So my parents stayed with us since arriving to see Bryn in Band Revue last Sunday (21st).

Monday and Tuesday, Jeff, Paige, Bryn and I all had our regular work/school schedules which left Abby with Grandma and Grandpa. Monday Abby took them along on her marathon Christmas shopping! She really wore them out. Grandma was impressed that Abby had put a lot of thought into her shopping list. Tuesday Abby ran by herself and my parents shoveled 3 times that day! Pretty much, they shoveled everyday they were here. I felt guilty, but they do like it.

Finally Wednesday we were all off and got to stay home. We finished up wrapping presents, tidied the house up and got all the food ready for Christmas Eve. Kristin, Carlo, Lucy and Bella arrived by 4:30pm and were very patient waiting to open gift while we all sampled all the fixins. Bella loved handing out the presents and helping everyone unwrap. She didn't care that it wasn't for her! Kristin made Lucy and Bella ballerina too-toos. Lucy was fascinated with just having Grandma put it on her and take it off. Again. And again... Kristin had purchased a Shark steam mop on Black Friday and wrapped it up for herself from Carlo. Obviously she was not too excited when she opened it. But Carlo prodded her to take it out. Kristin didn't see the sense in taking it out of the box, but when she did, she found Carlo had replaced the mop with a new winter coat! Pretty clever, Carlo! Because this was a rare time when my entire family did not get all together, we Skyped Meg after we finished opening presents! Skype is software that allows you to have a video phone call if you have a webcam on your computer. It was a lot of fun!

Christmas Day, after checking out what Santa had brought, we went to church nearby our house. Mom and Dad spilled the offertory basket as they passed it to each other. Then Mom and Dad went to Kristin and Carlo's for the day while we headed to Jeff's Dad & Judy's in Appleton. When we got back, we all went to see Marley and Me. Good movie, but if you have a dog, bring a lot of Kleenex!

Friday was my Dad's birthday. Abby worked hard today, very busy with half off all that Hallmark Christmas stuff! We met Kristin, Carlo, Bella and Lucy for breakfast at McDonald's. Then Mom went with me to exchange Abby's new cell phone for a different color and amazingly they were not busy! That afternoon we took Mom and Dad to the Domes for their Christmas present. We went later in the day because we wanted it to get dark so we could see the new lights. It was really pretty. We came back home for dinner.

Saturday my parents headed back home. And it was a good thing because the rest of us - minus Abby - got sick. I had all intentions of heading for the Y to work off all those Christmas goodies, but my body had another, more violent, way of shedding those extra pounds. I still don't feel 100%. Bryn's is the same boat I'm in. Paige actually felt OK and went shopping with a friend, only to throw up in McDonalds. Jeff's seems to be all in his head: major headache and chills. We're all feeling a little weak.

Abby's been avoiding us as much as possible. She leaves today for a conference in the Minneapolis for CRU. She'll then get dropped off in the Dells where we're headed this Thursday.

I'm so impressed with how connected Abby is with her rides back and forth from LaCrosse. That helps us out so much! Abby was back from UWL Tuesday before any of us got home from work or school. But Paige only figured out she was home when she noticed Abby was on Facebook telling everyone she was back! Abby was up in her room on her laptop. So Abby came along with me to drive Paige to TaeKwonDo and do a little Christmas shopping.

Bryn's UWAY Concerto Competition rescheduled for this past Tuesday did go on. Bryn, Jeff and accompanist Dr. Puchner were all taken aback when the only comments made upon completion of her piece was "Thank You." No suggestions for improvement, no compliments, nothing! They stopped at Qdoba for a bite to eat before heading back home and Bryn back to Band Revue practice. Again.

Wednesday Abby worked a little bit. Later, Paige got a really cute bang makeover before her band concert Wednesday night. I think her hair will behave much better with not so much to keep back all the time.

School was cancelled Friday (so glad I don't work Fridays!) due to our 11 inches of snow! Jeff and I went out to shovel at 8:30am so we could get Abby's car out since she had to be to work at 9am. I went in to yell at her for the 3rd time at 9:05, when she told me that she didn't have to go in. Thanks. She was on call for the remainder of the morning and did have to work at noon. The snow tapered off by then. I had all intentions of running to the mall for more last minute Christmas shopping and had not intentions of some silly snow storm stopping me. I headed out by 1:30pm and to my surprise, the mall was NOT crowded! Paige, Jeff and I went to Band Revue Friday night and loved it. Abby went also, but with a group of kids from her graduating class. Bryn's ensemble that played in Act II was awesome!!!! Our James Bond raffle basket put all the others to shame with all its creative prizes and the just the sheer size of it.

