February Update

Yes, we are still here as I see it has been a month since we have posted. I also have pictures. Where has the time gone - it's either been spent working, driving kids around or attending activities.

Amanda - Update on the tubing. It turned out fine. They did come back earlier than planned after I suggested it might be a long day for them. I was comfortable with the chaperones so it worked out. She said she had fun. She earned a toymaker badge over the weekend at a workshop. She is really into girl scouts. We picked up the Girl Scout cookies last month and are still in the process of getting them all delivered.

Here is a hat that she knitted for her friend.

Here is a purse she knitted for a girl in her class who was moving to Oklahoma. In a span of 2 weeks, she had 3 kids from her class move. She did get a solo part in her school concert which is next week. I might have to try and post a video of it. It's only 2 lines but it's on the big stage at the Fine Arts Center.
Here is snow fort she built by herself on a Saturday when we got more snow than expected. She is quite the creative girl. Last week was favorite book character week and she chose - Amelia Bedelia. So I scrambled last week to put together this costume. It was a couple of late nights but she was happy with it. Monday, she was on a field trip to the Schlitz Audobon Center for a demonstration on making Maple Syrup. Wednesday night we made a quick trip to the library to see her art work that was chosen to be displayed for "Art Month".


Madeline - She was busy with pit orchestra for the school play "Once Upon a Mattress". She survived the late night practices and the 4 performances. Amanda and I attended twice - once with 4 of her friends and once with Linda. Not that I had all that free time but it was an enjoyable play. She signed up for classes next year. She is taking band again and 2 math classes to catch up. She went to the "Turnabout" dance at school with a group of girls. One of the girls invited them all to dinner at her house before the dance. She did ask a boy to dance. Here she is in her dress. We ordered it over the internet because we didn't have time to shop at the mall. They dress up a bit more than we did for these dances.


She is working on her silver award for girls scouts. Her troop is sponsoring a Easter Bunny party at the Food Pantry in April. She went to a couple of movies with friends which is always hard to monitor. Some movies can be so trashy - even if they are rated PG-13. I am amazed at what some parents allow their kids to watch - 10, and 11 yrs olds going to PG-13 movies. There is a reason for the ratings. She is getting excited about the band trip to Florida although she is the only Freshman girl going. Her "friend" had to backout because she got into trouble. I need to get more information on this. Track practice officially starts on Monday. Don't know how I'm going to swing that schedule yet. One week at at time.




We celebrated Tom's birthday. Amanda made and decorated the cakes all by herself. It was a little kit I had bought for her that included the tier cake pans and the decorating tubes. Tom went to a Badger Hockey game with some guys from work. The girls and I spent the night watching High School Musical 3.

I got way stressed out about booking our flights to Orlando but it's done. However, it put me in a weak position and I lost my voice for almost a week. It turned out to be a sinus infection. I almost have my voice back. It's five and half weeks until April 15. It seems to be going by fast but I have so much work to get done yet. I think people get less patient every year - but I guess this year it is understandable. Banks want to know how the company did for the year; people want their refunds. We do have some companies who did well for the year - not a record breaking year but good. Some are suffering and laying off people. All these laws they are jamming through makes my head spin. It's hard to keep up with all the changes and answer peoples' questions and work on last year's stuff. It's the long stretch at the end and I'll be working every spare moment I can to keep my clients happy. It's about this time that the house gets a little messy and we do take out a little more often. Somehow we all survive.

Ugh

After one "normal" week of scheduled events it's turning into a week of chaos. There just seems to be a number of things this week that all you can say is Ugh.

Madeline found out on Monday that she has pit practice for the school play this week every day after school until 9 pm. The original notice said 3pm to TBA. I didn't expect the TBA to be announced on the same day. I don't expect the director to accomodate everyone's schedules but I do expect some advanced notification. I was expecting 3 hour practices but not 6 hours until next week. So here we are juggling practice around dance and piano classes and homework. They are at least providing them with meals which is more than I can say for previous productions she has been in.

