Busy days

The last couple of days have been very busy. I got a call to help with the spring musical again. I am excited to do this but they didn't give much time to get things done and there is a lot. We are doing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. This should be fun. The school's art teacher is working with me on this. I have had to be at a parent meeting and meetings with the teacher to go over things.
Cole's been busy with Jesus Christ Superstar and the opening night was last night. There were some understudies and the UW sound guys really messed them up. I want to go see it again next weekend with the full cast. SPASH is doing Footloose this weekend so last nights crowd wasn't very big. Clay went with me and really liked the band. Wasn't to thrilled with the play itself. Don't worry they took out the prostitutes, drug and anti-war sentiments.
Kyle is out snowmobiling with his friends. After much researching we found out you are able to be out on the trails by yourself if you have taken the safety course and past it and are over 12. There was much LOUD debate with his father about this and 3 phone calls to different DNR stations and Internet search. It's difficult to get some people to believe the facts. Kyle had a blast last night and they are planning on hitting the trails today. Weathers beautiful and they should have a great time.
Clay has just been bouncing around. This week was Catholic schools week and he got to go bowling yesterday. The Wii bowling must have helped because he got a turkey and everyone thought he was the cooliest because the turkey pins came up on the screen. They also used bumpers but hey it's still 3 strikes. He's been practicing his guitar pretty heavily this week. His teacher told him he needs to get the beat down correctly before he can do a song. I really like his teacher. He's teaching to him and not just out of the book.
I'm at Arpin working today. I'm waiting for breakfast trays to come. I'll be done at noon then Clay and I are going to see Hotel for dogs.

Jen- I am so sorry to hear about Riley. He was a sweet puppy and loved you very much. The pictures are wonderful. Thanks for the books. I'll return the favor.

Thinking Thursday

I'm at work and I am hearing about 2 of my fellow co-workers talk about their kids going to college. These kids are very bright and will be going to big schools. Both got huge ACT scores. One is hoping to work for NASA. I am feeling a little sorry for my kids because they are all very bright but each has his problems with school. One of them is just to social. I also work with a mom who's son is autistic and I hear about everything she has to fight for with him. This mom put things in perspective for me by telling me I just have normal boys and I should be grateful for this. Cole's Principal keeps reminding me that Cole will do just fine when it's something that's important to him. I saw him Monday night and he told me how much he enjoys Cole and what a wonderful young man I raised. Last night Kyle had to miss ski club because he didn't do so hot in health class (ok let's not mention what mom does for a living) he was extremely upset. Then I get a call from one of his teachers who felt horrible about Kyle missing ski club and just wanted to let me know what a terrific, compassionate and hard working kid he is and how proud she was of him because of the effort he puts into his classes. Clayton is having a blast at school and his teacher gave him a huge hug and told him how proud she was of him yesterday for all of his hard work. I guess they are doing alright.
By the way Cole is actually thinking about after high school options and last night he surprised both Bill and I by asking if he could go look at UTI for automotive.

Start the Week!

Well this week is off to a start. Bill's up in Wausau (after his normal 8 J.O.B), Cole's at play practice until 10 tonight, Kyle is freakin' out because we have to register for high school tomorrow and he has to choose his electives plus he just got done with DI, Clay it happy splashing in the tub. We have a busy week of appointments, clubs, and lessons. Today at work nothing seemed to go right. I then pop on the web to read the latest blogs and start to tear up while reading Jen's. To stop on think about those who you love and who have that kind of love for you. The girls at work think I'm a sap. This feeling lasted until 2:58pm (one minute after school ends) I get the "Mom where are you?" call. Translation for those of you who don't speak Coleanese, "Mom I need...." usually this requires me pulling out the wallet and then transferring the funds to a big kid who then looks down at you and says "I love you", what a money wench. So starts my week

Shopping Sunday

Bill sold his trailer to a guy from Milwaukee and he told him he would meet him in Appleton. Yeah! The boys and I went with and the kids came home with new jeans and Cole got a couple of shirts and Kyle a new winter jacket. I love end of the year clearance. We had a nice trip and we came home with some extra money. Bill's goal was to at least leave the Mall with $20. I think we let him keep more than $20.
Can I just say that I am extremely jealous that other people get to travel and their families are supportive and willing (for the most part) to go. My family, when presented the opportunity, to go for a vacation are choosing to get a cabin in Hurley for a week over Christmas so they can go snowmobiling and skiing. Just to let you know the options were; Disney, Colorado white water rafting and on a cattle drive, camping in the Rockies, DC, Quebec, or anything else they could come up with. But no we get to go 3 hrs. north. Whoopee! So I say if you can go GO! Have a blast, do it now!

