Updates.

We had a very Merry Christmas. No traveling. Up early for stockings and presents. Then assembling said presents.. We had lunch out on Christmas Day.. I finished a book, read another.
Life is Good, Busy.

I have rearranged 3 rooms.. I purged a ton of junk, organized toys, totes and everything else.

Today is Dake's 1st day back to work in 10 days. I'm sort of lost without him. Today is also the first day in weeks, that I have no where to be, nothing to do. And I'm rocking yoga pants because of it.

Jason went to Mall of America's Nickelodeon Universe last Friday with a batch of the Y kids. He rode every ride there! Even the biggest, scariest.. SO proud of him.

Other Big News. Last week Jason was having a terrible time with a loose tooth causing him pain. I got him into the dentist, and it was infected, his gums, not the tooth. He had it pulled (We did it with him numb and not knowing.. I knew his fear would be greater if he heard the words "Pulls It" so we said the dentist was "gonna work on it.") But it was awful to see him upset by the pressure of the work. It was BY FAR the hardest mommy moment I've had so far.. When he was done, I told him the dentist pulled it out.. He didn't even know!! The dentist said it was one of those random things. The tooth was perfectly healthy, so she didn't know why his gums got an infection. The Tooth Fairy left him a $20 that night.

Ryan starts preschool January 3rd. He's in Zach's class and I am super nervous for him! I also have them enrolled in preschool for Fall 2012-Spring 2013.. Then they are off to Kindergarten! FYI- I think they are class of 2027.

I'm on my 96th or 97th book of the year.. I'll have the official tally once the year is over.

I am sooooo ready for 2012. Twenty-eleven was great!!

I celebrated my birthday last week with almost 30 guests!! I got a ton of amazing gifts, not to mention, had a TWILIGHT cake..

I'm not sure if I will keep the blog running much longer. Seems like I have less time, less readers.

I  didn't send out Christmas cards, but I do have some that I will still mail out with photos for my most favorite families.. and if I have those favorite families addresses.

A BIG Thanks to all those who sent us Christmas cards, and gifts for the boys. We love you all, M

Time to PARTY!

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas a video by mandydake on Flickr.

Zachary at his preschool Christmas program today. 12/13/11 There are 4 clips total on flicker, all 30 seconds or less. You must be signed into see the others. Hugs, M

I have TWO FOUR year olds!

And here they are! On the 3rd. So they are 4 here! And look, I still blog. Who knew, right? I will be back later with a BUNCH of updates on the Dakes. More photos up on flickr. Hugs, M

Currently on our fridge.

Jason's November reading calendar.
A school lunch menu until Wednesday.
A photo of me and Bieber together.
Zachary's preschool calendar for November.
A reminder he needs an apple for school Tuesday.
Jason's swim lessons guide.
A notepad that has my grocery list.
Our calendar.
A conference reminder for Jason.
A ton of magnets.
An acorn Zach made.
A list of upcoming important dates.
A photo of Dake & his brothers via 1980's.
A Leapfrog letter learner.

Some Photos are Posted..

Just click here.. PUERTO Rico to see them.. they are not labeled yet, but you'll get the drift. All photos are public, so you do not need be signed in to see them... hugs, m

Puerto Rico.

Been There. Done That. More Photos and the stories too come.

The Mario Brothers.

Why So Serious??

Wednesday.

Jason's 3rd grade class has a field trip to the Minnesota Zoo today up in Minneapolis. Daddy Dake was a chaperone. He put in a pass for the day off and road up on the school bus with all the kids. Look
for photos later.

Jason had soccer evaluations last Sunday for Spring Soccer. He's playing competitive again this next season. He is enrolled in swim lessons over the next 4 weeks and playing basketball, for the 1st time, this January.

Last Saturday, we hosted an "end of the nice weather" BBQ for some friends, coworkers. We had over 35 people here at the house. It was totally organized chaos and such an amazingly nice reminder of how Minnesota has become the best homestead we've had yet.

This Saturday, I am hosting October's Book Club and we are throwing a surprise baby shower too.

On Sunday, I am headed up to Ikea and Mall of America for some recreational shopping.

There are only 29 days till Breaking Dawn hits theaters. I'm so there with my gang of girls.

Book Count for 2011: 75 Read So Far

In 14 days, I'll be in Puerto Rico.

Tomorrow I get to go see the family photos we had taken last week. I am so excited.

Jason has a 4 day weekend. No school tomorrow or Friday.

