Tears of Joy

Well, saying "goodbye" sure is hard. I thought it was hard to say goodbye to (almost) everyone in our young adults group from Good Shepherd a week or so ago... but then I went up to St. Paul's in make a copy of some stuff that will useful for me at Hope... It was so hard to say goodbye to Kristen. I've said it before but it's so true -- working for Kristen was a true highlight of being at St. Paul's... I can only hope to be half as understanding, encouraging and loving as a principal as she has been/is to those of us on her staff. She is awesome!

Her last words to me today were: "There are no mistakes. God has good things planned for you." I know, it's just hard to say good bye.

On my way towards Green Bay, I called Robin. We met at Bay Park square mall. For living so close to each other, we haven't spent nearly enough time together! Her kids were SO excited to see Kathleen. Irelynne couldn't wait to push her in her little umbrella stroller. Brady was all about tickling her as we were walking around. THEN he was *toddler cop*. It was hilarious. The three of them were sitting at a small table in the food court. When K was done eating some pretzel, she got up and wandered 2-3 feet over to the little carousel ride. She's never SEEN anything like that! Brady kept jumping up and running over to her, grabbing her arm and walking her back to her seat. It was SO so so so cute! I just love those kids! They are so cute.

The three of them DID get to ride on the carousel. K had been so excited just to sit in the little boat. She had no idea that it actually MOVED. Once it started, though, it was like she was on drugs -- laughing, smiling... just having a GREAT time. Of course, once it STOPPED, it was the END.Of.The.World!!! Crying, screaming, gnashing of teeth... Oh, drama!!! "Auntie" Robin felt sorry for her so she let them all go on it again... ah, joy. :)

We had to race home to let poor Bucky out. He was so comatose from 3 days at "Tailwaggers" that he didn't even notice we were gone almost all day!

In other news... I *love* Craigslist! (So far, anyway!) Ever since I found out we were moving, I'm been watching and hoping that someone would list a jogging stroller for sale. No luck. Nothing much in Appleton but a LOT to choose from in Minneapolis. Thought maybe I'd have to buy one there while I was driving through. TODAY there was a jogging stroller for sale in Idaho Falls. I emailed and she said she'd hold it for me until I arrive on 7/31. I can't wait! I think it will be a smoother/faster ride that both Kathleen & I will enjoy. We tested them out about a month ago at Baby Depot in Burlington Coat Factory. Love them!

There was a HUGE thunderstorm here this evening... K & I had to pick up something at Walmart and got caught in the rain on the way out to the car. She was giggling in the car and thought it was so much fun! Bucky was in the car, waiting for us, and he decided it was NOT that much fun!
We did see a double rainbowon the way home -- beautiful!!!!!!!!

Oh, before we forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JODIE!!!!!

That's all from here.... - Tanya

Thyme for Walking!!

It has been a busy, busy week!

On Thursday, Kathleen went to Hanson's to play with Karen, Melissa and Ava, a little girl 2 months older than Kathleen. Her mom has a new baby at home, so I'm sure it was a nice change of pace for both mom and Ava to have her at Hanson's again. :) Kathleen had met Ava before and had so much fun playing with her! They are literally two peas in a pod!

Since Ava is a great walker (and climber!) Kathleen was motivated to walk more on her own. She's been using the push toy more and more and then letting go to walk for a few steps, but now she is REALLY going! She decided to test out her new skills non-stop this weekend!

We were able to enjoy Chanda's baby shower. We all painted custom-made onesies for Chanda's baby. It was so fun and they turned out so cute! It was great to see great-aunts Marilyn and Janice (and honorary great-aunt Jo), and great-grandma McLeod!

Kathleen loved that auntie Sara was feeding her Skittles while grandma Barb read books to her. Heaven!

We raced over to grandma Kathy's house so we could travel to Parkers Prairie and see great-grandma Barb. Great-uncle Ed and great-aunt Jan were there visiting, so that was an unexpected surprised! She continued to show off her skills in walking. And she decided that, really, she *doesn't* need a nap. Ever.

After walking and playing 'peek-a-boo' at great-grandma's house, she was pretty exhausted. She didn't really want to sleep on the way back to the Twin Cities. She was one tired girl! Really, really, really tired girl!

She slept great when we got to uncle Ken's house. She did wake up at 4 a.m. but decided if she can sleep with mommy & daddy, then she would go back to sleep. Luckily the guest bed at uncle Ken's house is a king-sized sleep number and there was plenty of all 3 of us in there. We never 'co-sleep' with her, so I wasn't sure how any of us would sleep. We were all so tired, it wasn't a problem.

Once we got home today, we decided to make some pizza for supper. I have been growing cilantro, sweet basil and thyme in a porch flower box this summer. I love the cilantro in salsa. I love (!!!!) the sweet basil in just about anything 'Italian'. I wasn't sure about thyme. I guess I never realized what fresh thyme tastes like. It may be my new favorite. Even more than basil. Well, at least they're tied now.

I know that time is quickly running away from me. I am so pleased with how our bedroom looks with the new light blue paint! I think the 4 coats of primer covered the dark green so well that we don't need to put another coat of "Club Soda" blue on. That will be a huge time saver!

This week is all about packing up clothing and some of the items Kathleen & I will need until Todd joins us out in Idaho. A family from church/school has offered to let K & me stay at their home (they have a guest room/bathroom in the basement, it is where Todd & I stayed in June). Since I'm not really bringing any furniture, they wanted me to stay at their home until I find an apt. I'm already feeling very blessed by the generosity of people there!

Once the packing is done, I will being rearranging furniture to "stage" the house so it's more attractive to buyers. I've got a few small changes in mind. I'll try to post some pictures.

Have a wonderful week! - Tanya

Believe it or not...

Believe it or not...

This isn't my first blog. I had a blog set up in 2003-2005 (before I got married)... some of you will remember there were pictures of my engagement ring on that blog... I just couldn't keep up with it once I got married and moved to WI.

Believe it or not...

I'm excited to get started with blogging again...and I'm hoping that I can make it look better than the one I originally had. That one was functional but it sure wasn't pretty!

Believe it or not...

Todd has a birthday on Saturday!! :) Yea!

Believe it or not...

I'm not dreading repainting the dining room or bedrooms. The small bathroom -- that's another story!

Believe it or not...

I have had a great time at VBS at St. Paul's this week. It's hard to imagine NOT being there next year. Especially with the Chicago trip coming up in May 2009.

Believe it or not...

I'm a little overwhelmed with the idea of packing and moving. I'm so excited to get into an apt, meet some of the daycare options, set up my principal's office...and even the kindergarten room. I think that Marcella and I are going to work off the same lesson plans and just teach our groups separately in the mornings.

Believe it or not...

I can't believe how fun it is to watch Kathleen dance, move around, "sing", "talk", ALMOST walk by herself (well, more and more each day), etc. She has been following along with the action songs for VBS and it is too cute for words.

Believe it or not...

We're going to miss our Good Shepherd friends. I'm jealous that Todd will still be here for a while and will still get to see them all at church.

Believe it or not...

I'm also looking forward to them coming to visit us... and having friends/family come to visit us... and GOING to visit some friends of mine who live in Salt Lake City, UT...

Believe it or not...

I'm also looking forward to being in the same LCMS district as my CSP roommate, Heidi! Yea!

Believe it or not...

Look me up on Facebook, if you haven't already!

Believe it or not...

Have a great night! - Tanya