The Schmidt House

About a month ago, my family (without me - can't remember why I wasn't there) went to the Original Pancake House in Eden Prairie for breakfast. While there, Adrian Peterson came in with his family. My sister, never being one to just sit by and watch life go by walked up to the table and asked one of the people at the table  a question. "Is that Adrian Peterson?" "Might be," responded the man.  "Oh, are you a Viking too?" she asked. The man turned to her with a smile on his face and said, "No maam, I'm his daddy! You know what I like you. Adrian, get over here and take a picture with this lady, I like her." I guess JG walked up to him and said, "I have you on my wall!" (He has a Fathead of him in his room). Adrian was very humble and was so kind especially to stand and take photos with these crazies. 

Tonight the kids and I went to Bedtime Stories with my mom and aunt, we all liked it really well. Both of the kids gave it a thumbs up - only thing I was so-so on was a scene where Adam Sandler sprays Xmas tree fire retardant in his eyes. Little man re-enacted in Hollister with the cologne, much to the chagrin of his mother and sister. Think it hurt enough he won't do it again.... I digress... After the movie and dinner we needed to stop at the local Holiday station for some gas to make it home. While standing in the flippin' cold waiting for the pump to work I noticed a rather sleek automobilie drive up. It was pretty, really, really pretty and looked like this: I didn't even notice the person driving the car get out to buy something inside, I was looking at the pretty, pretty car. A carload of 20 somethings drove up and said, "OMG! OMG!!! It's him!!!" "Him who?" I thought. "It's Adrian. Adrian Peterson!!!", one of the girls screamed.

AE has started blogging again, she was inspired by her friend Kylie who has been blogging on her mom's blog... Her first blog after a year hiatus was similar to her first blog ever... griping about cleaning the house.

This past week has been a blur. We have seen pretty much everyone in our family, plus extended family, and we have more family to see next week. It is good to connect with everyone. The kids got everything they wanted from Santa and family that they could have asked for. Joe got a Mario DS and Allie a Nano (but you guys already knew that). She is so excited. I realized about an hour after they opened their gifts that we purchased gifts which encourage no interaction with any other member of our family....was this really a good idea? Yesterday I played tennis with my good friend Jody and another friend Sue. We did well and took 2nd, I can't say that my good foot is better for it. I seriously cannot walk. It is like when I tore the ligament last year. NO GOOD. I am hoping it will be better tomorrow, I've got too much to do. Just saw this photo and it made me laugh, it was entitled, "Cows are Stupid". Karen - I am sure Monkey might laugh as much as JG.

The kids started Winter Break today and near as I can tell Dan must have put them to work because when I got home, hanging on the fridge there was a list of rules (i.e. grievances) put together by our dear and loving daughter. AE's Laws 1. Make a mess, clean it up. (I can't wait to tell her, please refer to law #1) 2. JG is not allowed in AE's room. 3. No going over the speed limit. (Wondering if Dan got a ticket today, must ask youngest child who spills the beans on everything.) 4. If you borrow anything from AE you only get it for a maximum of 30 days. 5. Only kids, 10 and up, can play AE's DS. 6. Any damage to these laws (rips to paper) and will (look at #10). 7. No throwing anything of AE's away without permission - yes, I'm looking at you dad! 8. Whoever is closest to the door has to let Mia in. 9. You may NOT take any money around the house that is not yours without permission. 10. If you break any of these laws and you owe AE $5. P.S. AE approv

I am going to scream. I have to scream because if I don't I will cry.  The answer is: NO Can't remember the last time I was this discombobulated.  Oh, and I need to go to Houston two days next week. Might be able to pick up some stocking stuffers at the airport. 

I need to start this post with the following: DAUGHTER OF MINE IF YOU ARE READING THIS YOU NEED TO STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER AND QUIT READING ANY FURTHER - THANKS, MOM Xmas is coming and AE has a pretty short Xmas list - she really, really, really wants an iPod Nano - green to be exact. She said her life will be complete if she receives this from her loving parents, or Santa. On Black Friday while my lovely sister was out fighting the crowds for JG's perfect gift - thanks again Amy!!! - I went online and ordered up AE's dream gift in less than 5 minutes with no lines involved. I logged on tonight to take a look at shipping progress and Dan and I were shocked. The new Nano will be the most traveled member of our household this holiday - it is traveling more than half way across the world for our little girl - SHENZHEN CN to LANTAU ISLAND HK to ANCHORAGE AK to...the Schmidt house.

because AE has played 349 times over the past week... Even JG can recite the Kanye part. He thinks the "pea coat" part is funny. It is really hard to explain what a pea coat is to a six year old boy because in the end he can't figure out why it isn't named for a bodily function or a vegetable he hates.  It is a catchy little tune, which I guarantee will be in your head the rest of the day.

clicked on the Next Blog link at the top of the page?  There is some weird stuff out there?  It got me to thinking, maybe our little diary of daily life has been someone's Next Blog and they thought: There is some weird stuff out there.

