The Timer

My mom visited us last week and watched Minnow so I could work my Matilda Jane business. It was so nice to have her around and Minnow had a great time with her "Gwandma." My mom had a wonderful idea of how to get Minnow to listen, especially at naptime and bedtime. Naps and bedtime have been a struggle lately. She is the master manipulator and she stalls. "I want more grapes," "I have to go potty," and it goes on and on.

My mom, the wise lady that she is (and experienced after raising 4 kids), bought a timer. She set the timer for 5 minutes and told Minnow that when the bell rings it's naptime. Minnow was not a fan of the timer, and voiced this to my mom, but she obeyed.

The timer remained behind, but when I tried to use it yesterday, Minnow said, "that's not yours, it's Gwandma's" I told her that Grandma said I could use it. She actually asked for the timer today, I set it, told her that when the bell rang it was nap time. It rang, and she trotted off to her room for naptime. Thanks Gwandma for your help and wisdom! We love you!

Summer is Over

Summer is over and now I'm back to the blogging thing. My friend, BJ_Mamma, from For What It's Worth or Not declared my blogging vacation over--just the push I needed. Thanks BJ!

The Muskie family had a great summer, we spent alot of time in the Northwoods staying with my brother and family so Muskie Man could fish for the elusive muskie. We spent a week with Muskie Man's family at a resort way Up North and had two sunny days (out of seven)--not a very good ratio of sunny days to cloudy days! One day it didn't even get out of the 50's--in July! Despite the not so good beach weather, we still had a good time with family. We went to visit my parents for a long weekend and I fit a business conference in there too.

Minnow turned three a few weeks ago and we celebrated her birthday on the water in our boat with some good friends. Turning three means that Minnow is now old enough to go to preschool. Today was her first day, which signified summer being over. She had a great day, preschool will be very good for her. That pretty much sums up the summer, I'll let these pictures do the talking:

Most days would find us at the park for some fun playtime with friends:

4th of July!


Ridin' in style in my uncle's '69 Buick. Muskie Man and I rode in this on our wedding day, 14 years ago. Many of my aunts, uncles and cousins have also borrowed this ride on their wedding day. At the time of this picture, the Buick was being used by one of my cousins and his new bride.

Having fun at an amusement park. This place has alot of little rides for the kids and each ride only costs a quarter! Minnow loved it, despite some rain showers.



We like to call her the "Fish Whisperer"


Chillin' on the boat:

Just lookin' cute:

Time for school--summer's over: