Merry Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas to everyone! We had a wonderful holiday with many presents and too much food!!!! The kids loved all of their presents and enjoyed opening Santa gifts this morning! The highlights for each were: Andrew - Xbox (of course), but he got the transmitter Christmas Eve so that he can play with others through the internet connection, so he has been very busy playing games. Felix-I think he liked the quilt that I made for him, but other than that he was really excited about his fleece sleeping pants, he said that they don't have them in Switzerland. Megan- her favorites were her Ed Hardie shoes, her blue hair extensions, the key chains from Felix's family (she collects key chains) and her DVD's. Christmas Eve we spent at our house with everyone: Grandpa & Grandma, Jan & Larry, Debbi & Michael, Kristi & Paul, plus the babies (who are now 2). Opening gifts was another 3 hour process, but it's always fun to see what everyone gets by going one by one. Felix was amazed at how many presents we had. (The Media Room was full of gifts).

Today for Christmas morning, Doug let the dogs out and then Panda sat in front of her stocking on the fireplace for the entire morning, just watching it and waiting to get into it. How this dog knew that Santa came is beyond us. Once she did get her stocking, her head disappeared inside until she came out with her bone. Bear was equally excited about the squeaky toys that he always enjoys getting and ripping apart until the stuffing is all over the floor. Felix got his first candy canes and a one touch can opener (he loves the one in our house, so we decided he should have one of his own). Andrew got the gum that he loves as well as a Manly Robe and a new hacky sack. Megan received her own blow dryer along with a couple of dog picture frames she can use.
Then, we went over at 10:00 to Grandpa and Grandma Langerud's house for Waffles and Santa presents from them. Each of the kids got candy and $50.00 to spend on what they want. We came back home full and ready for naps, which we all took.
Then, again it was time to go back to Grandpa and Grandma's house for Christmas Bingo and Christmas Dinner of turkey, ham and all of the trimmings. (I don't think any of us will eat for a few days). Doug was the big winner at bingo and won 9-lottery tickets (total worth $3.00). Felix won 2 lottery tickets (total worth $2.00) the rest of us, no winning tickets, but lots of fun playing bingo. Now, the boys are down stairs playing games on the X-box, Doug is watching t.v. and Megan is watching Momma Mia. Me, I'm going to do my Digi-scrapping of Christmas pictures. There are more pictures on Picasa from Christmas Eve! Enjoy!

ctures

The pictures are of the front of the house. Doug left the snow so that I could get a picture of the kids. Right after taking the picture, Andrew pushed Felix into the snowpile and then Felix pushed Megan into the snowpile.
Blizzard is a strong word, but then again so was the wind with this storm. It was the perfect day to stay home and sew. The storm started on Saturday night as we were coming out of Texas Road House, the wind was unreal. Megan and I had run all of our errands during the afternoon. Coming out of Walmart we couldn't believe how much the temperature had dropped.
I woke up at 5:30am because of the wind and like a little kid I had to immediately go and see what the storm had to offer, which was just basically wind. I decided I would go downstairs and get started on my quilting, when I went to shut the door to the boy's room, so I wouldn't wake Felix. (Andrew was staying at a friends). I saw Felix wasn't there! I FREAKED!! Ran upstairs and woke up Doug. He informed me that he had talked to Felix last night after I fell asleep. That's the second time this has happened. Pretty soon, Doug is going to figure out that he needs to put a sign on our door letting me know.
By mid morning the storm was in full force and we couldn't see the houses across the lake. I took pictures, but you really can't see anything other than snow! Then, the temperature continued to drop. We got to -41 degree with the windchill. Doug went out and blew the snow so he could go get the boys. GUESS whose vehicle he took????? He always calls my hummer a toy truck, but when the weather and roads are bad...he takes the toy truck...Because it's a REAL truck!!!
School for the kids was canceled by 6:00 tonight, the kids aren't complaining!! But, it was a good night for chili and a game of UNO with Megan. The boys must have had a good time at their friends last night because they were in bed by 8:30 and since I am writing this they didn't get up until 1:30 p.m. today.
Stay Warm! It's a cold on here in North Dakota! Current Temperature -11 degree F.

Basketball - Lost by only one point!

Andrew had a basketball game today at South. He played the entire first half of the game and then the subs played the second half. They were up by 13 points at half, but lost by one point. It was a good game and Andrew scored lost of baskets!

We Survived 6 girls

Megan had her slumber party last night! Six giggly, silly, and full of energy girls. We took them to a hotel to swim for a couple of hours and then came home and had cake and ice cream before they decided to have a fashion show the rest of the night. They all got along beautifully and seemed to have a good time, although I was surprised at how early they got up this morning.

Andrew Made the Sophmore and JV Basketball Team!