This is one of my favorites...got a good laugh tonight thanks to Bobbi's curtains

OK still hooked on Facebook - tonight had a pleasant surprise with one of my former classmates from Gillette stopping by (on the screen) for a little chat. She and I sat by one another in choir during Junior High, she was always eccentric (in a good way) and I really enjoyed getting to know her and her good heart. She went through some tough times when we were in school - we all remember how cruel kids can be and unfortunately she was on the receiving end of more than her fair share. Through it all she has become an amazing woman with a family of her own and stories to tell. We chatted about many things I had forgotten, the good, the bad and the very, very ugly. I found out one of my best guy friends from the tennis team committed suicide a year or so ago. I always wondered what happened to him, he had such big dreams, planned to go to Harvard, see the world. I am saddened by knowing he is no longer in this world. We also laughed about some of the paths our classmates have taken wit

I know Bobbi blogged a few weeks ago about Facebook, Karen and Stromer have mentioned it as well... I am now addicted - big time. I am connecting with people from all through my life and places I have been. When I was young we moved quite a bit because of my dad's job. Before I was five we lived in: Sioux Falls, SD (where I was born) Rochester, MN Maple Grove, MN (I drive by our old house every day) Rapid City, SD I went to school in: 1. Rapid City, SD - Grades K-4 - Meadowbrook Elementary 2. Gillette, WY - Grades 5-10 - Paintbrush Elementary, Sage Valley Junior High, Campbell County High School 3. Pine City, MN - Grades 11-12 - Pine City High School So, guess I have always felt a bit like an orphan how it all chunked out. When people ask me where I am from I say, "I grew up in South Dakota and Wyoming, but graduated from HS in Minnesota." They then usually look overwhelmed by too much information which I can't say that I blame them. However, with Facebook I am connec

I think I am going to buy this shirt:

Age 95, passed away Monday, November 10, 2008. She was a longtime resident of Aitkin, MN, and recent resident at the Terraces of St. Therese, Hopkins, MN. She was born August 30, 1913, in Wells, MN, the daughter of Emilie (Schweer) and Edward Kuechenmeister. She was a graduate of Wells High School and the University of Minnesota where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and president of Theta Sigma Phi, journalism sorority. She came to Aitkin in 1936 to join the staff of the Aitkin Republican. She married John T. Galarneault of Aitkin at St. James Catholic Church on August 6, 1938. Throughout the years she was active in school, church and community affairs, serving as president of the Aitkin Parent-Teacher Association, the Aitkin Public Library Board, St. James Council of Catholic Women, Brainerd Deanery CCW and chairman of the Aitkin County Citizens Committee on Aging, the Aitkin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the East Central Regional Library Board. She was

My grandma loved to laugh, and I honestly believe she is laughing right now after the adventure I have had trying to get the word out that she has moved on to a better place. Gram wrote her obituary 20 years ago and asked that I "update" it once she passed, so yesterday morning I got up and started typing the hardcopy, manual typed pages into Word. Finally I decided to call the Aitkin Independent Age to check on when exactly I would need to submit it to make the deadline. At 10:37 a.m. I called and found out that it was due by noon. So I got to typing and updated all of the info and let it go off into cyberspace all 572 words telling of Gram's life. I gave them my credit card and they charged me $60.00 for the obituary in the weekly paper.Next step was pulling everything together for the Star Tribune. I knew I was going to need to scale it back a bit, but wanted to make sure I still captured many of the important events in her life. So, when all was said and done it came

Tonight my grandma gave my mom a gift - the gift of being with her when she passed. I believe it is as it was meant to be - just the two of them talking and together. I just had a feeling it was going to be tonight, when I left I thanked grandma and told her I loved her like every other night, yet I felt it was going to be for the last time. I just felt that she was waiting to be alone with her Sharon. My mom was a little tentative when I walked out the room, but I told her to call me and I would let everyone else know if anything happened. I also told her everything will happen as it should so relax and try to get some sleep. I had just walked in the door at home, talked to Dan for a bit, heated up some soup and sat down to eat when the phone rang. "She's gone, grandma's gone." she cried. "She just gave me the most special gift..."

Gigi is still hanging on. I cannot believe her constitution - to use a "Gigi" word. The last four days have been a roller coaster - we have had three different occasions when all of the family has been summoned to say their goodbyes. Each time Gigi has regrouped and soldiers on. We took AE and JG to visit last night. I struggled with whether or not we should do it, but in the end I am glad that we did. She sure loves her little JG, she was awake when they came in and JG talked to her about playing bingo. AE sat with her and held her hand and was able to have her time to say goodbye.

The other night I had an exchange with Gigi that means the world to me, the last one when she knew who I was, so I just need to write it down, so I won't forget. Actually I don't think I will ever forget it, but wanted to share with Amy and my folks. Gigi: I am so tired, I just want to go home. Susan: Gram I wish you would be able to go and be in your own room in Aitkin. Gigi: I have a nice room. Susan: Yes you do it is so calm. Gigi: I want to see them. Susan: Who Gram? Gigi: Mother, dad, John. Susan: They are all waiting for you. Gigi: I know they are. I want to go. Susan: Margaret and Fran are there, so are Tom and Don (her siblings). Elsie, Esther and Sarah are there too (her dear friends). They are waiting. Gigi: Yes they are. Susan: Gram will you be there waiting for me someday? Gigi: Of course, you know I will be. Susan: And we will laugh. Gigi: Yes, we love to laugh. Susan: I love you. Gigi: Love you too. I am so tired.

This morning AE declared: "Picture day is the worst day of the year." JG wanted to wear his seersucker plaid shirt - AGAIN. We have so got our moneys worth out of that purchase. I tried to explain that you should wear seersucker in the summer, not November. No dice, finally was saved by the hole in the front which was caused more than likely by a button ripping off. JG dealt with it, however as he walked out the door he said: "Mommy I am still sad I can't wear my other shirt because it wanted to be the rainbow on a cloudy day." You know what JG? You color my world every day.

