What a busy weekend... Both our families came for a visit this past weekend for Brady's baptism. It was the first time for them to Duluth, so we took tours of the rink, ate at Sammy's and spent the day down at Canal Park to give them a good Duluthian experience. We boarded the Vista King for a Lake Superior cruise on Saturday...it was a really neat narrarated tour, that went through the Harbor and a bit up Lake Superior. I feel a little more educated now on the whole Maritime part of Duluth. Saturday was also the busiest day of the year for ships in the canal, so we saw some really huge ships up close throughout the day. The weather was perfect (hot) and the kids did a great job on the go. I think it was all the "special treats" (sugar) that kept them satisfied and going. Those little legs put on quite a few miles that day.


Canal Park has a really neat foutain with a path through it that you can walk on, and then these steel sturgeons along the edge that shoot water into the fountian pool. If you got your hand in its path just right you could soak someone walking on the path... so I tried it out and soaked my niece Sydney (She loved it). But if you didn't get it right you'd end up soaking yourself... Here's Dylan having a try at it.


We wrapped the weekend with little Brady's baptism on Sunday... he did great. All smiles and quite the Chum when the pastor bathed his head and showed him off to the congregation. His Aunties (Jodi & Nicole) and Uncles (Mike & Bryan) where chosen as Godparents. And he wore one of Dylan and Riley's baptismal outfits, with my brother Bryan's white baby bootie socks. He looked so cute, yet we didn't get a picture of him with our camera. Everyone else has pictures though, so I'll have to get some from our parents to post. yeah, Not one picture of his baptism is on our camera!! On the way home from church Dylan and Riley where talking about how the pastor poured water on Brady's head, and that "he didn't cry at all... so maybe he can do it again the next time we go?"

Ding Ding Ding... And the Winner is ME!

I GOT THE JOB!!!! I got a call Thursday afternoon from the United Way president offering me the 211 Coordinator position, and then she emailed me the benefit/salary info. I alomst died when I saw the salary...because it was so terrible!! But thankfully I was able to come up with some creative strategies to propose to her, which would allow them to hike it up to a more desireable range. So in the end it worked out... and because I'm gonna love the job, the mediocre salary isn't a big deal. I just had to make sure that in the end I would be bringing home some bacon, after daycare expenses. So YIPPEE for me... I got a job.

It just so happened that same morning when I got all 3 boys enrolled in the same daycare center. We had our name on the list for the new center that opens Sept 1. but they were able to finagle a few things to get them in their current location (that is otherwise full) for the 5-6 weeks before Sept 1. It was all just falling into place!

Then to top off my day, my wonderful hubby sent me a beautiful boquet of flowers, with congrats on the new job... Ahhh!

Round 2

Well today was the big interview at United Way... Got off to a slow start, but then really nailed it. I really let my personality show through so I'm putting all my eggs in that basket... only to find that, that's what they were really looking for. A confident, motivative and innovative person. The only hang up on this job, is the salary... Sound like it may not be worth it, after I subtract daycare expenses :-( If offered the position, there may have to be some negotiations. I'm so torn... This sounds like a dream job.

Because I was on top of my wardrobe this time around, I don't have any real comical events from this morning. A few charming ones though... Dylan and Riley asked why I was all dressed up and where I was going. When I told them for an interview to get a job, they just knodded and went back to watching cartoons. But later in the day over lunch Riley said "you don't get a job Mommy, just stay here with us." And then Dylan chimed in, "Yeah I'll build a garage house thing here and you can work here." How sweet... I think they're gonna miss me! As I will them.

Yeah sure we get on each others nerves throughout the day... But this has been my chance to catch up with those 2 and really spend some quality time with the. Sure its a juggle with the daily demands of an infant, but we squeeze our together time in each day. Because the past couple months life have been so busy and at times chaotic, Dylan and Riley have been forced to become more independent. From the simple things like getting their own water bottles from the fridge, and getting dressed on their own, to the more difficult challenges like resolving conflict with each other, and learning to make new friends. They've matured greatly with this whole experience, and now its time to slow down and have some fun with Mom at home. Often times I catch myself in anticipation of the next milestone or great accomplishment with all 3 of them, that I forget about the present. So my goal this week is to stop and smell the roses. SLOW DOWN and enjoy my children... With a job possibility just around the corner my days home with them may be limited...

