Happy Birthday, Paige

Paige turned 7 on Friday, August 28th. I can't believe it's been 7 years already, where does the time go?

When she got up in that morning, Josh made her "birthday" pancakes before school. They are just like regular pancakes, just made for you on your birthday. We also let her open her presents from us, Grandma and Grandpa, and the Anliker's because she invited 3 of her friends to go to King's Pointe water park in Storm Lake after school.

After picking up the kids, we headed to Storm Lake, stopping first at Burger King for supper because we let Paige choose where to eat.

The kids had a great time at the water park. I don't have many pictures since kids + water + camera = bad idea.

We got back to our house about 9:30 and let them eat cupcakes and ice cream before Paige opened more presents. Josh took Conner home (no boy-girl sleepovers allowed) and Abbrielle and Azzia spent the night. We moved Paige's mattress into the living room and they had a slumber party out there, with one girl on the couch, one on the love seat and one on the mattress.

Paige got the Hannah Montana movie as one of her gifts, so they wanted to watch that. At midnight I shut off the TV and told the 2 that were still awake it was time for bed. We didn't even hear any giggling or talking after lights out. Bet that doesn't happen for long.

Saturday morning we took the girls home and just kinda vegged out at home until late afternoon when it was time to head to Algona to watch Josh race. Paige got to flag the hot laps since it was her birthday the day before. She talked to Grant the flagman last week and asked if she could flag. She had a great time!

Yep...that's her dad's car in front of her

We headed to Emmetsburg today for the go-kart races. She only has one race left.

What a busy weekend! Wasn't it just a short time ago I was complaining because I felt like we had nothing interesting going on to blog about?

First Day of First Grade

Paige is officially growing up. She is now a First Grader!


Yesterday was the first day of school and she had a great day. She will again be riding the "white bus", the in-town bussing system. It works out great for us since they pick her up about 7:20, Josh and I both have time to get to work on time.


Here are a few pictures taken before school yesterday:

It's almost time for school

Since the summer is almost over, we decided to take a mini-vacation earlier this week.

We left on Sunday and headed to Des Moines. We shopped a little on the way down there and a little more once we hit DSM. We checked into our hotel and headed to HuHot for supper. Josh and I love to eat there, but Paige had never been before. We have since decided that will be a "date place" because she did not like it at all. We stopped by McDonald's on the way back to the hotel so she could get a cheeseburger.

On Monday, we headed to Adventureland. The weather was a little warm, but tolerable. We got there about noon and rode rides for a couple hours. Josh is so glad to have a little buddy to ride the scary rides with. I don't really like rides that much, so the tilt-o-whirl is about all the excitement I can handle. They rode the roller coaster twice and hit all the rides she was tall enough to ride (which was all but 2). We headed to the water park at Adventurland, Kokomo Cove, about 3 and stayed for a couple hours. After changing back into our dry clothes, we went back to the rides. We stayed until 9 so Paige could see the park all lit up. She really liked it. After leaving, we ended up at Hooter's for a late supper. Who doesn't love chicken wings?

Wednesday morning we got up early to head to Omaha. We got to the zoo about 11:30 and spent most of the day there. Paige wasn't very excited about the zoo. I thought she would enjoy it more than she did, but it was hot so a lot of the animals were hard to see since they were hiding in the shade. We checked into our hotel after leaving the zoo and spent a few hours at the pool.





The Petting Zoo at Dairy World at the zoo

"Help! I'm being eaten by a hippo!" She thought this was hilarious
The Aquarium, she was trying to get the big fish to give her kisses

Which one is my monkey?

Paige loved the orangutans because they have the same color hair she does

The fountain right inside the zoo

I learned that only the boys are peacocks, the girls are peahens and the babies are peafowl. Who knew?

Daddy's girl

We went for the Sea lion show, but Wednesday's are the only day they don't do one because they clean the tank. Oh well, we still got to get a good look at them on the rocks.

Feeding the budgies

Thursday morning we went to the Omaha Children's Museum. We had a great time there. There was a traveling exhibit about the body. That was interesting. They also had an art room, a theater room, a room where the kids could shoot balls from all sorts of devices, a store. Whew! It was a lot of fun and I would recommend it to anybody heading to Omaha. Thanks to my cousin, Kelly, for her great ideas.


Racing the wheelchair in the Body room.

The light box in the art room. Paige and Josh made this sign for me. Awww!
The giant nose that actually sneezed and dripped "snot". I hope it was only water.

All about digestion. Paige's favorite part of the body exhibit.

Poo happens!!

String Art

They didn't have any race car driver outfits, so she opted to be an astronaut instead

Josh and Paige's faces



We finally headed home on Thursday afternoon and, of course, had to stop and see Albert

Not a whole lot going on

I feel like I haven't blogged in a long time, but that's because I just don't think we have a whole lot going on.

The other day I commented to a friend who also blogs that I really should update ours, but that all it would say is: went to the races, went to the pool, went to the races, went to the pool.

What can I say, it's summer.......that's all we've been up to. Racing and the pool.

I created a new blog today dedicated to Paige's go-kart racing adventures. The link is on the left.

We go on vacation the week of August 10th. Maybe after that I will have something interesting to blog about.

Not enough hours in the day!

We have had a busy few weeks, between t-ball games, racing and the pool. I know, what a rough life.

Josh raced in Britt on Friday night and got up early to get the car ready to be in the Heritage Days celebration. As you can see from the picture, he was "thrilled" to do it. Oh, the things a daddy will do to please his little princess.

After the parade, Paige and I headed to all the kid's activities, including a carnival with kiddie games and inflatables. Of course, Paige would be the kid who gets a bloody nose on the first inflatable she goes on! Some kid came in from the wrong way and got her with an elbow to the nose. Thank goodness in a small town you can take your 6-year-old into the local bar's bathroom and nobody thinks anything of it. It was the closest place open with a bathroom so I could clean her up. Poor girl!


She looks like she's in a cage at the zoo
On the big slide....Whee!!

"Fishing"

Skee-ball

Jousting

After the carnival, we headed home to go racing again. This time to Algona. Josh is doing really well in the stock car. We are so proud of him.

Sunday brought some more activities, Paige needed to be a church for choir practice at 9 am, Mass at 10:30, singing at the Courthouse at 12:15, watched a couple local churches put on a skit and puppet show, and an open-house for Father K. at 2. Whew!!

Singing at the courthouse

Paige and Father K. (her best buddy)


This week should be a little quieter. Tomorrow, Paige has her last t-ball game and Josh is racing in Alta.

I am also no longer working at the daycare, it just wasn't for me. So, I guess the upside is that I will have more time to get the blog updated.

Dressing for Dinner

Paige was downstairs playing while I was making supper tonight. I called down the stairs and told her it was almost time to eat. She said she needed to "get ready". I wasn't sure what that meant.......until she came up the stairs dressed like this.

Poor girl was a tad overdressed for hot dogs and mac & cheese (which is the supper she requested). Her t-ball game was cancelled due to rain and since she was so bummed out, I let her pick supper.

Last Day of School

Today was officially Paige's last day as a Kindergartner! I can't believe the "baby" is going to be a First-Grader this fall. It just doesn't seem possible. She brought home her report card and did quite well. I don't know why I was disappointed to see the little check mark that said she gets to go on to First Grade in the fall. Not that I don't want her to do well, it's just hard to know she's growing up so quickly. It almost makes me a little teary-eyed. Ok, it actually makes me cry. Silly mom!!

I start working at the daycare already tomorrow. Nothing like getting right to it. I think it's going to be fun. I know Paige is excited to get to see her friends and spend time with them this summer. I'm pretty sure she would have gotten bored rather quickly if we weren't going to the daycare, so it really is a win-win.

I was also talked to today about the possibility of going back to the school in Pomeroy in the fall. It's not a definite yet and I won't know until the end of June, but it's nice to know there is a chance.

Paige has her first t-ball game at 7:15 tonight. Should be pretty interesting considering they've only had one practice. The only thing that matters is that the kids are having fun.

That was all the excitement from today. Otherwise, we've had a pretty quiet week. The holiday weekend was especially quiet since Josh's race car was wrecked Saturday night and he spent all day Sunday and all day Monday trying to get it back together. Few more hours this weekend and it should be ready for racing Saturday night. Josh's uncle and aunt Darwin and Debby Eaton are celebrating their 30th anniversary by sponsoring the VIP booth at the Algona Raceway on Saturday night so there will be some extra fans on hand to support the 68 Race Team.

Paige and I went to Oleson Park in Fort Dodge on Sunday. They have a petting zoo there and she had a ball. She had a lot of fun feeding the goats. The girl loves goats!! If you are in Fort Dodge on a weekend afternoon, it's worth stopping by.

Monday was a pretty quiet day at home. We did go to the shop so Paige could ride her go-cart and we got pizza to feed all the hungry helpers working on the car.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Starting T-ball Season

Paige had her first t-ball practice tonight and they have a game already a week from today. This ought to be interesting!

She played last year and seems to remember most of what she was taught. Should be a fun summer.

Happy Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day today. It all started with breakfast in bed....what a treat! Then Josh and Paige even did the dishes, bigger treat!

We went to Fort Dodge to do a little shopping. I got some new perfume and Josh picked up a Wii Fit for me. I've wanted one since Christmas, but the stores were always out of them. Well, today they had some in stock so I got one. Yeah! I don't know how long I will stay this excited, but I have really good intentions.

We invited Josh's mom and dad over for supper along with our neighbor, Barb. Josh grilled some awesome food and we had a wonderful supper.

Happy Mother's Day to all!! Hope your day was also great.

The Next Generation

Josh got Paige a go-cart a couple weeks ago. She is really enjoying driving it, as you can see from the pictures and videos. She was a little upset today because her dad told her she needed to slow down a little. She wants to go FAST!

The only mudhole in the whole lot and guess whose tire tracks those are!

Video of the little racer:

Busy Easter Weekend

Our busy weekend started on Friday...since we didn't have school I took Paige to the Easter Egg Hunt at the Manor. They hid "real" eggs and Paige collected 22 of them. At first she was pretty confused about what was in the eggs. She squeezed the first one, then caught on pretty quickly. The activity directors had numbered the eggs so the kids could win prizes. They also had choices of candy for the kids to pick from. Paige's basket was so full of eggs she only chose 4 pieces of candy. Somebody must have felt bad for her, because she won a backpack and here is a picture of the activity director filling her backpack with candy when she thought I wasn't looking.

We were invited to a fish fry at the shop on Friday night, so we made deviled eggs to take along. None of the eggs went to waste. It was nice to be able to get together with everyone for supper.

