Jan. 31, 2015 - Cross Country Skiing and Some Hockey

It was a pretty nice day for the end of January so Dan got out the skis and boots and took the kids cross country skiing in our yard.  This is the great thing of having 1.5 acres, we don't have to go anywhere to ski, just out the back door.  All the kids had a pretty good time making the loop which included a little bit of a hill past the deck.  I'm not sure how many loops they took but they were out there for awhile.

Such form!

Getting ready to go downhill

Sawyer decided to go up the hill this time.

Noah going downhill, trying to stay upright

I think we need to get this kid on a bigger hill!

 
Later that evening we headed over to Hobbs for the UWEC/Stout hockey game.  The kids and I had never been to a hockey game so there was a lot to learn as we watched.  Dan had some friends growing up who played hockey so he was filling us in on some of the rules.  We had a lot of fun.  Hockey moves so quickly and it's quite the sight to have guys smashed up against the glass in front of you.  Next time we go, we'll have to go with some friends who really know hockey and we'll get there early enough so we aren't sitting up by the ceiling with support beams blocking half the ice.  Although Sawyer found the beams to be a good place to sit.

Jan. 30, 2015 - Sleepover

Bryce is often asking to have a friend over for a sleepover.  He asked this week and we could actually say yes because we didn't have anywhere to be on Saturday morning for a change.  He chose to have Erica over.  I love that these two still like to spend time together even though they are getting older.  I hope they always stay such close friends!  They chose to sleep in the basement, in a tent.  There's nothing like pretending it's summer and hanging out in a tent in the middle of winter.

Jan. 29, 2015 - Just the two of us

Since I hurt my ankle, I haven't been real good about getting my pictures in.  I'll remember at the end of the day that I haven't taken one.  By then there's nothing happening at this house and I don't think you all want to see more pictures of my beautiful ankle!  So I've looked back and found a few pictures that I haven't posted on other days.  I'm just going  to use those to fill in the gaps.  This one if before a Messiah basketball game.  Dan and I are both coaches, he coaches and I keep book.  I definitely have the easier end of that job.  This is us, decked out in Messiah gear.  FYI, all those dishes in the background are clean!

Jan. 28, 2015 - Sitting With Dad

I got to the end of the day and realized I hadn't taken a picture yet.  Luck for me, I looked up and a moment was happening right in front of me.  I asked Noah to grab my camera, since I'm still on crutches, and I captured this moment.  Not too many of these nights left with the boys getting bigger and bigger.

Jan. 27, 2015 - Ironing With a Smile

Today is day 3 of sitting around and feeling useless.  So I tried to think of something I could do to be helpful.  I usually hate ironing and with 5 males in the house there is always plenty of it to be done.  But today I actually looked forward to doing it, I must really be bored!  I had Dan carry the ironing board upstairs before he left for work and I sat on a stool and ironed away. 

 

Jan. 26, 2015 - A Beautiful Sunrise

I took this picture a couple days ago and didn't use it.  I figured today was a good day to add it to the blog since I did absolutely nothing but sit on the couch with my foot up.  I figured no one wanted to see my ankle again so....enjoy the sunrise from our front porch.

Jan. 25, 2015 - Be Careful How You Land

My rec volleyball team was in a tournament today.  We were at the end of our 2nd timed game when I went up for a block and came down on someone's foot.  I felt my ankle roll and hit the floor plus I felt that lovely pop/snap everyone who rolls their ankle talks about.  A few of my teammates were yelling at me to get up so we could finish the game but I knew there would be no getting to my feet.  I eventually made my way off the court, with a lot of assistance from Kristen and Karen.  By the time I made it to the bleachers my ankle was the size of an orange.  Karen told me not to look and I could hear the ladies from the other team say "it just keeps getting bigger!"  It wasn't much fun to say the least.  I waited with my foot up and ice on it until Dan was done at church and could come get me.  All the boys came in with him, Sawyer looked pretty worried.  He's not used to seeing his mom hurt.  Dan was the hero and carried me out of the gym to the truck.  I was a little embarrassed to be carried out but there really wasn't another option, it was too far to hop.  Later that night Ross, Kristen and kids brought me crutches and supper.  I'm so thankful to have such great family and friends to take care of me!  Hopefully, this ankle heals quickly though, I'm not good at lying low...

Jan. 24, 2015 - Fun with Friends

After a day full of basketball, we headed out to dinner with the Lendt family.  We went to Fired Up Pizza.  It's not a very big restaurant but the food is good.  And to top it off, the owner makes cookies to give to people who order the buffet!  The kids had some right out of the oven, served from the cookie sheet.  It was just like being at Grandma's.  Besides good food though, the company was good too.  It's always fun to get together with friends and just be.

Jan. 23, 2015 - Fun in the Snow and 100 Wins

It turned out to be a really nice day today and the kids didn't have school so I sent them out to play in the snow.  After getting a few things done inside, I headed out to find that they had made snow furniture.  Noah made a chair and footstool and helped his little brothers make a couch. They were relaxing in their creations when I got to them.

 Later that night, we headed down to the girl's basketball game at ILC.  Jim had coached his 100th win two games ago and there was a little celebration planned for him.  Some of his past players presented him with a neat photo collage and John Hein had a speech before the game started.  Afterwards, there was cake and ice cream to keep the celebration going.  The girls won again tonight to help make the night even more special.  Beth made shirts for the all the grandkids just for the night.  It was a great night.

