tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313842652024-03-04T23:49:41.641-06:00The Fritz FactsThe Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.comBlogger844125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-45986586641333065222010-03-30T16:33:00.002-05:002010-04-15T07:04:21.909-05:00We Are Moving! Well, the blog isThe FritzFacts is moving houses!!<br /><br />After many years, 853 posts it is time to move onto another place.<br /><br />Please join me over at <a href="http://fritzfacts.wordpress.com/">The Fritz Facts new home</a>!The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-61040508391504271322010-03-30T07:23:00.000-05:002010-03-30T07:23:00.328-05:00What I Learned This Week - Julie's First Week!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fb_VlX5LkZITPg0tMXA5pkPM4DSbZ71m6_uNFvfXnVisbHOUqCHgRSuzFbCVAYt6c-ulyT3zvBwD7YjMpu2Sj4ISNU-nauRAz_JTrrR9rlzcbPsdwI4dG4Iuu5jtnU1LtwH0Iw/s1600/CarnvialButton.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fb_VlX5LkZITPg0tMXA5pkPM4DSbZ71m6_uNFvfXnVisbHOUqCHgRSuzFbCVAYt6c-ulyT3zvBwD7YjMpu2Sj4ISNU-nauRAz_JTrrR9rlzcbPsdwI4dG4Iuu5jtnU1LtwH0Iw/s320/CarnvialButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454247071519738114" border="0" /></a><br />First, lets all give a warm "Hello!" to Julie of <a href="http://www.frominmatestoplaydates.com/">From Inmates to Playmates</a>. She is taking over <a href="http://www.frominmatestoplaydates.com/category/what-i-learned-this-week/">What I Learned This Week</a>, and it's her first week in charge! You rock Julie!!!<br /><br />So many things are learned each week, so many things that may or may not make an impact in each of our lives. There are things that we wish we could forget, and things that we want to imprint in our minds forever.<br /><br />Realizing that someone you love is in pain, not something fun to learn. But also learning that your daughter is so excited to try something new is a huge thing too.<br /><br />This week saw us marveling at the joy that Koda has brought to our lives, but also realizing that so many things have to change in order for our family to work. We have started retraining him, and that is an everyday battle. He has gotten better, and so have we. Our evening are not so tense anymore.<br /><br />We also spent a great deal of time figuring our our families NEEDS over WANTS. I WANT a new stove, but it isn't something that we NEED (right now at least). As long as mine is still kicking we are good to go. We NEED to finish the basement bathroom before our roomie moves in in 4 weeks but WANT to redo the entire basement walls and ceiling (it is bad...you have no idea).<br /><br />That last one was the hardest lesson of all. Knowing that our WANTS are many, but our NEEDS are few it not something that anyone wants to admit. While we NEED to paint the kitchen, we don't NEED to paint the living room (even thought now I WANT too). We are trying to teach the kids the difference between the two, and by showing them that we know the difference makes a big step in that direction.<br /><br />Head on over to From Inmates to Playdates for more What I Learned This Week posts!The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-83088470122728776062010-03-28T21:36:00.003-05:002010-03-28T21:59:15.023-05:00RamblesI always say to myself on Friday "sweet...I will have time to write this weekend" and it never happens. Life gets in the way, and it is perfect that way.<br /><br />We spent all of Saturday going here and there, getting things done and playing outside in the cool Minnesota Spring weather. We are working to retrain Koda on some things, and took our first walk as a family since last fall. It was glorious.<br /><br />Today was another day, only we actually did some house stuff.<br /><br />Have I mentioned before that I DETEST wallpaper? I am FINALLY getting to pealing the wallpaper in the kitchen (it gives me nightmares...seriously) and it feels so good to get it done. I am still up in the air on colors for the room, but we found at least an accent color (I think). I am going back to Home Depot tomorrow...so who knows what I will come out with in the end.<br /><br />I am listening for Boo tonight. She has been getting some headaches and they are waking her up in the middle of the night. The poor girl can't catch a break it seems. Hopefully it is just something she is going through because Mama needs a break!<br /><br />And that concludes the most boring post ever...man...my brain is shutting off and ready for bed.<br /><br />Night all!!The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-47667579578843356232010-03-23T07:39:00.004-05:002010-03-23T09:14:38.584-05:00What I Learned This WeekToday is a good day, I woke up and have gotten a ton done. All that is left is taking out the trash and going to work. Today is also Koda's birthday! He is 1!!<br /><br />Did you know there are websites just for <a href="http://www.party-photo-favors.com/dog_birthday_cake_recipes.htm">Dog Birthday Cakes</a>? Who knew! We are not doing that, but I am going to get him a special treat at some point today.<br /><br />Making a shelf out of a skateboard is SO MUCH easier than I thought it would be, and I did it myself! That is a HUGE accomplishment if I do say so. Plus, it looks REALLY cool.<br /><br />When a certain 13 year old forgets to bring his glasses he will show me that he can bowl just fine, even though he will complain when he misses a shot. Drives me nuts.<br /><br />Spending an afternoon going from one thrift store to another is my idea of heaven, the kids...not so much. But we found what we needed, including 6 9x9 cake pans! Woohoo!!!<br /><br />Spring has sprung, and one of my Lilies is already starting to come in. No tulips yet though...<br /><br />I have two weeks until I fly out to Philly/New Jersey, and my nerves are in over drive. I must find my Dramamine... The nerves probably have NOTHING to do with the fact that I will be meeting three bloggers in Philly...nope nothing at all.<br /><br />For more What I Learned This Week posts head on over to <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Musings of a Housewife</a>.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-20400891870061368392010-03-22T19:26:00.013-05:002010-03-22T19:57:12.037-05:00A Little Bit of History<o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">*I have no idea what is going on with the font...