Saturday during the day was pretty low-key. Josh worked on the racecar to get it ready for that night. I think we were all ready for racing to start (ask me in August if I'm still excited about the races, though). We had a great time at the races that night and Josh did really well. We are very proud of him.

Paige waving to her dad during the parade lap

Paige must have been tired from the night before, because Sunday morning Josh tried to wake her up at 8 for church and couldn't even stir her. I finally went in at 9:30 and got her awake. Needless to say, we missed church.

She got up and found her Easter basket. We don't do alot of candy, and after the backpack full, we didn't need to. :) She got a kite, hoola hoop, bubbles and a playground ball instead. She loves to play outside and now has no excuse to say "I'm bored".

We went to dinner at Josh's mom and dad's. His sister, brother and their families were also there. It was great for the cousins to get together and play. They always have a great time together.

It was back to work and school on Monday, only to get a phone call at noon that Paige was sick. Guess that explains the sleeping in. I picked her up and took her to the doctor right away. She has such a bad ear infection that the dr. was worried about the eardrum bursting. Crazy! Paige said her ear didn't start hurting until storytime (10:00). She had been battling a cold last week, but seemed fine all weekend. She's on antibiotics for 10 days. Must be pretty strong because our co-pay on them was $50. Yikes!!

She seems to be on the mend now. She was still running a temp this morning, so we stayed home again today. We have a late start tomorrow due to a teacher in-service, so she can sleep in again then.

Hope everyone had a happy Easter weekend!

Check out the race blog for more info on Saturday night.

Next Fall

I just found out today that I will not have a job at the school next fall. Since the school in Pomeroy is whole-grade sharing with Pocahontas there won't be a position available for me.

I'm really sad about it, but the only thing to do is pull myself up by the bootstraps and find something else.

Last Free Weekend

Since this is our last weekend before racing starts, Josh took Paige and I out for "date night" on Saturday. We went out for supper and then to the movie Monster vs. Aliens.

It was a really cute movie and Paige loved it. She's already looking forward to the movies she saw in the previews. Up! and also, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. They both look pretty funny, but sometimes the only good parts are the ones they show in the previews.

We also got some odd jobs done around the house. (Like taking down the Christmas lights) Josh said he'd have it done before April 1st and since he did, I guess I can't complain too much.

Paige practiced batting and throwing the baseball. Getting ready for t-ball!! She doesn't play soccer, so t-ball is the summer activity she really looks forward to.

Paige and I also helped Josh take the racecar out and get some new photos for all the sponsors. The picture are on the "other"blog: http://www.joshhohenseeracing.blogspot.com

She learned how to run the winch and help load the car.

Battle Wounds from the Bike

Even though Paige did a great job without the training wheels, it wasn't without injury. This is what I found when she took a bath last night.

These bruises on her back are from the bike seat.


And the fronts and backs of her legs are covered. Poor baby!

I debated even posting these pictures for fear of DHS coming to my house! How crazy is today's world that we need to worry like that?

No Training Wheels

Josh took Paige's training wheels off yesterday and she's a pro already. Ok, maybe not a pro, but she's doing really well. We are so proud of her!

Spring Fever?

I think even Paige is getting a little "Spring Fever". This is a picture she created this morning.

Dancing Queen

Paige loves the movie "Mamma Mia". She got it for Valentine's day (because I was tired of renting it every other weekend) and has watched it about 100 times since then. She loves to sing and dance along...as caught by video.

Schwan's sure is nice to us.....

Josh won a new tv from Schwan's that didn't fit in our entertainment center, so we went to Mason City yesterday to get a new one. It took a lot longer to get everything hooked up then we thought it was going to. Josh also won a surround system a few years ago, so he broke that out, too.

Thanks to dad for helping carry the old entertainment center out and the new one in.


Trying to figure out what all the wires are for...


and finally calling Uncle Charlie for help hooking everything up. Thanks, Charlie!

The finished product

Diabetic Coma (on a plate)

Since we went to Des Moines last weekend Paige and I never got a chance to make Valentine cookies. So we made them today instead.

She's got her apron on, she's ready to decorate

She loves to decorate the cookies

Having fun

The finished product. There's enough sugar on that plate to send anyone into a sugar shock!

What goes better with cookies than milk?

Sometimes I get really bored....

Just a series of random pictures that I messed with on the computer


Because you can't take life too seriously

And this one, since some people may not share our sense of humor :)

Just because he's a dork


Daddy's girl

And sometimes Mommy's girl, too

Family collage
Racing picture


My cousin, Barbara and I

Josh and his cousins, Abby and Sarah

6 is the new 16

Every morning Josh walks Paige to the bus (at the end of our driveway) and gives her a hug and kiss good-bye.

Yesterday, Paige and I had a late start so dad was long gone by the time the bus showed up. The bus has to drive by our house to pick up a kid on the next block and then comes back for Paige. When dad's not home we have a little different routine, when we see the bus go by, she puts on her coat and backpack to head out the door. I am usually running behind so I don't walk her to the bus (at the end of our driveway).

When she came home from school she asked me if I would tell her dad that he didn't need to walk her to the bus (at the end of our driveway) and if he would just let her go out by herself. I told her she had to tell him that herself.

So, this morning she told her dad that she could go out to the bus ALONE. He told her it was OK that he liked walking her out and giving her a hug and kiss. I was in the bathroom getting ready and Paige came in and whispered "I tried to tell him but he still thinks he needs to go out with me". Dad just didn't get the hint that she didn't want him to go out with her....so she and I went back out to the kitchen to break her dad's heart.

She explained the other kids were making fun of her because her dad walked her out and kissed her in front of them. Apparently, even six is too old to still be getting kisses from your dad in front of your friends. She told him he could still kiss her in the house, but not outside.

They definitely grow up way too fast!!

Paige's First Hockey Game

Josh, Paige and I went to Des Moines to watch the Iowa Chops hockey game on Valentine's day. We had a lot of fun! We had really good seats, so were able to see everything.

First fight-29 seconds into the game. Paige didn't want to see them punching each other, but kept asking if anyone had their teeth knocked out yet. Maybe she wanted them all to look like her.


Hockey fans are even crazier than dirt-track fans. These 2 guys were especially crazy. They were leading the crowd in cheers, jeering the refs and telling the other players how much they "suck".

During the game

They also had "Numerous Nuptials" between the first and second periods where people could either get married for the first time or renew their vows.

There were 70 couples total. I was really surprised there were that many!

Some even wore wedding dresses....
And some wore their pajamas.

During the breaks the Zooperstars put on some dance routines. They were on America's Got Talent. It was really cute.

Toothless

Paige lost her 4th tooth today.

She lost the bottom two in about October or so and has lost the top two in the last couple days.

Each time she has lost a tooth, the new permanent tooth is already most of the way grown in. On the bottom she had 2 teeth growing behind the other set (it was kinda gross).

Vegas, Baby

Josh and I left for our weekend trip on Thursday afternoon. We stayed overnight with Alyse, Charles and Ella in Des Moines. Thanks, Anliker family!

We got up at 4 am to head for the airport since our flight left at 6:20 am. We got through security without too many problems. Our flight from Des Moines to Minneapolis encountered quite a bit of turbulence. Not a good thing! But I'm glad we were only on that plane for about an hour. It was so tiny.

We got to Minneapolis and switched planes to head for Vegas. The flight had a lot of Minnesota and Wisconsin Schwan's people on it so we got to meet a few people before we even got to the event. We got to Las Vegas and Schwan's had a shuttle waiting to take everyone to the hotel.

We stayed at the Wynn. Our room was really nice. We're just glad Schwan's picked up the tab for that! We knew it was fancy when we saw the signs on the mini-bar.



We didn't have any free time before the meeting on Friday afternoon. It was the "business" part of the weekend. They had some corporates speakers: blah, blah, blah. We had a couple hours before the Friday night banquet so we just looked around the hotel a bit.

Friday night was an awards banquet broken down into each region. Each driver was introduced and given a plaque. Not much different than the banquets we have been to in the past. They broke it down into regions because there was a 567 drivers nationwide that were in the top sales level and went on this trip. Plus their guests and the people from corporate. They estimated about 1,300 Schwan's people at this event.


Josh is in the top 567 drivers in the nation!!! I am so proud of him.


The event Friday night was over about 10 pm so we went out to see the sights a little. It was raining Friday night so I didn't take my camera out.


These pictures are of the view from our room:

We got up about 8:30 Saturday morning and headed out to sight-see. We ate breakfast at Treasure Island since our hotel only offered Champagne Breakfast and it was $40 per person.

These are pictures of the pirate ships at Treasure Island...the only things Paige wanted to see pictures of.

We just walked up and down the strip...the outsides of the buildings were far more interesting than the insides.

Caesar's Palace

The Mirage

Margaritaville

You have to have a margarita at Margaritaville

Paris Las Vegas: The Eiffel Tower and views from the top of it.

We're definitely not in Iowa anymore....outside escalators, palm trees, orange trees and people swimming outside in January. It was 68 degrees on Saturday afternoon. My spring fever is gonna come early this year!

We had to be back to the hotel by 3 to get ready for the evening celebration. We had a "Celebration Dinner"scheduled but had no idea what that would consist of. We had supper and then a little presentation including a speech by Alfred Schwan.

The fog "door" leading into the banquet hall.

Where's the cheeseburgers?


Doug Schiltz, Josh and Jeff Loken. The only 3 drivers from Humboldt Depot that made Chairman's Club. Doesn't Josh look handsome in his suit?

Josh and Alfred Schwan

See what happens when I try to take a nice picture? Goofball!!
After the dinner they had a huge party with a band that included some celebrities: We saw Donna Summer, Tom Jones, Elvis and Tina Turner but I missed getting pictures of them. I did get....

The Blues Brothers

Michael Jackson

Cher

Madonna

Ok, so they were celebrity impersonators...but it was still fun!

It's time to go home when the feather boas and glow sticks come out!

We ended up getting to bed about 2 am on Sunday morning and had to get up at 4 am to catch our flight home. You know you've been to Vegas when you got 7 hours of sleep in 3 days!

Views from the flight home:

We're so tired we can hardly open our eyes!

You know you're back in the midwest when you can see nothing but patches of farmland!

We are really glad we got to go...but are not in a big hurry to do it again anytime soon.

Countdown to Vegas

Josh and I are heading to Vegas for the weekend on Jan. 23rd.

We are going for a Schwan's award banquet since he made Chairman's Club again this year. Chairman's Club is the top sales level for Route Managers. Only 3 driver's from his Depot made Chairman's and get to go.