Ryan is obsessed with pumpkins. We have carved 6 already this week. He uses one jack o' lantern as a night light. (Fake Candle.) He is also drawing them everywhere (in permanent marker on my desk), watching You Tube tutorials on carving, and lugging them around everywhere. (Watch for photos on flickr of his pumpkins..)

Yesterday I had a bad migraine.

I bought Jason the newest Batman Arkham City game, that was released at midnight, tonight for Christmas, but he found it in the bag and is now playing.. so much for that idea.

Zach is thriving in preschool. Hopefully I can get Ryan in soon too.

The twins also need a check up on their iron levels.

Next week in the Dake's Anniversary.

I Believe in UNICEF.

Because childhood immunization is routine in the United States, most American parents know their children will get the healthiest possible start in life. By contrast, in many developing countries this type of care is not available, so diseases such as maternal and neonatal tetanus persist. UNICEF, the world's leading children's organization, is working toward eliminating this preventable disease.

Just three doses of the tetanus vaccine given to a woman are needed to fully protect her for five years, and her baby for its first two months.

Today I donated 38 vaccines to these women.

In case you didn't follow the link..



The Dake Family Five. Need I say more? I can not tell you how much I love these guys of mine.. It's true. I'm Smitten. Hard. We have not had our photos taken as a family since 2005 and that was with just Jason and at Sears. Uh. Worse than that, the twins have never been photographed, professionally. I contacted Lisa at Elite Photography and set up a session. We went on Monday, and the kids were so great, the weather, not so great. These are the first photos I have seen from the session, and I am in love with them all! I go in next week to view them and put in an order. Can't wait! I love the spontaneous one of Dake, laying one on me, which I was not expecting.. and that Lisa caught me, unposed, giddy and in love... Follow the link below to see Lisa's photo blog and read about her thoughts on The Dake Family.

I have a busy weekend planned, so look for a post next week..

But Jewels, Check Your Inbox Later!

Go Here. Now.

http://www.eliteportraitdesign.com/blog/2011/10/family-photography-mankato-dake-family/

Ryan.

Thursday Thinking.

Right now I am eating plain buffalo chicken dip and drinking a 7up. Since my headache weeks, I have had a taste for 7up, Sprites.

I think a headach is coming now, so I have my contacts out. Less strain on my eyes.

Today I went to Target and only spent $7 bucks.

Yesterday I got 105+ prints from Shutterfly. I made Jason run out to the UPS man.

Today I met two Moms at the mall for play dates with our 5 boys.

I have all THREE boy's Halloween costumes in my carts online. Tomorrow I will hit Checkout! That's sooo ahead of last year : ) And Jason's was $40, but is $23 now, so I was able to add an accessory, gloves, for $6! Still spending less! And the twins' were $20 each or two for $34 with FREE shipping!

No scrapping lately but read 4 or 5 books just last week.

Started a new YA novel today.. The City of Ember.

I pre-ordered Wimpy Kid Book 6 for Jason for Christmas. It's released in November. Total Fan of the Movies, and that Jason is of the books!

I am going tanning (ugh) this month so I am not ghostly white for Puerto Rico, which is in 5 weeks exactly today!

Ryan is drawing pumpkins amazingly, but is a slacker with the potty training. I think he'll be in diapers in college. Fail. Me.

Saturday Jason has THREE soccer games up in The Cities. It's a tournament thing. We are gonna hang with another soccer family there.

October is a busy month for the Dakes. Family Photo Shoot. Hair Cut, Color. Tanning. Soccer. Work. Scouts. Two field trips. Parties. Preschool.

And that's all I got for now..

Currently Dake.

Two weeks ago, I had a migraine that lasted more than nine days. It was a rough couple weeks. It's hard to be a sick super mom. Especially with three kids. I just wanted to crawl in a hole. I was taking Codeine to get through the days, and Vicodin to make it through the nights. It eventually landed me in the ER for a night. I got fluids via an IV and two different sets of drugs for the pain. But I was back with the doctor 3 days later. I'm still on a beta blocker for preventative measures. I have pills for nausea. It's a Rx that is given before chemo, but its so bad, it usually makes me wanna just vomit more. And Imitrex, which I was on it 2005 and it never worked, but the doctor insisted I have it on hand anyway.

We had been busy with scouts, school and soccer all of September.

On Thursdays, I take Zach to school and meet all my Besties for lattes and play time for the boys.

Puerto Rico is in 37 days.

We celebrated Dake's birthday on Saturday. Cake, balloons and suprises. And while he continues to age yearly, I am still the young beauty he met 11 years ago.

I jogged 3 miles today and 3 yesterday. I hear a 5k calling in late Ocotber. Tonight I hear Icy Hot.

