Purscelley People

Cleaning House

2009-08-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

I was trying to clean the house today can you tell? Its been one of those days when I have worked all day, and the boys have worked twice as hard making sure that I have nothing to show for my effort. We certainly don't procreate in the hope of having extra help around the house.

Thankfully, my husband came home and saved me! We promptly grabbed the kids, shut the door on the mess, and did what anyone in our situation would do. We went to Red Robin and ate french fries.

Random

2009-07-23T21:27:00.001-07:00

Today when I went I went out into the garage to get something I was horrified when something hairy and roughly rat sized ran past me. I could hear it rustling around behind some storage bins. I thought I would just rattle a couple bins and flush it out, when I did I was amazed to discover a chipmunk staring back at me. I left the garage open for an hour hoping he would see his way out. Its funny how on can go from utter repulsion (thinking there was a rat in our garage) to total adoration...I mean really was cuter than a teensie weensie little chipmunk kicking it under your husbands golf clubs?

The Aftermath!

2009-07-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

We arrived home on Friday night and got a strong dose of reality. Apparently the cleaning fairies did not visit us this year and clean up the disaster we created while trying to leave. Lucy returned from my sister's house covered in some suspicious red gunk that smelled like foul old fish. Our back lawn had a large brown circle in the middle of it, where the sprinklers have chosen not to come on, and Andy confessed that he forgot that he left two "extreme" gulps on the counter filled with soda. The oversight resulted in counters swarming with Gigantor black carpenter Ants that could probably have carried Owen back to their hill. And as a final welcome home surprise, it seems that while Lucy on vacation from guarding our back yard the neighborhood cats discovered our lovely new sandbox.

Its good to be home!

Camp Pictures

2009-07-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

Tennis Lessons

2009-07-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

The boys got me a tennis racket for mother's day so Andy and I went to play on Tuesday afternoon during nap time. As soon as word got out where we'd been all the kids were dying to play tennis. On Wednesday we picked up a a couple of $3 thrift store racket ball rackets for the kids while we were in Sisters, and on Wednesday evening after dinner and after much pleading and begging we FINALLY took the kids to play.

It wasn't too eventful, lots of swinging and missing, a few meltdowns, and a very few balls that made it over the net. As always when on vacation with all the grand kids cameras were in had so here are some pictures to document their first time playing tennis should any of them become tennis prodigies.

Pool Parties

2009-07-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of our pool adventures. The highlight of each day was going to the pool and fighting with the other soccer moms over lounge chairs around the kiddie pool. Times have changed, or I guess more accurately bodies increased (as in having babies) and declined (as in having babies stretching).
We had fun though. It was interesting to see how different the boys personalities are. Linus is always cautious. We could drag him into the big pool but two minutes later he would be saying..."let's go back to the little pool..." He played their safely and contentedly for hours. Owen on the other hand went charging into the little pool. Like crawling around the little pool which made me quite nervous, and loved "jumping" into the big pool. I think he would never have gotten out if we didn't make him.

Feeding the Ducks

2009-07-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ducks need food, so we will give them some

Cousins

2009-07-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

Abby, Grace, Leia, Linus, and Owen ready to go to the pool

Owen and Leia

Way too early in the morning...its becoming apparent that these kids do NOT sleep in on vacation!

All the kids love riding in the minivan. They cry if we try to get them to ride in another car, so Andy and I ended up with all five cousins on our trip to Sisters. Its quite a trip having a van full of kids.

Bike Rides at Black Butte

2009-07-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing the folks like to do at Black Butte its ride their bikes. This year we came prepared. Rather than pay more than $30 a day to rent a trailer we asked around and borrowed one from a friend. We also brought our kid seat, so we were ready. On the boys first ride out Linus fell asleep almost immediately. He kept leaning over on to Owen who did not appreciate being leaned on and would shriek each time they turned right.

Kickin' Our Feet Up

2009-07-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

The view from the deck

Andy's idea of a vacation involves internet access of course! But at least he had to be outside to pick up the wireless signal.

We're On Vacation Minivan Style

2009-07-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

We loaded up the minivan and headed on our first trip in our new ride.

Here's Some Advice For Ya

2009-07-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am often at a loss as to what to write about in my
blog. When I first started blogging I was hoping to create a nostalgic sentimental little narrative. Unfortunately, as I look back on my posts I am afraid that my voice is much more sarcastic than sentimental. I confess that I enjoy laughing at
life's little ironies. I would love to be more disciplined, and more interesting and therefore be able to blog every day(okay let's be realistic: every other day) but this would involve coming up with some regular topics of interest to my faithful followers or at the very least entertaining...and let me tell you my Mom and sister are difficult to please!
I was pondering these difficult questions when it hit me! I will use my blog to pass on all the useful and not so useful tidbits of advice I have been handed down over the years or gleaned from my extensive reading a research. I will become the John Tesh of the blogging world (please infer grandiose tone). I will badger the blogging world on everything from parenting to garden planting!
The only thing that remains to be done is to come up with a catchy title for my admonitions. Any Suggestions? Here are just a few of the possibilities that I have been kicking around:
Suggestions for Saturdays
Two Cents Tuesdays
Free Advice Fridays
Give Me My Business Mondays
Tips for Tuesdays
What to do Wednesdays

Cast your votes, or speak your piece and I may or may not take your advice
;)

Summer Projects

2009-07-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Blogs I'm told are for crafty home maker things.

I have just completed just such a thing so I must share:

Up until last week when I found this old yellow dresser at a garage sale ($5) we were still trying to cram all the boys clothes into the two drawer in their changing table. Linus and my sister helped strip off the old paint and I was able to use left over paint from when I painted the nursery for Linus three years to complete the project.

The final result. The only thing I ended up having to pay for was new drawer pulls...which were $5. It made me sad to pay as much for them as I did for the entire dresser but sacrifices must be made.

I like the way it turned out, but I wasn't originally planning to put it against this blue wall. I think I might repaint a couple of the drawers green and red, but that I will save for another day.

