A Full Day

Finally Anna had her first playdate with a Jr. Kindergarten classmate that did not have to be shared with her big sister. She was in her glory! She had all the toys to herself and there was no big sister to tell her what to do. Her little friend Torsten was actually in her preschool class (Bluebird) last year and they ended up being together for Jr. K. Turns out Torsten is practically a backyard neighbor so he gets to ride the same bus home too!


Torsten and Anna had so much fun today. They literally bounced around from one activity to the next...the jumping castle was one of their stops...I think Torsten will agree that we didn't just have girl stuff at our house! :)


Then it was time to take a break and have some lunch before heading off to academia! Nothing fills you up more than mac & cheese and clementines!

This evening also involved running out to get Anna some new boots as her current boots fill with snow each day on the playground. Her new boots are taller and will provide more protection. Let's just say these new winter boots turned into a life saver because there was quite a bit of drama over a pipe cleaner on our way home from AWANA tonight. With Jeff gone and me in a fog from a bad cold I was looking for anything that would give me a distraction...enter new winter boots. Anna wanted to sleep with them on but chose to tuck them under her bed for the night for safe keeping until tomorrow morning...sweet dreams to the both of you!


I just had to get this on the record: you know I am under the weather when I am going to leave my kitchen island looking like this tonight as I am heading off to bed...no energy and I am up to my eyeballs in teacher Christmas gifts...this just documents that I do let the girls craft and make messes and I am really not in need of OCD medicine...really, I am not...

Muffin Slicer

I feel like I am a professional muffin baker.  The girls love muffins in the morning which is good because I do try to make healthy muffins with some protein in them to jump start their day.  I actually can't remember the last time they had cereal for breakfast.  They have become pretty accustomed to breakfast items other than cereal.  Not so sure if that is a good thing or not.  Today Anna finished up the last of our pumpkin pie muffins.  She has gotten into this habit of cutting up her muffins and eating small bites and the more muffin she has on her plate the happier she is...now she is by far one of the slowest eaters on earth!  She just takes her time, enjoys her food and ponders life's mysteries.  I guess this is how she approaches life...one muffin bite at a time!

Weekend Happenings

It was that time of year again for our annual winter LD gathering at our house...we still call it the LD group but none of us are full-time LD teachers anymore.  Hmm...that may mean something.  As usual we had a great time catching up, hearing stories, enjoying great food and Jody's barista skills. This year we went with a brunch theme and the weather cooperated for all of us to gather.  It was a mild 34 degrees as compared to last year with heavy snow and poor road conditions (not good when the host lives in the country).  I think we have been getting together for our winter gathering for 8 plus years...we have done casual meals, cookie baking, cookie exchanges, soup lunches and brunch.  Now we'll hunker down for the winter and emerge in the summer to gather and do the same thing all over again but with someone else cooking...

While mommy entertained her friends the girls ventured out with daddy to New Richmond for some some fun and free activities.  The girls enjoyed making gingerbread crafts....

decorating their own cookies...

chatting with Santa...

and having Kate give specific directions (with pictures) to Santa on what she exactly wanted for Christmas (I have no idea where she learns this).

Friday Nights

The Bartig family loves Friday nights for a lot of reasons but one of the reasons is dessert.  We try pretty hard not to let the girls (or the rest of the family for that matter) have any "treats" until Friday night so we try to make the dessert extra special (if mommy has the energy).  Tonight we had a plum tart which went over well and I was able to use up the rest of the plums before they went bad.  It's amazing how much better your children like fruit when it is baked with sugar.

Gingerbread Baby Update:  Kate informed the family that the gingerbread babies turned back into paper and returned to the wall of the music room...until next year.  :)

Gnawing Feeling Fulfilled

I had the privilege of volunteering in Kate's classroom again today.  I was supposed to help out with their Santa letters but the teacher forgot they were scheduled for computer class.  So, I got a chance to go to computer class, art class and gym class.  Word has it in the hallways of SES that many little school girls (and the older females too) like the gym teacher Mr. Biele.  Kate talks about him all the time so I was getting ready for my chance to meet him...and there was a sub.  I guess another time.  Then there was a sub in art class also but it was fun watching the kids complete their projects and sing while they worked.  While they worked on their assignments they practiced their songs for the Christmas concert next week.  Kate sang along to every one of them so we'll see if she starts a new trend as compared to the last three years of Christmas programs.

It was also very refreshing as to how much the teachers can talk about and display Christmas related items.  There are decorated Christmas trees everywhere.  The front hallway display depicting all the holidays celebrated this time of year included a manger scene.  This is very different from my days teaching in St. Paul.  This is one advantage to small town living that I welcome wholeheartedly.

