Not gone...really!

WOW--now, that what I call a really long break from posting updates! Truly, this is the biggest break I've ever taken in between postings since I started this blog a few years ago. So, stick with me and know that I hope to crank this humble blog back up to speed.

There's much to be said about what the Ribclan has been up to...both individually and together. That said, I think those updates are going to come sprinkled into this next wave of new postings. So, brace yourself for a tsunami of info about to come--haha!

With that in mind, here's a splash of details about each of us to hold you over until the tsunami hits:

*we have lived in our new house almost one year...insane how fast time has gone. Little by little we've settled into life in a small town (well most of us...it's still a bit hard for me :-).

*Kdee is almost done with 3rd grade in her new school. It took awhile for her to adjust and "fit in" (a small school is hard to crack as a new kid)...but she's made a couple of good friends now and seems more relaxed with it all. Course, this is kind of her mode of operation when it comes to school...always a bit more tense at first. Good thing she's a great student! :-) She's playing softball, obsessed with Harry Potter (she's read 5 books so far) and is looking forward to waterskiing this summer.

*Little B continues to be a total ham and lovebug all wrapped in one. He LOVES to bike and be outside. He's a good little helper, too! He'll be starting junior kindergarten in the fall and this summer will start a new daycare within our school district (since Jr. K is only half day).

*I'm running my first 5k on May 30th, with my good friend Jessie. Thank goodness for her moral & practical support. I suspect there will be some walking mixed in with the running, but with this first race I really want to learn what it's all about while doing the best I can (and with limited training, I've got to be smart about it, too!).

*ribB is pumped to be back on the water...fishing and soon water sports. He's like a little kid getting the dock in and taking the boat for the inaugural spin. Course, this year that "spin" was a big deal since the boat received many new parts during the winter...after it got submerged in Lake Superior last year. Oy! But it's working great and that makes ribB very happy!

Alrighty folks...I'll update lots more later...hope this finds you all well!

A long, long time ago...in a Galaxy far away...

Seriously, it's been way too long since my last update. Holidays, life, birthdays, work, life...I somehow haven't been in the mode to write! And then, when the update was going to get longer and longer (with all the passing time), well, then I just got lazy with the thought of it all. HA. Well, it happens to all of us I guess.

Our holidays this year were good overall. We had a lot of time at home, and only traveled to La Crosse on the weekend following Christmas. Yes, Christmas Eve/Day were at home! So different--and while nice, we certainly missed the extended family time on the holiday itself. So, we did a little fondue at home and opened gifts! The kids were very excited--Kdee got the Nintendo DS she was hoping for and little B got his "big boy bike". They were also pumped to get a Wii from Grandma/pa Riberich--this has been a big hit in our household and has gotten LOTS of play time.

Like many of you, sickness has hit the homestead as well. I had it over New Years (was literally in bed by 7:30--wow, happy new year, huh?) and little B has had it on/off over the past couple of months. With warm weather in sight...hopefully we're seeing the last of it now.

A big event that happened in January was the Wedding of the YEAR! :-) Ann & Kevin, our close family friends, got married. little B was their ringbearer and he did SO well! He had to travel down a LONG aisle, with a 2 year old girl and he managed it like a pro. He looked so cute in his little tux and he LOVED wearing it. He even asked if Ann wore a tux also. Uhhhh, nope! :-) Kdee helped with handing out programs and she managed the crowds at the door like a pro and looked like she'd done this job forever. I/we were so proud of them! The dance/reception was a blast and ribB/I even got some kid-free time thanks to ribB's coworker, Sarah, and their babysitter. We also got to hang out with our close friends, Brian & Katie, which was a bonus treat (they also know Ann/Kevin). Since our move, we haven't seen them nearly enough--if at all--and it was awesome to catch up! It was also great to have a couple of nights back in the old hometown/Hudson...

Little B celebrated his 4th birthday on Feb. 8th! He was SUPER excited for his birthday--we literally had to count it down by marking off days on the calendar, for over a month. Every day he'd ask "is today my birthday"? and has been very proud that he's "bigger". Since our move, he's still making good little buddies, so we took advantage of one more year without a big friend party. Instead, we surprised him with a night at a hotel in Eau Claire, as little B LOVES hotels, swimming...you get the picture. Then, on his birthday we went to "Action City"--an indoor amusement/gaming mecca and had hours of fun. Little B LOVED his birthday and kept saying "Thank you!!" for everything--even the Spiderman decorations. He's such a sweetheart!

ribB has found another archery league to participate in--and fortunately he's able to do this league with his good friend and coworker, Ben. It's been great for him to have this time out with Ben and overall he's liked the league (but claims it's not as good as the Hudson one :-).