Ahhh Peace and quiet

For the time being. Kyle is out at his friends house who had a huge sledding party. He invited all 63 kids in the class. It was still fairly nice when they started. Cole worked last night and is always a little hyper just before work. I think he is a little nervous about screwing up but as always he did a fine job. There wasn't even any dead air that we could tease him about. Clay and I are off to see the movie Inkheart. We've been reading the book and of course the book is always better. Bill needs to fix Cole's car. He think when Cole went into the ditch he ripped the tranny line. It held until now because snow was packed up there and now it melted. Cole's not doing well without a car. Enjoy the Day!

Fighting Friday!

Kids have off of school today. Bill took off to be with them however decided to do a couple of inspections in Wausau so....that meant Cole was home with Clay and the fight ensued. Kyle was at a friends house last night and is home for a short time so he can pack and go again. He and Clay are fighting right now. Cole will be gone tonight with friends too. Things will be quiet soon. I need to find something to keep everyone busy this weekend because it's suppose to be freezing again. Cole has to work tonight and tomorrow. Time to get Kyle to his sledding party.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Happy 43rd Anniversary!!!!
I am really amazed at anyone who can make it past 25 years. Congrats! I hope you had a wonderful meal and the steaks were done to perfection. Live it up like it's your honeymoon! Love you both!

Boring day at the Rogers

Well it's the same old same old. Which is good and I should say that with caution. Kyle's up at Granite skiing tonight and Cole has to work tonight. Clay and I are finishing a solar system and studying spelling. Bill's going to be surfing the web for car parts for his and Cole's new project. I'm hoping to finish one of my projects tonight and get the hand sewing done on the second. On to Thursday. Kids have only one more day of school this week so the teachers can get the grades in. Cole got a C in French. He was worried about that one.

Jan. 20th,2009

Today was everything I thought it would be. It was so great to see the historical moment. I loved the fact he was so nervous and excited. I thought using Lincoln's bible was a wonderful touch. I listen to my kids and they just don't seem to grasp the significance of the day or the moment. I also loved the fact he stuck it to GW one more time. Could the man smile or look at the newly elected prez. I just hope and pray that Barack can help turn us around.

Cole's got finals the next couple of days. He's bowling right now and has to work tonight at the radio station. Kyle just was to the dentist for a filling and inhaled to much nitro and got sick. Clay is starving and can't wait until supper so he REALLY needs to eat the tainted Little Debbie nutter butters. YIKES! Good thing we're having spaghetti and he'll be able to eat soon. Clay also made his first batch of chocolate chip cookies last night. He did a wonderful job and the boys raved how wonderful they tasted.

Boy is it a Monday!

Today was a long day at work. It definitely was a typical Monday where nothing went right. We are at the start of a busy week. Cole has finals this week and with Thurs and Friday being snow days they missed some important review time. He tells me he only has 3 finals and several projects due. All but one project is done. The director of the play wants Cole to try out for Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar. I think she wants someone who is large. He is going to try out however he swears he's not going to do his best so he doesn't get the part. I have a feeling she'll give it to him anyways. We'll see. Kyle and Clay are just vegging out and waiting for Friday to come because they don't have school this Friday.
Yesterday the boys all went snowmobiling all in all there were 11 snowmobiles that ended up at our house last night. It sounds like everyone had a great time.
Tomorrow we will have a president with some class and some brains. Let's just hope he can give us a little of what he promised.

Busy Sunday

See this is what happens when I have a weekend off. It's playing catch up from all the time before. I got one sewing project almost done. I have hand sew the collar (my favorite thing to do). It's cute and I may post a picture later. I'm starting the second project. Bill's off getting a car to fix and sell. It's a 86 mustang with very low miles. It was a grandma's car and the grandson put the fron into a tree. Bill and his friend will have it fixed within the week to sell. Cole is waiting for his friends to go snowmobiling. He had to work longer last night so he just came home. I think he was tired from being out all afternoon. Kyle is actually home but out with Bill getting the car. Clay is playing in the livingroom. It was good to get him outside yesterday to burn off some of his energy.

