This past weekend was Dozinky Days in New Prague. The short of it, it's the town's celebration...reason to have a parade and drink A LOT! Czech people sure can drink!
On Friday night there was a classic car show for cars from 1987 and older. 1987, to me, is far from an old car!!! To drive, yes, but seriously! My favorite car is always the old corvettes- red with white!! After the car show it's basically a free-for-all. Well, not free but nonetheless everyone gets a little schnuckered up. The entire main street is blocked off, so it's basically a street party. People party in the street or go from one bar to the next.
We were home by (get this) 9:45! Jason was already pretty tanked (which I have not witnessed in a very long time) so it was time to cut him off! Some friends came over and we had a bonfire in the backyard. It was really nice to sit out there on such a cool night...no bugs...nice warm fire! All was nice but I kind of forgot about the allergy thing (dust from the wood burning and we're basically inhaling it)...I sneezed for the next two days!
On Saturday we had the parade. Jason being the FNG (F***ing New Guy) he didn't have a dress uniform to march in the parade, so he was in charge of driving one of the trucks. MacKenzy and I joined him- I love having her IN the parade because then she doesn't get all that candy to fight over! New Prague doesn't allow you to throw candy from a moving vehicle which was not alright with MacKenzy! I bent the rule, okay I broke the rule! I had her throw one piece at a time, and told her to throw it really far. She did really good...and as of now, no complaints.
After the parade the fire department had their annual water fights. First all of the guys competed and then the women went at it. There were two teams of New Prague firefighter wives, one team of Jordan FD wives, one team of NP Ambulance, and then our team; Explorers. It was SO much fun...but A LOT of work! To say it's easy would be a complete lie!
In 14 years of doing the water fights NO ONE has ever gotten hurt...that is until I came along! Long story short, I fell backwards and took my skull into pavement. Yes, we wear gear but I landed at the right angle for my helmet to shoot off my head. My first thought was that I had get up. I imagined that someone getting hurt would be grounds for not allowing the water fights...or at least not allow untrained folks like myself! While the two Explorers (Kate and Jackie) rushed over to me, I tried to sit up and play it cool. I no more than sat up and I was laying down again. I was really dizzy and felt like I could pass out. I laid on the ground for a bit longer (while hords of people stood over me) and then stood up (with the help of everyone around me...how embarassing!). I went to the sidelines, got myself together, and five minutes later was back out competing.
The headache didn't hit until much later. Monday morning is when I first noticed I didn't have a headache any longer....but still today I have the sore spot. What a dope!
Saturday night Jason and I actually went to A MOVIE! We saw "I Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" F.U.N.N.Y.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Pod 4
I see Kindergarten off in the distance.....
Yesterday MacKenzy made a transition that is putting her on the path to starting school, in two years. Playworks, where she goes to daycare, is sectioned off in Pods. Pod 1 is made up of babies 6wks to around 16 months. They move onto Pod 2 once they are developmentally ready...eating without assistance, walking, etc.
Pod 2 is a huge transition! On day one they set a cup in front of the kids and expect them to figure out how to drink out of it. For the first two weeks MacKenzy came home a mess! She figured it out though. Pod 2 is also where they start potty training. Peer pressure is such a great thing at this age! It may have taken a year but she's potty trained. Those teachers have some serious patience!
Just after MacKenzy's 2nd birthday she moved up to Pod 3. This move was a much needed move! Her favorite teacher from Pod 2 moved there about a month before, and then so did most of her friends. She was stuck back where she was the oldest only because she wasn't 2 yet. Every day for about a month was a nightmare. Drop offs were rarely full of smiles, and she kept to herself or fought with the other kids. It wasn't fun for anybody! I personally sat down with the manager and expressed my incredible desire for her to move up. They moved her up the first Monday after her 2nd birthday and she was a happy kid again!
She has now been in Pod 3 for just over 15 months. She went in as a toddler, and now is very much a little girl! The things that come out of her mouth are unreal...I have to remind myself that she's only 3!
Yesterday was her first day in Pod 4- the PRE-Pre-K program! She is leaving behind her favorite teacher, but the upside is that she's in the same class as her little boy friend, Chase. She's pretty excited about that! At first, when she learned that Ms. Amy (her teacher) wouldn't be moving she told me she didn't want to go. I quickly reminded her that she could play with Chase all day in Pod 4. Her position changed.
She still gets to see Ms. Amy in the late afternoon when all of the kids in Pod 2-4 play together in the trike park- so at least it's not cold turkey! After school yesterday she was so excited to tell me about her day. She tattled on Jamison for not letting her play on the computer, but said that her and Chase played this and that, and napped by each other! (oh, God no)
This time next year she will enter into the official Pre-K program and she will be on her road to starting school! In the meantime we get another year of watching her grow into a magnificent little girl!
Yesterday MacKenzy made a transition that is putting her on the path to starting school, in two years. Playworks, where she goes to daycare, is sectioned off in Pods. Pod 1 is made up of babies 6wks to around 16 months. They move onto Pod 2 once they are developmentally ready...eating without assistance, walking, etc.
Pod 2 is a huge transition! On day one they set a cup in front of the kids and expect them to figure out how to drink out of it. For the first two weeks MacKenzy came home a mess! She figured it out though. Pod 2 is also where they start potty training. Peer pressure is such a great thing at this age! It may have taken a year but she's potty trained. Those teachers have some serious patience!