Kdee has been practicing basketball with her school and had a half time performance last week...it's amazing what kids are learning in sports, at younger ages. She's learning skills I didn't learn until 6th grade. Unreal! She doesn't love the sport, but it's been a fun way for her to meet others and try her hand at something new. Surprisingly, our small town has a solid athletic program--especially for girl's teams. It's been a nice opportunity for her!

I hope all are well...please feel free to stop by anytime! The lake is actually pretty busy in the winter--lots of ice fishing and ice track car racing. Come join the fun!

I told you so....

Maybe you remember this, maybe you don't...but our big line when we were buying our new house was, "We are buying a house from Santa!!!". Well, here he is...Santa, aka Gerry, playing Santa at our local restaurant (The Lighthouse; Little B calls it "The mini corn dog Lighthouse Restaurant" since that's all he orders there.

Kdee immediately realized he "looked a lot like Gerry"...to which we shushed her and explained "Santa's helpers". She was really, really good about it. Little B didn't recognize Gerry behind the suit and was thrilled. He asked for a "big boy bike with training wheels"; Kdee wants a "Nintendo DS, but since her parents might get that for her, anything American Girl is great or books".

It was a really nice Santa visit and the folks at The Lighthouse are SO friendly, fun and kind. I got a pic of Little B with a couple of his fave Lighthousers--Travis and Amber. Travis is the head cook and comes out to visit us--even if we're in the parking lot. He's great with the magic tricks, too! Amber is equally sweet and kind to us.

Both kids have had great Christmas programs. On a weird, funny side note--Kdee's school program included a child getting sick, that classic case of kids singing, then backing away in horror with a child standing alone, hand to mouth, running off the stage. You don't want to laugh, but....we've all been there.

Another recent highlight was Kdee & I going to the play, "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" at The Children's Theater, thanks to a wonderful Christmas gift from Aunt Donna/Uncle Bart. It was wonderful!

ribB celebrated his 37th birthday with a weekend of fun. Friday night he whooped it up with his coworkers, who are truly a blast and a great time was had by all. Saturday we had fun with Santa, Kdee's basketball practice, naps and a date night for ribB & I. The theme was "James Bond"...and he got lots of Bond on DVD to replace our VHS's (LOL!) and we went to the new Bond movie. Yes, the red velvet cake was made from scratch and enjoyed fully. Wasn't the prettiest version of it, but ribB claimed it was 'the best tasting one' that I've made. Taste is what counts in the end! LOL.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all...ours will be low key until we head to LaX on Friday night. Oh--and yes, our cards are coming in the New Year!!! :-)

a little sugar, a little flour....

I am dreaming all things baking ingredients! I love it...but I'm starting to feel the burn. HA. On Sunday I had a bunch of time to myself (thanks to ribB taking the kids up north to Bart/Donna's cabin for the night on Saturday) and I BAKED and COOKED like a maniac! What did I make you ask...well...here's the list and keep in mind this was just from 10:30am until 8pm (with a couple o' breaks in between):
*peanut butter blossoms
*rosettes
*Grandma K's roll out cookie (dough made Sunday; baked & decorated Monday night)
*peanut butter bon bons ("dough" made Sunday...yet to dip in almond bark!)
*frosted molasses cookies (yet to frost...but better soon, as the kids are loving 'em)
*pumpkin pie
*cranberry salad
*corn pudding
*swedish sausage

Next to come...frosting more cookies (as noted above) and making the Loney family traditional Lefse. As most folks know, my Grandma Loney passed away in May...and she taught me SO much about cooking/baking. I learned how to make rosettes and lefse from her, was given her lefse griddle/turn sticks/etc. I passed the lefse test for a good couple o' years before my grandpa passed away almost 4 years ago. He was the Norwegian who had to approve--ha ha!

I'm really missing my Grandma (and my Dad for that matter) this time of year. She was a big mentor in my life and during special celebrations like Christmas, it feels a bit empty and void without her. I hoping she's my kitchen angel, helping me out. Maybe that's why I was able to accomplish so much! (And, the same goes for my Dad, who also taught me so much about cooking/baking!)

