Africa

Conversation at the Rolli house this morning:

Isaiah: I'm going to grow up and build a house in Africa.
Me: You're leaving me and going to Africa?
Isaiah: Yeah, I want a pet giraffe and elephant.
Matthew: Go to Como Zoo.

Sword of Light.... or not so much

We had a very busy, fun-filled day today (more on that later). Last night we were all up late watching the fireworks in Osceola. Because of our busy day today and late night last night we're relaxing in the living room at the moment watching old cartoons on the Boomerang channel. At the moment Thundaar the Barbarian happens to be on the TV.

Apparently Thundaar's weapon of choice is the Sword of Light.

While watching Thundaar restore good to the world and defeat all those bad guys that go around causing destruction in their path Anna spilled some soda on the floor. No worries, our resident hero, Papa, took care of the spill.

Matthew said to Anna, "No problem! I have my OWN of Sword of Light."

Anna said, "Where?"

Matthew then clarified, "Well, actually, it's more like a Domestic Towel of Cleanliness!"

Somehow Sword of Light sounds a bit tougher. I will say, however, the Towel of Cleanliness did a nice job cleaning up the soda.

Health and Nutrition

I usually buy the economy sizes of the Malt-O-Meal brand cereals, you know the ones in a bag. I also typically purchase the non-sugary variations.

Matthew, on the other hand, occasionally gets the variety pack of the name brand cereals, as a treat. The kids were going wild with excitement over all the sugary cereals there were to choose.

Being the nice Papa that he is Matthew asked the kids which ones they didn't want to eat. Not surprisingly they were trying to persuade him on the greatness of plain jane Cheerios.

Matthew said, "Cheerios? You want me to eat Cheerios?"

Isaiah said, "They are good for your heart."

I looked at Isaiah like, really? Nice try.

Isaiah said, "What... I saw it on a commercial. They are good for the immune system too."

I said, "Immune system?"

Isaiah said, "Oh wait, no, that's Welch's."

Health teacher, politician, whatever...

Whadya Gonna Do?

When Matthew and I got married (over 9 years ago) we went through the whole wedding ceremony and dinner and dance afterwards. We had a great day. I surprised him by staying at a Bed&Breakfast that night. One of the perks the B&B did was have a little (think airplane size) bottle of wine in a basket of goodies. I did not like red wine at the time, still don't, and we never opened it. I did keep it though, as a memento.

When we got married we were living in an old farmhouse in Baldwin. We lived there for three years total. When Isaiah was 6-months old we moved to an apartment building in Hudson. We lived there for three years as well. Then, we were fortunate enough to buy our first home in Hudson and lived there for about 3 1/2 years. Last October we moved to our current home and have been here for over a year now. That little bottle of wine came with us to all our homes and made all the moves. I've had that bottle for over nine years. I was saving it, just because.

Last Sunday Matthew wanted to make a batch of beef vegetable soup. Before starting the broth he pre-cooked the beef. Matthew loves to throw things together and cooks with no recipes, just whatever he wants to throw in, he throws in. Matthew decided to sear the beef in onions and RED WINE.

Here's the quiz.... do you want to take a wild guess at what he pulled from the fridge, OPENED and poured in the pot?

I saw what he did after the fact. I stared at him with my mouth wide opened, in shock. I asked if he knew what he just did. He did not. I explained where that little bottle came from. He didn't believe me. I believe I became believable after my mouth hung open for a good 10 minutes. You know what he said?

"Well, how was I supposed to know?"

What I don't get is how that bottle lasted over 9 years and through four houses when the beautiful silverware set my sister gave us for our wedding had so many lost pieces that we used to use plastic whenever we were serving more that five.

Matthew also knocked a shelf off the wall a couple years ago that was holding our little wedding cake topper figurine. He did this while horsing around with Isaiah. The cake topper broke but I know how we aren't supposed to bring up past stuff so, I won't...... sigh

Thanks a Bunch....... of grapes

Dear Matthew,

I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you, a whole bunch.

