Our Busy Family

Whoo Hooo

2011-12-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

Did you see what my hubby got me for Christmas!? Love it, Love him!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

Rowan spells some words

2011-10-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Meeting with the Neurosurgeon

2011-07-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Today we saw the neurosurgeon for the results of the MRI that was done yesterday on Rowan's spinal cord and brain . This MRI was a follow up to one done a few weeks back which determined that Rowan has chiari malformation, type 1. Basically, this is a condition where the back part of the brain dips down out of the hole in the back of the skull. They wanted to look again at more to make sure this was not causing too much pressure on his spinal column and also wanted to have a look at the spine itself.

Dr. Graupman showed me the MRI results and pointed out the part of Rowan's brain (the cerebellar tonsil, if you want the technical name) that was falling below where it should be by several millimeters. Although it is a Type 1, which is the mildest type, he said it is still quite significant. At this point, the spinal fluid still has room to flow and Rowan isn't showing signs of extreme headaches and such from it. Therefore, he wants us to monitor it for now. He was very clear that given the significance, at some point Rowan will need surgery for it to make more room. Unfortunately he was unable to give a timeline on it. When it is time for the surgery, he will go into the back of Rowan's skull to remove a piece of bone. This will give that part of the brain more room. He normally sees patients again in one year, but wants Rowan to come back in for another MRI in nine months. So for now we don't do anything unless he starts to show that it is causing him pain, and we don't need to restrict activities.

Little Girl Cousins

2011-07-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

Rowan doesn't have any first cousins, but since I have cousins coming out of my ears, there are plenty of second cousins (my cousins' kids) for him to play with. Mostly Girls! We spent some time with them this weekend. It took him awhile to warm up to them but enjoyed it once he did. Malayna the oldest little blondie is no stranger to cameras, asking me to take pictures of each of them by themselves, then giving me the hand under chin pose.

4th of July Weekend

2011-07-05T18:54:00.001-07:00

Rowan's first fishing trip, visiting all the girl cousins, parade, park...Check out how dirty Rowan got at the parade in this first photo...

Finally some sun!

2011-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Ian wanted to go on a bike ride so we headed to Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove. Ian and Kevin did an hour and a half ride while Rowan and I went to the swim pond. He had about 5 licks of this sponge bob ice cream before deciding he wanted my pop more.

Chiari Malformation

2011-06-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago we took Rowan to the physical therapist to look at his toe walking, on the recommendation of his teachers through Shakopee schools. While reviewing his history, the Doctor at Gillette took notice of Rowan's rapid head growth as an infant and the large size of his head compared to his body. She suggested having an MRI done as a precaution to make sure he did not have Water on the Brain. After the MRI we got word that there was no water on the brain.

Following that, however, we had another conversation with the doctor. She had shown Rowan's MRI scans to some other specialists to get more opinions. It was determined that Rowan has a condition called "chiari malformation". With this condition, a portion of his brain sticks out the bottom of the skull where the spinal cord goes up. Luckily, he is type one, which is the mildest form. Apparently people can walk around with this without even knowing (side note...when I mentioned it to my aunt she said that SHE has it...) and sometimes it is found when looking for something else.

What it means for us is that Rowan now needs another MRI, this time of the spinal column to make sure that there is not too much pressure on that area. He will be having that in July. We will then meet with a neurosurgeon at Gillette to go over the results. We will keep out minds positive that this is not causing anything serious and will be something Rowan can live with and we can monitor.

They will not say for sure if this condition is the reason for Rowan's delays. However many websites list chiari malformation as causing *poor hand coordination and fine motor skills (he has it) and *Unsteady gait (yep-that is what we met with the doc about in the first place). Who knows. I guess the important thing is that he is getting all the help he can.

Starring...Jeff

2011-04-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Jeff doesn't get as many appearances on the blog, so I thought I'd share some fun photos. We took these while touring the EPIC software company in Verona, WI this week. Jeff was there for meetings and I tagged along.

High School Registration, Spring Break, and other goings on

2011-04-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well, Ian is all registered for HIGH SCHOOL. Can someone please explain to me how this happened, how I am soon to be a parent of a high schooler? Since 9th grade is housed in the Jr High building with 8th grade, Shakopee is very good about stressing the importance of the credits counting for graduation. So, Ian enrolled in a band/study hall combo (he thought briefly about dropping band and starting it up again in 10th grade, I told him if he gave it up now he'd likely never go back. He stayed in, which is good since he loves the trumpet), Honors Biology and Social Studies, an honors math course which escapes me...maybe advanced algrebra?, regular old English (his least favorite subject...so different from me), team sports and woodshop. Considering weightlifting as an after school activity since he will not be taking it in school. All credits counting towards graduation.

And, as long as we are talking graduation, I may as well mention plans are in the works for my 20 year reunion. Good Lord. Facebook has really streamlined this...many discussions going on on our fb page about where when how etc. Looks like we are aiming for Walker Bay Days, picnic in the park, possibly the cabana bar at Zona Rosa. Pretty laid back. Final decisions yet to be made, but looks like lots of people can make it.

Spring break is over for Ian and almost over for me. We made it to Walker for a couple days, but that was the extent of our travel. Ian says he is the only one of his friends who did not go somewhere warm. Ian was a bit sad to see the snow melt though, ending his first snowboarding season.

Recently we are seeing huge strides in Rowan's speech. He has begun to initiate conversations, which he hadn't been able to do before. In the van on the way home from Walker, he just spontaneously asked "Hey Ian, whataya doing?" Pretty cute.
He will also now talk to us about his day. Some of it is rote, such as who he played with, but he'll also throw in details like 'I paint' and 'I ride car'. When Grandma asked hime what he did in Walker he told her about the park and slide. Linda is hearing lots more talk at daycare too. The other day when the UPS guy came to the door at daycare with a thin white box to deliver, Rowan called to his friends "Pizza's Here!!!" and they all came running. (We didn't think we ordered pizza THAT much!)

Thinking ahead to the last couple months with my students always is a bit overwhelming, so much left to teach before sending them off to second grade! Busy couple months ahead in 208. I wrapped up conferences before break, though, and was very happy that I could report significant growth for all of my students.

Jeff is busy at work, and with an extra job he has taken on. With his certifications on EPIC software, he is able to pick up shifts when other clinics and hospitals in the local area 'go live'. He has been working at the U of M doing support for them. Super pay, earning a little extra to help stretch our budget. He's such a hard worker!

Jeff's Award

2011-03-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my wonderful husband, the respected Boy Scout Leader!

Last night Jeff and I attended the Boys Scouts of America Dan Patch District Awards Dinner. Jeff was awarded the 2010"Troop Jockey Award" for his troop 619 (trivia here: it is a jockey award because Dan Patch was a racehorse).

His award reads: "In recognition of your time and talents freely given to youth in the Dan Patch District"

The 619 Executive Council awarded Jeff the award for the following reasons:
"Jeff mentors the scouts that are Star and Life. Those that want to advance, he guides them with their plans, suggesting ways they can achieve their goals. For those scouts that are there for adventure, Jeff is there to help them plan their treks and campouts. In the past year, a SCUBA trek to SeaBase (FL) was floundering. Jeff stepped in because of his diligence the trek to SeaBase went on without a hitch. The scouts had a great time. He is now in the process of helping the scouts organize a 2012 SCUBA trek. All the effort and work that Jeff puts into volunteering has brought enrichment and enjoyment for the scouts in our troop.'

Pretty nice compliment, eh? Not that we had any doubt about how wonderful Jeff is.
Below are some photos of our dinner.

The dinner was at the new BSA Base Camp at Fort Snelling. We were a little early so we walked over to take a look at the river.