Ryan napped today. Zach did not.

I finished a book yesterday. I finished another today. Tomorrow is Book Club.

That's all I got.

ABC's.

A. Age: Like I'm going to answer that.
B. Bed size: King.
C. Chore that you hate: Toilet Bowls.
D. Dogs: Boxer.
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee. Blistex. Olay.
F. Favorite color: Pink.
G. Gold or Silver: Glitter!
I. Instruments you play: Flute.
J. Job title: Childcare.
K. Kids: Three. Messy, but Cute Ones.
L. Live: Dangerously. Minnesota.
M. Mother’s name: Sarah Beth
N. Nicknames: Mom.
O. Overnight hospital stays: Only Twice. When I birthed 3 children.
P. Pet peeves: Smacking. Littering. Loud Music. The Jersey Shore.
Q. Quote from a movie:  "Yo, Harry, you the man."
R. Right or left handed: Right. But I secretly wish I was left handed.
S. Sex: All. The. Time.
U. Underwear: Hanes.
V. Vegetable you hate: Peas.  Green Beans.
W. What makes you run late: Three Kids.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth. Chiropractor.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Anything that comes out of a box.
Z. Zoo animal: Phytons & Anacondas.

Third Grade Photos.

Here are Jason's new school photos for  3rd Grade 2011-2012. Taken on September 6th, 2011. Here is also a photo of him from one year ago, in blue. His face looks fuller, rounder; not so pointy.

The Dake Family.

Yesterday we had to take Jason to Shakopee, Minnesota for a soccer game. After, we took the kids to the Scarecrow Festival at an apple orchard and pumpkin patch. We had a blast. Love, love, love the blurry photo. I wanted to take one more, but I had propped the camera on a bench while we were moving on the hay rack ride, Dake was a little nervous so no better shot. Great time, a great family.

My Preschooler..

Zachary's first day of preschool was September 13th. He loved it and was a "leader in the class." He was the first kid to rush in, get checked in and run to play.. and he was the first kid dismissed! He talked all about "Ms. Kris.." this and "Ms. Kris" that.. They did a Hungry Caterpillar project and he insisted that I take photos of.. I posted a bunch of his first day, and all the kids on flickr so head that way.

And So The Lion Fell In Love With The Lamb.

Breaking Dawn Trailer is HERE.. GOOSEBUMPS! Already watched it TWICE and called my Besties! 65 Days and Counting.. November 18 Edward Here I come.

1st Day of 3rd Grade.

Jason's 1st Day of 3rd Grade was yesterday. September 8, 2011

Keep Calm and Mom On.

Friday the boys had their three year check ups, at 3.5 years. They each needed 4 immunizations in 3 injections to the thighs. Not fun, but I wasn't present. I let Daddy do the dirty work, while I stood out in the hall then rushed in to save them.

They are both 37" tall but Ryan is a little taller. Ryan is at the 9% percentile where his height is concerned and is at 25% with his weight at 32 lbs.

Zachary is 31 lbs which puts him in the 16% percentile and only at 6% with his weight.

Soooo basically they are runts.

I spoke to the doctor about Ryan's weird obsession with eating items such as chalk, rocks, dirt.. and she suspected he may be anemic and sent both boys down to the lad to have their blood taken.. again, not fun. If you are counting, that's 8 needles.

Ryan went in first with daddy. From the waiting room, Zach and I heard him start to cry after the prick and Zach looks at me, says, "I don't wanna do that." But he did and was a champ.

Ryan feel asleep right away on the drive. I picked up Jason and took him and Zach for ice cream. It was not a pleasant weekend. Ryan had a bad reaction to the shots and was not himself until Sunday afternoon. No fun.

Here it is Tuesday and the results are in, the doctor called me herself. Both boys are anemic. Their blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells, and their iron levels are low. Normal is more than 11 and they are at 7. They will be on a prescription meds given twice a day. There will be a lot of diet change too, including a lot less milk.

In 8 weeks, they will need to have their blood drawn and tested again.

This mom is an upset mess.

Photo Faves.

Cell Phones & Coffee Cups Do Not Mix.

And that is why I am no longer reachable on mine. Yesterday my right arm cell phone plummited into a fresh cup of hot coffee. Until I get to Sprint, you can reach me via Dake's number.

Friday.

Ever stand there, making a pot of coffee, look at the coffee grounds and consider doing a line or two of 'em just to jump start the day?

Yep, it's that kinda day

A Stellar Sunday. (Last week.)