Minivan Mama

2009-07-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

Well, the day has finally come. I always told Andy that I would NOT own a minivan before I turned 30. So you can imagine my confusion; this van has been parked in our driveway since Tuesday afternoon. I must admit I did drive it. Just to Wendy's last night to pick up some chicken nuggets, fries, and a frosty dairy dessert.

I'm not exactly sure how it happened... At first we were just discussing the "idea" of getting a minivan. Then we were looking around for good deals, then we found a good deal...and now we have it. Sadly, it doesn't have any of the bells and whistles that first made a minivan attractive. We can't push a button to open the doors for the soccer team, our butts will have to supply any and all warmth for the seats, our children will not subdued via TVs mounted in our head rests. But, our Town and Country has low miles and is great condition. The great news is it will keep on chugging well into our children's' adolescence so they can benefit from the humility that only a minivan can teach.

Yes Linus, we can drop you off at the back of the parking lot.

Andy and I have a strict understanding that this is the kid car. It is to remain with the custodial parent. I will under no circumstance drive a minivan to work.

Right now the boys are super excited about the minivan. Linus makes up songs about how much he loves to ride in it. Every morning they want to go somewhere. They insist upon playing in it, and cry when we make them get out.

Linus on Politics

2009-07-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last January while I was checking the news, Linus spotted a picture and Barak Obama, and informed me it was: A Rock Babamba... I was amazed and appalled all at once. My hopes of raising apolitical children was shattered in an instant. Here are some of his thoughts on just of few of the world leaders who were clamouring to attend my 29th birthday party.

Date Night

2009-07-04T14:01:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from our small group's date night. A rare night without the kids, it was really fun. We did the total Jr. High thing of getting all dressed up and then going to the local fun center to play mini golf. But we are all poor, not super creative, and it was a Monday night. The boys made a fabulous and super classy meal which they served on paper plates...it was a classy night!

Poopers at the Pet Parade

2009-07-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

My lovely boys having a lovely time at the parade!

So this wasn't the best 4th of July ever. Owen has been sick, so the morning started out with a cranky baby who screamed every time I attempted to extricate myself from his iron grip or really any time I did anything he didn't approve of. Despite this we thought we would attend our favorite annual Bend event the "Pet Parade." We are usually really careful get there early so we can find a parking spot, and then a shady spot where we can sit and watch the parade. Well, we were late, it was ridiculously hot, and Owen was ridiculously grumpy. We had to park obscenely far away and then hoof it with the kids up to the parade route. By the time we found a semi shady spot we were sweaty, Owen's face was rashy, and we were restricting our communication to one word angry answers. The boys were not as thrilled by dogs and bikes as we felt they should be and to everyone's disapointment there were not nearly as many chickens in wagons this year. We decided to cut our losses and get home. Owen screamed all the way back to the car (attracting judgmental stares from, parade watchers, bike riders, dog owners, and even a few of the dogs), and then proceeded to scream all the way home in the car as well.

The real story

(Also, on a follow up note from my previous post...Lucy did not get laughed at during the pet parade this year, mostly because we were running so late, we didn't want to deal with her and left her home. Just one more way the day went wrong)

Summer Scenes

2009-07-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

The weather has officially turned hot here in Bend. For awhile there it seemed like summer would never come. We must now make the appropriate adjustments. We must stop complaining about it never getting warm, and start complaining about how miserable and hot it is. I have decided to impress everyone with my sanguine temperament and not complain about the heat for at least one more week.

The boys are loving the weather. Linus had his first official "nakisaur day." We blew up the pool and played in the sprinklers. Before we knew what was going on he had stripped down naked. He ran around yard in this state all morning, ate his lunch in the nude, and at nap time decided he still didn't need clothing. Welcome Summer!

Poor Old Lu'

2009-07-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

Every summer, I get the idea that our dear old dog Lucy would be so much more comfortable if she didn't have quite so much hair. Last summer I thought that I could speed up the hair cut process by just taking a little of the length off with scissors before actually shaving her. As you can see-bad idea! I wasn't careful, and so many of my snips were WAY too short. At first she looked like a golf ball, and then, I ended up having to shave her with a number 2 razor. She looked pretty silly. On the positive side we did have not have to deal with dog hair all summer. This year things are going to be different. I have perfected my dog shaving skills. She is going to look fabulous...nope none of the other dogs will be laughing at her this year at the 4th of July Pet Parade!

For Daddy

2009-07-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Andy hates it when I dress the boys alike...and I like to bug Andy because that is what wives do best. I would say my child/dressing philosophy if a person can have one is to try to dress the kids in similar styles that look good together while not actually matching. I enjoy subtly torturing my husband by dressing the boys in shirts that both say something about about Dads, or Mom's or Trucks. I especially enjoy doing this on days when I work because I know that he won't realize what I have done until I am sitting happily behind my desk at work smiling to myself, picturing the moment when the realization of what I have done strikes him. I see him in my minds eye groaning and pumping his fist in the air...perhaps he even mutters..."devil woman..." My job is done.

Total Toddler Money Make Over!

2009-06-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Last winter we completed Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" at our church. Since then we have been making and mostly sticking to a monthly budget. Using a cash envelope system, and avoiding credit cards like the plague. We have been steadily plugging away at our debt...sometimes more like mules than "gazelles" but we are getting there.

A couple weeks ago my mother in law was with us for a visit. We were driving somewhere and she was telling us about how she puts everything on her Fred Meyer card and how good the rewards are that she gets in return, when Linus piped up from the back seat: "Oh Grandma Cece, credit cards are not good!" (If only he had added that people spend on average 30% more when using a credit card vs. cash to make purchases we could say we have a financial genius on our hands...but alas he left that part out)

-But I'm sure Dave would be proud!

(p.s. I'm sure Grandma Cece pays off her credit card each month)

Father's Day

2009-06-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

On Father's Day Andy had to speak in the main service and do a wedding (honestly who schedules their wedding on the afternoon of Father's Day!). He was pretty tired, so we decided to do the relaxing thing and take him out to eat at Red Robin. Really what could be more relaxing at the end of a stressful day than eating out with two toddlers?

this was the best shot I could get of the three of them!