Because......

Even though the hair lady yesterday asked if I wanted "red" highlights, I said sure only to discover she was putting red throughout my hair which made my hair and previous highlights a lovely purple/fuchsia color...

(This then made me cry on the way to Anna's preschool to pick her up and explain to all the other mamas at school that I in fact did NOT ask for purple hair and that I was not considering joining a punk rock band...)

Even though I called your cell and and the shop crying and trying not to sound like someone was in a car accident...

Even though I have to waste two and half hours of our Saturday morning while the hair lady fixes the purple/fuchsia mistake....

Even though I've been wearing my winter hat so nobody sees the horrible purple-ness of my hair and trying not to cry every time I walk into the bathroom....

You, Matthew, still said, "It's okay, I still think you're beautiful and you know what? I heard the popular color for fall this year is purple."

Thank you!
Love,
me

Work From Home Days...

A few weeks ago Matthew decided he'd work from home once in awhile. We put together a nice desk for him downstairs, got a cordless phone and he hooked up some gizmo to the computer upstairs so he can use the internet downstairs. It's nice to have him home sometimes.

This is what I walked into on one of his "work from home" days... watching Dora, no doubt.

Nine Years

Who would have thought nine years ago that on our 9th anniversary we'd have woken up in a queen sized bed with two children who couldn't sleep the night before sandwiched in between? In the words of the youngest blanket-stealer, "Amazin'!" I love you!

Nine Years Ago Today...

October 8, 1999.

I worked 1/2 of a day and went out to lunch with our good friend from college, Dave Clark. I had been friends with Dave since we were freshman. Later, Dave got to know Matthew and that is how Matt and I got to know each other. Anyways, Dave came up from Florida to be one of Matthew's groomsman. We had lunch at Applebees, in Hudson, and then ran to Target. We then went back to Baldwin, where Matthew and I were living, and Dave, Matthew and I got ready for the wedding rehearsal and dinner.

I don't remember what time everything started but, I do remember scrambling to find something dressy enough to wear. Planning the wedding and all that it entails wasn't really my thing. Apparently what I was going to wear to the rehearsal never crossed my mind until a couple hours beforehand. I know we made it on time, however.

Pastor Larry did a great job making everyone feel comfortable. I remember too that Matthew and I had been to a wedding either earlier in the year or the year before and noticed the wedding party getting sloshed before the wedding. I did NOT want that repeated at our wedding so Larry made a comment about how important the next day was to Matthew and I and how we didn't want that to happen. We thought the "rules" would be taken more seriously if Larry said them, not us. Yep, Larry did the dirty work for us.

Matthew and I did want to be walked down the aisle by both of our parents. Matthew's folks walked him down the aisle at the beginning of the service, first thing. Then, after all the attendants were up front my mom and dad walked me down.
















We went through the whole ceremony, vows and all. I was an absolute wreck. I couldn't get through anything. I cried the whole time, then laughed because I was crying, then cried some more. Oddly, I didn't cry at all during our actual wedding. I must have gotten it all out of my system. Matthew, I think, just thought I was a nut.





















After we walked through it all a couple times we went to the rehearsal dinner. We had decided we didn't want to have the dinner at a restaurant where you only talk with the person next to you. We wanted to do something more casual where everyone is together. We opted to have the dinner at my folks' home. We had take-out pizza and subs. It was lots of fun. More relaxing, too. Then, Matthew went back to our house with his buddies and I spent the night at my mom and dad's. I don't think I slept very well. I do know I hopped in bed and after I tried to fall asleep for a little bit hopped right back out and ran to the bathroom. I had completely forgotten to pluck my eyebrows!!!!

