My Favorite Animal....

Our teacher asked what my favorite animal was, and I said, "Fried chicken."
She said I wasn't funny, but she couldn't have been right, because everyone else laughed.
My parents told me to always tell the truth. I did. Fried chicken is my favorite animal.
I told my dad what happened, and he said my teacher was probably a member of PETA.
He said they love animals very much.
I do, too. Especially chicken, pork and beef. Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal's office.
I told him what happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.

The next day in class my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was.
I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, so I told her it was because you could make them into fried chicken.

She sent me back to the principal's office. He laughed, and told me not to do it again.

I don't understand. My parents taught me to be honest, but my teacher doesn't like it when I am.

Today, my teacher asked me to tell her what famous person I admired most. I told her, "Colonel Sanders."
Guess where I am now...

Who do we really see?

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in GRASS VALLEY, CA. It was believed that he had nothing left of any value.

Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.


One nurse took her copy to Missouri.

The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.


Crabby Old Man...
What do you see nurses? . . ... . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . .. . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .... . . . . With faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . .. . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice .. .. . .... . The things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . .. . .. . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . .... . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .. . You're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am. . . . .... . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . .. . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .. . . .. With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . .. ... .. Who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. With wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . ... A lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . .. My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . That I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . .... . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other .. . . . . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons . . ... . . Have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children .. . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . .... . . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years .. . . .. . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . ..... And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . Where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . ... . Life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . . . ... Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . .. . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . ... . Open and see.
Not a crabby old man . ... . . Look closer . .. . See ME!!


Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.

We will all, one day, be there, too!

Tonight's Conversation....

Me: That meat is way not done....(watching food network)
Dan: Yes it is - it is cooked perfectly...
Me: Ummm..No it isn't.
Dan: Well, do you want them to cook it to death.
Me: Well, actually yes, I do want dead meat if I am supposed to eat it!
Dan: The meat looses it's flavor once you cook it too long...
Me: My meat always has plenty of flavor when I eat it.
Dan: Did you know that some restaurants won't serve well done meat?
Me: Well, I guess then they don't want me to come eat at their restaurants!

School....

Everyone has been asking lots of questions of me lately about how homeschooling is going and how long it takes and what are they studying??? The kids study the same subjects they would if they were in school....they have Math, Reading, Phonics, Science, Music, Spelling, etc but they just do it at home. As far as how long it takes, all depends on them....sometimes they "get 'er done," and othertimes it is like pulling teeth. Sometimes we have interruptions during the day and sometimes they just can't sit still. Overall, school is going well and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I love having my kids with me and knowing what they are learning and NOT learning. Anytime there is a stool that is empty K will hop up and fill in because she loves doing school too....

The Start of A New School Year

This year I have a second grader, a kindergartener, and a preschooler. I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed when the boxes of curriculum came. Two big boxes and I pulled book after book out. However, I was also excited at what my kiddos would be learning. Thank goodness for the teacher's manuals so I can help them correctly learn. :)

Kassie is all excited about going through her books and is already asking if she can do more! That is where Charlie was until he actually HAS to do it! LOL They are doing well so far - still trying to find a decent schedule. Dan is home during the morning to keep the girls busy will I work with the boys and then we usually find time while Tessa is napping to finish if we hadn't already. Tessa even has to do stuff too......

Needless To Say....

So Charlie says to me the other day...."Mom, I need to go to the eye doctor." I asked why? He says, "Because we have no carrots in the house and the flashlights in my eyes are going out because you know that carrots are the only thing that recharge the flashlights in my eyes." I asked if I could just go shopping for carrots. He said, "Yes, I guess that would be fine." Needless to say, this morning's trip to the grocery store included carrots...

Yesterday, this was overheard...."You are not a robot, you are just a regular old girl." Kassie was pretending to be a robot and Charlie wasn't happy with her, so he told her she couldn't be a robot. Needless to say, she didn't listen.

The other day, I took out some lego kits the kids "lost" and now the quote of the morning is: "Can this day get any better?" Needless to say, they left them laying around and lost them again. That didn't take long....

Last Saturday we went on a bike ride and had a couple friends over after for supper. I gave the kids freezies afterwards and Kassie shimmied up next to Wayne and asked, "Do YOU want a freezie?" It was hilarious how she did it. Needless to say, we all got a good laugh out of it AND Dan is polishing his guns more because his little girl - who only turns three at the end of the month - is already flirting.

A New Kidney

Six years ago today we were in the cities awaiting for my Dad to come out of surgery. A wonderful teacher from Duluth had decided she would donate one of her kidneys. My Dad was the perfect match for it. While waiting all day for word that the surgery had been successful we sat in the waiting room for hours! It was a success!

Dad will have to take anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life but that sure beats the alternative. Since his transplant, his life has resumed some sense of normalcy. He had been on a strict diet and had no energy. He had been on dialysis but not as long as many others that have to suffer through that. Every year that passes I am forever grateful to those that choose to do live-organ donations. What an awesome thing to give - LIFE!

My father now has the opportunity to meet and play with his grandchildren....seven of whom were not born at the time. He has had a complete recovery and is able to enjoy life again. His energy and appetite has returned and he is doing many things they had wanted to but never would have been able to do - like travel.