Picnic in the Park

This past weekend I was all about getting out in the nice warm weather, so we grabbed some KFC and headed to Leif Erickson park to do some exploring. This park also known as the Rose Garden, as it has over 3000 species of roses (however not in bloom yet). Its a beautiful park with fountains, cobblestone walkways, and of course scenic views as its along the shoreline. The a stretch of the lakewalk runs through the park, so we took a little jaunt down the coast, until the complainers started up "my legs are gonna break", "I just can't keep walking all the day" which really annoyed the parents so we turned around.

The boys loved our picnic...they ate "chicken on the bone" (aka drumstick) and kept us entertained with all the questions about the big ship coming in to port. Whenever we go somewhere now they ask if we'll have a picnic... which isn't always a bad idea, but we can't keep doing sandwiches...bleh! (Hence the KFC)

The night we were there they were having "movie in the park"... a huge inflatable movie screen was showing some scary moving in this little valley, so people were staking out their seats with blankets and chairs. The hillsides creating this valley make every seat in the house a good one... it looks like it was made for this purpose. To accompany the free show, there are vendors in the park to sell you snacks and drinks to make your movie experience a pleasurable one. They have this every Friday night during the summer, so we plan to go back with the kids when its a G rated film... It was a gorgeous night, the breeze from the lake was perfect and no mosquitoes!

Lets go to the Beach

So we hit the beach yesterday... the Mercury hit 84 (29 C) and it was hotter on the beach then up at our house. The sand was soooo hot you had to keep your shoes on or stand on your towel and if you dared, you would sprint to the water to cool them off. The boys were turned off by sand in their sandals and at first whiny about the temp of the sand, but a minute later they had forgotten their concerns and were hitting the beach. It was pretty busy. However, not many in the lake. But you certainly did need to dip a bit to cool off here and there.
Of course there was frustrating moments during our trip to the beach. After all I was the only adult with a 3mo old, and 2 pre-schoolers. I had just set Brady and seat down to unload they other 50 things over my shoulder, when Riley tossed up a handful of sand for the wind to blow right on Brady's lap. So now I've got a sandy baby, and a car seat full of sand. Once we got everything all laid out, they wanted lunch. A little sand to go with our sandwiches and pretzels on the side.
Brady was mostly cooperative with our beach outing... I timed it so he'd have a full belly and in need of long nap. He woke a couple of times, and needed some snuggles, and then a little filler to conk out for the rest of the trip. But it was when Brady was screaming that Dylan and Riley were wanting me to open their candy... as i'm struggling to discretely get situated to nurse my screaming child on the beach, they were saying my name over and over and over again... Just trying to get my attention, I know, but I was loosing my cool. All I needed was a gust of wind to take the blanket flying off my bare white chest and we'd really have a scene. Next time I need a big umbrella to give us (me) some more privacy and shade. Brady was fine in his car seat with the canopy and a light blanket draped to my chair, allowing a cool breeze from the lake. And Dylan and Riley splashed around to keep cool. But I roasted in the open hot sun... I was too chicken to submerge in the freezing lake, plus didn't want to be wet and sandy when Brady needed to be snuggled. I felt a bit albino out there, next to some of those real beachers that already have the California tan. Fake baking must be a pre-requisite to the beach lifestyle.
But all in all we had a great time, and look forward to going back again, with Daddy. He was working, so to make him a bit jealous I sent him a few pix from the beach just to rub it in ;-)

Little squirt

Brady hit the 3 month mark last Friday and continues to amaze us with his strength and growth. For quite sometime now, he's shown that he's a very curious fellow... always wanting to look around, stand up and be where all the action is. I think Dylan and Riley had something to do with this... they've conditioned him to accept and enjoy chaos. My mother claims that Brady is just like I was as a baby... Nosey! Me?... Never!



