SHUT UP!

I was bidding on Graphically Speaking

this weekend too!

Did you out bid me?

Snowy Hello...

So, everytime Jason leaves in the snow season, it snows. At least today's snow wasn't over 20 inches like we have had other times he is gone. We have a lovely, heavy, perfect for snowball covering. Too bad I don't get snow days anymore or I would be hoping for a late start!

It was so great to see everyone this week. I think I am still recovering from that close game. The girls slept past 9 yesterday and Hayden took almost a four hour nap. I wasn't so lucky today but that is okay. Macin is singing her Christmas program songs today. I think they are stuck in her head because she randomly breaks out in song. My plans of getting Christmas shopping started today were put to a halt because of the snow...oh well, there are other days.

We are counting down the minutes until Tinker Bell is on television so that will be our evening.

There are so many media sites with pictures that it would be easiest to go to http://www.houston.k12.mn.us/ to the newsroom where they should update the news links tomorrow. They will probably get their pictures on as well. Jill, you did make the LaCrosse Tribune picture slide show...sorry just on the internet, not in the paper. As far as getting the game, I am watching KSTC news 45 where they post that you can purchase the game. If that takes too long I will try to get a copy from someone who taped it. I am interested to see how many times that I Love Jason Freed sign is on. I was asked numerous times if I was sitting by that sign.

Anyways, off to a pretty routine week so hopefully Macin can hold it together without her dad here (life is much easier when she is okay with him being gone).

Have a great start to the week!

Em

Oh, Jill I just won Graphically Speaking on Ebay for 38 dollars :) I procrastinated on all of my work that should have been done today watching that auction.

Batteries!!!

Perhaps not everyone knows just how lucky I am to even have any pictures from the Metrodome. If not, please let me explain. With 22 minutes to go before the start of the game, I look at my camera flashing it's low battery light, ask everyone with a camera in our row if they have batteries, and then panic!! I have to have new batteries... maybe they sell them somewhere in the Metrodome. After Milo asked a concession worker, I learned I was SOL! So with time ticking away, I decide I have to leave the Metrodome in search of batteries. I get my wristband and ask the security man where the best/closest place for batteries would be. "Well, you're going to get in your car..." Yeah, I really didn't hear anything beyond that for two reasons. First, I didn't have the keys, and secondly even if I did have the keys there is no way I am going to lose my $10 "prime" parking spot to spend another $10 for a "not so great, your late for the game" parking spot. But then the security guy adds..."Or you could try the hospital, they are right across the street."

Great... the hospital it is!! I take off (on foot) to what he pointed out as the hospital across the street. Rush in and find the information desk. Yadda, yadda, yadda I need batteries, where's the gift shop. And let me just say that this women really only worked in one speed... that being SLOW! She says, "Well, you are in the brown building and the gift shop is in the blue building. So you'll need to go to the blue building and I am not even sure if the gift shop is open. Let me call them." So very SLOWLY she finds out that the gift shop is open and directs me to the blue building which is across the street. HELLO? All the buildings are brown once I get outside. I see no blue. So I head the brown building across the street. Find an information desk, with a nice young women who luckily moves much quicker then the first. Yadda yadda yadda, where's the gift shop. She says, "Oh you are in the red building (WHAT???) and you need to go to the blue it's across the street. I am not sure if they're open let me call them." No thanks I already know they are open and I also know that none of the buildings are BLUE!!!!! So I head out, cross the next street and at this point am running to the what I am hoping is the blue building. Huffing and puffing I make my way into the building and find blue carpet, blue walls, and even a nurse dressed in the blue scrubs. YES this has to be the blue building. And finally I score some batteries!





Four minutes left to 10:00 on my watch, I am four blocks from the Metrodome and RUNNING with six strands of beads bouncing up and down and thankfully NOT wearing football glasses. Can you imagine how I was look then? Sprinting to the Metrodome the security guy (which I had just talked to) now wants to check my camera bag! WHAT??? I just left here, yadda yadda yadda, remember I am the one that needed batteries?!?! Oh yeah that's right.

Find section 133 three heading towards the steps... oh crap! Told Kevin and Carter I would bring them something to drink. So I head to the concessions stand order my stuff and come to find out that there actually a speed slower then the hospital lady. And that would be the speed of the women helping me at the concessions stand. GIVE ME MY DRINKS AND TAKE THE MONEY!!! I wanted to shout. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh... tick tick tick... will I make it?


Yes, I did, with probably only a minute to spare. I slid right into that seat and happily made it for the Star Spangled Banner! PHEW!


So I really hope you enjoy the pictures! And just for the record, it was all worth it!! {:0)

whoo...hoooo!

check it out, Milo, Kennedy, and my signs

made the LaCrosse Tribune!

Yo, Yo lil bro, I LOVE Jason Freed

Good News OR Bad News

OK...good news or bad news? k...good news.

HOUSTON HURRICANES are STATE CHAMPS!

View Album

Get your own

OK.....want the bad news....poor maxi pad (AKA. our kitty)

got locked in Kennedy's closet for the 26 hours that we were gone! PEE....U

Good news, that smart kitty located a back pack and ONLY peed on it! Back pack tossed, febreeze sprayed, and problem solved!

Bad news, my husband is so addicted to the TV series 24 that after staying up til 3:30 AM on Thursday morning, sleeping until 8:00, then back at it until 1:00, we had to borrow a DVD player to take with us, so that I could drive, while he camped out in the back seat.

FYI...I NEVER drive when he is in the car. 'He can't stand it!'

Good news, I caught a 1/2 hour nap before resuming my driving duties on the way home. JUST the right pick me up!

Bad news, got home at 6:30, unloaded and unpacked and he just started season 2 at 7:45.

Good news, I get to play the rest of the night with my NEW scrapbook toys I loaded up on at Michaels after Thanksgiving DAY, Thursday NIGHT sale!

Bad news, only 2 days left of Thanksgiving break.