This picture was taken last year but shows him with all of his grandkids....

Since then we have been involved in the National Kidney Walk raising money to find a cure for kidney diseases. The kidney disease my father had could also affect our brothers, sons, and grandkids - and so we continue to fight the disease. The Kidney Walk will take place on September 17th. If you would like to walk with us or help with a donation please check out this website....our team is Lauer Power....because you are strongest when you stand together and that is what it has done for our family....brought us closer together. PLEASE help by going to the site below - every donation helps and it is all tax deductible. Thank You!!!

Jody's Kidney Walk site

Forever Grieving the Loss of a Great Man!

On the Fourth of July, the world lost a great man. Uncle Pat died in a four-wheeler accident as he was setting up a four-wheeling trail along his property. He was killed instantaneously but not found until the next day. His time here on earth way to short for us at only 56 years. Dan was very close as there was only eight years difference between them. The wonderful memories Dan has shared with me of going to his Grandparents' farm and growing up with his Uncle Pat. I had far less time getting to know him but was touched very much by his life as well.

Last year we celebrated Uncle Pat's retirement and 55th birthday. He was going to enjoy life with his family and do some farming. He had a contagious smile and laugh. He had the kindest heart and was very genuine. His concern for you was always evident and he made you feel very important. He would give the shirt off of his back to help others and never expected anything in return. AND, he was a Dodge man = gotta like that!

Here he is with his beautiful wife, Mary and

their two handsome sons, Joe and Tony.

We love you, Uncle Pat and will miss you so much. While your time here on earth was so very short, we know that you are partying with Aunt Anne, Uncle Don and your parents. God keep you close until we all meet again. Until then - soar on eagle's wing! We continue to hold Mary, Joe and Tony in our prayers....I know this won't be easy for you. Let us know if there is anything that we can do for you!

Post some newer pics....

Since I haven't been on here in awhile - okay so about 10 months....I thought I would come back and just post some pics of my beautiful kiddos.....playing on one of the FEW very nice evenings that we have had this spring....

A Night of Murder Among the Matey's

It all happened at the Salty Sea Dog - an inn owned by Roger Dagger.

One-eyed Wanda (Anna) gunner and Sealeg Sam (Paula)

It is dangerous being around pirates - even for the good guys...

Captain Redbeard and his first-mate Merciless Morgan

The Governor and his wife along with their two daughters.

Mercilously Murdered was Morgan - the Captain and Gunner check out the scene...

The whole cast of the Party....awesome costumes and loads of fun!

Tessa did NOT have a good night...she was scared of everyone in their costumes but eventually sleep overtook her....

This was a great Murder Mystery! I loved the fact that it left a lot more to your imagination to get into the party and there was a lot more that you yourself had to find out - not just told in the booklet. Next murder mystery 1920's on New Years Eve....Gangsters and Flappers - if we decide we don't want one before than....

St. Cloud Kidney Walk

September 18 will be the Third Annual St. Cloud Kidney Walk...My family and I have taken part of the last two walks and we are planning to be there this year too. Here are pictures from the first walk we did (because I can't find pictures from last year).

Our team is called "Lauer Power" because we walk for Our Husband, Dad, and Grandpa - as you can see by the backs of our t-shirts in the picture above. He had a kidney transplant about five years ago and without that he probably wouldn't be here today. His kidney was donated by a teacher from Duluth. We didn't know who she was but we are FOREVER greatful. Below is the team from the first walk the second year we had more walkers this year remains to be seen...

Did you know????

1. 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and most don't know it.
2. Once kidneys fail, you need dialysis or a transplant to survive.
3. 367,000 people depend on dialysis.
4. 84,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving kidney transplant.
5. 1 person dies every two hours while waiting for a kidney transplant.

This walk will raise money for kidney research, patient advocacy, public education and free kidney screenings, because early detection and proper treatment can slow the progress of kidney disease.

As I said earlier, we walk for my Dad but since this disease is hereditary we are also walking for our children. Dan's old boss also has kidney disease and right before Christmas last year received a transplant. These are two lucky ones....please help in fighting this disease...and help me raise money for a good cause....even if you can only donate $5.oo every little bit helps! Click on this link to donate - St. Cloud Kidney Walk or talk to me.

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your help!

The Girls 2nd Birthday Party

Getting ready for the party...Mom had a dress all picked out but because she knows exactly what she wants she chose this dress...."Princess Dress"Here are the Birthday girls....
Playing with her presents....
Yummy - "My Chocolate cake!"
D and her present cake....
It was a great day for a party....little on the warm side but there was a nice breeze and the rain held off until it was all over. Happy Birthday girls!

Happy Birthday K!

Here she is - after waiting until Dan could make it home from Canada - our perfect little princess. She was my biggest baby and Mommy was so happy that she was able to stay with her the whole time we were in the hospital.

The boys fell in love with her the moment that they saw her...they aren't so enamored with her today but they still love her. I can't believe this was only two years ago...she isn't the same quiet little girl she once was.