<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hubby spent the weekend in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Iowa</st1:state></st1:place> helping to clean out his grandma's house. She has made the choice to live in a Senior Apartment, and has been there since <a href="http://fritzfacts.blogspot.com/2009/12/prayers-please.html">her surgery last winter</a>. They have a coffee shop and play Wii every night. She likes it there, and many of her friends have moved there in the past months, so she has her friends still close. She is a social butterfly, has someone there 24 hours a day but is still very independent. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://fritzfacts.blogspot.com/2009/12/prayers-please.html"><br /></a></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><p style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Her house has sat empty since December and once she made the decision to stay at the Apartment the decision was made to clean out the house and sell it. The brothers (Hubby's Dad and his brothers) all took the weekend and sorted, told stories and divided things up. Hubby took the trip down because there were things that he hoped he could bring home, things that meant a lot to him.<br /><br /></span> </p><p style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">He helped clean the rooms that were dusty with lack of use, helped scrub the cabinets that hadn't been touched in months and relived part of his life in the many MANY pictures that Grandma had held onto.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">He did bring home some things, things that meant a lot to him and things he thought we would all enjoy. I wanted to share some of it with you, since it is our own little piece of the family history. </span></p><p style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is a bible that came over from Germany in the early 1900's, the date written inside is 1899, given to a child at their birth from the little German I remember.</span><br /></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnEB5lSALC5RFm4jdonTVAkqidIjc7crqxsngfEdBRoG772IRsTm74clkkca9iRDgXeS-44ifV5wh0GAwwZA0UZ0qrApNODcs6gtHIMZ2N28udayqVT3GaT8mla-7zZAd1uJxRQ/s1600-h/IMG_9651.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnEB5lSALC5RFm4jdonTVAkqidIjc7crqxsngfEdBRoG772IRsTm74clkkca9iRDgXeS-44ifV5wh0GAwwZA0UZ0qrApNODcs6gtHIMZ2N28udayqVT3GaT8mla-7zZAd1uJxRQ/s320/IMG_9651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451621078529116082" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Even the scriptures are written in German, those I can't translate. It is simply gorgeous.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshuBrGW2eJqm5xkFaaetq1CcNG7QKy2_TbQYzBcL3koRX6yxauTQxGJHSFLUjlPzlv1z8S3H7jXaU3Gi-tp0WhwsEpbc_1d43Ix10j_uNWC_WBOhmnWOIuMUjWNzfxkXhi11ojg/s1600-h/IMG_9653.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshuBrGW2eJqm5xkFaaetq1CcNG7QKy2_TbQYzBcL3koRX6yxauTQxGJHSFLUjlPzlv1z8S3H7jXaU3Gi-tp0WhwsEpbc_1d43Ix10j_uNWC_WBOhmnWOIuMUjWNzfxkXhi11ojg/s320/IMG_9653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451620991074363602" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFvg5A5zDL9BtNMTlg0DGIBF-Upn_KDV_TcpB84fUWw9KQtHBANx6lQaJnOqfpkwJ9LHXa1FUPZurlpeCH-B6OOFX04GGKTaD2KjKZl4KJmh-oaf5Gkwc_lferfH5urG3e3xAMQ/s1600-h/IMG_9657.JPG">These are Hubby's Grandpa's medals. He was in the Navy, serving about the time of WWII</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7q1ksU2Q_57iuiKsJpOARjNcvdjZvCo1uvMPaQ1duVfS2PighFD1zj1tEkGXOO6zR1EkR_N5Q3StT6Y7BcHfpmwqIANUFChZYxHq_8vz6eGJO9B7xDNREIS1RXgyZkcUhfX6wQ/s1600-h/IMG_9654.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7q1ksU2Q_57iuiKsJpOARjNcvdjZvCo1uvMPaQ1duVfS2PighFD1zj1tEkGXOO6zR1EkR_N5Q3StT6Y7BcHfpmwqIANUFChZYxHq_8vz6eGJO9B7xDNREIS1RXgyZkcUhfX6wQ/s320/IMG_9654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451620813388229762" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">This is the ship that Grandpa served on for many years, one of a couple. The piece of paper in the corner is his Navy ID.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKsIL-52sFB3Patrg3dp69thAqsTttWtlhtupei82MylczfHh5jT4trt6qDcSqE_ainxJB5UELWbEBqT68K9RRJXAIHQJg3K4wj_KbOhMPLRldtM31YR8IRPiOiXYKx4CQkaIjw/s1600-h/IMG_9655.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKsIL-52sFB3Patrg3dp69thAqsTttWtlhtupei82MylczfHh5jT4trt6qDcSqE_ainxJB5UELWbEBqT68K9RRJXAIHQJg3K4wj_KbOhMPLRldtM31YR8IRPiOiXYKx4CQkaIjw/s320/IMG_9655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451620728487507954" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">This is something that Hubby's Mom made 30 years ago, a picture of the farm that Grandma and Grandpa then owned.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG3d-w-ip6j35wE2J5giA8NxNL2uzYe3UYhFWOn-q_lCHzxu_qbTWbv6sGEIDWPocpzudqLnLEi7-_XtiwSqtRKovxMDW6fStpYK4lERRqE2Vqywu4EMLcTWffpeL4t-txGkmRw/s1600-h/IMG_9656.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG3d-w-ip6j35wE2J5giA8NxNL2uzYe3UYhFWOn-q_lCHzxu_qbTWbv6sGEIDWPocpzudqLnLEi7-_XtiwSqtRKovxMDW6fStpYK4lERRqE2Vqywu4EMLcTWffpeL4t-txGkmRw/s320/IMG_9656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451620647943949874" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">These are old cookbooks, you know the kind, church and community cookbooks. I have called these the "Use 4 sticks of butter for everything" cookbooks. There are some FANTASTIC recipes in here and I can't wait to dive into them.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDRIeL5c6RtcKeCxigK4cS27ffKJzQ0Rac_6k2-V2hpiqFa9UNnWGz2cerMKfISmy_MCp2gEmjQNQXV8rBpYKn3ujaZZCg7qcBbnzJVa6rnXeHH52-OU0mE1TIBMoNpCJJZW8sw/s1600-h/IMG_9650.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDRIeL5c6RtcKeCxigK4cS27ffKJzQ0Rac_6k2-V2hpiqFa9UNnWGz2cerMKfISmy_MCp2gEmjQNQXV8rBpYKn3ujaZZCg7qcBbnzJVa6rnXeHH52-OU0mE1TIBMoNpCJJZW8sw/s320/IMG_9650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451620545042083538" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">These are canning books, giving direction to can pretty much anything. There is also a grilling book, and Grandma's recipe for the BEST Pumpkin Pie. On the bottom of the recipe she even has where she took the pie many years ago.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4848ZAhITkVbbfT6PgJvbEG8R2_q3plT0wGSy5rrXpqwA6SdERf_X0dMIBUsd_LqCn0L72f7V06vuunTu0GJ6q_pGa-4jwrLNbTzJtWzr52pbMucsJgkkIre2EnLRVoGyMtn-A/s1600-h/IMG_9648.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4848ZAhITkVbbfT6PgJvbEG8R2_q3plT0wGSy5rrXpqwA6SdERf_X0dMIBUsd_LqCn0L72f7V06vuunTu0GJ6q_pGa-4jwrLNbTzJtWzr52pbMucsJgkkIre2EnLRVoGyMtn-A/s320/IMG_9648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451620463861208658" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Hubby brought me this. It is a Hamilton Beach stand mixer. It can also be taken apart to be a hand mixer. This mixer dates pre-1960 and still works like a dream. Big Sis said it will probably last forever.