After we got back from our little vacay to Grandma's this past week, I tried him in the Excersaucer. He loves it!! I stuff a pillow in around his belly to keep him from flopping around, and he'll lean up against the back when he needs to rest a bit. But then he's right back at it... At first I thought he's legs would be a bit short to touch the bottom, so I stuck a pillow under there so he could stand up, but he really doesn't need it. Without that pillow there he now jumps a little, or stiffens his legs rather, to get the toys to make a noise. In the last few days he's just started to bat at his toys in reach. The Excersaucer toys are too far so we lay a few on the tray. His fav is a little blue duck that he'll have a stare down with (see picture) and then once he grabs it he'll ram it in his face and slide it around until he gets it into his mouth, then chews away. He's got these cute little grunting sounds that he makes as he slobs it up.
I think we are getting closer and closer to a giggle too.. You can get a few Ha... Ha... Ha...'s with the break in between, but not a full belly giggle yet. He's being a little stingy with this anxious Mama. His big toothless smiles are super huge... they push his cheeks up so high it makes his eyes squinty. I kiss those cheeks a hundred times a day.

I love it here... and I love not working!!

At several points throughout the day today I caught myself all wrapped up in the beauty of Duluth (its not the first time). This morning the I was up long before the big boys, so made them some Blueberry muffins (only to find that they don't really care for blueberries in their muffins?) and then packed lunches to drop off for daddy, and some for us to enjoy at the park later. Well unfortunately it rained a bit this morning so lunch plans changed, and we ended up eating with Brad at his office. But we were able to stop at the park on the way home. The Bayfront park is one that we favor... it has an awesome play structure for kids... its a huge wooden maze of passages that link together 4 mini castles...slides, monkey bars, balance beams you name it! The boys love it and so do I, because they cleverly built seating areas throughout for parents, so they can keep an eye on the kids in all directions. From where I was sitting I could see the lift bridge raise for a ship coming into harbor, then behind me was the picturesque view of homes tucked into the lush hillside and the tall historic buildings of downtown. The best of 2 worlds... land and water in just a head turn. After living in the flatlands of Fargo for 10 years, its like my eyes are on sensory overload. The dark blah grey tones of buildings and asphalt have been replaced with bright, fresh living landscapes.

After looking at homes all over town, we've driven through a bunch of different neighborhoods. Each one is uniquely different, but so cozy. Each little neighborhood is nestled its own mini forest, so its alittle weird driving around, because you almost feel like you leave the city and stumble upon little communities in the country. But as you can imagine, with that is peacefulness... nature out your back door. Literally, we've had deer in our yard! And we live 3 blocks from Target and the mall. It was on my drive home this afternoon, that I felt lucky to live here... every time I go up or down the hill I get a rejuvenating feeling with the view... I just can't stop looking and ahhing...I hope this never ends.

Tomorrow we plan to hit the beach out at park point. Yes, the water is chilly, but its supposed to be 80 and its still fun to play in the sand and picnic at the beach, even if you don't swim. Our neighbors were there yesterday, and I guess its already busy so we aren't total fools. What can you expect when your a Minnesotan...we roll our windows down as soon as its above zero.

Also its the Huge Grandma's Marathon this weekend (12th largest in the US) so I'm sure we'll go check out some of the festivities. Maybe I can gain some motivation or ambition to get back into shape while I'm there. Who knows, I might start training to run it next year ;-) Or maybe not. Brad got some free tickets for the bleachers... guess we can sit and watch them cross the finish line?... Doesn't that sound exciting... I'll be in the party tent thank you... yeah, that's right! I'll have my one drink, get red blotches on my neck and then head home for a nap.
Have a great weekend!

Great Great Grandma Clara is 95

This last Sunday we spent the day celebrating my Great Grandma Clara's 95th Birthday in Tabor, MN. Not too many people can say they have a Great Grandma, so for my kids to have Great-Great Grandparents is pretty neat. (My dad's Gpa is still living too).
At 95 yrs old, she is still sharp as a tack, and witty. She lives in a retirement community, and is mostly independent, aside from errands and such. She has aged well, and keeps up with her travels, fooling anyone to think she's 95.

Brad caught up with us on Saturday just in time for the festivities, which included a Polka Mass... Yes I said Polka mass. A catholic church service, with a tuba, snare drum and accordion. The boys bopped along during church, the big boys that is. Brady made his appearance with a screaming fit mid service, demanding to eat. The Polka didn't stop there... we headed next door to the town hall, for a lite lunch, cake and more Polka. This time there was a dance floor! Chicken dance anyone?!

