Spring Break Draws to a Close

Spring Break is just about over.....sigh! Tomorrow it's back to work, back to school and a crazy week ahead of me filled with volleyball, softball, soccer and baseball practice. The good news, it's a shortened week. We have this Friday off due to the Easter holiday. I can't beat that!

Well...here are a few random pictures of our nine day of festivities that I haven't blogged yet.

Madison had one sleepover and several play dates with her girlfriends (Emmie, Kate, Jessi, Clare and Aleni). I can't say I've ever had this many of Madison's friends over before in a week's time, but I wanted it to be a fun week for my kids as well as myself.

Tyler spent the majority of his week hanging out with his buddy Seth. They were together, I believe, 7 out of the 9 days. I'd think they would have been grown tired of one another. Guess not.

After taking this photo, I noticed a rogue snowman hanging around. I quickly removed him. No more signs of winter anywhere!

Then I worked on finishing my Spring Break To-Do list. Today I looked at last year's list and realized they were ironically pretty much the same. Unfortunately, I still did not get the painting done, which I now listed two years in a row. I did get all the rest on the list accomplished AND I did do my fair share of scrapbooking, book reading and movie watching! Really...that's what a break is all about anyway!
This is a quick picture of my co-workers (Kristi, Kathy & Sherri) in a parking garage. I forgot to take a picture earlier of us eating at Panera Bread or at the theater before the movie. They were really glad that I didn't forget altogether! :)

Did I also mention that I watched the Moon over break again and again? I'm definitely a "Twilight Mom"!

Saturday for Grant

It was a sunless Saturday. It was incredibly dreary and rainy today, but isn't this a beautiful sight? A family (Larry and Ruth Ann Bartels) in our church donated this incredible bronze statue to St. Mark's and it will be dedicated this weekend. I heard it was created somewhere in Colorado and it traveled to Lincoln via Interstate I-80 uncovered. I think I would have kept pace driving alongside with Jesus knowing it would be a guaranteed safe trip!

We had a "Grant" day today. Often I feel like he's left out on activities that are just suited for him. We often drag him to all of Tyler and Madison's ballgames and require him to sit and be good. So, today we had fun doing things Grant enjoys...

Like meeting the "Hamster Bunny" at our church's annual Easter Egg Hunt. We're not quite sure why he doesn't say "Easter Bunny". It's just one of those Grant things.

Grant also played games like Bowling Bunnies.

The weather was so cold, wet and yucky that this year's egg hunt was relocated to the Family Life Center (gym) instead of outside.

It should have been called an Egg Scramble or Scrambled Eggs instead of an Egg Hunt.

Later, after picking Madison up from indoor softball practice we went and ate at Cici's Pizza. It's not my favorite place to dine, but it sure is Grant's!

Grant is having his favorite pizza called "Cheese with Circles".

Once again...Grant lingo.

And who couldn't resist having Pop with your pizza?!

Window Washing = Wimpy Kid

Spring cleaning is still going on at the Broeker household today. The house is almost spotless, but Grant is on a mission. Anything that's clean only lasts for a few minutes with this active three year old around. You'll see what I mean as you scroll down.

Tyler and Madison had several jobs today...including washing windows. I chose not to take pics of them picking up after Ranger in the backyard. Ick!

Madison is looking at me and wanting to say..."I don't do windows!"

Oh, but she does.

I thought that this cleaning deserved a reward, so I took the older two to the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It was so cute that I think I'll even read the books. I would highly recommend it!

We purchased the large popcorn and soda, so we could get free refills. Unfortunately, we decided to be kind and bring back some popcorn for Grant.

What was I thinking?

Thoroughly Tired Thursday

I am thoroughly using the most of my time during my Spring Break, which is making me thoroughly exhausted. Truly, I'm loving it and am getting tons of work and fun projects accomplished. When I know I only have only one week to devote to getting stuff done, I run like a mad woman! Totally mad! I would be so unproductive if I were a *stay-at-home mom. It's a good thing I work outside the home because I'd turn into one lazy bum (with less money, too).

* Note: Stay-at-home moms, please don't take offense. I'm not saying you're lazy, just me. It takes more willpower to stay motivated than any other occupation to do that job well (in my book).

