Do you remember when holidays were actually holidays?

This is something that I am getting progressively more frustrated with. Holidays are not holidays anymore. Where did that time of family fellowship, relaxation and really thinking and knowing what is being celebrated go? I was fortunate and did not have to work on Thanksgiving so I got to see my family for a lot of the day and Colton got to go to my brother's house and "ride" horse. He thought it was amazing and it was so cute. However, Thanksgiving was my only day off that week and I had to be at work at 3:30am the next morning. Lame. Obviously there are many things that I am thankful for but I dont feel that there was time to enjoy being thankful. Again, I know i can always be thankful but if thanksgiving is to reflect on what we are thankful for there should be time to do it.

Christmas is the same. I have Christmas day off. AND Walmart has decided (for some unknown and ridicules reason) that on Christmas Eve they should be open until 8pm. I'm sorry but what the hell? I want time to spend with family, to think about the One who was born and died for our sins, to sing, to be thankful for all these things. I love Christmas day...its a good day but it goes so fast....

Shifting towards Christmas

Well the time is flying by. Colton has turned 2, he was a lion for Halloween and Thanksgiving is swiftly approaching. Thanksgiving isnt really that exciting for me though because the weekend after I pretty much work non stop. I really enjoy seeing family though! Then its
Christmas! Jason told me he really wants to decorate this year. However, when I ask him what he wants to do he says "I dont know, I dont decorate". So, we will see what happens. I love Christmas even though its a challenge to balance work and all the family. I love seeing everyone and am really happy when it all works out well.
Colton had a lot of fun going trick or treating. He even got to meet up with his cousin Caeden at Grandpa and Grandmas and go to a few doors with him. Caeden was a monkey and they were pretty cute together.
Today we are getting family and Coltons two year pictures taken. I am pretty excited and hope it goes well. I guess we will see. I am a lot fatter than I used to be so im guessing I wont like the pictures with me in them very much. We will see.
I started painting my entry way the other day. I am hoping I will like the color otherwise I will have to get some glaze and do a different technique on it ...
Colton has become quite the little conversationalist and has learned many words in a short period of time. It is amazing to listen to him and realize how much he knows! He has also used the potty a few times! Mommy is pretty impressed :)
One of Jason's cousins is getting married today. We feel bad we cant make it but wish her the best!
We are enjoying the warmer fall weather that we missed in October. I personally hope it sticks around awhile but we will see. It is crazy that is has already snowed because it doesnt really feel like it. I of course will add a few pictures here at the end :)

Where did Fall go?

It appears that I have trouble keeping up with updating the blog. Oh well. Funny story from this morning. Colton shows slight interest in the potty so he has one and this morning he hauled it out to the living room and wanted to use it. I let him take off his diaper and sit on the potty. Of course nothing happened so after a little while he started to walk around so I went to get his clothes and a new diaper. Next thing I know, little man is peeing on the kitchen floor! That was fun to clean up...it was pretty funny though. Thats what I get for letting him walk around without a diaper and at least it was on the kitchen floor and not the carpet. Fun times.
Colton's 2nd birthday has come and gone in the midst of busy times at work and home. We took a trip to Minneapolis to see the last Twins game in the metrodome. It was fun but Colton didnt get a birthday party. I was thinking about inviting some people over for cake soon. We will see.
Colton also had his 2 year check up. He didnt get any flu shots yet because they were out so I will have to call and see when some are going to come in again. However, the Dr. was really impressed with his vocabulary and speaking ability. He is still pretty skinny , his weight was in the 25th percentile while his height and head were in the 75th percentile. It seems he had another growth spurt! He is also finally getting his eye teeth for real this time. More drool. What fun. AND, he is becoming much more independent and I have seen a few more temper tantrums :( Hopefully they dont get too bad !

I am not very happy to see snow either...