28 yrs ago I was the last link to a 5th generation as my Great-Great Grandma Myerchin was still living. Now I have birthed not one, or two, but THREE children for my grandma Clara's 5 generations. She is so proud of these boys. I just wish we could see her more often.

After a long day of Polka partying, and at the conclusion of our 2 week get away the boys were tuckered out... We weren't more than 3 miles on the road before they were out.

Carnival Events Continue

Aside from the carnival rides, they have free kids events on Sunday that the boys participated in. With the help of cousin Brandon, Riley took 1st Place and Dylan 2nd place in their heat of the turtle race. The big prize was a can of pop! Wahoo!
Dylan was in the lead, until just inches before the finish line, his turtle took a detour and Riley's guy took the gold.



They weren't all that interested in the tractor pull, so saved up their energy for the Kiddie Parade. To get a second use out of their tuxedos from my brothers wedding, I dressed them up as Jake and Elroy "the Blues Brothers". My mom quick crafted some microphones out of tinfoil, construction paper and sunscreen bottles. They looked pretty cool, and took 3rd place winning Ribbons and $10 cash, along with a juice box and bag of M & M's for participating. Last year they won 2nd place as "Born 2 Be Wild". They had Doo-rags, jean jackets, shades, and rode their quads. Next year calls for 1st place I guess.

We're back from our little get away to at my parents... A very busy and fun filled 2 weeks. Dylan and Riley would describe the highlight of our "vacation" as the Erskine Water Carnival. Grandma bought them unlimited ride wristbands, and after 3 days of Dizzy Dragons, and Merry Go'Rounds, you'd think they'd be walking circles. Dylan loved... I mean loved the Dizzy Dragon Ride. He'd get it spinning and just giggle away. At one point toward the end of the weekend they were riding together and Riley was screaming at Dylan to stop spinning it, but Dylan just kept spinning and giggling. The next time they road seperately. Riley enjoyed this inflatable Tonka Truck slide, he'd climb up and bounce all the way down, crashing into the wall at the bottom. I drug Dylan up it once, but he wanted nothing to do with it. On the last day of rides, I was able to talk Riley into the Tilt-A-Whirl. So he and I went for a dizzy spin, and let the G-Forces lay us back into the seats. I could tell he didn't really like it, but he never cried or asked to get off. He just said to me as the ride was going "the Merry Go Round is much better than this."
Just one big melt down as we said good bye to the carnival rides... Riley didn't want to get off the motorcyles/jeeps so sat on the running board of the jeep pouting, until the Carnie came around again and gave him with a toothless grin. I threatened to leave him there with "the man" and that did the trick... although he crabbed the whole way home- it was definately nap time.
They promised Grandma they'd be back next year for the 54th Annual Water Carnival.

Tying up loose ends...

Brady and I visited Fargo these past 2 days, with a list of loose ends to tie up, and people to visit one last time. My dear friend Raelyn and her hubby Darin put us up for the night, and caught me up on all latest Fargo news. Nothing too exciting has been missed, but it did feel weird talking so much about Duluth as my home in our conversations. I cleaned out my office,turned in my badge and pager at work and had a little farewell lunch with my office/building mates. It wasn't as sad as I thought it should be... I think that being off for maternity leave played around with the emotions and actual process of leaving my job/co-workers? Apparently MeritCare got slammed with violations last month during their review, and along with huge penny pinching, sounds like I got out when the going was good.
Brady and I also met some girlfriend potential... Sohpia was born May 15th to my friend (and fellow Mom of twins) Stacey. Dylan and Riley have dibbs on her 2 older sisters Oliva and Mari, so everyone can now be happy when our families get together :-) Too bad we live so far apart... (Drew and Stacey, you're welcome to visit any time!)
Got 2 new tires put on the van (all the recent miles had the wires poking out!), took my wedding ring to Riddles for its routine warranty check, picked up pictures at Sears from our April photo shoot, got a new cut and color from my fav hairstylist, signed off the books at Children's Place and stopped by Dylan and Riley's old school for one last farewell before heading out of town.
Oh yeah, and I had to drive by our old house... On the way there I was a bit nervous... I didn't want to find the new carpet (that we're still paying for) lying on the curb or the boys play structure pulled apart and just a pile of lumber in the yard, or my gentlly trained grape vine ripped from the fence...thankfully there was none of that. Just a lone gal standing at the kitchen counter... didn't look like they had moved in yet, as there were no living room lights on, and the walls were bare... I just saw her standing there... in my house. It was so weird to see that image, as it still felt like my house... down the street I went, past my old neighbors... driving under the shade of the big tall oaks that line the streets... Goodbye old house...

