Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy New Year!
We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed five fun-filled days back home. When I have more time I'll be sure to update with pictures and more details. Until then, Happy New Year! Have fun and be safe!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Here's hoping the hustle and bustle (sick of that phrase yet?) of the holiday season doesn't over-shadow the importance of spending time with loved ones and thanking God for the miracle he gave us. We are really looking forward to making new memories with our families on Jackson's first Christmas. Safe travels and best wishes for the merriest of Christmases from our family to yours!
This picture in his pj's is the best I can do at the moment. :) Check back for lots more (better) pictures and Christmas updates next week or after!
This picture in his pj's is the best I can do at the moment. :) Check back for lots more (better) pictures and Christmas updates next week or after!Winter Wonderland
It is so pretty up here today! The "storm" wasn't nearly as bad as they made it sound. It did snow and blow around most of the day yesterday, but it was done before we went to bed and it's pretty still out there today. We got about 5 inches of new snow yesterday which added a fresh layer to the trees and covered our tracks in the yard. Of course we've made new ones by now, including some snowmobile tracks, thanks to Curt's dad's old Arctic Cat. We've had it stored in our pole barn for them, and this is the first time this year we've taken it out. Yesterday he took me on my first trail ride. Can you believe that I've lived in the great state of Minnesota nearly all my life and that's the first time I've ridden a snowmobile out of the yard? Or, worse, that that was only the third time in my life that I've ridden one at all?! Pretty crazy, I know. We didn't have one growing up and I didn't really know anyone who did, so the chance never came around. I really like it, though, despite the fact that this particular machine doesn't go in reverse and cannot currently exceed 30 mph! All the bumps and twists and turns remind me of an amusement park ride, and it's much more smooth than a 4-wheeler.
When the temperature isn't unbearable, I like to bundle up and go play outside; I will admit, however, that it usually takes some real prompting from Curt to leave the warm, cozy house. It was fun to try to trudge through the deep, thick snow and to wrestle with Sadie this weekend. Of course she made making a snow angel nearly impossible, but I gave it my best shot. She has been sleeping in the house on very cold nights and is loving that. Now she thinks she can come in every single time we open any door. It was funny to watch her the first night as she cocked her head to the side at the slightest noise. Jackson was happy to see her and made lots of noises for her to wonder at.
(This is the best I could do out the thin front door window)Sunday, December 14, 2008
A Lengthy Catch-Up
I promised I would play catch-up soon, so here goes! The final weekend of deer hunting found us at the cabin. I was worried that Jackson would disturb the hunters as he had been waking in the middle of the night from teething the week before, with the hardest crying he'd done in a long time, but he slept very well both nights. He had just started to sprout two teeth over that weekend. You couldn't see them, and he wouldn't let anyone look anyway, but when I managed to sneak a finger into his mouth, I could feel little pokes on his gums. Jackson was not a very happy baby at times that Saturday because his cousin Madelyn came, and that means they had to copy each other at every fuss and cry. Us mommies thought we'd be smart and tried to put them both down for naps at the same time, but all they did was stare at each other through their cribs and wail - I mean wail - to be rescued. Sheila and I went back and forth trying to calm them down for about 20 minutes or so until we gave up on the simultaneous napping idea. But then at the next nap, someone (probably Grandma Wojo) had the brilliant idea of putting up the privacy divider things between the babies so they couldn't look at each other anymore. It worked like a charm and they slept like angels! The rest of the weekend went smoothly, except for no luck for the hunters. Of course I didn't mind that - no more yucky work for me!
Somebody felt pretty cool looking down from upstairs!
