Living in Fast Forward

2012-01-13T18:32:00.000-06:00

We decided to spruce up the garage entry by building cubbies. Last weekend Ben tore out the closet and all week he has prepped it to install the cubbies. He even tackled "knock down" texture patching the ceiling! I will have to get some more recent pictures but here are some from last weekend.

Yep, this is the biggest snowmen EVER!

2012-01-04T20:14:00.001-06:00

Untitled, a photo by Gjovik's on Flickr.

The day after New Year's Eve, the kids set out to find the Snowman some arms. They informed me that he is waving!

Tonight I stumbled upon a few pictures of the kids posing with him. So fun!

SMEAR Champions!

2012-01-04T20:11:00.001-06:00

Untitled, a photo by Gjovik's on Flickr.

Yep, that is right! Shawna and I kicked some butt in SMEAR. The guys weren't the best of losers, but we sure had fun! Better luck next time Ben & Matt! :)

New Year's Eve Celebration

2012-01-01T12:56:00.001-06:00

New Year's Eve Celebration, a set on Flickr.

New Year's is here! This year Matt, Shawna, Dalton and Saige came down to visit. The girls did lots of shopping and the guys did a little ice fishing and hanging out in the garage. They had to polish up the automatic can crusher!

On New Year's Eve we went out to eat at the Northwood's Bar & Grill. Jason, Sarah, and Lily came over to visit too! There were lots of horns, streamers, food, wrestling, dancing, and laughing. We had to actually come in from the garage to cool off. As you can imagine the wood stove was stocked! It must have been 90 degrees in there!

Around 8ish we finally got some snow! It was the wet, big flakes - perfect for building snowmen. It didn't take long for the building to commence! They decided to build the biggest snowmen EVER. As you can see by the pictures they did just that.

I had taken quite of a few pictures, but I need to perfect my camera skills to take pictures in those conditions. A lot of them turned out like they were ghosts!

After the snowmen it was time to settle down and get the kids to bed. They were exhausted!

Then the big kids were off to the garage for a little card playing! Shawna and I are the SMEAR CHAMPIONS! Don't mess with the Bohemian ladies!! :) I was laughing so much my cheeks hurt! We stayed up late enough to see the ball drop and then it was 'nighty nighty' for us!

Only a couple more days and it's back to the grind - bummer! It's been a great holiday vacation!

Hollidazzle

2011-12-17T23:50:00.001-06:00

Hollidazzle, a set on Flickr.

A very warm November night. We decided to head down to Minneapolis to take in the opening night of the Hollidazzle parade. Target's Bullseye kicked off the parade. We checked out Peavey Plaza, walked down the middle of Nicollet Mall and found our spots right on the corner of 9th and Nicollet. It was a fast parade, but was fun to see all the lights and Santa. Only poor Jaxson missed him, as Ben & him were on their way back from the bathroom. :( bummer.

Enjoying the Gingerbread Man

2011-12-17T23:42:00.001-06:00

Enjoying the Gingerbread Man, a photo by Gjovik's on Flickr.

A beautiful night in downtown Minneapolis. Checking out the Gingerbread House in Peavey Plaza.

Another Use For Target Bags

2011-11-30T21:03:00.001-06:00

Just one more use for a Target Bag!

Last week Julia had the great idea to have races using Target bags. Then that idea turned into wearing the Target bags. So much fun, who needs toys!?

Out of Julia's Mouth

2008-05-21T11:00:00.003-05:00

This morning when I went to get Julia up, she looked at my belly and said, "Mommy, you need to buy a new belly button. That one is falling out!"

We Survived the 3rd Birthday!

2008-05-21T07:41:00.005-05:00

The long awaited date had arrived - Julia's 3rd birthday. She had been waiting for this day since February. She had many family members coming to celebrate with her - Grandpa and Grandma Rysavy, Great-Grandma at McVille & at the Farm, Uncle Matt, Aunt Shawna, Cousins Dalton & Saige, Grandpa Lee, and Aunt Emily. Everyone of them stayed with us. It was a very fun weekend. Julia had a great day!

Grandma at McVille, Shawna, and I got a quick lesson in making kolaches. We should've made more because they didn't last long! We also made potato dumplings - umm yummy!! Thank goodness for Grandmas as they cooked most of our meals!

