Sweet Moments…

The Christmas season seems to bring out the best in people.  I have three sweet moments I witnessed while out Christmas shopping the last two days and I couldn’t resist but share.  Sometimes we get so lost in the hustle and bustle that it’s easy to forget and cherish the little things. 

All three were witnessed at Walmart.  Shocking, I know :)  Maybe I need to send out my own version of “People of Walmart” e-mail.  On Friday, I was just finishing up shopping for the day and stopped at Walmart to grab a few odds and ends on the way home.  As I browsed the Christmas section I heard this sweet little voice singing Christmas carols as loud as she could while her mom pushed her on the edge of the cart.  Her voice carried throughout the store spreading Christmas cheer for shoppers about.  Precious.

Then, last night, Trent and I made another quick stop at Walmart to grab a poinsettia and some items to make a veggie pizza.  First stop was the bathroom (may seem like too much information, but it is important to the story).  While Trent was in the bathroom I was looking at the poinsettias displayed right outside the bathroom and again I heard a little voice singing Jingle Bells loud enough for all to hear.   Where was it coming from you might wonder…the bathroom!  According to Trent, this little boy was in the bathroom with his dad patiently waiting outside the stall for his son to “finish up” while he sang away.  Bless his little heart!

Finally, just as we were about to check out there was a young boy, maybe 11, in front of us at the self checkout.  He nervously stepped up having already asked for help before he even started.  As he started checking out I noticed he was buying a single nail polish and a headband.  A Christmas gift for someone special.  Maybe his sister.  Maybe his mom.  Maybe his girlfriend :)  He appeared to be there shopping alone and I could tell this gift was important and he wanted to get it just right.  I think he did.  Someone is going to get something on Christmas.

I had to share because these kids brought joy to me without even knowing or trying.  In a world that can be so scary and unpredictable, I truly believe there is more good than bad.  Sometimes you even find it when you aren’t even looking.  As my mom would say…GIG!  (God is good)

Now, a sneak peak of our Christmas tree before we head off to Christmas #1 today in Plattsmouth.

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve!

{The Launes}

Minnesota Trip

Earlier this month, Trent and I took a little weekend getaway to Minneapolis so we could go to a Bears – Vikings game.  We left after school Friday and made it a quick trip heading back Monday morning.

We visited Mall of America (by the way we bought nothing there!)  Mall of America 1 – Laune’s 0.  Then we went to IKEA…so much fun.  I could have bought everything there.

The main event was Sunday afternoon.  We braved the weather and thankfully headed to Mall of America Field’s inside the dome.  Lots of fun was had by all.

Skol Vikings, let’s win this game…

Like father, like son…

Trent’s parents came up late Saturday night for the game too.  Steve is a Vikings fan and Trent is a Bears fan so it was fun.

The bears lost so that was sad.  And this picture was taken just a few minutes before we headed back to the car and sat in the parking garage for an hour with out moving. 

And we got to see snow.  A lot of snow.  Like almost a whole foot!

I think I like weekend getaways. 

Now, I am on Christmas break and enjoying Nebraska snow and cold weather.  I have Christmas music playing almost nonstop on Pandora, Christmas presents wrapped under the tree and 98% of my Christmas shopping completed.

Tis’ the season…

{The Launes}

Defying Gravity…

This was a good weekend.  We hung out with friends, Trent had his last football game of the season, we watched some Husker football and celebrated two birthdays.

First off Friday, we stopped in at my Grandma’s surprise birthday party.  She turns 90 tomorrow.  Pretty unbelievable considering she still plays golf several times a week and has hardly any gray hair.  I would be okay with those genes :)

Then we headed to our friends Tony and Jess’ house for dinner before heading into Omaha for some fun. 

Last week Trent and I were driving through Omaha when we went by a place called Defy Gravity.  It is an indoor trampoline complex and I knew immediately that I needed to go there.  We had a trampoline growing up and some days I spent every waking moment jumping my little heart out. 

I was also reminded of an episode of The King of Queens when Doug was going to the trampoline instead of physical therapy like he told Carrie.  See below…Trent would so do this!

And so we went.  We jumped, flipped and dunked.  Sweated, laughed and laughed some more.  We were definitely the oldest “kids” there, but it was well worth it.  I felt alive and as if I was Gabby Douglas training for 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. 

