5th Annual Dupee Family Brewer Game

Wow - another year and another Brewer game! We've been doing this since I first had Braden I believe with one summer off so that would mean this is our 5th game!  This year we had about 30 people join us for a freezing cold tail-gate and then of course the game.

Marc manned the grill and did a great job cooking up brats, burgers and hotdogs.

Judy and I had a great time sampling all of the yummy dips, chips and salads!  Norah wasn't quite sure why she couldn't have more. :)

She was a trooper, especially since it was soooo cold outside!  It had been hot and summery earlier in the week so the cooler temps came as a surprise.  

Braden and Olivia had a fantastic time playing football, hot potato, and other games with their cousins.  It's really fun to watch them all interact and to see how much Braden looks up to them.  I sure wish we were able to see them more often.  Steve and I have talked about trying to make more of an effort to do so when we are at Darrell and Judy's.

This is a picture of the immediate grandkids!  Steve and Nikki had their new baby Lola with them(poor Lola hasn't ever been that cold before), Jillian, Braden, Olivia, and of course Norah.  

It was a great time had by all.  I feel so lucky that we are able to see everyone as often as we are but just can't help myself from wanting more.  I love family time!!

McKinley Mile

Last week we joined Braden at McKinley to run The McKinley Mile.  We plopped Norah and Olivia in the stroller and off we went.  Braden ran with Steve most of the time.  Olivia ran a short bit but for the majority of the time she just enjoyed people watching.  The course wove through the local neighborhood past friends houses and looped back to school.

The night was beautiful and it felt great to be part of something that promoted our school as well as a healthy life-style.  Our family all ran in at the same time which was 14.30. :)  It was a fun run and we are already looking forward to next year.

Scrunchy Nose!

Norah is 9 months old and has the sweetest smile around.  When she is really happy she scrunches up her nose (you can see it somewhat in the picture above) and giggles.  She has two teeth on the bottom and one and a quarter teeth on top! :)  She is just starting to crawl a little bit and pull herself up to her knees.  I LOVE this age.  She has the most gentle, easy going personality.  Braden and Olivia absolutely adore her. They are very good to her - she is such a lucky little peanut and is showered with love and attention at our house.  As she starts to move and take their toys we will have a hurdle on our hands but for now they love to entertain her, arouse a smile and laugh and Norah loves to give it to them!!

Cozy Nook Farm

Tuesday morning Olivia and I went on our second Milwaukee Tour Club tour to Cozy Nook Farm.  It was a wonderful morning!  We met a large group of moms and their kids and Farmer Tom took us around the working dairy farm.  We played in the hay, learned about how cows are milked, what they eat and what their days are like.

Olivia was able to feed both baby cows and mommies.  She was a little scared at first but after feeling their soft, tickling tongues she couldn't get enough.  Norah was a good girl and was very patient sitting in the stroller and then the Bjorn.  

I'm really enjoying the moms that I have met and the planned events for the girls and I.  Our next tour is a First Stage Theater production of, "A Bug in a Rug." We can't wait!

Meal Co-Op

I haven't posted lately about meal co-op so thought I'd update everyone...it continues to be such a wonderful part of our lives. We've had a little shift in membership and now we have four full time ladies again.  Its Sara, Cheri, Kristin and I.  I love it not only for the food which feeds my family with a variety of delicious meals each week but because of the connection it has given us all.  There is just something about taking care of each other that feels so great.  I love that we know each other well enough that showing up in PJ's is okay, that having a less than yummy meal occasionally is okay and that we have our Sunday exchanges each week to touch base and connect. It is a staple in our life at this point and if we ever end up moving all four families are required to come with! :)

Meals this week are:
Pigs in a Blanket :) - Ha!  This was my meal this week!!
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Tex-Mex Pulled Turkey Sandwiches

Next week:

Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Spinach Tortellini Casserole - This is my meal next week!!

Broccoli and Beef Stir-fry

Scrambled Egg Pizzas Hungry?

Nourishing for the Soul

I was a wanna-be Betty Crocker last week!  It made me wish I had my own vegetable garden.  Not because I want to care for it but I certainly want to reap the benefits.  This is where Darrell and Judy come in! They were down to visit and brought us some extra basil and tomatoes they had left over.  My mind immediately began playing with ideas of what to make.  

