So, I married a Jock...

Kent's X-mas wish list included having all his medals, memorabilia, and general "stuff" from his mother's basement. Since Kent made this request the boxes have been literally POURING into our home and since then I have learned something I only had only begun to acknowledge before... I married a real JOCK! Kent's swimming career went so much deeper than I realized before!

Over dinner this X-mas Elaine and I started talking about Kent and his swimming and I described how much I underestimated it because Kent rarely swims anymore, even on vacations, and he didn't swim in college. Elaine told me the sad story of Kent coming home from his freshman year of college. He was unable to make "a splash" at Iowa State. He thought he was going to be a big swimmer and engineering student there. Somehow, things didn't work out as expected and Kent came home to regroup and "figure out a new plan".

I had a similar conversation with my friend Sara on this very topic of that crucial first year at college. It is dangerous, although rewarding as well, to put so much stake in certain talents. If you are identified too strongly with something it is hard to figure out something else when that doesn't work out for you or when you somehow get lost in the crowd.

Anyhow, I'm having a week where I fall in love again with another part of my husband. I find every so often there is a time when I uncover new deeper reasons to love him as I continually learn more and more about him. This time its a younger part of Kent. I look in these pictures and recognize that same twinkle in his eye he has today.

I've also learned that if this baby will look anything like "Baby Kent" we will have one adorable baby (esp. mixed with a little Obert/Wuennemann good looks). Part of me is glad Kent is not an "in your face and everything up front" kind of person. His stories take awhile to come out and it takes a lot of patience to listen to him... Mom and I laugh about the way Kent tells a story because it usually starts with some statement that makes sense to no one but him. After that he follows up with something starting with, "Well...." then a long story after that. It will probably be one of the only things you hear out of him the whole day (unless your me and then you hear a lot more of them).

Kent was hard to love at the beginning as he fought it kicking and screaming. Then once your in his heart he's even harder to stop loving.

Kent and I will celebrate our first date/kiss on January 1, 2008. It will be seven years.

Merry Christmas 2007...

We are now at the Obert household about to have brecky.

Kent and I spent last night with the Olsons. Kurt, Kent's brother and his new wife had all the combined kids last night (FOUR girls , all puberty age--- Boy, I'm beginning to have new respect for Mike and Mar Moyer, sorry girls) and AJ... FULL HOUSE!

Kent got a X-mas singing Scooby.

My Father-in-law, Duane, received a "bathtub" complete with bubble bath (beans to make farts in the tub), scrub brush, bar of soap, and towel from Kent and I. He said that he needed a bathtub and we gave him the best our money could afford- a galvanized tub.

Weekend in CR

Well, I'm back on line after a weekend at home. I ended up going to Cedar Rapids on Saturday to see my niece and nephew in a Christmas program at Kennedy High School followed by cookies and Hot Chocolate. AJ, as many of you know, is quite a performer and a wonderful singer. His little sister Lindsey performed, as well, with her elementary school. Many of you may remember her singing, "We are Family" at our rehearsal dinner at the Longbranch (my wedding).

Afterwards, Duane and Elaine took me to dinner at Granite City. Duane has one of those electric/hybrid cars. It was freezing rain and the windshields wouldn't melt as fast as the rain was coming down. Needless to say, I feared for my life for a period of time. Dinner was good (I had a Buffalo Burger) and got home safe and sound.

Our first snowy snowy night

I made the holiday drop chocolates last night and finished cleaning the house in lieu of going to Cedar Rapids. It was snowing pretty heavily and conditions were not good for driving. I have learned, however, that multi-tasking and melting chocolate do not go well together. My first batch of "Peanut Clusters" were disastrous and came out looking more like "Peanut Poop"(you know what I'm talking about). They are tasty enough but very unappetizing to look at. I was so frustrated with myself that the "Chinese Noodle cookies" turned out perfect but the recipe made a small batch. The turtles were OK but I didn't heed my mother's advice and dropped them on wax paper... Getting them off the wax paper caused swearing and high blood pressure. Making these holiday goodies was not at relaxing and fun as I anticipated.
The view outside is wonderful right now... Right out of a Christmas card. I REALLY want to go X-country skiing as the snow is light and powdery. I surprised my husband last night. He came home to find I shoveled the sidewalk and driveway. It was nice enough outside and the snow wasn't too heavy. I don't feel very debilitated by my pregnancy at 7 1/2 months. In fact, I feel less so now than ever. My hips and other joints ache all day but I have more energy than ever.
So.... X-country skiing? Bad idea?

