Little White Chair

MSP

2011-10-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

We live in a beautiful city.

sometimes

2011-10-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the most frustrating things in life are the things you can't control.

Perhaps God gives us the things we can't control to remind us that we are NOT in control and sometimes you just have to let go and realize you are doing the best you can.

Art Art Art

2011-08-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

My cousin Melena is a visual artist.

She paints using a canvas, plastic bags and layers of colors. Adding on colors and letting them run together, wait for it to dry and add the next layer. She also uses brush work to add detail.

This is a non artist (me) trying to explain these "interesting, vibrant and powerful paintings", and probably not doing Melena's process justice, if you are interested in how she does it from the artists words herself here is her link to her website....

http://canvasthrowdown.com/home.html

Anyways, I went to her senior show back in our college days and was always very impressed with her style and unique abstract quality of her paintings, as that is the style of art I prefer. She is still painting and showing her work on canvasthrowdown.com.

She was kind enough to make a painting for Peter and I and it is proudly hanging in our family room down stairs. I highly recommend purchasing a painting from this wonderful artist, (who happens to be related to me :) )

I know I'm happy I did.

Yard Games

2011-07-22T16:50:00.001-07:00

We had 1 ladder golf and 2 bean bag toss games all going at once in our little yard.

It was quite the event.

Thanks to our friends and siblings for coming:)

Before and After

2011-07-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

Before, eww...look at those curling gross green shingles...

Peter and I lovingly called it the "GREEN Monster".

When painting the outside green we didn't take into consideration the green shade of the roof. oops

Now the shingles are a lovely clay color and architectural in style.
No more GREEN Monster.

Thanks to all that helped with the roof especially Dana and Jake as well as all our parents!
It was a big job and we are so relieved that all indications of the big job are now gone as the 4 "bagsters" (dumpsters in the shape of a giant bag) were just picked up this week.

We both vowed that once is enough, we will hire out if we ever have to replace a roof again!

Luke and Jenna's Big Day

2011-07-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

This past June my little brother became a husband and I gained another lovely sister.

Luke looked all grown up and Jenna was beautiful as every bride should be.

Here is a taste of the joyous celebration.

Getting ready...

Peter and I were so happy to be a part of the wedding.

Siblings

Father of the Groom

Mother of the Groom

The bridesmaids

The happy couple

The flowers

All dressed- check, photographs done- check...Goofing around while we wait for the big event.

Wedding Reception

Dancing with the ring bearer and flower girl.

Mother and son dance to mom's favorite Bobby Darin song.

Sami and Amelia dancing

Peter and Kayleigh dancing

Mr. and Mrs. Luke and Jenna Beck

Luke and Jenna spent their honeymoon on an Alaskan cruise.

Here they are ready for a drive to the airport.

Happy 4 year Anniversary!

2011-06-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today 4 years ago Peter and I were married on a sunny and humid Friday.

10 years ago this coming December we first started dating....wow that makes me feel old and so do these pictures I'm about to upload from "then to now."

Our wedding verse was Jeremiah 29:11... I know that God has a plan for us and I've enjoyed seeing that unfold the past four years.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I'm excited to see what God's plan is for us for the next year, "plans for hope and a future."

Love you Peter!

And here's the flashback, we are babies, this isn't even when we first started dating this is after a few years.

Here's to the graduates!

2011-06-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here's to the graduates!

June is Graduation and Father's Day month... according to the news this morning.

I graduated in May along with my brother but my Kindergarten kids graduated this June.

We had our Program and Graduation on Tuesday and the kids were fabulous.

If you are also graduating this year congrats to you!

Do ya see me?? What about the humungous guy behind me, ya he's twice my height.

Peter kept taking pictures of me cuz he thought it was so funny... I didn't even know he was there.

And I thought I was the organized one...

2011-06-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

Looks like my organization is rubbing off on somebody or..

he really knew how to do it all along and it was part of some mysterious trick...

or organization is fun when it involves tools rather than laundry or dishes

Looks pretty good if I do say so myself, he even made a little garden section for me.

In Full Bloom

2011-05-18T15:03:00.001-07:00

A Prayer in Spring

by Robert Frost

OH, give us pleasure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orcahrd white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird

That suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

To which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends he will,

But which it only needs that we fulfill.

Minnehaha Falls

2011-05-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

The water is flowing...

after a very snowy winter the falls are raging

and Minnehaha Creek is not in short supply of water this year.

It's hard to believe but last year over the summer, the water was so low in Lake Minnetonka

that they stopped up Minnehaha Creek

and the falls was nothing more than a dribble.

U is for Underwear

2011-04-29T15:21:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know I teach Kindergarten.

As you can imagine I hear lots of little comments and stories that make me laugh on a daily basis.

Well today was no exception.

We were painting during Art and listening to a C.D.

The song playing was a song that sings about the letter sounds.

As we get to the letter U the song says "U, uh, uh, uh, underwear"

Of course the kids laugh because, well didn't you know... underwear is hilarious when you are 5.

So as any teacher would say I just shrug my shoulders and say "It's no big deal, we all wear underwear, just like we all wear clothes."

Then one of the little boys in my class looks up at me and smiles,

"Nuh uh, Mrs. Lindberg, sometimes I don't wear any, I go... Canadian."

Who knew those Canadians didn't wear underwear...??? hehe

Arizona

2011-04-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

This past March I had the pleasure of traveling to Arizona to spend time with family.

Peter and I went to visit Kris and Jim with Anne and Jake.

It as such a wonderful trip and I especially enjoyed seeing Arizona for the first time.

I was surprised that I could handle the heat,

with out the humidity of Minnesota, 80's and 90's weren't so rough.

