2008-11-23T20:30:00.002-06:00

Here is Maddie's page for Grandma Jane's book!!

POSTING #48

2008-11-21T23:15:00.002-06:00

WOW, WE CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT ... WE HAVE NOW POSTED 48 POSTS SINCE STARTING OUR BLOG ON OCTOBER 24 .... THAT WOULD MEAN AT LEAST ONE A DAY, WHICH TURNS INTO MANY LAUGHS IN ONE DAY. HOPE YOU ALL HAVE BEEN ENJOYING AN INSIDE LOOK INTO OUR UP'S AND DOWN'S OF LIFE. FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT OR TWO... WE'LL BE CHECKING IN ON YOUR BLOG AGAIN TOMORROW FOR YOUR UPDATES . . HINT HINT!!!

Lubbie and his first ....

2008-11-21T22:58:00.003-06:00

real chocolate chip cookie with walnuts!! He is enjoying a "snack" during lunch time. He is teething again. We keep our "extra" cookies in the freezer, so this "snack" was right up his alley for his sore gums.

We are back ....

2008-11-21T22:26:00.003-06:00

NO NEED TO ADJUST YOUR CONTRAST, GLASSES OR ANYTHING ELSE!! I-59 IS HAVING SOME MINOR TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH HER CAMERA.....

what a wonderful and relaxing time we had making some Christmas cards tonight. We BOTH won door prizes, so we came home with a total of 20 cards!! Here are the five different cards that we created.

Play date

2008-11-21T16:20:00.005-06:00

Today the kids and I (I-59) had a play date with a friend of mine from school. She lives close but we don't see much of one another anymore. She has two girls, age 2 & 1. Maddie and the girls played very well together, while my friend and I got caught up on things. She also got a tour of our new home. The kids watched Dora, both Maddy and her daughters like Dora. We then went and had lunch then it was time to call it a day, as all of the kids were ready for a nap. Hoping to get together again before she moves an hour and a half away. However, that will give me an excuse to get away for the day. She is going to be moving close to a big mall and a children's museum.

The Assistant and I are off for a night of card making party at a friend's house. Jeremy is stuck home with the kids.

Movie Time

2008-11-15T23:35:00.003-06:00

They watched Kung Fu Panda and ate Popcorn.

Caleb 6, Brady 7,

Elijah 4,

Micaiah 3

Finished Crafts!

2008-11-15T23:24:00.003-06:00

Here are the finished projects. We added a picture from today to the Snow Man and to the Picture frames. It was a lot of fun working on these projects. The kids really enjoyed themselves.

11 kids ....

2008-11-15T20:31:00.002-06:00

Kids arrived around 1130am, we had a pizza party for lunch... then the little ones, everyone under 5yrs old went down for a nap... or at least two winks.... up and on to craft time..... here we are working on one of the four projects.

Grandma Jane's Newest Pages!

2008-11-15T02:34:00.005-06:00

Number 22 and Number 23 Great Grandchildren's pages. The assistant decided that it would be a good idea for us to make a page for each great grandchild. Needless to say, we have a lot of catching up to do. So if you have any RECENT pictures please send them our way. HINT HINT!!!

Lubbie Got Caught!

2008-11-15T02:19:00.005-06:00

Here is Lubbie, caught in our snack drawer.

Finally Getting Some Scrap Time In!!!

2008-11-14T22:37:00.005-06:00

Tonight the assistant and I finally got to do some scrapbooking in our toy room. We are working on updating our Grandma Jane's book. The assistant and I made our Grandma a scrapbook for Christmas 2 years ago. She has what I call the nasty disease of Alzheimer's. So we thought that by doing this book it would help her with remembering family, past times and the present. We frequently do updates as more babies are added to the already big family. Also, we add new and updated pictures of the grandchildren to which, she has 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. These are the pictures of when we presented the book to her on December 31, 2006.

Preparation!!!

2008-11-13T16:44:00.004-06:00

This week has been going by very fast. Busy re-cooping from being sick for 4 days. I had a Tupperware party on Tuesday. The kids are very excited about this weekend because they are going to be having a play date. My cousin is going to be coming to town for a wedding and the assistant and I are going to be watching her children while her and her hubby get a night away without any children. She has three children of her own and two foster children that will also be along. She has a son who it Brady's age and another son that is 4 and then a daughter that is the same age as Maddie. The two foster children are 12 and the other is an infant. Not sure on the exact age. If I had to guess I would say 6 months. So needless to say that we are going to have a house full. Besides my three kids and the assistant two, she will also be having another child her that she watches on a part-time basis. So if you were keeping track that would be a total of 11 kids. We are going to be having a full house. We are going to be doing some craft items to pass the time and watch a movie and have some popcorn. We will have to post some pictures after Saturday. Have a good weekend to all.

The I-59

Good Venison!!!

