Back to Reality

It was nice to have a weekend off still before heading back to work. I was able to get caught up on laundry, pick up the house, and feel somewhat ready for school. We spent the weekend wondering if we were still in WI. We had to bundle up for our nightly stroll.

Brian was extra glad he put up the lights the weekend before in 80 degree weather. When we bought the house, we didn't really think through the extent of putting up Christmas lights.

It was a wonderful feeling to come home to house that was already decorated for Christmas. Brian did a mighty fine job on the house. It looks even better when we turn the outside house lights off.

School has been way better than I expected. It was like a had a brand new class yesterday. Everything I worked hard to get from them before break, was what I got! Today was pretty good too! I guess we all just needed a break from each other. However, I am beyond tired! It is hard for me to go from getting lots of sleep and being rather lazy to getting up early, working out, teaching all day, cooking dinner, etc.

This is Jackson's new song. He started singing it one night all on his own. Now it is the most requested song by us.

It pretty much makes everything else not matter and melts my heart beyond words.

TB: The End

Friday was our last day in WI. Jackson and Garriosn played one last time on the tractors while I worked out. Papa Gary I think Jackson really likes those pedal tractors! Jackson said he like the purple one best because it had a smoke stack, let's hope that was the reason!

Since last Monday was our 8th anniversary since Brian proposed and the dress resides at my parents house, I thought it was time to see if my wedding dress still fit. I am thankful that it zipped with ease!

Mel is a retired firefighter and took us over to his old station. We had free roam to the fire truck and ambulance. 

Jackson had fun driving the truck, and Leo scared us all when he set the sirens off!

Off to Culver's we went for one final family lunch. We filled the corner booth all up and even needed to pull a high chair up for Katelyn!

My parents dropped us off at the airport. Jackson milk or backpack set off an alarm through security. Brian claimed the backpack and then had to have a pat down. Thankfully the rest of the flight home was uneventful, except for Jackson having to use the restroom 4 times (no pulling our leg, he went every time)!

It was a short but very sweet trip home to WI!

TB: Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving morning my mom made us breakfast. We hung around at their house and played until lunch time. Right before we left for Brian's parents house my friend Melissa stopped by for a few minutes. Coming home during the holidays makes it extra to get to see and spend time with everyone I would like to.

As soon as we got to Brian's parents house, I made everyone come downstairs for a few pictures. I knew if we didn't do it right away we wouldn't do it at all.

Just the 3 of us!

Dad, Mom, Brian, Me, Garrison, Katelyn, Jackson, and Ian; Kayla we missed you!

Dad, Mom, and Me

I am so thankful for all they do and have done for me!

Sharon was kind enough to open her home up to my whole family as well. This way we didn't have to split our time between two houses.

I tried to get a picture of all the Hartzler cousins and this is the best I got.

Lily, Leo, Jackson, and Alivia

Vande Slunt cousins

Ian and Jackson

Brian and his family. I guess Traci had already left at this time.

Darcy joined us as well for Thanksgiving. She is working and going to school. Keep up the good work Darcy!

We watched the Packers win and the kids played in the basement with all the toys. Jackson needed Grandma down there with him all the time.

Everyone was going a little stir crazy, so we headed out to the park. The folks on the slide plus Brian and Garrison walked. I, on the other hand, drove in order to avoid freezing.

And this is why I don't live in WI!

We realized we didn't get a picture with the Hartzler's.

Garrison and Jackson are watching a movie and waiting for their popcorn.

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. I enjoyed being lazy and spending time with the people I love most.

TB: More Fun

Despite the late night, we were all up by 7:30. Jackson and Garrison rode the pedal tractors while I worked out.

I drove up to Oshkosh to meet Nicole for coffee. Starbucks was so full we ended up going back to her house. Which ended up probably being better anyway! We talked for 2 hours and I think we could have talked 2 more. I love being able to visit with old friends, especially ones where we pick up where we left off last time. Nicole, thanks for spending some time with me.

I came home and went shopping with Mom and Katelyn. We were in search of some new clothes for Dad. We found some great deals and now Dad is styling!

Brian took Jackson and Garrison over to his parent's house to play with Leo. Despite the cold weather, Jackson had a great time.

When I asked him what his favorite part of our trip to WI was, he answered "playing in the sand." Really? We can do that at home in warmer weather!

Crazy boys!

My dad was trying to finish combining his last 8 acres before the snow comes. We took Jackson out to ride in the combine with him.

