Townsend

Last weekend was spent in Townsend, WI. It is by far my favorite place to be. I was among some of my favorite people. Needless to say it was a wonderful weekend! 

Some of the highlights include a boat ride, carving pumpkins, hot tubbing, family walk and an intense croquet game.  (Matt won...Jeana and I cheated.)

 

Wish we could go more often! 

Just in Kase - you wanted to know my favorite place! 

The Day of Births!

Today is the only day of the year where I get to say happy birthday to four wonderful people in my life! I shall start with the one I've known about the longest.

My brother Zakary turns another year older today. My brother is the oldest of us siblings and I am pretty sure he absolutely loves that role. He has and I think always will be the protector type of brother. Then again I think most boys are like that. I wish I could have spent some time with him today to share his awesome train cake that my mom made him and to tell him that I think he is grand. But this and a phone call will have to do for now. I love you brother! Hope you had an awesome day!

Next in line comes my ex-roommates. I mean ex in the form that we don't live together anymore, not ex as in I never want to see them again! In fact I will see them in two days and I am fairly excited about it! I don't think there is a great way to describe Hannah and Hayley...besides the fact that being with them simply makes me happy! We roomed together for four years at the Jud and I am so blessed for their friendship. Happy birthday ladies! I'll be joining the club soon! :) 

Last, but not least is my sister-in-law Vanessa. Today is her golden birthday! She is all the way across the country tonight eating sushi! I can't say that I am jealous of her meal, but I am saddened that I can't see her often. I really enjoy the relationship we share and I am so excited for all the years of family memories we will make together! I love you girl....Happy Birthday!

Just in Kase - facebook didn't remind you it was their birthdays.

Sonja Kase

In a few short hours my little niece turns one! I can't believe how fast time flies! Now, I am completely aware that she has no idea it is her birthday, but I am pretty excited for the day when she understands it. For now I will have to settle with showing a few adorable pictures of her and thanking God for the beautiful healthy baby that she is! Happy Birthday Sonja Kase! I love you sweet girl!

This is probably still one of my favorite pictures of the two of them. It was taken by the talented Alex Nielsen. See his website here.

You can't tell me that face doesn't make you crack a smile!

Just in kase - you needed a smile. 

I Stinking Love Fall!

The past two days have reminded me of how much I absolutely LOVE this season. I must admit my initial relationship with fall might have started out of selfish motives because of my birthday month being October, but it since then I have found many more reasons this is "the most wonderful time of the year." So here goes some of the many reasons these months make me happiest.

#1. Hot Drinks & Warm Eats
I do NOT like coffee. I know some people who don't enjoy the liquid either, but find the aroma quite pleasant. I am not one of those people. I always thought that two things would happen when I "grew up." I would start liking coffee and I would become a morning person. Maybe I am not quite grown up yet because neither of those statements are true. I do, however, very much enjoy a hot cup of tea. My sister introduced me into chai tea last year and it has quickly become a fan favorite in my book. Apple cider and hot chocolate are also friends of mine. As for the warm eats, there is nothing like a bowl of soup to warm you up on a cool crisp day. I am learning to master the art of soup, I am no Sue Smith yet but I am working on it!

#2. Fall Scented Candles
I heard once that scent is the strongest link to memory. I couldn't agree more. I love the way you can smell something and be reminded of a person or a memory. Probably the most recent examples is our hand-me-down dresser. Matt and I recently took a dresser home from our family's cabin up north and I love the way the drawers still smell like Townsend. The smell of Spiced Apple Cider, Pumpkin Pie, or Autumn Harvest candles seriously make me happy.

#3. Expanding Wardrobe 
Being able to layer clothes makes everything better! There are so many more options in the closet and it is fun to see what you can pair together. Last year I purchased colored pants and I am pretty pumped to bust those out! Also, scarves and boots...do I need to say more?

#4. Flannel Shirts
Right now some of you are thinking that flannel shirts should fall under #3. However, if you have ever seen my nephew or husband in a flannel shirt I think you would agree it deserves its own number. See examples below.

#5. Bonfires
Yes you can have bonfires in the summer, but don't kid yourself it isn't the same. I am talking about actually needing the heat to stay warm. Nothing beats cuddling next to the fire with a blanket and the one you love. And don't forget about the s'mores! Total side note... if you have never eaten a reese peanut butter cup on a s'more you are missing out! (Or for the no peanut butter people like my sister in law try a Kit-Kat bar!) You will thank me later!

#6. Thanksgiving
Now I can't sit here and tell you that it is my favorite holiday because that would be a lie. (4th of July wins that contest hands down!) But I do understand why it is Jason Marshall's favorite. Getting to spend the entire day with family, without the pressure of presents, and eating amazing food makes for a pretty awesome day! I also love the tradition of going to my aunt's house every year!

