The Joys Of Boys

Miranda Dawn has arrived.

2009-09-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

Miranda Dawn arrived at 7:20 AM Monday August 31, 2009 weighing 7 lb 2.6 oz and measuring 20 inches. She has dark hair, none of our others had any hair and as theirs came in it was very light. Daddy was still in North Dakota and he should be home in the next week to greet the newest and last child. Grandma is here helping with the boys while mama recovers from the C-section. Big brother, Tyson, turned 20 just 3 days later and on the 12th, big brother Marcus will be 11.
Click on her name above to see her hospital photo and announcement.

My rant--Watch what you say to a pregnant woman.

2009-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

I am the mother of three beautiful sons ages 19, 11 and 8. They are each, in their own way, very special and each completely different. Now, I grew up with no sisters. I also grew up with a father who made it no secret that he really didn't care to have children. He showed some interest in my brother's sports as he thought that was something he was obliged to do but never showed any interest in me. Growing up, I tried to get along with girls but I found them un-trustworthy, backstabbing and just plain mean. I had no interest in playing their games then or now. I was no tomboy but I preferred friendship with boys. Boys are loyal friends and I 'understood' them. My favorite babysitting jobs were usually two or more boy households.

I understand my sons. They are courteous thoughtful, funny, loving and well mannered not the wild little hellions that many portray boys to be. Of course, having a nineteen year old, I've been through the rebellious years and the years of wanting to send him to military school (he's now, ironically, in the USAF). I adore my boys.

I ran a daycare for years so I could be home with my sons. I was never so happy as when my daycare was a testosterone jungle, no females aloud. I'd learned after having a few girls in the daycare that girls were mean and vicious to each other in a way boys were not. The boys might fight but ten minutes later they were buddies again. When I'd tell them what they needed to do, the girls would question my motives, the boys would just go wash their hands or turn off the TV or whatever I had requested. I used to say "God knew what he was doing when he gave me all boys."

