All We've Got

Everything can be related back to an episode of Roseanne.

Does anyone else remember when DJ was in the spelling bee? Dan and Roseanne were out of work and the whole family dressed up and sat in little chairs in DJ's classroom to watch him compete. They hooted and hollered, cheering their youngest child on, until a woman behind them sneered, "For goodness sake, it's just a spelling bee."

Roseanne turned around and snapped, as only she could, "Hey! Listen lady, this is all we've got!"


Last night was the Homecoming coronation at Dover-Eyota. I'd been counting the hours until I could go, as this year Miranda - our darling Miranda - was nominated for Homecoming Queen.

I'll let that sink in.

Homecoming Queen! Miranda, who doesn't get excited about anything, was calm and mildly amused by all of it. I was more worked up about it than she was, to say nothing of the hysteria felt by Grandma Barb, Jackie, and Mike. We've talked about nothing else all week. Right away Jackie made plans to buy yellow caution tape to block off seats for the huge group of people who would come to cheer for her girl. Some very silly people, who had obviously never met Jackie, thought she was joking.

Jackie, Mike, Kaci, James and I piled into Jackie's car and headed to Eyota at 5:00. Coronation was at 7:00 and there was no way we weren't going to be the first ones there.

Me and Mike on the way - you can see the hysteria in my eyes! Mike doesn't look that excited but trust me, he was out of his mind.

Me and Jackie. Wheeeeee!

The school was locked when we got there two hours early. What's a loving family to do? Why break in, of course.

Jackie and James, living a life of crime.

Once in the auditorium Jackie and I used her caution tape to save 25 seats. 25! Some kids had a mom come...some had both their parents and a sibling...but it's safe to say that Miranda was the only one who had seats saved for 25 (and that was just the reserved seats!).

I honestly felt a little bad for the other queen candidates. When Miranda walked out on stage we all went absolutely nuts. We were screaming and cheering like crazy people. Each candidate couple did a walk around the auditorium and as Miranda walked by us we waved, called hello to her, and her grandpa tried to give her a high five. It was just ridiculous.

At the coronation, when the kings and queens are crowned, the crown is held in a teasing way above each of the candidate's heads and the crowd cheers for each one. Again, I felt bad for the other kids from the noise that was made when the crown was over Miranda's head. And it wasn't just us - the whole place went nuts.

Well, the crown didn't end up on Miranda's head, but that didn't stop our enthusiasm. After the crowning, the lights were up and the royalty was still on stage for pictures. "Miranda! Miranda!" I called. Jackie yelled, "MIRANDA!" With a slight frown on her face, Miranda jumped and looked out at us. The second she did, our entire group again erupted in cheers and waving.

A slightly amused, tired look passed over Miranda's face and we saw her turn to the girl next to her. "That's my family," she said simply.

My sister and my Miranda - love, love, love.

Gorgeous, beautiful, wonderful, proud and happy family.



Stunning, beautiful queen.

All we've got? Admittedly, yes. But truly, too, all we'll ever need.

Luci and Abdi's Reception

Eric's stepsister, Luci, is Grandma Susan's youngest daughter. She got married several months ago in a small ceremony. Last Saturday she and her husband, Abdi, had a reception in Plainview for all of us who didn't see the wedding.

Luci and Abdi are Muslims. Luci is the only Muslim in our family so we've been learning all we can about her faith and new traditions. That's why I was mortified to commit a faux pas within seconds of walking into the party. Luci greeted us with a hug and introduced us to Abdi. Eric shook his hand and out of habit I stuck my hand out at him, too. Ugh...of course I had forgotten that he doesn't touch any woman other than his wife. He was kind about it but wouldn't shake my hand and I ended up feeling really stupid. I felt better when I found out that Eric's sister Amy had done the same thing - ha! Leave it to me and Amy to be the big idiots of the day.

Carl, Susan, Wally, and Mike Dailey

Shannan, Luci, and Amy (I love this picture of my sisters!)

Take a good look. Matilda is the spitting image of these two (there will be pictures in an upcoming post to prove it). You're looking at my daughter in 30 years!

Here's Abdi and Luci. Abdi's family was pretty amused by the cake-cutting thing.

The littlest Dailey.

Thank goodness for balloons and an open area for the kids to play!

There aren't enough words in any language to explain how funny this is to me. I can't imagine that Wally or Mike ever imagined a day they would wear kufis.

No matter where you worship, no marriage is complete without a Crock-Pot!

Lime Springs

I'm close to giving up our house and living directly out of our car. Every day is another trip!

Today the kids and I drove down to Lime Springs, IA to see Grandma Colleen's new house. We followed Amy and Sean down and got there in time for lunch. I wasn't surprised when Colleen got home a few minutes after we arrived, blew a small tornado through her kitchen, and had us all at the table with our plates piled high ten minutes later.