Saturday we headed north to Grandma Maggie and Grandpa Tom's to celebrate Christmas. The snow just doesn't stop! We watched it come down and blow on the way there and back. We couldn't make the family Christmas set for Sunday due to another Band Revue performance, but really liked having the time alone with Jeff's Mom and Tom. That night, Jeff and I went out for a few small items and I dropped my cell phone. And not just any cell phone, my iPhone!!! When we got back in the car after Walgreen's I couldn't find my phone anywhere. Jeff immediately turned around and we searched the crevices of the car and the ground where we had parked. Suddenly the lady in the car next to us rolled down her window and asked if we had lost a cell phone! She had just found one and asked a guy coming back to his car from the store if it was his. I guess he was grateful she had found HIS phone. I was not so grateful. Jeff called my phone from his and of course, no answer. I urged Jeff to text the guy and let him know we'd be at Walgreen's waiting for his return. Luckily, he did but we did not offer a reward to a wanna-be-iPhone-thief.

Back from last performance of Band Revue; we went with Kristin, Paige, Abby and my parents. Just as impressed as the Friday night. Really good this year. The high school outsourced the script which I was against, and I hate to admit it, but it was a good storyline. I guess I just prefer that the students do it "all." Band Revue is such a great high school memory for those kids.

A blast from our past paid us a visit Monday. Dr. Puchner, the girls' piano teacher, came over to practice with Bryn for her Concerto Competition piece for UWAY. Bryn hired Dr. Puchner to accompany her on the piano. Dr. Puchner is always happy to oblige and is very good working with Bryn through the tempo changes. The Competition was scheduled for Tuesday night, but Milwaukee got dumped on again with snow, so it's now postponed until this coming Tuesday.

Bryn began nightly Band Revue rehearsals Wednesday and they'll continue until the first performance this coming Thursday afternoon. Many students have complained that the show is not as far along as it should be by now. Not sure if that's jitters or for real. Bryn has made a theme suggestion for next year and maybe having more student involvement early on will help the kids feel more in control for next year.

I went to Zumba class at the Y for the first time in over a month. I like the class, but it was tough not doing those moves for so long! I was hoping to be ready to go with Abby when she comes home from college this week.

Friday my 3 good Falls friends and I scheduled a lunch date. Through the years, we'd have lunch maybe 4-5 times during the schoolyear. That has sadly dwindled down to once a year mostly because of job changes. But we had 3 hours of chit-chatting and it was great!

Jeff's not feeling too well. He came home early from work on both Thursday and Friday and slept. We had a commitment to work the concession stand at the high school basketball game Friday night, and Jeff reluctantly stayed home. He wanted to get out and socialize, but his sniffling and sneezing weren't a good combination with serving food. There were still 4 of us altogether working the stand, and it was fun. Jeff's still going through the kleenex! Not to worry, I made him chicken & dumplings for dinner tonight and we've been running the cure-all steamer at night.

I got both Paige and Bryn out Christmas shopping this weekend and that is nice to have done. Jeff took over Christmas card duty and got those all signed and sealed and in the mailbox. And I finally finished up decorating the tree that's been naked in our living room for over a week.

Last night our neighbor across the street invited us to a surprise 50th birthday party for his wife. We had a great time mingling with the neighbors and their family. Meanwhile, Bryn went to mass with her confirmation class which concluded with a pizza party and Paige played Rummy Royal at a friend's.

The Band Revue basket that I've organized is coming together! Remember, the theme is James Bond... I picked up the donated tux rental on Friday, donated aviator sunglasses and Bond Girl perfume on Saturday. Other items were all purchased by families and donated to our basket including: James Bond Monopoly game, 3 James Bond movie DVDs, ice bucket, martini glasses and martini shaker, Sharper Image gift card, The Safe House restaurant gift card and Marcus Cinemas gift card. Nice, huh?

It snowed like crazy last Sunday night and Paige and Bryn were convinced that school was cancelled Monday. Jeff and I were out shoveling at 6am. The snow was so wet that the snowblower couldn't hack it. Paige and Bryn did get up and get all ready for school, but swore they saw "Menomonee Falls Public Schools" scroll across the bottom of the TV screen with all the other closings. They went back to bed, but I wasn't so sure. I never saw our schools named. I visited all the local TV websites and scanned the closings. Nope. So I had to wake them up again, and send along tardy excuses!

My step-brother-in-law and his daughter visited my work on Tuesday. Yep, Jeff (Mayer) drove down from Appleton and picked up Kayleigh from Marquette U. They set up a meeting with Norman Design to discuss a website project. It sounded really exciting so I hope it works out!

The girls had early release from school on Thursday and they enjoyed their time off. Paige went to see Twilight AGAIN and Bryn hung out at a friend's for the afternoon.