Holiday fun

This past week I made holiday spritz cookies and they turned out lovely. I'm planning on making some of those chocolate drop cookies this week too. I will try to post a photograph of them.
I have joined a choir for the holidays called "MetroMix Choir". Its been lots of fun and we have been preparing for a concert at the Englert on December 13th (doors open at 6:30) called "Festival of Carols". There will be cookies and hot chocolate and a reading of The Night Before Christmas as well.
Our tree is up and I'm just really enjoying the season. I will be preparing for the greatest gift of all: our new family member. There is a song we sing called Mary did you Know that gets me all emotional. I can't help but wonder what wonderful things are in store for Kent and I.

My New Hobby

Just wanted to let you all my new favorite thing to do is cuddle in my bed listening to NPR and doing a crossword puzzle. Surprisingly, I'm not knitting. However, I am nesting so the rest comes after a vigorous cleaning of the household- organizing drawers, scrubbing floors, laundry cooking, baking and dishes.

Doctor Visit

Yesterday, I visited my doctor. My friends tut-tut me because I'm not going to a specialized OB. Anyway, I like my doctor because she has a real laid back approach. I'll be going every two weeks now. The baby seems to be a persistent breech which means I may get that third ultrasound yet. Still no good specific word on the sex of the baby. Maybe I'll be in a "go get 'em - I want to see the doctor of this place" mood next time and insist on a professional word from the doctor. I hate getting second rate care from techs. Last time the tech gave me a mouth full of information that was (as my doctor put it) wrong and that she shouldn't have done that. Must be hard when the patient doesn't even get to see/talk to the doctor.

Anyway, the appointment went well and she estimated the baby a little "longer" than average. The heartbeats were normal but on the lower side (some say this is a sign that its a boy). I know the "tech" told me she things its a girl but I still can't help wondering if its a boy...

Internet Dilemma

Just wanted to wish everyone Happy Thanksgiving and Happy birthday to my sister-in-law and brother. Kent and I are negotiating an internet plan at the moment so I am unable to check e-mail or blog unless I'm at work.
I want to ditch dial up and our home phone to opt for a cable internet service. Kent wants to get a cheap dial up that would add to our monthly costs. I don't think its worth it and the only calls we get on our home phone are from telemarketers.
So, let the peace talks resume.

Halloween 2007

Kent and I had a quiet night at home receiving trick or treaters. Our yard, ala Momma Obert, was decorated for the occasion. I had to dress in a costume for school that day but promptly took it off upon arrival home as my belly buldge was making me uncomfortable in the clothes I scraped up in my closet for a pirate costume. There is photographic evidence of that costume- However I am not in possession of it. Olivia wore her "ladybug" costume. We got to see Hannah, Damond and Quincy, Liam and Mae and last but not least Josh in his Elmo costume. I forgot to take pictures of the former children (Sorry!). They were all adorable! We did get a few "Older" trick or treaters... I think one of them was about thirty with her daughter. We had plenty, if not too much, candy and low turnout so I gave the "older" ones candy nonetheless (and No, JR, Melissa, and Sara I'm not talking about you guys!). Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

Just want everyone to be pulling for my Grandma! Some of you may remember her from my wedding as the old lady shredding up the dance floor! She's having a bit of a hard time with her health and no matter what higher force you all believe, please send something out there for her to get better... She's been steadfast and strong for so long. Send her and the people there with her your love... it's one of those moments when we need to share some strength.

My Brother-in-law Kurt got remarried to Kim on October 5th!

Congrats to the new Couple. Thier wedding was very nice and casual. We all drove down to Arkansas to support him. In fact, Kent and I stuffed ourselves in Duane and Elaine's mini-van with Kurt's kids, Lauren, Lindsay and AJ... It was a full ship! That was the first "family" car ride I have experienced since I was probably... Oh... 10 years old or so. 24 hours in a car full of Olsons... priceless. Thanks to all the Arkansas people who put us up for the that couple of days!

It's a girl?
Well, after about an hour of poking and prodding around my belly they, "Guess its a girl." I'm not convinced. I wish I had something a little more conclusive to share. You see, first it was hiding its genitalia behind its hand, then it was hiding in back of my belly button, then it was hiding its genitalia behind the umbilical cord. They said they didn't see anything poking out and tried to show me where they though there were three lines representing the labia were. Hmmmm... A friend compared my baby's hiding to an Austin Power's movie where there is always something hiding the naughty something. I thought, "Well if it is a girl then she must be a "Venus de Milo": so full of chastity ;)."