"So, are you going to try for a girl?" What is it with people? Is it assumed that every family in the world MUST have at least one child of each sex? That we feel 'incomplete' if we don't have blue AND pink in the house? When I was pregnant with my sweet son number three the statement of choice was "Oh, maybe you'll get your girl this time." Oh I bit my tongue, not easy to do when you are pregnant but I was as nice as I could be. "Actually, I hope it's another boy." You would have thought I'd just told them I wanted it to be a puppy. News alert, not all of us want a girl and not all of us feel a need to have one. When you tell them you have three boys you get comments like, 'Oh sweetheart you must be worn out.' or 'My, you are busy, I feel for you," My answer is "Why? I'd rather have three boys than three girls." I'd rather have six boys then even one girl. I have friends with girls and while I'll admit the clothes and hair are fun, I can do that and return them to their parents. Better them than me. I'd see baby girls and gush about their hair or dress but I see baby boys and I just fall in love. I don't think this makes me a bad person. I have my preference and it's possibly rooted in events of my childhood but just as some people prefer living in the city to living in the country or dramas to comedies. I prefer boys. It's not a feminist's nightmare type thing I just get along with them and understand them.
A few months ago I ran into a girl I knew at the checkout at the grocery store. She had five boys and was pregnant. I heard the checkout lady say 'Oh, maybe you'll get your girl.' Well, I saw her a few days ago and she is now the lucky mother of six boys. I asked her "So, did we have a boy or girl?" and she said "boy". My answer, 'you are so lucky, boys are the best.' I have a feeling she hadn't heard that one yet. She agreed. Maybe I was the first one she'd run into with the same mindset she had. She gushed about having all boys and lamented the comments from others about 'getting her girl'. I laughed as I told her I'd been in the store when the cashier had made that comment and how I just wanted to launch myself on her.
Well, 3 months ago, 2 weeks after my 40th birthday and almost exactly a year after my eldest son graduated, I was told that I would be having a baby in 4 months, quite a shock after a vasectomy and a diagnosis of pre-menopause. I was devastated. I had my family and was slowly getting my freedom back and moving on with my life. Our three bedroom house finally allowed everyone to have their own room with the oldest boy gone. We'd eradicated the need for daycare now and the boys were close enough in age that they played ball on the same team and did the same activities unlike when I was toting tots to Jr High basketball games. Daddy's job takes him on the road six months of the year and the boys and I were planning to start going with him. We had a trip planned to go home to Washington this summer and it would be so much easier then previous summers as I remembered toting a 3 month old and and almost three year old on two planes to get home. I was even returning to school. I don't mean to say my life is perfect but I was happy with where I was. Three beautiful sons at a stage that allowed me a little breathing room. I'd started over once when the oldest was 9 and I wasn't happy about doing it again. This child would graduate when hubby dear was 60 and for me, it meant 38 years of active childrearing in all. Of course this setback would mean a lot more of a change for me then him. We'd even been told upon the birth of son number three that it was not a good idea for me to have another child so there was that consideration also. I thought I was as devastated as I could be. Then, four days later they did an ultrasound. Now, I could handle a bit of upheaval in my life, even a little inconvenience but as long as it was another boy the balance in my family, the dynamic, would not change so much. When they told me it was a girl I broke down. Cried like you'd told me one of my kids was dying. My life, as I knew and loved it had just come crashing down. I begged my husband to consider adoption. I just didn't want to give up another portion of my life. I liked where we were but he said he couldn't live with a decision like that. Every day I go out in public people make it worse. "Oh, maybe you'll get your girl." People ought to really think before they speak. Most of the time I ignore them. Sometimes I tell them I really just wanted another boy so my life would stay the status quo and on a few hard days with people I really didn't care for I've made comments like 'why don't you just wish cancer on me while you are at it.' Sorry but pregnancy hormones, antepartum depression and an unexpected pregnancy with only 15 weeks to prepare will do that to you. Seems I have another little known disorder known as gender disappointment to add to this list of ills. I really have enough to deal with without someone around every corner reminding me that I AM having a girl and that for some strange reason I am supposed to WANT a little girl because my boys just aren't good enough. I'm somehow incomplete without a girl.
I am doing all I can to deal with this blow. An unexpected pregnancy at 40 after a vasectomy and pre-menopause. A feeling that my one step forward is now three steps back. The monetary burden. The coming change in dynamics of my family through, really, no fault of my own and the fact that every day I am reminded that I am a horrible person for feeling this way. I've entered therapy to deal with this because the closer the day comes, 20 days left, I find that telling myself I'll feel different once the baby is here seems like lying to myself.
I am doing what I can as my husband is on the road 1000 miles away and my family is 2000 miles away. I'm overwhelmed and stressed and unhappy and, of course, I feel bad as I know there are thousands of women out there that WANT children and I get them by accident and am not grateful. I get it, in most people's eyes that makes me a bad person.
But none of this is helped by people who think their opinion of the perfect family is somehow something they need to saddle me with. You deal with your issues, I have plenty of my own and I am trying. Right now when you 'wish me well' with your misplaced hopes that I get a girl I just want to cause you physical harm just as you are causing me emotional harm.

My husband is 41 today

2008-11-14T19:00:00.001-08:00

Last year for his 40th I had a funeral for him. No kidding, a funeral, complete with black roses and a coffin full of ice and beer. Just like he would want when the time comes. He's a simple man what can I say. Anyway, he's in Texas and this is the first birthday since 1994 that I haven't been there for his birthday. He will be home Sunday so we are just postponing things a little. I texted everyone I could think of and told them to text him and call him today. He called me a turkey for that. Oh well, i try. Anyway, happy birthday Marty!!

Airman Simonson

2008-11-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well, tech school is history. Tyson graduated November 4th. It wasn't without it's incidents. We spent the night before in the ER with him. He had strep, an upper respiratory infection and inflammation in his larynx. He got two shots in (as Forrest would put it) the butt----ocks. We were in the waiting room and I got this text ' two shots in the but,,,owwweeeeeee.' so much for the tough airman! However, he was miserable and could barely walk when we exited the ER at midnight but the next morning he felt 10X better and took his test, passed and attended graduation. Whew!! Thank God for Rhocephin!!

He and the boys (and mom) climbed all over those F-15s after graduation. We didn't get a lot of time with him but I think we helped with the homesickness that was again setting in. The very next morning he was off to Panama City Florida and we were on our way back to Kansas.

By Saturday Tyson was playing on the white sand beaches in the warm water in November and we were back here. Bummer!

It's amazing. Back in May the boys would have told you that Tyson was a pest who never finished his chores and now, because of the uniform and the planes, he's cool. Imagine that!!

Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX

2008-07-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Airman Simonson on your graduation from Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX. We are all very proud of you.

Tyson graduated from Basic Training this last weekend and the little ones and I drove the 12 hours to San Antonio on Wednesday to join him on Thursday for the first of many ceremonies, the last of which was the graduation parade on Friday. Tyson was up for honor grad and received his marksman ribbon. He is thrilled that he received the job he coveted so much. He will go to training in Wichita Falls, TX for crew chief on F-15 fighters. In two years the F-15 will be phased out and he will do some additional training to become a crew chief on the F-22 Raptor. He is so thrilled. When he leaves Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls he will do some training in Florida at Tindall AFB before being sent to his first assignment. One benefit of being a crew chief is getting your name on the plane just like the pilot AND with this training and a bachelor's degree he is eligible to become a pilot. Tyson seemed to really enjoy his new life and the confidence he has acquired is very noticeable. We love to see him that way.
San Antonio has a lot to offer in regards to entertainment but the road configurations and traffic signs leave a lot to be desired. By the time you see where you want to go, the exit is behind you. There are access roads everywhere and they are a pain. I've never seen such an idiotic set-up in my life. Anyway. The first night Tyson was allowed off base we went to the San Antonio River Walk and the Alamo, followed by a WNBA game at AT&T center. On Saturday we went to Sea World. Sunday we attended church service on base and had lunch with Tyson before, yet another, 12 hour drive home. We arrived home around 2 AM today. The USPS called at 7 AM and asked me to work for Dee since she had broken her wrist so I've had little rest. I will be working for the next 1-2 weeks. I'm tired.

The Summer So Far

2008-07-07T14:42:00.001-07:00

TYSON GRADUATED!!!!!!!Tyson graduated from high school on May 17. It was a rough road though. That morning he and Brandon were in a car accident. Everyone is OK though. On the left you will see a large picture of Tyson, his grandma Fern and his two little brothers. The two smaller pictures are of Tyson and me and Tyson and Marty.

Tyson left on Memorial Day for USAF Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX and is graduating this weekend (The 10th-13th of July).
Speaking of July, this is the first July 4th daddy has been able to spend with us. He and the crew left on the 5th. As you can see from my prior post, on the 6th they were run from the field by one of those, all to common, tornadoes.

Marcus is finishing up his baseball season. We had a tournament in Hays last weekend but he will miss State while we are watching Tyson graduate.

I'm still visiting the chiropractor regularly after the accident of June 6, by the way, I am SOOOO glad June is over. It wasn't a good month. The repairs on my car were NOT done well and I am having to deal with the insurance to get things back in order before the trip Wednesday. The mechanical problems should be worked out tomorrow. The body problems will have to wait but I am VERY unhappy. I think I will be relieved to get out of here and on the road to San Antonio. I'm sorry for the delay in putting out all of this information but with cooking three meals a day for the crew, graduation, the accident and numerous baseball double headers and tournaments I feel like I just woke up from a daze. I'll have tons of pictures to share when I return from San Antonio. Wish us luck.

Tornado in Stratton, CO and the crew heads for shelter.

2008-07-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

The harvest crew is in Stratton, CO. Last night they evacuated the fields and headed for the tornado shelter in Stratton. The crew member taking the video is from Michigan and a little clueless but here are the videos.
Tornado in CO

Us runnning from tornado

Kansas City

2008-05-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2008 We took off for Kansas City, Friday Night we attended the ARCA race. The look on Marcus' face when he first saw Kansas Speedway was indescribable and the look on his face when we entered the Speedway was priceless. On Saturday night we attended the Craftsman Truck race, Ron Hornaday won. On Sunday Marty and Bob went to the IRL race (most likely to watch Danica Patrick).

On Saturday we dined at Rain Forest Cafe for Kristopher's Birthday. Our baby is 7. We all had a wonderful time. The food was good and the atmosphere was phenomenal. Kristopher topped off his birthday festivities by buying himself an Australian dumpy frog. He's ecstatic.

Kristopher and I went to Worlds of fun while the others went to the track again. That kid can ride rides. He rode some darned scary rides and held his own. We had a great time.

Senior

2008-05-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Tyson's Senior pictures are in. He graduates in 16 days. He takes off for USAF bootcamp on the 27th. Things are busy here. Grandma will fly in the 12th. Baseball season is in full swing. Graduation announcements are going out. The yard and house are getting some last minute love and care. It's busy.

