September 2019

(Sun) 1 - MNUFC 9:30pm (A - L.A. Football Club) // 44

Alexa, Amanda, Oliva, Megan, Amanda, Peyton

We had a great morning doing some chores around the house. Alexa got home around 2 from Amanda's party. They went to brunch at FreeHouse in Minneapolis and then took pictures together around the cities. She had a great time. We ran some errands when she got home and then drove to Savage for dinner at Sonic. We walked the pups when we got home and showered up and then played cards. We taught Alexa Golf. Afterwards we watched AGT and Songland..and then the Loons play the LAFC. They WON! It was so exciting. What a game.

(Mon) 2 - Labor Day // 43

Today was spent making sure the girls were ready for the 1st day of school. They got their backpacks ready, laid out their outfits and we ran over schedules and transportation information. We played some more cards in the afternoon, did our annual side walk chalk pics, played a bean bag tournament outside and had spaghetti dinner. Adam made Alexa mac and cheese and chicken nuggets upon her request. Then we had our 10th annual back to school spa night where I spoiled the girls with massages and facials. We also watched an episode of Songland and Gilmore Girls. Then we tucked them in so they could get a good sleep before their first day. Unfortunately, we had a little thunderstorm pass through and some blaring sirens, which Homie did not appreciate.

(Tues) 3 - First Day of School // Lilli's Dentist Appt 4:15pm // Carpool Scheduling at Jolene's 6pm // 42

The girls both woke up amazingly this morning for their 1st day. I can only hope the rest of the year goes this smoothly. Adam and I both were up even earlier and got our workouts in. I took Lilli to the middle school and dropped her off in the drop off line. She didn't look back once. She walked right in tall and confident. Love that kid. Alexa was picked up by her friend Lauren's mom, who had a bunch of her other friends along, for the first day of high school. She was excited, made her own lunch and was happy to take pictures in front of the house for me. I'm so proud of her! I thought about them so much during the day, followed their schedules and wondered how they were doing. I was excited to get Lilli's text that she had crossed 195th - the big road she's dropped off on after school. She walked with Sophie (our neighbor across the street) and her mom Rochelle snapped a picture of them and sent it to me. They both survived the first day! Lilli was sooo chatty after school and wanted to tell me everything. Her favorite teacher so far is her history teacher, Mr. Louis. She has someone she knows in all her classes. She sat by Lucy at lunch and had a wonderful day. She had one issue with not being able to open her locker and was late for choir, but other than that a successful day! Alexa was driven home by Kaily Ohlhue's, who lives in our neighborhood, which is super handy and nice. And she had a wonderful first day, too. She was with Emily most of the morning. She got her locker open and ate her home lunch with her friends. The day seemed to fly by, she said. She doesn't remember all her teachers names yet, so she doesn't have a favorite so far, but she did get to make popcorn in her cooking class, which was awesome. And she has someone she knows in all her classes, as well. I had to take Lilli right to the dentist to get her 2 cavaties filled right after work. She handled it like a champ and was pretty giggly and funny with the laughing gas. I did my workout when I got home and then went to Jolene's for a carpool schedule party. I think we got our dance driving figured out. Once we see it all in a spreadsheet we'll figure it all out. Adam and I snuggled the girls in our bed for a bit and watched a little of AGT.

(Wed) 4 - Adam's Fantasy Football Draft // Alexa Period // 41

The girls both got up so easy again for the 2nd day of school. I don't even need to really wake Alexa, she just sort of gets up from hearing Lilli getting ready. I love that they both have their little routines and get themselves ready. Today was my morning off from working out, but Adam got up and did his as well as took the pups for a walk. Michelle picked Lilli up for school and Adam drove Alexa. It's an adjustment getting used to our new morning routine/schedule. Having both girls gone before I leave for work is a little weird. Both girls had another amazing day at school. Alexa advocated for a student who didn't speak English and asked a teacher if she could get a translator. In the meantime, Alexa google translated some things to her, like.."the syllabus is due on Friday" and such. I'm so proud of her for reaching out and being the one to stand up for this student. Lilli had no issues with her locker today and ate chicken nuggets for lunch. Her friend Kamryn was in most of her day B classes, so she was happy about that. I stopped and tanned on my way home from work. Getting vaca ready is super exciting. I did my workout when I got home and made the girls a new recipe for dinner, chicken teriyaki w/ fried rice. It was delicious. Adam had another fantasy football draft with his buddies, so the girls and I hung out, played cards and watched Gilmore Girls.