I learned a lot about hosting birthday parties: put an end time, don't be pregnant, and have it somewhere else! :) It was a great day, however, towards the end it became a little stressful. Julia fell down the garage stairs and smacked her arms, legs, and head on the way down. That was the turning point for me - it was so hard to see her screaming and crying. After I got her settled down it was chasing kids out of my house again and then one of the kids asked me "when are we going to eat, I'm hungry". I never planned on feeding anyone, but it was getting close to 6:30 so I can understand where people were getting hungry. Thank goodness for Grandmas because they had made a meat and cheese tray that I put out for everyone. It was gone in no time! Around 7pm people started leaving and by 7:30 it was just family left. Julia had one more tumble, running across the driveway, she was picking up the croquet wires and tripped on the cement. Scuffed up her knee pretty badly. Once again we were in the house trying to settle her down. After 30 mins or so, I was able to get her settled down and then Grandma Lauri cuddled and rocked her. In no time she was sound asleep.

On Sunday when everyone left - Julia got to play by herself with all her new toys, we blew lots of bubbles on the deck, and then she helped Ben plant the garden. Around 1pm she came in and we cuddled on my bed and then slept until 4pm.

I am still trying to catch up on my sleep and my house is an absolute disaster! Overall it was a great weekend. So fun to have everyone stay, then only downer is I hardly got to talk to Mom, Dad, and my Grandmas. Thanks for coming down everyone!!

Potty Trained!

2008-04-24T08:21:00.003-05:00

Yahoo for Julia. She is fully potty trained! She has been trained since Christmas, but at night we always put a diaper on her. This past Monday I asked her if she wanted to try not wearing a diaper to bed. She said, "Diapers for baby brother". We decided to wear big girl underwear that night. Since then she has woke up dry! Kudoos to you sweet Julia! You are so big and are definitely not a baby anymore!

Swimming Lessons are upon us!

2008-04-22T19:25:00.002-05:00

On April 14th, Julia started her swimming lessons. We get to the YMCA a good 45 mins before her lessongs start so she can splash around in the pool and go down the tube-water slide. She loves the water. What a little fish.

She dunks her head all by herself. She loves to float on her back, but needs practice for her front float. I can let go of her for a little while when she is on her back, but not long. The teacher told us that we should expect that they will be swimming on their own up to 2 yds in the 4 and 5 weeks. I will be amazed if that is true. Considering most of the kids don't like to get their face in the water.

Julia just had her 2nd lessons yesterday and she learned the back stroke and front stroke. The lessons are only 1/2 hr, so there isn't much time to practice. She does much better when she can't touch, becuase then she can't cheat and just walk!

Danielle Turns 30!!!!

2008-04-10T13:13:00.004-05:00

Wow! I am 30. When did that sneak up on me?! I was feeling Ok about turning 30 until the day before. I was driving into downtown because I had a Mary Kay conference that night. I just keep thinking "this isn't good". I went about my day and that night attended my first Mary Kay Career Conference. It ended around 10pm, so I headed home. I called Ben to chat and told him that I was so exhausted and just need to crawl into bed when I got home. When I walk into the house I noticed this poster board with pictures of me from high school to present and said "What the hell..." and then noticed there were kids shoes in our entryway. As I walk farther into the kitchen there is Mary in my dining room - I thought - but I stood there for what seemed like forever before it truly clicked that "yes" Mary was in fact in my dining room! What a surprise. She hadn't been down to visit since 2004 - something I always give her crap about. And here she is. And Brian and Breanne came too! I was so excited. We stayed up and visited until midnight, but I had to get to bed becuase I had to be downtown for my conference at 8:30. I went to the Beauty Consultant class and then went back home.

We got lots of visiting in, found Mary's wedding look, the girls played so good together, the guys drank beer and hung out in the garage, and later we grilled out and had a bonjfire. Our neighbors came over. So much fun!

Julia sang me "happy birthday to mommy"and "mommy's birthday party" all day. She is so sweet and can carry a great tune! What a memorable 30th!

A Girl's Weekend

2008-04-10T13:05:00.007-05:00

What a great weekend. We all got together in Fargo on March 15th for a day of dress shopping for Mary's wedding. We almost went with the one Kristen is wearing!jk :) We found a dress - chocolate brown with a peach ribbon. Then we ate out at Olive Garden - yummy!

