where have I been?

Wow, I can not believe that I have gone a few weeks without blogging. I do have a few excuses including my computer crashing and having to replace the hard drive and other board- and NO, I did not have everything backed up and I lost a bunch of stuff. I now own a few zip drives and back up regularly!

Did I also mention that we all got confirmed Influenza A, unconfirmed H1N1- ALL OF US (minus Brendan, he was at his moms) AT THE SAME TIME! 104 degree fevers, coughing, serious head pressure, head aches, ache body, tired, "hit by a cement truck" feeling.... icky, and the Tamiflu we all got put on was horrid. We couldn't sleep and it made us feel weird. But e are all well now! Dan and Natti had it real bad (both ended up in the ER on different occasions) Kora and I had it a little easier (thankfully!) It is so hard being a sick mom taking care of a sick husband and sick kids. Not that I would wish my kids to have it too, but it was easier taking care of them with me being sick because they were very laid back, TV watching, lounging girls!

We were sick over Halloween and Dan and I felt horrible that we didn't get to take the girls trick or treating, so, when we were all well I called my relatives and friends and took them in their costumes trick or treating a few days late! They had a blast and got way too much candy!

Brendan started hockey. Yes, I am officially a hockey mom! He is very excited and doing pretty good considering this is his first year! It will be fun going to games and tournaments to see him play! Natalie gets mad every time Brendan leaves for practice stating "Daddy, today I have hockey too" and then she cries when they leave without her. Dan said he is going to get Natti skating too!

Kora- what a BUSY little girl! I think she runs circles around how Natti was at her age! She is into everything! She also has turned into a major Mommy's girl! Natti is more of a Daddy's girl now, so I guess it makes it even!

My washing machine broke, ummm, about 3 weeks ago (yes I am going crazy without it!) and tomorrow Jackie, Zak, the girls and I are going to Fargo to get a new set! I am SO SO SO excited! I love doing laundry, I do it every day- and I have been feeling a little lost! I HATE carting it all to my parent's house but thankfully have had that option or I would have oodles of it!

That is about all I can think of. I would love to post some pictures but any new ones I had got erased when they replaced my hard drive. I lost about 2 months of pictures :( I will try to get some new ones up here soon!

Animals in pajamas

Kora's Grandma Beth made this beautiful quilt for Kora's bed. It is animals in pajamas- too cute! Kora loved it- she would sit on it and point at all of the different animals on it! Thanks Grandma Beth for staying with us and for the beautiful quilt!

Happy Birthday Grandma Carol!

A whole bunch of Dan's family from the Duluth area was going to make the drive here this past Monday to have lunch to celebrate his Grandma Carol's birthday. Unfortunately Grandma got the flu and we had to postpone the day. Uncle Tom & Aunt Mary had bought this beautiful cake so the kids and I threw some candles in it and sang to her anyhow (We know she will see this on here!) Happy Birthday Grandma Carol!

What is grading beans??

Frist off- these are some of the products that use beans from Green Valley Bean !

I helped with bean grading at Green Valley Bean this year, and have been asked a hundred times what exactly that entailed. Here is a quick explanation of what my mom and I did!

First we weigh in the loaded trucks. The huge outdoor scale that the trucks drive on is hooked into this computer program. We weigh the truck loaded and after it empties to get the weight of the beans that were in the truck.

Next we do a test to measure the moisture of the beans in the truck. This tells us which bin the beans should go into. This picture the beans were 15.4% moisture.

Then we measure at least 500 grams of beans from the ice cream pails that the guys catch when unloading the trucks. This is the sample we work with.

Next the beans are pured into a special pan that allows the too small beans, dirt and whatever else to fall through. The pods, dirt, night shade, etc. Is called the FM- foreign material. We weigh the FM and record the result on the sheet.

Then we pick out the bad beans: bloopers, molded, split, stained etc. Weigh and record that amount.

These are the "Pick" or the bad beans.

This special grid with 100 holes counts out beans for us. We get 200 beans and do a "soak" note the round pie tin with beans and water. The water wrinkles the beans and makes it easy to spot the beans with splits. We take out all of the splits, count and record the number.

This is an example of a split bean

We bag up the foreign material and the pick in one bag, roll it up and put it in a bag of the remaining bean sample.