Good news, only a few more projects to check off the list, one being to Christmas decorate, with the first stop being my blog!

congrats again to the Houston Hurricanes!

Good News OR Bad News

OK...good news or bad news?

Good news.

HOUSTON HURRICANES are
STATE CHAMPS!

View Album

Get your own

OK.....want the bad news....poor maxi pad (AKA. our kitty)

got locked in Kennedy's closet for the 26 hours that we were gone! PEE....U

Good news, that smart kitty located a back pack and ONLY peed on it! Back pack tossed, febreeze sprayed, and problem solved!

Bad news, my husband is so addicted to the TV series 24 that after staying up til 3:30 AM on Thursday morning, sleeping until 8:00, then back at it until 1:00, we had to borrow a DVD player to take with us, so that I could drive, while he camped out in the back seat.

FYI...I NEVER drive when he is in the car.

'He can't stand it!'

Good news, I caught a 1/2 hour nap before resuming my driving duties on the way home. JUST the right pick me up!

Bad news, got home at 6:30, unloaded and unpacked and he just started season 2 at 7:45.

Good news, I get to play the rest of the night with my NEW scrapbook toys I loaded up on at Michaels after Thanksgiving DAY, NIGHT sale!

Bad news, only 2 days left of Thanksgiving break.

Good news, only a few more projects to check off the list, one being to Christmas decorate, with the first stop being my blog!

congrats again to the Houston Hurricanes!

Thank You

What an exciting day! I can't wait to leave for Minneapolis to watch MY brother's small town, Cinderella team play in the championship FB game tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM. Go Canes!

I am thankful today for so many things. Since we are leaving this morning, we had a 'mini' thanksgiving meal last night as a family, sharing around the table the things we were thankful for. The obvious ones were shared from family, to friends, our faith, home, food, water, our pets, and employment.

I believe the more that you simply sit and ponder on being thankful the MORE and MORE things you can add to that list. Here are just a few more that came to mind.

I am thankful for my creativeness that allows me to make costumes, scrapbook, blog, coordinate fun family dinners and activities.

I am thankful for RED nail polish AND for a paint job that had NO SMEARS or SMUDGES yesterday.

I am thankful for breaks. Giving our family a time to relax, rest, and make more family moments.

I am thankful for parents who instilled in me a good work ethic and taught me to cook and care for a home. My family was blessed last night with homemade cinnamon bread, drizzled with icing.

I am thankful for raising a teenager, which pushes me to truly look for and value those precious moments when we laugh and talk together.

I am thankful for a husband who builds awesome fires for us to snuggle up to and watch hours and hours of a TV series that he let me pick.

I am thankful for a daughter who shares my love of crafts and cooking, who is always eager to help in the kitchen or pulls up a chair just to watch me scrapbook.

I am thankful for laughter in our home. That we all feel comfortable around each other to act silly and be our true selves.

I am thankful pets that snuggle up one at my feet and one at my head as I fall asleep at night.

I am thankful for a brother that leads a team to a championship game, giving our family a reason to come together to celebrate and make a new memory.

I am thankful a sister who through life-long physical and mental struggles has taught me perseverance and authenticity.

I am thankful for nephews and nieces who look up to me with big blue eyes, pleading 'Aunt Jill, will you.....' causing my heart to cave into their every need.

I am thankful for this blog, which has open the doors of communication between family members. Allowing us to share the every day moments in life that we were missing because of the miles that separate us.

I am thankful for a sister, who is supportive and always has a laugh to share.

I am thankful for a sister who eagerly lends me her scrap booking supplies without hesitation and always lends an objective view to situations.

I am thankful for a life that has been blessed over and over again by my amazing Jesus, who is the reason for the list above and the countless other thankfuls that are not listed, who loves me unconditionally and is preparing some amazing gigs for me when this chapter of life is over. I hope He has a craft room set up with EVERY sticker, die cut, and colored paper imaginable. Rumor has it, there will be colors I have NEVER seen before! I can't wait!

So I wonder if I didn't' have to get up to shower and pack, if I could sit here all day writing thankfuls? I believe I could.

So what are you thankful today?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

GO CANES!

Thank You

What an exciting day! I can't wait to leave for Minneapolis to watch MY brother's small town, Cinderella team play in the championship FB game tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM. Go Canes!

I am thankful today for so many things. Since we are leaving this morning, we had a 'mini' thanksgiving meal last night as a family, sharing around the table the things we were thankful for. The obvious ones were shared from family, to friends, our faith, home, food, water, our pets, and employment.

I believe the more that you simply sit and ponder on being thankful the MORE and MORE things you can add to that list. Here are just a few more that came to mind.

I am thankful for my creativeness that allows me to make costumes, scrapbook, blog, coordinate fun family dinners and activities.

I am thankful for RED nail polish AND for a paint job that had NO SMEARS or SMUDGES yesterday.

I am thankful for breaks. Giving our family a time to relax, rest, and make more family moments.

I am thankful for parents who instilled in me a good work ethic and taught me to cook and care for a home. My family was blessed last night with homemade cinnamon bread, drizzled with icing.

I am thankful for raising a teenager, which pushes me to truly look for and value those precious moments when we laugh and talk together.

I am thankful for a husband who builds awesome fires for us to snuggle up to and watch hours and hours of a TV series that he let me pick.

I am thankful for a daughter who shares my love of crafts and cooking, who is always eager to help in the kitchen or pulls up a chair just to watch me scrapbook.

I am thankful for laughter in our home. That we all feel comfortable around each other to act silly and be our true selves.

I am thankful pets that snuggle up one at my feet and one at my head as I fall asleep at night.

I am thankful for a brother that leads a team to a championship game, giving our family a reason to come together to celebrate and make a new memory.

I am thankful a sister who through life-long physical and mental struggles has taught me perseverance and authenticity.

I am thankful for nephews and nieces who look up to me with big blue eyes, pleading 'Aunt Jill, will you.....' causing my heart to cave into their every need.