I am also very impressed by the overflowing support the school has for their local family shelter, Grace Place.  There is a large food/necessity drive going on and the front office is overflowing with items to be donated to the shelter.  Yay!

Overall, a fun day.  Kate is making great progress socially and academically.  She has made some nice friends and has befriended a little boy named Michael who definitely needs some direction.  Yep, he would be one of the students I would totally love while he drove the rest of the teachers crazy.  I just chuckle watching the teachers and aides get on the kids about their behavior...they have no clue how refreshing their "problem" children are...

So, volunteering at the girls' school currently fulfills any gnawing feeling I have to go back to what I went to school for...I like having no IEPs or ESRs to write, no Child Study meetings, no staff meetings, no nerve racking PACER meetings, no new due process procedures to learn, no dealing with unruly parents or lack of parental support, no calls to probation officers and no fighting with regular education teachers for their lack of empathy when an 8th grader can't read their test!!  I currently can have the benefits of teaching via volunteering without the latter...I am feeling blessed today!

Wishes

We had a chicken wish bone that was ready to be wished upon today so the girls got a quick overview on how it worked.  After the explanation Kate quickly yelled out, "I WISH FOR A BARBIE DIAMOND CASTLE!"  Anna followed suit with, "I WISH FOR A HANNAH MONTANA HOUSE!"  (Nope, no world peace or food for the hungry).  Once Kate found out she "won" the game she promptly asked, "When will I get my wish?"  That explanation is a whole other blog post...

Dough, Dough & More Dough

Last week the gingerbread babies went missing at Kate's school.  Kate has come home each day to note where they have been sighted...last we heard the babies were seen on the playground equipment...so, to join in the festive fun we decided to make up some gingerbread dough and create our own gingerbread babies...to EAT!  The girls had fun decorating their own cookies and of course eating them...

Anna helped me make up some new play dough for church.  She was having quite a nice time "breaking it in" for the 2's and 3's room.  Hmm...little devil or a reindeer?

Anna insisted that we HAD to open her Christmas gift to us that she made at school.  First, I was supposed to open it but I told her that wouldn't be fair to daddy.  Then Kate suggested that I open half the present and daddy could open the other half when he got home.  Finally, it was decided that daddy would open the present when he got home and it was okay for him to do that before Christmas.  Jeff could barely walk in the door before Anna had her gift shoved in his face.  She was so excited...and very proud.

And there was some dough spent at Joe's Sporting Goods on Saturday (we were doing our part to stimulate the economy).  Despite the huge crowds at Joe's the experience was pretty uneventful and the girls also chose what they are going to wear "when they are teenagers."  All of the Bartig ladies got downhill skis.  The girls got new matching pink skis to their delight.  Anna chose purple boots with flowers on them and Kate chose white boots with hearts on them.  They were so excited!  They insisted on wearing their new boots for the drive home from the store and had to put everything on to try it all out...on the carpet only...(mommy refrained from putting all of her gear on).  

We received a nice snowfall Sunday morning so after a little siesta the girls strapped on their skis and went skiing in our yard.  Needless to say, Jeff and I are very out of shape and do not make very good human chairlifts...however, the girls had a lot of fun (and got some good practice).

Kate quotes:

Last week Kate asked to wear her cross necklace to school so she did on a gym day.  She came home and told Jeff, "Daddy, wearing this cross today at school helped me be really good in gym today."

Tonight the girls cut and pasted their Santa lists and Kate said to Anna, "My list is going to be fantastic.  I am just shocked that all of this stuff is in this magazine."

Stuff

Anna picked out her own clothes, got herself dressed and completely ready for school yesterday. I looked at her and thought to myself when does a 4 1/2 year old become way more hip than her 30 something mother? She has way more fashion sense than me and looks way cooler than her old mother...20 years from now she may think otherwise.

I think the lack of sleep has made me crabby so after completing this project over the weekend it really made me smile...and happy. I guess I should just go stare at it when I get in a foul mood. This is the new Bartig Art Gallery and it has taken the girls time to warm up to it. I think it's a great way to display their Picassos but they think otherwise. I tried to explain to them what an art gallery is and people spend a lot of money to have their art work hung in nice galleries or museums. If they only knew that their art work could score an endless Christmas list they would think rather fondly of this idea...

Today when I picked up the girls from the bus stop Kate couldn't get in the van fast enough (actually she is always the first one off the bus and into the van...Anna takes her sweet time shuffling her feet). She spewed out a bunch of words and I thought I heard something about a baby picture. I asked, "Baby picture?" She said (in one breath), "No, the gingerbread babies have escaped and they are on the loose in the school. When we went to music today they were all gone and had left a note. We have been looking for clues all over the school and while we were on the playground we found some of their droppings!" (note picture above) "Where do you think they went?" I asked. "We don't know but the note said they were cold and took off," Kate exclaimed. To be continued...