Ode to Daddy

2009-06-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

D A D D Y

daddy is really at proud
andy means points
he went to mexico first then he had to go to work
his hair is a beard
he plays C(OD)4 and Pinata, and guns, and games, and guns, and games...
daddy just kicks chuck norris like this
he gets stinky
when daddy does exercise he works his muscles- he does push ups like this: "uhuhhhhh"
daddy's favorite super hero is superman. he has a cape, daddy does too. Super DADDY and Super LINUS
daddy loves to go the Fred Meyer...he buys some food
daddy loves to do races just like me. he is fast (i'm fast too)
daddy's favorite show is Thomas!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Ants in Our Pants

2009-05-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

This past month we encountered our first large black carpenter ant scurrying across our floor Linus named him "Togo," and was quite sad when he disappeared. Unfortunately, our new friend not only wore out his welcome but invited about 150 of his closest friends and family to the party. We soon found ourselves in a covert war of vacuum cleaners, exoskeletons, and tissues. At first we carefully caught and released each ant outside, but as the inundation continued and grew more troubling, we started vacuuming them up in mass. My favorite technique while the boys were looking on involved smashing them in a tissue and then pretending to take them outside "to be with their friends," and tossing the tissue in the garbage.
After about two weeks of ant killing I think we can officially declare VICTORY! Take that you unnaturally large creepy ants...and if you ever come back....

Dam Fish Hatchery

2009-05-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

We found a new dam good spot to stop on our trips between Bend and Eugene. We never realized there was a fish hatchery on the other side of the Leaburg dam. You have to drive over the dam which is exciting for Linus, who loves a good bridge (and a good dam for that matter). They also have a pond full of the biggest Sturgeon I have ever seen in all my life. Seriously, they were probably bigger than me. The boys loved throwing stinky handful of fish pellets into churning clumps of oddly aggressive fish. And I enjoyed a break from being stuck in the car with them.

The Joys of Traveling with Boys

2009-05-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Day

2009-05-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

Linus: I've got a great idea Daddy...
Andy: Oh yeah what?
Linus: Let's go to Mexico today after later
Andy: Why?
Linus: To get some donuts.

Happy Mother's Day to ME!

2009-05-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

My newest boy couldn't wait until Mother's day for his surprise. This morning I had both boys in my room with me. Linus was watching a show and Owen was crawling around the bed, and I must admit I was trying to read just a few more pages in a Jane Austen biography. Owen got a little fussy so in an attempt to buy myself a few more minutes of respite, I handed Owen a sorry excuse for a Pride and Prejudice sequel. I don't know if he was trying to throw it down, or trying to hand it back to me... all I know is that I saw a flash of light, and felt a whole lot of pain.

I got out of bed and went down to show Andy the bump and little red mark on the side of my eye. It really hurt but I thought I was just being a wimp. I iced it for a few minutes, but the ice gave me a head ache, and again I thought I was just being a wimp. Really, how much damage can a paper back book do in the hands of a one year old.

I continued on with my day. No giving my eye another thought. I happened to pass a mirror about two hours later...

And this is what greeted me. I can't wait to show my face at work. I am certain there will be no end to the wife beater jokes.

Mother's Day in Florence

2009-05-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

More Florence...

2009-05-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

Corn!

2009-04-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Last night we had some friends over for dinner. I went up stairs to get the kids ready for bed while Andy stayed downstairs. I took Linus to the bathroom, and then started to change Owen into his Pajamas. Linus ran to the top of the stairs and shrieked: "DADDY I WENT POOP POOHS! I ATE CORN!"

Gerber Baby?

2009-04-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

Maybe?

Maybe NOT!

Oh Well, I made my own baby food anyway... I'm too cheap to have a Gerber baby.

Of Machines and Messes...

2009-04-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Andy picked me up this beauty at this years youth garage sale. Its a little rusty around the edges but it still blends (maybe a little too well). It was missing its bowl and utensils (probably why it was in the garage sale) but Andy put my mother in law on the job of finding utensils, and not a week later she just happened to mention it to an acquaintance who just happened to have an extra bowl, whisk, and mixing arm.

Needless to say I am still getting the hang of actually keeping some of flour in the bowl. Linus was just waking up from his nap when I started to add the flower to a batch of cookies. I picked him up to show him how great my new mixer worked and flipped the switch. We were instantly engulfed it a cloud of powder...when the flour dust finally settled we surveyed the damage, and Linus informed me that I needed to clean up my mess.

Random Postscript: As I was pondering my new mixer I started thinking that there are a couple different kinds of appliance people out there. There are those who use the cheap $10 hand mixer and never realize their counter has been longing for a heavy industrial mixer to whip their baking projects into shape, and there are those who couldn't live without them. Along these divides are the toaster oven, and the toaster people. My people were of the toaster and cheap mixer persuasion...Andy's people love their toaster ovens almost as much as their kitchen aid mixers. I guess my marriage has moved me over to the dark side of kitchen cluttering monstrosities. I gave away the toaster a couple years ago, and our mixer just died. I choose to believe that in this area (like every other area ;) ) I am practicing perfect submission to my husbands authority...in the kitchen???

Our Cute Boys

2009-04-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

Easter

2009-04-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

As Linus was running across the yard the plastic egg he was carrying popped open and the yellow peep inside fell out onto the ground. "My egg hatched!" he exclaimed.

Owen was content to shake the eggs until he discovered that what was inside was edible.

Here are the boys surveying their plunder. Linus was helping my mom put out candy while we hid the eggs in the back yard. When he came out of the den we told him that the Easter bunny hopped through the yard and left him eggs... He was really excited!

We finished the day with what we affectionately called a Ghetto Easter dinner. Andy chose out center piece which was an Apollo Creed Action figure perched on a model horse. We had lamb, 2 minute fake mashed potatoes, Pillsbury croissants from a can, asparagus, and jello... delicious!

Heaven

2009-03-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

Boys in bed, husband out of country, house clean enough, flannel sheets, cookie dough, and Redeeming Love (Francine Rivers) on my bedside table.

Extreme Couch Make Over

2009-03-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Before....
After....

Wallah! Our "new" updated look!