I decided to ride along because I had never been in one before. 

I actually thought the whole process was pretty neat. It was very cozy inside with all 4 of us. I think Dad needs to invest in a new, bigger combine.

Grandma Elly babysat for a few hours after, so Brian and I could go shopping. It is so much more fun shopping without Jackson.

We actually got Jackson to bed and asleep by 9:00 tonight!

TB: Tractors and More Tractors

We woke up Tuesday morning feeling refreshed. Jackson played and opened some early Christmas presents.

Then, we got dressed and bundled up to head out to the farm. My dad has a total of 80 acres of land that he farms spread out across town. He does this beside working 45-50 hours a week.

My mom picked us up to take us out to where my Dad was hunting/farming. 

Jackson couldn't wait to get on the tractor with Papa Gary.

I remember the first time he rode on one and how scared he was. He is definitely not scared of the noisy machines anymore

Sitting in his namesake; Jackson "Oliver"

Jackson loves silos and needed a picture with Papa Gary by both of them.

We also went inside the barn. Jackson saw all the cows. He thought it was so funny when they mooed at him. He even petted the nose of a baby calf. Good thing my Dad is a farmer at heart otherwise Jackson wouldn't get to experience all of these things.

We stopped by a huge Christmas store after visiting the farm. Jackson was in heaven looking at all the pretty Christmas trees and watching the trains go round and round. He even managed to talk Grandma Elly into a tractor and train ornament for his tree!

Next up was a stop by Garrison's school to have lunch with him. Garrison goes to the same elementary school that I went to. I was able to say Hi to some of my old teachers. I felt so old being back. Garrison has many friends and I think may be class clown!

During Jackson's nap, Brian fixed my parent's TV, and we set to work on cleaning up their computers and getting Skype to work.

Brian met a friend for dinner, while Jackson and I went out to eat with my family. We went to Applebee's. The waitress thought all three kids were mine. HA! It was nice going out to eat with my parents even if it was hard to have a conversation over Jackson, Garrison, and Katelyn being silly.

Since we hadn't been to enough places in one day, we stopped by Brian's sister Traci's house. Leo wanted to show Jackson all of his farming equipment.

Jackson is 2 and Leo is 4. Jackson is only a couple inches shorter.

The boys played together for about 2 hours and by 9 o'clock we made it back to my parent's house. We put Jackson down and at 10:30 pm Jackson was back up and wide awake. I think we made it to bed by midnight. So much for a schedule while we were in WI!

TB= Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving Break: The Beginning

Once we decided we were going to WI for Thanksgiving, I knew I still wanted to have a day at home with Jackson. There is something extra special about the time we spend together just the two of us. I didn't set my alarm and let Jackson wake me up! I think we were up and going by 8:30 Monday morning. Jackson ate breakfast and entertained himself (like his headband?) while I worked out.

 We raked up pine needles and then got ready for the day. I had baked some cookies the day before and put them in mason jars with a note of Thanksgiving. Well, as we were packing my laptop bag took out the cookies. I was so bummed! But, Jackson and I still delivered them to Miss Sandy and Emily just in a different form.

 We had a picnic lunch by the Christmas tree with the engines, played with all sorts of toys, and completed a Thanksgiving craft. I am so thankful for a job that allows me to have time off. I don't take for granted the time I have with Jackson.

 He had wanted to fly on the big airplane all day! He had a few meltdowns about going on the plane now and the fact I said there would be no snow in WI while we were home. Jackson told me "Papa Gary and Garrison were putting the snow out right now!"

We did not have to check any bags. Can you believe I packed all my clothes in one carry on suit case? I really only need 4 outfits so I limited myself to 2 extra shirts and 2 extra shoes!

Our flight left at 7:40pm and we got into chilly Milwaukee at 10pm. Jackson didn't sleep at all on the plane but was a great flier!

Mel and Sharon picked us up, and we spent the night at their house. We all crashed as soon as we got there. The flight may only be 2 1/2 hours but traveling wears me out.

**All pictures courtesy of my iPhone.**

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful; adj: feeling or expressing gratitude, appreciative

I am especially thankful for my family!

"Give THANKS to the Lord, for HE is good; his love endures forever!" 1Chronicles 16:34

I am overflowing with thankfulness! The Lord has blessed me in so many ways, gives me more than I deserve, and never lets me down. I pray that I have an attitude of gratitude for all I have each and every day!