The weekend did not go well (some how things don't get done while I'm at work on Saturday) and the normal chores did not get done which means they drag in to the week. One thing I didn't get done was my laundry so I'm stuck with that 2nd tier of clothes that are ok but on a bad week sets you outside your comfort zone. Fortunately, I don't have any client meetings this week.

The decision for the week - Can Amanda go snow tubing with her girl scout troop next week Friday the 13th? My concerns: they leave at 4:45 and don't return home until 10 pm. After a day at school, it can be a long day for a 9 year old. The departure time is too early and they arrive home too late. They are also stopping at McDonald's for supper first. Not my idea of a healthy meal. The permission slip will get turned in but I'll talk to the leader and some other parents about some different times. I also need to know who is chaperoning - I need that comfort factor that a person I trust will be there. With the high school play also that night and having to work on Saturday, I can't chaperone myself. Am I making this too difficult?

I missed booking our air fare for Orlando last week and now the flights cost $500 more - that is a double ugh! I'll keep checking to see if they go down. Hotel and Disney park tickets are booked.

Madeline came home with her course selection for next year - more decisions.

What's with the weather? I could take 6 more weeks of winter if it's like the weather on Groundhog day - sunny and 25 instead of this below zero stuff. At least the constant snowing has stopped.

So what keeps me from going over the edge - the hugs; Mmm supper smells so good; the thank you very much Mom and any humor I can find. Someone emailed me this link which did make me laugh because it is so true.

http://www.stuffaccountantslike.com/

Tomorrow Amanda is auditioning for a solo part for the Spring concert. I hope she does her best.

Looking Forward

Well, it's been another week. We survived last week with a touch of the flu, finals and another day off for the kids. Maddie had a tough time with finals and being off two days the week before didn't help. It's a fine line on pushing the studying when you know she has the knowledge and ability but with a teenage attitude. With all the pressure to take AP classes in high school, you have to remind yourself to step back and look at the whole picture. When did high school become an extension of college? Are the AP classes for the student's benefit or the high school's? It sure makes the HS look better if they have more students taking AP classes. What happened to enjoying high school before you hit the real world?

Maddie was done with classes on Thursday at noon and spent the afternoon and weekend reading the second Twlight book. She was happy to not have any homework for the weekend. Amanda started another knitting project and managed to knit a mini scarf for Aunt Mary by the time she picked them up at noon on Friday. She took them to the waterpark for a couple of hours and they stayed overnight and went to the Sleeping Beauty ballet Saturday afternoon. The remaining inside Christmas decorations finally came down on Sunday. The outside lights are frozen to the bushes. They probably won't thaw until April.

Amanda is reading the kids version of Marley and Me. We had a great time reading it together tonight as we were both laughing about what the dog does. I'm still not sure if I can watch the movie. I have enough to cry about when I look at my office at work.

I'm working on getting our Disney vacation booked and planning our summer vacation - Boston/New England area or Williamsburg/Virginia Beach. Right now we are leaning towards Virginia. I'm thankful for the lack of snowfall and I must be getting used to the cold temperatures. It is winter after all.

Is anyone thinking about the Super Bowl on Sunday?

A Historic Day?

Well, I had no chance of watching or listening to the inauguration which was ok. I'm sure it will be replayed many times. I just caught some commentary on the way back from my client today. It sounds like it was historic but not necessarily a memorable or inspirational speech. Now we just wait and see what happens next.


I am still working on figuring all this stuff out with all the settings so be patient.

It's only just begun

I can't believe it is the 19th already. A whole lot has happened already. Survived the first 2 weeks of the tax season 2009. Surprisingly, it hasn't been the usual craziness at work yet but I know it's right around the corner. I met with the orthodontist for Madeline which was a bit overwhelming. She has to have 4 permanent teeth removed due to crowding issues along with 2 baby teeth before the next stage of braces can begin. Nevermind the cost of all this - they don't tell you to set up a dental fund for your kids just a college fund. Now I just need to find an oral surgeon to do the extractions. This will be a post 4/15 event but need to set up appointments now. Amanda's braces are coming along fine. The novelty of it has long since worn off for her and it's only been 6 months.