(Thurs) 5 - First Night of Dance // 40

I wake Lilli up at 6:15 after I work out in the morning and the first 2 days she did awesome and got right up and ready herself. Well, this morning I woke her up, took a shower and got ready myself and then realized she still wasn't out of bed at 6:40. Oops. However, she didn't miss a beat and got herself ready to go with time to spare. I drove the middle school carpool this morning and Adam took Alexa to the high school on his way to work. The girls started their new season of dance tonight. I drove the first carpool and the girls were pretty pumped. And even MORE excited when they got home. Alexa learned her lyrical and jazz dances and Lilli learned jazz. They were both super excited and full of positive energy, which is such a refreshing way to start the year. Mike and Jolene stopped over for a mule while they were at dance and Jolene and I designed our travel cups and t-shirts for our trip.

(Fri) 6 - Leaving for EL // Farmington Football Game (USA) // 39

Well, we made it through the first short week of school. Adam and I killed it with our new schedule of getting up early to work out and the girls have been amazing with their new morning routine, as well. I'm so proud of us! I tanned and worked out after work. Adam made dinner (a new recipe - which he followed very well) and then we packed up the car and left for Elbow Lake. We left a little over 2 hours later than we normally would have and we only got there about 40 mins later than normal. Not having to sit through traffic was 100% worth it. We took the puppies for a walk when we got there and watched the Twins and ate popcorn.

(Sat) 7 - Hallie's Baptism 11am in EL // MaryBeth's Benefit 4pm in AL // 38

My mom had us up early to help her move a casket up some stairs at at church in Kensington. It ended up being the dad of a kid I graduated with, which was kind of weird. Hallie's baptism was at 11:30, and it was a perfect little celebration. She was so good and so alert the entire time, just hanging on to Father's every word. It was super sweet. Adam and I are godparents along with Geoff and Crystal and Chandler. They had a nice little lunch in the basement afterwards and we played a couple games, too. It was such a fun celebration of our sweet little lady! Adam and I and the girls had to take off around 2 to head back home with the dogs. We dropped them off in Farmington, did a quick change of clothes and then drove down to Albert Lea for our friend Isaac's moms cancer benefit. They had such a wonderful turn out. We got to see aunt Nellie and uncle Fred and Benny, Amanda and Sophia. We visited a little bit, ate and then took off for home. We spent lots of hours in the car, the girls were total troopers. But, we had the most wonderful day celebrating people we love.

(Sun) 8 - Grandparents Day // Punta Cana Party/Dinner at Sharp's 6:30pm // 37

We slept in a bit Sunday morning. Adam and I took the puppies for a long walk. The weather is chilly and feels like fall. Then he took my grocery list and went to Target while I did my work out. The girls woke up and watched TV for a bit and then cleaned their rooms and did their homework. Adam was super jazzed for the opening day of football and the Vikings won, so that made it even better. The girls and I ran a few errands and picked some things up for "yellow out" for Farmington's next football game. Alexa worked on her yellow star pants and Lilli and I played cards. I took a little nap and then we went to the Sharp's to celebrate Punta Cana. They made a yummy meal and we brought ice cream dessert. The McCabe's and Beissel's joined us later for a drink.

(Mon) 9 - 36

Well, here we are - at the start of another new week. Adam and I got up and worked out. The girls were champs again getting up to start the school week. I drove the middle school carpool. School went great - Alexa aced her Civics test. Lilli came home and studied for her history test. I love their awesome study habits already. They both had dance and assisting. They love their tap dances and Lilli's musical theater is Nightmare Before Christmas. They are both super positive and excited for this dance season. I did my work out, made the girls dinner, folded laundry and drove the carpool. Adam worked late tonight and came home tired and hungry. Luckily, I had dinner ready for him when he got home and he was able to rest on the couch and watched football.