My wonderful mother in law came to stay with me and the boys while Andy was in Mexico with the Youth Group. I was feeling kind of blah about my decorating "style" or lack there of, so Cecelia offered to help me cover my pillows as an early birthday gift! I use the term "help" very loosely because pretty much all I did was accompany her to the fabric store to pick out the new fabric. I LOVE the way that it turned out! Before I felt like I was sort of stuck with muted, girlie, country tones, which had become more problematic as our household demographics have shifted decidedly more towards the male side. But Now! Now! I am going to add some black, and other more modern touches...heck I might even go crazy and paint some furniture. Watch Out!

Ha Ha!

2009-03-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things that made me laugh today:

Today when I went to Walmart. I parked 2 rows and seven spots away from the entrance. It was not a terribly busy day, and some one had the absurdity to wait for my spot. They sat patiently as I unloaded my purchases, buckled two children into their carseats, and returned my cart. I can say with confidence that had they parked in the very last spot at the edge of the lot they would have made it to the entrance before they did waiting for me.

While driving on the parkway, some crazy minivan turned right (illegally) on to the parkway from a side street, driving over the sidewalk in the process. What they didn't realize was that they were infringing on the craziness of yet another minivan that was trying to do something illegal as well by running the light. Luckily, for both crazy soccer mom's the second minivan swerved just in time. I was left to trying to ponder who would have been at fault had they collided?...the one turning illegally and driving on the sidewalk or the the one running the red light?

Not related but more funny to me was coming down stairs to find Linus covered in postage stamps.

Chuckles

2009-03-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Chuck!
Chuck Norris turned 69 today!

The other morning Linus and Owen were rolling around together on the floor while I was attempting to clean up after breakfast. I turned around just in time to catch Linus giving Owen a sound kick...

"Linus," I interjected sternly " We do NOT kick brothers!"

"Chuck Norris kicks!" Linus retorted...

After I supressed my laughter I informed Linus that Chuck Norris only kicks the bad guys.

Where does a three year old come up with this stuff? No doubt from his father, who's proudest moment came when Linus came out of our den carrying a DVD a couple months ago to inform us that it was Chuck Norris on the cover.

A Few Chuck Norris Birthday FACTS:

When an episode of Walker Texas Ranger was aired in France, the French surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be on the safe side

Little known medical fact: Chuck Norris invented the Cesarean section when he

roundhouse-kicked his way out of his mother's womb.

Chuck Norris doesn't bowl strikes, he just knocks down one pin and the other nine faint.

Chuck Norris doesn't look both ways before he crosses the street... he just roundhouses any cars that get too close.

Did that come out of my mouth?

2009-03-06T23:15:00.000-08:00

Last week I took the boys to the Library. As I ducked my head into the car to remove Owen from his car seat I noticed Linus across the car. The boy had plucked a crusty booger from his nose, put it in his mouth, fished it back out and was now sizing it up on the tip of his pointer finger. It apparently met the inspection criteria because it was promptly deposited onto his awaiting tongue only to be rejected once again. I cringed but there wasn't much I could do about he situation my arms full of books and babies and not a tissue in sight.
"Linus!" I cried in exasperation..." STOP PLAYING WITH YOUR BOOGER! EAT IT OR WIPE IT ON YOUR SEAT!" With that I fled the car so that I wouldn't have to witness his decision.

Happy Birthday Owen

2009-03-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Well, our baby is 1 ! For his birthday we went to Springfield and partied with Andy's family. Grandma Cece once again was the birthday hero. She made Owen the cutest Cookie Monster cake with jelly frosting in the middle and got all the decorations. Thanks Grandma Cece!

Ou

r little Hot Dog Monster

Dino Mail

2009-02-28T22:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if this is entirely appropriate but it made me laugh so hopefully the humor out ways the horror.
So today, Andy picked up the mail. As I was going through it I found a postcard reminding me that I was due for my annual "Women's" check up. "Awesome, I got a postcard from my gyno!" I remarked to Andy just as Linus walked into the room.
" I want a Dino Postcard!" he shrieked. I relinquished my precious post card and he ran around the room chanting "Dino post card."

Trials of Traveling with Toddlers

2009-02-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

Grandparents are important, Great grandparents are worth braving airplane travel to see. Made it onto the plane by the seat of my pants toting two boys and a car seat up the ramp and on to the plane...before the end of the flight my palms were sweaty and the my pant seat was soaking thanks to a strategic kick from Owen and a tall glass of ice water. The man behind me said he didn't mind and his shoes were only a bit wet. The Horizon Q400 a trusty twin prop plane as long and it avoids ice. The quarters were a bit cramped. Just two smallish seats on each side of the aisle. Trying to retrieve things from under the seat in front of you is made nearly impossible when you have an infant in your lap and an over sized carseat on your right. Completely impossible when the baby falls asleep. Turbulence- I don't hate turbulence, I just dislike crashing. The lady behind me isn't faking it for her kids, and lets out of few choice words. Owen sleeps, Linus plays with his plane and holds up Little Dinosaur so he can see out the window. We start descending ears are popping. Landing gear goes down, wings wobble. "You can do it! You can do it" cheers Linus. Bump we are on the ground and I stop gripping Owen. "We Made it!" Squeals Linus. I take a deep "safe on the ground" breath and smile my agreement. Everyone files off the plane. The flight crew begins cleaning. Trash bags come out blankets go up. We're still aboard, trash, food bits, toys strewn about must be repacked and transported off the plane. Helpful flight attendants reassure. Owen in front pack, back pack on, kid leash on Linus, carseat over shoulder and we are off!

Welcome to the Party Station

2009-01-31T11:49:00.001-08:00

We Ain't Foolin' No more Droolin'

2009-01-31T11:47:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the lame tittle I just had this cute picture of Owen finally bib free

Slobber Buckets

2009-01-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

I realize this is a random milestone to mark but it must be documented none the less. When Linus was a baby I would often see other mother's with bibs on their babies all the time and I would scoff...why on earth would you purposefully cover up a cute baby outfit with a frumpy bib: not my child. I suspect God heard my prideful heart and sent me my sweet little drool baby. The child could drool through a fresh onsie before I had it over his head.

But I believe that we are officially past the drool stages. He still slobbers an unnatural quantity but I think I can begin to pack away those unsightly bibs that never quite matched his outfits.

ringing in three with a bang...

