Koepp Street

Flight Attendant doing raps!! (complete ed.)

2009-04-01T07:12:00.001-05:00

This was pretty cool.

2009-03-31T14:28:00.003-05:00

I just discovered this new flavor of Ben and Jerry's. It was very very good. Definitely worth the $3.65. Rolling Stone must have been inspired by the new flavor as well, because they decided to write a little article with all the interesting things that you always wondered about Ben and Jerry's flavors but never thought to ask. Click on the carton to go the the Rolling Stone article.

Texas Trip

2009-03-20T19:06:00.007-05:00

We flew back from Texas on Tuesday after five nights in Fredericksburg. We had a good time, even thought it was cold and rainy most of the time and I was stressed-out and depressed about my potential (probable?) job loss. I should find out about the job next week.

Brief Fredericksburg info: The German aristocracy thought it would be good to have some Germans in Texas, so they sent some very green pioneers over, many of whom died or became completely broke very quickly. I guess they were a bit too trusting of swindling surveyors. However, Fredericksburg did end up getting on the map and is now a very nice community in the hill country. Incidentally, Lyndon B. Johnson is from this area. There are a lot of gift shops, restaurants, and fun stuff in the town of 10,000, including a cocktail bar called "Proof", music festivals, and great historic parks and living history villages. There's quite a bit of German culture still alive, including restaurants, bakeries, shops, and museums.

My mother and father-in-law have spent six weeks of the Wisconsin winter in Fredericksburg for the last three years, and it was with them that we spent our days and evenings touring and playing cards.

Here are some pics with comments:

Me learning the fine art of hatchet throwing at the living history village (my favorite place on the trip).

A shot down the Fredricksburg mainstreet.

Sarah at Cranky Frank's BBQ Shack. Definitely my favorite place to eat with incredible ribs, brisket, and chicken.

Me at the Fredricksburg Brewery sampling the local dark. Very good beer and the sausage plate was also quite delicious.

Braden with Grandma and Grandpa in front of something very historic.

Braden at the Wildseed Farm looking at a fountain.

An Interesting Observation

2009-02-23T17:34:00.003-06:00

Braden's favorite stories and song are from 30-40 years ago. I don't really know what this means, except he knows what he likes! He absolutely loves the book "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats.

He needs it in bed with him at night, he loves to talk about Peter, and the little boy walking with Peter on the last page is definitely Braden (or so Braden says). In fact, he calls one of his winter coats "the snowy day coat." I think this was written in 1962.

His other favorite book right now is "Corduroy." We stumbled upon a video of this book just this week on a scholastic video series I got at the library, and he loves that now, too. Unfortunately, I have to return the video this week! He would probably love a corduroy bear. I believe Corduroy was written in the late 60's.
And finally, his favorite song right now is "Peter Cottontail." We have to sing it every night. I don't really know any verses or anything, so we sort of make something up. But the chorus must be sung when we lay him in the crib and he's ready to go to sleep.

I guess the classics still hold true!

Life with a Two Year Old Talker

2009-02-19T15:21:00.004-06:00

We get the biggest kick out of "Bradenisms" these days. One can never be prepared with what comes out of a toddler's mouth! Here are some of our favorites these days...

Hitting in frustration has been a bit of an issue lately, so now he says right away, "I not really hitting you mom. I just patting you really really fast."
We're prepping him for his big boy room, but somehow he got that turned around in his head so he calls it his "cowboy room." No, the decor is not the wild west!
We've been teaching him how to say "I love you, too" after we say it to him. So now, even if he says it first, he says "I love you, too, momma."
I think for a two year old, this is pretty smart. He's using his coping skills about two things that he is really afraid of - shadows and crows. So he says, "Shadows love me. Shadows are my friend. Crows love me too. Isn't that so nice!"
When he wakes up in the morning, the first thing he says is "you don't REALLY have to change my diaper mom."
After Christmas, he would come up to me and say, "I think I need a present today, momma."

Long time coming

2009-02-15T19:59:00.003-06:00

I know I know...we really haven't posted anything here for a long time. Sorry! I'm not exactly sure what the problem has been, but I'll give a few updates and a few photos...

Sarah: feeling great one day and then completely lousy the next. Looking forward to second trimester. Life is good since they finally gave me Zofran. Work has now completely changed, and I'm not sure if I like it or not. I'll stick with it for now, as I do have a job and the schedule is still wonderful (no weekends or holidays, every friday off). Just returned from a long but good choir tour to South Dakota. Drove the entire length of the state of SD yesterday, and then home at 2am.

Joshua: teaching two on-line classes, and taking one class at Adler. This is the last class for his Master's in Psychology! Rejoice everyone! Still needs to do internship hours to complete School Counselor program, but can (and WILL) graduate with the master's in Psychology. Having fun with his new macbook. That leaves the lovely desktop for Sarah!

Braden: working on potty training, had a great time at the waterpark today, loved the Children's museum with Anya on Saturday, missed Mommy while she was gone, but had a great time with Dad "fickn" stuff. Translation = Fixing stuff. Not sure what was fixed, but I trust they worked hard on something!

Reilly: Diagnosed with a heart murmur a few weeks ago, and we're starting to notice symptoms we hadn't before. Will probably call the vet to see about medication.

Here are some Valentine photos! Enjoy!
Mom home with two of the three boys who missed her - the other was taking the picture!

Fun to see Braden play with Reilly. Great new stage!

More playing with Reilly

Smile for mom after he opened his Wall Drug pen with a moving car!

A little South Dakota bag from mommy, which he promptly turned into storage for his new tonka cars from Grandma Zaiser

He's no Easter Bunny

2009-01-15T17:29:00.003-06:00

For the unintiated among us, Goosebumps is a very successful series of juvenile ficiton horror books. Something about the title of this one, Bad Hare Day, struck me as very witty and funny.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008-12-30T20:26:00.003-06:00

Or at least Braden thinks so! He looked at me recently and said, "Mom, I need a present." What have we started? Oh well! Christmas only comes around once a year, so live it up I guess! We had a great time with both families, but especially seeing Christmas through Braden's eyes this year. One of the most priceless moments was when he bit into Grandma Dawn's peanut butter blossom cookies. He had never really had chocolate like that before, and his reaction was priceless. Made me rediscover chocolate all over again! Here are a few pics...

Opening Golf Clubs from Gma and Gpa Zaiser Christmas morning

At Grandma Zaiser's house, opening his Christmas jammies on the 24th

Family photo- but we absolutely could NOT get Braden to look at the camera. Stinker!

All dressed up for Church. Isn't my boy so handsome? He had little black corduroy pants for the bottom. So cute!

Sabotage!?

2008-12-18T17:08:00.003-06:00

Well, this was supposed to be Anya's Christmas present. Braden got to pick out something for her this year, and has been just dying to give Anya this "baa-cum". He loves it so much, that I haven't wrapped it yet because he plays with it whenever I'm working on other wrapping downstairs.

I guess the inevitable happened - it completely broke. Of course he doesn't really know it, but I certainly do. An entire bottom piece is now completely broken off. We obviously can't give Anya a broken gift, so I guess it has become one of Braden's unofficial xmas presents. Sorry, Bear! We already have something else (and even better I think!) picked out for you. This time, Auntie learned her lesson and it's already wrapped and put away. So yes, Braden ends up with a bright pink, sparkly, little vacuum thingy. And he loves it. Hmmmm...wonder if there was some quick thinking on his part in how to keep it for himself?!?

Advent at the Koepp House

2008-12-11T15:08:00.003-06:00

In preparation for Christmas, here are a few pics of us in the past few weeks.

Graduation

2008-12-11T14:55:00.003-06:00

Braden is using a big-boy cup now at meals. He's pretty proud of himself!

They Have Arrived!