Maybe I should Update

So I am super excited because I just realized that my dear friend Clarissa decided to follow the blog! Hi friend! Also, once again it has been awhile since I have written anything here. I did not get the new job at Walmart but I am pretty sure that is ok with me. Someone else can be the guinea pig and figure out what its all about. I have also been thinking about taking a class or two for something although I am not quite sure what yet. We will see how that goes.
Last night was not fun as I was sick. I actually havent thrown up in over two years and got to have that lovely experience last night. I am pretty sure that is done now :) I really hope Colton doesnt get sick now though.
Lately I have been looking for some good books to read as well. If anyone has any suggestions that would be great! Maybe I will have to take a look at my Amazon listing as well. I know i have a couple listed on there.
Colton has reached a new level in his terrible two stage...I hope its the top but I am pretty sure I would only be fooling myself to believe that is true! He is extremely curious and really likes trying everything so he has been a little difficult to control. However, I dont think I would change it because I would rather have a curious, brite, active and intelligent child than a passive one. He also likes to count and try to figure things out. I think he has more of his dad's brain than mine but who knows...he does like books as well. The only thing he isnt interested in at all is the TV. I am actually pretty thankful although I cant use that to provide a break for myself. Sometimes I wish I could just turn on the TV and that would entertain him for a bit ....no such luck. Oh well, like I said I would rather have him be curious and active than anything else. He shows a little interest in the potty but not a lot... We will see how that goes as well.
I also included a few pics of things we have been up to...

Not Sure

Sometimes I am just not really sure what I should do. There is a new opportunity at Walmart that I applied for but retail is obviously not something I am passionate about. I really could care less if a store has everything every person thinks they need to be happy. Granted, choices are good but we as a society have become so focused on things, and appearances, and money. It amazes me the things people think they need to get by. I am far from perfect in this area too. I have so much crap that I don't really do anything with and I want that to change . But how to go about that. Why can't we just be happy with having people we love in our lives, with the relationships, with the just enough. I'm sure that there are people who are but I have a hard time finding them.
I guess my point is that I want to work for someone/something that cares more about the people who work for them than for making sure they make every cent they can. I dont have daycare for Colton the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. I have to work Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday..... I have to find someone to watch him because I have to be at work.....I dont really know what my point is but I guess I wish I knew of a better job in something I am interested in and that was more family friendly and could still pay the bills.
However, I also wish people didnt judge others for the job they do. So what if I work at Walmart ...it atleast pays the bills and gives me a pretty good schedule to spend time with Colton. Does it mean I dont know what I am talking about just because it doesnt seem like I am using my BA in psychology? Hell no....I use it everyday in some way and dont think you can treat me like I am an idiot just because of where I work. Yes, I hope to someday find something that fits better but right now there are things that are more important ..like my little boy and my husband and family etc. Walmart is sufficient...maybe not ideal but it is a piece of the puzzle that is my life and if you dont like it . too bad.
ok, i guess thats enough of the frustrated blog....maybe I will have to write a cheerier blog soon.

Missing My Baby

I had to work Friday night and Saturday so Colton has been at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Sioux Center. That means that I have been bored :) Although that isnt neccesarily bad. Friday night Jason and I went out with Kate to Applebees after work and tonight I got to hang out with myself for awhile. That is something that rarely happens.
I am looking forward to next weekend when we get to go to Oak Grove to hang out with my grandparents and my mom's side of the family. We get to go canoeing and just generally have a good time with family.

Time Flies

Well, once again time seems to have gotten away from me. I'm trying to remember everything that has happened since I last wrote and it seems to be an awful lot of stuff :) Colton got to go fishing with Grandpa and Grandma Dolieslager at Covell Lake, and to the Airshow and swimming in his pool and the zoo....the list goes on and on...

At Walmart, they have started the store remodel so its incredibly interesting to go to work and see all the changes that have been made...I think it will be great when its done. Everything will make a lot more sense!

We are almost done with the room downstairs and then Mike will move in a bit until he gets married next summer....

i am having a hard time believing that tomorrow is August already....where did the summer go? I dont think i am prepared for the snow again already...
well, i guess thats all for now!