The kids each had their big ice skating parties with friends. Amanda had 3 friends over and Madeline had 8 friends. All seemed to have a good time. Amanda had just as much fun helping with Madeline's party as she did with her own. They made cookies from scratch using the recipe from the chip bag and cleaned up the house while I was at work. Now it will just be 1-2 friends at a time for an hour or so and not a big party. It was too cold to go out last week but this week looks good.



Speaking of weather - what is the deal with closing schools because it's too cold? They end up going out anyway to the malls, movies, water parks. Why can't they go to school? It doesn't necessarily keep them home and inside. So my kids stayed home and inside because we both had to work. They did well the first day Maddie working on homework and Amanda finished knitting a purse for a girl that is moving to Oklahoma next week. But they didn't want to stay home the next day. Fortunately Maddie still had dance and so Amanda and I went to Walmart after dropping her off to pick more yarn for her next knitting project and some other crafty things for her to do. She managed to knit an entire hat on Friday. I came home for lunch that they made for me. They blind folded me when I got home and made me try this new lunch item they saw on TV - a peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwich. It wasn't too bad except I don't like jelly. They like it so that's what counts. They also made macaroni and cheese - the stove top version and not the microwave stuff. I'm quite proud of the cooking they have been doing lately. Since they were so good on their own for the past two days, I felt obligated to do something special with them and get them out of the house. So instead of just staying in a nice warm house for the night after a long week of work, we went to see the movie "Hotel for Dogs". The movie theater was very busy since there wasn't anything else for people to do - most school evening activities had been cancelled because of school being cancelled. It was a cute movie and good for a few laughs and you feel good at the end. It sure was cold running to the car afterwards but we survived and were prepared. So why can't there be school when it's cold? Kids are so advanced in technology but are we turning them into weather wimps?

Oh well, it was an interesting topic as some of us sisters got together on Sunday to talk and plan for the year. Teresa, I will be waiting for an update of your blog.

It's already been a busy start for the week - picked up Maddie from school early because she wasnt' feeling well and Amanda was at the school board meeting tonight demonstrating her photo story project with some of her classmates. Turned my brain on to help Maddie with her algebra. It's been a long time since I working with linear equations but it does come back to me surprisingly. It will be an interesting week on so many levels as tomorrow is the big inauguration and it is finals week for Maddie.

Linda's Take on the Year

FEYEREISEN FAMILY 2008 YEAR IN REVIEW

Wishing you and your family a prosperous and healthy New Year

BIG EVENTS

Topping the list of big events were the two weddings. Kyle married Krystin on June 21 and Beth married Scott on August 2. The summer weddings were enjoyed by all.

The big birthdays include great grandchildren Caden and Katy turning 1 with the pictures of the messy cake eating, Emily turned 18. Laura will turn 16 in the new year. Grandpa turned 80 and celebrated with his siblings. Nancy turned 50 and enjoyed a picture postcard party of well wishes.

High school graduates include Kevin who is at UW-Milwaukee with a major in film/business; Kelly who is at UW –Whitewater with a major in math and Emily who is at MSOE with a major in bio engineering. Emily graduated valedictorian of her class! Madeline “completed” her grade school career and started high school….can you believe it? Peter completed a dental technician diploma program at Milwaukee Area Technical College and is working at a dental lab. Patrick is still waiting for the magic call for the Plumbing Apprenticeship program. Does anyone know of a plumber who needs a worker?

Big events for the adults special anniversaries- Kathy and Chuck celebrated 30 years together; Nancy and Gary 25 years together; Cindy and Tom 20 years; and Debbie and Bob 10 years

Herman and Rosemary ended their reign as the honored Duke & Duchess of Luxembourg Fest with a parade appearance and the Sunday mass ceremony.

A most notable big event was the Kleckner family reunion, which was well attended and a wonderful time to put current faces to names and to see the circle of family growing with another generation.

And speaking of the next generation, Debbie and Bob have announced they and the girls are expecting a new baby in June.