We saw beautiful scenery even in the desert.

All the cactus and the unique vegetation of the desert.

My Little Brother is Getting Married

2011-04-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

On June 12th my little brother is getting married.

The same little brother that wore a cowboy outfit complete with a cowboy hat to school each day for a year in 2nd grade and then army clothes with a helmet to school everyday for a year in 3rd grade. (to his defense he wasn't the only boy that did that in his class, it was kinda a theme for a few of them)

The same little brother that once got into the bathtub fully clothed shoes and all and splashed around all while mom was running the bath water for him getting ready for his bath.

The same little brother that used to hide his homework in his underwear drawer. If you hide it, the teacher doesn't know you didn't hand it in.

The same little brother that used to walk out to the shed each evening with me to feed our pet rabbits and we would sing songs together at the top of out lungs the whole time.

The same little brother I once convinced to go inside the rabbit cage to see if he fit, he did.... and of course I had to lock him in for a few minutes because it was so funny.

The same little brother that used to make forts with me in the woods, we had a whole little city only we knew about.

The same little brother that walked onto the newly frozen ice with out our parents permission at Grandma's on Lake Minnetonka and broke through the ice.

The same little brother that went out on the rope swing over the lake fully clothed and couldn't get back to the rocks so he came into the house soaked in his clothes from head to toe.

The same little brother that crashed a friends jet ski into his own fishing boat creating a huge dent while showing off for some girls.

The same little brother that once accidentally drove through a corn field and took out 30 yards of corn before stopping. Then walked the rest of the way home to tell mom only to come back and find cop cars and police men searching the field for an injured driver.

I have so many great stories all about my little brother and now he's all grown up.

boy... has he made me smile over the years.

My little brother is hilarious, creative, smart, musical, determined and unique and I am so happy that he found someone who loves him for him.

I am so proud of him for graduating this year, for starting his career in the army band, for making plans to move somewhere new and for starting a new life with his future wife Jenna.

Thinking Forward to Summer

2011-04-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

With this wonderful spring weather we were treated with this weekend,

I was inspired to spend time outside and also look back at some old pictures.

These beautiful garden photos are from Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis.

There is the most amazing and beautiful garden,

past the falls over by Minnehaha creek and close to Dairy Queen.

These shots remind me of what's to come here in MN after a very very very snowy 4 months of winter.

My Cuddle Buddy

2011-02-19T19:52:00.001-08:00

There's no other place that Max would like to be than in your lap or laying right next to you while you are constantly petting him.... all the time. Sometimes I think he forgets that we are not both dogs or both people...not sure

Message in the Snow

2011-02-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Peter wrote me a note... in the snow

Grandma's Are Special

2010-12-20T18:56:00.001-08:00

Thankful for Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T17:55:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving morning turkey hair :) hehe

Where's the other bag? Better get out the flashlight.
Our fan club, watching us cook, cheering us on.
Larissa, she was awesome and helped out in the kitchen.

Yes! It worked let's carve this thing.

Time to eat~

This is me, super grateful.
Now that's a pretty table.

I am so thankful that we survived our first Thanksgiving hosting experience.

I am thankful that even though we only took one bag of innards out of our turkey we did find the other bag in the neck before cooking it too long... oops.

I am thankful that we figured out (with the help of Kris and Jim) that our turkey was upside down as we were cooking it before it cooked too long that way.

I am thankful that making stuffing from scratch was easier than expected.

I am thankful that our warming drawer made it easier to "time" all the food to be "eating ready" at the same time.

I am thankful that we had enough food for everyone and are still eating left overs 4 days later.

I am thankful that everyone fit around our dining table and that we had a finished family room to fit everyone in. (thanks Peter)

I am thankful that everyone enjoyed the food and stayed a while to play games and watch football.

I am thankful for the great prayer and sharing of what we are thankful for that we explained around the dinner table.

I am thankful that everyone didn't laugh too hard about my "Thanksgiving facts" that I made, 1 for everyone to read and try to answer as we went around the table. (it's the teacher in me :)

I am thankful for Cousin Larissa that helped in the kitchen and Cousin Jenessa that was super with clean up help. Thanks girls.

I am thankful for Peter, he was awesome, getting out the flashlight to look inside to turkey to see where the other missing bag was, basting it every 3o minutes, carving it for the first time, jumping right in with clean up...we were a good team.

I am thankful that it is over and we made it work.

Last but not least I am thankful for family, all my family, for those that joined us, for those that gave us advice on how to make thanksgiving dinner and stopped by to check on us, for those that were celebrating in other places- I am thankful for all of you!

New York New York

2010-08-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

Moving, going, walking, going

busy, busy, busy,

hot, loud, smelly, bright,

energetic, independent,

colorful New York.

Niagara Falls

2010-08-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

We took a boat ride on the "Maid of the Mist"...the rainbow was quite awesome below the great Niagara Falls.We were prepared for getting up close and personal with the falls, to do that we needed extreme rain coat ponchos. Looking good.

Pretty amazing site and this is only half of it, I couldn't fit the Canada side in the picture!

Bridge on the other side of the falls.

Can't believe how close I'm standing to the edge of the look out point, it's super high and you can see right down through the fence, scary for a girl afraid of heights!

Peter admiring the rapids leading up to the falls, amazing!

Sitting in traffic snap shot...

2010-07-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sitting in traffic on 94, great place to take a picture of Minneapolis over the bridge.

Don't worry I wasn't driving.

Back to the Future

2010-07-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

On Friday we went to see a movie at the Riverview Theater in our neighborhood.

When we left there was a large line waiting to see the late night movie.

Every weekend this summer at 11:30 the Riverview shows an 80's movie.