Friday night was Jeff's company Christmas party at a new hotel right by his work, the Crowne Plaza. Nice place. We were treated to 3 different food stations and lots of hors d'oeuvres. The entertainment was really different and enjoyable: they were called Piano Fondue. Two grand pianos were set up facing each other and the audience was encouraged to request songs. The songs were played until another "bidder" came up with a better tune to replace it. The pianists were really entertaining and it was amazing they knew every single song requested from Metallica to Neil Diamond. We came home to only remember that St Nick was to visit that same evening. The reminder came when we saw Bryn and Paige's innovative stocking display above the fireplace. Way to be creative!

All week Paige went to Cho's with more preparation and pre-testing than usual for her deputy black belt. Thursday it was announced that she was only 1 of 4 able to test for deputy and Friday she was able to pick up her necessary papers. So Saturday morning Jeff and I watched as she broke her board, performed her form, demonstrated her sparring, kicks and punches. She'll find out if she passed later this week at class when they award belts, but she looked really good even though she was a bit nervous.

After testing, we stopped at our usual tree farm and Paige picked out the chubbiest Christmas tree she could find! She laughed as Jeff and I dragged it to the checkout as it seemed Jeff was just dragging me with it. We were able to warm up with some hot chocolate and cider while they shook the tree out, bagged it and tied it to our cartop.

I have a bit more to add, but I have to leave for Bryn's concert!

Bryn and Paige had off school this entire holiday week, so I took off work.

Monday I attended 2 classes at the Y to make up for later in the week that I knew I'd miss. That evening I went to Bryn's teacher conferences which of course were very complimentary. Her grades are proof of that.

Tuesday morning Bryn, Paige and I set off for La Crosse to pick Abby up for Thanksgiving break. We picked up Grandma Karen from Kristin's in Waukesha on our way out. The drive is so easy out to La Crosse! I'm really going to encourage Bryn and Paige not to go to college anywhere I'd have to go into or through Chicago-way. The ride started out noisy as Bryn and Paige were very excited, but they put on their iPods later and it got quiet. I did have a messy experience on the highway though. I ran over a mangled deer that seemed to carry with us for a little ways. Don't worry! I got the car washed soon afterward. We arrived at UWL right when Abby let out of class at 2pm. We visited her dorm room then took us for a campus tour (Grandma had never been). The day was a bit chilly, but the sun was out so it was pretty. Bryn and Paige then helped Abby pack up to stay with us in the hotel that night. We went out for dinner, the girls swam and we were all snuggled in for the Dancing with the Stars finale by 8pm! Abby had class the next morning til 11am. We met her and had lunch on campus before our way back to Milwaukee. We dropped Grandma back at Kristin's where she helped Kristin prepare Thanksgiving dinner for my family - minus me & mine.

We headed up to Appleton for our traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Van Abel's in Hollandtown, just east of Appleton. They have the BEST fried chicken! We found out that new baby Chayse wouldn't be at the event, but we were able to meet him at Debbie's beforehand. So tiny! We had a great meal and we all went to Maggie's afterward to visit longer. We were tired, but Abby knew she wouldn't see Craig at any other time, so we drove back to Waukesha where he had come for Thanksgiving dinner. We found out that Craig's truck had broken down on his drive up from Chicago, so he was actually staying to get it fixed the next day.

Meg and I left the house by 4am on Black Friday. We met Kristin and Mom at Kohl's and got some great bargains. From there we headed to get some caffeine and breakfast and then were ready to tackle ToysRUs and Brookfield Square. The ToysRUs checkout line went all the way around the inside of the store so Mom immediately got our place in line while we shopped. The line lasted 1 hr, 10 min so thank goodness Mom did that! We ran into Abby and her friends at the mall. We had margaritas for lunch and closed our shopping day at Target. All of us went home and napped. We met again for dinner out at Trysting Place because we were all too tired to cook.

Saturday Meg treated me and the kids to a mini-spa treatment to demonstrate her new business venture, selling BeautiControl products. We sported eye patches, had a hand massage, and lip masque. I was surprised how into it the kids were! We went bowling in the afternoon to get everyone out of the house. Mia and Cooper bowled as one person since Mia would only bowl when ALL the pins were up, and Cooper was happy to launch the ball any chance he could get. We then visited Abby during her short work shift at Hallmark, then Meg & Co were on their way back to Indy. Way easier to drive in the dark after you've tired the kids out a bit.

So today was clean up day: sweeping, picking up Polly Pocket shoes, restocking food by grocery shopping, entering all the damage done on Friday to my checkbook. Abby was able to get a ride back to UWL and left about 12:30. She managed to leave behind a few things and a shopping list so she can expect a package later this week. I really look forward to having Abby home when there's not so much going on.