I am thankful for this blog, which has open the doors of communication between family members. Allowing us to share the every day moments in life that we were missing because of the miles that separate us.

I am thankful for a sister, who is supportive and always has a laugh to share.

I am thankful for a sister who eagerly lends me her scrap booking supplies without hesitation and always lends an objective view to situations.

I am thankful for a life that has been blessed over and over again by my amazing Jesus, who loves me unconditionally and is preparing some amazing gigs for me when this chapter of life is over. I hope He has a craft room set up with EVERY sticker, die cut, and colored paper imaginable. Rumor has it, there will be colors I have NEVER seen before! I can't wait!

So I wonder if I didn't' have to get up to shower and pack, if I could sit here all day writing thankfuls? I believe I could.

So what are you thankful today?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

GO CANES!

METRO MEOW

PURRRR

PURRRR

PURRFECT STORM

GO CANES!!







Hey Riley--were did you get those neat glasses?

Smokie and Bandit

Countdown from DRSD

Hey hey hey!!! We're counting it down here in South Dakota! Looking forward to seeing everyone... couldn't Milo get Riley into the Metrodome as a service dog? Tell them that she is one of those dogs that can detect when her master is going to seizure. Now I got you thinkin' don't I!??

Hey Jill, nice nun!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone! Are the Wynjas the only ones eating turkey this year on Thanksgiving? Want us to smuggle any up to the Cities? Let us know by noon tomorrow! {:0)

Gobble, gobble!
Julie

The Perfect Storm

The Perfect Storm

Definition: The simultaneous occurence of events which, taken individually would be far less powerful than the storm resulting of their combination. Such occurrences are many times rare by their very nature, so that even a slight change in any one of the contributing factors to the storm would lessen its overall impact.

Jason- The Hurricanes are the very definition of the Perfect Storm this year! You have had all of the components of the storm growing and intensifying all season. And now the real storm is coming!

We are all so proud of you and your team! Which by the way definitely includes those three beautiful ladies you have at home (your number one supporters). You know they say behind every good man is a women, your lucky enough to have three!

GO CANES!!!

The NUN

Happy NUN

Angry NUN

Praying NUN

I LOVE MY NUN!

The NUN

Happy NUN

Angry NUN

Praying NUN

I LOVE MY NUN!

READY TO ROCK

CHEERS FROM SANBORN!!

P.S. There is no way I can outdoRiley's support,but we are ready!

Drive Safe Mom

Yet Another Fan!

Go Houston! whrrrrrr..

Sorry I can't be there! I will be howling from Cedar Rapids

Riley

2+2=4

I will have to say, I was a bit disappointed in the abandonment of my husband last night in favor of on-line Texas hold-em verses spending the evening listening to the hum of my sewing machine, watching Biggest Loser, before returning to our 24 marathon.

Yes, you heard right, the sewing machine is hard at it once again and I will be able to add yet another Simplicity pattern to my resume. 7th graders are studying the Renaissance and parts were selected prior to Thanksgiving break. My daughter was selected to be a 'nun'.

What that has to do with the history of the Renaissance, I will defer to the history buffs in the family for that? She is also bringing to school 4 mouse traps and Milo's frosted beer mug. May be I need to be asking more questions?

Good news according to Kennedy is she wasn't selected to be a peasant, hence pull a piece of fabric from the bins at school, tie it on your body and call it good. Good news according to mom, is that she was not selected to be royalty, hence a 'royal' dress. Middle of the road, may be we can incorporate it later in life, a NUN.

So in the throws of 'MOM, what am I going to wear!', we landed in the sewing department at Walmart (your one stop shop) for 5 yards of black flannel and a yard of white for a total purchase including the pattern of $25. Minus 'mom time' in preparation, I really don't think a black sheet of sort and 'what in the world would I do for the hat part?' we are coming out ahead.

So the whole goal of last night was to NOT GO TO BED, until it was complete! Hence my reality TV kick off from 7 - 9, then right into at least one season of 24. Milo and I agreed that if one watched without the other present, that would be considered 'cheating on their spouse'.

Unfortunately when the clock struck 11 and it came time to start on the 'hat', my energy faded and I succumb to the warmth and comfort of my down comforter, cuddly PJs, and a instant 'high' from my sleep machine.

So the NUN today takes priority over scrap booking. bummer...I have been chopping at the bit to use all those 'loaned' cartridges! What mothers sacrifice for their children! Don't forget I still have the Invention Convention 'Cord Detangler' project on my to dos, as the display board in staring me in the face! Thank goodness for Total Cereal price comparison 4H projects to back me up!

2+2=4 indicates the number of 'bad' teeth in Kennedy's mouth. 2 cavities and 2 extractions.

1+1=2 indicates the number of Christmas presents checked off the list yesterday.

0+0=0 is the number of Christmas decorations that are currently adorning my home

AND I have decided instead of Christmas cards this year, I am doing Valentine cards! Less stress and perhaps a bit of sunshine in the middle of winter.

I will save the big sis verses lil sis conversation at the check out counter in the dental office for another day. Lets just say, lil sis was scoring big on bragging rights making sure the entire office heard regarding her big sis's 'bad mouth'

OK..enough....off to sew a nun hat.

The END.

2+2=4

My vote today is that you all move to Cedar Rapids and join the Linn Mar district, as we score on breaks through out the school year. I won't prolong the agony of listing the monthly 4 days weekends and week long holiday breaks, but geeze they work you to the bone in SD and MN.

Girls, and boys, Iowa is the place to be! However, when you are all enjoying the fun and sun of summer 4 weeks before us, then you most certainly will have bragging rights.

I will have to say, I was a bit disappointed in the abandonment of my husband last night in favor of on-line Texas hold-em verses spending the evening listening to the hum of my sewing machine, watching Biggest Loser, before returning to our 24 marathon.

I COMPLETELY agree, I strongly dislike Vicki or at least the way she is being portrayed! Remember you may say the same when I have my 'reality TV' debut!