This week was "Back to the Future" and a real Delorean just like Marty McFly's was waiting outside.

Everyone was taking pictures and sitting in it.

Wonder what creative Back to the Future fan owns that...

Cristina and Ryan's Wedding

2010-06-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

This seems like the blog of weddings... second post in a row about weddings. I promise my next one will be about something different like shoes, or movies, or the president, or the world...but for now it's weddings.

Congrats to my cousin Cristina and her new husband Ryan. Two music teachers getting married equals great wedding music and creative seating chart (which you will see later).

Your wedding was such a great time and it was lovely to have the "fam" together all in one place.

Here are some wedding highlights!

Driving to Chicago- 7 hours to go

(doesn't Peter have crazy hair :) hehe)
Sami is hitching a ride with us. She does have her permit, but we are not going to let her practice.
Grooms dinner enjoying true Chicago deep dish pizza. Ryan surprises Cristina, who happens to be a crazy Twins Fan, her own jersey with Joe Mauer's number and her soon to be last name Wintersheimer...that's a mouth full. In fact it was one letter too long so Ryan had to take off an "e" so it would fit.

Before the wedding night we are enjoying a little sun in the courtyard at the hotel.

Getting pretty for the wedding celebration.

Yes! Cristina and Ryan are now married.

4 generations...
mom and daughter...
sisters...
the newlyweds
the head table
sisters= bridesmaids, matron of honor and bride
dad and me
Aunt Cindy and Uncle Mike Parents of the bride
Aunt Carol, Uncle Doug and Justin (Joshua we missed you)
Uncle Marty and Aunt Julie
bro and sis...Luke's taking notes the next one of these in the fam will be his!
Kelda the dedicated photographer, working her magic once again.
little bro, little sis
table centerpieces with creative famous composer table seating chart, with fun facts on each musician on the back, perfect for the newlywed music teachers. We sat at Aaron Copeland.
Jonathan apparently loves straws.
Kayleigh and Peter. Kayleigh asked Peter if he was married yet and if they could dance ;)
mom and dad love to swing dance
Melena the matron of honor, who gave a great speech and cass
Kelda and her parents..we're glad she's back from Washington for the wedding.
everybody loves grandma

Sami and Peter love to pick on eachother.
just chillin with a beer
it's the end of the night, good bye Cristina enjoy Jamaica on your honeymoon!
What a great night!

The Tousignant's

2010-05-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

Congrats John and Aleigha! Thanks for having Peter and I as part of your wedding.

You are a great couple and we love you!!

Wedding Day...the beautiful bride.

Grooms Dinner

Aleigha's Bachlorette Party

Engaged

2010-05-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

My little/ big brother is engaged.

Yes, he is my little brother but he is also bigger than me and has been for most of my life.

He is getting married. At first my reaction was "what! no way he's my little brother!"

But he's found the right girl for him and it's the right time for them.

That's what's most important.

As a big/little sister this makes me feel old but I'm so happy for him and I know he's very lucky to have found Jenna.

I know what it's like to find that right person and to be so excited to start a life with them.

I strongly believe starting a life with someone doesn't mean your individual life is over, I believe marriage is about two distinct separate people that combine their own individual interests, ideas, perspectives on life together but still maintain their own goals, their own identity and sense of self. Sharing your life with someone is one of the greatest joys.

When you have found the right person and you believe this... marriage doesn't seem as scary, you don't feel you need to test it out first or use it as something to put off until you are older.

So congrats to all the newly engaged and married!

Minnehaha Falls

2010-05-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

On a weekly walk through the neighborhood I can walk right past one of my favorite places.

It's nice to have a waterfall close to, almost, maybe, kind of... right out our backyard.

Surprises

2010-04-26T19:22:00.001-07:00

Last week I received flowers at work from my husband.

Just to brighten my day, as the card noted.

My students thought they were beautiful and asked if we could set them on the table and all sit around them for snack time.

It's the little things...

Springtime on 47th Avenue

2010-04-18T08:03:00.001-07:00

Here is what our backyard looks like this weekend.

All of the spring flowers are up with all their color.

I even went a little early and bought some hardy annuals for my pots on the deck.

I think it will be warm enough.

The first picture is for Peter, he is so proud of his grass.

If you want to get him going ask him about how is grass is doing.

I love the flowers Peter loves the grass.

Take a look...

Sarah Palin on a Nature Show

2010-04-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with this idea?

Everything...

this email was sent to me from an online newsletter I subscribe to CREDO. How does this make any sense...to have someone who doesn't believe in global warming or protecting our environment have a show about nature and the earth!! Sarah Palin decided to quit or give up being governor to become some type of celebrity figure, does anyone really want to hear her interpretations on nature,

I think I can sum it up in three words hunting, fishing and drilling.

Here is the article and the link...sign the petition if you also think this is ridiculous!

"Drill, Baby, Drill" comes to Discovery?

The media conglomerate Discovery Communications used to be known for their earth-friendly offerings. But they’ve just paid millions to Sarah Palin to host a “nature” show, despite her decidedly anti-environmental stance: She vocally advocates for habitat-destroying oil drilling, she denies global warming is a human-caused threat, and she spearheaded a brutal wolf-slaughter program as governor of Alaska.

It’s one thing if Fox News gives Sarah Palin a platform. But when Discovery Communications – home to the Discovery Channel, the "Planet Earth" series, the Science Channel, Animal Planet, and TreeHugger.com – gives a show to Sarah Palin, it undercuts everything the Discovery brand has come to represent.

Anti-environmentalism has no place in the Discovery Communications lineup. Demand that the company cancel "Sarah Palin's Alaska" before it airs.