Just after MacKenzy's 2nd birthday she moved up to Pod 3. This move was a much needed move! Her favorite teacher from Pod 2 moved there about a month before, and then so did most of her friends. She was stuck back where she was the oldest only because she wasn't 2 yet. Every day for about a month was a nightmare. Drop offs were rarely full of smiles, and she kept to herself or fought with the other kids. It wasn't fun for anybody! I personally sat down with the manager and expressed my incredible desire for her to move up. They moved her up the first Monday after her 2nd birthday and she was a happy kid again!
She has now been in Pod 3 for just over 15 months. She went in as a toddler, and now is very much a little girl! The things that come out of her mouth are unreal...I have to remind myself that she's only 3!
Yesterday was her first day in Pod 4- the PRE-Pre-K program! She is leaving behind her favorite teacher, but the upside is that she's in the same class as her little boy friend, Chase. She's pretty excited about that! At first, when she learned that Ms. Amy (her teacher) wouldn't be moving she told me she didn't want to go. I quickly reminded her that she could play with Chase all day in Pod 4. Her position changed.
She still gets to see Ms. Amy in the late afternoon when all of the kids in Pod 2-4 play together in the trike park- so at least it's not cold turkey! After school yesterday she was so excited to tell me about her day. She tattled on Jamison for not letting her play on the computer, but said that her and Chase played this and that, and napped by each other! (oh, God no)
This time next year she will enter into the official Pre-K program and she will be on her road to starting school! In the meantime we get another year of watching her grow into a magnificent little girl!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Catching Up
...I started this post last week and never finished it, but I thought I'd post it anyway.
Hello Everyone!
The State Fair starts next week! You know what that means don’t you? Summer is almost over! It’s been a hot and extremely dry couple of months, but I’ll take it over freezing temperatures and snow any day! Fall is my favorite holiday, but on the other hand I hate that it means winter is around the corner! There’s nothing like the 70’s and all of the beautiful colors…and that smell of burning leaves! Anyone have some trees so we can play in the leaves? Our lone Ash tree isn’t going to do it!
In the last few weeks nothing too exciting has happened. I started my job last month and I am still enjoying it. There are many nights I go home exhausted…mentally drained! There’s a lot to take in and yet try to figure out how to remember it all.
A couple weeks ago Jason interviewed for New Prague Fire. Over the past 5 years he’s been working for Mdewakanton Fire, but he doesn’t get to see fire like he did when he was on Prior Lake Fire. Mdewakanton also is an ambulance service, so 90% of their calls are medicals. He likes that aspect of his job, but simply misses the firefighting.
New Prague Fire is a volunteer service, like Prior Lake. They placed an ad in June and Jason played with the idea of applying. We’re both so busy and we needed to think it out before adding one more log on the fire! Finally we decided it was a go. New Prague doesn’t have a call ratio, nor do they have a high volume of calls. The only time he absolutely couldn’t go on a call is if I’m on call for ambulance. Any other time, he is good to go. His first meeting is Tuesday, which is also Family Night. The water rescue team will be training at the city pool and after their training the families meet up at the pool for a little party. Great way to meet people! I know a few of the guys because of the ambulance service, but we’re both pretty much walking into a situation where neither of us knows anyone. I stand corrected, one of our neighbors is a member but we simply know him in passing.
Next Friday Jason and I will be at the State Fair all day with our Explorer post. Every year the first Friday of the state fair is the Governor’s Fire Prevention Day. Fire services statewide come and show off their trucks and enjoy a day at the fair for free. This is also where our Fire Explorers get to compete against other posts and also do an auto-extrication demonstration. I’m excited for the day… not for the competition, but for the FOOD! I need to start fasting now! My all time favorite are Fried Green Tomatoes. If you haven’t had them, and you like pickles, try them! They have the tart taste of a pickle. Their booth is always by the food building, outside the KARE 11 Health Fair exhibit.
The fair is this week now... I haven't started my fasting! Better get on that!
Hello Everyone!
The State Fair starts next week! You know what that means don’t you? Summer is almost over! It’s been a hot and extremely dry couple of months, but I’ll take it over freezing temperatures and snow any day! Fall is my favorite holiday, but on the other hand I hate that it means winter is around the corner! There’s nothing like the 70’s and all of the beautiful colors…and that smell of burning leaves! Anyone have some trees so we can play in the leaves? Our lone Ash tree isn’t going to do it!
In the last few weeks nothing too exciting has happened. I started my job last month and I am still enjoying it. There are many nights I go home exhausted…mentally drained! There’s a lot to take in and yet try to figure out how to remember it all.
A couple weeks ago Jason interviewed for New Prague Fire. Over the past 5 years he’s been working for Mdewakanton Fire, but he doesn’t get to see fire like he did when he was on Prior Lake Fire. Mdewakanton also is an ambulance service, so 90% of their calls are medicals. He likes that aspect of his job, but simply misses the firefighting.
New Prague Fire is a volunteer service, like Prior Lake. They placed an ad in June and Jason played with the idea of applying. We’re both so busy and we needed to think it out before adding one more log on the fire! Finally we decided it was a go. New Prague doesn’t have a call ratio, nor do they have a high volume of calls. The only time he absolutely couldn’t go on a call is if I’m on call for ambulance. Any other time, he is good to go. His first meeting is Tuesday, which is also Family Night. The water rescue team will be training at the city pool and after their training the families meet up at the pool for a little party. Great way to meet people! I know a few of the guys because of the ambulance service, but we’re both pretty much walking into a situation where neither of us knows anyone. I stand corrected, one of our neighbors is a member but we simply know him in passing.
Next Friday Jason and I will be at the State Fair all day with our Explorer post. Every year the first Friday of the state fair is the Governor’s Fire Prevention Day. Fire services statewide come and show off their trucks and enjoy a day at the fair for free. This is also where our Fire Explorers get to compete against other posts and also do an auto-extrication demonstration. I’m excited for the day… not for the competition, but for the FOOD! I need to start fasting now! My all time favorite are Fried Green Tomatoes. If you haven’t had them, and you like pickles, try them! They have the tart taste of a pickle. Their booth is always by the food building, outside the KARE 11 Health Fair exhibit.
The fair is this week now... I haven't started my fasting! Better get on that!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Day 10
Well I'm still here, and still enjoying myself. This week is a little harsh though. The girl I work with is in Italy all week. No social outlet and no one to guide me!! She managed to train me in on a lot before she left, however I'm not 100% confident in what I'm doing so its a bit stressful.
Thank God she's back on Monday!
I have an hour lunch and I'm actually having to find things to do to fill the time! I'm not complaining it's just that I'm not used to so much time! Inhaling my lunch for the last 3+ years has been normal, now I have time to blog or go for a walk! [there are some really nice walking trails just down the street...haven't brought myself to walk yet, too hot!]
Hope all is well!
Amy
Thank God she's back on Monday!
I have an hour lunch and I'm actually having to find things to do to fill the time! I'm not complaining it's just that I'm not used to so much time! Inhaling my lunch for the last 3+ years has been normal, now I have time to blog or go for a walk! [there are some really nice walking trails just down the street...haven't brought myself to walk yet, too hot!]
Hope all is well!
Amy
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Day THREE
I'm on day three of the new job...and I really like it. I am offically working for another builder in the Operations Dept. To explain what I do....would take awhile. The short of it: order plans, permits, scheduling dig dates, tracking all of the variances and addendums to builds, and managing the home owner associations until they are handed over to the home owners.
So far the people seem really nice and welcoming. The bummer of it all...the gal that I will be working closely with (and that is training me) will be out of the country all next week...leaving me to fend for myself! I can't imagine I will be able to keep myself busy all week!! I don't know how to do enough!!
So far the people seem really nice and welcoming. The bummer of it all...the gal that I will be working closely with (and that is training me) will be out of the country all next week...leaving me to fend for myself! I can't imagine I will be able to keep myself busy all week!! I don't know how to do enough!!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Extremely Be-Lated
Life has been a complete whirlwind the last few months, so now that I see the light at the end of the tunnel...here's whats been happening.
On April 27th I was laid off, hence the whirlwind. Prior to getting laid off I had already been applying for other positions knowing that a lay off was possible...boy did I hit that nail on the head! It is now July 14th and the light has started to shine. THANK YOU GOD!
There isn't exactly a shortage of jobs to apply for "out there," but there are a lot of people applying for them! One of the first positions I applied for was for the City of Prior Lake. A simple position brought in almost 80 applications for ONE position! For my own self-esteem I won't list the novel of applications I've submited.
In April, prior to the lay off, I applied for a position at St. Francis hospital in Shakopee. It was a position that I desperately wanted but refused to get my hopes up. Several weeks later...um, mid-June, I finally got an interview! A few weeks after that I got a phone message stating that they had in fact filled the position, but really wanted to have me on their team "so please continue to apply." Apparently an internal candidate applied at the last minute, and since it's a union position they are required to hire within first. I was bummed, but it was nice to hear that they actually did want to hire me!
Then last Monday I got another call...they offered me the position! I didn't ask questions I was too damn excited. The position is a 2nd shift (2p-11p) and that's where the red flags went up...there is no way we could work our schedules around that! I talked if over with Jason and he knew how bad I wanted it, but also kept reality in check. I asked to speak to someone in regards to how the position was scheduled out, and finally received her call on Thursday.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday I spoke to the people at one of the temp agencies that was trying to line me up with a permanent full-time position. I explained that I had my dream job offer on the table with some scheduling issues. I explained that I was still interested in the position they had been working on for me, but needed to get the ball rolling! I didn't want to tell St. Francis NO and then have the other position fall through as well!!!
On Friday I had a 10am first interview that went really well...so well that I was called back to come in for a 2nd interview at 2pm the same day! The President of the company wanted to interview me but would be out of town on a business trip after Friday. I ended up meeting with him and the CFO of the company. They knew I had another offer and things needed to happen quickly. They asked if I could hold the others off until Monday morning, and said they could let me know Monday morning. If I'm not offered the position I will be completely lost for words. Monday will be the big day...I will be telling someone Yes...just hope that it's the one that will work best for everyone.
Cross your fingers for me....
