What is that delicious smell??? Is that bacon!!!

 

No truer words have been spoken than those of my eldest baby (and practical clone) Miss Kaitlynn Bella. Today we had yet another Christmas celebration however this time there were no gifts but rather an awesome meal put on by my brother and his amazing wife Anna at their home. Tim hadn't been over to see their new place yet so I had fun showing him around the house and pointing out all the areas and how I would "fill them with various treasures." It was also a great reinforcer as to why we should be saving like crazy so that we can afford to get out on our own in a bigger place. Granted it just means more space for the girls to run around and more floorboards to dust but it wouldn't be nearly as compact a life. However on the other hand, living in a smaller home means I cant own as much and what I do own has to be put away frequently so as not to become cluttered... double edged sword in a way. Lucky for me I have a few years to think about it especially seeing we just got our school loans refinanced (roughly 1,200 a month down to 600 and like 3" interest instead of 8-15% YIKES) so we can allocate that extra money to paying off the principal faster- that's my goal at least. Enough boring money talk. Bring on the good stuff. Like bacon! So AJ and Anna put on a great spread for all of us which included her famous twice baked potatoes, an amazing ham (close enough to bacon for Katester) a beautiful mixed salad and more. Yum yum yum. It was especially good because we had spent the afternoon sledding a few blocks away. So in the end the house that they bought is about 10 minutes (8 literally) from my house and double that from my parents. Which seems to be working out great. Just far enough that no body wants to just "swing by" and visit but not so far away that you couldn't run something over quick. Just about perfect. It had been a while for all of us since we had been sledding. Kyra and myself a few years, about a decade for my mother, Aj and Anna weren't sure and it was Bella's first time. I don't think we have laughed that hard for that amount of time in... well forever. It was such fun. We took turns going down the hill solo and in pairs. At the end we even went down (all of us) arm in arm to see where we would end up "beefing" it. The snow was just deep enough to cover the entire snowhill by a good foot and it was soft and packy--- perfect for sledding! A few kids before us had discovered how to build ramps, so you had to be careful to dodge those unless you wanted to catch some air--- which resulted in bruises the next morning. Either way whether it be cautious or carefree, we all had an amazing time and an excellent meal... truly truly blessed.

Christmas # 3

 

This is our third Christmas celebration mind it be small but heartfelt. We got to bed late last night and I was fairly certain that the girls would be sleeping in this morning but this is ridiculous- I am up before they are- on Christmas Day! So what did I do? I went around and got the girls up... Santa was here!!! We stayed in our jammies and waited for my parents and Karla to pop over to see the girls. Because we did presents with the girls last night we did not exchange with them today but we had something special for Karla. We got her a digital picture frame already loaded with lots of family pictures. She loved it! Especially because it was an easy gift- plug it in and watch it go. The girls are so lucky to have such generous and thoughtful family members. Karla got them all something special and each an outfit to wear this winter. Tim made his amazing omelets (like his father's) and  I made cinnamon rolls for everyone but of course my mother had to show me up by bringing caramel pecan rolls. No worries for me though because they taste amazing and I have lids for my pans so we kept the cinnamon rolls for later. I had to work at 2 and Tim was off so he stayed with them for the afternoon. Kyra went off with Jade at noon (it was out year to have her for Xmas Eve and morning) so the girls had a lazy day snuggling with Daddy which they have missed quite a bit. I am hoping he is ready to do a whole lot of Daddy Day Care though because come January 11th his contract computer job is up and there is not another set up for him as of yet... it should be an interesting winter at this Bronander house.

Kyra will be dancing her little socks off this winter! She got Just Dance 4 for the Wii and the Michael Jackson experience (which means we will hear Thriller for the next few months-hahaha)

Christmas # 2

 