Hurray! Not only is Andrew a starter for the Sophmore basketball team, but he will also be playing on the JV basketball team! He loves Basketball and we have hardly seen him because of practice or he goes to the gym and plays basketball.
Of course, there is his second love...music. His music teacher is working on trying to get him to do the spring musical "The 3 Musketeers" We hope that he will try out, but ultimately it is up to him.

Happy 12th Birthday Megan

Our baby is 12 years old already, Time goes by much too quickly. Megan is a fabulous daughter who loves presents.
She woke me up this morning, because she just had to open a present before she went to school.
Then when she came home from school, she had to open another present. (Her ipod touch). She was a little disappointed that the box was empty, but that was because she has been using the ipod touch for the past couple of months, I just told her it was my ipod touch. To say the least, she was thrilled that she had one.

I DID IT!

I am a rather stubborn person! When I decide to do something, I am going to figure out how to do it no matter how long it takes me. My latest project has taken me quite awhile and a large learning curve for html, xml, css style sheets (All techie stuff) I wanted to have my own header and create my own backgrounds for my blog. I finally after several hours and a pro subscription to photobucket have gotten it to work. So, now when I can create my own backgrounds in Photoshop and update my blog with the changing seasons.
I also got this great 3 column template from this site: http://webtalks.blogspot.com/2007/04/downlaod-three-column-new-blogger.html it is a great and easy to manipulate template.

Black Friday

Andrew and Felix have been planning all week how to get a Nintendo 360 from Walmart's Black Friday sale at 5:00AM. They decided that they would spend the night at Walmart, so at 11:00 we took the boys to Walmart found where the Nintendo 360's were and gave the boys, "THE LECTURE" on how to behave, be polite, and be safe. They were so excited to be able to be there all night. (Andrew has Basketball practice Friday morning at 9:00am) But, they were determined to get a 360. We figured it was a good life experience, and there was a very nice older gentleman in line ahead of the boys who said he would watch out for them.
So, I gave them my list and figured then I could skip the Walmart portion of my black Friday shopping that was going to begin at 3:30am. At least I could get three hours of sleep before having to get up.
Megan slept on the couch all ready to go. When I woke her up at 3:30, she bounced right up and was ready to fly. This was her first Black Friday shopping, I have always gone by myself, so I was looking forward to having some company. As we went over the 42nd Avenue bridge and saw JCPenny's I couldn't believe all the cars that were outside of Penny's (Our 1st stop) I almost decided to skip Penny's because I only needed one item, but Megan talked me out of it (Could it be because it was a Birthday present for her that was on my list????) So, we went in and got her karoke machine (Yes, she knew what she was getting) and checked out. We didn't wait in any lines, which is so unusual. Then we hit Kohl's, Macy's, Gordmans, BurgerKing, and finally JoAnn Fabrics.

We picked up the boys in between Macy's and Gordmans (Doug was in line at Herbergers). The boys were successful (Ninetendo 360, 2 games, and another controller). Andrew was so excited. He said he couldn't believe how people were acting, but the guy in front of him and the boys came up with a plan so that they could get everything that they wanted. Andrew got the games, Felix got the camera (which was for me) and the guy got the 360's. It worked because they were all successful. Felix was totally amazed. He said he had never seen anything like this before (Never in Switzerland). But, the boys also said they had the best time and ended up playing guitar hero all night. From 4-5 am was the longest because the lines were growing and everyone was getting excited.

Doug took the boys home from Gordman's. Andrew called me shortly after leaving me, because Doug told him since the 360 was a Christmas present we should wrap it and he couldn't play with it. (He was kidding of course) But take a 15 year old, who has not slept all night, gets a new toy, and then can't play with it. Andrew didn't take it well and called me. (Hmmm...just two weeks ago, Doug found out about the watch I bought him for Christmas and bugged me for days for it as an early Christmas present). Like father...Like son!

I must be getting older, because by 7:00am, I was done shopping and home sleeping. I slept for a few hours and then spent the rest of the day doing nothing but watching t.v. Megan tried to get me to go out again, but I just didn't have the energy. The boys left with Doug to go to Bismarck and spend Saturday hunting, my guess is that the boys slept the whole way there.

Gobble! Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
We had a quiet Thanksgiving at our house.

We spent the morning putting up Christmas decorations and the stockings that I made everyone. All of our Christmas lights were broken, so we only have the tree up without the lights on it.

Last night I had the boys peel 10 pounds of potatoes while we made trip after trip to the grocery store and then to Walmart getting the ingredients. I have always used Grandma's recipe, but I couldn't find it. I found a good recipe for Lefsa at: http://www.cybershingle.com/recipes/pages/lefse/lefse1.htm Then this afternoon we made 5 dozen lefsa. Megan rolled the lefsa dough into balls, Andrew and Felix did the rolling, and I did the frying of the lefsa, while Doug went to Gander Mountain to try to get a couple of Thanksgiving deals. (He said that within 15 minutes everything was gone~ I love to shop, but not on a holiday, I think that's a time to stay home and do things you wouldn't normally do)

It was the first time Felix had lefsa, so we had to show him how to put butter and sugar on it. He must of have liked it because he had quite a few and was very surprised that it was made from the potatoes that Andrew and him had peeled the night before.