I did my part yesterday to stimulate the economy. Amy and I had a good time shopping in Wausau. We didn't find what we were looking for but found something else. I got a very cute pair of shoes. I also supported sis. Kids needed socks and underwear. It's a good thing there was a buy 1 get 1 or get 1/2 off sale. Interesting fact for those of you with boys. When buying boxers for teenagers make sure they are the knit kind because when they lift weights the cotton ones rip. Boys don't tell you this until you are folding your 6th pair of ripped underwear and they then explain this to you. Now you know and can file this into things I really didn't need or want to know. HAHA

Nice weekend at home

Well I found out yesterday that my weekends are now mine again. The extra$$ was nice while it lasted. It was great to sleep in today (6:30). I have got 3 sewing projects to do. Amy and I are headed up to Wausau to get some fabric for the one she wants. Kyle is still at a friends house (different friend, different house) Coles about to head out snowmobiling with his friends and Clay is throwing a tantrum right now. Oh the quiet sounds of children. Bill's going to get his snowmobile going so he can run around the yard today. I think 3 days of being cooped up is to much for him. Hey todays above 0!

No school = calls at work

Kids were thrilled that there was no school today. Cole went to Nathan's to sleep over after work last night. Kyle and Clay stayed home and were bored because I must have gotten 5 calls at work today. Kyle found out that there wasn't any school before he got off the bus yesterday. They are starting to close schools already for tomorrow. The morning temps are suppose to be worse than today's. Hopefully I'll still have 3 kids to come home to after work. 2 days together with nothing to do but fight gets long. I wasn't suppose to work tomorrow night but they called and need me. This means I won't be home until after 10 because the school called and asked if we'd work concessions tomorrow for the big basketball game. If the schools are closed the game will be rescheduled. Let's pray that happens. Speaking of praying we are off to the "parent/candidate" meeting for Kyle's confirmation. He doesn't start confirmation until the fall so this is really early. Oh well get it over with. Tonight is plopping down in front of the TV watching movies with the kids with lots of blankets.

Jack Frost is coming to visit

Nothing like waking the kids up today to here: "you've got to be kidding", "no way! we're not suppose to have school!", "I'm to tired!" All the hope and anticipation that due to the cold we would not be having school today was smashed by reality. They were however vindicated this afternoon when they announced there would be no school tomorrow. So far we are predicted to have -25 tonight and yes the (-) is correct. The high is -7 by 1pm. This is the temperature without the wind chill. So for those of you who are in the dream world of above 0 temps please let us just suffer without salt in the wounds.
Clay was rockin' out today. His teacher gave him his first song to practice and said he should "blow right through it." His teacher thinks he's very bright and fun to teach. Let's hope this continues.
Kyle is just enjoying the warmth of blankets and the control of the TV right now. He's thrilled there is no school tomorrow.
Cole is lifting weights and going to play practice tonight. I just hope they let them out early enough they get home before the really cold temperatures hit.
Stay warm and think of us way up here.

It's only Tuesday?!

It's pretty funny when everyone I see today is asking me if tomorrow is Thursday. I can't believe it's only Tuesday. I'm not trying to rush the week it would just be nice to be over this cold snap we're about to get. Kyle's all bent out of shape because they cancelled ski club for tomorrow. I think it was a smart idea. The only thing that would make him happy is if they cancelled school due to the cold as well.

It sounds like I'll have a nice weekend at home this week. I won't have to work on Friday night or Saturday. We're thinking if it's nice we'll take the kids skiing. Clay's been dieing to go and we haven't had a chance to take him.

We all have one goal right now and that's to stay warm.

Blue Suede Shoes

Well the 2 and half hour show turned out to be more of a 4 plus hour show. We left at 12:00 because Steve and I had to work. Not fun only getting a couple of hours of sleep. The show was good. There were 4 impersonators and they all did a different part of Elvis. My only complaint is that there is one song I really like and 2 of the guys sang it but not the original version. There were no real "fat" Elvis's. It was a fun night. I can now cross off seeing Elvis impersonators off my to do before I die list.

Belly Dancing Fools!

This is how Deb looked at the Belly Dancing Class. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. We had a blast. We didn't get all uptight about how we looked. I mean come on we know already. We had fun showing the kids afterwards. Andy was a little disgusted "Great now I'm stuck with that image." Gotta love the honesty. Scarf dancing was fun and not as physical. We are both talking about taking classes. We had a great time. Thanks Deb! Of course because we did such a great job we had to go and treat ourselves with lunch. It was a wonderful day. Now I have to get ready for the Great Birthday Bash for Elvis. What I don't do for love. We're going with Amy and Steve to watch 4 Elvis impersonators. Fun night. I may need a nap tomorrow.

Finally Friday!