Trent was a blast to watch.  He once again was just like a big kid having the time of his life.  I wish I had a video of him.

I’m thankful for friends that are kids at heart, just like Trent and I.  I’m thankful that I can still flip and arial like I did when I was a kid and only hurt a little the next day.  I am also thankful for Sunday afternoon naps.  Even if it means I did nothing for school this weekend. 

I am anxiously counting down the days until Thanksgiving.  It will be a busy week and a half at school with a baby shower, grandparents’ day and Thanksgiving festivities, but I love it all!

{The Launes}

Baby Bumps…

I love my friends.  Truth be told…I do not see them often enough.  But last weekend we got together for Amy’s baby shower.  She is due the end of January, but with winter and the holidays fast approaching, this seemed like the perfect time! 

Amy was as cute as ever with her little baby bump…

Amanda and I painted pumpkins for the shower…

The Ashland girls…

Aside from baby showers, this week was incredibly busy and exhausting.  Kirsten had her final volleyball game of the season.  Not quite the result we had hoped for, but Kirsten is a great volleyball player and we have had a blast watching her play high school volleyball.  I am crossing my fingers that she decides to play in college. 

#25…my favorite setter…

And finally…nothing says crazy like Halloween on a Wednesday.  We partied, paraded and partied some more in room 111.  The kids loved it and their teacher was exhausted by the end of the day.

I anxiously rushed home after school to await my trick or treaters.  I had a record breaking year with 25 trick or treaters.  Made. My. Day.

And oh yeah.  I dressed up as Charlie Brown.  1st grade went with the theme of It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.  Classic.

Now I am discovering that Thanksgiving break is only 2 and 1/2 weeks away.  There is so much to do in the meantime, but I am oh so excited and thankful!

{The Launes}

My Life in Pictures…

My life in pictures.  Because quite frankly, I haven’t been able to find time to actually write about what is going on.  I think about it.  A lot.  And then I get busy with the next thing.  As some might say, I’m a day late and a dollar short.  So I decided to post some pictures of the last month and let the pictures do most of the talking.

Nebraska verses Wisconsin. Tailgating. Comeback of the year.

Monica and Tyler’s Wedding…

Market to Market Relay…

The view on my final run…

The Common Tread –

11 Hours 32 Minutes 13 Seconds.

And Finally…Date Night

On a rare Friday night off, we went out for dinner at Old Chicago and then to see the movie Trouble With the Curve.  Good times.

Now, I have survived most of October.  Wedding, Market to Market and Parent Teacher Conferences can all be checked off my list of things to do.  I can attempt to catch up on laundry and cleaning and enjoy the beautiful fall weather that Bill Randby is promising this next week.  Today, I’m off to cheer on Trent and the Concordia Bulldogs as they go for their 5th straight win.

{The Launes}

National Coffee Day…

Happy National Coffee Day! 

I celebrated with Caribou coffee this morning.  Perfect after a morning run!

Now I’m headed to Lincoln for a little pre-game tailgate that Brian is putting on.  I have a new Husker shirt for the Big 10 opener and I am super excited to enjoy this beautiful weather and cheer on the Huskers.  Go Big Red!

{The Launes}

Big Brother…

Labor Day is often considered to be the unofficial end of summer.  However, in my books, the Big Brother finale marks the end of summer for me.  In fact, it is one of the highlights of my summer.  With fall just days away, Jamie and I celebrated the Big Brother finale in fashion last Wednesday.  Running, Valentino’s pizza, YoYo Berri frozen yogurt and Julie Chen.

It was a perfect night for indulging.  I jumped on the Ian bandwagon in recent weeks and was rooting him on to win the $500,000.  Life couldn’t get any better.  :)

In the end, Ian won in a landslide.  Whuuut?  Whuuut?  Very deserving, in my opinion.

YoYo Berri…Yum!

Thursday morning, I woke up feeling empty inside.  Summer had come to an end.  My Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday night T.V. schedule was suddenly very open and I now have to wait nearly a year for the next batch of Big Brother houseguests to capture my heart.  On the bright side, it’s something worth waiting for.

Now, tonight is a rare Friday night with nothing going on.  Trent is out of town for football and I spent the night at home catching up on a little laundry, putting out a few fall decorations and surfing Pinterest.  Is it weird that it is not even 9:30 and I am ready to head to bed?  I guess I just need to get rested up for a busy weekend!