2009-01-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

Our "Big Boy!"

its party time...

Linus Turns Three

2009-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

For Linus' 3rd birthday we had a Thomas the Train birthday party. I started planning quite awhile in advance but of course I didn't actually get around to making any of the decorations until the day before...always a bad idea. Luckily, Grandma Cece saved the day by finishing everything including a five car train cake. The cool thing is that now days it is ridiculously easy to steal other peoples birthday ideas off line. I just googled: Train Party, and found that there are actually whole sites where people describe everything they did for a particular party. So the day of the party I was able to sit back kick up my heals and smile serenely while taking credit for other peoples ideas and my sweet mother in laws labor.

On the day of the party we moved the dining room table out and pushed the couches to the side of the room, then we set up a bunch of stations. We had two train tables. A reading corner with lots of train books, a coloring table with train coloring pages and craft supplies for making train tunnels out of shoe boxes (which no one did) and we also had a Thomas pop up tent. We had adult food on the counter (with an electric train circling it), and then we set up a low table with kid snacks ( fruit, pb&j, juice, raisins, goldfish, and sippy cups). We didn't plan any games since most of the kids were too young. There were enough things to do that the kids just wandered from one station (no pun intended) to the next and for the most part the adults were able just to sit back and visit.
Disclaimer: This may or may not be my party description...I may have just cut and pasted from a party site :)

More Birthday Fun....

2009-01-24T14:33:00.000-08:00

I am technologically challenged I can't figure out how to upload more than 4 pics to a post, so here is the party in parts...you get the idea

Cross Little Engine

2009-01-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

It is a well known fact that Linus love trains, and since Thomas and his "cheeky" little engine friends seem to have a monopoly on the toy train industry we have embraced their wacky antics. For those of you who have had the "privilege" of viewing one the the countless poor quality videos with tangential plot lines and questionable moral content, you know that they are irresistible to the average toddler. There are a host of "cheeky engines," who are constantly getting miffed or "cross" with each other in their quest to be "really useful engines." If you haven't watched any of Thomas videos I would suggest starting the journey with "Ten Years of Thomas." I will gladly give you our copy. You will get a smattering of grimy inarticulate children and their parents spouting Thomas propaganda sandwiched between grainy Thomas episodes-delightful!

Okay, all cynicism aside, our boy loves his trains and it has been so fun to watch his play blossom in creativity with his little trains. It started with a lot of assistance from adults in building tracks on the floor, then last year when Owen was born we got a train table at a garage sale. This has been the one enduring toy that Linus never tires of. Each time we come to get him up in the morning he runs out to his trains. If we change his tracks or set up new people or animals while he is napping we are greeted with the chorus of "Oh my goodness.... My Special Tracks....Oh, I love it!" when he emerges from his room. As he has aged his trains and their relationships have become more complex...sometimes they crash, or tell each other they are not being nice, sometimes they hit things on the track and still other times they rescue each other.

For about the last month each morning Linus informs us of what engine we will be. Not surprisingly he is usually Thomas. Owen is always Percy. I am most often James but when I try to convince Linus to let me be a girl engine I am often demoted to Cranky the railroad crane and forced to lift Linus and his toys out of countless predicaments until my back is aching. Andy is usually Toby or Gordon on a good day.

What makes me laugh about this game is that we continue in character throughout the day. If I accidentally call him by his name I am quickly corrected. Linus seamlessly weaves the imaginary into reality. If I want him to take a bath I tell him we are going to the bath station where all useful engines need to get a proper wash down. If Owen gets into his things Linus (or I should say Thomas) will Shriek..."James!! Move Percy he is getting my stuff." He doesn't even change rolls when whining. Today when we came home from church the house was a mess (as it often is-I know shocking), and Linus asked me who made the mess. I told him the "Percy" did it. Laughing he slapped the palm of his hand to his forehead and responded "oh no Percy you can't make a mess, you are making me a very cross engine! I am a very cross Thomas!"

Perfect Parenting

2009-01-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

Today I took the kids to the Library. I had the great idea that I would zip in check out a few train books for Linus's birthday party, let Linus play around in the little reading area, run some errands and then be home in time for lunch...Yeah right! I quickly came to the conclusion that the library is a mother with two tiny children's worst nightmare. First of all I attempted to keep Linus occupied so that I could type in with one hand while attempting to balance and alternately restrain Owen away from the key board...after some minutes back came my keyword search results for "train..." Now all I need do is keep my three year old within arms or I should probably say "arm" length because I had Owen in the other arm, and attempt to write down the author and title of each of the books while Owen screamed and grabbed at the pencil. After I had managed to write down several authors I thought I was home free. Have you ever attempted to cajole a three year old up and down rows of books in search of Alphabetised last names...McCloud,McCreedy,...McCurses. After doing this for no less than four authors without I single book actually being where it was supposed to be according to the trusty computer I was definitely ready to cursing. It was at this point that Linus decided to throw his book down and refuse to pick it up. I informed him that if he did not pick it up he would have to go to the naughty spot. He refused and I found a corner and sat him there. While I was waiting for him to see reason I perused the shelves around me to discover I had placed in time out in the parenting section! There I spied a book tittled "Perfect Parenting: The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips" The answer to all my prayers was right there before me. This manual will no doubt teach me how to get my child to walk quietly beside me up and down rows of books, possibly carrying my books for me, and pausing to tell my how much he loves me and how glad he is to be at the library basking in the written word. In a matter of days I am confident that I will be the perfect parent. I will even post some tips so that all two people who read my blog can become perfect parents as well...We're on our way but first I need to go lose my tempter and yell at my kid who refuses to take his nap this afternoon!

Rock Stars

2009-01-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not exactly sure what is going on in this picture...Linus is over-dressed and Owen is clearly under dressed. I guess I just need something to remind me that they are cute because today they have been sick, snotty, whinny, and have tried my patience.

My Nose

2009-01-16T19:35:00.001-08:00

Linus: "My nose is coming out..."

Sick Day

2009-01-15T18:33:00.000-08:00

I just need a quick rant today or I will pull all my hair out. The past few days have been really ridiculous.

