Zilli Zone

Help!

2010-07-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

I can't post photos with my blog because when Jake wiped out my computer this spring...he wiped out my photo program. Now I don't know how to reduce my photos to fit onto the site. I take such high quality photos that I cannot use them without being reduced. I have no idea what to do until I get a photo program.

Prom 2010

2010-07-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Photo of Amanda and her date, Jake before Prom 2010

They went to Olympia Resort for the Prom and had a great time.

Coming Soon...

2010-04-27T21:02:00.001-07:00

Hopefully this week or weekend.... Prom 2010

Spring Break II

2010-04-27T20:58:00.001-07:00

Jake went to Florida too this year for his spring break. His was definitely a "college" vacation.

I don't know if there is a photo from his experience that doesn't include a bottle or glass of some type of alcoholic refreshment. I'm still looking......

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row...no vacation for me.

I never quite recovered financially from the fiasco of 2008,

where my truck broke down and I had to stay in Florida for 5 extra days.

Maybe some day.....

Amanda and her friend Leslie went para-sailing.
Scarry.

The girls flew down with Steph and John for a week in Fort Meyers Beach.
The weather was awesome every day, they met a lot of new friends and had a great time in the land of sunshine.

I got a lot of cleaning done and spent the week with three dogs.
Oh, well....

Madison 2010

2010-04-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Time for the annual visit to the capital in Madison...

an exciting adventure for a new group of students.

We had nacho sales for two months to earn the money to pay for our trip.

Once again, many of the kids had never been out of the city.

The entire 4th grade class. 19 of them are mine.

I thought the bus was going to tip over when we passed some

horses grazing in a field out in the country.

The kids all flew over to the windows and were in complete awe.

They had never seen anything like this.......

The kids were thrilled that Jake met up with us
and was a chaperone to this group of students.

My son in his new "home" town.

Thanks for helping out Jake.

Judy's 50

2010-04-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

Another 50th birthday.

My friend Judy celebrated the big 5-0.

Her husband kids threw her a nice surprise party.

Judy and Tim

The birthday girl with her 3 kids: Carla, Timmy and Deanna.

Happy Birthday!!!!

Random Cousins O'Neill

2010-04-09T10:31:00.001-07:00

Random photos of Cousin Kaitlin on her visit to Wisconsin last summer '09.

With her Gramma at the state capitol
Smile!

Kaitlin and my Amanda

With Coke

See you in summer of '10 Kaitlin!

Random Cousins Duehring/Henriksen

2010-04-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Just some random photos found in the old file cabinet....Cousins.

Nick and Braden
Gramma Jeri and Molly

Maggie

Evan

Mary

Eli

Micah

June and some dude.

Molly

Dawn and Nora

Elise

Braden and Eli

I'm sure that Braden learned how to make this face from Nick.

Yesterday

2010-04-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Seems like yesterday that we built the house in Pewaukee.....

I held her little 3 yr old hand into the fresh concrete of the front sidewalk

on the day that they poured it. Here we are 13 years later...

Jake is on the other side of the walk.....

now, how do I get him to pose for the same photo?

Braden's Birthday

2010-04-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love birthday parties for little kids....

This was the first birthday of my cousin Braden.

Posing with Gramma
Not too sure what to think of this gift opening stuff.

One candle.

Umm..this is MY cake. Get your own!

Yummy!

Taking it all in from my seat of honor.

Posing with Mom and Dad.

Back to the gift opening...

Happy 1st Birthday Braden!

Four Months !

2010-04-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

WOW....I can't believe it's been four months since I posted on my blog. What happened???

Well..the number one thing is called "Facebook" Yep, I signed up for an account. Despite my daughter telling me that "old people shouldn't have Facebook".... ....I love it!

What a great way to stay connected with family, friends, co-workers .... and even contact and catch up with old friends from my past. I have become re-aquainted with people that I haven't seen in almost 20 years. Friends from high school, college, church, the old neighborhood, work, and even people that I babysat for long ago.

And, of course, there's Farmville. Yes, I have a farm on the internet. It is so theraputic to come home from work, have dinner with Mandy, spend a bit of time together and then go and take care of my chickens and cows. As pathetic as this sounds...it's relaxing.

Just as long as the farm doesn't interfere with the Tonight Show...which I must see every night.

Work days are long and weekends busy..... everyone who reads this silly blog is on my Facebook, except my parents, so I have just been depending on Facebook.

I started to miss the blog....it seems like a more permanent memory of our lives. Nothing exciting has happened...nobody said their first word or learned to walk....those days are long gone, but there are still memories.

So here I go..

I apologize for the posts that I did late at night...= boring, and the fact that most photos are just people lined up like soldiers. I have to include more candid photos......

oh well.....

Butterflies

2010-04-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how you don't realize what you have in your own town.....

well in Milwaukee anyway.

Once again, I ventured out with my students...this time to the Public Museum.

I had never seen the butterfly exhibit. It was really cool!

You're in this big greenhouse type room and
they literally land anywhere they want to.

In addition to the fully grown butterfly, you can watch each and every stage of their development... from caterpillar on..right in front of you.

And you can touch and hold them.

We did the whole Milwaukee thing and

yes, we visited the creepy old lady in the rocking chair too.

She has been rocking in that Museum since I was a kid.

Anyone who has been to MPM knows the old lady.

Scarry.

My Class 2009-2010

2010-04-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Our "Christmas" photo:

They are wearing the sweatwhirts that I was able to buy them

using donations from family and friends.

The classroom is sooo cold during the winter

and few of them have more than 1 short sleeve uniform shirt.

They are not allowed to wear any type of sweatshirt

unless it meets the guidelines of the uniform code.

So basically most of them freeze all winter

because they cannot afford

another uniform shirt.

I was also able to get them each a little bag with a Christmas gift and candy.

They also each made a nice homemade card for their family

using materials supplied by my sister.

Thank you to:

Mom, Dad, Teddy, Candy, Judy, Tim, Jacki, Carla, Toots,

Kathy, and friends from Foxwood subdivision.

T.W.I.R.P. 2010

2010-04-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Just a photo from the TWIRP dance that Amanda attended in February of this year.

...with friends.