(Tues) 10 - 35

I woke up today thinking it was Wednesday - Oops! Lilli is such a little chatter box in the mornings. We sat in the den and waited for her ride to school and she talked non-stop. So different from Alexa, who just wanted to listen to music mostly in the mornings. Also my body seems to be adjusting to the early mornings to work out. I've had my alarm set for 5:40pm for the tail end of last week and this week so far and have gotten up on my own, no problem. What's happening to me? Am I a morning workout person now? Crazy! The girls both had amazing days at school. Lilli studied for her history test and I quized her during my afternoon work out - multitasking at it's finest. Alexa and I enjoyed dinner together and a super nice chat about school. She explained her schedule and what it means to flex out and how she doesn't have academic on Wednesday's, so she doesn't have to be to school until a little bit later. And that she has a hybrid class for Let's Cook, so she can just hang out in the commons. It's such a different high school experience than mine. I'm still debating internally if this is too much freedom for a 9th grader or if it's good preparation for college? Both girls finished the night with production and then home for showers and bed. Craig and Michelle came over for a drink with Adam and I while the girls were all at dance. It was great to catch up with them.

(Wed) 11 - MNUFC 7:30pm (A - Houston Dynamo) // 34

Lilli aced her history test today, I'm so proud of her. She studied so hard. Alexa explained to me that she flexed out of a few classes today, so she was able to hang out with Taylor most of the day. She worked ahead so she can keep flexing out and then they both helped each other study for their tests. I'm still not sure how I feel about the whole flexing out, hybrid classes nonsense, but I'm hoping Alexa thrives well. She's a great student, so I don't worry too much. But, we'll see. Lilli had hip hop and Alexa assisted her class. I made them a few Heggie's pizza's and then Jolene picked Stacey and I up and we went to Carbone's to work on our cups for Punta Cana. We had such a great talk and conversation. We ordered a few fun things for the kids and even ourselves. It's starting to feel really exciting again! I came home to watch the tail end of the Loons game. They lost to Houston. Not cool!

(Thurs) 12 - Alexa Dentist Appt 4:10pm // 33

I drove both Lilli and Alexa to school today. And it was pouring. Not as much for Lilli but, when driving Alexa, I couldn't even see. She ran into the school and was just soaked. I texted her afterwards and she said the was wet, but not cold, and her classroom really stunk..haha. Alexa had her cavity fillings after school today. She was such a trooper. It went super quick and she was back to dance in no time. Adam helped with my carpool since I was with Alexa. I made Adam and Lilli's favorite, tuna noodle hotdish, for dinner. Lilli was back and forth to dance. Adam and I chatted about the girls' birthdays. Mike, Carter and Jack came over to watch the game with Adam. I did my yoga workout. Drove carpool. Went tanning. Picked up some milk. Showered and got the kids to bed after 10 (ugh). Busy busy!

(Fri) 13 - Yellow Out - Farmington vs. Eagan in Eagan - Taking Girls & Friends to Game // 32

Tonight the Farmington football team played in Eagan. The dress up night is "Yellow Out" where the girls dress in all yellow. They get super into it and enjoy coming up with things to wear. Adam and I agreed to take them and their friends to the game. We also fed them taco's in a bag before we left. I love offering our home for events like these and love that the girls are excited to have their friends over. It's important that they get involved with these fun school events and I'm glad they do. Lilli had her friends Kenzie and Ellie over and Alexa had Lauren, Miranda, and Amanda. They had a great time at the game. Adam brought the older girls earlier so they could get a spot in the student section. Freshman are the first to get kicked out when the seats fill up, so they wanted a first row. I brought the others a little later. They were so cute and had so much fun. Lilli's crush Ethan asked her out. So, she has a little boyfriend. Oh boy!! We dropped all the girls off after the game.