Well today was really funky. I was working the "Regular job" and Rapids needed help. I went to Rapids and got done there early so I quick ran to my favorite Rapids restaurant (TJ's). I paid for the meal, grabbed my change, and drove off. OOPS I forgot to grab the bag from the girl. Drive around the block walk in and laugh. I know they were all thinking "what a putz". That's alright I was too. I then get to facility #3 today and the first person I grab is the wrong person O.K. by this point I need my head examined. The rest of the day went fine. I got home and all is good. Tomorrow I get to use my gift certificate from Deb. I can't wait. More about that later. Let's just hope I don't throw anything out and end up in the emergency room.

Cole got his first paycheck today. Welcome to the world of paying taxes. Do you remember when you were excited to get a $66 paycheck? Kyle is at a friends house and Clay is in his personal swimming pool. Cole has to work tonight.

Bill's still upset about last nights game. Oh Well I'm sure there is someone in the family who's happy the Gators won.

Rockin' Out!

Well let's just say it's a good thing we only had to go a couple of blocks after school for Clay's first guitar lesson. He was practically vibrating with excitement. Then we get to his teachers house and there's a car in the driveway and we can't get in. Oh my goodness! I thought the poor kid was about to have a coronary. I let him out and drove around the block to park. By the time I got in (less than 2 minutes) both he and his teacher were upstairs starting to play already. His teacher said he catches on very quickly and expects to be through book one by the end of the month. Clay is grinning ear to ear. He's showing off for his Dad right now.

Kyle in skiing at Granite Peak. It's a beautiful 24 degrees with snow falling. Life should be good if he avoids the trees.

Cole is now officially a working man paying taxes. He hasn't got paid from his job yet because he didn't fill out the paperwork all the way. We also needed to get him a work permit. I didn't think you needed one once you were 16. Oh well he has everything. He gets to find out what it's like to be us tonight. I have meeting about Kyle's confirmation and Bill has a football meeting tonight so Cole has to pick up Kyle and take care of Clay. I'm sure he'll demand payment for gas.

Tired Tuesday

I need to have my head examined. I am working 2 jobs right now. I forget how busy both places can get. Not only am I working 2 different places they now would like me at a third place. Yikes I didn't know I was needed that badly. I'll just stick to the 2 places through Feb. and then determine if I should continue.

Kids are back to school. Some are happy about is others are not. Cole is bowling tonight for his bowling league for school. I sure hope he does better than a 68. He's headed off to the hockey game afterwards. I'm sure he'll stop with his buds for pizza before they go. Kyle is getting ready to go to ski club tomorrow and is excited about "bombing" the hills again. Clay is warming up his guitar for his first lesson tomorrow. I don't think 3:00 can get here fast enough. Thank goodness Bill likes to cook because I just don't have it in me tonight.

Enjoy a nice quiet evening.

A sad and snowy day

Today was the day we all said our goodbyes to a wonderful teacher. Mr. Busse was the kind of teacher we all wished we had. He spent time not only teaching but caring about his students. Bill and Cole went to the funeral today. It's tough to watch your kid hurt and no there is nothing but time that will help heal.
I worked all day and will be working every weekend for at least the next 6 weeks or until they find someone on a more permanent basis. The girl I am covering for had her baby 10 weeks early.
Cole, Kyle, Bill and some friends are out snowmobiling. Clay was sick yesterday so he didn't want to go. He's soaking in the tub, he thinks it's his own private pool.

Welcome 2009!!!

Well the night was quiet. Cole went to a friends house for a party but ended up with a bunch of guys roaming Walmart. Don't ask. Kyle got home from skiing and then went to another friends house and has yet to return home. Last I had heard he went ice fishing. I went to bed with a migraine and 8 and Bill stayed up and watched the bowl games. Clay watched TV and the count down on Nick. In case you missed it there was an extra second added to the count down. After so many years we gain 1 extra second. Cole and Bill and a couple of friends are out snowmobiling right now. Clay and I took a long walk in the woods with Amy this afternoon and now I'm starting to take the tree down. This year has started out just like I wanted nice and quiet. I refused to make resolutions because they never stick. Things I need to change about myself I need to just do not wait for a reason.

I have been to Northern Wisconsin, to India, then to the South Pacific and now back to India. I am suffering a little jet lag. It's a great thing about reading it takes you to different places and I don't even have to pack. I have read some very interesting and amazing books this last month (Thanks Jen) and I have many more to read. I can't wait until the next one. I just hope this one no one dies. The last 3 books I've read someone or several someones die. Currently the one I am reading the main character is about to be killed by her family. Someone needs to come up with a different theme.

I wish everyone a very happy new year and may all the wishes made and all the resolutions made come true.