What Have You Learned?

What have you learned?
Can you remember?
What would you like for me to do?
Everything you need from me is in your hands
And everything else is up to you

You’re like a butterfly on a windy day
You use directions in a roundabout way

What have you learned?
Now that you’ve been burned
By the guy who used to be
The center of your eye?
And you’re blown away
By your own hurricane
And you wonder why

Castaway and you’re looking
Through the wreckage for your pride
But you can’t salvage what you don’t supply

What have you learned?
Now that you’ve been burned
By the girl who used to be the center
Of your world?
Who used to be your center of gravity
And now you’re so unsure

You’re like a squirrel
Out in the middle of the road
You’re halfway there
But don’t know which way to go

What have you learned
Now that you’ve been burned
By the one who used to be
The One and Only if you could see
Your sinking dignity

You’re like the waves
Beating on the sandy shore
You swear you’ve been there once or twice before
What have you learned?

What have you learned? Can you remember?
Now that they don’t know what to do?
Now that they miss your heart of gold so badly
This is what I’d say if I were you-

It’s in a treasure chest
That’s buried in the sand
But the “x” does not mark the spot
And I do not need a hand
And if I burst out into flames
Without your guidance anymore
Just scatter me across the sea
And you can kiss my ashes from the shore

-Carbon Leaf, Nothing Rhymes With Woman

School Days!

11......5.......2 The Grades they're entering this school year!

I gotta say...14 weeks is tooooo long for summer break! I think even they were excited to go back!

This year, they all live far enough from their respective schools to ride buses. This is a MUCH welcomed happening especially with me working out of town. Can be a hassle getting off work in inclement weather to grab a kid who's not on a bussing route. Now...no worries...

Or so we think...the first day the Middle School bus didn't come to our stop. So I ended up driving Becca and a couple boys from the stop to school! Thankfully the stope is across the street from our house AND Todd and I were home. First day kinks, I guess.

I'm sure this year will go fast. Which will be good since it's gonna be hard with me being gone a lot of the time. I hate to think all the stuff I'm gonna miss. But I know we'll all step up to the plate and come out on top!

Even though I KNOW they are leaving their home chores until the 11th hour on the day I come home :) Way to go, Gang!

Purple People Eater?

Naaaaaaaaaaaa! Here's Boog's back to school 'do! I was glad she added the bangs back in. She has a LOT of hair (Like me) so it's good she cut some and we're able to see her a bit better now :)

I allow the kids pretty much free riegn over their hair styles. I figure hair experimentation is the least of my worries and rather harmless. So...black and purple it is!

Beccs' Bday!

Miss Becca turned 11 on the 4th!! Again, hard to believe. I got home around dinner time that day from work in the Cities. We had a small celebration at home with her friend, Cheyenne. Her Dad is coming for a visit soon and we'll whoop it up then.

I always feel bad for the girls as their bdays are either side of the start of school week. Things in a $ sense always seem to go wrong around this time with school shopping, doctors' appt etc in prep for school. One day...hopefully next year...we'll be able to do them up right!

She started MIDDLE SCHOOL this week! WOW! She seems to be loving it! And is enjoying that fact that she gets to ride the bus to and from school this year!

A Dog's Life

On my way home from my job interview I was traveling along 212 and 23 and followed this motorcycle a bit. I just laughed... this dog has a VERY GOOD life indeed!

I gotta job! I gotta job! No, really.. a REAL job!

A couple weeks ago I got a note on Facebook from a former classmate about a FT job opportunity in North Minneapolis. I had already been working PT in the Cities over summer, and have been looking for FT work for 2+ years. So I applied, went for an interview.. AND .... was offered the job on the spot!!! And yes, I accepted on the spot!

I was SO excited when I walked out that day that it took all my energy to walk in a composed manner to my car. THANK YOU, Megan!!

My new Dr. and his staff are fantastic! It's a new practice, so many of us are new to the staff and we seem to all be a good fit with one another. Which is a hard thing to find in this field. Mostly, it's great to work for a nice doctor who's very cool and laid back. There is a learning curve here with new software and being completely paperless, but am sure it'll all fall into place over the next couple weeks. Every day gets a bit better.

