I am posting a list of words Auddie says so that we will remember when she is older. I noticed that I barely remember any of the words Gracie said at this age so I am making a permanent record.
dare - there
nastics - gymnastics
gahnka - grampa
gamma - grandma
Gee-orge - George
Buh-eeeee - Buddy
yeo -leo
nigh nigh -night night
tee-Steve (pop-pop)
mama, I geh up now - mama, I get up now
I care - I am scared
My hair tuck - my hair is stuck ( always in the car seat buckles)
I mitchu - I miss you
I have moothie -Can I have some smoothie?
And my all time favorite - I yuv you mama - I think you know what that means.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Grace Elizabeth Gerten interview 8-11-11
What is your favorite color?
Yellow. Just like my Pop-pop.
Who is your best friend"
Sam and Sydney
What is your favorite food?
Chicken legs from Kentucky Fried Chicken. Mash Potatoes. French style green beans.
What is your favorite ice cream?
Blizzards
Favorite tv show?
icarly and Good Luck Charlie and So Random
Favorite event in gymnastics?
Bars
What do you hate doing the most in your house?
Cleaning
What do you love doing most in your house?
Watching tv, loving my dogs
If you could be any super hero, who would it be and why?
I don't know
What do you like best in school?
Quiet time and reading and writing
What is your favorite book?
Chapter books
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Gymnastics coach
What was your favorite thing you did this summer?
Dakota County Fair and Valleyfair
Who is your favorite cousin?
Megan Gerlach
Who is your favorite friend in gymnastics?
Marissa and Carrie
Talk about your dad:
He sometimes wears the pants.
He sleeps with the tv on and I don't.
He stays up late.
He likes fishing, a lot.
Talk about your mom:
She sometimes also wears the pants.
I go to bed at the same time as her.
She loves The Tudors.
She doesn't like our cabin.
Talk about your sister:
When I am at age 12, I want to baby-sit her.
Sometimes I like going on the trampoline with her.
I still love her but I mostly really loved her when she was a baby, you know like new-bornish.
Talk about Buddy:
He started licking me.
He is my mom's dog.
He is overweight.
He loves my dad.
Talk about George:
He's my dog.
He loves licking people in the morning.
He loves chewing banana peels.
Tell me about Gracie (you!):
I love having nicknames.
My favorite animals are monkey and dolphins - mostly monkeys.
I have 1 dog (mom interjected here and said, "no you don't - you have two dogs").
I love athletic stuff.
I love candy.
I love that my parents love me.
I love that they bought me a trampoline.
Yellow. Just like my Pop-pop.
Who is your best friend"
Sam and Sydney
What is your favorite food?
Chicken legs from Kentucky Fried Chicken. Mash Potatoes. French style green beans.
What is your favorite ice cream?
Blizzards
Favorite tv show?
icarly and Good Luck Charlie and So Random
Favorite event in gymnastics?
Bars
What do you hate doing the most in your house?
Cleaning
What do you love doing most in your house?
Watching tv, loving my dogs
If you could be any super hero, who would it be and why?
I don't know
What do you like best in school?
Quiet time and reading and writing
What is your favorite book?
Chapter books
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Gymnastics coach
What was your favorite thing you did this summer?
Dakota County Fair and Valleyfair
Who is your favorite cousin?
Megan Gerlach
Who is your favorite friend in gymnastics?
Marissa and Carrie
Talk about your dad:
He sometimes wears the pants.
He sleeps with the tv on and I don't.
He stays up late.
He likes fishing, a lot.
Talk about your mom:
She sometimes also wears the pants.
I go to bed at the same time as her.
She loves The Tudors.
She doesn't like our cabin.
Talk about your sister:
When I am at age 12, I want to baby-sit her.
Sometimes I like going on the trampoline with her.
I still love her but I mostly really loved her when she was a baby, you know like new-bornish.
Talk about Buddy:
He started licking me.
He is my mom's dog.
He is overweight.
He loves my dad.
Talk about George:
He's my dog.
He loves licking people in the morning.
He loves chewing banana peels.
Tell me about Gracie (you!):
I love having nicknames.
My favorite animals are monkey and dolphins - mostly monkeys.
I have 1 dog (mom interjected here and said, "no you don't - you have two dogs").
I love athletic stuff.
I love candy.
I love that my parents love me.
I love that they bought me a trampoline.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Happy birthday Susan!
Please note big hair. And the fact that I was wearing a happy face button as a brooch. WTH?