The former partial-term Alaska governor is reportedly getting paid $1.2 million per episode to host a television series called "Sarah Palin's Alaska," to be broadcast on TLC, one of Discovery Communications' channels. And if Palin runs for president in 2012, a show that provides her the opportunity to greenwash her environmental record on a mainstream, eco-friendly channel is downright dangerous.

Here’s what Sarah Palin’s real Alaska is:

She accelerated Alaska's cruel aerial wolf-hunting program while in office, introducing a $150 bounty for each slaughtered wolf's forelimb.
She made a personal appeal to Alaska voters to oppose a ballot measure that would have stopped the immense Pebble Mine operation from dumping cyanide and mining waste into streams that make their way to Bristol Bay, home to the largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world.
When President Bush finally agreed to list the polar bear as a threatened species in 2008 because of global warming's effects on its habitat, the governor sued to challenge the listing.
Armed with her "Drill, Baby, Drill" catchphrase, Palin called for opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Cook Inlet to oil and gas drilling.

With such a disastrous environmental track record, how could Sarah Palin get a nature show on an eco-conscious media platform like Discovery? The answer may lie in Discovery's COO, Peter Liguori, who joined Discovery in December after a previous stint at Palin's other TV home: Fox Broadcast Co.

We can't let an anti-environment extremist like Sarah Palin take over Discovery and spread her "drill here, drill now" message on a science and environment network.

Speak out now and demand that Discovery pull Sarah Palin's show before it airs.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/palin_discovery/?r=5443&id=8720-2041386-3cqhInx

My Sister

2010-04-09T19:58:00.001-07:00

Here she is...isn't she beautiful and so grown up.

She has turned into such a intelligent, talented, charming, kind, unique, ambitious, individual and I am so proud of her.

I remember when she was just a little peanut that refused to wear anything but dresses and though she could really be a princess when she grew up.

She has amazed me with her confidence and is going to sections in Speech tomorrow.

She wants to do big things like be a lawyer or a senator or something.

I bet she can do it.

Michael Buble

2010-03-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

This past Christmas Peter surprised me with Michael Buble tickets in my stocking.

I have been talking about wanting to go to his concert for over a year and had been stalking his website for tour dates. Finally, he comes to MN but the tickets were kinda spendy and I had heard they sold out. I was bummed but always hopeful for next time.

Little did I know Peter had convinced me they sold out because he had planned to surprise me with the tickets. I opened an envelope addressed to me in my stocking and found out about the surprise to come 3 months later on March 28th. I'll admit I cried a little, not so much because I love Michael Buble, which we all know I do, but because of the thoughtfulness and planning of my husband.

Well that day has come and gone already and I had the best time.

We went to the Melting Pot first and enjoyed a 3 course dinner of fondue.

Then the concert...in one word AMAZING> Buble has the best voice, smooth with a great tone, excellent live and the band was incredible. He entertained us with swing, pop, ballads, jazz, blues and even his Michael Jackson impression and Ferris Bueller's Day Off impression (both very convincing). He spoke in between songs, told stories and is very charming, funny and really makes a connection with the audience.

If he comes back I'm headed for my second Buble concert and next time we'll try for seats of the first floor! Are you in??

Driving to the Melting Pot, I'm very excited!

Dinner was delicious...spinach and artichoke cheese fondue for the first course with veggies, bread and chips for dipping, Bourgenione fondue for our main course with batter and dipping sauces also sushi, lobster, steak, pork, chicken, shrimp and dumplings, for the last course turtle chocolate flambé with strawberries, bananas, brownies, oreo covered marshmallows, graham cracker covered marshmallow, and cheesecake for dipping. And of course some wine.
We are in the balcony but we are directly facing the stage so we have a clear view.

At one point he came to a smaller stage in the middle of the Excel Energy Center.

The First Signs of Spring

2010-03-22T16:54:00.001-07:00

Signs of Spring are peaking there way up out of the dirt.
We already have a few flowers from some bulbs we planted last fall.

Can't wait to see them all in a few weeks!

Saturdays are about sleeping in...

2010-03-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

I smell spring

2010-03-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

rain, melting snow

melting ice,

puddles, mud,

patches of brown grass,

more sunlight,

50 degree temps by the weekend

Spring is on the way

Here is a little taste of what's to come...

Strange Day

2010-03-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

Two different people in different places asked me if I was on the radio this morning and called in to win a contest. Apparently the girl that won was name Cassie and sounded just like me. I wonder what she won...

One of my 5 year old students told me that she wasn't wearing any underwear today...too much information!

My students painted my feet today. We read "The Foot Book" for Dr. Seuss Week and painted our feet to make foot prints in art class. They were so exited to paint my feet blue.

On the way home from work today I almost hit a random opossum that was roaming around on the highway. They are ugly.

2010 South Minneapolis Winter Olympics

2010-02-24T17:26:00.001-08:00

Figure Skating Short Program

Presenting Skater Elvis Stoyko...

(that's what I call Peter when his hair gets poofy and 80's figure skater-ish)

Performs a triple sowcow (not sure on the spelling ??? I'll have to ask Scott Hamilton)

I give him an 8.5

This is what we do when we are bored, maybe we have too much free time on our hands...

time to change the channel and watch something other than Winter Olympics.

What a chunk of ice...

2010-02-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hello winter

Snow Cake

2010-02-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

Who knew that snow could be so interesting and creative?

My neighbor took his back yard snow bank and made 2 wedding cakes...

DIY

2010-02-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if our life is an episode of DIY network...that is Do It Yourself network.

Peter watches a show and then as a good DIY TV show host he demonstrates what he learned here at home. I am the dedicated viewer that watches and tries it out when needed.