(Sat) 14 - Adam & Dawn Working Gopher's Game - Noon // 31

Adam and I worked the MN Gopher's game. We had to be there at 11:30 and finished at 6. It was super busy, we were steady the entire time, which made it go by super fast. We also worked with pretty cool people. The girls had a list of chores to do while we were gone. They cleaned their rooms and bathroom and started packing for our trip. They also took the pups for a nice walk. We picked up Wengs on our way home and snuggled in the basement to watch AGT.

(Sun) 15 - Shopping w/ PC Crew for FL Crew // MNUFC 4:30pm (H - Real Salt Lake) // 30

We got to sleep in a little. Adam and I took the puppies for a long walk. Adam watched the Vikings game and the girls and I ran some errands. We stopped at the dollar store and CVS and then dropped Alexa off at her friend Amanda's so she could work on her HOCO pants. Lilli and I got groceries and then picked up Alexa. The Punta Cana crew met at the Sharp's and we all made a trip to the dollar store for fun care package items for them for the FL crew for their road trip. We all ate dinner together at Wengs for Ellie's birthday. We stopped back at their house for cake afterwards.

(Mon) 16 - Ellie's Birthday // Homecoming Week - Groutfit Day - FHS - MisMatch Day - DMS // Guacamole Day // Adam Working Twins Game // 29

Today is Ellie's birthday - Lilli, Kenz & Katelyn decorated her locker on Friday so she could be surprised this morning. They put balloons and treats in there for her. It's also the start of Homecoming week and fun dress up days. Lilli had mismatch day and Alexa had groutfit (all grey outfit). They both humored me by taking pictures in front of the house this morning. Alexa made me promise I wouldn't post it. Stacey picked up the middle school crew after school today and brought them to Cherry Berry for Ellie's birthday. Both girls had dance and assisted and worked on their homework. Lilli has a presentation she's working on. Adam worked the Twin's game.

(Tues) 17 - White Out - FHS // Jersey Day- DMS // Adam Working Twins Game // 28

Another homecoming dress up day - White Out for Alexa and Jersey Day for Lilli. Alexa wore a white sweatshirt and white shoes and Lilli wore Alexa's dance jersey from one of her hip hop dances. It's unusually warm in MN right now. 80's all week. The girls' outfits for their dress up days are all warm clothes since that's what they would normally wear this time of year, so they've had to modify a little bit. Lilli had her presentation today in Language Arts. She had to give a speech on herself and provide 5 topics and to bring an item to share for each topic. She chose her puppies, family, friends, trips and dance. She brought the puppies favorite toy along with a picture of them, a family picture and a deck of cards to show we like to play cards together, a collage of all her friends, her snow globes from New York and Punta Cana and a trophy from dance. She said she was the first one to giver her speech and did really well and felt confident. She only had one voice crack. hehe Her teacher complimented something she said about her friends and it's the little things that matter and make those relationships special. I didn't sleep a wink last night. I was just wide awake. Adam woke up earlier than normal to run with Bryson and the dogs were going nuts so I was in a real good mood. Adam worked another Twins game. I made it through the day. Doubled my work out, since I chose to stay in bed in the morning, got the girls to and from dance, made stir fry for dinner, played cards with Alexa, got gas in my car, stopped at the library, went tanning and stopped at Jolene's to work on Lilli's Homecoming shirt. I watched the Bachelor In Paradise finale until Adam got home. The Twins game went into extra innings, so he was home close to midnight and not really happy about it. I don't blame him.

(Wed) 18 - Country & Country Club - FHS // Camo Day - DMS // Homecoming Parade 5:30 Line Up - 6pm Start // Adam Working Twins Game // 27

Even tho I went to sleep super late, I slept so good and woke up to do my workout just fine. Lilli had camo day and Alexa had country day for homecoming dress up. The girls had hip hop after school, then I took them to Subway for a quick dinner before the Homecoming Parade. They both walked with SDC. It was a cute parade and super fun to watch. I got quite a bit of candy for not having any kids sitting around me. Afterwards, we all went to Jolene's to work on and finish up the Homecoming shirts for the kids. We even made some for us adults, too. They all turned out super cute.