Today my best friend Susan celebrates her 36th birthday. I have known this woman since 1988 when she and I were mere 8th graders at Heidelberg Middle School. Ah, the memories. She and I have survived big hair together, being an army brat, finding our place in life, a 9 year separation, getting married, and having children.
Now we are on to the next phase of our life! We are hitting our late 30's and making big plans for a cruise for our 40th. What a way to ring in our 40's! I love this woman. She is wise, a great friend and mom, and always giving, giving, giving. She constantly has offered sage advice and I believe that with her knowledge and advice saved my marriage when it was going through a very difficult time.
Happy birthday Susan! Sookie!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Audrey Houdini Gerten
This little naughty bird gave her mama a heart attack at Island View Resort during our big family vacation this summer.
Auddie Girl and I were having a nap. She was sleeping in the bottom bunk and I was in my bed. The other family members were at a movie or fishing so just she and I were slumbering away peacefully.
All of a sudden after a solid 2 hour nap I hear an unfamiliar male voice yelling "hello" over and over again from the laundry room in the cabin. The voice sounded quite concerned. So I rush out of bed and there is a man and two women walking into the house with Audrey. I'm like "WHAT??". Apparently while we (I guess I) were slumbering Auddie got out of bed, went outside and WAS WALKING DOWN BY THE LAKE when these three people found her and tried to find her cabin. Thankfully they had seen her up at our cabin and so knew she was part of our group but when they first brought her back up no one heard them ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door (I was slumbering, remember).
Finally they went back to the main office at the resort and called the emergency number that my dad had for our cabin. They had to leave a message there (it was my dad's home phone - not sure how that would help in an emergency I told my dad seeing that his house is 2 hours from our resort - but whatevs). When they couldn't get ahold of anyone they just decided to come in an look for someone.
So my baby was safe. I was a wreck. All the thoughts that kept going through my head . . . I cried for three hours thinking of the what if's. I can't even post my thoughts here because any of those things could have happened. I am so lucky and thankful that it ended the way it did.
I realize it's all my fault. I'm the mom - I'm responsible. But don't think I won't blame this on her when she's older!
Thank God my girl is ok!
Bittersweet. More sweet than bitter.
Today I say good-bye to three characters that have hijacked my nightly reading since December of 1998. I get to go see HP 7.2 with Dan today at 2:00. We have gone to each and every movie together. I've spent endless hours in a movie theater seat dying with excitement. I was pregnant for three of the movies and suffered quietly just to see this fantastical world come to life.
I cannot tell you how many times I've read the books (each of them numerous times). I pre-ordered three of the books on-line so that I could be one of the first to read it. I ran to my door every five minutes waiting for those books and when they finally did come I was a mess of happiness.
I nerded out with my dear friend Kristin. We talked endlessly about Harry Potter. We talked trivia, we cleared up any misconceptions we had (ONLY 6 Horcruxes? Whatevs) and just slobbered over the amazingness of the books in general.
In December of 2000, I went to the 8th Floor at Macy's and saw the Harry Potter exhibit. I was like a little kid in there. It was amazing seeing how big Hagrid really was and looking at little HP when he was a baby. Coincidentally that was the same evening Dan went to buy my engagement ring! He couldt go to the Harry Potter exhibit with me because he said he was busy. He WAS!
And now I say good-bye. I'm really sad about this. Probably too much? Don't judge. I have to have compassion about something. Even if it is HP. :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Last day of first grade
Gracie finished first grade! I cannot believe that this milestone has come and passed. Here are her last day of first grade pictures:
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| Sassy |
 |
| Smile nicely |
 | |
| Auddie girl HAD to be in the picture |
On a cold, rainy day
Last Saturday we went to Valleyfair for Dan's work picnic. It was very fun but a cold, rainy day!
I always thought those people that buy the amusement park poncho's are suckers because there is nothing wrong with getting a little wet. Well, we are those suckers now because we bought amusement park ponchos so we wouldn't get a little wet! It wasn't the MOST ridiculous thing we ever bought but it does rank up there in the top 10.
It was a blast even though it rained all day long!
I always thought those people that buy the amusement park poncho's are suckers because there is nothing wrong with getting a little wet. Well, we are those suckers now because we bought amusement park ponchos so we wouldn't get a little wet! It wasn't the MOST ridiculous thing we ever bought but it does rank up there in the top 10.