First of all I want to thank you all for your comments, emails, phone calls etc. checking in on Gigi. I appreciate it more than you know. Quick update - my dad and his brothers decided to have a temporary feeding tube inserted this morning and are going to see if there is any improvement in her condition and to see if she will begin swallowing. After five days they are going to re-assess the situation and determine next steps, until then I am going to take every opportunity I have to spend time with her. Think I will go down tomorrow with one of her favorite reads, The Far Pavilions and start reading - out loud.

sur·re·al \sə-ˈrē(-ə)l also -ˈrā-əl\ adjective 1: marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream That is the only way I can describe tonight - surreal. I went to the hospital after work and it was just bizarre - when I arrived I had heard Gigi moved to a new room - 514 versus 515 - when I arrived at 514 there was a police officer standing outside of the room with his arms crossed. I stopped. "I'm sorry I must have the wrong room." "No, I am with the person in bed two." I looked in and Gigi was in bed one - sleeping. Her roommate however was lying in bed with the curtain closed - all I could see was her leg which was shackled to the bed. The irony - a judge's wife rooming with a convict. After this is pretty much went down hill. Gigi slept from 5:30 - 7:30. At about 7:35 she starting screaming that she ate too much. I told her she had not eaten and she then screamed she was a big pig who ate too much - over and over and over. I tried to calm her, but it

Gigi had a stroke yesterday and is at Methodist. It happened yesterday sometime between breakfast and 10:30 a.m. She is doing better, she is able to move her left hand and complete sentences. However, she is not able to swallow which is a big issue. I had time with her tonight after my sister left, she had a choking episode and tried to get out of bed because she thought I was hiding popcorn from her. She is very, very hungry and confused. We talked quite awhile about how she wishes she was home. She thought she was a child again living at home in Wells, MN. She said she needed to complete her lessons before school, but she really wanted to go downstairs and see her sister in the music room. She also thought I was her best childhood friend, Mary Harrington. We need to investigate options for nursing homes before they discharge her because she will not be able to go back to her assisted living apartment in Hopkins. My friend Lori has graciously offered to help with the assessment, which

buy a Kindle - I have been debating for awhile and after watching Oprah on the DVR this weekend think I am going to do it.  Plus you get $50 off if you put OPRAHWINFREY in the promo code when checking out at amazon.com through November 1st.  Anyone else been thinking of this or does anyone have one???

I am home from the tour of the Southland. I now know the inner workings of an export grain facility from the elevator to the barges... It was very educational from a work and food consumption perspective - ate drum, the best molasses muffins I have ever tasted, and butter beans with shrimp and rice. Also a few things that I can't remember the names for them.  I saw the good - very nice people who love their jobs the bad - rats and cockroaches (both alive and dead)  and experienced the ugly - I was shat upon by a bird, luckily I was wearing a fashionable hard hat and safety glasses.  Now that I am home I can't tell you how nice it is to sleep in your own bed with snugly little people who kick you in the night, snoring husband, and a furry child who runs after squirrels in her dreams.  I will post photos soon. 

Am leaving at 6:10 a.m. to go to Louisiana - Westwego & Reserve (have never heard of either) - to perform IP (Information Protection) audits on two locations. After telling folks at work I was headed to Westwego they would say, "Isn't that the place where there was that really bad explosion?" Sure enough, it is .  Nice.  Near as I can tell I might be spending most of my time on a large dock looking at barge equipment on the Mississippi and determining if people use their own passwords. Should be interesting - I will take photos.  Get to spend the night here tomorrow night on Bourbon Street, looks pretty nice.  Still, just want to be home with the kiddies and catch up on my blog reading - feels like it has been months since I caught up with my friends lives...

11:37 p.m. To do list: 1. Pack for trip - flight leaves at 10:00 a.m. 2. Pack kids for trip to grandparents 3. List for all kid activities 4. Finish laundry 5. Send about 18 emails of things that people need to get done at work while I am gone. 6. Write up list of kid activities for the grandparents so they know when the kids need to be where. 7. Figure out what to pack. 8. Find suitcase - did I loan it out and forgot to get it back? 9. Pack for trip I must leave for at 6 a.m. the morning after the day we get back. 10. Figure out what to pack for that trip - do I need steel toed boots to hang out at Crush plant in the middle of a swamp??? Forgot to ask. Am assuming I can wear jeans... 11. Vacuum kitchen - crushed up saltines all over the floor - what happened???? Ask in a.m. 12. Paint toenails. 13. Do I need to pack for Dan??? I forgot if he told me yes - he is still at softball. 14. Cancel flu shot appointment for kids that I scheduled at the exact same time that we have to be at the

Dan turns 40 today - wow. We are heading to Key West this weekend to celebrate our birthday - Happy birthday honey!

We had a crazy weekend full of activities. One of the highlights was JG's hockey game today at Mariucci Arena (home of the Golden Gophers). He was goalie and they finally won a game - 6-3. He had about 10 shots on goal and did really well, one of his bestest buddies MO helped him out with the goal as well. I was a nervous wreck the whole time and had to laugh tonight when he told me before going to sleep, "Mommy, my team gave me a rounder of claws." Translation: round of applause. AE played her last basketball for Fall, I am glad we are done and am sad that we didn't play up. I really feel like she digressed, however think I am being a bit hard on a 10 year old. Her other team tied for 1st at the top level of 6 th grade and I think that AE would have learned so much - oh well we will be playing with them again before we know it. They are all such nice girls and AE has made so many friends on both teams. Here is a little video of the after game celebration for J

Here is a photo of AE's team the Crimson 5A. She has been playing in Gopher State Fall League and has done really, really well. She was a one-girl wrecking crew last week with 10 blocks in the 1st half in one of their games. I am really looking forward to watching her play this year. If you didn't guess baby girl is #41 in the back row.