So, all of that said...I love family traditions, especially those that celebrate cultural heritage...and much of that comes out of traditional foods for me...good thing they are tasty! :-)

On a totally non related side note...Kdee had her first basketball tournament on Saturday. How should I sum it up? Let's just say: 1) she got better with every game--ala she didn't defend her defender as much...(so hard to not laugh out loud on that one)...and 2) 3rd & 4th graders are WAY better at Bball than I was in 6th grade. Impressive stuff!

I hope to have some pictures soon...I'm a bit behind!

word association....

Ahhh, the holidays are upon us. I'm behind in blog entries and feeling a wee bit creative at this late hour. So, appease me...we're going to do some quick and easy updates for the few folks who keep up with the crazy antics of the ribclan!

Hunting season: Over. Fun with the Kids. Playdates with Hudson friends. Time out in the snow.

Surprise: an outing with Jessie, thanks to my mom. We ran and drank wine...and ate some fabulous wine plate foods. Yum. Great conversation!

Thankssgiving: Always delicious...fun tradition of black friday...love La Crosse. Great to see family, especially the nephew & nieces!

Work: Love time with Heather...she makes me laugh so much and lifts me up to make it through the muckety muck. Busy...and profitable. Lucky in these times for advertising/marketing!

Kdee: Still adjusting to new school, playing basketball and blooming into a beautiful, funny, wonderful girl. She makes me smile and laugh (even when she confuses me) and we have fun dancing and acting together. How is she 8 1/2?

Little B: Still adjusting to new daycare, but more cuddly than ever. I could just eat him up and his spirit resonates with me. He has a sharp, insightful wit and a huge smile. Still loves bikes and Scooby Doo...what a character!

Chantal: the old lady, our 13 year old cat...she's funny. So happy Louise is gone, soaking up all the one-to-one attention, managing the kids great, spirited in the middle of the night (then tired when we're getting up in the am)...she still has the smallest head--but biggest heart--out of any cat I know. So funny.

Cars: breaking down...but good thing we have the "third" car when ribB was gone hunting. Turns out my car, with 130,00+ miles on it, needed a new starter. Dang! Holidays schmolidays!

New House: Love the one level to it and ability to keep on top of cleaning, etc.--it's a great layout and is much easier to maintain. I, for one, am still adjusting to rural life...but, the community here is friendly and helpful.

Concerts: Coldplay (awesome), then right before T-day, Puddle of Mudd with SafetySuit (the real reason I went!) and a couple other hard-rock bands. I had a blast--even all by myself. I'm really ok with entertaining myself...grew up doing that and it's not a big deal. I met the lead singer of SafetySuit--a highlight! and pushed my way up front (like second row) for Puddle of Mudd. I'm happy to report that I held my position against the mosh pit just fine, thank you. No problems...but I did use about every muscle in my body--lol!!!

Ice: forming on the lake. Ice Skating to come soon. As well as...little B, with an ice cube stuck in his throat the other night. Scary stuff...those cubes don't melt so quickly and he even coughed up some blood. Yikes. But, lesson was learned...just drink your water and don't suck on ice!

Christmas decor: Tree is up...but awaiting decorations, as is the house. ribB is taking the kiddos up north after Kdee's tournament and I plan to decorate, bake and wrap. Do you think I can get it all done? Or at least a lot of it? ha.

Holiday party: Our work doesn't really have one, but for HPI, we go to The Bayport Cookery for 5 courses with wine pairings. So great...with lots of laughter. May be staying closer to the restaurant that night....it would be a long drive home with that wine in me...ha ha ha.

Running: still at it, well here and there. The other night though...I hit an ice chunk while running in the dark (I did have a flashlight, but didn't even think to look for such things!) and I fell flat on my face faster than you can say "doh!". Funny thing is that I was angry prior to falling, was cursing under my breath and then....boom. I literally stood up and said, "Ok, God...I get it....knock it off or pay attention...". Hope to run more often as the winter progresses...I've got plans!

That's it for now...so much more to write...but it's late and, well....give me a call or email if you want to know what else may be going on! HA HA!

Disgusting words....

My friend Jessie just posted the most brilliant "note" on her Facebook page...her list of disgusting words. Since I work with words a lot in my career, our office has had a hey day over the years picking apart words, especially those that gross us out. Here is what Jessie posted, along with the initial thoughts from the me and my friends at HPI Marketing.....please add your comments if you have some, too!

