{our life}

Xmas Program

2011-12-19T20:04:00.001-06:00

Today was the long awaited Elementary Christmas program. This year it was actually at the elementary school instead of at the High School in Nashwauk. Another wonderful thing about this years program was....Christmas songs!! I mean like real life traditional Christmas songs such as "Frosty the snowman". It was a great program and I was such a proud momma!

(Above is Braydon reciting part of a Christmas poem)

Braydons sixth grade class singing their songs.

Brecken the little Christmas elf :)

Brecken's class performing

Where is Burandt you ask???

Well here is his class doing their performance, but Burandt was home all snug in his bed...with the flu! Yucka!! He had been up all night throwing up and still right now is still throwing up, Ugh not fun! And bummer he missed out on his program after all that hard work they did preparing for it...maybe I'll be able to get him to do a little solo performance for me when he's feeling up to it :)

Skater Boys

2011-12-19T19:44:00.002-06:00

We brought the boys down to the rink on Saturday since the weather has been exceptionally nice lately. They were so excited because daddy busted out his skates and stick (for the first time in many years) and joined in the fun.

getting a little help with the skate tying...

...it's a dad job!

Braydon trying to keep up with the old man :)

I believe Burandt was supposed to be goalie...apparently he didn't get the memo that goalies stand in front of the net :)

Brecken loved this game! He didnt have skates that fit him cause his little feet have been growing by the minute, so he played on his boots.

Burandt on the other hand was having mixed feelings about the game...

...he wasnt really feeling it:)

nice save Brecker!

puck hog!

he's so into it :)

...and he's done! It was a fun time, until I got cold. But the kids could have stayed out there the whole day...in fact Braydon has been spending pretty much all of his spare time down there :)

Santa visits KFD

2011-12-17T23:25:00.001-06:00

My cute little ones sitting on "fake" Santa's lap (yes..fire hall Santa will forever be known as "fake" Santa who helps out "real" Santa...since my boys have caught him with his beard off quite a few times in our many years, and have discovered the entire santa suit packed up in the christmas boxes while decorating the fire hall with me...oops!...but they seem to be ok with the fact that "real" Santa obviously needs to have a lot of helpers during the holiday season to make "appearances" for him so he can do important things--like get the toys and sleigh ready for Christmas night ;)

Better them...than ME:)

2011-12-02T19:26:00.001-06:00

Blake went out fishing after work and brought home a limit of crappies...luckily he had 2 volunteers to help clean them so I didn't have to help!

Watch dad...

Copy dad ;)

His second little helper...

Oliver really wanted to help also, but he settled for sitting under the table and hoping fish slime would drop so he could lick it up...he's so yucky!

Not huge...but decent.

Burandt on the other hand wanted nothing to do with cleaning fish today for some reason?? He just played iPad a bit and then he and I started a Pinterest project (that he suggested, thanks to Mrs. K) they will be super sweet lighted ice sculptures once the freeze...we can't wait!!!

I'm in love with...

2011-11-29T20:47:00.001-06:00

...I mean who isn't?
What?? You don't know what Pinterest is? This website gives a pretty good run down if you want to check it out:
http://www.clumsycrafter.com/2011/11/what-is-pinterest/
I have made a few "Pinterest inspired" projects starting with breckens Lego Halloween costume (see past post). Here are a few more :)

Tomato cage Christmas trees. Simply turn a tomato cage upside down and wrap with a string of lights... Wal-la You have a cute lighted tree!

Pinterest inspired Thanksgiving cookies... Turkeys and pilgrim hats:)

And my latest....home made laundry detergent! I literally made this in like 5 minutes...so, so easy! And inexpensive too! All ingredients used cost less than $7.00 to purchase and will last a very long time, considering for one batch of detergent it calls for only 1/2 cup of each the borax and washing soda, and 1/3 bar of the fels-naphtha soap. Simple directions: shred soap, cook and melt it, add more water,mix and then let sit over night...

...the next morning it jelled up a little. So I mixed it and put it into rinsed sunny-D containers. It makes 2 gallons per batch and you use 1/2 per load of laundry (yes it's HE safe...actually better than store bought because it doesn't suds up) best part is it only costs 1¢ per load of laundry... Yes you read that right ONE cent!! I'm on my 3rd load of laundry with the home made soap and so far it's wonderful!! Thank you Pinterest!

Best toy EVER!!!

2011-11-29T20:19:00.001-06:00

Keelie came to visit us and discovered we had one of the best toys ever...a dog kennel! She loved playing in it and forced Mutton(Brecken) to play in it also.

(the thing she was waving around was a Halloween toy)

(look at the smile)
Wait for it...

...yep she did what you think she did!

Haha! Priceless...typical Keelie the little bullypants!

Reading is Fun

2011-11-29T20:02:00.001-06:00

Brecken has decided his new hobby is reading novels...not that I'm complaining ;) I mean what mother wouldn't want their child to love reading.

The problem I have is that he goes through a 200 page novel in a week and there are only 6 books in this series he is into..."Diary of a Wimpy Kid". He said when he gets done he will just read them again :) silly kid!

Deer Hunting 2011

2011-11-29T19:35:00.001-06:00

Looks like those darn deer were very tricky this year...not only did I not get one, but Blake didn't either. Bastards! Well at least I can say it was not for lack of trying that's for sure. I spent many hours in those woods this year (possibly even more than Blake did).

Lunch time!

Braydon did some hunting this year too...he bounced between Blake's and Claytons stand.

Burnt also made into the stand this year....

...with his mom :)

My little brother Mike got an 8 pointer opening morning.

(he was sure to rub it in with plenty of pictures...butt!)

Blake's dad also shot a nice buck the first week...a eight pointer weighing in at 205#

Like I said...I sat many hours in my stand and saw NOTHING, but after the first snow when I could see all the tracks the were leaving during the night...they were seriously walking right down my path to my stand...

...and having a dance party underneath it! Ughhh! (yes this last picture was taken over the side of my stand at the ground beneath my stand...besides a few human tracks(mine) they are all deer) stupid things have their days and nits mixed up.

I was skunked on the deer this season, but at least I had pretty sunsets :)

...and yes

2011-11-17T14:28:00.001-06:00

my tree is up!

I put it up November 2nd ;)

...notice the Sioux colors!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-17T09:04:00.001-06:00

Halloween was fun this year! For some reason it did not seen quite as hectic as it usually is. The boys had fun trick or treating and visiting our family.

Brecken was a LEGO minifig this year... a super cute costume I made :) But as super cute as it was, it was even harder to move and get in and out of the car so he ended up making a costume switch halfway through the evening...

...thank goodness moms a hoarder and we had extras in the Halloween bin in the basement :) He ended up being a werewolf the rest of the night.

Burandt of course had to be something bloody so he went with Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th.

Braydon was a pimp (but I just told everyone he was an old man:)

Pumpkin carving!!! Thanks for all the pumpkins auntie Chrissy!

...FYI...its a fish...notice the dorsal fin :)

Homecoming Week Festivities

2011-11-17T08:48:00.001-06:00

Homecoming week was always such a fun time to be a kid. There is nothing like showing off a little school spirit and supporting your football team! Plus who can forget those homecoming week festivities..pep fests, and the ever loved dress up days :) Above was Monday dress as your favorite athlete day... Brecken dressed as Braydon, Burandt dressed as a Twins player, and Braydon went as himself :)

Tuesday was pajama day...which was obviously a little harder to convince the older ones to dress up.

Wednesday- Fake injury day- Burandt and Brecken both thought that was a cool idea!

Thursday- Hunting Day- obviously I had to twist arms to get them to dress op for this one...NOT! I was actually scouring their clothing to make sure they did not have any knives or bullets left over in their pockets from previous hunting trips.

And last but not least Friday- Orange and Blue Day!!