Woman Overjoyed By Giant Uterine Parasite

NEW BRIGHTON, MN— "I'm so happy!" Crowley said of the golf ball–sized, nutrient-sapping organism that will eventually require hospitalization in order to be removed.

Day two of not working...

I'm on day two of not working. I start my new job at an elementary school on September 10th. Kent and I are working on a puzzle. Now all we have left is the annoying non-descriptive background peices to place.
Kent did most of it because he just can't walk away from the damn thing.
I already love this weekend because its so gorgeous outside.
HORRAY! for good weather!
Thanks to another burst of hormones I have added yet another pimple to my chin. Geez these hormones drive a girl nuts.
Me and "O" a.k.a. Olivia will probably discover someplace wonderful to walk and I will talk to her, "Who's the best dog in the whole world?" *Olivia looks up at me with her tounge half out smiling-rolls onto her back and wags her tail* It doesn't get much clearer than that folks!
I have a list of things I want to do today/this weekend:

• Go for a walk with Olivia
• Go to Radio Shack for a missing plug-in for my Ipod.
• Shop for new light fixture for my bathroom. I need affordable!
• Maybe pick out some paint colors?
• Pick of car from the mechanic.
• Visit Tanger Outlet Center's Labor Day sale.

There is more but I'm done listing things.

Here are some pictures from our trip to Denver. Top to bottom/right to left: Kent and I at Cubs/Rockies game [Cubs won but also inflicted serious injury to a Rockie who was up to bat when the Cubs pitcher accidentally hit him in the head with a fast ball- cubs got booed :( ], Kent enjoying a Black and Tan at an Irish pub outside the left field entrance to the stadium, Coors Stadium, Kent at aquarium with the sharks, Katy and Kent at the Zoo, Kent at Summit point in Estes park just before the rain.

(above from left to right: "The cousins"- Me, Kent, Shelly, Chis, Jared(?), Lisa and Joel)
Lisa and Joel got married Sept. 22nd, 2006 and had their reception this last month.

I have the utmost respect for all the women before me who have endured this thing called, "Pregnancy."

I'm at about 17 weeks and still puke in the morning. I have a pinched nerve where my leg meets my hip.I'm EXHAUSTED and I have acne like a teenager. I have another friend who is just as pregnant as I but her pregnancy has gone much smoother than mine.

At about week 15 Kent and I went to Colorado for a reception for a cousin of his. We camped some and, thankfully, were able to check into a motel for a few nights. Camping the first night was nightmarish. I don't think I slept more than an hour. It got better the two nights that followed. We camped at Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Golden, CO. There is a gorgeous view of about 10+ mountain from a lookout in that park. Kent and I went for a very nice hike (minus the up-mountain hike portion of the hike) to that Panoramic point.

Kent's mother, Elaine, his Aunt Kay and cousin Shelly and Chris (any of you remember the guy yelling for someone to take him to breakfast during gift opening at my wedding?) stayed in Evergreen. That was a very quaint touristy town.Turned out that Shelly is only a week or two less pregnant than I!!! She is also having a fabulous complaint free pregnancy. She had been trying a very long time and had to endure a lot to conceive.

Kent and I had the best time in Denver where we saw the Cubs play the Rockies, went to the zoo, the aquarium and to the art museum. I LOVED DENVER! I would live there if it wasn't for having to drive a million miles around mountains to get anywhere. I also don't like the idea of driving through Nebraska anytime soon.

Now to tie in the Pregnancy to all this... Kent and I haven't seen a whole lot of each other. Kent wakes up to the sound of my retching in the morning but hasn't experienced all my emotional and physical changes.

Chris (Shelly's husband) is, lets face it, a loud mouthed, loving, hilarious Italian man. He is VERY involved in every stage of the pregnancy as he too waited and worried as they were trying to conceive. You could often Chris and Kent hiding somewhere to smoke what they professed was another one of their precious last cigarettes (that was more Chris than Kent). Shelly laid an ultimatum on Chris but I know better with Kent. You need to know when to strike, choose your battles, and expect nothing. Kent always performs but on his terms (usually). Kent has a prescribtion for Chantix but hasn't gotton it filled yet. Its going to happen when he's ready. I credit Chris for preparing my husband emotionally for the coming of our baby. Thank you so much Chris!

I honestly think Kent didn't know what to think (and sometimes still doesn't) when in comes to becoming a Dad and having a family. I think its been drilled into Kent's head for so long that it's something naughty or wrong to get a woman pregnant that he's adjusting to the idea that its okay now and actually very welcomed by our families. Guys are weird and programmed sometimes (no offense).

