New shoes, broken laptop and other tidbits

When John was laid off, both of us had our list of items that we wanted to purchase when he returned to work. My list included:

1. A big tip to my terrific hair stylist, Rachel at Domani
2. A trip to Dave and Buster's for some serious skee ball
3. Paying a St. John's student's tuition for a year

John's list included:

1. Two new garden hoses
2. A new grill
3. A reversible black/brown belt

You may have noticed that a new pair of shoes and a new starter switch for my laptop were not included on my list, but they are things that I have or will be purchasing.

The shoes are those new toner walking shoes with the funky souls. I have wanted a pair ever since Sketchers came out with them, but at a cost of over $100.00 that wasn't going to be happening until we got a 30% off coupon at Kohl's. First time we have ever gotten one for 30%, could not let that one go unused. The toner tennis shoes were all on sale, so I bought a Fila brand that looked pretty darn close to the expensive Sketcher brand. John also got a new pair of walking shoes and together we got both pairs for less than $60.00. We are feeling pretty good about that and we will be looking fancy when we take our walks now.

I was so excited to try my new shoes. Disappointed that in order to tone one's legs you actually have to walk in the shoes, not just wear them while relaxing. HA, just a joke, I really knew that. When I first walked in them, I was feeling a bit on the wobbly side, but I got used to them and my legs actually felt the workout as I walked. I think I am going to like them.

Now back to the wish lists, time to get going on a few of those other items. John's are more practical and cheaper so his may come first.

And last but not at all least, my starter button no longer works so John took my laptop into our local computer store. The guy charged John $20.00 to super glue the button back on. Well, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The computer would not turn on so it is back in the shop. I was using a nail file to get the switch to connect and turn on, but even that has failed me since the super glue fix.

Wish me luck on the computer.

Happy Tiziversary to our sweet Tizita Desta

After a very successful rummage sale which you can read all about in my last post, our Tiziversary Celebration officially began. What is a Tiziversary? Well, glad you asked that. It the day that we celebrate meeting our precious Tizita Desta when she arrived home from Ethiopia. This is our second Tiziversary since it was in 2008 that we first laid eyes on our little granddaughter and life has never been sweeter or more fun! Mallory came over in the afternoon bearing sweet gifts. She brought Tizita a huge and I mean huge caramel apple covered in mini m and m's and a container of gummy bears. Here you see Tiz as she attempts to eat the apple. Mal and Tiz enjoyed some special time together.

After Mal left we got ready to go out to the Ethiopian Cottage in Milwaukee for dinner. We took a few pre dinner shots.

Our lovely four generation picture.

Here we are at the Ethiopian Cottage waiting for our dinner. Tizita was wearing a new outfit that her mama and papa brought back for her from Ethiopia. It was her gift from them for her Tiziversary. The family at the table behind us were also celebrating the second anniversary of their son, Seth coming home from Ethiopia. Tiz and Seth became friends.

Here we are waiting patiently for our dinner. We were all enjoying some good Ethiopian beer before the meal.

After a delicious dinner we headed over to Alissa and Cheddah's for some dessert and some visiting time.

The three girls enjoyed some dress up time.

Here are the yummy desserts that Alissa provided from our favorite bakery.

On Sunday, the party continued at our house. Tiz chose pandas as her theme this year, so this was her panda plate. We had Schuett's for lunch.

Here Tiz and I are looking at some of the her gifts that she received.

Tiz had asked for roller skates and that is what we bought her. We also bought her the Ethiopian shirt that she is wearing.

And finally, here is the cake complete with a panda bear and Ethiopian colors. She cut and served the cake herself and we all enjoyed the celebrations very much.

Nothing is too good for our little lady!

Happy Tiziversary to all of us!