Pesto was the first project.  I found a recipe I liked and made three batches with my trusty-rusty 12 cup food processor (gotta love it) and then froze them in ice cube trays (thanks to my friend Sarah for the recommendation).  That way I can pull out however many cubes I want and we don't waste any.  I was surprised by how easy it was and also how wonderful it felt to be making something that 1. I knew my family would enjoy (it's Braden's favorite pasta topping), 2. It was freshly grown with no pesticides and 3. I was going to have a freezer full to thaw out at a moments notice.  

After the basil, I sat and looked at the tomatoes wondering what I could do that would be easy and delicious.  I decided on salsa after reading my friend Meg's blog.  She and her mom made salsa and used a packet so off to Pick and Save we went. Ball (jars) now makes packets of freeze dried ingredients to help with canning. I thought we'd give it a try.  AMAZING.  I washed and chopped tomatoes (food processor to the rescue again) and then simmered on the stove with the packet of salsa mix before putting into jars.  SO easy. Steve and I agreed that it is some of the best salsa we've had. I am sure it's mostly due to the fresh tomatoes.  By the way... the clear containers with the green lids in the picture are Balls new BPA free jars!  Plastic instead of glass and stackable lids.  Awesome idea in theory until I got them home and realized that two of the lids had holes in them.  Oh well.

So we are all stocked up and ready for winter! ha!  I love cooking and baking and am so glad that I have a family to do it for.  That is one way I feel like I am taking care of them and nourishing my soul at the same time.  There is just something about taking random ingredients (more true for the basil than salsa!) and turning them into something delicious.  The seemingly plain "parts" that together make a wonderful "whole."

Happy Harvest!

Milwaukee Tour Club and Inspiring Moms

This is Olivia performing on the stage...I can't get it to rotate for some reason.

Olivia, Norah and I joined the Milwaukee Tour Club this year.  I was looking for a few ways to become involved with other mothers and their children.  I wanted to meet new people and give us something fun to do.  It's a group that plans tours all around the area.  This fall we'll be touring Cozy Nook Farm, the Milwaukee Ballet, Edwardo's Pizza, the Delafield Play Gallery, the Planatarium at Retzer Nature Center and a play at First Stage Theater.  Sounds fun doesn't it?

Tuesday was the first event.  It was a wine and chocolate tasting at Vino 100, a local wine bar.  This was obviously not for the children.  It was very out of my comfort zone to attend.  I did go with a friend that I had just met this last summer but didn't know anyone else.  I knew I needed to push myself if I wanted to meet new moms and get out of this group what I am hoping.  Of course, I had a great time and am so glad I went.

The second event was at the Delafield Play Gallery. We had a great time.  It was more of a play group than a tour but was perfect for a rainy day.  Olivia ran around and played in each of the areas.  She spent the most time shadowing a little girl named Anna who was just slightly older.  She really wanted Anna to play with her and Anna wasn't so sure she wanted to play with Olivia.  I felt bad for her but Olivia tends to be pretty tough and in the end found someone else to play with.  Her favorite was the stage that she was able to dress up and perform on.  Imagine that!! :)

I also joined iMoms (Inspiring Moms) previously called MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).  I've had really mixed feelings about joining because it requires me to put Olivia and Norah in childcare.  I wasn't sure I wanted to give them (especially Olivia) up for another morning.  It isn't every week and Olivia's childcare has its own curriculum (it's not just a big free for all) so I decided to give it a try.  The speaker was incredible.  She talked about loving ourselves, knowing that God loves us and that is all that matters and not comparing ourselves to others.  It was a great message.  We then broke out into small groups and started to get to know each other.  Usually we'll catch up, discuss the speaker and then wrap up to go get our kiddos.  It's a great place to grow as a mommy and a woman.  I am very excited about it.

So...we continue to be busy!  Just when I think things are slowing down I seem to find more to add to our list.  I do love being busy I guess. :)

Good Enough?

Is it good enough?

This is something I've been wrestling with for a while now.  As most of you know I am quite a perfectionist and although I am much better than I used to be, perfectionism still rings loud and clear in my life.