It was such a nice day. Sam, Matilda, and Sean ran from room to room chasing each other with dog toys. When they finally got tired Colleen set them up at the table with paper and markers. I almost passed out when Matilda ran into the kitchen with her artwork and managed to leave a pink marker trail across the front of the refrigerator. Colleen couldn't have been less worried about it but I'm so stressed, imagining her there trying to scrub it off! She said she misses having a house full of marker swipes and grubby fingerprints. I think I'll bring her a Magic Eraser just in case.

Colleen has been like a mom to me since I was 15 years old. She gives of herself endlessly. I couldn't be happier knowing she is in such a lovely home in a safe little town. Even better, she is just under an hour and a half away - the perfect distance for a day trip. The kids and I will be able to run down to see her whenever the mood strikes.

I truly love my husband's family - what a wonderful gift!

Black Friday

This is not timely and only slightly topical but this is my blog and I can do what I want.

A few years ago Jackie and I were really on the ball with our Christmas lists. We decided to go in on all of our presents together. We carefully planned and budgeted and knew exactly what we were looking for. That Thanksgiving we flipped through the Black Friday ads and were excited to find several items on our list. We hadn't done Black Friday shopping before but these deals were just too good to pass up.

At 4:30 am the next day we were standing in a line of people in the Herberger's parking lot. The people around us were cheerful and employees were going down the line handing out maps for the big deals. Jackie and I split up our list. When the doors opened, she was to go left to the comforters. I was to go right and up the escalators for a digital picture frame.

Finally - it was time. We didn't even look at each other as we split up. I joined a pack of people going up the escalator and pushed my way to the table with the digital frames. I couldn't believe it when I saw the table was empty after the store having been open for 35 seconds. I was jostled to the side and saw there was ONE last frame hidden behind the sign on the table. I threw myself sideways, landing on my side on the table, and grabbed the box the very second before two other women snatched at it. I heard both of them say something very un-Christmas like as I clutched the box to my chest and pushed back toward the escalators.

Looking down on the store I saw a huge mass of people surrounding the largest pile of boxes I've ever seen. There were hundreds of boxes, covering an entire section of the store, piled seven or eight high. The boxes were full of comforters of all colors and sizes. People were climbing over each other, trying in the confusion to find the one they were looking for.

I wormed my way through racks and got as close to the pile as I could. I spotted Jackie. She had been one of the first people to the comforters and now she was stuck. She was pressed up against the boxes with both arms up. Her head was turned to the side and our eyes met.

Now, it was chaotic in the store, but it wasn't particularly loud. It wasn't necessary for me to scream at the top of my lungs. I was caught up in the drama and couldn't help myself.

"JAAAAACKIEEEEEE!" I screamed with my head tipped back. People around me jumped and one woman fell into the boxes. Jackie burst out laughing and I saw her knees start to buckle under her. The only thing keeping her upright was the force of the crowd behind her pinning her to the boxes.

"NO!" I screamed, pointing at her. "No, there is NO TIME! Do you want me to come in??"

Laughing so hard she could hardly speak Jackie said to the woman next to her, "I can't stop laughing but my sister says there is no time!"

Eventually one little midwestern woman in the crowd had had enough. She CLIMBED to the top of the pile and began pulling out comforters. She read the colors and sizes like a quarterback before then blindly throwing them back over her head. "Navy blue...king!" she'd shout and it would come soaring down. "Lavender...twin!" People alternately ducked or dove for it. (I desperately want to find that woman and make her my best friend.)

Jackie finally got what she wanted but was still pinned to the pile. By this point there was a wall of people behind her about 20 deep. She again turned to the woman next to her. "I'm never getting out," she said.

That woman, all 5 feet and 100 pounds of her, took it upon herself to get Jackie out. She assumed a wide stance, arms out to the sides, and shouldered and shoved a path. I was there when Jackie finally emerged, hair matted to one side and still laughing. She turned to thank the woman but she had already been swallowed back into the crowd. "Godspeed, soldier," I thought to myself.

Jackie and I haven't done Black Friday shopping since. We've blamed it on work or budgets - but deep down I know we're both afraid the next time we won't make it out alive.

Matilda Is One Year Old!

Happy birthday to Matilda!

I've alluded to how horrible 2008 was for all of us. I honestly don't think I could ever go into the specifics. Imagine the worst thing you can and multiply it by 6. When I found out I was pregnant with Matilda I was more shocked than anything else. I wanted her so badly but all I could think about was how in the world I'd be able to fit a baby in with everything else going on. I knew I was pregnant for over a week before I told Jackie - THAT'S how upside-down everything was.

Jackie was immediately thrilled. She knew our situation better than anyone else and knew I felt overwhelmed. She waved away my fears. "This baby is going to save us all," she said.

I never could have imagined how right Jackie was. Matilda has changed everything. It sounds like I am being dramatic but it is true: we are better people with her in the world. Every day since she has been born has been better than the last.

Happy birthday, Matilda Jane, my strength-in-battle baby. You are so loved.

