...and even a couple more...

I couldn't resist adding a couple more photos. Obviously, here's little B & Dad, as they enjoy some cake, little B and his bestest daycare friend Helena (who we ran into at the playground) and a couple more water play photos...

Whew! I promise, I'm done for now...

more photos...

Yep, I've got lots of photos to share...here's a few more....

*Stuffing Chandra in the back of the minivan...not your typical bride ride!
*little B and his cousins (Aaron, Robbie) playing with bubbles (a HUGE thank you to Michael & Megan for entertaining them!)
*little B and Robbie dancing...well, I think that's what little B thought he was doing (breakdancing anyone?)
*community playground with Lydia, Stella & Julia...perfect day for lots of fun
*water fight!

There's sure to be more fun to come....

New Beginnings

What a week it's been! So much fun and busy-ness, it's time to get this update started...

By far the biggest event this past week+ was Chandra & Matt's wedding. It was absoultely gorgeous and lots of fun. If you remember, the weekend was actually a bit chilly, but on that Saturday, the sun shone bright and was the perfect temperature for dancing and celebrating! We were so fortunate to have Ann with us to help with the kiddos, which allowed us more time to help and catch up with our family/friends. She was such a good sport and was rightly coined a "saint" during the weekend. Chandra and Matt just beamed in happiness and all of their hard work in planning showed in the seemlessly perfect wedding. Some of the big highlights from the weekend:
*pictures at the park, complete with Chandra squatting in the back of a minivan
*the emotional ceremony along the river
*decorating fun, complete with mimosas
*the impromtu picnic of Erbert's & Gerbert's with Ann & the kids...in the hotel
*watching little B dance up a storm and catch bubbles with his cousins--amazing!
*catching up with so many family members whom we haven't seen in ages
*literally the MOST DELICIOUS cake(s) I have ever eaten--no one could stop eating it!
*Ann, crammed in the backseat between 2 young children...both of which were excitedly poking and playing with her during the rides back and forth
*the customary Ribclan toast of Yukon Jack shots

We were so wiped out, but truly wiped out from happiness and fun. It was a great time.

The week that followed was a full work week (phew, who knew writing a marketing plan could feel so like college again?!?!) and a chance to catch up with friends (Ahhh, Indian with Angie and a fun daycare get together)...all leading up to the first "widow" weekend...that's right, hunting season is now officially underway. ribB was like a little kid preparing for his first weekend up north. Initially the kids and I were going to join him, but after the busy wedding weekend, it was clear they needed time at home (did I mention my kids get REALLY whiney when they're tired? Did I mention how impatient I get for said behaviors when I'm tired?).

ribB was able to leave for his weekend straight from a training in EC, so the kids and I made the most of our weekend...a little too much Saturday morning (filled with an early Dr. appoint--Kdee has swimmer's ear--then a family funeral, lunch with my mom and a chance to see her/Paul's new puppy, Nitro...it was a whirlwind morning, all before Noon!). The kids were a bit geared up with some behaviors (little B turning the lights off during the Dr's appointment!), but as things settled down, so did they. We ended up having an awesome time playing outside as much as possible, and really enjoyed a trip to the ocmmunity playground with my friend and co-worker, Mindy, and her children. The kids also took advantage of a the warm weather and had some last "water play" with the hose. As for me, I got to sneak in some cooking and baking to the max--homemade applesauce, applesauce cake, apple pie (complete with homemade crust), ham dinner and 7-layer casserole (an old family favorite). Obviously, you can see the apple theme--I'm using up my apples from last year's orchard pickings (which I freeze each year) and getting the freezer ready for more (can't wait!). Ya gotta love the fall...

In other big news, little B's daycare provider is moving--not hugely far away, but definitely far enough out-of-the-way for us. So, he's moving on to "big boy school" (as we're selling it to him; it will be the same center Kdee went to) next week. It could be quite the transition, as Ms. Jan (and her family, especially Al) have been a huge part of his life since he was 10 months old. His little friends there have grown up with him as well. We're hopeful that our little guy plows through this stage with his usual easy-going manner, but we'd certainly understand if it's tough. Fortunately, we can always visit with Ms. Jan (since she's still in our area) and that makes the bittersweet transition a little easier for us in the end.

On a "just cuz I said so note": A couple blogs back I mentioned my quest for a new perfume. This has proven to be quite the search, complete with oodles of scent strips littering my purse, car..."smell tests" with the family (just once, I really wasn't pestering them!). So today, a winner was crowned--Armani Code. Perfectly delightful for fall/winter! (Thanks to Trace' for the tip!)

On a totally unrelated endnote, have any of you watched the reality show, "The Pickup Artist"? This show literally gives me the giggles--it has an extreme cheeseball factor, especially the master pick up artist, "Mystery". Come on, seriously? And these guys are crying to win? Dear Lord...Now, "Rock of Love", that's some good reality TV!

And, yes, I'm pumped today...the Foo Fighter CD comes out! Yea!!! What a great day it will be...