About a month ago I was having coffee with a good friend and she mentioned that she was trying to have things in her life be, "good enough." I am embarrassed by my gut reaction and am glad I didn't open my mouth.  I found myself thinking, "Why in the world would you want to be good enough when you have the opportunity to be GREAT?" I kept quiet and then started to really think about what she said.  She's someone I admire so I continued to replay this conversation and wonder about the impact this was having on her life.

This desire to be "GREAT" has at times provided me with such happiness and satisfaction. At other times it has caused me grief, sadness and a lack of confidence. My dad used to tell me I was black and white and I needed to work on letting a little gray into my life.  That never made sense at the time.  It does now.

After much thought and attention I have taken the phrase, "good enough," and tried to wrap my arms around it.  I think it'd be an incredible thing for me to give myself permission for certain things in my life to be good enough rather than great.  I want to find comfort in this gray... in not having to strive for perfection... in feeling good about myself even if I can't do it all.

I imagine that all of this pondering is part of growing up. Part of finding myself and my place in the world.  Part of discovering what is important to me and how to live a happy, peaceful life.  I imagine that although this is something that has been challenging me over the last month if I take the time to work through it I will be better because of it.

I do love life. I feel very blessed to have the family and friends that I do.  I have always tried to be the best "me" I can be and although I still want to be that "best me," I also want to give myself the permission to celebrate my strengths and gently accept my weaknesses.  We can't all be GREAT at everything so my new question in life is...

Sarah, is this good enough?

Olivia's BIG Day!

Olivia started preschool this week!  Can you believe it?  I surely cannot.  My peanut is off to school and loving every minute of it.  

I love watching her grow.  I feel like I am a "slower" mommy with Olivia.  I enjoy more, am not worried about as much, and am able to anticipate more.  She was slightly nervous in the morning asking if I was going to stay with her.  I explained that we were going to come home for Norah to nap but would pick her up soon after.

We walked in, found her name tag, and helped her engage in some play.  I was given a warm hug and quick kiss and off we went.  

Norah and I were both quite productive!  Norah napped and I cleaned like a mad woman. It was great and before I knew it, we were back in the car to pick her up.  

I love the moment you get to walk in to a classroom to pick a child up.  The greeting makes everything hard in life worth it.  It's so gratifying.  I love her smile, squeal and the little pitter-patter of her feet as they run to me for a squeeze.  Oh Olivia...you are growing up so fast.

It's scary for me to think that Norah will be off before I know it.  I'd best try to slow down and enjoy the moments more.  That's why I am home now after all.

Welcome Baby Cole

Yesterday Norah and I visited my friend Kate and her new baby Cole.  He is such a peanut as you can see.  He weighs less at a week old than any of my children did at birth. I just ate up my snuggle time.  I LOVE snuggling babies.  Oh man alive I have a baby bug.  Not that I could handle another one at the moment but it made me excited for when that time is right.  There is just something so special about their nuzzle, their breath, the way they meld to your chest.  Nothing is quite as peaceful as a sleeping newborn resting on your body.

Kate and I have been friends since our first year of teaching.  We met and hit it off right away.  I love thinking back to that year and the smiles, laughter, tears and everything else in between that we shared.  I adore her. She adds so much to my life and I'm thankful for her friendship. 

It was so heartwarming to watch her go through pregnancy and now to watch her as a new mommy. She is very natural and loving.  It seems just as it was meant to be.  Cole was meant for Kate and Kate was meant for Cole. I love that I get to share motherhood with her now. 

Congrats Kate and Jim...he is perfect and I adore him as well as both of you!

Catching Up

Goodness...where does the time go?  I have thought about blogging a number of times but usually a nap, laundry, an errand, reading or something else wins out.  So what have we been up to?

Steve and the kids rescued a hurt baby chipmunk and took it to the humane society.  His initial desire was to raise it at our house.  Hmmmm that didn't take much thought from me - Nope!  But I'm happy to help you take it to a rescue shelter! :)  It was a good lesson in citizenship and humanity.

Braden is working his way out of naps on days he is home.  This was how I found him after an hour rest period.  LOVE it!

Steve took Braden and Olivia to a Brewer Game on Labor Day.  They had a great time eating cotton candy, playing in the play areas and watching a little bit of the game.  It was some good daddy time.