So on Wednesday I turned 45. Sounds old. My coworkers bought me a delicious loaf of holiday bread from Panera which I shared. I received several cards, phone calls, and postings with birthday wishes. Even my 2-year-old nephew, Cooper, sang Happy Birthday to me over the phone from Indy! My college roommate even surfaced from Alabama (I had no idea where she's even been the last 2 years!) and gave me a call. Bryn and Paige baked and decorated a chocolate cake for me. My good friend, Carrie, stopped by to personally wish me a happy birthday. I did have a very pleasant day.

Jeff left at 7:30pm ON MY BIRTHDAY for Chicago. His work paid for him and other future Ring & DuChateau principals to attend a "Pathway to Principal" conference targeted for managers in the architecture/engineering industry. He was put up at a deluxe hotel right on Michigan Avenue in the heart of the shopping district. He said the conference was really informative. He came back Friday evening just as I returned from dropping Paige off at the movies to see Twilight.

Because of Jeff's trip, we also missed seeing our nephew, Mitchell, play at Camp Randall Friday afternoon. Mitchell's a great asset to his Kimberly Papermakers football team that went to state AND WON!!!! They played Verona at 1pm Friday for the Division 2 championship. I bet that trip was a blast. I'm disappointed Mitchell wasn't mentioned in the newspaper article, but he was mentioned many times during the season for his rushing contributions. (He's #7)

Yes, Paige read the books and saw "the most awesome movie ever!" We picked her entourage up from the theatre that night, only to host a sleepover afterward. They were so full of energy! Meanwhile, Bryn went to a friend's to watch more LOST episodes. They're determined to catch up (from the beginning!) so that they're up to speed when the series starts up again.

Saturday afternoon Paige played with a small group from band at our local Sentry store that was having its annual holiday event. This store is so supportive of the community! All day, the dance team handed out samples throughout the store, while different school bands and choirs performed. There was a silent auction, a chance to win a free bag of groceries if they called your cart number, and . So Jeff attended that event while Kristin went with me to see "The Secret Life of Bees". I stopped in at her house beforehand and got to see Bella and Lucy. Lucy was afraid of me while Bella twirled on her Sit N Spin. (That was the best present I ever bought!) I had read the book a couple years ago and was excited to see it at the theatre when I saw the actors that were in it. My kids weren't interested in going, so Kristin graciously accepted my offer. It's quite a tearjerker, but a great story. Jeff had dinner ready when I came home, only to find out it was just going to be dinner for two. Bryn went for coffee, then iceskating with a group of friends and Paige had just been invited over to a friend's house. After dinner, Jeff and I browsed through our Hilton timeshare book to see how to use our points. Paige has commented that we haven't taken a trip in a while.

Bryn is on the job hunt, though not of her own determination. We got lenient with Cross Country season, but that's over and done. Bryn has emptied every source of cash she's had - which lasted pretty long! - and now it's time to give back. Hoping that the holiday shopping season is a good time to be applying!

Friday the 7th, Chayse Anthony Stanley was born to our nephew, Tony, and his wife, Katie, Stanley. The baby and mom are doing well. We're all hoping to see the baby when we go up for Thanksgiving dinner.

The high school introduced a fall Jazz concert this year. Typically this band doesn't get to perform until Jazz N Java which is all the way til May! So it was cool to hear them in a proper auditorium earlier. They're gearing up now for Band Revue, the all-band musical they'll perform in December. Bryn has signed up for a major acting role, but still hasn't heard about that yet. She does know she'll be playing her trombone with the Jazz band that plays in the background throughout the entire musical, as well as 2 different ensembles that will be featured on the main stage. Stay tuned.

I've now met with the Art Guild president, and the website is all mine! With the holidays approaching quickly, I've resigned myself to the fact that I'll just be updating the site as it is until January. Then I'm going to give it my all and redesign! I'm excited.

Paige was all about projects this weekend. A Revolutionary War project for Social Studies, and a cell project for Science. The Soc Studies project was basically research, but the cell project was making a model. Models always require parental support. Jeff ran to the village's craft stores searching for gel wax that Paige wanted to suspend her cell components in. We spent Saturday night melting the wax and pouring it into trimmed-down ice cream buckets. Today Paige used found objects from around the house, labeled them and positioned them within the gel wax cell membranes.

This morning we attended our church's Generations of Faith. It's a quarterly event where families have breakfast together, then a group Sunday School-like activity. It actually replaces a couple Sunday School days for the kids. Bryn and Paige got up late, thinking they'd get out of it and complained that it's for babies. I counted 8 of Bryn's fellow confirmants in the group today and we sat with 2 boys that were Paige's age - so there!