Julia came with us for the first part of the day. She had a great time with all the girls and especially trying on the dress!

Gymanastics Celebration

2008-04-03T09:03:00.006-05:00

Last night was the last night for gymnastics. You had a great 10 weeks of Mousercising, jumping into the foam pit, hanging from bars, jumping on the trampoline, doing somersaults, monkey flips, balancing on beams, and making new friends. Next adventure....swimming lessons. We start on the 14th in the Seahorse class. It will be the last thing we can do together (as a class goes) before Baby Boy arrives. I'm just wondering why I chose swimming lessons, as that will require me to get into a swimsuit!

Pigtails

2008-04-03T08:59:00.004-05:00

So adorable! I love putting your hair back in ponytails and pigtails, but you always seem to take them out before you get to daycare. Not this time - you actually wore them all day. That is, until I picked you up at daycare and was amazed that you didn't take them out. I shouldn't have said anything.

"Heads First" Experience

2008-03-26T19:54:00.004-05:00

Last week at gymnastics Julia decided to show up the class by jumping into the foam pit head first! I was standing right at the pit and she was waist high in foam squares as her legs were kicking in the air. Scared the crap out of me. The coach jumped in to get her and when she pulled her out she was covered in foam. But do you think that phased her!? Nope. She wasn't scared to jump in again. This week I told her to jump feet first and she did. Next week is our last week already.

I have also had my 25 week doctor appointment. Can you believe that I am 25 weeks? This pregnancy has gone so fast. The doctor found the baby's heartbeat right away - thank goodness. The past couple of times it has taken her a couple times. I am measuring 27 weeks - a big boy already. Maybe I will deliver a week early - wouldn't that be nice?!

Here is a few of Julia's new phrases: "That is awesome!" "I am so excited!"

Danielle's Growing Belly

2008-03-10T19:55:00.007-05:00

At 23 weeks I am starting to show quite a little baby belly!

Mickey Mouse Ear Pancakes

2008-03-10T19:50:00.005-05:00

Julia has been on a pancake kick the past few weeks. Tonight on the way home she had to call her Dad and ask him to make her pancakes, with Mickey Mouse ears! She is going to be the next pancake eater of the family. Tonight she polished off 4 pancakes with "ears" and 1 without. We couldn't believe it! She does everything "meself", butter and syrup. When bedtime came around she didn't show that she was the slightest bit tired. I would imagine that 5 pancakes with syrup had something to do with that!

Julia's Many Words of Wisdom

2008-03-07T09:43:00.003-06:00

The other night Julia and Ben were picking up after playing with Mr. Potato Head. Ben was throwing the pieces into the bin. He missed a couple and Julia said, without missing a beat, "Daddy don't throw toys! Chrissy told me that!" It was so cute. And she said it so clear. Chrissy is her daycare lady.

On Wednesday night Ben surprised Julia and showed up to gymnastics. Afterwards we were walking to our vehicles and Julia said, "Mommy, I go with Daddy, you take baby boy!".

Remember Daddy....

2008-02-19T09:03:00.004-06:00

This morning when Ben and Julia were in the kitchen packing lunch Julia says to Ben, "Remember Daddy, when I turned around (she spun around), and then I wasn't a baby anymore?" Not sure what made her say that, but man was it ever cute. Yes, she is a big girl!

It's a BOY

2008-02-18T21:08:00.003-06:00

Yep, we are having a boy. I was shocked, as I thought for sure we were having a girl. Mom, Dad, and Nick were able to come to the ultrasound. That was a lot of fun to have them see the baby move and kick around. The baby is healthy and has all of his fingers and toes, a strong heartbeat. Now we have a little over 19 weeks to welcome him to our world! I told Julia that she was right, she was having a baby brother, but she doesn't understand quite yet.

I tried to capture everyone's guess on gender:
Me - Girl
Ben - Boy
Julia - Boy
Mom - Girl
Dad - ??
Nick - Girl
Kylie - Girl
Grandma at the Farm - I didn't give her the chance to tell me
Grandma at McVille - Boy
Shawna - Boy
Matt - Girl
Lorette - Girl
Ron - Girl

This past weekend my parents and Nick were visiting. It was a great time. Julia got Nick to play with her in her tent/tunnel. She pretty much had them all wrapped around her finger!! She got lots of quality time with them all. She even got some great cuddles in with Grandma during the Daytona 500. So cute!