The following week we loaded up the car and headed back to Zimmerman for Jackson's first Thanksgiving. All Curt's siblings were home when we got there Wednesday night, and it had been a long time since we'd all been together, so it was great to b.s. and play some games. The boys had an especially good time drinking, and they ended up talking me into being sober cab so they could go bowling/do more drinking. After I had agreed to this when it was already 11:45 at night and had been deemed a saint by my mother-in-law, I questioned my decision, but it was too late; then we ended up having a really good time. Curt's brother Matt got quite drunk and was our main entertainment. But then we got home around 2 a.m., and he would not settle down! He kept talking and laughing and harrassing his brother Doug super loudly. He was so loud he ended up waking Jackson, who didn't go back to sleep for about half an hour. That's when the fun ended. I kept yelling at him to shut up, and even the other drunkards were trying to shush him, but he clearly had no idea just how pissed I was. That part of the night seemed to last forever, and I didn't get anywhere near enough sleep. Thank goodness I woke to Auntie Sheila coming into the room to take Jackson upstairs to play with Uncle John and Madelyn so I could sleep a little longer (but still not enough after that crazy night). When I saw Matt the next morning I warned him to watch his back! Of course he didn't remember a thing about the night before, but he was gracious enough to apologize for whatever he did. We then spent the holiday - all sober, thankfully - with Curt's mom's side at their house, and it was really nice to catch up with family we hadn't seen for a long time. Jackson was a really good eater and loved everything! He had turkey with all the trimmings, just like us.
Grandma was sweet to feed Jackson his Thanksgiving dinner. :)
Somebody felt pretty cool looking down from upstairs!The following week we loaded up the car and headed back to Zimmerman for Jackson's first Thanksgiving. All Curt's siblings were home when we got there Wednesday night, and it had been a long time since we'd all been together, so it was great to b.s. and play some games. The boys had an especially good time drinking, and they ended up talking me into being sober cab so they could go bowling/do more drinking. After I had agreed to this when it was already 11:45 at night and had been deemed a saint by my mother-in-law, I questioned my decision, but it was too late; then we ended up having a really good time. Curt's brother Matt got quite drunk and was our main entertainment. But then we got home around 2 a.m., and he would not settle down! He kept talking and laughing and harrassing his brother Doug super loudly. He was so loud he ended up waking Jackson, who didn't go back to sleep for about half an hour. That's when the fun ended. I kept yelling at him to shut up, and even the other drunkards were trying to shush him, but he clearly had no idea just how pissed I was. That part of the night seemed to last forever, and I didn't get anywhere near enough sleep. Thank goodness I woke to Auntie Sheila coming into the room to take Jackson upstairs to play with Uncle John and Madelyn so I could sleep a little longer (but still not enough after that crazy night). When I saw Matt the next morning I warned him to watch his back! Of course he didn't remember a thing about the night before, but he was gracious enough to apologize for whatever he did. We then spent the holiday - all sober, thankfully - with Curt's mom's side at their house, and it was really nice to catch up with family we hadn't seen for a long time. Jackson was a really good eater and loved everything! He had turkey with all the trimmings, just like us.
Grandma was sweet to feed Jackson his Thanksgiving dinner. :)Curt went back home to work on Friday while Jackson and I stayed at Wojo's and then headed over to Beaudoin's that afternoon. Both my sibs and their mates were home, too, and we also had lots of fun hanging out together, spending another late night playing games. Jackson was not as good a sleeper as usual that night, either - I think he was getting tired of going from place to place and not sleeping in his regular crib. While we love visiting our families and having them close together, it also presents a challenge in that we try to see both sides each time we're back home - it can get to be a lot of packing/unpacking/house-hopping. At least he was still mostly content during the day and napped well usually.
That Saturday was somewhere around the 10th annual Anderson Cookie Day with my mom's side of the family. We gathered in Milaca at Pam's house this year. All the women get together and bake cookies or goodies to exchange and the men come over for dinner. The kids are always around, and it was fun having so many young ones this year. It was a good day with lots of good food, but a horrible night. We had stopped at Curt's cousin Jim's to see their new house that had just been finished, and we ended up having to leave because I didn't feel well. As soon as we got into the truck, I knew it was coming: I was going to throw up. We had over a hour's drive to get home, so I tried to sleep in order to prevent the inevitable. It worked for a while; I woke up 20 minutes from home, moaning, trying to keep it down. We turned onto Hwy 64 and were less than 5 minutes from home when I just couldn't hold it anymore. Just before we turned off the highway onto the road leading to ours, I opened the door, hung my head down, and threw up everywhere. I kept the door open and tried to spit out the remains until we pulled into the driveway, when Sadie came up to see what was going on and start eating the puke that was covering the bottom of the door and the inside edge. I shooed her away in time to get into the house to vomit again.