Cousins

2010-04-08T21:04:00.001-07:00

This photo was taken at Coast: Jake, Nick and Mike Zilli

...Cousins.

Candy is 50!

2010-04-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

The new year started with my sister-in-law Candy reaching the big 5-0.

Here she is with her daughter Chrissy.

Candy and RJ with Ellen

Family photo: Chrissy, Candy, RJ, Nick and Robby

Happy Birthday Candy!

Christmas Day

2010-04-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

No matter where our travels bring us on the 24th....

and despite wind, snow, ice and any other obstacles....

we always spend the 25th at home with the kids. (and dogs)

Here are Jake and Mandy in front of the tree

with Rocky, Sadie and Cocoa.

Jake and Coke

Mandy and Rocky

Merry Christmas 2009

An Engagement!

2010-04-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Christmas for my side of the family was up in Wausau this year

but, it wasn't just Christmas......

It was the celebration of an engagement.

Finally!

Craig and Tara are going to get married!

Mom and Dad pose by the tree.

Luke and Amanda ...your turn.

All the "kids" ... your turn.

The annual "tree" photos.

Merry Christmas 2009

Amanda's Birthday - Take 3

2010-04-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

Unlike most other people who have December birthdays

...my daughter can never complain that her special day was overlooked in any way.

These photos are from the actual night of her birthday...the 21st.

We had dinner at Coast with family and a few friends.

Group photo.... (l-r)

John, Aunt Mary, Candy & Robert, Hannah, Jake, Nina, Paul,

Amanda, Steph, Ellen and Carolyn.

Family photo

Amanda with her big brother.

Amanda with Grandma Zilli

And yes, ANOTHER cake!

Happy 17th Birthday Princess!

Amanda's Birthday - Take 2

2010-04-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

My parents went bowling on the night of the "all December" birthday bash and they also had bowling on Amanda's actual birthday night so......

Here is Amanda the Sunday before her big day -
Celebrating with Nana and Grandpa.

Uncle Teddy, Jake and the Cokester were also on hand...

Happy 17th - again.

Amanda's Birthday - Take 1

2010-04-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Amanda turned 17 on the 21st of December, but due to the holidays and people's busy schedules... it is always so difficult to celebrate with everyone.

So.....here is the first event.

Steph carries a cake that honors ALL friends and family that have December birthdays...

an annual tradition.

(probably not the best way to carry a cake though)

Amanda and the other birthday people (not pictured)

after the lighting ceremony.

I actually chose this photo because you can see, hidden to the right

and about ready to bite into the cake,

is our furry little friend who never misses a good party!

Happy Birthday

Dad, Angela, Chrissy, Amanda, Ellen, Nancy,

and whoever I missed.

Fuzzy Yet True...

2010-04-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Don't adjust your glasses...yes, this is out of focus.

I had to post it anyway,

because a photo is worth a thousand words....

And this photo says a lot about my kids .....
....their personalities, their brother/sister relationship, etc...

It is just sooo THEM.

The Cheetah

2010-04-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

I never have figured out how to add a picture to a post...without it ending up at the top.

So, I found this after I posted about the ZOO

and couldn't place it where it would make sense.

So .. read the Zoo story.

This is the cheetah and those students

who chose to stay behind the fence of the exhibit.

Let me tell you...it was not a happy camper.

Milwaukee County Zoo

2010-04-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

What do you do on one of the coldest days in December???

Why, you go to the zoo with 65 children, of course!

Admission is free on Mondays.

This is my class of 19.

If you are checking my math.... you'll notice that there are only 18 here.

Number 19 is hiding in back.

This was the least of the annoying things she did that day.

Some of her other antics included:

Throwing ice balls at the outdoor peacocks.

Climbing on the exhibits.

Chasing the birds and trying to pet them.

Knocking on the glass of the cheetah's cage.

(after she had climbed over the fence and was right on the other side)

Running across the park where it was off limits.

Pushing other children - practically over a fence.

Running away from us.

Using foul language.

Trying to get money out of any machine we passed.

I could keep going here.....that was only one of my little darlings.

Welcome to my world.

*I do have a small handful that were a pleasure to take on this trip...

On the Road...Again

2010-04-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

When you have a commute of 3 hours per day......

And you're barely moving...........again.

Sometimes, something makes you grab your ever faithful camera...

which happens to be riding shotgun today!

To take a photo.

Dad's 75th Birthday

2010-04-08T18:02:00.001-07:00

On December 1st my Dad turned 75 years old!

Party Time !
Yeah, no problem! Someone's got a lot of wind :)

My Dad's 3 sisters.

Uncle Russ and Aunt Linda

Yes, she never misses a good party !

With Mom

Teddy and I with Dad.

Candy came to celebrate a day earlier due to her work schedule.

Craiggers and Tara...more on them later!

My Dad and all of his siblings.

Sorry, this was not the best pose - I have better.

For some reason, this is the one that is reduced.

So there was the big birthday bash!

Good food, good cake, and good company.

Happy 75th Dad!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

We had a quiet Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's home this year...

Amanda, Carla, and Hannah.

Carla is Hannah's friend from Venezuela, who attends WVU Tech and plays soccer with her.
They drove to Wisconsin for the holidays.
Carla was able to experience "snow" for the first time in her life!

The chef and the turkey.

Jake was sleeping on the floor .....

so, Amanda, typical little sister, decided to bother him.

Step 1. Laying on him.

Hmm..... no response.

Move on to Step 2.

Step 2. Rip his blanket off.

(Looks like the pants came too...nice boxers Jake.)

Look out...ANGRY response.

Better run.

Jake had a really hectic work schedule over the holiday

including a start time of 2 a.m. on Black Friday.

Let him sleep Amanda.

Teddy Bear and Mom.

Yeah, Cokie never misses a good party.

Finally! Good morning Jake!

Da folks and da kids.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

It's Snowing!

2009-12-05T21:56:00.000-08:00

The first "school day" snowfall.

One person called out "it's snowing" and the entire class jumped up and ran to the window like they'd never seen the stuff before.

Hello, we live in Wisconsin kids !!!

Okay, I gotta admit it ... I looked too.

And...it WAS beautiful.