Grouse Hunting 2011

2011-11-16T21:46:00.001-06:00

Boys did great in the bird hunting department this year! Looks like all the air soft wars over the summer paid off and helped their aim cause my freezer is full of partridge :)

Brecken didn't get a chance to shoot at any grouse on this particular family hunting trip, so we put a box that I had in my car on a tree and let him use it for target practice....(he's just like his mama and just wants to shoot the gun)

thought they saw something...guess not

Burandt was on fire!... bringing home the birds left and right!

Braydon also shot his fair share this year too, but not as many as Burandt.
Another thing they got good at this year was cleaning the birds...thats always a plus :)

Looky there 30 years old and she shoots her very first one!!

Football Season

2011-11-16T20:43:00.001-06:00

Braydon and Burandt were both in football this year. Braydon was in tackle (his last year of pony league), and Burandt was in flag.

The brothers cheering on Braydon!!

Brrr...cold!! Good thing we come prepared with our hot cocoa :)

They both had great seasons and are looking forward to next year...especially Burandt! He says screw this flag business I wanna tackle someone! Uh Oh!

PS..I did get a couple pics of Burandts one and only game but it was so dark out you can barely see :(

Ten Years

2011-11-16T19:20:00.001-06:00

I brought the boys over to Grand Rapids again this year on 9-11 for the parade.

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I will never forget where I was, and what I was doing on that day...Will You??? I was driving to work...I turned on the radio, and seriously thought I was listening to someone talking about a movie or TV show they had watched...but then they just kept going on and on about plane a hitting one of the twin towers. By the time I had reached work and it was all over the televisions, and people were standing..staring in disbelief. I remember it so vividly...just like it was yesterday.

I have since made a promise to myself, to never forget! So each year I make it a point to bring my boys to this parade to honor the memories & sacrifice of those who died on or as a result of that day’s horrific events.

So PROUD of our KFD!!

The boys getting ready for the fire trucks!

343 Never Forget!

First Day of School

2011-10-08T12:40:00.000-05:00

It's back to school time again...Wahooo!

As usual I followed them to school. They were not happy with me about it...apparently they think they are getting to old for that sort of stuff.

This is the only picture I was allowed to take of MR. SIXTH grade....and YES he lectured me about how much trouble I would be in if I even thought of following him (or sneaking up on him like last year) to his class. So I was a good little mama and listened :)

But Brecken on the other hand was alright with allowing me to snap a few pics at his locker and in his class...

...1st graders are so much more cooperative!

Burandt just let me tag along to make me happy, but as you can see this little 3rd grader is not quite amused :)

They all had a wonderful first day back and are enjoying school :)

Alaska

2011-09-23T17:51:00.000-05:00

Off to Alaska for Labor Day weekend we went for my 30th birthday. I had the best time on my vacation with my love, and with my family...my only complaint is that it was to short :( We were lucky enough to stay with my wonderful aunt and uncle in Wasilla. (Thanks Vic and Todd love you bunches!!) Not only did they give us a place to shack up, they gave us an unforgettable time...Wohler's style :) Mountains, Mountains, and more mountains....I LOVE ALASKA!! What an amazing place! Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it!

Here is my lil cousin Hunter getting ready to shoot a ballistic target out of a tree...

...notice it (red and white) in the tree...

...after one shot, a huge explosion, and a decent sized fireball... the tree was gone all within a mere second! Super cool!

My cousin Asher what a little daredevil this little man is...I have never seen any 3 year old ride a wheelie without training wheels-until Alaska!

My lil cousin Slayte so full of character he is- LOVE him!

Slayte showing me how to shoot his bow.

Pretty good buddy!

We spent our first night in Wasilla hanging out around the bonfire with the family. Auntie Donna was wonderful enough to come visit and have dinner with us that day, so great to see her also. I really wish I could have spent more time with everyone, just means I will have to come back-- Haha! Look out Wohler's family :)

The next morning we headed to Seward. What a beautiful drive...as you can see from the above picture a lot of the way was a two way road with cliff on one side and ocean on the other.

Wouldn't be a trip with out seeing the Alaskan State Troopers (love that show)

Us in Seward

Funny sign (i thought). was it while walking the little shops in Seward.

It rained basically the entire time we were there (which I guess is pretty typical for Seward).

U.S. Coast Guard

Blake and I (and Vicky and Todd also) at Rays for my Birthday dinner :) Mmmm....Halibut!Upon leaving the restaurant we noticed we had a parking warning... Ooops! Apparently we parked the motor home literally right next to a 'NO MOTORHOME PARKING' sign....seriously! I blame it on the fog :)

The harbor just as we were about to leave on to the ocean for our halibut charter.

Vicky and Todd

Blake and I on the ocean (before I got sea sick)

Blakes halibut

Todd's yellow eyed rock fish

The days catch...not to shabby! We ended up shipping home 60# of it....so yummy!

If you have ever been on a ship or vessel before you know about this superstition I'm sure....No bananas on the boat- its bad luck! Some captains will even turn around and kick you off upon finding you with one.

Sea otter

Our charter company... also a HUGE thank you to Scott(Happy Birthday) and Teri for taking us out with them...we truly had a wonderful-memorable time!

more of our catch

Blake and I with a halibut...aren't they ugly fish!

Our amazingly fast deckhand Jeff...cleaning our fish.

ocean

Puffin

Mountain Goats

more beautiful scenery...

Glacier

Wow! Makes me teary eyed looking back at all my photographs and remembering our great time in AK...and how much I miss my family there. Thank you again Todd, Vic, and the kiddos for welcoming us into your home and showing us a good time. We love and miss you, and well I guess...until next time.

KFD Picnic

2011-09-23T15:46:00.002-05:00

Yep another bouncy house :)

We had the annual KFD summer picnic at the end of August at Carl and Robins house (thanks a bunch guys). Great fun! Bouncy house for the kiddos, games such as; bean bags, ladder golf, washers, and volleyball!

Some of the girls playing sidewalk chalk

Burandt my little bird lover was in heaven playing with these chickens.

I don't know whats up with the cheesy smile :)

One of the twins helping Braydon hold one of the chickens.....

...ya maybe not!

I think there were five all together.

Brayelle and Jayla...deep in conversation.

Ended off the night wonderfully.... obviously....as you can see the happy face :) We built a fire and made nummy smores :)

It's always a guaranteed great time when the KFD families get together-- cant wait til next time!

For Emma

2011-09-23T15:22:00.000-05:00

I took some picture for Emma of her and Keelie and also some of Kee's new baby cousin Kaysen :)

Beautiful baby blues!

Cousins!

Loves her Mommy!

Threshing Show 2011

2011-09-23T15:07:00.002-05:00

Brought the boys to grandpa's tractor show in Blackberry in mid August. They had a blast (as they always do) Always so much to see and do for all ages.

This year there was a bouncy house which they have not had in recent years that we have gone...big hit I must say (and free too...even better).

Showing off their bouncing skills!

This year the corn was steamed in garbage cans instead of a big freezer...different!

Animal Barn

Horse Barn

Tractor barrel rides= FUN!

Here is the homemade tractor my gramps built...sooo cool!

Just hanging out.

BIG tractor

Blake in the tractor parade on gramps Oliver.

Gramps on his homemade :)

Watching Gramps work at the old wood plainer.

Such a fun day!

Okay...

2011-09-23T13:55:00.002-05:00

...I guess I will get with the program and update my blog.

Here are some pictures from a July/August trip up to Cutaway. We had some super hot days for awhile there this summer, so there were days that just had to be spent in the water :)

Tattling...what else is new :)

Typical Brec...crack and all!

He means business :)

Am I in trouble??

Go faster- Go faster!!

Father like son...

2011-08-04T11:44:00.001-05:00

Blake brought Braydon golfing yesterday...amazing how much alike these two are :)

Blake shot a 38 and Braydon shot a 76 (on 9 holes @ Eagle Ridge). He's better than his mama!

Notice- Braydon is even tees off from the "men's" area. Heaven forbid he would tee off from where the ladies and seniors do.