Now, I figured I had probably eaten too many treats that day and I ate supper despite not being very hungry for it, but I didn't think it was enough to make me ill. Running to the bathroom all through the night to violently vomit, followed by teeth-chattering chills and fits of sweat. plus occasional diarrhea, made me realize that I had the flu (plus, I found out that no one else got sick after Cookie Day). The next day I was so sore and weak I barely felt like getting out of bed. Good thing Curt was around to take care of Jackson so I didn't have to get up very often or for very long. Don't get the wrong idea, though - he's not a very sympathetic husband when I'm sick. He thinks it's more helpful for me when he is harsh and tells me to suck it up. I don't get to act like a baby and be pampered; only he gets to do that. :0 I went back to work Monday (thankfully this occured over the weekend) and spent what was a really long week trying to shake the crummy feeling that lingered. Lucky for us, Jackson had just gotten a flu shot at his last doctor visit. As someone who very rarely throws up - I had no morning sickness while pregnant and don't remember puking since I turned 21 - I sincerely hope you are all avoiding the flu this season!
After all that running around, we have enjoyed two back-to-back weekends at home. That seems to happen rarely for us, so it's been wonderful! I finished my Christmas shopping in St. Cloud with Brea last Saturday while Mom and her friend Meline came to take care of Jackson for me. That night we went out with friends from Curt's work. On Sunday we got our Christmas tree, which Jackson has surprisingly kept his hands off. I guess he doesn't bother the one at daycare, either. He loved playing with all the cords and packaging. It was really fun to watch him watch us getting out decorations and putting on lights, and we're really looking forward to our first Christmas as his parents.
This Friday night we went to Shawn and Josh's (she's my friend from work; their daughter, Avery, is almost 8 months and is so adorable!) for a fondue dinner and some dog training courtesy of Cesar Millan and the National Geographic channel. We've been getting lots done around the house that had previously been neglected, and playing games while we waited out the snowstorm that hit last night/this morning. Hopefully it'll end up being enough to cancel school for me tomorrow!!!
Jackson is now an expert at crawling, pulling himself up and getting back down safely, cruising around objects, walking while Mommy and Daddy hold his hands, and getting into anything and everything that's not out of reach or behind closed doors. His new favorites are frying pans, Ziploc bags, and photo albums. He can be quite clingy with us at times and likes to crawl around and find us. Of course this seems to happen most frequently while I'm in the bathroom trying to get ready, so he ends up unraveling the toilet paper, emptying the cabinet or, worse, playing on the toilet (he hasn't played in it yet, knock on wood!). He is still babbling all the time, but we have yet to hear real intentional words. We are practicing hugging, and yesterday he cemented what the word "kiss" means and has been sharing kisses on command ever since, which is terribly adorable with his wide-open mouth. He melts his mama's heart. :)
That Saturday was somewhere around the 10th annual Anderson Cookie Day with my mom's side of the family. We gathered in Milaca at Pam's house this year. All the women get together and bake cookies or goodies to exchange and the men come over for dinner. The kids are always around, and it was fun having so many young ones this year. It was a good day with lots of good food, but a horrible night. We had stopped at Curt's cousin Jim's to see their new house that had just been finished, and we ended up having to leave because I didn't feel well. As soon as we got into the truck, I knew it was coming: I was going to throw up. We had over a hour's drive to get home, so I tried to sleep in order to prevent the inevitable. It worked for a while; I woke up 20 minutes from home, moaning, trying to keep it down. We turned onto Hwy 64 and were less than 5 minutes from home when I just couldn't hold it anymore. Just before we turned off the highway onto the road leading to ours, I opened the door, hung my head down, and threw up everywhere. I kept the door open and tried to spit out the remains until we pulled into the driveway, when Sadie came up to see what was going on and start eating the puke that was covering the bottom of the door and the inside edge. I shooed her away in time to get into the house to vomit again.