(Thurs) 19 - Throwback Thursday - FHS // Super Hero - DMS // 26

Alexa wore a throwback outfit today of a Bob Ross t-shirt and leggings. Lilli wore a superman t-shirt that I scored at Goodwill for Super Hero day. The girls were back and forth to dance. It was Sam's birthday, so she brought Chinese for dinner for Elevate. Then, Alexa left with Autumn & Kaily and the HS crew for the homecoming bonfire at FHS. They had a ton of fun. I cleaned the house for our weekend guests and Adam had his first night of bags for his Fall league.

(Fri) 20 - Dawn Period // Geoff & Crystal Coming // Farmington Homecoming Football Game - Tiger Pride // 25

Happy Homecoming!! The girls both wore their Tiger pride today. They looked super cute in their orange, black and white. Lilli rode the bus home with Mackenzie and they got all dressed up and ready for the game. Craig ordered pizza and Adam and I joined them and the Sharp's & Budde's after work. It was a fun pre-game dinner/party. Alexa went to Amanda's after school to get ready with her friends. They got to the game early to get a spot in the student section. She had a blast at the game cheering. Lilli and her friends ran around on "the hill" and Adam and I sat with the Beissel's and Jolene. Unfortunately, Farmington lost to Rosemount 41-21. Adam and I left a little early to welcome my brother, Geoff, and family to our house. It was super fun to see them and have them see where we live. Zach and Joey were excited to see the puppies. We sat in the basement and had a couple mules while we waited for the girls to get home.

(Sat) 21 - Homecoming Dance // 24

We got up and Adam and I made a bigger breafast. The kiddos played with the dogs outside and jumped on the trampoline. After breakfast we walked the dogs to the park and the kids played for a little while. Then we went home and showed them our hig school and middle school - where the girls go to school. Then Zach wanted to go home for a rest, so we dropped him and Crystal off at home and took Geoff and the boys to Hot Sam's Antique's. We weren't there too long, and then picked up Zach and Crystal to have lunch at Cane's. They had never had it before so they wanted to try it. We hung out at home for awhile then Geoff Crystal Adam and I head out to Lakeville to have a couple drinks. The kids stayed home, we ordered them pizza and got them a movie. They had so much fun while we were gone. We hit up a couple places in Lakeville and then made our way back to Farmington. It was such a fun night. We had leftover pizza and quesadilla's when we got home and put the kids to bed.

(Sun) 22 - Vikings Game w/ Tom & Rung @ noon // MNUFC 3pm (A - Portland Timbers) // Michelle's Birthday 6pm at Beissel's (Bring App) // 23

They got up and ready for the Twin's game and Adam and I got ready for the Vikings game. We left a little before they did and picked up our friends Mike and Jolene who had tickets through Jolene's work. The girls rode their bikes to the Budde's and had pizza and watched the game at home. Adam and met up with Tom and Rung and watched the Vikes beat the Raiders. It's such a fun atmosphere. Tom has his tickets in the Vikings World Order section, so a lot of people are really dressed up. We met up with Mike and Jolene at the end and walked to the BusStop for a quick drink before heading home. We stopped at home to grab our app and then went over to the Beissel's to surprise Michelle for her birthday. She was completely surprised which was super fun. We stayed and had some appetizers and drinks with her. The kids went to the park and made their fat heads for our trips.

(Mon) 23 - 22

I wasn't quite ready for it to be Monday today. The weekend sure flew by! Looking forward to a more low key week after such a hectic one with homecoming last week. The girls both had great days. No homework for either one. Feeling the calmness in a normal routine. The girls were back and forth to dance. Adam was home for dinner. I did my work out. Adam and I walked the dogs and then watched Aladdin.