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Summer School

2011-07-21T21:16:00.001-05:00

....is cool!

Burandt has been attending Learning Academy (summer school) since the beginning of July and LOVES it! He only goes for 5 hours a day, which includes help in reading and math...plus a little free time for some fun stuff!

Yesterday they went on a nature walk and Burandt found this nice piece of "nature" and just had to bring it home...so since we live by the school his teachers allowed him to drop it off on our deck along the way back from the walk:)

This is what he decided to do with it. Because his father told him to go hang it by moms flowers. Nice.
Next week is his last week and they get to take a field trip to the Minnesota Discovery Center...so he is really looking forward to that. Then before you know it September will be here and real school will start back up again..ugh..where does the time go?
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Crops

2011-07-21T20:46:00.001-05:00

So here is a little update on the 2011 city harvest ;)

Beans are vining! Yay! I thought they were never going to start climbing that fence....but after a little ant problem were back in business! (nothing a little cayenne pepper couldn't fix...I'll teach those ants to eat my bean leaves!)

Soooo ya the little box isn't doing to well this year. Started off great but then all of a sudden the onions all died, now the dill is going, and looks as if the peas aren't far behind. Bummer.

But all the other boxes are flourishing!

Cukes are growing up a storm!

There are about a hundred of these baby little cucumbers that just popped up.

I can't wait to make pickles!

Squash is growing...sort of.

The yellow squash grows to about 2 inches then dies and falls off. Weird! The acorn squash apparently seems to be all female plants (or it looks that way so far).

Blueberry trees should be producing soon. (look hard they are in there;)

Strawberries have been great this year....

...and we have had plenty of them considering they pretty much took over the entire third box.

Zucchini is also going great...one tiny little one on there so far.

Tomatoes we will have coming out our ears....

...but that's okay because I plan to do a lot of canning.

They are getting big too!

It's like a little tomato jungle;)

I also have a few cherry tomato plants too.

They are growing like grapes!

And finally my potato tub appears to be doing well. I have not tried to dig any up yet to see maybe in a couple weeks.
So thats about it for our crops. Next on my organic agenda....I'm thinking EGGS! :)
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Oliver's Fort

2011-07-06T22:31:00.002-05:00

The boy's swing set has been on it's last leg since last summer, so today Braydon and I recycled it into a doggy fort for Oliver. (honestly Oliver is the one who has used the swing set the most since we got it anyway, so it only seemed fair to 'dress' it up a little for him)
We basically just took the swings part off and enclosed the bottom to make a dog house. and on the top we had to block off one of the sides so he don't jump off and escape from the yard, or break a leg.

He loves it!

This is how he gets in and out of the fort....by using the slide. Obviously, that's how all dogs get in and out of their dog forts ain't it?!?

Testing out the dog house...

...LOVES IT!

4th of July

2011-07-06T22:01:00.003-05:00

We had a great holiday weekend...lots of fun, BBQing, friends, and laughter! Oh and HEAT! Here are the boys sitting with Gramps at the Nashwauk parade...it was a hot one that day!
watching the Shriner's...hoping they don't crash

Cool shades Gramps!

My little hams :)

Here comes our fireman!! All dressed in turnout gear---man that's gotta be hot!

Woot-Woot!! My hottie fireman :)

Jeffery carrying what was probably the largest flag in the whole parade.

Love this picture!

Blake telling the boys he ran out of candy before he got to them...bad daddy!

Blake and Braydon before the Keewatin parade...oh so cute!

Brecken and Burandt got to ride in the Rescue during the Keewatin parade....

....while Braydon rode on the back of Engine #1. Blake and I (along with others) sweated our buns off walking and throwing candy.

Noah marching with the band. Braydon trying to dunk Justin in the KFD dunk tank after the parade.

Hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday weekend!

Keewatin Fireworks

2011-07-06T21:45:00.006-05:00

Beautiful fireworks display again this year put on by the Keewatin Fire Department, but they always do a wonderful job...and I am not just being biased :) The kiddos getting ready for the fireworks show.
This one looks like a jellyfish :) Nice job KFD!!

Birthday Boy

2011-07-06T21:01:00.004-05:00

Mr. B is Eleven!! Well looks like Braydon has gone and got another year older and I quote "is now a TWEEN" (still I am unsure as to what that means...I've never been a mother to a 'tween' before)
So we had his party last Saturday morning. We had brunch...eggs, hash browns, sausage, french toast, and OJ.....and of course the 'cake' pancakes :) pssst....the whole reason behind brunch cause it looked awesome and fun to make. I mean who knew you could make cake just like pancakes?
Braydon opening presents....it's a fitted hat. So SIOUX!!!...and air soft gun crap. Brayelle was to cute in her sparkly hat and cool shades (that she kept pushing back up onto her nose cause they were sliding off:)

Serious face!

DAD!!! Give me the gun back!

Target practice.

Uncle Blake teaching Brayelle to play a little B-ball. This would be Braydon and Noah whining at me to let them follow the fire trucks to the medical call that they were called out on during the party....since I am mean, I obviously said no! Fun Hater!!!

Thank you very much everyone for coming and making Braydon's day so special!

PS: this morning he informed me that he got his first zit (on his nose) and he needs zit cream. So maybe tomorrow I will chat with him about maybe just rethinking this whole "growing up" thing if that's what being a tween is all about:) Just a thought....he will probably be mad I wrote that.

Birthday Girl

2011-07-06T20:46:00.003-05:00

Miss Brayelle turned 2 at the end of June!!
Look at the cute little owl cake her mom made her...just adorable!

Seriously auntie Sarah no pictures while I'm eating!!!

"the Look"

Blowing out the candles on the "hideous" cupcake Brecken made for her :)

Mmmm!

All the kids with the pinata Breanna made...so neat and no bat needed, just pull the strings.

Hope you had a wonderful second Birthday little lady!

Fire Helmet Cake

2011-07-06T20:27:00.003-05:00

Nashwauk Fire called and needed a cake for a retirement party for two of their members...so I figured why not bust out the cake tools and make something fun with rolled fondant frosting! After a little research online I found a site on how to make a fire helmet cake by stuffing a plastic children's toy fire helmet with just baked cake and then freezing it. A couple hours, and a few pounds of homemade marshmallow fondant later I had a 100% edible fire helmet cake:)

This was a really fun cake to make I should start using fondant more often!

The hat part of the cake was so tall it stuck out of the box :)

1st Cutaway Trip of the Year

2011-07-06T18:49:00.007-05:00

(mid June...yep I know I'm a bit behind) Well as I am sure you all know we have had some crazy weather this summer....rain, sweltering heat, some more rain, more heat, some storms, and so on. Well the weekend we all decided to take our first trip up to Cutaway camping it decided to rain...A LOT!!!
But that didn't stop the boys...Noah, Mason, Braydon, Zeb, Burandt, and Brecken all of them pretty much swam and fished in the rain all weekend.

We had soooo many wet sandy clothes by Sunday. Yuck! fish feet:)

Burandt and Zeb put on a lot of miles in the paddle boats that weekend.

Andy let they boys use his little boat (which was awesome-Thanks!) They had a BLAST! and caught some fish too!

We all went out on the pontoon to try and catch a little fish and the boys caught up with us in the little boat on the other side of the lake.

Here's Braydon helping his brother get his hook unstuck from the lilly pads.

Burandt trying to land a big one.

Brecken getting excited!

Cousins :)

Happy face :)

Jaxsen wanting to ride up front with Blake......or under Blake!

It's a big one!

Jazzy the Boat King

Wow that's a big one Brec!

Nice Job Burandty!!

Wow...great fishing boys!

Camping was also fun, a little cold and buggy at night but not too bad....but I vote that next time we go we should invite the SUN!

New toy

2011-06-12T12:19:00.001-05:00

Well new...old toy that is :)

One of blakes work buddies was giving away this old riding mower for free so obviously he couldn't pass up that opportunity considering we have such a large yard and all:)

$40 later it was up and running... Now the kids are fighting over who gets to mow the lawn. I think I like this!
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Learning to tell time...