Kent was able to laugh and joke with Chris about their upcoming new roles. It was very nice to see. I always feel really good when I see Kent off with a friend (that doesn't make my skin crawl). He is generally a home body and its a relief when he gets out socially.

Lastly, I have quit my job folks... Don't ask. Long story. My last day is next Wednesday. I think we'll be okay but it is worrisome. I'm working on a plan. I might like to take this opportunity to see some family. Mom and I talked about the possibility of meeting my niece Madeline or going to see Grandma (+family) in Ohio. I love going to Ohio.

Oh, one more thing... The new house is coming along. Kent and I are in no rush to make everything perfect all at once. We will paint the baby's room after we find out the sex. I just read a friend's blog wehre she is also pregnant and she's WAY more on the ball then I have been. I have an appointment next week to get blood work done. My doctor calls it the "Big OB" exam. Then we will schedule an ultrasound. Pretty exciting even if there are no guarantees that they will be able to distinguish the sex.

Anyone have votes or suggestions for names?

Here are the current possibilities in order of likelihood that we will actually name our kid this:

Boys (According to me I'm having a boy):

1. Michael "Mikey" Anthony (which is funny because this is a prominent name in my family that I could never spell and let me add that it was at Kent's suggestion).


2. Martin "Marty"


3. Evan

Girls (according to Mom and Kent they want a girl)

1. Annette "Annie"


2. Vivian "Vi Vi"


3. Kara

I didn't post anything on Pop-o's Birthday but I spent the day with him on Saturday. It was great because I really missed my folks. I have been on a vacation in Colorado with my in-laws for a reception (more about that later).

I'd just like to dwell a bit more on my Pop-o.

Boy, is he the best. Popo works hard for his family. He isn't the most outgoing or showy of personalities but Popo can be very funny. The older I get the bigger kick I get out of spending time with him. I tell Momma, "I just like watching him because he's just such a goof-ball!"

Pop-o has always been the handsomest man I ever knew. I have compared his looks to Elvis Presley on occasion. People say he looks more like Raymond from, "Everybody loves Raymond," but he is really much more handsome than that.

Everybody knows that Pop-o is smart and is very successful but he also has a very big heart. He genuinely cares about the people in his life and has turned out to be a very fun Grandpa. Its not always easy to see how much Popo cares because of the aforementioned lack of showy but there are tells in the more subtle variety and he would do anything to ensure that the people he loves are safe from harm.

I have looked up to my father my whole life and know that when he is angry that he means business because most of the time he didn't pay any mind. So when he yells- I jump. Most the time he yelled because of something bad I had done to Mom. Popo was always the model of a protective and loving husband. I also admired my parents loving relationship and would take no less in my own marriage than the love my parents had.

Pop-o travels and enjoys fine things in life because he works hard to get those things. I hope you get to enjoy those things for another 50+ years Popo. Take care and I love you! Happy Birthday.

Happy belated Birthday Cutie.
Love, your pain in the ass sister.

Here it is! Here's the amazing Peanut with a beating heart!
Due date: January 29th, 2008.

Love you Pop-o!

I learned all the pleasures in life from you: Family, Wine, Travel, and hats ;)

Happy Father's day

Its true Folks!

I've got something like the above picture growing inside my uterus.

I've got morning sickness and about every other symptom you can imagine.

Growing an alien inside me.

Wish me luck!

Happy Mother's Day!

Here's a cpuple Mother's day quotes:

"A loving and careful mother both recognises and even protects her daughter's autonomy and also helps her dance out confidently on to a wider stage."

-Rachel Billington, b.1942, from "The Great Umbilical"

"My mother raised me, and then freed me."

Maya Angelou, b. 1928

"A mother and her daughter are never free of one another - no matter how they disagree.

For they are so entwined in heart and mind that,

gladly or unwillingly, they share each love, each joy, each sorrow and each bitter wrong life-long."

Pam Brown, b.1928

P.s. I can't speak for Mothers and Sons... I'll leave that to someone else ;)

My new House

*Contingent on Inspections and information regaurding the stream in back...

Lepic Kroeger Website
MLS # 20072665


Visit this wonderful walk-out ranch and see why the quiet street and beautiful backyard make this a rare find. Screened Porch over looks large yard, mature trees and little creek. 3 bedrooms 2 baths and non-conforming 4th bedroom in lower level. Newer windows & siding. The garage is deep and the driveway widens for an extra parking space. Plenty of storage space inside. Updates include water heater, water softener, dishwasher & stove.