Since my last entry we've done quite a bit. MacKenzy's third birthday party, my 30th birthday, a couple trips to the beach, the zoo, and boating on the lake. I'm the psuedo "SAHM" life. I would get up early each morning to apply for jobs like crazy on the web, and then after lunch I would take MacKenzy out to various places. She still goes to daycare on occassion, she needs that interaction with the other children...and the structure that she's used to. Ozzy got to go to the dog park a few times...so we've bonded a bit. But most of all my face was in front of a computer screen doing everything I could to find a damn job!
This next week I will post pictures from things we've done...but right now it's late and I need to go to bed!
Hope all of you are having a nice summer...and for those of you in MN, try and keep cool this week!! It's going to be a rough one!
Amy
On April 27th I was laid off, hence the whirlwind. Prior to getting laid off I had already been applying for other positions knowing that a lay off was possible...boy did I hit that nail on the head! It is now July 14th and the light has started to shine. THANK YOU GOD!
There isn't exactly a shortage of jobs to apply for "out there," but there are a lot of people applying for them! One of the first positions I applied for was for the City of Prior Lake. A simple position brought in almost 80 applications for ONE position! For my own self-esteem I won't list the novel of applications I've submited.
In April, prior to the lay off, I applied for a position at St. Francis hospital in Shakopee. It was a position that I desperately wanted but refused to get my hopes up. Several weeks later...um, mid-June, I finally got an interview! A few weeks after that I got a phone message stating that they had in fact filled the position, but really wanted to have me on their team "so please continue to apply." Apparently an internal candidate applied at the last minute, and since it's a union position they are required to hire within first. I was bummed, but it was nice to hear that they actually did want to hire me!
Then last Monday I got another call...they offered me the position! I didn't ask questions I was too damn excited. The position is a 2nd shift (2p-11p) and that's where the red flags went up...there is no way we could work our schedules around that! I talked if over with Jason and he knew how bad I wanted it, but also kept reality in check. I asked to speak to someone in regards to how the position was scheduled out, and finally received her call on Thursday.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday I spoke to the people at one of the temp agencies that was trying to line me up with a permanent full-time position. I explained that I had my dream job offer on the table with some scheduling issues. I explained that I was still interested in the position they had been working on for me, but needed to get the ball rolling! I didn't want to tell St. Francis NO and then have the other position fall through as well!!!
On Friday I had a 10am first interview that went really well...so well that I was called back to come in for a 2nd interview at 2pm the same day! The President of the company wanted to interview me but would be out of town on a business trip after Friday. I ended up meeting with him and the CFO of the company. They knew I had another offer and things needed to happen quickly. They asked if I could hold the others off until Monday morning, and said they could let me know Monday morning. If I'm not offered the position I will be completely lost for words. Monday will be the big day...I will be telling someone Yes...just hope that it's the one that will work best for everyone.
Cross your fingers for me....
Since my last entry we've done quite a bit. MacKenzy's third birthday party, my 30th birthday, a couple trips to the beach, the zoo, and boating on the lake. I'm the psuedo "SAHM" life. I would get up early each morning to apply for jobs like crazy on the web, and then after lunch I would take MacKenzy out to various places. She still goes to daycare on occassion, she needs that interaction with the other children...and the structure that she's used to. Ozzy got to go to the dog park a few times...so we've bonded a bit. But most of all my face was in front of a computer screen doing everything I could to find a damn job!
This next week I will post pictures from things we've done...but right now it's late and I need to go to bed!
Hope all of you are having a nice summer...and for those of you in MN, try and keep cool this week!! It's going to be a rough one!
Amy
Friday, April 20, 2007
Little Miss
Words out of MacKenzy’s mouth surprise me all the time. In the last 3 months her vocabulary has shot through the roof, but on top of that the intellect behind it has far surpassed my own.
Wednesday night we were playing “I Spy” on the way home from daycare. I did most of the Spying while she screamed that she found the “Red Barn!” or the yellow triangle. At one point I pointed out a white barn, which seems to puzzle her (aren’t all barns supposed to be red!). She pointed at the barn and then said, “That barn is white, like Daddy’s truck, but not like Mommy’s car. Mommy’s car is red.”
I don’t think I can put my reaction into words….if I did it would look something like: “What? Huh? Oh my God. She just…oh my.”
She will be 3 in just under a month, but it just that certain phases of her growing up tend to smack me up side the head. She loves chewing gum and doesn’t even swallow it! Any time she sees a water tower she points out that Daddy works there (the fire department is next to one therefore Daddy works next to all water towers), anytime we are sitting at a stop light she recites, “Red means STOP! Yellow WATCH OUT! and Green means GO!”
Jason recently taught her the difference between her right and left, so she’s now a constant backseat driver! This week they’ve been working on creeks ("cricks"), rivers, ponds, and lakes. She has to point out every puddle! If you ask her what a lake is she’ll respond that it’s STANDING WATER! A creek or river is MOVING WATER! Seriously…I’m starting to feel as though I need to go back to school so I can keep up with her!
This weekend we’re going to the zoo. It’s the last weekend for the Baby Farm Animals Exhibit. I took her last year and she loved touching all of the animals…I’m sure we won’t be able to peel her away this year. I'll be sure to take tons of pictures and post them.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Clifford of Bust
MacKenzy's 3rd birthday is in exactly a month, and it's been a work in progress. We've attempted to use her party as a means to get her to sleep in her own room...it works for Dad, not so much for Mommy. Some nights she'd be willing to give up all of her toys just to sleep in Mommy's bed (apparently Daddy sleeps in Mommy's bed).