Jr. Kindergarten Soap Opera:
Act 1 (Monday)
Anna: Mommy, Torsten said he isn't my friend anymore.
Mommy: Why not?
Anna: I don't know. He told me on the bus I wasn't his friend anymore.

Act 2 (Tuesday)
Mommy: Anna, is Torsten your friend today?
Anna: No, he said I could be his friend tomorrow.
Mommy: I talked to Torsten's mom and she said that you wanted to be Torsten's cheerleader when he is a football player, is that correct?
Anna (smiling): Yes.

Act 3 (Wednesday)
Mommy: Anna, was Torsten your friend today?
Anna: Yes. I played with him.
Mommy: Did you tell him his hair looked funny and that is why he didn't want to be your friend?
Anna (smiling): Yes.
Source: Torsten's mom

Ornament Exchange '08 & Homework

The Sunday after Thanksgiving marks the annual ornament exchange between Tomme, Julie, Karie and I.  I can't pinpoint the exact date that we officially started this tradition but as I was trimming the tree on Friday I noticed Christmas ornaments that went back to high school days between Tomme and me.  So, unofficially this tradition started back in the late eighties but officially transitioned into a "formal" gathering of friends, gifts of ornaments, good food and a lot of laughs.  We also feel this is a gathering to remember Tomme's mom Cheryle and her love of all things Christmas.

As I was trimming two trees this year it was fun to look back at all of the different ornaments and note who they came from and when.  The girls have already gotten a great selection of ornaments to some day decorate their own trees.  They love to play with their ornaments (much to mommy's demise) and always ask who gave it to them.  It was also fun to bring out my mom's ornaments that were hung each year when I was a child.  There were a lot of fond memories seeing those ornaments that I am so glad that I have.

In leu of the gift exchange between the kids this year we decided that the kids would get a new book and in return donate a book to the local charity to help those less fortunate.  As we all need to remember:  it's the gift of giving that really counts.

Ornament Exchange Highlights

Yes, that IS Karie IN the kitchen...preparing guacamole.  

Just the girls hanging out...CJ, Kate, Anna and Avery

No gathering cannot have chocolate...

All the kiddos...Anna (4), CJ (6), Kate(6), Avery (4) , Peyton (8), Drew (3), Carson(4) & Luke (5)

After all the fun onto homework...

Every month Kate has a family homework assignment where she needs to decorate an item with her family to be hung on the wall outside of her classroom.  Each homework assignment coordinates with the season so today we were decorating her Christmas tree.  Last month we had to "disguise" a turkey so it would not be eaten for Thanksgiving dinner.  Thankfully mommy had an array of craft supplies that were collecting dust so we got down to business and glitter was flying everywhere!

Kate's completed homework project...and a very proud little girl.

Anna's "homework" assignment.  She so badly wants to keep up with her sister which at times can cause some friction.  Tonight...pure joy.

Thanksgiving '08

Thanksgiving '08. All and all it was a very nice and relaxing day. There was a turkey we enjoyed, our belts got a little tighter and several projects completed. Kate greeted us this morning with a Thanksgiving card. She noted that there was a girl turkey and a boy turkey and bread and pie. What else can we really ask for?

Anna and I made Monkey Bread Minis this morning for breakfast. She will pass up a good show on t.v. to help mommy in the kitchen any time. She loves to cook and bake.

Our masterpieces looked like this when they were done and not many of them were left. I think Kate ate three...

There was some time for serious board games too. Anna and daddy played Dora Chutes and Ladders (mommy and Kate played Guess Who and Old Maid).

Finally Thanksgiving dinner...turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy (Kate's favorite), green bean bundles (mommy's version of green bean casserole & daddy's favorite), cranberry spritzer and cherry pie and ice cream for dessert (in memory of Grandpa Al). Grandma Joyce chose to say grace and everything was quaint and sweet.

Now...onto Christmas decorating first thing tomorrow morning!

Coffee Angel & A Birthday

 Originally uploaded by beever_m4

I don't know if there are coffee angels or not but I believe I was the recipient of one today.  First, while waiting in line at the drive thru of Caribou I specifically noticed the shiny cross hanging from the rear view mirror of the car in front of me and thought to myself how nice.  Then as I proceeded to the window to pay and pick up my yummy latte the employee said that the person in front of me just paid for my coffee!  I sat there pretty stunned and delighted at such a nice surprise and gesture!  So as the barista tended to my latte I sat there looking at my five dollar bill still in my hand.  I noticed that there was a car behind me and thought why not pay it forward...