AROUND THE HOUSE

On the homestead, the house has a new roof and new front steps and sidewalk. Another flower bed was installed under the mulberry tree. Eric and Carol become first time homeowners---not a small feat! Cindy and Tom have a new patio door and a new freezer. I’m not sure if there is a connection. Teresa painted the living room “Bonjour Beige” and refinished the window woodwork with the use of some new tools…a mini sander she swears by and a nailer. Debbie & Bob put in a new driveway and claimed another part of the shed from the stuff and wild life that may have lived there. Linda assembled her Saturday guy work crew and put up a work yard fence and moved a bush which might have been a tree. The Zimmers built a shed in the back yard. Nancy also put up a new bath room border as part of a makeover. Mary called in the professionals for some additional landscaping. If all goes well, Linda and Chuck may have an official guest room by the end of the year. Teresa has a new sewing room. This is only possible, as you know when the “last one” has left for college. Donald has been seen riding a new ATV Kubota…..Grandma is also “licensed” to drive. Chuck W. is very excited about his super duper home coffee maker—it grinds the beans and makes the coffee on a timer.

In the electronics category .. Carolyn has a new flat screen High definition LCD TV. Her brothers were impressed when they visited. Some of us have secured digital converters for our current TV’s for the big changeover next year. Adam, along with the new college students have new computers. Bob & Debbie are working out the kinks for their high speed “air card”. I’ve seen some of us with versions Ipods. Kevin has an I phone which his Mom is impressed with. Both Mary and Linda have proven the worth of a GPS while traveling in being able to locate sevices (a car repair facility) and things (her wallet she left at a restaurant). Lynn has also been seen with one. Many of us adults have learned to “text” because it seems our children have lost the ability to talk on the phone. Mary has discovered on-line banking.

Linda & Chuck are enjoying two more fuel efficient cars—Ford Focus, after Debbie and Bob also got one. Mary has driven a rented hybrid Prius but so far has not purchased one. Where is the price of gas going?

World News we remember……Many watched the Olympics and marveled at the pageantry. Who could escape the elections and the historical results? The Brewers made the playoffs. Linda was at the last ‘must win” game. The Packers are without Brett. Various of us watched the American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and the Biggest Loser. It was a very memorable weather year with record breaking snow fall and spectacular spring rain storms---5 inches in 2 hours. Kevin’s graduation was delayed from the Sunday afternoon to a Tuesday evening. Many church services were canceled for both Ash Wednesday and Good Friday because of snowstorms. The economy is also on everyone’s mind--Definitely no retirements to report.

Gary is changing shifts a Kohler. Tom became a manager at Fed Ex and has added travel to his schedule. Kayla got her first job at the grocery store. Naomi moved onto Kohls from Subway. Mary continues to travel (not always fun places) while she figures out her next move. Dianne had a special year at work with a Capital Campaign and Life Long Faith Formation efforts at Divine Mercy parish. She also has been promoted to Office Manager as of the new year. Chuck D. spent 5 weeks in New Mexico working in January/February—Kathy says it’s a nice place to visit. The rest of us are happy to be working.

KID ACTIVITIES

While the kids are getting fewer in number, the activities continue, including bowling, 4-H, cross country, soccer, swimming, track, gymnastics, dance, poms, band and the school play. Emily competed at the State tournament for gymnastics as an individual and as part of her team, including freshman sister Laura. Kevin joined the bowling team at the State tournament. Kayla and Kelly enjoyed the band trip to Florida. Teresa and Dave were chaperons and Nancy and Gary traveled as fans. Kayla got her driver’s license. Julia, the foreign exchange student from Germany, returned home. Amanda has moved up to the big bike. Amanda also gets credit for helping her Mom win the office NCAA basketball pool. Madeline was a program assistant at summer girl scout camp. Anna is the new owner of the pet rabbit, Blackie and got her first ribbon at the fair.

Julie moved in with Lynn. Andy moved to Green Bay to take his first job out of college with a collection agency. Carolyn rented a house and has a roommate to help pay for it. She also now has a dog named Oscar. Nathan moved to Janesville. Andy competed in a rock climbing competition. Jon is a member of the US Marine Silent Drill Team and has performed around the country and abroad. Carolyn went skydiving with her cousin and has the movie to prove it. We also have a number of family bloggers.