Christmas Eve is finally here. This is my 3rd favorite holiday (yes I have the incessant need to categorize and organize everything in my life... I blame my mother for this one.) And so I was pretty bummed to find out that both Tim and were going to have to work for at least the majority of the day. Unfortunately his mother had to work at night and his dad had a "Santa" gig so really there was not a lot planned. The girls went to my parent's while we were both working and they took them (all 3) to Christmas mass (which frankly I am not all that disappointed that I missed as it is very long and my girls are not the greatest sitters) and we ran out there for dinner around 7 when we were both off work... and what a treat. My parents had prepared all of our favorites (at least mine hahaha) and we filled our bellies with deliciousness and our hearts with laughter. I always get nervous when we eat in my parents (formal) dining room. Its like going to a restaurant where the food is free... but you are always terrified that the girls will make a mess on the expensive chairs or scratch the wood table. Side-note: when we were kids AJ and I were never even allowed in that room which is probably why we are a little ski-dish in our adulthood. AND the thing that bothers the crap out of me is yes, we were not allowed to step foot in that room yet the grand kids are allowed to play in there- coloring, construction paper, dollies and tea parties... say what??? (anyways...) so yes it was a lovely meal together which was followed by opening gifts for all of us and the girl were so excited. Bella maybe more than the others because she got to take on the role of "Santa's elf" by handing out the presents. L-O-V-E L-O-V-E L-O-V-E-D IT! She didn't want to take the costume off. Well that was until Kyra got each of the girls a new dress-up outfit (what a great big-sister) Katie gets to pretend with a waitress getup and via is a Chef. But depending on the day that could all change. I have to say they are pretty good at sharing (for the most part). Speaking of sharing- my parents have decided to share the gift of health to my whole family this year. They were very generous and gifted us a year's membership to the YMCA so we can participate in swim classes, gymnastics and various other activities. I am looking forward to getting back on the typicality and Timmy (Mr. melting away) is planning on hitting the treadmills and the weights (Oh I am certainly not complaining hahaha). Time to get my MP3 player up and rolling again.

Christmas # 1

It used to be years ago that we would vacation out in Arizona by my grandparents every Christmas. But when my grandma Jones died the holiday just wasn't quite as cheerful so we decided that every year over Christmas break and New Years we would travel to new and awesome locations with the Soto/Steinhausen crew from Austin Texas. This was super fun I loved it while it lasted but since I started working in the hospital I now have to work weekends and holidays too--- which shoots the holiday travel right out the door. I am however, able to take quick weekend jaunts this time of year so we loaded up the girls and headed over to the Western side of Wisconsin to see my dad's side of the family for a Christmas celebration. It has been really important to me to get over and see family as much as possible because honestly--- none of us are getting any younger. Also because I want the girls to see their cousins as much as they can while they are young and to experience all the things that families can do together (nuclear and extended). On Friday night we went out for fish (at literally one of my favorite restaurants on the face of the earth--- my cousin Theresa laughs at me for this but its sooooo good). Saturday my parents went with my Grandma to LaCrosse for a wedding so I had the whole day with the girls. We decided to scoot over to my cousin Theresa's house which is only a few miles away (I of course got lost and ended up going a good half hour our of my way- Damn GPS) and made it just in time to help make some delicious treats which may or may not have been productive because for every one that made it to the cookie sheet... I probably ate at least two. No matter :) The kids had fun playing with each other running up and down the steps a million times each. They loved decorating the gingerbread men that my cousin Kristina got for them... delicious and messy but fun! When It got dark we loaded all five kids into the van and headed into Sparta to check out the Christmas lights at the park. And who was there??? Santa!!! (I am sure you can imagine Kaitlynn's surprise with yet another Santa Claus--eesh). They all took turns sitting on his lap for the most part. The little ones were not all that interested and headed straight for the candy- which was okay because it was a tiny room and pretty darn cold (I guess an accurate portrayal of the "NOrth POle.") We walked around the grounds which were all lit up for the holiday with tons of lights and displays. All he kids were in their winter gear which included snow pants, puffy jackets, snow boots, hats and mittens and two ibuprofen for the mommies. It always seems like a good idea to start with-- the magic of Christmas. Looking at the lights and reminiscing about being a child unassuming that your children will be just as in awe as you were... but they weren't. They really didn't care. All they wanted to do was eat the snow and run all over the parking lot. Should have thought this one through a little more but like I said... it seemed like a good idea.