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6kmKfRxp4E7xgq3BiggPC27PYrmZnc7k9A9xsONGi4x8aiCjOr8Zrso9v3kYMkZu26FSwcWY6aSlSFUT0OIzO6-UX32Je-fw4PXqOXOrWap96txiNBFARisP-xaNDEG0ISp-UA/s1600-h/IMG_9645.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6kmKfRxp4E7xgq3BiggPC27PYrmZnc7k9A9xsONGi4x8aiCjOr8Zrso9v3kYMkZu26FSwcWY6aSlSFUT0OIzO6-UX32Je-fw4PXqOXOrWap96txiNBFARisP-xaNDEG0ISp-UA/s320/IMG_9645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451620390606529794" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">It even has a timer!!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnYmYHsv5r95-ZvanVZcXHulDJd7709ydVj7N_8zyxrGlTB8KFfFcQc9NU32Ta_0kPAw0PcN_5WjQruioFG8FbnRVmFvNFyhZ9VBDdPGFCcXm9potnFYOiBy7AHOJcEZish22hA/s1600-h/IMG_9646.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnYmYHsv5r95-ZvanVZcXHulDJd7709ydVj7N_8zyxrGlTB8KFfFcQc9NU32Ta_0kPAw0PcN_5WjQruioFG8FbnRVmFvNFyhZ9VBDdPGFCcXm9potnFYOiBy7AHOJcEZish22hA/s320/IMG_9646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451621363580877410" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">This...this just plain creeps me out, but it isn't staying at my house (thank GOODNESS!). It is a Santa bird feeder...and the EYES! Oh My Look At The Eyes!! Just creepy! Hubby's parents will be getting this bad boy at their house SOON.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohFip1M8UhlBo6rERjT6A6vUg3dgCXFPdEV0UBaLEbIAtiPyppCCmF-zy7IPkBtYXI8zgdKHKFwm6PLTIpZfffxS8Hmm27ax55i0ahyBPjEzI95aL0JxR32MOPiFKBoB1AJCwmA/s1600-h/IMG_9658.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohFip1M8UhlBo6rERjT6A6vUg3dgCXFPdEV0UBaLEbIAtiPyppCCmF-zy7IPkBtYXI8zgdKHKFwm6PLTIpZfffxS8Hmm27ax55i0ahyBPjEzI95aL0JxR32MOPiFKBoB1AJCwmA/s320/IMG_9658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451621216590648658" border="0" /></a><br /></span>Hubby was glad he went, so am I. I didn't know how he would handle it, but he said it was easier than he thought. There are a lot of memories tied into Grandma's house. We still have her, so more memories can be made at her apartment too.<br /><br />Seriously, I have to stop looking at the Santa...<br /></div>The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-85114981840284663042010-03-21T12:18:00.002-05:002010-03-21T12:30:20.397-05:00Why does my dog hate the camera?Koda has a love hate relationship with my camera...he hates sitting still to have his picture taken and would LOVE to eat it straight out of my hand.<br /><br />No clue what it is, but I even went as far as to turn of the little green light thinking that had something to do with it.<br /><br />Nope, he jumps for the camera, or lunges depending on who you ask.<br /><br />Today he was being a...brat for lack of a better (appropriate) word. I took him outside and brought my camera (mistake #1). I watched him play, but then he saw the camera (mistake #2). He came running over, but sat nicely for me (yeah!).<br /><br />Then...I tried to take his picture so that I can send the breeder a "Look whose 1!!!" photo slide show because his birthday is on Tuesday (mistake #3). <br /><br />He jumped, and while I got the camera out of the way (woohoo!), my lip did not. I know have a fat lip...<br /><br />And the dog is being super well behaved.<br /><br />Why does he hate the camera...I just don't get it.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-23072150444825742992010-03-19T18:48:00.003-05:002010-03-20T17:05:35.129-05:00Hunter and II am keeping my ear trained on the door, listening for squeals, yells or barks. The kids are outside on "land mine" patrol and Koda is with them. Yesterday Koda took Boo's glove...he is a sneaky little booger.<br /><br />I spent the entire afternoon with Hunter today, something that we haven't done since before his birthday, before what he likes to call "the conversation". I won't go into what that was, just that words were said by a 13 year old that made a 30 year old cry.<br /><br />Not fun.<br /><br />We have been working our way back to what we had before it all started, before that night, and it has been a road to take. We talked, A LOT and realized where the feelings were coming from, where the hurtful things stemmed from. It was not an easy talk, but one that we are both so grateful to have had.<br /><br />My relationship with Hunter is so special, but so fragile at the same time. We have to work to stay on level ground at times, and other times it is so simple and easy.<br /><br />Today is a prime example:<br /><br />H: What does Boo need cleats for?<br />M: For softball, remember?<br />H: Oh...why can't I?<br />M: You can't ask me that...you know who to talk too...<br />H: Yeah...it just isn't fair.<br /><br />My heart broke, but being honest is hard and the right thing to do. Yes, he wishes he could do all that Boo has had the chance to do, but it isn't something that I can fix for him, not even Hubby can. He needs to push, prod and fight for it. It stinks.<br /><br />I know that 13 is an age that REALLY stinks (man the eye rolling alone...), and one that is really going to test what we have for our relationship. I know that the next 5 years are going to be HARD, harder than anything I have ever done with him before, with almost anything I have done before.<br /><br />BUT, with that said...I can't wait to see the young man he has already started turning into. He is so smart, so energized by the freedoms he has learned this year. He is finding out who he wants to be, how he wants his life to go. He is starting to grow more before my eyes than ever before.<br /><br />It is going to be a great year.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-68166530576515315372010-03-16T07:43:00.000-05:002010-03-16T07:43:00.290-05:00Play BallI don't know where even to start, there is just so much right now.<br /><br />I had another parents meeting for the Softball Association last week...and got a 12 page packet of information that I need to read through before Boo's tryouts next month. 12 Pages! Lots of info...<br /><br />The good thing is that tryouts for Boo's age are like practice. They are so young that they are more focused on the wanting to learn. Boo is 8...another girl is 7, tiny little things. So tiny that no matter what I will have to take in her uniform and sliding shorts.<br /><br />I called Ma last night to tell her about the meeting and that Boo will be doing two or three tournaments, her reaction was fabulous "She is 8"...Yes Ma...<br /><br />Boo is excited to play her first year of ball. I am excited to see if this is sport she will love, like or not. I played growing up and besides dance class it was my favorite thing.