2011-06-12T12:09:00.001-05:00

...the VERY old fashion way!

The boys and I are learning about sundials this weekend thanks to a fun 50¢ yard sale find of mine:) we keep checking the time on the hour to see if it's accurate (after we positioned it to the north) so far so good!
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Darn birds!

2011-06-09T09:19:00.001-05:00

So I'm not to thrilled about Elenor's new favorite hang out spot...she keeps tipping over my Pyrex!

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Our Day

2011-06-04T21:28:00.001-05:00

It was an Auntie and Keelie day today!!! Emma had to work today so we got Keels bright and early this morning.

Cruising with cousins cool shades on ;)

A stray cat found it's way to our deck (thanks to Nikki) now the boys think it's "ours". Uh-Oh!

Come here meow-kitty...I just want to pet you!
Ps: all animals are hard-wired to fear Keek, she's MEAN!

Just look at that evil face ;)

Bwahhahaha!!!

Someone's cute!

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Nikki's Graduation

2011-06-04T08:42:00.004-05:00

My youngest sister Nikki graduated high school last night...Yay!!!
Such a cuter!

NK Class of 2011

Getting her diploma.

moving their tassels to the other side.... and they are graduated!!!

Nikki with Gramps and Grams

....and Burandt too :)

Christina and Nik

Me and Nik

I love this one...chaos!

This is the best one I got on my camera with mom in it.

...with Keeker

And with Emma and a mad Keeker!

Congrats to Nikki and the Class of 2011!!!

Breckens Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-04T08:21:00.004-05:00

Well it's official...Brecken, my youngest, my baby, my last born has graduated from Kindergarten! *sniffle-sniffle*
Look how cute!

His cool shades for a sweet dance number they performed.

Slide show...also know as the "make you cry show"

And I'm not taking just about me ... Brecken was also affected by the slide show (he told me it was the music...but told grandma he just got too hot)

But we all got over the tears and had a wonderful graduation! Brecken is looking forward to first grade :)

So Proud of you Buddy!!

Squirrel Baby

2011-06-04T08:09:00.002-05:00

This baby squirrel though Burandt was his momma....That is until our crazy neighbor kicked it across the street and killed it (but that's another story...what a shame). The kids were just out riding their bikes and this tiny little squirrel kept following them and wouldn't stop crawling up Burandt's pant leg (yep just Burandt). I think he lost his real momma, so they were trying to coax him back into the bushes by the trees to find her.

sure was a cute lil thing

Band Recital

2011-06-04T07:51:00.002-05:00

Braydon's band recital also happened last month, and it was super cute! He is part of the 5/6th grade band and they got yo join in with the high school band for an end of the year recital.He plays trombone, and I must say he is MUCH better than in the beginning of the year....way to go band teacher!!Noah...who is in 7th grade band and plays percussion.

Opening Fishing 2011

2011-06-04T07:28:00.002-05:00

Three kids, two dogs, and us... equals one stuffed boat, but one heck of a good time:)
We didn't go to far since we had such a clan, just to O'brien to snag anything that would bite the boys hooks so they could fish a bit....of course the majority of what we caught was northerns, but they had fun!

Everyone gets excited when someone catches one...even Oliver!

Big Smiles!

even Finner came along!

King of the boat!

OK...I know, I know

2011-06-04T07:11:00.003-05:00

I'm a bad blogger lately...but time just seems to get away from me :)

Let's see there has been quite a bit going on in the past month in a half or so, from track and field days to graduations, to fishing and other miscellaneous things...oh and my garden is in! that's always a biggie this time of year even though the weather has been less than cooperative for it. (above) is Burandt in the agility relay on his track day for school. It was kind of a yucky day that day.

Braydons track day on the other hand was extremely hot and sunny...a sun burn kinda day! Here he is running in the 400 meter dash.

Brecken kept himself busy by running up and down the stands and playing DSi :)

Rockin Good Time

2011-05-03T17:32:00.001-05:00

Braydon just having a little after school jam session with his buddy....

...to what other than Metallica of course:)

Best thing ever!!!!

2011-04-24T21:58:00.003-05:00

Lets just say I am in LOVE with the Easter bunny this year...he knew I needed a new coffee maker since I somehow broke the last one I had. So a couple days before Easter he brought me a new Keurig!!! And I LOVE IT!!!! It makes coffee one cup at a time so its always fresh and hot...and there are 5 different cup sizes from a tiny tea cup all the way up to a travel mug. Just put in a K-cup (there are hundreds of flavors from coffee, tea, to hot cocoa) and press the brew button...less than a minute later you have your coffee!

...best part NO MESS! Just take the K-cup out and toss it. I recommend this to everyone...Thank you Easter bunny :)

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T21:31:00.007-05:00

The boys colored Easter eggs with Keelie at Papa and Grannies house......looks like FUN!!!The boys let us sleep in til 8 Eater morning...Yay for sleep because it was a long day!

The Easter bunny hid 92 plastic candy/money filled eggs in our tiny little house...didn't take long for the boys to find them though.

We were out the door by 9:30 of a super yummy Easter morning supper at Papa and Grannies.

Keelies cute Easter dress

No Auntie I do not wanna eat green olives...

...They are yucky!!!

Egg hunt at Papa and Grannies ...and then off for Easter #2 at Grandma Sharla and Grandpa Claytons.

Mmmm....Easter candy! Cousins!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter 2011 :)

Big News on Brecken

2011-04-24T21:25:00.002-05:00

...other than he is adorably cute! He can ride a bike... with the training wheels OFF!!!!!
Yay!!! We took the wheels off and he just rode away...like he had been doing it for years! Amazing--looks like he was ready! But was I???

Adventures in babysitting...

2011-04-24T21:19:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I have had a toddler, so watching one is basically like being a new mom again to me :) But I think I figured it out pretty quick. See... I taught Brayelle how to stick her tongue out, and she taught me some new dance moves :)
Keelie spent the night, and didn't cry!! Well except when her mom left (but that don't count). Here she is watching Toy Story on the portable DVD player so auntie could use the big TV to watch General Hospital ... See Easy Peazy!

D.A.R.E. Graduation

2011-04-24T21:12:00.002-05:00

Braydon graduated from D.A.R.E this month.
He also got to to to a Twins game along with the D.A.R.E class, Twins lost that game but he had a wonderful time anyway :)

After graduation I walked with him to get his stuff at his locker....it was PACKED full of crap! He had 2 pair of winter boots, 2 pair of shoes, 2 backpacks, a coat, 4 hats...numerous pairs of mittens and a sweatshirt-- not to mention all his books and stuff. Needless to say I lectured him and we cleaned it out-- KIDS!

Double Birthday Party!

2011-04-24T20:56:00.004-05:00

We decided to have a Double Birthday Party for the two youngest boys- since their birthdays are so close together.
Reading his card (because YES he can read)
Here they are opening their 'BIG gift' from us...we gave Braydon the 'option' to open his 'BIG gift' a couple months early too because we got them all DSiXL's and we did not want all the fighting that would come if only 2 of them had one to play. ...and lets just say they were all excited :)

Blowing out their candles!

Brayelle

Giving Uncle Blake hugs...first time ever!

Ahh...cousin LOVE!

Thank you sooo MUCH to everyone coming to Burandt and Brecken's party!!!

Ooops!