Only like..what...100 and some more inches to go!

Hello Winter.

Hmmmmm

2009-11-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

Let's see.....

My daughter...

her friends....

Someone's trees...

That appear to have...

What's that? ....

Toilet paper?

Hmmmmm......I'll let you do the math on this one.

Bye, bye, "Jim"

2009-11-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

As of tomorrow, "Jim" has been sold.

Amanda's new wheels....a Mazda.

A big hug "goodbye" and another "Thank you " to Nana for Amanda's very first car.

"Jim" has been good to Amanda, but there are some big repairs that are needed. With 200,000 miles and another cold Wisconsin winter coming closer every day, it was time to sell.

Bye "Jim" !

My kids meet "my kids".

2009-11-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

Jake, Amanda, and Nina brought pizza to school for my students.

It was the first meeting of my kids and "my kids".

Here we all are.... :0

One big happy family!

Homecoming - the dance

2009-11-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

Amanda and friends getting ready for the photo shoot...

the girls.

Amanda and Nina and their dates.

The whole gang.

Amanda and date.

The girls went shopping in each other's closets for a dress this year.

What a nice savings.

They also did their own hair.....more savings.

Everything was a bit simple and laid back this year.

Homecoming '09 - Spirit Week

2009-11-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Just random photos from spirit week ...

Amanda and friends at school.

In the living room before school...

Sleepover!

Round Two

2009-11-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

My second year of teaching 4th grade...

I have 19 students, same as last year.

Once again, I'm in for daily challenges that I never experienced while teaching in the suburbs.

Hopefully, I can make a difference in their lives

while teaching them a bit of reading, writing, and 'rithmatic!

Welcome to my World...

2009-11-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

This is it.......early morning and evening.

With 8 hours of naughty kids in-between.

I have been taking the commuter bus into and out of the city as much as possible, but the schedule doesn't allow me to use it on Wednesdays.

Having someone else drive has been a nice change.

Powder Puff Game

2009-10-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the Homecoming Powder Puff game.

The Junior class took on the Senior class.

Seniors won 28-7, but the Juniors put on a good show.

Amanda and friends .... pre-game.
More friends.

Coming Soon...

2009-10-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

Time for an update......soon.

Life has been crazy and busy since I last had time to post.

I will try to update on all the news over this weekend.

Actually, there isn't much news....

Things are back to a "school year" norm.

Jake has returned to college, but he is in Madison this year.

We just couldn't afford West Virginia.

He has a great apartment overlooking Lake Mendota and things are going well for him.

He is still commuting home to work at Best Buy on weekends.

Amanda is a junior this year and she just finished up her tennis season.

She is now "free" until soccer season in the spring.

She has a really tough class load this semester,

but finds plenty of time to hang out with her friends.

George Webb's restaurant is a favorite spot for food.

Homecoming is this weekend, so photos to follow.

I am back at school teaching 4th grade again.

Things have gone from bad to worse with the state cutting about $400,000.00

out of my school's funding.

And a new batch of naughty kids......

More later.

Six Flags - NOT

2009-08-08T13:26:00.001-07:00

Off to Six Flags Great America for the season ticket holder and friends....

Jake, Kyle, Alex and Jason got down there and went on one ride

before being soaked with rain showers.

Breakfast of Champions

2009-08-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Bub is 20 years old now but, he still whines if there is no Captain Crunch in the house.

His breakfast of choice: with Crunch Berries!

Breakfast before his shift at Best Buy

Guess who .... wants to play fetch !!

Friends

2009-08-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took a drive up to visit Sherry and her family a few weeks ago...

(Cokie got left behind this time to spend her first quality time

with Nana, Uncle Teddy and Grandpa)

What can I say..?

Sherry and I go way back to college days.

She has been my true BFF ever since.

The kids have known each other since birth.

Lotsa good times and great memories.

(l-r) Allie w. Peter, Kelsey, Amanda and Jake in 1999)

Our kids on our very first camping adventure. Ten years ago - almost to the day.

(l-r) Peter, Allie, Jake, Kelsey aand Amanda 2009

I know the dates - not because I diligently date photos like my Mom.
(Hey, I don't even know how to the spell the word - yet alone follow it).

But, because Sherry's daughter Allie was celebrating her 11th birthday in the top photo.
Yogi Bear came to our campsite to personally wish her a happy day.
It was sooo cool.

The bottom photo - well Allie was just a few days short of her 21st birthday.
I don't think that Yogi was on the guest list this year.
Happy 21st to Allison!

One of these days, I have to write more about our "Yogi" adventures.
Priceless.

Quality Time

2009-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone is home for dinner tonight.

This is so rare with their work schedules.

Jake is now working two jobs as he was re-hired by Best Buy.

Ooops. did I post that he was laid off last spring due to the economy?

July 4th in Wausau

2009-08-04T07:47:00.001-07:00

Jake, Hannah, Amanda, Cokie and I took a drive up to Wausau

for my sister's annual 4th of July party.

Amanda, Luke, Craig, and Jake

(My son is the "short" guy at 6'2")
Trampoline photos: Candy's granddaughters.

The whole gang: Amanda, Luke, his wife: Amanda, Craig, his girlfriend: Tara, Jake, and his girlfriend: Hannah.

Another random trampoline photo.

Candy's granddaughter: Keeley

Shooting off the fireworks.

Candy and sons.

Sparklers for the grandkids: Kiarra

Candy and friend

Coke never misses a good party.

The Fireworks

2009-08-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

Candy's fireworks....

...were AWESOME !

Coalie

2009-08-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

I took Jake and Hannah over to my friends Judy and Tim's house

to visit the famous puppy from West Virginia - "Coalie".

Reunion with the orphan pup that Hannah rescued.
Coalie - now known as "Lady" is happy, healthy and loving her new family.

I don't think that this was easy for Jake and Hannah, but the pup has a perfect home.

2nd Annual Volmar Family Picnic

2009-08-04T01:30:00.000-07:00

The second annual Volmar family picnic was held in late June this year. Aunt Marge and family were the hosts and it was a wonderful day. Good weather, good food and good fellowship.

The Volmar's

(l-r) Russ, Evelyn, Ted, Mary, Bill, and Marge
Teddy Bear enjoyed the bubbles.