Madison had her first soccer game of the season. Oh, I love soccer and I love watching her play. She has so much spirit, focus and determination for the sport.

She's passing the ball to her teammate Cassie. Madison has great ball controlling skills. She just needs to get a little more power behind her leg. I'm always yelling "Big Foot, Madison", which I am sure is helping her improve her game.

So close, but not a goal this time. Madison did have an assist on goal with Megan tonight. Madison is a wonderful team player, which makes me very proud!
Tyler received some good news today. He applied to work as a member of the Zoo Crew at the Lincoln Children's Zoo and was accepted. It's a volunteer program where he'll either help give pony rides or work at the Critter Counter and show off small animals to zoo guests.

I thought this would be a worthwhile experience for him while keeping him busy over the summer. Tyler will have baseball and the zoo, so this should fill his summer schedule! None of this...."I'm bored" anymore.
Tyler and I also had a nice lunch together at The Great Wall. It was just the two of us, which doesn't happen often. I think we bonded.

My before and after pictures of my bathroom were such a huge hit yesterday, that I must show you some more. Here's a before and after of our dog, a Miniature Schnauzer, named Ranger. I took him into Suds 'n Scissors today for one long, overdue grooming. I can't take any credit for the magic they did on him, but he looks marvelous!

Before

After

Wild, Weird, Wonderful Wednesday

I must admit that today wasn't wild or even weird. However, it was wonderful when it's Spring Break! Woo hoo! Besides, what blog title could possibly follow Totally, Terrific Tuesday anyway?

Today I wasn't as productive as I was yesterday with housework. I did get a little cleaning done before hanging out with my co-workers this afternoon. I thought you should see the before and after pictures to see how much work I put into my house cleaning project.

Before

After

Amazing, huh? I thought you'd be surprised with what I could do in just a few short hours!

I did enjoy my afternoon (kid-free) with my co-workers (Lisa, Kristi, Kathy and Sherri). We went and saw this:

It was a very cute movie!

And ate here:

Delicious! Their Sierra Turkey sandwiches are the best!

Totally, Terrific Tuesday!

Fed Ex stopped by and delivered these...

New Cricut cartridges! Yay! I saved up my points from Christmas and waited until they had a sale on their cartridges before redeeming them at Cricut.com. I'm very excited about using the "Give a Hoot" one. I think their whimsical animals are darling. I'll have to create a layout with it and post later.

Now that I have a little time on my hands this week, I'm going to make this dish. It's Tyler's favorite. It's very good, but it doesn't seem to reheat well. Hope everyone is hungry tonight! I got it off of Becky Higgin's blog a few years ago. Delicious!

Garlic Chicken Fairfalle

16 oz. Farfalle pasta

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3-4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

2 to 3 cloves of garlic, crushed or garlic salt

1 Tbsp. pepper*

1/2 cup butter

1 lb. bacon, crumpled

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 (12 oz) bottle of Lawry's Mesquite marinade with lime juice

*Seems like a lot of pepper, but it has a wonderful flavor when everything mixes together. If you're apprehensive, do less pepper. You can always add more.

Crock pot chicken and bottle of marinade on low for 6 hours. Pull marinated chicken out of the juices, allow to cool a bit, and shred (I pull it apart). Set this aside. About a half-hour before serving, boil the pasta. In a small saucepan, melt butter, add garlic, whipping cream, pepper, parmesan cheese and crumpled bacon. Whisk together on low heat for 3-4 minutes. In a large bowl, pour over cooked, drained pasta, add chicken and stir through. Sprinkle a little bit more shredded parmesan cheese on top.

That's about all for a Totally, Terrific, Tuesday....I'm off to go to the Children's Museum today with Mr. Grant!

Desperately Seeking Spring

It's Spring Break for me and I am loving it!

The only thing I want now is to see a little bit of Spring. It's been a terribly cold and miserable winter and I can not wait for all thing associated with spring....soccer, kites, flowers, warm days, Easter and the list goes on. Did I also mention that Spring is my favorite time of year??

So, I tried desperately seeking out a little bit of colorful, springtime around my house.