2011-04-24T20:34:00.002-05:00

Yes I realize I have not blogged in a LONG time...So what's been new with us...well not a whole heck of a lot. Every year around this time (Birthday season time) we are reminded just how old we really are. Burandt just turned 8, Brecken will be 6 next week, and Braydon will be 11 in a few short months! I mean look at this picture up above-- ALL three of our children are wearing Blake's old clothes from his youth. Ugh...they grow up way to fast! Also in our world we had a nice big ole' natural gas leak in the alley behind our house...NOT FUN! My neighbor came and knocked on the door and told me the ground was bubbling by our garage, so I went and checked it out--sure enough it was a gas leak...soooo stinky! Apparently it was on the news that night also, I did not see it but I was able to pull it up online...WOW someone (who ever called it in) really got their facts wrong. No there was no 'evacuation', and I was there the whole time and my eyes never burned?? Weird :)
One thing they did get right is that yes -the area was blocked off so no one could drive over it.
They ended up bringing in equipment and dug up the ground, fixed the leak, and everything was back to normal...by 3:30 that morning. Lets just say that its not easy to fall asleep to the sound of a backhoe and jackhammer :)

Mini-Vacation for Burandt's Birthday

2011-04-04T14:07:00.008-05:00

Saturday morning Blake and I got a "spur of the moment" idea to pack the kids in the car and head up to the Gateway hotel and water park in Orr for Burandts birthday...originally we were all just going to go to the movies as a family on Sunday, but we decided to take a little road trip instead :)

No plans- No schedule...just the five of us off to have a good time!The kids got a kick out of the saddle on the fish! Silly boys

Ya they are soaked with mud...huge puddle in front of that fish...(which of course Burandt 'fell' in) ...so gracefull he is!We ate lunch at a little 'mom and pop shop' in Ray...and afterwards had planned to go feed the deer- but it was closed! Bummer...but we did end up seeing plenty along side the road, Ummm Brec I don't think the goggles are supposed to cover your WHOLE face :)

Brecken enjoying himself at the pool.

...so was Burandt! Even though the place was packed with kids. LOTS and LOTS of kids! The water was cold but these little guys stayed in for hours and hours!

Hot tub time with Dad.... (and mom too, but somebody had to snap the pictures)

Dad trying to teach Burandt to swim...but the kids like a rock- sinks right to the bottom :)

the water slide

all tuckered out after swimming all afternoon

Sunday when we came home we were sure to celebrate Burandts birthday with some cupcakes...since we are not having his party for 2 more weekends.

Fun family weekend!

Happy 8th Birthday Burandt...we love you!!

What have we been up to??

2011-03-08T08:16:00.001-06:00

Well I haven't blogged in so long, where should I start... Last thursday Blake headed to Canada- for fishing (what else, right;) so it was just the boys and I for the weekend!
Saturday we went to the movie Gnomeo and Juliet...super cute! I recommend everyone see it...makes me that much more excited to see Elton in concert come May!

Sunday mom, the girls (minus Chris), and I met up with my Auntie Julie(mom's sis) at caribou coffee to catch up while she was in town.

Brecken and Kee also came along:) It was fun to get out and chat amongst the ladies.

Boys helped me with my Sunday coupon clipping...gotta love that!

Elle wanted to help too, but she kept flapping her wings and coupons were going everywhere, so she got grounded (you don't mess with mama coupons;)

Of course with dad gone the boys had their moments where they were extra specially naughty this weekend....but I fixed that! I found the perfect punishment, nose in the corner while holding hands:) I'll teach them to love eachother!

Blake came home Monday...YAY!!! Fishing was good, here he is with a 9 1/2# 28" green back.

The boys were excited with the hockey jerseys dad brought back for them. They wore them to school today for "celebrity" day...

But Brec thought his ensemble was lacking a little something...

Cowboy boots- obviously!

Blake also brought me home "presents" he made sure to grab me the Sunday paper for the coupons...well I guess it's the thought that counts cause they are only valid in Canada:)

Braydon had his first ski trip to Giants Ridge yesterday also....

According to him he's a pro! Already skiing on green and blue dots.

Burandt has still been going to wresting, and still loves it:) I have to admit I'm getting a little tired of him body slamming Brecken, just because he can....I think Brecken would agree ;)

Burandt also learned how to purchase movies on the direct tv cinema...looks like I have to figure out that child lock thing.

This would be the movie he purchased...The Rock, are you surprised? I asked him why he did it...he tried to pull the "I can't read very well, so I didn't know what I was doing" card.... So I told him nice try. Then he says to me "what it was only $5.99 that's a great price!" ughh...but I love him so;)
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Pride Family Picture

2011-02-27T16:50:00.002-06:00

Well lets just say this family photo was LONG overdue! Last one we had was in 2004 and I don't think we have been all in the same place at the same time for well over a year or so.
Amazing how fast we have all grown up...

...hard to believe one of those old ladies in that picture is creepin' up on 30 this year. YIKES!

Ahh, how cute...Dad and Mom :)

Bawhaahaa!!! Look at that happy face :)

Apparently my little brother did NOT wanna make out during pictures. Weird!

Quazi Talking

2011-02-24T19:45:00.000-06:00

I finally did it! I got Quaz talking on video :) She says a few of the MANY things she can say on this video like.... "I love you", "ta-ta-da-da!", "Elenor", "git out", "Good", and some more that I cant remember at the moment. Her vocabulary is in the 100's though including all three of the boys names, and she also sings songs too...I just have not been able to catch her on video. You can also hear Elenor whistle a bit in the background too....So fun to have around! Oh and ps: That annoying squeaky voice she is doing is just her interpretation of how I talk :)

You'll shoot your eye out...

2011-02-24T19:24:00.003-06:00

...just kidding! I a big enforcer of eye protection when playing with airsoft guns :)
The boys spent quite a bit of time out in the yard shooting at clay targets this weekend, and boy let me tell you the yard is going to look horrible once the snow melts!

(I made him move closer to the target for the picture, so I could fit it all in:)

Burandt thought it was cold out and opted to stay inside and "shred" on the Wii.

Oliver also stayed in- not by choice as you can see by the grumpy old man face...but I knew if I put him out I may as well have painted a bulls eye on his hind end...cause it sure as heck is funner to shoot at a moving target :) Even I know that!

Fishing with Friends!

2011-02-13T18:21:00.002-06:00

This weekend my friends Darrin and Amanda (above) came up from Aitkin to do some fishing, and just get away on a "mini-vacation". Saturday we fished on Little Cut Foot Lake ...fishing was sloooowww...but fish were caught! Well Blake, Darrin, and Amanda did most of the catching...the only thing I caught was some Zzzz's (I fell asleep in the fish house for pretty much the whole trip:)....which would be why I hardly took any pictures. Ooops! But we had fun anyways! one of Blake's fish...

A fish I caught...before my nap!

Thanks Darrin and Amanda for making the trip up north this weekend! We had a blast visiting with you guys and can't wait til next time :)

Nerf Gun Fun!

2011-02-11T12:51:00.005-06:00

Burandt wanted me to get a picture of him with his new NERF gun... a Vulcan or something like that (apparently that's a cool one). It took a couple tries but I got one of the dart coming out of the gun, he was excited :)

Not a concert...

2011-02-03T20:55:00.001-06:00

but an "Informance!"

Today we went to the high school to observe Braydon and his bandmates...they got to share with us what they have been learning thus far in band class...it was very short but sweet! They introduced themselves and played a few short songs....lasted about 30 minutes. Their first official band concert May 18th...can't wait to see it!!!
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UFC prep

2011-01-24T17:56:00.001-06:00

Training in session...

I finally got Burandts punching ball thing hung on his wall (from Christmas...I know-bad mom).

Now he's all set to begin training to be a UFC fighter ;)

Hmmm...what exactly was I thinking when I purchased this for him ;) oh ya because of his love of fighting...a positive outlet for all that aggression!
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Best Friends

2011-01-24T11:26:00.001-06:00

Nap Time!

These two just love each other!

Looks like Fin is smiling ;)

Oliver the crabby pants cause I woke him up!
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Nummy

2011-01-22T17:35:00.001-06:00

Keelie messy face :)

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Finnegan

2011-01-22T11:16:00.001-06:00

Our new dog Finnegan!

He's a 4 month old chorkie- half Yorkshire terrier half chihuahua.