 Krissy dishig up the Brandy slush--- a favorite Herrman holiday treat (yes its boozy)

 All the great- grandchildren except little newcomer Kevin who was in Minnesota

Sunday was spent at my cousin's house and the entire extended family (my aunts and uncles, the cousins and the great grandchildren) were all there. Thank goodness she has such a large and open house because there sure were alot of us. Instead of doing a big noon hour meal we opted for munchies and all our favorite snacks--- it was AWESOME!!! I had little wienies, chips, veggies and dip and no less than 5 deserts... heaven I tell you. We did presents for the little kids (who loved it of course) and then we all opened our gifts from Grandma (my Dad's mom and only living grandparent) and I cried. I literally cried. It didn't seem like alot to her and she kept apologizing and saying it wasn't much--- but it meant a whole lot to me. A little wooden owl tablet holder that I used to play with as a child and two antique books: medicine and photography. It was FOR SURE one of the best and most thoughtful gifts I have ever been given. Bar none. God love ya Grandma- thank you.
Speaking of photography--- I made everyone get in at least one picture... hahaha

Another One Bites the Dust

Cell phone that is. I have been envious of smart phones for a while now but was never able to justify getting rid of my perfectly fine cell phone just because I wanted a fancy one. The new smart phones are a little intimidating to me but if I can figure out a Kindle I am sure I can manage a cell phone no matter how many bells and whistles. So here is the story: I was home with the girls on a Friday getting various chores done arou8nd the house; folding laundry, washing windows and tackling the pile of dishes overflowing from the sink onto the counter. Tim had to work and I wanted to send him a picture of Olivia sitting on the toilet trying to go potty like a big girl (not having to buy diapers anymore would be awesome!) and the signal in the kitchen was poor. SO I set my phone on the window sill hoping that there would be no interruption in my reception. The picture went through and then my phone rang... vibrating right off the window sill and into my sink full of dishes. CRAP. Ring Ring (under water mind you) "HI mom- I love you and my phone is going to die. Call the house" Within a few seconds a loud sizzle and a pop... and that was the end of my cell phone. Woopsie. I attempted for a few days to dry it out using various techniques that I had heard about from friends and searches on the Internet. I even carried that sucker around all day in a jar full of rice hoping that it would absorb all the moisture but alas my phone was kaput. Lucky for me not only did I have insurance on my phone but I was also eligible for an upgrade in early fall. So my beloved mother watched the bambinos while I went to the Sprint store to pick out a phone. Now for those of you who know me well know that I usually know what I want-- having an opinion and a preference in nearly any topic imaginable. I found myself at a disadvantage though without my husband along to give me the cliff-notes on the various cell phone varieties not knowing where to start. I was literally surrounded by salespeople that wanted my money but were not listening to them when I said "I want it to go on the Internet and look pretty" Hello!!! How hard a request is that? In the end I went back twice to be sure I liked the phone I chose (having previously searched the Internet for cheap pretty cases to match my mood of the month) and I went with a Samsung. The fancy one where you can push a button and send pictures or videos with a bump- yup that one. The trick (I am now realizing) is finding someone to bump with hahaha. At any rate I am happy with the choice I made and am now regretting not jumping on this smart phone band wagon years ago... think of all the damage I could have done with the Internet within a fingertip's reach. Sprint even gave me a "going green discount" because I traded in the phones I have had in the past for an account credit. To think I was letting the girls play with old phones that were worth over 20 bucks in scrap- whoops. Moral of the story: don't put your phone in harms way and never be afraid of change... good luck with that.

The After Party

Well in a sense I guess. Today was my father's retirement party from Wisconsin Public Service (power utility) where he has worked for over 25 years. I remember spending time at the office with him in the evenings and pretending I was a receptionist "fake" typing on the keyboards and taking messages, writing memos and scheduling meetings. I used to draw on the white board in his office leaving little I love you notes and little smiley faces to remind him that we were always thinking of him. His change jar full of quarters was always appreciated when I wanted to go and find the random vending machine with something delicious in it. I never got to go during the day but at night the whole building turned into a fun place to explore with winding halls, various planters (which I of-course pretended were deep in the jungle) and my favorite place--- the women's bathroom. Why? Because there was a full length couch/bench in there that I could lay on (or jump off of depending on the mood of the day) and pretty makeup, lotions and perfumes to test out (although I am sure I walked out of there smelling and looking pretty trashy--- no matter to me, I felt awesome. There were also office supplies that I got my sticky fingers into but the threat of Dad losing his job always came to mind and thanks to that good ol fashion Catholic guilt... I never really lifted more than a pen or a sticky notepad (headed to hell I know!). At any rate-- today was the day that the company thanked my father for all his hard work, long hours and dedication to their cause and customers. I was proud to be there in person (thank you Paula for watching the girls so I could go) and applaud all his efforts for both his family and his employer. I realized (after many bitter birthdays when he was out of town on business) that without him putting that much time into his job I would have never been able to experience all that I have and continue to with my family. Thanks Dad for being awesome and I look forward to seeing all the fun you will have in retirement... if you can relax that is.