Jeff getting his award

Pictures of the new Base Camp at Fort Snelling (this is quite a place) and Congressman John Kline giving the Keynote!

Hydroplane summer 2010

2011-03-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

These pictures (and many others) of Ian building his hydroplane have been sitting in my email inbox since last summer, sent by Grandpa Stanton! I FINALLY downloaded them and now they have me longing for summer! Still can't believe Ian built a boat!

Rowan baby book

2011-03-08T09:36:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Preschool at last!

2011-02-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

Rowan's New Locker!

It seems like we have been thinking about and talking about Rowan starting preschool forever. Finally the day came. I was somewhat sad to not be there to put him on his 'bus' (van), but at the same time don't know if my heart could have taken it!
Linda was great, seeing him off to the van and calling me at work with a report, then again with another report after his arrival back at daycare. Rowan was happy to be greeted by all of his friends at daycare after getting off the van that first day, they all helped him off with his winter gear and were happy to see him. Luckily the tears were only present on the first day, and after that he has been showing excitement about going to "Rowan's school", even showing off his Buzz and Woody backpack at daycare.

Rowan's new teacher let me know that he was sad for a little while on his first day, but got into the swing of things when he started playing. He has been pretty quiet there. Jeff and I had told her that she probably won't hear much out of him initially, it takes him so long to feel comfortable in a place enough to talk. Hopefully he'll get talking soon there. We are hearing a lot more talking at home, and more and more words coming together in sentences (Daddy, move over, Rowan's spot! was an unusually long sentence I heard today).

Rowan has 2 disabilities (I hate that word) listed on his IEP (individual education plan). Speech/Language Delay and Developmental Delay. The meaning of speech/language delay is pretty obvious. Technically, developmental delay means a measurable delay in development, or not meeting developmental milestones. Rowan has a hard time processing directions, and so has a hard time when asked to do something that isn't familiar to him. As a first grade teacher, I have some unique insight on developmental delays that other parents might not have. That is because at age 7, children in special ed are reevaluated because the DD diagnosis no longer applies. I have seen this happen with many of my students over the years. In some cases, students test out of special ed and no longer require the extra help. In other cases, students are tested and found to have additional needs, at which point they are no longer classified at DD, but may be diagnosed on the autism spectrum or with a learning disability. Unfortunately for many of the students that have been DD, many of them did not
get much early childhood help because a problem was not caught until right before starting school at the preschool screening.
We are giving Rowan every bit of help we can now through the school and private therapy clinic and work at home to hopefully catch him up with everything by the time he hits kindergarten.

2011-02-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Scuba

2011-02-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

Here are Jeff and Ian at the recent Discover Scuba class held for the scouts. Jeff and another leader are putting together a trip to SEABASE
during the summer of 2012. Ian plans to get certified and go on this high adventure trek.

Wrong Hat and Bloody Nose Monday

2011-01-31T06:31:00.001-08:00

Mondays are hard for us around here. I was being proactive when I told Ian last night "the car is leaving at 6:55 whether you are in it or not" and gave my usual lecture about getting to work on time, blah blah blah is how I'm sure he hears it. Well for once we were on track to leave on time today. I had stressed to Ian that I had an important meeting at 8:15 that I could not walk in to late. Then at about 6:50 Ian is calling to me that he needs help he has a bloody nose.

He used to get them a lot when he was younger in the winter, and has had a couple other ones this month, but today's was like nothing I've seen. He was standing over the bathroom sink with a towel on his face and he couldn't soak it up fast enough. When he pulled the towel off, it was like his nose was a facet running on full speed. I don't think I've ever seen so much blood. I usually am calm but this freaked me out. With visions of brain tumors and other horrible things I told him to keep the towel on his face and get in the car, we were going to urgent care/ER at the hospital (luckily only a couple blocks from home). As I am throwing Rowan's coat and gear on him, I put on his monkey hat. This was apparently the wrong hat because it made him cry all the way to Linda's. After a week of being spoiled by grandparents who can blame the guy.

As we are walking into the hospital I am on the phone, first with my friend Melanie begging her to throw some sub plans on my desk. Next, on the phone with the sub system to get a last minute sub. Finally, leaving a message for the school sectratary that I will not be making it to that important meeting.

So, here I am now...they took care of the bloody nose (she assured me it is only dry air, not the other horrible things I imagined), Ian is at school, my sub is (hopefully) teaching my class using the materials that Melanie (hopefully) was able to put on my desk. As teachers we can't just call in and say I'm running a little late, we have to call a sub until at least 11:30. So even though I could probably be there by 9:30 today, my sub is committed to 11:30.

Since I am dressed for work I am leaving the bloody sink clean up for later, I mean why not spread the fun out all day, right?

At least I am past the point about feeling guilty about calling into work if one of my kids has a problem. I put a lot of heart and soul and time into my job, but today Ian just needed me more. Sometimes it is just so exhausting...I'm sure all of you with young kids know what I mean.

So I'm going to head to work and if I'm there early finish up my report cards.

Look for more fun stories to come...Ian's wisdom teeth are coming in and I'm sure we are bound to have fun with that one...

Look what three bucks can buy!

2011-01-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

I got some good deals at Target today. Originally the gal rang it up and asked for 24 something...then I gave her the coupons and it took it down to 2.95. Whoo Hooo! The things in this pile that were free or made a prophet were

Tide 97c (had a coupon for $1)
floss x 3 97c each (had 3 coupons for $1)
Olay bar 97c (had a coupon for $2 off and it deducted the whole $2)
Maalox was on price cut for 3.79 (had $5.00 coupon and it deducted the whole $5.00)

The other good deals were
Fish Oil Tablets Nature Made was on price cut from 11$ to 5$, (used coupon for $4.00) off so got it for a buck

Nail polish...new spring color... 1.72 (used dollar off coupon got it for 72c)
M and M valentine heart candy 99c each. (I had a dollar off 2 coupon, so got 2 for a dollar insted of one)
Halls cough drops were 1.19...(had a target 50c and a manufactur 50c which brought the cost to 19c for the bag.
Garnier face wash towellets usually 4.50 on price cut for 4$...(had a target 2.00 off and a man $1) so paid a buck.

Receipts says "you saved 28.87" I paid 2.95 ( 1.81 cost and 1.14 tax) Not bad for a trip to Target!

Do YOU want free floss????
Print a coupon here: (copy and paste link in new browser).
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?bt=xg&tqnm=zb2tall89757856&o=61047&c=RE&p=0dQ8hKT9
and use it at target on the 55 yd mint waxed floss that costs 97c .

Day 3 of the fever

2011-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Today was Rowan's third day out of daycare due to high fever. Jeff stayed with him part of the time and I stayed home part of the time. Bad timing for both of us as Jeff has a go live coming up, and I have report cards due...but then again when is it a good time?
We have gone from normal to 104 and everywhere in between over the past 3 days. We all should know the video "Potty Time Elmo" by heart (except of course for Ian who hides in his room to play call of duty!)

Some Random ChristmasTime Pictures

2011-01-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

Rowan is Starting Preschool, Ian is snowboarding

2011-01-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month, Jeff and I met with Rowan's early childhood team to discuss his placement in the early childhood special ed preschool starting in February. We decided to place him in the 3 day a week program to give him as much help with his language and communication skills as possible. He will be able to start the day after his third birthday. The week before that, we will bring Rowan to meet with his new teachers and see his new classroom. I still get anxious about him riding on a bus (well, it is really a van) without one of us there to get him on and off, but I'm slowly getting over that. Linda will walk him out and the bus assistant will get him on the bus and strapped in, and preschool is just down the road from Linda's. Rowan loves pointing out "Ian's school" as we go by each morning, so we plan to do a few drive by's of "Rowan's school" so he can recognize that building too.