Out and About

Well we are back from our mini vacation and in the full swing of work once again... It went way too fast but we had a good time. Colton went to stay at Grandpa and Grandma's house in Sioux Center while Jason and I joined Mike and Janelle on the trip to the cities to catch three Twins games and other various fun.
The first Twins game was a long one to sit through..16 innings!! Over five hours of baseball fun. I will admit that I had a hard time sitting through that one :) On the plus side, our hotel was right across the road and we got to bed pretty quickly after that. We made a stop at ValleyFair to watch the fireworks and to go on some rides. I hadn't been there in awhile so for me it was really fun. Jason had a pretty good time as well.
Meanwhile, Colton enjoyed the fireworks in Sioux Center and took a ride in a big tractor with Great Grandpa Jack. He also got his very own vaccuum to help Mommy clean with! (it is a toy vaccuum)
Before we left Minneapolis, we just HAD to go drive past Target field and it looks pretty AWESOME!

Now, if i could only get the house cleaned up again :)

On Saturday I took Colton for his first haircut from someone else. I was really nervous because I had no idea how he would react to having someone he didnt know using a scissors right next to his head.... well he was an amazing little man! With the exception of a few head turns he sat still and was very calm . I was so happy! Now he looks like a handsome little man and not so much a baby anymore. That makes me kind of sad but oh well. They have to grow up right?
Work is interesting. I have been kind of thrown into apparel and its going ok but I am so glad there are people willing to help me out! Becki and Katie have been great and I hope they are still glad I came over :) I have also been having to do alot of interviews for the remodel crew. That can be pretty interesting and kind of time consuming.
I am pretty sad because it didnt work out for Gabe and I to hang out when he was here. I dont know all of what was going on but I have to admit I was pretty mad when he called and said he wouldnt be able to hang out. I guess not really mad but upset. We have been friends for how long and you are here for more than a week and couldnt find time to hang out with me? And i know stuff happened that he couldnt control so I understand but I was pretty excited to see him and then it didnt happen...
This weekend..VACATION!! pretty much cant wait....It is much needed.

More pictures from previous Blog

Funnel Cloud? I think so....Kinda scary since we were driving at the time . It was near Rock Valley and there was a Tornado near Doon... That was last Sunday.

The lightning is from Wednesday night... It was pretty cool to watch

Catching Up

Ok, we lost our internet for a few days so I havent been able to update. Kenny Chesney in Fargo was really good!! They were all really good. He sounds like he does on his CDs, which is great because not everyone does. I'll put up a few pictures.
I started working in Ladies Wear this past Monday and so far its been pretty fun. It is a lot different than working in the hard lines parts of the store and it will be something i will have to get used to but i think it will be fun.
Jas and I are now getting ready to go to Minneapolis with Mike and Janelle. I think it will be really fun! The only part I am worried about is that i wont get to see Colton for about 4 days :( I am pretty sure i will miss my baby a lot. But, it will probably be good for me to have a break for a little bit.
I have been taking pictures of some of the weather that has been going through lately. We have seen some pretty crazy stuff! Ill but some pics up of that too!
I am pretty sure i missed getting to see my friend Gabe :( He was home from Seattle for a wedding and i am pretty sure he has gone back which makes me sad....

Busy Day

I had the day off from work today so I tackled a project Jason and I have been talking about for awhile...we actually have a little bit of landscaping now! YAY...but it was a lot of hard work. We put in two trees for now and hopefully I can add the small stuff later. It is just the front yard so there is a lot more to do but I really liked how it turned out... Here are some pictures :) The bottom one is before anything was done and the others show some progress....I think i did a good job...what do you think?

Right now I am kind of nervous about tornadoes....Jason is at work and it is just Colton and I at home....