Owen got sick first. He started throwing up every time we put him down for a nap which translated into me having to wash his blankets four times in a 24 hour period and to bath him that same number of times.

The next day Linus starting getting a really awful cough and runny nose along with a fever. Today Owen hasn't thrown up just diarrhea diapers a few times and his nose has started to run. Neither of the boys have been napping well, and they haven't slept at the same time for three days during which time I have also been sick.

I feel like I am about to lose it...
Now time to Rant:
Both my children got sick suspicious two days after having been in the church nursery. Tell me, Who are these evil parents who care so little about other peoples' children that they stick their children who have been throwing up and having diarrhea in the nursery. Seriously!!! Or who puts their toddler in Sunday school with a fever and cough that racks their whole body.

I can't tell you how many times I have repeated this cycle. Go to church or some other public place...two days later kids fall deathly ill. Stay home, deal with cranky irritable kids, miss work, pump kids full of juice and pedialite for two weeks, go nowhere. Then finally they are well enough to leave the house...hurray! No more cabin fever...for two more days until we repeat the same cycle all over again.

Once a Decade

2009-01-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

We have lived in Bend for over five years now, and I had never gone skiing until Monday. Andy has only been snowboarding a few times and doesn't consider himself very good, so the fact that I was not exactly an expert skier sort of made it less than tempting for us to go together. Couple that with the fact that an adult season pass goes for just under $1000 and the fact that we have no gear...well, the fact is we've never gone.
So, my baby sister bought me a ticket for Christmas and we went up on Monday. The conditions were a little icy but the day was beautiful clear and ridiculously warm. We were actually way over dressed. It was great fun.

Guetto Birthday

2009-01-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

Today was Linus' 3rd Birthday. I can't believe he is that old. Andy was in Portland for his Ministry Class, so I was left to my own devices in figuring out how to celebrate (we are going to have a party for him later this month so I will save my sentimental posts for later). I made him some not too stellar cup cakes, and Hannah and I took him to Pappy's Pizza for dinner. He spent the entire time holding a germ infested gun pretending to shoot unsuspecting wildlife on some weird hunting game.
When we got home I couldn't even find a proper birthday candle...

Birthday in Florence

2008-12-31T21:21:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Linus's birthday while we were in Florence, by reserving the Captain's Room at the Seafood Station!

Then we came home for a little birthday treat!

(no he's not really drinking this it was just on the counter...Just in case child protective services is one of the four people who read this blog)

Christmas in Florence

2008-12-30T20:46:00.000-08:00

We went to celebrate Christmas and New Years with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Cece on the 28th. Just in time to attend Grandpa Bob's Duck Bowl Party!

The ever spectacular Florence Christmas Tree

(I am amazed that I was able to fit the whole thing in the picture :)

Haceta Head Lighthouse

2008-12-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

During our trip to Florence we took a trip to the Lighthouse, something we haven't done since I think we were dating. Owen slept the whole time, but Linus was impressed. I think he would have enjoyed it more if we had remembered his jacket. It was a little chilly.

Driving to Florence

2008-12-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

we drove to florence a few days after the big now storms...

here's what we saw:

Christmas Brunch

2008-12-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

My sister Becky is in China teaching English for a year. On Christmas we had breakfast with her thanks to skype and a strategically placed stool...

Linus used chopstick to eat his pull apart bread to make her feel at home.

Christmas Portraits

2008-12-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

A Tiny Slice of Christmas

2008-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Dreaming of a White Christmas

2008-12-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

Out and In Town Christmas Company

2008-12-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

Aunt Hannah and Linus

Me and Owen ( I guess not really company)

Linus and Grandpa Bee

Grandpa Bee and Owen

Arctic Blast 2008

2008-12-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

Curtesy of a Portland News Station Website:

The first day of winter blew in with a vengeance, topping calf-deep snow with a thick coat of ice and spewing winds that created whiteouts and 6-foot drifts. The region sometimes known for its wimpiness when a little snow falls faced weather conditions unlike any in at least a decade.
Travel by plane, train or automobile became a risky and slow endeavor -- if it happened at all.
State officials closed highways that had turned into ice rinks. Portland International Airport stayed open, but that proved little comfort to hundreds of holiday travelers stranded when airlines canceled many flights. Iced-up tracks and a derailment froze most chances of traveling by Amtrak train. TriMet had trouble running all of its MAX lines.
A thick glaze of ice froze car doors shut and kept people in, to the chagrin of struggling retailers who asked employees to brave the weather for the last shopping weekend before Christmas.
Even those in their homes weren't safe from the treachery outdoors. Blustery winds snapped tree limbs cocooned in ice, knocking out power to thousands as temperatures hovered around 20 degrees.
The next few days look no better. Rain, sleet and snow is expected this morning, with wintry precipitation likely to last all the way to Christmas.

All of Portland seemed paralyzed by snow and ice. We experienced a similar amount of snow fall here in Bend but with much less affect. We are used to driving in snowy conditions, and have a crew of snowplows which can keep most of the main streets passable. The most note worthy difference about this winter has been the temperatures, which hovered between -5 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a week. When the temperatures finally got closer to freezing around Christmas is when we saw more significant snow fall. We accumulated between one and two feet of snow and enjoyed a lovely white Christmas.

Dog Days of December

2008-12-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

This delightful little dog barks various Christmas tunes such as "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Clause is Coming to Town." Grandma Cece got it for Linus last Christmas and as you can see it has been a hit again this year. The boys think its the funniest thing. I wish I could loop its bark songs so you too, could experience the joy!

The Worst Christmas Cookies Ever

2008-12-14T15:19:00.000-08:00

Today we trashed our kitchen, and that may be an understatement. Our church is putting on a play of the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and as such asked for volunteers who would be willing to make three dozen cookies and man a cookie table with two other women who had also made ridiculous numbers of cookies. Somehow my sister Hannah and I ended up in charge of a table. In typical McBee fashion we found our selves still trying to decide what to make with less than two hours until the play. Did I mention we had strict instructions that our cookies should NOT be store bought?
Crunch Time: The fiasco that ensued: resulted in a every inch of kitchen counter top covered with cooking debree, an embarrassing number of rock hard brownies, 12 burnt sugar cookies, 7 inedible snicker doodles, and one bowl with a cracked egg and flour concoction created by Linus while I rushed around the kitchen.