Rummage 0 Rama at 906 Highland

Way back last May when John was in the midst of his lay off life, we decided to join in on the city wide rummage sales. Since John wasn't working he was free to run the sale while I worked. I think he secretly enjoyed being the saleman. It may have had something to do with the car salesman half day class he took. I think he picked up some tips there. Anyway I told my neighbor that we would do the fall sale again so we could advertise together. I guess I just figured that John would still be around to work the sale, but he went and got a job on me so I needed someone to work my rummage. Courtney kindly volunteered her services and the sale went off without a hitch today. We still have a day to go tomorrow, but since it is Saturday we have lots of help around here. Tiz was my little helper and she did a great job. The only thing is she wanted to give the people money when they came.

Courtney had her cute hat on display again.

Here are just some of our tables of merchandise. Good to remember, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

And one more picture of my little assistant on her matress with her stuffed animal buddies.

Looking forward to celebrating our second Tiziversary tomorrow and Sunday.

Happy Tiziversary!

Yesterday we rememberde the tragedies of 9/11, but today, in contrast, I am here to post about a wonderful memory!
Today John and I celebrate the day, two years ago, when we met our sweet granddaughter, Tizita Desta for the first time. We met her as she walked off a plane from Ethiopia with her mama and papa.
Our journey as grandparents may have started in a more unusual way than most, but from that moment on it has been just like all grandparents. We love spending time with our precious little Tiz and we sit back in amazement at how much she has learned and grown in these two years.
So, today, we will sit back and bask in beautiful memories.
Happy Tiziversary Tizita Desta!
Thank you God, for bringing he into our lives in your perfect time and way.


On a sidenote, I was enjoying the link I had at the bottom of my posts which took you to relating posts, but I lost it and can't get it back so I am recommending that you go to the sidebar and read the posts from Sept. 2008 and Sept. 2009 to learn about our first meeting and our last year's celebration. Enjoy.

Now I see the links are back, but they are not the ones I listed above, oh well...

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

Today we remember the tragedy of nine years ago when terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a cornfield in Pennsylvania. What a sad, sad day for our country.

I was "teaching a class full of innocent children" at Mary Linsmeier School. It was drop off time and parents were coming in with shock on their faces and bits and pieces of the news. At first we thought it was just one plane, off course, a complete accident, but then another and another and another. We could not turn on a radio or a TV in our classrooms so I remember our cook bringing us reports as the news broke. We worked hard to keep our day normal for the kids.

Our parents hugged a little tighter that day nnd called more often to check in on their little ones. One of our students was a muslim (Sp) and I remember his mom calling and asking us to not say anything about who was responsible for the act until she could pick him up and explain things to him. She was worried people would hold it against him for his beliefs. Since we were dealing with Preschoolers, we didn't say anything about it at all. We just did our normal things in amongst all the chaos.

I remember Alissa was at IWU in the middle of Illinois. Courtney was working in Milwaukee. She came home to be with us and together we watched those airplanes hitting that building over and over again. My thoughts were with Alissa who seemed so far from home at the time. I just wanted my family right there with me.

Today, we must never forget those families who lost loved ones. We must never forget the cowards who flew those planes. We must never forget that God was with us the entire time.

We must never forget that on September 12, the sun came up as it always did, the flags were flying all across America, and my Preschoolers came back to a classroom where they found the same teachers, the same toys, and the same flag flying.

Never Forget!

She's back!

My Tizita is back in my class and I could not be happier. She walked in this morning with her big smile, gave me a big hug, said "I love you, Grandma" and "Where is Grandpa?" Then she proceeded to do her thing without missing a beat.

She cut

She had fun with her bff Carlee

She enjoyed snack

She brought these cute Panda cookies for snack

She showed us her Panda and Panda hat

She was the Star of the Day

She cleaned

She smiled

She danced

And all the while, I smiled and took it all in!

Such a blessing for a grandma to be able to be her granddaughter's teacher!