Yes, you heard right, the sewing machine is hard at it once again and I will be able to add yet another Simplicity pattern to my resume. 7th graders are studying the Renaissance and parts were selected prior to Thanksgiving break. My daughter was selected to be a 'nun'.

What that has to do with the history of the Renaissance, I will defer to the history buffs in the family for that? She is also bringing to school 4 mouse traps and Milo's frosted beer mug. May be I need to be asking more questions?

Good news according to Kennedy is she wasn't selected to be a peasant, hence pull a piece of fabric from the bins at school, tie it on your body and call it good. Good news according to mom, is that she was not selected to be royalty, hence a 'royal' dress. Middle of the road, may be we can incorporate it later in life, a NUN.

So in the throws of 'MOM, what am I going to wear!', we landed in the sewing department at Walmart (your one stop shop) for 5 yards of black flannel and a yard of white for a total purchase including the pattern of $25. Minus 'mom time' in preparation, I really don't think a black sheet of sort and 'what in the world would I do for the hat part?' we are coming out ahead.

The hope is this weekend, we will get to see an Aunt Julie reenactment of 101 ways to use a wash cloth and perhaps she can give her a few 'how to be a NUN pointers'.

So the whole goal of last night was to NOT GO TO BED, until it was complete! Hence my reality TV kick off from 7 - 9, then right into at least one season of 24. Milo and I agreed that if one watched without the other present, that would be considered 'cheating on their spouse'.

Unfortunately when the clock struck 11 and it came time to start on the 'hat', my energy faded and I succumb to the warmth and comfort of my down comforter, cuddly PJs, and a instant 'high' from my sleep machine.

So the NUN today takes priority over scrap booking. bummer...I have been chopping at the bit to use all those 'loaned' cartridges! What mothers sacrifice for their children! Don't forget I still have the Invention Convention 'Cord Detangler' project on my to dos, as the display board in staring me in the face! Thank goodness for Total Cereal price comparison 4H projects to back me up!

2+2=4 indicates the number of 'bad' teeth in Kennedy's mouth. 2 cavities and 2 extractions.

1+1=2 indicates the number of Christmas presents checked off the list yesterday.

0+0=0 is the number of Christmas decorations that are currently adorning my home

AND I have decided instead of Christmas cards this year, I am doing Valentine cards! Less stress and perhaps a bit of sunshine in the middle of winter.

I will save the big sis verses lil sis conversation at the check out counter in the dental office for another day. Lets just say, lil sis was scoring big on bragging rights making sure the entire office heard regarding her big sis's 'bad mouth'

Come on Carter, lets go CRAZY and do 1/2 red and 1/2 white!
You bring the paint and I will bring the crazy gene!

Here is hoping that I see the whites (eyes that is) of my UPS man today dropping off my FB cheer packs! You know with not working this week, I decided to score some dough and I ordered 200 tattoos to sell at Friday's FB game. With a 85 cent mark up, that is a $195 in my pocket! SWEET!

Unbundle your undies, Kevin...I am just kidding!

Interesting....I started with a nun and finished with men's underwear. I do believe this blog entry has come FULL circle!

And sorry, Kevin this is NOT a glimpse at your partner at Christmas time. You better stay away from the nachos on Friday.

hmmm.. picture of a man in underwear, partner, Kevin...ok I will make sure I do some editing before posting this one to the 'other' blog that the whole world wide web reads....Don't want any BIG greasy, machine fixin employees beating you up at work come January.

OK..enough....off to sew a nun hat.

The END.

Why oh why do we have school tomorrow?

I keep asking myself that question, and really wishing we had tomorrow off. Oh well, at least it is an 2:30 dismissal. Woohoo a whole hour and 15 minutes early!

Had busy evenings this week (although they do not sound nearly as busy as you are having Em and Jason). Carter had his Space Derby tonight, so we (Kevin and Carter) have been building rockets. And I have been told that "The Flash Flyer" was the fastest rocket there! On top of that, Carter is on the Thanksgiving Party committee, so that means turkey cookies for school tomorrow. And if we're going to send them for Carter, probably should send some to daycare too. Honestly they weren't too tough, and turned out really cute. However, Carter was giving me grief this morning because I wasn't making my sugar cookies from scratch and had opted to buy the dough. "Mom the whole fun of cookies is making the dough!" After a brief explanation of why it's just easier for mom, he still wasn't buying it!

Just finished watching the Biggest Loser, that's my one must watch show of the week. I can't even believe that the black team did so great AND then Amy got voted off. I really like her and I really DON'T like Vicki. She is such a bully, and I really don't like bullies!!

Jason you are NEVER going to believe what I watched on Sunday night. Rocky IV...thought of the Hurricanes practicing in the Minnesota tundra!! Did you all see that there was a Rocky marathon on AMC on Sunday? Rocky is such a blast from the past! Jill/Milo remember when Kevin and I came over the Houston and we were supposed to leave on Sunday, but we just kept staying because we were watching a Rocky marathon. Anyways it was on past my bedtime, but as Kevin rolled over to go to sleep I told him I was staying up to watch Rocky workout in Russia (that's my FAVORITE part). So I was a little tired Monday morning, but it was SO worth it! I am such a weirdo I know!

As Em pointed out...we're counting down the hours. We too, have our poster made, not to fancy, but from the heart! I have asked Carter if he wants to paint his face half red and half white. His response... come on are their any guesses out there?!? What do you think Carter would say? Hmmmm....? I'll give you another second. Carter's response "Mom I am not too sure about that." What a dare devil huh? Not like his Aunt Jill who is claiming she may paint half of her body red and the other half white! Yikes! For heaven's sake Jason, just tell her she's your favorite (I know the truth) and spare the poor women from body painting! {:0)

Just for the record, I have hardly started my Christmas shopping, BUT my house is completely Christmasized and my Christmas cards are ordered. Christmas shopping is on the after Thanksgiving to-do list!

Counting the hours...
Julie

p.s. the cookies weren't turkey flavored... just in case you were wondering! HA!

The Countdown Is On...

