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Starting Another Chapter in Our Lives

So, 2009 came and went....we've enjoyed being "a family" again as we moved into our new house in Andover (thanks to Ron for all of his hard work!).

Adam started full time at Oak View Middle School (only a mile from the house) and is teaching 6th/7th grade Art. He's enjoying his year, although he is VERY busy!

I am part-time again teaching Social Studies at Oak View....7th grade. Enjoying my little spunksters---they really are an awesome group of kids this year!

Vivian is growing....growing....GROWING! She is quick to tell people that she is 3 and a HALF, not just 3
She is also eager to tell people that she is going to be a BIG SISTER!

Yep. That's right. End of August will bring a new little Rosenbaum into our clan. We're excited....and a little scared....shocked....but mostly excited!

So, there you have it. 2009!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It's Been Almost a Year

I can't believe that it has been almost a year since the last post. A lot has happened, yet much is still the same. We're still at Ron and Kay's---but moving out soon. We're still looking for jobs, although I did get to teach at Oak View Middle School this year. Unfortunately, the tightening of purse strings has resulted in my layoff. Adam has been subbing, coaching 6th grade volleyball, boys tennis and also working a security detail at Fred Moore Middle School and Sandburg Middle School. I still have my part time job at JoAnn, and have also picked up another job waitressing at BearTown Bar and Grill in White Bear Lake.

****A little brag alert...but seriously, we're just trying to update....****

Vivian is awesome! She turns 3 on Monday! Yikes! She amazes us everyday. In January, she decided that diapers were for babies and decided to only wear big girl panties. FINE BY ME! And that was that. She started writing her name at Judy's (daycare) in February. Judy assumed that we taught her...I thought Judy was helping her. She fools us all! Vivi loves all things having to do with animals. Especially Lions...and Alligators...and Dinosaurs. No cute little puppies for this kid. She loves to be outside, play with cards, work puzzles and play games. She HATES sleeping, getting out of her jammies and all types of vegetables. In her words, "I can't like them."

I'll post new pictures soon!

Time Flies

I guess in all of the hubbub that is our life, we didn't post Vivian's 2 year stuff.

She's still tall for her age, but not AS high of a percentage as at her 18 month appt.
35 inches, 80th percentile

Weight...she gained a lb. 26#, I think Adam said 25% percentile...

Doctor is pleased with her abilities. She is developing gross and fine motor skills well and is strong academically, as she can count to 5---and knows what that means. She knows all of her colors and more objects and animals than others in her age group. YES!

At home, we are enjoying every moment of her---she is well into her "twos" stage, but we think it is mostly terrific! She LOVES school buses, her swing and sandboxes...oh, and being nudester!

To Vomit or Not to Vomit

So I woke up this morning and was whipping around getting ready for work, as usual. We have state testing today and a gazillion other things going on so I was on the ball---

I'm in the kitchen, making my egg beaters omelette, grabbing my lunch and snack for the day...as I'm running out the door, I grab my water bottle out of the fridge in my concious effort to get my 8 glasses in...

I'm in the car-boppin' to some good music and take a huge swig of my water.

Then, reality sets in. IT. IS. NOT. WATER.

Nope. It's vinegar. And I just drank a ton of it.

So, I'm trying not to throw up in the vehicle, looking for anything to wash down the burning taste in my mouth and throat. I got my hands on a few day old bottle of recycled (tap) water and guzzle it. Then, Vivian's day+ old juice cup. Down what's left of that. Ugh. Trying to make it to work.

Got here. Didn't puke. Guzzled more water, ate some pretzels. 2 hours later, my throat still burns a little and my stomach is churning at the very thought of it.

Quick Update

We're busy...I'm teaching 6th grade a Sandburg Middle while Adam is finishing up his grueling St. Cloud spring semester. We're still trying to close on the house. It has been a headache, to say the least. We're on our 3rd buyer, 6th closing. We get offers right away, it's just that no one can close the deal.

Vivian is doing great. We cannot believe she is almost two!

**I've got to brag just a teensy weensy bit here**
She knows her colors---red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, white, pink
She knows the letters S, M, L, E, O, Y
She knows most opposites---up/down, in/out, etc...

We continue to be amazed every day at the intelligence, spunk, and love that comes from our little girl. She is absolutely the BEST THING EVER!

Happy Week!

It is spring break, for me at least! So, I'm home with the Poosh--and we're having a blast! Here's some recent pictures:

#1. Lovin' her new backpack (doesn't seem to understand that she can't sit in her carseat with it on... :)

#2. Is that a doo-rag on her head? A Babushka? Nope. Just her choice of a hat for her "shopping trip".

#3 and #4. Coloring Easter Eggs--messy, but oh so fun!

#5. Swinging. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Doesn't matter. LOVES IT!

Fun at the Children's Museum

I Am You and You is Me

So, Vivian thinks her name is You. Don't know why...because we DO call her by her actual name...

Must be the whole, Where are you going? Are you hiding? Did you have a good sleep? Are you wet? Do you want some supper? Well, you get the picture.