Jan. 22, 2015 - Painter for Hire

For those of you who know me, you know I like to paint, or at least I really like the end result.  I offered to help paint Gus and Char's bathroom because Char wasn't happy with the color she had originally chosen and I thought this would be a good way to help out.  Karen helped me and we spent a few hours stuck in a bathroom together.  We had a good time though, talked about a lot of stuff and quite possibly got a little high on paint fumes, there weren't any windows in this bathroom afterall.  I hope the end result is what Char was hoping for.  We'll see if I get asked back to paint again...

Jan. 21, 2015 - Just Keep Swimming

Bryce and Sawyer started taking swimming lessons last week.  Today was their second lesson and we got there a little early so I had to take the opportunity to take a few pictures of them by the pool.  They decided this was the perfect time to show off their "muscles".  What goofballs!

Jan. 20, 2015 - To Be Blond or Not Blond

Sawyer and I met friends at the mall today for lunch.  I had a hair appointment scheduled for later in the afternoon and it just didn't make sense to go all the way home.  So we headed down to the library for awhile.  As we were walking into the kids' section, we saw Olaf, from Frozen, built our of books.  It was so cute I had to take a picture of Sawyer by it. 

We headed to Urban Style so I could get my hair cut and colored.  I decided earlier this winter that I was going to give darker hair a try.  I did, and I liked it, but I think I'll always be blond at heart.  And Dan actually admitted he thought he might like my hair blond better, he doesn't give me his opinion very often when it comes to my hair so I thought I should take it when he did.  I don't have an after picture, just a during which is very flattering.  I'm sure there will be a picture of me again at some point this year though.

Jan. 19, 2015 - A Lit Bit of Lovin'

Sawyer is our little snuggle bug.  He's been known to say things like "Mom, I just love squeezing you and hugging you".  Tonight, it was Dan's turn to be squeezed and hugged.  Sawyer was in the living room playing and Dan was in the kitchen.  Out of the blue Sawyer said he just needed a hug.  Dan was more then happy to be of assistance.  Moment captured!

Jan. 18, 2015 - Go Seahawks!

There's something just not quite right with this picture.  Sawyer has always said he was a Packer fan, much to our dismay.  And since we were at the Zimmerman's for the Packer/Seahawk game, there just happened to be an extra Aaron Rodgers jersey laying around for Sawyer to wear.  He wore it quite proudly, loving the cheers he got from the Packer fans in the house who couldn't believe there was a Sydow with a Packer jersey on.  I'm glad we could help make those Packer fans happy for a little bit I guess, since the game ended up being a pretty rough one for them.  What a crazy game, one to remember for awhile!

 Jason, Rebecca and I all squished ourselves into this two person spot on the couch.  It was actually not too uncomfortable.  And Jason wouldn't let any of us move as long as the Packers were winning.  I ended up moving at halftime....sorry Jason. ;)

Jan. 17, 2015 - It's 38 Degrees!

In Wisconsin, in January, we call this a heat wave!  So we had to get out and enjoy it.  What does one do when it's almost 40 degrees and still snowy?  Play football of course!  And take down the Christmas lights (much less exciting). 

Jan. 16, 2015 - One Crazy Friday Night

Is there a better way to spend a Friday night then at the grocery store with your whole family?  I think not!  We had to pick up a few things on our way back from practices and everyone got in on the fun.  Sawyer of course had to get his own cart, which I could always feel on my heels just waiting for it to clip me.

Later, when we got home, we decided to play a friendly game of Skip-Bo.  It's really hard to find a game that we can all play and enjoy, but this one worked out great.  Bryce had a rough go of things, he just wasn't getting the cards he needed.  I was really close to going out but Ethan played his last card right before I could.  Oh well, can't win them all.



Jan. 15, 2015 - Action City

Jake Zimmerman turns 6 today so we had to go help him celebrate at Action City.  Sawyer has been wanting to go there for quite some time now so this was perfect.  Sawyer and Jake had so much fun playing games, driving bumper cars, riding in Go-Karts, bowling, attempting the rock wall (their little legs made this one difficult) and playing Laser Tag.  Rebecca and I got in on some of the fun too.  Who can pass up a game of Laser Tag afterall???

 

Jan. 14, 2015 - Volleyball

Every Wednesday night I get to go play volleyball with 5 other great ladies.  I love playing, I think I'm still pretty ok, although there are nights that I realize I am not in high school anymore and my age shows in how slowly I move.  But we always have fun, win or lose.  Not to mention it's just a great stress release.  After a long day at home there's nothing better then getting out there and hitting a volleyball.  I didn't manage to take a picture while we were playing, which is a good thing I think.  I don't really want to see what I look like when I play, I prefer the deluded mental picture of my awesomeness much better than reality.  I did get down on the floor to take this picture though, that may have been the only time all night I was on the floor.....not a good sign. 

 

Jan. 13, 2015 - Brotherly Love

Steve and Kelly are replacing all the carpet on their main floor and Dan got the call to help move some of the heavy furniture.  Steve has helped us with plenty of moves so it was only right that Dan go help and a brother always helps a brother out.  Although he did make sure to clarify that the piano wouldn't have to be moved down or up any stairs.  That's a whole new ballgame afterall.  Here are our movers, hard at work.  Good thing they got so much experience working at Bester Bros. Moving Company in high school.  If you ever need help moving, these are two good guys to ask. Don't tell them I referred them.  ;)