Photos: The bride & groom, family photos & Ann/the kids on the way home...

A record!

It's official--this entry marks a record amount of entries within a weeks' time. Could 2 week lapses be a thing of the past? One could hope. However, here's the deal. Things are heating up at work/home, so I figured I better get it all out there now while I have a moment (and then you can wait a couple more weeks for the next one!).

Overall, we've had some nice times in the past few days. RibB and I had a fun date out for appetizers and a movie (Bourne Ultimatum--we've been pumped for months to see the movie and it didn't disappoint--so good!). The kids had a blast with Ann as always and she managed their tired obnoxiousness so well (yea, it was like a zoo when we ran, I mean left, that night). We really enjoyed our break out and about--there's something to be said for having a few hours alone to actually talk and laugh together!

And it was a good thing, too. Friday morning I got a call at work from our daycare provider that little B wasn't feeling well--he was complaining about his bottom and was scooting around. Eek. A call to the phone nurse, and I learned it could be a rash or pinworms. Double eek. So, yep, I made an appointment STAT with the Dr. When our provider told little B I was coming to take him to the Dr., he said--and I quote--"The doctor will fix my butt.". When I picked him up, he was pretty much himself, but ultimately we found out he has strep. MUCH better than pinworms or anything like that...but it did mean him staying home with me for the day. And, as much as I love the time with him, it also came at a tough time workwise. Go figure! As it turned out, I did get some work done during his nap and I was very grateful for that.

Fortunately for all of us, the weekend only got better. The boys went up north together for a little "guy time" at the cabin (got to prep for hunting!)and we gals hit a movie together (Hairspray) before Kdee left Saturday morning for Ally's "beauty bash" birthday party (they went to the local cosmetology school for updo's, make-up and nail polish...a dream come true to any young lady!). Soooo, that meant I had some free time to myself at home! Always a very special treat (and one I haven't had since February). I tried diligently not to do any chores or home-related errands during my time--it was tough--but I resisted pretty well (minus the grocery store). Nothing fancy, but hey, that was just perfect in my book. Sunday brought family coming home, the chores I put off and a dinner out (sweet!). Sometimes it's good to take it nice and easy...

We're all looking forward to Chandra/Matt's wedding in LaX next weekend--what a great celebration it will be! I'll be sure to get loads of pictures, especially since I've obviously been on a camera break lately. It's going to be beautiful day!

In case you read the last post and thought, "that's it? just a few "what I know for sure" ramblings?"...well, lucky for you I've got one more! Yeah, this one is equally less hard hitting than Oprah's (as I've intended), but appease me your time:

*When you're not sure which way to go, just ask. Ok, I'm not talking directions here, but rather perfume. I'm a sucker for a good perfume (thanks to early memories of my Aunt Marlys's Estee Lauder collection). I've been workin' the "Lovely" scent for awhile now, and frankly, it's time to put it on the backshelf for a bit. I've been doing some "research" on my next go-to-perfume (so far "Pure White Linen"/Tom Ford for Estee Lauder, is in the lead), but I'm curious--what's everyone else wearing? So, here it is--I'm asking ya'll for your ideas and input. Throw 'em out to me, even if they're oldies but goodies (who isn't fond of Love's Baby Soft?). I'll be sure to let you know which perfume is the ultimate winner.

Until next time...have a fantastic week!

What I Know For Sure...part 2

In the spirit of annual tradition, I bring this year's "What I Know For Sure" ala me (not Oprah)...to keep the mood nice and light:

1)When you think you're the only one, you're not. Case in point--the parents dropping kids off at school. They're tired. They're crabby ("Because I said so!", "Hurry up!"), they're stressed...and they look awfully familiar. Yes,I'm reflecting some similar looks, but the piece that gets me every time is imagining them as they were in high school (aren't we all still 18?). I practically giggle every day when I look into all of the faces that were once wearing Girbaud jeans, listening to Def Leppard and divided by who was "cool" and who was "nerdy". Now we're all just wiped out parents looking to finesse this delicate stage in life the best we can. So shell out those knowing looks and keep a smile on your face--we're all in this together!

2)When you get the chance to say hello to an old friend, do it. I love when little blessings pop up in the normal of every day--like finding the name of a college friend during work research (as I did). So send an email and just say "howdy"! Sometimes it's just nice to know how people are doing and if everything's alright...no matter how many years between then, now and the future!

3)When you go outside, be true to your scouting ways and be prepared. Soooo, I got out for a run today...I've got the iPod on, all cranked up with some rockin' tunes (aka motivators) and then, there it was. A drip. A drop. Another. Then another. Rain. My mind instantly flashed to thoughts of a recent news report about the numerous lightning strikes on folks wearing iPods. Then I think about my musical gem shorting out from the rain. So, what's a gal to do? I don't have pockets, so where can I put this thing? I'm in a nice neighborhood--we're talking big, lakefront homes--I can't just stick it in my shirt/sports bra (which seemed to be the best choice at that moment). Maybe another neighborhood, but not there. I was at the end of the run and was dogging it--so, a sprint home was not going to happen. Well, as it turned out, my hands covered it enough until the rain subsided. Pfew! And, if the lady wearing the 1985 radio headphones while talking on her cell phone was any indication, I shouldn't have been so worried. (Lady,remove the electronics!)