In the past they have had banquets in Sioux Falls, Des Moines and Jackpot Junction for all employees and guests. This year, they have done away with the local banquets.

We are heading out on Thursday afternoon to spend the night with Alyse, Charles and Ella in Des Moines. Our flight leaves at 6:25 am so they have graciously agreed to put us up for the night and drive us to the airport at 5 am. Thanks Anliker Family!

I will post pictures as soon as we get back!

Another Hohensee Christmas

We had Christmas with the family today. Everyone was finally able to get together. It's so hard to coordinate schedules when everyone is so busy. So glad we got to see everyone today!!


Grandpa got a new antenna and radio/cd player for the tractor

Grandma got a new cell phone

Dog pile on Grandpa!! Kyla (1), Ella (3), Paige (6) and Logan (5)

Alyse got some pink, battery-operated massaging slippers. Hope they are comfy!

Paige got the Horton Hears a Who DVD

Paige and Ella love each other!!

Poor Charles....napping before all the fun started.

I don't know how I managed to miss getting Brian and Sarah in any pictures. You two better watch out next time!

The Wrestling Meet

Paige had her first wrestling meet today. She got 4th...but had fun doing it. She is so big for her age that she wrestled all 2nd graders. And most of them have been wrestling since Kindergarten.

She has already decided she does not want to go out for wrestling next year...she wants a racecar instead!




Her new friend, Wesley. Wesley's parents are on Josh's Schwan's route and Josh has known him since he was born.

New Year's Day at Uncle Charlie's

We had a wonderful lunch today at Josh's Uncle Charlie's house. We had some great food, a few card games including Liverpool Rummy (which I am horrible at) and even watched the Hawkeyes in the Outback Bowl game.

Below are a few pictures from this afternoon:

Paige and her new best friend, Brian

Sarah and Brian

Aunt Connie and Uncle Bill

Rog and Ellen...this is what happens when you try to be serious and have Rog put his arm around his lovely wife!

Aunt Carole and Uncle Dean

Aunt Nae, Paige and Great-Grandma Hohensee waiting patiently for the clock to cuckoo. Paige really wants to have a clock like Uncle Charlie's.

Grandpa, Josh and Connie having lunch.
Paige and Aunt Nae coloring.

The chefs preparing lunch. Grandma, Uncle Charlie and Ellen

Charlie has the best train set! Josh, Rog, Grandma and Paige playing with the trains.

We had a great time. Thanks for hosting Charlie!

Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009!!

Josh's cousin Sarah and her boyfriend, Brian came over to our house for New Year's Eve this year. We enjoyed a few drinks and a lot of food. We had so much fun! Thanks for coming over!

We HAD to break out the Wii. We have all had so much fun with that darn video game system. So glad Paige got it for Christmas!! :)

We let Paige stay up until 10. I'm not sure she wanted to go to bed yet, but she didn't put up too much of a fight. The rest of us made it until 1 a.m. Whoo Hoo! I think that's the first time in a few years that we've seen the New Year come in.

Josh and Brian boxing:

Paige's Ornament

Paige made an ornament at school. One side is "Naughty"and one side is "Nice".

Brunch and Wii-ing some more

Roger, Ellen, Alyse, Charles and Ella came over for brunch today and to try out the Wii. I think everyone had a good time playing.

Josh helping Ella play with Paige. Ella always wins no matter what place she's in. In this video they are snowboarding.

Alyse and Chuck playing. Alyse is concentrating really hard!

Hohensee Christmas

The Hohensee Family Christmas was yesterday. We enjoyed lunch, bingo and even a few games of cards. It's always great for everyone to be able to get together for the holidays.



Paige-patiently waiting for Bingo to start


Rog and Uncle Charlie-the Bingo boycotters!

Paige and Ella decided to help call Bingo numbers

Abby, Josh and Sarah. These cousins sure do love each other!

Wii-ing

Paige got a Wii for X-mas, but who do you think is having more fun?

Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas from the Hohensee Family!

Getting ready to open presents...can't you just feel the excitement?

This is a typical present under our tree. Josh buys for himself and then wants me to wrap it.


Showing some love

Trying to get a good picture of these two is impossible!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!

Whoo Hoo! Matching shovels! Paige was actually very excited about getting her own scoop shovel just like dad's. I did not pick these out, by the way.

The decoy present. He can tell what any present is just from the shape of the box, so I hid his DVD inside his own race shirt. Actually fooled him this year.

Getting the Step-brothers DVD



Paige wanted a Snuggie for X-mas. www.getsnuggie.com The child is OBSESSED with infomercials. She can see one once and remember it verbatim.

Santa got her a bathrobe instead!

Christmas Concert #2

Paige had her 2nd Christmas concert tonight. This one for the Catholic School. It was an awesome concert. The kids really got into it. Especially Paige. She was loud and proud!

Getting haircut before the concert.

All decked out




Below is a video of her favorite song...Celebrate!

Feliz Navidad

Paige singing along with a Christmas CD. It is her favorite song and even though she doesn't know all the words (or what Feliz Navidad means) that does not stop her from singing it......ALL THE TIME.

Sprinkles, Round 2

Paige and I made almond bark dipped pretzels today. Of couse, they HAD to have sprinkles.

Christmas Cookies

Since we had a snow day today, Paige and I baked and decorated Christmas cookies. The pictures below are a little out of order.

And if you'll notice, she's wearing the same pj's she wore to her X-mas concert. They're "Christmasy"so she thinks she needs to wear them everyday until Christmas.


Cutting out a Christmas Tree

Mmm Mmm Good!

I know, they're just beautiful.

She is so proud of her cookies.

Decorating the cookies

She really like the sprinkles

Notice the frosting on the forehead?

Cookies, check....Frosting, check...Sprinkles, check

Like the cover of a magazine

Her favorite cookie....she already ate it!

Christmas Conccert #1

Paige had her first Christmas concert today at the Elementary school. She was one of "Santa's Sleepyheads" and had to wear her pajamas and slippers.

Singing her little heart out. The Kindergarten sang I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause and Jingle, Jingle Little Bells. They also sang a couple songs with all the other classes.

Dan, Grandpa, Grandma and Cameron enjoying the show. Grandma saw the camera and ducked out of the way.

Grandma, Grandpa and Paige after the concert.

Wrestling Practice #2

Paige was very excited when another girl showed up at practice. They partnered up right away and learned all about take-downs.

The Busiest Weekend Ever!!

It all started on Thursday with a wonderful Thansgiving dinner at the Eaton's with the Hohensee family. Paige had a great time playing with Erin and Emma Strohman (Josh's cousin Katie's twin girls). We ate way too much and played some cards and had a great time.

Late that afternoon we headed to Grandma Snow's house. Almost everyone was gone by the time we got there, but did get to visit with Grandma and my mom.

I wanted to get up and do a little early bird shopping on Friday, but Josh won that battle. He had to get some racecar parts in Huxley, so we did some shopping in Ames. We are about 75% done with our shopping already.

Saturday was a crazy day......We put up our tree first thing in the morning, had lunch at the Pizza Ranch for Ella's 3rd birthday party, went bowling that afternoon, to church in the evening and then to a party at the body shop. Wow are we tired today!!

Paige was getting tired of the camera! :)

But Dad......

The other day, Paige brought home a sign-up sheet.....for wrestling.

When she asked if she could go out, I told her she would need to ask her dad. Of course, dad said no. This was the conversation that followed:

Paige: But Dad, Luke is the toughest boy in my class and I know I can beat him.

Josh: You don't need to go out for wrestling, you're a girl.

Paige: But Dad, girls can do anything boys can do.

then Cameron thought he needed to interject his opinion: She's not wrestling, she's a girl

Paige: Well Cam, why do you always wrestle me then?

Paige is now signed up for wrestling!!

One year later.....

Ok, so our computer crashed, I was working a job with CRAZY hours....... I just haven't kept up with the blog.

So here is the last year in a nutshell:

Not much happened all winter long. That's our "off season".

But our summer was extremely busy with racing, of course. Josh did really well in his Hobby Stock so he decided to sell that and move up to the Stock Car class for next season. Of course he's already busy working on that even though the races don't start until April.


Josh's '08 Hobby Stock

We went on vacation to St. Louis this year and hit all the hot spots there. Such as, The Arch, Grant's Farm, did the Budweiser tour, Six Flags, Josh and Cam went to a dirt track in Peveley, MO and saw a bunch of Nascar drivers racing late models. We also went to Meremac Caverns.

Mississippi River

Some of the drivers at I-55 Race Track, Pevely, MO

Anheuser Busch

Paige feeding a goat at Grant's Farm

Meremac Caverns

Hannibal, MO

You can't tell unless you look closely, but those flowers are full of butterflies.

I switched jobs in August. We had been working some horribly long hours at Jack Link's. Not only were the hours long for me, but for the kids, too. Paige was at daycare from before 7 in the morning and I wasn't getting home until after 6. We were also working 6 days a week.

The breaking point came for me when I realized that I was not much fun to be around anymore, the kids got completely screwed out of having a fun summer and Josh was having to not only do his job, with also has crazy hours, but pick up all the slack at home. Sometimes the money you make just isn't worth the stress it causes on a family.

Anyway, a job opportunity came up at a school district about 12 miles from home at the Pomeroy-Palmer Community School as a Paraeducator (teacher's associate). I jumped at the chance to get back into a school district. I really enjoy working with the kids and find it very rewarding.

Paige and Cam started school on August 20th. Paige is in Kindergarten this year and Cameron is a Freshman.

Kdg. pic First Day of School: I didn't notice until I posted she was wearing the same dress

Cam-9th grade

School is going well for both of them. I think Cam is enjoying being in High School. Paige loves to learn and is soaking everything up like a little sponge.

Josh actually got to go with to take Paige trick-or-treating. He has had to work every other year. Paige's Halloween Costume: She went as a gumball machine

So, that about covers the last year in the very (un)exciting lives of the Hohensee family. Hopefully, now that I have more time I can actually update more often. Or at least when something exciting happens.

Love to all

Busy Thanksgiving Weekend

It all started on Thursday...........we had an awesome dinner at Darwin and Debby's house with the Hohensee family. That evening Cameron and I went to Fort Dodge so he could do his Christmas shopping.


I had taken the day off work on Friday, so the kids and I put up the Christmas tree and the other holiday decorations. Josh even put up the outside lights. Although this time of year he likes to refer to me as Mrs. Griswald. I'm sure most people have seen the movie National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

We like to dress Casey up as a "reindog" while we are decorating the tree.