ADULT ACTIVITIES

The bowling team “Magic Markers” took first place in the league. Team members are Chuck and Linda and Cindy and Tom. The guys did another golf outing while the ladies did the wedding shower. Linda ran a successful campaign for school board in Franklin and so far is staying out of trouble. Mary set a goal for 1,000 miles on her motorcycle and the gas prices certainly provided an incentive. Linda biked to work from the park several times. She has also been seen on the bike trails around the city, sometimes with Chuck. Nancy also has a new bike. Mike has been busy creating original music and recording. Many of us are involved with various church groups, some as youth teachers and some as ushers. Dianne applied for and was accepted into the “Spiritual Mentoring” program ( a 2-year program). She also facilitated with a co-worker a 7 week course called ‘Voluntary Simplicity” and continues to work with the Police Reserves. Teresa and Dave and Bob continue their hunting and fishing. Dave and Kathy had first place finishes in there age groups at the Green Heart Run as part of Luxembourg Fest. Tom did Al’s run in the fall. Bob had a visit from the fire department when there was a problem with the wood burner but all turned out well. Many of us went to quite a few Brewer games. Teresa continues to submit her craft items to the fair and wins prizes! Debbie is just getting started but is happy to report she got a 4^th place finish. Mary has professed to be a dedicated gardener. Matthew is doing fine at Central Wisconsin Center.

TRAVEL AND ADVENTURES

Carolyn flew home from Nebraska many times for weddings of friend and family. Her brothers, Kevin and Peter flew in to visit her. Kathy and Chuck visited Costa Rica in January to see their second grandchild-Katy. Sara and Gerardo and Katy were back in the States for the summer. Florida was a popular destination beginning with the band trip participants. Naomi made a visit for spring break. Chuck and Linda were also in Fort Lauderdale in June. Mary and Bryan went ATVing in the Appalachian Mountans of West Virginia. Debbie and Bob visited Dallas,Texas. Dianne, with some help, watched the 4 Poull girls and took them to Discovery World museum….that definitely qualifies as an adventure.- imagine a house with 4 adults, 4 kids, 2 cats and 2 dogs!!! . Teresa and Dave also enjoyed a trip to Michigan for a Nascar race. Chuck and Linda visited family in Marquette, Michigan and Indianapolis. A family wedding also took Chuck and Kathy to Cincinnati. Cindy and Tom and the girls took a “planes, trains and automobile” trip to the west coast with stops at Yosemite, San Francisco and Monterey. The park trails provided challenging hiking and spectacular scenery. Mary took Kayla on a trip to New York in the fall. They enjoyed shopping, a Broadway play, museums and the Today Show. Teresa, Kathy and Linda did a bike trip to La Crosse, which included biking many miles, shopping, eating, napping and “sister talking”. Michelle and Scott, in addition to taking some work related trips/conferences, did manage to get in some boat time, riding time, and spending some time at ‘Track Days’, which is race training on the bikes. Mike and Dianne also spent a weekend at the Dells in a condo on Lake Delton- -you know the one that is no longer there. It was interesting to see what it looked like under all that water.

Can we mention the weather as an adventure with the record

snowfall and spring storms.

HEALTH

I’m not sure who wins the prize for medical drama this year. Candidates include Lynn getting her appendix out after she drove herself to the hospital. Debbie had a ruptured tubal pregnancy that was dealt with very efficiently with surgery and a short hospital stay. Tom caught a case of Cellulitis-an infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath the skin. He was in the hospital two weekends for IV antibiotics. Grandma had eye surgery to take care of cataracts. The rest of us are paying attention to diet, exercise and regular checkups. Cindy has tried out an on-line food journal.

help

Happy New Year! We have joined the blogging world thanks to Linda.

We enjoyed an extra day off today by going to the museum to see the Titantic exhibit. We (our selected passengers) all survived. It was very interesting. Amanda has 3 friends over tonight for ice skating in the back yard. The ice is finally ready and it's not windy. They seem to be having a lot of fun.