It was funny - everytime I would ask Mom for something and Julia would hear me, she would say, "she not Mom, you Mom".

Gymnastics

2008-02-04T10:08:00.001-06:00

Last Wednesday was Julia's first gymnastics class at Jam Hops in Ham Lake. They go for 10 weeks every Wed at 6:30. We were the new ones in class. There is only a total of 4 girls under 2yrs. First, we did "Mousercise", which is dancing to a Mickey Mouse song about excercise. Very cute watching these 2 year olds. After Mousercising it was time to run and jump into the pit of foam squares. They each got 2 turns. Julia had done this before at the Open House, but never jumped off by herself. I was curious to see how she what she was going to do. The first time down she held my hand, but the second time she did it all by herself! Then it was off to the preschool room to play on hand bars, trampoline, walking bars, and stuff. Julia loved the hanging bar where she held on and kicked over a stack of foam squares. At the end of the class they gathered around their teacher for coloring pages and to get a stamped. It was very cute watching Julia wait her turn. A couple times I think she thought she was being forgotten about, she, "me turn for stamp?". She was always the last one in line, partly my doing because I wasn't sure what to expect, but she was a great sport and had a great time. She is excited to go back. When everyone was leaving she decided to clean up - it was so darn cute. (the picture was taken in the coat area of Jam Hops)

You Buy Some at Target

2008-02-01T08:25:00.000-06:00

This morning Julia and I were getting ready for the day. She hates lotion time. Today her excuse was that the lotion I was using on her was baby lotion. I ask her, "do you need big girl lotion?". She said "yes, we go to Target and buy some?" Then later when we were backing out of the driveway she said, "Mom, are we going to Target?". So funny - she has a good memory. So this weekend we will be going to buy big girl lotion. I wonder if this will make her like lotion time? Doubtful.

She also calls deodorant, "boop, boop". "Mommy, me use some boop boop? sure?" I love how she asks a question and then ends it with "sure?".

150 Beats Strong!

2008-01-28T10:18:00.000-06:00

I just got back from the doctor's office, my 2nd visit! I am 17 weeks 3 days pregnant. I measured at 18, maybe I will have my baby early and have more time to get ready for Mary's wedding! The baby's heartbeat was around 150 beats. The ultrasound is scheduled for February 18th at 8:40. I think we are having a girl, Julia thinks the baby is going to be a boy, and Ben, well I am not really sure what he thinks, but I would guess he is hoping for a boy. This past weekend I felt the first flutters.

Julia experienced ice fishing for the first time yesterday. Ben and her went to Green Lake with Jim and Jack. They had a really good time.

We managed to organize our master bedroom closet. I pretty much tried on all my clothes and got rid of what was taking up space. It was a great feeling.

Saturday Julia and I went to Lakeville to visit Dana. It was such a great visit. We took Julia to Chucky Cheese - she loved playing with the games. It was packed and bigger kids were pushing there way through, which was a little overwhelming for Julia I think. She did have a great time. Then we did some shopping. Then it was back to Dana's for a tour of her house and little chatting. It was so much fun. When we left Julia fell asleep pretty much right away, so she missed the lights of downtown Mpls. She did like going through the 94 tunnel on our way down. Once we got home we had the neighbors over to celebrate Jim's birthday, he turned 48. We played Farkle and they left around 10pm. It was a great day! Ben ending up working most of the day at his Aunt and Uncle's in Stillwater, but he was home to celebrate later.

Oh My God!

2008-01-24T12:14:00.001-06:00

I laughed til I cried. I can't begin to write the emotion of this story, but it is one that has to be told. The other night, Tuesday January 22nd, I was going to put away the dishes from the dishwasher. I grabbed the silverware tray and the latch came loose and all the silverware fell back into the dishwasher. I automatically said, "Oh my God!". Julia, standing behind me, wasted no time and said "Oh my God!". I had to ask her "What did you say?" and she told me, "Oh my God!". I looked up at Ben who was trying not to laugh. There was Julia, hands on her hips, repeating "Oh my God!" as she looks at the silverware all over. So it begins...I wonder what she will repeat next!?!