(Tues) 24 - 21

Alexa usually wakes up from Lilli getting ready in the morning, the noise and the light from the bathroom. But, none of that woke her up today. I was sitting downstairs reading my devotional and realized I didn't hear her music, so I ran up and sure enough she was still sound asleep. She wasn't happy about being woken up and not having a ton of time to get ready, but she did it. Lilli was chosen for a special opening part in her lyrical dance tonight and was super happy about it. She worked really hard and feels super good about being chosen. Adam mowed the lawn, I went for a run, we ran the carpool in the rain/hail, Adam ran a few birthday errands and we watched a new show together.

(Wed) 25 - MNUFC 7pm (H - Sporting Kansas City) // Adam Working United Game // Mass at 6pm - Parent Meeting at 7pm at St. Michael's // 20

Adam had an early training to go to so I brought Alexa to school. It just doesn't get any easier watching her walk into that big high school. Adam worked the MN United game. The girls had hip hop after school and then we had mass and a parent meeting at church. We caught the last 20 mins of the Loons and they WON, clinching a play off spot. So exciting.

(Thurs) 26 - Jolene's at 7:15 to work on cups // 19

Adam had another early morning for his training, so I got to take Alexa to school again. I also drove the middle school carpool (my normal Thursday rotation). I went for a run after work, the girls were back and forth to dance. I stopped at the Budde's to help Jolene finish the cups for the FL crew. Lilli and I ran to Target for Ellie's birthday present and then she grabbed something for Alexa, too. Adam had bags and got home close to 11.

(Fri) 27 - Space Out - Farmington Football Game in Burnsville // Ellie's Birthday Party/Sleepover // 18

It's been awhile since the girls have come home on a Friday afternoon. They usually end up riding home with a friend to get ready for the football games. Today is no different. Alexa was off to Lauren's and Lilli went to Ellie's. They'll both meet up at the game in Burnsville for Space Out, all decked out in their space outfits. Thank goodness for recycled dance costumes and all the silver sequins. Stacey and Bryson brought them all back home and had a sleepover for Ellie's party. They had a fun little spa night and went to bed semi-early. Adam and I went to B52's for a drink and an app, then to Alibi and ended at Babe's. It was fun to have a little date night with him.

(Sat) 28 - Sam's Birthday/Sleepover (Alexa) 6:30pm // 17

Stacey and Bryson took the girls thrift shopping Saturday morning. Adam and I took the dogs on a long walk, then both went on a long run, came back and did a shoulder work out. Then Adam started working on assembling my desk that he surprised me with for my den. I picked up the girls from the Sharp's, they came home to shower and then I took Alexa out to pick up gifts for Sam for her birthday. They rested a bit and then Jolene picked us up to bring the Elevate girls to Sam's bonfire/tenting sleepover party. It was a bit chilly but they had so much fun and slept in the tent all night. Mike, Jolene and Jack came over for dinner. We grilled steak and veggies. Jack and Lilli played catch with the football for hours. It was fun to catch up with the Budde's and have a few mules.

(Sun) 29 - Synergy Leadership Meeting 12-1:30 // MNUFC 6:30pm (H - LA Football Club) // 16

Sam got Alexa to NHSDA in the morning and I dropped Lilli off for leadership at noon. Adam and I ran some errands to pick up some last minute things for our trip. I picked the girls up from leadership and they came home and took a bath. Alexa napped and Adam watched the Vikings who lost to the Bears. We made dinner and watched the Loons together in the basement. They tied the LAFC.

(Mon) 30 - Panoramic Photos at Synergy (bare feet, black leggings, Synergy shirt) // 15

The girls had panoramic companie photos taken at Synergy today. They had to wear their black leggings and pink Synergy shirts. I can't wait to see how they turn out. Adam ran to Dick's to pick up some stuff for Lilli's birthday after work, I ran to the post office, library and home to make dinner for the girls. Alexa and I brought a scoby over to her friend Amanda's mom so she can start making kombucha, dropped off some Doterra orders and picked up Ellie for dance. I went for a long run and then got birthday stuff ready for Alexa. I watched a beautiful lightning storm as I ran.