The Rosenau Review

Looking Back...

2012-01-03T20:26:00.008-06:00

This year I actually remembered to post this blog address to our Christmas Cards (New Year's cards actually...) so "Welcome" to those of you who have never visited before. We hope that you enjoy looking back through old entries over the past years and enjoy the entries yet to come.

As you will see I am not the most consistent with entries...it depends on how busy we are with day to day life. Feel free to check back occasionally or take a few easy steps to become a follower of the blog and get an email when there is a new post if you are interested in keeping up with our comings and goings.

Despite good intentions it was difficult to find the time to post to the blog while actually going to the places and doing the activities we would eventually be posting about over the last few months!...So what you will see over the next few weeks is a sort of retrospective of our late summer and fall 2011 along with some of the recent winter weeks...And yes, it is winter even though there is no snow and I for one will admit that I am grateful for that!

I will start with a look at late summer and our annual trip to the Renaissance Festival. Each year we continue a family tradition that I grew up with and head out to Shakopee, MN for the Festival to take part in the fun. We get into the spirit of things with our own costumes like so many other visitors do. It makes the experience so much fun and we are never hard pressed for Halloween costumes if we need them on short notice!

Collin again took Daddy on in his favorite activity at the Festival...Sword Fighting. If you have read our earlier blogs you can see that he truly loves this activity and Daddy has been willing each year to "fight" Collin. (Click this link to see his first sword fighting experience.) Each year Collin is victorious, which he loves as well. At the rate Collin is growing these days, I imagine it won't be too long before Daddy puts up a real fight and Collin still wins.

This year Collin also wanted to try something more daring and was all smiles getting secured into the harness for the giant trampoline. Between the energy from his own jumping, the bounce of the trampoline and the bungee cords securing him he was flying like the superheroes he loves! As scared of heights as I am, I have to admit it looked really fun...maybe next year we'll all take a turn!

A great time was had by all and we look forward to it again next year!

Fun without sun

2011-09-07T15:35:00.000-05:00

Plenty of fun in the sun happened this summer...and some even without the sun.

On a warm but rainy day, jumping in the puddles and trying to "skip rocks" across them was the perfect activity. Sometimes simple is best!

Fun in the sun

2011-09-05T15:43:00.001-05:00

Plenty of time was spent outdoors this summer, including the Fourth of July weekend. We spent one day at the lake with the Butcher family and the other at Uncle Mike's new apartment on Lake Waconia where he had a big bash...

Yes, that is one of the biggest 'slip-n-slides" you have probably ever seen...about 65 feet down a steep hill leading toward the lake...no, it did not all fit in my picture. It was enjoyed by grown ups and kids alike, especially Collin and his "buddy" Tyson.

We finished up the day with fireworks, although I think the mosquitoes had more fun than the spectators that evening. Ah, the ups and downs of a MN summer!

Mummy madness

2011-09-02T15:24:00.001-05:00

One family adventure earlier this summer was to go the King Tut exhibit at the Science Museum. Cousins Kalie and Riley spent the weekend and joined us for the event...

We learned all about mummies during the omni-theather movie, then walked through the exhibit itself. As they did not allow photography in the exhibit area, here is my best Egyptian picture of the day, Queen Kalie!

We also took some time to see what the rest of the museum had to offer, especially the hands-on activities...Nice job, Riley!

Fun was found both inside and out, including the outdoor garden maze (picture). What a great day!

Trying something new

2011-08-31T14:57:00.001-05:00

Collin continues to love hockey and will actually start in the Anoka program as a Mite this fall (pictures to come I am sure...). He also resumed swimming lessons this summer, completing the "torpedo" level and will be a "titan" next year.

In addition to keeping up those interests, Collin asked to try something new...Karate! (Picture-Before class with some friends).

There is a studio just down the street from our house...a location close enough to walk to which is a definite perk. So, you may find us walking down the block toward lessons as we learn what the world of Karate is all about.

He has enjoyed it so far and done well. Moving from just having the uniform and no belt, he earned his "white belt" by attending classes (picture), trying hard and showing respect.

At intervals, he earns "stripes" (picture) to this belt as they mark progress.

When he earned enough stripes, he was able to test (below) in front of the class and achieved "one yellow stripe belt." Congratulations, Collin!

What's taken so long?

2011-08-27T14:22:00.008-05:00

As it has been quite some time since the last Rosenau Review blog, it seems fitting to start with the reason for our long absence...school!

Since we've been "gone" from the blogging world, quite a bit has changed. First, Doug completed his MBA program at Concordia in May...it was a lot of work and we are very proud of him for this accomplishment! We enjoyed the ceremony and did a dinner cruise in Stillwater that evening to celebrate.

Later in May, Collin also graduated from his first year in pre-school at St. Stephens. After a concert for the parents there was cake with his classmates and their families and a chance to look back at some memory books created throughout the year.

He'll be back again this year to see his friends and teachers. Th pre-school program was only in existence for two years as of last year, so as the program was growing it was located in a room of the church. This year the classroom moved from the church and is now across the street at the actual "big kids" school...he is very excited!

As for myself, I completed the first year of my MA program for Counseling Psychology at Bethel University. However, that passed without much fanfare, which was fine because I was quite tired! No pictures to include, as they would mostly consist of my sitting in my pajamas in front of this very computer writing a paper around midnight or on the couch with some very, very large textbooks...That said, it went well and after a month off I am gearing up to start classes again in September.

We enjoyed our school year and the conclusion of it....more posts to come on how we've spent our summer break!

Making the best of it...

2011-03-26T20:57:00.008-05:00

So, it's spring, huh? Funny, I can't tell by looking out my window... After the warm weather finally melted almost all of the snow from our yard, we had started playing outside and enjoying the warmer time outdoors. Baseball/tee-ball was a favorite and Collin would set up his tee and grab the bat and do his best to swing for the fences. It is becoming apparent that we need to get a more sturdy bat and tee as the plastic ones he started out with as a toddler have started to crack with his new found pre-school strength swing. But, as one can expect in Minnesota, the pleasant weather did not last for long, and our yard is now covered in snow again. What we did find when we went outside today, however, was surprising. Though the rest of the grass is still covered in about 3-4 inches of snow, the spot where Collin has always set up for batting practice was clear all the way to the (still brown) grass. This was not an area we shoveled and there is no "logical" reason based on sun/shade patterns this should have happened. A reminder from God that spring is, indeed, here after all? Prior to the thaw, we've done our best to enjoy the rest of the winter months after the holidays. Doug completed his last MBA program class and is officially a graduate, though he will not walk in the ceremony until later this spring. Collin (pre-school) and I (grad school) continue to hit the books, but we all still find time for fun. Here's a peek at how we've spent at least some of the last few months: Skating lessons have been fun for Collin and he is now "Sam 3" which he is very proud of. Rumor has it there is a hockey program in Anoka he'll be eligible for this fall, so I guess we'll see........... We found an opportunity to do some real dog sledding in Bloomington as well when they had an annual city celebration. Sometimes we tried to pretend it was summer and buried each other in the snow....it's the next best thing to sand at the beach, right? We went ice fishing, but only once before the lakes got too soft. Daddy caught the only fish, but we all had fun trying! And, of course, we made it to a Wild game.

This was Collin's first professional NHL game and

even though they lost (badly) we had a great time!

We hope that you and yours have also found a way to enjoy the last few months and don't worry, it will feel like Spring soon!

Enjoying the holidays

2010-12-18T21:31:00.003-06:00

The snow, cold and approaching holidays have seemed to slow things down here in Minnesota...at least for our family. Michelle and Doug are each on a break from Grad school classes. Collin has a few more days before his Christmas break from pre-school, but has taken a break from daycare to stay home with Doug while he is at home before starting a new job in early January. We are enjoying the relative "peace and quiet" and look forward to spending time with family and friends in the upcoming weeks!

Be Happy for this moment! This moment is your life!

Theme Song

2010-11-22T22:44:00.005-06:00

If you have audio on your computer, you have likely noticed music with the blog! Toward the bottom of the page you will see a "play list" of some of Collin's favorite songs of the last year...

He enjoys sports, but music still remains important too. He got a new and improved (more sturdy) drumset for his birthday to replace the one that has met its demise since Christmas a couple years ago. (Rocking out in his tough guy pirate pajamas...)We had conferences tonight with his teachers for both pre-school and daycare this evening and his love for music is evident there too. So, it seems appropriate for us to share with you all as well.

The songs will play as you read the blog, or else feel free to click on the ones that interest you most. For now it will always start with his current favorite "Stuck like Glue" but eventually I will modify it so it skips.

Enjoy!

So late it's scary?

2010-11-13T13:24:00.009-06:00

Yes, I am posting about Halloween just shortly before Thanksgiving...So late, its scary....right?

This year our little man dressed as "Iron Man." I have to admit I am not entirely sure how that came about. Since right after last Halloween, the plan was to be a mummy this year. When the time came to get a costume, however, Iron Man was the clear favorite. I even got into the spirit of things (pun intended) and dug out my old witch hat and broom. No matter what Doug may tell you, that is not my normal state of being...

We then ventured back to Silver Lake, MN to do some trick or treating with Collin's cousins. This is the town where Doug grew up and roamed the streets himself as a child. I am guessing tricks were not uncommon in that town in those days....

We also went to a Halloween event at the Anoka County fairgrounds earlier in the month. Collin painted a pumpkin, got unlimited time in bounce houses (which I think he likes better than candy) and we got to make our own scarecrow, which is now living outside our front door (left, in the photo of Collin and I at the top of the page). Doug and Collin baked a pumpkin pie from scratch (real pumpkins, a home made crust...the real deal) and I baked some deliciously salty pumpkin seeds!

We hope that you all had a sweet Halloween too!

Happy Birthday, Collin!

2010-09-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

It has been quite some time since our last post, but we could not let this important occasion go without a posting. Happy Birthday, Collin!

We continued to be very busy throughout the summer. Ideally there will eventually be posts to update you on outings to the Vikings game, the Renaissance, and just the general day to day fun and activities of our family.

Right now, the season of fall is in full swing and right now for the Rosenau family this means school! Doug is completing the last few months of his MBA program at Concordia, St. Paul. Michelle just began the MA Counseling Psychology program at Bethel in St. Paul. And yet another sign that our little boy is quickly growing up, Collin began pre-school at St. Stephen's in Anoka, MN earlier this month!

In any case, we hope to continue blogging here and there about our life, but be patient as we get into the groove of having three students in the family!

We spent today celebrating with 6 of Collin's friends and their parents from the Bartsch, Callison, Hammill and Neumann families. Happy Birthday, Collin! We love you and are so proud of you!

Out to the ball game

2010-08-06T21:47:00.006-05:00

Some time ago I promised an update on our first trip to the new Twins stadium. Better late than never...

We were all smiles on the way to the stadium. It was Collin's first baseball game ever and only mom's second. Going to the new outdoor Target Field stadium was a first for Collin, mom and dad!

The fun started even before we got through the doors! Collin wore his jersey and borrowed one of dad's hats to get into the spirit.

Once we were there, we hit the souvenir stand...Dad's hat was really just too big for sharing.

Then we found our seats. Not a bad view!

The it was time for a hotdog! Nothing else would do at a ballgame....

And Collin was gracious enough to pose for a picture with mom to commemorate the occasion.

Finally it was time to watch the game...pretty intently. We made it without too much restlessness. I think Collin watched more of the game than mom did, actually.

But, despite our cheers, the Twins lost to the Braves. Better luck next time!

Hangin' with Chuck E.

2010-07-11T19:53:00.012-05:00

This afternoon we spent some time at a birthday party for Collin's friend, Bryce (photo-right). Although we have been there once or twice before, it was the first Chuck E. Cheese experience for Collin since he has really been old enough to participate in the activities there.

He enjoyed the pizza and the games, and surprisingly enough, also meeting "Chuck E." For the most part, Collin has not been a fan of life size characters (giant Easter bunnies, Santa, etc. etc.) but he warmed up to Chuck E. pretty quickly. I suppose that has something to do with the other party goers, but I suspect it is also a sign of growing up. Check out the jam session above!

I personally went to the party with one thing on my mind...the "drawing" photo booth. I absolutely adore those..I am a total junkie and I knew they had one there. I love the black and white style photo and was so excited that Collin was willing to sit down with me long enough to pose for this picture!

Happy Birthday, Bryce! Thank you for a wonderful afternoon!

America's pastime...

2010-06-28T21:39:00.001-05:00

Each year, Collin's daycare center holds a T-ball tournament that is followed by a small carnival for the community later in the evening. This year Collin was again in the spirit of the game and loved every minute of it.

He enjoyed the game last year, and this year he had already been showing an increased interest in baseball/t-ball overall, thanks to the movie "The Sandlot." As a surprise, he got his very first real baseball glove just in time for the game. After that, it was all business!

When it was his team's turn up to bat, he volunteered to be first. Perhaps I should say that he could not have been stopped from being first up to bat..He was very excited, and as none of the other kids seemed too willing to step up to the plate it was an easy call to make. He swung, hit the ball, and off he ran. A Home Run!

It was probably one of those things you had to be there for, but it was hysterically funny. He ran as fast as he could-he was very serious about it yet, dare I say, he had a little bit of a cocky swagger to his gait! All the kids in the outfield would stumble over the ball, eventually lay hands on it and then throw as hard as they could. Given the age group of the kids, this gave our little self-proclaimed All Star plenty of time to round all the bases. The parents were laughing so hard they were in tears and it was a great way to start the game!

Collin was very proud, but not surprised---he often runs the bases at that very park when we play there as a family. He was actually more surprised his next time at bat when he had to stop to wait at first base and could not just keep going!