*****************************
Jessie: List of most disgusting sounding words 10:13am
So I thought this was the perfect forum to post my growing list of most disgusting words. As y'all know, I am a total grammar and word nerd. So when I heard a study a few years ago of disgusting words, I knew I had to start my own list.

So these are words that sound gross as you say them, the pronunciation and how it rolls off your tongue ... not necessarily the meaning of the word. The #1 word from that study a few years ago was OINTMENT. Say it to yourself and see how it sounds ... yuck!

I've had help from co-workers and friends over the years building this list - help me add to it if you'd like!

Abreast
Blouse
Goulash
Innards
Lavage (la vaazh) - from my hospital work – to wash out a body organ
Moist
Ointment
Panties
Pus

**Andrea Riberich at 11:37am November 20
Here are a few from our office (we'd also like to give kudos to moist and panties):
salve
slacks
fester
hatching
rash
making love
coagulate
berber (carpet)
spray
placenta
virgin
grind
slough
epidermis
folds (of skin)

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face...

So goes a Coldplay song...which, of course, was great live! Yes, Angie and I ventured out for the Coldplay concert on Friday nite and I had an absolute blast with her. I've known Angie since I was 4 and she is a dear friend. She accepts me, knows me inside and out and shares many of my interests--that's a golden friend to have. I am Blessed! We started out our evening at The Liffey, a great Irish pub next to the Xcel. We got there early enough to get a table, eat dinner and have a couple of drinks and lots of conversation! It was a blast to catch up and just relax before the big show. The Coldplay show was awesome, they sounded great...just as good as the CD's...and they definitely entertained all(even from our nosebleed seats...that was the only bummer). They played so many of their songs, from all albums, which is always a bonus. (Michelle--they opened with Leo's favorite song from the new album...he would have been over the moon!).

After the one encore of "Yellow" (perfect), it was time to head home so ribB could drive to the cabin for a hunting weekend. I was home by 12:30am, and yes, ribB (and his friend, Matt) left at that time. Too funny.

The rest of the weekend included some time Saturday with Ann, getting little B fit for his ring bearer's tux (her wedding is in January). It was a hoot--he is adorable and he looked so proud in his "special suit" jacket. That said...the kids were extra naughty all morning and I was in perma-crabby the rest of the day. Yes, the rest of my day alone, after I dropped them off with my mom for the night. I pretty much just bummed around, did some errands and a smidge of shopping (but wasn't really in the mood). I did enjoy the quiet house all to myself, including a late night call from Jessie. It was a hoot to talk into the wee hours, being as loud as I wanted to be! It was great to catch up with her and plan our fun playdate next Sunday.

Sunday was pretty low key...retrieved the kiddos, naps, house chores...you know the drill! ribB returned home around 7:30pm...no deer yet. He's bumming a bit about that, but I'm guessing he'll be more than successful during the big gun opener and his 5 days up north. He is very excited for that time with his family and the time out in the woods.

On a side note: a special thanks to my dear cousin, Karla, for the fantastic dinner out Wednesday night! I always love getting together with Karla--she is so funny, but equally kind and loving. I could spend tons of time with her and enjoyed myself greatly.

Here's a couple of blurry cell phone pics from the weekend--Ang & I, little B getting fit...

have a great week everyone!

For Michelle...

As promised--Michelle, this update is for you. Yes, forget Facebook...you don't need that extra effort (especially now). So, consider this my "friend" request...one that comes to you without expectation for flowery responses or a need by me to snoop through your pictures, especially a profile picture! Ha!

I hope you'll confirm me (once you remember your password, of course)to be in your inner circle. Yes, I'm from your high school and I know that comes with mixed emotions for you. But it's ok...I have all good intentions in wanting to be your friend. I'm just curious, though...what are you doing now? What groups will you join? What witty answers do you have to those many questions that Facebook asks all of us? These hard-hitting questions might be lost in the blog-sphere of our version of Facebook...but, alas, I'll work hard to find this information out about you one way or another.

Also: unfortunately, I can't superpoke, give you bumper stickers, flair or write on your wall from this blog. I hope you can forgive me for the lack of razzle dazzle here.

One more thing: You are now a member of the "Benecio Del Toro is hot" group. Me, yuck...no!

Thinking of you & hoping all is well.....and that this gave you a laugh, Heika....