46 hours until departure from Houston to the Twin Cities to check into the hotel
65 hours until the Houston Hurricanes play for their first ever state title

Whew, talk about a busy phone line in our house. (Macin is asking for a bedtime snack already [it is only 5 pm]). Last night Jason walked in the door at 8:21 from parent teacher conferences (yes even if you win football games you still have to have those wonderful evenings). From 8:30 until after 9:30 he talked with four media from newspapers and television. Macin is learning to answer the phone so she throws them all off when they call. "Hello Freed's", "Is your dad there", "No" long silence, then I am guessing they ask to talk with her mom.

And for the last week, my form of communication with Jason (my school email) has not allowed him to email me back...wait, don't I teach online, shouldn't I have incredible technology...must be wishful thinking. So tonight hopefully he really does get home at 6:15 so we can have a conversation. Oh, craziness.

Anyways, I accomplished the goal of getting ahold of a shirt for Jenny, but sorry Kevin no success with a hat (unless you have a head that cannot hold a brain, that is what the baseball coach said when he checked the hat sizes he had left) and the ones the booster club sells are "very, very ugly" according to Jason so I decided against that. Could get a grey stocking hat if you want the grunge look wearing a stocking cap in doors.

So, I look forward to seeing you all this weekend. Do you have the red and white window paint? We just got ours...signs are in process as well. Macin has made signs for the boys too (until she cut her finger with the scissors last night...she was even holding them the correct way).

See you all in 50 some hours.

Em

P.S. I am going to try to capture Hayden watching Dancing with the Stars tonight. She is quite entertaining and Macin says she gets a "10"

We Are Addicted!

In our wake last night of wondering what to do after supper, the girls planned sleep overs with friends, so Milo and I were left looking at each other. O! FYI...please add to my Thanksgiving list of things to do...'make a nun costume'. More details to follow.

So our choices were go to the video store and comb through the racks of movies, none of which looked to appealing the last time we went, go digging through our archive of old movies and drum up a blast from the past, or my suggestion was to rent a TV series (something we have never done). So we landed on getting the first season of 24.

AND WE ARE ADDICTED!

Milo made a great fire. I had to watch Dancing With The Stars first (I am voting for Warren LOVED his free style last night!). So at 9:00 our TV series began. At midnight we were both, 'Can we make it one more?' and away we went. So needless to say we were both a bit slow moving this morning. However you can bet after 'Biggest Loser' tonight we will be right back at it and may be sneak a few episodes in this afternoon!

Dentist today...YUCK!

My mantra EVERY DAY this week is.....WHO ARE YOU BUYING A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR TODAY? We knocked off 3 yesterday, how many more will we cross off our list today?

We are Addicted

ok. In our wake last night of wondering what to do after supper, the girls planned sleep overs with friends, so Milo and I were left looking at each other. O! FYI...please add to my Thanksgiving list of things to do...'make a nun costume'. More details to follow.

So our choices were go to the video store and comb through the racks of movies, none of which looked to appealing the last time we went, go digging through our archive of old movies and drum up a blast from the past, or my suggestion was to rent a TV series (something we have never done). So we landed on getting the first season of 24.

AND WE ARE ADDICTED!

Milo made a great fire. I had to watch Dancing With The Stars first (I am voting for Warren LOVED his free style last night!). So at 9:00 our TV series began. At midnight we were both, 'Can we make it one more?' and away we went. So needless to say we were both a bit slow moving this morning. However you can bet after 'Biggest Loser' tonight we will be right back at it and may be sneak a few episodes in this afternoon!

Dentist today...YUCK!

My mantra EVERY DAY this week is.....WHO ARE YOU BUYING A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR TODAY? We knocked off 3 yesterday, how many more will we cross off our list today?

prayers please.

I just found out that the gal, who contacted me for my last Reveal Day and Party was diagnosed last Monday with breast cancer. She has 4 children under the age of 10, 3 boys and her youngest a 3 month old little girl. She was diagnosed last Monday and in surgery on Tuesday for a double mastectomy. Nothing was found in her lymph nodes, however because of the aggressiveness of the cancer she will undergo chemo for the next year. Her name is Kristen. She is a recovery room nurse who works 2 days a week at Mercy hospital, volunteers at school, is a devoted wife, mother, and friend. I had the privilege of having her tag along all day with Sara and myself on Sara's Reveal Day. What a neat woman. She is the one pictured on the left. Please say a prayer tonight for her and her family.

We just never know where it will strike next.

Passing Gas Where President Bush Did TOO?

Passing Gas?

If we don't have a 'Milo Home Cooked' Breakfast after church on Sundays, then we usually hit a local family diner. Yesterday we tried a NEW spot in Cedar Rapids, The Spring House. Guess what?

President Bush ate there on March 5th, 2005! So I had to have the girls get their picture taken. We even joked that may be he 'passed some gas' in that booth and perhaps they should do the same.

They were kidding me about my 'daily' blogging so they HAD to pose for a pic, so I could 'blog' it. Despite Kennedy's objection, I believe she enjoyed it as we had a GREAT breakfast, laughing and joking.

Kennedy went to see TWILIGHT 2X this weekend. 'Apparently, IT IS SOOOOO GOOD' She insists that I read the book, so that is my Thursday/Friday road trip read, before I see the movie.

Got my Houston signs made yesterday! YEAH! They rock!

Met up with a girlfriend this morning to help her with some home office organization.

Looks like we are heading out to grab lunch and run some errands this afternoon. Hope to get some scrap booking in later and a kick boxing workout!

Gotta run, Milo says, his flesh is starting to feed on itself, he is sooo hungry!

Jill

I passed gas, where President Bush passed gas!

Passing Gas?

If we don't have a 'Milo Home Cooked' Breakfast after church on Sundays, then we usually hit a local family diner. Yesterday we tried a NEW spot in Cedar Rapids, The Spring House. Guess what?