Type : Ranch
Bedrooms : 3
Bathrooms : 2

I have just finished catching up on all my family's blogs.
Today is St. Patty's day. I'm (I think) 1/8 Irish. My grandmother (Marge Cushing) was full Irish-which makes my father 1/2 Irish which passes down to me as 1/4.... Hmmmm.... Maybe she was 1/2 Irish. I'm confused.
My brother and I went to Ireland together. I was pretty sick during that part of my trip but I did enjoy some of its beauty. For example... Kissing the Blarney stone and Kilkenny castle. We drove around and Chris got pissed drinking Guinness. How many was it Chris?... Eleven?
Yesterday, Which was Lent and it was, therefore, a sin that I had my pints of Guinness with my Jamison Baily's back/shots before the actual St. Patrick's day. I also ate a corned beef Reuben yesterday. I'm such a sinner.... The corned beef on FRIDAY?!?!?! I think the Pope pardoned us last year but I didn't hear anything about yesterday.
Today, I pretty much just feel like sitting at home, cleaning, shopping and surfing the Internet for new homes for Kent and I. Kent had to go to work today and I'm at the end of my "Kent working every night" rope. Well, if you can't change 'em... join em' eh? Nah, I value my sanity too much (what little of it I have left).
Nice reading all your blogs... Keep posting!

You Belong in Paris

Stylish and a little sassy, you were meant for Paris. The art, the fashion, the wine, the men! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth.

What City Do You Belong In?

Personality Disorder Test. Fun for the whole Family! Disorder	Rating
Paranoid Disorder:	Moderate
Schizoid Disorder:	Low
Schizotypal Disorder:	High
Antisocial Disorder:	Low
Borderline Disorder:	Low
Histrionic Disorder:	Very High
Narcissistic Disorder:	High
Avoidant Disorder:	Moderate
Dependent Disorder:	Moderate
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:	Low
-- Personality Disorder Test - Take It! -- -- Personality Disorders --

Beautiful farm I'm dreaming about these days (thanks JR) is seen here:

http://www.benndog.com

I think the Coghill-Behrends and I are thinking back to the days when our idea was to run an "Art Farm"...

...Promotion city....
Well, I did it. I accepted the promotion at work. I will soon be considered an administrator and will be working directly under the executive director. My on-call will be increased but I will be 2nd tier so I will receive less of the silly calls and more of the serious scenario calls... yikes.
I have a lot to learn-being so new to the business. I think I have a lot of homework ahead of me. However, I couldn't ask for a better opportunity to build on my skills. This will be interesting. Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it.

These pictures made me laugh out loud today. I can't believe Chris could tolerate that bitch on his face like that. The former is testament to the insanity that was our household. I remember Mike and Chris saying their friends came over just to "watch the show". I miss those days... As children our differences made a hysterical fusion.

Advanced Global Personality Test Results Extraversion 83% Stability 73% Orderliness 53% Accommodation 30% Interdependence 63% Intellectual 23% Mystical 30% Artistic 90% Religious 16% Hedonism 50% Materialism 90% Narcissism 36% Adventurousness 83% Work ethic 83% Self absorbed 43% Conflict seeking 16% Need to dominate 50% Romantic 63% Avoidant 23% Anti-authority 76% Wealth 63% Dependency 70% Change averse 23% Cautiousness 16% Individuality 63% Sexuality 63% Peter pan complex 56% Physical security 90% Physical Fitness 37% Histrionic 63% Paranoia 23% Vanity 56% Hypersensitivity 63% Female cliche 76%

Take Free Advanced Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Personality snapshot: social, outgoing, worry free, optimistic, upbeat, tough, likes large parties, makes friends easily, rarely irritated, open, enjoys leadership, trusting, dominant, thrill seeker, strong, does not like to be alone, assertive, mind over heart, confident, controlling, feels desirable, likes the spotlight, loves food, social chameleon, hard working, concerned about others

What can I say, I'm into tests right now.

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Brains > Will

I think my parent's are having an anniversary soon. Keep up the good work guys! Love ya!

Gracie was running to the light with the sound of "Her girl, Here girl" coming from god when the kennel rudely stuck an IV in her and revived her.
Gracie came back to life and said, "DAMN IT!"
Live in peace ole girl. They'll let you die someday.

This is our adorable Madeleine...
I made her the kitty blanket she's lying on.
Thank you Chris and Trish for the pics... I'll take some of the booties if you don't mind, too!