A Strawberry Sunday

Joe and I went out to pick strawberries this morning. I can't imagine a nicer day. There were bright blue skies and such a nice breeze. We were there early, rode out on the tractor and went to work. About 30 berries in, Joe thought he'd be a better foreman than berry picker. "Mom, there's a red one over here for you to pick..." It was pretty funny. He did good though. I'd never made jam before, but Jason's grandma always had for them growing up. So, this was the year I thought I'd give it a try. It was pretty easy, and all 14 jars are on the kitchen counter as I write. A few more containers filled in the freezer, and the best of the best in the frig for Joe and Kate to snack on.

Growing up, my grandma took my sister and I berry picking every year out in Dousman. Lurvey Farms. I think we used to eat as many as we picked. Nothing beats the taste right from the field.

The weather was so nice, that Joe and Kate had a picnic outside for lunch. Chicken, Sun Chips...and strawberries of course.

Happy 87th Birthday Cliff!

My great uncle Clifford turns 87 tomorrow...wow, now that is something. It's difficult for me to really understand all of the changes he's seen in all his years. But, as so many things around him have changed, he has for the most part...remained the same. Still listens to his library of classical musical almost if not daily. When I say library, I mean library. We're talking about thousands of records and cds, and it takes him only a minute to find the one he wants to listen to. He can play at least a dozen different instruments, from the organ to the violin. As if that weren't a big enough accomplishment, he can't read a note. He plays each instrument by ear. Sometimes when he is playing, I'll try to test him. "Hey Cliff, how about some Stephen Foster?"...he'll start in on Jeanne with the Light Brown Hair without missing a beat. Truly amazing. He has such a love of children, but didn't ever have any of his own. There's not a member of the family that hasn't played the penny game with him...

My grandma had us over for a birthday party for him on Saturday, more fun in the pool. All of the kids (except Kate) were crazy for the diving board, just couldn't get enough. Reminded me of my sister and I growing up. Kate and Lauren brought out their matching suits for this year too! I started with them last year, Lauren gets the big girl version..and Kate the little girl. So cute. Oh yeah, and she jumped another 30 times off the side this visit. She's a fish.

Happy, Happy Birthday Clifford! It was so nice to spend the day celebrating with you!

Swimming Lessons

Joe and Lauren took Level 2 swimming lessons together this session at Wirth Park. The summer lessons run for a 1/2 hour everyday for two weeks. They had all of their testing Wed and Thurs of this week, so they could be free to enjoy "Fun Friday" today. It was jumps off the diving board, trips down the big slide, and of course...candy to pass around to the class at the end.

(No chocolate on a day like today!)

They both passed and can now sign up for Level 3A...I still want to enjoy the accomplishment of front and back floats for now.

Congrats Joe and Lauren!

Our Kate

Father's Day

It has been a crazy weekend to say the least, but at least today was a day of mostly relaxation and fun. A day to celebrate the dads/grandpas/godfathers in our lives. My thoughts go to the kids and what a wonderful daddy they have in Jason, he loves them to pieces.

The weekend started with a rummage at my sister's house on Thursday, and it had been a couple of hectic days before that getting ready for it. But, considering that we were only open Thursday, a couple of hours on Friday, and a half day on Saturday...it went pretty well. My sales were mostly all baby items...alright, mostly all baby clothes, but it adds up. I have to admit that I was sad to see some of it go. It's really more of the memories attached to the things that gets me. I am a nostalgic person to say the least.

On Thursday, Kate woke up with bright red cheeks that almost looked like sunburn. But she hadn't been outside at daycare at all the day before. She has sensitive skin, so we thought maybe some type of heat rash. I called the doctor on Friday morning when the symptoms didn't seem to be getting any better. She went in at 5:45 pm...and was disgnosed with Fifths. Just a virus that can last up to three weeks. By Friday, it was on her arms too. Once the discoloration on the cheeks shows up, she's no longer contagious. Was that really positive news? At least it hasn't really affected her at all. Just a waiting game now for it to go away.

Saturday was a crazy day for Jason...14 hours of moving and driving to move both his mom and sister. He could hardly move when he got home last night, yikes!

Ahh, finally we get to this morning...Joe was up early again and thought it would be a good idea for the two of us to get started on the chocolate chip pancakes for dad...

I put him off until a little after six and an hour later the four of us were at the table having breakfast. After lunch, we headed out to my grandparent's house for a grill out and swim. First time in the pool this year. It seems that Kate wanted to beat all of us in and simply went to the edge by the steps and jumped. Jason and I were right there, and yet we turned our heads and she was in and underwater. Very scary for a second, but yet not too surprising with that one. I've been told that she's just the adventurous type, I'd say that's an accurate statement. Especially after today. But, all is well. She jumped in from the edge about 30 more times, but this time into Jason's arms. A more preferable route for sure. Joe had a blast too. I tried to get him to practice his strokes for swimming class, but her preferred playing with the water football and the torpedos. Who could blame him?

It was nice to spend the time with my grandparents, you always feel taken care of there.

Shh, it's a secret, but we stopped at the Kiltie drive-in on the way home for ice cream. And I most certainly did not have a medium twist cone after eating that huge dinner. Or did I let Joe have some of our ice cream after he had that big ice cream bar at my grandparent's house. No way, not me.

The Twins at Two

Our niece and nephew, Emma and Ayden, turned two last week. We went over to their place to celebrate. How fun to see how they've grown. Twins, but so different from each other. Ayden, definitely the more chatty and outgoing one...while Emma seems so laid back and just takes it all in. Kate couldn't stop calling to her and trying to hug her, she loves her girl cousins especially!

Here's to all that is to come, happy birthday!

Today 4k, Tomorrow the World

The end of Joe's first school year, and I was lucky enough to be the parent helper last Friday to be a part of it. The weather was beautiful, and kids were ready to break out for the summer. It was a fun year...all leaving knowing their letters, being better public speakers thanks to weekly show and tell, and mainly all leaving with 16 close friends.

Can't you just see all of the possibilities in their eyes?

Thank-you Mrs. Krueger and Mrs. Holle for a great year!

Happy 80th Grandpa Wendorf

Jason's grandpa Wendorf turned 80 on the 29th of May. We went to his condo for dessert that night to celebrate. Or maybe I should say that we went there for desserts. There was the requested banana cake with real whipped cream frosting, cherry chocolate cake, chocolate covered strawberries, and peanut clusters. Whew! My teeth hurt just typing about it. His two children, Mike and Carol were there for the festivities, three of his six grandchildren, and six of his ten great-grandchildren.

Jason's always been close to his grandpa, they're often on the phone late at night talking about whatever sports game happens to be on tv...and during football season they'll weekly pass five dollar bills back and forth on bets. He takes such an interest in the kids, always wants to know how they are and what they're into.

A very happy birthday to you.