2008-12-06T07:18:00.005-06:00

My sister Becky was due with twins on January 28, but they arrived on November 28 instead. She developed severe Toxemia progressing into HELLP Syndrome. So they decided it was time for them to be born. Twin A wasn't progressing because of Becky's problems, and blood flow to the babies was getting compromised. Besides that - Becky's liver was starting to show signs of failure. Out they came! Becky is recovered, and babies are doing pretty well! I was so happy with how good they looked. Lydia is still on the vent in this picture, but has since been weaned to a CPAP (step-down from a vent). And Greta's already just on oxygen! It is anticipated they will stay in the hospital for sure until they would have been 36 week gestation, so that will be somewhere around New Year's. Grow fast, little ones!

Greta Louise 4 lb 11 oz
Lydia Helen 2 lb 11 oz

A New Church Home

2008-12-01T18:23:00.002-06:00

Over the summer - we started "church shopping" in earnest. While our church was fine, that's all it was to us - simply fine. Music was great, messages were so-so, and family activities were at a zero. It was a smaller church which appealed to us a few years ago, but no longer. We needed a place with some action!

So after much visiting, and narrowing it down to a few decent options - we quickly settled on Shepherd of the Hills just up the road on Victoria and 694. We now look forward to going to church! They have soooo much going on. One of my favorites is a professionally staffed nursery. Braden loves it, and gets a little bible lesson there while we go to church. It's like a date night on Sunday morning! One of Joshua's favorite things is the sincere effort of the church to provide something meaningful for every member. Yes - mine appears a bit more shallow. But I think they are actually along the same line!

Joshua's investigated a men's group where they do study one week and an activity the next time they meet, then back to study again. We're going to a small group for families with young children, I'm joining a scrapbooking small group, and tonight Joshua heads to the church to volunteer for Families Moving Forward. He stays overnight at the church as a host for homeless families.

We're definitely happy with the move - and we're really looking forward to making connections. We've decided that church is a lot about community, and we'd been lacking in that. So here's to a new adventure at Shepherd! Click on the link to learn more about the church.

Grampa Bill's Help

2008-11-22T17:21:00.004-06:00

I've had a vision for a long time of making a kitchen desk. Our computer used to be in our downstairs office. I quite haven't a decided if it's a good or bad thing, but our computer has become such a part of our existence, that it just didn't make sense for it to be downstairs anymore. So for the past year and a half, it's been on our tile "pass-through" into the dining room. We had some unused space in our kitchen, and Grampa Bill built us this desk in one day! I'm going to paint the wine rack black, and then we're getting a small bookshelf that will also be painted black for the other side. And now I have my nice counter back and in use, with a wonderful spot for the computer. Love it!

Sorry for the delay - here are some new photos!

2008-11-15T16:35:00.003-06:00

I guess posting pictures on the blog has sort of fallen to me the last few months. And it looks like I've been a slow-poke about getting some photos up! I've been starting to think about the Christmas season with all the leaves now gone and colder weather moving in, and I think my Christmas letter theme will be about CHANGE. My job is undergoing serious restructuring and reorganization. My position is basically ending, and I'll be going back to floor nursing for the most part. My staff will be split in two, and some of the newer nurses I've hired and trained may lose their job. Needless to say, the stress level is almost overwhelming. One bright, shining star in my dreary days has been, of course, Braden. Here are a few pics since the beginning of November. Thanks, little guy, for helping momma get through this uncertain time of change!

Halloween Pics

2008-11-03T15:33:00.004-06:00

A few photos from our fun Halloween night. We went trick-or-treating with our nieces Ellie and Kelsey. Ellie had a very silly costume (bull rider), Kelsey was a disney princess (Jasmine I think?) and Braden was a cowboy. Even Joshua and I got into the spirit just a little bit!

Changing Development

2008-10-21T07:23:00.002-05:00

Thought I would post some recent photos of Braden I took just this week. His playing has really changed - he's turning into such a big boy! He loves to build things, and also now really plays with his Little People stuff. Gone are all the baby toys. I included the first one, because I thought it was so cute how he sticks out his tongue when he's concentrating. Joshua does the same thing. He made the creation in the second picture all by himself - no help from momma. I found a latch puzzle at the second hand store for $2, and he loves it (third picture). I probably should have put it away for Christmas, but I knew he would totally get into it and I was right. So here's our boy - growing up so fast!

A Test of Terms

2008-10-10T17:55:00.003-05:00

Ikea product - or Lord of the Rings Character?

Faramir
Freden
Grundtal
Boromir
Molger
Galdor
Freda
Agerum
Babord
Frodo
Grima
Akurum
Brunkrissla
Sultan Hogbo

How did you do? See below for answers...

LOTR: 1,4,6,7,10,11
IKEA: 2,3,5,8,9,12,13,14

Miles of Birthday Smiles

2008-10-06T15:24:00.003-05:00

We just returned from a whirlwind birthday extended weekend. We had a great time with (and without!) our little traveler. Here are some of the birthday-boy smiles we captured.

Braden on his birthday - I was happy to get at least one smile!

We stopped at Pine Tree Apple Orchard on our way to Wisconsin. Braden had a great time in the pumpkin patch.

We went to Duluth on Oct 2, but I guess I didn't get any pictures while we were there. Braden had fun playing with my friend Sara's daughter Evelyn. After that on the 3rd, we went back to my parents where we left B with Gma and Gpa Z.
Mommy and Daddy took off for Applefest in Bayfield!
Here we are on Mommy's birthday on the Ashland waterfront.

Smiling for the camera!

Who doesn't love creamy white frosting? We had a construction themed party - complete with yellow construction party hats and orange construction cone candles. He loved it! He kept saying "Bucket Loader!" and "Dumptruck!" to anyone who would listen.

A great few days, and we're so sad to be back to our normal routines. Vacation time is wonderful!

"Outside! My go OUTSIDE!"

2008-09-28T19:43:00.002-05:00

Braden got an early birthday present I suppose you could say! A teacher at Joshua's school was looking to get rid of the 8 in 1 play system from Little Tikes. We got it for a steal, plus her husband actually delivered it right to our backyard and helped us get started setting it up! It went to together pretty slick, and he already has had tons of fun. By the way - these pictures were taken on Saturday morning - notice he's wearing shorts??? Tonight it was so cold we had to wear jackets! Oh how quickly weather changes in September!

A New Stage?

2008-09-24T19:26:00.004-05:00

Braden and Anya have always had a little bit of a love-hate relationship. They absolutely want to see each other, and each of them asks for the other one when they aren't together. But then when they are together, they have historically fought over every toy in the room!

Just the past week or so, both Danielle and I have noticed a new phase - they are actually being somewhat kind and playing together! Danielle heard them having a little kid conversation, and even making each other laugh, when Braden was over at her house Monday morning. So cute.

These are two pictures from our house recently - Anya was over twice in one week, so Braden was a happy kid!

Talk Show Marriage Counselor's Advice

2008-09-21T19:22:00.003-05:00

The advice to couples, no matter what the problem it seems, is to have a weekly date night. Yagoddabekiddnme, right? Balancing work, husband, personal interests, child, choir, bookclub, family, parents, coworkers, and occasional conversations with friends - and they STILL want me to fit a date night in there?

Truthfully, I've been desperately feeling the need for a date night. A good ol' fashioned movie or dinner out sounds great sans the almost two year old. It seems like the few times we've gone out for lunch lately we're asking for to-go boxes fairly quickly. Did I say almost two year old? You get the picture. So on Friday night, I went out of my way to create a date night at home. I've decided that's about the only way we can accomplish this until baby Mia is a bit older and we can start trading kids again for nights out with Joshua's sister. She's only 3 weeks old, so we've got a little ways to go!