The hard part is that I live in the Cities during the week and am home only on weekends. I got the job just 2 weeks before the start of school so it was too soon to move the kids. These next 9 months will be trying. Now that school has started, that will help the Smalls keep occupied. I feel bad...not being there...the things I am going to miss out on.. but will all be for the best in the long run. Parenting from 150 miles away is not easy and leaves Todd with the brunt of the mess unfortunately. I worry for them all, but know they'll work it out together! TEAM WORK! My thanks to them for their understanding!

I want to especially thank my kids, friends (Kim, Jer & Matt K) and fellow hygiene associates for your uncurbed enthusiasm at my news. It really means a lot.. A LOT! Thanks to those who should have been excited, but weren't. It's good to know where we lie in this grand, short-lived scheme.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet! She's SIXTEEN!

Wow, can ya believe my baby is SIXTEEN? She's definitely changed, well, grown up, a lot in the last year. We're not looking forward to getting a driver's license in October. Well...I don't think she's too thrilled, but I sure am!

She's just started her Junior year of High School...WHOA! We've already started looking at colleges, discussing senior pics and thinking about grad parties..

I was about her age when her father and I started dating; maybe a smidge younger. It all seems a blur now. I can say I am proud of who she's growing into as a person. Which is a major accomplishment/wish/desire for any parent! Lucky me!

They're baaaaaaaaaaaaaack.....

Our favorite summer bug, the Cicada, is back! The hatch has been lighter than last year's, probably due to the mild summer weather. Alex just LOVES these things. Here he is allowing one to crawl all over himself. I have to admit, they are pretty interesting; and even I like watching them emerge from their casings. But I am not about to let them crawl on me!

Up near Lake Mille Lacs

A few photos from near the Lake Mille Lacs area. I love the photo I took of the tower before I climbed it. Neat perspective. Was a 175 stair climb to the top. Was worth the climb. Was so neat to be above the trees and see the area...the trees that span out to the lake ...Got some neat shots of the graffiti etched into the stairs and the walls of the look-out. My fav: "Don't give up! It's worth it...once you get there!"

Toys 4 Tots Ride

Did our annual Toys 4 Tots ride in Mid-July. Always good to see the friends and spend the day on the bike. Only..this year was BRUTAL. It was overcast and the wind blew a solid 30mph most of the day. We were SO wind burnt...tired..ugh! If it weren't for such a good cause...I'd have given that up!

Girls' Night Out

Of course.. GNO(Girls' Night Out) is always a welcome event! I think we started out doing this like once a month. Now...it's sometimes more than that and we also incorporate "Thirsty Thursday" on a regular basis. This group is awesome! And we do allow the hubbies along...and have a few single pals that are dubbed the 'token males'.

I'm not really sure how many are actually on the 'list' of people contacted...I'm sure it must be over 30. We have several regulars...the main 15 I would guess.. that show up to most events.

Just got done attending Belgian American Days the first weekend of August over in Ghent. We love Dueling Pianos ;)

It's good to have an outlet...a place to go...people to hang with.

Summer...ahhhh summer...

Summer is nearly over. Odd. We still have 3 weeks until the lil' yellow buses begin making their pick-ups. But ...we are all ready! 14 weeks is TOO LONG of a break.

Been a good summer. The kids have had many fun activities. Michaela has just recently returned from her annual dino dig volunteer gig in ND. She and Ray had a great time! Then she got SEVERLY burnt at the beach in SC. SIGH! Apparently she was quite distracted by some clams and forgot to REAPPLY the sunscreen!

The Smalls just returned a couple days ago from Spokane. They had a great week with their dad and visiting friends. And a nice visit with our favs the Shawleys.

We've had friends over...lots of play dates...late nights..

Michaela had her wisdom teeth out last week. She's doing well thought still a bit swollen. But she did awesome! Next week she turns 16. ZOINKS! And we're looking at the calendar and seeing when we can fit her driver's exam in....hard to believe!

Went to the HS today and picked up her school schedule for the year and get the audition info for the fall play: Seussical the Musical.

Rebecca is getting excited to start band practice. She's chosen the flute.

Still need to tackle those daunting school supply lists. This year's boggler: Why does a 5th grader need 48 pencils?? Really??

Sherburne Nature Preserve

While spending a lot of time in the Cities over the past few months doing some hygiene subbing, I've been partaking of the many parks etc around the Twin Cities areas.