It was like a 5 year old at Christmas this Saturday as Peter brought home a table saw he rented from Home Depot to try the next endeavor. We were project free for a little over a month, surprising as that is.

Now butcher block counter top is the future goal.

Next step, renting a plainer to shape down the wood, assembling the pieces together, cutting with a router to smooth edges, cut spot for a sink and "wa-la" 1 butcher block counter top.

No deadlines or goals for finishing this project...the slower we go the less likely we are to have to start a new one anytime soon. I hope :)

Here is a video clip from our very own DIY network...

The Past 3 months

2010-02-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

My best friend Heidi had a baby...little Kipton. He's so perfect and quite a handsome guy! He was able to join us for New Years only a few weeks old.

I have continued to work, read, study, write and type for my second semester of Graduate School. As a full time grad student and teaching full time I am very busy...as you can see.
Lastly, our biggest accomplishment of the year...finishing the basement. Ahh, finally...lots of work and maybe a few tears. The finished product is pretty great and we have really enjoyed it. Take a look!

the end

where have I been

2010-01-27T19:37:00.000-08:00

It has been an awfully long time since I've blogged...

blame it on work

blame it on grad school

blame it on finishing the basement

blame it on friends or family or Peter....

or maybe it's just me ,

Maybe the real question is ....did anyone notice, probably not...

except for you mom :)

She's my best reader, she can really keep track of her kids in this internet age...via the web, blog, facebook, email etc. etc. etc...

So maybe it's appropriate to say "HI mom, hope you are doing well."

Dogs at Play

2009-12-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if Peter is part dog.
Well at least our little dog Max thinks he is.
Everyday when we get home from work...
the first thing to do is PLAY TIME.

A Little Christmas You Tube

2009-12-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a video one of my student's parents took of last years Kindergarten Holiday Program.

The parent uploaded it to You Tube for all to see.

The program was called "The Littlest Christmas Tree."

If you want a little Kindergarten Holiday Entertainment..check it out

It's about 10 minutes long :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58Wy9v9Zixk

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Lights

2009-12-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Okay so I'll admit it...
even though I am uploading these pictures today December 2nd.
We did decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving.
Sorry to those who always say, "What happened to Thanksgiving?"
In my opinion Thanksgiving is the prelude to Christmas.
As Thanksgiving comes near,
I feel that I have permission to start getting Chrismassy...( I just made up that word :)

A Thankful Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

PS: Anne I made the picture larger just for you! I can't believe I missed that setting all this time. From now on my pictures will be LARGE :)

Thanksgiving Dinner Kindergarten Style

2009-11-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

I asked my Kindergarten Class this year what they would like to have for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Here are a few of the interesting Thanksgiving Menu ideas if the regular turkey, stuffing, green bean caserole and mashed potatos seems boring this year...

Menu 1:

chicken

water

ketchup

Menu 2:

turkey and cake

spinach

corn

juice

chocolate covered bananas

Menu 3:

pie with blueberries in it

eggs and bacon

a giant turkey

Menu 4:

a turkey from Kowalski's (they are the best)

apples

rice

popsicles

Bon Apetite! Enjoy!

The Story Of Our Basement

2009-11-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

Dana and Joe were life savers helping Peter and I frame the basement. They made so much progress this weekend. Soon it will be a livable space! Here is a photo story of the project...

More Halloween Pics!

2009-11-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

For Halloween 2009.....
We had Amy Winehouse, a blind referee, a cubby referee, Bret Farve, a plug and a plug in, an 80's old couple vacationing in Hawaii, a couple from 1960's Mad Men, a pumpkin, a couple in the ever so popular Snuggies with matching Bon Jovi T-shirts and a roller girl... and of course there was one guy who didn't dress up!

E News!

2009-11-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

After her recent seperation from her long time husband, Amy Winehouse was seen canoodling with an allegedly blind referee. Reps from both sides deny the alleged affair. No one will comment on how the blind referee has maintained his position in the NFL.

Stay tuned for our upcoming stories...Brad and Angelina vacation in France and Paris Hilton makes yet another video...

hehe:) Peter was a blind referee for Halloween and Cassie was the infamous British singer Amy Winehouse :)

Peterson Family Gathering

2009-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

We had a great day in Wisconsin at the Marden's new house on 20 acres in Wisconsin.
After a day of spending time outdoors with a bonfire, hiking, food and chatting,
we slept easy that night

First Time's a Charm

2009-09-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Yippee, I scored full points on my first Grad School Project!
Just submitted my second project yesterday.
Here's hoping that I can continue to keep it up.

City Lights

2009-09-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Amazing view.

Down by St. Anthony Main right off the river, great view of Minneapolis.
We live in a beautiful city.

Did you forget?

2009-08-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been talking about what a cold summer this has been. With the 60's and 70's...at least it's not below zero.

I don't mind the cooler temps and I want to remind everyone that this.....(the video above)

is the "real" cold.

So let's all be grateful that at least it's NOT snowing.................................................yet

Max and Peter Duet Debut

2009-08-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile...

2009-08-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a long while since I've had homework. It was kinda strange this week...reading a text book for a homework assignment, sitting around in my "grown up" house with my husband doing homework rather than assigning it.

I felt like a little kid or a first time college student working on homework all over again but this time instead of being tempted not to study by parties, roommates, boys and friends... I was tempted not to study by the laundry that needs to be folded and the dishwasher that needs to be emptied.

Starbucks or Caribou? That is the question...

2009-08-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

One of my many favorite things is to do is to go to a coffee shop and enjoy a latte or a machiatto read a good book or take it with me as I run errands.
In my neighborhood I enjoy the "Nokomis Beach" coffee house, "Minnehaha Coffee" and the new bakery on 34th Ave. with truffles and cakes as well as coffee called "3 Tiers." I also enjoy the coffee made from my own pot when I'm trying to save a little money :)

While I would much rather support my local Mpls coffee shops right out my front door...in my own neighborhood, I am not always conviently close to these classic corner shops when I need a little coffee break.