I went to Byerly's and got lots of "treats." Here's our menu - California Rolls, smoked Turkey, a bow-tie pasta salad with curry, yummy stuffed olives, mango slices, soft cheese with fig jelly, and Martinelli Apple Cider. Then for dessert I got four choices - we ate one each on Friday and then had the other choice on Saturday. My favorite was the chocolate and cream cup with fresh raspberries, and Joshua loved the Creme Brulee. By far the big hit of the night (and now weekend!) has been the triple-cream with fig jelly. A "down home version" is soft cream cheese. But if you can splurge on the fancy stuff - oh so yummy. I highly recommend going to your gourmet grocer and getting some dalmata fig jelly ASAP. Braden even loves it.
We dined in the living room and watched "What Happens in Vegas." You can see I didn't go all out - most of the items stayed in their take-home containers. But it was still delicious, and it really did feel like a special treat. So there's our date night at home. A pretty good substitute, and no tip required.

Makes a Dad Proud

2008-09-15T15:14:00.005-05:00

Braden likes to read the "deer book" with Daddy. What this entails is the two of them looking through Joshua's man-magazines, "hunting" for pictures of deer and trout (which he calls frogs). This weekend, he even had the cap pulled down low over his eyes. I'm actually going to take that hat to his two-year old picture session. It's been a favorite hat this year, and it would be fun to get a few of him with it since he wore it all summer!

Glad I caught this fun daddy-son moment on camera! You can even see just a little of his excitement in the top picture. He was probably saying "oh, BIG deer!"

Few Posts = Busy Family

2008-09-06T15:12:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately - we've had a busy end of the summer starting with July 4 it seems! We have a much more relaxed fall, looking forward to Braden's and Sarah's Birthday with a trip to Duluth and the Apostle Islands that week. Projects we'd like to get accomplished now that we're home more than one weekend day in a row are:

finish staining the deck rails
Clean up and sort through office downstairs
pack away B's summer clothes
Split the Black Eyed Susans and other perennials that I don't know the names of
Split hostas
Cut down garden
Pick squash
Re-caulk upstairs tub
Go for more bike-rides
Build a fire in our "fire bowl" to burn all the twigs and sticks we've collected over the summer storms
Enjoy this beautiful weather!

Here's one recent picture - Gpa Bill got Braden this stuffed animal on his recent trip to Alaska. Braden loves it, and it stays with him in the crib at night. Funny thing is, he insists on calling it "lizard" even though we've told him that it's an otter many times! I'm giving up and just letting him really figure out what a lizard is at some later point in his lifetime. :-)

Mamma's Mia

2008-08-26T20:16:00.003-05:00

Auntie Dee-Dee and Uncle Ryan added a new baby to our family today. Mia Marie was born this morning at 9:34am weighing in at 7 lb 13 oz. She is so cute and round, with dark curly hair! The two girls look so different, and both adorable of course. Braden didn't know what to think of his new cousin. He was more interested in pushing the bedside table and baby bassinet around the room. Typical boy cousin stuff I guess! Auntie Sarah and Uncle Joshua think she's pretty great, and are hoping for some rest for her mommy tonight. Oh the memories of those early days...

Here are a few pictures from our visit to the hospital to see baby Mia.

"My arm NOT all Better!"

2008-08-24T20:03:00.005-05:00

Well, Braden had his first trip to the Emergency Room. We were at a wedding reception, and in an attempt to entertain him waiting for the food to be served, he completely dislocated his left arm. A little complicated to explain, but it involved walking up daddy's legs and then jumping down. During one of the "down jumps" it was a little too far to the ground and his left arm popped out. We knew immediately what had happened. He kept asking Daddy to kiss it, kiss it, kiss it. Then he said "my arm NOT all better!" Poor thing. So after a very painful 3 hours in the ER (had to make sure there was no break so it involved lots of x-rays and waiting before the doctor started manipulating it), the doctor gave it a little pop and he was immediately healed! After that, we could hardly keep him contained. He wanted to go for rides on the cart, wash his hands in the automatic sink, and have a pillow fight with mommy and daddy. He even said "Thank You doctor!" Today, he looked at his arm and said "owie arm." Then he said "doctor fix it!" Hopefully we won't have to make too many of those kind of visits!

State Fair Fun

2008-08-24T19:49:00.003-05:00

Braden attended his first Minnesota State Fair this past Friday. We all had a great time and survived the day just fine. We got our fill of fair food, farm animals, junky stuff to buy, and definitely the crowds. I honestly don't know what makes us want to go back every few years, but there we were this year! Must be something they put into those pronto pups...

This is Braden just an hour after we got there! He had a good 1 1/2 hour nap just riding around.

Braden seems to like Fair food just like everyone else

Checking out Machinery Hill

This was a HUGE hit of the day...a small farm where kids could do realistic things on their scale. Of course he went straight for the tractor and forgot all about feeding the fake chickens.

The last shot as we headed for the gate. A great time was had by one and all! Will we do it again - definitely! Next year? Maybe not.

Rest and Relaxation

2008-08-11T20:06:00.006-05:00

We've just returned from a week of being taken care of at my (Sarah's) parents. We always have a great time, even seeing two movies while we were there! A very rare treat! Also got in some golfing, shopping, card playing, boating, and reading. For the first time in what seems like a year Joshua read a fiction book. He read Eragon while I read the third book in the Twilight series plus some other "beach" reads.
I'll let our pictures say the rest...

Keep scrolling for more pics...

More Vacation Photos...

2008-08-11T19:58:00.005-05:00

Yours, Mine, and Ours

2008-07-26T19:40:00.003-05:00

Braden is fully aware of what belongs to each person in our household. It's sort of funny the items he identifies as either mommy's or daddy's. It all started with the shovel in this picture. He promptly took it over, and since then it's "Momma's Shubel." Various items make it into his list of categories...daddy's green car, mommy's shoes, and Reilly's ball.

But just this week, he added two new things to the itemized list in his little head. He pointed to the bathroom spray and said "Daddy's" and then he promptly pointed to the bathroom clorox cleaner wipes sitting out on the toilet and said "mommy's." Boy, does he have that down or what! :-) Even a little "almost" two year old sees what goes on in our bathroom!

Annual "Mommy-Free" weekend

2008-07-23T19:44:00.003-05:00

I spent my annual summer weekend away from J and B this past weekend south of Milwaukee with my friend Jennifer. We always have a great time doing not much of anything, but then manage to fill the entire weekend with everything! Here's a brief rundown of all my fun...

We spent part of Friday in Chicago - here I am at Navy Pier. Not the nicest of weather, but still nice to walk around the shops and spend a little time outside.

We saw a production of this musical that evening. I really liked it! Some of the music was great, and I liked the staging of the show. Granted, it was a dark show, but quite well done. The best songs were the obvious ones that everyone likes - This is the Moment, Someone Like You, and In His Eyes.

On Saturday we did shopping, and then went to Mamma Mia. I don't care what any of the reviewers say (and I know you agree with me Jennifer!)...I loved it! I don't get to go to movies very often, and it was exactly what I was looking for in a summer care-free movie. Laughing, crying, and then the whole theater clapping at the end. So much fun!

I always feel bad because I don't think I provide as much entertainment and fun here in the Twin Cities as Jen does in good ol' Kenosha. But I'll try hard this winter to find all sorts of great things to equal the time I always have visiting her. Thanks for a fabulous weekend of catching up and wonderful friendship, Jen!

getREELed.com

2008-07-18T21:25:00.004-05:00

So now there's a social networking site just for people who like fishing. It let's you embed cool photo things like the one below, which are pictures from the Koepp cabin near Minong, WI.

To go to my page, click on this text.

getREELed.com

2008-07-18T21:15:00.002-05:00

Find more photos like this on getREELed.com

Revised Driveway

2008-07-14T12:13:00.006-05:00

On Sunday night I reset the bricks, which I had to take out so the asphalt company could regrade the driveway and put in the right kind of base.