All of this baseball excitement translated into a spur of the moment trip the following Sunday to see a real Twin's game at the new Stadium...more posts to come!

Hoppin' back to Easter

2010-06-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

Yes, I realize that Easter has long since passed. Nonetheless, here is a glimpse of how we spent it...

We started the weekend out at home...an early morning Easter Egg hunt left us with all sorts of sweet goodies that included the traditional chocolate bunny and a book I found about the real meaning of Easter.

Of course, coloring Easter Eggs was also on the "to do" list. Collin got a chance to show off his inner artist with some of his Cousins.

What a master piece!

Then later when the whole family slowly trickled in to the festivities at Grandma Nola's, a big outdoor Easter Egg hunt began..that's about 3 acres of hunting ground if I am estimating correctly...and that darn Easter Bunny hid nests of goodies around the whole place!

Nourished by the candy and treats they found, an impromptu football game broke out to celebrate the unseasonably warm weather. Players included aunts, uncles and cousins of all ages. You will notice that even the frills and lace of Easter finery could not get in the way of this game! Please excuse the very shaky camera work...it was windy and I was giggling way too much to stay still.

Prayers for some friends, please

2010-06-24T20:32:00.002-05:00

Our friends, the Callison family, are in need of all your thoughts and prayers right now. Their youngest daughter, Lynnea, has struggled with serious cardiac issues her entire life. Her condition is at a critical point right now and they can use all of the strength, support and prayers we can offer. You can find details at the link on our page to the right for The Callison Chronicles, or simply say a word to God for little Lynnea, her big sister Ashlyn, Mommy Tina and Daddy Corey.

Splish Splash

2010-06-23T21:00:00.003-05:00

Earlier this summer we had a chance to play at a swimming pool with our niece Kalie and our nephew Riley. Collin enjoyed it a lot and has grown increasingly brave each time we go swimming.

Collin, Riley and Kalie
(left to right)

A jump from the side of the pool definitely makes a splash!

This week Collin is starting his second round of swimming lessons. He had the parent/child lessons last year through Community Education at Roosevelt Pool and this year we have decided to go with lessons at the Anoka Aquatic Center. We swam in the pool there earlier this week and he loved the zero depth entry and warmer water temperature. Since he is very comfortable in the water, he will be in the "tadpole" class--still very basic, but no parents in the water...though I can guarantee you we will be taking pictures from the lounge chairs nearby!

More splishing and splashing to come!

Finally cured of Spring Fever

2010-05-21T21:34:00.004-05:00

It seemed like it took forever for the weather to turn pleasant in any sort of predictable way....the Rosenau family caught a pretty bad case of spring fever early on this year...

We tried diligently to make the best of what remained of the winter season. Another round of skating lessons got the whole family up on skates this time and we were able to spend some time enjoying the more moderate temperatures on an outdoor rink.

But even time outdoors shooting the puck around did not make up for the fact that it was still not really spring! So, to bring a taste of the tropics to Ramsey, a coconut just had to do!

And then, just when we could not wait any longer...look out...it was Spring. Fore!

Finally the grass began to turn green and the threat of snow was gone. And as the golf courses began to open, we were fortunate enough to find one near our home that is very family friendly...and I just happen to know a pre-schooler who loves to golf...

Welcome Spring and look out Summer...here we come!

New tricks for an old dog...

2010-05-06T22:14:00.003-05:00

As you can tell, the Rosenau's have been absent from the blog world for quite some time. It is not that I don't have plenty of photos and stories from our latest family adventures to share with you.

Instead, I think that after taking a few weeks off during some particularly busy periods in our life, I simply fell out of the habit of blogging. I have never been a technology/gadget fan, so being away from the computer (outside of work, of course) is not something abnormal for me. So, although well intentioned, I seem to be struggling to get back into the groove of it all....Perhaps you can't teach an old dog new tricks?...

Well, perhaps not "old" yet, but definitely older...I celebrated my thirty-abcd birthday on April 22

(Oh, gee...did my fingers slip while I was typing?...that's odd...oh well...).

As that was a Thursday night, and we have now established that I am not as young as I used to be, you can imagine that the festivities the night of my actual birthday were pretty tame. Later in the month, however, we were fortunate enough to have a chance to celebrate with our friends Katie and Darin Bartsch. A pretty sudden and unexpected offer by Collin's Aunt, Uncle and Cousin's for an overnight visit with them left us free for a night on the town. (Side note: Collin also had a blast...he was able to attend his cousin's hockey tournament.)

Suddenly and unexpectedly we were able to call the Bartsch's who miraculously were able to find someone to watch their two kids and...presto! Dinner for four at Nectar!

Katie, Darin and I are all friends from our years at St. Thomas (and Doug was no stranger to that campus either...). Katie and I were actually roommates and together we all had plenty of memorable times...as well as some we may have forgotten because of too much fun....

Nonetheless, celebrating with old friends makes getting older seem almost worth it!

Thanks to everyone who called or wrote, etc. to wish me a happy birthday! You are all appreciated! And I promise to get back to blogging and keeping you all more up to date!

Luck O' The Irish

2010-03-16T20:36:00.002-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's day! Well, happy St. Patrick's Day Eve???

I still love this Holiday! So low key and only what you make of it with no expectations....I know just what green shirt Collin will wear tomorrow and we will have corned beef and cabbage with some friends that are coming over for dinner to celebrate (not too much celebrating, as it is mid-week, of course....). We are a lucky family to have you all in our lives!

Enjoy the day!

It's nice on the ice

2010-02-25T12:24:00.000-06:00

When I don't have to drive in it, I don't mind winter as much as I used to...I am getting better each year with just bundling up and taking it as it comes. Collin loves to play outdoors in all seasons, and I think that his enthusiasm is motivating for me...it is way more fun to be outside playing with your son than scraping the windshield of your car or digging yourself out of the driveway with a shovel, which is really all that winter meant to me for most of my adult years....

My new tolerance for the season of snow is probably a very good thing given the fact that I am likely to be spending a large portion of my life in upcoming years near ice, even in the summer, given Collin's apparent love for all things hockey....So, to prepare both Collin and myself, this month he started ice skating lessons at a nearby ice arena.

After 2 lessons with teachers, supplemented by a few trips to both indoor and outdoor public skating with Doug and I, he is well on his way.

Believe me, this is not something we are pushing him into...if anything, Doug and I are the downtrodden ones in this scenario (but he's so cute, we just don't care!).

At this point, he does not need to use a "walker" and can get up from the ice on his own if he does take a tumble. He does all of this with amazingly good spirits and determination.

The classes are offered through Community Education and are simply a way to get interested kids out onto the ice and give them some pointers. They play games and learn basic skills...As you can see below, the class size is very small. Collin is in the first class, Snowplow Sam I, that is for the youngest of beginners.

Our skater is the handsome guy in the black helmet and blue jacket....

Doug and I watch closely at the skating lessons from our seats in the stands...and then we practice when we take Collin to open skating sessions as neither Doug or I can ice skate either! My experience on the ice was limited to a few times at the Hutchinson rink with my High School best friend, Cindy, who was much more graceful and prepared than I ever was! Since then, the only ice time I have had has been in poorly maintained parking lots as I walk to and from my car. Doug's experience is limited too, so I am sure we are all quite the sight out there...especially since it won't be too long before our 3 year old is skating circles around us!

Another year...wiser...

2010-02-23T12:06:00.000-06:00

Doug's birthday was at the end of January and we'd all like to say 'thank you' to everyone who called or sent cards to say hello! He's been working hard...on top of working full-time and being a dad and husband, Doug is still enrolled in his MBA program at Concordia, St. Paul, so he's not only getting older, he's getting wiser with every year! (He's not sensitive about birthdays...so feel free to joke, folks!). We wanted to make his birthday special.

Collin and I started the day early, making a birthday cake for dad while he slept in. Now, "sleeping in" at our house these days, even on your birthday, means that you are up by about 8:oo am. This will give you some perspective on how early Collin and I were up to make the cake before Dad was awakened by this eager little baker....On the plus side, you can't beat freshly baked warm carrot cake and a nice cup of coffee for breakfast!

We love you, Daddy, and hope your birthday was a great one!

Winter Wonderland?

2010-02-20T20:31:00.019-06:00

As you may have noticed, we have been absent from the Blog-world for a while...So, what have we been doing? Enjoying all the wonders that winter has to offer....some of them have truly been enjoyable memories...others simply a means to an end....like our drive on Christmas morning....

After a laid back and enjoyable Christmas Eve at our home with just the three of us, after Merry Christmas phone calls to family who live too far away for travel, our winter wonderland adventures began with a Christmas morning drive through a storm to spend the holidays with family. Snow, ice, slush and wind greeted those of us who chose to travel on the road--reminding us that we were indeed celebrating Christmas in Minnesota. After taking our time, we happily arrived at our destination and were able to spend the next few days with family.

Christmas day started in Hector, MN with Grandpa Don, Grandma Lynn and Emily. Collin is now ready to fix anything with his new Black and Decker tool bench and kit!

After enjoying a good meal and gifts in Hector, we were off to Grandma Nola's house in Fernando where the traditional annual game of dice, Bunko, kept everyone busy into the night. Check out Collin hanging with the guys...learning all sorts of things....

The following morning, the fun continued in

Fernando with breakfast and then gift opening with all the cousins...An assortment of

pajamas to party dresses fit the occasion just fine!

And, although Collin started out the day in the new hockey theme "Grandma pants" so popular with hockey players that we gave him as a gift, we soon found out that the day was to be filled with many wardrobe changes...

You guessed it, these three photos are all taken within the same hour....For Christmas he was given a variety of sports theme shirts/jerseys...A Gophers hockey jersey, a Pittsburgh Penguins shirt and a Bronco's jersey....and with each new gift opened he just had to wear it right away...at least until the next one came along!

We spent the next day visiting with my relatives on the farm. The chickens and other animals on the farm were a hit as usual. The many decorations, especially a small mountain

scene with moving skiers

was a really something special!

In addition to family, we have also been blessed to be spending time with friends. On New Year's Eve, we stayed at the Neumann's home, where Collin got to play with his friend Bryce and Doug and I enjoyed the company of Jay and Renee, our gracious hosts!

JJ Hammill stayed overnight for a playdate, and got to practice his basketball skills....proud as can be after making a shot!

The Zeleke family made the long drive from Iowa and took some time in their busy schedule to stop by. Jan and Abel have three beautiful daughters...but like their mommy they are tough girls...Collin had his work cut out for him in a wrestling match with Jasmine!

We also celebrated Christmas with the Bartsch family, Collin's Godparents. (As you can see, Collin is wearing yet another jersey....How did a nice little bookworm like me end up with an aspiring jock for a son?!? Oh yeah, that's right...that must come from Daddy...)

So, like many of you, we started out busy finishing up the Holiday season and it has continued...We hope that all of your families had a great Christmas season and that 2010 is treating you well!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T12:19:00.000-06:00

SILENT NIGHT

Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

'Tis the Season

2009-12-24T14:17:00.021-06:00

'Tis the Season for...well, everything! I realized just yesterday that we have not had a new post since Thanksgiving! My how time flies!

We have spent the last month doing the usual family holiday things...Thanksgiving celebrations with family were fun, but tiring. Collin, Cousin Avrie and Uncle John enjoying a nap together at Grandma Nola's house....

After Thanksgiving, it was time to start the Christmas season. A Christmas party for the families of 3M employees gave Collin one of his first chances to talk to Santa. Last year, Collin would not go near him, although this year he did agree to sit next to him. I don't think that his reluctance is a bad thing....Although we do have a few Santa themed trinkets around, we don't really promote the concept of Santa at home... If you ask Collin, Santa is the guy that helps parents get presents to everyone for celebrating Jesus' birthday. I am actually pretty happy that he questions the logic of sitting on the lap of some stranger in weird clothes that he's never met before....Call me scrooge if you want, I do think it is an odd tradition....

Collin also had a Christmas program at his daycare one Sunday afternoon. Check out our "Wiseman"....

We also put up our own Christmas tree and decorations at home. I am happy to say that this year we took the time to go to a tree lot to purchase a real tree instead of using artificial...No, we have not yet ventured out to cut down our own tree...maybe next year. I keep envisioning the Griswolds from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (one of the best movies, ever) and can't get myself to take that plunge.

I remember picking out the family Christmas tree every year as a child and wanted Collin to have those same memories. Although our perfectly full, pre-purchased store tree with it's themed ornaments suited Doug and I well as a couple, our family is better suited with a real tree. Our tree and our home is now adorned with an eclectic array of decorations, ranging from new gifts Collin received at daycare to ornaments I had as a child.

(A small nativity scene that my Grandma Rose had in her home and our stockings all in a row...)

We will be opening gifts here, tonight, on Christmas Eve, then heading west to visit with family for the weekend...assuming the weather allows it! It is definitely a white Christmas this year!

And, although I will not taint the actual day of Christmas with anything that could be considered "political", since today is December 24, I just cannot resist sharing one "greeting" of the season that I received via e-mail recently...

To All My Liberal Friends: Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Conservative Friends: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in the human family.

Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows,

for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness.

Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the whole of our lives.

Thank you for friends, for health and for grace.

May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us.

From "The Catholic Prayer Book," compiled by Msgr. Michael Buckley

A fabulous fall season

2009-11-23T20:32:00.028-06:00

Fall 2009

Fall has always been my favorite season. I enjoy the colors of the leaves and the crisp air. Doug, Collin and I have enjoyed a lot about the autumn season every year, and fall 2009 has been no exception.