4) When you need a little kickstart, kick up the music. I've been on a roll lately, practically obsessed with my music (could it be the upcoming Foo album I previously mentioned? Hmmm, maybe just a tad!). The beauty of my playlists (at least in my mind) is that they're pretty diverse. A little this, a little that, a little "Are you for real? You like that?". Yes, yes, and yes. Today's bonus listening was some TobyMac...love it (check out www.tobymac.com to take a listen). If you haven't listened to today's Christian music scene, I highly encourage it. It's not what you remember, nor is it what you think. The best part is that between the rockin', funky or melodic beats, it's uplifting and inspiring. Be prepared to be surprised!

5) That said, when you're Lutheran...just own it. I adore our Church and it's such a pleasure to be a part of it, but man--we're obviously Lutheran. What do I mean? Let's review tonight's service...there's talented musicians providing great worship music and...the room is decidedly stiff. The few of us that were actually clapping along were keeping those hands low and not too showy. We just don't know what to do with anything outside the(Martin Luther's) box. We connect strongly with all things Ladies Aid (mmmm,watered down kool-aid and finger sandwiches!), sub-dued and structured. Of course, that was more like the Church I went to as a child, but it's my foundation and breaking out of that shell (as others are) at this great Church is a hoot to attempt, and I'm glad to do it there.

6) When you need a cheap giggle, don't forget Saturday Night Live. Seriously. I know most people have written it off, but in my book, it's still worth a watch. If you don't believe me, check out the shows that Justin Timberlake and/or Peyton Manning were on and you won't second guess me again. (If only it were that easy!)For real! For real, real!

And, last but not least...(cuz my mind is starting to drift...)

7)When you're tired, get some sleep! Boring, but true...so, until next time, have fun and share some of your "What I Know For Sure" thoughts with all of us--there's always room for more!

Pictures:TobyMac, Girbaud jeans ala 1989...

Oh, and if you'd like to revisit last year's "what I know", you can check it out on the August entries: http://ribclan4.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_archive.html

I'm Lovin' September...

Alrighty...besides the excitement of back to school, the impending fall season (always awesome) and my sis-in-law's upcoming wedding, I'm lovin' September for some other good reasons...music and tv. Yes, there are other more important things going on in the world than pop culture, but geez...I do love my pop culture! So, that said, this month is full of happiness for me. Namely:
1) The Foo Fighters new CD release on September 25th...yippee! The Foo are one of my most fave bands and as a gal who was a drummer in her youth, I have a soft spot for a band that is loud and has some kickin' rhythm! And Dave Grohl and posse definitely deliver on both...
2) The Office--the show that can make me laugh until I cry has 2 great things goin' on this month: the season 3 DVD release on September 4 and the season 4 premier on September 27th. I know it's a "love it" or "hate it" show, but from my experience, they nail a lot of personality types within an office environment (even if you watch the British version) and I love it. At the agency I work for, we do a lot of referencing to the clever one-liners that pop up on this show including, "we are screwed!" (cuz we all have those days....)

It's a good month, indeed!

What a difference a year makes!

My friend just commented on how much older Kdee looks in her pictures from today--and when I looked back to last year, I was SHOCKED at how much she's grown up! Wow is all I can say. See for yourself...this little girl is growing up faster than I realize!!!

2nd Grade, Here She Comes!

Wow, I don't know where the time has gone, but gone it has. Kdee officially started 2nd grade today--all set in her first day outfit (complete with "T" necklace for Troy/High School Musical 2). She seems to be very excited. I think having the couple of years under her belt in this school has made her more at ease with the transition that comes with the start of each new school year. It will be fun to see how much she learns and grows. I'm/we're always amazed by her!

And speaking of growing, we're pretty sure she's grown taller, too! Since we picked her up on Friday after her week with family in La Crosse (thank you so much!), we've been blown away by the obvious height increase. She is going to be one tall lady!

I hope everyone had a nice, relaxing holiday weekend. We spent it mostly at the cabin and Bart/Donna's cabin (especially since we can't get our boat into the main cabin's lake--it's that low!). We had lots of fun--swimming, boating, tubing, skiing (even at sunset, which was awesome), enjoying blender drinks from blender boy, late night dinners filled with good stories and laughter. It was nice. We also spent a good chunk of time at home yesterday, which was very good and necessary before the first day of school and busy work week. ribB and I are looking very forward to a date night on Thursday--our first evening away from the kiddos since July 22. We are really needing a break and are thrilled to have some time together. The kids are even more excited to see Ann, so it's a win-win!

Pictures: Kdee in a traditional pose and in a pose of her choice (leaning against the tree); her 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. D!