So we go through names...dadda, momma, papa (grandpa), ramma (grandma), Elmo...then we say, "What's your name?" To which she promptly replies, "You!"

Silly girl.

'Lil Miss No No

Cute Vivster story:
If you've been around our daughter at all lately, you'll know she is OBSESSED with all things Elmo and Sesame Street related. SO, taking a little advantage of the 20 min. of peace it would provide so we can get something else done, we let her watch 20 min. of one of her ELMO videos each day.

WELL, the past few days, when she gets to a scene she doesn't want to watch or a song she doesn't want to hear, she starts in with, "No, No, No, No" etc., getting progressively louder until we skip ahead to something she wants to see/hear. (She especially dislikes Oscar's "I Love Trash"...which goes on...and on...and on...)

SO, I'm driving home with her today and I hear..."No, No, No, No" coming from the backseat. I look in the rearview and she is pointing to the radio station, basicallt asking/demanding me to switch stations...ya gotta be kidding...

Ach, I don't really prefer Edwin McCain either my dear Viv...

First Haircut!

Vivian's Friends!

Some New Pictures!

The Gronau's came over for some sledding fun at the beginning of January. The kids (and we, as well) had a blast! It was fairly warm out-35 degrees-so we were able to hang outside for awhile without freezing every finger and toe!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

I am told that with a new year is a fresh start...a clean slate...a chance for something better. I suppose that is where everyone gets those insane ideas for new year's resolutions...

Regardless, if you need a fresh start in your life--go for it! There is no better time than right now.

Wishing everyone a blessed 2008, may your family be healthy and your wallets be filled (even if just with pictures of those you love). The best gift is to love and be loved. God Bless!

Santa!

Ho! Ho! Ho! (this is Vivian EVERY time she sees a Santa Claus)

So we took her to see Santa today at Rosedale Center. He was super nice and Vivian loved him. She started out by waving as we walked up to him. Then, "HI!" in her cute little Vivi voice. I wasn't sure how she'd react when I actually put her on Santa's lap, but she seemed to like him! (See picture below) She smiled nicely for the super expensive computer printed picture that parents get sucked into and said, "BYE!" as we were leaving.

What a cutie! She is so much FUN!

Some New Pictures...Enjoy!

Thankful...

I never did getting around to posting new Viv stats, nor did I write a Thanksgiving message...

So, here's the scoop...
Vivian is just a little bit taller (32 3/4 inches) and 24 lbs 5 oz. That puts her in the 90% for height and 70% for weight. She's well into being a toddler now, as more and more of her "baby-ness" goes away with each passing day. Kind of sad for me, but we're enjoying this new stage in her life. She's very much into her baby dolls, little people and animals. Nevermind the dogs and cats, she would much rather mimic sea lions, geese, horses, whales, etc. Crazy girl! She has mastered her peg puzzles and her shape sorter...maybe Santa will have to bring a few more things! :)

As for us,
well...

last year we gave to charity...this year it seems as though we ARE the charity.
We are stressed out, tired of school, in need of our own space, poor (until the danged house sells), and generally taking everything out on each other.

But then, we look at each other with a smile, laugh with our daughter, hug as a family...and we know that we are so blessed. We have each other...and know that because we are strong together, we can get through it all. And that, is truly something to be thankful for.

Keep the true meaning of the holidays in your hearts. Don't get swept up by the commercialization of it all. Take pictures...make memories...love each other...

Need Some Prayers...

...to go out to my Aunt Peggy, her kids, my dad, etc. as my cousin Cherie (who is only 31) passed away this morning. Cause, right now, is not known. If praying is your thing, I know Aunt Peggy could use some right now.

Some Humor as We Start Winter...

Jeff Foxworthy on Minnesota :

If you consider it a sport to get food by drilling through

18 inches of ice and sitting there for days hoping that the food will swim by,

You might live in Minnesota .


If you're proud your state makes the national news 196 nights

each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation,

You might live in Minnesota .


If you don't know the difference between 'borrow' and 'loan',

You might live in Minnesota .



If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through June,

You might live in Minnesota.



If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there,

You might live in Minnesota .



If your dad sleeps in his baseball hat, You might live in Minnesota .



If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time,

You might live in Minnesota .



If you know how to say...Wayzata...Mahtomedi....Cloquet . Edina ...and Shakopee,

You might live in Minnesota .



If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy,

You might live in Minnesota.



You measure distance in hours,

You might live in Minnesota .



You switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again,

You might live in Minnesota .



You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow in a blizzard without flinching,

You might live in Minnesota .



You see people wearing hunting clothes to church,

You might live in Minnesota .



You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked,

You might live in Minnesota .



You think the 2 major food groups are fish, and deer meat,

You might live in Minnesota .



You carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows how to use them,

You might live in Minnesota .



There are always 17 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm ,

You might live in Minnesota.



You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit,

You might live in Minnesota .



Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,

You might live in Minnesota .



You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and of course, road construction,

You might live in Minnesota .


If "Down South" to you means Iowa ,

You might live in Minnesota .


You find minus 10 degrees "a little chilly",

You might live in Minnesota .