Ironically it felt as though we skipped fall all together and moved straight to winter when we built the first snowman of the year long before Halloween. Although the afternoon of snowball fights, snow angels and snowmen was fun, we were perfectly content when it melted the following day and fall was here after all!

Once fall was back, we celebrated at a festival held by the church attended by Collin's godparents, Katie and Darin Bartsch. Pumpkin painting, face painting, pumpkin basketball and of course pumpkin golf were enjoyed by everyone, despite the soggy/windy day.

In Collin's world (and Doug's) any day with golf is a good day....

To prepare for Halloween, we took a family field trip to a local pumpkin farm in Andover. Complete with hayrides, a corn maze, a potbelly pig that greets you, and the largest pumpkin patches I've ever seen, it was a great afternoon. We were able to leave with a large pumpkin that later decorated our front step. Collin also had his first taste of homemade pumpkin seeds baked in the oven, made from the "pumpkin guts" that he helped to scoop.

Don't let the picture fool you, this was a very big 25lbs pumpkin!

The weekend before Halloween, Doug was in Ohio. So, Collin and I spent some time with the Butcher cousins Riley, Kalie and Avrie Butcher at "Zoo Boo,"an evening event held at Como Zoo in St. Paul where the employees wear costumes and hand out candy to kids as they stroll through the grounds of the zoo.

"Trick or Treat"...Collin, Riley and Kalie hiding in Charlie Brown's pumpkin patch at Como...

Then, of course, it actually was Halloween. This year we took advantage of some of the props we already had at home and Collin trick-or-treated as a "doctor". Thanks to Doug's Aunt Shirley Dummer who is a fabulous seamstress, we were able to avoid the scratchy and thin Doctor's scrubs that came with the white lab coat in favor of these hand crafted comfy, soft and thick blue ones just right for a brisk Halloween night.

Dr. Collin inspecting his gear before a grueling night of trick or treating.

We hit the town at dusk and collected a lot of candy, also stopping at the community Halloween party hosted by the church associated with Collin's daycare, Elim Christian Learning Center. Each year they hold a "warm up" station and free hotdogs, cocoa and games for the kids.

November has been spent enjoying the unseasonably warm fall weather. With not a snowflake in sight, we enjoyed time at Grandpa Don's new house just outside of Hector, MN. The tire swing is a favorite.

And, of course, Daddy had to check out the 10-point buck that Grandpa Don brought home after a hunting trip. Never a fan of hunting myself, this appears to be one of those things that Collin has gotten from Daddy's gene pool. He was not a bit scared of the buck and happy to help out where he could!

And, despite all the fun we had enjoying the fall weather, there is one thing that the autumn season is not known for...good swimming weather. So, this past weekend we were able to spend some time at an indoor swimming pool at the Mystic Lake hotel for the weekend with Grandma Nola. Collin made ample use of the pool and took advantage of the time to practice the skills he learned in swimming lessons this summer. It takes a lot to wear out a 3 year old and by the end of the weekend this mission was accomplished!

Time to relax!

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, just one of the many things we are thankful for is the wonderful time spent with family and friends this fall!

Honey, will you....

2009-11-04T20:09:00.005-06:00

I am going out on a limb and assuming that most married couples have at some time or another been introduced to a variation of the "Honey, do..." list.

You know, the little (or long) list of tasks that you are hoping your spouse can accomplish for the benefit of your family or home...and, admit it, to make your to do list smaller.

Those of you that know me well know that I really appreciate a good list. It is such a nice, concrete way to organize your thoughts and ensure that you are making progress toward your end goal. As I have been blessed with a pretty handy husband, I have really learned to appreciate a good "Honey, do...." list.

Typically Doug is pretty laid back about humoring my requests. He too likes things pretty clean, organized and in good repair at home so, although sometimes my style is more concrete than his, he can at least see my point and is willing to accommodate. I do try to not get too ridiculous with the requests either, and there are plenty of things assigned for me to do on those lists as well.

To make lemons out of lemonade we've strung together a pretty great "Honey, do..." list for his official period of unemployment. The job market is tough these days, and it is important to be realistic.

Now, imagine my surprise when he called me on Tuesday afternoon to tell me that he would be starting his new job on Wednesday!

Timing could not have been better. We were told about the closing of his previous company, Exel, in mid September and were expecting his last day to be early October. That position was extended until mid-October as it took longer to tie up loose ends than expected. He was then immediately offered a temporary opportunity by Exel (who knew they were loosing a good employee, if I dare to brag a little about my guy!) in Ohio to fill an executive position for the last two weeks of October. He was gone from October 19 to October 30. After enjoying Halloween weekend as a reunited family, Doug had 2 official days of unemployment-- Monday 11/2 and Tuesday 11/3, then had his first day at his new job today, 11/4.

We are excited and grateful for this job. Doug is now the Logistics Manager at US Water Services in Cambridge, MN. The commute is 30 minutes with no traffic to speak of, the pay and benefits are good, the hours are typical business hours, and so far the job description seems like a very good fit for his interests and skills.

Guess that "Honey, do..." list will have to wait after all!

Still on the way...

2009-10-20T15:11:00.001-05:00

Quite some time ago we posted about Doug pursing his MBA through Concordia, St. Paul. Well, he is still on the way to his MBA...and is still holding strong to a 4.0 GPA too!

Being a father, husband and student is no easy feat. Also, as many of you already know, the company that Doug works for was closed this month after their contract was outbid. So, add job searching to the equation and you get a clear picture of what an accomplishment this is!

That said, it has also been fun in some ways. For me, it has been great to see Doug so interested in expanding his education and learning from his courses. It is also great role modeling for Collin, who gets updates on Dad's grades and asks him how school was. Hopefully that education minded attitude will stick when Kindergarten starts in a few short years!

Of course, "fun" is also sometimes what you make of it. Many of the courses so far have been interesting and helpful to his field. Some, however, were less than enjoyable. In those cases, you make fun. On the trip up north this summer, Doug submitted the final paper for the rumored hardest course of the program. Once his grade was received, a bonfire "in honor" of this class ensued....

Congratulations, Doug on your continued success. We are so proud of you!

Must've never met a toddler...

2009-10-16T13:57:00.000-05:00

Whoever coined the phrase "Happy Birthday" never met a toddler. When Collin knows his birthday is approaching, it is non-stop chatter, anticipation and excitement. He knows his birthday is in September, so when he knows that the month is here, get ready! And from talking with other parents of busy toddlers I know this experience is not unique to our family...

Really, to be honest, we should be wishing a happy "birth-month," because the month of September was filled with celebrations.

Some are small and happen because the moment just feels right. For example, for Collin's birthday we got a good deal on the 3 "Mighty Ducks" movies. Well, there are 3 of them after all, so on a Friday night in early September after a long week of work and having a good family dinner, of course we give an early gift. Just one of the movies elicits a huge grin and round of "thank yous" and we settle in to enjoy the film. Two more movies to go...not so bad, right???????????????

Then there is the "family party" and the "friend party" which of course need to occur on different weekends. Most of our family lives about 2 hours away. As Collin shares September birthdays with 2 cousins Dylan and Tyson and his great-grandfather, the family birthday party is held at a central location mid September where we have a cake and gifts for all the September birthdays.

The morning of the 27th, Collin's actual birthday, is a party itself. Doug and I greet Collin in his room with party hats and noisemakers. After breakfast (can you call a cupcake breakfast?) we officially begin the day and open presents from mom and dad. Yes, the 2 remaining Mighty Ducks movies were still unopened until that morning!

The "friend party" consists of Collin's toddler friends from the metro area and their parents. The Rosenau clan is large enough with all cousins present, so adding more kids to the mix would not be classified as a celebration for anyone...So, on Collin's actual birthday we celebrated with his friends Zack, Bryce, Ashlyn, and Kylie.

A home-made "hockey" cake/cupcakes

went well with the game that ensued

in the garage and outside.

We were blessed with good weather for most of the day, so there was plenty of "non-hockey" outdoor play too, including wagon rides, baseball, golf and plain old running around! Inside there were toys and the newly opened presents to choose from!

Fun, fun, fun!

Then of course there are those who can't attend these parties due to their own schedule conflicts but are a big part of Collin's life. So, visits, phone calls, emails, text messages and cards from other family and friends happen throughout the month as well.

How fun birthdays are at this age. And what memories they bring back, even though those memories are only 3 years old too!

Then...And Now...

September 2006

September 2009

On Collin's birthday we posted a birthday wish for him. As the month has come to a close, we now hope that he had a great birth-month too!

5 Steps to becoming a great Sword fighter

2009-10-11T12:16:00.012-05:00

We found some time earlier this fall to go to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival as a family. Many families have traditions about the State Fair, but for our family it's the Renaissance. Doug and I went regularly for years and it is the one outing we have been consistent with each year since we became a family of three. We have not yet been disappointed.

Our first purchase of the day, and the only thing Collin asked for the whole time we were there, which is quite a feat given all the toys and items on display. No wooden puzzles or stuffed animals...he went straight for a "bad guy fighting" sword.

We never decide too far in advance what day we will go or how long we will stay. Instead, if we see that a Saturday is turning into a beautiful fall day, we change our plans and head to the Renaissance! Easy to avoid the rain, wind and "too hot" or "too cold"days of a Minnesota autumn. Once we are there, we walk and browse and eat until we are ready to go home. Sometimes that is just a few hours, sometime that is many hours. So far it has been a recipe for success.

We keep our expectations realistic...we know that we are not attending as adults anymore, but as a family which automatically changes the dynamics. The first years it was remembering which "privie" had the cleanest and least crowded diaper changing area. Then as Collin began to walk, it was giving him enough freedom to explore, while keeping enough structure to maintain his safety and our sanity as well. This year he was a full participant in the world around him and I can safely say we had the best year yet.

Strolling the grounds 2009. The crowd was minimal even though it was a beautiful day. The news had predicted rain for the weekend, which I think kept crowds away. It was a beautiful sunny day! Because of this, Collin was able to take the lead in exploring the event, which he loved.

We stopped and listened to some of the comics and other performers. At one point we heard music from a distance and could use some rest so we sat down thinking it would help to keep Collin entertained. Next thing we knew dancers came out with hockey sticks...yep, really. It was the Highland Fling Scottish weekend, so the dancers did a hockey themed dance, which of course had our little boy amazed. There is just no avoiding that game!

Food for the farm friends too! We had our share of turkey legs and chicken on a stick, but couldn't leave out the animals. In the past, Collin has enjoyed petting zoos but not the up close feeding. This time there was no hesitation as a hungry sheep enjoyed some lunch.

What an arm! I remember attending as a child myself, playing the games and winning certificates with my name on them and colored feathers. This year Collin played some of those same games, including the one pictured here where you knock down pictures of bad guys like dragons and evil knights with bean bags.

The highlight of the day, however, was sword fighting. I don't recall this game before, but until now it was not something Collin was old enough to do, so it may have escaped notice. This year, however, he was enthralled. Kids and adults are able to put on fencing attire and fight (complete with an announcer to provide a play by play and to ensure a fair fight). The goal is to pop the balloons that are attached to your opponent's helmet. Although his souvenir sword is still well loved and used to this day, the chance to actually "fight" with a sword was of great interest to him.

So, here are the Top 5 Steps to becoming a great Sword fighter:

Step 1. Eat ice cream and intently watch others for close to an hour. This ensures that you will have your strength from a good meal and you will have gotten a chance to learn some cool bad guy fighting moves.

Step 2. Find a wench who can help you get into your fencing gear.

Step 3. Find a worthy opponent. In this case, Daddy will do nicely.

Step 4. Use those skills and pop those balloons! The size of your opponent does not matter. Remember David and Goliath? No fear!

Step 5. Raise your sword victoriously. Look very serious while doing so...sword fighting is no joke!

Knowing that we would not find anything to compete with the sword fight experience, we ended the day on that note and took our little warrior home, close to 8 hours after arriving! Another great day at the Renaissance.

And, we felt very safe on the way home knowing we were protected by such a great swordsman...Of course he did fall asleep in the car, but I am sure he would have woken up if a dragon would have attacked.....

Happy 3rd Birthday to our little boy!

2009-09-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

A Boy is...

Scuffed up knees, a freckled nose

with dimples here and there.

A daring, caring, sharing heart

a mass of tousled hair.

Boundless curiosity

the spirit to explore.

Two twinkling eyes, a smiling face

and energy galore!

A love of life, a bit of sass,

a source of untold joy.

A wonderment,

a dream fulfilled

God's miracle...a BOY

(author unknown- www.scrapbook.com)

The Rosenau Family Golfer

2009-09-10T21:10:00.001-05:00

This year Doug volunteered some time at the PGA Championship which was held nearby in Chaska.

This meant that Collin and I were also able to attend one of the practice round days for free. I am not a big golf fan, but even I was impressed with the arrangements at the Hazeltine course where the event was held. Since it was just a practice day, the golfers were also very laid back and sociable. Collin was able to collect some autographs and enjoy golf at its finest!

If you ask Collin, Daddy was "working with Tiger Woods"....Neither Collin nor I saw Tiger Woods...he practiced each day before we are even out of our pajamas. Daddy, however, did indeed "work with Tiger Woods" on the final day of the event in his role as volunteer Gallery Control, Special Teams...which meant he closed off his assigned area to spectators as the golfers walked through. Collin and I did not care too much about missing Tiger though...because we got to see the Rosenau family golfer!

In previous posts, I have referenced Collin's love for golf. In particular, there is an instructional golf DVD by golfer Tom Lehman (aka "man hits ball") that we have at home which Collin enjoys regularly. Now imagine Collin's surprise when he got to actually meet Tom Lehman...the "man" himself!