Rowan will be the 7th child to join this early threes preschool this year, with a staff of four adults...the early childhood teacher, speech therapist, and 2 paras. There is also an occupational therapist that comes in to assist the kids with fine motor activities. We are excited to see how this new experience helps Rowan progress.
This will replace the once a week home visits from the early childhood teacher and speech therapist, but we plan to continue to bring him to his biweekly therapy sessions in Eden Prairie at Therapy For Me where he gets speech and fine motor help.

Ian has started his ski club trips. Today with no school he is up near Duluth at Spirit Mountain. Ian was interested in snowboarding, so he took a lesson and loved it. Thanks to his loving parents who gave him the ski club membership for Christmas, and his various grandparents who generously supplied him with all new gear, he is now officially considering himself a snowboarder. I gave him the advice to not get on any hills that he really can't handle, so hopefully he makes it through the winter without any major injuries. One requirement we gave him: he must wear a helmet. This made him happy on his last trip when he fell, hit his head, and put 2 dents in his helmet. I have a feeling he'll do great with this. I've always thought an individual sport would be best for him.

More to come on Rowan's preschool experience and Ian's snowboarding adventures...

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Here we are on our last day of Christmas Vacation wondering where the time went. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at our house, and then ventured north on the 26th. Rowan very much enjoyed opening presents this year, although it didn't seem to matter much what was inside them. However, now that the opening is done, he is settling in with all of his fun new stuff. Ian didn't do to bad, either. We were happy not to have any blizzard conditions effect any of our plans.

This week we have an IEP (individual education plan) meeting for Rowan to finalize the plan for him to start early threes preschool in February when he turns 3. He will be in a classroom suited for kids with speech and communication delay. He will be bussed there from daycare. I can't think too much about that or it gives me a panic attack. He seems so little to be getting on a bus (even though his teachers say it is more likely just a van).

Happy new year to everyone!

Played a funny on Ian

2010-11-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Ian has been OBSESSED with getting his new phone. He could do an upgrade as of Nov 1, so had plans to go to Best Buy with Jeff. So I called him on the way home from work and told him I had tried calling Best Buy to make sure they had that phone, and that all the Best Buys in Mn were closed to observe Columbus Day. He went NUTS! WHY ARE THEY CLOSED IF WE ARE'T OFF SCHOOL!!! THAT IS CRAZY! I can't wait for my phone, and on and on and on. But I can't lie worth anything and started laughing, so he then figured out I was pranking him. I still found it quite amusing, even if he didn't.

Speech Therapy and Life in General

2010-11-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

I've had several people ask me lately how Rowan is doing with his speech, so I thought I'd better get going and do a blog update. When school started, we had to reduce Rowan's therapy down to two sessions a week (One session speech therapy and one session Occupational therapy). Over the summer he had four sessions, two of each, because I wasn't working and could spend longer driving him. At first we were not quite sure about how he would do with 4:30 therapy times, coming off of a long day at daycare and not having eaten dinner, but he seems to be doing fine with it.

In speech, they have been working with Rowan on 2-3 word phrases instead of single word. With a little practice, he can do it. Sometimes, however, the words blend together. He has started to string more words together at home, and we are hearing a lot more words than we were hearing even just a month or two ago. Some common phrases heard around our house are "Ian, bop it!" (Ian, stop it), Rowan do it, I want it, Cleo No, Mommy Elmo on... Lots more than he was saying over the summer. Of course most recently we worked on Trick Or Treat.

In OT, Rowan works on fine motor skills and balance. He does really well with the tasks he is given. One thing to overcome is asking mom or dad for help all the time. A few months ago, he wanted nothing to do with coloring or drawing. Now his favorite toy is his Magna Doodle drawing toy, and he will sit for a long time drawing "pictures". He tells us he is drawing Cleo, Happy (smile face), eyes and nose, buzz, and whatever else is on his mind. He has also taken a liking to his Elmo coloring book.

When the speech therapist and early childhood teacher from Shakopee schools did his six month review recently, he had shown significant progress in their help charts.
Starting when he turns 3 in February, Rowan can start going to an "early threes" preschool that focuses heavily on speaking and language development.

So, we are excited about all the progress he is making.

As for the big kid in the family, he is gearing up for two exciting events. Deer season next weekend...hoping to get another big buck. And the Shakopee High School performance of OKLAHOMA, which Ian is a part of the Pit Band (The YOUNGEST member and only 8th grader). Ian has also joined ski club that starts in January. I just can't believe he is about to turn 14. Geez!

School starts summer ends

2010-09-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sad day for us here on Thistle Lane as Jeff took down the pool! Boo! Well, maybe I should say sad day for me, as Ian thought it was too small, Rowan cried because it was too big, and Jeff only used it a few times. I liked floating in it on many occasions. Jeff was a good sport to put up with the care of the pool and dead grass in the yard to aid in my summer happiness.

Ian has been back at it for a week now. Junior High 8th grade. He is happy to NOT be enrolled in Honors English this year. That is just not his subject.

We have had a break for a couple weeks with Rowan's therapy. We canceled one day at the end of summer to go spend some time in Walker. Then I told the gals there was no way we could make it last week with school workshops for me and trying to get a classroom ready. So we are back at it this week. We are cutting down to one session of speech therapy and one session of occupational therapy per week, Mondays and Thursdays after work. (down from 2 sessions of each) It will be hectic for a bit, but we finally met our huge insurance deductible with all those summer sessions, and I feel like Preferred One should take a turn in paying! Once snow flies I doubt we'll want to make the drive to Eden Prairie twice a week...we'll see how things are going.
Rowan is making progress with attempting more speaking, but mostly Jeff, Ian and I understand him because we are used to him. He has been trying more at daycare which is good, because when he started there he didn't say a word.

First day of school went well for me at Oak Grove...back down to normal class size (19) compared to huge size (27) last year. It will be much more productive.

and a few more...

2010-08-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

Fun new pictures

2010-08-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Ongoing Speech Therapy For Rowan

2010-08-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Rowan has been working hard at THERAPY FOR ME in Eden Prairie twice a week. During June, he went to speech therapy twice a week. Starting in July, we added occupational therapy. When he was assessed through the schools, he didn't qualify for any OT services, but was borderline. They thought he was having trouble with some of the fine motor items due more to his communication block. When the therapist at Therapy for Me contacted our insurance for PreApproval for therapy, she asked if we'd be interested in seeing if insurance would cover OT also. We figured we'd get him all the help we could. So once there was an opening for OT we started that also.
We now go to Eden Prairie every Monday and Thursday from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM.

During speech, they have been working on getting him to communicate with short phrases, forcing him to talk instead of screech or point to get what he wants. One phrase they have been working on is "my turn" so he is able to communicate with other kids when he wants something. He has started to use that term all the time now. We have let go of the word 'please' for now. When he would ask for something and use please, the first word would come out jumbled or not understandable. So now we just model the word of the thing he wants (Berries, Truck, Toy) and don't have him use please. Sometimes he would only say 'please' and not have to work at other words. We'll get back to please once he is able to talk more.
It is fun to see him picking up more and more words. It has become easier for us to understand what he wants and it is getting easier for Linda at daycare, now we need to work on him talking more with the other kids there.

During Occupational Therapy (OT), they have been working on motor skills. Both fine motor and balance. We have learned some fun sensory things to do with him. On of his favorites is the SQUISH game where we squish his body with a pillow. He does pretty well with fine motor, but they work with him to keep trying something instead of giving up right away if it is frustrating, or asking mommy for help, which he does a lot.

Rowan still likes to sit on his potty chair with his pants on, but every now and then he'll actually go in it!

Ian had a great time on his trip (see previous post) but also was very happy to get home. He spent several hours on the couch catching up on TV with the laptop in front of him also, catching up on his games. I think he may have gotten taller while he was away.