Two Days in and all is well

My first two days of Preschool 2010 are completed. They have gone down in the history books never to be visited again. They were better than I could have hoped. I am so thankful to have two classes, AM and PM, this year. After my class of 27 last year, the change needed to happen mostly for my sanity. I have between 12 and 15 in the AM class and 11 and 14 in the PM class. Those numbers are just perfect for me and my style of teaching.

I had four criers in the AM yesterday, but today just one little boy cried and he was smiling and playing by the tme mom left the building. I much prefer the children who cry and fit, but get over it quickly rather than those who whimper and whine all morning long. I was a crier in Kindergarten, so I should have a soft spot for the sad ones, but I really don't. Get over it and move on!

The above picture is Cooper with his show and tell item. Yep, he brought his toilet seat! He is in the process of potty training and was very proud to show us his special seat.

It is these things alone that make this job so much fun!

Thursday (tomorrow) is Tizita day so I am looking forward to that. She is the star which means she can bring a show and tell. Wonder if she will bring in a toilet of some sort?

Happy Birthday Grandpa, Erwin!

Today is my Grandpa's birthday. He is celebrating up in heaven with my grandma and all his good buddies. What a happy day it must be for him. I miss his gentle spirit and great sense of humor. I will be thinking about you today and remembering how I used to find you wearing scarves and purses on those days you and Granny watched Alissa while I worked. She always dressed you up! Celebrate big today!

School starts!

Tomorrow is my first of school for is school year. I am a bit anxious today as I usually am the day before school starts. Always have been that way from little on. I keep going over my day's plans in my mind knowing full well that the best laid plans will not be able to be followed tomorrow. There will be criers, I am predicting at least three from the behavior at registration and that is expected. I am fine with criers as long as their parents make a quick exit and leave the comforting up to me and my aid.
I am hopeful for a fun, exciting day for both me and the kids that leave all of us wanting to come back for more!
Check out tomorrow for details.

An annual visit to the Dells and a ride on the ferry

After our time in Sauk City, we decided to revisit a few of our old haunts. I have always loved taking the Merrimac Ferry across the Wisconsin River. I can't remember the first time I took it, but I do know that we made several crossings with the girls as they were growing up. I also remember as they got older, they didn't enjoy waiting for the ferry, this was about the same time they lost their patience with scenic routes. One time when we were returning home from the Dells, I told John and the girls that I wanted to take the ferry. I looked on the map and told John how to get to the ferry stop. He conveniently missed the turn off and all three of them seemed too happy to me for it to have been a mistake!
I was very happy that John agreed to take the ferry today on way from Sauk City to the Dells. We actually took it the opposite way this time so instead of starting in Merrimac, we ended up in Merrimac. We had to wait about a half hour in a long line of ferry riders. It is quite the business. People turn off their cars and hang out waiting for their turn to get on the ferry. It is so worth the wait when you drive on and take the five minute ride. A definite Wisconsin summer activity. After getting off the boat, we made our annual trek to Wisconsin Dells. I always want to go there, but once I am there in amongst all those people, I wonder why I am there. We did find a nice beer garden at Gilly's and had a late lunch of yummy pulled pork. We walked up and down Main Street and went into a few shops that sell the cedar boxes, key chains, and other assorted memorabilia. When we used to visit the Dells with the girls, Alissa and I loved these shops, we both love to touch things and there was so much to touch. Courtney, on the other hand, had to sit outside because she could not take all the things in those stores! They no longer seem so great to me anymore either.
We did discover a nice new riverwalk which was a step off of Main Street and into quieter parts of Wisconsin Dells. I enjoyed that.
We headed home through Portage with a stop at the Wisconsin River in Riverside Park which is a place we always stopped on our trips up north. So many memorable places revisited on this trip! Be sure to read the previous post to see what we did in Sauk City before riding the ferry.