Linus Quote: "Daddy, can you do me a favor?"
Andy: "Sure, Linus what?"
Linus: "Umm, you need to clean this up" (gesturing to our out of control kitchen)

I love it, unfortunately, the kitchen was too large a mess for one person to tackle on their own.

More Ugly Sweaters

2008-12-13T21:07:00.000-08:00

Linus and Lucy were sheep in the Christmas Play.

The Ugly Christmas Choir

Seriously

2008-12-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

Bouncing Brothers

2008-12-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree Time

2008-12-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

Oh Christmas Tree, Poor Christmas Tree...

2008-12-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to cut down our own tree. Some of our friends do it every year, and the idea of tramping through the woods in the snow with the boys seemed quite festive. Not to mention that the idea of paying $5 for the permit compared to $50 for a tree at a tree lot was appealing.

We packed the car with hot chocolate, hats, coats gloves, blankets prepared for the worst winter weather conditions imaginable, only to arrive in the woods on the warmest and most beautiful day I have ever witnessed in December. Everything went off without a hitch. Everyone in our group found trees, we cut them down, we tossed them in the pick ups, and we stopped for lunch in Sisters on our way home.

But once we got home I was left to ponder the ramifications of our actions. You see when you purchase a tree from a tree lot you know it was born and raised for that purpose on a nice little Christmas tree farm, no harm done. But we made the mistake of seeing our tree growing in nature, minding its own business, playing with its little tree friends totally unsuspecting of what was to come. I have come to the conclusion that the experience was a bit like butchering your own cow instead of buying neatly package hamburger at the grocery store. The result is a lot fresher, a lot more natural, but hurts a little more.

Poor little Christmas tree. How tall might you have grown? I have taken to apologizing to our tree each morning when I come down stairs and fill its stand with water.

Linus Christmas Quote

2008-12-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

Linus Quote: We had just retrieved our christmas tree from the woods

kids were loaded in the car and Owen started to cry.

"Don't cry Owen. You miss you friends? They're bringing our Christmas tree."

Future Spelling Bee Champion of the World!

2008-12-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

So, our son is a child genius, or something really close. Today we were reading a book and he was pretending to write some letters and saying them out loud when I suddenly noticed that he wasn't choosing random letters but he was actually spelling his name! When I asked him what the letters were he said "Linus" and he has spelled his name several times for me throughout the day, when no one else was around...of course when I actually tired to get him to repeat his skill so I could show off, we only got as far as "L" but that is merely details.
I am sure he gets his skills from me (did I mention that I am about to spell check this post..
wow, only four mispelled words in this one paragraph :)

Owen and Leia

2008-12-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

So, we have decided to torture these two early. I never had cousins that were close to my age growing up. We had cousins who were much older who of course we thought were the coolest, and cousins who were much younger who we adored, but I always longed for some one my own age. That is why I was really excited when Owen and Leia were born only seven months apart. I hope they will be great friends. I look forward to torturing them with similar photos throughout their childhood and beyond.

Much to be Thankful for

2008-12-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

A Glimpse of the Future

2008-11-29T14:54:00.000-08:00

This weekend we had Andy's family here for Thanksgiving...which meant that Linus had his cousins (Grace 6, Abby 4, and Leia 8 weeks). Linus couldn't have been more excited as he awaited their arrival daily. Every time the door bell rang he would shriek, "Its Grace and Abby!!!" When the knock final came, our boy ran off with his two cousins and wasn't seen or heard from for two days. Sure we got an occasional one word answer or coerced hug, but it was very clear that our day had passed. We were not solicited to play trains, or to color, to watch him do a dance. No, Grace's was the only opinion that mattered any longer. This is when it came to me, we were experiencing a very small dose of what we will experience when Linus goes to school, and (heaven forbid) becomes a teenager.

Our Big Fat White Trash Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

This year Andy decided to deep fry our turkey, and it turned out pretty well.

Just Another Monday

2008-11-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

6:45 am: Woke up worried that my sick baby didn't wake me in the night...maybe I miss dosed his his cold medicine and depressed his breathing...
--No worries baby and boy up up sniffling and coughing
7:05 chop bananas, wash grapes, slop yougurt on to tray, heat up baby food, make bottle feed boys.
7:30 Clean up after breakfast, try to pick up house a little
8:15 Change diaper, realize Linus is still wearing pull up-yuck. Try to get the boys dressed, decide its too much trouble.
9:00 Put Owen down for a nap. Play with Linus, take a shower, check my e-mail, and various other form of electronic spying.
10:30 Owen awake. Decide dog looks scruffy, start shaving her on a whim...decide she needs a bath too.
11:00 Get boys dressed.
11:45 Make boys lunch: heat baby food, make bottle, cut apples, wash grapes, cut up banana, put peanut butter on crackers, shred cheese and call it good.
12:15 Sit Linus on toilet for daily poop reading...success after 3 books. Give Lollipop reward
12:30 Change poopy diaper, clean brown lolipop gunk off couch.
12:40 Let boys play for a while, play a little Thomas with Linus
1:30 Put boys down for naps
2:00 Finish shaving Lucy and give her a bath.
2:45 Soaking wet, but have a clean dog...throw on a pair of sweats and leave on hairy t-shirt...realize you've become a frumpy sweat mom.
3:23 Hear Owen crying and leave blog post unfinished and un-spell checked to start the business of Monday yet again...

Our Family

2008-11-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

On Monday one of our friends volunteered to take some pictures of our family... so here they are. We think they turned out pretty well.

These Two Brothers

2008-11-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Portland Trip: Our Accomodations

2008-11-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

Things I Never Thought I Would Hear Myself Say...

2008-11-13T23:10:00.000-08:00

The other day it occurred to me that I get to say and hear a cacophony a hilarious things during my life as a mother. I often try to make a mental note of these little exchanges but in the business of changing diapers and cutting things into toddle bite sizes they are often forgotten. So I thought I would make a list of funny sayings here on my blog...so here goes:

No Linus! We don't use tweezers to eat yogurt (11.13.08 said by me)

Cousins: old and new

2008-11-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

This was the best picture I was able to get of all the cousins...Grace, Owen, Linus, Abby, and Leia

Mall Tourists

2008-11-11T19:01:00.000-08:00

An Apple a Day...

