Trick Or Treat...

Indy and the Halloween Fairy wanted you to see their costumes...

Todd dressed up as a fisherman for work today, too. We went to his hospital after school to trick or treat. Here's a lovely family shot! :O)

Like my costume? :OP

Todd and kids are out in the neighborhood right now getting their loot while I man the candy bowl on the home front. We've had maybe a dozen or so visitors so far. :O)

Have a great weekend!!

Christy

That's Good! That's Bad!

Hello Friends and Family,

I know it's been a little longer than I usually wait to post, but life has been busier this week and kinda got away from me. We've had lots of ups and downs since I last posted....nothing serious and "ups" outweigh the "downs!"

Both Todd and I continued to have sore throats last week causing sleepless nights and much snoring on Todd's part. :O) (That's Bad!)

We got a very heavy, sloppy, fast-falling snowstorm on Tuesday (That's Good!) that all melted away the next day (That's Bad!). (You see, my whole classification system of good vs. bad is based on lots of scientific research and data...no one can accuse me of it being purely my own opinion!) :O)

Here is Kindrid watching the onslaught of fat flakes coming down....

When adjusting his arm length ceased to be enough to focus his eyes, Todd went and had them checked. (That's Bad!) His New Glasses will be arriving sometime next week! (That's Good!)
His blood pressure has been elevated (That's Bad!) but he's going to the doctor next week to get it figured out. (That's Good!)

The census has been up at Todd's hospital. (That's Good!) Todd was Administrator On Call for the last week. He's been AOC before with minimal activity after work hours in the past, but this week was pretty different with lots of calls and unique situations. He was on the phone a lot in the evenings and over the weekend. (That's Bad!)

Brennen came home from school on Wednesday with a full-blown case of hives again. (That's Bad!) They lasted until Monday (That's Bad!) and caused him a lot of discomfort/sleeplessness with the itching. (That's Bad!) I still have no idea what causes them. (That's Bad). At least they are gone for now. (That's Good! - I had to figure out a way to get one "good" in this paragraph!) :O)

Brennen didn't have school on Thursday/Friday last week due to parent-teacher conferences. (That's Good!). We thought about taking a trip somewhere, but decided to stay put for a change which was wise considering the sore throats and hives. (That's Good!) Brennen loves having days just to stay at home! (That's Good!) Brennen's conference was wonderful...he's doing great in school with all A's and high class rankings. (That's Good!) His reading level is significantly above average and, best of all, he likes it. (That's Good!) His teacher did share that she will be moving to Colorado over Christmas break, and they currently seeking a replacement. (That's very, very Bad!) Brennen took the news OK, but, in typical Brennen fashion, we noticed his behavior got worse over the next few days. (That's Bad!) Poor guy! The transition to a new school with all new friends and new writing and phonics program was a big deal for him. The good news is that we know God is working for Brennen's good all the time and we put our trust in that. (That's Good!) We know it will all work out. Please pray for Brennen and his class!

For the last few months, Todd and I have been unable to use our bathroom shower as it needed to be re-grouted and caulked. (That's Bad!) Todd had time to get to that project this weekend. (That's Good!) I got to use it yesterday...so nice not to have to traipse through the house for a shower anymore! (That's Good!)

Last week the senior pastor from our new church called and asked if I would do the devotion talk for the 3rd-6th graders at last night's AWANA club meeting. (That's Good!) I was totally OK talking to the kids but wasn't thrilled that their adult leaders would also be in the room. (That's Bad!) I'm just more comfortable with kids! Anyhow, considering what week it is, I spoke about "fear." It went smoothly, the kids seemed engaged, and I got that ol' "I love teaching" thrill that comes from doing the one thing I always come back to feeling I'm fairly decent at. :O) (That's Good!) I will do lots of other stuff with pleasure, but this one thing brings such deep satisfaction!

Todd has been in Albuquerque most of this week for meetings. (That's Bad!) He's due to come home this evening. (That's Good!)

I say that so you can understand how big a deal it was that I took Brennen to his first soccer practice by myself. (That's Bad!) Wish you could have seen Brennen and me trying to get his shin guards and socks on while the team waited to begin practice! (That's Bad!) Turns out Brennen instinctively knew how they went on (That's Good!) as I was clueless!! He LOVED it! (That's Good!) We were a little frustrated as they'd asked Todd to coach and he'd decided to do it. Brennen was Over The Top (!) thrilled at the prospect of having Daddy as a coach - if you know Brennen, you know he seldom gets very exited about much but this news caused him to grin and jump around and shout with joy! There was some phone tag, and, by the time we touched base with the leadership, they'd found a different coach without calling and letting us know. (That's Bad!) That news, combined with his teacher moving, made for a few bad days for Brennen. (That's Bad!) Anyhow, the coach says he could use some help so hopefully Todd will still get to be involved. (That's Good!)