We have started watching Evan and Andrew on Monday and Fridays each week.  This picture includes a purple Teddy Bear that was sent home from Braden's classroom.  We had to chronicle our weekend with him and send it back in a journal for the class to enjoy.  The weeks are flying by faster than I had anticipated.

We celebrated Steve's birthday!  Happy Birthday Love.  We had take out Thai and cupcakes on Friday and then Steve and I had a special date on Saturday.  

Darrell and Judy came down to watch the kids.  We had a couples massage, then we went out for burgers, beer and the end of the Badger game.  We spent some time shopping for clothes for Steve and then had dinner downtown at Umami Moto where we enjoyed some delicious sushi rolls.  It was super nice to have uninterrupted time together. I think we both fell in love all over again.

Braden started soccer.  It was raining for his first game but he was a trooper and ran up and down the field chasing the ball.  He's not very aggressive so doesn't dive in for the ball but hopefully as his confidence grows he'll take a few more risks.

Wow ... it's been a busy but wonderful start to the school year!

Neighborhood Play Dates

This summer has been wonderful for our neighborhood.  We now have quite a few people to play with right around us.  To our left is Charlotte who is 2 1/2 years old, to our right is Rory who is 2 years old and behind us is Jaycee who is 4 years old and Ridge who is 1.  There will be more babies joining us on our block next spring!

Poor Braden is one of the only boys but he loves playing with Jaycee and he's had lots of time playing with Evan and Andrew, Patrick and all of his other buddies while Olivia tagged along.  It is fun for her to have a turn.

You'll often find us congregating in the front yard!  Braden and/or Olivia might see someone outside playing and run to the door to go join them.  It brings back great memories of all the fun had in our neighborhood growing up.  I am glad that at least for now, we have friends with children right around us.

Jaycee and Ridge joined us the other night in the front and we created a mini-roller coaster with their wagon.  They had a blast riding down the little hill.  It made us excited to sled down it this winter and also made us discuss the possibility of heading back to Great America yet this fall.

I am very thankful for where we live. Not only the city of Wauwatosa, which I LOVE, but the neighborhood as well.  I love my neighbors and am excited to watch our children grow up together.

First Day Wrap Up

This was the scene when I walked up to school at the end of the day.  By the time the kids came out there were many more families waiting to pick up their children from the first day of the 2010-2011 school year.  

Braden's class came out first.  He was about half way back in line and gave me the biggest wave, smile and HUG when he ran down to see me!  It warmed my heart.  He was very excited about his day but even more excited about playing with his buddy Patrick on the playground after school.

It was nice to catch up with some of the moms that I got to know last year and watch the kids play.  We walked to school with our backyard neighbors and Olivia had a wonderful time playing with Jaycee who started JK this year.  

After walking home and trying my darndest to pry information out of Braden we sat down to Banana Bread Smoothies and little by little he did tell me a few tidbits...

-he played with legos (NOT the light-up ones)

-Patrick played with him

-He ate his ENTIRE lunch but is WAS enough food so I should do the same thing tomorrow

-They had a short rest time but he did NOT sleep

-He didn't have a snack or milk

-He had two recesses

-He had Gym but all they did was walk and hop around...it was boring

-He had music and he got a sucker after singing some songs

-He likes Mrs. Theil

-He went to the bathroom two times

-He didn't raise his hand at all

-Mrs. Theil read the story, "First Day Jitters," and it was the TEACHER who was nervous - not the children! 

That was his whole day...8:18 to 2:15... or what he chose to share with me at least.  It is up to me to fill in the blanks!  I am hoping that Olivia will give me more details when she starts! I want to know it all. I want to picture them in their environment and be able to see what they are doing.  

For dinner Braden chose to have Mexican so Steve stopped at the store and picked up a few items to make some mexican roll-ups.  The celebration was topped off with Kiddie Wine!

Cheers to Braden for a GREAT first day of Kindergarten! Now ... off to make his lunch for tomorrow. :)

First Day Jitters

This is a paper chain count down we made!

Wow - so today was the big day at our house!  Braden started Kindergarten.  