2008-11-09T19:54:00.002-06:00

Here is Brady standing next to Uncle Brad's Master Work.
Brad has now hit two deer and killed them with his work car.
Brian also hit a deer 2 weeks ago with his truck. I told them
that I better not be next. We spent the day today at Grandma and Grandpa Helmer's house cutting deer and of course eating it. We also managed to watch the Packer game in that time.

Auntie Weese and Adriana

2008-11-08T20:12:00.003-06:00

So many choices: changing the "older" babies dirty diapers (times 3), cutting letters, shapes out for our scrapbook pages, OR holding Adriana . . . honestly we do share nicely;-}

Here's Auntie Weese "taking her turn" holding on to Adriana. She is such a good baby, only one explosion and a small bit of crying when she wanted to be fed...all in all she will make one fine scrapbooker one day!!

The reason behind our "lighting" is no one enjoys the natural light like I do (Assistant) . . they apparently wanted more light to see their projects . . . such A-type personalities . . . . perfectionists!!

Our gathering was in Jody's living room . . . . like the paint job?? ;-}

Kissin' Cousins ....

2008-11-08T20:08:00.002-06:00

Carter, Barret (both being held by Brian.

Carter kissin' Adriana (being held by Rowie) and Madalynn watching.

ADRIANA

2008-11-08T18:55:00.005-06:00

Adriana, almost 2½ months old.... and 12lbs and 13oz!!

Grandma Jane came to scrap . . . .

2008-11-08T18:35:00.003-06:00

Well, she did enjoy our projects... however, her favorite loves are her GREAT-grandchildren. Here she has Brian & Katie's Adriana.... oh the love!

Scrapbooking

2008-11-08T18:32:00.003-06:00

We had our scrapbook gathering this afternoon. What a terrific time of relaxing and getting back into doing a few projects. We'll post some pictures. Thank you Kari for making this day so enjoyable and sharing your great ideas with us. We are looking forward to getting together soon for more scrappin'!!

A Little Better!

2008-11-08T04:30:00.002-06:00

It is the Inspector here. As you can tell by the time I am unable to sleep. I really should be in bed though, cause anybody that is a mom knows that if you are up this early for the day then you will not get a nap when you need one. I just thought I would check and see what the Assistant had been doing while I was sick again. It is really getting tired some being sick every other week. I just can't seem to kick what is in my body. I have had a sinus infection 3 times in the last month and my body's way of trying to fight it is by attacking my throat. So there for my throat is very swollen and makes it very hard to swallow anything. Lets just say that in the last four days all that I have been living on is Popsicles and I had an Ice Cream cone last night and it felt good going down, however it did not stay there. Won't get into detail about that.

I was talking with an old co-worker, who is not a good friend and she pointed out that maybe this is my body's way of reacting to all the events that have happened to me and my family this past year. To catch you up briefly, last November I was let go from my job at the group home that I had been at for 6 years. I was basically running the home until they decided that somebody else was more qualified to do the job that I was doing and they wanted me to train her to do the job that she was suppose to be more qualified at. Needless to say that did not go over well with me at that time. Keep in mind at this time I was also 7 months pregnant with Carter.

Then January 25, 2008 Carter Allen was born. I decided that it was best that I stay at home and be a Mommy to my 3 kids.

On February 28th we put our home on the market and had an offer in 4 days later. We excepted the offer, however we had to be out of our home by March 31st. That did not give us enough time to find a house, close on a house, and move into a house. So we had to move into my parents home until we found a house. I am greatly appreciated that my parents are there for us all the time.

After looking at countless homes, we could not seem to find one that would work with our family or our budget. So we continued looking and looking. Until the beginning of August and man that I sing with in church choir called me out of the blue and asked if we were still looking for a home. I said of course. So the next day, Assistant and I had already had an appointment to look at a home with the Realtor we were working with. I asked if we could look at if after that appointment. So we did and the Assistant and I both fell in love with it, keep in mind Jeremy had not yet seen it, he was working. The lady was selling the home after 30 some years of living here, because she was spending too much time driving to work and back and not to mention the gas prices alone. She needed to have an offer in on the home to be able to move forward with the new home that she found. We at this point did not have any Realtor involved so that was a big plus for the both of us. So needless to say that Jeremy liked it and now we are finally settling down into our home that our family can grow into for many years to come.

I guess that I better try now to get a couple more winks before the children arise.

I-59

it's been a busy week, and it's only Wednesday

2008-11-05T21:06:00.003-06:00

Assistant here ;-} It's Wednesday and Lubbie's FOURTH tooth is through the gums...YEAH!!

Jody is sick today and got another shot at the doctor's office, she was sick two weeks ago and got a shot then too. Migraine/thyroid issues ... she needed her tonsils out 10yrs ago, so just maybe that will be the next blog!!

Our scrapbook party is this Saturday, so hopefully she'll be feeling better; if not, I'll take her in for another shot, it worked last time!!

Lynnie and I went to lunch today at Culver's ... she took off her shoes at the table, so I was teasing her that I would leave her there ... she said, with her sad face, NO, you can't I have to go home and take care of my mom!!