Candy and Ron - down from "up nort"

I'm pretty sure Aunt Evelyn peeks in at the blog -

so I'll post a couple of photos of her fam.

Here she is with son, Todd.

Mom and Dad

Joey in the pond.

Cousin Renee and family

Teddy and Kathy

Next year it's Uncle Bill's turn to host!

Moving - over and over.

2009-08-04T01:26:00.000-07:00

Long story short.

After arriving at the new home....we discovered that the previous occupant's dog and cat had used the carpeting as a toilet.

We had to empty out the living room, hallways and then each bedroom to replace the carpeting.

Right after having moved in.

Bummer

Bring on Summer !!!

2009-08-04T01:20:00.000-07:00

Amanda and Nina - ready for summer.

Amanda worked so hard again this past year

and earned another 4.0 grade average for the year.

Time for a break.

Bring on Summer!

Last Day Photo

2009-08-04T01:12:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of "my kids" on the last day of school. Only 16 of them showed up.

It was very difficult to say "goodbye".

The trophy with the star on top is the Class of the Week award.

We earned this the week prior for having the best behavior in the building.

No write ups or suspensions for a whole week!

Congrats and best wishes to all !

Soccer

2009-08-04T01:10:00.000-07:00

Another winning season!

Second year in a row ....

Conference Champs!

We Moved!

2009-08-04T01:02:00.000-07:00

I don't have a photo of this....

We started at 6 in the morning on June 5th and finished at 2 the next morning.

The movers arrived at 8 a.m. Jake and Kyle moved most of the furniture on their own so that I wouldn't have to pay movers to do it. Actually the movers only had the washer/ dryer, big screen tv, beds and maybe one or two other things to do.

It is all a blur. I had to be up at six the next morning as I could only get one day off of work to move. I don't remember that Friday. My classroom was probably a zoo.

Arrival at the new place was a fiasco..........

Surprise , surprise.

Jake's Home

2009-08-04T00:42:00.000-07:00

Jake (and Hannah) returned from West Virginia - finishing their Freshman year of college.

This is Jake lighting up what was to be the last Bonfire at our home.

...a little newspaper

...and a busload of gasoline!

Typical Jake.

We'll all miss this firepit - many memories and good times here...

...Starting with the day that I first saw Jake and Kyle walking past my window with shovels in their hands. I knew they were up to something.

It was kind of nice that Kyle was over for the "last" fire.

Mommy's 70th Birthday

2009-08-04T00:15:00.001-07:00

My Mom turned the big 7 - 0 in late May.

Seems like yesterday I was attending her big 40th party in Aunt Lynne's apartment

on Morris Street. Time flies.

Culver's Turtle Ice Cream cake - yummy!
Mom with her cake - we didn't light up seventy candles.
We gave her a break with only 3.

Even Cokie came over to wish her a Happy Birthday.

A bouquet of cookies from Aunt Candy and Uncle Jack.

Mom and Dad

A bouquet of Flowers from all of her sisters.

With 2 of the grandkids....

... and 2 of the kids.

(Candy came down the day before, but my family all had to work -

so Mommy had two days of celebration)

That's it. No wild shindig. Just a quiet celebration with the fam.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY !

Where Do I Begin???

2009-08-03T23:53:00.000-07:00

Okay Melissa......you motivated me. I was actually going to get an update posted BEFORE you, but where do I begin???

I haven't really posted since MAY !!!

WOW

Let's see here.....what has happened? Hmmmm... go back to May and start with......

....Mommy turned 70
....Bub and Hannah came home from West Virginia
....We moved
....Soccer ended
....School ended and Amanda got another 4.0
....I said a tearful good -bye to my little darlings in 4th grade
....We moved again - cleared out 1/2 house for new carpeting
.....We moved again - cleared out other half for new carpeting
....Both kids got a summer job working for their Dad
....Attended the Volmar family picnic
....Celebrated the 4th of July in Wausau
....Went back to work at school - writing cirriculum
....Visited with my Stepdad, Bob
....Visited with cousin Kaitlin
....Had a rummage sale
....Continued digging out from the "moving" mess
....Went to Madison 5 times looking for an apartment for Jake
....Found one !
....Worked a few times for the catering and photographed a wedding
....Got to see little cousin Braden twice in one week!
Oh, and he brought his Mom and Dad along.
....Went up north to visit Sherry and family
.... what else???

I'm getting there. Actually, I think that's all. Whew!

On with the postings!

"Junk" e-mail Worth Sharing

2009-06-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

From my Mommy for teachers:

After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said:

'Let me see if I've got this right.'

You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.

'You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

'You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.

'You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.

'You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.

'You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard,a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.

'You want me to do all this and then you tell me. . . I CAN'T PRAY??

A Shower for Braden

2009-05-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Just a couple quick photos from the shower thrown in honor of Braden...

The new Mom and Dad

(I love the photo on the TV)

He looks pretty happy about meeting Amanda for the first time.

Congrats again, to Nick and Melissa, on the birth of your son.

Soccer

2009-05-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Only one more game...............

WOW ! The season flew by...

...and Princess scored some goals.

Congrats on a winning season, Amanda!

Madison

2009-05-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

The 4th grade all went to the state capital on Monday...

This is my class (minus the 3 I left behind for behaviorial issues)

just after our tour and ready to head back home.

Some of the kids had never been out of Milwaukee.

It was a fun day.

My Son is 20!

2009-05-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

On May 15th my Jacob celebrated his 20th birthday...

Here he is lighting up the candles on his cake.

Happy Birthday Sunshine!

Uncle Teddy (never misses a good party) with Jacob.

Nana, Amanda and Jacob.

Craig was also down from Wausau - so he joined in on the festivities.

(Amanda likes to annoy me by making dopey faces for the camera).

Nana made her famous Taco Rice - Jacob's favorite dish - and hosted the celebration.

Thanks, Nana!

*Hannah and Steph both had to work, and Grandpa went fishing, so our group was a bit smaller again this year.

Florida '09

2009-04-28T21:47:00.001-07:00

Spring Break photos from Amanda's camera...