This means full days at school every day of the week.  About a week ago you could have asked me how I felt about it and although I said I was sad, I was mostly excited for him.  For the growth that will take place, for this step in his life and for the new adventure for us all.  Today however - I am just plain sad.  I didn't anticipate feeling this way which is why I think it has hit me like a ton of bricks.

Olivia and I snuck down last night and decorated our large kitchen window.  It was a fun surprise this morning for him.  We talked while we ate pancakes about what to do with his supplies, a reminder of what his teachers name was and what lunch time might be like.  He was nervous... which made his mommy nervous.

Before long it was time to go.  Unfortunately it was raining so my picture perfect - first day - family walk to school - wasn't going to happen.  We drove and Steve stayed in the car with the girls while I walked  him in.  I sat with him outside the classroom door and when his teacher rounded the corner with the rest of the class who had been waiting in the gym (due to the rain) he found his friend Patrick which eased his worries.  

He quickly asked me his teachers name again and said out loud when she was in ear shot, "Hi Mrs. Thiel."  He waved and she waved back.  This was when it hit me.  Wow - he's not mine anymore.  Ugh... that ton of bricks came down suddenly and I felt overwhelmed with emotion.  I held it together the best I could, gave him a quick kiss and sent him in.  I wasn't the only parent in tears and I was actually one of the first to leave.  Many stepped into the classroom but I chose not to. I know how hard that can be on everyone...parent, child, and teacher... so I walked away, climbed into the car and felt very empty.

Don't get me wrong - I am still super excited for him but I did a lot of wandering around this morning wondering what to do with myself.  He is the most wonderful little boy and is growing up into such a great person.  This is a big step for him and I cannot wait to go get him after school today.  This mommy is longing for a HUGE hug (hopefully it won't embarrass him!!)

Olivia and I got into a groove while Norah slept and we played Bendaroos for a while then we cleaned both bathrooms and finished up the baby food I started yesterday.  I know this time with her will be special and I need to cherish it because before I know it she will be off to school as well.

Happy First Day Braden!

  

Duluth

We traveled up to Duluth not long ago.  Steve's family gathers each August for a reunion of sorts.  We all pack into his uncles lake house and have a ball.  This was the group shot from this year.  We are all there except for Chris and Jillian who couldn't make it and were very missed!

The newest addition, Lola, joined us and was quite the trooper as were her mommy and daddy. I know how hard it is to travel with such a young baby and they did so with such grace and ease. It was so fun to see them as parents.  Lola is a very lucky little girl. She is not short on love - that's for certain!

This year, Steve and Jeannie finished the "suite" above their garage. They gave that to us which was incredible.  The picture above shows our staircase and porch.  When you head inside, there is a living room with a futon, microwave, refrigerator, and sink.  Then behind that is a large bedroom.  There isn't a bathroom yet but may be by next year.  The great part of this is that when our children cry out in the night (which Norah took up as a hobby while we were there) or get up at the crack of dawn (which we all do when we travel) we didn't disturb anyone.  We got up, made coffee in our little coffee pot, listened to music and just hung out.  It was like we were on our own mini vacation!

A lot of the trip this year was cold and cloudy but that didn't stop Braden from fishing with his Bapa.  This is Braden's new found interest.  He LOVES it and is getting pretty good.  I am not a "fisher" so it's great that his daddy and Bapa know what they are doing.

All the kids got a lot of family time which is the purpose of the trip.  They love playing with their Grandma!  Steve and Jeannie were such wonderful hosts and let us drag our toys all over their beautiful home.

At about midday on Saturday the sun peeked out and both kids took their turn on the Jetski.  Braden is on his third set of ear tubes (poor kid) so had to wear this headband to avoid an infection from the lake bacteria.  They were so much more adventurous than they have been in the past!  It was fun to watch them enjoy the water and the time with their daddy and Uncle Marc.

Daddy took Olivia on the tube.  I am not sure this was her favorite part of the weekend!  After the kids came in, Steve and Marc had a blast playing like they were 20!  They were tearing up the lake, whipping each other around and both knee boarding and wake boarding.  I wasn't the "fun" mommy this year but hey - someone had to hold down the fort on land!

As usual - this trip (despite the long drive) was a highlight of our summer!  We LOVE the time with our family and it's in the most beautiful location.  Thank you Steve and Jeannie for being such great hosts!!  We can't wait for next year. :)