We had "make your own" pizzas Saturday night (That's Good!) - so that's what this random picture is about...Monday, after school, the kids and I went to Wal-Mart to get pumpkins. When we went to carve them, Kindrid's was really, really disgusting on the inside. (That's Bad!) We had one really sad little girl so, Knight Daddy went out on his trusty white horse to exchange the pumpkin. (That's Good!) He ended up having to go to a couple places but finally returned with his trophy and pumpkin carving commenced. (That's Good!)



Note the Indy hat...


Kindrid's ballet class was invited to dress up on Tuesday...here is my little ballet-fairy girl! (That's Good...and Cute!!)

And in other news....

...Congrats to my friend, R.F, on her new job! Way to go, girl!! (That's Good!)

...A great joy in my week was to hear from my friend, J.O., that she is back to normal and as feisty as ever after a bout with cancer...you are my hero, J.!!! (That's Good!)

...Although we forgot to call or email (That's Bad!) we still wish Cousin Cia a very happy birthday!! (That's Good!) We love you, Cia!!!

...We are sad to miss it (That's Bad!) but we sure hope Auntie Carleen has a wonderful time at her shower on Saturday! (That's Good!)

...my in-laws re-listed their house with a new realtor this last week...buy it so they can move here!! See it at: http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?loc=Brainerd%2c+MN&mnp=140000&mxp=150000&bd=4&bth=2&sid=74160bd0451d4fd9972bdebd6a9f53c2&lid=1104142754&lsn=3&srcnt=18

(That would be very, very Good!)

Hope all is well with you and that The Good and The Bad all work out for you as they do for us...we are blessed!

Love,

Christy

Week in Review...

Dear Friends and Family,

It's been a long week here in Casper.

This is how our deck looked last Sunday...we ended up with 10-12 inches. By Thursday it was all gone.Last Sunday... Today...What a difference a week makes!!

It was a full week. Here's news:

*Brennen had strep this week and missed a day and a half of school. He's feeling much better now. (Doctor visit number 1.)

*Kindrid began ballet on Tuesday morning. She had a great time and is really looking forward to the next class. She will be in a Christmas and Spring recital. It's a whole new scene to Mommy as I've never had anything to do with dance other than having some great friends and one lovely sister-in-law that were Kixters.

*I went to the doctor this week to get my prescription for Imitrex (my migraine happy pills!) renewed amongst other things (routine). :O) Please pray...when we went to pick up the Imitrex prescription, it was more than $25.oo PER PILL! We didn't get it, and Todd is going to call our new insurance company and find out if that's really the case. I'm staying calm about it for now until he talks to them. Considering I use at least 5 or more a month and the HUGE difference these little pills have made in the quality of my life, this could have a really big impact on me. I'm hoping for the best. (Doctor visit number 2.)

*I filled out A TON of forms this week. Some for Kindrid's ballet class, some for my doctor visit, some for Brennen's walk-in clinic doctor visit, some for both kids for the new family doc we'll see, some for Brennen for soccer he'll start soon, some for Brennen's school conferences next week and some for membership at our new church. Yikes!!

*On Thursday Todd's throat started to hurt. By Saturday it was bad so he went to the walk-in clinic...negative for strep so he just has to get over it, Poor Guy! (Doctor visit number 3!!)

*We are still vehicle hunting. We've tried lots of cars and today tried a mini van. I don't really want to be a Mini Van Mom (OK for others...just not my thing) but can really see the practical aspects of having one. The kids are really comfortable and the space is great. We are comfortable with great space now in the Expedition, but mileage is awful. We'll see what happens. Todd's going to do some more research on line.

*MY throat began to hurt yesterday...hmmmm...could I be headed for doctor visit number 4? Tough to tell when one family member was positive for strep and the other negative. Why is it always so hard to decide when to go in???

*Todd and I watched August Rush the other night. If you like happy endings and love music, this is a must see!!

*This little flock (covey? group? pod?) of prairie chickens visited our back yard yesterday. We've seen them here and there around the neighborhood, and it was fun to have them come see us. Bad picture as I was trying very hard not to scare them. Their visit was just one more reminder of how this country we've moved to belongs to the wild things. In the middle of town on Tuesday the kids and I saw five antelope eating bushes in someone's yard, and a doe passed in front of the car with a buck close behind her near the mall when Kindrid and I were on our way to small group Friday night.
*The kids began practice for their church Christmas Program this week. It's on the many names for Christ. It feels strange to not have a thing to do with it but making sure my own kids know their lyrics. :O) My detachment from the children's ministry here is not to last long though, I think. A pastor approached me this morning and mentioned needing a VBS Director for the coming summer and thought I'd had a little experience with that...guess he read my forms!! Busted! ;O)

*Todd joined Facebook! Check it out! We'd love to have you be our friend!! :O)

Well, that's us this week. We love you all,
Christy

Bring On Christmas...