The party theme is supposed to be Clifford the Big Red Dog, but I'm coming to find we're behind the times a bit. I'm having a tough time finding party supplies...but no fear, I'm sure I'll find something that will suit her needs. Daddy has promised, if the weather permits, to rent a jumping thingy (do they have a name?). So hopefully we have a nice day (unlike last year) and we can just have a nice afternoon in the backyard.
Just this morning we were discussing her birthday on the way to daycare. I said that she was going to be three and she replied, “No. Two THEN three!” I tried to explain that she is two now, but on her birthday she’ll be three. She made me laugh by saying, “No! I don’t wanna be three, I’m two!” Smart girl.
The party theme is supposed to be Clifford the Big Red Dog, but I'm coming to find we're behind the times a bit. I'm having a tough time finding party supplies...but no fear, I'm sure I'll find something that will suit her needs. Daddy has promised, if the weather permits, to rent a jumping thingy (do they have a name?). So hopefully we have a nice day (unlike last year) and we can just have a nice afternoon in the backyard.
Just this morning we were discussing her birthday on the way to daycare. I said that she was going to be three and she replied, “No. Two THEN three!” I tried to explain that she is two now, but on her birthday she’ll be three. She made me laugh by saying, “No! I don’t wanna be three, I’m two!” Smart girl.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Jodi
Hi Jodi!
Are you proud of me? I posted something for you!!
I'll try to be better about posting things! I have some new pictures to add too.
Amy
Are you proud of me? I posted something for you!!
I'll try to be better about posting things! I have some new pictures to add too.
Amy
Meeting...Finally!
Last night went VERY well. Prior to getting there I was a nervous, but not for meeting Marki but for seeing her mom, Tami. I had NO reason to be nervous what-so-ever! Tami was great and we basically picked up where we left off 16+ years ago.MacKenzy took all of a minute to warm up to Marki. I brought a mini-Easter basket full of goodies for MacKenzy to give to Marki....so naturally MacKenzy was pretty willing to share the treats! The place that we had dinner has a neat nature preserve right behind the restaurant. MacKenzy was glued to the windows most of the evening. Tons of birds eating, but she was distressed that the birds weren't talking to her or answering her....too many cartoons with talking animals I suppose. Just before we left the waitress came running out the bar, swept MacKenzy up in her arms and ran off.....odd. Well, there were two fawns eating about 3 feet from the window in the bar area. When MacKenzy came back she asked to go see them again, so Marki and I followed her into the bar...and it was really cool. MacKenzy's kept saying, "That's Bambi's Mommy!!"
Marki brought along pictures of her when she was younger, and I had originally brought some too but in my rush to get out the door I forgot them on the steps at home. It was really nice to put the pieces together of her childhood...and I'm sure there will be more of that in years to come.Well, I wanted to take pictures but it was a bit awkward to say, "Hey, smile I want your picture!" As you can see from the photos attached I had Marki and MacKenzy pose together and then I jumped in for a few. I see lots of similarities in our appearance, but more so when I was younger. We have the same damn forehead, now I know for sure which side of the family to blame. Our face shapes are different, and she has the most amazing smile....and never had braces! Damn her!
All in all, it was a very nice evening. We could have sat and talked forever...and being she didn't have school today I'm sure they could have too. MacKenzy was on a sugar high from all of the candy...so I'm sure she would have been too...but good things have to come to an end. 
Now that the initial meeting is out of the way...we can take it where ever it may lead.When we got home MacKenzy was going bonkers on her sugar high. Normally she would have fallen asleep in the car, but she was wide awake all the way home. She told Jason all about Bambi’s mommy and eating candy with Marki. She said, “We can go there again!”
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Keeping Busy...and then some
As usual the Melby's are busy...but with the recent snowfall we're a little in over our heads! It comes down to Mom to make sure everything flows...so if I seem a little out there lately, I'm already a week out trying to piece together our schedules. And think, MacKenzy isn't in school and after school activities....THEN it'll get crazy!
MacKenzy is amazing us everyday. This morning she grabbed my necklace and turned around the pendant, "I like red better mommy." The pendant flips every so often to where it's white, but I never knew she paid that much attention. Cute.
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were sick days for her. She woke up from a nap on Saturday looking sunburnt! She had a fever so I figured it was a fever rash. As her fever went down, the red got brighter and spread. Sunday morning she was a itchy mess so I ended up taking her into her pediatric clinic (we have the coolest clinic...basically open 7 days a week!). The Doctor took one look at her and said, "Strep." They did the quick culture and sure enough.
The Dr prescribed an anti-biotic in a chewable form...oh, my God THANK YOU! She loves chewables...she basically treats them like candy.
By Monday she was a normal shade of pink...but she still couldn't go to daycare, as she wasn't on the medication for 24hours. Jason plowed, and I stayed home with MacKenzy.
We had fun. We played outside and she helped me dust the house. Can't say she really helped clean it, because immediately afterwards she messed it up again.
Her skin is still bumpy, like goose-bumps, but that's about it. I never knew that there was such a rash....guess I learned something new!
MacKenzy is amazing us everyday. This morning she grabbed my necklace and turned around the pendant, "I like red better mommy." The pendant flips every so often to where it's white, but I never knew she paid that much attention. Cute.