No pictures to post. Paige had a week of WKCE testing at school. Schedules for all grades not testing are based around those that are so homerooms are extended so as to prevent students from passing in the hallways and disturbing the testers, volunteers are asked to provide water and granola bars to give the testers energy... Bryn was in a non-testing grade and got to go to school at 11:00 one day! While I kind of agree with the No Child Left Behind concept, this catering to those testing is just freakish.

Tuesday I drove Bryn's carpool down to UWAY because Bryn scheduled a listening session with the conductor to see if she can move up from last chair in her trombone section. Other students have done the same in their sections where they feel their placement is unfair. But this is unprecendented to move chairs during the season, so the conductor is listening, but I'm not sure if he'll actually make any changes. So while the kids were at UWAY rehearsal, I ventured to the downtown YMCA. It's on top of the Grand Avenue Mall! So the parking structure's well-lit with security and free with a voucher from the Y desk. This Y is unique because it's very long and narrow - like a mall. The running track forms the entire inside of the Y with classrooms and weight rooms all around it. I walked and watched the election results on the many TVs around the track. I'm glad to find that I have this option for when I drive again.

We had a company lunch Wednesday where my boss informed us that the company has enough saved to make payroll through 3 months even if we don't have any income. We're not that slow, but you can definitely feel the pinch. So I guess I'm good for 3 months! Jeff has commented that his work has had holds put on several projects as his work as well.

Friday Jeff, Paige and I headed downtown Menomonee Falls with friends to an art show/charity event held at a local coffee house. We were stunned when we saw how packed it was! At first Paige just wanted to leave, but luckily found a friend in the crowd.

I helped out at Bryn's Confirmation Retreat Saturday and Sunday. Wasn't sure what to expect as I was given no outline whatsoever. Turns out I was required to lead a small group like all the other volunteers. I'm not much for talking about such private matters, but figured the kids were in the exact same situation. We had some good discussions and I got to meet some great kids. I didn't bring my camera or my cell, which was really hard. Bryn and I are looking forward to a home-cooked meal and our own soft beds tonight.

Tuesday was my monthly Art Guild meeting where I finally volunteered to be an active part of the group. I'm going to be the webmaster of the site! I'll be meeting with the President to go over particulars, but I think it'll be good experience for me. After the meeting, I stuck around to help hang the art show in the Library. This was a new experience for me. Everyone was asking where my work was. Maybe next year... I don't know. It's really cool to see all the different mediums these artists use and subject matter they're interested in. I'm learning a lot.

Bryn and Paige had a short week this week because of Teachers' Convention. And they were so lucky to have the perfect weather for it! I left for work Thursday with them still asleep. On my way home from work, Bryn actually called me! She and Paige (with their respective friends, not just those 2 together of course), went to see High School Musical 3 at the theatre. Bryn was callling me to inform me that she couldn't give Paige and her friends a ride home because her car was already full. Thanks. When I asked Bryn to give the phone to Paige so I could find out if other arrangements had been made or to let her know I was on my way, Bryn told me she had left Paige at the theatre already! Paige doesn't have a cell phone, so I couldn't call her. I didn't know what friends she went with so I made my best guess at one and called that parent to let her know I was headed to the theatre to rescue them. It all worked out, but why does it seem every outing planned by your kids always come back to involve you? The girls finally carved their pumpkins that evening and we got them outside. I carved Abby's. Aww.....

Friday was Halloween!!! I couldn't miss my weekly Step class at the Y and our instructor had a special circuit planned for us at the end: a relay race! She divided us into 4 teams and we actually had to run to one end of the gym, pick a part of a skeleton out of a fishbowl, run back and tape the part onto a piece of paper before tagging the next in line. Obviously the goal was to be the first team with an assembled skeleton. My team was definitely the eldest with Richard (who'd famous in our class) who is 82 and Mary who won't give her age but I believe she's in her 60s, and I'm no baby in that class myself at 44. Anyways, we won! I don't know how we did it, but our skeleton suffered for it when compared with the other anatomically correct ones. I stopped in at Village Hall afterward and cast my absentee ballot! I wasn't going to, but the news is making next Tuesday sound so terrible!


I had to take Paige out to complete her costume before trick-or-treating at night. Her group of friends went as the characters from Clue and Paige was Colonel Mustard. Pretty good, huh? Bryn went with a friend as pirates "Arrrrgh!" I was so excited for the great trick-or-treating weather! I helped Jeff to move our outdoor fireplace to the driveway so we could sit outside and the trick-or-treaters wouldn't have to walk so far. It really was a perfect night watching the costumed kids run door-to-door. Although we do have more candy left over than I'd like to have around the house. Bryn and her friend came back to the house and watched a movie while snacking on their candy and Paige was invited to sleep over at a friends.