Now, I figured I had probably eaten too many treats that day and I ate supper despite not being very hungry for it, but I didn't think it was enough to make me ill. Running to the bathroom all through the night to violently vomit, followed by teeth-chattering chills and fits of sweat. plus occasional diarrhea, made me realize that I had the flu (plus, I found out that no one else got sick after Cookie Day). The next day I was so sore and weak I barely felt like getting out of bed. Good thing Curt was around to take care of Jackson so I didn't have to get up very often or for very long. Don't get the wrong idea, though - he's not a very sympathetic husband when I'm sick. He thinks it's more helpful for me when he is harsh and tells me to suck it up. I don't get to act like a baby and be pampered; only he gets to do that. :0 I went back to work Monday (thankfully this occured over the weekend) and spent what was a really long week trying to shake the crummy feeling that lingered. Lucky for us, Jackson had just gotten a flu shot at his last doctor visit. As someone who very rarely throws up - I had no morning sickness while pregnant and don't remember puking since I turned 21 - I sincerely hope you are all avoiding the flu this season!
After all that running around, we have enjoyed two back-to-back weekends at home. That seems to happen rarely for us, so it's been wonderful! I finished my Christmas shopping in St. Cloud with Brea last Saturday while Mom and her friend Meline came to take care of Jackson for me. That night we went out with friends from Curt's work. On Sunday we got our Christmas tree, which Jackson has surprisingly kept his hands off. I guess he doesn't bother the one at daycare, either. He loved playing with all the cords and packaging. It was really fun to watch him watch us getting out decorations and putting on lights, and we're really looking forward to our first Christmas as his parents.
This Friday night we went to Shawn and Josh's (she's my friend from work; their daughter, Avery, is almost 8 months and is so adorable!) for a fondue dinner and some dog training courtesy of Cesar Millan and the National Geographic channel. We've been getting lots done around the house that had previously been neglected, and playing games while we waited out the snowstorm that hit last night/this morning. Hopefully it'll end up being enough to cancel school for me tomorrow!!!Jackson is now an expert at crawling, pulling himself up and getting back down safely, cruising around objects, walking while Mommy and Daddy hold his hands, and getting into anything and everything that's not out of reach or behind closed doors. His new favorites are frying pans, Ziploc bags, and photo albums. He can be quite clingy with us at times and likes to crawl around and find us. Of course this seems to happen most frequently while I'm in the bathroom trying to get ready, so he ends up unraveling the toilet paper, emptying the cabinet or, worse, playing on the toilet (he hasn't played in it yet, knock on wood!). He is still babbling all the time, but we have yet to hear real intentional words. We are practicing hugging, and yesterday he cemented what the word "kiss" means and has been sharing kisses on command ever since, which is terribly adorable with his wide-open mouth. He melts his mama's heart. :)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Still Here
Since I've been terrible about updating lately (and it's too late to blame it on being gone over Thanksgiving weekend), I just wanted to check in quick to say we're still here and all's well! Jackson turned 10 months old today (gasp!) so I'll have some catching up to do soon - stick with me, loyal readers! Sorry to disappoint. :(
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Giving Thanks
I am so excited for Thanksgiving! I love the warm, fuzzy feeling brought on by the beginning of the holiday season when we look forward to good times, laughter, and excellent food shared with family and friends. There are also special traditions to honor and new ones to create. I am reminded of all the joys of the past year and am thanking God for the blessings of having a beautiful, healthy son, a loving and sensible husband, a warm home, and an extremely hyperactive puppy. :) I am also grateful for all of you, for your love and kindness, whether we are near or far. I am lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life. I especially remember Grandma Beaudoin, who we lost last year around this time. We had many fun times and I have only the happiest memories of her. We miss you, Grandma...
At a time of year that can be difficult for some people, I hope you are all able to share some warmth with your loved ones and give thanks. I wish you all the happiest of Thanksgivings and the fullest of bellies!