What a Change

2008-01-18T18:49:00.001-06:00

The bathroom is nearing completion. Thanks to Ben for giving up a couple of his weekday nights to finish the painting. The grout still needs to be added to the tile. But it is almost finished.

Julia got her hands dirty and tried painting for the first time. She did the spot you see on the picture & was so proud!

I can't believe the change adding the tile made to our bathroom. Even the dark brown color on the wall. The bathroom looks very tall now when you walk in. I will have to post a picture of the tub with the brown....very sweet. Now the fun begins. Making it feel like a spa.

On a side note...we just found out that our friends, Kevin & Wendy Morin are expecting and due on July 19th! That confirms that there was something in the water in October! My friend Dana Dallmann is expecting and due on June 19th. And there are several women at work who are also pregnant and due in July....can you say baby boom!

Julia broke her leg...well not really :)

2008-01-14T08:28:00.000-06:00

This past weekend was full of surprises. Julia continues to amaze me. Yesterday we took her to Jam Hops, to register for gymnastics. She was able to run and jump on the equipment and watch other kids. There was a styrofoam pit that you can run and jump into. She was so excited to try it she could hardly stand in line. When it was her turn she took off running as fast as she could go and then when she got to the end she stopped, dead in her tracks, turned around and ran as fast as she could back to the start. It was so darn cute. She later wanted to try it again and this time the instrutor and I held her hand as she jumped in. She had to try a couple more times. She also wanted to bounce in the big inflatable bouncy thing, so she waited her turn for that and when it finally came she lasted about 30 secs. Of course they let the big kids in to and she was bouncy all over that she didn't really like it. It was very fun to watch her and I am looking forward to the 10 weeks of Parent/Tot Classes that we will have together. I bet by the end of the class she will be flying into the styrofoam pit all by herself!

Then last night she came running into the dining room and landed right on her knee. After that she proclaimed her leg was broke and wouldn't put any pressure on it. This went on from 6 to 7:30, which was bedtime. I gave her medicine, (apple juice in her syringe with a glass of water) and her leg felt "all better Mommy". Right after the medicine she was able to walk on it! She went to bed and this morning she woke up, went to the bathroom, and then her leg was broke again. Man, they don't forget do they!? We offered medicine but this time she didn't think she needed any and for some reason it miraculously was "all better Mommy". She is funny.

We have continued to prove that we can't sit still on the weekends and we like to do home improvements. Ben & I decided to install tile around our hot tub and paint our bathroom a dark brown. So we have once again decided to tear apart a part of our house and make it better, cause we can't sit still. It is going to look absolutely wonderful and spa-like when we are finished.

Exciting Changes for 2008

2008-01-04T09:32:00.000-06:00

Not only are we expecting Baby #2, but Benny just accepted a job working for Brian Kovar at Aid Electric. He will still continue to work in the shop, but now he will have a stable job and benefits! He is going to be the truck driver for the electricians, and who knows, maybe he will be an electrician one day! Way to go Benny!

A Major Milestone

2008-01-04T09:30:00.000-06:00

YAHOO! Two days ago Julia went to daycare with big girl underwear on and didn't have an accident! She was so happy when I picked her up. She said, "Mommy, me didn't pee my pants!". What a cutie. I just love her to death. She is still wearing diapers for naps and bedtime, but I have a feeling that will be short lived. Way to go sweet Julia!

Hearing the Heartbeat

2007-12-28T20:26:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was our 12 week appointment. The fun one. We got to hear the heartbeat! I am happy to announce that we are having one baby, not twins (as was hoped for by several family members)! The heartbeat was around 170, which is normal for this age. I have a gut feeling we are having another girl. There are a few others that believe it will be a boy. I haven't felt any different with this pregnancy compared to Julia. However, I do have a "fund" started for the breast reduction surgery that will take place shortly after this one! Ha! Other then those being in my way, I've been extremely tired. Usually I fall asleep around 8pm or so. (Julia's bedtime too!) Thank goodness for Ben. He has been putting Julia to sleep for the past, oh, 6 months I'd bet. She won't let me unless Daddy is gone. But she is going to bed great for us now. Now she has her books, rocks a little and asks to be put to bed, and then falls asleep on her own. It is very nice. :)

(yawn)....We are due on July 4th. Grandma at McVille thinks this is great because her last 3 grandkids and great-grand child were all born on Holidays, so why not a 4th! This also is an interesting date because I am in my best friends wedding on the 12th. Talk about cutting it close. I will have a week old baby, crossing my fingers I'm early and not late, and I wonder what my body will feel like and look like. Hmmmm....a little scared about that. My doctor told me that I should not worry because if need be, we can induce! Still doesn't help the fear of how I will feel or look! :) I am starting yoga, hoping this will strengthen my body and help me feel better faster.