  {The Launes}

Guess Who’s Back…

Where has time gone?  Yes, I am still alive and well.  No, I have not blogged in over a month.  I started school and have been running non stop pretty much since the beginning of August. 

Transitions are always a little hard for me.  I love my job, but have a terrible time going back to school.  The thought of starting fresh with a brand new set of first graders scares the heck out of me!  But, just like every other year, once we get into routine, all is well again.  Today, I was walking downstairs after taking my kids to music and I breathed a sigh of relief.  I finally feel like, after 29 days of school, that we are in the routine.  Now the magic happens in the remaining 146 days of school.

Outside of school, football is in full swing for Trent, Market to Market is less than two weeks away and Trent’s sister is getting married next Saturday.  Busy.  Busy.  Busy.  I literally have something on my calendar every night this week.

While things are busy, I did find time tonight to get a run in after FCA.  I decided to go out to the track and do some speed work and am so thankful that I did.  The weather was amazing and the sunset was even better.  I accidentally brought my camera with me (I had it at FCA) but appreciated the opportunity to snap a couple of quick pictures of the sun setting.

 

On that note, I need to stop writing and get some things done for school tomorrow.  It is school picture day and my usual pony tail hairstyle just won’t cut it.  I will be back sooner than later this time!

{The Launes}

Summer Nights…

My summer is winding down faster than I can fit everything in.  After today, there are only 3 more days of summer vacation before I head back to work.  There is some major pool time in my near future.

But last night was what summer is all about.  Outdoor concert at Stir Cove, beautiful weather, great music and good company.

Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw were playing in concert and with the exception of a rather interesting crowd at times, it was amazing! 

While only throwing a few elbows, we were able to get up pretty close...

The entire time Gavin DeGraw was singing I felt like I was on the series finale of One Tree Hill. 

This video depicts the scene from One Tree Hill that I was picturing in my head...and yes, we sang, danced and threw our arms up in the air too. :)  There’s something about being at a concert, standing up close and suddenly having no inhibitions.  I guess life’s too short to not let loose every once in awhile.

After the concert, Gavin came back out to sign some autographs.  While waiting, I suggested we come up with something clever to say if he came our way.  Jamie was bold and reached out to shake his hand and fed him my line about feeling like we were on the One Tree Hill finale.  He laughed.  Boom.

All in all, it was a great night!

{The Launes}

Temperatures Nearing 104…

While the temperatures outside have been next to unbearable, one temperature has trumped even the sweltering temps outside...mine.  That’s right.  For eight straight days I ran a temperature topping near 104 degrees.  It was a long, frustrating and miserable week.  It botched plans for a weekend getaway to Okoboji and created two visits to the doctors office and one visit to Urgent Care.

It all started last Saturday with a little cough.  By Sunday, I didn’t feel great and was running a low grade fever, but pretty much went about my usual business.  Monday I still didn’t feel great and decided to go to the doctor.  They diagnosed me with bronchitis, prescribed me and antibiotic and sent me on my way.

Tuesday came around and I didn’t feel great, but knew I was on antibiotics and thought I would be feeling better soon so didn’t let a little low grade fever stop me.  Until Tuesday night.  My fever spiked higher and I couldn’t keep it down with Tylenol.

Thursday, with rising temps, it was back to the doctor.  They tested me for mono, influenza and did blood work.  No answers.  They thought it was a virus that was causing my fevers and it would just have to run its course.  I woke up Friday with no fever and an appetite so I was thankfully convinced that I was better!

But...Saturday came and my fever was back.  My thermometer beeps differently when it reads above 100.  3 fast beeps.  I didn’t even have to look to know my fever was back.  I had chills, some trouble breathing and my cough lingered on.

Sunday Trent took me into an Urgent Care.  I was determined to walk in and demand answers and walk out feeling better.  I was ready to demand a shot to make me feel better.  To my surprise, without even asking, they said they were going to give me two shots.  Praise. the. Lord.  I don’t love shots, but if I was going to feel better after a week I was willing to try almost anything!  They were surprised by how long my fever had lasted.  They could hear congestion in my chest and the oxygen levels in my blood were low.  They said they could do a chest x-ray to determine if my bronchitis had turned into pneumonia, but since I was young it wouldn’t change how they treated me.  So they are treating me for bronchitis and pneumonia with steroids and antibiotics.

