Lists...

I had a whole list of things that I needed to get done today when I got home. So what am I doing but playing around on the internet? I'm looking at some myspace pages, goofing off. I do have dinner in the oven, so I guess that is a good first step. I need to get up, do laundry, print some pictures, and generally get ready to travel to tampa!
But I did find a great new musican. Fives Times August. Check out the website here. I love the song Better With You. And I love new music! We bought Mike an 8 gig mp3 player this weekend, so I'm transferring all of my music over to his computer. I think I might delete most of it off of my computer and just use his to update my mp3 player (now that I have that back!). I have about 4 gigs of music on my computer, so it might be nice to clear up that space. Along with a ton if pictures that I need to move.
What an exciting life huh!

Spirit of God

This is the hymn we sang at church this morning, I really enjoyed it.


Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart, Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art, And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies, No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies: But take the dimness of my soul above.

Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King? All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind!
I see Thy cross, there teach my heart to cling: O let me seek Thee, and O let me find!

Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh; Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh; Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love, One holy passion filling all my frame;
The baptism of the heaven descended Dove; My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

Friday with Taylor

Taylor and I had a great day today. We started our day off at Caribou, then went to Ridgedale to walk for an hour. That felt great! Then off to Gramma and Grampa's to hang out. Mom brought over lunch, and basically we just watched Taylor and played with her the whole time. Then, back to Megan's work to show her off to the coworkers.

And home for me for a quick nap!

Minnesota Barbies

From an email forward I received:


Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Minneapolis market:
"Minnetonka Barbie" This princess Barbie is sold only at the Galleria. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a cookie-cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version.
"Woodbury Barbie" The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Windstar Minivan and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily, is always late and has no full-time occupation or goals. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.
"Lake Street Barbie" This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife,a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a meth lab kit. This model is only available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills) ....unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.
"Edina Barbie" This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. But you won't be able to afford any of them.
"Iron Range Barbie" This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR t-shirt and tweety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bud light and a Hank Williams Jr. cd set. She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she is drunk (or sober). Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free.
"Bemidji Barbie" This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Iron RangeBarbie's house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter-top. Also available with a mobile home.
"Uptown Barbie" This doll is made of actual tofu. She’s stinky and has long straight brown hair, arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her Willow . She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two Uptown Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.
"South St. Paul Barbie" This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass. Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant (try looking in Chicago).
"Dinky town Barbie/Ken" This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or subtracting the multiple snap-on parts.

stress and depression

A group of local churches are working together to put on an event for parents regarding stress, depression, and anxiety in youth. There have been multiple suicides in the community in the past 4 years and many people are, understandably, concerned. My concern is the swiftness in which many people are blaming the schools. The schools didn't discover/treat/understand the depression/stress/anxiety in the youth. That seems to be the prevelant trend in blame.
I'm realizing more and more that it is the parents that aren't discovering/treating/understanding their youth. I am amazed at how much parents don't know about their children and their children's friends. My parents knew pretty much all about me and my friends. Is this a new trend that parent's aren't as involved? Or is it that kids here seem to all have their own cars? And when they are with their parents they are listening to their ipods, playing on the psp, or some other such thing. I hardly ever see young people interact with their parents or other adults.
I wish that I could get up at this event and say, HEY! Parents! Are you paying attenting? are you setting boundaries? Are you following thru with the consequences? do you expect anything from your child or do you expect too much?
I attended a recent forum at the high school on "What is Normal?" (which I think is a great topic). The panel of high school youth, when asked about stress, responded that they feel stressed, but much of that stress is of their own doing. They put their own expectations high and expect to acheive great things.
Here are some excerpts from that session:

Are things that different than when parents grew up?
Kirsten D: More marijuana was smoked in 1978 than any other year but it’s stronger now.
Jackson (11): Yes, if your parents grew up in Africa.
Gail M: (Has twin daughters at SH) they watch TV, text, listen to Ipod while they do homework. Teens now can do 5 things / time. Get straight A’s.
Chelsea (11): February Teen Vogue – amount of homework up 50% since 1981.
Nicole (12): We’re constantly working, at school, at home, at work. It’s stressful.
Jackson (11): School, practice homework, bed. No time for relaxing.
Mitzi H: Watch for changes in behavior. If they’re sleeping more, crying, not eating the same, late to school, these are signs they’re stressed out and need some help.
Savanna (12): I didn’t talk to parents for a long time. Things built up until I broke down. Then I talked to them and I felt a lot better.
Alex (12): It’s nice when parents ask? Show they care. Kids go through emotional swings. Nice to talk w/friends.
Ryan (12): Its great to have one parent around to talk to, to ask for help.
Kristen D: Some kids talk, some don’t. Sometimes it’s not interesting to parents, but listen anyway because then someday they’ll tell you the really important thing you need to hear.