Call Back

Yes... I got a call back from United Way! I am one of the top 2 for the position and have been invited back for interviewing with the Board of Directors on June 24th. I'm super excited, yet very nervous as the Board consists of some local Big Shots. I was hoping some of Brad's connections would be on this board but no luck there, guess I'll have to do it on my own ;-)
This time I'm getting prepared for the interview long in advance. I've bought a new outfit (that fits) and have it already ironed too. My interview is at 9:40am so thankfully Brad is able to just take the whole morning off, and can help wrangle the kids so I don't have to worry about them before I head off to the interview this time. Keep your fingers crossed... and wish for Big Bucks!! I've been doing some research on DayCare options and costs, and things aren't looking so cheap. (Can daycare and cheap even be used in the same sentence?) By the looks of it, we'll be spending close to $2000 a month at a daycare center, unless we can find a nice, clean and loving home daycare for the kids. YIKES thats a chunk of change. It was nice having preschoolers on a reduced rate... Infant child care is $195 a week!!

Off to the lake for some cozy time in the camper... looks like rain all week. Good thing Brady and I have made arrangements to stay with Raelyn in Fargo tomorrow night. Grandma and the big boys can have the camper to themselves.

Interview

Today was the big day... My United Way interview. If you've been following my life (our life) over the last few weeks you've seen that most things really haven't been as simple as they seem. And so why start today right?
Since the boys and I are staying at my parents this week and next, I was set up to get a call from United Way this morning at 11:30am. So I had my mom come home for a long lunch to look after the boys while I was on my interview call. 11:40, 11:45, 11:50 and no call. I began to wonder if I wasn't supposed to be the one calling in?! So called to see what the scoop was, and to my surprise the interview was cancelled??? One of the directors leading the interview was out ill (unexpectedly) today and the ball got dropped... as no one had called eariler to cancel. Ugh!! OK she'll call tomorrow and set up another day/time.
Well just an hour later as I'm chasing the big boys off to nap, and Brady cries to eat the phone rings so I answer it. Its the President of United Way, and she' like to interview me. Thankfully she caught on that it wasn't a good time to talk and asked that I call her back when I had a moment. So I got everyone off to lala land and made the important call. It went pretty well... first time ever doing a phone interview... tough stuff. Its hard to sell yourself, or talk yourself up over the phone, it just felt weird. She asked some really tough questions, and really focused on the administrative side to this position... dealing with budgets, databases and supervising staff. I feel confident in my performance, but couldn't get a sense of her interest in me or not? I should find out next week if I make the call back list...they want to sit down with the top 2 candidates for more interviewing. Unfortunately she was in the process of restructing the salary and wasn't able to comment on the hiring range, so I don't even know if all this worry is even gonna be worth it? All I can do now is sit and wait...

Wait, its not over yet...

