Jeff has too much time on his hands!

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

Do you want the good news or the bad news ?

Let's start with the bad news.
Bad news: Last Thursday night, we were robbed. I had mistakenly left the garage door open all night and someone came on in and helped themselves to my purse (in my car) and Jeff's work bag ( in his car.) Early Friday morning as I was loading the kids in the car I noticed the obvious...the garage door was wide open. Instantly, an erie feeling came over me. The car doors were ajar and our personal possessions were gone. We quickly canceled credit cards and called the police. Soon the police and even the criminal team were called in to the little town of Elkhorn. Impulsively, I reached for my camera to take a picture of "CSI" Omaha in front of our house when I suddenly realized our camera was in my purse...GONE!! I feel lost without the camera. We had over 200 pictures on it and I typically use it every week. Between scrapbooking, & blogging- I don't think I can function long without the camera. "What's a girl to do?"

Good news: We are all safe and sound. Not only was the garage door open but we are not in the habit of locking the door to the inside of the house from the garage. It was unlocked all night. Thankfully we are safe and the only thing of value lost was the camera. We are so grateful to be watched over and protected.

Good news: Gigi and papa came to town to visit and play with us. We had a fun time going shopping, out to lunch, playing with the kiddos. Laughing, snuggling, and being together.

Bad news: Their time spent here was just to short. We miss them already. They helped us so much with the painting of the basement. We made so much progress! I am getting excited to have it finished. Thanks Gigi and Papa for the help.

Good News: Happy Birthday to Grandpa Anderson. His birthday was September 19th. We love him so much and had fun putting together his b-day present. Grandpa, hope you had a fun filled and fabulous birthday. We were thinking about you and wishing you the best.

Bad News: We weren't able to spend the day with Grandpa. We sure miss the special dinners and celebrations with our family and loved ones so far away. Again, Happy Birthday Grandpa.

Good News: Gigi, Papa and Uncle Robby all contributed to sending us a new computer, Hooray! How lucky are we? We are so thankful to them. We now have a large flat screen monitor that even Zachary can see. So, now he is having so much fun playing on the computer.

Bad News: Now, all 5 of us waste time on the computer. To be honest, Jeff and I are the ones that truly do and play mindless things on the computer. The kids play games, but for the most part they are educational ones. All 3 kids (and one husband) are hooked on the webkinz site.

Good News: Saturday night we went to dinner and a movie with the Bischoff's. Since it was a last minute plan for us -I had not reserved a sitter in advance. We have a great group of girls in the ward that babysit but they all had plans Sat. night. I thought we were out of luck. Mia offered her sitter and younger sister to tend all the children together. We brought our kids in P.J's over to the Bischoffs for a "late night." Fun night for the kids and even better night for the parents. Thanks, Mia for making that happen.

Bad News: Sweet Avery was not feeling well Saturday night. Infact, when we came in to pick up the kiddos she was fast asleep on the couch. She is still not doing very well today. Sore throat, stuffy nose, fever, headache. I hate to see her in pain. Are the Bischoff kiddos o.k, today? I hope she didn't spread germs.

Good News: The kids don't have school tomorrow. We can sleep in, relax, and play together.

Bad News: Because the kids don't have school tomorrow my normal "Monday Morning Clean Up Day" will have to wait. Goodnight for now.

Happy Birthday to you...Grandpa!

Happy Birthday. We love you grandpa and sure hope you are celebrating!! We wish we could be with you this day but, please know that we are thinking about you.

How do you spell grandpa?

G-Generous and kind

R-Responsible and respectful

A-Awesome Dad and Grandpa

N-Nostalgic, especially in preserving traditions and memories

D-Dedicated to his family

P-Play. Grandpa is a big kid at heart and loves to play

A-Always loving and ready to snuggle

Thanks grandpa for all you do for us. Enjoy your day and here's to wishing you this is the best year ever.

We love you, Laurie, Jeff, Zachary, Ellie, Avery

Walk on the wild side

Tonight was Fireridge's walk-a-thon. Jeff loves all school sponsored activities... I hope you can detect my sarcasm. For someone who is as involved and present in their children's lives it may surprise you that Jeff has no interest in attending these type functions. However, he put a smile on his face tonight and off we went. We knew we would not walk the entire route so, we purposely left home 1/2 hour late. We walked around the neighborhood for a bit and we were then conviced to finish up on the school playground. Ellie whined a little, saying "she never ever gets to play on the playground" (I guess she doesn't count recess, EVERYDAY) After the walk we were treated with a live D.J in the gym. The children ( and in our case only Zach) enjoyed doing the limbo, Congo line and lots of dancing. Since we made it to the gym late we really didn't see any of Ellie's friends so dancing didn't thrill her. Zach didn't care -any chance to "bust a move" and he is all over the dance floor. After a bit, Jeff was able to coax the children out of the gym with bribe. "Let's go get ice cream, " and we were on the road within minutes. The weather was beautiful. The walk was nice. The night was fun. Our family time is awesome!

Just to let you know...

I will be without a computer for a couple of days. So, no posting, commenting, or emailing for me. I guess I will be forced to clean the house, take care of the children, and stay on top of my duties, the things that I have neglected since I was first introduced to the blogging world. Jeff is in Denver this week for a big meeting. He has been diligently preparing all week for several presentations and tests , so wish him luck. Hope everyone has a happy week.

She just couldn't wait any longer!

Avery's first day of preschool! Yea!

First day of preschool for Avery was Thursday and she woke up saying "Mom, I'm so happy- I just can't wait any longer to start my preschool." She has been patiently waiting for about 3 weeks now. She was beaming and filled with excitement especially after we attended the open house on Wed. This is the night where she finds out her teacher and tours her room. She has Miss Ruby and Miss Donna, both are sweet and lovely ladies. She made sure to visit each station of the room. I think she liked the puzzle area best. So, Thursday morning after we drooped off the big kids at school we had a photo shoot. She was very willing to model, after all it was finally her turn to start school. When she was finished modeling we were off to Imagination Station. Did I mention, her school is literally across the street and down 1 block! How convenient is that? When we walked in the doors she was greeted by a friendly women. Avery quickly responded to her with "I'm in preschool, now." Yes, you are sweet girl. Avery is growing up right before our very eyes. Although I would like to freeze her exactly as she is now I know "growing up" is part of life. Avery is a fun girl just waiting to conquer preschool. "Look out world, here she comes!"

Avery at the open house doing a puzzle.

playing house in the kitchen

Labor day

We spent a fun filled day at the Nebraska State Fair with our good friends, the Bischoff's. We started our day in the pig pen, and it was there that we experienced first hand the "hog on a jog" escapade. Jeff, Avery and Zachary were several feet behind us when suddenly a large pig broke loose and ran through the crowds knocking down anyone in his path. The pig tripped Avery, she fell and cried. I turned around to see her, and sure enough the pig was heading straight for me. Ellie and I quickly scooted out of his way, just in the nick of time! We still giggle thinking about it. After, we enjoyed the "kids zone" where the children got to feed the animals and hold a few babies. Next on our agenda was a crocodile show. It was semi- entertaining. We even got to pay $10.00 for a Polaroid picture of the kids holding a baby crocodile. The Nebraska State Fair is responsible for the disappearing 20's from Jeff's wallet. My favorite part of the Fair...Food on a stick. I had a corn dog for lunch ( a bit out of character for me, but very yummy) and for a special treat, deep fried Twinkie. Let's just say it's a good thing the fair only comes once a year. Can you say delicious? Enjoy some pictures !