Nice curves, huh? Oh...the brick, that is.

The guys were very careful not to move any of my bricks when they put down the blacktop and packed it in to the corners.

It's amazing how fast the machine can put that stuff down.

Braden was in heaven watching all the trucks, "tractors," shovels, rakes, etc.

Relaxing Weekend?

2008-07-13T17:14:00.005-05:00

We just returned from a relaxing weekend at the Koepp lakehouse, and the only picture we have to show for it is the work we did when we got home! Couldn't resist snapping this one of daddy and Braden. Whatever daddy does a boy is sure to follow! Hopefully we'll have some tomorrow of the finished "asphalted" product. Can't wait to see that gravel go away! FYI: Joshua is realigning the brick border so that when the pavement goes in, it's nice and even.

July 4th Weekend Fun

2008-07-09T18:58:00.004-05:00

We celebrated the 4th of July (Happy Belated Birthday Trip!) and our anniversary in Wisconsin. For the 4th, we had a great, relaxing day on Long Lake. The water and weather were perfect. Braden missed Gpa Bill who was helping Auntie Dee-Dee with their house, but otherwise lots of other family was there to help with the festivities. Here's a pic of B from the 4thFor our 5th anniversary, we left Braden with Gma and Gpa Zaiser and headed north to Bayfield for the day. We ate at Maggie's, rode bikes around Madeline Island, did some shopping, got new t-shirts, and ended our great day with a Natalie McMaster concert. She performed with her husband Donnell Leahy. It was an awesome concert! We couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate together.
Here's a picture of Joshua on the trail on Madeline Island

This is just before the concert at the Big Top visiting Peggy and Dave's boat, the Pirate Hunter. Peggy is my co-assistant nurse manager at the hospital, and they have a new boat in Bayfield. So we had to stop by of course!

Sarah's 4 "Posts-In-One"

2008-06-29T21:06:00.005-05:00

Instead of four separate small posts - I'll do them all together to catch everyone up on my happenings lately.

FIRST - I was fortunate enough to attend one day of the LPGA US Open being held in Edina. My sister got VIP tickets for the entire series, and took me on Friday. A huge thrill since I was on the golf team in high school and have really enjoyed playing since then.There was even a hole in one the day we were there (thus the play on words in my post title!) I haven't been able to do it for the last several years (J's broken leg, pregnancy, having an infant, etc...) but seeing those amazing women play inspired me to get out there again this summer. We'll see if I can make it happen!

SECOND - I've been using my nursing skills at home as I've been monitoring Joshua's legs. He was infected with the dreaded "Swimmer's Itch" on a field trip, but has reacted worse than a normal person would. So I'm watching for infection and of course he's feeling extremely uncomfortable. I bought some topical cream today for him. Hope it helps!

THIRD - I have nothing but the best reviews for the Tide Pen. I've happened to have needed it several times in the last few weeks. It took out cherry juice on a white shirt, chocolate fondue on my shirt today, and ketchup on my sister's shirt a few weeks ago. Each time I'm amazed at the power of the pen!

FOURTH - we've created a dancing machine! We're always singing, playing music, and dancing at home. So at a wedding we went to last night, Braden had the time of his life. Joshua jokes that Braden's moves are better than his! Of course I joked back that it wouldn't take much! As you can see below, Braden has got his "rear in gear" and had the "white man's over-bite" goin' on.
Groove on, little man!

It's Cherry Season

2008-06-25T16:55:00.004-05:00

I don't think these pictures require much more of an explanation...look at that face!
Mommy and Braden DEFINITELY love cherries.

Wild Wind

2008-06-16T13:22:00.005-05:00

We had some really strong winds come through on Saturday night. A couple trees in our neighborhood were blown down, and we had a couple big branches come off the ash tree in our back yard. I looked around, and saw that our neighbor's tree has several split limbs and hanging branches, and another neighbor's spruce tree had the top snapped off. I found it hanging in the branches of another tree a couple of houses down. In the pictures below, notice how close our branch came to the power lines that go to our house.

It's really only a couple feet from the power line, and since the place it broke off the tree is right above the power line, we're not quite sure how it missed.

Braden kept on saying, "Big stick." An understatement to be sure, but he was on the right track.

As providence would have it, Grandma and Grandpa Zaiser were on their way over to attend Kelsey's dance recital and have Father's Day lunch. He brought his chainsaw, and I was able to get it all cut and put in bundles in time for Ed to take his chainsaw home after the recital.

I found a guy who could come with his chipper and take care of all the brush for me on Monday, and $150.00 later the yard looks as good as new.

"Where Lee-by Go?"

2008-06-14T08:07:00.004-05:00

Braden got to spend some time with his big cousin Levi this past week. Levi was so patient with Braden, and they really played together. It was fun to see the two boys in the family having such a good time. Here are some photos of our nephew playing with our boy. Braden was asking about Levi this morning (now that we're home) saying "where Lee-by go?"

2008-06-10T21:59:00.004-05:00

Sarah and Braden are in Wisconsin visiting family until Saturday evening. Since I've got class three times this week, and since it's the first week of my summer program (which keeps me really busy) we decided it was best for me to stay here. It's crazy how much I've become dependent on my people. I'm pretty well lost without the pair of them. I'm not used to being single. I miss them a lot.

New Interests

2008-06-01T09:04:00.006-05:00

Joshua brought home a used, but in very good shape, sand and water table from a garage sale last year. Since Braden was too little to enjoy it, it sat unused in our attic for over a year. Well - no longer! We got it down yesterday, and our boy played outside for 2 hours with his new sand table. We thought ahead when we got rid of our sand volleyball court, and reserved a little sand. Good as new! Instant fun for a little guy who's favorite activity is digging! Although he's now confiscated mommy's real digging tool, and I'm left with a plastic green shovel for all my gardening needs.He's also enjoying his blocks, a good find at a garage sale a few weeks ago. I had been wanting to get him some big legos, and there they were - two huge bags for 3 bucks. He loves putting them together and taking them apart again. No real building yet, but I know that will come. When Uncle Ryan comes over, we'll have to be sure to get them out! I know he'll be able to show him some great building skills.

Happy Birthday

2008-05-27T21:00:00.004-05:00

I'm 35 today. I started to celebrate over the Memorial Day weekend, which is my custom since my birthday usually falls on or very close to the weekend. We had a great time at Long Lake and Twin Lake celebrating with the Zaisers, Gibsons, Koepps, and Carlsons.

Today, I went to Fogo de Chao with Sarah for lunch and to the new Indian Jones matinee afterward. The movie was okay. It was fun. Seemed a little bit middle-school, but it was still fun. I think the problem is that the premise was new before, but not so novel now.

The restaurant, on the other hand, was incredible. Probably the best I've ever had. I can't describe it as well as their website does, so I'll let you click on the link below and take a look.

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T18:51:00.003-05:00

We spent part of Memorial Day weekend up at my parent's cabin near Minong, WI. One of the things we love about the place is the remoteness. No highway noise and very few "people" sounds. Another thing we love is being close to nature. These pictures were taken on the deck, about five feet away from the hummingbird feeder.

What Has Our Deck Become!?!

2008-05-21T20:27:00.003-05:00

Little did we know that we were not building our brand-new deck for our own enjoyment. I envisioned suppers outside, sitting and talking after Braden went to bed, or even reading a magazine while he napped. But as you can see, it also serves as an overnight storage spot for Braden's toys. Oh how ideas change when a toddler is around!

A Beautiful Day!