Abby called us Friday night from the car. Wait a minute! What car? A girlfriend from UWL let Abby know she was going to Madison Friday. Abby coordinated with another friend (boy) from MSOE, who was coming to Madison to already pick up someone else, then going to Stevens Point. These two other boyfriends had already made plans with Kendal and Ali to visit them up at Stevens Point for the weekend, Abby was tagging along as a surprise! I'm sure they had a blast and I'm so glad Abby was able to see her best-est friends.

Saturday morning Paige and I got haircuts. The girls have already let me know that I don't look good with short hair. Maybe I shouldn't tout honesty quite so much. I took them out to the mall where I finally bought them each a pair of jeans that they desperately need. They to have been noticing the budget crunch that's going on everywhere.

Poor Jeff spent most of his freetime during the week and weekend fixing our toilets. That's right, make it plural. Our master bath one was the first to go with some kind of flushing problem. Which grew into a leaking problem. Then our powder room toilet was leaking. Next he noticed the girls toilet making noises which turned out to be it wasn't draining properly and therefore wasting a lot of water. Saturday he got both upstairs toilets working through lots of trips to the hardware stores and lots of internet reading on toilet plumbing. Our powder room toilet is currently residing in the garage because that problem requires raising some seal to be level with the flooring (which is what was causing the leak). So at some point every day this week, Paige posted an "Out of Order" sign on at least one toilet. Musical chairs.

Paige earned her high red belt in Tae Kwon Do and moves up to another class. She actually switches days and times with the bonus being that it's earlier, so I can walk again while it's light out. Only one more week til daylight savings changes all that. The next day I drove her, I noticed people out on the street corners holding signs that LinensNThings is going out of business. After I dropped Paige off, I went in to purchase a curtain rod and sheers for Paige's bedroom that I had been meaning to get. They were 30% off!

Wind Symphony at the high school had a concert Tuesday night. The best piece was a suite of music from Candida, composed by Leonard Bernstein. I loved it. No matter where we sit in that auditorium, we never get a good view of Bryn way back in that low brass section! Which means no pictures for me!

Paige joined Builders Club at her school and they painted pumpkins for a local nursing home at their Wednesday meeting.

Saturday Jeffrey turned 46! We celebrated the evening before by going out to a nice Italian place for dinner. Saturday was Bryn's sectional meet for Cross Country out in Hartland. The course is very flat which encourages fast times for the runners. We let Paige bring 2 friends along. The boys ran first and we cheered them on. By the end of the race, tears were rolling down my face as one of our top 2 runners was kind of delirious and didn't even seem to know what was going on. He slowed down to a walk by the end and barely crossed the finish line. Another of our runners looked as if he was really in pain. Obviously they gave it their all, but only 2 runners will go to State this year because they didn't qualify as an entire team. Sad. Bryn was up next and looked strong as she finished 28th (1st of our runners) with a great time of 16:31. None of our girls qualified for State. I kept Paige's friends for the afternoon so they could work on their Halloween costumes. They're going as the characters from the game Clue. Paige will be Colonel Mustard. They'll each wear clothing in the character's color (Scarlett, Mustard, White, etc.), then accessorize with a few items. I dropped them off at Bartz's and WalMart while I grocery shopped and they found a few items. Later, Bryn, Paige and I took Jeff out for a waffle cone at Pop's.

Today both Paige and Bryn have Sunday School: Paige in the a.m., Bryn tonight. I had them both vacuum their rooms - which means they also had to pick it up. In turn, I have lots of laundry to do. I decided to begin to tackle organizing our storage in the basement. I'm still finding things Abby has scurried away! I discovered 2 backpacks that Abby could live out of for 2 weeks! Rotten apples, granola bars, endless gum wrappers, mechanical pencils, baggies of Goldfish crackers, mittens, nail polish, hand sanitizer, and don't forget a water bottle! I really thought I had gone through all that by now. I brought down Abby's storage bins and didn't realize that we have 6 bins full of Abby memorabilia! She is a packrat! But it is fun to look through. Today I found "Why I Am Proud to be Your Daughter" where she filled in the blanks of a poem from school. I brought it up to my room by Bryn's version. Jeff and Paige decorated the front bushes with spider webs, then went out to the pumpkin farm to get our pumpkins before the weather turned, while I baked. We noticed on Abby's Facebook that's it's snowing in La Crosse! I'm going to draw the UWL logo on Abby's pumpkin tonight. Jeff downloaded a few ideas so we'll see how the others turn out!

Jeff and I both were able to attend Bryn's concert at UWM last Sunday night. With my parents visiting, my Dad happily volunteered to stay home with Paige. And so my Mom also got to finally attend a UWAY concert of Bryn's. The music is so beautiful and this being their first concert of the year, the brass section opened with a special piece.