<br /><br />Spending days on the field, throwing into a tarp in the basement, breaking all the garage windows out as I practiced a new pitch...good times (my brother broke a few of the windows with a hockey puck too, so it wasn't just me).<br /><br />Softball was also the place where I met some people that I am still friends with today. My catcher for many years and I still e-mail via facebook, and a fellow pitcher and I still keep in touch too.<br /><br />Softball is a demanding sport. It requires a commitment that in-house sports do not. Yes, it can seem a lot. Yes, she will have practice 2-3 times a week, games once a week and tournaments, but Softball is a very VERY team driven sport.<br /><br />Not only are the girls at Boo's age learning the game, but they are learning the skills that will build that sportsmanship skills, their leadership skill and team building skill. These are all things that make a huge difference in their lives ahead.<br /><br />I can' wait for the season to start.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-18666860372909427602010-03-15T22:12:00.003-05:002010-03-15T22:44:15.138-05:00What I Learned This WeekOh man...the weekend FLEW by. We had so much going on, so many exciting things, that I didn't hardly sit in front of my computer all weekend.<br /><br />It was heavenly.<br /><br />I learned simple things this weekend. The joy's that we experienced are so special, so monumental. We had the weekend of family, friends and the BEST weather since last fall.<br /><br />My nephew spent the night on Saturday for the first time since he was about 4 months old. We had a blast. EC and "Bobby" (his "bear") were the hit of my niece's birthday party. He snuggled up with Boo after to watch Monster's Inc, and I realized how much I have missed the belly laugh of a little one.<br /><br />So much.<br /><br />I also realized how much I loved watching said little ones fall asleep. The almost asleep look and then the eyes popping back open - FABULOUS. I could have snuggled him all night long. He was such a good boy, as always...right SIL??? lol<br /><br />Friday night was spent putting together the invites for Lia's wedding. I can't wait for her to be married, and having any sort of part of it makes me giddy each day. Her bridal shower is creeping up, I really need to get on that...really.<br /><br />I apartment hunted with one of my best friends this weekend. After 8 years of living south of us, she is moving back to "the cities". I am so excited for this, and can't wait. She found the apartment that she wanted, but has to wait a bit longer to move in...so she is moving in here. Before I met hubby we had talked about moving in together, and now it is happening in a sort of way...I can't wait.<br /><br />I did realize that while looking at apartments with her that I love my house, love having space and love having somewhere that I can call my own. I wouldn't want to go back...at all.<br /><br />Oh, and letting the dog run through the mud and gunk yesterday was fabulous...until we realized that we had to give him a bath because the groomers was closed. Not fun, but a little funny. We were all in shorts or swim suits and the bathroom was FLOODED by the time we were done. Koda...not so much a fan.<br /><br />See, some simple yet big lessons. At least to me.<br /><br />For more What I Learned This Week posts, head on over to Musings of a Housewife.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-78095172217120875822010-03-11T20:34:00.004-06:002010-03-11T20:51:56.528-06:00Rain Drops on Roses - Favorite Things Swap<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2010/03/swaptastic-swaperiffic-swaptabulous.html"> </a><center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2010/03/swaptastic-swaperiffic-swaptabulous.html"><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Swap4copy.jpg" /></a></center><br />A <a href="http://fritzfacts.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-of-my-favorite-things.html">few weeks ago</a> I told you about the fantastic swap the Mamarazzi was having, a Favorite Things Swap. I was so excited when I got matched with someone, and even more excited to buy stuff that I love to send to the person!<br /><br />I was matched with Angie from <a href="http://www.anticswithangie.com/">Angie's Spot</a>.<br /><br />And I must say, from what I know I sent her, and what she sent me...we would be IRL friends if we didn't live uber far away from each other...very similar goodies were sent both ways! I couldn't believe it! Here are the wonderful goodies that I got from Angie!<br /><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2010/03/swaptastic-swaperiffic-swaptabulous.html"><br /><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9kHeHYVAglXCt-k2A2RkkRQM08EGkjtH-AJLxseXeKS3veOmdASvHpyY5qu1KOEgEtTfEFxJsu-OP1CeSwDkg7MZBMnhj-FPw-8PBzvobkRsYqv1Vh5J7OmKDREXLqjvGfZttg/s1600-h/IMG_9630.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9kHeHYVAglXCt-k2A2RkkRQM08EGkjtH-AJLxseXeKS3veOmdASvHpyY5qu1KOEgEtTfEFxJsu-OP1CeSwDkg7MZBMnhj-FPw-8PBzvobkRsYqv1Vh5J7OmKDREXLqjvGfZttg/s320/IMG_9630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447570372375715730" border="0" /></a><br />I was squealing...ask Boo. She kept asking me what was wrong and didn't get it when I was just plain excited.<br /><br />I got some flower seeds, including Sun Flowers that Hubby and I were JUST talking about on Sunday and gardening gloves (bonus since my are just nasty from fall clean up)! A cook book (I sent her one too!), some chocolates and Crystal Lite packets for my never ending quest to drink more water. She sent me a book (I sent her one too!) and a gift card to my home away from home Target (LOVE Target).<br /><br />Thank you Angie for all my wonderful goodies! I love it and can't wait to dive into the books. I hope you loved all your treats too!!<br /><br />Major HUGE thanks to <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/">Mamarazzi</a> for hosting this wonderful swap. I loved shopping for someone but getting what I would love!<br /><br />If you want to see the other Favorite Things posts head on over to <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2010/03/swaptastic-swaperiffic-swaptabulous.html">Dandelion Wishes</a>!The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-40184111389827341892010-03-07T15:28:00.002-06:002010-03-07T15:39:24.499-06:00Almost Garden Season!Today was a day for nothing. We had nothing planned, nothing we HAD to get done. It was perfect.<br /><br />And the weather, sweet mother is was FANTASTIC! We had windows down in the car, no coats...wonderful.