They are then able to get an idea of what to pay for the beans based on what in the load was good beans, foreign material and bad beans.

Bow hunting- a success!

Dan got this nice buck the other night when he was out bow hunting!! He was VERY excited!

The ever so fast growing 3

I took my 3 little monsters to Bemijdi last night and got their pictures done. I LOVE the pictures of the 3 of them and had a VERY hard time limiting my purchase! hope you enjoy them too!

First days of school!

Natti went to her first day of preschool Sept 9th. She goes Monday an Wednesday mornings. She LOVES school and to my surprise was anxious for me to drop her off. She did cry for me once her first day half way through her class, but has done great since! I can not believe my little girl is in school already!

When you ask her who her teacher is she replies "Miss Ham" and her helper "Miss Maam".... Her teachers are Miss Pam and Miss Faye.... oh what a silly little girl!

Brendan started the 3rd grade this year- SCARY! He is very happy to be back at school. He is very excited because this year he will be playing hockey for Park Rapids! Yay for being a hockey mom! Brendan amazes us with his eagerness to learn and his love for reading!

Kora walks!

Kora walked across Auntie Kimmy's living room about a month ago and this stubborn little girl hasn't walked since.... Until now!! Here is a video of the 5th (I think) time walking!

Kora's 1 year pictures

Birth - 3 years

Natti turns 3!!

Natalie turned 3 years old (yes I said 3!) on Thursday August 27th! Despite her little sister coming down with a highly contagious childhood virus, and having to cancel her big party, Daddy, Mommy, Brendan, Kora, Papa and Grandma were still there to help celebrate with a mini party! Auntie Kimmy stopped by for cake after work too! We couldn't risk any of the cousins and friends that were invited of getting sick too. Natti still had a blast opening presents and having cake & ice cream. We will try to have a pizza party soon so the cousins and friends can get together!

Grandma made Natti her Dora the Explorer cake!

The cool name candles from Autie Mary!

She didn't even cry when we sang "Happy Birthday" this time!

The traditional birthday girl bite of cake

Opening presents!

My Big girl in her Dora birthday shirt!

AND, the new Dora bike & helmet. Yes- she is obsessed with Dora!

No I didn't fall off the face of the earth!

WOW- it has been awhile since I have posted.... sorry!

So what's new with us?

Dan- busy working on taxidermy projects, and working. Getting ready for the hunting seasons to begin! (Bear, Goose, Deer.....)

Me- I went to an amazing child care conference in Mahnomen a week ago. I hope to go again next year. There were some amazing speakers and I learned a lot! Thanks to Grandma Beth for staying with us to watch the kids! Kora was sick so it was extra challenging.

Brendan- Found out he has Lymes Disease, which explains why he has been so tired lately. The Dr thinks we caught it early on and should be able to treat it and move on. He is anxious for school to start, only 2 more weeks left of summer!

Natti- Got signed up for preschool this past week. VERY, and I mean VERY excited for school. We went school shopping in Fargo yesterday for some new clothes! Natti turns 3 on Thursday the 27th (WOW time flies!)

Kora- Had her 1 year check after a week of a 103.7 temp, double ear infection, cutting 3 new teeth and dealing with a UTI. She weighed 27.8lbs and is 32" tall! 96%! She took her first steps across Auntie Kimmy's living room a week ago.... we know she can do it, but she only does it when she wants too now!

That is about it for "whats new"... I will try harder to keep up on the posts and get some new pictures up here soon!

Kora Grace: Birth-1 yr

Happy 1st Birthday Kora Grace! What a wonderful baby, happy and full of smiles! It is so hard to believe that you have been in our lives for a year already - where did the time go!!!! Happy Birthday Princess, Daddy & Mommy love you dearly!

Here are some pictures from birth to 1 year! How you changed over the months!

Kora's 1st Birthday pictures!

Would you believe....

Kora is potty training!!!

Yes, she really is. No, I was not planning for this already!

It all started the other day when it was more than evident that she was working on a #2 in her high chair. I thought I would spare her the struggle and set her on the potty and she went #1 and #2. I figured it was not fair to count this as potty training since I knew she was going to go. This happened again at my parents house and again I figured... I knew she was going to go. Well.... yesterday I put her on the potty just to see what she would do, and 5/6 times she was put on there she went almost instantly!!! She smiles and waits for the "yea, what a big girl. Mommy is so proud of you (clap) (clap) (clap)".