I didn't find it here. I guess if I wanted to see some early spring flowers, I should have planted those tulip bulbs last fall. I'll have to put that on my to-do list in six months. Hate to be disappointed two years in a row!
We still have a little of this too. The grass is starting to look a little green. There's some promise, but not quite what I wanted to see.
Then there's this. Ugh! It looks so helpless and unloved. What to do with it? I hate to throw it away, but it's not helping me visualize spring.

Since I couldn't find any true signs of spring...I shall buy some!
Holiday kitchen towels from Target always put a smile on my face!
Look at this COLOR! I couldn't help but buy all the colors of Peeps! I guess I could say..."I'm hanging out with my Peeps" over break.
Then I spied these two cuties at Kohl's this weekend. I couldn't pass up taking home two low-maintenance bunnies for my living room.

"Hoppy" Spring to you!

Fill in the Blank Friday

Fill in the Blank Friday

I'm copying Chloe from www.mynewlifeasahousewife.blogspot.com.

1. One thing I MUST do before I die is: travel to Europe.

2. I would rather clean the bathroom than cook a meal any day.

3. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: One day all that weight will come your way...don't eat all that junk. Being skinny doesn't last forever!

4. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd: buy my mom a house in Lincoln since Dad is full filling his bucket list wish...a corvette. This is my mom's dream, plus she'd probably watch Grant for me on occasion. Oh, I'd also buy lots of scrapbooking supplies to scrap the lotto win! (I'd make one awesome layout!)

5. The best surprise ever was: when Andy bought me a darling stuffed snowman back in 1999. I guess I am rarely surprised.

6. My biggest fault is: talking too much and not listening enough.

7. My biggest strength is: patience with children (not necessarily mine).

8. The best day ever was: the day I became a mom. It's the most life changing experience ever! I can't imagine topping that one.

9. My favorite meal of the day is: dinner, especially if Andy's cooking it.

10. This weekend: I'm going to go to the circus and scrapbook. What is better than that?

11. Never in my life have I smoked a cigarette. I can not tolerate smoke as an asthmatic!

12. The only thing better than chocolate is soda pop. I wish I could break that bad habit!

13. I could really do with some peace and quiet. Grant is screaming right now.

14. The most recent thing I bought myself was: a candle for my living room from Pier One. I heart that store!

Spring Break...almost here!

Today was a beautiful 68 degrees! A perfectly lovely spring day and tomorrow we are scheduled to get snow...1-3 inches. Hard to believe, but that's Nebraska weather. If you don't like it, just wait 24 hours and it will change. The weather for Saturday is 50 degrees, so that should take care of any snowfall!

Well...last year I made a list of what I plan to do over Spring Break and I'm going to do it again. It's fun for me to see how much of it I can really accomplish. I'm sure none of you care, but it's kind of goal setting for me. Here's what's planned...

1. Dentist appointments -- not mine, but the kids (Yay, for me!)

2. Dog groomed -- again, not for me (Yay, maybe indirectly because Ranger will smell better!)

3. Paint north wall in living room -- I think I tried this last break and I'm finally going to get it done.

4. Circus - We have tickets to go Friday night, minus Tyler (too cool for that kind of entertainment)

5. Scrapbook - I am booked at Archiver's (my happy place) with my friend Amy on Sunday afternoon. This brings me excessive joy!

6. Clean the house - Okay, when is that not on my list to do. Ugh!

7. Read "Alice in Wonderland" now that the movie inspired me. I can't recall the last time I read any kind of literature that was written over 100 years ago. I usually read People magazine, so what does that say?

8. Report cards - I'm only going to do one section over break....the hardest, which is Character Development.

9. Laundry - That goes along with house cleaning...when am I not doing that? I can easily check this one as done.

10. Hair appointment - I desperately need of a haircut!

Now that I look over this small list, I'm exhausted. Maybe I should just commit to playing on the computer, that looks more obtainable!

Anyway, Happy Spring!

Just What I Thought

Yup!

The pot of water never became a roaring boil. It almost bubbled, but soon the fire was snuffed out. Tyler wrestled in three matches and was pinned once, twice, three times. Bummer! Both sets of grandparents did have a fun day seeing their oldest grandchild wrestle though. It was a new experience for my parents and long ago revisited memory for Andy's.