#7. Apple Picking 
The past two years we have gone apple picking with Jeana and Jason and company. Alright maybe it's more about the apple cider donuts, but still...

#8. Season of Births
So when you are younger it is only your own birthday that you care about. Because let's face it you get presents and the first piece of cake. Other birthdays make you jealous that it isn't your birthday. That changes as you get older. Birthdays usually mean we get together as a family to celebrate and that is a win for me. Most of my family has birthdays in the fall and winter. Zak used to kick us off, but last year he had to give up title to Sonja Kase. In a few short days my beautiful niece will be one! Time goes so fast!

I am sure there are many more reasons why I love fall but here are my top eight. I have heard that the weather is supposed to jump back into the 80's this week. But when the crisp air comes back I will be ready to embrace it with open arms!

Just in Kase - You needed another reason to love this season.

"That was fast!"

Yesterday Matthew and I had the privilege of watching Kole and Sonja. I know I am biased because they are my nephew and niece, but I really think they are the cutest kids ever! 

We picked them up early and spent the whole day practicing "parenthood," if you will. We had a blast playing trucks, golf, frisbee, blocks and even painting! Oh and I almost forgot Matthew gave them rides in his wheelbarrow! That was a hit with Kole!

 We also took them to the Sandwich fair! We ran into several people we knew there who all had the same reaction..."Wow that was fast!" We then were complimented for being brave enough to bring them to the fair on our own. Matt and I talked about that after we left the smelly stalls of livestock. We both agreed that our bravery had nothing to do with it. The fact of the matter is that Sonja and Kole are really great kids, which to me is a direct representation of how they have been raised. 

We had an above average day hanging out with our nephew and niece. I have always loved kids, they are the reason I went into teaching. But before my sister had children I never realized how much time and energy goes into raising and caring for them. Being able to watch them from time to time has taught me a lot. Mostly it has taught me to appreciate my parents and all they have done for me throughout the years. So I speak for Kole and Sonja because they can't say it yet...thank you Jeana and Jason for all that you do for those kids...whether it is changing a dirty diaper, building an awesome tower just to get it knocked down, or making Mac and cheese to watch half of land on the floor! You are awesome parents and we absolutely love your kids!

Just in Kase- you needed some encouragement.

Oh Psalty!

I can not hear the word "camping" without picturing a giant blue talking songbook and his dog in my head. I always want to burst out in song singing... anyone know?

"We're going camping now we're on our way...we're going to climb up a mountain and run and jump and play!"

Give yourself a pat on the back if you can sing along to that song! You were a Psalty the Singing Songbook generation!! I looked him up the other day to bring back some memories, and boy is he kind of creepy looking!

I am not sure if good old Psalty the singing songbook still sings to kids anymore, but I know I will never forget his face or some of the songs I sang with him over and over again.

I think two things evoked this post.
1. Matt and I are going "camping" this weekend at Aunt Olga's house and we are pretty pumped about it!
2. I said, "Won't you be my neighbor?" to my classes this week and was met with blank stares. We have hit the generation that does not know our dear friend Mr. Rogers. What is this world coming to? (It made me think of my childhood shows...Puzzle Place anyone?)

Have a great labor day weekend!

just in kase- you forgot about Psalty

Top Ten!

Summer is officially coming to an end and although that is sad I must admit I have had a pretty rock star summer. I am not sure I would use the word restful and relaxing...more like busy and eventful. I was recently inspired by my cousin Sarah (which happens quite often) to recap summer in a top ten countdown, view her's here! I enjoyed each day of summer...these ones were just really above average! In no particular order...my top ten!

1. Muss-Berg Softball Game!

This was the second year of the annual games. Year one the red team won, this year the blue team came out victorious! Minus it being one of the hottest days of summer it was a really great time with family and friends! 

2. Our 2nd Moon!

For some reason having a second honeymoon sounds a lot more exciting to me than an anniversary trip. Maybe it's because I plan on never leaving the "honeymoon stage" of marriage! Matt and I went to Galena for our 2nd Moon! We stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast! 

3. Abbey and Jake's Wedding!

What a great day! Family, Love, Food, and Dancing...what more could you ask for! 

4. Going to the Zoo! 

With that bunch of people you were bound to have a good time.

 (Poor Puddles)

Don't get too excited boys!

5. Courtney and Andrew's Wedding!

What a beautiful couple and wonderful ceremony! 

The Martin's sure know how to throw a party! :)

6. Going "Up North" for the Fourth!

As if being in Townsend isn't amazing enough in itself, being there over America's Birthday... let's just say there is literally no where else I would rather be! 