JG went to Faith Formation (formerly CCD when we were kids). It was his first time going on the "big kid" night and he carpooled with his buddy NB. When they got there all of the kids had to go into the church and sit down. Our child, not known for his observation skills, stopped at the new fangled baptismal font (it's very modern - kind of like one of those pretty koi ponds). He said, loud enough for everyone to hear: "Hey, NB look they've got a hot tub."

I had a funny thing happen at work today - I met with this new contact in Biodiesel (yes, I am learning about Biodiesel and Containers - not Tupperware). I agreed to meet her at the coffee shop in our building so I had no idea what she looked like. I went up to grab a drink when this woman I recognized from around the way came walking up. "Are you Jen?" "Yes, I am." She had a funny look on her face. The closer I looked while I waited for her to grab her iced tea I noticed that I really liked her hair. I then realized - wait, our hair is very similar, same color, style. Funny. She sat down and said, "I can't believe it is you. This is so funny" "Me, what?" "OK," she started. "I have a confession. I have had long hair my whole life and just decided to cut it last week because I would see you around the Office Center and I really, really liked your hair. So you're the inspiration for my Extreme Makeover." I started laughi

Today AE took a babysitting class - all day - at the end she received an official certificate and everything. I am excited for her...I think. I can't however get this little clip out of my head, it is a short from "The Incredibles" called "Jack Jack Attack". Jack Jack, along with all of of the other members of the family, has special powers. We watched this over and over again a few years ago and AE had the "Hi, I'm Kari the babysitter" imitation down pat. The clip is a little long, but so funny. I can't get over how much AE does resemble Kari... Let's hope life does not imitate art...

a good pick me up for a chilly morning, it was recommended from a friend at work and i am liking it...try it, i think you might like it too. Martin Roth & Alex Bartlett - Off the World there are actually four versions available on iTunes - i have all four, but like this one the best.

AE went to a birthday party for her friend and BB teammate MT.

Baby girl made the "A" team. She was so excited this morning when she found out - you would've thought it was Christmas morning.

Now that I am staying at Cargill I don't have this entire week off to prep for new adventure because I still haven't left old adventure for new adventure at the same place where my little I/T experiment is still going. In all honesty I am surprised I am not more upset than I am, once again a sign that I was where I needed to be the whole time. Karen - started reading "The Book Thief" you were right it is a bit tough getting in to, however once you get past that what a ride...can't wait to see how it ends. Now wait, I am sad that I don't have this week off because I would have been able to read ALL DAY LONG if I had wanted to.

Blink-182 has been one of my favorite bands for quite some time, even though they aren't together I have followed the offshoots from the band +44 and Angels and Airwaves. Today the drummer Travis Barker survived a plane crash, four people died, but he and one other survived. I am just sad, to many this is just another new story, but I took note when I saw it and was sad. Here is one of my favorite Blink songs, "Adam's Song" it is a sad song, but like I said one of my favorites cause Mark sings it and it was before they were really big and it really touched me at a time in my life. Take a listen.

So over the past 24 hours I have managed to watch two, yes two movies, thanks to the new laptop. All other TVs w/DVDs were occupied in our home which is usually the case. Dan was watching the Twins get trounced by Tampa Bay and the kids were in the basement playing DDR . So, upstairs I went with Colin Firth and Edward Burns in tow. Then She Found Me The first movie I watched was Then She Found Me. I believe it went straight to DVD, can't remember it in the theater. It was written, directed, and starring Helen Hunt. Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler and of course Colin Firth are also in it. ***SYNOPSIS INCLUDING SPOILERS*** I didn't really like it. I was actually quite depressing. It is the tale of April a 39 year old, really wants kids teacher from NYC who marries this loser (Broderick) and he leaves her only to have her adoptive mother die the next day, then she discovers her birth mother who is a nutjob ( Midler ) TV personality only to fall in love with a neurotic father of

So we have had some changes here and I am still reeling from a two-week roller coaster of emotions, changes, decisions, and finally coming full circle. I am staying at Cargill . I can't give details right now, but let's just say it is truly the right thing for us. Cargill is an exceptional company and as I said before every day I walked in after giving my notice I felt sad. I was almost in tears while walking in on Wednesday. I was approached by a couple of women I look to as role models in the company and we had some heart to heart talks, as well as, my "best friend at work former client who is the brother I never wanted" co-worker. Through these conversations and also talking with Dan and my family I came to the decision and I have been sleeping better since. They are willing to work everything out and give me some amazing opportunities as well. I am very, very happy.

64 days 'til Twilight...found this on YouTube and thought you might enjoy.

because I won't AE sleep over with 16 girls the night before two basketball games, a practice and then tryouts the next day... did I mention how much I am looking forward to this teen angst thing?