All for now...

A few pics from Jambo

2010-08-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

A few pictures Ian took at National Boy Scout Jamboree (called JAMBO by the boys) Fort AP Hill Virginia. This was the last year it was held at this location. In 2013 it moves to a new high advenutre scout camp, called The Summit Bechtel Family National Scouting Reserve (the 'Summit') which is being made due to the single largest donation ever given to the BSA!

Ian hopes to make the Jamboree a twice in a lifetime experience by attending Jambo in 2013. (With talk of diving at high adventure SeaBase in Florida in 2012 also, I see more garage sales in our future). Ian even was throwing out the idea of WORLD JAMBOREE held in Europe, but that will take some serious family discussions! :)

I am hoping Ian will write a synopsis of his trip, but here are some hightlights he talked about:
Running the Jamboree 5K. He came in 5th in his troop.
Trading patches
The shooting range, he stood in line 3 times to participate
Canoe racing and Dragon boating (Several canoes tied together)
Ian got a great compliment from one of the troop leaders that his patrol did the best job of getting stuff done correctly and working together!

Check out tons of great additional video and jambo pictures here.

2010-06-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

I know Jill does the majority of posts to this blog, but I have to make a post to personally tell family and friends about my father’s day this year. Saturday June 19th Ian and I drove up to Tomahawk Scout Camp near Rice Lake, WI. All together there were over 30 scouts and 13 leaders from Troop 619 that went to Tomahawk this year. Once we arrived, the troop set up camp and the scouts readied themselves for a week of activities including working on merit badges, swimming, hiking, and much more. The scouts thought it was pretty cool that there was a bald eagle nest in a tall tree located in the middle of the campsite. The eagle could often be seen flying to and from the nest. Ian holds one of the “Troop Guide” leadership positions in his troop. He has a patrol of 1st year scouts under his wing and I was able to see him working with them directly as they set up their patrol camp site.

When a scout transitions from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts a parent must shift gears. A Boy Scout troop is “boy run”. Leaders are there to advise, but the scouts run the program. Parents, even the leaders, have to take a step back and let the scouts take charge. This gives the scouts valuable leadership experience. The scouts have their challenges, but through advisement from the older scouts and leaders they learn from what does not work, and they revel in the satisfaction of a job well done when things come together. I mention this here try and help you visualize the role of myself and the other leaders at camp. We look on, and advise where needed and let the boy leadership structure operate. I want to chime in and say we don’t just avoid our sons at camp. We participate in many of the activities with them and have fun.

Spending Father’s Day weekend at camp was particularly fantastic for me this year. For starters, I went to Tomahawk Scout Camp every year when I was a scout. Now, on Father’s Day, I am at the very same camp with my son, just a couple of camp sites down from where I camped as a scout. How cool is that?!!? Another thing I really enjoyed is that I got to see my son in action as a troop guide. I believe Ian truly likes teaching others and it shows. I was very proud when I heard from another leader who witnessed Ian handle a situation with his patrol. The leader said he was very impressed with how Ian dealt with the situation sternly, but in such a manner that he helped the scouts realize what needed to be corrected in a very mature manner. This is not the first compliment I have heard over the years about Ian’s leadership skills.

Little did I know there was more to come. Sunday evening there was a campfire with all the troops at camp in attendance. After the counselors did a variety of skits, the Order of the Arrow call out ceremony took place. Yep, Ian was one of three scouts from our troop who were selected (or “called out”) as a candidate to become a member of the Oder of the Arrow!!! For those of you that don’t know, the Order of the Arrow is scouting’s national honor society. Here are the basics as described by the Boy Scouts of America….

“For more than 95 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, developing leaders, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich, support, and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.”

Ian had to meet certain minimum rank and camping requirements to even be considered. Then, in a secret ballot election a few months ago, each member of Troop 619 voted on the eligible scouts. If scouts received a qualifying percentage of the vote, they are then “called out” at a ceremony like the one at Tomahawk. The ballot is kept secret, so no one except for a couple of people knows who has been elected until the ceremony takes place. I had no idea Ian had been selected until Sunday’s ceremony.

Ian is not yet a member of the Order of the Arrow. He is a “candidate” and will have the opportunity to secure his membership in the near future.

Ian being called out at the OA ceremony was particularly meaningful to me as I am a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. The photo of Ian and me below was taken at the dining lodge after the call out ceremony. The red arrow I am wearing with the two red bars is my Brotherhood OA sash.

Ian has another family member who was a member of the Order of Arrow. Ian’s great grandfather James Nelson was also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Eagle Scout James is pictured below in 1943 wearing his OA sash. Back then, there were no bars at each end of the arrow to signify a Brotherhood member. The sash was worn over the right shoulder for Ordeal members and over the left shoulder for Brotherhood.

To top things off Ian is the troop bugler. Each night I got to hear him play taps and each morning he played reveille! It was for me an incredible few days at camp. Right now Ian and the other scouts are still up at camp. Ian is working on a number of merit badges including wilderness survival. I would have loved to stay the week, but I need to return to work. I know this post is long, but I wanted to share my experience with you all. Great job Ian! Keep up the good work!

- Jeff

P.S. Ian was a crack shot at the shotgun range hitting 100% of the targets!

More Therapy This Summer

2010-06-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

We finally heard from the therapy clinic in Eden Prairie, Therapy For Me, that our insurance approved speech therapy for Rowan. I gave the therapist our availability for the summer, and she is going to call us back with scheduling options. Since I am off, we are hoping to get Rowan in twice a week. It will be more challenging to get him there come fall, but as the saying goes we'll cross that bridge...
We still meet with Rowan's early childhood teachers from the school district during the summer, but they have a 2 week on, 2 week off schedule, so he doesn't get as much service from them as usual. Rowan is up to 40 or so words (we add to the list each week) although not clear on many. Daddy, Ian and I know what he is saying, but anyone else would have trouble. We are hoping the intense speech therapy this summer helps. He gets frustrated when we don't understand him and we get frustrated when he doesn't understand us!

Ian and Grandpa had fun fishing the LLWT over the weekend. Ian managed a big fish day 2, but unfortunately did not have enough weight to place. Still great memories.

Jeff has to be into work early this week (4 AM!) to help get temp nurses situated when the nurses strike begins.

Ian's last day of school is tomorrow. I am hiring him for work in my classroom Wednesday, and he is heading to G and G Stanton's to build his hydroplane for a few days after that.

Drinking from the bowl

2010-05-03T18:24:00.001-07:00

Tonight I saw Rowan drink the peach juice from his bowl. It was pretty cute and pretty messy. I think he must have learned this from Ian, who also drinks from his bowl and likes to lick his plate clean if he thinks we are not looking.

Speech Started

2010-05-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

We have started our weekly sessions with Rowan's early childhood team. So far we have mostly had discussions as adults about resources, ideas, etc, about how to help him. We are noticing more words added to his vocabulary every few days. Although, to the outside observer, he still is a bit hard to understand. Some recent babbles include Elmo, Barney, door, outside or slide...not sure which he is aiming for. He says the same word often as we head into Linda's for daycare, but I have yet to figure out what it is. We went to the early childhood night last week and Rowan loved the music lady and dancing.

We are looking into some options for Rowan to get private speech therapy at a therapy clinic as well to get some of these problems resolved as soon as we can. Making the calls tomorrow on it.

Tonight's amusement from Rowan was lounging on his back in his room and emptying the diaper basket, covering the floor and himself.

Ian held his garage sale again this weekend and it was a big success. All money raised goes to his trip to the National Scout Jamboree this summer. Today he started his personal fitness merit badge and ran the mile in a whopping 8 minutes 27 seconds. I challenged him to beat my best mile score from track, which was 6 min 14 seconds. I would probably collapse if I tried that today.