Today I got to sleep until 820. When I got up there were fresh blueberry and chocolate chip muffins plus a whole pot of coffee. But the best part was, the dishwasher was already running. Nice Dake.

I stayed in my pajamas till noon..

I spent the day doing a 1000 piece puzzle. Dake added in 2 or 3 pieces.

I sent Dake and Jason backpack, lunch box shopping. We haven't got school supplies yet because Jason doesn't start until September 8th, but I didn't want all the backpacks to be picked over. He chose a really nice, big kid blue one and a very functional lunch box. Great Job, Jason!

When I wasn't doing the puzzle, I was reading.

I managed to sweep, do another load of dishes, some laundry and everyday tasks, but I didn't push myself. I mean, hey, it's Sunday.

The boys spent a lot of time outside today too.

Jacques cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nice Dake!

I got Ryan down for a nap, Zach went down with Dake.

And now that 4 boys are all bathed, it's movie time. We watched the A Team. Hello, Abs on Cooper! Nice.

Currently.

loving large puzzles.

anxious about upcoming shifts at work.

glad that there's Botox.

wishing it were cheaper.

surprised by the cooler weather, Minnesota.

realizing that some people are not awesome.

happy that I am in love.

planning NYC Fall 2012.

reading Forever (Wolves of Mercy Book #3)

waiting for babies to pop. Not mine.. yet, anyway : )

excited for a 2 day weekend of nothing.

Road Trip Recap.

I spent all of last week in Kansas with my Grandmother. It's a 9 hour 4 minute drive from my doorstep to hers. I made 3 quick stops each way. It was a pretty simple drive both ways, the quieter of the two trips, was the ride home. (See Above.)

I celebrated Uncle Paul's 55th birthday with him. I bought the cake. It cost me $17.99.

I spent an evening in Tescott with Uncle Larry and Aunt Pam. The boys were roudy. Shocking.

We visited Franklin cemetery, where 98% of my relatives, from both sides and 5-6 generations back, are buried. It's, perhaps, were I will spend my days six feet under.

I visited Aunt Janie and Grandma Lee too.

Bell showed up at Grandma's house too. We cut up for hours.

I met up with the Lewis Clan for some Hong Kong Buffett. It was delious, but I did not have any squid. Plus Lewis picked up the tab, thanks.

It cost me $120 in gas each way. Ouch.

I didn't get but 13 pages read my whole trip. The boys got 2 new tee shirts each.

I spent a couple hours with Mom and Shelby here and there.

I saw an ex high school boyfriend. He has aged. I have not.

Grandma sent me home with a bunch of 1000+ piece puzzles. I already have one going.

I pulled over in Missouri at a year round fireworks store and bought $40 in smoke bombs for the boys.

Dake missed me. A lot.

We ate at Sonic too. Twice. I miss Sonic.

There was no Wi Fi at Grandma's. When we got home, Jason told his dad, "Kansas doesn't have the wi fi." He was lost without his itouch connection.

This Weeks Photo Faves.

Eleven Years Later.

Today a friend of mine was like, "It's so weird that after 11 years the two of you are always making out and touchy feely all the time." It's totally true too! Like for instance, I wanted a good photo of us, but before the photo was taken, he shoved his hand down my pants, That's why I am giggleing, tugging at my shirt and still trying to smile for the damn photo ♥♥♥

Zachary's 1st Ride.

Zachary's 1st Ride. a video by mandydake on Flickr.

Toddler on Two Wheels.

Zachary rode Jason's dirt bike last night for the first time! We had bought it with a training wheel kit, for the babies. Daddy put it on yesterday, and off Zach went. Drove it like a pro and for a good hour before he made him get off. Watch for more photo on flickr and a VIDEO later! July 21, 2011

5.4 Pounds of Parade Goodness.

1 Starbursts 1 Bag of Chips 3 Skittles 21 Mints 11 Laffy Taffys 7 Caramels 4 Twizzlers 1 T-Shirt 47 Suckers 40 Pieces of Gum 3 Dots 2 Packs of Cookies 10 Tootsies 5 Toffees 2 Fruit Snacks 134 Tootsie Rolls 3 Kit Kats 105 Frooties 5 Frisbees 7 Bracelets 3 Koozies 1 Magnet 3 Toys 2 Tattoos 7 Popsicles 3 Pencils 2 Sunscreens 3 Bookmarks 3 Stickers

Two hours and ten minutes later = 404 Pieces of Candy!!

AND note: This is our 2nd parade this week! Off to the Fair!

LIfe List UPDATE 2011.