You can tell that Kendall was taking this one.
This restaurant needs to fix their sign.

Enjoying the beach.

Just havin' fun!

Tuesday

2009-04-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's late night random thoughts..............

Shouldn't have had that Mountain Dew tonight cause it's 11:45 and I'm not tired. 6:00 a.m. is going to come might early tomorrow.

Tomorrow is Wednesday......I'm half way through the school week. Yahoo.

School kids were naughty today, but not as bad as yesterday. Fighting with each other. Not listening, etc... All of the usual. Confiscated a note today with unbelievable language in it. I didn't know those words in 4th grade.

They can spell every naughty word you can think of.....but, misspell every other "good" word.

Edwin had another day of In -School Suspension today. Second day this week --- ummm the week has only had 2 days - so he's 2 for 2. I had to laugh as I ran into him on the first floor and he was sooo happy and excited to see me - wanted to chat. It didn't bother him that he is suspended today because I kicked him out again for being disrespectful to me. Oh well, life is good, he didn't throw anything. ( He is actually more of a door slammer - which he did on his way out to the office) Wonder if anyone knew that he was wandering the halls...

Amanda had another game tonight. They kicked the last Waukesha team 3-0. West went down without a fight. Princess scored a goal.

She's sooo tired tonight...works so hard with soccer every night and school.

Bub will be home in about 10 days.........can't wait.

House still hasn't sold - on market for over a year now. Frustration beyond belief. I may end up renting it out. Everyone keeps telling me to bury one of those Catholic Saint statues in my yard - can't remember the name.

Others have advised to skip the statue and just pray. It's not working - maybe I better get a statue.

Cokie upstairs with the run of the house ---- better see what she's been up to.

Go Princess!

2009-04-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

Amanda's team is having a great season so far this year.

They have had one loss, so they are not undefeated like last year, but looking good.

This was a 4-0 victory over Waukesha South.

We took Waukesha North by the same score and are ready for West this Tuesday.

Just HAD to throw those Waukesha scores in there for my favorite cousins:)

Go Princess!

Aunt Candy meets Coalie

2009-04-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

" Lady" (aka Coalie) got to meet Aunt Candy yesterday.

She stopped by Judy's place up north to meet the famous doggie from West Virginia.

Lady was enjoying some r&r at her new family's vacation home in the north woods of WI.

Photos just do not capture how sweet this dog is.........

Spring Break 2009

2009-04-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

Finally !

Spring Break has arrived....

Due to the financial fiasco of last year, I was unable to travel this year, but Mandy, Nina, and Kendall are in Florida for a week of sunshine and warmth.

Kendall loads up her suitcase at 6 this morning.

Nina is cheery and ready to fly.

I dropped Steph, John, Mandy, Kendall and Nina off at O'Hare by 9 a.m. for their flight.

They were in sunny Florida by early this evening.

ENJOY EVERYONE !!!!

Rocky, Sadie and Cokie send their love !

(Yep, it's me and the 3 mutts all week.....)

7 Days -7 Weeks

2009-04-04T08:09:00.001-07:00

My son will be soon be home for the summer...

I think it is down to about 5 weeks now,

but the longest I have gone this year without seeing him is 7 weeks.

7 Weeks!

This has been a very difficult adjustment.

In 20 years, he has never been away for more than

7 Days.

Photo: from the Mommy collection.

Spring Break family road trip 2001

Somewhere in Minnesota at a rest/refuel stop.

Watching the sunset from the banks of this frozen river.

Dinner

2009-04-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I am the world's WORST cook....

so, I dread dinner time and having to come up with a meal.

Wait... re-phrase this....

I love sitting down and having nice Mommy - daughter time with Amanda at dinner time.

I JUST HATE COOKING THE MEAL!

This night it was weenie wraps and some crazy rice thing that I found.

Amanda makes a dumb face every time I pick up my camera -

then tells me not to post because the photo is icky.

Helloooo.

There's the smile! Much better.

I can cook up a great pot of burnt Tomato soup....maybe Amanda would prefer that?

If you've never had burnt Tomato soup....ask Damon, Trav, Jeremy or Nick how it tastes.
Their favorite babysitter made it for them one day long ago.

I also made my Mom and Teddy some great Tuna Helper - umm, nobody told me to drain the tuna first. Boy, did that stuff slide down easily.

Then there is the famous lettuce incident.....I didn't know you are supposed to wash lettuce in COLD water. I was using hot to get it good and clean.

Yes, I have ruined enough food to feed half of the starving people in the nation by now.

But, you gotta love Applebee's Carside to Go!

Fetch!

2009-04-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

More photos of Cokie girl playing fetch - her favorite pasttime!

She drops the ball right at my feet every time.

Subway

2009-04-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

My class won 2 Subway gift cards this year...

One for purchasing the most spirit wear and another for raising the most money for Jump Rope 4 Heart. So, my wonderful son went and picked up Subway and apple juice for all.

Sitting down quietly to enjoy their subs ?

Bub with most of the class - one was out on suspension. :(

Thanks for the treat, Jacob!

(One more thing on the "Mommy do" list checked off.)

Jacob meets Braden

2009-04-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

While Jacob was home on spring break, we stopped in to say "hi" to our newest little cousin, Braden.

Melissa, Braden and Jacob. He actually held Braden - for about a minute.

Braden was not into the family photo thing at the time - neither was Dink (the cat).

We'll have to try again!

It's Soccer Season!

2009-04-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

SHE MADE IT!

Back on the field for another season of soccer...

there were a lot of girls who were cut from the team this year.

The five days of tryouts lasted forever.

Well, the other good news is

that the kangaroo leather almost $200 shoes from last year still fit her!

She had such problems with blisters that I had to invest in the best, softest shoes.

The backs of her heels are full of scars. No blisters and no pain this year.

The team had to run out and get new t-shirts because the uniforms are stored in the school basement - and it flooded. All of the uniforms were moldy. Ewe!

So, this is the quick fix.

CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING THE SOCCER TEAM,

PRINCESS!

Tuesday Tidbits

2009-03-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Guess where I got this idea!!!!