We named him Finnegan for three obvious, yet important reasons: 1. He has red hair like a leprechaun 2. Ireland...my #1 on my wishlist of places to visit of all time and 3. Beer- Finnegan's beer (also Finnegan's Irish pub by the excel is the best). So ya he has the best name ever! Oh and his middle name is engelstad ...but that's pretty self explanatory;)

We have had Finny for 2 weeks now and he has made himself right at home...as if he has always been here. Oliver is LOVING having a furbuddy to play with again, and the kids adore him...as do the birds--Quaz has started up her little dog bark again (which can get really annoying, considering Finner don't even bark that much)

Welcome to our crazy family Finnegan!
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Congratulations to Brecken

2011-01-21T16:59:00.001-06:00

On his perfect attendance award!

Way to go little buddy;)
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100 Club

2011-01-09T07:54:00.001-06:00

Look who made it in the 100 club...

Mr. Brecken Maxwell did!!! ....and nobody told me :( so I don't know exactly when he did it--sometime in the past two months. I only know cause I happen to pass this billboard on my way to pick up Burandt who was sick one day at school last week. Oh well. Yay Brecken!!! Great counting buddy.
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New year.... New fun!

2011-01-08T22:37:00.001-06:00

Well we rang in our new year at the annual KFD pass the New Years party which was held at fire department member Tawnyas house.

I must say there was never a dull moment...not even from the second we walked in the door--dressed as cartoon characters! (we always pick a "theme" and them hide it from the hosts, on the day of the party all of the guests show up in crazy getups and the host gets to guess who we all are... It's a hoot)

Plus as always there was way to much food...which is ok because it suck having to cook all hung over the next day ;) we played the dice game with some fabulous presents...and the game of things was pretty hilarious too--my cheeks hurt from laughing after that game ;) Super fun party T and Stacy!!!

New years evening we all (our clan, the graves family, stacy tawnya, and noah) decided to gather up the kiddos catch a late dinner at Sammy's Pizza, and then go to the bowling alley.

At first we were not sure if they were open considering it was Jan 1st but the were, and it was pretty dead in there so we basically got our choice of lanes.

We split the kids up into 2 teams of three since it was Breckens first time bowling. He bowled "like a real person" without bumpers and did very good! It might be hard to see in the picture but he is beating mason and Noah and he got a strike! Looks like all that practice on Wii bowling has been paying off :)
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Brecken err... Ke$ha

2010-12-29T17:34:00.000-06:00

Brecken playing Wii Just Dance 2... dancing to Ke$ha Tik Tok sooo hilarious!!!

Our Christmas Morning

2010-12-29T16:48:00.009-06:00

Santa came! Looks like these boys somehow managed to squeak their names onto the nice list again this year :) They were so mad at me for making them take a picture...it was bad enough we made them wait until 7:30 to open presents.

Brecken opened all of his gifts at lightning speed...I really don't think he actually knew what he was even opening and tossing aside. It was tough to get pictures of him.

These two hams on the other case were posing up a storm....mom! mom! take my picture!

I am just going to assume they were having a good time and enjoying their gifts...all I kept hearing was "This is the best Christmas EVER!"

Yes...that is a coconut. Santa brought one for each of the boys in their stockings, thinking they might like the whole crack it with a hammer, drink the juice experience. Let's just say NOT one of Santa's most brilliant ideas. Well it seems that the whole Santa/coconut plan didn't sit to well with Burandt and he had been pondering it all day because here is a little snippet of our conversation from later Christmas evening:

Burandt: "mom...why would Santa leave us all a coconut in our stocking, that's kinda weird don't you think??"

Me: "No not really, he probably just thought you would like it."

Burandt: "oh well you know that coconuts don't grow in the north pole don't you..."

Me: " Uh ya"

Burandt: "So then where did he get it?"

Me(blurting the first thing that comes to my mind): "probably in Hawaii when he was dropping off presents to the kids there...now go make sure your rooms is clean"

Burandt: "oh..okay"

Elenor watching Brecken play bendaroos

And yes Santa is a SIOUX fan along with the rest of this household!!

I hope every one's Christmas was as entertaining and joyous as ours was:)

Christmas is Everywhere!!

2010-12-29T15:31:00.006-06:00

Well you know how Christmas time is around here...HECTIC! Run, run, run that's basically what we do :) But we don't really mind it anymore cause we learned the trick of spreading our Christmas' out over 2 days to make it easier on the kids....and believe me at the end of day2 they might be cranky and worn out, but not nearly as bad as when we used to make them go everywhere in one day :)

Here they are along with cousin Brayelle on day1 (Christmas eve) at Grandma and Grandpa's house...look at all those happy faces :)

The next house visited for Christmas was Great Gram Judy's and Grandpa Carl's... (I don't have picture's for this because I stayed home with Brecken-- he had the throw-ups! But Blake took the two older boys and had a fun time! After that off to a wonderful Christmas dinner of ham and turkey my Mom and Dad's we go...well minus Blake and Brecken...it was Blake's turn to stay home with the sicky:)

ok so this isn't a picture of mom and dad :) but they never let me take one of them...so instead you get their birds.

Kee all cuddly with woody

Mikey and his fiance Jess and her daughter Soleija.... in the second pic Soleija is helping Mike open a present for the new baby :) Yep that's right, I'm gonna be an auntie again!!

To end the day the boys and I made one final trip to Grams and Gramps in Pengilly just in time to say a quick hello/goodbye to Trish and her family as they were on their way to her Dads then back to Wisconsin....look at how big baby Dawson is getting. And those blue eyes!! Adorable:)

Gramps teaching Braydon how to rock out to his new paper jam guitar, and Soleija watching their every move.

Uncle Denny also brought the boys out to ride on his old snowmobile...which they enjoyed getting stuck--more than a handful of times:)

I must say we certainly do have the best family ever! Thank-you so much to everyone for all the fun, food, laughter, gifts, and love this holiday season....Love You!!

"fake" Santa

2010-12-29T11:40:00.003-06:00

Here is the boys at the fire hall during "fake" Santa's annual visit....yes they all three made me aware that THAT was not the REAL Santa! My obvious response was-- Duh! I know that... he is just someone we asked off the street to be Santa because the real Santa is way to busy to be bothered to make an appearance at small town Keewatin Fire Hall the weekend before Christmas...like I didn't know he was fake :) Wheew! That was a close one! During this time I was sure to remind them that if the did not believe, he will not bring them presents :) Trust me THEY BELIEVE!

Christmas Program 2010

2010-12-29T11:06:00.003-06:00

Boys had their Christmas program on December 19th...just goes to show you how behind on the blogging I am :) Anyhow the program was super cute as always!!

Best part-- everyone got to stay in their "designated singing area"...Ahhemm.... by that I mean Burandt did NOT get in trouble this year, and did NOT have to sit by his teacher the whole program like last year :)
Great Job Boys!!!!

My boy band

2010-12-11T10:07:00.001-06:00

Singing their version of Taylor Swifts "You belong with me"....Super cute! And yes that is a little bit of fighting at the end of the clip, just wouldn't be right if I edited that out now would it :) Enjoy!

First Ice 2010

2010-12-05T09:23:00.005-06:00

Well looks like it's that time of the year...you know the time when I lose my husband to the fish until the ice melts in March/April. They (Blake, Greg Clusiau, and Tim Ranta) went out yesterday and did fairly well on an Itasca County Lake...obviously after 12 ice fishing seasons with Blake I know better than to tell which lake that was :) He said the ice was sketchy in spots but there was 'more than enough' to be on the lake....so I take that as there was probably just enough to hold his body weight and some gear, but he would never admit that to me.
Oh and fish you ask?? They were caught :)
Sincerely, an Ice fishing widow

(oh by the way thanks for the pictures I stold Greg:)

I can see clearly now...

2010-12-03T15:51:00.001-06:00

Look who is super cute in his new glasses!