"I love that good ol' girl!"

7. Spending "Tia Time!"

I got to spend a few days with my sister, (whom I miss dearly even though we only live an hour and a half away) which also includes time with her adorably cute children. Being an aunt is one of my favorite titles! 

8. First ever Musser (kid) Vacation! (plus Bergs)

Fishing tournaments, awesome meals, boating, hot tubs and game nights...what a memorable time!

9. Quality Mother-Daughter time!

I got to spend time up at my parent's house this summer. 

My mom also spend a few days down here. We went to garage sales, sewed, crafted, baked, watched the crew and most importantly were able to be together! She is one amazing woman!

10. Girl Trip to Florida!

This trip had exactly what I needed! Warm weather, an ocean, and many of my favorite people! (Thanks mom and Auntie!) #oami13 

There is it...my top ten!

Just in Kase - you were curious. 

"Two birds never sing the same song."

Tonight is bitter-sweet. I have not seen my classroom since June 3rd. Tomorrow that streak is broken. It is the first day we are allowed into school to start setting up our rooms for the upcoming (very quickly upcoming) school year. I know some of you might cringe at this next line...but I am excited to see my room, to decorate it (as much as possible without going too elementary) and to see colleagues I haven't in awhile. Now, let me explain myself a little. Last year at this time I didn't have a job. Matt and I were still moving everything into the place we now call home. I had applied places but hadn't heard anything. I was feeling discouraged about the lack of responses when I got the call. The first time I stepped into my school was a Monday, the students came on that same Wednesday. Needless to say I was more focused on trying to keep my head above water than putting up cute decor.

This year is different! 

I am so glad there are people in the world who desire to be doctors, dentists (Thanks Nessa), farmers, lawyers, ministers, nurses, insurance agents, zoologists, astronauts and all the other careers out there...because I couldn't do it. Ever since I was a little girl I have wanted to be a teacher and quite frankly I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I feel so blessed to not only have a job but have one that I enjoy doing! 

Stay tuned for more pictures of my classroom soon!

Just in Kase - you wondered my whereabouts tomorrow. 

Lions, Tigers and Bears...Oh My!

One of the major perks of my homecoming was the fact that I was able to go to the zoo! I think the zoo is great! You get to be outside, it involves some exercise, and it is educational. As wonderful as that all sounds it wasn't even the best part. The company I was with made the whole day a complete 10!

I should probably mention here that I am a family person. There are ten of us cousins born within ten years. So not only are we close in age, but close at heart. Our family has been expanding quite rapidly over the last couple years. Many of us tied the knot and three of those knot tiers produced offspring. My company at the zoo included all four of those offspring, along with some other fabulous people. Winning!

It took a lot of peek-a-boo and silly noises to get this picture. I don't have to be a professional photographer to tell you that the lighting in the picture is pretty bad and not all subjects are attentive and smiling, but I don't think that's what matters here. I think sometimes the beauty of pictures is simply the fact that you want to remember the moment. I will be remembering this day! 

I couldn't resist this picture of Uncle Ron and Luke! This kid sure does LOVE his Papa! I don't blame you Luke!

Just in kase - you wanted to know. 

Change

Wisconsin. Sitting alone in the only bedroom I ever knew growing up makes me feel like a kid again. Well maybe not exactly a kid because if I was seven I would be in a bunk bed chatting with my sister above me surrounded by bunny wallpaper and clinging to Tuffy, the most trusted stuffed rabbit a girl could ask for. (Thanks Aunt Barb!) Maybe it feels more like high school...however if that were the case Melissa Neal would be beside me for our weekly Tuesday night sleepover. But I will not be waking up to chocolate chip pancakes and the sweet but stern voice of her telling me if I don't get up right now we are going to be late. Sadly, those are both memories of the past.

Some things have changed.

 I don't live in the greatest state known to mankind anymore, I live one below. I don't share a room with my curly haired sister, I share it with a man who stole my heart back in 2008. Tuffy now lives in a bin with other creatures of his kind in my parent's basement, awaiting the arrival of another friend to comfort. Many Tuesdays separate my last sleepover with my partner in crime.

Some things have remained.

I still throughly enjoy time spent with my sister. There is just something about the way your sister knows you that is so comforting. Melissa Neal is still one of my dearest friends. (first grade - forever) I still strongly dislike waking up in the morning, which sometimes leads to late departures. (sorry Matthew) And...chocolate chip pancakes still and quite possibly will always be one of my favorite morning meals.

I have never been one of the people who likes change. But I have come to the realization that like it or not, change happens. I believe that how you deal with it makes all the difference.

Just in kase - you were wondering.