Friday evening we got together for supper in Palmer with Josh's mom and dad, brother, Brian and his wife, Sarah, their kids, Logan and Kyla, his sister, Alyse, her husband, Charles and their daughter, Ella. We celebrated Josh's mom's birthday, but I'm not saying which birthday because I still want her to like me! After supper Josh and I went to the Bee Movie with Brian, Alyse, Roger, Ella, Logan, Paige and Cameron.


On Saturday we had lunch at Pizza Ranch for Ella's 2nd birthday party. I can't believe she's two already.

We enjoyed another family supper on Saturday evening. This time at Roger and Ellen's house for another Thanksgiving feast.

After supper we came home and painted our kitchen. Apparently we weren't quite tired enough from all the running we had been doing all weekend!

After church on Sunday we headed to Fort Dodge once again. This time it was Josh's idea and Cam, Paige and I just tagged along. We now have 99% of our Christmas shopping done. Whoo Hoo!!!

We had a weekend full of activities, but it was great to be able to spend so much time with family. We don't do it nearly often enough.

Little Witch

Paige was a witch for halloween this year. She had so much fun trick-or-treating this year. Espcially at the nursing home, which really suprised me. She learned a "pumpkin song" at school and sang it to everyone there. So cute!!

Cameron stayed home and passed out candy at our house. He was thrilled to do it. (note scarcasm here)

Carving Pumpkins

Since Halloween is just a few days away, we decided we should get the pumpkins carved.


Paige did an excellent job digging all the guts out. She thought it was very fun but a little "gross".


They turned out very cute. We have a cat, a vampire and a regular jack-ol-lantern.

Kansas Speedway

Josh and I made our trip to Kansas for the Nascar race.

On the way down Saturday, we stopped through Des Moines for some "family time". We finally got to meet our new niece, Kyla. She's adorable! After we left Brian and Sarah's house, we met Charles, Alyse and Ella for lunch at Carlos O'Kelleys. We had a great lunch with them.

We went for supper at Smokehouse Barbeque in Independence, MO. http://www.smokehousebbq.com/ It was so good. Our motel was only about 6 miles from where we stayed on vacation so Josh knew his way around the area pretty well.

On Sunday morning we were up bright and early to head to the track. We thought the traffic would be alot worse than it was, but we were so early I think we missed the biggest part of it. We had plenty of time to hit all the merchandise trailers for t-shirts.

I stood in line about 45 minutes to meet and get an autograph from Jeremy Mayfield, my favorite driver. (no comments from any Nascar fans on here, I already know how everyone feels about him) Of course, Josh and I realized about an hour from home that we had forgotten the camera, DAMN!! Oh well, I got one on my phone.

The race had 2 rain delays but we had a great time anyway. I'm really glad we went.

We made it to Nebraska City, NE before Josh was too tired to drive any further. We were still about 3 hours from home.

We finally made it home about 2 today. What an exhausting (but fun ) weekend. We've talked about making this our yearly anniversary trip.

Josh's Birthday

Josh will turn 31 on the 13th. Since he will be racing at the Spencer Fair that night and is leaving before we all get home, the kids and I decided to do his birthday cake and presents tonight.

As you can see from the picture, it DOES run in the family to eat cake from the middle first. Here is Josh's Red Velvet (yuck) birthday cake.

The kids and I got him the movie "Blades of Glory". And tickets to the Nascar race in Kansas City on September 30th which I put inside a 12-pack Busch Light box and wrapped. Sounds like a "you might be a redneck....." just waiting to happen!

He was VERY excited about the tickets. I'm so glad. It should be alot of fun.

Paige is 5

Paige turned 5 yesterday.



She got to take cupcakes to school. She even helped bake and decorate them. Of course, I forgot to take a picture. But trust me, they were gorgeous!


She invited her friend, Olivia, to go out for pizza and then to our house to play.




We haven't done a birthday party for Paige yet. I think we are just going to invite some family over this weekend for cake and ice cream. Paige has been celebrating all week, so we're not going to go all out.

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school.

Cameron is in 8th grade. And after much careful thought and consideration, we decided to put Paige into Pre-K (prep). I think she may have been a LITTLE more excited than he was. Cameron did pick out his clothes the night before, so I think he was ready. We also picked out Paige's last night since she had to make sure I picked out "something cute". Her exact words. She had an open house at school last night. She got to take her school supplies and meet her teacher, Mrs. Clausen.

I had to work this morning so Josh got the kids up and ready for school. Cam didn't want to ride with dad, so he rode his bike. But Josh took Paige to school and was a little "misty-eyed" when she just said "bye Dad". I'm glad she didn't carry on and cry. I think it was hard for him to send his baby to big school. She will go everyday, but only from 8:15 to 11:30.

Paige will turn 5 on August 28th. That's the biggest reason we chose Prep. She is still one of the youngest in her class. She also still takes naps and is very growly if she doesn't get one. We just figured one more year of 1/2 days wouldn't hurt.

Cam's last year of junior high started today. He's excited because he'll get to "rule the school" this year. I think he just likes to go to school for the social experiences!

I forgot.....

We stayed about 5 minutes from the stadiums where the KC Royals and the Chiefs play. We didn't see a ball game, but did get to go inside and see the Royals Stadium.

We tried to let everyone pick a place each night to eat supper. Paige, of course, picked Chuck E. Cheese's. I think Josh and Cam had just as much fun there.

I have added a link to look at pictures on our site. It's easier than trying down load all of them onto a post.

Thanks to my high-school classmate and blogger extraordinaire, Shannon Kunkle. I have also added a link to her site. Shannon's is the first blog I ever read and the one I am stealing all these cool ideas from.

The Rest of Vacation

On Tuesday we went to Oceans of Fun. Even though we applied sunscreen numerous times during the day, all of us sunburned, except Paige. I don't know how she got by without getting fried, but I'm sure glad she did. She did, however, get a few new "vacation freckles" on her nose and cheeks. She loved the wave pool. It's just like being at the beach, minus the sand! She had to wear a life jacket because of her height, so she just laid on her back and let the waves carry her around.

On Wednesday, we went to Worlds of Fun. We got a late start in the morning since nobody woke up until almost 9. We all must have been worn out from the day before. We stopped at IHOP for breakfast before heading to WOF. Everyone had a ball riding on all the rides. Paige was even brave enough to ride on some of the big rides. I think she rode the "Sea Dragon" 3 times.

She and I also headed to Camp Snoopy while Josh and Cam went to ride the "big boy" rides. She rode lots of rides there and even got to hug Snoopy.

Camp Snoopy also had this huge playroom with air-powered guns that shot foam balls. I'm not sure which kid, Josh or Cam, had more fun in there.

On Friday, we headed downtown to Union Station, a restored 1900's train station. We went through the train museum, the science center and saw 2 shows at the planetarium. We also headed to Crown Center and toured the Hallmark Visitors Center. It sounds kind of boring, but was very interesting. It was all about the history of Hallmark Cards.

We finally headed home Friday morning. After finishing up school shopping on the way home, we finally made it back to Pocahontas about 8:00. Now I have about 47 loads of laundry to finish up!!

Day Two

We ended up going to the zoo today. It's noot nearly as impressive as the Omaha Zoo. The layout at the KC Zoo is terrible. There is ALOT of walking involved in seeing only 1 or 2 animals in each area. It is set up in to different "continents". So in Africa, for instance, you see the animals native to that area. I think we walked a mile to see some zebras, giraffes, and 1 rhino. It was so hot, that most of the animals were hiding in the logs or in some cool corner.


We did end up seeing an IMAX movie called "Deep Sea". That was very cool. If you've never been to an IMAX theater, GO!! It's awesome.

After the zoo, we went to Cabela's for a little while and then off to Sadler's Indoor Raceway. Which is an indoor go-cart track. Josh took Paige in a double-seater and let Cam beat the doors off him. So, of course, Josh had to ditch Paige and get into a single car and smoke poor Cam. Josh is just a LITTLE competitive when it comes to racing, even if it involves his 14-year-old son!

After racing we ate BBQ at a little place next to our hotel. It's called the Rib Crib. It wasn't really that impressive, but after over a 100 miles today, it was close and convenient.

I think tomorrow we are going to Oceans of Fun. The heat index is supposed to be near 105 and the water seemed like a good idea.

Kansas City

We made it to Kansas City about 3:00 on Sunday. We checked into out hotel and then did a little school shopping.

We ate supper at Red Robin. Yummy!! Best burgers ever!!!

I think we are planning on going to the zoo today. Everyone is still tired from the trip down and nobody slept well last night so we wanted a "short" activity.

Getting ready for vacation

We have been gearing up for our family vacation next week. We are taking the kids to Kansas City for the whole week. We are leaving next Sunday and coming back on Friday.

We are planning on going to World's of Fun, Ocean's of Fun, the zoo, and Union Station, which is a restored 1914 train station with a science center planetarium, and train exibit (have to fit something educational in there with school starting so soon). We are also planning on doing their school shopping.

I'm sure we'll all be worn out by Friday! I'm trying to plan ahead as much as possible, but am still sure of forgetting something!

Pictures galore and a run-down will be posted when we get back!!

Busy Saturday

Yesterday Paige and I went to Laurens to celebrate the 125th birthday of the town.

It started with the parade. She and I helped pass out jerky with the Jack Link's crew. It was such a long parade route that I pulled her in the wagon that we had decked out with Jack Link's boxes and ribbons. She loved helping pass out the goodies to everyone.

After the parade we met up with my cousin, Kelly and her kids, Kennedy and Landen. We had an awesome lunch together at the Masonic Lodge. And then went to some of the Main Street activities for the kids. The girls had a ball at the water fights at the Fire Station and the giant inflatable "jumpies" in the business district. There was also a kiddie train made out of barrels and pulled by small tractor.

I ran into a few classmates that were also on Main Street with their children. It's so funny how little everyone has changed in appearance even though it's been almost (gulp!) 20 years since we've graduated.

I didn't get to see any of the evening activities since Paige and I left town about 4:00 to get ready to head to the racetrack.

The poor girl was wiped out by the time we finally got home about 10:00 last night.

Gone Fishin'

Josh and Paige went fishing today with Doug, our Schwan's man, and his son, Tanner.

They caught lots of fish and had some quality "father-daughter" time.

Happy 14th, Cam

Today is Cameron's 14th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Cam!! We love you!!

Memorial Weekend

Ok, so I know it's a little late getting posted but anyway............

We had a wonderful Memorial weekend. We all actually had the whole weekend off and had some family time together. That doesn't seem to happen much these days, so I really enjoyed it.