On Sunday, I went to pick up Colton and to my Grandpa's birthday party. It was really good to see everyone there and I got to talk to my Aunt Mary about Lucas, my cousin's new baby. Colton decided it would be a good idea to check out the ponds in the back yard :) He also played basketball and met my cousin's dog. He has been kind of naughty lately but mostly because he is curious. I am starting to hear a lot more whining lately too. Its kind of sad but at least I was expecting it!

Jason and I have started some minor landscaping and I am really excited to plant my favorite tree in our front yard. I will post some pics soon.

On Saturday Jason and I go to see Kenny Chesney in Fargo. I am also excited for that.

What a crazy week!

This week has been quite busy! Work for me on Monday and Tuesday was almost more than I could handle. There were some very important people coming on Wednesday and the bulk furniture mod had to be finished, displays and all, by then. Not to mention the things I need to get done before I move to ladies wear.... I also had to close Friday night and work on Saturday so Colton has been in Sioux Center with Grandma and Grandpa. On Sunday I will go to pick him up and have dinner for my Grandpa Jack's birthday. I haven't seen them in awhile so that will be fun.

Jason and I also decided that it might be a good time to get a little bit of landscaping started. In our neighborhood they have a requirement that a tree be planted within one year of living there and our time is coming up at the end of July. So, we are just doing a little bit in the front yard so we can plant my favorite tree, the japanese red maple !! I have to admit I am pretty excited about that. It looks like Wednesday is the other day that I will have time to work on it so I am hoping there is no rain that day. I suppose I will have to decide a few other things to be planted too....

Colton kept Mike busy on Thursday. Mom and Dad were cleaning their cars and so Mike kept Colton and the neighbor girl Adella busy for awhile by playing with the wagon, a ball, and various other things :)

Mommy and Colton were reading a book before bed one night and he informed me that there was a turtle in the book. I didn't even know he knew what a turtle was! He is learning things very quickly!

Jason and I are looking forward to a trip next weekend to see Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, and Lady Antebellum in Fargo. I have heard he is spectacular in concert and am quite excited. I also might get to see my friend Gabe next weekend because he is in Iowa for a wedding.

Fishing Derby Fun

I woke up early Saturday morning to go to Covell lake to help with the fishing derby for the area kids. With the forecast being what it was (rain of course) we didnt really know how things would go. It was of course raining when we were getting things set up but kids and there parents were showing up anyway. Most of them had a great time. We provided bait and prizes to whomever caught the biggest fish and also the most fish. Each child also got a little prize just for being there. It was great to see how excited the kids were when they caught a fish and to get to see them enjoying that time with their families. The most surprising fish we got to see come out of that lake was a 6 pound northern pike!! Wow. Ill admit I was jealous. I love catching fish like that. Ill probably have to head back there and see if i can catch one as well....
Colton came for a little bit at the very end. He had fun even though it was cold and rainy. He of course HAD to play on the slide and swings even though they were wet.

Here are a couple pictures of our recent activity. We went fishing at the river one afternoon and had a good time. Jason caught a couple of nice-sized catfish and Colton had a great time exploring. It did make me a little nervous because he is not scared of the water AT ALL... he would have jumped in had we let him :) He is growing so fast! The words are really flowing now and his little sentences are so cute. He is so curious and never wants to be inside. I also am pretty amazed at how even-tempered he seems to be. He has a few small outbursts but they end quite quickly... As he nears 2 I find myself trying to prepare for the tantrums I have heard so much about. Maybe I'll get lucky ...;) We can all hope can't we?

Testing...

Ok, Here we go...
This idea of blogging is new to me so forgive me for being blog "dumb". It seems the way to keep in touch today is to blog so we are going to try to keep this updated and hopefully keep in touch with those who live far away and that we do not get to see often. It is amazing how quickly life changes and grows, which is remarkably evident when you get the joy of watching your child learn and grow. Our life never seems to be something spectacular, but hopefully being able to write about events and everyday things, we can be reminded of the everyday joy that makes our life as a whole amazing.