2008-05-12T18:39:00.004-05:00

This Mother's Day the sun finally came out! It's back under the clouds today, but for one day it was sunny, although still a bit cool. I had a good day - got served a smoothie in bed, had a great breakfast, lounged in my jammies for a while, spent time with family, and put in landscape edging around the day lillies and hostas I planted last year around the deck. It looks great! Now I'll add some impatiens until the greenery really comes in. Here's a few pics of mom and boy, Mother's Day 2008

Braden was sooooo tired from playing with cousin Anya, all he could do was cuddle with momma.
When I asked for a kiss, he must have thought he should kiss the camera, silly boy! What a pucker.

Mother's Day - a Week Early

2008-05-04T18:29:00.002-05:00

Today I got my mother's day gift a week early. As we were riding in the car, Braden was quiet in the backseat. All of the sudden he said, "pretty momma." It was completely unsolicited on my part and completely unpracticed on Daddy's part! He calls flowers "pretties" and he calls my jewelry "pretties." So now I guess I'm in the league of flowers and jewelry at least! I'll take that compliment from my one year old as the best mother's day present ever - even if it is a week early.

Extra-terrestrials

2008-04-25T21:19:00.007-05:00

Okay, I'm kind of an old X-files fan, and I've got a certain amount of...well...interest in the whole alien thing. I guess I'm like Detective Mulder. I want to believe.

Imagine my excitement when I found out that a real UFO was sighted right in my hometown! Click on the image to read the whole story.

A Recent Duluth Excursion

2008-04-14T16:44:00.004-05:00

Sorry for not posting anything except those depressing snow photos for awhile! We've been a busy Koepp household - a recent trip to Duluth was tons of fun. Sarah toured over this past weekend with the NLC (riding about 1300 miles in a bus - 10 hours yesterday alone), and Joshua dealt with baby illness while she was gone. Braden has had one ear infection after another since he turned 17 months old. This time, it was Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. He was a pretty sick little guy! But take a look at our fun Duluth pics instead of sick baby pics! Braden now successfully knows what a train says and what a duck says. All other animals still say "hmm-hmm."

Braden at the Children's Museum in Duluth

Joshua checking out a train at the museum in the Old Depot.
Great place!

Mommy showing Braden the ducks.
Now he says "Kack-Kack" all the time!

Braden looking at the fish in the Aquarium on the Lake Superior lakeshore by Canal Park.
Lots of fun and kid friendly!

A Little Too Optimistic

2008-03-31T16:10:00.004-05:00

We got out our deck furniture during the beautiful 50 degree day we had yesterday.

Here is what it looks like today.Pro: More moisture to help even out drought from last summer

Con: Do I even need to write it out?

It's April 1 tomorrow - this is no April Fool's joke!

Playing with "Reilly"

2008-03-27T16:15:00.007-05:00

Of course, I love Braden no matter what. However, there are times when he does things that are especially lovable. Like when he keeps bringing us books, holds them up and says "book" and wants us to sit and read with him. I love it even more when, after we have to stop reading and do something in the kitchen, he asks me to lift him up in his chair so he can sit and look at them alone and babble to himself as he pretends to read them.

Today, while I was cleaning up in the kitchen, I caught him playing with his car. The new phase for him is to play with others in his car. He did this with Anya today when he was at her house. I was surprised to find him playing with "Reilly" and his car. The pictures below describe.

Braden was sitting in his car and had is stuffed "Reilly" sitting next to him. He kept patting him on the head and talking to him while he was driving.

Not content to just drive with Reilly, Braden dangerously decided to try to play with Reilly while driving!

Overcome with affection for his dog, Braden kisses Reilly in traffic, and Reilly leans in to make it easier.

Not satisfied with "just a kiss" Braden crushes Reilly in a baby embrace.

Oh No! Reilly starts to fall off of his horse!! Horrified, Braden tries to save him.

With his quick thinking and strong arms, Braden pulls Reilly into his car and saves him from certain death. All is well. The two friends are safe.

Easter Weekend Relaxing

2008-03-22T13:39:00.006-05:00

It's nice to have a holiday weekend at home. We're spending the day playing with our boy and getting ready for company on Sunday. Left to do today - grocery shopping and final tidying, watch "Michael Clayton" and relax in our nice clean house.

Happy Easter everyone!
Here are a few pics from our Saturday.

Cuddle time with Daddy is always nice!
We gave Braden an early Easter present - chalk for his new "chalkboard" painted on the side of our recently built cabinet. He loved it! And I think Daddy did too.

Oh my - that elephant seems to be having a little trouble on his behind!

Snacks at Braden's table like at day care.

Spring Fever

2008-03-15T15:51:00.005-05:00

I have official spring fever. I am longing to do all the things to get ready for a lovely summer and fall. I'm itching to uncover my flower beds, pull out the deck furniture, start grilling, open the windows to get fresh air in the house, start planning my vegetable garden, take walks, and all sorts of other fun things.

To make due for now while the snow is still on the ground, I went to Lowe's and bought some new "caps" for my deck posts that went in last fall as part of my new deck. They are solar lights and look great at night! A fun and fairly inexpensive way to liven things up and ease my fever just a little!

Here it is, with the snow in the background and all!

I attempted to take a "night shot" but didn't hold the camera still enough. It's a little bit of an idea what they look like all lit up.

Oh, Sweet Sleep

2008-03-13T17:38:00.003-05:00

I took this photo this morning just before Braden woke up.
How peaceful and sweet!

That's not been the case for the past few nights. He has more teeth coming in, and this particular teething episode seems to be bothering him a lot. In fact, yesterday morning all he wanted to do was hold his blanket and lay on the floor. Suddenly he stood up, looked at me, pointed to his mouth, and said in a sad voice, "teeth!" Poor guy. On the bright side - this is the first time he's been able to verbalize what's wrong. A big step in two-way communication! (as opposed to us listing things off until we seem to hit on the right thing!)

Reading

2008-03-12T21:18:00.004-05:00

I am particularly happy that Braden likes books. He brings them to us and loves to sit on our laps and say the names of the pictures. It's very fun to hear his vocabulary grow. This particular German book was a gift from Grandma and Grandpa Zaiser after their Rhein cruise vacation.

Play Time

2008-03-05T16:27:00.004-06:00

A quick picture to show how silly Braden is getting with how he plays. I think he was playing "daycare" because he put on his hat, wanted a one "boop" on (boot), and grabbed his lunch box. He was ready to go! And yes, the GB Packer outfit is in honor of good ol' #4!

Time, attention, priorities

2008-03-03T13:07:00.004-06:00

I am compelled to post a few thoughts. I've noticed that since I started this blog, some things have changed. I started graduate school again, and I have a son, now 17 months old. I've been reflecting on how this has changed my blog posting. First, Sarah has started posting more. Part of this has to do simply with her adaptation to the idea of a blog. Of course, she has also posted a lot more of Braden's pictures, milestones (I've always disliked that term for child development), and information.

I post much less. I've also begun to post fewer bits of interesting information and personal thoughts and more about Braden. It's not because I don't come across interesting stuff on which I'd like to comment (i.e. this week: an obituary to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, insane lawsuits, and odd news), nor because I don't have my own interesting thoughts to post (I've contemplated starting a child guidance and development blog). Rather, I think it is in part due to the amount of time and attention that our little guy requires as well as how that shifts my priorities. When it comes right down to it, the immediate needs of family are much more important than blogging.

On the softer (and possibly more honest) side, it's because I'm just crazy about that little boy. I'd rather chase him around, give him kisses and hugs, watch him climb and fall and squeal, and yell "Weeeeeeee," see what new thing he learned, or just plain stand there and stare at him while he sits with his back against the couch and looks a book. When I have spare time, I'd rather spend it with him doing things that will never have a tangible result (except whatever positive results come from time with your toddler), than most other things. I can honestly say that none of my hobbies in life (archery, fishing, music, eating, learning, writing, etc.) have ever given me as much joy and pleasure as I get from watching and spending time with Braden.