On Saturday, the kids and I made the much-needed trip to Wal-Mart. We had lunch at Fazoli's (Paige's new favorite place) and got home just in time to unload the car, put everything away and reload for the races.

We had a great time at the races, as usual. Paige is actually a joy to take to the races this summer. She' finally big enough to know what's going on. She's her dad's biggest fan, cheering and jumping up and down for him. She's a hoot. The boys have always enjoyed the races, although they are much too cool to do any of the yelling and all that embarrassing stuff!

On Sunday, we went to Josh's Uncle Charlie's for a 1-year anniversary of moving/race party. We enjoyed a potluck with the family and watched the race on his big screen tv. Kyle spent the night with Charlie and really had fun with him.

On Monday, we were supposed to have lunch with Josh's mom and dad since Alyse, Charles and Ella were over, but we ended up taking Paige to the ER that morning. It was only pink eye, but had to have the eyedrops so she could go to daycare on Monday morning. Thank goodness for health insurance.

Josh and the boys went for lunch, and I stayed home with Paige. We love Ella and didn't want to take the chance of giving her pink eye.

That afternoon, we called Grandma and Grandpa and asked if they wanted to chance it and come over for a BBQ for supper. They're very brave and came over. We also invited our next-door neighbor, Barb. Paige just loves Barb and goes to visit every chance she gets.

We grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and some ribs. And then made S'mores after supper.






Grandpa Roger playing horseshoes and ring toss with the kids.

Pre-School Graduation

On Wednesday night we attended Paige's Pre-School Graduation Ceremony.

The program was so cute. The kids sang about 5 or 6 songs. Paige got to be "Monday" in one of them. She's so talented!

Then they put on their mortorboards and received their diplomas from Mr. Moody, the elementary school principal.

Wasserbahn

Since the races were cancelled last weekend, we took the kids to Williamsburg to the Wasserbahn Waterpark. It is inside the Holiday Inn there, similiar to the one we have gone to in Owatonna, Mn.

All the kids had a ball. There were 2 big waterslides, a "water walk" where you walk across these floating logs. Cam was trying to get across them without using the rope. He took a few headers, but was getting pretty good by the end of the trip.

There was a big kids area that had Paige occupied for hours. She even got brave enough to go down both big water slides by herself. There was a slower green one that I could hear her coming down. Whoo-hoo. She tried the fast red one, but came out crying. It was dark and fast. She did not like it at all!

We also did a little shopping at the Outlet Mall near the park and picked up a few summer clothes for the kids.

At least we got a little vacation in before the racing season started.

To Kindergarten or Not to Kindergarten

Paige went to Kindergarten Round-Up at the Catholic School and Prep/Kdg. Round-Up the Elementary School the end of March.

She is probably going to attend the Catholic School but, she had to go to the Prep Round-Up because when we had her Pre-school parent/teacher conference, the Pre-school teachers recommended she go to Prep (which is Pre-K) next year and go to Kindergarten the year after. They are basing it on her birthday, which is August 28th, only 2 weeks before the cut-off, and the fact that they think she is not ready for Kindergarten. Apparently, she's too bossy and that is a sign of social immaturity. I told the teacher I thought it showed signs of leadership. I don't think she bought that. Besides, what do they expect? She is bossy! She also needs to work on her fine motor skills like cutting and writing. The next day Paige got some new scissors and some workbooks. I'm starting to think that the teacher's don't want to "teach" the kids anymore, the kids are just supposed to know everything.

I agree she's not ready for Kindergarten, but I don't think they'll let her in high school yet!!

Boppin with the Doodlebops

Paige and I went to see the Doodlebops in Spencer yesterday. She loved it. For those of you who do not know who the Doodlebops are....(I'm sure there are some of you), the Doodlebops have a show on the Disney Channel. It's kind of a rock and roll show for kids.

We just made it a girl's day out. We stopped for lunch, went to the show and did a little shopping.

The Grandmas

Cam, Paige and I went to visit my Grandma Snow on Sunday. My mom was out there too, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to get some pictures.

My mom, my Grandma, me and Paige

My Grandma, my mom and Paige

My Grandma, my mom and Cam

Me and my Grandma Snow

Paige with her Great-Grandma
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What's for Lunch?

Paige's favorite lunch......octopus and seaweed!

It's actually just hot dogs sliced 3/4 of the way up and then boiled until the "legs" curl. Of course, I added ketchup eyes and a smile. And the seaweed is Ramen Noodles with green food coloring.



It's always a suprise around here at lunchtime!

The Karate Kid

Miss Paige has decided she "loves karate". I'm pretty sure Spongebob is into karate, too. Hmmm....Coincidence? I think not!

Best Friends

This is a picture of Paige and Elmo at the Sesame Street Show.

Clean Up, Clean Up....

Not only is Paige a good helper when it's time to bake, she also likes to help clean up......

although it probably would have been easier to use a spatula rather than sticking her whole face in the bowl.

Sesame Street Live

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street....

Last night Paige and I went to Spencer to Sesame Street Live:Elmo Makes Music.

We had awesome seats in the front row right next to where the performers entered and exited the stage so Paige had an "up close and personal" view of everything. She even got to "give five" to Bert and hug Big Bird. The whole show was very interactive, with all the kids yelling out the answers to the questions and really getting into the show. It was so much fun.

Of course I took lots of pictures, but still can't get them to download onto the computer. Hopefully soon!

Happy 2007

I've been trying to download my Christmas pictures, but for some reason they just don't seem to want to leave the camera. Hopefully I'll be able to post some soon.

We had a wonderful holiday season. Seeing everyone we haven't seen in a while, eating way too much and enjoying the Christmas season.

Josh and the kids (I wasn't feeling well) went to Newell for Christmas Eve dinner at his Grandpa Spurbeck's. We then stayed home for supper and waited for Santa to come.

Paige woke everyone up about 6:30 Christmas morning because, of course, Santa came to our house. The kids had a good time opening their presents. I think they all got what they wanted (and more). The boys got some DVD's they wanted and Paige's favorite thing is her Easy Bake Oven. The whole family has already taste tested the finished product. Mmmmmm.....Delicious?

We went to the Hohensee Christmas in Pocahontas for lunch and Bingo on Christmas day. That's always lots of fun.

We waited until the 30th to have Christmas in Des Moines at Charles and Alyse's house. Thanks for hosting this year! It was so much fun watching all the kids open and enjoy their presents. They play so well together and have so much fun.

It reminds me of when I was young and couldn't wait to spend time with my cousins, Darla and Lynda on my mom's side and my cousin, Barbara on my dad's.

We had a little New Year's Eve "party" at home with the kids last night. Josh made junk food platters, we watched movies and were all in bed by 10:30. Whooo Hooo!

We hope this new year finds everyone healthy and happy!

Love to everyone.....

Baking Christmas Cookies

Today Paige and I made and decorated Christmas cookies. It was quite and experience to say the least.

She really got into it. She likes to be called the "dumper" whenever we bake something. Because it's her job to dump the items into the big bowl.

She loved decorating the cookies. We made different colored frosting, used colored sugar and sprinkles.

Dad even got to help.

Our beautiful cookies.....

Seems like forever....

since I've blogged. I can't believe it's been a month already. I just don't know where all the time goes.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the family. We went to Darwin and Debby Eaton's on Thanksgiving day with the Hohensee's. We enjoyed dinner and an afternoon of visiting with everyone.

Later that afternoon, we put up our outside Christmas lights since it was so nice outside. There just seems to be something odd about putting up your Christmas lights while wearing spring jackets instead of parkas!

I had to work the day after Thanksgiving, but Josh ventured out to the stores. I haven't yet decided if he's brave or stupid:) He got alot of bargains and I got a new Christmas tree, so I guess he's brave AND thoughtful.

I only had to work until noon on Friday, so we put up our Christmas tree that afternoon. Let me tell you, it's just beautiful! Paige did most of the work and is so proud of herself. She let Cam help a little bit, but I don't think he really minded not helping much.

We made a trip to Sioux City to finish up our shopping yesterday. I think we are DONE! And Josh and I wrapped it all today. Well, I wrapped and he put the name tags on everything. That counts as helping, doesn't it?

I'm sure Christmas will be here before we realize. Hope everyone is ready for the holidays.

Arenacross

We took the kids to Des Moines on Saturday to see the Arenacross....So Much Fun! We are definately going to see it again sometime.

I don't know who's going to want a dirtbike first, Cam or Paige. I was really surprised how much she enjoyed it. She was really getting into the freestyle riders. They were doing all kinds of tricks that she loved. Guess I'd better size her up for a helmet now.

We told Cam we were going to Sesame Street Live. He was VERY surprised when we got there. Totally worth lying to your kid when you get to see that kind of look!

Trick or Treat

Paige dressed as a mermaid for Halloween this year......

She wasn't really into the trick-or-treating at first but got the hang of it later in the evening and came home with a boat load of candy. Just what she needs!

6 Years.....and 2 days!

Josh and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on Friday. We enjoyed a night away in Des Moines on Saturday night.

The kids stayed with Grandma and Grandpa. They were also in Des Moines on Saturday. They went to take Logan home since his mom and dad are back from their honeymoon in Hawaii. Hope you had a great time, Brian and Sarah!

Anyway, Josh and I did some shopping (I know, how romantic!) and went to supper. After supper we went to Prairie Meadows for a little while. I hit it big on the nickel machines! I won $100. Such a high roller! The best part of the evening was getting carded there!

It was nice to get away for the weekend. Although, I'm always glad to get back home to the really important things (laundry). I don't know why it seems to multiply when you are away. How can the clothes fit in the suitcase so nicely on the way there, but have to be jammed in on the way home. Just one of the mysteries of life, I suppose.

I feel like it's been forever since I've blogged. Now that race season is over, we haven't been up to much. I will keep you posted if anything interesting happens to us!

Picking Pumpkins

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday to get Paige a pumpkin. And yes, only Paige because, once again, certain members of the household are just "too cool" to participate in things like this!

She had to sit on the pumpkins to determine if it was the right size or not. Apparently a good jack-o-lantern has to be about butt high on a 4-year-old. The things I am learning as I get older.

She ended up getting 1 big pumpkin to carve and 4 little pumpkins because she's 4. The logic!

THE BIG 3 - 0 !!!!!

Today is Josh's 30th Birthday! Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

This picture is actually from Paige's birthday, but I didn't have one of Josh opening his dead-blow hammer we got him. Give me a break, it's what he wanted.

Happy Birthday, Paige!

We celebrated Paige's 4th birthday today. Her birthday is actually tomorrow, but with Josh and I both having to work we decided to celebrate early.

