Nicki And Adam's Family Blog

Christmas was a little different this year. We celebrated a  bit, but also spent a ton of time working on the house. There was still much to do in regards to cleaning it out and removing carpets, etc.... It was also a bit different because Dad wasn't there, or mom. But we did spend a good portion of time with Mom on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day for lunch. I sure hope she knows how much we love her and how much it truly hurts me to see her there each day. But I don't know a better alternative. Here are some pics of the the celebrations

On November 4th, Bob was in town to visit my mom who has been at Aster Memory Care for about 9 months now. I decided to invite Bob, Dad, Jeannie, Greg, and Raelee and Dan over for dinner. In all actuality, I invited everyone, but those were who could attend. Adam made some delicious chili and merriment was all around. Dad even walked in and hugged me that night (not that he wouldn't do that, but for some reason I really remember it...). We partook in Brandy Old Fashioned's and Margaritas and watching college football games. All was well. As seen below: Raelee was enjoying her first "Legal" alcoholic drink with Grandpa. We were talking about Christmas and Thanksgiving when my dads last words were "Keep It Simple"-but they were very slurred. I went over to Jeannie and I said, "is something wrong with dad?" and she said "I didn't understand anything he just said." So I went behind the couch and touched him and said "hey, dad......

I went to New York City this June with my choir from UW-La Crosse. It was a trip of a lifetime. Truly! We did a bunch of rehearsals during the day to prepare for the Saturday Eve concert at Carnegie Hall.  During my "free time"-we did the 9/11 memorial and museum which was awesome and powerful. We had lots of meals with some buddies from long ago (Eric Witzenburg and Tyson Bittrich). We walked around Central Park and went to see the awesome musical "Come From Away."  And of course sang a good bye tribute concert to Dr.Gary Walth (his swan song-retirement) at Carnegie Hall. What an awesome experience. I am so glad that I did this. It was worth every penny and then some! 

 To say that Charlie had a successful 1st grade year would be an understatement. He thrived this year. And mostly due to these two very very special ladies. They are everything that I have ever hoped for as teachers for my kids. They are dedicated, differentiate to all levels, very very knowledgeable in content areas, have fantastic classroom management, and they love their students. You know how I can tell (and this may sound silly), but they cry! Whenever they start to talk about their students, they start to cry telling about the successes. This is love, right!? We generally don't cry about people/situations we don't know or don't care about. So I know these ladies love their job. And the best news?! This is a multi-age class, so Charlie gets these 2 amazing ladies again next year! Yes!!!! Having amazing teachers CAN make a difference in everyday life! Side story--Charlie got another stomach virus and missed the last day of school. Guess who showed up at our house ...

Charlie was selected as one of the artist's for the new banners to be displayed throughout the City of Verona. His banner is of Hometown Junction and is now hanging by Culver's!

Charlie had his first piano recital with my piano studio kids. He played Hot Cross Buns. He did a great job. He chose his outfit, by the way! I am very fortunate to be able to teach like I do. These kids (in the picture below) make my life so much more complete. It is a joy to teach them about beauty through music. 

We have been spending a lot of time focusing on health and fitness this year. This has also included some fun runs for the kids. Here they are catching the Gingerbread Man on a "warm" May Day. They had to run 1/3rd mile. They both easily did it without walking. 

Doesn't this shirt just sum up parenthood? (All you kids of the 1990's!!) Adam did an excellent job picking out this shirt for Mother's Day. Although many times I feel like I'm gonna lose my mind, I have been given the 3 best gifts in the whole world (Wine, Shirts, and More Wine)--I mean Charlie, Carrie and Colin.  I love you little nut heads. Keep making momma proud!

This SPIRITED Child turns 2 today. He is a challenge in so many ways, but also an extremely affectionate child. He is normal in all areas, except speech where he is quite significantly delayed, but he is in speech therapy a lot, so it should help. As you can tell from the photos below, he is not found of fire, people singing to him, or the whole concept of a birthday. This is completely the opposite of his older brother (and sister).