"Man hits ball" actually hitting the ball!

Tom, myself and Collin...I think he's a bit star struck!

Now that Tom Lehman is a "real" person, his previous nickname of "man hits ball" seems to be put to rest. Instead, Collin now says "Tom Lehman" in a very precise, serious way that is just adorable! The best part, of course, was watching Collin thoroughly enjoy himself!

Feeling right at home....walking the grounds and holding his souvenir golf ball....

Thanks to the PGA "fore" the fun day!

Birthday party fun...

2009-09-09T21:01:00.003-05:00

It seems like everyone is growing up these days...

As we get ready for Collin's third birthday later this month, here are some pictures from our friends, the Hammill family, as their little boy JJ celebrated his second birthday in August.

My, how time flies!

The park made a great place for the kids to run and roam. Rolling down hills and playing football were some of Collin's favorites!

After painting his very own wooden car, might as well keep the shirt off for some messy but delicious cake!

Rosenau family vacation

2009-08-07T21:12:00.015-05:00

We finally took the plunge! July 17 until July 24, along with Doug's mom Nola, his siblings Matt, John, Mike and Jenny and their spouses/children we took a family vacation to a cabin "up north" in Cross Lake, MN.

Ages ranged the spectrum. Plenty of adults. Sybil, our teenager of the group, was able to bring her friend Heidi along since the rest of us are either "too old" or "too young" for any teen to appreciate. Several elementary age kids, a couple preschoolers, one "almost one" crawler and of course Jenny's not yet born baby Avrie (who could have joined us any minute) rounded out the group. All in all there were 20 people, 10 adults and 10 kids, included in this family vacation!

Grandma Nola and the grandkids July 2009
(left to right)
Grace, Riley, Tyson, Collin, Kalie, Sybil, Danika & Dylan

Throughout the week, families came and stayed for as long as they were able. Our family, Nola and John's family stayed the whole week. Everyone else stayed for as long as their "real life" commitments would allow.

The week started with...hockey. Yeah, that's right it was July and I said hockey. Cousin Dylan had a hockey tournament nearby in Brainerd which we of course attended. Collin enjoyed the games as usual. He also made friends with a couple of younger kids also at the arena. At the proshop Uncle John bought Collin a stick and hockey ball (yes, I meant to say ball and not puck....). Another little hockey fanatic there had his own stick as well, and during one of the games Collin and this other boy put on their own show in front of the bleachers for a few minutes!

Collin really enjoyed living with a real life hockey player the whole week and took advantage of it at every opportunity, including suiting up in all the gear he could get his hands on....

There was also time for warmer activities the rest of the week.

...Like hanging out by the lake or in the water....

...Or just relaxing in the sun! Collin did not sunbathe for long...too much to see and do! However, he did sit very calmly by himself and just watch the water without interruption for several minutes while he enjoyed a snack....

One day the ladies of the trip took the kids to nearby
"Paul Bunyan Land" while the guys enjoyed a round of golf.

We enjoyed some rides too

(Tyson and Collin. Sturgis anyone?)

And yes, I fed my son Cotton Candy for lunch. Yes, just cotton candy. C'mon, it's a vacation, right?.....
Does it help that we had ice cream before we left?

Later in the week, many of us took in a more relaxed round of golf: mini golfing!

Grandma Nola also gave Collin a golf trophy (a relic transported to Cross Lake from somewhere upstairs in her house after being among some old odds and ends). I can assure you this trophy has found a loving home with our boy.
He adores it.

And, since you can't be in northern Minnesota without spending time on the lakes, we also rented a pontoon for an afternoon. Doug, Collin and I also enjoyed a few solitary hours one afternoon fishing from our boat which made the trip up north as well.

Finally, after the packing was done it was time to head home. Many people moved on quickly, but we chose to enjoy the long trip home and make a day of it as well. If you gotta drive it, you may as well try to enjoy it!

At Collin's request, we stopped for one more round of mini-golf.

And some not so "mini" golf. He saw the flags on the real golf course adjacent to the mini course and asked (yes, asked) to have his picture taken with a flag. How could we say no to that!

We stopped for lunch and window shopping in Nisswa. I had the opportunity earlier in the week to stroll through the little town with my friend Katie Bartsch and her family who coincidentally had a cabin nearby for some overlapping time with us. (We also got an adult "double date" with Katie and her husband Darin one evening in town as Collin spent time with the rest of the family).

Then, happy but tired we drove home. Our little guy slept almost the whole way home!

Thanks to everyone for a memorable family vacation!

Welcome, Baby Avrie

2009-08-07T21:02:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Doug's sister Jenny and her husband Trevore on the newest addition to their family. Avrie joined big sister Kalie and big brother Riley on July 28, 2009.

Avrie Nola Butcher

Stats:

7lbs 10 oz

19 inches

Fun on the Fourth

2009-07-11T17:00:00.019-05:00

The 4th of July was spent with Collin's "godfamily," the Bartch's, enjoying some grilling and good old fashioned backyard fun! After being well rested from naptime and a mellow morning at home, we headed to Plymouth for the afternoon.

We started out with a belated birthday gift (left) for Zack's 3rd birthday. This gift was entirely from Collin to Zack. We asked Collin what he wanted to give Zack for his birthday and then just let him think about it. About a minute later he had decided on "cheese sticks and a potty book". So, armed with an icepack to keep the cheese sticks cold and a potty book that makes flushing sounds, that is indeed what Zack got for his birthday! The mind of a 2 1/2 year old....

After catching up on that "holiday" it was time for the 4th to officially begin. The boys showed off their various sports skills playing golf, shooting baskets, pitching and kicking soccer balls and taking turns at batting practice for their future Twins careers....well maybe not anytime soon.

Of course, then there is food. Snacks were enjoyed by the boys and margaritas by the adults. Kiley found her hand quite delicious, but once whipped cream came out on top of the dessert that was her favorite. "Beer can chicken" on the grill kept the adults content.

This photo compliments of

"The Bartsch Beat" blog...

(You don't have a copyright, do you Katie?)

After dinner somehow an impromptu wrestling match started and both Zack and Collin took turns tackling, tickling and trampling everyone around them!

Darin versus Collin and Zack in a handicap match...then it is Doug's turn!

Ms. Kiley took a little more laid back and ladylike approach and spent her time examining the world around her...often with her mouth if you weren't watching closely enough.

Hmmm...rocks....not just for landscaping anymore...

Thanks to the Bartsch's for a great, laid back, family-friendly 4th!

It ain't over 'til it's over...

2009-07-10T17:16:00.001-05:00

Since our actual 12 year wedding anniversary occurred during the family camping trip, we did decide to take a little time for "just the two of us" on the Monday that we returned, postponing the workweek and reality until Tuesday.

As Collin enjoyed being reunited with his daycare friends, Doug and I enjoyed the Titanic exhibit at the Science Museum in St. Paul and the chance to linger at the various displays just like we had done in the early years of our marriage. I just don't think Collin would have found it very entertaining...the few toddlers that were present definitely did not seem impressed...In fact, I gave one of the audio remotes we had rented there to a grandmother who mistakenly thought that bringing her very young grandson was a good idea...He clearly needed something to do. We saw them again from time to time as we walked around the museum the rest of the day and I was happy to see him playing blissfully with the buttons on the remote, seeming much more content.

We could not be in St. Paul without some time on Grand Avenue, so the rest of our precious afternoon was spent with a leisurely lunch and window shopping. Dixie's on Grand provided fabulous, spicy southern style food and great drinks. The rest of Grand Avenue also gave us plenty to look at and enjoy.

A great final celebration to another great year of marriage!

S'mores and more...

2009-07-09T20:06:00.021-05:00

The last weekend in June we headed for a family camping trip about 45 minutes north of Grand Rapids. Although the weather did not cooperate entirely, it was still a great trip.

We arrived early Friday evening after the long drive. As Doug and I worked on the tent and random unpacking tasks, Collin enjoyed running around in this totally secluded environment and seeing all the camping items that we don't normally use at home. He surprised me (and I think also himself) when he discovered he could climb into the back of the truck by stepping on the boat trailer and hitch. This (left) is how I found him after I had been distracted for a couple minutes with the tent.

We enjoyed the usual camping goodies: bonfires, s'mores, breakfast cooked over a fire in cast iron pans, fishing and fireflies.

It rained quite a bit at night, but the tent held up nicely and there was no reason to abandon the trip. Some mist followed us late morning on Saturday, but not enough to stop us from fishing...we just added another layer and hit the lake! Soon after, the sun came out for an enjoyable day.

Sunday was packing day, and although it was quite windy it was calm by the dock so we did fit in some swimming before we left for home.

The thing that we enjoy most about camping here compared to other sites is that you really are alone with nature. It is a campsite, not a campgrounds so there are no other campers. The "amenities" are few and far between and include an outhouse and a very old cabin that is mostly storage and a shelter in case of heavy rains. There are some private cabins surrounding the lake, but the occupants also seem interested in their own privacy and quiet fishing on the beautiful lake. There is no reason to contend with water sports enthusiasts or people on a boating joyride. Although we enjoy those things too, sometimes it is best to just enjoy being on the water in a more peaceful way.

We look forward to S'mores and more in the future!

In defense of the gold dress...

2009-06-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

My dearest Katie,

Even after all these years I can only assume that you have commented (or intended to) on the gold dress that you wore for our wedding. Well, I may be on a camping trip but that won't stop me from telling you that you were beautiful. Thanks to the "scheduled posts" technology, here is my proof...fuzzy picture or not (my god, give me a break, I was married prior to digital photography!) you were hot (and not just because it was nearly 100 degrees outside...)

Love,

Michelle

And many more....

2009-06-27T09:00:00.004-05:00

Here is to 12 years of marriage and many more to come...

"Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous, or conceited, or proud, or provoked; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is pleased with the truth. Love never gives up; its faith, hope and patience never fail."

This was the text of our "thank you" cards and a verse used in our wedding ceremony held at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas (photo, left)
at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN at 6pm in the evening on Friday, June 27, 1997.

After 5 years of dating, at ages 22 and 24 we felt more than ready to be a blushing bride and a handsome groom, supported by the friends and family of our wedding party.

We are fortunate that after more than a decade of marriage, we still feel like that bride and groom. I love you!

Father's Day fun

2009-06-22T21:06:00.008-05:00

Our Father's day festivities were spread out throughout the week.

We started out with a Father's Day T-Ball game coordinated by Collin's daycare providers that Wednesday. A song started things out on the right note, then the kids and their parents were set loose on the field. Overall the kids did well. It was Collin's first time on a baseball field, although we do have a bat and ball at home. After a little coaching (right) about actually having to let go of the bat to run and stand on each of the "big, white, puffy" bases, he did well. The T-ball game was followed by a local block party (left) hosted at the church/daycare parking lot with a lot of food, kids games and music and was free for families enrolled in the daycare

Saturday afternoon we attended a graduation party, and after the official party ended the "real" party began, including time in the backyard swimming pool for Collin and the other kids. The party was hosted by the Neumann family and was heavily attended by a lot of Doug's golf buddies, so I think we can safely say that it can be counted as a "happy daddy" activity too.

On Sunday our plans for a day at Bunker Hills water park were postponed due to the weather. Instead, a trip to Cabella's in Rogers gave us all the fishing and camping prep time we need before we head for a family camping trip up north this weekend. It is about a four hour drive to a very secluded individual camp site (as in no cell coverage, no running water, etc.) and we are using a tent as a family with a child for the first time; 3 days, 2 nights if all goes well. It was a great outing to get us in the mood for this upcoming adventure!

We hope you all enjoyed your Father's Day too!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T06:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Father's Day...

Here's to the Fathers...
(Mitch Albom, 1996, The Detroit News)

Here's to the fathers, who always begin

on the outside of children, but looking in.

Such curious men snapping cameras like mad,

recording the moment, they turn into "Dad."

Here's to the fathers, who put in their time,

who don't say to mothers "that's your job, not mine".

Who wipe chins and noses and never say "won't"

who do with the diapers, what some fathers don't.

Here's to the fathers who manage to stay

when so many fathers are turning away.

When so many run, leaving families to rot,

here, then, a cheer, for those who do not.

Here's to the fathers whose big money dreams

die in the corner while their baby screams.

And yet without anger, dread or regrets,

they comfort the child, hold it close to their chests.

And as the child grows, they grow with it too,

learning a depth that they never knew.

And soon they are older, their hair slightly gone,

chasing two children around the front lawn.

Or car-pooling teams to Little League games,

buying them hamburgers after it rains.

They mend broken dolls and fix broken wheels,

they cringe when their daughters try their first pair of heels.

They reach in their pockets, but never keep count,

they pay dearly for parenthood-awful amounts

They postpone their plans to sail across seas,

instead they sing "Barney" and bandage skinned knees.

Here's to the fathers who get off the phone

to hear their sons practice their new saxophone.

Who leave work to see their daughter's recital

Here's to the heroes, who work without title.

For this is a world now full of neglect,

with everyday stories of lives that are wrecked.

Of fatherless children who take up with guns

to kill other children of fatherless sons.

Divorce shattered families, childhood's derailed,

mothers still waiting for checks still un-mailed

You wonder what wrongs these souls ever did

to make a grown man turn away from his kids.

So here's to the fathers who won't compromise

who see a light shining in their children's eyes

And feel a rare glow as if from a gem

and know that once someone saw this glow in them.

For all the good boys they have raised in the world,

for all the examples they set for their girls

For all the loved children whose stories they'll tell

Here's to the fathers that taught them so well.

Happy Father's Day!

A Hockey Habit

2009-06-10T20:33:00.002-05:00

Anyone know of any good Hockey Anonymous programs out there? Seriously, Collin has a daily habit. An intervention is in order.