2008-11-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

Ready to Ride

2008-11-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

We went to Portland last week to visit Linus's new cousin Leah... and as usual Linus and Lucy were ready to go. Of course Lucy had to stay home, and Linus had to forfeit his trunk seating for something a little more legal.

Voting Is Serious Business

2008-11-04T14:49:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin Party

2008-10-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Every year our church puts on a "Pumpkin Party." Its a great outreach to the community because without exception the weather seems to get really chilly right in time for Halloween. Last year when we took Linus he didn't have the slightest idea what candy was. When the people would offer it to him he would take it graciously and then try to throw it throw hoops, rings, or whatever looked appropriate. This year was a different story...unfortunately he some how decided that lollipops are the worlds greatest candy so instead of a bag full of chocolate for his parents to raid we have only a plethora of dumb dumbs and an occasional tootsie pop.

Grandpa Bob and Grandma Cece came to take the boys to the party since I had to work and Andy was busy organizing volunteers at the Pumpkin Party.

Our Little Monkey and Banana Brother

Colors of Fall

2008-10-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

Costume Dodge Ball

2008-10-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm...

2008-10-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

I don't think that is your father? Whenever we go shopping Linus inevitably runs up to manikins (heads optional) and tries to hold their hands. Andy caught it on his phone this time.

Linus and the Great Pumpkin

2008-10-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

We we to the pumpkin patch on Monday...and we were a little disapointed. To start off we arrived about an hour before it actually opened. After killing time for an our in a town full of batteries we drove back out to the pumpkin patch to find our camera was dead, then to add insult to injury it seemed that every pumpkin in the field were pumpkins spread as far as one could see were rotten rotten rotten. Yuck! We made the best of it and enjoyed one of the last warm fall days!

Andy's Super Pseudo Sophisticated Surprise Party

2008-10-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Andy turned 30 and in honor of his passage from young to "middle aged" we surprise with with a pretentious party that poked fun at being old and snobby.

Andy's Birthday backpack being modeled by the lovely Ryan.

Our most festive couples...

2008-10-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Linus Quote of the Day:

"I want more booties!"

Andy and I: "I'm sorry we don't eat booty for breakfast..."

Linus: "Pleeeaaase, I need more booties..." Which quickly turned into whining and pleading for booty. If we hadn't been laughing so hard we probably would have put him on the naughty spot.

Uncertain Beginnings

2008-10-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided to blog...inspired by the crafty projects, snappy layouts, and adorable pictures of all my friends who seem to have their lives in such a manageable position as to allow them to sit down in front of their computer for fifteen minutes. However, the thing that pushed me from bloyer, to conceptual to the concrete was that I recently read a book full of the diaries and letters of emmigrant women on the trail to Oregon and California. They were so telling of life at that time, and many in just a few brief lines painted a vivid picture of their lives and struggles. Suddenly it occurred to me that if a pregnant mother of seven traveling in a covered wagon in the desert can manage to write a few lines every few days, I should find time in my life to do the same (though my life is certainly less interesting)
I have selected my name with care (or at least I spent way too long looking for a title that some how described my life and wasn't taken), picked out a generic background, and reset my password at least four times because so much time has elapsed between when I meant to start blogging to the present inaugural post. I have been cataloging interesting things in my brain for so long that I hardly know where to begin...so this is it.

Aquarium of the Pacific

2008-10-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

Fish My Wish

2008-10-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

What In All of God's Green Earth?

2008-05-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

Road Trip Day One: We pulled off the road to grab some much needed food and searched for a park in which to consume it...We spotted a park, parked the car and got out all before spotting the "jolly green giant" standing in its center. Apparently we had unknowingly stumbled into Blue Mountain, Minnesota the home of the Green Giant Cannery.

According to Wickipedia:

In 1978, the town of Blue Earth, Minnesota paid $43,000 to erect a 55-foot (16.8 m) fiberglass statue of the Jolly Green Giant to commemorate the linking of the east and west sections of Interstate 90. It was permanently erected on July 6, 1979, at 43°39′02″N 94°5′46″W / 43.65056°N 94.09611°W / 43.65056; -94.09611 (Jolly Green Giant statue (Blue Earth, Minnesota)). The statue attracts over 10,000 visitors a year.

The 55 foot statue of the Green Giant in Blue Earth was the idea of Paul Hedberg who owned local radio station KBEW. During the summer Hedberg interviewed travelers going through Blue Earth on U.S. Highway 16 for his popular radio program called "Welcome Travelers". At the end of each traveler interview Hedberg presented guests a sample of Green Giant corn and peas which had been canned in the local Blue Earth Green Giant plant. A common theme arising in interviews was a desire to "see the Green Giant".

In 1977 Hedberg contacted Thomas H. Wyman, President of Green Giant, to see if the company would allow a statue of their corporate symbol to be erected along the new Interstate 90 in Blue Earth. Wyman granted permission under the condition that funds for the project were raised locally. Hedberg approached ten local businessmen with the idea and asked for $5,000 each; within a week the $50,000 had been donated.

The Green Giant Company worked with the statue builder, Creative Displays of Sparta, Wisconsin, to ensure accuracy in the depiction. One concern was that the Giant had never been shown from behind on television.

The Green Giant statue arrived in Blue Earth via flat bed truck on September 21, 1978 and was actually erected on the 23rd. The Giant was hoisted in a sling by a 65 foot crane in the north roadside rest area along I-90, where he overlooked the official opening of I-90 at a point where east met west, marking I-90's completion and representing a 3,028 mile nonstop route from Boston to Seattle.

The statue was placed in its present, permanent location on July 6, 1979, a mile south of I-90 on U.S. Highway 169. It is estimated that 10,000 people a year visit the statue. The pedestal is accessible by steps, and the statue is maintained by the city, which cleans the giant at least once a year and adorns it with a red scarf around his neck during the Christmas Season.

How's that for useless trivia?