Bayfield and Madeline

Matthew and I will celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary on Thursday, October Ninth. Matthew has been insisting that this will be our Golden Anniversary. I keep saying although it feels like 50 years sometimes it doesn't really work like Golden Birthdays. Semantics, I suppose. At any rate, last weekend, we did something we've never done, ever. We had my mom and dad watch Isaiah and Anna for the entire weekend and we actually went out-of-town. Three and a half hours away! This was a major accomplishment for me. I did a lot of praying last week that God would grant me strength and trust. Believe me you, this was an anxiety attack waiting to happen. I did it though. My mom helped a lot, she followed my requests on everything to perfection. Thank you, mom!

As the title suggest, we went up to the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. We spent the day Friday in Bayfield, WI and took in all that is Apple Fest. Apparently Apple Fest is one of the biggest festivals in the entire universe, or something like that. Due to the fact that it was Apple Fest there was no room at the inn for Matthew and I. We ended up staying on Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands. There is no bridge, one takes a ferry over to the island, it's about a 20-25 minute ferry ride. I believe the distance is 2 miles, or 2 1/2 miles.

Well, Friday we left our house at about 8:30 and drove up to Bayfield. We ate lunch at the Rittenhouse Inn, it's a bed & breakfast that is open to the public for breakfast and lunch. It was very yummy. I'm happy we made it in time. They have a small window of time in which they serve lunch. It was well worth the early departure time.


(outside the Rittenhouse Inn)

After we ate lunch we walked down to the Apple Fest shindig. There were tons of neat craft vendors, apples galore, music and people watching. I was still very full from lunch but Matthew couldn't resist an apple brat. Had to have one. I tasted some of the apple mustard he put on the brat and it was pretty darn good. We found some goodies for the kids and ended up getting some pottery for ourselves. We always admire the pottery while at craft fairs and never get any, not this time. We found a beautiful serving plate with a bowl for dip and a little dip spreader, knife type of thing. Later, my mom told me that pottery is the traditional 9th wedding anniversary gift. I think I knew that subconsciously but thought it pretty neat that we broke down and bought the pottery.

(near the marina in Bayfield, enjoying Apple Fest)



When we had finished wandering the streets of Bayfield it was time to hop on the ferry and travel over to Madeline Island. The ferry service has a bunch of ferries and the the boats leave, for the most part, every 1/2 hour. It's very convenient and easy to plan when you will come and go.

(this is the ferry that was going to Bayfield as we were traveling to the island)


We checked into our little rental house that we would be staying at and were delighted to find out we'd be on the other side of the island. Matthew and I both thought we'd be in town, La Pointe, but found out we needed to drive about 9 miles to the other side of island and would be staying right on Big Bay. Although it was cold at night, in the 30's, we kept the windows open a bit to hear the powerful waves crashing right outside our door. I'm used to the gentle little lapping sound of little lakes or rivers. Not on the shores of Superior, man oh man, were they loud. Lovely.

Saturday we stayed on Madeline and enjoyed hanging out at Big Bay town park. It is a beautiful park.



(this little foot bridge spans an inlet of water from Superior into the park)












(standing on the bridge looking inland)








(standing on the bridge looking out to Superior)










(hee hee, our initials in the sand)



(Matthew took this footage on the beach. My little kick at the end was me saying don't film me.)


Sunday we were up at 6am to catch the 7am ferry back to Bayfield. We had a super time but were in a major hurry to get home to our babies. God had a beautiful display for us on the boat ride over. The steam was rising up off the lake and it made for an amazing sunrise.

Happy Anniversary, Matthew! I love ya a ton.

Elk Hunting

Dear Mr. Elk,

Be afraid, be very afraid.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Rolli

...Meanwhile Back at the Ranch

Dear Matthew,

I realize you have only been gone hunting since Tuesday. I'm fully aware you are not returning from New Mexico for at least another week, however, we've a slight security breech that requires your attention.

I'm fully aware you told me the chickens would be fine, until you returned, and would not require netting over their run. I know you thought they were young enough and happy enough to stay put. I'm sure this had nothing to do with your excitement over going hunting for two weeks nor did this have anything to do with your lack of time/interest/motivation for anything related to chickens.