<br /><br />We are planning our garden for the year, and have spent the past few weeks talking about what we wanted, how much and where. The where is still iffy, but we know Tomatoes (duh), onions, cucumbers, peppers, green beans and snap peas. I can't wait. Fresh green beans are the best, snap peas too. Last year we had a ton from my sisters garden, and my in-laws, but this year we will grow our own.<br /><br />The worst part about it, planting indoors for 6 weeks due to snow, frost and still frozen ground. Tomatoes and a couple others will have to be started indoors, but not too many. It just makes a mess of things at times. Especially since we have to find a place with sunlight that Koda won't get at. That is always a challenge.<br /><br />And don't get me started on flowers. I planted some tulips on my own this fall, and I can't wait to see if they come in or not. I adore tulips. They are my favorite flower ever. But I need some more spring/summer flowers that are hearty...I kill flowers. It is really a gift I am told.<br /><br />So, what flowers do you put in? What have you found that lasts? What veggies do you love to do?The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-21190049479232495372010-03-05T20:46:00.001-06:002010-03-05T20:46:00.395-06:00Breaking Up is Hard to DoI had to break up with a Mom this week.<br /><br />Have you ever had to do that?<br /><br />There were just too many things that I didn't agree with, too many things that impacted my child when our children were together.<br /><br />It was not a fun thing to do at all.<br /><br />I had to tell her that I didn't think it would be a good idea for our girls to play together outside of school anymore.<br /><br />I am not a perfect parent, but any means. I let my kids stay up too late, they don't always eat their veggies and sometimes we have important conversations after they see something on tv (see a meth-lab blow up on tv..."Boo...don't do drugs, things blow up when you do" I know...Mom of year here!). But there are some thing that I just don't do, and that is what made this choice an easy one.<br /><br />I have <a href="http://fritzfacts.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-am-notto-bad.html">expectations for my kids</a>, and for their friends when they are at my house. I don't take attitude very well, don't handle rudeness or any lack of respect. I lay down the law whenever a child walks into my house, even the cousins, because I don't want anyone surprised. I have only had to call a parent once to pick up their child early, and now the story has gone full circle.<br /><br />I don't blame the child, don't even really blame the parents but I have to control the people that my children are exposed to while I can. It won't be long before I will lose the control on this, where Boo will no longer see the people the way that I do.<br /><br />There are very few moments where we can teach our children the right way to treat another child, and this was one of them. Boo and I learned an important lesson this week, one that hopefully will carry with us for sometime.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-16219187040912694962010-03-04T21:31:00.003-06:002010-03-04T21:41:37.006-06:00School UpdateWe have some news on the <a href="http://fritzfacts.blogspot.com/2010/01/goings-on.html">Boo-School front</a>.<br /><br />First off, her principal is retiring and I just might hog-tie him to his desk so he can't leave.<br /><br />Just saying.<br /><br />Love that man.<br /><br />Anyway...<br /><br />We are keeping her at her current school for the time being, at least two more years we think. She goes to a school that has a focus on Math, Science etc. It is a great school, and the teachers are learning right along with the kids as this is the first year that they are going this direction. We love that school.<br /><br />I met with a principal of another school Friday morning, and her principal and teacher that afternoon. I let her principal know that we were looking at this other school and he asked what we were looking for when it came to changing, and we agreed to give Boo the chance to find out if the Sciences and Math is what she excels in and go from there. So at least two more years there and then we will reevaluate.<br /><br />On the front of her being bored...her teacher has done a great deal of digging to find out what Boo likes, what she is REALLY good at and what resources she can bring to the room for Boo and another student. I was shocked to learn that her math scores were higher compared to others then her reading score.<br /><br />She gets that from her Daddy...me and numbers do NOT get along.<br /><br />She has mandated testing next week, so we will look at her scores during conferences the weeks following and figure out a more firm plan. Her teacher agreed that Boo needs more, so we have her on board which I was nervous about.<br /><br />We are moving forward, and we have a team that listens and agrees that something needs to be done to ensure that Boo gets the most out of everything.<br /><br />A step in the right direction I think.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-53209673091175891932010-03-04T20:03:00.006-06:002010-03-04T21:16:59.505-06:00So...Funny Story...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50G6v4zm2OjJAIEsMx-vTts2OEk8hQc111Geb0QIF1GURG7jSHeztPXtG3oGJLxm3sJRR6_YGdES_iOnO57IZ2IbjoD3POs_pIa7U1ZdoaP87XRIA897bxWpB19teNRDqmsFFyw/s1600-h/zackphone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50G6v4zm2OjJAIEsMx-vTts2OEk8hQc111Geb0QIF1GURG7jSHeztPXtG3oGJLxm3sJRR6_YGdES_iOnO57IZ2IbjoD3POs_pIa7U1ZdoaP87XRIA897bxWpB19teNRDqmsFFyw/s200/zackphone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444978053867182082" border="0" /></a>I have the FUNNIEST story ever...<br /><br />Ready?<br /><br />A few weeks ago...sure you are ready?<br /><br />Hunter asked for a cell phone.<br /><br />HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *Snort* Woooooo! hahahahahahaha<br /><br />Hoo<br /><br />Wow...<br /><br />Still really stinking funny.<br /><br />Now my stomach hurts.<br /><br />Hubby and I are one-cell-phone house. That's right...we have one cell phone for both of us, and it is $19 flip phones that does NOTHING. Hubby is even resistant to that one, and I don't use it as much as friends of ours do. We rely on the land line, that is our communication tool 99.9% of the time! We use about 200 minutes a month and send less than 100 texts...total...for both of us, and that is mostly me texting.<br /><br />We, meaning Hunter's Mom and us, have agreed that until Hunter has a job there is no need for him to have a cell phone. I have seen WAY too many kids with cell phones in school using them during tests, texting their parents (a co-workers kids do this ALL THE TIME, drives her nuts) and even losing their phones for using them during class times.