Yippee Monday was closing day... or NOT!! On our way back to Fargo from Winnipeg on Monday morning we received a call from our realator with news that the appraiser wasn't satisfied with our work, just yet. The a*^%@)* wanted the engineer to come back out and inspect the work that Brad had done, and the shinglers weren't quite done when we went out that morning to do his walk through. SO our closing got bumped to Tuesday morning...meaning we had to pay for yet another nights stay in Fargo. This time we did upgrade hotels from the Super 8 and stayed at the Best Western Kelly Inn so the kids could have some pool fun all afternoon/evening. It seriously felt like we were doomed to never close on this house!! To relax a little I enjoyed a strawberry margarita poolside and had a nice visit with some friends (Jenn & Russ). I would have loved to of had about 14 margarita's but breastfeeding held me to only one.
Tuesday morning found us up and at 'em for a 9:00am closing. Grabbed a bite at the deluxe continental hotel breakfast and off we were. Of course timing couldn't have been any worse for Brady... he wanted to eat the second we walked in the door, and he just couldn't be put off any longer. So there I was nursing and signing away. Thankfully it was a women agent otherwise it could have been more ackward. Talk about a circus... I'm nursing, Brad's phone is ringing non-stop, Dylan was digging through the jelly beans and Riley was playing with a cup full of pens. Unfortunately we didn't really have any other choice but to bring them along- 15 minutes felt like hours in the tiny room.
After it was all said and done, we walked out with a big fat check in hand and smiles from ear to ear... it was officail, our house was SOLD!! In the 10 blocks to the bank we came up with several ways to foolishly spend a years salary, but grounded ourselves to depositing the check for safe keeping in a CD. Now we just need to fatten that thing up for a house in Duluth :-)
I couldn't complete this entry without a HUGE thank you and moment of recognition to our dear realator, Donna Berglund from Arnie & Mary Realty. Way back 6 years ago she helped us find this home, and through the years sent warm greetings on the various holidays and anniversaries. Smart marketing I thought, but after our experience working with her on selling the house, I've found that she is sincerly thoughtful and the all around agent you want on your side. Over the last month during her visits she's entertained the big boys, comforted a fussy baby, painted basement walls, scrapped the garage door, let us in the house when we were locked out, and been a shoulder to lean one when things kept getting thrown at us. Not many people go above and beyond their call of duty. I only wish we could take her with us to Duluth. If your in the market for a realator, look her up... you won't be disappointed.

Cha Ching- Money in the Bank!!

Yet another twist

It was yet another twist to the house selling process this past week. I received a call Wednesday afternoon from out Realtor in Fargo that she had finally received the report from the buyer's appraiser, listing projects that must be done on the house before they can approve the buyers loan~ which means no loan- no closing June 2nd- which means we'd have to make another mortgage payment. The ridiculous list of things included,
1- scrapping and painting the garage door,
2- scrapping and painting the storage room wall
3- re-shingling the house
4- install an electrical outlet in the bathroom
5- install a bathroom exhaust van
6- have the basement inspected by an structural engineer

OK, now thats quite the list to throw at us just 5 days before our closing date when they had all month to get this done!! But at this point what choice did we have but get on the ball and get these tasks completed in time to close the deal. We reached an agreement with the buyers to pay halfers on this list, but the stress was all ours. So Wednesday afternoon I hurried and packed the family up to head back to Fargo to look after these projects. However I was not only packing for this little emergency trip to Fargo, but our planned trip to Winnipeg for the weekend, then the 2 week stay we will have with my parents. Like a mad women I packed us all up in between Brady's feedings and we were on the road by 6:00pm. (thank God I had did laundry that morning).
Early Thursday morning we were off to Menard's to get our supplies and head on out for a long day at the house. Of course we forgot our keys in Duluth, so we had to wait until our realator got there to let us in. And then since I had the water shut off the boys had to pee on the tree and we snuck over to the neighbors backyard to wash our hands from the garden hose. (Thankfully I was able to hold it until we went for supper). So I spent the day scrapping and painting the garage as Brad worked away in the house, Brady watched from his car seat in the driveway and then the boys cheerfully played in the yard, they've so dearly missed. Our yard has been the hardest thing to live without, and I caught myself just gazing at it several times througout the day.
Back to the list... Believe it or not we got an electrician out there that afternoon, a roofer lined up for Friday and the structural engineer came around noon... Someone was certainly on our side as the engineer that came out was a friend of a friend, and helped us out a ton. Not only did he give very specific instructions to Brad as to what needed to be done, but he gave him the exact measurements and then invited Brad over to his home to cut the wood. Sandman's a great guy, and his friendly, familiar face was exactly what we needed in this unfortunate predicament.
Its hard to really describe the overwhelming stress and feelings of defeat that occurred during those 2 days, but we pulled it together (thanks to my determination) and are still on for closing tomorrow afternoon. Brad hasn't recovered from this event, as he's groucher that all get out still. We've certianly been a rollercoaster ride with selling the house, but its been shortlived and hopefully one we won't encounter again for quite some time. It could have been worse...