Will she continue with this potty training??? I guess I will keep putting her on there since she is interested and obviously knows what to do on there!! What a big girl I have- and can you believe, she won't even be 1 yr old for a week yet!!!!

This past week in pictures

So I am slacking a little bit in blogging, but I have been busy dog sitting for my parents who were in Hugary for 12 days, preparing for our annual kick butt yard party, starting new daycare families, and getting ready for my baby to turn 1. I did manage to find some "fun time" this week- here are some pictures to prove it!

Natti warming up with her new buddy

The kids playing by the lake

Kora enjoying her "mini" pool, much warmer than the lake was!

Snuggles with Grandpa once Natti woke up

Peek a boo, I see you

Our garage sale find for daycare

My 3 monkeys

"I am TROUBLE!"

4th of July weekend

My 3 kidos relaxing at the farm before we head to the parade!

Kora sporting her red, white & blue outfitNatti and her daisy crown mommy braided for her (I love this picture!)
Me and my polka dot bikini!

Cooling down with a little apple juice

Playing at the lake

Uncle Ob tubing with Brendan, Natti & Ethan (Natti is the only one who didn't fall off!)

The fire bugsNever too old for sparklers

Waiting for the fireworks show to start

Natti doing fireworks with Uncle Ob

A little game of ball

Brendan up to bat

Kora waving at the parade. She LOVED it!

Natti checking out her goodies

Relaxing with Auntie

Natti liked the firetrucks

Brendan waiting for more candy!

At the parade

I am SO cute!!

The kids with Auntie & Uncle

I can do it all by myself!

Kora got this from Uncle OB & Auntie Kimmy for Christmas last year and she LOVES it! She gets really P.O'd when I take her off from it! She is kind of getting a little attitude like her big sister!!! I can not believe that she will be 1 next month! She is getting so big... doesn't seem possible that it has already been almost a year!!!

I haven't posted the video yet, but Kora is crawling.... everywhere. Thankfully, she didn't start really crawling until about 2 1/2 weeks ago. She gets into everything now and is So fast!!

Dan took the girls & I out fishing and swimming at the lake this weekend. It was Kora's first time in a boat, and her first time swimming in a lake! The water was pretty warm but still a little shocking when you first got in! We didn't catch anything fishing, but it was fun watching Natti try! Kora fell asleep in the boat for about 45 minutes from the rocking of the waves.

Bunk Beds

The bunk beds we ordered for Natti & Kora came today! Every time a piece of her bed was carried into the house she would say "Thank you for my new bed!" It was so cute! Bed's Plus of Park Rapids delivered and set up the bunk beds for us- how nice!!

Natti will be on the bottom bunk until Kora is ready to move out of her crib. Natti moved out of the crib at 15 months (seems like forever ago!) Natti climbs up to the top bunk easily but has a hard time turning around and coming back down once she gets up there.

AMAZING DATE NIGHT!

This past Saturday, Dan and I went on an AMAZING date! We headed over to Fargo and did a little shopping, went to Red Lobster and stuffed ourselves with Lobster pizza, Crab Legs and Shrimp Scampi and then headed to the Kenny Chesney concert at the Fargodome! What a awesome concert! I was bummed out when it was over because it was so good! We didn't get home until almost 2 am! Thanks to my parents for taking the girls for a sleepover!

Disappointing

As I posted not long ago- I had been saving my cleaning money for a trampoline for the kids. Well- last Thursday the night strong storm picked up (litterealy) the whole trampoline and threw it across our yard where it hit, broke, bounced and rolled across the rest of the yard, across the road and into a barbed wire fence. I was (and still am) so disappointed that I didn't even take a picture to show how far it went. Dan and Brendan were gone so it was just the girls and I at home. Natti and I had been watching out the patio window and saw the WHOLE thing happen. Natti was so upset she cried for her "tram-p-paline" ( as she says it) until 11 that night! Dan thought it might be salvageable but it isn't. There is a nice hole in the trampoline part, the safety net is ripped and all of the legs and poles are bent. We tried to straighten them out but they bend back if you jump on it. The force of the wind and hitting the ground actually sheared off most of the screws that held the trampoline together! How disappointing. Needless to say we are again saving for a new trampoline!