Am I the only one confused, but somehow entertained at the same time? New Family - Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates (Long Version) - Watch more free videos

I only have four days left at Cargill and I am sad, I am really going to miss so many of the people that I have met. They are extremely funny and resilient, I have found that you have to be that way when you live in IT. I also have discovered how unbelievably kind the people I work with are, I cannot tell you how many nice things people have said when they learn of my departure. I do feel like the lame duck president or something, I made it all day without people coming and knocking on the door asking my opinion on a sundry of items. So, I am now the "special projects specialist" trying to get all of the loose ends tied up before I go.

I have been purging and came across some disposable cameras in the process. I hadn't a clue as to what was on them, so took them in to Target and had a little trip down memory lane.

AE played her first fall 3 on 3 game Thursday night with some friends from her Spring team. They had a blast and won both games (margin of 82-16) . The leagues is 4 th and 5 th graders, AE's team has three 5 th graders and one 4 th grader. They played a team of all 4 th graders and one of the girls was overwhelmed after a few minutes. She went over, sat down, and refused to go back in the game. When asked why by one of her teammates she replied: "That one girl ( AE ) is freaky tall and I am scared." AE had a really good laugh, can't tell you how glad I am she is comfortable with her height.

Changed the layout - in search of new, but this will do for now. The last was driving me batty on the iPhone.  Couldn't handle it anymore... anyone have any suggestions for cool layout sites????

This morning I was having a little chat with Nikki on the way to work and she totally put me in a good mood for the day without really even knowing it... We were talking about her latest bus adventure with LA, it's been a bit dicey the first few days of school. First day, no bus. Second day, her home office went to retrieve the kindergartner and guess the entire bus world was sent spinning. They moved the bus stop, where you may ask? Don't know because Nik's home office (aka Eric) didn't think to ask.  So this morning Nik was weighing her options. I told her to call Sally the mom down the street to get the scoop. What was her response. "Nope, can't do it. The woman is clueless, a complete Gorilla Puff (new category to my world). Plus I just can't trust someone who's real name is Sarah but she goes by Sally. What is she some old lady?" She wasn't finished.  "Also something must be wrong with you to name your children, Mimi, Fred, and Walter

JG has his first hockey game this morning - he is on the Renegades and is ready to go.  AE starts clinics for traveling basketball tonight - we are heading down the traveling highway, guess we might as well kiss all of our weekends thru May goodbye.  That is if she makes the team. 

This last week has been a bit of a whirlwind to say the least. Last Tuesday went to dinner w/my aunt, mom, and a friend of my aunt. The friend is my aunt's former employee and was in town for business. She and Auntie Shirley still work at the same company and she has been trying to lure me to the company for a few years... So during dinner she says, "I have an opening in Mpls"... It went really fast and I had a job offer by Thursday @ 4:00, crazy fast. I accepted and gave my notice Wednesday. Here is the best part - I get to work from home full-time. I will still have about 20 employees, but they all work from home too! It is a telecommunications company (Avaya) and I will be responsible for maintaining maintenance relationships with clients - so I will get to get out and about. I am really excited, nervous too because I never thought I would leave Cargill. It is such a stable company that is actually making quite a bit of money, but I think having the opportunity of bein

So, this week has been filled with a lot of things that start with the letter "F" (ode to Sesame Street)... First grade - little man started first grade yesterday, can't believe that our baby is going all day to his new school. Yesterday morning started a little rough with our pants on backwards and no underware - kinda forgot this minor piece of wardrobe. When asked how his day went he replied, "Fine, cept it would have been perfect if Nate was in my class." Fifth grade - AE is a big 5th grader - wow how that went by fast...she likes her teacher, doesn't care all that much for her locker buddy, had a good lunch. She is growing up way too fast. Fish - as in Mardy. He is trying to beat Nadal, but I am thinking it might not happen, so might as well go to bed. Facebook - My sister has got me hooked. Many more updates to tell...I am leaving Cargill for a new job. Funny the path that life takes you on sometimes.

Just have been extremely crazy right now - kids had the last week of Kidstop and my mom will be here this week to hang out with them, then next week we are off to Gull Lake, then school starts.  I know like a lot of you we have been watching the Olympics every night - I am kinda sad that the Michael Phelps show has come to an end. JG is obsessed.  Let's see some of the funnies from this week:  Last night JG informed me that he "accidentally" set up a fort in the basement after I requested that we leave it be for the night. When I asked how this could have happened he told me, "I not know, it was just there." JG's other hit for the week:  We have located the long lost GameBoy and JG has been playing with a vengeance each night after he comes in from running amok with the neighborhood boys. Dan asked JG to go upstairs and get in the shower before bed, JG ran upstairs with the GameBoy.  Dan went to check on him when he heard JG screaming in the shower. When Dan

Had a good laugh tonight - we are heading off for a weekend adventure with the neighbors. We are going to Ruttger's again to have a few relaxing days and get caught up with friends. JG asked tonight when Lori was over finalizing a few things... "So Mama 'Newski (Mrs. Wisnewski) you gonna go to Fudd Ruttgers too?"