That leads me to my next point.
There is always a Starbucks or a Caribou right in reach every little place you go.
I know I perhaps should like Caribou better because it is a Minnesota based company (like Target, in case you didn't know)
I am all about supporting Minnesota based companys like Target which gives an enourmous amount of money back to MN communities (unlike health care denying Walmart :) )

....but there is something about Starbucks Carmel Machiatto with skim milk that just trumps Caribous carmel latte every time.

Oh and don't dare ask a Caribou employee if they can make a carmel machiatto , they get really crabby and say their latte is the same thing. (but it's not)

Starbucks also has the better pastries if you are going to splurge a little. The little vanilla bean scone is all you need for a little treat and it's so small you don't have to feel that guilty.

So I guess I'm going to continue to support a Seattle based company every now and then.

What's your pick>?????

Here we go again...

2009-08-16T18:51:00.001-07:00

Another house project...
we spent a lot of time with dry wall this weekend.
We put drywall on the wall that is already framed up in our basement.
We will slowly start finishing our basement, no rush just a section or 2 at a time.
Our goal is by the end of next summer maybe we'll be done.
I think Peter loves to have a house project it's his favorite hobby, keeps us busy!
I can't wait to have the extra space :)

A Day in the Life of a Dog

2009-08-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Must be nice...sleep, eat, play, bark...repeat

Grill Out and Games at Peter and Cassie's 2009

2009-07-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report in the ladder golf and bean bag toss tournament...

the women defeated the men!

Way to go ladies!

Guys, you will have to keep practicing for next year :)

Gals Team: Aleigha, Carrie, Cassie, Elizabeth, Linds and Heidi

Guys Team: Jon, Dana, Peter, Andy and Phil

Art

2009-07-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am not an art major but I am an art enthusiast.

I am not trained in any specific medium.
I teach basic art in Elementary School.
I do not make a living with art...

but I really enjoy creating, experiencing and experimenting with art.

Here are some of my little experiments.

Peter and I love to watch HGTV. This is an idea we found while watching "Color Splash" with David Bromstad. He uses black canvases, water color paint, and a spray bottle filled with water. He makes a line of paint a few inches from the top and sprays the paint down with the water to create an organic look with the paint. Then when one half dries he flips it the other way and does it on the short side leaving a small section of white creating a linear detail through the painting. So Peter and I did this project together and created our own art work for our office wall.

This is a mirror I made this summer with sea glass, plywood and the left over mirrors from our wedding centerpieces. I used adhesive and grout and made a mosaic mirror that is now hanging in our bedroom.

This is a painting that began as a water color. The first try I was not happy with the painting, it looked like a big mess. So I tried adding a linear element by using painters tape to highlight three parts of the painting and using white paint to paint over the rest creating a graphic painting instead of a water color.

This was a little idea inspired by my favorite antique shop Hunt and Gather. I really did "hunt and gather" a variety of letters to make this little sign. This antique shop has a variety of what many people consider "junk" from the past. Letters from billboards, signs, license plates, games, magnets and more. I found my favorite ones and made a little sign with an extra piece of our bathroom molding, a hot glue gun and eye hooks. A different twist on the traditional last name signs. It hangs on the doorway into our living room from our kitchen.

This was a project that I tried in highschool. I made a mold of my foot to fill with plaster and make a sculpture of my foot to use as a door holder.

This was a project in my college art class. It is a water color painting of myself. We used a black and white photo of ourselves and made a color scale to match the gray scale of the black and white photo. Brown was for the dark black spots, then blue for the dark gray, then red, etc... light yellow being the lightest white. It was an interesting activity. Can you see me?

Art is for anyone and everyone.

My Favorite Place

2009-07-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

God Bless America

2009-07-05T18:08:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like listening to the Minnesota Orchestra live,

outside with beautiful Lake Minnetonka in the background.

Stars and Stripes Forever, The War of 1812, march after march...

It's Over, Way to Go Al!

2009-06-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

Finally we have a second senator. Al Franken as it should have been in the first place ;)

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/49520987.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU1yDEmP:QMDCinchO7DU

Congrats Linds and Phil!

2009-06-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

Gooseberry Falls

2009-06-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Peter and I went camping. Our first time camping together. We went up north to Gooseberry Falls State Park.
We decided to take a little trip for our second wedding anniversary.
Here are some photos of the trip.

Original Art

2009-06-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

My uncle Mike, is a very creative guy.

(Melena we know where you get it ;)

Here's the Story...

Around Thanksgiving we went to Brainerd. My aunt and uncle Marty and Julie live there and Cindy and Mike just moved there into their retirement home.
It is this gorgeous log cabin style house on the river. We had a tour of there house with the great views out every window.

Other than the amazing views I noticed these great square wooden frames filled with wine corks in an artsy arrangement. There was 2 or 3 frames of the same size and the abstract appearance of the corks was so fun, so creative and so green. So naturally I raved over them and asked "Where did you get these, they are fantastic!" (being the wine lover that I am) My cousin Jenessa replied that her dad, my uncle Mike made them. Uncle Mike is always making creative projects and things. He always used to make creative things to give to all of Cindy's sisters at Christmas. I told Jenessa, tell your dad I love that!

So today is my first day of official summer break, now that my classroom is all cleaned up.
To my surprise to start summer break I received a package today.
Inside the box full of packing peanuts was my very own original wine cork art in a beautiful homemade wood frame.