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were sick days for her. She woke up from a nap on Saturday looking sunburnt! She had a fever so I figured it was a fever rash. As her fever went down, the red got brighter and spread. Sunday morning she was a itchy mess so I ended up taking her into her pediatric clinic (we have the coolest clinic...basically open 7 days a week!). The Doctor took one look at her and said, "Strep." They did the quick culture and sure enough.
The Dr prescribed an anti-biotic in a chewable form...oh, my God THANK YOU! She loves chewables...she basically treats them like candy.
By Monday she was a normal shade of pink...but she still couldn't go to daycare, as she wasn't on the medication for 24hours. Jason plowed, and I stayed home with MacKenzy.
We had fun. We played outside and she helped me dust the house. Can't say she really helped clean it, because immediately afterwards she messed it up again.
Her skin is still bumpy, like goose-bumps, but that's about it. I never knew that there was such a rash....guess I learned something new!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Gifts
So with that said, as the boys were growing up Dan and I had fun buying gifts for them. Buying toys for boys is WAY more fun than buying for girls! When Matt was 3 I started to date Jason, my husband. From day one Jason was Matt's brother..he said so the first time he met Jason. When it came to birthdays and Christmas Jason and I went out of our way to be destructive or loud toys. My parents countinually told us that payback would be a bitch.
When MacKenzy came along my brothers enlisted in helping my parents shop for such gifts. Up until this past weekend they haven't been successful in driving us nuts...but they have now won.
Over Christmas they were in Mexico and they found the perfect gift, and to top it off MacKenzy thinks its the coolest thing in the world. If you think back to the Karate Kid, Mr. Miagi shows Daniel-son a little hand-held drum that he'd sping between his palms. When the drum would go back and forth little strings with beads on the end would hit the drum. Oh it's that, but even worse! It's a tamporine too! Talk about loud and annoying!
This morning when Jason got home from work she instantly had to show him her new toy- she was so proud. I explained to him where it was from and the look he gave me was basically, 'Ahh Shit!"
FAST FORWARD TWO WEEKS LATER
This past Sunday (2/11) we faught with MacKenzy for a good 45 minutes to take a nap. Neither myself or Jason could get her to understand that it was obvious why she needed a nap.
When she finally stopped fighting us her room fell silent. We figured she was asleep- We figured wrong! All of the sudden the little drum from hell started beating from the depths of her bedroom. Not until she got bored with the drum did she actually fall asleep...15 minutes later.
Thanks for the Drum!
When MacKenzy came along my brothers enlisted in helping my parents shop for such gifts. Up until this past weekend they haven't been successful in driving us nuts...but they have now won.
Over Christmas they were in Mexico and they found the perfect gift, and to top it off MacKenzy thinks its the coolest thing in the world. If you think back to the Karate Kid, Mr. Miagi shows Daniel-son a little hand-held drum that he'd sping between his palms. When the drum would go back and forth little strings with beads on the end would hit the drum. Oh it's that, but even worse! It's a tamporine too! Talk about loud and annoying!
This morning when Jason got home from work she instantly had to show him her new toy- she was so proud. I explained to him where it was from and the look he gave me was basically, 'Ahh Shit!"
FAST FORWARD TWO WEEKS LATER
This past Sunday (2/11) we faught with MacKenzy for a good 45 minutes to take a nap. Neither myself or Jason could get her to understand that it was obvious why she needed a nap.
When she finally stopped fighting us her room fell silent. We figured she was asleep- We figured wrong! All of the sudden the little drum from hell started beating from the depths of her bedroom. Not until she got bored with the drum did she actually fall asleep...15 minutes later.
Thanks for the Drum!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Jake
Happy Birthday Baby Jake!
Jake is the son of our friends Jim and Jodi Muelken. Their son Jake was born very prematurely a year ago on January 23rd. Not only is he doing great, but he's the best behaved baby I've ever had the pleasure to be around!
Tomorrow is Jodi's birthday and the family is going to Seaseme Street Live...what a Mom! But on Sunday is Jake's birthday party and MacKenzy can hardly wait! She loves playing with Jake's big sisters, Cady and Maiah.
Can't Wait!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Favorites
Can you believe that in 4 months MacKenzy will be 3 years old? Neither can we! She has become such a little girl…oh sorry, a Big Girl…and an inquisitive individual.
A List of Favorite as of this moment. These things change at the drop of a hat…
Movie: Little Mermaid….otherwise known as “Ariel”
Cartoon: Dora the Explorer and Go! Diego Go! are tied with Clifford the Big Red Dog following close behind!
Food: Noodles and Breadsticks…oh, and French Fries! Carbs carbs carbs!
Music: Anything related to her favorite shows or movies. My Spanish skills have been in check as I’m forced to sing songs from Dora. My memory serves me pretty well with the Little Mermaid songs, but I’m still working on Clifford’s theme song.
Favorite Cartoon Character: Goofy
Toy: Pretend food from her new kitchen set. She is always handing us food, telling us to eat it and quickly reminding us that it’s pretend!
Clothes: If she could wear her Mickey Mouse t-shirt on a daily basis, she would. For Christmas she did get a pink sweatshirt with most every Disney character on it. It gives us a day to wash the Mickey shirt.
Favorite Person: Still her uncle Matt and her “teacher” Amy, from Playworks. Mommy and Daddy are some where in the top 10!