Marty and I will celebrate our 12th Anniversary Saturday and Marcus has a double header that day. Monday Marty is back on harvest until October. John Deere is not wanting him to go so he is staying until the end of the week. He will return to John Deere in December.

We just returned from KC. We celebrated Kristopher's 7th Birthday at Rainforest Cafe, went to the Craftsman Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway and Kristopher and I spent an evening at Worlds of Fun. We had a ball. You can see the pictures on my myspace page. I'll try to add some to tomorrow's blog.

This is just a quick blog to catch you up. Hopefully tomorrow morning i will be able to add more. Off to baseball practice.

Sorry, Busy Busy Busy

2008-04-07T19:16:00.001-07:00

It's April, the start of a very busy time for us. Easter was a little early this year and COLD! Heavy winter coats to hunt Easter eggs. In a week we will have my birthday. We have Kristopher's birthday 13 days later (that would be the little monkey in the tree there in that picture). He will be 7-years-old. We are heading to Kansas Speedway the weekend of Kristopher's birthday. We will all attend the race on Friday night. On Saturday we will have a birthday party at the Rainforest Cafe for our little frog lover. After the party Marty and Marcus will join Bob for the Craftsman Truck Series Race and Kristopher and I have a date at Worlds of Fun. We don't get many get-aways with Marty's traveling schedule but this ought to be fun. Marty and I will celebrate 12 year of marriage May 3rd.

May 17th grandma Fern will be here for Tyson's graduation from High School. You see that baby above? He's Airman Tyson Simonson of the USAF and will graduate next month from High School. Nine days later Tyson will leave Wichita headed to Kansas City and on the 27th Tyson will board a plane for San Antonio and start USAF boot camp. That means the little ones and I will get another trip this year. We will be traveling to San Antonio July 11th for Boot Camp graduation followed by a trip to Sea World San Antonio. I am very disappointed that they do not have the interactive dolphin experience but I am considering the beluga whales as a concession. There is a chance to feed and pet dolphins that I plan to look into. Someday, though, I will get to swim with the dolphins. Maybe that should be my reward when i get my masters. It's a thought. At the end of this month Marty will return to the harvesting so this time of year is a whirlwind.

Right now the family is gathered around the big screen watching the Jayhawks in the championship game. We're ahead. I will post plenty of pictures this next month I am sure. Be watching for them. Our Senior pictures should be available soon.

This year is moving fast. Baseball try-outs??

2008-03-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Marcus has had baseball try-outs the past two weekends. Last year he was on the traveling Purple Panthers team for eight and under known as the Paws. This year Marcus is on the traveling Purple Panthers team know as the Cubs for 10 and under. He's pumped. He's already asking when the uniforms will be here.

We just had our last basketball game last weekend so it seems it's going fast this year.

There are times I sometimes think that the summer is more hectic than the school year.

Ty's graduation is May 17. He leaves for basic training (USAF) in June so a trip to San Antonio will most likely be in order in July. I believe the boys and I will make a vacation out of it. Harvest is even sneaking up on us. Marty will be starting preparations at the end of April and meanwhile two birthdays in April, Easter in March and our Anniversary in May. Whew get tired just thinking about it.

Boys Will Be Boys

2008-02-19T15:22:00.001-08:00

Even the big boys like a new toy gun. Uncle Louie (my friend Lewis) was here this weekend bearing gifts. Give Kritter an M60 and watch daddy have a good time. Of course, this happens with a lot of toys. I just happened to catch this one on film (digital actually). The 'boys' were entertained for hours.
This weekend had all sorts of activity. Marcus' basketball game. The septic system lost a motor and we were without overnight. Two sleepovers and mom decided that was that. Tracy and I went to date night (two tickets, two med. sodas and a med. popcorn for $12) at the theater and saw 27 Dresses. It was actually quite good in spite of it's chick flick status at our house. After a weekend like we had, mom needed it.

Kristopher and Saber's Sleepover

2008-02-17T08:18:00.001-08:00

Kristopher and Saber had a sleepover last night. Seems Marcus had a birthday party sleepover with his friends at Brandon Bartz' Friday night and Kristopher was not to be outdone so Saber came last night and they've had a great time together. I have to point out, though, that their taste in pajamas is uncannily alike, don't you think? Looks like Kristopher slept on his hand last night. The stamp on his hand is now on his cheek also. It was an interesting night though. The septic pump died last night and we are waiting for the repairman to show up so we can get back to life as normal. Luckily, in a house full of boys, going potty outside is thought of as fun. I can't say I'm as enthusiastic.