Funny story about the shots.  They gave me two shots in the “hip.”  “Hip” is apparently the politically correct way of referring to your butt when they are giving you a shot.  However, I feel like my rear has a lot more padding for a shot than I would have near my hip.  So I will take a shot in my “hip.”

Anyway, I am confident that I am now finally on my way to feeling better.  My fever is gone and some energy is back.  Still fighting off my cough, but baby steps here.  That’s not going away over night.

Tomorrow, it is back to summer school and I actually can’t wait to get out of the house!

{The Launes} 

 

What?…

It was a busy weekend.  Sara was back in town.  I love how we try to plan some time to spend together and end up spending way more time!  It helps to make up for the time we don’t get to spend together.

The fun began Friday night at Tim and Jessie’s.  While the boys played Acquire, the girls decided to make signs for the softball tournament that the boys were playing in on Saturday.  Not going to lie, I was a little embarrassed at the idea of making and holding up signs in public, but they were a big hit!

After a late night, it was up early for an 8 a.m. softball game.  I was a little late, but made it in time to catch most of the game and cheer on What?.

  Earl the Pearl up to bat.  Trent is the only man I know who can strategically sweat a heart.  What a man.

Sara won a t-shirt for answering a trivia question and I won a hat and coffee mug for answering a trivia question...

Number 1 fans...

From left...Vest is Best, Earl the Pearl and Shahan the Ma-han.

After a disappointing day at the tournament, we headed into Elkhorn to swim.  There were intense games of Horse, knock out and 500 taking place, but thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Finally, after some fun in the sun and a long debate on where to eat, we headed to Red Robin for a late dinner.

I am so thankful for good friends and fun times spent together.  I get to hang out with Sara one more time tomorrow before they begin their new adventure to Alaska.

Now I am nursing myself back to health.  A nasty case of bronchitis has invaded my body and has overstayed its welcome. Seriously, who gets sick in the summer?

{The Launes}

Tails, California…

Heads Carolina, tails California...two weeks ago Friday we embarked on a new adventure.  A road trip bound for California.  No, we didn’t flip a coin and decide to head west, but there was a lot of driving and camping involved.  And if you know me at all, I do not camp!  I tried to be a trooper and I like to look at it as character building.

We made our first stop in Kearney so we could visit the Chizeks and meet baby Addison.  Addison seemed like such a good baby!

Then, we headed into the mountains, played John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High and took in the beautiful scenery.

We stopped for the night in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  We pitched a tent in a place I thought I could handle camping, but Trent assured me that this was not real camping.  Apparently bathrooms and campers too close together draws the line between camping and “camping.”  I think I prefer “camping.”

Bright and early the next morning we loaded up the car again and headed for Moab, Utah so I could experience my first national park adventure. 

3 and 1/2 hours on the road and we were at Arches National Park. It was one of the most amazing places I have ever been. 

Delicate Arch...worth the hike!

Sand Dune Arch...

This time we camped up to Trent’s standards right on the Colorado River back in the canyons.  Primitive.  Very primitive.  No bathrooms.  No running water.  Nothing. 

Goodbye Arches National Park...

Hello Zion National Park.

After leaving Moab, we were headed to Vegas, but Trent wanted to go on another little hike before we took on city life.  So while I was driving, he searched on his phone and found one just on the outer edge of Zion National Park that he thought would be a good hike.  He was rather vague about it, but I decided to be a good sport and trust him.  So we parked and headed on our way.  Just a little ways in there was a little stream we had to cross.  Of course I didn’t want to get my good running shoes wet so I asked Trent to give me a piggyback ride across.  He kindly declined and I eventually bit the bullet and crossed.  I soon found out the entire trail followed a stream and about 75% of the hike was actually in the stream!  We climbed waterfalls and went through the stream surrounded only by a canyon.  Sneaky guy knew this the whole time, but thought I wouldn’t go if I knew!

Getting my feet wet...

After climbing two waterfalls and going a little farther we were debating on whether or not to turn around.  We weren’t sure how much farther the trail went or what was at the end.  Then a couple that we had passed a little earlier caught up to us and asked if we saw the rattlesnake back there in a little cave Trent checked out.  This created instant panic in me and I could not get down fast enough!   It ended up being a very cool trail and the water felt good on the hot day.  Trent rates it as his favorite part of the vacation.

Part one complete.  Up next...

Viva Las Vegas!

{The Launes}