I am starting to show a little right now. Mostly it looks like I've gained a few pounds. My pants are definitely snug, but I think I can get away with normal clothes for a few more weeks. All of our family knows, but I haven't mentioned anything at work yet. Getting exciting to let that news out. Then I can truly enjoy this miracle!

Just Monkeying Around

2007-10-28T19:45:00.001-05:00

Halloween 2007 - Just Monkeying Around
Originally uploaded by dgjovik

Halloween is right around the corner. Today I got Julia to try on her Monkey Costume and make a few faces for me. She didn't last too long in it. Shall be interesting to see if she will wear it on Halloween.

Apple Jack's Orchard

2007-10-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we took a drive down to Delano to Apple Jack's Orchard with some friends, Jason & Stacie and their kids. It was a very nice day - cloudy but nice. When we got there there kids checked out the pumpkins, a haystack and slide, and then found out their were horses to ride! I am not sure who was more excited about this, Julia or me! She was so excited to ride a horse. She had been talking about that for weeks! She got in line and anxiously waited for her turn. She was smiles from head to toe. She even let the horse trot a little. The ride was very short and when she was done, she wanted "more". (of course:)) All the kids got a turn with the horses and then we were off to the Apple orchards. Julia helped pick apples with Ben and sampled a few on the way. When we walked back she got a ride behind a 4-wheeler in a cow like train. She went in it all by herself. They didn't go too far, but far enough so we looked like little people in the distance. When they were getting back she was waving so much and of course had the biggest smile on her face. By the time we were ready to pick out her pumpkin it had started to mist a little. Then it was off to our friends house for pizza and playtime. We had to leave to get back for Jack's birthday party. Thank goodness for the hour drive - she got a little nap in! Plus we had to make a Target run - so Ben and her slept in the Tahoe.

Jack's party was a lot of fun. Julia played with Hannah and her cousin, Sophia. She was very good about not "helping" Jack open his gifts. She just stood very closely and watched. We got home around 8:30 and it was a fun, long day - so off to bed....

"Mommy, I Slept Good"

2007-09-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

That is what little Miss Julia told me this morning. Even though her Daddy was up withe her for an hour last night, I guess she felt refreshed this morning. It was darn cute. Other cute things she said this morning - "PeeYou Skunk!" and "Chrissy, I see the moon" - it is so amazing how much she is talking and understanding.

As for my 3 year old nephew, Dalton, I have a story. I was told yesterday by his Mom that one day not so long ago his Dad went to wake him up for the day and he said, "It's still dark out, what the hell!". Oh yes, that is funny stuff! That same day at daycare his provider asked the group of kids if they could tell her what looks like a circle. Without missing a beat Dalton said, "boobies!". I told Shawna she is going to have her hands full! I bet he is going to be just like his Dad! Watch out world!

Coach, Drumsticks, Laundry Chutes, and Life

2007-09-27T12:01:00.000-05:00

Did I mention that I got a new Coach purse? Yep, I guess I couldn't resist. However I'm in trouble, because this is Julia's reaction to Coach. She was so excited in the store, she kept trying out the purses. Kylie got a great picture of her - I just love it!

The other night after supper Julia decided she wanted to have an ice cream drumstick, because her Daddy was having one. I told her to sit on the kitchen floor and eat it so she made a mess of it in one spot. Maggie (are dog) was in the house because early Julia fed her the left over hotdog that she didn't eat. Maggie and Julia are becoming fast friends. As imagined Maggie was about 2 inches from Julia's drumstick and a couple times came close to running off with it. Julia loved this teasing. For the most part Julia ate it without getting too full of chocolate and ice cream. It took her about 20 minutes. Maggie did pretty good as well - of course the fallen peanuts, chocolate pieces, and ice creams drips were there for the taking. Julia had about the best part left - the chocolate filled cone and she wasn't protecting it enough and Maggie had given up on being patient with such a yummy treat waved in her face for so long that she just grabbed it and ran to the door and ate it. Funny thing is - I think Julia wanted her to do that because she wasn't upset about it all. She just looked at me and said "Oh, OOO. I'm a mess". So I cleaned her up and she headed off for bathtime.