Who is that guy dressed like Santa?

Really? The magic of Christmas is lost on Katie already? Nooooooo....

The funny thing about being a mom is that you have to hold your tongue even when you don't want to at times, ensuring that your children will experience all the magic and awe of childhood. Which is often accompanied and then followed by feelings of deception and heartache. Poor Bella is so busy trying to figure out her world that the notion of Santa Claus sliding down our (non-existent) chimney is beyond her. Not to mention all the effort it would take him to hook up his reindeer, make them fly and get to every single child's home on the planet in one day. At first I didn't think she was a believer at all. Then I came to the realization that she DOES believe in Santa- however she feels that he is a better delegator than the cartoons and carols would have you believe. So when we went to the mall to "sit on Santa's lap" at first she just stood by the gate like: "This is the real deal" but then you could just see her examining the situation and she looked at me and said "you know this isn't really him right?" WTF "Ah OK Bella who is it then?" "This is someones grandpa, like Papa (Tim's dad who looks just like a typical greeting card would depict Father Christmas) who is just filling in for Santa... okay... but he works for him and he will tell him my message." (wait three beats...) "Whew!" I was a little worried there for a second. So the girls took their turns sitting on "Santa's" lap and they got their picture snapped and a tasty treat for the walk back out to the car. We really were not supposed to take any pictures but the people working at the east town mall are so sweet they let me sneak in there to take a shot (I didn't really ask though either-- that way they can't officially say no) so we were on our way home during one of the first snow falls of the year and boy it was beautiful. Its funny how in about a month or so from now I will be regretting having said this--- on Wisconsin!

12/12/12 The Jokes on me this time

Well its a funny story. Ever since we moved into the house on the east side there has been an eerie feeling in the upstairs bedroom. At first it was Kyra's room and she never wanted to sleep in there saying that the walls were staring at her. I never understood and tried not to make a big deal out of it. About five years ago I was folding laundry on the couch and there was this giggling sound coming from that room. I thought I was hearing things so I just cranked up the music and went along my merry way. Now a few months ago Kaitlynn came to my bed saying that the children would not let her sleep. I was pretty zonked out so I told her to sleep in my bed if they were bothering her--- not fully realizing what she was saying to me. Do I believe in ghosts? Hell no. Especially in my own house. Other people's houses- Sure. I don't have to deal with them and the prospect is pretty cool. But not at my house with my family and my nerves. So I made the unfortunate decision to explain this whole thing to one of my more open-minded coworkers at the hospital. She then got on the topic of spirit dolls and having a person's spirit held in a personal item after their death (ask me sometime... I assure you its a great story) exploring the idea of maybe getting up in the attic (which I have never been in during the entire time I have lived there--- primarily because it is super creepy and not a cool creepy but rather a creepy creepy... if you catch my drift) so she volunteered to go up there and explore for me. I was knee deep in the believing in the paranormal at this point. We brought out the tall ladder so she could get up into the rafters and she even brought this huge spotlight so she could see in the dark. Not to mention the miner's light she wore on her head and the "bunny suit" to protect her clothing from all the insulation. Now here comes the good part... While she was up there I was standing in the kitchen fully expecting there to be nothing up there but secretly hoping there was a toy or something. Nothing. Oh wait. Something. A doll. NO WAY!!! Oh my God Trina look at this! She throws the doll covered in insulation right at me and I inspect it ( a hand stitched doll with a dress on from the 60s and crazy two toned hair and buttoned eyes. which looked like me. wait... "lift the skirt"... TRINA is stitched on her belly) WTF!!! ..... silence..... that's not nice.