Paige graduated to rubber bands at the orthodontist Monday morning. She was not excited when we got back in the car and she realized chewing gum would no longer be an option. I was not excited remembering finding those tiny rubber bands everywhere when Bryn went through this.

We said goodbye to Bryn Friday morning as she left for school. A friend's family was kind enough to offer to host her for the weekend while we went to La Crosse for Friends & Family Weekend. So sad that I was going to miss one of her Cross Country meets. And the conference meet at that! On the other hand, Theo had an excellent dogsitter for the weekend.

The rest of the day was all about prepping for the weekend: Friends & Family Weekend at UW La Crosse! Abby emailed me the night before with her grocery list, so I dropped about $100 at WalMart. I also did my weekend grocery shopping so I didn't have to come home to that on Sunday when we returned. Jeff's sister, Terry, was able to come along so she drove here Friday afternoon, then shortly after Paige got off the schoolbus, we left for La Crosse! We arrived at Abby's dorm about 8:00pm. Basically got to bring in her grocery shopping order and say "hi!". Paige stayed with Abby for the night. Abby had an exciting evening planned for her that included doing laundry (what???)!

Back in the Falls, we (me and Paige) recruited many friends to cheer for Bryn at her meet Saturday morning. Our recruiting paid off as Bryn brought home a medal finishing 21st and just about doing her personal best this year! We texted her thoughout the morning with words of encouragement, then congratulations.

Saturday morning Abby walked us through campus, we shopped at the bookstore and then took Abby to her first UWL football game. UWL's field is under construction this fall, so all their home games are played in Winona, MN; about 1/2 hour away. The field was beautiful: nestled in the bluffs along the Mississippi River. We left after the third quarter to stroll along the other side of the river back in La Crosse. Terry persuaded one of the riverboat owners to let us take a look on board. We all promised to take a cruise on future visit. We took Abby out to dinner, then met some of her new friends back at the dorm. Paige was really happy to be able to stay with Abby again. This time Abby took her to the Prayer Garage at 2am... This is not what I did in college on the weekends, but Abby's probably better off.

Sunday we picked Abby and Paige up for church. Abby's become very involved in CRU at UWL and goes with many of its members to church every Sunday now. The new church is very different from our Catholic church. Kind of like a concert with a band on stage and screens all over. Paige said it was much better than our church. After church, we got to eat brunch in the main UWL cafeteria. Then we drove Abby up to Grandad Bluff where the view was spectacular! The weather was so perfect for our visit. And it was so nice to see Abby well-adjusted and happy in her new college life. Life is good. I can only hope our visit is this perfect next time when Bryn gets to come along.

It was Homecoming Week in the Falls!!!

With all the extra school activities, Bryn got worn out. With my nudging, Bryn came home early from school Tuesday. It was a rainy day and Bryn got herself a bad cold that seemed to start wtih a sinus headache and is dragging on with a congested cough. She slept the afternoon away and missed Cross Country and Powderpuff practice. She still went to UWAY rehearsal that night because she has a concert this weekend (tonight!) and it was my turn to drive. Wednesday she made it through school, but the Cross Country coach excused her from practice again hoping that rest was better for her recovery than pushing her body. The weather took a turn for the better and Wednesday night we watched as Bryn battled with the Junior girls to try to upset the Seniors at the Homecoming Powderpuff football game. (It's tradition for the seniors to win.) Bryn was in on the scoring plays, but never got to handle the ball. I think the Cross Country coach paid for Bryn to be protected.


Thursday Bryn and Paige enjoyed a half day of school. Of course it's never the earlier half of the schoolday so they can sleep in. Paige and a friend made Beatles t-shirts to wear the next day to school in honor of Beatles Day that their band teacher turned them on to. Bryn had to report to the bus at 1:45pm for a Cross Country meet in Saukville. It's a beautiful natural park that the kids either really love or really hate. It was definitely not Bryn's day as she didn't finish her usual first for our team. After the race she sighed as she couldn't get a good breath throughout the race and her legs felt really out of shape missing those practices the last couple days. Poor Brynnie.

Abby called me Friday morning to scream that she was in the mosh pit (standing area directly in front of the stage) at the McCain rally in LaCrosse! She was only 10 feet or less away from McCain and even got to shake his hand. She is so lucky that in her first voting year she was able to see both party's candidates in person! (She saw Barack just a couple weeks before.)

And Friday night was the big Homecoming game. And Bryn still didn't have shoes for the dance the next evening. Luckily Bryn doesn't care to shop so we found them at the first store we went to. As I was making dinner, Abby walked in! We were expecting her at 7pm, but her last class Friday was cancelled (really?) and she and her carpool were able to leave earlier. You should have seen the big hugs she got from Bryn and Paige! We got to eat dinner together and knew we'd lose her for the rest of the night with the game—and most of the next day, as she informed us that she was sleeping at Kendal's. The Falls lost (big time) the game to Brookfield Central. Jeff got to chat with a college buddy whose son is the punter for the opposing team.