Recreation Basketball 2008

2008-02-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

We've been having basketball instruction and practices since the beginning of the year under the Larned Recreation Commission. We are now divided into teams and playing games on Saturday mornings during the month of February. We won our first game but lost today's game. The teams are made up of 2 4th graders and 4 3rd graders. It's amazing to me the improvement just in one year. Marcus is on a team with his friends Brandon Bartz, Kolby Keith and Steven Tran. What does it say when the only player shorter than your son is the Viatnamese boy? I'll tell you, though, that Steven makes up for his height in pure heart and effort. Marcus (#6) is loving basketball this year.

Boys And Their Toys

2008-01-27T18:12:00.001-08:00

Daddy and the boys and Roy and Layton took the ATVs down to the sand pit and tore it up. They had so much fun. I wonder when they will stop talking about it. Really, I wonder when it will end. I'm glad they had a good time though. It's the first time we've loaded up the ATVs and taken them anywhere. I just hope that they don't start begging to do it all the time.
I have an interview at St. Francis Wednesday. I'm not really nervous though. More curious than anything. I also have a week of orientation in Wichita and then about three days in Topeka at the beginning of next month. I've never been away from daddy and the boys like that. It could be interesting how I do and how the family does.
Thursday Tyson has his first meeting as a delayed entry airman in the USAF. They have to meet down in Wichita for the day and bring a friend. I believe he is taking Brandon. We still have a lot to do for his HS graduation and it seems to be sneaking up on us. I'm ready for him to be done but not sure I'm ready for all the hassle.

FINALLY

2008-01-25T22:37:00.000-08:00

Tracy and I got phone calls at 5:30 tonight offering us 8:00 tickets to Jeff Dunham in Hutchinson, KS at the Fox Theater (80 miles away). We took the tickets and the boys and went. IT was awesome. Achmed performed Jingle Bombs and everything! He even did an encore with Bubba J. We had a ball. The only bad thing was that Jeff doesn't sign autographs or do meet and greets, bummer. Anyway, if you have a chance, go see Jeff Dunham. WE had a blast!! I'll try to add some pics later of the boys at the theater. We weren't allowed cameras inside but I did get some camera phone pics of the stage and the puppets afterward. Thanks for a great night Jeff. We still have tickets to his performance in Fort Collins at the Lincoln Center in March if we decide we need a second dose of Jeff and the gang. I highly recommend this wonderful act to you all and it looks like he's gonna win the favorite comedian on Comedy Central. GO Jeff!!

It is Done

2008-01-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

The laundry room is clean. What a relief. I hate cleaning that room. It has become a dumping ground in our house and cleaning it is a long arduous task. The problem is, it seems, when that room is in chaos so is every other room. It's like a hub. If it's in shambles then the rest of the house will easily fall apart. Fortunately it's done and now I can move one to my computer desk. The other dumping ground. They walk in the house and they dump everything on my desk. My next big job is to find a way to stop them once I get it clean again. So, the garage is done, as is the house. Unfortunately, my family will not let it stay so for long and I will be doing this all over in a week. I believe they say the definition of insanity is doing things the same way over and over and expecting a different outcome. So, what i have to decide is how to get the rest of the family to do things differently so that mom doesn't have to spend another day in the laundry room slaving away. I can dream, can't I? Meanwhile, insanity it is.

Life: Hectic and Precious

2008-01-24T04:40:00.002-08:00

Well, my spring cleaning (in January, I KNOW) is just about complete. The laundry room is all I really have left but that room is storage and laundry and pantry etc. so, as you can imagine, it's a major job. I'm not looking forward to it but I am looking forward to being able to say 'I'm done'. I always feel better when that room is in order even though no one else ever sees it. I think it is because when that room is clean, being it is also where all the storage shelves are, then everything has a place again. This room tends to become a catch all if I don't stay on top of the troops.