If anyone is looking for a safety net that fits a 12' trampoline let me know. There is a little rip in the net but it would work if you don't have one yet (better than nothing!) It just seems like such a shame to trash the thing.

Rhode Island

Dan and our friend Crag, took off Sunday afternoon for Rhode Island to pick up a wood boiler we bought from a guy over there. Over 3,000 miles, and 50 some hours of non stop driving,16 Toll booths, 18 gas fills and lots of fast food (yuck)- They made it back last night safe, no tickets (Thanks NY trooper for letting them off) and no flat tires!

YEAH- No more propane heat!! I was SO worried about them driving straight there and back without stopping, but they took turns driving and sleeping and thankfully made it back home safely!

The new toy

I have been saving my cleaning money for a trampoline, and I finally had enough, so yesterday we got and set up the trampoline for the kids. I didn't think it would be hard to set up, but it took FOREVER! I will number the pieces when I take it down for winter so it will be easier to set back up next summer (Thanks OB for the idea!)

Natti didn't jump much in it, but liked sitting and bouncing as Brendan jumped. Kora giggled the whole time she was in there and thought it was hilarious when Brendan jumped.

Nat was wore out after setting up and playing in the new trampoline, she fell asleep in her daddy's chair after lunch.

Curly Sue

Kora's hair is really changing! It can be as straight as can be and then if she gets a little warm it curls right up! I hope it gets more curl as her hair gets longer!

Our weekend at the cabin

We went to Dan's Mom & Step Dad's cabin last week. It was nice to get away and the kids had a blast! Here are some pictures from our trip!

Natti and Nina

Kora loves hats!
Playing with Grandma Beth

The catch

Snuggle & Snooze

Natti fishing with her new Barbie fishing pole

Brendan heading out with Grandpa fishing.... again

Yes, Natti managed to snag her clothes with her hook (observe Nattis picture fishing above- no adult supervision as Dad has his back turned to her.... hmmm)

Relaxing on the car ride

I don't think we could fit anything more- 5 people, 3 dogs, a kennel, bags, fishing supplies....

Kora's 9 Month pictures

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Dan and the kids built my flower garden and got a couple of plants for me for Mother's Day!! I will be transplanting sme more plants from my moms and I am excited to do it now! As you can see our well is in the middle of the flower bed- this is because our well is in the middle of nowhere and has been backed over by a pickup truck before, so we decided this flower bed would help the eye sore and prevent some expensive repairs! Thanks Dan, Brendan, Natti Kora, I LOVE IT!!!

Natti watering my new flowers

Just a little bit more
Kora thought it was just too much excitement for her the handle

Relaxing after shoveling dirt

& pounding railroad ties

"Touching the Future"

I don't wear power suits,make speeches,or drive a fancy sports car.
I've never been elected to the Senate or made a big sale.
I don't "do lunch", have a big impressive office or carry a beeper.
I spend my days wiping away tears,giving hugs,and serving peanut butter and jelly.
A good day is when I go through a whole day without a temper tantrum, bite marks,or a toilet training accident.
My "office" is a room full of brightly colored toys and laughing children.
You may not think that what I do is very important
and you may even whisper behind my back "What a waste of a good mind."
But I know better. I make a difference because I am changing the world one child at a time.
Everyday I'm getting the once in a lifetime chance to touch the future.
I am proud to say "I'm a child care provider".-by Marti Doyle

Playing with friends

Natti's sleepover

Natti had her 1st Big girl sleepover at Grandpa and Grandma's house this past weekend without her brother or sister . I was surprised when Natti called to tell me goodnight because she missed me, and surprised when my mom told me that Natti woke up Sunday morning and said "My mommy should be here to get me soon right?" and even more surprised when Natti told my mom while having breakfast that she thought she maybe needed to cry a little because she missed her daddy! What a goofy little girl!

Grandpa was doing a ride along with Dan Saturday night so when Grandpa left, Grandma and Natti played, painted her nails and gave her a big bubble bath and then they watched Cinderella together.

I know Natti had a blast because all she talked about all day Sunday was playing at the farm and her nails and Cinderella- I forget sometimes that she is only 2 yet- she acts and talks much older than she is!

Kora is 9 months old!