Matilda's Birthday - The People

Last Saturday we celebrated Matilda's first birthday. Almost all of our families were able to come. The house was crowded and hot and it was a lovely afternoon.

My dad took all of the pictures of the party!

I was going to pretend I was posting this to show Matilda's cute pink cheeks but the truth is I want everyone to see my new hair.

Grandma Joyce, Jackie and Mike...this is so darling of Grandma and Jackie but I don't think Mike got the joke.

Bret, Lisa, Miranda, Eric, Sam, and I look totally bored as Grandma Susan shows Matilda her new cars.

Papa was singing along with Matilda's new Musical Dora book from Grandpa Mark and Grandma Tina. Matilda was shocked. Actually, we all were.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

During halftime on Sunday we all went outside to play football. Well, Jackie and I watched and took pictures, but everyone else had a great time. It could have been an idyllic fall scene - an extended family enjoying a game together in the leaves - but, as always, my family was able to trash it up a bit.

Aw...Miranda and Sam. He ADORES her.

Aw...Mike and Sam. Sam is nuts about him, too (see any previous post).

Ummm...that pile seems a little excessive. How are Mike's legs going into the air like that? I have to say that I am really proud of Sam for hanging on to the ball. I also think this is hilarious as I know Eric is underneath all of that.

See? I recommend looking at an enlarged version of this one. It's awesome.

Now this I don't understand. Does either of them have the ball? Was this tackle necessary? I don't know which to worry about more - the fact that Eric is SO happy, or that it appears that Mike has completely given up and stopped fighting.

You all drive me nuts. I love you completely and I wouldn't trade you for anything.

6 - 0

M - I - K - E

Sam is thisclose to being able to read. He has known his letters and their sounds for ages. He is even sounding out words. He just has one mental roadblock.

Mom: Okay, Sam. Look at this word. How is it spelled?

Sam: C. A. T.

Mom: What sounds do those letters make?

Sam: Kuh. Ah. Tuh.

Mom: Can you say the sounds faster?

Sam: Kuh-ah-tuh.

Mom (so excited): What does that say, buddy?

Sam: Mike!

Repeat the above scenario with dog, ball, pig, hat, and car...and you have a normal morning in our house.

Kissing Cousins

One of the best parts of our trip to Iowa last week was getting to see my cousin Joni. We are the same age and I just adore her. We very rarely see each other - why is that? - so I was very excited to hear she'd be driving over.

It was really fun seeing our kids together. It seems like just yesterday Joni was visiting me in my freshman dorm at Waldorf and suddenly we are both the mother of two. Her kids are soooo cute and amazing. As always, thanks to my dad for the pictures!

Here, Sam is wrangling 10-month-old Isaiah while 5-year-old Miya tries to hold up Matilda's big head.

The kids were antsy after being inside and wanted us to play with them. Joni told them to play Run To It. It was fantastic. Sam and Miya would stand in front of her, panting and excited, and Joni would say, "See that pole over there? Run to it." The kids would dash off happily, giggling, and eventually end up back in front of Joni. "Okay...do you see that bush?" she'd ask them. "Run to it." I like to think I have a few parenting tricks up my sleeve - but I'm going to have to bow to Joni for this one. She's a genius.

Run to it! They couldn't have been having any more fun.

Poor Isaiah and Matilda were too little for the fun, so Isaiah thought he'd make his own good time. He kissed Matilda every chance he got. Here he's planting one right on top of her head.

I desperately wish Joni and I lived closer to each other. I'm daydreaming about more afternoons in the front yard, playing Run To It and giggling the hours away...

Egg Hunt, Part Two

We spent Easter afternoon at Papa and Grandma Susan's house. The weather was beautiful and all of the grandkids got to do an egg hunt in the backyard. Papa, who takes his grandpa duties very seriously, was rumored to have started hiding eggs at 5:00 am. The eggs were color-coded so the older kids knew to pass by Sam's easy-to-find blue eggs.

Sam had so much fun, found all of his eggs, and was allowed to eat a piece of candy out of each one. Each one had cash in it, too! I certainly don't remember earning money with my Easter eggs...

Uncles And The Color Red

On Saturday morning, Jackie and Mike came over to watch Matilda. Sam and I waved goodbye to them and headed off to a toddler class at Quarry Hill. I have been working really hard to find opportunities for Sam to spend time with other kids in both structured and unstructured environments.

This week's theme was Cardinals and the Color Red. I was really impressed by the whole class! The teacher read a book about cardinals and did a cardinal puppet show. We all did a cardinal art project and then went for a hike to look for cardinals. We didn't see any but Sam was impressed by all the little wood bridges we walked over. Once back inside, we sang a cardinal song and then got to feed fish in a huge aquarium.

It was a very busy, exciting morning. Sam and I both had a blast. We came home and spent a few minutes with Mike and Jackie before they left. Sam and I talked about the class all day. Last night, when I asked him what his favorite part was, he smiled. "Mike!" he replied happily.

I give up.