Our Humble Abode

I realize that while I've been blogging all about the things we've been doing here in Minnesota, I've neglected to blog about our temporary home. I've mentioned before that we live in a duplex on what we lovingly refer to as "Fed Row." Federated owns the duplexes and their trainees have the option to ren them during their stay in Owatonna. There are six duplexes, 12 units. They all look roughly the same with slight differences in layout. They all have a living/dining space, small kitchen, two bedrooms, one bath, and a decent sized unfinished basement with garage. While there are a few families that grace Fed Row each training period, most of the people who come through are couples and single guys. These accomodations are pretty sweet for them. Rent is cheap and the units are nice, but for a family of four. . .

 



Let's just say, we play outside ALOT. It's going to be a long winter. But I can't complain too much. Less square feet means less cleaning and more playing. However, a new stove would be nice, a garbage disposal would be great, and a dishwasher would be flippin awesome. That's right dear friends!    ALL.  BY.  HAND.

  

Okay. Enough with the witty plug ins. While it does feel a little cramped in here some days and I'd love some appliances made in this decade, I have to admit that it's going extremely well. The closeness is kind of nice and honestly, things are perfect.

 

 

 





 

The Fine Art Gallery















Jareth's and Laney's Room



 



Closet Overflow





More Closet Overflow



Reminds me of our first apartment in college, except there were only two ppl sharing it.

Bedroom Chamber
 

 



 

Growing Babies

Someone please tell me how this.....

turned into this

in just a few short months?

Dear Jareth

Tomorrow you will be three years old. Today we woke up to a rainy, gray, Minnesota morning so I asked you if you wanted to watch a movie. You of course said yes and chose Toy Story 3, dragging Woody and Buzz out from your bedroom. Toy Story 3. You would choose a movie that makes me cry from start to end. You see, while you see Andy on the tv screen, I see you. You growing up, letting go of your toys, moving away from home. Your'e only three and I'm already emotional about you leaving. That's how much you are loved, kid. At least I have 15 more years to get used to the idea. I'll tell you one thing though when that time comes I'm going to be a wreck. And I assure you that between now and then there will be many emotional moments from your momma. When that happens just give me a hug and let me have my moment. You'll get it one day.

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead,
And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said,
Boy, you've got a friend in me
Yeah, you've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You got troubles,
and I got them too
There isn't anything
I wouldn't do for you
We stick together, we can see it through
Cause you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

Some other folks might be a little bit smarter than I am
Bigger and stronger too
Maybe
but none of them
will ever love you
the way I do
it's me and you, boy

And as the years go by,
Our friendship will never die
You're gonna see it's our destiny
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
"Whatever happens, at least we will be together. To infinity and beyond"

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

So, I've mentioned before that Jareth is completely obsessed with baseball thanks to the movie, " The Sandlot." Every day we play catch and work with him on hitting the ball. There have been many a morning in which the first words he utters is , "mommy, play baseball?" He even wants a baseball birthday party this year. Being so close to Minneapolis we decided we should go to a Twins game. We kind of waited until last minute but were able to catch the last game of the season.000+50102 (Those numbers would be Laney's contribution to this post) This game also just happened to fall on Kids Appreciation Day so Jareth got to get on the field and run the bases! The word "excited" doesn't even begin to describe his expression that day. He was pretty upset that he couldn't go play with the players and we came very close to a major meltdown. Fruit snacks helped and when the fruit snacks failed, there were mini dough nuts.

Target Field was really nice. It is a super clean stadium and it is 100% smoke free. The food was what you would expect at a ball park but I believe I found the best deal in the stadium. I found a kids meal for $5.25 which consisted of a regular hotdog, chips, and small soda. Pretty good for a baseball game if you ask me! Also, since it was the end of the season all the souviniers were on sale so I was able to scoop up a helmet for Jareth for just $12. Sweet! We had such a great time. We are officially Twins fans now but don't worry Braves, your'e still #1 in our hearts.

 

 





Our future Big Leaguer!