Many of you know we've been watching the spending lately. I've been planning our shopping list carefully and matching the sales with coupons and saving us a ton, leaving the money we would have spent open for other things ... unfortunately those other things have included both van and car repairs and getting the medical bills paid off from my and Ian's surgeries. Fun stuff!

I guess I have become a bit obsessed because I was thrilled to hear that Rainbow is keeping double coupon Saturdays for a couple more months.

Last week I went to see my cousin Diana perform in Cabaret at Century College. That girl can sing. She has a voice that naturally fills the room. As they are turning up everyone else's mics, they are turning hers down. I believe we'll be seeing great things from her as she graduates this spring with a theater degree.

Less than two weeks until Jeff and I head to Turks and Caicos for John and Laura's wedding, we can't wait!

Bon Jovi and Outdoor Fun

2010-04-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

2010-04-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday Rowan starts work with his early childhood team. We are anxious to get him going with some extra help. Meanwhile, he is picking up a few words each week. The signs he learned were very helpful and now he says the words to go with the signs. We have also heard some of his words progress...

Ian was just "E" but now is Ian

Cleo was "Guy" but now is Ce0 (leaves out the l)

He has mastered more, all done, e i e i o, and can sing on tune to Old McDonald and the ABCs (although the letters aren't accurate). This weekend his shoe fell off and he asked for "help me" and then said a version of thank you.

He has started calling Linda by name...close to it anyway....with "DeeTa" and is calling some of his daycare friends by name also.

Ian is still busy living the life of a middle schooler.

Jeff and I are excited to head to Turks and Caicos Islands in May. Jeff will be best man in John and Laura's wedding. Gram and Gramp S will be at our house to stay with the boys. Jeff is excited to dive there. I might too, haven't decided yet!

Speech and other stuff

2010-03-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure where the time has gone, but we have been very neglectful of our blog! There aren't many spare moments when you have a teenager and a toddler!

Lots has happened...where to begin...

Ian got Life Scout recently. Jeff says even though it is the rank before Eagle, his work is still only half done! Winter has been filled with camping trips for Ian. He has been camping with his own troop and with his Jamboree troop. Jeff was able to go on the last campout with him also. Rowan and I stay home where it is warm! Ian signed up for jr high classes recently. He decided that he does not care to remain in Honors English, his least favorite class, but will do Honors social studies, science, and math (geometry).

Rowan will be starting to work with an early childhood teacher and speech therapist soon. We referred him because of his lack of words, not using nearly as many at age 2 as expected. He qualified for services so they come to our house. They also found a slight delay in processing when he is given verbal instructions that are unfamiliar, so they will work on all areas of communication with him. He will get serviced until age 5, longer if needed after that. We are hoping that intervention on the front end will prevent the need for help later on.

My recovery from surgery was long, but I feel so much better now. It took the entire six weeks to get my energy back. Then when I returned to work it was hard to get back into the routine, but I am feeling much better now. Jeff had his hands full with taking care of all the household duties, kids, homework, etc, but to nobody's surprise handled it with a smile!

After taking that unexpected, mostly unpaid medical leave, we found ourselves coming up with ways to save money! The least favorite was taking the Christmas money from my mom that was earmarked for a new flat screen tv and paying medical bills instead. That was most hard on Jeff, I believe. Luckily our old clunky tvs are hanging in just fine! I have been using more coupons than in the past, finding it worth the time to plan the list ahead of time. And, of course, we are finding ourselves in restaurants for dinner much less. That is probably just as well with Rowan entering the two's!

I will have to post current pictures at a later date...as I am posting this from school, having just finished my third night of conferences!

2010-01-24T16:19:00.000-08:00

Recovery from surgery is going slow but sure. I am half way through the recovery period, with another 3 weeks to go. I feel ok but get tired easily. I also am starting to want to do more than I am able to, which is frustrating.

Rowan loves his new daycare.

Ian had a great solo in the jazz band concert.

Jeff is tired from doing all the housework and Rowan care that I am unable to do.

Recovery

2010-01-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

Recovery has been slow. I get tired easily, going out tonight in the van has about done me in for tonight. My mom and I mangaed to relax and watch a movie today, All About Steve, pretty cute but won't win any awards. I'm sitting here typing as Grandma has given Rowan his bath and is now playing, and Jeff is now getting after the dog for eating the garbage. So peaceful!

Thought I'd catch you up on Rowan's current vocab, talking doesn't interest him much but he still likes to babble:

Mom

Dad

Eeee (Ian)

Guy (Cleo---don't know why)

Baba (refers to his sippy cup)

mine

"Me" (is what he is calling Grandma Jamie, AKA Amy, as Ian calls her, shortened to Me by Rowan)

makes an attempt to say Grandpa to Grandpa Dave, started when he was there over THanksgiving.

Surgery

2010-01-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, on New Years Eve I had a hysterectomy. Several people have commented that I am young for this (36) and they are right. Without giving too much detail, I'll let you know how I got to this point. A few years back, many of you know, I had a miscarriage. At that time I had an utlrasound, and the fibroids were detected in my uterus. Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the uterus that are almost always NOT cancerous. When they were first found, my doctor consulted a fertility specialist and determined that the location of the fibroids should not interfere with a pregnancy (they were growing outward) and so it was not necessary to take action at that time. Although they were causing me some trouble at a certain time during the month, it was not too severe. So from there we continued trying for a baby which was frustratingly unsuccessful. It was finally in June of 07 that I was on my way in to my doctor again to ask, are you SURE these fibroids aren't interfering and to talk about options that I found I was pregnant. During the pregnancy with Rowan my fibroids grew as my pregnancy progressed, which is what the dr said would happen. After pregnancy, we could expect them to shrink. Having them taken out at the time of my c-section would create too much blood loss and too much risk. So after having Rowan they were checked again. They had shrunk some, but not much. I was told at this point that if we were done having kids, which we knew we were, a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and fibroids would be the best option. Removing ONLY the fibroids would be just as invasive of surgery, and given my age they would grow back before menopause.

Around Thanksgiving of this year I started having severe pain in my lower abdomen. I went in and the dr found that the largest fibroid had grown from 6 cm diameter in April (my uterus stretched to the size of someone 12 weeks pregnant) to 11 cm (with my uterus stretched to the size it would be half way through a pregnancy!!!!!) The dr said it was time to take it out! So, I went ahead and scheduled the hysterectomy for New Years Eve. My doc does surgery on Thursdays, and I wanted it done over Christmas break so my students could start of January with a sub, hopefully making for a smooth transition for them. Throughout the month of December I spent many hours at work getting my lessons and classroom ready for a sub, who will be there in my place through Feb 15.

My recovery includes not lifting anything more than 20 pounds for 6 weeks. (such as Rowan)

No vacuuming, excessive bending over, heavy housework, etc. I am supposed to use my "best judgement" on driving after a few weeks pass, with a risk being I might get hurt if I have to slam on the break quickly with my foot. I doubt I'll be driving.

Jeff and Ian have their work cut out for them but seem up to the challenge. Ma and Pa Stanton came to stay at my house to watch the boys during my hospital stay and were gracious to do some cooking. My mom will be coming down to help me for a week, Beth has agreed to let Rowan come to daycare an hour earlier each day so Jeff won't have to adjust his hours, and my dad and Lori will be coming for a visit and to entertain the boys too. Lots of offers from friends for help with meals...don't worry, Jeff will be calling you about this. I am feeling very grateful and lucky for such a wonderful support system. It makes what could be a lousy start to the new year not so bad!

Many have wanted to see some pictures, we have 3 posted on our hydrohaven sight.