Now she is out running through life with and talking her way out of anything. She loves wearing dresses but has to follow the boys where ever they go and do whatever they do. I call her my Mud Princess. She loves playing in mud but has to have that dress on. :)

She definitely keeps me hopping and keeps a smile on my face! Happy 2nd Birthday K!!!

PS Thank you to Lisa for staying with me while waiting for Dan - you made the time go much faster - who cares if they got mad at us for not staying quiet!!!

Como Zoo Trip

Took two of my nieces with me to Como Zoo with some friends of mine...the kids had a blast. We had a nice picnic lunch and then walked around to see the animals. It was a little on the warm side but not too bad. Most of the animals were on the lethargic side and not very active.

T was in the stroller sleeping when this pic was taken that is why she was not in there.

K says she loves the giraffes, I think they are her favorites...but the orangutan mother came right down to the glass in front of her and she thought that was cool too. The boys both loved said they loved the polar bear but they both just kinda laid around...wish they had been swimming...then they really would have thought they were cool. It was a great trip - looking forward to going again...maybe this time in September or October.

Cousin Campout 2010

Last weekend was the cousin campout...all the cousins get together for an overnight campout at Grandma and Grandpa's house. My sisters, Joyce and Kay, started it and now it has moved to Grandma's house.

All lined up for the Scavenger Hunt...

The weather was a little ominous but the

storms blew over.

They built bird houses...as well as doing other crafts.

And in the end we got a picture of everyone

with Grandma and Grandpa...

And, while Grandpa is glad to get back to his peace and quiet...all the kiddos are anxiously awaiting next year already!

Perspective

One day , the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip , the father asked his son , "How was the trip?"

"It was great , Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah , " said the son.

"So , tell me , what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered:

"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us , but they serve others.

We buy our food , but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added , "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Appreciate every single thing you have , especially your family and friends!

New Blog I found...

If you want to see how the other half lives check out this website Catalog Living. It is hilarious...I added it to my sidebar so I can find it when I want a good laugh. The blogger takes photos from Catalogs and pretty much just makes fun of them. Check it out and you will see for yourself. If you don't find it as amusing as me - sorry to have wasted five minutes of your time!

It has been a crazy weekend...

This weekend was crazy busy...once again. On Friday night, Dan left to go up to his parents - they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday. And, I was cooking for Lisa's son's grooms dinner and then the wedding was the next day. Lots of fun stuff just too bad it was on the same weekend - couldn't celebrate any of it with my husband. Thankfully, my sister helped with the kids so that we didn't have to worry about them and could enjoy the celebrations. Then on Sunday, we packed up the kiddos and headed to Aitkin for Dan's nephew's Graduation party...

Here are some pics of the weekend....

Mr. and Mrs. Pederson

The beautiful cake Lisa made...

Sam made it through the wedding but once

he had to slow down...good night.

Pauline with Tessa

The Pederson kiddos enjoying themselves...

The grandkids on the John side.

The John kids...Steve, Carol, Karen, Bob and Dan

We are still in recovery mode....

Murder Mystery - Honky Tonk Homicide

A nasty murder investigation sure can disrupt Karaoke Night, especially when everyone in town is a suspect! It's last call for Bubba Angus, owner of Bubba's Bar. Late tonight, he was found dead in his office - shot and killed with a .22 caliber pistol. Bubba was the town snake, but who did he bite with enough venom to trigger his murder? Sissy Wesson - town Sheriff? Carney Folk - carnival worker who was just passing through town? Rowdy Lawless - bad boy with short temper and love of his bike? Dusty Diamond - Host of Karaoke Night at Bubba's with big dreams of Country Western Stardom? Rev. Jim Bob Eternity - town's beloved TV evangelist? Mary Kay Eternity - preacher's wife, struggling for her own identity? Twyla Fleetwood - Cactus Court Trailer Park owner and designer of her own nuclear holocaust bunker? OR Crystalline Daniels - the young, beautiful and promiscuous barmaid? All had motive and opportunity - only time will tell!!!

Here are all the suspects:

Here are the Bad Boys of Cactus, Texas:

Rowdy, Reverend Jim Bob, Carney, and Dusty

Here are the Bold and Beautiful Women of Cactus:

Sheriff Sissy, Twyla, Mary Kay and Crystalline

with me (the hostess) in front

It was a night of suspense, laughter and fun with friends! And, we are not telling who the murderer is - in case you too would like to find out "Who shot Bubba Angus?"

Friday Funnies

So the other night we are watching a show on Animal Planet - I think it was "Blue Earth," but not sure. The narrator is talking about Australian Squid and what makes them different from other squid. He says something like, "These squid only grow up to about a foot long." D turned to Dan and said, "Just like a Five-Dollar Footlong!" I guess that gives him something to compare it to since he's eaten a full footlong several times now.

Yesterday, K was being so sweet with T. T was laying on the floor and K came and sat by her with a Dora picture book and was "reading" it to her. Then she got her a pillow and blanket and kept saying, "Nap Time....Nap Time." Of course, she was covering her completely up with the blanket - face and all. She was very careful with her...the funniest part was T had just gotten up from her morning nap, but she thought she should take another one....