Since watching his cousin Dylan's hockey game this winter, he has been hooked. I guess the experts are right, it only takes one time to become an addict.

Similar to golf, he loves anything hockey. He was really excited when a Sports Illustrated magazine came in the mail (right) and had this hockey article in it.

Of course, you can't count on something as random as a magazine subscription to get your fix. So, a book from the library (left) is always sure to please. I now know that Wayne Gretzky is "The Great One" and know more about the history of the Stanley Cup then I ever hoped to know.

We also have a hockey game taped on the TIVO for his immediate viewing pleasure. (video: Can beer and pretzels be far behind?)It's a game from the High School finals that was televised and had kept him mesmerized at the time. He is no longer so "passive" while watching and has become quite the super fan as you can see in the video. Apparently even though he has watched this game about a million times, it just keeps getting more exciting.

I do suppose we enable him. It is just so surprising since that was not a sport we thought would ever be in our lives. And, at least for now, he is genuinely so excited about it! Hmmmm...perhaps we need the program?....

Greetings from Florida

2009-06-09T21:16:00.001-05:00

No, we did not go to Florida. Florida came to us!

My dad and his wife Linda came to visit us at the end of May. It was a full trip as they made the rounds to various relatives and friends in Minnesota during this rare trip back to the Midwest.

Collin loved spending time with them. A new remote control car (left) and a trip to Como zoo were all great fun, although I don't know if anything compared to just hanging out at home, playing catch, kicking the soccer ball and jumping together on the air mattress!

Thanks for the great visit. I suppose this means that it is our turn to visit Florida next!

On the way to an MBA...

2009-06-08T20:18:00.003-05:00

Time for me to "log some blog time" about the other man in my life. Some congratulations are in order!

This spring Doug started his MBA program at Concordia in St. Paul. Although it has taken our family some time to learn how to balance this new aspect of our life, overall it is going well. Can't complain too much...he got an "A" on his first class and is currently holding onto an "A" in his second class of the program. It is supposedly one of the most rigorous courses of the program, so we are excited it is going so well.

I spend a lot of time on-line blogging and bragging about Collin as all doting mothers do about their children; it is about time that Doug got his share of blog time too!

Congratulations, Doug! I am so proud of you.

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-11T20:28:00.011-05:00

Happy (belated) Mother's Day to all of you moms out there!

We kept our plans pretty open since the weather was likely to be unpredictable. So, our weekend started out like so many of them do, just lounging around at home (right). If you click to enlarge this picture, you will also see the "battle scars" Collin has on his nose from a fight he had with his soccer ball outside the day before...the soccer ball won the battle as he has a scrape on the tip of his nose and top of his lip. Collin, however, won the war as he went right back outside to play again after some quick first aid and a kiss to make it all better!

Later that day, we started the first of our Mother's Day weekend adventures with a trip to Underwater Adventures at the Mall of America, thanks to Collin's recent interest in sharks over the last couple of months. Armed with a coupon for one free adult admission, we got our money's worth after not one,
but two visits to the shark aquarium thanks to the all-day admissions allowed with the purchase....one trip before lunch and one after.

Lunch was enjoyed at Bubba Gump's at the Mall (left), and we also took a break from the sharks and other fish by running around at the play area in Underwater Adventures. Collin immediately took off to see what the giant Octopus (right)was up to....

The second time around we also had finally developed enough patience to not run straight for the shark exhibit and we took some time to look at the more local animals too, including some time to give this beaver's nose (right) a squeeze!

I, of course, had to take a pit stop for a photo (left) at a display tribute to a jet ski used in some James Bond movies. I had to laugh that I was wearing my St. Thomas sweatshirt that day, since one of our great college friends Darin (now also Collin's godfather) and I have shared many a James Bond movie memory!..This one is for you, Bartsch family!

Sunday started with Mass at our church, followed by a nice lunch at home and then nap time- which the whole family took advantage of. When we woke up, the sun had decided to peak through. Since it was fishing opener weekend, we decided to be brave and headed off to Crooked Lake about 5 minutes away. We were rewarded by nice weather and one (admittedly very small) fish was caught by each of us, so no one was left out of the fun!

We were home in time for dinner and the usual bedtime routine, bringing the weekend to a nice calm ending and starting the rest of this upcoming week on a good note.

We hope your weekends were all great as well!

A more mellow May...

2009-05-08T20:31:00.006-05:00

After the busy start to the month, it has been nice to enjoy some more "typical" Rosenau family days...

That means playing outside in the yard or at the park before dinner. Golf, of course, is a huge pastime and this spring Collin has discovered the joys of teeing off (photo, right) with a tee stolen from Daddy's golf bag and the driver he got from Grandma Nola. Of course we also find time for passing the hockey puck and sometimes the occasional "game" of soccer!

What is not quite so "typical" is that our days are now also focusing on potty training. That's right, we have entered the era of "big boy underwear!"

Collin has been super with potty training so far. Like all of Collin's "developmental milestones," it has not been anything we have pushed and he has come to it on his own terms which seems to have helped.

He has always been open to "potty time"(photo left) and that started quite young as more of a fun thing than a "training exercise". The photo here was taken shortly after Easter 2008 while he was having some potty time with the potty themed book (complete with flushing sounds) that he got from Grandma Nola in his Easter basket. Not much focus on actually going potty at first, but he sure got a lot of reading done...

Shortly thereafter he conquered "poop" and we are very happy to say we have probably only changed about 5 total "dirty" diapers over the last year. I don't recall specifics, but he was pretty safely trained in this area well before he was 2 years old. Now months later, when it finally came time to move to "big boy underwear," we have only needed to work with "pee".

He has been very excited about the whole process so far. We did wait to move into the big boy underwear phase until after the trip to Duluth and the wedding to be sure we did not overwhelm him with too many new things at once. So far that seems to have worked. Although he still wears Pull-Ups at night to protect from accidents while he is asleep, this entire week he has worn only big boy underwear with very few accidents...some days none at all! Although we know to expect some set-backs as he truly masters the potty, we are very proud and excited for our little man!

May Mayhem

2009-05-08T19:48:00.004-05:00

May has proven to be a busy month so far...and it has only just begun!

On May 2, Doug and I were "Usher and Usherette" at his cousin Sonja's wedding held in Delano, MN. Since we did not see our active toddler being very helpful (or happy) in such a formal setting with Mom and Dad too busy to provide him with much attention as we fulfilled our wedding party duties, Collin got to spend the day with his Uncle John and Aunt Jennifer and cousins Sybil, Dylan and Grace. He not only was able to have all the attention and love he could ever want, he also got a day filled with hockey, one of his new favorite sports.

Cousin Dylan is a hockey player, and at the first game Collin attended, he fell in love with the sport. I would say it is a tie between hockey and his "first love" of golf! On May 2, Collin got to watch Dylan at a hockey game, spend time in the locker room with the "hockey boys" and go to a pizza party. It was pretty much his dream day. Doug and I had fun too, taking this chance to dance the night away at the wedding reception.

On May 5, we attended the Billy Joel/Elton John concert in St. Paul at the Xcel Center. Ever since doing a music project while a student at St. Thomas, I have been a huge Billy Joel fan and we try to see his show whenever he is in town. Fortunately, this year it was close to my birthday and made a perfect birthday gift! A romantic dinner for two at the Sanctuary restaurant was a great start to a wonderful evening...and Collin enjoyed his evening with Grandma Nola, teaching her more about golf and hockey than I am sure she has ever wanted to know!

I think that the rest of the month should be less busy...plenty of family time outside in the yard and trying to do as much fishing as the weather will allow on the local lakes...but May definitely started out with a bang!

A Weekend in Duluth

2009-04-30T20:17:00.008-05:00

This past weekend, Doug, Collin and I took a family trip to Duluth. This was the first time in many years that the Rosenau's have been back to Duluth, the first time being our honeymoon back in 1997! My, how time flies!

I was attending a Conference on children's mental health topics for work and we decided to mix business with pleasure. Since my actual work hours for the weekend were very limited, it left plenty of time for family fun!

The swimming pool was of course the main attraction....the goggles were a spur of the moment splurge. He wore them more in the store as we made our way to the register than actually at the pool. But they did match nicely with his "Nemo" swim trunks!

Collin also loved the birds by the pier on Lake Superior, although it was very windy and those tricky birds never let him quite catch up to them...

We also enjoyed the maritime museum, with Collin taking his turn at Captain and also enjoying the view.

We took some time to do some window shopping as well. This was at the "Grandma's" souvenir shop and at the right he is a tough guy on a motorcycle in the "Grandma's" restaurant lobby.

It was a great experience to take Collin back to such a memorable part of our family history. We purposely visited the same sights and specific restaurants that Doug and I went to all those years ago. I remember walking and talking with Doug about expanding our family someday. Although it took much longer than we would have liked, our little family unit is now complete and we shared an amazing weekend together!

Collin and Mommy posing at a fountain. We have a photo from the honeymoon taken in this exact spot.

Collin and Daddy enjoying the same sights of Duluth we did so many years ago!

A little more Easter

2009-04-30T20:11:00.004-05:00

Left to Right: Sybil, holding Tyson, followed by Riley, Kalie, Grace, Collin, Dylan and Danika.

Since it is rare that the Rosenau/Butcher kids are still...and certainly rare that they are all relatively still at the same time, I thought I had better post this photo from Easter to commemorate the occasion...

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T08:42:00.006-05:00

Happy Easter Weekend!

We are spending the weekend "back home" with family so that we can have some time with my Aunt & Uncle's family as well as Doug's Mom, the usual assortment of Rosenau siblings, nieces and nephews and Doug's Dad. So, this morning was our family Easter fun before we hit the road.

Growing up, since the Westphals are a pretty small family even when including extended family, most holidays were pretty mellow. Easter was never really made into a large event, but I do remember getting a chocolate bunny every year and coloring Easter eggs at the kitchen table with my parents. I also made an "egg tree" with my Grandma Rose that she took out every year even long after I was grown. What I have very vidid memories of, however, is my Grandpa Albert at Easter. Grandpa was a pretty "stoic" man...your classic dedicated workaholic framer type. He was happiest when he was outside in the fields or in the barn. However, each Easter this man would lead me to find an Easter basket that the bunny had hidden in the garage. This bit of whimsy was remarkable enough that, even as a child, I knew it was a special memory I would always keep with me.

This year, Collin's morning started out as usual...until he started to spy the Easter eggs we had hidden around the living room. An Easter egg hunt began with lots of giggles. He then found the Easter basket, complete with a new bedtime book, markers (washable), some toy cars and, of course, his very own chocolate bunny!

We've spent the morning together enjoying these goodies, making new memories of our own. I wish all of you a very Happy Easter full of great memories too!

Daycare...please pass along

2009-03-19T19:43:00.002-05:00

Collin attends daycare at Elim Christian Learning Center in Anoka, MN. The current economy appears to be affecting enrollment, which is drastically down from 6 months ago.

If you happen to be looking for a daycare in the Anoka area, or know of anyone that is, I would strongly recommend this program and ask that you pass this information along. Collin has been there for a year, since his original daycare was damaged by a fire (overnight, thank God), and we intend to remain in that program until he starts kindergarten. Those of you that know us well realize that means a lot, as we were never fans of the "daycare" idea but found ourselves in a position that required us to consider it once my maternity leave was over. It is facilitated through a Baptist church, but the daycare itself is simply "Christian" and is non-denominational. They offer a low child to staff ratios, a lot of space, Christian staff who clearly love children, and a superb learning environment. You can contact them at (763) 427-1833.

Technically if we refer a family that enrolls, we would receive one week of daycare at half price. I believe so strongly in this center that if any referrals happen because of our recommendation, we would work to pass that savings onto the enrolling family.

If you are not looking at daycare options for your own family, please do pray for increased enrollment at the center so that they can continue to meet expenses for staff and the kids.

A matter of perspective...

2009-03-19T19:34:00.005-05:00

So, I have had a really hard week at work so far and there is no end in sight for the drama I am stuck in. I am still committed to the work that we do and overall I really appreciate where I have worked for the last 12 years...but this week has been very challenging for me there personally and professionally. Tonight at dinner I finally "broke down" and some tears escaped without my consent.

Needless to say, our very observant and empathetic son noticed mommy was in distress. He promptly hopped down from where he was sitting and came over to give me a hug and kiss. He patted me on the back and said "It'll be ok, mommy".

If that were not enough to replace my tears of frustration with tears of joy, he then promptly walked to the bathroom. He returned with tissue and said "I wipe your tears, mommy" and had me bend down to do just that.

Talk about putting things in perspective! Screw work, my son is wonderful and so is my life!

St. Patrick's Day at the Rosenau House

2009-03-17T18:07:00.004-05:00

Long, long ago (ok, maybe not that long...) St. Patrick's day for Doug and I was about hitting some Irish bars with friends enjoying Irish beer... In more recent years, the St. Patrick's beer tour at Old Chicago was a staple for the whole first part of March.

This year we played outside with our son, who apparently enjoyed starting his own St. Paddy's tradition.

For dinner we had corned beef and cabbage, made at home and shared as a family.

So, again, Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Rosenau's.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

2009-03-17T00:25:00.000-05:00

May you always have

Walls for the winds,

A roof for the rain,

Tea beside the fire,

Laughter to cheer you,

Those you love near you,

And all your heart might desire!

---Irish Blessing

Practically tropical!

2009-03-16T19:33:00.004-05:00

It was a balmy 69 degrees by our house today...practically tropical!

To celebrate we played outside before dinner and had fresh pineapple for dessert.

Yummy!