Actually, her birthday will probably be celebrated all week. We gave her a present yesterday. She got a Dora the Explorer bicycle. Since it was so nice out yesterday, she got it early so she could enjoy it for an extra day.

Paige and I got up early this morning to make her birthday cake and some cupcakes to take to daycare tomorrow.

After lunch, we took her to the movie "Barnyard". So cute! She laughed through the whole thing. And, like normal, Cam was just "too cool " to enjoy it thoroughly.

After the movie, we invited Grandma Ellen and Grandpa Roger and Great Grandma and Grandpa Hohensee to eat supper with us at Pizza Hut in Humboldt. We then enjoyed cake and ice cream at our house and Paige opened some more cards and presents. Thanks for all the gifts, everyone!

Tomorrow she celebrate her birthday at daycare with the cupcakes baked in ice cream cones. They are so much fun! She will also get her favorite supper, and no, it's not going to be a bologna sandwich. She has already requested spaghetti.

On Thursday, she will celebrate her birthday at Pre-School. She is taking the treats and will get to wear the birthday crown!

I'm sure by the end of the week she'll think she's 6!

My Bologna Has a First Name

Paige has been on the bologna diet for the past few weeks. I don't know what the deal is, but every night for supper she wants to have a bologna sandwich.

I know, I know....why do I give in and let her eat a bologna sandwich every night. Because sometimes it's just easier to pick the battles. And is bologna really worth battling over, I say no. Eventually, she'll get sick of bologna and move on to something else.

I thought we had a break-through yesterday. I made tacos for lunch and Paige said she would have a taco, too. Whooo Hooo! No more bologna.

But, what she ended up eating was what she called a "bologna taco". Which was a soft taco shell, a piece of bologna, some shredded cheese and lettuce.

I need to buy stock in Oscar Meyer!!

First Day of Pre-School

Paige started Pre-School yesterday. She was VERY excited! She was up and ready to go at 5 after 7. It was much harder on mom and dad!

She will go on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She has 17 pre-schoolers in her class. It must have been a big year for babies, because all four sections are very large.

She will also be riding the Transit Bus. I was very nervous about that, too. But she thought it was alot of fun to ride the bus.

I asked Cameron if he wanted his own post on here and a picture of his first day of school, as you can see, he didn't. He's way too cool for that since he's a 7th grader now!!

Working, Racing and Shopping

It seems like forever since I've posted.

I have been working alot of overtime and seems like we're never at home anymore. By the time I get home at 6, make supper, do the dishes, do some laundry, give Paige a bath and spend some time with the kids, it's bedtime.

Josh has been racing every weekend and seems to have all the kinks worked out. It's been a frustrating season for him this year, so I'm glad he'll be able to end it with some good racing. For updates on the 68 Race Team check out the "other blog".

We went school shopping in Mason City last Sunday. I think they are all ready for school to start. The boys start on Wednesday and Paige starts Pre-school on Thursday. She'll go on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Paige is very excited, but I'm not so sure about the boys.

Paige and Cameron had physicals for school last Monday. Paige is 3 ft. 7 in. tall and weighs 45 lbs. She is in the 96th percentile for height and the 95th for weight. Nobody's going to pick on her at school!

Cameron and I went to the movie today to see Pirates of the Caribbean:Dead Man's Chest. I loved the first one and this one was almost as good.


Other than that, not a whole lot has been happening around here. Sure seems like summer just flew by this year. I can't believe it's almost Labor Day already.

The Pool, The Parade and The Party

What a miserably hot weekend!! And, of course, we were busy all weekend.

On Friday evening, we went to the pool to cool off. We even talked Josh into going. He didn't really want to go, but once he was there he really enjoyed it. We like to go to the pool at 5:00 for "family hour". It's much quieter and less crowded at that time.

Saturday was the Havelock, Iowa quasqicentennial. Josh was nice enough to load up the racecar and enter it in the parade. Paige decided she wanted to sit on the back of the racecar instead of in the air conditioning of the Suburban. And lucky me, I got to sit back there with her. She had a blast waving at people and throwing out candy. Of course, by the end of the parade her pocket was full of the candy that she liked! She was sorting it before throwing it. Typical Paige!

We went to the races in Algona on Saturday night. After a few weeks of really bad luck and a few weekends off it was really fun to watch Josh race again. A nice breeze would have made it even better.

On Sunday, Paige and I attended a birthday party in Laurens for Kennedy Tate, who turned 4 earlier in the week. Happy Birthday, Kennedy!!

Last week was my first week back to work full-time so I'm back to working 10 hour days. I was getting pretty spoiled with the half-days, so it's been a little difficult to go back.

I am trying to be very organized since I don't get home until about 6:20 or so. I made up a couple weeks of supper menus and try to get as much done ahead of time as I can. It has been working out well. I'll just have to see how long I can keep it up. Sometimes the planning is harder than the implementation!

Hope everyone is staying cool!

They're Getting Better

Paige's hiding spots are starting to get a little better......

It's a Boy!!

Congratulations to my cousin, Kelly and her husband, Matt, on the birth of their baby boy!

Landen Christopher Tate
07/10/2006
2:05 PM
Parents: Matt & Kelly Tate
Weight: 8 lbs 4 oz
Length: 20.5 inches

I'm sure Mom and Dad will have lots of help from his big sisters, Addison and Kennedy!

Mom's Workin', Dad's not Racin' and Cam's on Vacation

It has been pretty quiet around here for the past week or so. (as usual, we're boring)

I went to the doctor last Thursday to see when I can return to work. He told me I can return on the 24th with no restrictions. Yeah! I think? I have really been enjoying the time off. But, oh well, back to the grindstone!

When I took my note to work letting them know that I was returning on the 24th, they offered me a different position and asked if I can return sooner. So, I am returning on the 13th for 1/2 days and will be a Production Clerk. Working in the same department I was in but I will be taking care of all the inventory and orders. At least I think that's what I'll be doing. Once again, I am in the dark about what my job entails.

I will still have to go to Physical Therapy until I return for my last check at the doctor's on August 17th.

It will be nice to get back into a routine and get Paige back to daycare. She really misses the other kids. I have been taking her a couple days a week for a couple of hours each time, but it's not the same for her. She may be a little difficult to get back into a routine, though. The last 3 mornings she hasn't gotten out of bed until 10! I think she's getting ready to have another growth spurt. She complains of her legs hurting, she eats like a pig and sleeps alot more! Definite signs! She already stands a head taller than most kids her age. She's definitely her dadddy's girl!

We have been enjoying spending time at the pool. She's such a little fish. I just put here water wings on her and away she goes. I stay within an arms reach of her and she puddles all around the pool.

Cameron is on vacation this week with his friend, Mike. Their family has a time-share at Okoboji and invited him along. He's called me once (I think Mike's mom made him) and told us what a great time he is having. It was very nice of them to invite him along. He and Mike are great friends and get along great. I just hope they do after a week together.

Josh has had a few weeks off of racing. The first weekend by choice when he went to Kansas City but last weekend he was getting the car ready to go and found a leak in the transmission. So instead of going racing, he took the tranny to Boone to get fixed. I REALLY hope the car is back together this weekend so he can race. He NEEDS to race! 'nuff said! You all know what I'm talking about.

Last Saturday when he got home from Boone, we grilled out and played horseshoes in the yard. Same stuff we did on the 4th of July. A few weeks ago our neighbors had an auction and I picked up a horseshoe/ring toss yard game for a couple of dollars. You wouldn't believe how much fun we've had playing with that thing!

Then on Sunday after Cam left, we went to see "Cars" again. Paige loved it as much the second time! And I think Josh liked it just as much!

Well, that about sums it up for us. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Happy Independence Day!!

Happy 4th of July!! Here are a couple of neat links:

http://www.riversongs.com/days/skyfire.html

http://www.fireworkspop.com/liberty_.htm

Trucks, Movies and Cows

Instead of racing his car, Josh went to Kansas City this weekend to the Craftsman Truck Race with some friends and his dad.

Since we had "free" weekend (meaning not having to go the races), Paige, Cam and I went to the movie "Over the Hedge" on Saturday night. So Cute!! We all really enjoyed it. It was definitely worth seeing. The theater does a really good job of bringing family friendly movies to town. "Cars" is playing here next week, so we will go see that here. Even though Paige, Cam and I saw it in Humboldt on Tuesday night. It's so funny, it's worth seeing again. And this time, Josh will be able to go.

This morning we went to visit our neighbor's dairy farm so Paige could see their bucket calves. She was not even interested in the babies, she just wanted to see the big cows. At least she's easily entertained!

The Shiner

Cameron received his first major baseball injury. Ok, maybe not MAJOR, but bad enough!

It didn't look as bad last night. He iced it as soon as we got home from the game, but it still swelled shut.

It's pretty sore today, but I'm sure he'll be fine by the tournament tomorrow.

Ride 'Em, Cowgirl!

As I was making supper tonight, I heard a giant "thud" followed by hysterical crying coming from Paige's room. Cameron and I both rushed in there to find her sitting on the floor crying.

When I asked her what was wrong, she told me "I was just trying to ride the dog and he bucked me off!"

The poor dog was standing in the hallway with a worried look on his face. Our dog is very sensitive, you know. I think he was waiting to see if he was going to be in trouble.

The dog is not in trouble, but I did have to have a talk with Paige about how the dog is not a horse and that he doesn't like that. She's still convinced he likes to do whatever she wants to do.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 30th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Hide and Seek

One of Paige's favorite games is Hide and Seek. I think she may need some pointers when it comes to finding good hiding places!



But when she does find a good one, the giggling usually gives it away. She's so funny!

Hand Washing and Band-Aids

Since it was such a nice day on Friday, Paige played outside all afternoon in her sandbox. When it was time to wash her hands, she and Kyle went to the hose in the back yard to "rinse off". After I heard squealing and yelling I had to go see what was going on. This is what I found......

She decided it was more fun to spray Kyle. But in the process, she soaked herself. Oh well, at least it was only water.

While she was playing, she cut her finger a little. I went to go get a Band-Aid for her which caused the meltdown to multiply 10 fold. Paige is scared of Band-Aids. She would rather bleed all over than to have a Band-Aid. Have you ever heard of a kid that doesn't like Band-Aids? Most kids want one even if they are not bleeding. Like I've said before.....she's a weird kid!

Ever Wondered?

Have you ever wondered what your dog does when you're not looking?

Apparently ours likes to take naps on the couch!

A-OK

The surgery went well. I am feeling great today and not in as much pain as I expected to be.

I go back to the doctor for the post-op appointment on June 15th and start physical therapy on the 16th.