I shall refrain from mentioning that when you offered to pick up chicken feed to last me the weeks you'd be gone and I said please get Starter/Grower, you "accidentally" only got Starter feed. I just won't sink to that level and mention that error on national public blogdom. I won't do it.

Anyhow, back to the breech in security. The "young" enough chickens have decided that when I open their run door in the morning and they fly hard enough they just make it over the fence. It is at this point they get stuck and cannot get back in the run. Thankfully they really want to get back in the run and I can corner them against the fence, grab them and boost them up and over the fence. Again, this is the same fence you said would not need any additional enclosing til you returned. (in case you forgot to which fence I referred)

Keep in mind that while wrangling these "too young too fly over the fence" chickens I'm also restraining a very willing Lab/Collie mix, named Matilda, who would just love to sink her teeth into this project and help.

After the commotion of boosting at least five chickens (I stopped counting after five) I decided I was so fed up with these foul that I said to heck with the fresh water you've enough to last the day. I'll do it tonight. I then finished feeding the chickens, I did grace them with food, although it's just Starter feed NOT Starter/Grower, but I said I wouldn't mention that. I then proceeded to shut up all the other doors and checked on the sheep one more time. Know what I saw? One lone hen helping the sheep grab up the oats they were missing themselves.

I have no idea when this particular hen escaped. I have no idea if she did this yesterday or this morning during the mass confusion. She may have been out there all night sleeping with the sheep in the lean-to for all I know. I stood there with my mouth wide open knowing full well I was not chasing a hen all around the pasture, especially a hen that appeared to want to be there. That hen will now and forever live in the pasture. I will let you handle her misconduct upon your return.

In closing, we are ready for you to return. The chickens have gotten completely out of control. It's mass chaos. I do not need to remind you what I did with the troublesome rooster in 2000. I have a .410 and I'm not afraid to use it.

I love you, have fun, shoot something big, be safe.

Love, me

ps I felt this incident worthy of a blog email rather then a personal email. I know you're able to read both. Just wanted to share the love a bit.

pps I know you appreciate the fact that I never mentioned how you bought Starter feed and not Starter/Grower feed. You can thank me when you get home.

2nd Grade

My boy started 2nd grade this week. He looked old to me. Isaiah was a bit apprehensive. I think he thought the first day would be like his first day at this school last year. He started the year in Hudson and then got plopped into the new school in November. Not always the easiest thing from what I've heard. He ended up doing just fine last year but I'm sure the anxiety was still fresh in his mind.

This year, however, he was starting the first day of school right along with all of the other children in school. He'd know the ropes and some of the folks and all would be well. It was. He even started Spanish this year. Three times a week the elementary school Spanish teacher comes in and instructs on the Spanish language. I thought for sure Isaiah would be all over that one. I couldn't figure out why he'd be nervous and not excited. I found out at the end of the day, when he came home with relief and pride showing all over his face because he knew lots of the words that, Isaiah possibly thought Spanish class meant; all Spanish all the time. Poor kid. I didn't even think he'd feel that way. Missed the boat on that one. He survived though and was eager to hop on the bus yesterday and today.

While waiting for the bus we had to say our good-byes to Papa as well. Matthew is gone for awhile hunting in New Mexico so we're holding down the fort. I got a few shots of Matthew hanging out with the kiddos before we saw Isaiah get on the bus.


Also, my mom always took photos of my sister and I facing away from her with our backpacks on. She did this all through elementary school, on our first days. I have no idea why she did this so I thought, better be safe rather than sorry. I took a backpack shot of the kids. I suppose someday we'll look at those photos and say, "How cute, the backpack is bigger than you." I really don't know that there would be any other reason. Anyhow, I did it. They sort of look like walking backpacks from this viewpoint. Ha!