These are a few shots from Sherburne Nature Preserve at the north end of the Cities near Elk River.

I never did this when I lived there. I dunno why. There are HEAPS and they are fantastic. I love getting out, hiking, taking in the peace and just...being..alone. Alone with my thoughts, feelings and well...me.

Just last week I was offered a permanent position with an office in Apple Valley. It's very PT, but at least it allows me to scrape teeth! And will keep me afloat while I keep searching for a permanent FT position.

Kitchen Experiments

The cool weather the past few days makes me wanna bake. Mmmmmmmmmm! So we whipped up a batch of one of my childhood favs: Waffle Cookies. They are the sole reason I own a waffle iron.

Then in this month's issue of Family Fun Magazine, they had a recipe for PB cookies you shape into Guinnea Pigs in honor of the new movie G-Force. They are cute, but the dough needs a bit of tweaking.. Tasty nonetheless!

How does your garden grow?

I took a few snap shots of some of my favorite garden lovlies this year. Unfortunately, for some of my plants, it's not been a hot summer here. Particularly so for the tropical trees which have yet to sprout a bud much less bloom. SIGH! I personally do not mind the lack of humidity, but this weekend's temps were in the 60s and that was excessively cool!

I was in Elk River on Thursday to see the Tim Mahoney Band perform at an outdoor venue. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!! OMG! But so worth it! I hadn't seen the band (one of my MN favs) in over two yrs. Good times! They still rock!

GS go to Horse Camp!!

Becca and the rest of her GS Troop spent 4 days at Camp Elk River, near the Twin Cities, enjoying Horse Camp. They had a blast! They quickly became attached to their horses. Rebecca's horse is named Sampson. It was very fun and very tiring! I went along as one of the transporters/chaperones. My only complaint was that I got SO SORE sleeping in the bunk beds. OMG! Yup, I'm O.L.D! I took over 300 pics of the girls; there were 15 total. But I thought this one was particularly cute!

They girls are already requesting doing another Horse Camp next summer. OI! They are old enough to attend alone without Leaders now and do resident camp. We'll see how it goes...

Next week Michaela leaves for her annual trip to Marmarth, ND, with Ray where they dig dinos. She'll be gone 2 weeks. The smalls will also spend a week in Spokane with Doug visiting with friends there. Then ..the mad rush of school will begin with visits to dentists, eye doctors and the family physician. School shopping... saying that actually puts a smile on my face. LOL

Down Under 2009

The smalls have just returned from their trip Down Under with Doug. For those of you who aren't up up to speed: Doug is a Kiwi and the kids are "Duelies": citizens of both the US and NZ. So they go there as often as they can manage to visit the relatives and friends and to get to one of the coolest places on Earth.

They stopped first in Australia for a holiday with Aunt Mary-Jane. They had a blast! Then off to NZ for 2 more weeks. They visited the Australia Zoo (of Steve Irwin Fame - he died on Becca's 8th bday BTW), went to Rotorua (NZ's version of Yellowstone), and a lot of other great touristy places. They were spoiled by relatives and the whole lot.

Everyone had a great time! And as luck would have it, they get to go back for 2 weeks in December for Aunt Louise's 50th Bday Bash!! WOOO HOO... nothing better than Christmas in Summer :)

For me, that three weeks went FAST. SO FAST I gotta admit, I didn't get much chance to miss them. I didn't get anything done that I had hoped to get done; i.e. painting Becca's room. Oh well..

Washing the MT off

Actually...not just MT, but the last 8 mos of MN, WY, MN and MT. It was time. It had to be washed and cleaned out a bit. The car was GROSS. Was in Eagan the other day, and even though it's raining today, it still had to be washed. It looks a lot better thanks to the folks at the rockin'-ist carwash: Paradise. Yeah, it's a bit pricey. But the vacuum it, wash the dash, wash the car (with all the coatings), hand dry it, polish rims and tires, wash windows...in ten minutes. Saving me 60+ minutes: priceless!

GHS: 20 Years Later

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=276148&id=818600719&l=dbe1b0cbfb

If you wanna see photos from the reunion, copy and pasts the link to see my Facebook Album of the weekend.