President Bush ate there on March 5th, 2005! So I had to have the girls get their picture taken. We even joked that may be he 'passed some gas' in that booth and perhaps they should do the same.

They were kidding me about my 'daily' blogging so they HAD to pose for a pic, so I could 'blog' it. Despite Kennedy's objection, I believe she enjoyed it as we had a GREAT breakfast, laughing and joking.

Kennedy went to see TWILIGHT 2X this weekend. 'Apparently, IT IS SOOOOO GOOD' She insists that I read the book, so that is my Thursday/Friday road trip read, before I see the movie.

Got my Houston signs made yesterday! YEAH! They rock!

Met up with a girlfriend this morning to help her with some home office organization.

Looks like we are heading out to grab lunch and run some errands this afternoon. Hope to get some scrap booking in later and a kick boxing workout!

Partner...I am KICKING things up a notch for these last 4 weeks. Competition...BEWARE!

Thanks for the quick, Cricuit coaching on the phone this morning, Em.

Happy Monday!

Gotta run, Milo says, his flesh is starting to feed on itself, he is sooo hungry!

Jill

Thank you to all

Thanks to everyone for the kind words on my Birthday. My day went like this
Saturday evening
Went out with a bunch of friends to Buffalo Wild Wings. I love that place, it is becoming addicting I think. I have now tried every sauce except for the top two..I have heard the Blazing tastes like gasoline. One of my assistants did the Blazing Challenge for my Birthday present. I am going to have to work a little harder this week to work off the wings and ribs I ate.

Got up and went to church
Macin sang up front and announced to the congregation it was my Birthday.
Went home and Emilee made one of my favorite meals (Chili, corn bread, fritos, etc.)
Hung around home most of the day and watched the NFL, took a short nap with Hayden, and then took Macin down to school with me to get some work done
Had left overs for supper
Did the dishes
Worked on grad work
Went to bed

Relaxing day, knowing this is going to be a busy and "FOCUSED" week. Thanks again for the kind works, it made my day. Can't wait for Friday, it is going to be fun, I don't think playing in the State Championship has sunk it quite yet, and it may not until after the game or during the national anthem to start the game. Either way it is cool. A neat article on the Star Tribune today about the team and our plan for success. You may want to go on there and read it. Just go to the Star Tribune, click on Prep Sports, and it should be right there.

Otherwise off to get some work done, get the DC Trip all nailed down, and get ready for C-G-B.

Love you all
Jason

FOOTBALL 101

Still shots from a 1903 Princeton versus Yale game filmed by Thomas Edison

Lesson #3 History of Football

The sport of football was started derived from the English game of Rugby. It was started in 1879 with rules instituted by Walter Camp, player and coach at Yale University. Walter Camp was born Apri l17,1859 in New Haven, Connecticut. He attended Yale from 1876 - 1882 where he studied medicine and business. Camp was an author, athletic director, chairman of the board of New Haven Clock Company and director of the Peck Brothers Company. He was general athletic director and head advisor and coach at Yale University from 1888 to 1914 and chairman of the Yale football comittee. Camp changed the rules of the game away from rugby and soccer rules into football rules.

Rules changes:
one side retained undisputed posession of the ball, until that side gives up the ball as result of its own error.

the line of scrimmage

11 on a team instead of 15

created the quarterback and center positions

forward pass

standardized the scoring system, numerical scoring

created he safety, interference, penalties and the neutral zone

tackling as low as the knee was permitted--1888

a touchdown increased the value to six points and field goals went down to three 1912

The only precursor to Walter Camp's influence was William Ellis, a student at Rugby in England when during a game he picked up the ball during a soccer game and ran with it thereby breaking and changing the rules.

Football pads and uniforms have changed dramatically over the years. According to Phyllis Diller the reason women have not been allowed to play football is because no woman would wear the same outfit as 11 others in public.

The tactical difference between Association Football and Rugby with is varieties seems to be that in the former the ball is the missile and in the latter men are the missiles. Alfred Crawley 1913

FOOTBALL 101

LESSON #2 --THE SHOTGUN This call is when the quarterback rather than standing directly behind the Center stands 5 to 7 feet back from the Center and the ball is hiked to the quarterback. The quarterback can better see the playing field and which receiver would be in the best position to receive the ball. Jason said their signal for this is his hand resembles that he is shooting a gun.

However when listening to the the men talk and you hear this terminology don't be confused. They may be referring to -------------



A shotgun play in Poker or
They may be referring to a recent hunting experience or

a method of opening a beer can.

Winners are announced!

Congratulations to the winners of the

'WHO KNOWS MILO/JASON BETTER' contest.

The winners are.............................. (that is my drum roll)

Julie Wynja

Kennedy Japenga

Grandma

These lucky ladies will be receiving a football cheer pack,

complete with the following tattoos, sunglasses, and

beads (shirts are required, grandma)

Kevin, you just missed the top three, by 1.

Sorry dude.

Better luck next time. I know you were really wanting those sunglasses.

who knows may be there will be a 'who knows your wife' better contest next month?

Are you ready to rumble birthday boy!

Happy birthday Jason! I can hardly believe that you are already 28!! Weren't we just Royal Rumbling in our living room last week?! You do know that our WWF days have to be in the top ten of my fondest childhood memories of us together. Maybe we should consider a reunion tour performance over Christmas. You game??? Perhaps after the big game on Friday you should start thinking of your new wrestling personality and I will do the same! Game on little brother!

I really do treasure all of the great memories that we have had together. Oh... in case I haven't said it already....sorry about that one time I almost blinded you will that stick. Remember that? One more millimeter and you'd be One-Eyed Coach Freed. I can only hope that my kids have the same kind of relationship that we have. Minus the whole "splitting your eyelid open with the stick" thing!

I hope that you have the very best birthday week ever! You know how much I love you... okay okay I'll say it again. I love you soooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!

Have a wonderful birthday Jason!

I love you!
Julie

Happy Birthday Lil Bro

Well, Happy Birthday lil, bro! Wishing you a day filled with lots of love, a cherished vocal performance by Macin, hugs, kisses, and a Houston win on Friday.