Etched on the back of the frame it said "Happy Anniversary Peter and Cassie."

It made me tear up a little....how thoughtful that he made one for us, that he remembered how much I loved it.

And how great that they got to drink 60 plus bottles of wine to do it!

Thanks Mike and Cindy that was very thoughtful.

Now it's hanging by our wine glass cabinet and wine rack.

PS: Can you see the hidden L design in the corks?

All Out of Air

2009-06-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning I woke up as usual. I got dressed and ready to go for the day, hoped in my car and began to drive.
As I pulled off the side of the road, I hear crunch...ch...ch..ch .... and notice my car is leaning a little too far to the left. It's got to be a flat tire.

What am I going to do I'd already pulled off the road and am in the middle of the intersection of 54th and 47th, of course we live on a one way.
So quickly I pull another left down the alley.
I get to our back driveway. And of course our other car is parked there so I can't stop there and I defiantly can't stop in the alley because cars can't get through.

So what now?

Keep driving.

So I continue to drive on a totally flat tire down the long alley and back up our block to our house.
I'm not sure what the rules are for driving on a flat tire but I was really afraid I broke something more.
The sounds I heard as I crunched along did not sound promising.
When I finally reached the safety of our curb I took a look at the tire.
No puncture or cut to the tire, it just looked like it was cracked from wear and tear.

Luckily, Peter takes the light rail so I could run in and grab his spare key, easily making it to work only 15 minutes late.

Luckily, the tire was already flat and didn't slowly flatten as I drove to work so I'd be stranded on the freeway.

Luckily, I have this great fixer guy close by who can easily put on a spare... until I can get a new one.

Trying to get it right,

2009-06-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Peter and I are trying to be better dog owners.

Here's Max, in his kennel. We are trying to get him used to it so he doesn't bark all the time when we put him in. We have extended the length of time each time and give him little treats when he's quiet.

If he's comfortable in a kennel it will make it much easier when he's staying with someone else or when we bring him to some one's house.

Wait... there's more... after having him for almost a year we are finally taking him to dog training class.

Sundays at 6:15 for 6 weeks at the end of June.

Better late than never!

things to be thankful for...

2009-06-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Even on days that seem to just drag on you can always find something to be thankful for.

I am thankful for the large maple tree in our front yard. It shades our house and gives us something big and beautiful to look at out our front window.

The only bad thing about our enormous tree are the leaves in the fall and the seeds in the spring... what a mess!

I am also thankful for flowers that are so colorful and intricately different from each other.

Here is a rose and an iris...gorgeous.

Here's Max, someone else I'm thankful for...watching the crazy lady out the window taking pictures of flowers and trees. (yep, that's me)

He loves to look out the glass door and watch the day go by.

First Grade Here WE Come...

2009-05-29T15:46:00.001-07:00

These were the words my little Kindergarteners sang today as they performed their Graduation Program. The last lines of the song we've been practicing for weeks now in preparation,

"the best is yet to come."

It's so uplifting to see the excitement in the little faces as they think about all they've accomplished this year, learning to read, meeting new friends and all they have to look forward to in the future.

To them at this point looking on to the future, it's a new desk, a new school, and a new teacher and let's not forget "I hope we have recess." But really it's so much more they will continue to grow, change and learn to become the "grown up" person that they will be some day.

It's fun to think I had a little snap shot, a little piece in the many pages that make up the life story of these little ones.

Congrats Melena and Nick!

2009-05-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

Who even reads Vogue???

2009-05-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

Can you believe what Anne Wintor of Vogue said about Minnesota?

Well according to her and her extensive knowledge of Minnesota we are all very obese... to be exact "little houses."

Excuse me fashion goddess, but last time I checked we were listed 30th in the fattest states, maybe she should look down south before she starts naming "houses."

City Pages Blog Reports:

"In a 60 Minutes interview last night, Wintour had this to say about the people she encountered in the Land of 10,000 Lakes:
"I'd just been on a trip to Minnesota, where I can only kindly describe most of the people I saw as little houses."She even gestures to show us how big these "little houses" really were. Well, listen: If we're "little houses", Vogue's wicked bitch of the east better watch the F out then, shouldn't she? We wouldn't want to, you know, fall on her. "---

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=180103830386&h=eFojo&u=j86lv&ref=mf

I like City Pages take on the situation.

Good thing I prefer People magazine...

Veggies

2009-05-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Peter and I planted a veggie garden this year.

We already have two gardens of raspberry bushes, (that we do pick neighbor lady!)

We dug up the old soil that had a ton of grass growing in it to get all the roots out.

We put in new soil, planted beans seeds ( a veggie Peter does eat), cucumber plant (my favorite) and green pepper plant.

We also have 3 strawberry plants on on end.

It will be fun to see if it all grows.

We are trying our best to keep out the little bunnies that now live in our backyard.

We will test this green fence to see if it keeps out the little critters.

Thank you Craigslist...

2009-05-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

It is so great to have craigslist...
What a perfect way to exchange goods, money and ideas in your neighborhood.
A great way to keep items that other people may need out of the garbage.
Peter and I found 2 excellent deals in 1 week.
We found a stainless steel stove to replace our ancient one.
We found a patio set as well.
The best part is the great deals, for the quality.
Thanks craigslist...

Blossoms

2009-05-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Our crab apple tree is so beautiful to the eyes and the nose with it's great smell.

When I walk outside, I'm reminded it's there, first by the scent and then by the sight of the snow white petals.

The sad part is they don't last long...

And then when they fall it looks like it snowed...

in our back yard...

in the middle of May.

What to expect...

2009-05-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

The school year is almost to a close so we have been talking about First Grade and what to expect. Even at the age of 5 the kids love to be prepared and spread around stories of what might happen.
Here are some of their concerns:

The only bad thing about First Grade is you get head lice.