So..20 years. TWENTY YEARS. Where did that go? I tell you, I remember my graduation like it was yesterday. Apparently, there are a few more days in there.

The night before leaving for the reunion, I was in Minneapolis attending the Blue October Concert. FREAKING AMAZING! Got back to Teri's at 2am..we left at 3am-ish. We drove 15.5 hrs to Montana, making it JUST IN TIME for the social hour that night at the K-Bar. We got to bed around..oh say 2am. LONG ASS DAY.

I cannot tell you how great it was to see everyone. Some were total surprise! I was saddened by how many of the local GHSers didn't come when so many of us had traveled across the country to be there. ?? I had a great time, lots of laughs, plenty of tears come Sunday morning.

Oddly, being one voted into the "Most Likely To Succeed" category in HS, I have severly failed that office. I think my most successful thing was getting out of Gardiner and having my kids. Though I love Montana, and my hometown, you all know that, but glad I got out and saw the world and lived it. My life definitely has not gone according to plan. My major pisser of late is that 5 years ago I decide to "grow up" , go back to school and now I sit with a large student loan, no job and a very dark brain cloud. Somehow, I think I am forever screwed. No matter what I do; it just doesn't happen. Maybe in the next 20 years I'll be more impressive.

It was good to see how many people had changed for the better! I may not be one, but I sure noticed the ones that have! Going to school in a very small town is a unique experience. One we all identify with. It's nice being 'close-knit', but sucks equally that EVERYONE knows your business ALL THE TIME. You can't really be yourself in that environment. You're too busy fitting in to keep the chit-chat and ridicule at bay. And if you don't play sports, well, you pretty much don't exist there. Because sports rule. Those things haven't changed. And really, our bond hasn't either. It's just aged to perfection.

Father's Day

Doug, Rebecca and Alex heading to New Zealand - 06/20/2009


Happy Father's Day to all those dads out there. In particular to my own father. It's a special one for him since Carol and Gianna are visiting him for the first time in MT. A blessed event indeed. Enjoy guys!

Dad - Thanks..even if I didn't always show it, or you didn't think so... you are an awesome dad. I know it's not always easy. But it is always appreciated. I know I would not have gotten this far without you. And while it's embarrassing to me how I, even as an adult of nearly 40, have and still do lean on you at times, I know that you don't even think twice about it. I love you heaps!

Ray and Doug - If nothing else, I can say I am totally blessed with exes that are great dads. And having been around friends with less than friendly outcomes to their marriages, not only are our kids blessed, but so am I. Even though we are far apart, you have always been and continue to be a very important part of our lives. Thanks for all you do.

Todd - Thanks, from all of us. You took on a lot when we got together. Something that you didn't have to do, but have done a great job. I know it's frustrating, annoying, sometimes funny, often unbelievable..it's parenthood.

Running in Circles

Summer is hardly a time of relaxation around here. The kids are out of school and have lots going on!

Rebecca has just returned from a trip to Disney World with her good friend, Robin, and her family! What a treat that was! Thanks to the Bock family!

Michaela is currently in NC for a few days visiting her father and his parents et al. And apparently putting more holes in her ears today :)

On Friday I will drive the smalls to the Cities to meet up with their father. They're all off to NZ and Oz for 3 weeks. Both kids are dreading the trip, but so excited to see all the Down Under friends and relatives.

While they are gone, Todd and I will drive to MT for a weekend to attend my 20 year HS Reunion. I am so excited to see everyone! With the invention of Facebook, a lot of us have already caught up heaps there. Should be a fun time!

As the smalls return from their trip in early July, Michaela will prepare for her annual volunteer spot at the Dino Dig in ND with her Father. And then off for a week at his place in NC.

In the midst of it all, I'm hoping to find at least a PT hygiene job in the Cities and live there with friends or Teri for half the week. Hopefully something comes up soon. In the mean time, I am still attending MN State completing my bachelor of hygiene online. There are times I want to give it up, honestly. But...I have only 7 or 8 classes left; a year. SIGH... sorta torn between "F-it" and "Do it".

Summer Slumber

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Summer...

This includes, of course, sleeping in. Rebecca, though usually the first up, was caught in bed enjoying her slumber.

School's out!