State Cow Chip Throwing Contest - Labor Day in Sauk City

Since John started his new job in Sauk City, I decided that Labor Day weekend would be the perfect time for me to see where my better half spends a good portion of his day now. I remember driving through Sauk City a few times, but didn't really recall any details of the area, so it was time to explore. Little did I know that we would stumble upon a very exciting weekend in Sauk City which involved the State Cow Chip throwing contest, which until we had our lunch at Culver's, we never knew existed. Here is John's new office building. Now on to the exciting stuff.

I am not sure if it was fate or what that made us decide to eat at Culver's that day, but we sure are glad that we made that decision. I picked up these cow masks while we ordered. I figured I would give one to Tiz and send one to Tewabech. While waiting for our food, I read the reverse side which listed all the events taking place for the State Cow Chip Throwing Contest, who knew? We decided immediately that we would check out these events and so we headed over to Marion Park where it was all happening.

We started by viewing a parade. The theme of the parade was Peace, Love, and Chips so most of the entrants had costumes from the 60's including lots of peace signs and tye dyed clothes.

This big wooden cow was pulled in the parade followed by farmers pushing cow print wheelbarrows and picking up cow chips that came out of the cow's behind.

We checked out the craft fair at the park and then we heard the call for all cow chip throwers to report for the contest, so we headed over not wanting to miss a moment of that excitement. The stands were filled so we were forced to the standing room only area which actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise since people sitting in the stands were "rained" on by little bits of the chips falling apart and sometimes by a whole chip gone off course.

There were about two hundred ladies and another two hundred men who threw the chips. Each contestant chooses two chips from this wagon and tosses them. Chips that stay in bounds and go the farthest are declared the winner. There were contestants from as far away as England, Thailand, California, and New York. After watching some of the Chip Throwing, we headed over to our motel.

This is the front our motel. Not sure why this exercise bike is out front. Figured it might be the exercise room, who knows. It was nice enough and we would stay there again, it just had some odd features, but sometimes odd can be charming.

The picture below is dedicated to my dad's memory. We have such fond memories of him looking through these magnifiers whenever we stumbled upon one, so this one is for you, dad! We did some bike riding along the Wisconsin River and discovered some beautiful spots, had pizza and beer at a little Pizza place where we were the only customers, and had a few beers at a local bar called The Press Box. All in all, a very nice day.

On Sunday we took a bike ride around Sauk City and Prairie du Sac to explore some more. We bought chips and soda at the Kwik Trip and went back to this spot which we refer to as "our spot" to munch. This table was actually partly in the water and it felt like we were on a boat in the river.

After the bike ride we left Sauk City behind. I found out it is a very nice place and I am glad that John is working there even though the commute is a long one. Maybe someday we can relocate or at least summer there.

We did do some other fun things on Sunday on our way home and I will fill that in on my next post.

Ladies Lunch

Today Mom and I drove up to Oshkosh for a "Lunch with the Ladies" date. We had another very nice day visiting with Courtney and Tizita. Here are Courtney and Marge in the front yard. As you can see, the Van Aukens have quite the garden going on in their yard. The squash and Alyssum have taken over.

Tiz and I are checking out these big zinnias. There is something in that soil that makes the plants grow like crazy. They need to bottle that and sell it!

Tizita is showing off one of her many little pumpkins that she has growing in her little garden which has taken over the backyard.

This is the Jack in the Pulpit plant which was in Herb and Pearl's gardens. It has some crazy red berries on it at this point.

After our tour of the yard, we walked to the zoo where w captured this gum chewing Panda! Not really, this is one of many hats that Courtney is making for the fall season. Of course, anything looks good on this model.

Now she is a duck!

Before going out to our Ladies lunch, we had another coffee ceremony complete with entertainment offered by Paul on the guitar and Tiz on Ethiopian guitar. It was another lovely coffee ceremony.

We ate lunch at a great little Greek restaurant with yummy food, a cute waiter, and good conversation. We did some shopping at two of Tiz's favorite little shops after lunch and then we headed back for some playtme.

It was a wonderful day for the ladies.