Last thoughts

Chelsea (11): Trust you kids with money, curfew, gaming… until trust is broken.
Alex (12): Always know you kid loves you even if they say they hate you. Make time to hangout w/them.
Jackson (11): Hangout w/your kids. My parents trust me. Listen and talk w/them.
Alison (11): Kids change.
Nicole (12): Don’t be afraid you’re losing them.
Ryan (12): Let them make little mistakes now. Let them try some things so they don’t go crazy when they’re out of high school.
John (10): One of the best things is when my parents five me a hug and tell me they love me. It’s nice to know they care about me.
Gail M: Since my kids were small, I’ve learned not to show shock. That shuts down communication. Don’t judge.
Kirsten D: When you’re tired, get up and spend time w/kids, play cards.
Wendy Lg: Stock pizza & pop. Have them all over to your house.
Dr. K: Listen to your children. They know what’s going on, how to solve problems.
Wendy L: Kids here are wonderful. When you really listen, you’ll learn a lot. So many great kids in this school.

It was interesting, but it didn't always feel like a completely honest conversation. I wonder how if would have been different if the crowd was smaller.

But it was awesome to have youth up there, being honest and spending time with parents.

Thursday

So it is rather difficult to post at home when I can't get Mike's computer to let me sign in to blogger. Somewhat frustrating!
It is a beautiful day here...the snow is falling very lightly and the sun is peeking through every once in a while. A perfect day to curl up with hot cocoa and a good book.

Leslie's Spinach Salad

Silverglade Spinach Salad *AMAZING!*

6 c. spinach, rinsed,stemmed & torn
6 oz. Swiss cheese, julienne
6 oz. Cheddar cheese, julienne
2 c. seedless grapes, halved

Dressing:
1/4 c. cider vinegar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 t. Dijon mustard
2 t. packed light brown sugar
4 slices bacon - crisp, crumbled (I use Kraft salad bacon)
2 t. sliced green onions

To prepare dressing, whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard & brown sugar. Stir in bacon & onion. Refrigerate. Dress salad just before serving.

Lazy Sunday...

Today has been a great day. I did get up early, which was a bummer, but I did a light workout before I went to church. Was at church till around 1ish, then came home and hung out. I read a lot today...finished The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory. I really enjoy her writing style and I feel like I am learning a little history as well. I also learned how to bowl on the Nintendo Wii. It was fun, but not the best game I have ever played. That honor, of course, belongs to Muppet Party Cruise.

Now Mike has some friends over, they are downstairs watching football. We are going to watch Mission Impossible 3 tonight after they leave. I'm hoping it is good!

Mike babysitting...

Mike babysat for Taylor today while my mom , sister, and I went to see Night at the Museum. we had a great time, and so did they!

Dinner with the boys...

Mike's boys were over for dinner last night. We had a great time...eating, drinking, hanging out, playing video games. They are really good people, and great friends.

Book of Fate

I'm reading Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer. It is good, but not great. I want to finish it cause I want to know how it ends, but I'm not feeling emotionally caught up in it. I'm not sure who I want to be the bad guy and if I want anyone to get the girl in the end.

Bummer. I love good books, and I love to read, but I want to feel involved in the story. When I finish the book I want it to feel like I just spent time with old friends.

retreat

I know, I said I was going to try and post more, but this was a busy weekend. I lead a retreat to a nearby camp overnight Saturday night. It was a fun retreat...all about relaxing and taking time to listen. There were only 12 of us total, so you feel like you really get to know the whole group. We did a lot of one on one discussions...great for these kids to really get into a discussion with someone that they might normally only say hi to. Nice to relax a bit as well! We played a lot of games (I schooled at monopoly), ate, ran around outside in the dark, slept, and hung out. Perfect retreat in my opinion. The kids want it to be longer next year. I'm wondering if I can't do more with it.
We have an amazing group of adult volunteers that all get along really well. I would love to invite the adults (plus spouses and kids) to come with on this retreat next year. They would get to hang out together, play games, get into those conversations that you just can't have anywhere else cause there isn't time, eat, hang out with the kids some of the time, and generally take a break from life. The point would be to encourage our adults spiritually, set a positive example for the kids, and grow together as a group.
Now I just need to perfect the pitch so I can push for it next year.

oh yeah, my life is now officially scheduled through May 2008. sheesh.

Everyday...

I really am trying to post something new everyday! I'm not great at it, but I do want a place to express everyday thoughts and ideas. I'm hanging out at Caribou right now, waiting to meet with one of my youth. I did a taste test this afternoon ($40 for 45 minutes) and got here early. So taking some time to catch up on stuff.
I started my water aerobics class this morning. It is a fun group of women (and a few men) that are all in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. There is one woman, Ann, who is 50. I think she is a little resentful that she isn't the baby in the group anymore. She hasn't really done anything in particular to make me think that, but she just gives off that vibe.
I have a board meeting tonight for the assocation. Hopefully it will go by fast! We are watching The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy tonight and I don't want to be up super late!
It is supposed to get cold tonight and stay that way for a couple of days. We have a retreat this weekend, so maybe we'll just stay inside by the fire most of the time. Which reminds me, I need to pack some games!