Our turkey dinner included all of the trimmings and of course pie. Andrew had his pumpkin pie, Doug had his banana cream (which I made by the way-no really!!) and Megan, Felix and I had our Chocolate cream pie (which I also made-yes I really did bake!) I was a cooking machine, something I don't normally like to do, but I have been doing it quite a bit lately, which might account for the 3 pounds I have gained back.

After dinner we decided to go to a Movie: The Black Knight. Andrew passed and went over to Conner's house to hang out with him, so Doug, Felix, Megan and I went. Since, we had just eaten an hour before we decided to skip the popcorn. Well, 1/2 way through the movie, I just couldn't take it and I had to go and get a popcorn. Doug thought I was nuts, but I think movie theater popcorn is better than the movie itself, so I got a large popcorn. Neither Megan or I could eat very much of it, but Felix took care of that for us. He finished off the container (which was the largest he had ever seen).

What Children look like at 4:00am

We had to be at the airport by 4:00am. The picture below shows what children look like that early in the morning.

Discovery Cove on Monday

On Monday we went to Discovery Cove to Swim with the Dolphins. This is always my favorite place.

Universal and SeaWorld on Sunday

We went back to Universal on Sunday. The boys again rode the Hulk, then we went over to the Studio side. The best ride was the Mummy. Megan was so scared of the girl that played the "evil Egyptian that she would keep running away. At one point Megan was talking to Doug and I and she was right behind Megan. Megan just ran when she finally noticed her. Andrew heard the Blues Band playing and wondered off to listen. Some woman came up and started dancing with Andrew. Music is such a part of him and we realize it more every day. He knew all of the words to each song they sang and was singing along with them.
Later in the afternoon we went over to SeaWorld so the boys could ride on the Krakken Rollercoaster. Megan and I waited for them for an hour. We were so mad, somehow they slipped through us. Felix and Andrew finally found us and we went and saw the Shamu Show. The whales were not behaving, so the show didn't go as well as it usually does. We didn't see too much of SeaWorld, but there really isn't that much to see there. We stayed at SeaWorld until it closed and then went out for Italian food. Felix can eat so much. He is like a bottomless pit. He eats more than Andrew, I don't know how he stays so skinny.

Universal on Saturday

This morning we went to Universal. We went over to the Adventures Park first. The first ride the boys went on was the Hulk Rollercoaster. Megan and I chose not to do that ride because it is such a winding rollercoaster, but the boys thought it was great. Then we went on SuperMan. That's always a fun ride. My favorite is the Water Rollercoaster. Felix ended up in the front of the boat the first time and was totally soaked. Then in the afternoon we went on it again, Felix was suppose to be in the front, but he switched right as the gates went open, so I ended up in the front and totally soaked. Megan and I lost the boys went they went on another rollercoaster, but eventually they found us.

We bought Thing 1, 2, 3, 4 t-shirts for Christmas pictures, they should turn out very cute. The lines were so short at the park that the boys rode the Hulk at least 5 times. In the afternoon we went over to the studio side, we didn't get through too many of the places, but Twister was a great ride and so was Jaws. I think the Kids liked MIA the best because they got to ride a rollercoaster as they were shooting aliens with a laser gun.


Saturday night we took the kids to BlueMan. Both Andrew and Felix got BlueMan drum sticks. Felix said it was on his list of things to do in his lifetime, so it was great we got to share this with him. All of the kids said that BlueMan was a FAVORITE!

Florida- Ready or Not Here we come!

Doug and the kids met me in Florida. They had to drive to Minneapolis, then they flew from Minneapolis to Detroit Michigan and then flew to Orlando Florida. They started the trip at 8:00 in the morning and finally arrived at the hotel at 2:30am. The boys were so wired by the time they got to the room, I didn’t think they would sleep. My conference ended today at 12:00, the kids pretty much slept until 12:00. Then we went and got some lunch and headed to Aquatica (Water Park) There are so many slides the boys went down each one, with Doug tagging behind. Felix wanted to race down one of the slides, so we walked up and got ready. But, I chickened out it was a steep drop. So at the bottom, they were looking for me, but I never came down. They finally looked up and I waved. They came back up and we got set to go down again, but again, I chickened out. Finally, after the third time, I went down the slide. Then we had races down one of the slides to see who could reach the bottom first. Doug always won and the boys kept saying he cheated. Everyone had a great time at the water park this afternoon.