Amanda: Today was the first day of soccer tryouts - looks like this is going to go on all week.
She was soooo exhausted when she got home. I feel bad that she is so tired and then she has to stay up for hours doing homework.
The school had midterm grades and teacher conferences last week. The reports from all of her teachers were wonderful and she continues to get top grades. It is so important to me that the teachers report that she is well mannered, kind and polite. Her reports have always been perfect in this area, but I always stay on top of it.

Jacob: Bub continued working on his "Mommy do" list today. This is the very long list of things that I want him to take care of while he is home this week. Today he registered the car, took Amanda's car to the shop, took my car to the auto body place, ran a computer to Best Buy,
did some banking, and more errands............ etc... It's so nice to have a personal runner. :)

Mom: My car had a big piece of molding crack and disconnect off of the top of the hatchback.
It will run between 2oo and 500 dollars to fix. Fabulous. The cause of this problem???
Good ole Wisconsin winter and an ice build up on the hinges. Made them snap right off.

Coke: Cokie girl is about fully grown now as she celebrated her first birthday in January.
She is a typical Sheltie and she "yaps" a lot, but we love her anyway. She is the first dog that we have ever had that can play a great game of "fetch". She has a tennis ball that she will return for EVER - if you keep throwing it.

Catch All

2009-03-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

The kitchen table is a "catch all" for anyone walking in the door. This photo proves that we are all guilty. Jake dropped the 2 pumpkins that I sent to WV last fall, the lunch bag is my contribution, and Amanda..... well, she put her shoes on the table. Yes, SHOES !!!

No, I am not happy about the shoes..........

Explanation of the shoe thing.

We have a puppy that likes to chew, and shoes are a favorite.

However, I think that she needs to come up with a new "safe" place for her shoes.

I actually took them and put them on top of the dog's cage (in background).

Now the doggie can look, but not get to them. Ha Ha.

I am happy that she is concerned about taking care of these shoes, they were expensive!

Lysol wipes came in handy for this little occasion.

Just back from a long Winter Nap!

2009-03-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

After 4 months of "hibernating" Jake's car was ready to come out of the barn after a long cold Wisconsin winter.

It was a tight squeze because the car is so low to the ground.

Here he is taking off the "blankie".
He was like a little kid unwrapping a present.

The white thing on the hood is Bounce.
We put an entire box of Bounce laundry sheets in, on and around the car.
We were told it keeps the barn mice from making a home.
It worked like a charm and the car smelled great !

Judy's brother Ed, our winter landlord, waiting while Jake brings the car out.

The shadows on this are funny - makes the car look all dented in, but it's not. He just has that paint damage on the front bumper from hitting a low curb last summer.

Jake is one happy camper - he's got his wheels!

Princess' Update

2009-03-15T17:20:00.001-07:00

It's the weekend !!!

Friday and Saturday are spent "chillin" with friends.

Sunday is family day.

Yes, apparently Amanda has not yet learned the "if you open it, close it" rule!

Tomorrow Amanda and Nina (left) both try out for the high school soccer team.

Good luck to both girls!

He's Back !!!

2009-03-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Jake is now home from college on his spring break.

First time in 10 years that we haven't all had the same week off from school and

the first time in ten years that we cannot afford to take a little "break".

I was lucky to have enough money to get him home from West Virginia,

so it's going to be a quiet week at home.

This is the "after" photo - keep going to see how he looked when he arrived!

This is the Suburban - filled with every article of clothing that he owns - DIRTY, of course.
6 plastic garbage bags, 1 hamper, 1 laundry basket, and one large duffle bag all filled full!
He also came home with snowboards (his and Hannah's), Electronics, and other "stuff".
I think that he'll still need a U-Haul to get home in May.

Here is the "before" photo - my son the night he arrived home.
Apparently nobody in West Virginia knows how to cut hair.
Or, maybe he doesn't trust his mop to anybody but cousin Melissa.

Anyway, I am just sooo happy to have him home!!!

Little Cousin

2009-03-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

My "little" cousin Nick and his wife Melissa are new parents....

Congrats !!!

Welcome, Braden.
I went to visit my newest little cousin last Friday - or was it two Fridays ago??
Or, is Braden leaving for college next week????

Okay, so time flies.
I still haven't given these photos to the proud new parents, but Melissa has been busy with her camera taking shots of the little one that put mine to shame. So, I decided to post these two.

It was so great to meet Braden!

My Other "Kids"

2009-02-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

Jake, Hannah, and Amanda drove into Milwaukee to meet my 20 other "kids".

Here they are with 5 of my students

They brought a "pizza party" to my classroom.

Little Ceasars' pizza and juice for all.

On career day, Chef Dan from the Zilli restaurants/catering came to talk to the kids about being a chef and the hospitality business. They really enjoyed him, but asked if he could cook for them next time.

Little Lady

2009-02-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

Update: The orphaned puppy from West Virginia now has a new, permanent, loving home...

and her name is "Lady".

My friends Judy and Tim have taken Coalie into their home and family.

She will have a great life and all the love a pup could want .....

Teenage Driver

2009-02-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

Here is Amanda with her "wheels". AKA "Jim"

We had such a cold January..... school was cancelled twice due to bitter cold. Then, suddenly we had this wonderful warm weather. "Warm" being about 50 degrees - of course.

(Note the shorts on my daughter while standing in snow).

February brought us more cold and a little snow - typical Wisconsin.

This is the "don't take my photo" photo!

When it's 50 degrees - the top goes down!
The girls -out and about -on a beautiful winter day in WI.
Going shopping - of course!

Random Photos

2009-02-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

Just a few random photos from Jake's visit home for Christmas...

This is a photo of Jake with our Coke and Hannah with her new puppy, Rosie. Hannah's parents surprised her with the puppy when she came home for Thanksgiving.
Don't ask me what breed Rosie is...I forget.

Jake and friends hanging out in the kitchen, looking at a scrapbook that Hannah made with photos of their "first year".

The one that needs a shave and a haircut is Alex.

Now that Amanda has a new drivers license......I can show you this one. Her very first permit used while "in training". It's really difficult to see, but her eyes are like a deer in headlights! It's the funniest photo. Trevor (and everyone else) was giving her a hard time about the pic on this particular night.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T08:46:00.003-08:00

For the first time in 20 years, my "little guy" isn't home this Valentine's Day...