The only thing I can compare it to is when Sarah and I started our relationship. All I thought about was her and all I wanted to do was leave her surprises, visit her for lunch, and anything else that would give us time together. I still feel that way. I hope I'm not annoying when I follow her around the house like a puppy and can't stop touching her.

People who knew me before Sarah and I met would never recognize the guy in the two paragraphs above. I was so independent, wrapped up in myself, and I think a bit of an opinionated jerk. I always wanted to be the smartest guy in the room. Sarah got a taste of the "old me" after our first encounter. Thank God she was patient.

I guess that the conclusion of this reflection really comes down to this: Family transforms, at least it has in my case, and I don't regret a single moment of it.

2008-03-03T10:40:00.000-06:00

Reading is Cool!

2008-02-29T09:37:00.004-06:00

The love of books has begun!

This is his absolute favorite (this week). It has real pictures of all sorts of different things. He points to all the things and says them pretty well. If he doesn't know, he points and looks at me waiting for me to say it. He'll study my lips, then say it like five times with a big smile.

Every time we get to this page, he points immediately at this picture and says "bamuhl." I have no idea why this one particular animal enthralls him so much, but it sure does.

Yeah Braden for discovering the joy of reading!
p.s. Mommy's reading "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett right now. I can't put it down! I'm actually excited to go to a doctor's appointment this morning in hopes that I can read it for a few minutes in the waiting room undistrubed.

I Heart Little Tikes Toys!

2008-02-19T18:08:00.006-06:00

I share this love with several other moms I talk to frequently - the love of used and hand-me-down toys. I'm especially loving the Little Tikes things right now. Braden is at a perfect age for these large motor toys, and he's having a ball climbing all over them. Luckily I have a great tile family room where he can roam to his heart's content. One thing I've had to let go of with a toddler - a clean and tidy house! At least while he's awake. And once he's asleep, who really feels like cleaning anyway?

We got the Cozy Coup from my sister Beth, who got it from her sister-in-law in Illinois 10 years ago! Still works great, even though it's probably at least 15 years old.

This Little Tikes chair came from "Once Upon a Child" for a dollar. It sits next to his tool bench (not pictured, but also a hand-me-down Little Tikes toy from a school in Joshua's district!)

I got this Little Tikes rocking horse off of Craig's List for $10 after a tip from a mom at Ikea. We were there looking for a cheap rocking horse, but couldn't really find anything. She suggested this toy because kids can easily climb on and off, which is is not the case with a lot of rocking horses. Love it!

Another hand-me-down from Auntie Beth. She's not even sure where she got this, probably at a garage sale she thinks. Braden's favorite part? The little cart that attaches. He spends all his time unattaching and then reattaching it, never really hauling anything around.

A Few New Photos

2008-02-15T11:14:00.004-06:00

Not much interesting news here this week, but a few new photos for you. He's really loving all his new friends at day care. Too many new words to count, and now my big project is to really work on "please" and "thank you."

All the World's a Stage

2008-02-11T18:27:00.000-06:00

All the world's a stage? Then the smokers in a resort here are the actors.

Barnacle's Resort in Lake Mille Lacs turned its normal Saturday night business into a play, testing a loophole in Minnesota's smoking ban. The production included programs and buttons that said "Act Now!"

"You are looking at a stage. You are looking at a playhouse," said Mark Benjamin, a nonsmoking lawyer who worked the bar dressed in Shakespearian garb. "Those are not cigarettes -- those are props."

The law allows actors and actresses to light up in theatrical performances -- but it doesn't define what that means. The idea of stretching the definition came to Benjamin at the Renaissance Festival, an annual event where people dress up in costumes.

Barnacle's usual winter boom went missing this winter, after smoking was outlawed in bars, restaurants and other indoor workplaces in October. Resort co-owner Sheila Kromer said she tried to stop the ban by testifying against it at the Capitol, but that didn't work.

So she was interested in Benjamin's idea, and said local police told her they won't step in unless someone complains.

"Several of the legislators said, 'You know, you've got to be innovative. Come up with something to get the people in your bar.' Right? OK. What's wrong with a theater night? Is that not being creative?" Kromer said.

The initial reviews were good.

Barnacle's regulars Charlie and Sylvia Tapelt applauded the move -- as did John Kurkowski, of White Bear Lake, who savored smoking indoors.

"It's great," he said.

"People should be allowed to decide," Sylvia Tapelt said.

Repeat performances are planned every Saturday night until authorities stop the show.

Grilled Pork Chop Marinade

2008-02-08T18:45:00.000-06:00

I made a pork chop marinade and it turned out really good. I thought I'd share it. I put all this stuff in a big Tupperware marinader thing and let it set in the fridge for 28 hours. Grilled up really nice.

1 medium or large onion chopped

2/3 cup oil (I used walnut)

2/3 cup soy sauce (I used low sodium)

2/3 cup orange juice

1 T chopped garlic

Connoisseurs of Sheep Innards

2008-02-08T07:55:00.000-06:00

The Scottish government said it would implore the U.S. to lift its ban on haggis, the Scottish national dish. The Scots say that haggis, which consists of chopped up pieces of heart, liver, and lungs wrapped inside a sheep's stomach lining, poses no danger of transmitting mad cow disease. "It is safe," a Scottish spokeswoman explained, "or we wouldn't eat it here."

Who Doesn't Love a Mess!

2008-02-05T20:27:00.000-06:00

Our little guy has been trying to feed himself. Most of the time, mommy has to step in for a few bites so he gets a little in his mouth.
But he sure does love to try!

One more thing...I don't know how we did this, but he won't even START to eat until he has his bib on. I'm not complaining! He used to pull it off immediately when he got into his chair. Oh well - probably just a toddler phase. We're beginning to see a lot of those!

Blink

2008-01-27T20:26:00.001-06:00

Here's Braden playing with us. It's always fun when he learns a new trick. My favorite is when we ask him where his eyes are and he blinks. This was taken a week and a half ago, and he can already do so much more. It's amazing how fast babies change.

Chef or Super Hero?

2008-01-22T18:27:00.000-06:00

Braden has been pretty funny lately with lots of things. Today, he wanted to walk around with his winter coat on, and wouldn't let me put it away when he finally decided to take it off.

Yesterday, he put his bib on backwards and played with it like that for hours.

He loves to play in his kitchen. Today he wanted his hat on as he was standing there.

These pics are for Uncle Chris!

Bad week for...

2008-01-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

Bozo, after a British study found that decorating hospitals' children's wards with images of clowns only serves to terrify the patients. "Clowns are universally disliked by children," said researcher Penny Curtis. Kids, she said, find their strange faces, weird hair, and ostensibly funny behavior "frightening and unknowable."

Packer Backers

2008-01-19T15:47:00.000-06:00

Good luck Packers! We're cheering for you!

Our First Parent Teacher Conference

2008-01-18T14:34:00.000-06:00

Braden has been at his new day care now for about 3 full weeks. It was time for their annual parent-teacher conferences, so we signed up just to see how our little man was doing. We've been having conversations with his teacher all along, but we wanted to take the time to see if she had anything else interesting to say. Here were some learnings for mommy and daddy today!

Mommy needs to send more food! I guess Braden always eats what I send him, and is still hungry.
Braden loves to climb in the castle they have, even going up the ladder all by himself.
When the teacher is picking up blocks, Braden will sit down and help her put everything back into the container. (Isn't that too cute?) I didn't even realize we were teaching him that.
Separation Anxiety rears its head again at 15 months (I had completely forgotten this)
Braden is way ahead of even older kids in his verbal skills
Braden actually cries when its time to put away the music instruments after music class is over - he wants to keep playing tunes!
Braden loves the gym, and is starting to run!