At a time of year that can be difficult for some people, I hope you are all able to share some warmth with your loved ones and give thanks. I wish you all the happiest of Thanksgivings and the fullest of bellies!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Strength in Numbers
The gals at work occasionally give me a hard time for being somewhat aggressive and not afraid to say things that may upset others. If an issue arises that turns into a gossipy mess, I am usually the one to nip it in the bud. For those who know me well, this comes as no surprise; I get my no-nonsense ability to tell it like it is from my father.
Yesterday while at a work meeting I was part of something that really made me feel like an adult. We teachers were discussing some of our on-the-job stresses, the biggest of which is that we end up volunteering many hours three times a year because we have no time to prepare for conferences when we are teaching children all day and have desks that are overflowing with lesson plans, prep, and other paperwork, not to mention a myriad of other less-than-glamorous job duties to be done. At my suggestion, a group of co-workers and I presented some issues to our boss, with me as spokesperson. I was a little bit nervous about this, as she sometimes doesn't take me seriously and brushes off our complaints with excuses about having no budget. Furthermore, I sometimes ask stupid questions that, had I taken the time to really think about it, either I already knew the answers to or were not very tactful, (which is unlike me... not sure why I do it!) and I end up regretting ever bringing them up. In fact, if I had to guess, I would say that I think my boss liked me more when I was just a temporary employee who didn't know anything!
Anyway, back to my story. As this was an impromptu meeting-after-a-meeting, I think we may have caught our boss off-guard, but it ended up being to our advantage. Surprisingly, she took our comments quite well and was willing to work with us on suggestions as to how to improve our situation. We were even able to share a few laughs, and I know all of us left feeling re-energized about finishing out the rest of this busy month at work. We were all grateful for her feedback and suggestions, and I was glad to have begun the discussion that got the ball rolling. It may seem like a minor thing to some of you readers, especially those who have had more experience in the world of work than I have, but I was proud of my professionalism for a change, and it was so refreshing to feel validated.
There: I am done tooting my own horn! (That reminds me of a corny joke Phil said on the show Kath & Kim the other night... hilarious! Does anyone else watch?)
Side note: As a federally funded program, the agency I work for does not allow overtime pay or comp time outside of the same week. Ridiculous! Let's hope President-elect Obama lives up to his promises for teachers and for early childhood education!
Yesterday while at a work meeting I was part of something that really made me feel like an adult. We teachers were discussing some of our on-the-job stresses, the biggest of which is that we end up volunteering many hours three times a year because we have no time to prepare for conferences when we are teaching children all day and have desks that are overflowing with lesson plans, prep, and other paperwork, not to mention a myriad of other less-than-glamorous job duties to be done. At my suggestion, a group of co-workers and I presented some issues to our boss, with me as spokesperson. I was a little bit nervous about this, as she sometimes doesn't take me seriously and brushes off our complaints with excuses about having no budget. Furthermore, I sometimes ask stupid questions that, had I taken the time to really think about it, either I already knew the answers to or were not very tactful, (which is unlike me... not sure why I do it!) and I end up regretting ever bringing them up. In fact, if I had to guess, I would say that I think my boss liked me more when I was just a temporary employee who didn't know anything!
Anyway, back to my story. As this was an impromptu meeting-after-a-meeting, I think we may have caught our boss off-guard, but it ended up being to our advantage. Surprisingly, she took our comments quite well and was willing to work with us on suggestions as to how to improve our situation. We were even able to share a few laughs, and I know all of us left feeling re-energized about finishing out the rest of this busy month at work. We were all grateful for her feedback and suggestions, and I was glad to have begun the discussion that got the ball rolling. It may seem like a minor thing to some of you readers, especially those who have had more experience in the world of work than I have, but I was proud of my professionalism for a change, and it was so refreshing to feel validated.
There: I am done tooting my own horn! (That reminds me of a corny joke Phil said on the show Kath & Kim the other night... hilarious! Does anyone else watch?)
Side note: As a federally funded program, the agency I work for does not allow overtime pay or comp time outside of the same week. Ridiculous! Let's hope President-elect Obama lives up to his promises for teachers and for early childhood education!
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