Saturday Night Fun

Yesterday I went out with my wonderful neighbor, Michelle. We both have birthdays in August and wanted to have a fun day together. We gallivanted all over Hudson and then headed over to Stillwater. It was lots of fun.

Matthew had a blast with Isaiah and Anna while I was gone. They did all sorts of fun things. Matthew took the kids to Fawn-doe-rosa up in Saint Croix Falls. It's a huge petting zoo with deer that roam freely throughout the facility and are tame. Apparently Anna gave a buck a huge hug around his neck and Matthew said he got a little concerned over her no-fear attitude when it came to animals with ANTLERS! They also were able to pick out a treat at their all-time favorite store, Horse Creek. Think modern day mercantile. Anything you could ever need way out in the country...

When I got home from the birthday adventure we all sat outside and talked about our day. Then we did chores and that lead into something I have never, ever, in a million years ever thought I would be doing on a Saturday night....for fun.

I don't know who came up with the idea but, somehow, the four us started hunting for grasshoppers and giving them to the chickens. Really it was fun. (I know, not for the grasshoppers but PETA members were probably offended by this blog a long time ago) We had a ball watching the chickens do their chicken thing.

About 20 minutes into the deal I looked at Matthew and said, "Wow, is this what folks do in the country for fun, on a Saturday night?"

He said, "Yep, pretty much."

I'm Ba-ack

I have needed to take a break from blogging for a bit. It's been a little crazy here after the fair festivities.

First, let me say that if you neglect your garden for 2 1/2 weeks in the middle of July the weeds WILL be taller than yourself. I'm not a tall person, but still. Also, this garden that we inherited from the previous owners is huge. It is not the typical sized garden, it's a biggun. I don't know the exact measurements but I'm thinking I don't really want to know the specifics either.

It is fun though to find an intended plant, not a weed, while you are out bushwhacking the jungle that is your garden. Our tomatoes, pole beans, carrots, zucchini, cucumbers and Yukon Golds are doing splendidly. So are the sunflowers actually.

Another project I've been tasked with is cooking. I don't mean the typical breakfast, lunch and dinner. Matthew will be in New Mexico for a couple weeks hunting Elk, Bear, Mule Deer and whatever else walks in front of him. Matthew, his dad, his brother and their friend Eric will all be out there and Matthew thought it would be good if he took a turn and providing the one big meal they have a day. In secret husband/wife code this means I will actually be the one cooking the meals. I don't mind at all though. It's fun. I make the meal and get to use the coolest little kitchen contraption ever. A Foodsaver. Don, Matthew's dad, has this food vacuum/bag sealer deal for when they butcher their venison. Well, I am getting to use it seal and freeze the New Mexico meals. It's so much fun. The down side to this is that while I've been making a 2-3 meals a day by the time supper rolls around I don't feel much like cooking yet again so we've been eating PB&Js and chicken nuggets.

Fair Wrap-Up

The Polk County Fair is over for another year. I was actually pretty sad Sunday evening when we were driving home for the last time. We all had so very much fun and learned so many new things that only made us more excited for the upcoming years.

Here are some photos to help explain some of our adventures.

Isaiah posing proudly by his terrarium and treasure chest. He earned a Cloverbud ribbon and certificate.








Mama, Isaiah, Anna and Papa at the Cloverbud/Explorer building enjoying Isaiah's achievements.







Isaiah and Lamby at the Little Britches Rodeo. Isaiah was walking a somewhat stubborn Lamby around the arena. Afterwards, a judge asked Isaiah some pertinent questions regarding the care of his sheep and what was done to prepare Lamby for the show. Isaiah did a super job answering the questions.













Finally, my mom took a photo of me sitting next to the blue/green/cream-colored washcloth I made. It's in the cabinet behind me next to the crocheted gnome. I have never seen one of those before, amazing.

We learned a lot and are anticipating next year's fair already. I think we are all still making up for lost sleep but the fun was worth it.