He was so excited that he could actually see things...he kept saying "hey mom ask me to read that" or "ask me what kind of car that is way over there". Like it was a whole new world...I guess to him it is;)
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Trip to North Dakota

2010-11-30T18:32:00.006-06:00

This past weekend we all packed in the car and headed to East Grand Forks for a little vacation. We started off the weekend at the Canad Inn Water park in Grand Forks to celebrate the birthdays of Blake's cousins children...Happy Birthday Isaiah, Amaya, and Aubrey! Thank you for letting us share your special day:)There was a big water slide that when you went down it it seemed like you were getting flushed down a toilet (pic at top) that seemed to be the favorite for everyone.

Even Brecken went on it ...A LOT!Braydon just has a big bucket of water dumped on him I thought he was going to fall over.

They loved the water park!

But of course it wouldn't be a trip if Burandt didn't find himself some trouble :) Here he is filling out an incident report with one of the lifeguards that rescued him when he found himself in a little over his head...literally!

That evening Blake and I along with a bunch of his family went to the Sioux vs. Notre Dame hockey game. Super fun!

Yes... I was very touristy and took pictures of basically everything:)

Luckily I was able to get in with my camera (but just barely) they measure your lens, if it's to long you can't bring it in...mine just made it.WCHA Championships

The whole team.

Brock Nelson

It was a BLAST even though it was not a win...it was a tie that's better than a loss :) I suggest if any of you get the chance to see a game in Ralph you do it! It's beautiful!!Afterwards we had to go out and whoop it up in the 'big city'.

We even made it in before bar closing, but that probably because we ran out of places to go. I think we were kicked out of 3 or 4 bars....not bad for our group I guess!

The next day we brought the kids to Cabela's. Here they are looking at the fish in the tank.

Burandt giving Brec a lift. The fish looked very sickly.Brecken being a sniper. He shot a badger he told me...crazy kid! Now if it was me I would have skipped past the badger and went for the grizzly or mountain lion.

Oooh Ahhh... these boys are in heaven! Cabela's gun library need I say more :)

On the road again...

...looks like you are never to old to wear your Burger King crown!

Thank you so much to the Grinde's for putting up with us this weekend we had a great time...and I now have 3 children that want to move in with Auntie Sara :) even though your town stinks (sugar beet factory) Thanks again!

2010

2010-11-29T10:02:00.001-06:00

Classic Slate Blue 5x7 folded card

Unique party invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

What am I thankful for this year...

2010-11-25T19:23:00.001-06:00

Why my beautiful boys of course!

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Oh my!

2010-11-25T09:17:00.001-06:00

Well I was going to bring pumpkin pie to Thanksgiving today...but apparently the boys thought it would make a better breakfast ;)

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Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T16:07:00.001-06:00

2010

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First Snow

2010-11-23T09:49:00.004-06:00

And I didn't even have to shovel!!

I knew these all these boys would come in handy someday...they may not want to help me with the baking and girl stuff, but heck when it comes to yard work I think I am set for at least the next 10 years :)
Snowball down the back...NOT FUN!

Braydon was even nice enough to shovel out our neighbor Joen too. I didn't even tell him to either. She gave him $2.00 and he was so excited!

Hunting 2010

2010-11-23T09:29:00.005-06:00

This year Blake shot 2 does (the one pictured is his smaller one). I shot NOTHING! Bummer :( But I tried ...I shot at a doe on opener day but missed darn it! Oh well there is always next year :) The boys enjoyed watching dad cut up the deer...

...look at Brec
Ooops got some blood on me :)
But I have no clue how that happened since Dad said "don't touch the deer" and I totally listened :)

Hmm where is Burandt?? Oh just playing with Grandpa's spiker head from the day before!

Braydon would rather share in all the excitement from afar...

...that is until dad made him hold the legs. Check out the disgust in his face :)
Hope everyone had a safe and happy hunting season 2010!

My lucky day...

2010-11-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

...band practice has begun :)Well the kids are beyond the days of book learning in band class and have now begun hands on lessons :) Don't get me wrong I am thrilled that they are showing interest in band, and hope they stick with it so they grow up to be well rounded little boys.....but lets just say these first few weeks or months may be a little rough on the ears :) Nothing a nice glass of Moscato can't fix though!
Braydon on the trombone......Mason on the trumpet.Reading notes.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T09:48:00.007-05:00

All dressed up for Halloween. Brecken is Mario (and has been about twice a week for the last month...he has been very excited for Halloween this year:) Braydon wanted to be Luigi but we couldn't find a costume in his size, so he opted for S.W.A.T. instead (because he refuses to be anything scary)...but Burandt on the other hand requested to be the bloodiest creepiest thing I could find...in his words not mine "you know like an axe murderer, or a serial killer, or SAW" So I went with scream bloody face cause it was as scary as this wimpy mama could let her 7 year old get. But I still say...that child will be my payback for everything I ever did wrong...times TEN! He's a hand full:)

First trick-or-treating stop... papa and grannys!

kids were all lined up to get some Halloween treats from granny so Sam (Mike's dog) thought he would sneak in line too...no treats for puppies Sam!

Looks like Mario was so hungry that not only did he eat his treats.... he ate his moustache too!

Next stop was great grandpas....and boy did he have treats!

Needless to say this was the highlight of the boys Halloween night :)

I needed a gun for deer hunting this year so gramps let me borrow one... that's when the boys saw the guns:) Forget about candy Gramps!! Show us the guns!!! Now it's all they can talk about!

ps: thanks for the the gun gramps:)

Burandt to great-grandpa: "to bad you only had shotguns my mom has a handgun"

Great-grandpa: "ya that's to bad, but if I did have one I think I would keep it here in my sock drawer" (gramps opens the sock drawer) (which just so happens to be filled with hand guns)

....as you can tell by the excitement on Burandts face. "Big mans Gun"

S.W.A.T. in action (grams pistol)

This one was a fan favorite with the scope... as was this one, because it had a laser and a light.

Even cooler Gramps told the boys that he uses this one to shoot coons out the bedroom window at night :)

(safety precautions were taken during this little field trip to gramps gun room. NO GUNS were loaded, all ammo was locked up, three adults to three children....and a new locking fire proof gun safe is on the way... no more dresser drawer:)

Brayelle the little red color crayon

...always hauling her 'purses' around :)

Brecken had enough trick-or-treating so I dropped him and Blake off at the house so he could build his Legos and pass out candy to 'his customers'...while I took Braydon and Burandt to a few more houses. Look at how pretty Nikki's yard is decorated (above) so cute! We even tricked Blake and Brecken and trick-or- treated at our own house :)

Hope everyone had a save and Happy Halloween!

Keelie Jo turns 1

2010-11-02T09:17:00.005-05:00

Hard to believe it but Keeker is a whole year old now! Wow that year went fast! Em threw her a costume party for her birthday since she was born the day before Halloween...Kee was Tinkerbell :)
...and she made one heck of a cute little Tinkerbell!

Oh and by the way...she is walking now!

Kee is a little obsessed with Toy Story... okay a LOT obsessed with it. So she was quite excited when Joshes little cousin Chase dressed up as Buzz!

Present time!

Yay!! Toy Story Mac and cheese (Auntie Sarah is the bestest:)

Buzz!!!

Cake Time!

Kee's very own cake...

Happy Birthday to youuuuu!!!!

So I would have thought with such a demanding, bossy girl personality...that this little lady would have ripped into her cake and made one big mess. Boy was I wrong!

She was so dainty... didn't want to get dirty! Either that or she didn't want to drop one bit of that cake so she could savor every bit of it?!? I mean look at how clean she was...and this was like after having that cake in front of her for like 10 minutes!

So Emma decided to take matters into her own hands and help Keelie along by smushing her hands into the cake.

what the ?!?!!! ...as you can tell she was less than happy about it :)

That is until she got a fork.

Messy hands made for one very messy drink of milk :)

Kee's cute cake face!

Happy first Birthday Keeker!! Love you tons!!!!