There is such a thing as too much St. Paddy's...

2009-03-11T13:58:00.001-05:00

A man stumbles up to the only other patron in a bar and asks if he could buy him a drink.“Why of course,” comes the reply.

The first man then asks: “Where are you from?” “I’m from Ireland,” replies the second man.

The first man responds: “You don’t say, I’m from Ireland too! Let’s have another round to Ireland.” “Of Course,” replies the second man.

Curious, the first man then asks: “Where in Ireland are you from?” “Dublin,” comes the reply. “I can’t believe it,” says the first man. “I’m from Dublin too! Let’s have another drink to Dublin.” “Of course,” replies the second man.

Curiosity again strikes and the first man asks: “What school did you go to?” “Saint Mary’s,” replies the second man. “I graduated in ‘62.” “This is unbelievable!” the first man says. “I went to Saint Mary’s and I graduated in ‘62, too!”

About that time in comes one of the regulars and sits down at the bar. “What’s been going on?” he asks the bartender. “Nothing much,” replies the bartender. “The O’Malley twins are drunk again.”

Heaven?

2009-03-10T13:50:00.001-05:00

Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and says to the first man he meets, ‘Do you want to go to heaven?’ The man said, ‘I do, Father.’ The priest said, ‘Then stand over there against the wall.’

Then the priest asked the second man, ‘Do you want to go to heaven?’ ‘Certainly, Father,’ was the man’s reply. Then stand over there against the wall,’ said the priest.

Then Father Murphy walked up to O’Toole and said, ‘Do you want to go to heaven?’ O’Toole said, ‘No, I don’t Father.’ The priest said, ‘I don’t believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don’t want to go to heaven?’

O’Toole said, ‘Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.’

For Katie

2009-03-09T13:51:00.004-05:00

This one is for my friend Katie, one of the luckiest parking spot finders I know...

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn’t find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, ‘Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish whiskey.

Miraculously, a parking place appeared. Paddy looked up again and said, ‘Never mind, I found one.’

Irish First Aid

2009-03-08T13:54:00.002-05:00

Flynn staggered home very late after another evening with his drinking buddy, Paddy. He took off his shoes to avoid waking his wife, Mary. He tiptoed as quietly as he could toward the stairs leading to their upstairs bedroom, but misjudged the bottom step. As he caught himself by grabbing the banister, his body swung around and he landed heavily on his rump. A whiskey bottle in each back pocket broke and made the landing especially painful.

Managing not to yell, Flynn sprung up, pulled down his pants, and looked in the hall mirror to see that his butt cheeks were cut and bleeding. He managed to quietly find a full box of Band-Aids and began putting a Band-Aid as best he could on each place he saw blood. He then hid the now almost empty Band-Aid box and shuffled and stumbled his way to bed.

In the morning, Flynn woke up with searing pain in both his head and butt and Mary staring at him from across the room. She said, ‘You were drunk again last night weren’t you?’ Flynn said, ‘Why you say such a mean thing?’

‘Well,’ Mary said, ‘it could be the open front door, it could be the broken glass at the bottom of the stairs, it could be the drops of blood trailing through the house, it could be your bloodshot eyes, but mostly…..it’s all those Band-Aids stuck on the hall mirror.

A Last Request

2009-03-07T13:56:00.002-06:00

Two Irishmen, Patrick Murphy and Shawn O’Brian grew up together and were lifelong friends.

But alas, Patrick developed cancer, and was dying. While on his deathbed, Patrick called to his buddy, Shawn, “O’Brian, come ‘ere. I ‘ave a request for ye.”

Shawn walked to his friend’s bedside and kneels.“Shawny ole boy, we’ve been friends all our lives, and now I’m leaving ‘ere. I ‘ave one last request fir ye to do.”

O’Brian burst into tears, “Anything Patrick, anything ye wish. It’s done.”

“Well, under me bed is a box containing a bottle of the finest whiskey in all of Ireland. Bottled the year I was born it was. After I die, and they plant me in the ground, I want you to pour that fine whiskey over me grave so it might soak into me bones and I’ll be able to enjoy it for all eternity.”

O’Brian was overcome by the beauty and in the true Irish spirit of his friend’s request, he asked, “Aye, tis a fine thing you ask of me, and I will pour the whiskey. But, might I strain it through me kidneys first?”

A contribution...

2009-03-06T12:15:00.003-06:00

This bit of humor was contributed from my friend Katie. That got me thinking...if anyone out there has a good bit of Irish/Catholic/St.Paddy's day humor and you are willing to share, please send it to me at dm-rosenau@q.com and if it makes me laugh I'll post it as the humor for the day!

Here's something most of you will enjoy:

An attractive blonde from Dublin arrived at the casino and bet twenty thousand dollars on a single roll of the dice. She said, "I hope you don't mind, but I feel much luckier when I'm completely nude." With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and yelled, "Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!"

As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed "YES, YES, I WON, I WON!" She hugged each of the dealers and then picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed.

The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded. Finally, one of them asked,"What did she roll?" The other answered, "I don't know - I thought you were watching."

MORAL OF THE STORY... Not all Irish are stupid; not all blondes are dumb; but all men are men.

URGENT: Please pray for a friend

2009-03-05T20:25:00.006-06:00

Please pray for a little girl named Lynnea and her family. I have posted about Lynnea before, she is the youngest daughter of Tina and Corey Callison who I used to work with at Bar None. Shortly after being home from the hospital after her Halloween birthday, it ws discovered that she had significant heart issues and she has spent most of her infancy in the hospital. She took a turn for the worst tonight and needs your prayers.

Why the Irish should take over the world

2009-03-05T14:00:00.002-06:00

Three guys, one Irish, one English, and one Scottish, are out walking along the beach together one day. They come across a lantern and a Genie pops out of it.

“I will give you each one wish, that’s three wishes in total”, says the Genie.

The Scottish guy says, “I am a fisherman, my Dad’s a fisherman, his Dad was a fisherman and my son will be one too. I want all the oceans full of fish for all eternity.” So, with a blink of the Genie’s eye FOOM! the oceans were teaming with fish.

The Englishman was amazed, so he said, “I want a wall around England, protecting her, so that no one will get in for all eternity.” Again, with a blink of the Genie’s eye POOF! there was a huge wall around England.

The Irishman asks, “I’m very curious. Please tell me more about this wall.” The Genie explains, “well, it’s about 150 feet high, 50 feet thick, protecting England so that nothing can get in or out.”

The Irishman says, “Fill it up with water.”

I'm Catholic, so I can post this

2009-03-04T20:45:00.001-06:00

Paddy was in New York. He was patiently waiting and watching the traffic cop on a busy street crossing. The cop stopped the flow of traffic and shouted, ‘Okay, pedestrians.’ Then he’d allow the traffic to pass. He’d done this several times, and Paddy still stood on the sidewalk. After the cop had shouted, ‘Pedestrians!’ for the tenth time, Paddy went over to him and said, ‘Is it not about time ye let the Catholics across?’

A new sport for the Winter Olympics?

2009-03-01T14:05:00.003-06:00

Is it summer yet?

Unfortunately the answer is no, and we are all getting a little Cabin Fever at the Rosenau house. Although there are plenty places to go and things to do, we miss being outside in our yard and at the park.

Snowpants, winter hat, and a golf club?

So, we've taken to a new sport. Snow golf.

Yes, that's right. The golf clubs are baaaaack.....although perhaps we ought to find some colored golf balls. Nah, hunting in the snow for the white ball is half the fun.

Giving the word "divet" a whole new meaning...

Happy St. Patrick's Day...almost

2009-03-01T13:35:00.004-06:00

I have a legitimate right to enjoy St. Patrick's day...even though only by a small percent. My maternal grandfather has some Irish background, so that has always been good enough for me.

Even before I fell in love with Guinness, I enjoyed St. Paddy's day. I remember each St. Patricks day while I was in elementary school I would bring a special treat to share with the class. Although some of the treat changed, each year each child in my grade at Buffalo Lake elementary was guaranteed a shamrock sticker and those Andes mints (which I still adore). I think I even continued that into Middle School, although by then we were switching classrooms so I chose whichever class had the most of my close friends in....

St. Patrick's day is a great holiday and is truly one of my favorites. There is no pressure to buy gifts, no required family get togethers, no pressure to have a "special someone" to share it with, and no leftover bags of candy in the house (unless you want it there). Plus, did I mention the Guinness?

Anyway, to celebrate this most wonderful of holidays, I hope to regularly post a little Irish humor to brighten each day.

Enjoy:

An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut . The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest’s breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car.He says, ‘Sir, have you been drinking?’‘Just water,’ says the priest.The trooper says, ‘Then why do I smell wine?’ The priest looks at the bottle and says, ‘Good Lord! He’s done it again!’

Still Rockin'

2009-01-27T19:35:00.008-06:00

Hello everyone! Yes, we know it has been several weeks since our last post. Thinking about it, I am not even sure that I know where all of that time has gone...

I know we have spent some of our time at the doctor's office. Collin had his "asthma re-check" earlier this month and the news was positive...at the time. Since he had no more symptoms, we were going to be able to decrease the nebulizer use to once per day and then reassess again in a few weeks. Unfortunately that very day Collin came down with a cold, which is his asthma trigger. And, sure enough, he had some symptoms and we not only need to continue the twice a day treatments, but had to go back on an oral medication for the last few days as well. The good news is that despite having symptoms, the medicine we have available at home does control it and he tolerates it all very well. He is not nearly as bothered about this as Doug and I are, and in the end I guess that is really what matters.

We also spent some time on more exciting endeavors...dare I say we were even brave? We moved Collin from his crib to a "big boy bed" this month. With the help of Grandma Nola, his bedroom has been converted from a Noah's Ark nursery to a bonafide big boy room. Pictures to come in future posts. Although bedtime and nap times are somewhat more of a challenge, overall he is doing well and he loves his "new" room.

Early in the month we also celebrated Christmas with the Bartsch Family. Collin and Zack enjoyed playing together...it turns out that Zack is also quite the musician, although the toy vacuum was predictably his favorite...Little Miss Kiley enjoyed the show!

And, yes, we are still rocking out with our guitar, drums and keyboard! In this video, Collin was inspired by the country song "Start a Band" by Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. He was watching the video intently, then grabbed his own guitar. Apparently he decided to join their band...Please excuse my sideways video perspective...Collin may have talent, but he will have to find a better video crew than mom and dad if he's going to be a big star...

Countdown to Doug's Birthday

2009-01-04T15:16:00.003-06:00

Doug's birthday is at the end of this month. If I can find an appropriate ticker or countdown clock, I will add one to the blog. Until then, I have decided to change our background to blue and orange and to add the above quote from Lincoln. Both are in honor of Doug, a man making his wife and son proud with the way he lives his life...and a big fan of blue and orange!

A story from today can also be an early birthday gift. I had taken Collin to church myself since Doug was working. A little boy had a Vikings jersey on. Collin saw it, pointed and loudly said: "Football shirt. Go Broncos!"...

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T19:36:00.008-06:00

We welcomed 2009 by celebrating with the Hammill family. This has become somewhat of a tradition over the years, although the style of our celebration has certainly changed as we have grown older and our families have expanded.

"Back in the day" we used to easily greet the dawn, and New Years Day late morning was normally spent by someone driving home after sacking out on a couch or futon.

This year Collin and JJ partied hard,

channeling Baby New Year

in their diapers and New Years top hats.

Collin decided he wanted to ring in the new year and fought going to bed, lasting all the way until about 11:00 when he finally gave in....actually, I think he enjoyed watching the adults pretend to be Guitar Heroes and showing us all up on his own guitar.

We hope you all enjoyed welcoming 2009 and wish you a year of happiness and peace in your lives.

Going out with a BANG....

2008-12-28T14:15:00.009-06:00

Well, 2008 is definitely going out with a bang in our household...compliments of Collin's Christmas gifts this year!

We have decided to not really push the "Santa" angle with him, instead focusing on Christmas as Jesus' birthday. We try to explain that the gifts we exchange with family and friends are really birthday presents and that since Jesus was so special everyone gets and gives gifts on His birthday. Since he obviously sees Santa everywhere during the Christmas season, we have just explained that sometimes Santa helps with this, since there are so many presents being given.

When it came to gifts this year, suggestions were pretty easy. It has been obvious for quite some time that our little guy is a music lover, so this year we directed many of our family and friends toward that theme when it came time for gift exchanges. As a result, we are now pretty equipped to start our own band... (drums, guitar and keyboard, right)

Ironically, neither of his parents have any talent or special interest when it comes to music, aside from my short stint in choir at St. Thomas and some voice lessons for easy class credits that I am not sure should count...perhaps it has skipped some generations and all the extra has landed with Collin?

He is now the proud owner of a children's Gibson guitar (compliments of Grandma Nola), and a keyboard (compliments of the Butcher family). These two items will happily replace the Wiggles guitar and the infant piano we have been using for way too many months. You see, not only does Collin love music, he loves to direct us as his own personal band....assigning each of us what instrument we are to play and then alternating the assignments after each "song," just to mix it up I guess...this has been going on for as long as he could stand and point at us at the same time...

"Rocking out" in his PJ's for Cousin Grace and Cousin Kalie. A Rocker's work is never done...

Doug and I decided to purchase the drum set...we thought this was likely to be the most annoying gift, so we ought not to leave any room for blame once it started to drive us crazy. It was a very inexpensive gift (thanks, KMart) but Collin loves it.

Actually, we are not finding the drums to be too bad either. The cymbal, however, is a different story....This is still a better set-up than the large blue plastic ball that kept rolling away and the recycled chopsticks from LeeAnn Chins that we had been using for drums and drum sticks...so we are still not complaining! Yet....