Laundry Chute - "yes". I got a laundry chute! This is great becuase now there is no more up and down with piles of dirty laundry. Yes, I still need to go "up" I guess, but this is great. Especially for the dirty kitchen towels - they can go right down instead of laying on the countertops and baskets upstairs. Julia loves it to. It is right outside her bedroom. So far she has thrown nothing down there except clothes. I'll give her a week or so before I start finding "other" things down it. Now we have to finish the laundry room - with cabinets and countertops.

Last weekend we painted the dining room - the same color but it sure needed it. Next will probably be Julia's room. When we painted those rooms the first time the walls had bumps on them from when the primer was sprayed on - so in some parts the walls look textured. Anyway...it seems we can never sit still.

We are busy working on getting Ben's Woodworking / Cabinet business up and running. And I have my Danielle Design's business to think about and get going on as well. So we are trying to manage all of this stuff and staying sane. Which is hard to do when you have a 2-yr old on your hands! But we are strong and have a tremendous amount of love and respect for each other - and we figure there isn't anything we can't do together!

Bye-Bye Ky

2007-09-17T19:58:00.000-05:00

This past weekend Kylie stayed with us for one last hurrah before heading off to Portland, Oregon. Good luck Ky, I know you will be very succesful and have so much fun! It was so nice to have her. Julia love having her auntie around. She loved playing with her, having books read to her, and getting ready for bed. We did a little shopping on Saturday - gotta love Coach! Oh yeah, I did splurge on a new Fall purse. Man am I a sucker! But I guess you have to treat yourself every once in awhile.

The weekend would've even been better but it turned out that Kylie's car had some major malfunctions. Ben took one look under the hood and called for parts! He spent Saturday evening tearing everything out of her car and almost all day Sunday putting it back together. Kylie had to hang around for most of Monday because they were waiting for the radiator to come in. Yes, she did drive her car all the way down here with a crack radiator! And now she is off. Mom and her are leaving on Wednesday morning. Saying "goodbye" to the family in ND and away she goes. Even though we didn't get to see each other all the often it was so nice to know she was only 3 hours away.

What one finds in ones purse

2007-09-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

Today, I went through my wonderful spring looking Coach purse. I don't want to hear a word that I can't use this purse anymore because Fall is approaching. And "yep" I was told that once and thought "really, I can't use this purse during the Fall? I'm not made of money!" Anyway, on with it. Oh the goodies I found in my purse.

I found tons of receipts (so maybe I am made of money! ha!), gum wrappers, pens, pictures, and notes. Ah yes, and my wallet. But really what I want to remember is my notes. I jotted down a few things to remember to scrapbook about Julia. First, her phrase "Up-a-Dare" for "Up There". I thought this was so cute. You know many people talk baby talk with their toddlers because it is so cute. Whenever I tried to repeat what she was saying it came out perfect - because I can talk! With this phrase I couldn't help myself but repeat exactly what she said back to her and I sounded good. After awhile I thought I better not continue to repeat the wrong words back to her or she'll we walking around saying "look up-a-dare mommy" until who knows when. So I started repeated, "up there". It wasn't until a few days later when I asked Ben to get me something "Up There" when it hit me. I actually sound like I say "up-a-dare"! Ah, I see where my Miss Julia gets it! I guess I really have to work on that!

and the next one is a little heart breaking but here's the story. A few weeks ago we were driving home talking about how Daddy was going to Uncle Matt's to install cabinets and wouldn't be around. We said he was "going away" or something like that. So Julia said, "Go away Daddy, go away". wow! this sounded like the little guy on Jerry Maguire telling Tom Cruise's character to "go away, just go away". Nothing sounds worse then those two words coming out of a little voice, especially when they are saying it to you. At the time, I kind of egged her on, because "yes, Daddy was going away", but just for a little while. Now she says "go away" to everything. Go away car, go away birdie, go away puppy, go away daddy, go away mommy, you name it should go away. Hopefully soon she won't want everything to go away.