So my girlfriends went through this whole elaborate ordeal creating a "spirit doll" from hand and setting me up for this monster trick all because of my stupid ghost story... they really got me good. Which bothered me because usually I am on the other end of the joke laughing at the poor sap who got "punked" Oh no! not this time. It was play a trick on Trina day--- and it was so good. Honestly for the next 20 minutes that was all I could say "You got me good." Ah- it was so good (shaking my head as we speak).

Happy and Healthy

Bella is four. yah- four years old. I have a four year old... When did this happen!!!

My tiny little cuddle muffin is really starting to grow up. I look at her everyday asking myself how come I get to have the awesome responsibility of raising such a beautiful child. (who is just like her momma which makes that question easier to answer hahaha). But in reality I am thrilled to be part of her life. I cant wait to see what she does with it.
Case in point...
Last week she went over to the farm to celebrate Thanksgiving with my father's side of the family in Western Wisconsin. I was unable to go along because I had to work the night before which made me a little bummed but was good in the end because I had that horrible stomach flu. At any rate, she had a great time visiting with her cousins over there and when she came back she had much to tell me. I was cleaning one morning at I walked in Via's room (where we keep the plastic bags that hold the diapers and pullups) and there she was... squatting over a plastic bag going to the bathroom- WTF??? I let her finish because I didn't want her to mess all over the floor and then I asked her what the hell she was doing. "Big girls do not tinkle in plastic bags Kaitlynn!!!" Her response as she shook her head was "Yes they do! Great grandma has a bucket in her room even" Where upon I had to clarify that it was not a bucket but a commode and that was different than a WalMart bag--- you could tell that she did not accept my rebuttal but hopefully has not done it again since... hopefully. Side-note: what do you do with a plastic bag full of urine? I was standing there trying to figure it out. She sure catches me off guard sometimes.
We are trying to get her to sleep in her own bed. For a while she was doing really well (not exactly falling asleep there but would stay there after we carried her out of our bed for the night) but now its like I have a room full of children. Via won't stay in her bed either and Kyra sleeps right off our bedroom.  I am not certain whats going on here but I am going to have to get creative in my problem solving. This is not a community sleeping quarters- sheesh. I tried to use the tents the girls have to pretend that she was camping but then she says "there's a bear outside my tent keeping me awake." I told her maybe she should take the 5 million baby dolls that she has and line them up in her bed to keep her company- she didn't like that solution.

When we went to the family physician for her 4 year old immunizations and her flu shot she was super duper excited. That is because she is enthralled with a new cartoon on TV called "Doc McStuffins" which is about a little girl whose animals and toys come to life and she fixes all their "boo boos." So ever since the first episode she has been walking around donning a stethoscope calling herself "Doctor Bronander." Which everyone feels is pretty appropriate as she is even more of a director than her mother. She is pretty sure she knows how the world works and how to fix almost everything. Sop when the doctor said that she was in tip top shape she was proud of herself. But when he said she was going to get the flue shot as a nasal mist--- she was not happy at all. "I want a shot." "No honey its the same thing except it doesn't hurt." "But I want a shot." "Not today sweetie." "I want a shot! I want a shot! I want a shot!" I am not sure if my daughter is a child size masochist or an alcoholic in the making but either way she was disappointed --- and I sure looked like an Ace of a mother *sigh. Don't let the beautiful and innocent smile fool you cause she is a stinker and a half.

yesterday was her birthday party with the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents--- and she had a blast. There were two birthday cakes (never sure how much to make) and two different ice creams (strawberry for her and vanilla for the rest of us hahaha). The gifts were wonderful and she loved all the attention. Her favorite part was being sung "Happy Birthday" and blowing out the candles- she asked to do it again- so we did :) I love having such a cool nuclear and extended family. Its usually a pretty chill and relaxed environment which is nice to go with all the CrAzY these girls can produce especially when all the cousins come over- mass hysteria is an understatement (right Paula wink wink)

Cue the Christmas Music

 