Back to the grind...

Coming back to work never seems real until a Sunday gets here. Then it is wake up early, get dressed up, and talk to random people. We had our summer info meeting today though, I am super pumped for summer! I love to travel and I love the kids I get to hang out with, so summer is perfect for me! We had a good number at the meeting, hopefully they will sign up soon!
Tonight at the confirmation thing, the guest speaker was the Chalk Guy. He does such a great talk and then chalks a huge picture. I thought he did well tonight, but spoke way too long. He totally pushed some issues too, definitely not Lutheran!

Don Pablos!

I met my sister and Taylor for lunch today at Don Pablos. We split the appetizer dip sampler. Yum-O! Especially with fresh tortillas. It was perflectly yummy. We also got the sopapillas. Super good dipping sauce. The added bonus was that everyone thought Taylor was so cute, the manager bought our lunch! Not bad!

Friday!

I didn't get to hang out with Taylor today, but I still got to have fun! I started out my morning by meeting Christina and Ella for a walk around the mall. It was good to get caught up with them, and Ella has grown so much! It is like a preview for what Taylor is getting to.
After our walk (and me buying new shoes), I headed home and met Angie to watch a movie. We watched How to Eat Fried Worms. It was great 5th grade humor! Kinda gross, but pretty darn funny. Perfect movie for silly boys.
Mike and I are staying in tonight. It is good to be home!

Last Day!

Our last day in DC was a great day. We slept in a little bit, ate up our bagels and oatmeal, and checked out of the hotel. We headed over to the Smithsonian Art Museums and wandered through the two buildings. I got to see the Matisse cut outs, which I love. It was fun to see the paintings, but we aren't huge art buffs, so it wasn't all that interesting! I'm glad that we walked through, but I'm really glad we didn't spend all day there!After we had our fix of art, we headed over the Old Post Office for lunch. We got some okay food at the food court, then met up with Jonathan and Kelly. They have a tower that you can go up into, so we headed up. It is a breathtaking view, but they have wires that prevent you from getting great pictures. Here was our best effort:

We then headed over to the Air and Space Museum, which was very cool. We spent a lot of time at a display featuring different pictures of Earth from Space. The building is also currently housing some pieces from the American History Museum, which is under construction. We got to see Kermit the Frog, Abe Lincoln's Hat, and lots of other cool stuff. That was perhaps the highlight of the day. Jonathan and Kelly had to take off and we had to think about heading to the airport. Here are some of our last Capital pictures:

We went back to the hotel to pick up our luggage and headed out to the metro. We arrived at the airport, went through security - which was cool. I went in the new machine that blows air at you. Mike says it check the air for chemicals and stuff. It was an interesting experience. We then had some average airport food, boarded our flight, and home we came!

My mom picked us up and got us to our car. We drove home and attempted to unpack. It is great to be home and we had a great trip. Thanks for following our adventures. Hopefully there will be more traveling soon!

Dreary Monday

Monday, Monday. What a dreary day. Erin and I woke up this morning to nothing but clouds, wet sidewalks and humid air. All that adds up to a great time to go say goodbye to President Ford at the Capitol. We had heard rumors that the lines at the Capitol got long the further you got into the day, so we got up and headed out at 9 a.m. There were a couple backlogs along the way, but everything went smoothly. We couldn't bring anything inside the Rotunda with us, but it was very impressive. There were armed guards from each of the armed forces standing next to the casket, whcih was draped with an American Flag. After we passed by the casket, we shoke hands with President Ford's son.

It's not like Erin and I like going to funerals, or looking at caskets. However, we both felt that this was an important part of American History. President Ford was a unique president who was thrown into the most powerful seat in the nation under extreme circumstances. We understand that he wasn't elected into office, but he still held the position and helped bring a nation back together. It was for those reasons that we decided to go an honor him this morning.

After leaving the Capitol, we tried to get into the Smithsonian Art museum. The website said they were open today, but the locks on the doors told us otherwise. So it was back to the hotel to relax. We got back just in time as it started to rain...again. D.C. got about an inch of rain today.

After relaxing for a little bit, we got up and heading out to American University to meet up with Diana and Damon and Guapo's for lunch. Diana was Erin's roomate in D.C. when she spent 4 months here studying abroad. After lunch, which was great, we took a walk around campus. Here are Diana and Erin (next to a map) getting re-acclimated with the campus.

After saying goodbye to Diana and Damon, we headed on the Metro for the National Archives. We were able to view some of the most important documents of our country, such as the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. This building is also one of the focal points of the movie, National Treasure. If you haven't seen it, it's on weekly on Encore...or you can just come over to our house as we now own a copy and I will have it playing on a 24 hour loop.

We headed back to the hotel to take it easy again (still muggy out). Now we are debating about where and what to do for dinner. Lucky us, the resturant connected with our hotel just opened back up. Maybe we'll take a picture there...