<br /><br />Our other reason is that Hunter is not in activities at this point. He is home, or at our home. When he is at bowling we are too since Boo is so much younger than he is. When he is out and about it is with an adult so we don't worry. It is just the way his life is right now. Same with Boo.<br /><br />I have heard many thoughts on young teens/tweens getting cell phones, and they just don't sway us. We all agree that Hunter is too young and does not have the need for one. If at some point before he turns 16 things change, we will revisit.<br /><br />I grew up in the time when NO ONE had a cell phone. I remember when my Dad got one for work, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. This was before the "<a href="http://livewellwomen.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/zackphone.jpg">Zach Morris Phone</a>" but when they only came in a bag that HAD to be plugged in for it to work. It was awesome.<br /><br />Then of course he got the "<a href="http://livewellwomen.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/zackphone.jpg">Zach Morris Phone</a>" and that was the coolest thing ever.<br /><br />But we were never allowed to get one, we never even had pagers (unless we snuck one in...but I NEVER did that...of course not...I was the perfect child...or something). My parents believed that if we wanted to talk to someone, call them. You don't need a cell phone or pager to do that (do they even MAKE pagers anymore?).<br /><br />I know that technology is a great thing, I do. Look at all I can do because of technology. Look at how so many jobs and evolved because of the new technology that comes out everyday. But does that mean we must follow suit with each thing?<br /><br />I told someone last week that technology was a perk, but not really an expected thing. If I go to see a doctor it is because they are the doctor that I want to see, if they can pull up my full medical history with a few keystrokes, great. If not, they are still a great doctor that I want to see. <br /><br />Many people put so much stock into cell phones. Lawmakers are seeing the problems that cell phones can pose to drivers. There are bans being put into place left and right saying that Teens are NOT allowed to use their cell phone AT ALL while driving. Best ban ever. I had my first accident 2 weeks after I got my license, I can only imagine what is going on with teen drivers NOW.<br /><br />Can I say right now that in 5 years when Boo is 13 it will be the same? No, you never know what will happen in life to change the circumstances, but for right now our kids need to focus on being kids. They need to learn the responsibility of being a child, young teen and teen before they can venture into that realm of it all.<br /><br />You should see my reaction to kids having their own computers! That one is a hoot too!<br /><br />What do you think? Do your kids have cell phones? What is your families age requirement?The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-2936035286777434612010-03-02T08:31:00.002-06:002010-03-02T08:34:36.092-06:00What I Learned This Week<p><br />I am fighting a cold, and I think I just might be losing this battle. Ugh! This week was jam packed to the hilt! We had so much going on, and it will now only get worse.<br /><br />- Sleeping in the hospital is not fun, it is even worse sleeping right next to the PICU. Whoever planned that made a HUGE mistake. Not good sleep for me!<br /><br />- Hubby's hours are changing at work, sleeping in the same bed 7 days a week after almost 4 years of not is going to be interesting. </p><p>- Finding out that your "home away from home" of your youth is closing is heartbreaking. Finding out that a HUGE PARTY is in the works helps a bit...just a little.<br /><br />- I signed my LIFE away to our Fastpitch association on Thursday…let it begin.<br /><br />- Ball players have to wear masks on the front of their helmets now…that's dumb. I get the safety of it but duck faster! I only broke my nose once…<br /><br />- Catchers need to learn to catch the correct way, not with what I like to call "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Schutt-Adult-Catchers-Comfort-Knee/dp/B000GF7F8O">wussy pads</a>" on the back of their knees.<br /><br />- I am not a fan of all the changes in softbal, but one thing hasn't changed. I saw a shirt that I had as a kid on a teen "Friends don't let friends play slowpitch". Made my day.<br /><br />- Yes, if Boo likes to play ball I will be one of THOSE moms. Just like MY mom. I can't wait.<br /><br />- On Friday I met with two different principals from two different schools. I am now more confused about what to do with Boo. It will work out, but man it stinks.<br /><br />For more <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2010/03/what-i-learned-this-week-23.html">What I Learned This Week posts</a> head on over to <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Musings of a Housewife</a>!<br /><br />*I will write about Boo's sleep study this week, after we have our next appointment. Thanks for all your fabulous support!*</p>The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-39934946403487002532010-02-28T16:43:00.003-06:002010-02-28T21:17:05.541-06:00My First Once a Month Cooking Day!For the past few weeks (months really) I have been tossing around the idea of Once a Month Cooking. It was such an idea that I adored, but didn't know if I could pull it off. I like cooking (more now than ever) but am not the greatest at following recipes. With Once a Month Cooking you sort of have too, since some things just don't freeze well.<br /><br />Since this was my first time, I started with just 5 things. It was only going to be 4, but I decided to try one thing that wasn't really freezer cooking but that my kids could eat now.<br /><br />Breakfast/Snacks:<br /><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Breakfast-Burritos-Once-a-Month-Cooking-30165">Breakfast Burritos</a><br /><a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/freezable-recipe-homemade-pop-tarts/">Home made Pop-Tarts</a><br />Nutrigrain Bars (I have this recipe in an e-mail from a friend. I will gladly share it!)<br /><br />Dinner/Lunch:<br />Lasagna with meat<br /><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/baked-chicken-nuggets/detail.aspx">Chicken Nuggets</a><br /><br />Total, it took me about 5 hours to get everything done.<br /><br />I loved doing this. Making sure that even if I am sick, busy or just plain don't want to figure out what to make for dinner, we have options. We have something that we can throw in that will be a full meal for the family.