How we are spending our summer...Part 1

Sorry for not posting very much lately, but we have had a busy, busy, busy summer. I'm so glad that I didn't put the boys in any camps because I don't know where we would have fit them in!

As soon as school was out, we headed to Nannie & Paw's for a week. We hung out with our cousins and got to experience many new things. On this particular day, it was full of new experiences.

First, we went to Quintana Beach. The boys had never been to the beach. Mostly because I was too afraid to take them because I knew they would love it and want to go deeper and deeper. Well, sure enough that is what happened. They had on their life jackets, and that helped a lot. But Sam is not as tall as Matthew, so every wave that came I had to pick Sam up. Do you realize how many waves hit a beach?!?! I had to take several breaks and thought for sure my arms had been lengthened at least an inch. They had a great time and have told me they want to go back every time we go to Nannie & Paw's.

Second, we stopped at Church's Chicken to eat on the beach. They boys did not know how to eat "fried chicken". They could figure out why there was a bone. At this point I was complete embarrassed that my children only new chicken nuggets. Amazing how we I was a kid, fried chicken, bone and all, was all I ever new. They finally got the hang of eating around the bone, but the best part of the chicken was that they got to throw the leftovers to the seagulls!
Last, the boys got to buy ice cream from an ice cream truck. You know, the one that drives around playing the music. I think the boys picked some sort of Spiderman & SpongeBob sugar-fill bomb, that upon immediate contact with their teeth, turned them to cavities! They didn't even finish them, but at least they know that things off the ice cream truck are not the best! Because of that I don't have to rely on a story from one of my girlfriends. He parents told her that when the music is playing from the ice cream truck - they are out of ice cream. That is some quick parent thinking!!!

Next summer stop....Triumphant Love Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School....

Kindergarten Graduate

I can't believe that the school year is over.

My oldest child has finished his first year of the 17+/- years he will attend in a classroom! He learned so much - he can read, write, & do arithmetic. Just like they said he would, but I had my doubts! He did so well through the year, continually improving in every aspect of his life.

No doubt with help of his wonderful teacher, Mrs. McCord.

No doubt without the help of his very, very proud parents.

And just as school started, it ended...with Sam hugging his best friend and brother as he got off the bus for the last time as a kindergartner.

Sneaky Sam

Oh Sammy Sam is my junk food junkie.....

We have this bucket in our pantry, it's called the "Boo Bucket", it's a bucket we received as a gift around Halloween that was full of candy. So as the months past it basically is the catch all candy bucket, or better yet as Kurt and I whisper, the crack bucket. First it was Halloween candy, then Christmas candy, then Valentine's Day, then Easter - you see a pattern, my kids get way too much candy!!!!

Well, every time the boys want a snack, they want the boo bucket. So time and time again I have had the discussion with them of the boo bucket has junk in it, it's not healthy and you can't have it e v e r y t i m e you want a snack.

Push came to shove last week and I couldn't take it anymore. Mostly what was left in the boo bucket was crap that even my hard up, detoxing, gotta get my fix boys didn't want, so off to the trash it went.

But of course, me being the smart Mommy that I am, I put the bucket back up there, so I could show them that they ate all of the candy and there was no more.

Then, of course, Sammie would not, could not believe that all the candy was gone, so this is what happened while I was getting ready for the day. He was so focused on getting that damn boo bucket down, he didn't even realize at first that I was taking his picture! And yes, that is our tall bar stools that he pushed across the entire kitchen. That is what tipped me off something was going on, I heard this weird howling sound, it was the bar stool taking off the finish on my wood floors!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise....

I can't believe I pulled it off.

Kurt was C O M P L E T E L Y surprised with his 40th birthday party. He is now questioning everything I say to him since I was such a good liar over the past week. It was when the 5th person showed up that he finally said...ok, what is going on.

A great time was had by all that attended, we drank, joked (at Kurt's expense), laughed, and caught up with each others lives. Here are a few of the great shots take by our great friend (and shot enabler), Jackie Lum.

If you want to see all the action from the party, click on Kurt's picture in the sidebar titled "Kurt's 40th Surprise Party".

May 26, 1968

Forty years ago today there was a little boy born in St. Paul, Minnesota.


Kurtis Shellby Wagner


This little boy who learned to love sports, but lives for hockey. Played hockey from the age of four, through high school in the State of Hockey - Minnesota, through college at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. And 40 years later still plays and is now teaching his sons his love for the game.