Mr. Jake, Jakarooni, Jaker, Jakester,Jakes, Knucklehead is a year old today!  Happy 1st Birthday Jake!  Jake enjoyed many treats including freshly cooked ground venison.  Jake at a year old:

1. shows affection by nipping like crazy
2. does the 'Jake dance' waiting for a puppy treat
3. has a tuff of hair stand up on his back when he is excited
4. loves to hunt birds
5. loves to play fetch
6. truly loved by his family

Family Cooking & Playing

Yesterday we completed our four week class on family cooking at the Somerset Middle School. We learned about planning and cooking a healthy meal together. The girls were putting our meal ingredients in the appropriate food pyramid slots (this was a big deal for them to go up in front of everybody).

The family enjoying vegetable and pork stir fry over rice with fruit salad. We got quite a few free kitchen items, 3 children's books and a kid friendly cookbook.

I was able to volunteer in Anna's class today and help out with the Thanksgiving party. It was a lot of fun learning her routine and meeting her classmates. Anna has an awesome teacher and absolutely loves school. We usually hear a lot about the sensory table and what Mrs. Eiring puts in it...today corn from Mrs. Larsen's farm.

This is Anna's good friend Serenity and her little brother Robert. Serenity's mom helped out today too so Anna thought that was pretty nice.

Mrs. Eiring took the class out behind the school playground and had each child dump a cup full of corn to feed the deer or other interested wildlife. A perk of going to school in the country! The class will do this often through the week and check to see if any corn was eaten from the time before.

Weekend

Weekends wouldn't be complete without pancakes at our house on Saturday morning. The girls and I tried a new version of pancakes this weekend: German Oven Pancakes (a.k.a. Pfannkuchen). I think we will try them again (with sprinkles of course).

This photo is circa Christmas Eve 1974

Dad went to his eternal home this day November 23rd, 1994. It's amazing how fast 14 years pass but not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I am trying my very best for the girls to know their Grandpa Al and here are five things that come to mind:

1. His sense of humor - dad always had a joke to tell.
2. Loyal - he had tremendous loyalty to his friends and family and would do anything for anybody - I can't begin to explain how many times he would pick up hitch hikers and I was the one who had to sit with them in the back of the car.
3. His love of softball - dad was gone numerous weekends playing in tournaments or weekly league games. He also spent numerous hours on the phone trying to find enough players to make a team.
4. Cars - dad loved a good car deal, something to fix up, something to swear at, or back in his prime, something to drive fast. We could never make it by a used car dealership without him stopping by "to just look." He could fix anything and he would stay up all night if he had to so the car was working by morning.
5. Words of wisdom to me: "There is good in all people but sometimes you just have to look a little harder."

I miss you dad...

Pancakes & Memory

The last few days have involved several games of Memory with Anna. She LOVES this game (and loves to win). She is so proud of herself when she finds a pair!

The girls love to have sprinkles on their pancakes and I wasn't sure if Anna was having pancakes with her sprinkles or sprinkles with her pancakes. If we let her she would dump an entire bottle of sprinkles on her pancakes.

Kate also has been planning her birthday party for when she turns 7 the last couple of days. We told her she could have a friend party when she turned 7 and for some reason she wants to start the planning early...10 months early. She has made a list of guests and of course the list includes the 3 naughtiest boys in her class! I also told her since she is turning 7 that would be the limit on how many she could invite...she evaluated her list and said she had the right amount...stay tuned.

Wednesdays with Grandma Joyce

Something that mom didn't do too much of while growing up...cleaning.  :)  Mom has become obsessed with cleaning everything and gets very irritated when something isn't done just so...

Mom and I played Memory today and she actually beat me (with a little help).  She was pretty confused but we muddled through it and it was an activity for us to do together.  Even though this was such a simple thing to do I have to be thankful for these times that she can still communicate with me and know who I am.  Ernie also wanted to get in on the action...

A Visit to School

                                                                                                                     Jack, Kate & Ella

Today I was able to take the opportunity and volunteer in Kate's Kindergarten classroom this afternoon.  It was fun being back in a classroom (but without the responsibility) and meeting Kate's friends that she talks about each day.  Today we learned about the penny in Math, went to music and had fun at free choice (note the pictures).  Kate's new obsession:  everything horses. Next week it's Anna's turn for mom to visit during their class Thanksgiving party.

Play Time

Anna had her neighbor friend Claire over for a play date today and she (actually they) was in her glory.  There was no sharing toys with her older sister and submitting to her demands...just pure playtime bliss for a 4 1/2 year old and her buddy.  Anna took on her helper/mommy role right away by taking Claire's shoes off and hanging up her coat.  Then it was onto more fun things...snack and a princess search and find.  Nothing can be better than that for a chilly Monday morning...