It is hard to believe that my baby is 9 months old already! In 3 months she will be 1- AHHH!
She is SUCH a good baby. She is always happy, and wakes up every morning with a big smile on her face!

She still only has 2 teeth and isn't crawling yet, but is close! She can get on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth and tries to move her hands and knees forward and does a face plant into the floor. It is fun to watch her try so hard!

When we are sitting on the floor she will pull herself up to standing by pulling on me. She cruises around the WHOLE house in her walker ad thinks it is funny to roll into our walk in shower or pull on daddy's work radio in our bedroom.

She eats by herself and can use a sippy cup. She LOVES the occasional Kool-aid treat from Papa.

Mama, Dada, Papa Nigh Nigh (nite nite), and Baba are pretty much her only words but Dan and I thought she was trying to say Natti the other night.

She is so easy going and enjoys hanging out watching what is going on around her. We are so blessed to have such a good baby! Here are a couple of pictures from this week.

Family pictures

Grandma with all 9 of her Grandkids

Paul, Jared, Kim, Jackie, Heidi

Jenny, Megan, Grandma, Dena, Annie

The Rugroden Family
Grandma and her kids
Tim, Tom Grandma, Sue

The WHOLE family- all 33 of us!

Paul, Jenny, Nate, Adam, Jeri, Jared, Sandy, Nate, Megan, Jade, Dave, Brad, Kim, Dan, OB

Wyatt, Katie, Annie, Max, Tim, Tom, Grandma, Sue, Natti, Jackie, Zak, Heidi, Kora

Dena, Grace, Madelyn, Brendan, Ethan

S is for...

S is for... Spring is here (we think!)

We have been outside EVERY day for the past couple weeks, playing, flying kites, doing yard work (I LOVE doing yard work, honestly!!) Here are some pictures from the last week or so!

Natti wanted in the stroller with Kora. She was tired of walking when we were out pulling horse fencing. She fell asleep snuggling Kora!

Natti riding her "dirt bike" as she calls it

Brendan's kite was as high as it could go!
Dan and Brendan flying kites on a windy afternoon!

Kora loves being in the walker outside, she cruises all over the patio!

Natti LOVES being outside!

The big family get together!

On Saturday we got the WHOLE family together and got pictures, ate, had an egg hunt, visited and played outside. As soon as I get a copy of the CD I will post the WHOLE family picture. Here are some from my camera of the day!

This was the best attempt at a family picture that I got on my camera

Grandma with all 10 of her Great-Grand kids!

Brendan, Wyatt, Kora

Natti, Ethan, Jade, G.G, Zakary. Madeline, Max & Grace

The whole Rugroden family

Heidi, Kora, Kim, Natti, Mom, Jackie, Zak, Ethan

Dan, OB, Dad, Brad and Brendan

Grandma with her 3 kids

Tim, Tom, Grandma and Mom

Kora and Max
Max is 8 days older than Kora... Kora is in the 102% on the height & weight charts (can you tell!)
I filled over 100 eggs for all of the little kids to have an egg hunt! They had a blast!

Coloring Easter eggs!

The Kruchowski's dying Easter EggsPleased with the outcome

What is this mama?

Dan and Brendan goofing around

Concentrating at making the perfect egg

Look at my egg grandma!

The finished products!

R is for...

R is for... Ready for Summer!

We played outside today- and we are ready for summer!! The bikes and trikes are out, the bubble stock is full, the sandbox is ready for sand, the wagon is out- although the tires are flat, it is an easy fix! Bring on the sunshine and beautiful weather!

Some more pictures

My gift certificate purchase!

Dan and I went with some friends the the DU (Ducks Unlimited) banquet in DL a few weeks ago and I won the Grand Door Prize- a $500 G.C. to MN Warehouse Furniture in Erhard, MN. Yesterday I went with a friend and picked out a new Ashley Sofa and a Lazy Susan for the kitchen table and a candle. Here is my new sofa- the most comfortable thing ever! I had to lay down on the couches at the store to test them out to find the perfect one... here it is!

The Circus

On April 2nd- Me, Brendan, Natti, Kora, My Mom, Brad, Jackie, Ethan and Zak went to the Shrine Circus in Detroit Lakes. It was a lot of fun and the kids had a blast! Here are some pictures from the circus!