HAPPY FRIDAY

Stuck at the Top

2007-09-12T07:43:00.000-05:00

Last night we decided to take Julia out to McDonald's Playland for a little something different and fun. She was so excitied when we went into playland that she couldn't get her shoes off fast enough! She quickly scrambled into the tube and found a spot where she could see me and wave. And then she was off to play! A few minutes later I noticed that she hadn't come down the slide yet and a little wave of alert rushed over me. She had been in Playland before. Then I heard her.....crying, Mommy, Mommy. So I went over to the slide where I thought she was and told her that I was there and to come down. Her cries started getting louder. So, what's a Mom to do!? I walked up the biggest, twisty slide in my work clothes to rescue my cute little girl. Then we went down the slide together! Oh so fun! Let's just say that she was very timid to get back in there to play. She did try to go up this other thing but ended up stuck at the top and a little boy helped her back down. Not sure where this fear comes from, but it's ok. Normally she is a very fearless and social child.

And Julia can say her name! So exciting - that started this past weekend. Last night she said "Julia Gjovik". So cute!

A funny side note is I was looking at Jeff Gordon's website and Julia was sitting on my lap - she pointed up at a picture of Jeff and said "Daddy". This is funny because several people have commented on Ben looking like Gordon. Of course, Ben hates that. I find it attractive.

Am I back?

2007-09-07T11:14:00.000-05:00

Wow! Apparently a year has gone by since the last time I wrote anything here. Yikes! Well here is a recent picture of my little cutie! She is getting so big and is starting to talk in sentences now! This weekend I plan to get out my supplies and pictures and have a little fun putting together a few pages of my cutie and my family. It is supposed to be a cool, rainy weekend. A little hint of fall in the air. What perfect weather to be inside and be creative!

The Weekend is Finally Here

2006-09-08T10:51:00.000-05:00

I realize that this was a short week due to Labor Day, but man am I exhausted! Julia pushed through two more teeth and she was a little on the crabby side.

We got our Sugar Leaf scrapbooking weekend all planned for December. And now the planning process begins for me. I have to get organized! I am starting to create an idea book from all of the magazines and external influences I receive. Hopefully I can get this all together. Starting this weekend!

Mind Boggling

2006-09-01T08:13:00.000-05:00

Now that I am a week into mySpace I am becoming much more intelligient with html. There are so many places to get code and so many ways to personalize your site. I still have much to learn, but one question that still remains unanswered is "How can I keep all of that code in line?"!! Hopefully someone with have some suggestions out there......

I am excited for the Labor Day weekend! Don't have many plans; my parents and sister are coming down for a visit and should be arriving this afternoon.

I couldn't leave without sharing a little of Julia. This was taken back in May after having a very long day with Grandma and Grandpa Rysavy and playing with Madeline!

So Many Options

2006-08-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

I have come to the realization that I have way too many "spots" out here in cyperworld. I recently just joined myspace to stay in touch with family and friends and I have honestly not gone into this blog as much as I thought I would. You can see by how many times I have actually wrote something! Ha! This blog was to maintain a journal of some sort to help me in times of writer's block for scrapbooking. I struggle with putting too much personal stuff out here. Such dilemas! :) And so it goes......

My Lucky Star

2006-05-18T11:31:00.000-05:00

Received this kit from the new Simple Scrapbooks Digital Scrapbooking 5 magazine. Credit due to the DDE Creative Team.

It has been a while since I created an LO. Julia celebrated her 1st birthday yesterday. I can't wait to get those pictures displayed! She had a great time unwrapping her gifts and eating her cake!

Introducing......Miss Julia

2006-04-07T07:21:00.000-05:00

Here is Miss Julia....She is on the fast track and has been since the day she was born. She has always been in the > 90% category for height and weight. Her strength is something of amazement. Since she was just 1 month old she was lifting and holding her head up. She did "stomach crunches" all the time, just amazing. By Christmas time she was walking holding onto hands. That is all she wanted to do was walk. Hard on the backs but she is our first and we like to spoil her! She crawled for a short time before "cruising" around furniture and then finally "taking off" on her own. Now she is everywhere. Checking out every inch of space in our home. Bumps and bangs don't bother her....for very long. Then she is back at it again. Soon, I know, she will be running. She is a Daddy's Girl and got her first bobcat ride yesterday. Loved it! The weather has been turning around so we have been enjoying being outside and the time change.