Thursday, August 14, 2008

More Summer Fun

We have had a busy couple of weeks. The first weekend of August was Catfish Days (big fishing tournament in EGF) and we took Peter on Saturday and Sunday. He loved it! There was music, food, games & fish! On Sunday he jumped in the bouncy thing for 2 hours. Here are some pictures...







We bought Peter a cheap little pool one day and he had fun filling it with the hose. That's his main interest, the hose--he could care less about swimming in it! :D





Ben's parents and 2 sisters came from the cities this past weekend. They wanted to see our house and tour UND. They stayed Thursday-Saturday. We cooked at home a few times, went out for dinner once, played cards and some went to the farmer's market on Saturday morning. Ben's dad can't sit still very long so he biked around our neighborhood a lot, went for walks in the mornings, etc. He even found a Schwan's man and bought ice cream bars from him! I think they enjoyed their time here and we look forward to hosting them again. Ben's mom took some pictures but I didn't so hopefully I will get some copies.

On Sunday we took Peter to see Sesame Street Live. We were a bit nervous because we weren't sure how he would do in the dark with a lot of people around but overall it went well! We were in the 4th row so we could see things pretty clearly.







There was some lights on a track above our heads and they moved electronically--they were the sort of lights that shine and move all over the audience. There was also a disco ball shining dots all over the place. Peter didn't like these things. He was shaking and very afraid. He covered his eyes so that the lights wouldn't shine on him. We were considering taking him home because we didn't want to traumatize him, but then I remembered that I had my sunglasses with. Those did the trick! He was still a bit afraid but it helped to have them. Sometimes we have to push his limits so that his comfort level keeps improving in those situations.



At intermission they had a guy come out and sit in front of the stage and sell balloons. Well of course every kid wanted one--including Peter. So we spent $8 for a giant Elmo. Thanks God we only have one child! I felt bad for the people who had to spend $20 & $30 on balloons! Then they tell you to put the balloons under your chair during the second half of the show. Seriously. GRRRRRR.







Yesterday was our 4 year wedding anniversary. Ben worked 16 hours and I had a dentist appointment. Sounds romantic, huh? But my parents offered to watch Peter at some point this weekend so we can have a date. I think we will do dinner and a movie. I might get a massage on Saturday too.

That's all I have for now. Come again soon for another update. Bye!

New House Photos

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Just a few more details...

I'm taking a break from work to write a decent entry!

As you know, things have been busy! We are all moved in to our house and we are loving it! Basically the only thing we had to do was paint the interior (only because I hated the colors). I have photos posted on Shutterfly. The link to the photos can be found in my previous entry.

Peter:

In June Peter went to school on a bus twice a week. He loved it! It was only during the morning hours and it was before we started our jobs so we saw him off and were home for his arrival before lunch each time. It was wonderful for him. He doesn't really tell stories very well so we didn't get much talking out of him but his backpack was always full of crafts. His clothes were always dirty--which always means a good time, right? And he always said he had had a fun morning. It was a nice escape for him, considering all the chaos in the house throughout the move.

He began attending a home daycare the end of June. He goes to Julie's house but he pronounces it "Jew's house". He has made 10 new friends there! Julie is such a wonderful woman. She has been doing daycare for 30 years so she is able to teach us a thing or two about child-rearing! Peter is excited to go to her house every morning and never fusses. Her backyard is the closest thing on earth to a magical dream world. I can't even describe how amazing she has it set up for the kids. Her time and talent has been such a blessing in our lives. We love Julie, that's for sure!

Grandpa and Grandma live just down the street so Peter has gotten to see them quite a bit. He is always excited to help Grandpa Punky with yardwork or help Grandma Berta with laundry or sewing. They are so patient with him. It has been a huge relief being able to count on them. We were a bit nervous about moving so close to home but it has proven to be great for everyone so far. (Check back in 6 months or so....just kidding)

Ben:

Ben began working a labor job for a family-owned business the end of June. He works anywhere from 12-16 hours a day (that's where help from Grandma and Grandpa comes in handy!). He is very tired at night and the mornings come too soon but the money has been great. Ben loves working hard, even in the heat, so it's a good fit. His main job is running a laser level...or something??...He is helping to build dikes and measure overpasses and yeah....

In a few short weeks school starts again and Ben will be teaching full time in Thompson, ND. The last thing he heard was that he'd be teaching 7th, 9th & 12th grade. He's looking forward to the adventure!

Janelle:

I've been busy too. I am loving all the decorating that has gone along with owning a home. I think I love it as much as graphic design! One project leads to another and I'm pretty impressed with all that we've gotten accomplished in the past 2 months. Don't forget to check out the pictures.

I began my new job the end of June. I manage and design 2 monthly publications and 1 quarterly publication. They are trade magazines in the biofuels industry. My office (BBI International) is based out of Grand Forks, but I do a lot of work with editors in Australia & Canada. The people I work with are so much fun. It is a very young and progressive company. My office has a nice little window overlooking a park so that's sure a plus! The hours are flexible and they are very family-oriented.

I have been playing softball on Monday nights. My team is sponsored by 2 local bars. All the women on my team are people I played with in high school so it's been a blast reconnecting with them. It's great to pursue my other passion while getting exercise!

My office has been doing a version of "The Biggest Loser". We all gave cash at the beginnig. I am currently in 1st place. I have lost 11 pounds. Woo hoo! The winner gets the pot of money. It ends the last week of September.

That's about all's I have for now. Thanks for being so patient with my lack of communication this summer. Things are moving at a less-than-crazy pace now so hopefully I will be able to write nice entries like this one more often!

If you are looking for our new contact information, feel free to shoot us an email at:
benandjanellegergen@hotmail.com

Our door is always open, so stop by anytime!