We took the kids to a 5 Star Restaurant tonight, called the Japenese Steak House. They cook the dinner at your table. The boys were rolling they were laughing so hard at what the chef was doing. He made a volcano out of onions and was throwing his knives up in the air. Everyone had Filet Migon Steak and LOVED it! Felix finished his plate and then he finished my plate. Andrew finished his plate and then Megan’s plate.

The kids are down swimming now at the pool. They are very hyper! Tomorrow we are going to Universal Studios. I will write more tomorrow, the pictures for our trip won’t get uploaded until we get home.

Cross Country Banquet

Andrew had his Cross country banquet tonight. He decided to be original and wore his tux for Music. He got a lot of harassing from his team mates, but he enjoys that! Andrew did very well in cross country for his first year. He was an alternate for State and he made the finals for regionals which is in 3 weeks. He said he doesn’t really like running, but cross country is such a fun team sport that he is going to continue in it next year. Now, he is busy getting ready for Basketball.

Fargo South Concert

Andrew had a concert at Fargo South last week. He has such a distinct voice that it is easy to hear him over all the other singers. After the concert, he flirts with girls, throws us his Tux and heads off to Dairy Queen. This is every concert, I think its a tradition for the choir members, because they all do the same thing.

Andrew Gets Confirmed today

Andrew got Confirmed today. We are so proud of you Andrew, your a great son with a great personality! We had a party at our house after the ceremony. Andrew got money from his grandparents and Godparents. Felix gave Andrew a new Bebe gun and a new hackisack ball. He also got an engraved clock and a cross plaque. We gave Andrew a Macbook and an ipod touch. He was very excited! I had the back of the ipod engraved with “Let Music Rock your Soul” We Love You! There are quite a few new pictures on Picassa, be sure to check them out.

Saturday Night Dance Fever

Andrew and Felix showed off their Switzerland dancing skills to friends and Family Saturday night. They have been practicing their dance moves ever since they went hunting and Felix stood up in the middle of a restaurant when the song came on and started dancing. Then, the waitresses and manager joined Felix in dancing.

Andrew and Felix Wrestling

Andrew and Felix love to Wrestle. I’m not sure how fair it is when Andrew is 6′2 and Felix is 5′1, but they sure have a good time. I think that Andrew has enjoyed having Felix around, they get along very well. Andrew had a cross country meet today. He did pretty well, but his back has been bothering him. We are going to take him to the Chiropractor to get an adjustment. Basketball starts in a few weeks, I like watching Andrew play basketball and I just got a Flip camera, so I will be putting lots of videos on his blog. Andrew is doing great in school. He is taking AP European History and doing well. He will get college credit for the course, so that will be nice. Andrew get’s confirmed on October 26th, we are so proud of him. He ended up having to do another year because we moved. In South Dakota he would have been confirmed in 9th Grade, but here they get confirmed in 10th Grade.

Megan Goes to Bible Camp

Megan went to Bible camp with her confirmation group this past weekend. She said she had a great time, which she must of, because when she came home Sunday afternoon, she slept most of the afternoon!

The Bacon-ator!

The boys thought it would be a GREAT dinner to have a Wendy’s Bacon-ator. So, being the nice mom that I am, I took them to Wendy’s thinking a couple of bucks for a burger and I wouldn’t have to cook. Unfortunately, I could have bought them each a t-bone steak for what that burger cost. To say the least, it will be the last Bacon-ator that I ever buy!

Our Tootsie

My Tootsie is my Megan. I don’t know why I started calling her that, but I have for years. She is the daughter that I love more than anything in this world. She is kind and gentle, she likes to please, and she works very hard in school. Megan is a great daughter and I am proud to be her mom. I think that having a blog where she can read about her days as a journal will help her as she goes through her teenage years and create a great keepsake for her as she becomes a young adult.

Cross Country This Fall - 3K and 5K

Andrew ran for Cross Country last week. He ran for the Varsity Squad, so he had a 5K to run, which he was a little nervous about doing. He did great though. He kind of looks funny because he is built so much differently than the other runners. he is very “Buff” (I thinks that’s the word) while most of the runners are very lanky. I have to give him credit though, he is very good and dedicated. Last week he took 4th place and the week before he took 1st place. His athletic ability is outstanding. There are more pictures on the link to the right. Then, he spent Friday until Saturday in Apple Valley at a cross country meet. He ran for Varsity again, so it was another 5K. He said he did pretty good, but wasn’t sure what place his took because there were so many kids there running. He came home happy and with a new shirt and a new pair of Nike’s from shopping with his friends. Then Sunday night he stayed at Jordan’s house. It seems now that he is mobile with his scooter and/or his friends driving we never see him. He stops home to change or eat something and then it’s off with his friends. Next weekend, is boys weekend. They are going up to Northern Minnesota for their annual hunting trip. This is Andrew’s favorite trip with dad and grandpa.