In one picture you can see my uterus with the cervix still attached (I still have my ovaries)

In the other two you can see the uterus next to a scalpel to give an idea of size) One of them you can see the largest fibroid pusing on the wall of the uterus. Quite large and swollen. If you don't care to see...just don't click below!

Pitures

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! What a year! Here are some highlights of how we spent our time in 2009. Take a look back through all the posts in our blog for more stories and photos!

Ian - the teenager!

Ian is a very active boy scout! He is at the rank of Star Scout, and is just a couple services hours and one merit badge short of Life Scout (the rank before eagle). This summer he earned a cycling merit badge by doing several long distance rides,

including 10, 15, 25 and a 50 mile! We found out after a couple rides that the bike he had would not be adequate, and went shopping for a new one. He loves his better quality TREK.

Ian's leadership position in the troop is Den Chief. He works with a local cub scout den and helps with activities and earning badges.

Many of you know he is heading to the 2010 National Scouting Jamboree next

summer. His troop will also be touring Washington DC for several days. He has been fundraising hard to earn his way!

In addition to scouting he has been participating in Knowledge Bowl, Science Olympiad, and Band. Recently he even became the troop bugler and got his own bugle from Gram and Gramp S. Ian spends a lot of time hanging out with friends who live just down the bike path from us. This summer, after many years of trying, he got up and STAYED UP on water skis and skied across the lake!

Ian is definately a Woodruff when it comes to being a sportsman. He and Grandpa finally were able to participate in their first fishing tournament, The Leech Lake Walleye Tournament in May. This fall was Ian's second year of hunting. Within the first few minutes of legal hunting time on

opening day, he shot his first deer. A big 8-pointer.

And, of course, there are his duties as big brother. Ian (called "Eeee" by Rowan) loves to play with, teach, and tease his little brother.

Rowan is always learning something new. He does not say

much but has a few

words in his vocabulary...mama, dada, Eeee (Ian), Guy (Cleo - we don't know why), bye bye, baba (cup), shhh, baby, and most recently "cheese".

When he can't verbalize what he wants, he has no problem letting us know. He will climb up the front of his high chair when he is hungry and bring us a diaper when he needs a change. When he is done with a meal, he likes to feed the rest to "Guy" (Cleo).

Rowan is a mover, and doesn't like to sit still fro very long. Just recently he has started to climb on to mommy's lap to be cuddled.

Jeff and I spend most of our time keeping up with the boys. We are busy all the time! We are sure that won't change in the coming year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It has been awhile

2009-11-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

We have been so busy, we have been neglecting the blog! Ian shot his first deer and turned 13! Rowan is still on the move! We are still busy!

Catching up

2009-10-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a month and a half since our last update! Lots to catch up on.

Ian has been hard at work selling popcorn and wreaths for Scouts. The wreath sales are through our troop, a portion will go to Ian's Jamboree trip next summer. Popcorn sales are JUST for the boys going to the Jamboree. I have been proud of him the past couple evenings. He has been out selling despite the cold and wet. The Jamboree is not a cheap trip, and so we are encouraging him to do all the fundraising he can. He is also doing a letter from Santa fundraiser and we have a few other ideas in the works (which might include a spring garage sale).

Rowan is busy as ever. He is finally back in his room/crib tonight after spending several nights in the play pen in our room. After launching himself out of the crib, we felt safer having him up here with us. Now we purchased a crib tent to prevent him from crawling out of there. He isn't talking much at all (he prefers shrieking) but will say Mom and Dad, and for some reason is referring to Cleo as "guy". Tonight Jeff found him in his room, taking baby wipes out of the container one by one and throwing them away in the diaper pail. He's so helpful.

You probably remember my tooth injury from Cleo this summer. I finally had a root canal on the front tooth, and it is healing up. It is a bit discolored and is crooked, which drives me nuts.

Not sure if I'll get it straightened or not, have to look into the details of it.

Looking forward to Halloween. Ian hasn't picked a costume. We have two for Rowan... a horse (that looks like a cow) from Grandpa and a penquin. He'll wear one at the neighbor's party, and the other to Trick or Treat.

We spent a night in Walker over MEA followed by a night at 3 Bears Holiday Inn WaterPark hotel in Brainerd. It was fun. Rowan was scared of the water first, but got used to it.

I'll try to be better about posting...

State Fair

2009-09-06T19:32:00.001-07:00

We went to the fair!

More of Rowan's dance

2009-09-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

Rowan's dance

2009-09-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ian can ski!

2009-09-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Phone

2009-09-05T05:16:00.000-07:00

Ian the rock Star

2009-09-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ian't new guitar!

Ian's 50 mile bike ride

2009-07-26T20:30:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Ian's fifty miler!

Summer fun

2009-07-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

July has been busy for us. We spent the 4th in Walker, taking in all the fun activities: parade, park, fireworks from the boat. On the 11th we had our annual summer party at the cabin, a hit as usual. I went back to the dentist and they aren't going to treat my tooth yet, I go back in 2 months. So for the next couple months I still have a crooked, loose tooth. Jeff said he'll still be seen with me.

Ian has 2 more rides for his cycling merit badge. He has completed 2 ten mile, 2 15 mile, and a 25 mile ride. This weekend is one more 25 mile, then he finishes with a 50 mile during

a campout at the end of the month. The trail he will be on was in the travel section last weekend: (Wisconsin's Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail)

He will be riding his new Trek bike that he picked out at Penn Cycle. Ian put his garage sale money in, and his loving parents and Grandpa Jeff kicked in also. He loves riding it. He has also started his personal fitness merit badge...this kid will be in shape!

At camp Tesomas, Ian earned the canoeing and swimming merit badges. He is doing great in

scouts!

Ian, Rowan and I spent the afternoon at Grandma Rosie's recently, and Ian learned all the

secrets to making great chocolate chip cookies. Also, Ian got up on the water skiis this year!!!

Rowan got over a high fever, I think the cause was the many teeth poking through in his little mouth!

I'll wrap up with a few summer pictures!

Ever had a dog smash into your face?

2009-06-29T05:41:00.001-07:00

Sunday we went up to the lake in the afternoon. It had been awhile since Rowan and Ian had seen Grandma, and it was such a nice day. We all headed to down to the dock for some swimming, of course bringing our lovable pup with us. I took Rowan into the water. I thought he would like a little inflatable boat to sit in, but it scared him, so I decided just to hold him and splash around with him. Grandma was enjoying watching Rowan swim from the bench, Ian was tossing a half filled water bottle for Cleo to chase, and Jeff and Dave were trying to get the little fishing boat started.

All of a sudden I felt Cleo's body smash into my head and face. My head whipped back and I felt my upper and lower jaw crack together, but really was not sure what had happened. Although I didn't see her coming (how I missed it I'll never know), I knew it was her because I felt her fur, and, really, who else there would be oblivious enough to jump onto my head :) It took me a minute to realize what was going on. I could hear Jeff and Ian asking if I was okay, but I was trying to figure out what was wrong. Inside my mouth I could feel something awful and taste blood. At first I thought my tooth had been knocked out. It hurt so bad and I was shaking and couldn't answer Jeff. Finally I realized that the tooth was not knocked out, but had been knocked so far back that I couldn't close my mouth right.

Jeff said when I took my hand away from my mouth and showed him, he fully expected there to be either huge claw marks on my face, or blood (There wasn't) or something. It was hard for him to even tell what happened, but it hurt so bad I was shaking and crying and couldn't talk. Jeff started yelling Hand me Rowan, Hand me Rowan. We left the boys with Gramp and Gram and went into Princeton to the ER, and it took FOREVER. The dr injected my gum so it would numb up, gave me some perscriptions, and told me to get to the dentist right away on Monday to determine if I need oral surgery. So, now I wait, since of course the dentist doesn't open until one today. Did I mention I HATE going to the dentist?