We are ready!

There is about 3 inches on the ground and more to come, they say. The kids had a blast (I think Daddy did, too!) Thanks, Uncle M. and Auntie C.!! I was nice and warm today!!

A nose by any other name...

Doll Dreamz...

I dozed off on the sofa for a bit this afternoon and woke to find Kindrid on the floor (!) next to me. Keep in mind we have 3 sofas and 4 beds in our house so it's not like she was hard up! Still, it makes me think we need carpeting in the living room! :O)

She and Felicity were together all day. Kindrid cried when we left the house to walk to pick Brennen up at school (it's less than a mile one way - we've been trying to walk it as long as the weather holds out) as Felicity had to stay home!

Have a good evening!

Christy

Simply Celebrating...

Hi Everyone,

We celebrated simply today. My baby girl turned 5. As a reward for stopping her nail biting and to celebrate her birthday, we both got manicures this morning. Here are our glamorous hands! :O) Since Beth S. isn't nearby :O( to make Kindrid's adorable birthday cakes as in bygone Peoria days, Kindrid decided we should have a go at making one ourselves. She picked the mix (Chocolate), the frosting (Chocolate), the sprinkles (Multi-colored flowers) and the candles (Balloons!). Here she is doing some smoothing of the frosting. Note the tongue - she always does this when concentrating...And, of course, you have to eat the evidence!! I think all those years at Jessica's turned my child into a choco-addict!!Kindrid styled her own hair to go out to a "fancy" dinner at Hometown Buffet! Five barrettes...you know...one for each year! She was thrilled with the gift Brennen got her! :O) He choose a Little Petshop pencil sharpener, the just-re released-today Sleeping Beauty DVD and a Disney Fairy book.Stylin' in the super warm, much needed, 3 in 1 coat Auntie Carrie and Uncle Matt got her... (My apologies if your gift wasn't shown...means nuthin' except I was distracted watching her open her gifts!)

I'm somewhat sorry to say, but, as it should be, Mommy and Daddy stole the show by giving Kindrid her heart's desire tonight...an American Girl Doll (are you reading, P.R.??) named Felicity. She's longed for this doll for a llllooonnngggg time but had read somewhere they were for kids "8 and up" and so resigned herself sweetly and patiently to waiting until then before she could get her. She often talks about how "when I'm 8 and can get my American Girl doll." No words I have can describe her delighted and grateful heart when she opened this gift. At one point she asked us with a frown of concern, "But, I'm only 5...I'm supposed to be 8...what if I break her??"

Felicity is already the recipient of many hugs and kisses and even now lies sleeping next to Kindrid.
Brennen lit the candles...
Kindrid blew them out.......Todd, Brennen and I ate cake while Kindrid went back to her doll. She said she was too full from supper, and could she please wait and have hers tomorrow! :O)

Thanks to all of you that called, sent cards, left messages, gave gifts, posted comments and emailed - Kindrid didn't have a big party with balloons and games and lots of friends, but she had a day full of love of family and friends and things she loves doing. I'm sure by this time next year we'll be overrun with little girl friends giggling and swatting at a Barbie pinata (oooo - I like that idea - is it my turn yet??!!) but for this year we were content to celebrate simply!

With love,

Christy

Black (and Gold) Hills...

Dear All,

Well, it's been a while since my last post and I apologize to all my faithful readers struggling to get through a day not knowing what the Sandbergs are up to!! ;O)

We have had some sickness in the last week. Kindrid had some nasty fever-vomiting thing over the last weekend and early last week and I've had a bout of shingles. Not fun, but for a while I thought it was something considerably worse - most of you readers are ladies, indulge me for a moment men, - namely, breast cancer due to the location of the numbness and rash. I got pretty worried and therefore was RELIEVED to say the least that it was ONLY shingles. I'm not sure what brought it on and it wasn't much fun, but the fact that's all it was greatly lessened my discomfort!! So, now that's on the great World Wide Web for all to read....let's get on to the fun stuff...(Kindrid is better, by the way!!)...

We spent this last weekend in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It's such a great place to visit anytime and was especially gorgeous this time of year. We went to Bear Country USA on Saturday. It's sort of a drive-through zoo where WE stay in the cage (truck) and the animals wander free. Of course, entranced as I was to see the animals, this is the only picture I took! We saw LOTS of bears, wolves, mountain goats, big horn sheep, elk, buffalo etc. but the biggest two thrills were the mountain lions (we actually saw one climbing around in a tree - gave me a whole new perspective on things-that-go-bump-when-I'm-hiking-in-the-woods) and the bear cubs. They were born in Jan. and are taken from their mothers in March. They keep them all together in a huge enclosure. Their antics wrestling, playing King Of The Tree and fighting over who got to play with the sticks drew deep belly laughs from the kids. I highly recommend this place if you should ever travel through the Black Hills.