I love your quiet, but strong nature, your humbleness, and your great hugs. You are a great dad, whose love for his daughters shines through everything you do. A father to a daughter is a VERY important role. I know that you will continue to make them feel like a princess every day. That you will continually tell them they are beautiful and that they will always know just how special and loved they are. It is through a fathers love for his daughter that her self-esteem and confidence starts, grows, and stays with her through life.

This is such a challenging time of your life, raising young children, pursuing your masters degree, coaching, teaching, and being a husband. Always remember that THE most important THINGS in life are not things, but are your relationships. When it all comes down to it, it will be those you love that you will treasure most at the end of the road. Continue to work hard, enjoy all of the little moments in life, and remember it is a good thing to play hooky every once in awhile.

I appreciate how you have instilled the values of leadership, honesty, and integrity in those young men that you mentor daily. No matter what the score board reflects next Friday it is THOSE characteristics that will carry those young men into the future, as they reflect on an experience of a lifetime that YOU have led them through.

When you walk into the Metrodome on Friday, stop for a moment and take a long deep breath. Breathe in that moment, for that moment in time you will never get back again. Take a visual picture, remember the smell, the sights, and the sounds. Look up to your right and then to your left, where you will see signs waving, fans cheering, and people proud to wear Houston red. For in that MOMENT, YOU are making history. History that started years, months, and weeks ago in the daily planning and practice.

It is that moment in time that many try to achieve but only few actually do. Many fall short of the finish line, because they gave up when it got hard. Little did they know that only a few more steps and they would have found victory.

One of my favorite quotes is... 'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, talented, and successful? Actually, who are you not to be? We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

You are letting your light shine and through that light, you are giving others hope to shine too.

Happy Birthday!
yo, yo, lil, bro....I love Jason Freed

And here is a bit more about the birthday boy, himself!

1. Favorite color? Red or Blue – Depends on the day or if I am in Decorah or Houston.

2. Favorite food? Right now I would have to say Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Wings

3. When you are alone at home, do you wear shoes, socks, slippers, or go barefoot? Barefoot

4. How many days could you last in solitary confinement? How would you do it? - As many as I would need to. I am a quiet place person who likes alone time, so I would be alright for quite awhile I think.

5. When you travel, so you pack too much or too little? Usually pack too much.

6. In what situations are you most likely to procrastinate? No, I do not procrastinate, I am to anal to let that happen! Just ask Emilee and my close friends.

7. What is your idea of 'cute'? I don’t’ like the word! If I have to answer, when my two daughters are all dressed up in their dresses or doing something funny when no one is looking.

8. What are you 3 favorite TV shows? Deadliest Catch, Sports Center, Survivor

9. What are the top three qualities that first draw you to someone new? Personality, Honesty, and Fun

10. How has your birth order affected you? It works out great for me. I am the baby of the family so that is always good, and I am the only brother, so I am really the Big Brother of the family to all of my loving sisters.

11. What is the most adventurous or daring thing you have ever done? Canoed in the Boundary Waters in late May when the ice just went off the lakes a week before we got there.

12. If you could visit with any person in history, who would it be and why? Robert E. Lee, because I love the Civil War and the man was an exceptional leader.

13. If you were going to a costume party next week, what costume would you wear? Civil War Soldier

14. What is one thing you know for sure? The Hurricanes are going to be ready to roll for Prep Bowl 27.

15. What character trait are you currently trying to improve or change? Trying not to be so anal, but that is the “Deano” in me. :)

16. What do you do to get 'centered'? Too be honest, I feel like I am pretty centered all of the time. I asked one of the coaches on my staff to tell me one word that describes me, and they said FOCUSED!

17. What color describes your life right now and why? Red – Hurricanes Pride

18. What brings a tear to your eye? Seeing my wife tear up after the Verndale game, knowing that she knows how hard I have worked to get to this point in my coaching career.

19. What is your favorite picnic memory? Not sure, can’t remember the last time I had a real picnic.

20. Who is your favorite sister? They are all awesome...I guess who ever gives me the best Birthday or Xmas present. Just kidding...or maybe whomever comes with the most Hurricane Pride and garb for the Championship game. They are all awesome.

Happy Birthday Lil Bro

Well, Happy Birthday lil, bro! Wishing you a day filled with lots of love, a cherished vocal performance by Macin, hugs, kisses, and a Houston win on Friday.

I love your quiet, but strong nature, your humbleness, and your great hugs. You are a great dad, whose love for his daughters shines through everything you do. A father to a daughter is a VERY important role. I know that you will continue to make them feel like a princess every day. That you will continually tell them they are beautiful and that they will always know just how special and loved they are. It is through a fathers love for his daughter that her self-esteem and confidence starts, grows, and stays with her through life.

This is such a challenging time of your life, raising young children, pursuing your masters degree, coaching, teaching, and being a husband. Always remember that THE most important THINGS in life are not things, but are your relationships. When it all comes down to it, it will be those you love that you will treasure most at the end of the road. Continue to work hard, enjoy all of the little moments in life, and remember it is a good thing to play hooky every once in awhile.

I appreciate how you have instilled the values of leadership, honesty, and integrity in those young men that you mentor daily. No matter what the score board reflects next Friday it is THOSE characteristics that will carry those young men into the future, as they reflect on an experience of a lifetime that YOU have led them through.

When you walk into the Metrodome on Friday, stop for a moment and take a long deep breath. Breathe in that moment, for that moment in time you will never get back again. Take a visual picture, remember the smell, the sights, and the sounds. Look up to your right and then to your left, where you will see signs waving, fans cheering, and people proud to wear Houston red. For in that MOMENT, YOU are making history. History that started years, months, and weeks ago in the daily planning and practice.

It is that moment in time that many try to achieve but only few actually do. Many fall short of the finish line, because they gave up when it got hard. Little did they know that only a few more steps and they would have found victory.