Favorite Shoes: Mom’s
Favorite Book: Snow!
Favorite Word: Why?
A List of Favorite as of this moment. These things change at the drop of a hat…
Movie: Little Mermaid….otherwise known as “Ariel”
Cartoon: Dora the Explorer and Go! Diego Go! are tied with Clifford the Big Red Dog following close behind!
Food: Noodles and Breadsticks…oh, and French Fries! Carbs carbs carbs!
Music: Anything related to her favorite shows or movies. My Spanish skills have been in check as I’m forced to sing songs from Dora. My memory serves me pretty well with the Little Mermaid songs, but I’m still working on Clifford’s theme song.
Favorite Cartoon Character: Goofy
Toy: Pretend food from her new kitchen set. She is always handing us food, telling us to eat it and quickly reminding us that it’s pretend!
Clothes: If she could wear her Mickey Mouse t-shirt on a daily basis, she would. For Christmas she did get a pink sweatshirt with most every Disney character on it. It gives us a day to wash the Mickey shirt.
Favorite Person: Still her uncle Matt and her “teacher” Amy, from Playworks. Mommy and Daddy are some where in the top 10!
Favorite Shoes: Mom’s
Favorite Book: Snow!
Favorite Color: Pink (if there were a pink monster truck out there, she'd be so pleased!)
Favorite Place to Go: Cady & Maiah’s houseFavorite Word: Why?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year!
Some day soon I'll get our Christmas photos posted, but until then 'Happy New Year!'
What we did...
Jason...worked.
Amy...partied with Carrie Underwood!
MacKenzy...partied it up with Cady and Maiah!!!Friday, December 15, 2006
Merry Christmas From the Melby's!
Merry Christmas!Yes, we know there's a typ-o on our Christmas card...makes it more personal!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Christmas 2006
Attitude, Just Like Mama
This will be MacKenzy's third Christmas and each year we have made a visit to see Santa. We don't visit just any ol' mall Santa, we take her to Bachman's in south Minneapolis. Not a lot of people are aware of Bachman's annual display, so it's not crazy busy and it's not so commercialized.
In the midst of their large greenhouse/store they have a stage set for Santa's Workshop. The gentleman that plays Santa is by far the most original looking Santa I have ever seen! From the beard to the rosey cheeks, they're all his own! After the skit the kids line up to meet Santa. Unlike the mall Santa's, Bachman's has not brought in their own photographer to take crappy, overpriced photos!
For MacKenzy's first Christmas we got a cute one of Santa holding her. (if I can find it, I"ll post it). Last year she wanted nothing to do with him, so the one picture we did get was of her hiding her face while I held her. This year...well it was a repeat. Thankfully the rest of the store is b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l! Last year's Christmas card was of her in her Christmas dress, sitting on a pretty bench in front of their Poinsettia tree. They have pots and pots of Poinsettias in the shape of 40'+ Christmas tree. Many many people asked us where we had the picture taken, and when we said that Jason took it they were stunned. This year we did snap one good photo of her but it's far too similar to last year's...or so I think.
Sweet & Innocent
Each year I look forward to going to Bachman's and each year we've had a really nice time...which was not the case this year.
Her "Melby" Smile
Jason's Dad, Jason, and Jason's Nephew Spencer all have this smile
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Scared of Santa
MacKenzy talks a big game when people ask her if she's told Santa what she wants for Christmas. She will say that she asked for "Dora presents!" Her actual response to the jolly old man was to glare at the floor while burning signs of the devil into floor. So far all of her photos with Santa and the Easter Bunny have included one or both of us.
Why do we subject ourselves, not to mention the kids, to this misery? It's not funny while we're standing in line for two hours watching each and every kid in front of you wig out! You know you're kid isn't going to be any different, yet we wait.
Hence! The reason we don't go to the mall Santa, but to Bachman's where there are floral displays so there is still chance of a good Christmas card shot! Their Santa is awesome, but until MacKenzy thinks he's a cool guy we'll be sticking to the other displays!
The following shots are for your humor, not to mention my own. I found them on a site that strictly posts 'freaked out by Santa' shots. What's funny to me is actually looking at Santa, not the kids!
There's SUCKER Santa....some poor old man thought it would be fun to play Santa and look what he gets for it!
Gumpy Santa: I'm surprised the kids in this photo aren't screaming their heads off with this guy! He looks like he could use a nap.
Criminal Santa: This guy looks like he should be in a police line-up.
Maybe this is his disguise!
The evil Santa: I'm crying too!
There's Strung Out Santa: "GET OFF THE CRACK SANTA!"
Can't forget Elephantitus Santa!
Crying Santa: He's looking for a new gig!
And then the REAL Santa!
Only the REAL Santa could laugh with his lap full of screaming children!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Many Thanks
What I'm thankful For
by Amy Melby
I'm thankful for Macy's. Yes, Macy's the department store.
Last year their parent company bought out the company that owned Marshall Fields...therefore elminating Marshall Fields (which I dearly miss) and turning all of those stores into Macy's in the Minnapolis/St. Paul area.
In doing so....they have put an end to yet another collection nightmare. My wonderful husband collected the Marshall Fields (Dayton's) Santa Bear from when they started in 1985 (or '84?). He's only missing 3 of them.