I like recess, do you have it in First Grade? Yea but in college I bet you don't get recess!

Recess should be reinstated as a required time for all students and all adults,
wouldn't you like a little time to run around outside at least once a day!

Play Time

2009-05-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

What a cutie...

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2009-05-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Do you know...

that this is primarily a Mexican American holiday and is not celebrated as much in Mexico. In the 70's some Mexican American college students wanted a Mexican Holiday in the United States so they decided to celebrate an important event in Mexican history.

It of course means the 5th of May and celebrates the Mexican win at the Battle of the Puebla in 1862. Many people think that Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican Independence Day but that came later, the Battle of the Puebla was one step in their goal for Independence.

In Kindergarten today we made our own pinatas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Yes, they have candy in them and newspaper too.

It's great teaching kids about different cultures, it opens a deeper understanding and acceptance a variety of people.

Spring Gardens

2009-05-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

My new hobby is gardening.

Now that I have a house that is already landscaped with lots of gardens I have to keep up. I've had to learn what the world of gardening entails. To learn how to keep from killing plants. This used to be my main achievement when gardening or simply watering potted plants.

I used to watch my moms garden and think, "what's the point of pulling weeds, they just grow back again"...or "no one even sees the garden but the us so what's all the fuss." I always appreciated her colorful arrangements growing up but never saw myself finding the same enjoyment.

Suprisingly, I've enjoyed it so far and am a little embarassed that I get all excited when I get to go plant shopping. The rush of walking up and down the green house rows of colorful flowers with the beautiful variety of petals and choices of sun and shade.

I guess this proves that our interests and hobbies change as we get older...if I start knitting or playing shuffle board then I'll start to worry!

Five Year Old Food For Thought

2009-04-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

Where do they come up with this stuff!

" I like everybody... only I don't like robbers."

"Grandmas and Grandpas don't go to school they go to church."

"You wouldn't want to have a food fight with a crab...because he would win."

"Did you know that my dad eats spiders...not the big ones just the littler ones."

Paris and Giverny France

2009-04-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Please, may I go back!?

Second times a charm!

2009-04-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Before

During

First Time

second times the charm...

Over spring break we went through the tough process of ripping up old stick tile floor and subfloor. Then laying down 1 1/2 inch unfinished hardwood floor in our kitchen. After that we had to sand it and add poly to it. It was the longest 4 days ever!

Peter was the hammer guy and nailer guy. I was the puzzle girl, I layed each piece of wood before he got there and tried to fit it exactly so that we didn't have to cut the wood. It became a little game trying to fit the wood.

It's interesting to see how these projects bring Peter and I together. The accoplishment of finishing something and improving something that we did together. Each of us were important in the process.

Well, now it's time for a break... no more projects for awhile! After our 4 days of hard work over spring break we (mainly Peter) decided that water based poly didn't match the rest of the of the floor in our house enough and oil poly would be better. So this past Thursday night we sanded the floor again, and put down poly again... this time 12 hour drying time between each coat, 3 coats total.

Finally on Saturday night the house was done.

Furniture back, saw dust cleaned up through out the house...

now it's time for a rest

or maybe a vacation.

Daffodils

2009-04-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

I love spring!

The daffodils are bright, yellow and ready for summer.

I am getting excited to start my new hobby, as of last summer... gardening.

We are having babies!!

2009-04-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Baby bunnies....that is...

On Friday night Peter and I were sitting out on our deck enjoying the fresh night air with a beer or 2 when our little dog Max decided to bark and stare at the outside corner of our deck down in our garden. Peter and I just assumed that Max was seeing maybe a little frog or something in our garden. Max was persistant and would not leave so Peter finally decided to get the flash light and show Max nothing was there. With the flashlight's help he notices a pile of straw untop of the garden mulch and something that looks like pulled out fur. So he decides to reach his hand in and pulls it back out super fast because he felt something moving...first of all who sticks their hand into something like that with out knowing what it is...eeww!

After pulling out his hand this time he gets a stick to pull back the coverings to get a good look at the creatures. Luckily the critters turn out to be cute little bunnies cuddled up in a little hole covered with straw and fur. They had fur and their eyes were open, they were soo adorable.

We were sure not to touch them because we didn't want the mother to abandon them and not cotinue to feed them.

Funny thing is these are the little babies of the bunny I had been shooing out of my gardens all last summer.

I guess I'm not that intimidating.

My Guys

2009-04-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Classroom Pets

2009-04-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'll be glad when this unit is over...

2 left

2009-04-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

We are now down to two. As long as these 2 little fishys make it till May it'll all be good.
Going from 10 to 2...no one has noticed yet or at least no Kindergartener has commented yet.
I guess 13 cent replacements don't cut it!

Unexpected Package

2009-04-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

A month ago I ordered 25 fish, 10 pond snails, duckweed, algae and daphnia for a classroom aquarium. Finally, I got the package... excited faces were watching as I pulled out the critters for the aquarium.

Pond Snails...check
duckweed...check
algae...check
daphinia...check
fish, platys to be exact...check...oh crap

25 dead life less fish in a bag... 5 year old curious faces, "oh teacher, I think the fish are sleeping"

"Yep, that's probably it..." (quickly put fish back in the box...note to self make a trip to Petco for some fish after school)

I bought 10 fish at Petco. The next day only one student said..."How come the fish look different today teacher?"

Monday 4 were dead, now I'm down to 6.

Tuesday 2 more hit the great blue yonder of the toilet bowl..

Now I'm down to 4...

Please fish could you live a little longer! So far the Kindergarteners have not noticed...
It's all good.