It was a blast even though it rained all day long!
 |
| Cold and wet but having a fun! |
 |
| She smiled through all her shivers! |
Royal Tea
Last Sunday we got to go to the South St. Paul Royal Tea. The candidates for Ms. South St. Paul and the reigning royalty were there to work with the children doing different activities. They made a crown, they played pin the princess on the castle, they colored and they had punch and little petit fours. It was really cute!
Gracie met a candidate and tended to follow her around during the tea party. This candidate was very sweet and we wish her the best!
Gracie met a candidate and tended to follow her around during the tea party. This candidate was very sweet and we wish her the best!
 | ||
| Gracie and South St. Paul queen candidate, Marisa. |
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Bond Strengthens
I had the privilige of having a deep talk with Gracie on Thursday night. It was a talk that tested my motherhood and made me stop and really think before I opened up my big mouth and said something stupid. Which is not unheard of as I have very little filtering that occurs from brain to mouth.
She was very upset about some things that were happening at school and she had a bad night at gymnastics. She was crying but didn't want to talk about it on the way home from gymnastics so I let her sit with her thoughts for awhile.
Later in the evening (9:30! on a school night) she comes into my room and she says she's ready to talk. We talk for about an hour and she gets all her sadness out. I then said, "let's list everything we know that makes you a smart, beautiful, wonderful 7 year old girl". I started listing off things and the list kept getting longer. She started to add some of her own thoughtful things. Then, since she was done crying, she got up to get a tissue to wipe her nose. She came back in the room and said, "mama, that was really nice that you said all those things about how wonderful I am." She said this in a cracked, broken, sobbing voice and it was the sweetest words I have heard from her since she first uttered "mama".
I have never had a conversation like that with my mom. That was both of our faults. We just didn't have that relationship. But I do with Gracie, now. I love that.
I can't wait to build that relationship with Auddie Girl.
She was very upset about some things that were happening at school and she had a bad night at gymnastics. She was crying but didn't want to talk about it on the way home from gymnastics so I let her sit with her thoughts for awhile.
Later in the evening (9:30! on a school night) she comes into my room and she says she's ready to talk. We talk for about an hour and she gets all her sadness out. I then said, "let's list everything we know that makes you a smart, beautiful, wonderful 7 year old girl". I started listing off things and the list kept getting longer. She started to add some of her own thoughtful things. Then, since she was done crying, she got up to get a tissue to wipe her nose. She came back in the room and said, "mama, that was really nice that you said all those things about how wonderful I am." She said this in a cracked, broken, sobbing voice and it was the sweetest words I have heard from her since she first uttered "mama".
I have never had a conversation like that with my mom. That was both of our faults. We just didn't have that relationship. But I do with Gracie, now. I love that.
I can't wait to build that relationship with Auddie Girl.
Man. My feet hurt!
What's with the crazy title? Absolutely nothing. I'm sitting down wanting to make an entry about the world news that occurred today and I don't want to say anything stupid or offensive. So my thoughts went to feet and how badly they hurt today which is unusual.
Now onto world events. Today was a big day in US history. Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan. He was the mastermind behind these attacks on American soil which was unheard of at the time.
(As I'm sure you all know)
Now onto world events. Today was a big day in US history. Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan. He was the mastermind behind these attacks on American soil which was unheard of at the time.
And this:
And this:
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Oops. . . she did it again.
Somehow 7 years have passed since I first became a mom. Where did it go? How did it happen so quickly? And when did my little baby turn into a 7 year old? She keeps on having a birthday and just gets older! I was I had a remote to stop her or slow down time.
Grace (Gracie as she wants to be called) celebrated her 7th birthday today. 7th. As in years. Just yesterday I was rocking her and measuring her big finger against my pinky to see how little her fingers were. Just yesterday I was trying size 0 - 3 mos. clothes on her hoping they would finally fit. Just yesterday I was washing ANOTHER bottle and changing ANOTHER diaper. Just yesterday I was buying more formula to give her and thinking about when she would start rice cereal. Just yesterday I was wondering who she would become and what kind of little girl she would be.
And just today I got to see who she is becoming. I got to see her open all her presents and go around and hug everyone and say thank you after she tore into them. Today I got to see her smile big when the camera was pointed at her. Today I got to watch her show off her gymnastics skills that she has worked so hard to achieve. Today I got to wake her up and sing Happy Birthday to her with her little sister who adores her in every, shape, way and form. Today I got to watch her finally go through the spanking machine at gymnastics. And today before she went to sleep over at grandma's, I got to thank her for having another birthday that helps me mark my little girl's journey of life. Although the ride has been bumpy for me watching her get older, she is learning to handle it with charm and fortitude.