Recently had our annual last day of school ritual of burning of the HEAPS of papers that come home that day. Kids LOVE this! We go through, have a laugh, say "GOOD BYE!" to the year and make s'mores!

I am excited because I will have ALL THREE kids on busses for the next 2 years. SWEET! No transport issues!

Labor and $

Michaela has her first official job! She's been working at Greenwood this spring as well. While getting Miss Arsty-Fartsy up and doing physical labor has been amusing...she certainly loves the $$$. Here she is with her first paycheck!

Happiness is green

Been working this spring again at Greenwood Nursery. This year we are in a new MUCH LARGER location. We're sporting 12 acres; 5 of which are currently developed. It's amazing! We needed the extra space as our in-town location was VERY crammed. It's nice to be able to spread out and be able to carry more items. Running 5 acres took some getting use to!

Though hectic, I find it theraputic. There's nothing like getting dirty and cultivating green, flowering things.

On Target

We had been in the Cities visiting friends and stopped in at Target. My kids LOVE these large red orbs outside the front doors.

Mid-life Crisis??

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Teri, Michaela and I recently took a motorcycle course. We had a great time though the weather was WET! Teri bought her Harley 883 a couple weeks before class. Michaela and I are about to get a bike we can share for a while. Hunting...hunting....

So yes, this August Michaela will get both her car and motorcycle licenses! Man! I can't believe she's at that point!

I am alive..

5.5 months.. REALLY?? Man... A lot has gone on in that time.

1. I quit my job in WY
2. We moved back to MN

I know.. I've only listed two things. But those things are MAJOR. I am still hunting for work in MN, which has been, and continues to be difficult. I moved across country again and back again in 4 months. I'm tired. I'm lost. I'm stifled.

I have not yet totally settled back in here. I haven't unpacked a lot of things yet. Have no desire to. It's all I can do to keep up with life right now.

I am feeling frantic today. I have so much going on inside and out. I need an outlet. Maybe it's time to pay attention to my blog again. Which brings out another issue....

I've been struggling for a long time with blog content. To me, my blog is my diary. Not just of the lives of my family and me, but of thoughts, issues, opinions. Not everyone appreciates that. So...I think my solution will be to keep this one as a strictly family photo album sort of thing. Another one will be created for me as a true outlet.

Yeah..."right!" you say... "she can't even maintain one blog!" And you may be right.

I'll start uploading some photos in the next day or two. They'll be sorta random. But at least a glimpse of what's been going on.

Pure. Random.

No pics this go around. I am not even sure what's on the camera. Guess it doesn't matter. The desktop computer has been infected with a virus. So it's at the Tech Hospital getting all better. I rarely use the desktop anymore, because the basement is unfinished, and any body who knows me well, knows I don't do well when it's less than 68 degrees :) That's where the desktop is. Therefore, one of my little lovelies was on a gaming site and picked up a bug. This is forbidden. They have strict site rules etc. And then of course, nobody warned me the AV software had run out. SIGH!! So this time I will fix it, next time, they will all have to pool their resources together to get the computer well again.

Back to my picture issue. I load and store all my photos on the desktop. I don't put or store anything on this, Todd's laptop. It's his, not mine. Which again will make for a long week. I don't allow the kids on here either. Oh the whining that will be had. LOL Hopefully this will make them THINK. Yeah...right...

Michaela now has her Learner's Permit. WOO HOOOO! She still has no interest in using it. Not that I would let her now anyway, since it's not optimal learning conditions. I know one day she will overcome her phobia.

Work was stressful this week. Patients are cancelling, rescheduling or just plain not showing up to confirmed appts. This makes the office manager (doctor's wife) VERY agitated. And frankly, she scares people when she goes off (Think Exorcist). The two new assistants were COMPLETELY freaked out apparently. So basically the WHOLE office (10 employees) is on the phone. Which is just asking for trouble - "too many cooks in the kitchen". Fact of the matter is: the economy sucks, MANY ppl here are unemployed and they have more imporant things in their 'Heirarchy of Needs' to attend to than their teeth.