Saturday morning Jeff drove Paige down to MSOE for her Tae Kwon Do testing. He liked exploring their new fieldhouse. Bryn had dress rehearsal for UWAY at UWM that Jeff and Paige had to pick her up from that so she could make her Homecoming hair appointment at 1:00pm. In the meantime, I had to grocery shop for Abby's possible 64 Facebook friends that she invited to our house that night and exchange Bryn's Homecoming shoes for her proper size. We all made it and were very impressed with Bryn's very girly hairdo. Bryn was disappointed she couldn't take in a nap before pictures because of her hair already being done. Abby and her friends became Bryn's makeup artists and did an awesome job! Her date came to our house first to pick Bryn up and let us take a picture of just them two at house first. Then Jeff and I followed them over to the designated Pictures House for their group and the pictures stations were so coordinated. I was very impressed. They left for dinner and the dance and we went back home to our pre-anniversary dinner (ribs and potatoes). Abby's group arrived around 7pm and we set out candles and had the firepit going. We all (including the party) left the house for Grand March at the high school to see all the couples, then the party ramped back up til about 1:30am. Bryn returned home around then too.

Missing out on Katie's baby shower today. I picked up this cute fleece star wrap and taggie blanket from the craft show I went to with Kristin a couple weeks ago. Hope they like it! We're all a little tired today, but OK. Jeff blacktopped the driveway. My parents are here, making a pitstop on their way to Indy for a mini-vacation with Meg's family to DC. Then Mom & Dad will continue to Florida where my aunt and uncle are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Kristin & family stopped in too to see Abby complete with homemade chocolate chip cookies for her to bring back to college! Abby's already on her way back to La Crosse. Tonight is Bryn's UWAY concert that my Mom and Jeff and I are anxious to hear.

Bryn got tired of sitting around and waiting to be asked, so she asked a boy to Homecoming on Monday (29th). He's a year older (senior) and is also a Cross Country runner. I had pretty much dismissed the idea of her even going by now. So now we have less than 2 weeks – and only 1 weekend! – to find a dress, shoes, jewelry, garter and order a buttonneer! I don't function like this! But I am glad she made it happen. And her friends are very glad to have her join the group.

Tuesday (30th) Paige tried out the adult class at Tae Kwon Do since she's pretty much the oldest in the kids classes. I drove her and took a walk on the nearby BugLine Trail while she was in class. Beautiful evening and I'm so sad that it's getting dark out earlier and earlier. I hate walking on treadmills. Paige decided being the oldest kid in the class is much more fun than being the youngest adult, so she's switching back.

Bryn has Powderpuff Football practice now with that game coming up next Wed during Homecoming Week. They say she has a pretty good arm, but has mostly been positioned as a running back. I just hope she doesn't get injured.

Jeff stayed behind with Paige on Friday (3rd), while I rode up with friends to watch Bryn run in Fond du Lac. Another gorgeous day and another well-groomed course. Bryn looked confident and strong again as she ran her best time this year: 16:20!!!! I went up to congratulate her after her finish and I never noticed she had only one shoe on! She lost it about halfway!! She was making jokes about it. One of her coaches did end up finding it for her before it got dark. So Bryn only has one more meet this Thursday, then it 's on to Sectionals the following weekend. Go Bryn! Jeff was a good dad and stayed home to take Paige to Tae Kwon Do again, and then to chaperone Paige's sleepover.

Saturday Bryn made plans with Kendal to shop for Homecoming dresses at Kendal's personal outlet. Bryn ended up choosing one and following Saunders tradition: minor alterations will be ready on Monday. Thank God for Holly. Kendal came to pick up Bryn and it was really good to see her. I think it was a nice substitute "Abby" fix for me (Kendal is as close as it gets!).

Today we went to the high school Rededication Ceremony where we could tour the entire building. Impressive. I hope Abby gets to see inside next weekend when she's home. It'll be a dramatic change for her to see.

We're all so excited to see Abby this coming Friday. We've got her room all ready for her and a couple nice surprises. And Kendal informed me of a surprise from Abby. Abby asked me weeks ago if she could have her friends over Saturday night during the Homecoming Dance and of course I agreed. Kendal said I should check out Abby's new Facebook group: Falls Alum Homecoming Get-Together - where she basically invites ALL alum to her (my!) house for a party. A couple more people than I was anticipating (current count is at 63). Abby laughed when I asked her about it on the phone tonight. Spontaneity. That's what we miss about Abby.