Hearts at Home

Last night I helped sell cds for Go Fish at the Hearts at Home conference down in Rochester. (Adam didn't want to help once he heard it was a conference for women!) I was able to visit with my friend Julie whom I don't see a ton since we moved south. The guys did a short set (they were added to the evening program late) so after the program we were swamped! Adam wouldn't even notice he was selling to a bunch of women he'd be so busy! Anyways, each woman registered received this free gift:


The 3 of us ladies selling merch also received a lovely bag. Julie and I had to laugh b/c its not quite our style. Anyways, I saw a few other friends from the cities too which was nice.

With Adam at his bike race today without us (too cold), we headed back to Roch. to give something back to one of the friends I saw last night. It was easier to drive there then to figure out how to get it to her in the cities. As I was talking to my friend, a woman approaches me and asks if I'm with Go Fish. I said I was last night but I'm off duty today due to having Gerrit with me. She then gave me a backpack with a book in it for helping out! A little later as we were talking another woman approaches me and hands me a gift bag with a few greetings cards in it and a coupon for 4 free cards at the booth!

I couldn't understand why I was getting all this free stuff, especially because I didn't even pay to be there! I was asked a few times if I was just hanging out and going to take in a few sessions today too. I thought maybe if Gerrit and I stayed long enough we'd get free lunch and more free stuff! Too bad Gerrit wanted to run around the arena and I figured these women were here to get away from kids so I should take mine away and let them enjoy their weekend.

I'm glad the guys are singing here again next year because I'm definitely going to offer to help out! Who wouldn't when you are treated as well as I was!

The funny thing is I had never heard of the organization before. I did learn that it is like Promise Keepers for women.

It Was Gonna Happen Someday

Today we woke up to snow! I knew it was going to snow, but didn't realize it would stick! By afternoon it had melted so my fears of not having Christmas lights on the bushes was a bit premature.

Our morning started out as normal; although I knew I need a bit more time to clean the car off of snow before we left. We took our shower as usual - Gerrit needs to take one with me these days which doesn't bother me. He had filled his pants which I thought was good timing seeing he'd get a new diaper following the shower. The only bummer was that it smelled in the shower and I had to make sure he was 'clean' before getting out. Following the shower I usually turn on sports center to keep Gerrit occupied while I dry him off and put the new diaper on etc. Today was no different. As I tried to entice Gerrit to come and get his diaper on, he decided to finish his "business". He pooped in 3 places b/c he was trying to get away from me, once I realized what he was doing,. I followed him around the couch back to the bathroom where he noticed poop on his leg and when he reached down to touch it, he fell on his butt - another spot on the carpet! I quickly got him back into the shower which he willing went for and scrubbed him down. I left him there to play while I cleaned up the blobs and grabbed the carpet cleaner. As I was cleaning the spots, Gerrit got himself out of the shower and slipped causing him to cry. Again I went running and was able to comfort him and put a diaper on him before more damage was done. Once Gerrit was set, I finished dealing with the carpet and we continued on our normal routine.

Because Gerrit doesn't like to get dressed I decided I'd put his clothes on while he was playing. I didn't think he'd need a clean diaper seeing he just did his business and had a clean on one after his shower. Well think again, he filled his pants after breakfast (when he normally does his business) so I had to change him after all! Ugg.

We made it to daycare on time - surprisingly. Once I dropped him off and started down the street toward the highway, I took a deep breath and was thankful that I was headed to work!

I figured Gerrit would do his business w/o a diaper on at some point, I was just hoping I wouldn't be alone or it would happen when I wasn't home. Think again!

PS - Based on his reaction to this mornings events, I don't think he's ready for potty training yet!

Dancing With the Stars

Not much was on TV tonight so we watched Dancing With the Stars. Gerrit is often caught 'dancing' or moving to the beat whenever he hears music (he will stop when he sees you are watching). He seemed to take interest in the show tonight. He sat on his John Deere tractor, bopping to the music and clapping appropriately. I thought it was funny and so did Adam. However, Adam did remind Gerrit that he wasn't to get too attached to the idea of dancing! It was at this point that Gerrit started to get a big lip and begin to cry. Now the boys are wrestling and all is well.

Who Needs a Gym Membership...

when you have friends who have a treadmill that you can use any time

these friends will watch your child while you work out

and put on a movie projected on the wall so you feel like you are at the movie theater (other than the fact that you are sweating)

it can't get much better than that!

(I ended up running 5 miles instead of 3 b/c Gerrit went to the grocery store withe them so I felt I should keep running while they were gone!)

If Only...

it would stay warm enough for me to continue to wear shorts and a t-shirt when I go for a run - like tonight!

it would stay light longer and the sunset NOT be before 5 pm!

Red Wing

With the weather so warm (for Nov.) the guys dusted off their road bikes and headed for a point to point ride. Nikki and I left at the same time as the guys and met at a park in Red Wing where the kids played and we waited for the guys.

Gerrit loved the big slide but it was too big for him to go down by himself...you know what that means.... I had to go down with him:

Gotta love the static from slides:

Once the guys met up with us, they had a few beverages in the parking lot. Luckily we were the only ones left at the park because Gerrit and Abby enjoyed running in the parking lot! Abby isn't spanking Gerrit; she's 'helping' him up. Another great picture for graduation! :)


Following the beverages we headed to Fiesta Mex for another great meal. With the time change and playing at the park, Gerrit was exhausted. Even though it was officially 7:30, to Gerrit it felt like 8:30 so off to bed he went! Maybe we are back to his old bed time??

Bigger Bed Needed

When I go to bed I often check on Gerrit. I guess I want to make sure he's still breathing and not suffocating himself with his blankets. Peace of mind, I think. This was last night:

As tired as I was, I ran down 2 flights of stairs to get the camera to capture this great shot. Adam wondered why I was laughing and checked it out for himself. Is Gerrit telling us he wants a bigger bed?