This little boy taught himself to fish. Running along to shores of Long Lake at his Grandparents cabin in Wisconsin trying to find the best catch because he didn't have a boat. Then his parent's finally bought him a boat so that he could find every hiding spot of fish. And 40 years later, his favorite spot to fish is that cabin in that boat and is now teaching his sons his love for fishing.

This little boy whose family moved to Texas when his father was transferred with 3M, said I'm never leaving Minnesota. He finally couldn't take it after two years of being away from his family and moved to Texas. And 40 years later, he never wants to move back to Minnesota.

This little boy who found a girl, blond, native Texan, who didn't know where Minnesota was or how hockey was played, loved her, married her, made a family with her, and loves her unconditionally. And 40 years later still learns from her - even if he knows it or not.

The little boy who knew he wanted nothing more from life than to be a father. Who stood by his wife time and time again as the hope of a biologically child faded. But who had the strength and determination to adopt two of the most amazing and wonderful boys from Russia. And 40 years later he would never want the path of his life any other way.

Happy 40th Birthday,

Bun, Kurt, Kurtie, Uncle Kurtie, Coach Kurt

Everyone who meets you, loves you and is a better person for knowing you!

Mother's Day Weekend 2008

I know, we don't get a weekend, but we should. In fact, I think you should accrue Mother's Day treatment like a paying job.

Let's say for example you get one week for every child you have. Then you get additional weeks for years of service. Let's say for every five years of service per kid you get an additional week. Sounds reasonable right?

Well, nevertheless, every day is Mother's Day when you are a mother. I can't believe that I have been blessed with two of the most wonderful boys. They can be the sweetest, kindest, most loving boys a Mom could request. They are my greatest accomplishment.

For my two boys, I didn't give them the gift of life - life gave me the gift of them. You see everyday I can't believe that these boys were not created in my body - they were created in my heart. I didn't think it was possible to love two children so unconditionally. No matter how upset I get when they are fighting, not listening, argumentative, and all of the everyday things they do to drive me crazy - every night I kiss them good night and pray to God that I have been giving the opportunity to walk with them down the path of life. Then, I pray to God to give me the guidance (and patience) that I am doing the right things is raising two wonderful, respectful, honest, loving boys.

I think that I am on the right path by the handmade gifts from Matthew and Samuel. Matthew presented me with a crown of flowers, a portrait, and a picture of us together. Sam made me a beautiful flower and his hand prints in the shape of a heart.

I hope that all the Mother's out there feel as special as I do - EVERYDAY!!!!

Mother's Day Tea at Steiner Ranch Elementary

I had an early Mother's Day celebration with Matthew in his classroom. We had strawberries & muffins & raspberry tea & the kids sang songs about how happy and proud they are of their Moms - I don't think there was a dry eye in the house! Oh, we also got lots of great homemade gifts & were pampered.

Here is the headband that Matthew made me. He explained that there is a pattern on it....white flower, yellow flower, white flower, yellow flower.....

Here is my foot massage...
Here is my manicure...(Matthew paints nails like he colors - outside the line!)
Here is the portrait Matthew drew of me...

Complete Collapse

Sam usually will not take a nap - unless I knock him out. When he does he collapses in a heap!

Most frequent statement for Summer '08

I hope that everyone is ready for the summer.

It's almost here, in less than a month, all of us Mom's will seek refuge at the pool with all of our rugrats.

We will hope to sit there with a trashy book, give the Mom's with the "perfect" bodies the evil eye, and hopefully sit back with a few good friends and good margaritas. Let's just hope we can keep ourselves in check and try not to yell this out at the pool..........................................................

I went to Zinger's today, looking for Mother's Day gifts & got this little fridge magnet all for myself!

Don't they make drugs for this type of behavior??

I have had this ache in my back for weeks. The downstairs living room was on my last nerve. If things are not in an organized manner, I will lose my mind.

There were toys everywhere. I know, what an awful problem to have. But it was out of control. Matthew wanted his Dallas Cowboys, but could only find two. Sam wanted to play with his stations, but couldn't find all the pieces. Result = total meltdown of both boys.

I knew it was going to take a long time to sort through. We needed to get rid of the computer from the early 90's that was invading the computer armoire; I needed to get a few more bins; the excuses overflowed. But come Sunday....enough was enough!!!