<br /><br />I loved finding blogs that we helpful to planning and organizing my cooking plan. I never would have thought that there would be so many resources out there. I had gotten <a href="http://www.30daygourmet.com/">this</a> book from BIL for Christmas, and did the lasagna recipe from there. It is a FABULOUS book to have!<br /><br />I also used <a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/">Once a Month Mom</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/">Life as Mom</a> a TON in figuring out how to get this started, and keep my sanity. Looking forward to summer, this will make a huge impact!<br /><br />Next month...more!The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-55283922867167449022010-02-24T21:42:00.003-06:002010-02-24T21:47:37.926-06:00The listHi...<br /><br />This is me...<br /><br />Ramming my head into the wall trying to get everything done that MUST get done this week.<br /><br />Boo's Science project - DONE!<br /><br />Boo's Sleep study - tomorrow<br /><br />Register Boo for softball - tomorrow<br /><br />Talk to Hunter's Mom about this summer - DONE<br /><br />Pack my stuff for Boo's sleep study - tomorrow<br /><br />Meet with not one but TWO principals - Friday<br /><br />Figure out what to do at the hospital while Boo is having her sleep study - ummmm....<br /><br />Dream of a laptop - DONE DONE DONE DONE<br /><br />Help a friend with cake issues via facebook - DONE<br /><br />Paperwork...paperwork...paperwork - NEVER ENDING!!!<br /><br />See...no time. Must be off. Have a fantabulous night!!The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-34695718759487579982010-02-23T06:40:00.002-06:002010-02-23T06:50:07.880-06:00What I Learned This WeekWe spent the weekend at the cabin snowmobiling, well my kids and Hubby did. I sat and read and worked on my knitting project most of the time. That is FINE with me.<br /><br />- An 8 year old will surprise everyone by being able to hold onto the back of the sled even when the trails are very bumpy. This.is.huge!<br /><br />- A 13 year old will abandon ship when he is done driving and forgets there is a brake. Talk about the best story ever.<br /><br />- A LCD book light does not cause a glare on the windshield of a car. Thank goodness for that!<br /><br />- Booking a flight to the east coast for a baby shower will be fun, flying alone without hubby...a bit freaky. I apologize to whomever I sit by up front. So sorry.<br /><br />- Dramamine will become my best friend again, for sure.<br /><br />- I have heard it said over the blogosphere a lot the past few weeks, but I must add my two cents. Pink Eye Sucks.<br /><br />- Koda had a great time at the kennel while we were gone, so much so that he still is exhausted and not back to normal yet. Must get him around more dogs, he sleeps better!<br /><br />- Being in charge is not fun, and I have had enough. Seriously, someone else want to take over now? We have some hard choices to make in the coming weeks and my brain is fried already.<br /><br />For more <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2010/02/what-i-learned-this-week-22.html">What I Learned This Week</a> posts head on over to <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Musings of a Housewife</a>.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-44299561665288614222010-02-18T08:34:00.003-06:002010-02-18T08:38:18.674-06:00A Few of my Favorite Things!Last year when From Inmates to Playmates talked about the <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2010/02/mamarazzis-swaparazziyes-its-happening.html">Favorite Things </a>swap, I was intrigued. I became a lurker on <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/">Dandelion Wishes</a>, reading and laughing. Mamarazzi is fantastic!<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2010/02/mamarazzis-swaparazziyes-its-happening.html"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Swap4copy.jpg" /></center></a> <br /><br /><br />The Favorite Things swap is swaping what you would LOVE to recieve with someone else, giving them a touch of you!<br /><br />I am signing up, are you? She is only taking a limited number of people...so hurry!<br /><br />Oh I hope I get picked...The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-58347564951177738692010-02-17T21:51:00.001-06:002010-02-17T21:51:54.257-06:00Sticks and Stones<p>There is the that old saying "Sticks and Stones will break your bones, but words can never hurt you"</p> <p>Whoever started that is full of it. </p> <p>Words can leave scars, burn holes, break your spirit. Words can leave a thumb print on your heart that will hurt for days, weeks and months to come. </p> <p>Words can not be taken back. They are imprinted and lasting.</p> <p>Forgiveness is so important. </p> <p>But what about when forgiveness is so hard to freely give? </p> <p>We all know that forgetting is not an option, at some point many months/years down the line something creeps up that reminds us of the awful things someone said to us. It still hurts. It stings. </p> <p>Forgiveness is something that must be done. You can still be angry, don't get me wrong on that one, but forgive. It will help to heal. It will start the feeling of wholeness once again. </p> <p>I forgive, even if I can't forget. I may still be angry, but I forgive. I don’t agree, and probably never will, but I forgive. </p> <p>Just don’t ask to much to soon.</p> <p>Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words <strong>will</strong> make me stronger. </p> The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-22770435087638569792010-02-16T09:17:00.001-06:002010-02-16T09:19:19.956-06:00What I Learned This Week<p>I have been MIA from WILTW for a few weeks. There have been some interesting things going on in our house, and things that I just couldn't/didn't want to share. But, here we go once again with the lessons of the week!<br /><br />- I have said it once, and I will say it, Child Life Specialists are the BEST ever.<br /><br />- It takes less time to get a child in for a sleep study than an adult!<br /><br />- Stress can cause all SORTS of issues. Thankfully it will all work its way out.<br /><br />- Words from a child can hurt you more than anyone ever told you, and they leave a scar.<br /><br />- A dog will tear buttons off a remote (like the mute button) but you will adapt instead of getting a new one.<br /><br />- Snowmobiling is not my idea of a good time, I go for my kids and my husband.<br /><br />- Random on my ipod is still my favorite. I go from Needtobreathe to Britney to Metallica to Sawyer Brown...it is wonderful!