Collin playing drums at 6:10am on Christmas morning.

Despite his love of music, he is still a toddler, so even that does not hold his attention span forever. Collin also got a plastic bowling set from us and a very nice and extensive farm equipment, animal and barn set from his Grandpa Don and Grandma Lynn. He is now totally set with Play-Doh and will be practicing "catch" with his new indoor friendly ball and mitt, thanks to the John Rosenau family, in addition to clothes and other odds and ends from various family and friends. All of this has occupied his time nicely over the last few days! I am sure we will be able to "spotlight" all the presents in this blog as he uses them...he really loves them all!

Perhaps some of my favorite gifts are the 2 books given to Collin by the Westphal side of the family. My Uncle Stanley and his family have started a tradition of giving Collin 2 books at Christmas that used to belong to my Grandma Rose. I have memories of reading these books with her myself as a child, and I think that some of them were also read by her to my father.

At the Westphal house. Collin fell in love with the skiing snowman decoration. It moved and played music...how could he have resisted!

Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful gifts. More importantly, thank you for sharing your time with us over the Christmas holiday!

Christmas Wishes

2008-12-24T20:01:00.001-06:00

As the last few weeks have brought more than their fair share of stress, we wanted to be sure that we greeted Christmas Eve & Christmas Day with some cheer!

Our family Christmas festivities started today, beginning with lunch at Grandma Jan's. We followed that up with our own family gift opening earlier this evening, a Christmas Eve tradition (photo, right: more to come in future posts). Tomorrow we head "back home" to spend the afternoon with the Westphal's and the evening with Grandpa Don and Lynn. We will spend the night at Grandma Nola's house and celebrate the following day with all of the Rosenau Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

We wish all of you a very safe and Merry Christmas as you celebrate with family and friends!

Sick Day(s)

2008-12-18T15:27:00.000-06:00

On Monday, Collin seemed to be coming down with a cold. A very slight cough and not quite as "toddler" as he usually is. On Tuesday morning he slept until 7:45 a.m....clearly he was off his game, as he is usually ready to go at 6am sharp.

He was cranky, but seemed fine with the exception of the cough. His temperature was below 100 degrees and he wanted to play, so off to daycare he went...after a late start and some additional hang out time at home to assess him.

When I got home on Tuesday night around 6:30 (damn the snow!) he had clearly taken a turn for the worse. Always a trooper, he was still in good spirits and had played with Doug since arriving home at 4p...but his breathing was labored and he was wheezing slightly. We started up the car again and off to Coon Rapids Urgent Care we went. I am so grateful they are open until 9pm!

This is his second episode since August, after a similar occurrence that seemed to be sparked randomly after a trip to the Renaissance Festival. While at the Emergency Room I kept joking (well..sorta joking...) that I was hoping he was allergic to the elephants we rode...it would be so easy to keep him away from elephants the rest of his life as opposed to other allergens or asthma, etc....

At Urgent Care, Collin was given a nebulizer treatment. Anyway, after this treatment we were given a 5 day course or oral steroids...exactly the same treatment as in August. This time we also opted to buy the nebulizer and bring it home in case this continued. We were told that the wheezing was likely a reaction to the cold virus we had noticed brewing since Monday and that his lungs were reactive to it in this way.

Collin and I hung out and enjoyed a "sick day" on Wednesday which was some rest and some play. (Picture right). We used the kid friendly penguin theme nebulizer throughout the day every 4-6 hours if his breathing did not sound clear. We scheduled a follow-up with his regular pediatrician for Thursday morning.

No problems were noted overnight, but there was still some congestion in the morning and I was very happy to be leaving for the doctor soon. Still in good spirits, we were off to the awesome Dr. Barth, Collin's pediatrician since birth, at the Allina Clinic near our home.

Dr. Barth decided to diagnose Collin with asthma since this is his second episode of wheezing. He defined Collin's asthma as Collin's lungs being more receptive to bouts of wheezing, and that future colds etc. may result in the same thing all season long. We've been directed to use preventative nebulizer treatments (a different liquid medication is put into the machine than when it is being used for an active episode) for him twice daily, until further notice. That will for sure be all of cold and flu season, and I am not sure if it will be year round yet or not. We have another follow-up in a few weeks for more asthma education and to see how things are going once we have been doing the preventative treatments for a while.

I know this is minor and, for more and more families, it is also increasingly common. Still, I am sad and angry. More to manage each morning and at bedtime. More to expect Collin to put up with, as he has to sit still while using the nebulizer. We have no risk factors in the home or closely related family history...just "lucky" I guess.

On the other hand, I continue to remind myself that we are lucky. There are people out there struggling with much worse, so I am trying not to be too disheartened. It has not affected his mood or stamina, and he still remains ready to play at all times...he does not get winded when he is active either, which would indicate exercise induced asthma. He also does not mind the nebulizer, which has a penguin theme for kids. He has taken to kissing it goodbye when we put it in its "house" (an igloo like thing) until the next treatment. The likelihood that Collin will outgrow this sensitivity is also good and it is not seen as a precursor to worse things to come. In general asthma is very treatable and "user friendly" as far as illnesses go....I keep telling myself these things. However, if anyone else has any positive ways to frame this diagnosis, I would love to hear them. The more the merrier...

Still, no one ever, ever wants to see any child sick. At all.

So, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we work this new routine into our life and learn more. Please also do the same for all kids out there struggling with any degree of illness.

Merry Christmas Tree

2008-12-17T19:46:00.000-06:00

We took the plunge this year and put up our Christmas tree. For years when we were first married, I insisted on having a "real" live tree. Doug pleaded for a "fake" one. I don't recall his argument at the time...to be honest I don't know how much I listened....

After a few years, I eventually gave in (mostly to end the pleading, not so much because I was convinced) and we purchased a tall beautiful tree for our home. In the back of my mind, I was thinking that whenever we had children a "fake" tree may be more convenient anyway for the first few years. No pine needle sap or sharp needles in the carpet if we get lazy with watering or wait too long to take it down, etc. As a married couple we put it up every year and part of our Christmas gift to each other was a new ornament. We slowly added little elements to add to the elegant white and gold tree that we displayed each year. In 2006, (left) the year Collin was born, we also "decked the halls" with all of our ornaments.

Last year Collin was in a very exploratory mode at Christmas time. The big tree, which was the subject of all this debate for years, was never put up. We have a variety of other decorations and we scattered those throughout the house, and used a small fiber optic Christmas tree as our family tree for the year (Christmas Eve 2007, right)...very easy to keep on the entertainment center or move when needed.

This year, Collin, Doug and I were all excited to get back into the Holidays and put up the tree, as we listened to Christmas music (see video) and ate cookies.

We did skip a few of the more "tempting" decorations, such as the ribbon and icicles we typically wind around the tree. Still, even without these elements present, Collin finds it "beautiful". It is topped by an angel that my Grandma Rose used (right). My guess from the style is that it was purchased in the 1920's. I remember putting that angel on a tree with her each year growing up and am so happy to have that remembrance on my own family tree now.

Each morning when we come upstairs the first thing I have to do is plug the lights in on the tree. And, as I do I so, I sense myself giving in again, and we will have a "real" tree next year.

Christmas Tree, 2008

"Baby New Year" wearing Christmas stockings? Hmmm....

Danika's Baptism

2008-12-15T20:50:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, December 7 we were invited to celebrate the Baptism of our niece,

Danika Rosenau.

Danika was an angel during the Baptism. Collin also enjoyed the event, especially the modern music played for the service. He had a little dance party and clearly enjoyed himself.

The service was followed by a lunch and gift opening in the lower level of the church.

All in all a beautiful event.

Congratulations, Danika!

Just something funny...

2008-12-02T19:35:00.000-06:00

So, this is not really a post about the family. It is just a funny joke that was sent to me by a co-worker. For some reason it really made me laugh more than anything else lately, perhaps because I parent a toddler who at times can seem much like the parrot???...Anyway, I thought I would share it and hopefully brighten someone else's day as well:

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly open the door to the freezer, the parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."
John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

Welcome to Winter

2008-12-01T19:52:00.001-06:00

So, I really dislike winter...mostly the snow, actually. Not as much as our friend Molly, but I am still not a fan. However, so as not to taint Collin's childhood memories, I am going to give it an honest try this year and "celebrate" this winter season.

In the past Collin has not been deterred by the wind, the snow, or the biting cold. He is still as ready to play and be happy as on the nicest 80 degree day (as you can see by the photo at the right...we had to practically wrestle him to get him to hold even this still for a picture, he was so excited about the snow last year)...so, I suppose if he can tough it out, so can I. Of course, he never has to drive in it...

Oh well...Welcome to winter!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T19:12:00.000-06:00

This year our family took the week of Thanksgiving "off" from our usual work and daycare schedules, so the only responsibilities we had for the week were to take part in the fun festivities of the season...something to really be thankful for!

In addition to the Thanksgiving feast we celebrated at Collin's daycare (right), we celebrated at our home with Grandma Jan the weekend before Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving day, we celebrated with the Grandma Nola and the many Rosenau Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

In between Thanksgiving meals, we enjoyed the few days (maybe more like hours?) of mild weather and played outside, still taking advantage of the chill in the air and warming up with some hot cider (left) once we came back inside.

We hope that you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday as well and found something to be thankful for.

Father of the Year?

2008-11-21T19:41:00.000-06:00

Ok folks, I think we have a contender here....

So I failed to mention that the long 3 day weekend we had together at the beginning of the month was the opener of deer hunting season. Doug traditionally goes hunting with his Dad each opener, no matter the weather, no matter...well...anything. He had this vacation planned again this year, then was told about the mandatory training. This year he voluntarily decided to stay home since he had been in Texas all week. I had not even mentioned it!

Yesterday was a Thanksgiving lunch at the daycare for all the parents and kids to join the staff for a meal and celebration. I took Collin home after the lunch, but all he wanted was DADDY!..Not in a normal "want what is not in front of me" way, but in a sobbing, "oh my God, where is Daddy!" way. Doug was scheduled to go to an event at Concordia St. Paul that evening to learn more about the grad school program he will be starting this spring. He found out that Collin wanted him and opted out of the event...even coming home early from work!

I think it was a residual effect from the afternoon "crisis", but Collin was a very restless sleeper last night. I think he was testing us to be sure we were both here and adequately at his disposal. Doug got up each and every time (and I mean there were a lot of times last night...), giving Mommy some sleep and Collin the Daddy time he craved.

(STOP reading if you are not good with bodily functions) Today Collin is clearly coming down with a bug of some sort. Mostly labored breathing and some coughing, a slight fever...nothing major, but still it breaks my heart. At dinner the coughing turned into "regurgitation"...which has always been Daddy's weak point...He sees it or hears it and I have 2 sick boys to deal with. Through the last 2 years he has slowly adapted, as all good Daddy's do, and tonight did a very "mom" thing...and spared the carpet some major cleaning with some very quick moves. He also took charge of the bath that automatically follows that type of thing...

So, definitely in the running for Father of the Year...at least in my book!

Hanging Out

2008-11-17T20:24:00.000-06:00

The last two of weekends have been pretty calm for our family...yet another thing to be thankful for as Thanksgiving approaches and the rush of the holiday season begins.

First, we took a long 3-day weekend together to reconnect after Doug's trip to Texas. We spent some time at the library as well as a lot of playtime at home. Oh, and how can I forget my favorite...some well deserved afternoon naps all three days!

Collin got his own library card this summer

and has made good use of it since then

This past weekend we were given the honor of watching JJ Hammill for his first overnight without mom and dad! He and Collin had a great time playing together, and JJ even took it easy on us and mostly slept through the night. Both of the boys must have been pretty worn out because Collin slept until 7:30am (unheard of!) and JJ woke up shortly after at 7:45am.

Collin & JJ at the craft table.

Looks like Collin did not appreciate this paparazzi shot!

Thank you James and Angela for letting us spend time with your little man!

Some Prayers, please.

2008-11-12T15:38:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed the addition of a new Family/Friend blog link on our site to the left, the Callison Chronicle. I worked with Corey and Tina at Bar None several years ago. Since then they have moved on to other careers, gotten married and have been blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, Ashlyn and Lynnea. They are close friends with the Hammill family who have kept us informed from time to time on how things are going with the Callisons, and we have seen each other at baby showers etc. from time to time as well.

Lynnea is the newest addition to the family, just born this Halloween. Unfortunately little Lynnea and her family are in need of prayers and support as she has heart issues that were recently discovered and will require a series of 3 surgeries...with one possibly as early as tomorrow.

Please keep them in your prayers.

Baptism Anniversary

2008-11-12T15:11:00.001-06:00

Flashback to November 12, 2006

Two years ago today, Collin was Baptized at the Church of St. Stephen in Anoka, MN. Today we wanted to say a very big thank you to his Godparents, Katie & Darin Bartsch and Jennifer & Trevore Butcher, for the important role you play in the life of our little man.

For those of you who also joined us to celebrate Collin's official entry into the Church, we also say thank you for making it such a special day!

We love you, Daddy!

2008-11-04T20:05:00.000-06:00

Doug is in Texas for a required training session. He has been gone since Monday and will be back on Thursday of this week. Collin has held up pretty well, asking where Daddy is and accepting/comprehending the answer that he is working and will be home Thursday...as best he can for his age.

But, at home things are still not the same and Daddy is very, very missed by both of us.

A little boy needs Daddy

For many, many things:

Like holding him high off the ground

Where the sunlight sings!

Like being the deep music

That tells him all is right

When he awakens frantic with

The terrors of the night.