I was very proud of Ian, when Jeff and I rushed out, he took charge of Rowan so Grandpa could help Grandma back up to the house in the golf cart. Grandpa said by the time they got up there, Ian already had Rowan out of his wet swim suit, had a dry diaper on him and had him dressed and was keeping him busy playing with him!! What a great big brother.

All I could keep thinking was how glad I was that Cleo did not land on Rowan, I'm certain things could have been much worse. I was holding him on my left hip and she completely missed him. I told Ian and Jeff that I think his guardian angels, probably one of those grandmas up in heaven, was watching out for him.

A big thanks to Gram and Gramp Stanton for taking care of the boys (Something they just can't stand doing you know ;) and to Ian for watching Rowan!

Father's Day

2009-06-22T04:43:00.001-07:00

2009-06-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

Rowan got a new water table. My idea was I could put it on the deck, and he'd play while I sat in the sun in a lawn chair and read a book. He played for awhile, but then started throwing the floatie toys off the deck one by one, where later Cleo got ahold of a rubber duckie and chewed off its nose. Cleo also thought the water table was her own personal outdoor water dish.

Things that Rowan likes to do...

2009-06-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some things Rowan thinks are really fun to exhaust mommy while daddy is in Florida:

*take all magnets within reach on the fridge off and toss them all over the floor

*throw the sippy cup out of the crib, behind the far corner that is up against 2 walls

*see how many times the corner cupboard door in the kitchen can open and close

*use squeaky block to tease Cleo until Cleo takes it and starts chewing it up (this game won't last much longer, I think we are down to 2 squeaky blocks)

*Open hall closet door and slam shut (mommy ended this one with a baby lock)

*Take Cleo's dogfood out of the dish one piece at at time. Put in Mouth, take out of mouth, put back in mouth

*Splash in Cleo's water dish. Try to bring some water to mommy in my hand

* Take off the cabbage patch kid's clothes, bang its head on the floor, laugh at mommy when she says no

*Empty mommy's laundry basket she left unattended for one and a half minutes

*While in crib, reach over and open dresser, take out all the clothes I can reach

*Get ahold of phone, get it on speaker, and hit redial. Luckily mommy caught this one before call goes through

Daddy, come home!

Leech Lake Fishing Tournament

2009-06-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

Can't keep up!

2009-05-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

We are so busy, it is hard to keep up with the posts, so I'll try to do a quick catch up before heading out for the weekend. Jeff's staying back to work in the workshop, he is trying to get a bar built!

Ian, Grandpa, and Jeff went fishing while we were home over Memorial Day, caught a few but not many keepers. Hopefully it will be better this weekend as Ian and Grandpa fish the Leech Lake Walleye Tournament. They are boat 124 out of 125.

Rowan got to hang out with some cousins close to his size this weekend, Brooke and Kendall.

Rowan just wanted to hang out on his tummy on the tramp at our cousin Josh's grad party, Kendall is so sweet she tried to help him up.

Ian and Brooke shared some cheerios, but otherwise ignored each other.

We got to wish cousin Daniel congrats also at his graduation. I am the oldest cousin on my mom's side, Daniel is the second to youngest. Here we are hanging with him at his party.

School is about to wrap up in the next couple weeks! I am excited to have more time to spend with the boys. I also need to finish getting ready for our upcoming garage sale!

Fun outside

2009-05-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Catch!

My brother is in there!

Action shot: petting Cleo

Concerts

2009-05-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Jazz Band concert, notice Ian is one of only 3 trumpets...they had to try out. I had a great seat.

Choir concert. I had a great seat until my little sidekick got ants in his pants (Jeff had a meeting) so we ended up in the very top back of the auditorium, where we wouldn't disturb everyone, but still were able to hear the singing loud and clear! One more concert tomorrow, regular band!

Long Day! Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Mother's Day walking Race for the cure...our family is tired, so I'll post more details later. Here is an example of how our two boys felt after the walk:

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-04T17:57:00.001-07:00

Happy 3rd birthday to our pup, Cleo (May 2)! She got a trip to the groomer's in honor of her big day, and they even gave her a happy birthday bandana!

Ian's New Blog

2009-04-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Ian started his own blog! Check it out:

http://ianthesuperscout.blogspot.com/

Same old...

2009-04-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

Life as usual here at our house. Rowan decided to help Ian with his algebra....

I got a call a week or so ago that Rowan's name had been drawn for a prize from a booth at

Shakopee Showcase. He won this fun tub toy, which is great because Rowan loves the tub.

(Jeff won Twins tickets and a flag! Ian and I won nothing.)

Rowan discovered sitting in a basket is a lot of fun...

Jeff and Ian had fun at Eagle Cave camping...Yes, they slept in the cave, (crazy)...Ian is the one in red in the sleeping bag in the middle... (I'll see if Jeff wants to post details later).

Rowan and I have matching jean jackets...well, mine doesn't have elmo, but they are close...

Guess who is getting a haircut this weekend, she is long overdue.

I just wanted to blow bubbles with Rowan...

2009-04-17T18:06:00.001-07:00

Since Jeff and Ian went camping, I though Rowan and I would go play out on the deck for awhile with Cleo. I decided to grab the lion bubble blowing machine I bought recently for Rowan. Once I got to the deck, I realized it needed batteries, and I had to get a screwdriver to put them in.

We made a trip back into the house to get those things, but when we came back out, the bubble stuff was missing. I looked out into the yard and there is Cleo with it in her mouth! She starts running frantically in circles wanting me to chase her (which, by the way, I don't do). (Cleo did this a couple summers ago, but it was my ipod clutched in her jaw...NOT FUNNY). I figure by now we are not going to be blowing bubbles, but Rowan doesn't seem to mind. He has found the box to the lion and is perfectly happy playing with it.

Pretty soon Cleo wanders up and makes nice with Rowan, her tongue dripping with bubble stuff. She then decides she wants us to throw the ball for her, so I do. After the dog and boy were both inside I ventured out to the yard to get the bubble stuff. Cleo didn't puncture it, but did bite a whole in the top so most of it was spilled, hopefully mostly on the ground and not in Cleo's tummy.

Rowan the Helper

2009-04-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Rowan helps with putting away his laundry and sorting socks...

Not much new!

2009-04-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

2009-04-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I searched his computer for a picture we had scanned awhile back of my Grandpa. We found a few others we had scanned also. I thought it would be fun to post these for family members to see.

My Grandpa

My Mom and Grandpa

My Grandpa and Grandma

More oldies...

2009-04-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Cleaning out computer folders can be fun when you find treasures like these...

Ian and Mom

2009-04-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Couple more old ones....

Oldies

2009-04-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Found these while cleaning off my computer at school...memories from when Ian came to Oak Grove. These third grade.

What we have been up to

2009-03-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ian spent a week with grandparents, first a couple days with Gram and Gramp Stanton, then on to Walker for the week. Rowan and I headed north to get him this weekend. Ian helped Grandpa at the sport show at the community center, so Rowan and I visited. Rowan tried on Grandpa's hat, but his favorite game was taking it off.

Here is what Jeff worked on while we were gone, the upper cabinets to the bar he is building for our family room. Here's Rowan doing Beep Beep to daddy's nose and trying to pet Cleo at the same time!

Visiting Oak Grove

2009-03-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Rowan got to visit mommy's classroom for the first grade music program. He liked the attention from all the kids. Don't let the small class size in the photo fool you, a bunch didn't show up!

Walk!

2009-03-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

Teachers

2009-03-18T13:14:00.001-07:00

Here's a fun picture of the other first grade teachers and me....posing in our school news room. We needed a picture for our first grade video slideshow...