The kids are all being great help and Josh was wonderful at the hospital yesterday.

More News from the Doctor's Office

At least this time it's not Paige!

I am scheduled to have surgery on my shoulder tomorrow. I am having arthroscopy to remove some bone spurs in 3 areas of my shoulder and to repair a tear of the rotator cuff caused by the spurs.

I have been having some pain in my shoulder since about October. It just wasn't bad enough to see a doctor until about a month ago. We have tried a couple different medications, physical therapy and cortisone injections. Seems surgery is the last resort. I went to the orthopedist on Friday to schedule surgery and LUCKY for me, there was a cancellation at the hospital. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so soon. I'll be glad to get it over with, though.

I hope it's not a bad "omen" to have it on 06/06/06. It should all go well since it's just an out-patient procedure.

Will post an update as soon as I can. I may have to type with one hand, but will be sure to let everyone know all went well.

I will be off work for 4-6 weeks, so feel free to call or stop by the house. I figure I'll be bored to tears by the end of this week!

Cameron

Cameron celebrated his 13th birthday on Saturday, June 3rd!

Here is his last report card from 6th grade:

PE A-

Math B-

Reading B+

Soc. Studies B

English B+

Science B

Art B

Vocal B+

He made the honor roll and also received a certificate for perfect attendance.

Awesome Job, Cam. We are so proud of you!!

Trip to the Zoo

We took a trip to Omaha this weekend to the Henry Doorly Zoo. It was Cam's birthday yesterday, so we thought this would be a great time to go.

It was a beautiful day to go. We got up early on Saturday and were on the road by 7 a.m. We stopped for breakfast and were still to the zoo by 10:30. It was warm, but not so hot that the animals were all "hiding out".


All Paige cared about seeing were the giraffes. But once we got to them, she wasn't that impressed. She was more impressed at the sizes of the piles of poo each animal had. Such as, elephant poop is bigger than giraffe poop. Very observant, but she's a weird kid!!!!

There are so many things to see there that I'm sure we didn't see everything.
We left the zoo about 4 and headed to our motel.

We came about half way home and stayed in Walnut, IA. It's a tiny little town just off the interstate. Our room was very nice as was the pool. You wouldn't think they'd be that excited to swim inside in June, but had a ball at the pool. Most of the time we were the only one's there.

We were all so tired from the big day that I think we were all sleeping by 10. Paige has decided that "girls rule and boys drool", so I got to sleep with her. Lucky me, she's such a bed hog!

We were up early again, had breakfast and went to the pool again this morning before heading home.

We took the "scenic route" home and stopped by Albert the Bull since our last mini-vacation involved a picture of the Jolly Green Giant. We may need to start planning all our vacations to involve a family picture next to a giant statue of something! I suppose I need to take a picture next to the statue of Pocahontas that's on the edge of town. We drive by it all the time, but forget that it's even there.

Summer Do

I took Paige over this morning to get her "summer do". Her hair is so fine and has some natural wave, so it always looks like it needs to be brushed. I think this short cut is going to be easy to take care of and always look nice.

She was a little upset at first. But Annie curled it and put some sparkle spray in it, so all is good. On the way over, Paige kept telling me she wanted "sprinkles" and I wasn't sure what she was talking about. She meant sparkles. How cute is that?

Mother's Day

I received this email from 3 different people and think it's very "profound". Hope everyone had a very good Mother's Day.

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up puke laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here".

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football ,
hockey or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.


This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway?Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?

Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?

The jolt that t takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?

Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all. For all of us.

Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them.

And pray..

"Home is what catches you when you fall. - and we all fall."

Name Tags and Garage Sales....Literally

I haven't posted in a while because it's been pretty quiet around here.

The kids are all doing well.

It's getting very close to the end of the school year so the boys are excited. Cameron starts baseball practice this afternoon. And Kyle works all the time at the Pizza Ranch.

Paige is ready for Pre-School. We went to Round-Up last month and ever since then she asks to go to school...EVERYDAY! I think she's a little excited.

She said the funniest thing at Pre-School Round-up. When we got there the teacher asked her if she wanted a name tag. Paige told her, "no thank you, I already have a name".

She takes everything so literally, when I asked her if she wanted to go to a garage sale with me, she told me I didn't need to go because we already have a garage.

There were city-wide sales in Pocahontas this weekend. I found Paige alot of clothes for this summer and some for fall. I'm still pretty excited about taking her school shopping this fall. I say that now, but I'm sure I won't be quite as ready for her first day of school.

Alyse and Ella also came home for the garage sales. Paige and I offered to keep Ella on Saturday morning since I did all my bargain shopping on Friday night. Paige really enjoyed having Ella over. That is, until Ella had a dirty diaper and when she threw up. Paige did "help" with the diaper changing. She got the diaper and wipes out of the diaper bag and then went to stand in the hallway until the diaper was changed.

Paige and Ella

Easter Weekend

We had a very nice Easter weekend.

Josh raced for the first time this season. To keep up-to-date on all the racing news check out the "other" blog at www.joshhohenseeracing.blogspot.com or just click on the link to the left.


On Saturday, we took Paige to the Easter Egg Hunt. She found alot of eggs and even won a big Easter basket. She had so much fun. When we got home, she and I made this bunny cake. She loves to help in the kitchen. Her job was to put the M&M's on the tie. I'm surprised there are so many on there since she ate one for every one she put on the cake.

We went to Grandma Ellen and Grandpa Roger's for supper with the family on Saturday. Charles, Alyse, and Ella were there, as well as, Ellen's sister, Debbie, and her "crew".

On Sunday, we went to lunch in Pomeroy for Grandpa Hohensee's 85th birthday celebration with the Hohensee turnout of 37 people. After lunch, we went to Darwin and Debby's for cake. Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

It seems like the weekend just flew by. But, it was great to get together with all the family.

It's Done......Almost!

The quilt I have been working on is almost done. All I have left to do is sew the binding down, which should only take about half an hour or so. It was alot more work than I expected it to be. I think this will be my first and only quilt I make. Not because it was so much work, it was just so stressful for me to do it.

I guess it's not my "thing"! You know how everyone has a "thing". I guess I'll just stick to reading!

In other news, things on the homefront are great. The new job is going well. Alot different than working at the school. My body just needs to adjust working more than 35 hours a week!

Kyle has been very helpful and picks Paige up from daycare everyday. That has turned out to be "their time". I think they both really enjoy it, although Kyle won't admit that.

Cam's Report Card

PE A

Music B

Math A-

Reading B+

Soc.Studies B

English B+

Science B

Fam/Con Sci (Home Ec) A-

Awesome Job, Cam!!! You made the B honor roll!

In case some of you are wondering why Kyle's report card is not posted, he offered me money not to put it on here!!

New Job=New Car

Here are some pictures of the "surprise" Josh brought home yesterday. It's the 2004 Chevy Impala we looked at on Friday. I had no idea he was going to buy it! Wasn't that sweet? I guess he figures since I'll be driving about 35 miles a day, that the Surburban isn't going to be very economical. That is now the "racecar hauler".

I'm very excited about my "new" car!

New Job

I found out 2 weeks ago on Tuesday that, due to budget cuts, that the staff at school is being downsized. I, of course, was one of the "lucky" ones to be cut. I have a job through the end of the school year, but they are not going to renew my contract for next year.

I decided not to take my chances at finding a job in May. So, last Tuesday I interviewed for a job at Jack Links in Laurens. They called me on Thursday and offered me the position. I start next Monday, April 3rd. I'm not even really sure of my job description right now because I am hired for a new department they are adding. I do know that Jack Links in Laurens is a distribution center for the company and there is no manufacturing of the products.

Congrats, Courtney and Chad!!

Just heard the news today that our friends, Courtney Thompson and Chad Palmer are engaged! Since they are our "racin' buddies" I think it's only fitting to wish them congrats in this way:

We hope your marriage is filled with "green flags" for smooth racing

Some "yellow" to encourge you to always be cautious of the other's feelings

A "red" when you need to just stop and enjoy each other

And, of course, a house full of "little racers"

I'm Crafty!?

I have decided to be ambitious and take a quilting class. Here are some pictures of what the quilt looks like so far. I have taken two classes so far and have one more to go. The plan is to get it completely finished during the next class. Otherwise, I'm afraid it will never get finished since I don't really know what I'm doing yet!

Fun at the Care Bears

On Saturday afternoon, Paige and I went to Spencer with my cousin, Kelly, her daughters, Addison and Kennedy, and their friend, Ellie.

After having lunch at Arby's, stopping at Wal-Mart to get Paige a new shirt (after a ketchup "incident" at Arby's), we headed to the Care Bear show. It was a lot of fun and everyone really enjoyed the show. It was definitely worth the money! Our seats were good, but my pictures didn't turn out very well.

We'll definitely have to do something like this again. They had so much fun at the 2 shows we've been to.

Poor Casey

As previously posted, Paige likes to dress up the dog. Here is what I found in her room today.



Doesn't Casey look pretty? I can't believe he sat there and let her do that to him. He's such a good dog.

I tried to explain to Paige that Casey is a boy dog and probably doesn't like to wear headbands, necklaces and sunglasses. She doesn't really seem to care about the sex of the dog, she is still convinced he likes it!!

Care Bears Here We Come

Paige and I have tickets to the Care Bears Live in Spencer on Saturday, March 11th. She is already very excited! We are going with my cousin, Kelly, and her daughters, Addison and Kennedy. This will be the second of these trips for the five of us. Last February, we went to Sioux City to see Dora the Explorer. They had so much fun then that I'm sure this will be great, too.

Paige's New Haircut

Paige got her hair cut last week. It was just a trim but now looks pretty short. It just bounces up so much when it's trimmed. This was the first time we didn't have to hold her down to get it cut. I'm sure it's alot more even this way!!

Paige Loves The Dog

This is a picture of Paige and our dog, Casey. He has been around longer than she has, but has gladly shared his home with her since the day she came home. He lets her ride him like a horse, put jewelry on him and lead him around the house by his collar. Casey also "likes" to watch cartoons with her. I don't know how Paige knows that, but that's what she tells us. Casey is so patient with her. I thinks it's because she shares her snacks with him. He loves pop-tarts!

Mini Vacation

Motel Room $207
Meals $ 80
Gas $ 75
Shopping $400
Spending a fun weekend with the family: Priceless

We left Friday morning about 8:00 a.m. for our vacation in Owatonna, Minnesota.

First we went to the Medford Outlet Center about two miles north of our motel and did some shopping. We got some really great bargains. And also stopped at Cabela's, which is right next to the motel.

