Goals for 2009 revisited

There is something to be said by not making your New year's resolutions public knowledge. Here is my review of last years resolutions...

Darren has to do this at work so I decided that I need to have some goals here at my work.

I would like to have everyone in my house completely potty trained and bathroom manners trained (Mason) before the year is over.

Well still working on the bathroom manners for everyone (that might be my goal before they move out of the house )but the potty training complete!!!!

I would like to have a date with just me and each one of my kids once a month

Didn't really meet this goal. Maybe this next year I will have to actually schedule a years worth now! But I am gonna work on it.

I would like to go out and date my husband more than once a month and actually go on dates not...what do you want to do...I don't know what do you want to do. Know what I mean??

We probably just made it about once a month. Maybe I will have to schedule these too. We did do some really nice outings this year but there were several "lets go to walmart dates"

I would like to figure out what classes I need to take to get my teaching license renewed.

I am excited to say that I am well on my way for this one!!

I would like to meet my weight loss goal.

I fell way off the wagon on this one and I gained the amount that I wanted to lose! and now have no pants that fit.

I would say 2.5 out of 5. 50% that would be an "F" in school. I think it's about a "B" in real life though!

Happy New Year!

Tuesday Morning Bible Study at Kenosha Bible Church

Beginning January 12th 2010
“Downpour” He will come to us like rain by James Macdonald
A 12-week Bible Study leading believers to lift up their eyes and return to the Lord.
Each week we will gather together to listen to a dvd message presented by James Macdonald followed by a small group discussion time. There is a take away lesson for each day as well as a memory verse.
Preschool for children who are 3 years of age before 9/1/2009
It is expected that the mothers of children in the program will volunteer to support the nursery and preschool ministry.

9:15am sharp on Tuesday, January 12th at Kenosha Bible Church. We will begin this week with the first dvd message, you won't want to miss it! Questions? Call Linda 262-652-4507

Rylee was really excited for a book and ayden tactac (tic tacs) and mason was excited for everything.

Mason's letter to Santa

Dear Santa,
Ples bren me thes pezs

a DS
a Xbox
and a tv for me to put it in my room
mor finger blestrs
mor strwar gis
Love, Mason

for sale

. kids hangers 160 for $15
2. Limited 2 jean jacket size 12 $10
3. girls Gap tan jacket w/fur trim sz 10 (L) $8
4. Abercrombie jacket navy blue/red sz sm $30
5. American Girl jacket purple with black sleeves sz sm $10
6. Abercrombie jacket cream corduroy w/fur around the neck sz XL $15
7. MENS Nautica red DOWN jacket sz small (I used it for a womens jacket) $15
8. Women's Miss Sixty jacket made in Italy black w/blue and yellow stripe on arm sz med. $40
9. BOYS: John Deere Green hoodie sz 7 $3; Gap red hoodie zip up sz 4-5 $3; Tony Hawk black hoodie sz 4-5 $3
10. UGG BOOTS: knitted style cream color boots sz 7 $70

Christmas pictures

So it was BEAUTIFUL here today and as the day went on I came up with taking the kids to get pictures taken at the lake for christmas cards. Here is a picture of real life at the Kochersperger house and what should really be on Christmas cards

Barnes and noble coupon

Fun coupon

Fall fun

FROM ASHLEIGH---Just wanted to invite all of you to our church's FRIGHTFULLY FUN FALL FEST, held Friday, October 23rd from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Admission is free; family-friendly costumes are welcome (no ghouls, witches, zombies, etc., please), and we'll have lots of games, activities and food. 2 year olds through 5th graders are welcome!
St. Mary's Lutheran is located at 2001 80th Street, Kenosha. Any questions, please let me know. Hope to see you there!

Fall pictures

Here are a few pictures I took the other day when it was nice outside. We went to the park and I bribed the kids that if they did a good job they could pick out and watch a movie. I took 144 pictures and these are a few of the best. Thank goodness for digital cameras.

Ayden's birthday party

Because I can't get everything together we had Ayden's birthday party this weekend (not quite a month later). Here are a few snapshots of the girlie fun!! After she opened the presents she said "OK I am ready for more presents". I think she has that present thing down.

Boston Market Kids eat free

Hey! Just had to share a good deal. The closest one to us is Gurnee.

click here for details

Were we at the ocean?

Today we had a fun day at Illinois Beach State Park. Scott came in town and I thought since it was 70 degrees that we wouldn't get in the water we would just walk along the shore and collect rocks and enjoy our picnic. Well, that didn't happen. We couldn't help but get in because the waves were so big. I think that the water might have been the same temperature as the air. The kids didn't care. Here a few pictures.

We decided that these people were from Minnesota or Canada since they were sunbathing and we were in sweatshirts.

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Mason had his first practice today and had a lot of fun. He said he LOVED football. He said "it felt good to sweat". He was pretty adorable. Can you say that about a football player???

BOOK Search

Every year I say I am going to base next years playgroup themes on books so I am not scrambling around trying to find books. Well I was excited about themes that I did it again. If you have any books for toddler/preschool age that go with these themes I would love to borrow them!!