I sat down in the middle of the room and just stared for a bit, then jumped in. Once I had a few things sorted together, the boys were excited that some of their toys were found and wanted to play.......Hold up, Wait a minute.....

Kurt could see my steam valve was about to explode. In true Daddy fashion, he said, just in the nick of time...."Boys, let's go to the pool". Order was restored to Mission: Organization.

4 1/2 hours later....the results.....

Every toy has a spot & has been labeled. There are a few baskets in the boys room that is full of hockey guys. A bucket full of hockey sticks, swords, light sabers, and other assorted weapons. Plus, a few other baskets around the room with all of Matthew's "Guys" & finally a basket of miscellaneous toys.

When the boys got back we all sat down and this is the conversation we had.....

Mommy: When you are at school, how many bins of toys do you get to play with?

Boys: One.

Mommy: When you are done with that one bin, do you get to leave it out and move on to something else.

Boys: No.

Mommy: What happens to the bin?

Boys: You have to put it away!

Mommy: Really? Wow, what a good rule. We are going to do that at home too!

Boys: OK, Mommy, can we play?

Mommy: Yes, of course, you can now find what you want to play with!!!

Then today, reality was confirmed from a conversation that I overheard....

Matthew: Sam, are you finished playing with your cars?

Sam: Yes.

Matthew: Well, you have to put your bin away before you can play with the blocks.

Sam: OK. And he puts the car bin away!!!

I think there was a little tear in my eye. Either that, or they knew I was in the laundry room listening. Either way, they know the newest rule and hopefully will follow it.....for a least a week!

Hockey Movies

I know, there can never be enough hockey posts here. So here are a few movies. First up is Matthew. He is on the end of the line, closest to the glass. I'll let you watch the video and decide why they call this the Superman drill!

And introducing Sam! He is in the red and black jacket. He has gotten so much better, he gets on the ice and just moves everywhere. This is a drill they take stuffed animals, throw them, and skate to pick them up. There is a bag of about 50 animals and Sam always have to find his "Beaver, Beaver"! Big surprise Sam has to have the same one every week, huh?

Sam's Field Trip to Crowe's Nest

Sam's preschool class had a field trip to Crowe's Nest on Friday. Here is a picture of the class. I think that they were more interested in what was going on behind them, than taking a picture. The mom's tried to take this picture after waiting about 15 minutes to get in. We all took for granted how quickly we would get there on our new toll roads.

They got to go on a hay ride and see two baby ostrich! Something that has only happened twice at the farm. Yep, that is Matthew beside Sam. Matthew had the day off from school, so he got to go. He showed Sam's class the ropes - he went there two years ago with the same teacher!
Sam showing Nate the owls - whoooooo, whoooooo.
Look at the donkey - hee haw, hee haw! I guess he must have smelled bad - at least Emily thought so!

2008 Peace Lutheran Preschool Gala - Avery Ranch Golf Club

The day has finally come and gone - the gala night is over. All of the hard work, late nights (one up to 3am), and maybe a few tears, our great team pulled it off. We created the most entertaining and successful gala EVER. We literally had to make an announcement to ask people to leave. Someone said it best "When you have to kick people out - you know it was a good party!!!!" Now we are all exhausted and suffering from Post Tramatic Gala Stress Disorder!!!!!

Do you notice all of those signs? Those were our auction items. Every table was that full of them. Each one had the logo of the business that donated an item, the description of the item, and the value. I created all of them! I did have some help in assembling them!
The view from first walking into the room.
Our centerpieces that I created. We had "X", ships, and skulls!
Me, Kurt, Lissa & Steve Schulz enjoying the wonderful evening we created. Well, actually Lissa & I created it and our spouses held up our homes while we were consumed with the planning!
Our loyal auctioneer, Mac McWhorter & his fearsome sidekick, Pat Boher!
Sam's teachers - Ms. Michelle & Ms. Mac
Getting rowdy during the live auction!

Sam's 4th Birthday Celebration Continues.....

My April Fool's Day baby partied on his birthday at school! I guess I should have thought twice about blue icing cupcakes. The class did seem to enjoy them!

He also got some more gifts......now he can be a fireman with a working fire extinguisher.

And house arrest anyone who gets out of line!!!

More hockey games....

Matthew and his team mates once again battled against San Antonio. They were not successful in a win, but it was not for lack of trying. The boys from San Antonio, are just too much older that our boys!!!!!

The coaches trying to come up with a winning strategy prior to the game!