Overall, we are starting to really like his new place. It's a rough transition between infants and toddlers no matter what, and it will be until he really goes down to one nap a day. But we're thankful we found a more affordable, loving, happy place very close to home.

Good week for...

2008-01-17T17:44:00.000-06:00

Thor, after a Utah inmate sued for the right to practice tha Asatru religion behind bars. To observe the Norse religion properly, Michael Polk says he needs a mead horn used for drinking wassail, a drum made of wood and boar skin, a rune staff, and a reasonable facsimile of Thor's hammer.

A Creative Gift Card

2008-01-15T18:23:00.000-06:00

I just made a loan to this woman, May Fakhreddine, in the developing world using a revolutionary new website call Kiva. A coworker game me a gift certificate to this organization for Christmas.

Go to Kiva's website and lend to someone in the developing world who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the business is going.

When the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.

Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.

Oh, That First Precious Haircut

2008-01-11T06:50:00.001-06:00

Mommy wasn't too sure about cutting those curls...

But he was starting to look a little like a girl, so we took him to Kid's Hair

Doesn't he look like such a big boy in that chair! He wasn't too sure about it at first...

But he actually started smiling in the end

And now he has a big boy haircut! Which is starting to curl up again much to mommy's delight.

Bucket Head

2008-01-04T19:47:00.001-06:00

This is Braden's latest thing - he loves to walk around with basically anything on his head. In particular, he loves an old gladware container.

Pretty funny kid.

Calvin and the Snowmen

2007-12-28T12:46:00.001-06:00

If the cartoons are too small for you to read, click on them for a bigger version.

Duck Duck Goose

2007-12-21T16:15:00.000-06:00

In Wisconsin, we played duck duck goose in grade school. In Minnesota, we play duck duck gray duck. I don't exactly know why it's duck duck gray duck over here. Here's what I do know, however.

We've got a really cute kindergartener boy in my program. The problem is, this kid can't say the letter "R." When some kids can't say "R"s, they replace them with the "W" sound. However, this kid just leaves the sound out all together.

So naturally, when the kid I'm talking about tells us what gym game he would like to play, he says, "Duck Duck Gay Duck."

Never let it be said that we aren't inclusive at Adventure Club.

Click on the picture above to go to the Duck Shop.

A Christmas Thief!

2007-12-21T06:35:00.001-06:00

As I was doing the Christmas baking, I noticed a sudden "quietness" in the house.
I turned around, and what did I see?

My little Christmas babe stealing a Norwegian Kringla!

He takes after his momma. These are my favorite! Joshua likes the Peanut Blossoms I made this year. We're also enjoying the Russian Tea Cakes, or Mexican Wedding Cakes as some call them.
Enjoy your holiday goodies!

And NOW I can relax!

2007-12-17T21:30:00.000-06:00

The "relaxing" part of my Christmas doesn't start until the annual Christmas Festival of the National Lutheran Choir is complete. We had our big rehearsal week and concerts just this past week and weekend.

The setting was beautiful, the music perfect (after MUCH hard work), and the crowd plentiful. Click on the picture below for a review from Mpls/St. Paul Magazine.
It's difficult to explain what singing in this choir gives me, but read the review and you get a small glimpse into the world of the NLC. Her last sentence said it well - PEACE.

These Shoes are Made for Walkin'

2007-12-13T10:22:00.001-06:00

We got Braden the obligatory first shoes at Stride Rite. Good thing because he needed the extra wide shoe! Not just wide, but EXTRA wide. The Stride Rite worker said he just hadn't lost his baby fat from on top of his foot yet. No wonder I wasn't able to shove any other type of shoe besides Robeez on his feet!

Here he is - loving those new shoes!

Santa's little helper

Weekend Photos

2007-12-09T14:28:00.001-06:00

We've all had varying stages of a stomach virus this weekend, but we did manage to have some nice family time. Braden is probably this sickest of the three of us. Wish him well!

Braden is ever so gentle with his favorite ornament, a sweet-grass basket I picked up on a trip to South Carolina several years ago.

Didn't you love to play with your parents' nativity set? I tried to buy Braden the Fisher Price Little People nativity this year - our first very bad Ebay experience. Needless to say, he won't be getting that this year. Maybe next!

I think we're growing a lefty! Every time we hand him anything, he always tries to use it left-handed. He has several family members who are lefties, so he would be in good company.

Ringing in the Season

2007-12-07T18:05:00.000-06:00

Braden has been busy exploring all the Christmas decorations. He figured out how to ring the bells I received from my Grandma when she died almost 10 years ago. I love these bells - they are a set of 6 from the 1940's, and they are for New Year's Eve. We've never used them as such, but I have them sitting out ready to ring in the New Year if we ever host a party!
Braden and I chose to ring in the Holiday season.

We've been elfed

2007-12-06T21:04:00.000-06:00

Click on the photo to see the Koepp Elves.

Referendum consequences

2007-12-01T19:41:00.000-06:00

The State of Minnesota legislature decided it was okay to fund and build a new stadium for millionaires without letting citizens vote on it. However, school boards are not allowed to raise property taxes (an average of $12-$24/month) without a vote. That's understandable, since referendums were originally designed to be temporary taxes for the purpose of a special projects like building a new school building or some such capital expenditure. However, since the folks in St. Paul have been playing politics rather than figuring out how to fund education, school districts have been using referendums simply to continue to pay for basic services in schools.

In my district, a very aggressive "Vote No" group hired an outside consultant who is an expert in getting referendums to fail. They published documented lies (and are now being sued for it) about the referendum and made people believe that our superintendent was making idle threats when he described the services that would be cut if the referendum failed. Well, unfortunately, the referendum failed. Our superintendent wasn't bluffing.

My school will not open next fall. Neither will another elementary school in the district. In addition, one of the three middle schools will send it's students to the other two. The remaining two middle schools will become 7-8 grade. 6th grade will move down to the elementary schools. The remaining 8 elementary schools will not longer have any art programs, gifted and talented programs, and will increase their class sizes. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the cuts that will take place.

As far as my job, since my school is closing, my job will be eliminated, as well as the Site Supervisor position from the other elementary school. My boss will probably try to figure out some creative ideas to keep as many staff on as possible, but there are certainly no guarantees.

Merry Christmas

Children's Museum

2007-11-18T16:16:00.001-06:00

We went to the Minnesota Children's Museum this weekend. I've taken lots of groups of kids to this place, and my final conclusion is that it's great for kids birth to about 8-years old at the top end. Little kids, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers really have a blast there.

This my be my only chance to beat Braden at chess.

Mommy and Braden play the tin drum.

Leaves

2007-11-11T18:38:00.000-06:00

Braden has fun with leaves, or at least Mom and Dad had fun with leaves and Braden. Since he doesn't jump yet, we had to settle for dropping him into the pile.

Daddy Love

2007-11-04T15:41:00.001-06:00

Braden certainly loves to be with his dad. He had all day on Saturday with him since I was touring with the National Lutheran Choir. They weren't completely alone thanks to Gma Dawn's company. Braden is starting to show his silly personality. He wanted dad's hat on - but it went on backwards. He's really at a fun stage with all the new words and things he does. Latest words are "kitty" and "thank you"
We can hardly keep up!

He Makes His Parents Proud

2007-11-02T07:13:00.001-05:00

One of Braden's new favorite activities is to plunk the keys of our piano. He moves from the bass to the treble hitting key after key. So far, it's not that loud pounding - just a gentle little tinkling of the ivories. Will he play musical instruments like his good ol' mom and dad? We hope so! Jen - are you ready to make weekly trips up from Kenosha for piano lessons? :-)

Seeing Spots

2007-10-30T16:48:00.001-05:00

Well, Braden was exposed to Chicken Pox at day care yesterday. He was supposed to have had the vaccine along with the MMR shot at his one year check a few weeks ago, but he had such a very bad cold that I was not about to introduce live vaccine into his system when he was already fighting something off.