My Life

This buck has been our dinner (and breakfast and lunch) companion for the last week. He has not found a home on our walls as of yet. Am I the only wife in the world that has a deer head on her dining room table? Is this an odd thing? If this is a bit out of the ordinary feel free to keep your comments to yourself..... sigh

Fair Project #2

Isaiah finished up his terrarium the other day and these are the results.

He wanted to do a dinosaur's environment. Pretty clever of him, I thought. We used a clear 2-liter soda bottle and I cut the bottom off for him. He added layers to his terrarium. First rocks, then sand, next moss and finally the soil. He added a little jade plant and a palm. To make the habitat authentic looking Isaiah added a little Triceratops.

We had some brown book binding tape that looked very nice with the ensemble.

Anna wanted to get in on the action and boy did she dig in. She was a major mess but I believe she enjoyed herself so, it's all good. Anna is very proud of her terrarium in a sand bucket. I will not be correcting her on the technicalities of what a terrarium really is.






(click on the photo to see a close up of the Triceratops)










Papa assisting Anna with her "project".





Anna is very proud of herself. Please, click on the photo to really get a feel for the dirt that was ground into her arms, clothes and fingernails. It was a two bath night.

Oakridge

We went down to Matthew's folks' farm last weekend. The big boys (Matthew, his dad, his brother and their friend Eric) needed to plan out their New Mexico elk hunt they are going on in September. I think it was just a fun excuse to go down to Oakridge Farm. Eric couldn't make it down due to the fact that he volunteers to fight fires all over the country and is out in California putting out some flames. His nickname is Sparky. Our good friend Chris came down, however, to help out building two huge sliding doors Opa needed on his machine "shed".

We did a bunch of fun stuff, we always do.

On Saturday Isaiah, Anna, Matt's sister-in-law Becca, Oma and I went into town to visit Nana. (Matt's grandma) Oma treated us all to a McDonald's lunch and then we went swimming back at Opa and Oma's in the wading pool.

Sunday was spent finishing up the two massive doors and of course a visit with Tony-the-Pony, Eeyore (the donkey) and the other horses and sheep. Anna, Opa, Matilda and I sat in the front of the truck on the way down to the pasture. Tony-the-Pony just about kissed Papa on the nose. Isaiah sat on Tony and got to know the Angus cows, he also helped feed some. Anna also had some fun sitting on Tony.

Dessert Dilemma

When asked what dessert Matthew wanted for his birthday he did not have a typical answer and list a few of his favorites. No.

My dear Matthew said something more along the lines of this, "How about something like a strudel, with cream, chocolate, raspberries...maybe some almonds."

Okay? I don't have anything like that in my dessert repertoire so I thought maybe I could find a recipe online.

I found an Almond Chocolate Strudel recipe and showed Matthew the great find. Nope. There was no cream or raspberries.

After much thought I decided I'd just have to invent something. Matthew also likes plain ol' yellow cake with milk chocolate frosting so here's what I did: I mixed up some yellow butter cake batter and made cupcakes.

These are not just any ordinary yellow cake with chocolate frosting cupcakes mind you. These are for my dear husband's birthday. So, after mixing up the batter I put about a tablespoon of batter in each cupcake liner. I then plopped in two raspberries a piece. I baked the cupcakes for however long the box indicated.

After the little guys cooled I made little holes in the top and piped in some whipped cream.

To top it off I piped chocolate frosting on top and more whipped cream along the edge of the cupcake. In the middles, on the chocolate part I put a raspberry.

I know it's not a strudel and there are no nuts but I almost got all the requested ingredients in there. I tasted one and they are pretty good.

Love ya Matthew, hope you like 'em.


ps. If you don't happen to like them, maybe don't mention that particular piece of information today.... I'm just saying.

Happy Birthday Matthew!!

Happy Birthday Matthew, I love you!

I know Isaiah wasn't up yet while we ate breakfast with Anna so I thought you'd enjoy seeing a photo of you and your boy.

Have a great day, after all you only turn 33 once.

Love ya,
me