Every year in October I go over my life list, but I don't recall a post from 2010, and since, just in the last month, I've accomplished THREE items already, I am updating it now. This is the most current list that I started in 06-07. Today I will update things I have since accomplised this past year in BLUE (Things already done are in RED.) Things that are either Unaccomplisable (by a timeline, say) or things that no longer are on my list are going to be GREEN. You can see the last three lists by following the links below.

There are also a handful more items I hope to complete very soon. #4 15 22 40 43 & 85

Life List 2007
Life List 2008
Life List 2009

1. Read the bible front to back.
2. Adopt a dog.
3. Weigh 120 pounds.
4. Snow ski
5. Visit a vineyard.
6. Buy a house.
7. Work on and LOVE my handwriting.
8. Relax on my very own porch swing.
9. Plant a tree.
10. See The Nutcracker.
11. Learn to sew.
12. Visit Mexico.
13. Meet someone famous.
14. Have all three boys in school.
15. Celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary.
16. Support and encourage anything my children want to do.
17. Visit 5 new states.
18. Take a crochet or knit class
19. Visit Walt Disney World.
20. Take my photography semi-pro
21. Own a great bookcase.
22. Marry Off Bell
23. Compliment the Hubby more.
24. Create something everyday.
25. Say I love you everyday.
26. Journal.
27. Buy a Polaroid camera.
28. Put money in savings every month.
29. Have nice calves.
30. Scuba dive.
31. Stay away from sharks.
32. Join the PTA.
33. Be grateful.
34. Run/Walk in another charity event.
35. Attend church more regularly.
36. Learn a new instrument.
37. Back up photos on a CD Rom.
38. Buy an old typewriter, that works.
39. Volunteer.
40. Attend a costume party.
41. Go to a scrapbook retreat.
42. Encourage Jason’s creativeness.
43. Puerto Rico Vacation
44. See the Statue of Liberty.
45. See Vegas.
46. Tour the Smithsonian.
47. Go to another continent.
48. Let go of resentment.
49. Have these babies.
50. See Canada.
51. Go Green.
52. Smooch More.
53. Go canoeing.
54. Be able to visit Grandma daily.
55. Baptize the twins
56. Cook more.
57. Take Jason to a pottery party.
58. Enroll Jason in tee-ball.
59. Donate hair to Locks of Love.
60. Grow hair back out.
61. See an animal in the wild.
62. Prepare a Will.
63. Have my own studio.
64. Complete This List.
65. Work a charity event.
66. Visit the Grand Canyon.
67. Wisdom teeth.
68. See a pro sport event.
69. Take up yoga.
70. Go away ALONE with hubby.
71. Volunteer at a shelter on Thanksgiving.
72. Go to the SC State Fair.
73. See a Live show.
74. Be a design team member.
75. Organize.
76. Set up the spare bed room
77. Do a newborn photo shoot
78. Do a family photo shoot.
79. See old friends.
80. Worry less.
81. Seriously purge closet, including shoes
82. Do something BIG
83. Get a list journal.
84. Work on 100 Books List.
85. Visit Julie!
86. Decide on a profession
87. See George Strait in 2008
88. Always cut the crust off all Jason’s PB sandwiches

Proud to be an American.

Proud to be an American. a video by mandydake on Flickr.

Zachary loves this bear from his great grandma. Today it started to short out and he says, "Then I can't sing anymore." He was almost in tears. He said, "It needs charged." I'll pick up some more batteries today. July 4th, 2011

Momma's Night Out Dake.

Last night was a momm's night out for me & kittelson. We made plans for a winery in Janesville, Minnesota, just a short 20 minute drive. We both got dressed up and made a date out of it, hitting the Olive Garden after for dinner. We tasted 6 wines, and luckily, we beat the weather back to Mankato. I may take a job at the winery this fall, and I am definitely down for the upcoming grape stomping. And here is my new Coach! More photos up on flickr. Happy Saturday. (PS- Bell do you think this dress would work for the dinner or wedding?)

Scrappy Dappy Doo!

Yesterday Ryan & Zachary napped at the same time! It was amazing. I did a bunch of scrapping, a couple are from the day before. And I love that they are super current photos. I feel ahead of the game. Today I will slide them in the appropriate albums and try to do some more. Last night I need a few supplies so I asked the kids if they wanted to go to Office Max, Michaels and top of the night with McDs and a movie, because Dad was gone. They thought that'd be alright. We were done and home in just an hour. Zachary was up till 1030 and I was not a happy momma. I laid in bed till 100 trying to fall asleep. Thank goodness for the Facebook app on my phone.