One of my favorite quotes is... 'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, talented, and successful? Actually, who are you not to be? We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

You are letting your light shine and through that light, you are giving others hope to shine too.

Happy Birthday!
yo, yo, lil, bro....I love Jason Freed

And here is a bit more about the birthday boy, himself!

1. Favorite color? Red or Blue – Depends on the day or if I am in Decorah or Houston.

2. Favorite food? Right now I would have to say Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Wings

3. When you are alone at home, do you wear shoes, socks, slippers, or go barefoot? Barefoot

4. How many days could you last in solitary confinement? How would you do it? - As many as I would need to. I am a quiet place person who likes alone time, so I would be alright for quite awhile I think.

5. When you travel, so you pack too much or too little? Usually pack too much.

6. In what situations are you most likely to procrastinate? No, I do not procrastinate, I am to anal to let that happen! Just ask Emilee and my close friends.

7. What is your idea of 'cute'? I don’t’ like the word! If I have to answer, when my two daughters are all dressed up in their dresses or doing something funny when no one is looking.

8. What are you 3 favorite TV shows? Deadliest Catch, Sports Center, Survivor

9. What are the top three qualities that first draw you to someone new? Personality, Honesty, and Fun

10. How has your birth order affected you? It works out great for me. I am the baby of the family so that is always good, and I am the only brother, so I am really the Big Brother of the family to all of my loving sisters.

11. What is the most adventurous or daring thing you have ever done? Canoed in the Boundary Waters in late May when the ice just went off the lakes a week before we got there.

12. If you could visit with any person in history, who would it be and why? Robert E. Lee, because I love the Civil War and the man was an exceptional leader.

13. If you were going to a costume party next week, what costume would you wear? Civil War Soldier

14. What is one thing you know for sure? The Hurricanes are going to be ready to roll for Prep Bowl 27.

15. What character trait are you currently trying to improve or change? Trying not to be so anal, but that is the “Deano” in me. :)

16. What do you do to get 'centered'? Too be honest, I feel like I am pretty centered all of the time. I asked one of the coaches on my staff to tell me one word that describes me, and they said FOCUSED!

17. What color describes your life right now and why? Red – Hurricanes Pride

18. What brings a tear to your eye? Seeing my wife tear up after the Verndale game, knowing that she knows how hard I have worked to get to this point in my coaching career.

19. What is your favorite picnic memory? Not sure, can’t remember the last time I had a real picnic.

20. Who is your favorite sister? They are all awesome...I guess who ever gives me the best Birthday or Xmas present. Just kidding...or maybe whomever comes with the most Hurricane Pride and garb for the Championship game. They are all awesome.

SO IF I PAINT 1/2 MY BODY RED AND THE OTHER 1/2 WHITE AND NOT WEAR A SHIRT, WILL THAT GET ME THE #1 SPOT?

FOOTBALL 101

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN---

Okay ladies---thought we should have a few football tidbits. This is a free information class offering football tidbits and knowledge to keep us well informed on football. We want to put our best foot forward out next Friday.

LESSON 1: X's and O's are NOT just hugs and kisses. They represent players as coaches and teams learn and practice plays.

P.S. Jason, do you think this play may work adjusting it to 9 man?

whooo...Thanksgiving BREAK!

whooo! Thanksgiving BREAK! It is official for most of the fam! I will be on official break this afternoon after wrapping up my skin care class around 4:00!

Milo is off next week. The girls are off of school. Jill is NOT working!

The TOP 20 THINGS TO DO OVER THANKSGIVING BREAK!

1. Take in the NEW Twlight Movie

2. Daily Workouts and Healthy Eating!

3. Help a friend on Monday with an organizational project.

4. Dentist appointments

5. Haircuts

6. Invention Convention project for Madison

7. Scrapbook

8. Christmas Shopping

9. Christmas Decorating

10. Sleep overs

11. Sleeping In

12. Poker Tournament tonight for Mr. Milo in Iowa City (continued birthday celebration)

13. ROAD TRIP TO THE CITIES!

14. Watch Houston DOMINATE in the Championship GAME!

15. Play Guitar Hero World Tour and ROCK THE HOUSE!

16. No homework!

17. RELAX and ENJOY the break with no SCHEDULES to adhere to!

18. Riley to the beauty shop for the ROYAL treament!

19. play with friends, play with friends, play with friends

20. Watch movies while enjoying a snap, crackle, pop fire, snuggled under blankets!

I CAN'T WAIT!

whooo...Thanksgiving BREAK!

whooo! Thanksgiving BREAK! It is official for most of the fam! I will be on official break this afternoon after wrapping up my skin care class around 4:00!

Milo is off next week. The girls are off of school.
NO PHONE CALLS for Jill!

The TOP 20 THINGS TO DO OVER THANKSGIVING BREAK!

1. Take in the NEW Twlight Movie

2. Daily Workouts and Healthy Eating!

3. Help a friend on Monday with an organizational project.

4. Dentist appointments

5. Haircuts

6. Invention Convention project for Madison

7. Scrapbook

8. Christmas Shopping

9. Christmas Decorating

10. Sleep overs

11. Sleeping In

12. Poker Tournament tonight for Mr. Milo in Iowa City (continued birthday celebration)

13. ROAD TRIP TO THE CITIES!

14. Watch Houston DOMINATE in the Championship GAME!

15. Play Guitar Hero World Tour and ROCK THE HOUSE!

16. No homework!

17. RELAX and ENJOY the break with no SCHEDULES to adhere to!

18. Riley to the beauty shop for the ROYAL treament!

19. play with friends, play with friends, play with friends

20. Watch movies while enjoying a snap, crackle, pop fire, snuggled under blankets!

I CAN'T WAIT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, JASON

Hope you have a great birthday. Don't eat too many wings----but enjoy every minute of the day. It is just great that Macin will be singing for you in church!

Whether past or present you have given us many wonderful times to enjoy and cherish.

Love you more Mom and Dad

THANK YOU FOR EVERY SPECIAL MOMENT!