After a drive into Rapid City and lunch at Qdoba (don't have one of these in Casper, either), we headed to The Heads - I mean Mountain Mushmore (as Kindrid persisted in calling it). What can I say about this place? If you don't get teary eyed or at least one bout of goosebumps while you are here, you are a cold American indeed. :O) I know we have our faults and disagreements and major political differences, but I'm so proud to be an American! We are incredibly blessed to live in this country that the men represented here and others like them gave so much for! In our little weekly paper that comes to our mailbox free is a list each week of the Americans that died in the line of duty. I read it every week. I never know any of them. But someone does and calls them Dad, or Daughter or Husband etc. I pray for their families with a grateful heart that these military people were willing to pay such a huge cost for the freedom of MY children. These huge sculptures bring all that and more to mind. It's an amazing place!

This is George Washington's likeness. As a side note, while we were in the Black Hills, someone gave Todd a one dollar bill in change with http://www.wheresgeorge.com/ stamped on it. I checked it out today, registered the bill and will spend it for B.'s lunch next week. As it travels, folks that are so led can register the bill and I can see where it goes from here. Kinda neat. Yep, this is what I do as a Stay At Home Mom! :O)

So, in my title I referred to the "Gold Hills" and that is how it was this weekend. We didn't plan it or ever think about it when we decided to go there, so it was an amazing surprise to see how lovely it was. The first weekend in October or last in September is definitely the time to go for peak color!! WoW!! My pictures never do it justice, but here's a small sample...

No trip to the Black Hills is complete without driving the breathtaking Needles Drive culminating in the trip through the Eye of the Needle. On our way out of the Black Hills on Sunday we drove through Custer State Park in hopes of seeing wildlife. We weren't disappointed when we ran into this wild donkey herd. Look at the cute little guy!Brennen and Kindrid were reduced to jello laughing at these guys as they poked their heads in looking for handouts. You'd think they'd at least offer to wash your windshield, the beggars. They did, however, slobber all over the doors under the windows...Kindrid and I saw those marks on the truck today! :O) I'm sure it's frowned upon, but everyone feeds them. Todd and I gave them a few chips but Brennen and Kindrid wanted nothing to do with those yellowed teeth!!

Once a year they round up all the buffalo (who does that???) at Custer for branding and selling off some to keep the herd to a size the park can support. Most of the buffalo were in the corral area in the southern part of the park so we didn't get to have them all around the truck as one usually does at Custer. Here is one big fellow by the fence...

We drove a lot of the back roads in the park and saw a few lone buffalo, lots of antelope and lots of wild turkeys - Todd turned off the truck so we could listen to them. We took a back way out of the park and ended up driving through one corner of Wind Cave National Park where there were a lot of open range buffalo about. One forgets how HUGE these creatures are until all that separates one is what moments ago seemed a solid truck door!! We escaped uncharged and unscathed and had an uneventful drive home. We did see another full rainbow on the way back. As we stumbled in so tired and having to unpack, Todd grumbled that three day weekends should be mandatory!

Oh yes, I forgot...we stayed in a cabin at this place http://www.highcountryranch.com/slideshows/Black_Hills_Cabins_campcabins/Black_Hills_Cabins_campcabinslideshow.html and loved it! They were clean, each had their own bathrooms and mini-kitchen, nice covered porch with picnic table, beautiful views, a playground so close we were comfortable letting the kids go there on their own and the Mickelson Trail winding right behind the cabins http://www.travelsd.com/thingstodo/biking.asp?utm_source=GooglePPC&utm_medium=PPC&utm_content=MickTrail&utm_campaign=BHDS2008 making us wish we had our bikes. We are excited to stay there again!! There was a dog that must have belonged to the resort and seemed to be a labradoodle. We all fell in love. Kindrid cried when we had to say good-bye to it and Todd and I almost did, too. I'd get a dog again in a heartbeat if I knew it would be so cute, well-behaved and fun.

One last thing...

Tonight ends an era (well, if you can call it that). Tomorrow Kindrid will be 5 years old. Our little kids aren't so little anymore. Five years ago tonight we were in Virginia, MN. We ate at the clubhouse at the golf course for supper, and I got my hair cut after. By around 4:30 the next morning we were parents of a sweet little redhead girl. What a blessing she has been to, I venture to modestly say with no parental pride or blindness in place, most everyone she meets. :O) Well, certainly to us. Thank you God!

Also, Robin F. got me started on Facebook today. Thanks for all of you that are now "my friends." Glad it's official so I can start saying things like, "I have 9 friends." I've no idea what I'm doing on it or how to really use it, but I will learn. Fun! Thanks, R.!!

Have a wonderful evening, morning, day, week, weekend - guess it depends on when you read!!

Love,

Christy