I'm making a fashion statement with my St Patty Day necklace.

2009-03-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

Jeff and Ian worked together to weed down Ian's bookshelves, after Jeff found 40 books up in Ian's loft this weekend....Hey at least he reads! They will be stored for a few years until Rowan reads chapterbooks. In the meantime, Rowan has inherited the picture books from Ian (although there are some that Ian just has on loan to Rowan, and Rowan is starting to collect his own also!

Starting to walk-trying again

2009-03-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

For some reason this video would not work for a bunch of people, so I'm trying posting again...let's see how it goes!

Random

2009-03-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

Jeff!

2009-03-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

It was recently pointed out to me that Jeff doesn't make an appearance on the blog as often as the rest of us, so this page is just for him!!!!

Snow Base

2009-02-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

Ian and the other scouts at SNOW BASE doing winter camping in Janurary.

Ian first on the bottom left!

Cleo wants in

2009-02-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

Us and the kids

2009-02-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

I wanted a good picture of Ian and me before his recent band concert, he wasn't too cooperative!

Rowan and Daddy at BUCCA.

Walking with the pushtoy

2009-02-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

2009-02-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

Jeff and me at the Chase on the Lake, frozen Leech Lake in the background.

Below: Rowan being cute!

Birthday and Basketball

2009-02-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

Fun at home

2009-02-12T04:35:00.001-08:00

Playing with my truck

So Big

Playing with Brother

New Pictures

2009-02-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Rowan's one year pictures, Ian at 12. The black line is just due to my poor scanning ability.

First Haircut!

2009-01-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hanging out at Home

2009-01-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

Band Concert and Bathtime Cuteness

2009-01-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

Ian had his Jazz band concert last night. They did a great job. He is in the bakc row, you can only see his head. Rowan's new favorite spot is the bathtub, he cries when you take him out! Here are some pictures, plus him doing a little work on his laptop.

Cute pictures

2009-01-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Just some random pictures...not many posts lately, just busy with the usual!

Look who made herself comfy

Jeff Greg and Grandpa

2009-01-09T19:26:00.001-08:00

Just a few cute pictures

2009-01-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Look at those blue eyes!

Ian's Humane Society Donations

2009-01-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

You may recall that over the summer, Ian sold hats. He received a BUNCH from a friend of Grandpa's. He put a good portion of the profits to needed scouting and camping equipment for his camp outs, but also decided to donate a portion to the humane society. At the end of the summer, he had $200 to donate! Well, we finally got over there to make the donation. Ian decided to purchase a whole cart full of items from their wishlist. He spent $150 on the wishlist items and donated $50 in cash today! What a guy! Now he is trying to plan what he will do this summer to raise money for them again!

Lucky Again

2009-01-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

I got this email today...

Thank you for participating in our Cities 97 Free Stuff on Demand Contest. We're pleased to inform you that you have won one of our Weekly Giveaways! You have won a pair of movie passes to see Bedtime Stories at any AMC Theater. We will mail out your admission passes to your home address this afternoon. Thanks for listening to Cities 97 and have a great weekend!

This one is easy if you want to win...just go to cities97.com. Scroll down to the bottom right corner and click Free Stuff on Demand. They change the prizes each week and you can just choose the ones you want to try for!

How much is that doctor appointment going to cost?

2009-01-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

Do you ever pay any attention to how much medical services cost??? I never used to. When I had great insurance that only required a $20 copay, I didn't care! Over the past year our family's medical insurance has changed, from a $20 copay, to a 30 (us)/ 70% (them), and now to a high deductible of $2300 per year. So, now that we are paying a monthly premium of almost $500, ALONG with paying everything out of our own pocket until the $2300 deductible is reached, I am really paying attention. How much do some random services cost, for example? These are things I may have just taken for granted before:

Burning off a planter's wart for Ian : $158 PER VISIT...So far we've had 2, she said it could take 4 treatments!!!

An office visit for a belly ache (Ian) where the doctor tells you to give him more fiber...$95

Cost to clip the LINGUAL FRENUM, the tissue under the tongue that caused Rowan to be tongue tied...$400!!!! The doctor took him to the procedure room and he was back 5 minutes later, no medicine or anthestetic or anything!

1/2 hour of physical therapy for Rowan's neck problem...$95 (thank goodness he ended his biweekly visits in September instead of December, like was originally planned!)

It goes on and on and on....We are well over half way to our deductible. When we finally reach it, Blue Cross will start paying for it...UNTIL July 1, when my teaching contract year is up, then we start paying out of pocket again until we reach another $2300! As you can imagine, there are many gals of young kids I work with that this has put a HUGE financial strain on. So far, luckily, we are keeping our heads above water at the Stanton home. I have found that if you talk to the billing office directly and at least pay portions, they are not so crabby about it! When Open enrollment comes at Jeff's work, we are going to reevaluate our best option! In the meantime, I wish our kids would stop getting sick!!!!

Alright, I just had to vent that off my chest...the next post will be much more fun to read! I promise!

Spoons Short

2008-12-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

Just a small sample of the spoons fun!

A couple old cousin pictures...

2008-12-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

In my recent Christmas post, you see the latest Cousin Picture from this year. Here are a couple older ones... I'm estimating...1993 and 1999... I'll have to look for even OLDER ones!

Christmas!

2008-12-28T16:28:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a week we had! Christmas started for us on the 20th, with a celebration with the Stanton and Spivak clans. Here's the fam posing!

Enjoying a great dinner...

Rowan in his (one of many) cute outfit...

We headed to Walker on the 22nd (delayed a day due to weather) and continued to celebrate. We had Christmas with my dad and Lori on the 23rd...Rowan ignored most of his great gifts and wanted to play with all of Grandpa's decorations!

Christmas Day is always at Mikes with the Nelson clan...growing bigger every year as many of my cousins are getting married and adding babies to the mix also! We now only enjoy this celebration every other year since we take turns spending the holiday with my family, then Jeff's. So on the years we do get to be there we make the most of it!

Annual Pinata...this started when all of us were little, but now no one dives for the candy!

A cute new batch of babies in the family!

The cousin picture! An annual shot of all the cousins, now with spouses and babies!

Christmas breakfast!

Annual Spoons game...

Don't be alarmed, this sort of behavior is normal...

Posing with Kelly and Ruby...

The day we left, Rowan got to go to the cafe for a pancake with Grandpa and Ian for the first time. Ian has been having pancakes with grandpa since he was a little guy!

Christmas at Home

2008-12-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

We opened our gifts at home early, we didn't want to haul it all north with us. Rowan likes his new basketball hoop, but mostly liked chewing on the ball. This gift was too exciting for Cleo and she had to go into her Kennel. Ian got the Wii remote chargers he wanted. Here is Rowan opening his very first Christmas gift. He didn't take a nap at daycare, so it was hard for him to get in the holiday spirit!

Rowan by the Tree

2008-12-15T04:35:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd pose Rowan by the tree for some cute Christmas shots. However, he just wanted to crawl around, pull up on the furniture, and pull the ornaments off the tree and eat them!

Catching Up!

2008-12-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

We have been so busy I am not finding much time for blogging! I thought I'd try to catch up with a few pictures over Thanksgiving weekend in Walker. I don't have pictures of Thanksgiving to share right now, because they are still on Jeff's camera not downlaoded.

Rowan plays Patty Cake with Grandma. This was a skill he learned over the weekend.

Rowan plays with cousin Brooke and her daddy Neil.

We still can't get a picture of them smiling together!

Rowan REALLY wanted to play with Brooke's ponytail!

Grandpa and Rowan getting ready to watch the festival of lights parade.

We visited Grandma Rosie the weekend of Ian's birthday.