September 11 Can you tell me how to get? (sesame street)

September 25 Pirates and Princesses

October 9 God is Groovy (60's)

October 23 Jesus Light my way (jack-o-lantern)

November 13 Give Thanks

December 13 Happy Birthday Jesus

January 8 All the Children of the world

February 12 He Loves us

February 26 Mixed up day

March 12 Jesus is my rock (rock star)

April 23 Dios es el amor (fiesta party)

May 14 Walking with Jesus (tropical/ flipflop)

Aydens first day

Ayden went to preschool all day for the first time today. She was ready to go all week. Today we walked in to school and she said "Daddy, this is MY school." She had no tears or anything. She didn't even say goodbye. She saw Addi and they sat down to read books.

First day of school for Rylee and Mason

So we have a first grader and a 4th grader. Rylee was excited yet a little nervous because she only knows boys in her class. She has a male teacher for the first time. I am hoping when I go to pick them up she has met a buddy.

Mason did NOT want to go to school. He gets nervous and I know he will like it once he is there and used to the situation. He would have loved to have the same teacher though. But his new teacher has red hair so so that shouldnt be too bad!! She also has two boys of her own so hopefully will be perfect for my 100% boy!!

It's too quiet around here already. I cant believe I am gonna type this but I will be ready to see them at 3 today. At 5 today I will be ready to sent them back!!

Playgroup -Yah!!

Here are the dates and themes for Kenosha Bible Playgroup 2009-2010 year!!

September 11 Can you tell me how to get?
September 25 Pirates and Princesses
October 9 God is Groovy
October 23 Jesus Light my way
November 13 Give Thanks
December 13 Happy Birthday Jesus
January 8 All the Children of the world
January 22 Movie Morning
February 12 He Loves us
February 26 Mixed up day
March 12 Jesus is my rock
March 26 He lives!
April 23 Dios es el amor
May 14 Walking with Jesus
May 28 Outdoor Playgroup

MOPS

Dear Moms ~

Do you currently have authentic community?

Are you looking for an authentic community to be a part of?

Not sure what an "authentic community" even is?

Then plan on being in community with other moms as we launch off our new MOPS year!

Our mommy shuttles will depart Wednesday September 2nd* at 9:30 as we explore our lives "Together on Planet Mom"!
(Your little shooting stars can be dropped off in their MOPPETS classrooms beginning at 9:15.)

First Christian Church MOPS
1st and 3rd Wednesdays
9:15 - 11:30

13022 Wilmot Rd.
Kenosha, WI 53142
262-857-4743
www.kenoshafcc.com
www.mops.org


Where two or three are gathered together...there I am with them. Matthew 18:20

*Due to the Kenosha school schedule, September 2nd will be our only meeting for September. So plan on coming to our first meeting and get the encouragement and support you need as a mother now!

Rylee's Haircut

So I made Rylee get a haircut for back to school. It was another "trim" of about 3 inches. I also made her get bangs because I couldnt stand the hair hanging in her eyes ( I have become my mother because that is what my Mom said to me all the time). Unfortunately she looks older.

school lunches

I am gonna be packing 3 school lunches this year. My mother in law gave me an article about different ideas to include in there lunches.

Here is the website


Here are a few ideas from the article

Cookie cutter shaped sandwiches
add apple slices, raisins or banana to traditional pb and j
whole grain pita (which I did buy to try with the kids) or bagels or tortillas
cubed fruit with yogurt dip
trail mixes

WOW its been a while!

I guess that I havent had anything too exciting going on.

We are trying to cram Summer in the last two weeks. Sleepovers, days at the beach, movies , all the fun stuff before school starts again. All the kids are going to be going to school the first week of September. Rylee and Mason start the 1st and Ayden will go that Thursday, all day. The girls are excited and Mason "hates school". I think he just enjoys saying hate.

Its raining here today and so the kids are just playing Wii and watching movies. Gotta love that we can have a day to do that!!!

Rylee's Violin Concert

Rylww took summer violin lessons through Kenosha Unified School district. She really enjoyed it. They had a concert for all the beginning students. There were about 150 on stage at the same time. When they came out all the parents started standing up waving at the kids. It was like popcorn. Once some one did then everyone around them did it. The place was really big. So here is a picture of a guy doing it. I thought it was funny and ridiculus so I took his picture. The concert itself was really great. I was scared at the thought of all those kids and thought it might be a lot of screeching. The songs were the basics-mary had a little lamb, twinkle twinkle but it did sound good. My friend Sherilyn was in front of me. She said "I never have seen a standing ovation for twinkle twinkle." It's true but I was proud of Rylee and the other kids.

Yoda and Ayden

This was the other day while the kids were at a tennis lesson. Yoda isn't really tolerant of little kids but Ayden can do just about anything to him before he gets annoyed. She really likes him. I'm not sure if the feeling is mutual.