I had been trying to convince Josh to get his hair cut (teenagers!!) for weeks, okay, MONTHS!! So tonight we are here at the Pratt house, and he wanted to go to the basement kids room and watch TV.... asking him what it was worth, a haircut?? he said YES!! so right after dinner we went outside and BUZZZZED!! Needless to say, he's been down there all night. Though he did play with Lynnie down there for 30mins.

All in all a good day... hopefully the inspector will be back on her feet tomorrow!!

Movie Night!!

2008-11-02T20:16:00.004-06:00

The kids and I all enjoyed a nice quiet night. The kids watched a Dora movie and I got some cleaning done. Here they are enjoying the many joys of watching a movie at snack time. POPCORN!!! Except for Carter, he is enjoying Puffers.

Warm September Day!!

2008-11-01T22:41:00.005-05:00

We took advantage of one of the few warmer days that we have in Wisconsin in the month of September. We went to the park in Fond du Lac along the lakefront, while Grandma Jeannie was at the Dentist.

another TOOTH

2008-11-01T20:49:00.002-05:00

Lubbie got his THIRD tooth tonight. He is working on #4, we thought they would come through at the same time. Jody is in trouble now, teeth on top and bottom. She said he BITES anymore and no more nursing!!LOL

Market Day

2008-11-01T20:33:00.004-05:00

Market Day was a BUST!!! There was a good turnout for vendors, however, the parent turnout was less than desirable. We had approximately 20 vendors and a whopping 10 parents attending. We made the best of the situation and still enjoyed our day away.

Your daddy isn't a glass blower

2008-11-01T20:21:00.003-05:00

While watching TV tonight, Lynnie (Madalynn) was sitting on the coffee table infront of the couch where Brady, Jody and I (Rowie) were sitting. Lynnie kept bobbing around and finally Jody said, "Lynnie I can't see through the back of your head." Without missing a beat, Lynnie turned around and looked Jody square in the face and said, "you can use my eyes mommy".

Wyatt a/k/a Funshine Bear

2008-10-31T21:49:00.003-05:00

Growing up with the CareBears was great fun ... and look and see here that Wyatt, Cousin Denise & Nic's son, too enjoys the come back from the 80's! His Aunties Nikki, Marie and Jill and Gma Nora all worked on this beautiful masterpiece - talented artists!! For his birthday this past July they also made him a Funshine Bear cake!! Their talents never end ;-}

Let me explain!!

2008-10-31T15:10:00.002-05:00

My cousin pointed out a good thing to me. She wanted to know what I-59 and assistant meant. If I do recall correctly it all started when we were painting at our old house and I was unable to paint due to being pregnant with Maddy at that time. I would come to the house to check to see how things were going after my lovely assistant (aka: Rosemary) was painting or done painting. It always seemed that everyday that I would take a look at something I would find a spot that she would have to touch up. So she started calling me Inspector 59. Most of those that know me I am a very observant person. I tend to be too observant and I am sure that some would wish that I was not so observant.

The Chapter 5 means that we have 5 to the Pratt family and our story continues. Nothing too special about the name.

Greetings...

2008-10-30T22:33:00.002-05:00

I can't believe we haven't blogged since Monday...you would have thought the Inspector would have caught that error!! We (I-59 and Assistant) are heading to Manitowoc on Saturday for a Market Day, where different "vendors" rent tables and sell their product. Actually we see it as a good reason to get out of the house and leave ALL the kids with Jeremy!!! We haven't been "scrapping" in our toy room, mostly working on organizing the Tupperware business. Hopefully we will scrap before Carter turns 1 in January, since I haven't even started his book (this is Auntie Rowie speaking!!).

Lubbie Going for a Ride!!

2008-10-27T22:01:00.004-05:00

Lubbie gets so excited when we are in our "Toy Room" aka scrapbooking room. He likes to take a ride in mommy's chair.

Trick or Treat!!

2008-10-26T22:32:00.004-05:00

Brady the Grim Reeper and Madalynn the Butterfly Princess.

Are we done? It was a cold, windy, and rainy day for trick or treating today. The kids still got their loot of candy and of course they have to try it all right away.

Young Eagles Program EAA

2008-10-26T02:13:00.002-05:00

Cousins, Joshua and Nicole got to participate in the Young Eagles Program during our visit to the EAA. Program is to promote flying to future aviators ages 8 - 17. If you are ever in the neighborhood, check it out ... it is FREE (one FREE flight per flyer per lifetime).

Joshua and Nicole getting last minute instructions.

Airplane ride anyone??

2008-10-26T02:05:00.002-05:00

June of 2008 EAA Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Bear

2008-10-26T02:02:00.002-05:00

Brian and Barret a/k/a Bear. GO BREWERS / PACKERS!!

Life Before BISCUIT

2008-10-26T01:58:00.003-05:00

My children have always enjoyed animals. Since I can remember, Brady has been asking for a dog. He enjoys helping Grandpa Earl with his "ducks", PIGEONS. Here they are using their great sense of imagination ... a dog's life. Notice the "doggie" treats (grapes).