Happy Valentine's Day ... across the miles ... to my Sunshine!

Love, Mom

Message from Coalie

2009-02-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

To: Jake and Hannah,

Just making myself at home here in Wisconsin.

Miss you,

Love, Coalie

TWIRP 2009

2009-02-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

The TWIRP dance was last Saturday. This is where the girl asks a guy to the dance. Amanda asked Kyle to be her date for the evening and they doubled with Kendall and Joe.

They both had dresses that would fit on Barbie.
Amanda's date, Kyle.

Group photo with Kendall and Joe.

Nana to the rescue with a quick sewing job to make the straps shorter on Amanda's dress.
Thanks, Nana!

Coal

2009-02-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

Well, Jake and Hannah weren't gone more than 2 weeks -- and back they came --- with Coal!

Hannah found Coal abandoned and wandering around the university. Nobody reported her missing and she has definitely been abused by whomever she lived with.

So, I am now doggie sitting for their pet until they have the means to care for her.

We don't know her real name - so Hannah named her "Coal" for the WV coal mine across the river from their school.

"Mommy Zilli" calls her "Coalie"

This falls under the category of "the things we do for our children"!!!

Bye, Bub

2009-02-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

Here is Bub all loaded into the Suburban and ready to head back to WVU for his second semester. He has officially changed his major to Criminal Justice.

Drive Carefully, Son.
Hannah and Jake - ready to head out.

Kyle had stopped in for a visit just a few nights before Jake and Hannah left.

They (along with Amanda) played the Rock Band game for the Wii.

Good Times.

Kendall's got Wheels!

2009-02-10T21:07:00.000-08:00

Here is Kendall, Amanda and Nina heading out in Kendall's new Mustang.

Yes, Kendall and Amanda both passed their drivers test on December 23rd.

Look out World!

Back to Normal...

2009-02-10T20:33:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to have Jacob home for a whole month ......... everything seemed just so "back to normal". He was on the go most of the time, but this is also typical.

Somehow, he even managed to fit in his annual snowmobiling trip up north. Now, that is a story...

Hanging out with little Sis. Probably visiting Facebook.
Coke comes in for a visit.

So, back to snowmobiling .....

Jake took the good 'ole green Suburban way up north to Ben's cabin for the annual snowmobile adventure. Yep, you got it - the Suburban + an annual road trip = you know what's coming next.

(Remember the Florida fiasco???)

Jake got stranded about 5 hours north of here - had to have the truck towed. Luckily, Ben had a car up there, so he could give Jake a ride to Aunt Candy's house which was an hour south of where the truck was towed to be fixed.

Aunt Candy to the rescue - she saved me from having to drive way up there to help out.

Jake stayed with Candy overnight and then she drove him back up north to pick up the truck.

Yep, "enter" Steph and his credit card - AGAIN! This time it was the fuel pump to the tune of about $400.00 . And we keep saying that nothing more could possibly break down because we have replaced every inch of that truck.

The beloved green Suburban did carry Jake safely back to West Virginia at the end of his winter vacation. 30 days that flew by way too fast for me.

Christmas in February...

2009-02-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

My original goal was to get all my Christmas photos posted by the end of January...

I borrowed this idea from cousin Dawn. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but it just didn't happen. You know you're busy when ........ you don't post Christmas pics until Valentine's Day!

Me and my babies.....Christmas day 2008
Every year I buy each of the kids 1 "toy". Even though they are "big" now.
Last year it was matching Nerf guns that shoot foam balls and this year it was pinball machines.
Amanda's had Scooby Doo as a theme.

Mom, Dad, and Teddy came over for Christmas Day.

Here is Mom giving the new Wii a try...

She and Dad enjoyed the bowling - - of course!

Steph also joins us on Christmas morning...

This one's a bit out of place, but I have never figured out how to move a photo once I load it to my blog. This was late Christmas night. Jake, Amanda and Hannah back on the Wii.

This is how much fun my son is on Christmas Day... Yep, he's asleep and it can't be later than noon or so. Check back with him at about 2 in the morning and he'll be full of life.

Dad - the pro bowler!

Giving pointers to the Granddaughter.

Tennis anyone?

Hannah also joined us to celebrate Christmas. She and Jake headed over to spend time with her family after his "nap".

Second Christmas together.

Grandpa is still bowling.....this game is "right up his alley"- Ha Ha !

My Bub with his Star Wars pinball machine.

The end of the holiday photos!!!!!!

Merry Christmas.

December Birthdays

2009-01-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

On the 19th, Steph threw a party for the December birthday girls - both family and friends. Amanda was one of the honored guests along with: Ellen, Chrissy, Angela, Mary Sue, and Nancy. Here are a couple of photos from the party...

Hannah, Jake, Jackson and my Mom.

Robby (who is doing better - thank you for your prayers), and Chrissy.

Nick, Chrissy, Steph and Carson.

Teddy and Ellen.

the Birthday girls (and two extras)

Happy December Birthday !

Coke's first Christmas

2009-01-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

I like posting some of my cute photos of Coke for my friend Susan. She is the owner of Cokie's mom -Vera and dad -Jack - and her "birth Mom" so to speak.

Anyway, people who buy puppies from Jack and Vera's new litters ask to see what the pups will look like as they grow up.

So here she is!

Merry first Christmas, Coke!
Age 11 months

Goodbye Coast

2009-01-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

The Zilli family closed their only remaining restaurant "Coast" located on the lakefront. They have decided to stay in the banquet, beverage and catering business due to the success they have found in these areas and the uncertainty of the restaurant business.

The family has also won a couple of big contracts providing services to the Public Museum and other public facilities like the Domes and Miller Pavilion.

Steph invited a few friends and family to enjoy a last meal .... and celebrate Amanda's birthday (again). The restaurant closed with the end of the year, but will re -open as a banquet facility in January 2009.

Amanda invited Nina to come along.
Jake invited (surprise) Hannah

Friends...... Paul, Carolyn and John.

Family..... Ellen, Aunt Mary (almost 92 years young), and Steph.

A birthday cake!

Sixteen candles.

Everyone by the Christmas tree.....