So I don't have enough time to write full posts on the other site, but here are a few of my favorite summer reads so far... Those Who Save Us - Jenna Blum Whistling in the Dark - Lesley Kagen Home: A Memoir of My Early Years - Julie Andrews (gotta love Mary Poppins)

The softball, t-ball, and old guy softball leagues are coming to an end. We have spent quite a bit of time at the ' ol ballgames this past week and I can say I am looking forward to not sitting on bleachers any time soon. We even involved the whole famn damily in the outings, the Schmidts , Galarneaults, and Grand-Auntie Shirley came along. AE's team the Blue Starz went 0-15 (might have been more - lost count). They were the youngest team in the league, all going into 5 th grade, with a couple 6 th graders who have never played. I am looking forward to seeing how this team will do in a few years. The girls really didn't seem to notice that they didn't win a game, they had a great time and AE met many of the girls that she will go to school with next year. Little man took his t-ball very seriously. He would trash talk 5 year old girls, wear eye-black and run amok. He is really ready for the next level, the question is: are they ready for him? Lastly, Dan wi

Does anyone else remember this? Completely brings back memories and I guarantee you won't be able to get the song out of your head or the grin off of your face.

about Mamma Mia - Shelly and I sorta liked it. AE & KB couldn't wait for it to end... At moments it is kinda good, and then at others so cheesy you cringe...really. Here are the plus and minuses: - I love Meryl Streep but felt she wasn't quite right for the role, can't put my finger on who would be. + Christine Baranski and Julie Walters were really great as Donna's best friends. + Sophie was so very good. - Colin Firth wasn't in the movie enough. - Pierce Bronsnan really should never sing on screen ever again. +/- The kid who plays Sky (or Ski as Shelly called him) kinda freaked me out because he looked exactly like this guy I used to work with who always wanted me to double check my billing numbers, I know this is just my own quirky issue. + I would like to visit Greece because it looked just magical on the screen. Overall I think I maybe liked it a little, it just felt different from when I saw it on stage. Maybe it is because I am not used to watching musica

Today is a big day at the Schmidt House. AE is getting her ears pierced again - last time they closed up. Then AE, her buddy KB, Shelly (KB's mom) and I are going to Mamma Mia!!! We saw it on the stage but am very excited to have a relaxing afternoon hanging out with Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and best of all listening to ABBA.

My kids love The Claw just as much as the next kid, maybe more. JG is a little crazy, OK maybe a lot crazy but he has never done this...at least not that I am aware of.

mad skills To be able to do/perform amazing/unexpected things. To be said after performing an extraordinary feat. 1. Today JG told me after kicking Bowser to the curb: "Mom, did you see me? I just totally beat Bowser. I've got some mad Wii skills." 2. Also going in the quote Hall of Fame for the month is AE's latest. " No my last name is Schmidt. Like the beer." BTW, when I Googled mad skills looking for the perfect picture to accompany this post, this is what I got.

that I have had the opportunity to do this 24 times in the past two weeks. Yes, I really did type 24. This is more true than you could ever possibly know. Well, on the positive side I don't have to do this exercise again for another 175 days. Sigh.

I have been meaning to write about this for a bit, but finally got a glimpse of the trailer for the movie and was reminded that I wanted to mention it... really starting to think I have adult ADD. Anywho, there is this series of teen books by Stephenie Meyer , they are about vampires - actually the story of a teenage vampire named Edward who falls in love with a human, Bella. I know you are asking yourself why would I ever read about teenage vampires? Well, because they are really, really good. The series includes: Twilight New Moon Eclipse Breaking Dawn (Aug '08) I was skeptical when I picked them up at the library. As usual I had reserved the first book and forgot about it. I really didn't think I would be interested in a teen novel, but thought I would give it a go and could not stop, I think I read all three of the books in about a week. Check out the trailer, the movie comes out in December and I will drag Shelly along with me I know she will like it, just like Outlander .

The other day at work we were talking about the curmudgeonly old men from the Muppet Show who would heckle poor Fozzie . I couldn't for the life of me remember both of their names (yes, Carey there is something that didn't fit into my already full brain). So I went out to Wiki then to YouTube and laughed all by myself in our basement at 12:30 a.m thanks to my childhood favorite The Muppet Show. What brought me to tears (happy of course) was the Swedish Chef - he seriously was my favorite. I remembered this little clip and laughed, and laughed. BTW - the old guys are Statler and Waldorf . Here is my favorite Swedish Chef moment...

We went to Benihana's last night with the kids for our anniversary - 14 years - my how time flies. We were in the process of ordering our entrees and it went a little something like this: Waiter: How would you like your steak? Dan: Medium. Waiter: How would you like your steak? AE: Medium Waiter: How would you like your steak? Me: Medium Waiter: How would you like your steak? JG: Small

OK so I don't know if I should be offended? I took the Wii fitness test and my age is 37. I really am 37... is this a good thing or bad thing??? Did pretty good at bowling and tennis. Baseball stunk, only hit one home run. Guess I will be a little easier on AE next time she is up to bat...

Tim Russert and his wife Maureen Orth sure "done it good". This is one amazing kid. Don't know if it will have the same affect, but I cried like a baby watching this, what a testament to his father.