After a full afternoon of shopping, we checked into the motel. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in a "kid's suite". It had two connected rooms. One with a king-size bed and the other with 2 twin-size beds and a set of bunk beds. The kids had their own TV, VCR and Playstation. It was nice, although we didn't spend much time in our room. The motel has an indoor waterpark where we spent most of our time. We all had so much fun. The waterpark is all done in a jungle theme. There are 2 different water slides, a lazy river, a kiddie area with a slide and an elephant that sprayed water from it's trunk. There was also a spot with water basketball.

Josh and Paige at the pool


Kyle and Paige on the lazy river

When everyone was tired from swimming, we went rented some video games from the front desk and went back to our room for some snacks and "down-time" before bed.

We all got up early the next morning to go to the waterpark again before we had to check-out.

We stopped in Owatonna for Josh to do some shopping at Mills Fleet Farm. Then headed for home.

On the way home, we stopped by Blue Earth, MN to take pictures at the Green Giant Statue there. Since it wasn't too far out of the way, we ended up going to Okabena, MN to my parents house. We visited for awhile and had supper there. Thanks for supper Grandma and Grandpa!


Cameron and I at the Jolly Green Giant statue

We got home about 9:00 Saturday night. As much fun as vacations are, it's always nice to get home.

Kyle and Paige usually fall asleep when we are traveling

Could She Get Any Cuter?

The Cousins

This is a picture of all the Hohensee cousins together at Christmas. From left to right: Ella, Kyle, Paige, Dylan, Cameron and Logan

Ella is the daughter of Josh's sister, Alyse and her husband, Charles Anliker

Dylan and Logan are the sons of Josh's brother, Brian and his fiancee, Sarah Elder

They all live in the Des Moines area. With all our busy schedules, we have a hard time getting together, but always get together at the holidays.



Paige and Logan giving good-bye kisses

Paige's Buddies

Paige and Grandpa Roger making funny faces




Paige and my friend, Jill. Paige LOVES to talk to her on the phone.

My Little Becky Home-Ecky

Paige has developed a passion for cooking. Okay, maybe not a passion, but she really likes to "help". I usually let her use the measuring cups and dump the ingredients into the bowl. She thinks this is great fun. Today, we made banana bread.



Now I just need to teach her how to do the dishes!!

We're Boring!

I feel like the only time I have something interesting to blog about is when Paige is sick.



I took Paige to the doctor this morning because I thought she had pink eye. The good news is, she does not have pink eye. The bad news is, she has sinus infection, ear infection, infection in her tear duct and bronchitis. She is on antibiotics for another 2 weeks. I don't know what's going on with her this year, she is usually so healthy.

On a brighter note, on Saturday we enjoyed a get-together with the Hohensee family for Sister Aunt Renae's 50th birthday. Happy Birthday Nae!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!



Also, Congratulations to Josh's brother, Brian, and his fiancee, Sarah. They are getting married on October 7, 2006. We wish them all the best!

Pretty in Pink

Paige looked so cute in this outfit I just had to post it. She looks so sweet and innocent!

She had a check-up on Tuesday. All went well, she is completely healed from surgery.

*Star Patient*

Before

After

Paige had her tonsilectomy and adnoidectomy on Friday, January 27th. They had a little trouble getting an IV started in her hand, so had to put it in her foot. I think that was the worst part of the whole ordeal!

She came out of anesthesia great and wanted to start drinking water right away. That was a really good sign. By 4:00, she had 4 popsicles and some pudding. She was up and playing and was in a great mood. The nurse kept telling us she was the best T&A (tonsils and adnoids) patient she'd ever had.

Grandma Laurel brought Kyle and Cameron down after school. She was very happy to see her brothers and Grandma. And, of course, Grandma brought lots of stuff for Paige to play with.

She fell asleep about 4:30 and slept through her dose of pain medicine. When she woke up at 6:00 she was very crabby and running a fever. And her throat dried out while she was sleeping. Josh and the nurse got the meds in her with quite the fight from the little redhead. After her meds kicked in she was back to normal.

Josh and I both spent the night at the hospital with Paige. It was a very long night!! Grandma Laurel stayed at our house with the boys. Thanks, Grandma.

Paige was a real trooper and I am very proud of her. I know she's a tough little girl and she really proved it! Daddy did a good job, too. I think it was harder on him than on Paige.

She was discharged about 9:30 on Saturday morning and has been doing great since we got home. Grandpa Roger and Aunt Renae came over to visit this afternoon and Paige was very full of energy and happy to see them.

We go back for a check-up with Dr. Gonzales in two weeks.

The Pre-Op Party

We went to the hospital tonight for a "Pre-Op Party". It's set up by the Volunteer Services at the hospital. They gave us a tour of all the parts of the hospital Paige will be in. She saw the Operating and Recovery Rooms, the Waiting Rooms where Mom and Dad will be, the Pediatric Unit and, of course, the Toy Room.

We watched a video all about being in the hospital. And then had juice and cookies.

Paige really seemed to enjoy going to all the different places in the hospital and I thought it was very informative. It makes me feel a little less nervous. Kyle and Cameron came along to support their baby sister. I was really impressed with the way they were there for her. Even though they don't TELL anyone how much they love her, they really showed it tonight.

The Tonsils Are Coming Out

Today Paige went for another visit with Dr. Gonzales, the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. The steroids are not shrinking her tonsils at all. She has been taken off all her medications.

She is scheduled for a tonsilectomy on January 27th. Since she is so young, she will be spending the night in the hospital.

When Dr. Gonzales told Paige she'd be able to eat all the ice cream she wanted after the surgery, she replied to him (with typical Paige attitude), "I already get all the ice cream I want, my dad's an ice cream man, duh". I'm sure that's usually a big deal to all the kids getting their tonsils out. But most kids don't have an "ice cream man" for a daddy!

Jinkies

Paige said the funniest thing today. We were looking at a photo album and we came across this picture. It's my mom's graduation picture. Paige got very excited when she saw the picture. Then I found out why....she said "Look, it's Velma from Scooby Doo!" How cute is she? I'm sure her grandma thinks she's "real cute"!!

Paige and Heather at age 3

These are photos of Paige and I taken when we are about the same age.

Iowa Weather

Only in Iowa can it be Sunny and 65 on Sunday and then snow on Monday. Gotta Love It!!!

Family Time

We had a wonderful family weekend. Saturday morning Cam went to help Josh at the shop while Kyle and I picked up the house with Paige's "help". We all went to church together and then ordered pizza and rented movies. On Sunday Josh and Kyle fixed the washing machine and then we watched the new Star Wars movie. We actually ate EVERY meal together this weekend!

It may not sound too exciting, but it was so much fun just being together. We don't get to do things like that very often since everyone's schedules are so crazy. In only 2 years Kyle will be graduating from high school.

Paige News

I took Paige to the specialist today for her tonsils. She is now on steroids for the next 3 weeks, as well as another antibiotic since she has ear infection to go with her tonsillitis. Hopefully, these "drugs" will shrink the tonsils and clear the ear infection. We go back on January 26th for a check-up.

Christmas Break Update

We had a great holiday at the Hohensee house. We ran too much, ate too much and spent too much. But isn't that what the holidays are all about.

On December 24th, we went to Newell to Josh's Grandpa's house. We had lunch over there and spent the afternoon with family.

We always do Christmas morning at our house. It's the only tradition we really stick by. We actually had to wake Paige up at 8:15 or so. Opening the presents always seems to go by too quickly. But that was ok this year, we went to Ayrshire to the Hohensee Family Christmas. We had dinner, played Bingo and visited with everyone. We always have so much fun up there. After Ayrshire, we went to Josh's mom and dad's to celebrate Christmas over there. That sounds like a full day, but being the troopers we are, we took Paige and the boys to the movie to see Chicken Little. Paige enjoyed it a little more than the boys, but we rarely get a chance to go to a movie as a family. Since the movie theater here only has one screen, sometimes it takes awhile for a family friendly movie to come to town. We all slept well Christmas Night!!

We accomplished a few projects over the break.

Kyle got his driver's license and his first car last week. He's very excited about having a car, but now he'll get to learn all about car payments, insurance payments, gas money and maintenance. We'll see how long he stays excited about his car.

Paige has tonsillitis. She went to the doctor for antibiotics last Friday. They are not working so now she needs to see the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist on Thursday. I really hope she doesn't need to get her tonsils out. But if it's for the best, we'll deal with it then.

I am ready to get back to school and get back into a routine. The boys say they are not ready to go back, but I'm sure they are too. Paige is definitely ready to go back to daycare. She misses all her "best friends".

I think that's about it for our holiday update.

Have a great 2006!!!!

Merry Christmas

Instead of doing a holiday letter this year or filling pages and pages of Christmas cards, I have decided to create a Hohensee Family webpage. I wanted to name it Ho-Ho-Hohensee, but thought that may be too cheesy! This will get you up-to-date on all the happenings of the family and I hope to update it regularly throughout the year, so check back often.

Kyle

Kyle is 16 and in 10th grade at Pocahontas Area High School. He keeps busy with his job at The Pizza Ranch and like any typical 16-year-old is trying to save money for a car. He is active in FFA and really seems to enjoy it.

Cameron

Cameron is 12 and in 6th grade at Pocahontas Area Middle School.

He loves sports. He played baseball last summer in Pocahontas. Last fall he played football in the Midwest Youth Football League for the Chargers. Both teams did really well. His baseball team was the only team undefeated for the season and his football team finished 1st in their playoff bracket.

Paige Vivian

Paige turned 3 in August. She is definitely the apple of her daddy's eye and the "little princess" of the family. She is growing up so much everyday and surprises us all with the things she knows. Some things are more surprising than others, of course.

She tries very hard to keep up with her big brothers and do all the things they do. She is so much fun to have around. She's not a "girly-girl" but loves to play with her Barbies and baby dolls. She's also just as happy playing with cars and tools.

Paige loves to "help" her daddy work on his racecar and really enjoys going to the races to watch him.

Josh and Heather

Josh is still working for Schwan's as a route manager aka "The Schwan's Man". He is in his 5th year working for the company.

Besides staying very busy with his job, he also occupies his time with his race car. There is a link to that site on the side of this one. That will keep you up-to-date on the racing activities.

Heather is working as a Paraeducator in the Special Ed Department at Pocahontas Area High School and keeping busy keeping up with the families activities.

By request, I have added pictures of Josh and myself. We don't have our pictures taken very often, so I added what I have. Josh's is from a win this summer at the track and mine is my school picture from this year.
The only other picture I could add is our wedding picture from 5 years ago, so I went with the most recent.