I now feel a little bit bad for labeling the last blog "The Grandparent Curse?", so I renamed the post. Really...it's not their fault, just a strange, ironic coincidence that seems to repeat itself. Wild! I was just so hoping for them to see Tyler win a match. The good news is that Tyler still loves wrestling and plans to try it again next season. My plan for the next sport is to dress up the grandparents as strangers and not tell the kids they are coming! Maybe this will work?

Well, Tyler's record ended this year at 4-4, which is pretty good for a newbie at this sport. Way to go, Tyler! I am so very proud of you!

Not to change subjects, but.....

Whoo would just love one of these? (Sorry, I'm not giving one away, but she is.)

Oh, please pick me!

Check this darling necklace out at Lisa Leonard Designs. I am definitely asking the jewelry fairy for one!

Boiling Water?

A watched pot never boils.....

This idiom seems to hold true whenever the grandparents come to watch the kids play at any kind of sports.

Last year, my parents along with my brother and his wife watched Tyler sit on the bench during a baseball game for three innings. That was exciting to watch!

Then there was the time when Madison forgot to wear her shinguards to a soccer game causing us to scramble getting her a pair, so Grandma could see her play. That was only a thirty minute delay and then made for one crabby husband!

Or the time that the heat was so fierce that Grandma couldn't take it anymore at Tyler's summer ballgame and left. Of course, Tyler was called up to pitch for the very first time. That too was missed.

So, tomorrow is Tyler's last wrestling meet and both sets of Grandparents will be attending. I can only imagine what could happen or not happen. I can guarantee it surely won't be as fantastic as last week's two pins and a technical fall.

To Be Continued....

Whirlwind Weekend

Phew! I think I need to have another weekend to recover from this weekend! Have you ever felt that way? Oh, don't get me wrong it was a fun weekend, but I didn't sit around and relax. It all started with a Mother and Daughter night out on Friday. Madison and I saw the new Disney 3-D Alice in Wonderland movie. It was fantastic and I'd highly recommend seeing it! Madison asked if we could go to it again. Sorry, hun, I think we'll buy it on DVD instead...a lot cheaper!

Then on Saturday morning we attended Tyler's second wrestling meet. Luckily, I remembered to take the camera this time, but still didn't use it for match two. I was too busy talking to Mindee and it was only 32 seconds long in the first minute resulting in a pin. Tyler had an awesome day with two pins and a win by a technical fall (so I'm told).

Then I had to chase down some turkeys (literally) for some cool pictures.

Tyler also had an interview Saturday afternoon for a "job" as a Zoo Crew Member at our local Children's Zoo. Tyler will know if he's chosen as one of the volunteer crew members towards the end of March.

Today at church was Youth Sunday, so Tyler was a communion server at church. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of him in action since he was serving on the balcony level at church. Bummer! I even tried to sit on the side he was working.

Grant is going to be in the South Lincoln Track Club this Spring and participate in his first sport...Little Green's track. His job now is to sell 80 candy bars for the Little Green's fundraiser. Care to purchase a candy bar for a dollar from one cute three year old?
Today was also a fun day at church called "Winter Blow Out", which involves a gym full of blow up games. I told the kids that they could each invite one friend to the event. Grade schoolers had their fun from 3-5 and middle schoolers from 5-7. Madison asked Jessi to tag-a-long for the festivities.

I had to do some serious persuading to get the girls to put on these Sumo suits. They were the first to put them on for the day and I told them that they'd just get smellier, so they quickly agreed. They had a hard time standing up in the suits that I could not stop from laughing!
Here they are looking far cuter than in the Sumo wrestling suits! They make such good buds!

Tyler brought along friend, Seth, to St. Marks. Here's their shot at Sumo wrestling. I didn't get to stick around, so Andy took this picture. I had to tag team with Andy on watching Grant.

And that's not all, I also got the following done....all the laundry washed, the kitchen cleaned and moped, Spring decorations up, the basement carpet shampooed, Girl Scout cookies delivered, worked out at the Y and FINALLY my hair dyed! Now, can I just stay home tomorrow and lay on the couch?