SO....I was to make a follow-up appointment sometime this week. We may not need it! Now I have to research incubation times and when we might start to see spots. I think it can take up to two weeks!

He's starting to eat a few more finger foods. All in good time as Grandma Zaiser says. She keeps reminding me that he's just 12 months this month! At his checkup all was well. He's growing well - still at his 10% for height and leveled off right at 50% for weight. He's doing 18 month "tricks" on his developmental chart-must have been all that fish oil I swallowed when he was on the inside!

Alligator or Crocodile?

2007-10-28T08:23:00.000-05:00

We got the two cousins together on Saturday to take some Halloween pictures. This is Anya's first Halloween, and Braden was less than a month old at this time last year. So it was fun to dress them up. I wasn't going to do anything since B is only 1 year old and will have absolutely no memory of this...but then my sister Becky loaned us this cute costume and I changed my mind!

A horse is a zebra, of course of course

2007-10-27T16:10:00.000-05:00

Yes, believe it or not, the famous Mr. Ed was actually not a horse. It was a zebra, and it was a female. The horse that was orginally to be used was not trainable enough to do the job. A zebra at a nearby animal park was able to learn the necessary tricks. Because it was filmed in black and white before color technology was developed, the stripes didn't show up. Think I'm crazy? read the details on Snopes by clicking on the picture below.

So Cute!

2007-10-17T16:58:00.001-05:00

Braden got a "new" hand-me-down book from his cousin Levi over this past weekend. It has really neat pop-out pictures of animals. Braden just loves it! In fact, we caught him trying to kiss the alligator. It was pretty funny. And I just happened to have my camera nearby...

Update on the Koepps

2007-10-15T14:15:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since we've updated the blog on just what's been going on in our lives, house, work, etc. So here goes!

Sarah: I was diagnosed last week with an ear infection and strep throat. No one else in our household is sick, but it migrated to the Carlsons. HUGE remodel project underway at work - I'm very excited already for the project to be done! Singing progresses with the NLC - first concert was a few weeks ago. Gearing up for the ever-meaningful and tremendously spiritual All Saint's concerts in Nov. Thinking about painting the living room, so need to put in a little thought about that some more. Also have been re-motivated to work on my scrapbook since I got so many great things for my birthday.

Joshua: I took a break for one class from Adler - partly because there wasn't anything offered that I needed but it ended up being a nice time off from school work. It will give me some time to formulate my plan for my Master's Project as well. I've been doing some practicum work at an Alternative Learning Center in my district, will start some social skills groups at my own elementary, and still need to get in some high school and middle school practicum time. Highview Alternative Learning Center has been a wonderful place for a practicum. The staff there are incredibly professional and treat the students with complete dignity and care. I don't think I've ever met a group of teachers with such big, open hearts for the youth they serve. Truly a joy to see.

Braden: I've been cruising around all the furniture, and have discovered an entire new world exists on table tops. I can say a few words - mom, dada, gentle, ball, eeee (for Reilly), and Auntie thought I was saying moe for more at her house. I've been playing in my toy area lots, but I love to play silly with mommy and daddy.

Reilly: Braden is a little easier to be around because he doesn't PULL my fur now. He's "gentle" with me most of the time. I love table scraps and mealtimes the best. I'm sooo happy when my family is home.

Domino: I love Braden - but from a distance. One of my favorite spots is under his crib or way up in his closet. Now that the weather is colder, I snuggle under the covers with my owners. They went away for the weekend, and I was so happy they were home I pestered them in the middle of the night for some pets and snuggles.

One Year Photos

2007-10-10T19:29:00.001-05:00

These are Braden's one year photos. They turned out pretty cute - considering he only smiled a few times. The photographer kept snapping the picture just a little too late! But she did capture a few that we purchased. How could I not buy the one of baby B all cuddled up with his momma? We also like the one of him holding our hands with our wedding rings showing. And who can resist a silly boy rolling around on the floor with his teddy blanket!

River Dance Monkeys (Remix)

2007-10-05T11:28:00.001-05:00

Most commercials are incredibly annoying, especially after you have seen them a million times. However, one or two make me smile over and over again. Here's one example from the Arby's commercial.

Garnett House

2007-10-05T06:50:00.000-05:00

Kevin Garnett's house is up for sale (at least the radio said it was KG's place). It's on Lake Minnetonka in Corcoran, was built in 1918, and this is only the second time it has been for sale. I won't take away too much from the suprise of seeing the listing yourself, but just to drop a teaser, the annual taxes are $133,688. To see the complete Edina Realty listing with pictures, click on the photo below.

A Pink Dolphin?

2007-10-03T17:12:00.000-05:00

This extremely rare and beautiful "pink dolphin" was spotted and photographed by Capt. Erik Rue of Calcasieu Charter Service on June 24th, 2007 during a charter fishing trip on Calcasieu Lake south of Lake Charles, LA. For verification, click on the picture.

It appears to be an uncanny freak of nature, an albino dolphin, with reddish eyes and glossy pink skin. It is small in comparison to the others it is traveling with and appears to be a youngster traveling with mama. After spotting the beautiful mammal cruising with a pod of four other dolphins, Rue and his guests Randy and Peyton Smith and Greg and Sam Elias of Monroe, LA idled nearby while watching and photographing the unusual sight for more than an hour.

The expectations are high that this amazing mammal will be seen again as it was in an area frequented by the gentle mammals and one confirmed report has it being spotted at least a month earlier in a nearby location. If it does turn up again, it will be a welcome surprise.

The Last of the Birthday Photos

2007-10-01T20:43:00.001-05:00

Today, Anya (and Danielle of course!) came over. We went to check out an apple orchard a few miles from our house just to see what it was like. We've lived here 3 fall seasons, drive by this entrance occasionally, and have never driven in. So today seemed like a good day! After that, we went to Eagle's Nest for some *free* fun times. A good find for babies under one! We all had a great time celebrating Braden's birthday, especially the birthday boy himself.

He has now had his cake...and ate it, too!

2007-10-01T17:16:00.001-05:00

Braden says, "I'm not so sure about this process..."

But if my mommy gave it to me, it must be okay...

Hmmmm, this is pretty sticky. I'm still not so sure...

Oh, wait a minute. Chocolate cake is kind of yummy!

Yeah for chocolate cake!

Don't get too used to it, buddy. Mommy and Daddy don't want that mess again any time soon. Not to mention any sugar highs you may have experienced!

A few party pics

2007-10-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

Braden's first birthday party was on Sunday, Sept 30. He had a great time and held up really well! Thanks to Uncle Ryan for capturing all the fun with his nifty camera. More birthday pics to come...

As we near one year...

2007-09-28T07:50:00.000-05:00

This is a special time for Joshua and I as we are saying "one year ago now..." in relation to the birth of our child. Braden turns one year old on October 1, and our lives changed forever on that day! I was joking with someone at work that I was ready for my 3 months off again, but not all the work associated with it! To take those three months off as paid time, I saved and saved vacation. It was hard, but I did manage to save enough to get paid for the entire 3 months. Do you know that only 5 countries in the world do not pay for any portion of a maternity leave? Can you name them?

Lesotho, Liberia, Swaziland, Papua New Guinea, and you guessed it...the progressive, civilized nation of The United States.

While the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 provided for "protection" of loss of job if an employee needed to take time off, it did not cover any lost wages. Senator Dodd of Connecticut is now sponsoring a new bill, called "The Family Medical Insurance Act of 2007." It's an important piece of legislature. As a mom in the working world outside the home (believe me, I completely get that working INSIDE the home is equally important!), and who helps manage staff who take this type of leave all the time, I'll be watching this one closely. Click on the picture for a link to Senator Dodd's home page which explains the benefit in more detail.