Happy birthday to my very special girl that made me a mama. I love you, Gracie!
Grace (Gracie as she wants to be called) celebrated her 7th birthday today. 7th. As in years. Just yesterday I was rocking her and measuring her big finger against my pinky to see how little her fingers were. Just yesterday I was trying size 0 - 3 mos. clothes on her hoping they would finally fit. Just yesterday I was washing ANOTHER bottle and changing ANOTHER diaper. Just yesterday I was buying more formula to give her and thinking about when she would start rice cereal. Just yesterday I was wondering who she would become and what kind of little girl she would be.
And just today I got to see who she is becoming. I got to see her open all her presents and go around and hug everyone and say thank you after she tore into them. Today I got to see her smile big when the camera was pointed at her. Today I got to watch her show off her gymnastics skills that she has worked so hard to achieve. Today I got to wake her up and sing Happy Birthday to her with her little sister who adores her in every, shape, way and form. Today I got to watch her finally go through the spanking machine at gymnastics. And today before she went to sleep over at grandma's, I got to thank her for having another birthday that helps me mark my little girl's journey of life. Although the ride has been bumpy for me watching her get older, she is learning to handle it with charm and fortitude.
Happy birthday to my very special girl that made me a mama. I love you, Gracie!
Story of my life
I published all the drafts I have written in the last year or so because I have every intention of updating my blog on a regular basis. However, the story of my life is such that my good intentions never get finished. If you don't believe me, check out the laundry room. So started it. Don't want to finish it!
H-Town in the hizzle!
UNFINISHED POST
I hate flying. I have always hated flying for as long as I can remember. It scares me. Terrifies me actually. I need a significant amount of drinky drinky to get me through my flights. Or prescription tranqs. Each time I fly I hyperventilate as I get on the plane. I have rituals that I need to perform in order to have a safe flight. If the rituals aren't performed then I know we are going to die in a downward, flaming spiral of metal death.
I don't know why I hate flying. I've done it more times than I count. My dad was in the Army and we moved every one to three years. Flying was like driving for me!
I lived in Germany for 6 years and Spain for 4 months so I've been back and forth to Europe at least 5 times. I fly about once every two years to visit my friend Susan or for a family vacation. Yet I still hate flying.
The reason I bring this up is because I just posted a new picture in my blog header of Heidelberg, Germany. I was lucky enough to spend three of my very imformative years living in that wonderful city. I got a chance to be there and have a great time shopping on the Haupstrasse, swimming at Leimen outdoor pool
I hate flying. I have always hated flying for as long as I can remember. It scares me. Terrifies me actually. I need a significant amount of drinky drinky to get me through my flights. Or prescription tranqs. Each time I fly I hyperventilate as I get on the plane. I have rituals that I need to perform in order to have a safe flight. If the rituals aren't performed then I know we are going to die in a downward, flaming spiral of metal death.
I don't know why I hate flying. I've done it more times than I count. My dad was in the Army and we moved every one to three years. Flying was like driving for me!
I lived in Germany for 6 years and Spain for 4 months so I've been back and forth to Europe at least 5 times. I fly about once every two years to visit my friend Susan or for a family vacation. Yet I still hate flying.
The reason I bring this up is because I just posted a new picture in my blog header of Heidelberg, Germany. I was lucky enough to spend three of my very imformative years living in that wonderful city. I got a chance to be there and have a great time shopping on the Haupstrasse, swimming at Leimen outdoor pool
Ramble ramble ramble ramble
UNFINISHED POST
Here is what is on my mind as of lately:
I love my babies! I am going to go through some serious withdrawal when I go back to school. Although Grace has been Ms. Sassy-pants most of the summer, I enjoyed all the time I spent with her. She has been a great help to me, fun to be around, and in general a fabulous kid.
Auddie girl has really had a great summer
Here is what is on my mind as of lately:
I love my babies! I am going to go through some serious withdrawal when I go back to school. Although Grace has been Ms. Sassy-pants most of the summer, I enjoyed all the time I spent with her. She has been a great help to me, fun to be around, and in general a fabulous kid.
Auddie girl has really had a great summer
Wasabi?
UNFINISHED POST
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ON JUNE 16, 2010
Hey ya'll!
Day two of summer came up rosy!
Grace started her summer gymnastics schedule today and it's good. Today at gymnastics Gracie did a round off, back hand spring, back hand spring. It was so cool! Oh and it wasn't on the trampoline. She did it on the floor. She wants to get her kip now so badly. Each time she tries, I hold my breath and just hope. So far. . . not so much. Maybe soon?