Well folks its Christmas time again and you know what that means--- another holiday photo shoot. Now I have to preface this blog entry with the fact that I love and hate the activity. Timmy always cringes when he hears its time to rent out the studio because he knows just how uncomfortable those 50 minutes are going to be... he just cant win the poor guy. But he begrudgingly comes with me every year and lets me give impossible directions and "laser stares" essentially as the girls personal assistant in outfit changes. Each time I walk out of there ringing wet with sweat disappointed in the pictures I think I have captured throwing my hands in the air stating that "next year will be better." (which it never is by the way) Only to find out that once I am home looking them over I find a few that I absolutely love along with a few candid shots with smiles and tears realizing I am way more content than I thought I was. Which leads me to slowly inch up to my husband like a little bunny (he loves rabbits and could never hurt one) with big doe eyes and simultaneously apologizes and thank him (too much "I was wrong and you were right" and my head is sure to explode right off my shoulders... lets not push our luck here). Kyra was a huge help this year number one because she did a fairly good job of smiling (even though she wants her hair in front of her eyes ... i will never understand teenagers I fear) and she even helped me with trying to get the girls to smile at the camera. So all in all this year went well. I continue to be hopeful that next year will be even better realizing that at each age the girls will be looking away from the camera no matter what I do (little ones because they are distracted and older ones because I am annoying) either way it must be done (because I said so). Hahaha

Its official this time ---

Aj and Anna are officially moving to Green Bay- TODAY! Originally they were looking at a home that was only a few minutes from our house. Well it turns out that particular home (although it was lovely) was withdrawn off the market as the owner's new home fell through and they were no longer able to make an offer on it. I know they were pretty bummed about it and their realtor was super nice and upbeat reminding them that there are other fish in the sea... but it would have been a great home. So trying to stay optimistic with an impending move and no house to speak of the two of them were getting packed up and prepared to live in Al and Lynn's basement for a few months (my parents). That was until they found a house over in Allouez near the Broadview YMCA. I think initially they thought it was a long shot because its a beautiful home and its market value was well over the fair market value. Aj being the optimistic and spontaneous soul that he is put in "an offer" well below that value and even lower than the asking price and at first they laughed him off... but when they came back with a counter offer right where their budgeted price for a home was--- it was game on. So AJ and Anna are the proud new owners of a four bedroom house (in a pretty ritzy neighborhood if I do say so myself) only about 10 minutes away from me and 20 or so from my parents.

Dad and I loaded up into his SUV this morning and made the hour and a half trip down to Milwaukee to help them pack up their apartment. They had the good luck to find a sub-letter to take over their lease for the next six months so they could relocate closer to where Anna's new job will be. Aj is able to work from home and with four bedrooms in their new place, I cant see that being a problem. Some of Aj's buddies came to help out with the heavy lifting and Anna's brother Rudy and both her parents came along to help out as well. I initially was asked to accompany Dad so he didn't have to drive down and back by himself but I feel like I helped out quite a bit too. I was even able to use my super duper "Hoarder" packing skills and Dad's SUV was filled to the gills for the trip up north to Green Bay. At first we were hauling stuff down and stacking it next to the UHaul truck but then I started to get nervous about their belongings getting lifted when there was nobody down there.

  So I volunteered to stakeout the moving truck and lookout for any questionable characters that may want to help themselves to a new set of golf clubs or a shiny new microwave. It was also an easy job to volunteer for because after climbing the two flights of stairs up to their apartment and back down like a million times... I was tired. So I kept an eye on their treasures and took the odds and ends over to Dad's vehicle. The whole Milwaukee end of the move took only 4 hours start to finish which was expedited because they were ready for us. Its easier to be a laborer when there is actually stuff ready to be moved. I am not good at standing around (typically hahaha) so Anna had various jobs for me to do and I ran all the lighter but bulky stuff up and down the stairs (the elevator was slow, tiny and smelled like feet... dirty ones). So in the interest of my sanity I took the environmentally friendly route (although not so Trina friendly ha!) and we "got er done." (I cant believe I just references Larry the Cable guy--- what is wrong with me???) When we got up to the new house we were able to unload their belongings into the garage (they sign on Wednesday so insurance and other official junk prevented us from moving them right in). This process of moving into said garage took literally 20 minutes--- it was amazing! We just all lined up and unloaded the various vehicles as a group and it was done. The plan is for them to be able to move into the house this coming weekend so here is hoping there are a few strong guys to help with the furniture. I plan to bring over some twinkle lights for their bushes and a wreath for their door--- what a nice sister (other's left overs are the best because they are FREE!!!)