My sister in law called last night. For some time we've known our 25 year old niece, Cassie, has MS. Up until lately she's lived fairly normally. She has 3 daughters and a fiancee.
Cassie went into the doctor's office yesterday because she was going downhill. She now has aggressive MS. She has more than 100 lesions on her brain and liver/kidney damage. They are performing tests on her liver and kidneys today. I can't tell you how much I wish we were in Washington to help out. She has her mom and two aunts but I just wish we were there. Update 2/13/2008, things aren't looking good, Cassie is using a walker.

Think Again

2008-01-23T04:46:00.000-08:00

Well, the boys are off to school. They seem to be adjusting to the fact that our trip to see Jeff Dunham is postponed until March. I'm re-adjusting to the fact that we aren't going to be in Colorado. The road trip was much needed and now it is postponed until March. There's plenty to do here, as always, though.
It has been bitterly cold here but I am hoping to get back to doing some walking outside instead of being cooped up here with the elliptical. Sometimes you just need to mix it up or risk getting bored and quiting. It would help if the scenery here in Kansas was a little more pleasant though. It's brown, it's cold and it's flat. In spite of that fact, I'm hoping the mercury will rise just a little so I can enjoy a brisk outdoor walk.

I have a lot of paperwork to do to return to college and I'm throwing around different options for earning some extra money while I attend school. The eBay store idea keeps coming up. There was an eBay drop-off store in town but I've been told the person running it decided it was too much. The fact that he had too much business makes me more optimistic that this might be a good way to make extra money while attending classes. There is a lot to consider before just jumping in though. Also, convincing the hubby that this is feasible will be of utmost importance.

I think Marty was glad to see us come home last night even though he felt sorry for the boys. He seemed truly relieved to have us home. He said it was too quiet. The boys had so looked forward to the performance. Marcus was just crushed. He's adjusting to the fact that we will still be going only later. We may have to do something special this weekend. He has movie money and that might be a good distraction. The Sunday Matinee would be a good idea since Saturday he has basketball practice.

The tooth fairy visited Kristopher last night and the boys switched back into school mode with just a little push. Barring anymore unforeseen incidents, life in the Nolde household looks like business as usual.

UPDATE

2008-01-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

The Jeff Dunham performance in Ft. Collins has been rescheduled for the week of the 22nd of March. We have been informed the performance will be on a Friday meaning the kids will actually get to go see the clydesdales at Budweiser like we originally had hoped. This was not going to happen due to Budweiser being closed Monday through Wednesday so there is some silver lining. Now we just have to pray for good weather. We are all very disappointed about the cancellation of our trip though. Luckily, we had only made it 60 miles out of town when we were informed that Jeff was ill with laryngitis. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope things go better in March. Meanwhile, I have a few very disappointed boys.

The tragic loss of Heath Ledger was announced this afternoon just before we left on our ill fated trip. I enjoyed his work very much. Most notably I loved A Knight's Tale and 10 Things I Hate About You. I think we have lost a rare talent. I am mostly saddened for his little girl Matilda. It is very sad that she will not have her daddy around as she grows up.

Oh What Fun It Is To Ride

2008-01-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

Two little boys get the Christmas present they've been dreaming of. Marcus & Kristopher got four wheelers for Christmas and they have been a huge hit. It is so much fun watching them out on those things. Kristopher is a bit of a speed demon and will make that turn a little too sharp at times. They love when mom goes with them because they get to go on the road and not just in the field. Marcus' is blue and silver and Kristopher's is black and silver. They are really fun, believe me, mom rides them too. They use very premium fuel so it can get to be an expensive hobby but the boys are just having the time of their lives.
There has been snow on the ground since Christmas and they haven't had a chance to ride them without the mud and slush. We're really excited for summer. The boys should have so much fun. They scare mommy at times when they get a little daring and that is with the governor on. Can you imagine if there were not governors on these? Anyway, of all the Christmas presents they've ever received these were worth every penny.

In other news, Kristopher is toothless. First graders, as we all know, are notorious for having big gaping holes in their smiles. Kristopher may have to return to eating pureed bananas. Poor thing looks like a redneck. That's a little blood on his cheek from him extracting the newest loose tooth. How about those eyes?

Well It's Tuesday and we're off to the Lincoln Center in Ft. Collins Colorado to see Jeff Dunham. Me, Tracy and my two youngest are so excited to get on the road and go see Jeff. If you've never seen Jeff you have to check him out on comedy central or youtube or at jeffdunham.com. It's a road trip, something we don't get to do often. We're not allowed to take cameras in so I don't know how many pictures I'll get but I'll get some of the boys on the trip. We are a little disappointed that the Budweiser brewery is closed Monday through Wednesday. We would have liked to have taken the boys to see the Clydesdales. It's around 500 miles each way so wish us luck. We leave this afternoon and will return tomorrow night after the matinee.