Me, Jake, Hannah, Paul, Nina, John, Amanda, Ellen, Aunt Mary, Steph and Carolyn.

Wonderful evening, fantastic dinner , great company........... Goodbye, Coast!

Family Christmas

2009-01-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

We had our annual family Christmas early this year due to Candy's work schedule. Later, Mom and Dad invited the extended Henriksen family over to "Party" with us. I posted the Henriksen photos earlier ... these are of the "Fam"

One of my Mom's awesome trees.
Proud Uncle Teddy with Amanda and Craig. Unfortunately, Jake was still at college and Luke couldn't make the trip down here due to a back injury. Bummer.

Steph and Amanda

Mom and Dad in front of the "mouse tree ".

Craig and Tara

Candy and Ron

Luke's wife Amanda

Candy, Teddy and Micki

Merry Christmas 2008

Christmas Card 2008

2009-01-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

You should have received my annual holiday photo card of the kids......and Coke.

The kids happily posing with their pup - how sweet.

This was just one pose that I shot for the card.
Okay, so THIS was the REAL scene at the photo shoot - actually AFTER - we had just finished.
Jacob decided to push his little sister into the snow right as she was getting up after the last photo.

You know what's coming next................

Yep........big brother - little sister.

Some things don't change with time.

So ends the "perfect" holiday photo shoot.

I seriously considered sending out a reality card this year.

Henriksens

2008-12-20T21:43:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad hosted a "Henriksen" family party on the 7th of December.

Below are the groups by generation and the "leftovers"-

(those who married into the family)

This is the group of attendees that were non -Henriksens!

Cousin Donna's husband Steve on top, Luke's wife Amanda and Craig's girlfriend Tara on the next step, Mark's wife Donna and Rick's wife Happy next and finally, my Dad and Aunt Lynne's husband Don on the bottom.
The "third" generation.
Amanda, my daughter, granddaughter of Sandy, great granddaughter of Elmer Henriksen.
Craig, son of Candy Lee, grandson of Sandy, great grandson of Elmer Henriksen.
Allison and Alex, children of Donna, grandchildren of Sharon, great grandchildren of Melvin Henriksen.

The "second" generation.
Teddy, Candy and Micki, children of Sandy and grandchildren of Elmer.
Mark, son of Candy and grandson of Elmer.
Donna, daughter of Sharon and granddaughter of Melvin.

The "first" generation.
Shirley, daughter of Alice Henriksen.
Sandy and Lynne daughters of Elmer Henriksen.
Rick and Sharon, children of Melvin Henriksen.

Sweet Sixteen

2008-12-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

In about 30 minutes .... it will be my "little Princess' " sixteenth birthday.

WOW ... seems like just yesterday that we were blessed with her.

Amanda will be taking her driver's test this week - hoping to become an official licensed driver in the state of WI.

In addition to driving - she is about to finish up the first semester of her Sophomore year in high school. She keeps busy with Student Council, French Club, Tennis, Soccer, school activities and hanging out with her friends. (no basketball this year)

She has always been on the honor roll at school so she also spends a lot of time studying and doing homework.

Once Amanda gets her license, she would like to get a part time job to earn a little gas and shopping mall money. With her experience working for her Dad's catering business since age 11 - she shouldn't have any trouble finding employment. She is an excellent worker and very responsible.

Happy Birthday Amanda!!!

Catching Up with Jake

2008-12-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Jake and Hannah are back from college. They're here in WI until January 12th.

This photo was taken this past fall - beautiful scenery in WVA.

Jake has now completed his first semester of college - and is going back to WVA for more. He has decided to change his major to criminal justice. Yes, he still has that dream of being a cop.

He has gone on about 5 ride a long trips with various officers in the area during his time off from school. This seems to be the career he really wants to pursue.

In addition to being a full time student, he continues to do online moderating for Sony and has applied with another company for a paid position doing the same thing.

During his breaks from school - back in WI - he works for Best Buy in the mobile phone department and swings into computers as needed. He also has put in some holiday hours working for his Dad in the family catering business.

Other than that, most of his time is spent with Hannah. They celebrated their 1 year "anniversary" this past November. Hannah will be joining him for a second semester at WVA starting in January.

Finally, despite his busy schedule -- he did recently find time to take his little sister over to the high school parking lot -- to instruct her in the fine art of doing "donuts" in the freshly fallen snow.

Yes, Bub ......I did hear all about this little adventure.

What's Up?

2008-12-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

WOW !!! This is the longest I have gone without blogging since I started my site. Life has been busy-crazy. I am hoping to get caught up tonight because, as usual, I have fifty things to do today and no time to load photos.

Today I have to go watch "my kids" from school play basketball. It is so fun to see their little faces light up when their teacher walks in the gym to catch their game. They only have 3 games in their season. It's the 40 minute drive each way that is so time consuming.

Then I am dragging Jake to storage to retrieve our Christmas decorations and a few other things. Yes, no tree or decor for the season yet. On the "to do" list for today.

Right now I am downloading photos that I was hired to take for a family's Christmas card. Gotta burn a CD and drop it off this afternoon.

I could keep going here............but time to finish the photo shoot stuff and get going.

Back later.

One More Game

2008-11-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Sunday is the last game of the outdoor soccer season for this year.

It has been so cold - I can't wait.

I'm glad that she is putting those gloves that I bought her to good use. NOT!

Tripping? Apparently NOT! No whistle.

Indoor season is now in full swing, but Amanda has decided to only play occasionally.

A little break from sports for now.......

Bubble Bath

2008-11-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

Coke had her first trip to the groomer for a bubble bath, nail trim and fur - cut!

Pretty Pup.

Halloween

2008-11-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

Here is Amanda dressed up as a TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle).

This was for spirit week at school.

Halloween was different with Jacob being so far away this year.

First time in 20 years that I haven't had a child go Trick-or-Treating.

Amanda opted for attending a party on the 31st instead.

Somehow, I'm sure that Jacob and Hannah found a party (or two) on Halloween also.

This was a child's size medium costume. The biggest "Turtle" we could find.

I cut the legs off and she used them as leggings.

There is a big shell on her back and it also had a mask.

This is about as creative as I get.