School Pictures

2010-10-26T16:50:00.002-05:00

Braydon Matthew - 5th grade
Burandt Michael - 2nd grade

Brecken Maxwell - Kindergarten

Blake's 30th!!

2010-10-26T16:14:00.006-05:00

Well the day has finally come...Blake has turned the BIG 30!

We had some friends over last weekend for his big day...and the Sioux played so we followed the game online (since it wasn't on TV) not that it really mattered they lost their asses anyway!
The glasses were a gag gift for getting older, but Blake really enjoyed wearing them. We all came to the conclusion that he sort of looked like Auntie Sara...well minus the facial hair, she don't have that :) Hey all you friends from waaaaay back when....remember this???

Yep...still fits :) Not really!

Blake and his cousin Lex

Blake has been a little obsessed with this crush blue suit and has been dying to wear it for quite some time now....we all thought he was going to the bathroom, but nope he was just slipping into something a little more comfortable :)

I'm really not sure what this conversation was about, but it appears to me by the look on Lex's face she is getting scolded for drinking Blake's Kokanee??? Just Sayin'
Thank you to everyone that came out and made Blake's day so special!

We had a wonderful time, and hope you did too!

Cute Face!

2010-10-26T16:12:00.002-05:00

Just thought I'd post this little bit of cuteness :) my niece Brayelle.

Orange vs. Blue

2010-10-26T15:48:00.005-05:00

The N-K Orange took on the N-K Blue team a couple Saturday's ago....and WON!

Needless to say those boys were so so happy! Bringing their total wins up to 3 this season:) You can't really see all that great, but that is Braydon right next to the kid with the ball.
I just LOVE this pic! I was trying to get a good one of Blake giving Braydon some pointers about the game... and ended up with a pretty funny picture.Braydon getting told the next play by his coach.
This ended up being the final score. Blue was Home Team and Orange were Visitors.

Champion Photo

Pizza's Here!

Braydon and Mason

Well that's a wrap...season is over and I'm done running around daily to football practice :)

Braydon did very well his first season, we are very proud of him, and despite the cold and running... I am looking forward to next year.

Hunting Day @ school

2010-10-26T15:45:00.002-05:00

Homecoming week at school means fun activities, pep fests, and crazy dress up days! Here's a pic of the boys dressed up on Hunting Day!

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!

2010-10-26T15:33:00.003-05:00

Brecken won 3rd place for his grade in the Fire Departments drawing contest for Fire prevention month....and banked himself a sweet 3 bucks! He was pretty excited :)
His brothers on the other hand felt he did not deserve to win because according to them he did not follow the instructions! Apparently "the instructions" were to draw a picture that went along with the theme: Smoke Alarms A Sound You Can Live With! I explained to them that's exactly what Brecken did..but in his own way, and Brec belts out "NO I DIDN'T! I drew a man taking a nice warm bath up in a tower, and the fire department had to spray him off cause he got to hot!" So Duh! Like it wasn't anymore obvious...either way his brothers were right he didn't follow "the instructions", but he managed to pull off a 3rd place win for his drawing anyway :)

Welcome to Our Home Quaz

2010-10-12T09:57:00.003-05:00

We have new addition to our crazy household...yep another talking bird! This was my Dad and Mom's African Grey Congo, Quazi.... that I have been begging them to give me... from the moment they got her. Looks like all that whining paid off :) cause I got her!!! She is so funny too, she has quite the vocabulary...and she mimics people voices so we can hear my mom, dad, mike, and nikki talking at random times of the day (but its really the bird). Sooo fun!As I said her name is Quazi... that's short for "Quazi-no-toes" Because as her name states- she has no toes just stubbies. So she is our special needs bird. I took it upon myself to turn her cage into a handicap accessible unit for her (flat perches and stuff so its more comfy for her feet) I think she appreciates it. At first Elenor was very jealous of her, but I think she s coming around. She likes to sit on the back of the couch and look at her...even do this weird little dance for her. Since Quazi's arrival last Thursday El has found her voice! Yay!! She has been talking and whistling so much..I mean don't get me wrong she still sounds like a 90 year old woman with emphysema, but you can make out what she is saying...such as "Elenor", "hello", and my personal favorite "Elenor's a whore". She has also become way more 'friendly' ie: less biting :) and she even likes to give kisses!

No Dad and Mom will not be bird less...they still have Scooter their Blue Gold Macaw, and today they will be adding a new bird to their family... Susia another Blue Gold Macaw :)

Tuff Stuff!

2010-10-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

Grrrr...!!!!

Brec in Braydons football uniform. So cute...I mean strong and manly:)

Fall Colors

2010-10-03T21:10:00.003-05:00

We went on a little car ride this after noon to see if there was anything left for leaves on the trees...we found some!They were obviously sick of pictures :)On our way home we came across MY future 1st deer (that I will shoot this year:) He still had velvet on his antlers.

Look hard...he's right in the middle!

Cousins Movie Date

2010-10-03T21:05:00.003-05:00

These silly kids all snuggled up to watch a movie...
...which one you ask???
Well, Toy Story of course...it's Keeker's favorite!

So cute :)

Wrestling Camp

2010-10-03T20:57:00.002-05:00

Burandt went to wresting camp a couple weekends ago. I know, I know late at posting about it but I have been sick. Anyway...wrestling camp was for 4 hours over 2 days. They learned a few basic skills, played some games, and did a bunch of exercising. He seemed to really enjoy wresting and I have a feeling he will want to join in the winter when it starts :)

Burandt coping Jody

First Game

2010-09-22T11:30:00.007-05:00

Yesterday Braydon had his very first football game against Hibbing at Cheever Field. We didn't find out he even had a game until just right after school that day so everything seemed so rushed yesterday afternoon, but we got to the game in time and Braydon did very well for his first time! He did not get much "play time" and was benched for a good portion of the game...so he decided to make the most of it by cheering his team on. Yep that would be him on the bench...dancing :)
He was put on the field and pulled off twice before he was actually able to play. Due to... to many men on the field, or disorganization on our coaches part...whatever you wanna call it! But when he did get to play I got a little obsessive with the picture taking :) He is orange #2 (with the black socks.
..second one from the left with the black socks.

good thing they gave him some one his own size :)

Go ORANGE!!

...and somehow from that last picture he ended up on top of the poor kid! Oh well as Braydon would say...its a contact sport!

He's #2 (upper left) That's game!

Unfortunately we lost 13-6, but it was still a great game and a wonderful learning experience!

Mr. B after his very first game!

Yesterday was a very BUSY day around here, but also a special one too....Happy Birthday Dad!

Love You Bunches!!

Brecken gets sent home from school...

2010-09-22T10:40:00.003-05:00

...for being whiny! Yesterday I got a call from the school nurse telling me that Brecken fell off the Jungle Gym on the playground at recess. She said all was well, he just got a scratch on his forehead but neurologically everything looked good, no concussion...just a nice mouth full of sand. She asked me if I wanted to pick him up, or if it was ok for him to stay in school. Since everything was fine I said if he's ok and wants to stay in school then he can. Obviously he wanted to stay, so our conversation ended.

Then I get another call from her about 30 minutes later stating that Brecken's teacher wants me to come pick him up because he is whiny, and just cant get over the fact that he got hurt at the playground?? Now this seems odd to me, but I go to the school to pick him up anyway. When I get there he is not in the nurses office, nor in the principles office...he was in his classroom playing during free choice time, having a blast. His teacher says "Oh Brecken your Mom's here to pick you up" and his face turned to sadness...he did NOT want to go home at all. To top it off it didn't even look as though he had even been crying! I was furious, and confused, but I brought him home anyway. Needless to say I will be very, VERY happy when the new kindergarten teacher starts....the sooner- the better! On the ride home he told me he was sad cause I was making him miss gym class and snack time...and I was lucky that it was not computer day! I felt so bad :(
So when we got home I busted out the sculpting clay and he made bowls, and we baked them in the oven for something fun to do together since he was missing out on gym class.