The Noldes

2008-01-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

The joys of raising three boys, who can explain it? It's exciting, mystifying and, yes, sometimes exhausting but one thing we always find, albeit sometimes days later, is great joy. I find them to be wonderful beings with a unique grasp of life. I learn as much from them as they do from me, I HOPE.

Somewhere along the line my blog was lost and I'm having to start over. It's depressing but it's manageable. Let me introduce the Noldes.
We have Marty, my husband of almost 12 years. He turned 40 this year. He grew up in Kansas where we now live (if you call living in Kansas 'living'). He is part owner of a custom harvesting company with his father. He grew up one of seven. That's a lot to me being one of two. His father also has 3 others. Marty and I met in Washington and moved here when we decided to marry. Marty is just a little older than me but the fact that he is prematurely grey (actually, he's now white) makes everyone think the difference in our ages is much more vast. Marty grew up here in Larned.
Kristopher, aka Kritter, is our six year old son. He's the baby. Look at those blue eyes. He is ALL boy. He has been dubbed the 'frogadile hunter' by friends and family alike. He loves bugs and frogs and all things slimy, creepy ad crawly. He's hard headed and loving. He's self assured and happy. He's everything many of us strive to be. He may be the youngest but he's no baby. We were told a few weeks ago he needs his tonsils and adenoids out. The Dr. would like to wait until summer so he doesn't miss school but he's missed just as much school with the problems caused by the tonsils. He says he's ready and I have a tendency to agree with him. He amazes me on a regular basis with his stories and 'kritterisms'. He is so much fun. He finds school fairly effortless and is earning straight A's.
Then there is Marcus. Marcus is nine and a third grader. He is an avid NASCAR and football fan. He loves to play baseball, basketball and football. This year he was on the Purple Panthers team (the traveling city team) in baseball. He really grew this summer in his skills. Marcus and his little brother have been involved in AWANAS for years. Marcus is almost always a straight A student. He stutters but deals with it in a very mature manner. Marcus has worn glasses since he was 3 years of age. He is legally blind in his left eye and in spite of that he has excelled in everything he's set his mind to. Marcus is a sensitive, sweet and loving soul but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a stubborn streak. It just means when it shows itself it's a little shocking. Although born in Kansas, Marcus has dubbed himself a Washingtonian. He loves everything about Washington and would love to convince dad to move there. GO MARCUS!! I'm right behind him. Marcus and Kristopher's newest hobby is 4 wheeling on their new 4-wheelers they acquired for Christmas.

Tyson is 18 and recently entered the delayed entry program for the United States Air Force. Tyson is my only child from my first marriage. He spends summers with his father in Washington but this summer he went on harvest with Marty. Tyson is a senior at Larned High School. He plays electric guitar, has played basketball in past years and has been very active in choir. Last year he worked at the grocery store after school. Since returning from harvest and a trip to Washington he's been job hunting.

Then there is me, Dawn. I'm a native Washingtonian. I grew up in a logging town just outside of Mt. Rainier National Park. I have one brother, Doug. I am the oldest. My parents divorced when I was 29 and VERY pregnant with baby number 2. I am married to a native Kansan. Marty is a custom harvester and is gone almost half of the year. I've given birth to 3 sons in three decades, 2 centuries and 2 millennia. That would be Tyson in 1989, Marcus in 1998 and Kristopher in 2001. My college studies were in nursing. I am actually hoping to go back this year and get my masters at Kansas Wesleyan University. I want my nurse practitioner's license. I really dislike Kansas and I want to go home but at the present time it's not happening. I attend Grace Community Church, an evangelical free church 25 miles from home. It's the church I spent 5 years trying to find. The 25 miles is a small price to pay for a good church. I live in a testosterone rich environment but most of the time I thrive in that mix. I am mom 12 months out of the year and both mom and dad 6. I've battled depression most of my life and even at my low points I still think I've got the upper hand. This blog is just another tool to aid me in getting the upper hand as well as a way of sharing my family with friends and family that are so far away. I hope you enjoy reading about these antics as much as I've enjoyed telling about them.