We seriously store tubs upon tubs of those damn bears only to display them from the end of November until just after New Year's.
I hate these bears.
Twenty-years of bears, and as most of you know, they not small bears! Talk about clutter!Well, when Macy's took over...the bear went to teddy bear heaven!
Thank You God!!
Thank You Macy's!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
30 Is the New 20...Keeping Telling Yourself That!
Like I said in the last post, Friday night was night 1 of 2 to celebrate my friend's 30th birthday.
Friday night we just went bowling. It was an open invite to anyone that wanted to come. In the end, it was the birthday girl (Chris), her friends' 6 year old daughter (Mari), two of our explorers (Kate & Jackie), and then Jason, MacKenzy and I. We had a complete blast!
Bowling is horribly under-rated as a fun thing to do! The worse you are, the funnier it is! MacKenzy absolutely adored it! Everyone rotated to help her as we bowled our own game. Each time she'd push the ball down the lane she jump up and yell "Yeah!!" and skip back to the machine that brings your ball back to you. Mari bowled non-stop. The way she threw the ball made all of us wince each time the ball went crashing to the floor!
Saturday night was more of an adult night. Six of us went to Uptown (Minnapolis) to Chino Latino's! If you haven't heard of it, it's a great time. Come On, their phone number is 612-xxx-PuPu! There entire menu is made up of funny names and phrases...You can order Phuket Asian Noodles! The bus boy walked around wearing a t-shirt that read, "Ah. Phuket!"
So it's not really a place to take grandma! The atmosphere is basically a high-class 70's lounge. When you walk in you're greeted with a bright orange pleather wall!
Chris is seen here attempting to eat with ChopStix.
Some menu items are:
Draino Balls
Queso Fundido
A Big Fat Cuban
Fidel's Capitalist Pig Roast
Phuket Fried Noodles
“Tune In Tokyo” Sushi Sampler
Need I Say More?
After we ate we decided to hit Major's. We had no idea there was a live act, but it turned out to be the funniest thing ever! The act was a dueling piano show. If you haven't ever been, I highly suggest it! Not only do the guys play music, usually by request, but it's all tied into a comedy act that solely requires audience participation. This particular show was a little on the rauncy side, but nonetheless I laughed so hard my back still hurts today!
The guys sang everything from Elton John (while doing a great impersonation!) to Bon Jovi! Occassionally the lyrics were altered for the comedic factor which made it even more fun! We were laughing, dancing and singing until last call! The last time I heard, "Last Call!" I was working at a bar!
The best part of the night was when Chris got called up on stage!
We had dropped one of the piano guys a note that it was "A Hot, Single Chick's 30th birthday and her name is Chris!" All I have to do is post the following picture and no details are needed:
Yes, she is sitting on a toilet!
Bt this picture is pretty good...she was on all fours prrr-ing like a kitten. (Yes, my 30th is in 7 months, and I'm going to regret my actions...) 
Friday night we just went bowling. It was an open invite to anyone that wanted to come. In the end, it was the birthday girl (Chris), her friends' 6 year old daughter (Mari), two of our explorers (Kate & Jackie), and then Jason, MacKenzy and I. We had a complete blast!
Bowling is horribly under-rated as a fun thing to do! The worse you are, the funnier it is! MacKenzy absolutely adored it! Everyone rotated to help her as we bowled our own game. Each time she'd push the ball down the lane she jump up and yell "Yeah!!" and skip back to the machine that brings your ball back to you. Mari bowled non-stop. The way she threw the ball made all of us wince each time the ball went crashing to the floor!
Saturday night was more of an adult night. Six of us went to Uptown (Minnapolis) to Chino Latino's! If you haven't heard of it, it's a great time. Come On, their phone number is 612-xxx-PuPu! There entire menu is made up of funny names and phrases...You can order Phuket Asian Noodles! The bus boy walked around wearing a t-shirt that read, "Ah. Phuket!"
So it's not really a place to take grandma! The atmosphere is basically a high-class 70's lounge. When you walk in you're greeted with a bright orange pleather wall!
Chris is seen here attempting to eat with ChopStix.
Some menu items are:
Draino Balls
Queso Fundido
A Big Fat Cuban
Fidel's Capitalist Pig Roast
Phuket Fried Noodles
“Tune In Tokyo” Sushi Sampler
Need I Say More?
After we ate we decided to hit Major's. We had no idea there was a live act, but it turned out to be the funniest thing ever! The act was a dueling piano show. If you haven't ever been, I highly suggest it! Not only do the guys play music, usually by request, but it's all tied into a comedy act that solely requires audience participation. This particular show was a little on the rauncy side, but nonetheless I laughed so hard my back still hurts today!
The guys sang everything from Elton John (while doing a great impersonation!) to Bon Jovi! Occassionally the lyrics were altered for the comedic factor which made it even more fun! We were laughing, dancing and singing until last call! The last time I heard, "Last Call!" I was working at a bar!
The best part of the night was when Chris got called up on stage!
We had dropped one of the piano guys a note that it was "A Hot, Single Chick's 30th birthday and her name is Chris!" All I have to do is post the following picture and no details are needed:
Yes, she is sitting on a toilet!
Bt this picture is pretty good...she was on all fours prrr-ing like a kitten. (Yes, my 30th is in 7 months, and I'm going to regret my actions...)
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