Todd is once again back in Minnesota working. It's been SO cold back that way. As much as I miss (yeah..weird huh?) Minnesota and Todd...I am SO FREAKING GLAD I'm not in -35 degree weather. In a funny contrast, our weather here has been in the 35 to 40degree range, sunny and fabulous! People are wearing shorts! I hear this "January Thaw" is normal. The snows will soon return. Sure has been nice! The full moon was STUNNING at night over the snow-blanketed mountains. The HEAVY frosts in the morning make everything ornate. Really need to get out and try to catch some photos.

I am taking this semester off from school. The one class I was to focus on this semester involved me student teaching. Which would have been ok except that I live 3-6 hours from the nearest dental institutions, in the snow burdened mountains as a single parent. Scheduling and traveling to these instituions would be one issue, not getting back at the end of the day with the kids here alone..quite another. And everything is on a time table. So if I couldn't get there, rescheduling would be a nightmare. All in all, not sure I am up to dealing with it or stressing over it. I will need to figure this out another semester when I have more space on my plate (who am I kidding?). I hate that we have to take these education administering classes. I have no intentions of teaching. I think for those who want to teach..fine...the rest of us should be able to take sales and marketing or something...anyway..Of course, this means I will not be graduating in 11 months. I'll be going an extra semester. Oh well. No rush...I've been waiting this long, what's another 3 months?

My new love is Facebook. It's fun. I get to keep up with all my friends from every corner of the planet; including my entire GHS population from the 80's. Fun, freaky and intriquing. I have my 20 year HS reunion this June. TWENTY YEARS. Where did that go? Truth be told, I'm pretty jacked to see everyone. And the fact that we get to catch up on Facebook before we go, might make it more the interesting. But my MOST favorite part about FB is that I get to play Scrabble with my friends! It's Scrabbulous!

Three months from now..I get to go to MN for a weekend to attend The Star of the North (annual dental convention). My friends and I are already coordinating schedules, classes and fun. It will be a completely orchestrated 5 days of wonderfulness. I get to be a dental geek, shop and hang with my gang. Perfect!! Can't wait to get out of the Valley for an extended weekend. Funny how one would need a break from 'nothing'. But the vast doses of 'nothing' do get old rather quickly.

And as I sit here lamenting about the nothingness, there are 4 law vehicles at the house behind me. Somebody's taking a ride. This will be front page news. Actually, our local paper only comes out on Thursdays. I bet I have the story by noon tomorrow :)

UPDATE: I had the answers to the events regarding the neighbors before 9:30pm :) I underestimated the speed of word!

My New 4 Letter Word:

SNOW

Yes, that's it folks, snow is now a swear word! I am too old for this much white stuff. What was I thinking? Yesterday we were suppose to get 3", we got more like 10 and, AND it's STILL GOING! UGH!

I am also beginning to think I should have considered Meteorology instead of Dental Hygiene. How many other jobs (that pay 6 figures or close to) can you be consistently off and STILL be employed? And I'm not talking a little off here! SERIOUSLY!

Memories and Mochas

I'm telling you guys, Starbucks makes me happy! Even more so these days since I have to drive hours to get one and it's a SPECIAL treat! And my special holiday treat is their Peppermint Twist Mocha ..Mmmmmmmmmm!

On our recent trip to the Salt Lake City area to get the smalls, Todd and I met up with a couple of my fellow GHS alumni who live in the SLC area. In the center is Amy (Despain)Beatty who was in my class, and to our left is Rachel (Gaut) Tyler who was 2 years behind us. Rachel was born on my 3rd birthday! This was arranged through that wonderful sight Facebook. The people I've reconnected with since joining there is AMAZING!

Rachel brought her photo/scrap albums from GHS and I had a good laugh! I hadn't seen them since well...I saw Rachel at the all-school reunion in '01 but hadn't seen Amy in 20 years (her grandma use to live here in Afton - small world)! What a great trip down memory lane and was so good to catch up! Thanks Ladies!

Free snow! U-HAUL!!

We do not have a shortage of snow! While we are far behind last year's record snowfalls for the area, I think we have more than enough! We've had several feet in the yard for weeks now. Winter is just starting! The snow is giving us a break and while it's -14 outside, it's GREAT to see the sun and blue sky! We get clouded in for long periods of time and the grey and snow get old quick! I think it's far worse than when I lived in Seattle or Portland!

Todd clears space for the dogs in the back yard as the snow towers some 3X above their shoulder height. And he even made them an oblong running track!