<br /><br />- Opening up is a very VERY hard thing to do, but once you do it will all be better.<br /><br />- Boo still snores, but now whistles too...that's a little annoying.<br /><br />- Spending time with a teacher will change how you feel about them a little, and I do mean little.<br /><br />- Waiting is the worst thing in the world.</p><p>- People that question my blogging drive me nuts.<br /><br />- Trying to figure out how I will kill time in the hospital while Boo does her sleep study just might drive me nuts...especially with no laptop.<br /><br />- I really want a laptop...<br /><br />For more <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2010/02/what-i-learned-this-week-tv-edition.html">What I Learned This Week</a> posts head on over to <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Musings of a Housewife</a>.</p>The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-32665561654059773392010-02-14T20:31:00.004-06:002010-02-14T20:52:41.851-06:00Some Lovely RandomnessIt's Valentine's Day, and that means little to our house. Except for Boo who loves any reason to make a card...<br /><br />Things have been a moving lately, so much going on. We find out this week about Boo's school situation, so keeping my fingers crossed on that one.<br /><br />I worked at my companies conference this past week, it was interesting. My team from the office was wondering if my face hurt from using my "corporate voice"' and "nice smile" all day long. Yes...yes it did. I felt a bit like Barbie from the end of Toy Story 2...<br /><br />I am gearing up to possibly do a big Once a Month cooking day. We will see how that pans out. I am testing all the recipes on my family, or as Boo calls it "Are we your pigs again?" Yes dear, yes you are. Today I made <a href="http://katincooks.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/stuffed-pancake-cupcakes/">Stuffed Pancake Muffins</a>, and they were yummy. Those will be made again!<br /><br />Speaking of <a href="http://disney.go.com/toystory/">Toy Story 3</a>...who's excited for that movie! ME ME ME ME ME! More excited for Toy Story 3 than <a href="http://www.newmoonthemovie.com/worldoftwilight/#/Home/HomeTwiBottomLeft/HomeBottomRight">Eclipse</a>! I love Toy Story movies, have the first two on VHS. Boo is bit geared up for it too, not to sure about Hunter though. Just think about all the new innuendos that will come from this one!<br /><br />It is snowing again, not sure how I feel about this.<br /><br />I am watching the Olympics so much! I watched the Biathlon today, who does that! Me! It love the Olympics and love that they are in our time zone so I can actually watch Hockey without waking up at 2 am. Apollo Ohno...need I say more.<br /><br />Boo is sleeping over at Little Bro's tonight...that is HUGE! There is no school tomorrow, and SIL offered to watch Boo who was OVER THE MOON at the chance to play with her cousins all Day LONG. She packed Wii games, snow gear and her DS (which she then left on the counter). I can't wait for the stories to come out this!<br /><br />I have no kid, a dog in bed and a Hubby at work...I am going to bed!The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-8298187150868778662010-02-11T07:45:00.000-06:002010-02-11T07:45:00.204-06:0013Today Hunter turns 13. My little man, my partner in crime.<br /><br />13<br /><br />I just have a hard time believing it has been that long, that he is that old.<br /><br />I love this kid, more than you could ever imagine. He gave me the hardest job in the world, being a step-mom.<br /><br />I love you Hunter. I can't get the word out to express to you the impact you have had in my life.<br /><br />Below is my favorite video of him from this past summer. I know I have posted it before, but it makes me laugh every time.<br /><br />HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY HUNTER!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwaY3MTGjFgvrf1esUoAFivB9G4mY_iMg3ppHj1khn_YeIAk1bcSRWBKjjjUeowJGsgXVwIx1HAwyw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-46814891640524135102010-02-10T14:48:00.000-06:002010-02-10T21:39:35.225-06:00An AnniversaryToday is a big day for me. And Hunter, but being a day before he turns 13, he will deny it.<br /><br />10 years ago today I met Hunter for the first time. Hubby brought me to his birthday party, the day before his birthday to meet this red headed wonder.<br /><br />It was love at first sight.<br /><br />Since then, he has grown, aged and matured in ways that I never thought possible.<br /><br />Hunter has the kindest heart, the strongest spirit and the smartest brain. He loves his families, loves his friends and loves his dog.<br /><br />He has so many talents, so many that I can't even begin to tell you all of them. He can read like no bodies business, can do fractions in his head and makes the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches.<br /><br />He can climb a tree like a monkey, shoot a basket from behind the car and do back flips off the swing set (oh my heart).<br /><br />Hunter can make his sister giggle like no one else can, can make me laugh by saying just one word and is his dad's soon to be best hunting partner ever.<br /><br />Tomorrow is his 13th birthday. I can't believe he is turning 13.<br /><br />Thank you Hunter, for making me the mom I am today. For sharing your life, your love and your mind with me everyday.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31384265.post-40609289141251954632010-02-09T22:23:00.000-06:002010-02-09T06:47:25.389-06:00Turning 8My baby turns 8 today.<br /><br />8!!!<br /><br />It seems like yesterday she was running around the house in her diaper yelling for her brother, dad or toy.<br /><br />There are moments where I just look at her in wonder, amazement and curiosity. Where did she come from, how in the world did the perfect mix of me and her dad come to be.<br /><br />She is just that, the perfect mix.<br /><br />She loves to fish, but would love to spend all day playing dress up with her friends.<br /><br />She loves Taylor Swift, but adores some old 90's hip-hop.<br /><br />She loves to curl up in our laps to tell a story or just be, but the girl can NOT sit still even in her sleep.<br /><br />She can burp louder than anyone (so proud) but will tell you at once if you do it at the wrong time.<br /><br />The little girl, this amazing creature is mine. How in the world did I get so lucky.<br /><br />Happy Birthday my 8 year old. May each day, each week, each month be a journey you will never forget! We love you more than words could ever say.The Fritz Factshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05162992338469733361noreply@blogger.com2