I love summer. Remember the feeling when you were a kid of summer coming? It was an endless time to do what you want, when you want. Ride your bike all over, walk to friends' houses and play whatever, whenever. Sleep in late and go to bed late. Read as much and as long as you wanted.
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ON JUNE 16, 2010
Hey ya'll!
Day two of summer came up rosy!
Grace started her summer gymnastics schedule today and it's good. Today at gymnastics Gracie did a round off, back hand spring, back hand spring. It was so cool! Oh and it wasn't on the trampoline. She did it on the floor. She wants to get her kip now so badly. Each time she tries, I hold my breath and just hope. So far. . . not so much. Maybe soon?
I love summer. Remember the feeling when you were a kid of summer coming? It was an endless time to do what you want, when you want. Ride your bike all over, walk to friends' houses and play whatever, whenever. Sleep in late and go to bed late. Read as much and as long as you wanted.
Monday, January 17, 2011
4 years
Dear Mom,
It's been 4 years since you died. We still think about you all the time. Gracie and I talked about you the other day. She was asking me questions about you that brought back great memories.
We talked about the day she was born and when you got to first see her. You and Terry were pushing each other into the room to see if it was a boy or a girl. I remember your face when you held her for the first time. You were like a goofy lady seeing the most precious thing for the first time ever! Grace held your gaze steady for awhile and you were forever slave to her and whatever her needs were.
On her 4 week old birthday, you and Pop Pop called to sing her happy birthday. And although I was still struggling with nasty post-partum depression, that brought a little smile to my face.
One time you were driving with her and you were speeding and got pulled over. You used her as your excuse!! I'm just a grandma! The cop didn't even give you a ticket.
You wallpapered her room without our help. You just went ahead and did it all by yourself. You only wanted perfect for Grace.
The awesome baby shower you held for me. That was fun! Stacey made us all write cards to Grace so that she could open them on each consecutive birthday. I don't know what birthday year you are but we haven't opened yours yet in the first six years. I'm sure when we do get to your year it will be a bitter sweet moment.
So many more memories that were horribly cut short by the brain bleed. I can think there's only a reason you are already in Heaven waiting for us and we're still down here without you. We will be honoring you at the 4th annual Fondue dinner in memorium of Audrey Gerlach, next Saturday. We will be doing a lot of thinking about you that day. . . sadly I don't think it will make up for the amount of time we don't think of you now that life has gotten back to normal since you died.
I love you mom. I miss you. Some days it feels like my stomach is twisting into a little ball and I can't catch my breath when I think about not being able to talk to you or see you again. We will never stop thinking about you and your wonderful, quirky being.
Love,
Lori
It's been 4 years since you died. We still think about you all the time. Gracie and I talked about you the other day. She was asking me questions about you that brought back great memories.
We talked about the day she was born and when you got to first see her. You and Terry were pushing each other into the room to see if it was a boy or a girl. I remember your face when you held her for the first time. You were like a goofy lady seeing the most precious thing for the first time ever! Grace held your gaze steady for awhile and you were forever slave to her and whatever her needs were.
On her 4 week old birthday, you and Pop Pop called to sing her happy birthday. And although I was still struggling with nasty post-partum depression, that brought a little smile to my face.
One time you were driving with her and you were speeding and got pulled over. You used her as your excuse!! I'm just a grandma! The cop didn't even give you a ticket.
You wallpapered her room without our help. You just went ahead and did it all by yourself. You only wanted perfect for Grace.
The awesome baby shower you held for me. That was fun! Stacey made us all write cards to Grace so that she could open them on each consecutive birthday. I don't know what birthday year you are but we haven't opened yours yet in the first six years. I'm sure when we do get to your year it will be a bitter sweet moment.
So many more memories that were horribly cut short by the brain bleed. I can think there's only a reason you are already in Heaven waiting for us and we're still down here without you. We will be honoring you at the 4th annual Fondue dinner in memorium of Audrey Gerlach, next Saturday. We will be doing a lot of thinking about you that day. . . sadly I don't think it will make up for the amount of time we don't think of you now that life has gotten back to normal since you died.
I love you mom. I miss you. Some days it feels like my stomach is twisting into a little ball and I can't catch my breath when I think about not being able to talk to you or see you again. We will never stop thinking about you and your wonderful, quirky being.
Love,
Lori
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