One of my favorite photos of our children, Turkey & Donkey (you have to click on the photo for larger view). Dan had a pretty good Father's Day - breakfast, boating, watching the US Open (can you believe Tiger???) Then we had ribs and watched a little basketball... I have been wanting to post this for awhile, but have been waiting for Father's Day. I love this song by Ben Folds it is one of my favorite favoritest- Can't embed it so here is the link... http://youtube.com/watch?v=iQvk_c_LnUg

Last week I had the following conversation with one of the women who now reports to me. AB: Oh, you must have a mini-van too, you have the same keys as me. (My keys were sitting on my desk.) Me: Yeah, I have a silver Town and Country just like half of the other people in the world. AB: Silver sure is a popular color, I have one as well. Mine is silver except for a big section where the paint has worn off since I live on a dirt road. I paused and connected the dots...I knew a silver mini-van with paint issues. Me: The paint wouldn't be missing on the driver's side back bumper would it? AB: Yeah, how did you know??? Well, I told her the story of when I thought someone had hit my van and realized it wasn't mine , but now have found it was hers. We had a good laugh and she has forgiven me for scraping the paint off her car.

someone must have taped a conference call I was on today with our corporate I/T services group. Just switch out a beach umbrella for a Lotus Notes server with a few partitions and we are set. The whole time I was on the call all I could think of was the Twiddlebugs because the five people on the other end of the line seriously sounded like all of them talking at once. I looked up Twiddlebugs on YouTube and this is what I found. I almost peed my pants listening to it because it was almost verbatim of our conversation. BTW...My "corporate character" is portrayed by Twiddlerother Timmy. Barb in Corporate is convincingly played by Twiddledaughter Tina, unfortunetly she came up with a "solution" to our problem after 40 minutes of endless droning.

my hair salon... A girl has a very special relationship with her hair salon. I have been "with" mine for nearly eight years, however have hit the tipping point thanks to a little reality show called "Split Ends". The owner of my salon was a participant on the show and swapped places with a stylist in Goodyear, AZ. After watching her little tirade on YouTube I am done. I am completely shocked, embarrassed, and angry I have handed over my money to this woman. She has always been affected, but this is ridiculous. She rips on the AZ salon for being in a strip mall - news flash - her salon is in a strip mall. Plus I have consistently seen women of all shapes and sizes, wearing all types of clothing throughout the years. Don't get me wrong I LOVE THE WOMAN WHO DOES MY HAIR (who is not this woman on the video) and am completely sad that we have come to this, however I cannot step foot in there again. I think I am going to call tomorrow and tell her what I really thin

Anyone remember the brother from "There's Something About Mary"? Wait, I think that was "franks and beans". This Pork and Beans is from none other but Weezer - they are back!!! Oh, how I have missed you...Happy Wednesday! See how many YouTube nods you can identify...

This is little man's favorite commercial, unfortunately we now have a little "your momma" trash talker in the house. Fortunately he has only managed to trash talk the dog. However, I don't know if I should be offended especially if he thinks I am Mia's momma?

AE played with both her MN Thunder and Maple Grove Mustangs teams last weekend, we seriously spent the ENTIRE weekend in the Coon Rapids High School gym. AE did great and was so happy Papa Ed (my dad) was able to come and see her play. My dad was pretty quiet throughout the game in fact he surprised me at how quiet he was. My dad is not a quiet guy - imagine that? He did have one little outburst. The other team had a breakaway layup and AE was the only person between her and the basket. So what did my dad yell? "SUSAN GET BACK!!!" The people around us looked at him and only then he realized what he said. He looked at me and said: "Whoops."

There is hope - I realized today that Madonna is going to be 50 in like 3 months - crazy. 50. Have you seen her lately? She looks amazing and is proof that 50 is the new 40 or in her case 35. Here is her most recent song w/Justin Timberlake, 4 Minutes. Not gonna win a Grammy, but makes me want to start doing yoga, I would give anything for arms like that.

I added another 11 employees this week. Think I might need to get my head checked. I laughed this week because of an exchange I had with a former co-worker. He recently left to go work at another company and I was telling him how I could maybe meet for lunch in June because I was too crazy right now. I asked, "Why can't I just be happy and play in my own sandbox?" I received the following response, nothing more, nothing less. "Alpha-female." Nice - and I thought I had mellowed with age...

AE has been playing on this AAU team comprised of 3rd and 4th graders. They've played in 5th grade tourneys and have had so-so luck. The first week they were annihilated by the best teams in the state, however this past week the girls moved down a class and they were competitive. The 2nd game they played went really well and they were up 23-2 thanks to a couple of little girls sinking 3-pointer after 3-pointer. AE's coach was not pleased with the showboating and called a time out. "What is this?" he asked one of the 3-point queens. "We all know you can shoot a 3-pointer, so what? That is not the way we are gonna do it. You all run the offense or you will find yourself on the bench." "Got it? It just ain't fair to the other team, it's like beating up a drunk." Let's just say the last words of wisdom were completely lost on little girls who love Hannah Montana and still play with Webkinz. The parents on the other hand had a pretty good la

Loving this song, "Madly" by Tristan Prettyman - free single of the week on iTunes - go get it... NOW. Doesn't she look like a young Diane Lane circa "Cotton Club"?

Last night we had steak kabobs for dinner. Did I mention I am so excited to be grilling again??!!??? Well, I am. JG had his kabob all cut up and ready to go, it was just missing a little something... "Can someone pass me the A-men?" He meant A-1, however Dad passed him the B-3 - Dan's little lame joke.

Dan relayed the following exchange: JG was watching the MN Twins. JG: Dad, what's a small ball? Dad: It is when the hitter hits the ball in the infield. Not like a long ball. JG: Dad, what's a long ball? Dad: When the ball goes into the outfield. You know JG, chicks dig the long ball. Pause. JG: Dad, what's a chick?