Camping out

Couldnt really think of anything low key to do tonight so we are "Camping out" in the backyard. Emma said its the best day of her life! We had roasted hot dogs and smores. Good cheap fun!!

VBS week

Hey! We are having an awesome week at VBS!! The kids have tons of energy and I love to hear them praising God. I have about 22 kids in my group of 3rd and 4th graders. Rylee and Emma and several of Rylee's friends are in my group of Falcons (our group name). The theme is SonRock and its about Peter. Tomorrow is the last day.

5 kids

I know now that I was not meant to have any more kids. My nephew and niece are here spending the weekend with us and it's exhausting. Kudos to you if you have that many! We are having a fun time but I am ready for bed....

Weekend in Indy

We had a fun family reunion in Indianapolis with my cousins, aunts and uncles. Here is a picture of my cousins and all my cousins and siblings kids. The oldest is 9 and the youngest is 4 months.

got another deal for you

bloggin

I so miss you blogging...I have been too busy to write or upload pictures. I hope to add some more pictures after the Tolin family reunion.

Fun Family Day

great week with the Kochersperger's

It was great to have family in town this week. Grandma and Grandpa Kochie and Aunt Paula were in from Ohio. I didn't take 1 picture,URGH. I forgot my camera twice. It's really special that they make that LONG drive to come see us!

Mcdonalds freebee

Got this email and had to share!!

my computer

My computer has been funky all week but Darren my genius husband fixed it so I am now up!! I am addicted to my friend, computer. I knew that I was but it is now confirmed.

Alpaca Art moving...

Here is a email I received from Kandi. I did this pottery painting on night and it was SO fun! Had to share. Thanks Kandi!

Dear Valued Painters,



We want to inform you of our exciting move to Downtown Kenosha, 5813 6th Ave ! We sincerely apologize to everyone we will be moving further from. Thanks so much to all of you who found value in the services we provided in Salem , you have really made our last two years enjoyable. There are a few general questions I tried to answer for you below:



General Questions & Answers:



When is the new location opening?

Friday, July 24th.
* Saturday, July 25th : Grand Opening *Free Studio Fees for all past customers & their friends and family at our Grand Opening, (Make sure to mention this offer for free fees.)



How long can we still walk in and paint at your current location?

We will have walk-ins at our Salem location until Tuesday, July 21st, however, anything painted after Sunday, July19th will have to picked up at the Kenosha location.



When is the last day we can pick up our piece from the current location?

Pickups of pieces painted Sunday, July 19th & before may be on Tuesday, July 21st. Pieces not picked up by Tuesday, July 21st will not be held at the Kenosha location for more than 3 weeks after the move, so we encourage you to pick up your pieces as soon as possible.



What about the Summer Camps?

Summer camps will be held as scheduled up until Tuesday, July 21st. July Camps scheduled after that date, will be cancelled. All August camps will be held at the Kenosha location, so feel free to sign up for those anytime!



Will everything be the same when you move?

· When we move, the Phone # will change, still to be determined.

New Location Summer Hours: M:closed Tue:10-4 Wed-Fri:12-8 Sat:11-5 Sun:12-5
· We don’t have a private party room, but will have a party section.

· We will offer new products including glass fusing and “grab & go” pottery & off-site parties, where we drop off all supplies right to you, pick them up to be fired, then drop them back off again! Details about that will be on the website next month.

· Walk-in services will not change and we’ll still have event nights!





Remember, free studio fees at the Grand Opening, Saturday, July 25th

Again, thank you for all of your past visits! Hope to see you soon. If you have more questions, feel free to call us at 262-843-1800 or email us at painting@alpacapottery.com.



Sincerely,



Brenda Brady & Becky Sterba

Alpaca Art llc

Kenosha Velodrome Races

June 29th is “KBC Night at the Kenosha Velodrome” (Washington Park at 22nd Ave and Washington Road). Registration starts at 6:00pm. All are welcome to come and participate in races or be spectators. The cost is $3 to participate in at least 2 races. It’s FREE to come and encourage, cheer and socialize! Remember to bring bike (big wheel, recumbent, road, mountain are all welcome), helmet, snacks, bug spray, camera and lawn chairs! See Sharon at the track to register to race for $3, otherwise, it will be $8 to race for the night.

More info about the velodrome is available at www.333m.com.

If weather is “ify” call Sharon Campbell at 496-0917.

See you all at the track!

Philadelphia and Ligionier PA

We went to Philadelphia for one day. Darren wanted to see the US Mint. You can't bring cameras so I have no pictures. It was actually pretty interesting. We wanted to see the Liberty Bell but it was too stressful driving around down there that we just decided we will come back when the kids are older and can appreciate it.

We then went to Ligonier to see my Uncle Greg and Aunt Ellie and my cousins Jackie and Joey. It was SOOO nice to stay at there awesome camp and to spend time with them. We were lucky enough to go to Joey's baseball game which was alot of fun. They just got a new puppy named Rudy.

Overall is was a great time. It was a bummer that we had to come home to water in my basement?!