Like being the great mountain

That rises in his heart

And shows him how he might get home

When all else falls apart.

Like giving him the love

That is his sea and air,

So diving deep or soaring high

He'll always find him there.

--Nicholas Gordon

A politician?

2008-11-04T19:36:00.000-06:00

Ok, so Collin did not actually vote today...but he thought that my "I voted" sticker was very cool. Here he is working on a puzzle and showing off the sticker. I'm sure he is trying to take his mind off the stress of the election.

I have to say that few candidates really inspired our family this year, but some of them caused me enough distress to go and vote so that hopefully they will not be voted into office...all we can do now is hope and pray that the outcome is good for America.

Argh! Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T20:13:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

We experienced our first full fledged family Halloween tonight! At the time of Collin's first Halloween he was about one month old and Doug was in North Dakota for work that whole week, incidentally leaving me as the single parent of a newborn. Collin's costume was "baby in diaper" (photo at the right) with pumpkin socks compliments of Trish Cooley, I believe. I was so tired that I did not even give out candy.

Last year we stepped it up a notch and gave out candy at home. Collin also had a Dalmatian costume (left) that he wore for his party at daycare. But, again, as a family we did not venture out.

So, this year we took the plunge. The Saturday before Halloween we went to a celebration in Maple Grove with the Bartsch and Not-Cooley families where Collin got to wear his pirate costume for the first time ever. He was shy at first (especially for a pirate!) but definitely found his groove toward the end.

Riley "Not Cooley" as an elephant and Zack Bartsch as a dragon (though he preferred dinosaur) and Collin, all enjoying the balloons! Kiley, Zack's infant sister was a dinosaur...so I guess he was inspired!

Today, actual Halloween, Collin again got to be "Captain Collin" the pirate and wore his costume to daycare and later tonight as we trick-or-treated. For as fidgety as kids his age can be, I am impressed that he typically wears the hat, sash and eye patch without trying to take them off...now, those same items may fall off because of his activity level...but still, I'm impressed!

Collin had a hard time understanding that we could not go into the houses at first. He wanted to see people's pets and tried more than once to walk right in. After a while he got the hang of it. Full of sugar, we went to his daycare center (Elim Christian Learning Center) in Anoka where they had a "pitstop" type of Halloween party, complete with hotdogs, cider, hot chocolate, games, etc. etc. We spent some time there, then as the sugar wore off we headed home.

Collin really enjoyed the dancing and singing turkey that was part of a large outdoor display.

And he also enjoyed "just hanging out". Pirating is hard work!

All in all a "Happy Halloween"!

Time with "Toby"

2008-10-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

I am normally not the kind of person who wins "stuff". I don't play the lottery, and I am normally not a winner at drawings or raffles if I decide to give it a try. So imagine my surprise when after entering a radio contest on K102 that I won the opportunity to meet Toby Keith!

On October 28, Toby's newest CD "That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy" was released. As part of a promotional tour he was doing an in person radio interview at the K102 radio station in Minneapolis. I signed up on the internet one day on a whim. A few days later I recieved a call that I had been chosen to be present for this interview and meet Toby Keith.

So, Doug and I arranged to take some time off from work. Collin was able to spend the afternoon and evening with his friend Bryce (THANK YOU to the Neumann family for babysitting!) and Doug and I had a "date" with each other...and Toby.

The setting at the "Roadhouse" where they did the interview was intimate. I would say there were less than 40 people present. We got to take part in the interview and meet/get our photo taken with Toby during commercial breaks. He shook our hand... and called me "sweetheart". Gotta love that southern charm! He really is as down to earth, irreverant, funny and handsome as one would expect...but I'll stop gushing now!

After the radio show, Doug and I completed our date with dinner out...at the Texas Roadhouse in Coon Rapids. Where better to end the "country themed" evening?

Apple Orchard Fun

2008-10-27T20:49:00.001-05:00

The day after Mike & Cagney's wedding, we took advantage of being "back home" and went to a local apple orchard with our friends the Hammill family, who were gracious enough to have accompanied us for the weekend as babysitters for the late part of the wedding dance.

The orchard was an ideal setting for a few good fall pictures of Collin, as well as a great backdrop for Collin and his friend JJ to play farmer and "ride" some tractors, compliments of the engine power of Uncle James!

Collin said he had fun at the orchard, and I think I believe him. He has eaten at least one apple almost everyday since we picked them...On the days when he has not eaten an apple, he has taken to asking for one anyway and just carrying it around....hmmm....

Congratulations Mike and Cagney

2008-10-27T20:28:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, October 18 we celebrated the wedding of Doug's youngest brother Mike and Cagney, a truly beautiful bride! The wedding
and reception were held in Norwood/Young America, MN and fun was had by all! Pictured to the right are Kalie, Sybil, Dylan, Collin, Grace and Riley.

I did not have my camera for much of the night, choosing instead to live it up myself, so you will just have to take my word for it!

A connoisseur of fine milk....

Two & Terrific

2008-10-27T20:07:00.000-05:00

Collin reached his 2nd Birthday on September 27. He celebrated early with his cousins Dylan and Tyson who share September birthdays. He spent his actual birthday at "the park" with some of his friends for a Toddler Party.

Although the weather was less than pleasant for us adults, Collin and the rest of the kids did not seem to mind!

Collin also got a clean bill of health at

his 2 year Well Child exam, with a small exception which has since

resolved...at the time we found out that the tube in his right ear had fallen out and fluid had started to build again...(he had tubes in both ears for chronic ear infections as an infant). We got the good news today that everything is clear and he is a healthy young man!

Collin at 2 years old:

Weight 27 lbs 5 oz

(41 percentile)

Length 35.5 inches

(79 percentile)

Thank you to everyone, family and friends, who helped us to celebrate Collin's birthday. We are grateful to have you in our lives!

Festivals & Fall Fun

2008-10-04T13:50:00.000-05:00

It has been some time since our last post, and here are some pictures of the festivals and fall fun that has been keeping us busy!

We took our second family trip to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Although Collin enjoyed the turkey drumsticks a lot, and took great interest in all of the loud and costumed Renaissance vendors, his heart belonged to the elephants! Both Doug and I got to take several turns riding the large elephants with Collin and that was the highlight of our trip too. Collin seemed to really enjoy it-not minding at all how high in the air you are or how "bumpy" the ride itself is. The only part he did not like was when it was time to leave!

Daddy and Collin experiencing high adventure atop an elephant

We also took some time to visit my uncle, aunt and cousins from the Westphal side of the family (my maiden name). The Westphal's still live a small, family farm life-style, complete with chicken coops, cows, corn fields and huge tractors. Although this was not our first visit with this side of the family, it was the first time that Collin has really been mobile enough to enjoy himself and be interactive with his environment.

We took advantage of the "ultimate petting zoo" experience that only a family farm can provide. Our first adventure was to the chicken coop, where Collin was a bit taken aback by how LOUD those chickens really

were!

He fed and watered them, and

then it was time to collect the eggs of course!

Although not dropping the eggs into the bucket was a skill Collin has not yet mastered, some eggs were salvaged and we were given a few spares collected by the adults. We were able to take these eggs home with us for a genuinely "farm fresh" breakfast the next morning.

Next we ventured to the barn and pasture, where we met calves and cows and steers. Collin was a helper and fed the cows, taking an opportunity to pet them as they ate fresh hay. We then went to see the bulk tank where the milk is collected before it is taken by the creamery and turned into the milk we buy at the store....and that Collin literally consumes by the gallon every few days. He is a HUGE milk drinker and now has gotten to see firsthand where it all comes from.

So, this is where milk comes from?!?

We also toured some of the crops raised on the farm, including a visit to the cornfield which feeds those cows and chickens. If the stalks are dried that same cornfield can make an awesome scarecrow too! Collin also picked his first apple, straight from the tree.

Checkin' out the crops...and meeting a new "friend"

For the grand finale, Collin got to experience some huge tractors and other farm equipment...I think the scale of everything surprised and delighted him. He has toy tractors and trucks, and to see them on such a large scale, where he could really drive them behind the wheel, must've seemed like something out of a dream. He enjoyed

Tough guy behind the wheel
showing off his driving skills, motor noises included. Like the good boy he is, he was still always about safety first and demanded that the door to the tractor cabs were closed before he began to "drive" them.

I grew up on a farm right across the road from this one, and Doug worked on family farms throughout his childhood. Although farm life is not for us, we strongly agree that the work ethic that comes from being a farm-raised child is important and want to instill that in Collin as much as possible. We also do not want to parent the type of child who grows up thinking that his apples and milk magically appear in the produce and dairy aisles at the grocery story! We hope to keep a good connection with the Westphal farm in the future and are grateful to have this opportunity!

Are you ready for some Football?

2008-09-08T16:58:00.001-05:00

So, tonight is the start of the Rosenau "official" football season...the Denver Broncos play in the late game tonight against the Oakland Raiders!

In honor of this momentous occasion, Collin sported his Bronco's jersey today. He wore it a few times last year too, but this year it actually fits!

Lately Collin seems to enjoy watching and trying any sport that is provided to him...clearly that came from Daddy's side of the family. Even as a baby he seemed to enjoy the movement of football games on the TV...We'll see if this year he will turn into a "superfan" like Daddy...

Birthday Ideas

2008-09-07T13:37:00.000-05:00

So, for those of you that have asked what Collin would appreciate for his birthday, I am afraid that a membership to the AARP (Yes, American Association of Retired Persons) is growing increasingly appropriate...I know that organization is for senior citizens, but I think we can sneak him in...if recent behavior is any indication.

Now, don't get me wrong...there are plenty of times in a day that both Doug and I wish that Collin would just sit quietly...or just sit at all. He is definitely almost "2" and has energy at even 6:00 in the morning that I would love to bottle and sell. However, he also has interests that are more in line with someone 40 times his age...

I have already written about his love for playing golf. That is understandable...it is a new skill, he sees Daddy doing it, and he gets to go chase after the balls he hits. Then it progressed to Collin requesting to watch "man hit the ball" on TV. I find it odd and disturbing that I now know Channel 28 on our TV is the GOLF station....Don't worry to any feminist friends out there, he is equally as happy watching women play golf, but he does not differentiate in his requests.

Then one night when Doug was not home I was making dinner. Collin came running into the kitchen requesting to watch "man hit the ball", which I thought was strange since the GOLF channel was already playing. Much to my surprise, Collin had gotten into the entertainment center and found an instructional golf video by Tom Lehman that Doug got as one of those "free gifts" for subscribing to a magazine or something...Collin showed such joy over seeing a DVD of "man hit the ball" that I could not refuse. He sat and watched Mr. Lehman during the rest of my time making dinner, showing more long-term interest in that DVD than pretty much anything I have seen before.

Collin watching the instructional golf DVD

After coming inside earlier today from playing golf, Collin requested to again watch "man hit the ball"...but there is only so much Tom Lehman that a girl can take. I was cold and damp...Collin, like his father, demands to golf in any weather. Collin was happy, but becoming tired and I wanted to get lunch started so I was going to comply with Channel 28 GOLF, but was foiled by an info-mercial. So, I decided to take my chances and channel-flipped to see if ESPN could help me out.

I found bowling...Collin loved it. He hooted and hollered and almost did not want to eat lunch...good thing I had made "noodles" or he may not have left the couch...

So, golf and now bowling....He already wears diapers and sometimes his pants ride up his waist...can the AARP be far behind?

P.S. For those of you looking to improve your "driving for distance and accuracy" give Collin a call...he should be able to give you some tips...

Lovin' the Ladies

2008-09-07T12:42:00.000-05:00

A few posts back we mentioned how lucky Collin is to have so many toddler friends and family near his own age...although most of those were boys, he also has his fair share of "girl-friends" too. We are very, very happy to announce that Collin now has one more lady to love in his life: Kiley Marie Bartsch, the brand new daughter of Katie and Darin Bartsch (Collin's Godparents and our friends from college at St. Thomas).

Stats:

Kiley Marie Bartsch

Born Friday September 5 at 2:44 a.m.

She weighed in at a dainty 6# 14 oz and 20 inches long

On Saturday we took a family trip to North Memorial hospital to meet Collin's newest "Cousin"...although she spent most of her time sleeping, we did get to hear her voice as she protested a diaper change and if we were not caught off-guard we did get to see the occasional glimpse of her eyes---if she was feeling generous...stubborn like her mom, I guess... :)

Katie and Darin are both doing well, despite the fact that Kiley was born through an emergency C-section...you can check out their blog (linked above or listed as Bartsch Beat on the Friends and Family list) for details.

Earlier this month Collin also got to spend some time with the lovely Zeleke girls, Jasmine and Zana. Jazzy and Z are the daughters of Jan and Abel Zeleke, who I met through working with Jan as a co-worker at Bar None Residential Treatment Services. Although Jan has since left Bar None and the Zeleke family has migrated to her home state of Iowa, we have managed to keep in touch and actually even made the roadtrip this summer as planned! Jan is pregnant and expecting the third Zeleke girl in December...we'll keep you all posted!

Jasmine

and Collin mugging for the camera

Zana and Collin enjoying

some time on a swingset

What fun!

In addition to these visits, on Labor Day weekend Collin got a chance to hang with his cousin Grace, who he adores! Grandma Nola was kind enough to watch Collin for us so Doug and I could go to the Toby Keith concert at the State Fair...and Grace was kind enough to watch them both so no one got into trouble :)

Collin really enjoyed his time with these two ladies...he spent the rest of the week after they were gone asking where they were...

Enjoying some lunch with Cousin Grace

I suspect things are pretty boring for him now that it is just dad and mom at home...

Thanks to all you ladies for being a part of our lives!