Conversation in the car yesterday - came out of nowhere. JG: Mom, I'm sad. Mom: Why? JG: Cause all the Krispy Kremes are gone. That is so sad for kids. Must be cause too many grownups ate too many Krispy Kremes and got too fat. Then they had to go on diets and no one buys any more Krispy Kremes . ' Cept kids aren't on diets and they can still eat Krispy Kremes but kids can't drive and then they had to close. It's not fair, no more Krispy Kremes , plus it's not fair I can't drive either. Pause JG: I think I'm gonna cry for all the lonely Krispy Kremes... Pause JG: ...and because I don't have my own car.

I am always open to new music, however in this case it is new "old" music. I am wondering if I am the only person who didn't really pay attention to Nick Drake? I am really enjoying him - quite a lot actually. Sadly he passed away in 1974, almost 34 years ago, can't tell you how I wish there was more to come. Take a listen to "Pink Moon" - amazing little tune for a snowy, snowy night - waiting for spring to come.

We have made an executive decision in the Schmidt House. Little man cannot watch any more NHL hockey. Why? Well for starters one word - Boogaard. Because he has become a little hockey goon taking all kinds of cheap, sneaky shots at his opponents. Near as we can tell it may stem from a little cheering session dad and son had on Friday evening during a full on brawl during the Wild game. JG was cheering, "Fight, fight, fight." No good. During Saturday's game, JG hooked a kid and laid on "Jacob" until the coach pulled him off. Jacob had knocked JG down earlier and little man obviously made note of #5 and retaliated. Jacob's mother and one of JG's friends mom were sitting behind me complaining quite loudly, "That kid is being mean to Jacob, can't someone get him off my son????" I turned around and informed her, "That would be JG." They then were quiet. Nothing like calling out the elephant in the room. On Sunday it got even worse. JG

I have called my iPhone - My Precious (inspired by Golum aka Sméagol from Lord of the Rings). This evening I wanted to throw My Precious against the wall - oh technology. I went to the AT&T store to pick up a new case for Precious and pay my bill while I was there. I was already crabby by the time the slower than molasses, texting, chit-chatting with colleagues while I stood there waiting sales-girl got to me. "I'd like to pay my bill while I am here." "Um, o.k." she replied. Then brought up my account, "Your balance is $380.34" I almost choked, "My account isn't past due, how can that be my plan is $79.00/month?" "Um, let me see." It seriously took her over 5 minutes to maneuver through my account. "Well it looks like you had like a ton of charges for data transfers. Like over $250 worth." I went around the counter and looked at my account - Yep it was true. No good. Evidently when I went to Winnipeg I "accep

So I am 39 minutes into my first official day of working from home and I have read two emails, made breakfast, made kool -aid, cleaned up spilled yogurt, fed the dog, found batteries for dead Wii remote, fixed the Wii and was most recently asked if I would like to play Mario baseball... AE is still sleeping can't wait for her to get up and antagonize the pterodactyl - am anticipating I may be able to get through one email then. Thank God no one has called yet...

Nothing like a little Easter with snow, snow and more snow. The kids couldn't for the life of them figure out why we weren't going to do a little Easter egg hunt, so we did an indoor hunt at Dan's cousin's house. We had a nice time catching up with Dan's family, as always his Aunt Diane entertained withh crazy stories. We laughed about the time the family went out of town and left their parakeet in the hands of great-grandma Showalter . Guess she felt bad for the bird and let it fly around the house for a little exercise - the bird got tired, fell into the toilet and died. Wonder if that was the real story? In the words of Michael Scott, Dunder Mifflin Scranton, "That's what she said."

I feel kinda bad cause I am actually looking forward to going back to work on Monday. I had yesterday off and hung out with two screaming, fighting, hair pulling, hitting with hockey sticks, pterodactyl sounding, mom-yelling, dog chasing under a table, listening ears gone deaf, not wanting to eat anything in the entire cupboard, sitting in the wrong seat to antagonize sibling, locking out of the bathroom, sibling insulting angels we call our children. After a couple glasses of wine (at 4 p.m. - just kidding) and a hot bath - it didn't seem so bad - until we got up this morning and started all over again. It is going to be a long Spring Break week.

Our niece ZP is on a competitive cheerleading team, or maybe they call it a squad. Anywho, the girls have had a really good year and made it to Nationals in Orlando this past weekend. So, I called my sister to see how everything was going. When I spoke to her she sounded like she was in a train station or something (actually she was trying to get on a bus with 3,980 other cheerleading parents to get back to the hotel). I asked how it went and was told, "Not so good." Guess during the routine two of the girls were dropped and then during the finale the little girl on the top of the pyramid, or maybe it is a tower, got a little nervous and vomited on the rest of the girls on the bottom. On a positive note, it had to of been a memorable performance one that the folks will remember for years... "Hey, remember that time we were in Orlando and that girl from somewhere up North puked all over everyone????"

Maple Grove Mustangs got 2nd at the Girls' State Tourney this weekend. AE played awesome, had 46 points in 3 games. She had a blast with her bestest buddies KB and AP, we are so proud of them. The girls had a great time, now they get a long awaited break... did I mention the parents get a break too?

Don't know what part of having 11 girls over for a slumber party, starting a new job, hosting book club (oh, and finish book I must lead group in discussion), going to two basketball tournaments and hosting bunco all in 8 days or less seemed like a good idea... We are here surviving one day at a time. Will post more this week, so many little stories to tell. Quick little one. This evening the 10 year old told the almost 6 year old. "You're about as deep as a turkey sandwich." The almost 6 year old's retort? "I don't like turkey."

to call my own. Mine all mine. And You know what? I'm lonely. (kinda like a Postscript huh Karen?)